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BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
- This species is starting to show up sporadically around the state. Chris
Borg found two birds in the Lake Seminole area on 5 September (fide Michael
Bell). Michael Bell observed the birds again on 12 September at Spring Creek
(CRC record 2004-15).
BRANT - Two birds were found on JI on 27 November. Sterling Blanchard
and Earl Horn located the birds near the soccer complex, where they remained
until 30 November. The birds were seen and photographed by many birders from
around the state during that period (CRC records 2004-20A and 2004-20B).
SURF SCOTER - There were scattered reports of this species away from the
coast this period. The earliest report was from Rum Creek WMA, where Michael
Beohm found three birds on 5 November. Jim Flynn had two good sightings, the
first of a single bird at Carter’s Lake on 13 November, and the second from
Walker Co. of three birds later the same day.
BLACK SCOTER - Many observers commented on the large number of Black Scoters
present offshore of JI this period. This species is rarely reported from
inland lakes, so a report of a female at Lake Horton on 21 November was very
good (Patrick Brisse).
HOODED MERGANSER - Patrick Brisse had an excellent count of more than 325
birds at ELHLAF, Clayton Co., on 13 November.
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER - This species is not usually seen in large numbers
on inland lakes, so a count of 84 at Carter’s Lake on 13 November was very
good (Jim Flynn).
COMMON LOON - Terry Moore noted the importance of inland lakes for this
species during migration, as evidenced by the large number of birds seen at
Lake Blue Ridge and Carter’s Lake this period. Jim Flynn counted 166 birds
on Lake Blue Ridge, Fannin Co., on 13 November. The highest count was from
Carter’s Lake, where Leo Virant counted more than 300 birds on 14 November.
EARED GREBE - The highest count of the period was from Rum Creek WMA, where
Eric Beohm counted more than 15 birds on 28 September.
CORY'S SHEARWATER - Two pelagic trips from Tybee Island during this period
resulted in very good numbers of this species. The first trip, on 19 August,
produced 75 birds; the second trip, on 21 August, produced 127 birds (Russ
Wigh et al.).
AUDUBON’S SHEARWATER - The high count was on a 10 August pelagic trip when
Russ Wigh observed 25 birds. Russ reported that there was only one bird seen
on the 19 August pelagic trip, and two birds seen on the 21 August trip.
WILSON'S STORM-PETREL - A single bird was seen on the 19 August pelagic trip
(Russ Wigh et al.). Geoff Hill and Lorna West found a single bird on the
Georgia side of Lake Walter F. George on 17 September, shortly after
Hurricane Ivan passed through the area.
MASKED BOOBY - Russ Wigh reported finding one bird on a pelagic trip
on 10 August, 43 km from shore (CRC record 2004-13).
BROWN BOOBY - Amazingly, three birds were seen on the 19 August
pelagic trip. All the birds were seen perched on towers approximately 75 km
offshore (CRC record 2004-09).
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN - There were numerous inland reports of this species
throughout the period. Malcolm Hodges found three birds at Lake Walter F.
George on 12 August. Amazingly, five birds were seen flying over Bartow
County following the passage of Hurricane Ivan on 8 September (Ian
Stephenson). Walt Chambers found a single bird at West Point Dam on 29
October. At MBBP, Lois Stacey found a single bird on 6 November, and again
on 13 November. Back at Lake Walter F. George, Jim Flynn and Earl Horn found
two birds on 21 November.
BROWN PELICAN - Inland reports of this species are rare, so a bird seen in
the Valdosta area on 28 September was interesting (Greg Lee).
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD - Russ Wigh reported finding a single bird on the 19
August pelagic trip.
TRICOLORED HERON - There are very few reports of this species away from the
coast, so a bird observed at ELHLAF from 8-10 August was a good find
(Patrick Brisse). Dan Demko found two birds at Lake Horton, Fayette Co., on
15 August.
REDDISH EGRET - The highest count was from LSSI, where Brandon Noel counted
15 birds on 3 October, including six white morphs.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL - The Clayton Co. Water Authority property produced
another rarity this season. A single bird was present at Lake Blalock from
26 August until 13 October, affording area birders ample opportunity to view
and photograph this unusual inland visitor. John Swiderski reported that
Brad Burner observed a single bird at Carter’s Lake in Lanier Co. on 9
September, following the passage of Hurricane Frances.
