Carolinabirds
Received From Subject
4/25/26 5:24 pm Steve Shultz (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> 17 Warbler Morning in Boone
4/24/26 1:03 pm Craig Watson (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: RFI for White-faced Ibis location
4/24/26 7:51 am Dennis Forsythe (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> RFI for White-faced Ibis location
4/24/26 5:41 am Betsy Kane (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: eBird duration - how to adjust?
4/23/26 4:59 pm \<hilton...>\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Hilton Pond North (9-21 Apr 2026) Dogwoods And Hummingbirds: Sure Signs Of Spring 🐦
4/23/26 1:43 pm Kent Fiala (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: eBird duration - how to adjust?
4/23/26 9:37 am Robert Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Durham Spring Count is this Sunday, April 26
4/23/26 9:12 am Bryan H (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: eBird duration - how to adjust?
4/23/26 8:59 am Betsy Kane (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> eBird duration - how to adjust?
4/22/26 3:12 pm \Hurlbert, Allen Hartley\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> run a Mini BBS route in the Triangle?
4/20/26 8:23 am Frank Hamilton (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> R-T Hummingbird sightings
4/19/26 3:43 pm Rob G (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
4/19/26 3:26 pm Don Stuart (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
4/18/26 2:50 pm Michael Clark <mdc...> Off topic: Citizen Science Program Needs Your Help Observing the Weather!
4/18/26 7:24 am Rob G (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> YC Night Herons (Chapel Hill)
4/17/26 6:16 am Dwayne Martin (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
4/17/26 6:09 am Lee Weber (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Ruby-throated Hummingbird
4/8/26 9:39 am Robert Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> 2026 Durham Spring Bird Count
4/6/26 12:18 pm Edmund LeGrand (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re Flocking behavior and Boids
4/4/26 2:27 pm Michael Clark <mdc...> Bird flocking behavior paper
4/3/26 1:00 pm Norman Budnitz (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: Barn Owl nest cam
4/3/26 12:53 pm Rob G (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: Barn Owl nest cam
4/3/26 12:15 pm Derb Carter (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Barn Owl nest cam
4/2/26 7:38 pm Sophia Cox (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Bald eagle question
3/31/26 6:04 am Margaret McGuinn (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> FREE Tripod
3/30/26 7:44 pm \Brian O'Shea\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Prairie Ridge (Raleigh) to be closed for one year starting Wednesday, 1 April
3/30/26 6:21 pm Susan Campbell <susan...> Re: Carolina Bird Club Spring Meeting
3/30/26 5:54 pm Susan Campbell <susan...> Carolina Bird Club Spring Meeting
3/30/26 7:54 am Derek Aldrich (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Re: [gcbirdclub] Advice on window feeders?
3/30/26 6:17 am Sophia Cox (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Advice on window feeders?
3/28/26 10:55 am Frank Hamilton (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
3/27/26 2:17 pm Paul Saffold (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> FOY ruby throated hummingbird Mebane
3/27/26 12:22 pm JOHN ECKSTINE (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> FOY Hummer
3/27/26 7:08 am <badgerboy...> Eagle Nest at Scottville, Ashe Co.
 
Back to top
Date: 4/25/26 5:24 pm
From: Steve Shultz (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: 17 Warbler Morning in Boone
The last weekend of April is usually a pretty good time to visit the high country of North Carolina. The warblers are back, but the leaves are not.

While it hasn’t rained in a month, it decided to today, but between sunrise and 11:45 AM was able to tally 17 warblers (all seen) which is fairly close to the expected number of breeders, only Kentucky missing and I didn’t go to that spot. Maybe tomorrow.

Elk Knob has two or three singing male Golden-wings, Swainson’s is back at Trout Lake, and Blackburnian are singing from the campground area at Price Lake.

Quite a bit of the parkway is closed due to repaving, so folks hoping to have a scenic journey on that particular road will be disappointed until probably next year.

In a week or 10 days, the leaves will be out, and the birds will be harder to find, but for now viewing is good.

Steve Shultz
Apex, NC

 

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Date: 4/24/26 1:03 pm
From: Craig Watson (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: RFI for White-faced Ibis location
It has been in this general location.
(32.1610353, -81.1127552).

