* Georgia statewide
* December 28, 2004
* GAGA0412.28

- Birds Reported

Long-tailed Duck
American Wigeon
Gadwall
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Hooded Merganser
Vermilion Flycatcher
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Baltimore Oriole
Pine Siskin
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Fox Sparrow
Bald Eagle
White-winged Dove (not seen)
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Common Goldeneye
Lesser Scaup
Green-winged Teal
Bonaparte's Gull
White-winged Scoter
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Seaside Sparrow
Sandhill Crane
Red-shouldered Hawk

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 29, 2004
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 28, 2004 (8:22 pm)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

On Tuesday, Marion Dobbs reported that 3 LONG-TAILED DUCKS appeared briefly on the main lake at the Garden Lakes subdivision on the west side of Rome, Floyd Co. Other species seen: 130 AMERICAN WIGEON, 9 GADWALL, 7 REDHEAD, 130 RING-NECKED DUCKS and 4 female GREATER SCAUP. [DeLorme: p. 18, grid C-4]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=20797
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=21309

Jim Flynn reported 3 AMERICAN WIGEON at Twin Lakes, Forsyth Co., on Tuesday.
Also seen were 20 GADWALL and HOODED MERGANSERS. [DeLorme p. 20, grid C-5]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=21057

Dan Vickers and Bill Lotz report that the VERMILION FLYCATCHER, first discovered over a month ago by Christine Gibson, continues on private property in Lee Co. as of 12/26. Contact Christine at 229-436-9230 for help on getting permission to view look for the flycatcher.

Dan also reported that he saw the BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD at the home of Barbara Passmore in Valdosta.

Please continue to report wintering hummingbirds to the RBA. This information will be passed on to the hummingbird banders in the state.

A male BALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen at Piedmont Park across from the track at Grady High School in downtown Atlanta on 12/24 by Linda Craiger.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=17109

Lynn Schlup reports that 56 PINE SISKINS visited her feeder Tuesday in Oconee, Washington Co.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=20697

A few people reported RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES from various location in north Georgia, as well as FOX SPARROWS and BROWN CREEPERS.

One location that seems to be good for finding FOX SPARROWS is the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) off of Johnsons Ferry Rd., Cobb Co. From Johnsons Ferry Rd. north of the River, take Columns Dr. towards the parking lots of that section of the CRNRA. At the 2nd parking lot, turn left and walk in either location looking for FOX SPARROWS. The last time that Jeff Sewell was there, they were down river from the parking lot. Ken Blankenship reported 6-7 from this unit of the CRNRA on Monday, 12/27. [DeLorme: p. 20, grid G,H-3; Birding Georgia: p. 79]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=20287

Johnny McMahan reported an immature BALD EAGLE at Oxbow Meadows, Columbus, GA, on Monday. [DeLorme: p. 40, grid E-2]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=19866

Jack Carusos reported a BALD EAGLE just outside of I-285 over Sandy Springs north of Atlanta.

Denny and Pam McClure reported that the White-winged Dove was not seen Tuesday at the home of Marjorie Clark on Jekyll Island. Denny and Pam did find a LESSER-BLACK-BACKED GULL perched on the concrete pier at the north end of Jekyll Island. [DeLorme: p. 63, grid F-8; Birding Georgia: p. 203]

At Georgia Power's Plant Wansley, Carroll Co., Eran Tomer reported 5 COMMON GOLDENEYE near the gate at the north end of the lake. These birds were viewable from the public road. Birders are welcomed at Plant Wansley if you check in at the security gate, with identification. Abide by all posted signs and be considerate, as it is a privilege to be able to bird this location. Eran also reported 3 or 4 GREATER SCAUP, lots of LESSER SCAUP, 11 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 12 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, and an immature BALD EAGLE. [DeLorme: p. 25, grid F,G-6]

The WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, originally discovered by Eric Beohm, near Lake Horton, Fayette Co. was seen again on 12/26 by Jim Throckmorton.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=18925

Jim also reported that NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED, SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED and SEASIDE SPARROWS were seen at the Ft. Pulaski National Monument, located between Savannah and Tybee Island. The birds were on the left side of the bridge as you approach the Fort and on the far side of the road. [DeLorme:
p. 39, grid B-10; Birding Georgia: p. 179]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=18925

