Date: 7/8/25 6:16 am From: Dwayne Martin (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Sad passing of Edith Tatum
I met Edith back in the late 90's when I first started attending Carolina
Bird Club meetings. She was always so nice and helpful. On what was likely
her last Carolina Bird Club meeting, I drove her around during one of the
field trips that I was leading. Her health was fading then, but she still
had the drive to get out there and look for birds. I will miss seeing her
at the meetings.
Dwayne
*************
J. Dwayne Martin
Hickory, NC
<redxbill...>
On Tue, Jul 8, 2025 at 8:59 AM Scott Hartley <carolinabirds...> wrote:
> Isabel,
>
> Sad news indeed.
>
> I met Edith in 1989 when I worked at Eno River State Park.
> Edith was the first person I met at the first bird walk I led there. She
> was an enthusiastic and observant birder. I am a fast walker and early in
> my birding years not very patient. Edith on many occasions would find or
> hear a bird as I was already moving on. Edith taught me to slow down! She
> introduced me to other birders and got me involved in the Durham Bird
> counts. I enjoyed many counts and walks with her and though I moved on I
> would keep up with her and her birding travels thru social media.
>
> I am grateful to have known her.
>
> Scott Hartley
>
> On Mon, Jul 7, 2025, 11:51 AM Isabel Reddy <isabel...>
> wrote:
>
>> Dear fellow birders,
>>
>>
>>
>> Sadly, our beloved friend and devoted birder, Edith Tatum, Durham, NC,
>> passed early this morning, July 7, 2025
>>
>>
>>
>> Edith was one of the sunniest people I’ve ever known, and she left big
>> shoes to fill in the birding world, not only because of her wealth of
>> knowledge, which was extensive and valuable, but because of her willingness
>> to share this knowledge with inexperienced birders.
>>
>>
>>
>> For over 20 years, she volunteered at the Eno River State Park, leading
>> her Birding 101 Saturday morning walks. She always had extra binoculars,
>> and in the winter, hand warmers for the participants. I am one, as is Peggy
>> Maslow, who credit Edith for introducing us to the world of birding. She
>> began these walks by saying, “I am the rarest bird in the park, because I’m
>> an Orange County native.”
>>
>>
>>
>> Edith served on the Board of the Chapel Hill Bird Club, and every year
>> participated in the Christmas and Spring Bird Counts. In addition, she
>> traveled the world on birding trips, making numerous trips to places like
>> Alaska, and Panama, and all over the U.S.
>>
>>
>>
>> Although I am sad to lose this dear friend, I am lucky to have known her.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>>
>>
>> Isabel Reddy
>>
>> Chapel Hill, NC
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *From: *<carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...>
>> on behalf of KEN LIPSHY <carolinabirds...>
>> *Date: *Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 11:25 AM
>> *To: *<carolinabirds...> <carolinabirds...>
>> *Cc: *KEN LIPSHY <wuzupdoc12...>
>> *Subject: *Meadowlark behavior
>>
>> I witnessed a new behavior from our next door meadowlark. Wondered if
>> this is usual.
>>
>> He was flying overhead in circles in Killdeer fashion for over 15
>> minutes.
>>
>> Then land in a tree and then started circling overhead again. Definitely
>> i have never witnessed this before!
>>
>> (Also yesterday our neighborhood turkey pair came out w their 8 chicks)
>>
>>
>>
>> https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S257440727 >>
>> https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S257089695 >>
>
Date: 7/8/25 5:59 am From: Scott Hartley (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Sad passing of Edith Tatum
Isabel,
Sad news indeed.
I met Edith in 1989 when I worked at Eno River State Park.
Edith was the first person I met at the first bird walk I led there. She
was an enthusiastic and observant birder. I am a fast walker and early in
my birding years not very patient. Edith on many occasions would find or
hear a bird as I was already moving on. Edith taught me to slow down! She
introduced me to other birders and got me involved in the Durham Bird
counts. I enjoyed many counts and walks with her and though I moved on I
would keep up with her and her birding travels thru social media.
I am grateful to have known her.
Scott Hartley
On Mon, Jul 7, 2025, 11:51 AM Isabel Reddy <isabel...> wrote:
> Dear fellow birders,
>
>
>
> Sadly, our beloved friend and devoted birder, Edith Tatum, Durham, NC,
> passed early this morning, July 7, 2025
>
>
>
> Edith was one of the sunniest people I’ve ever known, and she left big
> shoes to fill in the birding world, not only because of her wealth of
> knowledge, which was extensive and valuable, but because of her willingness
> to share this knowledge with inexperienced birders.
>
>
>
> For over 20 years, she volunteered at the Eno River State Park, leading
> her Birding 101 Saturday morning walks. She always had extra binoculars,
> and in the winter, hand warmers for the participants. I am one, as is Peggy
> Maslow, who credit Edith for introducing us to the world of birding. She
> began these walks by saying, “I am the rarest bird in the park, because I’m
> an Orange County native.”
>
>
>
> Edith served on the Board of the Chapel Hill Bird Club, and every year
> participated in the Christmas and Spring Bird Counts. In addition, she
> traveled the world on birding trips, making numerous trips to places like
> Alaska, and Panama, and all over the U.S.
>
>
>
> Although I am sad to lose this dear friend, I am lucky to have known her.
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
> Isabel Reddy
>
> Chapel Hill, NC
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From: *<carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...>
> on behalf of KEN LIPSHY <carolinabirds...>
> *Date: *Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 11:25 AM
> *To: *<carolinabirds...> <carolinabirds...>
> *Cc: *KEN LIPSHY <wuzupdoc12...>
> *Subject: *Meadowlark behavior
>
> I witnessed a new behavior from our next door meadowlark. Wondered if this
> is usual.
>
> He was flying overhead in circles in Killdeer fashion for over 15 minutes.
>
> Then land in a tree and then started circling overhead again. Definitely i
> have never witnessed this before!
>
> (Also yesterday our neighborhood turkey pair came out w their 8 chicks)
>
>
>
> https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S257440727 >
> https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S257089695 >
Date: 7/7/25 7:26 pm From: JOHN FREDERICK (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Sad passing of Edith Tatum
She was a wonderful person! I was fortunate to bird at the Eno many times with her. I was a beginner and she introduced me to many common birds and as I got a little better I spotted and heard a Blackburnian and Blue-winged Warbler that she was able to officially identify for the group. She was so excited to see on a low hanging branch a Yellow-billed Cuckoo that all my group could easily
I D. Most of my first warblers seen and heard was because of Edith.
What a blessing she was!