On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 10:51 AM Dennis Forsythe <carolinabirds...>
wrote:

> All
>
> Any idea about the occurrence and location of the White-faced Ibis at
> Savannah NWR?
>
> Dennis
>
> --
> Dennis M Forsythe PhD
> Emeritus Professor of Biology
> The Citadel
> Charleston, SC
> 843-708-1605 cell
>

 

Back to top
Date: 4/24/26 7:51 am
From: Dennis Forsythe (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: RFI for White-faced Ibis location
All

Any idea about the occurrence and location of the White-faced Ibis at
Savannah NWR?

Dennis

--
Dennis M Forsythe PhD
Emeritus Professor of Biology
The Citadel
Charleston, SC
843-708-1605 cell

 

Back to top
Date: 4/24/26 5:41 am
From: Betsy Kane (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: eBird duration - how to adjust?
Kent and Bryan, thanks for these suggestions.
Betsy

On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 4:43 PM Kent Fiala <kent.fiala...> wrote:

> To avoid this problem, simply refrain from stopping the checklist before
> you have stopped birding. If you do inadvertently stop the track, or if you
> change your mind and decide to start birding again, just start a second
> checklist.
>
> On Thu, Apr 23, 2026, 12:12 Bryan H <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
>> The eBird duration and distance is now tied directly to the GPS track, so
>> to change the duration or distance you have to delete the track (which is
>> discouraged).
>>
>> You can find more details (including how to delete a track in the app)
>> here:
>>
>> https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48000960508#anchorGPSTracks
>>
>> Hope that helps,
>> Bryan
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 11:59 AM Betsy Kane <carolinabirds...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I have been trying to adjust to the change to eBird which automatically
>>> calculates duration based on track distance. When I try to update the
>>> duration having birded longer than expected, or less than expected, it
>>> won't allow it while using the app but "insists" on retaining only the
>>> duration of the recorded track distance.
>>>
>>> I have repeatedly had to make "checklist notes" of the actual duration
>>> while the duration entered with the checklist is wrong. My note of
>>> the real duration is meant for me, so I can go back and change the
>>> duration on my desktop computer since the app won't allow it. However, I
>>> know that I will not remember to do this very often.
>>>
>>> Does anyone here know of a workaround in the app?
>>>
>>> Betsy Kane
>>> Washington, NC
>>>
>>

 

Back to top
Date: 4/23/26 4:59 pm
From: \<hilton...>\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Hilton Pond North (9-21 Apr 2026) Dogwoods And Hummingbirds: Sure Signs Of Spring 🐦
In spring when Flowering Dogwoods open their bright white bracts in Appalachian woodlands, we know Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can’t be far behind. “This Week At Hilton Pond North” (Lansing NC) we reveal the hidden ties between dogwoods, snails, and salamanders, and even butterflies and leaf beetles. Installment #36 includes discussions of our first ruby-throats and Indigo Bunting of the season as well as detailed lists of all birds banded and recaptured. This latest informative photo essay is at https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260409.html (After reading, please check out our new podcast.)

Happy Nature Watching!

BILL


Please "Like" our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HiltonPondNorth for timely updates on nature topics
========

Dr. BILL HILTON JR.
"Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project”
℅ Hilton Pond North: Blue Ridge Birds & Nature
2918 Silas Creek Road
Lansing NC 28643
(803)684-5852

The mission of Hilton Pond North is "to conserve plants, animals, habitats, and other natural components of the Blue Ridge Region of the eastern United States through observation, scientific study, and education for students of all ages.

"Never trust a person too lazy to get up for sunrise or too busy to watch the sunset." BHjr.

============

 

Back to top
Date: 4/23/26 1:43 pm
From: Kent Fiala (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: eBird duration - how to adjust?
To avoid this problem, simply refrain from stopping the checklist before
you have stopped birding. If you do inadvertently stop the track, or if you
change your mind and decide to start birding again, just start a second
checklist.

