Date: 4/18/24 5:50 am From: Dallas Alexander <dallaspumpman1...> Subject: Possible magnificent frigatebird
This report is coming late. My brother told me yesterday that Tuesday afternoon he was sure a Frigatebird cruised over this property. He lives SE of the Shawnee county state lake 2 miles. This is northern Shawnee county. He has done plenty of traveling and has seen these birds. This is second hand information. But it may hold some water. Keep your eyes peeled!
Dallas Alexander
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 4/17/24 11:22 am From: Jenn Rader <jennrader34...> Subject: Cherokee County new arrivals 4-17-24
I took my nature center staff person on a trail walk to teach her some bird and plant identification on the Schermerhorn Park trails this morning. We had some new arrivals for the season:
Date: 4/17/24 9:09 am From: G & J Fenton Friesen <friesen.fenton...> Subject: Warbling Vireo
I had a singing Warbling Vireo at HV County East Lake today. I also had two singing Orange-crowned Warblers on the Sand Creek Bike Path in Newton. Harris's Sparrows continue with a variety of vocalizations.
Date: 4/17/24 6:26 am From: Forrest Miller <forrestm...> Subject: Thrashers
Hearing Brown Thrashers singing away in the morning is one of the best parts of spring. They are back in Harvey County and filling the air with song. Have a great day all.
Hello Bird Watchers, Birders, Photographers, and Ornithologists,
As you are out enjoying nature and birds we ask that you please follow this request when reporting species. The Kansas eBird review team and Kansas Bird Records Committee (KBRC) are interested in data accuracy and the study of unexpected species. To help us with that goal, we ask you to describe flagged eBird sightings and rare bird sightings in general.
If you think you may have a rare bird please try to document it as best as possible. Photos and a written description are useful in documentation and when possible both are preferred. Stating the bird is mere "Continuing", "seen well", "photos", or "no doubt" doesn't assist in these goals. If you have taken photos add them to the report. There are many species that look similar in appearance and your documentation is useful in separating species. https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48000803130-how-to-document-your-sightings
We also ask that you familiarize yourself with the KBRC review list and submit a report if the rare bird is listed on it. The species list includes a column with "Justification for reporting" and you have multiple methods of submitting a report included at the bottom of the page. Some of the links on the page also reiterate how to document sightings. https://www.ksbirds.org/KBRC/kbrcrvulist.html
Using eBird mobile or posting your sightings to the listserv or social media contributes to the understanding of birds and affords others information on where they might see certain species. Submitting observations from the field in a timely manner for rare birds is particularly impactful on others as you can sign up for alerts and receive quick reports. If you submit to eBird, understand that sightings may be flagged for multiple reasons beyond being a rare bird. This website describes the review process. *If the species is flagged for a single bird being entered, then you should include a description of what you saw on the bird to eliminate other species. If a species is flagged for a specific number, then you should describe how you arrived at the number you entered into the checklist. *Stating that you have a picture or a recording but not attaching it, stating seen by others, or any of the prior comments are not helpful. With spring migration and early arrivals, don't be shocked if you trip a filter and need to write something in your comments. With few reviewers and some users that are not following the requests, it can be tiring following up with everyone. https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48000795278-the-ebird-review-process
If you submit an eBird report for a species on the KBRC review list, note you may receive an email from an eBird reviewer asking that you submit a KBRC report. If you have already submitted a KBRC report or are aware that one is needed and plan to submit one, you can simply note that in the comments in addition to your other documentation.
Lastly, whether your eBird report is accepted or not it doesn't change your list. Similarly, whether your KBRC report is approved or not doesn't change your report and list. This process is about data accuracy and perhaps there isn't enough evidence to verify the sighting. Your description of the bird is needed to confirm records so your sighting will be included in the eBird public data, with KBRC documentation, and for research purposes. With different data archival methods and purposes we hope you use both.
Date: 4/16/24 4:56 am From: Chuck Otte <cotte...> Subject: MIlford Lake Bird Walk, Saturday April 20
The monthly Milford Lake Bird Walk will be this Saturday, April 20. Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot at the south end of Milford Lake Dam (across the highway from the Corps of Engineers Office - 5203 North K-57 Junction City).
