From: Paul J. Baicich [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2011 6:10 AM
To: Paul J. Baicich
Cc: Wayne R. Petersen
Subject: Birding Community E-bulletin - June 2011

 


THE BIRDING COMMUNITY E-BULLETIN
            June 2011
 
 
This Birding Community E-bulletin is being distributed to active and
concerned birders, those dedicated to the joys of birding and the protection
of birds and their habitats. 
 
You can access an archive of past E-bulletins on the website of the National
Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA):
www.refugenet.org/birding/birding5.html
 
 
RARITY FOCUS
 
On the afternoon of 29 April, John Leon and his son, Evan, encountered and
photographed a male Garganey at Fernald Preserve not far from Cincinatti in
northwestern Hamilton County, Ohio. The bird, which was not banded, was in
the company of several Blue-winged Teal. If accepted by the state records
committee, this would be the second record for Ohio, the first having
occurred in Northwest Ohio in the spring of 2002. 
 
The Fernald Preserve, operated by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of
Legacy Management, opened to the public in 2008. Once the site of a uranium
foundry, the Fernald property has undergone a $4.4 billion environmental
cleanup and ecological restoration. It features 140 acres of wetland
habitat, 400 acres of forests, and 360 acres of grasslands. 
 
Garganey is a waterfowl species that breeds across Eurasia from Great
Britain and Sweden to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East. It
winters in central Africa, and from the Arabian Peninsula to China and
Thailand. For readers unfamiliar with the species, check any European or
Asian bird guide to see an illustration. You can also find the species
described in the National Geographic guide on pp.36-37, the Kaufman Guide on
pp. 23-23, the "big Sibley" on p. 86, Stokes on p. 30, or the new Crossley
guide on p. 59. 
 
Garganey was formerly rare in North America, and may be even rarer today.
Most historic reports have been from western Alaska, particularly in the
Aleutians in spring and fall. California has also had about two dozen
reports, mainly during spring or fall. There are additional records, widely
scattered throughout North America, especially at coastal sites. However, a
decrease in the number of more recent reports, especially from Alaska and
California, may reflect significant population declines in Asia. (The
population in east Asia declined from an estimated 90,000 birds during the
1970s to 22,000 birds by 2003).
 
The Fernald Preserve Garganey was observed almost daily through 13 May,
often from the easily accessible main entrance viewing platform, but
sometimes at other locations as well. Sometimes the bird also flew to the
reclaimed areas closed to the general public. Nonetheless, it entertained
many a visiting birder.
 
To see some photos and a video of this Garganey taken by Allan Claybon, see:
www.flickr.com/photos/nsxbirder/5670674175/in/set-72157626486350219 
 
 
AN AMAZING ONE-DAY WONDER
 
On 18 May at about 1:15pm Ian Davies discovered a Eurasian Hobby near his
home on Bartlett Pond in the Manomet section of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The
bird ranged around the pond and was seen intermittently for almost three
hours. Several other fortunate birders were able to rush to Plymouth and
also glimpse this Old World falcon before it departed. At 3:55pm the bird
was observed in northbound flight along a nearby dune line of the beach in
pursuit of swallows, after which it was never again relocated.
 
There are about 20 previous records for Alaska (mostly from the Aleutians)
for this small falcon, as well as a record for Washington State (2001) and
one for Newfoundland (2004), but that's about it!
 
Here are some photos of the Mssachusetts bird in flight taken by Ian Davies:
www.flickr.com/photos/uropsalis/5734557261/
and some by Jeremiah Trimble:
www.flickr.com/photos/jrtrimble/sets/72157626638562721/detail/
 
 
ANOTHER "RARITY". OR NOT?
 
On 8 May Andrew and Tim Davis found a Rufous-collared Sparrow on the way up
to Loveland Pass in Georgetown, Colorado, which is west of Denver. ,. This
is a common to abundant species - often near human habitation - practically
throughout much of its extensive Neotropical range. The range extends from
southern Mexico to southern Chile and Argentina (from sea level to over
11,000 feet), -but it has never been reported before in the U.S. 
 
Photographs were taken, and the bird, unbanded and healthy in appearance,
was observed for many days by multiple observers at least through 23 May.
 
While this is a very common bird where it regularly occurs, it is also a
basically sedentary species, so its occurrence so far north of its normal
range is most surprising. It is also a common cage-bird in parts of its
range. In fact, for $35 one can obtain one from a dealer in California:
www.birdsexpress.net/rufous-collared-sparrow.html
 
As a result of these factors, the sparrow's provennace remains questionable.
Still, birds have wings. Was this an escaped cage-bird? We'll likely never
know for certain.
 
