Date: 3/2/26 8:28 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - March 2
It was overcast and mild with a light wind, turning partly cloudy in the afternoon, on the bird survey today. 53 species were found. Highlight of the day was a large flock of Sandhill Cranes migrating over and being very vocal. They circled Red Slough for a few minutes than drifted off to the southwest. I think they were looking for a place to roost for the night. Spring is really advancing. Redbuds are blooming now. Here is my list for today:
The Date Guide divides Oklahoma into 7 geographic regions, and lists the normal dates of occurrence for each Oklahoma bird species within each region. Observers are urged to report unusual species, or birds out of date or out of normal range in Oklahoma, based on the information given in this publication.
The Oklahoma Ornithological Society and Oklahoma Bird Records Committee web site, https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.okbirds.org/__;!!GNU8KkXDZlD12Q!7ubQEkqq0IuuI8sPXzHfOzEDdLdOtZyhKvDQUtvk_XppVTDzgemd9nxCW0PtaCYjNxs2NTu8zon2KaC-$ [okbirds[.]org], includes ordering information for the Date Guide to the Occurrences of Birds in Oklahoma, information on documenting significant records, documentation forms, instructions, and a searchable database for Oklahoma bird migration information. Birders are cordially invited to join the Oklahoma Ornithological Society.
It was mostly overcast and mild with a light wind on the survey yesterday. 50 species were found. Best highlight was a flock of 78 Sandhill Cranes on the ground in unit 44 right next to the middle parking lot. We rarely see these at Red Slough, especially on the ground. FOS Purple Martin was nice also. Lots of hardwood trees (elms, maples, plums, etc.) blooming now and willows are putting out leaves. Frogs singing everywhere. Spring is here! Here is my list for yesterday:
Date: 2/19/26 11:04 am From: Bryan Reynolds <nature_photo_man...> Subject: Re: Red Breasted Nuthatch
Besides the ones you mentioned, I've also seen Brown Creepers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Downy Woodpeckers, and White-breasted Nuthatches at the sapwells.
This is a male that makes occasional visits to the feeder. Today he is on the maple tree working the holes the Sapsucker is making. He was within 3 feet of the sapsucker. Ive been surprised at the number of spp. that take advantage of the sapsucker
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This is a male that makes occasional visits to the feeder. Today he is on the maple tree working the holes the Sapsucker is making. He was within 3 feet of the sapsucker. Ive been surprised at the number of spp. that take advantage of the sapsucker holes including Pine warbler, Kinglet, Chickadee and Titmouse.
Bob Laval
Heavener
Sent from my iPad
Date: 2/19/26 10:42 am From: Bob LaVal <blnllaval...> Subject: Red Breasted Nuthatch
This is a male that makes occasional visits to the feeder. Today he is on the maple tree working the holes the Sapsucker is making. He was within 3 feet of the sapsucker. I’ve been surprised at the number of spp. that take advantage of the sapsuckerZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart External Email ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd
This is a male that makes occasional visits to the feeder. Today he is on the maple tree working the holes the Sapsucker is making. He was within 3 feet of the sapsucker. I’ve been surprised at the number of spp. that take advantage of the sapsucker holes including Pine warbler, Kinglet, Chickadee and Titmouse. Bob Laval Heavener Sent from my iPad
The survey today started off overcast, cool, calm, and foggy, turning partly cloudy, mild, and windy by the afternoon. 51 species were found. "Goose" Pearson (OK) joined me for the afternoon portion of the survey. Best highlight today was the return of several Tree Swallows. Several species of Passerines were singing their Spring songs and trees were starting to bloom. Here is my list for today:
Thanks David
I look forward to your weekly report.
Hoping things work out so I can attend OOS there this spring
Dion MaasMesa, AZMaricopa County
“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government then you are doomed to live under the rules of fools. Plato“You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of reality.”
Don & Shirley MaasThe Maas’s have migrated to the Valley of the Sun in Mesa, AZ from Choctaw, Ok for the winter.