It may be breezy and cool so dress warm. This month's focus will be on spring migrants. Walks usually last 2 to 3 hours, birds and weather depending. If you have any questions, please contact me!
I just saw my first ruby throat hummingbird at the feeder. Thanks to Chuck Otte for the heads up/preparation. I also have mockingbirds, parulas back on site.
Date: 4/15/24 7:49 am From: Donna Meyer <51meyer50...> Subject: Black-bellied Whistling Duck
The Black bellied Whistling Ducks have returned to their favorite tree across the alley from our backyard in Larned. The first year they arrived to the tree there was 2, last few years 3, this year looks like at least 6 the family is growing. In town Larned Pawnee Co our yard
Donna Meyer
Date: 4/15/24 6:20 am From: Kat Farres <ozbelgnz...> Subject: FOS Scissortailed Flycatcher/ Saline CO 4/14/24
Saw our first of season Scissortailed Flycatcher in far NW Saline CO on the evening of 4/14/24!
I spent the weekend sitting in a field near Kechi KS, and saw many Admiral butterflies, numerous little Crecents and a male and female very ‘fresh’ looking black Swallowtail butterflies, killdeer flying over, the resident geese grumbling a bit <G>.
Kat and Dennis Farres
Salina KS
Date: 4/14/24 3:23 pm From: Logan Anderson <landerson14...> Subject: Tuttle Creek Reservoir -- Rock Wren and More
Hey all,
This weekend I made a more concerted effort to get out and explore Tuttle Creek Reservoir and try to find some new migrants for my first spring living in Kansas. Yesterday, my girlfriend and I successfully chased the dam's resident Rock Wren, and while walking back to the car I flushed a beautiful FOY LeConte's Sparrow and FOY Marsh Wren from the tinniest patch of horsetails (https://ebird.org/checklist/S168406221). Today, some friends of mine and I explored the Fancy Creek area. We had flyover White-faced Ibis, Franklin's Gulls, an Upland Sandpiper, and a Vesper Sparrow (https://ebird.org/checklist/S168554892 - 57 species). While visiting Fancy Creek, I noticed a ton of birds gathering on the mudflats off of the Randolph Park area, south of the bridge.
So, I gathered the troops, and we visited the parkscoping from the east ridge overlooking the mudflats. There were four dozen godwits, mostly Hudsonian with some Marbled mixed in, two dozen White-faced Ibis, 4-digit Franklin's Gull numbers, and hundreds of peeps. From on top of the ridge, I was able to pick out a breeding plumage Piping Plovera first record record for the Fancy Creek area, according to eBird. We decided to bushwack our way down the ridge to get a closer look. Once we got closer, one Piping Plover turned into two, and two turned into four! To our surprise, a Snowy Plover was also mixed in as well! Sadly, my camera was dead, so my pictures were all poor from digiscoping, but we still had an amazing morninghigh fives all around.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S168593751
Date: 4/13/24 3:29 pm From: Jay Jeffrey <jjtonbo...> Subject: MOTUS Murmurs
Migration dialing it up…but like today’s CVT vehicle transmissions –
continuously variable.
MOTUS Says:
Sprague’s Pipits have been coming through, e.g., at Kirwin NWR,
intermittently pinging the feathered passerby.
--
*Jay Jeffrey*
*POTT CO.*
“There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.”
– Aldo Leopold
Date: 4/13/24 10:59 am From: Ted Cable <tcable...> Subject: Rock Wren update
Just an update that the Rock Wren in Tuttle Creek State Park was still present this morning. It was singing its heart out just east of the self-pay station. Ted
Date: 4/6/24 4:57 pm From: Brandon Magette <averbirder...> Subject: Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee Co Spring
I had twenty or so Chipping Sparrows blow in to the yard today, and while mushroom hunting along the mighty Kaw River in Wabaunsee County I heard a N Parula. A resident pair of Pileated Woodpeckers were being very vocal.
Brandon Magette of St Marys, mobile @ 785-844-0139
Date: 4/4/24 7:13 pm From: Malcolm Gold <malcolmgold...> Subject: Spring Burroughs Field Trips - Kansas City Area Primarily but an open invitation to all to join our MN trip!