John Frederick
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 7, 2025, at 7:21 PM, Isabel Reddy <isabel...> wrote:
>
>
> Dear fellow birders,
>
> Sadly, our beloved friend and devoted birder, Edith Tatum, Durham, NC, passed early this morning, July 7, 2025
>
> Edith was one of the sunniest people I’ve ever known, and she left big shoes to fill in the birding world, not only because of her wealth of knowledge, which was extensive and valuable, but because of her willingness to share this knowledge with inexperienced birders.
>
> For over 20 years, she volunteered at the Eno River State Park, leading her Birding 101 Saturday morning walks. She always had extra binoculars, and in the winter, hand warmers for the participants. I am one, as is Peggy Maslow, who credit Edith for introducing us to the world of birding. She began these walks by saying, “I am the rarest bird in the park, because I’m an Orange County native.”
>
> Edith served on the Board of the Chapel Hill Bird Club, and every year participated in the Christmas and Spring Bird Counts. In addition, she traveled the world on birding trips, making numerous trips to places like Alaska, and Panama, and all over the U.S.
>
> Although I am sad to lose this dear friend, I am lucky to have known her.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Isabel Reddy
> Chapel Hill, NC
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> on behalf of KEN LIPSHY <carolinabirds...>
> Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 11:25 AM
> To: <carolinabirds...> <carolinabirds...>
> Cc: KEN LIPSHY <wuzupdoc12...>
> Subject: Meadowlark behavior
>
> I witnessed a new behavior from our next door meadowlark. Wondered if this is usual.
> He was flying overhead in circles in Killdeer fashion for over 15 minutes.
> Then land in a tree and then started circling overhead again. Definitely i have never witnessed this before!
> (Also yesterday our neighborhood turkey pair came out w their 8 chicks)
>
> https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S257440727 > https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S257089695
Date: 7/7/25 8:51 am From: Isabel Reddy <isabel...> Subject: Re: Sad passing of Edith Tatum
Dear fellow birders,
Sadly, our beloved friend and devoted birder, Edith Tatum, Durham, NC, passed early this morning, July 7, 2025
Edith was one of the sunniest people I’ve ever known, and she left big shoes to fill in the birding world, not only because of her wealth of knowledge, which was extensive and valuable, but because of her willingness to share this knowledge with inexperienced birders.
For over 20 years, she volunteered at the Eno River State Park, leading her Birding 101 Saturday morning walks. She always had extra binoculars, and in the winter, hand warmers for the participants. I am one, as is Peggy Maslow, who credit Edith for introducing us to the world of birding. She began these walks by saying, “I am the rarest bird in the park, because I’m an Orange County native.”
Edith served on the Board of the Chapel Hill Bird Club, and every year participated in the Christmas and Spring Bird Counts. In addition, she traveled the world on birding trips, making numerous trips to places like Alaska, and Panama, and all over the U.S.
Although I am sad to lose this dear friend, I am lucky to have known her.
Sincerely,
Isabel Reddy
Chapel Hill, NC
From: <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> on behalf of KEN LIPSHY <carolinabirds...>
Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 11:25 AM
To: <carolinabirds...> <carolinabirds...>
Cc: KEN LIPSHY <wuzupdoc12...>
Subject: Meadowlark behavior
I witnessed a new behavior from our next door meadowlark. Wondered if this is usual.
He was flying overhead in circles in Killdeer fashion for over 15 minutes.
Then land in a tree and then started circling overhead again. Definitely i have never witnessed this before!
(Also yesterday our neighborhood turkey pair came out w their 8 chicks)
Date: 7/6/25 8:25 am From: KEN LIPSHY (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Meadowlark behavior
I witnessed a new behavior from our next door meadowlark. Wondered if this is usual.
He was flying overhead in circles in Killdeer fashion for over 15 minutes.
Then land in a tree and then started circling overhead again. Definitely i have never witnessed this before!
(Also yesterday our neighborhood turkey pair came out w their 8 chicks)
Date: 7/4/25 11:40 am From: Wayne Hoffman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Kite concentration
This morning, about 9:45 I found a feeding concentration of kites along Rte 210 at the intersection of Brinson Rd. in NW Pender County. This is about 2 miles SE of Moores Creek National Battlefield.
At the peak I had about 15 Swallow-tailed Kites and 8 Mississippi Kites overhead together. They were catching small, compact flying insects - small enough that I could not see them when clutched in the kites' feet. (when kites eat dragonflies, for example, they are easy to see in the feet).
"These days I prefer to hunt with a camera. A good photograph demands more
skill from the hunter, better nerves and more patience than the rifle
shot." -- Bror Blixen
On Sun, Jun 29, 2025 at 8:40 AM KEN LIPSHY <carolinabirds...> wrote:
> While birding Lee Hutaff Island this weekend
> I watched a pair of skimmers flying over the Breeding enclosure in what
> appeared to be a straffing maneuver looking for chicks to pick off. The
> first two times i thought it was a fluke but after several times it
> appeared purposefully.
> I also watched a teen chasing a pair of Piping plovers away from their
> chicks. At first that looked to be a fluke as well but after a while that
> two seemed to be purposeful.
> Was all this just a coincidence?
> Pic on the EBird link
> https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S254664949 >
>
________________________________
From: KEN LIPSHY <wuzupdoc12...>
Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2025 3:51:42 PM
To: <carolinabirds...> <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: Lea Hutaff Island birding ? Tern and Skimmer presentation of Piping plovers?
I made it back today. One of the chicks was gone! I was surprised to see there are only 245 Ebird piping plover audio files according to the EBird sitr and only 36000 photos!
I have more photos and a couple of audio files.
________________________________
From: KEN LIPSHY <wuzupdoc12...>
Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2025 8:39:43 AM
To: <carolinabirds...> <carolinabirds...>
Cc: KEN LIPSHY <wuzupdoc12...>
Subject: Lea Hutaff Island birding ? Tern and Skimmer presentation of Piping plovers?
While birding Lee Hutaff Island this weekend
I watched a pair of skimmers flying over the Breeding enclosure in what appeared to be a straffing maneuver looking for chicks to pick off. The first two times i thought it was a fluke but after several times it appeared purposefully.
I also watched a teen chasing a pair of Piping plovers away from their chicks. At first that looked to be a fluke as well but after a while that two seemed to be purposeful.
Was all this just a coincidence?
Pic on the EBird link
https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S254664949
I saw this and thought it might be of interest. My few attempts at seeing these beauties while at the coast have failed and hope something can be done to stabilize and increase their population.
