From mattxyz at earthlink.net Sat Apr 1 06:15:50 2023
From: mattxyz at earthlink.net (Matt Bartels)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park weekly walk to turn to ChatGPT for future
reports.
Message-ID: <0EB77F8F-D4A9-44BB-AA99-D1A0D56471C5@earthlink.net>
Marymoor Park, in Redmond WA, is leading the way in AI-fueled birding.
With the weekly Marymoor bird outings beginning their 30th year, Michael Hobbs, leader of the walk, announced a major change in how future walks will proceed. Beginning in April, ChatGPT will be used in lieu of birders in the field to generate the weekly bird reports.
ChatGPT has exploded in popularity this year as the first widely used example of narrow AI. It appears capable of producing near-human sounding plausible narratives using a LLM in response to user questions. Hobbs, no stranger to technological advances, had just the dataset to train ChatGPT on ? namely, his website https://www.marymoor.org/BirdBlog.htm. With weekly reports for years of consistent birding outings at Marymoor Park, it contained patterns the AI would easily be able to learn from.
?Honestly, it takes very little work to train ChatGPT to produce reports -- arguably better reports than we humans can produce?, Hobbs reported. ChatGPT reviews past Marymoor reports for the week and broader trends on eBird and produces a near-perfect report for future weeks. Hobbs is now working to incorporate weather data into the model as well for better precision.?
Although he has already had ChatGPT produce the reports for each week in 2023, he is keeping future reports a closely held secret, saying ?Afterall, the joy of being a birder is reading about other people?s birding stories, whether to smile at the absurd misses or to groan about the birds you missed by staying home that day. I wouldn?t want to take that away.?
He will offer one clue to the future though: May the 4th ? go to Marymoor on that date.
Faced with the prospect of AI produced bird reports, the Washington Bird Records Committee and the eBird reviewer community have tentatively agreed to treat reports seriously. Said one member ?Seriously, if the quality of detail produced by ChatGPT is as convincing as I?ve seen, it will be a step above many reports we look at already.?
While some are hesitant, others welcome the coming change. ?Anything that might lessen the stress mobs of birders disturbing nature is constantly producing would be a step forward,? says one formerly avid birder. Others are less excited about the changes ? ChatGPT has not helped things with some of its more public failures ? Academics have pointed to papers produced with footnotes created out of whole cloth. A recent article saw the reporter holding an extended conversation w/ the AI that led to the reporter being urged to leave his spouse for the bot ? And ChatGPT is suspected to be behind the new awkward renaming choice of some local birding groups already.
For now, Hobbs says he?ll continue to walk at Marymoor weekly, but he looks forward to stepping away and allowing the bots to continue his legacy ? ?Imagine all those Thursdays I could sleep in? he says wistfully.
Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA
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From birdmarymoor at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 06:37:05 2023
From: birdmarymoor at gmail.com (Michael Hobbs)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] FW: Ebird to partner with ChatGPT
Message-ID:
We are excited to announce that eBird.org, the world's largest birding
community, will be partnering with ChatGPT, a powerful language model, to
provide even more accurate and predictive bird lists for birdwatchers
across the globe.
The integration of ChatGPT into eBird.org is a major breakthrough in the
field of birding and citizen science, as it brings together the power of AI
and community science to make birding more accessible and enjoyable for
everyone.
With ChatGPT's cutting-edge technology, eBird.org will be able to analyze
and interpret vast amounts of data on bird sightings and environmental
factors to create highly accurate and personalized bird lists for
birdwatchers. By integrating ChatGPT's machine learning algorithms into our
platform, we aim to provide users with the most up-to-date and accurate
information on where and when to find the birds they are searching for.
We are thrilled to be partnering with eBird.org on this exciting new
initiative and look forward to seeing the impact that it will have on the
birding community. By combining artificial intelligence with the passion
and expertise of birders around the world, we are confident that we can
continue to make amazing discoveries and gain a better understanding of the
natural world. In fact, we are so thrilled that we let ChatGPT write this
announcement!
Cornell Lab of Ornithology www.eBird.org
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From benedict.t at comcast.net Sat Apr 1 07:24:33 2023
From: benedict.t at comcast.net (Tom Benedict)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park weekly walk to turn to ChatGPT for
future reports.
In-Reply-To: <0EB77F8F-D4A9-44BB-AA99-D1A0D56471C5@earthlink.net>
References: <0EB77F8F-D4A9-44BB-AA99-D1A0D56471C5@earthlink.net>
Message-ID: <11A2FC92-3BCD-43C2-B4FE-00C5210CC6C2@comcast.net>
I totally support this change. The savings in fuel and time costs alone justify it and the positive effects on global climate change are immeasurable.
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
> On Apr 1, 2023, at 06:15, Matt Bartels wrote:
>
> Marymoor Park, in Redmond WA, is leading the way in AI-fueled birding.
>
> With the weekly Marymoor bird outings beginning their 30th year, Michael Hobbs, leader of the walk, announced a major change in how future walks will proceed. Beginning in April, ChatGPT will be used in lieu of birders in the field to generate the weekly bird reports.
>
> ChatGPT has exploded in popularity this year as the first widely used example of narrow AI. It appears capable of producing near-human sounding plausible narratives using a LLM in response to user questions. Hobbs, no stranger to technological advances, had just the dataset to train ChatGPT on ? namely, his website https://www.marymoor.org/BirdBlog.htm. With weekly reports for years of consistent birding outings at Marymoor Park, it contained patterns the AI would easily be able to learn from.
>
> ?Honestly, it takes very little work to train ChatGPT to produce reports -- arguably better reports than we humans can produce?, Hobbs reported. ChatGPT reviews past Marymoor reports for the week and broader trends on eBird and produces a near-perfect report for future weeks. Hobbs is now working to incorporate weather data into the model as well for better precision.?
>
> Although he has already had ChatGPT produce the reports for each week in 2023, he is keeping future reports a closely held secret, saying ?Afterall, the joy of being a birder is reading about other people?s birding stories, whether to smile at the absurd misses or to groan about the birds you missed by staying home that day. I wouldn?t want to take that away.?
>
> He will offer one clue to the future though: May the 4th ? go to Marymoor on that date.
>
> Faced with the prospect of AI produced bird reports, the Washington Bird Records Committee and the eBird reviewer community have tentatively agreed to treat reports seriously. Said one member ?Seriously, if the quality of detail produced by ChatGPT is as convincing as I?ve seen, it will be a step above many reports we look at already.?
>
> While some are hesitant, others welcome the coming change. ?Anything that might lessen the stress mobs of birders disturbing nature is constantly producing would be a step forward,? says one formerly avid birder. Others are less excited about the changes ? ChatGPT has not helped things with some of its more public failures ? Academics have pointed to papers produced with footnotes created out of whole cloth. A recent article saw the reporter holding an extended conversation w/ the AI that led to the reporter being urged to leave his spouse for the bot ? And ChatGPT is suspected to be behind the new awkward renaming choice of some local birding groups already.
>
> For now, Hobbs says he?ll continue to walk at Marymoor weekly, but he looks forward to stepping away and allowing the bots to continue his legacy ? ?Imagine all those Thursdays I could sleep in? he says wistfully.
>
> Matt Bartels
> Seattle, WA
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From baro at pdx.edu Sat Apr 1 09:32:10 2023
From: baro at pdx.edu (Robert O'Brien)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park weekly walk to turn to ChatGPT for
future reports.
In-Reply-To: <11A2FC92-3BCD-43C2-B4FE-00C5210CC6C2@comcast.net>
References: <0EB77F8F-D4A9-44BB-AA99-D1A0D56471C5@earthlink.net>
<11A2FC92-3BCD-43C2-B4FE-00C5210CC6C2@comcast.net>
Message-ID:
I totally support Chat-Birding as well.. The savings in Birding Equipment
alone is worth it. Binos,Scopes, Cameras, Night-vision Imaging, Recording
Equipment, the list goes on and on. I ain't no spring chicken any more and
it was becoming a real chore to lug all this equipment around. I'm assuming
here, of course, that the Chat Box will also produce photos, recordings,
distinctive field marks, etc. of the rarer species that I can keep in my
Birding Scrapbook. I am also guessing that Bird Lists from hard-to-bird
places will also be available. For instance I've always been reluctant to
bird Cartel-ridden areas of Mexico. But, via the Chatbox I can now search
for the Imperial Woodpecker, And this will also open up Birding Areas in
hostage-periled areas of Russia, China, Iran.... The sky is the limit.
(For instance, I could search for Black Swifts on their South
American wintering grounds where they fly for months without ever
landing.) Such a joy to live in the modern world where human intelligence
is a thing of the past. Bob OBrien Portland
P.S. After all, I was never all that smart myself.
On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 7:25?AM Tom Benedict wrote:
> I totally support this change. The savings in fuel and time costs alone
> justify it and the positive effects on global climate change are
> immeasurable.
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
>
> On Apr 1, 2023, at 06:15, Matt Bartels wrote:
>
> Marymoor Park, in Redmond WA, is leading the way in AI-fueled birding.
>
> With the weekly Marymoor bird outings beginning their 30th year, Michael
> Hobbs, leader of the walk, announced a major change in how future walks
> will proceed. Beginning in April, ChatGPT will be used in lieu of birders
> in the field to generate the weekly bird reports.
>
> ChatGPT has exploded in popularity this year as the first widely used
> example of narrow AI. It appears capable of producing near-human sounding
> plausible narratives using a LLM in response to user questions. Hobbs, no
> stranger to technological advances, had just the dataset to train ChatGPT
> on ? namely, his website https://www.marymoor.org/BirdBlog.htm. With
> weekly reports for years of consistent birding outings at Marymoor Park, it
> contained patterns the AI would easily be able to learn from.
>
> ?Honestly, it takes very little work to train ChatGPT to produce reports
> -- arguably better reports than we humans can produce?, Hobbs
> reported. ChatGPT reviews past Marymoor reports for the week and broader
> trends on eBird and produces a near-perfect report for future weeks. Hobbs
> is now working to incorporate weather data into the model as well for
> better precision.?
>
> Although he has already had ChatGPT produce the reports for each week in
> 2023, he is keeping future reports a closely held secret, saying ?Afterall,
> the joy of being a birder is reading about other people?s birding stories,
> whether to smile at the absurd misses or to groan about the birds you
> missed by staying home that day. I wouldn?t want to take that away.?
>
> He will offer one clue to the future though: May the 4th ? go to Marymoor
> on that date.
>
> Faced with the prospect of AI produced bird reports, the Washington Bird
> Records Committee and the eBird reviewer community have tentatively agreed
> to treat reports seriously. Said one member ?Seriously, if the quality of
> detail produced by ChatGPT is as convincing as I?ve seen, it will be a step
> above many reports we look at already.?
>
> While some are hesitant, others welcome the coming change. ?Anything that
> might lessen the stress mobs of birders disturbing nature is constantly
> producing would be a step forward,? says one formerly avid birder. Others
> are less excited about the changes ? ChatGPT has not helped things with
> some of its more public failures ? Academics have pointed
> to papers
> produced with footnotes created out of whole cloth. A recent article
> saw
> the reporter holding an extended conversation w/ the AI that led to the
> reporter being urged to leave his spouse for the bot ? And ChatGPT is
> suspected to be behind the new awkward renaming choice of some local
> birding groups already.
>
> For now, Hobbs says he?ll continue to walk at Marymoor weekly, but he
> looks forward to stepping away and allowing the bots to continue his legacy
> ? ?Imagine all those Thursdays I could sleep in? he says wistfully.
>
> Matt Bartels
> Seattle, WA
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
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From dennispaulson at comcast.net Sat Apr 1 09:34:14 2023
From: dennispaulson at comcast.net (Dennis Paulson)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park weekly walk to turn to ChatGPT for
future reports.
In-Reply-To: <0EB77F8F-D4A9-44BB-AA99-D1A0D56471C5@earthlink.net>
References: <0EB77F8F-D4A9-44BB-AA99-D1A0D56471C5@earthlink.net>
Message-ID: <9BC96279-A503-4617-A34E-806BF8C6D6F1@comcast.net>
You?ve done it again, Matt. I always look forward to your April 1st post!
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Apr 1, 2023, at 6:15 AM, Matt Bartels wrote:
>
> Marymoor Park, in Redmond WA, is leading the way in AI-fueled birding.
>
> With the weekly Marymoor bird outings beginning their 30th year, Michael Hobbs, leader of the walk, announced a major change in how future walks will proceed. Beginning in April, ChatGPT will be used in lieu of birders in the field to generate the weekly bird reports.
>
> ChatGPT has exploded in popularity this year as the first widely used example of narrow AI. It appears capable of producing near-human sounding plausible narratives using a LLM in response to user questions. Hobbs, no stranger to technological advances, had just the dataset to train ChatGPT on ? namely, his website https://www.marymoor.org/BirdBlog.htm . With weekly reports for years of consistent birding outings at Marymoor Park, it contained patterns the AI would easily be able to learn from.
>
> ?Honestly, it takes very little work to train ChatGPT to produce reports -- arguably better reports than we humans can produce?, Hobbs reported. ChatGPT reviews past Marymoor reports for the week and broader trends on eBird and produces a near-perfect report for future weeks. Hobbs is now working to incorporate weather data into the model as well for better precision.?
>
> Although he has already had ChatGPT produce the reports for each week in 2023, he is keeping future reports a closely held secret, saying ?Afterall, the joy of being a birder is reading about other people?s birding stories, whether to smile at the absurd misses or to groan about the birds you missed by staying home that day. I wouldn?t want to take that away.?
>
> He will offer one clue to the future though: May the 4th ? go to Marymoor on that date.
>
> Faced with the prospect of AI produced bird reports, the Washington Bird Records Committee and the eBird reviewer community have tentatively agreed to treat reports seriously. Said one member ?Seriously, if the quality of detail produced by ChatGPT is as convincing as I?ve seen, it will be a step above many reports we look at already.?
>
> While some are hesitant, others welcome the coming change. ?Anything that might lessen the stress mobs of birders disturbing nature is constantly producing would be a step forward,? says one formerly avid birder. Others are less excited about the changes ? ChatGPT has not helped things with some of its more public failures ? Academics have pointed to papers produced with footnotes created out of whole cloth. A recent article saw the reporter holding an extended conversation w/ the AI that led to the reporter being urged to leave his spouse for the bot ? And ChatGPT is suspected to be behind the new awkward renaming choice of some local birding groups already.
>
> For now, Hobbs says he?ll continue to walk at Marymoor weekly, but he looks forward to stepping away and allowing the bots to continue his legacy ? ?Imagine all those Thursdays I could sleep in? he says wistfully.
>
> Matt Bartels
> Seattle, WA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
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From sdd.bodhiheart at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 09:39:24 2023
From: sdd.bodhiheart at gmail.com (Ven. Dhammadinna)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park weekly walk to turn to ChatGPT for
future reports.
In-Reply-To: <9BC96279-A503-4617-A34E-806BF8C6D6F1@comcast.net>
References: <0EB77F8F-D4A9-44BB-AA99-D1A0D56471C5@earthlink.net>
<9BC96279-A503-4617-A34E-806BF8C6D6F1@comcast.net>
Message-ID:
OMG. I totally fell for this!
On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 9:35?AM Dennis Paulson
wrote:
> You?ve done it again, Matt. I always look forward to your April 1st post!
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
>
> On Apr 1, 2023, at 6:15 AM, Matt Bartels wrote:
>
> Marymoor Park, in Redmond WA, is leading the way in AI-fueled birding.
>
> With the weekly Marymoor bird outings beginning their 30th year, Michael
> Hobbs, leader of the walk, announced a major change in how future walks
> will proceed. Beginning in April, ChatGPT will be used in lieu of birders
> in the field to generate the weekly bird reports.
>
> ChatGPT has exploded in popularity this year as the first widely used
> example of narrow AI. It appears capable of producing near-human sounding
> plausible narratives using a LLM in response to user questions. Hobbs, no
> stranger to technological advances, had just the dataset to train ChatGPT
> on ? namely, his website https://www.marymoor.org/BirdBlog.htm. With
> weekly reports for years of consistent birding outings at Marymoor Park, it
> contained patterns the AI would easily be able to learn from.
>
> ?Honestly, it takes very little work to train ChatGPT to produce reports
> -- arguably better reports than we humans can produce?, Hobbs
> reported. ChatGPT reviews past Marymoor reports for the week and broader
> trends on eBird and produces a near-perfect report for future weeks. Hobbs
> is now working to incorporate weather data into the model as well for
> better precision.?
>
> Although he has already had ChatGPT produce the reports for each week in
> 2023, he is keeping future reports a closely held secret, saying ?Afterall,
> the joy of being a birder is reading about other people?s birding stories,
> whether to smile at the absurd misses or to groan about the birds you
> missed by staying home that day. I wouldn?t want to take that away.?
>
> He will offer one clue to the future though: May the 4th ? go to Marymoor
> on that date.
>
> Faced with the prospect of AI produced bird reports, the Washington Bird
> Records Committee and the eBird reviewer community have tentatively agreed
> to treat reports seriously. Said one member ?Seriously, if the quality of
> detail produced by ChatGPT is as convincing as I?ve seen, it will be a step
> above many reports we look at already.?
>
> While some are hesitant, others welcome the coming change. ?Anything that
> might lessen the stress mobs of birders disturbing nature is constantly
> producing would be a step forward,? says one formerly avid birder. Others
> are less excited about the changes ? ChatGPT has not helped things with
> some of its more public failures ? Academics have pointed
> to papers
> produced with footnotes created out of whole cloth. A recent article
> saw
> the reporter holding an extended conversation w/ the AI that led to the
> reporter being urged to leave his spouse for the bot ? And ChatGPT is
> suspected to be behind the new awkward renaming choice of some local
> birding groups already.
>
> For now, Hobbs says he?ll continue to walk at Marymoor weekly, but he
> looks forward to stepping away and allowing the bots to continue his legacy
> ? ?Imagine all those Thursdays I could sleep in? he says wistfully.
>
> Matt Bartels
> Seattle, WA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
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From benedict.t at comcast.net Sat Apr 1 10:14:39 2023
From: benedict.t at comcast.net (Tom Benedict)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park weekly walk to turn to ChatGPT for
future reports.