 
MIDWAY UPDATE: SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSSES CONTINUE
 
The rare Short-tailed Albatrosses raising a chick on Midway (Eastern Island)
in the Pacific are doing well. The youngster, on this part of Midway Atoll
NWR, continues to be tended by both adults. For previous reports and links,
see here:
www.refugeassociation.org/birding/maysbc11.html#TOC04
 
 
SOUTH ASIAN VULTURES:  THE CRISIS CONTINUES
 
As long ago as 2006 -we reported on the decline of vultures in southern
Asiawhich was linked to the increased use of diclofenac, a drug used on
cattle, but toxic to any vulture that feeds on the carcass of any recently
treated bovine:
www.refugeassociation.org/birding/octSBC06.html#TOC15
 
Despite recent regional bans on declofenac, three species of south Asia's
vultures are threatened with possible extinction, suggesting a continued use
of the drug for livestock. All three species of vultures - White-rumped,
Indian, and Slender-billed - have declined by more than 97 per cent since
the early 1990s.
 
To view the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' (RSPB) recent video
about the effort to save the vultures and to meet the people who are working
on the program, see here:
http://vimeo.com/19503113
 
 
CANADA-WIDE LOON SURVEY
 
The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey (CLLS) 2011 season (May to July) is upon us,
and volunteers are still needed from across Canada. Among other things, this
survey provides a great opportunity for lake users and cottage owners to
support research and conservation activities. Surveyors visit and survey
their assigned lake at least three times during the summer (i.e., June,
July, and August), record the number of Common Loon pairs on the lake, and
track each pair's breeding success.
 
Anyone who spends time on a Canadian lake and is interested in participating
can contact Kathy Jones (). For more details,
including a map where surveys are currently taking place, see:
www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/clls/
and
www.google.com/fusiontables/DataSource?snapid=S180410LEyn
 
 
NEW CANADIAN MARITIMES SWIFTWATCH PROGRAM TO BE LAUNCHED
 
 Canada is also about to launch another new national survey called
"Swiftwatch."
 
With the cooperation of Environment Canada, the Mersey Tobeatic Research
Institute, Nova Scotia Bird Society, Blomidon Naturalists' Society, Pictou
County Naturalists' Club, Nature NB, and the Ecology Action Centre, Bird
Studies Canada will be piloting a new Maritime-wide Swiftwatch program this
summer. Although partners and individuals have been monitoring Chimney
Swifts at different scales and locations for several years, this new program
will add an overarching framework to the effort, as well as providing
consistent and scientific protocols. The goal is to identify, monitor, and
ultimately protect Chimney Swift roosts and nesting sites to ensure this
species' long-term recovery. To learn more about becoming involved in the
Maritime Swiftwatch program, email Ally Manthorne
().
 
In past issues of the Birding Community E-bulletin, we have reported on
swift-watching, mostly in the U.S., and mostly connected to efforts
coordinated by the Driftwood Wildlife Association. For more details, see:
www.chimneyswifts.org/
 
 
IBA NEWS: 2011 STATE OF THE BIRDS FOCUSES ON PUBLIC LANDS
 
In early May, a coalition of groups coordinated by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service released the "2011 State of the Birds Report," a report
which finds that public lands and waters provide essential habitat for the
survival of hundred United States bird species.
 
The report was released in at an event led by Secretary of the Interior Ken
Salazar and preceded by a bird walk at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
in Washington DC. The bird walk was attended by students from the Brent
Elementary School, a public school in the District.
 
In the U.S., about 90 percent of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) represent
some federal, state, or municipal land-category, a fact which stresses the
importance of public lands to the Important Bird Area program. Some examples
include the following:
. 97% of the endangered Kirtland's Warbler's distribution is on public
lands.
. 79% of the Gunnison Sage-Grouse's distribution is on public lands.
. More than 75% of the breeding season distribution of Sage Sparrows and Le
Conte's Thrashers is on public lands.
. Almost 46% of the distribution of the California Gnatcatcher, a threatened
species, is found on Department of Defense lands such as Camp Pendleton.
.An average of 78% of the declining Hawaiian forest birds on Kaua'i exist on
public lands owned by the state.
 
This recent State of the Birds Report comes at a time of extreme budgetary
challenges and it underscores the importance of maintaining support for the
management of our public lands. The report's findings also highlight the
importance of a number of pending policy and spending decisions that the
Obama Administration is now considering which could have far-reaching
impacts on bird populations on public lands.
 
To see this complete, downloadable report, check: 
www.stateofthebirds.org/State%20of%20the%20Birds%202011.pdf
 
While IBAs are mentioned only in passing in the report, their congruence
with crucial public lands plays an important role in the mix of creative
bird conservation measures existing in the U.S. today.
 