Date: 6/29/25 12:52 pm From: KEN LIPSHY (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Lea Hutaff Island birding ? Tern and Skimmer presentation of Piping plovers?
I made it back today. One of the chicks was gone! I was surprised to see there are only 245 Ebird piping plover audio files according to the EBird sitr and only 36000 photos!
I have more photos and a couple of audio files.
________________________________
From: KEN LIPSHY <wuzupdoc12...>
Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2025 8:39:43 AM
To: <carolinabirds...> <carolinabirds...>
Cc: KEN LIPSHY <wuzupdoc12...>
Subject: Lea Hutaff Island birding ? Tern and Skimmer presentation of Piping plovers?
While birding Lee Hutaff Island this weekend
I watched a pair of skimmers flying over the Breeding enclosure in what appeared to be a straffing maneuver looking for chicks to pick off. The first two times i thought it was a fluke but after several times it appeared purposefully.
I also watched a teen chasing a pair of Piping plovers away from their chicks. At first that looked to be a fluke as well but after a while that two seemed to be purposeful.
Was all this just a coincidence?
Pic on the EBird link
https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S254664949
Date: 6/29/25 5:40 am From: KEN LIPSHY (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Lea Hutaff Island birding ? Tern and Skimmer presentation of Piping plovers?
While birding Lee Hutaff Island this weekend
I watched a pair of skimmers flying over the Breeding enclosure in what appeared to be a straffing maneuver looking for chicks to pick off. The first two times i thought it was a fluke but after several times it appeared purposefully.
I also watched a teen chasing a pair of Piping plovers away from their chicks. At first that looked to be a fluke as well but after a while that two seemed to be purposeful.
Was all this just a coincidence?
Pic on the EBird link
https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S254664949
Date: 6/26/25 10:22 am From: <sshultz...> Subject: Heat, hummingbirds, and "fall migration"
How many times has someone mentioned how hot it is outside over the last few days? If you are like me, many. And yes, it is the Carolinas in late June. It is supposed to be hot… and it is! But that first heat wave of the year still feels icky.
Birds probably don’t feel the heat the same way that we do, but it does make their lives a bit more challenging. Food is pretty abundant, and a lot of folks who feed birds stop in the summer, but water can get scarce. So if you feed birds/don’t feed birds/feed them only in the winter, at this time of year consider putting out a source of fresh water for the feathered folk. This morning has been a constant parade of bathers and drinkers at the simple water features we have outside. A shallow pan of fresh water is all you need. Just be sure to clean it out regularly.
You can spend as much or as little as you want to go beyond “the pan”. Some folks landscape beautiful water features specifically for birds. But you may not have the space, or money, to go fancy. An expensive, but effective, way to supply water is to get one of the several “cat waterers” from that big A company or your preferred vendor for such things. These plug in and provide not only a shallow source of water, but feature small fountains that tend to attract birds beyond what a still pan will do. They are inexpensive, fairly durable, and plug in to regular receptacles. They are also shallow enough to prevent most issues, while also making the gurgly sound that birds like. Be sure to use a waterproof connection if you plug into an extension cord.
Here is an example (it says indoor but works fine outside if you note the above): Amazon.com : Cat Water Fountain: Cat Fountain - Water Fountains for Cats Indoor - 67oz/2L Cat Fountains for Drinking - Pet Water Fountain - Ultra Silent - Cat Drinking Fountain for Small Dogs - AONBOY : Pet Supplies
Enough about the heat 😊
One thing we hear often at this time of year is “where are all the hummingbirds?” or “I only seem to have one, and not all that regularly”. Well folks, things are about to change. It is completely normal to have little to light feeder visitation in early to mid-June. Birds are nesting, focused on protein, and not as obvious on the landscape. But by the end of June, little ones are out of the nest and on the landscape. Mom and baby daddy might be trying again with another clutch, but we start to see a significant uptick in hummer activity about right now. And in fact, we have seen a pretty good increase in feeder visits just over the past couple of days. This will happen again toward the first of August when the 2nd brood is out and about, and we are getting increased numbers of northerly birds heading south.
And wait… migrant hummers at the beginning of August? Yep. In fact, fall migration has already started! Shorebirds are again on the wing. Generally considered failed breeders or successful early breeders, adults of some species can already be found heading back south (sometimes the earliest southbound birds “pass” the latest northbound birds!) So even though it might not feel like fall, and probably won’t for a while, migration has begun!!
Date: 6/25/25 9:24 am From: Will Cook <cwcook...> Subject: Tom Krakauer obituary
Tom Krakauer, long time birder, butterflier, and member of the Carolinabirds and Carolinaleps communities, passed away last week. He came to Durham in 1985 to lead the Museum of Life and Science; I'll remember him whenever I take my kids there, especially when strolling through the butterfly house.
Date: 6/23/25 6:02 am From: Peter Stangel (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: New Protection for SC's 2nd Largest Least Tern Colony
Thanks to great work by the staff at the Coastal Birds Project of the SC Department of Natural Resources, the state's second largest Least Tern Colony has received protection. The colony is at the southern tip of South Litchfield, just across the inlet from the north end of Pawleys Island, and about five miles south of the tern colony at Huntington Beach State Park. This spring, DNR, with an assist from S.C.U.T.E. Sea Turtle Volunteers and Huntington Beach State Park interns, installed symbolic fencing and education signage. Volunteers from the Audubon South Carolina Shorebird Stewards program are helping monitor the site, which is heavily used by beach- and dog-walkers. Recent surveys revealed about 113 Least Tern nests and 3 Wilson's Plovers (no nest detected).
Noteworthy: A local birder alerted DNR staff to the presence of this colony. DNR responded quickly, and now, for the first time, the terns here have protection. Birders, working with public conservation agencies and private conservation groups, can make a big difference for our birds and their habitats.
I vacationed at Litchfield last week and visited the colony twice a day. Recently fledged Least Terns were everywhere. I noted many beach walkers reading the signs and did not see anyone go past the fencing. As education work continues here the results for the terns and plovers should get better and better. Thanks to DNR and Audubon South Carolina for this outstanding achievement.
Date: 6/20/25 3:19 pm From: Nate Dias (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Least Terns, Wilson’s Plover Huntington Beach State Park, SC
Wow Brad - that is great news about the Least Tern colony. Kudos to park
staff and management for prioritizing the tern colony restoration and
protection (including electric fencing).
"These days I prefer to hunt with a camera. A good photograph demands more
skill from the hunter, better nerves and more patience than the rifle
shot." -- Bror Blixen
On Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 6:37 AM Bradley Dalton <carolinabirds...>
wrote:
> Yesterday at Huntington Beach State Park I was impressed to see what was
> likely well over one hundred Least Terns on the front beach at the jetty
> and back along the breeding grounds.
