I was glad to add another species to my county list.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Western Kingbird in Northampton County! ~ October 30, 2005
Arlene Koch called me and asked me to bring my camera down to her place. There, on one of the snags in her backyard, was a Western Kingbird. I took these diagnostic photos of the bird, which represents the 2nd record for Northampton County.
Western Kingbird in Williams Township in Northampton County. Note the very light throat and breast, the lemon-yellow belly, the pale gray head, and the white in the outer tail feathers.
Western Kingbird in Williams Township in Northampton County. Note the lemon-yellow belly, the pale gray head, and the white in the outer tail feathers.
I was glad to add another species to my county list.
I was glad to add another species to my county list.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Little Blue Herons near Freemansburg ~ August 13, 2005
Rett and Priscilla Oren reported two Little Blue Herons on the 8th. I finally got the chance to see them and get this photo.
Little Blue Herons near Freemansburg in Northampton County. Note the two-toned bill, the dull green legs, and the hint of dark coloration on the tips of the primaries. This is an unusual find for Northampton County.
Seeing another county bird made the hot, humid walk worthwhile.
Seeing another county bird made the hot, humid walk worthwhile.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 23, 2005
On July 23rd, Babe Webster and I flew to Tucson for five days of birding in southeast Arizona, mainly to see the variety and sheer numbers of hummingbirds that are there during late summer. Our schedule had to be altered because of a wildfire that closed Madera Canyon until later in the week.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 24, 2005
On the 24th, we drove into the little town of Continental where we found a Rufous-winged Sparrow for Babe.
Rufous-winged Sparrow at Continental, Arizona. Note the split rufous crown, the line behind the eye, the two dark 'whisker' stripes, the plain gray breast, and the light-colored bill. This bird was photographed in the mesquite across the road from the Continental Feed Lot Cafe.
At Patagonia Lake State Park, we spent four hours looking for a Black-capped Gnatcatcher for her. Although we heard a few gnatcatcher calls, we never were able to see one. Some of the birds we did manage to see included Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, a nice male Varied Bunting, and lots of Bell's Vireos.
Our stop at the famous Patagonia Roadside Rest was cut short by a thunderstorm that hit just as I found the male Rose-throated Becard at its nest, so we drove on to Beatty's Guest Ranch, our base for the next two days. We were amazed by the sheer numbers of hummingbirds buzzing around the feeders at the 'Controlled Access Site'. We saw nine species, which included Broad-billed, Blue-throated, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Anna's, Broad-tailed, Rufous, a male Calliope, and several White-eared Hummingbirds, which were 'lifers' for both of us.
At Patagonia Lake State Park, we spent four hours looking for a Black-capped Gnatcatcher for her. Although we heard a few gnatcatcher calls, we never were able to see one. Some of the birds we did manage to see included Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, a nice male Varied Bunting, and lots of Bell's Vireos.
Our stop at the famous Patagonia Roadside Rest was cut short by a thunderstorm that hit just as I found the male Rose-throated Becard at its nest, so we drove on to Beatty's Guest Ranch, our base for the next two days. We were amazed by the sheer numbers of hummingbirds buzzing around the feeders at the 'Controlled Access Site'. We saw nine species, which included Broad-billed, Blue-throated, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Anna's, Broad-tailed, Rufous, a male Calliope, and several White-eared Hummingbirds, which were 'lifers' for both of us.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 25, 2005
On the 25th, we spent the morning and early evening at Mary Jo Ballator's Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast. There, we saw Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeaks, and Scott's Oriole. Her hummingbird feeders produced five species that included our 'life' Lucifer Hummingbirds, two females and a striking male! We also got to study a Tarantula that walked in front of Babe as we left Mary Jo's yard at dusk.
Broad-billed Hummingbird at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This photo shows the dark blue throat, the metallic green sides, and the orange-red bill with a dark tip. Overall, this is one of the most colorful North American hummingbirds. This adult male was photographed at Mary Jo Ballator's feeding area.
Lucifer Hummingbird at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This photo shows the cinnamon wash on the sides and flanks, the tan eyeline above the dark cheek patch, the green back, and the distinctive long, decurved bill. This female was photographed at Mary Jo Ballator's feeding area.
Lucifer Hummingbird at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005. This mediocre photo shows the splayed gorget feathers, the light eyeline, the cinnamon wash on the sides and flanks, the bronze-green back, and the distinctive long, decurved bill. This adult male was photographed at Mary Jo Ballator's feeding area.