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, 10:38 AM, <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> wrote:
Mike, thank you for your note to David. You are telling him what I have told him off site many times. When the Ouachita National Forest acquired Red Slough, they obtained David's expertise 30 years ago to monitor the birds for Red Slough. David'sZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart External Email ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd#yiv0988944994 #yiv0988944994pfptBannerwue5bsh {display:block !important;visibility:visible !important;opacity:1 !important;background-color:#d04b4c !important;max-width:none !important;max-height:none !important;}#yiv0988944994 .yiv0988944994pfptPrimaryButtonwue5bsh:hover, #yiv0988944994 .yiv0988944994pfptPrimaryButtonwue5bsh:focus {background-color:#e9797a !important;}#yiv0988944994 .yiv0988944994pfptPrimaryButtonwue5bsh:active {background-color:#d89d9d !important;}#yiv0988944994 html:root, #yiv0988944994 html:root>body {display:block !important;visibility:visible !important;opacity:1 !important;}#yiv0988944994 P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}Mike, thank you for your note to David. You are telling him what I have told him off site many times. When the Ouachita National Forest acquired Red Slough, they obtained David's expertise 30 years ago to monitor the birds for Red Slough. David's surveys, data collection, observations, and pictures document the birds and other wildlife changes over these decades. Some may not be aware that David's work has found dragonflies and other species extending their range into Oklahoma; or that Red Slough is an eBird Hot Spot and Species Leader for the State of Oklahoma. Birders from every state and some foreign countries have found birds at Red Slough for their life lists. Many Oklahoma birders do not recognize the valuable birds and birding experiences that exist within the State. His list is also shared on the ARBird Listserve.
All should appreciate the weekly dedication that David has contributed to the scientific data collected and insight he provided for birders and others that appreciate the Wildlife Diversity of Red Slough.
Jerry Wayne DavisHot Springs, ARFrom: okbirds <OKBIRDS...> on behalf of Mike Ludewig <fishinorbirding...>
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2026 9:11 AM
To: <OKBIRDS...> <OKBIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [OKBIRDS] Red Slough Bird Survey - Feb. 11 <!--#yiv0988944994 #yiv0988944994x_pfptBannerit6hleg {display:block!important;visibility:visible!important;opacity:1!important;background-color:#d04b4c!important;max-width:none!important;max-height:none!important;}#yiv0988944994 html:root, #yiv0988944994 html:root > div {display:block!important;visibility:visible!important;opacity:1!important;}-->David, Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your weekly posts on the Red Slough birds and other "creatures". It's always fun to see your list! Mike Ludewig Claremore, OK On Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 7: 10 PM arbour@ windstream. netZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStartExternal Email ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEndDavid,
Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your weekly posts on the Red Slough birds and other "creatures". It's always fun to see your list!Mike LudewigClaremore, OK
On Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 7:10 PM <arbour...> <arbour...> wrote:
It was mostly overcast, mild (60's), and a bit windy on the survey today. 51 species were found. Neotropic Cormorants have returned and will start nesting in early March. Spring is almost here! Frogs are singing; butterflies are out, and plumZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStartExternal Email ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd
It was mostly overcast, mild (60's), and a bit windy on the survey today. 51 species were found. Neotropic Cormorants have returned and will start nesting in early March. Spring is almost here! Frogs are singing; butterflies are out, and plum and pear trees are starting to bloom. Here is my list for today:
Date: 2/12/26 9:12 am From: Mike Ludewig <fishinorbirding...> Subject: Re: Red Slough Bird Survey - Feb. 11
David,
Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your weekly posts on
the Red Slough birds and other "creatures". It's always fun to see your
list!
Mike Ludewig
Claremore, OK
On Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 7:10 PM <arbour...> <arbour...>
wrote:
> It was mostly overcast, mild (60's), and a bit windy on the survey today.
> 51 species were found. Neotropic Cormorants have returned and will start
> nesting in early March. Spring is almost here! Frogs are singing;
> butterflies are out, and plum
> ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart
> External Email
>
> ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd
>
> It was mostly overcast, mild (60's), and a bit windy on the survey today.
