From birder1949 at yahoo - Champaign County … · Web viewWalked down the west side of Meadowbrook...

From birder1949 at yahoo.com Thu Dec 1 09:59:40 2005From: birder1949 at yahoo.com (Roger Digges)Date: Thu Dec 1 09:59:43 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Great Horned OwlMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

At around 5:45 this morning, overheard a "conversation" between what sounded like a male and female GHO in the area between Grange and Boudreau near Holmes in Urbana. Roger Digges

--------------------------------- Yahoo! Personals Single? There's someone we'd like you to meet. Lots of someones, actually. Try Yahoo! Personals-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051201/7b654ee1/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 1 11:58:15 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 1 11:58:18 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Birding checklists - how do you organize?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I'm starting to transfer the information from my old Peterson fieldguide into a checklist (Excel spreadsheet) that I downloaded from theAmerican Ornithological Union.

Anyway, I had a question as to how people organize their checklists.Specifically, do you track where you have seen various species, and ifyou do what categories do you use?

Here's an illustration of what I mean. About twenty-five years ago Ideveloped the following scheme:

1. Birds I have seen (anywhere).2. Birds I have seen in the county I live in.3. Birds I have seen from my residence (several different homes over theyears)

If I had thought it through more carefully at the time I might haveadded a couple of other categories, but I'll probably stick with what Istarted out with. It was occasionally tricky as it was...as I enter thedata from the checklist in my old Peterson field guide into the AOUspreadsheet I run across obvious coding errors where I confused themeaning of the symbols I use to indicate the various categories. Butthey were obvious errors and easily corrected.

Thanks!

Bernie SloanFrom h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu Thu Dec 1 19:06:41 2005

From: h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Thu Dec 1 19:05:54 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] fox sparrowMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

There was a fox sparrow outside the bird viewing window at the Nature Center this afternoon. The first one this year that I have gotten a really good look at, as opposed to "there it was". What a beautiful bird, with his rich reddish-brown coloring!

--Helen Parker

From rkanter at uiuc.edu Fri Dec 2 09:17:09 2005From: rkanter at uiuc.edu (Rob Kanter)Date: Fri Dec 2 09:17:39 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Red-breasted nuthatchesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

There have been a couple of red-breasted nuthatches hangingout near the goldfinches and juncos outside the NSRC building(on Peabody across from greenhouses) since yesterday.

Are there a lot of r-b nuthatches around now?

Rob KanterFrom jwhoyt at prairienet.org Fri Dec 2 22:29:18 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Fri Dec 2 22:29:19 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Deer sightings and safety precautions (no sightings)In-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Birders,

There have recently been a few postings which concern deer/human interactions.

Even supposedly gentle herbivores can present a danger to people.

This includes does not just bucks.

In general it is better to keep a safe distance from any wild animal.

I just finished reading my "Outdoor Illinois" magazine which has a good article about deer/human interactions on page 10 of the December issue.

It details some recent research that is taking place in and around urban areas.

This article does a much better job of explaining this situation than I can.

"Outdoor Illinois" can be found in almost any public library.

The IDNR website is at www.dnr.state.il.us

Take care,

Jim :)

-- James Hoyt"The Prairie Ant"Champaign Co. AudubonCo-steward Parkland College Prairies.Monitor Urbana Park District Natural Areas.Champaign County Master GardenerAllerton AlliesPrairie Rivers Network

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************"The human culture is considered to be a 'geologic force' and with good reason. But if we are at a stage where our actions are to decide the world's future, then surely we have reached a level where we can be held acountable for the world's future." Durward L. Allen "Our Wildlife Legacy"**************************************************************************************************************************************************************

From spendelo at uiuc.edu Sat Dec 3 00:45:19 2005From: spendelo at uiuc.edu (Jacob Spendelow)Date: Sat Dec 3 00:45:05 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Illini Forestry PlantationMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hi everyone,Birds can be scarce this time of year! An hour and a half at Illini Forestry Plantation this afternoon turned up a whopping eleven species. Still, I was excited to see the Long-eared Owl, my first of the season. According to Rhetta Jack two were present earlier this week, but it took me so long to find the first one that I didn't have time to look for any more. Should be easier to spot them once the snow melts and the white-wash and pellets are easier to find.

Long-eared OwlRed-bellied WoodpeckerNorthern FlickerYellow-bellied SapsuckerDowny WoodpeckerRed-breasted NuthatchCarolina WrenGolden-crowned Kinglet

American RobinYellow-rumped WarblerNorthern Cardinal

Good birding!Jacob SpendelowChampaign

From charleneanchor at msn.com Sat Dec 3 08:37:07 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Sat Dec 3 08:31:26 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Fw: A couple of backyard birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

----- Original Message -----From: charlene anchorSent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 8:36 AMTo: [email protected]: A couple of backyard birds

Friday morning while filling my feeders I was surprised to see 2 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS land on the trunk of my neighbor's Sycamore tree. They only stayed a minute and then flew off. A female RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was calling and also a DOWNY. They returned to my feeders a couple of weeks ago, as they do every winter. Three CAROLINA WRENS were singing from the surrounding yards - 2 males and 1 buzzing female. A BLUE JAY was being noisy as well along with a singing WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. My winter CARDINALS have also returned. Since I haven't had time lately to go out looking for birds, it is a joy to have them so close to home.

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051203/bbacbcb9/attachment.htmFrom lupewinku at lanscape.net Sat Dec 3 09:54:41 2005From: lupewinku at lanscape.net (Rhetta Jack)Date: Sat Dec 3 09:54:59 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] U of I Forestry FridayMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello all,Spent a late lunch hour at the Forestry Plantation yesterday afternoon, 1:15-2:00p. Did not see any owls, but a large spread out flock of little birds was quite active and vocal including BLUE JAYS, CARDINALS, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, WHITE-THROATED SPAROOWS, 2 CAROLINA WRENS, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, DOWNY WOODPECKERS, FLICKERS, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, JUNCOS, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, and a large flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS. With the WT sparrows feeding on Honeysuckle berries was an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER that I briefly saw. While I was creeping up to the honeysuckle patch to get closer, the Cedar Waxwings flew in and landed

above my head. Right then, a Blue Jay called out aerial predator warning and sure enough, a bullet like Sharp-shinned Hawk dove into the waxwing flock, causing all birds to dive into deep cover. The hawk came up empty handed. Lunch hour was over.

Rhetta Jack, Springfield, IL Sangamon Co. Forestry Plantation is in Urbana, Champaign Co.

From lupewinku at lanscape.net Sat Dec 3 10:01:02 2005From: lupewinku at lanscape.net (Rhetta Jack)Date: Sat Dec 3 10:02:36 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Found film at forestryMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hi all, found an unused cannister of film yesterday at Forestry in Urbana on top of snow. Rhetta Jack, Springfield, IL

From rboehmer at mail.millikin.edu Sat Dec 3 12:21:45 2005From: rboehmer at mail.millikin.edu (Ray F. Boehmer)Date: Sat Dec 3 12:22:09 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] interesting comboMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

This morning there was a male grackle and a chickadee on the feeder at the same time.

Guess who stayed longer?

The screech owl had been absent from its favorite hole over Race St. for several weeks. I was beginning to wonder if the small branch that had become lodged in the opening was spooking it from the hole. S/he was back yesterday at noon, soaking up the sun.

RayUrbana

From Frank21 at insightbb.com Sat Dec 3 14:10:48 2005From: Frank21 at insightbb.com (Frank)Date: Sat Dec 3 14:10:48 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Red tailed hawkMessage-ID: <002e01c5f845$a9702ca0$6801a8c0@BLACKDELL>

I had a red tailed hawk hanging aroung in my yard yesterday perching on the power line and he had a kill under the bushes next door. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a318/gentian/birds/hawk3.jpgFrank Cooper, near Wiley school-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...

URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051203/e80df039/attachment.htmFrom smithsje at egix.net Sun Dec 4 08:30:45 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Sun Dec 4 08:30:23 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,This morning, a male KESTREL caught a small bird (house sparrow ?) under one feeder, and carried it away with blue jays in pursuit.About an hour later, a COOPER'S HAWK caught a grackle at the same feeder, and carried it away.

Best regards.

Jim & Eleanor [email protected]

From charleneanchor at msn.com Sun Dec 4 09:23:49 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Sun Dec 4 09:18:10 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

About 5-6 years ago I saw a KESTREL catch a HOUSE SPARROW at my feeder. Have never had one around after that, at least that I'm aware of. But do have the COOPER'S feeding regularly, mainly on MOURNING DOVES and an occasional HOUSE SPARROW. Does anyone know if the COOPER'S presence would keep away the KESTREL? I keep reading that the KESTRELS are in decline and maybe that is the reason instead? I don't see as many KESTRELS as I used to, especially along country roads but maybe that is just a coincidence of timing. Although, come to think of it, I used to see them at Meadowbrook on occasion and haven't for a long time as well.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Jim & Eleanor SmithSent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 8:30 AMTo: Bird NotesSubject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)

Hello, Bird,This morning, a male KESTREL caught a small bird (house sparrow ?) under one feeder, and carried it away with blue jays in pursuit.About an hour later, a COOPER'S HAWK caught a grackle at the same feeder, and carried it away.

Best regards.

Jim & Eleanor Smith

[email protected]

_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051204/08e4c753/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Sun Dec 4 09:32:26 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Sun Dec 4 09:26:44 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Red tailed hawkMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

This year for the first time that I know of, we've had a RED-TAILED visit our yard. Three times, a couple of weeks ago, one either flew through our back yard or landed high in our front yard tree. We have an over abundance of squirrels, some young, and I wondered if they could be attracting it? Does that also mean that the RED-TAILS are expanding their range into our neighborhoods?

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: FrankSent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 2:10 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Red tailed hawk

I had a red tailed hawk hanging aroung in my yard yesterday perching on the power line and he had a kill under the bushes next door. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a318/gentian/birds/hawk3.jpgFrank Cooper, near Wiley school_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051204/82541612/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Sun Dec 4 10:43:23 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Sun Dec 4 10:44:34 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I saw a kestrel in Meadowbrook earlier this fall.

________________________________

From: [email protected] on behalf of charlene anchorSent: Sun 12/4/2005 9:23 AMTo: Jim & Eleanor Smith; Bird NotesSubject: Re: [Birdnotes] (no subject)

About 5-6 years ago I saw a KESTREL catch a HOUSE SPARROW at my feeder. Have never had one around after that, at least that I'm aware of. But do have the COOPER'S feeding regularly, mainly on MOURNING DOVES and an occasional HOUSE SPARROW. Does anyone know if the COOPER'S presence would keep away the KESTREL? I keep reading that the KESTRELS are in decline and maybe that is the reason instead? I don't see as many KESTRELS as I used to, especially along country roads but maybe that is just a coincidence of timing. Although, come to think of it, I used to see them at Meadowbrook on occasion and haven't for a long time as well. Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Jim & Eleanor SmithSent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 8:30 AMTo: Bird NotesSubject: [Birdnotes] (no subject) Hello, Bird,This morning, a male KESTREL caught a small bird (house

sparrow ?) under one feeder, and carried it away with blue jays in pursuit.

About an hour later, a COOPER'S HAWK caught a grackle at the same feeder, and carried it away.

Best regards.


_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From bpalmore at egix.net Sun Dec 4 11:06:18 2005From: bpalmore at egix.net (Bland Palmore)Date: Sun Dec 4 11:06:33 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] House FinchesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

They are back! Had 8 at the feeders this morning.

Vermont and Carle, Urbana

From Frank21 at insightbb.com Sun Dec 4 11:34:37 2005From: Frank21 at insightbb.com (Frank)Date: Sun Dec 4 11:34:37 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Red tailed hawkReferences: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <003601c5f8f9$00451640$6801a8c0@BLACKDELL>

There are so many Red tailel hawks that I almost see them daily flying over. Epecially crossiing 74 between Lincoln and Prospect. Frequently there will be one on top of a light pole near rabbit land. I don't see many rabbits or ground squirrels anymore probably the coyotes get them. Windsor Road, High cross road, Washington street, Vive street and several apartment buildings near Philo Road but this is the first time I have seen one at a single residence home. Maybe that is because dumpsters attract rats and mice and are in the open.. Not many mice or snakes sigle houses. I didn't see any for a couple months in late summer but once the crops were harvested I saw them again. They seem to be so well suited to urban environment and they help keep a balance..Frank Cooper ----- Original Message ----- From: charlene anchor To: Frank ; [email protected] Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 9:32 AM Subject: Re: [Birdnotes] Red tailed hawk

This year for the first time that I know of, we've had a RED-TAILED visit our yard. Three times, a couple of weeks ago, one either flew through our back yard or landed high in our front yard tree. We have an over abundance of squirrels, some young, and I wondered if they could be attracting it? Does that also mean that the RED-TAILS are expanding their range into our neighborhoods?

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message ----- From: Frank Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 2:10 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Birdnotes] Red tailed hawk

I had a red tailed hawk hanging aroung in my yard yesterday perching on the power line and he had a kill under the bushes next door. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a318/gentian/birds/hawk3.jpg Frank Cooper, near Wiley school _______________________________________________ Birdnotes mailing list [email protected] https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

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_______________________________________________ Birdnotes mailing list [email protected] https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051204/8e5cc26d/attachment-0001.htmFrom rboehmer at mail.millikin.edu Sun Dec 4 13:43:42 2005From: rboehmer at mail.millikin.edu (Ray F. Boehmer)Date: Sun Dec 4 13:45:14 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] SharpyMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

This morning, I had an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk in my yard for 5-10 minutes. The feeding birds scattered, of course. It had an interesting feather pattern on its back - there were large white patches all over its back so that it almost appeared checkerboard. At first I thought it might be due to whitewash from another bird, but when it was sitting with its back to me, I could see that that the white feathers created a very symmetrical pattern across its back.

Blue Jays calling drew my attention to the hawk, otherwise I would not have seen it.

RayUrbana

From LewsaderBud at aol.com Sun Dec 4 20:39:12 2005From: LewsaderBud at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Sun Dec 4 20:39:18 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Harrier HawkMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Today, (Sunday) I was driving through Kennekuk Park (Vermilion County). I saw a Northern Harrier Hawk flying over the grass lands west of the maintenance garage.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051204/7ccfac7b/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Sun Dec 4 23:48:14 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Sun Dec 4 23:42:34 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook and ForestryMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

In spite of the unpleasant weather, in late morning I made a quick birding trip. Walked down the west side of Meadowbrook to the south

sidewalk, crossed over and returned north on the east side of the Forestry.Meadowbrook's birds were: BLUEJAY, CARDINAL (many), DOWNY, ROBIN, CROW, GOLDFINCH, TREE SPARROWS, HOUSE FINCH, MOURNING DOVE, JUNCO, RED-TAILED HAWK, Flock of PIGEONS, SONG SPARROW, CAROLINA WREN. Then as I crossed the road at the bridge, there was a large mixed flock of birds feeding on grit along the road - cardinals, tree sparrows, juncos, house finch, goldfinch and one white-throated sparrow - on the Meadowbrook side.Additional birds seen at the Forestry were: female PURPLE FINCH, NORTHERN FLICKER, flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS, RED-BELLIED WOOD. Just before leaving I spotted a COOPER'S HAWK (large female) on the ground under one of the small evergreen trees where the SAW-WHET usually roosts in the winter. It had feathers in her beak and was standing on prey which I couldn't see. I'm sure she was aware of me watching as she was very still - me too! After what seemed to be a long time, but was probably only a minute, she flew off away from me with what looked like a cardinal. I searched the ground and found scattered red-tipped gray feathers, a bird leg, and surprisingly only a little blood. This was the closest I've been to a Cooper's Hawk with their kill. Pretty exciting!

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051204/3b853e42/attachment.htmFrom jwhoyt at prairienet.org Mon Dec 5 15:29:46 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org ([email protected])Date: Mon Dec 5 15:29:48 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Large Accipter in west champaignIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>References: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Birders,

I saw what appeared to be a large acciptor with long pointed wings and alonnggg tail and a white breast.

This was flying south past Wild Birds Incorporated along Country Fair Drive.

Jim :)

From limey at uiuc.edu Mon Dec 5 22:58:58 2005From: limey at uiuc.edu (John Buckmaster)Date: Mon Dec 5 22:59:04 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] wild turkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

4 wild turkeys seen walking north on the east sidewalk of Race St, just north of Montclair, in Urbana, at 11.30 am, December 5. A few minutes later they crossed Race St, and went under the trees at the edge of the Orchard Downs area.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^John Buckmaster

Professional address:Department of Aerospace EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign104 S Wright St., Urbana IL 61801217.333.1803 (ph) 217.244.0720 (fax)

cell phone: 217.621.9786

Mailing address (personal and professional):1717 W Kirby Ave, #212., Champaign IL 61821-5507

Urbana residential address:2014 Boudreau Dr, Urbana IL 61801-5802217.344.6103

Oregon residential address:120 Marlboro Ln, Eugene OR 97405-3599541.342.3172

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^-------------- next part --------------A non-text attachment was scrubbed...Name: not availableType: text/enrichedSize: 969 bytesDesc: not availableUrl : https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051205/3b50c20d/attachment.binFrom jwhoyt at prairienet.org Tue Dec 6 02:13:44 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Tue Dec 6 02:14:58 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] wild turkeys (no sightings)In-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Birders,

Saw a neat article in the November 22, Wall Street Journal about "wild" turkeys that are becoming a nuisance.

It seems that turkeys have a pecking order and if they get too used to people they sometimes attack children etc.

Sorry I don't have a link for this.

The main point is that it is not wise to place feed out in your yard for the turkeys and then turn away and sneak back into the house.

The turkeys see this as a form of submission and become more aggressive.

Take care,

Jim :)

On Mon, 5 Dec 2005, John Buckmaster wrote:

> 4 wild turkeys seen walking north on the east sidewalk of Race St, just > north of Montclair, in Urbana, at 11.30 am, December 5. A few minutes > later they crossed Race St, and went under the trees at the edge of the > Orchard Downs area.> > > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> John Buckmaster> > Professional address:> Department of Aerospace Engineering> University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign> 104 S Wright St., Urbana IL 61801> 217.333.1803 (ph) 217.244.0720 (fax)> > cell phone: 217.621.9786> > Mailing address (personal and professional):> 1717 W Kirby Ave, #212., Champaign IL 61821-5507> > Urbana residential address:> 2014 Boudreau Dr, Urbana IL 61801-5802> 217.344.6103> > Oregon residential address:> 120 Marlboro Ln, Eugene OR 97405-3599> 541.342.3172> > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


**************************************************************************************************************************************************************"The human culture is considered to be a 'geologic force' and with good reason. But if we are at a stage where our actions are to decide the world's future, then surely we have reached a level where we can be held acountable for the world's future." Durward L. Allen "Our Wildlife Legacy"

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************

From charleneanchor at msn.com Tue Dec 6 08:19:51 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Tue Dec 6 08:14:12 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] wild turkeys (no sightings)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Jim and others,

You bring up a VERY GOOD POINT!! Wild turkeys, geese, etc. should not be fed. But trying to convince people otherwise is a problematic. I don't know what is further down the line for the turkeys but feeding them is not the solution. The people whose yards they are in should probably be contacting the proper authorities (DNR, Natural History Survey) about them to find out what the next steps may be and what they should/could be doing. Right now they are still interesting to have around. In the future that most likely won't be the case.

Thanks for bringing that to our attention.Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: James HoytSent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 2:15 AMCc: [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] wild turkeys (no sightings)

Birders,

Saw a neat article in the November 22, Wall Street Journal about "wild" turkeys that are becoming a nuisance.

It seems that turkeys have a pecking order and if they get too used to people they sometimes attack children etc.

Sorry I don't have a link for this.

The main point is that it is not wise to place feed out in your yard for the turkeys and then turn away and sneak back into the house.

The turkeys see this as a form of submission and become more aggressive.

Take care,

Jim :)

On Mon, 5 Dec 2005, John Buckmaster wrote:

> 4 wild turkeys seen walking north on the east sidewalk of Race St, just > north of Montclair, in Urbana, at 11.30 am, December 5. A few minutes

> later they crossed Race St, and went under the trees at the edge of the > Orchard Downs area.> > > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> John Buckmaster> > Professional address:> Department of Aerospace Engineering> University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign> 104 S Wright St., Urbana IL 61801> 217.333.1803 (ph) 217.244.0720 (fax)> > cell phone: 217.621.9786> > Mailing address (personal and professional):> 1717 W Kirby Ave, #212., Champaign IL 61821-5507> > Urbana residential address:> 2014 Boudreau Dr, Urbana IL 61801-5802> 217.344.6103> > Oregon residential address:> 120 Marlboro Ln, Eugene OR 97405-3599> 541.342.3172> > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^



_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]

https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051206/af8353cc/attachment.htmFrom limey at uiuc.edu Mon Dec 5 14:00:34 2005From: limey at uiuc.edu (John Buckmaster)Date: Tue Dec 6 08:55:41 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] wild turkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

4 wild turkeys seen walking north on the sidewalk of Race St, Urbana, just north of Montclair, at 11.30am December 5. A few minutes later they crossed Race to the Orchard Downs area.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^John Buckmaster

Professional address:Department of Aerospace EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign104 S Wright St., Urbana IL 61801217.333.1803 (ph) 217.244.0720 (fax)

cell phone: 217.621.9786

Mailing address (personal and professional):1717 W Kirby Ave, #212., Champaign IL 61821-5507

Urbana residential address:2014 Boudreau Dr, Urbana IL 61801-5802217.344.6103

Oregon residential address:120 Marlboro Ln, Eugene OR 97405-3599541.342.3172

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^-------------- next part --------------A non-text attachment was scrubbed...Name: not availableType: text/enrichedSize: 919 bytesDesc: not availableUrl : https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051205/441f0e1d/attachment.binFrom limey at uiuc.edu Tue Dec 6 10:06:23 2005From: limey at uiuc.edu (John Buckmaster)Date: Tue Dec 6 10:06:32 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] on turkeys, wolves, and eaglesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hi all, apologies are in order. I just joined the list and so was not aware that you all have been discussing turkey sightings for many

weeks; and my first mailing was held up, as I was not recognized, and so I sent it again after enrolling, hence the repeat message. Sorry.

I have a home in Eugene, Oregon in addition to one in Urbana, and wandering turkeys in our part of town in Eugene are common. Not surprising, as it is close to the urban growth boundary and beyond the boundary are miles of Douglas Fir/Hemlock forest. But in Urbana? I found the sight of these lovely birds parading along Race St rewarding and exciting.

And I really don't think we need to get alarmed about their presence. First of all, there are only 4 and it's pretty early to be concerned that one day there might be hundreds. And what if there are? The folks in Eugene don't appear to fear for the safety of their cats or their children. Heavens, the occasional cougar is seen in towns in Oregon (including Eugene), and the only time I saw anyone get excited about that - and reasonably, of course - was when one was spotted just outside a school grounds

As for wolves, and the alleged sighting in Urbana (I've been going back over past postings), scepticism is obviously in order, but it is well to bear in mind that in October of 03 a dead wolf (shot) was found in northern Indiana, and it is generally believed that it must have wandered down from Wisconsin. If a wolf can make its way around or through Chicago, one could certainly make its way down to Urbana. My understanding is these kinds of wanderings occur along riparian paths which, as any canoeist or kayaker knows, can be remarkably sheltered from human disturbance, even in the midwest.

Finally, eagles. I often kayak on Lake Vermillion, particularly the northern end and up into the N Fork of the river, and for a few years there was a nesting pair of bald eagles up there. The nest was easily seen from the water, but not from any land observation point as far as I know, although it was only a few hundred yards from the observation tower. But last year a storm destroyed the nest. I was up there quite a bit this fall, after spending the summer in Oregon, and I typically saw an eagle, but only one at a time, and no sight of any new nest. Does anyone know if nesting was reestablished?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^John Buckmaster

From gh4444 at insightbb.com Tue Dec 6 10:46:36 2005From: gh4444 at insightbb.com (g.huguet)Date: Tue Dec 6 10:51:25 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Today at my feeders I have seen gold finches, house finches, doves, cardinals, juncos, and lots of house sparrows. They are all fun to watch. What are you seeing at your feeders.-------------- next part --------------

An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051206/cdf3978d/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 6 11:11:10 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 6 11:11:15 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] on turkeys, wolves, and eaglesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

John Buckmaster said:

"...in October of 03 a dead wolf (shot) was found in northern Indiana,and it is generally believed that it must have wandered down fromWisconsin."

Actually, there has been a wolf confirmation in Central Illinois, nearPeoria. The wolf was shot by a coyote hunter in Marshall County, whothought he was shooting a large coyote. Here's an excerpt from theSummer 2003 issue of the newsletter of the Federal Wildlife OfficersAssociation:

Wolves in Illinois and Indiana?

In January 2003, Agents responded to routine information that a wolf waspossibly shot and killed near Peoria, IL. Since wolves were believed tohave been extirpated from Illinois and the last confirmed sighting wasmore than 100 years ago, Agents were shocked when photos of a largecanine surfaced that appeared to be of a wolf that had been shot andkilled by a local coyote hunter in Marshall County, IL.

SA Matthew Bryant conducted the investigation and determined that thecanine had been shot on 12/29/02 by a hunter who had been searching forthis particular animal, noting that the locals had been reportedlyseeing a large coyote in the area. SA Bryant recovered the carcass andskull and forwarded the evidence to the National Fish & WildlifeForensics Lab for species identification. The hide was recovered andseized from a tannery.

Lab results confirmed that this canine was a 92 lb. gray wolf that didindeed wander into Central Illinois. According to the lab analysis, thiswolf was believed to have originated from the Great Lakes populationlocated in Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin. It is uncertain if morewolves exist in Illinois, however, the Service and the IllinoisDepartment of Natural Resources are planning to take a proactiveapproach and advise hunters that wolves may be back in Illinois. Todate, no charges have been filed in the investigation.

Bernie Sloan

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Buckmaster,John DSent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 10:06 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] on turkeys, wolves, and eagles

Hi all, apologies are in order. I just joined the list and so was not

aware that you all have been discussing turkey sightings for many

weeks; and my first mailing was held up, as I was not recognized, and

so I sent it again after enrolling, hence the repeat message. Sorry.

I have a home in Eugene, Oregon in addition to one in Urbana, and

wandering turkeys in our part of town in Eugene are common. Not

surprising, as it is close to the urban growth boundary and beyond the

boundary are miles of Douglas Fir/Hemlock forest. But in Urbana? I

found the sight of these lovely birds parading along Race St rewarding

and exciting.

And I really don't think we need to get alarmed about their presence.

First of all, there are only 4 and it's pretty early to be concerned

that one day there might be hundreds. And what if there are? The folks

in Eugene don't appear to fear for the safety of their cats or their

children. Heavens, the occasional cougar is seen in towns in Oregon

(including Eugene), and the only time I saw anyone get excited about

that - and reasonably, of course - was when one was spotted just

outside a school grounds

As for wolves, and the alleged sighting in Urbana (I've been going

back over past postings), scepticism is obviously in order, but it is

well to bear in mind that in October of 03 a dead wolf (shot) was found

in northern Indiana, and it is generally believed that it must have

wandered down from Wisconsin. If a wolf can make its way around or

through Chicago, one could certainly make its way down to Urbana. My

understanding is these kinds of wanderings occur along riparian paths

which, as any canoeist or kayaker knows, can be remarkably sheltered

from human disturbance, even in the midwest.

Finally, eagles. I often kayak on Lake Vermillion, particularly the

northern end and up into the N Fork of the river, and for a few years

there was a nesting pair of bald eagles up there. The nest was easily

seen from the water, but not from any land observation point as far as

I know, although it was only a few hundred yards from the observation

tower. But last year a storm destroyed the nest. I was up there quite

a bit this fall, after spending the summer in Oregon, and I typically

saw an eagle, but only one at a time, and no sight of any new nest.

Does anyone know if nesting was reestablished?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

John Buckmaster

_______________________________________________

Birdnotes mailing list

[email protected]

https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051206/b0682324/attachment-0001.htmFrom jbchato at uiuc.edu Tue Dec 6 11:40:07 2005From: jbchato at uiuc.edu (John & Beth Chato)Date: Tue Dec 6 11:40:11 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] geeseMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Birdnoters,Audubon had a very interesting speaker last Thursday, on the taxonomy of birds. Sounds dry , but was anything but. He demonstrated that our Canada geese are genetically more closely related to the Nene geese of Hawaii than to the similar appearing Cackling geese.If you want to see some goose variations, visit the flock at Crystal Lake Park. Our 20 year old Chinese goose is swimming around with several of the hybrid offspring from his mating with a Canada Goose. There are various differing face patterns and body shapes. I wonder if these hybrids are sterile?BethJohn C. Chato714 W. Vermont Ave.Urbana, IL 61801217-344-6803From jane_easterly at hotmail.com Tue Dec 6 15:07:27 2005From: jane_easterly at hotmail.com (Jane Easterly)Date: Tue Dec 6 15:07:30 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birdsIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I am seeing a few goldfinch, house finch, cardinals, mourning doves, and juncos, and twelve thousand and forty-two house sparrows. (Or so.)

>From: "g.huguet" <[email protected]>>To: <[email protected]>>Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birds>Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2005 10:46:36 -0600>>Today at my feeders I have seen gold finches, house finches, doves, >cardinals, juncos, and lots of house sparrows. They are all fun to watch. >What are you seeing at your feeders.

>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 6 16:04:11 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 6 16:04:20 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I watched my feeders a bit this AM before heading to work and there wasnothing but squirrels and house sparrows, plus one cardinal. I heard acouple of blue jays calling but didn't see any. Pretty slim pickings.

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of JaneEasterlySent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 3:07 PMTo: [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] feeder birds

I am seeing a few goldfinch, house finch, cardinals, mourning doves, and

juncos, and twelve thousand and forty-two house sparrows. (Or so.)

