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- Birds Reported
-Transcript
A nice coastal report on on 27 January included 2 COMMON GOLDENEYE and 4
NORTHERN PINTAIL at Harris Neck NWR in McIntosh Co.; 2 PURPLE SANDPIPERS, 2
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS, many NORTHERN GANNETS, and a RED-THROATED LOON from
Tybee Island North Beach; 32 AMERICAN AVOCET from Hwy 17 near Brunswick; and a
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, MOTTLED DUCKS, and 6 GLOSSY IBIS from Altamaha
Waterfowl Management Areas.
A RED-THROATED LOON was found on 27 Jan on Lake Lanier; this is a good find
inland. On 27 Jan 7 REDHEAD were found on J. Strom Thurmond Lake in Columbia Co.http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0801&L=gabo-l&P=R14772 On 27 Jan a wintering OVENBIRD was observed on private property outside Statesboro. This is a rare wintering species in the state, with most reports coming from the coast and lower coastal plain.
A TUNDRA SWAN was relocated at J.W. Smith Reservoir in Clayton County on 27 Jan
From Hwy 41 (Tara Blvd), head west on McDonough Rd until the first light in
about one mile, and turn left here onto Panhandle Rd. In 3.5 miles you will
cross the lake on a dike; immediately after the bridge turn left into a fire
station and park. Scan the upper end of the lake from vantage points behind the
fire station; you may need to stay for a while because the groups of ducks on
the lake (and the swan) may be hidden in coves or behind points of land and tend
to move around. The bird has also been located in the portion of the lake on the
other side of the road from the station; be extremely careful with traffic as
you cross the road or scope from the shoulder. This bird is not seen on every
visit, as this RBA transcriber learned on 26 Jan after spending 2 hours staking
it out only to have it be out in the open for other observers the next day :)
Two WHITE-WINGED DOVES are visiting feeders at a private residence in Savannah
as of 26 Jan. Email the homeowner or call the RBA to arrange a visit. The state's first GREEN-BREASTED MANGO continues in Dublin, GA (LaurensCounty) as of 25 Jan, at the home of Rose Rhodes. The best time to reliably see this bird at its preferred feeder in the carport at the Rhodes house is from 30 minutes before sunrise until around 8:00am. During other parts of the day it is very unpredictable. Across the street at the Jackson home feeders, BALTIMORE ORIOLES were reported, along with a continuing RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD. A SAY'S PHOEBE, which had not been reported for several days previous, was successfully relocated by several observers on 21 Jan. This location is along Cobb Cheek Rd in Sumter County. The bird has been seen sporadically among a barbed-wire fence, some power lines, and farm equipment found at this road's intersection with Tim Tucker Rd (the stop sign where Cobb Cheek Rd turns to dirt/mud). RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES continue to be reported on a regular basis from the mountains and piedmont to as far south as Dublin, in Laurens County; this winter's invasion of the species is the most significant in many years.
A male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and a CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD are still visiting a feeder
at a private residence in Lilburn in Gwinnett County. Email the homeowners or
call the RBA to arrange a visit.
A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD was relocated coming to a residence in Mableton, and
a BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was relocated coming to a residence in Locust Grove,
both on 23 Jan. Email or call the RBA to arrange a visit.
The state’s first GREEN-BREASTED MANGO continues in Dublin, GA (Laurens County)
as of 25 Jan, at the home of Rose Rhodes. Across the street at the Jackson home,
BALTIMORE ORIOLES were reported earlier this week, along with a possible
Bullock’s Oriole and a possible Western Tanager, both by out-of-town birders
while staking out the Mango. However, a birder who spent a good bit of time at
the location did not observe the latter two species on 25 Jan; incidentally,
this observer did see the previously reported RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD at a feeder at
the Jackson home.
A TUNDRA SWAN was relocated at J.W. Smith Reservoir in Clayton County on 24 Jan.
From Hwy 41 (Tara Blvd), head west on McDonough Rd until the first light in
about one mile, and turn left here onto Panhandle Rd. In 3.5 miles you will
cross the lake on a dike; immediately after the bridge turn left into a fire
station and park. Scan the upper end of the lake from vantage points behind the
fire station; you may need to stay for a while because the groups of ducks on
the lake (and the swan) may be hidden in coves or behind points of land and tend
to move around. On 9 Jan the bird was located in the portion of the lake on the
other side of the road from the station; be extremely careful with traffic as
you cross the road or scope from the shoulder.
