Date: 11/20/24 3:45 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Dark and Light Things at Atkins Bottoms
We went to Atkins Bottoms this morning and WOW. Huge numbers of blackbirds were swarming, feeding in the fields and sitting in trees...by the thousands...with Red-tailed Hawks and falcons in hot pursuit. We found the Prairie Falcon nearby, sitting in the field south of the paved section of Atkins Bottom Rd. A young and dark eagle flew by, underneath a large flock of Turkey Vultures, which gave us a short-lived moment of hope for something golden but, a picture is worth a thousand words, and it turned out to be a young Bald Eagle. Its parents were nearby, seemingly checking out an area either for dining or nesting. We also found the Harlan's Hawk perched nearby. There weren't any ducks or geese in the rice fields but, on our way out, the two banded Trumpeter Swans flew across the road in front of us. A nice way to end our outing.Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Yes thanks to Sandy for a wonderful lifer for me. I took some photos despite the icy winds. (My physiology is still in Malaysia).https://ebird.org/checklist/S203120987 On Wednesday 20 November, 2024 at 10:06:19 am GMT-6, Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> wrote:
Sandy, thanks for reporting the scoters. They are still there this morning and I was able to see them for the first time.
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...>
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:18 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Black Scoters I had a flock of at least 15 Black Scoters at the Alma Water Treatment Plant, including 3 adult males. Thankfully I got there early because half way around the back pond I saw a police officer drive in and put up the red flag. The shooting range is being used till 8:00 this evening so no civilians can go in. Always look for the red flag in the back left section of the plant. Of course I had to leave. Hopefully they’ll be there tomorrow. Other ducks included Red heads, Ring-necks, Lesser Scaup, Northern Shovelers, and a couple of Ruddy Ducks.
Sandy B.Crawford County
Date: 11/20/24 8:06 am From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Subject: Re: Black Scoters
Sandy, thanks for reporting the scoters. They are still there this morning and I was able to see them for the first time.
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...>
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:18 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Black Scoters
I had a flock of at least 15 Black Scoters at the Alma Water Treatment Plant, including 3 adult males. Thankfully I got there early because half way around the back pond I saw a police officer drive in and put up the red flag. The shooting range is being used till 8:00 this evening so no civilians can go in. Always look for the red flag in the back left section of the plant. Of course I had to leave.
Hopefully theyll be there tomorrow.
Other ducks included Red heads, Ring-necks, Lesser Scaup, Northern Shovelers, and a couple of Ruddy Ducks.
Joe's notes on the Pacific Loon are a model for novices:
"See photos. Was associated with a flock of Common Loons, so size difference was apparent. Sharp line of black/white on neck apparent. This bird also had the "chinstrap." Flat water conditions (no wind) allowed extended observation. Viewed with 60X spotting scope. Pacific Loons occur annually at Tenkiller, though in low numbers."
On Wednesday 20 November, 2024 at 08:58:26 am GMT-6, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
#yiv8943396767 P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}Most of the loons we see in our region are COMMON LOONS, but on occasion we see other loon species. My local lake, Beaver, is used by loons, mainly in migration, but often in low numbers. At about 70 miles, Tenkiller Lake in eastern Oklahoma is an easy drive from Fayetteville and often full of wintering loons.The choice for a birding day is: Lake No Loons versus Lake Many Loons.Since at least the 1980s, observers have found significant populations of wintering loons on Tenkiller – sometimes several hundred in a day. Also found sometimes: Red-throated, Pacific, and Yellow-billed Loons. In addition, it’s a good place to see several gull species, American White Pelicans, ducks, grebes, and others.Yesterday was a day with low wind, so the lake was relatively “flat.” This makes for good observation, including relatively long distances. I was checking out birds at Chicken Creek Park --the boat ramp area open when the main park is closed for winter. About ¾ or so miles out I saw a single American White Pelican with nearby 5-7 loons. One of the loons looked smaller. This proved to be a Pacific Loon. Here are some photos:https://ebird.org/checklist/S203078501I started birding Tenkiller near the dam about 9 AM. Finished at Standing Rock at 2:30. Made 8 main stops affording decent views of the lake. Finished with 74 loons (Common 73, Pacific 1) and 69 American White Pelicans. Most of the gulls yesterday were Ring-billed, but I finally saw a few Bonaparte’s.73 Common Loons is a modest count for Tenkiller. I think it means the Big Freeze has not yet driven loons off the Great Lakes and other spots up north. We can probably thank rising global temps.As for memories: with sun and rising temps, loons were doing a lot of “barking” and some yodeling. At Carlisle I got fortunately blasted by a Common Loon. It suddenly popped up in front of me and sent a robust, remarkable yodel clear across the lake.
Date: 11/20/24 6:58 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Yodels
Most of the loons we see in our region are COMMON LOONS, but on occasion we see other loon species. My local lake, Beaver, is used by loons, mainly in migration, but often in low numbers. At about 70 miles, Tenkiller Lake in eastern Oklahoma is an easy drive from Fayetteville and often full of wintering loons.
The choice for a birding day is: Lake No Loons versus Lake Many Loons.
Since at least the 1980s, observers have found significant populations of wintering loons on Tenkiller sometimes several hundred in a day. Also found sometimes: Red-throated, Pacific, and Yellow-billed Loons. In addition, its a good place to see several gull species, American White Pelicans, ducks, grebes, and others.
Yesterday was a day with low wind, so the lake was relatively flat. This makes for good observation, including relatively long distances. I was checking out birds at Chicken Creek Park --the boat ramp area open when the main park is closed for winter. About or so miles out I saw a single American White Pelican with nearby 5-7 loons. One of the loons looked smaller. This proved to be a Pacific Loon. Here are some photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S203078501<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fchecklist%2FS203078501&data=05%7C02%<7Carbird-l...>%7C215367709b234ccf913f08dd0973c429%7C79c742c4e61c4fa5be89a3cb566a80d1%7C0%7C0%7C638677114993795501%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IGqwd1mRLgOCB7Md3BV6A0zJAALOhFzQ49jlh5P1B8c%3D&reserved=0> I started birding Tenkiller near the dam about 9 AM. Finished at Standing Rock at 2:30. Made 8 main stops affording decent views of the lake. Finished with 74 loons (Common 73, Pacific 1) and 69 American White Pelicans. Most of the gulls yesterday were Ring-billed, but I finally saw a few Bonapartes.
73 Common Loons is a modest count for Tenkiller. I think it means the Big Freeze has not yet driven loons off the Great Lakes and other spots up north. We can probably thank rising global temps.
As for memories: with sun and rising temps, loons were doing a lot of barking and some yodeling. At Carlisle I got fortunately blasted by a Common Loon. It suddenly popped up in front of me and sent a robust, remarkable yodel clear across the lake.
Date: 11/19/24 8:48 pm From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Subject: ASCA November field trip
FYI- I have extra binoculars to lend for the field trip. Details below.Karen Holliday
-------- Original message --------. Subject: ASCA November field trip Below are details for our November field trip sponsored by the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas [ASCA]. All birders of any level are welcome. You don't have to be a member to participate. We don't have a field trip in December. Instead, we encourage everyone to participate in Christmas Bird Counts [CBC].Feel free to contact me off list if you have any questions. Come join us!Karen HollidayASCA Field Trip Coordinator
November 23Lake Maumelle, West Little Rock
Meet at 7:30
a.m.at the WestRock Landing at Lake Maumelle.
Loons, mergansers, ducks, and grebes will be arriving at the lake for
the winter. We will access the lake at
several points taking time to scan the open water. We’ll check the wooded areas along the trails
for our winter forest residents. The
wind coming off the lake can be chilly.
Bring a warm jacket and gloves.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
There will be some walking on level trails. Bring water and your scope. We should finish by noon.
Directions:West Rock Landing
[formally Jolly Rogers Marina] is approximately 10 miles west of Little Rock on
Hwy. 10. Turn right at the West Rock Landing
entrance sign and drive down to the boat launch area. The marina address is 11800 Maumelle Harbour
Rd., Roland, AR. GPS: 34.8648042,
-92.5660394
They were photographed in the Memphis area on 17th November: https://ebird.org/checklist/S202779841 On Tuesday 19 November, 2024 at 01:18:32 pm GMT-6, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
I had a flock of at least 15 Black Scoters at the Alma Water Treatment Plant, including 3 adult males. Thankfully I got there early because half way around the back pond I saw a police officer drive in and put up the red flag. The shooting range is being used till 8:00 this evening so no civilians can go in. Always look for the red flag in the back left section of the plant. Of course I had to leave. Hopefully they’ll be there tomorrow. Other ducks included Red heads, Ring-necks, Lesser Scaup, Northern Shovelers, and a couple of Ruddy Ducks.
Sandy B.Crawford County
It started off cool with dense fog turning sunny and warm with a light wind by mid day. The dense fog was present for the first 3.5 hours of the survey making it impossible to scan the reservoirs for distant birds. Only birds within 70 yards were visible. Inspite of this, Garrett Scott and I had a good survey finding 69 species. Still have lingering summer birds but their numbers are decreasing every week. Hopefully a few of these will linger to our Red Slough CBC on Dec. 15. Here is our list for today:
Date: 11/19/24 2:36 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [TN-Bird] Migratory Bird Treaty Act threat
Many thanks to Melinda and Allan for posting this information!
On Friday, November 15, 2024 at 05:50:17 PM CST, Allan Mueller <akcmueller...> wrote:
This message from Tennessee also applies to us.
Allan Mueller
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Melinda Welton <dmarc-noreply...>
Date: Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 4:31 PM
Subject: [TN-Bird] Migratory Bird Treaty Act threat
To: Tn-bird <tn-bird...>
As a result of what happened last Tuesday the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is again under threat. Below is a link to the ABC Action Alert with more information as well as a letter you can add comments to and it will send to our three congress people. It’s important for them to know we’re out here and we care.