>
> In addition, there was a pair of immature Wilson’s Plovers on the beach
> near the shell tree that has broken in half.
>
> There was also a late Horned Grebe in the inlet, to my surprise.
>
> Good birding,
>
> Brad Dalton
> Williamston, SC
Date: 6/18/25 3:37 am From: Bradley Dalton (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Least Terns, Wilson’s Plover Huntington Beach State Park, SC
Yesterday at Huntington Beach State Park I was impressed to see what was likely well over one hundred Least Terns on the front beach at the jetty and back along the breeding grounds.
In addition, there was a pair of immature Wilson’s Plovers on the beach near the shell tree that has broken in half.
There was also a late Horned Grebe in the inlet, to my surprise.
Date: 6/16/25 7:51 am From: Harry LeGrand (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Need to review and accept NC pelagic bird records for May for eBird
Folks, and eBird review staff,
No one has been reviewing, vetting, and accepting any eBird rarities seen off NC this spring, at least in May. This "reviewing hole" means that there are no records on the species maps for Bermuda Petrel, Trindade Petrel, and other rarities on Brian Patteson's many May pelagic trips off Hatteras Inlet. All rarities were photographed, so there is no issue with identification.
Can the review staff please correct this? Some of these rarities were photographed in early and mid-May. I caught this as I was working on the Spring Briefs for The Chat.
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 2:26 PM Michael Fogleman <fogleman...> wrote:
> Hello friends,
>
> I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game
> Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined
> where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I
> also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took
> multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But
> I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also
> found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a
> couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was
> still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large
> nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with
> an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
>
> The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became
> active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this
> video.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1htsf__yZF8 >
> I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I
> captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a
> good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have
> lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist
> soon.
>
> I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an answer!
>
> Happy birding!
>
> Michael Fogleman
> Cary, NC
>
>
Date: 6/10/25 4:36 pm From: Harry LeGrand (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Reminder: Spring season reports for Chat Briefs
Fellow birders,
Now that the Spring Season is over (March - May), as The Chat's Briefs for the Files editor, I would like to hear from any of you who have not posted important records for the season already on eBird. The great majority of the Briefs over the past decade have come from the editor perusing the eBird database, species by species, and picking out the most signficant reports. This is tedious, but I need to wait for a few more days to start so that any and all rarity sightings (as seen on the Carolina Bird Club Sightings page) have hopefully been approved as valid. But, a few of you might have some important records that were not on eBird, so please let me know what notable birds you saw.
I'd like to hear from folks by June 25. Again, almost all of you submit eBird reports, so those data are already available to me. Thanks for posting such records!
Harry LeGrand, Briefs for the Files editor Raleigh
PS -- I will be very selective of any and all Worm-eating Warbler reports, as there are far too many being reported in the Carolinas this spring, typically heard only ones without visual confirmation. I suspect most are actually Chipping Sparrows or Pine Warblers, and perhaps Dark-eyed Juncos in the mountains. I'm sorry to have to mention this, but there does appear to be a problem with over-reporting of this uncommon species in the Carolinas (based on heard-only evidence). Many Chipping Sparrows can sound eerily similar to typical Worm-eating Warblers when in song, and Merlin apps have been shown to be fooled by a few folks posting to this listserve already.
Date: 6/10/25 11:23 am From: Vivianne Voyles (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow Video
Thank you! Saw the video on you-tube - OMG how great was that!!
Thank you!
Viv
> On Jun 9, 2025, at 3:03 PM, Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
> Chuck-will's-widow Nestlings Emerge at Dusk
Date: 6/10/25 11:10 am From: Kurt Weiskotten (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: RE: Chuck-will's-widow Video
In Harrison’s Field Guide to Bird Nests, he does mention the Pileated egg relocation linked below, and he also says this about Chuck-will’s-widow:
“Nest- none, two eggs laid on ground on dead leaves on succeeding days. Incubation by both sexes for 20 days. Audubon’s tale of a disturbed Chuck-will’s-widow carrying eggs in mouth to new location is doubted by reputable ornithologists. Although transfer not observed, there have been instances where clutches of eggs were found moved several feet from original nest site” (Perhaps due to eggs on flat dead leaf substrate, and the birds coming and going with rapid wing beats?)
Ahhh … good ole’ Harrison – one of my favorite books! Granted this is from 1975 – so maybe there has been move observation of egg movement behavior since then?
From: <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> On Behalf Of Michael Fogleman
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 8:27 PM
To: Christopher Hill <chill...>
Cc: Kevin Kubach <kmkubach...>; Juanita Roushdy <juanitar...>; Carolinabirds <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow Video
Answering my own question about Pileated Woodpeckers relocating eggs:
The snag broke right at the nest cavity, exposing the nest to the sky, and so the adults relocated the eggs! Wow!
Michael
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 8:18 PM Michael Fogleman <fogleman...><mailto:<fogleman...>> wrote:
I've read about the egg-moving behavior which is very interesting! I haven't seen any long-distance movements with either nest, only gradual changes from day to day, presumably from regular activities.
For the female that I first found incubating, she has never flushed no matter how close I get - even a week after the eggs hatched. Of course, I'm being very careful around her, but I'm still surprised at how confident she is in relying on her camouflage.
For the other nesting pair, I only found the female and chicks _because_ she flushed when I walked nearby - perhaps 20-30 feet away. But, her nestlings were already rather developed and well-camouflaged themselves (better camouflaged than mom, really, I was worried about accidentally stepping on one and had to use the thermal scope to relocate them even though they were right in front of me), so the timing might mean it makes more sense for her to put effort into distracting a potential predator. Or she's just a more flighty individual. Her flushing makes it harder to get natural footage, so I mostly left them alone.
Speaking of Birds of the World, it says this of Chucks:
"Not known to cast pellets, but probable due to close taxonomic relationship of Caprimulgiformes to Strigiformes (Sibley et al. 1988) and variability in this species' diet."
I found this very interesting, because I got a video of a nestling casting a pellet! I've already reached out to someone who studies Chucks to see if anything I've recorded might be of scientific interest.
P.S. a Pileated Woodpecker moving eggs sounds wild! I wonder why though - a snake approaching?
Michael Fogleman
Cary, NC
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 5:49 PM Christopher Hill <chill...><mailto:<chill...>> wrote:
Yes, great footage (even if I skipped around and didn't watch the whole thing).