Hello All,
I hope all are enjoying the spring ephemerals, the longer days, warmer
weather, and the first of year arrivals for some short and long distance
migrants. Burroughs Audubon Society of Kansas City has a variety of field
trips planned over the coming months that focus on spring migration and an
introduction to birding. Everyone is invited to each of these trips. There
is no membership requirement and each trip is open to everyone of all skill
levels and interests.
Please check the website for additional details on the trips listed below
and check back on the website if inclement weather is of concern.
Additional trips are still in the works and will be added as dates and
details are finalized. Check the website (
http://burroughs.org/its-free/field-trips-programs/) and/or Burroughs
Audubon facebook events (https://www.facebook.com/AudubonKC) to see added
trips as well as note any changes from the original plan. Below are dates
and locations.
*KC Area trips*Wednesday, April 10th – Tomahawk Creek Park
Saturday, April 20th – Beginner Birding/Nature Adventurepack Program KCK
Sunday, April 21st – Wilderness Wetlands
Wednesday, April 24th – Tomahawk Creek Park
Saturday, April 27th – Beginner Birding/Nature Adventurepack Program
Louisburg
Saturday, April 27th – Beginner Birding/Nature Adventurepack Program Paola
Saturday, May 4th – Beginner Birding/Nature Adventurepack Program Osawatomie
Monday, May 6th – Burr Oak Woods
Tuesday, May 7th – Jerry Smith Park Spring Migration Bird Census
Saturday, May 11th – Beginner Birding/Nature Adventurepack Program Olathe
Monday, May 13th – Beginner Birding/Bird Walk at Meadowbrook Club House
Tuesday, May 14th – Blue Springs Lake and Wetlands
Saturday, June 1st – Adventure Day/Nature Adventurepack Program Overland
Park
Saturday, June 8th – Beginner Birding/Nature Adventurepack Program Basehor
*Extended trip to MN*
Saturday, May 25th through Monday, May 27th – Sax-Zim Bog and the
Northwoods of Minnesota (confirmation ahead of time is requested for
coordination )
Please reach out to myself or the trip leaders detailed on the website or
FB events with any questions. If you are interested in leading or
co-leading any trip please let Mike or myself know. We wish everyone a
birdy spring, great weather, and enjoyable spring KOS and MBS meetings as
well.
Good Birding.
Malcolm Gold (Overland Park, Kansas)
Volunteer BAS Field-Trip Coordinator with Mike Stoakes
Date: 4/4/24 5:13 am From: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> Subject: Fw: [OKBIRDS] Berlin Heck
Here's a thread from OK Birds . . . many folks in KS knew BERLIN HECK . . .
Good guy and a real character . . . I use the word "character" in the most complimentary and loving way.
<sebastianpatti...>
Sebastian T. Patti
552 W. Belden Ave.
Chicago, ILLINOIS 60614-3354
CELL: 773/304-7488
________________________________
From: okbirds <OKBIRDS...> on behalf of Kurt Meisenzahl <meisenzk...>
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 11:33 PM
To: <OKBIRDS...> <OKBIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [OKBIRDS] Berlin Heck
Many great memories birding with Berlin in the Red Slough area, the Wichita Mountains, the Oklahoma panhandle and the trip to Nome, Alaska. He did have a great sense of humor. He will certainly be missed.
Kurt & Sharon Meisenzahl
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 3, 2024, at 6:01 PM, Melinda Droege <oklagranny26...> wrote:
Berlin Heck was many faceted: birder, biologist, conservationist, hunter, husband, father, friend but I remember him best as being FUN! He had a witty remark about most everything and his jokes and stories were hilarious. One time Jeri McMahon had to separate us for laughing so much.
He never kept quiet about his pet peeves, though most were justified. One was the correct pronunciation of names. I wanted a Bachman's Sparrow so bad and begged him to take me to his "secret" place. He said not as long as you say Bach(as in the composer)man. I quickly learned to say Backman many times and he kindly showed me the elusive sparrow.
He was a true character and I always smile when I think of Berlin.
Melinda Droege
Bartlesville
On Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 2:14 PM Mia Revels <0000004e74e60ce3-dmarc-request...><mailto:<0000004e74e60ce3-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
I just realized that I posted this on okbirds. I thought I was in an OOS thread. Sorry! I do plan to write a tribute, but please do not wait on me to write your own if you like.