> 51 species were found. Neotropic Cormorants have returned and will start
> nesting in early March. Spring is almost here! Frogs are singing;
> butterflies are out, and plum and pear trees are starting to bloom. Here
> is my list for today:
>
>
> Greater White-fronted Geese - 10
>
> Canada Geese - 11
>
> Wood Duck - 16
>
> Gadwall - 362
>
> Mallard - 557
>
> Northern Shoveler - 192
>
> Northern Pintail - 52
>
> Green-winged Teal - 14
>
> Ring-necked Duck - 87
>
> Lesser Scaup - 2
>
> Bufflehead - 8
>
> Hooded Merganser - 13
>
> Ruddy Duck - 15
>
> Pied-billed Grebe – 18
>
> *Neotropic Cormorant* - 4
>
> Double-crested Cormorant - 6
>
> Great-blue Heron - 10
>
> Great Egret - 2
>
> Black Vulture - 3
>
> Turkey Vulture – 15
>
> Bald Eagle - 2 (1 imm. & 1 adult)
>
> Red-shouldered Hawk - 4
>
> Red-tailed Hawk - 2
>
> American Kestrel - 3
>
> Merlin - 1
>
> American Coot – 735
>
> Killdeer - 1
>
> Greater Yellowlegs - 1
>
> Red-bellied Woodpecker - 4
>
> Downy Woodpecker - 2
>
> Hairy Woodpecker - 1
>
> Northern Flicker - 3
>
> Blue Jay - 3
>
> American Crow - 262
>
> Fish Crow - 43
>
> Carolina Chickadee - 2
>
> Tufted Titmouse - 6
>
> Carolina Wren - 4
>
> Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 2
>
> Eastern Bluebird - 9
>
> Hermit Thrush - 1
>
> Orange-crowned Warbler - 1
>
> Yellow-rumped Warbler - 13
>
> Pine Warbler - 1
>
> Eastern Towhee - 1
>
> Song Sparrow - 1
>
> Swamp Sparrow - 1
>
> White-throated Sparrow - 13
>
> Northern Cardinal – 6
>
> Red-winged Blackbird - 7
>
> American Goldfinch - 1
>
>
>
>
> *Herps:*
>
>
> Red-eared Slider
>
> Southern Painted Turtle
>
> Cajun Chorus Frog (calling)
>
> Coastal Plain Leopard Frog (calling)
>
>
>
> Good birding!
>
>
>
> David Arbour
>
> De Queen, AR
>
>
>
>
> Check out the Red Slough Photo Gallery: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://pbase.com/red_slough_wma__;!!GNU8KkXDZlD12Q!906NXQepHrXTL86fC0roOS_yjxI0IQYYUdm6wzOJjw6_JLtR4LFO-R087ruZanPX5qh5XSTzmkL19-NFuhrg8zURxBR7$ [pbase[.]com]
> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://pbase.com/red_slough_wma__;!!GNU8KkXDZlD12Q!7LN0A3DDBDT7NlWDqHkrEx1kukCl5Ziqahs2A86WXWpey0CG2SXYdJCk-HFyoiQupFi3-q6gqGApgE4CYh0MIQ$> >
>
It was mostly overcast, mild (60's), and a bit windy on the survey today. 51 species were found. Neotropic Cormorants have returned and will start nesting in early March. Spring is almost here! Frogs are singing; butterflies are out, and plum and pear trees are starting to bloom. Here is my list for today:
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of JANINE PERLMAN <jpandjf...>
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 10:00 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: Hummingbird food debate
I'm a comparative nutritional biochemist specializing in native N. American birds, and a federally permitted wild bird rehabilitator. One of my specialties is hummingbirds. I co-created (what appear to be the only) reliable, complete, balanced diets for captive orphaned, sick and injured hummingbirds currently in use by rehabilitators.
Please do not ever put anything in your feeder other than a 1:4 solution of sugar (table sugar; sucrose):water. No commercial mixes, no dyes, no additives of any kind.
In nature, nectar supplies water, sugar and the calories that sugar supplies. As John says, hummingbirds require nectar in exactly that form. Hummers receive the other nutrients they need from insects, and from a- or post-biotic mineral sources (tiny calciferous grit, ash, etc.). These nutrients include protein, lipids, vitamins, and minerals in exceedingly exact amounts and proportions.
Hummingbirds have instinctual cravings to find and consume what they need, when they need it. Their needs are very dynamic, with dramatic changes over short periods, and they must choose what they consume, every day.
If we feed them anything other than sugar-water, they are forced to consume nutrients that will throw their diet off balance, resulting in toxicities and/or deficiencies, illness and death. Obviously, anything a breeding female consumes is reflected in the composition of her eggs, and is regurgitated to her very vulnerable nestlings. The outcome is certain to be negative and likely lethal.
Even overwintering outdoor hummingbirds should not be fed a mineral-added nectar, because it will unbalance the insects and other consumables they're finding in nature. If weather conditions are such that a bird will unequivocally be unable to forage insects for over a week -- and this means severe, prolonged winter weather -- a knowledgeable hummingbird rehabilitator (there are probably fewer than half a dozen in the U.S. and Canada) should be contacted for advice.
Best wishes,
Janine
Janine Perlman, Ph.D.