>From: "g.huguet" <[email protected]>>To: <[email protected]>>Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birds>Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2005 10:46:36 -0600>>Today at my feeders I have seen gold finches, house finches, doves, >cardinals, juncos, and lots of house sparrows. They are all fun towatch. >What are you seeing at your feeders.

>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom n9ds_15 at msn.com Tue Dec 6 16:56:23 2005From: n9ds_15 at msn.com (Duston Suits)Date: Tue Dec 6 16:56:27 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birdsIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Gold finches, house finches, chickadees, white breasted nuthatch, juncos and

an occasional cardinal and a male downy at our place near Loami. Haven't even seen any tufted titmouses yet either.

Duston SuitsLoami, IL

From bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 6 17:06:54 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 6 17:06:48 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I've seen plenty of tufted titmouses, but over in southern Indiana.

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of DustonSuitsSent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 4:56 PMTo: [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] feeder birds

Gold finches, house finches, chickadees, white breasted nuthatch, juncosand an occasional cardinal and a male downy at our place near Loami.Haven't even seen any tufted titmouses yet either.


_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 6 17:10:29 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 6 17:10:24 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Quick chickadee questionMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Which kind of chickadee are we most likely to see in central Illinois?Black-capped, or Carolina?

In my field guide the ranges seem to overlap right around centralIllinois, and the Black-capped and Carolina look so darned much alike!:-)

Bernie SloanSenior Information Systems ConsultantConsortium of Academic & Research Libraries in Illinois616 E. Green Street, Suite 213

Champaign, IL 61820-5752

Phone: (217) 333-4895Fax: (217) 265-0454E-mail: [email protected]

From h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu Tue Dec 6 19:09:54 2005From: h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Tue Dec 6 19:09:25 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] ChickadeesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

In answer to the "Which Chickadee?" from B. Sloan, the answer is "both." Yes, the Carolina and Black-cap ranges meet here in central Illinois: Both species are present in Busey Woods. To tell them apart, it's best to have them in your binocular field together :) ! This actually can occur there; there is what appears to be a pair with one of each species.

The old range separation, determined by Kendeigh and his students in the '50s, was that there were black-caps in the Sangamon drainage and Carolinas in the Wabash drainage. When I moved here in 1964, the ranges really were reasonably separate and for practical purposes there were no Chickadees at all in C-U. However, the two seem to have each expanded their range a trifle and we now have the overlap. Personally, I wish some ornithology student would re-do the old range study.(HINT for Kendeigh grant applicants : ))

Telling them apart: the songs are different, although in winter that doesn't help. The bibs are a bit different and especially in winter the black-cap has a lot more white in the wings. As your friendly Champaign County Christmas Count compiler, I ask that counters reporting chickadees note why you assign your bird to one species or the other: If I don't get this information, I report them as "chickadee, sp."

--Helen Parker

From bpalmore at egix.net Tue Dec 6 19:21:01 2005From: bpalmore at egix.net (Bland Palmore)Date: Tue Dec 6 19:21:02 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feedersMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I observe birds for the Cornell "Back Yard Feeder Watch" program. Sat. and Sun. were my days to watch: 8 House Finces, 2 Cardinals, Doves Mourning Doves, 11 Juncos, 7 House Sparrows.

From Birderdlt at aol.com Tue Dec 6 19:56:32 2005From: Birderdlt at aol.com ([email protected])

Date: Tue Dec 6 19:56:39 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Large Accipter in west champaignMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I also saw a large accipiter over south Champaign a few days ago. I thought it might be a Goshawk, but I was driving and was not able to get a good enough look to be sure. It was definitely bigger than the many Cooper's hawks we have in the area.

David ThomasChampaign

In a message dated 12/5/2005 3:30:11 PM Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes:Birders,

I saw what appeared to be a large acciptor with long pointed wings and alonnggg tail and a white breast.

This was flying south past Wild Birds Incorporated along Country Fair Drive.

Jim :)

_______________________________________________-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051206/3ce5ad39/attachment.htmFrom n9ds_15 at msn.com Tue Dec 6 20:25:18 2005From: n9ds_15 at msn.com (Duston Suits)Date: Tue Dec 6 20:25:21 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Re: [B-BIRDS] Quick chickadee questionIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I'd have to say here in Loami (near Springfield), it's predominantly black capped, although I'm barely more than an amateur birder. I listened to recordings of the songs and I don't recall hearing the Carolina call at all, and I hear the black-capped two note whistle frequently. I'll look more closely at the feeder tomorrow.


From smithsje at egix.net Tue Dec 6 20:51:52 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Tue Dec 6 20:51:23 2005

Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,

Here are our feeder bird notes for Sunday and Monday this week:House sparrow, 85, Goldfinch 7, Blue jay 4, Cardinal 6, Carolina Chickadee 2,Titmouse 2, House finch 31, Dove 19, Red-bellied Woodpecker 1, Red-headed woodpecker 1, Downy 1, Grackle 3, (only two after the Cooper's got one), Cowbird 9, Starling 2, Junco 12, Kestrel 1, White breasted nuthatch, Red-breasted nuthatch 1, Cooper's Hawk 1, Tree sparrow 1, Crow 3.

Best regards.


From smithsje at egix.net Tue Dec 6 21:00:30 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Tue Dec 6 21:00:01 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] coyotes and wolvesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,

We are going to add our observations to the coyote/wolf reports.Many years ago, we saw a very large coyote/wolf/dog or whatever. It did not run like a dog, but like a coyote or wolf. It left footprints in the dust that I was able to measure, which in size, were larger than a coyote, but smaller than a gray wolf, but did comform to the size of a red wolf. I just thought that since neither gray or red wolves are known to be present in Illinois, I though it was a coyote/dog hybrid. Somewhere, we still have the photos of those footprints with a ruler.

Best regards.


From spendelo at uiuc.edu Tue Dec 6 21:33:31 2005From: spendelo at uiuc.edu (Jacob Spendelow)Date: Tue Dec 6 21:33:29 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] ChickadeesIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>References: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

There was a very interesting discussion of chickadee range in central Illinois on IBET a year and a half ago, March 24 - 26 2004, still available on the yahoo groups web page, I believe. I can forward the individual

emails to anyone who isn't on IBET. I included a very informative email from Doug Stotz below. Long, but definitely worth reading. I generally find the white wing panel to be a good mark of Black-capped, as Helen said, but it can be difficult to identify some birds. Vocalizations are even less safe, since both species have been shown to sing and give calls of the other species in the area where they overlap.Jacob SpendelowChampaign

This from Doug Stotz:The simple answer to chickadees at Clinton Lake is that they

should all beBlack-capped Chickadees, as Michael Retter states. If you look at theChristmas Bird Count from there, in the last 20 years there has never beena Carolina Chickadee. Carolina Chickadees occupy southern Illinois southand east of a line running from Madison County, Bond, Fayette, Shelby,Moultrie, Champaign, Ford, and Iroquois County. Clinton Lake is about 20miles northwest of that line. Note that Bohlen's Birds of Illinois givesthe northeastern limit as Kankakee Co., but that appears to be inerror. All of Kankakee county's and most of Iroquios County's chickadeesare Black-capped. Any Carolina Chickadee north of this line should bedocumented. Note that Chris, besides reporting Carolina Chickadees atClinton Lake, reported Black-capped Chickadees at Homer lake in SEChampaign County. These should be Carolinas there, I think.

In fact the chickadee situation in Illinois is a bit complicated andpretty cool, I think. The main data on chickadees is from Brewer who didhis dissertation on Black-capped and Carolina Chickadees focusing onIllinois in the 1950s. The most detailed publication generally availableis in the 1963 Auk Vol. 80, pages 9-47. In terms of the Clinton Lakebirds, what Brewer found is that all the birds in the Illinois Riverdrainage, which includes Clinton Lake, are Black-capped. Brewer arguesthat Carolina chickadees have, since the Ice Age, invaded southern Illinoisfrom the south, and have replaced Black-capped Chickadees in the drainagesthat go into the Mississippi south of St. Louis, and the drainages into theOhio River. Along the Kaskaskia drainage, this replacement is incomplete,so once you get north of about Vandalia, Black-capped replace Carolinas.But farther east in the Wabash drainage (which includes all the variousforks of the Vermilion River) it is basically all Carolinas. There havebeen historical examples of Carolina Chickadees replacing Black-cappedChickadees in Illinois. One example is along the Embarras R. south ofChampaign, near Philo, where Black-capped were breeding in 1910 (egg set asevidence, Black-capped have larger eggs). Now only Carolinas breed there.

Brewer found that there is a gap of about 15 miles between the breedingrange of Black-capped Chickadees and Carolina Chickadees in easternIllinois, and a wider area with very few breeding chickadees. Anybody whohas birded Kankakee or Iroquois county knows how hard chickadees are tofind there. They are around the gap. In part there is little habitat forchickadees in these areas. Clinton Lake is actually well represented byBlack-capped Chickadees. During the winter, Black-cappeds invade thenorthern edge of the Carolina range to some degree, so you can find thespecies together around Champaign, and some of the country in NW ChampaignCounty and SW Ford county which seems pretty chickadee-free in summer willhave Black-cappeds. Carolinas are much less likely to invade the range ofBlack-capped because it is north of the Carolina range. Bohlen lists onlyfour records of Carolina records within Black-capped country. One is aspecimen from the Lake Forest (north of Chicago) at the Field Museum. Ihave looked at that specimen and it does really look to be a Carolina. SoCarolina can invade Black-capped county, but people should recognize thateven a few miles out of range to the north for Carolina Chickadee is asignificant record.

I have spent more time than I care to admit trying to see the northernmostCarolina Chickadees in the state. They are pretty common just north of theChampaign county border in SE Ford County southeast of Paxson. West ofPaxson there are areas which drain south into the Vermilion River, so Iwould expect to have Carolinas. So far I have had no chickadees there. InSE Iroqouis County, the Vermilion River just makes it into the countynortheast of Hoopeston. I'd expect Carolina Chickadees there, if therewere any trees. So far I have not seen any chickadees there. The one goodline of trees is on private property with No Trespassing signs. I haveseen Black-cappeds farther west around Lake Iroquois on Spring Creek, whichis part of the Illinois River basin.

All of the above is based on the debatable proposition that Carolina andBlack-capped Chickadees are distinct species that can be distinguished. InIllinois, there have not been studies done looking at genetic aspects, butboth west of us in Missouri and east of us in Virginia/WestVirginia, there is strong evidence of significant hybridization in contactzones. The gap in Illinois may keep this from occurring here. Themorphology and genetics of inidividual birds do not correlate well with thesong type the birds sing in the contact zone, and some birds give

vocalizations characteristic of both species. Away from the contact zones(which are about 15 to 25 miles wide) birds are genetically, vocally andmorphologically pretty much pure. This might suggest that Roger Diggesreport of a Carolina singing at Clinton Lake could be a Black-cappedsinging the wrong song, a hybrid (or intergrade) or really a Carolina.

Finally I was interested in Craig Taylor's comment that 3 range maps helooked at would have Clinton Lake in the Carolina range. I looked atvarious field guides and would say that Peterson and National Geographichave it about right, with the line very close to Clinton Lake. Sibleyeastern is fine, but the big Sibley erroneously has nearly all of Illinoisin Black-capped, and a big area of overlap with Carolina. I can't say anyof the maps I looked at suggested that Clinton Lake was within the Carolinarange.

Doug StotzDouglas StotzConservation Ecologist/OrnithologistEnvironmental and Conservation ProgramsField Museum of Natural History1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.Chicago, IL 60605

From bprice at pdnt.com Tue Dec 6 23:11:08 2005From: bprice at pdnt.com (Brock Price)Date: Tue Dec 6 23:11:14 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder notesMessage-ID: <003b01c5faec$a25b5e90$3641fa3f@YOURCD7BB1D575>

Carolina Wren - 2Cardinal - 5Blue Jay - 3Mourning Dove - 3House Finch - 17House Sparrow - 175 to 200 Starling - 37 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1 Downy - 1Junco - 8I have up to 350 House Sparrows at times. Kind of takes the enjoyment out of feeding at times - not to mention the quanity they can consume.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051206/7d62ecc2/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 6 23:19:38 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 6 23:19:42 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder notesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Recent feeder reports from Brock and others, plus my own observations,make me ask: what can we do to reduce the number of house sparrows atfeeders?

Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Brock PriceSent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 11:11 PMTo: BirdnotesSubject: [Birdnotes] Feeder notes

Carolina Wren - 2

Cardinal - 5

Blue Jay - 3

Mourning Dove - 3

House Finch - 17

House Sparrow - 175 to 200

Starling - 37

Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1

Downy - 1

Junco - 8

I have up to 350 House Sparrows at times. Kind of takes the enjoymentout of feeding at times - not to mention the quanity they can consume.

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051206/28f2fa3e/attachment.htmFrom vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Wed Dec 7 09:56:50 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Wed Dec 7 09:56:51 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Appropriate subject title ("feeder birds"...bad pun?) I had a large RedTailed Hawk sitting right behind my garage this morning. It flew as I

got into my truck. Keeping station on it was a much smaller dark bird,but with a light colored belly...What might that had been?

Otherwise, Juncos, House Finches, Cardinals, and Sparrows...sometimes alone Carolina Wren...at the feeders.

Bob :)From j.courson at mchsi.com Wed Dec 7 10:11:11 2005From: j.courson at mchsi.com (Jeffrey A. Courson)Date: Wed Dec 7 10:11:18 2005Subject: FW: [Birdnotes] Feeder notesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Jeffrey A. Courson

Voice/FAX: 217-586-5110

"Never become too busy...to watch a sunset...enjoy a rainbow...listen to thesounds of nature."

_____

From: Jeffrey A. Courson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 10:02 AMTo: 'Sloan, Bernie'Subject: RE: [Birdnotes] Feeder notes

Hello All,

I have found that "sparrows" have a lot to do with what you are feeding.

I only feed black-oil sunflowers, WHOLE peanuts, and Thistle/Nyger.

This seems to reduce my house sparrow population, while I still have otherspecies of sparrow and junco.

.just a note. I have had several Chickadees and Tufted Titmice since earlyfall frequenting my feeders.as well as all of the others, including Sharpiesand Coops.

Had a flock of Cedar Waxwings this am too.

Jeff

Jeffrey A. Courson

Voice/FAX: 217-586-5110


_____

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sloan, BernieSent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 11:20 PMTo: Brock Price; BirdnotesSubject: RE: [Birdnotes] Feeder notes

Recent feeder reports from Brock and others, plus my own observations, makeme ask: what can we do to reduce the number of house sparrows at feeders?

Bernie Sloan

_____


Carolina Wren - 2

Cardinal - 5

Blue Jay - 3

Mourning Dove - 3

House Finch - 17


Starling - 37


Downy - 1

Junco - 8

I have up to 350 House Sparrows at times. Kind of takes the enjoyment outof feeding at times - not to mention the quanity they can consume.

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051207/5a90f123/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Wed Dec 7 10:27:12 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Wed Dec 7 10:27:20 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder notesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Jeff,

I see your point. I have one feeder that gets mobbed by sparrows, and ithas mixed seed, mostly white millet. My other feeders (nyger, blacksunflower, suet) never seem to have sparrows on them.

Anyone have any suggestions for something else to put in my mixed seedfeeder (it's a Yankee hanging feeder that was labeled "mixed seed").

Thanks!

Bernie

________________________________

From: Jeffrey A. Courson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 10:02 AMTo: Sloan, BernieSubject: RE: [Birdnotes] Feeder notes

Hello All,

I have found that "sparrows" have a lot to do with what you are feeding.

I only feed black-oil sunflowers, WHOLE peanuts, and Thistle/Nyger.

This seems to reduce my house sparrow population, while I still haveother species of sparrow and junco.

...just a note... I have had several Chickadees and Tufted Titmice sinceearly fall frequenting my feeders...as well as all of the others,including Sharpies and Coops.

Had a flock of Cedar Waxwings this am too.

Jeff

Jeffrey A. Courson

Voice/FAX: 217-586-5110

"Never become too busy...to watch a sunset...enjoy a rainbow...listen tothe sounds of nature."

________________________________

From: [email protected]

[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sloan,BernieSent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 11:20 PMTo: Brock Price; BirdnotesSubject: RE: [Birdnotes] Feeder notes

Recent feeder reports from Brock and others, plus my own observations,make me ask: what can we do to reduce the number of house sparrows atfeeders?

Bernie Sloan

________________________________


Carolina Wren - 2

Cardinal - 5

Blue Jay - 3

Mourning Dove - 3

House Finch - 17


Starling - 37


Downy - 1

Junco - 8

I have up to 350 House Sparrows at times. Kind of takes the enjoymentout of feeding at times - not to mention the quanity they can consume.

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051207/5a47f57c/attachment.htmFrom birder1949 at yahoo.com Wed Dec 7 11:01:33 2005

From: birder1949 at yahoo.com (Roger Digges)Date: Wed Dec 7 11:01:35 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] ChickadeesIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

As one who helped precipitate that IBET discussion by reporting a Carolina calling at the extreme east end of Clinton Lake, I concur with Jacob Spendelow's assessment of that discussion. It was extremely helpful, and sharpened my skills at identifying chickadees (although apparently not at counting turkeys). Roger Digges

Jacob Spendelow <[email protected]> wrote: There was a very interesting discussion of chickadee range in central Illinois on IBET a year and a half ago, March 24 - 26 2004, still available on the yahoo groups web page, I believe. I can forward the individual emails to anyone who isn't on IBET. I included a very informative email from Doug Stotz below. Long, but definitely worth reading. I generally find the white wing panel to be a good mark of Black-capped, as Helen said, but it can be difficult to identify some birds. Vocalizations are even less safe, since both species have been shown to sing and give calls of the other species in the area where they overlap.Jacob SpendelowChampaign

This from Doug Stotz:The simple answer to chickadees at Clinton Lake is that they should all beBlack-capped Chickadees, as Michael Retter states. If you look at theChristmas Bird Count from there, in the last 20 years there has never beena Carolina Chickadee. Carolina Chickadees occupy southern Illinois southand east of a line running from Madison County, Bond, Fayette, Shelby,Moultrie, Champaign, Ford, and Iroquois County. Clinton Lake is about 20miles northwest of that line. Note that Bohlen's Birds of Illinois givesthe northeastern limit as Kankakee Co., but that appears to be inerror. All of Kankakee county's and most of Iroquios County's chickadeesare Black-capped. Any Carolina Chickadee north of this line should bedocumented. Note that Chris, besides reporting Carolina Chickadees atClinton Lake, reported Black-capped Chickadees at Homer lake in SEChampaign County. These should be Carolinas there, I think.In fact the chickadee situation in Illinois is a bit complicated andpretty cool, I think. The main data on chickadees is from Brewer who didhis dissertation on Black-capped and Carolina Chickadees focusing onIllinois in the 1950s. The most detailed publication generally availableis in the 1963 Auk Vol. 80, pages 9-47. In terms of the Clinton Lakebirds, what Brewer found is that all the birds in the Illinois Riverdrainage, which includes Clinton Lake, are Black-capped. Brewer arguesthat Carolina chickadees have, since the Ice Age, invaded southern Illinoisfrom the south, and have replaced Black-capped Chickadees in the drainages

that go into the Mississippi south of St. Louis, and the drainages into theOhio River. Along the Kaskaskia drainage, this replacement is incomplete,so once you get north of about Vandalia, Black-capped replace Carolinas.But farther east in the Wabash drainage (which includes all the variousforks of the Vermilion River) it is basically all Carolinas. There havebeen historical examples of Carolina Chickadees replacing Black-cappedChickadees in Illinois. One example is along the Embarras R. south ofChampaign, near Philo, where Black-capped were breeding in 1910 (egg set asevidence, Black-capped have larger eggs). Now only Carolinas breed there.Brewer found that there is a gap of about 15 miles between the breedingrange of Black-capped Chickadees and Carolina Chickadees in easternIllinois, and a wider area with very few breeding chickadees. Anybody whohas birded Kankakee or Iroquois county knows how hard chickadees are tofind there. They are around the gap. In part there is little habitat forchickadees in these areas. Clinton Lake is actually well represented byBlack-capped Chickadees. During the winter, Black-cappeds invade thenorthern edge of the Carolina range to some degree, so you can find thespecies together around Champaign, and some of the country in NW ChampaignCounty and SW Ford county which seems pretty chickadee-free in summer willhave Black-cappeds. Carolinas are much less likely to invade the range ofBlack-capped because it is north of the Carolina range. Bohlen lists onlyfour records of Carolina records within Black-capped country. One is aspecimen from the Lake Forest (north of Chicago) at the Field Museum. Ihave looked at that specimen and it does really look to be a Carolina. SoCarolina can invade Black-capped county, but people should recognize thateven a few miles out of range to the north for Carolina Chickadee is asignificant record.I have spent more time than I care to admit trying to see the northernmostCarolina Chickadees in the state. They are pretty common just north of theChampaign county border in SE Ford County southeast of Paxson. West ofPaxson there are areas which drain south into the Vermilion River, so Iwould expect to have Carolinas. So far I have had no chickadees there. InSE Iroqouis County, the Vermilion River just makes it into the countynortheast of Hoopeston. I'd expect Carolina Chickadees there, if therewere any trees. So far I have not seen any chickadees there. The one goodline of trees is on private property with No Trespassing signs. I haveseen Black-cappeds farther west around Lake Iroquois on Spring Creek, whichis part of the Illinois River basin.All of the above is based on the debatable proposition that Carolina andBlack-capped Chickadees are distinct species that can be distinguished. In

Illinois, there have not been studies done looking at genetic aspects, butboth west of us in Missouri and east of us in Virginia/WestVirginia, there is strong evidence of significant hybridization in contactzones. The gap in Illinois may keep this from occurring here. Themorphology and genetics of inidividual birds do not correlate well with thesong type the birds sing in the contact zone, and some birds givevocalizations characteristic of both species. Away from the contact zones(which are about 15 to 25 miles wide) birds are genetically, vocally andmorphologically pretty much pure. This might suggest that Roger Diggesreport of a Carolina singing at Clinton Lake could be a Black-cappedsinging the wrong song, a hybrid (or intergrade) or really a Carolina.Finally I was interested in Craig Taylor's comment that 3 range maps helooked at would have Clinton Lake in the Carolina range. I looked atvarious field guides and would say that Peterson and National Geographichave it about right, with the line very close to Clinton Lake. Sibleyeastern is fine, but the big Sibley erroneously has nearly all of Illinoisin Black-capped, and a big area of overlap with Carolina. I can't say anyof the maps I looked at suggested that Clinton Lake was within the Carolinarange.

Doug StotzDouglas StotzConservation Ecologist/OrnithologistEnvironmental and Conservation ProgramsField Museum of Natural History1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.Chicago, IL 60605


---------------------------------Yahoo! Shopping Find Great Deals on Gifts at Yahoo! Shopping -------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051207/6908756d/attachment-0001.htmFrom n9ds_15 at msn.com Wed Dec 7 17:15:08 2005From: n9ds_15 at msn.com (Duston Suits)Date: Wed Dec 7 17:15:09 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Eastern Bluebird Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I was surprised to see one fly in front of my car into town today, but there he was, a male Eastern Blue Bird. The maps show this as right about the furry northern edge of their winter range, but I don't think I've ever seen one this late in the year...especially when it's 0F outside.


From charleneanchor at msn.com Wed Dec 7 20:17:05 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Wed Dec 7 20:11:21 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeding House SparrowsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Maybe Champaign's House Sparrows have evolved into a subspecies that eat everything. I have about 1000 of them too. I stopped feeding seed with millet a couple of years back hoping some would leave. Since then they have adjusted to eating thistle (don't even have trouble eating from an upside-down feeder), peanuts, suet, black-oil sunflower and safflower. Their least favorite seems to be black-oil sunflower. So that may be the best thing to try for discouraging them. But don't be surprised if the discouragement doesn't last long.

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051207/c230f175/attachment.htmFrom avara at uiuc.edu Wed Dec 7 20:21:34 2005From: avara at uiuc.edu ([email protected])Date: Wed Dec 7 20:21:41 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeding House SparrowsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I have a feeder at my apartment, and I did not expect ANY birds to come feed at it as it is not ground floor and it is off of my balcony about fifty feet from the nearest tree (very little cover). Despite this, I put black oil sunflower seed in and the very first birds to dine were HOUSE SPARROWS. Later I had a NORTHERN CARDINAL couple, but the point is, HOUSE SPARROWS apparently like black oil sunflower also.~Mike AvaraFrom smithsje at egix.net Wed Dec 7 20:53:21 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Wed Dec 7 20:49:32 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] bird feed and house sparrowsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,

Eliminate fine small seed like millet and especially cracked corn does help some to reduce house sparrow numbers. However, those are the seeds

that native sparrows also like best. Feeding nothing but sunflower seeds does help, but we will just have to put up with house sparrows, or quit feeding. How come we read about house sparrow numbers decling?

Best regards.


From smithsje at egix.net Wed Dec 7 20:57:39 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Wed Dec 7 20:53:49 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,

Does anyone have an up-to-date email address for Myrna Deaton? If so, please send it to me. The Clinton Lake CBC is coming up soon.

Best regards.


From spendelo at uiuc.edu Wed Dec 7 21:14:03 2005From: spendelo at uiuc.edu (Jacob Spendelow)Date: Wed Dec 7 21:14:00 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)In-Reply-To: <[email protected]>References: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hi everyone,A list of Illinois CBCs and compiler info is available here, courtesy of Urs Geiser:http://home.xnet.com/~ugeiser/Birds/BirdCounts.html#christmasI assume the email address provided for Myrna Deaton (<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]) is valid.Good birding!Jacob SpendelowChampaign

At 08:57 PM 12-7-2005, Jim & Eleanor Smith wrote:>Hello, Bird,>>Does anyone have an up-to-date email address for Myrna Deaton? If so, >please send it to me. The Clinton Lake CBC is coming up soon.>>Best regards.>

>Jim & Eleanor Smith>[email protected]>2005-12-07>>>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From jane_easterly at hotmail.com Wed Dec 7 21:13:58 2005From: jane_easterly at hotmail.com (Jane Easterly)Date: Wed Dec 7 21:14:02 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeding House SparrowsIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Aside from the nyger I put in my goldfinch feeders, all I put out is black-oil sunflower seeds, and this does not discourage my house sparrows at all. I have a feeder that holds five pounds and they do the bulk of the emptying of it.

I have a nonbirder friend who calls them Toys R Us birds because they do so well in the big letters outside stores. They raise young inside malls on stale popcorn, for Pete's sake! I have to admire their adaptability.

It is too bad we can't export some of them to England where they are in decline. And I have to say, if you really stop to look at them, the males can be quite beautiful.

Jane

>From: "charlene anchor" <[email protected]>>To: <[email protected]>>Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeding House Sparrows>Date: Wed, 7 Dec 2005 20:17:05 -0600>>Maybe Champaign's House Sparrows have evolved into a subspecies that eat >everything. I have about 1000 of them too. I stopped feeding seed with >millet a couple of years back hoping some would leave. Since then they >have adjusted to eating thistle (don't even have trouble eating from an >upside-down feeder), peanuts, suet, black-oil sunflower and safflower. >Their least favorite seems to be black-oil sunflower. So that may be the >best thing to try for discouraging them. But don't be surprised if the >discouragement doesn't last long.>>Charlene Anchor

>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list

>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From spendelo at uiuc.edu Wed Dec 7 22:47:06 2005From: spendelo at uiuc.edu (Jacob Spendelow)Date: Wed Dec 7 22:46:59 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hi everyone,The existence of a "chickadee-free-zone" has been attributed to some effect of the meeting of Black-capped and Carolina Chickadee range in Champaign-Urbana and other areas to the SW and NE. Why is it, then, that Tufted Titmice ares so scarce in town? Any ideas? I rarely, if ever, encounter them away from Busey Woods.Jacob SpendelowChampaign

From birder1949 at yahoo.com Thu Dec 8 06:57:12 2005From: birder1949 at yahoo.com (Roger Digges)Date: Thu Dec 8 06:57:16 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Eastern Bluebird In-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I have seen Eastern Bluebirds at Allerton in 10 belowweather in January(although, I have to admit, theydidn't look too happy), and they have overwintered insome of the deeper woods around Clinton Lake for twoout of the last three years.

Roger Digges

--- Duston Suits <[email protected]> wrote:

> I was surprised to see one fly in front of my car> into town today, but there > he was, a male Eastern Blue Bird. The maps show> this as right about the > furry northern edge of their winter range, but I> don't think I've ever seen > one this late in the year...especially when it's 0F> outside.> > Duston Suits> Loami, IL> > > _______________________________________________> Birdnotes mailing list> [email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>

__________________________________________________Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu Thu Dec 8 08:32:17 2005From: lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu (Gregory S Lambeth)Date: Thu Dec 8 08:32:20 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I believe that Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches are largely absent from Champaign-Urbana because there is no significant river system running through town. A river system brings with it a woodland cooridor with trees for breeding. We have some of that with the Salt Fork and that's where the majority of our small populations exist. If more birds were to come into town, they would need to traverse about 10 miles of open fields to get here from Mahomet or Lake of the Woods. I doubt that happens very often. I suspect that most of our birds wander up the Salt Fork from the Homer Lake area, but that's just a guess.

I'd love to have a stable population of these species in town and I'm not convinced it couldn't happen with a little assistance. I've always wanted to mist net a couple dozen Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches and "introduce" them into Champaign and Urbana. I'm not saying this is legal -- it's just a wish, not a plan.

Greg Lambeth

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of JacobSpendelowSent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 10:47 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

Hi everyone,The existence of a "chickadee-free-zone" has been attributed to some effect of the meeting of Black-capped and Carolina Chickadee range in Champaign-Urbana and other areas to the SW and NE. Why is it, then, that Tufted Titmice ares so scarce in town? Any ideas? I rarely, if ever, encounter them away from Busey Woods.Jacob SpendelowChampaign


From n9ds_15 at msn.com Thu Dec 8 08:46:46 2005From: n9ds_15 at msn.com (Duston Suits)Date: Thu Dec 8 08:46:49 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I live out on the prairie 25 miles or more from a river (although there is a small creek with trees around it 1/2 mile away across the road) and all three birds are regulars at my feeders. I would have thought C-U had enough cover for them? Or is what I have more than what you do?


