RBA
*Alabama
*Statewide
*INTERNET ONLY
*March 29, 2009
*ALST0903.29
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--- Species added since last report ---
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BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
Franklin’s Gull
KELP GULL (probable)
Black-legged Kittiwake
Long-eared Owl (gone?)
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--- Species previously reported ---
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HOODED ORIOLE (deceased)
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Please note: Species CAPITALIZED above are on the Alabama Bird Records Committee
review list. Check the AOS website (address below - look in ABRC section) for
forms and suggestions on how to submit your sightings of these species to the
state database.
Written details, photos, recordings, etc. are highly desired for ABRC Review
List species and should be sent to:
Greg D. Jackson
2220 Baneberry Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244
g_d_jackson@
Fax: 205/987-5167
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Alabama Ornithological Society website:
http://www.bham.
Alabama RBA archives:
http://www.tvas.
DeAL = DeLorme Alabama Atlas
BGtA = Birder’s Guide to=2
0Alabama (John F. Porter editor, University of Alabama Press, 2001)
NABT = North Alabama Birding Trail (http://www.northala
ACBT = Alabama Coastal Birding Trail (http://www.alabamac
- Transcript
Hotline: Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Alert
Date: March 29, 2009
Phone number to leave messages about rare birds: 256/773-8560
Compiler: Steve W. McConnell
Email: swmavocet@aol.
Alabama Rare Bird Report – Sunday, March 29, 2009.
The adult male HOODED ORIOLE present near Barnwell (Baldwin County) since late
January, was found dead 3/24.
A probable adult or 3rd cycle KELP GULL was photographed 3/14 from a cruise ship
departing the port of Mobile. Access to the exact location is likely restricted
but birders on the coast, especially in the area of Battleship Park, should be
aware that all “black-backed” gulls they may see in the coming weeks may not be
the expected two species. In light of this find, any black-backed gull with
greenish legs certainly deserves a second look and careful documentation!
Five BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS were reportedly seen from a boat in a
backyard adjacent to the canal at the Dauphin Island airport marsh on 3/19. The
birds flushed out into the marsh. I’ve seen no subsequent reports. [DeAL
64-B4][BGtA p. 6-12][ACBT #44]
A 1st winter BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was discovered 3/28 on the lake above Logan
Martin
Dam south of Pell City in St. Clair County. On that day the kittiwake associated
with two Laughing above the dam. The bird was refound 3/29 again on the lake
this time with a flock of Bonaparte’s Gulls. Several 100 Bonaparte’s are
feeding in the turbine zone below the dam so the kittiwake may also. There are
many “no parking” signs on the dam itself. One good viewpoint for the lake is
reached by parking at the west end in a gravel area near and gate and chain link
fence. Walk back along the road to scope the lake. To reach the turbine zone
overlook continue west on the main dam road to Kelly Creek Road. Turn left
(south) here and then left again in a short distance at the sign for fishing
access. [DeAL 31-F10]
A calling owl described as a LONG-EARED (possibly two) was heard during the
pre-dawn hours of 3/18 from the Lake Guntersville SP campground area. Known
attempts to relocate this bird on 3/20 & 3/21 were unsuccessful.
An alternate plumage FRANKLIN’S GULL was seen 3/23 flying below Wilson Dam.
This bird was not seen during a visit 3/27. [DeAL 17-C7][BGtA p. 213][NABT
#6&7]
The world-famous Hummer/Bird Study Group is currently banding at Ft. Morgan
through April 9. Captures have been frequent so far with over 1,000 birds
ringed in two days alone! Visitors are welcome! Please note: this banding
operation takes place on fort property so expect to pay the standard=2
0fort entrance fee. In the interest of maintaining a positive birder image with
those administrating the fort, PLEASE be sure you pay your way!!!
The next meeting of the Alabama Ornithological Society will be held on Dauphin
Island April 17-19.
The following may be called for information:
Alabama Ornithological Society: Linda Reynolds (256/582-2970)
Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center hotline: (205/621-3333)
Sighting information, and requests for regular email transcripts, can be
submitted by email to:
swmavocet@aol.
Thank you.
-End Transcript