Date: 5/12/26 11:58 am From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Western Kingbird at Eagle Bluffs
A Western Kingbird was seen and photographed by Dennis Smarr this morning, May 12 at Eagle Bluffs CA. The bird was between pools 10 and 11, almost across from where the White-faced Ibis have been seen. Edge Wade Columbia
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/11/26 8:43 am From: Jennifer Pederson <000007f5ad499f2d-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Swainson's Warbler @ Unity Village, Lee's Summit, Mo.
Swainson Warbler singing in same area of Unity Village Nature Trail,
Jackson County as described by Steve Phillips.
Jennifer Pederson
Kearney, Clay County
On Sat, May 9, 2026, 10:02 AM Steve Phillips <
<000007ee57896d58-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> My wife and I are hearing and watching a Swainson's Warbler @ Unity
> Village, Lees Summit. He's at the 90° bend of the trail where it crosses
> the creek and heads up the long hill eventually leading to the lake.
>
> Steve Phillips
> KCMO
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/10/26 7:11 pm From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Goldfinch eating river birch seeds and Eagle Bluffs
No new migrants today, but we continue to have lots of Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (both male and female), as well as lots of Goldfinch and an occasional Indigo Bunting. A previous male Orchard Oriole and the many Purple Finch appear to have moved on.
Our large river birch tree has started dropping seeds and the many Goldfinch are now pecking at the seed clusters and eating seeds. I’m surprised the other seed-eating species haven’t started eating them as well. I haven’t observed the Goldfinch eating them in earlier years, but maybe i just wasn’t paying attention.
Yesterday I spent a couple hours at Eagle Bluffs, south of Columbia, and spotted some nice birds, including;
Dickcissel, lots of them
Indigo Bunting, many
Palm Warbler, a nice find for me
Common Yellowthroat, both male & female
Sora, several
Orchard Oriole, 1st year yellow male with black throat
Yellow Warbler
Eastern Kingbird
Photos of Goldfinch eating seeds, birds from Eagle Bluffs and migrants in our yard can be viewed at:
flickr.com/photos/dgetman/sets
The forecasts for the next 2 mornings are listed as HIGH on birdcast.info, so we’ll see if any warblers show up.
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/10/26 11:38 am From: Chase Darr <000007f104dc864c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Missouri Spring Bird Count - Trial Run
Some of us keep to the old ways. ;)
I followed Edge's Adage that "A bird up at dawn is a bird up at noon" and got out a bit late to bird NAMC Boone County Area 5 a bit later than usual yesterday morning. The mist and fog kept most of the pre-dawn chorus down, and kept me down, as well. But, by 8:30, I was out trapsing the Bear Creek Trail as I've done for 16 years. A mere 12 hours and 14 checklists later, and I was rounding the corner from O'Neal to Obermiller and on the way home.
This year, I got 95 species, 2 spuhs, and a host of "Merlin, are you yanking my chain?" observations that I wish were really true. By all accounts, that's a good year for Area 5. The most excellent year I've ever had was much like this: a warm day on an otherwise cool spring, and we got 103 species.
The biggest 'hits' were:
Warblers seemingly *everywhere*. I got 17 warbler species and high counts of Nashville (20) and Tennessee (40).
1 Northern Waterthrush that provided a really good look,
a Barred Owl that made sure to let me know it was there,
a nesting Red-shouldered Hawk (always nice to see!),
more Swainson's Thrush (23 total, undercounting) than I've observed in all other years I've seen *combined*,
three Black Terns and 9 Bobolink at Foremost Dairy Farm Lake #1 (visible from parking area),
a Sora in Garth Nature Area,
a flyover Pine Siskin, and
a Great Egret that I stole along with 6 (!) Wood Ducks from this one lake spillover that is technically in Area 3 but are counted because they're looking at Area 5 and would clearly rather be on my side of the road. If anyone birded Area 3, you technically earned 6 (!) Wood Ducks and a Great Egret.
The biggest misses were Bald Eagle, Scarlet Tanager, and Common Nighthawk. I think it has been too cool for Common Nighthawk so far and a thunderstorm pulled in right at dusk. There were a few others like Grasshopper Sparrow, Green Heron, Blue Grosbeak, and any shorebirds besides Killdeer that would have been nice to have but are pretty uncommon to find in Area 5.
The biggest Merlin head-scratchers were:
a "Canada Warbler" that Merlin heard from some chip calls but I could not scare up from among the Bush Honeysuckle along Bear Creek,
an "Evening Grosbeak" that Merlin heard as a Rose-breasted Grosbeak sang in the evening (does it count as an "evening" Grosbeak?),
and a "Prothonotary Warbler" that Merlin heard from a very high-strung, excitable Northern Parula.
I hope all of your Global Big Day adventures were equally fruitful.
Cheers and good birding,
Chase
Columbia, Boone Co., MO
darrcm AT missouri DOT edu
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/10/26 11:12 am From: JERRY WILLIAMS <000007b7616c1451-dmarc-request...> Subject: Canada Warbler
Margie spotted a Canada Warbler yesterday afternoon about 6pm at Busiek State Forest in Christian County. It was in the thick vines and mulberry trees on the right side of the trail between the parking lot and the footbridge. We got nice eyelevel looks from the top of the stairs of the footbridge. Steve Martin texted this morning to let us know that they went this morning at 9am. They relocated the Canada Warbler and said that the area was alive with warblers.
Jerry & Margie Williams Republic, Greene County, Mo.
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/9/26 1:46 pm From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Missouri Spring Bird Count - Trial Run
Tommy,
Columbia Audubon Society continued to run a Boone County Migratory Count
Day for several years after there was no longer any nationwide aggregate
compilation. Neither National Audubon nor Cornell wanted to administer the
database. One by one, local groups in Missouri ceased to hold the event.
So little interest has been shown in recent years that even CAS now no
longer encourages participation beyond, "run your old routes if you want,
and put the data into eBird in segments."
Drumming up interest may be an uphill trek.
Edge Wade
Oregon, OH
<1edgewade...>
On Thu, May 7, 2026 at 10:45 AM Tommy Goodwin <
<000007c57ea5d08c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Hi MO-Bsters,
>
>
>
> I am probably going to be biting off more than I can chew with this one,
> but I have been wanting to implement a Spring Bird Count in Missouri to
> mirror what Illinois have been doing for the last 54 years. I am under the
> understanding that MO used to conduct these, but they were abandoned due to
> lack of involvement; I am going to try to start it back up! Think of this
> as really similar to Christmas Bird Counts, but instead of a circle the
> count includes an entire county. I would love to present this in the future
> to MCHF and MDC, but I want to get a framework built and tested first
> before I try to get any organization sponsorship/home.
>
>
> *Please shoot me a message on Discord (another invite to the MO Discord
> Server at the bottom of this email), email (<tommy.j.goodwin.jr...>
> <tommy.j.goodwin.jr...>), or text (417-241-9189) if you are
> interested in this and which county(ies) you would be interested in; if
> more than one person contacts me for a county, I will put them in contact
> with each other so that more of those counties can be covered and that we
> do not overlap efforts.*
>
>
>
> This is very last minute, but since we are trying to capture peak spring
> migration, this count needs to be held on Saturday, May 9 (two days away)
> with Sunday, May 10 and Monday, May 11 as a second/third day for a second
> county or additional coverage of the first county if needed; I want a max
> of two consecutive days for a single county. I have included a link to the
> documents provided to the IL group for this year, but I haven't had
> invested the time to redo it for MO without knowing the buy in I will get.
> Of note, the files include: (1) the IL 2026 SBC Instruction Sheet - 2
> pages; (2) the IL 2025 SBC Report (11 pages and I would like to recreate
> something similar with the MO results even if it is only a handful of
> counties; we have to start somewhere!); (3) the IL species checklist
> handout (I would prefer an eBird Trip Report for each county, but an email
> physical list is fine too).
>
>
>
> MO Spring Bird Count Google Drive link:
> https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1da8VAxXHESdCFU3zu8Y5vG8YzGcwbNtm?usp=drive_link >
>
> Again, this is the first year I am trying this, so I understand it may be
> a lotta crazy and haphazard, but I will deal with that as it comes up and
> on the back end. Ultimately, I just wanted to open my test run up to other
> people in case they were interested in helping out.
>
>
>
> As a reminder, Missouri has a state-wide Discord server for all things
> birding. This server is a very powerful tool and is like a hybrid between
> the list-serve (for heavier content), Slack/Group-Me (for quick turnaround
> reports), social media (for identification help and photo sharing), and
> email (for event notifications). It has a mobile and desktop app, so you
> can be in touch anytime and anywhere (pending you have internet service).
> When you join the server, you will only be able to see a few channels
> (e.g. server rules, how to use Discord, new members, and verify). At a
> minimum, please read through the rules and then go to the verify channel
> and read the top pinned message which has directions to verify your account
> (it really is as simple as typing a few words, but the command has to be
> typed specifically). Once you are verified, an immediate process, all
> of the public channels will be visible, and you can check out the statewide
> conversations and resources or click into the category for your region and
> get involved with your local community. If you have any questions about it,
> my contact information is listed above.
>
>
>
> Discord server link: https://discord.gg/HCNegFmS9y >
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> *Tommy J. Goodwin*
> St. Charles, MO
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/9/26 8:02 am From: Steve Phillips <000007ee57896d58-dmarc-request...> Subject: Swainson's Warbler @ Unity Village, Lee's Summit, Mo.
My wife and I are hearing and watching a Swainson's Warbler @ Unity Village, Lees Summit. He's at the 90° bend of the trail where it crosses the creek and heads up the long hill eventually leading to the lake. Steve Phillips KCMO
Date: 5/7/26 3:15 pm From: Jean L <0000067a456a8961-dmarc-request...> Subject: Eagle Bluffs CA, avocets and more
Avocets reported this morning continue in pool 11, also phalaropes. Pool 10 has WF ibis. Pool 4 at end of loop has 2 hudsonian godwits. All found by others ... I'm just reporting.
Jean Leonatti <jaleonatti...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/7/26 8:54 am From: Tom Nagel <000007c6b764b0cb-dmarc-request...> Subject: Loess Bluffs Pools & Shorebirds, Holt County
The northwest part of Snow Goose Pool B (the second pool south of the
turnoff from the auto tour loop to go out the north entrance) was being
worked yesterday (vegetation knocked down & mud disked) with hundreds if
not thousands of shorebirds feeding there, including marbled godwit, rudddy
turnstone, willet, dunlin & Wilson's phalarope.
GPS 40.087107°, -95.267151°
They were also working the *second pool* south of the pump house pool on
the east side of the auto tour loop as well. (the pump house pool is the
first pool after you leave the wooded area on the north side of the auto
tour loop that has grasslands to the south) It had 11 black necked stilts
in it along with numerous shorebirds. (The first pool south of the pump
house is a couple of hundred yards away from the road back in the woods
while the second one is next to the road with a small pull off at its north
end.) Small parking lot location at this pool is:
GPS 40.097458°, -95.230192°
Several sandhill cranes, yellow-headed blackbirds & great-tailed grackles
were seen and heard on the refuge.
Tom Nagel
St. Joseph
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/7/26 8:45 am From: Tommy Goodwin <000007c57ea5d08c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Missouri Spring Bird Count - Trial Run
Hi MO-Bsters,
I am probably going to be biting off more than I can chew with this one, but I have been wanting to implement a Spring Bird Count in Missouri to mirror what Illinois have been doing for the last 54 years. I am under the understanding that MO used to conduct these, but they were abandoned due to lack of involvement; I am going to try to start it back up! Think of this as really similar to Christmas Bird Counts, but instead of a circle the count includes an entire county. I would love to present this in the future to MCHF and MDC, but I want to get a framework built and tested first before I try to get any organization sponsorship/home.
*Please shoot me a message on Discord (another invite to the MO Discord Server at the bottom of this email), email (<tommy.j.goodwin.jr...> <tommy.j.goodwin.jr...>), or text (417-241-9189) if you are interested in this and which county(ies) you would be interested in; if more than one person contacts me for a county, I will put them in contact with each other so that more of those counties can be covered and that we do not overlap efforts.*
This is very last minute, but since we are trying to capture peak spring migration, this count needs to be held on Saturday, May 9 (two days away) with Sunday, May 10 and Monday, May 11 as a second/third day for a second county or additional coverage of the first county if needed; I want a max of two consecutive days for a single county. I have included a link to the documents provided to the IL group for this year, but I haven't had invested the time to redo it for MO without knowing the buy in I will get. Of note, the files include: (1) the IL 2026 SBC Instruction Sheet - 2 pages; (2) the IL 2025 SBC Report (11 pages and I would like to recreate something similar with the MO results even if it is only a handful of counties; we have to start somewhere!); (3) the IL species checklist handout (I would prefer an eBird Trip Report for each county, but an email physical list is fine too).
Again, this is the first year I am trying this, so I understand it may be a lotta crazy and haphazard, but I will deal with that as it comes up and on the back end. Ultimately, I just wanted to open my test run up to other people in case they were interested in helping out.
As a reminder, Missouri has a state-wide Discord server for all things birding. This server is a very powerful tool and is like a hybrid between the list-serve (for heavier content), Slack/Group-Me (for quick turnaround reports), social media (for identification help and photo sharing), and email (for event notifications). It has a mobile and desktop app, so you can be in touch anytime and anywhere (pending you have internet service). When you join the server, you will only be able to see a few channels (e.g. server rules, how to use Discord, new members, and verify). At a minimum, please read through the rules and then go to the verify channel and read the top pinned message which has directions to verify your account (it really is as simple as typing a few words, but the command has to be typed specifically). Once you are verified, an immediate process, all of the public channels will be visible, and you can check out the statewide conversations and resources or click into the category for your region and get involved with your local community. If you have any questions about it, my contact information is listed above.
Date: 5/6/26 7:51 pm From: JERRY WILLIAMS <000007b7616c1451-dmarc-request...> Subject: Christian county bobolinks
Margie & I saw a large flock of bobolinks this morning at 10am near Billings. The pin dropped on 1225 Kruger Road, Billings. Margie counted 40 on her side, mostly on the large brush pile. I counted 37 on my side, all perched on two barb wire fences. (She won again!) No telling how many more were buried in the tall fescue hay fields.
Jerry and Margie Williams Republic, Greene county, Mo.
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/6/26 3:10 pm From: Jean L <0000067a456a8961-dmarc-request...> Subject: Eagle Bluffs this evening
Have only made it as far as pool 5 - there are black terns in the middle distribution channel along with 1000s of swallows. A badly limping American bittern out in the open in the first part of pool 5; and just downstream from him are 11 WF Ibis. Hoping for more goodies as I progress thru the area.
Jean Leonatti <jaleonatti...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/6/26 9:10 am From: Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Bird for Brad: Trip Report
Yes, many folks shared their lists after my email! We're now up to 154 checklists, 278 species with Colombia and Morocco added to the country list. 🙂
________________________________
From: Jane Fitzgerald <jane.chjv...>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 10:57 AM
To: Kendrick, Sarah W <sarah_kendrick...>
Cc: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Bird for Brad: Trip Report
This email has been received from outside of DOI - Use caution before clicking on links, opening attachments, or responding.
That is so cool. Great tribute to Brad, he would have loved it, no doubt. But some of those birds were definitely beyond the borders of the U.S. and Canada! A puff bird, the tody-flycatchers, laughing dove…love shown for Brad through birding across a few continents is hard to beat.
Thanks for putting this together and sharing it, Sarah. Hope your conservation efforts are going well!
Jane
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 10:12 AM Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...><mailto:<00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
Wow, thanks for all the lists for Bird for Brad! In total, we had 136 checklists submitted in the US and Canada tallying 222 species! I appreciate folks who participated to celebrate the memory of our friend Brad Jacobs.
Date: 5/6/26 9:07 am From: Jane Fitzgerald <000007a59c5c7fe6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bird for Brad: Trip Report
That is so cool. Great tribute to Brad, he would have loved it, no doubt.
But some of those birds were definitely beyond the borders of the U.S. and
Canada! A puff bird, the tody-flycatchers, laughing dove…love shown for
Brad through birding across a few continents is hard to beat.
Thanks for putting this together and sharing it, Sarah. Hope your
conservation efforts are going well!
Jane
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 10:12 AM Kendrick, Sarah W <
<00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Wow, thanks for all the lists for Bird for Brad! In total, we had 136
> checklists submitted in the US and Canada tallying 222 species! I
> appreciate folks who participated to celebrate the memory of our friend
> Brad Jacobs.
>
> I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful spring weather - check out that list
> of warblers! 🙂 Trip Report that includes May 1 and 2 here:
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/511531?welcome=true.
