From winkg at hevanet.com Mon Jan 1 07:22:19 2007 From: winkg at hevanet.com (Wink Gross) Date: Mon, 01 Jan 2007 07:22:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] RFI: Falcated Duck Message-ID: <20070101152243.2ABD2148129@smtp5.oregonstate.edu> Thank you all for the responses on the Falcated Duck. Apparently it was last seen a couple of weeks ago--just before the big wind storm. It was not found on yesterday's Eugene CBC. But still, have a Happy New Year! Wink From joel.geier at peak.org Mon Jan 1 08:12:11 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Mon, 01 Jan 2007 08:12:11 -0800 Subject: [obol] Apparent Red Fox Sparrow in Luckiamute state lands complex, SE Polk Co. Message-ID: <1167667931.3536.109.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hello folks, Yesterday Randy Moore and I covered the Luckiamute state lands complex in SE Polk/NE Benton Co., as part of the Airlie CBC. We had particularly good luck in the North Luckiamute Cooperative Management Area parcel which is managed by ODFW, on the north side of OPRD's adjoining Luckiamute State Natural Area (comprising the old Luckiamute Landing, Vanderpool, Baker, and Oregon Botanicals tracts). This parcel is along Buena Vista Rd. on the north side of the Luckiamute River (see DeLorme p. 53 C-7). After Randy relocated an immature HARRIS'S SPARROW which Howard Bruner had found there on 27 Dec, plus a SWAMP SPARROW, I joined him after wrapping up on the south side of the river and we continued to bird this very nice sparrow patch. We had a nice long look at an apparent RED FOX SPARROW in just about the same place where Randy had seen the Harris's Sparrow. This bird had a bright rufous rump and tail, pronounced dark rusty streaks on a grayish mantle, distinct dark brownish spots with a rufous tinge on the breast, plain gray head and cheeks (similar to the background color of the mantle), and a strong dark rusty-brown malar. The bill was smallish (as Fox Sparrows go) and dull yellowish (not so orange as Sibley shows for classic eastern Red Fox Sparrow). According to Rising and Beadle, the bright rufous rump and tail together with streaking on the mantle are supposed to be diagnostic for the Red Fox Sparrow group. This bird did not have the rufous markings on the auriculars as shown by Sibley (or if present, they were indistinct) so it would seem to be a bird from the more western part of the range, i.e. more like the "Yukon" Fox Sparrow, P. iliaca zaboria which ranges from Alaska to Manitoba, presumably the "Canadian Rocky Mountains" Fox Sparrow which Sibley shows as an intergrade of Red x Slate-colored Fox Sparrow. Also for what it's worth, this bird seemingly paid no attention to my Western Screech-Owl imitations, which usually get all of the Sooty Fox Sparrows in the area to sit up. Hopefully someone can get a photo good enough to hash out the identity of this bird for certain. It was certainly strikingly different from any Fox Sparrow I have ever seen in Oregon, including northeast Oregon's Slate-coloreds, and all of our wintering Sooties. The spot for the Harris's Sparrow and putative Red Fox Sparrow is 150 yards straight east of ODFW's parking area and sign board, which is on a turnout on the east side of Buena Vista Rd. at the north boundary of the North Luckiamute Cooperative Management Area (about 2 miles north of Spring Hill Drive, at the north end of the straight stretch of Buena Vista Rd. just before it goes through a couple of curves around a bluff). Randy's Swamp Sparrow was a bit south of there. We also found a total of 9 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS in the Luckiamute state lands complex (most of them in the Vanderpool Tract in the south unit of the Luckiamute SNA, including one flock of three and several singles that were singing of their love for Canada in the morning fog). Randy also found a bunch of CHIPPING SPARROWS in filbert orchards in American Bottom farther north, so I think he had a dozen sparrow species on the day, perhaps thirteen if Red Fox Sparrow counts as a species. However, we were bummed to find no Horned Larks for this count. Good birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From winkg at hevanet.com Mon Jan 1 09:52:33 2007 From: winkg at hevanet.com (Wink Gross) Date: Mon, 01 Jan 2007 09:52:33 -0800 Subject: [obol] Pine Grosbeak still around Message-ID: <20070101175234.AA0D515003F@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> For those of you wanting to get a jump on your Multnomah Co. year list, a male PINE GROSBEAK was at the intersection of NW Seblar Terrace and NW Seblar Drive this morning about 9:45AM. (Nice start to the New Year.) Happy New Year! Wink Gross NW Portland From gnorgren at earthlink.net Mon Jan 1 10:10:19 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2007 10:10:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eugene CBC, a tale of two towns Message-ID: <6ac8ec77ae5dfde86b228594948f5a63@earthlink.net> It was the best of counts. It was the worst of counts. The best thing was not getting writers' cramp counting all those juncos and golden-crowned sparrows. I don't have previous years' numbers from my area for comparison, but I've done a great many Willamette Valley Counts and the numbers of many familiar species seemed down by almost an order of magnitude. The worst thing was all the misses of regular birds. No Horned Larks. Excusable considering many birders never see them in the Willamette Valley. Detecting them in winter can be a very specialized form of grunt work. But no Eurasian Wigeon! One highly seasoned birder called this inexcusable. I'm inclined to think it was more an indication of present bird distribution. I was thrilled to get a pass to the East and West Coyote Units of ODF&W's Fern Ridge Wildlife Management Area, virtually off limits to the public throughout the winter. We saw no American Wigeon at all. I suspect the total for the count circle will be well below average. We also recorded under 200 Pintail and Green-winged Teal respectively, only three Shovelers and Under ten Mallards in a landscape designed and managed for ducks. The Falcated Duck disappeared after the big wind Dec 14. Here in the western Tualatin Valley where I live there were no ducks until after that event. We now have large amounts of Pintail for the first time since last winter. As a native of Corvallis there was always a vaguely illicit pleasure to participating in the Eugene Count while I grew up. Eugene routinely got 20 more species than us and sometimes closer to 30-35 more. There may not be any two count circles in the state more similar in terms of habitat, climate, and demographics of the counters. But Eugene was always way beyond us. This year Corvallis made a new record and was almost at parity with Eugene. It is less than 60km between the centers of the two count circles, but I can imagine I'm traveling to a different country. The Valley Pine and California Black Oak pretty much appear at the Lane County line. White-tailed Kite and Red-shouldered Hawk are routine species for Eugene, while they remain hard to find in Benton County. It was very satisfying to show five novice birders excellent looks of both these species through a scope. We saw both at two separate locations in our area. Upon returning to the East Coyote parking lot in the afternoon an incredibly bright adult Shoulder flew within 15m of us. I really can't imagine a more gorgeous or exotic looking bird anywhere on earth. As a child I always looked forward to the first vulture of Spring, which generally appeared in Corvallis about the Ides of March. Now they are wintering near the city limits of Eugene. The typical foggy conditions had me worried that we would miss them yesterday, but that was groundless.Anyone wishing to add Turkey Vulture extremely early to their year's list should visit a very bodacious bird feeder on Dukhobar Rd.. Three dead calves next to a house there had attracted SIXTEEN vultures. Some were on the carcasses, some on the ground nearby, others in the lower, middle, and upper branches of Oregon Ash trees. Oh Winter! Now that you are here can Spring be far Behind? Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON From bdcw at dsl-only.net Mon Jan 1 12:00:27 2007 From: bdcw at dsl-only.net (bdcw at dsl-only.net) Date: 1 Jan 2007 12:00:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] =?utf-8?q?E-mail_address_change?= Message-ID: <20070101200027.9293.qmail@iron2.pdx.net> My new e-mail address is bdcw at comcast.net. Please note the change in your address book. Thanks! Bob Wilson bdcw at comcast.net (formerly bdcw at dsl-only.net) From sharilyn at easystreet.com Mon Jan 1 12:13:31 2007 From: sharilyn at easystreet.com (Sharilyn Cohn) Date: Mon, 01 Jan 2007 12:13:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] gyrfalcon info Message-ID: <45996B6B.6090609@easystreet.com> hi obolers happy birding new year! i will be in the corvallis and eugene area on wednesday. would appreciate info on the gyr or anything else not often seen...thanks! sharilyn cohn 503.317.7671 From llsdirons at msn.com Mon Jan 1 15:39:55 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Mon, 01 Jan 2007 23:39:55 +0000 Subject: [obol] Benton County -- Gyr and Prairie Falcon Message-ID: Happy New Yearlisting, Jennifer Brown and I just returned from a successful trip to find the GYRFALCON in Benton County. We found the bird about 11:00AM northwest of Venell Seed Co. on Llewelyn Rd. The bird was about 600yds n. of the road along north south running fence line just w. of Venell Rd. There is a mud road that parallels the fenceline. While watching the Gyr, a PRAIRIE FALCON flew over our heads and flew right over the Gyr. To our surprise there was no interaction between the two birds. Eventually the Gyrfalcon flew off to the north towards Airport Rd and the area where the Caracara was. We drove around to Airport Rd., but could not relocate it. Dave Irons Eugene, OR From woodpecker97330 at yahoo.com Mon Jan 1 17:05:14 2007 From: woodpecker97330 at yahoo.com (J. Simmons) Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2007 17:05:14 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Time to submit Oregon listing results Message-ID: <132994.78671.qm@web39511.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Happy New Year, Obolonians! It's that time of year again! See the form in the upcoming issue of Oregon Birds for the categories and thresholds. Refer to "ABA Recording Rules" for what is or is not countable. (See: http://www.americanbirding.org/resources/reslistru2.htm for the rules and interpretation of them) There are 3 ways you can submit your 2006 Oregon listing results: -Use the form in the upcoming issue of Oregon Birds (or last year's) and snail mail it to me. -Enter them at the listing website: http://thor.clark.edu/korprt/ListHome.htm (Do not be concerned that the years shown on the website and results say 2005 or 2002--I'll know that you're sending 2006 results.) -Email them directly to me. If county listing results are included, please LIST THEM ALPHABETICALLY BY COUNTY. I will send you an email as acknowledgment that I received your results if submitted via EMAIL or the WEBSITE. (NOTE: If you enter both life and year results on the web you should receive acknowledgment of both.) The deadline for me to receive results is March 1st. If it is changed, I will post to OBOL. Jamie Corvallis woodpecker97330 at yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From grassj at comcast.net Mon Jan 1 17:17:06 2007 From: grassj at comcast.net (grassj at comcast.net) Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 01:17:06 +0000 Subject: [obol] Tygh Valley Gyrfalcon Message-ID: <010220070117.14400.4599B2920006132C000038402200750744069C9C0E9D09@comcast.net> Monday 1/1/07 at 11:00 am, I managed to relocate and get excellent views of the Gyrfalcon initially reported about a week ago at this location. Tygh Valley is about 35 miles south of the Dalles on US 197. I found it sitting on a power pole very near where it was reported before, on Oregon Hwy 216 .7 mile east of the US 197 junction, on the road to Sherar's bridge. While I was watching it with binocs from the car so as not to spook it, a truck passed by and it flushed, flew SE in a big circle over the fields, and then landed on another pole up the hill farther from the road and slightly west from where I saw it at first. I was able to get out of the car and study it at length that time, and it was still sitting up there when we left. This one is medium gray, and the face pattern is pretty visible in decent light with binocs. There were a couple Redtails and a Rough-legged on other poles in the area, but the falcon stood out like a sore thumb. Good birding! From dlbird at earthlink.net Mon Jan 1 19:04:12 2007 From: dlbird at earthlink.net (Donna Lusthoff) Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2007 19:04:12 -0800 Subject: [obol] Late December 2, 2006 Raptor Survey Message-ID: <002c01c72e1a$ae955c80$0a0110ac@Donna> Char Corkran and I ran the Wasco Co. Dufur, Section C Raptor Survey on Dec. 2, 2006/ Our route runs from 8 mi Road and loops around to end at Endersby Cut-Off Road. Then we run another loop from Dufur to Rail Hollow Rd, up to Friend and then back to Old Dufur Rd. all off of Hwy 197. Weather: Skies from thick fog to light sun at the end. Temps were 29 at beginning to 28 at the end. Wind calm, 79 miles, and 5 hours driven. Results: Count down from last run, presumably due to the fog. Red-tailed Hawk 32, with one bird seemingly totally dark Am Kestrel 8 N Harrier 4 Golden Eagle 1 Rough-legged Hawk 6 Merlin 1 Prairie Falcon 1 Accip. 1 sp. For a total of 54 birds. 30 Horned Larks were also seen. Donna Lusthoff -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070101/fb2e6f35/attachment.htm From jimjuliano at comcast.net Mon Jan 1 20:44:55 2007 From: jimjuliano at comcast.net (jim juliano) Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2007 20:44:55 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eurasian-American wigeon Hybrid Message-ID: <01eb49902605c32cd1f60ad3dc785997@comcast.net> I saw a wigeon at the Crystal Springs Rhody garden on Sunday that at first appeared to me to be a Eurasian with a very cinnamon head but then I noticed he had a fairly prominent green eye stripe. Has anyone else seen a hybrid at the gardens there or around Portland? Jim Juliano From gnorgren at earthlink.net Mon Jan 1 22:00:16 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2007 22:00:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eurasian-American wigeon Hybrid In-Reply-To: <01eb49902605c32cd1f60ad3dc785997@comcast.net> References: <01eb49902605c32cd1f60ad3dc785997@comcast.net> Message-ID: <21a6c4c9d5e081edb426bb8bfa29dfc7@earthlink.net> There was one at Westmoreland Park last Spring, just before Khanh Tran saw the Blue Grosbeak. That would make it the first week of April? Jay Withgott saw it a day or so after I did. When I saw the Falcated Duck in Eugene last March 23 its closest companion throughout the morning was a hybrid Wigeon. Lars Norgren On Jan 1, 2007, at 8:44 PM, jim juliano wrote: > I saw a wigeon at the Crystal Springs Rhody garden on Sunday that at > first appeared to me to be a Eurasian with a very cinnamon head but > then I noticed he had a fairly prominent green eye stripe. Has anyone > else seen a hybrid at the gardens there or around Portland? > Jim Juliano > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From tetraka at yahoo.com Mon Jan 1 22:25:33 2007 From: tetraka at yahoo.com (Robert Lockett) Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2007 22:25:33 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Eurasian-American wigeon Hybrid In-Reply-To: <21a6c4c9d5e081edb426bb8bfa29dfc7@earthlink.net> Message-ID: <20070102062533.64178.qmail@web38708.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Jim, I saw what was probably the same hybrid at Crystal Springs last Friday. It has a fair amount of cinnamon on the head, but also quite a bit of green through the eye and at the nape of the neck. I believe someone else reported it at least once earlier this year--maybe in September or October. Bob Lockett Lars and Gail Norgren wrote: There was one at Westmoreland Park last Spring, just before Khanh Tran saw the Blue Grosbeak. That would make it the first week of April? Jay Withgott saw it a day or so after I did. When I saw the Falcated Duck in Eugene last March 23 its closest companion throughout the morning was a hybrid Wigeon. Lars Norgren On Jan 1, 2007, at 8:44 PM, jim juliano wrote: > I saw a wigeon at the Crystal Springs Rhody garden on Sunday that at > first appeared to me to be a Eurasian with a very cinnamon head but > then I noticed he had a fairly prominent green eye stripe. Has anyone > else seen a hybrid at the gardens there or around Portland? > Jim Juliano > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070101/4618dd73/attachment.htm From donalbri at teleport.com Mon Jan 1 23:10:59 2007 From: donalbri at teleport.com (Don Albright) Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2007 23:10:59 -0800 Subject: [obol] Upper Nestucca CBC--December 28, 2006 Message-ID: <002001c72e3d$293b8dc0$99b7f204@onemain.com> Eleven volunteers turned out in the sunshine for the 24th Upper Nestucca CBC in the northern Oregon Coast Range on Thursday, December 28. For the third straight year, we tallied 52 species, which is the record high for the count. Weather was clear and sunny all day, but chilly, with frosty roads and frozen ponds in places. The deepest snow found anywhere in the count circle was about an inch deep atop some of the highest peaks (around 3,000' elevation). All roads were free of snow, but some of the minor roads were blocked by downed trees from the mid-December windstorm. As is typical for the Coast Range, bird activity was slow. One can spend a lot of time in the woods up there without seeing or hearing any birds at all. However, it was a beautiful day to be out in the woods! No rarities were found, but here are some of the highlights: RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were out in good numbers, chattering on treetops in the sunshine. 38 were observed, shattering the old count record of 13. This comes after we failed to record a single Red-breasted Nuthatch on the count last year. Linda Fink demonstrated the benefits of walking CBC's over driving by spending her entire day on foot, and counting 19 Red-breasted Nuthatches. A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH was well-observed in the Nestucca drainage by Barbara and John Woodhouse. This is only the 4th out of 24 years this species has been recorded on this count, and I think it's a rather unusual occurrence on the west side of the Coast Range. Pamela Johnston, Jesse Leavitt and Rick Heatrick spent time along the southeast edge of the count circle where the Coast Range region begins to blend into a more Willamette Valley-oriented environment, and picked up some species we don't often find on this count, including: 20 MOURNING DOVES, the first time this species has been recorded on this count. 3 WILSON'S SNIPES, the second record for the count. 2 CALIFORNIA QUAIL, the sixth record for the count. 5 KILLDEER, also the sixth record for the count, and 2 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, the fifth record for the count. A few other notable observations: 3 TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS were near the summit of Grindstone Mountain (Tillamook County), at around 2,500' elevation. This species was never found on this count until two years ago, and it's now been found three years running. 49 GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS were observed, breaking the old record of 24. 3 NORTHERN PYGMY OWLS breaks the old record of 2. 7 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were observed in two different clearcuts, for only the third record on this count. 6 RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS breaks the old record of 5. The biggest disappointment of the count was Wink Gross's failure to find us Pine Grosbeaks in Sector 1 :-) A few other notable misses: Great Blue Heron--found on 19 previous counts. Second year in a row we've missed this species. Common Merganser--found on 11 previous counts. Bald Eagle--found on 15 previous counts. Sharp-shinned Hawk--found on 10 previous counts. Cooper's Hawk--found on 11 previous counts. Evening Grosbeak--found on 10 previous counts. Thanks to all who participated in the count this year. And a special thanks to Linda Leavitt, who again hosted us post-count with a warm house and warm food. Within a few days I'll get a complete count list to participants, and anyone else who requests it. Don Albright Newberg, Oregon donalbri at teleport.com From khanhbatran at hotmail.com Tue Jan 2 08:16:43 2007 From: khanhbatran at hotmail.com (khanh tran) Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 16:16:43 +0000 Subject: [obol] My "quiet" Big Year of birding.... Message-ID: Hi Obolers, In 2006, I had no intentions of setting any records for the number of birds seen in Oregon and the US. I was extremely fortunate to have almost a year off and took advantage of the situation. My ultimate goal was to have fun, be adventurous, and explore as many areas of Oregon and the US as time and money would allow. As a result, I ended up doing an unofficial ?Big Year?. Because it was unofficial, the year was very low key and I did far better than I could possibly imagine. All the hours spent and energy required seemed effortless as I had a blast and the time of my life!! For 2006, I drove over a total of 20,000 miles in Oregon, hiked countless miles, and spent an average of 5 hours per day in the field. In the end, I managed to see a total of 367 species for Oregon (possible 368 for Crested Caracara-if record is accepted) and 567 for the US this past year. At the end, I lost track of how many countless OBOL emails that were printed out or scrawled on paper. Traveling the state from corner to corner, I realize how fortunate I am to live in such a spectacular state full of rugged beautiful and diverse habitat, hosting a variety of interesting and beautiful birds. There were a lot of slow days of birding but the scenery made up for that low. Hands down, the Wallowa and Imnaha areas were my favorite to bird and hike. However, it was a definite must to visit Malheur and Fields a few times for vagrants for that ?big push.? The nice surprise of the year was Fern Ridge as it hosted many uncommon "goodies". Some of birding highlights for 2006 included the following: awesome views of a male spruce grouse displaying to two hens with Steve Nord at McCully Creek; watching a cooperative and photogenic Great Gray Owl within 15 yards of our tent at Spring Creek (had to back away with my scope to get the entire bird into focus); doing Audubon Bird-a-thon with the Wild Turkeys and Wink Gross and raising a large amount of money (226 species in 48 hours); seeing Boreal owls at Broken Top and McCully Creek in the freezing cold with Andy Thompson; seeing the large flock of 150 snow buntings near Enterprise against the shimmery, white snow was surreal; conducting the ECBC Greenridge Hawkwatch; experiencing the thrill of seeing or hearing the nemesis, Oregon breeding birds such as spruce grouse, boreal owls, yellow rail, and upland sandpiper; and birding in Costa Rica with Mike Marsh for two weeks and seeing over 410 species of birds. Much of my success would have not been possible without the help and support of so many kind and generous birders who provided me with such invaluable information. A SPECIAL thanks to Mike Marsh who has inspired me to go to the limit. He is the ONE who re-kindled my birding interest after years of being absent. He also reminded me that birding is about having fun and helping others out regardless of your skill level. I am forever grateful for his inspiration and influence. I would also like to graciously thank the following people for their help and support (in no particular order): Harry Nehls, Trent Bray, Ted Schroeder, Mike Houck, Linda Craig, Bob Wilson, Al Miller and Beth Parmenter, Tim Rodenkirk, John Thomas, Bill Clemmons, Alan Contreras, John Sullivan and Laura Johnson, Jim and Karan Fairchild, Noah Strycker, Sue Orlowski, Tom McNamara, Micheal Dossett, John Gatchet, Steve Nord, David Bailey, Julia Fukuda, Karen Sharples, Chuck Gates, Steve Shunk, Peter Low, Joel Geier, Judy Meredith, Wink Gross, Jay Withgott, Tim Janzen, Jeff Gilligan, Andy Frank, Ruth and Patrick Sullivan, Sheran Wright, David Herr, Mike and Merryann Denny, Greg Gillison, Don Sutherland, Theresia Schwinghammer, Donna Lustoff, Jim Carlson, Paul T. Sullivan and Carol Karlen, Joanne Britton, David Budeau, Gary Miller, Victor Coggins, Mike Baird, Lars Norgren, Andy Thompson, Duncan Evered, and Cindy Lippincott. I apologize if I forgot anyone else. Most of all, I cannot forget to remember and honor, Joe Evanich, whose guide has remained extremely valuable to this day. It is quite impressive as to how much of a birding area he covered and described before he passed away. I definitely felt his spirit while I was in the areas he described throughout the birding guide. It was a year of quality birds, quality views, quality digiscoping, and meeting some very nice quality birders and friends. Once again, thank you so much for an INCREDIBLE YEAR? Good birding to you in 2007 and hope to see you in the field. Please let me know if I can ever extend the same gesture and kindness. Wishing you the very best!! Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon) From khanhbatran at hotmail.com Tue Jan 2 08:16:58 2007 From: khanhbatran at hotmail.com (khanh tran) Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 16:16:58 +0000 Subject: [obol] My "quiet" Big Year of birding.... Message-ID: Hi Obolers, In 2006, I had no intentions of setting any records for the number of birds seen in Oregon and the US. I was extremely fortunate to have almost a year off and took advantage of the situation. My ultimate goal was to have fun, be adventurous, and explore as many areas of Oregon and the US as time and money would allow. As a result, I ended up doing an unofficial ?Big Year?. Because it was unofficial, the year was very low key and I did far better than I could possibly imagine. All the hours spent and energy required seemed effortless as I had a blast and the time of my life!! For 2006, I drove over a total of 20,000 miles in Oregon, hiked countless miles, and spent an average of 5 hours per day in the field. In the end, I managed to see a total of 367 species for Oregon (possible 368 for Crested Caracara-if record is accepted) and 567 for the US this past year. At the end, I lost track of how many countless OBOL emails that were printed out or scrawled on paper. Traveling the state from corner to corner, I realize how fortunate I am to live in such a spectacular state full of rugged beautiful and diverse habitat, hosting a variety of interesting and beautiful birds. There were a lot of slow days of birding but the scenery made up for that low. Hands down, the Wallowa and Imnaha areas were my favorite to bird and hike. However, it was a definite must to visit Malheur and Fields a few times for vagrants for that ?big push.? The nice surprise of the year was Fern Ridge as it hosted many uncommon "goodies". Some of birding highlights for 2006 included the following: awesome views of a male spruce grouse displaying to two hens with Steve Nord at McCully Creek; watching a cooperative and photogenic Great Gray Owl within 15 yards of our tent at Spring Creek (had to back away with my scope to get the entire bird into focus); doing Audubon Bird-a-thon with the Wild Turkeys and Wink Gross and raising a large amount of money (226 species in 48 hours); seeing Boreal owls at Broken Top and McCully Creek in the freezing cold with Andy Thompson; seeing the large flock of 150 snow buntings near Enterprise against the shimmery, white snow was surreal; conducting the ECBC Greenridge Hawkwatch; experiencing the thrill of seeing or hearing the nemesis, Oregon breeding birds such as spruce grouse, boreal owls, yellow rail, and upland sandpiper; and birding in Costa Rica with Mike Marsh for two weeks and seeing over 410 species of birds. Much of my success would have not been possible without the help and support of so many kind and generous birders who provided me with such invaluable information. A SPECIAL thanks to Mike Marsh who has inspired me to go to the limit. He is the ONE who re-kindled my birding interest after years of being absent. He also reminded me that birding is about having fun and helping others out regardless of your skill level. I am forever grateful for his inspiration and influence. I would also like to graciously thank the following people for their help and support (in no particular order): Harry Nehls, Trent Bray, Ted Schroeder, Mike Houck, Linda Craig, Bob Wilson, Al Miller and Beth Parmenter, Tim Rodenkirk, John Thomas, Bill Clemmons, Alan Contreras, John Sullivan and Laura Johnson, Jim and Karan Fairchild, Noah Strycker, Sue Orlowski, Tom McNamara, Micheal Dossett, John Gatchet, Steve Nord, David Bailey, Julia Fukuda, Karen Sharples, Chuck Gates, Steve Shunk, Peter Low, Joel Geier, Judy Meredith, Wink Gross, Jay Withgott, Tim Janzen, Jeff Gilligan, Andy Frank, Ruth and Patrick Sullivan, Sheran Wright, David Herr, Mike and Merryann Denny, Greg Gillison, Don Sutherland, Theresia Schwinghammer, Donna Lustoff, Jim Carlson, Paul T. Sullivan and Carol Karlen, Joanne Britton, David Budeau, Gary Miller, Victor Coggins, Mike Baird, Lars Norgren, Andy Thompson, Duncan Evered, and Cindy Lippincott. I apologize if I forgot anyone else. Most of all, I cannot forget to remember and honor, Joe Evanich, whose guide has remained extremely valuable to this day. It is quite impressive as to how much of a birding area he covered and described before he passed away. I definitely felt his spirit while I was in the areas he described throughout the birding guide. It was a year of quality birds, quality views, quality digiscoping, and meeting some very nice quality birders and friends. Once again, thank you so much for an INCREDIBLE YEAR? Good birding to you in 2007 and hope to see you in the field. Please let me know if I can ever extend the same gesture and kindness. Wishing you the very best!! Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon) From celata at pacifier.com Tue Jan 2 09:10:59 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 09:10:59 -0800 Subject: [obol] From the Regional Editor: rare documentation Message-ID: <459A9215.910780D2@pacifier.com> Now that most of the counts are over, I remind compilers and observers who've been asked to write details that these need to be sent directly to me. I can collect them by email or standard mail. We're going to call this an irruptive year for Pine Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls. I will not need details and will leave documentation on them to the discretion of the compiler. Please do not assume that I've seen documentation or photos just because they were posted on OBOL or TWEETERS. For further guidance on documentation see: http://www.pacifier.com/~mpatters/cbc/CBC_FAQ.html -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Tue Jan 2 09:41:37 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 09:41:37 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Port Orford CBC results Message-ID: <20070102174137.26708.qmail@web34204.mail.mud.yahoo.com> The Port Orford CBC was Saturday the 30th and the weather was pretty decent with lots of sun and temps into the upper 40's. The preliminary total was 134 species. The following rarities were found: 1- BURROWING OWL (there were three in the area the past week, two on the Wahl ranch, one of which was out of the circle, and one in Port Orford) 1- GLAUCOUS GULL 2- BARN SWALLOWS A few other notables were: 2- SHEARWATER SP. 1- BRANT 45- BLACK SCOTERS 1- OSPREY BAND-TAILED PIGEON(S) 1- ACORN WOODPECKER 1- SWAMP SPARROW LAPLAND LONGSPURS I know there were at least 5 Palm Warblers also, but I don't have final numbers from Jim Rogers yet. Merry New Bird all, Tim R Coos Bay __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From jvanmoo at sisna.com Tue Jan 2 10:03:47 2007 From: jvanmoo at sisna.com (Julie Van Moorhem) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 10:03:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] K-Basin South Raptor Survey 12/22/06 Message-ID: Hi Folks, Sorry for the late post on the Klamath Basin-South raptor survey route, but I thought some people might still want to see the numbers. This route covers the lower Klamath Basin from east of Merrill, north along Hill Rd. near Stukel Mtn., west along Stateline Rd. to Fugate Rd, Lower Klamath Lake Rd to Cross Rd. to Hwy 97 and south to Bear Valley, Township Rd and Oregon and Straits Drains on the Lower Klamath refuge. Date: Dec. 22, 2006 Temperature: 25F at the start to roughly 30-35F Time: 0915--1615 (7 hrs) Mileaqe: 87 miles Weather: Sunny until afternoon when clouds rolled in, some snow cover Red-tailed Hawk 75 (down from 147 last year) American Kestrel 24 (up by 10) Northern Harrier 18 (up by 4) Bald Eagle A--4 S--1 (A down by 6) Golden Eagle 2 (up by 1) Rough-legged Hawk 9 (down from 46 last year) Ferruginous Hawk 8 (down by 6) Prairie Falcon 1 (down by 3) Great Horned Owl 2 (same) Unidentified Buteo 7 Good birding y'all, Julie Van Moorhem Klamath Falls From m_scatt at yahoo.com Tue Jan 2 11:23:39 2007 From: m_scatt at yahoo.com (Em Scattaregia) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 11:23:39 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Deschutes County Pine Grosbeaks Message-ID: <20070102192339.6655.qmail@web59012.mail.re1.yahoo.com> Sorry for this late posting but we have just returned from our trip to Central Oregon. On Saturday, December 30th, we saw 3 PINE GROSBEAKS near the Jeff View warming hut on the Three Creek Lake cross country ski trail. The trailhead is approximately 11 miles south of Sisters. The warming hut is about a 2 mile ski in from the trailhead. The grosbeaks were feeding in a primarily Lodgepole Pine forest at an elevation of about 5900 feet, eating seeds from the pine cones. We also saw a Black-backed Woodpecker near Three Creek Lake on the same ski trip, which was a lifer for Christopher and Adrian. It was drumming on a snag in a non-burned forest of Mountain Hemlock and Lodgepole Pine. There was a small stand of beetle-infested pine in the immediate area. Em Scattaregia Christopher and Adrian Hinkle __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070102/a833486f/attachment.htm From bdcw at dsl-only.net Tue Jan 2 12:00:39 2007 From: bdcw at dsl-only.net (bdcw at dsl-only.net) Date: 2 Jan 2007 12:00:39 -0800 Subject: [obol] =?utf-8?q?E-mail_address_change?= Message-ID: <20070102200039.17448.qmail@iron2.pdx.net> My new e-mail address is bdcw at comcast.net. Please note the change in your address book. Thanks! Bob Wilson bdcw at comcast.net (formerly bdcw at dsl-only.net) From gnorgren at earthlink.net Tue Jan 2 12:35:51 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 12:35:51 -0800 Subject: [obol] Local RBA-WashCo PRAIRIE FALCON Message-ID: A PRAIRIE FALCON was at ROY 10am Jan 2.. Roy is reached by turning south on Mtndale Rd off Hwy 26. This is right at the Tillamook Jct (Hwy 6). The bird was on the 7th utility pole to the east of Evers Rd on Reiling Lane(or Rd). This is just about a mile south of "downtown Roy". I turned around from my vantage point and went home with it still perched on that pole. Falcons are routine in this area in winter but I have seen no Prairie Falcons here in 14 years. I saw 25 Horned Larks in the field immediately south of this falcon last winter(maybe early March). Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON From joel.geier at peak.org Tue Jan 2 12:42:20 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 12:42:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red Fox Sparrow continues at N. Luckiamute wildlife area, SE Polk Co. Message-ID: <1167770540.4486.37.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hi folks, I just spent 2.5 hours at ODFW's North Luckiamute Cooperative Management Area, trying for a good photo of the apparent RED FOX SPARROW that Randy Moore and I found during the Airlie CBC on Sunday. I was unsuccessful in my photo quest, on account of being too slow on the draw with the digital camera which my son Wil loaned me for the day. I did get several more good views of the bird, first with naked eye as it flew past me through a clump of trees and brush, at a distance of about 12 ft on its way to feed in a soggy patch of ground with a lot of bent-over grass, then with binoculars as it sat up briefly on a branch at about 30 ft, and again briefly out in the grass which it seemed to spend most of its time under. The bright rufous rump and tail really stood out when the bird flew past. I also noticed that the streaks on the flanks were a rich reddish brown, very distinct on the white background color, and nearly continuous compared with the usual Sooty Fox Sparrows (several of these were also around and were acting much more photogenic). When the bird sat up in a bush, I also noted that it does have rusty patches on the auriculars, though not contrasting with the gray nape so much as Sibley shows for "Red (Taiga)" Fox Sparrow. As previously noted, the dark rufous streaking on the gray of the mantle was very distinct. After these additional looks I feel much more confident about calling this a Red Fox Sparrow, though it still seems to be one on the more gray-headed end of the spectrum so probably from the more western part of the range. It would still be nice to get a photo to address the taxonomic thicket that we get into in trying to name Fox Sparrows. The bird does seem to be staying around. Lat-long coordinates according to my GPS are: N 44 deg 44.165' W 123 deg 09.445' The bird moved around an area of about one acre in that general vicinity while I was there. I see the OBRC is taking reports on this as a subspecies, since the AOU has not yet split the Fox Sparrow complex, so I will write this up and send it in, and would encourage others to do so if they can get any better looks and/or photos. I didn't have any luck with the Harris's Sparrow which has also been around this spot, but did hear a SWAMP SPARROW call a couple of times in the area south of the Red Fox Sparrow spot. I saw a nice mix of other sparrows including Golden- & White-crowned, White-throated, Song, Lincoln's, Sooty Fox, and Savannah Sparrows plus Oregon Juncos and Spotted Towhees. A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK hanging around the area most of the time and some wind probably accounted for the sparrows being more flighty than they were on Sunday. Other nice birds in the area included two adult BALD EAGLES that flew over just as I arrived, and a male NORTHERN HARRIER that was pestering and being pestered by a RED-TAILED HAWK. Happy birding in the New Year, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From gmazer at adolfson.com Tue Jan 2 13:06:42 2007 From: gmazer at adolfson.com (Greg Mazer) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 13:06:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] NoPo backyard surprise Message-ID: On Sunday Dec. 31, a Townsend's warbler showed up for a quick flash of yellow in my scrubby backyard in East St John's, in north Portland. It was part of a mixed flock of mainly juncoes, with a couple ruby-crowned kinglets. A half-hour later, a small flock of bushtits arrived, supervised by a passing northern flicker. All the while, a scrub jay was calling the play by play from across the street. Greg Mazer -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070102/1f5ce32c/attachment.htm From warrech at earlham.edu Tue Jan 2 13:48:37 2007 From: warrech at earlham.edu (Chris Warren) Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 13:48:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] EUWI x AMWI at Crystal Springs Message-ID: Jim et al., I followed a lead from another birder and found what sounds to be the same hybrid bird at Crystal Springs on October 29th, 2006 and observed him over several occasions throughout the fall and early winter. He was absent (from my sight at least) the last two times I visited, however. There is both a male and female "full" (appearing) Eurasians at Westmoreland Park last I checked. I have not seen these birds associate with each other. Good birding! Chris Warren Portland, OR -- From tanager at nu-world.com Tue Jan 2 15:10:33 2007 From: tanager at nu-world.com (Anne & Dan Heyerly) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 15:10:33 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eugene CBC 12/31 Northern Mockingbird Message-ID: <002601c72ec3$34a3d100$0200a8c0@domain.actdsltmp> OBOL, Don Schrouder reported seeing a NOMO in his front yard a couple weeks ago, but had not seen it since. We did not have high hopes of seeing this bird on count day, but lucked out nevertheless. We were standing in Don's kitchen watching his feeders and active back yard (read, "lots of birds there"), I saw a flash of white off to the side. NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD. I was the only person to see it, so we were planning to walk the neighborhood to track it down when I noticed this light gray "thing" sitting in a tree in his neighbor's yard that seemed to be quite larger than several other House Finches in the same tree. I went out to the car and retrieved the spotting scope, which I set up in Don's kitchen! We all enjoyed extended looks at this bird from the warmth of Don's house. Thanks Don. The address of the property containing the tree that held the bird is 2175 Lamar Ln., which is a short street to the east off Gilham Rd. in North Eugene's Ferry Street Bridge area. If you are on Lamar Ln. and are facing the house at 2175, there is a berry-laden holly tree at the NE corner of that lot. Approximately 30'-40' south of that holly tree is a bare-limbed tree standing right next to the street. The NOMO was in the bare-limbed tree when we saw it, and later drove under it without flushing it. We have talked to no one on Lamar Ln. about this bird, so if you chase this bird please respect privacy and property lines. Anne and I checked the area briefly on Monday, but did not see the bird. Dan Heyerly Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070102/500d56ac/attachment.htm From WeberHome at att.net Tue Jan 2 15:10:36 2007 From: WeberHome at att.net (Cliff & Joanne Weber) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 15:10:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] Verboort Baldies Message-ID: <20070102231134.698211507F6@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> OBOL, hello! Probably the CBC people and the Raptor Run people already know about the Bald Eagle pair hanging out in the vicinity of Oregon's famous sausage factory. We saw them for the first time today while taking a different route than usual home from Forest Grove. The Bald pair were perched in trees lining Dairy Creek at its intersection with NW Cornelius-Scheffling Rd, and later launched into a kettle spiral out over the agriculture fields to the east. Where? ... Community of Verboort. Thomas Bros Portland street guide page 562, squares D7 and E7. Google satellite image with turn-by-turn driving instructions from anywhere: http://tinyurl.com/y7jfes The image is perfect, but Google's driving instructions are sometimes iffy, so it would be wise to check them against a map before starting out. Cliff & Joanne Weber Beaverton's Rock Creek area From Randy.Moore at oregonstate.edu Tue Jan 2 15:53:50 2007 From: Randy.Moore at oregonstate.edu (Moore, Randy) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 15:53:50 -0800 Subject: [obol] winter Chipping Sparrows in Oregon References: Message-ID: Roy and OBOL, I second that motion. I just did the the Airlie/Albany count and saw at least 12 chipping sparrows- and there were probably 3 times that many- in orchards with junco flocks. They kept flushing up and down with the approach of cars or people or just because they felt like it, and the 300+ juncos they were feeding with made it kind of difficult to get a good count. But I'm pretty sure that in the American Bottom area (just north of Albany) there are probably 100's- they were in every orchard junco flock I looked at. happy new year, randy corvallis ________________________________ From: Roy Gerig [mailto:roygerig at hotmail.com] Sent: Sat 12/30/2006 6:56 PM To: obol at lists.orst.edu Subject: [obol] west Salem winter Chipping Sparrows 12/29/06 Teresa and I drove out to BSNWR this morning, and we saw 8-9 CHIPPING SPARROWS with some Golden-crowned sparrows, bushtits, and chickadees along the edge of a filbert orchart beside Farmer Road, east of the refuge. I have seen CHSP there before in winter. Conventional wisdom might hold that CHSP do not winter in Oregon, but I have seen them 20+ times in winter in the greater Salem area, and without exception they have always been associated with filbert orchards. Otherwise we saw 2 ACORN WOODPECKERS at the edge of the same orchard, a NORTHERN SHRIKE further down the road (west), and a PEREGRINE FALCON on the refuge. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was a mile north of the refuge along Livermore, and 20 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were a mile north of the refuge along Livermore. Roy Gerig, Salem OR _________________________________________________________________ Your Hotmail address already works to sign into Windows Live Messenger! Get it now http://clk.atdmt.com/MSN/go/msnnkwme0020000001msn/direct/01/?href=http://get.live.com/messenger/overview -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070102/1e39d4b6/attachment.htm From tamickel at rio.com Tue Jan 2 16:47:53 2007 From: tamickel at rio.com (Tom & Allison Mickel) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 16:47:53 -0800 Subject: [obol] Fw: Lewis' Woodpecker Message-ID: <002901c72ed0$cde39d70$4000a8c0@tas> OBOL, I thought I would forward this message just in case someone is interested. Tom Mickel Eugene ----- Original Message ----- From: Randall Tyle To: tamickel at rio.com Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 2:02 PM Subject: Lewis' Woodpecker Didn't get a picture but saw a Beautiful Lewis' Woodpecker on the Millrace today about 1:30 PM Randall Tyle 1:30 PST 1/2/07 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.16.2/613 - Release Date: 1/1/2007 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070102/37148d39/attachment.htm From woodpecker97330 at yahoo.com Tue Jan 2 17:40:25 2007 From: woodpecker97330 at yahoo.com (J. Simmons) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 17:40:25 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Listing results: to those who have and have not yet submitted your numbers Message-ID: <579347.10920.qm@web39510.mail.mud.yahoo.com> To all my listing friends, I'm sorry if I don't send warm fuzzy personal replies when I reply to those of you who submit your results. It feels odd to be impersonal when many are friends whom I'm lucky to see even once a year! But I typically don't have the time to write personal replies when I'm getting 10 or 20 listing emails a day. Thanks and have a great birding 2007! Jamie __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From forcreeks at earthlink.net Tue Jan 2 17:55:11 2007 From: forcreeks at earthlink.net (Steve Berliner) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 17:55:11 -0800 Subject: [obol] Am.xEur Wigeon hybrid Message-ID: <410-2200713315511296@earthlink.net> To Jim Juliano, I photographed males of American, Eurasian, and the hybrid of the two on Jan. 27th 2005, at a neighborhood vantage point on Kellogg Creek, Milwaukie. Puzzled how there could be a hybrid here, when the Eurasian is not known to nest on this continent, I asked ASP Member, author David Marshall, and he kindly explained it to me. I've posted one of the photos for you at a new photo expansion site I'm building at: http://home.earthlink.net/~s.berliner/ Steve Berliner forcreeks at earthlink.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070102/bd0b7ee0/attachment.htm From whoffman at peak.org Tue Jan 2 19:04:17 2007 From: whoffman at peak.org (Wayne Hoffman) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 19:04:17 -0800 Subject: [obol] EUWI x AMWI at Crystal Springs References: Message-ID: <006101c72ee3$dc630800$21351c40@D48XBZ51> Clearly there are birds in oregon in winter that are American Wigeon X Eurasian Wigeon hybrids. I have not seen the Crystal Springs bird that people have been discussing. However, I would hesitate to identify a bird as a hybrid based just on head pattern. Hybrids should also differ from Eurasian Wigeons in several aspects of body plumage. I recently saw a reference to a "green-eared morph" of Eurasian Wigeon occurring in Japan. Wayne ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Warren" To: Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 1:48 PM Subject: Re: [obol] EUWI x AMWI at Crystal Springs > Jim et al., > > I followed a lead from another birder and found what sounds to be the same > hybrid bird at Crystal Springs on October 29th, 2006 and observed him over > several occasions throughout the fall and early winter. He was absent > (from > my sight at least) the last two times I visited, however. There is both a > male and female "full" (appearing) Eurasians at Westmoreland Park last I > checked. I have not seen these birds associate with each other. Good > birding! > > Chris Warren > Portland, OR > -- > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From bouchdon at peak.org Tue Jan 2 19:46:05 2007 From: bouchdon at peak.org (Don Boucher) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 19:46:05 -0800 Subject: [obol] Nashville Warbler photos - Corvallis Message-ID: <000a01c72ee9$b5cdf5a0$63fdd7cd@Donny> Hello, 1/2/07 I have some photos of a female Nashville Warbler I saw in Downtown Corvallis. She came to the courtyard of my workplace, the Gazette-Times building. 600 NW Jefferson Ave., Corvallis Look for her in the neighborhood and possibly Central Park. She likes the blossoms of the Strawberry Tree bushes in the Gazette-Times landscaping. See the web link below to view photos http://www.neighborhood-naturalist.com/rare_bird/Nashville_Warbler.htm Don Boucher Corvallis, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070102/6d113ad4/attachment.htm From jvanmoo at sisna.com Tue Jan 2 20:19:52 2007 From: jvanmoo at sisna.com (Julie Van Moorhem) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 20:19:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] K-Basin South Raptor Survey Message-ID: <64B4E108-5876-4036-8822-313A4C3B14AB@sisna.com> Hi Folks, In my haste to finally get the raptor survey info out, I neglected to mention that Marilyn Christian assisted me on the route. Her help is very much appreciated. Julie van Moorhem Klamath Falls From gorgebirds at juno.com Tue Jan 2 21:36:00 2007 From: gorgebirds at juno.com (Wilson Cady) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 21:36:00 -0800 Subject: [obol] Clark and Skamania County 2007 Year Lists Message-ID: <20070102.213606.3196.3.gorgebirds@juno.com> I have agreed to compile a cumulative 2007 year list for both Clark and Skamania Counties and would appreciate your sighting reports of any unusual or difficult to find species in either county, Thanks, Wilson Cady Washougal, WA From dlbird at earthlink.net Tue Jan 2 21:40:54 2007 From: dlbird at earthlink.net (Donna Lusthoff) Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2007 21:40:54 -0800 Subject: [obol] FW: Hood River CBC Summary for Dec. 31st Message-ID: <005301c72ef9$bfdb4060$0a0110ac@Donna> -----Original Message----- From: Catherine Flick & Stewart Fletcher [mailto:stewart at gorge.net] Sent: Monday, January 01, 2007 11:19 PM To: Donna Lusthoff Cc: Stuart Johnston Subject: Hood River CBC Summary for Dec. 31st Highlights from the Hood River CBC on December 31, 2006: Snow goose sifted from hundreds of Canada geese Eurasian wigeon Black-crowned night-heron (found for first time only last year) Anna's hummingbird (over winters but not often found on the day of the count) Horned lark Count Week: Virginia rail and northern shoveler Potentially a high count for varied thrushes this year - seen at all elevations, and most particularly in the orchards with residual fruit. Quite a few merlins found in similar locations as previous years. In general, raptor numbers appeared higher. Red-breasted sapsuckers were well-represented this year while pine siskins were quite scarce. 87 species counted (not all data in yet) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070102/e558b957/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Wed Jan 3 00:13:42 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 00:13:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] Tufted Duck- Didactic not timely Message-ID: <188c9b03deacf87e38a964bc9ac622e5@earthlink.net> We hopefully can look forward to the best three months of the year for sheer variety of ducks in western Oregon's lowlands. Above all exotic species. On Dec 14 while scouting for the Coos CBC Tim Rodenkirk saw a female Tufted Duck on the Weyerhauser settling pond. At the time virtually every other birder in the state had put prudence before valor and sought shelter from the highest winds in over a decade. But Tim seized the opportunity for enhanced ID conditions and in 70mph winds had no trouble seeing the very discreet tuft sported by the hen of this species. After the calm returned the ducks of lower Coos Bay had largely removed themselves. David Smith, Tim, and I spent the better part of an hour sifting through diving ducks on WSP without the desired result. Then Tim and I proceeded to Millicoma Marsh where he spent at least one precious hour that would have been better spent out of his budget on sleep, to get me the Zono grand slam. A few steps from the state's most august sparrow stakeout is a small sewage treatment pond. After the bashful Harris' Sparrow finally appeared Tim went home and I checked out the pond. A standard issue male RING-NECKED DUCK was accompanied by a bird all but identical to the female Tufted Duck as illustrated by Sibley. That's where the mischief begins, because Sibley's picture does not match my memory of the female Tufteds I have seen throughout northern Europe, or the pictures in European field guides at my house. The Ring-necked Duck had a yellow-orange eye. The other duck's eye was the color of canned corn. I mean the canned corn I got in school lunches back in the Sixties. I could smell the cafeteria at John Adams Elementary as I looked it in the eye. As one of the few subscribers to Obol that grew up with Munsell's color charts at my fingertips it seems odd to use this subjective descriptor, but I trust it conveys more meaning to most readers than some archane code would. I bring up eye color first because not only does it indicate how close I was to the bird(the sewage lagoon at Millicoma is the size of a rather large swimming pool) but it might give a clue to the age as well as gender of the bird. Dec 16 is not too late to exclude both eclipse plumaged drakes as well as juvenile plumages. There was no visible tuft, generally the case with adult drakes in autumn. The head was very square- a square cornered forehead and a very sharp angle above the nape. Lars Jonsson in translation(re female Tufted)"somewhat squarish yet never the less rounded head shape". The bill was light gray with a white sub-terminal band before the black nail. The older Nat Geo field guide not only depicts female Tufteds without this bill ring, but says in the text"Lacks...white bill ring of female Ring-neck". Tim, Dave and I had been moving on from any duck we saw on the north spit when we saw a bill ring. This is an error on the part of National Geographic. The head was completely dark brown with widespread green irridesence. No white feathers at the base of the bill, around the eyes, or under the chin. No shading or pale fields as in a female Ring-neck. The back, chest, folded wings, and under-tail coverts were all a similar dark color to the head. The side-coverts, or "paddle-box" as Ernest Thompson-Seaton liked to call them, were cafe-au-lait colored, contrasting crisply with the breast, undertail coverts and folded wings. THis is how Sibley portrays the bird, but I recall female Tufted Ducks as being evenly dark over the whole body. This is how all my European field guides portray them as well. The bird at Coos Bay also had a very faint, short "spur" in front of the folded wing. Not white as in a male Ring-neck,but paler than the rest of the side coverts, and not nearly as high up the sides. Pretty much the way Sibley portrays the spur on female Ring-necks. It's really a pretty good fit for male Tufted Duck in pre-breeding plumage. THe eye color bothers me. It seems like it should be lemon yellow-"Cadmium yellow medium", not canned corn, if the bird is male. Maybe eye color is seasonal, or an immature male? And why does Sibley illustate a pale sided female Tufted? Is this simply erroneous or do birds from the Far East look this way? Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON From jonymike at pacifier.com Wed Jan 3 06:35:53 2007 From: jonymike at pacifier.com (John & L. S. Allinger) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 06:35:53 -0800 Subject: [obol] Handling all those emails from Tweeters, Obol Message-ID: <003501c72f44$799380e0$0300a8c0@AllingerFamily> Hi All, Frustrated with all those birding emails mixed up with all your other mail? I had a knowledgeable person show me how to set up additional FOLDERS to receive my TWEETERS and OBOL email, and get the birding news out of the personal email inbox folder. Not sure of the particular email programs out there, but with a good program you should be able to set it up to avoid the frustration of overwhelming amounts of mixed subject emails. In MS Outlook Express - and going to OPTIONS and then MESSAGE RULES - we set up rules to MOVE mail with a particular word in the subject line into the two other folders as they come in. In addition, you can set up mail concerning your birding area to be COPIED into other folders. In my case, I did one for Klickitat County. Oh, and cleaning out the old emails from these separate folders is a snap. If you don't know how to do a major delete, just ask someone (preferably a child) while you're waiting in line at megamart. This should be a good way to get a conversation started. ---John Allinger Clark Co., Washington, USA Jonymike at pacifier daught kom -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070103/d7719cd0/attachment.htm From jbw at pacifier.com Wed Jan 3 07:00:47 2007 From: jbw at pacifier.com (Barbara & John Woodhouse) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 07:00:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Tillamook East Raptor run Message-ID: This was run by Michelle and Cheyenne Simper. It covers from Alderbrook Rd and 101 in the north Kilchis Meadows keeping mainly west of 101 round the bays and back up Tillamook River Rd to Les Schwab RAPTOR RUN DECEMBER 28, 2006 Red-tailed Hawk~~32 American Kestrel~~5 Northern Harrier~~6 Bald Eagle~~12 total 3 (Imm) and 9 (Adult) White-tailed Kite~~9 Peregrine Falcon ~~2 Accipiter~~1 (Sharpie) Owls~~4 (Barn) TOTAL==71 raptors counted Time: 5 hours 10 minutes Mileage: 43.7 miles There was still two roads that I was unable to completely go down or through. Boquist and Makinster. I did however do an afternoon run and was excited at the high count of eagles and also picked up 2 more Barn Owls. From dendroicaman at peak.org Wed Jan 3 09:41:55 2007 From: dendroicaman at peak.org (Karl Fairchild) Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 09:41:55 -0800 Subject: [obol] Handling all those emails from Tweeters, Obol In-Reply-To: <003501c72f44$799380e0$0300a8c0@AllingerFamily> References: <003501c72f44$799380e0$0300a8c0@AllingerFamily> Message-ID: <459BEAE3.5020609@peak.org> John and OBOL, Thanks for the tip! This prompted me to try and figure it out in Mozilla Thunderbird, which is easily possible as well. In Thunderbird, it's TOOLS>MESSAGE FILTERS. Happy New Year Birding! Karl Karl Fairchild Philomath, OR From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Wed Jan 3 10:49:29 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 10:49:29 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Coos Birds 1/1-2/2007 Message-ID: <703622.30561.qm@web34203.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Late afternoon on the 1st, at the very south end of the N. Spit of Coos Bay, I found a 1st winter GLAUCOUS GULL. This was probably the elusive bird that was seen twice the week before before the Coos Bay CBC (including the day before the count) but not on the actual CBC. On the 2nd I saw one of Barb Griffin's CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS which have been coming to her feeder in North Bend for a month or more. Also, I put seed down at Millicoma on the 2nd and the HARRIS' SPARROW popped right out. I then checked on the COMMON YELLOWTHROAT that Russ Namitz found on the 18th of Dec. north of Simpson Park in North Bend and it was still around too. Happy New Bird, Tim R Coos Bay __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From tetraka at yahoo.com Wed Jan 3 11:53:32 2007 From: tetraka at yahoo.com (Robert Lockett) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 11:53:32 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Eurasian-American wigeon Hybrid In-Reply-To: <4599FCCE.6090300@comcast.net> Message-ID: <833657.7241.qm@web38703.mail.mud.yahoo.com> I took a moment this morning to run down to Crystal Springs. There I found the presumed hybrid again and snapped some (poor) digital shots of it. Here's a link to one; if this link works, I'll link to 3 other photos. http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=17JXENLJZGREsNbzy2FE0wRKCZc55z Bob Lockett Bruce wrote: Could this be the same bird? Photo taken in March, 2005 at Westmoreland. There was discussion from others that it was just an AMWI going through plumage change but it was not settled for sure. I think it is a hybrid because it was not being accepted by the other AMWI present. They would chase it away if it approached. Bruce Craig. http://www.birdphotographique.com/Birds/FullPhoto.php?FileName=americanxeurasianwigeon-20050313-55-bc-r0914-wppdorus&PhotoNumber=r0914&x=78&y=68 Robert Lockett wrote: > Jim, > > I saw what was probably the same hybrid at Crystal Springs last Friday. > It has a fair amount of cinnamon on the head, but also quite a bit of > green through the eye and at the nape of the neck. I believe someone > else reported it at least once earlier this year--maybe in September or > October. > > Bob Lockett > > */Lars and Gail Norgren /* wrote: > > There was one at Westmoreland Park > last Spring, just before Khanh Tran saw > the Blue Grosbeak. That would make it the > first week of April? Jay Withgott saw it > a day or so after I did. When I saw the > Falcated Duck in Eugene last March 23 its > closest companion throughout the morning > was a hybrid Wigeon. Lars Norgren > On Jan 1, 2007, at 8:44 PM, jim juliano wrote: > > > I saw a wigeon at the Crystal Springs Rhody garden on Sunday that at > > first appeared to me to be a Eurasian with a very cinnamon head but > > then I noticed he had a fairly prominent green eye stripe. Has anyone > > else seen a hybrid at the gardens there or around Portland? > > Jim Juliano > > > > _______________________________________________ > > obol mailing list > > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070103/a04f276d/attachment.htm From deweysage at verizon.net Wed Jan 3 12:06:20 2007 From: deweysage at verizon.net (DJLauten and KACastelein) Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 12:06:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Townsend's Thrush Message-ID: <459C0CBC.7080703@verizon.net> This morning (1/3) we have a new species in our yard (Bandon, Coos Cty). Since we woke up this morning a male TOWNSEND'S THRUSH has been foraging on our lawn. Ok, it is really a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, but he hasn't left the grass not once and continues to forage on the ground with about 75 juncos. He is either very confused, very hungary, very well feed, or trying to push evolution in a new direction, at least for warblers. Cheers Dave Lauten and Kathy Castelein Bandon OR deweysage at verizon.net From tetraka at yahoo.com Wed Jan 3 11:59:40 2007 From: tetraka at yahoo.com (Robert Lockett) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 11:59:40 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Eurasian-American wigeon Hybrid In-Reply-To: <833657.7241.qm@web38703.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <751546.25003.qm@web38704.mail.mud.yahoo.com> OK, it looks as if that link worked, so here are three more shots of the same bird, taken this morning. Jim, is this the bird you saw? http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1l3H7jIg2ztnWwEPMXGKExNojZNTYn0 http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1fGSJY55265aC6yiotbtPxFQlO3K http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1SLOdIC2Se6wLwp4iZKw43o2dB4T90 Bob Lockett Robert Lockett wrote: I took a moment this morning to run down to Crystal Springs. There I found the presumed hybrid again and snapped some (poor) digital shots of it. Here's a link to one; if this link works, I'll link to 3 other photos. http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=17JXENLJZGREsNbzy2FE0wRKCZc55z Bob Lockett Bruce wrote: Could this be the same bird? Photo taken in March, 2005 at Westmoreland. There was discussion from others that it was just an AMWI going through plumage change but it was not settled for sure. I think it is a hybrid because it was not being accepted by the other AMWI present. They would chase it away if it approached. Bruce Craig. http://www.birdphotographique.com/Birds/FullPhoto.php?FileName=americanxeurasianwigeon-20050313-55-bc-r0914-wppdorus&PhotoNumber=r0914&x=78&y=68 Robert Lockett wrote: > Jim, > > I saw what was probably the same hybrid at Crystal Springs last Friday. > It has a fair amount of cinnamon on the head, but also quite a bit of > green through the eye and at the nape of the neck. I believe someone > else reported it at least once earlier this year--maybe in September or > October. > > Bob Lockett > > */Lars and Gail Norgren /* wrote: > > There was one at Westmoreland Park > last Spring, just before Khanh Tran saw > the Blue Grosbeak. That would make it the > first week of April? Jay Withgott saw it > a day or so after I did. When I saw the > Falcated Duck in Eugene last March 23 its > closest companion throughout the morning > was a hybrid Wigeon. Lars Norgren > On Jan 1, 2007, at 8:44 PM, jim juliano wrote: > > > I saw a wigeon at the Crystal Springs Rhody garden on Sunday that at > > first appeared to me to be a Eurasian with a very cinnamon head but > > then I noticed he had a fairly prominent green eye stripe. Has anyone > > else seen a hybrid at the gardens there or around Portland? > > Jim Juliano > > > > _______________________________________________ > > obol mailing list > > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070103/1da73ae7/attachment.htm From bdcw at dsl-only.net Wed Jan 3 12:00:53 2007 From: bdcw at dsl-only.net (bdcw at dsl-only.net) Date: 3 Jan 2007 12:00:53 -0800 Subject: [obol] =?utf-8?q?E-mail_address_change?= Message-ID: <20070103200053.407.qmail@iron2.pdx.net> My new e-mail address is bdcw at comcast.net. Please note the change in your address book. Thanks! Bob Wilson bdcw at comcast.net (formerly bdcw at dsl-only.net) From dpvroman at budget.net Wed Jan 3 12:08:23 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 12:08:23 -0800 Subject: [obol] JoCo Lower River Rd area Message-ID: <001f01c72f72$ecf1df40$3ef9d7cd@Warbler> This morning (01-03-07) check Lower River Rd (west of Grants Pass) to see what might be around in the rain. Not much unexpected; didn't do any intense looking due to rain. were at least 4 EURASIAN WIGEONS (males) half dozen NORTHERN PINTAILS 4 or so BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS Dennis (north of Grants Pass) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070103/58da0224/attachment.htm From sheilach at nwtec.com Wed Jan 3 12:13:31 2007 From: sheilach at nwtec.com (Sheila Chambers) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 12:13:31 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) Subject: [obol] Harris's still around Message-ID: <459C0E68.000003.03400@SHEILA-6NCV5TAW> I don't know why it keeps showing up here but the HARRIS'S SPARROW is still hopping up for the free chow, as are the 'usual suspects', HOUSE FINCH, FOX, WHITE-CROWN, SONG, LINCOLIN, GOLD-CROWN SPARROW, CHESTNUT-BACKED, BLACK CAPPED CHICKADEE, ROBINS, HERMIT THRUSH, RUBY CROWNED KINGLET, CROWS, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, HOUSE SPARROW, LESSER GOLDFINCH, and a SPOTTED TOWHEE. No Pine siskins yet. Heavy rains continue here as well as powerful winds along the coast at night Not the best weather for birding. But they still want their free chow! Sheila from wet Harbor Oregon From jvanmoo at sisna.com Wed Jan 3 13:22:41 2007 From: jvanmoo at sisna.com (Julie Van Moorhem) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 13:22:41 -0800 Subject: [obol] K-Falls, Jan. 1. '07 Message-ID: Hi Folks, Took some time for myself and set out to see what was around in the Klamath Falls area on Monday. I birded Moore Park, Putnam's Point, the north end of Link river trail to the dam, Miller Island WMA, and drove south from Township Rd. to Stateline Rd. on the Oregon Drain Rd. and east on Stateline to Straits Drain and north back to Township Rd. on the Lower Klamath Refuge. I started at the USFWS office on California Ave. hoping to find the California Towhee but it was not to be--WESTERN SCRUB JAY, GOLDEN- CROWNED SPARROW, LESSER GOLDFINCH, AMERICAN ROBIN, BEWICK'S WREN all put in an appearance. I guess I'll have to go back for the Towhee. Moore Park was pretty birdless--MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, BEWICK'S WREN, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, WESTERN SCRUB JAY. A flock of CROSSBILLS flew over several times, but I never saw them settle anywhere--they were quite loud. Putnam Pt. and the north end of Link River had pretty much the same species of ducks: BARROWS & COMMON GOLDENEYE, COMMON & HOODED MERGANSER, PIED-BILLED GREBE, RUDDY DUCK, GREATER YELLOWLEGS (4), BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, GREAT BLUE HERON, CANADA GOOSE, NORTHERN SHOVELERS, BUFFLEHEAD, SONG SPARROW. Veteran's Park and the south end of Link River--BELTED KINGFISHER, RING-BILLED GULL, adult HERRING GULL (eating what appeared to be a Ruddy Duck--this gull definitely fit the description given it by Pete Dunn in his Essential Field Guide Companion--"...expression is angry, crazed..."; the usual 200-300 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS decorated the trees along the banks; LESSER SCAUP and the same species of ducks that were at the north end of the river. On Lake Ewauna I saw a gull that I'm pretty sure was an immature GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, but I'm not into gulls so I don't spend enough time studying them (that should be my project for this year!)--It was dark-eyed and dark billed, no black or dark brown on wingtips, tail, or anywhere, much the same very light tannish all over with light feather edgings, what I think were pinkish-looking legs but the light was not great for determining this. I've looked in all my resources and that's what I think it is, but not being an expert I'm reluctant to call it. Miller Island WMA--all water frozen over; ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, BALD EAGLE HWY 97 South to Township Rd. -- BALD EAGLES (seem to be coming in now), RED-TAILED HAWK, AMERICAN KESTREL. Lower Klamath Refuge between Township and Stateline Rds.--ROUGH- LEGGED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-TAILED HAWK On the California side of Stateline Rd. at the exit road for the refuge and opposite Straits Drain Rd. a BLACK PHOEBE was flitting around the canal. I didn't see any Ferruginous Hawks, Prairie Falcons or Golden Eagles. I guess that just means I have to go look some more...darn! Good birding in 2007 y'all, Julie Van Moorhem Klamath Falls -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070103/a49088cd/attachment.htm From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Wed Jan 3 13:32:00 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 13:32:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Townsend's Thrush In-Reply-To: <459C0CBC.7080703@verizon.net> Message-ID: <687271.55888.qm@web34206.mail.mud.yahoo.com> On this year's Port Orford CBC, while standing at the boat ramp at Floras Lake during the early AM with Joe and Cole Metzler, we had a Townsend's Warbler foraging in the grass there, but it quickly flew on. I mentioned thinking this was unusual, but Joe said they had a Townsend's in their backyard that fed on the ground also. Later that morning, while birding above the Floras Lake boat ramp at the windsurfing B & B, I watched 5(!) Townsend's Warblers foraging in the open turf grass area in front of the B & B- they were there the entire time I birded the area, at least a 1/2 hour. When I got to thinking about it, I have seen Townsend's forage in open grassy spots elsewhere, but it's not something I've noticed often. ENJOY! Tim R Coos Bay --- DJLauten and KACastelein wrote: > This morning (1/3) we have a new species in our yard > (Bandon, Coos Cty). > Since we woke up this morning a male TOWNSEND'S > THRUSH has been > foraging on our lawn. Ok, it is really a TOWNSEND'S > WARBLER, but he > hasn't left the grass not once and continues to > forage on the ground > with about 75 juncos. He is either very confused, > very hungary, very > well feed, or trying to push evolution in a new > direction, at least for > warblers. > > Cheers > Dave Lauten and Kathy Castelein > Bandon OR > deweysage at verizon.net > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From tamickel at rio.com Wed Jan 3 13:49:45 2007 From: tamickel at rio.com (tamickel at rio.com) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 13:49:45 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Photo request Message-ID: <20861.159.121.201.2.1167860985@159.121.201.2> The urban forestry program at the Oregon Department of Forestry is looking for a photo depicting a winter (snow) scene and a bird (any bird) in a tree in an urban setting. The photo is needed to help illustrate an online newsletter called CommuniTree. The photo is needed this week, preferably by Friday. If you have anything that fits this description and would be willing to share it, please send it to: pries at odf.state.or.us Thanks much. Cynthia Orlando, A.P.R. ODF Public Information Officer 503.945.7421 fax: 503.945.7212 From birdmandon at clearwire.net Wed Jan 3 14:34:41 2007 From: birdmandon at clearwire.net (Schrouder Don) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 14:34:41 -0800 Subject: [obol] N. Mockingbird-Lane Co. Message-ID: <9032B6EF-5BDC-4F0F-9B0E-8151C7D40D0B@clearwire.net> With the weather keeping me indoors this morning, I finally saw the N. MOCKINGBIRD out my back window again. George Greir and I walked over to Lamar Ln, found it sitting in the holly tree between 2169 & 2175 Lamar. It then came out into the front yard and flew west to the apple tree in front of 2153 Lamar where it fed for some time and was still there when we left. It has been in the area for a couple of weeks, just recently relocated by the Heyerlys on the Eugene CBC. Lamar Ln is located off Gilham Rd which is off Cal Young Rd in north Eugene. I talked to some of the neighbors so they will be aware that people will be looking around their homes for the bird and most were very interested and happy to hear about it. Don Schrouder birdmandon at clearwire.net From celata at pacifier.com Wed Jan 3 15:22:07 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:22:07 -0800 Subject: [obol] Columbia Estuary Report - 1/3/2006 Message-ID: <459C3A65.B6DB43B6@pacifier.com> Columbia Estuary Report - 1/3/2006 A Eurasian x American GREEN-WINGED TEAL was with other teal and wigeons at the wetland at the north end of Circle Creek. That's right, the same place where the "mystery" teal was seen last year. It is a bit larger than the other teal it is associating with. It shows a noticable, but not jump-out-at-you striking horizontal bar. It has no vertical stripe on its left side and a very faint white vertical bar on the right side. It also has a fairly bright yellowish border around the red and green elements of the face. There are two EARED GREBES in the Necanicum. There is a NELSON'S GULL (Herring x Glaucous) at the Seaside Golf Club. There are also 3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE at the Seaside Golf Course. A SNOW GOOSE was at Seaside Airport. At least 1 GLAUCOUS GULL continues at Wireless Rd. Gull diversity has been otherwise disappointing so far this season. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From bcombs at OregonVOS.net Wed Jan 3 16:09:48 2007 From: bcombs at OregonVOS.net (Barbara J. Combs) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 16:09:48 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Townsend's Thrush In-Reply-To: <459C0CBC.7080703@verizon.net> Message-ID: A Townsend's Thrush-Warbler has been doing the same in my yard for the past few days. Could it be that those delicious ants have been forced out of their ground dwellings by the rain and are now easy pickings? On Wed, 3 Jan 2007, DJLauten and KACastelein wrote: > This morning (1/3) we have a new species in our yard (Bandon, Coos Cty). > Since we woke up this morning a male TOWNSEND'S THRUSH has been > foraging on our lawn. Ok, it is really a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, but he > hasn't left the grass not once and continues to forage on the ground > with about 75 juncos. He is either very confused, very hungary, very > well feed, or trying to push evolution in a new direction, at least for > warblers. > > Cheers > Dave Lauten and Kathy Castelein > Bandon OR > deweysage at verizon.net > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > Barbara Combs obie '70 Eugene, Oregon From katandbill at yahoo.com Wed Jan 3 16:26:51 2007 From: katandbill at yahoo.com (Kat & Bill) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 16:26:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Townsend's Thrush/Warbler Message-ID: <966883.69496.qm@web53912.mail.yahoo.com> Ok, I have to chime in here too! We have had quite a few funny little Townsend's Thrush/Warblers pecking around in the grass too. Under the suet feeder mostly, for obvious reasons, but in the grass as well. Go figure! Perhaps it is the ants, because we have had flickers galore too. Kat in Eugene By the Merry Lane duck ponds Mile marker 1.25 on the West Bank Bike Path __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From gnorgren at earthlink.net Wed Jan 3 17:46:03 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 17:46:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] Townsend's Thrush In-Reply-To: <459C0CBC.7080703@verizon.net> References: <459C0CBC.7080703@verizon.net> Message-ID: As I recall they were doing this in Khahn Tran's backyard last winter (multiple Townsend's). Lars Norgren On Jan 3, 2007, at 12:06 PM, DJLauten and KACastelein wrote: > This morning (1/3) we have a new species in our yard (Bandon, Coos > Cty). > Since we woke up this morning a male TOWNSEND'S THRUSH has been > foraging on our lawn. Ok, it is really a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, but he > hasn't left the grass not once and continues to forage on the ground > with about 75 juncos. He is either very confused, very hungary, very > well feed, or trying to push evolution in a new direction, at least for > warblers. > > Cheers > Dave Lauten and Kathy Castelein > Bandon OR > deweysage at verizon.net > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From lcolburn2 at comcast.net Wed Jan 3 18:26:37 2007 From: lcolburn2 at comcast.net (lcolburn) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 18:26:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] Townsend's Warbler In-Reply-To: <236e901c72f7a$27689770$8ab388d8@star28> Message-ID: <000001c72fa7$ca588030$85daab43@beorn> Having seen Townsends going through the grass in our yard a few times in recent years ( three males just last week ), last year I was able to video tape one of them picking up a small white larva ( worm-like ) creature. I have video of him picking up and eating two of the larva. I was told it was the larva of a lawn insect, but I did not get the name. Happy birding. Les Colburn ; Eugene Oregon From mgellerman at raccondog.com Wed Jan 3 18:41:23 2007 From: mgellerman at raccondog.com (Mike Gellerman) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 21:41:23 -0500 Subject: [obol] Unusual Dipper Behavior Message-ID: <200701040241.l042fNem017586@mail28.atl.registeredsite.com> Unusual Dipper Behavior We were helping on the Santiam Pass CBC on New Year's Day and hiked into the resort at Clearlake. As we approached the resort we were hearing this remarkable song of trills and whistles and buzzes coming from two different places. We were all (4 of us) at a loss to identify this bird. A few moments later we saw an American Dipper hunting off of a submerged log at the shoreline. It was quite unusual to see a dipper in a perfectly still lake so we admired it for a few minutes and returned to hunting our mystery bird. After several minutes of convincing myself we had an "Alpine Mockingbird or Thrasher" in our midst (not really, but we were a little tired and cold) I realized that this cacophony was coming from the dipper right in front of us. And, if that was not strange enough there was a second dipper across the cove hunting in the perfectly still lake from the shore and matching the first bird call for call. I have watched alot of Dippers in my life but I have never seen som! ething like this. By the way, the resident Trumpeter Swan at Clearlake was there and trumpting along with a mixed group of Common Goldeneyes, Ring-necked Ducks and Buffleheads. Mike Gellerman From d_maxs at hotmail.com Wed Jan 3 18:41:48 2007 From: d_maxs at hotmail.com (D.Max Smith) Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:41:48 -0700 Subject: [obol] [obol Townsend's Thrush In-Reply-To: Message-ID: This weekend, Sarah and I watched a flock of BUSHTITS forage on the ground near a flock of JUNCOS at Dawson Creek park. They must have been finding invertebrates down there too. Max Smith, Hillsboro >From: "Barbara J. Combs" >To: DJLauten and KACastelein >CC: obol >Subject: Re: [obol] Townsend's Thrush >Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 16:09:48 -0800 (PST) > >A Townsend's Thrush-Warbler has been doing the same in my yard for the >past few days. Could it be that those delicious ants have been forced >out of their ground dwellings by the rain and are now easy pickings? > >On Wed, 3 Jan 2007, >DJLauten and KACastelein wrote: > > > This morning (1/3) we have a new species in our yard (Bandon, Coos Cty). > > Since we woke up this morning a male TOWNSEND'S THRUSH has been > > foraging on our lawn. Ok, it is really a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, but he > > hasn't left the grass not once and continues to forage on the ground > > with about 75 juncos. He is either very confused, very hungary, very > > well feed, or trying to push evolution in a new direction, at least for > > warblers. > > > > Cheers > > Dave Lauten and Kathy Castelein > > Bandon OR > > deweysage at verizon.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > > obol mailing list > > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > >Barbara Combs obie '70 >Eugene, Oregon > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. _________________________________________________________________ From gorgebirds at juno.com Wed Jan 3 18:56:42 2007 From: gorgebirds at juno.com (Wilson Cady) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 18:56:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] Clark County MUTE SWAN Message-ID: <20070103.185644.3096.0.gorgebirds@juno.com> Today (1/3/06) a MUTE SWAN was at the Steigerwald Lake NWR, near Washougal in Clark County. Presumably this is the same one that was there from February 8 to October 24 of last year. It left last October when a flock of Tundra Swans stopped for about a week and then moved on, I wonder where it has been since then without being reported. Wilson Cady Washougal, WA From billandnicki at bctonline.com Wed Jan 3 21:17:34 2007 From: billandnicki at bctonline.com (Bill and Nicki) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 21:17:34 -0800 Subject: [obol] Hermit Sandpiper / Thrush Message-ID: <003401c72fbf$a71d6910$0207a8c0@DDFF8191> On the 2003 Coos Bay CBC, I saw more than one HERMIT THRUSH pecking at tidal mud in the South Slough region of Coos Bay, south of Charleston. I also recall, for what it is worth, that I noted more HERMIT THRUSH than SONG SPARROW during the day. Good birding all, Bill -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070103/411390b6/attachment.htm From winkg at hevanet.com Wed Jan 3 21:38:56 2007 From: winkg at hevanet.com (Wink Gross) Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 21:38:56 -0800 Subject: [obol] Pittock, NW Portland, week ending 01/03/07 Message-ID: <20070104053902.240C8148079@smtp5.oregonstate.edu> Here is the summary of my morning dogwalks from NW Seblar Terrace to the Pittock Mansion for the week 12/28/06 to 01/03/07. Species in ALL CAPS were neither seen nor heard the previous week. Additional information about my dogwalk may be found at http://www.hevanet.com/winkg/dogwalkpage.html We did the walk 5 days this week. Species # days found (peak #, date) GREAT BLUE HERON 1 (1, 1/3) Red-tailed Hawk 3 (2, 12/29) *ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK 1 (1, 12/29) Band-tailed Pigeon 1 (1, 1/2) Mourning Dove 3 (3, 1/1) Anna's Hummingbird 5 (4, 1/3) Red-breasted Sapsucker 2 (1, 12/31 & 1/3) Downy Woodpecker 3 (3, 1/3) Northern Flicker 3 (3, 1/1)) Golden-crowned Kinglet 3 (10, 1/1) Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 (3, 1/3) Bewick's Wren 2 (1, 12/31 & 1/2) Winter Wren 5 (2) American Robin 5 (2) Varied Thrush 4 (8, 12/29) Black-capped Chickadee 5 (20, 12/31) Chestnut-backed Chickadee 4 (10, 12/31) Red-breasted Nuthatch 5 (5) Brown Creeper 3 (1) Steller's Jay 5 (4) WESTERN SCRUB-JAY 1 (1, 1/1) American Crow 5 (6, 1/1) PINE GROSBEAK 2 (2, 12/29) House Finch 5 (20, 12/31) Red Crossbill 2 (30, 1/3) Pine Siskin 3 (25, 12/29) Spotted Towhee 5 (5) Fox Sparrow 4 (3, 12/31) Song Sparrow 5 (12) Dark-eyed Junco 5 (25) *Rough-legged Hawk is a new species (#130) for my dogwalk Misses (birds found at least 3 days during previous 2 weeks but not found this week): European Starling, Hutton's Vireo Wink Gross Portland From pamelaj at spiritone.com Wed Jan 3 22:13:19 2007 From: pamelaj at spiritone.com (pamela johnston) Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 22:13:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Townsend's Warbler food item References: <000001c72fa7$ca588030$85daab43@beorn> Message-ID: <004e01c72fc7$6f511290$8a6cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> I think the invertebrate in question might be crane fly larvae. Perhaps someone who knows more than I do about insects (that's not asking for much expertise!) can comment. Pamela Johnston From hnehls at teleport.com Wed Jan 3 23:26:13 2007 From: hnehls at teleport.com (Harry Nehls) Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 23:26:13 -0800 Subject: [obol] RBA: Portland, OR 1-4-07 Message-ID: - RBA * Oregon * Portland * January 4, 2007 * ORPO0701.04 - birds mentioned Emperor Goose Mute Swan Long-tailed Duck White-tailed Kite Rough-legged Hawk GYRFALCON Black-bellied Plover Glaucous Gull Burrowing Owl Hairy Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Black Phoebe Say?s Phoebe Northern Mockingbird Chipping Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Red Fox Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Harris?s Sparrow Pine Grosbeak - transcript hotline: Portland Oregon Audubon RBA (weekly) number: 503-292-6855 To report: Harry Nehls 503-233-3976 compiler: Harry Nehls coverage: entire state Hello, this is the Audubon Society of Portland Rare Bird Report. This report was made Thursday January 4. If you have anything to add call Harry Nehls at 503-233-3976. The GYRFALCON south of the Corvallis Airport and at Tygh Valley continue to be seen. The HARRIS?S SPARROW continues to visit a feeder in Brookings. Another HARRIS?S is coming to the food supply at Millicoma Marsh, and the CLAY-COLORED SPARROW continues at a feeder in North Bend. A GLAUCOUS GULL was on the North Spit of Coos Bay January 1, and another is being seen near Astoria. On December 28 a WHITE-TAILED KITE was along Reeder Road on Sauvie Island. A MUTE SWAN was seen January 3 at Steigerwald NWR near Washougal. A PINE GROSBEAK continues to be seen around Pittock Mansion in Northwest Portland. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was there December 29. The December 31 Portland Christmas Count recorded a LONG-TAILED DUCK on Hayden Island, 17 PILEATED WOODPECKERS, and 12 HAIRY WOODPECKERS, mostly from Portland?s West Hills. Three SAY?S PHOEBES and several BLACK PHOEBES are now in the Baskett Slough NWR area. An EMPEROR GOOSE is also on the refuge. A number of CHIPPING SPARROWS are being seen in Polk and Benton County filbert orchards. A HARRIS?S SPARROW was seen December 31 at the EE Wilson SWA north of Corvallis. A HARRIS?S, a SWAMP, and a RED FOX SPARROW were in the nearby Luckiamute State Natural Area the same day. A NASHVILLE WARBLER was in Corvallis January 2. On December 28 a BURROWING OWL was along Davis Road south of Tangent. A flock of 88 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS was seen December 28 on the Brownsville Christmas Count. A SWAMP SPARROW is being seen along Royal Avenue at Fern Ridge Reservoir. A MOCKINGBIRD was in North Eugene January 3. On December 30 three PINE GROSBEAKS were seen along the Three Creeks Ski Trail south of Sisters. That?s it for this week. - end transcript -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070103/8c909043/attachment.htm From crmiller at bendnet.com Thu Jan 4 08:46:20 2007 From: crmiller at bendnet.com (Marilyn Miller) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 08:46:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Unusual Dipper Behavior In-Reply-To: <200701040241.l042fNem017586@mail28.atl.registeredsite.com> Message-ID: <20070104164620.BAC3910421B@smtp3.oregonstate.edu> Over the years, Craig and I have observed a few Dippers in mountain lakes, fish hatcheries, streams, creeks and Hagelstein Park (off the highway on the way to Klamath Falls). I guess they don't always need moving water. We have seen them quite a few times on the shores of Suttle Lake, not that far from Clear Lake. Marilyn Miller Bend, Oregon new email: goosemiller at msn.com as of 5-1-06 -----Original Message----- From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Mike Gellerman Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2007 6:41 PM To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Subject: [obol] Unusual Dipper Behavior Unusual Dipper Behavior We were helping on the Santiam Pass CBC on New Year's Day and hiked into the resort at Clearlake. As we approached the resort we were hearing this remarkable song of trills and whistles and buzzes coming from two different places. We were all (4 of us) at a loss to identify this bird. A few moments later we saw an American Dipper hunting off of a submerged log at the shoreline. It was quite unusual to see a dipper in a perfectly still lake so we admired it for a few minutes and returned to hunting our mystery bird. After several minutes of convincing myself we had an "Alpine Mockingbird or Thrasher" in our midst (not really, but we were a little tired and cold) I realized that this cacophony was coming from the dipper right in front of us. And, if that was not strange enough there was a second dipper across the cove hunting in the perfectly still lake from the shore and matching the first bird call for call. I have watched alot of Dippers in my life but I have never seen som! ething like this. By the way, the resident Trumpeter Swan at Clearlake was there and trumpting along with a mixed group of Common Goldeneyes, Ring-necked Ducks and Buffleheads. Mike Gellerman _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From johnpam at ipns.com Thu Jan 4 09:49:19 2007 From: johnpam at ipns.com (JohnPam) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 09:49:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Gyrfalcon Still Around? Message-ID: Has anybody seen the Gyrfalcon this week? If so, where? Thanks, Good Birding, John Thomas From lbalaban at cmspan.net Thu Jan 4 10:34:27 2007 From: lbalaban at cmspan.net (Maryln & Lou Balaban) Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 10:34:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] Townsend's Warbler food item In-Reply-To: <004e01c72fc7$6f511290$8a6cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> References: <000001c72fa7$ca588030$85daab43@beorn> <004e01c72fc7$6f511290$8a6cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.0.20070104101557.01c37470@cmspan.net> I wondered about Crane Fly larvae also. There are many adults flying around here in the late summer and fall and brown spots in the lawn. A WSU website says: "The European crane fly, Tipula paludosa, is a pest which has become established in the Pacific Northwest including British Columbia." And a french one: "Larva: 3 to 4 mm, apodous, earthy grey colour. The cylindrical body, soft but very tough extends and retracts considerably; the head can be retracted, lending a tightly packed, pudgy appearance. - Larva: the young larvae feed on humus and vegetable waste matter which is more or less rotted. It is still small in size (1.5 mm) at the start of winter. Highly resistant to cold, it overwinters near the surface of the ground without diapause them becomes active once more in the spring. It digs underground galleries open to the air allowing it to emerge at night. - Life Cycle -1 generation per annum for T. paludosa, the most harmful and widespread crane fly in Northern Europe, the larvae of which can cause severe damage from January to May." Lou Balaban Roseburg >I think the invertebrate in question might be crane fly larvae. Perhaps >someone who knows more than I do about insects (that's not asking for much >expertise!) can comment. > >Pamela Johnston -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070104/ff1ec180/attachment.htm From birdmandon at clearwire.net Thu Jan 4 12:36:36 2007 From: birdmandon at clearwire.net (Schrouder Don) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 12:36:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] NoMo Eugene Message-ID: <56E4531A-1375-4461-A1CD-20F43C6C96B7@clearwire.net> Just saw the N. MOCKINGBIRD again (Thursday Jan 4) hanging out in the Holly tree between 2175-2169 Lamar Lane in Eugene. It appears to like to stay there until coming out to check things out now and then. We didn't even have to make a sound, it just hopped up at our approach down the street. Don Schrouder birdmandon at clearwire.net From celata at pacifier.com Thu Jan 4 13:37:50 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 13:37:50 -0800 Subject: [obol] Clatsop Redpolls Message-ID: <459D739A.D1A97101@pacifier.com> Steve Warner found at least 18 COMMON REDPOLLS at the Astoria Mitigation Bank this morning. They were not relocated later in the day. He says there were a couple that seemed suspisciously pale. I found a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at Astoria Sewage Ponds. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From pamelaj at spiritone.com Thu Jan 4 15:47:30 2007 From: pamelaj at spiritone.com (pamela johnston) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 15:47:30 -0800 Subject: [obol] Townsend's Warbler food item Message-ID: <004c01c7305a$b45f41c0$c16cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> Thanks to Lou for doing the detective work. It sounds like this is the perfect critter to hunt for on mild winter afternoons, assuming your tastes run to insect larvae. Nice to see introduced pests doing some good for native birds. Pamela Johnston ----- Original Message ----- From: Maryln & Lou Balaban To: OBOL Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2007 10:34 AM Subject: Re: [obol] Townsend's Warbler food item I wondered about Crane Fly larvae also. There are many adults flying around here in the late summer and fall and brown spots in the lawn. A WSU website says: "The European crane fly, Tipula paludosa, is a pest which has become established in the Pacific Northwest including British Columbia." And a french one: "Larva: 3 to 4 mm, apodous, earthy grey colour. The cylindrical body, soft but very tough extends and retracts considerably; the head can be retracted, lending a tightly packed, pudgy appearance. - Larva: the young larvae feed on humus and vegetable waste matter which is more or less rotted. It is still small in size (1.5 mm) at the start of winter. Highly resistant to cold, it overwinters near the surface of the ground without diapause them becomes active once more in the spring. It digs underground galleries open to the air allowing it to emerge at night. - Life Cycle -1 generation per annum for T. paludosa, the most harmful and widespread crane fly in Northern Europe, the larvae of which can cause severe damage from January to May." Lou Balaban Roseburg . From brrobb at comcast.net Thu Jan 4 16:03:51 2007 From: brrobb at comcast.net (Roger & Betty Robb) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 16:03:51 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lots of Birds, Lane County Message-ID: <000801c7305c$fb98fb60$0a00a8c0@RROffice> This morning I birded between Fern Ridge and Junction City and found large numbers of birds. At the Fern Ridge Dam were 450 COMMON MERGANSERS and 600 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS. At the end of Starlite Lane in Alvadore I found a flock of 400 KILLDEER along with hundreds of DUNLIN. At the corner of Alvadore Road and Franklin Road was a flock of apx 4,000 gulls. These were mostly RING-BILLS and about 600 MEW GULLS. There were also CALIFORNIA GULLS and a couple GLAUCOUSED-WINGED and likely something better I didn't find through the rain showers. Just west on Franklin was another flock of about 500 gulls of similar composition. I also found 2 EURASIAN WIGEON at Kirk Pond, and a SHORT-EARED OWL and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK at Washburne Lane near Junction City. Roger Robb Springfield, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070104/ee726869/attachment.htm From tamickel at rio.com Thu Jan 4 17:25:32 2007 From: tamickel at rio.com (Tom & Allison Mickel) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 17:25:32 -0800 Subject: [obol] Fw: Lewis' Woodpecker Message-ID: <002e01c73068$64d4ace0$4000a8c0@tas> OBOL, Below is the location information I got back from Randall about the Lewis's Woodpecker. The location is across (north of) Franklin Blvd. (Eugene, Lane Co.) from the University of Oregon campus. "The Lewis's Woodpecker was first observed by my Daughter from my Window at the Riverview Business Park near Villard and Garden off of Franklin." Hopefully, this clears up some of the "mystery" of this birds location. Tom Mickel Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070104/ab48d0da/attachment.htm From jorrie at teleport.com Thu Jan 4 17:27:12 2007 From: jorrie at teleport.com (Jorrie & Ken Ciotti) Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:27:12 -0800 Subject: [obol] Clouded Salamander Question Message-ID: <459DA970.9000106@teleport.com> On January 3, 2007, a one-inch long juvenile Clouded Salamander crawled out of its hiding place in our enclosed breezeway. Because the juvenile is so very small, does this mean that the Clouded Salamanders think this is early spring? I understand they typically have their young in the "late spring or early summer." Thank you for sharing any knowledge on this subject. I have a jpg of the little one if you want to see it. Jorrie Ciotti Waldport, OR http://www.birdsamore.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070104/94ce0500/attachment.htm From douglas.robinson at oregonstate.edu Thu Jan 4 17:51:05 2007 From: douglas.robinson at oregonstate.edu (Robinson, Douglas) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 17:51:05 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sedge Wren in Polk County Message-ID: I saw a Sedge Wren in southeastern Polk County at 4 pm today, 4 January 2007. The bird was at the North Luckiamute Cooperative Wildlife Management area, otherwise known as Luckiamute Landing. It is in southeast Polk County off of Buena Vista Road. In the DeLorme Atlas, look at page 53, section C8. To get there, take Buena Vista Road 1.8 miles north of its intersection with Spring Hill Road to a parking area on the east side of Buena Vista Road. Walk east on the grassy road about 250 meters until the grassy road dead ends at flood waters. You will need rubber boots to get through two water crossings on the way there. Once at the flood waters, it might be good to have chest waders. When I first saw the bird it was near the grassy road at the edge of flood waters. It then flew north to a small grassy island. The water around that small grassy island was higher than my hipwaders. I could not get to the island without getting wet. And, the island is actually on private land immediately adjacent to the public area, so it may be wise to seek permission first if you wish to wade north of the grassy road. I first heard the wren call (a dry teck) from the border of a flooded weedy field. I saw the bird perched in low grassy vegetation at the edge of shallow water for about 10 seconds. I could see the upper half of the body, but not the belly, vent, legs, or underside of the tail. The bird was a very small wren about size of Winter Wren but appearing perhaps slightly larger (maybe because of tail being a little longer than in Winter Wren). Very buffy looking with plain faced appearance relative to other wrens. Dark eye stood out strongly on the buffy face. Faintly demarcated pale buffy supercilium, not obvious like Marsh Wren, and not contrasting much in color with the auriculars or other parts of the face. Eyeline was narrow and not well-defined, but present. Faint dark streaking on buffy crown. Slender, pointed, slightly decurved bill like other wrens, but short like Winter Wren, not as long as Marsh Wren. Upper ridge to maxilla appeared dark and mandible appeared horn colored. Tail was held in cocked position and was noticeably shorter than a Marsh Wren?s tail; its tip was square in shape. Wing feathers were buffy with narrow dark barring, as was tail, except tail appeared darker than wings at angle I was looking at bird. Upper breast was plain pale buffy. In flight, which was weak but direct and was done at about 1 foot above water surface, the bird had short rounded wings which appeared pale buffy-brown, had a somewhat darker back with narrow whitish streaks (not as obviously striped as on Marsh Wren), a rather bright buffy-orange rump that contrasted with the brown tail. The bird dove into cover after it flew about 10 m or so. Similar species that can be discounted: Marsh Wren is darker brown overall, larger, has obvious whitish supercilium, stronger eyeline, brown crown, longer bill, longer tail, rump is rufous-brown not buffy-orange. LeConte?s Sparrow (I wish!) has conical bill not slender decurved bill, is bigger, has striped crown, orangish face with auricular markings, streaked underparts, and has longer, rounded tail not held in cocked position when perched. Winter Wren is much darker brown overall including underparts, with a stronger supercilium, shorter darker brown tail and different call note. House Wren is bigger with different call note, lacks streaked crown and lacks buffy-orange rump. Viewing conditions: I saw the bird at 4 p.m. when it was perched at about 10 m from me. It was about 1 foot above the ground or water and I was looking slightly downhill at it. The sun was low and behind me, but light was not directly on bird. Skies were partly cloudy. I viewed the bird with 8 x 42 binoculars. Dr. W. Douglas Robinson Dept. Fisheries and Wildlife 104 Nash Hall Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 http://fw.oregonstate.edu/robinson -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070104/abc4f7b9/attachment.htm From douglas.robinson at oregonstate.edu Thu Jan 4 17:56:31 2007 From: douglas.robinson at oregonstate.edu (Robinson, Douglas) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 17:56:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] FW: Basket Slough Extrava-Goose-Ganza References: Message-ID: Subject: Basket Slough Extrava-Goose-Ganza Can you please forward this message to the group Thanks... Greetings OR birders, The EMPEROR GOOSE gave me great views from the kiosk with the telescope at Basket Slough NWR around 1330 the afternoon of the Jan. 4th. Also present were about 5 SNOW GEESE and about the same number of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. There were also many SWANS and 2 adult BALD EAGLES present. The emperor goose did not appear to be there before about 1300 when it apparently cylcled in with a large group of Canadian geese...so I guess persistence is the key to seeing this outstanding bird. Thanks for the memories! Scott Blackman Tucson, AZ. _________________________________________________________________ Type your favorite song.? Get a customized station.? Try MSN Radio powered by Pandora. http://radio.msn.com/?icid=T002MSN03A07001 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070104/1619c2de/attachment.htm From don_glenda_ontheroad at earthlink.net Thu Jan 4 18:04:43 2007 From: don_glenda_ontheroad at earthlink.net (Donald Sutherland) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 18:04:43 -0800 (GMT-08:00) Subject: [obol] Tygh Valley Birds, Grrrrr Falcon, NO! Message-ID: <25019095.1167962683677.JavaMail.root@elwamui-little.atl.sa.earthlink.net> So, What?s your nemesis bird? At the moment, mine is what I am calling the Grrrrr Falcon. It started in Detroit, MI, February 2005. One was on the Ford Motor Company headquarters campus for over a month. Folks were seeing it in various locations every day so I decided to head up from Columbus, OH and get a look. I arrived at 0730 and spent all day till dark in the company of about 25 other birders off and on throughout the day. Nobody saw it. Next day, it was back in the tree by the parking lot! I have now gone to Corvallis four times and Tygh Valley twice from Bend, with a total of over 1,000 miles logged and about 25 hours. Not a glimpse. I arrived at Tygh Valley today at 0930 and cruised and watched until 1400. I spent a lot of time on 216 East where the previous sightings have been but I also cruised Fred Ashley Rd Fish Hatchery Rd Sandy River Rd Conroy Road Tygh Valley Rd Juniper Flat Rd I saw some cool birds but no Gyrfalcon. This is a list of the birds I encountered so it was a good bird trip none the less: Canada Goose11 Mallard 5 Ring-necked Pheasant 3 California Quail 46 Northern Harrier - 2 females 1 male Red-tailed Hawk - 6+ Rough-legged Hawk - 2 Golden Eagle - 1 American Kestrel - 3 Prairie Falcon - 3 Rock Pigeon XX Western Scrub-Jay 2 Black-billed Magpie 8 Common Raven 14 Mountain Bluebird - 15 White-crowned Sparrow XX Golden-crowned Sparrow 2 Dark-eyed Junco XX Western Meadowlark 15 Brewer's Blackbird XX House Finch XX House Sparrow XX "My spirit soars with the eagle's cry And the timberline when nightwinds sigh And so it will be until I die." Earl Shaffer Bend, Oregon til February 541-383-1603 770-317-2544 From joel.geier at peak.org Thu Jan 4 18:50:02 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 18:50:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] [birding] Sedge Wren in Polk County] Message-ID: <1167965402.5478.108.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hi All, This is a great sighting. The GPS coordinates I posted yesterday for the Red Fox Sparrow should get you within a hundred yards of this spot, as well as the Harris's & Swamp Sparrow. Makes you wonder what else is out there ... sorry, Coos Bay! I just want to urge everyone to **absolutely** respect the private property boundary on the north side of the Luckiamute Cooperative Management Area. This is indicated by yellow signs reading something like "leaving designated hunting area." The property owner has voiced concerns during the Luckiamute State Natural Area (SNA) public meetings process about trespassing which has occurred across this boundary, and has specifically asked for this signage to indicate the boundary. It is extremely important that birders respect this, especially considering that this property owner has in other respects (and unlike some other neighbors) been generally favorable to the SNA proposal and the important bird habitat that this represents. Thanks & good birding, Joel P.S. The location Doug describes is not actually part of Luckiamute Landing greenway but it is just (west) across the Luckiamute River from the greenway. It is managed by ODFW, not OPRD (which manages the Luckiamute SNA lands including Luckiamute Landing). We need a general name to use for this area; "Luckiamute state lands complex" is the best I can think of ... any other suggestions? -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From kirkpat at charter.net Thu Jan 4 20:19:13 2007 From: kirkpat at charter.net (Douglas Kirkpatrick) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 20:19:13 -0800 Subject: [obol] Fw: Lewis' Woodpecker In-Reply-To: <002e01c73068$64d4ace0$4000a8c0@tas> Message-ID: <002001c73080$a8998910$0201a8c0@D7CDFN81> I'm still seeing occasional but consistent Lewis WP's on Hwy 66 east of Ashland at about Milepost #9-11, just below 10-12 where the Magpies have been in the fall. They seem to like the same oak/madrone hillsides. Doug Kirkpatrick Medford -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070104/533c969b/attachment.htm From PTWEET2005 at msn.com Thu Jan 4 23:35:25 2007 From: PTWEET2005 at msn.com (NANCY FRASER) Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 23:35:25 -0800 Subject: [obol] Western Bluebird monitors needed Message-ID: The Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project (PBRP) is looking for volunteers to monitor Western Bluebird trails. Monitors are trained and assigned to a trail under the tutelage of volunteer bander. Established trails are primarily in Yamhill, Washington, and Clackamas Counties. The monitoring season is from April through August, with monitors expected to visit nestboxes at least once a week, spending 2-3 hours observing and recording information. This is an opportunity to spend time in the beautiful countryside and assist in the continued breeding recovery of this vulnerable native songbird. Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project Spring Bluebird Information Session Saturday, February 10, 2007 from 9 AM to 12 Noon Champoeg State Heritage Area Visitors' Center Attend the information session and learn about the Western Bluebird nesting cycle, see a video taken inside a nest box, and have an opportunity to talk with current volunteer monitors and banders. Attendees will have an opportunity to sign up to become bluebird monitors. Please contact either the PBRP telephone message line at 503 245 8449 to register, or visit the website at www.prescottbluebird.com. Nancy Fraser Spring Information Session Coordinator, PBRP -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070104/54a32abd/attachment.htm From Andy.Frank at kp.org Fri Jan 5 09:19:22 2007 From: Andy.Frank at kp.org (Andy.Frank at kp.org) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 09:19:22 -0800 Subject: [obol] Cedar Waxwings, NE Portland Message-ID: While in my office today I saw a flock of about 20 small birds just off NE Interstate Ave in Portland feeding on berries on trees just south of the Kaiser Interstate parking garage. There was a similar flock yesterday but I didn't go out to see what they were. Today I was pleasantly surprised to find that they are Cedar Waxwings. Andy Frank -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070105/c1fb071f/attachment.htm From jaso_jo at hotmail.com Fri Jan 5 10:30:15 2007 From: jaso_jo at hotmail.com (Jason Jones) Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:30:15 -0600 Subject: [obol] Ankney - Long eared owl Message-ID: Thursday afternoon Paula and I chanced the rain and ventured south of Salem to visit the Ankney NWR. We had a good trip, but the prize was our elation to find our first LONG EARED OWL. I don't know if we would have seen him if it wasn't for a N. HARRIER's repeated dive bombing. It was noticed that it isn't even on the Ankney Bird List. Has anyone else seen the long eared in the area? We took a few poor pictures, but missed the harrier's antics. Regards, Jason A. Jones _________________________________________________________________ Find sales, coupons, and free shipping, all in one place! ?MSN Shopping Sales & Deals http://shopping.msn.com/content/shp/?ctid=198,ptnrid=176,ptnrdata=200639 From bjgreen34 at yahoo.com Fri Jan 5 10:49:10 2007 From: bjgreen34 at yahoo.com (Brandon Green) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 10:49:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Warbler at work Message-ID: <20070105184910.29205.qmail@web60815.mail.yahoo.com> Earlier this morning, I saw a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (female, I think... didn't see it for very long) picking at the spider webs outisde my fourth-floor window here at work. I'm assuming that it was raiding the webs for dead insects. Although it makes perfect sense, I had never seen a bird do that before. Brandon Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070105/764b6664/attachment.htm From nordiet at comcast.net Fri Jan 5 11:04:31 2007 From: nordiet at comcast.net (Norine Dietrich) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 11:04:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] RFI: Sedona Arizona Message-ID: <002b01c730fc$54d62280$4c5ebd43@D86FM581> A birding friend of mine who is not on OBOL will be visiting Sedona Jan 14-20, 2007. She would like to know of some good birding spots in the area and some of the birds she might see there. Please direct your reply to Shannon Diez at lita at teleport.com . Thanks. Norine Dietrich -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070105/04df5f5f/attachment.htm From jmoodie at cocc.edu Fri Jan 5 12:00:08 2007 From: jmoodie at cocc.edu (Jim Moodie) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 12:00:08 -0800 Subject: [obol] OFO website down? Message-ID: OBOLanders, I attempted to access the OFO website just now and got a page with the message that this domain is parked at uplinkearth.com Anyone know what's up? Cheers, Jim Dr. James Moodie Science Department Central Oregon Community College Bend, OR 97701 541-383-7282 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070105/7994e600/attachment.htm From celata at pacifier.com Fri Jan 5 12:16:12 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:16:12 -0800 Subject: [obol] OFO website down? References: Message-ID: <459EB1EF.91F07BA0@pacifier.com> Either somebody forgot to pay a bill or the domain has been hijacked by one of those domain nappers... > Jim Moodie wrote: > > OBOLanders, > > I attempted to access the OFO website just now and got a page with the message that this > domain is parked at uplinkearth.com > > Anyone know what's up? > > Cheers, > Jim > > Dr. James Moodie > Science Department > Central Oregon Community College > Bend, OR 97701 > -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From ladwil at comcast.net Fri Jan 5 12:16:44 2007 From: ladwil at comcast.net (Lisa Ladd-Wilson) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 12:16:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] Grrrrfalcon, indeed! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: This message has been processed by Symantec's AntiVirus Technology. Unknown00000000.data was not scanned for viruses because too many nested levels of files were found. For more information on antivirus tips and technology, visit http://ses.symantec.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An embedded message was scrubbed... From: Lisa Ladd-Wilson Subject: Re: Grrrrfalcon, indeed! Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 12:16:44 -0800 Size: 55614 Url: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070105/2c5efdc8/attachment.eml From joel.geier at peak.org Fri Jan 5 12:42:41 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:42:41 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sedge Wren continues at North Luckiamute Coop Mgmt Area Message-ID: <1168029761.6899.84.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hello folks, I have to be real quick here since our 11-yr-old has a birthday party in a few minutes, but I was just over at the North Luckiamute Cooperatice Management Area along Buena Vista Rd., SE Polk Co., in the part behind the ODFW parcel which will be part of the Luckiamute State Natural Area, and ... At about 11:30 AM I saw the SEDGE WREN previously reported by Doug Robinson. A smaller and more golden-colored bird than Marsh Wren (including juv. Marsh Wren), very indistinct supercilium, shorter bill, short-tailed, very furtive, "chep" call different from Marsh Wren (less burry). I have seen the species in NW Minnesota etc. Location is near where Doug described. Walk in from the ODFW signboard along the mowed path that runs straight east (this is the north boundary of the public land, it is pretty clearly posted all the way), detouring around puddles as necessary or wading through them if you choose. After you come to a N-S line of trees extending off to your right (this is the place to look for the Harris's Sparrow and Red Fox Sparrow), continue on. As you pass a snapped-off ponderosa pine on your left, the mowed trail forks. Both branches end at the edge of a flooded swale. The Sedge Wren was in vegetation along the waters edge between the forks. It made a few short flights toward the south when I tried to sneak in closer for a photo, and ended up in the blackberry clump by the more southern fork of the trails. Also heard one SWAMP SPARROW by the lake farther south, and saw & heard four TRUMPETER SWANS fly over medium-low. I looked for but did not find the Red Fox Sparrow or the Harris's Sparrow. It was cold and breezy and birds were again very flighty, staying down in cover for the most part. Now off to chaperone 10 kids at the bowling alley.... Good birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From llsdirons at msn.com Fri Jan 5 14:22:29 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 22:22:29 +0000 Subject: [obol] Lesser Yellowlegs, Brant, N. Shrike at Fern Ridge Message-ID: This morning I found three Lesser Yelllowlegs, an adult Brant and a N. Shrike along the north/south section of K.R. Nielsen Rd. off Hwy 126 on the south side of Fern Ridge Res. The yellowlegs were with a flock of about 50 Greater Yellowlegs in the large rain pool on the w. side of the road south of the parking area. The Brant was with a flock of several thousand Cackling Geese in the large field on the e. side of the road. The Shrike was long the dike just south of the parking area. Dave Irons Eugene, OR From davect at bendnet.com Fri Jan 5 15:24:06 2007 From: davect at bendnet.com (david tracy) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 15:24:06 -0800 Subject: [obol] OFO website down? Message-ID: <599436D5-8BF0-4342-A261-630060D61592@bendnet.com> The OFO webpage is in the process of migrating to a new server. It should be back up in a couple days. Dave david tracy davect at bendnet.com ----Original Message---- Subject: OFO website down? From: "Jim Moodie" Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 12:00:08 -0800 OBOLanders, I attempted to access the OFO website just now and got a page with the message that this domain is parked at uplinkearth.com Anyone know what's up? Cheers, Jim Dr. James Moodie Science Department Central Oregon Community College Bend, OR 97701 541-383-7282 _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave AT lists.oregonstate.edu. From BStitesPDX at aol.com Fri Jan 5 15:41:50 2007 From: BStitesPDX at aol.com (BStitesPDX at aol.com) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 18:41:50 EST Subject: [obol] Cedar Waxwing-Multnomah county Message-ID: OBOL: The CEDAR WAXWINGS report today by Andy Frank were still present at 2:00PM this afternoon. The location is only accessible from the northbound lane of Interstate Ave. Proceed up the hill towards Kaiser Hospital and take the first right turn just before the parking building. The birds were feeding in the Hawthorne trees on the dark red berries! Regards, Bob Stites-Portland, Or. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070105/08d86aab/attachment.htm From ron_enck at yahoo.com Fri Jan 5 16:13:45 2007 From: ron_enck at yahoo.com (Ron Enck) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 16:13:45 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Corvallis Airport Message-ID: <151299.69089.qm@web54514.mail.yahoo.com> Today I went looking for the gyrfalcon. I drove the roads in the area but no falcon today. I did see 2 immature Bald Eagles, a White-tailed Kite, 2 Red-tailed hawks, lots of Kestrels, and a great view and listen to a Wrentit along the side of Bellfountain Rd. near the west entrance to Finley.(Which is blocked by high water about a mile in.) Ron Enck Corvallis, Or From conserve at tidelink.net Fri Jan 5 16:18:11 2007 From: conserve at tidelink.net (conserve at tidelink.net) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 19:18:11 -0500 (EST) Subject: [obol] Western Bluebirds in Lakeside Message-ID: <1218.198.237.210.206.1168042691.squirrel@tidelink.net> What an amazing going away present! My wife just called from Lakeside, in Coos county (where she is cleaning the our old rental). She is reporting 5 male and 6 female WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. They are gleaning, hunting and preening. Perching and short quick flights are the order of the day. Can you believe it? After 4 years of watching daily and never seeing hide nor hair of them, there they show up for the first time. So, I am not at home to read my Birds Of Oregon for details but I can imagine they are not super common since I have not yet seen them around Lakeside myself. Have a great weekend all! Jason in Charleston. From gmazer at adolfson.com Fri Jan 5 16:25:34 2007 From: gmazer at adolfson.com (Greg Mazer) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 16:25:34 -0800 Subject: [obol] Downtown pine siskins Message-ID: Saw a riotous flock of ~35 pine siskins work their way southward along SW 3rd, south of Burnside, in downtown Portland early this afternoon. They paused at a few spare trees along the way, and for enough time for me to make my 95% confident id despite lack of binoculars and flat light. Greg Mazer -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070105/c2c5d30d/attachment.htm From withgott at comcast.net Fri Jan 5 18:54:18 2007 From: withgott at comcast.net (Jay Withgott) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 18:54:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] Mult. Long-tailed Duck continues Message-ID: The LONG-TAILED DUCK found by Bob Stites's group on the Portland CBC is still present. In the course of errands around North Portland this afternoon, I stopped by and saw it swimming with 3 Common Goldeneyes beneath the railroad bridge at Hayden Island. To get here from the south, take exit 308 off of I-5, drive under the freeway, and follow Hayden Island Road westward past the big-box stores and industrial parks to where it ends at a gate. Walk to the river to the right. The bird was to the left just past the railroad bridge. For you county listers, note that this site is tantalizingly close to Columbia County. Had I realized that at the time, I would certainly have run, jumped, and yelled to chase the bird across the county line and get it on both lists. .... just kidding. Also, there was a dark-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK at the western end of the Portland Airport. Jay Withgott, Portland From sgordon03 at earthlink.net Fri Jan 5 20:22:58 2007 From: sgordon03 at earthlink.net (steve Gordon) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 20:22:58 -0800 Subject: [obol] Back Yard Rain Birds Message-ID: <968CB634-9D3D-11DB-8667-000393CA3A08@earthlink.net> Here in the Friendly Neighborhood in Eugene, about two inches of rain fell on Wednesday, January 3rd. For baseball fans, winter is time to watch the trades and await the pitchers' arrival for spring training in Arizona and Florida camps. Birders have it much easier. We participate in Christmas Bird Counts. Finish up on a few birds missed for the outgoing year list. Begin the new year list on January 1st. Even when it rains, you can watch through the window as puddles form in the low, worn, depressions where the middle of the brick path takes most of the foot and wheelbarrow traffic. The Black-capped Chickadees and Bushtits remain active in the rain. Then a bright Townsend's Warbler appears in the Catalpa tree. In thirty-one years, it is a first for your yard list. Then you notice that the Dark-eyed Junco number is double the normal count. In pouring rain, they are feasting on seeds cast from hanging feeders by House Finches and American Goldfinches. Among the Junco flock is a sparrow feeding under the Japanese maple; it catches your eye with its broad, bright eyebrow. A White-throated Sparrow has decided to feed in the rainstorm in your back yard. Only once before in thirty-one years have you seen this bird in your yard. After two hours of feeding, the flock moves out of the yard, and you watch the rain drops on the puddles that are now merging to form Lake Gordon. Birders have it easier than baseball fans in winter, and we don't call the game because of rain. Some of our best experiences can happen in a game-stopping rainstorm. From vernd at oregonfast.net Fri Jan 5 20:53:05 2007 From: vernd at oregonfast.net (VernD) Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 20:53:05 -0800 Subject: [obol] new artsie-fartsy goose picture Message-ID: <003301c7314e$8dc75710$6f01a8c0@yourb27fb1c401> Hello OBOL, Thought i'd pass along an artsy Sauvie Island goose photo I shot a couple of weeks ago. Best, Vern http://www.vernondipietrophotographer.com/-/vernondipietrophotographer/gallery.asp?cat=36416&pID=1&row=15&photoID=3233854&searchTerm= _______________________________ Vern DiPietro Between Ada Oregon and Portland Oregon www.vernondipietrophotographer.com ____________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070105/851d157f/attachment.htm From Jadybrwn at aol.com Sat Jan 6 08:48:55 2007 From: Jadybrwn at aol.com (Jadybrwn at aol.com) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 11:48:55 EST Subject: [obol] Possible Summer Tanager at Decker Nursery in Alvadore Message-ID: Milton Decker called me early this morning that he had a yellow bird at his feeder for a short time yesterday that was yellow with red blotches on it. I will be trying to see if I can relocate the bird later today. He said it was the same size and shape of a Western Tanager. Decker Nursery is on 8 th. Street in Alvadore. If I find the bird I will put it back on obol for that would be a good one for Lane County. Dave Brown -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070106/0debafa5/attachment.htm From davect at bendnet.com Sat Jan 6 09:59:26 2007 From: davect at bendnet.com (david tracy) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 09:59:26 -0800 Subject: [obol] Costa's Hummingbird still present in Bend Message-ID: <8712BFAC-94C3-4854-B9DB-23A7D552ED12@bendnet.com> The female Costa's Hummingbird is still being seen at our place in NW Bend near the Deschutes River, although spottily this last week or so. I'm relatively certain this is the same bird that's been around all winter (first observed Nov. 12) unless there are multiple female Costa's in the area, which seems quite unlikely. I've always wondered if we have been seeing the same Anna's throughout the winter, or if there were some turnover due to mortality and new individuals who find themselves wandering east of the Cascades being drawn to the urban areas. Based on plumage features, like missing tail feathers during molt, distinctive gorget patterns, etc. I've pretty well convinced myself that the same bird (s) would be present throughout the winter. Now with the observation of the Costa's, I'm even more inclined to believe that our local _Calypte_ sp. hummingbirds can survive extended cold periods and are more or less faithful to their winter territories. I'm sure the presence of our defrosted feeder has some influence on their survival, but they must be finding safe roosting sites and protein in the form of insects to carry them thru. There are no blooms for them to nectar on around here, thats for sure. I calculated the average of the hourly temp readings from the Agrimet website and came up with a chilly 35.7 degrees for the period starting Nov1 ending today: http://www.usbr.gov/pn-bin/ahrdata.pl? station=BEWO&year=2006&month=11&day=1&year=2007&month=1&day=1&pcode=OB&p code=WD&pcode=WG&pcode=WS Dave david tracy davect at bendnet.com From bigfishy at att.net Sat Jan 6 10:05:49 2007 From: bigfishy at att.net (bigfishy at att.net) Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 18:05:49 +0000 Subject: [obol] Luckiamute state natural area Message-ID: <010620071805.16251.459FE4FC000864F900003F7B215876672097089C070009070D@att.net> I am not familiar with how to find this area, can someone give me direction from Creswell? Thanks in advance, Bob Fish Creswell From tinamou at comcast.net Sat Jan 6 10:37:10 2007 From: tinamou at comcast.net (Bruce & Katie Dugger) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 10:37:10 -0800 Subject: [obol] Benton County Cinnamon Teal In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <000301c731c1$ad14f730$56901518@Home> On returning from a failed attempt to see the SEDGE WREN, I found 2 male CINNAMON TEAL with a flock of GREEN-WINGED TEAL feeding in a flooded pasture along Springhill Road in Benton County. The field is on the west side of the road about 0.6 miles north of Springhill's Intersection with Scenic Dr. Bruce Dugger From joel.geier at peak.org Sat Jan 6 11:30:10 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 11:30:10 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sedge Sparrow seen again this morning Message-ID: <1168111810.6899.177.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hello folks, I just had a call from Maitreya out at Luckiamute State Natural Area in SE Polk Co. He said about a half dozen birders just had multiple good looks at the SEDGE WREN over the course of about a half an hour, in the location previously described. Happy birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From dlrobbo at comcast.net Sat Jan 6 12:40:27 2007 From: dlrobbo at comcast.net (Doug Robberson) Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 12:40:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ankeny NWR 1/5/07 Message-ID: At Pintail Marsh yesterday saw 4 CINAMON TEAL, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and 1 WILD TURKEY. We went to Basket Slough and literally on saw the SNOW GEESE. The wind was blowing and there were no birds on the water on in the fields. Doug Robberson Tigard, OR "Nature is not a competition. It doesn't really matter, when you go out, if you don't identify anything. What matters is the feeling heart." Richard Adams, B. 1920 British Writer From carolk at viclink.com Sat Jan 6 12:39:02 2007 From: carolk at viclink.com (Carol Karlen) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 12:39:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] McMinnville gull-gathering Message-ID: <000c01c731d2$d4153000$8c76fea9@carolk> OBOL: We just came from viewing a huge gull gathering about a mile west of McMinnville, on the south side of Hwy 18. These birds are resting after their morning feast at the McMinnville landfill nearby. Viewing conditions are great for studying these birds. We were not blown sideways or drenched with rain, and the birds were sitting still, too. They were a quarter mile from the highway, so bring a scope. 900 gulls including: ~750 Glaucous-winged or hybrid gulls ~ 20 Herring gulls ~ 20 Thayer's gulls ~ 6 California gulls ~ 100 Mew gulls 1 adult GLAUCOUS GULL - beautiful! no Ring-billed gulls Plus 6 Ravens & 500 Canada Geese (including 100 duskies) Good birding, everyone, Paul Sullivan & Carol Karlen From dlrobbo at comcast.net Sat Jan 6 12:51:44 2007 From: dlrobbo at comcast.net (Doug Robberson) Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 12:51:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] Livermore Road Lapland Longspurs Message-ID: On Friday 1/5/07, 2.9 miles south of Bethel Road and Livermore Road on the east side of the road in the new grass we saw what we believe to be 7 LAPLAND LONGSPURS. We looked at them through our spotting scopes in the wind and rain. The scope was vibrating and they were about 600 ft away. They had some color variation and a longspur shaped head as apposed to a pipit shaped head. Doug Robberson Tigard, OR From warrech at earlham.edu Sat Jan 6 12:56:55 2007 From: warrech at earlham.edu (Chris Warren) Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 12:56:55 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lesser Goldfinch, SW Portland 01/05-06 Message-ID: I know its not a "stop the presses" sighting but I have had a small group of 4 females and 1 male LESSER GOLDFINCH in the backyard, in SW Portland, for the past two days. I saw that John Fitchen lists them as "Regular but tough" in Birding Portland and Multnomah County and these are certainly the first I've seen in Multnomah Co. so thought it was worth a note. Good birding! Chris Warren -- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070106/7f558952/attachment.htm From phainopepla at yahoo.com Sat Jan 6 13:31:30 2007 From: phainopepla at yahoo.com (Michael Dossett) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 13:31:30 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Corvallis Redpoll Message-ID: <751565.80471.qm@web90511.mail.mud.yahoo.com> I was coming in to get some work done this afternoon about 1:00 after taking the first half of the week off when I heard an odd call amongst a flock of goldfinches. My first inclination was Pine Siskin, but it didn't seem quite right. When I investigated further I found a single Common Redpoll in a flock of 9 American Goldfinches feeding in a Sweetgum (Liquidambar sp.) tree across the street. This was on the corner of 35th and Orchard in Corvallis, across from the USDA-ARS Hort Crops Research Lab. The flock took off and I lost them as they flew out over the OSU sheep pastures and behind the barns somewhere. Good Luck and Good Birding! Michael Dossett Michael Dossett Corvallis, Oregon www.Mdossettphoto.com phainopepla at yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From Jfitchen at aol.com Sat Jan 6 14:19:24 2007 From: Jfitchen at aol.com (Jfitchen at aol.com) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 17:19:24 EST Subject: [obol] Mult. Red-necked Grebe Message-ID: Hello Obol, I was lounging around in my robe at 11:00 a.m. when Bob Stites called to tell me he had a RED-NECKED GREBE at the railroad trestle at the west end of Hayden Island. I arrived at the site at 11:32, not in my robe but pretty scruffy. Stites had the bird framed in his scope about 400 yards downstream from the bridge. We worked our way downstream and eventually got great looks from a range of about 200 yards. Red-necked grebe is a county first for me (thank you Stites). The bird was associated with three WESTERN GREBES, making comparisons convenient. It was smaller, though not a lot smaller, than the Westerns but had a much shorter and thicker neck. The bill was long and relatively heavy, black on the top of the upper mandible and otherwise yellow. The upper mandible was slightly concave, giving the bill a somewhat upturned appearance, though it was generally held angled downward. There was a distinct pale earpatch behind the dark corwn and cheek. The back of the neck was dark with a faint red-brown tint when it preened in good light. The back was dark, the flanks mottled and the rump pale. From behind, the head was wide with the ear patches visible laterally. When the bird dove, it stayed down longer than the Westerns. Also present were Josh and Nicki Cerra, formerly from Ohio (go Buckeyes!), who had come out to look for the LONG-TAILED DUCK (no luck on that score today). Other birds of note in the general area were a gorgeous adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK that flew into a sapling on the east side of Vanport Wetlands, and a SNOW GOOSE in the middle of the wetlands. Directions: To get to the site form the south, take Exit 308 off Interstate 5, drive under the freeway, and follow Hayden Island Road westward past the big-box stores and industrial parks to where it ends at a huge puddle and a gate. Walk to the river to the right (north). The water is very high today, making it impossible to walk west (downstream) along the beach, but you can head downstream in the field above the riverbank. Cheers, John Fitchen Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070106/65c01ece/attachment.htm From 4cains at charter.net Sat Jan 6 15:17:07 2007 From: 4cains at charter.net (Lee and Lori Cain) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 15:17:07 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sauvie Island and Necanicum R. mouth Message-ID: <001901c731e8$c9735120$aef7be42@hbhsb01> Yesterday there was alone male RED-BREASTED MERGANSER at the mouth of the Necanicum River, in front of the SHS overlook. Sauvie Island: Today on the way home from Portland we swung through on the loop road and out to the end...highlights were: -- LOTS of geese, including SNOW GEESE, CACKLING, CANADA regulars and DUSKY race -- about 250 SANDHILL CRANES -- lots of TUNDRA SWANS -- 3 GREAT EGRET -- 1 ROUGH LEGGED HAWK -- numerous AMERICAN KESTRELS and RED-TAILED HAWKS, NORTHERN HARRIERS, BALD EAGLES (one carrying a stick near reservation hunting area) -- 1 possible GOLDEN EAGLE soaring in circles near the bridge, but too far to be positive, and moving away another ~100 SANDHILL CRANES on the south end of Scapoose, right next to the highway, with a COOPER's HAWK watching from a nearby cottonwood Lee Cain Astoria From joel.geier at peak.org Sat Jan 6 15:19:24 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 15:19:24 -0800 Subject: [obol] Trumpeter Swans back at Suver Junction, redpoll in Corvallis Message-ID: <1168125564.3537.17.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hi folks, One more posting for today ... it is hard to keep up with all the good birds around here lately. Folks who visit the Luckiamute State Natural Area in Polk Co. for the various little birds (Sedge Wren and Harris's Sparrow were reportedly both seen today, and the Red Fox Sparrow yesterday) may also want to visit the TRUMPETER SWAN flock which is in the neighborhood as usual for this time of year. Today Martha and I counted 28 trumpeters (including 6 dusky immatures) in the field on the NW side of the intersection of Suver/Airlie Rd. x Hwy 99W. Maitreya said a group of seven also flew over the Sedge Wren spot at the North Luckiamute Cooperative Management Area, perhaps the same group that Rich Armstrong saw fly out of a field a mile south of there today. So perhaps there are 35 around. This still seems like small numbers for this flock, which has numbered up to 60+ in recent years. Also today, Michael Dossett saw a single COMMON REDPOLL with a small goldfinch flock on the west side of the OSU campus in Corvallis, Orchard x 35th. The flock flew off toward the OSU sheep barns. Good birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From greg at thebirdguide.com Sat Jan 6 15:52:27 2007 From: greg at thebirdguide.com (Greg Gillson) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 15:52:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sedge - not for me, but Baskett Slough Say's Phoebe Message-ID: <000501c731ed$b9b18ea0$87a6efd8@gregs69keu8lid> I should have known, but after two hours in cold wet feet starting at dawn and starting on double-digit MARSH WRENS, I gave up searching for the Sedge Wren. Didn't find any of the target birds; no Red Fox Sparrow, no Harris's Sparrow, no Swamp Sparrow. There were numerous LINCOLN'S SPARROWS, and the flyover flocks of TRUMPETER SWANS were nice. The female TOWNSEND'S WARBLER added some color. Then I had to walk back to the car through the two cold knee-deep swales in ankle-high boots. Squish, slurp. Drove barefoot back to Hillsboro with the floor heater on high. I don't know if my boots will ever dry out. There was a SAY'S PHOEBE (wintering or early migrant?) at the overlook on Smithfield Road at Baskett Slough NWR. Otherwise, not too much of note. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK on Livermore Road, 5 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS in Patton Valley, Washington County. No kite, though. Got that evil rarity chasing urge out of my system now... Greg Gillson The Bird Guide, Inc. greg at thebirdguide.com http://thebirdguide.com From m.denny at charter.net Sat Jan 6 16:13:19 2007 From: m.denny at charter.net (mike denny) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 16:13:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Birding Umatilla Co. and Walla Walla Co. Message-ID: <000501c731f0$a31a7280$0886bd44@BLACKBIRD> Hello All, Today under clear skies and cool winds we birded several large feedlots and located the following species of note...... At foodlot along Rencken Rd., Umatilla Co. 1. a pair of Tri-Colored Blackbirds 2. One female Rusty Blackbird 3. 2500 Brewers Blackbirds At the Umapine feedlots along Stateline Rd, in Walla Walla Co. 1 Ad. male Tri-colored Blackbird 2. 800 Brewers Blackbirds At feedlot along HWY 12 west of College Place. Brown Headed Cowbirds......8+ Later Mike ******************************************************************** Mike & MerryLynn Denny 1354 S. E. Central Ave. College Place, WA 99324 509.529.0080 (h) IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN BIRDING, YOU HAVEN'T LIVED! ******************************************************************* From celata at pacifier.com Sat Jan 6 16:28:30 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 16:28:30 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lower Columbia Birders January trip - 1/6/2007 Message-ID: <45A03E87.60A2F53A@pacifier.com> The Lower Columbia Birders were out this morning under partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the mid-40's and a surprisingly light breeze. We easily found the RED-SHOULDERED HAWK along Wireless Rd. The AMERICAN GOLDFINCH flock at the Astoria Mitigation Bank was redpoll-free, though the single PINE SISKIN at least served to create some diversity. An EMPEROR GOOSE was in the goat pasture across from the Warrenton Sewage Ponds, presumably the same bird that spent most of December at the Astoria Airport. A well defined 3rd winter HERRING GULL and 2 adult THAYER'S GULL posed on the log boom at the sewage pond allowing for a good lesson on beginning gull ID. We were less successful with the 2nd winter THING that looked like a pale end Thayer's, but had distinctly pale irises. Birds seen (in taxonomic order): Greater White-fronted Goose 5 [1] Emperor Goose 1 [2] Canada Goose Cackling Goose Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-Winged Teal Canvasback Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Surf Scoter Bufflehead Barrow's Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Ruddy Duck Pied-billed Grebe Horned Grebe Western Grebe Brandt's Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Cooper's Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk [3] Red-tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon Virginia Rail American Coot Dunlin Common Snipe Mew Gull Herring Gull 1 Thayer's Gull 2 Western Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Belted Kingfisher Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Steller's Jay Western Scrub-Jay American Crow Common Raven Black-capped Chickadee Bewick's Wren Winter Wren Marsh Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Hermit Thrush 1 American Robin Varied Thrush European Starling Yellow-rumped Warbler Fox Sparrow Song Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Red-winged Blackbird Western Meadowlark 1 House Finch Pine Siskin American Goldfinch House Sparrow Footnotes: [1] Origin questionable birds on Warrenton SP [2] In the goat pasture across from the Warrenton Sewage Ponds [3] Wireless Rd Total number of species seen: 69 -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From rbayer at orednet.org Sat Jan 6 16:45:03 2007 From: rbayer at orednet.org (Range Bayer) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 16:45:03 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Newport Burrowing Owl Released in Lincoln County on Jan. 5 Message-ID: The Burrowing Owl found in Newport in November and captured by the Oregon State Police and volunteers in mid-December was released along the Lincoln County coast on Friday, Jan. 5. Burrowing Owls were first recorded in Lincoln County in 1969. They were found mostly in the 1970's and have been rare thereafter. The previous record was in 2002. Burrowing Owls have migrated on their own to the Oregon coast in winter, so their occurrence in Newport is not extreme and does not require transport by a human vehicle. The 2003 "Birds of Oregon: A General Reference" states that Burrowing Owls are a "rare annual visitor to the Willamette Valley and s. coast, especially during winter." Alan Contreras's 1998 "Birds of Coos County, Oregon" indicates that they are "a rare but regular winter visitor" to Coos County. The Newport owl was captured because of concerns about its health, its proximity to foot and vehicular traffic, and especially its tameness. The owl became too tame for its own good. People were attracted to it by its cuteness and the perception that it was hundreds of miles from its home and was a victim of being transported here by truck. There was a report that it was fed mice, so it may have learned to associate people with food. It is not recommended to feed bears and raccoons because they can learn to associate people with food, and feeding owls may also tame them. The Newport Burrowing Owl was often seen standing during the day, so some people may have thought it was unable to hunt. In general, Burrowing Owls can catch insects during the day and mammals at night. Some observers were concerned that the Newport Burrowing Owl had a bad leg because it was mostly seen standing on one leg. But one observer saw it change legs. In general, birds can stand on one leg and tuck their other leg in as a way to reduce heat loss, analogously to when we stick our hands in our pockets when they are cold. The Newport Burrowing Owl did not have a healthy wariness of people. The Oregon State Police said that if it had been more elusive while it was being captured, it would have been left alone. A lack of wariness in wild animals can be a result of illness, but in this case, it was a result of becoming too tame, perhaps from being fed. After capture, the Burrowing Owl was taken to the volunteer-based Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near Corvallis. Chintimini provides care for approximately 700 animals a year at an average cost of nearly $100 per animal (http://www.chintiminiwildlife.org/) that donations and memberships help pay. Chintimini's Executive Director Jeff Picton noted that they could not find anything wrong with the owl and that after arrival it "is eating and flying fine and is very feisty." Chintimini continued to monitor the owl's health and care for it until it was released. Chintimini's Jeff Picton and Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife's (ODFW) District Wildlife Biologist Dr. Doug Cottam consulted Oregon State University researchers, biologists, Range Bayer of Yaquina Birders and Naturalists, and others for a suitable site to release the Burrowing Owl. The release site was in an area where a Burrowing Owl has been observed in the past in Lincoln County and in a habitat like where they have been reported in winter on the southern Oregon Coast. The site was also away from people, parking lots, and roads. The owl was released by Chintimini's Jeff Picton near cover. It then found shelter from weather and predators and where it could also safely survey its surroundings to hunt on its own. The owl was not released at the Newport site where it had been before because of foot and vehicular traffic there. The Burrowing Owl may move from where it is released. If you see a Burrowing Owl in Lincoln County in the next few months, please do not publicize its location and please do not approach or feed it. Please contact Range Bayer (541-265-2965, rbayer at orednet.org) or Tami Wagner (Tami.E.Wagner at state.or.us) or Dr. Doug Cottam (Douglas.F.Cottam at state.or.us) of the ODFW (541-867-4741). General Guidelines about Human/Wildlife Interactions: 1) Leave wildlife wild. Do not assume that a tame bird or a rare bird needs help. Too much human contact with a wild animal is not healthy for the animal in the long-term. 2) Do not feed owls because they may become too tame for their own good. Feeding raccoons and bears creates problems for the animals as well as people, and feeding owls can make them not have a healthy wariness of people and to be too dependent. (Also see "Please Don't Feed the Waterfowl" [http://www.audubonportland.org/livingwithwildlife/brochures/Waterfowl] by Portland Audubon Society and "If You Love Them, Please Don't Feed Them" [http://www.coastalconservancy.ca.gov/coast&ocean/sparchive/FEEDM.HTM] by California Dept. of Fish & Game wildlife biologist Ron Jurek. Feeding hummingbirds or seed- or suet-eating birds is unlikely to hurt them, if feeders are kept clean to prevent disease. But feeding can hurt other wildlife--see links by Google searching "don't feed wildlife.") 3) Leaving wild animals alone is not just the law, it is a good way to protect animals and keep them wild. Oregon Revised Statute 498.006 states that "no person shall chase, harass, molest, worry or disturb any wildlife except while engaged in lawfully angling for, hunting or trapping such wildlife." Please view a wild animal without disturbing it (e.g., http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/ethics-b.htm). 4) Most often, if an animal is healthy, it is better to leave it in the wild. If an animal is clearly injured or unhealthy, then human intervention may be required. But intervention poses its own issues. Tameness does not necessarily mean that an animal is sick--it may just lack a healthy wariness of people. If it becomes too tame, intervention may be necessary to protect it from people. Range Bayer, Yaquina Birders and Naturalists, rbayer at orednet.org, 541-265-2965 From bjgreen34 at yahoo.com Sat Jan 6 16:48:45 2007 From: bjgreen34 at yahoo.com (Brandon Green) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 16:48:45 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Saturday morning, Eugene Message-ID: <20070107004845.31700.qmail@web60817.mail.yahoo.com> This morning, I had what was definitely my best backyard bird activity in years... Anna's Hummer (1) Downy WP (1) Northern Flicker (2) Western Scrub-Jay (1) American Crow (2) BC Chickadee (4) RB Nuthatch (2) WB Nuthatch (1, FINALLY eating out of my suet basket) Bushtit (18, six separate "waves" of 10+) Brown Creeper (1) Varied Thrush (5) Yellow-Rumped Warbler (1) Dark-Eyed Junco (10+) House Finch (2) American Goldfinch (7) In response to an earlier question from an OBOLer, the Brown Creeper tended to move up the trees from left to right (e.g., counter-clockwise when viewed from the top of the tree). Brandon Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070106/59f8c35d/attachment.htm From joel.geier at peak.org Sat Jan 6 17:21:46 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 17:21:46 -0800 Subject: [obol] Luckiamute State Natural Area information and maps Message-ID: <1168132906.3537.49.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hi folks, The following web site gives abundant information on the Luckiamute State Natural Area: http://egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/planning_luckiamute.shtml If you download the master planning document (4+ Mb pdf file), you will find a nice map that shows how to get there from Salem or Albany, as well as a bird list for these lands (which now needs to be updated). Thanks to all the birders who took time to attend the past public meetings and/or send in comments on the previous draft master plans for this important bird site. What other place under 1000 acres in Oregon has had Trumpeter Swan, Red-eyed Vireo, Tennessee Warbler, Sedge Wren, Red Fox Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow, and Swamp Sparrow, plus nesting Common Nighthawk, Pileated Woodpecker, & Oregon Vesper Sparrow? The master plan will be considered by the state board next week, following which there will be one more public meeting (in Monmouth). I hope that birders who have enjoyed the place this week will take the time to attend. Good birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From mmarvin at spiritone.com Sat Jan 6 17:48:50 2007 From: mmarvin at spiritone.com (Marcia Marvin) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 17:48:50 -0800 Subject: [obol] Saturday afternoon SW Portland (was Saturday morning Eugene) Message-ID: Brandon's message inspires me to relate the list of birds I saw as I sat this afternoon with a neighbor at her dining room table. She had a thistle feeder, two suet cages and lots of activity. In the 45 minutes I was there, we saw and had repeat views of: Downy Woodpecker (female) Northern Flicker (male) Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch Bewick's Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet European Starling (unfortunately) Townsend's Warbler Dark-eyed Junco This is the same neighbor who, three years or so ago, called Audubon one late fall afternoon to report a Black-crowned Night Heron in her yard. She had called her son in Alaska to help her identify it. I thought it seemed like an unlikely sighting for the habitat, but the neighborhood is not too far from some reasonable habitat, and I didn't get there in time to see for myself. What are the chances? I found the list interesting because it's rather different from the traffic in my own yard. I'm feeding lots of Lesser Goldfinches American Goldfinches Song Sparrows Golden-crowned Sparrows House Finches Spotted Towhees as well as juncos and chickadees. Good birding, backyard or elsewhere! Marcia From m_scatt at yahoo.com Sat Jan 6 19:39:28 2007 From: m_scatt at yahoo.com (Em Scattaregia) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 19:39:28 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Saturday afternoon SW Portland Message-ID: <503601.17913.qm@web59014.mail.re1.yahoo.com> We have been enjoying the postings about what people see in their yards. It is interesting to read about what the common birds are in other parts of the Portland Metro area and the state. This year we have had the following species regularly in our backyard. We have 2 suet cages and a cylindrical feeder filled with black oil sunflower seeds. Anna's Hummingbird Scrub Jay Black-capped Chickadee Bushtit (45 today) Ruby-crowned Kinglet Yellow-rumped Warbler Fox Sparrow (up to 4) Golden-crowned Sparrow (12 today) Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow (for the third winter in a row) House Finch Lesser Goldfinch House Sparrow & Starling (unfortunately) and lately, a frequent Varied Thrush (which today was visiting our suet cage...a surprise to us. It also ate suet "crumbs" off the ground.) Good birding! Em Scattaregia Adrian and Christopher SE Portland __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070106/48dd8aab/attachment.htm From sjag1234 at msn.com Sat Jan 6 19:57:40 2007 From: sjag1234 at msn.com (STEVE JAGGERS) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 19:57:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] Newport Burrowing Owl Released in Lincoln County on Jan. 5 References: Message-ID: Thank you Range for the excellent summary of the circumstances around the capture and release of this bird. I am especially appreciative of the information given the excellent OBOL discussions generated by this bird's situation. Steve Jaggers ----- Original Message ----- From: Range Bayer To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Sent: Saturday, January 06, 2007 4:45 PM Subject: [obol] Newport Burrowing Owl Released in Lincoln County on Jan. 5 The Burrowing Owl found in Newport in November and captured by the Oregon State Police and volunteers in mid-December was released along the Lincoln County coast on Friday, Jan. 5. Burrowing Owls were first recorded in Lincoln County in 1969. They were found mostly in the 1970's and have been rare thereafter. The previous record was in 2002. Burrowing Owls have migrated on their own to the Oregon coast in winter, so their occurrence in Newport is not extreme and does not require transport by a human vehicle. The 2003 "Birds of Oregon: A General Reference" states that Burrowing Owls are a "rare annual visitor to the Willamette Valley and s. coast, especially during winter." Alan Contreras's 1998 "Birds of Coos County, Oregon" indicates that they are "a rare but regular winter visitor" to Coos County. The Newport owl was captured because of concerns about its health, its proximity to foot and vehicular traffic, and especially its tameness. The owl became too tame for its own good. People were attracted to it by its cuteness and the perception that it was hundreds of miles from its home and was a victim of being transported here by truck. There was a report that it was fed mice, so it may have learned to associate people with food. It is not recommended to feed bears and raccoons because they can learn to associate people with food, and feeding owls may also tame them. The Newport Burrowing Owl was often seen standing during the day, so some people may have thought it was unable to hunt. In general, Burrowing Owls can catch insects during the day and mammals at night. Some observers were concerned that the Newport Burrowing Owl had a bad leg because it was mostly seen standing on one leg. But one observer saw it change legs. In general, birds can stand on one leg and tuck their other leg in as a way to reduce heat loss, analogously to when we stick our hands in our pockets when they are cold. The Newport Burrowing Owl did not have a healthy wariness of people. The Oregon State Police said that if it had been more elusive while it was being captured, it would have been left alone. A lack of wariness in wild animals can be a result of illness, but in this case, it was a result of becoming too tame, perhaps from being fed. After capture, the Burrowing Owl was taken to the volunteer-based Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near Corvallis. Chintimini provides care for approximately 700 animals a year at an average cost of nearly $100 per animal (http://www.chintiminiwildlife.org/) that donations and memberships help pay. Chintimini's Executive Director Jeff Picton noted that they could not find anything wrong with the owl and that after arrival it "is eating and flying fine and is very feisty." Chintimini continued to monitor the owl's health and care for it until it was released. Chintimini's Jeff Picton and Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife's (ODFW) District Wildlife Biologist Dr. Doug Cottam consulted Oregon State University researchers, biologists, Range Bayer of Yaquina Birders and Naturalists, and others for a suitable site to release the Burrowing Owl. The release site was in an area where a Burrowing Owl has been observed in the past in Lincoln County and in a habitat like where they have been reported in winter on the southern Oregon Coast. The site was also away from people, parking lots, and roads. The owl was released by Chintimini's Jeff Picton near cover. It then found shelter from weather and predators and where it could also safely survey its surroundings to hunt on its own. The owl was not released at the Newport site where it had been before because of foot and vehicular traffic there. The Burrowing Owl may move from where it is released. If you see a Burrowing Owl in Lincoln County in the next few months, please do not publicize its location and please do not approach or feed it. Please contact Range Bayer (541-265-2965, rbayer at orednet.org) or Tami Wagner (Tami.E.Wagner at state.or.us) or Dr. Doug Cottam (Douglas.F.Cottam at state.or.us) of the ODFW (541-867-4741). General Guidelines about Human/Wildlife Interactions: 1) Leave wildlife wild. Do not assume that a tame bird or a rare bird needs help. Too much human contact with a wild animal is not healthy for the animal in the long-term. 2) Do not feed owls because they may become too tame for their own good. Feeding raccoons and bears creates problems for the animals as well as people, and feeding owls can make them not have a healthy wariness of people and to be too dependent. (Also see "Please Don't Feed the Waterfowl" [http://www.audubonportland.org/livingwithwildlife/brochures/Waterfowl] by Portland Audubon Society and "If You Love Them, Please Don't Feed Them" [http://www.coastalconservancy.ca.gov/coast&ocean/sparchive/FEEDM.HTM] by California Dept. of Fish & Game wildlife biologist Ron Jurek. Feeding hummingbirds or seed- or suet-eating birds is unlikely to hurt them, if feeders are kept clean to prevent disease. But feeding can hurt other wildlife--see links by Google searching "don't feed wildlife.") 3) Leaving wild animals alone is not just the law, it is a good way to protect animals and keep them wild. Oregon Revised Statute 498.006 states that "no person shall chase, harass, molest, worry or disturb any wildlife except while engaged in lawfully angling for, hunting or trapping such wildlife." Please view a wild animal without disturbing it (e.g., http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/ethics-b.htm). 4) Most often, if an animal is healthy, it is better to leave it in the wild. If an animal is clearly injured or unhealthy, then human intervention may be required. But intervention poses its own issues. Tameness does not necessarily mean that an animal is sick--it may just lack a healthy wariness of people. If it becomes too tame, intervention may be necessary to protect it from people. Range Bayer, Yaquina Birders and Naturalists, rbayer at orednet.org, 541-265-2965 _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070106/f61fe960/attachment.htm From pamelaj at spiritone.com Sat Jan 6 21:07:04 2007 From: pamelaj at spiritone.com (pamela johnston) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 21:07:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] Saturday afternoon birds, Yamhill Co Message-ID: <001e01c73219$afe83370$e06cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> I'll join the rest with birds I saw at home during the day. The most rugged is a Chestnut-backed Chickadee which is missing a foot. This may be the same bird I saw in the fall with a foot it wasn't using. Now there is only a tarsus. It balances on the sunflower cylinder by pressing its body against the perch while gripping the opening of the tube with the remaining foot. While it travels with the flock, it feeds alone. Pamela Johnston Steller's Jay American Crow, 6 flyover Chestnut-backed Chickadee, 6 Red-breasted Nuthatch Winter Wren (away from the feeders) Golden-crowned Kinglet (away from the feeders) Varied Thrush, 8 Spotted Towhee, 4 Dark-eyed Junco, about 40 Song Sparrow, 1 Purple Finch House Finch From dianabradshaw at verizon.net Sat Jan 6 21:19:27 2007 From: dianabradshaw at verizon.net ( Diana Bradshaw) Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:19:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] OFO Website Message-ID: <000b01c7321b$67ba31f0$6401a8c0@BRADSHAW> The OFO Web site is down while the site migrates to a new server. As soon as the change is made, it will be back up and running. Thanks for your patience. Diana Bradshaw From tanager at nu-world.com Sat Jan 6 21:55:54 2007 From: tanager at nu-world.com (Anne & Dan Heyerly) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 21:55:54 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sat. 1/6/2007 Lane County ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (dark phase) & possible ROSS'S GOOSE Message-ID: <002601c73220$7eada540$0200a8c0@domain.actdsltmp> Anne and I birded around the Eugene area today and found a few goodies. First we found the NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD on Lamar Lane in north Eugene. See Don Schrouder's earlier postings for directions. We then tried for the Brown Thrasher that has been seen from time to time over the last few weeks at the corner of Lorane Hwy. and Fox Hollow Rd. We dipped on that after an hour of waiting/scoping the brambles down by the creek across the road from the house with the apple tree and feeders. We then ran the Lane County #1 Raptor Route, which is the area around Fern Ridge Reservoir west of Green Hill Rd. and south of Hwy. 36. We found two TURKEY VULTURES along K.R. Neilsen Rd. and one along Bodenhamer Rd. We found a large shorebird flock along K.R. Neilsen Rd. across from the hunting check station. There were approximately 30 GREATER YELLOWLEGS and after sifting through half the flock we counted 3 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and then were distracted by something and never did finish counting them. One major highlight along Alvadore Rd. south of Hwy. 36 south of the first "S" curve was a beautiful dark phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. At the west end of the Fern Ridge Dam, a few "canada" Geese (possibly Cackling) were resting on the mud/grass at the eastern edge of Richardson Park a little ways west of the boat ramp by the dam. With them was one all white goose. Small short pink bill with no "smile". Pink legs. Steep forehead. It was about the size of the "canadas", which could have been Cacklers, but something was not right and it is the size of the geese that is bothering me. Half of the geese had their heads tucked and some seemed larger. Everything about this goose said "Ross's", but I am not sure about the size. I hope someone else can get a look at this bird. I am assuming it is a wild goose. No other barnyard geese were present in this area today. We observed tens of thousands of DUNLIN swirling over the mud flats of Fern Ridge Reservoir in several huge flocks, some were over a 1/4 mile long, as well as approximately 50 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS (probably more, but we stopped counting). We ended up at the gate at the end of Royal Ave. at dusk hoping for something like a short-eared owl, but dipped on that. We got lucky however in that we saw 2 AMERICAN BITTERNS flying over the marsh approximately 100 yards west of the gate itself. One flushed out of the ditch right beside Royal Ave. right beside us! That was pretty cool. A VIRGINIA RAIL called right next to us along Royal Ave. as we walked west of the gate. Then right after hearing the rail we heard the first two notes of what we are certain was a SORA calling, also right next to us. It is quite a spectacle to see the Northern Harriers coming in to their roost, which seems to be approximately 200 yards west of the Royal Ave. gate and maybe 20 yards north of Royal Ave. itself. There must have been 25 birds that came in and swirled down to a very small area. All the White-tailed Kites also seemed to bunch up in the small trees in that area as well. We counted 15 White-tailed Kites. A good day. It didn't rain very much, we had a good time, and our car did not get locked in the parking area! Good birding. Dan & Anne Heyerly Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070106/a540d572/attachment.htm From bcombs at dialoregon.net Sat Jan 6 22:30:55 2007 From: bcombs at dialoregon.net (bcombs at dialoregon.net) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 22:30:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Update - Brownsville Christmas Bird Count Results In-Reply-To: <1300.207.173.13.156.1167452180.squirrel@shemp.dialoregon.net> References: <1300.207.173.13.156.1167452180.squirrel@shemp.dialoregon.net> Message-ID: <3502.207.173.13.203.1168151455.squirrel@shemp.dialoregon.net> With a home count for the Brownsville Christmas Bird Count now in hand, I have two updates to previous record numbers: The all-time high for WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH is now 17 (2 were in observers' yard). The HAIRY WOODPECKER record is now at a new all-time high of 5 instead of being tied at 4 with a previous rear's record. Again, thank you to everyone who contributed to this outstanding effort. Barbara Combs Obie '70 Eugene OR From gnorgren at earthlink.net Sat Jan 6 22:40:41 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2007 22:40:41 -0800 Subject: [obol] Saturday birds at Home Message-ID: I can say without hesitation that the best species today was GRAY JAY. They were a daily bird at the suet and in the barn(cat kibble) through all seasons over many years.I don't recall when they stopped coming- early last spring maybe. One flew over on Tuesday or Wednesday. THe next day there were two at the suet. Today there are three. CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES are stashing the seed in the bark of nearby Douglas-firs. The entire flock of a dozen or so flew back and forth from the ground and feeder alike as fast as they could to large(ca 1m dia) Douglas-firs. I don't know if they've done this before. I only noticed now, although the feeder has been here as long as we have. THere may be more epiphytes on these trees, making them better hiding places, than when we first moved in. No BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES this winter. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES in the treetops but none are using the feeder. A few SOOTY FOX SPARROWS, which were completely absent last winter(a bird 9/23/05 was the only one until Spring). A few SONG SPARROWS, including a very large, very RED one. A few JUNCOS(absent last winter) and a few VARIED THRUSHES(absent last winter after prolonged snow cover the 1st of December).SPOTTED TOWHEES the most abundant ground feeder. STELLER'S JAYS in the morning only. No STARLINGS(ever, never, not once) No HOUSE SPARROWS(ever, never, not once) Do GRAY JAYS have an inverse relationship with these species? Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON From davect at bendnet.com Sun Jan 7 10:23:44 2007 From: davect at bendnet.com (david tracy) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 10:23:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] Temperature and hummingbirds Message-ID: To better illustrate the cold tolerance of _Calypte_ sp. hummingbirds, I plotted temperature vs time data from the Agrimet website. It helps to see graphically rather than a long column of numbers. Here's the chart: http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=349216248&size=o The Agrimet remote weather station is located about 2 miles upstream from my house, near the Les Schwab Amphitheater. The elevation, aspect and close proximity to the river are similar to our neighborhood, so I'm sure the temp readings are a good indicator of what the birds encounter within their winter territories. The light blue is hourly temp data and the dark line is a moving average of 24 hourly readings. Even after 5 winters with hummers present more or less every day, It's still astounding to me how they can withstand several nights in the teens or even single digits, with daily highs barely at the freezing mark, and still survive. I've seen the Anna's endure past winters where we have seen even more extreme cold periods. Maybe I can dig up some of the older data and come up with more to chew on... Dave david tracy davect at bendnet.com From andy.frank at kp.org Sun Jan 7 10:30:04 2007 From: andy.frank at kp.org (Andy Frank) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 10:30:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] Local RBA: Pelagic Cormorant, Mult Cty Message-ID: <000301c73289$d9a27700$6500a8c0@familyroom> After going to Eagle Creek (and seeing Common and Barrow's Goldeneye, American Dipper, Western Grebe, and Scaup) I stopped at a few places to scope the Columbia River. At a viewpoint located between Rooster Rock and Corbett, there was an immature Pelagic Cormorant swimming close to shore. I watched the bird for about 20 minutes while it was actively diving; during this time it never was farther than 50 feet off shore. It was all black (no white spot). The bill was thin and all black without any yellow. At one point a Double-crested Cormorant flew by highlighting the differences. A photo is at http://andyfrank.blogspot.com/. Left clicking on it enlarges it. I have more photos that were blurrier but can forward if anyone is interested. Directions: From Portland take I-84 east and take the Rooster Rock exit (I think it's mile 23). Go over the highway and get back on I-84 going west bound. Within a mile there will be a sign saying "viewpoint (of the river)." Take this to the large turnoff (to the right) that juts out into the Columbia River. Andy Frank From withgott at comcast.net Sun Jan 7 11:26:40 2007 From: withgott at comcast.net (Jay Withgott) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 11:26:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lesser Goldfinch, SW Portland 01/05-06 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Lesser Goldfinch numbers in SW Portland have really taken off during 2006. This fall and winter they went from being a rarity on our yardlist to a common bird. In late December our flock rose to a high of 21 birds on 22 Dec.! We also had an all-time high of 5 Fox Sparrows on 21 Dec., and have had Townsend's and Yellow-rumped Warblers visit our suet since the new year. A little naturescaping and feeding (and fewer neighborhood cats) goes a long way. Jay W At 12:56 PM -0800 1/6/07, Chris Warren wrote: >I know its not a "stop the presses" sighting but I have had a small >group of 4 females and 1 male LESSER GOLDFINCH in the backyard, in >SW Portland, for the past two days. I saw that John Fitchen lists >them as "Regular but tough" in Birding Portland and Multnomah County >and these are certainly the first I've seen in Multnomah Co. so >thought it was worth a note. Good birding! > >Chris Warren >-- > > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070107/f4cad87e/attachment.htm From rawieland at comcast.net Sun Jan 7 11:34:39 2007 From: rawieland at comcast.net (rawieland at comcast.net) Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 19:34:39 GMT Subject: [obol] Census Count: Koll Center Wetlands Park, Washington County, Oregon on January 06, 2007 Message-ID: <200701071934.l07JYdcO012464@rottweiler.furfly.com> This report was mailed for Rainer Wieland by http://birdnotes.net Date: January 6, 2007 Location: Koll Center Wetlands Park, Washington County, Oregon Temperature: 48 degrees fahrenheit Wind direction: Variable Prevailing wind speed: < 1 km/h gusting to: 1-5 km/h Percentage of sky covered by clouds: 10% Precipitation: none Nice afternoon for birding; taking a break from errands to stop and enjoy the pleasant weather. Good variety of birds for this area. Birds seen (in taxonomic order): Canada Goose 20 Gadwall 6 American Wigeon 4 Mallard 20 Northern Shoveler 4 Green-Winged Teal 6 Redhead 1 Ring-necked Duck 25 Unknown Scaup 1 Bufflehead 6 Hooded Merganser 12 Common Merganser 8 Ruddy Duck 1 Pied-billed Grebe 2 Great Blue Heron 2 Great Egret 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Coot 25 California Gull 4 Thayer's Gull 4 Glaucous-winged Gull 1 Unidentified gull 6 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Western Scrub-Jay 2 American Crow 5 Black-capped Chickadee 6 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 American Robin 2 European Starling 6 Spotted Towhee 1 Song Sparrow 4 Golden-crowned Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 1 Red-winged Blackbird 4 House Finch 2 House Sparrow 6 Total number of species seen: 38 From Jadybrwn at aol.com Sun Jan 7 12:14:48 2007 From: Jadybrwn at aol.com (Jadybrwn at aol.com) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 15:14:48 EST Subject: [obol] SUMMER TANAGER still in Alvadore Lane County Message-ID: The SUMMER TANNAGER that was at Deckers Nursery has been hanging out for over a week off and on at Jim Jacobson house on Alvadore Road five houses south of the Alvadore Store. He has a round feeder hanging in front of his house that the Tanager feeds in. It's a greenish orange color of a bird and can look dull when the sun is not sun shining on it. Dave Brown of Alvadore -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070107/da7aa0c6/attachment.htm From brrobb at comcast.net Sun Jan 7 12:19:15 2007 From: brrobb at comcast.net (Roger & Betty Robb) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 12:19:15 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sedge Wren, Polk County Message-ID: <000a01c73299$1a390cc0$0a00a8c0@RROffice> This morning at 8:00 I found the SEDGE WREN at Luckiamute Landing near the fork in the trail to the east of the parking area as well described in Joel's posting yesterday. I heard the bird near the junction of the forked trail and had good looks at the bird in a blackberry thicket just to the south of the south fork near the water. The water between the parking lot and the fork in the trail comes to mid calf at times. Roger Robb Springfield, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070107/f85b744f/attachment.htm From theohwy101 at msn.com Sun Jan 7 12:28:30 2007 From: theohwy101 at msn.com (Ted Chu) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 13:28:30 -0700 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" Message-ID: Yesterday while driving the lower Miami-Foley road I watched an adult plumage red-tailed hawk stoop on a great blue heron in a field, forcing the latter to give up a mouse which the hawk quickly appropriated. Based on my observations, the mousing talents of great blue herons are equal to if not superior to that of most raptors, so I wonder if this is a common occurrence. I believe the red-tail to have been a resident bird on territory. Ted Chu POB 26 Garibaldi, OR 97118-0026 theohwy101 at msn.com ph - Verizon 971-227-3422 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070107/9156b6a3/attachment.htm From celata at pacifier.com Sun Jan 7 13:39:19 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 13:39:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" References: Message-ID: <45A16863.731088E0@pacifier.com> kleptoparasitism is the official technical term and a whole lot more fun to say.... > Ted Chu wrote: > > Yesterday while driving the lower Miami-Foley road I watched an adult plumage red-tailed > hawk stoop on a great blue heron in a field, forcing the latter to give up a mouse which > the hawk quickly appropriated. Based on my observations, the mousing talents of great blue > herons are equal to if not superior to that of most raptors, so I wonder if this is a > common occurrence. I believe the red-tail to have been a resident bird on territory. > > Ted Chu > POB 26 > Garibaldi, OR 97118-0026 > theohwy101 at msn.com > ph - Verizon 971-227-3422 > > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From jefflin1 at earthlink.net Sun Jan 7 13:44:58 2007 From: jefflin1 at earthlink.net (Jeffrey Pugh) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 13:44:58 -0800 Subject: [obol] Black phoebe near Glide Message-ID: <410-22007107214458900@earthlink.net> We had a BLACK PHOEBE perching on a red alder on the riverbank in front of our house just below the Colliding Rivers boat ramp on the North Umpqua River near Glide. Linda Smith jefflin1 at earthlink.net Why Wait? Move to EarthLink. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070107/bf38b8a2/attachment.htm From 5hats at peak.org Sun Jan 7 13:56:16 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 13:56:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" References: <45A16863.731088E0@pacifier.com> Message-ID: <003d01c732a6$b092a930$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> ............And a whole lot more common than many people think. Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Patterson" To: "Ted Chu" Cc: "Chuck Trost" ; Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 1:39 PM Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" > kleptoparasitism is the official technical term and a whole > lot more fun to say.... > >> Ted Chu wrote: >> >> Yesterday while driving the lower Miami-Foley road I watched an adult >> plumage red-tailed >> hawk stoop on a great blue heron in a field, forcing the latter to give >> up a mouse which >> the hawk quickly appropriated. Based on my observations, the mousing >> talents of great blue >> herons are equal to if not superior to that of most raptors, so I wonder >> if this is a >> common occurrence. I believe the red-tail to have been a resident bird on >> territory. >> >> Ted Chu >> POB 26 >> Garibaldi, OR 97118-0026 >> theohwy101 at msn.com >> ph - Verizon 971-227-3422 >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> _______________________________________________ >> obol mailing list >> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > -- > Mike Patterson > Astoria, OR > celata at pacifier.com > > I'm not jealous or > Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon > http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.5/616 - Release Date: 1/4/2007 > > From Jfitchen at aol.com Sun Jan 7 14:14:52 2007 From: Jfitchen at aol.com (Jfitchen at aol.com) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 17:14:52 EST Subject: [obol] Mult. Pelagic Cormorant: Yes! Message-ID: Hello Obol, Got out to the viewpoint at mile 23 on I-84 as quickly as I could and arrived at about 11:00 a.m. No sign of the bird. I then tried the Corbett Exit (mile 22), and Rooster Rock SP (Exit 25), also to no avail. Returned to the View Point (still no bird--or so I thought), got a call from Bob Stites saying he was on the way and that the photo posted by Andy Frank was diagnositc. As I sat in my car to warm up, Stites pulled in waving his arms and shouting, "The bird's right there". Indeed, the PELAGIC CORMARANT was about 20 feet off shore, probably only 50 feet from me. It was so close in that I couldn't see it from the car, but Stites had a good angle from the freeway and spotted it. I called Iain Tomlinson who said he was on his way. Five minutes later the bird was flushed by a fishing boat and flew downstream. Twenty minutes after that Iain showed up (on foot!--he had pulled off the freeway east-bound and run across to the viewpoint). I told him the bad news. We drove down to the Corbett Exit (nada) and then went another half mile to the first row of pilings west of the Corbett exit. Perched on one of the pilings was the Pelagic. [Note: the shoulder there is quite narrow and parking a bit hairy.] The bird was slim, all dark and had a strikingly thin black bill, with no color at the base. No white was visible on the flanks even in flight (appropriate for this time of year). Congratulations to Andy for a terrific discovery. To my knowledge this is only the second record for Multnomah County. One wonders if it might be the same bird seen intermittently off Sundial Beach last winter. Cheers, John Fitchen Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070107/f77132b1/attachment.htm From cgates at webformixair.com Sun Jan 7 14:19:35 2007 From: cgates at webformixair.com (Charles R. Gates) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 14:19:35 -0800 Subject: [obol] Crook Birdies Message-ID: I found the following birds in Crook County today. 1 Red-breasted Sapsucker (ruber) - Prineville Reservoir State Park Camp Host Site 3 Evening Grosbeaks - Prineville Reservoir (we missed them on the CBC this year) 1 Ruffed Grouse - Crossing the road below Ochoco Res. Dam....odd place to see one...not a pine tree in sight. 2 Purple Finches - two females at the Prineville Cemetery where they were located on the CBC last week 3 Eurasian Wigeon - In the large flock of 1000 AMWI at Meadow Lakes Golf Course - right next to the road. 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk - Prineville Reservoir 1 Prairie Falcon - Powell Butte 2 Ferruginous Hawks - East of Prineville 1000 Blackbirds - in a flock east of Prineville - Redwings, Tricolors, Brewer's, 2 Cowbirds Chuck Gates Powell Butte From WeberHome at att.net Sun Jan 7 14:27:19 2007 From: WeberHome at att.net (Cliff & Joanne Weber) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 14:27:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Hayden Island Message-ID: <20070107222736.C6FBB14801D@smtp5.oregonstate.edu> OBOL, hello! We went in search of a Long-tail Duck this morning but couldn't find it. It was raining sloppy, slurpy drops this morning around 10:45 so we didn't bother to haul a spotting scope with us to the river's edge; preferring instead to use free hands for umbrellas. Because we had only binoculars, we can't positively identify two diving birds that were about 400 yards downstream from the railroad trestle foraging around some old piling stumps. From what we could see with our 8x10 optics, the two birds floated low in the water and were shaped very much like Western Grebes. We thought they might be Common Mergansers but their necks seemed a bit too long for Commons. When surfaced, their heads didn't tilt back like Cormorants are wont to do, but were nice and level. It was difficult to discern their colors what with the weather and the distance, but prior to their moving so far away (they were about a hundred yards closer at first), we're pretty sure we saw the birds as two-tone light and dark. Just in case the Long-tail returns, and somebody else would like to look for it; here's some directions. Where? ... Hayden Island, Portland. Thomas Bros Portland street guide page 536, square D6. Google satellite image: http://tinyurl.com/vgppj To get there coming from Portland, take exit 308 off of I-5; arc around to the left and go under the freeway overpass towards Hayden Island's massive shopping area. Be on guard for left turn only lanes; you want to go straight. Then follow Hayden Island Road as far as it will go to a cul-de-sac just before it turns into a primitive road and goes under a railroad trestle. The rest of Hayden Island road is on private property posted with trespassing signs. Exit your vehicle; walk all the way to the primitive road's gate and you will find a pretty good path that will take you to the Columbia River's shore down the right-hand side of the trestle. Wheelchair friendly? ... NO Restrooms? ... NO Cliff & Joanne Weber Beaverton's Rock Creek area From jeffgill at teleport.com Sun Jan 7 15:07:12 2007 From: jeffgill at teleport.com (Jeff Gilligan) Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 15:07:12 -0800 Subject: [obol] Mult. Pelagic Cormorant: (not for me). In-Reply-To: Message-ID: I missed the Pelagic Cormorant...There was a Horned Grebe and a Red-necked Grebe near each other up stream a bit. The Red-necked Grebe actually FLEW away. That is only the second time I have seen one fly, and only my third for the species in the county. (I may have to make a quick second trip up to the pilings.) I doubt that the Red-necked Grebe is the same one found by Bob Stites ? since the location is about 20 miles away. Jeff Gilligan. On 1/7/07 2:14 PM, "Jfitchen at aol.com" wrote: > Hello Obol, > > Got out to the viewpoint at mile 23 on I-84 as quickly as I could and arrived > at about 11:00 a.m. No sign of the bird. I then tried the Corbett Exit (mile > 22), and Rooster Rock SP (Exit 25), also to no avail. Returned to the View > Point (still no bird--or so I thought), got a call from Bob Stites saying he > was on the way and that the photo posted by Andy Frank was diagnositc. As I > sat in my car to warm up, Stites pulled in waving his arms and shouting, "The > bird's right there". Indeed, the PELAGIC CORMARANT was about 20 feet off > shore, probably only 50 feet from me. It was so close in that I couldn't see > it from the car, but Stites had a good angle from the freeway and spotted it. > > I called Iain Tomlinson who said he was on his way. Five minutes later the > bird was flushed by a fishing boat and flew downstream. Twenty minutes after > that Iain showed up (on foot!--he had pulled off the freeway east-bound and > run across to the viewpoint). I told him the bad news. > > We drove down to the Corbett Exit (nada) and then went another half mile to > the first row of pilings west of the Corbett exit. Perched on one of the > pilings was the Pelagic. [Note: the shoulder there is quite narrow and > parking a bit hairy.] > > The bird was slim, all dark and had a strikingly thin black bill, with no > color at the base. No white was visible on the flanks even in flight > (appropriate for this time of year). > > Congratulations to Andy for a terrific discovery. To my knowledge this is > only the second record for Multnomah County. One wonders if it might be the > same bird seen intermittently off Sundial Beach last winter. > > Cheers, > > John Fitchen > Portland > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070107/56e75acb/attachment.htm From Oropendolas at aol.com Sun Jan 7 15:10:17 2007 From: Oropendolas at aol.com (Oropendolas at aol.com) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 18:10:17 EST Subject: [obol] Lane Raptor Route #2 Message-ID: Hello All, Today I conducted the second run of the season for the Lane Co. route #2. This 80 mile route covers the West Eugene Wetlands area and north between Greenhill Road and River Road to Hwy 36 near Junction City then between Hwy 99W and Washburn Road to the Lane County line. RED-TAILED HAWK numbers are WAY, WAY down. I only counted 7 RTHA on the route today, by far the lowest count to date. I have had an average of 39 RTHA in 15 surveys over the past 4 years on this route. Here's today's numbers along with the average of the past 15 surveys. 1-06-07 4-year Average RTHA - 7 39 AMKE - 34 42 NOHA - 10 10 WTKI - 7 5 BAEA - 2A 3.5 ----------------- Total - 60 John Sullivan Springfield, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070107/accfc5b6/attachment.htm From puma at smt-net.com Sun Jan 7 15:41:31 2007 From: puma at smt-net.com (Pat Waldron) Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 15:41:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] Newport Burrowing Owl Released in Lincoln County on Jan. 5 References: Message-ID: <45A1852B.6020803@smt-net.com> Dear Range, Thank you for your detailed report on the Burrowing Owl. The only other thing I would add is not to publish a photo, and directions to the bird in the newspaper. I remember flying into Oakland airport in Calif. sometime in the 80?s and seeing BURROWING OWLS on the grounds between the runways. At first I was a little concerned, but then I thought, best place to keep away from humans, dogs, etc. Pat Waldron East of Scio Linn Co. Range Bayer wrote: > The Burrowing Owl found in Newport in November and captured by the >Oregon State Police and volunteers in mid-December was released along the >Lincoln County coast on Friday, Jan. 5. > > Burrowing Owls were first recorded in Lincoln County in 1969. They >were found mostly in the 1970's and have been rare thereafter. The >previous record was in 2002. > > Burrowing Owls have migrated on their own to the Oregon coast in >winter, so their occurrence in Newport is not extreme and does not require >transport by a human vehicle. The 2003 "Birds of Oregon: A General >Reference" states that Burrowing Owls are a "rare annual visitor to the >Willamette Valley and s. coast, especially during winter." Alan >Contreras's 1998 "Birds of Coos County, Oregon" indicates that they are "a >rare but regular winter visitor" to Coos County. > > The Newport owl was captured because of concerns about its health, its >proximity to foot and vehicular traffic, and especially its tameness. The >owl became too tame for its own good. People were attracted to it by its >cuteness and the perception that it was hundreds of miles from its home and >was a victim of being transported here by truck. There was a report that >it was fed mice, so it may have learned to associate people with food. It >is not recommended to feed bears and raccoons because they can learn to >associate people with food, and feeding owls may also tame them. > > The Newport Burrowing Owl was often seen standing during the day, so >some people may have thought it was unable to hunt. In general, Burrowing >Owls can catch insects during the day and mammals at night. > > Some observers were concerned that the Newport Burrowing Owl had a bad >leg because it was mostly seen standing on one leg. But one observer saw >it change legs. In general, birds can stand on one leg and tuck their >other leg in as a way to reduce heat loss, analogously to when we stick our >hands in our pockets when they are cold. > > The Newport Burrowing Owl did not have a healthy wariness of people. >The Oregon State Police said that if it had been more elusive while it was >being captured, it would have been left alone. A lack of wariness in wild >animals can be a result of illness, but in this case, it was a result of >becoming too tame, perhaps from being fed. > > After capture, the Burrowing Owl was taken to the volunteer-based >Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near Corvallis. Chintimini >provides care for approximately 700 animals a year at an average cost of >nearly $100 per animal (http://www.chintiminiwildlife.org/) that donations >and memberships help pay. Chintimini's Executive Director Jeff Picton >noted that they could not find anything wrong with the owl and that after >arrival it "is eating and flying fine and is very feisty." > > Chintimini continued to monitor the owl's health and care for it >until it was released. > > Chintimini's Jeff Picton and Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife's (ODFW) >District Wildlife Biologist Dr. Doug Cottam consulted Oregon State >University researchers, biologists, Range Bayer of Yaquina Birders and >Naturalists, and others for a suitable site to release the Burrowing Owl. > > The release site was in an area where a Burrowing Owl has been observed >in the past in Lincoln County and in a habitat like where they have been >reported in winter on the southern Oregon Coast. The site was also away >from people, parking lots, and roads. The owl was released by Chintimini's >Jeff Picton near cover. It then found shelter from weather and predators >and where it could also safely survey its surroundings to hunt on its own. > > The owl was not released at the Newport site where it had been before >because of foot and vehicular traffic there. > > The Burrowing Owl may move from where it is released. If you see a >Burrowing Owl in Lincoln County in the next few months, please do not >publicize its location and please do not approach or feed it. Please >contact Range Bayer (541-265-2965, rbayer at orednet.org) or Tami Wagner >(Tami.E.Wagner at state.or.us) or Dr. Doug Cottam >(Douglas.F.Cottam at state.or.us) of the ODFW (541-867-4741). > >General Guidelines about Human/Wildlife Interactions: >1) Leave wildlife wild. Do not assume that a tame bird or a rare bird >needs help. Too much human contact with a wild animal is not healthy for >the animal in the long-term. > >2) Do not feed owls because they may become too tame for their own good. >Feeding raccoons and bears creates problems for the animals as well as >people, and feeding owls can make them not have a healthy wariness of >people and to be too dependent. (Also see "Please Don't Feed the >Waterfowl" >[http://www.audubonportland.org/livingwithwildlife/brochures/Waterfowl] by >Portland Audubon Society and "If You Love Them, Please Don't Feed Them" >[http://www.coastalconservancy.ca.gov/coast&ocean/sparchive/FEEDM.HTM] by >California Dept. of Fish & Game wildlife biologist Ron Jurek. > Feeding hummingbirds or seed- or suet-eating birds is unlikely to hurt >them, if feeders are kept clean to prevent disease. But feeding can hurt >other wildlife--see links by Google searching "don't feed wildlife.") > >3) Leaving wild animals alone is not just the law, it is a good way to >protect animals and keep them wild. Oregon Revised Statute 498.006 states >that "no person shall chase, harass, molest, worry or disturb any wildlife >except while engaged in lawfully angling for, hunting or trapping such >wildlife." > Please view a wild animal without disturbing it (e.g., >http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/lincoln/ethics-b.htm). > >4) Most often, if an animal is healthy, it is better to leave it in the >wild. If an animal is clearly injured or unhealthy, then human >intervention may be required. But intervention poses its own issues. >Tameness does not necessarily mean that an animal is sick--it may just lack >a healthy wariness of people. If it becomes too tame, intervention may be >necessary to protect it from people. > > >Range Bayer, Yaquina Birders and Naturalists, rbayer at orednet.org, >541-265-2965 > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > From baileydc at pdx.edu Sun Jan 7 15:43:02 2007 From: baileydc at pdx.edu (David Bailey) Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 15:43:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] The Cove (Seaside), Clatsop Co, Oregon on 6 Jan, 2007 Message-ID: <45A18586.7020200@pdx.edu> Beached birds yesterday while on a walk with Suzanna and our daughter Eva. Highlight: HORNED PUFFIN--recently deceased based on plumage. Time to check your favorite near shore seawatch sites! There are still several BLACK TURNSTONES alive and pecking for invertebrates on the rocks off the Cove parking lot in S. Seaside. -------- Original Message -------- Subject: The Cove (Seaside), Clatsop County, Oregon on January 06, 2007 Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 23:18:19 GMT From: baileydc at pdx.edu To: baileydc at pdx.edu This report was mailed for David C. Bailey by http://birdnotes.net Date: January 6, 2007 Location: The Cove (Seaside), Clatsop County, Oregon Beached Bird Survey 6 January 2007 High surf for several days lately. The washed up alcids were had all relatively recently died and were more or less whole, though some feeding by gulls was evident in the smaller alcids. The birds were all along the rocks of the north curve of the small crescent-shaped beach just north of the Cove Parking Lot at Sawyer Park. Birds seen (in taxonomic order): Western Grebe 2 Northern Fulmar 2 Pelagic Cormorant 2 Glaucous-winged Gull 1 Marbled Murrelet 1 [1] Cassin's Auklet 1 Rhinoceros Auklet 1 Horned Puffin 1 [2] Footnotes: [1] Marbled Murrelet: probably this species, but the plumage was pretty messed up and some skin was missing in the face and neck region to confirm for certain that this bird is not a Long-billed Murrelet. I suspect it is not, but I plan to take some measurements soon to confirm the id. Interestingly these murrelets have pinkish webbed feet with some blue along the digits whereas Cassin's Auklets have much bluer feet and legs on their undersides while the uppersides are pale. [2] Horned Puffin: a nice fresh specimen with a fleshy yellow gape which I believe indicates an adult. The bird was in non-breeding plumage. Total number of species seen: 8 From llsdirons at msn.com Sun Jan 7 17:29:45 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 01:29:45 +0000 Subject: [obol] Summer Tanager NOT seen Sunday afternoon Message-ID: The Summer Tanager in Alvadore could not be relocated this afternoon, despite the efforts of several birders. Jennifer Brown and I joined six others in an effort to relocate the bird reported earlier by Dave Brown. We spent about two hours (2:30-4:30) at the house where the bird has been seen multiple times, including twice earlier today. The owner, Jim Jacobson, was quite friendly to us and allowed us to stand in his driveway waiting for the bird to show up (it didn't). To reach this house go north on Alvadore Rd. from Clear Lake Rd. You will pass two side roads that go to the west (left). After the second side road (about 0.5 miles n. of Clear Lake) you will see a large two story stucco house with a terra cotta tile roof on the left side of the road. The next house is the Jacobson's. If you continue another few hundred yards Alvadore Road makes a 90 degree curve to the right and there is community store on the left. There is a large triangular gravel area in front of the store (right on the curve). Park here and walk back south to the Jacobsons, which is the 5th house south of the store. There is a hexagonal feeder hanging in the front yard. The bird has been seen at this feeder several times over the past few days. The morning hours seem to be best for this bird. It was last seen at 11:30 today. I will be checking this area again on Monday and Tuesday morning and I will post my findings. Dave Irons Eugene, OR From joel.geier at peak.org Sun Jan 7 18:29:45 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 18:29:45 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sedge Wren with dry feet Message-ID: <1168223385.3537.231.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hi folks, Glad to hear that some of those who looked for the Sedge Wren in Luckiamute State Natural Area has success today. It is actually possible to get to all of the spots I've described without getting your feet wet, though it becomes a 3/4 mile rather than 1/4 mile walk. Basically, after you park at ODFW's kiosk, walk south along Buena Vista road to the first driveway, then meander your way toward the NE corner of that field by staying on the high ground. The southeast corner of this field is where Swamp Sparrow has been heard, the east edge of the field is where Red Fox and Harris's Sparrow have been seen. When you get to the NE corner, you are just a few yards shy of the fork in the trails where you can start looking for the Sedge Wren. With this route you might get a bit of mud on the soles of your boots, but you won't have to wade through any puddles or swales. In my younger years (that is to say, two years ago) I might have said, "Just go barefoot and you'll never have to worry about water leaking into your boots." But alas, I'm getting softer as time goes on, and as the lingering effects of several too many cases of frostbite make me more appreciative of a good pair of boots. Happy birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From rkohls3206 at hotmail.com Sun Jan 7 19:48:36 2007 From: rkohls3206 at hotmail.com (Kate K) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 03:48:36 +0000 Subject: [obol] ne vanouver, wa backyard Message-ID: OK, I'll chime in with my wintertime backyard list too!! Regular occupants include: Enjoying leaf litter, suet, millet sprays and bathing in the pond...several dozen juncos, 6-10 golden-crowned sparrows, 12-30 (depending on the time of day) varied thrush, 2 pr. spotted towhees, 2 Bewick's wrens, 2 song sparrows. (Bewick's wrens, song sparrows and spotted towhees nested and fledged young in the yard last spring and summer!!) Sticking to the suet, shrubbery, and hanging feeders (black-oil sunflower seeds, spray millet): 2-5 ruby-crowned kinglets, a pair of Townsend's warblers (TOWA down from the irruption of 30-40 birds last January and February). Several times during the day, we have bursts of 30-50 Bushtits swarming the hanging suet cages (4). One yellow-rumped warbler has been hanging out with these guys. A small flock of chestnut-backed chickadees ( 10-15 birds ) are regulars and another 5-10 black-capped chickadees. We had a male cb chickadee that maintained 2 nests in our yard last summer. He essentially kicked a red-breasted nuthatch out of a nestbox!! He also determined who was allowed in the backyard during that period!! We also host at least 3 Anna's hummingbirds. Finishing this winter's "regulars" list: winter wren, 4 house finches (2 bright M & 2 F) that enjoy the sunflower seeds and foraging, 2 stellers jays, 3 no. flickers (one of witch is and intergrade M), amercian crows stop by regularly and usually let us know when one of the hawks (Coopers or Redtail) are in the neighborhood and also an occasional vagrant Cooper's hawk (we have had a nesting pair of Coops in the neighborhood for the last 3 years). Thankfully we aren't usually pestered with starlings or house sparrows!! Gotta love it!! Kate Kohlschmidt in NE Vancouver, Wa _________________________________________________________________ Your Hotmail address already works to sign into Windows Live Messenger! Get it now http://clk.atdmt.com/MSN/go/msnnkwme0020000001msn/direct/01/?href=http://get.live.com/messenger/overview From dlbird at earthlink.net Sun Jan 7 20:01:02 2007 From: dlbird at earthlink.net (Donna Lusthoff) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 20:01:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" In-Reply-To: <003d01c732a6$b092a930$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna> Another example: Am Wigeon waiting for Am Coot to bring up "their" meal. Donna Lusthoff -----Original Message----- From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Darrel Faxon Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 1:56 PM To: celata at pacifier.com; Ted Chu Cc: Chuck Trost; obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" ............And a whole lot more common than many people think. Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Patterson" To: "Ted Chu" Cc: "Chuck Trost" ; Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 1:39 PM Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" > kleptoparasitism is the official technical term and a whole > lot more fun to say.... > >> Ted Chu wrote: >> >> Yesterday while driving the lower Miami-Foley road I watched an adult >> plumage red-tailed >> hawk stoop on a great blue heron in a field, forcing the latter to give >> up a mouse which >> the hawk quickly appropriated. Based on my observations, the mousing >> talents of great blue >> herons are equal to if not superior to that of most raptors, so I wonder >> if this is a >> common occurrence. I believe the red-tail to have been a resident bird on >> territory. >> >> Ted Chu >> POB 26 >> Garibaldi, OR 97118-0026 >> theohwy101 at msn.com >> ph - Verizon 971-227-3422 >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- >> _______________________________________________ >> obol mailing list >> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > -- > Mike Patterson > Astoria, OR > celata at pacifier.com > > I'm not jealous or > Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon > http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.5/616 - Release Date: 1/4/2007 > > _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From dustdevil at centurytel.net Sun Jan 7 20:38:28 2007 From: dustdevil at centurytel.net (Wayne & Patty Bowers) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 20:38:28 -0800 Subject: [obol] Gray-crowned ROsy Finches in Umatilla County Message-ID: Wayne and I were headed for Pilot Rock on Saturday, 6 Jan. About 1.5 miles north of the Gurdane turn-off (Hwy 395) we observed a flock of hundreds of GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCHES. It was about 12:30 PM. They appeared to be picking up grit along the highway. The wind was howling and they flew off in a big cloud as we zoomed by. Realizing what we were seeing, we stopped as quickly as possible and backed up to check it out. The birds swirled around and landed again along the edge of the road. They wouldn't let us get very close, even using the vehicle as a blind. After a few moments the birds flew off to the east in a huge group and that's the last we saw of them. We just sat there for a moment and kind of looked at each other in wonder at the gift we had just been given. Obviously, we didn't get to check out every bird to see if there were any black rosy finches or other species mixed in with the group. We just enjoyed the moment! As we came back through the same area today, there were no sign of the birds. Happy New Year. Wayne and Patty Bowers From ensatina3 at hotmail.com Sun Jan 7 21:44:47 2007 From: ensatina3 at hotmail.com (Bobbett Pierce) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:44:47 -0500 Subject: [obol] Trojan sightings Message-ID: Trip on Saturday to old Trojan plant site in Columbia County yielded expected birds. Largest lake north of the plant is good, best viewed by driving slowly on Graham Road toward Prescott Beach. We didn't go to beach because of the cold, but it's good for gulls or other birds on the Columbia River. On lake and wetlands: 200-plus TUNDRA SWANS. Also in good numbers: HOODED MERGANSERS, COOTS, CANADA GEESE, WIDGEON. In lesser numbers: MALLARDS, a GREEN-WING TEAL, one MARSH WREN within a few feet of us, COMMON MERGANSERS, CORMORANTS, GADWALL. One live Northwest salamander was trapped in the mucky bunker-like bird blind (another was long dead) that we freed. The blind is accessible from the parking lot south of the lake via a short walk thru riparian habitat. There you see ROBINS, R-B SAPSUCKER, B-C CHICKADEES, etc., and can see the lake, as well. In summer -- turtles. Since there is interest -- at my feeders at home I am quite sure that we are getting two seperate flocks of EVENING GROSBEAKS. One is less than 20 birds, and the other is around 45 birds. The smaller flock is very approachable. They won't fly from the feeder until I am within six feet of them. Lona Pierce, Warren _________________________________________________________________ Dave vs. Carl: The Insignificant Championship Series. ?Who will win? http://clk.atdmt.com/MSN/go/msnnkwsp0070000001msn/direct/01/?href=http://davevscarl.spaces.live.com/?icid=T001MSN38C07001 From pamelaj at spiritone.com Sun Jan 7 22:09:23 2007 From: pamelaj at spiritone.com (pamela johnston) Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 22:09:23 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" References: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna> Message-ID: <005001c732eb$8cd54940$d16cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> Or gulls waiting to see if that Great Blue Heron can really swallow that fish, and Gray Jays waiting to steal skiers' sandwiches. Pamela Johnston From dpvroman at budget.net Mon Jan 8 06:19:03 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 06:19:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" References: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna> <005001c732eb$8cd54940$d16cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> Message-ID: <002901c7332f$f40dc0d0$34f7d7cd@Warbler> Gray Jays are pretty brave...even the juveniles. Once at Crater Lake NP, while enjoying lunch, a "gray" juvenile Gray Jay landed on my wife's head in an attempt to get a grape she was about to eat. It came in from behind her and she didn't see it coming. Needless to say scared the devil (well, most of it) out of her. Dennis > Or gulls waiting to see if that Great Blue Heron can really swallow that > fish, and Gray Jays waiting to steal skiers' sandwiches. > > Pamela Johnston From 5hats at peak.org Mon Jan 8 07:07:20 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 07:07:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" References: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna><005001c732eb$8cd54940$d16cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> <002901c7332f$f40dc0d0$34f7d7cd@Warbler> Message-ID: <001601c73336$b69c0fc0$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Brings up a question. I have seen Gray Jays act like that in central Oregon, coming right into camp and taking food right out of people's hands. But I have never seen the ones in the Coast Range even get close to people. Has anybody else observered close interactions between the jays and people in the Coast Range? And if not, what accounts for the difference? Thoughts?? Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis P. Vroman" To: "pamela johnston" ; "obol" Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 6:19 AM Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" > Gray Jays are pretty brave...even the juveniles. Once at Crater Lake NP, > while enjoying lunch, a "gray" juvenile Gray Jay landed on my wife's head > in > an attempt to get a grape she was about to eat. It came in from behind > her > and she didn't see it coming. Needless to say scared the devil (well, > most > of it) out of her. > > Dennis > >> Or gulls waiting to see if that Great Blue Heron can really swallow that >> fish, and Gray Jays waiting to steal skiers' sandwiches. >> >> Pamela Johnston > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.5/616 - Release Date: 1/4/2007 > > From vernd at oregonfast.net Mon Jan 8 07:20:38 2007 From: vernd at oregonfast.net (VernD) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 07:20:38 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" References: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna> <005001c732eb$8cd54940$d16cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> Message-ID: <000e01c73338$8e2f2cf0$6f01a8c0@yourb27fb1c401> Or how about my partner faking me out by saying hello to some non-existant person that I turn around to see and she steals a piece for General tso's Chicken from my plate?? Jeez Vern ----- Original Message ----- From: "pamela johnston" To: "obol" Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 10:09 PM Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" > Or gulls waiting to see if that Great Blue Heron can really swallow that > fish, and Gray Jays waiting to steal skiers' sandwiches. > > Pamela Johnston > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > From Jadybrwn at aol.com Mon Jan 8 07:29:24 2007 From: Jadybrwn at aol.com (Jadybrwn at aol.com) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 10:29:24 EST Subject: [obol] Gray Jays Message-ID: Yes I found this to be true that the coast sub. spc. known as the Oregon jay and has a little brown blended in on its back is less likely to land on your hand to take food than the cascade form. I have had lots of them in three or four areas of the cascades land on my hand but try and try as I have had no success with the coast form. Dave Brown of Alvadore -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070108/1f7cd0e2/attachment.htm From vernd at oregonfast.net Mon Jan 8 07:29:37 2007 From: vernd at oregonfast.net (VernD) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 07:29:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" References: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna><005001c732eb$8cd54940$d16cf204@yourw5st28y9a3><002901c7332f$f40dc0d0$34f7d7cd@Warbler> <001601c73336$b69c0fc0$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: <001f01c73339$cf0da980$6f01a8c0@yourb27fb1c401> I'm shy to admit (after the posts about feeding wildlife) that we've fed Grey Jay's right out of our hands at Big Creek on the coast. Lane County. Vern ----- Original Message ----- From: "Darrel Faxon" <5hats at peak.org> To: "Dennis P. Vroman" ; "pamela johnston" ; "obol" Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 7:07 AM Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" > Brings up a question. I have seen Gray Jays act like that in central > Oregon, coming right into camp and taking food right out of people's > hands. > But I have never seen the ones in the Coast Range even get close to > people. > Has anybody else observered close interactions between the jays and people > in the Coast Range? And if not, what accounts for the difference? > Thoughts?? > > Darrel > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Dennis P. Vroman" > To: "pamela johnston" ; "obol" > > Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 6:19 AM > Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" > > >> Gray Jays are pretty brave...even the juveniles. Once at Crater Lake NP, >> while enjoying lunch, a "gray" juvenile Gray Jay landed on my wife's head >> in >> an attempt to get a grape she was about to eat. It came in from behind >> her >> and she didn't see it coming. Needless to say scared the devil (well, >> most >> of it) out of her. >> >> Dennis >> >>> Or gulls waiting to see if that Great Blue Heron can really swallow that >>> fish, and Gray Jays waiting to steal skiers' sandwiches. >>> >>> Pamela Johnston >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> obol mailing list >> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >> >> >> -- >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG Free Edition. >> Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.5/616 - Release Date: 1/4/2007 >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > From gnorgren at earthlink.net Mon Jan 8 08:12:09 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 08:12:09 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" In-Reply-To: <001f01c73339$cf0da980$6f01a8c0@yourb27fb1c401> References: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna><005001c732eb$8cd54940$d16cf204@yourw5st28y9a3><002901c7332f$f40dc0d0$34f7d7cd@Warbler> <001601c73336$b69c0fc0$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> <001f01c73339$cf0da980$6f01a8c0@yourb27fb1c401> Message-ID: Well there goes some of my ammunition for splitting the Gray Jays. "Oregon Jay" was a full species once. I'm not much of a splitter, but since Juncos were lumped there is no SPECIES of bird in the world named after Oregon. Lars Norgren On Jan 8, 2007, at 7:29 AM, VernD wrote: > I'm shy to admit (after the posts about feeding wildlife) that we've > fed > Grey Jay's right out of our hands at Big Creek on the coast. Lane > County. > Vern > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Darrel Faxon" <5hats at peak.org> > To: "Dennis P. Vroman" ; "pamela johnston" > ; "obol" > Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 7:07 AM > Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" > > >> Brings up a question. I have seen Gray Jays act like that in central >> Oregon, coming right into camp and taking food right out of people's >> hands. >> But I have never seen the ones in the Coast Range even get close to >> people. >> Has anybody else observered close interactions between the jays and >> people >> in the Coast Range? And if not, what accounts for the difference? >> Thoughts?? >> >> Darrel >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Dennis P. Vroman" >> To: "pamela johnston" ; "obol" >> >> Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 6:19 AM >> Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" >> >> >>> Gray Jays are pretty brave...even the juveniles. Once at Crater >>> Lake NP, >>> while enjoying lunch, a "gray" juvenile Gray Jay landed on my wife's >>> head >>> in >>> an attempt to get a grape she was about to eat. It came in from >>> behind >>> her >>> and she didn't see it coming. Needless to say scared the devil >>> (well, >>> most >>> of it) out of her. >>> >>> Dennis >>> >>>> Or gulls waiting to see if that Great Blue Heron can really swallow >>>> that >>>> fish, and Gray Jays waiting to steal skiers' sandwiches. >>>> >>>> Pamela Johnston >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> obol mailing list >>> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >>> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >>> >>> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >>> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >>> >>> >>> -- >>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>> Checked by AVG Free Edition. >>> Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.5/616 - Release Date: >>> 1/4/2007 >>> >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> obol mailing list >> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >> >> > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From pamelaj at spiritone.com Mon Jan 8 08:48:47 2007 From: pamelaj at spiritone.com (pamela johnston) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 08:48:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Gray Jays in Coast Range References: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna><005001c732eb$8cd54940$d16cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> <002901c7332f$f40dc0d0$34f7d7cd@Warbler> <001601c73336$b69c0fc0$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: <002d01c73344$eaa1e660$656cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> Only once have I met acquisitive/inquisitive Gray Jays in the Coast Range, in Washington, on Walker Mountain near Sequim. We drove to the top and got out our lunch, and they moved in to examine us from the back edge of our pickup canopy while we stood by the tailgate. They were less aggressive than the ones who have taken our lunch out of our hands in the Cascades. In the Cascades cross-country skiers and backpackers have created an association with available food. I think outdoor recreation is much spottier in the Coast Range. The land ownership is different, which has its effect, and there is a lack of reliable snowpack accessible to good roads, and of extensive hiking trails. I wonder if OHV trail users feed Jays at parking areas. Pamela Johnston From brrobb at comcast.net Mon Jan 8 10:00:58 2007 From: brrobb at comcast.net (Roger & Betty Robb) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 10:00:58 -0800 Subject: [obol] Summer Tanager - No Message-ID: <000801c7334e$f3c777f0$0a00a8c0@RROffice> I looked for the Summer Tanager in Alvadore from 7:40-9:30 with no success. The homeowner, Jim Jacobson, said he saw the bird yesterday at 10:00 and 11:30. Roger Robb Springfield, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070108/084686a6/attachment.htm From jbw at pacifier.com Mon Jan 8 10:20:47 2007 From: jbw at pacifier.com (Barbara & John Woodhouse) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 10:20:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" In-Reply-To: <001601c73336$b69c0fc0$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> References: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna><005001c732eb$8cd54940$d16cf204@your w5st28y9a3> <002901c7332f$f40dc0d0$34f7d7cd@Warbler> <001601c73336$b69c0fc0$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: Good queastion, do you think it could have anything to do with less people on the Coast range. Where we were preyed on by GREY JAYS was at a picnic area on Mount Rainier. There really aren't many areas that gets a bunch of people eating on hte Coast Range. In the days when we had them at the Cape Mears SP they used to beg in the picnic area there. The last time we saw them in that region was the year when the Loop Road slide and closed the road. We were walking down form the top and a bunch of them appeared and were down on the road all around us. We have not seen them since. Barbara Woodhouse Tillamook At 7:07 AM -0800 1/8/2007, Darrel Faxon wrote: >Brings up a question. I have seen Gray Jays act like that in central >Oregon, coming right into camp and taking food right out of people's hands. >But I have never seen the ones in the Coast Range even get close to people. >Has anybody else observered close interactions between the jays and people >in the Coast Range? And if not, what accounts for the difference? >Thoughts?? > >Darrel >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Dennis P. Vroman" >To: "pamela johnston" ; "obol" > >Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 6:19 AM >Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" > > >> Gray Jays are pretty brave...even the juveniles. Once at Crater Lake NP, >> while enjoying lunch, a "gray" juvenile Gray Jay landed on my wife's head >> in >> an attempt to get a grape she was about to eat. It came in from behind >> her >> and she didn't see it coming. Needless to say scared the devil (well, >> most >> of it) out of her. >> >> Dennis >> >>> Or gulls waiting to see if that Great Blue Heron can really swallow that >>> fish, and Gray Jays waiting to steal skiers' sandwiches. >>> >>> Pamela Johnston >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> obol mailing list >> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >> >> >> -- >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG Free Edition. >> Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.5/616 - Release Date: 1/4/2007 >> >> > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From sgordon03 at earthlink.net Mon Jan 8 10:47:20 2007 From: sgordon03 at earthlink.net (steve Gordon) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 10:47:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Delta Ponds Message-ID: In a light rain Sunday morning (1-7-07), Cary Kerst and I birded at Delta Ponds in Eugene, Lane County. The CBC Black Phoebe was still around in the pond south of the wooden observation platform. One almost adult Bald Eagle surveyed us from a tall cottonwood and was joined by a second Bald Eagle. We also saw a pair of Hooded Mergansers. With 40 species on our list in an hour, we enjoyed a nice start to an urban day of birding. Steve Gordon From nelsoncheek at charter.net Mon Jan 8 10:50:27 2007 From: nelsoncheek at charter.net (WALTER NELSON) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 10:50:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] South Beach HERMIT WARBLER Message-ID: <20070108185019.IGFY22316.aa06.charter.net@D9FD2761> I was thrilled and surprised just now to see an adult female HERMIT WARBLER in our yard! I say surprised because our place has never been very good for warblers, though we keep adding brushy areas to entice them. This is a new bird for our yard list. The HERMIT WARBLER was foraging on the ground and on low (2') shrubbery less than 6' outside the kitchen window. I had several minutes to study her and see the gray crown and nape, plain yellow face with somewhat dusky auriculars, black eye and bill, dark gray throat, plain whitish underparts, unstreaked flanks with faint yellowish-olive tint, white undertail coverts, upper back brownish-olive with faint darker streaking, wings gray with 2 white bars (upper bar wider), tail gray with some white in outer feathers. The Hermit Warbler was joined briefly by a female TOWNSEND'S WARBLER for point-blank comparative looks. Great sight to brighten a dreary gray morning! ______________________ Rebecca Cheek South Beach, OR 97366 nelsoncheek AT charter.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070108/023fdba8/attachment.htm From steve at paradisebirding.com Mon Jan 8 12:40:54 2007 From: steve at paradisebirding.com (Steve Shunk) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 12:40:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Wallowa Weekend Message-ID: <6094.66.82.9.88.1168288854.squirrel@www1.outlawnet.com> Hello birders, I just returned from our annual tour to the Wallowa Valley, where we had one of the most successful visits ever, getting multiple, excellent looks at all our target species. A brief summary is below. If you'd like a complete report, send me your email address and I'll put you on my "Paradise Birders" email list. We will run this tour again in 2008, probably January 9-13, in case you are interested! Steve Shunk PARADISE BIRDING WALLOWA WINTER WEEKEND JAN 3-7, 2007 BOHEMIAN WAXWING - huge flock of 400+ in Joseph, occasionally breaking up into smaller groups, seen repeatedly; flock of 100+ in Enterprise with 2 CEDARS AM. TREE SPARROW - multiple groups of 8-20 birds in and around the hills north of the towns GRAY PARTRIDGE - one covey of 8 birds off Leap Ln; one group of 4 off the highway E of Joseph SNOW BUNTING - one flock of 120+ on N. Ant Flat Rd.; one small flock of 10 off Zumwalt Rd. NORTHERN SHRIKE - at least 8 birds scattered around the bases of the foothills north of the towns; more than we have seen in past years MISC. RAPTORS - gorgeous BLACK MERLIN in Enterprise, and another fairly dark bird in Joseph; many ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, mostly adult females; 2 dark HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWKS on opposite sides of the valley; more GOLDEN EAGLES than I have ever seen in the area; two PRAIRIE FALCONS and plenty of BALD EAGLES, but low HARRIER numbers. PILEATED WOODPECKER - always a favorite; one seen poking his head out of a roost cavity along heavily treed flood plain of Wallowa R. near Joseph. GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH - about 200 flushed from roadside weeds just past pheasant place on Golf Course Rd.; 50+ off N. Swamp Ck. Rd., including one very white partial albino (pictures of which I will post when I get them); 300+ just after sunrise yesterday, preeing for their big day ahead from the top of the large lone cottonwood along Golf Course Rd., just before the road climbs out of town. LAPLAND LONGSPUR - one picked out of a flock of HORNED LARKS near the high point of Golf Course Rd. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE - 10 seen roosting in trees in perfect light inside the exclosure on the north side of the pheasant place on Golf Course Rd. (no pheasants there this weekend) NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL - one just below the parking area at the Hurricane Ck. trailhead. SLATE-COLORED JUNCO - at least one "pure" SLATE-COLORED among most flocks of JUNCOS encountered. TOTAL of 86 species, including two brief stops at Deschutes R. park and Hood R. mouth. -- Paradise Birding: Tours for Bird Lovers **** JOIN US NEXT SUMMER FOR ONE OF TWO GREAT VACATIONS: JULY 1-12, 2007: ALBERTA'S BOREAL FOREST AND NORTHERN ROCKIES JULY 21-29, 2007: ALASKA'S KENAI PENINSULA AND BARROW **** http://www.paradisebirding.com 541-408-1753 -- From fschrock at macnet.com Mon Jan 8 12:51:01 2007 From: fschrock at macnet.com (Floyd Schrock) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 12:51:01 -0800 Subject: [obol] "parasitism?" References: <001001c732d9$9d8639a0$0a0110ac@Donna><005001c732eb$8cd54940$d16cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> <002901c7332f$f40dc0d0$34f7d7cd@Warbler><001601c73336$b69c0fc0$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: <002601c73366$b56563b0$0b01a8c0@desktop> There must have been some reason that Coast Range loggers and hunters in my dad's generation referred to Gray Jays as "camp robbers." In fact, I doubt that my uncles, who had moved west from Kansas, even think of them as Jays to this day. The Steller's Jays they found in Oregon became "Blue Jays" (After all, they were blue and had a crest on their heads!) and in Oregon in the 1930's very few people ever saw the "crestless" California ( now Scrub) Jay. My dad did become a birder, and in accordance with Gabrielson & Jewett called them "Oregon" Jays. I suppose some Clark's Nutcrackers might contend that they are the original "Camp Robbers." ===================== Floyd Schrock McMinnville, Oregon USA fschrock at macnet.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Barbara & John Woodhouse" To: "Darrel Faxon" <5hats at peak.org>; "Dennis P. Vroman" ; "pamela johnston" ; "obol" Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 10:20 AM Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" > Good queastion, do you think it could have anything to do with less > people on the Coast range. Where we were preyed on by GREY JAYS was > at a picnic area on Mount Rainier. There really aren't many areas > that gets a bunch of people eating on hte Coast Range. In the days > when we had them at the Cape Mears SP they used to beg in the picnic > area there. The last time we saw them in that region was the year > when the Loop Road slide and closed the road. We were walking down > form the top and a bunch of them appeared and were down on the road > all around us. We have not seen them since. > > Barbara Woodhouse > Tillamook > > > > > At 7:07 AM -0800 1/8/2007, Darrel Faxon wrote: >>Brings up a question. I have seen Gray Jays act like that in central >>Oregon, coming right into camp and taking food right out of people's >>hands. >>But I have never seen the ones in the Coast Range even get close to >>people. >>Has anybody else observered close interactions between the jays and people >>in the Coast Range? And if not, what accounts for the difference? >>Thoughts?? >> >>Darrel >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: "Dennis P. Vroman" >>To: "pamela johnston" ; "obol" >> >>Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 6:19 AM >>Subject: Re: [obol] "parasitism?" >> >> >>> Gray Jays are pretty brave...even the juveniles. Once at Crater Lake >>> NP, >>> while enjoying lunch, a "gray" juvenile Gray Jay landed on my wife's >>> head >>> in >>> an attempt to get a grape she was about to eat. It came in from behind >>> her >>> and she didn't see it coming. Needless to say scared the devil (well, >>> most >>> of it) out of her. >>> >>> Dennis >>> >>>> Or gulls waiting to see if that Great Blue Heron can really swallow >>>> that >>>> fish, and Gray Jays waiting to steal skiers' sandwiches. >>>> >>>> Pamela Johnston >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> obol mailing list >>> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >>> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >>> >>> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >>> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >>> >>> >>> -- >>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>> Checked by AVG Free Edition. >>> Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.5/616 - Release Date: >>> 1/4/2007 >>> >>> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>obol mailing list >>obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >>http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >>To unsubscribe, send a message to: >>obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From mgellerman at raccondog.com Mon Jan 8 12:57:27 2007 From: mgellerman at raccondog.com (Mike Gellerman) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 15:57:27 -0500 Subject: [obol] Parasitism? Message-ID: <200701082057.l08KvRGp013157@mail20.atl.registeredsite.com> A long time ago, well 30 years ago does seem like a long time, when I was a small mammal ecologist studying cryptic, nocturnal rodents I built four 1/2 acre enclosures with dug-in flashing and fences to study the interactions and breeding ecology in Microtus californicus, Reithrodontomys megalotis, and Peromyscus maniculatus. After a month of long, cold nights trapping and making and mapping the animals I was ready for breeding season in early spring. A pair of Great-blue Herons discovered my enclosures and within a couple of days it was their favorite hang out. Then a pair of Red-tailed Hawks arrived to nest in some eucalyptus trees bordering "my" field and complete carnage ensued. When the Red-tails weren't stealing mice from the Great-blues they using my fence to perch on and just knocking the furry little guys off themselves. A pair of Loggerhead Shrikes arrived at the same time and found that Reithrodontomys were a perfect sized meal. Within two weeks, trap success had ! dropped 90%. With the abundance of food the Herons barely noticed the Hawks, they just jumped and dropped what they had and caught another one. Fairly soon thereafter I dropped my interest in small mammals and changed my dissertation to population and evolutionary ecology of Central African birds - they are diurnal and colorful and it was a warm place to work. And save the occasional owl or falcon in my nets, there was little carnage to behold. Mike Gellerman From David.Mellinger at oregonstate.edu Mon Jan 8 12:58:20 2007 From: David.Mellinger at oregonstate.edu (Dave Mellinger) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 12:58:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" birds Message-ID: <45A2B06C.9000406@oregonstate.edu> There are no species named after Oregon, but what about subspecies, races, etc.? The ones I know about now are Oregon Junco Junco hyemalis oreganus Oregon Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus affinis Oregon (Gray) Jay Perisoreus canadensis griseus (?) Any others? Dave David.Mellinger at oregonstate.edu > Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 08:12:09 -0800 > From: Lars and Gail Norgren > > Well there goes some of my ammunition > for splitting the Gray Jays. "Oregon Jay" > was a full species once. I'm not much of > a splitter, but since Juncos were lumped > there is no SPECIES of bird in the world > named after Oregon. Lars Norgren From dondewitt at hotmail.com Mon Jan 8 13:19:08 2007 From: dondewitt at hotmail.com (Don DeWitt) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 21:19:08 +0000 Subject: [obol] Alton Baker Park, Eugene, 1/8/07 Message-ID: OBOL, Best finds during this morning's walk: WHITE-TAILED KITE (1) RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (1) WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (2) and SUNSHINE! Don DeWitt, Eugene _________________________________________________________________ The MSN Entertainment Guide to Golden Globes is here. Get all the scoop. http://tv.msn.com/tv/globes2007/?icid=nctagline2 From brrobb at comcast.net Mon Jan 8 13:53:02 2007 From: brrobb at comcast.net (Roger & Betty Robb) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 13:53:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" Birds Message-ID: <000801c7336f$5f070330$0a00a8c0@RROffice> Oregon Duck Roger Robb Springfield, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070108/73e6c699/attachment.htm From celata at pacifier.com Mon Jan 8 14:22:18 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:22:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] possible Vega Gull at Warrenton Sewage Ponds - 1/8/2007 Message-ID: <45A2C3E8.2D9184AC@pacifier.com> I stopped by the Warrenton Sewage Ponds today and saw this gull, which stuck me as awefully bright and checkery. The photos do really do justice to the barring on the scaps. In flight, the bird showed a bright white rump and a highly contrasting pale and dark wing pattern. http://home.pacifier.com/~mpatters/obrc/gull20070108.html -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Mon Jan 8 14:26:39 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 14:26:39 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] E. Collared-Dove Invasion Continues Message-ID: <395234.57329.qm@web34209.mail.mud.yahoo.com> North Bend, Coos Bay, 1/8/07: At Jack Thomas' place in the early AM I heard a distant E. COLLARED-DOVE calling. I scoped the trees and initially could not find anything. Then suddenly a bird flew up and landed on a powerline about 1/2 block from the house. Another few seconds and there was 2. Another minute or and there was 5 then 8 then 13 and finally 15! Egads, the Sky-Ratts are going wild!!! Talking with Jack I found out that his son, who lives in North Dakota, found his first one there just a few days ago in mid-winter. Alaska, here they come! Yep, and fog almost the entire day here, feeling kind of like summer? Tim R Coos Bay __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From rawieland at comcast.net Mon Jan 8 15:02:07 2007 From: rawieland at comcast.net (rawieland at comcast.net) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 23:02:07 +0000 Subject: [obol] FW: "Oregon" Birds Message-ID: <010820072302.20739.45A2CD6F000DBD5E0000510322064246130B020E040A07990E9D@comcast.net> >From: "Roger & Betty Robb" >To: "obol" >Subject: [obol] "Oregon" Birds <\>Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 21:53:12 +0000 > Oregon Duck > > Roger Robb > Springfield, OR Well, then, you'll have to include the Portland Winterhawk. Rainer Wieland Portland, OR -------------- next part -------------- An embedded message was scrubbed... From: "Roger & Betty Robb" Subject: [obol] "Oregon" Birds Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 21:53:12 +0000 Size: 1780 Url: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070108/54df8e64/attachment.eml From celata at pacifier.com Mon Jan 8 15:06:47 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:06:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Dead bird survey: Sunset Beach - 1/8/2007 Message-ID: <45A2CE4F.3E4ECE91@pacifier.com> I walked about 2km of beach today from the Sunset Observation Deck south to the second marker for Surfpines. Most birds found were relatively fresh though one of the SHOT-TAILED SHEARWATERS was mostly skeletonized. The most interesting bird was an adult BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS... Birds seen (in taxonomic order): Western Grebe 1 Black-footed Albatross 1 [1] Short-tailed Shearwater 3 Common Murre 1 Cassin's Auklet 1 Rhinoceros Auklet 2 Footnotes: [1] photographs upon request Total number of species seen: 6 -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From dpvroman at budget.net Mon Jan 8 15:07:53 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 15:07:53 -0800 Subject: [obol] E. Collared-Dove Invasion Continues References: <395234.57329.qm@web34209.