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ARBIRD-L for Tuesday, April 8, 2008
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Subject: border fence (redux); what would Aldo do?
From: Joe Neal <jneal(AT)FS.FED.US>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 9:08am
At least one good & honorable person who reads this list was cross with me
when I posted a comment about my visit to the 4th International
Partners-in-flight meeting, at McAllen, TX (Feb 2008). The US Forest
Service is one of the partners, and I attended this meeting and presented a
poster about how our management for endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers
impacts certain PIF species of concern. As a government biologist, I feel
the public has a right to know these things. We are helping Prairie
Warblers, for example. This is an example of how our local work in Arkansas
plays a role in the larger international puzzle of bird conservation:
Prairies are US "residents" only part of the year.
At the PIF meeting the border fence came up a lot among biologists &
birders--both US & Mexican-- who work in our international border region.
"Costly futility" was what I heard most often concerning the biological
impacts of the fence. Their biological concerns helped clarify the
situation for me. I apologize ahead here, because this additional posting
may give additional offense. None is intended.
The fence debate doesn't focus at all on biology--and that's a problem. It
ignores EVERYTHING but politics, which is why the fence leaves unresolved
critical questions about our international border region.
Just for the sake of reference -- in terms of the usefulness of trying to
control people with fences --I quoted President Ronald Reagan, who was
opposed to the Berlin "border fence" Wall ("Mr. Gorbochev, tear down that
wall!"). That angered some, who say our democratic border fence and their
communist fence in Berlin aren't comparable.
Opposition to the border fence is not a Republican or a Democratic thing,
and isn't even of necessity political. As biologists, we all have a stake
in sensible land management. Think Sand County Almanac here; what would
Aldo do?
Biologists at the PIF meeting, including those who work the border areas
and know the immigration problem-- not as a talk-show hot button issue, but
rather up-close-and-personal-- adamantly oppose the fence. They have
presented a long list of species that will be harmed and how their jobs as
land managers and rare species protectors will be undermined.
I haven't read or heard anything at this point that shows species of birds,
mammals, plants, or humans for that matter, that will be HELPED by the
fence. The Department of Homeland Security has announced it intention to
bypass environmental review. Biology doesn't count in the calculus of this
moment.
We should be asking ground dwelling birds, like chachalacas, about the
fence. We should be asking the Sabal palms, Curved-billed Thrashers, and
endangered mammals. They are not asked, or in this case, even considered.
The border we share with Mexico has been a key workshop where we have
studied and learned. For me it started with long field trips with Doug
James and his ornithology classes at the U of A-Fayetteville more than two
decades ago. Those of us who grew up without much exposure to other
cultures have benefitted from a chance to learn from the international
character of places like the border region and how to work with others, in
other countries, on how to better manage species.
Doug James never tells us we had to think "internationally" in his
ornithology and ecology classes, but he does want us to see the
chachalacas, the Altimira Orioles, and all such things characteristric of
that environment. A concern about the fence and its broader meaning in
terms of international relations might therefore be a natural outcome. Was
for me, anyway.
I'm talking about necessity of international cooperation if the job is
going to get done--the job of halting declines of our birds. I'm talking
about the Summer and Scarlet Tanagers that nest here on the Ouachita NF.
How about the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Painted Buntings and Cerulean
Warblers that many Arkansas birders treasure? This is the international
character of the problem: it's not just the fence itself, but what it
signifies. Seems like the Berlin Wall, in that respect at least .
I picked up the link (below) from OKBIRDS. It provides some insight into
the broad range of negative impacts on birders and bird habitat, costly to
both. As Berlin Heck stated, "Say adios to Sabal Palms sanctuary and a few
other wonderful birding spots in the valley, including Salineno, Anzul
Duas, parts of Bentsen State Park, and parts of Santa Ana NWR if this
insane plan goes through."
http://www.valleymorningstar.com/articles/fence_23093___article.html/forest_last.html
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: border fence (redux); what would Aldo do?
From: "Russell, Judy" <RUSSELL(AT)ADEQ.STATE.AR.US>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 9:26am
Thanks for your message, Joe. I just wanted to write and say that I
support your view. A friend and I just returned from the Texas coast
around Mission and Padre. What a wonderful, diverse area. I would hate
to see that diversity destroyed as a result of, what you quoted as
"costly futility". I think that we should continue putting a message out
to both the birding community, and anyone who enjoys our natural areas.
Surely, we could all have some impact on this potential loss?
-----Original Message-----
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List
[mailto:ARBIRD-L(AT)LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Joe Neal
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 9:08 AM
To: ARBIRD-L(AT)LISTSERV.UARK.EDU
Subject: border fence (redux); what would Aldo do?
At least one good & honorable person who reads this list was cross with
me
when I posted a comment about my visit to the 4th International
Partners-in-flight meeting, at McAllen, TX (Feb 2008). The US Forest
Service is one of the partners, and I attended this meeting and
presented a
poster about how our management for endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers
impacts certain PIF species of concern. As a government biologist, I
feel
the public has a right to know these things. We are helping Prairie
Warblers, for example. This is an example of how our local work in
Arkansas
plays a role in the larger international puzzle of bird conservation:
Prairies are US "residents" only part of the year.
At the PIF meeting the border fence came up a lot among biologists &
birders--both US & Mexican-- who work in our international border
region.
"Costly futility" was what I heard most often concerning the biological
impacts of the fence. Their biological concerns helped clarify the
situation for me. I apologize ahead here, because this additional
posting
may give additional offense. None is intended.
The fence debate doesn't focus at all on biology--and that's a problem.
It
ignores EVERYTHING but politics, which is why the fence leaves
unresolved
critical questions about our international border region.
Just for the sake of reference -- in terms of the usefulness of trying
to
control people with fences --I quoted President Ronald Reagan, who was
opposed to the Berlin "border fence" Wall ("Mr. Gorbochev, tear down
that
wall!"). That angered some, who say our democratic border fence and
their
communist fence in Berlin aren't comparable.
Opposition to the border fence is not a Republican or a Democratic
thing,
and isn't even of necessity political. As biologists, we all have a
stake
in sensible land management. Think Sand County Almanac here; what would
Aldo do?
Biologists at the PIF meeting, including those who work the border areas
and know the immigration problem-- not as a talk-show hot button issue,
but
rather up-close-and-personal-- adamantly oppose the fence. They have
presented a long list of species that will be harmed and how their jobs
as
land managers and rare species protectors will be undermined.
I haven't read or heard anything at this point that shows species of
birds,
mammals, plants, or humans for that matter, that will be HELPED by the
fence. The Department of Homeland Security has announced it intention to
bypass environmental review. Biology doesn't count in the calculus of
this
moment.
We should be asking ground dwelling birds, like chachalacas, about the
fence. We should be asking the Sabal palms, Curved-billed Thrashers, and
endangered mammals. They are not asked, or in this case, even
considered.
The border we share with Mexico has been a key workshop where we have
studied and learned. For me it started with long field trips with Doug
James and his ornithology classes at the U of A-Fayetteville more than
two
decades ago. Those of us who grew up without much exposure to other
cultures have benefitted from a chance to learn from the international
character of places like the border region and how to work with others,
in
other countries, on how to better manage species.
Doug James never tells us we had to think "internationally" in his
ornithology and ecology classes, but he does want us to see the
chachalacas, the Altimira Orioles, and all such things characteristric
of
that environment. A concern about the fence and its broader meaning in
terms of international relations might therefore be a natural outcome.
Was
for me, anyway.
I'm talking about necessity of international cooperation if the job is
going to get done--the job of halting declines of our birds. I'm talking
about the Summer and Scarlet Tanagers that nest here on the Ouachita NF.
How about the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Painted Buntings and Cerulean
Warblers that many Arkansas birders treasure? This is the international
character of the problem: it's not just the fence itself, but what it
signifies. Seems like the Berlin Wall, in that respect at least .
I picked up the link (below) from OKBIRDS. It provides some insight into
the broad range of negative impacts on birders and bird habitat, costly
to
both. As Berlin Heck stated, "Say adios to Sabal Palms sanctuary and a
few
other wonderful birding spots in the valley, including Salineno, Anzul
Duas, parts of Bentsen State Park, and parts of Santa Ana NWR if this
insane plan goes through."
http://www.valleymorningstar.com/articles/fence_23093___article.html/for
est_last.html
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: border fence (redux); what would Aldo do?
From: "George R. Hoelzeman" <uiogd(AT)ARKANSAS.NET>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 9:58am
I'll second Judy's sentiments 100% and then some. Costly futility is an
excellent phrase and your fine discussion gives me yet another half-dozen
reasons to
oppose this nonsense.
I'm reminded of another famous "fence" that they used to call the "Iron
Curtain." The Berlin wall created a dead no-man's land of total oblivion across
some
formerly beautiful areas of that city (not that there was much left after the
war). Conversely, the border fences between East and West Germany allowed the
natural ecosystem to thrive only because the area between the fences was left to
nature. There is no evidence that would be the case on the
U.S./Mexican border - in fact, it is more likely the opposite would be the
case.
I'll also add my 2 cents to the discussion. I recently travelled to Nogales,
Mexico and Travelled along the border between El-Paso, TX and south of
Tucson, AZ. A few years ago I was in San Diego. In all of those excursions, I
looked for some ideal birding habitat. There were parks and other natural
areas indicated on maps adjoining the border. Unfortunately, one could not
enter these areas without being questioned by Border Patrol and fearing for
unsavory elements conducting illegal activities along the frontier. The current
international situation has actually encouraged a criminal culture along the
border which poses a danger to not only those seeking to live, work or enjoy the
border areas, but especially to those otherwise lawabiding individuals who
are seeking a better life by migrating without documentation. From what I could
see, the activites along the border are seriously eroding the environment for
both wildlife and humanity.
So, again, thanks Joe for your efforts to raise consciousness in this area!
George (n. Conway Co. with fewer fences since 5 February)
On Tue, 8 Apr 2008 09:26:24 -0500, Russell, Judy wrote:
>Thanks for your message, Joe. I just wanted to write and say that I
>support your view. A friend and I just returned from the Texas coast
>around Mission and Padre. What a wonderful, diverse area. I would hate
>to see that diversity destroyed as a result of, what you quoted as
>"costly futility". I think that we should continue putting a message out
>to both the birding community, and anyone who enjoys our natural areas.
>Surely, we could all have some impact on this potential loss?
>-----Original Message-----
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: border fence (redux); what would Aldo do?
From: "Jobe, Kelly" <JOBE(AT)ADEQ.STATE.AR.US>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 10:06am
Joe,
I too, would like to say thank you for raising questions and trying to
shed light on the absolutely ridiculous plan to build a fence along our
border with Mexico. I just returned last week from a trip to the lower
Rio Grande Valley and visited many of the parks and refuges mentioned in
your post. I'd hate to think that some of those places might be
adversely impacted, or lost entirely due to fence construction before my
next visit.
I spoke with many people during my time in the valley, and I didn't find
a single person even remotely in favor of constructing a fence, and
these were not just visiting birders. I talked to visitors, permanent
residents, and many "winter Texans" who spend half the year in the RGV.
Not only are people concerned about the wall's impact on wildlife, but
also on the people who live along the border, both residents of the U.S.
and Mexico. I find it infuriating that the current administration has
completely abandoned science and human welfare in favor of an incredibly
expensive, and almost certainly ineffective border security measure.
The message from everyone was the same: voice your concerns to your
representatives in Washington. I have to admit, I'm not sure what the
current status of the fence plan is, but if there's any chance at all of
stopping it, I plan to do whatever I can to reach that end. Thanks
again for providing some valuable insight into this project.
Kelly Jobe
North Little Rock
-----Original Message-----
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List
[mailto:ARBIRD-L(AT)LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Joe Neal
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 9:08 AM
To: ARBIRD-L(AT)LISTSERV.UARK.EDU
Subject: border fence (redux); what would Aldo do?
At least one good & honorable person who reads this list was cross with
me
when I posted a comment about my visit to the 4th International
Partners-in-flight meeting, at McAllen, TX (Feb 2008). The US Forest
Service is one of the partners, and I attended this meeting and
presented a
poster about how our management for endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers
impacts certain PIF species of concern. As a government biologist, I
feel
the public has a right to know these things. We are helping Prairie
Warblers, for example. This is an example of how our local work in
Arkansas
plays a role in the larger international puzzle of bird conservation:
Prairies are US "residents" only part of the year.
At the PIF meeting the border fence came up a lot among biologists &
birders--both US & Mexican-- who work in our international border
region.
"Costly futility" was what I heard most often concerning the biological
impacts of the fence. Their biological concerns helped clarify the
situation for me. I apologize ahead here, because this additional
posting
may give additional offense. None is intended.
The fence debate doesn't focus at all on biology--and that's a problem.
It
ignores EVERYTHING but politics, which is why the fence leaves
unresolved
critical questions about our international border region.
Just for the sake of reference -- in terms of the usefulness of trying
to
control people with fences --I quoted President Ronald Reagan, who was
opposed to the Berlin "border fence" Wall ("Mr. Gorbochev, tear down
that
wall!"). That angered some, who say our democratic border fence and
their
communist fence in Berlin aren't comparable.
Opposition to the border fence is not a Republican or a Democratic
thing,
and isn't even of necessity political. As biologists, we all have a
stake
in sensible land management. Think Sand County Almanac here; what would
Aldo do?
Biologists at the PIF meeting, including those who work the border areas
and know the immigration problem-- not as a talk-show hot button issue,
but
rather up-close-and-personal-- adamantly oppose the fence. They have
presented a long list of species that will be harmed and how their jobs
as
land managers and rare species protectors will be undermined.
I haven't read or heard anything at this point that shows species of
birds,
mammals, plants, or humans for that matter, that will be HELPED by the
fence. The Department of Homeland Security has announced it intention to
bypass environmental review. Biology doesn't count in the calculus of
this
moment.
We should be asking ground dwelling birds, like chachalacas, about the
fence. We should be asking the Sabal palms, Curved-billed Thrashers, and
endangered mammals. They are not asked, or in this case, even
considered.
The border we share with Mexico has been a key workshop where we have
studied and learned. For me it started with long field trips with Doug
James and his ornithology classes at the U of A-Fayetteville more than
two
decades ago. Those of us who grew up without much exposure to other
cultures have benefitted from a chance to learn from the international
character of places like the border region and how to work with others,
in
other countries, on how to better manage species.
Doug James never tells us we had to think "internationally" in his
ornithology and ecology classes, but he does want us to see the
chachalacas, the Altimira Orioles, and all such things characteristric
of
that environment. A concern about the fence and its broader meaning in
terms of international relations might therefore be a natural outcome.
Was
for me, anyway.
I'm talking about necessity of international cooperation if the job is
going to get done--the job of halting declines of our birds. I'm talking
about the Summer and Scarlet Tanagers that nest here on the Ouachita NF.
How about the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Painted Buntings and Cerulean
Warblers that many Arkansas birders treasure? This is the international
character of the problem: it's not just the fence itself, but what it
signifies. Seems like the Berlin Wall, in that respect at least .
I picked up the link (below) from OKBIRDS. It provides some insight into
the broad range of negative impacts on birders and bird habitat, costly
to
both. As Berlin Heck stated, "Say adios to Sabal Palms sanctuary and a
few
other wonderful birding spots in the valley, including Salineno, Anzul
Duas, parts of Bentsen State Park, and parts of Santa Ana NWR if this
insane plan goes through."
http://www.valleymorningstar.com/articles/fence_23093___article.html/for
est_last.html
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: border fence (redux); what would Aldo do?
From: Nick Anich <nicka29(AT)YAHOO.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 10:20am
Maps of exactly where the fence is going can be seen
here: (Appendix F; a very large file)
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/rio-grande-valley-sector-eis
Among the more ridiculous things about the fence is
that in some areas, it would not be on the border
itself! When people are talking about saying goodbye
to Sabal Palm Sanctuary, that's because it's going to
end up on the SOUTH side of the wall, along with a
number of other birdy places.
Nick Anich
Jonesboro, AR
____________________________________________________________________________________
You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total
Access, No Cost.
http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: FW: RCW, Moro Big Pine Natural Area-Wildlife Management Area
From: Bill Holimon <BillH(AT)ARKANSASHERITAGE.ORG>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 10:21am
I agree with Ricky on this common sense approach. The same
considerations would be appreciated for Pine City Natural Area as well
during the breeding season and when the birds go to roost. When
visiting any Red-cockaded Woodpecker site, distress to the birds can be
minimized by staying 200 feet or more away from cavity trees and backing
out of an area if a bird acts distressed (e.g., constant, loud calls).
Ricky is doing a great job of managing for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and
I firmly believe that that the support he asks for below is one way in
which birders can contribute to growth that will result in a significant
population of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers at Moro Big Pine.
Neither of us wants to dampen the enthusiasm and passion that people
have for wanting to see this unique species. Like Ricky, I occasionally
lead field for groups (to Pine City). In addition to seeing the birds,
folks seem to enjoy learning about the ecology of this species and the
conservation efforts underway to help recover its populations. I know I
enjoy the field trips.
Thanks,
Bill Holimon
Chief of Research
Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission
1500 Tower Building, 323 Center Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501)324-9761, Fax (501)324-9618
BillH(AT)arkansasheritage.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Ricky Oneill [mailto:Ricky.Oneill(AT)POTLATCHCORP.COM]
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 5:20 PM
Subject: Re: RCW, Moro Big Pine Natural Area-Wildlife Management Area
Hello All!!
First I will introduce myself. I am the Potlatch representative for the
Moro Big Pine WMA. Part of my job with Potlatch is to "oversee" or carry
out the conditions of our Habitat Conservation Plan for Red-cockaded
woodpeckers that occur on Potlatch lands. Potlatch owns the land that is
Moro Big Pine but we have a conservation easement to that land with
AGFC, TNC, and ANHC. The Moro Big Pine WMA will be managed to enhance
and promote RCW habitat and to increase the number of breeding pairs on
Moro Big Pine WMA.
I know that each person who subscribes to this list will do their part
in bird conservation but I just want to be sure that all who visit Moro
Big Pine understand that we are trying to increase a small population of
RCW's (relative to others like Ouachita NF). I hope that as many as
possible can visit MBP and see a RCW to add to their life list. But also
remember that we do not need to disturb the RCW especially during the
nesting time.
I have worked with other groups in the past to visit and tour the area,
sometimes I was able to lead a tour and other times I was not. But I
would ask that please contact me by e-mail (preferred) or phone if you
have a large group that will be or wants to tour MBP. I would also ask
that individuals or small groups call me or e-mail and let me know about
your intentions for visiting RCW on MBP.
Also, please let me know what you see and find while you are out and
about visiting Moro Big Pine. Each of us can do a part in RCW
conservation in the pine flatwoods!!
Thanks!!!
Ricky O'Neill
Sr. Resource Forester
Potlatch Forest Holdings
810 West Pine Street
Warren, Arkansas 71671
office: 870-226-1194
cell: 870-820-0874
-----Original Message-----
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List
[mailto:ARBIRD-L(AT)LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of
keithnewton(AT)sbcglobal.net
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 5:01 PM
To: ARBIRD-L(AT)LISTSERV.UARK.EDU
Subject: RCW, Moro Big Pine Natural Area-Wildlife Management Area
I drove down to the camp on Champaganole Cr. in Calhoun County
yesterday. I thought it would be a good time to check out if the Red
Cockaded Woodpeckers were at the site which are nearest the camp. I got
out in the woods around 6:30, PM, and went to tree that I had guessed
would be the most likely one for them to use. By around 7:00, I was
thinking the sap was looking too dry, that maybe they had moved on. Just
as I started to leave, I walked to the base of the tree, then spotted a
pair in a tree about 120 yd. to the East. I forgot to take my telephoto
lens, and didn't want to bother them by trying to get too close, so I
moved on.
I forgot to mention that when I drove up to the clearing by the road
where I parked, there was a pair of Little Blue Herons fishing in the
puddles that flew away, and a Red-shoulder Hawk took flight from the
ground from out in the clearing.
The Barn Swallows returned last week to the Hogskin Truck Stop
Restaurant, which is a couple of miles S of Hampton on 167. Besides
being a good place to eat, there is a good population of Barn Swallows
nesting under the sheds out front, so you should choose your parking
spot carefully. However if you have a sun-roof in your car, this is a
good place to sit in your car and view them coming in to their nest at
very close range. If you do go in to eat, please
comment to Bobby or Joe Ann that you are there to view the birds.
Some of the regulars have complained about the droppings on their cars.
I would like for them to know there is another good reason to have them
there besides catching flying insects.
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: RCW, Moro Big Pine Natural Area-Wildlife Management Area
From: Dennis Braddy <dmbraddy(AT)MAC.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 11:00am
In 2004 Pat and I recorded the first confirmed nesting of
Williamson's Sapsucker in the Mono Basin (they are usually higher up)
while standing on the shoulder of the highway. Last year I watched
Pine City Natural Area Red-cockaded Woodpeckers coming and going at
their nest cavity, while standing on the shoulder of the highway.
Sometimes you don't have to hike to the nest. Sometimes, if you are
very lucky, the nest comes to you.
Dennis Braddy
Little Rock, AR
http://www.arkansasbirder.net
"Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end." - Stephen
Hawking
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Bird Identification Gallery
From: Dennis Braddy <dmbraddy(AT)MAC.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 1:14pm
--Apple-Mail-18--409496210
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset=WINDOWS-1252;
format=flowed;
delsp=yes
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I have two goals regarding the Arkansas Birder Bird Identification =20
Gallery (aka the QUIZ). The short-term goal is to have at least one =20
photo of all 403 birds on the AAS list. (Yes, I mean to include the =20
extirpated and extinct species.) Thanks to generous contributions from =20=
many of you there are currently 440 photos of 319 species in the QUIZ. =20=
With your help I hope to achieve the short-term goal within a few weeks.
Below is a list of the remaining 84 species. If you have photographs =20
of any of them that you would like to share, please email them to me. =20=
Be sure to include the bird's common name and the name of the =20
photographer, if it isn't you. Don't worry about file size; we have =20
broadband and I edit all photos to appropriate size for the website. I =20=
look for photos that document field marks sufficient to identify to =20
species, not necessarily the most artistic or technically successful. =20=
I give preference to photos taken in Arkansas or taken by Arkansans =20
(or honorary Arkansans, i.e. everybody on this listserv), but will =20
consider all photos. Please do not send someone else's photos without =20=
their permission. All photos will go into the Guest Photo Gallery =20
whether or not they appear in the QUIZ.
My long-term goal is to include photos of all 403 birds in every =20
distinct plumage in which they appear (or appeared) in Arkansas. My =20
guesstimate is that will take about 2000 photos. I think it unlikely I =20=
will achieve the long-term goal in this life. Nevertheless, I'm =20
anxious to get started, so send me your photos. Please.
Ani, Groove-billed
Bittern, Least
Brant
Chuck-wills-widow
Crossbill, White-winged
Crow, American
Cuckoo, Black-billed
Curlew, Eskimo
Duck, Long-tailed
Eagle, Golden
Flycatcher, Acadian
Flycatcher, Alder
Flycatcher, Fork-tailed
Flycatcher, Least
Flycatcher, Olive-sided
Flycatcher, Willow
Gannet, Northern
Garganey
Goldeneye, Barrow's
Goldfinch, Lesser
Goshawk, Northern
Grosbeak, Black-headed
Grosbeak, Evening
Grosbeak, Pine
Ground-Dove, Common
Grouse, Ruffed
Gull, Black-headed
Gull, California
Gull, Franklin's
Hawk, Rough-legged
Hummingbird, Black-chinned
Hummingbird, Magnificent
Jaeger, Long-tailed
Jaeger, Parasitic
Jaeger, Pomarine
Kingbird, Cassin's
Kingbird, Couch's
Longspur, Chestnut-collared
Loon, Yellow-billed
Murrelet, Long-billed
Nutcracker, Clark=92s
Oriole, Bullock's
Owl, Great Horned
Owl, Long-eared
Owl, Snowy
Parakeet, Carolina
Phalarope, Red
Pigeon, Passenger
Plover, Mountain
Prairie-Chicken, Greater
Rail, Black
Sandpiper, Purple
Sandpiper, Semipalmated
Sandpiper, Western
Scaup, Lesser
Screech-Owl, Eastern
Swallow, Bank
Swallow, Cliff
Swift, Chimney
Swift, White-throated
Tanager, Western
Tern, Bridled
Towhee, Green-tailed
Veery
Violet-ear, Green
Vireo, Blue-headed
Vireo, Warbling
Warbler, Bachman=92s
Warbler, Cerulean
Warbler, Hooded
Warbler, Mourning
Warbler, Swainson's
Warbler, Wilson's
Warbler, Worm-eating
Warbler, Yellow
Waterthrush, Louisiana
Waxwing, Bohemian
Wheatear, Northern
Whimbrel
Whip-poor-will
Wood-Pewee, Eastern
Woodcock, American
Woodpecker, Ivory-billed
Woodpecker, Lewis's
Dennis Braddy
Little Rock, AR
http://www.arkansasbirder.net
"Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end." - Stephen =20=
Hawking
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Marbled Godwit
From: Richard Baxter <dickbaxter100(AT)GMAIL.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 1:17pm
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The Marbled Godwit was still in the same spot this morning. It has returned
to this spot several times, so if you don't see it, come back a little later
and try again.
Go south from Jonesboro on Hwy 1. Take a right on Punkin Center Road, cross
the wooden bridge and look in the second field on the left.
Good birding!
Dick Baxter
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: border fence (redux); what would Aldo do?
From: Cheryle Sytsma <shalom(AT)CYBERBACK.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 1:20pm
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Interesting =
Link...http://www.valleymorningstar.com/articles/fence_23093___article.ht=
ml/forest_last.html
Noone wants to lose these wonderful areas, for they support so much of =
nature, flora and fauna...
This is a short snip from Investor's Business Daily:
1.
Immigration: As some experts tell Congress to fight a possible =
recession with more immigrants, a respected economist warns that =
immigration's costs are grossly underestimated - because the government =
won't study them.
Rubenstein found that each immigrant costs taxpayers more than =
$9,000, while every immigrant household of four costs $36,000 in taxes. =
That's far more than the $3,408 in 2007 dollars the National Research =
Council's 1997 "New Americans" study of federal, state and local =
government expenditures found immigrants to cost.
2. Fence probably won't be built, anyway ... =
=
03.25.08 Sun Sets On Border Fence On 12/31/08
According to our contact in Rep. Duncan Hunter's office, the =
fence-gutting provision that was put into the omnibus spending bill just =
before Christmas also causes the Department of Homeland Security's =
authority on constructing new border fencing to expire at the end of =
this year. In essence, the sun sets on the border fence on December 31 =
of this year! In fact, our contact tells us the bill language could be =
interpreted as a prohibition against any fence construction after =
December 31 of this year.
Here's the exact provision from H.R. 2764:
"In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Homeland=20
Security shall --
"(i) identify the 370 miles, or other mileage determined by=20
the Secretary, whose authority to determine other mileage=20
shall expire on December 31, 2008, along the southwest=20
border where fencing would be most practical and=20
effective..."
Next President under no legal authority to build any border fencing
Consider what this means for the 2008 elections. The next President -- =
whether it be Obama or Clinton or McCain -- will have no clear legal =
authority to build any of the border fence at all. We will have a =
pro-amnesty president who not only doesn't want to build the =
double-layer fence, he or she legally does not have to!
As a result, this fall's elections could prove less important for border =
security than what you and I do right now to restore the Secure Fence =
Act. =20
Joe mentioned, "We should be asking ground dwelling birds, like =
chachalacas, about the fence. We should be asking the Sabal palms, =
Curved-billed Thrashers, and endangered mammals. They are not asked, or =
in this case, even considered."
Interesting considerations. How about asking the people in these areas =
as well:
People are afraid on their own property even to go out of their homes, =
animals and livestock are killed, property is damaged and stolen, with =
strangers wandering all over their own homesteads, and farmlands...
There are many issues... involved here, not just birds or wildlife and =
plants and...
Texas Mayors and business owners who benefit from illegal aliens =
flooding across the border in Laredo, Texas are up in arms over =
prospects of tightened border security. The Mayors are threatening to =
sue the U.S. government over the construction of a border fence and they =
are rallying local ranchers to their side.
Six Mayors from towns on the border are teaming up to make sure the =
border stays open. "We have to protect our property and we will do =
whatever is necessary to ensure there is no wall," said Laredo Mayor =
Raul Salinas.=20
They say they have to protect the economies of their towns; and a closed =
border will cut off trade routes with Mexican towns on the other side of =
the border. They are also grandstanding when they say the Rio Grande =
River will be on the Mexican side of the fence, and that their =
agriculture needs this water source.=20
These six Mayors think that it is fine for them to compromise American =
national security because they want to trade illegally with Mexican =
towns. Why can't trade be conducted legally with a secure border? They =
illegally profit from the current lawlessness, and the real problem is =
that they are trading with Mexico at the expense of the United States. =
They are trading American jobs and American taxpayer dollars for =
thousands of low income workers who take more from the United States =
than they give back. These Mayors gladly risk the security of this =
nation to turn a profit in "cheap labor" and black market dealings, by =
allowing a border wide open for terrorists, rapists and drug dealers to =
cross--just so they can trade with the very people that are breaking our =
laws daily. How much better off would we be without a drain on our =
economy as a whole? Maybe these towns wouldn't even need their trade =
routes if their hard earned dollars weren't being squandered on the =
social services, education and criminal justice systems burden of the =
illegal aliens.=20
I am not mad at Joe, as the beginning of his message began about someone =
earlier...
Just giving additional thought, as we need to consider so many things =
here...
(I am not sure how safe it might be even birding in some of these
areas in Texas, Arizona and...)
Cheryle Sytsma
vilonia
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: border fence (redux); what would Aldo do?
From: Jeffrey Short <bashman(AT)EARTHLINK.NET>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 1:36pm
One of the keynote speakers at the PIF, Dr Yossi Leshem, spoke about an
inspiring program in Israel: "Migrating Birds know no Boundaries". Israel
hosts 500 million birds--twice a year!--as birds from three continents
funnel across Israel. The International Center for Migration (Latrun,
Israel) brings together researchers in countries typically at odds with each
other, politically, culturally, and economically. Researchers from Israel,
Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and many countries in Africa have found
common ground and benefits from collaborating on birds.
Ironically, Israel is also constructing a wall to keep the Palestinians
contained. Birds, generally, are able to get over fences and other
international obstacles whereas people, and many other "ground-dwellers"
can't. Apparently, the lessons learned from migrating birds are difficult
to put into practice when dealing with the complex issues of human affairs.
That said, I believe that the nefarious border fence between the U.S. and
Mexico will become a barrier not only to the illegal movements of humans,
but will become an impediment to the legitimate movements of gravity-bound,
critters to feed, spread genes, etc. Those impacts to the environment
should be assessed and mitigated, if possible. (We can apply that process
to the future border fence between the U.S. and Canada, where I believe was
the only border incursion relating to terrorism.)
Jeff Short
At the bottom loop of the backwards "S" on the continuation of the
(gradually rising) Ouachita River
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: First Hummer
From: Sara Caulk <sara_caulk(AT)YAHOO.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 1:43pm
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We had the first Ruby Throat at our feeder (Mt. Sequoyah, Fayetteville) this
morning. I might note that our rhododendron and a couple small azaleas had
blossoms openyesterday if there is a correlation between the hummer/azalea
arrivals.
Horray! Spring is arriving
Sara, in Fayetteville
---------------------------------
You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total
Access, No Cost.
----DELETED text/html MIME SECTION----
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Fw: First Hummer
From: Jacque Brown <jacque.brown1102(AT)YAHOO.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 2:03pm
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My hummer feeders have been attacked by giant ants, AHHHHH!! the Hummers can't
be far behind.
I really need to find some of those ant moats. Jacque Brown, Bella Vista.
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Sara Caulk <sara_caulk(AT)YAHOO.COM>
To: ARBIRD-L(AT)LISTSERV.UARK.EDU
Sent: Tuesday, April 8, 2008 1:43:15 PM
Subject: First Hummer
We had the first Ruby Throat at our feeder (Mt. Sequoyah, Fayetteville) this
morning. I might note that our rhododendron and a couple small azaleas had
blossoms openyesterday if there is a correlation between the hummer/azalea
arrivals.
Horray! Spring is arriving
Sara, in Fayetteville
You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total
Access, No Cost.
____________________________________________________________________________________
You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total
Access, No Cost.
http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com
----DELETED text/html MIME SECTION----
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Semi-piping Plover?
From: Dennis Braddy <dmbraddy(AT)MAC.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 2:10pm
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The consensus, so far, is that both the Semi-piping Plover and the
Piping-semi Plover currently near the beginning of the Arkansas Birder
Guest Photo Gallery are Piping Plovers, albeit with atypical plumage.
What bothered me initially was that both birds show thick, black
breastbands across the front where it is usually broken and one bird
shows a black line over the bill. I have never before seen an example
of the latter in Piping Plover. Nevertheless, taking into account all
visible field marks and information provided the photographer I agree
with the consensus. These two images will go into the "Advanced" Bird
Identification Gallery, when I create one.
Dennis Braddy
Little Rock, AR
http://www.arkansasbirder.net
"Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end." - Stephen
Hawking
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: First Hummer
From: Mary Alice Beer <abeer(AT)ARTELCO.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 2:25pm
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Based on my personal experience and records, I have a feeling more=20
could document the Azalea/Hummer coincidence if records were kept?
Of course there are many types of Azaleas - and I haven't a clue as to
which mine is...
Mary Alice Beer
Fairfield Bay
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Sara Caulk=20
To: ARBIRD-L(AT)LISTSERV.UARK.EDU=20
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 1:43 PM
Subject: [ARBIRD-L] First Hummer
We had the first Ruby Throat at our feeder (Mt. Sequoyah, Fayetteville) thi=
s morning. I might note that our rhododendron and a couple small azaleas h=
ad blossoms openyesterday if there is a correlation between the hummer/azal=
ea arrivals.
Horray! Spring is arriving
Sara, in Fayetteville
---------------------------------------------------------------------------=
-----
You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster To=
tal Access, No Cost.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------=
-----
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.=20
Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.8/1363 - Release Date: 4/7/2008 8=
:56 AM
BAR-SF
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Semi-piping Plover?
From: "Steven W. Cardiff" <scardif(AT)LSU.EDU>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 2:55pm
> This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand
this format, some or all of this message may not be legible.
----INCLUDING text/plain MIME SECTION----
Dennis (ARBIRD)-
I would agree that both birds are Piping Plovers. I would disagree tha=
t
they are in =B3atypical=B2 plumage. I don=B9t know date/location, but
presumably
they are both in alternate plumage, which includes a thicker and more
complete breast band and a black forehead bar.
Steve Cardiff
On 4/8/08 2:10 PM, "Dennis Braddy" <dmbraddy(AT)MAC.COM> wrote:
> The consensus, so far, is that both the Semi-piping Plover and the Piping=
-semi
> Plover currently near the beginning of the Arkansas Birder Guest Photo Ga=
llery
> <http://www.arkansasbirder.net/Arkansas_Birder/Gallery.html> are Piping
> Plovers, albeit with atypical plumage. What bothered me initially was tha=
t
> both birds show thick, black breastbands across the front where it is usu=
ally
> broken and one bird shows a black line over the bill. I have never before=
seen
> an example of the latter in Piping Plover. Nevertheless, taking into acco=
unt
> all visible field marks and information provided the photographer I agree=
with
> the consensus. These two images will go into the "Advanced" Bird
> Identification Gallery, when I create one.
>=20
> =20
> Dennis Braddy
> Little Rock, AR
>=20
> http://www.arkansasbirder.net
>=20
> "Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end." - Stephen Haw=
king
> =20
>=20
>=20
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Red-breasted Nuthatches
From: Lyndal York <lrbluejay(AT)SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 3:28pm
Arbirders:
My three winter resident RBNH have taken off for the North Country. They
have been ever present all winter carrying off sunflower seeds and snacking
on suet but, yesterday they were no shows and again today. Wondered if
anyone else had noticed the absence of their RBNHs ?
Lyndal York
Little Rock
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Semi-piping Plover?
From: Dennis Braddy <dmbraddy(AT)MAC.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 3:42pm
Steve,
Thanks for the feedback. I went back and checked Shorebirds of North
America, The Photographic Guide by Dennis Paulson, The Shorebird Guide
by O'brien, Crossley, and Karlson, National Geo. Field Guide to the
Birds of North America, 5th edition, and The Sibley Guide to Birds.
All of these sources illustrate breeding male Piping Plovers with
broken breastbands. All except Sibley mention that the circumcintus
subspecies (interior) is more likely to have an unbroken breastband
than other subspecies. Though most of the photos show breeding Piping
with broken or thin, ragged breastbands, a few show breastbands
similar to our Piping-semi Plover. I'll give you that one. :-)
However, regarding the Semi-piping Plover, I demur. While a black
forehead bar is typical for species, and some birds show darkness in
the lores, the 2nd black line shown by this bird grazing the base of
the upper mandible (ala Semipalmated Plover), is not. None of the
above sources illustrates or mentions in the text the presence of this
2nd black line. Only The Shorebird Guide mentions that in
circumcinctus a few black "flecks" may appear in at the base of the
bill. I think the solid black line this bird sports qualifies as
atypical.
Dennis
"Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end." - Stephen
Hawking
On Apr 8, 2008, at 2:55 PM, Steven W. Cardiff wrote:
> I would agree that both birds are Piping Plovers. I would disagree
> that they are in “atypical” plumage. I don’t know date/location,
> but presumably they are both in alternate plumage, which includes a
> thicker and more complete breast band and a black forehead bar.
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: a bird's nest on the ground?
From: Bill Shepherd <stoneax63(AT)HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 4:13pm
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Everyone:Saturday morning I was in a group led by Joe Woolbright on Baker P=
rairie Natural Area at Harrison. We were walking through an unburned area =
thick with tall stems of dead grass when I heard what I at first thought wa=
s a N. Bobwhite flush close behind me.
=20
But I looked up and saw, instead, a Mourning Dove flying away.
=20
Shortly after that, someone said that the dove had left an egg on the groun=
d. And indeed she had. There were a few grass stems bowed over the egg bu=
t, really, no nest at all surrounding it. There was only a minimum of dead=
plant material separating the egg from the cold ground.
=20
I've seen MODO nests located below eye leve, but I've never heard of one bu=
ilt on the ground.
=20
Note that this observation happened in the morning, which is when female bi=
rds do their egg laying. My guess is that we saw, not a nest on the ground=
, but a "dump." In other words, as someone commented, the egg was the equi=
valent of a human baby born on the back seat of a taxicab . . . but with a =
much lower chance of survival.
=20
Bill ShepherdBill Shepherd2805 Linden, Apt. 3 Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-5=
964 Stoneax63(AT)hotmail.com (501) 375-3918=
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Semi-piping Plover?
From: "Steven W. Cardiff" <scardif(AT)LSU.EDU>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 4:15pm
Dennis (ARBIRD)-
OK, I see your 5 field guides and I raise you the BNA account (Haig
1992) which states: "In many prairie males, a black 'moustache' extends from
base of bill to sand-colored plumage of upper cheek." [This plumage type is
illustrated in Figure 2b on page 2.] Also, "A single black band extends
partially or fully (depending on individual, age, sex, and, possibly
location) across upper breast..." and "Males are brighter (i.e. darker, more
complete breast band, .......and in some birds presence of moustache."
So, odds are that "semi-piping" is a fairly typical male of the Prairie
subspecies.
Steve Cardiff
On 4/8/08 3:42 PM, "Dennis Braddy" <dmbraddy(AT)MAC.COM> wrote:
> Steve,
>
> Thanks for the feedback. I went back and checked Shorebirds of North
> America, The Photographic Guide by Dennis Paulson, The Shorebird Guide
> by O'brien, Crossley, and Karlson, National Geo. Field Guide to the
> Birds of North America, 5th edition, and The Sibley Guide to Birds.
> All of these sources illustrate breeding male Piping Plovers with
> broken breastbands. All except Sibley mention that the circumcintus
> subspecies (interior) is more likely to have an unbroken breastband
> than other subspecies. Though most of the photos show breeding Piping
> with broken or thin, ragged breastbands, a few show breastbands
> similar to our Piping-semi Plover. I'll give you that one. :-)
>
> However, regarding the Semi-piping Plover, I demur. While a black
> forehead bar is typical for species, and some birds show darkness in
> the lores, the 2nd black line shown by this bird grazing the base of
> the upper mandible (ala Semipalmated Plover), is not. None of the
> above sources illustrates or mentions in the text the presence of this
> 2nd black line. Only The Shorebird Guide mentions that in
> circumcinctus a few black "flecks" may appear in at the base of the
> bill. I think the solid black line this bird sports qualifies as
> atypical.
>
> Dennis
>
> "Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end." - Stephen
> Hawking
>
> On Apr 8, 2008, at 2:55 PM, Steven W. Cardiff wrote:
>> I would agree that both birds are Piping Plovers. I would disagree
>> that they are in łatypical˛ plumage. I donąt know date/location,
>> but presumably they are both in alternate plumage, which includes a
>> thicker and more complete breast band and a black forehead bar.
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Godwit and Geese
From: Josh Engelbert <arkbirder(AT)YAHOO.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 4:17pm
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Finally got my Marbled Godwit this afternoon around 1:00 on Punkin Center rd. It
was moving around quite a bit. I started looking at about 12:00 and after about
an hour it flew right past me and landed about 75 meters from the road exactly
where it has been seen by others.
I addition, I saw a Snow Goose and a Greater White-fronted Goose hanging out
together on the levy road between the two fields.
Josh Engelbert
Jonesboro, AR and Copan, OK
---------------------------------
You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total
Access, No Cost.
----DELETED text/html MIME SECTION----
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Semi-piping Plover?
From: Dennis Braddy <dmbraddy(AT)MAC.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 4:36pm
Steve,
I was still considering quibbling about whether a black moustache
extending "from base of bill to sand-colored plumage of upper cheek"
includes the area directly above the bill when Pat pulled out her 1995
edition of Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds ed.
John Terres. On page 719 is a photo of a Piping Plover that is
indistinguishable from our Semi-piping Plover!
Dennis Braddy
Little Rock, AR
http://www.arkansasbirder.net
"Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end." - Stephen
Hawking
On Apr 8, 2008, at 4:15 PM, Steven W. Cardiff wrote:
> Dennis (ARBIRD)-
> OK, I see your 5 field guides and I raise you the BNA account (Haig
> 1992) which states: "In many prairie males, a black 'moustache'
> extends from
> base of bill to sand-colored plumage of upper cheek." [This plumage
> type is
> illustrated in Figure 2b on page 2.] Also, "A single black band
> extends
> partially or fully (depending on individual, age, sex, and, possibly
> location) across upper breast..." and "Males are brighter (i.e.
> darker, more
> complete breast band, .......and in some birds presence of moustache."
>
> So, odds are that "semi-piping" is a fairly typical male of the
> Prairie
> subspecies.
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Semi-piping Plover?
From: "Graves, Gary" <GRAVESG(AT)SI.EDU>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 5:34pm
There is an important point lurking in the discussion of field guides and
taxonomic characters of Piping Plovers. Painted illustrations in field guides
are charicatures meant to represent "typical" plumages. No field guide,
photographic guide, or collection of field guides has enough space to illustrate
the range of geographic, sexual, and age-related variation observed in most
species of birds. So, don't be surprised if you observe plumage details in the
field that don't appear in any of your illustrated reference books.
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List on behalf of Dennis Braddy
Sent: Tue 4/8/2008 5:36 PM
To: ARBIRD-L(AT)LISTSERV.UARK.EDU
Subject: Re: Semi-piping Plover?
Steve,
I was still considering quibbling about whether a black moustache
extending "from base of bill to sand-colored plumage of upper cheek"
includes the area directly above the bill when Pat pulled out her 1995
edition of Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds ed.
John Terres. On page 719 is a photo of a Piping Plover that is
indistinguishable from our Semi-piping Plover!
Dennis Braddy
Little Rock, AR
http://www.arkansasbirder.net <http://www.arkansasbirder.net/>
"Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end." - Stephen
Hawking
On Apr 8, 2008, at 4:15 PM, Steven W. Cardiff wrote:
> Dennis (ARBIRD)-
> OK, I see your 5 field guides and I raise you the BNA account (Haig
> 1992) which states: "In many prairie males, a black 'moustache'
> extends from
> base of bill to sand-colored plumage of upper cheek." [This plumage
> type is
> illustrated in Figure 2b on page 2.] Also, "A single black band
> extends
> partially or fully (depending on individual, age, sex, and, possibly
> location) across upper breast..." and "Males are brighter (i.e.
> darker, more
> complete breast band, .......and in some birds presence of moustache."
>
> So, odds are that "semi-piping" is a fairly typical male of the
> Prairie
> subspecies.
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - April 8, 2008
From: David Arbour <arbour(AT)WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 7:50pm
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----INCLUDING text/plain MIME SECTION----
Ronda Sherrill (MO), Linda Childers (MO), and I surveyed birds today at =
Red Slough and found 92 species. It was cool, overcast, and rainy. The =
sounds from the marshes were almost deafening this morning with American =
Bitterns, 3 species of rails, grebes, moorhens, coots, marsh & sedge =
wrens, yellowthroats, geese, teal, etc. calling their heads off. I have =
never seen so many bitterns! You could not go anywhere down there =
without hearing a least one almost continously calling and usually =
several calling. The bitterns were also chasing each other around and =
acting very territorial. Pintail and Lotus Lakes are full for the first =
time in years. We have never had so much water since I have worked =
there. Birds everywhere! This is going to be an amazing year. Here is =
a complete list of all seen: =20
Greater White-fronted Goose - 1
Canada Goose - 4
Wood Duck - 21
Gadwall - 11
Mallard - 1 male
Blue-winged Teal - 225
Northern Shoveler - 40
Canvasback - 1
Ring-necked Duck - 32
Lesser Scaup - 6
Bufflehead - 1 (Rare at RS)
Common Goldeneye - 3 (Rare at RS)
Hooded Merganser - 1 female=20
Ruddy Duck - 6
Pied-billed Grebe - 42
American White Pelican - 96
Double-crested Cormorant - 75
Anhinga - 12
American Bittern - 28
Great Blue Heron - 7
Great Egret - 13
Snowy Egret - 8
Little Blue Heron - 27
Black-crowned Night-Heron - 1
White Ibis - 24
Dark Ibis sp. - 23
Black Vulture - 2
Turkey Vulture - 13
Bald Eagle - 1 adult
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 2
King Rail - 3
Virginia Rail - 3
Sora - 26
Common Moorhen - 10
American Coot - 437
American Golden-Plover - 5
Killdeer - 2
Black-necked Stilt - 1
Solitary Sandpiper - 1
Greater Yellowlegs - 1
Upland Sandpiper - 2
Eurasian Collared-Dove - 2
Mourning Dove - 8
Short-eared Owl - 2
Belted Kingfisher - 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3
Downy Woodpecker - 1
Pileated Woodpecker - 1
Eastern Phoebe - 1
Eastern Kingbird - 1
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 1
Loggerhead Shrike - 1
White-eyed Vireo - 10
Yellow-throated Vireo - 1
Blue Jay - 7
American Crow - 20
Fish Crow - 3
Tree Swallow - 19
Cliff Swallow - 1
Barn Swallow - 4
Carolina Chickadee - 7
Tufted Titmouse - 5
Carolina Wren - 7
Sedge Wren - 3
Marsh Wren - 20
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 7
Eastern Bluebird - 1
Northern Mockingbird - 3
Brown Thrasher - 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 2
Pine Warbler - 1
Black-and-white Warbler - 2
Prothonotary Warbler - 4
Common Yellowthroat - 28
Eastern Towhee - 1
Savannah Sparrow - 10
Le Conte's Sparrow - 9
Song Sparrow - 1
Lincoln's Sparrow - 1
Swamp Sparrow - 7
White-throated Sparrow - 2
White-crowned Sparrow - 31
Northern Cardinal - 12
Red-winged Blackbird - 90
Eastern Meadowlark - 3
Brewer's Blackbird - 1
Common Grackle - 14
Brown-headed Cowbird - 14
American Goldfinch - 1
Odonates (Too cool for much activity):
Fragile Forktail
Familiar Bluet
Common Green Darner
Blue Dasher
Saw a Swamp Darner yesterday.
Herps:
American Alligator
Southern Painted Turtle
Cajun Chorus Frog
Eastern Gray Treefrog
Bullfrog
Good birding!
David Arbour
De Queen, AR
Visit the Red Slough Website: =
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/natural-resources/redslough/index.shtml
Personal Photo Galleries: http://www.pbase.com/sloughbirder
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Subject: Re: a bird's nest on the ground?
From: David Arbour <arbour(AT)WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 9:24pm
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Bill:
Mourning Doves will nest on the ground. I found one a few years ago on =
the ground on a steep bank at the base of a bush in Washington state. =
There were a few twigs under the eggs. I visited the site twice and =
both times the female flushed from the nest. I have a photo of it =
somewhere.
David Arbour
De Queen, AR
Subject: a bird's nest on the ground?
From: Bill Shepherd <stoneax63 AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 16:13:46 -0500
Everyone:Saturday morning I was in a group led by Joe Woolbright on =
Baker=20
Prairie Natural Area at Harrison. We were walking through an unburned =
area=20
thick with tall stems of dead grass when I heard what I at first thought =
was a=20
N. Bobwhite flush close behind me.=20
=20
But I looked up and saw, instead, a Mourning Dove flying away.
=20
Shortly after that, someone said that the dove had left an egg on the =
ground.=20
And indeed she had. There were a few grass stems bowed over the egg but, =
really, no nest at all surrounding it. There was only a minimum of dead =
plant=20
material separating the egg from the cold ground.=20
=20
I've seen MODO nests located below eye leve, but I've never heard of one =
built=20
on the ground.=20
=20
Note that this observation happened in the morning, which is when female =
birds=20
do their egg laying. My guess is that we saw, not a nest on the ground, =
but a=20
"dump." In other words, as someone commented, the egg was the equivalent =
of a=20
human baby born on the back seat of a taxicab . . . but with a much =
lower=20
chance of survival.=20
=20
Bill ShepherdBill Shepherd2805 Linden, Apt. 3 Little Rock, Arkansas =
72205-5964=20
Stoneax63 AT hotmail.com (501) 375-3918=20
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Subject: a bird's nest on the ground?
From: Patricia Braddy <pabraddy(AT)MAC.COM>
Date: 8 Apr 2008 11:22pm
According to The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds,
Mourning Doves will build nests just about anywhere.
"Nest: Male brings twigs to female at nest site, mostly in crotch, or
on branch, of tree, usually 5-25 ft. up and even to 80 ft. above
ground; female arranges sticks in loose platform, also low in vines,
tops of rock or rail fences, on stumps, and often, where trees are
scarce, on ground; on roof gutters of houses, in chimney corners, on
top of arbors in gardens, on top of nests of cardinals, American
robins, blue jays, brown thrashers, mockingbirds, grackles, house
sparrows, and occasionally in parts of stick nests of herons; in
especially favored trees such as pines, Norway spruces, osage orange,
may nest in colonies with ten or more nests in one tree (see details
in Tyler, 1932; Edminster,1954)"
Patricia Braddy
Little Rock, AR
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