>
> Thanks again, and happy birding!
> Sarah
>
> Columbia
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/5/26 5:26 pm From: Dana Ripper <0000079a09e87a9b-dmarc-request...> Subject: No sighting - Missouri grasslands celebration and workshop - May 30th
Greetings, Missouri birders,
I am pleased to bring to your attention an event on May 30th hosted by the Missouri River Bird Observatory and many partners. This is a Grasslands Celebration and Learning Opportunity, which will take place in and around Sedalia and its remnant and reconstructed prairies. The event is free and all are welcome.
Field trips will take place in the morning on a selection of prairie sites south of Sedalia and last approximately two hours. Then we will convene for lunch at the Heckart Community Center, followed by presentations on a variety of grassland topics. I will try and place the list of concurrent sessions below (fingers crossed the list-serve lets me do this).
BIG THANKS to MoBirder Kathleen Anderson - back in late 2024, she and I discussed conservation and education priorities and that conversation was the direct inspiration for this event!
Please attend and bring a friend - especially someone new to grassland bird conservation.
Sincerely,
Dana
11:30 - 12:15
Lunchtime keynote: Greg Olson on Indigenous Missourians' connections to prairies
Post-lunch Concurrent Sessions
Local Landscapes track
Local Landscapes: presenter(s)
Food Systems (producer-oriented) track
Food Systems: presenters
Community Science track
Community Science: presenters
12:20 - 12:45
Local prairies general overview
Carol Davit, MPF
Beef Production/Native Forage
Steve Clubine, indep. rancher
The Apps: iNat, Merlin, eBird, Bobscapes, Seek & iNat
Tara Hohman, Audubon & Tessa Poolman, MRBO
12:50 - 1:15
Prairie Conservation
Bruce Schuette, MPF
Audubon Conservation Ranching
Tara Hohman, Audubon
Missouri Bumble Bee Atlas
Bill White, CFM
1:15 - 1:40
Plants
Steve Buback, MDC
Cost-share Programs
Drew Summers, PF-QF
Honey Bees, Native Bees and Butterflies
Dave Hoover, PF-QF
1:45 - 2:10
Pollinators
Alex Morphew, MDC
Prescribed Fire
Wesley Hanks PF-QF
Stream Teams opportunities - watersheds/water quality monitoring
Garrett Frandson, DNR
2:15 - 2:40
Birds
Ethan Duke, MRBO
Connecting Prairie-Friendly Eaters with Producers
Jill Lucht, MRCC
Nestbox landlording for prairie-associated species
Vernon Elsberry, MPF
Dana Ripper
Co-Director
mrbo.org
[A logo of a bird observatory Description automatically generated]
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/5/26 12:41 pm From: Schneider, Daniel <00000496ddbe8980-dmarc-request...> Subject: Tower Grove Park whip-poor-will
For any STL city birders that are not on the Discord group there’s an Eastern whip-poor-will perched on a branch on the far west end of the Gaddy Garden that has been sitting there all day long, originally found by Iris Gibson. If you go to the bench on west end (not the one by bubbler!) and find the batch of 5 cherry trees pretty much across from it on south side of path, follow the leftmost cherry tree up and search it’s branches directly above the trail. Bird is sitting up on the limb rather than laying down trying to look like a bump on a branch. It’s been seen by many today and is still there…
Good find by Iris this morning!
Luke Schneider
Eureka MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 8:20 pm From: Dianne & Steve Kinder <0000041e4c13219a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Nighthawks back Chillicothe.
Common Nighthawks were in found in several locations over town this evening. I always enjoy hearing and watching them through out the time they are here! Later,Steve KinderLivingston <Countydmkinder...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 5:37 pm From: Monacell, Peter L. <0000078632dd2087-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: MBS 125th Anniversary Meeting--and a thank you
I’m also thrilled to add my congratulations here.
Edge, you are deeply deserving of the Rudolf Bennitt Award, and I’m glad to have seen the award so movingly presented and elegantly received.
Pete Monacell,
Jefferson City
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Lisa Saffell <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...>
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 at 3:41 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Re: MBS 125th Anniversary Meeting--and a thank you
CAUTION!: This email originated from outside of Columbia College.
Congratulations Edge! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. Thank you for your birding friendship and mentoring from afar!
Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
On May 4, 2026, at 1:41 PM, Sarah Kendrick <00000678351f5454-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Congratulations, my friend! Well deserved. You work so hard for Missouri birds, birders, and partnerships. Deep thanks for what you do.
Sarah
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM Paul Roisen <0000077cee02babf-dmarc-request...><mailto:<0000077cee02babf-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
Way to GO!!! Edge.
Having known Edge for many years, though I am an Iowa birder, I have been blessed by knowing her. One of my early contacts was back in 2025 in North Carolina (along with Pam and Reid Allen). We have had a good number of email interactions over the years. I wish that AJ (Anna Johnson) , another incredible birding lady, was around to celebrate this well-deserved honor.
Thanks to all those who made this possible.
God Bless.
Paul O. Roisen
Sioux City, IA 51106 Woodbury County, IA
Mobile 712-301-2817 <roisenp1950...><mailto:<roisenp1950...>
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 12:37 PM Deepa Mohan <00000661e218c360-dmarc-request...><mailto:<00000661e218c360-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
What a well-deserved honour, Wade! Congratulations. I am glad that "more than a dozen people kept the process secret for more than a year". There is usually very little that escapes your (to use a bird phrase) eagle eye!
Cheers, Deepa.
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 9:42 AM Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...><mailto:<00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
All,
I'm having difficulty finding the words describing the utter surprise of receiving the Rudolf Bennitt Award. Equal to the surprise of the award, itself, is the amazement of learning more than a dozen people were able to kept the process a secret for more than a year! 5-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
Date: 5/4/26 1:41 pm From: Lisa Saffell <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: MBS 125th Anniversary Meeting--and a thank you
Congratulations Edge! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. Thank you for your birding friendship and mentoring from afar!
Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
> On May 4, 2026, at 1:41 PM, Sarah Kendrick <00000678351f5454-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Congratulations, my friend! Well deserved. You work so hard for Missouri birds, birders, and partnerships. Deep thanks for what you do.
>
> Sarah
>
> On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM Paul Roisen <0000077cee02babf-dmarc-request...> <mailto:<0000077cee02babf-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
>> Way to GO!!! Edge.
>> Having known Edge for many years, though I am an Iowa birder, I have been blessed by knowing her. One of my early contacts was back in 2025 in North Carolina (along with Pam and Reid Allen). We have had a good number of email interactions over the years. I wish that AJ (Anna Johnson) , another incredible birding lady, was around to celebrate this well-deserved honor.
>>
>> Thanks to all those who made this possible.
>> God Bless.
>> Paul O. Roisen
>> Sioux City, IA 51106 Woodbury County, IA
>> Mobile 712-301-2817 <roisenp1950...> <mailto:<roisenp1950...> >>
>> On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 12:37 PM Deepa Mohan <00000661e218c360-dmarc-request...> <mailto:<00000661e218c360-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
>>> What a well-deserved honour, Wade! Congratulations. I am glad that "more than a dozen people kept the process secret for more than a year". There is usually very little that escapes your (to use a bird phrase) eagle eye!
>>>
>>> Cheers, Deepa.
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 9:42 AM Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> <mailto:<00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
>>>> All,
>>>> I'm having difficulty finding the words describing the utter surprise of receiving the Rudolf Bennitt Award. Equal to the surprise of the award, itself, is the amazement of learning more than a dozen people were able to kept the process a secret for more than a year! 5-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>>>
>>>
>>> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
>>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription options <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org/> / Email the list owners <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >>>
>>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>>>
>>
>>
>> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription options <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org/> / Email the list owners <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>>
>
>
> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription options <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org/> / Email the list owners <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> > MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 11:46 am From: Jean L <0000067a456a8961-dmarc-request...> Subject: Eagle Bluffs CA, shorebirds
This morning EBCA was a feast for the ears - influx of indigo buntings, dickcissels, eastern kingbirds provided a continuous background of song. Numerous NoWaterthrush, chats, yellow warblers, bells and warbling videos, soras, marsh wrens. added to the "score". Virtually a YR warbler in every tree and shrub; so many palm warblers several were walking on the road!
Estimate 300-500 shorebirds were also present, primarily in pools 10-11. A good variety - both yellowlegs, both dowitchers; pectoral, least, white-rumped, bairds, semi-palmated, stilt, spotted sandpipers; dunlin, Wilson's phalaropes, semi-palmated plovers. Two peregrines were causing birds to flush and move often.
Incoming front could cause another change up tomorrow. Oh, just got a text that black terns have now appeared.
Jean Leonatti Boone county <jaleonatti...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 11:42 am From: Sarah Kendrick <00000678351f5454-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: MBS 125th Anniversary Meeting--and a thank you
Congratulations, my friend! Well deserved. You work so hard for Missouri
birds, birders, and partnerships. Deep thanks for what you do.
Sarah
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM Paul Roisen <
<0000077cee02babf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Way to GO!!! Edge.
> Having known Edge for many years, though I am an Iowa birder, I have
> been blessed by knowing her. One of my early contacts was back in 2025 in
> North Carolina (along with Pam and Reid Allen). We have had a good number
> of email interactions over the years. I wish that AJ (Anna Johnson) ,
> another incredible birding lady, was around to celebrate this well-deserved
> honor.
>
> Thanks to all those who made this possible.
> God Bless.
> *Paul O. Roisen*
> *Sioux City, IA 51106 **Woodbury County, IA*
> *Mobile 712-301-2817 **<roisenp1950...> <roisenp1950...>*
>
>
> On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 12:37 PM Deepa Mohan <
> <00000661e218c360-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> What a well-deserved honour, Wade! Congratulations. I am glad that "more
>> than a dozen people kept the process secret for more than a year". There
>> is usually very little that escapes your (to use a bird phrase) eagle eye!
>>
>> Cheers, Deepa.
>>
>>
>> On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 9:42 AM Edge Wade <
>> <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>
>>> All,
>>> I'm having difficulty finding the words describing the utter surprise of
>>> receiving the Rudolf Bennitt Award. Equal to the surprise of the award,
>>> itself, is the amazement of learning more than a dozen people were able to
>>> kept the process a secret for more than a year! 5-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options
>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>
>> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 11:10 am From: Kristie Nelson <000006a4ec382922-dmarc-request...> Subject: no sighting - request for beta testers
Greetings friends,
Warble Bird Songs, an ear-birding app, is requesting your help. Our small team is looking for beta testers to try out this nearly completed app and provide feedback. Tired of automatic app-generated identifications? Ever struggled with terminology to describe a sound? Warble Bird Songs will help! It builds ear-birding skills by developing your pattern recognition skills. It contains tutorials and provides a new and interactive approach to learning bird sound.
Warble Bird Songs contains accessibility features that make it an effective tool for blind and visually impaired users to learn ear-birding. In fact, that is the primary goal of the app. Yet sighted users will find it useful without even realizing these underlying features.
Were a not-for-profit endeavor. Please help us improve the app that will allow the blind and sighted to become better ear-birders independently. All skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcomed. For more information or to sign up as a beta-tester, please visit https://warblebirdsongs.wixsite.com/warble-bird-songs Many thanks to the few MO birders who already tested - you're welcome to join it again. Please share with anyone you think may be interested. We're looking for a sizeable pool of people to test the app.
Much appreciated,
Kristie Nelson
Eunice, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 11:01 am From: Paul Roisen <0000077cee02babf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: MBS 125th Anniversary Meeting--and a thank you
Way to GO!!! Edge.
Having known Edge for many years, though I am an Iowa birder, I have
been blessed by knowing her. One of my early contacts was back in 2025 in
North Carolina (along with Pam and Reid Allen). We have had a good number
of email interactions over the years. I wish that AJ (Anna Johnson) ,
another incredible birding lady, was around to celebrate this well-deserved
honor.
Thanks to all those who made this possible.
God Bless.
*Paul O. Roisen*
*Sioux City, IA 51106 **Woodbury County, IA*
*Mobile 712-301-2817 **<roisenp1950...> <roisenp1950...>*
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 12:37 PM Deepa Mohan <
<00000661e218c360-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> What a well-deserved honour, Wade! Congratulations. I am glad that "more
> than a dozen people kept the process secret for more than a year". There
> is usually very little that escapes your (to use a bird phrase) eagle eye!
>
> Cheers, Deepa.
>
>
> On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 9:42 AM Edge Wade <
> <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> All,
>> I'm having difficulty finding the words describing the utter surprise of
>> receiving the Rudolf Bennitt Award. Equal to the surprise of the award,
>> itself, is the amazement of learning more than a dozen people were able to
>> kept the process a secret for more than a year! 5-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 10:37 am From: Deepa Mohan <00000661e218c360-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: MBS 125th Anniversary Meeting--and a thank you
What a well-deserved honour, Wade! Congratulations. I am glad that "more
than a dozen people kept the process secret for more than a year". There
is usually very little that escapes your (to use a bird phrase) eagle eye!
Cheers, Deepa.
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 9:42 AM Edge Wade <
<00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> All,
> I'm having difficulty finding the words describing the utter surprise of
> receiving the Rudolf Bennitt Award. Equal to the surprise of the award,
> itself, is the amazement of learning more than a dozen people were able to
> kept the process a secret for more than a year! 5-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 9:42 am From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: MBS 125th Anniversary Meeting--and a thank you
All, If you weren't able to be present for the 125th anniversary Missouri Birding Society meeting in Chesterfield, you missed a great experience in connecting with many others who share your "calling" for a fascination with birds.
The field trips offered a varied mix of habitats and snippets of conversations confirmed that they were positive experiences with a great variety of species seen and several birders rewarded with lifers. The speakers' presentations were informative and entertaining.
I'm having difficulty finding the words describing the honor and gratitude I have for being a part of the MBS community of birders and the utter surprise of receiving the Rudolf Bennitt Award. Equal to the surprise of the award, itself, is the amazement of learning more than a dozen people were able to kept the process a secret for more than a year!
Thank you all, my MBS extended family, for being who you are and for sharing the joys of all the pleasures we experience pursuing our passion for birds and the wonders of the natural worlds of Missouri and beyond.
The future is bright with possibilities as I look forward to sharing more days of bodacious birding with you.
Thank you,
Edge Wade Columbia, MO <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 9:22 am From: Schneider, Daniel <00000496ddbe8980-dmarc-request...> Subject: Fun MBS weekend
I think I sent my first message to the ‘old’ MBS address, apologies if this comes thru twice…
Just wanted to send a big thank you out to all of the MBS staff/volunteers that helped put together the great gathering this weekend. It was nice to put faces to some familiar names and see some great speakers. The field trips were also a lot of fun, hopefully everyone enjoyed the weekend as much as I did and got to see many birds. Thanks for all of the hard work behind the scenes to put on a very well organized rendezvous.
Luke Schneider
Eureka MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/4/26 8:13 am From: Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bird for Brad: Trip Report
Wow, thanks for all the lists for Bird for Brad! In total, we had 136 checklists submitted in the US and Canada tallying 222 species! I appreciate folks who participated to celebrate the memory of our friend Brad Jacobs.
Date: 5/4/26 7:30 am From: Schneider, Daniel <00000496ddbe8980-dmarc-request...> Subject: Fun MBS weekend!
Just wanted to send a big thank you out to all of the MBS staff/volunteers that helped put together the great gathering this weekend. It was nice to put faces to some familiar names and see some great speakers. The field trips were also a lot of fun, hopefully everyone enjoyed the weekend as much as I did and got to see many birds. Thanks for all of the hard work behind the scenes to put on a very well organized rendezvous.
Luke Schneider
Eureka MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/2/26 7:28 pm From: Robert Brundage <00000767646f58b8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Loess Bluffs NWR, Sat. May 2.
Today, Denise Welch and I birded Loess Bluffs, Decent shorebirds. Warblers hard to come by. Shorebirds seen were:
*
Least, Pectoral, Semipalmated, Spotted, Bairds, (1) Stilt Sandpiper
*
American Golden Plover, 1
*
American Avocet, 1
*
Hudsonian Godwits, 3
*
Marbled Godwit, 1 (saw buffy under-wings)
*
Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs
*
Long-billed Dowitchers, many
*
Willet, 1
*
Wilsons Phalaropes, many
*
Dunlin
Also seen:
White-faced Ibis, saw flock of 40, later in the day flying flock of 76
Heard several American Bitterns
One Snipe
Franklins and Ring-billed gulls
Black Terns
Caspian Terns
Robert J. Brundage
354 Cannondale Rd
Jefferson City, MO 65109-8430
(573) 338-5753 mobile
<rjbrundage...>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/2/26 12:14 pm From: paul konarske <0000076586f9590d-dmarc-request...> Subject: New backyard bird
Last Wed. A new visitor stopped at our dripper and deck. A peak plumage male Prothonotary Warbler. A nice surpise! And a real beauty. Also a single hummer that did not stay.
