* Georgia statewide
* May 31, 2002
* GAGA0205.31

- Birds Reported

Black-bellied Whistling Duck
White-rumped Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Dickcissel

- Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: May 31, 2002
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: May 31, 2002
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Carol Lambert

This is the Georgia Rare Bird Alert (RBA) transcription of the Friday morning report, May 31, 2002. This RBA is a service of the Georgia Ornithological Society. Jeff Sewell is the compiler and voice of the telephone reports (770-493-8862). Note: Further information on sites mentioned in this RBA (such as DeLorme Atlas coordinates and "Birding Georgia" page number, if applicable) is available on the GOS web site, www.gos.org/rbas.html. Click on the date of the RBA.


A report of 7 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS seen on 5/22 was received from Paige Harvey near the community of Meridian in McIntosh County. I am trying to contact the observer and obtain more information.

A report of 7 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS and a couple of SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS from Earl Horn in Bartow Co. These shorebirds were on two small farm ponds on Taff Rd. and Brandon Farms Rd., not far from the field where DICKCISSELS have recently been found near the power substation on Brandon Farms Rd. Directions: from GA Hwy 113 on the west side of Cartersville go west and look for Brandon Farms Rd. on the left. Turn left and continue on this road to the intersection with Taff Rd. As you approach the intersection of Taff Rd., check the ponds on the right. [DeLorme: p. 19, grid E-8]

Dale Hardee reports that on 5/27 he saw 1 SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER 1-1/2 miles from the nest site near McDonough in Henry County. The bird was at the intersection of Iris Lake Road and Cone Drive. From the nest site reported earlier, continue east on King Mill Rd., turn right on Iris Lake Road and check the powerline close to Cone Drive. Directions to the nest site: From I-75 in Henry County, take the southerly-most of the McDonough exits, GA 155, to the left (east). Proceed toward McDonough and in 0.25-mile look for King Mill Road and turn right. Go through an industrial park for a couple of miles and dead-end at GA 42. Turn left and go about 0.5 mile to King Mill Road again, and turn right. Go no more than 0.5 mile and look for a power line crossing and stop there on the right. Look on the left side of King Mill and on the first big power pole and on the left lower arm look for nesting activity of the flycatchers [DeLorme: p. 26, grid G-5].

Bob Zaremba reports seeing the WILLOW FLYCATCHERS this week at the nest site by the Ingles parking lot in Blairsville, Union County that they have used in previous years. [DeLorme: p. 15, grid C-7]

He also observed the LEAST FLYCATCHERS that have returned to the nest site in Suches, southern Union Co. The location is at the intersection of GA Hwy. 180 and Kennedy Creek Rd. [DeLorme: p. 15, grid E-7]

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* Georgia statewide
* May 26, 2002
* GAGA0205.26

- Birds Reported

Wilson's Plover
Connecticut Warbler
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Olive-sided Flycatcher

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: May 26, 2002
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: May 26, 2002
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

This is the Georgia Rare Bird Alert (RBA) transcription of the Sunday morning report, May 26, 2002. This RBA is a service of the Georgia Ornithological Society. Jeff Sewell is the compiler and voice of the telephone reports (770-493-8862). Note: Further information on sites mentioned in this RBA (such as DeLorme Atlas coordinates and "Birding Georgia" page number, if applicable) is available on the GOS web site, www.gos.org/rbas.html. Click on the date of the RBA.

Lydia Thompson located six nesting pairs of WILSON'S PLOVERS on the south end of Jekyll Island on Friday during a Wilson's Plover survey of the island. [DeLorme: p. 63, grid H-7; Birding Georgia: p. 203]

Yesterday morning, Jeff Sewell located a CONNECTICUT WARBLER at Sweetwater Creek State Park, which is west of Atlanta and south of Douglasville off of I-20 in Douglas Co. This bird was located at the back end of the park. After entering Sweetwater Creek State Park on Mt. Vernon Rd., cross over an arm of the lake and look for Factory Shoals Rd. on the left. Turn left on Factory Shoals Rd., past the guard station ($2.00 fee to enter the park), and within a ½ mile, take a left turn (heading straight takes you to the main parking lot for the trail head, the Creek and the factory ruins). After taking the left, head to the picnic area, which is on the left. Just past here on the left is a boggy area. This is where the CONNECTICUT WARBLER was. It was first heard at singing 9:00 AM and was later seen. Chris Lowdermilk last saw it at about 1:00 PM. [DeLorme: p. 25, grid B-10; Birding Georgia: p. 67]

Giff Beaton reported a very late GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH at Kennesaw Mt. National Battlefield Park near Marietta in Cobb Co. This is a new state late spring date for this species by one day. It was heard on the downhill side of the main road by yellow post no. 1. [DeLorme: p. 20, grid G-1; Birding Georgia: p. 71]

The MOURNING WARBLER at Kennesaw Mt. has not been reported since Thursday when it was first located.