Alexander, AR
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 09:43:02 AM CST, Wild Birds Unlimited <wbulittlerock...> wrote:
Honey is NOT a viable option for hummingbirds. I don't understand why it is so danged hard to get people to understand that the best, closest thing to natural flower nectar, is a water and table sugar mixture at a ratio of 4 parts water (1C) to 1 Part WHITE table sugar (1/4C). Do not use ANY other alternative. Demerara sugar and similar (any 'brown' or natural sugar) have too much iron which the hummers cannot process and will eventually be fatal. Sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit (Zero-Calorie Sweeteners) have no calories for the birds to utilize. Agave nectar is too high in fructose which the hummers cannot process. Table sugar is sucrose (whether beet sugar or cane sugar - yes, there are infinitesimal differences in the two as far as impurities, but they are so small as to be negligible), which is what flower nectar is primarily made up of. I shouldn't even need to mention this, but Splenda and other artificial sweeteners are also hard no's!
Natural flower nectars generally run on the range of 3:1 to 5 :1 which is why ornithologists have chosen the middle ground of 4:1. There are a couple hummingbird mixes on the market that have added mineral nutrients in them, but generally, these are unnecessary during months when flowers are in bloom since hummers get the required nutrients from flowers (they are never feeding only at your feeders if there are nectaring flowers around). This is a good point to add in that you should be planting true native flowers in your yards. Cultivars and hybrids often 'give-up' one thing to get another, such as giving up nectar production get a certain color, so they are never the best option. This trade-off is why flowers from florists often have no scent these day...it is lost in the hybridization process to attain bigger or more colorful blooms.
During winter months, if you have an over-wintering hummingbird, I WOULD highly recommend using nectar mixes that have minerals in them (please don't try to make your own...hummers are very small, and small errors in mixtures could prove fatal) to help get the hummers the nutrients they may not otherwise be getting during that time of year. I know people think they are 'doing what's best' by using natural sweeteners but they are literally killing hummingbirds by using them. Shame, shame, shame on this so-called "nature tour guide" for suggesting this. This particular issue is so simple and so basic that it would cause me to call into questions any other "facts" they told you on your hike.
What follows is the Google AI overview which is correct in general. 100+ websites will reiterate this information in part or in whole.
Honey should never be used to feed hummingbirds because it causes rapid, fatal fungal infections on their tongues and in their mouths. When diluted with water, honey fosters dangerous mold and bacteria growth. It also has a different sugar composition than natural nectar, which is hard for them to digest. Here is why honey is dangerous:
* Fatal Fungus: Honey, especially when diluted in a feeder, promotes the growth of fungi (like Aspergillus) that can cause severe, fatal infections in a hummingbird's tongue.
* Physical Harm: Because honey is sticky, it can clog feeding ports and coat the bird’s beak and feathers.
* Digestive Issues: The complex sugars in honey are difficult for hummingbirds to digest.
* Bacteria Growth: Honey can contain botulism spores, which can be dangerous or fatal to hummingbirds.
John Sommer
Wild Birds Unlimited - Little Rock
1818 N Taylor Street
Little Rock, AR 82207
501.666.4210
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Karen Garrett <kjgarrett84...>
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 8:50 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: Hummingbird food debate
I feel sure that I've read warnings about some kind of fungus in honey.
Q: Should I use brown sugar, honey, or molasses instead of white sugar?
A: No, only use refined white sugar. Other sweetening agents have additional ingredients that can prove detrimental to the hummingbirds. Never use artificial sweeteners to make hummingbird nectar.
Has anyone ever heard of feeding hummingbirds honey mixed with water? Has there been any scientific research into it?
This past week, a nature tour guide said that instead of feeding sugar mixed with water, we should use honey because it has nutrients lacking in sugar syrup.
But do hummers access honey in the wild?
What I’ve always heard is:
— One part sugar to four parts water approximates the nectar that hummers drink.
— This combo supplies energy while insects supply everything else.
— Don’t make the solution with anything other than white granulated sugar or maybe fructose.
I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts about this.
The suggested ratio was 2 parts honey to 1 part water.
Date: 2/6/26 1:55 pm From: Zach Poland <zachapoland...> Subject: OOS Spring Meeting: May 1-3 at Red Slough
The Oklahoma Ornithological Society (OOS) invites you to our 2026 Spring
Meeting, taking place
*May 1–3 at Red Slough. *For those unfamiliar, Red Slough is a truly unique
habitat within Oklahoma, offering birding experiences unlike anywhere else
in the state.