Whips found/disturbed while incubating eggs may move the nest by picking up the eggs in their (giant) mouths and flying them to a new spot, which also seems remarkable. Since they basically nest on the bare ground, it's not such a big deal to find a new spot and they will do that. I have experienced this a couple years ago: flushed a whip off a nest mid-morning, saw the egg or eggs (I don't remember if it was one or two). Passed that spot 20 minutes later and the egg(s) was/were gone.
Now that I've said that I went and read the Birds of the World account and it more or less confirms what I said but says "probably rarely carried in the mouth or between the legs." I'm not digging further into the literature but I'm betting strongly on the mouth and against the feet/legs idea. I've seen photos of both ducks and pileated woodpeckers moving eggs in their mouth in flight. "Between the legs" does not sound right to me at all.
Chris Hill, Ph.D.
Professor
Biology Department
Coastal Carolina University
Office: Douglas 207H
(843) 349-2567
email: <chill...><mailto:<chill...>
That is incredible footage! What a treat. Thanks for all your effort to research, document and share this. About a month ago, I accidentally flushed an adult Whip-poor-will in Fant's Grove WMA (Anderson Co., SC) and realized I was standing a few
Warning: Unusual link
This message contains an unusual link, which may lead to a malicious site. Confirm the message is safe before clicking any links.
That is incredible footage! What a treat. Thanks for all your effort to research, document and share this.
About a month ago, I accidentally flushed an adult Whip-poor-will in Fant's Grove WMA (Anderson Co., SC) and realized I was standing a few feet away from a nestling that I now have learned was probably 3 or so days old (feather shafts visible in some places). The next day, I brought my spotting scope in order to attempt to view the adult on the nest from a distance. Much to my surprise, as I approached carefully, an adult flushed from a different spot entirely, revealing two nestlings (the first time, nestling #2 was either underneath #1 or had been swept many feet away by the adult's eruption into flight, which according to the literature often happens and may even serve a purpose in separating the young from "one basket" should a predator find the nest). I also learned through all of this and further research that the nestlings are capable of moving on their own at only a couple days old. Having seen them, I never would have expected they could move on their own, but in the context of survival for a ground-nesting species, it makes sense. (And Michael's remarkable video certainly confirms this.)
Kevin Kubach
Greenville/Clemson, SC
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 4:14 PM Juanita Roushdy <carolinabirds...><mailto:<carolinabirds...>> wrote:
Michael,
This is a stunning video capture and pure joy to watch - the determination of the nestlings and the patience of the parents unbelievable and a privilege to witness. Thank you so much for sharing it. It certainly made my day. A lot of patience on your part to locate and video the family.
Again, thank you.
Juanita
Bremen, ME formerly from Bald Head Island, NC
On Jun 9, 2025, at 2:26 PM, Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...><mailto:<carolinabirds...>> wrote:
Hello friends,
I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this video.
I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist soon.
I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an answer!
Happy birding!
Michael Fogleman
Cary, NC< br>
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Date: 6/9/25 5:31 pm From: Christopher Hill (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow Video
> On Jun 9, 2025, at 8:18 PM, Michael Fogleman <fogleman...> wrote:
>
>
> P.S. a Pileated Woodpecker moving eggs sounds wild! I wonder why though - a snake approaching?
I picture a nest tree snapping right at the nest cavity, exposing the nest. But I can't remember if I read that was what happened or if I supplied the explanation after seeing the photo. I think the former. I think the observer did document what happened.
Chris
Chris Hill, Ph.D.
Professor
Biology Department
Coastal Carolina University
Office: Douglas 207H
(843) 349-2567
email: <chill...>
The snag broke right at the nest cavity, exposing the nest to the sky, and
so the adults relocated the eggs! Wow!
Michael
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 8:18 PM Michael Fogleman <fogleman...> wrote:
> I've read about the egg-moving behavior which is very interesting! I
> haven't seen any long-distance movements with either nest, only gradual
> changes from day to day, presumably from regular activities.
>
> For the female that I first found incubating, she has never flushed no
> matter how close I get - even a week after the eggs hatched. Of course, I'm
> being very careful around her, but I'm still surprised at how confident she
> is in relying on her camouflage.
>
> For the other nesting pair, I only found the female and chicks _because_
> she flushed when I walked nearby - perhaps 20-30 feet away. But, her
> nestlings were already rather developed and well-camouflaged themselves
> (better camouflaged than mom, really, I was worried about accidentally
> stepping on one and had to use the thermal scope to relocate them even
> though they were right in front of me), so the timing might mean it makes
> more sense for her to put effort into distracting a potential predator. Or
> she's just a more flighty individual. Her flushing makes it harder to get
> natural footage, so I mostly left them alone.
>
> Speaking of Birds of the World, it says this of Chucks:
>
> "Not known to cast pellets, but probable due to close taxonomic
> relationship of Caprimulgiformes to Strigiformes (Sibley et al. 1988) and
> variability in this species' diet."
>
> I found this very interesting, because I got a video of a nestling casting
> a pellet! I've already reached out to someone who studies Chucks to see if
> anything I've recorded might be of scientific interest.
>
> P.S. a Pileated Woodpecker moving eggs sounds wild! I wonder why though -
> a snake approaching?
>
> Michael Fogleman
> Cary, NC
>
>
> On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 5:49 PM Christopher Hill <chill...> wrote:
>
>> Yes, great footage (even if I skipped around and didn't watch the whole
>> thing).
>>
>> Whips found/disturbed while incubating eggs may move the nest by picking
>> up the eggs in their (giant) mouths and flying them to a new spot, which
>> also seems remarkable. Since they basically nest on the bare ground, it's
>> not such a big deal to find a new spot and they will do that. I have
>> experienced this a couple years ago: flushed a whip off a nest mid-morning,
>> saw the egg or eggs (I don't remember if it was one or two). Passed that
>> spot 20 minutes later and the egg(s) was/were gone.
>>
>> Now that I've said that I went and read the Birds of the World account
>> and it more or less confirms what I said but says "probably rarely carried
>> in the mouth or between the legs." I'm not digging further into the
>> literature but I'm betting strongly on the mouth and against the feet/legs
>> idea. I've seen photos of both ducks and pileated woodpeckers moving eggs
>> in their mouth in flight. "Between the legs" does not sound right to me at
>> all.
>>
>> Chris Hill, Ph.D.