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <000601c73379$d41f9f10$78fcd7cd@Warbler> It appears we need to study up on the breeding biology of this bird! From philliplc at charter.net Mon Jan 8 15:15:28 2007 From: philliplc at charter.net (Phil Pickering) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 15:15:28 -0800 Subject: [obol] possible Vega Gull at Warrenton Sewage Ponds - 1/8/2007 References: <45A2C3E8.2D9184AC@pacifier.com> Message-ID: <004301c7337a$e3366cd0$6401a8c0@phil> Could be, but yes better photos needed to have any chance. At least in the photos the greater coverts look more consistent with smithsonianus, becoming a bit more solid and filled-in moving outward. Also there appears to be little or no white at the outer tail base, which if accurate would not be good for vegae. Cheers, Phil > http://home.pacifier.com/~mpatters/obrc/gull20070108.html From celata at pacifier.com Mon Jan 8 15:16:52 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:16:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" Birds References: <010820072302.20739.45A2CD6F000DBD5E0000510322064246130B020E040A07990E9D@comcast.net> Message-ID: <45A2D0AB.F77DD295@pacifier.com> If you pull out your copy of Gabrielson and Jewett: Oregon Ruffed Grouse Oregon Jay Oregon Chickadee Oregon Titmouse Oregon Towhee Oregon Brown Towhee Oregon Vesper Sparrow Oregon Junco -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From jeff17_marks at msn.com Mon Jan 8 15:18:23 2007 From: jeff17_marks at msn.com (Jeff Marks) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 15:18:23 -0800 Subject: [obol] E. Collared-Dove Invasion References: <395234.57329.qm@web34209.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <000601c73379$d41f9f10$78fcd7cd@Warbler> Message-ID: For what it's worth, the first Montana record was in July 1997. They are now regular in just about any town east of the continental divide, with dozens being reported on some Montana CBCs. Perhaps the good news is that they seem to be strongly tied to human habitation and thus might be unlikely to compete with native bird species. Jeff ***************** Jeff Marks 5316 SE Henry Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 406-396-3331 (cell) ***************** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070108/e171387c/attachment.htm From slcarpenter at gmail.com Mon Jan 8 16:01:39 2007 From: slcarpenter at gmail.com (Scott Carpenter) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 16:01:39 -0800 Subject: [obol] Baskett Slough & Tualatin River NWRs Message-ID: The previously reported EMPEROR GOOSE was at Baskett Slough NWR today. Also present were a pair of TRUMPETER SWANS, which briefly hung out with a pair of TUNDRA SWANS for nice side-by-side comparisons. A flock of 7 SNOW GEESE (5 adult, 2 juvenile) fed in a field along Coville Rd (about 20 feet from me for a while); I later saw them in the water in front of the observation kiosk. I observed one pair of GREEN-WINGED TAIL mating -- seems a bit early. An adult NORTHERN SHRIKE was north of Coville Rd, a bit east of the trailhead parking lot. Although not on the refuge, I ran into 12 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS (a flock of 7 and then a flock of 5) along Crowley Rd, between Hwy 99 and Oak Grove Rd. On my way back to Portland from Baskett Slough, I made a quick stop at Tualatin River NWR in Sherwood. I scoped out the refuge from the bench south of the building construction and was able to locate 2 male EURASIAN WIGEONS -- one was south of me, between the water and Hwy 99; the other was west in the water near the dirt road that runs north-south (the road is closed to pedestrians for the season). Two adult BALD EAGLES were perched in the trees just west of this road. Due to the seasonal closure of the majority of the refuge, a scope is essential for identification of all the waterfowl. Scott Carpenter SW Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070108/9869750a/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Mon Jan 8 16:14:54 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 16:14:54 -0800 Subject: [obol] E. Collared-Dove Invasion References: <395234.57329.qm@web34209.mail.mud.yahoo.com><000601c73379$d41f9f10$78fcd7cd@Warbler> Message-ID: <001d01c73383$33526a40$98fbd7cd@Warbler> After a quick look at BOGR (hope everyone recalls this acronym), it appears the first documented Oregon EUCD (this one too) was in 1998 and they were introduced into California. So there presence there may not just be due to a westward movement of the eastern birds. It is interesting to speculate where Oregon birds came from. Those east of the Cascades could be part of the westward expansion of the eastern birds, but Oregon coastal birds could be from the California population. This is what I was thinking when I found the birds in the Cave Junction area of Josephine County, that is, they could have came inland from the coast. What Jeff suggest is that they could be more of a treat to Rock Pigeons than other native birds. Dennis For what it's worth, the first Montana record was in July 1997. They are now regular in just about any town east of the continental divide, with dozens being reported on some Montana CBCs. Perhaps the good news is that they seem to be strongly tied to human habitation and thus might be unlikely to compete with native bird species. Jeff ***************** Jeff Marks 5316 SE Henry Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 406-396-3331 (cell) ***************** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070108/bdfd4c92/attachment.htm From joel.geier at peak.org Mon Jan 8 16:53:27 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:53:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" Birds Message-ID: <1168304007.3537.335.camel@localhost.localdomain> How about "Mud Hen" (for w. Oregon this time of year)? -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From celata at pacifier.com Mon Jan 8 17:39:04 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:39:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] Columbia Estuary Report - 1/8/2007 Message-ID: <45A2F1EF.B7D2B833@pacifier.com> Columbia Estuary Report - 1/8/2007 A HORNED LARK was on the beach south of the Sunset Approach this morning. As reported earlier this morning a dead BLACK- FOOTED ALBATROSS was among the dead things on the dead bird survey this morning. A RUFFED GROUSE was feeding along the roadside on the South Jetty Rd yesterday. This is actually a fairly good place to spot this species in winter. Henry Gilmore and Mike Marsh report a LONG-TAILED DUCK at Seaside. At least one and more probably two GLAUCOUS GULLS are being seen regularly along Wireless Rd. There is also at least one GLAUCOUSxSOMETHING hanging out there as well. Don't be fooled. It is funny-looking gull season. Two suspiscious gulls have turned up at Warrenton Sewage Ponds and the composition of gull species at Wireless continues to change and grow as more gulls discover the crab guts being dumped there daily... -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From dianabradshaw at verizon.net Mon Jan 8 19:51:25 2007 From: dianabradshaw at verizon.net ( Diana Bradshaw) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 19:51:25 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ivory-bill Woodpeckers Message-ID: <000701c733a1$70a59700$6401a8c0@BRADSHAW> It isn't Oregon but interesting. I found the following Web site regarding sightings of Ivory-bills: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/departments/biology/faculty/webpages/hill/ivorybill/Updates.html From acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM Mon Jan 8 20:10:40 2007 From: acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM (Alan Contreras) Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 20:10:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ivory-bill Woodpeckers In-Reply-To: <000701c733a1$70a59700$6401a8c0@BRADSHAW> Message-ID: One of the observers of Florida birds is a friend of Ned Brinkley, editor of North American Birds, and Ned is going down himself to try to see one. -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com > From: Diana Bradshaw > Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 19:51:25 -0800 > To: "message to: OBOL" > Subject: [obol] Ivory-bill Woodpeckers > > > It isn't Oregon but interesting. I found the following Web site regarding > sightings of Ivory-bills: > > http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/departments/biology/faculty/ > webpages/hill/ivorybill/Updates.html > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From gnorgren at earthlink.net Mon Jan 8 20:11:52 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 20:11:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" birds In-Reply-To: <45A2B06C.9000406@oregonstate.edu> References: <45A2B06C.9000406@oregonstate.edu> Message-ID: <5e20c068cb2a9116948971c5501c122e@earthlink.net> The latinate trinomial for Oregon Jay is P. c. obscurus. I know I am running the risk of sounding totally pedantic, but I am inordinately fond of this (sub)species and that technical name sounds so appropriate for what may be the most often missed species on western Oregon CBCs. My wife has never been on a Christmas Count but has devised an elegant way of guaranteeing its detection on Count day. Set up a suet feeder in appropriate habitat, presumably a tract of forest without houses. Once regular use is established install a video camera. Lars Norgren On Jan 8, 2007, at 12:58 PM, Dave Mellinger wrote: > There are no species named after Oregon, but what about subspecies, > races, etc.? The ones I know about now are > > Oregon Junco Junco hyemalis oreganus > Oregon Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus affinis > Oregon (Gray) Jay Perisoreus canadensis griseus (?) > > Any others? > > Dave > David.Mellinger at oregonstate.edu > > >> Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 08:12:09 -0800 >> From: Lars and Gail Norgren >> >> Well there goes some of my ammunition >> for splitting the Gray Jays. "Oregon Jay" >> was a full species once. I'm not much of >> a splitter, but since Juncos were lumped >> there is no SPECIES of bird in the world >> named after Oregon. Lars Norgren > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From llsdirons at msn.com Mon Jan 8 22:13:51 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Tue, 09 Jan 2007 06:13:51 +0000 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" birds In-Reply-To: <5e20c068cb2a9116948971c5501c122e@earthlink.net> Message-ID: TThere is also the oreganus subspecies of Spotted Towhee. Dave Irons >From: Lars and Gail Norgren >To: Dave Mellinger >CC: obol >Subject: Re: [obol] "Oregon" birds >Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 20:11:52 -0800 > > The latinate trinomial for Oregon >Jay is P. c. obscurus. I know I am running >the risk of sounding totally pedantic, but >I am inordinately fond of this (sub)species >and that technical name sounds so appropriate >for what may be the most often missed species >on western Oregon CBCs. > My wife has never been on a Christmas Count >but has devised an elegant way of guaranteeing >its detection on Count day. Set up a suet feeder >in appropriate habitat, presumably a tract of >forest without houses. Once regular use is established >install a video camera. Lars Norgren >On Jan 8, 2007, at 12:58 PM, Dave Mellinger wrote: > > > There are no species named after Oregon, but what about subspecies, > > races, etc.? The ones I know about now are > > > > Oregon Junco Junco hyemalis oreganus > > Oregon Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus affinis > > Oregon (Gray) Jay Perisoreus canadensis griseus (?) > > > > Any others? > > > > Dave > > David.Mellinger at oregonstate.edu > > > > > >> Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 08:12:09 -0800 > >> From: Lars and Gail Norgren > >> > >> Well there goes some of my ammunition > >> for splitting the Gray Jays. "Oregon Jay" > >> was a full species once. I'm not much of > >> a splitter, but since Juncos were lumped > >> there is no SPECIES of bird in the world > >> named after Oregon. Lars Norgren > > _______________________________________________ > > obol mailing list > > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From forobol at msn.com Tue Jan 9 00:50:06 2007 From: forobol at msn.com (Al Ahlgrim) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 00:50:06 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lincoln Sparrow Clackamas Cnty. Message-ID: A LINCOLN SPARROW took a prolong splash in our bird-bath on Monday afternoon south of Oregon City at an elevation of about 450'. I noticed two sizable white blotches on the sparrow's tail near it's rump which I initially took to be bird droppings. After the sparrow washed, fluffed up and flew away I checked the bath and found that the white material which had been stuck to the bird was lichen. We have not seen a Lincoln Sparrow in or within miles of our yard in the past 20+ years and I suspect that if it hadn't needed a clean up, we still wouldn't have seen one here. Dr. Al Ahlgrim, near Oregon City -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/3f41b5b6/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Tue Jan 9 01:00:07 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 01:00:07 -0800 Subject: [obol] RFI-Continuing Benton Co GYRFALCON? Message-ID: <7608443470ffeb73f3496260de885c40@earthlink.net> Has anyone seen or heard of sightings of the Gyrfalcon south of the Corvallis Airport recently? The most recent report I am aware of is David Irons' from New Year's Day. What about this weekend? I am asking on behalf of an out of state birder. 1/1/07 was basically two weeks after the original sighting. How long have previous Gyrfalcons hung around in central western Oregon? Also, I recall a policy in the early 70s of not reporting the location of Peregrines or Gyrfalcons as falconers were routinely using this information to successfully trap said birds. Evidently such a policy no longer holds. Given the enormous gain in numbers of Peregrines I can see that this issue may no longer be of concern to them. But has this threat actually disappeared for Gyrfalcons? I don't believe it was any less legal then than now, but it didn't keep some people from trying to capture them. Lars Norgren From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Tue Jan 9 06:12:03 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 06:12:03 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Gyrfalcon Reports In-Reply-To: <7608443470ffeb73f3496260de885c40@earthlink.net> Message-ID: <733175.89402.qm@web34208.mail.mud.yahoo.com> I received an e-mail from an agency person a while back (names to be withheld) who had received an e-mail from an Oregon falconer who said that locations of Gyrfalcons should NEVER be given out on OBOL as this is an incredibly valuable black market species and that falcons were fairly easy to capture if you were experienced at that sort of thing. The falconer also said that OBOL was routinely monitored for this species by such folks. That said I've never heard of anybody reporting seeing someone trying to capture a falcon but I've heard several horror stories of young birds being removed from their nests by folks who had used ropes to access nest sites. Tim R Coos Bay --- Lars and Gail Norgren wrote: > Has anyone seen or heard of sightings of > the Gyrfalcon south of the Corvallis Airport > recently? The most recent report I am aware > of is David Irons' from New Year's Day. What > about this weekend? I am asking on behalf of > an out of state birder. > 1/1/07 was basically two weeks after > the original sighting. How long have previous > Gyrfalcons hung around in central western > Oregon? Also, I recall a policy in the early > 70s of not reporting the location of Peregrines > or Gyrfalcons as falconers were routinely > using this information to successfully trap > said birds. Evidently such a policy no longer > holds. Given the enormous gain in numbers of > Peregrines I can see that this issue may no > longer be of concern to them. But has this > threat actually disappeared for Gyrfalcons? > I don't believe it was any less legal then > than now, but it didn't keep some people > from trying to capture them. Lars Norgren > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From celata at pacifier.com Tue Jan 9 07:19:29 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:19:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] Gyrfalcon Reports References: <733175.89402.qm@web34208.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <45A3B27F.49D81F2A@pacifier.com> Falconers, like duck hunters, come in two forms.... I have had at least one negative experience with a falconer who tried to pump me for information on Peregrine nests while claiming to just be an "interested birder". I am told that nestlings are preferred to adults, because of training issues. I have had several negative experiences with "good" falconers who took me to task for failing to distinguish between the "good" falconers and the "bad" ones. Unlike duck hunters and perhaps because falconers are fewer and farther between, at least in my patch, I can't think of any genuinely positive experiences I've had with this rather eccentric class of pet owners.... Rule of thumb: Do not release ANY location data on nesting raptor species, use caution releasing location data on unusual raptor species. Tim Rodenkirk wrote: > > I received an e-mail from an agency person a while > back (names to be withheld) who had received an e-mail > from an Oregon falconer who said that locations of > Gyrfalcons should NEVER be given out on OBOL as this > is an incredibly valuable black market species and > that falcons were fairly easy to capture if you were > experienced at that sort of thing. The falconer also > said that OBOL was routinely monitored for this > species by such folks. That said I've never heard of > anybody reporting seeing someone trying to capture a > falcon but I've heard several horror stories of young > birds being removed from their nests by folks who had > used ropes to access nest sites. > > Tim R > Coos Bay > --- Lars and Gail Norgren > wrote: > > > Has anyone seen or heard of sightings of > > the Gyrfalcon south of the Corvallis Airport > > recently? The most recent report I am aware > > of is David Irons' from New Year's Day. What > > about this weekend? I am asking on behalf of > > an out of state birder. > > 1/1/07 was basically two weeks after > > the original sighting. How long have previous > > Gyrfalcons hung around in central western > > Oregon? Also, I recall a policy in the early > > 70s of not reporting the location of Peregrines > > or Gyrfalcons as falconers were routinely > > using this information to successfully trap > > said birds. Evidently such a policy no longer > > holds. Given the enormous gain in numbers of > > Peregrines I can see that this issue may no > > longer be of concern to them. But has this > > threat actually disappeared for Gyrfalcons? > > I don't believe it was any less legal then > > than now, but it didn't keep some people > > from trying to capture them. Lars Norgren > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > obol mailing list > > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From greg at thebirdguide.com Tue Jan 9 08:53:17 2007 From: greg at thebirdguide.com (Greg Gillson) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 08:53:17 -0800 Subject: [obol] E. Collared-Dove Invasion Continues Message-ID: <20070109085317.sl5lpepn4c8sgokg@webmail.thebirdguide.com> In the late 1970's CATTLE EGRETS invaded Oregon in the manner of the COLLARED-DOVE now. One field notes report from early 1980's lists over 100 birds from western Oregon, with several flocks of a dozen or more birds. When is the last time you saw a flock of Cattle Egrets? In fact, I'm trying to remember when I saw my last Cattle Egret at all--it's been several years (1998?). There are a few birds seen each year, but nothing like that first surge. European Starlings did not take over Oregon when they were first introduced in Portland before 1900. They died out after a few years. They appeared again in the 1940's from outside the state. House Sparrows started strong and exploded from Portland rail yards in 1900 (500 birds in Portland in 1897; not recorded by Prill in Linn co. in 1902, but common by 1909). Starling and House Sparrow numbers are now declining across North America (and House Sparrows are declining now in Europe, too. What's with that?) My point is, the explosion of Collared-Doves may be followed by a period of years with few birds, in the manner of Cattle Egret (and Great-tailed Grackle?). They won't necessarily explode, and stay abundant, as House Sparrow did. Which pattern will they take? Greg Gillson Hillsboro, Oregon greg at thebirdguide.com http://thebirdguide.com From katandbill at yahoo.com Tue Jan 9 09:37:48 2007 From: katandbill at yahoo.com (Kat & Bill) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 09:37:48 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Wanted: Hummer Feeder Advice for Cold Snap Message-ID: <20070109173748.59442.qmail@web53902.mail.yahoo.com> Hi OBOL, A while back there was quite a discussion about hummingbird feeders and cold weather. Since we're about to get a cold snap here in the Willamette Valley, I better do something for my little flock of Anna's. I do pull the feeder in after dark, as it's glass. However, someone had an idea for wrapping the feeder with ??? during the day time when the highs weren't very high. If you are that person, or remember, will you please refresh my memory? Thank you and stay warm! Kat in Eugene __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From davect at bendnet.com Tue Jan 9 10:30:42 2007 From: davect at bendnet.com (David Tracy) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 10:30:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wanted: Hummer Feeder Advice for Cold Snap Message-ID: <01f801c7341c$45c7a930$0400a8c0@ACERLAPTOP> Hi Kat, Here's a link with a picture showing a good way to keep the feeder defrosted: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72482309 at N00/326920131/ The picture shows a standard utility lampshade with adjustable clamp. They are available at most hardware or plumbing supply stores. The bulb I suggest is a 125 Watt brooding bulb, which has a more naturally colored light than the Infra-Red bulbs, which are also overkill at 250Watts. If you cant find a brooding bulb, try an outdoor flood bulb in the range of 65-125W. I plug the cord into an indoor/outdoor timer that automatically turns on an hour before sunrise and shuts off a little after dark. This setup will partially defrost the feeder in a few minutes, at least sufficiently enough for a hummingbird to feed. It works quickly even when the temperature gets down into the single digits (Farenheight). Let me know if you have any questions. Dave David Tracy davect at bendnet.com Bend, OR ----Original Message---- Subject: Wanted: Hummer Feeder Advice for Cold Snap From: Kat & Bill Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 09:37:48 -0800 (PST) Hi OBOL, A while back there was quite a discussion about hummingbird feeders and cold weather. Since we're about to get a cold snap here in the Willamette Valley, I better do something for my little flock of Anna's. I do pull the feeder in after dark, as it's glass. However, someone had an idea for wrapping the feeder with ??? during the day time when the highs weren't very high. If you are that person, or remember, will you please refresh my memory? Thank you and stay warm! Kat in Eugene __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave AT lists.oregonstate.edu. From tlove at linfield.edu Tue Jan 9 10:33:13 2007 From: tlove at linfield.edu (Tom Love) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 10:33:13 -0800 Subject: [obol] gull extravanza Message-ID: <48AAF0D003D67944931DDDC72D022F1204234C00@exchangedb.wfo.linfield.edu> The great gull flock just SW of McMinnville remains, reported by Carol yesterday. To that total I added 3 WESTERN GULLS and a first-winter GLAUCOUS GULL. Mary Anne - your ship has come in! ;-> Tom -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/4d3935e6/attachment.htm From davect at bendnet.com Tue Jan 9 10:37:18 2007 From: davect at bendnet.com (David Tracy) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 10:37:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wanted: Hummer Feeder Advice for Cold Snap Message-ID: <01fc01c7341d$315309d0$0400a8c0@ACERLAPTOP> If anyone who views OBOL online using www.birdingonthe.net wants to view the link in my previous message (see below), they will have to edit the text of the link by deleting the word AT and inserting @ (symbol for "at") between the 9 and the N. There is also a blank space on either side of the word AT that need to be removed. Or, email me and I can send you the link via email directly. Dave David Tracy davect at bendnet.com Bend, OR ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Tracy" To: Cc: "Obol" Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 10:30 AM Subject: Re: Wanted: Hummer Feeder Advice for Cold Snap > Hi Kat, > > Here's a link with a picture showing a good way to keep the feeder > defrosted: > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/72482309 at N00/326920131/ > > The picture shows a standard utility lampshade with adjustable clamp. > They are available at most hardware or plumbing supply stores. The bulb I > suggest is a 125 Watt brooding bulb, which has a more naturally colored > light than the Infra-Red bulbs, which are also overkill at 250Watts. If > you cant find a brooding bulb, try an outdoor flood bulb in the range of > 65-125W. > > I plug the cord into an indoor/outdoor timer that automatically turns on > an hour before sunrise and shuts off a little after dark. This setup will > partially defrost the feeder in a few minutes, at least sufficiently > enough for a hummingbird to feed. It works quickly even when the > temperature gets down into the single digits (Farenheight). > > Let me know if you have any questions. > > Dave > > David Tracy > davect at bendnet.com > Bend, OR > > > > > > ----Original Message---- > Subject: Wanted: Hummer Feeder Advice for Cold Snap > From: Kat & Bill > Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 09:37:48 -0800 (PST) > > Hi OBOL, > > A while back there was quite a discussion about > hummingbird feeders and cold weather. Since we're > about to get a cold snap here in the Willamette > Valley, I better do something for my little flock of > Anna's. > > I do pull the feeder in after dark, as it's glass. > However, someone had an idea for wrapping the feeder > with ??? during the day time when the highs weren't > very high. > > If you are that person, or remember, will you please > refresh my memory? > > Thank you and stay warm! > Kat in Eugene > > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol AT lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave AT lists.oregonstate.edu. > From jeffgill at teleport.com Tue Jan 9 11:23:02 2007 From: jeffgill at teleport.com (Jeff Gilligan) Date: Tue, 09 Jan 2007 11:23:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wanted: Hummer Feeder Advice for Cold Snap In-Reply-To: <20070109173748.59442.qmail@web53902.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: I keep a hummingbird feeder next to a strong outdoor light during cold snaps. The spot light almost touches the glass of the feeder. It has always worked so far in keeping the solution unfrozen. Jeff Gilligan. On 1/9/07 9:37 AM, "Kat & Bill" wrote: > Hi OBOL, > > A while back there was quite a discussion about > hummingbird feeders and cold weather. Since we're > about to get a cold snap here in the Willamette > Valley, I better do something for my little flock of > Anna's. > > I do pull the feeder in after dark, as it's glass. > However, someone had an idea for wrapping the feeder > with ??? during the day time when the highs weren't > very high. > > If you are that person, or remember, will you please > refresh my memory? > > Thank you and stay warm! > Kat in Eugene > > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From birdboy at bkpix.com Tue Jan 9 13:48:31 2007 From: birdboy at bkpix.com (Noah Strycker) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 13:48:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ivory-billed Woodpeckers Message-ID: Hi all - I just spent the last 2 weeks of Christmas break (Dec 27-Jan 6) with the search team in Florida, and during that time I did not hear or see any Ivory-bills despite spending every daylight hour in the field in the "best" areas. That said, I had a great experience living in the swamps, and I do believe that the birds are there. At this point, every focus is being put toward obtaining a diagnostic photo or video, which is tougher than it might sound since the most credible sightings have lasted no more than a few seconds. Scientific study and conservation can't really occur until indisputable evidence is there, which is frustrating. Interested birders are encouraged to look at Auburn's website and follow the guidelines listed, which are pretty explicit (trying to keep disturbance to a minimum). Personally, I have hope for the Ivory-bills' continued existence, and am optimistic that a photo may come through within the next couple months - we'll see! Good birding, Noah Strycker > > From: Diana Bradshaw > > Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 19:51:25 -0800 > > To: "message to: OBOL" > > Subject: [obol] Ivory-bill Woodpeckers > > > > > > It isn't Oregon but interesting. I found the following Web site regarding > > sightings of Ivory-bills: > > > > http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/departments/biology/faculty/ > > webpages/hill/ivorybill/Updates.html > > > > _______________________________________________ > > obol mailing list > > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From llsdirons at msn.com Tue Jan 9 13:58:16 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Tue, 09 Jan 2007 21:58:16 +0000 Subject: [obol] Lapland Longspur near Eugene Airport Tuesday AM Message-ID: This morning at about 11:45 I heard a single Lapland Longspur near the intersection of Green Hill Rd. and Hollis Rd. near the n.e. corner of the Eugene Airport. I also heard and saw a few Horned Larks and several American Pipits in this area. This along the section of Greenhill Rd that runs between Meadowview Rd. and Airport Rd. Hollis is the road that runs south from Greenhill after the big "S" curve by the old silo and dead ends into the north side of the airport. I heard the longspur calls to the east of Hollis right where the drainage channel passes under the road. I heard several Horned Lark calls coming from the same area and saw at least three Horned Larks. To the n.w. of this area there is flock of about 375 swans (all Tundra) on the south side of Meadowview Rd. There was a single Greater White-fronted Goose with the swans. I also did a quick drive by check of the feeder where the Summer Tanager was last seen. No luck. Dave Irons From stewarte at metro.dst.or.us Tue Jan 9 14:01:11 2007 From: stewarte at metro.dst.or.us (Elaine Stewart) Date: Tue, 09 Jan 2007 14:01:11 -0800 Subject: [obol] Possible horned grebe, Washington County Message-ID: I don't have much experience with winter horned and eared grebes, so this is a tentative I.D. even though the bird seems to be a textbook example of a winter horned grebe. The grebe was obviously either horned or eared, and not one of the other species. It had a solid black cap and dark back of the neck, with a very light or white cheek that extended far behind the eye. The front of its neck was white or very light. There seemed to be a hint of yellow to the lower bill, at least near the base. The bird was feeding in a flooded field less than 150 ft. off Fern Hill Road in Washington County. To find the site, take Hwy 47 south of Forest Grove, get on Spring Hill Rd and take a left on Fern Hill Rd shortly after crossing the Tualatin River. The field is about 0.5 miles from the Spring Hill/Fern Hill junction. Lots of other fun birds in the area too, including buffleheads, big flocks of cackling Canada geese, mallards, pintails and the like. -Elaine ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elaine Stewart Natural Resources Scientist Metro 600 NE Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97232-2736 Tel 503.797.1515 Fax 503.797.1849 stewarte at metro.dst.or.us ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From dfxjcp at humboldt1.com Tue Jan 9 14:18:56 2007 From: dfxjcp at humboldt1.com (David Fix Jude Power) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 14:18:56 -0800 Subject: [obol] disseminating gyrfalcon information Message-ID: <001001c7343c$2ac9d160$132664d8@Power> Tim, I think your concern for Gyrfalcons is laudable. I would hazard, though, that most of the Gyrfalcons occurring in Oregon are in their first-winter (this is just a gut hunch--someone please correct me if this is erroneous). And if so, falconers could capture every one of these birds and they would keep on showing up, as more birds are produced each year and disperse southward. I think that, although there is some risk in posting them to OBOL and other forums capable of being monitored by the unscrupulous, at the same time, it serves the welfare of the birds better that the public know about them, see them frequently, and ultimately care about them. Also, falconers certainly have their own "internal" network. I can say from my long discussions over the years with Dan Fenske (a surpassingly honorable falconer who lives in Harrisburg) and others that these people--whether scrupulous or not--understand much about the habits and distribution of birds of prey that mainstream birders may not. All in all, I doubt that a few selfish people learning about Gyrfalcons on OBOL will materially contribute to black market captures or to the endangerment of the species. I think a falconer wishing to find and capture one of these birds could probably undertake that without having to learn of the birds' whereabouts initially on OBOL. I can mention in the same vein that we have a touchy situation down here in Humboldt that involves waterfowl. There is a skilled and knowledgeable hunter who enjoys collecting specimens of rare ducks and geese. When an Emperor Goose, King or Steller's Eider, or the like appears, we attempt to spread word of it among ourselves and not keep trumpeting it and updating it on the Bird Alert, which we know this person listens in on. However, it is possible that he is out there so consistently during hunting season, and sharing observations with his friends, that he might know about these rarities before they are seen by birders. Our hope is that as many persons as possible are able to enjoy the birds in life before they are ultimately blasticated and stuffified. David Fix Arcata, California -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/d9d32273/attachment.htm From taylorbobt at yahoo.com Tue Jan 9 14:23:45 2007 From: taylorbobt at yahoo.com (Robert Taylor) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 14:23:45 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] WANTED: A few willing Volunteers to interact with a group at Jackson Bottoms Wetland on 16 Jun 2007 Message-ID: <20070109222345.25466.qmail@web58601.mail.re3.yahoo.com> Hi OBOLers (especially in the Portland Area), THIS IS BIRD RELATED ........... I am recent transplant (or replant) in Oregon and need some assistance. A group (The Columbis River Volksport Club of the American Volksport Association) is staging a "Walk" at Jackson Bottoms on June 16 this year and we would like to introduce and be introduced. The "Be Introduced" part (from OBOLers to CRVC/AVAers): Most of our members are avid outdoors folks with varying skills at IDing birds. Among other attractions at Jackson Bottoms is a very large nest of a Bald Eagle. I have been told it weighs a ton but I can't guarantee that!! Also, a lot of 'Water' birds. Obviously, big birds attract more initial attention. However, I am sure that there are persons that don't know a Great Blue Heron when they see one! And very few have had a scope view of "Portland's Bird". But many will be interested in any bird that you can show them. How about a short course on IDing Larids? Just kidding. That comes much later! The "Introduced" part (from us to you): American Volksport Association is a group of allied clubs (CRVC is one of them) that sponsor walks, bike rides, swims, cross-country skiing and snowshoing activities. These events are non-competitive and everyone participates at their own pace and skill level. The goal is Fun, Fitness and Friendship. The Public can elect to attend and participate in the event for free if they desire. We encourage them to do so. What we would like to have is between 4 and 6 OBOLers with scopes (and binoculars) to 'stake' out some birds and share their expertise and comments on the birds -- their life history (migratory/sedentary, habitat demands, threatened, etc). Also, to answer questions from folks that stop by. Could Portland Audubon be interested? Is there a possibilty of them having a Field Trip in conjunction with the 'Walk'? It will not be the most conducive environment for 'quiet' birding!! But, it will be interesting!! (I will contact them separately but if they happen to read this ......) During the Jackson Bottoms Event, there will also be an opportunity to participate/learn about Geocaching at a Basic Level. If there are questions about the use of Global Positioning Satellite receivers, there will be assistance. We expect more than 100 people to attend (it could be many more but is unlikely to be less) and that number is generally only slightly affected by weather. "Walkers" brave the elements almost as well as "Birders" do! It is quite a way off but we would like to have some sort of an estimate as to what interest there might be among OBOLers to help this work out. You might even gain some new 'birders'! I know that I have overlooked something that is obvious, so don't hesitate to ask questions. If you have done something like this before, please advise me of the pitfalls and oversights that have occured and that I can avoid. If you are interested or want more info, please contact me directly off list: Bob Taylor Canby, OR taylorbobt at yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/7d90eb1b/attachment.htm From kirkpat at charter.net Tue Jan 9 14:28:21 2007 From: kirkpat at charter.net (Douglas Kirkpatrick) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 14:28:21 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wanted: Hummer Feeder Advice for Cold Snap In-Reply-To: <20070109173748.59442.qmail@web53902.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <001201c7343d$786d58f0$0201a8c0@D7CDFN81> Someone suggested wrapping the feeder with bubblewrap. I tried it here in Medford and the nectar froze up anyway (low temps were approx 25 deg). It might work at higher temps (29-32). Doug Kirkpatrick Medford -----Original Message----- From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Kat & Bill Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 9:38 AM To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Subject: [obol] Wanted: Hummer Feeder Advice for Cold Snap Hi OBOL, A while back there was quite a discussion about hummingbird feeders and cold weather. Since we're about to get a cold snap here in the Willamette Valley, I better do something for my little flock of Anna's. I do pull the feeder in after dark, as it's glass. However, someone had an idea for wrapping the feeder with ??? during the day time when the highs weren't very high. If you are that person, or remember, will you please refresh my memory? Thank you and stay warm! Kat in Eugene __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From birder at iinet.com Tue Jan 9 14:56:55 2007 From: birder at iinet.com (Sherry Hagen) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 14:56:55 -0800 Subject: [obol] question about birds of Mt. Everest Message-ID: <001301c73441$7620ad00$6601a8c0@sherry9s6no3t0> While watching the recent 6 week program about a May 2006 group climb of Mt. Everest, I noticed these small-medium sized "black" birds in the background. On a website they mention "Chingmas" that have learned to hang around the climbers getting scraps on Mt. Everest and a game bird "Chombo" that is in the area. These two names are no where to be found in my birding books or even on line except the website I mentioned. Does anyone have any idea what these birds might be. Sherry Hagen Vancouver, WA birder at iinet.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/0ff4a293/attachment.htm From woodpecker97330 at yahoo.com Tue Jan 9 15:17:49 2007 From: woodpecker97330 at yahoo.com (J. Simmons) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 15:17:49 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Mt. Everest birds speculation Message-ID: <204867.59644.qm@web39510.mail.mud.yahoo.com> If they were black and at high altitude, they may have been Alpine Choughs. (Chough rhymes with rough). A google search found that they are in the Himalayas: http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082377/chough Jamie Simmons Corvallis __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From gnorgren at earthlink.net Tue Jan 9 16:07:34 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 16:07:34 -0800 Subject: [obol] question about birds of Mt. Everest In-Reply-To: <001301c73441$7620ad00$6601a8c0@sherry9s6no3t0> References: <001301c73441$7620ad00$6601a8c0@sherry9s6no3t0> Message-ID: <988906201a22dd5a39493da5fe3d77bd@earthlink.net> The gamebirds may be Snow Cocks. One species is successfully introduced to the Ruby Mtns of Nevada. My aunt has excellent pictures that she took with a pocket camera while trekking in Nepal. They were 1 or 2m outside her tent. The Choughs are perhaps the most abherant member of the crow family. The common CHough is the Official bird of Cornwall, where it has been extirpated for well over a century(about as long as the Cornish language has been extinct). They have coral red feet and bill. The bill is quite long and decurved. They are tolerably common in westernmost Brittany(the Breton language has experienced a renaissance in the second half of the twentieth century). The Alpine Chough has a shorter bill, straw yellow in color. I guess it's tolerably common in the Alps as a non-birding friend of mine got good pictures of one at Grindelwald(Switz.). I saw them in Corsica at timberline. The experience was, should we say, mildly eclipsed by the Lammergeier I was watching in the other direction. The Choughs have fan shaped tails reminiscent of a Common Crow, but immense wings that give them a wing=load similar to a Short-eared owl or the like. Whether beside sea cliffs or mountain cliffs a flock of choughs is something to behold. If you look at a globe it becomes evident that there is continuous mountains from nw Spain eastward to Laos and Vietnam. The Alpine avifauna of Eurasia really puts North America to shame. Lars Norgren On Jan 9, 2007, at 2:56 PM, Sherry Hagen wrote: > While watching the recent 6 week program about a May 2006 group climb > of Mt. Everest, I noticed these small-medium sized?"black" birds in > the background. > ? > On a website they mention "Chingmas" that have learned to hang around > the climbers getting scraps on Mt. Everest and a game bird "Chombo" > that is in the area.? > ? > These two names are no where to be found in my birding books or even > on line except the website I mentioned. Does anyone have any idea what > these birds might be. > ? > Sherry Hagen > Vancouver, WA > birder at iinet.com > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From birdmandon at clearwire.net Tue Jan 9 16:09:47 2007 From: birdmandon at clearwire.net (Schrouder Don) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 16:09:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eugene Mockingbird Message-ID: <03A543C1-C36C-4FA1-A80F-C48014AC45B2@clearwire.net> The N. MOCKINGBIRD came out of its favorite Holly tree this afternoon to bask in the sunshine. It must still be enjoying our friendly neighborhood. Location is between 2169-2175 Lamar Lane in Eugene, Lane County. Don Schrouder birdmandon at clearwire.net From m.denny at charter.net Tue Jan 9 16:38:52 2007 From: m.denny at charter.net (mike denny) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 16:38:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] E. Collared-Dove Invasion Continues References: <20070109085317.sl5lpepn4c8sgokg@webmail.thebirdguide.com> Message-ID: <002701c7344f$b422f8c0$0886bd44@BLACKBIRD> Hello All, My guess goes with the already established pattern of the species in North America from 1990 on. This doves populations in other colonized states has remained constant-look at Georgia, Missouri, Ohio, Florida and Texas to name a few. I have not heard of any noticeable drops in established populations as time moves on. We have a prime example here in eastern Washington. In the small hamlet of Washtucna two birds showed up a year and half ago and now there are 18 doves there with six known active nests this last summer. I think this species will continue to colonize town after town. Look at Burns with well over 20 birds there now. It may end up being a common species to every Oregon town and city in the next seven years, if that long. Just a thought. Later Mike ******************************************************************** Mike & MerryLynn Denny 1354 S. E. Central Ave. College Place, WA 99324 509.529.0080 (h) IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN BIRDING, YOU HAVEN'T LIVED! ******************************************************************* From ggrier at efn.org Tue Jan 9 16:47:50 2007 From: ggrier at efn.org (George Grier) Date: Tue, 09 Jan 2007 16:47:50 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sedge Wren, Gyrfalcon and Short-eared Owls Message-ID: <5.0.0.25.0.20070109162925.01e65820@pop.efn.org> Dennis Arendt, Kit Larsen and I found the SEDGE WREN yesterday (1/8) at the previously described location in the Luckiamute ODFW Conservation Area in SE Polk County. We first heard the bird just past the right fork in the trail just before the deepest water. We then had several good looks as it worked in the weedy/grassy area just above the old oxbow where the deep water is. Access is not difficult; regular rubber boots will suffice. This is quite a birdy area with large sparrow flocks. We did not relocate the HARRIS' SPARROW. We spent a couple of hours searching for the GYRFALCON throughout the previously described area west and south of the Corvallis Airport south the Finley Road. No luck. We did spot four BALD EAGLES in this area, at least 15 AMERICAN KESTREL, and a flock of roughly 80 AMERICAN PIPITS. We worked our way south along Washburne Rd, west of Junction City. Just south of the intersection of Cox Butte and Washburne Rd we watched three SHORT-EARED OWLS working the fields, with some excellent photo opportunities. We re-found the dark-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK on Alvadore Rd, just south of Hwy 36 as previously described by Anne and Dan Heyerley. We caught up with Don Schrouder and Paul Sherrell in Alvadore and struck out after a couple of hours of a thorough search of the Alvadore neighborhood where the SUMMER TANAGER was reported. George Grier Springfield From manzed_99 at yahoo.com Tue Jan 9 17:57:19 2007 From: manzed_99 at yahoo.com (Dennis Manzer) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 17:57:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Subject: Re: Gyrfalcon Reports Message-ID: <20070110015719.33291.qmail@web50414.mail.yahoo.com> I wholeheartedly agree with T. Rodenkirk & M. Patterson on this matter, having experienced firsthand the most distasteful experiences after publicly disclosing (via OBOL) knowledge of particular raptor evidence. A flexible sygmoidoscopy (sp?) proved to be less difficult. Cheers! Dennis Yours for better birding! Dennis E. Manzer Beaverton, OR 97006 manzed_99 at yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/1a391d2d/attachment.htm From bcombs at OregonVOS.net Tue Jan 9 19:15:54 2007 From: bcombs at OregonVOS.net (Barbara J. Combs) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 19:15:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Lapland Longspur near Eugene Airport Tuesday AM AND re: HORNED LARKS In-Reply-To: Message-ID: David's e-mail raises a point that has been addressed before on obol - where are all the HORNED LARKS in the Eugene area? Christmas count numbers are down. One possible answer is that the counting technique has been changed. Somewhere around 25-30 years ago, I accompanied Sayre Greenfield on a Eugene CBC. One of the first things he did, before it got light, was to go out behind the Eugene airport. HORNED LARKS could be heard all over the field on the airport side of the fence. Most eventually rose up out of the field and flew to parts unknown. A visit later in the day revealed that the flock had largely left the area. The count for the day, though, was based on the number of birds that had roosted there over night. Has anyone been checking fields in the airport area at first light recently? On Tue, 9 Jan 2007, DAVID IRONS wrote: > This morning at about 11:45 I heard a single Lapland Longspur near the > intersection of Green Hill Rd. and Hollis Rd. near the n.e. corner of the > Eugene Airport. I also heard and saw a few Horned Larks and several > American Pipits in this area. This along the section of Greenhill Rd that > runs between Meadowview Rd. and Airport Rd. Hollis is the road that runs > south from Greenhill after the big "S" curve by the old silo and dead ends > into the north side of the airport. I heard the longspur calls to the east > of Hollis right where the drainage channel passes under the road. I heard > several Horned Lark calls coming from the same area and saw at least three > Horned Larks. > > To the n.w. of this area there is flock of about 375 swans (all Tundra) on > the south side of Meadowview Rd. There was a single Greater White-fronted > Goose with the swans. > > I also did a quick drive by check of the feeder where the Summer Tanager was > last seen. No luck. > > Dave Irons > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > Barbara Combs obie '70 Eugene, Oregon From Randy.Moore at oregonstate.edu Tue Jan 9 19:30:04 2007 From: Randy.Moore at oregonstate.edu (Moore, Randy) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 19:30:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ivory-bill Woodpeckers References: Message-ID: The fella Alan mentions is Bob Anderson; he was a mentor to both Ned and I in our formative birding years. He's an excellent birder and he apparently saw one of the birds very well. I'm 99% conviced now, the weight of evidence (sightings and recordings) is becoming pretty overwhelming in Florida. randy Corvallis ________________________________ From: Alan Contreras [mailto:acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM] Sent: Mon 1/8/2007 8:10 PM To: Diana Bradshaw; obol Subject: Re: [obol] Ivory-bill Woodpeckers One of the observers of Florida birds is a friend of Ned Brinkley, editor of North American Birds, and Ned is going down himself to try to see one. -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com > From: Diana Bradshaw > Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 19:51:25 -0800 > To: "message to: OBOL" > Subject: [obol] Ivory-bill Woodpeckers > > > It isn't Oregon but interesting. I found the following Web site regarding > sightings of Ivory-bills: > > http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/departments/biology/faculty/ > webpages/hill/ivorybill/Updates.html > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/0672fbe7/attachment.htm From frankdanl at yahoo.com Tue Jan 9 20:08:12 2007 From: frankdanl at yahoo.com (frank lospalluto) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 20:08:12 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Everest birds Message-ID: <404216.55237.qm@web36715.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Hi- Having traveled in the Himalaya a couple of times both in Nepal and India and having been to Everest Basecamp and the Tibetan plateau, Lars and Jamie are probably correct. I checked my copy of ?Birds and Mammals of Ladakh? by Otto Pfister (Oxford University Press 2004). He offers an appendix that includes English, scientific, German, French and Ladakhi names for most species. Ladakhi isn?t the same as Tibetan or Sherpa, but close enough. I also checked ?Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives? by Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp. (Princeton Field Guides 1999) Chough and Snowcock would work. Specifically the possibilities are: Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus (Alpine Chough) I remember Himalayan Snowcocks from Everest region especially one very cold full moon while watching avalanches rolling down way above us I flushed a few birds. Himalayan Snowcocks are quite a bit bigger than the Tibetan Snowcock. Chough can be quite tame and will pick up food from humans. A good website to check about Asian birds: http://www.orientalbirdclub.org/index.html frank __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From areid at nu-world.com Tue Jan 9 21:07:49 2007 From: areid at nu-world.com (Alan Reid) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 21:07:49 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" birds References: Message-ID: <008a01c73475$46b31d30$0300a8c0@ReidDesktop> I am wondering if the "oreganus" subspecies of SPOTTED TOWHEE might be what I see around my place - very few spots. In fact I have never seen a SPOTTED TOWHEE that looks like the field guide illustrations. I have a slide from here taken in 1995 and some pictures from Cabin Lake that have about 3/4 as many spots as any of the field guides show. Otherwise all I see have less than 1/4 as many spots. The pair around here now just has one line of spots across the secondaries and is not very different from one field guide illustration of EASTERN TOWHEE except that there is not a heavy white spot on the leading edge of the wing. Alan Reid areid at nu-world.com 2 miles below Leaburg on the McKenzie Hwy. ----- Original Message ----- From: "DAVID IRONS" To: ; Cc: Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 10:13 PM Subject: Re: [obol] "Oregon" birds > TThere is also the oreganus subspecies of Spotted Towhee. > > Dave Irons > > From billandnicki at bctonline.com Tue Jan 9 21:10:58 2007 From: billandnicki at bctonline.com (Bill and Nicki) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 21:10:58 -0800 Subject: [obol] Gyrfalcon Reports Message-ID: <000301c73475$b9ce9510$0207a8c0@DDFF8191> Greetings OBOL, Regarding this thread, there is also another group of people that do harm to birds of prey. These are the pigeon-flyers, homing, racing, and especially the ones that have "Rollers". (Rollers tumble in flight; they think it is a like a seizure, and they breed for that trait.) Not to vilify an entire group, some are more scrupulous than others. These hobbyists fly their birds in urban, suburban, and rural environments. From what I have learned, most of them make efforts to protect their pigeons from birds or prey. The worst simply shoot at anything that looks like a hawk/falcon/kite/etc. It's sad, but true. If you have any questions, contact me off list. That is an interesting dynamic that D. Fix mentions there in Humboldt; again, sad. That's my $.02, your mileage may vary. Bill E. Beavercreek, Clackamas County -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/83d721b0/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Tue Jan 9 23:09:53 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 23:09:53 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lapland Longspur near Eugene Airport Tuesday AM AND re: HORNED LARKS In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <62c554bc500d16366baa27ed6321a752@earthlink.net> Good for Sayre! Perhaps I should try it out at Coos Bay next year. There I observed Horned Larks coming into roost at sunset. Had I been at the spot a few minutes earlier in the afternoon or minutes later(after they landed) I would have missed them. They flew in a figure eight over my head ,calling constantly. After what seemed like half a dozen passes they fluttered down into the grass. Looking at the map in advance of the count I long speculated about being on the Pony Slough Dredge Spoils at sunrise, mainly because the sun would be at my back to scan adjacent bodies of water. In the past I often examined topographic maps of places I'd never visited to pick spots for mushroom picking. By and large it was a bust. Throwing darts at the map probably would have yielded better results. But if Shore Larks(as they are known in the UK) have dedicated roosts which they leave with some commotion, in the fashion of crows, then good timing could take care of one species first thing in the morning. Lars Norgren On Jan 9, 2007, at 7:15 PM, Barbara J. Combs wrote: > David's e-mail raises a point that has been addressed before on obol - > where are all the HORNED LARKS in the Eugene area? Christmas count > numbers are down. > > One possible answer is that the counting technique has been changed. > Somewhere around 25-30 years ago, I accompanied Sayre Greenfield on a > Eugene CBC. One of the first things he did, before it got light, was > to > go out behind the Eugene airport. HORNED LARKS could be heard all over > the field on the airport side of the fence. Most eventually rose up > out > of the field and flew to parts unknown. A visit later in the day > revealed > that the flock had largely left the area. The count for the day, > though, > was based on the number of birds that had roosted there over night. > Has > anyone been checking fields in the airport area at first light > recently? > > On > Tue, 9 Jan 2007, DAVID IRONS wrote: > >> This morning at about 11:45 I heard a single Lapland Longspur near the >> intersection of Green Hill Rd. and Hollis Rd. near the n.e. corner of >> the >> Eugene Airport. I also heard and saw a few Horned Larks and several >> American Pipits in this area. This along the section of Greenhill Rd >> that >> runs between Meadowview Rd. and Airport Rd. Hollis is the road that >> runs >> south from Greenhill after the big "S" curve by the old silo and dead >> ends >> into the north side of the airport. I heard the longspur calls to >> the east >> of Hollis right where the drainage channel passes under the road. I >> heard >> several Horned Lark calls coming from the same area and saw at least >> three >> Horned Larks. >> >> To the n.w. of this area there is flock of about 375 swans (all >> Tundra) on >> the south side of Meadowview Rd. There was a single Greater >> White-fronted >> Goose with the swans. >> >> I also did a quick drive by check of the feeder where the Summer >> Tanager was >> last seen. No luck. >> >> Dave Irons >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> obol mailing list >> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >> > > Barbara Combs obie '70 > Eugene, Oregon > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From lcolburn2 at comcast.net Tue Jan 9 23:13:48 2007 From: lcolburn2 at comcast.net (lcolburn) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 23:13:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] to share bird info or not! Message-ID: <000001c73486$e3c97040$85daab43@beorn> It saddened me to read about some not wanting to share information about "certain" birds on obol. Since putting two children through school and getting back into birding in a bigger way, I have found the information about birds and where to find them wonderful and very helpful. While I enjoy birding alone, there is more joy in sharing that with others and seeing the reaction and excitement of new birders when they see a new or "special" bird! The internet has allowed many to gain a much greater knowledge and has sparked much more interest in birds. Don't take that away! WOW! Who else is going to be attacked! First falconers and now pigeon owners! What about duck and goose hunters, Colonel Sanders, American Indians (eagle feathers), Ivory Billed Woodpecker searchers ( they must be ruining swap habitat) --- GIVE ME A BREAK! If it weren't for falconers and what was learned from them we would probably only have pictures of Peregrine Falcons and California Condors. Pigeon owners and their birds saved thousands of lives in World War I, by being flying messengers. Hunters ( duck stamps ) have saved thousand of wetlands. American Indian culture and history give us the true heritage of America. Woodpecker searchers may save an "extinct" bird plus alert many others of the need to preserve birds and their habitat. Colonel Sanders---Skip it -I'm vegetarian! Lets get out and get some fresh air and enjoy our feathered friends. Les Colburn, Eugene,Oregon Happy Birdin -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/a3e12e89/attachment.htm From lcolburn2 at comcast.net Tue Jan 9 23:43:09 2007 From: lcolburn2 at comcast.net (lcolburn) Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 23:43:09 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red-shouldered Hawks Message-ID: <000001c7348a$fac38fc0$85daab43@beorn> Circled Fern Ridge Res. this afternoon and had wonderful looks and got great video of two different Red-shouldered Hawks. One very tame one on Territorial Road about one mile south of intersection with Clear Lake Road and the second on Highway 126 in Veneta about one mile east of Territorial Road. Les Colburn--- Happy Birding -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070109/bd9975e3/attachment.htm From katandbill at yahoo.com Wed Jan 10 08:11:22 2007 From: katandbill at yahoo.com (Kat & Bill) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 08:11:22 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] FOUND: lot of good advice for keeping HB feeders warm! Message-ID: <826179.82474.qm@web53901.mail.yahoo.com> OBOL, You all are the best! There are some seriously creative folks out there, and the best part is that they are willing to share. We've got some good ideas for keeping our feeder from freezing. Thank you very much! Kat in Eugene ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question on www.Answers.yahoo.com From dan at heyerly.com Wed Jan 10 09:15:15 2007 From: dan at heyerly.com (Dan Heyerly) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 09:15:15 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lane County Tree Swallows & Eur. Wigeon Message-ID: <000001c734da$e56ab900$6400a8c0@Dan> Obolinks, Sorry this is late, but as I posted earlier in the week, on Saturday 1/6/2007 Anne and I completed Lane #1 raptor route and in my posting I mentioned a few highlights we saw along the way. Problem is I forgot two species that deserve mention mainly because I believe they were missed on the Eugene CBC on 12/31/06. At the K.R. Neilsen Rd. hunting check station we scoped the marsh to the west and southwest and observed several TREE SWALLOWS hawking insects over that area. Also at Kirk Pond we observed at least two male EURASIAN WIGEON in the flock of ducks on that pond. That's it. I'll be posting the results of the raptor route later tonight or tomorrow. Dan Heyerly Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070110/8d8c25fc/attachment.htm From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Wed Jan 10 09:44:53 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 09:44:53 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Eugene CBC results? Message-ID: <302873.57680.qm@web34202.mail.mud.yahoo.com> How did the Eugene CBC go, I don't remember hearing any reports? Tim R Coos Bay __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From dan-gleason at comcast.net Wed Jan 10 10:18:44 2007 From: dan-gleason at comcast.net (Dan Gleason) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 10:18:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eugene CBC results? In-Reply-To: <302873.57680.qm@web34202.mail.mud.yahoo.com> References: <302873.57680.qm@web34202.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <8CD48F19-2A04-40B5-BFF0-1E50833F00C0@comcast.net> Everyone, I should have the final tally for species on the Eugene Count by the end of the week. At this point, we have 132 species plus two count week species. Part of the delay (aside from busy schedules) is the sorting and tally of home counters. We had nearly 60 people doing home counts. Some need to be carefully evaluated to decide what to include (it was not difficult to omit a flock of Verdin, for example). Just a few highlights: Record Highs for: Double-crested Cormorant (1,665) Turkey Vulture (26) Bald Eagle (23) Anna's Hummingbird (32 + home totals yet to come; 45 was previous high so we should exceed that) Red-shouldered Hawk (20) Brown Creeper (80) Unusual for Eugene Count: Brant (count week) Pacific Loon (1) Hummingbird (Selasphorus sp. - first time; well seen by many individuals) Lewis's Woodpecker (count week) Northern Mockingbird (1) Lark Sparrow (1; previous reports in 1945 and 1946 only) We missed Mountain Quail and Osprey (has been seen 15 previous years) A full tally will be sent to all team leaders as soon as I have the final numbers. I can send a tally to anyone else who is interested as well. Dan Gleason ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 On Jan 10, 2007, at 9:44 AM, Tim Rodenkirk wrote: > How did the Eugene CBC go, I don't remember hearing > any reports? > > Tim R > Coos Bay > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070110/94ac8b02/attachment.htm From BStitesPDX at aol.com Wed Jan 10 10:52:30 2007 From: BStitesPDX at aol.com (BStitesPDX at aol.com) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 13:52:30 EST Subject: [obol] Mult.-Western Tanager Message-ID: OBOL: On the south side of Mt. Tabor, above the college, I found a large mixed flock of birds. There were BC Chickadees, Brown Creeper, RC Kinglet and many DE Juncos. Then all of a sudden a bright yellow WESTERN TANAGER appeared. The birds continued to forage next to the road. This was at 10:00 AM today! Regards, Bob Stites-Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070110/42a8c80b/attachment.htm From lcolburn2 at comcast.net Wed Jan 10 12:14:24 2007 From: lcolburn2 at comcast.net (lcolburn) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 12:14:24 -0800 Subject: [obol] Loon Message-ID: <000501c734f3$ef79c260$85daab43@beorn> Hi I left out from my report of yesterday that there was a loon, species unknown, on Fern Ridge Res. between the dam and closer to Orchard Point. Les Colburn --- Happy Birding -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070110/bd42b6b7/attachment.htm From larmcqueen at msn.com Wed Jan 10 13:52:12 2007 From: larmcqueen at msn.com (Larry Mcqueen) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 13:52:12 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wed morning, Eugene airport Message-ID: Foolish at it seems to look for the Summer Tanager on a day like today, we did try, with no sign of the bird. We walked some of the roads around Alvadore where the bird had been reported and found the following: Lesser Goldfinches House Finches Red-winged Blackbirds D-e Juncos White-crowned Sparrows - several groups Golden-crowned Sparrows - fewer than expected White-throated Sparrow - 1 Spotted Towhees Townsend's Warblers - about 6 Varied Thrushes - 5 Robins - many W. Bluebirds - 20 Ruby-crowned Kinglets - 4 Golden-crowned Kinglets Bewick's Wrens Black-capped Chickadees Scrub Jays Red-br. Sapsucker - 1 Mourning Doves - 30+ Dunlin - distant flocks We then took to the roads around the north end of the airport, hoping to find Horned Larks, but didn't. We saw the following: Pied-billed Grebe - 4 Great Blue Heron Great Egret - 5 Cackling Goose - 8,000 plus Wood Duck - 1 Green-winged Teal - 10 Mallard - 20 N. Pintail - 15 Gadwall - 4 A. Wigeon - 4 Ring-necked Duck - 2 Bufflehead - 1 Bald Eagle - 6 - 8 N. Harrier - 8 Red-tailed Hawk - 4 A. Kestrel - 10 Coots Black-bellied Plover - 1 heard Killdeer - 25 Dunlin Ring-billed Gull - 400 plus Glaucous-winged Gull - 4 Rock Dove Belted Kingfisher - 1 Downy Woodpecker - 1 N. Flicker - 5 C. Raven - 15 Pipit - 1 heard Kit Larsen, Dennis Arendt, Dave Irons, Don DeWitt, Don Schourder, Paul Sherrell, George Grier, and Larry McQueen -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070110/8c626db6/attachment.htm From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Wed Jan 10 14:00:46 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:00:46 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Coos Birds 1/7/2007 Message-ID: <910369.86094.qm@web34207.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Mike Wihler reports the following from the Coquille Valley. He was on Lampa Lane which is on the west side of the valley. The entire valley is flooded now and the "winter lake" area has no birds on it but if you drive around you can find them- Mike said there were thousands of waterfowl along Lampa Lane with none visible from the main Hwy 42 through town. 14- TUNDRA SWANS (interestingly, we had 14 count week birds on the Coos Bay CBC the day before the actual count and then they disappeared) 1- CINNAMON TEAL 1- BLUE-WINGED TEAL (a great find in the winter) 1- EURASIAN WIGEON and as I previously mentioned, thousands of other ducks. Mike said there is another Eurasian Wigeon in the flooded fields near where he lives between Coquille and Coos Bay. ENJOY! Tim R Coos Bay __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From baileydc at pdx.edu Wed Jan 10 14:15:03 2007 From: baileydc at pdx.edu (David Bailey) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:15:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] Long-Tailed Ducks: Seaside Cove:Clatsop County Message-ID: <45A56567.403@pdx.edu> Clatsop Co. Seaside The Cove at Sawyer Park 10 January2007 Amidst the heavy surf, algal bloom and foam-frosted waves at the Cove today were two LONG-TAILED DUCKS (both appeared to be adult females, a RED-NECKED GREBE, a HARLEQUIN DUCK, and all three SCOTER spp.. Cold and windy today. David David C. Bailey Seaside, Oregon baileydc at pdx.edu From WeberHome at att.net Wed Jan 10 14:44:26 2007 From: WeberHome at att.net (Cliff & Joanne Weber) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:44:26 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lunch With The Birds Message-ID: <20070110224448.DB6251480CA@smtp5.oregonstate.edu> OBOL, hello! Water levels are still pretty high at Jackson Bottom Wetlands with very little dry land at the north end. One of the adult Bald Eagles was in the old nest grove for a while before taking off for the hinterlands and who knows where else. Last week both adults flew off to the northwest over Hillsboro and then returned about a half hour later from another direction. An American Kestrel continues to use the leafless saplings bordering the clean water service facility and seems to really enjoy watching us watch him (it's a male). Others- Ring-neck Duck, Green-wing Teal, Pied-bill Grebe, Northern Shoveler, Canada Goose, a Red Tail Hawk, and Coots. Temperature was around 40 degrees with some sunshine and beautiful cloudscapes; at least until a front rolled in from the north and bombed the area with rice-crispy sized snow pellets. Where? ... City of Hillsboro, Thomas Bros Portland street guide page 593, square B6 at the intersection of SW Wood Street and Hwy 219. Google satellite image: http://tinyurl.com/y5mdqh Wheelchair Friendly?... Yes. Good off-street parking, and really easy wheeler and walker access to a sheltered platform. Restrooms? ... Good ones available a mile south at Jackson's education center. Information about Jackson Bottom Wetlands (and Lunch With The Birds) is available online at www.jacksonbottom.org Cliff & (in absentia) Joanne Weber Beaverton's Rock Creek area From ladwil at comcast.net Wed Jan 10 16:15:44 2007 From: ladwil at comcast.net (Lisa Ladd-Wilson) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 16:15:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] Hummer feeders, bubble wrap In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <318467a310ada0e042912bdb9f340ca2@comcast.net> This message has been processed by Symantec's AntiVirus Technology. Unknown00000000.data was not scanned for viruses because too many nested levels of files were found. For more information on antivirus tips and technology, visit http://ses.symantec.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An embedded message was scrubbed... From: Lisa Ladd-Wilson Subject: Re: Hummer feeders, bubble wrap Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 16:15:44 -0800 Size: 99785 Url: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070110/b8901690/attachment.eml From dianabradshaw at verizon.net Wed Jan 10 16:42:53 2007 From: dianabradshaw at verizon.net ( Diana Bradshaw) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 16:42:53 -0800 Subject: [obol] OFO Web site Message-ID: <007701c73519$6eccd280$6401a8c0@BRADSHAW> Hello all, The OFO Web site is back up and running again! Diana Bradshaw From dondewitt at hotmail.com Wed Jan 10 17:35:44 2007 From: dondewitt at hotmail.com (Don DeWitt) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 01:35:44 +0000 Subject: [obol] Alton Baker Park, Eugene, Wed. afternoon Message-ID: OBOL, A little before 4 o'clock this afternoon I was watching the WHITE-TAILED KITE out over the old landfill when a much larger, dark raptor moved to a perch about 4 feet above the ground in a stand of small trees nearby. Circling this bird, I once got within 50 feet of it, saw it fly off three times, observed it for about 10 minutes, and concluded the following: (1) it was an accipiter, (2) it was a very large one, more like a 2 pound than a 1 pound bird, (3) it was a juvenile with blotchy light brownish markings underneath and what appeared to be a mostly dark brown upperside, (4) it was much larger than the KITE, much larger than Cooper's Hawks which I have seen in this area at times, (5) it was unusually long- and broad-winged with a sweeping power to its wing beats, and (6) its tail was marked with irregular banding. It was definitely not a Red-tailed or Red-shouldered Hawk. Admittedly, wet snow was falling hard during the time I observed this bird, I was without binoculars, I could not see certain important field marks, and when a blast of thunder sounded nearby I decided the time had come to head for somewhere with taller trees. All the way home, and now after looking at the books, the identification that fits best seems to be NORTHERN GOSHAWK. Don DeWitt, Eugene. _________________________________________________________________ Fixing up the home? Live Search can help http://imagine-windowslive.com/search/kits/default.aspx?kit=improve&locale=en-US&source=hmemailtaglinenov06&FORM=WLMTAG From joel.geier at peak.org Wed Jan 10 18:49:01 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:49:01 -0800 Subject: [obol] Horned Larks on CBCs Message-ID: <1168483741.3537.57.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hi folks, It was interesting to read Barbara Combs' and Lars Norgren's comments on Horned Larks and the sensitivity to observer timing on CBCs. We nearly missed Horned Larks on the Airlie CBC, despite having Dr. Horned Lark himself (Randy Moore) along with yours truly, who likes to think he can find these birds. Sean Burgett saved us by finding one for the count. Dawn surveys such as suggested by Barb can help, but time and attention to grass fields and similar open habitats is also critical. Most of this habitat is on private land so you need to secure permission ahead of time (something I slipped up on for Airlie this year). This also tends to be thankless coverage if you are on a count that is gunning for big species totals. You can find Savannah Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, some snipe, killdeer & pipits, maybe some robin/blackbird/starling flocks, a few common raptors & geese. If you are really lucky a Prairie Falcon or a Short-eared Owl might pop up. With outrageous luck you might find a Snow Bunting or Lapland Longspur or even a wagtail. But if you spend much time in these open habitats, you can be assured that your team will turn in one of the lowest species totals for the count. However, these are some of the most important habitats to cover, year- round, if you are concerned about the most imperiled species in western Oregon. Western Meadowlark, Oregon Vesper Sparrow, Streaked Horned Lark, and Grasshopper Sparrow are in about as much trouble as the Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelets. CBC compilers and others who coordinate counts might perhaps think about whether they are tacitly encouraging less coverage of open habitats. Species counts aren't everything. Perhaps we should be comparing counts in terms of a "conservative species index" which factors in conservation concern -- the way prairie restorationists do when they look at vegetation -- instead of just looking at the raw number of species as if starlings were just as valuable as meadowlarks. My tuppence ... Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From washingtonbirder at hotmail.com Wed Jan 10 19:24:48 2007 From: washingtonbirder at hotmail.com (washingtonbirder.Knittle Knittle) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:24:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ridgefield NWR Wed. Message-ID: Made a quick loop through Ridgefield NWR during a snow flurry which made it tough to see long distances. I did find Red-breasted Sapsucker, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Swamp Sparrow all close to each other about 3/4 of the way driving through the Oregon Ash Trees. Ken Knittle Washington Birder newsletter 2604 NE 80th Street Vancouver, WA 98665 360-574-2590 mailto:washingtonbirder "at" hotmail.com From winkg at hevanet.com Wed Jan 10 21:48:39 2007 From: winkg at hevanet.com (Wink Gross) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:48:39 -0800 Subject: [obol] Pittock, NW Portland, week ending 01/10/07 Message-ID: <20070111054844.1EE391502BA@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> Here is the summary of my morning dogwalks from NW Seblar Terrace to the Pittock Mansion for the week 01/04/07 to 01/10/07. Species in ALL CAPS were neither seen nor heard the previous week. Additional information about my dogwalk may be found at http://www.hevanet.com/winkg/dogwalkpage.html We did the walk 5 days this week. Species # days found (peak #, date) CANADA/CACKLING GOOSE sp. 2 (50, 1/8) SHARP-SHINNED HAWK 1 (1, 1/9) MEW GULL 1 (1, 1/5) Mourning Dove 1 (2, 1/9) Anna's Hummingbird 5 (2) Downy Woodpecker 4 (4, 1/8) HAIRY WOODPECKER 1 (1, 1/5) Northern Flicker 2 (2, 1/8) Golden-crowned Kinglet 4 (5, 1/4) Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 (2, 1/8 & 10) Winter Wren 4 (3, 1/8) American Robin 2 (4, 1/8) Varied Thrush 5 (7, 1/8) Black-capped Chickadee 5 (15, 1/10) Chestnut-backed Chickadee 4 (3) Red-breasted Nuthatch 5 (6, 1/8) Brown Creeper 4 (4, 1/9) Steller's Jay 4 (2) American Crow 3 (4, 1/8) EUROPEAN STARLING 1 (1, 1/8) HUTTON'S VIREO 2 (1, 1/8 & 10) House Finch 5 (15) Pine Siskin 1 (16, 1/9) Spotted Towhee 5 (3) Fox Sparrow 2 (2, 1/5) Song Sparrow 5 (10) Dark-eyed Junco 5 (20) In the neighborhood but not found on dogwalk: GREAT HORNED OWL Misses (birds found at least 3 days during previous 2 weeks but not found this week): Red-tailed Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Bewick's Wren, Red Crossbill Wink Gross Portland From hnehls at teleport.com Wed Jan 10 23:25:18 2007 From: hnehls at teleport.com (Harry Nehls) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 23:25:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] RBA: Portland, OR 1-11-07 Message-ID: - RBA * Oregon * Portland * January 11, 2007 * ORPO0701.11 - birds mentioned Emperor Goose Long-tailed Duck Common Merganser Double-crested Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant White-tailed Kite Northern Harrier Goshawk Killdeer Dunlin Long-eared Owl Tree Swallow SEDGE WREN Hermit Warbler SUMMER TANAGER Western Tanager Lapland Longspur Tricolored Blackbird RUSTY BLACKBIRD Common Redpoll - transcript hotline: Portland Oregon Audubon RBA (weekly) number: 503-292-6855 To report: Harry Nehls 503-233-3976 compiler: Harry Nehls coverage: entire state Hello, this is the Audubon Society of Portland Rare Bird Report. This report was made Thursday January 11. If you have anything to add call Harry Nehls at 503-233-3976. A SEDGE WREN is now being seen at the Luckiamute State Natural Area off Buena Vista Road in Polk County. It is a very wet area so wear proper footwear. On January 6 a SUMMER TANAGER visited a feeder in Alvadore north of Fern Ridge Reservoir. It may still be in the area. A female RUSTY BLACKBIRD and two TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were seen January 6 at a feedlot near Milton-Freewater. On January 8 a HERMIT WARBLER was in a yard in South Beach. Two LONG-TAILED DUCKS were at the Cove in Seaside January 10. An EMPEROR GOOSE was seen January 6 at the Warrenton Sewage Ponds. A flock of 18 REDPOLLS was at the Astoria Mitigation Bank January 4. On January 7 a PELAGIC CORMORANT was on the Columbia River near Corbett. A WESTERN TANAGER was seen January 10 at Mt. Tabor Park in southeast Portland. On January 5 seven LAPLAND LONGSPURS were along Livermore Road north of Baskett Slough NWR. The EMPEROR GOOSE continues to be seen on the refuge. A LONG-EARED OWL was at Ankeny NWR January 4. On January 6 a REDPOLL was at OSU in Corvallis. A GOSHAWK was in Eugene January 10. On January 4, 450 COMMON MERGANSERS and 600 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were at Fern Ridge Reservoir. Nearby were 400 KILLDEER and large numbers of DUNLIN. On January 6 several TREE SWALLOWS were at Fern Ridge Reservoir. At the Royal Avenue Evening Roost that day were 25 HARRIERS and 15 WHITE-TAILED KITES. That?s it for this week. - end transcript -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070110/3194234c/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Wed Jan 10 23:48:11 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 23:48:11 -0800 Subject: [obol] Horned Larks on CBCs In-Reply-To: <1168483741.3537.57.camel@localhost.localdomain> References: <1168483741.3537.57.camel@localhost.localdomain> Message-ID: <0ccb274f3f55bd2cff1386b3afd42a58@earthlink.net> I like to get a high species count for my team on CBCs because it is fun. I am coming to the conclusion that there is almost no correlation between mean species total per individual area and species total for the whole count. Species totals per area ranged from 50-90 on the 2005 Coos Bay Count. These identical areas on the 2006 Count averaged about 20 species more than the year before, presumably due to the incredible weather. THe net gain for the count as a whole? ONE species! That's less than 2/3 of one percent increase as opposed 30-40% increase in species per team. CBCs serve a multitude of personal needs which potentially conflict. As a system for accurately surveying a precise piece of the landscape it's hopelessly inefficient. MOST of the birds in a count circle don't get counted, while most of the species present ARE detected. Over the years I have noticed the widespread practice of "poaching". A team hits all the good spots, drives all the roads in their area and still has an hour or two of daylight. They then begin to drive around in other areas, often with dazzling results. I was on a team that added Long-eared Owl to the Dallas count(and my life list) as a direct result of poaching. Snowy Owl and Mountain Bluebird were recorded on Corvallis Counts by poachers (both in the heart of Horned Lark habitat!). Once again, an issue of timing, fortuitous rather than planned. I suggest an alternative to poaching- going back to the same spot later in the day if time allows. I have a feeling many people have a mild, perhaps completely inarticulate, aversion to this practice, but it holds enormous potential. Physical and legal limitations mean that we will never cover the whole area. Surveying the same tract two or three times in the same day need not be redundant, it may be the best way of being thorough. Lars Norgren On Jan 10, 2007, at 6:49 PM, Joel Geier wrote: > Hi folks, > > It was interesting to read Barbara Combs' and Lars Norgren's comments > on > Horned Larks and the sensitivity to observer timing on CBCs. > > We nearly missed Horned Larks on the Airlie CBC, despite having Dr. > Horned Lark himself (Randy Moore) along with yours truly, who likes to > think he can find these birds. Sean Burgett saved us by finding one for > the count. > > Dawn surveys such as suggested by Barb can help, but time and attention > to grass fields and similar open habitats is also critical. Most of > this > habitat is on private land so you need to secure permission ahead of > time (something I slipped up on for Airlie this year). > > This also tends to be thankless coverage if you are on a count that is > gunning for big species totals. You can find Savannah Sparrow, Western > Meadowlark, some snipe, killdeer & pipits, maybe some > robin/blackbird/starling flocks, a few common raptors & geese. If you > are really lucky a Prairie Falcon or a Short-eared Owl might pop up. > With outrageous luck you might find a Snow Bunting or Lapland Longspur > or even a wagtail. But if you spend much time in these open habitats, > you can be assured that your team will turn in one of the lowest > species > totals for the count. > > However, these are some of the most important habitats to cover, year- > round, if you are concerned about the most imperiled species in western > Oregon. Western Meadowlark, Oregon Vesper Sparrow, Streaked Horned > Lark, > and Grasshopper Sparrow are in about as much trouble as the Northern > Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelets. > > CBC compilers and others who coordinate counts might perhaps think > about > whether they are tacitly encouraging less coverage of open habitats. > Species counts aren't everything. Perhaps we should be comparing counts > in terms of a "conservative species index" which factors in > conservation > concern -- the way prairie restorationists do when they look at > vegetation -- instead of just looking at the raw number of species as > if > starlings were just as valuable as meadowlarks. > > My tuppence ... > > Joel > > -- > Joel Geier > joel.geier at peak.org > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Thu Jan 11 09:45:22 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 09:45:22 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Dan Deuel- Bandon Bird Rehaber (long) Message-ID: <627460.76653.qm@web34207.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Hi All, Some of you may have known Dan Deuel, a real incredible man, founder of Free Flight in Bandon who died on 18 December. I have copied an OB article from the local newspaper which is included below. There is a memorial service for him this coming Saturday (the 13th) at 1PM in Bandon near the community center (not sure on exact location), but if you're interested let me know and I can get back to you. I was fortunate enough to get to know Dan as I volunteered there for two years in the early 1990's. Dan lived in pain all his later life but was always cracking jokes, playing pranks on volunteers, and just having a good time being alive. He was totally devoted to rehab and education and was not afraid to talk politics (he was a hard core "greenie"). He taught many a volunteer how to work with injuried birds including many of the raptors they used for educational purposes. I remember feeding and caring for a Black Albatross that we later successfully let go- I had to be real careful getting the fish down for it or I wouldn't have had any fingers anymore! We had many different animals come in including a bobcat. I remember the bobcat was especially tough to work with. We had it in one of those carriers you use for large dogs. When you tried to open the door to put in water or food it would immediately pounce on the door. Only Dan would work with it and I think it clawed through his leather glove more than once (his arms and hands must have been covered with scars). Anyhow, one morning one of the volunteers (Millie Ware) was coming over so Dan went out to where the animals were housed and squeezed into one of the large empty carriers near where the bobcat was. When Millie arrived she was curious how the bobcat was doing and wanted to go out and look in on it. The door of the carrier was covered with a towel to keep the bobcat calm so Millie crept over and began to carefully lift up the towel. Right then Dan came springy out growling- I thought Millie was going to have a heart attack! Typical Dan, always having fun!! He will really miss him on the south coast, he was one very special person. Tim Rodenkirk Coos Bay Family confirms death of Free Flight founder By Amy Moss Strong, For The World Tuesday, December 26, 2006 2:36 PM PST BANDON - Dan Deuel, founder of Free Flight Bird and Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Ltd., whose quiet, gentle manner with birds and marine animals earned him the unofficial title of Bandon's ?bird man,? has died at the age of 60. According to his stepdaughter, Chrystine Deuel, Deuel died Dec. 18 at the Veteran's Affairs hospital in Portland, where he had been for about three weeks because of health complications. The cause of death has not been determined, she said. His wife, MeriJane Deuel, was by his side when he died, Chrystine said. Free Flight, a nonprofit wildlife clinic, was established in 1976 when Deuel sought to ?take care of a few oiled birds.? It celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Since its inception, the wildlife hospital has cared for thousands of animals, from raptors to bear cubs, run entirely by volunteers, including Deuel. Free Flight always has focused on returning releasable animals to their natural habitat. There currently are 25 volunteers. Free Flight also provided information through outreach about the natural history of the South Coast's abundant wildlife. Deuel often brought some of the center's birds to local schools to teach the children about them. Deuel, a Vietnam veteran, was seriously injured at age 24 when he was hit while on a bicycle by a drunk driver after he returned to the states following his service. He suffered from health problems related to the accident the remainder of his life. MeriJane Deuel emphasized it was Dan's wish and plan that Free Flight would continue after his death. ?Free Flight will continue to run,? Deuel said. ?There may be a delay in call-backs for the next week or two, but there are directions on the answering machine for what to do if there are injured wildlife.? A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Free Flight. The time will be announced after the holidays. The center's volunteers were upset by the news of Deuel's death. ?He absolutely, positively made a difference during his life,? said Mickey Dupuis, a volunteer for the past 12 years. Deuel is survived by his wife, MeriJane; his stepdaughter, Chrystine; grandson, Dakota Deuel; sisters Golda Johnson and Shari Nichols; and many nieces, nephews and friends. The family requests memorial donations to Free Flight, 1185 Portland Ave., Bandon, OR 97411. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. http://new.mail.yahoo.com From ladwil at comcast.net Thu Jan 11 12:10:50 2007 From: ladwil at comcast.net (Lisa Ladd-Wilson) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:10:50 -0800 Subject: [obol] Hummer feeders in winter Message-ID: Rats. I messed up my reply about wrapping hummingbird feeders in bubble wrap... Many apologies for that. For those getting one daily mailing, I'll repeat it: I wrap my bottle-shaped hummingbird feeder in bubble wrap, and since I started doing that I've had no frozen nectar. Granted, the temps here in Portland haven't been that low this year. So it might not work so well when temperatures dip in a serious way. What I don't understand is why my unwrapped disc-shaped feeder has never frozen. It's shallower than the bottle. Is it because its plastic? I dunno. So sorry for the messed-up reply yesterday. Bygones, Lisa NE Portland From tamara_lynn at bigfoot.com Thu Jan 11 12:28:24 2007 From: tamara_lynn at bigfoot.com (Tamara) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:28:24 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" Birds Message-ID: <003501c735bf$0bddf630$6401a8c0@hometqewlggb8m> My husband's father used to get excited about the occasional (rare) winter when the "Arctic Robins" would show up in Springfield. He's now passed, so I can't get any more information on what he was likely referring to. Anyone have some guesses? --Tamara Klamath Falls -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070111/f63bd8da/attachment.htm From lcolburn2 at comcast.net Thu Jan 11 12:33:16 2007 From: lcolburn2 at comcast.net (lcolburn) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:33:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] Siskin Message-ID: <000001c735bf$bad42740$85daab43@beorn> Hi! It took a little snow, but our first flock of Pine Siskin of the winter invaded our feeders today, Southeast Eugene off Highway 58 towards Pleasant Hill. It's Nice to see the friendly little birds again. Les Colburn - Happy Birding -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070111/01e045a6/attachment.htm From dan-gleason at comcast.net Thu Jan 11 12:37:14 2007 From: dan-gleason at comcast.net (Dan Gleason) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:37:14 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" Birds In-Reply-To: <003501c735bf$0bddf630$6401a8c0@hometqewlggb8m> References: <003501c735bf$0bddf630$6401a8c0@hometqewlggb8m> Message-ID: <01FEF1D5-348B-4013-8C14-FB46D75E63CD@comcast.net> Most likely, he was referring to Varied Thrush. I have heard them referred to locally as "Oregon Robins", "Alaska Robins", "Canadian Robins", "Winter Robins", and "Arctic Robins." Dan Gleason ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 On Jan 11, 2007, at 12:28 PM, Tamara wrote: > My husband's father used to get excited about the occasional (rare) > winter when the "Arctic Robins" would show up in Springfield. He's > now passed, so I can't get any more information on what he was > likely referring to. Anyone have some guesses? > > --Tamara > Klamath Falls > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070111/8c315cf4/attachment.htm From fschrock at macnet.com Thu Jan 11 12:40:19 2007 From: fschrock at macnet.com (Floyd Schrock) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:40:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Arctic Robins" References: <003501c735bf$0bddf630$6401a8c0@hometqewlggb8m> Message-ID: <002b01c735c0$b529d8c0$0b01a8c0@desktop> MessageMy "ancestors" used the name "Alaska Robin" to refer to Varied Thrush. ===================== Floyd Schrock McMinnville, Oregon USA fschrock at macnet.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Tamara To: OBOL Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2007 12:28 PM Subject: [obol] "Oregon" Birds My husband's father used to get excited about the occasional (rare) winter when the "Arctic Robins" would show up in Springfield. He's now passed, so I can't get any more information on what he was likely referring to. Anyone have some guesses? --Tamara Klamath Falls ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070111/40ce610b/attachment.htm From lgoodhew at surfin-g.com Thu Jan 11 13:21:37 2007 From: lgoodhew at surfin-g.com (Larry & Jacque Goodhew) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:21:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Alaska Robin" Message-ID: <45A639E1.10620.F30E6EB@localhost> I have a small bird book title THE GREEN BOOK of BIRDS copyright 1931 It list VARIED THRUSH or Alaska Robin So kids of the thirtys may have learned that for the name. Larry and Jacque Goodhew Walla Walla From stewarte at metro.dst.or.us Thu Jan 11 13:37:20 2007 From: stewarte at metro.dst.or.us (Elaine Stewart) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:37:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Horned Larks on CBCs Message-ID: While participating in my first CBC last month, I was disappointed to learn that the Portland area's most important site for horned larks is outside the count circle. We would have been happy to count the wintering birds at the Rivergate site in north Portland, if it were only inside the count area.... From bigfishy at att.net Thu Jan 11 13:57:42 2007 From: bigfishy at att.net (bigfishy at att.net) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:57:42 +0000 Subject: [obol] backyard birds etc Message-ID: <011120072157.7169.45A6B2D4000D01AA00001C01216037602197089C070009070D@att.net> I stopped by the airport on my home to seek Horned Larks, only found 10-12 AMERICAN PIPITS, one adult male N HARRIER, and several KESTREL. At home I was very pleased to find 6 VARIED THRUSH, many JUNCO's and my friend is back from a week long hiatus..the RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, was bopping around our filbert tree. Good day, Bob Fish Creswell, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070111/8539cca9/attachment.htm From sheilach at nwtec.com Thu Jan 11 13:45:27 2007 From: sheilach at nwtec.com (Sheila Chambers) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:45:27 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) Subject: [obol] Snow at the beach Message-ID: <45A6AFF0.000007.02548@SHEILA-6NCV5TAW> This morning I woke up to some white stuff lying on the ground here in Harbor Or. which is on the coast. SNOW on the beach? yup, we had SNOW on the beach! As for birds, I had the "usual suspects", WHITE-CROWN, FOX, GOLD-CROWN, WHITE-THROATED, LINCOLIN, and SONG SPARROWS, SPOTTED TOWHEE, A HOUSE SPARROW, STARLINGS IN THE TRAP,HEH HEH HEH, HERMIT THRUSH, ROBINS, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, CHESTNUT-BACKED & BLACK-CHAPPED CHICKADEES, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, EURASIAN RING-NECKED DOVES, MORNING DOVES, "OREGON" JUNCOS, BREWERS BLACKBIRD, SCRUB & STELLERS JAY, and HOUSE FINCHES. Missing since Saturday was the HARRIS'S SPARROW and still no PINE SISKINS. The STARLINGS are already house hunting and my nice, roomy nest box TRAP draws them in.I guess that lovely dry grass "nest" is a plus, "home"is already ready for egg laying, or so they think. Burrr, right now we have wet snow falling, I guess it's time to fire up the wood stove. Happy birding! And don't forget to get your pest traps out and busy! Sheila from cold, wet and dreary Harbor Oregon. From llsdirons at msn.com Thu Jan 11 14:48:32 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:48:32 +0000 Subject: [obol] Thursday afternoon at Eugene Airport and Washburn Ln. Message-ID: Jennifer Brown and I took advantage of thawing roads to again check the area around the n.e. corner of the Eugene Airport for Horned Larks and the Lapland Longspur I heard on Tuesday. In the Midwest, snow cover often pushed larks and longspurs out onto the road shoulders. No such luck today. Like Bob Fish, we also encountered several American Pipits. We also saw a beautiful Red Fox cross Hollis Lane going west. There were Killdeer flocks on virtually every patch of open ground we saw. Also the Swan flock along Meadowview Rd. (just west of Greenhill) seems to have grown by a couple hundred birds. We continued n. to Washburn Ln. We saw one of the three Short-eared Owls that has been seen here recently and also had a Rough-legged Hawk. There were several Kestrals, N. Harriers and a White-tailed Kite hunting this area as well. Dave Irons Eugene, OR From dan at heyerly.com Thu Jan 11 15:00:22 2007 From: dan at heyerly.com (Dan Heyerly) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:00:22 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lane co. strange black-headed gull Message-ID: <000601c735d4$45febdd0$6400a8c0@Dan> Obolinks, This morning, at approximately 1130am I was looking at a property on Oakdale Dr. in the Gateway area of Springfield (just east of I-5 and approximately halfway between Belt Line Rd. and Harlow Rd.) and a very funny looking large adult gull flew north. It was loosely associating with a few other gulls that looked like they were headed north toward the businesses that are close to the Beltline Rd. interchange with Gateway Blvd. itself. It had a black head, very light grey mantle, white under-wing and belly, and under-tail, etc., and also small white "windows" on small black wingtips (from above). I could get no details on the bill, eye, or any other things such as feet or leg color. I immediately thought Franklin's Gull, but it seemed too large. It was trying to snow and I was in the middle of an inspection so I couldn't jump in the car and chase it. I didn't finish for another hour and by then I figured it would be useless to give chase. I am posting this so others may keep an eye out for it. Dan Heyerly Eugene (although the bird was seen in Springfield) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070111/bf535aaa/attachment.htm From birder at iinet.com Thu Jan 11 16:56:25 2007 From: birder at iinet.com (Sherry Hagen) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:56:25 -0800 Subject: [obol] Mt. Everest birds Message-ID: <018801c735e4$7c827ad0$6601a8c0@sherry9s6no3t0> Thanks for everyone who responded. The information helps alot. I will watch the shows a little closer next time and see if the bills show red or yellow at all. Red-billed or Yellow-billed Chough Sherry Hagen Vancouver, WA birder at iinet.com >>>>While watching the recent 6 week program about a May 2006 group climb of Mt. Everest, I noticed these small-medium sized "black" birds in the background. On a website they mention "Chingmas" that have learned to hang around the climbers getting scraps on Mt. Everest and a game bird "Chombo" that is in the area. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070111/b3ad8199/attachment.htm From joel.geier at peak.org Thu Jan 11 17:28:11 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:28:11 -0800 Subject: [obol] Finally, dowitchers explained! Message-ID: <1168565291.5397.51.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hi folks, If you find Long-billed vs. Short-billed Dowitchers puzzling, go to: http://www.rwmorse.com/birdsofwillamette/index.html and click on the "Just for Fun" link. Not that this will clear up any serious ID questions, but it's fun as promised. Cheers, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From gnorgren at earthlink.net Thu Jan 11 17:59:13 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:59:13 -0800 Subject: [obol] "Oregon" Birds In-Reply-To: <003501c735bf$0bddf630$6401a8c0@hometqewlggb8m> References: <003501c735bf$0bddf630$6401a8c0@hometqewlggb8m> Message-ID: <0cf9fdbba614563a8651888456c6c7a8@earthlink.net> He probably meant Varied Thrush. I have heard them called Alaska robin, Alpine Robin, and Timber Thrush. Lars Norgren On Jan 11, 2007, at 12:28 PM, Tamara wrote: > My husband's father used to get excited about the occasional (rare) > winter?when the "Arctic Robins" would show up in?Springfield. He's now > passed, so?I can't get any more information on what he was likely > referring to. Anyone?have some guesses? > ? > --Tamara > Klamath Falls_______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From bouchdon at peak.org Thu Jan 11 19:45:04 2007 From: bouchdon at peak.org (Don Boucher) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:45:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] Nashville still in Corvallis Message-ID: <004501c735fc$10bf1f20$eefdd7cd@Donny> Hello, 1/11/07 The Nashville Warbler showed up again today (last seen on 1/2). It came to the courtyard of my workplace, the Gazette-Times building. 600 NW Jefferson Ave., Corvallis. This courtyard is inaccessible to the public but it doesn't spend much time there. Look for her in the neighborhood and possibly Central Park. She likes the blossoms of the Strawberry Tree bushes in the Gazette-Times landscaping. I had previously stated that it was a female but I upon further reference checking, I'm not so certain. Don Boucher Corvallis, OR www.Neighborhood-Naturalist.com (check this web site for photos of this Nashville Warbler) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070111/4415ca0a/attachment.htm From areid at peak.org Thu Jan 11 21:10:21 2007 From: areid at peak.org (Alan Reid) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:10:21 -0800 Subject: [obol] E-mail address change Message-ID: <000a01c73607$f5fc1d80$0300a8c0@ReidDesktop> My e-mail address will now be areid at peak.org This is supposed to cure the problem I've had with bounced messages. Alan Reid areid at peak.org 2 miles below Leaburg on the McKenzie Hwy. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070111/f4e9859f/attachment.htm From willclemons at yahoo.com Thu Jan 11 21:11:48 2007 From: willclemons at yahoo.com (Bill Clemons) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:11:48 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] RFI: Sedge Wren - has it been seen since Monday Message-ID: <265921.49220.qm@web55101.mail.re4.yahoo.com> The most recent Sedge Wren post on OBOL reported a Sedge Wren sighting on Monday January 8th by Grier/Arendt/Larsen. 1- Has anyone out there seen it since? 2- Is it a fair/reasonable assumption that a Wren in this habitat will hang around for a while longer? I thought I might slip on down the valley this weekend. Thanks, Bill Clemons SW of Portland in Mtn Park willclemons at yahoo dot com ____________________________________________________________________________________ We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/265 From Jadybrwn at aol.com Thu Jan 11 21:12:41 2007 From: Jadybrwn at aol.com (Jadybrwn at aol.com) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:12:41 EST Subject: [obol] No late sighting of Summer Tanager Message-ID: I talked to Jim Jacobson on phone tonight and Milton Decker also today and many good eye's out looking over last few days and no one has seen it since 11:30 A.M. Sunday morning January 7 th. when I watched it with the Jacobson's from their house. Milton only saw it once at his house a day or two before that. Lots of birds at my and Jacobson's feeder but nothing but common birds. Dave Brown of Alvadore -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/6e5e38ca/attachment.htm From rbayer at orednet.org Thu Jan 11 21:17:35 2007 From: rbayer at orednet.org (Range Bayer) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:17:35 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Offtopic: Oregon Coast Snow & Comet McNaught Tonight Message-ID: Hi, It was very surprising to see the snow on the ground in Newport this morning (Jan. 11). Many people, including myself, went out of our way to walk through it to see and hear what it felt like. To end the day, we were treated by a clear sky and a view of Comet McNaught in the westsouthwest at about 5:20-5:35 PM. I roughly estimate the Comet to have been about 5-10 degrees above the horizon. It was below and to the north of Venus (the bright "star" in the southwestern sky, maybe 20-30 degrees above the horizon). Comet McNaught was so bright that it showed up still in the yellowish twilight--Venus showed up better because it was in the dark blue darkening sky. I only remember Comet Hale-Bopp as only showing up well against a black sky long after sunset. Some accounts (Google "Comet McNaught") say that Comet McNaught might be the brightest in several decades--showing up in the afterglow is evidence, though one has to recognize that something has to be really bright to do so. Unfortunately, tomorrow night (Jan. 12) is probably the last chance that we will have a chance to see it here. If there are no clouds and if you have a good view of the ocean, try around 5:15-5:35. It is supposed to be even lower in the sky (see below)--it will look like an intense light with a tail trailing up. (Sunset at Newport is 4:58 pm tomorrow night and Sky and Telescope recommends 20-40 minutes after sunset.) http://skytonight.com/observing/home/5133461.html Catch Comet McNaught Now! http://skytonight.com/observing/home/5089276.html January's Surprise Comet Cheers, Range Bayer, Newport From cantore at lanecc.edu Thu Jan 11 23:18:32 2007 From: cantore at lanecc.edu (Ellen Cantor) Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:18:32 -0800 Subject: [obol] Skinners Butte after snow Message-ID: <45A6C5C8020000F40001BA59@mailhost.lanecc.edu> Hiked up on Skinner's Butte in Eugene this afternoon just after the snow. 2 CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES feeding on what looked like buds on brush on the south-facing side of the butte, and 7 VARIED THRUSHES feeding in the leaf litter under the tree canopy on the north facing side. 2 more VARIED THRUSHES by the river behind the butte. BEWICK'S WREN in my yard in west Eugene and a male TOWNSENDS WARBLER. Also a very healthy looking Western Grey Squirrel at the base of the butte on the south facing side. From conserve at tidelink.net Fri Jan 12 06:18:29 2007 From: conserve at tidelink.net (Conservation For The Oregon Coast) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:18:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] Mysterious bird deaths... Message-ID: <45A798B5.3080703@tidelink.net> Morning all... Wondering if any of you had any speculation on this issue: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/01/12/australia.birds.ap/index.html This is the second strange bird death story I have heard this week, the other being in Austin, TX. Things like this always concern me. Since numerous species are involved it evidently is dangerous to many birds. If anyone has heard about the Austin test results I would be grateful to hear about that. Thanks! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend... Jason in Charleston -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: conserve.vcf Type: text/x-vcard Size: 387 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/f71225dd/attachment.vcf From badkitty at studkitty.com Fri Jan 12 08:18:29 2007 From: badkitty at studkitty.com (Jacqui Parker) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 08:18:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] obol: Found this article... Message-ID: <45A7B4D5.3080707@studkitty.com> SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Wildlife authorities investigating why thousands of birds fell from the sky over a town in remote southwestern Australia have ruled out infectious diseases but are no closer to figuring out what killed them, a state official said Friday. Around 5,000 birds have been found dead in Esperance, Western Australia, since mid-December, according to Nigel Higgs, spokesman for the state's Department of Environment and Conservation. The birds were mostly nectar- and insect-eating species, although some seagulls also have been found, Higgs said in a telephone interview from his office in the Western Australia capital, Perth. Pathologists at the Western Australia Department of Agriculture examined several of the carcasses, and have ruled out the virulent H5N1 bird flu virus and other infectious diseases. "It may be an environmental toxin. It may be an agricultural or industrial toxin. We just can't be specific," Higgs said. Further tests were being done on the dead birds, and Higgs said that it would be at least another week before pathologists have any more information on the mysterious deaths. Meanwhile, the reports of dead birds were waning, he said. Michelle Crisp was one of the first residents of Esperance to report the dead birds. She told The Australian newspaper earlier this week that she normally had hundreds of birds on her property, but she and a neighbor had counted 80 dead birds in one day. "It went to the point where we had nothing, not a bird," she was quoted as saying. "It was like a moonscape, just horrible." Earlier this week, authorities discovered 63 dead birds in a section of downtown Austin, Texas, and temporarily shut down the area. Officials are awaiting lab results to determine the cause of the deaths. Copyright 2007 The Associated Press -- Jacqui Parker Portland, OREGON cell: 503.841.1513 ........... I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974), Interview 1974 From birdmandon at clearwire.net Fri Jan 12 09:25:18 2007 From: birdmandon at clearwire.net (Schrouder Don) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:25:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] Brrrr-Sex in the snow? Message-ID: At 8:30 am this morning while sitting in my front room chair reading the paper and sipping tea, my resident Anna's Hummer was joined by the male at the feeder just outside the window. They proceeded to go beak to beak around and around, up and down a few feet above the ground until the male got above the female on her back at which point they fluttered to the snow covered ground to complete their negotiations. They then departed their separate ways but only after agreeing to remain just good friends-with-benefits. The male flew up into the tree outside the window, facing me in the morning sun and spread his tail and wings while preening for several minutes. He looked as fat and happy as that picture of the 20 lb. cat in this mornings Register-Guard! What better way to start a beautiful winter morning with the clear blue cold sunny skies and nature at her best! Don Schrouder Eugene, Lane Co. birdmandon at clearwire.net From davect at bendnet.com Fri Jan 12 09:52:32 2007 From: davect at bendnet.com (david tracy) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:52:32 -0800 Subject: [obol] Costa's Hummingburrrrrd update Message-ID: <06FD1E0C-138C-4974-909F-6CE8B903116D@bendnet.com> The female Costa's Hummingbird we've been hosting this winter made a very puffed-up appearance this morning at 8:20. The temperature outside was 1 above (F), up 1 degree from the overnight low. There was also a fair breeze out of the north last night. Similar temps expected tonight, with highs in the teens to low twenties. Dave david tracy Bend, OR davect at bendnet.com From dan at heyerly.com Fri Jan 12 10:08:16 2007 From: dan at heyerly.com (Dan Heyerly) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 10:08:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] australia bird deaths link Message-ID: <000001c73674$a222bbc0$6400a8c0@Dan> I appreciate Jaqui Parker's pasting the Australia story and posting to obol, but . . . if you actually go to the link there is a nice photo of a Silver Gull with the story. At least there was a photo of a Silver Gull on the page when I looked. The writer however called it a seagull. Mary Anne would also call it a seagull . . . wouldn't she? Dan Heyerly, Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/339cd219/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Fri Jan 12 10:15:40 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 10:15:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] Possible Eugene BH Grosbeak Message-ID: <004d01c73675$ac2221a0$80fbd7cd@Warbler> Got an indirect report of a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK seen in the Eugene area this morning. I don't know where or the person's name who saw it (came from a relative of a birding friend here in GP). Hummer feeders frozen here after dawn (were OK pre-dawn). Busy rotating un-frozen ones with them. Saw at least 3 different Anna's Hummers so far this morning. Dennis (north of Grants Pass) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/7218d971/attachment.htm From jdanielfarrar at gmail.com Fri Jan 12 10:25:35 2007 From: jdanielfarrar at gmail.com (Daniel Farrar) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 10:25:35 -0800 Subject: [obol] More Eugene Black Phoebes Message-ID: <2b1bbd260701121025i759dcb74r603f8d0520416df5@mail.gmail.com> Obol, You know a species is spreading when you find an individual in the parking lot of Home Depot in Eugene, or maybe not, but that is exactly what happened to me this AM. I was walking up to the coffee shop at Home Depot around 9:30 when I heard a Black Phoebe chip. There were no swamps around the concrete lot,so I ruled out Swamp Sparrow. Then from of one of the little parking lot trees the Phoebe flew out from its perch and landed on the roof top for my viewing pleasure. Neat sighting. This species has become annual in Lane in the last five years, with the last two being particularly good. Interestingly, Delta Ponds are essentially across the freeway (a Black Phoebe was found on the CBC there) and riparian is close by. Maybe they're already breeding here... -- Daniel Farrar Eugene, Oregon jdanielfarrar at gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/da4be3c8/attachment.htm From jeffgill at teleport.com Fri Jan 12 10:44:02 2007 From: jeffgill at teleport.com (Jeff Gilligan) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 10:44:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ivory-billed Woodpecker "information" In-Reply-To: <5232854749CF42409252DEA811C09FF169829B@dlee10.ent.ti.com> Message-ID: The following was sent to me by an friend who lives out of state. I deleted his identity since his comments are a bit acerbic, Jeff Gilligan To: Jeff Gilligan Conversation: More rampant stringing Subject: More rampant stringing http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/departments/biology/facult y/webpages/hill/ivorybill/Updates.html The SEC may be good at football but not at birding. I love the fact that the camera was alledgedly focusing just before the bird took off. Still I hope these guys prove me wrong. ------ End of Forwarded Message -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/9e8279a5/attachment.htm From hrndlark at juno.com Fri Jan 12 11:10:04 2007 From: hrndlark at juno.com (Mary Anne Sohlstrom) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:10:04 GMT Subject: [obol] About Gulls... (was: australia bird deaths link) Message-ID: <20070112.111047.26645.1903394@webmail39.lax.untd.com> An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: not available Url: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/a8c61e89/attachment.diff -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/a8c61e89/attachment.htm From BStitesPDX at aol.com Fri Jan 12 11:31:19 2007 From: BStitesPDX at aol.com (BStitesPDX at aol.com) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:31:19 EST Subject: [obol] Mult. County say's Phoebe Message-ID: OBOL: This morning it was below freezing and sunny, but a SAY'S PHOEBE appeared to be flycatching in Troutdale near Sundial Marina. The bird was located on the south side of the dike near the 15 mph sign. There are several metal transmission poles and a small frozen lake over which the bird was flycatching. An American Kestrel made one pass at the bird while I was observing, but fortunately missed! Regards, Bob Stites-Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/048a0c9a/attachment.htm From kosciuch at gmail.com Fri Jan 12 11:32:33 2007 From: kosciuch at gmail.com (Karl Kosciuch) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 11:32:33 -0800 Subject: [obol] comments from non-university ivory bill searchers in FL Message-ID: Hi all, Just thought I'd cross reference you to a post by a Kansas birder and photographer who joined two outstanding photographers (and birders, too) for two weeks in the Florida panhandle to search for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. You have a rare opportunity to read the comments from an experienced birder not associated with Auburn or Cornell. In summary, they searched the area near Auburn's study site (not on Auburn's study site), but did not observe any ivory bills. We see comments from people doubting the validity of the sightings, but seldom see comments from folks that went out and looked for themselves. http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/KANS.html#1168439716 Cheers and enjoy the sun. Karl Kosciuch -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/3f137651/attachment.htm From tc at empnet.com Fri Jan 12 11:31:46 2007 From: tc at empnet.com (Tom Crabtree) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 11:31:46 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ivory-billed Woodpecker "information" In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20070112193344.0B92D150452@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> Acerbic comments aside, having just read everything that is posted on the Auburn website, this is an awfully encouraging series of reports with pretty compelling sight records. Having just returned from vacation with a memory stick of photos that are in perfect focus of some foliage in the foreground and a very blurry bird behind, I can empathize with the unfocused shots that "auto focus" lenses can provide. I am guessing that some of the longer lenses have greater "sweet spots" for focusing on something in the middle where this is less of a problem. Owen, my photo-technical guru, please feel free to weigh in on this topic. Tom Crabtree Balmy (14 degree) Bend _____ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Jeff Gilligan Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 10:44 AM To: OBOL Subject: [obol] Ivory-billed Woodpecker "information" The following was sent to me by an friend who lives out of state. I deleted his identity since his comments are a bit acerbic, Jeff Gilligan To: Jeff Gilligan Conversation: More rampant stringing Subject: More rampant stringing http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/departments/biology/facult y/webpages/hill/ivorybill/Updates.html The SEC may be good at football but not at birding. I love the fact that the camera was alledgedly focusing just before the bird took off. Still I hope these guys prove me wrong. ------ End of Forwarded Message -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/9a53e3a8/attachment.htm From oschmidt at att.net Fri Jan 12 12:01:14 2007 From: oschmidt at att.net (Owen Schmidt) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:01:14 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ivory-billed photo failure In-Reply-To: <20070112193344.0B92D150452@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> References: <20070112193344.0B92D150452@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> Message-ID: <96771B93-1409-4D2A-B7A3-01D28D49E559@att.net> The general rule is that autofocus is faster and more accurate than manual focus, and that explains why every camera model on the store shelves has it. There are times, though, when autofocus defeats us. When manual focus works better. Such as when we are shooting through a fence, or through vegetation, etc. That explains why high-end equipment has manual focus as an option or an override. There are scarce details as to why autofocus didn't work in this instance. It's said that the SLR "focused instead of taking photos during the couple of seconds the bird was in front of him" -- which I suppose means that while the camera was autofocusing the shutter was locked out. The "SLR" apparently is set to focus first, then shoot. That's not a good setup for that particular application. The most successful "photo" to date that I know of is from that video, where the camera was turned on and constantly running. No start-up lag, no waiting for the camera to focus. The take-away lesson, perhaps, is that this was not a Kodak moment. More like a Canon or Nikon moment, set to high ISO and infinity focus, camera always on. Carry extra batteries. Twirl and shoot ........... oschmidt at att.net Friday, January 12, 2007 On Jan 12, 2007, at 11:31 AM, Tom Crabtree wrote: > Acerbic comments aside, having just read everything that is posted > on the Auburn website, this is an awfully encouraging series of > reports with pretty compelling sight records. Having just returned > from vacation with a memory stick of photos that are in perfect > focus of some foliage in the foreground and a very blurry bird > behind, I can empathize with the unfocused shots that ?auto focus? > lenses can provide. I am guessing that some of the longer lenses > have greater ?sweet spots? for focusing on something in the middle > where this is less of a problem. Owen, my photo-technical guru, > please feel free to weigh in on this topic. > > > > Tom Crabtree > > Balmy (14 degree) Bend > > > > From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol- > bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Jeff Gilligan > Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 10:44 AM > To: OBOL > Subject: [obol] Ivory-billed Woodpecker "information" > > > > > The following was sent to me by an friend who lives out of state. > I deleted his identity since his comments are a bit acerbic, > > Jeff Gilligan > > > > > To: Jeff Gilligan > Conversation: More rampant stringing > Subject: More rampant stringing > > http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/departments/ > biology/faculty/webpages/hill/ivorybill/Updates.html > > The SEC may be good at football but not at birding. I love the fact > that the camera was alledgedly focusing just before the bird took > off. Still I hope these guys prove me wrong. > > > > ------ End of Forwarded Message > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/2f4d505a/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Fri Jan 12 12:12:58 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:12:58 -0800 Subject: [obol] auto focus cameras References: <20070112193344.0B92D150452@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> <96771B93-1409-4D2A-B7A3-01D28D49E559@att.net> Message-ID: <001501c73686$1051c3a0$eff8d7cd@Warbler> Having a Kodak digital camera (not one of the professional ones), I can say that even it doesn't obtain the "Kodak moments" with all photos either. It's an auto focus and trying to get it to focus on that little bird in back of and surrounded by dominate foreground vegetation is pretty tough to accomplish. Any suggestions on this Owen? ...other than a better camera that is. Dennis The general rule is that autofocus is faster and more accurate than manual focus, and that explains why every camera model on the store shelves has it. There are times, though, when autofocus defeats us. When manual focus works better. Such as when we are shooting through a fence, or through vegetation, etc. That explains why high-end equipment has manual focus as an option or an override. There are scarce details as to why autofocus didn't work in this instance. It's said that the SLR "focused instead of taking photos during the couple of seconds the bird was in front of him" -- which I suppose means that while the camera was autofocusing the shutter was locked out. The "SLR" apparently is set to focus first, then shoot. That's not a good setup for that particular application. The most successful "photo" to date that I know of is from that video, where the camera was turned on and constantly running. No start-up lag, no waiting for the camera to focus. The take-away lesson, perhaps, is that this was not a Kodak moment. More like a Canon or Nikon moment, set to high ISO and infinity focus, camera always on. Carry extra batteries. Twirl and shoot ........... oschmidt at att.net Friday, January 12, 2007 On Jan 12, 2007, at 11:31 AM, Tom Crabtree wrote: Acerbic comments aside, having just read everything that is posted on the Auburn website, this is an awfully encouraging series of reports with pretty compelling sight records. Having just returned from vacation with a memory stick of photos that are in perfect focus of some foliage in the foreground and a very blurry bird behind, I can empathize with the unfocused shots that ?auto focus? lenses can provide. I am guessing that some of the longer lenses have greater ?sweet spots? for focusing on something in the middle where this is less of a problem. Owen, my photo-technical guru, please feel free to weigh in on this topic. Tom Crabtree Balmy (14 degree) Bend ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Jeff Gilligan Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 10:44 AM To: OBOL Subject: [obol] Ivory-billed Woodpecker "information" The following was sent to me by an friend who lives out of state. I deleted his identity since his comments are a bit acerbic, Jeff Gilligan To: Jeff Gilligan Conversation: More rampant stringing Subject: More rampant stringing http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/departments/biology/faculty/webpages/hill/ivorybill/Updates.html The SEC may be good at football but not at birding. I love the fact that the camera was alledgedly focusing just before the bird took off. Still I hope these guys prove me wrong. ------ End of Forwarded Message _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/0f01f55b/attachment.htm From oschmidt at att.net Fri Jan 12 12:32:34 2007 From: oschmidt at att.net (Owen Schmidt) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:32:34 -0800 Subject: [obol] auto focus cameras In-Reply-To: <001501c73686$1051c3a0$eff8d7cd@Warbler> References: <20070112193344.0B92D150452@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> <96771B93-1409-4D2A-B7A3-01D28D49E559@att.net> <001501c73686$1051c3a0$eff8d7cd@Warbler> Message-ID: To maximize your chances in a situation like this .......... depending on what equipment you have and what the light conditions are .......... I might suggest you'd start by turning off autofocus and manually setting the focus to infinity. Then set a high ISO and set your camera to aperture priority, f8 or higher. Leave your camera on (if it has a "sleep" mode that's still faster than turning it on). Then twirl and shoot ....... No doubt there have to be compromises because of weight and cost, which may explain their troubles. Your shirt-pocket digital point- and-shoot isn't going to be ready for a shot for a couple of seconds. But they were carrying an "SLR" which probably means a "DSLR" -- digital single lens reflex. There's nothing wrong with Kodak cameras (that I know of). It's just that they were apparently not set up for a maximum chance at success in a twirl-and-shoot situation ............. oschmidt at att.net Friday, January 12, 2007 On Jan 12, 2007, at 12:12 PM, Dennis P. Vroman wrote: > Having a Kodak digital camera (not one of the professional ones), I > can say that even it doesn't obtain the "Kodak moments" with all > photos either. It's an auto focus and trying to get it to focus on > that little bird in back of and surrounded by dominate foreground > vegetation is pretty tough to accomplish. > > Any suggestions on this Owen? ...other than a better camera that is. > > Dennis -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/794f9e67/attachment.htm From fschrock at macnet.com Fri Jan 12 13:04:29 2007 From: fschrock at macnet.com (Floyd Schrock) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:04:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] auto focus cameras References: <20070112193344.0B92D150452@smtp4.oregonstate.edu><96771B93-1409-4D2A-B7A3-01D28D49E559@att.net><001501c73686$1051c3a0$eff8d7cd@Warbler> Message-ID: <006b01c7368d$3fda53b0$0b01a8c0@desktop> Another suggestion: Your "point-and-shoot" digital camera probably first focuses on the object in the center of the viewfinder, before it goes on to capture the image. In many simple cameras this focusing will happen when you depress the shutter button only halfway, but the capture will not happen until you depress the button completely. So... (if the bird is staying in one place long enough) focus on another (large, solid) object at the same distance as the bird by depressing the button halfway, then (while holding that locked-in focus by not releasing or depressing the button further) swing back to the bird and press the button down the rest of the way to capture the image. Worth a try, maybe? ===================== Floyd Schrock McMinnville, Oregon USA fschrock at macnet.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Owen Schmidt To: OBOL Cc: Dennis P. Vroman Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 12:32 PM Subject: Re: [obol] auto focus cameras To maximize your chances in a situation like this .......... depending on what equipment you have and what the light conditions are .......... I might suggest you'd start by turning off autofocus and manually setting the focus to infinity. Then set a high ISO and set your camera to aperture priority, f8 or higher. Leave your camera on (if it has a "sleep" mode that's still faster than turning it on). Then twirl and shoot ....... No doubt there have to be compromises because of weight and cost, which may explain their troubles. Your shirt-pocket digital point-and-shoot isn't going to be ready for a shot for a couple of seconds. But they were carrying an "SLR" which probably means a "DSLR" -- digital single lens reflex. There's nothing wrong with Kodak cameras (that I know of). It's just that they were apparently not set up for a maximum chance at success in a twirl-and-shoot situation ............. oschmidt at att.net Friday, January 12, 2007 On Jan 12, 2007, at 12:12 PM, Dennis P. Vroman wrote: Having a Kodak digital camera (not one of the professional ones), I can say that even it doesn't obtain the "Kodak moments" with all photos either. It's an auto focus and trying to get it to focus on that little bird in back of and surrounded by dominate foreground vegetation is pretty tough to accomplish. Any suggestions on this Owen? ...other than a better camera that is. Dennis ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From lcottrell at fmtcblue.com Fri Jan 12 13:43:08 2007 From: lcottrell at fmtcblue.com (Larry Cottrell) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:43:08 -0700 Subject: [obol] Ivory billed Message-ID: <000a01c73692$aec30510$f2de2946@usermj5tjr71vq> What was in the link to info on Ivory billed woodpeckers? The link was "unavailable" and then I could not close it. I had to close everything and restart my computer. We are not on dial-up so it wasn't telephone problems. Did anyone else have that or similar problem? Karen -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/15916d81/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Fri Jan 12 13:50:54 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:50:54 -0800 Subject: [obol] auto focus cameras References: <20070112193344.0B92D150452@smtp4.oregonstate.edu><96771B93-1409-4D2A-B7A3-01D28D49E559@att.net><001501c73686$1051c3a0$eff8d7cd@Warbler> <006b01c7368d$3fda53b0$0b01a8c0@desktop> Message-ID: <000901c73693$be06d640$8cfad7cd@Warbler> Have used this method and it sometimes will work if the light on the subject(s) is the same, otherwise what you wish to have a photo of might be either too light or dark. Dennis > Another suggestion: Your "point-and-shoot" digital camera probably first > focuses on the object in the center of the viewfinder, before it goes on > to > capture the image. In many simple cameras this focusing will happen when > you depress the shutter button only halfway, but the capture will not > happen > until you depress the button completely. So... (if the bird is staying in > one place long enough) focus on another (large, solid) object at the same > distance as the bird by depressing the button halfway, then (while holding > that locked-in focus by not releasing or depressing the button further) > swing back to the bird and press the button down the rest of the way to > capture the image. > > Worth a try, maybe? > > ===================== > Floyd Schrock > McMinnville, Oregon USA > fschrock at macnet.com > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Owen Schmidt > To: OBOL > Cc: Dennis P. Vroman > Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 12:32 PM > Subject: Re: [obol] auto focus cameras > > > > > To maximize your chances in a situation like this .......... depending > on > what equipment you have and what the light conditions are .......... I > might > suggest you'd start by turning off autofocus and manually setting the > focus > to infinity. Then set a high ISO and set your camera to aperture > priority, > f8 or higher. Leave your camera on (if it has a "sleep" mode that's still > faster than turning it on). Then twirl and shoot ....... > > > No doubt there have to be compromises because of weight and cost, which > may explain their troubles. Your shirt-pocket digital point-and-shoot > isn't > going to be ready for a shot for a couple of seconds. But they were > carrying an "SLR" which probably means a "DSLR" -- digital single lens > reflex. There's nothing wrong with Kodak cameras (that I know of). It's > just that they were apparently not set up for a maximum chance at success > in > a twirl-and-shoot situation ............. > > > oschmidt at att.net > Friday, January 12, 2007 > > > > > > > > > > > On Jan 12, 2007, at 12:12 PM, Dennis P. Vroman wrote: > > > Having a Kodak digital camera (not one of the professional ones), I can > say that even it doesn't obtain the "Kodak moments" with all photos > either. > It's an auto focus and trying to get it to focus on that little bird in > back > of and surrounded by dominate foreground vegetation is pretty tough to > accomplish. > > Any suggestions on this Owen? ...other than a better camera that is. > > Dennis > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From areid at peak.org Fri Jan 12 14:26:36 2007 From: areid at peak.org (Alan Reid) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:26:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] Rugy-crowned Kinglet Message-ID: <010101c73698$b916da40$0300a8c0@ReidDesktop> I just had a female RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET briefly about 4 ft. from my eyes! Alan Reid areid at peak.org 2 miles below Leaburg on the McKenzie Hwy. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/b94d0dcb/attachment.htm From PAULSHERRELL at msn.com Fri Jan 12 14:27:52 2007 From: PAULSHERRELL at msn.com (PAUL SHERRELL) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:27:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lane County birds Message-ID: At approximately 2 pm today there was an OSPREY over the "Old Radio Station Pond" in Alton Baker Park (Eugene). A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was perched in a nearby deciduous tree. Paul -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/63dfdf70/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Fri Jan 12 15:05:57 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:05:57 -0800 Subject: [obol] Rugy-crowned Kinglet References: <010101c73698$b916da40$0300a8c0@ReidDesktop> Message-ID: <001a01c7369e$391e53d0$89f8d7cd@Warbler> This species can sometimes appear to be unafraid of humans. Not long ago (last year) I was within a few feet of one in a Grants Pass shopping center that was mostly pavement and buildings. It was foraging in a planted rose bush just in front of my truck in a narrow dirt strip. I noticed it when I parked. I watched it forage for a minute or so from the front of my truck. Dennis (north of Grants Pass) I just had a female RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET briefly about 4 ft. from my eyes! Alan Reid areid at peak.org 2 miles below Leaburg on the McKenzie Hwy. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/c60ad6eb/attachment.htm From celata at pacifier.com Fri Jan 12 15:07:20 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:07:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Astoria in the snow - 1/12/2007 Message-ID: <45A81474.BBF3B261@pacifier.com> I took a very long walk today that began at my house and included a stop at Bucky Barnett's feeder, the Astoria Waterfront from about 8th street, east all the way to the Astoria Sewage Ponds and Alderbrook. There are places in Alderbrook that still have about 6 inches of snow on the ground. Getting around by vehicle is still pretty dicey off the main roads. At least 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER is still coming to Bucky's hummingbird feeder. Also saw a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER and an ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD. A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, presumably the same bird seen last week, was sitting on a piling in the tidal lagoon just east of the Astoria Sewage Ponds. Birds seen (in taxonomic order): Canada Goose 6 Cackling Goose 35 Mallard Northern Shoveler Green-Winged Teal Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Surf Scoter 8 Bufflehead Common Merganser 6 Ruddy Duck Pied-billed Grebe 1 Horned Grebe 1 Western Grebe 3 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Pelagic Cormorant 9 Great Blue Heron 3 Bald Eagle 4 Northern Harrier 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 [1] American Coot Killdeer 5 Spotted Sandpiper 1 Mew Gull Herring Gull 1 Western Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Anna's Hummingbird 2 [2] Belted Kingfisher 1 Northern Flicker 3 Steller's Jay Western Scrub-Jay American Crow Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bushtit Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 American Robin Varied Thrush European Starling Orange-crowned Warbler 1 [3] Townsend's Warbler 1 Spotted Towhee 2 Fox Sparrow Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow 12 [4] Golden-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco House Finch 4 Red Crossbill 16 Pine Siskin 2 American Goldfinch 8 House Sparrow Footnotes: [1] Near Astoria Sewage Treatment, presumably the same bird seen last week. [2] One at Bucky Barnett's; one at Alderbrook feeder. [3] Coming to Bucky Barnett's hummingbird feeder [4] Single flock at Maritime museum; no obvious feeder around. Total number of species seen: 56 -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From n7ts at comcast.net Fri Jan 12 16:11:58 2007 From: n7ts at comcast.net (Timothy Sellers) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:11:58 -0800 Subject: [obol] Glandstone Barred Owl Message-ID: <000b01c736a7$7363d7f0$9ffa1518@TIMXP> My neighbors 12 year old son came by this afternoon with some digital pics he took last night of an owl in their backyard. Nice Barred Owl outside the kitchen window in an ash tree next to a small wet land. Good bird for Clackamas County. But in Gladstone?? Tim Sellers Gladstone -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/6d9125b2/attachment.htm From mklittletree at comcast.net Fri Jan 12 16:16:33 2007 From: mklittletree at comcast.net (michel Kleinbaum) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:16:33 -0800 Subject: [obol] Fw: obol: Found this article... Message-ID: <006b01c736a8$15e12230$658fab43@michel1927> Thought I'd pass this on about dead birds. Michel Kleinbaum Salem ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Gochfeld" To: "michel Kleinbaum" Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 10:13 AM Subject: RE: [obol] obol: Found this article... Thanks for this. I had just heard about this episode and am glad to have these details. We have done a number of cases of tracking down dead birds. In one famous episode a farmer in the Hudson Valley, put out corn laced with the pesticide parathion to kill "blackbirds". He succeeded in killing over 1000, but the dead birds showed up in strange places and people reported it, and he got fined quite a bit. But most of the time you don't track down a cause. We hope you are allwell and tolerating the cold wet weather. We have had a very very warm December and January, with temperature in the 50s often, 60soccasionally and 70s once. We did see a few snowflakes yesterday, but nothing stuck. BEST TO ALL OF YOU MIKE -----Original Message----- From: michel Kleinbaum [mailto:mklittletree at comcast.net] Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 1:08 PM To: Michael Gochfeld Subject: Fw: [obol] obol: Found this article... Hope you are well. Blue skies here for a change but freezing Michel ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jacqui Parker" <> To: Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 8:18 AM Subject: [obol] obol: Found this article... > SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Wildlife authorities investigating why > thousands of birds fell from the sky over a town in remote southwestern > Australia have ruled out infectious diseases but are no closer to > figuring out what killed them, a state official said Friday. > > Around 5,000 birds have been found dead in Esperance, Western Australia, > since mid-December, according to Nigel Higgs, spokesman for the state's > Department of Environment and Conservation. > > The birds were mostly nectar- and insect-eating species, although some > seagulls also have been found, Higgs said in a telephone interview from > his office in the Western Australia capital, Perth. > > Pathologists at the Western Australia Department of Agriculture examined > several of the carcasses, and have ruled out the virulent H5N1 bird flu > virus and other infectious diseases. > > "It may be an environmental toxin. It may be an agricultural or > industrial toxin. We just can't be specific," Higgs said. > > Further tests were being done on the dead birds, and Higgs said that it > would be at least another week before pathologists have any more > information on the mysterious deaths. Meanwhile, the reports of dead > birds were waning, he said. > > Michelle Crisp was one of the first residents of Esperance to report the > dead birds. > > She told The Australian newspaper earlier this week that she normally > had hundreds of birds on her property, but she and a neighbor had > counted 80 dead birds in one day. > > "It went to the point where we had nothing, not a bird," she was quoted > as saying. "It was like a moonscape, just horrible." > > Earlier this week, authorities discovered 63 dead birds in a section of > downtown Austin, Texas, and temporarily shut down the area. Officials > are awaiting lab results to determine the cause of the deaths. > > Copyright 2007 The Associated Press > > -- > Jacqui Parker > Portland, OREGON > cell: 503.841.1513 > > ........... > I realized that If I had to choose, > I would rather have birds than airplanes > Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974), Interview 1974 > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From winkg at hevanet.com Fri Jan 12 17:02:57 2007 From: winkg at hevanet.com (Wink Gross) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:02:57 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sauvie Island, 1/12/07 Message-ID: <20070113010256.EE61F15076B@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> Beautiful out at Sauvie Island today. Oak Island road was truly hawkful: MERLIN, 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, COOPER'S HAWK, KESTREL, BALD EAGLE, and an immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in addition to lots of RED-TAILED HAWKS and NORTHERN HARRIERS. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was at the end of Oak Is. Rd. I heard a second RED-SHOULDERED HAWK from Reeder Rd just north of the intersection with Oak Island Rd. Another ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was soaring just north of the Sturgeon Lake dike parking lot. A male REDHEAD was in the pond at the ODFW viewing platform. Lots of GOLDEN-CROWNED, SONG, FOX and LINCOLN'S SPARROWS at Rentenaar Rd, but I couldn't find anything unusual. The head and a bunch of feathers of a NORTHERN HARRIER was on the road. Wonder what got that? A second-of-the-day WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was up at the north end of Reeder Rd. Wink Gross Portland From birdboy at bkpix.com Fri Jan 12 17:46:28 2007 From: birdboy at bkpix.com (Noah Strycker) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:46:28 -0800 Subject: [obol] Photographing an Ivory-bill Message-ID: Hi all, Here was my strategy for photographing Ivory-bills while I was in Florida over the last couple weeks: Since Ivory-bill sightings are generally of flying birds, less than 5 seconds, and at a moderate distance through dense tree canopy (without leaves in winter), you have to be prepared for quick action. I carried the Canon 20D digital with 300mm lens around my neck at all times while walking, kayaking, or sitting in the swamp. Didn't add any extenders since the 300mm would provide plenty of magnification for an identifiable photo without being too much magnification to quickly locate the bird in the frame. The camera was always on with spare batteries in a pocket. I always used manual focus, preset to near infinity. It's best to shoot .RAW files which cannot be modified without saving to a different file format, thus undisputable. The best ISO setting was generally around 400 or 800 since low light levels in the forest required this for fast enough shutter speeds to capture a flying bird with just enough blur to show movement. Image stabilizer was turned off to decrease the slight delay it creates. Continuous shooting was enabled for 3 or 5 frames per second. Every Pileated Woodpecker I saw was a practice opportunity. Now, if I'd just have seen an Ivory-bill, I would have been set... But seriously, technical issues like this have been discussed, many, many times by the people in the field, who are focusing on it all day, every day. It eventually comes down to a lot of luck with an extremely elusive bird. I'll say again that I was very skeptical before going there and seeing the place for myself. It is patchy and parts of it look terrible, parts amazing, depending on where you end up in the area. But we really don't know what habitat types Ivory-bills use - in the literature they have been reported in cypress swamps, pine, and oak hammocks. We don't know their home range - estimates range up to 30 square miles in the nonbreeding season. We also don't know what cavity size they dig (all our knowledge is based on one or two cavities); the birds only measure about 1 inch longer than Pileated Woodpeckers, on average, so their cavities are probably very similar. I lived in the camp with Tyler Hicks, Geoff Hill, and the rest of the field crew, and now fully believe most of what gets reported. There were many occasions when I saw Pileateds fly by and wasn't able to get a photo, despite being ultra-ready: sometimes it's just not possible to react quickly enough. Other methods proposed include using infrared cameras to find roosting birds at night, using playback recordings of double knocks, walking a "skirmish line" toward stationary observers to flush the birds, and using helicopters to flush them above the forest canopy. Reconix remote cameras may capture a bird at a cavity, though the forest is full of good-looking holes, so it's a shot in the dark. For now, less invasive techniques are preferred, since there is enough time with enough organized observers to hope for a lucky break. Good birding, Noah Strycker From whoffman at peak.org Fri Jan 12 19:20:08 2007 From: whoffman at peak.org (Wayne Hoffman) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:20:08 -0800 Subject: [obol] Glaucous Gulls Message-ID: <009c01c736c1$bae92ca0$56341c40@D48XBZ51> This afternoon only about a dozen gulls were at the "gull spot" on the South Jetty, Yaquina Bay, but 2 were first-cycle Glaucous. Both were a bit darker than the whitest I have seen, and one had quite a bit of color on the underparts. The bills were pink with black tips. the margins between black and pink were fairly sharp but not completely vertical. neither was particularly big, and wingtips extended past the tails. I consider them likely female barrovianus (Alaskan subspecies), possibly with some Glaucous-winged Gull in their ancestry, but certainly not F1 hybrids. Wayne -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/565e1b3d/attachment.htm From 5hats at peak.org Fri Jan 12 19:23:41 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:23:41 -0800 Subject: [obol] About Gulls... (was: australia bird deaths link) References: <20070112.111047.26645.1903394@webmail39.lax.untd.com> Message-ID: <001201c736c2$4041d500$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Mary Anne, And just what, under the circumstances, were you doing at the South Beach overlook, binoculars in hand, at the Yaquina Bay CBC? Counting Sanderlings I suppose? Well, at least now we know who is responsible for all those "gull sp" numbers on the final tally. Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: Mary Anne Sohlstrom To: obol at lists.orst.edu Cc: dan at heyerly.com Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 11:10 AM Subject: [obol] About Gulls... (was: australia bird deaths link) Harumphhhhh (loud, throat clearing noise)....I'm sure we all have better things to do than take GULL related potshots at moi! After all...my new years resolution is to BURN the "Lump Larids" bumper sticker on my car and make SEAGULLS my best friends this year! (pre-April fools humor). On a BIRD note - the back yard at my office (in Tualatin) continues to produce surprises - I had a SLATE-COLORED JUNCO under the feeder earlier this morning. Cheers -- "Dan Heyerly" wrote: I appreciate Jaqui Parker's pasting the Australia story and posting to obol, but . . . if you actually go to the link there is a nice photo of a Silver Gull with the story. At least there was a photo of a Silver Gull on the page when I looked. The writer however called it a seagull. Mary Anne would also call it a seagull . . . wouldn't she? Dan Heyerly, Eugene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.7/620 - Release Date: 1/8/2007 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/fba34197/attachment.htm From badkitty at studkitty.com Fri Jan 12 19:24:08 2007 From: badkitty at studkitty.com (Jacqui Parker) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:24:08 -0800 Subject: [obol] [OBOL] "snow at the beach-pesky starlings In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <45A850D8.3060204@studkitty.com> Just curious - what are you doing w/ the "trapped" starlings? are U euthanizing these birds? Recently heard they are "good eatin". jacqui obol-request at lists.oregonstate.edu wrote: > > > The STARLINGS are already house hunting and my nice, roomy nest box TRAP > draws them in.I guess that lovely dry grass "nest" is a plus, "home"is > already ready for egg laying, or so they think. > > > Happy birding! > And don't forget to get your pest traps out and busy! > > Sheila from cold, wet and dreary Harbor Oregon. > > > -- Jacqui Parker Portland, OREGON cell: 503.841.1513 ........... I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974), Interview 1974 From 5hats at peak.org Fri Jan 12 19:36:28 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:36:28 -0800 Subject: [obol] comments from non-university ivory bill searchers in FL References: Message-ID: <003b01c736c4$06a8bc80$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> OBOL, Wow! I don't know how many of you read David Seibel's report, but his comments on the socio-economic factors involved with conservation of ( presumed ) Ivory-billed Woodpeckers were the most sensible and well-thought out ones I have read in respect to wildlife conservation for a very long time. While I do not agree with someone shooting one of the last of a diminishing species, being a private landowner myself, I can certainly understand the mentality behind such a choice, and David's comments in regard to such things merit serious consideration. Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: Karl Kosciuch To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 11:32 AM Subject: [obol] comments from non-university ivory bill searchers in FL Hi all, Just thought I'd cross reference you to a post by a Kansas birder and photographer who joined two outstanding photographers (and birders, too) for two weeks in the Florida panhandle to search for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. You have a rare opportunity to read the comments from an experienced birder not associated with Auburn or Cornell. In summary, they searched the area near Auburn's study site (not on Auburn's study site), but did not observe any ivory bills. We see comments from people doubting the validity of the sightings, but seldom see comments from folks that went out and looked for themselves. http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/KANS.html#1168439716 Cheers and enjoy the sun. Karl Kosciuch ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.7/620 - Release Date: 1/8/2007 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/d94921a0/attachment.htm From sjag1234 at msn.com Fri Jan 12 20:14:07 2007 From: sjag1234 at msn.com (STEVE JAGGERS) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 20:14:07 -0800 Subject: [obol] comments from non-university ivory bill searchers in FL References: <003b01c736c4$06a8bc80$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: Hi Folks, Good comments Darrel-I had a similar reaction to David Seibel's post... it is terribly easy to forget the potential financial and lifestyle impacts of something like discovering an "extinct" species in one's neighborhood. I too was alarmed a the idea of shooting the birds...and am very appreciative of the concept of allowing of the Ivory-Billed (and/or other species) continuing to coexist with other interests...hunting and fishing for example, if possible. Yep, he wrote well and wisely about the complicated issues here. Steve Jaggers ----- Original Message ----- From: Darrel Faxon To: Karl Kosciuch ; obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 7:36 PM Subject: Re: [obol] comments from non-university ivory bill searchers in FL OBOL, Wow! I don't know how many of you read David Seibel's report, but his comments on the socio-economic factors involved with conservation of ( presumed ) Ivory-billed Woodpeckers were the most sensible and well-thought out ones I have read in respect to wildlife conservation for a very long time. While I do not agree with someone shooting one of the last of a diminishing species, being a private landowner myself, I can certainly understand the mentality behind such a choice, and David's comments in regard to such things merit serious consideration. Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: Karl Kosciuch To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 11:32 AM Subject: [obol] comments from non-university ivory bill searchers in FL Hi all, Just thought I'd cross reference you to a post by a Kansas birder and photographer who joined two outstanding photographers (and birders, too) for two weeks in the Florida panhandle to search for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. You have a rare opportunity to read the comments from an experienced birder not associated with Auburn or Cornell. In summary, they searched the area near Auburn's study site (not on Auburn's study site), but did not observe any ivory bills. We see comments from people doubting the validity of the sightings, but seldom see comments from folks that went out and looked for themselves. http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/KANS.html#1168439716 Cheers and enjoy the sun. Karl Kosciuch ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.7/620 - Release Date: 1/8/2007 _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/f3864d2e/attachment.htm From jeffgill at teleport.com Fri Jan 12 20:54:57 2007 From: jeffgill at teleport.com (Jeff Gilligan) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 20:54:57 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sauvie's Island: E. Collared-Dove, etc. Message-ID: Bob Stites and I birded the island for a few hours this afternoon. One individual of the increasingly boring Eurasian Collared-Dove species was in the fenced enclosure near the ODFW headquarters feeding with Mourning Doves at the feeder. An adult White-throated Sparrow was at the end of pavement on Oak Island Rd. A male Redhead was in the seasonal lake viewable from the viewing platform on the east side of the island. In regard to the post that I forwarded regarding Ivory-billed Woodpeckers: the sender very much wants to believe that the species has in fact been re-discovered. Jeff Gilligan Portland From uskestrel at yahoo.com Fri Jan 12 20:59:08 2007 From: uskestrel at yahoo.com (Carol Ledford) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 20:59:08 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] GREAT GRAY OWL - Clackamas County (Mulino) Message-ID: <779233.54122.qm@web54204.mail.yahoo.com> An engineer at work has had an owl on and around his and his neighbors' properties in Mulino for the past few weeks, and he didn't know what it was. He said the bird has been hanging around his neighbors' barn, so they thought it might be a Barn Owl. The pictures are definitely that of a GREAT GRAY OWL. Tony doesn't mind if birders come around to see the bird; however, having said that, I still feel the need to protect him, his neighbors, and the bird from the hordes of birders who could descend upon them. So, please, if you go, be polite and give them all some space. He said he hasn't seen the bird since Wednesday, so it may have moved on, but it's certainly worth a try. One location where the bird has been seen is near the intersection of S. Beavercreek Rd & S. Rockie Dr, Mulino, OR 97042 (that address works well in http://maps.google.com/). If you email me, I'll be happy to send along photos of the bird, as well as the address of this gentleman. Carol Ledford Gresham, OR USKestrel at Yahoo.com --------------------------------- Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/8f9527f4/attachment.htm From greg at thebirdguide.com Fri Jan 12 21:20:08 2007 From: greg at thebirdguide.com (Greg Gillson) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:20:08 -0800 Subject: [obol] New photo quiz Message-ID: <00ad01c736d2$7efc3b40$b2b0efd8@gregs69keu8lid> Photo Quiz #3 is now posted, along with the answer to Quiz #2. Photo Quiz #1 had 8 respondents, all guessing correctly. Photo Quiz #2 had 36 respondents, only 17 (less than half) guessing correctly. How'd you do? I'll go back to an easier quiz for #4, but in the mean time Photo Quiz #3 is posted, and it's a toughie. But I believe there are enough secondary field marks to correctly identify this bird. Click on the link to the Photo Quiz in the Photo Album list of The Bird Guide's home page. http://thebirdguide.com Greg Gillson The Bird Guide, Inc. greg at thebirdguide.com From gnorgren at earthlink.net Fri Jan 12 21:42:35 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:42:35 -0800 Subject: [obol] [OBOL] "snow at the beach-pesky starlings In-Reply-To: <45A850D8.3060204@studkitty.com> References: <45A850D8.3060204@studkitty.com> Message-ID: We used to defend our cherry tree in Corvallis from starlings with a .410 shotgun. We shot way more than we could feed our Kestrel so I looked them up in *Larousse Gastronomique*. "Any recipe for "Thrush" is suitable for Starlings". Lars Norgren Manning Oregon On Jan 12, 2007, at 7:24 PM, Jacqui Parker wrote: > Just curious - what are you doing w/ the "trapped" starlings? are U > euthanizing these birds? Recently heard they are "good eatin". > > jacqui > > obol-request at lists.oregonstate.edu wrote: >> >> >> The STARLINGS are already house hunting and my nice, roomy nest box >> TRAP >> draws them in.I guess that lovely dry grass "nest" is a plus, "home"is >> already ready for egg laying, or so they think. >> >> > >> Happy birding! >> And don't forget to get your pest traps out and busy! >> >> Sheila from cold, wet and dreary Harbor Oregon. >> >> >> > > -- > Jacqui Parker > Portland, OREGON > cell: 503.841.1513 > > ........... > I realized that If I had to choose, > I would rather have birds than airplanes > Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974), Interview 1974 > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From badkitty at studkitty.com Fri Jan 12 22:22:11 2007 From: badkitty at studkitty.com (Jacqui Parker) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 22:22:11 -0800 Subject: [obol] - sightings on 1/7/07 and 1/10/07 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <45A87A93.7080103@studkitty.com> 1/7: In Hillsboro, OR west of PDX, saw a pair of Buffleheads in a pond. Also a Male Kestrel on a lamp post. Both sightings off Cornell Rd in a new housing development near Orenco Station. Used to seeing a lot of Mallards, Wigeons, and Canada Geese, but have not seen Buffleheads outside of a more rural or natural area. Also saw the usual (but always thrilling) Redtail Hawk(s, 2) in the area that day. 1/10: When seeing GBHerons, I usually see them in fields hunting mice or by a creek, but saw one - midday roosting up in a tree. -- Jacqui Parker Portland, OREGON cell: 503.841.1513 ........... I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974), Interview 1974 From gnorgren at earthlink.net Fri Jan 12 22:50:40 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 22:50:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] Luckiamute Today Message-ID: <2bb553df0a7330a1c3593ad8f56331e6@earthlink.net> The majority of my visits to Polk County end up being work related. A check for the Sedge Wren was painfully brief, on the spot from 10:10 to 10:40 with only a Bewick's Wren to represent that family (last Sunday I found as many as 3 Marsh Wrens). I put 25 pounds of bird seed down on the west side of the N-S hedgerow and immediately to the west of the big puddle that is on its eastside. There are hundreds of sparrows in this immediate area. A hectare or more of spring wheat was left unharvested at the Sedge Wren site and has begun to sprout. There is literally tons of food here for seed- eating birds. The weather was windfree and sunny, much warmer than my home in Washington Coounty. None= the=less COLD and it seemed to make all the birds sullen. Two RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS in the Blackberry patch where so many people have seen THE wren were absolutely silent. Sparrows were very widespread but barely detectable in their reticent condition. The brief exception was just after I put out the seed. Returning to the path that cuts through the north end of the hedgerow I noticed a BLACK MERLIN. It was perched on the top of the highest oak at the hedgerow's mid-point. I got the best looks I have ever had of this subspecies through the scope, although I was to its nw and therefor it was backlit. Hoping to alert another birder to its presence and get better lighting I stepped to the eastern side, at which point it flew off to the se, quite rapidly and very low-3 or 4m above the shrubby landscape. Upon its departure the sparrows became briefly vocal and a wave of them, many score strong and maybe 70m wide, slowly swept nne towards the northern boundary of the property. Some LINCOLN'S SPARROWS remained in the blackberry patch and armed with knee-high rubber boots I walked around to the south side to get the best angle from the morning sun. A small, finely marked sparrow came up briefly to the top of the canes at the sw corner. I was expecting a Lincoln's but the area behind and above the eye showed orange! I couldn't see the tail or its front, it was an oblique view from the rear, then it returned to the depths of the brambles. I didn't see enough to exclude or conclude-LeConte's or Nelson's Sharp=tailed Sparrow. There are so many sparrows there I swear I could feel them, the way an approaching summer storm can be felt, semi- tangible and hard to articulate. One could easily spend an entire one of our short-winter days on a few hectares there, sifting through the sparrows. Alas! The chefs of Portland were running out of truffles and I had to press on to downtown Buena Vista to recharge their inventory. Best luck to would be weekend visitors. Even without a Sedge Wren it should well be worth the trip. Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON From badkitty at studkitty.com Fri Jan 12 23:13:08 2007 From: badkitty at studkitty.com (Jacqui Parker) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 23:13:08 -0800 Subject: [obol] - PDX local request Message-ID: <45A88684.7000009@studkitty.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070112/b23fb2c6/attachment.htm From crmiller at bendnet.com Sat Jan 13 09:22:59 2007 From: crmiller at bendnet.com (Craig Miller) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 09:22:59 -0800 Subject: [obol] Glaucous Gull in Central Oregon Message-ID: <000801c73737$9a8e6260$e1a4b242@default> Yesterday Robert Marheine and I took a boat out on Lake Billy Chinook for the annual winter eagle count. It was a beautiful, sunny day, but very cold! As we were arriving back at the PGE office I spotted two gulls flying toward us from the north up the Deschutes River. Any gulls in Central Oregon at this time of the year are unusual, so we jumped out of the vehicle and got our binoculars on them immediately. They flew overhead about a hundred feet above us. One gull had a dark mantle and was either a Western or California Gull. The other gull was distictly larger, more powerful appearing, and appeared uniformly white from below. On the wing downbeat, the mantle also appeared uniformly white without any window markings. My initial thought was that it was a Glaucous-winged Gull, but then I realized it had no grayish tones on the upper wings. We then concluded it was most likely a Glaucous Gull, and our impression was confirmed by a quick reference to the Sibley guide. This is the first Glaucous Gull record for Central Oregon. There are several inland records for north Central Oregon and one or more for Klamath Co. I suspect the cold weather had something to do with the presence of this arctic species. Craig Miller Bend crmiller at bendnet.com From fschrock at macnet.com Sat Jan 13 09:31:48 2007 From: fschrock at macnet.com (Floyd Schrock) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 09:31:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] Common Redpoll, McMinnville, Yamhill Co. Message-ID: <000701c73738$b454efb0$0b01a8c0@desktop> As I write this at 9:36 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 13) there is a COMMON REDPOLL feeding in the birch tree in my front yard. There are also several Lesser Goldfinches and Bushtits in the same tree. If you are in the area and want to come look for it, I'm at 1304 Melrose Ave. in McMinnville, adjoining the Linfield College campus on the west side. Best bet would be to park on the street and watch from your car. I can't see much of the tree from inside the house. ===================== Floyd Schrock McMinnville, Oregon USA fschrock at macnet.com From sjag1234 at msn.com Sat Jan 13 10:28:08 2007 From: sjag1234 at msn.com (STEVE JAGGERS) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 10:28:08 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lars' orange sparrow Message-ID: Hmmmm, Dang knee-jerk ids on my part...? Two weeks ago when Linda and I were looking for the Sedge Wren I briefly saw a brightly marked sparrow in the blackberries in the Sedge Wren area.....I was struck by the strong markings and amount or orange coloration on its head.....the light was very good at that moment and I passed it off as a bright Lincoln's in very good light, now I wonder if this was the same bird Lars reported.... Good searching, Steve Jaggers -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070113/a9e8ced2/attachment.htm From fschrock at macnet.com Sat Jan 13 10:37:13 2007 From: fschrock at macnet.com (Floyd Schrock) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 10:37:13 -0800 Subject: [obol] McMinnville Redpoll photo Message-ID: <000301c73741$d8452300$0b01a8c0@desktop> A photo of the COMMON REDPOLL in my yard is at http://empids.blogspot.com/. ===================== Floyd Schrock McMinnville, Oregon USA fschrock at macnet.com From pmcclosky at earthlink.net Sat Jan 13 11:08:08 2007 From: pmcclosky at earthlink.net (Peter J. McClosky) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 11:08:08 -0800 Subject: [obol] Yesterday, at the backyard feeders In-Reply-To: <000301c73741$d8452300$0b01a8c0@desktop> References: <000301c73741$d8452300$0b01a8c0@desktop> Message-ID: <45A92E18.5090403@earthlink.net> Hello all, Yesterday, in addition to my normal birds; WESTERN SCRUB JAY AMERICAN CROW LESSER GOLDFINCH EUROPEAN STARLINGS I saw (6 to 10) OREGON JUNCOs (about 30) BUSHTITs I also saw my first positively id'ed (2) AMERICAN GOLDFINCHes and I am fairly certain these are the birds I saw, I spent about an hour going through the bird books. (about 10) NASHVILLE WARBLERs Peter, Santa Clara region of Eugene -- Peter J. McClosky Eugene, Oregon http://home.earthlink.net/~pmcclosky pmcclosky at earthlink.net From bjgreen34 at yahoo.com Sat Jan 13 11:26:24 2007 From: bjgreen34 at yahoo.com (Brandon Green) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 11:26:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Rugy-crowned Kinglet Message-ID: <20070113192624.57791.qmail@web60815.mail.yahoo.com> Just last month, I saw a RC Kinglet perched on a shopping cart right in front of the entrance to the Safeway on Coburg and Cal Young. It was a relatively busy Sunday morning and he/she didn't seem to mind all of the people. This morning, I saw an RC Kinglet in my yard for the first time in about a month. A TOWNSEND'S WARBLER also made an appearance, the first I'd seen since November. It's nice to have them back. Brandon Eugene ----- Subject: Re: Rugy-crowned Kinglet From: "Dennis P. Vroman" Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:05:57 -0800 This species can sometimes appear to be unafraid of humans. Not long ago (last year) I was within a few feet of one in a Grants Pass shopping center that was mostly pavement and buildings. It was foraging in a planted rose bush just in front of my truck in a narrow dirt strip. I noticed it when I parked. I watched it forage for a minute or so from the front of my truck. Dennis (north of Grants Pass) I just had a female RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET briefly about 4 ft. from my eyes! Alan Reid areid AT peak.org 2 miles below Leaburg on the McKenzie Hwy._______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave AT lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070113/35b30818/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Sat Jan 13 11:28:36 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 11:28:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lars' orange sparrow In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I must also consider flavism/erythrism as a possibility, but what struck me was the intensity of the color, and its well defined margins- not diffused. A real problem with this spot is that it has so much potential that it diffuses one's attention. Lars Norgren On Jan 13, 2007, at 10:28 AM, STEVE JAGGERS wrote: > Hmmmm, > ? > Dang knee-jerk ids on my part...? > ? > Two weeks ago when Linda and I were looking for the Sedge Wren I > briefly saw a brightly marked sparrow in the blackberries in the Sedge > Wren area.....I was struck by the strong markings and amount or orange > coloration on its head.....the light was very good at that moment and > I passed it off as a bright Lincoln's in very good light, now I wonder > if this was the same bird Lars reported.... > ? > Good searching, > ? > Steve Jaggers > ? > ?_______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From namitzr at hotmail.com Sat Jan 13 12:20:42 2007 From: namitzr at hotmail.com (Russ Namitz) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 12:20:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] Glaucous Gull "invasion" Message-ID: Obol~ I went birding around Coos Bay this morning with Tim Rodenkirk, Eric Clough and some other local Audubon members. We found a 1st winter GLAUCOUS GULL at the Charleston Harbor just northeast of the bridge. This may or may not be the same individual seen in mid-December on the opposite side of the bay. Besides the sightings in OR, there are also 2-3 birds being seen in the Humboldt area of N. CA. On a marine mammal note, GRAY WHALES are regularly being seen off Cape Arago. NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS (at least 1 male with a harem of 8+ females) are breeding at Cape Arago. Good birding, Russ Namitz Coos Bay, OR From llsdirons at msn.com Sat Jan 13 12:55:35 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:55:35 +0000 Subject: [obol] RBA: SUMMER TANAGER at Alvadore now regular Message-ID: Greetings All, I just returned from seeing the Summer Tanager in Alvadore, Lane County. Past efforts to see this bird were unsuccessful because birders were getting too close to the bird's feeding area. If you go to look for this bird, please follow these directions. DO NOT park or stand in the driveway of the home with the bird. . DO NOT stand along Alvadore Rd. in front of the home with the bird. We have talked to local property owners and they understand that many people want to see this bird. Please park in the triangular gravel area in front of the store at the first sharp curve (to the east) on Alvadore Rd. n. of Clear Lake Rd. Walk south along the east side of Alvadore Rd. until you come to a small gravel road to the east (10th St). Walk east on 10th St. until you come to a cluster of three green Register-Guard newspaper boxes. From dpvroman at budget.net Sat Jan 13 12:58:54 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 12:58:54 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eugene BH Grosbeak, NOT! Message-ID: <002101c73755$a66986f0$14f8d7cd@Warbler> The second hand report that I got from a friend in GP about the sighting of a Black-headed Grosbeak in Eugene turned out not true. His relative there is just learning birds and....it was not a Grosbeak. If I were a BHGR I wouldn't want to be here now either! Pretty cool here, overnight low was 15 degrees. Dennis (north of Grants Pass) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070113/b69aa567/attachment.htm From johnpam at ipns.com Sat Jan 13 13:42:37 2007 From: johnpam at ipns.com (JohnPam) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 13:42:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] Silverton Area Feeder Report(s) Message-ID: Cold weather has increased the bird population dramatically. The feed is hen scratch, mixed bird seed, black sunflower and a dash of hulled sunflower for scattering on ground and elevated boards. Also suet in 5 spots, thistle seed in large screened feeder, four tubes of black sun, and two covered plastic trays with black sunflower. Past couple days: Oregon Junco House Finch Lesser Goldfinch BC Chickadee Golden-Crowned Sparrow White-Crowned Sparrow (finally! today...) Fox Sparrow Song Sparrow WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (elusive but again today) California Quail Mourning Dove Spotted Towhee Varied Thrush Bewick's Wren Western Scrub Jay Cooper's Hawk (!) American Robin European Starling House Sparrow PINE SISKINS (8) Downy Woodpecker (Seen in Area: 60 Killdeer; N Flicker; Red-Breasted Sapsucker; American Kestrel, Red-Tailed Hawk) Feeder at Robert Frost Elementary - today January 13th- very quick look while in town getting hulled sunflower seeds: YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER European Starling Oregon Junco House Finch Downy Woodpecker Western Scrub Jay Have seen TOWNSEND'S WARBLER at the school feeder over Holiday Break but not since then. John Thomas 5 mi N of Silverton in flat farming country... From barryterry at comcast.net Sat Jan 13 14:54:30 2007 From: barryterry at comcast.net (Barry McKenzie) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:54:30 -0800 Subject: [obol] SWAMP SPARROW at Fern Ridge, Eugene Message-ID: <000001c73765$c9712ad0$6700a8c0@BarryLaptop> OBOL- I saw Swamp Sparrow previously reported at Fern Ridge NWF near Eugene today. The bird was seen at approx 1:00pm on Royal Avenue due West of the gate.at approx 100yds West of the gate and 50ft East of a large mud-puddle that blocks the road. It hangs out with a mixed flock of sparrows: Song, Lincoln's. Barry McKenzie Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070113/5cf9094b/attachment.htm From peggyk at exchangenet.net Sat Jan 13 16:09:16 2007 From: peggyk at exchangenet.net (Peggy Krause) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:09:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] Bluebird photos Message-ID: <000001c73770$3ad01a10$6500a8c0@bitphoto> I don't know if it has anything to do with the fact that we had a 200 year old oak tree fall over in our yard during the wind storm in December, but I have had quite a few Western Bluebirds around for the last month. Luckily the tree missed our barn, but it is so massive that it is still laying out there and probably will be for quite some time. The bluebirds are checking out my bluebird nest boxes, which were used by Violet-Green Swallows last year. Hopefully they will stay around. I took these shots this morning before I became frozen to my camera: http://www.bitphotography.com/proofs/070113_bluebird/index.htm Peggy Krause Corvallis OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070113/e8ed24ee/attachment.htm From johnpam at ipns.com Sat Jan 13 16:13:39 2007 From: johnpam at ipns.com (JohnPam) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:13:39 -0800 Subject: [obol] Kinglets Too, of Course! Message-ID: We also have a very persistent Ruby-Crowned Kinglet at our suet feeders. Sometimes the flock of Golden-Crowned Kinglets come in close but mostly out in the woodlot area. Could not possibly leave them off, though not "rare." ;-) J Thomas Silverton From richarmstrong at comcast.net Sat Jan 13 18:25:03 2007 From: richarmstrong at comcast.net (rich armstrong) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:25:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] Salem Clay-colored Sparrow References: Message-ID: <001f01c73783$32e59a60$1dccab43@armstrong> 1. nanette & i had to take son to salem today. 2. we spent an hour or so at basket slough, but did not find the emperor goose. there were 7 SNOW GEESE in a group, and another white goose (probably snow) in large flock of canada/cackling. 3. however, we followed roy gerig's directions below, found the huge flock of sparrows/juncos (probably 200+ birds) within 100 yards of the parking lot and about the 150th bird we saw was a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. there were at least 4 LINCOLN'S and many WHITE-CROWNED in with all the GOLDEN-CROWNED. there were only 2 FOX SPARROWS that we saw in the flock. Rich Armstrong 541-753-1978 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Roy Gerig" To: Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 11:25 AM Subject: [obol] Salem Clay-colored Sparrow 12/27/06 >A little while ago, around 10 AM, I found a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW in > Minto-Brown Park in Salem. > > If you go into the park all the way to the end of the road (3rd parking > lot) > and go north from the gravel part of the lot along a gravel road that is > paralleled by an asphalt path and a cabbage field then a bean field on > your > right, and a brushy sparrow row under trees on your left, you will > eventually encounter a large flock of sparrows (Golden and White-crowned, > Song, Lincoln's, White-throated, Dark-eyed Juncos, etc). The Clay-colored > was in that flock. > > Roy Gerig, Salem OR > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get FREE Web site and company branded e-mail from Microsoft Office Live > http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/mcrssaub0050001411mrt/direct/01/ > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From badkitty at studkitty.com Sat Jan 13 18:41:21 2007 From: badkitty at studkitty.com (Jacqui Parker) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:41:21 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ruby Crown Kinglets, other Beaverton sightings In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <45A99851.50500@studkitty.com> Went to Brookhaven Park & Lowami hart Woods in Beaverton, OR today - saw/heard many BC & CB Chickadees, RB Nuthatches, bushtits, Heard Flicker, & Scrub & Stellar Jays. Also saw one male Townsends Warbler. The RC Kinglets are one of my faves. I love the little song and dance the males do in breeding season. Saw one today foraging very close. Noted others comments re: them being unafraid & this has generally been my experience - in the woods, w/ a little pishing - they seem to come very close in proximity and altitude, even more so than the Chickadees. They are that way at the suet feeder too - even come close to me (sitting on the other side of the deck) and appearing to chastise me when the suet is low... Also at Beaverton Transit center, saw a Red Tailed Hawk perched up in a tree right on the premises for the 1st time. My experience w/ them here in PDX area is that they usually shy away from people in the more urban places-picking lamp posts away from pedestrians. This one appeared pre-breeding age from what I could see w/ my lousy binoculars & overcast sky. In SF bay area, they seem a lot less shy. heard a few bird sounds in the woods today I could not identify.... sure wish I had some more experienced birders to go on these walks with... woe is carless me (making it difficult to get to audubon classes & walks to places the buses don't go). wah! > > I just had a female RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET briefly about 4 ft. from my eyes! > > This species can sometimes appear to be unafraid of humans. Not long ago (last year) I was within a few feet of one in a Grants Pass shopping center that was mostly pavement and buildings. It was foraging in a planted rose bush just in front of my truck in a narrow dirt strip. I noticed it when I parked. I watched it forage for a minute or so from the front of my truck. > -- Jacqui Parker Portland, OREGON cell: 503.841.1513 ........... I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974), Interview 1974 From sjag1234 at msn.com Sat Jan 13 18:53:36 2007 From: sjag1234 at msn.com (STEVE JAGGERS) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:53:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Grey Owl no, Sedge Wren....? Message-ID: Linda and I chased both birds...the Owl was not around. At about 4:30...getting dark, there was a Wren around in the pond that is behind the blackberry cluster at the edge of the general area where the bird is seen. I saw head and shoulders, could have been a Winter or Sedge. Linda saw hind parts and belly, colorful enough to have been Sedge. Not conclusive however. Steve Jaggers Linda Neumann Portland. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070113/64a58eb8/attachment.htm From roygerig at hotmail.com Sat Jan 13 19:04:40 2007 From: roygerig at hotmail.com (Roy Gerig) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:04:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] Polk Co. field trip 1/12 Message-ID: About 25 people partricipated in a SAS sponsored 'Raptor' field trip around the Baskett Slough NWR area today. It was cold. We did not see many raptors beside RED-TAILED HAWKS, NORTHERN HARRIERS, and AMERICAN KESTRELS. No Bald Eagles, No Prairie Falcons, no Northern Goshawks (I had a somewhat cryptic message on my phone about one having been east of BSNWR for the last month), no Kites, not many birds altogether. Highlights were 150 HORNED LARKS - the biggest flock I've seen in about 4 years - along Livermore Rd. about 2.5 miles north of Smithfield Rd., a beautiful PEREGRINE FALCON on a pole along West Perrydale Rd. about 3 miles west of Perrydale, a nice ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK at the T of Smithfield and Livermore Rds., and a ROSS' GOOSE at BSNWR that Quinton Nice told me about, it was below Coville Rd., the high overlook there, with some CACKLING CANADA GEESE. There were 7 SNOW GEESE 1/2 mile west of there. We did not see the Emperor Goose, Black Phoebe, Prairie Falcon, or any Bald Eagles. We saw a flock of sparrows along Enterprise Rd. that included 50 or more SAVANNAH SPARROWS. Roy Gerig, Salem OR _________________________________________________________________ Type your favorite song.? Get a customized station.? Try MSN Radio powered by Pandora. http://radio.msn.com/?icid=T002MSN03A07001 From floati at earthlink.net Sat Jan 13 19:26:48 2007 From: floati at earthlink.net (Hydie Lown) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:26:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] Creswell Raptor Run Message-ID: <006101c7378b$d41646c0$4287f204@wrk01> Don and I drove around today 1/13, to count raptors and found surprisingly few in the parts of the route that are usually most productive. By the time we got to the area north of Creswell around 99/ Ricketts/Dillard we had seen only 5 raptors and I was thinking of our trip as the Creswell Raptorless Run. We were having a good time seeing numbers of other birds, including Red-breasted Sapsucker, numerous W. Bluebirds, A. Pipits, Killdeer, Least Sandpiper, W. Snipe, Tundra Swans and many robins, flickers and other common birds. We added 7 raptors in the 99/Dillard area and saw several more along Cloverdale and Sears Road for a total of 24 raptors. Weather was partly cloudy, temps in the low 30s. Redtailed Hawk 9 Am Kestrel 10 N. Harrier 3 Kite 1 "Shooper" aka unidentified Acipiter 1 Hydie Lown -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070113/a24b9935/attachment.htm From willclemons at yahoo.com Sat Jan 13 21:04:48 2007 From: willclemons at yahoo.com (Bill Clemons) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:04:48 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Ridgefield NWR: Short-eared Owl Show ++ Message-ID: <742723.30237.qm@web55108.mail.re4.yahoo.com> I met Carol Ledford at Ridgefield NWR and we birded the River "S" Unit together this afternoon (Saturday 1/13). It was a cloud covered and cold day with ice everywhere and very little open water. Still as they say, any day out enjoying Nature is a good day indeed. Best birds on the day were: EURASIAN WIGEON: Only one was seen, and it was seen from the Blind. It was across Rest Lake and out of the water on the E bank with a large flock (over 100) American Wigeon eating grass. BALD EAGLE: Normally this might be an ordinary sighting especially as we saw at least 6 adults and subadults combined, but as I was approaching the Blind and parking the car, Carol yelled "Did you see that Eagle?" Naturally I looked up a couple of seconds too late and only saw an adult Bald Eagle carrying off a barely flapping Coot. Death must have come swift for this fowl luncheon item. I told Carol that I missed the take. She said the Baldy, flushed several Coot, and caught one Coot, snatching it right out of the air. Needless to say, Carol was in awe of the Power of the Eagle, and beaming with excitement having just watched a dramatic scene in Nature play itself out from the beginning. This makes the fourth Bald Eagle take in a row that I have observed a second or two After its strike. Oh well, maybe next time. RED-SHOULDERED HAWK: This first year Hawk was again, about two thirds of the way through the Oregon Ash Woodland beyond the Kiwa Trail parking lot. We only saw it perched and relaxing today. A very nice bird under any circumstances. RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER: There were two, perhaps a pair, in the same vicinity as the Red-shouldered Hawk. After we watched the male for a short bit and returned to looking unsuccessfully for the Swamp Sparrow, the male Sapsucker flew right at the car passing by the passenger side of the windshield with but a few feet to spare. Sweet! LINCOLN'S SPARROW: We checked out every Sparrow flock we could, and had a total of 3 nice Lincoln's among the more expected Sparrows. HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK: This Hawk has, for some time now, been there on the SE side of the loop road and E of Rest Lake and after the road leaves the Lake edge for good. We found it in a large oak atop the dike at the E edge of the Refuge. We watched it make a couple of unsuccessful strikes at the base of the dike. Harlan's are very nice Hawks indeed. SHORT-EARED OWL: The Show this afternoon was quite nice, And we both saw a raptor "First". There were two Short-eared Owls this afternoon and at one point both were perched at the same time, one on each of the two signs at the usual large turnout (the last turnout) on the E side of the loop along the last part of the loop road. Each of the Owls would make unsuccessful sorties and return to perch on a sign. Then one Short-eared Owl left its perch, and after a brief hunt, made a sharp bank and dove down from 30 feet or so, to a strike on the blind side of a swale about 100 yards out. When it again flew into view, it was quite easy for us (and a local Female N Harrier) to see that it came up with a large, plump prize. We think this was the largest rodent either of us has ever seen a raptor catch. With the Northern Harrier in hot pursuit, there was some fancy aerial maneuvering as the Owl could only flee or drop the prize and attempt to defend itself. It wisely chose to flee and through several sharp turns and dives the Owl, determined not to loose This meal, managed to hold on until the Harrier gave up the chase. Now comes our Owl First! The Owl continued to climb, distancing itself from everyone below; and as it got to a comfortable height and distance it began to eat at this well-earned rodent while on the wing. The Owl would climb, glide and tuck to reach its dinner filled talons, loosing altitude in the process. Through the binoculars we watched as the Short-eared Owl climbed and repeated the cycle. We saw this fascinating maneuver at least five or six times before giving up as the Owl got further away. What a wonderful sight! Complete bird list for the day: American Wigeon Mallard Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Ring-necked Duck Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Ruddy Duck BALD EAGLE Northern Harrier RED-SHOULDERED HAWK Red-tailed Hawk HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK American Kestrel American Coot Sandhill Crane Killdeer Wilson's Snipe Gull (Species) SHORT-EARED OWL RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER Black-capped Chickadee Brown Creeper Bewick's Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet European Starling Spotted Towhee Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow LINCOLN'S SPARROW Golden-crowned Sparrow Bill Clemons SW of Portland in Mtn Park Willclemons AT Yahoo dot com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Finding fabulous fares is fun. Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 From cowgirl at harborside.com Sat Jan 13 21:19:57 2007 From: cowgirl at harborside.com (Lois Miller) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:19:57 -0800 Subject: [obol] Off topic- Comet McNaught Message-ID: <004c01c7379b$a2426fb0$59341c40@Lois> I just wanted to say thank you to Range Bayer for posting the note about the comet. I wouldn't have known about it otherwise and I got some nice photos of it tonight as it flew across a beautiful sunset here in Port Orford. Lois Miller -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070113/e33a75de/attachment.htm From jeffgill at teleport.com Sat Jan 13 21:57:47 2007 From: jeffgill at teleport.com (Jeff Gilligan) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:57:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Luckiamute (Red Fox Sparrow, etc.) Message-ID: Owen Schmidt and I spent four hours there today. Our primary goal was the mystery sparrow reported by Lars Norgren, and Steve Jaggers and Linda Neuman. We saw no candidate for what they reported. We didn't see the Sedge Wren. We had good views of the Red Fox Sparrow (only my second in the state) and two Slate-colored Fox Sparrows (as well a lot of Sooty Fox Sparrows). More surprising to me than the previously reported Red Fox Sparrow was was a very red Song Sparrow. It looked much like the illustration in "The Sibley Guide To Birds" of an "adult southwest" bird. Having just spent five weeks in Arizona though, this bird looked much brighter than any I saw in the Tucson area and areas further south. It was really stunning. I wish I knew where it was from. (Yesterday on Sauvie's Island I saw a very pale bird - the palest I recall seeing in western Oregon.) We also saw two White-throated Sparrows. That place is really good for sparrows in general. Who planted all of the seed crop (sunflowers, wheat, etc.)? Jeff Gilligan Portland From willclemons at yahoo.com Sat Jan 13 22:39:17 2007 From: willclemons at yahoo.com (Bill Clemons) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:39:17 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Curiosity Re the Sedge Wren at Lukiamute Message-ID: <376470.74233.qm@web55103.mail.re4.yahoo.com> The book by Dave Marshall, et al: "Birds of Oregon, a General Reference" makes no mention of Sedge Wren. Do any of you in the know out there, know if this bird has been reported in OR before this current one? Reading the OBOL posts about this bird, I see no mention of its Oregon status. My main reason for going Sunday to have a look is that Lukiamute is a reasonable distance from Portland, while the home range for the Sedge Wren, well E of the Rockies, is an area I may never get to. Additionally, there are a lot of Sparrows there and I've never been to Lukiamute before, so why not go have a look see. Thanks, Bill Clemons SW of Portland in Mtn Park Willclemons AT Yahoo dot com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Sat Jan 13 22:51:15 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:51:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Glaucous Gull "invasion" Message-ID: <20070114065115.32546.qmail@web51802.mail.yahoo.com> This afternoon at the South Jetty, there were 3 Glaucous Gulls. If you look at page 230 of the Sibley Guide, there are 2 illustrations of juvenile Glaucous Gulls, one lighter and one a little darker. One of the gulls I saw resembled more the lighter form and two of them were the darker form. I saw these gulls several times and up close and in different lighting situations. I am very sure the lighter one was a glaucous gull....and I'm almost certain the other two were....BUT one of the darker ones had a light iris so I think it was a second year Glaucous Gull...and the other darker one had an iris SLIGHTLY lighter than its pupil when I got a look at it with the light shining right at it (the lighter one had the darkest iris which was very dark)....I've looked through my guides carefully at all the gulls with two-toned beaks and also the ones with light eyes (at any stage) and can't find another one that has all the same traits and light eyes and a two-toned beak...the tips of the wings were NOT dark, the beak was extra long, and when I say "darker" I don't mean dark....just darker relative to the other really light Glaucous Gull. However, if anyone has other ideas, please let me know. Cindy Ashy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never Miss an Email Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started! http://mobile.yahoo.com/services?promote=mail From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Sat Jan 13 22:59:07 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:59:07 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Other Birds At the Newport South Jetty Message-ID: <25193.17031.qm@web51808.mail.yahoo.com> Dick Demarest, Audubon field trip leader this morning, spotted a White-tailed Kite off in the distance to the south kiting on a thermal with an occasional jig that gave us exceptional views of the black patches on its shoulders and its exquisite fan tail. As it moved north toward us, the view just got better and better....and there were lots of oooohs, ahhhs, and wows. Then suddenly it took an almost perfectly vertical dive from very high all the way to the ground and came up with a small bird. It carried its prize to the top of a tree and we were then able to zoom in on it with Dick's amazing scope that is still crystal clear at 60x and see a stream of little feathers flying in the wind as the hawk devoured its prey. I watched it capture another bird later in the afternoon with the same exacting skill. Harlequin Ducks often hang out on or by the first finger of the jetty and Dick tried several times to locate them for the group but elusive they were. I had to laugh when their painted bodies appeared a couple hours later, two males and one female about 3/4 out sitting on one of the rocks (the tide was a bit lower). I watched them a while...the two males got in the water and dove very actively while the female seemed content to stay on the rock and just observe her male companions. The lighter Glaucous Gull flew by twice very close to me while I was there (I could almost hear it say "here I am, look at me") and a Great Blue Heron landed near the harlequins and stayed in the same spot the rest of the day which I found a bit odd. The Bufflehead seemed to be flying around more than usual showing off their orange feet while most of the Red-necked Grebes seemed to be floating and sleeping peacefully with their beaks tucked neatly under their wings. I also saw the happy little harlequin trio much later just before sunset much further west in the channel (about parallel to the beach) headed west seeming to ride the tide. Back to predation...on the beach I found a freshly dead Western Grebe. Most of the body was relatively intact but something had ripped open the chest and picked this portion and the neck meat clean with the neck vertebrae pulled out in a "loop" shape from the back through the chest. Could someone tell me the type of predator that would eat the grebe in this manner? (someone told me or I read this OBOL but can't remember) Could it be an owl? Maybe a big owl that would be well camouflaged in our snowy surroundings the last few days :-) Cindy Ashy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try it now. From gnorgren at earthlink.net Sun Jan 14 02:11:44 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 02:11:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] Glaucous Gull "invasion" In-Reply-To: <20070114065115.32546.qmail@web51802.mail.yahoo.com> References: <20070114065115.32546.qmail@web51802.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <50a8764cafd1474929082552e1d08d27@earthlink.net> Wayne Hoffman reported the two darkish birds a day or two ago, suggesting they were of the barrovianus subspecies AND suggesting they might have some Glaucous- winged ancestry, which would explain the eye colour. The Herring Gull complex has a well documented history of hybridization where ever two species in the complex overlap in breeding range. I saw some Western Gulls on the Eugene CBC and darned if one of them didn't have dark eyes! Why did I have to use a scope? Lars Norgren On Jan 13, 2007, at 10:51 PM, Cindy Ashy wrote: > This afternoon at the South Jetty, there were 3 Glaucous Gulls. If you > look at > page 230 of the Sibley Guide, there are 2 illustrations of juvenile > Glaucous > Gulls, one lighter and one a little darker. One of the gulls I saw > resembled > more the lighter form and two of them were the darker form. I saw > these gulls > several times and up close and in different lighting situations. I am > very sure > the lighter one was a glaucous gull....and I'm almost certain the > other two > were....BUT one of the darker ones had a light iris so I think it was > a second > year Glaucous Gull...and the other darker one had an iris SLIGHTLY > lighter than > its pupil when I got a look at it with the light shining right at it > (the > lighter one had the darkest iris which was very dark)....I've looked > through my > guides carefully at all the gulls with two-toned beaks and also the > ones with > light eyes (at any stage) and can't find another one that has all the > same > traits and light eyes and a two-toned beak...the tips of the wings > were NOT > dark, the beak was extra long, and when I say "darker" I don't mean > dark....just darker relative to the other really light Glaucous Gull. > However, > if anyone has other ideas, please let me know. > > Cindy Ashy > > > > _______________________________________________________________________ > _____________ > Never Miss an Email > Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started! > http://mobile.yahoo.com/services?promote=mail > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From gnorgren at earthlink.net Sun Jan 14 02:22:09 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 02:22:09 -0800 Subject: [obol] Other Birds At the Newport South Jetty In-Reply-To: <25193.17031.qm@web51808.mail.yahoo.com> References: <25193.17031.qm@web51808.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <975bc0f58320172b07991b348c834f8a@earthlink.net> On Dec 10 a Red-tailed Hawk went bumping across McKee Road just south of Amity(Yamhill Co) where there is an enormous pond frequented by unusually inept duck hunters. It had a considerable burden which it dropped 2/3 of the way across the road. I stopped and discovered it to be a very fresh Baldpate. Most of the skin on the neck was gone and some of the underlying meat. I threw the duck into the Walnut orchard on the west side of the road and hope the waiting hawk was able to resume its feast. I was a little surprised that it chose the neck for a first course. Lars Norgren On Jan 13, 2007, at 10:59 PM, Cindy Ashy wrote: > Dick Demarest, Audubon field trip leader this morning, spotted a > White-tailed > Kite off in the distance to the south kiting on a thermal with an > occasional > jig that gave us exceptional views of the black patches on its > shoulders and > its exquisite fan tail. As it moved north toward us, the view just got > better > and better....and there were lots of oooohs, ahhhs, and wows. Then > suddenly it > took an almost perfectly vertical dive from very high all the way to > the ground > and came up with a small bird. It carried its prize to the top of a > tree and we > were then able to zoom in on it with Dick's amazing scope that is > still crystal > clear at 60x and see a stream of little feathers flying in the wind as > the hawk > devoured its prey. I watched it capture another bird later in the > afternoon > with the same exacting skill. > > Harlequin Ducks often hang out on or by the first finger of the jetty > and Dick > tried several times to locate them for the group but elusive they > were. I had > to laugh when their painted bodies appeared a couple hours later, two > males and > one female about 3/4 out sitting on one of the rocks (the tide was a > bit > lower). I watched them a while...the two males got in the water and > dove very > actively while the female seemed content to stay on the rock and just > observe > her male companions. The lighter Glaucous Gull flew by twice very > close to me > while I was there (I could almost hear it say "here I am, look at me") > and a > Great Blue Heron landed near the harlequins and stayed in the same > spot the > rest of the day which I found a bit odd. The Bufflehead seemed to be > flying > around more than usual showing off their orange feet while most of the > Red-necked Grebes seemed to be floating and sleeping peacefully with > their > beaks tucked neatly under their wings. I also saw the happy little > harlequin > trio much later just before sunset much further west in the channel > (about > parallel to the beach) headed west seeming to ride the tide. > > Back to predation...on the beach I found a freshly dead Western Grebe. > Most of > the body was relatively intact but something had ripped open the chest > and > picked this portion and the neck meat clean with the neck vertebrae > pulled out > in a "loop" shape from the back through the chest. Could someone tell > me the > type of predator that would eat the grebe in this manner? (someone > told me or I > read this OBOL but can't remember) Could it be an owl? Maybe a big owl > that > would be well camouflaged in our snowy surroundings the last few days > :-) > > Cindy Ashy > > > > _______________________________________________________________________ > _____________ > Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try > it now. > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From hhactitis at yahoo.com Sun Jan 14 02:23:26 2007 From: hhactitis at yahoo.com (Hendrik Herlyn) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 02:23:26 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Curiosity Re the Sedge Wren at Lukiamute In-Reply-To: <376470.74233.qm@web55103.mail.re4.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20070114102326.99384.qmail@web37012.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Bill and OBOL, this is only the second record of SEDGE WREN in Oregon. The first was found by Tim Rodenkirk on the North Spit at Coos Bay on May 30, 2003 and stayed there well into the summre (don't remember how long). I guess it hit Oregon after the deadline for the Big Book of Truth (aka BOGR). Good birding Hendrik Bill Clemons wrote: The book by Dave Marshall, et al: "Birds of Oregon, a General Reference" makes no mention of Sedge Wren. Do any of you in the know out there, know if this bird has been reported in OR before this current one? Reading the OBOL posts about this bird, I see no mention of its Oregon status. My main reason for going Sunday to have a look is that Lukiamute is a reasonable distance from Portland, while the home range for the Sedge Wren, well E of the Rockies, is an area I may never get to. Additionally, there are a lot of Sparrows there and I've never been to Lukiamute before, so why not go have a look see. Thanks, Bill Clemons SW of Portland in Mtn Park Willclemons AT Yahoo dot com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. _________________________________ Hendrik G. Herlyn Hans-Beimler-Strasse 67 D-17491 Greifswald Germany Phone: 03834-871846 E-Mail: hhactitis at yahoo.com --------------------------------- Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Yahoo! Answers. Try it now. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/48fb0765/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Sun Jan 14 07:41:32 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 07:41:32 -0800 Subject: [obol] Kinglets Too, of Course! References: Message-ID: <006501c737f2$78758710$55fcd7cd@Warbler> Golden-crowned Kinglets are always a treat to see close up. One of my fondest memories as a youngster in northern NY is seeing a small flock only feet away from me in an eastern hemlock along a small stream; my mind still can recall this stored image. Dennis (north of Grants Pass) > We also have a very persistent Ruby-Crowned Kinglet at our suet feeders. > Sometimes the flock of Golden-Crowned Kinglets come in close but mostly > out > in the woodlot area. Could not possibly leave them off, though not "rare." > ;-) > > J Thomas > Silverton From alderspr at peak.org Sun Jan 14 08:10:47 2007 From: alderspr at peak.org (Karan & Jim Fairchild) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 08:10:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wren at Luckiamute Landing Message-ID: <002801c737f6$8e6191f0$6401a8c0@alder64fd7824d> Karl, Karan, Ulo Kiigemagi and I were also able to briefly see Steve Jaggers and Linda Neumann's suspect wren under larger willows around 430pm. No vocalizations by this bird. It appeared to be foraging on the surface of the ice, and light conditions made it difficult for me to discern any color on the bird. Body form and posture appeared to me closest to Bewick's wren, but possibly not as large. I would eliminate Winter Wren from tail length, and possibly Marsh Wren only by furtive behaviour. We had seen a Bewick's wren an hour earlier foraging within tree about 100 meters of this suspect. The four of us spent about 1 1/2 hours poking around looking for the wren and other birds. This place is thick with sparrows of all sorts, and I look forward to hearing what else can be found. Good birding, Jim Fairchild From pamandbill at oregoncoast.com Sun Jan 14 08:42:55 2007 From: pamandbill at oregoncoast.com (Pam and Bill Wadsworth) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 08:42:55 -0800 Subject: [obol] Pacific City Birding & Blues Festival Message-ID: <00b901c737fb$0cf76f90$0a960ed0@mehsaxfs5bpccs> 2007 Pacific City Birding & Blues Festival February 23-25 (last weekend in February) See the festival web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.birdingandblues.com/"http://www.birdingandblues.com for more information. Events Friday, February 23 3:00 ? 5:00 pm Birding Basics ? Dawn Grafe 6:00 ? 8:00 pm Birds as Metaphors in Our Lives (writers? workshop) ? Matt Love at Neskowin Valley School 7:00 ? 11:00 pm *Lisa Mann and Her Blues Trio ? Inn at Cape Kiwanda Saturday, February 24 8:00 ? 9:15am Oregon?s Wonderful Woodies (Wood Ducks) ? Al Rice 9:30 ? 10:30 am The Birds? Turn - Wildlife of Tern Island ? Ram Papish 11:00 ? 12:00 pm Darwin: Pilgrim on the Great Bird Continent ? Lyanda Lynn Haupt 12:00 ? 1:30 pm Oregon Writers Roundtable ? Matt Love 1:00 ? 2:30 pm Live Birds of Prey ? Wildlife Images 3:00 ? 4:00 pm Problems of Backyard Habitats ? Dawn Grafe 4:15 ? 5:15 pm Birding and Geology: ?Look! A Speckled Olivine Basalt!? ? Tom Horning 8:00 ? 9:30 pm #DK Stewarts DK4 Blues Quartet with Reggie Houston 10:00 ? 11:30 pm #DK Stewarts DK4 Blues Quartet with Reggie Houston Sunday, February 25 7:30 ? 8:30 am White-cheeked Geese ? Robert Jarvis, Roy Lowe, Molly Monroe, Jared Jabousek 8:00 ? 11:00 am Bird Sketching Workshop ? Ram Papish at the Pelican Pub 9:00 ? 10:00 am Western Snowy Plover Management in Oregon ? Liz Kelly 10:30 ? 12:00 pm Bird Banding 101: Tools, Techniques, and Demonstration ? Ashley Dayer 12:00 ? 12:30 pm Festival Closeout and Raffle Field Trips Friday, February 23 8:00 am ? 12:00 pm *Birding Tillamook Bay by Boat ? Ron Kaser 8:00 am ? 3:00 pm *Birding the Three Capes Scenic Route (bus tour) ? Paul Sullivan, Carol Karlen Saturday, February 24 7:20 ? 9:50 am Neskowin Creek ? Mike Patterson; Paul Sullivan, Carol Karlen 7:30 ? 10:00 am Nestucca Bay NWR ? Dawn Grafe, Emily Eppinger; Anne Walker, Rebecca Schiewe 7:40 ? 10:10 am Clay Myers State Natural Area ? Molly Monroe, Jarod Jebousek; Scott Bunnell 12:50 ? 3:20 pm Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area ? Dave Canoy; Bill Wadsworth 1:00 ? 3:30 pm Nestucca Bay NWR ? Ram Papish, Emily Eppinger; Ashley Dayer, Rebecca Schiewe 1:10 ? 3:40 pm Clay Myers State Natural Area ? Mike Patterson; Scott Bunnell Sunday, February 25 7:40 ? 10:10 am Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area ? Tom Horning (Geology), Anne Walker (Birds) 8:30 ? 11:00 am Geese Identification ? Molly Monroe, Jarod Jebousek; Roy Lowe, Robert Jarvis Events are at the Kiawanda Community Center in Pacific City except as noted. Field trips car pool from the Community Center. * Fees additional to festival passes # One concert free with 3-day festival pass, otherwise price is additional Bill Wadsworth (503) 965-5168 wadsworth at oregoncoast.com -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.8/621 - Release Date: 1/9/2007 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/4a2dfb9d/attachment.htm From bennywayne at yahoo.com Sun Jan 14 08:47:45 2007 From: bennywayne at yahoo.com (Ben Young) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 08:47:45 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Polk Co. Sedge Wren 1/13 -- NO Message-ID: <364300.16581.qm@web52009.mail.yahoo.com> Rich Swartzentruber and I birded the Luckiamute area on Saturday from 1100 - 1240 hrs. We did not relocate the SEDGE WREN. Of note were 2 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and a flyover WHITE-TAILED KITE. Ben Young Salem, OR --------------------------------- We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/6e2ffb36/attachment.htm From sjag1234 at msn.com Sun Jan 14 09:01:23 2007 From: sjag1234 at msn.com (STEVE JAGGERS) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 09:01:23 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wren at Luckiamute Landing References: <002801c737f6$8e6191f0$6401a8c0@alder64fd7824d> Message-ID: Hi Folks, I was a bit brief with last night's description. The bird Jim is referring to was visible quite briefly but I feel sure that it was not a Bewick's or Marsh Wren as I viewed its head with some clarity. No white eye-stripe, darkish all over. It was getting pretty dark at this time. I am encouraged with Jim's Winter Wren elimination by tail length-I did not see its south end. Could it have been the elusive Sedge Wren. I am thinking so. Peterson's nice plate in "Eastern Birds" affords a nice one page comparison of all these skulkers. Hello Jim, Karen and Ulo. We met Karl but did not greet you three. Kinda cold wasn't it! Steve Jaggers Linda Neumann. ----- Original Message ----- From: Karan & Jim Fairchild To: Oregon Birders On Line Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 8:10 AM Subject: [obol] Wren at Luckiamute Landing Karl, Karan, Ulo Kiigemagi and I were also able to briefly see Steve Jaggers and Linda Neumann's suspect wren under larger willows around 430pm. No vocalizations by this bird. It appeared to be foraging on the surface of the ice, and light conditions made it difficult for me to discern any color on the bird. Body form and posture appeared to me closest to Bewick's wren, but possibly not as large. I would eliminate Winter Wren from tail length, and possibly Marsh Wren only by furtive behaviour. We had seen a Bewick's wren an hour earlier foraging within tree about 100 meters of this suspect. The four of us spent about 1 1/2 hours poking around looking for the wren and other birds. This place is thick with sparrows of all sorts, and I look forward to hearing what else can be found. Good birding, Jim Fairchild _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/43196556/attachment.htm From birdmandon at clearwire.net Sun Jan 14 09:42:46 2007 From: birdmandon at clearwire.net (Schrouder Don) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 09:42:46 -0800 Subject: [obol] Summer Tanager Message-ID: <4F14748C-6ACF-48F6-B4B6-D2BED6B83691@clearwire.net> The SUMMER TANAGER was actively feeding this morning at the Alvadore site in Lane Co. Other birders present were Dave Brown, Roger Robb, Al Prigge, and Bill Hunter. Contrary to the present foggy conditions here in Eugene, the sun was shining out by Fern Ridge! Don Schrouder birdmandon at clearwire.net From celata at pacifier.com Sun Jan 14 10:00:55 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 10:00:55 -0800 Subject: [obol] Summer Tanager References: <4F14748C-6ACF-48F6-B4B6-D2BED6B83691@clearwire.net> Message-ID: <45AA6FCD.5A23B866@pacifier.com> Are there any photographs of this bird? I for one am not likely to chase this bird and, since it been seen off-and-on for several weeks now, it seems photos should be possible. I would at least appreciate the opportunity for a virtual twitch... Schrouder Don wrote: > > The SUMMER TANAGER was actively feeding this morning at the Alvadore > site in Lane Co. Other birders present were Dave Brown, Roger Robb, > Al Prigge, and Bill Hunter. Contrary to the present foggy conditions > here in Eugene, the sun was shining out by Fern Ridge! > > Don Schrouder > birdmandon at clearwire.net -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From taylorbobt at yahoo.com Sun Jan 14 10:33:06 2007 From: taylorbobt at yahoo.com (Robert Taylor) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 10:33:06 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Camera Settings for Maximum Depth of Field (Documentation Photography) Message-ID: <389250.45609.qm@web58612.mail.re3.yahoo.com> Hi OBOLers: Because of the interest expressed in 'Ivory-billed Woodpecker sighting documentation by photo', I offer the following comment. Years ago when almost all photography was film based, the concept of 'Depth of Field' was particularly important. It still is but, for many, digital photography circumvents the advantages of fully using the concept in day-to-day photography. Depth of Field refers to the closest element in the photograph that is acceptably in focus to the farthest element in the photo that is in focus or 'sharp'. The definition of 'sharp' or 'in focus' depends somewhat on the photographer or the size to which the photo is to be enlarged when printed (and also depends on the distance from which the photo is to be viewed.). If you look at a photo with bright highlights (speculars), such as, glints off water -- you will see that the farther and farther the glints are out of focus, the larger the 'circle of light' becomes. The circle of light is somewhat dependent on the f stop used in taking the photo. This Circle of Light used to be, and may still be, called the "Circle of Confusion" and is the basis of 'in focus' or 'out of focus'. This issue has mostly been overlooked in the discussion but is particularly important for this type of photography. Depth of Field can be used creatively but when this type of documentation is essential, then MAXIMUM depth of field is essential. With film photography and digital cameras with manual focus, there is the concept of Hyperfocal Distance. With the shortest focal length lenses, it may be possible to have your hand (at arm's length) and all the way out to Infinity in focus. As you step up to longer and longer focal length lenses, that are more popular in bird photography, the depth of field decreases very rapidly. (Depth of Field is extremely critical in MACRO photography.) Using the concept of "Hyperfocal Distance" (based on the acceptable size of the Circles of Confusion == In Focus/Out of Focus). It is possible to preset a lens for the Maximum Depth of Field. For instance, a 35mm lens if focused at Infinity may be in focus from 20 feet to Infinity but if focused at 30 feet, the resulting photo could be in focus from 8 feet to Infinity. That is gain of 12 feet. However, if using a 300mm lens and you focus at Infinity, the Depth of Field would be perhaps from 100 feet to Infinity. BUT, if you focused at a distance of 100 feet, the resulting photo would be in focus from 40 feet to Infinity. This is a gain of 60 feet of acceptable "In Focus" photography. THESE NUMBERS USED ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND WILL VARY FROM LENS TO LENS. I recognize that the f stop used is also critical to determing the Depth of Field, however, if you follow this awkward discussion you will deal with that ISSUE just fine. But, basically, the smaller the diaphragm opening (f stop number gets larger) the greater the gain in Depth of Field. Conversely, the larger the iris opening (the smaller the f stop number) the more critical the focus becomes with the greatly diminished Depth of Field. Last comment, most film lenses or digital-adptable film lenses have markings on the barrel of the lens that give the Depth of Field and for 'documentaton photography' the focus should be set where the farthest distance (Infinity) is just inside the range of the f stop selected). Best to test this idea before you need it!! Having said all this: If time allows, it is almost always best to focus on the actual subject - especially in Wildlife photography - the eye of the animal is the critical focus point in most cases. I used to do photography seriously, now I mainly play with digital cameras!! Great fun and incredibly useful for documentation or Family Gatherings. Additional comments and corrections solicited, of course! Bob Taylor Canby, Oregon taylorbobt at yahoo.com --------------------------------- Bored stiff? Loosen up... Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/64760cc3/attachment.htm From nelsoncheek at charter.net Sun Jan 14 11:06:18 2007 From: nelsoncheek at charter.net (WALTER NELSON) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 11:06:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] January Raptor Survey - Lincoln Co. Coast Message-ID: <20070114190612.LWNE753.aa06.charter.net@D9FD2761> The January edition of the Lincoln Co. raptor route was done in 2 sections because of a rain-out last weekend. The entire route runs from Alsea Bay north to Lincoln City, inland following Hwy 229 to Siletz and Toledo, and along the Yaquina River back to Newport. Wayne Hoffman, Walt Nelson, and Rebecca Cheek did the southern part of the route 01/06/2007 and finished the route yesterday 01/13/2007. We drove a total of 120 miles in 6 hr 45 min. and found: Red-tailed Hawk 14 Northern Harrier 1 Bald Eagle 27 (22 Adults, 5 Subadults) White-tailed Kite 1 Merlin 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 ______________________ Rebecca Cheek 14399 S. Coast Hwy South Beach, OR 97366 541-867-4699 nelsoncheek AT charter.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/215b0487/attachment.htm From alderspr at peak.org Sun Jan 14 11:36:43 2007 From: alderspr at peak.org (Karan & Jim Fairchild) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 11:36:43 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wren at Luckiamute Landing References: <002801c737f6$8e6191f0$6401a8c0@alder64fd7824d> Message-ID: <000d01c73813$53a254b0$6401a8c0@alder64fd7824d> Steve and OBOL, Hi again! I should have added that I remain hopeful that it was a Sedge Wren--maybe today lots of people will get to see it really well and in good light, and get to hear it too. Hope it sticks around so I can see it too, I'm totally unfamiliar with the species. Jim ----- Original Message ----- From: STEVE JAGGERS To: Oregon Birders On Line ; Karan & Jim Fairchild Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 9:01 AM Subject: Re: [obol] Wren at Luckiamute Landing Hi Folks, I was a bit brief with last night's description. The bird Jim is referring to was visible quite briefly but I feel sure that it was not a Bewick's or Marsh Wren as I viewed its head with some clarity. No white eye-stripe, darkish all over. It was getting pretty dark at this time. I am encouraged with Jim's Winter Wren elimination by tail length-I did not see its south end. Could it have been the elusive Sedge Wren. I am thinking so. Peterson's nice plate in "Eastern Birds" affords a nice one page comparison of all these skulkers. Hello Jim, Karen and Ulo. We met Karl but did not greet you three. Kinda cold wasn't it! Steve Jaggers Linda Neumann. ----- Original Message ----- From: Karan & Jim Fairchild To: Oregon Birders On Line Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 8:10 AM Subject: [obol] Wren at Luckiamute Landing Karl, Karan, Ulo Kiigemagi and I were also able to briefly see Steve Jaggers and Linda Neumann's suspect wren under larger willows around 430pm. No vocalizations by this bird. It appeared to be foraging on the surface of the ice, and light conditions made it difficult for me to discern any color on the bird. Body form and posture appeared to me closest to Bewick's wren, but possibly not as large. I would eliminate Winter Wren from tail length, and possibly Marsh Wren only by furtive behaviour. We had seen a Bewick's wren an hour earlier foraging within tree about 100 meters of this suspect. The four of us spent about 1 1/2 hours poking around looking for the wren and other birds. This place is thick with sparrows of all sorts, and I look forward to hearing what else can be found. Good birding, Jim Fairchild _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/3da35b1d/attachment.htm From newhouse at efn.org Sun Jan 14 13:26:22 2007 From: newhouse at efn.org (Bruce Newhouse) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 13:26:22 -0800 Subject: [obol] American Dippers/Lane County Cascades Message-ID: <45AA9FFD.8000006@efn.org> While snowshoeing yesterday, I saw AMERICAN DIPPERS active in cold, icy creeks in two places: at the bridge over Salt Creek just above Salt Creek Falls (about 4100 feet elevation) and at the base of a waterfall (unnamed on USGS maps) in Fall Creek about 1 mile west of Too Much Bear Lake (about 4200 feet elevation). The latter bird was going in the icy water and behind large icy masses, apparently foraging. Brrrrrr! Bruce Newhouse in Eugene From kevinkei at webformixair.com Sun Jan 14 13:27:48 2007 From: kevinkei at webformixair.com (Kevin Smith) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 13:27:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] Culver Raptor Route Report Message-ID: <45AAA054.8070103@webformixair.com> Kei and I and Kreig went out on the 12th for the Culver Raptor Route. COLD!! But beautiful. Here are the results. 36 Red-tail Hawks 6 American Kestrels 8 Northern Harriers 1 Bald Eagle (full adult) 3 Rough-legged Hawks 3 Prairie Falcons 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk Kevin -- Kevin Smith Crooked River Ranch, Oregon -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: kevinkei.vcf Type: text/x-vcard Size: 107 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/be8d8959/attachment.vcf From joel.geier at peak.org Sun Jan 14 14:28:04 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 14:28:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] Luckiamute State Natural Area (Red Fox Sparrow, etc.) In-Reply-To: <1168813258.3813.133.camel@localhost.localdomain> References: <1168813258.3813.133.camel@localhost.localdomain> Message-ID: <1168813684.3813.142.camel@localhost.localdomain> Jeff Gilligan wrote: > That place is really good for sparrows in general. Who planted all of the > seed crop (sunflowers, wheat, etc.)? > Hi Jeff & All, The seed crop was planted by Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife staff from E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, who are managing the combined property as part of a cooperative arrangement with Oregon Parks & Rec. Department. E.E. Wilson refuge manager Ray Fiori tells me that the stems that pop when you step on them are Sudan grass. About that unusually bright Song Sparrow, it seems like we get one or two of the bright, reddish-winged, gray-mantled Great Basin/interior types of Song Sparrows per year around here, among the thousand or more Song Sparrows that winter between E.E. Wilson and Luckiamute SNA. They really are distinctive alongside the various darker Pacific Northwest types. I've seen a couple in recent years that closely resembled the "montana" (Rocky Mountains) subspecies shown by Rising & Beadle. A photographic study of the diversity of wintering Song Sparrows in western Oregon could be very interesting. Good birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From bennywayne at yahoo.com Sun Jan 14 16:27:12 2007 From: bennywayne at yahoo.com (Ben Young) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 16:27:12 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Polk Co. Sedge Wren 1/13 -- NO Message-ID: <975332.13105.qm@web52007.mail.yahoo.com> Rich Swartzentruber and I birded the Luckiamute area on Saturday from 1100 - 1240 hrs. We did not relocate the SEDGE WREN. Of note were 2 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and a flyover WHITE-TAILED KITE. Ben Young Salem, OR --------------------------------- We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/bdc0f791/attachment.htm From birdboy at bkpix.com Sun Jan 14 16:52:01 2007 From: birdboy at bkpix.com (Noah Strycker) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 16:52:01 -0800 Subject: [obol] Summer Tanager photos Message-ID: Obol, Here are some (bad) photos of the Alvadore Summer Tanager that I took this morning (Jan. 14): http://www.noahstrycker.com/photopages/summertanager.htm Good birding! Noah Strycker From steve_dougill at hotmail.com Sun Jan 14 16:59:10 2007 From: steve_dougill at hotmail.com (Steve Dougill) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 14:59:10 -1000 Subject: [obol] Prineville (Crook County) Raptor run Message-ID: Jan 12 2007 - 3 hrs - 40 miles - Me and jake Sachs - Cold (mid 20's and clear) Lots of raptors! In addition we saw 3 LEAST SANDPIPERS in the O'Neil Vallet close to Prineville and 2 PHEASANTS 77 Red Tailed Hawks 15 Kestrels 11 Harriers 1 adt and I imm Bald Eagle 1 Golden Eagle (Too far away to get age) 5 Rough Legged Hawk 5 Prairie Falcon Looking forward to some days above zero, Steve Dougill, Redmond _________________________________________________________________ Fixing up the home? Live Search can help http://imagine-windowslive.com/search/kits/default.aspx?kit=improve&locale=en-US&source=hmemailtaglinenov06&FORM=WLMTAG From lewismk at charter.net Sun Jan 14 17:01:30 2007 From: lewismk at charter.net (M. Kim Lewis) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 17:01:30 -0800 Subject: [obol] Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? Message-ID: <81D307E0-272D-4101-ABB3-EC19F17FA095@charter.net> I have been noticing pretty big influx of Varied Thrush on our several acre property in north Ashland. I have not noticed this amount before. They are quite beautiful and not very timid. They come quite close. Perhaps this is because of the colder temperatures. I understand they are around mostly in winter and early spring. Any insights. Malcolm Lewis Ashland, OR From llsdirons at msn.com Sun Jan 14 17:08:34 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 01:08:34 +0000 Subject: [obol] Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? In-Reply-To: <81D307E0-272D-4101-ABB3-EC19F17FA095@charter.net> Message-ID: It is quite common for Varied Thrushes to move downslope and into urban areas (where there are many artificially heated microsites) during cold snaps. Influxes of American Robins and Fox Sparrows also occur during such weather events. Dave Irons Eugene >From: "M. Kim Lewis" >To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >Subject: [obol] Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? >Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 17:01:30 -0800 > > > >I have been noticing pretty big influx of Varied Thrush on our >several acre property in north Ashland. >I have not noticed this amount before. They are quite beautiful and >not very timid. They come quite close. > >Perhaps this is because of the colder temperatures. I understand they >are around mostly in winter and early spring. > >Any insights. > >Malcolm Lewis >Ashland, OR > > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From conserve at tidelink.net Sun Jan 14 17:14:05 2007 From: conserve at tidelink.net (Conservation For The Oregon Coast) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 17:14:05 -0800 Subject: [obol] Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? In-Reply-To: <81D307E0-272D-4101-ABB3-EC19F17FA095@charter.net> References: <81D307E0-272D-4101-ABB3-EC19F17FA095@charter.net> Message-ID: <45AAD55D.2000805@tidelink.net> Hello Malcolm! I am not a very good judge currently since we just moved from Lakeside to the Charleston area. We have one acre, half of it grass (the other half heavily forested coastal) and I have to tell you that my wife and I counted 25 of them this very morning. Now, since we just moved here this could be a normal count, however in Lakeside the last few years I had no more than 3 at any one time in the yard and was lucky to see them 3 days out of 7. Just something else to muddy the waters for you... ;) Jason in Charleston M. Kim Lewis wrote: > I have been noticing pretty big influx of Varied Thrush on our > several acre property in north Ashland. > I have not noticed this amount before. They are quite beautiful and > not very timid. They come quite close. > > Perhaps this is because of the colder temperatures. I understand they > are around mostly in winter and early spring. > > Any insights. > > Malcolm Lewis > Ashland, OR > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > > -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: conserve.vcf Type: text/x-vcard Size: 387 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/675be0a7/attachment.vcf From mchar5 at msn.com Sun Jan 14 17:27:14 2007 From: mchar5 at msn.com (Jim Harleman and Kathy McNeill) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 17:27:14 -0800 Subject: [obol] Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? References: <81D307E0-272D-4101-ABB3-EC19F17FA095@charter.net> Message-ID: A number of birders in Jackson County have commented on the large numbers of Varied thrushes being seen this fall and winter. They have been noted at all elevations. The number of them has been truly amazing. Jim Harleman ----- Original Message ----- From: "M. Kim Lewis" To: Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 5:01 PM Subject: [obol] Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? > > > I have been noticing pretty big influx of Varied Thrush on our > several acre property in north Ashland. > I have not noticed this amount before. They are quite beautiful and > not very timid. They come quite close. > > Perhaps this is because of the colder temperatures. I understand they > are around mostly in winter and early spring. > > Any insights. > > Malcolm Lewis > Ashland, OR > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From pamelaj at spiritone.com Sun Jan 14 18:43:56 2007 From: pamelaj at spiritone.com (pamela johnston) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 18:43:56 -0800 Subject: [obol] Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? References: <81D307E0-272D-4101-ABB3-EC19F17FA095@charter.net> Message-ID: <001c01c7384f$0236b4e0$ea6cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> In the past year, the highest Varied Thrush numbers here were in late spring. They have moved right in to take seed near the house during this cold spell, and run afoul of each other pretty often. Even in dispute, their voices are beautifully strange. Pamela Johnston, NW of McMinnville From roygerig at hotmail.com Sun Jan 14 19:30:07 2007 From: roygerig at hotmail.com (Roy Gerig) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:30:07 -0800 Subject: [obol] Salem CLAY-COLORED, Marion Co. WT KITE persist 1/14/07 Message-ID: I saw one of the two CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS that I found a couple weeks ago in Minto-Brown Park in Salem this morning in the cold sun. It was with the large flock of sparrows that is often just a little north of the last parking lot as you go into the park. Seems to be staying close to LINCOLN'S SPARROW rather than crowned sparrows. Later, around noon, I did a monthly survey of a 160 acre field east of Turner (SE of Salem) and the WHITE-TAILED KITE that I saw there a month ago - one of few Marion County records of Kite - was present during the entire survey. I also noted more SAVANNAH SPARROWS, more than 50, than I have ever seen there in more than 18 months of surveys. Roy Gerig, Salem OR _________________________________________________________________ Find sales, coupons, and free shipping, all in one place! ?MSN Shopping Sales & Deals http://shopping.msn.com/content/shp/?ctid=198,ptnrid=176,ptnrdata=200639 From willclemons at yahoo.com Sun Jan 14 19:40:15 2007 From: willclemons at yahoo.com (Bill Clemons) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:40:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Luckiamute NO but Minto-Brown WOW! Message-ID: <552956.44022.qm@web55111.mail.re4.yahoo.com> Luckiamute State Natural Area, S of Monmouth / N of Albany / W bank of Willamette Riv Minto-Brown Island Park, Salem W / John Thaw 10a ? 3:30p January 14, 2007 This morning, on the way down to meet John Thaw at Lukiamute State Natural Area, I stopped at Minto-Brown Island Park and found the CLAY-COLORED SPARROW! It was in the previously described location about 100 yards out the trail past the white steel service road gate at parking lot 3. I walked and birded from about 8:30a -9:10a and found it as I was walking back to the car to leave. Lovely Bird! I watched it from the rear and from the front, for about a minute before the flock flew as a human and dog jogged by. I met John Thaw at the Luckiamute SNA parking lot on Buena Vista Road at 10am. We birded there without seeing anything of the previously reported rarities. This is a very nice and birdy State Natural Area and will clearly get better as time and money allow. John returned with me to Minto-Brown Island Park in Salem, but we could not relocate the Clay-colored Sparrow in the afternoon around 2-3:15pm. At Minto-Brown, our Sparrow birding came to an abrupt end around 3p. John and I were checking out a very large Sparrow flock (over 100 birds) as they moved in and out of cover. All of a sudden all the birds again flew for cover in the bramble, and at the same time, what appeared to be a Sharp-shined Hawk dropped out a tree above the bramble, flew parallel to the trail, snatched a bird and disappeared over the bramble and into the woodland. This was followed immediately by a Second Raptor that made a similar drop, snatched a bird and flew out over the bean field making a large arc before it returned to the tree line to dine properly. As it made this arc out over the bean field, we judged it to be a MERLIN and we watched it climb, glide and while still on the wing it would tuck and pick at its prey. This in-flight beak to prey in talons maneuver happened at least twice as we followed it through binoculars. Wow! Whether the Merlin was killing or beginning to dine in flight, we cant say. I have only seen this maneuver once before (Jan 13, 2007 by a Short-eared owl at Ridgefield NWR). If anyone out there has experience and or knowledge about this raptor behavior, Please share it with all of us on OBOL. This is a fascinating sight to behold! Once the MERLIN perched near the top of a tall deciduous tree and began to eat, we got a scope on it and could ID it as a female Tiaga MERLIN beginning its meal at the head and brain of a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. I have seen other raptors begin a bird meal with the brain. We never saw any of our Lukiamute target birds, but we Still had a Wonderful day in Nature's great out of doors. Bill Clemons SW of Portland in Mtn Park Willclemons AT Yahoo dot com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 From badkitty at studkitty.com Sun Jan 14 19:40:19 2007 From: badkitty at studkitty.com (Jacqui Parker) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:40:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Need Wading Bird ID help Message-ID: <45AAF7A3.2000607@studkitty.com> Beaverton Transit Center (hey, I'm there to catch a bus almost daily & so always take a stroll over to and along the creeks edge to see what I can find). Aside from the usual Mallards, Song Sparrows, Bewicks, and gulls today, I saw 2 shore birds, they were walking around - rather calmly probing the mud at creekside, sometimes disappearing behind vegetation. About Killdeer size, perhaps a little smaller and thinner w/ very long bill (dark) - at least 2.X longer than back to front of head measurement. Legs appeared darkish. Seen from behind there appeared to be 2 contrasting dark/light stripes from nape down backside, although the heads themselves did not appear striped and they were mostly brownish w/ white/grayish undersides. Unfortunately don't have too much to go on - no binos and only had a few moments to observe. I'm guessing a Snipe based on what I can see in the "usual" field guides. Any locals w/ info on what would be most likely, based on my very general description? Thanks much! Jacqui -- Jacqui Parker Portland, OREGON cell: 503.841.1513 ........... I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974), Interview 1974 From lcolburn2 at comcast.net Sun Jan 14 19:50:27 2007 From: lcolburn2 at comcast.net (lcolburn) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:50:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] Fantastic photographs Message-ID: <000001c73858$4cb8b780$85daab43@beorn> Having taken bird photographs for more than 40+, I haven't run across to many who have touched me with their photographs as a young man who is just a sophomore in high school, living in Eastern Washington, Michael Woodruff. You need to check out his beautiful pictures and the number of special species he has photographed! To see his pictures go to the web at www.flickr.com/photos/nightjar. I think you will enjoy what you see. Les Colburn Happy Birding -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/fd77f5a4/attachment.htm From youngwarriors at hotmail.com Sun Jan 14 20:04:44 2007 From: youngwarriors at hotmail.com (Keith Owen) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 20:04:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] Fantastic photographs Message-ID: I was given his website by a mutual friend, who is also a very fine photographer, and agree that he has some of the best bird photos I have ever seen. I especially enjoy his owl photos. Another thing that was interesting to me is that he is attending the same high school my brother (Kimdel Owen) and I attended. Keith Owen From youngwarriors at hotmail.com Sun Jan 14 20:11:45 2007 From: youngwarriors at hotmail.com (Keith Owen) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 20:11:45 -0800 Subject: [obol] Basket Slough and Finley Message-ID: I met my brother and Don Southerland at BSNWR this morning to look for the Emporer Goose. We didn't find it. However we did find the flock of HORNED LARKS on Livermore Rd. There were several SAVANNAH SPARROWS in the flock along with a couple LAPLAND LONGSPURS and a couple AMERICAN PIPITS. We also found the WHITE-TAILED KITE that has been hanging out along Livermore Rd. We looked for the Gyrfalcon at the Corvallis airport and struck out again, but did find two EURASIAN WIGEON males with a flock of AMERICAN WIGEON at Finley. There was also an American/Eurasian hybrid with the flock. They were between the old house/weather station and the restrooms in the series of containment ponds on the east side of the road. Keith Owen From gnorgren at earthlink.net Sun Jan 14 20:55:49 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 20:55:49 -0800 Subject: [obol] SAY'S PHOEBE, WASH.Co. and BLACK MERLIN Message-ID: <1359efc19ad99eb5fae52e9952d50d77@earthlink.net> At 11:15 this morning I saw a Say's Phoebe on the south side of Wilkesboro Rd., about 1km se of Banks. It was perching on an electric fence, working west towards a cattle barn where it disappeared for a few minutes. The fence is 125m s of the road on the west side of RR tracks that cross the road askew. Good parking is available where these RR tracks cross Wilkeboro Rd. The Phoebe reappeared eastbound, about 70m s of the road, hovering 1-2m high then dropping to the grass. It landed on some very tall weed stalks along the train tracks and hawked from them in classic style, then moved to the south side of a mini=storage shed behind a double-wide mobile home where there is some play equipment. I last saw it perched on a 1.5m high compost heap. At this point I saw a Black Merlin perched on the ash trees 200m down the tracks. As I prepared to walk closer it took off in a slightly downward trajactory and dissappeared in the farmstead just east of the mobile home. As it didn't reappear to the north I drove down Wilkeboro Rd to the east side of the farm and looked for quite awhile without seeing it depart. I fear for the Phoebe which had been working in that direction. Its hovering and high profile perching would make it an easy target. This is the first Say's Phoebe I've seen in Washington Co at any season, but it's clearly part of a pattern. I recall one a week ago in Mult. Co., three in Polk Co this Dec and the two west of Yamhill in November. The current weather seems extreme by flatlander standards, but I suppose it's no different from much of the weather in eastern Oregon in late Feb when Say's Phoebes start showing up there. Lars Norgren From bjgreen34 at yahoo.com Sun Jan 14 20:57:29 2007 From: bjgreen34 at yahoo.com (Brandon Green) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 20:57:29 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? Message-ID: <20070115045729.34382.qmail@web60821.mail.yahoo.com> I saw the first Varied Thrush in my yard in early December and, since discovering that I feed suet, they've been coming regularly. I've definitely been seeing more of them during this recent cold snap (maybe 4-5 at a time several times a day vs. 1-2 once or twice a day), but they definitely were becoming regulars during the more temperate weather in December. Brandon Eugene ----- Subject: Re: Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? From: "DAVID IRONS" Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 01:08:34 +0000 It is quite common for Varied Thrushes to move downslope and into urban areas (where there are many artificially heated microsites) during cold snaps. Influxes of American Robins and Fox Sparrows also occur during such weather events. Dave Irons Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/cf74d689/attachment.htm From m_scatt at yahoo.com Sun Jan 14 20:59:31 2007 From: m_scatt at yahoo.com (Em Scattaregia) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 20:59:31 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Whimbrel, Tillamook County Message-ID: <524577.13475.qm@web59006.mail.re1.yahoo.com> We walked out the bay side to the South Jetty on Tillamook Bay today and returned on the beach. Adrian spotted a WHIMBREL on the beach late in the afternoon. A great view, in perfect lighting. It was feeding with a few Sanderlings. Highlights on the bay side: 19 Semi-Palmated Plovers, 4 Wrentits, and a large numbers of Yellow-Rumped Warblers, Varied Thrushes and Hermit Thrushes foraging on the mudflats. We enjoyed seeing snow in the dunes and patches of snow on the beach! Em Scattaregia Christopher and Adrian --------------------------------- 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/1b4ce454/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Sun Jan 14 21:01:57 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 21:01:57 -0800 Subject: [obol] Luckiamute NO but Minto-Brown WOW! In-Reply-To: <552956.44022.qm@web55111.mail.re4.yahoo.com> References: <552956.44022.qm@web55111.mail.re4.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Alexander Wilson wrote about Mississippi Kites eating on the wing almost 200 years ago. THere sure have been a lot of MERLINS around the past week. Is migration (northward) underway already? I'm not accustomed to seeing them around here until it's truly spring. Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON On Jan 14, 2007, at 7:40 PM, Bill Clemons wrote: > > Luckiamute State Natural Area, S of Monmouth / N of > Albany / W bank of Willamette Riv > Minto-Brown Island Park, Salem > W / John Thaw 10a ? 3:30p January 14, 2007 > > This morning, on the way down to meet John Thaw at > Lukiamute State Natural Area, I stopped at Minto-Brown > Island Park and found the CLAY-COLORED SPARROW! It > was in the previously described location about 100 > yards out the trail past the white steel service road > gate at parking lot 3. I walked and birded from about > 8:30a -9:10a and found it as I was walking back to the > car to leave. Lovely Bird! > > I watched it from the rear and from the front, for > about a minute before the flock flew as a human and > dog jogged by. > > I met John Thaw at the Luckiamute SNA parking lot on > Buena Vista Road at 10am. We birded there without > seeing anything of the previously reported rarities. > This is a very nice and birdy State Natural Area and > will clearly get better as time and money allow. > > John returned with me to Minto-Brown Island Park in > Salem, but we could not relocate the Clay-colored > Sparrow in the afternoon around 2-3:15pm. > > At Minto-Brown, our Sparrow birding came to an abrupt > end around 3p. John and I were checking out a very > large Sparrow flock (over 100 birds) as they moved in > and out of cover. All of a sudden all the birds again > flew for cover in the bramble, and at the same time, > what appeared to be a Sharp-shined Hawk dropped out a > tree above the bramble, flew parallel to the trail, > snatched a bird and disappeared over the bramble and > into the woodland. > > This was followed immediately by a Second Raptor that > made a similar drop, snatched a bird and flew out over > the bean field making a large arc before it returned > to the tree line to dine properly. As it made this > arc out over the bean field, we judged it to be a > MERLIN and we watched it climb, glide and while still > on the wing it would tuck and pick at its prey. This > in-flight beak to prey in talons maneuver happened at > least twice as we followed it through binoculars. Wow! > Whether the Merlin was killing or beginning to dine > in flight, we cant say. I have only seen this > maneuver once before (Jan 13, 2007 by a Short-eared > owl at Ridgefield NWR). If anyone out there has > experience and or knowledge about this raptor > behavior, Please share it with all of us on OBOL. > This is a fascinating sight to behold! > > Once the MERLIN perched near the top of a tall > deciduous tree and began to eat, we got a scope on it > and could ID it as a female Tiaga MERLIN beginning its > meal at the head and brain of a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. > I have seen other raptors begin a bird meal with the > brain. > > We never saw any of our Lukiamute target birds, but we > Still had a Wonderful day in Nature's great out of > doors. > > Bill Clemons > SW of Portland in Mtn Park > Willclemons AT Yahoo dot com > > > > > _______________________________________________________________________ > _____________ > Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels > in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. > http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From youngwarriors at hotmail.com Sun Jan 14 21:45:29 2007 From: youngwarriors at hotmail.com (Keith Owen) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 21:45:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] GYRFALCON at Finley NWR Message-ID: Randy, Pam, Kim, and Don, It just isn't fair! My son and I had just parted with Kim and Don and headed back toward Salem. O well it wouldn't have been new for anything but the year anyway. Congratulations on finding it. Keith Owen From cgates at webformixair.com Sun Jan 14 22:20:35 2007 From: cgates at webformixair.com (Charles R. Gates) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 22:20:35 -0800 Subject: [obol] FW: [COBOL] Crook County Birding 01/14/07 Message-ID: This from student birder, David Schas of Powell Butte. -----Original Message----- From: cobol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:cobol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu]On Behalf Of David Schas Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 8:40 PM To: COBOL; Young Birders Subject: [COBOL] Crook County Birding 01/14/07 Hey Birders, My Uncle, Jake Schas and I took the advantage of the great, but freezing weather today and birded several parts of Crook County including Powell Butte, Houston Lake, Barnes Butte Road, Ochoco Res., Mill Creek, Steins Pillar TH, Hwy 26, Meadowlakes Golf Course and the Prineville Sewer Ponds. All together we saw 54 species in the 8 hour period. Highlights: 2+Tricolored Blackbirds - Johnson Creek Road 4 Short-eared Owls - Powell Butte 1 Eurasian Wigeon - Meadowlakes Golf Coure in flock of about 1000 American Wigeons 2 Northern Shrike - Mill Creek 3 Brown Creepers - Prineville Cemetary & Steins Pillar TH 2 Cackling Geese -Prineville Sewer Ponds List: (in order of which we saw them) Mourning Dove California Quail Northern Flicker Dark-eyed Junco Scrub Jay American Robin Red-tailed Hawk Great-Horned Owl Raven Rough-legged Hawk Northern Harrier Starling American Kestral 3 Prarie Falcons BB Magpie Brewer's BB Crow House Sparrow Canada Goose Townsend's Solitare Mtn. Chickadee House Finch White-crowned Sparrow Song Sparrow Northern Pintail Mallard 5 Bald Eagle (mature adults) Red-winged Blackbirds Sharp-shinned hawk Rock Pigeon Common Merganser Red-Breasted Nuthatch 1 Golden Eagle Pygmy Nuthatch Red-winged Crossbill Cooper's Hawk Great-blue Heron Ring-necked Duck Green-winged Teal Gadwall Merlin Barrow's Goldeneye Common Goldeneye Northern Shoveler American Wigeon Lesser Scaup Bufflehead American Coot ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/f3b544ab/attachment.htm -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: ATT00088.txt Url: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/f3b544ab/attachment.txt From kosciuch at gmail.com Sun Jan 14 23:00:20 2007 From: kosciuch at gmail.com (Karl Kosciuch) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 01:00:20 -0600 Subject: [obol] where to find rock-dwelling sandpipers? Message-ID: Greetings all, I enjoyed a nice day birding around Newport today and observed the previously discussed Glaucous Gulls. However, I was surprised not to see any of the rock-dwelling sandpipers such as Surfbird, Black Turnstone, Rock Sandpiper, or Black Oystercatcher on the jetty. Where do you regularly find these species? On side note, I inquired with the technology folks at OSU about a 'search' feature for the OBOL archives that examines the content of the post as well as the title. Unfortunately, the list-serv software they use does not provide this capability. So, if you wish to search for a topic, such as Rock Sandpiper, you are limited to checking the subject lines month by month. I mentioned this because I like to do a search of the archives before I post. Thanks! Karl Kosciuch Corvallis -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/32013e6d/attachment.htm From forcreeks at earthlink.net Sun Jan 14 23:22:18 2007 From: forcreeks at earthlink.net (Steve Berliner) Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 23:22:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eurasian Wigeon Crystal Spgs./photos Message-ID: <410-22007111572218125@earthlink.net> Eurasian Wigeon (hybrid?) today (1-14-07) at Crystal Springs enjoying free birdseed handouts with the hoarding regulars. Slight postocular green; strong green nape, and nice green speculum. Taken of him on the water, photo one shows entire speculum, while no. two shows the nape well; at: http://home.earthlink.net/~s.berliner/ Steve Berliner forcreeks at earthlink.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070114/7ca2aab4/attachment.htm From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 01:35:21 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 01:35:21 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Glaucous Gull "invasion" In-Reply-To: <50a8764cafd1474929082552e1d08d27@earthlink.net> Message-ID: <757525.53750.qm@web51803.mail.yahoo.com> Not sure why the Glaucous-winged ancestry would explain the lighter iris color. I don't yet own an authoritative gull reference but checking the Sibley Guide and others, it seems the the first winter Glaucous-winged Gull has a dark iris and both the Glaucous x Glaucous-winged and Glaucous x Herring hybrid illustrations in the Sibley Guide show a dark eye for the first winter. However, the second winter Glaucous Gull has a light iris and still has a two-toned beak....which is why I brought all this up in the first place....thought maybe we might be looking at at least one second winter Glaucous Gull, maybe two. Cindy Ashy --- Lars and Gail Norgren wrote: > Wayne Hoffman reported the two darkish > birds a day or two ago, suggesting they were > of the barrovianus subspecies AND suggesting > they might have some Glaucous- > winged ancestry, which would explain the eye > colour. The Herring Gull complex has a well > documented history of hybridization where ever > two species in the complex overlap in breeding > range. I saw some Western Gulls on the Eugene > CBC and darned if one of them didn't have dark > eyes! Why did I have to use a scope? Lars Norgren > On Jan 13, 2007, at 10:51 PM, Cindy Ashy wrote: > > > This afternoon at the South Jetty, there were 3 Glaucous Gulls. If you > > look at > > page 230 of the Sibley Guide, there are 2 illustrations of juvenile > > Glaucous > > Gulls, one lighter and one a little darker. One of the gulls I saw > > resembled > > more the lighter form and two of them were the darker form. I saw > > these gulls > > several times and up close and in different lighting situations. I am > > very sure > > the lighter one was a glaucous gull....and I'm almost certain the > > other two > > were....BUT one of the darker ones had a light iris so I think it was > > a second > > year Glaucous Gull...and the other darker one had an iris SLIGHTLY > > lighter than > > its pupil when I got a look at it with the light shining right at it > > (the > > lighter one had the darkest iris which was very dark)....I've looked > > through my > > guides carefully at all the gulls with two-toned beaks and also the > > ones with > > light eyes (at any stage) and can't find another one that has all the > > same > > traits and light eyes and a two-toned beak...the tips of the wings > > were NOT > > dark, the beak was extra long, and when I say "darker" I don't mean > > dark....just darker relative to the other really light Glaucous Gull. > > However, > > if anyone has other ideas, please let me know. > > > > Cindy Ashy > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________________________________ > > _____________ > > Never Miss an Email > > Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started! > > http://mobile.yahoo.com/services?promote=mail > > _______________________________________________ > > obol mailing list > > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545367 From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 01:47:54 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 01:47:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] where to find rock-dwelling sandpipers? Message-ID: <6973.66699.qm@web51808.mail.yahoo.com> Hi Karl, I find Yaquina Head to be more dependable for Black Oyster Catchers as I see them almost every time I'm there on the south side and they're nice enough to announce themselves so finding them even on a foggy/rainy day is quite easy. Black Turnstones are often there as well, especially at a medium - low tide. Look especially around the base of Lion's Head and Gonzo Rock (ask the rangers to point this out). At the South Jetty, I find the tide makes quite a difference, the lower the tide the more likely you'll find them. I often see a small flock foraging on the first finger of the jetty, especially the east side about 1/3-1/2 of the way out...there must be some good eatin' there :-) There's often one or two surfbirds mixed in with the turnstones. Check also the jetty rocks (both north and south) at the point about parallel to the beach...another good spot....and a better spot for surfbirds than the first finger. Tide matters at Yaquina Head too. Seal Rock is another good spot but I don't go there as often and don't have as good a sense for how dependable this area is. If you find a Rock Sandpiper, please post because I seldom find those :-) probably because I'm still struggling to identify them. Cindy Ashy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Don't pick lemons. See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html From 5hats at peak.org Mon Jan 15 06:52:40 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 06:52:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] whatwazzit ?(movie) Message-ID: <000c01c738b4$d05f6550$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> OBOL, For those of you who have seen March of the Penguins: What kind of bird was it that came in and attacked the penguin chicks? I'm guessing Southern Giant Petrel, but may be wrong. Darrel -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/bd04cb0b/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Mon Jan 15 08:45:43 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 08:45:43 -0800 Subject: [obol] influx of Varied Thrush, reasons References: <81D307E0-272D-4101-ABB3-EC19F17FA095@charter.net> Message-ID: <008b01c738c4$9df91240$97f7d7cd@Warbler> Varied Thrush watchers, One indication that Varied Thrush could be numerous is the amount of Pacific Madrone berries that are produced (where Madrones occur). They are wintertime food for many species, which can occur in large numbers with heavy berry crops. Not only Varied Thrush, but Cedar Waxwings, Hermit Thrush, American Robins and even European Starling to name a few. Varied Thrush tend to stay up out of the valley in foothills and lower mountain slopes in the winter (in Madrone areas with berries, especially), but will drop to the valley floors with heavy snow, extreme cold or lack of forage in these locations. Also, when these species are numerous you could see large numbers of Cooper's Hawks and Merlins (go where the food is). I once was watching Cedar Waxwings foraging in a large Madrone on berries when out of the corner of my eye I saw something moving their direction really fast. A MERLIN! At full speed it crashed into the Madrone; 100s of Waxwings departed in a hurry! The Merlin emerged out the other size with nothing. Guess there were just too many Waxwing for it to focus on one. One thing to watch for with Varied Thrush around your place if you left you leaves on the ground is them hopping along, picking up leaves and seeing what's under them for eats. Dennis (north of Grants Pass) >A number of birders in Jackson County have commented on the large numbers >of > Varied thrushes being seen this fall and winter. They have been noted at > all elevations. The number of them has been truly amazing. > > Jim Harleman > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "M. Kim Lewis" > To: > Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 5:01 PM > Subject: [obol] Has anyone noticed an influx of Varied Thrush? > > >> >> >> I have been noticing pretty big influx of Varied Thrush on our >> several acre property in north Ashland. >> I have not noticed this amount before. They are quite beautiful and >> not very timid. They come quite close. >> >> Perhaps this is because of the colder temperatures. I understand they >> are around mostly in winter and early spring. >> >> Any insights. >> >> Malcolm Lewis >> Ashland, OR >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> obol mailing list >> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >> > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From adamus7 at comcast.net Mon Jan 15 09:13:31 2007 From: adamus7 at comcast.net (Paul Adamus) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 09:13:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) Message-ID: <003e01c738c8$7baeb3d0$6400a8c0@paul> OBOLers -- Like Karl Kosciuch noted in his post yesterday, we birders often wonder, "Where could I find a ____ in Oregon?" [insert any species you want]. Or, we want to list all the species reported from a particular location or by a particular observer. There are several resources available: 1) OBOL Archives. As Karl notes, this has been a pain to use because you can only search one month at a time (that's 60+ individual searches!). * However* I recently took the time to merge all the OBOL posts from December 2001 through October 2006 into just 4 documents in MS Word. These can be rapidly searched using MS Word (Control-F). You can download this zipped 22 mB file from: oregonstate.edu/~adamusp/OBOL 2) For prior OBOL records (about 1994 to 2001) I have files that document species by COUNTY-YEAR that were graciously provided to me in html format by Matt Hunter. 3) In the online database, BIRDNOTES, you can search by species or by their list of locations (not all birding spots are included). There is some overlap with OBOL, but not a lot. The address is birdnotes.net A similar database is eBird, maintained by the Cornell Lab. 4) At least one of the more illustrious birders in this state is known to have many previous years of the "Field Notes" section Oregon Birds on their computer. 5) The Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife created a database, OSIS, in the early 1990s that organized records from prior issues of Oregon Birds and other sources. However, being a database, the locational information is vague and inconsistent (mostly searchable by county only). 6) For summering birds, the CD containing our Oregon Breeding Bird Atlas is perhaps the most complete and easily-searchable source covering 1995 to 1995. You can order it for $20 from OFO, P.O. Box 10373, Eugene, OR (and the Portland Audubon store may have copies again to sell). But it won't help you find Rock Sandpipers. http://www.oregonbirds.org/breeding_atlas.html 7) For post-1999 and pre-1995 records of breeding species, files from the national Breeding Bird Survey database that cover Oregon can be downloaded and searched. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/retrieval/menu.cfm Christmas Counts can be downloaded from National Audubon's web site. 8) Of course, the classic "Birds of Oregon: A General Reference" is a treasure-trove of information. I understand that the Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center (Eric Scheuering) has begun merging all these avian distributional data sources into a single database. However, they do not currently have much funding for that effort so it will likely take several years to complete. They already have excellent locational information for many of the rarest regularly-occurring species, but are cautious in sharing it due to concerns about the sensitivity of some species. The above is surely not a complete list, but it covers what I've found to be the most complete and accessible electronic sources for Oregon birders and researchers. Paul ************************* Paul Adamus, Ph.D. Adamus Resource Assessment, Inc. and Assistant Professor (Courtesy) College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, and Water Resources Graduate Program, Oregon State University email: adamus7 at comcast.net From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 09:11:42 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 09:11:42 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Varied Thrush Discussion Message-ID: <418880.32002.qm@web34201.mail.mud.yahoo.com> One really good source for comparing relative numbers of wintering species is of course Christmas Bird Count Data. In Coos Bay we have 34 years worth of data dating back to 1972. The mean number of birds on our count is 105 and we had 361 this year, definitely above normal. Our record number was over 800 though, so its certainly was not one of our highest years- I'd just call it above normal. The cold snap has definitely brought the numbers along the coast up though, and I've also seen quite a few around in atypical habitats including out along the beach in small trees. That all said, this is a very common species in the lowlands in the winter in Coos County and is particularly easy to see at forest edges around sunrise like along the forested road out to Cape Arago. This species is often seen zipping of the road shoulder into the forest at sunrise, although mostly what you see is just a dark shadow headed off into the forest as you round a corner. Still snowy on the north facing slopes all around Coos Bay- the snow in our backyard has melted very little since it fell the other day. In town the snowmen(and women) built on the north side of the street are still alive while their brethren on the south side of the street succumbed to the sun a couple days ago. Happy Merry, Tim R Coos Bay ____________________________________________________________________________________ Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545367 From celata at pacifier.com Mon Jan 15 09:37:20 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 09:37:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) References: <003e01c738c8$7baeb3d0$6400a8c0@paul> Message-ID: <45ABBBC9.1086BE8@pacifier.com> Y'all may want to check out: http://oregonbirdingtrails.org/ as well.... -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From bobolink06 at comcast.net Mon Jan 15 09:57:25 2007 From: bobolink06 at comcast.net (bobolink06 at comcast.net) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:57:25 +0000 Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar Message-ID: <011520071757.7486.45ABC0850005888A00001D3E2200761394C0CF05020704010D010D@comcast.net> Obolites: Like most birders, I have been having my hummingbird feeder freeze overnight. I decided to calculate the concentration of sugar needed to prevent freezing as an alternative to the other methods presented onOBOL. Using my son's chemistry text, I found that for each osmol in solution the freezing point was lowered by1.86 C. or 3.34 F. Allowing for 200 Gm. per cup of sugar ,a mix of 1 cup sugar + 764 cc water resulted in a 1.45 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 27.16 F Adding 2 cups of sugar to 528cc water produces a 4.2 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 18 F. Combining 3 cups of sugar to 292 cc water produces an 11.41 osmolar solution which should lower the freezing point to -6 F but the sugar would probably precipitate out. The metric volumes for the water converts to 3.24 cups, 2.24 and 1.24 cups for these three solutions resulting in respective concentrations of 21%, 43% and 67% by weight. For those interested in the formula used for calculating the osmolarity the formula I used is Gm. Glucose/Gm h2o X 1/180 X 1000/kg. [180= molecular wt. of glucose] This was a fun exercise for me and it appears a 43% solution would obviate the need for warming lights ,bubble wrap, bringing the feeder in overnight, or thawing it out each morning, which I have been doing. I know there are a number of science teachers in our ranks, so I would welcome their review of my calculations and any commentary on the metabolic effects this might have on the hummingbirds. Bird on, Bob Bender in Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/9ba2b264/attachment.htm From bjgreen34 at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 10:38:22 2007 From: bjgreen34 at yahoo.com (Brandon Green) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:38:22 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar Message-ID: <20070115183822.30080.qmail@web60824.mail.yahoo.com> "Osmoles" are sort of an offshoot of "moles" that refer to a contribution to the solution's osmotic pressure. I've never used this unit, so I can't really comment on your calculation. A more standard way to look at temperature depression would be to look at the molality of solution (moles of solute [sugar, in this case] per kilogram of solvent [water]). I don't remember the formula for temperature depression off the top of my head, but it would involve the molality of the sugar-water solution and constants for the freezing-point depressions of sucrose and water. It should be in the "colligative properties" section of your son's chemistry text. Brandon Chemist ----- Subject: freezing point of hummingbird nectar From: bobolink06 AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:57:25 +0000 Obolites: Like most birders, I have been having my hummingbird feeder freeze overnight. I decided to calculate the concentration of sugar needed to prevent freezing as an alternative to the other methods presented onOBOL. Using my son's chemistry text, I found that for each osmol in solution the freezing point was lowered by1.86 C. or 3.34 F. Allowing for 200 Gm. per cup of sugar ,a mix of 1 cup sugar + 764 cc water resulted in a 1.45 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 27.16 F Adding 2 cups of sugar to 528cc water produces a 4.2 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 18 F. Combining 3 cups of sugar to 292 cc water produces an 11.41 osmolar solution which should lower the freezing point to -6 F but the sugar would probably precipitate out. The metric volumes for the water converts to 3.24 cups, 2.24 and 1.24 cups for these three solutions resulting in respective concentrations of 21%, 43% and 67% by weight. For those interested in the formula used for calculating the osmolarity the formula I used is Gm. Glucose/Gm h2o X 1/180 X 1000/kg. [180= molecular wt. of glucose] This was a fun exercise for me and it appears a 43% solution would obviate the need for warming lights ,bubble wrap, bringing the feeder in overnight, or thawing it out each morning, which I have been doing. I know there are a number of science teachers in our ranks, so I would welcome their review of my calculations and any commentary on the metabolic effects this might have on the hummingbirds. Bird on, Bob Bender in Eugene_______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol AT lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave AT lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/56bf7f65/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Mon Jan 15 10:39:40 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:39:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar References: <011520071757.7486.45ABC0850005888A00001D3E2200761394C0CF05020704010D010D@comcast.net> Message-ID: <001301c738d4$8628ee00$fef7d7cd@Warbler> Something to keep in mind with sugar solutions is that when "water" freezes, it's just that water freezing. I'm not a chemical engineer, but I would think that when the water part of the solution froze, that would increase the sugar concentration without adding any. When my feeders froze up, there was some at the bottom that was the last to freeze, or remained unfrozen; likely due to increased amount of sugar. Not sure if super-sugar would harm the Hummers or not. They liked it, whatever the reason. Fun to discuss anyway, Dennis Obolites: Like most birders, I have been having my hummingbird feeder freeze overnight. I decided to calculate the concentration of sugar needed to prevent freezing as an alternative to the other methods presented onOBOL. Using my son's chemistry text, I found that for each osmol in solution the freezing point was lowered by1.86 C. or 3.34 F. Allowing for 200 Gm. per cup of sugar ,a mix of 1 cup sugar + 764 cc water resulted in a 1.45 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 27.16 F Adding 2 cups of sugar to 528cc water produces a 4.2 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 18 F. Combining 3 cups of sugar to 292 cc water produces an 11.41 osmolar solution which should lower the freezing point to -6 F but the sugar would probably precipitate out. The metric volumes for the water converts to 3.24 cups, 2.24 and 1.24 cups for these three solutions resulting in respective concentrations of 21%, 43% and 67% by weight. For those interested in the formula used for calculating the osmolarity the formula I used is Gm. Glucose/Gm h2o X 1/180 X 1000/kg. [180= molecular wt. of glucose] This was a fun exercise for me and it appears a 43% solution would obviate the need for warming lights ,bubble wrap, bringing the feeder in overnight, or thawing it out each morning, which I have been doing. I know there are a number of science teachers in our ranks, so I would welcome their review of my calculations and any commentary on the metabolic effects this might have on the hummingbirds. Bird on, Bob Bender in Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/82aee675/attachment.htm From dan at heyerly.com Mon Jan 15 10:53:58 2007 From: dan at heyerly.com (Dan Heyerly) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:53:58 -0800 Subject: [obol] freezing point of nectar Message-ID: <000901c738d6$84120a00$6400a8c0@Dan> The discussion of osmolarity is interesting, but as one that wants to simply know the freezing point of a solution of one part sugar to four parts water it isn't particularly helpful. I am not a chemist or a person that needs to know what level of osmolarity hummingbird nectar needs to be in order for my hummingbird juice to NOT freeze. I would like to simply know at what temperature a one-to-four solution will freeze without having to spend a lot of time creating equations and then attempting to solve them. My long-term memory tells me that based on prior experience in General Chemistry I would end up having to ask Roy Gerig for the right answer anyway. Can anyone give me that temperature? Tnx. Dan Heyerly, Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/0b5c76eb/attachment.htm From larmcqueen at msn.com Mon Jan 15 11:00:09 2007 From: larmcqueen at msn.com (Larry Mcqueen) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:00:09 -0800 Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar In-Reply-To: <011520071757.7486.45ABC0850005888A00001D3E2200761394C0CF05020704010D010D@comcast.net> Message-ID: Bob, This is good information and providing strong sugar solution might save some hummers. However, maybe we should be concerned about the effects of the sub-freezing fluid on the hummers' tongue and other contacting tissue, and the energy required for the little body to bring this fluid to an acceptable temperature. This may not be a problem, as the birds are amazingly resilient and seem to survive no matter what! But to get around the problem of super-cold fluid in the morning, I use a technique of rotating feeders. I simply have some warm feeders ready in the house to switch with the cold ones at day-break, a task that takes only a minute. Sometimes when I'm doing this between 6:30 and 7a.m., the hummer is already awake and chipping at me when it's too dark for me to see it. Best, Larry _____ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of bobolink06 at comcast.net Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 9:57 AM To: Obol Cc: Frank Green; Henry Hile; Alex Bender; Bruce Bender Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar Obolites: Like most birders, I have been having my hummingbird feeder freeze overnight. I decided to calculate the concentration of sugar needed to prevent freezing as an alternative to the other methods presented onOBOL. Using my son's chemistry text, I found that for each osmol in solution the freezing point was lowered by1.86 C. or 3.34 F. Allowing for 200 Gm. per cup of sugar ,a mix of 1 cup sugar + 764 cc water resulted in a 1.45 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 27.16 F Adding 2 cups of sugar to 528cc water produces a 4.2 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 18 F. Combining 3 cups of sugar to 292 cc water produces an 11.41 osmolar solution which should lower the freezing point to -6 F but the sugar would probably precipitate out. The metric volumes for the water converts to 3.24 cups, 2.24 and 1.24 cups for these three solutions resulting in respective concentrations of 21%, 43% and 67% by weight. For those interested in the formula used for calculating the osmolarity the formula I used is Gm. Glucose/Gm h2o X 1/180 X 1000/kg. [180= molecular wt. of glucose] This was a fun exercise for me and it appears a 43% solution would obviate the need for warming lights ,bubble wrap, bringing the feeder in overnight, or thawing it out each morning, which I have been doing. I know there are a number of science teachers in our ranks, so I would welcome their review of my calculations and any commentary on the metabolic effects this might have on the hummingbirds. Bird on, Bob Bender in Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/f356bcd4/attachment.htm From dan at heyerly.com Mon Jan 15 11:22:03 2007 From: dan at heyerly.com (Dan Heyerly) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:22:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] non-freezing nectar Message-ID: <000f01c738da$706aec70$6400a8c0@Dan> I had heard that a solution of one-to-four was best for hummers. I don't know where I heard it originally, but it seems that hummers prefer that concentration too. In the past we had used a solution that was one-to-three, but the hummers did not seem to like it and would ignore it. We went back to one-to-four and they are present every day. We, like Larry, rotate feeders in cold weather rather than fiddle with the concentration. I think Larry's suggestion that hummers would expend too much energy heating up the nectar is a good question, especially if they actually would continue to sip it when it is that cold. Dan Heyerly -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/119b0d38/attachment.htm From nettielh at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 11:28:44 2007 From: nettielh at yahoo.com (Annette Lange) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:28:44 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Beaverton - Fanno - Creekside ...frozen over Message-ID: <20070115192844.17791.qmail@web50201.mail.yahoo.com> In Beaverton, The West side of Fanno Creek - between Scholl's Ferry and Hall .... is completely iced over. Only a small portion near the cement piling foundations of the north business building of the large flooded area has some water. It is so strange to see the awkward black American Coots "walking" across the top of the ice. Most of the ducks and birds (26 different species that I saw last week) seem to be gone. A few ring-necked, one red head, one ruddy, a common and hooded merganser, one or two Shoveler's, a gr. wing teal or two, buffle heads and grebes still in the water .... but just a week ago there were many! I always wonder where they go? Annette --------------------------------- We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/c18b2a26/attachment.htm From marciafcutler at comcast.net Mon Jan 15 11:44:36 2007 From: marciafcutler at comcast.net (MARCIA CUTLER) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:44:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] where to find rock-dwelling sandpipers? References: Message-ID: <02c201c738dd$972a7b20$2794ab43@MC2> Depoe Bay is a good place to find rock-dwelling sandpipers with the advantage that they're right below where you park alongside the highway. In early December, Paula Vanderheul and I found Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Rock Sandpiper and also Black Oystercatchers there during high tide. Marcia F. Cutler ----- Original Message ----- From: Karl Kosciuch To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 11:00 PM Subject: [obol] where to find rock-dwelling sandpipers? Greetings all, I enjoyed a nice day birding around Newport today and observed the previously discussed Glaucous Gulls. However, I was surprised not to see any of the rock-dwelling sandpipers such as Surfbird, Black Turnstone, Rock Sandpiper, or Black Oystercatcher on the jetty. Where do you regularly find these species? On side note, I inquired with the technology folks at OSU about a 'search' feature for the OBOL archives that examines the content of the post as well as the title. Unfortunately, the list-serv software they use does not provide this capability. So, if you wish to search for a topic, such as Rock Sandpiper, you are limited to checking the subject lines month by month. I mentioned this because I like to do a search of the archives before I post. Thanks! Karl Kosciuch Corvallis ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.16.10/625 - Release Date: 1/13/2007 5:40 PM -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/0ebfacbe/attachment.htm From larmcqueen at msn.com Mon Jan 15 11:49:13 2007 From: larmcqueen at msn.com (Larry Mcqueen) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:49:13 -0800 Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar In-Reply-To: <004501c738d9$4b3daba0$6401a8c0@HENRYTABLET> Message-ID: I don't interpret it as friendly. Larry McQueen _____ From: Henry Hile [mailto:hhile at wi.rr.com] Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 11:14 AM To: 'Larry Mcqueen'; bobolink06 at comcast.net; 'Obol' Cc: 'Frank Green'; 'Alex Bender'; 'Bruce Bender' Subject: RE: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar Chipping at you when it is too dark!! Are they "asking for more food?" Or are they mad at you because dinner is late? I get the same chipping in the summer time (we live in the frigid Wisconsin Midwest) and believe that the hummers think we are invading their food source. I doubt they interpret us as friends. Opinions are welcome. Is there such a thing as a domesticated hummer? Henry Hile Teleco Systems Inc. henry at telecosystems.com www.telecosystems.com V 414-350-8218 F 262-375-6483 Do it right, do it once. If it doesn't make cents, it doesn't make sense. "Get 'er done." Larry the Cable Guy. _____ From: Larry Mcqueen [mailto:larmcqueen at msn.com] Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 1:00 PM To: bobolink06 at comcast.net; 'Obol' Cc: 'Frank Green'; 'Henry Hile'; 'Alex Bender'; 'Bruce Bender' Subject: RE: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar Bob, This is good information and providing strong sugar solution might save some hummers. However, maybe we should be concerned about the effects of the sub-freezing fluid on the hummers' tongue and other contacting tissue, and the energy required for the little body to bring this fluid to an acceptable temperature. This may not be a problem, as the birds are amazingly resilient and seem to survive no matter what! But to get around the problem of super-cold fluid in the morning, I use a technique of rotating feeders. I simply have some warm feeders ready in the house to switch with the cold ones at day-break, a task that takes only a minute. Sometimes when I'm doing this between 6:30 and 7a.m., the hummer is already awake and chipping at me when it's too dark for me to see it. Best, Larry _____ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of bobolink06 at comcast.net Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 9:57 AM To: Obol Cc: Frank Green; Henry Hile; Alex Bender; Bruce Bender Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar Obolites: Like most birders, I have been having my hummingbird feeder freeze overnight. I decided to calculate the concentration of sugar needed to prevent freezing as an alternative to the other methods presented onOBOL. Using my son's chemistry text, I found that for each osmol in solution the freezing point was lowered by1.86 C. or 3.34 F. Allowing for 200 Gm. per cup of sugar ,a mix of 1 cup sugar + 764 cc water resulted in a 1.45 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 27.16 F Adding 2 cups of sugar to 528cc water produces a 4.2 osmolar solution which would lower the freezing point to 18 F. Combining 3 cups of sugar to 292 cc water produces an 11.41 osmolar solution which should lower the freezing point to -6 F but the sugar would probably precipitate out. The metric volumes for the water converts to 3.24 cups, 2.24 and 1.24 cups for these three solutions resulting in respective concentrations of 21%, 43% and 67% by weight. For those interested in the formula used for calculating the osmolarity the formula I used is Gm. Glucose/Gm h2o X 1/180 X 1000/kg. [180= molecular wt. of glucose] This was a fun exercise for me and it appears a 43% solution would obviate the need for warming lights ,bubble wrap, bringing the feeder in overnight, or thawing it out each morning, which I have been doing. I know there are a number of science teachers in our ranks, so I would welcome their review of my calculations and any commentary on the metabolic effects this might have on the hummingbirds. Bird on, Bob Bender in Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/ca5a6d45/attachment.htm From pamelaj at spiritone.com Mon Jan 15 12:03:52 2007 From: pamelaj at spiritone.com (pamela johnston) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 12:03:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar References: Message-ID: <003c01c738e0$48a98f10$5a6cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> I'll go beyond Larry to say that hummers aren't friendly at all. They are intensely concerned with getting food. I suspect that if they are "chipping at you when it is too dark," it's because they want to fuel up before going into torpor for the night. This discussion in general has been too centered around the nectar, and not enough on the eater. Warm it up! Leave the chemistry out of it and feed a 1 to 4 solution which is kept above freezing. Pamela Johnston From frankdanl at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 12:25:31 2007 From: frankdanl at yahoo.com (frank lospalluto) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 12:25:31 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Agency Lake/Ft. Klamath area raptor run 01/14/07, Klamath Co. Message-ID: <556602.94520.qm@web36703.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Agency Lake/Ft. Klamath Raptor Run 01/14/07 results: 89.7 miles in 4:40 hrs, clear and cold weather Red-tailed Hawk-37 American Kestrel-3 Northern Harrier-3 Rough-legged Hawk-8 Ferruginous Hawk-1 Bald Eagle-10 adults, 4 subadults Unknown Buteo ?1 Other birds of interest: Northern Shrike (adult) at Wood River Wetlands Hooded Mergansers , Lesser Scaup and Black-crowned Night Heron at Hagelstein Park along with 2 Beavers in the water. Saw over 200 Common Ravens during the course of the survey. On the way home at Crystal Springs Rest area on Westside Rd. a White-headed Woodpecker. Good birding-frank ____________________________________________________________________________________ Have a burning question? Go to www.Answers.yahoo.com and get answers from real people who know. From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 12:52:23 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 12:52:23 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) Message-ID: <20070115205223.54301.qmail@web51802.mail.yahoo.com> Paul, Thank you for taking the time to post the list of Oregon bird resources....very helpful. I'm assuming the ODFW database was named after Laimons Osis? Cindy Ashy ____________________________________________________________________________________ No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail From ensatina3 at hotmail.com Mon Jan 15 12:59:34 2007 From: ensatina3 at hotmail.com (Bobbett Pierce) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:59:34 -0500 Subject: [obol] hummer temperatures Message-ID: I conclude from all the talk about hummers coming to feeders in this cold spell that they are actively flying even when daytime temperatures are in the teens and twenties. I knew they went into torpor to survive cold nights, but apparently they snap out of it at daybreak before it even warms up. The light alone must get them going. At what temperature is it too cold for them to be active in daylight? Lona Pierce, Warren _________________________________________________________________ Communicate instantly! Use your Hotmail address to sign into Windows Live Messenger now. http://get.live.com/messenger/overview From dan-gleason at comcast.net Mon Jan 15 13:01:06 2007 From: dan-gleason at comcast.net (Dan Gleason) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:01:06 -0800 Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar In-Reply-To: <001301c738d4$8628ee00$fef7d7cd@Warbler> References: <011520071757.7486.45ABC0850005888A00001D3E2200761394C0CF05020704010D010D@comcast.net> <001301c738d4$8628ee00$fef7d7cd@Warbler> Message-ID: As stated, when the sugar solution begins to freeze, it is the water that is freezing and the concentration of sugar does increase in the remaining solution. As the freezing process continues, however, some of those sugar crystals become bound up by the ice. If the temperature is low enough, the entire solution will freeze, not just the water, so the increase in sugar concentration is likely to not be too high before it all becomes slushy and starts to freeze, becoming unavailable to the hummingbirds. I would doubt that this increase is enough to harm the birds, however, high concentrations could put birds at risk if they actually drank it. At some point, the high concentration of sugar could cause some dehydration of the tissues in the crop, stomach or intestines and seriously jeopardize the health of the bird. Most likely, however, the birds will simply avoid such high sugar solutions. In experiments that have been done, most hummingbirds will avoid sugar solutions with concentrations less than 1:8 or higher than 1:4 or occasionally, 1:3. The concentration that is most attractive to most species is a concentration that is close to 1:4. This is a concentration that most closely mimics the concentration found in flower nectars. Some flowers have less and some have more but this is a good average. Rufous Hummingbirds tend to be attracted to flowers that are somewhat sweeter than most but 1:4 is still best for them. They will still accept concentrations as high as 1:3 but Anna's generally avoids these higher concentrations where possible. You can sometimes keep Anna's and Rufous apart by providing one feeder that is 1:4 or slightly less, and a second feeder with slightly greater than 1:4 in concentration of sugar that is placed much higher than the first feeder. The preference for Rufous is sweeter and higher flowers. However, this may not always work as Rufous are certainly not shy about foraging at low blooming columbine, larkspur and other flowers as well as typically placed feeders. I have also heard some suggestions to use mixtures of other sugars or other chemicals to lower the freezing point. Please don't do this. Sucrose (common table sugar) is the ONLY thing you should ever put into your feeder. When given a selection of other sugar solutions from which to feed (glucose, maltose, fructose, and several others.) hummingbirds will usually ignore all but the sucrose. A few species will take glucose but much less often. Some of the other sugars cannot be digested by most hummingbirds as most species lack the enzymes to breakdown complex sugars. Only a few or birds, apart from hummingbirds, (mostly sunbirds and some orioles) produce sucrase, the enzyme that breaks down sucrose, so this sugar is not available as a food source for other birds. But it is a necessity for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds still need proteins and minerals in their diet, so some commercial mixes add these to their formulas. I recommend against this. Hummingbirds get the necessary proteins and minerals by feeding on insects, mites, spiders and the eggs of these creatures. They are very good at finding these foods, even in the winter. You don't need to provide these in your feeders and may run the risk of giving them too much of a given mineral. I don't think there is evidence to show harm but since they don't need your supplements, why provide it? The same is true for food coloring. Avoid it. It is not necessary and adds an extra risk factor as they concentrate it is the digestive tract and liver. Be sure your feeders are not frozen at any time but especially early in the morning (dawn or shortly after) and just before dusk. These are the most critical feeding times. Hummingbirds go into torpor each night, dropping their body temperature to between 40-50?F. At morning's first light, they begin to wake from this torpor. To do this, the bird begins shivering which helps warm the muscles and nearby tissues. But shivering also requires energy and this combined with the energy utilized to survive the night, means that the bird needs food soon after awakening. Feeding just before dark is also very important. The sugar that is taken in (sometimes in large amounts) at this time is converted to fat which is stored and used as the fuel to survive the night. More calories of energy are produced to fuel the body by burning fat than other foods. This is also the primary fuel for birds in migration. If you bring your feeder in at night, be sure that you leave it out until well after dark as the hummers often feed even in the dim twilight. Then be sure to put your feeder out early so that it is available when the bird awakens. Hummingbirds go into torpor to minimize energy expenditure, not just because it is cold. Even during many summer nights, torpor is normal. Remember discussions of surface-to-volume ratios in Biology classes? That principle applies here. Hummingbirds are very small. This small mass means that they have a very high body surface area with respect to this small mass. In other words, they have a large surface from which to lose heat much more quickly than a larger animal will have. In many species of animals, northern populations tend to be larger than southern populations. The larger body size means a relatively smaller surface area from which to lose heat, an important factor in cooler, northern environments. A Varied Thrush is a much larger bird and does not lose heat nearly as quickly as the tiny hummingbird and thus, does not have the need for a nightly routine of torpor. Smaller animals also have a higher metabolic rates than do larger animals. Despite this, don't make the mistake of thinking that hummingbirds are fragile creatures. They are amazingly hardy and survive where other birds don't. There are records of hummingbirds living (in the wild) up to 12 years of age. Perhaps longer is possible. By contrast, a shrews, many of which are nearly the same size and weight as a small hummingbird, have a life expectancy of 8 months to 1.5 years. It is not known how they survive these sub-freezing temperatures as they are unable to hibernate. (As an interesting aside, shrews often bite as many insects and spiders as they can without taking the time to eat them. Their saliva is venomous and biting these prey species, poisons and immobilizes them, allowing the shrew to return minutes later and eat at a more leisurely pace instead of expending more energy in search of food. On cool mornings these prey species are readily available as they often come to the surface to avoid exposure higher in the cool air. In the morning, they are still sluggish and easy for the shrew to catch.) Keep your feeders thawed and available and keep the sugar solution inside at a concentration of 1:4. Then you will be doing what is best for the birds. During these long freezing spells, there are other birds that may be at greater risk than hummingbirds. Birds that depend upon open water are at risk if that habitat shrinks or is completely frozen over. And birds, such as snipe, that probe into the mud for food will not be able to feed if the ground is frozen and covered with snow. Hummingbirds can survive this prolonged cold, some others may not fare so well. Dan Gleason ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 On Jan 15, 2007, at 10:39 AM, Dennis P. Vroman wrote: > Something to keep in mind with sugar solutions is that when "water" > freezes, it's just that water freezing. I'm not a chemical > engineer, but I would think that when the water part of the > solution froze, that would increase the sugar concentration without > adding any. When my feeders froze up, there was some at the bottom > that was the last to freeze, or remained unfrozen; likely due to > increased amount of sugar. Not sure if super-sugar would harm the > Hummers or not. They liked it, whatever the reason. > > Fun to discuss anyway, Dennis > > Obolites: Like most birders, I have been having my hummingbird > feeder freeze overnight. I decided to calculate the concentration > of sugar needed to prevent freezing as an alternative to the other > methods presented onOBOL. Using my son's chemistry text, I found > that for each osmol in solution the freezing point was lowered > by1.86 C. or 3.34 F. Allowing for 200 Gm. per cup of sugar ,a mix > of 1 cup sugar + 764 cc water resulted in a 1.45 osmolar solution > which would lower the freezing point to 27.16 F > Adding 2 cups of sugar to 528cc water produces a 4.2 osmolar > solution which would lower the freezing point to 18 F. > Combining 3 cups of sugar to 292 cc water produces an 11.41 > osmolar solution which should lower the freezing point to -6 F but > the sugar would probably precipitate out. > The metric volumes for the water converts to 3.24 cups, 2.24 and > 1.24 cups for these three solutions resulting in respective > concentrations of 21%, 43% and 67% by weight. > For those interested in the formula used for calculating the > osmolarity the formula I used is > Gm. Glucose/Gm h2o X 1/180 X 1000/kg. [180= molecular wt. of > glucose] > This was a fun exercise for me and it appears a 43% solution would > obviate the need for warming lights ,bubble wrap, bringing the > feeder in overnight, or thawing it out each morning, which I have > been doing. I know there are a number of science teachers in our > ranks, so I would welcome their review of my calculations and any > commentary on the metabolic effects this might have on the > hummingbirds. > Bird on, Bob Bender in Eugene > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/339e039a/attachment.htm From bjgreen34 at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 13:16:42 2007 From: bjgreen34 at yahoo.com (Brandon Green) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:16:42 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar Message-ID: <20070115211642.39056.qmail@web60811.mail.yahoo.com> I could be wrong about this, as I'm not a sugar expert, but don't homogeneous solutions tend to freeze and thaw as one bulk solution, not in parts? For example, if one were to freeze a bottle of vodka (40% ethanol) at -80 deg. C, the water (mp of 0 deg. C) does not selectively freeze while the ethanol (mp of -115 deg. C) doesn't - it all freezes as one solution. What most likely does happen in the case of HB feeders is that the saturation concentration of sugar goes down significantly from room temperature to, say. 20 degrees F, causing some sugar crystals to precipitate out. That said, I've seen light scattering in my HB feeder in sub-freezing conditions, which strongly suggests that the solution is no longer homogeneous. So I'm somewhat curious as to whether or not saccharides may behave differently for some reason. -Brandon ----- Subject: Re: freezing point of hummingbird nectar From: Dan Gleason Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:01:06 -0800 As stated, when the sugar solution begins to freeze, it is the water that is freezing and the concentration of sugar does increase in the remaining solution. As the freezing process continues, however, some of those sugar crystals become bound up by the ice. If the temperature is low enough, the entire solution will freeze, not just the water, so the increase in sugar concentration is likely to not be too high before it all becomes slushy and starts to freeze, becoming unavailable to the hummingbirds. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/9fd0de48/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Mon Jan 15 13:25:28 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:25:28 -0800 Subject: [obol] WashCo PRAIRIE FALCON continues Message-ID: <0f8d7bbea5f803517d1bc8ab882f9f46@earthlink.net> A PRAIRIE FALCON flew directly over me at 9:30 am 1/15/07 as I stood near the west end of Wilkesboro Rd in Banks. It came out of the nw(spent the night in Bank?) and flew perfectly straight and level until it was out of sight at a point slightly west of Roy. Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON From dpvroman at budget.net Mon Jan 15 13:26:02 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:26:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar References: <011520071757.7486.45ABC0850005888A00001D3E2200761394C0CF05020704010D010D@comcast.net><001301c738d4$8628ee00$fef7d7cd@Warbler> Message-ID: <000001c738eb$e2a8c5d0$0afad7cd@Warbler> Thanks Dan, great infromation here. Your statement does make sense, for as you mention, as some point the whole liquid solution freezes. I have heard that with salt water for instance, that you can obtain salt-free water by freezing it in part and taking the frozen part to melt for water. Is this true, never tried it? I know that when you make ice cubes in the frig freeze that you get a whitish layer that forms on the outside of the ice cube (some of which remains in the tray). You know...that stuff that you find in your ice tea after ice cubes are added and melt. ...anyway, back to birds! Dennis As stated, when the sugar solution begins to freeze, it is the water that is freezing and the concentration of sugar does increase in the remaining solution. As the freezing process continues, however, some of those sugar crystals become bound up by the ice. If the temperature is low enough, the entire solution will freeze, not just the water, so the increase in sugar concentration is likely to not be too high before it all becomes slushy and starts to freeze, becoming unavailable to the hummingbirds. I would doubt that this increase is enough to harm the birds, however, high concentrations could put birds at risk if they actually drank it. At some point, the high concentration of sugar could cause some dehydration of the tissues in the crop, stomach or intestines and seriously jeopardize the health of the bird. Most likely, however, the birds will simply avoid such high sugar solutions. In experiments that have been done, most hummingbirds will avoid sugar solutions with concentrations less than 1:8 or higher than 1:4 or occasionally, 1:3. The concentration that is most attractive to most species is a concentration that is close to 1:4. This is a concentration that most closely mimics the concentration found in flower nectars. Some flowers have less and some have more but this is a good average. Rufous Hummingbirds tend to be attracted to flowers that are somewhat sweeter than most but 1:4 is still best for them. They will still accept concentrations as high as 1:3 but Anna's generally avoids these higher concentrations where possible. You can sometimes keep Anna's and Rufous apart by providing one feeder that is 1:4 or slightly less, and a second feeder with slightly greater than 1:4 in concentration of sugar that is placed much higher than the first feeder. The preference for Rufous is sweeter and higher flowers. However, this may not always work as Rufous are certainly not shy about foraging at low blooming columbine, larkspur and other flowers as well as typically placed feeders. I have also heard some suggestions to use mixtures of other sugars or other chemicals to lower the freezing point. Please don't do this. Sucrose (common table sugar) is the ONLY thing you should ever put into your feeder. When given a selection of other sugar solutions from which to feed (glucose, maltose, fructose, and several others.) hummingbirds will usually ignore all but the sucrose. A few species will take glucose but much less often. Some of the other sugars cannot be digested by most hummingbirds as most species lack the enzymes to breakdown complex sugars. Only a few or birds, apart from hummingbirds, (mostly sunbirds and some orioles) produce sucrase, the enzyme that breaks down sucrose, so this sugar is not available as a food source for other birds. But it is a necessity for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds still need proteins and minerals in their diet, so some commercial mixes add these to their formulas. I recommend against this. Hummingbirds get the necessary proteins and minerals by feeding on insects, mites, spiders and the eggs of these creatures. They are very good at finding these foods, even in the winter. You don't need to provide these in your feeders and may run the risk of giving them too much of a given mineral. I don't think there is evidence to show harm but since they don't need your supplements, why provide it? The same is true for food coloring. Avoid it. It is not necessary and adds an extra risk factor as they concentrate it is the digestive tract and liver. Be sure your feeders are not frozen at any time but especially early in the morning (dawn or shortly after) and just before dusk. These are the most critical feeding times. Hummingbirds go into torpor each night, dropping their body temperature to between 40-50?F. At morning's first light, they begin to wake from this torpor. To do this, the bird begins shivering which helps warm the muscles and nearby tissues. But shivering also requires energy and this combined with the energy utilized to survive the night, means that the bird needs food soon after awakening. Feeding just before dark is also very important. The sugar that is taken in (sometimes in large amounts) at this time is converted to fat which is stored and used as the fuel to survive the night. More calories of energy are produced to fuel the body by burning fat than other foods. This is also the primary fuel for birds in migration. If you bring your feeder in at night, be sure that you leave it out until well after dark as the hummers often feed even in the dim twilight. Then be sure to put your feeder out early so that it is available when the bird awakens. Hummingbirds go into torpor to minimize energy expenditure, not just because it is cold. Even during many summer nights, torpor is normal. Remember discussions of surface-to-volume ratios in Biology classes? That principle applies here. Hummingbirds are very small. This small mass means that they have a very high body surface area with respect to this small mass. In other words, they have a large surface from which to lose heat much more quickly than a larger animal will have. In many species of animals, northern populations tend to be larger than southern populations. The larger body size means a relatively smaller surface area from which to lose heat, an important factor in cooler, northern environments. A Varied Thrush is a much larger bird and does not lose heat nearly as quickly as the tiny hummingbird and thus, does not have the need for a nightly routine of torpor. Smaller animals also have a higher metabolic rates than do larger animals. Despite this, don't make the mistake of thinking that hummingbirds are fragile creatures. They are amazingly hardy and survive where other birds don't. There are records of hummingbirds living (in the wild) up to 12 years of age. Perhaps longer is possible. By contrast, a shrews, many of which are nearly the same size and weight as a small hummingbird, have a life expectancy of 8 months to 1.5 years. It is not known how they survive these sub-freezing temperatures as they are unable to hibernate. (As an interesting aside, shrews often bite as many insects and spiders as they can without taking the time to eat them. Their saliva is venomous and biting these prey species, poisons and immobilizes them, allowing the shrew to return minutes later and eat at a more leisurely pace instead of expending more energy in search of food. On cool mornings these prey species are readily available as they often come to the surface to avoid exposure higher in the cool air. In the morning, they are still sluggish and easy for the shrew to catch.) Keep your feeders thawed and available and keep the sugar solution inside at a concentration of 1:4. Then you will be doing what is best for the birds. During these long freezing spells, there are other birds that may be at greater risk than hummingbirds. Birds that depend upon open water are at risk if that habitat shrinks or is completely frozen over. And birds, such as snipe, that probe into the mud for food will not be able to feed if the ground is frozen and covered with snow. Hummingbirds can survive this prolonged cold, some others may not fare so well. Dan Gleason ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/cfb65d87/attachment.htm From bcombs at OregonVOS.net Mon Jan 15 13:58:54 2007 From: bcombs at OregonVOS.net (Barbara J. Combs) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:58:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Here are some observations on a couple of comments. It is just logical that a warmer sugar/water solution will be less of an energy drain than a cold solution. So, I have been changing my feeder every couple of hours, taking in the cold one and putting up one that is close to indoor room temperature. I do not feed anything but 1:4 because I have read that higher concentrations may cause liver damage. Yesterday evening and the evening before, I watched a hummingbird tank up on sugar water to such an extent that I wondered if the bird was going to be able to fly due to the added weight. While putting up a new feeder on the day of the Eugene CBC when it was just barely light, one of the Anna's hummingbirds buzzed by my head. It is unclear whether the bird knew to expect fresh, warm solution or whether it was being territorial with respect to the food source. They are a delight to watch, and a special species to count as #1 on CBC day. Barbara Combs obie '70 Eugene, Oregon From celata at pacifier.com Mon Jan 15 14:21:12 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 14:21:12 -0800 Subject: [obol] freezing point of hummingbird nectar References: <011520071757.7486.45ABC0850005888A00001D3E2200761394C0CF05020704010D010D@comcast.net> <001301c738d4$8628ee00$fef7d7cd@Warbler> Message-ID: <45ABFE2F.E0141ABE@pacifier.com> Here are some interesting "hummingbird juice" facts.... A cup of sugar has approximately the same mass as a cup of water. So, a 1:4 solution is about 20% sugar by mass. Most flowers favored by hummingbirds produce nectar that is 15% to 20% sugar. Hummingbirds will come to feeders that have higher concentrations, but some trochilogists have expressed concerns about the stress this may put on renal functions. When stuff is dissolved in water it depresses the freezing point of the solution. The calculated freezing point depression for a 1:4 sugar solution is about 1.4?C (2.5?F), so the hummingbird feeder shouldn't freeze until the temperature gets below 30?F. Of course, this also means that the juice is super-cooled, probably not something you want your hummingbirds drinking. Rotating feeders is the simplest stategy for short-term maintanence in freezing weather. Hummingbirds can tell the difference between "pure cane" sugar and the cheap stuff (actually, so can I). The cheap stuff is often cut with monosaccharides like glucose and fructose. If you don't believe me, try it yourself. This is actually a good science project for grade schoolers. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From brownnancy at hotmail.com Mon Jan 15 15:16:19 2007 From: brownnancy at hotmail.com (Nancy Brown) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:16:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Hummingbird feeders Message-ID: I've been following the discussion on hummer feeders with interest. I have often wondered if the temperature of the fluid affects them at all. Since I'm a great anthropomorphizer, when I'm home during the day I often will take feeders in and heat the nectar to room temperature. I also bring the feeders in at night and take them out just before dawn. When I take them out I hear them chipping, and the past two days they have landed on the feeder almost before I could get them on the hooks. I've been able to stand a foot away and watch them for a minute. While I worry about them in this weather, my point of reference is the ice/snow storm of 2004. I swapped out frozen feeders 2-3x a day for a week in the frozen wasteland that was my yard, and they managed to survive. The past few days I've had Flickers, Bushtits, and two Red-breasted Nuthatches on my suet feeder; Golden-crowned Sparrows, Chickadees, Juncos, House Finches (one with a snow-white head) and numerous Sparrows in my sunflower seed feeders; Golden-crowned Sparrows, American Robins and a lone Ruby-crowned Kinglet foraging on the ground; and I've heard but not seen a Red-winged Blackbird. I had both American Goldfinches and Lesser Goldfinches on my nyjer several days ago, but have not seen them in this cold weather. Nancy Brown NE Portland _________________________________________________________________ Fixing up the home? Live Search can help. http://imagine-windowslive.com/search/kits/default.aspx?kit=improve&locale=en-US&source=wlmemailtaglinenov06 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/9020c1b0/attachment.htm From celata at pacifier.com Mon Jan 15 15:21:20 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:21:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Columbia Estuary Report - 1/15/2007 Message-ID: <45AC0C40.FEE3E4E9@pacifier.com> Columbia Estuary Report - 1/15/2007 The ice finally broke up in my driveway enough that I could get my truck out. There is still an aweful lot of ice on street and roads. The road out to the South Jetty had about an inch of ice on it as does just about any road that is not considered a main artery and gets less than an hour of direct sun per day. There's still snow on Sunset Beach. The EMPEROR GOOSE was with the goose flock at the field next to Astoria Airport this afternoon. I also saw a WHITE- TAILED KITE, the first I've been able to find since all that rain and wind at the end of December. It was cold enough to drive the SANDERLINGS up into Warrenton Sewage Ponds. It's suppose to rain here tonight, if true we should be back to normal in about 24 hrs. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From rkorpi at hotmail.com Mon Jan 15 15:24:40 2007 From: rkorpi at hotmail.com (Ray Korpi) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:24:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ridgefield NWR Highlights Message-ID: All, I spent about 90 minutes on the auto tour loop at Ridgefield today. Besides a lot of frozen water (which reminded me of my youth on the plains of Nebraska, though today back there would be considered warm most winters), here are some highlights: --EURASIAN WIGEON--a drake and a hen at Rest Lake --CINNAMON TEAL--A drake and two hens at Rest Lake (pretty much where the water was open) --SWAMP SPARROW--A single bird that called several times and which I got amazingly bad looks at (never the whole bird at the same time). I sat for about 20 minutes trying to get a decent look, but never could (actually pished in a Marsh Wren at one point) --WESTERN MEADOWLARKS--2 at the very south end of the loop just before you turn for home (also had one today on NW Marine Drive just west of 33rd on the north side of the road where there is that strip of grass) --COMMON SNIPE--A single bird just north of the Bachelor Island placard walking along the edge of the frozen marsh --SAVANNAH SPARROW--Frankly, my most surprising sparrow find (at least from my perspective) The Harlan's Hawk is still around, but the Kites seemed to have moved out. Between here and Shillapoo west of Fruit Valley, I had several dozen Great Blue Herons and 8 Great Egrets. I missed on the Red-shouldered Hawk--I tried to make a young, very mottley Red-tail in the general vicinity of where this bird has been seen into one, it was not. This bird, given the habitat and its somewhat un Red-tail like behavior, could throw some for a loop. The ducks, geese, and swans were primarily on Rest Lake, and patient scoping also revealed to me the banded Tundra Swan that has been hanging out. Song Sparrows were on the edges of the road the whole way round, and I must have seen 60-70 along with at least 5 Lincoln's (I heard more of both). Behavior highlight of the day (unless you were the Pintail drake) was a Glaucous-winged x WEstern Gull hybrid eating a still alive and semi-struggling Pintail drake. The drake died while I was scanning the flock. Ray Korpi rkorpi at hotmail.com Vancouver WA _________________________________________________________________ Get live scores and news about your team: Add the Live.com Football Page www.live.com/?addtemplate=football&icid=T001MSN30A0701 From cgates at webformixair.com Mon Jan 15 16:09:28 2007 From: cgates at webformixair.com (Charles R. Gates) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 16:09:28 -0800 Subject: [obol] FW: barn swalow Message-ID: This must have been one hardy Barn Swallow. See below. -----Original Message----- From: Deschutes River Lodge [mailto:riverldg at bendnet.com] Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 7:34 AM To: Chuck Gates Subject: barn swalow While performing the Maupin Raptor Count last Wednesday, Jan 10, we saw a barn swallow feeding in a field just off Hwy 197 a couple miles north of the junction with Oregon 216. ds Jeanene and Dick Stentz P O Box 1708 Redmond, OR 97756-0516 541-923-4701 riverldg at bendnet.com From cgates at webformixair.com Mon Jan 15 16:22:22 2007 From: cgates at webformixair.com (Charles R. Gates) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 16:22:22 -0800 Subject: [obol] Paulina Winter Raptor Survey Message-ID: Today, I did the Paulina Winter Raptor Survey sponsored by the East Cascades Bird Conservancy. This is a 45 mile route in Crook County. These are the results (my totals are a little different from the official survey because I saw some birds outside of the official route). Red-tailed Hawk - 15 American Kestrel - 3 Northern Harrier - 2 Bald Eagle - 9 Golden Eagle - 7 Rough-legged Hawk - 6 Prairie Falcon - 3 Cooper's Hawk - 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk (at my house) - 1 Chuck Gates Powell Butte From OCMossBack at aol.com Mon Jan 15 16:57:02 2007 From: OCMossBack at aol.com (OCMossBack at aol.com) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 19:57:02 EST Subject: [obol] My solution to frozen Hummingbird feeders Message-ID: Laziness being the father of invention (I am not going to bring my feeders in and out nightly much less every other hour) I bought a bird bath De-Icer at the back yard bird shop called the model "B-9." Its made of heavy foil and is light weight. Using rubber bands to attach it to the bottom of my feeder. I have one of those upside down bottle that screws into saucer shaped dispenser that has holes. ; It took a few minutes for the hummers to get used to the shinny foil but they were soon feeding happily away. Its warm to the touch but not hot enough to cause any harm to the birds. Now that I see that it works I plan on hot gluing it to the bottom of the feeder and painting it red to make it permanent and not have the foil distracting the little guys. Sam Pointer -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/c2947d12/attachment.htm From llsdirons at msn.com Mon Jan 15 16:58:04 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:58:04 +0000 Subject: [obol] Lane County Coast: Glaucous Gull and Brown Pelican on Monday Message-ID: I spent the day along the coast in Lane County, primarily scoping through every gull and scoter flock I could find from various viewpoints from the n. jetty of the Siuslaw R. north to the mouth of Bob Cr. near the Lane/Lincoln Co. line. Highlights included an interesting immature Glaucous Gull and a Brown Pelican at Devil's Elbow State Park n. of Florence. The Glaucous Gull appeared to be a 1st winter (1st 'cycle') bird in terms of brown mottling in the coverts, but the mantle was already pale gray like an adult. It was feeding and bathing in the mouth of Cape Creek with a mixed flock of about 40 other gulls. The Pelican was an immature that flew south past Heceta Head. The overwhelming majority of the scoters off the Lane coast continue to be White-winged. When I arrived at the n. jetty of the Siuslaw about 10:15 there was a constant stream of White-winged Scoters passing south just off the end of the jetties. I had no luck finding Long-tailed Ducks or Black Scoters despite looking through at least 15,000 scoters. I did find a few Harlequin Ducks at Tokatee-Klootchman Wayside and also at the mouth of Bob Creek. Also at Tokatee-Klootchman there was a nice flock of rockpipers that included about 50 Surfbirds and 20+ Black Turnstones. Black Oytercatchers were at Devil's Elbow and Tokatee-Klootchman. The winds were light but out of the east, so the only alcids I found were a few Common Murres and there was virtually nothing moving offshore. It was a nice break to be under sunny skies and temperatures well above freezing. Dave Irons Eugene, OR From FoxSparrows at aol.com Mon Jan 15 18:05:11 2007 From: FoxSparrows at aol.com (FoxSparrows at aol.com) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 21:05:11 EST Subject: [obol] The terrorists in Wallowa County... what is an honest waxwing to do??? Message-ID: Laura and I made a quick three-day dash to beautiful Wallowa County this weekend. Since we already have subfreezing temperatures at home in Harney County, we were looking for some real snow to go with it. Plus... it ain't far away any more! We never found any Snow Buntings...drove all the roads that the Paradise Birding Trip reported... we saw a flock of Horned Larks at the summit of Golf Club Road, but that was it. What we did see was something I'd only read about... GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCHES were inhabiting a building (barn with silos) at the intersection of Leap Lane and Highway 3 north of Enterprise, about 45 minutes before sunset.... maybe 20 or so birds. They were very busy... flying up along the rough-wood side of the barn and clinging to the siding, or flying up into the open metal caps of the silos. This was on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning at about 0800, I watched a large flock of 200+ BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS and maybe 50 CEDAR WAXWINGS land in a in a spruce tree in downtown Enterprise (X of Greenwood Street and Highway 82), after which some of the Cedar Waxwings dropped into a Mountain Ash below to feed with Robins. A few minutes later, a very dark MERLIN (probably the one reported from last weekend) swooped in and drove the whole bunch away east over the neighborhoods. The Merlin perched in spruce tree, as if to say "Go ahead, come on back... MAKE MY BREAKFAST!" WE never found the Enterprise Bohemian Waxwings again over the next 1 1/2 days. In Joseph this morning, we finally found Bohemian Waxwings behind a house at the X of 2nd Street and Mill Street.... 250+, no Cedars with them. Same deal... after a few minutes, a Merlin swooped in and split them into two flocks. This was not a black Merlin, and it pursued the largest flock south toward Wallowa Lake. The waxwings seem to get NO PEACE with the local terrorists on patrol. The other curious thing... a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL was hunting in a backyard along Little Sheep Creek Road, essentially IN TOWN, just below the big upon which the middle and high schools sit. This is nowhere near any real forest, or even woodland. This morning, it was still in the same back yard. We even got photos... Eagle of both types everywhere, as well as Red-tails and Rough-legs. It is really gorgeous there when the sun is shining on really cold sparkly snow... Steve Dowlan Hines, Oregon At the edge of Great Basin... Where life is good! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/bf5d8ba3/attachment.htm From WeberHome at att.net Mon Jan 15 18:29:24 2007 From: WeberHome at att.net (Cliff & Joanne Weber) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:29:24 -0800 Subject: [obol] Banks Baldies Message-ID: <20070116022952.85DCA1502DE@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> OBOL, hello! The water out at Killin Wetlands/Cedar Canyon is pretty frozen over; with the waterfowl (e.g. Northern Pintails) finding patches of clear water wherever they can. The Bald Eagle nest alongside Hwy 6 was occupied by an adult today around 10:am. It's a pity that when they finally get around to nurturing young, the leaves in their tree will be in and seriously obscure the nest as viewed from the side of the road. However, just in case someone would like to mark this nest out now, while it's very easily seen from a car; here's where to look. Where: ... The nest is located high up in a tree, on the left, about 7.5 tenths of a mile past the intersection of Hwy 47 and Hwy 6 at the town of Banks going west towards Tillamook. If you cross over the W. Fork of Dairy Creek you've gone too far and will have to turn around and come back roughly 3.5 tenths of a mile measured from the creek. The nest tree is barely 50 to 75 feet or so off the side of the road and the nest is really huge and easy to see. Thomas Bros Portland street guide page 531, square H6 Google satellite image: http://tinyurl.com/y54t76 Cliff & Joanne Weber Beaverton (Rock Creek area) From roygerig at hotmail.com Mon Jan 15 18:40:32 2007 From: roygerig at hotmail.com (Roy Gerig) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:40:32 -0800 Subject: [obol] Minto-Brown CLAY-COLORED, etc. Message-ID: I found the Minto-Brown CLAY-COLORED SPARROW remarkably easily this morning, (on my way out to Turner for another bird survey where is saw next to nothing with all the water being frozen). The large sparrow flock is north of parking lot 3, as noted before. I saw CLAY-COLORED almost immediately, and kept seeing it with LINCOLN'S SPARROW, and sometimes not, with a separate Lincoln's Sparrow flock. I saw CLAY-COLOREDs very often, enough that I think there are at least 3 (I saw 2 side by side a couple weeks ago) There was a pure flock of 6 LINCOLN'S SPARROWS that kept separate from the main flock, one of the CSSP associated with them. There seems to be one each of SAVANNAH SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in the area and in the loose flock, and I saw those only once or so each, yet I saw CLAY-COLORED SPARROW about a dozen or 20 times. There were 8 Sparrow Species in that flock this morning. Roy Gerig, Salem OR _________________________________________________________________ Your Hotmail address already works to sign into Windows Live Messenger! Get it now http://clk.atdmt.com/MSN/go/msnnkwme0020000001msn/direct/01/?href=http://get.live.com/messenger/overview From acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM Mon Jan 15 18:54:54 2007 From: acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM (Alan Contreras) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:54:54 -0800 Subject: [obol] South coast birds Message-ID: I spent January 14 and 15 birding in Coos and Curry Cos. with Graham Floyd. We were somewhat in turista mode, visiting used bookstores and sightseeing, but we did make some birding stops. Jan 14, Millicoma Marsh, Coos Co, colder than it was at Gambell when I was there one year (ok, it was in late August). We easily found four Swamp Sparrows, all of which were calling and flying around, but were not coming to the seedpatch. The seedpatch offered 2 White-throats and a wide variety of other seedeaters. Jan 14, Bandon south jetty, THREE GLAUCOUS GULLS at the same time. They were slightly different in plumage but since all were there at once we didn't even have to tell them apart. This is only the second time I have ever seen 3 at once in Oregon; the first was at the Sauvie Island pellet plant around 1992 or 3, when a Slaty-back was there. Also present were Western, GW, Herring, Cal, Thayers (1 first-year), Mew and one adult Ring-bill, which I rarely see there. Jan 14, Gold Beach. I Turkey Vulture over the hills, flapping about with absolutely no hope of a thermal. A small group of BB PLOVers, Dunlin, 1 WESTERN and some SANDERlings were in the basins. Jan 15, Bandon. 1 SURFBIRD and about 40 BLACK turnstones near s jetty. We were not there long owing to no concentrations of gulls. Jan 15, Bastndorff Beach Coos, almost no birds, very odd, and same situation at Sunset bay. However, there were three adult RING-billed GULLs at Bastendorff, very odd for midwinter. I speculate that these birds have been frozen out of interior pastures. Kites were visible everywhere you'd expect a kite, Bald Eagle was fairly easy to come by and one imm. hung in the wind over the Rogue River Bridge, barely clearing the traffic and affording an unusual view of how big they are, close up. VARIED THRUSH were stunningly abundant all along the south coast. They were in every possible and some pretty unlikely places, in large numbers. Two of the more unlikely were one in the middle of a completely open gravel parking lot near the Gold beach boat basins, and one flying flat-out (which wasn't saying much) northbound clear across the wide-open grass flats where 101 crosses the Sixes River. That bird had to fly maybe a half-mile to get from one reasonable tree to another, over open grass suitable only for meadowlarks. Bizarre. -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com From bennywayne at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 20:10:24 2007 From: bennywayne at yahoo.com (Ben Young) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 20:10:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Mid-Willamette Valley Sparrows 1/15 Message-ID: <55292.24748.qm@web52015.mail.yahoo.com> A little tour from Salem to Baskett Slough NWR and then down to Luckiamute provided great opportunities for viewing sparrows today, among other birds. I finally was able to get out to Minto-Brown this morning from 1100 - 1130 hrs and, just as Roy Gerig mentioned in his previous post, also found the CLAY-COLORED SPARROW to be relatively easy to find. That I am aware of, however, I only saw one bird. From my observations it was very nearly the smallest bird in the flock. Not much of note at Baskett Slough NWR and surrounding areas, with the exception of a NORTHERN SHRIKE on Farmer Rd. and a flock of 20-30 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS on Livermore Rd. I arrived at Luckiamute just in time to meet Tom McNamara walking back to his rig. He had observed both the HARRIS' and RED FOX SPARROW a short time prior. Within twenty minutes of arriving I had located both of these birds thanks to his directions. The HARRIS' SPARROW was quite flightly. I later relocated it preening alone near the second high water feature as you walk away from the parking lot east along the road. Also observed a flyover MERLIN. Great day of birding in the valley. Ben Young Salem, OR --------------------------------- Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/87caf557/attachment.htm From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 20:27:30 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 20:27:30 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Lane County Coast: Glaucous Gull and Brown Pelican on Monday Message-ID: <352843.23159.qm@web51807.mail.yahoo.com> Dave, I'm trying to figure these gulls out... From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Mon Jan 15 20:29:55 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 20:29:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] South coast birds Message-ID: <166509.75001.qm@web51805.mail.yahoo.com> Alan, Could you describe your three Glaucous Gulls in more detail? Were they first winter, second winter, etc? Cindy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss an email again! Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/ From ghoti5 at hotmail.com Mon Jan 15 20:34:48 2007 From: ghoti5 at hotmail.com (otis swisher) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:34:48 +0000 Subject: [obol] Hummingbird syrups and freezing temps. Message-ID: Obolers: Probably the first person in Oregon to feed Anna's Hummingbirds in winter was a Medfordite, Isabel Sickels. Dates not remembered. But, she had the same problem, freezing syrup. She did what Larry McQueen suggests: Keep several feeders at the ready and make exchanges when necessary. In 1972 Medford had several nights in a row of sub-zero temps. At the time I asked birders who read my Birding Column in the local paper, the Medford Tribune, to keep me informed as to whether the birds survived. Several persons called. All said survival was 100% as far as they knew at their feeder. I have always felt that the Hummingbirds are properly placed in the taxonomic order alongside the Nightjars (Poorwill in particular) as both do a torpor (Hummers) or can hibernate (Poorwill). Otis Swisher, Medford, Oregon _________________________________________________________________ Communicate instantly! Use your Hotmail address to sign into Windows Live Messenger now. http://get.live.com/messenger/overview From acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM Mon Jan 15 20:37:08 2007 From: acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM (Alan Contreras) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 20:37:08 -0800 Subject: [obol] Bandon gulls Message-ID: I neglected to be clear about the age of the three Bandon Glaucous Gulls and I've had a couple of inquiries. All three were first-winter birds, but the species is quite variable (hey, it's a gull) and they were easily distinguished from each other. -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com From dlbird at earthlink.net Mon Jan 15 20:55:00 2007 From: dlbird at earthlink.net (Donna Lusthoff) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 20:55:00 -0800 Subject: [obol] Another January In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <00e201c7392a$7ae49980$0a0110ac@Donna> Hi, Steve and all You describe the weather Verda and I had when we went to E OR in Jan of 85. Our birds, against the bright blue sky and the snow on the ground were a flock of Pine Grosbeaks in a small deciduous tree in Enterprise, a White-winged Crossbill (f) in Enterprise, and a flock of about 200 Common Redpoll near Cove OR. It was a wonderful, magical trip. (Remember, Owen?) Donna Lusthoff -----Original Message----- From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of FoxSparrows at aol.com Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 6:05 PM To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Subject: [obol] The terrorists in Wallowa County... what is an honestwaxwing to do??? Laura and I made a quick three-day dash to beautiful Wallowa County this weekend. Since we already have subfreezing temperatures at home in Harney County, we were looking for some real snow to go with it. Plus... it ain't far away any more! We never found any Snow Buntings...drove all the roads that the Paradise Birding Trip reported... we saw a flock of Horned Larks at the summit of Golf Club Road, but that was it. What we did see was something I'd only read about... GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCHES were inhabiting a building (barn with silos) at the intersection of Leap Lane and Highway 3 north of Enterprise, about 45 minutes before sunset.... maybe 20 or so birds. They were very busy... flying up along the rough-wood side of the barn and clinging to the siding, or flying up into the open metal caps of the silos. This was on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning at about 0800, I watched a large flock of 200+ BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS and maybe 50 CEDAR WAXWINGS land in a in a spruce tree in downtown Enterprise (X of Greenwood Street and Highway 82), after which some of the Cedar Waxwings dropped into a Mountain Ash below to feed with Robins. A few minutes later, a very dark MERLIN (probably the one reported from last weekend) swooped in and drove the whole bunch away east over the neighborhoods. The Merlin perched in spruce tree, as if to say "Go ahead, come on back... MAKE MY BREAKFAST!" WE never found the Enterprise Bohemian Waxwings again over the next 1 1/2 days. In Joseph this morning, we finally found Bohemian Waxwings behind a house at the X of 2nd Street and Mill Street.... 250+, no Cedars with them. Same deal... after a few minutes, a Merlin swooped in and split them into two flocks. This was not a black Merlin, and it pursued the largest flock south toward Wallowa Lake. The waxwings seem to get NO PEACE with the local terrorists on patrol. The other curious thing... a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL was hunting in a backyard along Little Sheep Creek Road, essentially IN TOWN, just below the big upon which the middle and high schools sit. This is nowhere near any real forest, or even woodland. This morning, it was still in the same back yard. We even got photos... Eagle of both types everywhere, as well as Red-tails and Rough-legs. It is really gorgeous there when the sun is shining on really cold sparkly snow... Steve Dowlan Hines, Oregon At the edge of Great Basin... Where life is good! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/2133752a/attachment.htm From romain at frontiernet.net Mon Jan 15 20:50:23 2007 From: romain at frontiernet.net (Romain Cooper) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 20:50:23 -0800 Subject: [obol] Varied Thrush, Cedar Waxwing and Golden-Crown Kinglet abundance In-Reply-To: <008b01c738c4$9df91240$97f7d7cd@Warbler> References: <81D307E0-272D-4101-ABB3-EC19F17FA095@charter.net> <008b01c738c4$9df91240$97f7d7cd@Warbler> Message-ID: <6.2.3.4.0.20070115203953.02225678@pop3.frontiernet.net> Hello Everyone, There are relatively large numbers of Varied Thrush in Josephine County and, more specifically, the Illinois Valley this "winter" season. I'm finding good numbers in the valley proper, on forest edges but also in older, interior forest (where there are often flocks with up to about a dozen birds). This season's Illinois Valley 107th CBC set a record of 62 individual Varied Thrush. (9 consecutive years of survey. Not quite the database of the Coos Bay CBC.) The only other historic IV counts of over 20 individuals were the 102nd & 103rd counts (40; 2001-2 & 43; 2002-3). On last season's 106th count, we failed to find a single individual. Realizing that CBCs have many confounding variables, it would be interesting to compare Varied Thrush numbers on the western OR counts over the last 10 to 20 years. Regarding madrone berries on which the wintering South West OR Varied Thrush often feed: The crop this year is light to moderate in the Illinois Valley with few remaining. Another berry eater, Cedar Waxwing, is hard to find in Josephine County this season with Zero on the Illinois Valley CBC and one individual on the Grants Pass CBC. There have been several recent OBOL messages where observers have described unusually close and satisfying views of Golden-Crowned Kinglets. This season I have observed, on several occasions, flocks foraging at low levels and close to ground level - and more so than I'm accustomed. Could just be happenstance or could this be a phenomena? The only "phenomena" explanation I can come up with is: "The wintering GC Kinglet population is up in numbers so the flocks are expanding their foraging activities on a vertical scale." About a month ago, I observed a male, close and low on a small tree, "flare up" its orange crest feathers as it chased a female away from a foraging spot on the branch. I'm used to seeing Ruby-Crowned Kinglets raise their crest feathers but this was the first time I'd seen a GC do so. Best, Romain Cooper From cowgirl at harborside.com Mon Jan 15 21:07:50 2007 From: cowgirl at harborside.com (Lois Miller) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 21:07:50 -0800 Subject: [obol] whatwazzit ? (movie ) Message-ID: <002401c7392c$458c10e0$26351c40@Lois> My daughter spent 3 months last winter working with penguins in Antarctica. The birds that were taking the penguin chicks she was banding were South Polar Skuas. She said they were quite agressive and would dive bomb her too. Lois Miller Port Orford From: "Darrel Faxon" <5hats AT peak.org> Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 06:52:40 -0800 OBOL, For those of you who have seen March of the Penguins: What kind of bird was it that came in and attacked the penguin chicks? I'm guessing Southern Giant Petrel, but may be wrong. Darrel -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/fd3cd880/attachment.htm From celata at pacifier.com Mon Jan 15 21:16:01 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 21:16:01 -0800 Subject: [obol] whatwazzit ? (movie ) References: <002401c7392c$458c10e0$26351c40@Lois> Message-ID: <45AC5F37.623B0CB5@pacifier.com> And the skuas are indeed the "villains" in _Happy Feet_ (the other penguin movie). But the predatory birds in _March of the Penguins_ are giant petrels. > Lois Miller wrote: > > > > > My daughter spent 3 months last winter working with penguins in Antarctica. The birds that > were taking the penguin chicks she was banding were South Polar Skuas. She said they were > quite agressive and would dive bomb her too. > Lois Miller > Port Orford > > From: "Darrel Faxon" <5hats AT peak.org> > Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 06:52:40 -0800 > > OBOL, > For those of you who have seen March of the Penguins: What kind of bird was it > that came in and attacked the penguin chicks? I'm guessing Southern Giant > Petrel, but may be wrong. > > Darrel > > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From larmcqueen at msn.com Mon Jan 15 22:47:31 2007 From: larmcqueen at msn.com (Larry Mcqueen) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 22:47:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] whatwazzit ?(movie) In-Reply-To: <000c01c738b4$d05f6550$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: Darrel, I'm reasonably sure, that it was a Southern Giant Petrel. Larry _____ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Darrel Faxon Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 6:53 AM To: Obol Subject: [obol] whatwazzit ?(movie) OBOL, For those of you who have seen March of the Penguins: What kind of bird was it that came in and attacked the penguin chicks? I'm guessing Southern Giant Petrel, but may be wrong. Darrel -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070115/42fb1ab3/attachment.htm From jendevlin at att.net Mon Jan 15 22:47:44 2007 From: jendevlin at att.net (jendevlin at att.net) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:47:44 +0000 Subject: [obol] info needed re V. swifts at JB Thomas in Hillsboro Message-ID: <011620070647.9162.45AC750F0007E5B0000023CA2160466648020704900A0B020A06@att.net> Obolers - anyone out there have information about swift useage at the JB Thomas middle school site in Hillsboro? Specifically - How long have they been using it? Are they nesting as well as roosting? Estimate of numbers of birds in the fall. Characterization of human interest. Any observations or data would be helpful. Apparently, the school district will be demolishing the school and rebuilding a new elementary school on the site. There is a growing interest to ensure that a tower is built (like the chimney swift towers in the east) and any information you have may add weight to the idea. Thank you all! Jennifer Devlin jendevlin at att.net 503-244-9732 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070116/504f3c1b/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Mon Jan 15 23:46:42 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:46:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] CASSIN'S FINCH, WASHINGTON CO., Carpodacus Trifecta Message-ID: I saw a male and female Cassin's Finch at Horsin' Around Stables on Wilkesboro Road this morning at 9:30. The Prairie Falcon flew over while I was looking at them. I didn't want to advertise the place until I could get clearance from Phyllis Hierinckx, the owner. I talked to her after dark and she said it's OK. There is a spacious parking area between the barn/arena complex and the county road. All three species of Carpodacus were perched in the same oak tree, easily visible from the parking spots. The tree is high enough that I found a scope quite useful. This facility houses 70 horses, with clients coming and going throughout the day and week. A brief visit by birders will go unnoticed. There is no need to check in anywhere and no advantage to walking beyond the parking. The female CASSIN'S FINCH was sitting inches away from a female PURPLE FINCH on the se side of the tree's crown, apparently sun-bathing. This is a tall oak that stands between the barn/arena complex and a white and yellow ranch=style house immediately to the west. A male CASSIN'S FINCH was by himself several meters to the left of this pair. He moved about slowly and sporadically, seemingly eating leaf buds. HOUSE FINCHES are a constant, ubiquitous presence at this establishment. A pair was perched a few meters to the right of the male CASSIN'S. All were silent for the 15 minutes I watched them, I guess subdued by the cold. Wilkesboro Rd runs parallel to Hwy 6 immediately south of Banks. It heads east from Hwy 47 a few paces south of the eastbound entrance ramp to Hwy 6. Horsin' Around Stables are 3-400m east, on the north side of the county road. There are numerous properties on this road advertising horse boarding. Their prominent signage may distract you, but they are all quite ramshackle and lack the luxurious parking. Westbound from Portland Aerts Rd crosses Hwy 6 at Quail Valley Golf Course about 2 miles west of the Hwy 26/6 split. If you turn left on Aerts(south) you will immediately cross RR tracks then a T jct with Wilkesboro Rd. A right(west) turn brings you to the stables. The RR tracks in a hollow that cross Wilkesboro Rd are where the Say's Phoebe was yesterday. Several subsequent looks produced negative results. Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON From yaakovm at northwest.com Tue Jan 16 01:14:31 2007 From: yaakovm at northwest.com (Jordan Epstein) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 01:14:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] Varied and Other Thrushes Message-ID: <002601c7394e$bc100fb0$09a5efd8@jordanf59b0892> Noted the messages about increased numbers of varied thrush and it timed perfectly with my own backyard observation in Southwest Portland Monday. I had six varied thrushes at one time, which is more than I've ever seen before in the yard. I have lots of leaf litter and they were going through the litter and also picking up stuff spilled out of the seed and suet feeders by the scrub jays and occasional starling. At the same time, I spotted a single hermit thrush also picking through leaves and hopping around my sitka spruce. Beautiful day and beautiful birds. Jordan Epstein Southwest Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070116/b35e0f51/attachment.htm From conserve at tidelink.net Tue Jan 16 06:39:14 2007 From: conserve at tidelink.net (Jason Randolph (Conservation For The Oregon Coast)) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:39:14 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wing tailors? Message-ID: <45ACE392.6050201@tidelink.net> I didn't know how else to entitle this post, so here goes... I have been actively watching birds since my first baby blanket (which was covered with Disney-esqe bluebirds). Over the years, I (and my wife as well) have noticed a few birds which actually have one wing longer than the other. I know, we must be slightly obsessive to notice something like this. :) Have others also noticed an occasional bird with one wing cut longer than the other? We have daily interactions (generally) with one crow in Mingus Park (Coos Bay city) which we call Droopy. One wing (on his/her right hand side) will actually touch the ground. At first, we felt this was likely a muscle/skeletal issue, but have now seen him fly directly away from us dozens of times and I judge its right wing to be 15% longer than its left. This has caused a slight amount of yaw while in flight. However, the bird does just fine and has been showing up around lunch for 2 years now. We have considered that perhaps the feathers on one side simply grow larger than the other? We really don't know for sure... Anyhow, anybody else experience similar? Jason in Charleston -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: conserve.vcf Type: text/x-vcard Size: 387 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070116/63e5c319/attachment.vcf From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Tue Jan 16 07:12:07 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:12:07 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Millicoma Marsh- Coos Co. Message-ID: <649614.70915.qm@web34205.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Hi All, I will continue putting seed down at Millicoma until the end of January, after that you are on your own as I will only do it sporadically. When I put seed out yesterday I saw several WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, a SWAMP, and the HARRIS'. Happy sparrowing! Tim R Coos Bay ____________________________________________________________________________________ Have a burning question? Go to www.Answers.yahoo.com and get answers from real people who know. From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Tue Jan 16 07:15:39 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:15:39 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Douglas Co. Birds 1/15/2007 Message-ID: <834849.39700.qm@web34207.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Holly and I and the dogs took a hike down to the mouth of Tahkenitch Creek in Douglas Co. yesterday (south of Florence). We had similar results to Dave Irons further north, a lone BROWN PELICAN and a 1st winter GLAUCOUS GULL. On the 4-mile + round trip I easily saw 100+ VARIED THRUSH, they were everywhere. There was plenty of snow still along the trail and on the dunes also. Happy Birding, Tim R Coos Bay ____________________________________________________________________________________ 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Yahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/shortcuts/#news From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Tue Jan 16 07:23:52 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:23:52 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Oregon GLAUCOUS GULLS numbers Message-ID: <20070116152352.83267.qmail@web34205.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Time to do some calculations on GLAUCOUS GULL numbers here in Oregon this year, here are numbers I know of (all first year birds as far as I know): Curry Co: 2- one in Port Orford on the CBC, one at the mouth of the Winchuck River on 12/31 & 1/1 Coos Co: 4 or 5- three in Bandon as reported by Alan Contreras, and 1-2 in the Coos Bay area (Charleston/North Spit) Douglas Co: 1- at mouth of Tahkenitch Creek on 1/15 Lane Co: 1- reported by Dave Irons on 1/15, any others been reported this winter? Lincoln Co: 2 or 3 at Newport North Coast- I don't have numbers but I'm sure there have been a few, anyone have more sightings to add (here or elsewhere)? E. Oregon: 1 bird on Lake Billy Chinook- an amazing find! We had up to 22 a few years back, it'll be interesting to see how many we end up with this year? Tim R Coos Bay ____________________________________________________________________________________ Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try it now. From celata at pacifier.com Tue Jan 16 07:42:53 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:42:53 -0800 Subject: [obol] Oregon GLAUCOUS GULLS numbers References: <20070116152352.83267.qmail@web34205.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <45ACF277.79C9A771@pacifier.com> There are at least three at Wireless Rd all first winter, a fourth adult bird was seen during the CBC, but has not been seen since. There was also one at the Seaside Golf Course a couple days back, probably 3rd winter. There is also at least one very easy to pick out GlaucousX Herring at Wireless and several GlaucousXSomething candidates. Tim Rodenkirk wrote: > > North Coast- I don't have numbers but I'm sure there > have been a few, anyone have more sightings to add > (here or elsewhere)? > -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From llsdirons at msn.com Tue Jan 16 08:05:14 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 16:05:14 +0000 Subject: [obol] Oregon GLAUCOUS GULLS numbers In-Reply-To: <20070116152352.83267.qmail@web34205.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: It is definitely an excellent year Glaucous Gulls in Oregon. I am keeping a running tally for my NAB report and thus far I am up to 20 birds. Eighteen have been reported along the coast and there are two inland reports including a very rare c. Oregon bird at Lake Billy Chinook s.w. of Madras. Most of the birds have been described as first year. Dave Irons >From: Tim Rodenkirk >To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >Subject: [obol] Oregon GLAUCOUS GULLS numbers >Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:23:52 -0800 (PST) > >Time to do some calculations on GLAUCOUS GULL numbers >here in Oregon this year, here are numbers I know of >(all first year birds as far as I know): > >Curry Co: 2- one in Port Orford on the CBC, one at the >mouth of the Winchuck River on 12/31 & 1/1 > >Coos Co: 4 or 5- three in Bandon as reported by Alan >Contreras, and 1-2 in the Coos Bay area >(Charleston/North Spit) > >Douglas Co: 1- at mouth of Tahkenitch Creek on 1/15 > >Lane Co: 1- reported by Dave Irons on 1/15, any others >been reported this winter? > >Lincoln Co: 2 or 3 at Newport > >North Coast- I don't have numbers but I'm sure there >have been a few, anyone have more sightings to add >(here or elsewhere)? > >E. Oregon: 1 bird on Lake Billy Chinook- an amazing >find! > >We had up to 22 a few years back, it'll be interesting >to see how many we end up with this year? > >Tim R >Coos Bay > > > >____________________________________________________________________________________ >Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try it >now. >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From aiwetir at gmail.com Tue Jan 16 09:28:44 2007 From: aiwetir at gmail.com (michael medina) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 09:28:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] northern shrike at my feeder Message-ID: <20070116092844687431.010f1d18@gmail.com> se portland, 62nd and foster area. this morning a northern shrike nabbed a finch (gold or house) at my feeder and plucked at it for about 30 seconds before hiding in the bush and eating it. was a bit confused at first as it was a juvie and had a but longer than normal bill than i've commonly seen. well that and i never expected to see one in the neighborhood michael medina aiwetir at gmail.com portland, or From wulfbird at gmail.com Tue Jan 16 09:38:48 2007 From: wulfbird at gmail.com (D. D.) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 09:38:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ridgefield NWR - 01/14/2007 - Photos and Question Message-ID: Hello OBOL, This weekend provided an excellent opportunity for birding at Ridgefield NWR. If you have a moment, please see my question about the Great Egret. BALD EAGLE - We saw at least three juveniles and two adults. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddavalos/358797822/ WILSON'S SNIPE - Most of the water was frozen at Ridgefield, but there was this lone snipe at the edge of a marsh. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddavalos/359573929/ RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER - Didn't mind us at all and was content with drilling the tree. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddavalos/358806032/ GREAT EGRET - The presence of aigrettes and green lores confuse me. I thought breeding season wasn't for another 3 months. Is it normal for them to develop these features in winter? http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddavalos/359570547/ RED-SHOULDERED HAWK - I saw a brief flash and wasn't able to photograph it, but did speak with another photographer who got a closer look at it and he was pretty sure it was a Red-shouldered hawk. He also mentioned someone from FWS was attempting to trap and band it. Other species: Red-tailed Hawk Northern Harrier American Kestrel American Coot Tundra Swan Mallard Northern Pintail Gadwall Canada Goose Great Blue Heron Golden-crowned Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow More photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddavalos/ Organized by specie: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddavalos/sets/ Regards, Damian Portland, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070116/2ced3996/attachment.htm From Cathy.Nowak at state.or.us Tue Jan 16 10:24:46 2007 From: Cathy.Nowak at state.or.us (Cathy Nowak) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 10:24:46 -0800 Subject: [obol] ECBC - Elgin Raptor Route Message-ID: On Saturday, January 13, I completed the East Cascades Bird Conservancy Elgin Raptor Route. The Temperature was 5?F at the start of the run and warmed to 20? by the end of it. The sky was clear at the start but overcast at the finish. There was from 3 - 6 inches of snow on the ground throughout the route. The route is about 95 miles and took 5.5 hours to complete. Raptors observed (with January 06 for comparison): January 2007 January 2006 Red-tailed hawk 5 (7) American kestrel 1 (2) Northern harrier 0 (1) Bald eagle 1A (2A) Golden eagle 0 (0) Rough-legged hawk 0 (4) Ferruginous hawk 0 (0) Falcons 0 (3 PRFA) Accipiters 0 (1 SSHA) Owls 0 (0) Northern shrike 3 (2) Other birds observed on the route (in no particular order): Horned lark - 40 Wild turkey - 134 Eurasian starling - 30 American crow - 67 Common raven - 3 Black-billed magpie - 60 Northern flicker - 4 Dark-eyed junco - 30 Rock pigeon - 9 Steller's jay - 1 Mountain chickadee - 10 Also 63 elk, 4 coyotes and surprisingly, no deer. M. Cathy Nowak Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area Biologist 59116 Pierce Road La Grande, OR 97850 541-963-4954 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070116/345ec8aa/attachment.htm From brrobb at comcast.net Tue Jan 16 11:23:31 2007 From: brrobb at comcast.net (Roger & Betty Robb) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 11:23:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] Glaucous Gull Count Message-ID: <000801c739a3$cf69d320$0a00a8c0@RROffice> There was a first year Glaucous Gull on the Florence CBC just north of Sea Lion Caves in Lane County. Roger Robb Springfield, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070116/399d6a6c/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Tue Jan 16 11:36:03 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 11:36:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] Oregon GLAUCOUS GULLS numbers In-Reply-To: <20070116152352.83267.qmail@web34205.mail.mud.yahoo.com> References: <20070116152352.83267.qmail@web34205.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Also multiple birds in YAMHILL Co-1 adult and a 1st year? I regret that I've seen neither, but they are the closest to the rut I'm stuck in, the most useful to remember. Lars Norgren On Jan 16, 2007, at 7:23 AM, Tim Rodenkirk wrote: > Time to do some calculations on GLAUCOUS GULL numbers > here in Oregon this year, here are numbers I know of > (all first year birds as far as I know): > > Curry Co: 2- one in Port Orford on the CBC, one at the > mouth of the Winchuck River on 12/31 & 1/1 > > Coos Co: 4 or 5- three in Bandon as reported by Alan > Contreras, and 1-2 in the Coos Bay area > (Charleston/North Spit) > > Douglas Co: 1- at mouth of Tahkenitch Creek on 1/15 > > Lane Co: 1- reported by Dave Irons on 1/15, any others > been reported this winter? > > Lincoln Co: 2 or 3 at Newport > > North Coast- I don't have numbers but I'm sure there > have been a few, anyone have more sightings to add > (here or elsewhere)? > > E. Oregon: 1 bird on Lake Billy Chinook- an amazing > find! > > We had up to 22 a few years back, it'll be interesting > to see how many we end up with this year? > > Tim R > Coos Bay > > > > _______________________________________________________________________ > _____________ > Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try > it now. > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Tue Jan 16 12:49:49 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 12:49:49 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Bandon Mocker Message-ID: <32757.61027.qm@web34203.mail.mud.yahoo.com> I received photos of a Bandon Mockingbird from Airlee Owens, who I do not know. I don't have any details yet, but it sounds like it's hanging around a residence there. Tim R Coos Bay ____________________________________________________________________________________ Finding fabulous fares is fun. Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 From davect at bendnet.com Tue Jan 16 12:51:35 2007 From: davect at bendnet.com (David Tracy) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 12:51:35 -0800 Subject: [obol] Christmas Valley, Lake County, Oregon on January 14, 2007 Message-ID: <018b01c739b0$1cfa1fd0$0400a8c0@ACERLAPTOP> Sorry for the late report, just now getting caught up after being out of town. Nice weekend for a cruise down Raptor Alley in northern Lake Co. The informal raptor survey below is from Sunday. There were also a few concentrations of raptors just south of Paisley and around Valley Falls. We saw several more Rough-legged Hawks and Golden Eagles along with about a dozen Red-tails in these areas. Dave David Tracy davect at bendnet.com Bend, OR ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 10:19 AM Subject: Christmas Valley, Lake County, Oregon on January 14, 2007 > This report was mailed for David Tracy by http://birdnotes.net > > Date: January 14, 2007 > Location: Christmas Valley, Lake County, Oregon > > Low temperature: 27 degrees fahrenheit High temperature: 30 degrees > fahrenheit > Wind direction: N > Prevailing wind speed: 1-5 km/h > Percentage of sky covered by clouds: 10% > Precipitation: none > > Julia and I made a detour thru the Ft. Rock/Christmas Valley area on > our way to Lakeview to see family. We started counting raptors at > the town of Ft. Rock and continued as we drove East then South on the > Arrow Gap road and back to Highway 31 up to Picture Rock Pass. This > survey includes birds seen along that route. > > Birds seen (in taxonomic order): > > Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 2 > Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) 2 > Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 15 > Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) 3 > Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) 13 > Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) 1 > American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) 2 > Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) 1 > Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) 1 > Common Raven (Corvus corax) 5 > > Total number of species seen: 10 > > > From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Tue Jan 16 12:59:33 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 12:59:33 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Oregon GLAUCOUS GULLS numbers Message-ID: <247793.82754.qm@web51804.mail.yahoo.com> There are definitely at least THREE, probably FOUR, at the South Jetty in Newport....the two darker ones that Wayne Hoffman reported and a lighter one (a "perfect" first winter Glaucous Gull). I've seen these 3 in the same spot several times, including yesterday. Then I am almost sure I saw a 3rd year Glaucous Gull last Sat....it was mixed in with a flock at the gull puddle so I had an easy size comparison and it was the right size, its wing tips and tail were solid white and the wing tips extended just a little beyond the tail like the other Glaucous Gulls, and the beak was long like the other Glaucous Gulls....however, it was smudgy and dark at the end and didn't look like an adult beak. Unfortunately I could not find the 3rd year again yesterday...there were far fewer gulls around...the tide was very low when I was there and I think many of them were out feeding in the exposed soft sediment/rocks.....I actually saw one gull (not a glaucous) repeatedly fly up 1-2 feet and then dive beak first into very shallow water/soft sediment (near the bridge)....which I thought was kinda weird for a gull but then gulls never cease to surprise me. Cindy Ashy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 From celata at pacifier.com Tue Jan 16 13:30:51 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:30:51 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wireless Gulls Message-ID: <45AD43F2.91DAA78E@pacifier.com> I was iced in most of the morning and couldn't get out until about 11:30. I put in about a half-hour scoping gulls at Wireless Rd. There were 4 GLAUCOUS GULLS today, 1 3rd-winter, 1 2nd-winter and 2 1st-winter. There were also at least 2 GlaucousXHerring Gulls and 1 very likely GlaucousXGlaucous-winged. There are at least 6000 gulls altogether most of them WESTERNS, GLAUCOUS-WINGS and genetic combinations thereof. I figure about 50 HERRING GULLS, a couple RING-BILLED GULLS and a couple THAYER'S. I saw no Mews. Also in the mix: 2 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, DUNLIN, WILSON'S SNIPE. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From marieandjerry at verizon.net Tue Jan 16 13:17:56 2007 From: marieandjerry at verizon.net (marieandjerry at verizon.net) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:17:56 -0600 (CST) Subject: [obol] Chipping sparrow Message-ID: <63071.5699801168982276352.JavaMail.root@vms170.mailsrvcs.net> This AM about 9 o'clock a CHIPPING SPARROW showed up at my feeder. It was dressed in its breeding finery. Also a first WHITE-THROATED SPARROW of the year. We usually see them a little sooner than this. Last week saw a black MERLIN fly through. Regarding feeding hummers in winter since I am retired, I have the luxury of putting the feeder out in the morning with nice room temp syrup, and bringing it in if it stays freezing for long. They tank up when its out and eat bugs when its not. Marie McCabe At home in the Scholls area of Sherwood From jeffgill at teleport.com Tue Jan 16 14:24:15 2007 From: jeffgill at teleport.com (Jeff Gilligan) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:24:15 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eastern Towhee (historical Oregon record). Message-ID: This is a report of a historical record of Eastern Towhee for Oregon. The bird was seen on April 6, 2005 in southeast Portland, on the ground near Gerard Lillie's bird feeder, on the north side of Mt. Tabor. Gerard Lillie, his wife Alice, and I were watching his feeder at about 5:00 PM when we noticed a male towhee on the ground about eight feet or so outside their window. It was immediately apparent that the bird lacked any spotting or whitish bars on the scapulars, back, wings or elsewhere. After viewing the bird for several minutes it flew away, but soon returned. Gerard Lillie got his birding camera, but was disappointed to realize that the battery had run down and that it was unusable. He then got a small digital camera that he uses for general purposes, and took two photos before the bird flew away again. In all we saw the bird for about twenty-five to thirty minutes, both with and without the use of binoculars. That the bird was a towhee was readily apparent. It was clearly larger than nearby Song Sparrows and juncos. The bill was conical and rather heavy. The tail was fairly long. The sides were rufous, the throat and upper chest black, and the belly and breast white. It scratched for seeds as it fed on the ground. The photographs show what we saw. The quality of the photographs is a disappointment to Gerard, but they did show what was seen. While watching the bird we consulted one of Sibley's guides. We looked for a white patch at the base of the primaries, but despite our concentrated efforts, we did not see one. We looked very hard for any indication of spotting or whitish markings on the upper parts of the bird, and again did not see any. We were uncertain what to make of the apparent total absence of white markings on the bird's upper parts. Neither of us had seen a Spotted Towhee at any season or at any age without spotting. I made inquiry to the website "Bird Frontiers" regarding whether an Eastern Towhee could lack the white patch often referred to as diagnostic for that species. A response back from someone who had studied that question at the LSU museum indicated that a small minority of Eastern Towhees could lack the white patch, or that it could be so restricted that it would not be visible in the field. (I will send that response by separate email to OBOL and the OBRC.) Both Gerard Lillie and I have subsequently looked at many Spotted Towhees. None have lacked the diagnostic spotting and wing bars of a Spotted Towhee. I consulted with Paul Lehman, who also was of the opinion that Spotted Towhees always show spotting. If one of OBOL's birders with a website is willing, I can send that person the photographs for posting. I recall a post from someone in the Portland area, perhaps in 2004, indicating that he or she had seen an Eastern Towhee at his or her feeder. I don't recall other details about that sighting. Jeff Gilligan Portland (Note to OBOL and Oregon birders: We had not made earlier general notice of this sighting due to several factors: 1. The bird was not seen on subsequent days despite efforts made by Gerard Lillie. 2. We were perplexed by the absence of any white markings on the bird's upper parts. 3. Gerard's wife was starting a string of night shifts at the hospital where she works, and was sleeping during the days following the sighting. 4. Gerard lost the disk or chip ( I am not sure of the term) that had the photographs. 5. Shortly after the photographs were transferred to me by email, my computer crashed and I lost all emails. 6. Shortly thereafter Gerard's computer had problems that required professional servicing.) From jeffgill at teleport.com Tue Jan 16 14:26:20 2007 From: jeffgill at teleport.com (Jeff Gilligan) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:26:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] FW: [BIRDWG01] FW: Question about Eastern Towhee identification. In-Reply-To: Message-ID: This is a copy of the email that I received in response to my inquiry about the possible absence of a white primary patch on an Eastern Towhee. ------ Forwarded Message From: Jeff Gilligan Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:43:52 -0800 To: Jeff Gilligan Conversation: [BIRDWG01] FW: Question about Eastern Towhee identification. Subject: FW: [BIRDWG01] FW: Question about Eastern Towhee identification. ------ Forwarded Message From: Jeff Gilligan Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:37:32 -0800 To: Jeff Gilligan Conversation: [BIRDWG01] FW: Question about Eastern Towhee identification. Subject: FW: [BIRDWG01] FW: Question about Eastern Towhee identification. - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Greg D. Jackson" To: Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2005 5:10 PM Subject: Re: [BIRDWG01] FW: Question about Eastern Towhee identification. > Jeff, > > Eastern Towhees can lack the white primary patch. I spent some time > in 1997 at the LSU museum reviewing the Eastern and Spotted towhee > ID issue. One of the features I examined was the primary patch. Of > 187 Eastern Towhees, 11 (5.9%) either lacked a primary patch that > would be visible under most field conditions, or had only a minimal > patch. > > I have other information on this ID issue from that museum visit, > as well as results of a literature search. Contact me offlist if you're > interested and I'll be glad to email it. > > Greg > > Greg D. Jackson > Birmingham, AL > g_d_jackson at bellsouth.net > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jeff Gilligan" > To: > Sent: Monday, July 25, 2005 3:28 PM > Subject: [BIRDWG01] FW: Question about Eastern Towhee identification. > > > > ---------- > > From: Jeff Gilligan > > Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2005 13:09:36 -0700 > > To: > > Subject: Question about Eastern Towhee identification. > > > > Does the white spot (patch) at the base of the primaries always show on a > > female bird in spring (or at other seasons for that matter)? > > > > Some photos that I have examined barely show the white patch as being > > visible on the folded wing. > > > > The reason that I am asking is that a female towheee was photographed in > > Oregon that is "splotless", but the photo does not show a white patch at > > the > > base of the primaries. The upper parts are uniformily rich brown. > > > > > > Join or Leave BIRDWG01: > > http://listserv.arizona.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=birdwg01 > > > > Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdwg01.html > > > Join or Leave BIRDWG01: http://listserv.arizona.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=birdwg01 > > Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdwg01.html > ------ End of Forwarded Message ------ End of Forwarded Message ------ End of Forwarded Message From paul.jacobsen at oregonstate.edu Tue Jan 16 14:53:36 2007 From: paul.jacobsen at oregonstate.edu (Jacobsen, Paul) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:53:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas Message-ID: <4D5DA98A54374044B7CC3F40A157B98B116313@thuja> Hi All, Does anyone have recommendations for good birding field guides for the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas? I understand that there may be a number of west Caribbean species in these islands and wondered if anyone had experience with field guides that may be specific to that region. Thank in Advance. Paul Jacobsen Dallas, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070116/f9719bf1/attachment.htm From bcraig777 at comcast.net Tue Jan 16 15:13:53 2007 From: bcraig777 at comcast.net (Bruce) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:13:53 -0800 Subject: [obol] Bald Eagle Rescue Message-ID: <45AD5C31.7090804@comcast.net> Forwarded: Subject: Officer frees bald eagle with one bullet - Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070110/ap_on_fe_st/bald_eagle_rescue From rcbrumitt at comcast.net Tue Jan 16 15:47:10 2007 From: rcbrumitt at comcast.net (Clint Brumitt) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:47:10 -0800 Subject: [obol] Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas References: <4D5DA98A54374044B7CC3F40A157B98B116313@thuja> Message-ID: <000801c739c8$e22645f0$07f6ab43@CB2> Paul, I took a day trip to Ft. Jefferson last April. Every bird that was seen was in the Sibley's Eastern Field Guide. There was talk among birders about Owls and Nighthawks that are not in North American Field guides. Some internet sites such as the National Park service have bird lists for various parks. You might research these in advance to get an idea of what could be seen and then carry the key ID points with you. If you are traveling with a birding group that should be something the leaders have access to or knowledge of and they can help. I saw 18 lifers and a majority of them were eastern warblers. There were many other birders watching the same birds and that assisted with ID. A good number of them would have been missed if I had to look at the field guide for each new bird. The ABA has a guide for Florida that covers the Keys and the Dry Tortugas but it is not a field guide but a birding guide. It is a big help. If you spend any time in Key West, there is a water drip located at the military fort. Just head to the beach at the fort and it serves as a fall out location for birds as they arrive in North America. Good birding, Clint Brumitt ----- Original Message ----- From: Jacobsen, Paul To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 2:53 PM Subject: [obol] Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas Hi All, Does anyone have recommendations for good birding field guides for the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas? I understand that there may be a number of west Caribbean species in these islands and wondered if anyone had experience with field guides that may be specific to that region. Thank in Advance. Paul Jacobsen Dallas, OR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070116/a8854fe7/attachment.htm From badkitty at studkitty.com Tue Jan 16 16:44:44 2007 From: badkitty at studkitty.com (Jacqui Parker) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 16:44:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] Brown Pelican Behavior Message-ID: <45AD717C.5040802@studkitty.com> Hi Obol: http://picasaweb.google.com/jward199/BrownPelicanYawning Someone on the ebird list has this wonderful gallery of photos and took the images (linked above) of Brown Pelican "yawning". Does anyone know what this behavior is, and is it common or what? just curious... thanks! -- Jacqui Parker Portland, OREGON From acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM Tue Jan 16 17:05:28 2007 From: acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM (Alan Contreras) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 17:05:28 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated Duck relocated Message-ID: The FALCATED Duck appeared four days ago at a small wetland inside a private manufactured home park in NW Eugene. It is still there January 16. The finder, Ray Holmberg, is willing to have people come in and look at it. Call him ahead of time at 541-463-9456. The location is the Gainsborough private community at Northwest Expressway and Irving, which is just east of Hwy 99 in NW Eugene. Access is across from the Eagles lodge. Interestingly, this is very close to the pond on 99 which was the FADU's alternate site last year. Ray describes himself as a not-very-experienced birder, but he knew the local ducks (and White-tailed Kites) and called me (got my name from Birds of Lane County) with an excellent description of the FADU. He has the Sibley guide which did not do him any good. I sent him to a web photo and he says that's the right bird. -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com From greg at thebirdguide.com Tue Jan 16 18:37:38 2007 From: greg at thebirdguide.com (Greg Gillson) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 18:37:38 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lillie's 2005 Eastern Towhee photos Message-ID: <005c01c739e0$7675fd10$c7a6efd8@gregs69keu8lid> I have placed a reduced sized original and a cropped and corrected view of the Eastern Towhee on the Oregon Rare Bird Photo Archive (http://thebirdguide.com/rarebirds/rare_photos.htm). Scroll down to April 2005, or link directly: 1) original, reduced in physical size but otherwise unaltered: http://thebirdguide.com/rarebirds/EATO_1391_Lillie_640w.jpg 2) cropped and adjusted: http://thebirdguide.com/rarebirds/EATO_1391_Lillie_crop.jpg Jeff Gilligan wrote: "The bird was seen on April 6, 2005 in southeast Portland, on the ground near Gerard Lillie's bird feeder, on the north side of Mt. Tabor. Gerard Lillie, his wife Alice, and I were watching his feeder at about 5:00 PM when we noticed a male towhee on the ground about eight feet or so outside their window. It was immediately apparent that the bird lacked any spotting or whitish bars on the scapulars, back, wings or elsewhere. After viewing the bird for several minutes it flew away, but soon returned. Gerard Lillie got his birding camera, but was disappointed to realize that the battery had run down and that it was unusable. He then got a small digital camera that he uses for general purposes, and took two photos before the bird flew away again." Greg Gillson The Bird Guide, Inc. greg at thebirdguide.com http://thebirdguide.com From roygerig at hotmail.com Tue Jan 16 18:52:13 2007 From: roygerig at hotmail.com (Roy Gerig) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 18:52:13 -0800 Subject: [obol] Salem COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD Message-ID: I have what I am now convinced is a female (or young male) COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD coming to my feeder. I first saw it early December, but it came so seldom, and an ANNA'S was also around to confuse the issue. Finally, today (school was out so I was home, and I got many good looks) it was around all the time. Tail length is obviously shorter that the wingtips. You can see this from almost any angle. When I went to change feeders this morning at dawn in the snow, I could see from 2 feet away the wingtips slightly curve around the tail, at least 1/8" longer than the tail. Gray auriculars are isolated by the pale line that extends from over the eye down, especially at the bottom where the pale area is wide. There is a small central patch of color on the throat, I don't have a good handle on the color there. Short, thin bill seems slightly curved. Underparts are paler than in Anna's. Very small bird, hunchbacked, almost exactly as in Sibley p. 298, bottom picture. Overall, not as green as Anna's. I have heard a few call notes, none of which sounded like Anna's. If school is out tomorrow, come see it. Roy Gerig, Salem OR 503-589-4636 _________________________________________________________________ Get live scores and news about your team: Add the Live.com Football Page www.live.com/?addtemplate=football&icid=T001MSN30A0701 From cgates at webformixair.com Tue Jan 16 19:51:45 2007 From: cgates at webformixair.com (Charles R. Gates) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:51:45 -0800 Subject: [obol] Shorebird Survey People Message-ID: I'm interested in contacting the people that are doing the west coast shorebird surveys that were mentioned on obol some time ago. Anyone know anything about this survey? I would like to contact the higher ups in the project if I could. Chuck Gates East Cascades Bird Conservancy From m.denny at charter.net Tue Jan 16 22:30:29 2007 From: m.denny at charter.net (mike denny) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:30:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] Birding Wallowa Co. Message-ID: <000b01c73a00$fbf61d10$0886bd44@BLACKBIRD> Hello All, Monday and this morning MerryLynn and I had the honor to join Ginger and Rodger Shoemake in a short trip into Wallowa Co. in search of the often reported winter specialties from the area. We stayed in Enterprise and birded the following areas: Zumwalt Prairie-out 18 miles Golf Course Rd.-out 9 miles Rancho Rd. Klages Rd. Liberty Rd. Wallowa Lake and State Park Enterprise Fish Hatchery Joseph Birds of note: Today, 16 Jan. 2007 Am. Dipper......3 on the Wallowa River south of the Wallowa Lake State Park Bridge. Northern Goshawk.....1 ad. female along the Wallowa River in the State Park. Am. Dipper.................1 ad. at the Enterprise Fish Hatchery Marsh Wren................2 at the fish hatchery Townsends Solitaire...1 at the fish hatchery Prairie Falcon..............1 ad. Northeast of Joseph Am. Dipper...................4 birds on the Wallowa River west of the town of Wallowa. Sharp-shinned Hawk......1 ad. at the fish hatchery Am. Bald Eagle.............10+ northeast of Joseph 15 Jan.2007 Prairie Falcon..................2 birds north of Joseph Golden Eagle....................1 ad. along Prairie Creek Bald Eagle........................22 birds north of Joseph Rough-legged Hawk.........4 birds north of Joseph many mallards, Red-tailed Hawks and Canada Geese. one small flock of Horned Larks, maybe 20 birds. We did not see any waxwings, longspurs, rosy finches or snow buntings. We were in the sun both days and not a hint of wind. Beautiful area!! Later Mike ******************************************************************** Mike & MerryLynn Denny 1354 S. E. Central Ave. College Place, WA 99324 509.529.0080 (h) IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN BIRDING, YOU HAVEN'T LIVED! ******************************************************************* From gnorgren at earthlink.net Tue Jan 16 22:34:04 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:34:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] Peregrine vs Prairie ID Message-ID: <0d65eedb75027ce041392ac1dce6c0e6@earthlink.net> I was waiting for a red light in east Vancouver(Clark Co, WA) about Jan 3 when I saw a Peregrine zipping about in the wind. It was 3 in the afternoon of a very cloudy day, I was looking sw. I see Peregrines with increasing frequency, especially this time of the year when the lighting is bad. I have seen Prairie Falcons three times in two weeks, one was frequenting Ridgefield NWR not long ago. Are there solid ways of distinguishing these species when one only sees a silhouette? For decades I've been quite complacent in western Oregon, assuming any large falcon was a Peregrine. Does a Prairie Falcon have a long enough tail for this to distinguish it in flight? Are the flight patterns/ wingbeats of the two species distinctive? I'm sorry if this is in literature somewhere and I've missed it. I have a feeling more than one person reading this might have considerable expertise on the matter. Thank you in advance, Lars Norgren in falcon-challenged MANNING OREGON From ptsulliv at spiritone.com Tue Jan 16 22:51:19 2007 From: ptsulliv at spiritone.com (Paul T. Sullivan) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:51:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Audubon Birding Weekend trip to Wallowa county Message-ID: <003a01c73a03$fdfd5760$08c963d8@dell307ac3e2b6> OBOL: Report of the Audubon Birding Weekend trip to Wallowa county, Jan. 13-15, 2007. # Species seen: 57 Highlights: FERRUGINOUS HAWK - over OK Gulch, 1/14 BLACK MERLIN - in Enterprise all 3 days, twice seen eating another bird GRAY PARTRIDGE - 2 sightings by the cars at the back of the caravan on Golf Course & Leap Rds, 1/14 WILD TURKEY - 130 below Wallowa, 1/15 N PYGMY OWL - 1 N of Enterprise, 1 at the E edge of Joseph (also seen by Steve Dowlan), 1/13 N SHRIKE - 3 on 1/13, 1 on 1/14 BOHEMIAN WAXWING - 250 in Enterprise CEDAR WAXWING - 6 in Enterprise AMERICAN TREE SPARROW - 3 along Golf Course Rd, 1/13; 2 groups of 20-30 E of Enterprise, 1/14 LAPLAND LONGSPUR - 2-4 along Golf Course Rd., all 3 days Not seen: Sharptailed Grouse, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll Quote of the weekend: "It's warming up. It's 2." (Linda Sewell) Late on Sunday afternoon we were up on the slope near Ferguson Ridge (temp -7) when the sun set. The eastern horizon was an intense indigo blue, with a layer of pink above it, all atop the Seven Devils in Idaho, with the Wallowas above us. At dawn on Monday, out on Golf Course Rd., we saw the same layering of colors in the west as the sun rose over the Seven Devils, with the Wallowas again in front of us to the south. What can I say? The next trip will go to Curry county on Feb. 17-18. Paul T. Sullivan Audubon Birding Weekends (503) 646-7889 http://www.audubonportland.org/trips_classes_camps/adult_programs/birding_weekendsfolder/index_html From rmjen at earthlink.net Tue Jan 16 23:06:51 2007 From: rmjen at earthlink.net (Robin Jensen) Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:06:51 -0800 Subject: [obol] Townsend's warbler Message-ID: I am new to this list (today) and I have a sighting and a question: I have had 2 (one male and one immature) Townsend's warblers at my feeders in SW Portland every day for the past 3 weeks. I'd never seen them in my yard any time of year so I was especially surprised to find them hanging out in winter. Is this unusual for Portland? Robin Jensen rmjen at earthlink.net 503.799.8435 From tanager at nu-world.com Wed Jan 17 00:29:19 2007 From: tanager at nu-world.com (Anne & Dan Heyerly) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:29:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lane Co. Raptor Route #1 Jan. 6, 2007 Message-ID: <003701c73a11$95b87fa0$0200a8c0@domain.actdsltmp> As promised here are the numbers for Lane County Raptor Route #1 (generally the area around Fern Ridge Reservoir west of Eugene that is bordered by Cantrell Rd. on the south, Territorial Rd. on the west, Hwy. 36 on the north, and Greenhill Rd./Fisher Rd. to the east. There was no January 2006 count, so I am comparing this January's numbers with February 2006. Numbers were unremarkable when compared to last year's totals. Red-tails were down a bit (30 from 39) and White-tailed Kites and Red-shouldered Hawks were up (12 from 3 and 4 from 2 respectively). The following species counts are as follows for January 6, 2007. The number in parentheses is 2006's total. Red-tailed Hawk 30 (39) American Kestrel 21 (21) Northern Harrier 17 (15) Bald Eagle 10 - 5 adult & 5 sub-adult (17) Rough-legged Hawk 1 (dark phase) (0) Red-shouldered Hawk 4 (2) White-tailed Kite 12 (3) Peregrine Falcon 1 (0) Turkey Vulture 3 (5) Only one other species not mentioned in the list above was seen in 2006 that was not seen in 2007, a Swainson's Hawk. Not surprisingly it was missed on Jan. 6, 2007. Later on at dusk on this date (Jan. 6) at the end of Royal Ave. beyond the gate approximately 100 meters, after completing the raptor survey we observed a tight group of 15 White-tailed Kites gathering together before going to their roost. Northern Harriers were also gathering and dropping into the grass to their roost in this area. We observed a tight group of between 15 and 25 Northern Harriers dropping down into a small grassy area to roost for the night.. I don't remember if I mentioned seeing this a week or so ago, if I did I apologize for the redundancy. Dan & Anne Heyerly -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/23fe5291/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Wed Jan 17 04:47:46 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 04:47:46 -0800 Subject: [obol] Townsend's warbler In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <559082883d43133dd9ea8d2d17f17150@earthlink.net> Townsend's Warbler is one of the two species of warbler routinely wintering this far north. Some evidence indicates that the ones we see this time of year nest in the Queen Charlotte Islands. The Yellow-rumped Warbler typically out- numbers them by at least an order of magnitude. To some extent the Yellow-rumps are more readily observed by humans, foraging lower to the ground and in more open settings. The Townsend's spends a lot of time in tall conifers with flocks of chickadees and kinglets which usually greatly outnumber it. My own anecdotal evidence would indicate more of them are around at the moment. I lived in Portland for 25 years and continued to work there for 13 more yet didn't see one in Portland in winter until around Christmas of this year. In the meantime I'd seen Mountain Chickadee twice inside the city limits, presumably a much rarer bird. I saw the bird at Christmas because I had learned its call note a few days earlier. I heard one at my house Jan 2, the first winter record here in 14 yrs. Again, I didn't know its call note in previous years. But the Upper Nestucca CBC began recording them only three years ago despite a quarter century history. Someone in Eugene reported one in their backyard for the first time in 35 years about two weeks ago. The record number recorded for the Eugene CBC was last year. I've been meaning to bring the question up in this forum for a few weeks now. Are there more Townsend's around in recent winters? Could birds that used to winter in Humboldt Co(CA) or the like be staying farther north? Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON On Jan 16, 2007, at 11:06 PM, Robin Jensen wrote: > I am new to this list (today) and I have a sighting and a question: I > have > had 2 (one male and one immature) Townsend's warblers at my feeders in > SW > Portland every day for the past 3 weeks. I'd never seen them in my > yard any > time of year so I was especially surprised to find them hanging out in > winter. Is this unusual for Portland? > > Robin Jensen > rmjen at earthlink.net > 503.799.8435 > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From winkg at hevanet.com Wed Jan 17 07:00:42 2007 From: winkg at hevanet.com (Wink Gross) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:00:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] winter Townsend's Warblers in Portland Message-ID: <20070117150044.D53BA148842@smtp5.oregonstate.edu> In response to the question about Townsend's Warblers wintering in the Portland area, I reviewed some Portland Christmas Bird Count data. Townsend's Warbler has been reported on 53 of the 81 Portland CBCs. The highest number recorded was 50 in 1998. This year we found 43, down slightly from the 48 found in the 2005 count (the year that so many were reported elsewhere in the Willamette Valley). The average in the past 11 counts is 30.7. Wink Gross NW Portland From llsdirons at msn.com Wed Jan 17 07:16:12 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:16:12 +0000 Subject: [obol] winter Townsend's Warblers in Portland In-Reply-To: <20070117150044.D53BA148842@smtp5.oregonstate.edu> Message-ID: As Wink Gross' response suggest, Townsend's Warbler wintering in the Willamette Valley is neither a new nor necessarily increasing phenomenon. What has changed is general awareness to their presence and a better understanding of how to find them. For nearly 20 years (starting in 1971) I covered the Sellwood/Westmoreland/Eastmoreland area on the Portland CBC. My dad and I rarely if ever missed Townsend's Warblers and most years found them in double-digit numbers. Certain sites, namely the Rhododendron Test Gardens at Crystal Springs and Sellwood Park, were quite dependable for them. The common denominator was the large fairly dense stands of Douglas Firs. These groves would always have a large mixed chickadee kinglet flock that would usually include several Townsend's Warblers, a Red-breasted Nuthatch or two and on rare occasion a Black-throated Gray Warbler (which we found in at least two different years). As my birding skills improved I learned the call note of Townsend's (as Lars has recently) and my detections of Townsend's Warblers became even more frequent. It is important to look at long term data bases (like the CBC data) before assuming that a species is more prevalent now than in the past. There are more birders, more highly skilled birders and an easy format (OBOL) for sharing sightings. All this adds up to the appearance of more Townsend's Warblers. As Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend". Townsend's do tend to be tied to the valley floor and coastal lowlands during winter. Once you start up into the foothills they are pretty tough to find. I hear and see them nearly every day around Eugene in Winter. Dave Irons Eugene, OR >From: Wink Gross >To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >Subject: Re: [obol] winter Townsend's Warblers in Portland >Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:00:42 -0800 > >In response to the question about Townsend's Warblers >wintering in the Portland area, I reviewed some Portland >Christmas Bird Count data. > >Townsend's Warbler has been reported on 53 of the 81 >Portland CBCs. The highest number recorded was 50 in 1998. >This year we found 43, down slightly from the 48 found in >the 2005 count (the year that so many were reported >elsewhere in the Willamette Valley). The average in the >past 11 counts is 30.7. > >Wink Gross >NW Portland > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From m_scatt at yahoo.com Wed Jan 17 08:57:01 2007 From: m_scatt at yahoo.com (Em Scattaregia) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 08:57:01 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Great Horned Owl? Mt Tabor, Portland Message-ID: <20070117165701.22650.qmail@web59010.mail.re1.yahoo.com> We were cross country skiing on Mt Tabor last evening and heard an owl which we could not locate. It sounded like a Great Horned Owl. I am not familiar with many owl calls, but I am familiar with Great Horned Owls. Does anything else sound similar? Em Scattaregia Christopher and Adrian --------------------------------- Bored stiff? Loosen up... Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/84bd01ae/attachment.htm From ovenbird2003 at yahoo.com Wed Jan 17 09:08:36 2007 From: ovenbird2003 at yahoo.com (Holly Reinhard) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 09:08:36 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Townsend's warbler In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <120615.92325.qm@web30509.mail.mud.yahoo.com> I'm certainly not an expert on Townsend's Warbler numbers, but we get them every winter in our backyard. They come to our suet feeder. We have a bunch of Douglas firs in our backyard so the habitat is just right, like Dave and others said. I love seeing such a brightly-colored bird in the drabness of winter. Welcome to Obol! -Holly Reinhard Eugene, OR ovenbird2003 at yahoo.com --- Robin Jensen wrote: > I am new to this list (today) and I have a sighting > and a question: I have > had 2 (one male and one immature) Townsend's > warblers at my feeders in SW > Portland every day for the past 3 weeks. I'd never > seen them in my yard any > time of year so I was especially surprised to find > them hanging out in > winter. Is this unusual for Portland? > > Robin Jensen > rmjen at earthlink.net > 503.799.8435 > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss an email again! Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/ From gcasey at charter.net Wed Jan 17 09:23:16 2007 From: gcasey at charter.net (Jerry Casebollt) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 09:23:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] Bluebirds Message-ID: <000801c73a5c$2f772c50$f812bf42@Turaco> Hi, Just saw a pair of Western Bluebirds cruising around my back yard. Seems like very early for them especially with the snow. Gerald > (Jerrry) Casebolt -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/7f44f093/attachment.htm From deweysage at verizon.net Wed Jan 17 09:49:03 2007 From: deweysage at verizon.net (DJLauten and KACastelein) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 09:49:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] birds at feeders Message-ID: <45AE618F.2010404@verizon.net> There has been a lot of talk about Varied Thrushes showing up all over and at feeders, and other various feeder talk lately. For a slightly different view, we returned from a week in sunny and warm Baja to a very cold and snowy Bandon OR. Our feeders were maintained by a good friend while we were gone. When we returned we were curious how things were going. Indeed Varied Thrushes are now regular in the yard, a Winter Wren has been feeding around the edges of the house and in the garage, a Hermit Thrush found its way into the greenhouse - who knows how long it was in there, but it was fine, we let it free, and it has been hanging around the yard where there is green and no snow, and I even saw it in the garage too, the Anna's Hummers are hanging around the feeder, including 2 female/juvenile types (haven't studied them hard yet), and the feeder area is extremely active. But of interest to me, was who might be missing. We had 2 White-throated Sparrows, and they are still present. We have quite a few Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows, maybe more than when we left. But of most interest to me, our White-Faced Junco has disappeared. He was always around before we left, so this raises the question, did he die, or move on. Likely he didn't make it, and one has to wonder, was it the cold, or a predator. Did the white feathers indicate that he wasn't healthy, or was he easier to see? Nevertheless, the point is that rarely are we able to watch individuals at the feeder because without bands, how can we know? Well, between the 2 White-throats and the White-faced Junco, we were able to track some of the birds, and at least one is missing. Interesting. Cheers Dave Lauten and Kathy Castelein Bandon Coos County OR deweysage at verzion.net From rmjen at earthlink.net Wed Jan 17 11:45:22 2007 From: rmjen at earthlink.net (Robin Jensen) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 11:45:22 -0800 Subject: [obol] Townsend's warbler In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Thank you all for the helpful info on Townsend's warblers. We do have many Doug firs in back of our house and the Townsends are often among chickadees and ruby crowned kinglets. Barbara, The one I thought was an immature has some light streaking of black on the [mostly] yellow throat and even up the chin. Robin Jensen rmjen at earthlink.net 503.799.8435 > From: "Barbara J. Combs" > Organization: Oregon VOS > Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:11:29 -0800 (PST) > To: Robin Jensen > Subject: Re: [obol] Townsend's warbler > > Could you have a male and a female? They hang around people's yards in > the Willamette Valley in winter, especially where large evergreens are > present. Last year a large number were around. This year the numbers > are down, but they are here in many locations. I had a single female for > a long time. Then a male showed up for a few days. Now I have two > females. They move around a bit. They next in high elevation habitats in > Oregon. > > On Tue, 16 Jan 2007, Robin > Jensen wrote: > >> I am new to this list (today) and I have a sighting and a question: I have >> had 2 (one male and one immature) Townsend's warblers at my feeders in SW >> Portland every day for the past 3 weeks. I'd never seen them in my yard any >> time of year so I was especially surprised to find them hanging out in >> winter. Is this unusual for Portland? >> >> Robin Jensen >> rmjen at earthlink.net >> 503.799.8435 >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> obol mailing list >> obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >> http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >> To unsubscribe, send a message to: >> obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >> > > Barbara Combs obie '70 > Eugene, Oregon > From ladwil at comcast.net Wed Jan 17 12:22:55 2007 From: ladwil at comcast.net (Lisa Ladd-Wilson) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:22:55 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ruby-crowned kinglet gets angry Message-ID: <56975631ba3c358f31df940c76f09934@comcast.net> Hello: I had the pleasure of watching what happens when two RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS vie for feeding territory. Even better, it turned out I caught it with my camera. I've had one RCK visiting my suet feeders for a week or so now. With the snowfall in Portland, it's been a particularly good time for taking pix of birds in the back yard as they scramble for food. And I was out during a morning break today, trying to get photos of the kinglet as he hopped all over the place, when another kinglet flew into the same pine tree. I saw this amazing explosion of red on the original kinglet's head, and when I downloaded the photos onto the computer, I was so thrilled to see I had a semi-decent shot of that explosion. You can see it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sllw/ It is pretty impressive to see how these birds wield that tiny stripe in battle. (I also posted up a pic of a junco being blown about by snow and wind yesterday. Sweet birds.) Lisa NE Portland From larmcqueen at msn.com Wed Jan 17 13:41:51 2007 From: larmcqueen at msn.com (Larry Mcqueen) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:41:51 -0800 Subject: [obol] Wed morning, Eugene Message-ID: The group decided to go for the sure thing, which was the FALCATED DUCK reported a few days ago on this list, and our expectations were met. There is a run of open water in a new gated community off Irving Road just east of Territorial (and 99N). The group of ducks it was with contained mostly Mallards, a couple prs. of Am. Wigeon, and 1 male Wood Duck. We had the best studies of the Falcated we could have wanted, and what an exotic beauty it is! Eventually, the duck swam to some new ice, where it stood, posing for the prize-winning photo. None of us had thought to bring a camera! We then checked the Alvadore feeder for the Summer Tanager. The area was full of birds, but no Tanager showed up. We then birded Childer's Lane, near Clear Lake at the south end of the airport. Not much activity here. Total birds: Pied-billed Grebe - 1 D-c. Cormorant - 1 Great Blue Heron - 1 Whistling Swan - 8 flying Cackling Goose - 2000 plus Falcated Duck - 1 Mallard - bunch Am. Wigeon - 4 Wood Duck - 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 Red-tailed Hawk - 3 Harrier - 2 Peregrine - 1 Merlin - 1 Kestrel - 2 Killdeer - 8 Glaucous-winged Gull - 1 Ring-billed Gull - 70 Mew Gull - 2 Rock Pigeon - 100 Mourning Dove - 15 Flicker - 2 Red-br. Sapsucker - 1 Downy Woodpecker - 1 Scrub Jay - enough N. Raven - 2 Am. Crow - 3 Black-capped Chickadee - 12+ Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Brown Creeper - 1 Bewick's Wren - 2 Am. Robin - 15+ Varied Thrush - 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet - 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 Am. Pipit - distant flock Starling - plenty House Sparrow - 12 Red-winged Blackbird - nc Brewer's Blackbird - nc House Finch - nc Am. Goldfinch - nc Spotted Towhee - 4 D-e Junco - 20+ White-throated Sparrow - 1 beneath the "Tanager feeder" White-crowned Sparrow - several Golden-crowned Sparrow - 30+ Fox Sparrow - 3 Song Sparrow - 3 Dennis Arendt, Diane Horgan, Dave Irons, George Grier, Paul Sherrell (only for the Falcated) and Larry McQueen. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/5112e4f5/attachment.htm From markhamm at charterinternet.com Wed Jan 17 13:51:03 2007 From: markhamm at charterinternet.com (Mark Hamm) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:51:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red-shouldered Hawk Sutherlin/Roseburg Message-ID: <002e01c73a81$95ca3e00$6110b944@mark> I have been regularly seeing a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK on Taylor Ave. in Sutherlin this winter. Surprised me that it would be hanging out so close to town. Today I saw a RSHA in Roseburg at one of the busiest intersections in town (Garden Valley-Stewart Park). Is that unusual to have them in a urban setting? Also have seen a MERLIN west of Sutherlin. Others have been reporting higher number of sightings, thought I'd add this one. Mark Hamm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/d51665f3/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Wed Jan 17 14:07:56 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:07:56 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red-shouldered Hawk Sutherlin/Roseburg References: <002e01c73a81$95ca3e00$6110b944@mark> Message-ID: <001c01c73a83$f23c18a0$39fbd7cd@Warbler> Mark and Others, Here's part of a message I posted on the Rogue Valley Audubon web page for bird messages. For the OBOL area, the expansion could include most of the State at this point in time. "This species is still expanding its numbers in the Rogue Valley. It appears to be displacing Red-tails, which don't seem to like development all that well (likes areas with large, continuous fields, pastures, so on). But, Red-shoulders seem to cohabitate with humans nicely." In the Grants Pass area, this species was first found in wetland areas, particularly in large Black Cottonwood bottomlands that has water under them at least in the spring. But now, they have moved into Oak Woodlands and Oaks mixed with other hardwoods and a few conifers can be mixed in. Also, in residential areas with this mix of trees and some small open areas that simulate fields. Dennis (north of Grants Pass) I have been regularly seeing a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK on Taylor Ave. in Sutherlin this winter. Surprised me that it would be hanging out so close to town. Today I saw a RSHA in Roseburg at one of the busiest intersections in town (Garden Valley-Stewart Park). Is that unusual to have them in a urban setting? Also have seen a MERLIN west of Sutherlin. Others have been reporting higher number of sightings, thought I'd add this one. Mark Hamm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/e28df64c/attachment.htm From larmcqueen at msn.com Wed Jan 17 14:12:01 2007 From: larmcqueen at msn.com (Larry Mcqueen) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:12:01 -0800 Subject: [obol] FW: Wed morning, Eugene Message-ID: I wrote "Territorial", but I meant, Northwest Expressway! _____ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Larry Mcqueen Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 1:42 PM To: 'Obol' Subject: [obol] Wed morning, Eugene The group decided to go for the sure thing, which was the FALCATED DUCK reported a few days ago on this list, and our expectations were met. There is a run of open water in a new gated community off Irving Road just east of Territorial (and 99N). The group of ducks it was with contained mostly Mallards, a couple prs. of Am. Wigeon, and 1 male Wood Duck. We had the best studies of the Falcated we could have wanted, and what an exotic beauty it is! Eventually, the duck swam to some new ice, where it stood, posing for the prize-winning photo. None of us had thought to bring a camera! We then checked the Alvadore feeder for the Summer Tanager. The area was full of birds, but no Tanager showed up. We then birded Childer's Lane, near Clear Lake at the south end of the airport. Not much activity here. Total birds: Pied-billed Grebe - 1 D-c. Cormorant - 1 Great Blue Heron - 1 Whistling Swan - 8 flying Cackling Goose - 2000 plus Falcated Duck - 1 Mallard - bunch Am. Wigeon - 4 Wood Duck - 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 Red-tailed Hawk - 3 Harrier - 2 Peregrine - 1 Merlin - 1 Kestrel - 2 Killdeer - 8 Glaucous-winged Gull - 1 Ring-billed Gull - 70 Mew Gull - 2 Rock Pigeon - 100 Mourning Dove - 15 Flicker - 2 Red-br. Sapsucker - 1 Downy Woodpecker - 1 Scrub Jay - enough N. Raven - 2 Am. Crow - 3 Black-capped Chickadee - 12+ Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Brown Creeper - 1 Bewick's Wren - 2 Am. Robin - 15+ Varied Thrush - 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet - 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 Am. Pipit - distant flock Starling - plenty House Sparrow - 12 Red-winged Blackbird - nc Brewer's Blackbird - nc House Finch - nc Am. Goldfinch - nc Spotted Towhee - 4 D-e Junco - 20+ White-throated Sparrow - 1 beneath the "Tanager feeder" White-crowned Sparrow - several Golden-crowned Sparrow - 30+ Fox Sparrow - 3 Song Sparrow - 3 Dennis Arendt, Diane Horgan, Dave Irons, George Grier, Paul Sherrell (only for the Falcated) and Larry McQueen. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/88cf5593/attachment.htm -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: ATT00004.txt Url: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/88cf5593/attachment.txt From sarahp at ci.hillsboro.or.us Wed Jan 17 14:18:36 2007 From: sarahp at ci.hillsboro.or.us (Sarah Pinnock) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:18:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] Western Meadowlarks Message-ID: This morning on the way into work I observed a flock of 20+ of Western Meadowlarks in one of the plowed fields along Jackson School Road, between Highway 26 and Evergreen Parkway, in Hillsboro. We have Western Meadowlarks out here at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, but I've never seen that many out here at one time before. They provided a very cherry splash of yellow in a white and gray world. Sarah Pinnock Wetlands Education Specialist Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve _ ( '< / ) ) // " " -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/ffebff62/attachment.htm From WeberHome at att.net Wed Jan 17 14:34:37 2007 From: WeberHome at att.net (Cliff & Joanne Weber) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:34:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lunch With The Birds Message-ID: <20070117223513.BAB04150E9E@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> OBOL, hello You know what makes a good Navy SEAL? They absolutely refuse to be beaten. If a team of SEALs were to play even a child's game of hop-scotch, it would turn violent because they don't like to lose. Well... in the spirit of Navy SEALism, and refusing to be beaten by Mother Nature; we bundled up, installed some snow tires on the pick-up truck, threw about 450 pounds of sand bags in the bed for traction, defied the ice, and went on out to Jackson Bottom Wetlands for our customary Wednesday lunch hour with the birds. We took along a propane camp heater, and stopped at Starbucks in downtown Hillsboro. We even brought a snow shovel to clear the boardwalk entrance to the shelter at the north end. But for some reason, the birds didn't appreciate our SEAL-ishness because we were practically skunked with barely one or two Northern Pintails, a few Canada Geese, and some Great Blue Herons. No Bald Eagles, and maybe two or three Song Sparrows. Practically all the open water was iced over, with very few clear spots for the teensy few waterfowl present in the area. Distance visibility wasn't all that good either what with a hint of fog over the preserve. Where? ... City of Hillsboro, Thomas Bros Portland street guide page 593, square B6 at the intersection of SW Wood Street and Hwy 219. Google satellite image: http://tinyurl.com/y5mdqh Wheelchair Friendly?... Yes. Good off-street parking, and really easy wheeler and walker access to a sheltered platform. Some bench-style seating; and one of us usually brings along a couple of camping chairs. Restrooms? ... Good ones available a mile south at Jackson's education center. Information about Jackson Bottom Wetlands (and Lunch With The Birds) is available online at www.jacksonbottom.org Cliff & Joanne Weber Beaverton (Rock Creek area) From peterpatricelli at comcast.net Wed Jan 17 14:39:36 2007 From: peterpatricelli at comcast.net (peterpatricelli) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:39:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] Redtail carrying a gead Merlin(?) Message-ID: <005001c73a88$5e16e330$0302a8c0@PeterGateway> I ran across this unusual picture on a photography forum of a Redtail carrying a dead falcon, most suspect is a Merlin and not a Kestrel. http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=21694890 LOTS of robins in Lane Memorial Gardens (Eugene) today. Also a Eurasian Widgeon drake among 25 native citizens. Peter Patricelli www.flyfishingfotograhy.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/561be84f/attachment.htm From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Wed Jan 17 14:58:34 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:58:34 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Brant Migration Message-ID: <647601.91263.qm@web34203.mail.mud.yahoo.com> This past weekend, Russ Namitz and I did a little birding around Coos Bay and saw 9 BRANT in the Empire area. We only had a single bird on the local CBC so these were recent arrivals. I mentioned this to Tom Gaskill who is the education coordinator at South Slough National Estuarine Reserve over in Charleston and who is involved with a Brant monitoring project. He sent me the following e-mail from a prominent Brant researcher up in Alaska- I thought I'd share it with OBOL: From: newsmaster at padillabay.gov [mailto:newsmaster at padillabay.gov] On Behalf Of Alexander, Glen (ECY) Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 1:55 PM To: Brant List Subject: [brant] Brant in January This message is forwarded from David Ward: It is not unusual for brant to be moving north in January. Migration northward usually begins in January, by a minority of the population. In recent years, say over the last decade, more and more birds are choosing to begin their migraiton north during this month. Observations of marked brant have indicated that peak movements of brant from Northern Baja Califonia have begun about 2 weeks earlier in 2000s that in the 1980s and 1990s. David Ward Biological Science Office- U.S. Geological Survey-Alaska Science Center 1011 E. Tudor Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503 907-786-3525 (FAX: 786-3636) david_ward at usgs.gov ____________________________________________________________________________________ Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/domains/?p=BESTDEAL From newhouse at efn.org Wed Jan 17 15:15:09 2007 From: newhouse at efn.org (Bruce Newhouse) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:15:09 -0800 Subject: [obol] Note to Florida-bound birders In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <45AEADFD.7080804@efn.org> Paul, be sure to get Pranty's ABA guide to birding Florida. It contains specific info on your areas of interest (but it is not a field guide). The Sibley suggestion made by someone else will cover that nicely. Best, Bruce Newhouse in Eugene > Hi All, > > Does anyone have recommendations for good birding field guides for the > Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas? I understand that there may be a > number of west Caribbean species in these islands and wondered if > anyone had experience with field guides that may be specific to that > region. > > Thank in Advance. > > Paul Jacobsen > Dallas, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/78b9a9fa/attachment.htm From larmcqueen at msn.com Wed Jan 17 15:27:03 2007 From: larmcqueen at msn.com (Larry Mcqueen) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:27:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] Redtail carrying a gead Merlin(?) In-Reply-To: <005001c73a88$5e16e330$0302a8c0@PeterGateway> Message-ID: This is a female American Kestrel. It would have been a big surprise had it been a Merlin, but kestrels are a mite slower. Larry McQueen _____ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of peterpatricelli Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 2:40 PM To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Subject: [obol] Redtail carrying a gead Merlin(?) I ran across this unusual picture on a photography forum of a Redtail carrying a dead falcon, most suspect is a Merlin and not a Kestrel. http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021 &message=21694890 LOTS of robins in Lane Memorial Gardens (Eugene) today. Also a Eurasian Widgeon drake among 25 native citizens. Peter Patricelli www.flyfishingfotograhy.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/c80bd85b/attachment.htm From contopus at telus.net Wed Jan 17 16:13:32 2007 From: contopus at telus.net (Wayne C. Weber) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 16:13:32 -0800 Subject: [obol] Birds of Lane County Message-ID: <0be801c73a95$fe788d80$6500a8c0@bc.hsia.telus.net> Birders, I seem to have missed the publication announcement for "Birds of Lane County". Could someone please tell me who the publisher is, what the suggested retail price is, and how I could order the book by mail? Please send your response to the entire list-- I'm sure I am not the only one who would like to get a copy! Many thanks, Wayne C. Weber Delta, BC contopus at telus.net From jdanielfarrar at gmail.com Wed Jan 17 16:49:50 2007 From: jdanielfarrar at gmail.com (Daniel Farrar) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 16:49:50 -0800 Subject: [obol] Birds of Lane County In-Reply-To: <0be801c73a95$fe788d80$6500a8c0@bc.hsia.telus.net> References: <0be801c73a95$fe788d80$6500a8c0@bc.hsia.telus.net> Message-ID: <2b1bbd260701171649g27feb099xdd2bd2573bab0274@mail.gmail.com> Wayne and Obol, Alan Contreras edited Birds of Lane County and it was published by OSU Press and released this fall (Oct I think). It retails at $20 for a paperback. A quick search of online bookstores listed prices from $13.60 to 18. I assume some sort of shipping would be added on though. Your local bookstores can order it for you. Hope you all enjoy it. Daniel Farrar Eugene OR On 1/17/07, Wayne C. Weber wrote: > > Birders, > > I seem to have missed the publication announcement for "Birds of > Lane County". Could someone please tell me who the publisher > is, what the suggested retail price is, and how I could order the book > by mail? > > Please send your response to the entire list-- I'm sure I am not > the only one who would like to get a copy! > > Many thanks, > > Wayne C. Weber > Delta, BC > contopus at telus.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > -- Daniel Farrar Eugene, Oregon jdanielfarrar at gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/e1b22cae/attachment.htm From polkman07 at earthlink.net Wed Jan 17 17:40:20 2007 From: polkman07 at earthlink.net (bill tice) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:40:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Town Crossbills Message-ID: <410-22007141814020843@earthlink.net> Hi Folks, When I walked out the door this morning to head off to work a flock of about 25 finch-type birds flew over and looked like they were going to land beyond my next door neighbors house. I did not recognize the call note, and had to admit I had my hopes up for some redpolls. I ran in an got my bins, headed down the street and found the birds in a fir tree. They turned out to be Red Crossbills. I suspect they were some different subspecies as their call note was distinctly different than the ones I have always heard in Oregon. I usually hear the sharp "kip-kip" notes, but these sounded more dull, soft, kind of a pit-pit, or purt-purt. Once I got the bins on them I have to admit I hoped to see some white-winged ones, but alas, it was not to be. I keep asking Carol Karlin to send some Yamhill Redpolls over this way, but she can't quite seem to get it done, yet. This is the year, and it might be another few years before we have another such invasion of redpolls to the W. Valley, so I guess I better keep beatin' the bushes. Bill Tice -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/9fefba8d/attachment.htm From daveb at sparkplug.com Wed Jan 17 20:02:15 2007 From: daveb at sparkplug.com (Dave Bowers) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:02:15 -0800 Subject: [obol] OT: Wanted - Bogen Tripod Head Message-ID: Hey Folks, I have a set of Bogen legs and am looking for a fluid head. I wanted to check locally, with in the community first - to see if any one might have one for sale. Standard thread size, doesn't need to be fancy or pretty. Please email if you do. Cheers From glmarshall at onemain.com Wed Jan 17 20:16:45 2007 From: glmarshall at onemain.com (Georgia) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:16:45 -0800 Subject: [obol] Curiosity Re the Sedge Wren at Lukiamute References: <376470.74233.qm@web55103.mail.re4.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <004501c73ab7$77c62910$6800a8c0@SecondPC> Bill and OBOL The first sedge wren state record followed the printing of the 2003 edition of Birds of Oregon: A General Reference. The new paper back edition lists it among new species for the state on page 22. Georgia Marshall ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Clemons" To: "OBOL" Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2007 10:39 PM Subject: [obol] Curiosity Re the Sedge Wren at Lukiamute > The book by Dave Marshall, et al: "Birds of Oregon, a > General Reference" makes no mention of Sedge Wren. > > Do any of you in the know out there, know if this bird > has been reported in OR before this current one? > > Reading the OBOL posts about this bird, I see no > mention of its Oregon status. > > My main reason for going Sunday to have a look is that > Lukiamute is a reasonable distance from Portland, > while the home range for the Sedge Wren, well E of the > Rockies, is an area I may never get to. Additionally, > there are a lot of Sparrows there and I've never been > to Lukiamute before, so why not go have a look see. > > Thanks, > > Bill Clemons > SW of Portland in Mtn Park > Willclemons AT Yahoo dot com > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels > in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. > http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From tmacport99 at hotmail.com Wed Jan 17 21:23:45 2007 From: tmacport99 at hotmail.com (Tom McNamara) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:23:45 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Horned Owl? Mt Tabor, Portland Message-ID: I first heard a Great Horned Owl on Tabor about 3-4 weeks ago. In 3 years of living across the street from the park, it was the first time I'd ever heard one. I have to say I'm a tad ambivalent. While I like all owls and love hearing the hooting of the Great Horned, I also like hearing Western Screech Owl of which there are a number in the park. But Tabor is just a shade less than 200 acres and one or more Great Horneds has the potential to put a major kibosh on the Western Screeches. Hope not, but we shall see. If cats were on the menu..... Tom We were cross country skiing on Mt Tabor last evening and heard an owl which we could not locate. It sounded like a Great Horned Owl. I am not familiar with many owl calls, but I am familiar with Great Horned Owls. Does anything else sound similar? Em Scattaregia Christopher and Adrian _________________________________________________________________ FREE online classifieds from Windows Live Expo ? buy and sell with people you know http://clk.atdmt.com/MSN/go/msnnkwex0010000001msn/direct/01/?href=http://expo.live.com?s_cid=Hotmail_tagline_12/06 From winkg at hevanet.com Wed Jan 17 21:23:59 2007 From: winkg at hevanet.com (Wink Gross) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:23:59 -0800 Subject: [obol] Pittock, NW Portland, week ending 01/17/07 Message-ID: <20070118052417.738881507A2@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> Here is the summary of my morning dogwalks from NW Seblar Terrace to the Pittock Mansion for the week 01/11/07 to 01/17/07. Species in ALL CAPS were neither seen nor heard the previous week. Additional information about my dogwalk may be found at http://www.hevanet.com/winkg/dogwalkpage.html We did the walk 7 days this week. Species # days found (peak #, date) GREAT EGRET 1 (1, 1/17) Canada/Cackling Goose sp. 3 (30, 1/13) RED-TAILED HAWK 2 (1, 1/13 & 14) Gull sp. 2 (1, 1/12 & 15) BAND-TAILED PIGEON 2 (3, 1/11) Mourning Dove 5 (6) Anna's Hummingbird 6 (4, 1/13) RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER 2 (2, 1/15) Downy Woodpecker 7 (3) Hairy Woodpecker 4 (2, 1/15) Northern Flicker 2 (2, 1/14) Golden-crowned Kinglet 3 (10) Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 (3, 1/12) BEWICK'S WREN 1 (1, 1/14) Winter Wren 6 (3, 1/14) American Robin 6 (6, 1/14) Varied Thrush 7 (8, 1/11) BUSHTIT 2 (8, 1/13) Black-capped Chickadee 7 (15, 1/11) Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3 (10, 1/11) Red-breasted Nuthatch 7 (5) Brown Creeper 4 (4, 1/17) Steller's Jay 6 (8, 1/12) WESTERN SCRUB-JAY 1 (1, 1/11) American Crow 5 (10, 1/11) European Starling 1 (2, 1/14) Hutton's Vireo 3 (2) House Finch 7 (20, 1/15) Pine Siskin 6 (50, 1/14) Spotted Towhee 6 (6) Fox Sparrow 6 (2) Song Sparrow 7 (15, 1/14) Dark-eyed Junco 7 (20, 1/17) In the neighborhood but not found on dogwalk: GREAT BLUE HERON, HERMIT THRUSH Wink Gross Portland From jeff17_marks at msn.com Wed Jan 17 23:05:20 2007 From: jeff17_marks at msn.com (Jeff Marks) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:05:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Horned Owls References: Message-ID: For years I've been told that when Great Horned Owls move in, other owls suffer. Without question, they do prey on other owls at times, but at least in SW Idaho, where I had lots of adult W Screech-Owls marked, the screech-owls coexisted with Great Horneds just fine, as did Long-eareds and N Saw-whets. No doubt food availability has something to do with it. In years when typical prey are not in short supply, Great Horneds probably don't take other owls all that much. Jeff ***************** Jeff Marks 5316 SE Henry Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 406-396-3331 (cell) ***************** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/b90321f9/attachment.htm From hnehls at teleport.com Wed Jan 17 23:26:42 2007 From: hnehls at teleport.com (Harry Nehls) Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:26:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] RBA: Portland, OR 1-18-07 Message-ID: - RBA * Oregon * Portland * January 18, 2007 * ORPO0701.18 - birds mentioned FALCATED DUCK Brown Pelican Turkey Vulture Northern Goshawk Prairie Falcon Glaucous Gull Snowy Owl Great Gray Owl Costa?s Hummingbird Williamson?s Sapsucker Say?s Phoebe Northern Shrike Barn Swallow Northern Mockingbird Clay-colored Sparrow Pine Grosbeak Cassin?s Finch Common Redpoll - transcript hotline: Portland Oregon Audubon RBA (weekly) number: 503-292-6855 To report: Harry Nehls 503-233-3976 compiler: Harry Nehls coverage: entire state Hello, this is the Audubon Society of Portland Rare Bird Report. This report was made Thursday January 18. If you have anything to add call Harry Nehls at 503-233-3976. The FALCATED DUCK has been relocated near where it was seen last winter. It is in a private community in NE Eugene. Call Ray Holmberg at 541-463-9456 for more information. Up to 14 GLAUCOUS GULLS were seen along the coast during the week. One was seen January 12 on Lake Billy Chinook south of Madras in Central Oregon. On January 14 a TURKEY VULTURE was at Gold Beach. A MOCKINGBIRD is now being seen in Bandon. A BROWN PELICAN was seen January 15 at Tahkenitch Estuary south of Florence and another was at Devils elbow State Park north of Florence. On January 16 a NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in southeast Portland taking a finch from a backyard bird feeder. A SAY?S PHOEBE was seen January 12 near Troutdale. A GOSHAWK was reported January 17 near Mt. Tabor Park in Portland. A GREAT GRAY OWL was seen during the week in Mulino. A SAY?S PHOEBE, two CASSIN?S FINCHES, and a PRAIRIE FALCON were seen during the week along Wilkesboro Road south of Banks. On January 13 a REDPOLL was in McMinnville. A COSTA?S HUMMINGBIRD is now coming to a feeder in Salem. The CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS are still being seen at Minto-Brown Park in Salem. On January 10 a BARN SWALLOW was near Tygh Valley. A male WILLIAMSON?S SAPSUCKER was near Sisters January 14. On January 16 a group of four PINE GROSBEAKS was near Mt. Bachelor southwest of Bend. A SNOWY OWL has recently been seen near Moro in Wasco County. That?s it for this week. - end transcript -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070117/524c6b63/attachment.htm From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Thu Jan 18 00:34:54 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:34:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] One More Glaucous Gull & Areas Where They Weren't Today Message-ID: <687637.18357.qm@web51815.mail.yahoo.com> Meetings took me to various parts of Lincoln County today and in between I birdwatched, mainly gull watched, in part to look for Glaucous Gulls. Sometimes I think it is just as interesting to know where particular birds aren't found so I'm going to report that as well. Roof of the Rogue - checked morning and mid-day...lots of gulls, no Glaucous. Hatfield Nature Trail - late morning high tide...surprisingly few gulls, no Glaucous. Newport South Jetty - lunch time high tide and there were LOTS of gulls at the gull puddle...found the previously reported 3 first winter Glaucous Gulls...could not relocate the 3rd winter(?) one (if you see it, please post it or email me)....found one gull much smaller than all the rest which I think was either a first winter Mew Gull or a first winter Ring-billed Gull....after studying my guides on these I tried to view the gull again but a dog scattered them right at that moment...then just when I relocated it, a car drove through. Grrrrr. Hopefully, it will be there tomorrow. The Point at Yachats (Yachats State Park) - mid-afternoon, tide much lower....scanned the gulls in the big lawn by the restrooms and on the rocky shore....got down into the tidepools to get the sun behind me...no Glaucous....HOWEVER, much later on a last minute whim to check again, found one in the tidepools, got very close to it and I am sure it was a Glaucous....plumage was slightly darker than the light one at the Newport South Jetty but not as dark as the darker ones there (the darkness was mainly around the eye)....very clear two-toned beak....dark iris....right size, etc... Mouth of Yachats River - mid-afternoon with the tide low enough that I could walk out and get really close looks at the gulls (from the south side of the river). There were about 320 gulls, more than half were Mew Gulls but no definitive Glaucous Gulls....there was one that may be a candidate for a Glaucous hybrid of some kind....it had a pink and black beak but the black was more extensive than the few Glaucous Gulls I've seen (and the illustrations I've studied) and the line between the two colors was not well defined...if it is a Glaucous, its a dark morph....so I thought well maybe an immature Thayer's Gull....however, it was standing right beside a couple of Glaucous-winged Gulls and it was at least as big as those....I stared at this gull for a long time so I have a good "mentalgraph" if anyone has ideas on what it could have been...and it's still bugging me so help would be appreciated. Alsea Bay - late afternoon...cute little kingfisher sitting on the retaining wall....not many gulls near the city park north of the wall, no Glaucous...noted that most of the gulls in the bay were on the other side. Port of Alsea - late afternoon...scanned all the gulls on the piers, no Glaucous...there were way more gulls on the other side but too far to see the details without a scope. By the way, this is a great birding spot in that you get REALLY close looks at birds and in the afternoon the sun is behind you....so close and with such good lighting that you can see the feet in the water and even what the ducks are doing underwater when they dive. The lighting was so good that the golden eye against the emerald green head of a male Greater Scaup just sparkled...it was so beautiful....the colors popped out so much, it almost didn't seem real. Lots of Hooded Mergansers, Surf Scoters, and Black Turnstones too....and a very sweet male cat who likes to birdwatch that has recently been abandoned and the locals are looking for a home for it if you're interested. Bayshore Drive to get a look at the other side of Alsea Bay - no Glaucous Gulls but about 400 harbor seals and some of the gulls were still too far out to see detail without a scope. Seal Rocks - lots of gulls but too far away without a scope to see detail. South Jetty (again) - after being frustrated with not being able to get close enough to see the details of the gulls in other spots I gained a new appreciation for just how good a spot this is for gull watching and birding in general....you can get SO CLOSE and a great variety. Cindy Ashy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question on www.Answers.yahoo.com From conserve at tidelink.net Thu Jan 18 06:27:17 2007 From: conserve at tidelink.net (Jason Randolph (Conservation For The Oregon Coast)) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 06:27:17 -0800 Subject: [obol] Bushtit feeding habits Message-ID: <45AF83C5.7020800@tidelink.net> Good morning all! A simple question for all of you... Have any of you witnessed a flock of Bushtits feeding communally on the ground, scratching through open pine needle laden ground? I have a co-worker who is reporting that this was the case at her home over the weekend. I had not ever heard of or seen this activity. Thanks! Have a great rest of your week... Jason in Charleston -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: conserve.vcf Type: text/x-vcard Size: 387 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/e6553944/attachment.vcf From Cathy.Nowak at state.or.us Thu Jan 18 08:30:48 2007 From: Cathy.Nowak at state.or.us (Cathy Nowak) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:30:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Horned Owls Message-ID: I conducted recorded call playback surveys for owls on Ladd Marsh in 2005 and 2006 in an effort to determine which species used the area. I received responses from owls of some sort at 13 of 14 survey points. These included western screech, northern pygmy, long-eared, short-eared, barn and great horned owls. At a couple of my survey stations, I heard responses (or random calls) from 3 species during the same 10 minute period. At one station, they were great horned, barn and short-eared. At another station it was barn, long-eared and western screech. The screech owls called very, very quietly in this location. In both cases, I documented the nests of those species all within 100 meters. There were also several stations with 2 species in close proximity. While I was surprised to find them so close together, I thought they were pretty effectively separated by hunting period (early evening vs well dark), and habitat. I would also agree with Jeff that in times of adequate prey availability, there may not be much conflict. We have also had the occasional great gray owl venture down out of the timber to the wildlife area. Ya gotta love a place with 7 species of owls! M. Cathy Nowak Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area Biologist 59116 Pierce Road La Grande, OR 97850 541-963-4954 ________________________________ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Jeff Marks Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 11:05 PM To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Subject: [obol] Great Horned Owls For years I've been told that when Great Horned Owls move in, other owls suffer. Without question, they do prey on other owls at times, but at least in SW Idaho, where I had lots of adult W Screech-Owls marked, the screech-owls coexisted with Great Horneds just fine, as did Long-eareds and N Saw-whets. No doubt food availability has something to do with it. In years when typical prey are not in short supply, Great Horneds probably don't take other owls all that much. Jeff ***************** Jeff Marks 5316 SE Henry Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 406-396-3331 (cell) ***************** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/97fc28c4/attachment.htm From crmiller at bendnet.com Thu Jan 18 08:41:59 2007 From: crmiller at bendnet.com (Marilyn Miller) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:41:59 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Horned Owls In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20070118164203.B3029148B99@smtp5.oregonstate.edu> When I lived in Veneta, near Fern Ridge Lake, (Eugene) I had W. Screech, Saw Whet and Great Horned Owls, all living on the property I stayed on. On numerous nights I listened to all three species of owls calling and sometimes very close together. I lived there for a little over a year, and then I moved over to Bend. Marilyn Miller Bend, Oregon new email: goosemiller at msn.com as of 5-1-06 _____ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Cathy Nowak Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2007 8:31 AM To: OBOL Subject: Re: [obol] Great Horned Owls I conducted recorded call playback surveys for owls on Ladd Marsh in 2005 and 2006 in an effort to determine which species used the area. I received responses from owls of some sort at 13 of 14 survey points. These included western screech, northern pygmy, long-eared, short-eared, barn and great horned owls. At a couple of my survey stations, I heard responses (or random calls) from 3 species during the same 10 minute period. At one station, they were great horned, barn and short-eared. At another station it was barn, long-eared and western screech. The screech owls called very, very quietly in this location. In both cases, I documented the nests of those species all within 100 meters. There were also several stations with 2 species in close proximity. While I was surprised to find them so close together, I thought they were pretty effectively separated by hunting period (early evening vs well dark), and habitat. I would also agree with Jeff that in times of adequate prey availability, there may not be much conflict. We have also had the occasional great gray owl venture down out of the timber to the wildlife area. Ya gotta love a place with 7 species of owls! M. Cathy Nowak Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area Biologist 59116 Pierce Road La Grande, OR 97850 541-963-4954 _____ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Jeff Marks Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 11:05 PM To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Subject: [obol] Great Horned Owls For years I've been told that when Great Horned Owls move in, other owls suffer. Without question, they do prey on other owls at times, but at least in SW Idaho, where I had lots of adult W Screech-Owls marked, the screech-owls coexisted with Great Horneds just fine, as did Long-eareds and N Saw-whets. No doubt food availability has something to do with it. In years when typical prey are not in short supply, Great Horneds probably don't take other owls all that much. Jeff ***************** Jeff Marks 5316 SE Henry Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 406-396-3331 (cell) ***************** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/72269be0/attachment.htm From bjgreen34 at yahoo.com Thu Jan 18 10:07:48 2007 From: bjgreen34 at yahoo.com (Brandon Green) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:07:48 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Chestnut-backed Chickadees Message-ID: <469803.69006.qm@web60819.mail.yahoo.com> This past summer, I would typically see two or three CB Chickadees at my feeders once a week or so, but I haven't seen any since about September. I know that they're most abundant in the hills, but figured that they might come down into the lower elevations in the winter, especially when the weather gets unusually cold. Is my logic incorrect, or have others not seen them this winter either? Brandon Lower elevations of Eugene -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/b52a7520/attachment.htm From davect at bendnet.com Thu Jan 18 10:36:49 2007 From: davect at bendnet.com (david tracy) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:36:49 -0800 Subject: [obol] Fwd: [COBOL] Deschutes Co. Pine Grosbeaks References: Message-ID: I don't believe this report of Pine Grosbeak has made it to OBOL. Dutchman Flats is across the highway from Mt. Bachelor, so anyone up there for skiing or winter recreating should keep an eye open. This must also be where all the Pine Siskin are hanging out, I've had none at my feeders here in Bend since this past fall or maybe even further back...I did see a few dozen siskins while out getting the Christmas tree in early December up Century Drive, about 10 miles SW of Bend and about 1500 feet higher up There was also a good number of Red Crossbill some RB Nuthatches and one Black-backed Woodpecker. Even though they are variable in town, good sized flocks of Pine Siskin are frequently observed at the higher elevations this time of year, they can be quite noisy and detectable from a long distance. Dave david tracy davect at bendnet.com Begin forwarded message: > From: Doiseau at aol.com > Date: January 16, 2007 5:54:29 PM PST > To: cobol at lists.oregonstate.edu > Subject: [COBOL] Pine Grosbeaks > > Hi all > Saw Four Pine Grosbeaks today, they were about 1/4 m west of > Dutchman Flat Snow Park, and along North edge of large open area. > I Skied into Todd Lake where I had a flock c250 Pine Siskin, and > about 30 Red Crossbill. Birding was difficult due to snow falling, > but was great to be out there. > > Peter Low > _______________________________________________ > COBOL mailing list > COBOL at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/cobol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > COBOL-request at lists.oregonstate.edu > with the word "unsubscribe" in the body. From dan-gleason at comcast.net Thu Jan 18 12:15:31 2007 From: dan-gleason at comcast.net (Dan Gleason) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 12:15:31 -0800 Subject: [obol] Chestnut-backed Chickadees In-Reply-To: <469803.69006.qm@web60819.mail.yahoo.com> References: <469803.69006.qm@web60819.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Chestnut-backed Chickadees usually remain tightly associated with coniferous woodlands throughout the year. We live in the south hills here in Eugene and both Chestnut-backed and Black-capped frequent our feeders (suet and sunflower) all year long. Activity at feeders is much less during the breeding season when insects become the primary diet but they are still seen in the area each day. If you don't have a stand of tall coniferous trees or a mixed woodland nearby, then Chestnut-backs would not be a normal sighting. It is possible that you were seeing birds that were dispersing, either young or individuals displaced by a nearby development or other disturbance. Chickadees are very hardy and interesting birds. Here is a bit more info about them: These birds are well-adapted for cold winters. To help stay warm during the winter, they increase their body temperature by as much as 4? and during colder weather, they will eat up to 20% more food than they would eat on a warm day. While at rest, they usually keep their feathers ruffled, entrapping air within the plumage and adding additional insulation. Prior to the winter cold, a molt of body feathers occurs that results in an increase of the total number of body feathers to provide a tighter and denser plumage as a barrier against the upcoming cold. Foraging habits and habitats tend to keep Black-capped and Chestnut- backed Chickadees apart, but there is considerable overlap, especially during the winter when mixed flocks do occur. Even in winter there are significant differences in feeding areas when the population as a whole is looked at. One early study in British Columbia found 3.5 times more records of Black-capped Chickadees in deciduous trees as opposed to coniferous trees while Chestnut-backed Chickadees were 5 times more likely to be found in the coniferous trees. Where overlap does occur, there is a large difference in height preference. This same study found that the majority of Black- capped Chickadees foraged at heights from 0-5 feet and were never seen above 70 feet. Chestnut-backed Chickadees were seen feeding most often between 45 and 50 feet and were seen over 70 feet at least 12% of the time. The position on the tree was also different. Both species tended to feed most often on the outer branches but Chestnut- backed Chickadees prefer less ?brushy? foliage and were never seen gleaning from the surface of the main trunk where Black-capped Chickadees were occasionally found. In the far north, where Black- capped Chickadees and Boreal Chickadees overlap range, Boreal Chickadees show a preference for feeding in the upper portions of the trees in areas where Black-capped Chickadees seldom feed. When mixed flocks of Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees do occur, there appears to be little cohesiveness of the flock with the number of individuals changes from moment to moment. The mixing seems to be coincidental rather than intentional. The two species pay little attention to each other. If any aggressive behavior occurs, it most often will be between members of the same species rather than between members of the separate species. While different foraging heights tend to segregate chickadees in natural areas, both will readily come to feeders in, or near appropriate habitat. Chickadees take much less seed in the summer. Their whole digestive system changes and the fore-stomach (proventriculus) becomes enlarged and more prominent during spring and summer. This is the glandular portion of the stomach responsible for enzymatic breakdown of insects (or fish in fish-eating birds, meat in raptors, etc.). The gizzard (the posterior portion of the stomach) is the muscular organ, responsible for grinding seeds, etc. It is not completely degenerate in the summer but it is much less prominent than it will become in fall and winter when seeds are abundant and insects are not. Dan Gleason ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 On Jan 18, 2007, at 10:07 AM, Brandon Green wrote: > > This past summer, I would typically see two or three CB Chickadees > at my feeders once a week or so, but I haven't seen any since about > September. I know that they're most abundant in the hills, but > figured that they might come down into the lower elevations in the > winter, especially when the weather gets unusually cold. Is my > logic incorrect, or have others not seen them this winter either? > > Brandon > Lower elevations of Eugene > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/7e3e238e/attachment.htm From dbarber71 at comcast.net Thu Jan 18 12:54:45 2007 From: dbarber71 at comcast.net (dbarber71 at comcast.net) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:54:45 +0000 Subject: [obol] Bushtit feeding habits Message-ID: <011820072054.14855.45AFDE950008DC6800003A072200734076CEC99D0A0D9D0E0D0B@comcast.net> This message has been processed by Symantec's AntiVirus Technology. Unknown00000000.data was not scanned for viruses because too many nested levels of files were found. For more information on antivirus tips and technology, visit http://ses.symantec.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An embedded message was scrubbed... From: dbarber71 at comcast.net Subject: Re: Bushtit feeding habits Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:54:45 +0000 Size: 53319 Url: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/ba28a323/attachment.eml From PAULSHERRELL at msn.com Thu Jan 18 12:58:43 2007 From: PAULSHERRELL at msn.com (PAUL SHERRELL) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 12:58:43 -0800 Subject: [obol] Lane County birds. Message-ID: David Irons asked that the following sighting be posted. This morning he saw a female CASSIN'S FINCH with a group of PURPLE FINCHES on Fir Butte Road where it crosses the Amazon channel. Dave may provide more data later. Paul -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/15bcff3a/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Thu Jan 18 13:17:25 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:17:25 -0800 Subject: [obol] Fw: [BIRDBAND] Multiple positions for bird banders Message-ID: <002001c73b46$0dedb460$4bf8d7cd@Warbler> In case someone out there is interested, Dennis > Field Biologists needed to train and supervise interns operating constant > effort mist netting and banding stations for the MONITORING AVIAN > PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVORSHIP (MAPS) PROGRAM. Three supervisory biologist > positions available for existing networks of stations in Indiana/Kentucky, > Oregon, and Washington. Positions extend from May 1 through August 8, > 2007. Successful applicants should have previous experience with the MAPS > protocol (www.birdpop.org), but require advanced skills in bird banding, > ageing and sexing of landbirds in the hand, birdsong identification, and > habitat assessment. Applicants should also have an excellent detailed > working knowledge of the plumages and molts of landbirds in the > appropriate regions. Preference will be given to those with a BS in > Biology or related natural resources field. Previous MAPS field biologist > interns are encouraged to apply. Demonstrated leadership skills, > attention to detail, good physical condition, a tolerance of long days > that begin before dawn, and the ability to endure sometimes difficult > field conditions are required. A reliable field vehicle is a must. These > field biologist positions are an excellent opportunity to gain supervisory > experience, and IBP full-time staff biologists are often recruited from > the field biologist pool. A salary of $2300 per month (depending on > location) and on-the-job mileage reimbursement (33 cents /mile) are > provided. Join this continent-wide, cutting edge effort to determine the > vital rates that cause changes in North American landbird populations. To > apply, send a cover letter, professional resume, and current contact > information for three references that are familiar with your professional > experience and qualifications to KELLY GORDON, The Institute for Bird > Populations, PO Box 1346, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. FAX 415-663-9482, > PH 415-663-1436, EMAIL: kgordon AT birdpop.org. > > Experienced Bird Bander needed for the MONITORING AVIAN PRODUCTIVITY AND > SURVIVORSHIP (MAPS) PROGRAM. The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) is > seeking an experienced bird bander to operate constant effort mist-netting > and banding stations on Fort Bragg, North Carolina from May 1 to August 8, > 2007. Join this continent-wide, long-term effort to determine the vital > rates that cause changes in North American landbird populations. We are > looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals with some experience > working independently in the field and a solid background in mistnetting, > bird banding, and ageing and sexing landbirds using plumage and molt > characteristics. We particularly encourage previous MAPS interns to > apply. The successful applicant will be expected to learn the MAPS > protocol during an intensive training session beginning May 1. After > training, the bander will be responsible for setting up and operating 6 > mist-netting stations, coordinating area volunteers for assistance, > liaising with contacts on Fort Bragg, and submitting monthly progress > reports to IBP's main office. Free housing will be provided in addition > to a per diem of $32 for 84 days in the field, totaling $2,688 for the > season. The bander will need a reliable vehicle and will be reimbursed at > $0.33/mile for job-related use. The position entails working a minimum of > 6 of every 10 days, depending on weather and logistical considerations. > These positions are an opportunity to gain experience working > independently in the field, and individuals in these positions frequently > have the opportunity to step into supervisory field biologist positions > with IBP during subsequent seasons. Please send a resume, cover letter, > and the email addresses and phone numbers for 3 references to KELLY > GORDON, The Institute for Bird Populations, PO Box 1346, Point Reyes > Station, CA 94956. FAX 415-663-9482, PH 415-663-1436, EMAIL: kgordon AT > birdpop.org. > > **************************************************** > Kelly M. Gordon > Staff Biologist- Institute for Bird Populations > kgordon at birdpop.org > > P.O. Box 1346 > Point Reyes Station, CA 94956-1346 > Phone: 415-663-1436 > Fax: 415-663-9482 > > subscription options and posting rules can be found at the BirdBand web > site: > http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/6549/birdband.htm > From dpvroman at budget.net Thu Jan 18 13:27:08 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:27:08 -0800 Subject: [obol] Chestnut-backed Chickadees References: <469803.69006.qm@web60819.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <003701c73b47$6cfb16e0$4bf8d7cd@Warbler> Don't recall the date without searching for it, but at least once at our place just east of the Merlin I-5 exit we had 3 species of Chickadees at the same time, Black-capped, Chestnut-backed and Mountain. Mostly we have Black-capped, but on some years Chestnut-backed and Mountains (more unusual) do show up. Our places is located at the edge of oak woodlands and southwest Oregon mixed hardwood/conifer forest. There's ample tall conifers for the Chestnut-backed if they decide to visit (its been a few years for them, however). Mountain Chickadees appear to be more at home staying with the Black-cap flock that Chestnut-backed, as Dan mentions. The Chestnut-backs seem to appear most often at our place when a lot of snow and cold temperatures hit the mountain forests. Dennis (north of Grants Pass) Chestnut-backed Chickadees usually remain tightly associated with coniferous woodlands throughout the year. We live in the south hills here in Eugene and both Chestnut-backed and Black-capped frequent our feeders (suet and sunflower) all year long. Activity at feeders is much less during the breeding season when insects become the primary diet but they are still seen in the area each day. If you don't have a stand of tall coniferous trees or a mixed woodland nearby, then Chestnut-backs would not be a normal sighting. It is possible that you were seeing birds that were dispersing, either young or individuals displaced by a nearby development or other disturbance. Chickadees are very hardy and interesting birds. Here is a bit more info about them: These birds are well-adapted for cold winters. To help stay warm during the winter, they increase their body temperature by as much as 4? and during colder weather, they will eat up to 20% more food than they would eat on a warm day. While at rest, they usually keep their feathers ruffled, entrapping air within the plumage and adding additional insulation. Prior to the winter cold, a molt of body feathers occurs that results in an increase of the total number of body feathers to provide a tighter and denser plumage as a barrier against the upcoming cold. Foraging habits and habitats tend to keep Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees apart, but there is considerable overlap, especially during the winter when mixed flocks do occur. Even in winter there are significant differences in feeding areas when the population as a whole is looked at. One early study in British Columbia found 3.5 times more records of Black-capped Chickadees in deciduous trees as opposed to coniferous trees while Chestnut-backed Chickadees were 5 times more likely to be found in the coniferous trees. Where overlap does occur, there is a large difference in height preference. This same study found that the majority of Black-capped Chickadees foraged at heights from 0-5 feet and were never seen above 70 feet. Chestnut-backed Chickadees were seen feeding most often between 45 and 50 feet and were seen over 70 feet at least 12% of the time. The position on the tree was also different. Both species tended to feed most often on the outer branches but Chestnut-backed Chickadees prefer less ?brushy? foliage and were never seen gleaning from the surface of the main trunk where Black-capped Chickadees were occasionally found. In the far north, where Black-capped Chickadees and Boreal Chickadees overlap range, Boreal Chickadees show a preference for feeding in the upper portions of the trees in areas where Black-capped Chickadees seldom feed. When mixed flocks of Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees do occur, there appears to be little cohesiveness of the flock with the number of individuals changes from moment to moment. The mixing seems to be coincidental rather than intentional. The two species pay little attention to each other. If any aggressive behavior occurs, it most often will be between members of the same species rather than between members of the separate species. While different foraging heights tend to segregate chickadees in natural areas, both will readily come to feeders in, or near appropriate habitat. Chickadees take much less seed in the summer. Their whole digestive system changes and the fore-stomach (proventriculus) becomes enlarged and more prominent during spring and summer. This is the glandular portion of the stomach responsible for enzymatic breakdown of insects (or fish in fish-eating birds, meat in raptors, etc.). The gizzard (the posterior portion of the stomach) is the muscular organ, responsible for grinding seeds, etc. It is not completely degenerate in the summer but it is much less prominent than it will become in fall and winter when seeds are abundant and insects are not. Dan Gleason ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/19bc2e65/attachment.htm From llsdirons at msn.com Thu Jan 18 14:18:36 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:18:36 +0000 Subject: [obol] Local RBA: Lane Co. CASSIN'S fINCH Message-ID: I birded w. Eugene from 10-1PM today and found the following: A female CASSIN'S FINCH was along Fir Butte Rd. right where the Amazon Canal passes under the road (approximately 0.5-0.75 miles n. of Royal Ave). The bird was with a small group of 4-5 female/immature Purple Finches. The bird was paler overall than the Purple Finches and lacked the slightly greenish cast to the upperparts that is typical of Purples. The face pattern was much weaker, lacking the obvious broad pale eyeline. The back was more grayish brown with fairly crisp blackish streaks. The streaking on the underparts was crisp and not blurred and the underparts were more whitish without the muddy wash on the flanks. I saw the undertail coverts well and they were marked with narrow crisp dark brown streaks. This field mark is NOT diagnostic in separate these two species as stated in some field guides. Hatch year Purple Finches often show streaked undertail coverts, in fact I saw one with this mark today. The culmen on the Cassin's Finch was also more straight, lacking the slight curve shown by a Purple Finch. I watched this bird for about 20 minutes from about 30-40 feet using both binoculars and my scope. Later in the morning I had three Tree Swallows fly south past me at the intersection of Hollis Ln. and Greenhill Rd. at the n.e. corner of the Eugene Airport. I also saw a N. Shrike about 200 yards w. of Fisher Rd. just south of the highest point of the road. I looked for the Swamp Sparrow at Royal Ave., and ran into to Dave Westerfield who was doing the same. Neither of us saw it. Dave Irons Eugene, OR From joel.geier at peak.org Thu Jan 18 14:38:37 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:38:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] Airlie Trumpeter Swan flock update etc. Message-ID: <1169159917.3566.39.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hello folks, After two days of sitting around with a flu bug I felt like going somewhere, but was not entirely up to speed, so I did a little driving loop around the Suver-Airlie area in s. Polk Co. Our dog joined me thinking that a walk was in store. She was bitterly disappointed. Anyway, I did see some birds. About 200 DUNLIN were wheeling around a puddle in a frozen field just south of Suver Junction (Hwy 99W x Suver/Airlie Rd.), and nearby about 500 STARLINGS were doing their best dunlinpersonation. About 50 swans were in the field on the NW side of Suver Junction. Some of them (a bit less than half) appeared to be TUNDRA SWANS including one with a blue collar (previously noticed by Sylvia Maulding). The rest of them (that's a bit more than half, if I'm doing the math right in the wake of the flu) were TRUMPETER SWANS. Farther west on Airlie Rd., by the vacant yellow farmhouse where Airlie Rd. bends north, was another flock of 14 TRUMPETER SWANS which bugled a bit to help out on the ID. Somewhere in between, a BALD EAGLE was flapping ponderously behind a hundred or so CANADA GEESE which were still accelerating, while another 2000 or so Cacklers wheeled around in panic (er, defensive agitation) in the field that the geese had just flown out of. At the Camp Adair Rifle Range, three COMMON RAVENS were perched in small trees, contemplating hundreds of AMERICAN ROBINS as they worked over the thawing grass field on the other side of Rifle Range Rd. Along Military Rd. I saw another group of CANADA GEESE standing around by the side of a frozen pond, suspiciously close to an unused backhoe. It looked like they were discussing how to hotwire the thing and then use it to knock a hole in the ice. But maybe I'm gantherpomorphizing too much. Good birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From birdmandon at clearwire.net Thu Jan 18 15:12:42 2007 From: birdmandon at clearwire.net (Schrouder Don) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:12:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] Mockingbird Message-ID: <6F9E3AEE-6D88-4D70-AFA5-AC24EE565473@clearwire.net> For those who keep track of such things or are still interested in seeing the Eugene N. MOCKINGBIRD, it is still being seen regularly in and around the Holly tree between 2169-2175 Lamar Lane in Eugene, Lane Co. It particularly likes to sit out in the sun near the top of the leafless deciduous tree in front of the houses during the afternoons. Don Schrouder birdmandon at clearwire.net From slcarpenter at gmail.com Thu Jan 18 15:51:01 2007 From: slcarpenter at gmail.com (Scott Carpenter) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:51:01 -0800 Subject: [obol] White-throated Sparrow in SE Portland Message-ID: Last Monday (15 January 2007), I saw a white morph WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at Oaks Bottom in SE Portland. It was with some GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS west of the trail that runs along the east side of the preserve, north of the flooded bottomland. Sorry for the late post -- it just occurred to me that this bird might be of local interest. Scott Carpenter SW Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/5f92156f/attachment.htm From acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM Thu Jan 18 17:32:57 2007 From: acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM (Alan Contreras) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:32:57 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated Duck open to public Message-ID: Received January 18, good news for duck-watchers: "Anyone is welcome to come into our community to view the special duck. Our gates are open from 9:00-5:00 Monday-Friday and I am in the sales office if anyone needs me. Also Ray Holmberg said he is willing to let people in after 5:00 and on weekends. Sincerely, Jeanie Rosenburg Marketing & Sales Director Gainsborough Homes Eugene, Oregon 97404 Phone (800) 689-1390 Fax (541) 689-4042 Email: gainsborough at gainshome.com website: www.gainsboroughhomes.com website: www.gainshome.com" -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com From mchar5 at msn.com Thu Jan 18 17:45:07 2007 From: mchar5 at msn.com (Jim Harleman and Kathy McNeill) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:45:07 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ovenbird Message-ID: Obolers, A well documented and photographed OVENBIRD was seen in West Medford a few days ago by an experienced birder. It has not been seen for a couple of days but local birders are hoping it returns. Jim Harleman -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/561753ba/attachment.htm From frankdanl at yahoo.com Thu Jan 18 19:12:52 2007 From: frankdanl at yahoo.com (frank lospalluto) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 19:12:52 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Malin Raptor Run,Klamath Co. 01/16/07 , Message-ID: <20070119031252.40855.qmail@web36710.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Malin Raptor survey conducted under ptly cldy skies and temps near 40F, 49.8 miles in 3 hrs. Red-tailed Hawks-33 American Kestrels-14 Nortern Harrier-3 Bald Eagle-1 adult,1 subadult Golden Eagle-1 Rough-legged Hawk-2 Ferruginous Hawk-3 Prairie Falcon-2 Unknown Buteo-2 Also while stopped to scan for hawks had 4 Mtn. Bluebirds land in a western Juniper next to my truck. good birding, frank ____________________________________________________________________________________ We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/265 From dlbird at earthlink.net Thu Jan 18 20:01:36 2007 From: dlbird at earthlink.net (Donna Lusthoff) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:01:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] Chickadees Message-ID: <007001c73b7e$84984c00$0a0110ac@Donna> I had Black-capped, Chestnut-sided and Mt Chickadee all at one time, too. When returning from a day birding trip with Verda Teale, I discovered a Mt. at my feeder. This was in 1983, and possibly the 1st known sighting in Washington Co. Several birders came to see it over several days. When John Gatchet was here he started to say the Mt. was at the feeder, but at the same time a Sharp-shinned Hawk flew in. We had to wait a bit before the Mt. came back. The bird was around for 5 weeks and then disappeared. In April 1984, it came back with a friend. At least I thought it must be the same Mt. My slow eyes couldn't keep up with the activity and trying to see the eye stripe, so I could only tell which specie was there by the color of the flanks-buffy (BC), chestnut and, for the Mt., a grayish flank. It was a lot of fun. Donna Lusthoff Beaverton OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/2c4837d9/attachment.htm From areid at peak.org Thu Jan 18 21:10:29 2007 From: areid at peak.org (Alan Reid) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:10:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] Chestnut-backed Chickadees References: <469803.69006.qm@web60819.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <003101c73b88$2326b9c0$0300a8c0@ReidDesktop> I live oon the McKenzie Hwy. about 2 miles west of Leaburg, elev. 670 ft., and usually have at least a couple of CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES. They have nested on my place and currently I have about 4 coming to my sunflower feeder. Alan Reid areid at peak.org 2 miles below Leaburg on the McKenzie Hwy. ----- Original Message ----- From: Brandon Green To: OBOL Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2007 10:07 AM Subject: [obol] Chestnut-backed Chickadees This past summer, I would typically see two or three CB Chickadees at my feeders once a week or so, but I haven't seen any since about September. I know that they're most abundant in the hills, but figured that they might come down into the lower elevations in the winter, especially when the weather gets unusually cold. Is my logic incorrect, or have others not seen them this winter either? Brandon Lower elevations of Eugene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/5b04b0c2/attachment.htm From greg at thebirdguide.com Thu Jan 18 21:13:29 2007 From: greg at thebirdguide.com (Greg Gillson) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:13:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] Medford Ovenbird photo Message-ID: <01b801c73b88$900bc530$63b0efd8@gregs69keu8lid> A photo of the Ovenbird by Bruce Eliason in Medford was forwarded to me. Find it in the Oregon Rare Bird Photo Archive on The Bird Guide's main page: http://thebirdguide.com/ Greg Gillson The Bird Guide, Inc. greg at thebirdguide.com From marciafcutler at comcast.net Thu Jan 18 21:38:01 2007 From: marciafcutler at comcast.net (MARCIA CUTLER) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:38:01 -0800 Subject: [obol] Central Benton Co. Raptor Run Message-ID: <046901c73b8b$fd6c13c0$2794ab43@MC2> Today I did the central Benton County raptor run with Rich Armstrong. Raptor numbers for the most common species were a bit down from the previous 2 months, but there were considerably more Bald Eagles. Species Count (Dec, Nov) R-t Hawk 17 (21, 19) Am. Kestrel 19 (23, 26) N. Harrier 6 (13, 6) Bald Eagle 4A, 5S (1A, 2S/ 1A, 1S) R-l Hawk 1 (2, 1) White-tailed Kite 0 (1, 1) Peregrine Falcon 1 (0, 2) S-s Hawk 1 (0, 1) Cooper's Hawk 0 (1, 1) Other predators: Ravens (12+), Great Egrets (2). Interestingly we saw absolutely no Great Blue Herons. At Finley we saw at least 10 EURASIAN WIGEONS among the 2 large concentrations of American Wigeons. The pond below the red barn by HQ had about 800 AMWI and at least 6 EUWI. One of the ponds above HQ had at least 4 EUWI with the more than 250 AMWI. Cheers, Marcia F. Cutler Corvallis -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070118/1fcef245/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Thu Jan 18 21:58:52 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:58:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] Airlie Trumpeter Swan flock update etc. In-Reply-To: <1169159917.3566.39.camel@localhost.localdomain> References: <1169159917.3566.39.camel@localhost.localdomain> Message-ID: <17f2672260a84b876305f03618bcd077@earthlink.net> This is a great place to learn to distinguish between the two species of swan. On an unsuccessful attempt at the Sedge Wren I stopped and observed 29 swans. There was such a strong south wind that I couldn't hear them calling from Suver-Airlie Rd although through the scope it was obvious they were vocalizing. I drove north on Rolling Hills Rd and got 3x closer to the flock, the closest I have ever been to wild swans. I stood behind my mini-van and was able to look at them with a scope for as long as I liked. The swans never seemed to notice me. As I recall I identified 10 Tundras and 18 Trumpeters. Two Trumpeters were recorded on the Newport Count this year. A recently transplanted Alaskan reported Trumpeters at Coos Bay early this December. We no longer have the luxury of assuming that all those white birds in a field are Tundras. Lars Norgren On Jan 18, 2007, at 2:38 PM, Joel Geier wrote: > Hello folks, > > After two days of sitting around with a flu bug I felt like going > somewhere, but was not entirely up to speed, so I did a little driving > loop around the Suver-Airlie area in s. Polk Co. Our dog joined me > thinking that a walk was in store. She was bitterly disappointed. > Anyway, I did see some birds. > > About 200 DUNLIN were wheeling around a puddle in a frozen field just > south of Suver Junction (Hwy 99W x Suver/Airlie Rd.), and nearby about > 500 STARLINGS were doing their best dunlinpersonation. > > About 50 swans were in the field on the NW side of Suver Junction. Some > of them (a bit less than half) appeared to be TUNDRA SWANS including > one > with a blue collar (previously noticed by Sylvia Maulding). The rest of > them (that's a bit more than half, if I'm doing the math right in the > wake of the flu) were TRUMPETER SWANS. > > Farther west on Airlie Rd., by the vacant yellow farmhouse where Airlie > Rd. bends north, was another flock of 14 TRUMPETER SWANS which bugled a > bit to help out on the ID. > > Somewhere in between, a BALD EAGLE was flapping ponderously behind a > hundred or so CANADA GEESE which were still accelerating, while another > 2000 or so Cacklers wheeled around in panic (er, defensive agitation) > in > the field that the geese had just flown out of. > > At the Camp Adair Rifle Range, three COMMON RAVENS were perched in > small > trees, contemplating hundreds of AMERICAN ROBINS as they worked over > the > thawing grass field on the other side of Rifle Range Rd. > > Along Military Rd. I saw another group of CANADA GEESE standing around > by the side of a frozen pond, suspiciously close to an unused backhoe. > It looked like they were discussing how to hotwire the thing and then > use it to knock a hole in the ice. But maybe I'm gantherpomorphizing > too > much. > > Good birding, > Joel > > -- > Joel Geier > joel.geier at peak.org > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From gnorgren at earthlink.net Thu Jan 18 22:42:47 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:42:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Chickadees Message-ID: <49352c4c34e85dfa2f7cbab98256775b@earthlink.net> I'm wondering how far from the Willamette Brandon lives. A small population of Chestnut-backed Chickadees breeds in the larger riparian zones on the valley floor, separate from the upland population. When I did the Adair BBS in the 70s I usually recorded Chestnut-backed Chickadees at the Luckiamute bridge at Helmick SP, the only stop out of 50 to have them. I always think of them as a bird of moist forests, but once encountered them on the east shore of Thompson Resevoir in Fremont NF south of Silver Lake. That was June of 1976. I believe I also saw them near Bull Prairie in the Warner Mtns in June of 1984. We take Black=capped Chickadees for granted in Oregon, but they are absent from the majority of California. The Chestnut-backed on the other hand occurs as far south as Santa Cruz, where it frequents broad-leaved evergreens such as live oaks rather than conifers. Lars Norgren From cgates at webformixair.com Fri Jan 19 06:12:25 2007 From: cgates at webformixair.com (Charles R. Gates) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 06:12:25 -0800 Subject: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) In-Reply-To: <20070115205223.54301.qmail@web51802.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: There are lots of regional sources for bird finding in Oregon. If you are planning a trip to Central Oregon, you can check out the East Cascades Bird Conservancy website at ecbcbirds.org. Here you can find directions to regional birding hotspots (choose "Resources" and then scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "Birding Locations"). This is a good place to find out if we are offering a free field trip on the weekend you are in Central Oregon. Chuck Gates ECBC -----Original Message----- From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu]On Behalf Of Cindy Ashy Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 12:52 PM To: OBOL Subject: Re: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) Paul, Thank you for taking the time to post the list of Oregon bird resources....very helpful. I'm assuming the ODFW database was named after Laimons Osis? Cindy Ashy ____________________________________________________________________________ ________ No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From llsdirons at msn.com Fri Jan 19 09:12:01 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:12:01 +0000 Subject: [obol] FW: Falcated Duck Message-ID: Steve, How about this for shot of Falcated Duck? Roger Robb took this yesterday (01/18/07) Dave >From: "Roger & Betty Robb" >To: "Paul Sherrell" ,"Nate Senner" >,"Larry McQueen" ,"Kit Larsen" >,"Jack Anderson" >,"Graham Floyd" >,"George Grier" ,"Don Schrouder" >,"Don DeWitt" ,"Dick >Weeks" ,"Dennis Arendt" ,"Dave >Irons" ,"Diane Horgan" >Subject: Falcated Duck >Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:59:04 -0800 > >Hi, > >Sorry I missed Wed morning, but I noted your post and found time this >morning to visit the Falcated Duck - and brought my camera. > >Regards, >Roger -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: FalcatedDuck05.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 187591 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070119/1abde02b/attachment.jpg From surfbird at harborside.com Fri Jan 19 09:59:18 2007 From: surfbird at harborside.com (Diane Pettey) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:59:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] Chickadees References: <49352c4c34e85dfa2f7cbab98256775b@earthlink.net> Message-ID: <000901c73bf3$8b20c1e0$2fde6ed8@yourfsyly0jtwn> Lars, et.al., Here at our home on the central Oregon coast, Chestnut-backed Chickadees are the dominant whereas the Black-capped is seldom seen. In other areas of Florence, that isn't necessarily the case. In my many years of living and birding in California, I have recorded Chestnut-backed Chickadees (central CA form) foraging in both evergreens and conifers as far south as Lompoc, CA - over 230 miles south of Lars' sighting in Santa Cruz. regards, Diane Pettey Heceta Beach, OR (north of Florence) surfbird at harborside.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lars and Gail Norgren" To: "obol" Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2007 10:42 PM Subject: [obol] Chickadees > I'm wondering how far from the Willamette > Brandon lives. A small population of Chestnut-backed > Chickadees breeds in the larger riparian zones > on the valley floor, separate from the upland population. > When I did the Adair BBS in the 70s I usually recorded > Chestnut-backed Chickadees at the Luckiamute bridge > at Helmick SP, the only stop out of 50 to have them. > I always think of them as a bird of moist forests, > but once encountered them on the east shore of Thompson > Resevoir in Fremont NF south of Silver Lake. That was > June of 1976. I believe I also saw them near Bull Prairie > in the Warner Mtns in June of 1984. We take Black=capped > Chickadees for granted in Oregon, but they are absent > from the majority of California. The Chestnut-backed > on the other hand occurs as far south as Santa Cruz, > where it frequents broad-leaved evergreens such as > live oaks rather than conifers. > Lars Norgren From marieandjerry at verizon.net Fri Jan 19 10:09:58 2007 From: marieandjerry at verizon.net (marieandjerry at verizon.net) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 12:09:58 -0600 (CST) Subject: [obol] CB Chickadees at low elevations Message-ID: <2015613.4196181169230198427.JavaMail.root@vms075.mailsrvcs.net> We have CB CHICKADEES all year round, but seem to see them in the winter on the days when freezing or snowy weather prevails. We currently have three coming to our feeder. There may be more, but only seen three at once. Marie McCabe At home in the Scholls area of Sherwood From dlrobbo at comcast.net Fri Jan 19 14:56:36 2007 From: dlrobbo at comcast.net (Doug Robberson) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:56:36 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated Duck Message-ID: I would like to thank my aunt and uncle for their hospitality hosting birders wishing to see the Falcated Duck. They are the owners of Gainsborough, were the duck is being seen. I have birded for 45 years and this is the first time they have been on the front line of the birding world. I just talked to my aunt and was told that Gainsborough will be open to birders from 9-5 this Saturday and Sunday. Doug Robberson Tigard, OR From peterpatricelli at comcast.net Fri Jan 19 15:12:43 2007 From: peterpatricelli at comcast.net (peterpatricelli) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:12:43 -0800 Subject: [obol] Thoughts anout the new FADU location Message-ID: <002b01c73c1f$55812c10$0302a8c0@PeterGateway> I viisted the FADU at it's 2007 winter quarters and got pictures that made all the shots I got in the previous 3 years somewhat irrelevant. That said, I think it needs to be said that this is a VERY small and close location and the bird has demonstrated that it does not like too much pressure. Right now, and likely no longer true after all the thawing today, most of the ducks were limited to open water next to the fountains. Once the slough melts the ducks will be able to move much more freely along what is a fairly long stretch of narrow water. It seems to sense that IT is the source of interest and not the mallards, widgeon, and one very domesticated male Wood Duck. After it seemed to get used to me and actually move closer it suddeny flew a ways off by itself, demonstrating that it WAS NOT comfortable. In this setting, if it attracts anywhere near the pressure it attracted at th RV Park, I suspect it will relocate. But the FARTHEST one can see it here is CLOSER and anyone got at the RV Park.. One point: 2 years ago when its presence and origin was more of an item for speculation, there were some rumors that someone had seen a ring or tag on one leg, indicating it to be an escapee from a private collection. But, on the RV pond it almost never got out on the ground for viewing, and seeing a leg during scratching was very difficult. But here everyone has seen the bird standing on ice and there are no tags or rings at all. So that issue has been settled, in my mind at least. Oh, by the way, if you bring a coach's trilling whistle, and blow it, all the ducks including some widgeon and one male Wood Duck will come RUNNING. Well, waddling. One bread-generous resident there has been using it as a "duck" call for years. Peter Patricelli -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070119/5759cded/attachment.htm From llsdirons at msn.com Fri Jan 19 15:40:07 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 23:40:07 +0000 Subject: [obol] New Lane Co. location for Black Phoebe Message-ID: Today while cruising backroads in n. Lane Co for raptors, I found a Black Phoebe along McMullen Rd. w. of Harrisburg. There is a nice slough that passes under the only bridge on McMullen and the bird was south of the bridge. It perched consistently on a group of branches sticking out of the water just out from the only large Douglas Fir in the yard s.e. of the bridge. To reach this area, go n. on Hwy99E out of Junction City (towards Harrisburg). Turn left on the last road before you get to the bridge over the Willamette R. This road (McMullen) goes n. about 1/4 mile then curves west. Go about 1/3 a mile on the east/west section and look for the bridge. Dave Irons Eugene, OR From peterpatricelli at comcast.net Fri Jan 19 16:07:15 2007 From: peterpatricelli at comcast.net (peterpatricelli) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:07:15 -0800 Subject: [obol] FADU and goose/swan "repellant" devices Message-ID: <002201c73c26$f17ca4d0$0302a8c0@PeterGateway> Just a taste of what I got on the FADU http://www.flyfishingfotography.com/fadu0239.jpg Then I went looking for the swan flock which has been hanging south of Meadowview and west of 99 and was scanning the flock with binocs for anything irregular when I realized there was a pair of very sophisticated goose repellant decoys watching proceedings from the other side. I think there may be a den potential nearby (when the water table drops) as this is a definitely"mated" pair. http://www.flyfishingfotography.com/fox_and_swans_0281.jpg BTW, in one field I have seen, instead of flags or coyote decoys, a set of hand painted BALD EAGLE decoy (silhouettes) out in the middle of the field. I will get a pic if I can find that particular field again. Peter Patricelli -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070119/c19c1020/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Fri Jan 19 16:27:17 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:27:17 -0800 Subject: [obol] FADU and goose/swan "repellant" devices References: <002201c73c26$f17ca4d0$0302a8c0@PeterGateway> Message-ID: <002301c73c29$be915630$3af7d7cd@Warbler> Fantastic photo of the Falcated Duck Peter. Say, is that your reflection in the bird's eye? Dennis Just a taste of what I got on the FADU http://www.flyfishingfotography.com/fadu0239.jpg Then I went looking for the swan flock which has been hanging south of Meadowview and west of 99 and was scanning the flock with binocs for anything irregular when I realized there was a pair of very sophisticated goose repellant decoys watching proceedings from the other side. I think there may be a den potential nearby (when the water table drops) as this is a definitely"mated" pair. http://www.flyfishingfotography.com/fox_and_swans_0281.jpg BTW, in one field I have seen, instead of flags or coyote decoys, a set of hand painted BALD EAGLE decoy (silhouettes) out in the middle of the field. I will get a pic if I can find that particular field again. Peter Patricelli -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070119/16b08982/attachment.htm From ovenbird2003 at yahoo.com Fri Jan 19 17:22:16 2007 From: ovenbird2003 at yahoo.com (Holly Reinhard) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:22:16 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Lane Community College birds Message-ID: <792806.40363.qm@web30509.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Obol, after class today I took a break and birded LCC ponds and nearby surrounding areas. Nothing earth-shattering but I got a lot of new year birds. :) Highlights include: Scaup! they're back on the ponds. next week I will bring my scope and camera and digiscope them. Ring-necked Ducks Ruddy Ducks (12 of them) Shovelers (milling around together stirring up food in the pond) Bufflehead Canada Goose (on lawn) Cackler Goose (with Canadas) Red-tailed Hawk 32 Golden-crowned Sparrows (!) I have never had this big of a flock of GCs before. I am not entirely sure they were all Golden-crowned, since they flew after I counted them and tried to get closer, but they all looked the same, all Zonos, and then when I looked at individual ones later each was a Golden-crowned, so I think they probably were all GCs. full list on birdnotes.net. Overall, a nice afternoon's birding! Holly Reinhard Eugene, OR ovenbird2003 at yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a PS3 game guru. Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games. http://videogames.yahoo.com/platform?platform=120121 From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Fri Jan 19 20:33:46 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 20:33:46 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Regurgitating Gull Message-ID: <52451.64729.qm@web51806.mail.yahoo.com> Mid-day at the Newport South Jetty (high tide - first finger completely underwater) it looked like most every gull in the neighborhood was gathered at the gull puddle EXCEPT the one little gull I was looking for. The lighter first winter Glaucous Gull was in this mix and I watched it regurgitate what may have been its entire stomach contents given the volume. It almost immediately started to feed on the regurgitated meal for several minutes. Then, the couple that feed the gulls every day pulled up and like most of the other gulls, the Glaucous Gull immediately recognized the car and flew to it. I took this opportunity to take a closer look and it looked the regurgitated meal may have been a highly digested starfish, at least in part. After all the bread was gone and the gulls began to scatter again, the Glaucous Gull did not go back to the regurgitated meal nor did any of the other gulls (at least as long as I was there). I know regurgitation is used for feeding young and offering food to a mate but I can't think of a reasonable explanation for this. If the gull was sick I doubt it would have eaten what it just regurgitated. Also, it was not being harassed by the other gulls...and even the closest nearby gulls didn't seem interested in "stealing" the meal. Any ideas? Cindy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/domains/?p=BESTDEAL From celata at pacifier.com Fri Jan 19 20:51:34 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 20:51:34 -0800 Subject: [obol] Regurgitating Gull References: <52451.64729.qm@web51806.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <45B19F75.E9B897DC@pacifier.com> Gulls routinely hack up undigestible stuff, just like owls and hawks. Pay enough attention and you'll start noticing little piles of crushed shell and bones at most gull roosts. Cindy Ashy wrote: > > Mid-day at the Newport South Jetty (high tide - first finger completely > underwater) it looked like most every gull in the neighborhood was gathered at > the gull puddle EXCEPT the one little gull I was looking for. The lighter first > winter Glaucous Gull was in this mix and I watched it regurgitate what may have > been its entire stomach contents given the volume. It almost immediately > started to feed on the regurgitated meal for several minutes. Then, the couple > that feed the gulls every day pulled up and like most of the other gulls, the > Glaucous Gull immediately recognized the car and flew to it. I took this > opportunity to take a closer look and it looked the regurgitated meal may have > been a highly digested starfish, at least in part. After all the bread was gone > and the gulls began to scatter again, the Glaucous Gull did not go back to the > regurgitated meal nor did any of the other gulls (at least as long as I was > there). > > I know regurgitation is used for feeding young and offering food to a mate but > I can't think of a reasonable explanation for this. If the gull was sick I > doubt it would have eaten what it just regurgitated. Also, it was not being > harassed by the other gulls...and even the closest nearby gulls didn't seem > interested in "stealing" the meal. Any ideas? > > Cindy > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Get your own web address. > Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. > http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/domains/?p=BESTDEAL > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From areid at peak.org Fri Jan 19 21:22:14 2007 From: areid at peak.org (Alan Reid) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 21:22:14 -0800 Subject: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) References: Message-ID: <001001c73c52$f4a55810$0300a8c0@ReidDesktop> I looked over the ECBC page on birding location directions that you mention. Right away I noticed that the directions for the western access, to the south part, of Glaze Meadow has a major problem or 2. First it should be mentioned that the land on both sides of the "Power Line Road" (FS Rd. 330, not 335) is private and posted. The land changed hands 3 or 4 years ago and has been broken up. If you continue on the road past the gate I don't think you will get to Glaze Meadow. Admittedly I have never tried it but at the least it will be a long way. I have gone to Glaze for several years to care for my Bluebird nest box (the big gray one) and since the old approach was posted I go about 75 ft. past the gate (with permission from Black Butte Ranch) to a section (property) corner just off the road on the right (near a dirt ramp) then head northerly. When you cross the fence you are on Forest Service land and free to wander. When parking at the Black Butte gate be sure to pull as far right as possible so as to not block the automatic protion of the gate, there is a fair amount of traffic in and out through the gate. Also, going in to Pine Mtn. (turn at the sign for Pine Mtn. Observatory) at the 3 mile marker there is a large square water tank on the left. This draws a very large number of birds and it is always worth stoping for a while. The tank is inside a private fence but is close to the road and visible, plus I think the land north of the fence is probably BLM - at least it is not posted. Alan Reid areid at peak.org 2 miles below Leaburg on the McKenzie Hwy. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charles R. Gates" To: "OBOL" Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 6:12 AM Subject: Re: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) > There are lots of regional sources for bird finding in Oregon. If you are > planning a trip to Central Oregon, you can check out the East Cascades > Bird > Conservancy website at ecbcbirds.org. Here you can find directions to > regional birding hotspots (choose "Resources" and then scroll to the > bottom > of the page and click on "Birding Locations"). This is a good place to > find > out if we are offering a free field trip on the weekend you are in Central > Oregon. > > Chuck Gates > ECBC > From lcottrell at fmtcblue.com Fri Jan 19 21:37:31 2007 From: lcottrell at fmtcblue.com (Larry Cottrell) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 22:37:31 -0700 Subject: [obol] Jordan Valley raptor run Message-ID: <008801c73c55$18f64d30$f2de2946@usermj5tjr71vq> We did Jan. raptor run on the 18th, driving time- 0745-1400,176 mi.,weather P/C with light wind, temps 2 degrees to 25 degrees. RTHA-30 AMKE-9 NOHA-11 BAEA-3 all sub adults GOEA-19 RLHA-10 FEHA-2 FALC-7 Prairie falcons ACCIP-1 Coopers hawk juvenile Other birds seen during our travels are Ravens, Magpies, lge coveys of Quail, 2 Flickers, lots of Pheasants,large numbers of Geese in feed lot at Rome, Meadowlarks, assorted flocks of Passerine and a fair number of deer. I did the Burns Jct to Princeton run today. The weather was warmer with cloud cover light wind temp up to 38. RTHA-2 RLHA-2 GOEA-2 sitting on the same power pole. A few Ravens were the only other birds. Karen Cottrell -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070119/586e7c2e/attachment.htm From areid at peak.org Fri Jan 19 22:05:14 2007 From: areid at peak.org (Alan Reid) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 22:05:14 -0800 Subject: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) References: Message-ID: <000601c73c58$f3989440$0300a8c0@ReidDesktop> P.S. -- After I sent my first Reply I checked on the USGS contour map (I should have done this first) and see that continuing NW on the road past the gate you would come to part of Glaze Meadow, on your left, but this would be on Black Butte Ranch and likely a golf course. Going northerly from 75 ft. past the gate is definately the way to get into the wild & Forest service part of the meadow. Also, on the northern access when you go past the gate, on the horse trail, you will shortly come to a more open area where you can see the meadow to your left. The trail eventually has spots where the trail is just inside the trees but the mentioned open area is the best and shortest way to get into the meadow. Alan Reid areid at peak.org 2 miles below Leaburg on the McKenzie Hwy. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charles R. Gates" To: "OBOL" Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 6:12 AM Subject: Re: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) > There are lots of regional sources for bird finding in Oregon. If you are > planning a trip to Central Oregon, you can check out the East Cascades > Bird > Conservancy website at ecbcbirds.org. Here you can find directions to > regional birding hotspots (choose "Resources" and then scroll to the > bottom > of the page and click on "Birding Locations"). This is a good place to > find > out if we are offering a free field trip on the weekend you are in Central > Oregon. > > Chuck Gates > ECBC > > From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Fri Jan 19 22:41:40 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 22:41:40 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Regurgitating Gull In-Reply-To: <45B19F75.E9B897DC@pacifier.com> Message-ID: <20070120064140.11389.qmail@web51812.mail.yahoo.com> I've seen them hack up stuff but not then eat it. --- Mike Patterson wrote: > Gulls routinely hack up undigestible stuff, just like owls > and hawks. Pay enough attention and you'll start noticing > little piles of crushed shell and bones at most gull roosts. > > Cindy Ashy wrote: > > > > Mid-day at the Newport South Jetty (high tide - first finger completely > > underwater) it looked like most every gull in the neighborhood was gathered > at > > the gull puddle EXCEPT the one little gull I was looking for. The lighter > first > > winter Glaucous Gull was in this mix and I watched it regurgitate what may > have > > been its entire stomach contents given the volume. It almost immediately > > started to feed on the regurgitated meal for several minutes. Then, the > couple > > that feed the gulls every day pulled up and like most of the other gulls, > the > > Glaucous Gull immediately recognized the car and flew to it. I took this > > opportunity to take a closer look and it looked the regurgitated meal may > have > > been a highly digested starfish, at least in part. After all the bread was > gone > > and the gulls began to scatter again, the Glaucous Gull did not go back to > the > > regurgitated meal nor did any of the other gulls (at least as long as I was > > there). > > > > I know regurgitation is used for feeding young and offering food to a mate > but > > I can't think of a reasonable explanation for this. If the gull was sick I > > doubt it would have eaten what it just regurgitated. Also, it was not being > > harassed by the other gulls...and even the closest nearby gulls didn't seem > > interested in "stealing" the meal. Any ideas? > > > > Cindy > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > > Get your own web address. > > Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. > > http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/domains/?p=BESTDEAL > > _______________________________________________ > > obol mailing list > > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > -- > Mike Patterson > Astoria, OR > celata at pacifier.com > > I'm not jealous or > Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon > http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396546091 From bigrocketman3 at webtv.net Fri Jan 19 22:54:25 2007 From: bigrocketman3 at webtv.net (Steve McDonald) Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 22:54:25 -0800 Subject: [obol] Unusual Varied Thrush Behavior Message-ID: <3769-45B1BCA1-3739@storefull-3332.bay.webtv.net> I looked out in the backyard yesterday to see a pair of Varied Thrushes digging in the humus under my fir trees. A bough about 18 inches long fell on top of the female. She grabbed it with her beak and dragged it off the spot where she had been working and went right back to what she was doing. That must have been a really productive patch of ground. At Island Park, where the millrace flows into the Willamette, a Cooper's Hawk came diving after a Kingfisher that had been perched on a limb. In successfully out-manuevering the hawk, it smacked the water and the hawk pulled back. The Kingfisher was loudly complaining the whole time. There were 16 Lesser Scaup nearby in the river. One was a tiny female, no bigger than a teal. She had identical markings to the other females, but was scarcely more than half their size. See picture at the URL below. http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=363080999&size=o Steve McDonald Eugene From allenwineland at yahoo.com Sat Jan 20 06:18:18 2007 From: allenwineland at yahoo.com (Allen Wineland) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 06:18:18 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hermit Thrush and more Message-ID: <254187.40786.qm@web56608.mail.re3.yahoo.com> I spent 2 1/2 hours at the OCA yesterday from noon until 2:30. I saw several Varied Thrushes, in fact, I saw four of them close together looking out the bay windows from inside the Aquarium building opposite the entrance. While marveling at seeing four of these beautiful birds at one time (2 males & 2 females), a Ruby Crowned Kinglet also appeared as did a Yellow-rumped Warbler. Yellow-rumped warblers were common on the grounds. I also saw one hummingbird. The OCA aviary was wonderful! Getting that close to Tufted Puffins, Common Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, and Black Oystercatchers is a treat any time. The highlight of the trip though was spotting a Hermit Thrush on the nature trail of the aquarium grounds at the overlook platform near the entrance to the Passages of the Deep exhibit. It was a lifer for me! Two of the OCA staff noticed my bins and asked if I was a birder. When I said yes, they told me that there was a ?colony? of Black-Crowned Night Herons that roosted on the OCA grounds and they would let me know if they saw them. I did not stay to try see them but if you visit you might keep them in mind. Happy Birding! Allen If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you. - Oscar Wilde ____________________________________________________________________________________ Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with the Yahoo! Search weather shortcut. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/shortcuts/#loc_weather From acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM Sat Jan 20 08:07:17 2007 From: acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM (Alan Contreras) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 08:07:17 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated news Message-ID: The Falcated Duck takes up a third of the front page of the Eugene paper today, in full color, with a photo of Ray Holmberg, who relocated it. There is also a little blurb from Gainsborough Homes about calling ahead to their number 541-689-1390 if you plan to come see it. The Gainsborough marketing folks hoped for some publicity - they got it ! -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com From 5hats at peak.org Sat Jan 20 08:58:54 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 08:58:54 -0800 Subject: [obol] Unusual Varied Thrush Behavior References: <3769-45B1BCA1-3739@storefull-3332.bay.webtv.net> Message-ID: <001d01c73cb4$470d43e0$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Steve, But with a much larger bill and rounded head! Strange bird! Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve McDonald" To: Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 10:54 PM Subject: [obol] Unusual Varied Thrush Behavior > > I looked out in the backyard yesterday to see a pair of Varied > Thrushes digging in the humus under my fir trees. A bough about 18 > inches long fell on top of the female. She grabbed it with her beak and > dragged it off the spot where she had been working and went right back > to what she was doing. That must have been a really productive patch of > ground. > > At Island Park, where the millrace flows into the Willamette, a > Cooper's Hawk came diving after a Kingfisher that had been perched on a > limb. In successfully out-manuevering the hawk, it smacked the water > and the hawk pulled back. The Kingfisher was loudly complaining the > whole time. > > There were 16 Lesser Scaup nearby in the river. > One was a tiny female, no bigger than a teal. She had identical > markings to the other females, but was scarcely more than half their > size. See picture at the URL below. > > http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=363080999&size=o > > Steve McDonald > Eugene > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.13/632 - Release Date: 1/16/2007 > > From jbw at pacifier.com Sat Jan 20 08:58:18 2007 From: jbw at pacifier.com (Barbara & John Woodhouse) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 08:58:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated news In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: There goes the Falcated duck!! It seems as soon as the press gets wind of anything you can say goodbye to it! Barbara Woodhouse Tillamook At 8:07 AM -0800 1/20/2007, Alan Contreras wrote: >The Falcated Duck takes up a third of the front page of the Eugene paper >today, in full color, with a photo of Ray Holmberg, who relocated it. > >There is also a little blurb from Gainsborough Homes about calling ahead to >their number 541-689-1390 if you plan to come see it. > >The Gainsborough marketing folks hoped for some publicity - they got it ! > >-- >Alan Contreras >EUGENE, OREGON >acontrer at mindspring.com > > > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From deweysage at verizon.net Sat Jan 20 09:47:17 2007 From: deweysage at verizon.net (DJLauten and KACastelein) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 09:47:17 -0800 Subject: [obol] Odd Gull, Oregon Message-ID: <45B255A5.8010802@verizon.net> Folks, On Thursday at Siltcoos, Lane Cty, Oregon, we saw and photographed a gull I believe to be a Glaucous-winged, however take at look at the one photo at http://thebirdguide.com/temp_images/RecentPhotos/RecentBirdPhotos.htm should be the second bird down. I believe the bird is leucistic. Thought some gull folks might like to see. Cheers Dave Lauten and Kathy Castelein Bandon OR deweysage at verizon.net From cgates at webformixair.com Sat Jan 20 10:15:04 2007 From: cgates at webformixair.com (Charles R. Gates) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 10:15:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) In-Reply-To: <003e01c738c8$7baeb3d0$6400a8c0@paul> Message-ID: Another nice feature of the ECBC website (ecbcbirds.org) is the field notes section. Extensive field notes of nearly every reported sighting in Central Oregon is recorded in these notes for each season. You can search the field notes by species, location, date, county, or observer. Once you find a likely location for the birds you want, then you can check the birding locations section to get directions to the sites where those birds are most likely to be seen in that season. Pretty cool if you ask me but I might be prejudiced. Chuck Gates ECBC -----Original Message----- From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu]On Behalf Of Paul Adamus Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 9:14 AM To: OBOL Subject: [obol] where to find a XXX in Oregon? (how to) OBOLers -- Like Karl Kosciuch noted in his post yesterday, we birders often wonder, "Where could I find a ____ in Oregon?" [insert any species you want]. Or, we want to list all the species reported from a particular location or by a particular observer. There are several resources available: 1) OBOL Archives. As Karl notes, this has been a pain to use because you can only search one month at a time (that's 60+ individual searches!). * However* I recently took the time to merge all the OBOL posts from December 2001 through October 2006 into just 4 documents in MS Word. These can be rapidly searched using MS Word (Control-F). You can download this zipped 22 mB file from: oregonstate.edu/~adamusp/OBOL 2) For prior OBOL records (about 1994 to 2001) I have files that document species by COUNTY-YEAR that were graciously provided to me in html format by Matt Hunter. 3) In the online database, BIRDNOTES, you can search by species or by their list of locations (not all birding spots are included). There is some overlap with OBOL, but not a lot. The address is birdnotes.net A similar database is eBird, maintained by the Cornell Lab. 4) At least one of the more illustrious birders in this state is known to have many previous years of the "Field Notes" section Oregon Birds on their computer. 5) The Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife created a database, OSIS, in the early 1990s that organized records from prior issues of Oregon Birds and other sources. However, being a database, the locational information is vague and inconsistent (mostly searchable by county only). 6) For summering birds, the CD containing our Oregon Breeding Bird Atlas is perhaps the most complete and easily-searchable source covering 1995 to 1995. You can order it for $20 from OFO, P.O. Box 10373, Eugene, OR (and the Portland Audubon store may have copies again to sell). But it won't help you find Rock Sandpipers. http://www.oregonbirds.org/breeding_atlas.html 7) For post-1999 and pre-1995 records of breeding species, files from the national Breeding Bird Survey database that cover Oregon can be downloaded and searched. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/retrieval/menu.cfm Christmas Counts can be downloaded from National Audubon's web site. 8) Of course, the classic "Birds of Oregon: A General Reference" is a treasure-trove of information. I understand that the Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center (Eric Scheuering) has begun merging all these avian distributional data sources into a single database. However, they do not currently have much funding for that effort so it will likely take several years to complete. They already have excellent locational information for many of the rarest regularly-occurring species, but are cautious in sharing it due to concerns about the sensitivity of some species. The above is surely not a complete list, but it covers what I've found to be the most complete and accessible electronic sources for Oregon birders and researchers. Paul ************************* Paul Adamus, Ph.D. Adamus Resource Assessment, Inc. and Assistant Professor (Courtesy) College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, and Water Resources Graduate Program, Oregon State University email: adamus7 at comcast.net _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From sjag1234 at msn.com Sat Jan 20 10:28:24 2007 From: sjag1234 at msn.com (STEVE JAGGERS) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 10:28:24 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Grey Owl--YES Message-ID: Hi folks, Linda and I went to look for the owl and found it! This is the one in Clackamas County, posted last week by Carol Ledford. It was a short but terrific look. It was posed on a fence post, about 50' from the gravel road, (Rockie Dr, see more directions below) It flew a short distance and dove on prey, we watched it mantel the prey, look around for competition. It then gulped down the rodent, paused, flew into the stand of conifers on the left side of the road and did not reappear. The location is about 12-13 miles from Hwy 213 on BeaverCreek Road. > The friend of Carol's posted: The only place we've seen him is in the pasture right at the intersection of Rockie Drive and Beavercreek, sitting on the T posts right along Rockie Drive. Rockie Drive is actually a horse shoe-shaped road, with both ends intersecting Beavercreek Road; I'm referring to the first intersection you come to when traveling FROM Oregon City. We saw the bird in this pasture, near the first house on the right. It was sitting on a post to the right of this house, past the pole mounted seed feeder. The photos Carol has shows it right at the intersection of Beavercreek and Rockie Dr. It looks like it likes this meadow for food and the stand of coniferous trees for shelter. It has been seen at various times of the day. We were there at first light, around 7:30 or so. Last week we were there later and did not find it. Today it really disappeared in the stand of coniferous trees. Good Luck, Steve Jaggers Linda Neumann -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070120/6e64b221/attachment.htm From andy.frank at kp.org Sat Jan 20 12:56:15 2007 From: andy.frank at kp.org (Andy Frank) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 12:56:15 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sauvie Island today Message-ID: <000301c73cd5$6d056840$6500a8c0@familyroom> My daughter Lisa and I had a nice outing on Sauvie Island today. Some highlights included: - A single Swamp Sparrow near the middle of Rentenaar Road. We walked the road and on the way down I heard what I thought could have been a Swamp but didn't see it. Fortunately on our way back the bird briefly perched in plain sight. - 3 White-throated Sparrows at the Oak Island Rd feeder. When we arrived there was no feed and no birds. We put some seed in and within 5 minutes there were 6 species of birds. One surprise for me was seeing Brewer's Blackbird at the feeder. - A total of 9 sparrow species on the day. Besides the Swamp and White-throated, there were Golden-crowned, White-crowned, Lincoln's, Song, Fox, Junco and Spotted Towhee. 7 of the species were seen on Rentenaar Rd (all but White-throated and Towhee). - A Merlin hunting over the big field about 1 mile past Oak Island Road - While on Rentenaar, flock after flock of Snow Geese flew overhead. A rough estimate would be 1000 birds. - Several Western Meadowlarks in a field off Oak Island Rd - Several White-fronted Geese mixed in with a flock of Cackling Geese Andy Frank From dbarendt at comcast.net Sat Jan 20 13:31:37 2007 From: dbarendt at comcast.net (Dennis Arendt) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 13:31:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated Duck NO Message-ID: <001501c73cda$5e9f8c40$6400a8c0@userf571d87fba> Today at noon the Falcated Duck was not in the Gainsborough Homes subdivision. I spoke with Ray Holmbery, the gentleman who first relocated the duck, and he said that a large group of birders came into the area this morning. They wanted good pictures and walked down the path on the east side of the water channel. The Falcated Duck moved south away from them and eventually flew off with a group of Wigeon. Ray said that the east side of the water channel is the location where the ducks are fed and where he wishes no one would walk. So, if this bird returns, which is likely, please stay on the west side and don't press the bird too much. There are several very good photos of this bird, so one more is not necessary. Ray has been very kind and helpful, so let's all be very courteous and careful. Dennis -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070120/9a65b7bf/attachment.htm From rcbrumitt at comcast.net Sat Jan 20 14:14:03 2007 From: rcbrumitt at comcast.net (Clint Brumitt) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 14:14:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated Duck, No as well Message-ID: <002301c73ce0$4bc1c740$07f6ab43@CB2> I just returned from the Gainsborough subdivision off of Iriving Rd. The Falcated Duck was not there as previously reported. If it flew with Wigeons, then birders should be looking for flocks of those birds. I drove out the Hwy 99 ponds that the Falcated Duck used last spring. I did not see it there. However, there were two CANVASBACKS enjoying the location. Good luck and good birding. Clint Brumitt -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070120/401615f1/attachment.htm From mgellerman at raccondog.com Sat Jan 20 14:26:55 2007 From: mgellerman at raccondog.com (Mike Gellerman) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 17:26:55 -0500 Subject: [obol] Swan with collar Message-ID: <200701202226.l0KMQtpw021718@mail21.atl.registeredsite.com> This morning I was surprised to see three swans standing on the ice at Lake Bethany (Tualatin Hills Park & Rec Dist) at 185th and West Union in Northern Washington County. I have never seen swans on the lake before (it is in my backyard and I work at home). It was foggy so I did not get a great look at them, but there was one adult and 2 in dark juvenile plummage. The adult had a collar tag and while I could make out the markings, it appeared to be a light grey collar with black or blue markings. I cannot be positive of course, but I suspect they were Trumpeters since the adult was collared. If anyone sees three swans wandering around Washington County and gets a better look (they flew off just I got my binoculars, but watching swans run on ice was fun) I would like to hear about. Thanks, Mike Gellerman From jbw at pacifier.com Sat Jan 20 14:18:16 2007 From: jbw at pacifier.com (Barbara & John Woodhouse) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 14:18:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eagles on Bayocean Rd Message-ID: We were driving along Bayocean Rd today around Tillamook Bay, In the trees over the Jersey Farrm was an Adult BALD EAGLE we pulled off at Memaloose point and looking towards the west ther is a large dead snag tree high up on the hillabout half way down the trunk were 2 Adult BALD EAGLES on a branch together a few feet above them on another branch was a juvemile BALD EAGLE AY at the top of the tree were 2 juvenile BALD EAGLES. Quite a sight for Tillamook 5 Eagles in one tree. Barbara & John Woodhouse Tillamook From acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM Sat Jan 20 14:58:20 2007 From: acontrer at MINDSPRING.COM (Alan Contreras) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 14:58:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Spring song Message-ID: The local male House Finch declared today, January 20, the first day of spring and is trying out every song it ever thought of. -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com From celata at pacifier.com Sat Jan 20 15:11:48 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 15:11:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] Clatsop Raptor Counts Message-ID: <45B2A185.DE8E9587@pacifier.com> I ran the the Youngs River Route on Thursday and the Columbia River Route today. Bald Eagle numbers are building, but the Peregrine numbers are surprisingly low Youngs Columbia Bay River 1/18/07 1/20/07 White-tailed Kite 2 1 Bald Eagle 10 26 Northern Harrier 2 8 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 8 28 American Kestrel 3 5 Merlin 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 Barn Owl 1 -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From rriparia at charter.net Sat Jan 20 15:27:46 2007 From: rriparia at charter.net (Kevin Spencer) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 15:27:46 -0800 Subject: [obol] Swan with collar Message-ID: <1432253720.1169335666524.JavaMail.root@fepweb07> OBOL, Tundra Swans were collared in Alaska last summer as part of dispersal study. Most collars are blue with white digits. Some are White with black or blue digits. Those with white collars start with a T3## followed by two more digits (#). If those you saw were Tundra Swans, an email to craig_ely at usgs.gov would probably be appreciated. The swans you observed might be Tundra. I don't know what Trumpeter Swans have for collars nowadays. Kevin Spencer rriparia at charter.net ---- Mike Gellerman wrote: > This morning I was surprised to see three swans standing on the ice at Lake Bethany (Tualatin Hills Park & Rec Dist) at 185th and West Union in Northern Washington County. I have never seen swans on the lake before (it is in my backyard and I work at home). It was foggy so I did not get a great look at them, but there was one adult and 2 in dark juvenile plummage. The adult had a collar tag and while I could make out the markings, it appeared to be a light grey collar with black or blue markings. I cannot be positive of course, but I suspect they were Trumpeters since the adult was collared. If anyone sees three swans wandering around Washington County and gets a better look (they flew off just I got my binoculars, but watching swans run on ice was fun) I would like to hear about. > > Thanks, > > Mike Gellerman > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From kevinkei at webformixair.com Sat Jan 20 16:07:20 2007 From: kevinkei at webformixair.com (Kevin Smith) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 16:07:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Madras Raptor Route Message-ID: <45B2AEB8.60603@webformixair.com> Kei and I did the Madras Raptor Route today with the following results: 23 Red-tailed Hawks 14 Kestrels 11 N. Harriers 1 Bald Eagle (Juvi) 1 Golden Eagle 1 Rough-legged Hawk 1 Prairie Falcon We also had a Prairie Falcon visit our home today for a first time. GREAT DAY!! Kevin & Kei Smith -- -- Kevin Smith Crooked River Ranch, Oregon -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: kevinkei.vcf Type: text/x-vcard Size: 107 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070120/276acd57/attachment.vcf From dan-gleason at comcast.net Sat Jan 20 16:31:19 2007 From: dan-gleason at comcast.net (Dan Gleason) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 16:31:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Bluebirds today Message-ID: <03F7BF58-2187-4342-B59F-0019B8D09E14@comcast.net> At approximately 2:30 this afternoon, Barbara saw a flock of 6 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS in Amazon Park (Eugene). Some Yellow-rumped Warblers first caught her attention then she spotted the bluebirds. They were in the small trees between the canal and the swimming pool. About 10 minutes later, I saw 3 males west of the Amazon channel, just north of the bus terminal (east end of 29th). They may have been some of the same birds but we don't know how many total bluebirds were present. I don't recall seeing Western Bluebirds in this location before so this was a pleasant surprise. There has also been a Red-tailed Hawk that makes regular patrols through the park. We have seen it on several occasions over the last few weeks. Look for where the crows are putting up a fuss. The hawk is not completely unexpected but still not typical of a residential neighborhood park. This afternoon, we saw it a few blocks southeast of the park (32nd and Alder) sitting atop a tall fir tree in someone's backyard. We likely would not have seen it except for the crow activity. They were calling and diving at something. A few yards down the sidewalk, we got a clear view of the hawk, patiently enduring the insults of the crows. This is a very typical suburban neighborhood so it is not your usual backyard bird (but they do flyover at times from the nearby hills). Dan Gleason ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070120/9a99dd61/attachment.htm From pamelaj at spiritone.com Sat Jan 20 17:08:17 2007 From: pamelaj at spiritone.com (pamela johnston) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 17:08:17 -0800 Subject: [obol] Spring song References: Message-ID: <003f01c73cf8$a5954e50$bc6cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> Same thing happened at my place while I was taking in the sunshine and cutting down blackberries. Pamela Johnston, NW of McMinnville ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alan Contreras" To: "obol" Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2007 2:58 PM Subject: [obol] Spring song The local male House Finch declared today, January 20, the first day of spring and is trying out every song it ever thought of. -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From hhactitis at yahoo.com Sat Jan 20 17:36:21 2007 From: hhactitis at yahoo.com (Hendrik Herlyn) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 17:36:21 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Spring song In-Reply-To: <003f01c73cf8$a5954e50$bc6cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> Message-ID: <674631.83489.qm@web37012.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Must be a circumpolar phenomenon - even here in rainy yet unseasonably warm Greifswald at the Baltic Sea in Northern Germany the Eurasian Robins, Blackbirds, Great and Blue Tits were singing their hearts out today ... Happy pre-spring Birding Hendrik pamela johnston wrote: Same thing happened at my place while I was taking in the sunshine and cutting down blackberries. Pamela Johnston, NW of McMinnville ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alan Contreras" To: "obol" Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2007 2:58 PM Subject: [obol] Spring song The local male House Finch declared today, January 20, the first day of spring and is trying out every song it ever thought of. -- Alan Contreras EUGENE, OREGON acontrer at mindspring.com _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. _________________________________ Hendrik G. Herlyn Hans-Beimler-Strasse 67 D-17491 Greifswald Germany Phone: 03834-871846 E-Mail: hhactitis at yahoo.com --------------------------------- Never miss an email again! Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it out. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070120/f97f1df5/attachment.htm From mmarvin at spiritone.com Sat Jan 20 18:21:12 2007 From: mmarvin at spiritone.com (Marcia Marvin) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 18:21:12 -0800 Subject: [obol] Spring Song Message-ID: OBOL, Who could blame the birds for jumping the gun a bit? It looked more like spring today than any day we've had recently, and the melting snow must have inspired them. In fact, I was singing, too. On an unsuccessful search for the Great Gray Owl this afternoon, there was not a lot of singing to be heard, but the surprisingly pleasant day almost made up for not seeing the bird. Almost. Marcia From fschrock at macnet.com Sat Jan 20 18:24:26 2007 From: fschrock at macnet.com (Floyd Schrock) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 18:24:26 -0800 Subject: [obol] Spring song References: Message-ID: <004801c73d03$460aaf10$0b01a8c0@desktop> In my neighborhood yesterday it was a Song Sparrow tuning up. ===================== Floyd Schrock McMinnville, Oregon USA fschrock at macnet.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alan Contreras" To: "obol" Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2007 2:58 PM Subject: [obol] Spring song > The local male House Finch declared today, January 20, the first day of > spring and is trying out every song it ever thought of. > > -- > Alan Contreras > EUGENE, OREGON > acontrer at mindspring.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From rkohls3206 at hotmail.com Sat Jan 20 20:13:18 2007 From: rkohls3206 at hotmail.com (Kate K) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 04:13:18 +0000 Subject: [obol] Smith and Bybee Natural Area this afternoon Message-ID: Randy and I spent a couple of hours at Smith and Bybee this afternoon. Turtle Slough and the east side of Bybee are still frozen to slushy. We watched an AM. COOT walking on the ice that covered a slough between the two lakes. It was fairly quiet during the sunbreak while we were there. We spent 20 minutes standing on the trail between the Smith blind and the main trail to Bybee watching easily a dozen RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 3 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 5 BEWICK'S WRENS and 2 SONG SPARROWS all on the ground, foraging in the leaves. Some of the r/c kinglets were right at our feet!! Other species observed: BALD EAGLES, perched on power poles, 1 adult and 1 juvenile (maybe long 3 yr old) AM. COOTS RUDDY DUCKS BUFFLEHEADS MALLARDS CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS AM. ROBINS GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS MARSH WRENS WINTER WREN RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS RED-TAILED HAWK PIED-BILLED GREBES GR. BLUE HERON misc gulls and ducks that were poorly lit and difficult to ID without the scope Smith and Bybee Lakes are located on Marine Drive (on the way to Kelly Point Park). Bathrooms are available as well as a covered picnic area and a kayak/canoe launch. Also, late post from last Sunday afternoon... While driving the Woodland Dike access road, we heard and spotted a flock of KILLDEER just north of Pekin Rd, so we pulled to the shoulder and searched this foraging and noisy flock of ~50 birds (looking for an odd plover hanging our with the group?)... What we saw was amazing!!! A probing/foraging flock of 50-75 WILSON'S SNIPE that were literally invisible to the naked eye!! They camo'ed so well against the grass tufted and sloppy/muddy field conditions!!! Neither of us has ever seen anything like it and they would have been totally missed were it not for their noisy/colorful companions!!! This field must have plenty of nutritional attraction because we observed a flock of 25 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 2 SANDHILL CRANES in the same location last month!! Kate and Randy Kohlschmidt NE Vancouver, Wa _________________________________________________________________ Search for grocery stores. Find gratitude. Turn a simple search into something more. http://click4thecause.live.com/search/charity/default.aspx?source=hmemtagline_gratitude&FORM=WLMTAG From tamickel at rio.com Sat Jan 20 20:47:44 2007 From: tamickel at rio.com (Tom & Allison Mickel) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 20:47:44 -0800 Subject: [obol] Fw: Night Heron Message-ID: <008301c73d17$4ae4a8b0$4000a8c0@tas> OBOL, We received the following message about Black-crowned Night-Herons today. This is in west Eugene, Lane Co. Tom Mickel ----- Original Message ----- From: Wilbur Gregg To: tamickel at rio.com Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2007 9:45 AM Subject: Night Heron As a number of groups have been by to see them in the past couple years, I thought I should let you know that two Black Crowned Night Heron have returned to the trees on the north/east corner of Burnett and Dakota in Eugene. This is a bit early in the year for them. It must be warmer for them here than where ever they have been. Wilbur Gregg 5447 Burnett Ave. Eugene OR 97402 541-689-7405 weirdwilbur at comcast.net PUBLIC INFORMATION - This message is intended to convey my opinion, which is subject to change for any reason that I might find persuasive. You are free to use this message in any way you wish. Nothing I write in an e-mail is so extraordinary that I feel the need to threaten you with all manner of morbid sequelae. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070120/c424101c/attachment.htm From dlrobbo at comcast.net Sat Jan 20 21:12:35 2007 From: dlrobbo at comcast.net (Doug Robberson) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 21:12:35 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated Duck NO In-Reply-To: <001501c73cda$5e9f8c40$6400a8c0@userf571d87fba> Message-ID: I would like to second Dennis?s comments. We drove to Eugene to see the bird today, but found it had been chased away 20 minutes before our arrival. Ray was a perfect host. At the end of Royal St we found an early SAVANAHA SPARROW and a BLACK PHOEBE.. At Finley NWR we saw two early TURKEY VULTURE?S, seven EURASIAN WIGEONS, a ?Harlan?s? RED-TAILED HAWK, and a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. Doug Robberson Tigard, OR > Today at noon the Falcated Duck was not in the Gainsborough Homes subdivision. > I spoke with Ray Holmbery, the gentleman who first relocated the duck, and he > said that a large group of birders came into the area this morning. They > wanted good pictures and walked down the path on the east side of the water > channel. The Falcated Duck moved south away from them and eventually flew off > with a group of Wigeon. > > Ray said that the east side of the water channel is the location where the > ducks are fed and where he wishes no one would walk. So, if this bird > returns, which is likely, please stay on the west side and don't press the > bird too much. There are several very good photos of this bird, so one more > is not necessary. > > Ray has been very kind and helpful, so let's all be very courteous and > careful. > > Dennis > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070120/690bc2cf/attachment.htm From tunicate89 at yahoo.com Sat Jan 20 21:36:33 2007 From: tunicate89 at yahoo.com (Cindy Ashy) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 21:36:33 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Greater Yellowlegs at Beaver Creek Message-ID: <133679.31532.qm@web51813.mail.yahoo.com> Yaquina Birders & Naturalists Fieldtrip: We saw a Greater Yellowlegs (and heard it when it flew away) at close range at Seal Rock Stables in the Beaver Creek area....in my mind competing with the Purple Finch for the "prettiest bird of the day." I just checked Range Bayer's semimonthly bird records for Lincoln County and it doesn't look like the Greater Yellowlegs (and under "all yellowlegs") is always found here in Jan/Feb: http://www.orednet.org/~rbayer/j/j534-543.htm Cindy Ashy ____________________________________________________________________________________ 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Yahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/shortcuts/#news From gdalindy at msn.com Sat Jan 20 21:41:12 2007 From: gdalindy at msn.com (GLEN LINDEMAN) Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 21:41:12 -0800 Subject: [obol] Short Eared Owl - Farmer Rd, Polk Co Message-ID: This afternoon (Sat 1/20), at about 4:30, Kathy Patterson and I were finishing up our North Polk County raptor route for January. Our last bird of the day was one we have been looking for for some time - a SHORT-EARED OWL. It was perched on a road sign along Farmer Rd, about 50 yards west of the RR tracks. It flew from the sign across the marsh to the SW, then circled around back to the east, turned north when it approached the tracks, crossed the road, and flew off towards the northwest. Our best view of the owl was when it was perched on the sign, no more than 20 feet from the car. Short-eared Owls were quite common in this area a few years ago, but have been difficult to find lately. I have even heard tell that they aren't in the area anymore. I'm pleased to say that the rumor is not true. (Farmer Rd is just east of Baskett Slough NWR, off Hwy 99W and just north of Coville Rd, in Polk County.) Also, earlier in the day, Rich Ford led a Salem Audubon field trip into the wilds of Keizer. We had a great trip and saw lots of good birds. The best sighting was a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, which was spotted by Rich and Kathy near Torvend Pond, which is along Torvend Road just east of Silverton in Marion County. - Glen Lindeman ^'^ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070120/a1d5551f/attachment.htm From llsdirons at msn.com Sat Jan 20 22:32:42 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 06:32:42 +0000 Subject: [obol] Eugene Summer Tanager YES, Cinnamon Teal on Kirk Pond Message-ID: In all the hubbub over the Falcated Duck, several observers who saw the SUMMER TANAGER at the previously described location in Alvadore have neglected to post that it was present on an off for several hours Saturday morning. I have been working all day and just arrived home. I saw the bird with Anne and Dan Heyerly, John Gatchet, Nate Senner and Dave Brown at about 10:30AM. I talked to Jim Jacobson (the homeowner of the Summer Tanager feeder) and he said the bird was around all day Friday as well, but there have been days when he did not see it all. Once again, if you chose to look for the Summer Tanager, park in the triangular gravel parking area in front of the Alvadore Store at the first sharp curve on Alvadore Rd. n. of Clear Lake Rd. Walk about 200 yards s. to 10th St. Walk e. on 10th about 100 feet to the cluster of three green newspaper boxes. From here you can set up a scope and have clear view of the feeder which hangs in the front yard of the first house s. of 10th on the w. side of Alvadore Rd. (the 5th house south of the store). If you are along the road or in the driveway of this house the Summer Tanager will not come to the feeder. Also Alvadore Rd. has extremely narrow shoulders and a lot of traffic. Some locals know about the presence of this bird, most don't. Morning hours seem best, midday is poor. The bird normally visits the feeder about every 20 minutes or so. Today the bird was also seen fly catching in front of the next two houses n. of the Jacobson's. Also, John Gatchet found a male Cinnamon Teal at Kirk Pond on the n. side of Fern Ridge Dam this morning. I saw the bird with a group of Gadwall at the very east end of the pond. John told me he had seen in the middle of the pond. There were also several large groups of American Wigeon (totaling about 800 birds) and the usual small band of Greater Scaup. I did not have time to check for Eurasian Wigeon, but I would bet several are among this horde. Finally, I cruised by the n.e. corner of the Eugene Airport at about 9:00 this morning on the way out to my route and I saw at least eight Horned Larks, a couple of which were displaying and singing. The birds were out on the airport runways and on the gravel roads on the outside of fences. Perhaps the early morning hours present better chances to see these birds. Not a bad day of birding for a workday. Dave Irons From ckaleshn at up.edu Sun Jan 21 00:34:04 2007 From: ckaleshn at up.edu (Kaleshnik, Corey) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:34:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] Looking for OWLS References: Message-ID: <1A695F9C1A4C9044B8B76887643FDCD2224B4B@christie.campus.up.edu> Hi, I'm a senior biology major at the University of Portland. I am thinking about doing my senior thesis on some aspect of owl calling behavior. I have an idea for a project, but it would require me being able to find multiple owls (the more the better). If I can't find some owls soon, I'll probably have to do it on a more common bird, like the crow. So far I have found two barn owls up on Powell Butte and the great horned owl recently reported up on Mt. Tabor. I've been out to Sauvie's Island a couple times without success. I was going to try to hunt and peck my way into finding owls myself but the sightings are few and far between. Every day I read through my emails, hoping an OBOL'er tips me off on an owl location, but there have been very few emails concerning owl locations. If anyone knows of any reliable place to find ANY species of owl (more great horned owls or barn owls would be great!) in the greater Portland area (Beaverton, Hillsboro, Clackamas, Tualatin, Portland... nothing 'too' far away-- no central Oregon stuff!), please shoot me an email at ckaleshn at up.edu. Also, if anyone has any useful owling tips/secrets, please drop me an email. It would be VERY, VERY appreciated!!! My project will entail recording the owls with a Sennheiser ME66 shotgun microphone onto a Hi-MD mindisc player-- that's it (I'll give the details as to what I'm going to do with the recordings to anyone who emails me-- won't give them here just to keep the email short). I will not be doing any type of playback in case you are worried about that. I just need recordings, that's it. Thanks a lot for any help, Corey ________________________________ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu on behalf of Jeff Marks Sent: Wed 1/17/2007 11:05 PM To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Subject: [obol] Great Horned Owls For years I've been told that when Great Horned Owls move in, other owls suffer. Without question, they do prey on other owls at times, but at least in SW Idaho, where I had lots of adult W Screech-Owls marked, the screech-owls coexisted with Great Horneds just fine, as did Long-eareds and N Saw-whets. No doubt food availability has something to do with it. In years when typical prey are not in short supply, Great Horneds probably don't take other owls all that much. Jeff ***************** Jeff Marks 5316 SE Henry Street Portland, OR 97206 503-774-4783 406-396-3331 (cell) ***************** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/ef9d236d/attachment.htm From contopus at telus.net Sun Jan 21 00:34:27 2007 From: contopus at telus.net (Wayne C. Weber) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:34:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] Vancouver, BC RBA for January 13, 2007 Message-ID: <068301c73d36$f9f28f60$6500a8c0@bc.hsia.telus.net> This is the Vancouver Natural History Society's Rare Bird Alert for January 13th, sponsored in part by Wild Birds Unlimited, with stores in Vancouver and North Vancouver. This message was updated at 8:00 PM on January 13th. The RBA telephone number is (604) 737-3074. RARE BIRD ALERT continues for Washington State with the WHOOPER SWAN (south of Conway) and the KING EIDER at Semiahmoo Resort Please see the Tweeters E-mail group recent archives at http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/TWET.html , or phone the Washington State BirdBox at (206) 281-9172, for the latest updates and directions. Sightings for Saturday, January 13 A GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH was again seen at Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain, Burnaby, along the south side of the courtyard of the Academic Quadrangle 2 ANCIENT MURRELETS and 2 MARBLED MURRELETS were identified at Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts, WA. Another 50 murrelets were seen at a distance in flight. Sightings for Friday, January 12 A male EURASIAN WIGEON was observed at Jericho Park in Vancouver. Sightings for Thursday, January 11 A GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH was observed on Burnaby Mountain at Simon Fraser University. No reports for Wednesday, January 10 Sightings for Tuesday, January 9 A male REDHEAD was present in Coal Harbour in Vancouver between Georgia Street and the Rowing Club. Sightings for Monday, January 8 At the Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta, birds seen included 25 COMMON REDPOLLS (in alders next to Fuller Slough), 4 adult BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, 5 SANDHILL CRANES, and a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL. 3 MUTE SWANS were present in Canoe Pass, the southern arm of the Fraser River, close to the Westham Island bridge. Sightings for Sunday, January 7 Eight PINE GROSBEAKS were present at the SE corner of Musqueam Park in Vancouver. 1757 BALD EAGLES were observed on the annual Squamish/Brackendale eagle count. The Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty in Delta produced an EARED GREBE and 3 SNOW BUNTINGS Sightings for Saturday, January 6 An adult BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was discovered off Lighthouse Park, Point Roberts, Washington. An AMERICAN AVOCET, 3 MARBLED GODWITS, 11 male EURASIAN WIGEON, and 5 RUDDY DUCKS were present at Blackie Spit, Surrey An escapee male MANDARIN DUCK was observed on the west side of No. 3 Road just south of Steveston Hwy, Richmond. Sightings for Friday, January 5 Along Boundary Bay between the foot of 72nd and the foot of 96th Street, birds seen included one female SNOWY OWL, 3 SHORT-EARED OWLS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 9 male EURASIAN WIGEON, and 70 BRANT. The two EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES, present since early December at a feeder at 3706 88th Street (foot of 88th in Delta), were seen again. Sightings for Tuesday, January 2 At the Semiahmoo Resort, on the west side of Drayton Harbor in Blaine, WA, the immature male KING EIDER (present since Dec. 8) was well observed. Also seen here were a YELLOW-BILLED LOON and 5 LONG-TAILED DUCKS. Sightings for Sunday, December 31st: In Delta, the 2 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were seen again at 3706 88th Street At the Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta, the following birds were sighted: 5 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, 6 SANDHILL CRANES, a LONG-EARED OWL, SHORT-EARED OWL, NORTHERN SAW- WHET OWL, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and an AMERICAN BITTERN. At the Tsawwassen jetty in Delta, 4 SNOW BUNTINGS and 2 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS were seen. Sightings for Saturday, December 30th. Highlights from the White Rock CBC include an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, AMERICAN AVOCET, GYRFALCON, PINE GROSBEAK, and 10 COMMON REDPOLLS at Elgin Heritage Park in Surrey. Sightings for Friday, December 29th: At Boundary Bay, the GYRFALCON was seen along 112th Street, and 3 SNOWY OWLS were present on the foreshore at the foot of 72nd Street. In North Vancouver, a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL was seen in a Lynn Valley garden. In Delta, a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was present along Stevens Lane. If you have any questions about birds or birding in the Vancouver area, please call Peter at 604-736-0991, Viveka at 604-531-3401, or Larry at 604-465-1402. Thank you for calling the Vancouver Rare Bird Alert, and good birding. This message was recorded and transcribed by Mark Wynja, and forwarded by Wayne Weber. Wayne C. Weber Delta, BC contopus at telus.net From bigfishy at att.net Sun Jan 21 07:07:09 2007 From: bigfishy at att.net (bigfishy at att.net) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 15:07:09 +0000 Subject: [obol] Backyard birdies Message-ID: <012120071507.16572.45B3819C000801D7000040BC216028074897089C070009070D@att.net> I did not seen the RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER today, however, the RED BREASTED SAPSUCKER was visiting briefly. At our suet feeders we had a number of JUNCO's, including one SLATE-COLORED JUNCO. At times it was pretty funny to watch, because they don't seem to be too adept at clinging to the sides, so there was much wing-flapping. We did have a TOWNSENDS WARBLER, B.C. CHICKADEE and a RUBY CROWNED KINGLET feeding on the suet. The TOWNSENDS WARBLER came within 6 feet of where I was standing, which allowed me to get a great view. Alas, I have no camera yet! Good birding, Bob Fish Creswell OR Multiple VARIED THRUSH were -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/68ce5c37/attachment.htm From oaktree at bendcable.com Sun Jan 21 07:40:06 2007 From: oaktree at bendcable.com (Kris Knoernschild) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 07:40:06 -0800 Subject: [obol] Christmas Valley Raptor Survey 1-20-07 Message-ID: <004201c73d72$6fa09730$6500a8c0@DEN> Since Kim Boddie was called out-of-town on family matters, it took four of us to take his place. Dean Hale, Steve Kornfeld, Candace Cobb, and I went to Christmas Valley on Saturday. Thankfully, even without Kim's presence, the raptors still showed up (191 total). We spent 5 1/2 hours and 85 miles on the route under partly cloudy skies with temps in the low 30's F. We also saw 1 N. Shrike, 27 mule deer, and 3 coyotes. 'Thank you' to the excellent crew for their spotting prowess and the chocolate rewards, tasty salmon, and yummy peanut butter cookies. (Eat your heart out, Kim!) Birds seen On Route Off Route Red-tailed Hawk 44 10 Am. Kestrel 1 0 No. Harrier 12 1 Bald Eagle 23A, 1S 8A Golden Eagle 13 0 Rough-legged Hawk 27 10 Ferruginous Hawk 22 5 Unid Buteo 5 1 Prairie Falcon 4 0 Cooper's Hawk 2 1 Great Horned Owl 1 0 Totals 155 36 Submitted by: Kris Knoernschild Bend -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/8a0c49e7/attachment.htm From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Sun Jan 21 09:11:02 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 09:11:02 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Spring song In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <462377.55706.qm@web34212.mail.mud.yahoo.com> I had the same experience last Monday at Millicoma Marsh, although the male singing was a Purple Finch. A number of them have shown back up in the past week or so around Coos Bay. Only another 9 to 10 days and the first plum trees will be flowering around Coos Bay and that's when the first Rufous/Allen's Hummers usually come back. My wife and I were working in the garden too yesterday, spring is close at hand along the coast (it's a LONG spring). ENJOY! Tim R Coos Bay --- Alan Contreras wrote: > The local male House Finch declared today, January > 20, the first day of > spring and is trying out every song it ever thought > of. > > -- > Alan Contreras > EUGENE, OREGON > acontrer at mindspring.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 From rneyer at gmail.com Sun Jan 21 09:23:48 2007 From: rneyer at gmail.com (Rob Neyer) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 09:23:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Grey Owl (Clackamas County, Beavercreek & Rockie Rd) Message-ID: This stunning creature put on a great show for a bunch of us this morning from dawn until roughly 0830, hoping from various fenceposts to the ground and back, finishing up with a strafing run directly over our heads and disappearing behind the house across Beavercreek Rd. Those of us in the Portland area are very lucky. Rob Neyer -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/e6ed6d94/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Sun Jan 21 09:31:00 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 09:31:00 -0800 Subject: [obol] Jo Co Spring song References: <462377.55706.qm@web34212.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <000f01c73d81$ebe86520$3ef9d7cd@Warbler> We are having freezing cold nights and just barely above freezing in the daytime here, but several species are singing regardless. For some time now, OAK TITMICE and WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES have been singing around our area near the Merlin I-5 exit. Heard a few RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS warming up also near us. Dennis (north of Grants Pass) From dbarendt at comcast.net Sun Jan 21 11:40:00 2007 From: dbarendt at comcast.net (Dennis Arendt) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 11:40:00 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated Duck is back Message-ID: <002601c73d93$f11e2540$6400a8c0@userf571d87fba> Ray said that the Falcated Duck has returned to its favorite spot in the Gainsborough Homes subdivision. The directions have been posted earlier, so I am not repeating them. However, the gate is closed on Sundays (maybe others,too, I don't know), so you will need to call Ray Holmberg before you arrive so that he can make sure that the gate is open (541-463-9456). Also, so not go on the path east of the water channel and do not force the duck to move from its favorite location. Dennis -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/367802a1/attachment.htm From llsdirons at msn.com Sun Jan 21 12:22:28 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:22:28 +0000 Subject: [obol] Alvadore SUMMER TANAGER yes on Sunday morning Message-ID: The Alvadore Summer Tanager came in to its favorite feeder at least twice between 9:00-10:30AM Sunday. Dave Irons Eugene, OR From uskestrel at yahoo.com Sun Jan 21 13:22:21 2007 From: uskestrel at yahoo.com (Carol Ledford) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:22:21 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] GGO - Mulino - SUCCESS! Message-ID: <120810.36417.qm@web54205.mail.yahoo.com> The beautiful Great Gray Owl in Mulino was extremely cooperative this morning. Jan Skau and I arrived at Rockie and Beavercreek Roads at 7:40, saw the bird on a fence post, and watched it pounce on critters a couple of times and mantle, as Steve Jaggers described yesterday, and fly back to the posts. At 8:00 it flew off into the woods across Beavercreek Road, and didn't reappear while we were there. Some of birders present actually felt the wind from its wings as it went over their heads! So cool! If anyone got good photos today that they'd be willing to share with me, I'd sure appreciate it. My little camera just couldn't handle the low-light conditions. Thanks. Carol Ledford Gresham, Oregon --------------------------------- Bored stiff? Loosen up... Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/c6c1ce0b/attachment.htm From WeberHome at att.net Sun Jan 21 14:42:37 2007 From: WeberHome at att.net (Cliff & Joanne Weber) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:42:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] Koll Center Wetlands Message-ID: <20070121224313.5250B1504EF@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> OBOL, hello! We're pretty sure that ratio wise, this little urban pond has the greatest number of American Coots per acre foot of water than any other in the Portland Metro area. Coots are congregated here like chickens in a barnyard. Waterfowl numbers, and passerine numbers were way down during the freezing week, but have rebounded considerably. Today had Red wing Blackbirds, Crows, Song Sparrows, a Fox Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Northern Flicker, House Sparrow, Gull species, Red Tail Hawk, Common Mergansers of both genders, Hooded Mergansers of both genders, Ring-neck Ducks, Pied bill Grebes (these have produced young in past years), Canada Geese, Great Blue Herons, and Buffleheads. (Somebody surely noticed this before us; but we just lately realized that both genders of the Common Merganser are very attractive birds and could easily be mistaken for two totally different species of duck by people who don't know any better. That's fairly unusual as most girls in the duck world look kind of drab compared to the boys.) Mulder the marsh cat is still alive, still enjoys a dish of fresh half & half, and looks to be pretty healthy. We're not sure how that hardy old kitty manages to survive the cold spells, but it always does. FYI: a new Starbucks opened very close by, less than a minute away; at the corner of SW Hall Blvd and SW Nimbus Ave. Careful not to be decoyed by Noah's Bagels. Starbucks is not in the Noah's store. It's to the right around a corner of the building as you approach from the off-street parking lot. Where? ... Beaverton, Washington Square area, Thomas Bros Portland street guide page 625, square D7 Google satellite image: http://tinyurl.com/2x2hed Wheelchair friendly? ... Yes. Good paved parking and easy access to a roofed, railed, and benched observation deck. Restrooms? ... No. Cliff & Joanne Weber Beaverton (Rock Creek area) From riutta at comcast.net Sun Jan 21 15:11:40 2007 From: riutta at comcast.net (Riutta Family) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 15:11:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] The Foggy (Scappoose) Bottom Breakdown Message-ID: <005b01c73db1$82bfc4a0$0201a8c0@HOMEBASE> Greetings one and all, Despite rumors of my premature demise or simple falling off the face of the earth, I am in fact not deceased and have simply been inordinately busy with work and studying for my (gasp!) MBA. However, as I am soon to chance positions within the firm and my days on the road attending conventions and trade shows are to abruptly cease, I plan to use my slightly increased leisure time to pursue my addiction of choice ? watching birds. I have spent considerable time watching the birds in other parts of the nation and around the world, but I find that I have spent precious little time getting to know my own local patch. To my local birds and their daily lives I am almost a stranger. Thus I am considering myself a born-again birder and will endeavor to do my part for the community by assisting Henry and the other Columbia County, Oregon birders to keep tabs on the local avian activity. This morning I spent a bit of time down on the bottom land just outside Scappoose ? working primarily around the intersection of Dike Road and E. Columbia Avenue. The weather was cold (just above freezing at 35?F) and very foggy. The hunters were in abundance and active, so I used them to my advantage per the advice of Pete Dunne (I sought a place where birds might be moving toward to leave the area of the hunters? activities). Birds recorded: Great Egret - Ardea alba Canada Goose - Branta canadensis (hundreds, but in the air and obscured by the fog) American Wigeon - Anas americana Gadwall - Anas strepera (a pair in a field drainage ditch) Green-winged Teal - Anas carolinensis Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos Northern Pintail - Anas acuta (probably close to 100, possibly more) Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata Ring-necked Duck - Aythya collaris (at least 20) Northern Harrier - Circus cyaneus American Kestrel - Falco sparverius California Quail - Callipepla californica American Coot - Fulica americana Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Regulus calendula American Robin - Turdus migratorius Varied Thrush - Ixoreus naevius (only 1, itself a bit of a surprise at such a low elevation) American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos European Starling - Sturnus vulgaris Spotted Towhee - Pipilo maculatus Fox Sparrow - Passerella iliaca (Sooty) Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia Golden-crowned Sparrow - Zonotrichia atricapilla (only 3, fewer than expected) Dark-eyed Junco - Junco hyemalis Peace and good bird watching to all, John E. Riutta Scappoose, Oregon -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/b3238f6f/attachment.htm From cgates at webformixair.com Sun Jan 21 16:01:38 2007 From: cgates at webformixair.com (Charles R. Gates) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:01:38 -0800 Subject: [obol] Jefferson County Ringed Turtle Dove and others Message-ID: Kim Owen and I went to Jefferson County to do some birding today. Highlights were: 14 Eurasian Collared Doves - Agency Plains 2 Ringed Turtle Doves - Agency Plains near the airport with the Collared Doves (Kim got good photos) 6 Greater Scaup - Pelton Overlook 1 Common Loon - Pelton Overlook 1 Common Loon - Lake Billy Chinook near the marina 6 Dunlin - Pelton Overlook 1 Cackling Goose - Pelton Overlook 86 Double-crested Cormorants - Lake Simtustus 1 Northern Shrike - Agency Plains 1 Northern Shrike - Pelton Overlook area 4 Prairie Falcons - Various Locations 2 Scrub Jays - Culver 5 Brown-headed Cowbirds - in feedlot on Adams Drive 10-15,000 Starlings - same feedlot Chuck Gates Powell Butte From dbarendt at comcast.net Sun Jan 21 16:18:49 2007 From: dbarendt at comcast.net (Dennis Arendt) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:18:49 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated Duck update Message-ID: <001901c73dba$e46368c0$6400a8c0@userf571d87fba> Obolers, Here is the latest about the Falcated Duck, including directions. The main contact for seeing this bird is Ray Holmberg who lives in the Gainsborough subdivision. His phone number is 541-463-9456. He will be in town only for the next ten days. After that, call Jeanie in the office (541-689-1390). The entrance to the Gainsborough Homes subdivision has a gate which is open Monday through Friday 9:00 - 5:00 and closed weekends, unless there is a function in their community center. How to get there: The Gainsborough Homes subdivision is in the Santa Clara area, the northwest part of Eugene. Coming from I-5, take Beltline Road west for approximately 5.5 miles to the Northwest Expressway, take the NW Expressway north to Irving (a signal light), turn east (right) onto Irving. Drive approximately 300 yards to the entrance to the Gainsborough subdivision on your right (south side of road). If the gates are open, enter and turn right at the first intersection and right again at the next intersection and part near the water channel. Coming from River Road, turn west onto Irving and travel 1.0 miles to the entrance to the Gainsborough subdivision, which will on your left. (East of River Road, Irving is called Hunsaker Lane.) Once there, stay on the path on the west side of the water channel, walk south carefully as you look over the small groups of ducks. The Falcated Duck has been seen with several Mallards, a few Wigeon and a single male Wood Duck. This group is usually found about 100 yards south of the road where you parked. Be very careful to not disturb the ducks or the people who live there. You will be able to get quite close by walking slowly and quietly. If they appear to be anxious about your presence, back away. If you want good photos, come in the afternoon when the sun will not be shining in your eyes. Dennis -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/5896677f/attachment.htm From john.gatchet at oc.npuc.org Sun Jan 21 16:20:04 2007 From: john.gatchet at oc.npuc.org (John Gatchet) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:20:04 -0800 Subject: [obol] Mockingbird, Golden Eagle and Eurasian Wigeon Message-ID: <41450F4C98633F449B0D441BFA16956F593AB0@npuceb.NPU.NA.SDA> Sorry for the late post. I am just getting to my computer. Yesterday afternoon the NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was present at Lamar Lane in Eugene. There was an ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD and a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER in the same location. A GOLDEN EAGLE was flying north along Highway 99 West in southern Benton County. The location was 99 West and Hubbard Road. Delorme pg. 47 and B 7. It was moving north and then flew rapidly north and east. I was able to see it as it circled to gain altitude. At William L. Finley NWR there were 8 EURASIAN WIGEON in one group of American Wigeon. They were feeding in a field with a group of at least 400 American Wigeon. Bob Stites told me about the large group of Wigeon and it is possible that his group may have counted more than the 8 birds. There was an additional EURASIAN WIGEON on a pond nearby. A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and a WHITE-TAILED KITE were at the Prairie Overlook at William L. Finley NWR. At Baskett Slough NWR a BALD EAGLE went into the water at the overlook 5 times without obtaining what it was after. It went deeply into the water each time and I am assuming it was after a fish, but it may have been something else. The nearby ducks stayed put. John F. Gatchet Gresham, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/baeb3286/attachment.htm From dr_hazeem at hotmail.com Sun Jan 21 16:25:47 2007 From: dr_hazeem at hotmail.com (Stephanie H) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:25:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/271fb556/attachment.htm From dr_hazeem at hotmail.com Sun Jan 21 16:28:39 2007 From: dr_hazeem at hotmail.com (Stephanie H) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:28:39 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/93944e19/attachment.htm From celata at pacifier.com Sun Jan 21 16:44:09 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:44:09 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds References: Message-ID: <45B408A1.4DA9B9AA@pacifier.com> The following is an obligatory response. It is not intended to impugn the competence of any individual or individuals nor should it be taken as the only possible explanation for the events attached to this response. It's creeping up on spring and the EUROPEAN STARLINGS are warming up. Among the many species they "do" is Red-winged Blackbird. They also do Western Wood-pewee, Common Nighthawk, Killdeer and Bald Eagle. Don't be fooled. If you live in a neighborhood where unexpected species (either by habitat or time of year) seem to be singing, eliminate the possibility of DARK LARKS first. That is all. Stephanie H wrote: > > I just wanted to report I have been HEARING red winged blackbirds in SE Portland, near > eastport plaza. I have been hearing them for months now but I haven't seen one yet! They > may be at my neighbor's house, they feeders up also. > > I have also been seeing the townsend's warbler at my feeders all week. > > We have also had a very large hawk, not sure what kind, killing pigeons and > driving crows crazy near my house. > -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From jeffharding at centurytel.net Sun Jan 21 17:06:06 2007 From: jeffharding at centurytel.net (Jeff Harding) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:06:06 -0800 Subject: [obol] East Linn County Kites Message-ID: <200701220106.l0M160hY015728@msa1-gh.centurytel.net> On Friday there were two WHITE-TAILED KITES NE of Lebanon, Linn County. One was near Lacomb, - on Baptist Church Road between Bond Road and Richardson's Gap Road, the same place I recorded one on the December ECBC Winter Raptor Survey. There was a second kite near Crabtree, on Fish Hatchery Drive near Freeman Road. Bill Thackaberry and I found them while attempting to run Linn County route 5. We also observed a PRAIRIE FALCON on Brewster Road near Crabtree. We ran out of time to finish the route, though. I hope I have time to run it again next weekend. Good Birding, Jeff Harding -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/21a6d0c1/attachment.htm From dtoregon at yahoo.com Sun Jan 21 18:13:47 2007 From: dtoregon at yahoo.com (Diane) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:13:47 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Red-winged Blackbirds In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <951120.54048.qm@web37009.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Today RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS could be seen and heard in the rather forlorn sunflower field at the intersection of Roy Rogers Road & SW Scholls-Sherwood Road in Tualatin. --------------------------------- Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/ce3f59a7/attachment.htm From dykstrar at ohsu.edu Sun Jan 21 18:22:02 2007 From: dykstrar at ohsu.edu (Richard Dykstra) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:22:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Gray Owl this AM Message-ID: This morning's encounter was truly memorable. The owl arrived at a few minutes before 7:30 and departed at about 8:00. He started in the area around the first house on the left for about 15 min, then worked the fence line along the meadow as described by others for the remainder of the time. At the closest, he was perched on a post less than 20 feet from the car. I posted a picture (taken through the windshield) on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdykstra. The landowner and his son have a long interest in birds and are a bit concerned about the "pressure" of the number of visitors. This morning the owl seemed much more worried about crows in the area than in the birders. From oschmidt at att.net Sun Jan 21 18:37:54 2007 From: oschmidt at att.net (Owen Schmidt) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:37:54 -0800 Subject: [obol] Black Phoebe on Sauvie Island today Message-ID: ...... message passed on from Jack Kiley and John Elizalde, who saw a Black Phoebe on Sauvie Island, Gillihan Loop Road on a water channel about a quarter mile before Reeder Road on the east side. oschmidt at att.net Sunday, January 21, 2007 From andy.frank at kp.org Sun Jan 21 18:39:09 2007 From: andy.frank at kp.org (Andy Frank) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:39:09 -0800 Subject: [obol] Where are the Short-eared Owls? Message-ID: <000301c73dce$7e74f560$6500a8c0@familyroom> I went to Scappoose Bottoms this afternoon hoping for Short-eared Owls but didn't find any. There were some good consolation prizes: a Barn Owl on a post by the road as we drove back, a male Ring-necked Pheasant, and 8 Eurasian Collared Doves in a yard on Dike Road. There also were about 1500 Snow Geese in a field that about 5:20 took off and flew directly overhead. It was an incredible site, and also a little surprising. I would have thought by then that they would have settled down for the night. Last weekend I went to the Portland Airport and after parking at Broughton Beach walked about 3/4 of a mile west on the path that parallels Marine Drive also without seeing any Short-eared Owls. Has anyone seen them in either location recently? I recalled earlier in the winter that there were 5 at the PDX airport but don't recall any recent reports. Thanks, Andy Frank From patman at aracnet.com Sun Jan 21 20:30:16 2007 From: patman at aracnet.com (Patrick Mansfield) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:30:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eurasian Wigeon Crystal Spgs./photos In-Reply-To: <410-22007111572218125@earthlink.net> References: <410-22007111572218125@earthlink.net> Message-ID: <20070122043016.GA9514@aracnet.com> On Sun, Jan 14, 2007 at 11:22:18PM -0800, Steve Berliner wrote: > Eurasian Wigeon (hybrid?) today (1-14-07) at Crystal Springs enjoying free birdseed handouts with the hoarding regulars. Slight postocular green; strong green nape, and nice green speculum. Taken of him on the water, photo one shows entire speculum, while no. two shows the nape well; at: > http://home.earthlink.net/~s.berliner/ Nice photos. We saw what looks like the same bird there today (Sunday jan 21), AFAIR it does not look like the/a hybrid we saw there last year (no pictures and seen from afar). A very hungry and aggresive bird! Here's a photo I took today: http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=365481757&size=o I don't think it's a hybrid, but I am not that good at id-ing birds :-/ So is it a Eurasian Wigeon or a hybrid? Maybe I'll post on flickr forums too. BTW, here is a nice place to find pictures of birds in the flickr field guide group, sorted by common name but also including latin names: http://www.flickr.com/groups/birdguide/discuss/72157594382295215 -- Patrick Mansfield From patman at aracnet.com Sun Jan 21 20:33:29 2007 From: patman at aracnet.com (Patrick Mansfield) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:33:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eurasian Wigeon Crystal Spgs./photos In-Reply-To: <20070122043016.GA9514@aracnet.com> References: <410-22007111572218125@earthlink.net> <20070122043016.GA9514@aracnet.com> Message-ID: <20070122043329.GA20519@aracnet.com> On Sun, Jan 21, 2007 at 08:30:16PM -0800, Patrick Mansfield wrote: > Here's a photo I took today: > > http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=365481757&size=o > > I don't think it's a hybrid, but I am not that good at id-ing birds :-/ OK I already changed my mind, it looks like a hybrid as compared with this photo: http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=109356521&context=pool-42637302 at N00&size=o PS: still searching for my Sibley guide ... it must be around here somewhere. -- Patrick Mansfield From 5hats at peak.org Sun Jan 21 20:40:10 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:40:10 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds References: Message-ID: <007101c73ddf$7f291a70$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Stephanie, Are you positive it is Red-winged Blackbirds you have been hearing? European Starlings are capable of doing a pretty good imitation, and I personally would be less surprised in November, December and January to hear that vocalization come from them than from the real thing. Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: Stephanie H To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 4:25 PM Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds I just wanted to report I have been HEARING red winged blackbirds in SE Portland, near eastport plaza. I have been hearing them for months now but I haven't seen one yet! They may be at my neighbor's house, they feeders up also. I have also been seeing the townsend's warbler at my feeders all week. We have also had a very large hawk, not sure what kind, killing pigeons and driving crows crazy near my house. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Laugh, share and connect with Windows Live Messenger ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.13/632 - Release Date: 1/16/2007 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/fefdc83a/attachment.htm From 5hats at peak.org Sun Jan 21 20:42:20 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:42:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds References: <45B408A1.4DA9B9AA@pacifier.com> Message-ID: <008401c73ddf$b87e1320$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Mike, I thought so too, and sent my reply to Stephanie before noticing your post. Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Patterson" To: Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 4:44 PM Subject: Re: [obol] Red winged blackbirds > The following is an obligatory response. It is not intended > to impugn the competence of any individual or individuals nor > should it be taken as the only possible explanation for the > events attached to this response. > > It's creeping up on spring and the EUROPEAN STARLINGS are > warming up. Among the many species they "do" is Red-winged > Blackbird. They also do Western Wood-pewee, Common Nighthawk, > Killdeer and Bald Eagle. Don't be fooled. If you live in > a neighborhood where unexpected species (either by habitat or > time of year) seem to be singing, eliminate the possibility > of DARK LARKS first. > > That is all. > > Stephanie H wrote: >> >> I just wanted to report I have been HEARING red winged blackbirds in SE >> Portland, near >> eastport plaza. I have been hearing them for months now but I haven't >> seen one yet! They >> may be at my neighbor's house, they feeders up also. >> >> I have also been seeing the townsend's warbler at my feeders >> all week. >> >> We have also had a very large hawk, not sure what kind, >> killing pigeons and >> driving crows crazy near my house. >> > > > -- > Mike Patterson > Astoria, OR > celata at pacifier.com > > I'm not jealous or > Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon > http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.13/632 - Release Date: 1/16/2007 > > From 5hats at peak.org Sun Jan 21 20:52:28 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:52:28 -0800 Subject: [obol] Screech Owls Message-ID: <00b001c73de1$213fe540$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Obol, Got a real treat tonight. Around 8:30 p.m. I thought I heard a Western Screech Owl call. I gave an imitation hoot, and was instantly answered by one about sixty yards away. We carried on a conversation (although I didn't understand what he was saying) for a few exchanges, and then another, presumably the mate chimed in from another 40 yards away. They continued to sing a duet for several minutes, some with my prompting, when from across the canyon on the far hillside, another bird got involved, and, shortly, its mate as well. So Laura and I listened for a few minutes to two Western Screech Owl duets being sung simultaneously. And I actually had the sense, toward the end, to shut up and let the owls talk. Darrel -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/e598669a/attachment.htm From forobol at msn.com Sun Jan 21 21:26:01 2007 From: forobol at msn.com (Al Ahlgrim) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:26:01 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds References: <45B408A1.4DA9B9AA@pacifier.com> Message-ID: We have had RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS at our location south of Oregon City since Jan. 14th. In 2006 they appeared on Jan. 30th. The birds linger through the summer and some feed at our sunflower seed feeders greedily until early summer. So far this year only one male has acquired the taste. Beavercreek, the creek, is nearby. I have sightings going back for years for every month except November and December. Al Ahlgrim ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Patterson To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 4:44 PM Subject: Re: [obol] Red winged blackbirds The following is an obligatory response. It is not intended to impugn the competence of any individual or individuals nor should it be taken as the only possible explanation for the events attached to this response. It's creeping up on spring and the EUROPEAN STARLINGS are warming up. Among the many species they "do" is Red-winged Blackbird. They also do Western Wood-pewee, Common Nighthawk, Killdeer and Bald Eagle. Don't be fooled. If you live in a neighborhood where unexpected species (either by habitat or time of year) seem to be singing, eliminate the possibility of DARK LARKS first. That is all. Stephanie H wrote: > > I just wanted to report I have been HEARING red winged blackbirds in SE Portland, near > eastport plaza. I have been hearing them for months now but I haven't seen one yet! They > may be at my neighbor's house, they feeders up also. > > I have also been seeing the townsend's warbler at my feeders all week. > > We have also had a very large hawk, not sure what kind, killing pigeons and > driving crows crazy near my house. > -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/a3ebba23/attachment.htm From jeffgill at teleport.com Sun Jan 21 21:54:10 2007 From: jeffgill at teleport.com (Jeff Gilligan) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:54:10 -0800 Subject: [obol] FW: Willapa Bay In-Reply-To: Message-ID: I was in Washington, but only a few miles north of the Oregon border. Trumpter Swans winter in that area every year and are increasing. ------ Forwarded Message From: Jeff Gilligan Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:52:06 -0800 To: Tweeters Conversation: Willapa Bay Subject: Willapa Bay I spent the weekend at a house on Willapa Bay (on the peninsula about 1/3 of the way up from the south tip of Long Island) with non-birders, but of course managed to keep an eye out. On Sunday: 23 Trumpeter Swans flew by close (some calling). 5 Redheads with Greater and Lesser Scaup at a location that at low tide had been worked for steamer clams by the harvesting crew. Several thousand Dunlin and a few Western Sandpipers at mid-tide. The spartina eradication may be paying off. 30 dowitchers flew by (presumably Long-billeds). Jeff Gilligan Portland. ------ End of Forwarded Message From celata at pacifier.com Sun Jan 21 22:08:03 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:08:03 -0800 Subject: [obol] Columbia Estuary Report - 1/21/2007 Message-ID: <45B45469.F5AAF2C1@pacifier.com> Columbia Estuary Report - 1/21/2007 There were at least 45 CINNAMON TEAL at Svensen Island yesterday. Lots of other duck species there as well. The now annual flock of SNOW GEESE could be seen off to the east from the Twilight Eagle Sanctuary. 28 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER were with about 300 DUNLIN in the pasture at Jackson Rd in Brownsmead. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was mixed in with other ZONOS on Jackson Rd. The EMPEROR GOOSE continues, though with less predictablity at the Astoria Airport pasture. Up to 25 SNOW BUNTING are being seen along Clatsop Beach. They wander the entire stretch from Del Rey to Peter Iredale, so can be tough to find. I heard a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW singing at Wireless Rd the other day. This is remarkably early, but I suspect he was just happy to see the snow go away. -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From fschrock at macnet.com Sun Jan 21 22:10:59 2007 From: fschrock at macnet.com (Floyd Schrock) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:10:59 -0800 Subject: [obol] Talking Turkey, Yamhill Co. Message-ID: <002301c73dec$1621f990$0c01a8c0@desktop> I'm not a fan of Wild Turkeys, but today I ran into a flock of 15 in the hills southwest of McMinnville. They were entertaining to watch and listen to, and I was especially intrigued by the "whitish" member among them. I don't know if it should be called "leucistic" or partially albino, but it is a striking bird. For any Obolinks who are interested in this phenomenon, a photo is at http://empids.blogspot.com/. ===================== Floyd Schrock McMinnville, Oregon USA fschrock at macnet.com From cowgirl at harborside.com Sun Jan 21 22:18:21 2007 From: cowgirl at harborside.com (Lois Miller) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:18:21 -0800 Subject: [obol] Kinglets and Kestrels Message-ID: <002801c73ded$1e7d9a80$7f341c40@Lois> It was so nice to have it warm and sunny today ! I hope your thawing out up north too. I went out photographing birds this morning and was kneeling down taking a close up shot of a Golden Crown Kinglet who had come right up to me when my lens suddenly went all bright and fuzzy.....I looked up over the camera to see what on earth happened and a American Kestrel swooped right in front of me and took my kinglet ! Of all the nerve. I would say it was within 7 or 8 feet.....sure got my attention. I followed him and the only good thing I have to say is I now have a really good Kestrel photo...with fuzzy little feathers still in his toes.... but all in all...a very nice sunday down here Lois Miller Port Orford -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070121/bda7f758/attachment.htm From cantore at lanecc.edu Sun Jan 21 22:46:25 2007 From: cantore at lanecc.edu (Ellen Cantor) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:46:25 -0800 Subject: [obol] (no subject) Message-ID: <45B3ED41020000F40001CB7F@mailhost.lanecc.edu> On Saturday I birded with Eugene Audubon out in the East and West Coyote Units, including the wetlands around the ODFW Headquarters. Since no one has posted the highlights of our sightings, I'll post some of them. Highlights included: immature MERLIN, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (juvenile), several WHITE-TAILED KITES, BLACK PHOEBE (at ODFW ), juvenile BALD EAGLE, VIRGINIA RAILS (heard ODFW), COMMON (EURASIAN) TEAL (at Stewart Pond). The trip was led by Roger Robb. Today, Sunday, I biked through the West Eugene Wetlands and out Royal Ave to the Fern Ridge Wildlife Refuge. Out by the Observation Deck I ran into several other birders: Dave Stone and Lisa, and Mason and Loraine Davis. Our highlights included 4-5 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 4 TUNDRA SWANS, 2 juvenile BALD EAGLES, 2 WHITE-TAILED KITES, 1 adult MALE N. HARRIER (in addition to the many female and immatures), and a previously reported BLACK PHOEBE. And in response to the Red-winged Blackbird posts, I observed a number of singing Red-winged Blackbirds. From gnorgren at earthlink.net Sun Jan 21 23:32:28 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 23:32:28 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds In-Reply-To: <45B408A1.4DA9B9AA@pacifier.com> References: <45B408A1.4DA9B9AA@pacifier.com> Message-ID: While on the Coos Bay CBC with David Smith and Tim Shelmardine we heard many Starlings imitating SAY'S PHOEBES along Virginia Avenue. (I hope I remember the street name correctly, it's an E-W arterial that goes from the s side of the airport east to the bay). We didn't hear this imitation elsewhere in the circle during the weekend. I don't recall such a localized "dialect" with starlings before. Lars Norgren On Jan 21, 2007, at 4:44 PM, Mike Patterson wrote: > The following is an obligatory response. It is not intended > to impugn the competence of any individual or individuals nor > should it be taken as the only possible explanation for the > events attached to this response. > > It's creeping up on spring and the EUROPEAN STARLINGS are > warming up. Among the many species they "do" is Red-winged > Blackbird. They also do Western Wood-pewee, Common Nighthawk, > Killdeer and Bald Eagle. Don't be fooled. If you live in > a neighborhood where unexpected species (either by habitat or > time of year) seem to be singing, eliminate the possibility > of DARK LARKS first. > > That is all. > > Stephanie H wrote: >> >> I just wanted to report I have been HEARING red winged blackbirds in >> SE Portland, near >> eastport plaza. I have been hearing them for months now but I haven't >> seen one yet! They >> may be at my neighbor's house, they feeders up also. >> >> I have also been seeing the townsend's warbler at my >> feeders all week. >> >> We have also had a very large hawk, not sure what kind, >> killing pigeons and >> driving crows crazy near my house. >> > > > -- > Mike Patterson > Astoria, OR > celata at pacifier.com > > I'm not jealous or > Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon > http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From gnorgren at earthlink.net Sun Jan 21 23:44:37 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 23:44:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] Luckiamute Natural Area Message-ID: No Sedge Wren this morning. Despite a balmy 40-44 F around my house the past 24 hrs there was still ice at the water's edge where the wren has most often been seen. The surface air felt barely warmer. Song Sparrows and Red=winged Blackbirds were singing, but other species subdued. WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were calling (and to a much lesser extent singing) from the cardinal directions as I stood by the blackberry patch. In the North and West they were in Oregon White Oaks, to the South in Black Cottonwoods, and to the East in Oregon Ash. This is the biggest group of this species I have encountered in recent memory. I saw a SWAMP SPARROW a short distance east of the blackberry patch in the weeds dominated by Queen Anne's Lace. Many small sparrows are scattered through these waist high weeds, often defying inspection. All that I got good looks at were LINCOLN'S. Upon landing on blackberry canes or other tall plants on the weed patch's margins they often sat for minutes on end and allowed detailed studies. Larger sparrows were conspicuous in their absence. No Golden-crowns and only two or three SOOTY FOX SPARROWS. Seven TRUMPETER SWANS flew over, north bound, as I was leaving. Lars Norgren From rickcameron at comcast.net Mon Jan 22 00:45:07 2007 From: rickcameron at comcast.net (Rick Cameron) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:45:07 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds In-Reply-To: <007101c73ddf$7f291a70$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> References: <007101c73ddf$7f291a70$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: <8280dd47eed39cbe5946625a74d3318d@comcast.net> The redwings were singing up a storm at Ridgefield NWR this morning. Two males were jostling for position at the edge of one of the marshes with a number of others calling from the interior. They were both vocalizing and spreading their feathers, here's a picture I took of one this morning: http://racphoto.com/Parks/WA/Ridgefield/Blackbirds/ _MG_1758_acr36_1000.jpg They've been singing at Ridgefield the past few weeks although I didn't notice the males displaying until today. Doesn't mean Stephanie's birds aren't imitators, but the blackbirds are pretty vocal right now in some areas. Rick On Jan 21, 2007, at 8:40 PM, Darrel Faxon wrote: > Stephanie, > ??? Are you positive it is Red-winged Blackbirds you have been > hearing?? European Starlings are capable of doing a pretty good > imitation, and I personally would be less surprised in November, > December and January to hear that vocalization come from them than > from the real thing. > ? > Darrel >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: Stephanie H >> To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >> Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 4:25 PM >> Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds >> >> >> >> >> I just wanted to report I have been HEARING red winged blackbirds in >> SE Portland, near eastport plaza. I have been hearing them for months >> now but I haven't seen one yet! They may be at my neighbor's house, >> they feeders up also. >> >> ?????????? I have also been seeing the townsend's warbler at my >> feeders all week. >> >> ??????????? We have also had a very large hawk, not sure what kind, >> killing pigeons and driving crows crazy near my house. >> >> >> >> >> ? >> >> Laugh, share and connect with Windows Live Messenger >> -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/enriched Size: 2824 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/3816732e/attachment.bin From henry at formandstructure.net Mon Jan 22 05:23:24 2007 From: henry at formandstructure.net (Henry Horvat) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 08:23:24 -0500 Subject: [obol] Snow Geese Scappoose Bottoms Message-ID: <07C53281B0F03B42A788AEB0D85CC1E91E8611@BE057.mail.lan> On Sunday, January 21 I observed what I thought was a long narrow snow field about 1/2 mile distant at the Ellis farm in Scappoose Bottoms, as this area still has a few snow patches here and there. When I detected movement I got the scope out and counted about 2,300 Snow Geese for a 16 year high count. Usually we do not see Snow Geese in Scappoose Bottoms. These must have come over from Sauvie Island. Recent feeder birds at our home include a Varied Thrush and a Lincoln's Sparrow and two sightings on the same day of a Coopers Hawk catching a bird for food. Henry Horvat In the heart of Scappoose Bottoms -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/1d4b8d57/attachment.htm From dpvroman at budget.net Mon Jan 22 05:54:42 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 05:54:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds References: <45B408A1.4DA9B9AA@pacifier.com> <008401c73ddf$b87e1320$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: <007201c73e2c$debe3900$70fad7cd@Warbler> In the case of the Red-wings in the Grants Pass area (Jo Co); was watching them while they were singing (actually, looking for a Tricolored, who's song is a dead give-a-way). Dennis > Mike, > I thought so too, and sent my reply to Stephanie before noticing your > post. > Darrel > >> The following is an obligatory response. It is not intended >> to impugn the competence of any individual or individuals nor >> should it be taken as the only possible explanation for the >> events attached to this response. >> >> It's creeping up on spring and the EUROPEAN STARLINGS are >> warming up. Among the many species they "do" is Red-winged >> Blackbird. They also do Western Wood-pewee, Common Nighthawk, >> Killdeer and Bald Eagle. Don't be fooled. If you live in >> a neighborhood where unexpected species (either by habitat or >> time of year) seem to be singing, eliminate the possibility >> of DARK LARKS first. >> >> That is all. >> Mike Patterson >> Astoria, OR >> celata at pacifier.com From conserve at tidelink.net Mon Jan 22 06:42:00 2007 From: conserve at tidelink.net (Jason Randolph (Conservation For The Oregon Coast)) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:42:00 -0800 Subject: [obol] Adrenaline Rush Thrush Message-ID: <45B4CD38.4010706@tidelink.net> Good morning all! Just a reminder to all traveling the rural roads of Southwestern Oregon (and I would imagine other ares as well)... Varied Thrushes appear to have a death wish and dart directly in front of moving vehicles. It seems as though they score points on having the vehicle actually touching tail feathers as they fly in front of a rapidly moving 1+ ton object. To get the points they have to stay alive though, which is not generally easy (hey, if it was easy, adrenaline wouldn't rush would it?). But seriously, please drive carefully on those small rural roads. I have a little grassroots campaign called "Slow Down 5 To Keep Them Alive" and ask that you all keep it in mind. Just drive the speed limit (or sign posted yellow speed recommendation) minus five miles an hour in areas of poor visibility or around corners, etc. Just this small reduction can save the lives of countless birds. I counted 4 dead yesterday evening alone as Heather and I were out... Hope you all have a super week! Jason in Charleston -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: conserve.vcf Type: text/x-vcard Size: 387 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/aa1e9510/attachment.vcf From garbledmodwit at yahoo.com Mon Jan 22 06:44:54 2007 From: garbledmodwit at yahoo.com (Tim Rodenkirk) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:44:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Fwd: Re: Red winged blackbirds Message-ID: <1123.40743.qm@web34205.mail.mud.yahoo.com> --- Tim Rodenkirk wrote: > Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:30:00 -0800 (PST) > From: Tim Rodenkirk > Subject: Re: [obol] Red winged blackbirds > To: celata at pacifier.com > > Those Dark Larks sure are good at imitating, it's a > dead give away when you hear a Sora calling from a > tree top! > > That said, the Red-winged Blackbirds basically sing > all winter along the south coast, at least when it's > warm out. Yesterday there was a flock of a hundred > or > more singing their hearts out on the north spit of > Coos Bay. > > ENJOY! > Tim R > Coos Bay > --- Mike Patterson wrote: > > > The following is an obligatory response. It is > not > > intended > > to impugn the competence of any individual or > > individuals nor > > should it be taken as the only possible > explanation > > for the > > events attached to this response. > > > > It's creeping up on spring and the EUROPEAN > > STARLINGS are > > warming up. Among the many species they "do" is > > Red-winged > > Blackbird. They also do Western Wood-pewee, > Common > > Nighthawk, > > Killdeer and Bald Eagle. Don't be fooled. If you > > live in > > a neighborhood where unexpected species (either by > > habitat or > > time of year) seem to be singing, eliminate the > > possibility > > of DARK LARKS first. > > > > That is all. > > > > Stephanie H wrote: > > > > > > I just wanted to report I have been HEARING red > > winged blackbirds in SE Portland, near > > > eastport plaza. I have been hearing them for > > months now but I haven't seen one yet! They > > > may be at my neighbor's house, they feeders up > > also. > > > > > > I have also been seeing the > townsend's > > warbler at my feeders all week. > > > > > > We have also had a very large hawk, > > not sure what kind, killing pigeons and > > > driving crows crazy near my house. > > > > > > > > > -- > > Mike Patterson > > Astoria, OR > > celata at pacifier.com > > > > I'm not jealous or > > Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in > > Oregon > > > http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html > > _______________________________________________ > > obol mailing list > > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Finding fabulous fares is fun. > Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel > sites to find flight and hotel bargains. > http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/domains/?p=BESTDEAL From greg at thebirdguide.com Mon Jan 22 08:12:27 2007 From: greg at thebirdguide.com (Greg Gillson) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 08:12:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eurasian Wigeon Crystal Spgs./photos Message-ID: <20070122081227.rfcwpryco48go8c4@webmail.thebirdguide.com> Patrick, Because your bird has pure pearl gray sides I would not call it a hybrid. Having a green stripe back from the eye is not a sign of hybridism, necessarily. A bird with gray mixed with ruddy sides would be a hybrid. Hybrids on the web (note side color) and see that head color is less reliable... http://www.miriameaglemon.com/Trip%20Photos/Central%20CA%202002/wigeon%20hybrid%20sd%20204_WEB.jpg http://www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_A/AmericanWigeonxEurasianWigeon9999-002.jpg http://www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_A/AmericanWigeonxEurasianWigeon9999-001.jpg Greg Gillson Hillsboro, Oregon greg at thebirdguide.com http://thebirdguide.com From jorrie at teleport.com Mon Jan 22 09:30:40 2007 From: jorrie at teleport.com (Jorrie & Ken Ciotti) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:30:40 -0800 Subject: [obol] Varied Thrush Behavior Message-ID: <45B4F4C0.2030508@teleport.com> This is the first time we have ever seen VARIED THRUSHES feeding at a hanging feeder. We first noticed it when there was snow on the ground. Amazing how adaptable birds can be. Also have RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and SPOTTED TOWHEES feeding at the peanut butter and suet cake feeders. Jorrie & Ken Ciotti Waldport, OR -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/87a5305b/attachment.htm From forobol at msn.com Mon Jan 22 10:17:18 2007 From: forobol at msn.com (Al Ahlgrim) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:17:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] Clackamas GG Owl late arrival Message-ID: Monday Jan. 22nd Clackamas County The GREAT GRAY OWL did arrive at 8:35 this morning. It was still there when I left a little before 9. It shows little fear of human activity. A local said that the bird often arrives right at the intersection with Rockie Drive and it is best to park 50 or 100 yards east on Rockie Drive and watch back toward Beavercreek Rd. Al Ahlgrim -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/24edc46d/attachment.htm From tom-escue at comcast.net Mon Jan 22 10:53:41 2007 From: tom-escue at comcast.net (Tom Escue) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:53:41 -0800 Subject: [obol] RED WINGED BLACKBURDS in Springfield Message-ID: <003701c73e56$a4b5dcc0$0301a8c0@yourf78bf48ce2> Hi, I saw and heard two RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS at my backyard feeders on Saturday in central Springfield. The ANNAS HUMMER has not been seen in a couple of weeks at my house. Tom Escue -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/6e96959f/attachment.htm From marciafcutler at comcast.net Mon Jan 22 11:16:52 2007 From: marciafcutler at comcast.net (MARCIA CUTLER) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:16:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] Adrenaline Rush Thrush References: <45B4CD38.4010706@tidelink.net> Message-ID: <021101c73e59$e696ea50$2794ab43@MC2> I have speculated about Varied Thrush mortality in the past. The Corvallis Audubon Society's collection of bird skins includes 3 Varied Thrushes and NO Robins. One would think because of the year-round presence, sometimes numerous, of Robins that we'd have some, while even a single Varied Thrush would be a lucky happenstance. On another thread, I've heard Western Meadowlark (wrong habitat) and Golden-crowned Sparrows (wrong time of year) in my back yard courtesy of Starlings along with various other bird songs I can't recall. One tendency I think I've observed is that Starlings start imitating another bird's call a couple of weeks before you'd expect to hear that bird. I've also speculated that the type of song a Starling sings reflects where it's spent some time. In my backyard, the Starlings seem to disappear after breeding season (around August-Sept) and come back mid-winter. The nearest area where there are large flocks of Starlings is a dairy farm and some of the birds they imitate are likely found in that area. Marcia F. Cutler Corvallis ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jason Randolph (Conservation For The Oregon Coast)" To: "Obol" ; "Steve Randolph" Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 6:42 AM Subject: [obol] Adrenaline Rush Thrush > Good morning all! > > Just a reminder to all traveling the rural roads of Southwestern Oregon > (and I would imagine other ares as well)... Varied Thrushes appear to > have a death wish and dart directly in front of moving vehicles. It > seems as though they score points on having the vehicle actually > touching tail feathers as they fly in front of a rapidly moving 1+ ton > object. To get the points they have to stay alive though, which is not > generally easy (hey, if it was easy, adrenaline wouldn't rush would it?). > > But seriously, please drive carefully on those small rural roads. I have > a little grassroots campaign called "Slow Down 5 To Keep Them Alive" and > ask that you all keep it in mind. Just drive the speed limit (or sign > posted yellow speed recommendation) minus five miles an hour in areas of > poor visibility or around corners, etc. Just this small reduction can > save the lives of countless birds. I counted 4 dead yesterday evening > alone as Heather and I were out... > > Hope you all have a super week! > > Jason in Charleston > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.4/643 - Release Date: 1/21/2007 5:12 PM From ladwil at comcast.net Mon Jan 22 11:53:12 2007 From: ladwil at comcast.net (Lisa Ladd-Wilson) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:53:12 -0800 Subject: [obol] White-throated sparrow Message-ID: <980ad86484cdcf9bab99eddb4cb77202@comcast.net> Hello: We drove out to Sauvie's Island about a month or so ago, when someone on OBOL posted the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW seen at the Oak Island feeding station. Sadly, we did not take the camera with us on that trip. So I went out this past weekend to see if I could get some pix of this beautiful bird. Gorgeous day at Sauvie's Island on Saturday! Great day for birding. Anyway, I brought along a bunch o' seed and tossed it out. It didn't take long for the chickadees, golden-crowned sparrows and towhees to show up. And then the white-throated sparrow came in. If you are interested in seeing this little guy, the photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sllw/ Lisa NE Portland From pamelaj at spiritone.com Mon Jan 22 11:57:47 2007 From: pamelaj at spiritone.com (pamela johnston) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:57:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Hermit Warbler, McMinnville, 1/22 Message-ID: <000801c73e5f$98a3b7f0$516cf204@yourw5st28y9a3> About 1100 today I saw a Hermit Warbler in Joe Dancer Park, McMinnville. It chipped occasionally, which caught my attention. It was feeding in a small deciduous tree among young Douglas firs. I'll list my other findings on birdnotes.net Joe Dancer Park is at the end of SE Brooks, off SE Three Mile Rd, which connects McMinnville to Hwy 18. The trailhead is off the parking area on the right as you drive into the park. To reach it, go around the green gate with a 'closed to vehicles' sign and you will se the trail going to the left. It was in this section near the trailhead. Pamela Johnston, Yamhill Co From 5hats at peak.org Mon Jan 22 11:58:27 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:58:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] question on owl vocalizations Message-ID: <000d01c73e5f$b0a61c80$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Obolites, In the Screech Owl duets we heard last night, one of the calls was a series of mid range hoots, the other a higher pitched, more rapid tremelo. I assume the lower pitched call to be that of the male, and the higher pitched one to be that of the female. But I may be wrong. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks. Darrel -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/8a07b4a5/attachment.htm From dan-gleason at comcast.net Mon Jan 22 11:58:56 2007 From: dan-gleason at comcast.net (Dan Gleason) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:58:56 -0800 Subject: [obol] Starlings Message-ID: <762A9537-4A0D-4BBB-8CE0-A1A2430EEE74@comcast.net> There has been much discussion here about starling and their vocal abilities. I wrote an article about starlings for my regular monthly column published in Eugene's Register Guard in August, 2006. The paragraph below, which discusses briefly their known vocal talents, is from that article. (I have attached the whole article as a pdf - it is small - for those interested in more facts about starlings.) "European Starlings are well known for their vocal ability, mimicking calls and songs of many other birds, often quite accurately. Mozart had a pet starling that he was very fond of, which amused him by being able to sing a short selection of his music. Mimicry of human speech by starlings was reported in the works of Aristotle, Pliny and the ancient Romans. Shakespeare also knew of this ability, for in Henry IV (Part I), Hotspur threatens to train a starling to say the forbidden name ?Mortimer? just to annoy the king. In fact, it is this Shakespearian reference that is indirectly responsible for the successful introductions of starlings into North America." Personally, I have heard California Quail, Mallard, Red-tailed Hawks, Sora, Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Wood Pewee, Western Meadowlark and even one call that sounded like a Blue Jay - all of these in trees in my yard thanks to some sleek, black speckled birds with shaggy throats. I once started a list that had over 20 species of birds that I had heard mimicked (not always well) by starlings. If they weren't such a pest, we would probably appreciate these much more for a variety of reasons. The article I have included does not go into depth on any aspect of their biology as my space in the newspaper is limited but they do have some interesting adaptations that are worth looking at. Dan Gleason ? ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/bde91f51/attachment.htm -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Starlings.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 50402 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/bde91f51/attachment.pdf -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/bde91f51/attachment-0001.htm From dan-gleason at comcast.net Mon Jan 22 12:02:52 2007 From: dan-gleason at comcast.net (Dan Gleason) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:02:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] question on owl vocalizations In-Reply-To: <000d01c73e5f$b0a61c80$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> References: <000d01c73e5f$b0a61c80$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Message-ID: <72C74A3F-A36F-4A48-9500-ED3F81D82D6F@comcast.net> You are correct that the male is the lower pitched voice. This is true for other owls as well even though the male is the smaller bird. One edition of Peterson's field guide says that in the Flammulated Owl, the smaller male has the higher voice but this is incorrect as males have the lower pitched voice just like other owls. In this case, it is a surprisingly low voice for such a small owl. Dan Gleason ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 On Jan 22, 2007, at 11:58 AM, Darrel Faxon wrote: > Obolites, > In the Screech Owl duets we heard last night, one of the calls > was a series of mid range hoots, the other a higher pitched, more > rapid tremelo. I assume the lower pitched call to be that of the > male, and the higher pitched one to be that of the female. But I > may be wrong. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks. > > Darrel > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/fad5cf70/attachment.htm From henry at formandstructure.net Mon Jan 22 14:19:03 2007 From: henry at formandstructure.net (Henry Horvat) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:19:03 -0500 Subject: [obol] Red Wing Blackbirds-Scappoose Bottoms Message-ID: <07C53281B0F03B42A788AEB0D85CC1E91E86E1@BE057.mail.lan> This is our 14th. year participating in Project Feederwatch for Cornell and every year like clockwork we get Red Wing Blackbirds at our feeders starting in early to mid January. The count numbers start at two birds and are as high as fourteen as we get closer to spring. Also like clockwork, every New Years day, (except this year!) I observe a few Western Meadowlarks at the corner of East Columbia and Dike Road in Scappoose Bottoms in the tall cottonwood trees. Spring is coming,! Henry Horvat -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/45693664/attachment.htm From ed.mcvicker at comcast.net Mon Jan 22 15:00:11 2007 From: ed.mcvicker at comcast.net (Ed McVicker) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:00:11 -0800 Subject: [obol] Clackamas Co. GG Owl photos Message-ID: <45B541FB.3050303@comcast.net> As mentioned earlier today, several people saw the owl at the Rockie Dr./Beavercreek Rd. pasture. A couple photos of the bird this morning in the light fog are at: http://oregonbirding.blogspot.com Ed McVicker Portland From brownnancy at hotmail.com Mon Jan 22 15:21:13 2007 From: brownnancy at hotmail.com (Nancy Brown) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:21:13 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds Message-ID: Just to corroborate Stephanie's email, I mentioned last week that I had been hearing Red-winged Blackbirds in my NE neighborhood (near Rose City Golf Course) and two days ago saw one on my sunflower seed feeder. I've been hearing them for about two weeks now. Nancy Brown _________________________________________________________________ Get into the holiday spirit, chat with Santa on Messenger. http://imagine-windowslive.com/minisites/santabot/default.aspx?locale=en-us -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/ba1839fb/attachment.htm From acontrer at mindspring.com Mon Jan 22 15:27:08 2007 From: acontrer at mindspring.com (Alan Contreras) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:27:08 -0800 (GMT-08:00) Subject: [obol] Brewer's Blackbird Message-ID: <26959415.1169508429206.JavaMail.root@mswamui-andean.atl.sa.earthlink.net> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/226fae1e/attachment.htm From hnehls at teleport.com Mon Jan 22 16:24:23 2007 From: hnehls at teleport.com (Harry Nehls) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:24:23 -0800 Subject: [obol] Eurasian Teal Message-ID: Obolers, Saw a pure Eurasian Green-winged Teal today on the pond adjacent to the Scappoose Sewage Ponds. It was obviously larger than the regular Green-wings, so could have been of the Aleutian Island Race. Harry Nehls Portland, Oregon -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/627d53c3/attachment.htm From joel.geier at peak.org Mon Jan 22 16:47:58 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:47:58 -0800 Subject: [obol] The Ber-yamhill Triangle? Message-ID: <1169513278.3553.8.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hello folks, What's the deal with McMinnville? Every winter, some bird or other that should have wintered far to the south has instead stayed in McMinnville. Western Tanagers twice(?), a Sandhill Crane, and now a Hermit Warbler are the ones that spring to mind, but seems there have been others. Granted Eugene generates similar reports every winter, but that's a bigger town and has a lot more birders. Are Yamhill Co. birders (all six of them) just better? Or is there something special about McMinnville as winter bird habitat? Good birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From 5hats at peak.org Mon Jan 22 17:21:37 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:21:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] Starlings References: <762A9537-4A0D-4BBB-8CE0-A1A2430EEE74@comcast.net> Message-ID: <007101c73e8c$d76ee0e0$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> OBOL, I've heard most of the calls which others have noted as being given by starlings, but last week I was surprised to hear one giving, amid its other calls, the gabble of White-fronted Geese. Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: Dan Gleason To: OBOL Online Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 11:58 AM Subject: [obol] Starlings There has been much discussion here about starling and their vocal abilities. I wrote an article about starlings for my regular monthly column published in Eugene's Register Guard in August, 2006. The paragraph below, which discusses briefly their known vocal talents, is from that article. (I have attached the whole article as a pdf - it is small - for those interested in more facts about starlings.) "European Starlings are well known for their vocal ability, mimicking calls and songs of many other birds, often quite accurately. Mozart had a pet starling that he was very fond of, which amused him by being able to sing a short selection of his music. Mimicry of human speech by starlings was reported in the works of Aristotle, Pliny and the ancient Romans. Shakespeare also knew of this ability, for in Henry IV (Part I), Hotspur threatens to train a starling to say the forbidden name ?Mortimer? just to annoy the king. In fact, it is this Shakespearian reference that is indirectly responsible for the successful introductions of starlings into North America." Personally, I have heard California Quail, Mallard, Red-tailed Hawks, Sora, Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Wood Pewee, Western Meadowlark and even one call that sounded like a Blue Jay - all of these in trees in my yard thanks to some sleek, black speckled birds with shaggy throats. I once started a list that had over 20 species of birds that I had heard mimicked (not always well) by starlings. If they weren't such a pest, we would probably appreciate these much more for a variety of reasons. The article I have included does not go into depth on any aspect of their biology as my space in the newspaper is limited but they do have some interesting adaptations that are worth looking at. Dan Gleason ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There has been much discussion here about starling and their vocal abilities. I wrote an article about starlings for my regular monthly column published in Eugene's Register Guard in August, 2006. The paragraph below, which discusses briefly their known vocal talents, is from that article. (I have attached the whole article as a pdf - it is small - for those interested in more facts about starlings.) "European Starlings are well known for their vocal ability, mimicking calls and songs of many other birds, often quite accurately. Mozart had a pet starling that he was very fond of, which amused him by being able to sing a short selection of his music. Mimicry of human speech by starlings was reported in the works of Aristotle, Pliny and the ancient Romans. Shakespeare also knew of this ability, for in Henry IV (Part I), Hotspur threatens to train a starling to say the forbidden name ?Mortimer? just to annoy the king. In fact, it is this Shakespearian reference that is indirectly responsible for the successful introductions of starlings into North America." Personally, I have heard California Quail, Mallard, Red-tailed Hawks, Sora, Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Wood Pewee, Western Meadowlark and even one call that sounded like a Blue Jay - all of these in trees in my yard thanks to some sleek, black speckled birds with shaggy throats. I once started a list that had over 20 species of birds that I had heard mimicked (not always well) by starlings. If they weren't such a pest, we would probably appreciate these much more for a variety of reasons. The article I have included does not go into depth on any aspect of their biology as my space in the newspaper is limited but they do have some interesting adaptations that are worth looking at. Dan Gleason ? ------------- Dan Gleason dan-gleason at comcast.net 541 345-0450 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ obol mailing list obol at lists.oregonstate.edu http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol To unsubscribe, send a message to: obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.13/632 - Release Date: 1/16/2007 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/30e34fbc/attachment.htm From Jfitchen at aol.com Mon Jan 22 17:32:53 2007 From: Jfitchen at aol.com (Jfitchen at aol.com) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 20:32:53 EST Subject: [obol] Mult. Black Phoebe: No joy. Message-ID: Hello Obol, I spent several hours on Sauvie Island today trying to relocate the BLACK PHOEBE found yesterday by Jack Kiley and John Elizaldi (apologies if I butchered the spelling) and relayed to Obol by Owen Schmidt. Jack and John saw the bird on Sunday between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. at a slough near the junction of Reeder Road and Gillihan Road (see below for directions). The bird was apparently picking something off the still water and then perching on a log and two stumps in the slough. The spot is perfect habitat for Black Phoebe, with dense brush hanging over the edge of quiet water. From time to time I heard a whistled chip note that seemed right for Black Phoebe, but my experience with calling Black Phoebes is limited so I would take that information with a grain of salt. In any case, I was never able to see the bird from which the chip was eminating. I also walked south on a muddy vineyard road that afforded intermittent views of the southern extension of the slough. Alas, no bird. Directions: From the Sauvie Island Bridge, take Sauvie Island Road north about 2 miles to Reeder Road. Turn right and go about 5 miles to the 3-way intersection where Gillihan Road tees on Reeder Road. Turn right on Gillihan and go about 200 yards to the sign for 23820 Gillihan Road and the slough will appear on your left. A private drive runs north along the right bank of the slough, but the best view is from the shoulder of Gillihan Road. You'll have a direct, close in view of the partially submerged log and two small stumps where the bird was seen perched. You'll know you're in the right place if you are standing by a thick wooden fence post with a green sign that says "OM" printed in white. To my knowledge, this is only the second record of Black Phoebe in Multnomah County, so it's worth some extra effort. Hope to see some of you out there tomorrow. Cheers, John Fitchen Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/7a5f21a7/attachment.htm From aloha.girl at yahoo.com Mon Jan 22 20:09:10 2007 From: aloha.girl at yahoo.com (Diana Brin) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 20:09:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Falcated duck video Message-ID: <20070123040910.35615.qmail@web36608.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Spoke to several Gainsborough residents who are very proud not only of the falcated duck, but also their resident mallards and wood duck. Also ran into a birder who was irrritated because the duck wouldn't stay still...kept chasing the Am widgeon and mallards. This is a quick and dirty clip of some of the shots I took...unfortunately the quality on Google is not great...if anyone wants the originals, let me know. Also have some video of the wood duck and his new mallard mate. Diana Brin 541-908-6166 541-223-8565 dbrin13 at yahoo.com Yahoo IM: dbrin13 SKYPE: thewitch13 Falcated Duck in Oregon 1 min 47 sec - Jan 22, 2007 Description: East Asian visitor to Eugene, Oregon __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/88a9398b/attachment.htm From taylorbobt at yahoo.com Mon Jan 22 21:35:51 2007 From: taylorbobt at yahoo.com (Robert Taylor) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 21:35:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Great Grey Owl Message-ID: <937207.1919.qm@web58601.mail.re3.yahoo.com> Howdy OBOLites, The Great Grey Owl arrived at 8:27AM today (22nd) and was still there when I left at 9:10AM. I have some halfway decent digital photos of 'THE' bird and some comments. The bird does not seem concerned with traffic passing relatively close to it. Rockie road is a single track road with grass verges (two vehicles can pass each other). When I arrived, there were a number of vehicles present and the Owl had not shown. About 10 after 8 I made a circuit to the East, then South and finally West back to Beavercreek Road to try to find the Owl. No luck. After getting back on Rockie Rd (it intersects Beavercreek Road at two points and the Owl is at the Northernmost intersection with Beavercreek), most of the birders started leaving. I was closest to Beavercreek Rd and the other two remaining vehicles were closer to the top of the hill to the East. The Owl flew across the road and landed on top of a metal T-post and started scanning the grassy field. Traffic was passing within feet of its rear on Beavercreek. It post hopped until it was on a fencepost on Rockie. At that point, several vehicles leaving residences passed very close to it and it was seemingly unperturbed by them. Finally, a Mom drove down the road with her kids for the school bus. It is rather interesting to see the Owl on a t-post with a school bus in the background!! But it made a great photo! Having said all this, I still believe that Birders could easily flush this bird and end the opportunities for others to see it. I was out of my vehicle at a reasonable distance and had fantastic scope views of it. Magnificent bird!! Actually, two great birds in two days, Falcated Duck on Sunday and Great Grey on Monday -- tomorrow?? I talked with the Mom as she returned home and she said the Owl has been around for quite awhile and roosted in a big barn on the West side of Beavercreek but in the heavy snow and wind, the barn collapsed and the Owl still stuck around!! She considers it a regular sight in the area and probably wishes the Birders would go home and leave the road to her and other residents!! So, a little concern for them will go a long way. Everyone that I saw this morning was a model for the "good birder" designation. No road blockage. No loud noises. No hassling the bird. That is great!! Concern was expressed by one birder and the Mom that it could become roadkill with its low flight as it crosses Beavercreek but there isn't much that can be done about that. It seems that it usually is seen coming from the direction of where the old barn is/was when it is seen coming to the field. Hope everyone gets to see it -- it is worth it! Many thanks, Bob Taylor Canby, Oregon taylorbobt at yahoo.com --------------------------------- Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/62630d43/attachment.htm From areid at peak.org Mon Jan 22 22:05:07 2007 From: areid at peak.org (Alan Reid) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:05:07 -0800 Subject: [obol] Falcated Teal Message-ID: <000001c73eb4$8fdae030$0300a8c0@ReidDesktop> The FALCATED TEAL was easily seen most of this p.m. but getting a good picture was difficult as he was in almost constant motion, especially when his head was so the color was right. He seemed to think his job was to almost constantly chase and harrass the Widgeons. I had a chance of a good shot of the male WOOD DUCK standing on the bank but a female Mallard insisted on standing right in front of the Woodie. I am glad I'm using a digital cameraa now - 117 exposures to choose from are no financial problem! Alan Reid areid at peak.org 2 miles below Leaburg on the McKenzie Hwy. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/c9211c97/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Mon Jan 22 23:01:26 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 23:01:26 -0800 Subject: [obol] Singing Junco Message-ID: <3274d368cb4a63a9f3ad91989597b922@earthlink.net> I heard a Junco singing in Banks this morning at 8:30, the first I have noticed this year. I spent a lot of time outdoors in Manning where I heard none. A Raven there was belling and a Pileated Woodpecker giving what they pass off for a "song". Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON From kiss at cot.net Mon Jan 22 18:38:20 2007 From: kiss at cot.net (Charlotte Ann Kisling) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 18:38:20 -0800 Subject: [obol] THE EAGLE Message-ID: <000101c73ebc$7b797680$6401a8c0@Charlotte> THE EAGLE has returned. Today, at around 2PM, near the intersection of Chin and Buesing Roads, located north of Merrill. The leucistic adult Bald eagle has returned to almost the exact spot where it was first discovered two years ago. It was seen perched on an irrigation line west of Chin Road and about a quarter mile north of Buesing Road. Also today, a White-faced Ibis was found on the Tule Lake refuge. If one takes the tour route, eventually the road comes to a T intersection. The normal tour route turns south, but take the turn to the north and that turns east after a couple hundred yards. Follow the road until it makes a right turn to the north and the ibis was seen in the canal to the left side of the road. Charlotte Ann Kisling -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/bcf427ef/attachment.htm From badkitty at studkitty.com Mon Jan 22 23:06:07 2007 From: badkitty at studkitty.com (Jacqui Parker) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 23:06:07 -0800 Subject: [obol] "spring" has sprung? Message-ID: <45B5B3DF.8070509@studkitty.com> Hi OBOLidae! Beaverton/Hillsboro Tanasborne area heard a BC chickadee warming up w/ mating calls & saw 2 Redtails flying beautifully together in what looked like a warm up for the early hawk mating season. It was sunny around here a good part of the day and certainly warmer. Yippee!!! I keep checking that dingy little wetland by the Beaverton TC and so far, no more Snipe sightings! I did see a crow today however with 1 white tail feather! happy birdin' ya'll! -- Jacqui Parker Portland, OREGON ........... I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974), Interview 1974 From dr_hazeem at hotmail.com Mon Jan 22 23:32:46 2007 From: dr_hazeem at hotmail.com (Stephanie H) Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 23:32:46 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sauvie's Island by bus? Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070122/503f7c23/attachment.htm From birdboy at bkpix.com Tue Jan 23 00:17:52 2007 From: birdboy at bkpix.com (Noah Strycker) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:17:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] Harney Co. Snow Bunting (photo), ECDOs, etc. Message-ID: Obol, My dad and I spent last weekend wandering the frigid back parts of Harney County, looking for interesting photographs and wildlife. Our car thermometer measured two degrees F at the otherwise cozy Field Station on Saturday morning, and Chickahominy Reservoir had ice fisherman instead of ducks. Most interesting bird was a SNOW BUNTING along the gravel road to Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge, about 22 miles west of its junction with Hwy 205. Photo is posted here: http://www.noahstrycker.com/photopages/snowbunting2.htm Otherwise, the expected winter birds, including 10 raptor species and a smattering of NORTHERN SHRIKES. I had the unique experience of watching an antler fall off the head of a 3-point Mule Deer as it walked through deserted Frenchglen. Seeing an antler shed in real time is sort of like watching a tree fall in the forest on a still day, or a lightbulb burn out in an empty room. On our way through Burns on Sunday, we drove through the northeast neighborhood and saw 5 EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES without much effort. Good birding, Noah Strycker From withgott at comcast.net Tue Jan 23 10:51:51 2007 From: withgott at comcast.net (Jay Withgott) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:51:51 -0800 Subject: [obol] Starlings In-Reply-To: <762A9537-4A0D-4BBB-8CE0-A1A2430EEE74@comcast.net> References: <762A9537-4A0D-4BBB-8CE0-A1A2430EEE74@comcast.net> Message-ID: Nice article, Dan. Starlings are one of the most fascinating birds around. My two favorite pieces of recommended reading on these amazing creatures are: * "Mozart's Starling," by Meredith West & Andrew King -- a wonderful account of starling vocal behavior & mimicry -- which is reprinted online with permission at: http://www.starlingtalk.com/mozart1.htm * "In Praise of the Starling," by Michael Harwood, an essay in Audubon magazine years ago that sadly I cannot locate now (if anyone finds it, I'd love a copy; I think I have the title right?). Harwood pointed out that the starling's march across the continent parallels that (those) of our own species, and if we are going to glorify our own achievements it's a bit anthropocentric not to also glorify the starling. JW At 11:58 AM -0800 1/22/07, Dan Gleason wrote: >There has been much discussion here about starling and their vocal >abilities. I wrote an article about starlings for my regular monthly >column published in Eugene's Register Guard in August, 2006. The >paragraph below, which discusses briefly their known vocal talents, >is from that article. (I have attached the whole article as a pdf - >it is small - for those interested in more facts about starlings.) > >"European Starlings are well known for their vocal ability, >mimicking calls and songs of many other birds, often quite >accurately. Mozart had a pet starling that he was very fond of, >which amused him by being able to sing a short selection of his >music. Mimicry of human speech by starlings was reported in the >works of Aristotle, Pliny and the ancient Romans. Shakespeare also >knew of this ability, for in Henry IV (Part I), Hotspur threatens to >train a starling to say the forbidden name "Mortimer" just to annoy >the king. In fact, it is this Shakespearian reference that is >indirectly responsible for the successful introductions of starlings >into North America." > >Personally, I have heard California Quail, Mallard, Red-tailed >Hawks, Sora, Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Wood Pewee, Western >Meadowlark and even one call that sounded like a Blue Jay - all of >these in trees in my yard thanks to some sleek, black speckled birds >with shaggy throats. I once started a list that had over 20 species >of birds that I had heard mimicked (not always well) by starlings. >If they weren't such a pest, we would probably appreciate these much >more for a variety of reasons. > >The article I have included does not go into depth on any aspect of >their biology as my space in the newspaper is limited but they do >have some interesting adaptations that are worth looking at. > >Dan Gleason >? >------------- >Dan Gleason >dan-gleason at comcast.net >541 345-0450 > > > >There has been much discussion here about starling and their vocal >abilities. I wrote an article about starlings for my regular monthly >column published in Eugene's Register Guard in August, 2006. The >paragraph below, which discusses briefly their known vocal talents, >is from that article. (I have attached the whole article as a pdf - >it is small - for those interested in more facts about starlings.) > >"European Starlings are well known for their vocal ability, >mimicking calls and songs of many other birds, often quite >accurately. Mozart had a pet starling that he was very fond of, >which amused him by being able to sing a short selection of his >music. Mimicry of human speech by starlings was reported in the >works of Aristotle, Pliny and the ancient Romans. Shakespeare also >knew of this ability, for in Henry IV (Part I), Hotspur threatens to >train a starling to say the forbidden name "Mortimer" just to annoy >the king. In fact, it is this Shakespearian reference that is >indirectly responsible for the successful introductions of starlings >into North America." > >Personally, I have heard California Quail, Mallard, Red-tailed >Hawks, Sora, Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Wood Pewee, Western >Meadowlark and even one call that sounded like a Blue Jay - all of >these in trees in my yard thanks to some sleek, black speckled birds >with shaggy throats. I once started a list that had over 20 species >of birds that I had heard mimicked (not always well) by starlings. >If they weren't such a pest, we would probably appreciate these much >more for a variety of reasons. > >The article I have included does not go into depth on any aspect of >their biology as my space in the newspaper is limited but they do >have some interesting adaptations that are worth looking at. > >Dan Gleason > > >Content-Type: application/pdf; > x-unix-mode=0644; > name=Starlings.pdf >Content-Disposition: inline; > filename=Starlings.pdf > >Attachment converted: Toner:Starlings.pdf (PDF /CARO) (0013625A) > >------------- >Dan Gleason >dan-gleason at comcast.net >541 345-0450 > > > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/7fc0bf4c/attachment.htm From Jadybrwn at aol.com Tue Jan 23 10:56:47 2007 From: Jadybrwn at aol.com (Jadybrwn at aol.com) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 13:56:47 EST Subject: [obol] Summer Tanager Message-ID: Barbara Combs and somebody named Darrel I think he said his name was and I watched the Tanager in Alvadore around 9:15 this morning. Dave Brown of Alvadore -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/c3812838/attachment.htm From bcraig777 at comcast.net Tue Jan 23 11:03:16 2007 From: bcraig777 at comcast.net (Bruce) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:03:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] Emailing: cocky In-Reply-To: <000701c73f0a$0b3eb3f0$0201a8c0@whupass> References: <000701c73f0a$0b3eb3f0$0201a8c0@whupass> Message-ID: <45B65BF4.5090108@comcast.net> Received from a friend. Thought OBoLers might enjoy this. Bruce Craig. http://www.juliusbergh.com/cocky/ From dbagues at earthlink.net Tue Jan 23 11:14:37 2007 From: dbagues at earthlink.net (=?iso-8859-1?Q?Diane_Bag=FC=E9s?=) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:14:37 -0800 Subject: [obol] San Francisco Pelagic Birding Message-ID: <009f01c73f22$be9df790$f349fea9@desktop> Hi, Does anyone know of particularly good pelagic birding operations in the broader San Francisco Bay area (including Monterey)? I know there are whale-watching trips, but that doesn't necessarily mean good birding. Thanks, Diane Bagues dbagues at earthlink.net temporarily relocated way south of where I'd like to be -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/32e3f4bf/attachment.htm From jbw at pacifier.com Tue Jan 23 11:14:32 2007 From: jbw at pacifier.com (Barbara & John Woodhouse) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:14:32 -0800 Subject: [obol] Tillamook Raptor Run East Message-ID: Numbers were down, worst we didn't see one White Tailed Kite! Weather was cool but mostly sunny. Miles 73 Hours 5.45 22 Redtailed Hawks 18 Am. Kestrels 1 Bald Eagle A 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 Coopers Hawk 2 Barn Owls Total 45 Barbara & John WoodhousTillamook From PaulACE at aol.com Tue Jan 23 11:30:11 2007 From: PaulACE at aol.com (PaulACE at aol.com) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:30:11 EST Subject: [obol] Great Grey Owl COURTESY Message-ID: Hello all at OBOL, I would like to introduce myself first and then set some ground rules for future reference at my property. my name is Paul Champlain and I am the owner of the property at Beavercreek road and Rockie drive where our honored guest, The great gray owl has chosen to frequent for now. I have for 9 years made this place my sanctuary and the birds are an open guest. This is the most recent, and most visual of rare birds to visit in a while. I wish him to stay as long as he desires. He is quite pleasing and sometimes comical, but always a great guest. I need to remind you at OBOL that this also is private property. I have not posted at this time, as I do not want to be forced to take away a rare and great view of my guest. I do ask that no one hop the fence and enter the field, nor pull into my driveway past the gate. I will consider this trespassing. I have allowed, at this time, people to park on my outer driveway paralleling my property. If conditions degrade more, I will post and hold viewers to Beavercreek road. Please help keep this from happening. A few directed words to ner-do-wells will save it for everybody. I am aware of the overwhelming desire for some to view and film our friend, but I need to remind you all, he can be scared away. He has reacted to the nearly overwhelming response he has received. I have seen his reaction to car doors and coughing. He spooked and left. I ask that spotlighting him in the dark be stopped immediately!. The laser lights to make him look in a particular direction also goes in this category. I have seen him retract to the inner poles of my fence in my field over the weekend and have not seen him actually make a kill in quite some time. Though I have seen him make many tries. Having said that, I have seen him make a wonderful flyover on three vehicles late Monday morning. He was quite a spectacular ham. Three well mannered birders were rewarded with their quiet and patience. He perched in front of the vehicles, then made a kill attempt and returned to a post closest to the viewers. I hope they captured him on film for their enjoyment. It truly looked like he was posing for them. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I am sure that with a little birding courtesy, and some common sense, we all will be able to enjoy this magnificent visitor for as long as he wishes to stay. Paul Champlain -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/783f9827/attachment.htm From rneyer at gmail.com Tue Jan 23 11:44:10 2007 From: rneyer at gmail.com (Rob Neyer) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:44:10 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Grey Owl COURTESY In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks for your consideration, Paul. As I wrote Sunday, I was one of those lucky enough to see this magnificent bird from just a few feet away. Having made the drive and perhaps annoyed Mr. (or Mrs?) Owl, I hardly can claim any moral or ethical high ground (about all I can claim is that when I shut my car door, I did it as quietly as possible). I would like to say one thing, though. In addition to respecting the wishes of Mr. Champlain, who has been incredibly gracious, let us also respect the bird. It's not our bird. It's ours no more than the sun is ours, or the wind. I'm not suggesting that we should not enjoy its presence (especially not after I've already enjoyed it). But let's not love it to death. This fragile creature is just trying to survive, and we are essentially its only prospective predators. Philosophically yours, Rob On 1/23/07, PaulACE at aol.com wrote: > > Hello all at OBOL, > > I would like to introduce myself first and then set some ground rules for > future reference at my property. my name is Paul Champlain and I am the > owner of the property at Beavercreek road and Rockie drive where our honored > guest, The great gray owl has chosen to frequent for now. I have for 9 years > made this place my sanctuary and the birds are an open guest. This is the > most recent, and most visual of rare birds to visit in a while. I wish him > to stay as long as he desires. He is quite pleasing and sometimes comical, > but always a great guest. I need to remind you at OBOL that this also is > private property. I have not posted at this time, as I do not want to be > forced to take away a rare and great view of my guest. I do ask that no one > hop the fence and enter the field, nor pull into my driveway past the gate. > I will consider this trespassing. I have allowed, at this time, people to > park on my outer driveway paralleling my property. If conditions degrade > more, I will post and hold viewers to Beavercreek road. Please help keep > this from happening. A few directed words to ner-do-wells will save it for > everybody. > I am aware of the overwhelming desire for some to view and film our > friend, but I need to remind you all, he can be scared away. He has reacted > to the nearly overwhelming response he has received. I have seen his > reaction to car doors and coughing. He spooked and left. I ask > that spotlighting him in the dark be stopped immediately!. The laser lights > to make him look in a particular direction also goes in this category. I > have seen him retract to the inner poles of my fence in my field over the > weekend and have not seen him actually make a kill in quite some time. > Though I have seen him make many tries. > Having said that, I have seen him make a wonderful flyover on three > vehicles late Monday morning. He was quite a spectacular ham. Three well > mannered birders were rewarded with their quiet and patience. He perched in > front of the vehicles, then made a kill attempt and returned to a post > closest to the viewers. I hope they captured him on film for their > enjoyment. It truly looked like he was posing for them. > Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I am sure that with > a little birding courtesy, and some common sense, we all will be able to > enjoy this magnificent visitor for as long as he wishes to stay. > > Paul Champlain > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/90cd4939/attachment.htm From willclemons at yahoo.com Tue Jan 23 12:16:02 2007 From: willclemons at yahoo.com (Bill Clemons) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:16:02 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Great Gray Owl WARNING Message-ID: <186031.18146.qm@web55111.mail.re4.yahoo.com> This morning, a flock of birders descended on the rural Clackamas County GGO site at the northerly intersection of Rockie Drive and Beavercreek Road. 1- The Owl was not seen between 7a and 9:30a when I left. WARNING: A) Beavercreek is a fairly busy High Speed (45mph or more) two lane road (1 lane in each direction), so Be Careful where you park or slow down or stop. When parking be sure to park Off the side or the road Beyond the white line at the road edge. B) The birders' presence has Worn Thin! At least with the man and woman who live ON Beavercreek Road, Directly Across from the northerly intersection of Rockie Drive and Beavercreek Road. The woman was quite vocal at 7am and other times thereafter. The man was quite vocal as well and around 9:15 or so he began walking up to all remaining vehicles and recording license plate numbers; to what end, I do not know. C) My personal advice, if you go, is at a minimum: 1- Do Not Park in front of that residence. 2- Park Off the Road. 3- Respect the neighborhood by keeping voices and other noise to a minimum. I know this sounds crazy when standing beside a fairly busy road, but it can't hurt. 4- When stopping, turning etc, be mindful of the fact that this is a high speed rural road. Be Safe, Bill Clemons SW of Portland in Mtn Park Willclemons AT Yahoo dot com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check. Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta. http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta/newmail_tools.html From archmcc at qwest.net Tue Jan 23 12:25:06 2007 From: archmcc at qwest.net (Arch McCallum) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:25:06 -0800 Subject: [obol] Northern Pgymy-Owl behavior, and calling rates Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.0.20070123113823.023976b8@mindbodyelectric.com> Hello OBOL, I have lived on McBeth in the hills southwest of Eugene for 5+ years and I do believe there is a resident Northern Pygmy-Owl in these parts, in spite of having seen it only three times. He (presumably) has "sung" around 7 am for a few days right around this date, for at least the last three years. He started up in mid-morning on 1/15/07 (my third sighting), and I was able to record him. This was the first time I've heard him near my house. Since then he has sung every morning that I've gone out, and I also heard him at dusk 2-3 days ago. He has been moving around a lot, singing from different trees, so I guess he is trying to attract a mate. I have a nestbox waiting for him, but so far it has never been used by any bird. In 2005 I recorded counter-singing at two pitches, so I guess he found a mate that year. I thought it might be useful to post the rate at which he in singing, as members of the Glaucidium gnoma complex sing at different rates in different geographic areas. In the New World (at least [old world and new world Glaucidium are separate clades]) members of that genus, singing rate is the main means of distinguishing species, and many new species have been split out of former assemblages on the basis of call rate and the correlated genetic differences. Rich Hoyer posted some rates on the ID frontiers list last spring: "Mountain" i.e., se. AZ southward - 100 notes per minute, similar to Northern Saw-whet Owl Rocky Mtns ( Colo to c. AZ) -- 60 notes per minute Northwest (CA, OR) 20-25 notes per minute I have two samples each from my bird this year, the bird in my neighborhood in 2005, and a bird near BirdTrack Spring in Union County in 2003, and they range from 17-24 notes per minute, right in line with Rich's observations. I do have some slightly higher numbers for saw-whet though. A bird last June in New Mexico giving feeding calls, i.e., not territorial, but acoustically the same call as the song, ranged from 147-176 notes per minute (but the strings were never a minute long). A bird that responded to nswo calls last October in my yard called at the rate of 116-130 notes per minute (once again, these strings didn't last a minute, unlike the extended singing of early spring). The fast introductory part of one of these calls was at the rate of 233 notes per minute. It looks like we are blessed with distinctively different call rates for these two widespread species in the northwest. That's great, because even the most experienced observers can jump to the wrong conclusion, particularly when a bird is calling during daylight hours, as described by Phil Unitt in Western Birds 35 (3): 175, 2004. Several renowned birders recanted their records of Northern Pygmy-Owls in the peninsular ranges of s. California when confronted with the absence of specimens and atlas data from those ranges. Apparently the birds in question were Saw-whets. good owling, Arch McCallum From archmcc at qwest.net Tue Jan 23 11:44:16 2007 From: archmcc at qwest.net (Arch McCallum) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:44:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] Grasshopper Sparrow 5/29/06 at Elkton Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.0.20070123112226.02046628@mindbodyelectric.com> OBOL: Grasshopper Sparrow is mentioned in Birds of Oregon, a General Reference (BOGR) as turning up occasionally on BBS routes in the Umpqua Valley. I should add, belatedly, another such record to the stack. I was just reviewing an audio tape I made on the Elkton BBS and immediately recognized the distinctive sonogram of this species. In the field last May, I missed it. Actually I heard a buzz in the distance and put it down as a Savannah Sparrow. It was at stop 7, which is on Mehl Creek Rd on the west side of the Umpqua River, just south of Elkton, Douglas County. There is a huge expanse of grass in the flood plain there. That road, by the way, is a wonderful quiet place to bird if you're ever in that area. The question now is, do I go back and change the data in the data base? I would guess not, post-processing in this event would introduce a statistical bias. I did a study for the BBS shop at Patuxent a few years ago in which I recorded the ambient sounds while some crack BBS veterans wrote down what they heard (and saw) in the standard way. It turns out they missed a good bit, although most errors were simple omissions instead of misidentifications like mine. We have to accept that the BBS does contain some errors, but is still incredibly valuable. Incidentally, I would wager you would never guess the species that was overlooked most frequently by the realtime observers in that study. ........................... Eastern Wood-Pewee. Good birding, Arch McCallum From joel.geier at peak.org Tue Jan 23 14:07:11 2007 From: joel.geier at peak.org (Joel Geier) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:07:11 -0800 Subject: [obol] Luckiamute SNA today Message-ID: <1169590031.3624.41.camel@localhost.localdomain> Hello folks, A very brief report on the Luckiamute State Natural Area (North Luckiamute Cooperative Mgmt Area unit) in SE Polk Co., from a visit in nice sunny weather this noon. First a rundown on the rarities that have been observed previously: Sedge Wren - not found Red Fox Sparrow - not found Slate-colored Fox Sparrow - one definite, another borderline Harris's Sparrow - not found Swamp Sparrow - not found I saw dozens of Lincoln's Sparrows including one remarkably crisp one near the "Sedge Wren's blackberry clump," but no other "little" sparrows that I had passable looks at (certainly lots that I didn't see well). Water levels have continued to drop which makes it possible to wander all the way to the easternmost bend in the Luckiamute River, just across from the Luckiamute Landing unit of the SNA. There are hundreds of sparrows back there. There were hordes of Song Sparrows including one possible eastern subspecies (very crisp dark marking on white breast, cleanly separated, chestnut wings, gray cheek and supercilium but not as pale as the Rocky Mountain/Great Basin types, more rich brownish markings on head). A territorial PILEATED WOODPECKER that flew in to sit in and call from one of the big old cottonwoods was the coolest bird of the outing. Good birding, Joel -- Joel Geier joel.geier at peak.org From bcombs at dialoregon.net Tue Jan 23 14:23:26 2007 From: bcombs at dialoregon.net (bcombs at dialoregon.net) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:23:26 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] Harrisburg/Coburg Raptor Run January 22, 2007 Message-ID: <1310.207.173.13.9.1169591006.squirrel@shemp.dialoregon.net> Robin Gage and I did the Harrisburg-Coburg Raptor Run yesterday, January 22. We had mostly glorious sunny weather in the high 30s to low 50s; some clouds rolled in later in the day. Winds were less than 5 mph. Our best find in a little over 4 hours of birding was a PEREGRINE FALCON. The bird was perched in a tree along Curtis Road. This location is within a mile or less of the location at which we saw on our December run, flying some distance away, a falcon that we could not conclusively identify. From puma at smt-net.com Tue Jan 23 14:39:02 2007 From: puma at smt-net.com (Pat Waldron) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:39:02 -0800 Subject: [obol] The Great Grey Owl Message-ID: <45B68E86.7050901@smt-net.com> Dear Paul, I read your email on OBOL, and you are a very patient person. I am a member of OBOL, and if I had a rare bird on my property, which I have had, I would keep it a secret because of the negative pressure people have on wild birds. What OBOL does NOT understand, is the constant pressure on one individual bird. It is in the morning, and in- between, it is in the afternoon, and in-between, it is in the evening, and in-between, it is at night! And it is day , after day, after day! Is the bird able to concentrate on eating with this constant interruption? You seem to have a question about it. That alone would do it for me. Are you and your neighbors not TIRED of all these people and cars? The OWL is not a pet, it is a wild creature that has had its hunting territory, turned into houses. There are enough great photos of this bird, and the Falcated Duck, posted for people to see. Paul, it is O.K. for you to say enough is enough. I think 90 percent of the folks on OBOL will understand. Paul, you have created a sanctuary for your birds, and you are to be commended for that. Thank you. Pat Waldron East of Scio Linn Co. On 1/23/07, PaulACE at aol.com > wrote: Hello all at OBOL, I would like to introduce myself first and then set some ground rules for future reference at my property. my name is Paul Champlain and I am the owner of the property at Beavercreek road and Rockie drive where our honored guest, The great gray owl has chosen to frequent for now. I have for 9 years made this place my sanctuary and the birds are an open guest. This is the most recent, and most visual of rare birds to visit in a while. I wish him to stay as long as he desires. He is quite pleasing and sometimes comical, but always a great guest. I need to remind you at OBOL that this also is private property. I have not posted at this time, as I do not want to be forced to take away a rare and great view of my guest. I do ask that no one hop the fence and enter the field, nor pull into my driveway past the gate. I will consider this trespassing. I have allowed, at this time, people to park on my outer driveway paralleling my property. If conditions degrade more, I will post and hold viewers to Beavercreek road. Please help keep this from happening. A few directed words to ner-do-wells will save it for everybody. I am aware of the overwhelming desire for some to view and film our friend, but I need to remind you all, he can be scared away. He has reacted to the nearly overwhelming response he has received. I have seen his reaction to car doors and coughing. He spooked and left. I ask that spotlighting him in the dark be stopped immediately!. The laser lights to make him look in a particular direction also goes in this category. I have seen him retract to the inner poles of my fence in my field over the weekend and have not seen him actually make a kill in quite some time. Though I have seen him make many tries. Having said that, I have seen him make a wonderful flyover on three vehicles late Monday morning. He was quite a spectacular ham. Three well mannered birders were rewarded with their quiet and patience. He perched in front of the vehicles, then made a kill attempt and returned to a post closest to the viewers. I hope they captured him on film for their enjoyment. It truly looked like he was posing for them. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I am sure that with a little birding courtesy, and some common sense, we all will be able to enjoy this magnificent visitor for as long as he wishes to stay. Paul Champlain __________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/e0a36ab9/attachment.htm From johnpam at ipns.com Tue Jan 23 15:04:43 2007 From: johnpam at ipns.com (JohnPam) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:04:43 -0800 Subject: [obol] Ecuador Lodge Info Needed-Wayyy Off Topic Message-ID: We are signing up to go to the Quito ABA Conference in September. Rather than tack on a long pre or post trip, we are thinking about either spending 3-4 days at Tandayapa Lodge or doing a 5 day trip with San Jorge Eco Lodge & Botanical Reserve folks. With the depth of birding-the-world knowledge out there, does anybody know about these two lodges? The problem with Tandayapa that I see is that they say they have NO local guides left due to all the pre and post field trips they are running around the ABA International Conference. I was hoping they would have a "secondary" guide or two for a few hours but it looks grim. I know Tandayapa is probably one of the best in the world otherwise, especially for hummingbirds and nearby outings. But NO GUIDE??? After going that far, one doesn't want to spend 3/4th of the time pouring through the 1600 species available in the books. (Well, OK, only 800 LOCAL species near Tandayapa!) The San Jorge group ("the Magic Birding Circle") sounds good but I can't yet find any info on them to give us a green light. Their trip(s) are pre and post and guided ...and shorter. I need to find out soon as we want to get this trip booked before our options run out. Any information would be appreciated. We had great info off OBOL on Costa Rica so keeping fingers crossed on Ecuador. Thanks, Great Birding! John Thomas (& Pam Reid) Silverton From Jfitchen at aol.com Tue Jan 23 15:04:53 2007 From: Jfitchen at aol.com (Jfitchen at aol.com) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:04:53 EST Subject: [obol] Mult. Black Phoebe: Strike Two Message-ID: Hello Obol, Bob Stites and I met a little after 9:00 this morning at the BLACK PHOEBE site near the intersection of Reeder and Gillihan Roads on Sauvie Island. We spent the next three hours combing the area, listening and playing tapes. No luck. Looks like the bird may have moved on, although I recall that the Black Phoebe seen several winters ago at Pheasant Court in Clackamas County would "go absent" for several days and then reappear. Hopefully that scenario will play out with the current bird as well. Also in the area, two EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES at 22141 Reeder Road and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at the phoebe site. Cheers, John Fitchen Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/cb41aba8/attachment.htm From notisj at ohsu.edu Tue Jan 23 15:08:52 2007 From: notisj at ohsu.edu (John Notis) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:08:52 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Grey Owl ETHICS Message-ID: <8DEC6FFD-4C39-40FA-A331-E57F1CD98059@ohsu.edu> I was pretty unhappy on Sunday morning when I was there, with all the noise people were making, walking around and slamming doors and talking, but I didn't really feel motivated to post some chastising note to obol. The worst of the noise was made by a local who stopped to ask what we were doing, and the owl didn't seem particularly fazed by the attention. I also assumed it was relatively crowded because it was a weekend morning, and it would get some peace during the week. Guess I was wrong! This isn't a zoo, folks. It's a wild animal, trying to eke out a living. According to comments made by the residents who live on Beavercreek Rd, the owl has been coming to that area for years, so maybe if you were thinking about paying it a visit this week, put it off for a while. If you do go to see it, park out of the way and stay in your car if you possibly can. I highly recommend a window mount for your scope or camera, especially if you have a truck or suv with a higher vantage point. If you do get out, at least conceal yourself behind your car and look over it. Spotlights and laser pointers?! You're not an isolated observer making a one-time disruptive observation of an owl out in the woods, where it probably won't have to deal with any more humans for a long time. Please, people, THINK! I think the ABA has done a good job putting together some guidelines. Please take a look: http://www.americanbirding.org/ abaethics.htm -John Notis Portland, OR From dlrobbo at comcast.net Tue Jan 23 15:15:43 2007 From: dlrobbo at comcast.net (Doug Robberson) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:15:43 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Grey Owl ETHICS In-Reply-To: <8DEC6FFD-4C39-40FA-A331-E57F1CD98059@ohsu.edu> Message-ID: I second John's comments. Not only did he have problems Sunday, but Saturday he was with me after someone chased off the falcated Duck. Doug Robberson Tigard, OR > I was pretty unhappy on Sunday morning when I was there, with all the > noise people were making, walking around and slamming doors and > talking, but I didn't really feel motivated to post some chastising > note to obol. The worst of the noise was made by a local who stopped > to ask what we were doing, and the owl didn't seem particularly fazed > by the attention. I also assumed it was relatively crowded because > it was a weekend morning, and it would get some peace during the > week. Guess I was wrong! > > This isn't a zoo, folks. It's a wild animal, trying to eke out a > living. According to comments made by the residents who live on > Beavercreek Rd, the owl has been coming to that area for years, so > maybe if you were thinking about paying it a visit this week, put it > off for a while. If you do go to see it, park out of the way and > stay in your car if you possibly can. I highly recommend a window > mount for your scope or camera, especially if you have a truck or suv > with a higher vantage point. If you do get out, at least conceal > yourself behind your car and look over it. > > Spotlights and laser pointers?! You're not an isolated observer > making a one-time disruptive observation of an owl out in the woods, > where it probably won't have to deal with any more humans for a long > time. Please, people, THINK! > > I think the ABA has done a good job putting together some > guidelines. Please take a look: http://www.americanbirding.org/ > abaethics.htm > > -John Notis > Portland, OR > > > > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From dpvroman at budget.net Tue Jan 23 15:44:01 2007 From: dpvroman at budget.net (Dennis P. Vroman) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:44:01 -0800 Subject: [obol] Jo Co north Raptor survey Message-ID: <001f01c73f48$5e752840$1cf7d7cd@Warbler> Today (01-23-07) the 2nd North Grants Pass Raptor count was accomplished. Time: 3 hrs; miles driven: 38.1; weather: partly cloudy to scattered clouds. Species observed: Red-tailed Hawk - 21 American Kestrel - 5 Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 White-tailed Kite - 2 Merlin - 2 Red-tail numbers up and Red-shouldered down. For whatever reason the Red-shoulders were staying out of site today. Yesterday on part of this route 2 were seen where none were found today. Had a Merlin on Merlin Road to Merlin (same as one other survey in the past). Also, 1 TURKEY VULTURE seen (yesterday too, in the route area). Dennis (north of Grants Pass) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/1a01d5d1/attachment.htm From sengel at audubonportland.org Tue Jan 23 16:08:46 2007 From: sengel at audubonportland.org (Steve Engel) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:08:46 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red Crossbills In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <200701240008.l0O08WR28680@broadway.hevanet.com> Around noon today heard and observed a flock of approximately 30 red crossbills at Bald Peak State Park. They flew in from southeast, landed in top of tall Doug firs, then departed to north and the east. They were very chattery and I never heard the classic (in my single species oriented mind) jip jip....jip jip....etc. Or else I heard 30 going on at the same time. Also a hairy woodpecker and immy sharpshin, red-breasted nuthatches. Steve Engel Adult Education Coordinator Audubon Society of Portland 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210 EMAIL: sengel at audubonportland.org web: www.audubonportland.org PHONE: 503-292-6855 x 119 (main) 971-222-6119 (direct) -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.8/649 - Release Date: 1/23/2007 8:40 PM From dr_hazeem at hotmail.com Tue Jan 23 16:19:42 2007 From: dr_hazeem at hotmail.com (Stephanie H) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:19:42 -0800 Subject: [obol] Varied Thrush Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/eeda3946/attachment.htm From badkitty at studkitty.com Tue Jan 23 16:48:47 2007 From: badkitty at studkitty.com (Jacqui Parker) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:48:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] who/what was the scrub jay predator? Message-ID: <45B6ACEF.3020509@studkitty.com> Hi OBOLidae Today as I approached the entrance to the Beaverton DMV about 1pm, right there, on the path were bird parts... specifically 2 wings and a tail from a Western Scrub jay. It did not look like they had been there too long, i.e., there were no flies, they were not smashed or kicked around, or soiled. It looked as if it had happened within a few hours at most. I know it could have been anything, but has anyone an idea? Was it was a raccoon, or cat? An owl perhaps? Was it hit by a car and scavenged, or actually hunted? If it was a diurnal accipiter (a Coopers Hawk) I can't imagine it would stay there during DMV hours of operation, in the middle of the path, and "dress" the critter before flying off w/ the body. I searched the near-by shrubbery for the body and I did not find it. Why hadn't a DMV person cleaned it up if it was there at opening time? The parts were quite cleanly torn from the body. A deranged human? any ideas? If it were not for the Bewinck fearlessly singing his little heart out on a small bare tree just before I rounded the corner, I would have been more disturbed I think. Jacqui -- Jacqui Parker Portland, OREGON ........... I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974), Interview 1974 ( '< / ) ) // " " From crmiller at bendnet.com Tue Jan 23 18:02:05 2007 From: crmiller at bendnet.com (Marilyn Miller) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:02:05 -0800 Subject: [obol] The Great Grey Owl In-Reply-To: <45B68E86.7050901@smt-net.com> Message-ID: <20070124020211.5E810148C36@smtp5.oregonstate.edu> I got an idea! Why doesn't everyone just forget about this owl and NOT go see it! Enough is enough. Marilyn Miller Bend, Oregon new email: goosemiller at msn.com as of 5-1-06 _____ From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Pat Waldron Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 2:39 PM To: PaulACE at aol.com; obol Subject: [obol] The Great Grey Owl Dear Paul, I read your email on OBOL, and you are a very patient person. I am a member of OBOL, and if I had a rare bird on my property, which I have had, I would keep it a secret because of the negative pressure people have on wild birds. What OBOL does NOT understand, is the constant pressure on one individual bird. It is in the morning, and in- between, it is in the afternoon, and in-between, it is in the evening, and in-between, it is at night! And it is day , after day, after day! Is the bird able to concentrate on eating with this constant interruption? You seem to have a question about it. That alone would do it for me. Are you and your neighbors not TIRED of all these people and cars? The OWL is not a pet, it is a wild creature that has had its hunting territory, turned into houses. There are enough great photos of this bird, and the Falcated Duck, posted for people to see. Paul, it is O.K. for you to say enough is enough. I think 90 percent of the folks on OBOL will understand. Paul, you have created a sanctuary for your birds, and you are to be commended for that. Thank you. Pat Waldron East of Scio Linn Co. On 1/23/07, PaulACE at aol.com wrote: Hello all at OBOL, I would like to introduce myself first and then set some ground rules for future reference at my property. my name is Paul Champlain and I am the owner of the property at Beavercreek road and Rockie drive where our honored guest, The great gray owl has chosen to frequent for now. I have for 9 years made this place my sanctuary and the birds are an open guest. This is the most recent, and most visual of rare birds to visit in a while. I wish him to stay as long as he desires. He is quite pleasing and sometimes comical, but always a great guest. I need to remind you at OBOL that this also is private property. I have not posted at this time, as I do not want to be forced to take away a rare and great view of my guest. I do ask that no one hop the fence and enter the field, nor pull into my driveway past the gate. I will consider this trespassing. I have allowed, at this time, people to park on my outer driveway paralleling my property. If conditions degrade more, I will post and hold viewers to Beavercreek road. Please help keep this from happening. A few directed words to ner-do-wells will save it for everybody. I am aware of the overwhelming desire for some to view and film our friend, but I need to remind you all, he can be scared away. He has reacted to the nearly overwhelming response he has received. I have seen his reaction to car doors and coughing. He spooked and left. I ask that spotlighting him in the dark be stopped immediately!. The laser lights to make him look in a particular direction also goes in this category. I have seen him retract to the inner poles of my fence in my field over the weekend and have not seen him actually make a kill in quite some time. Though I have seen him make many tries. Having said that, I have seen him make a wonderful flyover on three vehicles late Monday morning. He was quite a spectacular ham. Three well mannered birders were rewarded with their quiet and patience. He perched in front of the vehicles, then made a kill attempt and returned to a post closest to the viewers. I hope they captured him on film for their enjoyment. It truly looked like he was posing for them. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I am sure that with a little birding courtesy, and some common sense, we all will be able to enjoy this magnificent visitor for as long as he wishes to stay. Paul Champlain __________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/d2916b2e/attachment.htm From youngwarriors at hotmail.com Tue Jan 23 18:12:47 2007 From: youngwarriors at hotmail.com (Keith Owen) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:12:47 -0800 Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds In-Reply-To: <8280dd47eed39cbe5946625a74d3318d@comcast.net> Message-ID: There were Red-wings singing and displaying at Ankeny Refuge this past Saturday, also. Keith Owen >From: Rick Cameron >To: >Subject: Re: [obol] Red winged blackbirds >Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:45:07 -0800 > >The redwings were singing up a storm at Ridgefield NWR this morning. Two >males were jostling for position at the edge of one of the marshes with a >number of others calling from the interior. They were both vocalizing and >spreading their feathers, here's a picture I took of one this morning: > >http://racphoto.com/Parks/WA/Ridgefield/Blackbirds/ _MG_1758_acr36_1000.jpg > >They've been singing at Ridgefield the past few weeks although I didn't >notice the males displaying until today. Doesn't mean Stephanie's birds >aren't imitators, but the blackbirds are pretty vocal right now in some >areas. > >Rick > >On Jan 21, 2007, at 8:40 PM, Darrel Faxon wrote: > >>Stephanie, >>??? Are you positive it is Red-winged Blackbirds you have been hearing?? >>European Starlings are capable of doing a pretty good imitation, and I >>personally would be less surprised in November, December and January to >>hear that vocalization come from them than from the real thing. >>? >>Darrel >>>----- Original Message ----- >>>From: Stephanie H >>>To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >>>Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 4:25 PM >>>Subject: [obol] Red winged blackbirds >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>I just wanted to report I have been HEARING red winged blackbirds in SE >>>Portland, near eastport plaza. I have been hearing them for months now >>>but I haven't seen one yet! They may be at my neighbor's house, they >>>feeders up also. >>> >>>?????????? I have also been seeing the townsend's warbler at my feeders >>>all week. >>> >>>??????????? We have also had a very large hawk, not sure what kind, >>>killing pigeons and driving crows crazy near my house. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>? >>> >>>Laugh, share and connect with Windows Live Messenger >>> >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From crmiller at bendnet.com Tue Jan 23 18:14:18 2007 From: crmiller at bendnet.com (Marilyn Miller) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:14:18 -0800 Subject: [obol] Harris Sparrow - Jefferson County Message-ID: <20070124021419.77F9F104C67@smtp3.oregonstate.edu> I birded Jefferson County today and saw a very pretty Harris's Sparrow. It was in the Henderson Flats OHV area near the Trail Crossing Corral. This is kind of the back way to Haystack Reservoir. Haystack was frozen and there were no birds on the frozen lake. Other birds seen: Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Taverner's Geese - 14 at Pelton Wildlife Overlook B. c. minima Cackling Goose - 1 at Pelton Wildlife Overlook Canada Goose Green-winged Teal Mallard Northern Pintail Gadwall Bufflehead Northern Harrier Red-tailed Hawk Golden Eagle American Kestrel California Quail American Coot Killdeer - one at Pelton Wildlife Overlook Dunlin - two at Pelton Wildlife Overlook Rock Pigeon Black-billed Magpie Common Raven Mountain Bluebird Townsend's Solitaire American Robin Harris's Sparrow Western Meadowlark - singing! Marilyn Miller Bend, Oregon new email: goosemiller at msn.com as of 5-1-06 From crmiller at bendnet.com Tue Jan 23 18:20:14 2007 From: crmiller at bendnet.com (Marilyn Miller) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:20:14 -0800 Subject: [obol] Sage Grouse Lake County Message-ID: <20070124022015.7F415151082@smtp4.oregonstate.edu> While Craig and I were doing our Fort Rock raptor survey on Saturday, 1-20-07, we saw twenty one Sage Grouse near Fort Rock! Marilyn Miller Bend, Oregon new email: goosemiller at msn.com as of 5-1-06 From puma at smt-net.com Tue Jan 23 18:33:21 2007 From: puma at smt-net.com (Pat Waldron) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:33:21 -0800 Subject: [obol] The Great Grey Owl References: <20070124020211.5E810148C36@smtp5.oregonstate.edu> Message-ID: <45B6C571.1090306@smt-net.com> Hi Marilyn, I like your idea. I have been thinking that maybe OBOL has gotten just too big... for just one bird. How many new folks, and what is the Homo Sapiens count now? 800 ? 1000? I don?t really know. And folks who put their bird photos in the newspaper, to call extra added attention to these over stressed birds; what a shame. I just hope the OWL makes it, and the owner, and neighbors do too. Pat Waldron Marilyn Miller wrote: > I got an idea! Why doesn?t everyone just forget about this owl and > NOT go see it! Enough is enough. > > > > Marilyn Miller > Bend, Oregon > new email: goosemiller at msn.com as of 5-1-06 > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu > [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Pat Waldron > Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 2:39 PM > To: PaulACE at aol.com; obol > Subject: [obol] The Great Grey Owl > > > > Dear Paul, > I read your email on OBOL, and you are a very patient person. I am > a member of OBOL, and if I had a rare bird on my property, which I > have had, I would keep it a secret because of the negative pressure > people have on wild birds. What OBOL does NOT understand, is the > constant pressure on one individual bird. It is in the morning, and > in- between, it is in the afternoon, and in-between, it is in the > evening, and in-between, it is at night! And it is day , after day, > after day! Is the bird able to concentrate on eating with this > constant interruption? You seem to have a question about it. That > alone would do it for me. Are you and your neighbors not TIRED of all > these people and cars? The OWL is not a pet, it is a wild creature > that has had its hunting territory, turned into houses. There are > enough great photos of this bird, and the Falcated Duck, posted for > people to see. Paul, it is O.K. for you to say enough is enough. I > think 90 percent of the folks on OBOL will understand. Paul, you have > created a sanctuary for your birds, and you are to be commended for > that. Thank you. > > Pat Waldron > East of Scio > Linn Co. > On 1/23/07, PaulACE at aol.com > > wrote: > > Hello all at OBOL, > > > > I would like to introduce myself first and then set some ground rules > for future reference at my property. my name is Paul Champlain and I > am the owner of the property at Beavercreek road and Rockie drive > where our honored guest, The great gray owl has chosen to frequent for > now. I have for 9 years made this place my sanctuary and the birds are > an open guest. This is the most recent, and most visual of rare birds > to visit in a while. I wish him to stay as long as he desires. He is > quite pleasing and sometimes comical, but always a great guest. I need > to remind you at OBOL that this also is private property. I have not > posted at this time, as I do not want to be forced to take away a rare > and great view of my guest. I do ask that no one hop the fence and > enter the field, nor pull into my driveway past the gate. I will > consider this trespassing. I have allowed, at this time, people to > park on my outer driveway paralleling my property. If conditions > degrade more, I will post and hold viewers to Beavercreek road. Please > help keep this from happening. A few directed words to ner-do-wells > will save it for everybody. > > I am aware of the overwhelming desire for some to view and film > our friend, but I need to remind you all, he can be scared away. He > has reacted to the nearly overwhelming response he has received. I > have seen his reaction to car doors and coughing. He spooked > and left. I ask that spotlighting him in the dark be stopped > immediately!. The laser lights to make him look in a particular > direction also goes in this category. I have seen him retract to the > inner poles of my fence in my field over the weekend and have not seen > him actually make a kill in quite some time. Though I have seen him > make many tries. > > Having said that, I have seen him make a wonderful flyover on > three vehicles late Monday morning. He was quite a spectacular ham. > Three well mannered birders were rewarded with their quiet and > patience. He perched in front of the vehicles, then made a kill > attempt and returned to a post closest to the viewers. I hope they > captured him on film for their enjoyment. It truly looked like he was > posing for them. > > Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I am sure that > with a little birding courtesy, and some common sense, we all will be > able to enjoy this magnificent visitor for as long as he wishes to stay. > > > > Paul Champlain > > > > > __________ > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/02912fc3/attachment.htm From mcwdlm at qwest.net Tue Jan 23 18:27:05 2007 From: mcwdlm at qwest.net (Mary and Daniel) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:27:05 -0800 Subject: [obol] Odd winter sighting Message-ID: <134A7369-D567-42AD-9B71-90EED48D45BA@qwest.net> Dear OBOLites- I watch birds regularly from my office window (so much better than the computer screen) at OHSU. Over the years, I have seen just over 50 species, but today I was a bit surprised by a new visitor. Having lived in the northwest all of my life, I recognized the bird immediately, but it was odd enough that I chose to just take notes and see what others think. I gazed at this bird at about 20 yards for around 15 minutes. Granted, my office binoculars are not the finest optics, but the lighting was excellent, and the views prolonged. Overall, the bird had a thrush-like jizz. Clearly smaller than a robin, but easily larger than the largest sparrow. generally long tailed obvious but not overwhelming white eye ring relatively thin, short straight black bill overall grey. unstreaked breast obvious transition with a bold buffy wing stripe and obvious orange- ish (is that a word?) pattern on the wings. noticeable white edges to the tail. So my question is this: How odd would it be to see a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE in Portland, in the winter, perched on a railing of a building? The local habitat is buildings with surrounding conifers. We do have a interestingly large number of odd birds up here, perhaps due to the remaining large trees and the altitude. I welcome your comments. Daniel Marks M.D.,Ph.D. Portland From hnehls at teleport.com Tue Jan 23 19:40:51 2007 From: hnehls at teleport.com (Harry Nehls) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 19:40:51 -0800 Subject: [obol] FW: Snowey Owl In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Obolers, Just received this message. Harry Nehls Portland, Oregon ------ Forwarded Message From: "PHILIP C JOHNSON" Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:54:26 -0800 To: Subject: Snowey Owl Dear Sirs: Noted Snowy Owl (much to my surprise) in south west Portland. On Balmer Circle just about one half mile north and west of Trion Creek Park. No doubt on identification as how many white owls are there. The owl were being chased by crows at the time. Philip Johnson E-Mail philip ------ End of Forwarded Message -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/4abaac5e/attachment.htm From bird.brain00 at yahoo.com Tue Jan 23 21:06:09 2007 From: bird.brain00 at yahoo.com (Amanda Auger) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 21:06:09 -0800 (PST) Subject: [obol] green-tailed towhee Message-ID: <66627.37104.qm@web39204.mail.mud.yahoo.com> On a recent visit to Bend, I was surprised to see a green-tailed towhee on the banks of the Deschutes river. Have they been staying the winter? I also saw a white-throated sparrow...perhaps not as unusual but I still didn't expect it so far east. Any comments from folks of the area? All in all a lovely walk along the river...a lone american dipper greeted us at the outset, and a perched cooper's hawk saw us out. --------------------------------- No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/71418c34/attachment.htm From Jfitchen at aol.com Tue Jan 23 21:14:55 2007 From: Jfitchen at aol.com (Jfitchen at aol.com) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:14:55 EST Subject: [obol] Odd winter sighting Message-ID: In a message dated 1/23/2007 6:27:54 PM Pacific Standard Time, mcwdlm at qwest.net writes: Dear OBOLites- I watch birds regularly from my office window (so much better than the computer screen) at OHSU. Over the years, I have seen just over 50 species, but today I was a bit surprised by a new visitor. Having lived in the northwest all of my life, I recognized the bird immediately, but it was odd enough that I chose to just take notes and see what others think. I gazed at this bird at about 20 yards for around 15 minutes. Granted, my office binoculars are not the finest optics, but the lighting was excellent, and the views prolonged. Overall, the bird had a thrush-like jizz. Clearly smaller than a robin, but easily larger than the largest sparrow. generally long tailed obvious but not overwhelming white eye ring relatively thin, short straight black bill overall grey. unstreaked breast obvious transition with a bold buffy wing stripe and obvious orange- ish (is that a word?) pattern on the wings. noticeable white edges to the tail. So my question is this: How odd would it be to see a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE in Portland, in the winter, perched on a railing of a building? The local habitat is buildings with surrounding conifers. We do have a interestingly large number of odd birds up here, perhaps due to the remaining large trees and the altitude. I welcome your comments. Daniel Marks M.D.,Ph.D. Portland Daniel, Townsend's Solitaires typically show up in the Portland area at higher elevations in late February or March--so it's a bit early but within a standard deviation or two of the normal pattern. Nice sighting! Cheers, John fitchen Portland -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070124/fef64188/attachment.htm From cgates at webformixair.com Tue Jan 23 21:36:38 2007 From: cgates at webformixair.com (Charles R. Gates) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 21:36:38 -0800 Subject: [obol] green-tailed towhee In-Reply-To: <66627.37104.qm@web39204.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Green-tailed Towhee is a pretty rare visitor in to Oregon in winter. BOGR mentions 2 records (one from Ashland and one from Coos County). If memory serves me, there was one found on a Sisters Christmas Count a couple of years ago. This is an important find. I would like to hear more about the specific location of this sighting and, if possible, an exact date. White-throated Sparrow is not nearly as rare but is still considered a good find here. Chuck Gates Powell Butte -----Original Message----- From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu]On Behalf Of Amanda Auger Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:06 PM To: obol at lists.oregonstate.edu Subject: [obol] green-tailed towhee On a recent visit to Bend, I was surprised to see a green-tailed towhee on the banks of the Deschutes river. Have they been staying the winter? I also saw a white-throated sparrow...perhaps not as unusual but I still didn't expect it so far east. Any comments from folks of the area? All in all a lovely walk along the river...a lone american dipper greeted us at the outset, and a perched cooper's hawk saw us out. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070123/b3df203d/attachment.htm From gnorgren at earthlink.net Tue Jan 23 22:20:48 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 22:20:48 -0800 Subject: [obol] FW: Snowey Owl In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <631d70c3b1db68157e42f091a7865c8f@earthlink.net> I'd make a sizeable wager on BARN OWL. Lars Norgren On Jan 23, 2007, at 7:40 PM, Harry Nehls wrote: > Obolers, > > Just received this message. > > > Harry Nehls > Portland, Oregon > > > ------ Forwarded Message > From: "PHILIP C JOHNSON" > Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:54:26 -0800 > To: > Subject: Snowey Owl > > Dear Sirs: > ? > Noted Snowy Owl (much to my surprise) in south west Portland. ?On > Balmer Circle just about one half mile north and west of Trion Creek > Park. ?No doubt on identification as how many white owls are there. > ?The owl were being chased by crows at the time. > ? > Philip Johnson E-Mail philip > > > ------ End of Forwarded Message > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From gnorgren at earthlink.net Tue Jan 23 22:49:11 2007 From: gnorgren at earthlink.net (Lars and Gail Norgren) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 22:49:11 -0800 Subject: [obol] Odd winter sighting In-Reply-To: <134A7369-D567-42AD-9B71-90EED48D45BA@qwest.net> References: <134A7369-D567-42AD-9B71-90EED48D45BA@qwest.net> Message-ID: <81d81e22f485c8bd43ac4d78f3f4010f@earthlink.net> Noteworthy, but far from far-fetched. The type locality for the species? Astoria , Oregon. Townsend collected it in there 1839. No day or month specified, but I've always imagined late winter. Gabrielson and Jewett list multiple sightings from nw Oregon in the colder parts of the year, and at a time when the number of skilled observers in our region was practically nil, and their mobility equally challenged. I believe multiple CBCs have recorded them from Lane Co north, but I'm too lazy to look it up on-line(first I'd have to learn how). I recall Loyda Cowley seeing one in the Corvallis Circle Count Week if not Day about 1975. Then consider the rash of SAY'S PHOEBE sightings from November on, well to the north and west of their customary haunts. The widespread PINE GROSBEAKS and REDPOLLS. Even PRAIRIE FALCON strikes me as unusually frequent on the western margins of its range this winter. At this point there seems to be some real spring related movement- the WHITE-FACED IBIS in the Klamath Basin, a TURKEY VULTURE in Benton County . I think Solitaires are routine on Mt Tabor in April. Lars Norgren MANNING OREGON On Jan 23, 2007, at 6:27 PM, Mary and Daniel wrote: > Dear OBOLites- > I watch birds regularly from my office window (so much better than > the computer screen) at OHSU. Over the years, I have seen just over > 50 species, but today I was a bit surprised by a new visitor. Having > lived in the northwest all of my life, I recognized the bird > immediately, but it was odd enough that I chose to just take notes > and see what others think. I gazed at this bird at about 20 yards > for around 15 minutes. Granted, my office binoculars are not the > finest optics, but the lighting was excellent, and the views prolonged. > Overall, the bird had a thrush-like jizz. Clearly smaller than a > robin, but easily larger than the largest sparrow. > generally long tailed > obvious but not overwhelming white eye ring > relatively thin, short straight black bill > overall grey. unstreaked breast > obvious transition with a bold buffy wing stripe and obvious orange- > ish (is that a word?) pattern on the wings. > noticeable white edges to the tail. > So my question is this: How odd would it be to see a TOWNSEND'S > SOLITAIRE in Portland, in the winter, perched on a railing of a > building? The local habitat is buildings with surrounding conifers. > We do have a interestingly large number of odd birds up here, perhaps > due to the remaining large trees and the altitude. > I welcome your comments. > Daniel Marks M.D.,Ph.D. > Portland > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > From cantore at lanecc.edu Tue Jan 23 22:55:30 2007 From: cantore at lanecc.edu (Ellen Cantor) Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 22:55:30 -0800 Subject: [obol] singing Song Sparrows Message-ID: <45B69262020000F40001D0FB@mailhost.lanecc.edu> Revving up--one yesterday afternoon on the NE side of Mt Pisgah and this morning early in my yard in Eugene's Westside neighborhood. Also, a nice display of sparrows at Mt. Pisgah yesterday. I pished and out of one small blackberry thicket, out popped one FOX SPARROW, two SONG SPARROWS, and about 8 GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS. From llsdirons at msn.com Wed Jan 24 00:09:02 2007 From: llsdirons at msn.com (DAVID IRONS) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:09:02 +0000 Subject: [obol] Great Gray Owl...why not set up viewing protocols? In-Reply-To: <45B6C571.1090306@smt-net.com> Message-ID: Greetings All, I think it goes without saying that the overwhelming majority (if not all) of OBOL subscribers are concerned about the welfare about all birds, including the rare ones. There are no doubt cases, and this may be one, where individual rare birds are unduly pressured by birders hoping to get a look. To me it makes more sense to explore options that don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. To say that we should all quit going to see the Great Gray Owl or that OBOL 'has gotten to big' is useless hyperbole. Pat and Marilyn and others may elect not to chase rarities or photograph them, but that is going to have exactly ZERO impact on the choices of the other 798 OBOL subscribers. Even if OBOL goes away (and it will not), rare birds will be reported through some channel, word will spread and lots of folks were endeavor to see them. I have a better idea and in fact it has been used quite effectively just in the past two weeks. When the Summer Tanager first showed up at Alvadore hopeful birders were standing in the yard and along the road in front of the house where the bird had shown up. Not surprisingly, activity at the favored feeder dropped off and the tanager was not seen by anyone other than the homeowner for several days. I was tipped off by Dave Brown the following Saturday that the bird had returned and I was fortunate enough to be invited into the home of the bird's host. It was clear in talking to him that he did not want people in his yard or in his driveway all day and that it would be best if we could keep people a greater distance from the feeder as to not interrupt the tanager's activities. I looked at the situation and determined that there was a clear line of sight to the feeder from across the road and down a public gravel road that is lightly traveled. I made contact with a nearby homeowner, explained the situation and that there would be a number of people who would want to see the bird. With the blessing of the homeowner, we established a set of viewing protocols in terms of where to set up scopes and wait for the bird (about 75 yards from the feeding station), where to park, and how to approach the site. We also made an effort to convey that the best opportunities to view the bird are during the morning hours. Since setting up these protocols, dozens of birders have seen the tanager, the host and his neighbors have been extremely hospitable and traffic along the main road in front the house with the tanager has not been impeded and virtually all the activity has occurred before noon. The tanager seems quite content (and unaware so many are watching) and has kept a very consistent feeding schedule for over a week I think with a little forethought and communication with landowners who host these types of rarities, we can post a set of reasonable protocols that both allow folks to view the bird and allow the bird to function without being pressured by humans. In this sense OBOL might be used as a tool to organize hopeful observers rather than just the mouthpiece that creates the stampede. Dave Irons >From: Pat Waldron >Reply-To: puma at smt-net.com >To: Marilyn Miller , obol >Subject: Re: [obol] The Great Grey Owl >Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:33:21 -0800 > >Hi Marilyn, > I like your idea. I have been thinking that maybe OBOL has gotten just >too big... for just one bird. How many new folks, and what is the Homo >Sapiens count now? 800 ? 1000? I don???t really know. > And folks who put their bird photos in the newspaper, to call extra >added attention to these over stressed birds; what a shame. > I just hope the OWL makes it, and the owner, and neighbors do too. > > Pat Waldron > >Marilyn Miller wrote: > >>I got an idea! Why doesn???t everyone just forget about this owl and NOT >>go see it! Enough is enough. >> >> >> >>Marilyn Miller >>Bend, Oregon >>new email: goosemiller at msn.com as of 5-1-06 >> >> >> >> >>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >>From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu >>[mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Pat Waldron >>Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 2:39 PM >>To: PaulACE at aol.com; obol >>Subject: [obol] The Great Grey Owl >> >> >> >>Dear Paul, >> I read your email on OBOL, and you are a very patient person. I am a >>member of OBOL, and if I had a rare bird on my property, which I have had, >>I would keep it a secret because of the negative pressure people have on >>wild birds. What OBOL does NOT understand, is the constant pressure on one >>individual bird. It is in the morning, and in- between, it is in the >>afternoon, and in-between, it is in the evening, and in-between, it is at >>night! And it is day , after day, after day! Is the bird able to >>concentrate on eating with this constant interruption? You seem to have a >>question about it. That alone would do it for me. Are you and your >>neighbors not TIRED of all these people and cars? The OWL is not a pet, it >>is a wild creature that has had its hunting territory, turned into houses. >>There are enough great photos of this bird, and the Falcated Duck, posted >>for people to see. Paul, it is O.K. for you to say enough is enough. I >>think 90 percent of the folks on OBOL will understand. Paul, you have >>created a sanctuary for your birds, and you are to be commended for that. >>Thank you. >> >> Pat Waldron >> East of Scio >> Linn Co. >> On 1/23/07, PaulACE at aol.com >>> wrote: >> >>Hello all at OBOL, >> >> >> >>I would like to introduce myself first and then set some ground rules for >>future reference at my property. my name is Paul Champlain and I am the >>owner of the property at Beavercreek road and Rockie drive where our >>honored guest, The great gray owl has chosen to frequent for now. I have >>for 9 years made this place my sanctuary and the birds are an open guest. >>This is the most recent, and most visual of rare birds to visit in a >>while. I wish him to stay as long as he desires. He is quite pleasing and >>sometimes comical, but always a great guest. I need to remind you at OBOL >>that this also is private property. I have not posted at this time, as I >>do not want to be forced to take away a rare and great view of my guest. I >>do ask that no one hop the fence and enter the field, nor pull into my >>driveway past the gate. I will consider this trespassing. I have allowed, >>at this time, people to park on my outer driveway paralleling my property. >>If conditions degrade more, I will post and hold viewers to Beavercreek >>road. Please help keep this from happening. A few directed words to >>ner-do-wells will save it for everybody. >> >> I am aware of the overwhelming desire for some to view and film our >>friend, but I need to remind you all, he can be scared away. He has >>reacted to the nearly overwhelming response he has received. I have seen >>his reaction to car doors and coughing. He spooked and left. I ask that >>spotlighting him in the dark be stopped immediately!. The laser lights to >>make him look in a particular direction also goes in this category. I have >>seen him retract to the inner poles of my fence in my field over the >>weekend and have not seen him actually make a kill in quite some time. >>Though I have seen him make many tries. >> >> Having said that, I have seen him make a wonderful flyover on three >>vehicles late Monday morning. He was quite a spectacular ham. Three well >>mannered birders were rewarded with their quiet and patience. He perched >>in front of the vehicles, then made a kill attempt and returned to a post >>closest to the viewers. I hope they captured him on film for their >>enjoyment. It truly looked like he was posing for them. >> >> Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I am sure that with >>a little birding courtesy, and some common sense, we all will be able to >>enjoy this magnificent visitor for as long as he wishes to stay. >> >> >> >>Paul Champlain >> >> >> >> >>__________ >> >>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >>_______________________________________________ >>obol mailing list >>obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >>http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >>To unsubscribe, send a message to: >>obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >> > >_______________________________________________ >obol mailing list >obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > >To unsubscribe, send a message to: >obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. From lcolburn2 at comcast.net Wed Jan 24 00:31:34 2007 From: lcolburn2 at comcast.net (lcolburn) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:31:34 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Gray Owl, To tell or not to tell, to see or not to see? Message-ID: <000301c73f92$0f717f60$85daab43@beorn> Hi obol: In my 40+ years of birding, I have come to realize that it is a never ending learning experience. What I understand is that birding has been and is the fastest growing past time in the United States. That being said, there is a lot for new birders to learn. Such as how to act? What changes in a birds' behavior means? How my actions will affect the bird? Etc. This only can be learned over time or "shared" by a more experienced birders. Case in point, while visiting the Falcated Duck this afternoon a person came to "see" the duck with a big dog on leash. Wonder why the duck headed out fast the other way! leaving others missing out on time with this special bird. When posting a great bird on line some ground rules should be brought up, reminders for some, new information for others. Also, some of the posts about the Great Gray owl could have been confusing to new birders-the owl did not seem to be bothered by people and other activity - cars, school bus stopping, activity all around it, it paid no attention to the people! Some of the posts reported this! Some people could come to the wrong conclusion! This is where education was needed ahead of time. ( where to park, watch for and understand changes in the birds behavior, stay hidden in car, move slowly, be quite, be considerate of others' property and their right of ways, etc., and please use common sense!) Spend enough time to learn about the bird and what you can do to help him survive so more of his species can be around and others of us can enjoy his kind. Share the joy and the beauty of birds and birding. Don't shut us out! Teach us so we to can enjoy them with care and understanding. Keeping special birds a secret will certainly protect them, but have you seen the joy and excitement in the eyes of a new birder at learning about and seeing a beautiful new bird or remember your own feelings at seeing your first magnificent Great Gray Owl! Les Colburn Happy Birding -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070124/6cdb89a2/attachment.htm From 5hats at peak.org Wed Jan 24 07:43:29 2007 From: 5hats at peak.org (Darrel Faxon) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 07:43:29 -0800 Subject: [obol] Great Gray Owl...why not set up viewing protocols? References: Message-ID: <001d01c73fce$68ce1e60$0000a398@your5rlp3a9516> Dave, Well said. Darrel ----- Original Message ----- From: "DAVID IRONS" To: ; ; Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:09 AM Subject: Re: [obol] Great Gray Owl...why not set up viewing protocols? > Greetings All, > > I think it goes without saying that the overwhelming majority (if not all) > of OBOL subscribers are concerned about the welfare about all birds, > including the rare ones. There are no doubt cases, and this may be one, > where individual rare birds are unduly pressured by birders hoping to get > a > look. To me it makes more sense to explore options that don't throw out > the > baby with the bathwater. To say that we should all quit going to see the > Great Gray Owl or that OBOL 'has gotten to big' is useless hyperbole. Pat > and Marilyn and others may elect not to chase rarities or photograph them, > but that is going to have exactly ZERO impact on the choices of the other > 798 OBOL subscribers. Even if OBOL goes away (and it will not), rare birds > will be reported through some channel, word will spread and lots of folks > were endeavor to see them. > > I have a better idea and in fact it has been used quite effectively just > in > the past two weeks. When the Summer Tanager first showed up at Alvadore > hopeful birders were standing in the yard and along the road in front of > the > house where the bird had shown up. Not surprisingly, activity at the > favored feeder dropped off and the tanager was not seen by anyone other > than > the homeowner for several days. I was tipped off by Dave Brown the > following Saturday that the bird had returned and I was fortunate enough > to > be invited into the home of the bird's host. It was clear in talking to > him > that he did not want people in his yard or in his driveway all day and > that > it would be best if we could keep people a greater distance from the > feeder > as to not interrupt the tanager's activities. I looked at the situation > and > determined that there was a clear line of sight to the feeder from across > the road and down a public gravel road that is lightly traveled. I made > contact with a nearby homeowner, explained the situation and that there > would be a number of people who would want to see the bird. With the > blessing of the homeowner, we established a set of viewing protocols in > terms of where to set up scopes and wait for the bird (about 75 yards from > the feeding station), where to park, and how to approach the site. We > also > made an effort to convey that the best opportunities to view the bird are > during the morning hours. Since setting up these protocols, dozens of > birders have seen the tanager, the host and his neighbors have been > extremely hospitable and traffic along the main road in front the house > with > the tanager has not been impeded and virtually all the activity has > occurred > before noon. The tanager seems quite content (and unaware so many are > watching) and has kept a very consistent feeding schedule for over a week > > I think with a little forethought and communication with landowners who > host > these types of rarities, we can post a set of reasonable protocols that > both > allow folks to view the bird and allow the bird to function without being > pressured by humans. In this sense OBOL might be used as a tool to > organize > hopeful observers rather than just the mouthpiece that creates the > stampede. > > Dave Irons > > > > > > > > >>From: Pat Waldron >>Reply-To: puma at smt-net.com >>To: Marilyn Miller , obol >>Subject: Re: [obol] The Great Grey Owl >>Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:33:21 -0800 >> >>Hi Marilyn, >> I like your idea. I have been thinking that maybe OBOL has gotten just >>too big... for just one bird. How many new folks, and what is the Homo >>Sapiens count now? 800 ? 1000? I don??Tt really know. >> And folks who put their bird photos in the newspaper, to call extra >>added attention to these over stressed birds; what a shame. >> I just hope the OWL makes it, and the owner, and neighbors do too. >> >> Pat Waldron >> >>Marilyn Miller wrote: >> >>>I got an idea! Why doesn??Tt everyone just forget about this owl and NOT >>>go see it! Enough is enough. >>> >>> >>> >>>Marilyn Miller >>>Bend, Oregon >>>new email: goosemiller at msn.com as of 5-1-06 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>> >>>From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu >>>[mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Pat Waldron >>>Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 2:39 PM >>>To: PaulACE at aol.com; obol >>>Subject: [obol] The Great Grey Owl >>> >>> >>> >>>Dear Paul, >>> I read your email on OBOL, and you are a very patient person. I am a >>>member of OBOL, and if I had a rare bird on my property, which I have >>>had, >>>I would keep it a secret because of the negative pressure people have on >>>wild birds. What OBOL does NOT understand, is the constant pressure on >>>one >>>individual bird. It is in the morning, and in- between, it is in the >>>afternoon, and in-between, it is in the evening, and in-between, it is at >>>night! And it is day , after day, after day! Is the bird able to >>>concentrate on eating with this constant interruption? You seem to have a >>>question about it. That alone would do it for me. Are you and your >>>neighbors not TIRED of all these people and cars? The OWL is not a pet, >>>it >>>is a wild creature that has had its hunting territory, turned into >>>houses. >>>There are enough great photos of this bird, and the Falcated Duck, posted >>>for people to see. Paul, it is O.K. for you to say enough is enough. I >>>think 90 percent of the folks on OBOL will understand. Paul, you have >>>created a sanctuary for your birds, and you are to be commended for that. >>>Thank you. >>> >>> Pat Waldron >>> East of Scio >>> Linn Co. >>> On 1/23/07, PaulACE at aol.com >>>> wrote: >>> >>>Hello all at OBOL, >>> >>> >>> >>>I would like to introduce myself first and then set some ground rules for >>>future reference at my property. my name is Paul Champlain and I am the >>>owner of the property at Beavercreek road and Rockie drive where our >>>honored guest, The great gray owl has chosen to frequent for now. I have >>>for 9 years made this place my sanctuary and the birds are an open guest. >>>This is the most recent, and most visual of rare birds to visit in a >>>while. I wish him to stay as long as he desires. He is quite pleasing and >>>sometimes comical, but always a great guest. I need to remind you at OBOL >>>that this also is private property. I have not posted at this time, as I >>>do not want to be forced to take away a rare and great view of my guest. >>>I >>>do ask that no one hop the fence and enter the field, nor pull into my >>>driveway past the gate. I will consider this trespassing. I have allowed, >>>at this time, people to park on my outer driveway paralleling my >>>property. >>>If conditions degrade more, I will post and hold viewers to Beavercreek >>>road. Please help keep this from happening. A few directed words to >>>ner-do-wells will save it for everybody. >>> >>> I am aware of the overwhelming desire for some to view and film our >>>friend, but I need to remind you all, he can be scared away. He has >>>reacted to the nearly overwhelming response he has received. I have seen >>>his reaction to car doors and coughing. He spooked and left. I ask that >>>spotlighting him in the dark be stopped immediately!. The laser lights to >>>make him look in a particular direction also goes in this category. I >>>have >>>seen him retract to the inner poles of my fence in my field over the >>>weekend and have not seen him actually make a kill in quite some time. >>>Though I have seen him make many tries. >>> >>> Having said that, I have seen him make a wonderful flyover on three >>>vehicles late Monday morning. He was quite a spectacular ham. Three well >>>mannered birders were rewarded with their quiet and patience. He perched >>>in front of the vehicles, then made a kill attempt and returned to a post >>>closest to the viewers. I hope they captured him on film for their >>>enjoyment. It truly looked like he was posing for them. >>> >>> Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I am sure that >>> with >>>a little birding courtesy, and some common sense, we all will be able to >>>enjoy this magnificent visitor for as long as he wishes to stay. >>> >>> >>> >>>Paul Champlain >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>__________ >>> >>>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>> >>>_______________________________________________ >>>obol mailing list >>>obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >>>http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >>> >>>To unsubscribe, send a message to: >>>obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. >>> >> > > >>_______________________________________________ >>obol mailing list >>obol at lists.oregonstate.edu >>http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol >> >>To unsubscribe, send a message to: >>obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > obol mailing list > obol at lists.oregonstate.edu > http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol > > To unsubscribe, send a message to: > obol-leave at lists.oregonstate.edu. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.13/632 - Release Date: 1/16/2007 From kosciuch at gmail.com Wed Jan 24 08:26:16 2007 From: kosciuch at gmail.com (Karl Kosciuch) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:26:16 -0800 Subject: [obol] other Great Gray Owl locations in OR Message-ID: Hi folks, Those interested in seeing a Great Gray Owl in a less controversial setting should consider looking for them in the Spring Creek Management Area in the Wallow-Whitman National Forest. I've heard that late spring is a great time to see them and there have been several postings on OBOL about this location. Might not be as close or reliable as the Beavercreek Rd. bird near Portland, but it might be more enjoyable finding one in the forest. I've also heard that they have been found near a golf course in La Pine. Great Gray Owls breed in Oregon, and if you want to give this bird a break but still would like to see one there are other opportunities. Cheers, Karl Kosciuch Corvallis -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070124/092a9228/attachment.htm From celata at pacifier.com Wed Jan 24 08:28:19 2007 From: celata at pacifier.com (Mike Patterson) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:28:19 -0800 Subject: [obol] Chasing, not chasing and human nature Message-ID: <45B7891C.D8F6C81F@pacifier.com> As most of you know, I rarely chase stuff. My rule of thumb is to avoid any chase that would have me driving in a car longer that I would be on the ground looking at birds. I bundle my chasing with family chores like trips to see parents or go to the doctor in Portland. I will not be chasing the Great Gray Owl, the Falcated Teal or the Summer Tanager. But that's just me. Two of the current rarities (Great Gray Owl and Falcated Teal) suffer from the twin sins of being easily accessible and highly photogenic. These will often bring out folks who would not be inclined to go after, say, a Wheeler County Corn Crake. I spent quite a bit of time with the Snowy Owls at the South Jetty last year. Some species, by virtue of their inherent "coolness" attract a second tier of nature watchers who may not even be on OBOL. They read about it in the paper. They heard about it from a friend who stopped to see what the guy with the big camera lens was photographing, but that turned out to be a spotting scope, who showed them this giant Harry Potter owl..... Not all birders are like-minded. We don't all see our sport/ hobby/avocation/obsession the same way. We make some weird, untenable assumptions about our collegues, their motives and expected behaviors. And we assume that everyone who stops to look at an owl through a camera lens or pair of binoculars must _ipso facto_ be a birder who's read the ABA code of ethics and follows it religiously. The only birder I have any control over is me. I can try to set an example, but I must do so even when no one is watching. I can choose to keep a respectful distance even when others are not. I can try to influence the behavior of others through gentle suggestion, but will often be unsuccessful. Occasionally, I will be told to go [explicative deleted] myself. Ultimately, the impact we have on how others perceive us will be greater than any impact we have on the population of Great Gray Owls or Falcated Ducks or Summer Tanagers or Black-capped Chickadees. Measure twice, cut once.... -- Mike Patterson Astoria, OR celata at pacifier.com I'm not jealous or Why I've never Seen Black-throated Blue Warbler in Oregon http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/004174.html From dougnlaura at earthlink.net Wed Jan 24 09:28:27 2007 From: dougnlaura at earthlink.net (Doug Barrett and Laura Ratti) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:28:27 -0800 Subject: [obol] Spotted owl position Message-ID: <001901c73fdd$10549750$2c9cf204@Westside> I'm looking to hire 1-3 people to help me with spotted owl surveys in the greater Eugene/Cottage Grove area and also potentially in Coos Bay. I am looking for people with field experience, who are physically fit, work well independently and can accommodate a flexible schedule. At a minimum folks should have experience navigating with map and compass and GPS, have a valid driver's license, and must be comfortable working alone in the forest especially at night. Previous experience working with wildlife is desirable with experience working with spotted owls preferred. Pay rates would probably range between $11-16 depending on experience. Housing would be provided in Coos Bay. The expected employment period would be between March 14th and August 15th. Work hours would be approximately 30-40 hrs/week, weather permitting, with a combination of night surveys (~ 4-5 nights a week) and day work to monitor known sites and follow up on responses. Those interested should send a resume with references as an email attachment or by mail. I can also be contacted by email or phone for additional details. Thanks for your help. Doug Barrett Westside Ecological, Inc. 24670 Butler Road Junction City, OR 97448 541-998-3118 WestsideEcological at earthlink.net -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 4738 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/private/obol/attachments/20070124/e3bd5e7f/attachment.bin From jeffgill at teleport.com Wed Jan 24 10:00:54 2007 From: jeffgill at teleport.com (Jeff Gilligan) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 10:00:54 -0800 Subject: [obol] The Great Grey Owl In-Reply-To: <45B6C571.1090306@smt-net.com> Message-ID: All of the Great Gray Owls that I have seen through the years have shown little fear of people. I have walked up to them as close as six feet and not scared them off. I would suggest that people just stay on the roadside to observe the owl. In that way the owl won?t be disturbed, and its potential prey won?t be disturbed. In regard to the local residents across the road who has apparently harassed birders on public property, when I am there tomorrow I will try to ignore them, but will keep my legal options open. Close approach of any rarity, such as the Falcated Duck, in order to get a better photograph is really unacceptable when the bird has already been well-documented by photos. It is selfish acquisition that may disrupt the bird?s feeding or scare the bird away so that others cannot have an opportunity to see it. Jeff Gilligan. On 1/23/07 6:33 PM, "Pat Waldron" wrote: > Hi Marilyn, > ??? I like your idea. I have been thinking that maybe OBOL has gotten just too > big... for just one bird. How many new folks, and what is the Homo Sapiens > count now? 800 ? 1000? I don?t really know. > ??? And folks who put their bird photos in the newspaper, to call extra added > attention to these over stressed birds; what a shame. > ??? I just hope the OWL makes it, and the owner, and neighbors do too. > > ??? Pat Waldron > > Marilyn Miller wrote: >> >> >> >> I got an idea!? Why doesn?t everyone just forget about this owl and NOT go >> see it!? Enough is enough.? >> >> ? >> >> >> >> Marilyn Miller >> Bend, Oregon >> new email: goosemiller at msn.com as of 5-1-06 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu >> [mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Pat Waldron >> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 2:39 PM >> To: PaulACE at aol.com; obol >> Subject: [obol] The Great Grey Owl >> >> >> ? >> >> Dear Paul, >> ??? I read your email on OBOL, and you are a very patient person. I am a >> member of OBOL, and if I had a rare bird on my property, which I have had, I >> would keep it a secret because of the negative pressure people have on wild >> birds. What OBOL does NOT understand, is the constant pressure on one >> individual bird. It is in the morning, and in- between, it is in the >> afternoon, and in-between, it is in the evening, and in-between, it is at >> night! And it is day , after day, after day! Is the bird able to concentrate >> on eating with this constant interruption? You seem to have a question about >> it. That alone would do it for me. Are you and your neighbors not TIRED of >> all these people and cars? The OWL is not a pet, it is a wild creature that >> has had its hunting territory, turned into houses. There are enough great >> photos of this bird, and the Falcated Duck, posted for people to see. Paul, >> it is O.K. for you to say enough is enough. I think 90 percent of the folks >> on OBOL will understand. Paul, you have created a sanctuary for your birds, >> and you are to be commended for that. Thank you. >> >> ??? Pat Waldron >> ??? East of Scio >> ??? Linn Co. >> ??? ?On 1/23/07, PaulACE at aol.com wrote: >> >> >> >> >> Hello all at OBOL, >> >> >> >> >> ? >> >> >> >> >> I would like to introduce myself first and then set some ground rules for >> future reference at my property. my name is Paul Champlain and?I am the owner >> of the property at Beavercreek road and Rockie drive where our honored guest, >> The great gray owl has chosen to frequent for now. I have for 9 years made >> this place my sanctuary?and the birds are an open guest. This is the most >> recent, and most visual of rare birds to visit in a while. I wish him to stay >> as long as he desires. He is quite pleasing and sometimes comical, but always >> a great guest. I need to remind you at OBOL that this also is private >> property. I have not posted at this time, as I do not want to be forced to >> take away a rare and great view of my guest. I d