In-Reply-To:
References: <0EB77F8F-D4A9-44BB-AA99-D1A0D56471C5@earthlink.net>
<11A2FC92-3BCD-43C2-B4FE-00C5210CC6C2@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <6FAB7FE0-8AA8-43E9-A9E2-34EEA0A10AB3@comcast.net>
> On Apr 1, 2023, at 09:32, Robert O'Brien wrote:
>
> ...But, via the Chatbox I can now search for the Imperial Woodpecker,
Not only that, but it brings the very real possibility of ?re-discovering? the Ivory Billed Woodpecker, Passenger Pigeon and even the Dodo!
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
From tcstonefam at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 10:32:27 2023
From: tcstonefam at gmail.com (Tom and Carol Stoner)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] M & M
Message-ID:
Matt and Michael SCORE!!!
I look forward to April 1 every year.
Smiling--
Carol Stoner
West Seattle
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From 1northraven at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 10:38:03 2023
From: 1northraven at gmail.com (J Christian Kessler)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park weekly walk to turn to ChatGPT for
future reports.
In-Reply-To:
References: <0EB77F8F-D4A9-44BB-AA99-D1A0D56471C5@earthlink.net>
<11A2FC92-3BCD-43C2-B4FE-00C5210CC6C2@comcast.net>
Message-ID:
a brilliant response. but I expect that Tweeters will soon be flooded with
2nd hand binos, scopes, etc. for sale. should I update my 28 year old
Swarovskis? just for my yard list, or can I learn how to use ChatGPT for
that too? is this something WOS or the former Seattle Audubon can help
with?
Chris Kessler
On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 9:32?AM Robert O'Brien wrote:
> I totally support Chat-Birding as well.. The savings in Birding Equipment
> alone is worth it. Binos,Scopes, Cameras, Night-vision Imaging, Recording
> Equipment, the list goes on and on. I ain't no spring chicken any more and
> it was becoming a real chore to lug all this equipment around. I'm assuming
> here, of course, that the Chat Box will also produce photos, recordings,
> distinctive field marks, etc. of the rarer species that I can keep in my
> Birding Scrapbook. I am also guessing that Bird Lists from hard-to-bird
> places will also be available. For instance I've always been reluctant to
> bird Cartel-ridden areas of Mexico. But, via the Chatbox I can now search
> for the Imperial Woodpecker, And this will also open up Birding Areas in
> hostage-periled areas of Russia, China, Iran.... The sky is the limit.
> (For instance, I could search for Black Swifts on their South
> American wintering grounds where they fly for months without ever
> landing.) Such a joy to live in the modern world where human intelligence
> is a thing of the past. Bob OBrien Portland
> P.S. After all, I was never all that smart myself.
>
>
>
> On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 7:25?AM Tom Benedict
> wrote:
>
>> I totally support this change. The savings in fuel and time costs alone
>> justify it and the positive effects on global climate change are
>> immeasurable.
>>
>> Tom Benedict
>> Seahurst, WA
>>
>> On Apr 1, 2023, at 06:15, Matt Bartels wrote:
>>
>> Marymoor Park, in Redmond WA, is leading the way in AI-fueled birding.
>>
>> With the weekly Marymoor bird outings beginning their 30th year,
>> Michael Hobbs, leader of the walk, announced a major change in how future
>> walks will proceed. Beginning in April, ChatGPT will be used in lieu of
>> birders in the field to generate the weekly bird reports.
>>
>> ChatGPT has exploded in popularity this year as the first widely used
>> example of narrow AI. It appears capable of producing near-human sounding
>> plausible narratives using a LLM in response to user questions. Hobbs, no
>> stranger to technological advances, had just the dataset to train ChatGPT
>> on ? namely, his website https://www.marymoor.org/BirdBlog.htm. With
>> weekly reports for years of consistent birding outings at Marymoor Park, it
>> contained patterns the AI would easily be able to learn from.
>>
>> ?Honestly, it takes very little work to train ChatGPT to produce reports
>> -- arguably better reports than we humans can produce?, Hobbs
>> reported. ChatGPT reviews past Marymoor reports for the week and broader
>> trends on eBird and produces a near-perfect report for future weeks. Hobbs
>> is now working to incorporate weather data into the model as well for
>> better precision.?
>>
>> Although he has already had ChatGPT produce the reports for each week in
>> 2023, he is keeping future reports a closely held secret, saying ?Afterall,
>> the joy of being a birder is reading about other people?s birding stories,
>> whether to smile at the absurd misses or to groan about the birds you
>> missed by staying home that day. I wouldn?t want to take that away.?
>>
>> He will offer one clue to the future though: May the 4th ? go to
>> Marymoor on that date.
>>
>> Faced with the prospect of AI produced bird reports, the Washington Bird
>> Records Committee and the eBird reviewer community have tentatively agreed
>> to treat reports seriously. Said one member ?Seriously, if the quality of
>> detail produced by ChatGPT is as convincing as I?ve seen, it will be a step
>> above many reports we look at already.?
>>
>> While some are hesitant, others welcome the coming change. ?Anything that
>> might lessen the stress mobs of birders disturbing nature is constantly
>> producing would be a step forward,? says one formerly avid birder. Others
>> are less excited about the changes ? ChatGPT has not helped things with
>> some of its more public failures ? Academics have pointed
>> to papers
>> produced with footnotes created out of whole cloth. A recent article
>> saw
>> the reporter holding an extended conversation w/ the AI that led to the
>> reporter being urged to leave his spouse for the bot ? And ChatGPT is
>> suspected to be behind the new awkward renaming choice of some local
>> birding groups already.
>>
>> For now, Hobbs says he?ll continue to walk at Marymoor weekly, but he
>> looks forward to stepping away and allowing the bots to continue his legacy
>> ? ?Imagine all those Thursdays I could sleep in? he says wistfully.
>>
>> Matt Bartels
>> Seattle, WA
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
--
"moderation in everything, including moderation"
Rustin Thompson
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From stevechampton at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 10:58:54 2023
From: stevechampton at gmail.com (Steve Hampton)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] BLACK PHOEBE in Port Townsend
Message-ID:
Not an April's Fools, but rather an anticipated first county record. Black
Phoebes are a textbook example of a non-migratory species shifting
northward with climate change. At least one pair was directly south of us
last summer in Mason County.
Location details are here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S132392232
good birding!
--
Steve Hampton
Port Townsend, WA (qat?y)
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From zoramon at mac.com Sat Apr 1 13:29:41 2023
From: zoramon at mac.com (Zora Monster)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park weekly walk to turn to ChatGPT for
future reports.
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID:
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From ldhubbell at comcast.net Sat Apr 1 13:46:28 2023
From: ldhubbell at comcast.net (Hubbell)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } The Gift of Spring - BAEA
Message-ID: <939E0F07-80FF-4119-A57F-FFC652CA6327@comcast.net>
Tweeters,
In case you haven?t noticed Spring is here!
https://unionbaywatch.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-gift-of-spring.html
I hope you enjoy the post!
Have a great day on Union Bay, where nature lives in the city and Black Birders are welcome!
Sincerely,
Larry Hubbell
ldhubbell at comcast dot net
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From vikingcove at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 14:06:15 2023
From: vikingcove at gmail.com (Kevin Lucas)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Name change
Message-ID: <1873ea46958.28de.72de57011b8194b7f6cd87b3d7546c36@gmail.com>
I think today's name migration to Yak-I-Me Autobahn Notquietly is long
overdue in recognizing the exhausting amount of driving effort and no
limits attitudes underlying our quest to see and hear the tic tic of the
Carbon-collared Nothatch so we can unreservedly reality check the box:
'Are you submitting a complete list of all the birds you wanted to identify?'
Always hoping to observe for myself something different in my bird watching,
Kevin Lucas
Yakima County, WA
Sent with AquaMail for Android
http://www.aqua-mail.com
From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 14:36:20 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Surprising_discovery=3A_=E2=80=9CResearchers?=
=?utf-8?q?_discover_birds_with_neurotoxin-laden_feathers_in_New_Guinea?=
=?utf-8?b?4oCd?=
Message-ID: <873498DE-DAED-422D-9D1B-714348108087@gmail.com>
https://phys.org/news/2023-03-birds-neurotoxin-laden-feathers-guinea.html
Sent from my iPhone
From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 14:39:31 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?=22The_bird=27s_toxin_is_the_same_type_as_th?=
=?utf-8?q?at_found_in_frogs=2C_which_is_a_neurotoxin_that=2C_by_forcing_s?=
=?utf-8?q?odium_channels_in_skeletal_muscle_tissue_to_remain_open=2C_can_?=
=?utf-8?q?cause_violent_convulsions_and_ultimately_death=2C=22_explains_K?=
=?utf-8?q?asun_Bodawatta=2E=E2=80=94Re=3A_Surprising_discovery=3A_?=
=?utf-8?q?=E2=80=9CResearchers_discover_birds_with_neurotoxin-laden_feath?=
=?utf-8?q?ers_in_New_Guinea=E2=80=9D?=
In-Reply-To: <873498DE-DAED-422D-9D1B-714348108087@gmail.com>
References: <873498DE-DAED-422D-9D1B-714348108087@gmail.com>
Message-ID:
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 1, 2023, at 2:36 PM, Dan Reiff wrote:
>
> ?
> https://phys.org/news/2023-03-birds-neurotoxin-laden-feathers-guinea.html
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 14:41:07 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] A final present from birds killed in window collisions:
poop that reveals their microbiomes
Message-ID:
https://phys.org/news/2023-03-birds-window-collisions-poop-reveals.html
Sent from my iPhone
From thefedderns at gmail.com Sat Apr 1 15:26:17 2023
From: thefedderns at gmail.com (Hans-Joachim Feddern)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Name change
In-Reply-To: <1873ea46958.28de.72de57011b8194b7f6cd87b3d7546c36@gmail.com>
References: <1873ea46958.28de.72de57011b8194b7f6cd87b3d7546c36@gmail.com>
Message-ID:
Well said Kevin! I myself am a descendant of a long line of Autobahn
racing, kraut eating tribes. We have always lived up to the challenge of
identifying birds while racing down the Autobahn at 200 klicks (km
-kilometers) an hour in our Mercedes, however it can get downright yakki at
times! Anything smaller than a White Stork gets lumped in the "max nix" (GI
slang for macht nichts: it doesn't matter category) which comes under the
heading of "Was war das?"
Good birding and happy April Fools Day to you birders with Yak-I-Me
Autobahn Society!
I'll come see you as soon as there is no more snow on Snow -qualmie Pass ...
Hans
On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 2:06?PM Kevin Lucas wrote:
> I think today's name migration to Yak-I-Me Autobahn Notquietly is long
> overdue in recognizing the exhausting amount of driving effort and no
> limits attitudes underlying our quest to see and hear the tic tic of the
> Carbon-collared Nothatch so we can unreservedly reality check the box:
> 'Are you submitting a complete list of all the birds you wanted to
> identify?'
>
> Always hoping to observe for myself something different in my bird
> watching,
>
> Kevin Lucas
> Yakima County, WA
>
>
> Sent with AquaMail for Android
> http://www.aqua-mail.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
--
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
thefedderns@gmail.com
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From benedict.t at comcast.net Sat Apr 1 19:11:45 2023
From: benedict.t at comcast.net (Tom Benedict)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey at Dumas Bay Sanctuary
Message-ID: <80E460BB-7424-49DD-9337-0F3DF44CBF5F@comcast.net>
Someone was asking the past few weeks whether Osprey had arrived in the Puget Sound area. I got to watch one fishing at Dumas Bay Sanctuary in Federal Way, WA this afternoon. It hovered for a while, then dove to a spectacular splashdown, catching a medium sized flounder which it carried to a tree on the eastern shore.
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
From benedict.t at comcast.net Sat Apr 1 19:45:10 2023
From: benedict.t at comcast.net (Tom Benedict)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Bonaparte's Gull at Dumas Bay Sanctuary
Message-ID: <1203D248-285A-4F3D-8658-BED8D4F34E1C@comcast.net>
There were 20-25 Bonaparte?s Gulls flying offshore at Dumas Bay Sanctuary while doing the Puget Sound Seabird Survey this afternoon. A couple had dark heads. I know they are considered common throughout the winter, but I rarely seem them. Anyhow, it was a treat for me.
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
From birdmarymoor at gmail.com Sun Apr 2 09:44:32 2023
From: birdmarymoor at gmail.com (Michael Hobbs)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] ChatGPT and eBird
Message-ID:
Tweets - As you should have guessed, my post yesterday about eBird teaming
up with ChatGPT was an April Fools joke. But I thought I should share with
you how I "wrote" the post.
I signed into ChatGPT and gave it the prompt "Write an announcement that
eBird.org will use ChatGPT to make predictive bird lists".
That's all I gave it. I didn't tell the AI what eBird was, what kind of
data they had, nor what kind of bird lists might be of interest. All of
that was produced by ChatGPT in about two seconds, from the information and
"understanding" it already had gleaned from the internet.
I did have ChatGPT generate two versions, and I did substitute one
paragraph from the second draft into the first. I also added the sentence
at the end, boasting that ChatGPT wrote the announcement. Because it did.
It is almost guaranteed that within a few years, eBird *will *be using AI
to help extract and present data from eBird to birders, so this wasn't so
much an April Fools joke as a prediction of near-future events.
I would also like to mention that, last Thursday, I told Matt that I had *tried
*to get ChatGPT to generate a predictive Marymoor Park report for March
29th, using the 15 years of weekly reports at
www.marymoor.org/summaries/Week13.htm, and that I was disappointed that
ChatGPT had not been able to do this. But ChatGPT is a general-purpose
tool. The underlying technology could easily be trained to do this task.
I will not, however, *ever* substitute a predictive survey result for the
real thing. My survey grew out of my birding, but the goal has always been
to go birding.
So stop reading this drivel and go out birding!
= Michael Hobbs
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From peggy_busby at yahoo.com Sun Apr 2 12:00:49 2023
From: peggy_busby at yahoo.com (peggy_busby)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] My FOY osprey
Message-ID: <801940806.2179218.1680462056495@yahoo.com>
Saw my first osprey of 2023.? Flying over the Yakima River just north of Toppenish this morning.?Peggy MundyBothell?Sent from my Galaxy
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From tenaya at alum.swarthmore.edu Sun Apr 2 18:01:11 2023
From: tenaya at alum.swarthmore.edu (Tenaya Scheinman)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Storm wigeon at Magnuson Park
Message-ID:
Saw a storm wigeon (American Wigeon with white head/cheeks) at Magnuson
Park, Seattle around 1 pm today. With a group of about 25 American Wigeons
between the boat launch and the swimming beach.
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From hank.heiberg at gmail.com Sun Apr 2 19:15:55 2023
From: hank.heiberg at gmail.com (Hank Heiberg)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Snoqualmie Pass to Othello
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID:
This past week we birded from Snoqualmie Pass to Othello. The following
eBird trip report lists the bird species that we saw and it maps where we
birded.
https://ebird.org/tripreport/116238
Here is a link to the photo album for the trip.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/albums/72177720307155291
Washington Birder?s Dashboard was the tool that we used to plan our days.
https://birddash.net/us/wa/
Hank & Karen Heiberg
Issaquah, WA
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From ronpost4 at gmail.com Sun Apr 2 20:42:22 2023
From: ronpost4 at gmail.com (ronpost4@gmail.com)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Snoqualmie Pass to Othello
In-Reply-To:
References: ,
Message-ID:
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From tsbrennan at hotmail.com Mon Apr 3 09:35:16 2023
From: tsbrennan at hotmail.com (Tim Brennan)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Cowlitz County birding
Message-ID:
Heya Tweets,
I played digital nomad and snuck some birding in on March 29th and 30th down in Cowlitz County. It was quite productive with 17 new birds added for the year, bringing the Cowlitz year total to 100. A Eurasian Wigeon is still hanging around at Lake Sacajawea, (as is a Greater White-fronted Goose, I believe, although I missed it!). Ospreys and Turkey Vultures, Wood Ducks, Savannah Sparrows and Swallows are all back for the spring as well. Woodland Bottoms was particularly productive, with adds of White-breasted Nuthatch, White-throated Sparrow, American White Pelican (100ish at the south (bottom?) end of the bottoms), and Lesser Goldfinch. Much thanks to Russ Koppendrayer for tips on some of those birds!
Blog updates on the first day of exploring at www.southwestwashingtonbirding.blogspot.com.
Southwest Washington Birding
A monthly swing through the southwest corner of Washington state, including Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, and Skamania Counties, with a goal of finding 150 species of birds in each by year's end.
www.southwestwashingtonbirding.blogspot.com
Cheers!
Tim Brennan
Renton
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From osdlm1945 at gmail.com Mon Apr 3 11:55:22 2023
From: osdlm1945 at gmail.com (Dianna Moore)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival
Message-ID:
Hey Tweets! The Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival is live again
and our registration process is now online for easy access. The festival
dates are May 5-7, 2023. In addition to the great field trips and lectures,
we are pleased to welcome our Friday night (May 5) keynote speaker Bart
Rulon, wildlife artist and photographer and welcome back local wildlife
biologist Dan Varland, PhD, who will talk about Gyrfalcons in Norway and
Washington following our Saturday banquet on May 6.
We are so excited to be getting out again to experience the joy and wonder
of the spring shorebird migration and hope you will make plans to join us.
For details, check out our new and updated website at shorebirdfestival.com.
Dinner reservations are only open through April 12th so get them in early.
Come join us for this wonderful experience!
Dianna Moore
Ocean Shores
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From Owler at sounddsl.com Mon Apr 3 17:09:37 2023
From: Owler at sounddsl.com (J. Acker)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Old Sam Peabody
Message-ID: <3pr4gwtter-1@m0247474.ppops.net>
Hey Tweeters,
Its that time of year again. I am hearing ?Old Sam Peabody? and I know that means that the White-throated sparrows that have been in the neighborhood for the winter will be leaving very soon. I will miss them. The first arrived at the feeder in early October and the second in mid-January. Both were tan morphs at the time, but have since seemingly molted. One still looks like a tan morph, though the white is brighter but it looks rather ragged, as if it just took a bath. The second now has bright yellow lores and bright white eye stripes, though the median crown still appears tan. Safe travels!