>From: "Gregory S Lambeth" <[email protected]>>To: "Jacob Spendelow" <[email protected]>,<[email protected]>>Subject: RE: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice>Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 08:32:17 -0600>>I believe that Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches are >largely absent from Champaign-Urbana because there is no significant river >system running through town. A river system brings with it a woodland >cooridor with trees for breeding. We have some of that with the Salt Fork >and that's where the majority of our small populations exist. If more >birds were to come into town, they would need to traverse about 10 miles of >open fields to get here from Mahomet or Lake of the Woods. I doubt that >happens very often. I suspect that most of our birds wander up the Salt >Fork from the Homer Lake area, but that's just a guess.>>I'd love to have a stable population of these species in town and I'm not >convinced it couldn't happen with a little assistance. I've always wanted >to mist net a couple dozen Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted >Nuthatches and "introduce" them into Champaign and Urbana. I'm not saying >this is legal -- it's just a wish, not a plan.>>Greg Lambeth>>>-----Original Message----->From: [email protected]>[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Jacob>Spendelow>Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 10:47 PM>To: [email protected]>Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

>>>Hi everyone,>The existence of a "chickadee-free-zone" has been attributed to some effect>of the meeting of Black-capped and Carolina Chickadee range in>Champaign-Urbana and other areas to the SW and NE. Why is it, then, that>Tufted Titmice ares so scarce in town? Any ideas? I rarely, if ever,>encounter them away from Busey Woods.>Jacob Spendelow>Champaign>>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Thu Dec 8 08:46:58 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Thu Dec 8 08:46:58 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Eastern Bluebird Message-ID: <[email protected]>

About 15 years ago, around December 10, I conducted a geologic surveyalong the floodplain of Kickapoo Creek near Lincoln in Logan County. Ihad a good look at 2 Bluebirds that flew right by me. I don't preciselyrecall the weather that year, but it had to be relatively mild at thetime (or I wouldn't have been out doing the survey!). I still rememberthis encounter because of the lateness of the season, because of thestriking impression the birds made (everything was brown and cold...theywere brilliant blue!), and because it's the closest sighting I've everhad of bluebirds (they were just feet away).

Bob :)________________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of DustonSuitsSent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 5:15 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Eastern Bluebird

I was surprised to see one fly in front of my car into town today, butthere he was, a male Eastern Blue Bird. The maps show this as right about the

furry northern edge of their winter range, but I don't think I've everseen one this late in the year...especially when it's 0F outside.



From lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu Thu Dec 8 08:59:14 2005From: lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu (Gregory S Lambeth)Date: Thu Dec 8 08:59:16 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Duston:

This is very interesting to me -- thanks for your comments. The mystery thickens.

Greg

-----Original Message-----From: Duston Suits [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 8:47 AMTo: Gregory S Lambeth; [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

I live out on the prairie 25 miles or more from a river (although there is a small creek with trees around it 1/2 mile away across the road) and all three birds are regulars at my feeders. I would have thought C-U had enough cover for them? Or is what I have more than what you do?


>From: "Gregory S Lambeth" <[email protected]>>To: "Jacob Spendelow" <[email protected]>,<[email protected]>>Subject: RE: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice>Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 08:32:17 -0600>>I believe that Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches are >largely absent from Champaign-Urbana because there is no significant river >system running through town. A river system brings with it a woodland >cooridor with trees for breeding. We have some of that with the Salt Fork >and that's where the majority of our small populations exist. If more >birds were to come into town, they would need to traverse about 10 miles of

>open fields to get here from Mahomet or Lake of the Woods. I doubt that >happens very often. I suspect that most of our birds wander up the Salt >Fork from the Homer Lake area, but that's just a guess.>>I'd love to have a stable population of these species in town and I'm not >convinced it couldn't happen with a little assistance. I've always wanted >to mist net a couple dozen Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted >Nuthatches and "introduce" them into Champaign and Urbana. I'm not saying >this is legal -- it's just a wish, not a plan.>>Greg Lambeth>>>-----Original Message----->From: [email protected]>[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Jacob>Spendelow>Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 10:47 PM>To: [email protected]>Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice>>>Hi everyone,>The existence of a "chickadee-free-zone" has been attributed to some effect>of the meeting of Black-capped and Carolina Chickadee range in>Champaign-Urbana and other areas to the SW and NE. Why is it, then, that>Tufted Titmice ares so scarce in town? Any ideas? I rarely, if ever,>encounter them away from Busey Woods.>Jacob Spendelow>Champaign>>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From charleneanchor at msn.com Thu Dec 8 09:30:49 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Thu Dec 8 09:25:05 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] House SparrowsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

>From what I've read the HOUSE SPARROW is one of our most adaptable birds. As a result it is also one of the most intensely studied. Some things I've learned is that, although we think of them as English birds they are native to Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia, Africa, India and

Burma. They have done well where they have been introduced into South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In North America, 50 pair were introduced in 1853 and their numbers increased to 150,000,000 by 1943!! According to the Breeding Bird Survey done between 1966-1987 a decline was seen. This has been attributed to the change in farming practices to larger farms and monoculture crops. But I have not found anything, so far, about current population numbers. Since many large farms are now being sold and developers are taking over in so many areas, maybe their numbers are increasing again as we build more houses? One has to admire their adaptability, but since they take over nesting sites from our native species, I shudder to think that they could be increasing. But maybe they aren't really - it may only seem that way in town. Some studies indicate that they become of breeding age between 4-6 months and they can have 4 broods/yr! When they are taking over native cavities that has to harm our native population numbers. One thing that doesn't help is unmonitored nesting boxes, or boxes which only attract house sparrows. These become House Sparrow reproduction factories.

I suspect that they eat what is available. If all that is around is black-oil, that's what they'll eat even if it's not their favorite. I've considered not feeding the birds but I haven't quite reached that point yet. If one has reasonable numbers that seems ok. But my numbers are beyond reason.

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/169eca7c/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Thu Dec 8 09:49:53 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Thu Dec 8 09:44:11 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

What I saw this summer agrees with Greg's observations about the river corridors. The river winds through Lake of the Woods and that is where I saw Titmice feeding fledglings, not far from the river. But I only saw that once. Since nesting cavities are necessary, I think that the House Sparrows, in areas away from woods and rivers, would make it difficult for them. There are fewer House Sparrows in certain areas of the Conservation Area in Mahomet, but they are still there. In 2003 one nest box had a titmouse nest and eggs. The next week it was built over by a House Sparrow. Even if they could "come to town", maybe the HOSP competition would make it near impossible around here. It would be interesting to know if there are any towns where the titmice nest and what the population correlation is between the HOSP and the titmice.

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/0391afde/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 8 09:54:49 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)

Date: Thu Dec 8 09:54:52 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Greg mentioned "trees for breeding". Champaign-Urbana isn't exactly atreeless prairie. There are parts of Urbana east of the UI campus, forexample, that look like nothing but forest if you can get an elevatedview.

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gregory SLambethSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 8:32 AMTo: Jacob Spendelow; [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

I believe that Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches arelargely absent from Champaign-Urbana because there is no significantriver system running through town. A river system brings with it awoodland cooridor with trees for breeding. We have some of that withthe Salt Fork and that's where the majority of our small populationsexist. If more birds were to come into town, they would need totraverse about 10 miles of open fields to get here from Mahomet or Lakeof the Woods. I doubt that happens very often. I suspect that most ofour birds wander up the Salt Fork from the Homer Lake area, but that'sjust a guess.

I'd love to have a stable population of these species in town and I'mnot convinced it couldn't happen with a little assistance. I've alwayswanted to mist net a couple dozen Chickadees, Titmice and White-breastedNuthatches and "introduce" them into Champaign and Urbana. I'm notsaying this is legal -- it's just a wish, not a plan.

Greg Lambeth


Hi everyone,The existence of a "chickadee-free-zone" has been attributed to someeffect of the meeting of Black-capped and Carolina Chickadee range in Champaign-Urbana and other areas to the SW and NE. Why is it, then,that Tufted Titmice ares so scarce in town? Any ideas? I rarely, if ever, encounter them away from Busey Woods.Jacob SpendelowChampaign

_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 8 10:09:46 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 8 10:09:55 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] House SparrowsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I've read before that the decline of house sparrow populations couldalso be tied to the rise of the automobile. As time passed, fewer peoplekept horses in small outbuildings in town (which I guess was goodsparrow habitat).

One thing I've noticed is that sparrows don't seem to do well in naturalhabitats. Once you get away from the buildings you very rarely see housesparrows on the Meadowbrook prairie. I also hike a lot in SouthernIndiana, and you almost never see them once you get away from parkinglots, etc.

As for their dietary likes and dislikes, I observed somethinginteresting this AM. I mentioned I have a feeder with a mix that ismostly white millet. Hanging right next to it is a feeder with black oilsunflower. Three or four sparrows were aggressively fighting overperches on the mixed seed feeder. Every once in a while a displacedsparrow would land on the sunflower feeder and eat maybe one seed. Assoon as it saw an opening at the other feeder it would zip back over.

You mentioned that your numbers are beyond reason. How many sparrows areyou talking about?

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of charleneanchorSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 9:31 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] House Sparrows

>From what I've read the HOUSE SPARROW is one of our most adaptablebirds. As a result it is also one of the most intensely studied. Somethings I've learned is that, although we think of them as English birdsthey are native to Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia, Africa, India andBurma. They have done well where they have been introduced into SouthAmerica, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In North America, 50 pairwere introduced in 1853 and their numbers increased to 150,000,000 by1943!! According to the Breeding Bird Survey done between 1966-1987 adecline was seen. This has been attributed to the change in farmingpractices to larger farms and monoculture crops. But I have not foundanything, so far, about current population numbers. Since many largefarms are now being sold and developers are taking over in so manyareas, maybe their numbers are increasing again as we build more houses?One has to admire their adaptability, but since they take over nestingsites from our native species, I shudder to think that they could beincreasing. But maybe they aren't really - it may only seem that way intown. Some studies indicate that they become of breeding age between 4-6months and they can have 4 broods/yr! When they are taking over nativecavities that has to harm our native population numbers. One thing thatdoesn't help is unmonitored nesting boxes, or boxes which only attracthouse sparrows. These become House Sparrow reproduction factories.

I suspect that they eat what is available. If all that is around isblack-oil, that's what they'll eat even if it's not their favorite.I've considered not feeding the birds but I haven't quite reached thatpoint yet. If one has reasonable numbers that seems ok. But my numbersare beyond reason.

Charlene Anchor

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/bc3dbc7e/attachment-0001.htmFrom vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Thu Dec 8 10:13:04 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Thu Dec 8 10:13:06 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I've lived out on E. Main for 20 years, and I've only had chickadeesonce or twice in that entire time (it can't be much more than amile...as the Chickadee flies...from Busey Woods to my house...is anoccasional visit too much to ask?) I don't think I've ever seen aTitmouse there :(

Today at the yard...Goldfinches, Juncos, White Throated Sparrows,Carolina Wren, House Finches, M. Doves, Cardinals, and...of course...afew House Sparrows. I don't have enormous numbers of HouseSparrows...maybe all the squirrels eat them :)

Bob

___________________________________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sloan,BernieSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 9:55 AMTo: [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice





Greg Lambeth


Hi everyone,The existence of a "chickadee-free-zone" has been attributed to someeffect of the meeting of Black-capped and Carolina Chickadee range in

Champaign-Urbana and other areas to the SW and NE. Why is it, then,that Tufted Titmice ares so scarce in town? Any ideas? I rarely, if ever, encounter them away from Busey Woods.Jacob SpendelowChampaign

_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 8 10:22:44 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 8 10:22:51 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I'll have to admit I've NEVER seen a titmouse in C-U.

I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I've never seen one anywhere untiljust a few months ago. I started spending a lot of time in Bloomington,IN, and there are a lot of good hiking trails near town. IndianaUniversity has a huge forestry research plot in a very rugged area(there's a 120 foot elevation change on one trail in just a very shortdistance on one trail). I was walking along and heard some agitatedsmall birds looking into a big knothole in a tree. I checked them outwith my binoculars. I knew right away they were tufted titmice, and Iwas pretty sure I'd never seen one before. I checked my old reliablechecklist and sure enough I'd never seen one before.

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Vaiden,RobertSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 10:13 AMTo: [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

I've lived out on E. Main for 20 years, and I've only had chickadeesonce or twice in that entire time (it can't be much more than amile...as the Chickadee flies...from Busey Woods to my house...is anoccasional visit too much to ask?) I don't think I've ever seen aTitmouse there :(

Today at the yard...Goldfinches, Juncos, White Throated Sparrows,Carolina Wren, House Finches, M. Doves, Cardinals, and...of course...afew House Sparrows. I don't have enormous numbers of House

Sparrows...maybe all the squirrels eat them :)

Bob___________________________________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sloan,BernieSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 9:55 AMTo: [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice





Greg Lambeth


Hi everyone,

The existence of a "chickadee-free-zone" has been attributed to someeffect of the meeting of Black-capped and Carolina Chickadee range in Champaign-Urbana and other areas to the SW and NE. Why is it, then,that Tufted Titmice ares so scarce in town? Any ideas? I rarely, if ever, encounter them away from Busey Woods.Jacob SpendelowChampaign

_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom j.courson at mchsi.com Thu Dec 8 10:25:57 2005From: j.courson at mchsi.com ([email protected])Date: Thu Dec 8 10:26:02 2005Subject: FW: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <120820051625.29729.43985E95000CEB4100007421219792474102019C9D9A010CD206@mchsi.com>

Charlene and Others,

I have had Chickadees and TM nest in boxes within Mahomet.One in the middle of an open yard, on a post....? Never should have happened.

Jeff

--Jeffrey A. Courson

"Never become too busy to...watch a sunset...enjoy a rainbow...listen to the sounds of nature."

---------------------- Forwarded Message: ---------------------From: "charlene anchor" <[email protected]>To: <[email protected]>Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceDate: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 15:44:46 +0000


-------------- next part --------------An embedded message was scrubbed...From: "charlene anchor" <[email protected]>Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceDate: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 15:44:46 +0000Size: 2734Url: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/8eadf6c4/attachment.emlFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 8 11:07:12 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 8 11:07:16 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Ground feeding?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Just wondering how many people also do ground feeding, i.e., spreadingbird feed on the ground?

I've always done it, except for one house where I used the garage roof(several windows looked right out on it). :-)

I do it for a number of reasons:

1. I have sort of an unofficial pact with the squirrels...I put feed onthe ground...they stay away from my feeders.

2. It attracts a number of species that don't come to myfeeders...mourning doves, juncos, white throated sparrows, theoccasional crow, etc. One year when I lived off of East Washington inUrbana I even had a couple of pheasants as regular visitors.

3. It attracts rabbits at night. On a cold night with snow cover I canregularly see the profiles of four or five rabbits.

4. It also feeds the occasional carnivorous bird. I've seen quite a fewinstances of a Cooper's nabbing a dove. One time I saw a very large hawkattempt (unsuccessfully) to nab a small squirrel. And a couple of timesI've watched owls try to grab mice off of the snow (couldn't tellwhether they were successful...it was kinda dark). Once (a couple ofyears ago) my ground feeding provided a meal for a probable coyote. Iheard a loud rabbit distress squeal about 3AM. By the time I looked outthe window I couldn't see anything. But when I checked out the yard inthe AM there were signs of a small struggle, a few tufts of rabbit fur,a few drops of blood on the snow. And what were most probably coyotetracks leading to and from the spot.

Bernie SloanSenior Information Systems ConsultantConsortium of Academic & Research Libraries in Illinois616 E. Green Street, Suite 213

Champaign, IL 61820-5752


From vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Thu Dec 8 11:33:12 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Thu Dec 8 11:33:25 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Ground feeding?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I've always scattered ground seed widely...it does somewhat keepsquirrels off the feeders, and Juncos and White Throated Sparrows nevercome to my feeders...just feed off the ground. It also attracts'possums and raccoons :)

Predators do stop by...I've had a sharp shinned snatch a House Sparrow,a Coopers grab a squirrel, and a Red Tail try to fly off with a Rabbit(he dropped it from about 15 feet up!). A Mourning Dove exploded inmid-air (well...that's what it looked like) just over the feeder oneJanuary...Coopers Hawk again. Finding a pile of gray Mourning Dovefeathers in my back evergreens (where the Coopers sometimes roost) isnot uncommon.

Once (in spring) I was nearly hit by a Robin with a Kestral right on itstail...the birds passed 2 or 3 feet to either side of my head :)

Bob

___________________________________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sloan,BernieSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 11:07 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Ground feeding?








Bernie SloanSenior Information Systems ConsultantConsortium of Academic & Research Libraries in Illinois616 E. Green Street, Suite 213Champaign, IL 61820-5752



From lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu Thu Dec 8 11:40:27 2005From: lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu (Gregory S Lambeth)Date: Thu Dec 8 11:40:30 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Ground feeding?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Bernie:

I have always done ground feeding in addition to hanging feeders, but I only use pure millett on the ground (available at Wild Birds and, I think, through Champaign County Audubon). I like ground feeding because it's attractive to Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, Mourning Doves and Cardinals. When I get more unusual species like Lincoln's or Tree Sparrows, they are almost always feeding on the ground. I use millett because the squirrels don't really like it so it keeps their numbers down.

Greg

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Sloan,BernieSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 11:07 AM

To: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Ground feeding?










_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom malcolms at life.uiuc.edu Thu Dec 8 13:25:52 2005From: malcolms at life.uiuc.edu (Malcolm L. Sargent)Date: Thu Dec 8 13:25:58 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Northern goshawkMessage-ID: <p06210202bfbe385613a0@[10.0.1.30]>

Northern goshawk chasing birds at feeders SE of Kinch-Vermont

intersection in Urbana ~1330 - squirrel hassling it in turn.

-- Malcolm L. Sargent2011 E. VermontUrbana IL 61802

217-367-9830 (Home)217-333-0287 (Office)From Birderdlt at aol.com Thu Dec 8 17:23:22 2005From: Birderdlt at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Thu Dec 8 17:23:33 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I have seen White-breasted Nuthatches in UI Forestry this fall - I think for about the first time in about 20 years. And I saw my first Tufted Titmouse in Meadowbrook last spring. So, who knows.

David ThomasChampaign

In a message dated 12/8/2005 8:32:41 AM Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes:I believe that Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches are largely absent from Champaign-Urbana because there is no significant river system running through town. A river system brings with it a woodland cooridor with trees for breeding. We have some of that with the Salt Fork and that's where the majority of our small populations exist. If more birds were to come into town, they would need to traverse about 10 miles of open fields to get here from Mahomet or Lake of the Woods. I doubt that happens very often. I suspect that most of our birds wander up the Salt Fork from the Homer Lake area, but that's just a guess.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/c9311671/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 8 17:34:47 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 8 17:34:49 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

When my two sons were small (20-25 years ago) I would regularly see

White-breasted Nuthatches along Oregon Street, a couple of blocks eastof Vine in Urbana.

Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf [email protected]: Thursday, December 08, 2005 5:23 PMTo: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

I have seen White-breasted Nuthatches in UI Forestry this fall - Ithink for about the first time in about 20 years. And I saw my firstTufted Titmouse in Meadowbrook last spring. So, who knows.

David Thomas

Champaign

In a message dated 12/8/2005 8:32:41 AM Central Standard Time,[email protected] writes:

I believe that Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatchesare largely absent from Champaign-Urbana because there is no significantriver system running through town. A river system brings with it awoodland cooridor with trees for breeding. We have some of that withthe Salt Fork and that's where the majority of our small populationsexist. If more birds were to come into town, they would need totraverse about 10 miles of open fields to get here from Mahomet or Lakeof the Woods. I doubt that happens very often. I suspect that most ofour birds wander up the Salt Fork from the Homer Lake area, but that'sjust a guess.

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/905b06cf/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Thu Dec 8 19:53:45 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)

Date: Thu Dec 8 19:48:00 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] more ground feedingMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

After my discussion of not feeding millet, I went out and bought a bag of mixed seed today to spread on the ground for the other sparrows besides the HOUSE. I had gone out to renew the water and saw a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER sitting on the birdbath edge. It stayed for a long time and kept drinking and I thought shivering. But maybe that was my imagination, or maybe it was me shivering. Anyway, I was feeling bad so I bought new suet and seed. With this weather, backyards may be interesting. One bad winter I had mallards land drop by in my city yard a couple of times although I never understood what they were doing there.

Charlene Anchor -------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/31ed8c2b/attachment.htmFrom jbchato at uiuc.edu Thu Dec 8 20:09:37 2005From: jbchato at uiuc.edu (John & Beth Chato)Date: Thu Dec 8 20:09:41 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Birdnoters.I haven't read all my e-mail yet but I don't see any mention of the chickadee situation in Urbana's Busey Woods. We have both Black-capped and Carolina , at least one mixed pair with hybrid offspring. This has been going on for some years. Some of the vocalizations are very strange, others are typical of each species. The individual birds are very hard to pin down to species. This would be a good study for someone.Lake of the Woods has Black-capped, Homer and the other County Preserves have Carolina to the best of my knowledge. The newly published Breeding Bird Atlas for Illinois shows Urbana right at the meeting point of the two species.

BethJohn C. Chato714 W. Vermont Ave.Urbana, IL 61801217-344-6803From charleneanchor at msn.com Thu Dec 8 20:22:21 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Thu Dec 8 20:16:39 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] House SparrowsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I would estimate at least, and probably more than, 300+ HOUSE SPARROWS around my house. I have a feeder in front and more in back so they are spread out. I think I could discourage their numbers if I removed all the evergreen shrubs and other shrubs around my house. That's where

many roost. It's only a short distance to the feeders and water and then back to the shrubs. Two years ago I removed a large brush pile from my yard. Then they were even closer to the feeders and water. Instead of leaving the yard like I hoped, they moved closer to my house. When I first started feeding years ago I had a greater variety of birds in my yard. Now HOSP predominates. Time to quit? Or maybe I should move?

In rethinking the titmouse, it could be that starlings may be a bigger problem for them than the HOSP. The starlings are so aggressive in taking over cavities and we certainly have a few around here. I've seen the starlings ousting woodpeckers.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Sloan, BernieSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 10:16 AMTo: [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] House Sparrows

I?ve read before that the decline of house sparrow populations could also be tied to the rise of the automobile. As time passed, fewer people kept horses in small outbuildings in town (which I guess was good sparrow habitat). One thing I?ve noticed is that sparrows don?t seem to do well in natural habitats. Once you get away from the buildings you very rarely see house sparrows on the Meadowbrook prairie. I also hike a lot in Southern Indiana, and you almost never see them once you get away from parking lots, etc. As for their dietary likes and dislikes, I observed something interesting this AM. I mentioned I have a feeder with a mix that is mostly white millet. Hanging right next to it is a feeder with black oil sunflower. Three or four sparrows were aggressively fighting over perches on the mixed seed feeder. Every once in a while a displaced sparrow would land on the sunflower feeder and eat maybe one seed. As soon as it saw an opening at the other feeder it would zip back over. You mentioned that your numbers are beyond reason. How many sparrows are you talking about?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of charlene anchorSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 9:31 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] House Sparrows >From what I've read the HOUSE SPARROW is one of our most adaptable birds. As a result it is also one of the most intensely studied. Some things I've learned is that, although we think of them as English birds they are native to Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia, Africa, India and Burma. They have done well where they have been introduced into South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In North America, 50 pair

were introduced in 1853 and their numbers increased to 150,000,000 by 1943!! According to the Breeding Bird Survey done between 1966-1987 a decline was seen. This has been attributed to the change in farming practices to larger farms and monoculture crops. But I have not found anything, so far, about current population numbers. Since many large farms are now being sold and developers are taking over in so many areas, maybe their numbers are increasing again as we build more houses? One has to admire their adaptability, but since they take over nesting sites from our native species, I shudder to think that they could be increasing. But maybe they aren't really - it may only seem that way in town. Some studies indicate that they become of breeding age between 4-6 months and they can have 4 broods/yr! When they are taking over native cavities that has to harm our native population numbers. One thing that doesn't help is unmonitored nesting boxes, or boxes which only attract house sparrows. These become House Sparrow reproduction factories. I suspect that they eat what is available. If all that is around is black-oil, that's what they'll eat even if it's not their favorite. I've considered not feeding the birds but I haven't quite reached that point yet. If one has reasonable numbers that seems ok. But my numbers are beyond reason. Charlene Anchor_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/bf16aa41/attachment-0001.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 8 20:31:30 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 8 20:31:47 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] House SparrowsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

300+? Wow! I think maybe 20 is a lot!!!

I think maybe you also need to check out your neighborhood and see whatelse might be conducive to house sparrows. I don't think it's entirelybased on what you are doing...

________________________________

From: charlene anchor [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 8:22 PMTo: Sloan, Bernie; [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] House Sparrows

I would estimate at least, and probably more than, 300+ HOUSE SPARROWSaround my house. I have a feeder in front and more in back so they arespread out. I think I could discourage their numbers if I removed allthe evergreen shrubs and other shrubs around my house. That's wheremany roost. It's only a short distance to the feeders and water andthen back to the shrubs. Two years ago I removed a large brush pile frommy yard. Then they were even closer to the feeders and water. Insteadof leaving the yard like I hoped, they moved closer to my house. When Ifirst started feeding years ago I had a greater variety of birds in myyard. Now HOSP predominates. Time to quit? Or maybe I should move?

In rethinking the titmouse, it could be that starlings may be a biggerproblem for them than the HOSP. The starlings are so aggressive intaking over cavities and we certainly have a few around here. I've seenthe starlings ousting woodpeckers.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----

From: Sloan, Bernie

Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 10:16 AM

To: [email protected]

Subject: RE: [Birdnotes] House Sparrows

I've read before that the decline of house sparrow populationscould also be tied to the rise of the automobile. As time passed, fewerpeople kept horses in small outbuildings in town (which I guess was goodsparrow habitat).

One thing I've noticed is that sparrows don't seem to do well innatural habitats. Once you get away from the buildings you very rarelysee house sparrows on the Meadowbrook prairie. I also hike a lot inSouthern Indiana, and you almost never see them once you get away fromparking lots, etc.

As for their dietary likes and dislikes, I observed somethinginteresting this AM. I mentioned I have a feeder with a mix that ismostly white millet. Hanging right next to it is a feeder with black oilsunflower. Three or four sparrows were aggressively fighting overperches on the mixed seed feeder. Every once in a while a displaced

sparrow would land on the sunflower feeder and eat maybe one seed. Assoon as it saw an opening at the other feeder it would zip back over.

You mentioned that your numbers are beyond reason. How manysparrows are you talking about?

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of charleneanchor

Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 9:31 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] House Sparrows

From what I've read the HOUSE SPARROW is one of our mostadaptable birds. As a result it is also one of the most intenselystudied. Some things I've learned is that, although we think of them asEnglish birds they are native to Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia, Africa,India and Burma. They have done well where they have been introducedinto South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In NorthAmerica, 50 pair were introduced in 1853 and their numbers increased to150,000,000 by 1943!! According to the Breeding Bird Survey donebetween 1966-1987 a decline was seen. This has been attributed to thechange in farming practices to larger farms and monoculture crops. ButI have not found anything, so far, about current population numbers.Since many large farms are now being sold and developers are taking overin so many areas, maybe their numbers are increasing again as we buildmore houses? One has to admire their adaptability, but since they takeover nesting sites from our native species, I shudder to think that theycould be increasing. But maybe they aren't really - it may only seemthat way in town. Some studies indicate that they become of breeding agebetween 4-6 months and they can have 4 broods/yr! When they are takingover native cavities that has to harm our native population numbers.One thing that doesn't help is unmonitored nesting boxes, or boxes whichonly attract house sparrows. These become House Sparrow reproductionfactories.

I suspect that they eat what is available. If all that isaround is black-oil, that's what they'll eat even if it's not theirfavorite. I've considered not feeding the birds but I haven't quitereached that point yet. If one has reasonable numbers that seems ok.But my numbers are beyond reason.

Charlene Anchor


-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/f2ab6239/attachment.htmFrom smithsje at egix.net Thu Dec 8 20:49:06 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Thu Dec 8 20:48:40 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] ground feedingMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,We don't usually feed on the ground, except when there is snow cover. Plenty of feed is spilled on the groundunder the feeders for ground feeders. We live trap raccoons, opossums and skunks and either eliminate or transport critters elsewhere, except skunks which are released from a safe distance. 'coons will wreckhavoc with tube feeders if given a chance. Rabbits, mice, chipmunks and rats are ever present, but provide food for hawks and owls. Best regards.


From charleneanchor at msn.com Thu Dec 8 22:09:36 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Thu Dec 8 22:03:53 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Re: Busey Woods Chickadees and TitmouseMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Beth mentioned the unusual situation we have at Busey Woods. It seems like it would be a good study and close to home. Maybe there could be another....

Been sitting here tonight reading about the titmouse. They haven't been studied as much as many other species so some of the questions asked by Birdnoters don't have a definitive answer and some are potential areas for study. But regarding the chickadees and titmouse.... Titmice are dominant to the Chickadee so when there are more Titmice there are less Chickadees. They are both at Busey (and our other forest preserves) I wonder if there are ever population fluctuations between them at Busey.

It would be nice to have a serious study done in our area.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: John & Beth ChatoSent: Thursday, December 08, 2005 9:32 PM

To: BirdnotesSubject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)

Birdnoters.I haven't read all my e-mail yet but I don't see any mention of the chickadee situation in Urbana's Busey Woods. We have both Black-capped and Carolina , at least one mixed pair with hybrid offspring. This has been going on for some years. Some of the vocalizations are very strange, others are typical of each species. The individual birds are very hard to pin down to species. This would be a good study for someone.Lake of the Woods has Black-capped, Homer and the other County Preserves have Carolina to the best of my knowledge. The newly published Breeding Bird Atlas for Illinois shows Urbana right at the meeting point of the two species.