Date: 11/19/24 2:14 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: New AAST supported paper
The complex relations between a variety of microorganisms is amazing! Many recent discoveries have been made. How more complex so many relationships are than science has yet grasped. Even lichen is more than a partnership between an algae or plant and a fungus. It seems that other organisms are also involved. I am grateful to all those willing to dive deeper, and share their findings.
On Monday, November 18, 2024 at 10:35:35 AM CST, Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Congratulations to Dr. Than Boves and his student Alix Mathews on this new paper. The project was supported by the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust.
Matthews, A. E., Trevelline, B. K., Wijeratne, A. J., & Boves, T. J. (2024). Picky eaters: Selective microbial diet of avian ectosymbionts. Journal of AnimalEcology, 00, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.14215
Abstract1. Individual organisms can function as ecosystems inhabited by symbionts. Symbionts may interact with each other in ways that subsequently influence theirhosts positively or negatively, although the details of how these interactions op-erate collectively are usually not well understood.
2. Vane-dwelling feather mites are common ectosymbionts of birds and are pro-posed to confer benefits to hosts by consuming feather-degrading microbes.
However, it is unknown whether these mites exhibit generalist or selective diets,or how their dietary selection could potentially impact their symbiotic functionalnature.
3. In this study, we conducted 16S rDNA and ITS1 amplicon sequencing to examinethe microbial diet of feather mites. We characterized and compared the diversityand composition of bacteria and fungi in the bodies of mites living on feathers ofthe Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea, to microbial assemblages presenton the same feathers.
4. We found less diverse, more compositionally similar microbial assemblages withinmites than on feathers. We also found that mites were resource-selective. Basedon the identity and known functions of microbes found within and presumablypreferred by mites, our results suggest that these mites selectively consumefeather-degrading microbes. Therefore, our results support the proposition thatmites confer benefits to their hosts.
5. This study provides insight into symbioses operating at multiple biological levels,highlights the ecological and evolutionary importance of the synergistic interac-tions between species, and greatly expands our understanding of feather mitebiology.
Date: 11/19/24 1:43 pm From: Ed Laster <elaster523...> Subject: L. Maumelle Platform
The Hwy 10 walkway over the ditch to the new CAW platform has been destroyed, cause is uncertain. This was a very substantial structure so it took a lot of force.
CAW says it will be replaced but until then the platform is difficult to access. They will notify us when it is back in service.
Date: 11/19/24 11:18 am From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Subject: Black Scoters
I had a flock of at least 15 Black Scoters at the Alma Water Treatment
Plant, including 3 adult males. Thankfully I got there early because half
way around the back pond I saw a police officer drive in and put up the red
flag. The shooting range is being used till 8:00 this evening so no
civilians can go in. Always look for the red flag in the back left section
of the plant. Of course I had to leave.
Hopefully they’ll be there tomorrow.
Other ducks included Red heads, Ring-necks, Lesser Scaup, Northern
Shovelers, and a couple of Ruddy Ducks.
Date: 11/18/24 11:11 am From: Robert Day <rhday52...> Subject: Re: New AAST supported paper
Also congratulations to him for being named a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society!
Bob Day
SW Bentonville
Sent from my iPad
> On Nov 18, 2024, at 10:42 AM, Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> Congratulations to Dr. Than Boves and his student Alix Mathews on this new paper. The project was supported by the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust.
>
> Matthews, A. E., Trevelline, B. K., Wijeratne, A. J., & Boves, T. J. (2024). Picky eaters: Selective microbial diet of avian ectosymbionts. Journal of Animal
> Ecology, 00, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.14215 >
>
> Abstract
> 1. Individual organisms can function as ecosystems inhabited by symbionts.
> Symbionts may interact with each other in ways that subsequently influence their
> hosts positively or negatively, although the details of how these interactions op-
> erate collectively are usually not well understood.
>
> 2. Vane-dwelling feather mites are common ectosymbionts of birds and are pro-
> posed to confer benefits to hosts by consuming feather-degrading microbes.
>
> However, it is unknown whether these mites exhibit generalist or selective diets,
> or how their dietary selection could potentially impact their symbiotic functional
> nature.
>
> 3. In this study, we conducted 16S rDNA and ITS1 amplicon sequencing to examine
> the microbial diet of feather mites. We characterized and compared the diversity
> and composition of bacteria and fungi in the bodies of mites living on feathers of
> the Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea, to microbial assemblages present
> on the same feathers.
>
> 4. We found less diverse, more compositionally similar microbial assemblages within
> mites than on feathers. We also found that mites were resource-selective. Based
> on the identity and known functions of microbes found within and presumably
> preferred by mites, our results suggest that these mites selectively consume
> feather-degrading microbes. Therefore, our results support the proposition that
> mites confer benefits to their hosts.
>
> 5. This study provides insight into symbioses operating at multiple biological levels,
> highlights the ecological and evolutionary importance of the synergistic interac-
> tions between species, and greatly expands our understanding of feather mite
> biology.
>
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
Date: 11/18/24 10:09 am From: hilltower12 <000001ab5bb2c0b4-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: New AAST supported paper
Yes, I agree! This is fascinating research from Arkansas State University!Barry BennettFayetteville
-------- Original message --------From: JANINE PERLMAN <jpandjf...> Date: 11/18/24 11:57 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: New AAST supported paper
That is super interesting and important! It has implications, and raises questions, not just for birds, but far beyond them, too.Congratulations indeed to the authors -- and thank you, Kannan, for alerting us. Really cool!!
On Monday, November 18, 2024 at 10:35:34 AM CST, Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Congratulations to Dr. Than Boves and his student Alix Mathews on this new paper. The project was supported by the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust. Matthews, A. E., Trevelline, B. K., Wijeratne, A. J., & Boves, T. J. (2024). Picky eaters: Selective microbial diet of avian ectosymbionts. Journal of AnimalEcology, 00, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.14215Abstract1. Individual organisms can function as ecosystems inhabited by symbionts. Symbionts may interact with each other in ways that subsequently influence theirhosts positively or negatively, although the details of how these interactions op-erate collectively are usually not well understood.2. Vane-dwelling feather mites are common ectosymbionts of birds and are pro-posed to confer benefits to hosts by consuming feather-degrading microbes.However, it is unknown whether these mites exhibit generalist or selective diets,or how their dietary selection could potentially impact their symbiotic functionalnature.3. In this study, we conducted 16S rDNA and ITS1 amplicon sequencing to examinethe microbial diet of feather mites. We characterized and compared the diversityand composition of bacteria and
fungi in the bodies of mites living on feathers ofthe Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea, to microbial assemblages presenton the same feathers.4. We found less diverse, more compositionally similar microbial assemblages withinmites than on feathers. We also found that mites were resource-selective. Basedon the identity and known functions of microbes found within and presumablypreferred by mites, our results suggest that these mites selectively consumefeather-degrading microbes. Therefore, our results support the proposition thatmites confer benefits to their hosts.5. This study provides insight into symbioses operating at multiple biological levels,highlights the ecological and evolutionary importance of the synergistic interac-tions between species, and greatly expands our understanding of feather mitebiology.
Date: 11/18/24 9:57 am From: JANINE PERLMAN <jpandjf...> Subject: Re: New AAST supported paper
That is super interesting and important! It has implications, and raises questions, not just for birds, but far beyond them, too.
Congratulations indeed to the authors -- and thank you, Kannan, for alerting us. Really cool!!
On Monday, November 18, 2024 at 10:35:34 AM CST, Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Congratulations to Dr. Than Boves and his student Alix Mathews on this new paper. The project was supported by the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust.
Matthews, A. E., Trevelline, B. K., Wijeratne, A. J., & Boves, T. J. (2024). Picky eaters: Selective microbial diet of avian ectosymbionts. Journal of AnimalEcology, 00, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.14215
Abstract1. Individual organisms can function as ecosystems inhabited by symbionts. Symbionts may interact with each other in ways that subsequently influence theirhosts positively or negatively, although the details of how these interactions op-erate collectively are usually not well understood.
2. Vane-dwelling feather mites are common ectosymbionts of birds and are pro-posed to confer benefits to hosts by consuming feather-degrading microbes.
However, it is unknown whether these mites exhibit generalist or selective diets,or how their dietary selection could potentially impact their symbiotic functionalnature.
3. In this study, we conducted 16S rDNA and ITS1 amplicon sequencing to examinethe microbial diet of feather mites. We characterized and compared the diversityand composition of bacteria and fungi in the bodies of mites living on feathers ofthe Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea, to microbial assemblages presenton the same feathers.
4. We found less diverse, more compositionally similar microbial assemblages withinmites than on feathers. We also found that mites were resource-selective. Basedon the identity and known functions of microbes found within and presumablypreferred by mites, our results suggest that these mites selectively consumefeather-degrading microbes. Therefore, our results support the proposition thatmites confer benefits to their hosts.
5. This study provides insight into symbioses operating at multiple biological levels,highlights the ecological and evolutionary importance of the synergistic interac-tions between species, and greatly expands our understanding of feather mitebiology.
Date: 11/18/24 8:35 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: New AAST supported paper
Congratulations to Dr. Than Boves and his student Alix Mathews on this new paper. The project was supported by the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust.
Matthews, A. E., Trevelline, B. K., Wijeratne, A. J., & Boves, T. J. (2024). Picky eaters: Selective microbial diet of avian ectosymbionts. Journal of AnimalEcology, 00, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.14215
Abstract1. Individual organisms can function as ecosystems inhabited by symbionts. Symbionts may interact with each other in ways that subsequently influence theirhosts positively or negatively, although the details of how these interactions op-erate collectively are usually not well understood.
2. Vane-dwelling feather mites are common ectosymbionts of birds and are pro-posed to confer benefits to hosts by consuming feather-degrading microbes.
However, it is unknown whether these mites exhibit generalist or selective diets,or how their dietary selection could potentially impact their symbiotic functionalnature.