Michael Bender reported an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER in Fannin Co. along a Forest Service Rd. north of Suches. Call the hotline and leave a message for Jeff for the directions. [DeLorme: p. 14, Grid D-5]

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* Georgia statewide
* May 23, 2002
* GAGA0205.21

- Birds Reported

Mourning Warbler

- Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: May 24, 2002
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: May 23, 2002
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Joel Hitt

This is the Georgia Rare Bird Alert (RBA) transcription of the Thursday morning report, May 23, 2002. This RBA is a service of the Georgia Ornithological Society. Jeff Sewell is the compiler and voice of the telephone reports (770-493-8862). Note: Further information on sites mentioned in this RBA (such as DeLorme Atlas coordinates and "Birding Georgia" page number, if applicable) are available on the GOS web site, www.gos.org/rbas.html. Click on the date of the RBA.

Tom Egan found a first year male MOURNING WARBLER at Kennesaw Mountain at 8:45 AM on Thursday. The bird was first heard and then seen for several minutes feeding in a dense tangle. The bird continued to sing for approximately 15 minutes. It then fell silent, but after about 45 minutes the bird sang again repeatedly and moved in for close inspection by the 7 birders present by that time, thanks to Tom's calls to the RBA and some local birders. Initially the bird was seen on the left side of the road just prior to road marker 3. The second sighting was in the dense vines on the left side of the road just prior to road marker 4. [DeLorme: p. 20, grid G-1; Birding Georgia: p. 71]

From Atlanta drive north on I-75 8.4 miles beyond I-285; turn right at exit 114B; follow the signs for US 41 for about a mile; turn right onto US 41 at the stoplight; drive 0.6 miles north to the second traffic light; turn left on Bell's Ferry Rd; take first right onto old US 41; drive 1.1 miles and turn left onto Stilesboro Rd. and then an immediate left into the parking lot.

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* Georgia statewide
* May 21, 2002
* GAGA0205.21

- Birds Reported

Connecticut Warbler
Baird's Sandpiper (not seen)
Wilson's Phalarope
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

- Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: May 22, 2002
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: May 21, 2002
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Joel Hitt

This is the Georgia Rare Bird Alert (RBA) transcription of the Tuesday evening report, May 21, 2002. This RBA is a service of the Georgia Ornithological Society. Jeff Sewell is the compiler and voice of the telephone reports (770-493-8862). Note: Further information on sites mentioned in this RBA (such as DeLorme Atlas coordinates and "Birding Georgia" page number, if applicable) are available on the GOS web site, www.gos.org/rbas.html. Click on the date of the RBA.

After about a week of no reports on CONNECTICUT WARBLER, one was reported both Monday and Tuesday from the Cochran Shoals Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. You may recall that 2 were located at Cochran Shoals along the boardwalk. Yesterday, Monday May 20, Mark Davis reported one bird singing and today, Leslie Curran and Jackie Heyda heard and saw the bird. The location of this week's Connecticut is not as far along the main trail as the boardwalk is. As you proceed from the Powers Ferry Road parking lot, stop at the first feeder creek and beaver dam along the main trail. The bird was heard and seen in this area.

Directions to Cochran Shoals are well known, and are as follows. From I-285 on the north side of Atlanta, take Exit 22, New Northside Drive/Northside Drive/Powers Ferry Road. Go outside the perimeter 0.2 mile to the traffic light and go straight across onto Interstate Parkway North. Proceed 0.8 mile to the Cochran Shoals entrance just after you cross the river, and turn right into the parking lot. There is a $2 user fee drop box at the trailhead. [DeLorme: p. 20, grid H-2; Birding Georgia: p. 79].