A SAY’S PHOEBE, which had not been reported for several days previous, was
successfully relocated by several observers on 21 Jan. This location is along
Cobb Cheek Rd in Sumter County. The bird has been seen sporadically among a
barbed-wire fence, some power lines, and farm equipment found at this road’s
intersection with Tim Tucker Rd (the stop sign where Cobb Cheek Rd turns to
dirt/mud). Also seen was a nice count of 20+ WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and at least
one SHORT-EARED OWL.
An unusual inland record of a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL came on 21 Jan from
Clark’s Hill / J. Strom Thurmond Lake. There are perhaps fewer than 10 inland
records of this species in the state.
A male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and a CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD are still visiting a feeder
at a private residence in Lilburn in Gwinnett County. Email the homeowners or
call the RBA to arrange a visit.
A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD was relocated coming to a residence in Mableton, and
a BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was relocated coming to a residence in Locust Grove,
both on 23 Jan. Email or call the RBA to arrange a visit.
At least 16 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS and other waterfowl were reported from Chicopee
Woods Lake on 21 Jan.
On 18 Jan, a nice report from Cumberland Island in Camden County included 12
SURF SCOTERS, 2 BLACK SCOTERS, and one WHITE-WINGED SCOTER along with a rare
winter sighting of a REDDISH EGRET. Other birds of interest included NORTHERN
GANNET, PIPING PLOVER, RED KNOT, and BALD EAGLE.
On 20 Jan a report of a SHORT-EARED OWL at the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Park
in Columbus, Muscogee County. This is the first record for the area.
Also on 20 Jan, a report of at least 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS from the annually
reliable spot on Cobb Cheek Rd in Sumter County. [This observer also reported
that despite efforts by several birders, the previously reported Say’s Phoebe,
and both Smith’s and Lapland Longspurs, were not relocated at their respective
locations and – as mentioned on a previous RBA message that was not transcribed
– these birds have likely moved on.]
As of 20 Jan, a female BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD is visiting a feeder at a
private residence in Mableton, Cobb County. Call the RBA or send an email for
details on viewing this bird.
A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD and a male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD continue to visit a
residence in Lilburn, Gwinnett County. Call the RBA or send an email for details
on viewing this bird.
The amazing, seemingly immune-to-the-elements, first Georgia record
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO continues as of 21 Jan at the home of Rose Rhodes in
Dublin, Laurens County. At feeders across the street at the Jackson home were
BALTIMORE ORIOLES and COMMON GROUND DOVES. It was in early Feb 2007 that a
Bulloch’s Oriole and a Western Tanager were seen at these feeders, so visitors
should be on the look-out for these and other species while staking out the
Mango.
A nice combo report on 15 Jan came from the Okefenokee Wilderness Area near
Folkston in Charlton County, and several sites in the Brunswick area. This is a
known area for observing wintering SANDHILL CRANES, and a SNOW GOOSE was
observed along with 75-100 cranes. Also seen on this visit were RED-COCKADED
WOODPECKER, WHITE IBIS, and assorted waterfowl. A female COMMON GOLDENEYE was
reported from Andrew’s Island Causeway, and several interesting coastal species
were seen in nearby locations as well, such as ROSEATE SPOONBILL and AMERICAN
AVOCET.
On 13 Jan a first Georgia record SMITH’S LONGSPUR was relocated at the
Marshallville Super Sod in Macon County.
On 14 Jan a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was relocated on Cobb Cheek Rd in Sumter
County. Not seen was a Say’s Phoebe that has been seen in the same area for
several weeks, but this may be due to time of day.
On 13 Jan a good county of 10 NORTHERN PINTAIL from the Phinizy Swamp Nature
Park in Richmond County.
As of 17 Jan male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and a CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD are still
visiting a feeder at a private residence in Lilburn in Gwinnett County. Email
the homeowners or call the RBA to arrange a visit.
A late report from 6 Jan of a WESTERN KINGBIRD at the Altamaha Waterfowl
Management Area.
As of 18 Jan, a first Georgia record GREEN-BREASTED MANGO was still present at a
private residence in Dublin. There have been no recent reports of the Tundra Swan on J.W. Smith Reservoir in Clayton County or the Snow Plover on Jekyll Island South Beach in Glynn County.
A first record for Whitfield County, 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen as late as
the evening of 10 Jan.
