ALBirds
Received From Subject
2/15/25 5:30 pm Greg D. Jackson via groups.io <g_d_jackson...> [ALbirds] Results of Gulf Shores CBC (4 Jan 2025)
2/13/25 5:03 pm Ken Hare via groups.io <kmhare46...> Re: [ALbirds] Red Bellied Woodpecker
2/13/25 11:05 am Larry Knorr via groups.io <ctyrd109...> [ALbirds] Red Bellied Woodpecker
1/29/25 3:16 pm Mason Currier via groups.io <masonacurrier...> Re: [ALbirds] Long-billed dowitcher reports
1/29/25 11:20 am Mason Currier via groups.io <masonacurrier...> Re: [ALbirds] Long-billed dowitcher reports
1/25/25 2:52 pm Drew Haffenden via groups.io <andrew...> [ALbirds] Long-billed dowitcher reports
1/23/25 3:41 pm Doris Gertler via groups.io <dee.gertler...> Re: [ALbirds] AOS Winter Meeting at St. Marks Cancelled
1/23/25 3:31 pm Drew Haffenden via groups.io <andrew...> Re: [ALbirds] AOS Winter Meeting at St. Marks Cancelled
1/23/25 2:47 pm Lucy & Bob Email via groups.io <RobertADuncan...> [ALbirds] ST. MARKS Fw: [NFLbirds] January at ST. MARKS NWR
1/22/25 12:50 pm Kevin Shaw via groups.io <kevinshaw92...> [ALbirds] Cackling Goose - Tuscaloosa
 
Back to top
Date: 2/15/25 5:30 pm
From: Greg D. Jackson via groups.io <g_d_jackson...>
Subject: [ALbirds] Results of Gulf Shores CBC (4 Jan 2025)
AL Birders,



I wanted to present the results from the 52nd Gulf Shores CBC which ran on 4
January. Many thanks to the hard-working participants, to co-compiler Howard
Horne who handles party assignments and organization, and to our longtime
compilation host Peg Power.



On a cool and sometimes blustery (but dry) day, we had 38 observers in 17
field parties plus a short (but productive) feeder watch, with a total of
129.4 party-hours. We haven't fielded that many parties since 2004 (mean of
14.1 overall, 13.8 in the prior 11 years), though the number of party-hours
is about average. Besides the usual transportation methods of cars and
boots, this time we included both a golf cart (Haffenden party) and a
motorized boat (Clay party).



Our species total this year was a rather frustrating 149 species. That falls
just short of the 150 required to make the special published NAS list, but
it's still quite a good total, especially with so much habitat loss in the
area. And truthfully, that shouldn't be the focus of the count, but it's
always a fun aspect. We've averaged 143.6 species in the history of the
count, though the mean in the prior 11 years has been 138.8 species; we last
reached this high of a species tally in 2017 (with 150). Maximum for the
history of the count is 170 species in 1989, low point was 119 species in
1974 (with only eight parties). Historically we have recorded an impressive
total of 271 species on the Gulf Shores CBC (now including SB Munia), with
one additional count-week species.



Number of individual birds on the count was 43,856, below the overall mean
of 63 K but close to the overall median; it is higher than the prior 11-year
mean of 34 K. This value fluctuates greatly based on a few flocking species,
especially Tree Swallow, Am. Robin, and blackbirds, so it's hard to compare
year to year. On a birds/party-hour basis (which helps discount variations
in effort), the 3389 this time is less than the overall mean of 4756, but
more than prior 11-year mean of 3006.



Enough statistics. As usual, there were quite a few unusual species found,
several at the amazing feeders in Foley and Bon Secour. Here are the most
notable:



Inca Dove: 6, Barnett party, 5th count record

Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 1, Barnett, 8th

Black-chinned Hummingbird: 1, Barnett, 8th

Iceland Gull (Thayer's type): 1, Jackson, 2nd (for species)

Vermilion Flycatcher: 2, Keevan & Barnett parties, 8th

Lark Sparrow: 2, Horne, 5th

Bullock's Oriole: 2, Barnett, 6th

Bronzed Cowbird: 2, Humphries, 3rd

Summer Tanager: 1, Barnett, 5th

Painted Bunting: 2, Barnett, 5th



Several species exceeded previous maximal tallies: Black-bellied
Whistling-Duck (458 - new Alabama maximum count), Black Scoter (37), Inca
Dove (6 as above), Spotted Sandpiper (11 - ties previous AL winter maximum
set in 1961), White Ibis (38), Black Vulture (151), Osprey (63 - new AL
maximum), Carolina Chickadee (125 - new Gulf Coast maximum), and Baltimore
Oriole (19 - new Gulf Coast winter maximum).