WOOD STORK - There were several occurrences in the Atlanta area. Two birds
were seen at Lake Horton, and one bird was found at ELHLAF during the
period. Jeff Sewell saw the bird at ELHLAF on 14 August, and Dan Demko and
Mary Provost saw the Lake Horton birds on 15 August. Tim Keyes observed one
bird near Covington on 28 September, also a good find.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE - Unusual for the area, there were several reports from
Bartow Co. this period, including Grant McCreary’s observation of a single
bird on 14 August. Sharon Winston also saw a single bird in the Newnan area
on 23 August. Chuck Saleeby reported finding two birds over the Cartersville
Airport on 29 August. Jeff Sewell and Bill Lotz located two birds at the
same location on 5 September.
MISSISSIPPI KITE - There were many sightings by various observers during
this period. Mark Davis found a single bird at ELHLAF Wetland Center on 20
August, distant from the usual areas. The highest count was 23 birds seen by
Jeff Sewell and Bill Lotz at Fort Oglethorpe on 11 September. Sandy Pangle
sighted a bird in Bartow Co. on 17 September, much more northerly than
expected. Two birds seen by Chuck Saleeby near Midway on 7 October were
fairly late for the area.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK - Marion Dobbs had the highest count for the season,
observing 106 birds in Rome on 20 September. The latest report was from KMT,
where Deb Zaremba found four birds on 27 October.
GOLDEN EAGLE - This species has been reported more frequently lately. Away
from the hacking-site in northwest Georgia, the species is believed to be a
winter resident, but it is rarely seen. Ian Stephenson reported finding an
adult bird at Harris Neck NWR on 22 October. Jim Flynn discovered an
immature bird at Carter’s Lake in Murray Co. on 13 November, and Eric Beohm
reported a single bird near Griffin on 16 November.
PEREGRINE FALCON - Two pairs of falcons nested successfully in downtown
Atlanta this season, fledging at least three chicks (fide Pierre Howard).
PURPLE GALLINULE - This species is rarely reported away from the coast, so a
bird in the Macon area on 4 September was interesting (Ty Ivey et al.).
COMMON MOORHEN - Some unusual sightings away from the expected range of this
species were received. Carol Lambert observed an adult with two chicks at
ELHLAF on 12 August. Farther north, an immature bird was found in a Bartow
Co. marsh on 4 September (Pierre Howard, Bob and Deb Zaremba).
SANDHILL CRANE - The earliest report of birds returning from the north was
on 14 October, when Karen Osborne observed 16 birds in the Roswell area. The
peak passage of birds over the Atlanta area was on 28 November, when Noah
Kahn reported between 3,000 and 4,000 birds passing over.
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER - Three birds were a good find at a Bartow Co. sod farm
on 17 September (Ken Blankenship, Sandy Pangle).
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER - The highest count was three birds observed at a
Bartow Co. sod farm on 8 September by Ian Stephenson. The only other reports
were all from Bartow Co. as well. Jeff Sewell found a single bird on 11
September; Jeff, Patrick Brisse, and Hugh Garrett observed two birds on 18
September; and Jim Flynn and Earl Horn observed one bird on 3 October.
WILSON’S PLOVER - The highest count for the period was more than 60 birds
seen on LSSI by Brandon Noel on 5 November. Sterling Blanchard had a good
count of 22 birds at JI on 26 November.
PIPING PLOVER - Brandon Noel has been monitoring the wintering population of
this species on LSSI for several seasons. This fall, he reported excellent
counts of 123 on 26 August and 130 on 3 October. This species is rarely
found away from the coast, so a bird observed at a sod farm in Floyd Co. by
Marion Dobbs on 11 September was an excellent find.
BLACK-NECKED STILT - This species was widely reported from many locations
around the state, especially following storm activity. The ELHLAF property
was host to a single bird, first discovered by Carol Lambert on 17
September. The same, or possibly a different, bird was seen intermittently
through 18 October. Two birds found at the same location on 15 November were
intriguing as well (Carol Lambert). Away from that location, Steve Barlow
found one bird at a Bartow Co. sod farm following Hurricane Ivan on 18
September, and it remained in the area until 20 September. Joshua Spence
discovered one bird in Murray County on 19 September. This species is not
known to winter in the state, so four birds found at AWMA near Darien on 29
November were very unusual (Lex Glover, Earl Horn, and Bob Zaremba).