Berlin Heck passed away earlier this week and there will not be a public memorial service. He was a big part of the birding community when I got started, but since a head injury nearly a decade ago has not been very active. So, some of our newer community members may not have met him.
For those of you who knew him, he was quite a character. Please share some good Berlin stories!
Mia Revels
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 8:22 PM Mia Revels <revels...><mailto:<revels...>> wrote:
I have been waiting to post, out of respect for the family's privacy. I plan to write a tribute.
Mia
On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 8:14 PM Jerry Davis <jwdavis...><mailto:<jwdavis...>> wrote:
Thank you. David Arbour mentioned Berlin's death in his Red Slough
weekly post earlier this week that went out to OKBirds and ARBirds list
serves. Yes, those that knew Berlin know his contributions and he will
be missed.
Jerry Wayne Davis
Hot Springs, AR
On 2024-03-30 8:09 pm, Zach Poland wrote:
> Regretfully, I was informed that biologist and birder Berlin Heck
> passed away on March 26th, 2024. I know he had a profound impact on
> birds and birding in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas for sure.
>
> I’ve not seen this posted on any of the OK birding outlets. The only
> reason I know is because a family member informed OOS. I’m sorry for
> our community’s loss.
>
> Berlin Heck was awarded Oklahoma Ornithological Society’s Scissortail
> Award in 2001 for “Contributions to knowledge and conservation of birds
> and other wildlife and special work at Red Slough WMA.”
>
> ZAP
>
> Zach Poland
--
Mia Revels, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Northeastern State University
611 Grand Ave.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
(918) 444-3824
<revels...><mailto:<revels...>
**CONFIDENTIALITY** -This e-mail (including any attachments) may contain confidential, proprietary and privileged information. Any unauthorized disclosure or use of this information is prohibited.
--
Mia Revels, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Northeastern State University
611 Grand Ave.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
(918) 444-3824
<revels...><mailto:<revels...>
**CONFIDENTIALITY** -This e-mail (including any attachments) may contain confidential, proprietary and privileged information. Any unauthorized disclosure or use of this information is prohibited.
Date: 4/2/24 7:17 pm From: Chuck Otte <cotte...> Subject: Passing of Jim Mayhew
Some of the more long time birders will remember Jim Mayhew. Jim was KOS President for two years in the early 1990s. Jim passed away yesterday at his home in Abilene. Funeral services are pending. Jim was a friend and was invariably trying to get me into something new or different. He was a good guy and will be missed.
Date: 4/2/24 9:26 am From: Chuck Otte <cotte...> Subject: County Checklists are Updated (long)
Good Day KSBirders!
With spring migration preparing to explode, and a gray day hindering some of us from birding, I might as well hit you with the latest round of county checklist updates. The list follows below. County name is followed by the number of species now on that county's list and then a listing of the recent additions. Any species name followed by an asterisk (*) indicates a confirmed breeding record for that county. The checklist index page is linked from the ksbirds.org homepage or you can get there directly at:
Everything at the County Check-list home page is updated EXCEPT the county dot maps. Those should be done by the end of April. As always, if you have any issues accessing any of the information on that page, please contact me!
These updates include everything reported to me as of late March. They also reflect all actions by the Kansas Bird Records Committee for 2023 (and a couple of very early 2024 records). Don't look for the Sedgwick County Rosy-Finch or the Shawnee County Eurasian Tree Sparrow as those records have not been acted on yet by the KBRC. A new species WAS added to the Kansas Check-list in 2023. Mexican Duck becomes the 486th species on the state checklist thanks to a very well documented record from Hamilton County.
For those who like the detail of the numbers here we go: 71 counties had updates to their check-list Total county ticks is now 30,268 (one species in once county is one tick) That is an increase of 147 since the November updates. 106 species will have updates to their county dot maps
I must thank Dan Larson for his annual review of accepted eBird records against the county check-lists. The hours he spends doing this saves me hours on my end! thank you Dan!!
As always, if you have a non-listed species on your county lists, send me the details so we can get it added!