*Meeting Highlights:*
- Friday evening social and special presentation at the Comfort Inn in
Idabel
- Saturday field trips around Red Slough
- Saturday night group dinner and keynote presentation at Museum of the
Red River in Idabel
- Sunday bonus field trips
- Student registration discounts available
- Opportunities to connect with researchers and birders across the state
*Lodging:*
Accommodations are on your own. A group rate is available at the Comfort
Inn in Idabel. Please mention you are with OOS when booking. Additional
lodging options are available in Idabel and Broken Bow.
Date: 2/5/26 6:57 pm From: JOS GRZYBOWSKI <j_grzybowski...> Subject: Re: need help with Ebird
eBird often shows 0 birds when first entered. Sometimes it will show 0 birds for a short while, a few minutes, maybe up to 5 minutes or so. But they show up. If you keep re-entering, may up with duplicate checklists.
CHEERS, JOE Grzybowski
On Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 06:31:42 PM CST, Melinda Droege <oklagranny26...> wrote:
#yiv5610632921 #yiv5610632921pfptBannerwvb5bgd {display:block !important;visibility:visible !important;opacity:1 !important;background-color:#d04b4c !important;max-width:none !important;max-height:none !important;}#yiv5610632921 .yiv5610632921pfptPrimaryButtonwvb5bgd:hover, #yiv5610632921 .yiv5610632921pfptPrimaryButtonwvb5bgd:focus {background-color:#e9797a !important;}#yiv5610632921 .yiv5610632921pfptPrimaryButtonwvb5bgd:active {background-color:#d89d9d !important;}#yiv5610632921 html:root, #yiv5610632921 html:root>body {display:block !important;visibility:visible !important;opacity:1 !important;}i don't know why, I must not be hitting the right thing but lately two of my checklists have come up with 0 birds. I redid the first one but if it keeps happening I don't want to do that. No birds were that exciting but I do like toZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart External Email ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEndi don't know why, I must not be hitting the right thing but lately two of my checklists have come up with 0 birds.
I redid the first one but if it keeps happening I don't want to do that.
No birds were that exciting but I do like to keep track and any help is really appreciated. It could be my arthritic fingers hitting the wrong thing.
thanks,Melinda DroegeBartlesville
Date: 2/5/26 9:26 am From: Bryan Reynolds <nature_photo_man...> Subject: Recent central Oklahoma birds - after the snowstorm
All,
After the recent storms, I spent three days photographing the birds around my feeders (secondary crosstimbers habitat in Cleveland County). They went through roughly 60 pounds of black-oil sunflower seeds and two suet cakes in one week. I just sat quietly with my camera on a tripod and fired away at all who came. I wanted 'natural' looking photos, so I did not photograph any on a feeder or on the ground where I had broadcast seed, but instead I worked the periphery of the area as the birds funneled in. At times, I could not believe the numbers with roughly 30 male cardinals under and around the feeders and I'm estimating around 20 fox sparrows and the same amount of juncos bobbing around, even under my feet. All the ports in the feeders were constantly in use with three species of finches (gold, house and purple). I managed to get 13 species photographed, but there were several more I didn't get. One strange thing I saw was a male cardinal with a bald head. Apparently, this is due to mites or lice? Any thoughts on this? I named him Skeletor from the He-man cartoon.
After the three days photographing in the yard, I had to get groceries and, on the way, I decided to drive around the Purcell City Lake to see what was out. I got some coverage of a couple song and white-throated sparrows as well as a northern mocking bird foraging on sumac berries.
Date: 2/4/26 1:26 pm From: Jeanine Lackey <jeanine.dinan...> Subject: Looking for one or two group leaders for winter bird count. Crosstimbers Preserve
Hello
I am seeking one or two experienced birders to act as group leaders for a winter bird count at Crosstimbers Preserve, Saturday, Feb 7th, 2026. Timeframe is 7:30 am – 1:00 pm (ish). The group leaders will be helping novice birders identify wintering birds on the Preserve. There will be TNC staff present leading groups around the Preserve, either on foot or driving. The Preserve, located 20 minutes west of Tulsa, is not open to the public at this time, other than a few scheduled events like the bird count.
If you have any interest in being a group leader, please send me a direct message.
It was mostly clear, mild, and a bit windy on the bird survey today. 48 species were found. A lot of our smaller Passerines (wrens, warblers, sparrows, etc.) have apparently been pushed further south by the recent Arctic blast as they were in short supply today. With duck hunting season over now, the ducks have apparently dispersed throughout the nearby wetlands from the refuge area leaving few left on the large reservoirs. The levees were too wet to drive so I had to stay on gravel. Here is my list for today:
