Birdingonthe.NetRecent Postings from
> Home > Mail |
Wilsons Plover,©David Sibley |
|
16 May Re: Summer Tanager [Francis Bergquist ] 16 May Birding events in Laramie/Cheyenne this weekend, May 19 and 20 ["Julie A. Hart" ] 15 May Keyhole, Snowy Owl [] 15 May Bird Banter for May 2012: Peregrines [Barb Gorges ] 14 May SE Bighorn Basin [CJ Grimes ] 14 May May 14, part II: FE Warren Air Force Base [Chuck Seniawski ] 14 May May 14, part I: Wyoming Hereford Ranch [Chuck Seniawski ] 14 May Re: FOY Green River [Dave Mead ] 13 May Cody lakes [Seth Chamberlain ] 13 May Southeastern Wyoming Birds [Donald Jones ] 13 May Cheyenne Back Yard [Chuck Seniawski ] 13 May FOY Green River [sol ] 13 May New Birds from the south [Bob Hargis ] 12 May No Subject [Donald Jones ] 11 May Fw: Torrington backyard [Jeanna Fitz ] 11 May the strangest bird ... [David McDonald ] 11 May Torrington backyard [Jeanna Fitz ] 11 May Summer Tanager [Barb Gorges ] 10 May Seagulls [Harry ] 10 May Regarding Blue-gray gnatcatchers and brown thrashers in Laramie [dt ] 10 May West of Riverton [Bob Hargis ] 10 May Daniel WY [Susan Patla ] 10 May Jackson South Park WMA [Susan Patla ] 9 May Re: Laramie Area Birds ["Peter G. Arnold" ] 9 May Cheyenne and North Crow Reservoir [Barb Gorges ] 9 May Laramie Area Birds [Donald Jones ] 9 May palm warbler [Chris Michelson ] 8 May Re: hummers in Cheyenne or Casper? [] 8 May Re: hummers in Cheyenne or Casper? [Harry ] 8 May hummers in Cheyenne or Casper? [] 8 May weekend trip to Jackson [Pat Dixon ] 7 May Bighorn River, Thermopolis [Seth Chamberlain ] 7 May Re: Hutton Lake [Donald Jones ] 7 May Hutton Lake [Donald Jones ] 7 May Lark buntings at my feeder! [Jan McKee ] 7 May Rock River [Jacqueline M Hauptman ] 6 May Re: Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Cheyenne ["Peter G. Arnold" ] 6 May May 6 birds [Jackie Canterbury ] 6 May Hutton, Plains Lakes, and Snowies [dt ] 6 May Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Cheyenne [Barb Gorges ] 6 May Northern Goshawk [Donald Jones ] 6 May Casper area [Chris Michelson ] 6 May No Subject [Hustace Scott ] 5 May names [Ann Hines ] 5 May After the rains, Hudson [Alan Krakauer ] 5 May Re: FOY [sol ] 5 May trip [Ann Hines ] 5 May Hutton - Short-billed Dowitchers ["James M. Maley" ] 5 May Evening grosbeaks in Laramie [Grant Gardner ] 5 May Cassin's kingbird [Chris Michelson ] 5 May Casper area [Chris Michelson ] 5 May Re: FOY [sol ] 5 May spring [RT Cox ] 5 May FOY [sol ] 5 May Spring Birds [Donald Jones ] 5 May Arrivals west of Riverton [Bob Hargis ] 5 May Thursday arrivals [CJ Grimes ] 5 May Laramie Plains Lakes and Hutton - 4 May [Shawn Billerman ] 4 May Wetland near Bosler and Douglas Cemetery [dt ] 4 May Casper [Rose-Mary King ] 4 May Saratoga Area [Francis and Janice ] 4 May Saratoga Area [Francis and Janice ] 4 May Northern cardinal ["Alexandra P. Rose" ] 4 May Casper [Rose-Mary King ] 4 May Lander/Hudson birds [Alan Krakauer ] 4 May FOY Green River backyard [sol ] 4 May Around West Riverton [Bob Hargis ] 4 May Long-tailed Jaeger - Hutton Lakes NWR ["James M. Maley" ] 3 May No Subject [Hustace Scott ] 3 May Cheyenne feeders [Greg Johnson ] 2 May Bullock's Oriole - Laramie [Jacob Saucier ] 2 May Tanager [Tom Axthelm ] 2 May Cooper's update-Missouri [Tom Morton ] 1 May Cheyenne Pet Clinic's "Nestling Nursemaids" signing up volunteers now [Barb Gorges ] 1 May Birding Information- Fremont County [Donald Jones ] 1 May Great-Tailed Grackle - LCCC [Tina Payton ] Subject: Re: Summer Tanager From: Francis Bergquist <fcbjmb AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 14:49:04 -0600 Hi Barb I read with interest of your sighting of the summer tanager. I had one in my yard in 2010. It stayed for about one week and gave me many photos. It too was a mottled colored bird. The first photos are dated May 19th and the last one on May 25th. That was my first and only sighting of a summer tanager anywhere but I have had two scarlet tanagers, one in fall and a breeding plumed male in the spring quite a few years ago. Interesting when a bird such as this ends up in Wyoming. Francis Francis and Janice Bergquist--FC Bergquist Photos, http://www.FCBergquistPhotos.com > Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 12:11:34 -0600 > From: bgorges4 AT MSN.COM > Subject: [WYOBIRDS] Summer Tanager > To: WYOBIRDS AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM > > Dear Wyobirders, > > I just saw the strangest bird in our backyard. For size and > shape, I thought it might be a Western Tanager. The body was yellow-green > with red-orange markings. The red-orange markings seemed a bit random, > forehead, upper breast, but only on the left half of the bird's belly. Too > big to be a House Finch-though the bill seemed finch-like, too yellow-green > to be a Pine Grosbeak, and too blotchy to be a Western Tanager. It was > eating a moth while perched on the clothesline pole. > > Sibley's shows the 1st Spring male Summer Tanager with the > same yellow-green and orange-red colors, with the note, "Mar.-Jul., > variable," which I presume to mean that the amount and placement of the > colors is variable. The range map shows that they are rare in southern > Wyoming-not completely unheard of. Faulkner lists around 20 reports, all but > one in spring, 10 of which are reports from around Casper and Cheyenne and > the rest in western Wyoming. > > It's a southern species and the first and only other time > I've recorded seeing one was in Arizona at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, June > 1994. > > I'd like to thank our son Jeffrey, who called and took my > gaze from the laptop screen to the backyard-I'll take it as an early > Mother's Day present! > > Barb Gorges > > Cheyenne > > > > > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Birding events in Laramie/Cheyenne this weekend, May 19 and 20 From: "Julie A. Hart" <jhart9 AT UWYO.EDU> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 15:14:44 +0000 SATURDAY, May 19 -- Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at Optimist Park with Laramie Audubon and Laramie Raptor Refuge. Optimist Park is located on the south side of Garfield Street across from C&A Feed Store, between Cedar and Snowy Range Road. Bird Walks will be led by Julie Hart at 8am and 10 am. Meet at north parking lot of Optimist Park. Bring binoculars and field guides and dress in layers. Be prepared to walk a mile or more along the Laramie River to spot spring migrants and locals. Games and information tables will be stationed along the Green Belt. All ages and abilities welcome. SUNDAY, May 20 -- Hereford Ranch in Cheyenne. Meet at the downtown Coal Creek Coffee at 7:30 am. Shay Howlin will lead us to one of the best birding areas in southeastern Wyoming to view spring migrant songbirds. Call 307.286.1972 to RSVP or just show up. -Julie Hart Laramie Audubon Society _______________________ Visit Laramie Audubon online: http://laramieaudubon.blogspot.com/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laramie-Audubon-Society/281490288527648 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Keyhole, Snowy Owl From: jgwindsong AT RANGEWEB.NET Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 17:29:00 -0600 Keyhole birds for today were White Pelicans, N. Harrier, L. Yellowlegs, Wilson's Phalarope. C. Tern 2, Forsters tern 4, SNOWY OWL. Same one seen in the winter? What a surprise! 1.3 miles from the beginning of the bridge over Bell fourche River on Hwy 14 going N. Was on elictric pole. looked fime except was a little dirty on front. what to expect, no snow for quite a long time. Jean, Sundance, Wy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Bird Banter for May 2012: Peregrines From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 09:54:00 -0600 This edition of Bird Banter, about the Peregrine Falcon, was published May
13, 2012, in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Please give notice to the author,
bgorges4 AT msn.com, before reproducing it in virtual or hard copy format.
Thanks.
Published headline: Peregrines back with a little help from friends
Peregrine falcon flies again, right over our heads
By Barb Gorges
Peregrine falcons were listed as endangered in the U.S. two
years before I opened my first bird field guide in 1972.
The guide, "The Birds of North America," published by Golden
Press in 1966, did not allude to the peregrine's diminishing population. It
only said it was "a rare local falcon."
However, in the era of an awakening environmental consciousness, we all
heard about the peregrine, a very handsome poster child for the drive to ban
DDT, one of the pesticides responsible for poisoning birds of prey and
causing their eggshells to be too thin for un-hatched young to survive.
One doesn't expect to meet an endangered species in the wild,
especially when ornithologists had declared it extirpated in the eastern
U.S. by 1970 and in trouble in other parts of the world (peregrines are
found everywhere except the Sahara, the Amazon and Antarctica). But I had
another encounter with a peregrine last month, just outside Cheyenne.
My six peregrine observations, all since 2003, have been around Cheyenne, at
either Wyoming Hereford Ranch or Lions Park. All but one were in spring.
I remember the first sightings, on Audubon field trips, for
which I was relying on more experienced birders for identification. Once, at
WHR Reservoir No. 1, we saw a peregrine in one of those legendary
dives--once clocked by a scientist at 200 mph.
It slammed into an unsuspecting duck standing on a sandbar.
The peregrine's former common name was "duck hawk"--ducks being a favorite
among the many kinds of birds they eat.
Last month, my husband Mark and I saw a bird sitting in a
cottonwood below the same reservoir, watching us. It had all the peregrine
field marks, including the dark cheek patches, which must have been the
inspiration for those cheek pieces for first-century Roman centurions'
helmets.
Peregrines have been favorites of falconers for 3,000 years.
While the young can be taken from wild nests and raised, they are also bred
in captivity. In 1970, the founder of The Peregrine Fund, Tom Cade, began
breeding them in earnest, as did Bill Burnham of Ft. Collins, future
president of TPF, beginning in 1974.
By 1984, TPF had opened the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho.
By 1997, 4,000 peregrines had been bred and released into the wild. By 1999,
the peregrine was off the Endangered Species list. The fund continues to
work to conserve raptor species around the world.
It isn't quite the same as the old days for the peregrines. Someone thought
of also introducing, or hacking, them into cities with plentiful pigeon prey
and tall buildings that would imitate their cliff-face nesting habitat.
Urbanites could be seeing peregrines much more often than we do.
While peregrines went missing in the eastern U.S., what happened
to them in Wyoming? I asked Bob Dorn, co-author with his wife, Jane Dorn, of
the book, "Wyoming Birds." From his research, he was able to give me a list
of over a dozen observation dates back to 1929.
In 1939, Bob said O. C. McCreary categorized the peregrine as "a rather rare
summer resident," usually indicating that they are breeding, and "an
uncommon migrant," meaning not quite so rare during migration. As Bob put
it, "When you're at the top of the food chain, you are in scarce numbers."
(Somehow, that isn't true of humans.)
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's species account states that by 1970
Wyoming had no viable breeding population. They formed a partnership with
TPF and over 15 years, 1980-1995, introduced 384 captive-bred peregrines. It
was successful. There were 90 breeding pairs recorded in 2009, the most
recent information available.
Today, breeding peregrines tend to be found in the northwest part of the
state. Down here in the southeast, we have the potential to see migrants
from April through May.
The most recently published field guide I have, "Peterson Field Guide to
Birds of North America" (2009), does mention the peregrine was
endangered-small concession to the idea that the hobby of bird
identification can no longer be divorced from bird conservation.
The new Peterson range map shows there is still a big empty area in the
middle of the country where the Golden guide had indicated wintering
peregrines nearly 50 years before. But it also shows summer range,
presumably breeding range, where the Golden guide did not.
Unfortunately, many threatened or endangered birds are not as charismatic as
the peregrine. Experience with captive breeding may be nonexistent and the
reason for a species' plummeting population may not be as simple as a
particular pesticide. The commonality however, is that human experiments
with new technology often produce unexpected, bad consequences for some
birds, while accidently promoting the unwanted reproduction of others--think
starlings.
Meanwhile, birders continue to collect and share observations, causing range
maps to continually be redrawn. Mark's and my single peregrine sighting on
April 8 becomes part of the larger story.
Keep your eyes open, too.
xxx
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net
Subject: SE Bighorn BasinFrom: CJ Grimes <cjgrimes AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 22:25:21 -0400 After a 10 day vacation in the midwest and trying to remember 7 warbler songs at once, it was nice to return home and see what birds arrived in our absence: On the Bighorn River between Worland and Thermop, Bullock's Oriole, Western Kingbird, Yellow Warbler and Lark Sparrow. Near Ten Sleep, also Lark Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, and a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Earliest hummer since we've lived here. Listened a while last evening for nightjars, none yet but I'll keep tryin'. CJ Grimes Ten Sleep - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: May 14, part II: FE Warren Air Force Base From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 21:47:19 -0400 Wyoming Hereford Ranch in the morning, the Air Force base in the afternoon. At the base: Canada Goose Spotted Sandpiper Cinnamon Teal Green-winged Teal Rock Pigeon Red-winged Blackbird Swainson's Hawk Killdeer Mallard House Finch Mourning Dove European Starling American Robin Yellow Warbler Western Meadowlark Brown-headed Cowbird Black-billed Magpie American Goldfinch Common Grackle Yellow-headed Blackbird Red-tailed Hawk Northern Shoveller Gadwall Wilson's Phalarope Belted Kingfisher Barn Swallow House Sparrow Great-tailed Grackle Yellow-rumped Warbler Turkey Vulture Avocet Kestrel Cedar Waxwing Eurasian Collared Dove Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: May 14, part I: Wyoming Hereford Ranch From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 21:39:28 -0400 Beautiful day for a drive, and birding. At WHR Reservoir #1: Canada Goose Mallard Gadwall Northern Shoveller Northern Pintail Ruddy Duck Bufflehead Blue-winged Teal American Wigeon Western Grebe (many) Eared Grebe Great Blue Heron Avocet Spotted Sandpiper Greater Yellowlegs Killdeer Wilson's Phalarope Coot White Pelican Swainson's Hawk Mourning Dove Barn Swallow Western Meadowlark Red-winged Blackbird Between the WHR #1 and the ranch housing area: Eastern Kingbird Western Kingbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Red-winged Blackbird Yellow Warbler Wilson's Snipe Cinnamon Teal Lincoln's Sparrow Song Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Lark Sparrow European Starling Cliff Swallows At the housing area and along Crow Creek, quite a bit of variety, but none in great numbers except the Swainson's Thrushes: Eurasian Collared Dove Lark Sparrow Mourning Dove Robin Barn Swallow Brown Thrasher Killdeer Yellow Warbler House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow Western Kingbird Swainson's Thrush Western Meadowlark Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon) Brown-headed Cowbird McGillivray's Warbler House Wren Downy Woodpecker Chipping Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Re: FOY Green River From: Dave Mead <dv_mead AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 12:44:06 -0700 Paula, we have an adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak on our feeders. He is accompanied by a male Black-headed Grosbeak; several Cassin's Finches, Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds; plus hoards of House Finches and House Sparrows. Dave Mead Green River Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 11:22:09 -0600 From: solSubject: Cody lakes From: Seth Chamberlain <goshgarnet AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 22:37:50 -0600 The lakes on the edge of Cody had a wide variety of species: Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Gadwall, American Coot, Red-necked Phalarope, Wilson's Phalarope, Marbled Godwit, American Avocet, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Caspian Tern. Seth Chamberlain (Thermopolis) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Southeastern Wyoming Birds From: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 20:55:24 -0600 Dad and I took a trip around southeastern Wyo today, hoping for some good spring migrants. In the fog at the Hereford Ranch in Cheyenne, there were many FOY migrants, most of which have already been reported in the last week. Highlights were at least two Least Flycatchers calling, more than 20 Swainson's Thrushes, a single Clay-colored Sparrow, and a Western Tanager. Yellow Warblers were everywhere, but that's the only warbler species we found, which seems incredible on the 12th of May. Next, on the way north towards Torrington, we found a single Burrowing Owl occupying a prairie dog burrow off of Road 63 on the Nebraska-Wyoming border. At the Table Mountain unit, we had a Black-bellied Plover, 9 Great Blue Herons, several Black Terns, and two Snow Geese, along with many of the usual suspects. Finally, we stopped at the Rawhide unit just up-river from Torrington, where we saw 8 Wood Ducks and my FOY Bullock's Oriole. It was a productive day in all, with 80 species in a leisurely 8 hours of birding. It seems like we're still waiting for the final big push of migrants, though... maybe this week! Don Jones Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Cheyenne Back Yard From: Chuck Seniawski <chuckski AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 22:38:39 -0400 In addition to an influx of American Goldfinches over the past few days, today we had a First-of-year Olive-sided Flycatcher and a flyover just a few mintues ago by a Long-billed Curlew. Chuck Seniawski Cheyenne - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: FOY Green River From: sol <solbun AT SWEETWATERHSA.COM> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 11:22:09 -0600 Male Black-headed Grosbeak Also seeing full adult plumage male Bullock's Orioles more often, never more than two at one time though, and have not seen a female or a juvenile male yet. And of concern (to me anyway) we have only seen ONE female Cassin's finch 2-3 weeks ago. None since. By this time we would normally be having as many Cassin's as House Finches. We didn't get that many Cassin's last year, but this almost complete dearth at this time of year is really strange. 12-15 years of pretty consistent numbers and suddenly none? Wish I knew why, I miss them. Maybe it is the loss of trees in our yard? Every year for the past 7-8 years we have lost trees, so now the yard is very different. paula - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: New Birds from the south From: Bob Hargis <bhargis AT WYOMING.COM> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 07:54:02 -0600 Yesterday west of Riverton were Townsend’s solitaires Black-headed Grosbeak male 4:10 pm No. Waterthrush Lazuli Buntings.. 2:49 pm Bob Hargis Riverton - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: No Subject From: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 18:30:25 -0600 FOY male Lazuli Bunting in the yard this evening. Don Jones Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Fw: Torrington backyard From: Jeanna Fitz <jeanna AT NETCOMMANDER.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 17:05:21 -0600 From: Jeanna Fitz Sent: Friday, May 11, 2012 1:36 PM To: WYOBIRDS AT HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM Subject: Torrington backyard Hello Birders, Just this morning I saw my FOY female Bullocks Oriole feeding from my Hummingbird feeder. They seem to be about 5 days ahead of schedule compared to 2011 and 2010. Happy Birding! Claylene Fitz Torrington, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: the strangest bird ... From: David McDonald <DBMcD AT UWYO.EDU> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 20:14:49 +0000 Barb (and all the rest of you who seem actually to be getting outside): Most excellent bird. I have seen one (two?) over the years in Laramie, and it is one of the relatively few birds that I can identify for non-birders, over the phone, before they finish their sentence: "I saw the strangest bird ... It was ... [blotchy red and green; mottled; sort of a mix of ...]" "That was a young male Summer Tanager." Makes me seem like I know what I'm talking about, and makes the listener happy to have their cool bird identified. I think we need Pete Arnold to get a good photo of one. I can't figure out why I haven't seen a Lesser Black-backed Gull, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Palm Warbler (none of which I have seen in WY) or Summer Tanager (this year). Perhaps that requires going outside .... ???? Good birding, Dave McDonald ************************************************* David B. McDonald dbmcd AT uwyo.edu Dept. Zoology & Physiology, Dept. 3166 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307)-766-3012; FAX (307)-766-5625; cell (307)-760-9360 Office: BioSci 413; Lab. BioSci 441 http://www.uwyo.edu/dbmcd/mcd.html ************************************************* On 5/11/12 12:11 PM, "Barb Gorges"Subject: Torrington backyard From: Jeanna Fitz <jeanna AT NETCOMMANDER.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 13:36:53 -0600 Hello Birders, Just this morning I saw my FOY female Bullocks Oriole feeding from my Hummingbird feeder. They seem to be about 5 days ahead of schedule compared to 2011 and 2010. Happy Birding! Claylene Fitz Torrington, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Summer Tanager From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 12:11:34 -0600 Dear Wyobirders,
I just saw the strangest bird in our backyard. For size and
shape, I thought it might be a Western Tanager. The body was yellow-green
with red-orange markings. The red-orange markings seemed a bit random,
forehead, upper breast, but only on the left half of the bird's belly. Too
big to be a House Finch-though the bill seemed finch-like, too yellow-green
to be a Pine Grosbeak, and too blotchy to be a Western Tanager. It was
eating a moth while perched on the clothesline pole.
Sibley's shows the 1st Spring male Summer Tanager with the
same yellow-green and orange-red colors, with the note, "Mar.-Jul.,
variable," which I presume to mean that the amount and placement of the
colors is variable. The range map shows that they are rare in southern
Wyoming-not completely unheard of. Faulkner lists around 20 reports, all but
one in spring, 10 of which are reports from around Casper and Cheyenne and
the rest in western Wyoming.
It's a southern species and the first and only other time
I've recorded seeing one was in Arizona at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, June
1994.
I'd like to thank our son Jeffrey, who called and took my
gaze from the laptop screen to the backyard-I'll take it as an early
Mother's Day present!
Barb Gorges
Cheyenne
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net
Subject: SeagullsFrom: Harry <harry AT HARRYMARTINCARTOONS.COM> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 20:01:00 -0600 What is going on with all the seagulls? I look out my window and that's all I see. Dozens of them, daily. I feel like I'm at the beach. -- Harry Martin 14 miles west of Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Regarding Blue-gray gnatcatchers and brown thrashers in Laramie From: dt <dtandelsie AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 17:30:08 -0700 I was interested in hearing about the blue-gray gnatcatcher and brown thrasher in Laramie and the paucity of observations in the area. Thought it was worth noting that I saw a bluegray gnatcatcher in fall of 1999 on Second Street in north Laramie. I also saw a brown thrasher in my yard in north Laramie on March 18, 2003 during a major snowstorm. It was certainly a surprise to see that year. I had to chack my notes for the correct dates and years, but I believe those are the only times I have seen either species in Laramie, at least that I have recorded. Happy birding! Diane in Laramie. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: West of Riverton From: Bob Hargis <bhargis AT WYOMING.COM> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 14:52:59 -0600 Of note today between Riverton house and Ocean Lake No. Waterthrushes.. several below the house bobbing along the Wind River Lazuli bunting at seed (2:49 pm today) Macgillivray's warb.. along river At Ocean Lake area Wilson's warbler Many Yellow rumped warbs ( Myrtle and Audubon's form) Cinnamon teal among other ducks Least and Semi-plamated sandpipers Clark's Grebe Sage thrashers, Vesper sparrows and Brewers and Lark sparrows too Notably no Lark Buntings.. Dry year in west? You bet Bob Hargis Jim Downham.. he missed the FOY LABU - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Daniel WY From: Susan Patla <susan_patla AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 01:58:16 +0000 On May 8, I observed a western kingbird (FOY) in some cottonwoods near Cottonwood Creek south of Daniel, WY. On a pond near Pinedale, there was a good assortment of waterfowl and other birds: Trumpeter Swan pair Wilson's phalaropes 15 Eared grebe 3 Northern Shoveler 6 Ruddy Duck 1 Mallards many Gadwall American Wigeon Green-winged Teal Lesser Scaup Ring-billed Duck American Coot 12 Canada goose Willet 4 calling Killdeer Bald Eagle one subadult - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Jackson South Park WMA From: Susan Patla <susan_patla AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 01:52:41 +0000 This morning we did a short survey in the WGFD South Park WMA along the road on the south end of the unit along the Snake River. We observed a number of yellow-rumped warblers (FOY for me) singing and foraging, many singing song sparrows, spotted sandpiper FOY, many American robins, 4 American white pelican, along with some other to be expected species. Usually when the leaves start to break out in the cottonwoods like they were today, the area is packed with yellow warblers but we did not see or hear one today. Still waiting for the migrant push here! Susan Patla and Tony White, Jackson - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Re: Laramie Area Birds From: "Peter G. Arnold" <pgapar AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 16:48:17 -0600 Don, I was in Laramie for a meeting this morning and took a bike ride along the greenway about noon and saw a Kingfisher. Pete Arnold Cheyenne On Wed, May 9, 2012 at 2:35 PM, Donald JonesSubject: Cheyenne and North Crow Reservoir From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 16:07:47 -0600 Dear Wyobirds,
Up at North Crow Reservoir, west of Cheyenne, this morning
we saw two families of Canada geese, my FOY Broad-tailed Hummingbird and a
Golden Eagle close enough to see the head shining gold.
Here at home we've had a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak
hanging out with us since Monday. Be sure to check out all your House
Finches. If one hanging out at the back of the yard seems a little too well
fed, it could be a female grosbeak.