J. Acker
Owler@sounddsl.com
Bainbridge Island, WA
Sent from Mail for Windows
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From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Mon Apr 3 17:11:20 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Can cities make room for woodpeckers? Researchers say
wildlife corridors could help pileated woodpeckers survive
forest fragmentation -- ScienceDaily
Message-ID: <73B70E53-9278-4E87-BFC8-AB076387FB0F@gmail.com>
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230403100319.htm
Sent from my iPhone
From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Mon Apr 3 17:12:26 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Birding As a Blind Person Is Now Easier in Colombia,
Thanks to a Tourism Project | Audubon
Message-ID:
https://www.audubon.org/news/birding-blind-person-now-easier-colombia-thanks-tourism-project
Sent from my iPhone
From dennispaulson at comcast.net Mon Apr 3 17:48:42 2023
From: dennispaulson at comcast.net (Dennis Paulson)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Old Sam Peabody
In-Reply-To: <3pr4gwtter-1@m0247474.ppops.net>
References: <3pr4gwtter-1@m0247474.ppops.net>
Message-ID: <4A92BFE1-8C05-4E0F-96B6-6C266D80B12E@comcast.net>
The same thing happened in our yard in the Maple Leaf neighborhood of Seattle. Last winter we had two White-throated Sparrows through the winter, from 3 November-12 April. This winter the first one we saw was on 5 November, then a second one a few days later, then on 27 November, Scott Ramos and I saw THREE birds at the same time. Subsequently I haven?t seen more than two at a time, but they were both still here two days ago, a very bright white-striped and a much duller tan-striped that didn?t look much brighter than an immature. And at least one of them just started to sing.
Prior to last winter, I had seen a total of 5 White-throated Sparrows in our yard in 30 years, all in migration: 7-8 Oct 1995, 6 May 2002, 22-24 Sep 2010, and 5-8 Oct 2020. Of course I realize that two of the birds this winter could well be the same birds that stayed here last winter, but in any case, there has been a real change in the status of this species right here.
Are they wintering farther north because of climate change, as Steve Hampton has documented (notwithstanding that it snowed a bit this morning!)? Or are a larger number of them coming down the Pacific coast than used to be the case?
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Apr 3, 2023, at 5:09 PM, J. Acker wrote:
>
> Hey Tweeters,
>
> Its that time of year again. I am hearing ?Old Sam Peabody? and I know that means that the White-throated sparrows that have been in the neighborhood for the winter will be leaving very soon. I will miss them. The first arrived at the feeder in early October and the second in mid-January. Both were tan morphs at the time, but have since seemingly molted. One still looks like a tan morph, though the white is brighter but it looks rather ragged, as if it just took a bath. The second now has bright yellow lores and bright white eye stripes, though the median crown still appears tan. Safe travels!
>
> J. Acker
> Owler@sounddsl.com
> Bainbridge Island, WA
> Sent from Mail for Windows
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
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From jeffgilligan10 at gmail.com Mon Apr 3 18:24:55 2023
From: jeffgilligan10 at gmail.com (Jeff Gilligan)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Old Sam Peabody
In-Reply-To: <4A92BFE1-8C05-4E0F-96B6-6C266D80B12E@comcast.net>
References: <3pr4gwtter-1@m0247474.ppops.net>
<4A92BFE1-8C05-4E0F-96B6-6C266D80B12E@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <3AC20888-09D9-4431-AEB3-2A516A8F2C7B@gmail.com>
I suspect that there are more because of intense logging in NE BC and northern Alberta, which results in brushier habitat rather than dense evergreen forests until the trees come back to sufficient height.
I typically get a few in migration at Willapa Bay.
Jeff Gilligan
> On Apr 3, 2023, at 8:48 PM, Dennis Paulson wrote:
>
> The same thing happened in our yard in the Maple Leaf neighborhood of Seattle. Last winter we had two White-throated Sparrows through the winter, from 3 November-12 April. This winter the first one we saw was on 5 November, then a second one a few days later, then on 27 November, Scott Ramos and I saw THREE birds at the same time. Subsequently I haven?t seen more than two at a time, but they were both still here two days ago, a very bright white-striped and a much duller tan-striped that didn?t look much brighter than an immature. And at least one of them just started to sing.
>
> Prior to last winter, I had seen a total of 5 White-throated Sparrows in our yard in 30 years, all in migration: 7-8 Oct 1995, 6 May 2002, 22-24 Sep 2010, and 5-8 Oct 2020. Of course I realize that two of the birds this winter could well be the same birds that stayed here last winter, but in any case, there has been a real change in the status of this species right here.
>
> Are they wintering farther north because of climate change, as Steve Hampton has documented (notwithstanding that it snowed a bit this morning!)? Or are a larger number of them coming down the Pacific coast than used to be the case?
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
>
>> On Apr 3, 2023, at 5:09 PM, J. Acker > wrote:
>>
>> Hey Tweeters,
>>
>> Its that time of year again. I am hearing ?Old Sam Peabody? and I know that means that the White-throated sparrows that have been in the neighborhood for the winter will be leaving very soon. I will miss them. The first arrived at the feeder in early October and the second in mid-January. Both were tan morphs at the time, but have since seemingly molted. One still looks like a tan morph, though the white is brighter but it looks rather ragged, as if it just took a bath. The second now has bright yellow lores and bright white eye stripes, though the median crown still appears tan. Safe travels!
>>
>> J. Acker
>> Owler@sounddsl.com
>> Bainbridge Island, WA
>> Sent from Mail for Windows
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
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From stevechampton at gmail.com Mon Apr 3 18:38:48 2023
From: stevechampton at gmail.com (Steve Hampton)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Old Sam Peabody
In-Reply-To: <3AC20888-09D9-4431-AEB3-2A516A8F2C7B@gmail.com>
References: <3pr4gwtter-1@m0247474.ppops.net>
<4A92BFE1-8C05-4E0F-96B6-6C266D80B12E@comcast.net>
<3AC20888-09D9-4431-AEB3-2A516A8F2C7B@gmail.com>
Message-ID:
I've not really commented on WTSP wrt climate change, but I just checked
the eBird Trends map for it, which is a winter-only map.
https://science.ebird.org/en/status-and-trends/species/whtspa/trends-map
It shows the typical decreasing in the south/increasing in the north we see
with most species. In this case, a clear northward shift of its wintering
range. The tiny West Coast population shows increases in winter, which
could be due to the habitat issues that Jeff describes.
On Mon, Apr 3, 2023 at 6:25?PM Jeff Gilligan
wrote:
> I suspect that there are more because of intense logging in NE BC and
> northern Alberta, which results in brushier habitat rather than dense
> evergreen forests until the trees come back to sufficient height.
>
> I typically get a few in migration at Willapa Bay.
>
> Jeff Gilligan
>
>
>
> On Apr 3, 2023, at 8:48 PM, Dennis Paulson
> wrote:
>
> The same thing happened in our yard in the Maple Leaf neighborhood of
> Seattle. Last winter we had two White-throated Sparrows through the winter,
> from 3 November-12 April. This winter the first one we saw was on 5
> November, then a second one a few days later, then on 27 November, Scott
> Ramos and I saw THREE birds at the same time. Subsequently I haven?t seen
> more than two at a time, but they were both still here two days ago, a very
> bright white-striped and a much duller tan-striped that didn?t look much
> brighter than an immature. And at least one of them just started to sing.
>
> Prior to last winter, I had seen a total of 5 White-throated Sparrows in
> our yard in 30 years, all in migration: 7-8 Oct 1995, 6 May 2002, 22-24 Sep
> 2010, and 5-8 Oct 2020. Of course I realize that two of the birds this
> winter could well be the same birds that stayed here last winter, but in
> any case, there has been a real change in the status of this species right
> here.
>
> Are they wintering farther north because of climate change, as Steve
> Hampton has documented (notwithstanding that it snowed a bit this
> morning!)? Or are a larger number of them coming down the Pacific coast
> than used to be the case?
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
>
> On Apr 3, 2023, at 5:09 PM, J. Acker wrote:
>
> Hey Tweeters,
>
> Its that time of year again. I am hearing ?Old Sam Peabody? and I know
> that means that the White-throated sparrows that have been in the
> neighborhood for the winter will be leaving very soon. I will miss them.
> The first arrived at the feeder in early October and the second in
> mid-January. Both were tan morphs at the time, but have since seemingly
> molted. One still looks like a tan morph, though the white is brighter but
> it looks rather ragged, as if it just took a bath. The second now has
> bright yellow lores and bright white eye stripes, though the median crown
> still appears tan. Safe travels!
>
> J. Acker
> Owler@sounddsl.com
> Bainbridge Island, WA
> Sent from Mail for
> Windows
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
--
?Steve Hampton?
Port Townsend, WA (qat?y)
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From tcstonefam at gmail.com Mon Apr 3 20:40:43 2023
From: tcstonefam at gmail.com (Tom and Carol Stoner)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Great Blue Herons in West Seattle
Message-ID:
There is a small group of GB Heron nests in West Seattle on the hill
overlooking the WS Bridge and the Duwamish River. This morning I caught a
quick glimpse and saw 4 to 6 herons perched next to nests. They are
located on the northeast side of the hill (Pigeon Point) that is east of
the Nucor Plant. I saw them as a passenger going over the bridge. I'm not
sure if there is a spot along the Duwamish that would provide good safe
viewing.
Carol Stoner
West Seattle
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From rjm284 at gmail.com Mon Apr 3 20:53:23 2023
From: rjm284 at gmail.com (Ryan Merrill)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Carkeek Wigeon
Message-ID:
For more than a week now there has been an interesting mix of wigeon at the
beach at Carkeek Park in northwest Seattle. There have usually been just a
couple dozen or so wigeon in total, but among the flock has been a male and
female Eurasian Wigeon so it's a good opportunity to practice identifying
female Eurasian Wigeon. The female is usually one of the closest birds to
the male so that can be helpful in spotting her.
There is also a hybrid male American x Eurasian Wigeon that is much less
obvious than most hybrids I've seen. The most obvious feature to me has
been the gray sides, though after looking closely there are a few rusty
feathers on the back of the head. There are pictures of both Eurasian
Wigeon and the hybrid included in these eBird checklists:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S132341303
https://ebird.org/checklist/S132102715
Good birding,
Ryan Merrill
Seattle
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From jeffo4297 at gmail.com Tue Apr 4 08:35:50 2023
From: jeffo4297 at gmail.com (jeff o)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Article on birding in Skagit County
Message-ID:
Hi all,
This link is a very good article written for the Skagitonians to Preserve
Farmland. It is a great reminder for experienced birders and photographers
and a must read for those of you headed north for the tulip season.
It's all about safe, sane and respectful birding in Skagit County
https://endive-asparagus-x2a9.squarespace.com/blog/bebirdwise
Jeff Osmundson
Stanwood
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From hayncarl at gmail.com Tue Apr 4 08:44:44 2023
From: hayncarl at gmail.com (Carl Haynie)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?CASSIN=E2=80=99S_FINCHes_in_Skykomish_=28Kin?=
=?utf-8?q?g_Co=29?=
Message-ID:
Hi Tweets,
There are some very accessible CASSIN?S FINCHES (at least 10) in Skykomish
this morning, including singing adult males. There?s also Purple Finches
here so need to ID carefully. Loud Evening Grosbeaks, more than two dozen,
also present. All were near the historic train depot in town from between 8
to at least 8:45 am (47.7084776, -121.3604250). Great photo opportunities.
Good Birding!
Carl Haynie
Sammamish
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From tsbrennan at hotmail.com Tue Apr 4 09:11:12 2023
From: tsbrennan at hotmail.com (Tim Brennan)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Southwest Washington Birding - Blog updated
Message-ID:
Hiya Tweets,
I got the blog updated at www.southwestwashingtonbirding.blogspot.com, which is basically just a post on Woodland Bottoms with a brief mention of a Canada Jay found at Barnes State Forest. There is a fuzzy as all heck gull picture that I'm curious about. I'd be happy to get thoughts on it, because. . . who doesn't enjoy learning more about gull plumages? ? Right up there with getting your booster. Necessary evils!
Cheers,
Tim Brennan
Renton
Southwest Washington Birding
A monthly swing through the southwest corner of Washington state, including Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, and Skamania Counties, with a goal of finding 150 species of birds in each by year's end.
www.southwestwashingtonbirding.blogspot.com
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From stevechampton at gmail.com Tue Apr 4 11:52:48 2023
From: stevechampton at gmail.com (Steve Hampton)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] another Black Phoebe in Jefferson Co
Message-ID:
This morning another BLACK PHOEBE came to me, this one at the Short Family
Farm south of Chimacum. Given this is 11 miles south of the Apr 1 bird, I
suspect it's a different individual, suggesting the possibility of a
broader movement north for this species at the moment.
A couple record shots and details here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S132692432
good birding,
--
Steve Hampton
Port Townsend, WA (qat?y)
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From mgfrrstr at comcast.net Tue Apr 4 19:56:43 2023
From: mgfrrstr at comcast.net (Mary Forrester)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] white throated sparrows
Message-ID: <2058103890.587678.1680663403800@connect.xfinity.com>
This winter I've walked the Green River Trail in Tukwila frequently & my Merlin app has picked up white throated sparrows there frequently -- at least a dozen of them. Alas, I haven't actually seen them.
Mary Forrester
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From cjbirdmanclark at gmail.com Wed Apr 5 11:16:05 2023
From: cjbirdmanclark at gmail.com (Christopher Clark)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Pierce County Great Egret (April 5th)
Message-ID:
Good morning,
I'm currently watching the GREAT EGRET at Mountain View Cemetery. Right now
it's hanging out in the shallow wetlands that are off to your right (east)
as you're driving down to the lower part of the cemetery.
Christopher Clark
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From mike at chirohosting.com Wed Apr 5 12:18:33 2023
From: mike at chirohosting.com (Mike Melton)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] white throated sparrows
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID:
I usually get a White-throated her in Olympia that visits me early in the
winter, but they usually pass on. Luckily, I had two of them spend the
winter here. I haven't seen them for a week or so, so I think they must
have moved on. They're such a delight!
Mike Melton
@waxwingeco
On Wed, Apr 5, 2023 at 12:05?PM
wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. white throated sparrows (Mary Forrester)
> 2. Pierce County Great Egret (April 5th) (Christopher Clark)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2023 19:56:43 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Mary Forrester
> To: "tweeters@u.washington.edu"
> Subject: [Tweeters] white throated sparrows
> Message-ID: <2058103890.587678.1680663403800@connect.xfinity.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> This winter I've walked the Green River Trail in Tukwila frequently & my
> Merlin app has picked up white throated sparrows there frequently -- at
> least a dozen of them. Alas, I haven't actually seen them.
>
> Mary Forrester
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> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2023 11:16:05 -0700
> From: Christopher Clark
> To: tweeters@u.washington.edu
> Subject: [Tweeters] Pierce County Great Egret (April 5th)
> Message-ID:
> <
> CABrHZwRys_A93DPsucRTE4PX0wOELEne8G2K3TghOThh6+wqXw@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Good morning,
>
> I'm currently watching the GREAT EGRET at Mountain View Cemetery. Right now
> it's hanging out in the shallow wetlands that are off to your right (east)
> as you're driving down to the lower part of the cemetery.
>
> Christopher Clark
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@mailman11.u.washington.edu
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> End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 224, Issue 5
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From barbaramandula at comcast.net Wed Apr 5 15:58:48 2023
From: barbaramandula at comcast.net (Barbara B. Mandula)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Goldfinches in Leschi/Madrona area
Message-ID: <002a01d96812$2feafe50$8fc0faf0$@comcast.net>
For the first time in the 17 years I've had birdfeeders up, a small flock of
goldfinches has been visiting my seed feeder for the past week. Also, a lone
Audubon's warbler has been eating the suet for the past few months.
Barbara Mandula
206-922-3131
From thefedderns at gmail.com Wed Apr 5 22:10:36 2023
From: thefedderns at gmail.com (Hans-Joachim Feddern)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] (no subject)
Message-ID:
Another Twin Lakes Turkey Vulture
I saw another single Turkey Vulture over Twin Lakes/Federal Way at 10:45 am
yesterday, April 4th. It was circling and then gliding fast to NNE, likely
a migrant.
Good Birding!
Hans
--
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
thefedderns@gmail.com
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From thefedderns at gmail.com Wed Apr 5 22:14:00 2023
From: thefedderns at gmail.com (Hans-Joachim Feddern)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Twin Lakes Varied Thrush
Message-ID:
After our recent discussion on Tweeters about the lack of Varied Thrushes,
I had one briefly show up in my backyard this morning! It looked like a
female and I did have one on and off throughout the winter.
--
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
thefedderns@gmail.com
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From vikingcove at gmail.com Thu Apr 6 11:03:28 2023
From: vikingcove at gmail.com (Kevin Lucas)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Birds in Flight (BIF) photography
Message-ID:
At Poppoff on March 19 I saw several Vaux's Swifts flying with a mixed
flock of Tree and Violet-green Swallows. Picking out the swifts from the
swallows was easiest by their flight style and speed, rather than by field
marks. Then I'd get my binocs on them to get a nicer view of the bird. Once
I got into that, I tried adding in my camera as the last step, eventually
skipping the binocs step. I wasn't my quickest or most coordinated that
day, and even at my best, swifts are tough. They're swift. To my eye,
there's no faster bird in "level" flight. I got just a few Loch Ness photos
of swifts, and didn't even get any good ones of the swallows. I submitted a
couple of photos with my checklist for the Vaux's Swifts. Vaux's Swift
maven Larry Switters shared that some early Vaux's Swifts are expected with
swallows. My sighting has not been bestowed eBird's seal of "Confirmed".
https://ebird.org/checklist/S131477820
Since this morning is drizzling and I've not yet ventured out, I decided to
search for some tips on swift photography. The most fun advice I found was:
"... Then when you have finished, delete all the pictures on your card
without wasting any more time by reviewing them. It really is a thankless
task and you should be able to find something far more constructive to do
with a warm, well-lit day. Remember to reset all the functions on your
camera before getting on with your life."
https://www.10000birds.com/dont-take-pictures-of-swifts.htm#:~:text=The%20speed%20and%20light%20reflecting,focussing%20range%20of%20your%20lens
.
