Date: 11/17/24 5:26 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Union, Nov 16, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Nov 17, 2024 at 8:19 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Union, Nov 16, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Union, Monroe, West Virginia, US
Nov 16, 2024 1:20 PM - 1:35 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Keenan Road, just off Rt. 3 east of Union.
49 degrees, partly cloudy
12 species
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 the bird was perched on a utility line
directly above the road. seemed larger than mourning dove and not shaped
like nearby rock doves. through 10x binoculars could see that tail was
obviously square and not pointed like mourning dove.
we have been encountering this species in the Union area for several years.
Last year, we found some further to the east of Union near Gap Mails.
Mourning Dove 2
Turkey Vulture 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
American Crow 4
Common Raven 1
European Starling 13
Northern Mockingbird 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
Dark-eyed Junco 6
Date: 11/17/24 5:25 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Moncove Lake SP, Nov 16, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Nov 17, 2024 at 8:07 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Moncove Lake SP, Nov 16, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Moncove Lake SP, Monroe, West Virginia, US
Nov 16, 2024 12:43 PM - 1:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: mostly cloudy, 49 degrees
Planned to bird more of the park, but a guy in a park vehicle and a guy on
a four-wheeler were parked in the middle of the road visiting with each
other. When we saw that they were not going to clear the road, we backed
down enough to turn around and leave the park. First time that has happened
for us in the park.
7 species
Date: 11/16/24 7:08 pm From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney...> Subject: Cheat Lake Waterbird Report
Hi, all!
This morning under cool and misty skies, 20 adventurous souls joined me for Mountaineer Audubon's field trip to Cheat Lake in search of arriving migrant waterfowl. The lake was almost as low as I have ever seen it, but we still found plenty of water to harbor some newly arrived birds. The extensive mudflats surprisingly didn't produce any shorebirds, pipits, or snow buntings ... but the large Canada Goose flock certainly enjoyed the expanse. Highlights were a Ring-billed Gull flock that had an interloping Bonaparte's with them and watching a trio of Surf Scoters while a Common Loon called in the distance. Full totals are entered on eBird and waterbird totals are listed below. Special thanks to Nate Rees and Hannah Clipp for helping get birders on the various birds in the scopes. And an extra-special shout-out to Zealon Wight-Maier who helped with the above AND kept the eBird lists. As you can all tell, I didn't have to do much :)
Cheat Lake --- Uplake Marinas Canada Goose 325 Gadwall 7 Mallard 34 American Black Duck 1 Bufflehead 6 Bonaparte's Gull 1 Ring-billed Gull 53 Double-crested Cormorant 3 Bald Eagle 1
Cheat Lake --- Sunset Harbor with some decoys and duck hunters that might not have been legal Northern Shoveler 1 Mallard 24 American Black Duck 5 Bufflehead 4 Ruddy Duck 24 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Belted Kingfisher 1
Cheat Lake --- Cheat Lake Park Canada Goose 25 Wood Duck 2 Northern Shoveler 4 Mallard 5 Ring-necked Duck 7 Surf Scoter 3 Bufflehead 8 Hooded Merganser 4 Ruddy Duck 3 Horned Grebe 1 Common Loon 2
Thanks to everyone who came out today! And if birding like this intrigues you, please contact me to join in on the Morgantown Christmas Bird Count which will be held on December 14, 2024!
Date: 11/16/24 1:52 pm From: Chris Mullens <mullensc66...> Subject: Re: Raleigh Co. and McDowell Co. CBC
I will help with McDowell County. Trying to recruit Josh also.
On Sat, Nov 16, 2024, 10:00 AM Mindy Waldron <wvwaldron...> wrote:
> Everyone,
> The Raleigh Co. CBC is scheduled for Sunday December 15, 2024. We welcome
> any help.
>
> The McDowell Co. CBC is scheduled for Saturday December 21, 2024. We
> welcome any help.
>
> If interested in either CBC, contact Allen Waldron,
> <foodplotmaker1...>
> or 304.573.3247.
>
> Thanks,
> Allen and Mindy Waldron
>
Date: 11/14/24 11:55 am From: MFowler <monty...> Subject: Large hawk
Out for our walk this afternoon when we spotted a very large hawk being sort-of mobbed by a few crows. On closer inspection it appeared to be a Sharp-shinned hawk, probably a juvenile because the breast streaking was very pronounced, that looked huge because it was all fluffed up due to the cold and drizzly day. Quite the sight.
Date: 11/14/24 5:36 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Hawk watch
Unofficial hawk watch at East River Mt. Overlook Mercer County 11/13/24 1 Cooper's hawk 1 bald eagle(immature) 3 red- tailed hawks Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
-----Original Message----- From: do-not-reply <do-not-reply...> To: wjar <wjar...> Date: Wednesday, 13 November 2024 8:39 PM EST Subject: eBird Report - Fairview Ridge, Nov 13, 2024
Fairview Ridge, Wetzel, West Virginia, US Nov 13, 2024 10:20 AM - 11:45 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: clear calm 48 degrees later I saw a female yellow-bellied sapsucker, 2 hairy woodpeckers,a common grackle and a couple more purple finch. Heard a common raven. 20 species
Mourning Dove 3 Turkey Vulture 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 3 Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Eastern Bluebird 6 American Robin 11 House Finch 4 Purple Finch 1 American Goldfinch 7 Dark-eyed Junco 4 White-throated Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 Northern Cardinal 2
Date: 11/13/24 3:57 pm From: Ross Brittain <rossalanbrittain...> Subject: Tygart Lake CBC 2024
Hello
The Tygart Lake CBC will be held on Saturday, Dec 21, 2024. All are welcome to join in whatever capacity they can. Please Matt and I if you are interested and we will figure out a territory for you to help with.
Happy Birding!
Ross Brittain
Bridgeport
Sent from my iPhone
Correction:Athens/Princeton CBC is Sunday, 12/29.
Ron CanterburyCincinnati, OH
On Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 12:39:02 PM EST, Ron Canterbury <roncanterbury...> wrote:
The Athens/Princeton CBC will be Monday, 12/29 and all participants are welcome and appreciated.
Ronald A. CanterburyEditor, The Ohio CardinalOrnithologistAssociate Academic DirectorUniversity of CincinnatiDepartment of Biological SciencesCincinnati, OH 45221-0006Voice: 513.556.9570Mobile: 513.237.7791
E-mail: <ron.canterbury...>
Date: 11/13/24 9:39 am From: Ron Canterbury <0000000bb52bba5f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Athens/Princeton CBC 12/29/2024
The Athens/Princeton CBC will be Monday, 12/29 and all participants are welcome and appreciated.
Ronald A. CanterburyEditor, The Ohio CardinalOrnithologistAssociate Academic DirectorUniversity of CincinnatiDepartment of Biological SciencesCincinnati, OH 45221-0006Voice: 513.556.9570Mobile: 513.237.7791
E-mail: <ron.canterbury...>
Just heard a great horned owl in our yard. This morning, as we rode across Pipestem State Park, a barred owl flew across the park road. At the East River Mt. Overlook, Mercer County we saw a sharp-shinned hawk, a red tail and a golden eagle. As I was typing this, there were 2 great horned owls calling in our yard. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 11/10/24 5:50 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Mercer County Landfill, Nov 9, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Nov 10, 2024 at 8:36 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Mercer County Landfill, Nov 9, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Mercer County Landfill, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Nov 9, 2024 2:35 PM - 2:45 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: 65 degrees
the landfill was closed for the day. The crows and ravens flew up at the
same time. Somone fired a shot over near the animal shelter and that is
when the starlings flew up and away.
