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CarolinaBirds for Saturday, April 22, 2006
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Subject: Birding and Basic Snake Safety (was: Snakes!)
From: "Michael C. Parrish" <pendragon1998(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 1:35am
INTRODUCTION:
Since birders are getting out into snake habitat more frequently during
these spring months, perhaps a quick review of basic snake safety would
be in order. I'd say that's reasonably birding-related. Much of this
information is just taken from the Wikipedia article on "Snakebite"
(linked below and referenced in the text of this message). I tried to
copy the more relevant passages of the entry here, and added to it with
my own experience and learning on the topic.
If anyone else has thoughts to contribute on the topic, I'd invite them
to add to or correct anything I say here, as I'm only a dabbler in
things herpetological. Below are several of what I think are the more
important points to consider, loosely described by their headers.
Finally, please note that I put this together rather off-the-cuff, and
if this email reflects that, be merciful.
FREQUENCY OF BITES / SEVERITY OF BITES:
"The state of North Carolina has the highest frequency of reported
snakebites, averaging approximately 19 bites per 100,000 persons. The
national average is roughly 4 bites per 100,000 persons (Russell
1980)."(wikipedia) If you consider how many of these bites in NC (and
the US) were likely delivered to little children, drunks, and people
deliberately interacting with snakes this equates to a very low
probability of being bitten if you're being respectful and aware of
your surroundings.
"Since the act of delivering venom is completely voluntary, all
venomous snakes are capable of biting without injecting venom into
their victim. Such snakes will often deliver such a "dry bite" (about
50% of the time [7]) rather than waste their venom on a creature too
large for them to eat. Some dry bites may also be the result of
imprecise timing on the snake's part, as venom may be prematurely
released before the fangs have penetrated the victim’s
flesh."(wikipedia) With any snakebite, even non-venomous ones, it
makes sense to be checked out by a physician, as snakes carry a very
interesting bacterial load in their mouths, which can lead to nasty
infections. It's a good idea to immediately wash with soap and water
(not alcohol). Antibiotics and perhaps a tetanus shot are possibly
advised. (I'm not a doctor.)
Take all bites seriously – many complications occur because too much
time is taken getting to a hospital. Many people foolishly wait until
the pain of an envenomation becomes too severe to tolerate before
seeking medical help and end up with more severe wounds as a
consequence.
PREVENTION OF BITES:
"Sturdy over-the-ankle boots, loose clothing and responsible behavior
offer excellent protection from snakebites when in the wilderness. I
recently watched a documentary on TV where a scientist was performing
trials to determine if amount of envenomation was less if the snake bit
through denim (blue jeans) - it was. I always wear thick leather boots
and loose jeans in snake country (I work in an area with lots of
copperheads and timber rattlers). I suspect that a large snake
(particularly an eastern diamondback rattlesnake) could penetrate most
rubber boots.
Remember, a snake can generally strike from around half a body length
away. That doesn't mean you ought to get that close if you can help
it. Give them some room!
As for the advice, “give snakes plenty of warning that you are
approaching by putting slight emphasis on your footsteps"(wikipedia) -
personally, I’m not at all convinced that snakes will “run away” if you
stomp about, but who knows how many snakes I never saw that did leave
the area! I’ve actually informally tested this in a few instances by
stomping on the ground a few feet away from snakes I encounter (e.g.
garter snakes, kingsnakes) but they didn’t move an inch.
"If you are camping and decide to gather firewood at night, use a
flashlight and, for your sake, do not go outside barefoot.
Approximately 85% of the natural snakebites occur below the victims'
knees." I can't emphasize proper footwear enough. From what I
understand, in the Appalachian mountains, almost every Copperhead bite
visitors get is on a bare foot when they go to wade in those cool
mountain streams. On the coast, those low saw palmettos can be a haven
for the 6' long eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Stay out of dense
grass if you can help it, and certainly if you’re without long pants
and boots. Avoid walking right up beside low brush or logs if you
can’t see under them. Become aware of likely places a snake might
bask, such as rocky outcroppings, fallen logs, etc. Don’t stick your
arms down holes. There really isn’t a burrowing owl in there – or if
there is, there’s probably an eastern diamondback in there too with my
luck :-)
FIRST AID FOR BITES:
Summary: If you are bitten, stay calm, exit the situation, try and ID
the snake quickly, accurately, and safely, wash the area with soap and
water, then report to a doctor as soon as possible to receive
appropriate first aid. Staying calm will lower your heart rate and
slow any venom's movement through your body.
"Some medical professionals, along with the American Red Cross,
cautiously recommend two other measures:
* If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, a
bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, may help slow
venom. The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery.
A good rule of thumb is to make the band loose enough that a finger can
slip under it.
* A suction device may be placed over the bite to help draw venom
out of the wound WITHOUT MAKING CUTS. Suction instruments often are
included in commercial snakebite kits."(US FDA)
HOW NOT TO TREAT A SNAKEBITE:
"Though US medical professionals may not agree on every aspect of what
to do for snakebite first aid, they are nearly unanimous in their views
of what not to do. Among their recommendations:
* No ice or any other type of cooling on the bite. Research has
shown this to be potentially harmful.
* No tourniquets. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in
loss of the affected limb.
* No electric shock. This method is under study and has yet to be
proven effective. It could harm the victim.
* No incisions in the wound. Such measures have not been proven
useful and may cause further injury."(US FDA)
CONCLUDING REMARKS:
I cannot emphasize enough that anywhere you're birding/hiking/etc, you
need to know what venomous snakes are present and how to ID them (from
a distance). It will go a long way toward lowering your panic if
bitten, if you can say (oh, it was a scarlet kingsnake - nonvenomous -
not an eastern coral snake - highly venomous). The chances of getting
bitten when birding are remote, but they can be made even more so by
being aware that you are in territory that is home to snakes. Be
respectful of snakes just as you're respectful of the traffic while
driving to your birding destination.
I understand that many people are uneasy around or downright terrified
by snakes. Frankly, when I've looked down at my feet and been startled
to see an innocent little kingsnake curled up a few feet away, I've
been guilty of making some choice exclamations and jumping up and down
for a few seconds. Never the less, the snakes have a good reason for
being there, and next time you see one, take a few minutes from a
reasonable distance to enjoy a look at some of nature's beautiful and
misunderstood creatures.
When it comes down to it, your chances of being bitten are very low,
especially if you take reasonable care to avoid snakebite. If you are
unfortunate enough to be bitten, prompt attention to medical care will
almost certainly result in a safe recovery. Enjoy the birds, but don't
forget to look down once in a while too!
Thanks to everyone who bothered to read down this long post!
KNOW YOUR REGION'S SNAKES:
Snakes of North Carolina:
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/projects/herpcons/herps_of_NC/snakes/snakes.html
Venomous Snakes of North Carolina:
http://www.naturalsciences.org/research/herpetology/Venomous_Snakes_of_NC.pdf
Snakes of South Carolina and Georgia:
http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/snakes/
NOTES / REFERENCES:
(As always, check this against what you know and what a doctor advises)
Wikipedia: "Snakebite"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakebite
USFDA: "For Goodness Snakes! Treating and Preventing Venomous Bites"
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/995_snakes.html
If anyone happens to have a link to the research I mentioned concerning
bites through denim, or any research on average bite height, I'd be
interested in an email pointing me that way.
Michael C. Parrish
Watkinsville, GA (Oconee Co.)
http://www.arches.uga.edu/~parrishm/
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: catbird
From: James Wilson <toadshade(AT)sc.rr.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 10:05am
> Just had a catbird drop in at my house today.
>
>
>
> Stu Gibeau
> Black Mountain, NC
>
>
Just got one too. Came in with a morning thunderstorm. Sitting in a
Cherrylaurel with a White-throated Sparrow.
On Friday, Apr 21, 2006, at 20:05 US/Eastern, Stu wrote:
James Wilson - Lower Richland
Columbia, SC 29209
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Santee Coastal Reserve on 4-21
From: "Jack" <ppaw(AT)sccoast.net>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 10:46am
Hi Carolinabirders,
Yesterday, Bob & Judy Maxwell and I birded at the Santee Coastal
Reserve, Charleston County, SC. We birded Santee Gun Club Road and the
area around the boardwalk. A total of 43 species including one or two
picked up along the way.
Anhinga-5
Great Egret-1 or 2
Green Heron-1
Wood Stork-3
Wood Duck-1
Black Vulture-2 or 3
Turkey Vulture-6
Osprey-1 by the bridge over the Waccamaw River in Georgetown
Red-tailed Hawk-1 over the Santee Delta
N. Bobwhite-1 heard only
Laughing Gull-a few heard only
Mourning Dove-1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo-1
Chimney Swift-1
Red-bellied Woodpecker-1
Red-cockaded Woodpecker-4
E. Wood-Pewee-1
Acadian Flycatcher-1
Great Crested Flycatcher-3
Blue Jay-2
Fish Crow-2
Carolina Chickadee-1 heard only
Tufted Titmouse-3 heard only
White-breasted Nuthatch-3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher-2
N. Mockingbird-1
Yellow-throated Vireo-1 heard only
Red-eyed Vireo-2 heard only
N. Parula-2
Yellow-rumped Warbler-5
Yellow-throated Warbler-3
Pine Warbler-2
Prairie Warbler-1 heard only
Black and White Warbler-1
Prothonotary Warbler-10
Common Yellowthroat-6
Summer Tanager-3
N. Cardinal-2
Blue Grosbeak-1
Rufous-sided Towhee-2 heard only
Bachman's Sparrow-4- (I almost typed Warbler-Yikes, if only it were
true)
Chipping Sparrow-3 heard only
Brown-headed Cowbird-3 heard only
Jack Peachey
Conway, SC
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Evergreen Nature Preserve 4/22/06
From: "Larry" <Larry(AT)lbarden.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 11:58am
Seven brave birders from Mecklenburg Audubon spent two hours in the rain in
Evergreen Nature Preserve this morning and were rewarded with 42 species
including:
Orchard Oriole
Indigo Bunting
Solitary Sandpiper
Common Yellowthroat
Two Red-bellied Woodpeckers - in flagrante delicto
Ovenbird
Great Blue Heron
Cedar Waxwings - une grande masse
Killdeer
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Wood Thrush
Very close looks at a Pacific Parrotlet name Quito while drinking hot coffee
at Barden's condo.
Cheers,
Larry and Louise Barden
Charlotte
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Current yard birds
From: "KC Foggin" <KCFoggin(AT)sc.rr.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 3:17pm
Well, I'm seeing more and more variations of the Indigo Bunting this week as I
seem to have 3 or 4. All very confusing on first look ;)
I still have quite a few Goldfinches in brilliant color along with some striking
Yellow-rumped Warblers. My journal does not show either of them here this
late last year.
Now I see the male Ruby-throated more regularly than the female.
House Finch fledglings are in abundance here. All flapping their little wings
in that adorable begging fashion.
As a side note, I will be putting my three year old straight Swaro 80mm HD Scope
with 20x60 eyepiece up on the auction block in a couple of weeks. If anyone is
interested in a decent price before hand, please contact me off the list.
KC Foggin
Myrtle Beach SC
www.birdforum.net
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Birding and Basic Snake Safety (was: Snakes!)
From: "John Fussell" <jfuss(AT)clis.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 5:25pm
My guess is that you are most vulnerable--by far--to snakebite when
reaching down to the ground, as to get a plant etc. This is the one
situation when I am truly cautious. Otherwise...I have stepped on
copperheads and cottonmouths, and come within a foot or two of stepping
on timber rattlers (4 times at least), and none of them struck at me.
(I was wearing long pants, shoes, and socks and all occasions.)
John Fussell
Morehead City, NC
jfuss(AT)clis.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael C. Parrish" <pendragon1998(AT)yahoo.com>
To: "brendan o'sullivan" <josullivan3560(AT)hotmail.com>; "Birds Carolina"
<carolinabirds(AT)duke.edu>
Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:35 AM
Subject: Birding and Basic Snake Safety (was: Snakes!)
INTRODUCTION:
Since birders are getting out into snake habitat more frequently during
these spring months, perhaps a quick review of basic snake safety would
be in order. I'd say that's reasonably birding-related. Much of this
information is just taken from the Wikipedia article on "Snakebite"
(linked below and referenced in the text of this message). I tried to
copy the more relevant passages of the entry here, and added to it with
my own experience and learning on the topic.
If anyone else has thoughts to contribute on the topic, I'd invite them
to add to or correct anything I say here, as I'm only a dabbler in
things herpetological. Below are several of what I think are the more
important points to consider, loosely described by their headers.
Finally, please note that I put this together rather off-the-cuff, and
if this email reflects that, be merciful.
FREQUENCY OF BITES / SEVERITY OF BITES:
"The state of North Carolina has the highest frequency of reported
snakebites, averaging approximately 19 bites per 100,000 persons. The
national average is roughly 4 bites per 100,000 persons (Russell
1980)."(wikipedia) If you consider how many of these bites in NC (and
the US) were likely delivered to little children, drunks, and people
deliberately interacting with snakes this equates to a very low
probability of being bitten if you're being respectful and aware of
your surroundings.
"Since the act of delivering venom is completely voluntary, all
venomous snakes are capable of biting without injecting venom into
their victim. Such snakes will often deliver such a "dry bite" (about
50% of the time [7]) rather than waste their venom on a creature too
large for them to eat. Some dry bites may also be the result of
imprecise timing on the snake's part, as venom may be prematurely
released before the fangs have penetrated the victim's
flesh."(wikipedia) With any snakebite, even non-venomous ones, it
makes sense to be checked out by a physician, as snakes carry a very
interesting bacterial load in their mouths, which can lead to nasty
infections. It's a good idea to immediately wash with soap and water
(not alcohol). Antibiotics and perhaps a tetanus shot are possibly
advised. (I'm not a doctor.)
Take all bites seriously - many complications occur because too much
time is taken getting to a hospital. Many people foolishly wait until
the pain of an envenomation becomes too severe to tolerate before
seeking medical help and end up with more severe wounds as a
consequence.
PREVENTION OF BITES:
"Sturdy over-the-ankle boots, loose clothing and responsible behavior
offer excellent protection from snakebites when in the wilderness. I
recently watched a documentary on TV where a scientist was performing
trials to determine if amount of envenomation was less if the snake bit
through denim (blue jeans) - it was. I always wear thick leather boots
and loose jeans in snake country (I work in an area with lots of
copperheads and timber rattlers). I suspect that a large snake
(particularly an eastern diamondback rattlesnake) could penetrate most
rubber boots.
Remember, a snake can generally strike from around half a body length
away. That doesn't mean you ought to get that close if you can help
it. Give them some room!
As for the advice, "give snakes plenty of warning that you are
approaching by putting slight emphasis on your footsteps"(wikipedia) -
personally, I'm not at all convinced that snakes will "run away" if you
stomp about, but who knows how many snakes I never saw that did leave
the area! I've actually informally tested this in a few instances by
stomping on the ground a few feet away from snakes I encounter (e.g.
garter snakes, kingsnakes) but they didn't move an inch.
"If you are camping and decide to gather firewood at night, use a
flashlight and, for your sake, do not go outside barefoot.
Approximately 85% of the natural snakebites occur below the victims'
knees." I can't emphasize proper footwear enough. From what I
understand, in the Appalachian mountains, almost every Copperhead bite
visitors get is on a bare foot when they go to wade in those cool
mountain streams. On the coast, those low saw palmettos can be a haven
for the 6' long eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Stay out of dense
grass if you can help it, and certainly if you're without long pants
and boots. Avoid walking right up beside low brush or logs if you
can't see under them. Become aware of likely places a snake might
bask, such as rocky outcroppings, fallen logs, etc. Don't stick your
arms down holes. There really isn't a burrowing owl in there - or if
there is, there's probably an eastern diamondback in there too with my
luck :-)
FIRST AID FOR BITES:
Summary: If you are bitten, stay calm, exit the situation, try and ID
the snake quickly, accurately, and safely, wash the area with soap and
water, then report to a doctor as soon as possible to receive
appropriate first aid. Staying calm will lower your heart rate and
slow any venom's movement through your body.
"Some medical professionals, along with the American Red Cross,
cautiously recommend two other measures:
* If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, a
bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, may help slow
venom. The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery.
A good rule of thumb is to make the band loose enough that a finger can
slip under it.
* A suction device may be placed over the bite to help draw venom
out of the wound WITHOUT MAKING CUTS. Suction instruments often are
included in commercial snakebite kits."(US FDA)
HOW NOT TO TREAT A SNAKEBITE:
"Though US medical professionals may not agree on every aspect of what
to do for snakebite first aid, they are nearly unanimous in their views
of what not to do. Among their recommendations:
* No ice or any other type of cooling on the bite. Research has
shown this to be potentially harmful.
* No tourniquets. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in
loss of the affected limb.
* No electric shock. This method is under study and has yet to be
proven effective. It could harm the victim.
* No incisions in the wound. Such measures have not been proven
useful and may cause further injury."(US FDA)
CONCLUDING REMARKS:
I cannot emphasize enough that anywhere you're birding/hiking/etc, you
need to know what venomous snakes are present and how to ID them (from
a distance). It will go a long way toward lowering your panic if
bitten, if you can say (oh, it was a scarlet kingsnake - nonvenomous -
not an eastern coral snake - highly venomous). The chances of getting
bitten when birding are remote, but they can be made even more so by
being aware that you are in territory that is home to snakes. Be
respectful of snakes just as you're respectful of the traffic while
driving to your birding destination.
I understand that many people are uneasy around or downright terrified
by snakes. Frankly, when I've looked down at my feet and been startled
to see an innocent little kingsnake curled up a few feet away, I've
been guilty of making some choice exclamations and jumping up and down
for a few seconds. Never the less, the snakes have a good reason for
being there, and next time you see one, take a few minutes from a
reasonable distance to enjoy a look at some of nature's beautiful and
misunderstood creatures.
When it comes down to it, your chances of being bitten are very low,
especially if you take reasonable care to avoid snakebite. If you are
unfortunate enough to be bitten, prompt attention to medical care will
almost certainly result in a safe recovery. Enjoy the birds, but don't
forget to look down once in a while too!
Thanks to everyone who bothered to read down this long post!
KNOW YOUR REGION'S SNAKES:
Snakes of North Carolina:
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/projects/herpcons/herps_of_NC/snakes/snakes.html
Venomous Snakes of North Carolina:
http://www.naturalsciences.org/research/herpetology/Venomous_Snakes_of_NC.pdf
Snakes of South Carolina and Georgia:
http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/snakes/
NOTES / REFERENCES:
(As always, check this against what you know and what a doctor advises)
Wikipedia: "Snakebite"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakebite
USFDA: "For Goodness Snakes! Treating and Preventing Venomous Bites"
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/995_snakes.html
If anyone happens to have a link to the research I mentioned concerning
bites through denim, or any research on average bite height, I'd be
interested in an email pointing me that way.
Michael C. Parrish
Watkinsville, GA (Oconee Co.)
http://www.arches.uga.edu/~parrishm/
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Bluebirds
From: "Edith K. Tatum" <ektatum(AT)nc.rr.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 5:42pm
I checked my Bluebird house today to see if any eggs were in there. To my
surprise there were 5 well feathered babies all hunkered down.
On another note, the Indigo Buntings and Prairie Warblers have returned to
Eno River State Park. I also heard a Black Throated Green warbler in my
back yard.
Edith Tatum
Durham, NC
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Birding and Basic Snake Safety
From: Gregory Georges <ggeorges(AT)mindspring.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 6:57pm
Hi Brendan,
Twice now I've replied and not sent an e-mail to reply to your post. Why
you might ask? Well--the threats often sound worse than they really are
and I would not want to discourage anyone from the wonderful trip you
seem to be planning. . However, I have lived through Rocky Mountain
spotted fever, have had a snake bite (west coast), and get more
concerned each year I get wiser.
My suggestion is that you spend more time worrying about tics and
mosquitoes than the snakes. The snakes you can just be mindful of where
they might be and avoid such places. If you are in a tic-prone zone,
which I love because that is usually where all the great blue heron
rookeries seem to be--there are some steps you can take. In fact, I got
bit two days ago and am planning on a visit to the doctor on Monday to
see if I should undergo an antibiotic treatment for the tic bite. The
trick to avoid the tics is wear long pants and make sure to have a
wide-brimmed hat with a neck piece if you plan on following trails
through the woods, which are usually created by deer. Their are some
wonderful new fabrics in shirts that you can use in addition to sprays
in decrease the change that tics or mosquitoes will want to contact you
in any way.
The reason I got the tic bite is that I was not properly dressed.
I should note that I am out in the woods all the time as I love taking
nature photographs. I do wear 18-inch high snake boots, but that is
mostly for the mud that I walk in. Oh-yes--another fact. More than
three-fourths of the bites people get from a water moccasin occur above
the neck because those particular snakes love to hang out in trees close
to your face.
Having said all of that--you should just make your plans and follow them
as you are most likely to have an excellent trip and see many wonderful
things.
BTW, I spent two weeks on the West Coast of Ireland taking photos two
years ago. What a wonderful place to visit!!!
--
_________________
Gregory Georges
Temporary galleries at www.gregorygeorges.com
Really Useful Content, Inc.
914 Kings Mill Road
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517
Home office telephone: (919) 929-1778
Author of: 50 Fast Digital Photo Projects, 50 Fast Photoshop CS Techniques, 50
Fast Digital Photo Techniques for Elements 3.0, 50 Fast Digital Photo
Techniques, 50 Fast Photoshop 7 Techniques, 50 Fast Digital Camera Techniques,
Digital Photography Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks, and Digital Camera
Solutions. Contributing Writer for eDigitalPhoto and Shutterbug magazines.
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Hermit Thrush, WTSparrows, Kinglets and oh yeah....a
FRIGATEBIRD
From: jeff lewis <jlewis_obx(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 8:05pm
Hi friends,
Just a short while ago (6:40pm), as I headed north
through Kill Devil Hills in a steady rain, I almost
wrecked as a frigatebird sailed over my car! It was
headed WSW so the chase didn't last long (road runs
out fast in that direction), but I managed to get a
couple of silhouette photos through the windshield.
Otherwise, more spring stuff showing up: Swainson's
Warblers, kingbirds, REVireos, pewees, Indigo Buntings
(including some calicos), Blue Grosbeaks. I almost ran
over a Chuck this morning! So far it seems kind of
quiet compared to most springs, though - sure hope
that changes!
We had a Blue-winged Warbler in the Elizabethan
Gardens on Wednesday and Thursday. It's funny, as hard
as that bird is to get along the coast in spring, we
have had one in the gardens 3 consecutive years. Could
it be the same individual?
Cheers,
Jeff Lewis
Manteo, NC
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Henderson Co. Ospreys
From: "Ray Sharpton" <sanrayel(AT)hotmail.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 8:22pm
This morning Sandy and I went out in the rain to a few of the nearby birding
areas. We were surprised to find that the most active spot was at the pond
of the Hendersonville Water Treatment Plant on Hwy. 191. When we first
pulled in we saw four Ospreys flying over this small body of water. One of
the birds made a dive and came up with a rather large fish and flew off to
dine. There was also a Red-tailed Hawk on a perch watching all of this
activity. In addition to the raptors, we saw Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbird,
Robin, Meadowlark, Mallard, House Finch, Goldfinch, Song Sparrow and, of
course, Starling.
Ray Sharpton
Fletcher, NC
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Kiawah and S. Charleston Co. 5-22 - ST Kites, Wayne's
Warblers...
From: "Cape Romain Bird Observatory" <crbo(AT)dmzs.com>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 9:30pm
This morning (April 22), CRBO and the Kiawah Island Naturalist Group co-hosted
a bird walk on Kiawah Island. There was a scarcity of migrating birds, but we
still enjoyed good birding.
Morning highlights:
Anhinga
White Ibis
Red-breasted Merganser
American Oystercatcher
Whimbrel
Spotted Sandpiper
GULL-BILLED TERN
LEAST TERN
Bald Eagle
Osprey
COMMON GROUND DOVE
Eastern Kingbird
Northern Parula
Painted Bunting
Blue Grosbeak
After the morning bird walk, Greg Massey and I drove to meet Bruce Peterjohn
and Chuck Hocevar to bird while doing a Wayne's Warbler survey in extreme
southern Charleston County.
I posted a digiscoped image on the CRBO website of a Swallow-tailed Kite Greg
spotted. See the following URL for that and other still images:
http://www.crbo.net/media/still-images.html
Afternoon Highlights included:
Anhinga
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Wood Duck (including mother & ducklings)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (2)
MISSISSIPPI KITE
Acadian Flycatcher
Wood Thrush
Yellow-throated Vireo
White-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Prothonotary Warbler
WAYNE'S BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (5)
N. Parula
Worm-eating Warbler (heard)
Prairie Warbler
Hooded Warbler (several heard)
SWAINSON'S WARBLER (heard)
Ovenbird (heard)
Kentucky Warbler (heard)
Yellow-breasted Chat
Blue Grosbeak (two males fighting)
Indigo Bunting
--
Nathan Dias
Executive Director
Cape Romain Bird Observatory
http://www.crbo.net/
crbo(AT)dmzs.com
P.O. Box 362
McClellanville, SC 29458
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Indigo bunting and Rose-breasted Grosbeak
From: "Stu Gibeau" <sgibeau(AT)bellsouth.net>
Date: 22 Apr 2006 11:17pm
My inlaws had two Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks and an Indigo bunting at their
feeders yesterday in Black Mountain, NC.
Have a house wren looking to build a nest in one of my bird houses!
Stu Gibeau
Black Mountain, NC
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Bluebirds, House Wrens & Hummers
From: Birdladypat(AT)aol.com
Date: 22 Apr 2006 11:43pm
Yesterday or today, 4 baby bluebirds left the nest in their deluxe bluebird
house. Their mom came for worms this morning to feed them. She has had to
raise them on her own, because her mate disappeared before they hatched. She
has
really worked hard.
Yesterday, I was very dismayed to find that House Wrens had destroyed the
nest and eggs of a pair of brown-headed nuthatches. The nest was in a bluebird
house and another empty one wasn't far away, so they could have chosen another
location! The nuthatches keep coming back to the house and they sound so
distressed.
This afternoon I saw my first female hummer of the season. The first male
arrived April 5th.
Patty Tice
Raleigh
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