Rusty Trump reports from the American Protein Plant in Forsyth County off GA 400. He looked for the BAIRD'S SANDPIPER seen Saturday by Rusty nor on Sunday by Jim Flynn. However on Sunday Jim did have a WILSON'S PHALAROPE at that location. Go north on GA 400 to GA 306 and proceed east for about 2 miles. Look on the left for the American Protein Plant sign. [DeLorme: p. 21, grid C-6]

Earl Horn reported on Saturday that the pair of SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS has returned to their breeding site in McDonough in Henry County. This is their 3rd consecutive year to appear at this location. From I-75 in Henry County take the southerly-most of the McDonough exits, GA 155, to the left (east). Proceed toward McDonough and in 0.25-mile look for King Mill Road and turn right. Go through an industrial park for a couple of miles and dead-end at GA 42. Turn left and go about 0.5 mile to King Mill Road again, and turn right. Go no more than 0.5 mile and look for a power line crossing and stop there on the right. Look on the left side of King Mill and on the first big power pole and on the left lower arm look for nesting activity of the flycatchers. [DeLorme: p. 26, grid G-5]

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* Georgia statewide
* May 18, 2002
* GAGA0205.18

- Birds Reported

Connecticut Warbler (last seen 05/15)
"Great White Heron" (Great Blue Heron, White Morph)
Purple Gallinule
Least Bittern
Stilt Sandpiper
Gull-billed Tern
Black-necked Stilt
Baird's Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Plover
Spotted Sandpiper

- Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: May 18, 2002
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: May 18, 2002
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Joel Hitt

This is the Georgia Rare Bird Alert (RBA) transcription of the Saturday evening report, May 18, 2002. This RBA is a service of the Georgia Ornithological Society. Jeff Sewell is the compiler and voice of the telephone reports (770-493-8862). Note: Further information on sites mentioned in this RBA (such as DeLorme Atlas coordinates and "Birding Georgia" page number, if applicable) are available on the GOS web site, www.gos.org/rbas.html. Click on the date of the RBA.

The amazing number of 4 CONNECTICUT WARBLERS seen in the metro Atlanta area a few days ago had dwindled to only 1 reported as of last Wednesday morning, May 15. That bird was seen by Bruce Dralle and Traci Brown at the South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserve (SPCNP) in DeKalb County [DeLorme: p. 26, grid A-4]. Since then no reports of these birds have come in from either the SPCNP or at the Cochran Shoals Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, in Cobb County just north of I-285 [DeLorme: p. 20, grid H-2; Birding Georgia: p. 79].

Eric Boehm on Friday afternoon saw a GREAT WHITE HERON at Gould's Inlet on St. Simon's Island. This of course is a white color morph of the Great Blue Heron, usually confined to the Everglades in South Florida. So this is quite a rare event for Georgia, only a few having been recorded over the years [DeLorme: p. 63, grid F-8; Birding Georgia: p. 196].

Eric also birded the Altamaha State Waterfowl Management Area just south of Darien in McIntosh County along US 17. From this area he reports 6 PURPLE GALLINULES, 7 LEAST BITTERN, 9 STILT SANDPIPERS, 11 GULL-BILLED TERNS, and 12 BLACK-NECKED STILTS [DeLorme: p. 63, grid C-7; Birding Georgia: p. 192].

Jack Carusos and John Padgett report a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER from the American Protein Plant in Forsyth County along GA 306. Go north on GA 400 to GA 306 and proceed east for about 2 miles. Look on the left for the American Protein Plant sign. Turn there; the bird was on the main pond. They also had SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, LEAST SANDPIPER, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER [DeLorme: p. 21, grid C-6].

From E. L. Huie Land Application Facility in Clayton County south of Jonesboro the pond levels are reported as fairly good for shorebirds right now. Sightings reported from Huie today include all the species listed above from the American Protein Plant with the exception of the Baird's Sandpiper [DeLorme: p. 26, grid F-3; Birding Georgia: p. 85].

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* Georgia statewide
* May 14, 2002
* GAGA0205.14

- Birds Reported

Connecticut Warbler

- Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: May 14, 2002
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: May 14, 2002
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Joel Hitt

This is the Georgia Rare Bird Alert (RBA) transcription of the Tuesday evening report, May 14, 2002. This RBA is a service of the Georgia Ornithological Society. Jeff Sewell is the compiler and voice of the telephone reports (770-493-8862). Note: Further information on sites mentioned in this RBA (such as DeLorme Atlas coordinates and "Birding Georgia" page number, if applicable) are available on the GOS web site, www.gos.org/rbas.html. Click on the date of the RBA.

An amazing situation has evolved in Atlanta regarding CONNECTICUT WARBLERS in the area. I had previously reported on 2 individuals present at the South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserve (SPCNP, DeKalb County), seen first Sunday and again Monday. Today, Tuesday, Pierre Howard called and said that he has located another 2 individuals at the Cochran Shoals Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Cobb County). He had the birds on the boardwalk where the benches are located. There was one bird on each side. From the parking lot, walk out to the boardwalk. A sign indicates the location. Walk out about 100 feet or so to the benches, and that's where Pierre said he saw and heard the 2 CONNECTICUT WARBLERS.