On Thu, Apr 23, 2026, 12:12 Bryan H <carolinabirds...> wrote:

> The eBird duration and distance is now tied directly to the GPS track, so
> to change the duration or distance you have to delete the track (which is
> discouraged).
>
> You can find more details (including how to delete a track in the app)
> here:
>
> https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48000960508#anchorGPSTracks
>
> Hope that helps,
> Bryan
>
> On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 11:59 AM Betsy Kane <carolinabirds...>
> wrote:
>
>> I have been trying to adjust to the change to eBird which automatically
>> calculates duration based on track distance. When I try to update the
>> duration having birded longer than expected, or less than expected, it
>> won't allow it while using the app but "insists" on retaining only the
>> duration of the recorded track distance.
>>
>> I have repeatedly had to make "checklist notes" of the actual duration
>> while the duration entered with the checklist is wrong. My note of
>> the real duration is meant for me, so I can go back and change the
>> duration on my desktop computer since the app won't allow it. However, I
>> know that I will not remember to do this very often.
>>
>> Does anyone here know of a workaround in the app?
>>
>> Betsy Kane
>> Washington, NC
>>
>

 

Back to top
Date: 4/23/26 9:37 am
From: Robert Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Durham Spring Count is this Sunday, April 26
We still have a couple uncovered areas. Let me know if you are interested.

Bob Lewis

 

Back to top
Date: 4/23/26 9:12 am
From: Bryan H (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: eBird duration - how to adjust?
The eBird duration and distance is now tied directly to the GPS track, so
to change the duration or distance you have to delete the track (which is
discouraged).

You can find more details (including how to delete a track in the app) here:
https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48000960508#anchorGPSTracks

Hope that helps,
Bryan

On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 11:59 AM Betsy Kane <carolinabirds...> wrote:

> I have been trying to adjust to the change to eBird which automatically
> calculates duration based on track distance. When I try to update the
> duration having birded longer than expected, or less than expected, it
> won't allow it while using the app but "insists" on retaining only the
> duration of the recorded track distance.
>
> I have repeatedly had to make "checklist notes" of the actual duration
> while the duration entered with the checklist is wrong. My note of
> the real duration is meant for me, so I can go back and change the
> duration on my desktop computer since the app won't allow it. However, I
> know that I will not remember to do this very often.
>
> Does anyone here know of a workaround in the app?
>
> Betsy Kane
> Washington, NC
>

 

Back to top
Date: 4/23/26 8:59 am
From: Betsy Kane (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: eBird duration - how to adjust?
I have been trying to adjust to the change to eBird which automatically
calculates duration based on track distance. When I try to update the
duration having birded longer than expected, or less than expected, it
won't allow it while using the app but "insists" on retaining only the
duration of the recorded track distance.

I have repeatedly had to make "checklist notes" of the actual duration
while the duration entered with the checklist is wrong. My note of
the real duration is meant for me, so I can go back and change the
duration on my desktop computer since the app won't allow it. However, I
know that I will not remember to do this very often.

Does anyone here know of a workaround in the app?

Betsy Kane
Washington, NC

 

Back to top
Date: 4/22/26 3:12 pm
From: \Hurlbert, Allen Hartley\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: run a Mini BBS route in the Triangle?
Hello all,

The NC Mini Breeding Bird Survey<https://minibbs.us/> is entering its 28th year here in Orange County (27th and 25th years in Chatham and Durham counties, respectively), and has provided a critical window into long term population trends in an area of the Piedmont where national BBS routes are scarce.

We are looking for volunteers interested in taking on a survey route, which involves 20 roadside point counts at 0.5 mile intervals on a single morning from mid-May through June 30. Typically, the start time is around 5:30 am and you are done before 8 am.

The only requirements are:

1. you are able to identify common breeding birds by song or calls as well as by sight,
2. you are familiar with using eBird for submitting checklists, and
3. you commit to your route for at least the next 3 years. (Consistency in observer identity over time improves our ability to assess long-term trends in the data.)

We have at least 1 route that is completely vacant and needs someone to step in, and several routes where the current surveyors would love to have you ride along this year to help you take over the route yourself the following year.

Please reach out if you are interested.