Barb Gorges
Cheyenne
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net
Subject: Laramie Area BirdsFrom: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 14:35:43 -0600 A lunchtime walk along the Laramie Greenbelt and River turned up virtually no migrants. However, I was somewhat surprised to find a Brown Thrasher, and very surprised to find a single Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. I believe that this is the first time I have seen either of these species around Laramie, and Gnatcatcher seems somewhat out of range. They were both about 3/4 of a mile north of the main parking lot on Garfield street, in the stand of cottonwoods on the west side of the river north of the old railroad bridge where the Greenbelt trail crosses to and continues down the east bank. My highlight yesterday was a Lewis's Woodpecker out at the river access near Jelm, sallying forth to catch bugs from the top of a large cottonwood. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were numerous and very active in the area. Don Jones Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: palm warbler From: Chris Michelson <Michelsonce AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 16:04:19 -0400 Greetings birders My walk at EKW this morning was mostly uneventful. There was one small group of warblers which contained yellow warbler and yellow-rumped warbler along with MacGillivray's warbler and two palm warblers of the western subspecies. Good birding to all. Chris Michelson Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Re: hummers in Cheyenne or Casper? From: foggy AT WA.NET Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 16:39:21 -0500 Many thanks to those how have replied to my query on and off list. I had previously considered the eastern halves of Wyoming and Colorado to be a hummer desert, but this seems not to be the case at all! I am happy to hear that both cities have the Broad-tailed as a summer resident. I am pleasantly surprised to learn that, in Cheyenne at least, there are also migrating Rufous in late summer, and even a decent chance of migrating Calliope. It looks like some maps are in need of revision! Hummers and their ranges fascinate me. I encourage everyone to post their hummer sightings here, and also to Hummers-West, as i think some people in both groups would be interested to know what's out there at various times of the season. -will - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Re: hummers in Cheyenne or Casper? From: Harry <harry AT HARRYMARTINCARTOONS.COM> Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 11:29:44 -0600 Will, I've heard one hummer so far here in Casper at the Wyoming Audubon Center at Garden Creek. Didn't have to see it to know. Also, Bluebirds have built a nest in one of our nesting boxes. -- Harry Martin Casper, WY 14 miles west of Casper On 5/8/2012 1:05 AM, foggy AT WA.NET wrote: > From the map i have it looks like Cheyenne and Casper might just be on the eastern edge of the summer range for the Broad-tailed Hummingbird. I've also been reading that the range of the Black-chinned may be getting close to these cities. So are either of these hummers summer residents of either city, and if so, about how long between arrival and departure dates? Thanks for any info! > > -will > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: hummers in Cheyenne or Casper? From: foggy AT WA.NET Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 02:05:55 -0500 From the map i have it looks like Cheyenne and Casper might just be on the eastern edge of the summer range for the Broad-tailed Hummingbird. I've also been reading that the range of the Black-chinned may be getting close to these cities. So are either of these hummers summer residents of either city, and if so, about how long between arrival and departure dates? Thanks for any info! -will - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: weekend trip to Jackson From: Pat Dixon <Pdixn AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 00:12:38 -0400 On a weekend trip from Casper to snowy Jackson we saw: crow, raven, red wing black bird, grackle, starling, bb magpie, red tailed hawk, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, kestral, nesting ospreys, turkey vulture, robin, brewers sparrow,meadow lark, pelican, dc cormorant, trumpeter swan. n. shoveler, mallard, canada goose, sandhill crane - many - wilsons snipe, killdeer, tree swallow, gulls, probably ring bill, mourning dove, ec dove, rock dove. pat dixon - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Bighorn River, Thermopolis From: Seth Chamberlain <goshgarnet AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 21:20:29 -0600 On the Bighorn: Wood Duck, Common Merganser, Canada Goose, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Double-Crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Morning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, American Robin, Black-billed Magpie, Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Lark Bunting, Common Grackle, House Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and House Finch Seth Chamberlain (Thermopolis, WY) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Re: Hutton Lake From: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 19:12:16 -0600 Well, I guess I should have read through my message before I hit send. There were several *Red-necked Phalaropes*, not Red-necked Grebes. Sorry about that! On Mon, May 7, 2012 at 7:10 PM, Donald JonesSubject: Hutton Lake From: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 19:10:11 -0600 Although it was downright cold and even snowed a bit this afternoon, Hutton Lake NWR was pretty birdy. Nothing spectacular, but there were several first of year birds. A complete list follows, with the highlights (for me) in bold. Canada Goose American Wigeon Mallard Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Canvasback Redhead Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Ruddy Duck Pied-billed Grebe Eared Grebe Western Grebe Clark's Grebe Double-crested Cormorant *American Bittern* Northern Harrier American Coot Killdeer American Avocet Willet Wilson's Phalarope *Red-necked Grebe* *Forster's Tern* Horned Lark Northern Rough-winged Swallow Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Cliff Swallow Marsh Wren Sage Thrasher *Common Yellowthroat* *Spotted Towhee* Chipping Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Western Meadowlark Yellow-headed Blackbird Brewer's Blackbird Don Jones Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Lark buntings at my feeder! From: Jan McKee <jpmkee AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 18:35:50 -0400 I have seen lark buntings around, but never had any at the feeders. Today there were several males and females hanging out around the feeder with the larger flock of various blackbirds . Along North Crow Creek, 20 miles west of Cheyenne. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Rock River From: Jacqueline M Hauptman <jhauptma AT UWYO.EDU> Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 16:13:22 +0000 First Lark Bunting for the year on May 5th Jackie, Rock River, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Re: Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Cheyenne From: "Peter G. Arnold" <pgapar AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 19:19:03 -0600 Barb: The Painted Ladies are migrating through, so that would be my guess but I would like to see your photo. Pete On Sun, May 6, 2012 at 2:34 PM, Barb GorgesSubject: May 6 birds From: Jackie Canterbury <jackie.canterbury AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 17:45:27 -0600 I traveled around Sheridan today and to Lake DeSmet today and observed: DeSmet birds: Ring-billed gulls Western grebe Pied-billed grebe Belted kingfisher American coot Double-crested cormorant Spotted sandpiper Western kingbird on fence in grassland/sage Vesper sparrow along road Barn swallow Kildeer Sheridan birds: Say's phoebe Barn swallow Mountain bluebirds Orange-crowned warbler singing Grey partridge Jackie Canterbury Sheridan - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Hutton, Plains Lakes, and Snowies From: dt <dtandelsie AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 15:08:53 -0700 Another great day to bird. At Hutton Wildlife Refuge, Brewer's, vesper, and grasshopper sparrows, McCown's longspurs, as well as sage thrasher and a myriad of waterfowl and shorebirds. Western grebes and at least 1 Clark's grebe, as well as a pair of Canada geese with 5 goslings and a pair of willets copulating. At least 15 Forster's terns were in the vicinity of Rush Lake, and I also saw some later in the day at Twin Buttes. Long-billed and possibly a few short-billed dowitchers on the west side of the road just south of the cement plant as well. Plus all the more common species. Out at the Plains lakes, my first savannah sparrow of the year, a pair of blue-winged teal on Twin Buttes, and a few lingering buffleheads, as well as a number of Franklin's gulls, were the standouts. I did not see any ibis anywhere today. On Big Hollow road, loggerhead shrikes are back. In the lower Snowies along Sand Lake Road, the ruby-crowned kinglets and robins are out in force, as well as the yellow-rumped warblers. Hairy woodpecker, Townsends's solitaire (singing mid-afternoon atop a spruce tree), and an American dipper at the bridge also were great to see. Lots of species seen today, it is great to see them all coming back! Diane in Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Cheyenne From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 14:34:42 -0600 Dear Wyobirders,
I'm happy to announce that all the trash we gathered up
yesterday has not been disturbed as of this morning. Thanks to the 14
volunteers who hauled tires and furniture out of the muck along nearly 3
miles of "Burlington Trail." Both landowners, the Hales (Wyoming Hereford
Ranch) and Lummis (everything on the south and west side of the road)
families expressed their thanks.
Mark's and my favorite bird this morning was a Lazuli
Bunting, behind the big red steel barn. Also back there was an amazing
sight-a long (the barn is about 200 feet long), thick carpet of dandelions
covered in several hundred orange butterflies feeding. I have a photo of one
of the butterflies if anyone wants to identify it. We also had our FOY
Clay-colored Sparrow and Lark Sparrow.
Below are my checklists from eBird. I'm sure we missed a few
of the songbirds whose songs we don't recognize. We're looking forward to
everyone joining us for our May 19 Big Day Bird Count, which includes the
ranch, so we can have help seeing more birds!
Barb Gorges
Cheyenne
Hereford Ranch Reservoir #1, Laramie County US-WY
May 6, 2012 7:20 AM - 8:05 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments: Chilly--40 degrees and breezy.
31 species (+1 other taxa)
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose 8
Gadwall 37
American Wigeon 6
Mallard 58
Blue-winged Teal 4
Northern Shoveler 9
Northern Pintail 4
Canvasback 1
Lesser Scaup 7
Common Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 15
Eared Grebe 62
Western Grebe 41
American Coot 2
Killdeer 2
American Avocet 4
Willet 3
Short-billed Dowitcher 9
Wilson's Phalarope 2
Mourning Dove 7
Belted Kingfisher 1
Bank Swallow 10
swallow sp. 5
American Robin 4
European Starling 4
Clay-colored Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Western Meadowlark 6
Common Grackle 12
American Goldfinch 2
Wyoming Hereford Ranch - below WHR Res#1 to Campstool Rd., Laramie County,
US-WY
May 6, 2012 8:05 AM - 9:05 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.5 mile(s)
20 species (+3 other taxa)
Canada Goose 17 2 were perched briefly on nest in tree next to
Swainson's nest near windmill.
Mallard 12
Northern Pintail 3
Ring-necked Pheasant 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Swainson's Hawk 4
Red-tailed Hawk 2 on nest in tree on east side of valley.
diurnal raptor sp. 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Wilson's Phalarope 2
gull sp. 2
Mourning Dove 9
Great Horned Owl 1 in nest-could only see a fuzzy back
Belted Kingfisher 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 4
swallow sp. 6
American Robin 10
Yellow Warbler 2
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Western Meadowlark 10
Common Grackle 5
American Goldfinch 3
WY Hereford Ranch (Headquarters), Laramie County, US-WY
May 6, 2012 9:05 AM - 11:15 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
34 species (+1 other taxa)
Mallard 2 Spooked female from nest w 4 eggs
Northern Harrier 1
Swainson's Hawk 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Eurasian Collared-Dove 4
Mourning Dove 5
Great Horned Owl 1 on nest, adult
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
woodpecker sp. 1 sapsucker?
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2 eating dead bird
Bank Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 1 Saw it distinctly--a surprise.
Mountain Chickadee 1
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
American Robin 20 1 on a nest at the Prince Domino bridge
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 3
European Starling 15
Yellow Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Chipping Sparrow 4
Clay-colored Sparrow 4
Lark Sparrow 9
Song Sparrow 1
White-crowned Sparrow 1
Lazuli Bunting 1
Western Meadowlark 3
Common Grackle 10
House Finch 21
American Goldfinch 6 at least
House Sparrow 18
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net
Subject: Northern GoshawkFrom: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 13:45:00 -0600 I just caught a glimpse of an adult Northern Goshawk flying over the yard. First time I've ever seen one in town. Don Jones Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Casper area From: Chris Michelson <Michelsonce AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 14:02:59 -0400 Greetings birders A few new birds for the year for me this morning. At EKW there were a couple of least flycatchers and one singing yellow warbler. At Reshaw Park in Evansville, WY there was a western kingbird. Also present were a huge flock of chipping sparrows and another singing yellow warbler. Good birding to all. Chris Michelson Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: No Subject From: Hustace Scott <hustace AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 06:17:17 -0600 I love May; every day I see a new bird for the year. Yesterday I had a Bullock's Oriole near 12 Mile Rd, Lark Buntings in my fields and Lark Sparrows at my house. I still have only had one warbler in my yard. That was the one I heard singing on May 3. Normally I have more warblers, and much earlier. Stacey Scott SW of Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: names From: Ann Hines <annhines12 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 20:47:55 -0600 When you are listing, please state your residence. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: After the rains, Hudson From: Alan Krakauer <ahkrakauer AT UCDAVIS.EDU> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 20:15:09 -0600 The front that moved through last night seems to have brought a few new birds to the sage lands near Hudson. A couple of the small reservoirs had the following: Wilson's Phalarope (3) Cinnamon Teal (pair) No. Rough-winged Swallow (2) Lark Bunting (1) (first one I've ever seen in breeding plumage, and first I've seen in Wyoming) American Pipit (at least 2) Good Birding, Alan - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Re: FOY From: sol <solbun AT SWEETWATERHSA.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 20:12:15 -0600 sol wrote: Add to that 3 brown headed cowbirds and 1 red wing black bird, plus the common grackles we have also been seeing and it looks like ALL the icterids are back! paula - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: trip From: Ann Hines <annhines12 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 18:51:07 -0600 Wilmer and I headed to Saratoga after Francis' listing on Friday. We had a GREAT time Friday afternoon into evening and again this morning. I'm only list new birds FOY of us. At Saratoga and irrigated fields out of Saratoga: Clarks Grebe Marsh Wrens (all over the place) Long billed Curlew Wilson's Phalarope Bonaparte's Gull Short Bill Dowitcher Snowy Plover Common Yellowthroat Black crown Night heron Savannah Sparrow (Lots) Greater Yellowlegs Sybille Canyon Rock Wren Rest Area near Gurnsey W Kingbird Ayer's Natural Bridge American Redstart Yellow Warbler The alkali flats at Bosler Jct. only had a few ducks, Red wings BB and Grackles when we passed there. A MOST enjoyable and worthwhile trip. Ann in Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Hutton - Short-billed Dowitchers From: "James M. Maley" <jmaley1 AT UWYO.EDU> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 23:18:00 +0000 Hi Wyobirders, I took a quick trip to Hutton Lake NWR this afternoon with Jacob Saucier. Highlights include a Clark's Grebe with two Western Grebes and a group of 5 Short-billed Dowitchers. This is apparently the 13th spring record. They were with 10 Long-billed Dowitchers on the west side of Hutton Lake. We observed them feeding and felt confident they were Short-billed Dowitchers, then they flushed and confirmed it by giving the twittery flight call. We observed them flying around the lake again and heard them giving the flight call several times. Good birding, James James Maley Collections Manager Museum of Vertebrates Department of Zoology and Physiology Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center University of Wyoming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Evening grosbeaks in Laramie From: Grant Gardner <grant.p.gardner AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 15:59:59 -0600 I was treated to close views of a flock of 8 evening grosbeaks chattering in a small tree at tenth and Steele. First time I've ever seen them in town. Grant Gardner Laramie Sent from my iPhone - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Cassin's kingbird From: Chris Michelson <Michelsonce AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 17:21:55 -0400 Greetings birders A short visit to what remains of Yant's puddle(aka soda lake) produced a pair of Cassin's kingbirds. This species is unusual this far west. Also rather unexpected for the location was a brown thrasher. A pair of loggerhead shrikes was present along with several American avocets, 4 long-billed dowitcher, 2 willet and about a dozen Wilson's phalarope. Good birding to all. Chris Michelson Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Casper area From: Chris Michelson <Michelsonce AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 14:33:05 -0400 Greetings birders A few new birds for me this morning. At EKW there was a juvenile broad-winged hawk and a solitary sandpiper. Also present was my first un ID empid for the year. Reshaw park in Evensville, WY produced 3 male lark buntings. Perhaps this is a sign that winter is over. Good birding to all. Chris Michelson Casper, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Re: FOY From: sol <solbun AT SWEETWATERHSA.