Tom Striker reported a flock of SANDHILL CRANES over I-75 and I-575 on 12/26.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=18587

Michael Bell reported seeing the Florida race of RED-SHOULDERED HAWK near Bainbridge on 12/27.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=20396

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- RBA

* Georgia
* Georgia statewide
* December 23, 2004
* GAGA0412.23

- Birds Reported

White-winged Scoter
Northern Pintail
Dunlin
Least Sandpiper
Bonaparte’s Gull
WESTERN TANAGER
Red-tailed Hawk (Western race, dark morph)
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Lapland Longspur
Horned Lark
Bald Eagle
Baltimore Oriole
Spotted Sandpiper
Greater White-fronted Goose
BRANT
Purple Finch

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 23, 2004
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 23, 2004 (8:08 pm)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

Jim Flynn reports that the immature WHITE-WINGED SCOTER continues at the water treatment pond along Antioch Rd. near Lake Horton, Fayette Co., on the east side of the road The location is gated and fenced, but can be scoped from the road.

Jim Flynn observed the male and female NORTHERN PINTAIL at EL Huie today, as well as 2 DUNLIN, 30 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 BONAPARTE’S GULL. Except for the gull, these birds have been at this location for quite some time.  [DeLorme: p. 26, grid F-3; Birding Georgia: p. 85]

Laura Brown reported that a WESTERN TANAGER visited her feeder in Cobb Co. on Tuesday, 12/21. There have been no further reports however.

Jim Flynn, Josh & Theresa Spence and Max Medley observed and adult dark form of the Western race of RED-TAILED HAWK during the trial run of the Carters Lake CBC on 12/21. The bird was seen on the Murray Co. side of County Line Rd. near Fagala Rd. [DeLorme p. 13, grid F-8] Two RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were also found during the count.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=16312
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=16410

Kelly Bettinger reported on 12/21 that 2 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were visiting her feeder in Watkinsville, Oconee Co. Kelly also reported that she and other birders observed 3 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES on the Peachtree City CBC on 12/19.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=15199

Jim Flynn reported seeing 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS and 25 HORNED LARKS along Fite Bend Rd., Gordon Co. on Tuesday, 12/21. Directions: From Atlanta, head north on I-75 to Exit 320, GA 136. Turn right (east) on GA 136 to US 41, turn left, and then right to stay on GA 136. Continue on GA 136 to the second right turn, which is Fite Bend Rd. The approximate location is where the paved portion of the road ends. [DeLorme: p. 13, grid G-7,8]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=15567

Brock Hutchins reported 2 BALD EAGLES were seen on the Peachtree City CBC on 12/19 at Peachtree City Lake.

Jack Carusos reported a BALD EAGLE over Sandy Springs, Fulton Co.

On 12/19, Jim Flynn reported seeing a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in Toombs Co., GA.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=14642

At Oxbow Meadows in south Columbus on 12/19, Walt Chambers observed a SPOTTED SANDPIPER and 2 BALTIMORE ORIOLES. [DeLorme: p. 40, grid E-2]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=14759

Michael Beohm reported seeing a juvenile BRANT from the south end of Cumberland Island across the river on an oyster bed. Take the Cumberland I. Ferry to Cumberland I., walk to Dungeness and continue south on an old road to a marsh where the spoils site is. The bird was on the oyster beds across the river from the spoils site. [DeLorme: p. 71, grid D-7; Birding Georgia: p. 207]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=15805

Ken Blankenship reported 7 PURPLE FINCHES coming to his feeder in Marietta, and Jeff Sewell and Carol Lambert have a female PURPLE FINCH coming to their feeder in Tucker.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=15888

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- RBA

* Georgia
* Georgia statewide
* December 19, 2004
* GAGA0412.19

- Birds Reported

American White Pelican
Lapland Longspur
Least Sandpiper
Brewer’s Blackbird
Baltimore Oriole
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
White-eyed Vireo
American Bittern
Greater Yellowlegs
Gray Catbird
Green Heron
Brown Creeper
Bonaparte’s Gull
Long-billed Curlew
Red Knot
Marbled Godwit
American Oystercatcher
Wilson’s Plover
Piping Plover
Northern Harrier
Peregrine Falcon
Merlin
American Kestrel
Sandhill Crane
Black-chinned Hummingbird
White-winged Scoter
Mute Swan (possible exotic)
Bald Eagle
Common Loon
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Northern Pintail