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/2/26 11:25 am From: Carla_Kevin Hogan <000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...> Subject: Gray catbird - Kevin Hogan Shannon County.
I just had a Gray catbird at our feeding area. This is a very special bird to me.
When I took Ornithology at M.U./Columbia, it was the first bird I learned on a field trip! Kevin Hogan, Shannon County.
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 5/1/26 8:39 am From: C <00000696819773b8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clay-colored Sparrows, Columbia
Clay-colored sparrow still there today (5/1) around cypress tree in NW
corner of FWS parking lot/
SW corner of the Paxton Keeley Elementary School.
Cheryl Rosenfeld
Boone County, MO
On Thu, Apr 30, 2026 at 5:01 PM Edge Wade <
<00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Paul McKenzie called to say there are Clay-colored Sparrows on the
> ground in the northwest corner of the Fish and Wildlife Service property on
> Park de Ville in Columbia. They are near the fence and the only bald
> cypress tree there.
>
> Edge Wade
> Columbia, MO
> <1edgewade...>
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Paul McKenzie called to say there are Clay-colored Sparrows on the ground in the northwest corner of the Fish and Wildlife Service property on Park de Ville in Columbia. They are near the fence and the only bald cypress tree there.
Edge Wade Columbia, MO <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/29/26 7:30 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sharpie vs Coopers - Pete Dunne Tip
Distinguishing between these 2 species can often be quite difficult.
In the recent May/June 2026 issue of BWD Magazine, formerly Bird Watchers Digest, Pete Dunne offers a tip he uses when identifying hawks at a distance. It’s a 1 page article.
“Cooper’s hawks have a tail tipped with a broad white, sharply defined terminal band. The tail of the sharp-shinned shows a narrow, indistinct band that is difficult to see.” If you’re not familiar with this bimonthly magazine, check it out at the link below. It has lots of photos, interesting stories and tips on birding locations and ID. They have a sample issue to view (not this May/June issue), but you have to subscribe to view this issue. I have no connection, nor do I benefit from it.
Date: 4/29/26 1:55 am From: Josh Mosteller <000006f13077971f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Grand Pass CA accessibility
I'm thinking about making a trip out to Grand Pass and/or Swan Lake soon as I've never been to either location this time of year. The most recent eBird checklist for Grand Pass, from the 26th, states that the wooded one-way loop road on the west side was unexpectedly closed. If anyone finds out if it's reopened or when it will, please let me know.
Josh Mosteller Columbia
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/28/26 3:08 pm From: Jane Frazier <000006e778e2ffac-dmarc-request...> Subject: Binder lake
Shirley Seabaugh and I just got a quick glimpse at a northern waterthrush at binder where the creek crosses binder road at the bottom of the big hill. Also at binder were solitary sandpiper and a Baltimore Oriole. Warblers have been pretty good here and in columbia and around with my favorite being the blue winged warbler at Prairie garden Trust. Typical stormy April day here.
Jane Frazier Jefferson City
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/27/26 5:04 pm From: Jean L <0000067a456a8961-dmarc-request...> Subject: Wallets, godwits EBCA
There are currently 12 Willets and 3 godwits, I believe marbled, in distribution channel before junction box housing. All standing in group, perhaps exhausted battling recent storms. Eagle Bluffs CA.
Jean Leonatti <jaleonatti...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/27/26 12:46 pm From: Matt Schamberger <000006a5c8ef443d-dmarc-request...> Subject: Tower Grove Park, St. Louis City
Quite birdy today (April 27). In 3.5 hours, our small group of 3 people had 65 species. Highlights were: Scarlet tanagers, Yellow breasted chat, Cape May warbler, 4 thrush species, plus numerous Ovenbirds and Catbirds.
Though the Gaddy Bird Garden area and Jack's Pond area, within the park boundaries, were good we saw more species outside of these areas than we did within them.
Matt Schamberger St. Louis, MO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/27/26 12:35 pm From: Kristie Nelson <000006a4ec382922-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Birding at Montauk State Park
Merlin seemed especially glitchy Saturday for some of us at Montauk. It was consistently giving many of us Swainson's Warbler for LOWA, even at close range. Another person, who had the Midwest set as the range, it was giving southern species like Slate-throated redstart. As Edge says, don't take Merlin at face value. Often correct, but makes plenty of mistakes.
Thank you Linda for organizing the Audubon group at Montauk
________________________________
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2026 7:04 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Re: Birding at Montauk State Park
I have had Merlin indicate Swainson's Warbler while watching a Louisiana Waterthrush vocalize. One more instance to remind all to verify any unexpected species indicated by Merlin. Just tonight while waiting for Chuck-will's-widow to call, Merlin identified a repetitive Carolina Wren as a Northern Mockingbird. I've had it identify a cardinal as a mockingbird several times, but this was a first.
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade2...><mailto:<1edgewade2...>
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 8:58 PM John and Linda Frederick <0000067ecfb442d3-dmarc-request...><mailto:<0000067ecfb442d3-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
Several birders had a great time birding at Montauk State Park on Saturday April 25. A big thank you to Kristie Nelson for leading our group
It is always a great place to see Cerulean Warblers, among others. Though the Ceruleans don't show themselves well, staying in the treetops.
We didn't have anything exotic or unexpected, but nice views of Louisiana Waterthrush, American Redstart, Kentucky, Blue-winged, and Northern Parula. Worm-eating Warblers vocalized but would not come out of the shaded slopes.
Of interest, I think, was that Merlin repeatedly identified a Swainson's Warbler while Louisiana Waterthrush was singing. We pretty much agreed that Merlin was mistaken. Although I admit I was hopeful for a time, considering that Montauk is not too many river miles from known locations on the Current River.
I think combining a mistaken Merlin with a poorly viewed Worm-eating could maybe lead to a Swainson's being reported.
A great day to be out.
And I still haven't seen a Rose-breasted Grosbeak this year! Bah-humbug!
Date: 4/27/26 12:30 pm From: Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Reminders: MO Birding Challenge and Bird for Brad
P.S. To participate in Bird for Brad, simply share your eBird lists with birdforbrad username and I will tally them up after!
Last year, 240 checklists recorded 340 species from Canada, the US, Mexico, Colombia, and Spain!
Sarah
________________________________
From: Kendrick, Sarah W <sarah_kendrick...>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 2:10 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <mobirds-l...>
Subject: Reminders: MO Birding Challenge and Bird for Brad
Hey MOBIRDS!
Friendly birdy reminder that registration for the Missouri Birding Challenge ends at 11:59 pm on April 30! There are categories for newbies and seasoned birders - please share the links and info below with friends and family who you think may want to try it out.
Also, Bird for Brad is on May 1- this Friday! Get outside to do any amount of birding - in your backyard, for 5 mins at a local park, for hours anywhere in the world! Just share your eBird checklist with birdforbrad and I'll tally up all the lists from the day together.
Take care all - first Rose-breasted Grosbeak male-female pair on my feeder at lunchtime!! Woohoo!
Sarah in Columbia
________________________________
From: Kendrick, Sarah W <sarah_kendrick...>
Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 7:37 AM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <mobirds-l...>
Subject: Missouri Birding Challenge - Registration open!
Good morning, birders!
Registration for the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge opens today! Ca-caw!
Remember there are 5 Challenge categories for all levels of birding:
*
Fledgling: youth(s) + mentor
*
Backyard Birder: bird only in your yard
*
Dabbler: bird anywhere, small number of eBird lists to submit
*
Big Day on May 9: record as many bird species as you can in the 24 hours of May 9
*
Competitive Coot: record as many bird species as you can during the full Challenge
All category registrants or teams will be entered into a prize drawing, so any team can win prizes if they submit their eBird Trip Report for their registered category or categories!
Important dates:
Registration open: April 1-30
Missouri Birding Challenge: May 1-22, 2026
eBird Trip Report for your categories due: May 25
Let's go birding! (This is not an April Fool's!)
Sarah
Sarah Kendrick
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Columbia, MO 65203
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/27/26 12:10 pm From: Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Reminders: MO Birding Challenge and Bird for Brad
Hey MOBIRDS!
Friendly birdy reminder that registration for the Missouri Birding Challenge ends at 11:59 pm on April 30! There are categories for newbies and seasoned birders - please share the links and info below with friends and family who you think may want to try it out.
Also, Bird for Brad is on May 1- this Friday! Get outside to do any amount of birding - in your backyard, for 5 mins at a local park, for hours anywhere in the world! Just share your eBird checklist with birdforbrad and I'll tally up all the lists from the day together.
Take care all - first Rose-breasted Grosbeak male-female pair on my feeder at lunchtime!! Woohoo!
Sarah in Columbia
________________________________
From: Kendrick, Sarah W <sarah_kendrick...>
Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 7:37 AM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <mobirds-l...>
Subject: Missouri Birding Challenge - Registration open!
Good morning, birders!
Registration for the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge opens today! Ca-caw!
Remember there are 5 Challenge categories for all levels of birding:
*
Fledgling: youth(s) + mentor
*
Backyard Birder: bird only in your yard
*
Dabbler: bird anywhere, small number of eBird lists to submit
*
Big Day on May 9: record as many bird species as you can in the 24 hours of May 9
*
Competitive Coot: record as many bird species as you can during the full Challenge
All category registrants or teams will be entered into a prize drawing, so any team can win prizes if they submit their eBird Trip Report for their registered category or categories!
Important dates:
Registration open: April 1-30
Missouri Birding Challenge: May 1-22, 2026
eBird Trip Report for your categories due: May 25
Let's go birding! (This is not an April Fool's!)
Sarah
Sarah Kendrick
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Columbia, MO 65203
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
I'm not getting much done...
I also had a Linconln's Sparrow come to the brush pile, as well as a
White-crowned Sparrow (not common in my yard), and two RBSPs exploring
brushpile area.
A Baltimore Oriole makes sporadic visits to the jelly and two hummingbirds
keep one another off that feeder...
Maybe I should invest in blackout curtains or sleep in and work nights...
My AADD is in high gear.
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade...>
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 1:45 PM John and Linda Frederick <
<0000067ecfb442d3-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Finally this morning we had a Rose-breasted Grosbeak (a male) in our yard.
> Lovely bird.
>
> But even better I think was a Lincoln's Sparrow stopping by for a short
> time.
>
> Spring birding is the best!
>
>
> Linda Frederick
> Rolla MO
>
> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026, 10:17 AM Edge Wade <
> <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> In thunderstorm rain, I now have 5--3 male,2 female at my feeders.
>> They are making it very difficult to get pressing trip planning done!
>> Edge Wade
>> Columbia
>> <1edgewade...>
>>
>> ------------------------------
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>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>
>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
>> Chesterfield, MO
>>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
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> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/27/26 10:45 am From: Carla_Kevin Hogan <000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...> Subject: Scissor-tailed flycatcher - Kevin Hogan.
I had a beautiful, male Scissor-tailed flycatcher near West Plains the other day. Gorgeous bird! Howell County I believe, is the county there.
Kevin Hogan in Shannon County.
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/27/26 10:23 am From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: No sighting, Bluebirds and House Wrens
But, remember, the House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow
and European Starling are not native, so are fair game for nest
disturbance/removal.
Edge Wade
<1edgewade...>
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 12:20 PM Allen Gathman <
<0000069cc4b94a13-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Generally, the Migratory Bird Treaty makes it illegal to disturb the nest
> of any native bird species. So you have to let the wrens and bluebirds
> fight it out among themselves.
>
> -Allen Gathman
>
> On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 5:20 PM Jean Ellen Whatley <
> <0000067b05857506-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> Hello!
>>
>> I had a clutch of Eastern Bluebirds fledge yesterday and I was very happy
>> and excited! Then, in ONE day, this morning I heard House Wrens for the
>> first time this season. They have moved IN to the bluebird house, looks
>> like nesting on top of the bluebird nest. Should I clear it out? Cover up
>> the opening for a few days to dissuade them? Last year, I had three
>> different broods come from that nest box. I was going to reach out and ask
>> if I should clean it out anyway, and then the wrens moved in.
>>
>> Advice?
>>
>>
>> Many thanks,
>> Jean Whatley
>> Webster Groves, STL Co.
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options
>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>
>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
>> Chesterfield, MO
>>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/27/26 10:21 am From: Allen Gathman <0000069cc4b94a13-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: No sighting, Bluebirds and House Wrens
Generally, the Migratory Bird Treaty makes it illegal to disturb the nest
of any native bird species. So you have to let the wrens and bluebirds
fight it out among themselves.
-Allen Gathman
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 5:20 PM Jean Ellen Whatley <
<0000067b05857506-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Hello!
>
> I had a clutch of Eastern Bluebirds fledge yesterday and I was very happy
> and excited! Then, in ONE day, this morning I heard House Wrens for the
> first time this season. They have moved IN to the bluebird house, looks
> like nesting on top of the bluebird nest. Should I clear it out? Cover up
> the opening for a few days to dissuade them? Last year, I had three
> different broods come from that nest box. I was going to reach out and ask
> if I should clean it out anyway, and then the wrens moved in.
>
> Advice?
>
>
> Many thanks,
> Jean Whatley
> Webster Groves, STL Co.
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
We had 5 in our yard. Kevin Hogan and Carla Bascom, Shannon County.
________________________________
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 10:39 AM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Indigo Bunting
FOS just showed in my yard. Definitely not making progress on my trip planning!
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade...><mailto:<1edgewade...>
Date: 4/27/26 9:11 am From: C <00000696819773b8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
Edge,
You and I must be in tandem. Had my first Rose-breasted Grosbeaks of the
season just a bit ago- 2 males and one female. Had to drop my work to
photograph them :).
Cheryl Rosenfeld
Boone County, MO
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 10:17 AM Edge Wade <
<00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Date: 4/27/26 8:47 am From: Mary Dueren <0000069382e91e7b-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Fw: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
After the first round of storms came through STL, I now have 2 male and 1,
possibly 2 female
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.
Stay safe out there everyone!
Mary Dueren
West STL County
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 10:32 AM Carla_Kevin Hogan <
<000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Carla_Kevin Hogan <smokeywags...>
> *Sent:* Monday, April 27, 2026 10:24 AM
> *To:* Edge Wade <1edgewade...>
> *Subject:* Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
>
> We had 3 at our sunflower platform feeder yesterday. 2 males and 1
> female. Kevin Hogan and Carla Bascom, Shannon County.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf
> of Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...>
> *Sent:* Monday, April 27, 2026 10:16 AM
> *To:* <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
> *Subject:* Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
>
> In thunderstorm rain, I now have 5--3 male,2 female at my feeders.
> They are making it very difficult to get pressing trip planning done!
> Edge Wade
> Columbia
> <1edgewade...>
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
________________________________
From: Carla_Kevin Hogan <smokeywags...>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 10:24 AM
To: Edge Wade <1edgewade...>
Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
We had 3 at our sunflower platform feeder yesterday. 2 males and 1 female. Kevin Hogan and Carla Bascom, Shannon County.
________________________________
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 10:16 AM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
In thunderstorm rain, I now have 5--3 male,2 female at my feeders.
They are making it very difficult to get pressing trip planning done!
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade...><mailto:<1edgewade...>
In thunderstorm rain, I now have 5--3 male,2 female at my feeders. They are making it very difficult to get pressing trip planning done! Edge Wade Columbia <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/27/26 5:56 am From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Chuck-will's-widows at Rocky Fork CA, Boone Co.
Yesterday (April 260 evening: Sprinkles began about 7:35. Cheryl Rosenfeld and I arrived at the parking lot at the same time (unplanned) and walked a short way down the two-track. The first call was at 7:48--a short call, from a bird ahead of us. As the sprinkles became light rain, a second bird called from near the parking lot. We turned toward the lot and began walking to our cars. As we were listening to that one, another flew in toward it. The caller continued for several minutes, even as the rain was coming down. The calling last night was earlier than reported in recent visits. I think cloudy conditions affected that.
Edge Wade Columbia <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/26/26 8:29 pm From: Kirk Suedmeyer <00000537a8cbbe82-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: No sighting, Bluebirds and House Wrens
Wow- I just had bluebird chicks hatch yesterday- the male removed one shell yesterday and two today- could have removed another but this pair consistently has 3 chicks each year. This is their first clutch of the year! Has simply been an explosion of warblers and FOY Rose breasted grosbeak and first ever on property!