From I-285 on the north side of Atlanta, take Exit 22, New Northside Drive/Northside Drive/Powers Ferry Road. Go outside the perimeter 0.2 mile to the traffic light and go straight across onto Interstate Parkway North. Proceed 0.8 mile to the Cochran Shoals entrance just after you cross the river, and turn right into the parking lot. There is a $2 user fee drop box at the trailhead. [DeLorme: p. 20, grid H-2; Birding Georgia: p. 79].

Jim Flynn reports that at least one CONNECTICUT WARBLER remained at the SPCNP this morning. Up to two birds have been seen since Jeff Sewell first discovered their presence Sunday morning. Directions to SPCNP are well-known by now: From Lawrenceville Highway and North Druid Hills Road proceed west toward Atlanta, pass North DeKalb Mall immediately on your right, and cross South Peachtree Creek. Go through the traffic signal at the QuikTrip, and take the next right onto Harrington Drive. Go about ¾ mile and turn right onto Wood Trail Lane. As Wood Trail Lane curves to the left, park and walk out into the preserve on the path that leads to the boardwalk. Be careful in parking that you do not impede traffic flow on the street. [DeLorme: p. 26, grid A-4]

Jim said that the bird he had Tuesday morning was seen near the entrance on the left hand side of the entrance trail to the observation deck. If not heard there, the bird could be further around the trail past the boardwalk's end.

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* Georgia statewide
* May 13, 2002
* GAGA0205.13

- Birds Reported

Connecticut Warbler
Dunlin
Ruddy Turnstone
Western Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper (possible)

- Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: May 13, 2002
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: May 13, 2002
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Joel Hitt

This is the Georgia Rare Bird Alert (RBA) transcription of the Monday evening report, May 13, 2002. This RBA is a service of the Georgia Ornithological Society. Jeff Sewell is the compiler and voice of the telephone reports (770-493-8862). Note: Further information on sites mentioned in this RBA (such as DeLorme Atlas coordinates and "Birding Georgia" page number, if applicable) are available on the GOS web site, www.gos.org/rbas.html. Click on the date of the RBA.

Jeff Sewell located a CONNECTICUT WARBLER at the South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserve (SPCNP) Sunday morning in DeKalb County, then was unable to relocate the bird at noontime. The bird was originally seen beyond the boardwalk, but then moved to the middle of the interpretive trail, and finally at the front of the trail near the street in some scrubby growth. Pierre Howard relocated the bird on Monday morning, and then several birders called later to say there was not one but two individuals at this location. The bird(s) were most frequently seen on the left-hand trail about 20 yards or so down the trail near the privet growth. Continue on around the loop trail in search of the birds. Carol Lambert was there at the end of the day on Monday and did not locate either of the birds. The best times have been between 8:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Thanks to Pierre Howard, Earl Horn, Bruce Dralle, Karen Theodoru, and Carol Lambert for their information on today's findings.

Directions to SPCNP are well-known by now: From Lawrenceville Highway and North Druid Hills Road proceed west toward Atlanta, pass North DeKalb Mall immediately on your right, and cross South Peachtree Creek. Go through the traffic signal at the QuikTrip, and take the next right onto Harrington Drive. Go about 3/4 mile and turn right onto Wood Trail Lane. As Wood Trail Lane curves to the left, park and walk out into the preserve on the path that leads to the boardwalk. Be careful in parking that you do not impede traffic flow on the street. [DeLorme: p. 26, grid A-4]

Carol Lambert birded at the E. L. Huie Land Application Facility on Monday, and relocated the DUNLIN and RUDDY TURNSTONE previously seen on the South Pond, or Pond E. She also found WESTERN SANDPIPERS, and a possible WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. Bill Stiner also called in about these birds. [DeLorme: p. 26, grid F-3; Birding Georgia: p. 85]

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*Georgia statewide
*May 10, 2002
*GAGA0205.10

-Birds Reported

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Dickcissel

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: May 10, 2002
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: May 10, 2002
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Carol Lambert

This is the Georgia Rare Bird Alert (RBA) transcription of the Friday evening report, May 10, 2002. The RBA is a service of the Georgia Ornithological Society. Jeff Sewell is the compiler and voice of the telephone reports (770-493-8862). Note: Further information on sites mentioned in this RBA (such as DeLorme Atlas coordinates and "Birding Georgia" page number, if applicable) are available on the GOS web site, www.gos.org/rbas.html. Click on the date of the RBA.

