Date: 3/12/26 4:23 am From: Lawrence Gardella via groups.io <lfgardella...> Subject: Re: [ALbirds] Red-footed Booby in Tallapoosa County?!!!
By the time she posted it, the bird had already left the tower
(apparently, during the morning of March 8). I know that Leif Milliron
won't to Lake Martin on March 9, presumably looking for the booby
unsuccessfully. Aside from the few people whi saw it on the 7th (of whom
Julia Thomas was the only "avid birder"; and I believe she saw iit the next
morning), I don't think anyone else hot to see it.
I am trying to get the names of the tower climbers who took the photos.
Larry Gardella
Daphne
On Wed, Mar 11, 2026, 9:51 PM <swmavocet...> via groups.io <swmavocet=
<aol.com...> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I just saw this eBird report from March 7. I hope it stayed long enough
> to be refound by some AL-Birders. Did you see it?
>
> Bird well,
>
> Steve McConnell
> Hartselle, AL
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S308055741 >
>
Date: 3/11/26 7:51 pm From: <swmavocet...> via groups.io <swmavocet...> Subject: [ALbirds] Red-footed Booby in Tallapoosa County?!!!
Folks,
I just saw this eBird report from March 7. I hope it stayed long enough to be refound by some AL-Birders.  Did you see it?
Bird well,
Steve McConnellHartselle, AL
https://ebird.org/checklist/S308055741
Date: 2/25/26 6:15 am From: Donald Dehm via groups.io <donalddehm...> Subject: Re: [ALbirds] Hybrid Snow Goose?
Ken,
This has the color patterns of a Juvenile Intermediate Morph Snow Goose,
perhaps molting into adulthood, or approaching a molting stage.
Intermediate morph snow geese are rare variations between the white (light)
and blue (dark) color phases, featuring a unique blend of plumage, such as
a white head/belly with a heavily mottled or gray-brown back. They are not
a separate species but a result of incomplete dominance in plumage genes,
exhibiting a "brindled" or intermediate gray-brown, white, and dusky look.
Donald Dehm
*Key Characteristics of Intermediate Morph Snow Geese*
- *Appearance:* They are not fully white (light phase) nor dark
grey-blue (blue phase), but show a, blotchy, "brindled" mixture of grey,
brown, and white feathers.
- *Head/Neck:* Often exhibit a white head with a dark, mottled, or
gray-brown neck, distinguishing them from the dark-bodied/white-headed blue
phase.
- *Bill and Legs:* Like all snow geese, they possess a pink bill with a
black "grin patch" and pink legs.
- *Occurrence:* They are less common than either the white or blue
morphs and are produced when the two forms interbreed.
On Wed, Feb 25, 2026 at 00:11 john cole via groups.io <johnb_cole=
<yahoo.com...> wrote:
Date: 2/25/26 5:42 am From: Greg D. Jackson via groups.io <g_d_jackson...> Subject: [ALbirds] Date change to Friday 27 Feb: AOS field trip Wheeler/Wilson dams area
AL Birders:
Due to continued significant predictions of rain, the scheduled AOS field
trip to the area of Wheeler and Wilson dams has been moved from tomorrow
morning to Friday morning (27 Feb). All other details remain the same. Sorry
if this causes inconvenience.
Date: 2/24/26 10:11 pm From: john cole via groups.io <johnb_cole...> Subject: Re: [ALbirds] Hybrid Snow Goose?
Compared to the Canada Goose, the size appears to be right for a regular Snow Goose. It could possibly be a juvenile Snow Goose.John ColeColumbus GA
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 12:05 AM, Ken Hare <kmhare46...> wrote:
I would appreciate ID help on this one. I know that Snow Geese dark morphs can have significant variations in plumage, but this appears more of a hybrid to me. Back of camera shots. Seen today at Old Creek Town Park in Barbour County with a group of about 15 Canada Geese.
Date: 2/24/26 9:05 pm From: Ken Hare via groups.io <kmhare46...> Subject: [ALbirds] Hybrid Snow Goose?
I would appreciate ID help on this one. I know that Snow Geese dark morphs can have significant variations in plumage, but this appears more of a hybrid to me. Back of camera shots. Seen today at Old Creek Town Park in Barbour County with a group of about 15 Canada Geese.