Kirk (Lees Summit MO)
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> On Behalf Of Jean Ellen Whatley
Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2026 5:20 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: No sighting, Bluebirds and House Wrens
Hello!
I had a clutch of Eastern Bluebirds fledge yesterday and I was very happy and excited! Then, in ONE day, this morning I heard House Wrens for the first time this season. They have moved IN to the bluebird house, looks like nesting on top of the bluebird nest. Should I clear it out? Cover up the opening for a few days to dissuade them? Last year, I had three different broods come from that nest box. I was going to reach out and ask if I should clean it out anyway, and then the wrens moved in.
Date: 4/26/26 7:18 pm From: Mike Doyen <0000067fc56f40d0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Birding at Montauk State Park
Great day in a great location. Swanson’s are difficult to see, they are
experts at camouflage and montauk is excellent habitat . I would bet there
in one or more around. Keep looking, that’s a great bird.
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 6:58 PM John and Linda Frederick <
<0000067ecfb442d3-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Several birders had a great time birding at Montauk State Park on Saturday
> April 25. A big thank you to Kristie Nelson for leading our group
>
> It is always a great place to see Cerulean Warblers, among others. Though
> the Ceruleans don't show themselves well, staying in the treetops.
>
> We didn't have anything exotic or unexpected, but nice views of Louisiana
> Waterthrush, American Redstart, Kentucky, Blue-winged, and Northern Parula.
> Worm-eating Warblers vocalized but would not come out of the shaded slopes.
>
> Of interest, I think, was that Merlin repeatedly identified a Swainson's
> Warbler while Louisiana Waterthrush was singing. We pretty much agreed that
> Merlin was mistaken. Although I admit I was hopeful for a time,
> considering that Montauk is not too many river miles from known locations
> on the Current River.
> I think combining a mistaken Merlin with a poorly viewed Worm-eating could
> maybe lead to a Swainson's being reported.
>
> A great day to be out.
>
> And I still haven't seen a Rose-breasted Grosbeak this year! Bah-humbug!
>
> Linda Frederick
> Rolla MO
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/26/26 7:05 pm From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Birding at Montauk State Park
I have had Merlin indicate Swainson's Warbler while watching a Louisiana
Waterthrush vocalize. One more instance to remind all to verify any
unexpected species indicated by Merlin. Just tonight while waiting for
Chuck-will's-widow to call, Merlin identified a repetitive Carolina Wren as
a Northern Mockingbird. I've had it identify a cardinal as a mockingbird
several times, but this was a first.
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade2...>
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 8:58 PM John and Linda Frederick <
<0000067ecfb442d3-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Several birders had a great time birding at Montauk State Park on Saturday
> April 25. A big thank you to Kristie Nelson for leading our group
>
> It is always a great place to see Cerulean Warblers, among others. Though
> the Ceruleans don't show themselves well, staying in the treetops.
>
> We didn't have anything exotic or unexpected, but nice views of Louisiana
> Waterthrush, American Redstart, Kentucky, Blue-winged, and Northern Parula.
> Worm-eating Warblers vocalized but would not come out of the shaded slopes.
>
> Of interest, I think, was that Merlin repeatedly identified a Swainson's
> Warbler while Louisiana Waterthrush was singing. We pretty much agreed that
> Merlin was mistaken. Although I admit I was hopeful for a time,
> considering that Montauk is not too many river miles from known locations
> on the Current River.
> I think combining a mistaken Merlin with a poorly viewed Worm-eating could
> maybe lead to a Swainson's being reported.
>
> A great day to be out.
>
> And I still haven't seen a Rose-breasted Grosbeak this year! Bah-humbug!
>
> Linda Frederick
> Rolla MO
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/26/26 6:58 pm From: John and Linda Frederick <0000067ecfb442d3-dmarc-request...> Subject: Birding at Montauk State Park
Several birders had a great time birding at Montauk State Park on Saturday April 25. A big thank you to Kristie Nelson for leading our group
It is always a great place to see Cerulean Warblers, among others. Though the Ceruleans don't show themselves well, staying in the treetops.
We didn't have anything exotic or unexpected, but nice views of Louisiana Waterthrush, American Redstart, Kentucky, Blue-winged, and Northern Parula. Worm-eating Warblers vocalized but would not come out of the shaded slopes.
Of interest, I think, was that Merlin repeatedly identified a Swainson's Warbler while Louisiana Waterthrush was singing. We pretty much agreed that Merlin was mistaken. Although I admit I was hopeful for a time, considering that Montauk is not too many river miles from known locations on the Current River. I think combining a mistaken Merlin with a poorly viewed Worm-eating could maybe lead to a Swainson's being reported.
A great day to be out.
And I still haven't seen a Rose-breasted Grosbeak this year! Bah-humbug!
Linda Frederick Rolla MO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/26/26 5:19 pm From: Sarah Kendrick <00000678351f5454-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Kirksville breeders and migrants
Son Abram (10) bagged a 27-pound gobbler with 1.5” spurs (!!!). It was
awesome. I sat under a huge old oak for about 3 hours after, with nary a
gobble. But I got to hear warblers, the temp was perfect, and I took a
snooze sitting up against a tree with the spring sun on my face. It was a
great morning. Happy birding!
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 4:31 PM Edge Wade <1edgewade...> wrote:
> But...did you bag a turkey?
>
> Edge Wade
> Columbia
> <1edgewade...>
>
> On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 1:54 PM Sarah Kendrick <
> <00000678351f5454-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> Turkey hunting at my parents’ farm north of KV I had Yellow-throated
>> Vireo, Summer Tanager, Palm Warblers, Nashvilles, Tennessee, and Baltimore
>> Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Hummers at the feeder! Woohoo!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options
>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>
>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
>> Chesterfield, MO
>>
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
There are 11 messages totaling 2534 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (5) 2. 1st Hummingbird - Kirksville (2) 3. Kirksville breeders and migrants (2) 4. Grand Pass CA 5. No sighting, Bluebirds and House Wrens
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Thoroughly enjoying this thread! Susan, were you able to go to Barbados as the Purple-shouldered Birder?
I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve (June 5, 2010) and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more than a decade ago, but I still remember the thrill! A story with no spice to it at all...very sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices!
Cheers, Deepa.
On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 5:58=E2=80=AFAM Susan Eaton < <0000066c07c307f2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Okay, I will share my Rose-breasted Grosbeak story. Many years ago, a lat= e > freeze had killed the tender little buds in the tops of trees, so the > Grosbeaks were venturing down to feeders all over St. Louis. I watched > females at my feeders for several days, between bouts of rain. One mornin= g > the sun was shining, so I grabbed my binoculars and bird book and started > down the deck steps. The steps are on the north side of the house=E2=80= =A6little > did I know they were slick from the rain. I took a nasty fall, hurt my le= ft > shoulder and had nasty contusions on my left hip and knee. > > We spent hours in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberance > in my left shoulder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling an= d > strap. I was awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I > remember I cried because of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was = a > week away, and I was purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, took= a > pain pill and looked out at the feeders. And there was my MALE > Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in all his glory! That was the only time I=E2=80= =99ve had > them in my yard. > > Susan Eaton > <Susiede...> > St Louis CO MO > > On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02=E2=80=AFPM Lisa Saffell < > <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote: > >> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy >> >> >> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri >> were gaslighting me. >> >> >> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had >> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks= , >> except for my backyard. >> >> >> I opened my email to: >> >> =E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome spl= ashes of >> color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D >> >> >> I opened Facebook to: >> >> =E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County=E2=80= =9D >> >> =E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D >> >> =E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbea= k on my feeder >> this morning! =F0=9F=98=8D=E2=80=9D >> >> >> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual >> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky >> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks= ? >> >> >> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window, >> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who >> didn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D >> >> >> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was >> talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even >> spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn=E2= =80=99t find >> one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders >> again. No Grosbeaks. >> >> >> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I >> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks >> Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D >> >> >> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D phase = of birding. I >> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow >> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird= =E2=<80...> >> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched >> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looke= d >> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and loo= ked >> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sittin= g >> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeak= s! >> >> >> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the >> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my cam= era >> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own ro= sy >> update. >> >> >> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D >> >> >> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis >> >> ------------------------------ >> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum* >> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L> = / Subscription >> options >> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1 <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1>> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners >> <mobirds-l-request...> >> >> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >> >> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel= , >> Chesterfield, MO >> > ------------------------------ > *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum* > Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L> /= Subscription > options > <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A=3D= 1> / MBS > Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners > <mobirds-l-request...> > > ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> > > MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, > Chesterfield, MO >
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
<div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr">Thoroughly enjoying this thread!=C2=A0 Su= san, were you able to go to Barbados as the Purple-shouldered Birder?<div><= br></div><div>I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve = (June 5, 2010) and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more tha= n a decade ago, but I still remember=C2=A0the thrill! A story with no spice= to it at all...very sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices!</d= iv><div><br></div><div>Cheers, Deepa.</div></div><br><div class=3D"gmail_qu= ote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Sat, Ap= r 25, 2026 at 5:58=E2=80=AFAM Susan Eaton <<a href=3D"mailto:0000066c07c= <307f2-dmarc-request...>">0000066c07c307f2-dmarc-request@list= s.umsystem.edu</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" st= yle=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padd= ing-left:1ex"><div dir=3D"auto">Okay, I will share my Rose-breasted Grosbea= k story. Many years ago, a late freeze had killed the tender little buds in= the tops of trees, so the Grosbeaks were venturing down to feeders all ove= r St. Louis. I watched females at my feeders for several days, between bout= s of rain. One morning the sun was shining, so I grabbed my binoculars and = bird book and started down the deck steps. The steps are on the north side = of the house=E2=80=A6little did I know they were slick from the rain. I too= k a nasty fall, hurt my left shoulder and had nasty contusions on my left h= ip and knee.</div><div dir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"auto">We spent ho= urs in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberance in my left s= houlder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling and strap. I was= awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I remember I cried be= cause of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was a week away, and I wa= s purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, took a pain pill and look= ed out at the feeders. And there was my MALE Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in all= his glory! That was the only time I=E2=80=99ve had them in my yard.</div><= div dir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"auto">Susan Eaton</div><div dir=3D"a= uto"><a href=3D"mailto:<Susiede...>" target=3D"_blank"><Susiede...>= om</a></div><div dir=3D"auto">St Louis CO MO</div><div><br><div class=3D"gm= ail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:= 02=E2=80=AFPM Lisa Saffell <<a href=3D"mailto:0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-req= <uest...>" target=3D"_blank">0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request@l= ists.umsystem.edu</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote"= style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);p= adding-left:1ex"><div><p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant= -caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;fon= t-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal= ;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-se= ttings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)">The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy= </p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Mis= souri were gaslighting me.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missour= i had been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbe= aks, except for my backyard.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I opened my email to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add = welcome splashes of color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I opened Facebook to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County= =E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted = Grosbeak on my feeder this morning! <span style=3D"font-style:normal;font-v= ariant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:"Apple Color Emoji&q= uot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal= ;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-eas= t-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">=F0=9F=98=8D</span>=E2=80=9D</= p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I looked out my window at my feeders.=C2=A0 They were busy with t= he usual suspects.=C2=A0 Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue J= ay, cranky Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers.=C2=A0 Where were my Rose-breas= ted Grosbeaks? =C2=A0</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,= clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who di= dn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. =C2=A0 Everyo= ne was talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders.=C2=A0 Some = had even spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden.=C2=A0 I still = couldn=E2=80=99t find one.=C2=A0 After an afternoon of birding I headed hom= e and checked my feeders again.=C2=A0 No Grosbeaks.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Sho= uld I wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosb= eaks Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D= phase of birding.=C2=A0 I started composing a cynical Facebook post.=C2=A0= Was I to become a sparrow feeding Hermit?=C2=A0 Then my phone notified me = that Haiku heard a new bird=E2=<80...> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I ch= ecked the feeders in the back and searched all around Hope Springs.=C2=A0 N= o Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I walked to the front and looked out the front door.=C2= =A0 With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked at the feeders i= n the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting with an air of ab= solute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px">I did a quiet little happy dance that probably lo= oked like a mix of the chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 8= 0s. I grabbed my camera and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally = get to post my own rosy update.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">#BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px;font= -style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial= ;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;fon= t-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-as= ian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br></p><p style= =3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:norma= l;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-al= ternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;f= ont-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)= ">Lisa Saffell, St. Louis</p></div> <p></p><hr><b>The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum= </b><br> <a href=3D"https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L" ta= rget=3D"_blank">Archives</a> / <a href=3D"https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPT= S/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A=3D1 <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPT= S/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A=3D1>" target=3D"_blank">Subscriptio= n options</a> / <a href=3D"http://mobirds.org" target=3D"_blank">MBS Websit= e</a> / <a href=3D"mailto:<mobirds-l-request...>" target=3D"_= blank">Email the list owners</a><p></p> <p><a href=3D"http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html" target=3D"_blank">ABA B= irding Code of Ethics</a></p>
<p>MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel= , Chesterfield, MO </p></blockquote></div></div>
Thanks for the great story Lisa!Maureen Thomas-MurphySt Louis
On Friday, April 24, 2026 at 06:02:33 PM CDT, Lisa Saffell <0000065c370= <fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote: =20 =20 =20 The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri were= gaslighting me.
It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had been= designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, excep= t for my backyard.
I opened my email to:
=E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splash= es of color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D
I opened Facebook to:
=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County=E2=80=9D
=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D
=E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak o= n my feeder this morning! =F0=9F=98=8D=E2=80=9D
I looked out my window at my feeders.=C2=A0 They were busy with the usual s= uspects.=C2=A0 Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky= Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers.=C2=A0 Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbe= aks? =C2=A0
I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window, clutching= a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who didn=E2=80= =99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D
I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. =C2=A0 Everyone was tal= king about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders.=C2=A0 Some had even s= potted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden.=C2=A0 I still couldn=E2= =80=99t find one.=C2=A0 After an afternoon of birding I headed home and che= cked my feeders again.=C2=A0 No Grosbeaks.
By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I wear= a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks Welcome: F= ree Buffet.=E2=80=9D
By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D phase of = birding.=C2=A0 I started composing a cynical Facebook post.=C2=A0 Was I to = become a sparrow feeding Hermit?=C2=A0 Then my phone notified me that Haiku= heard a new bird=E2=<80...> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I checked the = feeders in the back and searched all around Hope Springs.=C2=A0 No Grosbeak= . =C2=A0 I walked to the front and looked out the front door.=C2=A0 With tr= embling hands I raised my binoculars and looked at the feeders in the front= tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting with an air of absolute supe= riority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the chi= cken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera an= d took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy up= date.
#BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D
Lisa Saffell, St. Louis =20
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, C= hesterfield, MO =20
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
<html><head></head><body><div class=3D"ydp38881efayahoo-style-wrap" style= =3D"font-family:Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px= ;"><div></div> <div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Thanks for the great story L= isa!</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Maureen Thomas-Murphy</div= ><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">St Louis</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data= -setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div><br></div> =20 </div><div id=3D"ydp14a14f87yahoo_quoted_7814737530" class=3D"ydp14= a14f87yahoo_quoted"> <div style=3D"font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, s= ans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"> =20 <div> On Friday, April 24, 2026 at 06:02:33 PM CDT, Lisa = Saffell <<0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...>> wrote: </div> <div><br></div> <div><br></div> =20 =20 <div><div id=3D"ydp14a14f87yiv2449210029"><div><p style=3D"= margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size= -adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspira= cy</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">By 10:00 AM I was convinced t= he entire states of Illinois and Missouri were gaslighting me.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">It was a rainy April morning,= and apparently Illinois and Missouri had been designated a five-star resor= t for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, except for my backyard.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I opened my email to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">=E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showe= d at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of color and sound on = a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I opened Facebook to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbe= aks have arrived in St. Clair County=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbe= aks are here!=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">=E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a= picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder this morning! <sp= an style=3D"font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Color;font-siz= e-adjust:none;">=F0=9F=98=8D</span>=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I looked out my window at my = feeders. They were busy with the usual suspects. Bickering Euro= pean Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky Cardinals, and vocal woodpec= kers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks? </p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I checked my feeders. I check= ed them again. I stood at my window, clutching a mug of coffee, feeling lik= e the unpopular kid in school who didn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy P= arty.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I left the house to go birdin= g at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was talking about the Grosbeaks show= ing up at their feeders. Some had even spotted a few high up in the t= rees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn=E2=80=99t find one. After = an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders again. N= o Grosbeaks.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. D= o I need better sunflower seeds? Should I wear a red shirt? Maybe I should = put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">By 4:00 PM, I had officially = entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D phase of birding. I started comp= osing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow feeding Herm= it? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird=E2=<80...>= Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searc= hed all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the fron= t and looked out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my bin= oculars and looked at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middl= e feeder, sitting with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-br= easted Grosbeaks!</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;">I did a quiet= little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the chicken dance an= d a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera and took a phot= o thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy update.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">#BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2= =80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-= family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></p><p style=3D= "margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial;font-siz= e-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lisa Saffell, St. Louis</p></div>=20 <p></p><hr><b>The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum</b>= <br> <a href=3D"https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L" re= l=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">Archives</a> / <a href=3D"https://lists.um= system.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A=3D1" rel=3D"nofol= low" target=3D"_blank">Subscription options</a> / <a href=3D"http://mobirds= .org" rel=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">MBS Website</a> / <a href=3D"mailt= o:<mobirds-l-request...>" rel=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">= Email the list owners</a><p></p> <p><a href=3D"http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html" rel=3D"nofollow" target= =3D"_blank">ABA Birding Code of Ethics</a></p>
Yes, Deepa, we went to Barbados. Going through security was tricky because I couldn=E2=80=99t take off the sling; they had to feel around it. I stayed= out of the ocean and just stood in the pool for short periods of time. I took off my sling when I walked on the beach, to let my arm hang a little bit. One day, there was a rastafarian guy sitting on the beach. He said, =E2=80=9CI = hope your man didn=E2=80=99t do that! Oh, I see you are still wearing your ring,= so I guess all is well.=E2=80=9D
Susan Eaton <Susiede...> St Louis CO MO
On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 8:21=E2=80=AFPM Deepa Mohan <mohandeepa...> = wrote:
> Thoroughly enjoying this thread! Susan, were you able to go to Barbados > as the Purple-shouldered Birder? > > I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve (June 5, > 2010) and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more than a > decade ago, but I still remember the thrill! A story with no spice to it = at > all...very sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices! > > Cheers, Deepa. > > On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 5:58=E2=80=AFAM Susan Eaton < > <0000066c07c307f2-dmarc-request...> wrote: > >> Okay, I will share my Rose-breasted Grosbeak story. Many years ago, a >> late freeze had killed the tender little buds in the tops of trees, so t= he >> Grosbeaks were venturing down to feeders all over St. Louis. I watched >> females at my feeders for several days, between bouts of rain. One morni= ng >> the sun was shining, so I grabbed my binoculars and bird book and starte= d >> down the deck steps. The steps are on the north side of the house=E2=80= =A6little >> did I know they were slick from the rain. I took a nasty fall, hurt my l= eft >> shoulder and had nasty contusions on my left hip and knee. >> >> We spent hours in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberanc= e >> in my left shoulder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling a= nd >> strap. I was awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I >> remember I cried because of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was= a >> week away, and I was purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, too= k a >> pain pill and looked out at the feeders. And there was my MALE >> Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in all his glory! That was the only time I=E2=80= =99ve had >> them in my yard. >> >> Susan Eaton >> <Susiede...> >> St Louis CO MO >> >> On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02=E2=80=AFPM Lisa Saffell < >> <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote: >> >>> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy >>> >>> >>> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri >>> were gaslighting me. >>> >>> >>> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had >>> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeak= s, >>> except for my backyard. >>> >>> >>> I opened my email to: >>> >>> =E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome sp= lashes of >>> color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> I opened Facebook to: >>> >>> =E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County=E2=80= =9D >>> >>> =E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D >>> >>> =E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbe= ak on my feeder >>> this morning! =F0=9F=98=8D=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual >>> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky >>> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeak= s? >>> >>> >>> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window, >>> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who >>> didn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was >>> talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even >>> spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn=E2= =80=99t find >>> one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeder= s >>> again. No Grosbeaks. >>> >>> >>> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I >>> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks >>> Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D phase= of birding. I >>> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow >>> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird= =E2=<80...> >>> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searche= d >>> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and look= ed >>> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and lo= oked >>> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitti= ng >>> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbea= ks! >>> >>> >>> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the >>> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my ca= mera >>> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own r= osy >>> update. >>> >>> >>> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum* >>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L>= / Subscription >>> options >>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1 <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1>> >>> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners >>> <mobirds-l-request...> >>> >>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>> >>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza >>> Hotel, Chesterfield, MO >>> >> ------------------------------ >> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum* >> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L> = / Subscription >> options >> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1 <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1>> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners >> <mobirds-l-request...> >> >> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >> >> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel= , >> Chesterfield, MO >> >
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
<div dir=3D"auto">Yes, Deepa, we went to Barbados. Going through security w= as tricky because I couldn=E2=80=99t take off the sling; they had to feel a= round it. I stayed out of the ocean and just stood in the pool for short pe= riods of time. I took off my sling when I walked on the beach, to let my ar= m hang a little bit. One day, there was a rastafarian guy sitting on the be= ach. He said, =E2=80=9CI hope your man didn=E2=80=99t do that! Oh, I see yo= u are still wearing your ring, so I guess all is well.=E2=80=9D</div><div d= ir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"auto">Susan Eaton</div><div dir=3D"auto">= <a href=3D"mailto:<Susiede...>"><Susiede...></a></div><div dir=3D= "auto">St Louis CO MO</div><div><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_c= ontainer"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 8:2= 1=E2=80=AFPM Deepa Mohan <<a href=3D"mailto:<mohandeepa...>">mohand= <eepa...></a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" st= yle=3D"margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"><div = dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr">Thoroughly enjoying this thread!=C2=A0 Susan, = were you able to go to Barbados as the Purple-shouldered Birder?<div><br></= div><div>I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve (June= 5, 2010) and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more than a d= ecade ago, but I still remember=C2=A0the thrill! A story with no spice to i= t at all...very sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices!</div><d= iv><br></div><div>Cheers, Deepa.</div></div></div><div dir=3D"ltr"><br><div= class=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Sat, Apr 25= , 2026 at 5:58=E2=80=AFAM Susan Eaton <<a href=3D"mailto:0000066c07c307f= <2-dmarc-request...>" target=3D"_blank">0000066c07c307f2-dmar= <c-request...></a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"g= mail_quote" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204= ,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir=3D"auto">Okay, I will share my Rose-br= easted Grosbeak story. Many years ago, a late freeze had killed the tender = little buds in the tops of trees, so the Grosbeaks were venturing down to f= eeders all over St. Louis. I watched females at my feeders for several days= , between bouts of rain. One morning the sun was shining, so I grabbed my b= inoculars and bird book and started down the deck steps. The steps are on t= he north side of the house=E2=80=A6little did I know they were slick from t= he rain. I took a nasty fall, hurt my left shoulder and had nasty contusion= s on my left hip and knee.</div><div dir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"aut= o">We spent hours in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberanc= e in my left shoulder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling an= d strap. I was awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I remem= ber I cried because of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was a week = away, and I was purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, took a pain= pill and looked out at the feeders. And there was my MALE Rose-breasted Gr= osbeak, in all his glory! That was the only time I=E2=80=99ve had them in m= y yard.</div><div dir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"auto">Susan Eaton</div= ><div dir=3D"auto"><a href=3D"mailto:<Susiede...>" target=3D"_blank">S= <usiede...></a></div><div dir=3D"auto">St Louis CO MO</div><div><br><d= iv class=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Fri, Apr = 24, 2026 at 6:02=E2=80=AFPM Lisa Saffell <<a href=3D"mailto:0000065c370f= <ac8c-dmarc-request...>" target=3D"_blank">0000065c370fac8c-d= <marc-request...></a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class= =3D"gmail_quote" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rg= b(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div><p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:nor= mal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size= -adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-= ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal= ;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)">The Great Rose-breasted Gro= sbeak Conspiracy</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Mis= souri were gaslighting me.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missour= i had been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbe= aks, except for my backyard.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I opened my email to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add = welcome splashes of color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I opened Facebook to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County= =E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted = Grosbeak on my feeder this morning! <span style=3D"font-style:normal;font-v= ariant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:"Apple Color Emoji&q= uot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal= ;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-eas= t-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">=F0=9F=98=8D</span>=E2=80=9D</= p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I looked out my window at my feeders.=C2=A0 They were busy with t= he usual suspects.=C2=A0 Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue J= ay, cranky Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers.=C2=A0 Where were my Rose-breas= ted Grosbeaks? =C2=A0</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,= clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who di= dn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. =C2=A0 Everyo= ne was talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders.=C2=A0 Some = had even spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden.=C2=A0 I still = couldn=E2=80=99t find one.=C2=A0 After an afternoon of birding I headed hom= e and checked my feeders again.=C2=A0 No Grosbeaks.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Sho= uld I wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosb= eaks Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D= phase of birding.=C2=A0 I started composing a cynical Facebook post.=C2=A0= Was I to become a sparrow feeding Hermit?=C2=A0 Then my phone notified me = that Haiku heard a new bird=E2=<80...> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I ch= ecked the feeders in the back and searched all around Hope Springs.=C2=A0 N= o Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I walked to the front and looked out the front door.=C2= =A0 With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked at the feeders i= n the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting with an air of ab= solute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px">I did a quiet little happy dance that probably lo= oked like a mix of the chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 8= 0s. I grabbed my camera and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally = get to post my own rosy update.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">#BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px;font= -style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial= ;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;fon= t-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-as= ian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br></p><p style= =3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:norma= l;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-al= ternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;f= ont-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)= ">Lisa Saffell, St. Louis</p></div> <p></p><hr><b>The Missouri Birdin
Date: 4/26/26 3:20 pm From: Jean Ellen Whatley <0000067b05857506-dmarc-request...> Subject: No sighting, Bluebirds and House Wrens
Hello!
I had a clutch of Eastern Bluebirds fledge yesterday and I was very happy and excited! Then, in ONE day, this morning I heard House Wrens for the first time this season. They have moved IN to the bluebird house, looks like nesting on top of the bluebird nest. Should I clear it out? Cover up the opening for a few days to dissuade them? Last year, I had three different broods come from that nest box. I was going to reach out and ask if I should clean it out anyway, and then the wrens moved in.
Advice?
Many thanks, Jean Whatley Webster Groves, STL Co.
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/26/26 2:44 pm From: Jean L <0000067a456a8961-dmarc-request...> Subject: Grand Pass CA
Had a nice day at Grand Pass CA (Saline County). Started off slow but on our second pass through, flocks of shorebirds we're dropping in, then being flushed numerous times by peregrine. Most action was in pool 5.
High winds made for unsteady scope views. Thousands of birds. Most numerous were lesser yellowlegs, AG plovers (in every imaginable plumage variation) and LB dowitchers. Also had GR yellowlegs; pecs, least, and spotted sandpipers; dunlin, killdeer, WI phalaropes, WF ibis, and semi-palmated plovers. Probably other peeps but wind conditions made viewing difficult.
Jean Leonatti <jaleonatti...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/26/26 11:54 am From: Sarah Kendrick <00000678351f5454-dmarc-request...> Subject: Kirksville breeders and migrants
Turkey hunting at my parents’ farm north of KV I had Yellow-throated Vireo,
Summer Tanager, Palm Warblers, Nashvilles, Tennessee, and Baltimore
Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Hummers at the feeder! Woohoo!
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
According to our Haikubox, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird has been around for weeks, feeders up. I figured it was finding food at the Virginia Bluebells, Red Buckeyes and Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle and I’d missed it. This morning on my early walk around the perimeter of the yard, I approached our front arbor where I finally saw one sipping from Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle. As my Dan said, “It’s getting real food!”
We’ve had many migrants here. This is the fourth consecutive morning that I’ve wakened to a lovely Wood Thrush singing. White-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, and warblers, Yellow-rumped, Tennessee, Northern Parula, Nashville, Orange-crowned, and Northern Waterthrush have been at the bubbler. Summer Tanager and Indigo Bunting have stopped in, too. Still have at least one female Purple Finch visiting the feeders after a high count of six. Nesting Eastern Bluebirds and Eastern Phoebes are feeding chicks. What a lovely, busy time!!
Date: 4/26/26 6:20 am From: Janis Valdes <00000673a22e54b5-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
Beautifully written, Lisa!
On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM Lisa Saffell <
<0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
>
>
> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri
> were gaslighting me.
>
>
> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had
> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
> except for my backyard.
>
>
> I opened my email to:
>
> “AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of
> color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
>
>
> I opened Facebook to:
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
>
> “Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder
> this morning! 😍”
>
>
> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual
> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky
> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
>
>
> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,
> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who
> didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
>
>
> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was talking
> about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even spotted a
> few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find one.
> After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders again.
> No Grosbeaks.
>
>
> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I
> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks
> Welcome: Free Buffet.”
>
>
> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I
> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow
> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched
> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked
> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked
> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting
> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
>
>
> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the
> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera
> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy
> update.
>
>
> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
>
>
> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
The freeze Susan refers to was more than just killing buds--it was an ice
storm that left as much as an inch of ice formed around all branches,
grass, etc. Birds were not able to reach food or water. It hit, as Susan
said, right at the peak of Rose-breasted Grosbeak migration.
To my knowledge (limited), that was the first year that the grosbeaks came
in to feeders in any great numbers. What I found most surprising was that
in subsequent years RBGRs continued to come to feeders, even though the
stressed conditions no longer existed. That behavior continues. I think
it is a great example of learned behavior and transfer to succeeding
generations.
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade...>
On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 8:03 PM Deepa Mohan <
<00000661e218c360-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> What a great post, Lisa! This is what birding is all about. The three
> B's....Birding, Birding, and Birding!
>
> I wish I could write about my birding experiences in Seattle, WA., where
> the combination of luck, chance, timing and my ignorance make for funny
> episodes....but I know very few people here, and I don't think anyone would
> be interested, in the Midwest!
>
> Meanwhile, a shout out to the MoBirds community, and the many patient
> guides and fellow Birders, who all truly set me on the path of birding in
> the US. A community which I still feel a part of. I still miss the Blue
> Jays and the Mockingbirds, leave alone the others!
>
> A special salute, of course, to Edge!
>
> Cheers, Deepa .
>
>
>
> On Fri, Apr 24, 2026, 17:14 Edge Wade <
> <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> A classic example of what I call "The three Ps of Successful Birding"
>> (rather in the field or the yard):
>> Preparation, Patience, Persistence.
>>
>> Congrats, Lisa. "Good things come to those who wait"... and wait...and
>> wait. Or is that wail and wail and...
>>
>> Edge Wade
>> Columbia, MO
>> <1edgewade...>
>>
>> On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM Lisa Saffell <
>> <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>
>>> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
>>>
>>>
>>> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri
>>> were gaslighting me.
>>>
>>>
>>> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had
>>> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
>>> except for my backyard.
>>>
>>>
>>> I opened my email to:
>>>
>>> “AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of
>>> color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
>>>
>>>
>>> I opened Facebook to:
>>>
>>> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
>>>
>>> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
>>>
>>> “Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder
>>> this morning! 😍”
>>>
>>>
>>> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual
>>> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky
>>> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
>>>
>>>
>>> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,
>>> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who
>>> didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
>>>
>>>
>>> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was
>>> talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even
>>> spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find
>>> one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders
>>> again. No Grosbeaks.
>>>
>>>
>>> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I
>>> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks
>>> Welcome: Free Buffet.”
>>>
>>>
>>> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I
>>> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow
>>> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a
>>> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched
>>> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked
>>> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked
>>> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting
>>> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
>>>
>>>
>>> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the
>>> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera
>>> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy
>>> update.
>>>
>>>
>>> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
>>>
>>>
>>> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
>>>
>>> ------------------------------
>>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>>> options
>>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >>> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>>
>>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>>
>>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza
>>> Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
>>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options
>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>
>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
>> Chesterfield, MO
>>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Yes, Deepa, we went to Barbados. Going through security was tricky because
I couldn’t take off the sling; they had to feel around it. I stayed out of
the ocean and just stood in the pool for short periods of time. I took off
my sling when I walked on the beach, to let my arm hang a little bit. One
day, there was a rastafarian guy sitting on the beach. He said, “I hope
your man didn’t do that! Oh, I see you are still wearing your ring, so I
guess all is well.”
Susan Eaton
<Susiede...>
St Louis CO MO
On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 8:21 PM Deepa Mohan <mohandeepa...> wrote:
> Thoroughly enjoying this thread! Susan, were you able to go to Barbados
> as the Purple-shouldered Birder?