During midday at Beatty's, I got photos of many of the different species at the 'Controlled Access Site'. While there, Violet-crowned was added as the eleventh species! A Black-tailed Rattlesnake was also seen near there.
White-eared Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This photo shows the prominent white 'ear' stripe on the dark head, the orange-red bill with a black tip, and the centrally white breast with heavy green speckling on the sides. This adult male was photographed at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
White-eared Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. I included this blurry 'videograb' of a 'head-on' male because it shows the intense blue-violet head and chin and the turquoise-green throat, in addition to the green speckles of metallic green on its sides. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Magnificent Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This 'videograb' shows the brilliant turquoise-green gorget contrasting with the black breast, the violet cap on the head, and the white eyespot on the black face patch. This adult male was photographed at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Black-chinned Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This 'videograb' shows the violet band at the bottom of the gorget, which most often appears all black. Also note the white collar separating the dark head and the dark 'vest' on the breast. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This photo shows the emerald green back, white breast with gray-green 'vest', and the rufous edges on the tail. As often is the case, here the rose-colored gorget appears dark since it is not reflecting light towards the camcorder. This adult male was photographed at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Anna's Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This blurry 'videograb' shows the pinkish-rose irridescence encompassing the entire head and throat on the male on the right and another male feeding on the left. These two males were videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Blue-throated Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. I included this blurry 'videograb' because it shows the striking blue throat and prominent white patches in the corners of its large tail. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Calliope Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This blurry 'videograb' shows the dark red 'rays' on the throat and the dull white breast with a grayish wash on the sides. The very short tail is barely visible behind its plump body. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
During midday at Beatty's, I got photos of many of the different species at the 'Controlled Access Site'. While there, Violet-crowned was added as the eleventh species! A Black-tailed Rattlesnake was also seen near there.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 26, 2005
We stopped at the Beatty's "Controlled Access" site where an Arizona Woodpecker showed up next to the feeder that the White-eared Hummingbirds preferred.
Arizona Woodpecker at the 'Controlled Access Site' at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona.
We then continued a little farther up the mountain to the "Hawk Watch" site, which has another set of feeders .
There, we saw the previously reported Berylline X Magnificent Hummingbird hybrid.
Berylline X Magnificent Hummingbird at the 'Hawk Watch Site' at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona.
A male Rufous Hummingbird was also present there.
Rufous Hummingbird at the 'Hawk Watch Site' at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona.
We left Miller Canyon and made the long drive over to Portal, located at the base of the Chiricahua Mountains, where we spent the night at the Portal Lodge.
We then continued a little farther up the mountain to the "Hawk Watch" site, which has another set of feeders .
There, we saw the previously reported Berylline X Magnificent Hummingbird hybrid.
A male Rufous Hummingbird was also present there.
We left Miller Canyon and made the long drive over to Portal, located at the base of the Chiricahua Mountains, where we spent the night at the Portal Lodge.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 27, 2005
We drove up through Cave Creek Canyon into the Chiricahua Mountains.
Among the birds seen near Onion Saddle was this Mexican Chickadee.
Mexican Chickadee at Onion Saddle in the Chiricahuas above Portal, Arizona.
Other birds seen in the area included Zone-tailed Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Greater Pewee, Bushtit, Red-breasted, White-breasted, and Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hepatic Tanager, and Yellow-eyed Junco.
We descended back down to the South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon. There, we found Golden Eagle, Cordilleran, Dusky-capped, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Bridled Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Red-faced Warbler, Painted Redstart, Summer Tanager, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Back at the lodge, a Violet-crowned Hummingbird came in and visited one of the feeders outside our room.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird at the Portal Lodge in Portal, Arizona.
A private set of feeders outside of Portal produced Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia, Bronzed Cowbird, and Lesser Goldfinch.
Black-throated Sparrow at a private feeder outside of Portal, Arizona.
Pyrrhuloxia at a private feeder outside of Portal, Arizona.
We left Portal and headed west to Tucson, spending the night at a Motel 6.
Among the birds seen near Onion Saddle was this Mexican Chickadee.
Other birds seen in the area included Zone-tailed Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Greater Pewee, Bushtit, Red-breasted, White-breasted, and Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hepatic Tanager, and Yellow-eyed Junco.
We descended back down to the South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon. There, we found Golden Eagle, Cordilleran, Dusky-capped, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Bridled Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Red-faced Warbler, Painted Redstart, Summer Tanager, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Back at the lodge, a Violet-crowned Hummingbird came in and visited one of the feeders outside our room.
A private set of feeders outside of Portal produced Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia, Bronzed Cowbird, and Lesser Goldfinch.
We left Portal and headed west to Tucson, spending the night at a Motel 6.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 28, 2005
We arrived at the Red Rock feedlot at first light on the 28th, hoping to find a Ruddy Ground-Dove for Babe. We heard at least one but never saw it. Birds that did show themselves included Eurasian Collared-Dove, Inca Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Loggerhead Shrike, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and Common Poorwills that were along the roadside at dawn.
After several hours of the heat and unpleasant odors, we decided to head to Madera Canyon, which was now finally open again. We had hoped to see the Flame-colored Tanagers that had nested there, but they hadn't been seen since the fire and we struck out again. Surprisingly, Babe found a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak there! We had stumbled upon a Rose-breasted in California and now in Arizona. Local birders came to see the grosbeak and add it to their state lists.
Other birds seen in Madera included another Zone-tailed Hawk, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Painted Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, and a 'black-backed' Lesser Goldfinch.
After several hours of the heat and unpleasant odors, we decided to head to Madera Canyon, which was now finally open again. We had hoped to see the Flame-colored Tanagers that had nested there, but they hadn't been seen since the fire and we struck out again. Surprisingly, Babe found a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak there! We had stumbled upon a Rose-breasted in California and now in Arizona. Local birders came to see the grosbeak and add it to their state lists.
Other birds seen in Madera included another Zone-tailed Hawk, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Painted Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, and a 'black-backed' Lesser Goldfinch.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 29, 2005
On the 29th, we made one last try for the tanager before we had to leave for the airport, again with no luck. We ended up with a trip total of 107 species plus one hybrid.
For those of you interested in seeing many more photos from this Arizona trip, you can go to my Arizona Photos Album.
Arizona Trip List ---- February 2nd to 9th, 2008
1) Wild Turkey
2) Gambel's Quail
3) Great Blue Heron
4) Turkey Vulture
5) Cooper's Hawk
6) Harris's Hawk
7) Swainson's Hawk
8) Zone-tailed Hawk
9) Red-tailed Hawk
10) Golden Eagle
11) American Coot
12) Killdeer
13) Rock Pigeon
14) Band-tailed Pigeon
15) Eurasian Collared-Dove
16) White-winged Dove
17) Mourning Dove
18) Inca Dove
19) Yellow-billed Cuckoo
20) Greater Roadrunner
21) Great Horned Owl
22) Lesser Nighthawk
23) Common Poorwill
24) Broad-billed Hummingbird
25) White-eared Hummingbird***
26) Violet-crowned Hummingbird
27) Blue-throated Hummingbird
28) Magnificent Hummingbird
29) Lucifer Hummingbird***
30) Black-chinned Hummingbird
31) Anna's Hummingbird
32) Calliope Hummingbird
33) Broad-tailed Hummingbird
34) Rufous Hummingbird
35) Acorn Woodpecker
36) Gila Woodpecker
37) Ladder-backed Woodpecker
38) Arizona Woodpecker
39) Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker
40) Greater Pewee
41) Western Wood-Pewee
42) Cordilleran Flycatcher
43) Black Phoebe
44) Say's Phoebe
45) Vermilion Flycatcher
46) Dusky-capped Flycatcher
47) Ash-throated Flycatcher
48) Brown-crested Flycatcher
49) Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
50) Cassin's Kingbird
51) Western Kingbird
52) Rose-throated Becard
53) Loggerhead Shrike
54) Bell's Vireo
55) Plumbeous Vireo
56) Steller's Jay
57) Western Scrub-Jay
58) Mexican Jay
59) Chihuahuan Raven
60) Common Raven
61) Northern Rough-winged Swallow
62) Barn Swallow
63) Mexican Chickadee
64) Bridled Titmouse
65) Verdin
66) Bushtit
67) Red-breasted Nuthatch
68) White-breasted Nuthatch
69) Pygmy Nuthatch
70) Brown Creeper
71) Canyon Wren
72) Bewick's Wren
73) House Wren
74) Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
75) Western Bluebird
76) American Robin
77) Northern Mockingbird
78) Curve-billed Thrasher
79) European Starling
80) Phainopepla
81) Lucy's Warbler
82) Black-throated Gray Warbler
83) Common Yellowthroat
84) Red-faced Warbler
85) Painted Redstart
86) Yellow-breasted Chat
87) Hepatic Tanager
88) Summer Tanager
89) Canyon Towhee
90) Rufous-winged Sparrow
91) Black-throated Sparrow
92) Song Sparrow
93) Yellow-eyed Junco
94) Northern Cardinal
95) Pyrrhuloxia
96) Rose-breasted Grosbeak
97) Black-headed Grosbeak
98) Blue Grosbeak
99) Varied Bunting
100) Great-tailed Grackle
101) Bronzed Cowbird
102) Brown-headed Cowbird
103) Hooded Oriole
104) Scott's Oriole
105) House Finch
106) Lesser Goldfinch
107) House Sparrow
Also Berylline x Magnificent Hummingbird.