Thanks to all of you who contribute to the variety of projects in our area, including eBird, the North American BBS, the Mini BBS, the Triangle Bird Count, and the just completed NC Bird Atlas. All of these are wonderful complementary initiatives that help us better understand various facets of our local bird populations.

Best,

Allen Hurlbert
Professor
Department of Biology
University of North Carolina
Director, Caterpillars Count!<https://caterpillarscount.unc.edu/>
Director, NC Mini-Breeding Bird Survey<https://minibbs.us/>


 

Back to top
Date: 4/20/26 8:23 am
From: Frank Hamilton (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: R-T Hummingbird sightings
Previous literature about hummingbirds I've read over the years stated males are the first to migrate as they head northward to stake out territories.  Females follow about two weeks later.  This has been my observation over the 20 years I have participated in FeederWatch.  Don't take this as gospel, so check out any number of sites you will find online.  
Frank HamiltonCharleston, SC
(West Ashley)

 

Back to top
Date: 4/19/26 3:43 pm
From: Rob G (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
I've had hummers for a couple weeks in Carrboro, NC., but did have a first EVER today!: As I was carrying a freshly-filled feeder to its balcony-hanger a male flew right to it while still in my hands and began feeding 6 inches from my face (first hovering then sitting on feeder). Either he was VERY thirsty, or, very blind and didn't even see me. 
-- Rob Gluck.... Carrboro, NC.....
On Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 06:26:25 PM EDT, Don Stuart (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:

FWIW, same here in Davidson…..foy bird yesterday, female, following 2025 season when male(s) only appeared,late and rarely. 
Don Stuart
Sent from my iPad

On Apr 17, 2026, at 9:16 AM, Dwayne Martin <carolinabirds...> wrote:



Yep, happened to me this week. Only one I've seen at home and it was a female. 

Dwayne
*************
Dwayne Martin
Hickory, NC
<redxbill...>

On Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 9:09 AM Lee Weber <carolinabirds...> wrote:

For the second year in a row my first backyard spotting was a female on Wednesday of this week. I have not seen a male as of yet. Has anyone else had this happened?
Lee Weber in Charlotte

Sent from my iPhone


 

Back to top
Date: 4/19/26 3:26 pm
From: Don Stuart (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
 

Back to top
Date: 4/18/26 2:50 pm
From: Michael Clark <mdc...>
Subject: Off topic: Citizen Science Program Needs Your Help Observing the Weather!
Sorry for the off-topic post, but I thought that our local naturalists are probably interested in weather/climate science. CoCoRaHS is a citizen science group that collects precipitation data across the country which informs weather forecasting models. I’ve been participating for a few years and have found the time commitment minimal - I take my daily reading as I leave for my morning dog walk. Please consider helping out with this project.

Citizen Science Program Needs Your Help Observing the Weather!

Have you ever wondered how much rain fell during a recent thunderstorm? How about snowfall during a winter storm? If so, an important volunteer weather observing program needs your help!

The [Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network](http://www.cocorahs.org/), or CoCoRaHS, is looking for new volunteers across North Carolina. The grassroots effort is part of a growing national network of home-based and amateur weather spotters with a goal of providing a high density precipitation network across the country.

CoCoRaHS came about as a result of a devastating flash flood that hit Fort Collins, Colorado, in July 1997. A local severe thunderstorm dumped over a foot of rain in several hours while other portions of the city had only modest rainfall. The ensuing flash flood caught many by surprise and caused $200 million in damages. CoCoRaHS was born in 1998 with the intent of doing a better job of mapping and reporting intense storms. As more volunteers participated, rain, hail, and snow maps were produced for every storm showing fascinating local patterns that were of great interest to scientists and the public. Recently, drought reporting has also become an important observation within the CoCoRaHS program across the nation. In fact, drought observations from CoCoRaHS are now being included in the [National Integrated Drought Information System](https://www.drought.gov/).

North Carolina became the twenty-first state to join the CoCoRaHS program in 2007, and by 2010, the CoCoRaHS network had reached all 50 states with nearly 10,000 daily observations. Through CoCoRaHS, thousands of volunteers, young and old, document the size, intensity, duration and patterns of rain, hail, and snow by taking simple measurements in their own backyards.