3. In this study, we conducted 16S rDNA and ITS1 amplicon sequencing to examinethe microbial diet of feather mites. We characterized and compared the diversityand composition of bacteria and fungi in the bodies of mites living on feathers ofthe Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea, to microbial assemblages presenton the same feathers.
4. We found less diverse, more compositionally similar microbial assemblages withinmites than on feathers. We also found that mites were resource-selective. Basedon the identity and known functions of microbes found within and presumablypreferred by mites, our results suggest that these mites selectively consumefeather-degrading microbes. Therefore, our results support the proposition thatmites confer benefits to their hosts.
5. This study provides insight into symbioses operating at multiple biological levels,highlights the ecological and evolutionary importance of the synergistic interac-tions between species, and greatly expands our understanding of feather mitebiology.
Date: 11/18/24 7:21 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Waterfowl viewed from Mulhollan Blind, Lake Fayetteville
Below I have pasted a list of birds that were part of a photograph exhibit in the Mulhollan Blind that burned in August. For those who visited the blind or bird Lake Fayetteville, I wonder if you would take a look at the list below and see if there are additions and subtractions we should consider. Current plans are to redo this photo exhibit in the rebuilt blind. Comments may help guide the final product.
If you have comments, please send them to me personally (<joeneal...>) rather than posting them to the entire list. Thanks for you help.
WATERFOWL LIST FOR MULHOLLAN BLIND (2016)
Wood Duck, Aix sponsa Common in summer, very uncommon in winter
Gadwall, Anas strepera Common winter resident
Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos Common transient and winter resident; uncommon summer resident
Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors Common transient; rare summer resident
Northern Shoveler, Anas clypeata Common transient, fairly common winter resident
Green-winged Teal, Anas crecca Common transient, fairly common winter resident
Ring-necked Duck, Aythya collaris Common transient and winter resident
Lesser Scaup, Aythya affinis - Common and sometimes abundant transient and usually common winter resident
Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola Common migrant and winter resident
Hooded Merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus Fairly common migrant, uncommon winter resident; rare during nesting season
Ruddy Duck, Oxyura jamaicensis Common fall transient and relatively uncommon spring transient; uncommon winter resident
Common Loon, Gavia immer Uncommon transient and winter resident overall but locally common in low numbers
Pied-billed Grebe, Podilymbus podiceps Common transient and winter resident, but seen in all seasons.
Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias Common resident all year
Green Heron, Butorides virescens Common transient and summer resident
Osprey, Pandion haliatus Uncommon but regular transient; rare in summer and winter
American Coot, Fulica americana Abundant transient and winter resident
Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon Common resident all year
Date: 11/18/24 2:51 am From: Dottie Boyles <ctboyles...> Subject: Fwd: AAS News of Members Contributions
To all Arkansas Audubon Society members.
If you have anything you'd like to contribute to the AAS News of Members section for the Arkansas Birds newsletter, please send to me (off list) by November 25th.
Thank you, Dottie Boyles AAS News of Members Editor
Date: 11/16/24 7:33 am From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: FOS
Surprised to see a Fox Sparrow this morning! They usually arrive here after significant cold weather and often snow. It frosted yesterday morning and this morning, but it still warms up quickly.
Judith
Ninestone, Carroll County
############################
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Melinda Welton <dmarc-noreply...>
Date: Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 4:31 PM
Subject: [TN-Bird] Migratory Bird Treaty Act threat
To: Tn-bird <tn-bird...>
As a result of what happened last Tuesday the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is
again under threat. Below is a link to the ABC Action Alert with more
information as well as a letter you can add comments to and it will send to
our three congress people. It’s important for them to know we’re out here
and we care.
Melinda Welton
TOS Conservation Co-chair
Nashville, TN
--
Allan Mueller (It)
20 Moseley Lane, Conway, AR
Home of the Arkansas State Champion Winged Elm
501-339-8071
*BLOG* birdsnonsense.blogspot.com
Pura Vida
Date: 11/14/24 3:00 pm From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: Purple Finches and the Thrush family
November 14, 2024
Purple Finches! One male yesterday and one female this morning have returned to Ninestone.
The House Finches and Goldfinches returned in early November.
Downstream from our home there is a slough we call the Otter Pond. Decades ago beavers dammed up a creek scar against a steep forested hillside, creating a long slender pond that parallels the stream and offers views of Wood Ducks, muskrats, assorted water turtles, frogs, dragonflies, snakes, sometimes beaver and otter families, and small birds foraging near the edges.
As I turned down the narrow path to the slough I was surprised by a mature Bald Eagle that suddenly flew up not twenty feet in front of me as I headed to my sit spot. Seven white eagle down feathers floated on the surface where it must have been bathing, while Golden-crowned Kinglets, Eastern Phoebes, Carolina and Winter Wrens, a Kingfisher, Red-bellied, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers flew among the trees. Dozens of Robins were taking turns bathing at the shallow end, while Bluebirds and Hermit Thrushes chortled, chipped, and fluted all around the water, offering a hopeful Thrush family chorus.
Date: 11/14/24 2:53 pm From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: Purple Finches and the Thrush family
November 14, 2024
Purple Finches! One male yesterday and one female this morning have returned to Ninestone.
The House Finches and Goldfinches returned in early November.
Downstream from our home there is a slough we call the Otter Pond. Decades ago beavers dammed up a creek scar against a steep forested hillside, creating a long slender pond that parallels the stream and offers views of Wood Ducks, muskrats, assorted water turtles, frogs, dragonflies, snakes, sometimes beaver and otter families, and small birds foraging near the edges.
As I turned down the narrow path to the slough I was surprised by a mature Bald Eagle that suddenly flew up not twenty feet in front of me as I headed to my sit spot. Seven white eagle down feathers floated on the surface where it must have been bathing, while Golden-crowned Kinglets, Eastern Phoebes, Carolina and Winter Wrens, a Kingfisher, Red-bellied, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers flew among the trees. Dozens of Robins were taking turns bathing at the shallow end, while Bluebirds and Hermit Thrushes chortled, chipped, and fluted all around the water, offering a hopeful Thrush family chorus.
There was a male Vermillion Flycatcher near the Marion wastewater ponds today around 2pm. This is off of Hardin Rd, coordinates: 35.1893489, -90.2305808.
Date: 11/14/24 9:39 am From: CK Franklin <meshoppen...> Subject: Keo, Arkansas November 11
Bill B and I visited the England and Keo areas on November 11. We stopped and talked with one farm worker in the field just north of the England silos. He says he hasn't seen many ducks or geese so far this year due to low water levels.
The only interesting bird to report was a bird of unknown parentage on Hwy 15 on the east side of the Keo fish farm. We were watching a flock of very twitchy blackbirds in a field when Bill spotted a bird with white wings. There were Northern Harriers cruising the fields and the blackbirds high tailed it toward distant trees. We did not relocate them.
The bird in question was enough smaller than the Red-winged Blackbirds that you could see the size difference when they flew. It had a brown body and head with no distinguishing field marks we could see other than the solid white wings. After ruling out all the usual suspects, I called one of our bird buddy experts. We discussed the observation, and he opined the most likely suspect was a leucistic Brown-headed Cowbird. I was attempting to get within photograph range when the birds flew off.
Even with the dry conditions, there are lots of birds to be seen out on the near Delta.
The bird survey started off overcast, cool, and with some wind. A couple hours or so into the survey, dense fog rolled in and the wind stopped for a couple hours or so. Couldn't hardly see anything. Then suddenly the fog lifted, the sun came out and the wind came back. It was partly cloudy and warm the rest of the day. 63 species were found. Still have good numbers of whistling ducks and White Ibis hanging around. The big surprise was finding another Purple Gallinule for a new late date. This bird was on a different lake than last weeks bird. Here is my list for today:
Black-bellied Whistling Duck - 45
Greater White-fronted Goose - 1
Canada Goose - 10
Wood Duck - 42
Gadwall - 575
American Wigeon - 6
Mallard - 28
Blue-winged Teal - 1
Northern Shoveler - 59
Northern Pintail - 2
Green-winged Teal - 1
Ring-necked Duck - 1,260
Hooded Merganser - 1
Ruddy Duck - 2
Pied-billed Grebe – 19
Double-crested Cormorant - 2
Great-blue Heron - 5
Great Egret - 4
small egret/heron species (Snowy Egret or imm. Little-blue Heron) - 2 (seen at a great distance in poor light.)
Date: 11/13/24 5:02 am From: Ragan Sutterfield <000003499a91e99c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Thursday Night: Birding Papua New Guinea
This Thursday at 7 p.m. on Zoom, join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas to learn about birding Papua New Guinea with Karen Holliday. Karen Holliday, ASCA Field Trip Coordinator, will share about her fall trip to the remote wilds of Papua New Guinea. This island nation is known for its unique species, especially the colorful and dramatic Birds of Paradise. Karen will show us what she saw and inspire us with the stories of birds from the other side of the world.
Date: 11/12/24 2:21 pm From: Lynn Christie <christie-j...> Subject: Additional at Lake Maumelle
After Joe Neal’s report of loons I quickly checked out lake Maumelle this afternoon. There were a few loons at loon point. At Vista point a woman from game and fish shared that a new observation platform was built across the road, 100 yards on Ouachita trail. Pictures attached show where to go. Water is low; little to see right now. This will be great in the future.
Lynn Christie
Date: 11/12/24 8:35 am From: Jerry Davis <jwdavis...> Subject: First of Season In My Yard In Hot Springs
American Goldfinches have been in my yard for a week, but Purple Finches arrived this morning. Juncos are less than 20 and White-throated Sparrow are less than 30 which is lower than previous years at this time. A flock of 23 Myrtle Warblers moved through feeding in the tree canopy yesterday morning. Others had moved through last month. My Eastern Screech Owl has occupied the roost/nestbox. Two Grackles joined the other birds at the feeders last week, Fish Crows are still hanging around and 21 Black Vultures are feeding on a dead armadillo on the street with two Turley Vultures flying overhead. These helped to make today's mourning count 23 bird species. It may take winter to have Fox and Song Sparrows and Rusty Blackbirds. No Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers yet but the Northern Flickers have been here a month.