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 22, 2004
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 19, 2004 (8:41 pm)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

Phil Hardy and Clive Rainey discovered 6 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS on Lake Blackshear on Saturday morning, 12/18. The birds first appeared on Thursday. The birds were seen one mile south of the US 280 bridge (no other directions provided by the observers). [DeLorme p. 50, grid C-2]

Sheila Willis reported seeing about 90 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS from the Cumberland Island Ferry on the Florida side of the St. Marys River (ferry runs from St. Marys to Cumberland Island).
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=11468

Steve Barlow reported seeing 15 LAPLAND LONGSPURS along Fite Bend Rd., Gordon Co. on 12/18. Steve did not see any Horned Larks, which have been reported from this location previously. Directions: From Atlanta, head north on I-75 to Exit 320, GA 136. Turn right (east) on GA 136 to US 41, turn left, then right to stay on GA 136. Continue on GA 136 to the second right turn, which is Fite Bend Rd. The approximate location is where the paved portion of the road ends. [DeLorme: p. 13, grid G-7,8]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13014

Steve also reported seeing 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS at Legacy Sod Farm, across from the Etowah Indian Mounds southwest of Cartersville, Bartow Co. [DeLorme: p. 19, grid E-8,9] Also, 20 BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS were seen along Taff Rd. near the cow barns. [DeLorme: p. 19, grid E-8]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13014

Lois Stacey reported the following species from Phinizy Swamp Nature Park on the Augusta CBC on Saturday, 12/18: immature male BALTIMORE ORIOLE, 2 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, AMERICAN BITTERN, 9 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 GRAY CATBIRD, 1 GREEN HERON and 2 WHITE-EYED VIREOS. [DeLorme: p. 31, grid G-7]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13201

Gene Keferl found a BROWN CREEPER in Buffalo Swamp at Paulks Pasture WMA on 12/16. [DeLorme: p. 63, grid C-6; Birding Georgia: p. 169]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=11375

On 12/17, Sandy Pangle reported a BONAPARTE’S GULL at Lake Acworth.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=12344

On 12/17, Brandon Noel reported 2 LONG-BILLED CURLEW, a flock of MARBLED GODWITS, 250 RED KNOTS, 343 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, 50 – 60 PIPING PLOVERS, 60 WILSON’S PLOVERS, 6 BALD EAGLES, NORTHERN HARRIER, PEREGRINE FALCON, MERLIN and a few AMERICAN KESTRELS on Little St. Simons Island. [DeLorme: p. 63, grid D-9]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=12776

Large flocks of up to 2000 SANDHILL CRANES have been reported traveling through Georgia recently.

There have been no recent updates concerning the 3 VERMILION FLYCATCHERS in the Albany area (1 in Lee Co., 2 in Baker Co.).

A BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was banded at Barbara Passmore’s residence in Valdosta on Saturday, 12/18.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13413

Steve Barlow reports that the immature WHITE-WINGED SCOTER continues at the water treatment pond along Antioch Rd. near Lake Horton through 12/19. The location is gated and fenced, but can be scoped from the road. Steve observed 4 MUTE SWANS, 1 BALD EAGLE, 1 COMMON LOON and 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, but not many duck species other than RING-NECKED DUCKS and BUFFLEHEAD at Lake Horton itself. There is a $10 parking fee for non-Fayette Co. residents. [DeLorme: p. 26, grid H-2; Birding Georgia: p. 91]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13760
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=14075

Steve Barlow observed the male NORTHERN PINTAIL at EL Huie as well. [DeLorme: p. 26, grid F-3; Birding Georgia: p. 85]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13760

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* Georgia statewide
* December 14, 2004
* GAGA0412.14

- Birds Reported

Vermilion Flycatcher
Lapland Longspur
American Pipit
Horned Lark
White-winged Dove

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 15, 2004
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 14, 2004 (9:56 pm)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

Three VERMILION FLYCATCHERS are now being seen in southwest Georgia near Albany. On Monday, Alan Ashley called in a report of two adult males in Baker Co. south of Albany, one along Mt. Carmel Rd. and one along Clear Lake Rd.. Contact Alan at 229-439-8232 for more explicit directions.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=9140
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=9270

The adult male VERMILION FLYCATCHER discovered on private property in Lee Co. north of Albany on November 20 by Christine Gibson was also relocated. Contact Christine at 229-436-9230 if you would like to search for this bird.