I found some more advice, quite usable, at another site for anyone with a
desire to go against the grain, whether my grail of trying to find and
document rarities accurately and get them "confirmed" on eBird, or
improving your skill at photographing birds in flight (BIF). I love seeing
all the positions of birds and details of plumage that don't appear in any
field guide, even in cruddy photos. They're fun, and also help me learn how
many ways birds can be misidentified, even in individual photos.
https://timcollierphotography.com/articles/photographing-swifts/
March 19th was by far the earliest I've found Vaux's Swifts here in Yakima
County. Previously I've seen and photographed them here as early as April
10th. That was at the Johnson Auto Glass chimney roost. Even when I
pre-focused on the chimney top there, most of my photos in low light and
hand held have been merely acceptable. Capturing individuals as they flew
over me there in the parking lot was more challenging. Capturing the swifts
at Poppoff, when I'd not been psyched-up for the effort, and with the
distractions of all the other little birdies there, was even more of a
challenge, one I enjoyed.
If anyone has tips that specifically help them with photographing birds in
flight, I'd love to read them. Even a reminder of something I've learned
before might be priceless.
Poppoff Trail is the southernmost section of Yakima Greenway Path along the
western side of the Yakima River.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Poppoff+Nature+Trail,+Union+Gap,+WA+98903/@46.5649757,-120.470624,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x5499d61600e45437:0xe001040245b92f08!8m2!3d46.5649757!4d-120.4684353!16s%2Fg%2F1pzqhtr25
Good Birding,
https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/
https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography
Kevin Lucas
Yakima County, Washington
*Qui tacet consentire videtur*
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From peggy_busby at yahoo.com Thu Apr 6 11:27:51 2023
From: peggy_busby at yahoo.com (Peggy Mundy)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Birds in Flight (BIF) photography
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID: <961653496.527171.1680805671547@mail.yahoo.com>
BIF photography is fun, but yes, swifts and swallows are tough.? Here are my tips that I have shared with others,?
- Start practicing BIF with larger, slower birds.? Gulls are great to start with due to their availability and flight style.? Work up to the smaller, more agile birds.
- I prefer to shoot BIF in manual mode with a shutter speed of 1/1250 sec or higher (unless I am intentionally looking for wing-blur).
- Practice panning with any moving object (e.g., cars, bicycles, sports like soccer).
- I set my camera to Continuous High (I shoot Nikon, other manufacturers may call it differently).? Allows you to take multiple frames quickly.
- Practice, practice, practice!??
- Observing birds' behavior also helps.? For example, if an individual bird uses a specific perch, you can more easily get photos of the bird approaching or leaving the perch.
Keep it up, it is worth it!
Peggy MundyBothell, WA
On Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 11:04:04 a.m. PDT, Kevin Lucas wrote:
At Poppoff on March 19 I saw several Vaux's Swifts flying with a mixed flock of Tree and Violet-green Swallows. Picking out the swifts from the swallows was easiest by their flight style and speed, rather than by field marks. Then I'd get my binocs on them to get a nicer view of the bird. Once I got into that, I tried adding in my camera as the last step, eventually skipping the binocs step. I wasn't my quickest or most coordinated that day, and even at my best, swifts are tough. They're swift. To my eye, there's no faster bird in "level" flight. I got just a few Loch Ness photos of swifts, and didn't even get any good ones of the swallows. I submitted a couple of photos with my checklist for the Vaux's Swifts. Vaux's Swift maven Larry Switters shared that some early Vaux's Swifts are expected with swallows. My sighting has not been bestowed eBird's seal of "Confirmed".
https://ebird.org/checklist/S131477820
Since this morning is drizzling and I've not yet ventured out, I decided to search for some tips on swift photography. The most fun advice I found was:
"... Then when you have finished, delete all the pictures on your card without wasting any more time by reviewing them. It really is a thankless task and you should be able to find something far more constructive to do with a warm, well-lit day. Remember to reset all the functions on your camera before getting on with your life."
https://www.10000birds.com/dont-take-pictures-of-swifts.htm#:~:text=The%20speed%20and%20light%20reflecting,focussing%20range%20of%20your%20lens.
I found some more advice, quite usable, at another site for anyone with a desire to go against the grain, whether my grail of trying to find and document rarities accurately and get them "confirmed" on eBird, or improving your skill at photographing birds in flight (BIF). I love seeing all the positions of birds and details of plumage that don't appear in any field guide, even in cruddy photos. They're fun, and also help me learn how many ways birds can be misidentified, even in individual photos.
https://timcollierphotography.com/articles/photographing-swifts/
March 19th was by far the earliest I've found Vaux's Swifts here in Yakima County. Previously I've seen and photographed them here as early as April 10th. That was at the Johnson Auto Glass chimney roost. Even when I pre-focused on the chimney top there, most of my photos in low light and hand held have been merely acceptable. Capturing individuals as they flew over me there in the parking lot was more challenging. Capturing the swifts at Poppoff, when I'd not been psyched-up for the effort, and with the distractions of all the other little birdies there, was even more of a challenge, one I enjoyed.
If anyone has tips that specifically help them with photographing birds in flight, I'd love to read them. Even a reminder of something I've learned before might be priceless.
Poppoff Trail is the southernmost section of Yakima Greenway Path along the western side of the Yakima River.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Poppoff+Nature+Trail,+Union+Gap,+WA+98903/@46.5649757,-120.470624,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x5499d61600e45437:0xe001040245b92f08!8m2!3d46.5649757!4d-120.4684353!16s%2Fg%2F1pzqhtr25
Good Birding,
https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/
https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography
Kevin Lucas
Yakima County, Washington
Qui tacet consentire?videtur_______________________________________________
Tweeters mailing list
Tweeters@u.washington.edu
http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
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From bluedarner1 at seanet.com Thu Apr 6 11:50:01 2023
From: bluedarner1 at seanet.com (Caryn Schutzler)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Bewick's nesting continues/ Wedgwood
Message-ID: <53F515A9-5C34-483C-A6B0-BAF9629D9CEF@seanet.com>
Yay, my Bewick?s nesting is underway?according to Burke Museum nesting phenology info thanks to Dennis Paulson?s help, mentions first egg date being March 11 and full into full nesting in first week of April!
Any suggestions for an easy cam to set up to maybe see fledging remotely?
Good birding!
Caryn / Wedgwood
From rich at rjassociates.ca Thu Apr 6 12:18:56 2023
From: rich at rjassociates.ca (Richard James)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Birds in Flight (BIF) photography
Message-ID:
> Message: 6 Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2023 18:27:51 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Peggy Mundy
> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Birds in Flight
> (BIF) photography
> BIF photography is fun, but yes, swifts and swallows are tough.?
> Here are my tips that I have shared with others,?
> I set my camera to Continuous High (I shoot Nikon, other
> manufacturers may call it differently).? Allows you to take multiple
> frames quickly.
In addition, set the focus mode to "closest object" or "Group" (latest
Nikons) as the bird will generally be closest, esp in flight.
> - Practice, practice, practice!??
And more...
--
From an Island in the Pacific,
Richard James, Victoria, BC
From dennispaulson at comcast.net Thu Apr 6 12:45:19 2023
From: dennispaulson at comcast.net (Dennis Paulson)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Birds in Flight (BIF) photography
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID:
Many new cameras allow you to specify what you are trying to photograph by selecting ?bird? (or airplane or automobile, etc.) in a menu. When you get the moving object in in the viewfinder, it draws a box around it, and I find it easier to follow birds in flight with that box. Whatever is in the box it keeps in focus.
I?m totally addicted to BIF photography. I?m using an OM Systems (formerly Olympus) OM-1 with an Olympus 100-400 mm telephoto lens, and I?m doing a lot better with fast-flying birds than I used to. Vaux?s Swifts are among the very most difficult!
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Apr 6, 2023, at 12:18 PM, Richard James wrote:
>
>> Message: 6 Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2023 18:27:51 +0000 (UTC) From: Peggy Mundy Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Birds in Flight
>> (BIF) photography
>
>> BIF photography is fun, but yes, swifts and swallows are tough.?
>> Here are my tips that I have shared with others,?
>
>> I set my camera to Continuous High (I shoot Nikon, other manufacturers may call it differently).? Allows you to take multiple
>> frames quickly.
>
> In addition, set the focus mode to "closest object" or "Group" (latest
> Nikons) as the bird will generally be closest, esp in flight.
>
>> - Practice, practice, practice!??
>
> And more...
> --
> From an Island in the Pacific,
> Richard James, Victoria, BC
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
From birdmarymoor at frontier.com Thu Apr 6 13:38:41 2023
From: birdmarymoor at frontier.com (birdmarymoor)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2023-04-06
References: <80831228.27579.1680813521645.ref@mail.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <80831228.27579.1680813521645@mail.yahoo.com>
Tweets - The weather wasn't delightful, but it was really just a bit of mist and mizzle.? Temps were okay, and there wasn't much breeze.? Still doesn't really feel like spring, but there are signs pointing that way.
Highlights
? ? * Canada Goose - Seem to be nesting atop both Osprey platforms, and in an island on the slough below the weir
? ? * Rufous Hummingbird - Now several males present, and we got our first decent views of spring
? ? * OSPREY - First of Spring (FOS).? Perched on softball field lights in the NE part of the park
? ? * Bushtit - Numerous and widespread
? ? * Tree and Violet-green Swallows - Numerous over the slough when we completed the main loop
? ? * Hermit Thrush - One in Big Cottonwood Forest.? Best time to see them is now through the first week of May
? ? * Lincoln's Sparrow - One in Pea Patch, first since February.? Same best season as Hermit Thrush.
? ? * Brown-headed Cowbird - Two below weir.? FOS, but not First of Year since we had one in January
Misses today included Rock Pigeon (except for the tame released one), Wilson's Snipe, Pine Siskin, and Common Yellowthroat.? The COYE are almost always back by this time of the year (23 of 30 years).??
Tuesday, I had four species we missed today: AMERICAN WIGEON, BAND-TAILED PIGEON, HAIRY WOODPECKER, and TOWNSEND'S WARBLER.
For the day, 56 species plus the Ring-necked Pheasant.? 61 species total for the week.? Maybe next week the weather will be warm and birdy.
= Michael Hobbs
From jimbetz at jimbetz.com Thu Apr 6 13:50:57 2023
From: jimbetz at jimbetz.com (jimbetz@jimbetz.com)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] BIF
In-Reply-To:
Message-ID: <20230406135057.Horde.DAkte1B2b8Efwnl6WPqEw7Y@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Kevin/anyone who cares ...
I'm a LOT better bird photographer when the bird is both close and
perched. *G*.
I do not consider myself "adept" at photographing birds in flight. My
experience tells me that I have to use manual focus, attempt to focus
when the bird is moving, try to catch the bird moving across the frame
rather than towards/away from you, use a high shutter speed (at least
1/1000th).
if you look at those suggestions you quickly come to the conclusion
that you need a lot of light and "side light" to get anything you
would consider showing a friend.
Oh yes, expect to throw away (delete) at least 90 percent of the
images you attempt. Really great BIF photographers say stuff like
"I keep about 1 in 20 - or less - on the average." And then add
that the ratio gets worse depending upon how you intend to use the
photo.
Practice -will- increase the quality of your results ... and,
eventually, even increase the number you "keep".
My nephew lets me use some of his SmugMug space. Here's an
example of a picture shot at 1/400th. That 'smudge' in the
lower left is the second bird of the pair returning to this
nest. Note how much the wings are blurred for the more
easily identified bird just entering the nest. I have several
images of goldfinches shot at 1/1000th and the wings are
blurred.
https://eamon.smugmug.com/Family-pics-from-jim/Birds-and-Stuff-from-Jim/n-4Cw3NF/Birds-Web/i-JXqqfJk/A
Soaring birds (Bald Eagles/etc.) are a LOT easier. I've also
had good luck with Snow Geese (and tossed a lot of images also).
I have a few images of Harriers and Short-eared owls in flight.
And a lot of pics of ducks on the water, birds at a feeder or
sitting on a pole/wire ... those are easy compared to BIF.
- Jim
From margeecooper at gmail.com Thu Apr 6 14:23:22 2023
From: margeecooper at gmail.com (Margee Cooper)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] 1st Backyard Goldfinch
Message-ID:
The western edge of Longview (my backyard) has been visited by the FOY
Goldfinch.
Great to see a burst of color on these drab rainy days!
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From baro at pdx.edu Thu Apr 6 17:13:08 2023
From: baro at pdx.edu (Robert O'Brien)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Birds in Flight (BIF) photography
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID:
Photographing Swifts. Here is a trick that worked for me, using an older
but still great Canon EOS 7D & 300 mm lens.
(Any modern camera and lens will work).
I propped the camera on my car roof at the correct vertical angle,
focusing on my chimney and at a right angle to the exit flight of 'our'
nesting pair of swifts.
The camera was in movie mode. When a bird entered the chimney I started it
running. The bird soon emerged and 3-5 frames captured it.
I stopped the movie and waited for the next entrance. Then I separated all
the individual frames of the movie into jpgs and selected the 3-5.with the
parent swift. (Software on the internet will do this; some is available
with a free trial at times.)
A Chimney Swift had come down the chimney into my house earlier in the
season, (2nd Oregon State record;
https://oregonbirding.org/wp-content/uploads/OBRCphotos/423-14-02.mp4and
I was wondering whether it might be nesting with a Vaux's Swift. From the
'movie jpg' photos I was able to determine that it was not. Both were
Vaux's.
Then I got a little more creative and tried to capture the just-fledged
young reentering the chimney. This was harder because I had to anticipate
the entrance so that there would not be too much footage before the
swiftlets entered. Here I got lucky and got photos of one fledgling
missing the entrance and bouncing off the horizontal edge of the chimney.
Unfazed, it went around and went in the next time. A miracle it can catch
the side of the chimney and prevent its fall to the bottom what with it's
new experience in flight.
As to catching an adult entering the chimney. Absolutely no luck there.
They enter the chimney vertically, full speed ahead. None of this
fluttering downward you see with flocks entering chimneys.
Bob OBrien Portland
PS I'm sure those adept with movie editing (not me) could more easily
extract just the desired frames rather than all of them as I did.
On Thu, Apr 6, 2023 at 12:57?PM Kevin Lucas wrote:
> At Poppoff on March 19 I saw several Vaux's Swifts flying with a mixed
> flock of Tree and Violet-green Swallows. Picking out the swifts from the
> swallows was easiest by their flight style and speed, rather than by field
> marks. Then I'd get my binocs on them to get a nicer view of the bird. Once
> I got into that, I tried adding in my camera as the last step, eventually
> skipping the binocs step. I wasn't my quickest or most coordinated that
> day, and even at my best, swifts are tough. They're swift. To my eye,
> there's no faster bird in "level" flight. I got just a few Loch Ness photos
> of swifts, and didn't even get any good ones of the swallows. I submitted a
> couple of photos with my checklist for the Vaux's Swifts. Vaux's Swift
> maven Larry Switters shared that some early Vaux's Swifts are expected with
> swallows. My sighting has not been bestowed eBird's seal of "Confirmed".
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S131477820
>
> Since this morning is drizzling and I've not yet ventured out, I decided
> to search for some tips on swift photography. The most fun advice I found
> was:
>
> "... Then when you have finished, delete all the pictures on your card
> without wasting any more time by reviewing them. It really is a thankless
> task and you should be able to find something far more constructive to do
> with a warm, well-lit day. Remember to reset all the functions on your
> camera before getting on with your life."
>
>
> https://www.10000birds.com/dont-take-pictures-of-swifts.htm#:~:text=The%20speed%20and%20light%20reflecting,focussing%20range%20of%20your%20lens
> .
>
> I found some more advice, quite usable, at another site for anyone with a
> desire to go against the grain, whether my grail of trying to find and
> document rarities accurately and get them "confirmed" on eBird, or
> improving your skill at photographing birds in flight (BIF). I love seeing
> all the positions of birds and details of plumage that don't appear in any
> field guide, even in cruddy photos. They're fun, and also help me learn how
> many ways birds can be misidentified, even in individual photos.
>
> https://timcollierphotography.com/articles/photographing-swifts/
>
> March 19th was by far the earliest I've found Vaux's Swifts here in Yakima
> County. Previously I've seen and photographed them here as early as April
> 10th. That was at the Johnson Auto Glass chimney roost. Even when I
> pre-focused on the chimney top there, most of my photos in low light and
> hand held have been merely acceptable. Capturing individuals as they flew
> over me there in the parking lot was more challenging. Capturing the swifts
> at Poppoff, when I'd not been psyched-up for the effort, and with the
> distractions of all the other little birdies there, was even more of a
> challenge, one I enjoyed.
>
> If anyone has tips that specifically help them with photographing birds in
> flight, I'd love to read them. Even a reminder of something I've learned
> before might be priceless.
>
> Poppoff Trail is the southernmost section of Yakima Greenway Path along
> the western side of the Yakima River.
>
>
> https://www.google.com/maps/place/Poppoff+Nature+Trail,+Union+Gap,+WA+98903/@46.5649757,-120.470624,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x5499d61600e45437:0xe001040245b92f08!8m2!3d46.5649757!4d-120.4684353!16s%2Fg%2F1pzqhtr25
>
>
> Good Birding,
>
> https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/
>
> https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography
>
> Kevin Lucas
> Yakima County, Washington
>
> *Qui tacet consentire videtur*
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
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From shepthorp at gmail.com Thu Apr 6 18:00:27 2023
From: shepthorp at gmail.com (Shep Thorp)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr NWR for 4/5/2023
Message-ID:
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 40 of us had a really fun day at the Refuge with chilly
temperatures in the 30's to 50's degrees Fahrenheit and a southerly breeze
with mostly cloudy skies. There was a Low 2.3ft Tide at 12:30pm.
Highlights included FOY CALIFORNIA SCRUB-JAY and TURKEY VULTURE, Myrtle
variety of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, and both EURASIAN
WIGEON and AMERICAN X EURASIAN WIGEON hybrid. Overall the diversity at the
Refuge is less than expected, as we would normally be seeing Cliff Swallow,
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Caspian Tern, Osprey, Common Yellowthroat,
Savannah Sparrow, and more shorebirds. Some of us have speculated that
perhaps the stormy weather in California has slowed down some of our early
spring migrants.
Starting out at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook at 8am, we had great looks
at PIED-BILLED GREBE, RING-NECKED DUCK, HOODED MERGANSER and BALD EAGLE.
As it turns out, we had a Bald Eagle high count of 65 birds which is not
something I usually see in April (usually 15-30 birds). A flock of 6
CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES flew through and a CALIFORNIA SCRUB-JAY teed up
on a tall Alder Tree across the pond. I worry about the Chestnut-backed
Chickadee when I see Scrub-jay in the neighborhood.