For additional information about worldwide IBA programs, including those
across the U.S., check the National Audubon Society's Important Bird Area
program web site at: 
www.audubon.org/bird/iba/ 
 
 
TIP OF THE MONTH:  LEAVE THEM ALONE
 
Since early summer sees the peak of nesting activity for many bird species
across the U.S., it is also the season when baby birds are especially
vulnerable. Predation from avian and mammalian predators usually reaches its
peak at this season, and juvenile birds and fledglings tend to be
particularly vulnerable to collisions with glass windows, moving
automobiles, and the chilling effects of cool, wet weather at this season.
Curiously, however, an equally great threat to baby birds often comes from
well-meaning people who routinely find baby birds on the ground and at once
assume they are either orphans or somehow in trouble, usually when this is
not the case at all. Young birds routinely leave their nest before they are
able to completely fly. It is during this period that the recently fledged
wobbly little flyers are often noticed by unsuspecting and well-meaning
people who believe them to be orphans. Such is usually not the case,
however! Parent birds will generally tend their young even if they are on
the ground after leaving a nest prematurely.
 
The moral here is simple. In general, it is best to leave baby birds alone
if found on the ground. If the nest-site is known, then gently replace the
baby in its nest and leave it alone. In most cases, the parent will find it
and will care for it. Don't immediately bring a baby bird home and try to
feed it, because not only is it against the law to do so for most species,
but also it is a labor intensive chore that is far better left to its
natural mother.
 
 
CONSOLIDATED SITE FOR AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY
 
Recently, a new website and discussion forum for ornithology was launched.
This is a joint effort involving over a dozen ornithological organizations,
mostly from the U.S., but also from Canada and Mexico. The website is
expected to host discussion forums on a wide range of topics, including
current research, permits, animal welfare, research ethics, methods, Q&A on
writing papers, presenting talks, preparing posters, teaching, research
funding, and many other topics of interest to ornithologists.
 
Even without registration, visitors to the site will have access to the home
page, which includes news, announcements, and job listings. Discussion
forums and other content will be reserved for members of the cooperating
ornithological associations.
 
This new effort will not replace individual ornithological society websites,
but will consolidate the information that the societies send out and will
replace several of the existing listserv functions. You can view the site
here:
http://ornithologyexchange.org/
 
 
BOOK NOTES:  ADVANCED KAUFMAN
 
Two decades have passed since the release of Kenn Kaufman's first FIELD
GUIDE TO ADVANCED BIRDING; Kaufman has now produced a second edition with
the subtitle, "Understanding What You See and Hear." 
 
In this new iteration, Kenn Kaufman shares with readers not only "An
Integrated Approach to Field Identification of Birds", but also a series of
chapters ranging from the traditional principles and pitfalls of
identification and how birds are built, to aspects of plumage, molt, and
feather wear. There is also a useful survey of the techniques and resources
available for learning bird identification. Ultimately, however, it is
Kaufman's ever-skillful use of digital photography and illustrations,
combined with his fluid and easy-to-read text and studded with relevant
examples that make this an outstanding resource for birders of all levels.
His years of personal experience combined with a keen ability to distill
complex information into an understandable format make this a valuable new
contribution to field birding. The sections on gull, flycatcher, and sparrow
identification alone justify reading this book. We highly recommend this new
title from Houghton Mifflin (2011).
 
 
LAST MONTH'S NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BIRD BOOK QUIZ
 
Last month's question in the National Geographic book quiz was the
following: Delaware Bay annually hosts thousands of shorebirds every May as
they stop to feed on horseshoe crab eggs on their way to their Arctic
breeding grounds. What are the four most predominant shorebird species in
these annual late spring stopover concentrations?
 
The answer: Red Knot, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, and
Sanderling.
 
Three copies of the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BACKYARD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF NORTH
AMERICA by Jonathan Alderfer and Paul Hess were won by Colin Campbell
(Claymont, Delaware), Jackie Cooper (Rockville, Maryland), and Pam Myers
(Santa Cruz, California), whose names were chosen at random from among all
the correct answers.
 
- - - - - - - - -
You can access past E-bulletins on the National Wildlife Refuge Association
(NWRA) website:
www.refugenet.org/birding/birding5.html
                                    
If you wish to distribute all or parts of any of the monthly Birding
Community E-bulletins, we simply request that you mention the source of any
material used. (Include a URL for the E-bulletin archives, if possible.) 
 
If you have any friends or co-workers who want to get onto the monthly
E-bulletin mailing list, have them contact either:
            
            Wayne R. Petersen, Director
            Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program
            Mass Audubon
            718/259-2178
             
                        or
            Paul J. Baicich 
            410/992-9736
             
                                                            
We never lend or sell our E-bulletin recipient list.
 


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