Chuck
Allen, 271 - Common Ground-Dove, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Neotropic Cormorant, Long-eared Owl, Pine Warbler
Male Western Lesser Goldenfinch first of season our backyard in town Larned Pawnee Co. Will try for a picture he most of came with the little cold front that past thru earlier. Great way to start the birding year
Date: 3/27/24 9:19 am From: M. Dennice Craig <mdcraigster...> Subject: Signs of Spring…just SE of Derby
First, a really big deal.
We have an old farm pond…cottonwoods, dogwoods, not much water. For past three years this pond has been the battleground of our Cooper’s Hawks (successfully raising fledglings for many years prior) and our family of Crows. Crows have won…never once permitting a hawk to land in the cottonwoods. Scouts? spot the intruder and the group harasses it until it leaves. Sometimes a second hawk is nearby…it is possible they found nest sites nearby but pond belonged to crows.
This week I saw Cooper’s mating in their cottonwoods. Not one crow around. They were unbothered. Very exciting because I have time to get my camera attached to my scope. Once leaves come out I won’t be able to see their antics.
What happened? Something changed. Crows were chasing hawks this past winter—-hawks use my feeders as “forage”… I never see a successful kill…actually saw a hawk attack around time of GBBC. Usually, I see the birds scramble—out here for 50 years and have rarely seen the hawk first.
Second,
A Bluebird male just chased away juncos squatting Inside his nest box this cold, cold morning. Too far to see well…quite a kerfuffle of blue flapping wings at entrance—and little black and white birds (not chicadees) protesting an eviction. I expect bluebirds in February but saw none. I did set up more houses for bluebirds.
Third,
Phoebe is always first sign—weeks ago, hear him all around house. Now, Mourning Doves calling here and there—poaching seed, mealworms, suet debris from feeder areas. I have more flat feeders now—-easier to keep food out than chasing down stolen-by-raccoon feeders. I’m getting too old to fight for my feeders.
Fourth,
Group of a dozen turkeys walked past my gardens and feeders just two days ago. On next day my 18 month old puppy (35 pound mini sheepadoodle) spotted a huge one following the path the flock had taken. He is a responsible guard dog out here (except I won’t allow a coyote encounter).
When he bravely trotted toward that turkey, and it opened its wings and jumped into flight—both were startled . That turkey dwarfed him in size and shot straight up. Young dog stood his ground and watched as that magnificent animal took his leave. He now watches constantly for this new danger.
Just grateful to see the sun, get the rain, watch for native plants, haul seeds to feeders, and observe birds from dining room windows. An excellent cold weather pastime!
Sincerely,
Dennice Craig, from a pond just SE of Derby Kansas.
Date: 3/21/24 10:17 am From: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> Subject: Re: Louisiana Waterthrush Cherokee County March 21, 2024
It's spring!!!
<sebastianpatti...>
Sebastian T. Patti
552 W. Belden Ave.
Chicago, ILLINOIS 60614-3354
CELL: 773/304-7488
________________________________
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Jenn Rader <jennrader34...>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 10:55 AM
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Louisiana Waterthrush Cherokee County March 21, 2024
Greetings!
Had my first Louisiana Waterthrush of the year this morning down along the
little stream that runs through Schermerhorn Parks north end. It was
singing a lot and I was able to get binocs on it, too.
Also finally had a handful of Pine Siskins at our nature center thistle
feeder here in the last week or so. I hadnt seen any this way for long
time.
Date: 3/21/24 8:59 am From: Jenn Rader <jennrader34...> Subject: Louisiana Waterthrush Cherokee County March 21, 2024
Greetings!
Had my first Louisiana Waterthrush of the year this morning down along the
little stream that runs through Schermerhorn Park’s north end. It was
singing a lot and I was able to get binocs on it, too.
Also finally had a handful of Pine Siskins at our nature center thistle
feeder here in the last week or so. I hadn’t seen any this way for long
time.
Date: 3/19/24 4:54 am From: Chuck Otte <cotte...> Subject: Milford Lake Bird Walk, Saturday March 23
The first Milford Lake Bird Walk of the season will be this Saturday, March 23rd. Meet at the parking lot at the south end of the dam (across from the Corps of Engineer's Office, 5203 North K-57 Junction City) at 8:00 a.m. Walks usually last 2 to 3 hours depending on the birds and the weather. If you have any questions, contact me!