>
> I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve (June 5,
> 2010) and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more than a
> decade ago, but I still remember the thrill! A story with no spice to it at
> all...very sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices!
>
> Cheers, Deepa.
>
> On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 5:58 AM Susan Eaton <
> <0000066c07c307f2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> Okay, I will share my Rose-breasted Grosbeak story. Many years ago, a
>> late freeze had killed the tender little buds in the tops of trees, so the
>> Grosbeaks were venturing down to feeders all over St. Louis. I watched
>> females at my feeders for several days, between bouts of rain. One morning
>> the sun was shining, so I grabbed my binoculars and bird book and started
>> down the deck steps. The steps are on the north side of the house…little
>> did I know they were slick from the rain. I took a nasty fall, hurt my left
>> shoulder and had nasty contusions on my left hip and knee.
>>
>> We spent hours in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberance
>> in my left shoulder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling and
>> strap. I was awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I
>> remember I cried because of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was a
>> week away, and I was purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, took a
>> pain pill and looked out at the feeders. And there was my MALE
>> Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in all his glory! That was the only time I’ve had
>> them in my yard.
>>
>> Susan Eaton
>> <Susiede...>
>> St Louis CO MO
>>
>> On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM Lisa Saffell <
>> <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>
>>> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
>>>
>>>
>>> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri
>>> were gaslighting me.
>>>
>>>
>>> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had
>>> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
>>> except for my backyard.
>>>
>>>
>>> I opened my email to:
>>>
>>> “AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of
>>> color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
>>>
>>>
>>> I opened Facebook to:
>>>
>>> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
>>>
>>> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
>>>
>>> “Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder
>>> this morning! 😍”
>>>
>>>
>>> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual
>>> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky
>>> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
>>>
>>>
>>> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,
>>> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who
>>> didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
>>>
>>>
>>> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was
>>> talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even
>>> spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find
>>> one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders
>>> again. No Grosbeaks.
>>>
>>>
>>> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I
>>> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks
>>> Welcome: Free Buffet.”
>>>
>>>
>>> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I
>>> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow
>>> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a
>>> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched
>>> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked
>>> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked
>>> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting
>>> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
>>>
>>>
>>> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the
>>> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera
>>> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy
>>> update.
>>>
>>>
>>> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
>>>
>>>
>>> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
>>>
>>> ------------------------------
>>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>>> options
>>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >>> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>>
>>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>>
>>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza
>>> Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
>>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options
>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>
>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
>> Chesterfield, MO
>>
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Thanks for the great story Lisa!Maureen Thomas-MurphySt Louis
On Friday, April 24, 2026 at 06:02:33 PM CDT, Lisa Saffell <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri were gaslighting me.
It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, except for my backyard.
I opened my email to:
“AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
I opened Facebook to:
“Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
“Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
“Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder this morning! 😍”
I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window, clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders again. No Grosbeaks.
By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks Welcome: Free Buffet.”
By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy update.
#BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Thoroughly enjoying this thread! Susan, were you able to go to Barbados as
the Purple-shouldered Birder?
I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve (June 5, 2010)
and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more than a decade ago,
but I still remember the thrill! A story with no spice to it at all...very
sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices!
Cheers, Deepa.
On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 5:58 AM Susan Eaton <
<0000066c07c307f2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Okay, I will share my Rose-breasted Grosbeak story. Many years ago, a late
> freeze had killed the tender little buds in the tops of trees, so the
> Grosbeaks were venturing down to feeders all over St. Louis. I watched
> females at my feeders for several days, between bouts of rain. One morning
> the sun was shining, so I grabbed my binoculars and bird book and started
> down the deck steps. The steps are on the north side of the house…little
> did I know they were slick from the rain. I took a nasty fall, hurt my left
> shoulder and had nasty contusions on my left hip and knee.
>
> We spent hours in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberance
> in my left shoulder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling and
> strap. I was awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I
> remember I cried because of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was a
> week away, and I was purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, took a
> pain pill and looked out at the feeders. And there was my MALE
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in all his glory! That was the only time I’ve had
> them in my yard.
>
> Susan Eaton
> <Susiede...>
> St Louis CO MO
>
> On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM Lisa Saffell <
> <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
>>
>>
>> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri
>> were gaslighting me.
>>
>>
>> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had
>> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
>> except for my backyard.
>>
>>
>> I opened my email to:
>>
>> “AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of
>> color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
>>
>>
>> I opened Facebook to:
>>
>> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
>>
>> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
>>
>> “Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder
>> this morning! 😍”
>>
>>
>> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual
>> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky
>> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
>>
>>
>> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,
>> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who
>> didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
>>
>>
>> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was
>> talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even
>> spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find
>> one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders
>> again. No Grosbeaks.
>>
>>
>> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I
>> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks
>> Welcome: Free Buffet.”
>>
>>
>> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I
>> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow
>> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a
>> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched
>> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked
>> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked
>> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting
>> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
>>
>>
>> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the
>> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera
>> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy
>> update.
>>
>>
>> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
>>
>>
>> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options
>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>
>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
>> Chesterfield, MO
>>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/25/26 5:58 am From: Susan Eaton <0000066c07c307f2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
Okay, I will share my Rose-breasted Grosbeak story. Many years ago, a late
freeze had killed the tender little buds in the tops of trees, so the
Grosbeaks were venturing down to feeders all over St. Louis. I watched
females at my feeders for several days, between bouts of rain. One morning
the sun was shining, so I grabbed my binoculars and bird book and started
down the deck steps. The steps are on the north side of the house…little
did I know they were slick from the rain. I took a nasty fall, hurt my left
shoulder and had nasty contusions on my left hip and knee.
We spent hours in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberance
in my left shoulder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling and
strap. I was awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I
remember I cried because of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was a
week away, and I was purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, took a
pain pill and looked out at the feeders. And there was my MALE
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in all his glory! That was the only time I’ve had
them in my yard.
Susan Eaton
<Susiede...>
St Louis CO MO
On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM Lisa Saffell <
<0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
>
>
> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri
> were gaslighting me.
>
>
> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had
> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
> except for my backyard.
>
>
> I opened my email to:
>
> “AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of
> color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
>
>
> I opened Facebook to:
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
>
> “Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder
> this morning! 😍”
>
>
> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual
> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky
> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
>
>
> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,
> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who
> didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
>
>
> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was talking
> about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even spotted a
> few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find one.
> After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders again.
> No Grosbeaks.
>
>
> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I
> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks
> Welcome: Free Buffet.”
>
>
> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I
> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow
> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched
> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked
> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked
> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting
> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
>
>
> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the
> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera
> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy
> update.
>
>
> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
>
>
> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Thanks for this Lisa. It made me smile. I just did 3 days at Roaring River
and didn’t get one. Listening this morning to my feeders/yard. 🤞🏻
Lottie Bushmann
Columbia
On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM Lisa Saffell <
<0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
>
>
> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri
> were gaslighting me.
>
>
> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had
> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
> except for my backyard.
>
>
> I opened my email to:
>
> “AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of
> color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
>
>
> I opened Facebook to:
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
>
> “Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder
> this morning! 😍”
>
>
> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual
> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky
> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
>
>
> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,
> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who
> didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
>
>
> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was talking
> about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even spotted a
> few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find one.
> After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders again.
> No Grosbeaks.
>
>
> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I
> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks
> Welcome: Free Buffet.”
>
>
> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I
> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow
> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched
> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked
> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked
> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting
> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
>
>
> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the
> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera
> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy
> update.
>
>
> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
>
>
> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/24/26 8:13 pm From: Marge Lumpe <00000666a6289070-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Shannon County CWWI and GWWA
Thanks for your report Linda. I stepped out this morning to Nashville
Warbler song. I’ve already forgotten what the other warbler was.
On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 8:51 PM Linda Williams <
<00000663f1135bc8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> A few “yard” birds of note for me lately. I had my FOY Chuck-Will’s-Widow
> this evening, April 24, as I stepped out to a gorgeous sunset.
>
> Yesterday morning at 6:00 am I went out the front door with one of the
> dogs and was hearing a little migrant fallout. So much bird song! I could
> distinguish at least three Golden-Winged Warblers.
>
> Linda Williams
> Rural Shannon County
>
> This email was sent on 100% recycled electrons.
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
>
> List archives: https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L > MBS Website: http://mobirds.org/ > Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto:
> <mobirds-l-request...>
> To unsubscribe or change subscription options:
> https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 > ABA Birding Code of Ethics: http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
> Details and registration: https://mobirds.org/MBS/NextMeeting.aspx >
> https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L >
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/24/26 8:04 pm From: Mike Grant <000006656412c20d-dmarc-request...> Subject: MBS Spring Meeting Final Registration Reminder
All,
The meeting starts in ONE WEEK! Please register this weekend if you intend to attend. We have great speakers, great field trips and the birds are arriving!
Date: 4/24/26 6:52 pm From: Linda Williams <00000663f1135bc8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Shannon County CWWI and GWWA
A few “yard” birds of note for me lately. I had my FOY Chuck-Will’s-Widow this evening, April 24, as I stepped out to a gorgeous sunset.
Yesterday morning at 6:00 am I went out the front door with one of the dogs and was hearing a little migrant fallout. So much bird song! I could distinguish at least three Golden-Winged Warblers.
Linda Williams
Rural Shannon County
This email was sent on 100% recycled electrons.
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
What a great post, Lisa! This is what birding is all about. The three
B's....Birding, Birding, and Birding!
I wish I could write about my birding experiences in Seattle, WA., where
the combination of luck, chance, timing and my ignorance make for funny
episodes....but I know very few people here, and I don't think anyone would
be interested, in the Midwest!
Meanwhile, a shout out to the MoBirds community, and the many patient
guides and fellow Birders, who all truly set me on the path of birding in
the US. A community which I still feel a part of. I still miss the Blue
Jays and the Mockingbirds, leave alone the others!
> A classic example of what I call "The three Ps of Successful Birding"
> (rather in the field or the yard):
> Preparation, Patience, Persistence.
>
> Congrats, Lisa. "Good things come to those who wait"... and wait...and
> wait. Or is that wail and wail and...
>
> Edge Wade
> Columbia, MO
> <1edgewade...>
>
> On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM Lisa Saffell <
> <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
>>
>>
>> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri
>> were gaslighting me.
>>
>>
>> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had
>> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
>> except for my backyard.
>>
>>
>> I opened my email to:
>>
>> “AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of
>> color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
>>
>>
>> I opened Facebook to:
>>
>> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
>>
>> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
>>
>> “Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder
>> this morning! 😍”
>>
>>
>> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual
>> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky
>> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
>>
>>
>> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,
>> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who
>> didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
>>
>>
>> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was
>> talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even
>> spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find
>> one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders
>> again. No Grosbeaks.
>>
>>
>> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I
>> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks
>> Welcome: Free Buffet.”
>>
>>
>> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I
>> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow
>> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a
>> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched
>> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked
>> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked
>> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting
>> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
>>
>>
>> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the
>> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera
>> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy
>> update.
>>
>>
>> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
>>
>>
>> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options
>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>
>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
>> Chesterfield, MO
>>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
A classic example of what I call "The three Ps of Successful Birding"
(rather in the field or the yard):
Preparation, Patience, Persistence.
Congrats, Lisa. "Good things come to those who wait"... and wait...and
wait. Or is that wail and wail and...
Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
<1edgewade...>
On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM Lisa Saffell <
<0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
>
>
> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri
> were gaslighting me.
>
>
> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had
> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
> except for my backyard.
>
>
> I opened my email to:
>
> “AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of
> color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
>
>
> I opened Facebook to:
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
>
> “Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder
> this morning! 😍”
>
>
> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual
> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky
> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
>
>
> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,
> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who
> didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
>
>
> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was talking
> about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even spotted a
> few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find one.
> After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders again.
> No Grosbeaks.
>
>
> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I
> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks
> Welcome: Free Buffet.”
>
>
> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I
> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow
> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched
> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked
> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked
> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting
> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
>
>
> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the
> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera
> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy
> update.
>
>
> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
>
>
> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/24/26 5:09 pm From: David Davis <0000065e47837952-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
Love, love, love this!!!! Great writing with a happy ending!
Dave Davis
On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM Lisa Saffell <
<0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
>
>
> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri
> were gaslighting me.
>
>
> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had
> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
> except for my backyard.
>
>
> I opened my email to:
>
> “AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of
> color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
>
>
> I opened Facebook to:
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
>
> “Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
>
> “Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder
> this morning! 😍”
>
>
> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual
> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky
> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
>
>
> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,
> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who
> didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
>
>
> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was talking
> about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even spotted a
> few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find one.
> After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders again.
> No Grosbeaks.
>
>
> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I
> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks
> Welcome: Free Buffet.”
>
>
> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I
> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow
> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched
> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked
> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked
> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting
> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
>
>
> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the
> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera
> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy
> update.
>
>
> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
>
>
> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri were gaslighting me.
It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, except for my backyard.
I opened my email to:
“AOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of color and sound on a dreary looking day.”
I opened Facebook to:
“Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County”
“Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!”
“Didn’t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder this morning! 😍”
I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks?
I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window, clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who didn’t get invited to the "Rosy Party.”
I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn’t find one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders again. No Grosbeaks.
By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks Welcome: Free Buffet.”
By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the “bitter” phase of birding. I started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird…..a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looked out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy update.
#BirdingProblems #RosyDay”
Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Thank you, Kevin. I am all for helping one another, but this boner would
not likely be committed by another, and sharing would not help beyond
serving as a reminder to double check what account one is on.
Edge Wade
<1edgewade...>
On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 2:43 PM Kevin Wehner <kevinwehner...> wrote:
Thanks, Mike. But mystery continues.
I submitted both checklists from my iPhone. The first from home, the
second from a Boone Co. site. The app shows them as submitted checklists,
but neither shows on my checklists in my eBird, nor on the reports for
Boone Co. or the hotspot site for the second one.
Clueless!
edge
On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 2:24 PM Mike Grant <mikecurlew...> wrote:
> I did two mobile app checklists this morning at Forest Park and was able
> to share them once home using my PC.
>
>
>
> Mike
>
>
>
> *From:* Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> *On
> Behalf Of *Edge Wade
> *Sent:* Thursday, April 23, 2026 1:11 PM
> *To:* <MOBIRDS-L...>
> *Subject:* eBird submissions problem
>
>
>
> Two eBird checklists t did today via the app show that they have been
> submitted, but don't show in "my checklists"
>
>
>
> Did I miss an update notification or something else that would interfere
> with a list appearing?
>
>
>
> Edge Wade
>
> Columbia
>
> <1edgewade...>
> ------------------------------
>
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/23/26 12:24 pm From: Mike Grant <mikecurlew...> Subject: Re: eBird submissions problem
I did two mobile app checklists this morning at Forest Park and was able to share them once home using my PC.
Mike
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> On Behalf Of Edge Wade
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 1:11 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: eBird submissions problem
Two eBird checklists t did today via the app show that they have been submitted, but don't show in "my checklists"
Did I miss an update notification or something else that would interfere with a list appearing?
Date: 4/23/26 8:52 am From: Marge Lumpe <margelumpe...> Subject: Birding Hi Lonesome Sunday morning
I was late getting out to the prairie this past Sunday morning, and there were so few birds I had decided to not even report them. But then I had a second thought that perhaps the absence of birds should be reported as well as their presence. I don't know if the very volatile weather Friday night made the difference, but it was a little eerie. The last time I was out there, there were several Henslow's Sparrows scattered about. Sunday I heard none. The new one was three Killdeer. The full list, such as it is, is on eBird. I hope we have better luck this weekend.
Happy Birding, Marge Lumpe Benton County
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Tonight, while out walking on the Katy Trail, I inadvertently flushed a
subadult Ferruginous Hawk from a tree. This was located Near 7979 State
Route 94, about 2 miles ENE of Mokane adjacent to "Hwy 94".
These Light phase birds show typical broad translucent windows in the wings
and are often extremely white below. This individuals' head was also very
light. The tail pattern was also very pale with little depth to the
subterminal band.
While there is no formal designation to a "second year" FEHA, in my years
living in Montana, I certainly encountered birds in this "retained stage"
on a regular basis. Ferruginous are long-lived and hold nesting sites for
years. So It seems -logical that there is some kind of intermediate phase,
until full plumage is attained.