>> Professor
>> Biology Department
>> Coastal Carolina University
>> Office: Douglas 207H
>> (843) 349-2567
>> email: <chill...>
>>
>> On Jun 9, 2025, at 5:28 PM, Kevin Kubach <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>>
>> That is incredible footage! What a treat. Thanks for all your effort to
>> research, document and share this. About a month ago, I accidentally
>> flushed an adult Whip-poor-will in Fant's Grove WMA (Anderson Co., SC) and
>> realized I was standing a few
>> *Warning: Unusual link*
>> This message contains an unusual link, which may lead to a malicious
>> site. Confirm the message is safe before clicking any links.
>> That is incredible footage! What a treat. Thanks for all your effort to
>> research, document and share this.
>>
>> About a month ago, I accidentally flushed an adult Whip-poor-will in
>> Fant's Grove WMA (Anderson Co., SC) and realized I was standing a few feet
>> away from a nestling that I now have learned was probably 3 or so days old
>> (feather shafts visible in some places). The next day, I brought my
>> spotting scope in order to attempt to view the adult on the nest from a
>> distance. Much to my surprise, as I approached carefully, an adult flushed
>> from a different spot entirely, revealing two nestlings (the first time,
>> nestling #2 was either underneath #1 or had been swept many feet away by
>> the adult's eruption into flight, which according to the literature often
>> happens and may even serve a purpose in separating the young from "one
>> basket" should a predator find the nest). I also learned through all of
>> this and further research that the nestlings are capable of moving on their
>> own at only a couple days old. Having seen them, I never would have
>> expected they could move on their own, but in the context of survival for a
>> ground-nesting species, it makes sense. (And Michael's remarkable video
>> certainly confirms this.)
>>
>> Kevin Kubach
>> Greenville/Clemson, SC
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 4:14 PM Juanita Roushdy <carolinabirds...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Michael,
>>>
>>> This is a stunning video capture and pure joy to watch - the
>>> determination of the nestlings and the patience of the parents unbelievable
>>> and a privilege to witness. Thank you so much for sharing it. It certainly
>>> made my day. A lot of patience on your part to locate and video the family.
>>>
>>> Again, thank you.
>>>
>>> Juanita
>>> Bremen, ME formerly from Bald Head Island, NC
>>>
>>> On Jun 9, 2025, at 2:26 PM, Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing
>>> List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hello friends,
>>>
>>> I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game
>>> Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined
>>> where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I
>>> also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took
>>> multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But
>>> I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also
>>> found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a
>>> couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was
>>> still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large
>>> nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with
>>> an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
>>>
>>> The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became
>>> active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this
>>> video.
>>>
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1htsf__yZF8 >>> <https://nam11%20.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1htsf__yZF8&data=05%7C02%<7Ccarolinabirds...>%7C1d2f6ed6ad824d39f30e08dda783233b%7Ccb72c54e4a314d9eb14a1ea36dfac94c%7C0%7C0%7C638850903862366990%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=O6kn1f01FmaLs4bh9rk%2FvrmxCH9zK4e9m1k3RgoDh9k%3D&reserved=0> >>>
>>> I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I
>>> captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a
>>> good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have
>>> lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist
>>> soon.
>>>
>>> I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an
>>> answer!
>>>
>>> Happy birding!
>>>
>>> Michael Fogleman
>>> Cary, NC< br>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
Date: 6/9/25 5:19 pm From: Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow Video
I've read about the egg-moving behavior which is very interesting! I
haven't seen any long-distance movements with either nest, only gradual
changes from day to day, presumably from regular activities.
For the female that I first found incubating, she has never flushed no
matter how close I get - even a week after the eggs hatched. Of course, I'm
being very careful around her, but I'm still surprised at how confident she
is in relying on her camouflage.
For the other nesting pair, I only found the female and chicks _because_
she flushed when I walked nearby - perhaps 20-30 feet away. But, her
nestlings were already rather developed and well-camouflaged themselves
(better camouflaged than mom, really, I was worried about accidentally
stepping on one and had to use the thermal scope to relocate them even
though they were right in front of me), so the timing might mean it makes
more sense for her to put effort into distracting a potential predator. Or
she's just a more flighty individual. Her flushing makes it harder to get
natural footage, so I mostly left them alone.
Speaking of Birds of the World, it says this of Chucks:
"Not known to cast pellets, but probable due to close taxonomic
relationship of Caprimulgiformes to Strigiformes (Sibley et al. 1988) and
variability in this species' diet."
I found this very interesting, because I got a video of a nestling casting
a pellet! I've already reached out to someone who studies Chucks to see if
anything I've recorded might be of scientific interest.
P.S. a Pileated Woodpecker moving eggs sounds wild! I wonder why though - a
snake approaching?
Michael Fogleman
Cary, NC
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 5:49 PM Christopher Hill <chill...> wrote:
> Yes, great footage (even if I skipped around and didn't watch the whole
> thing).
>
> Whips found/disturbed while incubating eggs may move the nest by picking
> up the eggs in their (giant) mouths and flying them to a new spot, which
> also seems remarkable. Since they basically nest on the bare ground, it's
> not such a big deal to find a new spot and they will do that. I have
> experienced this a couple years ago: flushed a whip off a nest mid-morning,
> saw the egg or eggs (I don't remember if it was one or two). Passed that
> spot 20 minutes later and the egg(s) was/were gone.
>
> Now that I've said that I went and read the Birds of the World account and
> it more or less confirms what I said but says "probably rarely carried in
> the mouth or between the legs." I'm not digging further into the
> literature but I'm betting strongly on the mouth and against the feet/legs
> idea. I've seen photos of both ducks and pileated woodpeckers moving eggs
> in their mouth in flight. "Between the legs" does not sound right to me at
> all.
>
> Chris Hill, Ph.D.
> Professor
> Biology Department
> Coastal Carolina University
> Office: Douglas 207H
> (843) 349-2567
> email: <chill...>
>
> On Jun 9, 2025, at 5:28 PM, Kevin Kubach <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
> That is incredible footage! What a treat. Thanks for all your effort to
> research, document and share this. About a month ago, I accidentally
> flushed an adult Whip-poor-will in Fant's Grove WMA (Anderson Co., SC) and
> realized I was standing a few
> *Warning: Unusual link*
> This message contains an unusual link, which may lead to a malicious site.
> Confirm the message is safe before clicking any links.
> That is incredible footage! What a treat. Thanks for all your effort to
> research, document and share this.