On the flip side, a bevy of regular species were scarcer than normal.
Unusually low counts were recorded for: Rock Pigeon (only 3, with a 52-year
mean of 105), Black-bellied Plover, Bonaparte's Gull (only 6, mean 316),
Ring-billed Gull, Forster's Tern, N. Gannet (amazingly only one bird, mean
169, max 1147), E. Screech-Owl, Fish Crow, Marsh Wren, Am. Pipit,
White-throated, Vesper, and Song sparrows, E. Towhee, E. Meadowlark, and
Com. Grackle. Worse than the lows were total misses of regular species like
Redhead, Am. Woodcock, and Field Sparrow (first time in 52 years).



Overall it was a fun count with good results and reasonable weather.
Consider joining us next year (Saturday, 3 Jan 2026)!



Greg





Greg D. Jackson

Co-compiler

Birmingham, AL



-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2655): https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/message/2655
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/111209297/858290
Group Owner: ALbirds+<owner...>
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/leave/8384973/858290/64122861/xyzzy [<lists...>]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



 

Back to top
Date: 2/13/25 5:03 pm
From: Ken Hare via groups.io <kmhare46...>
Subject: Re: [ALbirds] Red Bellied Woodpecker
 

Back to top
Date: 2/13/25 11:05 am
From: Larry Knorr via groups.io <ctyrd109...>
Subject: [ALbirds] Red Bellied Woodpecker
I have my birdfeeders mounted from a 4x4 treated wood post. I recently noticed a Red Bellied Woodpecker repeatedly take a sunflower seed from the feeder and land on the 4x4 post to eat the seed. The woodpecker inserts the seed into a dime sized hole that it made in the post to better handle removal of the husk to get at the edible seed. I think this shows a high level of intelligence and tool making ability of the bird. Comments welcome.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2653): https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/message/2653
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/111168670/858290
Group Owner: ALbirds+<owner...>
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/leave/8384973/858290/64122861/xyzzy [<lists...>]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



 

Back to top
Date: 1/29/25 3:16 pm
From: Mason Currier via groups.io <masonacurrier...>
Subject: Re: [ALbirds] Long-billed dowitcher reports
[Edited Message Follows]

Hi Drew! Thanks for the info. I would like to add that recently I have faithfully staked out the LBDO group on their wintering grounds at Blakeley Island (“recent reports”) both when they’ve been close by in the actual complex and further away in higher numbers on the flats north of Polecat Bay. Dowitcher ID is no joke, and I’m far from an expert. But all the ID puzzle pieces I and others who’ve watched them this winter have noted point to a LBDO dominant to near all majority. I watched a group at close range yesterday for near an hour and while they were constantly calling I only heard LBDO calls. There’s definitely a bunch at Blakeley, and I would be curious on what others find as to the purity of the dowitcher group there.

Happy Birding,
Mason Currier


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2652): https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/message/2652
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/110815088/858290
Group Owner: ALbirds+<owner...>
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/leave/8384973/858290/64122861/xyzzy [<lists...>]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



 

Back to top
Date: 1/29/25 11:20 am
From: Mason Currier via groups.io <masonacurrier...>
Subject: Re: [ALbirds] Long-billed dowitcher reports
Hi Drew! Thanks for the info. I would like to add that recently I have faithfully staked out the LBDO group on their wintering grounds at Blakeley Island (“recent reports”) both when they’ve been close by in the actual complex and further away in higher numbers on the flats north of Polecat Bay. Dowitcher ID is no joke, and I’m far from an expert. But all the ID puzzle pieces I and others who’ve watched them this winter have noted point to a LBDO dominant to near all majority. I watched a group at close range yesterday for near an hour and while they were constantly calling I only heard LBDO calls. Someone who knows better please either visit or look at the pics and audio I’ll add to say if it’s just a bunch SBDO or not.