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 12:03:39 -0600 sol wrote: > male Bullock's Oriole (full adult "firebird" plumage) Add to that 3 brown headed cowbirds and 1 red wing black bird, plus the common grackles we have also been seeing and it looks like ALL the icterids are back! paula - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: spring From: RT Cox <birder1 AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 11:41:09 -0600 It's been quiet in Gillette. We had a bunch of Yellow-rumps blow through early in the week, not here for long. New include: C Yellowthroat Swainson's Thrush Wren White-crowned Sparrows in abundance (10 days ago) Spotted Towhees in abundance (10 days ago) Cowbirds, Grackles, Blackbirds (intermittent) Lark Buntings Mourning Doves courting Plus usual Robins, EC Doves, Townsend's Solitaire RT Cox PS If anyone wants to help me ID a heron I photographed at High Island, Texas, I will send you two jpegs. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: FOY From: sol <solbun AT SWEETWATERHSA.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 11:06:26 -0600 male Bullock's Oriole (full adult "firebird" plumage) paula in Green River - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Spring Birds From: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 11:02:04 -0600 Our big wave of White-crowned Sparrows came through this week- I counted 12 at one point. All but a few have moved on, but in addition, we now have... Red-winged Blackbird- 15 Common Grackle- about 10 Lincoln's Sparrow- 2 Swainson's Thrush- 1 Cassin's Finch- 10 House Finch and House Sparrow- lots Downy woodpecker- 2 (pair) Hairy Woodpecker- 1 male American Goldfinch- 6 males and 3 females Pine Siskin- 20 Mourning Dove- 2 Eurasian Collard-Dove- 6 Blue Jay- 1 Mountain Chickadee- 2 (pair) Things are picking up! Don Jones Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Arrivals west of Riverton From: Bob Hargis <bhargis AT WYOMING.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 10:48:53 -0600 Birders Today on a walk a mile or so above the house.. newbies included Bullock's Orioles.. male and female Gray Catbird C. Yellowthroat Rock wren Interesting were Am. Bald eagles (2) Peregrine over Wind River Nesting Red-tailed hawk Sandhill cranes calling Have fun all Bob Hargis - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Thursday arrivals From: CJ Grimes <cjgrimes AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 06:40:29 -0400 Black-throated Gray Warbler and Gray Flycatcher have arrived east of Ten Sleep. CJ Grimes Ten Sleep - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Laramie Plains Lakes and Hutton - 4 May From: Shawn Billerman <s.m.billerman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 00:33:38 -0600 Hi all, This morning (Friday, May 4), I went out to search the lakes hoping to catch a glimpse of the Long-tailed Jaeger that James found yesterday. I had no luck with finding a jaeger, but I did have a very productive morning. Highlights include: Hutton Lake NWR Forster's Terns - 2 (also had 2 near Gelatt Lake) Least Sandpiper - 4 Spotted Sandpiper - 1 Northern Mockingbird - 1 (in sage between Lake George and Rush Lake) Brewer's Sparrows - at least 5 (including singing males) eBird checklist for Hutton Lake: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S10629661 Twin Buttes Reservoir Wood Duck - 1 male in the middle of the reservoir; seemed very out of place Black-necked Stilt - 4 Marbled Godwit - 11 huge rafts of gulls - estimated 400 individuals Also had my first of the year Western Kingbird near Blake's Pond. In addition, there were many displaying McCown's Longspurs. Wilson's Phalaropes have also become abundant in the last few days, with about 200 on Twin Buttes Reservoir. Good birding, Shawn Billerman Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Wetland near Bosler and Douglas Cemetery From: dt <dtandelsie AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 21:07:49 -0700 On the way to Douglas from Laramie this morning at the intersection of Highways 30 and 34 (near Bosler) the alkaline flats wetland had a nice assortment of waterbirds, including marbled godwits, Wilson's phalaropes, American avocets, cinnamon teal, gadwalls, northern shovelers, northern pintail, American wigeon, lesser yellowlegs, yellow-headed and red-winged blackbirds, and willets, among others. Also, an American pipit. Later in the day at the Douglas Cemetery on 9th Street, I saw many of the usual suspects, as well as a wild turkey, western wood-pewee, pine siskin, ruby-crowned kinglet, red-breasted nuthatch, American goldfinch, chipping sparrow, yellow-rumped and Townsend's warblers, house wren, spotted and green-tailed towhees, a great-tailed grackle in with common grackles, brown thrasher, and most special of all, rose-breasted grosbeak. The grosbeak, along with the thrasher and both towhee species were in the carageenan bushes along the south? side of the cemetery. I was thrilled to see the wonderful variety of birds, especially given the numerous European starlings that are nesting in the cemetery. I am also wondering if anyone in the Laramie area has seen a white-winged dove. I had one in my front spruce tree last Friday, but would love to see if anyone else also saw it. It was perched within several feet of my front window. I've been listening for it, but have not heard it calling, so perhaps it has moved on. Diane in Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Casper From: Rose-Mary King <rking7453 AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 16:17:52 -0600 Just had an American Goldfinch (FOY) - a couple weeks later than some years and a couple weeks earlier than other years. Rose-Mary - Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Saratoga Area From: Francis and Janice <fcbjmb AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 13:43:19 -0400 I forgot to mention that we had black terns and caspian terns at the lake also. Francis - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Saratoga Area From: Francis and Janice <fcbjmb AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 13:32:08 -0400 Finally the migrants are showing up at the lake, this week we have had a dunlin, sanderling, semi palmated plover and phalaropes plus the usual avocets, willets and yellowlegs. Not many small peeps yet. This morning there were three great egrets (the most I've ever seen together at the lake) and we found five curlews in an irragated hay field, the FOY. There are very few waterfowl this year and no sign of the bitterns yet. We also watched a mink catching crayfish at the boat dock. Francis - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Northern cardinal From: "Alexandra P. Rose" <arose5 AT UWYO.EDU> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 17:26:41 +0000 Sitting at my kitchen table, grading term papers, I was rewarded with a brief look at a Northern cardinal winging his way Northeast across La Prele park in Laramie! Faulkner's Birds of Wyoming reports 7 sightings of NOCAs all from this time of year. Keep your eyes peeled! Alex Alexandra Rose, PhD Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming 307-766-2839 arose5 AT uwyo.edu - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Casper From: Rose-Mary King <rking7453 AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 11:03:04 -0600 Had my FOY White-crowned Sparrow! Rose-Mary - Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Lander/Hudson birds From: Alan Krakauer <ahkrakauer AT UCDAVIS.EDU> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 10:15:29 -0600 A few more birds to report from the Hudson/Lander area Cooper's Hawk flew over 789 near Lander on Monday. A flock of ~15 White Pelicans flew low over downtown Hudson while we were heading into