*Denotes 'Life Bird'.
For those of you interested in seeing many more photos from this Arizona trip, you can go to my Arizona Photos Album.
Arizona Trip List ---- February 2nd to 9th, 2008
1) Wild Turkey
2) Gambel's Quail
3) Great Blue Heron
4) Turkey Vulture
5) Cooper's Hawk
6) Harris's Hawk
7) Swainson's Hawk
8) Zone-tailed Hawk
9) Red-tailed Hawk
10) Golden Eagle
11) American Coot
12) Killdeer
13) Rock Pigeon
14) Band-tailed Pigeon
15) Eurasian Collared-Dove
16) White-winged Dove
17) Mourning Dove
18) Inca Dove
19) Yellow-billed Cuckoo
20) Greater Roadrunner
21) Great Horned Owl
22) Lesser Nighthawk
23) Common Poorwill
24) Broad-billed Hummingbird
25) White-eared Hummingbird***
26) Violet-crowned Hummingbird
27) Blue-throated Hummingbird
28) Magnificent Hummingbird
29) Lucifer Hummingbird***
30) Black-chinned Hummingbird
31) Anna's Hummingbird
32) Calliope Hummingbird
33) Broad-tailed Hummingbird
34) Rufous Hummingbird
35) Acorn Woodpecker
36) Gila Woodpecker
37) Ladder-backed Woodpecker
38) Arizona Woodpecker
39) Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker
40) Greater Pewee
41) Western Wood-Pewee
42) Cordilleran Flycatcher
43) Black Phoebe
44) Say's Phoebe
45) Vermilion Flycatcher
46) Dusky-capped Flycatcher
47) Ash-throated Flycatcher
48) Brown-crested Flycatcher
49) Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
50) Cassin's Kingbird
51) Western Kingbird
52) Rose-throated Becard
53) Loggerhead Shrike
54) Bell's Vireo
55) Plumbeous Vireo
56) Steller's Jay
57) Western Scrub-Jay
58) Mexican Jay
59) Chihuahuan Raven
60) Common Raven
61) Northern Rough-winged Swallow
62) Barn Swallow
63) Mexican Chickadee
64) Bridled Titmouse
65) Verdin
66) Bushtit
67) Red-breasted Nuthatch
68) White-breasted Nuthatch
69) Pygmy Nuthatch
70) Brown Creeper
71) Canyon Wren
72) Bewick's Wren
73) House Wren
74) Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
75) Western Bluebird
76) American Robin
77) Northern Mockingbird
78) Curve-billed Thrasher
79) European Starling
80) Phainopepla
81) Lucy's Warbler
82) Black-throated Gray Warbler
83) Common Yellowthroat
84) Red-faced Warbler
85) Painted Redstart
86) Yellow-breasted Chat
87) Hepatic Tanager
88) Summer Tanager
89) Canyon Towhee
90) Rufous-winged Sparrow
91) Black-throated Sparrow
92) Song Sparrow
93) Yellow-eyed Junco
94) Northern Cardinal
95) Pyrrhuloxia
96) Rose-breasted Grosbeak
97) Black-headed Grosbeak
98) Blue Grosbeak
99) Varied Bunting
100) Great-tailed Grackle
101) Bronzed Cowbird
102) Brown-headed Cowbird
103) Hooded Oriole
104) Scott's Oriole
105) House Finch
106) Lesser Goldfinch
107) House Sparrow
Also Berylline x Magnificent Hummingbird.
*Denotes 'Life Bird'.
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
Glossy Ibis at Green Pond ~ July 4, 2005
Nancy Johnston, who lives across the street from Green Pond, called me to tell me that there was an ibis in the flooded fields. I quickly drove over, found a young Glossy Ibis, and got these photos of it.