Date: 2/22/26 3:39 pm From: Ken Wills via groups.io <memontei...> Subject: [ALbirds] Woodcocks are back at Moss Rock Preserve
Hello all,
For those that need a place to see a woodcock display around metro Birmingham, the birds are back in Moss Rock Preserve in the area between the Prairie Restoration and the Lower Meadow. A few days ago on a warm night, I heard them start calling at 5:48 p.m. and at least two birds displayed for about 20 minutes. Not sure what they will do now we are returning to freezing temperatures.  If you want to see the woodcocks I would park near but do not block the iron gate at approximately 2489 Chapel Road, Hoover 35226. The nearby shoulder of Vendure Lane which intersects with Chapel Road near this spot is a great place to park.  Walk the gravel road behind the gate up to the base of the great dirt hill (prairie restoration site on top).  Once you reach the base of the great dirt hill, you will see where the gravel road goes to the right and mowed trails go to your left.  Take one of the mowed trails to your left, and where the two mowed trails meet again you will be on the edge of the wet meadow.  You can observe woodcocks here or walk on about another 50 yards on the mowed trail for another vantage point.  The whole walk is probably between one third to one half a mile one way. If you want to get to this area several hours earlier, you have options to walk a loop and go up on the 3 acre prairie restoration or a restored sandstone glade along the power line trail (not much blooming on either habitat right now) or walk the Orange trail to your left when facing the front of the iron gate and go see the waterfalls in the relatively pristine Boulder Gorge.  Here is a link to a detailed map for Moss Rock Preserve which shows the prairie restoration and mowed trails but does not show the wet meadow http://www.hooveral.org/DocumentCenter/View/1627  Enjoy and Conserve the Creation,Ken WillsFor this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life,---Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Â
Mathew 6:25-26
Date: 2/20/26 4:58 am From: Greg D. Jackson via groups.io <g_d_jackson...> Subject: [ALbirds] Launch of the AOS Local Field Trips program
AL Birders:
The Alabama Ornithological Society is embarking on a new program to promote
birds and birding across our area. The most experienced collection of
birders in Alabama will be volunteering their time to lead free field trips
throughout the year to a wide variety of locations. (We hope to begin this
soon in the AOS area of northwest Florida as well.) Everyone seven years old
and above is encouraged to join these trips regardless of birding
experience; please do not bring pets. Unless other items are specified in
the trip description, what you need to join us are a pair of binoculars,
clothes and shoes appropriate for outdoor activities at that season,
drinks/snacks, and curiosity about birds and nature.
Trips will be posted by leaders to an online calendar via the AOS website:
Where to go, what to do, and length of trips will be at the discretion of
the leader. Some outings will be listed well in advance; others could appear
nearer the date. We will try to post announcements of as many trips as
possible on Facebook and other social media, but the best way to see what is
happening will be to check the calendar regularly. Detailed information
about each trip will be available by just clicking on the trip name. In
general, no sign-up will be necessary unless a leader requests it in the
trip notes. Beyond occasional park entrance fees, events will be at no cost
for participants (unless it is an unusual situation like a chartered boat
trip). If unexpected circumstances require significant modification or
cancellation of an event, this will be posted on the calendar at least by 6
pm the prior evening (so please recheck the event listing if you plan to
attend).
Date: 2/17/26 10:25 am From: Bob Reed via groups.io <bobreed1987...> Subject: Re: [ALbirds] Obtaining birds for coloration research
I have a half dozen Purple Finches, and many Goldfinches. 88838 Tallassee
Hwy., Tallassee
You are welcome; call first, please
Bob Reed
COL US Army, Retired
334-283-5886 Home
334-207-0985 Mobile
On Tue, Feb 17, 2026, 08:21 adc0090 via groups.io <adc0090=
<auburn.edu...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Hope you're doing well! My name is Amberlee Cook, and I'm a doctoral
> student in Dr. Geoff Hill's lab at Auburn University. I'm studying red and
> yellow carotenoid coloration in finches and how it's related to
> mitochondria. I have been unable to attract purple finches to my feeders in
> Auburn, and I’ve only attracted a few American Goldfinches, and these are
> my key study birds. I’m looking for a yard with either of these species
> coming to a feeder where the homeowner would allow me to catch and remove
> birds for study. All capture will be done with state and federal permits
> and with approval of the animal care committee at Auburn. Thank you for
> your help!
>
> Amberlee
>
>
Date: 2/17/26 8:39 am From: Greg D. Jackson via groups.io <g_d_jackson...> Subject: [ALbirds] Benches for Birding at Shoal Creek Park near Montevallo
AL Birders:
I wanted to make an early announcement about Shoal Creek Park becoming the
next birding area to participate in the AOS "Benches for Birding" program.
This 167-acre park just north of Montevallo (and owned/maintained by the
city) is becoming a well-known birding location in the Birmingham area. The
mixed habitats here host a variety of species year round, and the beautiful
park has nice trails and facilities. This is part of the Alabama Birding
Trails system, too. The park website is at:
The three new benches with AOS logos will be installed at carefully selected
spots in the park where lingering to watch birds may be useful. They are
currently being shipped and should be installed in the coming weeks. Watch
out for social media posts when this happens.
The reason I'm jumping the gun a bit on the bench announcement is to
advertise a couple of activities planned for the park in the near future. An
AOS member, Ray Cavender, is on the Board of the Shoal Creek Foundation
which works with the city. He has shared the following events there:
AOS hopes to further partner with Shoal Creek Park to promote birding and
bird conservation (supplementing the good work by both Ray and AAS). I'd
like to thank Sydney Baugh of the City of Montevallo for her help with the
bench project. If you haven't yet been to the park, give it a try - lovely
place to walk and enjoy birds and nature!
(And BTW, if you know of a good birding site which may benefit from one of
these benches, please get in touch with me off list. Thanks!)
Date: 2/17/26 6:21 am From: adc0090 via groups.io <adc0090...> Subject: [ALbirds] Obtaining birds for coloration research
Hi all,
Hope you're doing well! My name is Amberlee Cook, and I'm a doctoral student in Dr. Geoff Hill's lab at Auburn University. I'm studying red and yellow carotenoid coloration in finches and how it's related to mitochondria. I have been unable to attract purple finches to my feeders in Auburn, and I’ve only attracted a few American Goldfinches, and these are my key study birds. I’m looking for a yard with either of these species coming to a feeder where the homeowner would allow me to catch and remove birds for study.  All capture will be done with state and federal permits and with approval of the animal care committee at Auburn. Thank you for your help!