The Orchard was good for PURPLE FINCH, RED-TAILED HAWK, ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLER and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. We also had sightings of both
hummingbirds, BEWICK'S WREN and VARIED THRUSH. BUSHTIT continued to work
on a nest in a small Doughlas Fir tree. A nice flock of
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER were foraging around the green gate to the Access
Road and we got to pick through the flock for a couple of Myrtle variety
mixed in with the predominantly Audubon's variety.
The flooded fields adjacent to the Access Road were good for NORTHERN
SHOVELER, AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL, AMERICAN COOT, TREE
SWALLOW and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW. A large flock of Taverner's variety of
CACKLING GEESE, about 100, lined the entrance road. A SORA was heard
calling. The numbers of NORTHERN PINTAIL were down, but hundreds of
"dabbling ducks" were observed on the Reach and not identifiable due to the
low tide and distance. We had a great look at a yellow shafted, red and
black malar, red-naped Intergrade NORTHERN FLICKER. A couple of
VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were heard and seen, as well a couple of BARN
SWALLOW. Normally, this time of year we would see more Barn Swallow, as
well Cliff Swallow and Northern Rough-winged Swallow, but they have been
late to show.
The west side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail was great for WOOD DUCK, BROWN
CREEPER and RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD. HOODED MERGANSER were observed visiting
tree hole cavities in large Maple Trees. We also had good looks at
Red-eared Slider Turtle, BullFrog, and Salamander Egg clusters. No Common
Yellowthroat to be seen... usually reported at this time in previous years.
The Twin Barns Overlook is a great spot for RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and picking
through the waterfowl and swallows. An AMERICAN X EURASIAN WIGEON was
spotted by Rob. The Bald Eagle were fairly active hunting the waterfowl.
Getting out on the Nisqually Estuary Trail, or dike, we checked on the BALD
EAGLE continuing on the nest in the large Cottonwood north on the west bank
of the Nisqually River. No chicks yet, but an occupied nest for three
weeks now. The freshwater marsh on the inside of the dike was great for
close looks of waterfowl, GREAT BLUE HERON, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, and MARSH
WREN. Good numbers of CACKLING GEESE continue. As we say at Nisqually
during a low tide, "acres of mud" to be scanned. SHORT-BILLED GULL,
RING-BILLED GULL and GREATER YELLOWLEG were fairly evenly dispersed over
the estuary as they foraged.
On the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail, the tidal channels and receding
waters edge of McAllister Creek consolidated the AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL,
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, and DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANT. We had nice looks of RED-BREASTED MERGANSER displaying. Three
EURASIAN WIGEON were located. Tom found a female Eurasian Wigeon being
followed by a male EUWI. Anders spotted a distant FOY TURKEY VULTURE. Ken
located two SPOTTED SANDPIPER on the west bank of McAllister Creek. The
Puget Sound Viewing Platform was good for scoping BRANT GEESE, BRANDT
CORMORANT, and HORNED GREBE. We dipped on Surf Scoter and Common Loon.
There were hundreds of waterfowl on the reach, most likely AMWI and NOPI,
but too far to distinguish. And plenty of "big guys"
WESTERN/GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS.
The Nisqually River Overlook was excellent for viewing COMMON MERGANSER, we
also had many additional Common Goldeneye (high count for the day). A
female BELTED KINGFISHER seemed to be closely sticking to the area. The
maintenance crew has cleared the Willow Trees north of the Viewing Platform
significantly improving the view downstream. Kudos to the Billy Frank Jr
NWR Maintenance Crew, they do a stellar job maintaining our trails and
regulating the water levels and vegetation in our fields, a big thank you!
On our return we picked up PACIFIC WREN, SPOTTED TOWHEE and additional
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and SONG SPARROW.
We had 64 species for the day, and have seen 109 species for the year.
Misses include Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Cliff
Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Common Yellowthroat, Northern
Harrier, Osprey, falcon (Peregrine or American Kestrel), Least Sandpiper,
Dunlin. Caspian Tern, and Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Mammals seen included Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed
Deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and Harbor Seal.
Until next week, happy birding!
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Apr 5, 2023 7:21 AM - 4:02 PM
Protocol: Traveling
7.187 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly cloudy with temperatures in
the 30?s to 50?s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low 2.3ft Tide at 12:30pm. Mammals
seen Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern
Gray Squirrel, Harbor Seal.
64 species (+7 other taxa)
Brant (Black) 50 Puget Sound Observation Platform. Birds on Nisqually
Reach.
Cackling Goose (minima) 500
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 100
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 40 Old owl nest tree north section of
Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Northern Shoveler 175
Gadwall 20
Eurasian Wigeon 3 McAllister Creek Viewing Platform.
American Wigeon 600
Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) 1 Spotted by Rob Chrisler, a male
Wigeon with red markings on head. Spotted from Twin Barns Observation
Platform.
Mallard 125
Northern Pintail 125
Green-winged Teal (American) 150
dabbling duck sp. 500 Nisqually Reach.
Ring-necked Duck 11
Bufflehead 250
Common Goldeneye 65 We counted birds in McAllister Creek, the
Nisqually Reach from the Puget Sound Observation Platform, and Nisqually
River Overlook. We observed unusually high counts in both the McAllister
Creek and Nisqually. For example, we may normally see 3-5 Goldeneye in
Nisqually River, today we observed 20 species. Observations were with
binoculars and scope at 100 feet to 0.5 mile on our regular walk. We had
high numbers of Bufflehead as well.
Hooded Merganser 8
Common Merganser 17 Nisqually River Overlook.
Red-breasted Merganser 25 McAllister Creek and Reach
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Horned Grebe 6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 12
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 7 Orchard, Twin Barns cut-off from Loop Trail, Twin
Barns Overlook, NE corner of Twin Barns Loop Trail, east side of Loop Trail.
Sora 1 Heard, flooded field south of Access Road.
American Coot 150
Spotted Sandpiper 2 West bank of McAllister Creek.
Greater Yellowlegs 20
Short-billed Gull 125
Ring-billed Gull 45
Glaucous-winged Gull 3
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 15
Larus sp. 100
Brandt's Cormorant 4 Nisqually River channel marker.
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron 25
Turkey Vulture 1 Spotted by Anders over McAllister Creek hill.
Bald Eagle 65 High count. Occupied next north of Nisqually Estuary
Trail in big Cottonwood Tree on west back of Nisqually River.
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 7
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted) 1
Steller's Jay 1
California Scrub-Jay 2 Visitor Center and Orchard.
American Crow 30 Nest building in riparian habitat adjacent to sloughs
and flooded fields.
Common Raven 3
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 10
Tree Swallow 125
Violet-green Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 4
Bushtit 7 Nest building in Douglas Fir next to Orchard.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6
Brown Creeper 4
Pacific Wren 1
Marsh Wren 4
Bewick's Wren 3
European Starling 300 Cavities in Cottonwoods and Maples.
Varied Thrush 1 Orchard.
American Robin 64
Purple Finch 5
American Goldfinch 6
Golden-crowned Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 25
Spotted Towhee 2
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 10
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S132849942
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From klawitterrichard at yahoo.com Thu Apr 6 18:27:02 2023
From: klawitterrichard at yahoo.com (rick klawitter)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Sage thrashers
References: <4026F7CC-C12D-48C8-AD67-0C61B72DD368.ref@yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <4026F7CC-C12D-48C8-AD67-0C61B72DD368@yahoo.com>
Hello - Does someone know the usual dates that Sage Thrashers call and display on territory in central Washington?
Thanks, Richard Klawitter Port Angeles
Sent from my iPhone
From krothnelson at yahoo.com Fri Apr 7 10:46:04 2023
From: krothnelson at yahoo.com (krothnelson@yahoo.com)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Upcoming Bird Programs from North Cascades Institute
References: <58915446.894427.1680889564391.ref@mail.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <58915446.894427.1680889564391@mail.yahoo.com>
North?Cascades?Institute?has several upcoming?bird-related programs that I think many of you will be interested in:?
Saturday, April 29:?Birding the Salish Sea?aboard the Snow Goose. Explore the waters of Bellingham Bay, Lummi Island and surrounding areas in search of a variety of seabirds like loons, murres, auklets, guillemots, scoters, cormorants and more as well as marine mammals with expert naturalist?Amanda Colbert. Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Baker, the Chuckanut Mountains, the Nooksack River estuary, Rosario Strait and San Juan Islands from a unique water-level perspective.
Wednesday, May 10:?Something to Crow About, a?virtual presentation with Dr. Kaeli Swift.?Explore the unique features of corvids that make them so appealing to watch and study, how they have influenced our cultures across time and space, and how human attention towards these birds has shaped their own ecology and culture.?
Saturday, May 12 - Sunday, May 14:?Spring Birding in the North Cascades.?Join longtime Institute instructor and birding extraordinaire Libby Mills to seek out spring bird life in the North Cascades ecosystem. This course?includes two nights of comfortable lodging, six delicious meals and interesting evening programs at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.?*Only 2 spots left!
There are many other programs that you all might enjoy including classes?focusing on art, photography, wolves, snakes, grizzly bears, killer whales, wildlife tracking, biodiversity, mushrooms and more!?Find out more about?these?classes and sign up at?https://ncascades.org/signup/programs/classes
I also highly recommend signing up for?the?Institute?s monthly?eNewsletter?here.
Scholarships and Student, Military and Disability discounts may also be available for in-person programs. Call (360) 854-2599 for more info.?
| | Virus-free.www.avast.com |
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From vikingcove at gmail.com Sat Apr 8 08:43:29 2023
From: vikingcove at gmail.com (Kevin Lucas)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Birds in Flight (BIF) photography
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID:
Robert, Dennis, Peggy, Richard, and Jim,
(and if I missed someone's name, I apologize. I did read and save each
reply.)
Thank you all for sharing your experiences and your suggestions regarding
birds in flight photography. As I'd hoped for, you gave me some new ideas,
new perspectives on techniques and attitudes, renewed hope for success, and
reminders of things I've not focused on, so to write.
Good Birding,
https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/
https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography
Kevin Lucas
Yakima County, Washington
*Qui tacet consentire videtur*
On Thu, Apr 6, 2023 at 5:13?PM Robert O'Brien wrote:
> Photographing Swifts. Here is a trick that worked for me, using an older
> but still great Canon EOS 7D & 300 mm lens.
> (Any modern camera and lens will work).
> I propped the camera on my car roof at the correct vertical angle,
> focusing on my chimney and at a right angle to the exit flight of 'our'
> nesting pair of swifts.
> The camera was in movie mode. When a bird entered the chimney I started
> it running. The bird soon emerged and 3-5 frames captured it.
> I stopped the movie and waited for the next entrance. Then I separated
> all the individual frames of the movie into jpgs and selected the 3-5.with
> the parent swift. (Software on the internet will do this; some is
> available with a free trial at times.)
>
> A Chimney Swift had come down the chimney into my house earlier in the
> season, (2nd Oregon State record;
> https://oregonbirding.org/wp-content/uploads/OBRCphotos/423-14-02.mp4and
> I was wondering whether it might be nesting with a Vaux's Swift. From the
> 'movie jpg' photos I was able to determine that it was not. Both were
> Vaux's.
>
> Then I got a little more creative and tried to capture the just-fledged
> young reentering the chimney. This was harder because I had to anticipate
> the entrance so that there would not be too much footage before the
> swiftlets entered. Here I got lucky and got photos of one fledgling
> missing the entrance and bouncing off the horizontal edge of the chimney.
> Unfazed, it went around and went in the next time. A miracle it can catch
> the side of the chimney and prevent its fall to the bottom what with it's
> new experience in flight.
>
> As to catching an adult entering the chimney. Absolutely no luck there.
> They enter the chimney vertically, full speed ahead. None of this
> fluttering downward you see with flocks entering chimneys.
>
> Bob OBrien Portland
>
> PS I'm sure those adept with movie editing (not me) could more easily
> extract just the desired frames rather than all of them as I did.
>
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 6, 2023 at 12:57?PM Kevin Lucas wrote:
>
>> At Poppoff on March 19 I saw several Vaux's Swifts flying with a mixed
>> flock of Tree and Violet-green Swallows. Picking out the swifts from the
>> swallows was easiest by their flight style and speed, rather than by field
>> marks. Then I'd get my binocs on them to get a nicer view of the bird. Once
>> I got into that, I tried adding in my camera as the last step, eventually
>> skipping the binocs step. I wasn't my quickest or most coordinated that
>> day, and even at my best, swifts are tough. They're swift. To my eye,
>> there's no faster bird in "level" flight. I got just a few Loch Ness photos
>> of swifts, and didn't even get any good ones of the swallows. I submitted a
>> couple of photos with my checklist for the Vaux's Swifts. Vaux's Swift
>> maven Larry Switters shared that some early Vaux's Swifts are expected with
>> swallows. My sighting has not been bestowed eBird's seal of "Confirmed".
>>
>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S131477820
>>
>> Since this morning is drizzling and I've not yet ventured out, I decided
>> to search for some tips on swift photography. The most fun advice I found
>> was:
>>
>> "... Then when you have finished, delete all the pictures on your card
>> without wasting any more time by reviewing them. It really is a thankless
>> task and you should be able to find something far more constructive to do
>> with a warm, well-lit day. Remember to reset all the functions on your
>> camera before getting on with your life."
>>
>>
>> https://www.10000birds.com/dont-take-pictures-of-swifts.htm#:~:text=The%20speed%20and%20light%20reflecting,focussing%20range%20of%20your%20lens
>> .
>>
>> I found some more advice, quite usable, at another site for anyone with a
>> desire to go against the grain, whether my grail of trying to find and
>> document rarities accurately and get them "confirmed" on eBird, or
>> improving your skill at photographing birds in flight (BIF). I love seeing
>> all the positions of birds and details of plumage that don't appear in any
>> field guide, even in cruddy photos. They're fun, and also help me learn how
>> many ways birds can be misidentified, even in individual photos.
>>
>> https://timcollierphotography.com/articles/photographing-swifts/
>>
>> March 19th was by far the earliest I've found Vaux's Swifts here in
>> Yakima County. Previously I've seen and photographed them here as early as
>> April 10th. That was at the Johnson Auto Glass chimney roost. Even when I
>> pre-focused on the chimney top there, most of my photos in low light and
>> hand held have been merely acceptable. Capturing individuals as they flew
>> over me there in the parking lot was more challenging. Capturing the swifts
>> at Poppoff, when I'd not been psyched-up for the effort, and with the
>> distractions of all the other little birdies there, was even more of a
>> challenge, one I enjoyed.
>>
>> If anyone has tips that specifically help them with photographing birds
>> in flight, I'd love to read them. Even a reminder of something I've learned
>> before might be priceless.
>>
>> Poppoff Trail is the southernmost section of Yakima Greenway Path along
>> the western side of the Yakima River.
>>
>>
>> https://www.google.com/maps/place/Poppoff+Nature+Trail,+Union+Gap,+WA+98903/@46.5649757,-120.470624,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x5499d61600e45437:0xe001040245b92f08!8m2!3d46.5649757!4d-120.4684353!16s%2Fg%2F1pzqhtr25
>>
>>
>> Good Birding,
>>
>> https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/
>>
>>
>> https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography
>>
>> Kevin Lucas
>> Yakima County, Washington
>>
>> *Qui tacet consentire videtur*
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>>
>
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From jimbetz at jimbetz.com Sat Apr 8 10:13:18 2023
From: jimbetz at jimbetz.com (jimbetz@jimbetz.com)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Birding Guide in Sedona
In-Reply-To:
Message-ID: <20230408101318.Horde.7dZg1jOUFod0_wqqgnTvfIr@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Tweet, Tweet, ... T, T, TWEET!
We have recently returned from a road trip. One of the best things
we did was to go on a half day guided trip in Sedona with Tim Weber.
Tim was excellent in terms of choosing good locations, helping us
ID the birds we were seeing, and also very good at using bird calls
to ID and find birds on the tops/backs of trees and bushes.
I highly recommend Tim if you are going to the Sedona or Verde
Valley areas.
https://birdingnorthernarizona.com/
- Jim
From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Sat Apr 8 13:55:17 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Caching-in=3A_=E2=80=9CThe_brain_science_of_?=
=?utf-8?q?tiny_birds_with_amazing_memories=E2=80=9D?=
Message-ID: <878F21D3-1750-428B-B136-19487C273A2E@gmail.com>
https://phys.org/news/2023-03-brain-science-tiny-birds-amazing.html
Sent from my iPhone
From margeecooper at gmail.com Sat Apr 8 14:13:12 2023
From: margeecooper at gmail.com (Margee Cooper)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Sandhills over Longview
Message-ID:
Hi tweeters!
So thrilled to hear and see a gathering of Sandhill Cranes flying high over
me while out walking my pup today.
The cranes seemed to be heading in a NW direction and were divided into two
groups, one larger than the other. Perhaps a total of 35, maybe more.
Margee
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From marcus at rainierconnect.com Sat Apr 8 19:39:19 2023
From: marcus at rainierconnect.com (Marcus Roening)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Great Egrets in Pierce County, JBLM access
Message-ID:
Hi Tweets,
Pierce County has been host to two Great Egrets this past week - a highly unusual occurrence.
One is at Mountain View Cemetery in Lakewood WA. Happily the management is amenable to birders as long as we are respectful of others visiting the cemetery. If you go, follow the main entrance road due north. At the Tee go left and down the hill between a pond and part of the Flett Creek Holding Basins. You can park just past the pond on the left with good viewing of the marsh to the west that recently had a Northern Shrike. Another good parking spot is in the far NE corner near Holding Ponds 3 & 4 in a half circle pull out.
The Great Egret has been seen from this area all the way upstream through a series of 4 holding ponds. Also, in the furthest 2 NE ponds in the next week should be Sora and Cinnamon Teal which are uncommon in Pierce County.
The other Great Egret has been on Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Restricted Access Area- The Muck Creek Restoration Site. Thankfully, the military does provide a process to access their open Training Areas (Open Areas change weekly depending on military training activities). Here is the link to the getting a one year Range Access Pass from Range Control for which you do not need to be military: https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/index.php/about/Directorates-support-offices/DPTMS/training-division/dptams-range-branch
Range Control will provide a basic map outline, instructions on how to determine which areas are Open & Closed and a Range Control Pass for you and one for your vehicle.
Note that Cell service is spotty in the Training Areas. All areas with breeding Streaked Horned Lark are Permanently Closed Training Areas to the public during breeding season.