Earlier in the day. nearer to the airport on Mokane rd there were several
Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, but i missed the reported Swainson's in that
area.
After I lost the bird in the Auxvasse/ Mokane bottom I extended my search
further east in the direction I had last seen it going. Crossing Auxvasse
creek - this is the Steedman Bottom. I traveled all the gravel roads out
there.
I did not relocate the Ferruginous. However, near 4.0 miles east of the
area of sighting was a field actively being plowed by farmers. In that
field, sitting on the ground, were 2 sub-adult Swainson's Hawks! I was able
to get some distant footage of both of those birds.
With a possible 5 Swainson's Hawks (more?) , and this Ferruginous Hawk all
in the same county, - What Else is out there? These birds will NOT migrate
tonight.
AS I was driving the bottom land roads, Large numbers of Savannah Sparrows
are still moving through, Horned Larks are on nests, and Lark Sparrows are
fighting over territory.
ONE lone Greater yellowlegs proclaimed his upset over my intrusions. Must
be because there is no real water left in the fields. He was unable to
distinguish that I was a human who would gladly reconvert many bottomlands
back to shallow pools and marsh.
Tim B.
MOkane, MO (and Choteau, MT) 😊
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/22/26 6:30 am From: Marlee Malmborg <marlee.malmborg...> Subject: Support Bird Conservation in Missouri: MRBO’s Annual Auction
Dear Missouri Birding Community,
If youve spent any time birding in Missouri, you already know how special this state is; from grassland mornings full of song to migration days that stop you in your tracks. Protecting those experiences takes ongoing work, and thats where the Missouri River Bird Observatorys Annual Spring Auction comes in.
All proceeds from the auction will directly support MRBOs education programs across the state. These programs are a big part of how we build the next generation of birders, conservationists, and land stewards through field trips, workshops, community events, and hands-on learning experiences that connect people to birds and the habitats they depend on.
MRBOs work is rooted in science, but its carried forward by people. Education is what turns data into understanding and interest into action. Whether its introducing a student to their first grassland bird or helping landowners better manage habitat, these programs are what make long-term conservation possible.
Many of you have crossed paths with MRBO in the field, at workshops, or at events across Missouri. The auction is a simple way to support that work and help it grow. There are some great items this year, birding-related and beyond, and every bid contributes directly to outreach and education efforts happening statewide.
If youre able, wed love for you to take a look, place a bid, or share the auction with others who care about birds in Missouri.
Date: 4/22/26 4:59 am From: Allen Gathman <agathman...> Subject: [NO SIGHTING] Reminder of Bluebird Deadline
Once again, just a reminder that the deadline for submissions for publication in the June issue of The Bluebird is May 1. Please send any contributions to my email address, <agathman...>
Thanks again for your efforts!
-Allen Gathman Editor, The Bluebird
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/21/26 8:22 pm From: Jean Ellen Whatley <jeanellenwhatley...> Subject: Re: Bluebird Behavior
Mine are so spoiled. I’ve been giving them mealworms in the morning and again in the late afternoon because they’re feeding a box full of nestlings.
I watch “Ma and Pa” fly over to the nest box many, many times a day
Should fledge soon. 🤞
I have a nest full of 5 CARW babies on my front stoop in a pot filled with dead greenery from the holidays. Went to clean it up and momma let me know to LEAVE it!! They successfully fledged from this pot last year but this did seem a bit early for young.
Had a phoebe nest full of babies at Eagle bluffs as well.
On another bright note, I seem to be getting all the Mobird messages to my inbox instead of just half.
Lottie Bushmann Columbia
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/21/26 6:21 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Hummingbird arrival in Columbia
I just observed the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird at my place today--not at the feeder (yet), but well up in a tree buzzing bee-like around a goldfinch. The goldfinch just sat as the hummingbird buzz-danced around it (aggression or curiosity?) for about 30 seconds.
Edge Wade Columbia <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/21/26 5:47 am From: Michael Grant <mikecurlew...> Subject: Bluebird Behavior
I have noticed this week that the female bluebird is grabbing a bunch of mealworms and flying off quickly, rather than enjoying a leisurely meal at the feeder. I suspect she is feeding chicks.
Mike Grant
Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/20/26 7:38 pm From: Mike Grant <mikecurlew...> Subject: Re: No sighting Request for info
A lot of St. Louis area birders are using the Discord server so not posting much on MOBIRDS about anywhere in the STL area.
Open eBird.org, choose Explore, then Explore Hotspots and start typing Tower Grove until you see it in the list and then just choose that. You can get what has been seen recently and who has been there.
Mike Grant
Chesterfield, MO
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> On Behalf Of sgg.bluesfan
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2026 8:02 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Re: No sighting Request for info
I am not sure, but if you Google Tower Grove Park Ebird you can see what has been reported for this calendar month. I assume anyone can see it but I am on Ebird.
I rarely see anything about Tower Grove Park anymore. I have limited mobility, so I used to like going there (Gaddy Garden) because of easy access, but I haven't heard or seen on MoBirds of anything being there. Anybody know?
Date: 4/20/26 6:28 pm From: Jean L <jaleonatti...> Subject: Shorebirds, Eagle Bluffs CA
One of my favorite birding activities is to spend a quiet evening at Eagle Bluffs just listening to shorebirds constantly twittering to each other. After a check for new arrivals I often drop the binocs and just listen, enjoying the peace of the serenade.
Tonight was such a night. I estimate more than 1000 shorebirds spread out between pools 4, 5, 10 and 11. I never made it back to pools 14-15. I estimated 80-90% were lesser yellowlegs, a few greater, several pectoral and least sandpipers, killdeer and snipe; 3 LB dowitchers and 3 semipalmated plovers.
Lovely evening.
Jean Leonatti Boone county <jaleonatti...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/20/26 6:02 pm From: sgg.bluesfan <sgg.bluesfan...> Subject: Re: No sighting Request for info
I am not sure, but if you Google Tower Grove Park Ebird you can see what has been reported for this calendar month. I assume anyone can see it but I am on Ebird.Thanks,Steve Griffaw <Sgg.bluesfan...> Jefferson City MO.Sent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: Patrick Maloney <maloneypatrick...> Date: 4/20/26 5:00 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <MOBIRDS-L...> Subject: No sighting Request for info I rarely see anything about Tower Grove Park anymore. I have limited mobility, so I used to like going there (Gaddy Garden) because of easy access, but I haven't heard or seen on MoBirds of anything being there. Anybody know?Pat MaloneySouth St. Louis
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/20/26 3:00 pm From: Patrick Maloney <maloneypatrick...> Subject: No sighting Request for info
I rarely see anything about Tower Grove Park anymore. I have limited mobility, so I used to like going there (Gaddy Garden) because of easy access, but I haven't heard or seen on MoBirds of anything being there. Anybody know?Pat MaloneySouth St. Louis
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/20/26 5:21 am From: Turner, Lori <Lturner...> Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL]Re: Hummers?
I put our feeder out Friday evening and had a male Saturday morning.
Lori Turner
Harrisburg, MO
Boone Co.
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> On Behalf Of Edge Wade
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2026 3:32 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Re: Hummers?
You don't often get email from <1edgewade...><mailto:<1edgewade...>. Learn why this is important<https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> ATTENTION: This email originated from outside of Boone Electric Cooperative. Use CAUTION with links or attachments.
Not too early. A few have been reported.
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade...><mailto:<1edgewade...>
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
________________________________
Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and legally privileged information. Any unauthorized review, copy, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail or via phone at 573-449-4181 and destroy all electronic or paper copies of the original message.
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/19/26 5:52 pm From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar...> Subject: Re: Swainson's Hawks, Callaway Co./Jefferson City Area, 4/19
My apologies for not clarifying in the original posting that the Swanson's Hawks were first-year birds that were observed today.
Good luck to anyone trying for them.
As a side note, in years prior, Peter Monacell and others have also observed SWHAs West of Hwy 54 along Hwy 63 on the Selecturf grass farm. Another worthy place to check if not seen at the CR 4038 & CR 4033 area (as well as the floodplain fields between).
Good Spring Migration birding to you!!
<chrisbarrigar...>
Cole Co.
Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> ________________________________
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar...>
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2026 7:22:22 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Swainson's Hawks, Callaway Co./Jefferson City Area, 4/19
Today, out in the Missouri River floodplain located North of Jefferson City, MO along Old Mokane Rd (CR 4038) were 3 Swainson's Hawks, located specifically northeast of the CR 4038 & CR 4033 intersection. Two SWHAs were observed sitting in the fields momentarily giving low flights to new locations short distances apart - apparently hunting for large or Bird Grasshoppers in the fields. The third SWHA was circling and kiting higher in the sky for a while before gliding southward over CR 4038 and behind some Cottonwood trees.
Also observed on Old Mokane Rd were 2 Western Kingbirds located between Sandage Sand Company and the Jefferson City Wastewater Treatment facility on the utility wires alongside the road.
Date: 4/19/26 5:22 pm From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar...> Subject: Swainson's Hawks, Callaway Co./Jefferson City Area, 4/19
Today, out in the Missouri River floodplain located North of Jefferson City, MO along Old Mokane Rd (CR 4038) were 3 Swainson's Hawks, located specifically northeast of the CR 4038 & CR 4033 intersection. Two SWHAs were observed sitting in the fields momentarily giving low flights to new locations short distances apart - apparently hunting for large or Bird Grasshoppers in the fields. The third SWHA was circling and kiting higher in the sky for a while before gliding southward over CR 4038 and behind some Cottonwood trees.
Also observed on Old Mokane Rd were 2 Western Kingbirds located between Sandage Sand Company and the Jefferson City Wastewater Treatment facility on the utility wires alongside the road.
Date: 4/18/26 10:01 am From: Tim Kavan <tkavan_76...> Subject: Fwd: Bulter Co Swainson's Warblerless Lands
It has been brought to my attention that no one has reported a Swainson’s Warbler along the Black River south of Poplar Bluff in almost 20 years. If true, this would be a great loss for the region (though not completely unexpected). If anyone frequency's this area or is up to a new challenge this year, is encourage my fellow borders to concentrate their efforts and do some in Butler County this year in search of the rare and elusive Swainson’s Warbler. It would be good to get some information to confirm or deny its existence.
Thanks
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/17/26 3:34 pm From: John and Linda Frederick <frederickjohnandlinda...> Subject: Ozark Rivers Audubon event
I wanted to let MoBirders know that Ozark Rivers Audubon will be having a morning of birding at Montauk State Park followed by a noontime potluck. And then more birding if you are interested. We will be meeting at the stone shelter house at 8 am in Saturday, April 25.
This is a great place to see many neotropical migrants. Cerulean Warblers are always a highlight for me.
If you want more information on this event, please contact me.
Linda Frederick Rolla, MO Email: frederickjohnandlinda at gmail.com
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
And the chimney swifts are circling over Forest Park in St Louis today as well!Maureen Thomas-MurphySt Louis
On Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:33:57 AM CDT, Tim Kavan <tkavan_76...> wrote:
Add Killdeer, mallard and Canada goose babies to the list this week down here in SEMO Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 17, 2026, at 9:39 AM, Marge Lumpe <margelumpe...> wrote:
Yes, it is!! And I may have kestrel babies on Saturday!Marge
On Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 9:17 AM Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
FOY Chimney Swifts over central Columbia yesterday! Heard them while I was prepping my raised beds and I gasped and looked to the skies! Heard a Yellow-throated Vireo out of my open car window driving by a wood lot this morning. Barn Swallows chasing each other around our work parking lot, Chipping Sparrow flocks flitting all over the yard.
Woo! ISN'T SPRING MIGRATION THE BEST?
Yay birds,Sarah
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives /Subscription options / MBS Website /Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives /Subscription options /MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
I had a male RTHU visiting my columbine plants in Cole Camp (Benton Co)
yesterday and saw that someone who lives south of town also had a RTHU
yesterday.
Ryan
Benton Co.
On Fri, Apr 17, 2026, 3:38 PM Terry McNeely <TerryMcneely...>
wrote:
Had my first Ruby-throated Hummingbird yesterday, in Northern Daviess County. Basically 45 miles south of Iowa.
Terry McNeely
25843 Grate Ave
Jameson MO
Daviess County
660-663-9322
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> ________________________________
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Edge Wade <1edgewade...>
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2026 3:32:04 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Re: Hummers?
Not too early. A few have been reported.
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade...><mailto:<1edgewade...>
Date: 4/17/26 11:50 am From: Patrick Maloney <maloneypatrick...> Subject: Re: Chimney Swifts! Yellow-throated Vireo! Springtime! Gaaah!
Had first chimney swifts over my South St. Louis backyard Wednesday.
On Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:33:57 AM CDT, Tim Kavan <tkavan_76...> wrote:
Add Killdeer, mallard and Canada goose babies to the list this week down here in SEMO Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 17, 2026, at 9:39 AM, Marge Lumpe <margelumpe...> wrote:
Yes, it is!! And I may have kestrel babies on Saturday!Marge
On Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 9:17 AM Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
FOY Chimney Swifts over central Columbia yesterday! Heard them while I was prepping my raised beds and I gasped and looked to the skies! Heard a Yellow-throated Vireo out of my open car window driving by a wood lot this morning. Barn Swallows chasing each other around our work parking lot, Chipping Sparrow flocks flitting all over the yard.
Woo! ISN'T SPRING MIGRATION THE BEST?
Yay birds,Sarah
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives /Subscription options / MBS Website /Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives /Subscription options /MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/17/26 11:50 am From: leslie <00000623c9fda709-dmarc-request...> Subject: Spring birding
I spent some time at Lone Elk Park and recorded several birds (it's a great place to listen). The following were singing their hearts out: Eastern BluebirdCardinalYellow-rumped WarblerGray CatbirdDowny WoodpeckerRobinRuby-crowned KingletYellow-throated VireoBlue JayRed-eyed VireoCowbirdRed-headed WoodpeckerTufted TitmouseRed-bellied WoodpeckerGoldfinchMourning DoveCarolina WrenCarolina ChickadeeRed-headed WoodpeckerWild TurkeyYellow-throated VireoHairy WoodpeckerOrange-crowned WarblerAmerican CrowBlue-gray Gnatcatcher There were a couple life-time birds on this list, some were listed as rare. Enjoy the spring migration!Leslie Smith
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/17/26 11:34 am From: Elaine Nuhn <renuhn...> Subject: Re: Early Migrants in Kirksville
What a great report. Thank you for posting!
On Fri, Apr 17, 2026, 9:31 AM Daniel Getman <
<000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> I wasn’t expecting much this morning, but what do I know!
>
> Quite a few migrants observed this morning:
> Orchard oriole, male
> Osprey
> Nashville warbler
> Blue-gray gnatcatcher
> Indigo Bunting, male
> Cedar waxwings, flock of 12-15
> Rose-breasted grosbeak, male
> Yellow-rumped warbler
>
> Continuing: for about the last 7-10 days, lots of white-throated sparrows,
> goldfinch & purple finch. Juncos seem to have moved on.
>
> No hummingbirds yet, but I’ve put up my hummingbird feeders and put out
> some oranges and grape jelly for the orioles.
>
> Will post some photos later today.
>
> Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
>
> List archives: https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L > MBS Website: http://mobirds.org/ > Questions or comments? Email the list owners: mailto:
> <mobirds-l-request...>
> To unsubscribe or change subscription options:
> https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1 > ABA Birding Code of Ethics: http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
> Details and registration: https://mobirds.org/MBS/NextMeeting.aspx >
> https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L >
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/17/26 9:34 am From: Tim Kavan <tkavan_76...> Subject: Re: Chimney Swifts! Yellow-throated Vireo! Springtime! Gaaah!
Add Killdeer, mallard and Canada goose babies to the list this week down here in SEMO
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 17, 2026, at 9:39 AM, Marge Lumpe <margelumpe...> wrote:
Yes, it is!! And I may have kestrel babies on Saturday!
Marge
On Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 9:17 AM Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...><mailto:<00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
FOY Chimney Swifts over central Columbia yesterday! Heard them while I was prepping my raised beds and I gasped and looked to the skies! Heard a Yellow-throated Vireo out of my open car window driving by a wood lot this morning. Barn Swallows chasing each other around our work parking lot, Chipping Sparrow flocks flitting all over the yard.
Yes, it is!! And I may have kestrel babies on Saturday!
Marge
On Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 9:17 AM Kendrick, Sarah W <
<00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> FOY Chimney Swifts over central Columbia yesterday! Heard them while I was
> prepping my raised beds and I gasped and looked to the skies! Heard a
> Yellow-throated Vireo out of my open car window driving by a wood lot this
> morning. Barn Swallows chasing each other around our work parking lot,
> Chipping Sparrow flocks flitting all over the yard.