BethJohn C. Chato714 W. Vermont Ave.Urbana, IL 61801217-344-6803_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/bd9ef9c4/attachment-0001.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Thu Dec 8 22:10:25 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Thu Dec 8 22:04:40 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Jeff,

And what was the result?Charlene

----- Original Message -----From: [email protected]: Thursday, December 08, 2005 9:21 PMTo: [email protected]: FW: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

Charlene and Others,

I have had Chickadees and TM nest in boxes within Mahomet.One in the middle of an open yard, on a post....? Never should have happened.

Jeff

--Jeffrey A. Courson

"Never become too busy to...watch a sunset...enjoy a rainbow..listen to the sounds of nature."

---------------------- Forwarded Message: ---------------------From: "charlene anchor" <[email protected]>To: <[email protected]>Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceDate: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 15:44:46 +0000


_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051208/6c6c8b7e/attachment.htmFrom jwhoyt at prairienet.org Fri Dec 9 01:54:03 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Fri Dec 9 01:54:05 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Birders,

According to Bill Eddleman, of the Missouri DNR, Tufted Titmice have "nasty dispositions".

I might infer that this may have some bearing on nesting success in the presence of House Sparrows.

Tufted Titmice also like the company of nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, and chickadees.

All of these are fould along river corridors.

Jim :) On Thu, 8 Dec 2005, charlene anchor wrote:

> What I saw this summer agrees with Greg's observations about the river corridors. The river winds through Lake of the Woods and that is where I saw Titmice feeding fledglings, not far from the river. But I only

saw that once. Since nesting cavities are necessary, I think that the House Sparrows, in areas away from woods and rivers, would make it difficult for them. There are fewer House Sparrows in certain areas of the Conservation Area in Mahomet, but they are still there. In 2003 one nest box had a titmouse nest and eggs. The next week it was built over by a House Sparrow. Even if they could "come to town", maybe the HOSP competition would make it near impossible around here. It would be interesting to know if there are any towns where the titmice nest and what the population correlation is between the HOSP and the titmice.> > Charlene Anchor>



From smithsje at egix.net Fri Dec 9 09:06:15 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Fri Dec 9 09:05:52 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] bird feedingMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,We have been bird feeding for at least 40 years. We have seen changes in which birds are regular. House sparrows have always been the most abundant feeder bird, but we used to have song, swamp, tree, white-crownd, white-throat, and juncos in almost as many numbers as house sparrows. Now, we rarely have a native sparrow other than juncos. Sometimes, we now have cowbirds out number house sparrows.

Best regards.


2005-12-09

From birder1949 at yahoo.com Fri Dec 9 09:21:14 2005From: birder1949 at yahoo.com (Roger Digges)Date: Fri Dec 9 09:21:21 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Turkey sightingsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I saw the four turkeys at the corner of Brighton and Anderson at about 6:30 this morning. They were floundering somewhat in the heavy snow. Wonder what they'll be eating with this kind of cover. Roger Digges

---------------------------------Yahoo! Shopping Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Yahoo! Shopping -------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/606d523b/attachment.htmFrom vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Fri Dec 9 09:53:08 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Fri Dec 9 09:53:09 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice, nuthatches, etc...Message-ID: <[email protected]>

While I've seen only 1 or 2 Chickadees at my place (and no Titmice), Ihave seen an occasional W B Nuthatch, and Brown Creepers are rare, butshow up several times a year (given how hard they are to see, I kinda'assume that they actually are a little more common than that). So howcommon are Brown Creepers around town...do y'all out there see themregularly? Also, R B Nuthatches haven't visited my yard yet (that I'm aware of!),but several years ago they were common out at Parkland College...sawthem every day I was out there for 2 or 3 weeks. Bob :-)__________________________________________________________________________________________________ -----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf [email protected]: Thursday, December 08, 2005 5:23 PMTo: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice I have seen White-breasted Nuthatches in UI Forestry this fall - Ithink for about the first time in about 20 years. And I saw my first

Tufted Titmouse in Meadowbrook last spring. So, who knows. David ThomasChampaign In a message dated 12/8/2005 8:32:41 AM Central Standard Time,[email protected] writes:

I believe that Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatchesare largely absent from Champaign-Urbana because there is no significantriver system running through town. A river system brings with it awoodland cooridor with trees for breeding. We have some of that withthe Salt Fork and that's where the majority of our small populationsexist. If more birds were to come into town, they would need totraverse about 10 miles of open fields to get here from Mahomet or Lakeof the Woods. I doubt that happens very often. I suspect that most ofour birds wander up the Salt Fork from the Homer Lake area, but that'sjust a guess.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/c49a9138/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 10:06:43 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 10:07:35 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice, nuthatches, etc...Message-ID: <[email protected]>

This is sort of ancient history, from about 20 years ago, but I oncelived at the corner of Oregon and Maple in Urbana and I'd see WhiteBreasted Nuthatches often enough, and Brown Creepers were fairly common.Even a Red Breasted Nuthatch every now and then.

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Vaiden,RobertSent: Friday, December 09, 2005 9:53 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice, nuthatches, etc...

While I've seen only 1 or 2 Chickadees at my place (and no Titmice), Ihave seen an occasional W B Nuthatch, and Brown Creepers are rare, butshow up several times a year (given how hard they are to see, I kinda'assume that they actually are a little more common than that). So howcommon are Brown Creepers around town...do y'all out there see themregularly?

Also, R B Nuthatches haven't visited my yard yet (that I'm aware of!),but several years ago they were common out at Parkland College...sawthem every day I was out there for 2 or 3 weeks.

Bob :-)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf [email protected]: Thursday, December 08, 2005 5:23 PMTo: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

I have seen White-breasted Nuthatches in UI Forestry this fall - Ithink for about the first time in about 20 years. And I saw my firstTufted Titmouse in Meadowbrook last spring. So, who knows.

David Thomas

Champaign

In a message dated 12/8/2005 8:32:41 AM Central Standard Time,[email protected] writes:

I believe that Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatchesare largely absent from Champaign-Urbana because there is no significantriver system running through town. A river system brings with it awoodland cooridor with trees for breeding. We have some of that withthe Salt Fork and that's where the majority of our small populationsexist. If more birds were to come into town, they would need totraverse about 10 miles of open fields to get here from Mahomet or Lakeof the Woods. I doubt that happens very often. I suspect that most ofour birds wander up the Salt Fork from the Homer Lake area, but that'sjust a guess.

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/f9d8c2b2/attachment-0001.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Fri Dec 9 10:41:45 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Fri Dec 9 10:36:21 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Jim and Birders,

I wonder what Bill Eddleman means by "nasty disposition." I would be interested in knowing more about it. I have read that they are apparently "dominant" birds. They will travel with other species and then chase them away to get their food. (Maybe that is why they like nuthatches, downies, etc :-)) But I don't know how often that happens nor whether that qualifies them as nasty. They aren't going around killing other birds or puncturing their eggs like the "nasty" House Wren, who I just found out not surprisingly, is a problem for the Titmouse in competition for nest sites What a tough life they ALL lead :-)

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: James HoytSent: Friday, December 09, 2005 1:54 AMCc: [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

Birders,

According to Bill Eddleman, of the Missouri DNR, Tufted Titmice have "nasty dispositions".

I might infer that this may have some bearing on nesting success in the presence of House Sparrows.

Tufted Titmice also like the company of nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, and chickadees.



> What I saw this summer agrees with Greg's observations about the river corridors. The river winds through Lake of the Woods and that is where I saw Titmice feeding fledglings, not far from the river. But I only saw that once. Since nesting cavities are necessary, I think that the House Sparrows, in areas away from woods and rivers, would make it difficult for them. There are fewer House Sparrows in certain areas of the Conservation Area in Mahomet, but they are still there. In 2003 one

nest box had a titmouse nest and eggs. The next week it was built over by a House Sparrow. Even if they could "come to town", maybe the HOSP competition would make it near impossible around here. It would be interesting to know if there are any towns where the titmice nest and what the population correlation is between the HOSP and the titmice.> > Charlene Anchor>



_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/cb491013/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Fri Dec 9 10:50:17 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Fri Dec 9 10:44:35 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice, nuthatches, etc...Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Bob and Birders,

During migration times I usually see a couple of Brown Creepers in my yard for a week or two. But not at other times. I've seen Red-breasted Nuthatches at Parkland also. They like the large evergreens out there.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Vaiden, RobertSent: Friday, December 09, 2005 9:53 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice, nuthatches, etc...

While I?ve seen only 1 or 2 Chickadees at my place (and no Titmice), I have seen an occasional W B Nuthatch, and Brown Creepers are rare, but show up several times a year (given how hard they are to see, I kinda? assume that they actually are a little more common than that). So how common are Brown Creepers around town?do y?all out there see them regularly? Also, R B Nuthatches haven?t visited my yard yet (that I?m aware of!), but several years ago they were common out at Parkland College?saw them every day I was out there for 2 or 3 weeks. Bob J__________________________________________________________________________________________________ -----Original Message-----From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected]: Thursday, December 08, 2005 5:23 PMTo: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice I have seen White-breasted Nuthatches in UI Forestry this fall - I think for about the first time in about 20 years. And I saw my first Tufted Titmouse in Meadowbrook last spring. So, who knows. David ThomasChampaign In a message dated 12/8/2005 8:32:41 AM Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes:I believe that Chickadees, Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches are largely absent from Champaign-Urbana because there is no significant river system running through town. A river system brings with it a woodland cooridor with trees for breeding. We have some of that with the Salt Fork and that's where the majority of our small populations exist. If more birds were to come into town, they would need to traverse about 10 miles of open fields to get here from Mahomet or Lake of the Woods. I doubt that happens very often. I suspect that most of our birds wander up the Salt Fork from the Homer Lake area, but that's just a guess.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/df1235d2/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 10:51:11 2005

From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 10:51:18 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted TitmiceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

When I saw the term "nasty disposition" applied to titmice I thought "ofcourse". I saw my first titmice only because I heard their highlyagitated vocalizations. They seemed to be harassing something in a treetrunk hollow.

By the way, we've been talking about titmice and chickadees and whitebreasted nuthatches. I have an acquaintance in Bloomington, IN whooccasionally runs what he calls a "feeder cam" (a digital video camera).One day I was looking at it (he had it trained on a suet feeder) and atone point there was a nuthatch, a chickadee and a titmouse all in closeproximity and more or less ignoring each other.

Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of charleneanchorSent: Friday, December 09, 2005 10:42 AMTo: James HoytCc: [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

Jim and Birders,

I wonder what Bill Eddleman means by "nasty disposition." I would beinterested in knowing more about it. I have read that they areapparently "dominant" birds. They will travel with other species andthen chase them away to get their food. (Maybe that is why they likenuthatches, downies, etc :-)) But I don't know how often that happensnor whether that qualifies them as nasty. They aren't going aroundkilling other birds or puncturing their eggs like the "nasty" HouseWren, who I just found out not surprisingly, is a problem for theTitmouse in competition for nest sites. What a tough life they ALL lead:-)

Charlene Anchor


From: James Hoyt

Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 1:54 AM

Cc: [email protected]

Subject: Re: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice

Birders,

According to Bill Eddleman, of the Missouri DNR, Tufted Titmicehave

"nasty dispositions".

I might infer that this may have some bearing on nesting successin the

presence of House Sparrows.

Tufted Titmice also like the company of nuthatches, downywoodpeckers, and

chickadees.



> What I saw this summer agrees with Greg's observations aboutthe river corridors. The river winds through Lake of the Woods and thatis where I saw Titmice feeding fledglings, not far from the river. ButI only saw that once. Since nesting cavities are necessary, I thinkthat the House Sparrows, in areas away from woods and rivers, would makeit difficult for them. There are fewer House Sparrows in certain areasof the Conservation Area in Mahomet, but they are still there. In 2003one nest box had a titmouse nest and eggs. The next week it was builtover by a House Sparrow. Even if they could "come to town", maybe theHOSP competition would make it near impossible around here. It would beinteresting to know if there are any towns where the titmice nest andwhat the population correlation is between the HOSP and the titmice.

> > Charlene Anchor>

-- James Hoyt"The Prairie Ant"Champaign Co. AudubonCo-steward Parkland College Prairies.Monitor Urbana Park District Natural Areas.Champaign County Master GardenerAllerton Allies

Prairie Rivers Network

*******************************************************************************

*******************************************************************************

"The human culture is considered to be a 'geologic force' andwith good

reason. But if we are at a stage where our actions are to decidethe

world's future, then surely we have reached a level where we canbe held

acountable for the world's future." Durward L. Allen "OurWildlife Legacy"

*******************************************************************************

*******************************************************************************


-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/e2ad2bee/attachment-0001.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Fri Dec 9 10:58:01 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Fri Dec 9 10:52:18 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] bird feedingMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Jim and Birdnoters,

You must have seen a lot of habitat changes over 40 years! There must be a variety of reasons for the bird changes we are seeing. But I wonder if some of the sparrow changes aren't a result of all the logging that has taken place in Canada's Boreal Forests where so many of our native sparrows breed. Kind of discouraging. But that doesn't explain all the cowbirds, starlings, etc.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Jim & Eleanor SmithSent: Friday, December 09, 2005 9:06 AMTo: Bird NotesSubject: [Birdnotes] bird feeding

Hello, Bird,We have been bird feeding for at least 40 years. We have seen changes in which birds are regular. House sparrows have always been the most abundant feeder bird, but we used to have song, swamp, tree, white-crownd, white-throat, and juncos in almost as many numbers as house sparrows. Now, we rarely have a native sparrow other than juncos. Sometimes, we now have cowbirds out number house sparrows.

Best regards.


_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/8b0f6c59/attachment.htmFrom avara at uiuc.edu Fri Dec 9 11:31:16 2005From: avara at uiuc.edu ([email protected])Date: Fri Dec 9 11:31:24 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Tufted Titmice, nuthatches, etc...Message-ID: <[email protected]>

There are (at least) two RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES present at U of I Forestry as well as at least one WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. As for BROWN CREEPERS, during migration in mid-October, I was seeing them out the ying yang at Busey Woods--everywhere you looked in the north end they were present. I'm not sure how many stayed, but when I was there last, they were quite abundant.~Mike AvaraFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 12:46:53 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 12:47:01 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] bird feedingMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

It fascinates me to see the "regional" differences within a relativelysmall "region" (C-U). I'm probably jinxing myself, but I don't have anyreal problems with cowbirds, starlings or house sparrows. Maybe I'm justlucky! :-) And my neighborhood apparently is the home of the turkeys,more or less! Most recent sightings seem to be within a six-or-so-blockradius.

As far as house sparrows are concerned, I find myself wondering how the

age of a neighborhood might influence such populations? Do olderneighborhoods have more of a sparrow problem, or vice versa? I've livedin three neighborhoods in southeast Urbana that were built in the 1960s,judging from the architecture, and I've never had much of a problem withhouse sparrows.

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of charleneanchorSent: Friday, December 09, 2005 10:58 AMTo: Jim & Eleanor Smith; Bird NotesSubject: Re: [Birdnotes] bird feeding

Jim and Birdnoters,

You must have seen a lot of habitat changes over 40 years! There must bea variety of reasons for the bird changes we are seeing. But I wonderif some of the sparrow changes aren't a result of all the logging thathas taken place in Canada's Boreal Forests where so many of our nativesparrows breed. Kind of discouraging. But that doesn't explain allthe cowbirds, starlings, etc.

Charlene Anchor


From: Jim & Eleanor Smith

Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 9:06 AM

To: Bird Notes

Subject: [Birdnotes] bird feeding

Hello, Bird,We have been bird feeding for at least 40 years. We have seen

changes in which birds are regular. House sparrows have always been themost abundant feeder bird, but we used to have song, swamp, tree,white-crownd, white-throat, and juncos in almost as many numbers ashouse sparrows. Now, we rarely have a native sparrow other than juncos.Sometimes, we now have cowbirds out number house sparrows.

Best regards.


_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mailprairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/181fd095/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 12:54:05 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 12:54:09 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Zero bird action todayMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I had expected to see a very busy day at the feeders today, what withthe snow and cold. I filled up the feeders this AM, scattered some mixedfeed on top of the snow, and waited. Not much so far. Right now there isnot even so much as a squirrel out there.

How are others doing?



From vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Fri Dec 9 13:30:09 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Fri Dec 9 13:30:11 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Zero bird action todayMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Today...Juncos & a couple of White Throated S, my lonely Carolina Wren,a few House Sparrows (mostly in the front yard), a few House Finches, apair of Cardinals, and the usual Mourning Dove gang.

I too have at least moderate to small numbers of HouseSparrows...sometimes up to a dozen or two... A small flock of Pigeonslives on Smith Road by the tracks, but they rarely come by my place...

Starlings show up sometimes, but not at others...usually smallnumbers...sometimes in Fall I may see a yardfull of Grackles, Starlings,

and friends for a few hours...

House Finches are not common either...right now I have 4 or 5, but oftenI go a long time without seeing any...

As for mammals...4-6 squirrels, couple raccoons, occasional opossum...

No Bald Eagles or Ivory Billed Woodpeckers, though... (no Turkeyseither! Darn!) Had a pheasant once...

Bob :)_____________________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sloan,BernieSent: Friday, December 09, 2005 12:54 PMTo: Bird NotesSubject: [Birdnotes] Zero bird action today






From gh4444 at insightbb.com Fri Dec 9 13:52:59 2005From: gh4444 at insightbb.com (g.huguet)Date: Fri Dec 9 13:57:30 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeders today Message-ID: <[email protected]>

over 100 sparrows 6 doves 5 juncos 8 goldfinches 2 squirrels feeders located in my yard at far end of Pennsylvania ave. in Urbana new subdivision no trees -------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...

URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/6a09c6b0/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 14:01:03 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 14:01:13 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Zero bird action todayMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Things have picked up a bit. Couple of juncos, maybe 8-10 housesparrows. I've heard a couple of jays, and there was a male cardinalsitting very still in the back hedges for about five minutes. Never didcome in to feed. Right now there's a female cardinal sitting in a treeabove the feeding area...looking around nervously, very cautious,gradually getting closer to the sunflower seed feeder. She just landedon the feeder support, and then dropped down to the ground where I hadspilled some seeds while I was refilling the feeder. One squirrelfeeding on the ground...and now they're all gone, quick as a flash!

Bernie

-----Original Message-----From: Vaiden, Robert [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 1:30 PMTo: Sloan, Bernie; Bird NotesSubject: RE: [Birdnotes] Zero bird action today

Today...Juncos & a couple of White Throated S, my lonely Carolina Wren,a few House Sparrows (mostly in the front yard), a few House Finches, apair of Cardinals, and the usual Mourning Dove gang.

I too have at least moderate to small numbers of HouseSparrows...sometimes up to a dozen or two... A small flock of Pigeonslives on Smith Road by the tracks, but they rarely come by my place...

Starlings show up sometimes, but not at others...usually smallnumbers...sometimes in Fall I may see a yardfull of Grackles, Starlings,and friends for a few hours...

House Finches are not common either...right now I have 4 or 5, but oftenI go a long time without seeing any...

As for mammals...4-6 squirrels, couple raccoons, occasional opossum...

No Bald Eagles or Ivory Billed Woodpeckers, though... (no Turkeyseither! Darn!) Had a pheasant once...

Bob :)_____________________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sloan,Bernie

Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 12:54 PMTo: Bird NotesSubject: [Birdnotes] Zero bird action today






From bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 14:09:52 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 14:09:56 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] House finchesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Just had a quick influx of house finches (6-8 of them). They seemed tosplit up evenly between the mixed seed feeder and the sunflower feeder.Most of them left within a few minutes, but a male stuck around. Afterhanging out eating sunflower seeds for awhile he shifted over to themixed seed feeder. He actually pushed a few sparrows out of the way, andwhen they would try to harass them to get him off of the feeder heignored them.

But then house finches are sort of an invasive species too, aren't they?Didn't they start out in the northeast and make it to Urbana maybe 20-25years ago? (I think it's a western bird, but our populations moved infrom the northeast, right?)



From bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 14:14:57 2005

From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 14:15:24 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Aha!Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I think I just saw one reason why my yard is so quiet (especially thesquirrels).

Just saw a long, rangy, feral-looking cat cross the back of the yardnear the hedges. It paused at a 3.5 foot tall chain link fence andhopped to the top in one bound, balancing on the fence for about 30seconds as it eyed some sparrows.



From n9ds_15 at msn.com Fri Dec 9 14:36:12 2005From: n9ds_15 at msn.com (Duston Suits)Date: Fri Dec 9 14:36:14 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder activity in LoamiMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Mostly house and gold finches today, some black capped chickadees, a downy, a red bellied and a recent arrival, a hairy woodpecker.


From n9ds_15 at msn.com Fri Dec 9 14:54:58 2005From: n9ds_15 at msn.com (Duston Suits)Date: Fri Dec 9 14:55:05 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] More birds in LoamiMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

a couple juncos, a female downy, a white breasted nuthatch and my first tufted titmouse of the season.

DCS

From bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 15:11:48 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 15:11:51 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] House sparrowsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I've been observing "my" sparrows this afternoon (easy for me to dosince I look directly out the window towards my feeding area while Iwork on my computer).

I've been observing a fair amount of sparrow activity and have startedto see a pattern. There are never more than about a dozen sparrowsvisible at any given time. They tend to leave and come back relativelyclosely (i.e., between 15-20 seconds for the group). I feel relativelycomfortable in saying that my yard has maybe 15 sparrows total, at most.

A few minutes ago the number of squirrels in my yard eclipsed the numberof sparrows by 8-3! :-)



From bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 16:33:36 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 16:33:45 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] CardinalMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

A bit ago I had a late in the day male cardinal that preferred the mixedseed (mostly millet) to the sunflower seed.



From REGEHR5 at aol.com Fri Dec 9 17:04:08 2005From: REGEHR5 at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Fri Dec 9 17:04:13 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

During the heavy snowfall, I put millet seed out on the protected side(under the porch roof) of a raised planter across the front of the house.There were 11 Juncos and a Mourning Dove, and for a short time, oneWhite-throated Sparrow. On the other side of the house I have a hopper feeder with safflower andhulled sunflower seed. Three Cardinals and many House Sparrows

frequent this feeder. There was one Goldfinch on the thistle feedertoday...hadn't seen any for days.A male Cardinal found the raised planter millet today along with theJuncos and one Dove. I also sprinkle millet in a little courtyard inanother area of the house. I think keeping the House Sparrows busyat the feeder will keep them from finding the millet for a while.Watching the Mourning Dove peck,peck,pecking at the millet, I triedto count and believe that it downed at least eight seeds while the Junconext to it was taking the hull off one millet seed! Elaine-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/ee0ed6fc/attachment.htmFrom REGEHR5 at aol.com Fri Dec 9 17:15:23 2005From: REGEHR5 at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Fri Dec 9 17:15:33 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Neglected to say that there was a Carolina Wren at the hopperfeeder today, looking far in. I couldn't see whether it was eatingseeds and wondered if the bits of seeds and dusty residue waswhat it was after. Safflower and sunflower seeds seem too bigfor the wren's type of bill. I heard a Blue Jay, but haven't seen one at thefeeder for a long time and there haven't been many in the neighbor-hood...West Nile?I've seen a few House Finches at the feeder lately, also. Elaine-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/faecf02a/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 17:40:42 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 17:40:46 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Elaine Regehr said:

"Watching the Mourning Dove peck, peck, pecking at the millet, I triedto count and believe that it downed at least eight seeds while the Junconext to it was taking the hull off one millet seed!"

Mourning Doves really pack it down! Reminds me of the time (I was maybeeight years old) I was walking down a side street in southern Indiana(Evansville) and saw what looked to me like smaller birds (probablyhouse sparrows) eating a dove. Being an eight year old, I was

immediately intrigued!!! When I got to the dove, I realized it had beenmost probably hit by a car, and run over by another car. Its crop wassplit open and was full of undigested grain that the sparrows wereeating.

Kind of gross, I know, but still fascinating to the little kid in me!!:-)

Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf [email protected]: Friday, December 09, 2005 5:04 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Feeder birds

During the heavy snowfall, I put millet seed out on the protected side (under the porch roof) of a raised planter across the front of thehouse. There were 11 Juncos and a Mourning Dove, and for a short time, one White-throated Sparrow. On the other side of the house I have a hopper feeder with safflower and

hulled sunflower seed. Three Cardinals and many House Sparrows frequent this feeder. There was one Goldfinch on the thistle feeder today...hadn't seen any for days. A male Cardinal found the raised planter millet today along with the Juncos and one Dove. I also sprinkle millet in a little courtyard in another area of the house. I think keeping the House Sparrows busy at the feeder will keep them from finding the millet for a while. Watching the Mourning Dove peck,peck,pecking at the millet, I tried to count and believe that it downed at least eight seeds while the Junco

next to it was taking the hull off one millet seed! Elaine

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/eb1eee92/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 17:51:15 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 17:51:21 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

One other Evansville/dove reminiscence...

In about the same time frame as my note below, Evansville (farsouthwestern Indiana) experimented with being in the Eastern time zoneone summer. It felt like the land of the midnight sun to a hyper 8 or 9year old. I remember being sent to bed (it was bedtime) when it wasstill light outside. I tried to fall asleep but the Mourning Doves inthe backyard pines and catalpa trees kept calling softly "coo coo coocoo". To this day I remember thinking "Crap, how can I be expected to goto sleep, the birds are still awake!!" :-)

Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sloan,BernieSent: Friday, December 09, 2005 5:41 PMTo: [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] Feeder birds

Elaine Regehr said:


Mourning Doves really pack it down! Reminds me of the time (I was maybeeight years old) I was walking down a side street in southern Indiana(Evansville) and saw what looked to me like smaller birds (probablyhouse sparrows) eating a dove. Being an eight year old, I wasimmediately intrigued!!! When I got to the dove, I realized it had beenmost probably hit by a car, and run over by another car. Its crop wassplit open and was full of undigested grain that the sparrows wereeating.


Bernie Sloan

________________________________





-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/82ce87ba/attachment-0001.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 9 18:04:39 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 9 18:04:44 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I hope you all will forgive one last childhood bird reminiscence fromthis same general time frame. :-)

At the north end of our driveway there was a wooden arch that framed theentrance to the back yard. The arch was thickly covered by some sort ofvines with flowers that looked conducive to attracting hummingbirds. Atthe very top of the arch was a very tiny very old and very rudimentarybirdhouse. It was not uncommon for hummingbirds to nest either in thevines or in the bird house (not sure which, I was a little kid)...theywere always around.

Anyway, one day I was sitting in the driveway not doing anything inparticular and saw a hummingbird alight on either the perch of thebirdhouse or on a branch of the vines. I was fascinated! I immediatelythought "hummingbirds have legs?". :-) Prior to that point I had onlyseen them hovering around the blossoms, gathering nectar, and hadassumed they were always in flight and didn't have legs! :-)

Bernie

________________________________

From: Sloan, Bernie Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 5:51 PMTo: Sloan, Bernie; [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] Feeder birds

One other Evansville/dove reminiscence...

In about the same time frame as my note below, Evansville (farsouthwestern Indiana) experimented with being in the Eastern time zoneone summer. It felt like the land of the midnight sun to a hyper 8 or 9year old. I remember being sent to bed (it was bedtime) when it wasstill light outside. I tried to fall asleep but the Mourning Doves inthe backyard pines and catalpa trees kept calling softly "coo coo coocoo". To this day I remember thinking "Crap, how can I be expected to goto sleep, the birds are still awake!!" :-)

Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sloan,BernieSent: Friday, December 09, 2005 5:41 PMTo: [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] Feeder birds

Elaine Regehr said:


Mourning Doves really pack it down! Reminds me of the time (I was maybeeight years old) I was walking down a side street in southern Indiana(Evansville) and saw what looked to me like smaller birds (probablyhouse sparrows) eating a dove. Being an eight year old, I wasimmediately intrigued!!! When I got to the dove, I realized it had beenmost probably hit by a car, and run over by another car. Its crop wassplit open and was full of undigested grain that the sparrows wereeating.


Bernie Sloan

________________________________





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From charleneanchor at msn.com Fri Dec 9 19:31:10 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Fri Dec 9 19:25:24 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

My husband reported to me today more than 12 CARDINALS, more than 20 MOURNING DOVES and "some sparrows" :-) I didn't have much chance to check the feeders today but before I left I saw a BLUE JAY feeding on my new suet (no sign of the sapsucker), a sick CARDINAL and STARLINGS fighting in the air over the peanut feeder. Oh, and "some sparrows".

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051209/9ad5e7e3/attachment.htmFrom h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu Fri Dec 9 20:25:51 2005From: h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Fri Dec 9 20:25:23 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birds??Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Why does everyone else have feeder birds? I have about 30 house sparrows (quick count); I've had 1 mourning dove and one junco yesterday & today and that's it. Thursday I decided they were all at the nature center--when I was ready to leave there were 8 cardinals and 10 juncos associated with the feeder closest to the front door. This morning there was a bunch* of juncos eating sweet gum seeds in the road on W. Delaware a block from my house--not your usual style of feeder, but -- whatever works!*bunch meaning at least a dozen--I was walking the dog & couldn't get much of a count.

--Helen P.

From n9ds_15 at msn.com Sat Dec 10 08:49:55 2005From: n9ds_15 at msn.com (Duston Suits)Date: Sat Dec 10 08:49:59 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Another Loami birdMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

A Eurasian tree sparrow just showed up. The book says I'm at the outer edge of its range, are any seen further east?


