August 2009 Georgia Statewide RBA Transcripts

august 2009 georgia statewide rba summaries. . .
6 Aug	15 Aug	21 Aug	25 Aug	28 Aug

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.

hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@att.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: Fri Aug 28 2009, 8:34 pm
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Steve Barlow

Species mentioned:

WESTERN KINGBIRD, Lark Sparrow, American Avocet, Cerulean and Golden- winged Warbler, White-rumped Sandpiper, Upland Sandpiper, Buff- breasted Sandpiper, Common Ground-Dove (in the Piedmont), Black- bellied Whistling-Duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Snow Goose, Mississippi Kite, Brown Pelican (inland).

A WESTERN KINGBIRD and a LARK SPARROW have been observed in the vicinity of the 4H Center at the S end of Jekyll Is. Aug 27
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13270
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13463
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13700

The AMERICAN AVOCET at the Taff Rd pond in Bartow Co. was last seen Aug 26 along with other shorebirds - Solitary, Spotted, Least, and Semipalmated Sandpipers; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs - and ducks - Northern Shoveler and Blue-winged Teal.
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13019

A WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was seen Aug 26 and 27 at the American Proteins Plant in Forsyth Co.:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13237
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13555

CERULEAN WARBLERS were reported from Pine Mountain in Harris Co. Aug
26 and 27
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R12810

CERULEANS and a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER were among 12 spp of migrant and resident warblers at the Boat Ramp Rd on Ft Benning Aug 28:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13881

UPLAND SANDPIPERs continue at the Marshallville sod farm in Macon Co.
Aug 28:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13881

A BROWN PELICAN was reported from West Point Dam, Aug 27 (rare inland, exceptionally so this far up the Chattahoochee):
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13491

2 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS and BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS (and
ducklings) continue near Albany along with a good array of wading birds, shorebirds, and ducks:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13391
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R14095

An unseasonal SNOW GOOSE has been present in Morgan Co. for a couple of weeks:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R11531
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13652

MISSISSIPPI KITES were reported over Roswell - an unusually urban location - Aug 26
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R13072

2 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS and 2 COMMON GROUND-DOVE (unusual in
Piedmont) were reported from the sod farm adjacent to the Cartersville Industrial Pk (sign is missing right now, but it's Riverside Dr) 22 Aug:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R12169

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hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@att.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: Mon Aug 25 2009, 8:25pm
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Steve Barlow

Species mentioned: American Avocet, Stilt, Upland, and White-rumped Sandpipers, Black-bellied Plover (inland), Black-bellied Whistling- Duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites, Wood Stork (in Piedmont)

An AMERICAN AVOCET was seen Aug 24 at the Taff Rd pond in Bartow Co., with a STILT SANDPIPER and 2 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS appearing briefly later in the day.
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R11636
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R11670
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R11782
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R12124

Migrants shorebirds are being seen in several locations. Among the more interesting species:
UPLAND SANDPIPER continued near Albany Aug 22
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R10767
No reports from Marshallville Sod Farm since the last RBA; however UPLAND SANDPIPERs were being seen there recently, but Buff-breasted and White-rumped have not been seen very recently.
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R12899
inland BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS have been seen recently near Albany, at Carters Lake and Taylorsville Sod Fm - see the last RBA:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R12899
inland WILLETS have been seen recently at Carters Lake and in Bartow Co. - see the last RBA:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R12899

2 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS and a family of BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS incl. ducklings continue near Albany
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R11394
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R10767

5 WOOD STORKS were at Ocmulgee NM near Macon in Bibb Co Aug 24:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R11815

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hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@att.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: Thu Aug 21 2009, 6:59 pm
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Steve Barlow

Species mentioned: Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites, Shorebirds (including Upland Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, inland Black-bellied Plover and Willet), Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Roseate Spoonbill

Directions to many of the sites mentioned can be found in Giff Beaton's "Birding Georgia" or at Ken Blankenship's www.wingsoverga.com

Migrants shorebirds are being seen in several locations. Among the more interesting species:

STILT SANDPIPERS, WILLET from Brandon Farm Rd / Taff Rd area of Bartow Co.
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R7148

UPLAND, BUFF-BREASTED, WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS from Marshallville Sod Farm (you drive on the dirt roads, but don't go on the sod!) along with other commoner species, such as Pectoral Sandpiper
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R8659
The B-B and W-R were gone Aug 21:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R9790

inland BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS near Albany, at Carters Lake and
Taylorsville Sod Fm
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R6843
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R8063
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R7965

WILLET at Carters Lake
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R7965

UPLAND SANDPIPER near Albany:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R7536
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R7861
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R8021
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R8214
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R9747
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R8309

2 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS and a family of BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS (8 ad, 9 ducklings) were reported 21 Aug near Albany
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R9698
location:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R2218

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hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@att.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: Thu Aug 15 2009, 9:32 pm
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Steve Barlow

Species mentioned: Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites, Shorebirds (Wilson's Phalarope, inland Ruddy Turnstone, Upland Sandpiper, Buff- breasted Sandpiper, inland Black-bellied Plover), Least Flycatcher, Cerulean Warbler, American Avocet, Wood Stork (in the Piedmont), Lark Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Sandhill Cranes, Common Loon

Post-breeding gatherings of MISSISSIPPI KITES and SWALLOW-TAILED KITES continue in several areas of the state, especially in association with recently mown fields. New locations: Going S from I-20 on Hwy 11 and then S from Mansfield, just before the entrance to the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center on the left; Hwy 83 just S of I20 between Hillsman and Spears Rds.
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R5706&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R3611&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R5134&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R6617&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R6185&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R4342&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R4452&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1

In Lamar Co., 30 S-T and 15 Miss Kites were seen Aug 8. This number of S-T Kites rivals those seen in Long Co. in the S coastal plain (see http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=8828).
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=8317

UPLAND SANDPIPER (up to 30-40) and BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (9 on 14 Aug) have been seen at the Marshallville Sod Farm. While you can drive on the dirt roads, do NOT drive on the sod. Other interesting species seen there recently include BANK SWALLOW, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, and GRASSHOPPER SPARROW (unusual this far S in summer).
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=11253
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=13634
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R6717&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R6776&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1

Another productive location for shorebirds is a fish farm near Newton in Baker Co. For directions see the following links. Recently seen species there include:
WILSON'S PHALAROPE, BLACK-NECKED STILT, STILT SANDPIPER, RUDDY TURNSTONE
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=709
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=4293
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=2609

Another good inland shorebird location is the Taff Rd / Brandon Farm Rd area of Bartow Co.

An early migrant LEAST FLYCATCHER was seen at the State Botanic Gardens in Athens Aug 15, along with 8 spp of warbler
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=14615

CERULEAN WARBLERS, along with 11 other spp of warbler, were reported from Boat Ramp Rd, Chattahoochee Co., S of Columbus, 12 Aug:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=11253

A good spot for wading birds in the Piedmont is the Reeves wetland in Henry Co. Recent sightings include WOOD STORK, WHITE IBIS, LITTLE BLUE and GREAT BLUE HERONS, SNOWY and GREAT EGRETS, YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, SOLITARY SANDPIPER:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R3682&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R4759&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R5337&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R5433&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
Directions:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0007&L=gabo-l&P=R674&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1

3 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS (extremely unusual in Aug) were seen at Panola Mtn SP, Rockdale Co., on Aug 15. 2 MISSISSPPI KITES were also
seen:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=14487

An immature LARK SPARROW was seen for ca, 1 week in N Cobb Co, but has not been seen since Aug 8.

2 AMERICAN AVOCETS were reported from Jekyll Is 13 Aug
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R5881&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1

A group of 6+ SANDHILL CRANES was seen over Lithia Springs, Douglas Co, 12 Aug
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=R5055&D=0&H=0&O=T&T=1
Another group of 3 birds was reporred from a farm field near Statesboro, Bulloch Co, 14 Aug.
While the Bulloch Co birds could possibly be wanderers from the resident FL population, which extends into S GA in the vicinity of the Okefenokee Swamp, the Douglas Co. birds are presumably northern breeders and, therefore, very unusual this time of year.

A COMMON LOON was seen Aug 14 in Columbus (Muscogee):
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&P=13249

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hotline: Georgia Rare Bird Alert
number: 770-493-8862
to report: 770-493-8862 or lambertsewell@att.com
coverage: Statewide
compiled: Thu Aug 6 2009 (9:50 pm)
compiler: Jeff Sewell
transcriber: Steve Barlow

Species mentioned: Shorebirds (Wilson's Phalarope, Black-necked Stilt, Stilt Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper, inland Ruddy Turnstone, Upland Sandpiper), Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites, Dickcissel, Brown Pelican (inland), Cerulean Warbler, Ring-necked Duck

One of the most productive locations for shorebirds is a fish farm near Newton in Baker Co. For directions see the following links. Recently seen species there include:
WILSON'S PHALAROPE, BLACK-NECKED STILT, STILT SANDPIPER, RUDDY TURNSTONE
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=709
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=4293
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=2609

Also near Newton is a new site for BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=4293
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=709

UPLAND SANDPIPERS have been reported from the Marshallville Sod Farm in Macon Co. (which is typically the most reliable location for this species). You can drive on the dirt roads, but do NOT drive on the sod.
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=3958
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=4175
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=3063
and also from the Bostwick Sod Farm in Morgan Co.
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=6548

A BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was also reported from Marshallville Sod Farm on Aug 3:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=4175

Large congregations of SWALLOW-TAILED and MISSISSIPPI KITES have been reported from traditional locations in Long Co.:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=5221
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=776
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=3828

DICKCISSELS have bred in Gordon Co. and 13+ were seen Aug 4:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=5106

A BROWN PELICAN was observed well inland over the Ocmulgee River and downtown Macon (Bibb Co.) on Aug 3:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=3461

5 migrating CERULEAN WARBLERS were reported from Pine Mountain in Harris Co. on Aug 1:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=1543

A lone RING-NECKED DUCK (unusual in summer) was reported for Vogel SP in Union Co.:
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908&L=gabo-l&F=&S=&P=5320

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