Happy Birding,
Mason Currier


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2652): https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/message/2652
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/110815088/858290
Group Owner: ALbirds+<owner...>
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/leave/8384973/858290/64122861/xyzzy [<lists...>]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



 

Back to top
Date: 1/25/25 2:52 pm
From: Drew Haffenden via groups.io <andrew...>
Subject: [ALbirds] Long-billed dowitcher reports
I have been noticing a number of Long-billed Dowitcher reports over the last couple of weeks. Quite a few have high numbers and flagged by Ebird, those numbers are often rounded, and there are no short-billed or short-billed/long-billed entries. So entire flocks of up to 150 birds are all called Long-billed. At all the locations short-billeds are also regularly recorded, including in winter. Although there are sometimes photos, which may even show Long-billed, photos of all birds seen are not included nor do most reports have ay description separating these from Short-billed. Most of the reports are at long distance through a scope, where birds appear very small. Ebird asks that you count every bird you could identify. As closely looking at every bird in a flock of similar birds, such as the two dowitchers, while enjoying yourself birding can quickly turn it into a chore. For this reason Ebird has species pairs that are often difficult to separate that can be used, including short-billed/long-billed dowitcher. If you don't have positive IDs of each bird you see, especially when estimating and even actual counting, a better protocol is to accurately identify several, put that number in as whichever species they are, then add in the remainder as the species pair. But I would also remind everyone just how difficult non-juvenile and especially winter plumage dowitchers can be to separate. I have attached four photos that are much more easily inspected than distant views.

Cheers

Drew Haffenden



-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2651): https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/message/2651
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/110815088/858290
Group Owner: ALbirds+<owner...>
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/leave/8384973/858290/64122861/xyzzy [<lists...>]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



 

Back to top
Date: 1/23/25 3:41 pm
From: Doris Gertler via groups.io <dee.gertler...>
Subject: Re: [ALbirds] AOS Winter Meeting at St. Marks Cancelled
Thank you Drew!

On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM Drew Haffenden via groups.io <andrew=
<natsp.com...> wrote:

> Due to continuing freezing nights along most of the 1-10 route now to be
> continuing through Sunday morning I-10 is virtually certain to stay closed
> in both directions from mile marker 70 to Tallahassee tomorrow Friday and I
> expect until at least late Sunday. Alternate routes including from the
> north will also see these freezing nights and there have been multiple
> delays, accidents and blockages due to poor conditions and all eastbound
> traffic using the couple of available detours. Due to this I am
> unfortunately going to cancel the AOS meeting. Yesterday indications were
> that the freeway would be open and safe by tomorrow but that is not now the
> case. While AOS will refund meeting payments unfortunately the hotel
> controls refunds and I know they turned away some 50 power workers due to
> our being there. You will be charged for one night only if you cancel
> tonight. Everyone registered has been called, texted and emailed
>
>
>
> Cheers
>
>
>
> Drew Haffenden
>
>
>
>


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2650): https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/message/2650
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/110782070/858290
Group Owner: ALbirds+<owner...>
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/leave/8384973/858290/64122861/xyzzy [<lists...>]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



 

Back to top
Date: 1/23/25 3:31 pm
From: Drew Haffenden via groups.io <andrew...>
Subject: Re: [ALbirds] AOS Winter Meeting at St. Marks Cancelled
Due to continuing freezing nights along most of the 1-10 route now to be continuing through Sunday morning I-10 is virtually certain to stay closed in both directions from mile marker 70 to Tallahassee tomorrow Friday and I expect until at least late Sunday. Alternate routes including from the north will also see these freezing nights and there have been multiple delays, accidents and blockages due to poor conditions and all eastbound traffic using the couple of available detours. Due to this I am unfortunately going to cancel the AOS meeting. Yesterday indications were that the freeway would be open and safe by tomorrow but that is not now the case. While AOS will refund meeting payments unfortunately the hotel controls refunds and I know they turned away some 50 power workers due to our being there. You will be charged for one night only if you cancel tonight. Everyone registered has been called, texted and emailed

Cheers

Drew Haffenden



-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2649): https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/message/2649
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/110782070/858290
Group Owner: ALbirds+<owner...>
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/leave/8384973/858290/64122861/xyzzy [<lists...>]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



 

