RBA
*Alabama
*Statewide
*February 13, 2007
*ALST0702.13
====================================--- Species added since last report ---
====================================
White-winged Scoter
WESTERN GREBE (AL/GA line)
Rufous Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird
WESTERN MEADOWLARK (possible)
====================================--- Species previously reported ---
Lesser Black-backed Gull
NORTHERN WHEATEAR
Clay-colored Sparrow
Long-tailed Duck
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: Species CAPITALIZED above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
review list. Check the AOS website (address below - look in ABRC section) for forms
and suggestions on how to submit your sightings of these species to the state
database.
Written details, photos, recordings, etc. are highly desired for ABRC Review List
species and should be sent to:
Greg D. Jackson
2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244
g_d_jackson@bellsouth.net
Fax: 205/987-5167
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama Ornithological Society website:
http://www.bham.net/aos/
Alabama RBA archives:
http://www.tvas.org/rba.htm
NABT = North Alabama Birding Trail (http://www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com/)
ACBT = Alabama Coastal Birding Trail (http://www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com/)
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: February 13, 2007
Number: 256/751-4788
Compiler: Steve W. McConnell
Email: swmavocet@aol.com
NOTE: Where possible, DeLorme Alabama Atlas coordinates [DeAL xx-xx] are provided
following each site description. Page references to the AOS Birder's Guide to
Alabama [BGtA p. xx] will also be included for birding locations sites described
therein.
Alabama Rare Bird Report – Tuesday, February 13, 2007.
The Baldwin County NORTHERN WHEATEAR found 2/3, continued through 2/13 south of
Foley near County 8 between AL 59 and the Foley Beach Expressway. From the
expressway, turn west onto County 8 and then left (south) onto Royal Troon about
half way down towards AL 59. Royal Troon is a semi-circular entrance road with a
pond in the middle and actually connects to County 8 at both ends. The wheatear
appears to favor the western half Royal Troon down to the intersection at Augusta.
The wheatear does spend enough time on the ground to be overlooked and tends to
blend in if not sitting up or flying. It habitually perches on the stakes, cable
boxes, conduit, and other low perches in the area. It has at times perched on and
in short trees. Please note this is an active construction site and there can be
significant traffic during weekdays. Park as near the curb as possible and be on
your best birding behavior. On 2/11 a possible WESTERN MEADOWLARK was heard but
not seen well before it flew away. The location was near Royal Troon around the
trellises. [DeAL 64-E3]
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW has been coming to a private feeder near Fairhope in Baldwin
County. For information call Bill Summerour at 251/945-3188.
Both male RUFOUS and ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRDS are present at a private yard in
Fairhope. The Allen’s was banded last November. Contact David Dortch by e-mail
at downbythebay@bellsouth.net for directions.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK continued through 2/7 along the southern edge of Lake Shelby in
Gulf SP. [DeAL 64-F3][BGtA p.34]
Up to three LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS of several plumages have been present recently
at the Magnolia Springs landfill in Baldwin County. To enter the landfill, park at
the office on the left and walk right to the scale check-in building to ask
permission and receive latest information. DO NOT PARK ON OR DRIVE OVER THE SCALES
AND DO NOT BLOCK LANDFILL TRAFFIC IN ANY WAY! After checking-in, drive around the
scales and straight ahead to the T-intersection. The viewing location is on top of
the embankment straight ahead – a wooden platform should be visible. There is
currently a gravel road to the top you are welcome to drive up. Be sure to park out
of the road near the viewing platform. IMPORTANT: once you have arrived on top,
BIRD ONLY FROM INSIDE THE VIEWING PLATFORM – DO NOT WANDER AROUND! The landfill
is usually closed on Sundays. [DeAL 63-G7][BGtA p. 37]
A WESTERN GREBE was seen again 2/6 near the AL/GA stateline on Lake Eufaula north of
W.F. George Dam in Henry County where one has been present since last December. The
grebe was seen near the Georgia shoreline but at times apparently wanders into
Alabama waters. The best vantage point to look for this rarity may be from the west
side of the dam itself. The access road is the first road east of the County 97 and
46 intersection. The road widens a bit right before the turn down to the fishing
access and there is room to park. If the gate to this road happens to be closed, you
can also see most of the lake from the dam's Georgia side by traveling east through
Ft. Gaines and then north on GA 39 to the east side access road. Updates on this
bird would be appreciated. [DeAL 54-G5][BGtA p. 95]
A female WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was discovered 2/13 on Lake Hutto in Guthrie Smith Park
in Fayette County. To reach the lake, go about two miles north of downtown Fayette
on U.S. 43. Look for the brown sign to Guthrie Smith Park, or turn right just past
Mike Freeman Buick. Turn right again in a block and follow the park road as it
curves left. Lake Hutto is on the east side of the park. [DeAL 28-B5]
The following may be called for information:
Alabama Ornithological Society: Stan Hamilton (205/951-5630)
Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center hotline: (205/621-3333)
Please leave messages about new birds and feedback on reported species after the
tone. Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be
submitted by email to:
swmavocet@aol.com
Thank you.