Date: 11/12/24 7:02 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Decent day at Lake No Loons
Several years ago I started referring to Northwest Arkansas Citys Beaver Lake as Lake No Loons. Finding as many as 1-3 Common Loons is about it during mid-winter loon season. Migration is different.
Yesterday was loon migration. I visited four spots on the lakes north side including Old Glade on Slate Gap Road, Lost Bridge South Park, Lost Bridge North Park, and Indian Creek Creek Park. I saw loons on each stop, for a total of 18, all Common Loons.
It was warm and sunny. Loons were barking. I heard a good yodel at Indian Creek. On a calm warm day, with almost no boats and no noise disturbance except leaf blowers that yodel dominates. You could hear it a long ways off, at least as far as leaf blowers.
Other observations of note: at least 135 Horned Grebes at Slate Gap. A flock of 25+ Franklins Gulls flew over the big pool between Indian Creek and the dam.
Yesterday was also a good duck day EXCEPT the huge string of hundreds of ducks of several species visible from Slate Gap Road were at least mile out. They tend to form long rafts in the area of the old White River current. While the day was calm and water flat, there was too much glare.
Date: 11/11/24 5:40 am From: Jan Johnson <janbirder...> Subject: Bird sightings
I am not a resident of Arkansas but my daughter lives in Hot Springs so I visit often. I saw the recent post by Karen wondering about the SEOL. I, too, have wondered why there are not more postings on the rare bird line. I noticed you said postings were on Discord. Can you explain how I can access this so that when I am in Arkansas I know what to look for and where? Thank you.
Thanks, Kenny, as well as others that responded. Until today, I didn't
know that we had a NWA Birds Discord channel. I've been getting hourly
RBAs for a few years, but I didn't get the one about the owl, which is
weird. I went back and checked. Anyway, I appreciate the info on Discord,
which I previously used for another group. Hopefully another SEOW will
show up this winter. I'm pretty sure I heard one near Maysville last
winter, but I wasn't sure. Thanks again!
On Sun, Nov 10, 2024 at 4:13 PM Kenneth Younger <kyounger...> wrote:
> With a few folks emailing me asking about the Discord, I thought I would
> put this the link to the app invite again out there for folks that might
> want to give it a try. It will direct you to download the Discord app and
> to create an account. Once you've joined, there's even a #tech-support
> channel in there if you're curious about how to generally use Discord
> (things like notifications can be a little complicated at first — mainly
> because they are super customizable).
>
> https://discord.gg/GDbjZEcQv3 >
> Hope that helps!
>
> -Kenny
>
> On Sun, Nov 10, 2024 at 1:43 PM Kenneth Younger <kyounger...>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Karen,
>>
>> Sorry! The SEOW was posted to the Discord, but you're right, it's a rare
>> enough bird in Washington County that it warrants posting here. To that, I
>> just had a SURF SCOTER at LF. Probably best viewable from the East side
>> near the blind area. I think a few others refound it a little bit ago.
>>
>> As for eBird, triple-check your rare bird alerts are set to hourly and
>> not daily and those should land in your inbox much quicker. If you're still
>> having issues, then it could be something with the email server or client
>> in use or something else in that tech chain. This issue with email is often
>> why many of us use a more real-time platform like Discord.
>>
>> Good birding,
>> -Kenny
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 10, 2024 at 1:31 PM Karen Garrett <kjgarrett84...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I'm wondering if someone can clue me in as to why the listserv isn't
>>> being used for its intended purpose here in the somewhat great northwest.
>>> The most recent bird that I have not been in the know about was a
>>> Short-eared Owl in Fayetteville, but this is not the first time that it
>>> seems only a select few are being clued in about. I get hourly rare bird
>>> alerts for Arkansas, but didn't get a notification about the SEOW until
>>> today. It makes me feel rather slighted that I don't get to know about
>>> local rare birds, especially given this is supposed to be the function of
>>> the listserv. The only thing I can think of is that there's a fear of
>>> ill-mannered birders harassing birds, but I'm very well behaved. They even
>>> let me go out in public on occasion, lol. Any insight would be
>>> appreciated, as I don't particularly like feeling, "less-than".
>>>
>>> *Karen Garrett*
>>> Rogers
>>>
>>> ------------------------------
>>>
>>> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
>>> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >>>
>>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
With a few folks emailing me asking about the Discord, I thought I would
put this the link to the app invite again out there for folks that might
want to give it a try. It will direct you to download the Discord app and
to create an account. Once you've joined, there's even a #tech-support
channel in there if you're curious about how to generally use Discord
(things like notifications can be a little complicated at first — mainly
because they are super customizable).
On Sun, Nov 10, 2024 at 1:43 PM Kenneth Younger <kyounger...> wrote:
> Hi Karen,
>
> Sorry! The SEOW was posted to the Discord, but you're right, it's a rare
> enough bird in Washington County that it warrants posting here. To that, I
> just had a SURF SCOTER at LF. Probably best viewable from the East side
> near the blind area. I think a few others refound it a little bit ago.
>
> As for eBird, triple-check your rare bird alerts are set to hourly and not
> daily and those should land in your inbox much quicker. If you're still
> having issues, then it could be something with the email server or client
> in use or something else in that tech chain. This issue with email is often
> why many of us use a more real-time platform like Discord.
>
> Good birding,
> -Kenny
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 10, 2024 at 1:31 PM Karen Garrett <kjgarrett84...>
> wrote:
>
>> I'm wondering if someone can clue me in as to why the listserv isn't
>> being used for its intended purpose here in the somewhat great northwest.
>> The most recent bird that I have not been in the know about was a
>> Short-eared Owl in Fayetteville, but this is not the first time that it
>> seems only a select few are being clued in about. I get hourly rare bird
>> alerts for Arkansas, but didn't get a notification about the SEOW until
>> today. It makes me feel rather slighted that I don't get to know about
>> local rare birds, especially given this is supposed to be the function of
>> the listserv. The only thing I can think of is that there's a fear of
>> ill-mannered birders harassing birds, but I'm very well behaved. They even
>> let me go out in public on occasion, lol. Any insight would be
>> appreciated, as I don't particularly like feeling, "less-than".
>>
>> *Karen Garrett*
>> Rogers
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
>> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >>
>
Kenny,
Thank you for the tip on setting alerts. I could never understand how others got their notifications so much earlier than me. That is corrected! It was a nice suprise to see the Michael Linz’s photo of a Nashville Warbler greeted me opening up eBird.
Lynn Christie
Sent from my iPad
> On Nov 10, 2024, at 1:44 PM, Kenneth Younger <kyounger...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Karen,
>
> Sorry! The SEOW was posted to the Discord, but you're right, it's a rare enough bird in Washington County that it warrants posting here. To that, I just had a SURF SCOTER at LF. Probably best viewable from the East side near the blind area. I think a few others refound it a little bit ago.
>
> As for eBird, triple-check your rare bird alerts are set to hourly and not daily and those should land in your inbox much quicker. If you're still having issues, then it could be something with the email server or client in use or something else in that tech chain. This issue with email is often why many of us use a more real-time platform like Discord.
>
> Good birding,
> -Kenny
>
>
>> On Sun, Nov 10, 2024 at 1:31 PM Karen Garrett <kjgarrett84...> wrote:
>> I'm wondering if someone can clue me in as to why the listserv isn't being used for its intended purpose here in the somewhat great northwest. The most recent bird that I have not been in the know about was a Short-eared Owl in Fayetteville, but this is not the first time that it seems only a select few are being clued in about. I get hourly rare bird alerts for Arkansas, but didn't get a notification about the SEOW until today. It makes me feel rather slighted that I don't get to know about local rare birds, especially given this is supposed to be the function of the listserv. The only thing I can think of is that there's a fear of ill-mannered birders harassing birds, but I'm very well behaved. They even let me go out in public on occasion, lol. Any insight would be appreciated, as I don't particularly like feeling, "less-than".
>>
>> Karen Garrett
>> Rogers
>>
>> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
>> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >>
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
Date: 11/10/24 11:44 am From: Kenneth Younger <kyounger...> Subject: Re: rare birds in NWA
Hi Karen,
Sorry! The SEOW was posted to the Discord, but you're right, it's a rare
enough bird in Washington County that it warrants posting here. To that, I
just had a SURF SCOTER at LF. Probably best viewable from the East side
near the blind area. I think a few others refound it a little bit ago.
As for eBird, triple-check your rare bird alerts are set to hourly and not
daily and those should land in your inbox much quicker. If you're still
having issues, then it could be something with the email server or client
in use or something else in that tech chain. This issue with email is often
why many of us use a more real-time platform like Discord.
Good birding,
-Kenny
On Sun, Nov 10, 2024 at 1:31 PM Karen Garrett <kjgarrett84...> wrote:
> I'm wondering if someone can clue me in as to why the listserv isn't being
> used for its intended purpose here in the somewhat great northwest. The
> most recent bird that I have not been in the know about was a Short-eared
> Owl in Fayetteville, but this is not the first time that it seems only a
> select few are being clued in about. I get hourly rare bird alerts for
> Arkansas, but didn't get a notification about the SEOW until today. It
> makes me feel rather slighted that I don't get to know about local rare
> birds, especially given this is supposed to be the function of the
> listserv. The only thing I can think of is that there's a fear of
> ill-mannered birders harassing birds, but I'm very well behaved. They even
> let me go out in public on occasion, lol. Any insight would be
> appreciated, as I don't particularly like feeling, "less-than".