A small flock of LAPLAND LONGSPURS was discovered on Sunday in north Gordon Co. The birds were found in a corn stubble field along Fite Bend Rd. You will need a scope and it is helpful to be able to recognize the dry rattle of the longspurs in order to locate the birds. Directions: From Atlanta, head north on I-75 to Exit 320, GA 136. Turn right (east) on GA 136 to US 41, turn left, then right to stay on GA 136. Continue on GA 136 to the second right turn, which is Fite Bend Rd. The approximate location is where the paved portion of the road ends. HORNED LARKS and AMERICAN PIPITS have also been reported from this area. [DeLorme: p. 13, grid G-7,8]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=7578

The WHITE-WINGED DOVE at the home of Marjorie Clark has been fairly reliable at the feeders. Marjorie lives at 4 Porter Lane on Jekyll Island.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=6614

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* Georgia statewide
* December 4, 2004
* GAGA0412.04

- Birds Reported

BRANT
Western Kingbird (not seen)
THAYER'S GULL
Great Black-backed Gull
American Oystercatcher
Northern Gannet
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Purple Sandpiper
BROWN BOOBY
Common Goldeneye
Short-eared Owl
Surf Scoter
Ruddy Duck
Sandhill Crane
Snow Goose
Northern Pintail
Brewer's Blackbird
Gray Catbird
Merlin

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 7, 2004
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 4, 2004 (7:22 pm)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

The two BRANT discovered this past weekend on the Jekyll Island soccer fields continue; they were reported Saturday by Bill Lotz and Marjorie Clark. [DeLorme: p. 63, grid H-7; Birding Georgia: p. 203] [ed. note: the Brant were not seen on 12/6]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=1888

The Western Kingbird reported from Jekyll Island has not been seen since.

The THAYER'S GULL at West Point Dam was last seen on November 30 by Paul Raney, but not by several birders since then. Paul also found a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at the dam. [DeLorme: p. 24, grid E/F-2; Birding Georgia:
p. 64]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=2114
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=1611

On Tybee Island, Paul had 25 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, lots of NORTHERN GANNETS, an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, three immature GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS and four PURPLE SANDPIPERS. [DeLorme: p. 39, grid B-10; Birding Georgia: p. 179]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=2114

On December 2, Russ Wigh reported that he photographed an immature BROWN BOOBY on Tower M2R6, which is in the vicinity of Gray's Reef Marine Sanctuary.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=1306

Russ also reported that Beth Roth discovered a female COMMON GOLDENEYE on a small pond on Skidaway Island; this pond has hosted a male Common Goldeneye that past couple of years.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=1306

Phil Hardy reports that the SHORT-EARED OWLS have returned to the Cobb owl fields in Sumter Co. [DeLorme: p. 50, grid B-2; Birding Georgia: p. 141]

Chris Loudermilk reports today that a SURF SCOTER has appeared at Sweetwater Creek SP, Douglas Co. Some RUDDY DUCKS were also observed here. [DeLorme:
p. 25, grid B-10; Birding Georgia: p. 67]

There have been a couple recent reports of SANDHILL CRANES over the Atlanta.
Vicki DeLoach reports about 100 over Sweat Mt., Cobb Co. Josh Spence reported 325 SANDHILL CRANES in north Gordon Co. earlier in the week (November 30).
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=1990
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0411&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=31269

Along Fite Bend Rd., Josh also reported six SNOW GEESE and a NORTHERN PINTAIL, and in the vicinity, BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS. Elsewhere in Gordon Co., Josh reported a GRAY CATBIRD and a MERLIN. [DeLorme: p. 13, grid G-7,8]
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0411&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=31269

Sandy Pangle reported four SNOW GEESE (three blue morphs and one white
morph) on Lake Acworth.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0412&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=564

Please report winter hummingbirds to the hotline. Jeff will pass it on to the hummingbird banders.

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