Note: Giff Beaton’s book Birding Georgia and Ken Blankenship’s web site Wings Over Georgia contain directions to some of these sites and many other great birding locations in Georgia.

* Georgia statewide
* December 26, 2008
* GAGA0812.26

- Birds Reported

HARLEQUIN DUCK (not seen)
CACKLING GOOSE
Greater White-fronted Goose
Snow Goose
ROSS'S GOOSE
Fox Sparrow
Yellow-breasted Chat
Pine Siskin
Redhead

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: January 2, 2009
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT att.net
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 26, 2008 (9:49 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

The HARLEQUIN DUCK, first seen from a boat on the Harris Neck Christmas Bird Count about a mile east of the Barbour River Landing on 12/19 has not been relocated.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=22740

The CACKLING GEESE continue at the Crawfish Springs pond near Chickamauga, Walker Co. at least through 12/24.

A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE and two SNOW GEESE were seen on 12/25 on a pond along Pine Chapel Rd., Gordon Co.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=28300

The ROSS'S GOOSE first discovered on 12/11 along Davenport Farm Rd., east of Blue Ridge, Fannin, Co., continued through at least 12/22.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=26409

A ROSS'S GOOSE was also discovered along Johnston Farm Rd., Upson Co., on 12/19.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=25724

On 12/25, a small flock of REDHEAD was observed on Lake Lanier from West Bank Park, Forsyth Co. There is a $3 entrance fee.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=28560

Four FOX SPARROWS, a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and two flocks of PINE SISKINS (totaling about 65 birds) were seen at the State Botanical Gardens, Athens.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R12242

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* Georgia statewide
* December 18, 2008
* GAGA0812.18

- Birds Reported

ROSS'S GOOSE
Mallard
Ross's Goose x Snow Goose (hybrid)
American Black Duck
Northern Pintail
Canvasback
Ring-necked Duck
Lesser Scaup
Double-crested Cormorant
Ruddy Duck
Northern Shoveler
Pine Siskin
White-winged Dove
Lincoln's Sparrow
Black-chinned Hummingbird (possible)
Purple Sandpiper
Great Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Rusty Blackbird
Fox Sparrow
Red Crossbill
American White Pelican
Bald Eagle
Snow Goose
CACKLING GOOSE
Common Goldeneye
Roseate Spoonbill

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 19, 2008
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 18, 2008 (8:59 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

On 12/11, a ROSS'S GOOSE was discovered with MALLARDS near Blue Ridge along Davenport Farm Rd. (aka Allen Rd.) in Fannin Co. and was seen again on 12/18.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R6838
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7989
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R9138

A suspected ROSS'S/SNOW GOOSE hybrid was observed on private property near Richmond Hill, Bryan Co., on 12/16.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R8672

Seven AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS were observed at Chicopee Lake, Gainesville, on 12/18.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R8706
Seventeen AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS were seen at Sandy Creek Park, Athens, at an oxbow wetland along the Cook's Trail on 12/14.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7694
Two AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS continue at EL Huie, Clayton Co. As many as three have been seen here. Also, reported, a male NORTHERN PINTAIL in the south pond on 12/18. At Lake Blalock, 14 CANVASBACKS continue among a large raft of RING-NECKED DUCKS and LESSER SCAUP. Lake Blalock is only accessible with the possession of a pass, available for purchase from the Newman Wetlands Center, located along Freeman Rd. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, RUDDY DUCKS, and NORTHERN SHOVELERS can also be seen here.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R6216
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R8769

PINE SISKINS are making a good showing this year north of the Fall Line, including 21 being banded in Lamar Co. on 12/17.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R8769

A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen on St. Catherines Island (privately held
island) on 12/14.

A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was discovered at the Doerun Natural Area, Colquitt Co., on 12/17.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R8589

A possible BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was seen on 12/16 on Skidaway Island, Chatham Co. Please report any wintering hummingbirds to the RBA.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R8235

Fifteen PURPLE SANDPIPERS were observed on Tybee Island on 12/14. Both GREAT BLACK-BACKED and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were also seen on Tybee this past weekend.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7742
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R8030

A large flock of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen at Piedmont NWR, Jones Co., on 12/14.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R8913
Another large flock of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen at the Sandy Creek Nature Center on 12/14. Three FOX SPARROWS were also seen near the ENSAT building.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7833

On 12/14, RED CROSSBILLS were seen at a feeder in White Co.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7802

On 12/12, seven AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were seen on Lake Seminole, Decatur Co., from Chattahoochee Park. Ten BALD EAGLES, hundreds of CANVASBACKS and four SNOW GEESE were also seen.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7551

The Six CACKLING GEESE discovered east of Chickamauga, Walker Co. at Crawfish Springs along Lee Clarkson Rd. continue through 12/14.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=7014
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=8978
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=9198
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13803
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7449

A female COMMON GOLDENEYE was discovered in Rome on the Georgia Highlands College campus on 12/14.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7336

A ROSEATE SPOONBILL was seen on 12/18 at the Amphitheater pond on Jekyll Island.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R8942

Two BALD EAGLES were seen at Lake Peachtree, Peachtree City, behind a residence on Loblolly Circle.

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* Georgia statewide
* December 13, 2008
* GAGA0812.13

- Birds Reported

GREAT CORMORANT (no report)
CACKLING GOOSE (no report)
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
Fox Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
Rufous Hummingbird (possible)
Canvasback
Redhead
Lesser Scaup
Ruddy Duck
Green-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Red-breasted Merganser
Ring-necked Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Eared Grebe
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Bonaparte's Gull
Merlin

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 19, 2008
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 13, 2008 (7:20 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

The Six CACKLING GEESE discovered east of Chickamauga, Walker Co. at Crawfish Springs along Lee Clarkson Rd. were last reported on 12/10. There were no recent reports either one way or the other through 12/13.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=7014
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=8978
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=9198
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13803

There have been no recent reports (positive or negative) of the GREAT CORMORANT that has been seen at Lake Walter F George Dam, Clay Co.

A few PURPLE FINCHES have been reported in North Georgia over the past several days. PINE SISKINS have been quite prevalent, with most reports coming from the Atlanta Metro.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=12692
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R6430
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7075

Three dozen PINE SISKINS were seen at the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur, DeKalb Co., on 12/13, along with a FOX SPARROW.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R7032

At the Sandy Creek Nature Center in Athens, three FOX SPARROWS, two PINE SISKINS and 35 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen on 12/13.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R6983

A possible RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD is visiting a feeder in Gainesville. Please report any wintering hummingbirds to the RBA.

On 12/12, ten CANVASBACKS, two REDHEADS, RUDDY DUCKS, LESSER SCAUP, a GREEN-WINGED TEAL, a NORTHERN SHOVELER, and a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER were reported at Lake Varner (Cornish Creek Reservoir), Newton Co.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=16535

Also on 12/12, over 1000 RING-NECKED DUCKS, four GREEN-WINGED TEAL, GADWALL and three AMERICAN WIGEON were observed at the Briscoe Reservoir, Walton Co.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=16535

At Lake Lanier, one EARED GREBE was seen on 12/12 near the dam. Also reported from this location: RING-BILLED, HERRING and BONAPARTE'S GULLS.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=16535

A MERLIN was reported in Oconee Co. near the intersection of GA 53 and Burr Harris Rd. on 12/9.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13935

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* Georgia statewide
* December 7, 2008
* GAGA0812.07

- Birds Reported

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 8, 2008
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 7, 2008 (7:51 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

CACKLING GOOSE
Canada Goose
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Northern Shoveler
GREAT CORMORANT
Brown Pelican
Lesser Scaup
Canvasback
Redhead
Greater Scaup
American White Pelican
Snow Goose

The Four CACKLING GEESE discovered east of Chickamauga, Walker Co. at Crawfish Springs along Lee Clarkson Rd. on 12/6 were seen again on 12/7 and were joined by another 2 CACKLING GEESE. CANADA GEESE, GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON and NORTHERN SHOVELER were also seen here. The birds were not at the location early in the morning and were not seen until about 9:00 AM.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=7014
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=8978
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=9198

The GREAT CORMORANT was observed again on 12/6 at Lake Walter F George Dam, Clay Co., as well as a BROWN PELICAN.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=8758

Thousands of ducks, mostly LESSER SCAUP and CANVASBACKS, along with 32 REDHEAD and four GREATER SCAUP were seen on Lake Seminole on 12/6. Also seen in this area were eight AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=8758

Three SNOW GEESE with CANADA GEESE were observed at Briscoe Reservoir, located along Double Springs Rd. which is off of GA 81 south of Loganville, Walton Co.

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* Georgia statewide
* December 6, 2008
* GAGA0812.06

- Birds Reported

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 7, 2008
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 6, 2008 (8:17 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

CACKLING GOOSE
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Northern Shoveler
GREAT CORMORANT
Lesser Scaup
Canvasback
Redhead
Snow Goose
Common Goldeneye
Whooping Crane (introduced)
Rufous Hummingbird (possible)

Four CACKLING GEESE were discovered east of Chickamauga, Walker Co. at Crawfish Springs along Euclid Ave./Lee Clarkston Rd. on 12/6. GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON and NORTHERN SHOVELER were also seen here.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=7014

The GREAT CORMORANT was observed again on 12/6 at Lake Walter F George Dam, Clay Co.

Thousands of ducks, mostly LESSER SCAUP and CANVASBACKS, along with about 30 REDHEAD and two SNOW GEESE were seen on Lake Seminole on 12/6.

Eight CANVASBACKS were seen on the shallow expressway pong at the Merry Brothers Brickyard Ponds in Augusta on 12/6.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=6647

On 12/4, 14 CANVASBACKS were seen on Lake Blalock, Henry Co. The lake is currently closed to ordinary visitation, but you may bird the lake if you have a winter permit, available at the Newman Wetlands Center, 2755 Freeman Rd., Hampton.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=4049

A male COMMON GOLDENEYE has returned to Skidaway Island, Chatham Co., to the same pond for the eighth straight year. Skidaway Island is a private development.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=6531

Two female COMMON GOLDENEYES were seen on a small pond north of Chatsworth, Gordon Co.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=6111

The AMERICAN BLACK DUCK at Lullwater Park, Emory University Campus, Decatur, was not seen today, nor was the exotic Mandarin Duck.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=7737

Four banded WHOOPING CRANES were seen just south of Hahira, Lowndes Co. They have been present for about a week. These birds are part population of the eastern reintroduction effort.

A possible RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD has seen at a feeder near Grant Park, Atlanta.

Please report any wintering hummingbirds to the RBA, 770-493-8862.

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* Georgia statewide
* December 4, 2008
* GAGA0812.04

- Birds Reported

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: December 7, 2008
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT mindspring.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: December 4, 2008 (8:38 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: James F. Flynn, Jr.

GREAT CORMORANT
ROSS'S GOOSE
Short-eared Owl
Merlin
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Coopers Hawk
American Kestrel
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
CAVE SWALLOW
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Tree Swallow
Red-throated Loon
American Black Duck
Canvasback
Rusty Blackbird
Vesper Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Snow Goose
Ring-billed Gull
Northern Pintail
American Bittern
Purple Finch
Franklin's Gull

There have been no recent reports (positive or negative) of the GREAT CORMORANT at Lake Walter F George Dam, Clay Co.

The two ROSS'S GEESE discovered on Monday, 12/1, at Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park, Douglas Co., have not been seen subsequently.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=260

A possible ROSS'S GOOSE was seen above the dam at West Point Lake on 12/3, along with six SNOW GEESE.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=3744

Two SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen on 12/3 at the Columbus Water Works south application fields near the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center.
Other species observed included MERLIN, BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-TAILED HAWK, COOPER'S HAWK and AMERICAN KESTREL.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=3586

A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was banded in Lamar Co. on 12/3.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=3508

A CAVE SWALLOW and a NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW were seen with TREE SWALLOWS at Merry Brothers Brickyards on 12/3. A RED-THROATED LOON was reported at Clarks Hill Dam on 12/3 as well.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=3371

An AMERICAN BLACK DUCK was seen again at Lullwater Park located on the Emory University campus in Decatur on 12/2.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=52

On 12/4, 14 CANVASBACKS were seen on Lake Blalock, Henry Co. The lake is currently closed to ordinary visitation, but you may bird the lake if you have a winter permit, available at the Newman Wetlands Center, 2755 Freeman Rd., Hampton.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=4049

In Oconee Co. 100 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were observed in Watkinsville on 12/4.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=4173

On 11/28, VESPER, GRASSHOPPER and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS as well as several other species of sparrows were seen in the vicinity of Moss and Pine Chapel Rds., Gordon Co. along with three SNOW GEESE and a couple of RING-BILLED GULLS.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0811&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=35407

Also on 11/28, four AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, a female NORTHERN PINTAIL, an AMERICAN BITTERN, two NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS and over 100 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park and a female CANVASBACK was seen at the Merry Brothers Brickyard Ponds.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0811&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=35124

A male CANVASBACK was seen at Cooper Creek Park, Columbus, on 11/28.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0811&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=34539

At the Cochran Shoals Unit of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, Cobb Co., 27 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and a SNOW GOOSE were seen on 11/28.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0811&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=34158

A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen on 11/24 at the usual location near Cobb, Sumter Co.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0811&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=30214

Also on 11/24, 13 SNOW GEESE were seen at the Dahlonega Reservoir, Dahlonega, Lumpkin Co.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0811&L=gabo-l&P=R13013

PURPLE FINCHES have been reported at a few feeders in the northern part of the state.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0811&L=gabo-l&P=R13315
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0811&L=gabo-l&P=R13895
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0812&L=gabo-l&P=R1571

On 12/1, a FRANKLIN'S GULL was seen at Lake Seminole near the Dam over both Georgia and Florida waters.

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