5 species
Black Vulture 11
Turkey Vulture 42
American Crow 59
Common Raven 16
European Starling 200
Date: 11/10/24 5:49 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Nov 9, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Nov 10, 2024 at 8:30 AM
Subject: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV,
Nov 9, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Nov 9, 2024 11:15 AM - 2:15 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: unofficial hawk watch - SE wind 7-12 mph, 20-80%
cloud cover and 55-59 degrees
13 species
Black Vulture 7
Turkey Vulture 21 8 were probably residents
Golden Eagle 4 3 adults, 1 immature
Bald Eagle 11 4 adults, 7 immatures
these birds migrate at this time of the year
they were counted in ones or twos as they followed the ridge
Hanging Rock Tower about 50 miles up ridge had 16 on the 8th (the day
before this count). It makes sense that some of these birds could be the
same birds they had.
Red-tailed Hawk 24 1 was probably a resident
these birds migrate this time of the year
they were counted in ones or twos as they passed following the ridge
Hanging Rock Tower, about 50 miles up ridge had 29 0n the 8th (the day
before this count). It makes sense that some of these birds could be the
same birds they had.
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 8
Common Raven 4
Carolina Wren 1
Cedar Waxwing 18
American Goldfinch 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Date: 11/9/24 1:22 pm From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney...> Subject: Upcoming Mountaineer Audubon Field Trip --- Cheat Lake
Hi, all!
We're firmly in November and Buffleheads are back to the friendly confines of Cheat Lake. That can only mean two things: 1.) The disappearance of political ads and 2.) Winter duck season is upon us! We can all agree that is a trade-off we are happy to make!
So come join me next weekend on Saturday, November 16 as Mountaineer Audubon sponsors its annual field trip to Cheat Lake to search for arriving migrant ducks. As always, this field trip is free to attend and no advance registration is required. We will mostly be driving to different spots on the lake and walking will be minimal except at Cheat Lake Park where we may walk up to a mile or so depending on the birds on a very flat and well maintained trail.
For those veterans of previous trips, please note the following small change in meeting places: We will meet at 8am in the parking lot behind Chestnut Ridge Church. As of this morning, it seems the restaurant taking over the Ruby and Ketchy's location is still not open for business. I will be at the Almost Heaven Cafe at Cheat Landing next to the church around 7am if you want to socialize a bit before the walk and get a caffeine fix or light breakfast.
Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Hope to see you out there next weekend. Best wishes!
Date: 11/9/24 1:04 pm From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney...> Subject: Cheat Lake Waterbird Report --- Mon. Co.
Hi, all!
Buffleheads are back, winter is upon us! Thus, once again time for the Cheat Lake Waterbird Report to begin again.
Temperatures were cool early in the morning but warmed up nicely with the autumn sun. Fishermen were out in force on the pleasant weekend, but the lake is low enough that they kept well north of the 68 bridge. Nothing unusual and not much in the way of diversity despite lower water levels usually allowing for more dabbling ducks to hang around. Best birds were probably more "mud" birds than waterbirds with some pipits working the sand bars and some late Dunlin taking advantage of the mud at Morgan Run. Waterbird totals below and full species list submitted to eBird.