>
> About a month ago, I accidentally flushed an adult Whip-poor-will in
> Fant's Grove WMA (Anderson Co., SC) and realized I was standing a few feet
> away from a nestling that I now have learned was probably 3 or so days old
> (feather shafts visible in some places). The next day, I brought my
> spotting scope in order to attempt to view the adult on the nest from a
> distance. Much to my surprise, as I approached carefully, an adult flushed
> from a different spot entirely, revealing two nestlings (the first time,
> nestling #2 was either underneath #1 or had been swept many feet away by
> the adult's eruption into flight, which according to the literature often
> happens and may even serve a purpose in separating the young from "one
> basket" should a predator find the nest). I also learned through all of
> this and further research that the nestlings are capable of moving on their
> own at only a couple days old. Having seen them, I never would have
> expected they could move on their own, but in the context of survival for a
> ground-nesting species, it makes sense. (And Michael's remarkable video
> certainly confirms this.)
>
> Kevin Kubach
> Greenville/Clemson, SC
>
> On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 4:14 PM Juanita Roushdy <carolinabirds...>
> wrote:
>
>> Michael,
>>
>> This is a stunning video capture and pure joy to watch - the
>> determination of the nestlings and the patience of the parents unbelievable
>> and a privilege to witness. Thank you so much for sharing it. It certainly
>> made my day. A lot of patience on your part to locate and video the family.
>>
>> Again, thank you.
>>
>> Juanita
>> Bremen, ME formerly from Bald Head Island, NC
>>
>> On Jun 9, 2025, at 2:26 PM, Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing
>> List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>>
>> Hello friends,
>>
>> I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game
>> Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined
>> where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I
>> also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took
>> multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But
>> I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also
>> found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a
>> couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was
>> still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large
>> nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with
>> an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
>>
>> The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became
>> active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this
>> video.
>>
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1htsf__yZF8 >> <https://nam11%20.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1htsf__yZF8&data=05%7C02%<7Ccarolinabirds...>%7C1d2f6ed6ad824d39f30e08dda783233b%7Ccb72c54e4a314d9eb14a1ea36dfac94c%7C0%7C0%7C638850903862366990%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=O6kn1f01FmaLs4bh9rk%2FvrmxCH9zK4e9m1k3RgoDh9k%3D&reserved=0> >>
>> I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I
>> captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a
>> good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have
>> lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist
>> soon.
>>
>> I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an
>> answer!
>>
>> Happy birding!
>>
>> Michael Fogleman
>> Cary, NC< br>
>>
>>
>>
>
Date: 6/9/25 2:50 pm From: Christopher Hill (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow Video
Yes, great footage (even if I skipped around and didn't watch the whole thing).
Whips found/disturbed while incubating eggs may move the nest by picking up the eggs in their (giant) mouths and flying them to a new spot, which also seems remarkable. Since they basically nest on the bare ground, it's not such a big deal to find a new spot and they will do that. I have experienced this a couple years ago: flushed a whip off a nest mid-morning, saw the egg or eggs (I don't remember if it was one or two). Passed that spot 20 minutes later and the egg(s) was/were gone.
Now that I've said that I went and read the Birds of the World account and it more or less confirms what I said but says "probably rarely carried in the mouth or between the legs." I'm not digging further into the literature but I'm betting strongly on the mouth and against the feet/legs idea. I've seen photos of both ducks and pileated woodpeckers moving eggs in their mouth in flight. "Between the legs" does not sound right to me at all.
Chris Hill, Ph.D.
Professor
Biology Department
Coastal Carolina University
Office: Douglas 207H
(843) 349-2567
email: <chill...>
> On Jun 9, 2025, at 5:28 PM, Kevin Kubach <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
> Warning: Unusual link
> This message contains an unusual link, which may lead to a malicious site. Confirm the message is safe before clicking any links.
> That is incredible footage! What a treat. Thanks for all your effort to research, document and share this.
>
> About a month ago, I accidentally flushed an adult Whip-poor-will in Fant's Grove WMA (Anderson Co., SC) and realized I was standing a few feet away from a nestling that I now have learned was probably 3 or so days old (feather shafts visible in some places). The next day, I brought my spotting scope in order to attempt to view the adult on the nest from a distance. Much to my surprise, as I approached carefully, an adult flushed from a different spot entirely, revealing two nestlings (the first time, nestling #2 was either underneath #1 or had been swept many feet away by the adult's eruption into flight, which according to the literature often happens and may even serve a purpose in separating the young from "one basket" should a predator find the nest). I also learned through all of this and further research that the nestlings are capable of moving on their own at only a couple days old. Having seen them, I never would have expected they could move on their own, but in the context of survival for a ground-nesting species, it makes sense. (And Michael's remarkable video certainly confirms this.)
>
> Kevin Kubach
> Greenville/Clemson, SC
>
> On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 4:14 PM Juanita Roushdy <carolinabirds...> <mailto:<carolinabirds...>> wrote:
>> Michael,
>>
>> This is a stunning video capture and pure joy to watch - the determination of the nestlings and the patience of the parents unbelievable and a privilege to witness. Thank you so much for sharing it. It certainly made my day. A lot of patience on your part to locate and video the family.
>>
>> Again, thank you.
>>
>> Juanita
>> Bremen, ME formerly from Bald Head Island, NC
>>
>>> On Jun 9, 2025, at 2:26 PM, Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> <mailto:<carolinabirds...>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hello friends,
>>>
>>> I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
>>>
>>> The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this video.
>>>
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1htsf__yZF8 <https://nam11%20.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1htsf__yZF8&data=05%7C02%<7Ccarolinabirds...>%7C1d2f6ed6ad824d39f30e08dda783233b%7Ccb72c54e4a314d9eb14a1ea36dfac94c%7C0%7C0%7C638850903862366990%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=O6kn1f01FmaLs4bh9rk%2FvrmxCH9zK4e9m1k3RgoDh9k%3D&reserved=0> >>>
>>> I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist soon.
>>>
>>> I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an answer!
>>>
>>> Happy birding!
>>>
>>> Michael Fogleman
>>> Cary, NC< br>
>>>
>>
Date: 6/9/25 2:29 pm From: Kevin Kubach (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow Video
That is incredible footage! What a treat. Thanks for all your effort to
research, document and share this.
About a month ago, I accidentally flushed an adult Whip-poor-will in Fant's
Grove WMA (Anderson Co., SC) and realized I was standing a few feet away
from a nestling that I now have learned was probably 3 or so days old
(feather shafts visible in some places). The next day, I brought my
spotting scope in order to attempt to view the adult on the nest from a
distance. Much to my surprise, as I approached carefully, an adult flushed
from a different spot entirely, revealing two nestlings (the first time,
nestling #2 was either underneath #1 or had been swept many feet away by
the adult's eruption into flight, which according to the literature often
happens and may even serve a purpose in separating the young from "one
basket" should a predator find the nest). I also learned through all of
this and further research that the nestlings are capable of moving on their
own at only a couple days old. Having seen them, I never would have
expected they could move on their own, but in the context of survival for a
ground-nesting species, it makes sense. (And Michael's remarkable video
certainly confirms this.)