Glossy Ibis at Green Pond in Northampton County.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Olive-sided Flycatcher found on PA BBA! ~ June 19, 2005
While out doing one of my Breeding Bird Atlas blocks, I was really surprised to find an Olive-sided Flycatcher along Raubsville Road, just west of Raubsville. This is a very unusual summer record for our area.
Olive-sided Flycatcher in Williams Township in Northampton County.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Seaside Sparrow in PA! ~ May 25, 2005
While surveying for the Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas, Tom Johnson discovered a Seaside Sparrow in southern Dauphin County. Several of us waited until near sunset when the bird finally began singing from a bush for about a half-hour. I took two identifiable 'stills' with my camcorder in the failing light.
Seaside Sparrow near Deodate, Dauphin County. This bird was seen in a wet hayfield along Kennedy Road. Note the yellowish lores, dark whisker stripes, and white throat patch contrasting with the grayish breast. It represents one of only several records for Pennsylvania.
Seaside Sparrow near Deodate, Dauphin County. It represents one of only several records for Pennsylvania.
Thanks to Tom, I got to see another new state bird.
Thanks to Tom, I got to see another new state bird.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Ross's Goose at Green Pond! ~ April 10, 2005
I went over to the flooded fields by Green Pond to look for the Ross's Goose that Billy Weber found on the 8th. It was still there among about 40 Snow Geese.
Ross's Goose at the flooded fields by Green Pond in Northampton County. Note the smaller size and stubby, triangular bill compared to the surrounding Snow Geese.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Laughing Gull in Northampton County! ~ March 13, 2005
Mike Schall was down at the 'Forks of the Delaware' in Easton on the 12th and found a Laughing Gull. The bird was still there when I arrived and posed for photos.
Laughing Gull at the 'Forks of the Delaware' in Easton, Northampton County. This photo shows the dusky head, the white arcs around the eye, and the dark bill, legs, and wingtips. This bird was found a month earlier than the previous 'early date' for the area. A coastal gull, it is rarely found in our area, usually only occurring after storms with easterly winds.
Laughing Gull at the 'Forks of the Delaware' in Easton, Northampton County. This photo shows the dark gray back, the grayish-brown upperwings with darker trailing edge, and the wide, dark band across the tail.
Mike's find provided me with a new county bird.
Mike's find provided me with a new county bird.
Sunday, February 6, 2005
REDWING in PA! ~ February 5, 2005
No, not Red-winged Blackbird; a Redwing! Turdus iliacus!
August Mirabella was birding with a fairly new birder, Jessica Huff, at Peace Valley Park in Bucks County when she pointed out a bird that looked different from the group of American Robins that it was with. August called Devich Farbotnik, who helped confirm the bird's identification. Word was spread. I picked up Arlene Koch and we called a few other people along the way. Although the bird was originally found in a field, when we got there it was in an adjacent backyard, just east of the park property. It tossed leaves around in the open patches of grass in the yard with the Robins. After flying up to the top of one of the trees at the back edge of the yard, it dropped down into a more brushy area. Eventually, it was relocated in the brush along the edge of the field. I struggled to get a few barely-identifiable photos of it.
Redwing at Peace Valley Park, Bucks County. This distant 'videograb' shows the whitish eyebrow on the head, the heavily-streaked breast, and the rusty flank patch. This 1st Pennsylvania record was also only the 3rd record for the United States!
Redwing at Peace Valley Park, Bucks County. This distant, blurry 'videograb' was included because it shows the bird with its wings extended. Note the rusty wing linings located between the two vertical vines. The whitish eyebrow can be seen on the head of the bird, which is just to the left of the left vertical vine. This 1st Pennsylvania record was also only the 3rd record for the United States!
It was a shock to see an extremely rare record within an hour from home. As if the sighting wasn't amazing enough, it was also my 700th ABA Area bird!
August Mirabella was birding with a fairly new birder, Jessica Huff, at Peace Valley Park in Bucks County when she pointed out a bird that looked different from the group of American Robins that it was with. August called Devich Farbotnik, who helped confirm the bird's identification. Word was spread. I picked up Arlene Koch and we called a few other people along the way. Although the bird was originally found in a field, when we got there it was in an adjacent backyard, just east of the park property. It tossed leaves around in the open patches of grass in the yard with the Robins. After flying up to the top of one of the trees at the back edge of the yard, it dropped down into a more brushy area. Eventually, it was relocated in the brush along the edge of the field. I struggled to get a few barely-identifiable photos of it.
It was a shock to see an extremely rare record within an hour from home. As if the sighting wasn't amazing enough, it was also my 700th ABA Area bird!