Cheat Lake --- Cheat uplake marinas Canada Goose 168 Mallard 18 Bufflehead 13 Common Merganser 2 American Coot 6 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Bald Eagle 1 first year bird
Cheat Lake --- I-68 Bridge Canada Goose 8 Mallard 4 Ring-necked Duck 1 Bufflehead 5 American Pipit 15
Cheat Lake --- Sunset Harbor Mallard 7 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Belted Kingfisher 1
Cheat Lake --- Cheat Lake Park Canada Goose 12 Mallard 6 Bufflehead 10 Hooded Merganser 4 Dunlin 2 Great Blue Heron 1 Bald Eagle 1 Belted Kingfisher 2
-----Original Message----- From: do-not-reply <do-not-reply...> To: wjar <wjar...> Date: Wednesday, 6 November 2024 11:56 AM EST Subject: eBird Report - Fairview Ridge, Nov 6, 2024
Fairview Ridge, Wetzel, West Virginia, US Nov 6, 2024 8:45 AM - 9:46 AM Protocol: Traveling 0.5 mile(s) Checklist Comments: 64 degrees overcast 20 species
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 4 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 2 Carolina Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Carolina Wren 3 Eastern Bluebird 1 Cedar Waxwing 2 House Finch 6 Fox Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 8 White-throated Sparrow 5 Song Sparrow 4 Red-winged Blackbird 8 Northern Cardinal 7
Date: 11/7/24 1:27 pm From: Bob Dean <bobdean52...> Subject: Eastern panhandle CBCs
Hello all, The Charles Town CBC will be held on Sun., Dec. 15, 2024. The Inwood CBC will be held on Sun., Jan. 5, 2025. Everyone is welcome! Please contact me if you are interested. Bob Dean
Date: 11/7/24 11:50 am From: Casey Rucker <autoblock...> Subject: Canaan Christmas Bird Count December 15
Hi, all,
It's that time once again, and our Canaan CBC will be held on Sunday, December 15. If you would like to participate, please email me at <autoblock...> <mailto:<autoblock...> and let me know if you have a preference as to territory.
We will gather at Hellbender in Davis at daylight's end to meet and compile results.
Date: 11/6/24 6:01 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Nov 5, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Wed, Nov 6, 2024 at 8:54 AM
Subject: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV,
Nov 5, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Nov 5, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: unofficial hawk watch - SE wind 10mph, 64 degrees
and 100% cloud cover with light rain.
7 species
Turkey Vulture 62 5 were probably residents
Red-tailed Hawk 4 2 were probably residents
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2
Common Raven 2
Cedar Waxwing 25
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Date: 11/5/24 5:20 am From: Rachel <rachel...> Subject: Fayette County, WV, CBC, Dec 14.
Fayette County, West Virginia, Christmas Bird Count:
Saturday, December 14. WVOH CBC.
Details are found at https://birding-wv.com/who-we-support/christmas-bird-count Contact me if you're interested in participating!
Best,
Rachel
<rachel...>
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Mon, Nov 4, 2024 at 6:37 PM
Subject: eBird Report - jct Rt 7 & Rt 122 Wayside Rd, Nov 4, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
jct Rt 7 & Rt 122 Wayside Rd, Monroe, West Virginia, US
Nov 4, 2024 12:00 PM - 12:25 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 64 degrees
10 species
Black Vulture 11
Turkey Vulture 30
Golden Eagle 2 adult, immature
Bald Eagle 5 2 adults, 3 immatures
Blue Jay 12
American Crow 16
Common Raven 29
European Starling 25
Northern Mockingbird 2
American Robin 12
Date: 11/3/24 7:26 am From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Hannibal Dam/Howard Jeffers Park, Nov 2, 2024
Wilma Jarrell Wileyville Wetzel County
-----Original Message----- From: do-not-reply <do-not-reply...> To: wjar <wjar...> Date: Sunday, 3 November 2024 10:09 AM EST Subject: eBird Report - Hannibal Dam/Howard Jeffers Park, Nov 2, 2024
Hannibal Dam/Howard Jeffers Park, Wetzel, West Virginia, US Nov 2, 2024 3:49 PM - 4:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: sunny 55 degrees 8 species
Canada Goose 8 Gadwall 6 Ring-necked Duck 18 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 15 Pied-billed Grebe 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Crow 1 European Starling 2
Date: 11/3/24 7:26 am From: Wilma Jarrell <wjar...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Proctor, Nov 2, 2024
Wilma Jarrell Wileyville Wetzel County
-----Original Message----- From: do-not-reply <do-not-reply...> To: wjar <wjar...> Date: Sunday, 3 November 2024 10:06 AM EST Subject: eBird Report - Proctor, Nov 2, 2024
Proctor, Wetzel, West Virginia, US Nov 2, 2024 3:18 PM - 3:36 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.5 mile(s) Checklist Comments: sunny 55 degrees 7 species
Canada Goose 14 Hooded Merganser 25 Ring-billed Gull 3 Great Blue Heron 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 3 Northern Mockingbird 1
Date: 11/3/24 5:41 am From: Jack OConnell <jack...> Subject: Purple Finches - Greenbrier Co.