AMERICAN AVOCET - Inland reports of this species are rare, so 18 birds found
in Bartow Co. on 8 September was a very good report (Ian Stephenson).
UPLAND SANDPIPER - There were few reports of this species this fall. The
highest count was three birds found at a Marshallville sod farm by Walt
Chambers on 15 August. Single birds were found in Bartow Co. on 13 August
(Jim Flynn and Earl Horn), again on 15 August (Steve Barlow and Ian
Stephenson), and finally on both 2 and 7 September by Sandy Pangle.
LONG-BILLED CURLEW - The beach at LSSI has been the best location to find
this species. Brandon Noel observed three birds on 26 August and two birds
on 3 October.
MARBLED GODWIT - The highest coastal count was 150 birds observed by Brandon
Noel at LSSI on 3 October. Storm-driven birds showed up in multiple
locations on 17 September following the passage of Hurricane Ivan.
RUDDY TURNSTONE - Following the passage of Hurricane Frances, one bird was
observed by Sandy Pangle at Lake Allatoona on 9 September. Marion Dobbs
located another bird in Floyd Co. on 17 September.
RED KNOT - Away from the coast, there was a great inland record of a bird
found by Joshua Spence at Carter’s Lake on 8 September. The highest count
from the coast was more than 7,000 birds on Wolf Island on 13 September
(Brad Winn.)
SANDERLING - There were several inland reports of this species this season.
Stephen Stewart observed one bird in Floyd Co. on 12 August. At ELHLAF,
Carol Lambert and Walt Chambers observed a bird on 7 September, and Marion
Dobbs found a single bird at a sod farm in Floyd Co. on 11 September.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER - One bird was a good find at ELHLAF on 3 September
by Ian Stephenson. Jim Flynn and Earl Horn located another bird in Lanier
Co. on 12 September. Finally, Jeff Sewell observed two birds in Bulloch Co.
on 11 October.
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER - This species migrates through our area in the fall, but
we never see large numbers. A single bird observed at ELHLAF by Carol
Lambert on 2 September remained until 4 September. Jim Flynn found another
bird in Forsyth Co. on 2 September. The only report from Bartow Co. was a
single bird seen on 3 September (Bob and Deb Zaremba). Marion Dobbs observed
one bird in Floyd Co. on 17 September. Unusual for the coast, a single bird
was found at LSSI on 12 September, which remained until 18 September (Giff
Beaton et al.).
PURPLE SANDPIPER - The most reliable location for seeing this species is
Tybee Island. Steve Alver and Diana Churchill found seven birds there on 12
November, and four birds were found there on 26 November (Earl Horn et al.).
A bird found by Steve Barlow at JI on 25 November was an unusual find for
that location.
DUNLIN - Mark Davis and Sid Breibart observed 14 birds at ELHLAF on 15
November, for a very good inland count.
STILT SANDPIPER - There were several reports of this species following this
season’s storms. The highest count was 11 birds observed in Bartow Co. on 7
September (Bob and Deb Zaremba). Other reports were six birds at ELHLAF on
18 September by Tim Rose, and nine at the same location on 23 October by
Georgann Schmalz.
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER - A very early report from the coast was a juvenile
bird observed on Cumberland Island by Patrick Leary on 27 August. Many
observers noted the presence of between two and four birds at the Bartow Co.
sod farm from 3-18 September. The highest count was from Floyd Co., where
Marion Dobbs had five birds on 11 and 17 September.
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER - Sandy Pangle observed three birds at a Bartow Co.
sod farm on 17 September.
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE - There was an amazing number of inland reports
following the passage of Hurricane Frances on 7 September. Most of the birds
seen right after that date were in Bartow Co., but birds were also found in
Cobb Co. and Murray Co. The highest count was at an Industrial Park in
Bartow Co., where Bob and Deb Zaremba observed 11 birds. They also found
four birds at a Bartow Co. sod farm and one bird in a farm pond elsewhere in
Bartow Co. David Heeden located a single bird at RNP earlier in the day, for
a very good Cobb Co. record. Later in the month, Ken Blankenship found a
single bird at a Bartow Co. sod farm on 17 September, following the passage
of Hurricane Ivan.
RED PHALAROPE - The only report was from Lake Walter F. George, where Geoff
Hill and Mark Liu located a single bird on 17 September following the
passage of Hurricane Ivan.