From h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu Sat Dec 10 09:10:40 2005From: h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)

Date: Sat Dec 10 09:10:45 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] waxwingsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

After staying close to home yesterday, I decided to take the dog down to Meadowbrook for her morning walk today. The first thing I saw was a tree full of starlings-then when I heard a robin & took a closer look, realized that a few of the "starlings" were robins. Then there was a mass of high-pitched calls--and sure enough, the next tree was full of cedar waxwings. There were probably between 60 & 70, although I stopped counting at 50. Hope they stay around for the Christmas Count a week from today!

One other slightly unusual sighting-a FEMALE pheasant flying over the prairie. Usually the females stay down & I only see the males in flight.

--Helen P.

From vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Sat Dec 10 11:15:19 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Sat Dec 10 11:15:21 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Busy morning at the feeder...one W T Sparrow, one Tree Sparrow, almost40 juncos (a home record!), Cardinal pair, Mourning Doves, 4 or 5 HouseSparrows, 3 or 4 House Finches...

Flocks of Waxwings and Robins at Meadowbrook ...waxwings looksspectacular just a few feet over my head, silhouetted against a deep,deep blue sky...

Bob :)From jwhoyt at prairienet.org Sat Dec 10 14:07:33 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Sat Dec 10 14:07:35 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Another Loami birdIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Dustin,

We usually see these Eurasian Tree Sparrows over on the Illinois River near Havanna Illinois, and sometimes at Sanganois State Park, when doing an Eagle Count.

I was told that they move along the riparian corridors.

Your birds must have branched off from the Illinois River to the Sangamon.

I haven't heard of any ET's in East Central Illinois but will be looking.

Thanks for the heads up!

Jim HoytChampaign Il.

On Sat, 10 Dec 2005, Duston Suits wrote:

> A Eurasian tree sparrow just showed up. The book says I'm at the outer edge > of its range, are any seen further east?> > Duston Suits> Loami, IL> > > _______________________________________________> Birdnotes mailing list> [email protected]> https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>



From jwhoyt at prairienet.org Sat Dec 10 14:39:19 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Sat Dec 10 14:39:20 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] waxwingsIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello birders,

Could we be a bit more precise about where these birds are found.

One thing that I appreciate about Charlene's posts are how much info I can glean from her observations.

This helps me to learn more about the habitat needs of birds...

Thanks,

Jim :)



From jbchato at uiuc.edu Sat Dec 10 18:00:40 2005From: jbchato at uiuc.edu (John & Beth Chato)Date: Sat Dec 10 18:00:47 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Bird feedingMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Birdnoters,

People have been talking about feeders so I will too. I have a hanging feeder with ?black oil sunflower seed, a pole feeder with millet, two tube feeders for ?thistle seed, and a wire basket with suet. All are squirrel proof so far, but I have 6 squirrels that clean up under the sunflower feeder, so lots must get thrown out. I don't try and keep the feeders full but put out a

certain amount each morning. My customers this winter are 2 juncos, 6 cardinals, 6 white-throated sparrows, at least 12 goldfinchs, occasionally 2 pine siskins, 6 mourning doves, 2 blue jays,?a pair of downy woodpeckers, a pair of Carolina wrens, and about 25 house sparrows. Occasionally a Cooper's hawk and a Red Tailed Hawk come by, and I did have that young Red-shouldered Hawk awhile back. I have enough cover tha the Cooper's doesn't find easy pickings. The juncos and white-throats are also on ?the cleanup squad, being ground feeders. If its really bad, like our recent snow, I occasionally put a little extra millet on the ground in late afternoon when the squirrels have gone to bed. I also have a "naturalized " yard with lots of cover including a brush pile, native plants, and things to eat. I leave all my annual plants to set seed which provides extra winter food. I clean things up in late winter, early spring.

Beth ChatoJohn C. Chato714 W. Vermont Ave.Urbana, IL 61801217-344-6803From jbchato at uiuc.edu Sat Dec 10 18:16:29 2005From: jbchato at uiuc.edu (John & Beth Chato)Date: Sat Dec 10 18:16:34 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] birdfeede additionMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Dear All,How could I forget House Finches on my list? i have about 4 regularly.

BethJohn C. Chato714 W. Vermont Ave.Urbana, IL 61801217-344-6803From birder1949 at yahoo.com Sat Dec 10 19:51:16 2005From: birder1949 at yahoo.com (Roger Digges)Date: Sat Dec 10 19:51:17 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Possible GoshawkMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

My daughter and I observed what I believe to be aGoshawk, flying over the cemetery, as we headed eastof Fourth Street on Kirby/Florida. It was a verylarge accipiter, whitish in the underparts and greyishin the upper parts. It flew directly (against a stiffwind) with deep, powerful wingbeats. It appeared toolarge and too light in coloration to be a Cooper's.

Roger DiggesUrbana

__________________________________________________Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From birder1949 at yahoo.com Sat Dec 10 19:53:10 2005From: birder1949 at yahoo.com (Roger Digges)Date: Sat Dec 10 19:53:12 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Possible Goshawk sighting--timeMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Forgot to say that my daughter and I observed thepossible Northern Goshawk at approximately 3:30 thisafternoon (Saturday).

Roger Digges

__________________________________________________Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From smithsje at egix.net Sat Dec 10 20:51:51 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Sat Dec 10 20:51:30 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,

We woodlands near our home. Observed yesterday, there was a coot on our water supply pond (some open water near the fountain) and today, a grest-blue heron at the same spot. A hermit thrush scolded as I walked nearby.The first Christmas Bird Count in our area will be the Middle Fork next Wednesday, 12/14. Contact Steve Bailey.Best regards.


From bernies at uillinois.edu Sun Dec 11 18:45:31 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Sun Dec 11 18:45:34 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Yard birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Had to leave town about 10:30AM Saturday. Not a lot of feeder activity at the time, although I did hear a very unfamiliar (to me) bird call while in my garage. looked outside but didn't see anything, but still heard it nearby. Sort of a semi-sweet higher trilling call by what sounded like a small bird, but not as harsh as some wren calls. Any ideas? As I was getting ready to leave, the crows showed up. I had been cleaning out the fridge and found some leftover turkey scraps from a

turkey breast I'd cooked about ten days ago. I tossed them out in my ground feeding area before going to bed Friday night. The crows showed up about 10:30. There was one that was considerably larger than the others...very impressive specimen. It's interesting about the crows. I almost never see or hear them in ordinary circumstances. But when I have some meat scraps and toss them out the night before, I can count on the crows dropping in early to mid-morning the next day. Bernie SloanFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Sun Dec 11 18:54:30 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Sun Dec 11 18:54:32 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] CoyoteMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

We've been talking about coyotes off and on on the list, and I just wanted to pass along a sighting. On Saturday morning I was headed east on I-74, and was a little west of St. Joe. I spied a coyote to the north of I-74, trotting in the snow in a field along the edge of a wooded creekbed. It was one of the bigger coyotes I have seen in Champaign County! Bernie SloanFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Sun Dec 11 19:04:23 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Sun Dec 11 19:04:26 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Another Loami birdMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Duston, Funny you should mention this. I was thinking about Eurasian Tree Sparrows after the list discussion about the proliferation of house sparrows, and the spread of house finches to Urbana from the northeast. I think it's funny that Eurasian Tree Sparrows have never spread very far, especially since they are cloesly related to house sparrows. There was a flock (sent from Germany) released in a park in St. Louis in the mid nineteenth century, and their range has barely expanded more than 100-150 miles since then. From what I understand, part of the problem is that Eurasian Tree Sparrow fledlings don't move too far away from their home nest, at least nowhere near as far as house sparrow fledglings. I guess, over the course of many years, this makes a big difference. Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected] on behalf of Duston SuitsSent: Sat 12/10/2005 8:49 AMTo: [email protected]: [SPAM] [Birdnotes] Another Loami bird

A Eurasian tree sparrow just showed up. The book says I'm at the outer edgeof its range, are any seen further east?



From smithsje at egix.net Sun Dec 11 20:17:15 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Sun Dec 11 20:16:57 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,

Found two bluebirds today while hiking in the woodlands. Also, a kingfisher. Two pileated are still going to roast every evening in one of several cavities in tall sycamores. Flickers and starlings use the same trees for roosts. Mink footprints were in several places bordering the Salt fork. The footprints of a single wild turkey were present.

Best regards.


From charleneanchor at msn.com Sun Dec 11 20:27:03 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Sun Dec 11 20:21:18 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] More coyote sightingsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

A friend of mine lives out in the country near Sadorus. On Saturday morning about 3AM her dogs woke up her and her husband. The dogs were besides themselves. Outside were 4 coyotes. She said there may have been 5 but she saw 4 for sure. Apparently the previous night they had also been around as they found a rabbit kill.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Sloan, BernieSent: Sunday, December 11, 2005 6:54 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Coyote

We've been talking about coyotes off and on on the list, and I just wanted to pass along a sighting.

On Saturday morning I was headed east on I-74, and was a little west of St. Joe. I spied a coyote to the north of I-74, trotting in the snow in a field along the edge of a wooded creekbed. It was one of the bigger coyotes I have seen in Champaign County!

Bernie Sloan_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051211/5705347f/attachment.htmFrom h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu Sun Dec 11 19:49:35 2005From: h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Sun Dec 11 20:41:59 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Another Loami birdIn-Reply-To: <[email protected] .edu>References: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

At 07:04 PM 12/11/2005, you wrote:>Duston,>>Funny you should mention this. I was thinking about Eurasian Tree Sparrows >after the list discussion about the proliferation of house sparrows, and >the spread of house finches to Urbana from the northeast.>>I think it's funny that Eurasian Tree Sparrows have never spread very far, >especially since they are cloesly related to house sparrows. There was a >flock (sent from Germany) released in a park in St. Louis in the mid >nineteenth century, and their range has barely expanded more than 100-150 >miles since then. From what I understand, part of the problem is that >Eurasian Tree Sparrow fledlings don't move too far away from their home >nest, at least nowhere near as far as house sparrow fledglings. I guess, >over the course of many years, this makes a big difference.>>Bernie Sloan For the most part, Eurasian Trees have been coming along river corridors. They have spread up the Illinois and are not rare at places like Anderson Lake and Chautauqua. While they haven't yet really come up the Sangamon, I'd be surprised if they didn't do so in the next few years

(tho I won't venture to define "few" :-) ) We had one on a Champaign County Christmas Count a year or two ago. --Helen Parker

From bernies at uillinois.edu Sun Dec 11 22:25:42 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Sun Dec 11 22:25:45 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] RE: More coyote sightingsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

My in-laws live on the east edge of Ivesdale (to the west of Sadorus). A couple of years ago they had a rabbit nest under the deck off of their kitchen. For several nights they had coyotes on their deck, trying to scratch through the wood to get to the rabbits. They would chase the coyotes off, but they would come back later. Eventually the coyotes stoppped, leading my in-laws to believe the rabbits were no longer there, for whatever reason. Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: charlene anchor [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Sun 12/11/2005 8:27 PMTo: Sloan, Bernie; [email protected]: More coyote sightings

A friend of mine lives out in the country near Sadorus. On Saturday morning about 3AM her dogs woke up her and her husband. The dogs were besides themselves. Outside were 4 coyotes. She said there may have been 5 but she saw 4 for sure. Apparently the previous night they had also been around as they found a rabbit kill. Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Sloan, BernieSent: Sunday, December 11, 2005 6:54 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Coyote We've been talking about coyotes off and on on the list, and I

just wanted to pass along a sighting.

On Saturday morning I was headed east on I-74, and was a little west of St. Joe. I spied a coyote to the north of I-74, trotting in the snow in a field along the edge of a wooded creekbed. It was one of the bigger coyotes I have seen in Champaign County!

Bernie Sloan_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]

https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From rboehmer at mail.millikin.edu Mon Dec 12 07:02:53 2005From: rboehmer at mail.millikin.edu (Ray F. Boehmer)Date: Mon Dec 12 07:03:12 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] sharpie with lunchMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

We arrived home yesterday afternoon just in time to watch an imm. Sharp-shinned Hawk dining on a House Sparrow on the sidewalk in front of the neighbor's house. It stayed for a minute and then carried the meal to a nearby conifer where it finished it off in about 15 minutes.

RayUrbana on Iowa St.

From charleneanchor at msn.com Mon Dec 12 09:20:23 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Mon Dec 12 09:14:39 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] MahometMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Yesterday afternoon around 2:00 my husband and I took a ride out to Lake of the Woods. Didn't expect to see much at that time of day. Stopped at Stidham pond since I hadn't been there in a while. First thing I heard was the noisy hammering of all the new construction that is going on. Stidham will soon be enclosed on all sides. I've been saddened to see the removal of so many trees on the east side of the new subdivision that is going up. More habitat being lost!

Anyway, around the pond area I saw: RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, BLUE JAYS, NORTHERN FLICKERS(3), STARLINGS, CARDINALS, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE (white on wings, but didn't sing), DARK-EYED JUNCOS, DOWNY, HOUSE FINCHES, MOURNING DOVES. As I was searching for other birds that were with the chickadees, my husband wanted me to look at the geese overheard which we had heard a bit earlier but couldn't spot. They were flying very high going southwest, about 60 of them. The third one from the lead was VERY small, about 1/2 the size of the others. Further down the line was another small one. The rest were all the same larger-sized. A little later another flock flew over, about 30, but these were flying low and going north. I assumed locals.

We also saw (I saw 4, my husband said he saw 5) black squirrels. They seemed small to me, about the size of a young gray squirrel. I can't remember them being so small before and I wondered if they were immature.

Seen at the Rotary Hill Pavilion by the golf course were WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES flying from tree to tree and calling, a pair of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, a perched RED-TAILED HAWK, more JUNCOS and another RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. Saw another black squirrel but this one looked rather "grayish". Do they interbreed? If so, does that mean that the black squirrel will be on a decline out there? Also seen were 13 or 14 deer walking out from the houses along the golf course and the going out onto the course. Two had antlers.

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051212/40afa3ef/attachment-0001.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Mon Dec 12 09:34:47 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Mon Dec 12 09:29:02 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Bald Eagle, Turkey and duck sightingsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

My friends from Sadorus, who had the coyotes in their backyard, often go to Lake Shelbyville. They aren't "birders" but are knowledgeable and enjoy hiking with their dogs. She gave me permission to relate the following They walked around the Bo Woods campground and saw a mature BALD EAGLE flying close to the shoreline. She said this is an area where they have seen eagles in the past roosting in the trees. Then they ate lunch at the McDonald's down the road near the boat ramp area. When they opened the dumpster to throw out their sacks they saw about 10-15 dead MALLARDS and CANADA GEESE.

They were also in Tuscola on Sunday. There is a park on the north edge of town where they stopped to walk the dogs. Her dog stopped and stared at one of the houses along the park....her dog was looking at a female TURKEY pecking around the front yard of the house! She said it then went around the side of the house, pecking at the grass. She said this part of town is just east of the railroad tracks and they wondered if the turkey was traveling along the rail lines?

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051212/d9e08656/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Mon Dec 12 13:52:29 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Mon Dec 12 13:52:32 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] MahometMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Re: black squirrels

My parents used to live in Kankakee, along the river, and blacksquirrels weren't too uncommon there. The Kankakee River Valley ForestPreserve District even has a picture of one on its web site:

http://www.krvfpd.org/Wild%20049.jpg

>From my up close observations (through my mother's kitchen window) theblack squirrels I've seen might more properly be called black graysquirrels, since I am pretty certain that they are a color morph of thegray squirrel...which would mean, yes, they interbreed, since the"black" squirrel and the gray squirrel are the same species.

Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of charleneanchorSent: Monday, December 12, 2005 9:20 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Mahomet

Yesterday afternoon around 2:00 my husband and I took a ride out to Lakeof the Woods. Didn't expect to see much at that time of day. Stoppedat Stidham pond since I hadn't been there in a while. First thing Iheard was the noisy hammering of all the new construction that is goingon. Stidham will soon be enclosed on all sides. I've been saddened tosee the removal of so many trees on the east side of the new subdivisionthat is going up. More habitat being lost!

Anyway, around the pond area I saw: RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, BLUE JAYS,NORTHERN FLICKERS(3), STARLINGS, CARDINALS, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE(white on wings, but didn't sing), DARK-EYED JUNCOS, DOWNY, HOUSEFINCHES, MOURNING DOVES. As I was searching for other birds that werewith the chickadees, my husband wanted me to look at the geese overheardwhich we had heard a bit earlier but couldn't spot. They were flyingvery high going southwest, about 60 of them. The third one from thelead was VERY small, about 1/2 the size of the others. Further down theline was another small one. The rest were all the same larger-sized. Alittle later another flock flew over, about 30, but these were flyinglow and going north. I assumed locals.

We also saw (I saw 4, my husband said he saw 5) black squirrels. Theyseemed small to me, about the size of a young gray squirrel. I can'tremember them being so small before and I wondered if they wereimmature.

Seen at the Rotary Hill Pavilion by the golf course were WHITE-BREASTEDNUTHATCHES flying from tree to tree and calling, a pair of EASTERN

BLUEBIRDS, a perched RED-TAILED HAWK, more JUNCOS and anotherRED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. Saw another black squirrel but this one lookedrather "grayish". Do they interbreed? If so, does that mean that theblack squirrel will be on a decline out there? Also seen were 13 or 14deer walking out from the houses along the golf course and the going outonto the course. Two had antlers.

Charlene Anchor

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051212/f3a4685e/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Mon Dec 12 14:05:53 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Mon Dec 12 14:05:55 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] More on black squirrelsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

To follow up on my reply to Charlene Anchor's note from earlier today, Idid a little web searching and found the following from the "ChicagoWilderness" web site, about black squirrels in the north part of Chicagoand northern suburbs:

http://chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/summer2005/squirrels.html

It also says they are actually gray squirrels...

Bernie Sloan

From lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu Mon Dec 12 15:10:24 2005From: lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu (Gregory S Lambeth)Date: Mon Dec 12 15:10:32 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook; Forestry; South FarmsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I did some scouting for the Champaign County CBC on Saturday. I walked on foot through the Arboretum, Meadobrook, Forestry and parts of the South Farms. It was fairly cold early, but it warmed by noon. The big surprise was 3 Barred Owls in 3 separate locations! I've only had 1 Barred Owl within the C-U city limits in the past 12 years, although I know a few others have been seen in town during that time. I had some other interesting birds, including 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 American Pipits, 2 Hermit Thrushes, 2 Fox Sparrows, dozens of White-crowneds, 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Common Snipe, Lapland Longspurs and 1 Hairy Woodpecker. I finished with 39 species. I did not have the Long-eared Owls in the Forestry. Has anyone seen these birds in the past 2 weeks? The area where the Saw-whet Owl has been in the past few years has deteriorated and may no longer be suitable for a Saw Whet. Many of the pines appear to be dying and have lost most of their needles. There's a few pines that remain alive and

it's worth checking them over closely, but I'd be surprised if a Saw Whet used this area as its primary territory for the winter again. Greg Lambeth ps. I saw a large falcon on top of the steeple at the church on Green and Goodwin this morning. No binoculars with me, but I suspect Peregrine.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051212/27fb3dca/attachment.htmFrom jwhoyt at prairienet.org Mon Dec 12 19:22:57 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Mon Dec 12 19:22:59 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Re: [Ecostewards] Champaign Park District's "Adopt a

Park" programIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

On Mon, 12 Dec 2005, James Hoyt wrote:

> Stewards and birders,> > The public has shown a great interest in developing natural areas and > trails in Champaign.> > Here is a volunteer opportunity for nature lovers to "Adopt a Park" in > Champaign Il.> > The more we volunteer the more clout we will have in the planning of our > neighborhoods!> > Activities include fundraising, programming, Park > maintenance/developement, upkeep of a flower bed, potlucks, and security > (surveillance).> > For more information contact Kristi Bolton, Champaign Park District, at > 398-2571.> > Hope to see you next spring!> > Jim Hoyt> Champaign Il.> >

-- James Hoyt"The Prairie Ant"

Champaign Co. AudubonCo-steward Parkland College Prairies.Monitor Urbana Park District Natural Areas.Champaign County Master GardenerAllerton AlliesPrairie Rivers Network


From smithsje at egix.net Mon Dec 12 21:33:28 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Mon Dec 12 21:29:20 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] (no subject)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,

Here is a list of our feeder birds for the past two days. Numbers are the most at any one time.Cowbird 21, blue jay 5, titmouse 2, C. chickadee 2, WB nuthatch 2, RB nuthatch 1, cardinal 17, song sparrow 1, tree sparrow 1, goldfinch 25, junco 18, morning dove 75, house finch 27, crow 5, starling 4, grackle 2, rusty blackbird 1, RB woodpecker 2, RH woodpecker 1, downy 2, house sparrow 150+.

Best regards.


From bernies at uillinois.edu Mon Dec 12 21:53:15 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Mon Dec 12 21:53:17 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Squirrel/feeder question/adviceMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I had a squirrel discover my hanging backyard feeders today.

I have two wrought-iron plant stands, with Droll Yankee cylindricalfeeders hanging from each.

I watched the squirrel shinny up the wrought-iron base about five feet,position itself on the top support of the feeder, and hang on with itsback legs as it lowered itself to the point where it could use its frontlegs to scoop out food.

I am asking for advice from two perspectives:

1. Is there anything I can do to the wrought iron poles to discouragethe squirrel from shinnying up the poles?

2. And if I can't stop that, is there anything I can do to stop thesquirrel from accessing the feeder?

Thanks much!!!!!!!!!!!

Bernie SloanFrom jbchato at uiuc.edu Mon Dec 12 22:31:10 2005From: jbchato at uiuc.edu (John & Beth Chato)Date: Mon Dec 12 22:31:12 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Gary Jackson had 6 Whistling Swans (Tundra) heading south low over Meadowbrook on Saturday. That's a new species for the Park list. He also had a snipe a few days earlier.I had a probable Goshawk this morning just at the entrance to Yankee Ridge Subdivision. Unfortunately I had no binoculars in the car to give a better look. It was perched in the open close to the road on the east side. Uniformly pale underneath, gray on top, right size and shape. It flew off towards the park. I came back later with binocs, but of course couldn't find it. I did have a variety of the usual winter stuff. 25 high flying canada geese, 1 immature red tail, red-bellied, downy, hairy, flicker, and two sapsuckers. red & white-breasted nuthatches, 50 robins (lots of honeysuckle berries along edge of Yankee Ridge Pond), a brown creeper, 6 blue jays, 50 crows, white throats, juncos, cardinals, house and gold finches. No owls, last sighting I know of was Jacob S. on 12/3.BethJohn C. Chato714 W. Vermont Ave.Urbana, IL 61801217-344-6803From bernies at uillinois.edu Mon Dec 12 22:44:38 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Mon Dec 12 22:44:43 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I was driving back from southern Indiana today, and when I was on I-74

between the Wabash River and Kickapoo I spotted a couple of high flyingflocks of Canada geese headed north. It seemed odd.

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John & BethChatoSent: Monday, December 12, 2005 10:31 PMTo: BirdnotesSubject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook birds

Gary Jackson had 6 Whistling Swans (Tundra) heading south low over Meadowbrook on Saturday. That's a new species for the Park list. He also

had a snipe a few days earlier.I had a probable Goshawk this morning just at the entrance to Yankee Ridge Subdivision. Unfortunately I had no binoculars in the car to givea better look. It was perched in the open close to the road on the eastside. Uniformly pale underneath, gray on top, right size and shape. It flewoff towards the park. I came back later with binocs, but of course couldn'tfind it. I did have a variety of the usual winter stuff. 25 high flying canadageese, 1 immature red tail, red-bellied, downy, hairy, flicker, and twosapsuckers. red & white-breasted nuthatches, 50 robins (lots of honeysuckle berries along edge of Yankee Ridge Pond), a brown creeper, 6 blue jays, 50 crows, white throats, juncos, cardinals, house and gold finches. Noowls, last sighting I know of was Jacob S. on 12/3.BethJohn C. Chato714 W. Vermont Ave.Urbana, IL 61801217-344-6803_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Tue Dec 13 08:49:43 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Tue Dec 13 08:49:46 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook birdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Sunday about noon...about 200 Geese over east Urbana headedsouth...about 50 Geese near evening...medium altitude (not realhigh)...local or not?

At the feeder...1 tree Sparrow, 1 Song Sparrow, 10+ Juncos, pair ofCardinals, 3-4 House Finches, 10-20 House Sparrows, 10-15 MourningDoves, 1 Carolina Wren...

At APNC...Sharp Shinned or small Coopers chasing birds all around thefeeders Monday noon...

Bob

From birder1949 at yahoo.com Tue Dec 13 08:58:40 2005From: birder1949 at yahoo.com (Roger Digges)Date: Tue Dec 13 08:58:43 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] MeadowlarksMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

While conducting a raptor survey yesterday (Monday), observed atleast three Meadowlarks (sp?) near the Clinton powerplant, northeast of the intersection of DeWitt Countyroads 825N and 1675E. I have found this spot a fairlyreliable place to see overwintering Meadowlarks.

Roger Digges

---------------------------------Yahoo! Shopping Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Yahoo! Shopping -------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051213/d2b2dbfc/attachment.htmFrom h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu Tue Dec 13 09:25:20 2005From: h-parker at express.cites.uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Tue Dec 13 09:27:46 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] count weekMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

For the CCAS christmas count on Dec. 17, count week runs from Wed. Dec. 14-Wed Dec. 21. Any species identified in the count circle during this time but NOT on count day itself gets reported as "CW". Keep your eyes & ears open and chase that goshawk into the circle!

--Helen Parker, compiler

From smithsje at egix.net Tue Dec 13 09:30:26 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Tue Dec 13 09:30:09 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] cardinalsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,Counted 22 cardinals at feeders at 6:45 am. That's 5 more than the 17 yesterday.

Best regards.


From j.courson at mchsi.com Tue Dec 13 10:13:00 2005From: j.courson at mchsi.com (Jeffrey A. Courson)Date: Tue Dec 13 10:13:11 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Belted Kingfisher - Sangamon River near MahometMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Yesterday I saw a Belted Kingfisher flying over the Sangamon River, justWest of the Rt. 47 bridge on the South of Mahomet.

? mile West of my home and ? from the Lakes at Riverbend Preserve.

Jeff

Jeffrey A. Courson

Voice/FAX: 217-586-5110


-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051213/9b113ed4/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 13 10:41:02 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 13 10:41:08 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook; Forestry; South FarmsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Greg,

Where did you see the Kingfisher?

Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gregory SLambethSent: Monday, December 12, 2005 3:10 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook; Forestry; South Farms

I did some scouting for the Champaign County CBC on Saturday. I walkedon foot through the Arboretum, Meadobrook, Forestry and parts of theSouth Farms. It was fairly cold early, but it warmed by noon. The bigsurprise was 3 Barred Owls in 3 separate locations! I've only had 1Barred Owl within the C-U city limits in the past 12 years, although Iknow a few others have been seen in town during that time. I had someother interesting birds, including 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 AmericanPipits, 2 Hermit Thrushes, 2 Fox Sparrows, dozens of White-crowneds, 3Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Common Snipe, LaplandLongspurs and 1 Hairy Woodpecker. I finished with 39 species.

I did not have the Long-eared Owls in the Forestry. Has anyone seenthese birds in the past 2 weeks? The area where the Saw-whet Owl hasbeen in the past few years has deteriorated and may no longer besuitable for a Saw Whet. Many of the pines appear to be dying and havelost most of their needles. There's a few pines that remain alive andit's worth checking them over closely, but I'd be surprised if a SawWhet used this area as its primary territory for the winter again.

Greg Lambeth

ps. I saw a large falcon on top of the steeple at the church on Greenand Goodwin this morning. No binoculars with me, but I suspectPeregrine.

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051213/5366e499/attachment-0001.htmFrom fairchild.s at insightbb.com Tue Dec 13 15:36:41 2005From: fairchild.s at insightbb.com ([email protected])Date: Tue Dec 13 16:01:46 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] report from Homer Lake

Message-ID: <121320052136.10178.439F3EE9000B85A0000027C221979247419CD20B0407080C9D070E00@insightbb.com>

Here's my first time on the list-serve.Spent the morning at Homer Lake. White-throated sparrows at the north peninsula. Blue jays and downy woodpeckers in the maple grove. Also saw what was surely a very dark raccoon sleeping in a hollow of a big tree. The bottom of the spillway was patrolled by a kingfisher and a great blue heron. Downstream from the spillway on the river I did positively ID a pileated woodpecker. It sounded like there were more of them, but I didn't see them. Numerous flickers here too.From bprice at pdnt.com Tue Dec 13 16:08:05 2005From: bprice at pdnt.com (Brock Price)Date: Tue Dec 13 16:08:12 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Feeder birdsMessage-ID: <003401c60031$b1e37830$ed41fa3f@YOURCD7BB1D575>

Cardinals - 11 Juncos - 9House Finch - 13Downy - 2R.B. Woodpecker - 1 Mourning Dove - 5Starlings - 10+Blue Jay - 3Carolina Wren - 1House Sparrow - 40 to 50 ( My wife hung a red Christmas bow on one of my bigger feeders - House sparrows apparently didn't care for it - I imagine they will get used to it.Still getting the Great Horned Owl calling repeatedly at night a few houses down from mine. Can't find it in daytime.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051213/1bc22d5e/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Tue Dec 13 16:21:34 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Tue Dec 13 16:15:48 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook; Forestry; South FarmsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Greg,

You don't report seeing any Great Horned. This year their nest failed. I also don't remember anyone else reporting them recently. Does that mean that they may be gone and the Barred have taken their places? It is my understanding that the GHOW will not tolerate any other owls in their territories....although that reference may be in regards to breeding territories only. I have never seen a Barred Owl in town although in the past GHOW have called in our large trees. One year, several years ago, I had a pair calling back and forth.