>
> Woo! ISN'T SPRING MIGRATION THE BEST?
>
> Yay birds,
> Sarah
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/17/26 7:31 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Early Migrants in Kirksville
I wasn’t expecting much this morning, but what do I know!
Quite a few migrants observed this morning:
Orchard oriole, male
Osprey
Nashville warbler
Blue-gray gnatcatcher
Indigo Bunting, male
Cedar waxwings, flock of 12-15
Rose-breasted grosbeak, male
Yellow-rumped warbler
Continuing: for about the last 7-10 days, lots of white-throated sparrows, goldfinch & purple finch. Juncos seem to have moved on.
No hummingbirds yet, but I’ve put up my hummingbird feeders and put out some oranges and grape jelly for the orioles.
Will post some photos later today.
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/17/26 7:17 am From: Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Chimney Swifts! Yellow-throated Vireo! Springtime! Gaaah!
FOY Chimney Swifts over central Columbia yesterday! Heard them while I was prepping my raised beds and I gasped and looked to the skies! Heard a Yellow-throated Vireo out of my open car window driving by a wood lot this morning. Barn Swallows chasing each other around our work parking lot, Chipping Sparrow flocks flitting all over the yard.
Woo! ISN'T SPRING MIGRATION THE BEST?
Yay birds,
Sarah
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/16/26 3:23 pm From: David Scheu <00000454f801cafe-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: FW: LISTSERV FROM address changes on 4/24/2026
Kevin, I don’t know but if I had to guess, I’d say that each serial-number-like part of the strange address maps to a specific subscriber, and when the list server receives a reply to one of these addresses, it will forward it on to the corresponding “real” address. Maybe seamlessly, maybe not. We’ll have to see exactly how it all plays out.
BTW, it looks like my email came from a new address. My inbox shows that message this way:
Though it’s not the 24th yet, so it’s not supposed to have started yet, and your last email has a normal return address. Am I the unknowing guinea pig?
From: Kevin Wehner <kevinwehner...>
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2026 4:53 PM
To: David Scheu <des...>; <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Re: FW: LISTSERV FROM address changes on 4/24/2026
How will replies work if the email address is obfuscated? Can we still reply to an individual only or will every reply go the Listserv? Thanks!
I am forwarding an email I just received from MU IT, who hosts our list server. Full announcement is below, but the digest version is, email return addresses are being obfuscated in order to prevent mail from the list ending up in spam folders, which is something that has happened to me, and I know has happened to others. I have been told in the past there’s nothing that they can do on the server side, but apparently the problem got bad enough that they figured out something they could do. I know some of you have already managed to fix the problem from your end, but hopefully this change will help mail get through to everyone, and the strange return addresses will not be too off-putting or confusing. We’ll have to see how it goes!
On Friday, April 24th we will change how FROM addresses work with LISTSERV messages. This will apply to everyone who sends mail through our LISTSERV lists.
You may want to brief your Subscribers, so they are not surprised on the 24th.
Users will notice that mail shows a different FROM address going forward. The Display Name will not change. Mail from “John Smith” will still say “John Smith”.
However, an address like <user...><mailto:<user...> or <person...><mailto:<person...> will be changed to something like <00000003f16b4808-dmarc-request...><mailto:<00000003f16b4808-dmarc-request...>.
People will see that new FROM address. Some of them will ask questions.
NOTE: If your list has message archives, the archives will show the original FROM address.
P.S. - Why are we doing this?
Most Subscribers don’t need this much detail, but you deserve to know. Nobody is at fault here. New email protections require us to make a change, so our mail will deliver. That’s the situation.
Mail to some recipients recently started bouncing back to us with this new error message:
Access denied, sending domain MISSOURI.EDU doesn't meet the required authentication level. The sender's domain in the 5322.From address doesn't meet the authentication requirements defined for the sender.
The underlying problem: Email services are starting to roll out new email protection rules. If the FROM address does not align with the list address (lists.umsystem.edu), our mail gets rejected.
For example, FROM:<walkerbr...><mailto:<walkerbr...> does not align with lists.umsystem.edu. Mail from umsystem.edu does align and pass, but we cannot ignore the other campuses. This problem also applies to mail from our external Subscribers.
We can send into a list just fine. The trouble comes when the list tries to deliver. So far, we’ve seen bounces reported from HOTMAIL.COM, LIVE.COM, MSN.COM, and OUTLOOK.COM. None of our LISTSERV mail is reaching those Subscribers. That list is probably incomplete today. Plus, more services will implement rules like these over time.
For technical reasons, we cannot address these bounces on a case-by-case basis. This must be a global change on the server.
Brand Walker
Division of IT, University of Missouri
<walkerbr...><mailto:<walkerbr...>
ABA Birding Code of Ethics<http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/16/26 2:53 pm From: Kevin Wehner <kevinwehner...> Subject: Re: FW: LISTSERV FROM address changes on 4/24/2026
How will replies work if the email address is obfuscated? Can we still reply to an individual only or will every reply go the Listserv? Thanks!
--
Kevin
On Apr 16, 2026 at 4:46 PM -0500, David Scheu <00000454f801cafe-dmarc-request...>, wrote:
> MOBirders,
>
> I am forwarding an email I just received from MU IT, who hosts our list server. Full announcement is below, but the digest version is, email return addresses are being obfuscated in order to prevent mail from the list ending up in spam folders, which is something that has happened to me, and I know has happened to others. I have been told in the past there’s nothing that they can do on the server side, but apparently the problem got bad enough that they figured out something they could do. I know some of you have already managed to fix the problem from your end, but hopefully this change will help mail get through to everyone, and the strange return addresses will not be too off-putting or confusing. We’ll have to see how it goes!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dave Scheu
> MOBirds-L list co-owner
> St. Louis, MO
>
> From: Walker, Brand <walkerbr...>
> Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2026 2:53 PM
> To: <ALL-REQUEST...>
> Cc: UM - IT Email Server Team <cloudservicesteam...>
> Subject: LISTSERV FROM address changes on 4/24/2026
>
> On Friday, April 24th we will change how FROM addresses work with LISTSERV messages. This will apply to everyone who sends mail through our LISTSERV lists.
> You may want to brief your Subscribers, so they are not surprised on the 24th.
>
> Users will notice that mail shows a different FROM address going forward. The Display Name will not change. Mail from “John Smith” will still say “John Smith”.
> However, an address like <user...> or <person...> will be changed to something like <00000003f16b4808-dmarc-request...>
> People will see that new FROM address. Some of them will ask questions.
>
> NOTE: If your list has message archives, the archives will show the original FROM address.
>
>
> P.S. - Why are we doing this?
> Most Subscribers don’t need this much detail, but you deserve to know. Nobody is at fault here. New email protections require us to make a change, so our mail will deliver. That’s the situation.
>
> Mail to some recipients recently started bouncing back to us with this new error message:
> Access denied, sending domain MISSOURI.EDU doesn't meet the required authentication level. The sender's domain in the 5322.From address doesn't meet the authentication requirements defined for the sender.
>
> The underlying problem: Email services are starting to roll out new email protection rules. If the FROM address does not align with the list address (lists.umsystem.edu), our mail gets rejected.
> For example, FROM:<walkerbr...> does not align with lists.umsystem.edu. Mail from umsystem.edu does align and pass, but we cannot ignore the other campuses. This problem also applies to mail from our external Subscribers.
>
> We can send into a list just fine. The trouble comes when the list tries to deliver. So far, we’ve seen bounces reported from HOTMAIL.COM, LIVE.COM, MSN.COM, and OUTLOOK.COM. None of our LISTSERV mail is reaching those Subscribers. That list is probably incomplete today. Plus, more services will implement rules like these over time.
>
> For technical reasons, we cannot address these bounces on a case-by-case basis. This must be a global change on the server.
>
> Brand Walker
> Division of IT, University of Missouri
> <walkerbr...>
>
>
>
> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
> Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics
> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/16/26 2:45 pm From: David Scheu <00000454f801cafe-dmarc-request...> Subject: FW: LISTSERV FROM address changes on 4/24/2026
MOBirders,
I am forwarding an email I just received from MU IT, who hosts our list server. Full announcement is below, but the digest version is, email return addresses are being obfuscated in order to prevent mail from the list ending up in spam folders, which is something that has happened to me, and I know has happened to others. I have been told in the past there's nothing that they can do on the server side, but apparently the problem got bad enough that they figured out something they could do. I know some of you have already managed to fix the problem from your end, but hopefully this change will help mail get through to everyone, and the strange return addresses will not be too off-putting or confusing. We'll have to see how it goes!
Thanks,
Dave Scheu
MOBirds-L list co-owner
St. Louis, MO
From: Walker, Brand <walkerbr...>
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2026 2:53 PM
To: <ALL-REQUEST...>
Cc: UM - IT Email Server Team <cloudservicesteam...>
Subject: LISTSERV FROM address changes on 4/24/2026
On Friday, April 24th we will change how FROM addresses work with LISTSERV messages. This will apply to everyone who sends mail through our LISTSERV lists.
You may want to brief your Subscribers, so they are not surprised on the 24th.
Users will notice that mail shows a different FROM address going forward. The Display Name will not change. Mail from "John Smith" will still say "John Smith".
However, an address like <user...><mailto:<user...> or <person...><mailto:<person...> will be changed to something like <00000003f16b4808-dmarc-request...><mailto:<00000003f16b4808-dmarc-request...>.
People will see that new FROM address. Some of them will ask questions.
NOTE: If your list has message archives, the archives will show the original FROM address.
P.S. - Why are we doing this?
Most Subscribers don't need this much detail, but you deserve to know. Nobody is at fault here. New email protections require us to make a change, so our mail will deliver. That's the situation.
Mail to some recipients recently started bouncing back to us with this new error message:
Access denied, sending domain MISSOURI.EDU doesn't meet the required authentication level. The sender's domain in the 5322.From address doesn't meet the authentication requirements defined for the sender.
The underlying problem: Email services are starting to roll out new email protection rules. If the FROM address does not align with the list address (lists.umsystem.edu), our mail gets rejected.
For example, FROM:<walkerbr...><mailto:<walkerbr...> does not align with lists.umsystem.edu. Mail from umsystem.edu does align and pass, but we cannot ignore the other campuses. This problem also applies to mail from our external Subscribers.
We can send into a list just fine. The trouble comes when the list tries to deliver. So far, we've seen bounces reported from HOTMAIL.COM, LIVE.COM, MSN.COM, and OUTLOOK.COM. None of our LISTSERV mail is reaching those Subscribers. That list is probably incomplete today. Plus, more services will implement rules like these over time.
For technical reasons, we cannot address these bounces on a case-by-case basis. This must be a global change on the server.
Brand Walker
Division of IT, University of Missouri
<walkerbr...><mailto:<walkerbr...>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/16/26 11:51 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Upland Sandpipers on Mokane Rd.
UPSAs reported by Pete Monacell continue on Mokane Rd. At 1:45 today, .6 miles east east of CR 4033. About 50-60 yds.out north side of road. Edge Wade Columbia <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/14/26 6:50 pm From: Monacell, Peter L. <plmonacell...> Subject: Re: Upland Sandpipers, Mokane Road, North Jefferson City, Callaway Co
Birders continued to see the Upland Sandpipers last night and this evening. The best place to view them this evening was about 0.4 miles east of CR 4033 on CR 4038 (Mokane Road), looking north. If you don’t spot them immediately, keep scanning: they may have been up to a quarter mile out, even a bit more. Tonight, the Grasshopper Sparrow was again audible from that site. A new addition to Mokane Road today was about 25 Brewer’s Blackbirds nearer at the west end of the road (about 1 mile east of Hibernia Road).
Good birding everyone,
Pete
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Monacell, Peter L. <plmonacell...>
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 9:48 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Upland Sandpipers, Mokane Road, North Jefferson City, Callaway Co
CAUTION!: This email originated from outside of Columbia College.
This evening there were four Upland Sandpipers together just south of Mokane Road (CR 4038) approaching the defunct bridge. I heard them quip-ip-ipping and was able to find them for photos. The exact location was 1 mile east of CR 4033. I also heard a Grasshopper Sparrow from this point; they breed in that location every year.
Mokane Road is already full of Lark Sparrows and had several Scissor-tailed Flycatchers perched along it. A flock of more than 100 American Golden-Plovers fed in a field east of the trailer home, which is between CRs 4035 and 4033. The Mokane Road hotspot is really starting to show off.
Date: 4/14/26 6:29 am From: Becky Lutz <0000035ce3242aa3-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: No sighting: eBird alerts not working.....again
For reference, this is the auto response you get from eBird when you place a ticket for this. I've done all of this.
Thank you for contacting eBird. We're sorry to hear you've stopped receiving email Alerts. Please try the following troubleshooting steps:
-
Check your Spam, Junk, Promotions, and Trash folders. Search your email inbox for messages from <ebird-alert...>
-
Verify your eBird Alerts settings here: https://ebird.org/alerts(click the blue ‘Sign in’ button in the upper right corner if you are not already logged in)
-
Add <ebird-alert...> and <do-not-reply...> to your email’s list of safe senders (see https://www.whitelist.guide/for instructions). Wait 48 hours to see if Alerts begin to appear.
If you still do not receive Alerts after trying everything above, reply to this email. Include your eBird username, the email address where you expect to receive Alerts, and the troubleshooting steps you've already tried.
Due to a high volume of inquiries, this email will be closed unless you reply with the requested account details.
We appreciate your patience as we work to address the hundreds of notes that we receive from eBirders like you every week. Thank you for being a part of eBird!
Becky Lutz636-432-9442
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 08:11:07 AM CDT, Becky Lutz <0000035ce3242aa3-dmarc-request...> wrote:
The last ebird alert that I have received was on March 22. I had this happen 3 mths ago as well. Alerts just finally started showing back up again a week or so later, so I don't know what to do to get them back now or why this is happening again. I messaged the help center (3 mths ago and several times in the past 2 weeks) and other than the auto response from the original ticket, I have never received a reply. I have completed the 3 troubleshooting steps that the auto reply had suggested, including waiting the 48 hrs. In addition to those 3 things, I have logged out and then right back in from both my phone app and my desktop accounts. I have logged out and then waited 24 hrs before logging back in. I have unsubscribed to all alerts and resubscribed immediately and also unsubscribed and went 2-3 days before resubscribing to them. I am on several other group reporting things, so I know I should be getting alerts. I've even tried subscribing to lists from a state I've never been to, so I know there will be alerts and I've gotten nothing.
I did just send another "ticket" into ebird since I've had no response in 2 weeks but thought I would also throw this out to the group. I'm at a loss. I've done nothing different to have caused the loss in the first place. Same phone. Same computer. Same account. Part of me wants to create a new account, but I don't want to lose everything from my current account and not sure I can merge them if I did. I know I sent a S.O.S message when this happened the first time, but couldn't find the responses I got from that, but I think I've done everything that I can remember being suggested anyway.
Any other thoughts or ideas? My SOB says it's a sign I need to quit birding. Haha!!!!
Becky Lutz636-432-9442
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 4/14/26 6:11 am From: Becky Lutz <0000035ce3242aa3-dmarc-request...> Subject: No sighting: eBird alerts not working.....again
The last ebird alert that I have received was on March 22. I had this happen 3 mths ago as well. Alerts just finally started showing back up again a week or so later, so I don't know what to do to get them back now or why this is happening again. I messaged the help center (3 mths ago and several times in the past 2 weeks) and other than the auto response from the original ticket, I have never received a reply. I have completed the 3 troubleshooting steps that the auto reply had suggested, including waiting the 48 hrs. In addition to those 3 things, I have logged out and then right back in from both my phone app and my desktop accounts. I have logged out and then waited 24 hrs before logging back in. I have unsubscribed to all alerts and resubscribed immediately and also unsubscribed and went 2-3 days before resubscribing to them. I am on several other group reporting things, so I know I should be getting alerts. I've even tried subscribing to lists from a state I've never been to, so I know there will be alerts and I've gotten nothing.
I did just send another "ticket" into ebird since I've had no response in 2 weeks but thought I would also throw this out to the group. I'm at a loss. I've done nothing different to have caused the loss in the first place. Same phone. Same computer. Same account. Part of me wants to create a new account, but I don't want to lose everything from my current account and not sure I can merge them if I did. I know I sent a S.O.S message when this happened the first time, but couldn't find the responses I got from that, but I think I've done everything that I can remember being suggested anyway.
Any other thoughts or ideas? My SOB says it's a sign I need to quit birding. Haha!!!!
Becky Lutz636-432-9442
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