Volunteers may obtain an official rain gauge through the CoCoRaHS website ([http://www.cocorahs.org/](https://cocorahs.org/)) for about $42 plus shipping. Besides the need for an official 4 inch plastic rain gauge, volunteers are asked to review simple training modules online and submit their reports using the CoCoRaHS website or phone app. The process takes only five minutes a day, but the impact to the community is tenfold: by providing high quality, accurate measurements, the observers are able to supplement existing networks and provide useful data to scientists, resource managers, decision makers and others.

“CoCoRaHS observers provided valuable data for both Hurricanes Florence and Helene,” said Sean Heuser, CoCoRaHS State Co-Coordinator and Manager of the NC ECONet at the State Climate Office of NC. “For these high intensity events, whether they are tropical systems or afternoon thunderstorms, CoCoRaHS observers are able to fill in gaps and provide a clearer picture of where we see precipitation maximums. We also use CoCoRaHS Condition Monitoring reports to determine weekly drought conditions across the state and give recommendations to the U.S. Drought Monitor authors.”

"Monitoring weather and climate conditions in North Carolina is no easy feat," said Heather Aldridge, CoCoRaHS State Co-Coordinator." CoCoRaHS volunteers help by painting a better picture of precipitation patterns across North Carolina, filling in data gaps where there are no nearby stations. Reporting rain, hail, snow, and drought conditions is a fun activity for all ages!"

“An additional benefit of the program for the National Weather Service is the ability to receive timely reports of significant weather such as hail, intense rainfall, or localized flooding from CoCoRaHS observers that can assist meteorologists in issuing life-saving warnings for severe thunderstorms,” says David Glenn, CoCoRaHS State Co-Coordinator and meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City.

How does one become a CoCoRaHS observer? Go to the [CoCoRaHS website](https://cocorahs.org/) and click on the “Join CoCoRaHS” emblem on the upper right side of the website. After registering, take the simple online training, order your 4 inch rain gauge and start reporting!

“We are in need of new observers across the entire state. "We would like to emphasize rural and coastal locations, and areas of higher terrain across the mountains,” added Glenn.
 

Back to top
Date: 4/18/26 7:24 am
From: Rob G (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: YC Night Herons (Chapel Hill)
the Yellow-crowned Night Herons are back in the woods adjacent to Ephesus Park tennis/pickleball courts, Chapel Hill (where they nest each spring) -- only laid eyes on 2 but could hear several others calling back-and-forth from area; suspect they are in the courting/nestbuilding phase of activities.
-- Rob Gluck.... Carrboro, NC.....


 

Back to top
Date: 4/17/26 6:16 am
From: Dwayne Martin (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Yep, happened to me this week. Only one I've seen at home and it was a
female.

Dwayne
*************
Dwayne Martin
Hickory, NC
<redxbill...>


On Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 9:09 AM Lee Weber <carolinabirds...> wrote:

> For the second year in a row my first backyard spotting was a female on
> Wednesday of this week. I have not seen a male as of yet. Has anyone else
> had this happened?
> Lee Weber in Charlotte
>
> Sent from my iPhone

 

Back to top
Date: 4/17/26 6:09 am
From: Lee Weber (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
For the second year in a row my first backyard spotting was a female on Wednesday of this week. I have not seen a male as of yet. Has anyone else had this happened?
Lee Weber in Charlotte

Sent from my iPhone
 

Back to top
Date: 4/8/26 9:39 am
From: Robert Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: 2026 Durham Spring Bird Count
Hello,

 This year the Durham Count will be on April 26, Sunday.  I have privately contacted the folks who did it last year.  If anyone else is interested, please let me know.

  A good reference is here:   https://chapelhillbirdclub.org/countsched.html

Bob Lewis
Durham NC


 

Back to top
Date: 4/6/26 12:18 pm
From: Edmund LeGrand (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re Flocking behavior and Boids
I was surprised that the linked 2019 article on flocking behavior didn’t
mention Boids, the landmark artificial life program from 1986 that
demonstrates just how simple flocking behavior can be, though it looks so
complex. The bird-oids are programmed to 1) be attracted to others nearby,
2) not get dangerously close, and 3) fly in the same direction as the
others nearby. The program is easy to find on-line, and it’s fun to watch
the randomly moving bird-like objects gradually form a cohesive flock on
the screen. I’d recommend looking in the library of programs in NetLogo, a
free computer simulation website, for that and other fascinating computer
simulations (e.g., grass-sheep-wolf, traffic jams, forest fires).