>
> *Karen Garrett*
> Rogers
>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 11/10/24 11:31 am From: Karen Garrett <kjgarrett84...> Subject: rare birds in NWA
I'm wondering if someone can clue me in as to why the listserv isn't being used for its intended purpose here in the somewhat great northwest. The most recent bird that I have not been in the know about was a Short-eared Owl in Fayetteville, but this is not the first time that it seems only a select few are being clued in about. I get hourly rare bird alerts for Arkansas, but didn't get a notification about the SEOW until today. It makes me feel rather slighted that I don't get to know about local rare birds, especially given this is supposed to be the function of the listserv. The only thing I can think of is that there's a fear of ill-mannered birders harassing birds, but I'm very well behaved. They even let me go out in public on occasion, lol. Any insight would be appreciated, as I don't particularly like feeling, "less-than".
Date: 11/7/24 4:58 am From: Mary Ann King <office...> Subject: Re: cormorants in Crawford County
There have been lots of Cormorants at Lake Dardanelle.
MaryAnn
In the north woods northwest of Russellville.
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Carol Joan Patterson
Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 5:39 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: cormorants in Crawford County
On the first of November, at the Alma Wastewater Treatment Plant on Orrick Road, Donald and I saw a huge number of Cormorants. Some were in the water, but a large mass were crowded together on the shore. They reminded me of nesting guillemots crowded together on a rocky ledge. We hated to disturb them, but did not want to turn around on that narrow berm. We passed them slowly, but little by little they moved into the water and floated away. Some took to the air. It was amazing, watching them all. I have seen large groups of cormorants, but this took first prize.
Later, on Sharp Chapel, we saw what apparently were the same birds, flying overhead. They passed in several large groups.
Still later, at Frog Bayou, we saw what no doubt were some of the same birds. They sat together on about every available piece of wood protruding from the water. Some were in bordering trees. In the distance we spotted even more, bunched, on the shore. They reminded me of Hitchcock's "The Birds", without the threat, but with a great presence.
Date: 11/6/24 7:39 pm From: Jack and Pam <00000064a46c579c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Help Protect an Arkansas Important Bird Area
As most of you know, there have been several threats to the Buffalo National River over the years. The most serious one was the construction of a large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), a large hog factory (euphemistically called a "farm"). Working together, we forced the facility's removal from the watershed. A rulemaking proposal before the Administrative Rules subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council includes a permanent moratorium on any future medium to large CAFOs in the watershed. The meeting and vote occur on November 14. Please add your voice to encourage the passage of the rule. The Bufalo River is a designated IBA!
As Americas democracy was grinding along, you may have stayed up a bit later last night, like me, watching election returns. At last I trundled off to bed. Then up today, earlier than usual.
The election is over. We have finally had a good rain. I want to get out and away. I figured the graded county roads wouldnt be dusty.
Sun is out today. Sky full blue. Meadowlarks are singing as I get up into western Benton County.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S201629211<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fchecklist%2FS201629211&data=05%7C02%<7Carbird-l...>%7C614b22da60ee451838d908dcfed49107%7C79c742c4e61c4fa5be89a3cb566a80d1%7C0%7C0%7C638665436143041770%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=boZI7Xip8%2BKsis0U85rTt22rxrA%2FOUfKictemFA2qfQ%3D&reserved=0> Dense roadside thickets of Giant Ragweed favorite place for sparrows to hang have been mowed, but the mower missed a multiflora rose thicket: sparrows including White-crowned, Song, Savannah, Lincoln, and Field. Up the road a bit: Fox Sparrow.
Expansive hayfields along Leonard Ranch road have all been mowed. But a springfed creek keeps a bottom area too wet for good hay. This year it was solid gold in Tickseed Sunflower, Bidens aristosa. Today those flowers have turned to seed. Foraging on the seeds is a busy, vocal flock of American Goldfinches.
An abandoned chicken house, maybe from 1950s, is surrounded by all kinds of farm junk and bushes. And today, my first of season Harriss Sparrows. Just down the road, a Loggerhead Shrike perched on a utility line is maybe watching Savannah Sparrows under the barbed wire.
The county road grader was out working Austin Road. Id slowed for a harvested bean field thinking I might pick up Lapland Longspurs. I wasnt having much luck until the grader went by, loud banging and ear-splitting scaping. I was sort of POed about all the noise. Then up flew a flock of American Pipits.
Western Meadowlark in the background, singing. I had this funny thought: you never know when or where the gift may come. Or even the nature of the gift. The challenge for me: to be open. To be receptive.
Last bird: Greater Roadrunner, dashing across a yard. But not fast dashing. It stopped, looked slowly around, ruffed up those head feathers, cocked its long tail, then off it went. On a warming day, even in November, there are grasshoppers, maybe even a slow lizard.
Now Ive come to my usual stopping point. Rain has flooded a low spot along Highway 43 at the end of Austin Road. Dragonflies (Variegated Meadowhawk) and damselflies (Powdered Dancer) patrol the pool, zipping back and forth, mating, egg laying.
Where were they before all the rain? And where is this life taking us. Not on Tuesdays ballot, but maybe should be. On my ballot anyway.
Date: 11/6/24 5:09 pm From: Daniel Mason <millipede1977...> Subject: barn owl
It's so weird that it's not the barn owl anymore, but the American barn owl. Changes... blah. HA. I think it was about a year ago, my son and I were camping in the yard and heard a barn owl at least a couple nights. Got a recording of it one night. Well last night, I went outside and stood on the back porch to make a phone call. While I was on the phone, there was one calling through the neighborhood. It's a big neighborhood. I think one neighbor has an acre, and almost every other home in the area has more, with the average at least 5 acres. A good amount of space, some farms and barns more or less nearby, and the Ozark National Forest right on the other side of the Illinois River. Is it living in a building? A tree cavity? I couldn't say. But, we obviously still have one around. If I had a TON of free time, I'd investigate more. I'd love to find one in the daytime and get a good picture... but, it's exciting just knowing they're around.
Date: 11/6/24 11:28 am From: Krajcir, Kevin <KrajcirKJ...> Subject: Sign Up for Little Rock and Lonoke Christmas Bird Counts
Hello, AR Birders!
I am the Compiler for the Little Rock and Lonoke Christmas Bird Counts. I am now taking sign-ups for the Little Rock (Saturday Dec 14) and Lonoke (Sunday Dec 15) counts. It is free to participate in any Christmas Bird Count, and birders of all levels of experience are welcome! If you are interested, please specify which count(s) you are signing up for and if you have any preference for survey sections or group assignments. Contact me at <kjkrajcir...><mailto:<kjkrajcir...> (not the email address that this is being sent from) to sign up! Please register with me by Monday December 9th if you would like to participate; this year, I am requesting advance notice on participant registration so that I have ample time to prepare the group assignments and send everyone details well before their count date(s).
If you live inside either circle but don’t want to be in the field, please sign up to be a Feederwatcher. You can watch yard birds for as little as 15 min. With so many Little Rock birders, we could really benefit from having more feeder-watching participants than we have had in the past. Give me your address off-list, and I’ll tell you if you live inside the circle if you are unsure, then I’ll give you a special data sheet and instructions at a later date.
Thank you, and happy birding!
Best,
Kevin Krajcir
It was overcast and cool, with some wind, turning partly cloudy and warmer in the afternoon, on the bird survey today. 52 species were found. Best highlight was a new late date (by 3 days) for Purple Gallinule. Still have a few lingering Summer birds. Duck numbers are increasing. Here is my list for today:
Date: 11/5/24 3:40 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: cormorants in Crawford County
On the first of November, at the Alma Wastewater TreatmentPlant on Orrick Road, Donald and I saw a huge number of Cormorants. Some were in the water, but a large mass werecrowded together on the shore. Theyreminded me of nesting guillemots crowded together on a rocky ledge. We hated to disturb them, but did not want toturn around on that narrow berm. Wepassed them slowly, but little by little they moved into the water and floatedaway. Some took to the air. It was amazing, watching them all. I have seen large groups of cormorants, butthis took first prize.
Later, on Sharp Chapel, we saw what apparently were the samebirds, flying overhead. They passed inseveral large groups.
Still later, at Frog Bayou, we saw what no doubt were someof the same birds. They sat together onabout every available piece of wood protruding from the water. Some were in bordering trees. In the distance we spotted even more,bunched, on the shore. They reminded meof Hitchcock's "The Birds", without the threat, but with a greatpresence.
Date: 11/4/24 12:30 pm From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Subject: ASCA November field trip
Below are details for our November field trip sponsored by the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas [ASCA]. All birders of any level are welcome. You don't have to be a member to participate. We don't have a field trip in December. Instead, we encourage everyone to participate in Christmas Bird Counts [CBC].Feel free to contact me off list if you have any questions. Come join us!Karen HollidayASCA Field Trip Coordinator
November 23Lake Maumelle, West Little Rock
Meet at 7:30a.m.at the WestRock Landing at Lake Maumelle. Loons, mergansers, ducks, and grebes will be arriving at the lake forthe winter. We will access the lake atseveral points taking time to scan the open water. We’ll check the wooded areas along the trailsfor our winter forest residents. Thewind coming off the lake can be chilly. Bring a warm jacket and gloves. Wear comfortable walking shoes. There will be some walking on level trails. Bring water and your scope. We should finish by noon.
Directions:West Rock Landing[formally Jolly Rogers Marina] is approximately 10 miles west of Little Rock onHwy. 10. Turn right at the West Rock Landingentrance sign and drive down to the boat launch area. The marina address is 11800 Maumelle HarbourRd., Roland, AR. GPS: 34.8648042,-92.5660394
Date: 11/3/24 2:10 pm From: James Morgan <jlmm...> Subject: Interesting Article on Crow Behavior remembering specific humans
Hold grudges for years. Several decent observations and some research on U Washington campus. Definitely recognizing specie humans for past behaviors
Title -“Grudge Holding Cows Recognize Humans for Years”. Page 4A of today’s that is Sundays Democrat Gazette. It is reprinted from an article in The NY Times
Date: 11/2/24 3:29 pm From: John Redman <johnfredman...> Subject: UNUSUAL YARDBIRD IN URBAN PINE BLUUF
Last night 10:30PM, my wife and I returned to our home located near downtown Pine Bluff. As we approached the house, I noticed a small brown animal in the parkway between the sidewalk and the lawn proper, that to my surprise was a Wilson's Snipe. I was able to get noisy photo for documentation with my IPhone before it flew. The day before we had a 3" rain and the parkway was still saturated with some standing water on the side walk. The grass was punctuated with numerous mounds of burrowing crayfish. Its amazing that our visitor found that spot for foraging.John Redman
Despite being off to a slow start, this fall has marked several milestones for Northern Saw-whet Owl banding in northwest Arkansas, and several milestones for Ozark Bird Conservancy.