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
South Texas Trip ~ January 12, 2005
On January 12th, 2005 my long-time birding friend, Babe Webster and I flew to south Texas for five days of birding to hopefully get a chance to see the numerous Mexican strays that were being reported in the area.
After getting our car in San Antonio and not being able to find the Masked Duck at a pond in Ingleside (it had not been seen for several weeks but was still worth a try), we headed on down to the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
After getting our car in San Antonio and not being able to find the Masked Duck at a pond in Ingleside (it had not been seen for several weeks but was still worth a try), we headed on down to the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
South Texas Trip ~ January 13, 2005
On the 13th, we visited the Fontera Audubon Sanctuary in Weslaco where we saw the White-throated Robin, several Clay-colored Robins, one of the male Crimson-collared Grosbeaks, and a pair of Tropical Parulas that was with a small group of warblers.
Crimson-collared Grosbeak at Frontera Audubon Sanctuary in Weslaco, Texas. Note the crimson collar and breast on the otherwise all-black plumage. This male was eating the buds on the trees in the native thicket area.
Next, we headed for Bentsen State Park to look for the Social Flycatcher despite the high winds that were there.
Green Jay at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, Texas. Note the blue head with black markings, green back, yellow-green breast, and blue-green tail. The colors of the Green Jay have to be seen in person to be appreciated. This bird was photographed at (where else?) the Green Jay blind.
Altamira Oriole at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, Texas. Note the orange head, black throat, and orange 'shoulder patch'. Surprisingly, the smaller orioles were actually driving the larger Green Jays away from the feeder. This bird was photographed at the Green Jay blind.
After searching for a few hours with no luck, we headed to the Los Ebanos Preserve near Russelltown for the Golden-crowned Warbler. Luckily, a few other birders were watching it when we got there. The bird came to within three feet of us at one point!
Next, we headed for Bentsen State Park to look for the Social Flycatcher despite the high winds that were there.
After searching for a few hours with no luck, we headed to the Los Ebanos Preserve near Russelltown for the Golden-crowned Warbler. Luckily, a few other birders were watching it when we got there. The bird came to within three feet of us at one point!
South Texas Trip ~ January 14, 2005
On the very cold morning of the 14th, we went back to Bentsen at dawn and joined the other birders at Kingfisher Overlook looking for the Social Flycatcher. Over two hours later, I noticed a lemon-breasted bird come out of the brush between the bird blind and the boat ramp. Expecting it to be just another Kiskadee, I realized that the back and wings were dull green, not reddish brown. Then, the bird turned its head and I realized that it had a tiny bill---it was the Social Flycatcher! After pointing it out to Babe, I notified the rest of the surrounding birders. We all got excellent looks at it as it sunned itself before flying off towards the old trailer loop. As it turned out, that was the last day that it was seen.
Social Flycatcher at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, Texas. Note the dull green wings and back and small bill compared to the Great Kiskadee's below. This bird represents only the 2nd record for the United States!
Next, we headed to a McAllen backyard where we saw the Green-breasted Mango that was there among several Buff-bellied Hummingbirds.
Green-breasted Mango at a backyard in McAllen, Texas. Note the male's green color, white flanks, curved bill, and red-violet tail. This male was visiting the feeders at 500 Rose Ellen Boulevard. It vigorously defended 'its' feeder from several Buff-bellied Hummingbirds.
Buff-bellied Hummingbird at a backyard in McAllen, Texas. Note the bright green head, chestnut tail, and red bill with a black tip. The buff-colored belly is barely visible. This bird was one of several that were visiting the feeders at 500 Rose Ellen Boulevard.
It was there that a birder told us that the Blue Mockingbird had just been seen at Allen Williams' residence in nearby Pharr. We went there and although we didn't see this skulker, we did find a female Crimson-collared Grosbeak and an Olive Sparrow among the expected birds.
Great Kiskadee in Pharr, Texas. Note the black and white stripes on the head, the lemon yellow belly, and the rufous wings and tail. Also note the longer, thicker bill compared to the Social Flycatcher above. This bird was photographed in a Pharr resident's backyard.
Olive Sparrow in Pharr, Texas. Note the brown stripes on the head, the olive green wings and tail, and the unmarked gray breast. Also note the thin black line through the eye, which is bordered by white crescents. This bird was photographed in a Pharr resident's backyard.
From there, we headed up the valley and stopped at Salineno in the late afternoon. Although we didn't see Muscovy Duck, we did see Green Kingfisher and six Brown Jays.