A first-winter TUNDRA SWAN was relocated on 12 Jan at J.W. Smith Reservoir in
Clayton County. From Hwy 41 (Tara Blvd), head west on McDonough Rd until the
first light in about one mile, and turn left here onto Panhandle Rd. In 3.5
miles you will cross the lake on a dike; immediately after the bridge turn left
into a fire station and park. Scan the upper end of the lake from vantage points
behind the fire station; you may need to stay for a while because the groups of
ducks on the lake (and the swan) may be hidden in coves or behind points of land
and tend to move around. The swan has been seen on both sides of the lake,
including near the dam on 12 Jan, so you may need to cross the road and scan the
section that is opposite the station; be very careful with traffic.
A rare wintering species in the coastal plain, a male PAINTED BUNTING was
reported coming to feeders in Glennville, in Tattnall County. This species has
been seen at the same location in past winters.
A rare inland winter record PECTORAL SANDPIPER was reported, along with LEAST
SANDPIPER and WILSON'S SNIPE, on 11 Jan from the Columbus Waterworks North
Application Fields.
On 9 Jan, a CANVASBACK was seen on the Carter's Lake Re-reg Lake.
CANVASBACKS, HORNED GREBES, and a BONAPARTE'S GULL were reported from Lake
Horton in Fayette County on 11 Jan.
On 9 Jan a WHITE-WINGED DOVE was reported from a feeder in Savannah, in Chatham
County. This species has been observed at the same location two times in the
past.
AMERICAN WOODCOCKS are beginning to display at dusk, and a few birds were
reported from a subdivision nature preserve on 8 Jan. Click the link below for
detailed directions to this area, which is in Forsyth County.
A first-winter TUNDRA SWAN was relocated as recently as 9 Jan at J.W. Smith
Reservoir in Clayton County. From Hwy 41 (Tara Blvd), head west on McDonough Rd
until the first light in about one mile, and turn left here onto Panhandle Rd.
In 3.5 miles you will cross the lake on a dike; immediately after the bridge
turn left into a fire station and park. Scan the upper end of the lake from
vantage points behind the fire station; you may need to stay for a while because
the groups of ducks on the lake (and the swan) may be hidden in coves or behind
points of land and tend to move around. On 9 Jan the bird was located in the
portion of the lake on the other side of the road from the station; be extremely
careful with traffic as you cross the road or scope from the shoulder. On 8 Jan a first Georgia record SMITH'S LONGSPUR was relocated at the Marshallville Super Sod Farm in Macon County. Also a good number of AMERICAN PIPITS and a few HORNED LARKS are in the area.
A female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD and a male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD have been visiting a
feeder at a residence in Lilburn, in Gwinnett County as of 9 Jan.
A first Georgia record GREEN-BREASTED MANGO was last seen 9 Jan. It is coming to
feeders at the home of Ms. Rhodes at 224 Brookdale Dr. in the city of Dublin,
Laurens County.
A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD located on 6 Jan on River Rd in Dooly County has
not been relocated. This road can be seen in the DeLorme Atlas on pg. 50, grid
A-2. This bird was in a large flock of blackbirds and starlings; it is suggested
that when birders are in the southern half [especially the SW corner] of the
state in the winter that they should scan any large flocks of blackbirds for
this rare species.
Yellow-headed Blackbird
A first-winter TUNDRA SWAN first reported on 5 Jan was relocated on 6 Jan at J.W.
Smith Reservoir in Clayton County. From Hwy 41 (Tara Blvd), head west on
McDonough Rd until the first light in about one mile, and turn left here onto
Panhandle Rd. In 3.5 miles you will cross the lake on a dike; immediately after
the bridge turn left into a fire station and park. Scan the upper end of the
lake from vantage points behind the fire station; you may need to stay for a
while because the groups of ducks on the lake (and the swan) may be hidden in
coves or behind points of land and tend to move around. Also seen here on 6 Jan
was a first winter male COMMON GOLDENEYE and a REDHEAD.
On 6 Jan a SAY'S PHOEBE was relocated along Cobb Cheek Rd in Sumter County. The
bird is usually seen sporadically among a barbed-wire fence, some power lines,
and farm equipment found at this road's intersection with Tim Tucker Rd (the
stop sign where Cobb Cheek Rd turns to dirt/mud).
A second Georgia record SNOWY PLOVER was relocated again on 6 Jan. If you go
look for the plover on the South Beach of Jekyll Island, it is usually found
keeping company with a few PIPING PLOVERS. If you do not see the
On 6 Jan a first Georgia record SMITH'S LONGSPUR was relocated at the
Marshallville Super Sod Farm in Macon County. Also a good number of AMERICAN
PIPITS and a few HORNED LARKS are in the area; a Sprague's Pipit was reported
from this location last week but has not been relocated or documented.
A female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD and a male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD have been visiting a
feeder at a residence in Lilburn, in Gwinnett County as of 6 Jan. A first Georgia record GREEN-BREASTED MANGO was last seen 5 Jan. It is coming to feeders at the home of Ms. Rhodes at 224 Brookdale Dr. in the city of Dublin, Laurens County.
On 6 Jan a BALTIMORE ORIOLE, a species which is known to winter in the southern
third of the state (especially relating to pecan orchards), showed up at a more
northerly location in Culloden, in Monroe County.
A first Georgia record SMITH'S LONGSPUR was relocated at the Marshallville Super
Sod Farm in Macon County, along with at least one LAPLAND LONGSPUR on 2 Jan.
These birds can be difficult to separate in the field, which is compounded by
their tendency to hunch down in the grass and not allow close approach; a scope
and patience is necessary, and a camera with a good telephoto lens is helpful.
After some discussion of field observations and photo analysis of the birds,
here are a few ID tips. Lapland Longspur: look for a patch of rufous coloration
on the nape, which is not always easy to distinguish; in the facial pattern,
look for a dark, unbroken "auricular box" with an even buffy center to it; look
for a white belly and lower breast (not buffy) if seen in flight. Smith's
Longspur: the bird will have warmer, buffy tones overall; in the facial pattern,
look for a slightly lighter "auricular box" with a white center that breaks the
border of the box near the rear; look for a buffy belly and lower breast if seen
in flight; white lesser coverts are sometimes visible when the bird is on the
ground, but not always (as photos have revealed). Using the tail pattern
in flight is not a reliable way to separate these birds in the field; without
the bird in the hand, it is too difficult for the human eye or a camera (from
far away, anyway) to distinguish how many/how much of the outer tail feathers
are white, especially when seen from below.
As of 3 Jan, a very good number of 50 PURPLE FINCHES are coming to a feeder at a
residence in Oconee, in Washington County, along with good numbers of more
common birds, with up to 12 NORTHERN BOBWHITE sometimes visiting on the ground
under the feeders.
A male RED CROSSBILL was reported on 3 Jan from the Woodring Branch Campground
in Gilmer County, coming to feeders that are filled by the caretakers of the
campground (though it is closed for the season). It was suggested that if you go
look for this bird you do so before 3:30pm, when the feeders are cast in the
shade and bird activity slows down. This is also a good place to look for
Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, and Purple Finch.
A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD and a male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD have been visiting a feeder
at a residence in Lilburn, in Gwinnett County as of 1 Jan.
On 2 Jan a SAY'S PHOEBE was relocated along Cobb Cheek Rd in Sumter County. The
bird has been seen sporadically among a barbed-wire fence, some power lines, and
farm equipment found at this road's intersection with Tim Tucker Rd (the stop
sign where Cobb Cheek Rd turns to dirt/mud).
On 3 Jan a LIMPKIN was relocated at the Georgia Veteran's Memorial State Park in
Crisp County, just west of the town of Cordele. This bird can be very difficult
to locate due to its nature of skulking around in aquatic vegetation and
cattails. When you enter the park, drive across a small bridge and note a
shallow arm of the lake on your left with an aluminum fishing pier in it and a
railroad bridge way in the back. Turn at the first available gravel drive after
the bridge and continue to a small parking area with a trail sign and a tiny
concrete boat ramp. First, scope the opposite shore from the boat ramp, then
walk down the trail very quietly – the bird has also been found in an area of
cypress right next to the trail on the left.
No recent reports of the Green-breasted Mango in Dublin, perhaps because no one
has gone to look for it.
The SMITH'S LONGSPUR continues at the Marshallville Super Sod Farm, Macon Co.,
and has been joined by three LAPLAND LONGSPURS.
The SAY'S PHOEBE was seen again along Cobb Cheek Rd. near the intersection of
Tim Tucker Rd. in Sumter Co. Mornings and late afternoon/early evenings may be
the best times to look for the bird. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and VESPERS SPARROWS
can be seen in the cotton fields north of the intersection. At least one
SHORT-EARED OWL was seen along Cobb Cheek Rd. just north of this site on 1/1.
RED CROSSBILLS were not seen on 1/1 and last seen on 12/31 at Dawson Forest WMA
near the entrance to the Amicalola Tract (NOT at the better-known City of
Atlanta Tract).
A CACKLING GOOSE first discovered along Pine Chapel Rd., Gordon Co., and
subsequently seen at Fite Bend Rd., Gordon Co., was not seen on 1/1. |
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1/2008