For starters, it's the 10th banding season for saw-whet owls! That’s so hard to believe and it has been a fun journey with lots of cool, new data collected along the way. Just 10 short years ago, saw-whets were not known to be regular fall migrants or winter residents in the state. Now we know they are both, at least in some areas.
In an effort to continue meaningful migration monitoring—and thanks to collaborators in Oklahoma—we have a set of Motus nanotags to deploy on owls this fall! Many of you may be familiar with the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (https://motus.org/about/). For those who aren’t, this is a really cool open source project. These transmitters are set to a certain VHF frequency and are read by a network of Motus-specific towers.
We have already deployed 2 of our transmitters on owls this fall, as part of a wider effort being undertaken this year to tag the species in eastern North America. The transmitters last up to 2 years and will hopefully provide lots of good data as these birds travel along their migration routes in the coming seasons. You can keep up with our owls and others here <https://motus.org/dashboard/#e=profile&d=species&s=7680&f=%7B%22dtStart%22:%222014-10-02%22,%22dtEnd%22:%222024-11-02%22%7D>. These are the first Motus nanotags deployed on saw-whet owls in Arkansas and are among the first tags deployed on any species in the state.
On the map, you will notice an alarming gap in towers (gray dots) in Arkansas. As you may have heard at the AAS/IBBA meeting last weekend, Arkansas is ranked 49th in the US for Motus towers. In the grand scheme, these towers are only moderately expensive (~$7500 average) for the potential they have in this important tracking network. It seems Motus isn’t going anywhere and will only become increasingly more helpful in monitoring migratory species. In the coming years, Ozark Bird Conservancy hopes to lead the charge in remedying this gap in the state.
We’re really excited about the saw-whet tags we currently have and funding we’ve recently received to purchase more. Additionally, we will soon be pursuing some other owl-specific research objectives in the region as part of both our migratory owl and urban raptor study objectives. With that, we will have some cool opportunities to sponsor this important research!
Date: 11/2/24 8:51 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bewick's Wren and Common Ground Dove in White County
The Bewick's Wren was seen this morning at David Finch's place. The Common Ground Dove has not been relocated...yet. Several folks are here looking for it. Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 11/1/24 8:53 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Bewick's Wren and Common Ground Dove in White County A BEWICK'S WREN continues at the private home of David Finch. There were ten of us there this morning and got great looks. Please let him know if you're planning to visit. Mornings are good but the wren has been seen at various times of the day. A COMMON GROUND DOVE was found today by Glenn and Michelle Wyatt at Bald Knob NWR. It was seen along the east to west unnamed gravel road that's north of and parallel to Huntsman Rd. We're hoping it sticks around for other folks to see.Cheers,Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 11/1/24 6:53 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bewick's Wren and Common Ground Dove in White County
A BEWICK'S WREN continues at the private home of David Finch. There were ten of us there this morning and got great looks. Please let him know if you're planning to visit. Mornings are good but the wren has been seen at various times of the day. A COMMON GROUND DOVE was found today by Glenn and Michelle Wyatt at Bald Knob NWR. It was seen along the east to west unnamed gravel road that's north of and parallel to Huntsman Rd. We're hoping it sticks around for other folks to see.Cheers,Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 10/31/24 3:41 pm From: Daniel Mason <millipede1977...> Subject: come back you...
Those birds... here one second, gone the next. Sitting in my room today, I heard a loud call. SORT of similar to a flicker(how do you type out that sound? I hate trying to describe sounds... ha) but, how do I describe that it didn't quite seem right. Was different. This was through a mostly closed window, but how loud it was suggests that it was right outside the house somewhere close. Aside from the sound seeming different, it repeated at least 3 times, much faster than I'd ever known a flicker to call. Three calls within 5 seconds, I'd bet. Typically, I hear flickers calling once here... and once there, with more than 5 seconds between calls. That's what I personally, typically, hear. This was just so different... The only thing that came to mind was American tree sparrow. I really want to call it that. More than I want to call it that, I NEED a picture of one. :) I went out the back door(other side of our small house) with my phone in hand and played the calls. My son was out there catching bugs for his toads. I asked him if he had heard something like that. He said yeah, and said it was over that way. But, it had already stopped. Whatever it was had already moved on. In a way, that's another thing that has me leaning towards the sparrow. I didn't hear any flickers anywhere in the area. I really don't think it was a flicker, but outside of the tree sparrow, that's the nearest thing I could think of to describe it. In case you want to frustrate me more, are there any other bird calls(not common around here, but possible) that I might consider? I wonder what's on the move today after that front came through. I should have been out actively birding today. Too much to do. :(
Date: 10/31/24 9:42 am From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: RAIN and HERMITS on All Hallows' Eve
Gratitude for 3 inches of desperately needed rain overnight. I always check the falls first thing after a rain so I could barely believe my eyes to see 3 inches in the rain gauge!
The earth and trees were so terribly parched that most of that rain was sucked up immediately thus the creek and falls are not even up to their normal flow yet.
During the past few days there have been numerous Hermit Thrushes calling from several different areas near water. I’ve never heard so many of these beautiful birds calling at once.
1) at the edge of the savanna near the creek
2) in the woods near dry Bog Spring that usually feeds the very low pond
3) in evenings near the big feeding pan I keep full of water for wildlife near the henhouse
This morning one of the Hermits was singing its exquisite song, perhaps also out of gratitude. When I was a child I always believed the birds were singing Psalms of Praise, Love, and Joy.
Judith
Ninestone, Carroll County
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Date: 10/31/24 9:42 am From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sedge Wrens at Osage Park
I had a great time at Osage Park in Bentonville today. My time there was limited and I did not get to do do my usual route. Indeed by cutting the route short and retracing my steps I found at least two and possibly three sedge wrens. The two definite ones were very cooperative. I even managed to get a photo. I had only seen one before. an out-of-range bird on a Broad Cove, Nova Scotia CBC. Besides the wrens lots of sparrows to ponder.
Date: 10/30/24 4:31 pm From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: More on the Strange Pipit at Charlie Craig and Today’s Birding
I have rewritten the details for the pipit in eBird
“ I believe this was indeed a Sprague’s, but not absolutely sure. The following support that conclusion
While stil a ways off a bird landed where the pipit was first spotted with quite a bit of white in the tail. I had no idea what kind of bird it was. I couldn’t have think of anything so patterned except possibly one of the “western” longspurs.
The size of the birds eyering, the scaly streaked back, the lack of tail wagging, and the hiding in tall grass all point to Sprauge’s.
What goes against Sprauge’s is the eyering was quite white, not simply lighter than the rest of the face. It also looked quite .round not oblate.
The only pipit heard by Merlin was American.
When I picked the bird up before it reached the sweetgrass I did not see white in the tail.
I did not hear the bird vocalize, and the tail pattern might be explained by it not being spread and the aspect by which I was viewing it. I have seen American Pipits pause their tail wagging so I don’t the lack of it is diagnostic.
So what is convincing me is the streaked scaly back and its hiding in tall grass. I noticed the back before I looked at the pipit in the guide
Why, I have not moved it into the Sprauge’s column is my lack of experience with the species and my propensity to make mistakes, as well as my struggles to separate common sparrow species. Sometimes I find such separation obvious, and at other times, I am confused by them"
I really struggled with striped sparrows today, especially separated Savannah and Song. and Swamp. at Logan Springs. I also had two Eastern Towhee's, but Merlin only heard Spotted. The picture of Spotted brought up by Merlin has fewer spits than anyone that I've ever seen. The Eastern's were a male and female about 75 yards apart. Nothing in their plumage suggested Spotted to me. I remember reading that "Rufous-sided" learn their songs, so perhaps one or both of them was from an area which also hosts Spotted. I did nit hear and vocalization from the towhees. Merlin on my last two trips has reported Snow Bunting, at Logan Springs. So how trustworthy it is on towhee vocalizations I just don't know
I met Patty Kirk at Logan Springs. she birds very much by ear, and can distinguish sparrows by their songs and calls. She has also not lost the ability to hear Ian the upper registers.
After Logan Springs it was off to Siloam Springs Lake. I had a line fish crow there. I think the area may be the only place from which they have not withdrawn north of the valley.
Not seen today, but another one of my struggles is Empids vs. Wood Pewees. Again sometimes the difference is so obvious to me at at other times I am frustrated that it is not.
I have had a Wood Thrush here for the past two days. It mostly stays under the cover of the forsythia bushes. However, today it drank from the bird bath and then splashed around for a quick bath. I suspect it was resting for a bit before moving south. It was a joy to see it.
Debbie Balicki
Joplin Arkansas
Montgomery County, Ouachita Forest
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 10/29/24 11:58 am From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Subject: Snow Goose
There is a Snow Goose across from the water treatment ponds on Orrick Road near Alma. Also several Greater white fronted geese at the corner with Hamer.