Here’s the introduction from Wikipedia:
*“Boids* is an artificial life program, developed by Craig Reynolds in
1986, which simulates the flocking behaviour of birds, and related group
motion. His paper on this topic was published in 1987 in the proceedings of
the ACM SIGGRAPH conference.[1] The name "boid" corresponds to a shortened
version of "bird-oid object", which refers to a bird-like object, as well
as referencing the stereotypical New York pronunciation of 'bird' as /ˈbəɪd/
.[2][3] Reynolds' boid model is one example of a larger general concept,
for which many other variations have been developed since.”

Edmund LeGrand
Fauquier Co., VA


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Clark <mdc...>
To: "<carolinabirds...>" <carolinabirds...>
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:26:48 +0000
Subject: Bird flocking behavior paper
Interesting paper on how birds make decisions in flocking behavior.

https://phys.org/news/2019-07-birds-feather-flock-options-scientists.html


End of carolinabirds Digest Sun, 05 Apr 2026

 

Back to top
Date: 4/4/26 2:27 pm
From: Michael Clark <mdc...>
Subject: Bird flocking behavior paper
Interesting paper on how birds make decisions in flocking behavior.

https://phys.org/news/2019-07-birds-feather-flock-options-scientists.html
 

Back to top
Date: 4/3/26 1:00 pm
From: Norman Budnitz (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: Barn Owl nest cam
The Barn Owl boxes put up in the Triangle Area (NC) never got used. Alas,
not a single owl. The boxes were donated to NCWRC and put up in various
other parts of the state. One (I think) was put up in the Alligator River
National Wildlife Refuge and has been used by Barn Owls for several years.
I have not heard about the others.

Norm

On Fri, Apr 3, 2026 at 3:53 PM Rob G <carolinabirds...> wrote:

> Super! I recall some Barn Owl nest boxes were placed around the Triangle
> region some years back... any chance any of those are still up-and-running?
>
> -- Rob Gluck.... Carrboro, NC.
>
>
> On Friday, April 3, 2026 at 03:15:31 PM EDT, Derb Carter (via
> carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
>
> The NCWRC has a live cam on a Barn Owl neat box in western NC for those
> who may be interested.
>
>
>
> Barn Owl Live Cam | NC Wildlife
> <https://www.ncwildlife.gov/outdoors/barn-owl-live-cam>
>
>
>
> Derb Carter
>


--
Norm Budnitz
Chapel Hill
North Carolina

 

Back to top
Date: 4/3/26 12:53 pm
From: Rob G (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: Barn Owl nest cam
Super! I recall some Barn Owl nest boxes were placed around the Triangle region some years back... any chance  any of those are still up-and-running?
-- Rob Gluck.... Carrboro, NC.

On Friday, April 3, 2026 at 03:15:31 PM EDT, Derb Carter (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:


The NCWRC has a live cam on a Barn Owl neat box in western NC for those who may be interested. 

 

Barn Owl Live Cam | NC Wildlife

 

Derb Carter

 

Back to top
Date: 4/3/26 12:15 pm
From: Derb Carter (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Barn Owl nest cam
The NCWRC has a live cam on a Barn Owl neat box in western NC for those who may be interested.

Barn Owl Live Cam | NC Wildlife<https://www.ncwildlife.gov/outdoors/barn-owl-live-cam>

Derb Carter

 

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Date: 4/2/26 7:38 pm
From: Sophia Cox (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Bald eagle question
Hi, all,

I'm in Asheville this week, and my uncle recently saw a bald eagle for the
very first time and has since become obsessed with seeing one again. We're
very near Lake Julian, and I know there are eBird reports of bald
eagles there from the past few days. Does anyone who's more familiar with
the area know where exactly at Lake Julian they're likely to be seen, or
have any tips (time of day, etc.) to improve our odds of finding one?