Brown Jay at Salineno, Texas. Note the yellow bill, which designates this as a young bird. This was one of six Brown Jays that were there in addition to 3 Great Horned Owls, and Belted and Green Kingfisher. This bird was photographed near the boat ramp at the Rio Grande River.
Next, we headed to a McAllen backyard where we saw the Green-breasted Mango that was there among several Buff-bellied Hummingbirds.
It was there that a birder told us that the Blue Mockingbird had just been seen at Allen Williams' residence in nearby Pharr. We went there and although we didn't see this skulker, we did find a female Crimson-collared Grosbeak and an Olive Sparrow among the expected birds.
From there, we headed up the valley and stopped at Salineno in the late afternoon. Although we didn't see Muscovy Duck, we did see Green Kingfisher and six Brown Jays.
South Texas Trip ~ January 15-16, 2005
January 15, 2005
On the 15th, another unseasonably cold day, we spent the entire day unsuccessfully looking for the Blue Bunting that was being seen along the Las Palmas Trail in Laredo.
January 16, 2005
On the 16th, we met Martin Reid who took us into a private ranch near Pearsall to look for the Rufous-capped Warbler. Thanks to his friends, Willie Sekula and Derrick Muschalek, we got to see the bird within minutes of getting out of the car. We then drove back down to Laredo to once again try for the bunting. Within an hour of sunset, we finally got to see the male Blue Bunting feeding on grass seeds.
On the 15th, another unseasonably cold day, we spent the entire day unsuccessfully looking for the Blue Bunting that was being seen along the Las Palmas Trail in Laredo.
January 16, 2005
On the 16th, we met Martin Reid who took us into a private ranch near Pearsall to look for the Rufous-capped Warbler. Thanks to his friends, Willie Sekula and Derrick Muschalek, we got to see the bird within minutes of getting out of the car. We then drove back down to Laredo to once again try for the bunting. Within an hour of sunset, we finally got to see the male Blue Bunting feeding on grass seeds.
South Texas Trip ~ January 17, 2005
We headed back to San Antonio and flew home on the 17th. Of the 113 species, the White-throated Robin, Crimson-collared Grosbeak, Social Flycatcher, Rufous-capped Warbler, and Blue Bunting were 'lifers' for me and the Tropical Parula, Golden-crowned Warbler, and Green-breasted Mango were additional ones for Babe.
South Texas Trip - January 12-17, 2005
1) Least Grebe
2) Pied-billed Grebe
3) American White Pelican
4) Double-crested Cormorant
5) Neotropic Cormorant
6) Great Blue Heron
7) Great Egret
8) Snowy Egret
9) Tricolored Heron
10) Cattle Egret
11) Black-crowned Night-Heron
12) White-faced Ibis
13) Roseate Spoonbill
14) Fulvous Whistling-Duck
15) Greater White-fronted Goose
16) Green-winged Teal
17) Mottled Duck
18) Blue-winged Teal
19) Northern Shoveler
20) Gadwall
21) American Wigeon
22) Ring-necked Duck
23) Lesser Scaup
24) Bufflehead
25) Ruddy Duck
26) Black Vulture
27) Turkey Vulture
28) Osprey
29) Sharp-shinned Hawk
30) Cooper's Hawk
31) Harris's Hawk
32) Red-shouldered Hawk
33) Broad-winged Hawk
34) Zone-tailed Hawk
35) Red-tailed Hawk
36) Crested Caracara
37) American Kestrel
38) Peregrine Falcon
39) Plain Chachalaca
40) Sora
41) Common Moorhen
42) American Coot
43) Killdeer
44) Spotted Sandpiper
45) Short-billed Dowitcher
46) Laughing Gull
47) Ring-billed Gull
48) Herring Gull
49) Rock Dove
50) White-winged Dove
51) Mourning Dove
52) Inca Dove
53) White-tipped Dove
54) Greater Roadrunner
55) Great Horned Owl
56) Buff-bellied Hummingbird
57) Green-breasted Mango
58) Rufous Hummingbird
59) Ringed Kingfisher
60) Belted Kingfisher
61) Green Kingfisher
62) Golden-fronted Woodpecker
63) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
64) Ladder-backed Woodpecker
65) Social Flycatcher*
66) Cordilleran Flycatcher
67) Eastern Phoebe
68) Great Kiskadee
69) Tree Swallow
70) Cliff Swallow
71) Cave Swallow
72) Green Jay
73) Brown Jay
74) Chihuahuan Raven
75) Black-crested Titmouse
76) Carolina Wren
77) House Wren
78) Ruby-crowned Kinglet
79) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
80) Hermit Thrush
81) Clay-colored Robin
82) American Robin
83) White-throated Robin*
84) Northern Mockingbird
85) Long-billed Thrasher
86) Curve-billed Thrasher
87) Cedar Waxwing
88) Loggerhead Shrike
89) European Starling
90) White-eyed Vireo
91) Orange-crowned Warbler
92) Tropical Parula
93) Yellow-rumped Warbler
94) Black-throated Green Warbler
95) Pine Warbler
96) Black-and-white Warbler
97) Ovenbird
98) Wilson's Warbler
99) Golden-crowned Warbler
100) Rufous-capped Warbler*
101) Crimson-collared Grosbeak*
102) Northern Cardinal
103) Blue Bunting*
104) Olive Sparrow
105) White-collared Seedeater
106) Lincoln's Sparrow
107) Red-winged Blackbird
108) Eastern Meadowlark
109) Great-tailed Grackle
110) Altamira Oriole
111) Audubon's Oriole
112) American Goldfinch
113) House Sparrow
South Texas Trip - January 12-17, 2005
1) Least Grebe
2) Pied-billed Grebe
3) American White Pelican
4) Double-crested Cormorant
5) Neotropic Cormorant
6) Great Blue Heron
7) Great Egret
8) Snowy Egret
9) Tricolored Heron
10) Cattle Egret
11) Black-crowned Night-Heron
12) White-faced Ibis
13) Roseate Spoonbill
14) Fulvous Whistling-Duck
15) Greater White-fronted Goose
16) Green-winged Teal
17) Mottled Duck
18) Blue-winged Teal
19) Northern Shoveler
20) Gadwall
21) American Wigeon
22) Ring-necked Duck
23) Lesser Scaup
24) Bufflehead
25) Ruddy Duck
26) Black Vulture
27) Turkey Vulture
28) Osprey
29) Sharp-shinned Hawk
30) Cooper's Hawk
31) Harris's Hawk
32) Red-shouldered Hawk
33) Broad-winged Hawk
34) Zone-tailed Hawk
35) Red-tailed Hawk
36) Crested Caracara
37) American Kestrel
38) Peregrine Falcon
39) Plain Chachalaca
40) Sora
41) Common Moorhen
42) American Coot
43) Killdeer
44) Spotted Sandpiper
45) Short-billed Dowitcher
46) Laughing Gull
47) Ring-billed Gull
48) Herring Gull
49) Rock Dove
50) White-winged Dove
51) Mourning Dove
52) Inca Dove
53) White-tipped Dove
54) Greater Roadrunner
55) Great Horned Owl
56) Buff-bellied Hummingbird
57) Green-breasted Mango
58) Rufous Hummingbird
59) Ringed Kingfisher
60) Belted Kingfisher
61) Green Kingfisher
62) Golden-fronted Woodpecker
63) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
64) Ladder-backed Woodpecker
65) Social Flycatcher*
66) Cordilleran Flycatcher
67) Eastern Phoebe
68) Great Kiskadee
69) Tree Swallow
70) Cliff Swallow
71) Cave Swallow
72) Green Jay
73) Brown Jay
74) Chihuahuan Raven
75) Black-crested Titmouse
76) Carolina Wren
77) House Wren
78) Ruby-crowned Kinglet
79) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
80) Hermit Thrush
81) Clay-colored Robin
82) American Robin
83) White-throated Robin*
84) Northern Mockingbird
85) Long-billed Thrasher
86) Curve-billed Thrasher
87) Cedar Waxwing
88) Loggerhead Shrike
89) European Starling
90) White-eyed Vireo
91) Orange-crowned Warbler
92) Tropical Parula
93) Yellow-rumped Warbler
94) Black-throated Green Warbler
95) Pine Warbler
96) Black-and-white Warbler
97) Ovenbird
98) Wilson's Warbler
99) Golden-crowned Warbler
100) Rufous-capped Warbler*
101) Crimson-collared Grosbeak*
102) Northern Cardinal
103) Blue Bunting*
104) Olive Sparrow
105) White-collared Seedeater
106) Lincoln's Sparrow
107) Red-winged Blackbird
108) Eastern Meadowlark
109) Great-tailed Grackle
110) Altamira Oriole
111) Audubon's Oriole
112) American Goldfinch
113) House Sparrow
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