Where did you see the pipits and longspurs? Thanks.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Gregory S LambethSent: Monday, December 12, 2005 3:14 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook; Forestry; South Farms

I did some scouting for the Champaign County CBC on Saturday. I walked on foot through the Arboretum, Meadobrook, Forestry and parts of the South Farms. It was fairly cold early, but it warmed by noon. The big surprise was 3 Barred Owls in 3 separate locations! I've only had 1 Barred Owl within the C-U city limits in the past 12 years, although I know a few others have been seen in town during that time. I had some other interesting birds, including 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 American Pipits, 2 Hermit Thrushes, 2 Fox Sparrows, dozens of White-crowneds, 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Common Snipe, Lapland Longspurs and 1 Hairy Woodpecker. I finished with 39 species.

I did not have the Long-eared Owls in the Forestry. Has anyone seen these birds in the past 2 weeks? The area where the Saw-whet Owl has been in the past few years has deteriorated and may no longer be suitable for a Saw Whet. Many of the pines appear to be dying and have lost most of their needles. There's a few pines that remain alive and it's worth checking them over closely, but I'd be surprised if a Saw Whet used this area as its primary territory for the winter again.

Greg Lambeth

ps. I saw a large falcon on top of the steeple at the church on Green and Goodwin this morning. No binoculars with me, but I suspect Peregrine._______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051213/01f2bccf/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Tue Dec 13 16:43:57 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Tue Dec 13 16:38:09 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook and ForestryMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

After seeing the birds reported from Meadowbrook and the Forestry I went out this morning for about 1 1/2 hours. Didn't see anything new except 1 FIELD SPARROW at the bridge by the "Marker".

At the "Rabbit" bridge I was counting the birds (Robins-6, Doves-16, Downy-1, House Finch 4). I started walking away and a Blue Jay (which I had missed) called, or maybe I should say screamed loudly. Everything

exploded away. I looked up and an adult SHARP-SHINNED was sitting in the top of a tree. It's both exciting and amazing how well the warning systems work.

Charlene Anchor

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051213/a9cf76af/attachment.htmFrom avara at uiuc.edu Tue Dec 13 16:47:57 2005From: avara at uiuc.edu ([email protected])Date: Tue Dec 13 16:49:24 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] StrigidaeMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I think there is more owl activity and coexistance (particularly in south Urbana than many realize.) To begin with, there are at least three EASTERN SCREECH OWLS in the Meadowbrook/Forestry area that it is my job to monitor (1 rufous and 2 gray of the ones we know of). As Greg reported earlier this week, there is at least one BARRED OWL in this area as well. I heard and most probably saw it calling earlier last week in Forestry around dusk. As Bryan will probably confirm, there is at least one LONG-EARED OWL in Forestry--I just saw this today for the first time with Bryan. Lastly, there are at least (maybe only) two GREAT-HORNED OWLS in this area as I heard, just like someone else mentioned a week or two ago a conversation between two of them near dusk near Forestry. Perhaps the epitomy of the strangely close proximity these owls keep was demonstrated today, when the long-eared owl that I saw today with Bryan was perched only a few FEET from a Great Horned Owl, and were it not for Bryan mentioning that it was not another Long-Eared Owl, I would have glanced and assumed it was. I only wish that that Saw Whet Owl that was present last year was here to enjoy the party...!~Mike AvaraFrom lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu Tue Dec 13 16:56:26 2005From: lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu (Gregory S Lambeth)Date: Tue Dec 13 16:56:27 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] RE: StrigidaeMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Thanks for your post, Michael. I, too, saw a Great-horned Owl sitting within a foot or two of the Long-eared Owl last year and posted the observation on this list. I was very surprised to witness this "co-existence". As for Charlene's question about Great-horneds and Barreds, I don't know much about their co-existence. I've always though they didn't get along very well, but that different habitat preferences kept

them somewhat apart from one another. I didn't see any Great-horneds on Saturday, nor did I have the Long-eared, but I've long suspected that the Long-eareds have more than one roost, I just don't know where the other one(s) is/are.

Greg

-----Original Message-----From: Michael R Avara Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 4:48 PMTo: charlene anchor; Gregory S Lambeth; [email protected]: Strigidae

I think there is more owl activity and coexistance (particularly in south Urbana than many realize.) To begin with, there are at least three EASTERN SCREECH OWLS in the Meadowbrook/Forestry area that it is my job to monitor (1 rufous and 2 gray of the ones we know of). As Greg reported earlier this week, there is at least one BARRED OWL in this area as well. I heard and most probably saw it calling earlier last week in Forestry around dusk. As Bryan will probably confirm, there is at least one LONG-EARED OWL in Forestry--I just saw this today for the first time with Bryan. Lastly, there are at least (maybe only) two GREAT-HORNED OWLS in this area as I heard, just like someone else mentioned a week or two ago a conversation between two of them near dusk near Forestry. Perhaps the epitomy of the strangely close proximity these owls keep was demonstrated today, when the long-eared owl that I saw today with Bryan was perched only a few FEET from a Great Horned Owl, and were it not for Bryan mentioning that it was not another Long-Eared Owl, I would have glanced and assumed it was. I only wish that that Saw Whet Owl that was present last year was here to enjoy the party...!~Mike AvaraFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Tue Dec 13 17:22:15 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Tue Dec 13 17:16:30 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] RE: StrigidaeMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Yes, I remember Greg's post last year and the Long-eared and the Great-horned seem to be co-existing ok at the Forestry. (Too bad I didn't remember the posts of a couple of weeks ago :-)) Maybe they have enough food, and maybe since it's winter, it's not a problem. I have no idea. Birds do act different in response to their territories during breeding time. I guess the answer to any questions will be found in the future if the Barred Owls stay around or not. I am happy to be "re-informed" that the Great-horned are still present.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Gregory S Lambeth

Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 4:58 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] RE: Strigidae

Thanks for your post, Michael. I, too, saw a Great-horned Owl sitting within a foot or two of the Long-eared Owl last year and posted the observation on this list. I was very surprised to witness this "co-existence". As for Charlene's question about Great-horneds and Barreds, I don't know much about their co-existence. I've always though they didn't get along very well, but that different habitat preferences kept them somewhat apart from one another. I didn't see any Great-horneds on Saturday, nor did I have the Long-eared, but I've long suspected that the Long-eareds have more than one roost, I just don't know where the other one(s) is/are.

Greg

-----Original Message-----From: Michael R Avara Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 4:48 PMTo: charlene anchor; Gregory S Lambeth; [email protected]: Strigidae

I think there is more owl activity and coexistance (particularly in south Urbana than many realize.) To begin with, there are at least three EASTERN SCREECH OWLS in the Meadowbrook/Forestry area that it is my job to monitor (1 rufous and 2 gray of the ones we know of). As Greg reported earlier this week, there is at least one BARRED OWL in this area as well. I heard and most probably saw it calling earlier last week in Forestry around dusk. As Bryan will probably confirm, there is at least one LONG-EARED OWL in Forestry--I just saw this today for the first time with Bryan. Lastly, there are at least (maybe only) two GREAT-HORNED OWLS in this area as I heard, just like someone else mentioned a week or two ago a conversation between two of them near dusk near Forestry. Perhaps the epitomy of the strangely close proximity these owls keep was demonstrated today, when the long-eared owl that I saw today with Bryan was perched only a few FEET from a Great Horned Owl, and were it not for Bryan mentioning that it was not another Long-Eared Owl, I would have glanced and assumed it was. I only wish that that Saw Whet Owl that was present last year was here to enjoy the party...!~Mike Avara_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051213/4e43db38/attachment-0001.htm

From spendelo at uiuc.edu Tue Dec 13 18:51:32 2005From: spendelo at uiuc.edu (Jacob Spendelow)Date: Tue Dec 13 18:49:52 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] RE: StrigidaeIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]. edu>References: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

The number of Long-eared Owls visible at the forestry plantation has varied on a day to day basis the past few years. There are some trees that the owls favor, and they return to these trees over and over through the course of a winter, but then sometimes they are mysteriously absent. There have been times when two or three have been visible roosting together one day, but a few days later none could be found. I also am curious as to where they go when they aren't in the cedar grove that they seem to favor.Jacob

>I've long suspected that the Long-eareds have more than one roost, I just >don't know where the other one(s) is/are.

From jwhoyt at prairienet.org Tue Dec 13 21:58:24 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Tue Dec 13 21:58:26 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Buteo sighting on Prospect Ave, In-Reply-To: <121320052136.10178.439F3EE9000B85A0000027C221979247419CD20B0407080C9D070E00@insightbb.com>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Birders,

Saw a large buteo at Prospect Ave. and Vine street in Champaign while driving.

Saw lots of house sparrows and doves in the trees around Country Fair Apartments.

One of my neighbors has a ground feeding station under the junipers.

Jim :)

-- James Hoyt"The Prairie Ant"Champaign Co. AudubonCo-steward Parkland College Prairies.

Monitor Urbana Park District Natural Areas.Champaign County Master GardenerAllerton AlliesPrairie Rivers Network


From bernies at uillinois.edu Wed Dec 14 23:12:47 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Wed Dec 14 23:20:03 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Birding book suggestions?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Do any of you have any suggestions as far as new birding related booksfor gifts?

Thanks much!

Bernie Sloan

From jwhoyt at prairienet.org Wed Dec 14 23:50:09 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Wed Dec 14 23:51:33 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Birding book suggestions?In-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Bernie,

I would suggest that you visit the bookstore at the Anita Purvis Nature Center on North Broadway Avenue in Urbana Illinois.

Call 384-4062 if you get lost.

My favorites are good picture books that contain CD audio of bird and wildlife related calls.

There are also some neat CD and VHS tapes for bird ID which will warm the coldest midwinter heart.

Hope this helps.

Jim :)

PS. Among other nice things the profits from these go to the ongoing efforts of the local Auduban soiciety and the Urbana Park District!

You can find these at the APNC Gift shop.

On Wed, 14 Dec 2005, Sloan, Bernie wrote:

> Do any of you have any suggestions as far as new birding related books> for gifts?> > Thanks much!> > Bernie Sloan> > _______________________________________________> Birdnotes mailing list> [email protected]> https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>



From bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 15 00:10:43 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 15 00:11:35 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Nighttime feeder animalsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

On snow-covered nights like tonight I usually see a number of mammalsfeeding in my ground feeding area. Mostly rabbits. And much smallerunidentified rodents (which I think of as owl bait). Occasionallysomething larger.

I looked out into the yard just now (about midnight) and saw the biggestopossum I have ever seen in my life!!! It literally looked prehistoric,it was so big and ancient looking!!

Bernie Sloan

From charleneanchor at msn.com Thu Dec 15 11:30:31 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Thu Dec 15 11:24:44 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Mt. Hope CemeteryMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Because of the mention of where the Goshawk had been sited, as well as the question of where the Long-eareds may be, and my previous experience at Mt. Hope Cemetery (between Kirby and Pennsylvania off Fourth), and its supply of ground squirrels, rabbits, etc., I decided to check it out this morning. Unfortunately the fog obliterated about everything except my feet and I stayed less than 1/2 hour.

There were multiple NORTHERN FLICKERS, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, BLUE JAYS, and other small species which I couldn't see. Then I heard and saw CROWS harassing something in a tall evergreen. I couldn't see and was about to give up when I spotted an indistinct form. Turned out to be an owl which finally flew off to another tree. The crows were unrelenting and the owl would go from tree to tree with the crows in pursuit. This continued the entire time I was there. The owl was noticeably larger than the crows and I so I assumed it to be a GREAT-HORNED. But I wondered why the owl didn't sit still, as I usually have seen in the past, with the crows then finally giving up. Then I wondered if it couldn't be a BARRED since I think there could be an overlap in size. Maybe an owl not in it's usual territory would be more apt to be uncertain or restless and keep flying around? Anyway, I never got a look at it's face or breast for I.D. because I would approach the tree and it would take off again in another direction.As I was leaving a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH dropped out of a cedar about 10 feet from my feet (thankfully!) and foraged a bit and went to the next cedar and did the same.

I decided to return to the cemetery when viewing conditions would be better.

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051215/c44b0641/attachment.htmFrom jwhoyt at prairienet.org Thu Dec 15 15:23:24 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org ([email protected])Date: Thu Dec 15 15:23:28 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] [Fwd: rare bird alert] (Eurasian Tree Sparrow)

Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Birders,

Someone mentioned seeing a ETS just west of Springfield.

One has been observed at Funks Grove Nature Center near McClean Illinois.

Jim :)---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------Subject: rare bird alertFrom: "Sugar Grove" <[email protected]>Date: Thu, December 15, 2005 1:59 pmTo:--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eurasian Tree Sparrow at Sugar Grove Nature Center's Feeding Station

In the late 1800s, 20 Eurasian Tree Sparrows were brought from Germany andreleased onto farms near St. Louis, Missouri. Over the last 135 years,this species has slowly spread across the State of Illinois. Similar inappearance to the common English House Sparrow, this species often goesunrecognized by casual bird watchers. They seem to be more sensitive todevelopment than House Sparrows and move from areas that are toodeveloped. Eurasian Tree Sparrows usually feed on the ground, eatingmillet, cracked corn, and other small seeds. Although a non-nativespecies, because of their rarity, bird watchers are interested in localsightings.

You are invited to Sugar Grove Nature Center to see if you can spot thesingle Eurasian Tree Sparrow among the Fox Sparrows, White-crownedSparrows, and House Sparrows feeding at our observation station. Otherbirds common at our feeders include Black-capped Chickadees, TuftedTitmice, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Dark-eyedJuncos. The nature center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-3pm.

If a friend forwarded this newsletter, to receive our e-newsletteryourself, click on this link subscribe to e-newsletter. To receive papernewsletters, click on this link subscribe to paper newsletter. If you donot want to receive our e-newsletters, click on this link unsubscribe frome-newsletter.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051215/83f67a37/untitled-2.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 15 16:37:21 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 15 16:37:24 2005

Subject: [Birdnotes] [Fwd: rare bird alert] (Eurasian Tree Sparrow)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Interesting. The announcement that Jim forwarded says: "In the late1800s, 20 Eurasian Tree Sparrows were brought from Germany and releasedonto farms near St. Louis, Missouri." Actually, they were released inLafayette Park in St. Louis (on April 25th, 1870) according to theMissouri Department of Conservation. Another interesting slant is that anumber of other European species were released at the same time(European Goldfinches, Eurasian Bullfinches, Chaffinches, Greenfinches,and Linnets), but only the ETS was successful in establishing a breedingpopulation.

Speaking of "Eurasian" birds, has anyone ever seen any EurasianCollared-Doves around C-U?? Just as Eurasian Tree Sparrows stronglyresemble House Sparrows, Eurasian Collared-Doves sort of look likeMourning Doves. I was asked this question a couple of months ago by abirder from Indiana who had visited his mother (she lived south ofDecatur somewhere) and had seen Eurasian Collared-Doves mixed in withthe Mourning Doves in his mother's rural yard.

Bernie Sloan

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf [email protected]: Thursday, December 15, 2005 3:23 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] [Fwd: rare bird alert] (Eurasian Tree Sparrow)

Birders,

Someone mentioned seeing a ETS just west of Springfield.

One has been observed at Funks Grove Nature Center near McCleanIllinois.

Jim :)---------------------------- Original Message----------------------------Subject: rare bird alertFrom: "Sugar Grove" <[email protected]>Date: Thu, December 15, 2005 1:59 pmTo:--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eurasian Tree Sparrow at Sugar Grove Nature Center's Feeding Station

In the late 1800s, 20 Eurasian Tree Sparrows were brought from Germanyandreleased onto farms near St. Louis, Missouri. Over the last 135 years,this species has slowly spread across the State of Illinois. Similar inappearance to the common English House Sparrow, this species often goesunrecognized by casual bird watchers. They seem to be more sensitive to

development than House Sparrows and move from areas that are toodeveloped. Eurasian Tree Sparrows usually feed on the ground, eatingmillet, cracked corn, and other small seeds. Although a non-nativespecies, because of their rarity, bird watchers are interested in localsightings.

You are invited to Sugar Grove Nature Center to see if you can spot thesingle Eurasian Tree Sparrow among the Fox Sparrows, White-crownedSparrows, and House Sparrows feeding at our observation station. Otherbirds common at our feeders include Black-capped Chickadees, TuftedTitmice, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Dark-eyedJuncos. The nature center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-3pm.

If a friend forwarded this newsletter, to receive our e-newsletteryourself, click on this link subscribe to e-newsletter. To receivepapernewsletters, click on this link subscribe to paper newsletter. If youdonot want to receive our e-newsletters, click on this link unsubscribefrome-newsletter.From matthewthorum at sisna.com Thu Dec 15 17:21:12 2005From: matthewthorum at sisna.com (Matthew Thorum)Date: Thu Dec 15 17:21:42 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Forestry Owls and Woodpecker BehaviorMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I took a short walk through the U of I Forestry late this afternoon. A pair of birders I met in the cedars was kind ehough to point out a *Great Horned Owl *they had located. I later saw a *Barred Owl* in a stand of 4-5 tall conifers (sorry I don't know my IL trees yet) where two paths cross at about the center of the forestry. I wasn't able to spot a Long-Eared.

There were quite a few woodpeckers, including: Red-bellied, Hairy, Downy, YB Sapsucker. I was surprised to watch a female Hairy fly down to the ground and sit in one place on the snow for about 5 min. It probed the snow periodically with its bill and I imagine that is was eating the snow for water, but otherwise it didn't move. It appeared to be laying on its belly in the snow (simmilar to the way it would look on top of a horizontal branch), but it looked very bizzare like this on the ground. Does anyone know if woodpeckers are able to stand upright on the ground (like a junco or a robin), or are their legs adapted exclusively for gripping tree branches etc.? I have seen woodpeckers light on the ground briefly while foraging (especially Downy), but I don't recall ever seeing one just sit in one place like this (except for N. Flicker). But, that may just mean that I should get out more.

Matt ThorumChemistry Grad. Student, UIUCFrom vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Fri Dec 16 08:44:16 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Fri Dec 16 08:44:20 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] OwlMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I was at Pennsylvania and 6th last night about 5:10 when I heard an Owl

hooting (Great Horned?) in the cemetery. The call was faint...the birdprobably was a fair distance away near Florida Ave.

Bob__________________________________________________________________________

From rkanter at uiuc.edu Fri Dec 16 10:28:36 2005From: rkanter at uiuc.edu (Rob Kanter)Date: Fri Dec 16 10:28:41 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Birding book suggestions?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I'm not sure how new you mean, and you may well already know these, but the three bird books I picked up this year were

*The Grail Bird: Hot on the Trail of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker* by Tim Gallagher

*Birding Illinois* by Sheryl De Vore (specific directions for places to go birding)

*Birds of Illinois* by De Vore, Steve Bailey, and Gregory Kennedy (more specific range maps than broader field guides, concise, informative descriptions of behavior, etc.)

Other books not specifically about birds but that might be of interest to birders

*The Nature Handbook: A Guide to Observing the Great Outdoors* by Ernest H. Williams, Jr. (A really nicely written collection of page-length entries on all manner of natural phenomena, and a great gift for birding types. My wife discovered it and gave it to me.)

*Creating Habitats and Homes for Illinois Wildlife* by Phil Mankin, Richard Warner and others. (Although it's pitched to landowners [including those of use who just have small yards in town :) ] this book provides a nice overview of ecology and a streamlined natural history of the state, in addition to the chapters describing various habitats and how to create/maintain them.)

*Native Plants in the Home Landscape for the Upper Midwest* by Keith Nowakowski (Great species descriptions, guidelines for garden layout etc.)

Happy shopping!

Rob [email protected]

---- Original message ---->Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2005 23:12:47 -0600>From: "Sloan, Bernie" <[email protected]>

>Subject: [Birdnotes] Birding book suggestions? >To: <[email protected]>>>Do any of you have any suggestions as far as new birding related books>for gifts?>>Thanks much!>>Bernie Sloan>>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Mon Dec 19 08:17:04 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Mon Dec 19 08:11:15 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Cemetery owlMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Been "rethinking" my cemetery owl sighting and I think I asked the wrong question regarding the owl's I.D. I wouldn't have considered it to be a BARRED except for the recent sightings of them. So my question should have been, would there have been something I should have noticed while the owl was in flight that would have identified it as a GREAT-HORNED as opposed to a BARRED, that is if they were of similar sizes? Due to the fog I could only make out an outline. In the past, I've observed them in flight only a few times during the day and I knew what they were before they flew off, most likely affecting how I was observing them. Thanks for any clarifications.

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051219/5cf776c8/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Mon Dec 19 09:22:37 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Mon Dec 19 09:17:12 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Gift bird booksMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I recently bought a book that I'm really enthusiastic about - "Secret Lives of Common Birds" subtitled "Enjoying Bird Behavior Through the Seasons" by Marie Read. Marie is a famous wildlife photographer. She used to work for the Cornell Lab and she recently quit to go on her own. John Fitzpatrick (director of Cornell) reviews it saying "A dazzling and delightful masterpiece! Marie Read's exquisite photographs always reveal deep appreciation for the intimate details of bird behavior, and now her eye for beauty and behavior are combined with her firm understanding of bird biology."

I love books on common birds because it is what I see most and this gives an intimate and beautiful view of them. It also presents factual information in a casual manner. This could be a gift for anyone, birders

and non-birders. It could easily introduce non-birders to the world of birds in a seductive as well as informative way without being heavy-handed. More advanced birders would probably know all the facts but the photos make it worth the investment of only $15.00!

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051219/45855f9d/attachment.htmFrom abthrelkel at aol.com Sun Dec 18 13:10:51 2005From: abthrelkel at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Mon Dec 19 10:53:07 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Raptor sightingIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>References: <[email protected]>

<[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Just now (1:05 p.m.), from our back window, couple hundred yards south of 107 E Michigan Ave -- probably over Blair Park. 5 or 6 crows mobbing large hawk -- couldn't ID, but had striking pale underbody and wings.

_____________________Brian Threlkeld107 East Michigan AvenueUrbana IL 61801-5027

[email protected]

Federal Public Defender's OfficeCentral District of Illinois300 West Main StreetUrbana IL 61801-2624

217-373-0666217-373-0667 (fax)[email protected] bernies at uillinois.edu Mon Dec 19 14:08:40 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Mon Dec 19 14:09:00 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Sandhills, turkeys, CoopersMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I've had a relatively uneventful several weeks when it comes to birds,but this morning was interesting.

(Note: this all took place in Indiana this AM, as I was heading fromBloomington, IN to Urbana. Thought I'd share it with you, though. Iparticularly enjoyed seeing the sandhills..............)

Sometime after 9AM I came relatively close to being smacked in the side

of the head by a Coopers. :-) I was walking to my car and walked pastthe corner of a building, when a junco sped by just in front of me. Isensed something to my right and looked to see a Coopers veer off to theright to avoid a collision. It was maybe five feet away. I think theCoopers was as startled as I was. I remember hearing a lot of agitatedbird calls right before I got to the corner of the building.

Then, at 9:55AM I was on SR37, headed north a few miles out ofMartinsville. I saw maybe 200 Sandhill Cranes. There were several groupsin the process of taking off from some bottomland farm fields near theWhite River, so I got a pretty close view. Looked like they were headedsoutheast.

Later on I saw a flock of maybe 20 wild turkeys in the bottomlands ofthe Wabash River, just north of I-74.


Phone: (217) 333-4895Fax: (217) 265-0454E-mail: [email protected] armine at uiuc.edu Mon Dec 19 13:24:43 2005From: armine at uiuc.edu (Armine Kotin Mortimer)Date: Tue Dec 20 00:25:12 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Wild turkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051219/b139161e/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 20 08:40:36 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 20 08:40:43 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Christmas Bird Count?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

How did the CBC go on Saturday?



From lupewinku at lanscape.net Tue Dec 20 12:44:29 2005From: lupewinku at lanscape.net (Rhetta Jack)Date: Tue Dec 20 12:44:38 2005

Subject: [Birdnotes] Clinton Lake CBC Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello all, The Clinton Lake CBC has been rescheduled for Mon Jan 2, 2006. If anyone I have not contacted is interested, please let me know. Thank you, Rhetta Jack <[email protected]>

From lupewinku at lanscape.net Tue Dec 20 12:44:59 2005From: lupewinku at lanscape.net (Rhetta Jack)Date: Tue Dec 20 12:45:08 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Clinton Lake CBC Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello all, The Clinton Lake CBC has been rescheduled for Mon Jan 2, 2006. If anyone I have not contacted is interested, please let me know. Thank you, Rhetta Jack <[email protected]>

From lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu Tue Dec 20 13:02:33 2005From: lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu (Gregory S Lambeth)Date: Tue Dec 20 13:02:37 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Christmas Bird Count?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Bernie:

I missed the count tally on Sunday evening so I don't know how the count went as a whole, but I'll comment on my day. Steve Bailey, Rob Kanter and I spent the morning at the Forestry, Meadowbrook and South Farms and then Steve and I continued on during the afternoon in the Arb, 1st street pond, etc. We ended with 53 species, including 4 species of owl (Barred, Great-horned, Screech and Long-eared), 6 species of hawk, including all 3 accipters (Cooper's, Sharp-shinned and Goshawk) and Peregrine Falcon. Other highlights include Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue Goose, Wood Duck, Belted Kingfisher, 3 Snipe (including 1 being chased by a Cooper's Hawks), ridiculously high numbers of White-crowned Sparrows, E. Meadowlark and Yellow-rumped Warbler. I also had a Bald Eagle fly over town on Sunday for a count period specie (assuming nobody had one on the count day).

Greg Lambeth

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Sloan,BernieSent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 8:41 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Christmas Bird Count?

How did the CBC go on Saturday?

Bernie SloanSenior Information Systems Consultant

Consortium of Academic & Research Libraries in Illinois616 E. Green Street, Suite 213Champaign, IL 61820-5752


_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom rboehmer at mail.millikin.edu Tue Dec 20 13:28:17 2005From: rboehmer at mail.millikin.edu (Ray F. Boehmer)Date: Tue Dec 20 13:28:35 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] sharpieMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I watched an adult sharpie lunching on a cardinal on the roadside near Lodge Park this morning. S/he tolerated me just 30 feet away until a big truck came along and forced the lunch to be taken elsewhere.

Ray

From h-parker at uiuc.edu Tue Dec 20 14:46:53 2005From: h-parker at uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Tue Dec 20 14:45:06 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] feeder-watchers???Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Did ANYBODY who was not also a field observer count birds at their feeder Saturday? If so, I need your data! Thanks!

--Helen Parker, CBC compiler

From REGEHR5 at aol.com Tue Dec 20 19:20:01 2005From: REGEHR5 at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Tue Dec 20 19:20:14 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] PheasantsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

On Sunday afternoon, driving along Old Church Road east ofRace St. I saw a gathering of 56 pheasants in a field that had beenturned over....no cover. As I approached there were a few flyingfrom the field on the south side of the road. They did not seem tobe eating, just standing, walking, or flying short distances. andstaying pretty close together, near the road. I was very surprisedto see that large number of birds. Elaine Regehr-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051220/2502cc25/attachment.htmFrom bpalmore at egix.net Tue Dec 20 20:37:15 2005

From: bpalmore at egix.net (Bland Palmore)Date: Tue Dec 20 20:37:33 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Wild turkeysIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>References: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

They are getting closer to West Vermont, started near Sunnycrest. Maybe we'll be seeing them soon. Bland

At 01:24 PM 12/19/2005, Armine Kotin Mortimer wrote:>Hello,>Four wild turkeys are walking along Florida Court in Urbana (I assume that >is what they are). There were tracks for a couple of days in our back yard >on Florida Court; today we saw the birds at the end of our driveway.> Armine>>-->~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>Armine Kotin Mortimer, Professor and Head>Department of French>University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign>707 S. Mathews Ave.>Urbana, IL 61801 USA>Tel 217-244-2727 Home Tel 217-367-4705 Fax 217-384-5424><mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]>http://www.french.uiuc.edu/People/faculty/Mortimer.htm>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From ebaughjason at yahoo.com Tue Dec 20 21:30:47 2005From: ebaughjason at yahoo.com (Jason Ebaugh)Date: Tue Dec 20 21:30:50 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Good year for red tails?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

It seems it may be a good year for Red Tail Hawks.

On a drive up to Chicago today, I saw adisproportionate number of hawks roadside. I'm wondering if they are at the high point of apopoulation cycle.

Jason

Jason [email protected], Champaign County

__________________________________________________Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 20 23:14:21 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 20 23:14:29 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] PheasantsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I saw the same sort of thing once northwest of Race Street and CurtisRoad a couple of years ago. Maybe not 56 pheasants, but at least 30.

Bernie Sloan

________________________________

From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf [email protected]: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 7:20 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Pheasants

On Sunday afternoon, driving along Old Church Road east of Race St. I saw a gathering of 56 pheasants in a field that had been turned over....no cover. As I approached there were a few flying from the field on the south side of the road. They did not seem to be eating, just standing, walking, or flying short distances. and staying pretty close together, near the road. I was very surprised to see that large number of birds. Elaine Regehr

-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051220/cefd01e5/attachment.htmFrom rkanter at uiuc.edu Wed Dec 21 08:59:26 2005From: rkanter at uiuc.edu (Rob Kanter)Date: Wed Dec 21 08:59:34 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] PheasantsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I saw those birds the week before. I'd guess they are raised by the people who keep that one field in tall grass, and released to be hunted for a fee.

Does anyone know for sure?

Rob Kanter

---- Original message ---->Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 20:20:01 EST>From: [email protected] >Subject: [Birdnotes] Pheasants >To: [email protected]>> On Sunday afternoon, driving along Old Church> Road east of> Race St. I saw a gathering of 56 pheasants in a> field that had been> turned over....no cover. As I approached there> were a few flying> from the field on the south side of the road. They> did not seem to> be eating, just standing, walking, or flying short> distances. and> staying pretty close together, near the road. I was> very surprised> to see that large number of birds.> Elaine Regehr>________________>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Wed Dec 21 09:29:14 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Wed Dec 21 09:29:19 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Short-eared owlMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I'm pretty certain I heard a short-eared owl last night, about 11PM. Itwas on the move from east to west and then back again from west to easta few minutes later, passing through the back of my backyard (near theintersection of Anderson and Colorado in Urbana).