Thanks, all, and good birding!
Sophie

 

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Date: 3/31/26 6:04 am
From: Margaret McGuinn (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: FREE Tripod
Hi---

We have a Davis and Sanford tripod, free to anyone who can use it.

Margaret McGuinn

 

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Date: 3/30/26 7:44 pm
From: \Brian O'Shea\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Prairie Ridge (Raleigh) to be closed for one year starting Wednesday, 1 April
I just received word today that the NC Museum of Natural Sciences' Prairie
Ridge Ecostation will be closed to the public for one year, starting
Wednesday, to accommodate construction of a new education center on the
site. This is a popular birding and recreation spot, so I'm trying to get
the word out as quickly as I can. Prairie Ridge will continue to host a
small number of pre-registered groups, as well as staff and collaborators
engaged in research activities, in addition to their regular onsite staff.
So, for those using eBird, you may continue to see lists posted from there,
but the site will be officially off-limits to the public through 31 March
2027. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news (and no, this is not an early
April Fools joke!).

Brian O'Shea
NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 

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Date: 3/30/26 6:21 pm
From: Susan Campbell <susan...>
Subject: Re: Carolina Bird Club Spring Meeting
Dear All-- again,

It was instantly brought to my attention that I gave incorrect dates for our weekend. I guess I was a bit overexcited for the gathering: correct dates are Thursday, April 24th- Sunday, April 26th ( a week later).

Apologies! Hoping more folks can join us!

Susan



________________________________
From: Susan Campbell <susan...>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 8:53 PM
To: Carolinabirds <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Carolina Bird Club Spring Meeting

All,

It is not too late to make plans to join our local Carolina Bird Club for the seasonal Spring Meeting weekend! There are bird trips and evening bird programs planned from Friday morning though Sunday midday. Come join the fun searching for colorful spring migrants and make new birding friends!!

We will be gathering in Columbia, SC from April 17th-19th for bird trips, programs and socializing. For Early Registration information and more go to https://www.carolinabirdclub.org/register/ before 5pm Sunday, April 5th.

Our host hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn (Airport). Special group rate is available through Friday, April 10th. To make a reservation, follow the link to https://www.carolinabirdclub.org/register/

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions-- or have issues with the links above.

Susan Campbell
Acting CBC Executive Headquarters Secretary

 

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Date: 3/30/26 5:54 pm
From: Susan Campbell <susan...>
Subject: Carolina Bird Club Spring Meeting
All,

It is not too late to make plans to join our local Carolina Bird Club for the seasonal Spring Meeting weekend! There are bird trips and evening bird programs planned from Friday morning though Sunday midday. Come join the fun searching for colorful spring migrants and make new birding friends!!

We will be gathering in Columbia, SC from April 17th-19th for bird trips, programs and socializing. For Early Registration information and more go to https://www.carolinabirdclub.org/register/ before 5pm Sunday, April 5th.

Our host hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn (Airport). Special group rate is available through Friday, April 10th. To make a reservation, follow the link to https://www.carolinabirdclub.org/register/

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions-- or have issues with the links above.

Susan Campbell
Acting CBC Executive Headquarters Secretary

 

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Date: 3/30/26 7:54 am
From: Derek Aldrich (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: [gcbirdclub] Advice on window feeders?
initially I used one that used suction cups until a squirrel figured out
how to get to it, it was 6 feet off the ground up a window. Replaced with
one that uses adhesive to hold the frame and it works much better. The tray
itself comes out to empty and refill.

Derek Aldrich
Greenville, SC

On Mon, Mar 30, 2026 at 9:16 AM Sophie Cox via groups.io <sophiatcox=
<gmail.com...> wrote:

> Hi, all!
>
> Someone recently asked me for advice on window bird feeders. I have one I
> love (back home in SC), but I think he might be looking for a smaller one.
> Here's what Adam (CC'd here) sent me:
>
> "I recently thought it would be awesome to install a bird feeder on my
> apartment window so I can see birds while I work at my desk. I'm wondering
> if anyone has advice on good window bird feeders, as I've never bought
> a bird feeder before. Some requirements:
>
> - It will attach to a glass window with suction cups
> - I plan to use black sunflower seeds, targeting common songbirds
> (chickadee, nuthatch, titmouse, etc)
> - It doesn't need to be large since I will refill it daily (gets me to
> go outside!)
> - It should be clear since it will be above me and I want to see the
> birds clearly
> - It's rainy/windy here in State College, so it should have a roof and
> drainage holes
> - Since I'm using sunflower seeds that will make a mess, there needs
> to be an easy way to dump out the seed shells without detaching the suction
> cups. Ideally the feeder can be detached without detaching the suction cups
> so I can also easily clean it
>
> I'm currently looking at something like this:
>
> https://www.amazon.com/Transparent-Suction-Drainage-Detachable-DY-SKTY/dp/B09ZL4WL7P/ref=sr_1_5
> <https://www.amazon.com/Transparent-Suction-Drainage-Detachable-DY-SKTY/dp/B09ZL4WL7P/ref=sr_1_5>
>
> Any advice or tips are greatly appreciated!"
>
> Thanks, all!
> Sophie Cox
> _._,_._,_
> ------------------------------
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>
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> _._,_._,_
>
>

 

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Date: 3/30/26 6:17 am
From: Sophia Cox (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Advice on window feeders?
Hi, all!

Someone recently asked me for advice on window bird feeders. I have one I
love (back home in SC), but I think he might be looking for a smaller one.
Here's what Adam (CC'd here) sent me:

"I recently thought it would be awesome to install a bird feeder on my
apartment window so I can see birds while I work at my desk. I'm wondering
if anyone has advice on good window bird feeders, as I've never bought
a bird feeder before. Some requirements:

- It will attach to a glass window with suction cups
- I plan to use black sunflower seeds, targeting common songbirds
(chickadee, nuthatch, titmouse, etc)
- It doesn't need to be large since I will refill it daily (gets me to
go outside!)
- It should be clear since it will be above me and I want to see the
birds clearly
- It's rainy/windy here in State College, so it should have a roof and
drainage holes
- Since I'm using sunflower seeds that will make a mess, there needs to
be an easy way to dump out the seed shells without detaching the suction
cups. Ideally the feeder can be detached without detaching the suction cups
so I can also easily clean it

I'm currently looking at something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Transparent-Suction-Drainage-Detachable-DY-SKTY/dp/B09ZL4WL7P/ref=sr_1_5
<https://www.amazon.com/Transparent-Suction-Drainage-Detachable-DY-SKTY/dp/B09ZL4WL7P/ref=sr_1_5>

Any advice or tips are greatly appreciated!"

Thanks, all!
Sophie Cox

 

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Date: 3/28/26 10:55 am
From: Frank Hamilton (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
One landed on the feeder outside my kitchen window and will be included in my last FeederWatch count of the season.
Frank Hamilton
Charleston, SC
(West Ashely)
 

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Date: 3/27/26 2:17 pm
From: Paul Saffold (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: FOY ruby throated hummingbird Mebane
Our yard, Mebane, Alamance Co. Male RTHU.
Appeared at the shepherd’s crook where we hang the feeder asking where is it.
 

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Date: 3/27/26 12:22 pm
From: JOHN ECKSTINE (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...>
Subject: FOY Hummer
The first male Ruby Throat showed up on Wednesday at a feeder. Now stranger to its use.
Jack and Pat Eckstine
Hanahan, SC
 

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Date: 3/27/26 7:08 am
From: <badgerboy...>
Subject: Eagle Nest at Scottville, Ashe Co.
Thanks to the alert reporting of Joe Johnson of the New River
Conservancy, we have confirmed that Eagles are nesting on the New River
near Scottville, either on or very close to State Park property.

There was at least one chick in the nest yesterday, which stuck its head
up very briefly, and also squirted a waste stream up and out of the
nest, while I was watching for a couple hours last evening.

My records include no previous confirmed nesting reports for Eagles on
the New River in NC, so this is pretty exciting to finally confirm. We
are hoping they successfully fledge the chicks, and I'll keep you posted
if there's any more info.

My eBird report is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S313480715 .

Guy (McGrane, Boone NC)

 

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