POMARINE JAEGER - There were two reports following the storms this season.
Walt Chambers discovered one bird at West Point Lake on 17 September. At
Lake Walter F. George, Geoff Hill and Mark Liu also located a dark- morph
bird on 17 September.
LAUGHING GULL - Geoff Hill and Mark Liu had a very high inland count of this
species following Hurricane Ivan, counting more than 150 birds at Lake
Walter F. George on 17 September.
FRANKLIN’S GULL - The earliest report was of a bird observed at Skidaway
Island on 5 August by Peter Range (fide Russ Wigh). This species is a rare
migrant below the Fall Line, so four reports this season is a pretty good
showing. Michael Beohm found one bird at JI on 21 October. The highest count
of the season was from WPD, where Jim Flynn and Earl Horn found three birds
on 31 October, one of which remained for at least another day (v.ob.). Paul
Sykes observed an adult bird on Tybee Island on 13 November. Back at WPD,
Michael Beohm located another bird in late November (fide Eric Beohm).
THAYER’S GULL - The CRC accepted the first state record of this
species this season. Michael and Eric Beohm first discovered the bird at WPD
on 12 November, but it was not relocated until later in the month. The bird
became fairly reliable below the dam for several days, and became one of the
most photographed birds this year. The bird was last seen on 30 November (m.ob.;
CRC record 2004-18).
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Steve Calver and Peter Range had an excellent
count of 27 birds on Wassaw Island on 17 September.
GULL-BILLED TERN - There were two storm-driven birds at WPD on 17 September
(Walt Chambers). One bird was still present the following day (Malcolm
Hodges).
CASPIAN TERN - The 22 birds seen at Carter’s Lake by Joshua Spence on 8
September were likely another result of Hurricane Frances passing through
the area.
COMMON TERN - Joshua Spence observed 16 birds at Carter’s Lake on 8
September following the storm.
LEAST TERN - This species rarely turns up at inland locations, so a bird
found at ELHLAF on 1 August by Steve Barlow was a good find.
BRIDLED TERN - The two birds seen on Tybee Island by Deb Barriero on 6
September were probably influenced by the recent passage of Hurricane
Frances. The two pelagic trips on 19 and 21 August produced 14 and five
birds, respectively (Russ Wigh et al).
SOOTY TERN - The most interesting result of the passage of Hurricanes
Frances and Ivan on 7 and 17 September, respectively, was the large number
of this species that was deposited on area lakes. Many reports were received
across the state of birds found inland. On 7 September, Carol Lambert found
one bird on Lake Blalock; Tim Keyes found three birds at Lake Jackson; Jim
Flynn found seven birds at Lake Lanier; and Earl Horn found four birds at
Lake Oconee. The following day, 8 September, Joshua Spence found one bird at
Carter’s Lake; Chuck Saleeby found one bird at Lake Allatoona; Earl Horn
found two birds still at Lake Lanier; and Bob Zaremba and Lorna West found
five birds at WPD. On 9 September, Paul Johnson and Jerry and Marie Amerson
found four birds on Lake Tobesofkee. Finally, on 10 September, Terry Johnson
et al. found two birds at the Plant Scherer ash ponds. Once Hurricane Ivan
passed through on 17 September, Walt Chambers found six birds at WPD and
Earl Horn found two birds at Lake Lanier. The following day, one bird was
still at WPD (Malcolm Hodges). What an incredible number of reports!
BLACK TERN - Brandon Noel had a
very good count of more than 500 birds at LSSI on 26 August.
BLACK SKIMMER - There were several
inland reports during the week following the passage of Hurricane Ivan on 17
September. The bird found by Carol Lambert at ELHLAF remained in that area
until 24 September. Geoff Hill and Mark Liu found five birds at Lake Walter
F. George. Joshua Spence found one bird on Carter’s Lake. Michael and
Richard Beohm found one bird at WPD. Perhaps the most unexpected location
was a bird found at the Bostwick sod farm in Morgan Co. by David Galewski
(fide Mark Freeman).
WHITE-WINGED DOVE - This species is being reported more frequently, but has
not yet become established in the state, to our knowledge. There were
several reports of one or two birds that were visiting a feeder on JI
between 20 October and 29 November (Marjorie Clark). Several birds were
found on Tybee Island on 6 November (Earl Horn, Jim Flynn, Bob and Deb
Zaremba). Betty Belanger reported that another bird was seen briefly at a
feeder in Brunswick on 29 November. A Merlin took the bird while the
homeowner watched. Away from the coast, the only report was of a bird found
by Clive Rainey near Americus on 7 November.