Bernie Sloan

From leslienoa at gmail.com Wed Dec 21 10:57:52 2005From: leslienoa at gmail.com (Leslie Noa)Date: Wed Dec 21 10:57:57 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Monticello and Allerton birds (older) and a U of I

Kingfisher (today)Message-ID: <[email protected]>

After not posting for several months and not really spending much time

birding...

This morning I saw a Kingfisher near the corner of Wright and Healy at the Uof I. There is a small stream in that area. It was calling and perched onsome utility wires in the area.

I've been seeing the following species fairly regularly in the Monticelloarea:

Brown creepers (several out at Allerton and an occasional one at my house)Barred Owls (mostly at Allerton at all times of the day; I heard one in myyard calling (a few feet from me) one evening not too long ago.Great-horned Owl (one seems to frequent my neighborhood; I've heard itcalling several times in my backyard around 4 am)

These are perhaps the most notable birds I've seen over the last couple ofweeks.

I also saw a Screech Owl at Lake Charleston recently.

Would love to see a Long-eared owl and have yet to go out to the Forestry inChampaign. Any suggestions on how to find them? I'm hoping to check outAllerton soon.

Leslie NoaMonticello-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051221/583123cb/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Wed Dec 21 11:24:49 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Wed Dec 21 11:24:52 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Personal birding highlights for 2005?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Seems like newspapers and magazines are always filled with "best of theyear" stories this time of year. I'm interested in hearing aboutpeople's personal birding highlights for 2005.

I can start off by listing my top five, all within the final quarter ofthe year:

1. My personal species count hit the 200 mark in early October. Iflushed two American Black Ducks from an old landfill seepage pond whileon a walk in Bloomington, Indiana. Not a particularly exotic sighting,

but it was #200. I know hitting the 200-species mark might not seem tooexciting to some more veteran birders, but I consider myself as sort ofan "incidental birder". I don't intentionally go birding, I just lookfor birds while I am doing other things...walking, driving, looking outthe windows at home, etc.

2. My Rufous Hummingbird sighting. Looking out the sliding glass door,out on my patio, at 9:30AM, October 24. Let's just say that a few peoplehave been a little skeptical and have tried to convince me that it wasprobably a Ruby-throated. But I got a clear few from just a few feetaway and it definitely had a bronze back. The more pictures I see ofmale Rufous, the more certain I become. My 203rd species.

3. Seeing a couple hundred Sandhill Cranes taking off from a bottomlandfarm field north of Martinsville, Indiana, 9:55AM (Eastern Time),December 19. That was my first Sandhill sighting. My 206th species.

4. Hearing a hen turkey yelp in Meadowbrook Park. Approximately 7:00AM,October 18. I've heard/seen turkeys quite a few times before, but neverin Champaign County, let alone in Urbana! Now if I could just happen toSEE them one of these days!!

5. Hearing a Short-eared Owl last night at about 11:00PM. My 207thspecies.



From charleneanchor at msn.com Wed Dec 21 12:24:51 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Wed Dec 21 12:19:01 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] PheasantsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Rob, now that you mention special fields being kept for them.....I wonder if there is a connection with "Pheasants Forever"? Don't know how you would find out.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Rob KanterSent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 10:57 AMTo: [email protected]; [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] Pheasants

I saw those birds the week before. I'd guess they are raised by the people who keep that one field in tall grass, and released to be hunted for a fee.

Does anyone know for sure?

Rob Kanter

---- Original message ---->Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 20:20:01 EST>From: [email protected] >Subject: [Birdnotes] Pheasants >To: [email protected]>> On Sunday afternoon, driving along Old Church> Road east of> Race St. I saw a gathering of 56 pheasants in a> field that had been> turned over....no cover. As I approached there> were a few flying> from the field on the south side of the road. They> did not seem to> be eating, just standing, walking, or flying short> distances. and> staying pretty close together, near the road. I was> very surprised> to see that large number of birds.> Elaine Regehr>________________>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051221/323cc88d/attachment.htmFrom lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu Wed Dec 21 14:30:33 2005From: lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu (Gregory S Lambeth)Date: Wed Dec 21 14:30:36 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Peregrine FalconMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I just had the Peregrine Falcon again at 2:20pm on campus. It was sitting at the very top of a pole which sits on top of the bookstore on the corner of Green and Wright street. It flew off a few minutes after I first saw it. I had the Peregrine on Saturday flying over the South Farms and I had it last week on top of the steeple at the corner of Matthews and Green. I know of several other reports prior to these. It's probably safe to say that this bird is hanging around. Steve Bailey and I were guessing that it's feeding on Rock Pigeons. These birds have been unusually skittish the past few weeks, spending a fair amount of time circling high up. I'm also wondering if the Peregrine

may have a preference for high perches, perhaps the poles on top of high buildings around campus, so it's worth keeping an eye out.

Greg LambethFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Wed Dec 21 17:08:31 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Wed Dec 21 17:08:35 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Birdnotes e-mail delays/problems?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Has anyone noticed that postings to the Birdnotes list seem to get hungup somewhere for a couple of hours before they are sent out through thelist, or is it just me?

It hasn't been happening for very long (24 hours or less?) but I haveconsistently been receiving e-mails today about 2 to 2.5 hours after thesender has sent them to the list.

For example, I've posted several notes recently and they have taken acouple of hours to come though the list. And Greg Lambeth's recentposting about the peregrine says it was sent at 2:31PM, but I didn't getit until 4:55PM.

Bernie Sloan

From jwhoyt at prairienet.org Thu Dec 22 01:53:55 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Thu Dec 22 01:53:58 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Re; U of Kingfisher In-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Leslie,

Good ears!

There are few birds that I love more than a Belted Kingfisher.

After checking the book "Birds of Lake, Pond, and Marsh" by John Eastman I think your adventurous little Cerylidae must be hunting some small minnow like fish.

The water quality of the Boneyard Ditch has improved markedly in the last few years and is heated just enough that it should appeal to macroinvertebratesand thus small fish.

I doubt that it will nest here unless it can find a sandy or silty undercut bank.

But then again it might find such a spot just a few blocks downstream

(east of Lincoln Avenue).

If there are any Prairie Rivers people out there who are knowledgable about this stretch of the Boneyard please chime in!

Jim Hoyt :)

On Wed, 21 Dec 2005, Leslie Noa wrote:

> After not posting for several months and not really spending much time> birding...> > This morning I saw a Kingfisher near the corner of Wright and Healy at the U> of I. There is a small stream in that area. It was calling and perched on> some utility wires in the area.> > I've been seeing the following species fairly regularly in the Monticello> area:> > Brown creepers (several out at Allerton and an occasional one at my house)> Barred Owls (mostly at Allerton at all times of the day; I heard one in my> yard calling (a few feet from me) one evening not too long ago.> Great-horned Owl (one seems to frequent my neighborhood; I've heard it> calling several times in my backyard around 4 am)> > These are perhaps the most notable birds I've seen over the last couple of> weeks.> > I also saw a Screech Owl at Lake Charleston recently.> > Would love to see a Long-eared owl and have yet to go out to the Forestry in> Champaign. Any suggestions on how to find them? I'm hoping to check out> Allerton soon.> > > Leslie Noa> Monticello>



From bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 22 07:39:57 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 22 07:40:03 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] TurkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I saw the turkeys this morning (FINALLY!). About 7:20AM on Silver Streetin Urbana, just east of the intersection with Anderson. As usual, therewere four of them. They were slowly heading east, eating as they went. Istood and observed them for 5+ minutes. They were completely obliviousof me.

A few minutes earlier I had seen turkey tracks in the snow along thewest sidewalk on Anderson, so I was on the lookout.

Exciting...I've been waiting quite a while!

Bernie Sloan

From bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 22 09:17:17 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 22 09:17:37 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Re; U of Kingfisher Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Years ago I used to hang out in Crystal Lake Park in Urbana with mykids. We would fairly often see a Belted Kingfisher in the trees abovethe Saline Branch. There's one area where a wooden bridge crosses theSaline, and you could stand there and watch it fishing, perching in thetrees and then making a sudden dive into the creek and coming up with asmall fish.

Bernie Sloan

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of James HoytSent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 1:54 AMCc: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Re; U of Kingfisher

Leslie,

Good ears!

There are few birds that I love more than a Belted Kingfisher.

After checking the book "Birds of Lake, Pond, and Marsh" by John EastmanI think your adventurous little Cerylidae must be hunting some smallminnow like fish.

The water quality of the Boneyard Ditch has improved markedly in thelast few years and is heated just enough that it should appeal tomacroinvertebratesand thus small fish.

I doubt that it will nest here unless it can find a sandy or silty undercut bank.

But then again it might find such a spot just a few blocks downstream (east of Lincoln Avenue).

If there are any Prairie Rivers people out there who are knowledgable about this stretch of the Boneyard please chime in!

Jim Hoyt :)

On Wed, 21 Dec 2005, Leslie Noa wrote:

> After not posting for several months and not really spending much time> birding...> > This morning I saw a Kingfisher near the corner of Wright and Healy atthe U> of I. There is a small stream in that area. It was calling andperched on> some utility wires in the area.> > I've been seeing the following species fairly regularly in theMonticello> area:> > Brown creepers (several out at Allerton and an occasional one at myhouse)> Barred Owls (mostly at Allerton at all times of the day; I heard onein my> yard calling (a few feet from me) one evening not too long ago.> Great-horned Owl (one seems to frequent my neighborhood; I've heard it> calling several times in my backyard around 4 am)> > These are perhaps the most notable birds I've seen over the lastcouple of> weeks.>

> I also saw a Screech Owl at Lake Charleston recently.> > Would love to see a Long-eared owl and have yet to go out to theForestry in> Champaign. Any suggestions on how to find them? I'm hoping to checkout> Allerton soon.> > > Leslie Noa> Monticello>


**************************************************************************************************************************************************************"The human culture is considered to be a 'geologic force' and with good

reason. But if we are at a stage where our actions are to decide the world's future, then surely we have reached a level where we can be held

acountable for the world's future." Durward L. Allen "Our WildlifeLegacy"**************************************************************************************************************************************************************

_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom h-parker at uiuc.edu Thu Dec 22 09:39:41 2005From: h-parker at uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Thu Dec 22 09:40:18 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] winter wren at meadowbrookMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Walking the dog this morning at Meadowbrook, I saw almost no birds other than starlings until I got to the southwest corner, not far from the rabbit bridge. There in the grass was a tiny brown bird with an upturned tail trying to pretend he was a mouse (foolish, given the raptors in the area!). It looks as though my winter wren jinx may have been broken!

--Helen Parker

From gh4444 at insightbb.com Thu Dec 22 10:05:48 2005From: gh4444 at insightbb.com (g.huguet)Date: Thu Dec 22 10:10:24 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] red tailed tailed hawksMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I just returned from a visit with friends 100 miles south of here along the Wabash River where i saw 2 red tailed hawks sitting by a highway and one was watching the other one eat a road killed rabbit. Do hawks make a practice of doing this?-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051222/7fd7c55a/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Thu Dec 22 10:32:39 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Thu Dec 22 10:32:45 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Some turkey notesMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

A few notes from my observation this morning (I was perhaps 30 feet awayat one point):

1. Turkeys can move very slowly and deliberately...almost a leisurelypace. It took them a full three minutes to cross Silver Street.

2. Turkey tracks are HUGE! I saw some large tracks in the snow in mynext door neighbor's front yard. I thought "I wonder if those could beturkey tracks?" I remember thinking maybe they could be crow tracks. Iwent about a block and a half down Anderson and saw some tracks in thesnow that dwarfed the large tracks I'd seen earlier.

3. I got the feeling the turkeys were aware of my presence, but thatthey weren't concerned. They would look at me occasionally in adisinterested way. Some people have speculated this "tameness" mightindicate that they had been pen-raised and released. I could see wheresomeone might get that impression. But at one point while I wasobserving them a blue jay loudly raised an alarm call a couple of blocksaway. The turkeys raised up to their full height and froze for almost aminute, moving only their heads as they surveyed the scene. That seemedlike the reaction of a wild bird.

4. Previous observers have indicated that the four turkeys are a hen andher three poults. Sure enough, one turkey always seemed to be in thelead, and I figured that was the hen. But one of the other three seemedlarger than the other two (and the hen). A couple of times it stopped tofan its tail...not the spectacular upright fanned tail you see inpictures...but it definitely fanned its tail in a more subtle way. Makesme wonder if the group isn't the hen, two female poults, and one malepoult.

Bernie Sloan

From Frank21 at insightbb.com Thu Dec 22 13:54:34 2005From: Frank21 at insightbb.com (Frank)Date: Thu Dec 22 13:54:37 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] winter wren at meadowbrookReferences: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <003801c60731$888ef520$6801a8c0@BLACKDELL>

In ealy spring I had a winter wren in my back yard. running around the trough area. Behind it is a patch of Sasa pygmaea. It is about 1 ft tall and so dencse that a cat could hide it it but it would be difficult for hime walk through it. I'll start looking for him this year.Frank Cooper----- Original Message ----- From: "Helen Parker" <[email protected]>To: <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 9:39 AMSubject: [Birdnotes] winter wren at meadowbrook

> Walking the dog this morning at Meadowbrook, I saw almost no birds other > than starlings until I got to the southwest corner, not far from the > rabbit bridge. There in the grass was a tiny brown bird with an upturned > tail trying to pretend he was a mouse (foolish, given the raptors in the > area!). It looks as though my winter wren jinx may have been broken!> --Helen Parker>>> _______________________________________________> Birdnotes mailing list> [email protected]> https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>>

From Frank21 at insightbb.com Thu Dec 22 14:17:50 2005From: Frank21 at insightbb.com (Frank)Date: Thu Dec 22 14:32:05 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] winter wren at meadowbrookReferences: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <004f01c60734$c8789f80$6801a8c0@BLACKDELL>

Behind the Sasa is the bog with big clumps of pitcher plants and blueberries behind that so maybe he felt right at home there..Frank Cooper----- Original Message ----- From: "Helen Parker" <[email protected]>To: <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 9:39 AMSubject: [Birdnotes] winter wren at meadowbrook

> Walking the dog this morning at Meadowbrook, I saw almost no birds other > than starlings until I got to the southwest corner, not far from the > rabbit bridge. There in the grass was a tiny brown bird with an upturned > tail trying to pretend he was a mouse (foolish, given the raptors in the > area!). It looks as though my winter wren jinx may have been broken!> --Helen Parker>>> _______________________________________________> Birdnotes mailing list> [email protected]> https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>>

From smithsje at egix.net Thu Dec 22 15:08:25 2005From: smithsje at egix.net (Jim & Eleanor Smith)Date: Thu Dec 22 15:08:20 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Rusty BlackbirdsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Hello, Bird,

This am, 11 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS came to our feeders.

Best regards.


From CatheC at hkusa.com Thu Dec 22 16:49:47 2005From: CatheC at hkusa.com (Cathe Capel)Date: Thu Dec 22 16:49:51 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Belted KingfisherMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Twice this week I've seen a belted kingfisher just west of the sewagetreatment plant on Windsor Road (Champaign). The kingfisher is usuallyperched on the wires over the canal along the north side of the road.Tuesday the bird swooped down into the canal and disappeared from view.Today he turned to look at me as my car passed.

Cathe [email protected] gh4444 at insightbb.com Thu Dec 22 16:53:35 2005From: gh4444 at insightbb.com (g.huguet)Date: Thu Dec 22 16:58:17 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Christmas greetings


To all birdwatchers: I hope that you all see 7 swans a swimming, 6 geese a laying, 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree. Merry CHRISTMAS-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051222/a688ef1c/attachment.htmFrom vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Fri Dec 23 08:18:03 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Fri Dec 23 08:18:08 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Christmas greetingsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

What! No Juncos??? Merry Christmas! :-) -----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of g.huguetSent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 4:54 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] Christmas greetings To all birdwatchers: I hope that you all see 7 swans a swimming, 6 geesea laying, 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves, and apartridge in a pear tree. Merry CHRISTMAS-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051223/07899946/attachment.htmFrom birder1949 at yahoo.com Sat Dec 24 12:43:41 2005From: birder1949 at yahoo.com (Roger Digges)Date: Sat Dec 24 12:43:43 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Wild Turkey closeupsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

The four turkeys just left our patio (607 E. EvergreenCourt) looking for food. (Arrgghh! My ground feederwas empty!). They literally were pecking at thesliding glass door about three feet away from me (andinches away from a quivering dog!). There aredefinitely two different "sets" of birds. Thereseemed to me to be significant amounts of red on theheads of two of the birds (and both had small redwaddles). The other two birds were much plainer,somewhat smaller. Is it possible that we are dealingwith two (adult?) males and two (adult?) females? Theview we got seemed to suggest two of each gender (or amale and female with two poults< but do females haveso much red in the face and a waddle?).

I wish I had gotten a picture but between not wantingto move and spook them, and restraining the dog, itwasn't possible.

Roger DiggesUrbana

__________________________________________ Yahoo! DSL ? Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl.yahoo.com

From bernies at uillinois.edu Sat Dec 24 13:05:43 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Sat Dec 24 13:05:48 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Another turkey sighting!Message-ID: <[email protected]>

502 E. Colorado, Urbana (south side of the street). 11:55AM.

Four turkeys, three of them sitting on a decorative split rail fence.One on the sidewalk. Colorado is a fairly busy street, and they weresitting there, plain as day at high noon, out in the open, with one ofthem not more than 10 feet from the curb.


Phone: (217) 333-4895Fax: (217) 265-0454E-mail: [email protected] bernies at uillinois.edu Sat Dec 24 13:19:26 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Sat Dec 24 13:19:29 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook Christmas EveMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

About 11-11:30AM...

Very quiet the first half of the walk...a pheasant flew up from theprairie in the southeast corner. A few unidentifiable sparrows in theprairie grass.

Saw three deer bedded down about 30 feet off the sidewalk on the southside of the park.

Male and female downy woodpeckers and several cardinals (male andfemale) on the Hickman Wildflower Walk.

Couple of Mourning Doves in a Cottonwood tree near the Windsor Roadparking lot.

Bernie Sloan

Senior Information Systems ConsultantConsortium of Academic & Research Libraries in Illinois616 E. Green Street, Suite 213Champaign, IL 61820-5752


From REGEHR5 at aol.com Sat Dec 24 16:33:10 2005From: REGEHR5 at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Sat Dec 24 16:33:22 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Turkey sightingMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

At last I was in the right place to see the turkeys. They werecrossing Colorado between Vine and Anderson just beforenoon Saturday. One turkey was calling and the others wereagitated, perhaps because of traffic, which was stopping forthem. I saw them land on the split-rail fence. When I returned about 10 minutes later, they had moveda couple of addresses east and were calmly pecking away. Elaine R.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051224/eadd5208/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Sat Dec 24 16:57:00 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Sat Dec 24 16:51:07 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Wild Turkey closeupsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

When these turkeys were first seen there were a hen and 3 poults. I tried to find some info about their appearance but didn't find anything to answer Roger's question. I did learn that males at this stage should be bigger than females, which would be noticeable. So maybe there are 2 male poults (if they are big enough) and 1 female poult along with the hen? Also learned that the males, at this time of year, would separate from the hen. But I don't know if that applies to domestic turkeys. So, if the size differences are not big enough maybe they are 3 females? No mention was made (at least in the sources that I looked into) about the difference in face colors at this stage other than they could be red to bluish. But there are also 6 subspecies of wild turkeys in NA with different appearances which, from what I understood, differ somewhat again from the appearance of the domestic turkey.

Earlier someone mentioned that there is no reason to be concerned about these turkeys - they are not going to hurt anyone and are not causing trouble. That may be true and people are enjoying their presence. But what happens, if they are different sexes, when breeding time arrives? How will that affect their behavior? Where would they be breeding? Will they survive the winter? I'm sure there are other things we aren't taking into consideration at present, as well as what may happen in the future.

I live in Champaign. But if I lived in Urbana where the turkeys were on my street, in my neighborhood, or in my yard, I would want to know more and find out if something should or could be done about them or for them. Kevin Johnson, a scientist from the Natural History Survey, was one of the persons interviewed by the News-Gazette. I looked him up in the staff directory hoping to find an email address for him but none was given. But if anyone wants to call him, his office phone is 244-9267 and his home phone is 373-8680. I would think he could answer some questions and give some advice.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Roger DiggesSent: Saturday, December 24, 2005 12:43 PMTo: BirdnotesSubject: [Birdnotes] Wild Turkey closeups

The four turkeys just left our patio (607 E. EvergreenCourt) looking for food. (Arrgghh! My ground feederwas empty!). They literally were pecking at thesliding glass door about three feet away from me (andinches away from a quivering dog!). There aredefinitely two different "sets" of birds. Thereseemed to me to be significant amounts of red on theheads of two of the birds (and both had small redwaddles). The other two birds were much plainer,somewhat smaller. Is it possible that we are dealingwith two (adult?) males and two (adult?) females? Theview we got seemed to suggest two of each gender (or amale and female with two poults< but do females haveso much red in the face and a waddle?).

I wish I had gotten a picture but between not wantingto move and spook them, and restraining the dog, itwasn't possible.

Roger DiggesUrbana


_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051224/0c9469b2/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Mon Dec 26 12:12:51 2005

From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Mon Dec 26 12:13:08 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook ChristmasMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Kinda quiet yesterday a little before noon.

Two pheasants gliding into the park from the east, over the row of tallevergreens.Coyote scat by the south-southeast sidewalk.Large Buteo flying high above the south border of the park, probableRough-Legged.Male Red-bellied Woodpecker in dead trees by bridge in southwest corner.Couple of crows flying over the west end, towards Forestry.Male and female Downy Woodpeckers and several Cardinals, HickmanWildflower Walk.

Bernie Sloan

From jwhoyt at prairienet.org Mon Dec 26 19:40:35 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Mon Dec 26 19:40:38 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Christmas + 1, Dec.26, 2005In-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Birders,

Walked around Meadowbrook Park in Urbana this after noon.

Saw about 4 dozen cedar waxwings in their usual place (just before you get to the Y fork) at the Hickman Wildflower Walk.

Sorry no Bohemian Waxwings yet!

Also saw 4 Mourning doves.

1 first year fawn and 2 Cottontail Rabbits near SW corner near stream.

Couple of Nature friends along bike path.

1 Great Horned Owl in Forestry.

Checked for but did not see any Long Eared Owls. (My eyes may be going bad)

All in all not a bad afternoon stroll.

Wishing you all a good bird or two!!!!!

Jim :)-- James Hoyt

"The Prairie Ant"Champaign Co. AudubonCo-steward Parkland College Prairies.Monitor Urbana Park District Natural Areas.Champaign County Master GardenerAllerton AlliesPrairie Rivers Network


From jwhoyt at prairienet.org Mon Dec 26 19:57:15 2005From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Mon Dec 26 19:57:17 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] winter wren at meadowbrookIn-Reply-To: <004f01c60734$c8789f80$6801a8c0@BLACKDELL>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Birders,

Didn't find the picher plants but did find a hermit thrush.

Forgot about him in my previous post.

Cheers,

Jim :)

On Thu, 22 Dec 2005, Frank wrote:

> Behind the Sasa is the bog with big clumps of pitcher plants and blueberries > behind that so maybe he felt right at home there..> Frank Cooper> ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Helen Parker" <[email protected]>> To: <[email protected]>> Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 9:39 AM> Subject: [Birdnotes] winter wren at meadowbrook> > > > Walking the dog this morning at Meadowbrook, I saw almost no birds other > > than starlings until I got to the southwest corner, not far from the

> > rabbit bridge. There in the grass was a tiny brown bird with an upturned > > tail trying to pretend he was a mouse (foolish, given the raptors in the > > area!). It looks as though my winter wren jinx may have been broken!> > --Helen Parker> >> >> > _______________________________________________> > Birdnotes mailing list> > [email protected]> > https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes> >> > > > > _______________________________________________> Birdnotes mailing list> [email protected]> https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>



From h-parker at uiuc.edu Tue Dec 27 09:45:32 2005From: h-parker at uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Tue Dec 27 09:47:34 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] turkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Finally! Yesterday I got a call from Beth to the effect that the turkeys were on her block (West Vermont). So I grabbed a camera and went turkey

hunting. The birds were there as advertised. I took half a dozen pictures; I have sent 2 to Pam for posting on the CCAS website if she chooses to do so, but I can't say if or when that will occur.

--Helen

From vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Tue Dec 27 12:33:20 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Tue Dec 27 12:33:22 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Wild Turkey closeupsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I finally saw the fabled turkeys...and I'm beginning to worry aboutthem. I went looking for them on Friday afternoon. I found them forthe first time...on Cureton...where they attacked! Ok...notreally...but when they spotted my truck they came after me, and blockedmy truck for several minutes. That was fine...I was there to see them,but has someone been feeding them from CARS???!!! Make sure you don'tdo that! They will soon be roadkill! They obviously expected somethingfrom me...2 of them even chased the truck when I drove off (for almosthalf a block!).

Back yard feeding is fine, but if they learn to expect something fromvehicles, they're in trouble...

Bob :)___________________________________

From vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Tue Dec 27 12:41:19 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Tue Dec 27 12:41:30 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Raptors!Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I just drove from my place past Weaver Park, around to Meadowbrook, andthen into campus on Pennsylvania...

A Red Tail at Weaver...

2 Kestrals right by the road on South Lincoln near the barns...

2 Raptors circling over Florida (roughly over the U of I's President'shouse)...white rump patches...didn't quite look like Red Tails...RoughLegged?

Then just ABOVE them...also circling for several minutes...a whiteraptor? with black/dark wingtips, white/light tail (whole bird was lightcolored)..thought it was a seagull at first...Any ideas? It driftedoff northeast (probably right over Chatos house :)...

Bob VaidenFrom ej2akind at sbcglobal.net Tue Dec 27 15:36:44 2005From: ej2akind at sbcglobal.net (Erin Glynn)Date: Tue Dec 27 15:36:46 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] link to turkey photos


Hi,

I moved the turkey pictures that I have to a publicfolder. Anyone can view them at the following page:

http://photos.yahoo.com/[email protected]

There are some from the summer and a couple fromNovember.

ErinFrom LewsaderBud at aol.com Tue Dec 27 15:59:38 2005From: LewsaderBud at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Tue Dec 27 15:59:48 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Middle ForkMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Today I took a drive up to the Middle Fork Forrest Preserve. Not much going on up there. I did see a Buck and three Does going across the wetlands, and a Kestrel flying by. On the way up there I did see 3 Redtails. I left there and came back to Lake Vermilion. Where I saw both adult Bald Eagles. One on the ice and the other one flying overhead.-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051227/ce7850d5/attachment.htmFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 27 21:11:45 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 27 21:11:48 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] link to turkey photosMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I was impressed by how much the poults have grown between summer andwhen I saw them this past Thursday and Saturday!!

Bernie Sloan

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Erin GlynnSent: Tuesday, December 27, 2005 3:37 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] link to turkey photos

Hi,

I moved the turkey pictures that I have to a publicfolder. Anyone can view them at the following page:

http://photos.yahoo.com/[email protected]

There are some from the summer and a couple fromNovember.

Erin_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom bernies at uillinois.edu Tue Dec 27 22:13:06 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Tue Dec 27 22:13:17 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Interesting item about bird control specialistMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

The article I originally read was on page A-5 of today's News-Gazetteprint edition, but I couldn't find it on the N-G Web site. Here it isfrom online Pantagraph:

Bird-control specialist keeps secrets close to the vest.http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2005/12/27/news/102031.txt

Interesting story....



From charleneanchor at msn.com Wed Dec 28 08:26:40 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Wed Dec 28 08:27:45 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Wild Turkey closeupsMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Bob and others,

People are probably getting tired of hearing me express my concern over these turkeys. But here I go again.....How do we know that it is ok to be feeding them? When they get into breeding mode, assuming one or more are males, their behavior will change. How territorial will they become? Also, they could cause accidents even without feeding them from cars. There are other people seeing them besides those of us on this list. How can they be advised as to not to feed them from cars? Is it possible for them to be trapped and removed? Or do we just have to wait and see what happens? Has anyone tried to check into this? I could check into it but it makes more sense, it would seem, if those who see them would do it. They could answer questions about their appearance, what they are doing, and where they are better than me. It seems to me like a novelty at the expense of the turkeys.

Ok - I'm through.Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Vaiden, RobertSent: Tuesday, December 27, 2005 12:33 PMTo: BirdnotesSubject: RE: [Birdnotes] Wild Turkey closeups

I finally saw the fabled turkeys...and I'm beginning to worry aboutthem. I went looking for them on Friday afternoon. I found them forthe first time...on Cureton...where they attacked! Ok...notreally...but when they spotted my truck they came after me, and blockedmy truck for several minutes. That was fine...I was there to see them,but has someone been feeding them from CARS???!!! Make sure you don'tdo that! They will soon be roadkill! They obviously expected somethingfrom me...2 of them even chased the truck when I drove off (for almosthalf a block!).

Back yard feeding is fine, but if they learn to expect something fromvehicles, they're in trouble...

Bob :)___________________________________

_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051228/1c80ca04/attachment.htmFrom limey at uiuc.edu Wed Dec 28 11:02:21 2005From: limey at uiuc.edu (John David Buckmaster)Date: Wed Dec 28 11:02:25 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] turkey feedingMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I have now seen the turkeys three times over the past few weeks, and their behavior has always been the same - indifference or slight nervousness if people or cars get too close. The last time was on Colorado on Saturday. They were in the middle of the road with cars lined up to the west and 2 cars to the east, mine included. When the car in front of me squeezed by them I got out, crossed to the south sidewalk (as they appeared to be interested in crossing to the north), and shooed them across. They did this promptly but without panic and then commenced pecking at things on the nearest lawn. At no time did they seem interested in the cars apart from the fact that they interfered with their "crossing the road" mental circuit.