Good birding,
Marcus Roening
Tacoma WA
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From scottleavens at gmail.com Sat Apr 8 20:00:43 2023
From: scottleavens at gmail.com (Scott Leavens)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] FOY Enumclaw Turkey Vultures
Message-ID:
Hi Tweets,
Saw 4 TUVU yesterday evening at a farm near Veazie. These are the first
I've seen out here this year.
-Scott Leavens
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From jimbetz at jimbetz.com Sun Apr 9 11:06:17 2023
From: jimbetz at jimbetz.com (jimbetz@jimbetz.com)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Turkey Vultures
In-Reply-To:
Message-ID: <20230409110617.Horde.mm-c20VtR518usUs0mK6xFs@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Tweet - Tweet - Tweety Tweet,
Hi all. It is quite common to see posts about TUVUs - and, it
seems to me at
least - they are often reported as though they are "rare" or "notable" (for
example a FOY/FOS).
We live about 300 feet up on a hill that faces East looking up the
Skagit Valley.
We see TUVU ... often. So much so that my tendency is to "just take
long enough
to establish if it is a TUVU or a Bald Eagle" ... and consider the ID of it
being a TUVU as "disappointing" and at least half the time don't even
report it
on eBird. If it is a bald or some other raptor (usually an RTH) I almost
always report it ... but the TUVUs are so "common" that they get dismissed as
being unworthy of the time it takes to post a checklist (which is -not- a
lot of time).
And I will say that I -think- we see them pretty much all year round. I
should just check my reports and see if this is true - my suspicion is
that we see them in every month of the year.
I did that - checked my reports to eBird - and in the 3 years I've
been using eBird I see that I've seen TUVUs in every month except
Jan and Feb. But I suspect that "I've just not reported them in those
months rather than that I didn't see any ... ??? In fact, eBird shows
TUVU reported in Skagit County for every week of the year except on in
Jan and one it Dec ... so that seems to support that they are here
year round.
I do know that some TUVU migrate South - we saw many of them just last
October in Veracruz, Mx. and they -seemed- to be migrating rather than
residents. But the reports of TUVU in Skagit appear to support the
statement that some of them, at least, do not migrate ... ???
It would seem correct for me to conclude that the TUVUs are 'common' here in
Skagit County ... or at least not rare.
I am NOT discounting other people's reports. I'm wondering if the reason
they are so common here is because we live in a much more rural area where
agriculture and logging are still major industries? Or maybe it is due to
the fact that we sit where we have a very large field of view?
Anyone have any ideas about this?
- Jim
From rogermoyer1 at hotmail.com Sun Apr 9 11:38:20 2023
From: rogermoyer1 at hotmail.com (Roger Moyer)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Common Crane and Laughing Gull
Message-ID:
The Common Crane was still present yesterday just on Wakefield Road juat south of Elma. The Laughing Gull was present yesterday at Tokeland Marina around 330 pm.
Roger Moyer
Chehalis ,WA
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From scottleavens at gmail.com Sun Apr 9 12:27:12 2023
From: scottleavens at gmail.com (Scott Leavens)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Turkey Vultures
In-Reply-To: <20230409110617.Horde.mm-c20VtR518usUs0mK6xFs@webmail.jimbetz.com>
References:
<20230409110617.Horde.mm-c20VtR518usUs0mK6xFs@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Message-ID:
Hey Jim,
I've wondered the same thing. I live in Enumclaw and seeing them around the
farms and fields is very common for most of the year. I reported the FOY
ones yesterday because since joining tweeters I've noticed a lot of
interest in them, although I haven't quite understood why.
- Scott Leavens
On Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 11:07 AM wrote:
> Tweet - Tweet - Tweety Tweet,
>
> Hi all. It is quite common to see posts about TUVUs - and, it
> seems to me at
> least - they are often reported as though they are "rare" or "notable" (for
> example a FOY/FOS).
> We live about 300 feet up on a hill that faces East looking up the
> Skagit Valley.
> We see TUVU ... often. So much so that my tendency is to "just take
> long enough
> to establish if it is a TUVU or a Bald Eagle" ... and consider the ID of it
> being a TUVU as "disappointing" and at least half the time don't even
> report it
> on eBird. If it is a bald or some other raptor (usually an RTH) I almost
> always report it ... but the TUVUs are so "common" that they get dismissed
> as
> being unworthy of the time it takes to post a checklist (which is -not- a
> lot of time).
>
> And I will say that I -think- we see them pretty much all year round. I
> should just check my reports and see if this is true - my suspicion is
> that we see them in every month of the year.
> I did that - checked my reports to eBird - and in the 3 years I've
> been using eBird I see that I've seen TUVUs in every month except
> Jan and Feb. But I suspect that "I've just not reported them in those
> months rather than that I didn't see any ... ??? In fact, eBird shows
> TUVU reported in Skagit County for every week of the year except on in
> Jan and one it Dec ... so that seems to support that they are here
> year round.
> I do know that some TUVU migrate South - we saw many of them just last
> October in Veracruz, Mx. and they -seemed- to be migrating rather than
> residents. But the reports of TUVU in Skagit appear to support the
> statement that some of them, at least, do not migrate ... ???
>
> It would seem correct for me to conclude that the TUVUs are 'common'
> here in
> Skagit County ... or at least not rare.
> I am NOT discounting other people's reports. I'm wondering if the
> reason
> they are so common here is because we live in a much more rural area where
> agriculture and logging are still major industries? Or maybe it is due to
> the fact that we sit where we have a very large field of view?
>
> Anyone have any ideas about this?
> - Jim
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
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From jimullrich at gmail.com Sun Apr 9 12:27:18 2023
From: jimullrich at gmail.com (jimullrich)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival
Message-ID:
Hello Tweets:
Our 27th Annual Grays Harbor & Nature Festival is just around the corner May 5-7, 2023.
Please visit our webpages and updated videos at:
https://shorebirdfestival.com
So much to do out at the shores of the Pacific Ocean and inlets from Westport up to Quinault region.
Key note speakers, lectures and vendor access May 5-7.
Chairpersons Glynnis Nakai NWR Director & Arnie Martin Grays Harbor Audubon
Sent from my iPhone
From stevechampton at gmail.com Sun Apr 9 13:09:16 2023
From: stevechampton at gmail.com (Steve Hampton)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Turkey Vultures
In-Reply-To:
References:
<20230409110617.Horde.mm-c20VtR518usUs0mK6xFs@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Message-ID:
I wholeheartedly agree. Turkey Vultures, in addition to being regular
year-round in western Washington (although relatively sparse in winter),
are definitely a climate change winner so far. I expect them daily now
wherever there is open habitat. They are expanding north and increasing
throughout the northern portions of their range, coast to coast, with few
declines in the south. See eBird's new excellent trend maps, which have
remarkably fine resolution. It shows (for TUVU) their trends in summer
since 2007.
https://science.ebird.org/en/status-and-trends/species/turvul/trends-map
See my graph of their increase in winter as reported by Christmas Bird
Counts in the PNW, at
https://thecottonwoodpost.net/2020/03/09/the-invasion-of-the-pacific-northwest-californias-birds-expand-north-with-warmer-winters/
good birding,
On Sun, Apr 9, 2023 at 12:27?PM Scott Leavens
wrote:
> Hey Jim,
>
> I've wondered the same thing. I live in Enumclaw and seeing them around
> the farms and fields is very common for most of the year. I reported the
> FOY ones yesterday because since joining tweeters I've noticed a lot of
> interest in them, although I haven't quite understood why.
>
> - Scott Leavens
>
> On Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 11:07 AM wrote:
>
>> Tweet - Tweet - Tweety Tweet,
>>
>> Hi all. It is quite common to see posts about TUVUs - and, it
>> seems to me at
>> least - they are often reported as though they are "rare" or "notable"
>> (for
>> example a FOY/FOS).
>> We live about 300 feet up on a hill that faces East looking up the
>> Skagit Valley.
>> We see TUVU ... often. So much so that my tendency is to "just take
>> long enough
>> to establish if it is a TUVU or a Bald Eagle" ... and consider the ID of
>> it
>> being a TUVU as "disappointing" and at least half the time don't even
>> report it
>> on eBird. If it is a bald or some other raptor (usually an RTH) I almost
>> always report it ... but the TUVUs are so "common" that they get
>> dismissed as
>> being unworthy of the time it takes to post a checklist (which is -not- a
>> lot of time).
>>
>> And I will say that I -think- we see them pretty much all year round.
>> I
>> should just check my reports and see if this is true - my suspicion is
>> that we see them in every month of the year.
>> I did that - checked my reports to eBird - and in the 3 years I've
>> been using eBird I see that I've seen TUVUs in every month except
>> Jan and Feb. But I suspect that "I've just not reported them in those
>> months rather than that I didn't see any ... ??? In fact, eBird shows
>> TUVU reported in Skagit County for every week of the year except on in
>> Jan and one it Dec ... so that seems to support that they are here
>> year round.
>> I do know that some TUVU migrate South - we saw many of them just last
>> October in Veracruz, Mx. and they -seemed- to be migrating rather than
>> residents. But the reports of TUVU in Skagit appear to support the
>> statement that some of them, at least, do not migrate ... ???
>>
>> It would seem correct for me to conclude that the TUVUs are 'common'
>> here in
>> Skagit County ... or at least not rare.
>> I am NOT discounting other people's reports. I'm wondering if the
>> reason
>> they are so common here is because we live in a much more rural area where
>> agriculture and logging are still major industries? Or maybe it is due to
>> the fact that we sit where we have a very large field of view?
>>
>> Anyone have any ideas about this?
>> - Jim
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
--
?Steve Hampton?
Port Townsend, WA (qat?y)
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From nreiferb at gmail.com Sun Apr 9 14:04:23 2023
From: nreiferb at gmail.com (Nelson Briefer)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Turkey Vultures-
Message-ID:
Responding to Jim B. Report . I will never say that you are mis-
identifying raptors, unless I am there with you and we are both on the
same hawk. But, I am amazed at your report. Yes, you have a great location
for observing raptors, and I am contemplating the areas of Clear Lake and
Mud Lake and Barney Lake. Understand that I am in the sky every day in many
areas, as I drive, especially in Anacortes areas and once a month to Oak
Harbor. So it is best for me to say that to observe Turkey Vultures in
winter in Burlington and Anacortes and North Whidbey Island, is for me,
equals zero possibilities. However, it was last year or the year before
that I observed my first winter Turkey Vulture perched near Best Road. When
I reported this sighting to Skagit Audubon the response was? WHAT?? Just
the same, I am still interested in your report and the reporting of other
birders. Also, there is no need to clarify your report. The best,
respectfully, Nelson, my message refers to 23 years of living at Deception
Pass and in Anacortes. Nelson Briefer. And I understand that I am only one
person. NB.
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From merdave at homenetnw.net Sun Apr 9 16:30:39 2023
From: merdave at homenetnw.net (merdave@homenetnw.net)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Late Snowy Owl and Yellow-billed Loon
Message-ID:
It may be "Spring", but neighbors took me up Dyer Hill early this a.m.
to see a beautiful Snowy Owl. It was on the west side of N. Division,
near Rd. 24. This would be a Doug. Co. Bird.
Yesterday, at Washburn Island (Okanogan Co.) we saw both a Pacific Loon
and a Yellow-billed Loon. Meredith Spencer, Bridgeport
From klawitterrichard at yahoo.com Sun Apr 9 18:10:00 2023
From: klawitterrichard at yahoo.com (rick klawitter)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Proverbial odd duck (merganser)
References:
Message-ID:
Hello - Recently I photographed some version of an immature Red-breasted merganser I believe. I?d like to send a photo to someone with expertise to comment on the bird. What is most striking to me is the absence of reddish coloration. Thanks
Richard Klawitter
klawitterrichard@yahoo.com
Port Angeles
Sent from my iPhone
From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Mon Apr 10 00:10:52 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Avian flu has killed 3 California condors in northern
Arizona : NPR
Message-ID: <684A6E64-A23F-4C26-B328-058DB72704A0@gmail.com>
https://www.npr.org/2023/04/08/1168788132/avian-flu-california-condors-northern-arizona
Sent from my iPhone
From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Mon Apr 10 00:15:16 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?World=E2=80=99s_biggest_single_eradication_o?=
=?utf-8?q?peration_aims_to_remove_mice_from_island_=7C_Wildlife_=7C_The_G?=
=?utf-8?q?uardian?=
Message-ID: <401621A4-FFDA-4392-9CAC-DA7E04493B5E@gmail.com>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/21/world-biggest-single-eradication-operation-remove-mice-marion-sland
Sent from my iPhone
From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Mon Apr 10 00:20:51 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Animal Divorce: When and Why Pairs Break Up | TS Digest
| The Scientist
Message-ID: <059DE402-86CB-45A8-936A-4DE184DDEB7C@gmail.com>
https://www.the-scientist.com/features/animal-divorce-when-and-why-pairs-break-up-70035
Sent from my iPhone
From dianebachen at comcast.net Mon Apr 10 13:29:34 2023
From: dianebachen at comcast.net (Diane Bachen)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Black-chinned Hummingbird
Message-ID: <4C2DCCA9-FE24-4E31-B9BB-28E475C42622@comcast.net>
I live in Bellingham, half way between the city limits and Lynden. My neighbor feeds hummingbirds and said that he had what he thought was a Black-chinned Hummingbird at his feeder. I haven?t been able to download his photo. Any reports of those birds this side of the mountains, this time of year. I haven?t seen any recent posts on eBird regarding this.
Sent from my iPhone
From jimbetz at jimbetz.com Mon Apr 10 14:02:49 2023
From: jimbetz at jimbetz.com (jimbetz@jimbetz.com)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Turkey Vultures
In-Reply-To:
Message-ID: <20230410140249.Horde.xWkPcgibnbRBIaJ24yHh7Nl@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Nelson,
We live on the East side of Burlington Hill. We have a 180 degree
view that goes from where I-5 enters the hills to the North (near
the casino) to the back side of the hills in East Mount Vernon.
That's actually over 180 degrees of sky. Burlington Hill is about
325 feet high and we live near the 300 foot line.
And we can see as far as the top of the Cascades to the East
(when the weather permits). As I write this I can see at least to
the Western Edge of Sedro Wooley (yes, even in today's weather).
We've lived here for 3 years. The TUVUs we see are often/usually
below us but also come up to and above eye level as they use the
thermals/winds to climb up and over the hill. Some times the TUVUs
come very close to us - I've seen them no further away than 30 feet.
I was raised in Anacortes in the 50's and the 60's but left to
work in California. I'm retired and in my late 70's so I might
make a mistake in IDing a TUVU once in a while - but not often.
I have reflected on "why I tend to discount the presence of the
TUVUs". I think there are two reasons - first because I don't
find them "pleasing to look at/watch" and second due to having
lived in California for over 50 years have grown accustomed to
seeing them.
These two probably explain why I asked "what's the big deal
about seeing a TUVU?" and I apologize to you and everyone
about that.
- respectfully ... Jim
From raphael.fennimore at gmail.com Mon Apr 10 14:09:21 2023
From: raphael.fennimore at gmail.com (Raphael Fennimore)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] BLACK-HEADED GULL off Redondo Pier, King County, April 10th
Message-ID:
Hi Tweets,
A few minutes ago from Saltwater State Park I spotted the BLACK-HEADED GULL flying into Redondo Pier (King County) from far to the south. John Puschock was driving close so I called him and he stopped by to confirm. I relocated and am watching the gull now, sitting in the water about 300 meters off of the pier - great looks. The pier is closed and so the boat ramp just south of it is good for observance. Obviously the gull might take off anytime, but good to know it?s still around!
Good birding,
Raphael Fennimore
From byers345 at comcast.net Mon Apr 10 17:07:35 2023
From: byers345 at comcast.net (byers345@comcast.net)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey observations
Message-ID: <001c01d96c09$9ffe02f0$dffa08d0$@comcast.net>
Hello Tweeters,
Bill and I were at the Northern Pacific Ponds near Cle Elum this
morning. As many of you will know, there is an Osprey nesting platform high
on the hill above the ponds, right next to I-90. In fact, you can see the
platform as you drive east on I-90. Two days ago, we had driven past the
platform and seen nothing. Today we actually went to the ponds, despite the
rain. While we were there, at least 3 and possibly 4 Ospreys flew in from
the east, calling and flying around over the ponds. Finally, two landed on
the nesting platform and copulated.
So we might have actually seen these birds arriving from the
south. What I wondered was if Ospreys waited until they arrived at their
nesting site to copulate? It makes sense, I suppose. Bill got pictures of
what I think might be a male and female Osprey and then the copulation.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/29258421@N07/albums/72177720307399465
I'd be curious to know if Osprey do wait until they arrive at a nest
location to copulate. Thanks, Charlotte Byers, Edmonds
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From s.chase at credoces.org Mon Apr 10 17:09:19 2023
From: s.chase at credoces.org (Stephen Chase)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Black-chinned Hummingbird
In-Reply-To: <4C2DCCA9-FE24-4E31-B9BB-28E475C42622@comcast.net>
References: <4C2DCCA9-FE24-4E31-B9BB-28E475C42622@comcast.net>
Message-ID:
Hi Diane,
Two weeks ago I had a hummingbird at my feeder with a unique chipping
sound. It took off quickly, but I hung out around the feeder and within 20
minutes, it was back. I got a brief look at it from a tough angle, and in
the low light, the iridescent chin sure looked violet, even a bit blue!
Again the bird took off, but I was pretty much glued to the feeder at that
point with camera in hand, waiting for my county lifer, yard bird, code 5
Black-chinned Hummingbird! While waiting, I began to do some research. I
knew Black-chinned do (very) occasionally show up in Western Washington,
but I wondered if a March sighting was possible. The research turned out to
be pretty conclusive, and pretty much killed my confidence in what I
thought I had seen. Here's a live map
of 2023 sightings; at this moment, there are no 2023 records north of
central California. Two weeks ago the northernmost record was even further
south. While waiting, I realized that while I wouldn't say that it was
impossible that I had seen a Black-chinned. But I also began to understand
how significantly the odds were stacked against it, and how much of a
burden of proof I would have to have to be able to convince a rare bird
reviewer or committee of what I claimed to have seen. I suppose your
neighbor would be in the same situation.
The hummingbird did return, and I got a great look at it. It was an Anna's
Hummingbird - a different individual than I normally get, but an Anna's no
less. It's actually still around, as I can ID it individually by its unique
call. No new yard bird that day, but it was fun to learn anyway!