COMMON GROUND-DOVE - This species seems to be spreading north, but a bird
found by Karen Theodorou in Duluth on 6 November was highly unusual for that
location.
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO - This species is infrequently reported, so three
reports this season was very good. Pierre Howard found a bird at the CRNRA
on 19 September, and Ian Stephenson located a bird at the same location on
25 September. Noah Kahn found one bird at KMT on 28 September.
LONG-EARED OWL - A very unexpected discovery was a bird found on
Tybee Island on 5 November by Steve Wagner. Steve was able to photograph the
bird before it flushed, but was unable to relocate it after it flushed (CRC
record 2005-05).
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD - The latest report was from Connie Madia, who had
a bird at her feeder on 9 November in Woodbine, Camden Co.
BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD - Steve Calver reported that a male arrived at his
feeder again this fall on 5 October.
CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD - An adult male, probably the same bird that
spent the winter last year, arrived at Pat White’s Decatur feeder on 6
November and remained through the end of the period (CRC record 2004-21).
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER - Russ Wigh provided a rare report of a single
bird from Skidaway Island on 12 October, tying the late date for that
region. Jeff Sewell and Bill Lotz observed a bird at CRNRA fairly late in
the season on 17 October.
LEAST FLYCATCHER - Russ Wigh provided two reports from Skidaway Island. The
first was a bird seen and heard from 11-13 October. Another bird reported on
28 October in the same location would be a new late date for the region.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER - An adult male was found near Albany in Lee Co. on 15
November (Alan Ashley).
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER - A bird seen on Skidaway Island on 31 October
would be a new late date for this species (fide Russ Wigh).
WESTERN KINGBIRD - Several reports were received of single birds, mostly
from the coastal region. The first report was from Lake Pamona near Midway,
where Earl Horn and Jim Flynn discovered a bird in a pasture on 6 November.
Bryan Wyatt observed a bird on the JI causeway on 19 November. Michael Beohm
reported finding a bird at JI on 30 November.
EASTERN KINGBIRD - This species is usually gone by the end of October, so
two reports from the Coastal Plain may be new late dates for that region.
Wendy Ealding observed a bird at Birdsong Plantation Nature Center on 12
November. Even later in the month, Annette Bittaker found one bird in Coffee
Co. on 19 November.
GRAY KINGBIRD - Any report of this species away from JI is unusual, so a
report of two birds seen in Savannah on 10 September was very interesting.
The highest count was eight birds seen on LSSI by Brandon Noel from 12-19
September.
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER - Debbie Grimes reported finding a single bird in
Brooks Co. on 5 November, for the only report of the season.
PHILADELPHIA VIREO - There were numerous reports from around the state
during this period. The highest counts were from Chamblee, where Walt
Chambers found three birds on 24 September, and from Carter’s Lake, where
Joshua Spence found three birds on 2 October. The species is rarely seen on
the coast, so a report from Skidaway Island on 15 October is very good (Russ
Wigh).
RED-EYED VIREO - Michael Bell reported a late migrating bird at Birdsong
Nature Center, Grady Co., on 31 October, seen by Fran Rutovsky, but the
latest report was from Cumberland Island, where Russ Wigh observed one bird
on 3 November.
HORNED LARK - Earl Horn and Jim Flynn reported a high count of 100 birds
from Macon Co. on 12 September.
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW - There were several reports of late sightings
around the state. Stacy Zarpentine and Zeile Lebeau observed one bird at
Chattahoochee Nature Center on 13 and 14 November. Eric Beohm observed one
bird at ELHLAF on 24 November, and he and Michael Beohm saw three birds at
MBBP on 27 November. Steve Barlow observed one bird at AWMA on 29 November.
CAVE SWALLOW - There were several reports of this species during the
period. The earliest report was 24-26 October at Phinizy Nature Park near
Augusta by Jeff Sewell and Bill Lotz (CRC record 2004-12A through 2004-12E).
Jim Flynn and Earl Horn observed one bird at Lake Pamona on 6 November (CRC
record 2004-17), but it was not seen again. The third report was from JI,
where Paul Sykes found two birds on 14 November (CRC record 2004-16).