-End Transcript
*Alabama
*Statewide
*February 13, 2007
*ALST0702.13
====================================--- Species added since last report ---
====================================
White-winged Scoter
WESTERN GREBE (AL/GA line)
Rufous Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird
WESTERN MEADOWLARK (possible)
====================================--- Species previously reported ---
Lesser Black-backed Gull
NORTHERN WHEATEAR
Clay-colored Sparrow
Long-tailed Duck
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: Species CAPITALIZED above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
review list. Check the AOS website (address below - look in ABRC section) for forms
and suggestions on how to submit your sightings of these species to the state
database.
Written details, photos, recordings, etc. are highly desired for ABRC Review List
species and should be sent to:
Greg D. Jackson
2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244
g_d_jackson@bellsouth.net
Fax: 205/987-5167
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama Ornithological Society website:
http://www.bham.net/aos/
Alabama RBA archives:
http://www.tvas.org/rba.htm
NABT = North Alabama Birding Trail (http://www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com/)
ACBT = Alabama Coastal Birding Trail (http://www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com/)
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: February 13, 2007
Number: 256/751-4788
Compiler: Steve W. McConnell
Email: swmavocet@aol.com
NOTE: Where possible, DeLorme Alabama Atlas coordinates [DeAL xx-xx] are provided
following each site description. Page references to the AOS Birder's Guide to
Alabama [BGtA p. xx] will also be included for birding locations sites described
therein.
Alabama Rare Bird Report – Tuesday, February 13, 2007.
The Baldwin County NORTHERN WHEATEAR found 2/3, continued through 2/13 south of
Foley near County 8 between AL 59 and the Foley Beach Expressway. From the
expressway, turn west onto County 8 and then left (south) onto Royal Troon about
half way down towards AL 59. Royal Troon is a semi-circular entrance road with a
pond in the middle and actually connects to County 8 at both ends. The wheatear
appears to favor the western half Royal Troon down to the intersection at Augusta.
The wheatear does spend enough time on the ground to be overlooked and tends to
blend in if not sitting up or flying. It habitually perches on the stakes, cable
boxes, conduit, and other low perches in the area. It has at times perched on and
in short trees. Please note this is an active construction site and there can be
significant traffic during weekdays. Park as near the curb as possible and be on
your best birding behavior. On 2/11 a possible WESTERN MEADOWLARK was heard but
not seen well before it flew away. The location was near Royal Troon around the
trellises. [DeAL 64-E3]
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW has been coming to a private feeder near Fairhope in Baldwin
County. For information call Bill Summerour at 251/945-3188.
Both male RUFOUS and ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRDS are present at a private yard in
Fairhope. The Allen’s was banded last November. Contact David Dortch by e-mail
at downbythebay@bellsouth.net for directions.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK continued through 2/7 along the southern edge of Lake Shelby in
Gulf SP. [DeAL 64-F3][BGtA p.34]
Up to three LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS of several plumages have been present recently
at the Magnolia Springs landfill in Baldwin County. To enter the landfill, park at
the office on the left and walk right to the scale check-in building to ask
permission and receive latest information. DO NOT PARK ON OR DRIVE OVER THE SCALES
AND DO NOT BLOCK LANDFILL TRAFFIC IN ANY WAY! After checking-in, drive around the
scales and straight ahead to the T-intersection. The viewing location is on top of
the embankment straight ahead – a wooden platform should be visible. There is
currently a gravel road to the top you are welcome to drive up. Be sure to park out
of the road near the viewing platform. IMPORTANT: once you have arrived on top,
BIRD ONLY FROM INSIDE THE VIEWING PLATFORM – DO NOT WANDER AROUND! The landfill
is usually closed on Sundays. [DeAL 63-G7][BGtA p. 37]
A WESTERN GREBE was seen again 2/6 near the AL/GA stateline on Lake Eufaula north of
W.F. George Dam in Henry County where one has been present since last December. The
grebe was seen near the Georgia shoreline but at times apparently wanders into
Alabama waters. The best vantage point to look for this rarity may be from the west
side of the dam itself. The access road is the first road east of the County 97 and
46 intersection. The road widens a bit right before the turn down to the fishing
access and there is room to park. If the gate to this road happens to be closed, you
can also see most of the lake from the dam's Georgia side by traveling east through
Ft. Gaines and then north on GA 39 to the east side access road. Updates on this
bird would be appreciated. [DeAL 54-G5][BGtA p. 95]
A female WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was discovered 2/13 on Lake Hutto in Guthrie Smith Park
in Fayette County. To reach the lake, go about two miles north of downtown Fayette
on U.S. 43. Look for the brown sign to Guthrie Smith Park, or turn right just past
Mike Freeman Buick. Turn right again in a block and follow the park road as it
curves left. Lake Hutto is on the east side of the park. [DeAL 28-B5]
The following may be called for information:
Alabama Ornithological Society: Stan Hamilton (205/951-5630)
Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center hotline: (205/621-3333)
Please leave messages about new birds and feedback on reported species after the
tone. Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be
submitted by email to:
swmavocet@aol.com
Thank you.
-End Transcript