I was delighted to see my first Purple Finch of the season at my feeder yesterday afternoon. My birding friend who lives on the Kitatinny Ridge along the Delaware River in NJ says that large numbers of Purple Finches and Pine Siskins have been traveling along the ridge lately and to be prepared to see them at our feeders soon.
Date: 11/3/24 4:56 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Mercer County Landfill, Nov 2, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Nov 3, 2024 at 7:51 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Mercer County Landfill, Nov 2, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Mercer County Landfill, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Nov 2, 2024 4:20 PM - 4:30 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: 67 degrees, partly cloudy
6 species
Turkey Vulture 6
Bald Eagle 1 immature
American Crow 27
Common Raven 8
European Starling 97
American Goldfinch 2
Date: 11/3/24 4:56 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Nov 2, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Nov 3, 2024 at 7:48 AM
Subject: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV,
Nov 2, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Nov 2, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: unofficial hawk watch - N wind 0-5 mph, 5 % cloud
cover and 58 degrees.
5 species
Black Vulture 5
Turkey Vulture 34 6 were probably resident birds
Golden Eagle 1 adult
Red-tailed Hawk 7 2 were probably residents
Carolina Wren 1
Date: 11/1/24 8:57 am From: James Speicher <0000011f2d18fdda-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Activity in our white birch
If the activity was trunk based, maybe you should examine the tree for Spotted Lantern Flies.
See my checklist...
https://ebird.org/checklist/S200648568 Jim Speicher FredCo MD
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 9:29 AM, James Phillips<jimandjudyphillips...> wrote: In the last 20 minutes(in addition to the usual yard birds), our white
birch has experienced a frenzy of bird activity.
We were able to identify 9 yellow-rumped warblers, 6 golden-crowned
kinglets, at least 1 palm warbler and 2 ruby-crowned kinglets. As we
watched, 15 cedar waxwings flew over followed by a second to group of 12.
Jim & Judy Phillips
Summers County
Pipestem, WV
Date: 11/1/24 7:45 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Oct 31, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 10:27 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Oct 31, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Summers, West Virginia, US
Oct 31, 2024 3:20 PM - 4:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.75 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 80 degrees
12 species
Canada Goose 16
Mallard 14
American Black Duck 8
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 19
Bald Eagle 7 1 adult, 6 immatures
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
American Crow 1
Common Raven 1
Carolina Wren 1
Common Grackle 1
Date: 11/1/24 7:45 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Oct 31, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 10:28 AM
Subject: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV,
Oct 31, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Oct 31, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: unofficial hawk watch - SW wind 0-7 mph, 65 degree
and 5% cloud cover
5 species
Turkey Vulture 37 6 were probably resident birds
Red-tailed Hawk 8 1 was probably a resident bird
Common Raven 3
Carolina Wren 1
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Date: 11/1/24 6:29 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Activity in our white birch
In the last 20 minutes(in addition to the usual yard birds), our white birch has experienced a frenzy of bird activity. We were able to identify 9 yellow-rumped warblers, 6 golden-crowned kinglets, at least 1 palm warbler and 2 ruby-crowned kinglets. As we watched, 15 cedar waxwings flew over followed by a second to group of 12. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Everyone, The Raleigh Co. CBC is scheduled for Sunday December 15. Anyone who is interested in helping, contact me. We'll schedule the McDowell Co. CBC at a later date. Thanks. Everyone have a good Christmas Bird Count season.