Svilar's Steakhouse. A quick afternoon hike yesterday in Sinks Canyon found a Lincoln's Sparrow, as well as mating Mountain Chickadees and singing Cassin's Finches, Am Robins, and Townsend's Solitaires. A few new birds this morning in the sage near Hudson- Brown-headed Cowbird at camp, and Chipping and Savannah sparrows out in the sage. Also saw my first Loggerhead Shrike of the season, although others in the crew had already seen them this year. The sage-grouse are definitely winding down, but the rest of the birds are still putting on a good show in the morning (lots of singing Brewer's sparrows, vesper sparrows, sage thrasher, meadowlarks, rock wrens horned larks, sage sparrows). A few white-crowned sparrows near one of our leks as well. Good birding, Alan Krakauer Hudson, WY Richmond, CA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: FOY Green River backyard From: sol <solbun AT SWEETWATERHSA.COM> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 09:23:07 -0600 Yesterday: 1 grackle 1 male black chinned hummingbird paula - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Around West Riverton From: Bob Hargis <bhargis AT WYOMING.COM> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 08:25:15 -0600 Hello Birders The Harris's sparrow (at least 1 bird) in full breeding plumage remains at our seed feeders on the ground below the sagebrush west of our house.. this is unusual for sure at this time of year. This is the 6th day we have seen this bird in a row. Joining this guy are White-crowned sparrows, Lincoln's sparrows, and yesterday a Lark sparrow.. Spotted Towhees are here and Yellow-rumped warblers are around. Wilson's snipe are "winnowing' and Common Mergansers, Spotted sandpipers and Greater Yellowlegs are on the river below the house.. joined by a Wood duck pair. For those interesting in photographing the sparrow let me know.. he comes in randomly during the day. Bob Hargis Riverton - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Long-tailed Jaeger - Hutton Lakes NWR From: "James M. Maley" <jmaley1 AT UWYO.EDU> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 03:23:01 +0000 Hi Wyobirders, While birding Hutton Lakes NWR this evening I had an adult, light morph Long-tailed Jaeger. I had the bird in a scope for about thirty seconds in flight. The yellowish cheeks and black cap were obvious, along with the long tail streamers. I've had extensive experience with all three species. The bird was in the first big lake on the right. I refound it again about 2 minutes later but lost it and never saw it again. Good birding! James James Maley Collections Manager Museum of Vertebrates Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: No Subject From: Hustace Scott <hustace AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 19:35:03 -0600 I had my first warbler today. It was a singing Yellow-rump, but I didn't see it because of the leaves on the trees. This is the latest I have ever had my first warbler by about a week. I also had a singing Rock Wren. Yesterday, I had Pinion Jays on Coal Mountain Road, and a Cliff Swallow at the Bessemer Bend Bridge. On Monday I had a Cowbird and a Brewer's Sparrow that needed singing lessons. He was doing a much better job this morning. Frequently I am a week or more behind what is seen in Casper. The warbler was so late I was afraid that I might have to wait until fall to get one for my yard list. Stacey Scott SW of Casper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Cheyenne feeders From: Greg Johnson <gjohnson AT WEST-INC.COM> Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 08:55:02 -0600 Wyobirders, Yesterday a male rose-breasted grosbeak and spotted towhee added some color to the parade of grackles, house sparrows, and E. collared doves coming to my feeder in north Cheyenne. Looks like migration is picking up! Greg Johnson Cheyenne, WY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Bullock's Oriole - Laramie From: Jacob Saucier <jacob.r.saucier AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 21:39:36 -0600 Hey Wyobirders, Just wanted to make a quick report. While walking through town today in Laramie I had my first of the season Bullock's Oriole! Cheers, Jacob - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Tanager From: Tom Axthelm <taxthelm AT BRESNAN.NET> Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 20:32:56 -0600 My nephew called me tonight and said that he saw a Summer Tanager on the UW campus in Laramie today. He said that it was near T-Rex at the Geology building. Tom Axthelm Riverton - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Cooper's update-Missouri From: Tom Morton <caver_emeritus AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 11:15:16 -0700 Last evening, using my big binocs, I observed the female hawk incubating eggs. It should not be long before the little ones hatch. During the incubation period I noticed that they have been keeping a low profile. Once the young hatch they will get much busier. The adults started and abandoned at least 3 nests before settling in this one. I thought such behavior might be their way of fooling enemies. What do you think? Do I give them too much credit? Also I have seen the white female cardinal several times but still no luck with photo. She is a beauty with her pink topknot, outer primaries, beak and legs/feet. She has a bit of gray mottling on her sides. Striking really. Great birding to all. tom - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Cheyenne Pet Clinic's "Nestling Nursemaids" signing up volunteers now From: Barb Gorges <bgorges4 AT MSN.COM> Date: Tue, 1 May 2012 19:58:55 -0600 Contact: Barb Gorges, Cheyenne - High Plains Audubon Society, 307-634-0463
News release sent at the request of: Cheyenne Pet Clinic, 635-4121
For immediate release May 1, 2012
Cheyenne Pet Clinic's "Nestling Nursemaids" program signing up volunteers
now
Every spring baby birds are saved from calamity and brought
to the Cheyenne Pet Clinic where, for the third year, the popular and
successful Nestling Nursemaids program will be able to help them. Volunteers
receive care instructions and proper food for the nestlings so they can feed
them at home until the nestlings are ready to be on their own. The clinic
has the permits to oversee work with wild birds. To get on the volunteer
roster, please call the clinic, 635-4121, weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
xxx
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net
Subject: Birding Information- Fremont CountyFrom: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 1 May 2012 16:12:16 -0600 In a couple of weeks, I will be up in Fremont County with my dad to do our annual "birdathon" to benefit Audubon Wyoming. This will be our 9th year, and there are a few birds which we can't ever seem to find, even though I'm sure they are around the Wind River Basin. If anyone with knowledge or experience of birding in the area would be willing to give me some suggestions, send me an email and I can give you a list of our target species. Thanks! Don Jones Laramie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.netSubject: Great-Tailed Grackle - LCCC From: Tina Payton <rainofautumn AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 1 May 2012 13:35:09 -0600 All,I just ran an errand for lunch and took my brother to LCCC and just saw a Great-Tailed Grackle. At first I thought it was a crow because of the size, but the loooooooooooong tail verified what it was. I tried to take some pictures with my cell phone but they didn't turn out too well. It was by the soccer field, closer to the pond in the northeast part of the campus. And I believe the female was nearby - I saw the brown head (my daughter thought it was a brown headed cowbird) and longer than common tail.Plus, I saw at least 2 male yellow-headed blackbirds, and many red-headed blackbirds. Couldn't see if there were any ducks in the pond as we usually see though. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have any problems, questions, etc... e-mail willcornell AT onewest.net |