Kevin Kubach
Greenville/Clemson, SC
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 4:14 PM Juanita Roushdy <carolinabirds...>
wrote:
> Michael,
>
> This is a stunning video capture and pure joy to watch - the
> determination of the nestlings and the patience of the parents unbelievable
> and a privilege to witness. Thank you so much for sharing it. It certainly
> made my day. A lot of patience on your part to locate and video the family.
>
> Again, thank you.
>
> Juanita
> Bremen, ME formerly from Bald Head Island, NC
>
> On Jun 9, 2025, at 2:26 PM, Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing
> List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
> Hello friends,
>
> I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game
> Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined
> where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I
> also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took
> multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But
> I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also
> found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a
> couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was
> still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large
> nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with
> an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
>
> The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became
> active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this
> video.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1htsf__yZF8 > <https://nam11%20.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1htsf__yZF8&data=05%7C02%<7Ccarolinabirds...>%7C1d2f6ed6ad824d39f30e08dda783233b%7Ccb72c54e4a314d9eb14a1ea36dfac94c%7C0%7C0%7C638850903862366990%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=O6kn1f01FmaLs4bh9rk%2FvrmxCH9zK4e9m1k3RgoDh9k%3D&reserved=0> >
> I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I
> captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a
> good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have
> lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist
> soon.
>
> I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an answer!
>
> Happy birding!
>
> Michael Fogleman
> Cary, NC< br>
>
>
>
> On Jun 9, 2025, at 2:26 PM, Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
> Hello friends,
>
> I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
>
> The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this video.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1htsf__yZF8 <https://nam11 > .safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1htsf__yZF8&data=05%7C02%<7Ccarolinabirds...>%7C1d2f6ed6ad824d39f30e08dda783233b%7Ccb72c54e4a314d9eb14a1ea36dfac94c%7C0%7C0%7C638850903862366990%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=O6kn1f01FmaLs4bh9rk%2FvrmxCH9zK4e9m1k3RgoDh9k%3D&reserved=0>
>
> I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist soon.
>
> I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an answer!
>
> Happy birding!
>
> Michael Fogleman
> Cary, NC< br>
>
This is a stunning video capture and pure joy to watch - the determination of the nestlings and the patience of the parents unbelievable and a privilege to witness. Thank you so much for sharing it. It certainly made my day. A lot of patience on your part to locate and video the family.
Again, thank you.
Juanita
Bremen, ME formerly from Bald Head Island, NC
> On Jun 9, 2025, at 2:26 PM, Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
> Hello friends,
>
> I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
>
> The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this video.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1htsf__yZF8 <https://nam11 > .safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1htsf__yZF8&data=05%7C02%<7Ccarolinabirds...>%7C1d2f6ed6ad824d39f30e08dda783233b%7Ccb72c54e4a314d9eb14a1ea36dfac94c%7C0%7C0%7C638850903862366990%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=O6kn1f01FmaLs4bh9rk%2FvrmxCH9zK4e9m1k3RgoDh9k%3D&reserved=0>
>
> I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist soon.
>
> I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an answer!
>
> Happy birding!
>
> Michael Fogleman
> Cary, NC< br>
>
Date: 6/9/25 12:49 pm From: Andy Smith (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow Video
Kudos, Michael! Absolutely remarkable.
How are these nestlings not gobbled up by predators? Is it really just a matter of good camouflage?
Again, great sleuthing and camera work.
-Andy
________________________________
From: <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> on behalf of Michael Fogleman <carolinabirds...>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 3:03 PM
To: Carolinabirds Listserve <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow Video
The list serve seems to break the URL for some folks. You might have to just copy and paste the URL into your browser.
Or you can search for the video title on YouTube: Chuck-will's-widow Nestlings Emerge at Dusk
Michael
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 2:26 PM Michael Fogleman <fogleman...><mailto:<fogleman...>> wrote:
Hello friends,
I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this video.
I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist soon.
I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an answer!
Date: 6/9/25 12:04 pm From: Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Chuck-will's-widow Video
The list serve seems to break the URL for some folks. You might have to
just copy and paste the URL into your browser.
Or you can search for the video title on YouTube: Chuck-will's-widow
Nestlings Emerge at Dusk
Michael
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 2:26 PM Michael Fogleman <fogleman...> wrote:
> Hello friends,
>
> I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game
> Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined
> where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I
> also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took
> multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But
> I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also
> found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a
> couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was
> still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large
> nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with
> an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
>
> The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became
> active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this
> video.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1htsf__yZF8 >
> I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I
> captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a
> good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have
> lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist
> soon.
>
> I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an answer!
>
> Happy birding!
>
> Michael Fogleman
> Cary, NC
>
>
Date: 6/9/25 11:27 am From: Michael Fogleman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Chuck-will's-widow Video
Hello friends,
I recently discovered a Chuck-will's-widow nest on the Harris Lake Game Lands in New Hill, NC with the use of a thermal scope. I first determined where the male was singing at dusk to figure out roughly where to look. I also did some research on their habitat preferences. Still, it took multiple days of methodical searching with the scope to find anything. But I ultimately found two separate nesting pairs in different areas. I also found one of the males roosting on a few occasions. One nesting pair was a couple weeks ahead of the other in terms of development. The first was still incubating when I found it while the second had fairly large nestlings by the time I found them. I tried the same thing last year with an Eastern Whip-poor-will but had no success.
The most exciting part was capturing video of nestlings when they became active at dusk. Lots of interesting behavior. So I wanted to share this video.
I believe the nestlings are just a day or two old in this video. I captured the video from behind camo cover, using a 135mm f/1.8 lens for a good balance between focal length and light-gathering abilities. I have lots of photos to share too, perhaps I'll add them to an eBird checklist soon.
I'm often asked what my favorite bird is. I think I finally have an answer!
Date: 6/9/25 10:15 am From: <annbailes...> Subject: ruddy turnstones in June
Question. Last week I saw a ruddy turnstone in breeding plumage on south Litchfield Beach. Maps in field guides say that they nest on the northern edges of Alaska and western Canada. eBird maps show a number of recent sightings, a dozen or more, on the SC coast. And online I read that they are seen year-round here in South Carolina. Do they nest late in the season? Why aren't they gone if they are in breeding plumage, or do some nest here also? Seeking clarification. It was a beautiful bird, especially in flight.