Date: 10/31/24 6:58 am From: laura ceperley <ceperleylau...> Subject: Nov Birding in Canaan
Happy halloween! Time to “fall back” and enjoy getting outdoors. All are invited to the upcoming bird outings in Canaan Valley. Events are free and open to people of all birding abilities. Dress appropriately for the weather and grab your binoculars, although some loaners may be available. Before heading out, check Facebook or the web for updates as events may be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather.
Nov 2, Saturday morning, 9 am. Meet at the Nature Center, Blackwater Falls State Park. 1st Saturday Bird Walk - An easy 1-2 mile stroll on pavement and packed trails.
Nov 2, Saturday night, 8 - 10 pm. Owl Banding Demo, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at the hunter parking lot on Forest Road 80, on the right about 1.5 miles out Freeland Road. (Just a tip - There is NO creature in the entire universe cuter than a SawWhet Owl.)
Nov 9, Saturday, 9 am. Meet at the Beall parking lot off Cortland Road, in the CVNWR. 2nd Saturday Bird Walk - an easy 1-2 mile stroll along pavement and dirt trails.
Nov 29, Friday, 9 am. Meet at the Nature Center, BWF SP. “Walk before you shop” Bird Walk - An easy 1-2 mile stroll on pavement and packed trails.
Nov 30, Saturday, 9 am. Meet at the Beall parking lot off Cortland Road, CVNWR. “Walk before you shop” Bird Walk - an easy 1-2 mile stroll along pavement and dirt trails.
—————
For more free events in the area about nature (including bats, spiders and bears), check the following:
Blackwater Falls State Park Foundation’s page at WVSPF.org
Nature Center activities page on the BWFSP page at WVStateParks.com.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge facebook page.
Date: 10/28/24 4:00 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Oct 28, 2024
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Mon, Oct 28, 2024 at 6:58 PM
Subject: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV,
Oct 28, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Oct 28, 2024 12:55 PM - 2:25 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: unofficial hawk watch - 20% cloud cover, 55 degrees
and SE wind 7 mph.
13 species
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 130 We had one group of 92 come over heading SW in the
first 17 minutes of our arrival. After that we had 2, 1, 9, 7, 11, 2 and 1
follow the same path. During our watch, we had 5 more birds that seemed to
be resident birds.
Bald Eagle 3 2 adults, 1 immature
Red-tailed Hawk 5 one was probably a resident
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Common Raven 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Goldfinch 1
Song Sparrow 1
-----Original Message----- From: do-not-reply <do-not-reply...> To: wjar <wjar...> Date: Sunday, 27 October 2024 10:07 PM EDT Subject: eBird Report - Fairview Ridge, Oct 27, 2024
Fairview Ridge, Wetzel, West Virginia, US Oct 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 0.5 mile(s) Checklist Comments: sunny 48 degrees 22 species
Wild Turkey 14 Turkey Vulture 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 2 Common Raven 1 Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 6 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Brown Creeper 1 European Starling 10 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 3 House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 7 Dark-eyed Junco 8 White-throated Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 Northern Cardinal 6
Date: 10/26/24 2:03 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Mouth of the Bluestone
After a dreary, drizzly day, we decided to go to the mouth of the Bluestone River in Bluestone S.P. It was still cloudy when we arrived at 3:30 but became sunny as we left at 4:30. The birds became active - We ended the hour with 4 Canada geese, 8 common mergansers, a belted kingfisher, 2 crows & 2 ravens and 2 red- tailed hawks. Then we counted 8 turkey vultures and 8 bald eagles over Bluestone Lake, turned around and saw 2 more bald eagles, 10 black vultures and another 53 turkey vultures over the Bluestone River. A fine end to the day! Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 10/25/24 7:35 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Oct 24, 2024
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Fri, Oct 25, 2024 at 10:32 AM
Subject: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV,
Oct 24, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Oct 24, 2024 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: unofficial hawk watch - clear, N wind 0-9 mph and
58 degrees.
