Georgia Ornithological Society

july 2009 georgia statewide rba summaries. . .
4 Jul 10 Jul 17 Jul 25 Jul 31 Jul  

 
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
* July 31, 2009
* GAGA0907.31

- Birds Reported

Swallow-tailed Kite
Mississippi Kite
Black Tern
Black-necked Stilt
Forster's Tern
Grasshopper Sparrow
Dickcissel
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
Roseate Spoonbill
Tricolored Heron
Glossy Ibis
Bank Swallow
Chimney Swift
Cerulean Warbler
Black Rail
Brown Pelican
Loggerhead Shrike
Stilt Sandpiper
Dowitcher spp.
Pectoral Sandpiper
Ruddy Turnstone
Barn Owl
Gadwall

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: August 2, 2009
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT att.net
coverage: Statewide
compiled: July 31, 2009 (8:44 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Mark McShane

On 7/30 in Newton County, 3 SWALLOW-TAILED KITES and 2 MISSISSIPPI KITES were observed. At the Newman Wetlands Center in Clayton County On 7/27 2 MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen. Also, on 7/27, 6 MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen at the Ocmulgee Nat'l Monument in Bibb County. In Bonaire, in Houston County, on 7/31 4 MISSISSIPPI KITES were observed.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=25443
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=20927
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=21560
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=24985

In Baker County just north of Newton on 7/29 6 BLACK TERNS were seen, and on 7/29 in Gordon County 2 BLACK TERNS were found at Pine Chapel Road. In Richmond County on 7/30 at the Phinizy Swamp NP in Augusta 2 BLACK TERNS were seen, as well as a single FORSTER'S TERN. In Baker County just north of Newton on 7/31 24 BLACK TERNS were counted.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=23089
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=23250
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=24279
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=25697

On 7/28 in Baker County 1 BLACK-NECKED STILT was seen. Around 7/27 possible BLACK-NECKED STILTS were seen at the Phinizy Swamp NP in Augusta, in Richmond County. Again in Baker County, on 7/31, 1 BLACK-NECKED STILT was seen.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=22291
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=24279
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=25697

A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was seen in Sumter County on 7/25, and on 7/26 a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was seen in Greene County near the Oconee River. On
7/29 2 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were seen in Gordon County on Pine Chapel Road.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=20704
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=20810
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=23250

On 7/25 2 DICKCISSELS were seen in Sumter County, and on 7/29 a DICKCISSEL was seen in Gordon County on Pine Chapel Road.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=20704
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=23250

Just north of Newton in Baker County on 7/29 3 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING- DUCKS were seen and on 7/31 6 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS were seen.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=23089
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=26112

In Sumter County on 7/25 2 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS were observed, and in Decatur County, on the campus of Bainbridge College in Bainbridge, 1 ROSEATE SPOONBILL was seen.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=20704
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=21675

In Baker County on 7/31 2 TRICOLORED HERONS were located.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&P=R11595

In Dooly County on 7/25 3 GLOSSY IBIS were seen.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&P=R9107

On 7/25 3 BANK SWALLOWS were seen in Sumter County, and on 7/30 in Bartow County 1 BANK SWALLOW was found.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&P=R9107
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&P=R10750

On 7/26 a large roost of CHIMNEY SWIFTS was reported from Midtown Atlanta in Fulton County, and again observed on 7/28.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=21842
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=22808

On 7/26 at the Kennesaw Mountain Nat'l Battlefield Park in Cobb County 10 CERULEAN WARBLERS were counted on a walk up the mountain. On 7/26, at the Cochran Shoals Unit of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, a female CERULEAN WARBLER was seen. On 7/28 a single CERULEAN WARBLER was found on Kennesaw Mountain.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=19948
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=20383
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=22699

On 7/26 a BLACK RAIL partially surrounded 4 birders but in the end was only heard, and not seen, in Greene County near the Oconee River and on private property.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=20810

A BROWN PELICAN was seen on 7/26 and 7/27 near the dam at Lake Walter F.
George in Clay County.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=22150
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=22426

2 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were seen on the Bartow County Loop on both 7/30 and 7/31, one day with a mouse and the next day without.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=24167
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=25975

11 STILT SANDPIPERS, 1 breeding plumage DOWITCHER SPP. and 100+ PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were observed on the Bartow County Loop (BCL) on 7/29. 2 STILT SANDPIPERS were seen on the BCL on 7/30. 1 STILT SANDPIPER was seen in Baker County on 7/31, and 1 STILT SANDPIPER was seen on the BCL on 7/31.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=23453
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=24167
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=25697
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=25975

On 7/31 on the Bartow County Loop an inland RUDDY TURNSTONE was discovered.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=25975

2 BARN OWLS were seen in Sumter County on 7/25. 1 BARN OWL was relocated in Comer in Madison County on 7/25. 1 BARN OWL was heard only at Panola Mountain State Park in Rockdale County on 7/25.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=20704
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=20810
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=21247

2 GADWALL were seen at Panola Mountain State Park in Rockdale County on 7/25.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=A&P=21247

The Baird's Sandpiper found on 7/24 on the Bartow County Loop has not been relocated.

top


* Georgia statewide
* July 25, 2009
* GAGA0907.25

- Birds Reported

Baird's Sandpiper
Swallow-tailed Kite
Mississippi Kite
Barn Owl
Purple Martin
Upland Sandpiper
Black-throated Green Warbler
Glossy Ibis
Least Bittern
Bank Swallow
White Ibis
Wood Stork
Least Sandpiper
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
Tricolored Heron

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: July 26, 2009
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT att.net
coverage: Statewide
compiled: July 25, 2009 (8:34 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Mark McShane

On 7/24 a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was seen on the Bartow County Loop, at the Taff Road pond, the bird was not relocated later in the day:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=18368
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=18814

On 7/21 a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE and 4 MISSISSIPPI KITES were observed in Oconee County from the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, well up into the Piedmont region of the state. On 7/24 on private property in Long County a mixed flock of 35 SWALLOW-TAILED KITES and 12 MISSISSIPPI KITES were observed. At the same private property location on 7/25 a mixed flock of 46 SWALLOW-TAILED KITES and 26 MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen. At another spot in Long County not far away from the private property location, and with public access, a foraging flock of 10 SWALLOW-TAILED KITES and 6 MISSISSIPPI KITES were spotted.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=14770
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=15762
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=19456

Adult and newly fledged BARN OWLS were reported from Comer, in Madison County, on 7/19, and subsequently seen during the week by several observers. The owls have been reportedly nested at this location possibly
4 out of the last 5 years.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13842
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=15762
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=18714

In Gwinnett County, at The Mall Of Georgia, a migratory roost of 2000+ PURPLE MARTINS was reported, and then observed on 7/21.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13190
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=13393
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=15622

On 7/19 five UPLAND SANDPIPERS were seen at the Marshallville Super Sod Farm in Macon County, the birds were not relocated later in the week.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=12701

On 7/21, a belated but confirmed report, dated June 2nd, came in of the southernmost breeding BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS ever recorded in Georgia! The birds were confirmed breeding on Pine Mountain Ridge, Pine Mountain GA, near Calloway Gardens in Harris County.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=14895

On 7/19 one GLOSSY IBIS, a bit out of range, was seen at a pond in Sumter County.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=14624

On 7/19 2 LEAST BITTERNS were found at Euharlee Swamp (near Euharlee
Creek) on Harbin/Harden/or Hardin Bridge Road in Bartow County.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=12932

Several BANK SWALLOWS were reported from Dillard, in Rabun County, on 7/19.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=12820

Five juvenile WHITE IBIS were reported from the Arrowhead Environmental Education Center on Floyd Springs Road in Armuchee, in Floyd County.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=12590

In Baker County on 7/24 48 WOOD STORKS, 50 LEAST SANDPIPERS, and 2 BLACK- BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS were seen. On 7/25 the same observer reported two BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS at the same location as on the 24th with 2 TRICOLORED HERONS in attendance as well.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=19271

top


* Georgia statewide
* July 17, 2009
* GAGA0907.17

- Birds Reported

Upland Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Swallow-tailed Kite
Mississippi Kite
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Gull-billed Tern
Least Tern
American Oystercatcher
Black Tern
Scarlet Tanager

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: July 19, 2009
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT att.net
coverage: Statewide
compiled: July 17, 2009 (8:33 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Mark McShane

On 7/12 an UPLAND SANDPIPER was seen at the Marshallville Super Sod farm in Macon County. On 7/17 at the Industrial Park Sod Farm, west of Cartersville in Bartow County, another UPLAND SANDPIPER was observed, and during the same session at various "Bartow County Loop" locations PECTORAL SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER were observed as well as large groups of swallows. One UPLAND SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were also observed on private property in Sumter County. These shorebird sightings are indicative that early fall shorebird migration is well underway.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&P=R4596
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&P=R5071
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&P=R5223

On 7/13 four SWALLOW-TAILED KITES were observed in Camden County, and on
7/17 six SWALLOW-TAILED KITES was observed along Hwy 68 in Washington County. Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kite sightings should be reported to the RBA with as complete location and direction information as possible. Swallow-tailed Kites seen deep into the NW Coastal Plain and in the Piedmont regions of Georgia and Mississippi Kites seen in the Piedmont or further north in Georgia in summer and fall indicate birds which are in an annual post-breeding wandering pattern or dispersion.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=10834\
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&P=R4948

Two MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen in Oconee County on 7/13.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=10323

On East Beach on St. Simons Island on 7/14 3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, GULL-BILLED TERNS, LEAST TERNS, LEAST SANDPIPERS, an AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, and a BLACK TERN were observed.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=11045

On 7/12 many SCARLET TANAGERS were heard along the Chattahoochee River SW of Atlanta near Campellton in the Piedmont. Please report SCARLET TANAGERS discovered in the Piedmont region (particularly south of Atlanta) to the RBA.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=9011
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=9578
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=10102

top


* Georgia statewide
* July 10, 2009
* GAGA0907.10

- Birds Reported

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Glossy Ibis
Dickcissel
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
Mississippi Kite
Black-and-White Warbler
White-rumped Sandpiper

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: July 12, 2009
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT att.net
coverage: Statewide
compiled: July 10, 2009 (8:34 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Mark McShane

A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen in southeastern Clarke County on 7/9, the bird was not relocated the next day or since.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=5509
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=5738
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=5862
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=6294
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=6808
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=8011

Two GLOSSY IBIS, probably relocated, were found in Sumter County on 7/10, also seen were various waders at the site.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=6588

DICKCISSEL, probably relocated, were found from 2-6 July in Newton County close to Mansfield.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=2328
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=2989

A BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was found on 7/6 on the south side of Albany in Dougherty County, the reporter noted that this species has been seen at the location for at least one month.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=2882

Eight MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen in the morning, and three were also seen in the afternoon on 7/10 while observers was attempting to relocate the 7/9 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at it's previously reported location.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=6432
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=6294

A female BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was seen at the Reed Creek Wetlands Park and Interpretive Center in Martinez, in Columbia County in the Augusta area on 7/5. The park's website is: www.reedcreekpark.com
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=5072

A WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was seen on 7/4 on a Cumberland Island beach.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=3726

top


* Georgia statewide
* July 4, 2009
* GAGA0907.04

- Birds Reported

Common Loon
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Little Blue Heron
Green Heron
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
White Ibis
Glossy Ibis
Mississippi Kite
Black-throated Green Warbler
Gray Catbird
Ring-billed Gull
Common Raven

-Transcript

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
date: July 6, 2009
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell AT att.net
coverage: Statewide
compiled: July 4, 2009 (6:15 PM)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Mark McShane

A COMMON LOON, in breeding plumage, was seen at Bear Creek Reservoir in south Jackson County, just west of Athens on 7/3.

On the 4th of July, in Floyd County, at the Arrowhead Environmental Education Center (some older maps may have Arrowhead Public Fishing Area) a good congregation of waders was observed to include GREAT BLUE HERON, GREAT EGRET, LITTLE BLUE HERON (white), GREEN HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT- HERON (juvenile), and WHITE IBIS (juvenile).
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=1889

GLOSSY IBIS were observed in Sumter County on 7/3.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=1368

MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen soaring over suburban Athens on 7/3.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=1051

A male MISSISSIPPI KITE was also observed soaring in Columbia County on July 2nd.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=599

Last weekend at the FDR State Park (which resides in both Harris and Meriwether Counties) a BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER was observed singing, indicating probable nesting, although as of yet no nest has been found, and young have not yet been observed being fed.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=350

GRAY CATBIRDS have been observed nesting on Skidaway Island, Savannah.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0907&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=146

A RING-BILLED GULL was observed out of range and season in Gordon County on 6/28.
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0906&L=gabo-l&O=D&P=23133

COMMON RAVENS were seen on Brasstown Bald on 6/30, the highest point in Georgia. There is a $3 parking fee at Brasstown Bald.

The compiler notes that the sightings of the various waders, Glossy Ibis, and kites indicates that post breeding dispersal is well under way.

top

Return to Rare Bird Alerts


7/2009