Date: 10/29/24 11:46 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Birding in Arkansas - Birding Hotspots
With the holidays approaching, this birding hotspot tool should be very useful to visiting birders and to those of you visiting family in other parts of the state. It is designed to offer birding and trail information on all of Arkansas' 1800+ eBird hotspots with a link to recent sightings and directions. But some hotspots are missing most of this information, making it more challenging for new and visiting birders to navigate a location. And that's where local birders can make a difference. I encourage you to scroll through this tool and find some nearby hotspots that are missing key information and fill it in for us, including adding a few photos. Photos can be taken with your cellphone and all entries are reviewed by an Editor before going "live." Tips for birding can be short with information on trails and accessibility issues.Kudos to White County birders for being the first to complete all hotspots for their county! And Faulkner isn't far behind! Is your county next? https://birdinghotspots.org/region/US-ARThank you to all who have helped with this project. It takes a village...Patty McLean,Central Arkansas Editor
Date: 10/27/24 7:47 pm From: Aster Droste <eviedroste...> Subject: Re: Interesting Pipit at Charlie Craig
Pipit sp. seems to be an option if you click "search all species." It
probably wasn't showing up as an option in the main search because no one
has marked a pipit sp. in that region before.
On Sun, Oct 27, 2024, 6:51 PM Ian MacGregor <
<00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The pipit had a thick white eye ring which was very pronounced. Its size
> looked good for a Sprauge’s, but from the Nat Geo field guide the eye ring
> on Sprauge’s looks like it is paler than the rest of the face, not bold and
> white. However the thickness of the eye ring better matched Sprauge’s than
> American. The bill was yellow, more so than I am used to seeing on an
> American, but I think pale Americans can also have yellow bills. The
> back looked scaly which is suggestive of Sprauge’s, the face pattern to me
> looked more like Sprauge’s. The bird looked much less streaked on its
> underparts than an American. This is just an impression, I did not have
> the time to ascertain whether this or that part of the bird was steaked,
>
> I tried to get a picture immediately, but the bird flew just as I raised
> the camera. It did not sky, but landed in some “sweetgrass” and
> disappeared. I did not notice that it was obviously shorter-tailed than
> an American. The wing bars were fairly bold on the bird. I did not see
> more white in the tail, when I picked the bird up with my naked eye, I
> didn’t notice any white at all in the tail.
>
> I have never seen a Sprauge’s Pipit, but the general color of the bird
> looked to me more like Sprauge’s than a pale American, but perhaps there
> are American’s which the same overall coloration of a Sprauge’s.
>
> I tried to add the bird as Pipit sp., but eBird would not let me. I
> suppose that means the two species cannot be confused???!!!
>
> When I left the fish hatchery I was leaning towards Sprauge’s, but now I
> am thinking it was probably an American in a plumage of which I am
> unfamiliar,
>
> Ian MacGregor Bella Vista
>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 10/27/24 5:10 pm From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Interesting Pipit at Charlie Craig
I forgot to say that the bird did not wag its tail at all.
Ian MacGregor Bella Vista
On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 6:50 PM, Ian MacGregor <[<ianmacg...>](mailto:On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 6:50 PM, Ian MacGregor <<a href=)> wrote:
> The pipit had a thick white eye ring which was very pronounced. Its size looked good for a Sprauge’s, but from the Nat Geo field guide the eye ring on Sprauge’s looks like it is paler than the rest of the face, not bold and white. However the thickness of the eye ring better matched Sprauge’s than American. The bill was yellow, more so than I am used to seeing on an American, but I think pale Americans can also have yellow bills. The back looked scaly which is suggestive of Sprauge’s, the face pattern to me looked more like Sprauge’s. The bird looked much less streaked on its underparts than an American. This is just an impression, I did not have the time to ascertain whether this or that part of the bird was steaked,
>
> I tried to get a picture immediately, but the bird flew just as I raised the camera. It did not sky, but landed in some “sweetgrass” and disappeared. I did not notice that it was obviously shorter-tailed than an American. The wing bars were fairly bold on the bird. I did not see more white in the tail, when I picked the bird up with my naked eye, I didn’t notice any white at all in the tail.
>
> I have never seen a Sprauge’s Pipit, but the general color of the bird looked to me more like Sprauge’s than a pale American, but perhaps there are American’s which the same overall coloration of a Sprauge’s.
>
> I tried to add the bird as Pipit sp., but eBird would not let me. I suppose that means the two species cannot be confused???!!!
>
> When I left the fish hatchery I was leaning towards Sprauge’s, but now I am thinking it was probably an American in a plumage of which I am unfamiliar,
>
> Ian MacGregor Bella Vista
Date: 10/27/24 4:51 pm From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Interesting Pipit at Charlie Craig
The pipit had a thick white eye ring which was very pronounced. Its size looked good for a Sprauge’s, but from the Nat Geo field guide the eye ring on Sprauge’s looks like it is paler than the rest of the face, not bold and white. However the thickness of the eye ring better matched Sprauge’s than American. The bill was yellow, more so than I am used to seeing on an American, but I think pale Americans can also have yellow bills. The back looked scaly which is suggestive of Sprauge’s, the face pattern to me looked more like Sprauge’s. The bird looked much less streaked on its underparts than an American. This is just an impression, I did not have the time to ascertain whether this or that part of the bird was steaked,
I tried to get a picture immediately, but the bird flew just as I raised the camera. It did not sky, but landed in some “sweetgrass” and disappeared. I did not notice that it was obviously shorter-tailed than an American. The wing bars were fairly bold on the bird. I did not see more white in the tail, when I picked the bird up with my naked eye, I didn’t notice any white at all in the tail.
I have never seen a Sprauge’s Pipit, but the general color of the bird looked to me more like Sprauge’s than a pale American, but perhaps there are American’s which the same overall coloration of a Sprauge’s.
I tried to add the bird as Pipit sp., but eBird would not let me. I suppose that means the two species cannot be confused???!!!
When I left the fish hatchery I was leaning towards Sprauge’s, but now I am thinking it was probably an American in a plumage of which I am unfamiliar,
Yesterday afternoon, birder friend Roger Massey found a female Surf Scoter on Beaverfork Lake in Faulkner County. A group of us went looking for it this morning with no luck. However, a single CACKLING GOOSE continues on the large mudbar mixed in with 80+ Greater White-fronted Geese. There's also a hybrid Snow x GWFG in the mix. The number of Eagles is increasing and the number of Coots is diminishing. Other than Mallards, most ducks were gone...but probably not for long. A Marsh Wren was hanging out in the vegetation along the bank. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 10/27/24 5:43 am From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Subject: Re: Flanagan Prairie
Copy that. Kestrel. Thanks.
________________________________
From: DAVID PARHAM <dparhamlr...>
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2024 7:26 AM
To: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...>
Cc: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: Flanagan Prairie
Good photo. Merlin identifies it as a Kestrel.
David Parham
Sent from my iPad
On Oct 26, 2024, at 3:52 PM, Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> wrote:
I had a good outing this morning at Flanagan Prairie and got my lifer Leconte's Sparrow. I was lucky to get some pics of it. I also saw my FOS Northern Harrier and am pretty sure that I saw a Merlin on the drive back to Altus. I saw what I think was a Merlin yesterday down by Greenwood. Photo attached of the one I saw today. I was just thinking yesterday before seeing the Merlin that I sure see more Kestrels than Merlins. Does anyone know why that is?
Date: 10/27/24 5:26 am From: DAVID PARHAM <000004014062b2df-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Flanagan Prairie
Good photo. Merlin identifies it as a Kestrel.
David Parham
Sent from my iPad
> On Oct 26, 2024, at 3:52 PM, Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> wrote:
>
>
> I had a good outing this morning at Flanagan Prairie and got my lifer Leconte's Sparrow. I was lucky to get some pics of it. I also saw my FOS Northern Harrier and am pretty sure that I saw a Merlin on the drive back to Altus. I saw what I think was a Merlin yesterday down by Greenwood. Photo attached of the one I saw today. I was just thinking yesterday before seeing the Merlin that I sure see more Kestrels than Merlins. Does anyone know why that is?
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S200336670 >
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
> <Merlin.Oak Bend 10.26.24.JPG>
I had a good outing this morning at Flanagan Prairie and got my lifer Leconte's Sparrow. I was lucky to get some pics of it. I also saw my FOS Northern Harrier and am pretty sure that I saw a Merlin on the drive back to Altus. I saw what I think was a Merlin yesterday down by Greenwood. Photo attached of the one I saw today. I was just thinking yesterday before seeing the Merlin that I sure see more Kestrels than Merlins. Does anyone know why that is?
Sorry for the terrible photos but I saw this sparrow in the road near Flanagan Prairie this morning. I was surprised at how much white it had on its face. It sure seemed different than any other sparrow I have seen. Maybe it was leucistic to some extent?
Date: 10/26/24 1:26 pm From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Nice Day at Logan Springs
I got there about 10 minutes after sunrise. I walked farther than I expected before I had my first sparrows, it before long I had 10 species including towhee junco, and my lifer LeConte’s. The LeConte’s was very cooperative staying in the open for a few minutes about ten feet from me. What a lovely little sparrow!! I tried three times to find it with the camera, but failed. Just before the LeConte’s appeared, my first Marsh Wren for Arkansas clung to the top of a plant about 30 feet away. It too gave very good looks, but only for a few seconds.
I even did okay in the woods finding my FOS Hermit Thrushes.
I had a number of sparrows which never showed themselves well enough for me to ID, flying short distances disappearing back into the vegetation. All part of sparrowing, I suppose. Today that part was not bothersome. A state bird and a life bird chased away the gotaway blues.
Date: 10/26/24 12:06 pm From: Daniel Mason <millipede1977...> Subject: acorns
Last year, and again this year, my son puts acorns in a shallow cardboard box on top of our window AC. I don't want them there this year. Fun fact about it... the titmice are the first birds to see at them, and the ones we see taking them the most. I don't know if it's any acorns, or just particular ones. We have a feeder with sunflower seeds just a few feet away, and those titmice come in for the acorns. I plan to raid a friend's yard for acorns to put out here, and I'm curious what would work well besides just putting them in a box. I could make a small cage out of 1/2" hardware cloth(metal, not cloth). And then just hang it. I'm looking online for options as well. Those wreath style peanut feeders, do the birds pull the whole nut through the side? Looks like a slinky, almost... or do they just peck at them and eat through the wire? Peanut shells are soft and easy for a bird to just sit there and break them to get the nuts. Acorns, however, are tougher, and I wonder if they'd be able to eat them well through such a feeder. Also considering setting something up for my mother in Massachusetts. She has fairly large acorns in her yard. Not as HUGE as some I've seen around here, but bigger than many of the smaller ones we have here. She hates the acorns... but, she loves birds, so I'm wondering if I could set something up in the back corner of her yard where she could purposely place acorns and hope the birds eat them before they start growing new oak trees on her. HA.