8 species
Turkey Vulture 8
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Blue Jay 1
Common Raven 2
Carolina Wren 1
American Goldfinch 2
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Date: 10/22/24 6:15 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Big Spruce Overlook
Today, we took our lunch to the Scenic Highway in Pocahontas County. Didn't have a lot of birds but did have good birds - 5 bald eagles(3 adults, 2 sub-adults) 11 common ravens 1 American goldfinch We were happy to show the eagles to other people visiting the overlook.
Stopped in at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. One of the bird feeders had mixed seed in it. Bird list- 2 turkey vultures, 3 common ravens, 1 tufted titmouse and 6 American goldfinches. Beautiful day! Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 10/22/24 7:34 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Oct 21, 2024
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Tue, Oct 22, 2024 at 10:22 AM
Subject: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV,
Oct 21, 2024
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Oct 21, 2024 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: unofficial hawk watch - N wind 0-5 mph, 58 degrees
and cloud cover 0%.
8 species
Turkey Vulture 3
Bald Eagle 1 immature
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 1
Common Raven 10
American Robin 1
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Date: 10/21/24 4:35 pm From: C <empidonaxdvg...> Subject: RFI - Red Crossbill feeding observations
Hi all,
I’m writing to follow up on my previous requests for observations of
eastern red crossbills feeding on conifers.
This is an especially interesting year and time of year for crossbill
feeding behavior. Last year there was a massive white pine cone crop in the
Northeast that lots of type 12, type 2, type 4, and type 1 crossbills fed
on until rather late in the spring. There does not seem to be such a
massive cone crop this fall and most of the types 2 and 4 have returned to
the western US. As such, I’m interested in seeing what the diets of the
type 12 and 1 birds look like in a more “normal” year.
As a reminder, I’m looking for audio recordings of crossbill calls from the
eastern US/Great Lakes with information on the conifers the birds are
feeding on. The recordings do not have to be made with any advanced
equipment – many phone recordings are sufficient. Pictures of the conifer
cones are most helpful. However, if you are comfortable with conifer
identification, notes on which conifers crossbills are feeding on are also
valuable.
Based on contributions from over 100 folks across the eastern US, I’ve
accumulated nearly 1,000 (!) records of eastern red crossbills and the
conifers they’re feeding on. If you’re interested, I’ve posted a little
blurb on my website (
https://ckporter.weebly.com/eastern-red-crossbill-ecology.html)
illustrating and describing the preliminary data for type 12, the crossbill
I have the most data for and am most interested in for this project.
Although there are some intriguing patterns in the data so far, describing
the feeding ecology of type 12 and other eastern call types will require
*much* more data across many seasons and years. So, if you have crossbills
in your area, please consider uploading recordings and conifer information
to eBird. I’ve also created an iNaturalist project (link below) where
observations can be uploaded. If you don’t use eBird or iNaturalist, please
feel free to send me any observations directly.
Thanks a ton for considering my request. Please feel free to reach out with
any questions. Also, please pass this onto anyone you think might be
interested in participating.
Date: 10/21/24 1:55 pm From: Bruni Haydl <bruni...> Subject: More new arrivals
Two days ago, I saw a Brown Creeper moving up the walnut trunk. Hadn't seen one since late winter.
Yesterday, male and female Purple Finches arrived. They were back again today eating sunflower chips.
I still have Yellow-rumps in high numbers. They love the birdbaths, sharing them with Chipping Sparrows, Bluebirds, etc. A couple of Song sparrows are here too as are the White-throated sparrows. Heard one singing while walking my dog this morning.
My one legged Starling buddy still stops by every few days. Not my favorite species, but I can't help admire it for the way it is dealing with its disability.
Date: 10/21/24 3:48 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Meteors & an owl
I watched the sky from 5:57 to 6:27 this morning. Saw 4 meteors and heard a great horned owl. When I went out, there was a skunk in the yard. It high-tailed it around the house and didn't come back. Actually, it wasn't the hightail a skunk might do but the hightail cattle rustlers would do in an old cowboy movie. Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