All the best,
Stephen
On Mon, Apr 10, 2023 at 1:30?PM Diane Bachen
wrote:
> I live in Bellingham, half way between the city limits and Lynden. My
> neighbor feeds hummingbirds and said that he had what he thought was a
> Black-chinned Hummingbird at his feeder. I haven?t been able to download
> his photo. Any reports of those birds this side of the mountains, this time
> of year. I haven?t seen any recent posts on eBird regarding this.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
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From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Mon Apr 10 22:58:42 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Woodpecker that likes burned forest can breed in
unburned woods too, research shows | Oregon State University
Message-ID: <710F140D-FDEB-4B04-A753-9445C2A98F42@gmail.com>
https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/woodpecker-likes-burned-forest-can-breed-unburned-woods-too-research-shows
Sent from my iPhone
From leschwitters at me.com Tue Apr 11 09:56:39 2023
From: leschwitters at me.com (Larry Schwitters)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's in the USA
Message-ID:
Last night Vaux?s Happening documented its first 2023 USA communal roosting, 25 into the San Diego YWCA.
Averaging 100-200 miles a day these swifts should make it to Canada in 8 to 10 days. Unless they?re not going to Canada.
Both the inside and outside Monroe Wagner video streaming cameras are up and running. Links to on our website.
https://www.vauxhappening.org/
Larry Schwitters
Issaquah
From bluedarner1 at seanet.com Tue Apr 11 10:37:59 2023
From: bluedarner1 at seanet.com (Caryn Schutzler)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] FOY Rufous and Bewick's nesting activity
Message-ID: <3F4F4018-9D7F-4B2B-A9DC-02F751C113FF@seanet.com>
Very excited to just spot (10:30am) on our First male rufous chowing down the white ribes in front garden.
And?have been watching our Bewick?s wren (have a little Blink outdoor camera) focused on their front door? Much in and out and room service happening via "UBird Eats!! ?
Not sure if in nestling phase yet, but must be very close! Hoping to catch fledging!!
What a great bird day!
Caryn / Wedgwood
From charleseasterberg at gmail.com Tue Apr 11 19:09:23 2023
From: charleseasterberg at gmail.com (Charles Easterberg)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey
Message-ID:
Saw one osprey fly over Meadowbrook Pond this afternoon. Didn't appear to
hang around though; fairly high.
Charles Easterberg
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From cariddellwa at gmail.com Tue Apr 11 21:15:41 2023
From: cariddellwa at gmail.com (Carol Riddell)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - March 2023
Message-ID:
Hi Tweets,
As of the end of March, the Edmonds 2023 year list includes 123 species. In taxonomic order, these are the March additions:
Snow Goose (code 3), 85 seen flying over the Edmonds Interurban Trail, 3-16-23.
Northern Shoveler (code 1), 2 at Pine Ridge Park, 3-11-23.
California Quail (code 3), 1 calling in a north Edmonds neighborhood, 3-22-23.
Rufous Hummingbird (code 2), 1 in the Pine Ridge neighborhood, 3-22-23.
Turkey Vulture (code 3), 2 flying over a north Edmonds neighborhood, 3-13-23.
Tree Swallow (code 3), 2 at Edmonds marsh, 3-22-23.
Violet-green Swallow (code 1), 2 and 4 reported from two central and north Edmonds yards, 3-22-23.
Evening Grosbeak (code 3), 4 flying over the Edmonds Lake Ballinger neighborhood, 3-19-23.
As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or audio. If you would like a copy of our 2023 city checklist, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. (It reflects a species total of 280, including the Nazca Booby.) If eBirders will use the details field for unusual Edmonds birds, it will help us build the city year list. Photographs or recordings are also helpful. The 2023 checklist is posted in the bird information box at the Visitor Station at the base of the public pier. I will update it through March.
Good birding,
Carol Riddell
Edmonds, WA
Abundance codes: (1) Common, (2) Uncommon, (3) Harder to find, usually seen annually, (4) Rare, 5+ records, (5) Fewer than 5 records
From margeecooper at gmail.com Wed Apr 12 10:04:41 2023
From: margeecooper at gmail.com (Margee Cooper)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Bushtits in Longview
Message-ID:
I had 3 Bushtits (FOY) in my backyard yesterday. I don't see many of these
delightful tiny birds often. So dang cute!
Margee
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From vikingcove at gmail.com Wed Apr 12 14:29:24 2023
From: vikingcove at gmail.com (Kevin Lucas)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Black-bellied Plover at Norbert & Dicie Maquez's Pond.
Message-ID: <187775f8f20.28de.72de57011b8194b7f6cd87b3d7546c36@gmail.com>
Today I found a breeding plumage Black-bellied Plover at Norbert & Dicie
Marquez's Pond in Nass, along the Yakima Valley Highway between Outlook &
Granger. It's foraging west of the pond. It's a striking bird, and the
first one I've found in Yakima County this year.
It's still foraging as of 2:22.
Norbert & Dicie are the couple who own the pond. I've not met Dicie, and
have called this pond Norbert's Nass Pond for years, because I've met and
spoken with him, and I liked the ring of it. He's a nice guy. I realized
that it wasn't right for me to call it that, since it left out Dicie, so
I've started calling it, appropriately, Norbert & Dicie Marquez's Pond.
Good Birding,
Kevin Lucas
Yakima County, Washington
Sent with AquaMail for Android
http://www.aqua-mail.com
From vikingcove at gmail.com Wed Apr 12 15:18:50 2023
From: vikingcove at gmail.com (Kevin Lucas)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Black-bellied Plover at Norbert & Dicie Maquez's Pond.
In-Reply-To: <187775f8f20.28de.72de57011b8194b7f6cd87b3d7546c36@gmail.com>
References: <187775f8f20.28de.72de57011b8194b7f6cd87b3d7546c36@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <187778cd110.28de.72de57011b8194b7f6cd87b3d7546c36@gmail.com>
Yakima Valley Highway, at Norbert & Dicie Marquez's Pond, is not limited
access, so bird watchers can & may legally & safely stop and park on the
shoulder, and setup scopes and enjoy the view without danger and without
angering other motorists.
Dropped pin
https://maps.app.goo.gl/t1Q2cSkjMt5JdNaC8
Good Birding,
Kevin Lucas
Yakima County, WA
Sent with AquaMail for Android
http://www.aqua-mail.com
On April 12, 2023 2:29:26 PM Kevin Lucas wrote:
> Today I found a breeding plumage Black-bellied Plover at Norbert & Dicie
> Marquez's Pond in Nass, along the Yakima Valley Highway between Outlook &
> Granger. It's foraging west of the pond. It's a striking bird, and the
> first one I've found in Yakima County this year.
>
> It's still foraging as of 2:22.
>
> Norbert & Dicie are the couple who own the pond. I've not met Dicie, and
> have called this pond Norbert's Nass Pond for years, because I've met and
> spoken with him, and I liked the ring of it. He's a nice guy. I realized
> that it wasn't right for me to call it that, since it left out Dicie, so
> I've started calling it, appropriately, Norbert & Dicie Marquez's Pond.
>
> Good Birding,
> Kevin Lucas
> Yakima County, Washington
>
> Sent with AquaMail for Android
> http://www.aqua-mail.com
>
>
From jimbetz at jimbetz.com Wed Apr 12 15:23:51 2023
From: jimbetz at jimbetz.com (jimbetz@jimbetz.com)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Northern Harrier
In-Reply-To:
Message-ID: <20230412152351.Horde.zINdoYIDnHubi95NnO7VHxB@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Hi guys,
I was at the East 90 yesterday and this guy "sat for a portrait".
https://eamon.smugmug.com/Family-pics-from-jim/Birds-and-Stuff-from-Jim/n-4Cw3NF/Birds-Web/i-5D4ddTn/A
- Jim
From jimbetz at jimbetz.com Wed Apr 12 15:37:19 2023
From: jimbetz at jimbetz.com (jimbetz@jimbetz.com)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Leucistic Northern Harrier?
In-Reply-To: <20230412152351.Horde.zINdoYIDnHubi95NnO7VHxB@webmail.jimbetz.com>
References:
<20230412152351.Horde.zINdoYIDnHubi95NnO7VHxB@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Message-ID: <20230412153719.Horde.r_wMSDg7TxpPtMiI1ERWJ7E@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Hello my tweets,
Yesterday I saw an extremely light colored Northern Harrier at the East 90.
It was so light I first thought it might be a peregrine - but the behavior
was all wrong ... it was "working a ditch, down low and running down it, and
then swooping up a bit and turning and going back down the same ditch". My
next mistaken ID was thinking it was an SEO - but the wings were all wrong.
I -finally- realized it was a Harrier. I also saw the same bird about 1/2
hour later and again it was behaving like a harrier.
That pair of harriers that works the river dike - quite far away (East)
was also working and chasing each other. I've seen this pair before.
Almost always in the same general area and flying up high (200 feet?)
rather than staying low like harriers are "supposed to do" ... *G*.
Has anyone else seen the "leucistic Harrier" on the Samish Flats?
- Jim
From jimbetz at jimbetz.com Wed Apr 12 15:57:33 2023
From: jimbetz at jimbetz.com (jimbetz@jimbetz.com)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit - Birding the Flats - April 2023
In-Reply-To: <20230412152351.Horde.zINdoYIDnHubi95NnO7VHxB@webmail.jimbetz.com>
References:
<20230412152351.Horde.zINdoYIDnHubi95NnO7VHxB@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Message-ID: <20230412155733.Horde.j_O1TUpecrIt42QVAAxr1Xn@webmail.jimbetz.com>
Hi all,
So I "toured" the flats yesterday. I started at the Butler Flats,
went to Edison and the Samish Flats (going all the way to Samish
Island), and from there across the Skagit Flats on Best Road (no
big fields of color from the tulips - but lots of daffodils!), and
out onto Fir Island.
I saw a few Bald Eagles, more than the normal amount of Northern
Harriers (see other posts), 3 Ring-necked Pheasants, a lot of
Brewers Blackbirds, one small group of about 200 Snow Geese (just
resting while traveling North - LOS?), one Canadian Goose (may
have been on a nest), 3 White Fronted Geese in the Samish River,
Mallards "everywhere" but only in small numbers, several Crows,
about twice as many Ravens, a smattering of passerines, a couple
of small flocks of Coots, a respectable number of Great Blue
Herons (both alongside the road in ditches and hunting out on
the mud flats - the tide was low), one RTH, one Rough-Legged.
Missing were any Trumpeters (too late?), no RWB (but my fault
for not going looking for them in the right places), didn't see
any other ducks than the Mallards (again probably my fault).
There was a Bald Eagle peeking its head above the nest at
the West 90. Could it have been sitting this early?
Of all of the areas the -least- productive was Fir Island.
BTW, in case you don't remember, all access to Wiley Slough
is blocked off ... can't even go in to use the bathroom now.
I think Snow Goose Produce is open now - ice cream from
them is the alternative to seeing the tulips?
I don't know if the SEOs are here or not - you usually have
to be there late in the day (3 or later) and I was out earlier
than that.
The Skagit River is running fairly hard but not threatening
any sort of flooding.
Have you checked out the "super bloom" of poppies in California?
The rest of the SW Desert areas are also seeing lots of flowers
this year (and flooded areas where no one has seen water in a
long time. And Tulare Lake!
- Jim
From shepthorp at gmail.com Thu Apr 13 09:21:44 2023
From: shepthorp at gmail.com (Shep Thorp)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR, Wednesday Walk for 4/12/2023
Message-ID:
Hi Tweets,
Approximately 30 of us had a really nice Spring Day at the Refuge with
partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the 30's to 50's degrees
Fahrenheit. There was a High 11.7ft Tide at 9:25am, so we chased the tide
and did the Nisqually Estuary Trail and Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail
in the morning and saved the Orchard for the afternoon. Highlights
included the arrival of several spring species including FOY COMMON
YELLOWTHROAT, CLIFF SWALLOW, CASPIAN TERN and OSPREY. We had great looks
at numerous GREATER YELLOWLEGS, Myrtle variety of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER,
WILSON SNIPE and breeding plumage COMMON LOON. We were able to see
EURASIAN WIGEON and BRANT GEESE, but the waterfowl numbers have decreased
from the last few weeks. Some of our group relocated the SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER in the surge plain, and there was a snappy breeding plumage
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER on the mudflats west of Leschi Slough.
We had 83 species for the day with 115 species for the year. eBird list
copied below.
Until next week, happy birding.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Apr 12, 2023 7:05 AM - 5:04 PM
Protocol: Traveling
7.984 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy in the morning, partly sunny
in the afternoon. Temperatures in the 30?s to 50?s degrees Fahrenheit. A
High 11.7ft Tide at 9:25am. Mammals seen Townsend?s Chipmunk, Eastern Gray
Squirrel, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Coyote, Harbor Seal, and Columbian
Black-tailed Deer. Other sightings Pacific Chorus Frog, Red-eared Slider,
Red-legged Frog, Garter Snake, Bullfrog, other very dark frog, Starry
Flounder.
83 species (+7 other taxa)
Brant 46
Cackling Goose 100
Cackling Goose (minima) 750
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 75
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 30
Wood Duck 8
Northern Shoveler 77
Gadwall 10
Eurasian Wigeon 1
American Wigeon 250
Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) 1
Mallard 200
Northern Pintail 150
Green-winged Teal (American) 400
Ring-necked Duck 6
Surf Scoter 18
Bufflehead 200
Common Goldeneye 75 Counted. Likely more. Seen along side Bufflehead,
Scoters and Mergansers in McAllister Creek, Nisqually Reach, and Nisqually
River.
Hooded Merganser 6
Common Merganser 4
Red-breasted Merganser 25
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Horned Grebe 6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 6
Band-tailed Pigeon 3
Anna's Hummingbird 2
Rufous Hummingbird 9
American Coot 175
Black-bellied Plover 1
Semipalmated Plover 4 Seen by some of our group in south east corner
of surge plain. Small peep sized Plover with sing breast band.
Least Sandpiper 80
Wilson's Snipe 4
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Greater Yellowlegs 40
Short-billed Gull 200
Ring-billed Gull 50
California Gull 1
Glaucous-winged Gull 2
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 10
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 20
Caspian Tern 7
Common Loon 2
Brandt's Cormorant 1
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 12
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey (carolinensis) 1
Northern Harrier 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 40 Two nests. One West Bank of Nisqually River north of
dike, the other on the West Bank of McAllister Creek adjacent to Puget
Sound Observation Platform.
Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis) 4
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2
Peregrine Falcon 1
Steller's Jay 1
California Scrub-Jay 2
American Crow 15
Black-capped Chickadee 20
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 12
Tree Swallow 40
Violet-green Swallow 30
Barn Swallow 25
Cliff Swallow 4
Bushtit 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 8
Pacific Wren 2
Marsh Wren 10
Bewick's Wren 6
European Starling 25
American Robin 75
Purple Finch 6
American Goldfinch 10
Dark-eyed Junco 1
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 2
Golden-crowned Sparrow 10
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 4
Song Sparrow 27
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 3
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 40
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 5
Common Yellowthroat 6
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 6
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S133568859
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From lindseysarahstern at gmail.com Thu Apr 13 10:03:39 2023
From: lindseysarahstern at gmail.com (Lin Stern)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] WhatsApp Group for Washington Birders
Message-ID: <05B8C9CE-155D-49AF-A406-3762BDE77763@gmail.com>
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From Fleckenstein1 at comcast.net Thu Apr 13 12:20:49 2023
From: Fleckenstein1 at comcast.net (Fleckenstein)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] RFI Mazatlan
Message-ID: <2E666853-C19A-4523-8725-7C23A0D1CC68@comcast.net>
Friends,
Our trip to Mazatlan was squelched by COVID in 2020. We?re trying again. I?m looking for recommendations of guides and good sites to visit. I haven?t birded in Mexico, so street birds will be good start. Beyond that, Estero el Yugo looks good, as does Camino la Noria. Other recommendations?
John Fleckenstein
p.s. Thanks for the suggestions on the Salton Sea area. We had a great time down there.The Lake isn?t as birdie as it used to be, but some surrounding locations were great.
From birdmarymoor at frontier.com Thu Apr 13 14:52:17 2023
From: birdmarymoor at frontier.com (birdmarymoor)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2023-04-13
References: <1258214754.1703461.1681422737891.ref@mail.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <1258214754.1703461.1681422737891@mail.yahoo.com>
Tweets - Temperatures remain well below normal, but even so we had a spring-like day today.? Finally.? We had some sunshine to start, though it clouded up and got breezy by mid-walk.? But the birds were singing, and we saw lots of nesting behaviors.? We had five First of Year (FOY) birds, and a few surprises.
Highlights:
? ? Cackling Goose - Small flock at 6:30; first in three weeks and quite possibly our last until fall
? ? Northern Pintail - Flyover of a pair.? Only our 2nd sighting since February
? ? Chestnut-backed Chickadee - Notably many, notably widespread.? Outnumbered Black-caps!
? ? Barn Swallow - At least one (FOY)
? ? Cliff Swallow - At least one (FOY)
? ? American Pipit - Small flock at model airplane field; we saw them from the Viewing Mound,?then Brian drove over and verified (FOY)
? ? White-crowned Sparrow - Pugetensis and Gambelii subspecies singing at the Pea Patch
? ? Lincoln's Sparrow - Again, one in the Pea Patch visible for a few of us
? ? Western Meadowlark - Two in the East Meadow
? ? Brewer's Blackbird - Two at south end of East Meadow (FOY)
? ? Common Yellowthroat - At least a dozen singing, two or three glimpsed (FOY)
? ? Townsend's Warbler - At least two near the Concert Venue ticket booth / south picnic shelter
CANADA GEESE remain nesting on both Osprey platforms, despite the presence of at least three OSPREY.? The Ospreys appear to be trying to start a new nest on a different light pole in the NE ballfields, having (we heard from another birder) tried and failed to dislodge the geese earlier in the week.
GREAT BLUE HERONS continue to sit on, and enhance, their nests.? A BALD EAGLE was in the nest south of the model airplane field.? A CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE brought nest materials into a box in the Pea Patch.? ?TREE SWALLOWS were laying claim to other boxes.? We found two BUSHTIT nests, one being built, the other looking finished.? We saw a BROWN CREEPER disappear into a nest in peeled bark on a snag.? At least 20 species were heard singing today, along with DOWNY and FLICKER drumming, and ANNA'S and RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS displaying.