There are multiple stores that sell bluebird houses. However it's important to make sure the construction is done according to "proper" standards. So I've attached information on construction standards, hole size and proper placement of the box. https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/eastern-bluebird/Also, please read up on cleaning the nest box and providing safety for the birds, etc. Enjoy!Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Robert Day <rhday52...> Date: 10/26/24 9:47 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: bluebird nest boxes My neighbor has a pair of bluebirds that have been hanging around his backyard for the past several days. He asked me if I thought they were looking for a place to nest and whether he needed to make or buy a nest-box. Being ignorant of most things bluebird, I decided that I would ask the bird experts here for advice and info. Is there a place where you can buy one? Is there a standard set of plans if you want to build your own? Do they occupy the boxes in the fall/winter too? If so, do you need to put in some sort of material that would help keep them warm, and, if so, what it is? Is there anything in particular that you need to mount it on?We are in a subdivision with a few native trees around.Thx for any info folks can provide.BobRobert H. Day, Ph.D.SW Bentonvillecell: 907-460-7061; <rhday52...>
Date: 10/26/24 7:47 am From: Robert Day <rhday52...> Subject: bluebird nest boxes
My neighbor has a pair of bluebirds that have been hanging around his backyard for the past several days. He asked me if I thought they were looking for a place to nest and whether he needed to make or buy a nest-box. Being ignorant of most things bluebird, I decided that I would ask the bird experts here for advice and info. Is there a place where you can buy one? Is there a standard set of plans if you want to build your own? Do they occupy the boxes in the fall/winter too? If so, do you need to put in some sort of material that would help keep them warm, and, if so, what it is? Is there anything in particular that you need to mount it on?
We are in a subdivision with a few native trees around.
Thx for any info folks can provide.
Bob
Robert H. Day, Ph.D. SW Bentonville cell: 907-460-7061; <rhday52...>
Date: 10/25/24 9:38 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Cackling Goose at Beaverfork Lake (Faulkner County)
Continuing this morning (Oct 25) on mudflat with Greater White-fronted Geese. Patty and Michael
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 10/25/24 8:32 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Cackling Goose at Beaverfork Lake (Faulkner County) Michael and I tracked and relocated the American Avocets found by Cindy Franklin on Wednesday. They have lowered the water level on the lake, presumably to fix docks, improve fish habitat, and do some clean up, so it's a great spot right now for lingering shorebirds. It's one of the only nearby Waterhouse for ducks and they're piled up across the lake to the east.We went back yesterday to see if the Avocets were still around but we couldn't find them. However, we did find a single CACKLING GOOSE mixed in with the 80+ Greater White-fronted Geese (GWFG) along with a very odd looking goose. We initially thought an immature Snow Goose but got some photos and are now leaning toward GWFG x Snow Goose. See attached photo. Comments welcome. We plan to stop at the lake again before heading to the AAS Convention in Little Rock today and will post if we find anything interesting. Here's a link to info on this eBird hotspot, which is a short distance from I-40. Tap on the Species.link for the latest sightings. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L365158Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 10/25/24 6:33 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Cackling Goose at Beaverfork Lake (Faulkner County)
Michael and I tracked and relocated the American Avocets found by Cindy Franklin on Wednesday. They have lowered the water level on the lake, presumably to fix docks, improve fish habitat, and do some clean up, so it's a great spot right now for lingering shorebirds. It's one of the only nearby Waterhouse for ducks and they're piled up across the lake to the east.We went back yesterday to see if the Avocets were still around but we couldn't find them. However, we did find a single CACKLING GOOSE mixed in with the 80+ Greater White-fronted Geese (GWFG) along with a very odd looking goose. We initially thought an immature Snow Goose but got some photos and are now leaning toward GWFG x Snow Goose. See attached photo. Comments welcome. We plan to stop at the lake again before heading to the AAS Convention in Little Rock today and will post if we find anything interesting. Here's a link to info on this eBird hotspot, which is a short distance from I-40. Tap on the Species.link for the latest sightings. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L365158Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
My birding friend David Finch called me and said he had a Bewick's wren at his house for the last couple of days. Kenny Nations and I went down today and got good looks and photos of it. It is located about 5 miles north of Searcy (White County) AR. 1st I've seen in about 35 years. David said, if anyone is interested of possible seeing it, email me and I'll give direction.
His original assumption that it must be a Great-crested Flycatcher still
tripped the eBird filters because October is late for that species to
still be in Arkansas. The rare bird alert got a few other birders
looking at the photos, and a discussion began around what this bird
actually could be.
Great-crested Flycatcher belongs to a genus of tyrant flycatchers with
many members spread across the Americas that can all look quite similar.
In Arkansas our only regularly-occurring Myiarchus is Great-crested
Flycatcher, but there have been at least two instances of the more
western Ash-throated Flycatcher wandering into Arkansas (here’s the only
photographed record from 20 Dec 2009:
<https://ebird.org/checklist/S5660527)>
A closer look at Robert’s photos led to the conclusion that this bird
was at least not Great-crested, with the pattern on the underside of the
tail being a better fit for Ash-throated. However, other features
weren’t quite squaring up for Ash-throated though (seemingly large bill,
perhaps too colorful). Various debates on FB groups and Slack channels
led us to explore the possibility of this being a Brown-crested
Flycatcher (which would be an exceptional record for the species, and a
first state record) but cooler heads finally prevailed with a consensus
building around Ash-throated Flycatcher.
Just to make sure, we reached out to the authors of the recently-
released “Field Guide to North American Flycatchers: Kingbirds and
Myiarchus,” Cin-Ty Lee and Andrew Bird. Their impression was that the
tail pattern of dark edges that wrap around the tip definitively
identifies the bird as Ash-throated, and that it looks like a hatch-year
bird.
So we’re finally willing to confirm this bird as Ash-throated
Flycatcher: a first record for Benton County and just the third record
for the state of Arkansas.
Congrats to Robert Langston on a great find! I wish we could have gotten
more folks out to look for this bird, but alas, sometimes, these things
take time to sort themselves out. It's a great example of how tricky
bird identification can be and the importance of documentation!
It started off mostly clear, cool, and calm, turning warm, and a little windy on the bird survey today. 71 species were found. The Passerines were active today and I encountered several feeding groups with lots of individuals including a few warblers. We still have a few Gallinules and White Ibis as well as some Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. Highlight of the day was an immature Crested Caracara hanging out with some day roosting Black Vultures. Here is my list for today:
Drought continues, today joined with lots of sunshine and south winds.
In Fayetteville, one place I found for birding on days with strong south winds is old Tilly Willy Road, in the West Fork River valley. (Its now formally S. Shaeffer Road.) The Ozark hills in south Fayetteville tend to deflect south winds. I can see and hear better in the West Fork River bottoms on windy days, like today.
(If you are trying to find this on a map, look in south Fayetteville, east of Drake Field, and west of Lake Wilson Park)
The graded county road winds through the bottoms following the river in some places, contours of the next hill in others. The old Shaeffer place is along the road. Otherwise, its mostly wooded. I stop and listen. Sometimes get out and walk a bit of the road. This is all private land.
The old name Tilly Willy has a romantic history. It dates from a century ago when cars were a novelty. Some of the well-to-do students with cars included Tilly Willy as part of their dating. The road used to cross the river on a narrow isolated bridge. No traffic. Perfect for courtship.
The new bridge lacks the romantic character of old Tilly Willy, but it provides an excellent spot to stop and watch the sky for soaring birds. I picked this up from the internet: Declivity soaring is a term used to describe when birds glide above a surface by riding deflected winds. The birds appear to fix their wings and glide just above the surface.
Todays birds gliding on the deflected winds included Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and a juvenile Bald Eagle.
Date: 10/21/24 8:19 pm From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Subject: ASCA October Field Trip Report
Saturday October 19 was the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas's October field trip. We met that morning at The Ranch North Woods in west Little Rock. The Ranch is a 230 acre Nature Conservancy's William Kirsch Preserve. It borders Pinnacle Mountain State Park and almost 2 miles along the Little Maumelle River. The open fields are great for sparrows, the wooded areas support several woodpecker species, and the backwater of the river has heron and duck species. Walking the preserve is easy. The paths and trails are smooth and level. It's a great place to work on identifying the many sparrow species that winter there. Lots of Swamp, Savannah, Song, and White-throated Sparrows, and a couple of Lincoln Sparrows. We were excited to see Sedge and Marsh Wrens. The backwaters of the river had Wood Ducks, Green-winged Teal, Cormorants, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers, and a Winter Wren. With the Ranch so close to Little Rock, that makes it an easy trip for getting in a quick birding fix. The November ASCA field trip is to Lake Maumelle on November 23.Come join us!Karen Holliday ASCA field trip coordinator
Date: 10/21/24 10:18 am From: Daniel Mason <millipede1977...> Subject: Re: What is this sound?
Chipmunk. To be sure, I checked youtube and found this national
geographic video. This claims that it's a sound they make when
threatened by an aerial predator. Hmm... maybe?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESJaPmfbius
Date: 10/21/24 9:57 am From: Debra Balicki <debandronb...> Subject: What is this sound?
I know this is a long shot, but I am hoping that someone will recognize the sound in this video. I think it is a bird, but Merlin does not recognize it. I hear it every day in the woods.
Debbie Balicki
Montgomery County
Ouachita Forest