The pair of SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS that have nested near McDonough in Henry County the past two years were seen today by Bob Zaremba. They were gathering nest material at the same powerline site as in previous years. Directions: I-75 to exit 216, GA Hwy. 155. Go east toward McDonough a short distance to the light at the intersection of King Mill Rd. Turn right onto King Mill Rd. and follow it about 2 miles until it intersects with GA Hwy 42. Turn left on Hwy.42, go about 1/2 mile and pick up King Mill Rd. again on the right. Go about 1/2 mile to the powerline. There's a place to pull off on the right-hand side of the road and look across the road to the first tower structure of the line. The birds have nested up in the framework in past years. [DeLorme: p. 26, grid G-5]

Mark Beebe reports that the WILLOW FLYCATCHERS have returned to the nest site in Blairsville, Union County that they have used in previous years. He observed them yesterday, 5/9/02, morning. This location is a drainage area alongside the Ingles parking lot where there are Willow trees. He also mentioned that some of these trees have recently been cut down, which is not good news. [DeLorme: p. 15, grid C-7]

LEAST FLYCATCHERS have recently been reported in Suches, southern Union Co. The location is at the intersection of GA Hwy. 180 and Kennedy Creek Rd. This is the same site where they have nested in past years. [DeLorme: p. 15, grid E-7]

DICKCISSELS have been reported lately in several areas. A new report from Bobby Cox puts them in Morgan Co. near the community of Bostwick off GA Hwy 83. He reported seeing "several" of the birds.

Bruce Dralle also found this species last weekend in southwest Bartow County. Directions: from GA Hwy 113 on the west side of Cartersville go west and look for Brandon Farms Rd. on the left. Turn left and proceed to a small power substation on the right and look for them in that area. Continue on this road to the intersection with Taft Rd. Turn right and listen for them on the right as you drive along Taff Rd., which will return you to GA 113. Also, check the two small ponds on Taff Rd. for shorebirds. [DeLorme: p. 19, grid E-8]

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* Georgia statewide
* May 4, 2002
* GAGA0205.04

- Birds Reported

Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red Crossbill
Connecticut Warbler
Least Flycatcher
Dickcissel

- Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: May 4, 2002
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: May 4, 2002
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Joel Hitt

This is the Georgia Rare Bird Alert (RBA) transcription of the Saturday morning report, May 4, 2002. This RBA is a service of the Georgia Ornithological Society. Jeff Sewell is the compiler and voice of the telephone reports (770-493-8862). Note: Further information on sites mentioned in this RBA (such as DeLorme Atlas coordinates and "Birding Georgia" page number, if applicable) are available on the GOS web site, www.gos.org/rbas.html. Click on the date of the RBA.

This is a repeat of the RBA voice report for Friday evening, May 3. That report apparently was wiped out by an electrical storm passing through north DeKalb County.

Frank Renfroe, a Kentuckian, discovered a pair of nesting RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES in Rabun County along GA 28 near Burrell's Ford Road. This area in northeastern Rabun County has long been suspected of supporting breeding of this species. There were a total of 5 Red-breasted Nuthatches seen. The area is along GA 28 on the Georgia side of the Chatuga River between Earl's Ford and Burrell's Ford Road, closer to Burrell's Ford. The caller was not more specific than this, but left his phone number and email address. If anyone is interested in making contact with Frank, email or call as listed in the header, and Jeff will gladly provide this information. [DeLorme: p. 16, grid A/B-5; Birding Georgia: p. 59]

Helena Wood reported 2 RED CROSSBILLS near Hiwassee near a boat ramp on Lake Chatuge. Where the tent icon is located on the map is the location of this camping area. They were near the boat ramp in tall white pines. Of course these birds move around a lot in their daily foraging. [DeLorme: p. 15, grid B-9]

Eric Beohm reported that he birded Indian Springs State Park south of Jackson in Butts County with his father on Friday and found a CONNECTICUT WARBLER and a LEAST FLYCATCHER. The Connecticut Warbler was near the entrance to the nature trail near the park entrance. The bird was about 50 feet down the trail. The Least Flycatcher was further along toward the end of the nature trail. [DeLorme: p. 34, grid A-2]

He also reported the DICKCISSELS are still on site in Spalding County where he saw them a couple of days ago.

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