Back to top
Date: 1/23/25 2:47 pm
From: Lucy & Bob Email via groups.io <RobertADuncan...>
Subject: [ALbirds] ST. MARKS Fw: [NFLbirds] January at ST. MARKS NWR
This was written Monday, Jan 25th before the Freeze and Snow here on the coast.  The writer, Don Morrow, surveys birds - and everything else - at St. Marks weekly. Lucy
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Don Morrow To: NFLbirds <nflbirds...>Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 at 04:38:18 PM CSTSubject: [NFLbirds] January at SMNWR

It is a cold January at St. Marks NWR. Our winter birds aresettled in and it seems like Spring will never come. The dried seed stalks ofsawgrass shake in the cold wind. There is a bit of color from the red berriesof dahoon and yaupon, but most of the refuge is painted in shades of tan andbrown.

 There are a lot of good birds being reported at the refuge. Henslow’sand LeConte’s Sparrows are being seen at the helipad and a mixed flock ofGlossy and White-faced Ibis have been staying near Lighthouse Road. AShort-eared Owl is being seen hunting along Bottoms Road in the Panacea Unit.  Mixed feeding flocks along the Double Bridgeshave Hermit Thrush, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Blue-headed Vireo andBlack-and-white Warbler in them. The on-again-off-again flamingo has latelybeen off-again, but a recent Facebook post gives hope that it continues to lurkin the area. A Red-throated Loon was sighted in the mouth of the St. MarksRiver mixed in with the Common Loons. It has been a good year for ducks andSnow Geese are more common at the refuge than in most years. I have hadnineteen species of waterfowl over the last week including a flock of elevenBlack Scoters in the Gulf off the Lighthouse.

Tower Pond is flooded this winter as part of periodic pondmanagement. The shorebirds that would have been there are scattered acrossother refuge ponds and less easily found. Long-billed Dowitchers, Wilson’sSnipe and Killdeer are more common than usual, but Marbled Godwits are hard tofind and Black-necked Stilts are absent. A flock of six American Avocets are infor the winter, look for them on Mounds Pool 3, and the hordes of Dunlins thatare a hallmark of any winter are once again abundant.

 Winter is one of the best times for birding at the refuge.Birding groups from around the state have been making their annual pilgrimagesto St. Marks to look for over a hundred and eighty bird species that are foundat the refuge in January. This past weekend Tropical Audubon from Miami, BayCounty Audubon and Alachua Audubon were all on the refuge. They, and scores ofNorthern birders escaping their own winter, are staying in local hotels, andeating in local restaurants. They have a significant economic impact on WakullaCounty,

 Except for the evergreen oaks, the trees at the DoubleBridges have been stripped bare by winter storms, but if you look closely, youcan see their leaf buds beginning to swell. Soon, it will be February. Springmigration will begin as Ospreys, Northern Parula warblers and Purple Martins return.The duck season will begin to unwind as Ruddy and Black Ducks leave. Mapleflorets will color the forests and white waterlilies will bloom on the refuge’sponds.

 Winter is cool! Come down to the refuge and enjoy it beforeit leaves.


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "NFLbirds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to nflbirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nflbirds/<18744732-f79d-4930-ad09-66ab9eeed725n...>


| | Virus-free.www.avg.com |



-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2648): https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/message/2648
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/110781395/858290
Group Owner: ALbirds+<owner...>
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/leave/8384973/858290/64122861/xyzzy [<lists...>]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



 

Back to top
Date: 1/22/25 12:50 pm
From: Kevin Shaw via groups.io <kevinshaw92...>
Subject: [ALbirds] Cackling Goose - Tuscaloosa
Good afternoon!

Satchell Watts-Kerr and I found 4 Cackling Geese in Tuscaloosa on the lake by Joe Mallisham Pkwy and Martin Luther King Blvd ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/nbMiS654QvSACNWH8 ).
They were with a group of Canada Geese and a Ross's Goose ( https://ebird.org/checklist/S210259729 ). I'll upload my photos to the checklist this evening.

The pond is private property, but you can view it from MLK Blvd. There is a small turn-off that you can pull into for viewing without leaving the gravel/roadside.

Birding in the cold pays off again!

Kevin


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#2647): https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/message/2647
Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/110760702/858290
Group Owner: ALbirds+<owner...>
Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/ALbirds/leave/8384973/858290/64122861/xyzzy [<lists...>]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



 

Join us on Facebook!