BARN SWALLOW - Steve Barlow set a new late date record for the coastal
region when he observed a bird at AWMA on 26 November.
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH - Marion Dobbs, Giff Beaton, and Noah Kahn observed a
bird in Rabun Co. on 18 August that could be a part of the breeding
population in that area. There were numerous reports of birds seen later in
the season. Steve Calver observed a bird on Tybee Island on 12 November,
which was unusual for the coast.
SEDGE WREN - Michael Bell had a very good count of nine birds at Birdsong
Nature Center on 30 October.
VEERY - Jim Flynn and Earl Horn counted 125 birds on a pre-dawn count on 12
September.
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH - There was a very good count of 16 birds at KMT on 29
September (Giff Beaton et al.).
SWAINSON'S THRUSH - Giff Beaton reported a high count of 46 birds seen at
KMT on 30 September.
WOOD THRUSH - A new high count of 27 birds was set at KMT on 29 September
(Giff Beaton et al.). Rich Krause reported finding a late migrating bird in
the Lilburn area on 1 November. The latest report was a bird observed in
Atlanta on 3 November by Pierre Howard.
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER - A high count was six birds, reported from KMT on 19
and 29 September (Pierre Howard and Giff Beaton). Pierre Howard and Noah
Kahn also reported seeing six birds at CRNRA on 1 October.
TENNESSEE WARBLER - Deb Zaremba reported the high count of 51 birds at KMT
on 15 October. Jeff Sewell, Carol Lambert, and Dan Vickers found a late
migrating bird at CRNRA on 13 November.
NASHVILLE WARBLER - There were numerous reports of this species from all
around the state. The earliest report was from Ian Stephenson on 12
September from the Robinson Nature Preserve.
YELLOW WARBLER - Eric and Michael Beohm reported finding a late migrating
bird at Phinizy Swamp on 27 November.
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER - Deb Zaremba reported a high count of 12 birds at
KMT on 20 September.
MAGNOLIA WARBLER - The highest count came from KMT on 5 October where Giff
Beaton reported seeing 14 birds. The latest report was from Carol Lambert,
who found a single bird at the ELHLAF Wetland Center on 10 November.
CAPE MAY WARBLER - Lingering birds were found by Russ Wigh at Cumberland
Island on 1 November, and by Anne Waters at MBBP on 13 November.
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER - Michael and Eric Beohm reported a bird from
the Lake Seminole area on 14 November.
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER - The highest count was from KMT on 6 October,
where 27 birds were reported (Giff Beaton et al.). Marion Dobbs found a late
migrating bird on 30 October at Berry College, Floyd Co. The latest report
was from Emily Koumans, who found a single bird in DeKalb Co. on 4 November.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER - The high count was on 12 September from KMT, where
birders found 11 birds (Bob Zaremba et al.). Leslie Curan found a late
migrating bird on 1 November at the Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta.
BLACKPOLL WARBLER - The only report of this species was from KMT on 14
October, where a single bird was discovered (Giff Beaton et al.).
CERULEAN WARBLER - This species migrates through our area early, so a high
count of nine birds seen at KMT on 5 September was a very good late-season
count (Pierre Howard et al.).
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER - There was a large movement of birds on 5
September, as was evidenced by the high count of migrants at KMT that
morning. Birders at this location found 20 species of warblers, including a
high count of 16 Black-and-White Warblers (Pierre Howard et al.).
AMERICAN REDSTART - The highest count was 14 birds seen at KMT on 13
September (Deb Zaremba et al.) Russ Wigh reported finding a late migrating
bird on Cumberland Island on 3 November.
OVENBIRD - A very late migrating bird, found by Pat Michaelson in midtown
Atlanta, was last seen on 18 November.
CONNECTICUT WARBLER - Ian Stephenson reported finding a bird at KMT on 22
August. This species is rarely seen in the fall in the state, and this would
be an extremely early date.
MOURNING WARBLER - This species is difficult to find in the state, so three
reports this season are very good. Giff Beaton reported finding two
individual birds at KMT this season. The first report was on 16 September
and the second was on 6 October. Ian Stephenson found a bird at CRNRA on 25
September.
MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER - Karen Theodorou established only the second
accepted record for the state by finding a bird in Duluth. The bird was
present for two days, 28-29 September. The bird was photographed by Earl
Horn and seen by several observers during its brief visit (CRC record
2004-08).
WILSON’S WARBLER - There were multiple reports of this species in September.
The earliest report was on 4 September by Earl Horn from Suwanee Creek. Russ
Wigh reported finding a late migrating bird on Skidaway Island on 15
October. The highest count was on 5 September from KMT, where two birds were
found (Pierre Howard et al.).
CANADA WARBLER - The highest count was five birds from KMT on 31 August (Deb
Zaremba et al.).
SUMMER TANAGER - The highest count of the season was 10 birds seen at KMT on
5 September (Pierre Howard et al.).
SCARLET TANAGER - The highest count was 24 birds seen at KMT on 22 September
(Giff Beaton et al.).
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW - There was a very high number of reports of this
species. The earliest report, a very good one of an early migrant for that
region, was on 18 September from Carter’s Lake, where Steve Barlow found a
single bird. Later in the month, on 28 September, Joshua Spence found two
birds at Carter’s Lake. There were several reports of birds seen along the
dikes at the AWMA during October. At Carter’s Lake, Joshua Spence found
another bird on 9 November. Eric and Michael Beohm reported an incredible
count of eight birds seen near Lake Seminole on 14 November.
LARK SPARROW - Bill Blakeslee found three birds in the coastal region on 20
August. The first was at Harris Neck NWR, and the other two birds were on JI.
Jim Flynn and Earl Horn found a single bird in Clinch Co. on 12 September.
Giff Beaton found a bird on LSSI on 12 September, which was last seen on 18
September.
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW - Michael Bell reported a very good count of five birds
late in the season. He located the birds at the Birdsong Nature Preserve in
Grady Co. on 30 October.
HENSLOW’S SPARROW - Pierre Howard found a single bird at the CRNRA on 26
October. At Birdsong Nature Preserve, Michael Bell saw a single bird on 30
October.
LINCOLN’S SPARROW - There were widespread reports of this species this
season. The earliest report was a bird found by Grant McCreary on 30
September in Cumming. There were several reports from CRNRA between 5-26
October (Pierre Howard et al.). Marion Dobbs found a single bird in Floyd
Co. on 22 October. Walt Chambers found a single bird at the Bradley Unit of
ENWR on 6 November, and Noah Kahn found a bird at the ELHLAF Wetlands Center
on 9 November.
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW - Giff Beaton located only the fourth state record of
the gambelii subspecies on LSSI on 10 October. Pierre Howard was able to
document the record with photographs.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK - The highest count was on 30 September at KMT, where
Giff Beaton saw 49 birds. The latest report came from Coffee Co., where
Annette Bittaker saw a late migrating bird on 8 November.
BLUE GROSBEAK - Walt Chambers found a late migrating bird at Sandy Creek
Campground south of Columbus on 6 November.
INDIGO BUNTING - There were two reports of late migrating birds. On 1
November, Leslie Curran found a bird at the Big Creek Greenway in
Alpharetta. Karen Theodorou found another bird on 4 November in Gwinnett Co.
DICKCISSEL - There were several reports from around the Atlanta area. Mark
Davis found a single bird in Bartow Co. on 1 August. Giff Beaton found a
single bird flying over KMT on 30 September for a rare report from that
location. The latest report was from Georgann Schmalz, who had a single bird
at the ELHLAF on 23 October.
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD - Several reports from around the state were
received. The earliest report was a bird seen on St. Simons Island on 23
August by Lydia Thompson. Eric and Michael Beohm found a male bird near Lake
Seminole on 14 November. The last report was from JI, where Ellery
McClintock found a bird on the causeway on 26 November.
BREWER'S BLACKBIRD - Joshua Spence found a large flock in Gordon Co. on 15
November.
PURPLE FINCH - Rarely reported from the coast, this species was documented
on Skidaway Island for the first time since the 1931 CBC. Russ Wigh
documented the sighting with photographs on 26 October. Steve Calver
observed one bird at a feeder in Savannah on 11 November, for another
unusual coastal report.
PINE SISKIN - Fannin Co. hosted birds on and off during the summer, so a
bird noted on 29 August was likely one of the birds that had been seen by
Tom Striker. The highest count was 20 birds seen on 29 November by Lynn
Schlup in Oconee. Beth Roth observed two birds on Skidaway Island on 14
November, for an early date in the coastal region (fide Russ Wigh).
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