Misses today included Rock Pigeon, Pine Siskin, and Orange-crowned Warbler.? The latter are distinctly late this year, but by my recollection, they don't show up until the leaves come out, and the trees are still leafless.
For the day, 67 species, including Lonesome George.
= Michael Hobbs
????
From cariddellwa at gmail.com Thu Apr 13 15:37:31 2023
From: cariddellwa at gmail.com (Carol Riddell)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Addendum tp Edmonds Roundup - March 2023
References:
Message-ID: <7529793D-0DA5-4661-BFA8-F8BDBE432484@gmail.com>
Hi Tweets,
I have received confirmation of two additional March species, which brings our Edmonds year number up to 125 as of the end of March. They are:
Western Meadowlark (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 3-16-23.
Wood Duck (code 3), 1 adult female flying along the public pier, 3-28-23.
Good birding,
Carol Riddell
Edmonds WA
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Carol Riddell
> Subject: Edmonds Roundup - March 2023
> Date: April 11, 2023 at 9:15:41 PM PDT
> To: Tweeters
>
> Hi Tweets,
>
> As of the end of March, the Edmonds 2023 year list includes 123 species. In taxonomic order, these are the March additions:
>
> Snow Goose (code 3), 85 seen flying over the Edmonds Interurban Trail, 3-16-23.
>
> Northern Shoveler (code 1), 2 at Pine Ridge Park, 3-11-23.
>
> California Quail (code 3), 1 calling in a north Edmonds neighborhood, 3-22-23.
>
> Rufous Hummingbird (code 2), 1 in the Pine Ridge neighborhood, 3-22-23.
>
> Turkey Vulture (code 3), 2 flying over a north Edmonds neighborhood, 3-13-23.
>
> Tree Swallow (code 3), 2 at Edmonds marsh, 3-22-23.
>
> Violet-green Swallow (code 1), 2 and 4 reported from two central and north Edmonds yards, 3-22-23.
>
> Evening Grosbeak (code 3), 4 flying over the Edmonds Lake Ballinger neighborhood, 3-19-23.
>
>
> As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or audio. If you would like a copy of our 2023 city checklist, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. (It reflects a species total of 280, including the Nazca Booby.) If eBirders will use the details field for unusual Edmonds birds, it will help us build the city year list. Photographs or recordings are also helpful. The 2023 checklist is posted in the bird information box at the Visitor Station at the base of the public pier. I will update it through March.
>
> Good birding,
>
> Carol Riddell
> Edmonds, WA
>
> Abundance codes: (1) Common, (2) Uncommon, (3) Harder to find, usually seen annually, (4) Rare, 5+ records, (5) Fewer than 5 records
>
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From wingate at seanet.com Thu Apr 13 16:07:16 2023
From: wingate at seanet.com (David B. Williams)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Operation Mother Goose
Message-ID: <8571C248-E3B9-4812-89E7-0BF2675F10A2@seanet.com>
53 years ago this week, Washington state officials collected Canada goose eggs soon to be flooded by the John Day Dam. Several weeks later, about 900 goslings were distributed along the Columbia River, and to Arizona and Idaho, and perhaps to Seattle. It?s a nutty story, in case you are interested.
https://streetsmartnaturalist.substack.com/p/operation-mother-goose
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
David B. Williams
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From habarnes at earthlink.net Thu Apr 13 21:00:04 2023
From: habarnes at earthlink.net (Hilary Barnes)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Lots of Norther Pintails on Crockett Lake near Coupville
Ferry
Message-ID:
Saw perhaps 130 Northern Pintails going bottoms-up on Crockett Lake (that stretch of water across from the ferry dock, extending along the road) yesterday at about 6:30 pm, and eventually a Northern Harrier. No Short-earred Owl this time, but it's often been good-hunting for them (and us ) there!
Northern Pintails are not getting enough love on Tweeters! :)
Hilary Barnes
habarnes@earthlink.net
From thefedderns at gmail.com Thu Apr 13 22:58:32 2023
From: thefedderns at gmail.com (Hans-Joachim Feddern)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Twin Lakes Varied Thrush - Again
Message-ID:
I hope that I am not boring everyone, but we just arrived home from a
rather exciting birding trip to the San Diego area, when I looked out
into our backyard and saw a female Varied Thrush! Maybe the same
individual we had all winter. It does seem rather late, though but having
seen the snow in the mountains from the plane today, I can see why her
ladyship is in no hurry!
It raises the question if this bird is indeed a local - Washington State -
bird, or is a migrant from as far north as Alaska?
Good Birding!
Hans
--
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
thefedderns@gmail.com
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From dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com Fri Apr 14 06:27:40 2023
From: dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com (Dan Reiff)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] How an African bird might inspire a better water bottle
-- ScienceDaily
Message-ID:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230411195920.htm
Sent from my iPhone
From TRI at seattleu.edu Fri Apr 14 12:26:07 2023
From: TRI at seattleu.edu (Tucker, Trileigh)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Varied Thrush - Washington's state bird?
Message-ID:
Hans-Joachim and others,
Interestingly, Cornell?s Living Bird magazine has recently addressed the question of which birds should represent each state, based on a vast collection of eBird data. And they propose the Varied Thrush for us ?. We apparently have 24% of the global population overwintering here, for instance. Here?s Part 2 of Matt Smith?s and Marc Devokaitis?s extended report, which briefly addresses the Varied Thrush ? see the linked Part 1 for their methodology.
I hope the article answers some of your questions. I treasure the Varied Thrush couple who overwinters in my own yard.
Trileigh
Trileigh Tucker
Pelly Valley, West Seattle
NaturalPresenceArts.com
From: Hans-Joachim Feddern
Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 10:58 PM
To: Tweeters
Subject: [Tweeters] Twin Lakes Varied Thrush - Again
I hope that I am not boring everyone, but we just arrived home from a rather exciting birding trip to the San Diego area, when I looked out into our backyard and saw a female Varied Thrush! Maybe the same individual we had all winter. It does seem rather late, though but having seen the snow in the mountains from the plane today, I can see why her ladyship is in no hurry!
It raises the question if this bird is indeed a local - Washington State - bird, or is a migrant from as far north as Alaska?
Good Birding!
Hans
--
Hans Feddern
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
thefedderns@gmail.com
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From nreiferb at gmail.com Fri Apr 14 14:02:46 2023
From: nreiferb at gmail.com (Nelson Briefer)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Peregrine perched
Message-ID:
A perched Peregrine, on a telephone pole wire. Chilberg Road and Best Road
intersection, East of LaConner. At about noon. Nelson Briefer. Anacortes.
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From florafaunabooks at hotmail.com Fri Apr 14 19:02:17 2023
From: florafaunabooks at hotmail.com (David Hutchinson)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] In shock
Message-ID:
Hi all, this is a report on a bird species I saw this afternoon.
It was moving around in shrubby trees & bushes on the Oak
Trail by the South Bluff Overlook in Discovery Park.
When I saw it I thought right away that I had no idea what it
was and that it was something I had never seen before.
Having finally got hold of a Nat Geo, the bird looked like
the eunomus race of a male Dusky Thrush. It was very active,
flying quickly from branch to branch in open trees. If one said
"migratory restlessness" I could believe it.
As I was wheeling a wheelbarrow at the time, can't say I got
fine details But: Robin size, lot of snow white on head, whitish
on breast. A prominent black semi-circle higher on the breast.
Prominent rufous orange in side view, some blackish on back.
It flew off to the north. Looked like it was in passage.
David Hutchinson
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From tcstonefam at gmail.com Sat Apr 15 11:01:21 2023
From: tcstonefam at gmail.com (Tom and Carol Stoner)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Orange-crowned Warbler
Message-ID:
I spotted an OC Warbler this morning feeding in the emerging Big-Leaf Maple
blossoms this morning. Amazing color match between bird and blossoms.
Carol Stoner
West Seattle
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From mj.cygnus at gmail.com Sat Apr 15 11:05:56 2023
From: mj.cygnus at gmail.com (Martha Jordan)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Whooper returns to Marsh Lake
Message-ID:
Saw this post from Whitehorse in the Yukon Territories. Marsh Lake is the
melting pot for migrating waterfowl coming from our area. And the Whooper
was seen there. I do not have a photo of it, but could it be the Enumclaw
Whooper or another one?
The facial yellow pattern is distinctive, but I have no photos of
either to compare. I will ask and see if anyone got a photo of the Yukon
swan.
https://www.yukon-news.com/local-news/rare-whooper-swan-returns-with-trumpeters-to-marsh-lake/
Martha Jordan
Everett, WA
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From florafaunabooks at hotmail.com Sat Apr 15 11:57:03 2023
From: florafaunabooks at hotmail.com (David Hutchinson)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Discovery bird
Message-ID:
Some folks are kindly saying that in reporting a "Dusky Thrush"
I might not have eliminated an aberrant Varied Thrush, so back
to the drawing bird. More comments later. David
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From tsbrennan at hotmail.com Sat Apr 15 12:18:46 2023
From: tsbrennan at hotmail.com (Tim Brennan)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Did someone say Varied Thrush? :)
Message-ID:
Yes! Someone sent that Cornell article my way a couple weeks back. The 24% statistic is fun. I also liked it over some other potential state birds, like Chestnut-backed Chickadee, because they are annual birds in every county in our state. As tacky as it is to challenge an election, I'll still question the crooks who allowed the schoolkids to vote the American Goldfinch in there as our bird. ? Varied Thrush for president!
Tim Brennan
Renton
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From thefedderns at gmail.com Sat Apr 15 16:17:41 2023
From: thefedderns at gmail.com (Hans-Joachim Feddern)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Did someone say Varied Thrush? :)
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID:
I agree Tim! Maybe we should start a movement to change our state bird to
Varied Thrush! I wonder what it would take?
My lady Varied Thrush put in three appearances yesterday, but I have not
seen her today.
Hans
On Sat, Apr 15, 2023 at 12:19?PM Tim Brennan wrote:
> Yes! Someone sent that Cornell article my way a couple weeks back. The 24%
> statistic is fun. I also liked it over some other potential state birds,
> like Chestnut-backed Chickadee, because they are annual birds in every
> county in our state. As tacky as it is to challenge an election, I'll still
> question the crooks who allowed the schoolkids to vote the American
> Goldfinch in there as our bird. ? Varied Thrush for president!
>
> Tim Brennan
> Renton
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
--
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
thefedderns@gmail.com
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From alanroedell at gmail.com Sat Apr 15 17:22:13 2023
From: alanroedell at gmail.com (Alan Roedell)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Did someone say Varied Thrush? :)
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID:
Whenever I see a Varied Thrush I remember the late Bob Sundstrom, the most
knowledgeable, intellectual and gracious Washington bird guide in my
experience. His license plate read "IXOREUS". He was well known and
respected throughout the international birding world. His numerous writings
for "Bird note" are still the most thoughtful, factual, and appealing to be
heard on NPR. The garden he and Sally Alhadef
built in Scatter Creek is a wonderful oasis for birds. He was kind,
thoughtful man.
If anyone wants to start a campaign to change the state bird to Varied
Thrush count me in.
Alan Roedell, Seattle
On Sat, Apr 15, 2023, 4:18 PM Hans-Joachim Feddern
wrote:
> I agree Tim! Maybe we should start a movement to change our state bird to
> Varied Thrush! I wonder what it would take?
>
> My lady Varied Thrush put in three appearances yesterday, but I have not
> seen her today.
>
> Hans
>
> On Sat, Apr 15, 2023 at 12:19?PM Tim Brennan
> wrote:
>
>> Yes! Someone sent that Cornell article my way a couple weeks back. The
>> 24% statistic is fun. I also liked it over some other potential state
>> birds, like Chestnut-backed Chickadee, because they are annual birds in
>> every county in our state. As tacky as it is to challenge an election, I'll
>> still question the crooks who allowed the schoolkids to vote the American
>> Goldfinch in there as our bird. ? Varied Thrush for president!
>>
>> Tim Brennan
>> Renton
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>>
>
>
> --
> *Hans Feddern*
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> thefedderns@gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> Tweeters@u.washington.edu
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
>
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From amk17 at earthlink.net Sat Apr 15 17:53:52 2023
From: amk17 at earthlink.net (AMK17)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Durrell Road Dark morph hawk
Message-ID:
Hi Tweets,
I was at Durr Rd in Kittitas County today and observed a Dark morph hawk which Looked like a ferruginous hawk. Just wondered if anyone has observed furrugies on Durr Rd.
bluebirds and vesper sparrows around as well.
Cheers,
AKopitov
AMK17
From tsbrennan at hotmail.com Sat Apr 15 18:52:24 2023
From: tsbrennan at hotmail.com (Tim Brennan)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Did someone say Varied Thrush? :)
In-Reply-To:
References:
Message-ID:
I did love Bob's plate!
And it's interesting to imagine that, for as often as I go on my little rambles about the Varied Thrush, and why it's so amazing, that I stumbled on a new reason that it would make a lovely state bird, but how about this:
It has two sets of vocal cords.
I know all thrushes do, but I don't know that there's a thrush out there that highlights this as well as the varied thrush. The steam-whistle calls get their aching beauty from those paired tones, and the harmonics they produce. And our state, beautiful as it is, sometimes has two sets of vocal cords. . . doesn't it? (a note that just reminded me to cc our birding friends on the other side of the state). With the East and West sides of the state, there are such stark differences in weather, landscapes, professions, and politics. . . we're not always singing the same note! But it seems like we could hope that at times, when we're the wisest, best versions of ourselves, that those notes will pair up to make something as beautiful as what we get to hear on crisp March mornings.
And where are these birds off to in the coming summer months? Up to the highest most beautiful parts of our state, where, on a clear day, you might be able to see both sides.
I doubt that the symbolism would be lost on Governor Inslee, who has actually spent time living on both sides of the state.
Now. . . leading up to 1951, it sounds like it was two contentious years of voting before the school kids picked the American Goldfinch. I don't know what kind of a fight it would take to get people to go through all of that again. But, c'mon. The junco was among the also-rans. . . folks, they had the Oregon? Junco in the running as our state bird. Reason to question the process? ?
I'd be down to write a letter or two.
Cheers,
Tim Brennan
Renton
________________________________
From: Alan Roedell
Sent: Saturday, April 15, 2023 5:22 PM
To: Hans-Joachim Feddern
Cc: Tim Brennan ; Tweeters
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Did someone say Varied Thrush? :)
Whenever I see a Varied Thrush I remember the late Bob Sundstrom, the most knowledgeable, intellectual and gracious Washington bird guide in my experience. His license plate read "IXOREUS". He was well known and respected throughout the international birding world. His numerous writings for "Bird note" are still the most thoughtful, factual, and appealing to be heard on NPR. The garden he and Sally Alhadef
built in Scatter Creek is a wonderful oasis for birds. He was kind, thoughtful man.
If anyone wants to start a campaign to change the state bird to Varied Thrush count me in.
Alan Roedell, Seattle
On Sat, Apr 15, 2023, 4:18 PM Hans-Joachim Feddern > wrote:
I agree Tim! Maybe we should start a movement to change our state bird to Varied Thrush! I wonder what it would take?
My lady Varied Thrush put in three appearances yesterday, but I have not seen her today.
Hans
On Sat, Apr 15, 2023 at 12:19?PM Tim Brennan > wrote:
Yes! Someone sent that Cornell article my way a couple weeks back. The 24% statistic is fun. I also liked it over some other potential state birds, like Chestnut-backed Chickadee, because they are annual birds in every county in our state. As tacky as it is to challenge an election, I'll still question the crooks who allowed the schoolkids to vote the American Goldfinch in there as our bird. ? Varied Thrush for president!
Tim Brennan
Renton
_______________________________________________
Tweeters mailing list
Tweeters@u.washington.edu
http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
--
Hans Feddern
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
thefedderns@gmail.com
_______________________________________________
Tweeters mailing list
Tweeters@u.washington.edu
http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
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From 41cdcook at gmail.com Sun Apr 16 08:06:48 2023
From: 41cdcook at gmail.com (David Cook)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] looking for male traveling companion to Ecuador Jan/Feb
2024
Message-ID:
I am organizing a 12 day birding trip to the Ecuador Amazon and the east
slope of the Andes. We are currently a group of 5, and I am looking for
one man to join to be my roommate and traveling companion. We do not have
space on the tour to add any other additional people.
Here is the itinerary for the trip -
Jan. 25 fly to Quito, night near airport
Jan. 26 fly to Coca in the morning, travel by van and boat to Sacha lodge
Jan. 26-30 Sacha lodge birding, leave morning of Jan. 30, travel to
WildSumaco lodge in the afternoon
Jan. 30-Feb. 2 WildSumaco area birding, leave at lunch time for San Isidro
lodge
Feb. 2-4 San Isidro area, leave sometime in the afternoon, stop at Guango
lodge for one or more hours, night in Papalllacta village
Feb. 5 bird in the paramo, end the day outside of Quito
Please contact me directly at 41cdcook@gmail.com if you are interested.
Dave Cook
Seattle, WA
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From florafaunabooks at hotmail.com Sun Apr 16 11:39:08 2023
From: florafaunabooks at hotmail.com (David Hutchinson)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] The Great Thrush Caper
Message-ID:
So thanks to all who assisted in this adventure and sent a variety
of photos. What does one do when seeing an apparent Dusky
Thrush in the park & not make a complete fool of one's self?
Take the white head off of a leucistic Varied Thrush. Remove
a black breast band from another Varied Thrush. Splurge
lots of rusty orange color from an actual Varied Thrush around.
Finally take a black eye stripe from a real Dusky Thrush. Mix
it all up and bingo there you have it - a Harlequin Thrush, in
actuality a lurid leucistic Varied Thrush ( I think !) It was a lot of
fun while it lasted.
Best to all, David Hutchinson
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From skepsou at icloud.com Sun Apr 16 12:16:54 2023
From: skepsou at icloud.com (Debbie Mcleod)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Did someone say Varied Thrush? :)
Message-ID:
To add confusion, the lists I have seen show our state bird as "Willow Goldfinch".
From tsbrennan at hotmail.com Sun Apr 16 13:05:56 2023
From: tsbrennan at hotmail.com (Tim Brennan)
Date: Fri Mar 22 11:41:53 2024
Subject: [Tweeters] Did someone say Varied Thrush? :)
In-Reply-To: