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CarolinaBirds for Friday, May 19, 2006
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Subject: Wood Thrushes on the Outer Banks
From: jeff lewis <jlewis_obx(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 19 May 2006 9:54am
Hi friends,
For a few weeks now, I've been seeing (mostly hearing)
Wood Thrushes in several locations along the Outer
Banks. I thought this unusual because usually one or
two is all I get in a spring around here. I don't even
find many on the nearby mainland. They apparently
don't like the habitat on the Alligator Refuge and
even at P3 (Palmetto Peartree Preserve in Tyrell
County) I see (hear) very few. I'm not even sure they
breed there.
The Wood Thrushes' continued presence here on Roanoke
Island this spring made me wonder if they could be
breeding here. Well, just a few minutes ago, I found a
nest here in the Elizabethan Gardens! It is in a
dogwood tree very near a path used all day by our
visitors. Sure hope the thrushes can put up with all
the traffic!
Warbler migration seems to have slowed to a crawl.
There have been lots of Blackpolls and a few
Black-throated Blues lately, but not much else. (I had
30 Blackpolls near Lake Phelps last weekend, including
several females).
Hoping for something good,
Jeff Lewis
Manteo, NC
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Subject: Sandhill Crane released
From: "John Fussell" <jfuss(AT)clis.com>
Date: 19 May 2006 2:44pm
Found out today that the Sandhill Crane that was captured near New Bern
on Saturday was released at Catfish Lake Impoundment in the Croatan
National Forest on Tuesday.
The rehabber told me that in that environment it moved away from all the
Homo sapiens and acted like a wild bird.
John Fussell
Morehead City, NC
jfuss(AT)clis.com
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Near tragedy
From: "John Register" <jregister4(AT)cox.net>
Date: 19 May 2006 5:17pm
Greetings, C'birders...
Yesterday, Mike Dunn and I were at Lake Mattamuskeet. Driving in the
entrance road, we noticed a Snowy Egret in the canal along the south
side of the road. The canal has been drained, and has only a trickle of
water, mud and muddy wallows. The bird was clearly in distress, leaning
forward, wings stretched out, wingtips in muddy water, pulling with its
right leg. Putting my binoculars on the bird, I saw that its right
foot was in the mouth of a large snapping turtle -- how large, we
couldn't tell as the turtle was sunk in soupy mud. We stopped, got out
of the car and considered what to do. Of course, the bird, already in a
frightening situation, was not happy to see us, and tried to pull away
all the more. After a minute or two, we began to approach the bird.
Whether the turtle sensed the approach of danger or was just tired of
holding on, it suddenly opened its jaws, and the egret jumped away,
across the muddy ditch and walked (did not fly), limping slightly, to
safety. When we first came upon the scene, the egret seemd in such a
hopelessly ugly predicament, the more so since a snowy egret is such a
strikingly beautiful bird, and we could think of no effective way to
loosen the jaws of the snapper. On reflection, though, the turtle had no
way of killing the bird (there wasn't enough water to drown it), and
probably would have released it whether we had come on the scene or not.
Mother Nature's little dramas are not always light-hearted.
Thoughtfully,
John Register
Washington, NC
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: More new owls
From: Steve Thomas <stype(AT)sccoast.net>
Date: 19 May 2006 6:09pm
Since 18 March we've been seeing an adult red Screech owl in the owl
house we hung behind our house. At first it was irregularly seen,
then for a few weeks we saw it at all hours hanging out of the
opening in its house. We surmised that it was feeding a brood at that
time. Next it disappeared for about a week, at least in the
daylight. Now we have a gray, downy faced juvenile peering out of
the owl house. It's been regular right after the sun goes down for a
couple of days now, but it does make itself visible at other times.
Just thought I'd add our experience to the list,
Steve
--
Stephen Thomas
Aynor, SC
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Sandhills Scissortail Update
From: Scott Hartley <picoides(AT)alltel.net>
Date: 19 May 2006 9:48pm
Hi - I watched the scissortail flycatcher today form 7:30pm to almost
sunset in the same location that its been in since it was first found on
May 7. If any one out there comes this weekend and can arrange to be
there after 6pm the light is absolutely stunningly golden and viewing
conditions are excellent. The bird seems to tolerate folks if they stay
on the outside of the fenced area. The north fence line next to the barn
allows great viewing at a distance of a 150 yards or so. Please be sure
and park so as not to block the gate/horse access.
There are also grasshopper sparrows breeding here, lots of meadowlarks,
eastern kingbird and a pair of shrikes, quail etc...
Below are directions. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will be
a work this weekend and can be reached by phone if needed at;
910.692.2167 W
910.738.6142 Cell
Scott Hartley
Weymouth Woods - SNP
Southern Pines
*
From Raleigh*
Take US 1 south towards Southern Pines. Once you pass the town of Vass
you will go about 2- 3 miles and will be looking for the Manly Exit
which will be to the LEFT. This exit is just past the NC State Equine
Center which is on the left and just across from Highland Hill Golf
Course. This exit puts you on May St. extension. Stay on May St. until
you enter Southern Pines and the speed limit drops to 35. Go to East
Delaware and turn left, all the streets that cross May St. are state
names, you will only be on Delaware a 100 yds or so and Delaware will go
straight at curve and Youngs Rd. bears to the left. Take Youngs Rd. Go
app. 2 miles and look for the first really large field on your left.
There will be a white barn on the far side off the field, to your left
is north - Youngs Rd runs east. Check the rail fence on your left as you
drive along the field edge. At the east end of this field there is gate
- pull over and park on the shoulder and be sure and not block the gate.
Walk north on the dirt road that goes between the two rail fences. Scan
the fences. Check the old rail fence sections in front of the white
barn. Also check the tree tops and area east of the fence/dirt road. The
bird seems to me more active/visible after 1pm. This area is open to the
public - is part of the Walthour Moss Foundation Lands that is used
primarily for equestrian events. There are times in the fall,winter and
early spring when it is not open to the public but that is not the case
this month. Horses/carriages have the right of way.
*
From point south of Southern Pines*
From points south get to Aberdeen and pick up US 1 north to Saunders
Blvd. in Southern Pines - there is a Kangaroo Gas station at this
intersection on the right. Go past the Kangaroo - need to be in right
lane to exit right onto Broad St. Stay on Broad to 1st stop light and
take a right onto May St. Stay on May - will go thru 2 stop lights the
second will be the intersection of May and Conn. Ave - after this
intersection look for E. Delaware on your right - take a right and
Delaware will go straight at curve and Youngs Rd. bears to the left.
Take Youngs Rd. Go app. 2 miles and look for the first really large
field on your left. There will be a white barn on the far side off the
field, to your left is north - Youngs Rd runs east. Check the rail fence
on your left as you drive along the field edge. At the east end of this
field there is gate - pull over and park on the shoulder and be sure and
not block the gate. Walk north on the dirt road that goes between the
two rail fences. Scan the fences. Check the old rail fence sections in
front of the white barn. Also check the tree tops and area east of the
fence/dirt road. The bird seems to me more active/visible close to dusk.
This area is open to the public - is part of the Walthour Moss
Foundation Lands that is used primarily for equestrian events. There are
times in the fall,winter and early spring when it is not open to the
public but that is not the case this month. Horses/carriages have the
right of way.
*From Greensboro Area*
Take 220 south to Candor and take HWY 211 west to Pinehurst. In
Pinehurst 211 will intersect a traffic circle. Take the 15-501/Aberdeen
south exit. Go to the second traffic light and take a left onto
Morganton Rd. Stay on Morganton Rd until you get to the third traffic
light. Go straight through this light onto May St. Stay on May - will go
thru 2 stop lights the second will be the intersection of May and Conn.
Ave - after this intersection look for E. Delaware on your right - take
a right and Delaware will go straight at curve and Youngs Rd. bears to
the left. Take Youngs Rd. Go app. 2 miles and look for the first really
large field on your left. There will be a white barn on the far side off
the field, to your left is north - Youngs Rd runs east. Check the rail
fence on your left as you drive along the field edge. At the east end
of this field there is gate - pull over and park on the shoulder and be
sure and not block the gate. Walk north on the dirt road that goes
between the two rail fences. Scan the fences. Check the old rail fence
sections in front of the white barn. Also check the tree tops and area
east of the fence/dirt road. The bird seems to me more active/visible
close to dusk. This area is open to the public - is part of the Walthour
Moss Foundation Lands that is used primarily for equestrian events.
There are times in the fall,winter and early spring when it is not open
to the public but that is not the case this month. Horses/carriages have
the right of way.
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: my Brunton binoculars
From: "Jack" <ppaw(AT)sccoast.net>
Date: 19 May 2006 11:02pm
Hi Folks,
A few of you wanted me to send some comments when I tried out the
Brunton 8X43's Epoch's, I ordered last week directly from Brunton. I
tried them out at HBSP yesterday while birding with Bob & Judy Maxwell
and compared them to Bob's 10X40 Swarovski's two years old and Judy's
8X40 Leica's only a few months old.
The following comments are purely mine.
All three of these roof prisms were about equally bright. I thought
the Leica's had the crispest image but the Swarovski and Brunton's were
just a bit less crisp when looking at distant birds. The Brunton's were
able to pick up some subtle rufous color on the edge of the crown of a
Semipalmated Sandpiper at about 60 feet. And the bill shape and length
of even distant Semipal Sandpiper's was very easy to discern with the
Brunton's and feather details were also crisp. Not always as easy with
my Swift Viceroy's.
The Brunton's were comfortable in the hand but felt a bit heavier than
the Leica's.
It was much easier to pick up a bird (Painted Bunting in a tree at close
range) and a particular distant flying bird (Laughing Gull). A lot
quicker than with my Swift's. When completely backlit in full sun birds
were dark but a slightly less direct angle a step or two left or right
brought plumage details quickly visible with the Brunton's. The Painted
Bunting was in the shade under a cedar but was brought into focus very
quickly and the image was bright and crisp. The focus wheel was large
but moved quickly and it went from 3 feet to infinity in a little over
one turn of the focus wheel. At three feet the image was still very
crisp and I could pick up the butterflies at any reasonable distance
very quickly.
The Brunton's felt a little heavier than the Leica's and a tad lighter
than the Swarovsky's.
As expected for high end bins the Brunton's are fully coated and
waterproof. I bought my Brunton's as refurbished but could find no
visible blemishes so indeed these were probably just a rep's return from
a box. They came with a neck strap and directions but no lens caps. I
called Brunton and they are sending me attachable lens caps without my
even having to ask. As refurbished they are sold as is with only a 30
day money back quarantee. Otherwise there is no warranty. But for $750
compared to $1450 in the box brand new, I saved a good deal of money.
And in addition they came in a hard plastic travel case.
You can get full details and spec's from Brunton's website www.
Brunton.com
They should work out very well for me both for birding and butterflying.
The latest issue of Birding Magazine has an article on mid-priced
binoculars that might interest someone wanting to purchase binoculars
where money is an issue.
Yours for good viewing.
Jack Peachey
Conway, SC
[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: my Brunton binoculars
From: Randy Emmitt <birdcr(AT)concentric.net>
Date: 19 May 2006 11:56pm
Folks,
I tried out a whole box of different Bruntons while I was working at
Kiptopeke State Park in VA last fall when the Brunton Rep stopped by to
check out the hawk watch. To be honest I tried out the 3 foot close focus
that were in the $300+ range and they blew me away how good there were. I
compared them to my Eagle Optics Rangers 3 foot close focus and they were
much brighter (but new) and the distant viewing of birds was much better on
the Bruntons. Personally I think 3 foot close focus bincos are not the best
bird bincos. The other reason I liked the $300 range binocs was they were
much lighter than the expansive ones, I carry two cameras with me and the
added weight was not a good thing.
Cheers,
Randy Emmitt
www.rlephoto.com
At 10:47 PM 5/19/2006, Jack wrote:
>Hi Folks,
>A few of you wanted me to send some comments when I tried out the Brunton
>8X43's Epoch's, I ordered last week directly from Brunton. I tried them
>out at HBSP yesterday while birding with Bob & Judy Maxwell and compared
>them to Bob's 10X40 Swarovski's two years old and Judy's 8X40 Leica's only
>a few months old.
>The following comments are purely mine.
>All three of these roof prisms were about equally bright. I thought the
>Leica's had the crispest image but the Swarovski and Brunton's were just a
>bit less crisp when looking at distant birds. The Brunton's were able to
>pick up some subtle rufous color on the edge of the crown of a
>Semipalmated Sandpiper at about 60 feet. And the bill shape and length of
>even distant Semipal Sandpiper's was very easy to discern with the
>Brunton's and feather details were also crisp. Not always as easy with my
>Swift Viceroy's.
>The Brunton's were comfortable in the hand but felt a bit heavier than the
>Leica's.
>It was much easier to pick up a bird (Painted Bunting in a tree at close
>range) and a particular distant flying bird (Laughing Gull). A lot
>quicker than with my Swift's. When completely backlit in full sun birds
>were dark but a slightly less direct angle a step or two left or right
>brought plumage details quickly visible with the Brunton's. The Painted
>Bunting was in the shade under a cedar but was brought into focus very
>quickly and the image was bright and crisp. The focus wheel was large but
>moved quickly and it went from 3 feet to infinity in a little over one
>turn of the focus wheel. At three feet the image was still very crisp and
>I could pick up the butterflies at any reasonable distance very quickly.
>The Brunton's felt a little heavier than the Leica's and a tad lighter
>than the Swarovsky's.
>As expected for high end bins the Brunton's are fully coated and
>waterproof. I bought my Brunton's as refurbished but could find no
>visible blemishes so indeed these were probably just a rep's return from a
>box. They came with a neck strap and directions but no lens caps. I
>called Brunton and they are sending me attachable lens caps without my
>even having to ask. As refurbished they are sold as is with only a 30 day
>money back quarantee. Otherwise there is no warranty. But for $750
>compared to $1450 in the box brand new, I saved a good deal of money. And
>in addition they came in a hard plastic travel case.
>You can get full details and spec's from Brunton's website www. Brunton.com
>They should work out very well for me both for birding and butterflying.
>The latest issue of Birding Magazine has an article on mid-priced
>binoculars that might interest someone wanting to purchase binoculars
>where money is an issue.
>
>Yours for good viewing.
>
>Jack Peachey
>Conway, SC
>
>
>
>
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