It's possible that people have been feeding them from cars but, I would have thought, quite unlikely. I don't think, for the most part, that people are driving around town with readily accessible food that they might think of giving turkeys. And why would anyone feed them from the

car, rather than get out to get closer to them? It would be good if we didn't turn a speculation by one of us into a "fact".

Could they become roadkill? Clearly yes, for they do cross roads. But I have not seen any squirrel-like dashes, they are highly visible, and the reaction of every driver I have seen is to stop or slow to a crawl.

Finally, if there are people who are concerned that something should be done, let them do it. I dont see why it necessarily has to be done by someone who has seen them. They exist, they are in Urbana. We even have pictures now to prove it.

John Buckmaster2014 BoudreauUrbana IL [email protected] next part --------------A non-text attachment was scrubbed...Name: not availableType: text/enrichedSize: 1729 bytesDesc: not availableUrl : https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051228/519a7f59/attachment.binFrom h-parker at uiuc.edu Wed Dec 28 12:31:36 2005From: h-parker at uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Wed Dec 28 12:34:09 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding???Message-ID: <[email protected]>

When I saw the turkeys Monday, they totally ignored my little white car, but seemed to expect something from the red SUV that came by. Bob, your truck is red--maybe they associate red with food or something??? I agree that people should not feed them--except maybe to put corn out on the ground.

--Helen Parker

P.S. Has anybody asked the guy at the Natural History Survey--Patrick Hubert, I think his name is--who has been studying wild turkeys his opinions on this group?

From bpalmore at egix.net Wed Dec 28 13:38:27 2005From: bpalmore at egix.net (Bland Palmore)Date: Wed Dec 28 13:38:26 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Wild Turkey closeupsIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>References: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Perhaps the listserve of WUNA and SUNA should be informed. A lot of people belong to this web-site in west/south Urbana. Bland

At 08:26 AM 12/28/2005, charlene anchor wrote:>Bob and others,>>People are probably getting tired of hearing me express my concern over >these turkeys. But here I go again....How do we know that it is ok to be >feeding them? When they get into breeding mode, assuming one or more are >males, their behavior will change. How territorial will they >become? Also, they could cause accidents even without feeding them from >cars. There are other people seeing them besides those of us on this >list. How can they be advised as to not to feed them from cars? Is it >possible for them to be trapped and removed? Or do we just have to wait >and see what happens? Has anyone tried to check into this? I could check >into it but it makes more sense, it would seem, if those who see them >would do it. They could answer questions about their appearance, what they >are doing, and where they are better than me. It seems to me like a >novelty at the expense of the turkeys.>>Ok - I'm through.>Charlene Anchor>>----- Original Message ----->From: Vaiden, Robert>Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2005 12:33 PM>To: Birdnotes>Subject: RE: [Birdnotes] Wild Turkey closeups>>I finally saw the fabled turkeys...and I'm beginning to worry about>them. I went looking for them on Friday afternoon. I found them for>the first time...on Cureton...where they attacked! Ok...not>really...but when they spotted my truck they came after me, and blocked>my truck for several minutes. That was fine...I was there to see them,>but has someone been feeding them from CARS???!!! Make sure you don't>do that! They will soon be roadkill! They obviously expected something>from me...2 of them even chased the truck when I drove off (for almost>half a block!).>>Back yard feeding is fine, but if they learn to expect something from>vehicles, they're in trouble...>>Bob :)>___________________________________>>

>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>>_______________________________________________>Birdnotes mailing list>[email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes

From charleneanchor at msn.com Wed Dec 28 14:21:09 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Wed Dec 28 14:15:20 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding???Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Helen and others,

It was suggested that those concerned about the turkeys do something. I've been concerned since they showed up and I did two things. First, I talked to someone I know at the News-Gazette suggesting that an interview take place with the ornithologists at the Natural History Survey. This could have resulted in a longer article being reported in the Gazette. It was before Thanksgiving and I thought it could tie in nicely with the holiday and possibly be educational for everyone. I was hoping we could learn more about what to do. I was told that since a "short" article and interview had just been done, the Gazette would not want to do another immediately.

Second, I communicated with Patrick Hubert. He was the turkey expert at the Natural History Survey but has since left for a position in Canada. He told me the following:"....not much could be done until folks in the area where the turkeys are roaming want them removed......If turkeys start reproducing they will certainly become a problem. ......they are a little too dirty/destructive, and can be a little too aggressive..."(Jim Hoyt also referred us to an article about their aggressiveness in the Wall Street Journal) These are the words of an expert who knows more than any of us. Since Patrick is no longer here, Kevin Johnson who was quoted in the article, seems to be the next logical contact.

I'm speaking from a distance. The turkeys are not in my neighborhood and are not going to be causing me problems. They are now approaching cars- even if they are just red cars!! I would feel bad if any accidents happened and I'm also concerned about the turkeys. As a result, in spite of my being a Champaign resident, I feel I have already tried to do something about it. I made an error by not quoting Patrick immediately.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Helen ParkerSent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 12:35 PM

To: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding???

When I saw the turkeys Monday, they totally ignored my little white car, but seemed to expect something from the red SUV that came by. Bob, your truck is red--maybe they associate red with food or something??? I agree that people should not feed them--except maybe to put corn out on the ground.--Helen Parker


_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051228/f7c3e853/attachment.htmFrom limey at uiuc.edu Wed Dec 28 15:44:42 2005From: limey at uiuc.edu (John David Buckmaster)Date: Wed Dec 28 15:45:03 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding???In-Reply-To: <[email protected]>References: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Hi all, now I'm a touch confused about Charlene's position. She claims to be concerned about the turkeys, in which case it's her business no matter where she lives. And she claims that she is concerned about their impact on the residents of Urbana but, at the same time, grants that to be our business. My belief is that we should leave them alone until and if they become a public nuisance. This might well occur - experts have been invoked. But as I wrote long ago, turkeys in the back yards of Eugene Oregon don't appear to be of concern to anyone, so why don't we wait and see? The absence of echos to Charlene's mail suggests that could be the consensus position over here. John.

On Dec 28, 2005, at 2:21 PM, charlene anchor wrote:

> Helen and others,> ?> It was suggested that those concerned about the turkeys do something.? > I've been concerned since they showed up and?I did two things. First, > I talked to someone I know at the News-Gazette suggesting that an > interview take place with the ornithologists at the Natural History > Survey.?This could have resulted in?a longer article being reported in > the Gazette.? It was before?Thanksgiving and I thought it could tie in > nicely with the holiday and possibly?be educational for everyone.? I

> was hoping we could learn more about what to do. ?I was told that > since a "short" article and interview had just been done, the Gazette > would not want to do another immediately.?> ?> Second,?I communicated with Patrick Hubert.? He was the turkey expert > at the Natural History Survey but has since left for a position in > Canada.??He told me the following:> "....not much could be done until folks in the area where the turkeys > are roaming want them removed......If turkeys start reproducing they > will certainly become a problem.? ......they are a little too > dirty/destructive, and can be a little too aggressive.."> (Jim Hoyt also referred us to an article about their aggressiveness in > the Wall Street Journal) These are the words of an expert who knows > more than any of us.? Since Patrick is no longer here, Kevin Johnson > who was quoted in the article, seems to be the next logical contact.> ?> I'm speaking from a distance. The turkeys are not in my neighborhood > and are not going to be causing me problems.??They are?now approaching > cars- even if they are just red cars!! I would feel bad if any > accidents?happened and I'm also?concerned about the turkeys.? As a > result, in spite of my being a Champaign resident, I feel I have > already tried to do something about it.? I made an error by not > quoting Patrick immediately.> ?> Charlene Anchor> ?> ?> ?>> ----- Original Message ----->> From: Helen Parker>> Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 12:35 PM>> To: [email protected]>> Subject: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding???>> ?>> When I saw the turkeys Monday, they totally ignored my little white >> car,>> but seemed to expect something from the red SUV that came by.? Bob, >> your>> truck is red--maybe they associate red with food or something???? I >> agree>> that people should not feed them--except maybe to put corn out on the >> ground.>> --Helen Parker>>>> P.S.? Has anybody asked the guy at the Natural History Survey--Patrick>> Hubert, I think his name is--who has been studying wild turkeys his>> opinions on this group?>>>>>> _______________________________________________>> Birdnotes mailing list>> [email protected]>> https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes> _______________________________________________> Birdnotes mailing list> [email protected]

> https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>John Buckmaster2014 BoudreauUrbana IL [email protected] next part --------------A non-text attachment was scrubbed...Name: not availableType: text/enrichedSize: 8222 bytesDesc: not availableUrl : https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051228/78cbf7b1/attachment.binFrom LewsaderBud at aol.com Thu Dec 29 19:09:42 2005From: LewsaderBud at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Thu Dec 29 19:19:51 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Common Goldeneye Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I went out to Lake Mingo (Vermilion County) today. There was lots of Canada Geese and Mallards, There was also 4 Common Goldeneye"s. Plus others that I could not idenify. I am going back tomorrow to see if I can idenify those. Here is a list of the other birds that I saw.

Red-tail Hawk 2 Bluebirds 4 Redhead Woodpecker 2 Titmouse 1 White Brested Nuthatch 4 Coppers Hawk 1 Starlings 30

Bluebirds 4-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051229/658747d4/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Fri Dec 30 07:19:01 2005

From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Fri Dec 30 08:46:48 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Kevin Johnson and turkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I stopped by the Natural History Survey to look up Kevin Johnson. He is on vacation until after the holidays. I will in in touch with him after he returns. I will report back anything useful or interesting that he may have to say about the turkeys.

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051230/c02a45eb/attachment.htmFrom h-parker at uiuc.edu Fri Dec 30 09:38:32 2005From: h-parker at uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Fri Dec 30 11:53:30 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] documentationMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

WARNING: THIS IS A RANT. If you have always properly documented your sightings, you can skip it.

I am compiler on the Champaign County Christmas Bird Count. As such, I must turn in the birds sighted on the count to both National Audubon and IOS. This is straightforward for most birds, but there are some that are designated "unusual" by one or the other of these places. The designation in some cases is arbitrary and capricious but if I don't give them details, they may not accept the sighting. So when people see a bird that isn't one they see every week at this time of year, WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU SAW, WHEN AND WHERE as soon as you, paper, and a writing implement get together. (Photos are best but as I well know, it takes more time to get a camera on the bird than the bird will sit still for.)

There is a formal documentation form that people are supposed to fill out; it is a major pain. However, if you have written down field notes (see above) at the time it isn't too bad and just the field notes will in most cases be all that is actually needed. So why won't people give me their documentations, at least enough that I can send in the stuff??? On the Dec. 17 count there were 3 species that Illinois has listed as requiring documentation. How many documentations have I gotten? ZERO! People, I can't do my job unless you do yours

I will admit that there may be some species that you didn't know need to be documented--although every party should have been supplied with the official list from Illinois, which makes it clear. National, is, as I said, arbitrary and capricious; in this case I may be able to make do with

very little.However, I really, really need documentation on the goshawk and the peregrine--just because they have been hanging around for a month and have been seen by many people does not excuse you from documenting what was seen on count day, Steve and Greg! (Sorry to point you out in a public forum, but you aren't answering your personal e-mail.)

--Helen Parker, your frustrated CBC compiler

From h-parker at uiuc.edu Fri Dec 30 09:48:26 2005From: h-parker at uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Fri Dec 30 11:53:32 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Goshawk?Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I saw a hawk that I couldn't identify while walking the dog yesterday morning. This morning it dawned on me that it may have been the goshawk--it was about the right size and shape. It was an immature bird, with white feathers in with the brown ones on its back. Front I didn't see too well. It did not have a strong eyestripe and the tail was only weakly banded; this would correspond to a juvenile. Is this what others have been seeing??

--Helen P.

From birder1949 at yahoo.com Fri Dec 30 11:16:44 2005From: birder1949 at yahoo.com (Roger Digges)Date: Fri Dec 30 12:51:50 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Kevin Johnson and turkeysIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Thanks, Charlene. I appreciate your concern about thewellbeing of the turkeys. I would be interested inwhat Kevin has to say about the long-term prognosisfor either leaving the birds alone or relocating them.

I've observed them nearly a dozen times at this point,and while they have appeared once or twice to be atrisk from traffic, vehicles have either slowed orstopped or the turkeys have run or flown from danger. I've been relatively close to them on foot five or sixtimes, and they have never been aggressive. That, ofcourse, may change as the males mature and breedingseason draws near.

So let us know what you find out. If relocationoffers the best future for these birds, I would missthe excitement of sighting them from time to time, but

would be happy to know that their future was moreassured. (Assuming, of course, that they were shottheir first season out!)

Roger Digges

--- charlene anchor <[email protected]> wrote:

> I stopped by the Natural History Survey to look up> Kevin Johnson. He is on vacation until after the> holidays. I will in in touch with him after he> returns. I will report back anything useful or> interesting that he may have to say about the> turkeys.> > Charlene Anchor> > _______________________________________________> Birdnotes mailing list> [email protected]>https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes>


From bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 30 12:53:51 2005From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 30 14:13:49 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Very quiet MeadowbrookMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

11AM, Friday, 12/30/05

I don't think I've ever seen Meadowbrook so quiet in terms of birdactivity...

One robin flying west to east from Forestry.One goldfinch flying north to south by the wooden bridge in the southcentral part of the park.


Phone: (217) 333-4895Fax: (217) 265-0454E-mail: [email protected] bernies at uillinois.edu Fri Dec 30 13:43:35 2005

From: bernies at uillinois.edu (Sloan, Bernie)Date: Fri Dec 30 15:00:53 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Kevin Johnson and turkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I don't have a lot of time for a response to this, but I wanted toquickly throw something out regarding possible relocation of theturkeys.

Erin Glynn's pictures of the very small, very young poults are fromJune. That would lead me to believe that they've grown up in anurban/suburban environment, and are acclimated to letting people comeclose, not particularly experienced with the type of predators and foodsources they'd face in the wild, etc.

Would someone be putting them in even more danger by relocating themafter they'd grown up in southeast Urbana?

I might feel different about relocation if country birds had migratedinto Urbana and were causing trouble. But I see the poults as urbanbirds used to urban ways...

More later then I have a few more minutes...

Bernie Sloan

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of RogerDiggesSent: Friday, December 30, 2005 11:17 AMTo: charlene anchor; [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] Kevin Johnson and turkeys


I've observed them nearly a dozen times at this point,and while they have appeared once or twice to be atrisk from traffic, vehicles have either slowed orstopped or the turkeys have run or flown from danger. I've been relatively close to them on foot five or sixtimes, and they have never been aggressive. That, ofcourse, may change as the males mature and breedingseason draws near.

So let us know what you find out. If relocationoffers the best future for these birds, I would missthe excitement of sighting them from time to time, butwould be happy to know that their future was moreassured. (Assuming, of course, that they were shottheir first season out!)

Roger Digges



__________________________________________ Yahoo! DSL - Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl.yahoo.com

_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotesFrom limey at uiuc.edu Fri Dec 30 15:39:59 2005From: limey at uiuc.edu (John David Buckmaster)Date: Fri Dec 30 16:17:53 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] rounding up turkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

It has been my observation that whenever humans interfere with wild animals there are likely to be unanticipated consequences that are not good for the animals, and such interference should always be a last resort, when it is quite clear that not interfering will lead to unacceptable misfortune. We are, I think, by our nature as nature lovers, inclined to interfere. We should remember that with full frontal lobe intensity.

John

John Buckmaster2014 BoudreauUrbana IL [email protected] next part --------------A non-text attachment was scrubbed...Name: not available

Type: text/enrichedSize: 554 bytesDesc: not availableUrl : https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051230/5ba76df2/attachment.binFrom lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu Fri Dec 30 18:32:43 2005From: lambeth at ad.uiuc.edu (Gregory S Lambeth)Date: Fri Dec 30 18:34:29 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] documentationReferences: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Helen:

I've been out of town and returned last night at 1:00am which is why you don't have documentation from me. There's no need to call me out on a private email I sent to you inquiring about documenting regularly occuring species. I've always filled out documentation when required and will do so here.

Greg

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected] on behalf of Helen M ParkerSent: Fri 12/30/2005 9:38 AMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] documentation WARNING: THIS IS A RANT. If you have always properly documented your sightings, you can skip it.

I am compiler on the Champaign County Christmas Bird Count. As such, I must turn in the birds sighted on the count to both National Audubon and IOS. This is straightforward for most birds, but there are some that are designated "unusual" by one or the other of these places. The designation in some cases is arbitrary and capricious but if I don't give them details, they may not accept the sighting. So when people see a bird that isn't one they see every week at this time of year, WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU SAW, WHEN AND WHERE as soon as you, paper, and a writing implement get together. (Photos are best but as I well know, it takes more time to get a camera on the bird than the bird will sit still for.)

There is a formal documentation form that people are supposed to fill out; it is a major pain. However, if you have written down field notes (see above) at the time it isn't too bad and just the field notes will in most cases be all that is actually needed. So why won't people give me their documentations, at least enough that I can send in the stuff??? On the

Dec. 17 count there were 3 species that Illinois has listed as requiring documentation. How many documentations have I gotten? ZERO! People, I can't do my job unless you do yours

I will admit that there may be some species that you didn't know need to be documented--although every party should have been supplied with the official list from Illinois, which makes it clear. National, is, as I said, arbitrary and capricious; in this case I may be able to make do with very little.However, I really, really need documentation on the goshawk and the peregrine--just because they have been hanging around for a month and have been seen by many people does not excuse you from documenting what was seen on count day, Steve and Greg! (Sorry to point you out in a public forum, but you aren't answering your personal e-mail.)

--Helen Parker, your frustrated CBC compiler


From LewsaderBud at aol.com Fri Dec 30 18:35:12 2005From: LewsaderBud at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Fri Dec 30 18:35:17 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Lake MingoMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I went back to Lake Mingo today. One of the species of birds that was there, was two Ross's Geese. There was also 14 ducks there that I cannot find in my book. I guess I will have to go to a bookstore and look it up. I didn't see any of the "Common Goldeneyes" today. -------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051230/d34ce39b/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Fri Dec 30 20:01:36 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Fri Dec 30 19:55:41 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Kevin Johnson and turkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I don't think any of us know what is possible or not possible regarding the turkeys. The ornithologists weren't even sure if they were wild, domestic, or maybe there could be a possibility of them being a wild/domestic mix. Relocation may, or may not, be a good idea. There may not even be anyone willing to trap them if it was a good idea. They are young now. As adults they may not be so charming especially when they come of breeding age. Right now they are quiet (that will change)

and not misbehaving (that could change). Would someone like to give them a home? That may be a possibility. Even though they are used to wandering the streets of Urbana, that doesn't mean that that's in their best interest. But maybe that's what will end up happening.

Talking to Kevin would answer some questions. Everything else right now is speculation.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message -----From: Sloan, BernieSent: Friday, December 30, 2005 1:44 PMTo: Roger Digges; charlene anchor; [email protected]: RE: [Birdnotes] Kevin Johnson and turkeys

I don't have a lot of time for a response to this, but I wanted toquickly throw something out regarding possible relocation of theturkeys.

Erin Glynn's pictures of the very small, very young poults are fromJune. That would lead me to believe that they've grown up in anurban/suburban environment, and are acclimated to letting people comeclose, not particularly experienced with the type of predators and foodsources they'd face in the wild, etc.

Would someone be putting them in even more danger by relocating themafter they'd grown up in southeast Urbana?

I might feel different about relocation if country birds had migratedinto Urbana and were causing trouble. But I see the poults as urbanbirds used to urban ways...

More later then I have a few more minutes...

Bernie Sloan

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of RogerDiggesSent: Friday, December 30, 2005 11:17 AMTo: charlene anchor; [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] Kevin Johnson and turkeys


I've observed them nearly a dozen times at this point,and while they have appeared once or twice to be atrisk from traffic, vehicles have either slowed orstopped or the turkeys have run or flown from danger. I've been relatively close to them on foot five or sixtimes, and they have never been aggressive. That, of

course, may change as the males mature and breedingseason draws near.

So let us know what you find out. If relocationoffers the best future for these birds, I would missthe excitement of sighting them from time to time, butwould be happy to know that their future was moreassured. (Assuming, of course, that they were shottheir first season out!)

Roger Digges



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_______________________________________________Birdnotes mailing [email protected]://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/birdnotes-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051230/82d53eda/attachment-0001.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Fri Dec 30 21:07:25 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Fri Dec 30 21:01:27 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Meadowbrook, Forestry and woodpeckersMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

As Bernie noted, it was quiet this morning at Meadowbrook. I probably took a different route along the creek and south border, but only saw a few more species: CARDINALS, DOWNY, TREE SPARROWS, BLUE JAY, PHEASANT (only 1 quiet female) and MOURNING DOVES.

At the Forestry it was a little more interesting: RED-TAILED HAWK, CARDINALS, RED-BELLIED, DOWNY & HAIRY WOODPECKERS, BROWN CREEPER, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and GOLDFINCH AND PURPLE FINCH eating honeysuckle berries together. West of the Forestry in the unplowed fields were an estimated 150 CROWS on the ground. They flew up and circled numerous times making noisy crow sounds and then all flew north over the beekeeping-area trees and disappeared. NO OWLS!

A while back Matthew Thorum questioned whether woodpeckers are capable of standing upright. At that time, I thought the woodpeckers' toe formation of, 2 toes in front and 2 in back, Zygodactyl) may have had something to do with their posture. But in checking further I learned some things.

Other birds also have Zygodactyl toes, including cuckoos and parrots, birds which climb around branches a lot. That toe formation provides a strong grip. For the woodpeckers (all except the Three-toed) their toe formation, extra-long, decurved claws and stiff tails keep them from falling out of the trees while doing all that hammering! Also somewhere, someone at sometime, has observed all the woodpeckers that I looked up (Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, Red-headed) on the ground hopping, and to my surprise anting - but rarely occurring. Then several sources commented on woodpeckers' strong, short legs. Maybe that is the clue? They may be actually standing but appear to be sitting due to their short legs? This morning while looking at the woodpeckers I tried to observe their legs. I couldn't see them because they "were on their bellies." A bird bander or someone who has seen specimens has probably noted their particular leg structure.

I've never given woodpeckers a whole lot of thought or consideration. But the more I read about them and their various adaptations, the more remarkable they became.

Charlene Anchor -------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051230/7f11ce2b/attachment.htmFrom charleneanchor at msn.com Fri Dec 30 23:45:01 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)Date: Fri Dec 30 23:39:03 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] TurkeysMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

I need to make a correction....in my previous statement....the ornithologists would know if the turkeys are domestic or not. Recalling more accurately, they questioned whether they could be part domestic or not. (I definitely need to get off this subject :-))

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051230/a71645d7/attachment.htmFrom jwhoyt at prairienet.org Sat Dec 31 00:03:16 2005

From: jwhoyt at prairienet.org (James Hoyt)Date: Sat Dec 31 00:05:46 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Lake MingoIn-Reply-To: <[email protected]>Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Lew,

Nice to hear that they are in Central Illinois!

There were several Ross'es Geese at Union County and Horseshoe Lake CBC's.

Next year call up Verne Kleen!

He can always use some extra help from intrepid birders.

Jim Hoyt :)On Fri, 30 Dec 2005 [email protected] wrote:

> I went back to Lake Mingo today. One of the species of birds that was there, > was two Ross's Geese. There was also 14 ducks there that I cannot find in my > book. I guess I will have to go to a bookstore and look it up. I didn't see > any of the "Common Goldeneyes" today. >



From charleneanchor at msn.com Sat Dec 31 08:15:09 2005From: charleneanchor at msn.com (charlene anchor)

Date: Sat Dec 31 08:22:48 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Questions for Kevin JohnsonMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Birdnoters,

There are different feelings being expressed about the turkeys and so different questions need to be asked besides mine. If anyone has questions they want to know about except the few I raised, I would appreciate it if you would send them to me so that I can make a list for Kevin. Thanks.

Now I am going to flush my obsessive mind of "turkey thoughts" until next year sometime.Happy New Year's.

Charlene Anchor-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051231/a6b5f221/attachment.htmFrom h-parker at uiuc.edu Sat Dec 31 10:47:40 2005From: h-parker at uiuc.edu (Helen Parker)Date: Sat Dec 31 10:47:39 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] count week eagleMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Somebody posted a note about a bald eagle seen Tuesday, 12/20. The information has vanished from my computer, so I don't remember who saw it--but I (and Audubon) would like to know if it was an adult or immature. Thanks.

--Helen Parker

From vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Sat Dec 31 18:19:12 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Sat Dec 31 18:19:14 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding???Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Actually, their behavior was so striking, that my wife thought they musthave been fed from another red pickup...they really did run out to meetme, stopped me, stood in front and alongside the truck for severalminutes waiting, and then chased me down the street! Bob :)______________________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of HelenParkerSent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 12:32 PMTo: [email protected]: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding???

When I saw the turkeys Monday, they totally ignored my little white car,

but seemed to expect something from the red SUV that came by. Bob, your

truck is red--maybe they associate red with food or something??? Iagree that people should not feed them--except maybe to put corn out on theground.

--Helen Parker



From vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Sat Dec 31 18:21:06 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Sat Dec 31 18:21:07 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding???Message-ID: <[email protected]>

I'm glad to have turkeys running around...they can visit my part of townanytime... Bob :-)______________________________________________________________________________ -----Original Message-----From: [email protected][mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John DavidBuckmasterSent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 3:45 PMTo: [email protected]: Re: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding??? Hi all, now I'm a touch confused about Charlene's position. She claimsto be concerned about the turkeys, in which case it's her business nomatter where she lives. And she claims that she is concerned about theirimpact on the residents of Urbana but, at the same time, grants that tobe our business. My belief is that we should leave them alone until andif they become a public nuisance. This might well occur - experts havebeen invoked. But as I wrote long ago, turkeys in the back yards ofEugene Oregon don't appear to be of concern to anyone, so why don't wewait and see? The absence of echos to Charlene's mail suggests thatcould be the consensus position over here. John.

On Dec 28, 2005, at 2:21 PM, charlene anchor wrote: Helen and others, It was suggested that those concerned about the turkeys do

something. I've been concerned since they showed up and I did twothings. First, I talked to someone I know at the News-Gazette suggestingthat an interview take place with the ornithologists at the NaturalHistory Survey. This could have resulted in a longer article beingreported in the Gazette. It was before Thanksgiving and I thought itcould tie in nicely with the holiday and possibly be educational foreveryone. I was hoping we could learn more about what to do. I wastold that since a "short" article and interview had just been done, theGazette would not want to do another immediately.

Second, I communicated with Patrick Hubert. He was the turkey

expert at the Natural History Survey but has since left for a positionin Canada. He told me the following:

"....not much could be done until folks in the area where the

turkeys are roaming want them removed......If turkeys start reproducingthey will certainly become a problem. ......they are a little toodirty/destructive, and can be a little too aggressive.."

(Jim Hoyt also referred us to an article about their

aggressiveness in the Wall Street Journal) These are the words of anexpert who knows more than any of us. Since Patrick is no longer here,Kevin Johnson who was quoted in the article, seems to be the nextlogical contact.

I'm speaking from a distance. The turkeys are not in my

neighborhood and are not going to be causing me problems. They are nowapproaching cars- even if they are just red cars!! I would feel bad ifany accidents happened and I'm also concerned about the turkeys. As aresult, in spite of my being a Champaign resident, I feel I have alreadytried to do something about it. I made an error by not quoting Patrickimmediately.

Charlene Anchor

----- Original Message ----- From: Helen Parker Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 12:35 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Birdnotes] turkey feeding???

When I saw the turkeys Monday, they totally ignored my

little white car, but seemed to expect something from the red SUV that

came by. Bob, your truck is red--maybe they associate red with food or

something??? I agree that people should not feed them--except maybe to put

corn out on the ground. --Helen Parker P.S. Has anybody asked the guy at the Natural History

Survey--Patrick Hubert, I think his name is--who has been studying wild

turkeys his opinions on this group?

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John Buckmaster 2014 Boudreau Urbana IL 61801 217.621.9786 [email protected] -------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051231/31715fd0/attachment-0001.htmFrom vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu Sat Dec 31 18:24:14 2005From: vaiden at isgs.uiuc.edu (Vaiden, Robert)Date: Sat Dec 31 18:24:15 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Crab OrchardMessage-ID: <[email protected]>

Stopped by Crab Orchard viewing stand today...1 million Canada Geese...:-) Scaups, Bufflehead, Canvassback, Pintails, Mallards, Coots...1 BaldEagle... Another Bald Eagle right over I-57 about 30 minutes north ofMarion...large (1000?) flocks of Snow Geese headed SW, Red tails andKestrals all along the road... Bob :-)-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051231/99a7c9ba/attachment.htmFrom Birderdlt at aol.com Sat Dec 31 19:01:04 2005From: Birderdlt at aol.com ([email protected])Date: Sat Dec 31 19:04:33 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] Kickapoo - Dec. 31Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Will just mention a couple of birds that a group of us saw today near Kickapoo State Park. Had one flyover SANDHILL CRANE, three GADWALL, a CATBIRD, one white headed CANADA GOOSE, and one NORTHERN CARDINAL that had a white head and white blotches on the back.

David ThomasChampaign, IL-------------- next part --------------An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: https://mail.prairienet.org/pipermail/birdnotes/attachments/20051231/6d5e8dcd/attachment.htmFrom limey at uiuc.edu Sat Dec 31 20:04:35 2005From: limey at uiuc.edu (John David Buckmaster)Date: Sat Dec 31 20:05:01 2005Subject: [Birdnotes] red Message-ID: <[email protected]>

Turkeys were on G Huff this afternoon, near Race. I was driving my wife's car - red. No interaction different from the previous ones. Now I don't know Bob, but clearly it must be he that attracted them! And like him, I think they are neat.

John

John Buckmaster2014 BoudreauUrbana IL [email protected]

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