RBA Alabama Statewide: October 22, 2009

[Swmavocet]

RBA
 
*Alabama
*Statewide
*INTERNET ONLY
*October 22, 2009
*ALST0910.22
 
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--- Species added since last report ---
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Swainson’s Hawk (2 locations)
CALIFORNIA GULL
DUSKY FLYCATCHER (banded)
SAY’S PHOEBE (gone?)
Ash-throated Flycatcher (2 locations)
NORTHERN WHEATEAR (gone?)
 
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--- Species previously reported ---
=====================================
 
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
Lesser Black-backed Gull (new location)
Bell’s Vireo  
Clay-colored Sparrow (+ new location)
 
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Please note: Species CAPITALIZED above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee review list.  Check the AOS website (address below - look in ABRC section) for forms and suggestions on how to submit your sightings of these species to the state database.
 
Written details, photos, recordings, etc. are highly desired for ABRC Review List species and should be sent to:
 
Greg D. Jackson
2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244
g_d_jackson@...
Fax: [phone]
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Alabama Ornithological Society website:
http://www.aosbirds.org/
 
Alabama RBA archives:
http://www.tvas.org/rba.htm
 
DeAL = DeLorme Alabama Atlas
BGtA = Birder’s Guide to Alabama (John F. Porter editor, University of Alabama Press, 2001)
NABT = North Alabama Birding Trail  (http://www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com/)
ACBT = Alabama Coastal Birding Trail  (http://www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com/)
 
- Transcript
 
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: October 22, 2009
Phone number to leave messages about rare birds:  256/773-8560
Compiler: Steve W. McConnell
Email: swmavocet@...
 
Alabama Rare Bird Report – Thursday, October 22, 2009.
 
Last week’s strong cold front brought a wealth of unusual and rare species to the Alabama coast.  Will this weekend’s front repeat?
 
A SAY’S PHOEBE was discovered late on the afternoon of 10/18 at the 5-Rivers facility off US-90/98 in Spanish Fort.  The location was just after the last public building where the gravel road changes to dirt.  The phoebe perched briefly on a short erosion retention fence before flying across a canal into a nearby residential area.  Several attempts to relocate it have been unsuccessful.  5-Rivers web page with directions: http://www.dcnr.state.al.us/outdoor-adventures/5rivers/       [DeAL 62-D5]
 
A NORTHERN WHEATEAR was apparently found and photographed the afternoon of 10/18 near the nature center along the south shore of Lake Shelby in Gulf SP.  Searches the next morning and later failed to relocate this rarity.  [DeAL 64-F3][BGtA p. 34][ACBT #7]
 
An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was discovered during the afternoon of 10/20 in the brushline north of and paralleling E 2nd Ave in Gulf Shores.  It was first seen about 100 yards east of the intersection of 2nd Ave and Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores and was followed east in the trees and shrubs on the north side of the road to about the T intersection of  E 2nd Ave and E 2nd St.  It was last seen following the burshline east. [DeAL 64-F3]
 
On Dauphin Island a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW continued to be present behind Ft. Gaines 10/18.  Also that day, 2 SWAINSON’S HAWKS were noted soaring over the island with the Broad-winged kettles.  An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was reported to be seen on the island 10/17 but I’ve not been able to obtain any details as of yet.   [DeAL 64-B3][BGtA p. 6-12]
 
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS continue to be found at Blakeley Island in Mobile where the species has been a regular treat since April.  During a BirdFest field trip 10/18, an adult and 15 fledgling ducks were found on pond #4.  REMEMBER:  this is an access-restricted area and an annual, signed, hold harmless permit is required to be in the possession of State Docks security personnel prior to making your visit.  A pre-visit notification phone call to security personnel is also required.  These rules have been established in order to maintain access to this productive birding area and must be followed to the letter.  For full details, a map of the area, and copies of the required permit visit the AOS web site at:  http://www.aosbirds.org/blakeley.php
[DeAL 62-C4][BGtA p. 41][ACBT #32]
 
The Hummer/Bird Study Group have completed their banding efforts at Ft. Morgan for another season.  The final totals are around 1,200 individuals rings comprising around 85 species.  Noteworthy captures since the last RBA were another BELL’S VIREO (10/19), two DUSKY FLYCATCHERS (10/17 & 10/19),  and CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (10/22).  Two SWAINSON’S HAWKS were seen over the weekend soaring with a large mixed hawk parade – mostly Broad-wings.     [DeAL 64-B4][BGtA p. 23][ACBT #15]
 
An adult CALIFORNIA GULL was discovered around mid-day on 10/17 at the US 431 pilings on the north edge of Guntersville in Marshall County. Also present were two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS.  [DeAL 26-A1; 25-A&B10][BGtA p. 258-259][NABT #35]
 
 
The following may be called for information:
Alabama Ornithological Society: Linda Reynolds  (256/582-2970)
Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center hotline:  [phone])
 
Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be submitted by email to:
swmavocet@...
 
Thank you.
-End Transcript