sandee@loligo (Daan Sandee (SCRI)) (05/27/90)
I received an announcement of an electronic rare-bird-alert service on
BITNET. I sent a message to the guy responsible reminding him of the
existence of Usenet and rec.birds. He replied yes, he'd heard of it, but
didn't have access. It always makes me sad when I can't make those people
crawling along on the bottom of the Big Blue ocean raise their heads, see
the light, and use Unix ... but that's a side issue.
He suggested I re-post the BITNET stuff on Usenet, and I am willing to do
so, but my method of posting to Usenet is rather undependable (I use
somebody else's system, and in order to send this message I had to ask
the guy AGAIN to reset my password or my directory or whatever it was that
was screwed up this time). Also, I'm not all that sure my BITNET access is
reliable, though my subscription to LISTSERV@ARIZVM1 was acknowledged
within minutes.
So, I would be glad if somebody else would take that job. If it works, and
volume warrants it, we may set up a newsgroup rec.birds.hotlines.
Follows the announcement of BIRD_RBA on BITNET :
[ This addresses subscriptions from BITNET only. From Internet, send it to
LISTSERV@ARIZVM1.BITNET, and if your mailer doesn't like it, send it to
LISTSERV%ARIZVM1.BITNET@cunyvm.cuny.edu or some other gateway system].
Daan Sandee sandee@scri1.scri.fsu.edu
Supercomputer Computations Research Institute
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4052 (904) 644-7045
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIRD_RBA -- National Birding Hotline Cooperative
==================================================
We are pleased to announce BIRD_RBA, the National Birding Hotline
Cooperative list on LISTSERV@ARIZVM1. The list provides a clearing-
house for transcribed birding hotlines from around the country.
Subscribers will receive these transcripts as they are made available
to the list. Subscribers are further invited to submit transcripts
from their area of the country if it is not already represented. A
current list of hotlines available from BIRD_RBA is appended.
Contributions to the list are always welcome and should be sent
in MAIL format to BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1. Please note that this is not
intended to be a general chat list. Contributions should either be
transcripts of birding hotlines or, if a local hotline recording is
not available to you, concise statements of species seen and the
location of the sighting, along with any relevant information such as
'out of range,' 'out of normal time frame,' etc.
You may subscribe to BIRD_RBA by sending an interactive SUBSCRIBE
command or by including a SUBSCRIBE command as the ONLY line of a MAIL
message to LISTSERV@ARIZVM1, as follows:
Interactive example from CMS:
TELL LISTSERV AT ARIZVM1 SUB BIRD_RBA <Your full name>
MAIL example:
SUB BIRD_RBA <Your full name>
To cancel your subscription, issue the SIGNOFF command to
LISTSERV@ARIZVM1:
SIGNOFF BIRD_RBA
Do NOT send SIGNOFF or other LISTSERV commands to BIRD_RBA.
The following birding hotlines are currently being transcribed
and shared via the list:
ARIZONA: Phoenix Birding Hotline (602) 832-8745
Transcription by Chuck Williamson
Tucson Birding Hotline (602) 798-1005
Transcription by Chuck Williamson
CALIFORNIA: N. California (San Francisco) (415) 528-0288
Transcription by Joe Morlan
Los Angeles (213) 874-1318
Transcription by Chuck Williamson
San Diego (619) 435-6761
Transcription by Chuck Williamson
COLORADO: Denver Audubon Hotline (303) 423-5582
Transcription by Chuck Williamson
FLORIDA: Florida Keys Hotline (305) 294-3438
Transcription by Norm Saunders
MARYLAND: The Voice of the Naturalist (301) 652-1088
Transcription by Norm Saunders
The Harford Co. Birding Hotline (301) 638-0290
Transcription by Les Eastman
MICHIGAN: Detroit Birding Hotline(616) 471-4919
Transcription by Jeff Price
NEW JERSEY: The Cape May Bird Observatory (609) 884-2626
Transcription by Ed Maccubbin
NEW MEXICO: Statewide Birding Hotline (505) 662-2101
Transcription by Pat Snider
PENNSYLVANIA: The Philadelphia BirdLine (215) 567-2473
Transcription by Norm Saunders
VIRGINIA: The Virginia BirdLine (804) 929-1736
Transcription by Norm Saunders
If you have any questions, problems , or suggestions please send
a note to us at one of the addresses listed below:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles B. Williamson (Chuck)
Bitnet address : CHUCKW@EVAX2
Internet address : CHUCKW%EVAX2@Arizona.edu
Snail mail : 4425 E. Pima
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phones : 602-323-2955 (voice + answering machine)
Bulletin board : 602-629-0502 - U of A Today BBS: Message Area 12
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Norman C. Saunders (Norm)
Bitnet address : NYS@NIHCU
Internet address : NYS@CU.NIH.GOV
Snail mail : 1261 Cavendish Drive
Colesville, MD 20905
Phones : 202-272-5248 (o--Washington, DC)
: 301-989-9035 (h--Colesville, MD)
Bulletin board : 301-989-9036 - The Osprey's Nest
(Colesville, MD -- PC Pursuitable)
-------------------------------------------------------------------sandee@fsu.scri.fsu.edu (Daan Sandee) (05/27/90)
What follows here is the input of electronic RBA hotlines on the BITNET
mailing list BIRD_RBA. I have removed some irrelevant postings and have
restricted it to one report per region. It comes to 12 local hotlines
(they appear to be updated weekly, but some almost daily) plus some other
stuff of interest.
The total volume between 5/21 and 5/26 was about 20 messages and 2000 lines.
This is enough to warrant creation of a newsgroup.
== WARNING == This posting is 1400 lines long.
=========================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 May 90 17:18:00 MST
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: CWILLIAMSON@PIMACC.PIMA.EDU
Subject: Texas Hotline
The Texas Rare Bird Alert lists the following as of 17 May:
At Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge a pair of YELLOW-GREEN VIREOS
is reported nesting in the area behind the visitors center.
At Big Bend National Park THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD, COMMON BLACK HAWK, and
LUCY'S WARBLER have been reported at Cottonwood Campground. An adult
GRAY HAWK has been seen at Rio Grande Village in the park.
The Texas Rare Bird Alert (for statewide coverage) can be reached at
713-821-2846. Other regional tapes include
Austin: 512-451-3308
Coastal Bend: 512-364-3634
Rio Grande Valley: 512-565-6773
San Antonio: 512-733-8306
Good Birding.....
R. H. Payne
GOV_RHP@SHSU
=========================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 May 90 17:23:00 MST
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: CWILLIAMSON@PIMACC.PIMA.EDU
Subject: Virginia Hotline
The Virginia BirdLine
A Service of the Virginia Society of Ornithologists
Transcript of Tape Prepared on
New mail on node EVAX2 from TELCOM::IN%"LISTSERV@ARIZVM1.CCIT.ARIZONA.EDU" "Rev
iset 7:00 am
**************************************
Highlights include FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER at Chincoteague NWR, PURPLE
GALLINULE near Kilmarnock, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER in Northern Virginia,
UPLAND SANDPIPER near Lucketts, GARGANEY at Back Bay NWR, and BLACK
RAILS near Chincoteague NWR.
A FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen at the Chincoteague NWR on Friday, May
18, between 5 and 7 pm along the wildlife drive, 200 yards south of the
gate leading to the wash flats.
A PURPLE GALLINULE was present on May 13 in the marsh along the south
side of Rt. 3, 1-1/2 miles east of Kilmarnock, VA. Unfortunately I
don't have any more details on this bird as the report was not made di-
rectly to the Virginia BirdLine.
Several OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS were seen this past week at Great Falls
State park, where up to 3 birds were present May 12-16, mainly on snags
at the locks below Matildaville. Another was present on snags at Hunt-
ley Meadows CP near Fairfax on May 16, where an AMERICAN BITTERN and
KING RAIL were also observed.
UPLAND SANDPIPERS continue to be seen and heard on their breeding
grounds north of the town of Lucketts in Loudoun County, VA. Most birds
are being found along Rt. 658 just near the intersection with Rt. 15.
The GARGANEY, previously reported from Back Bay NWR was still present on
May 12. The bird was observed at its usual location off the East Dike
Road, near the hcking tower. It appears that earlier reports of GAR-
GANEY in a local collection were erroneous and the bird may indeed be a
truly wild individual as its occurrence fits the pattern of stray re-
ports on the East Coast of North America. For more information, call
Brian Patteson at 804-933-4456.
Finally, up to 3 BLACK RAILS are still being heard in the marshes near
Saxus, VA, just southwest of Chincoteague, with several present on the
evening of May 16 and at least 1 calling in broad daylight on May 16.
To reach these birds, from Rt. 13 in Temperanceville, just south of
Chincoteague, take Rt. 695 west. Continue through Sanford then turn
left onto Rt. 788 just before reaching the causeway through the main
marsh. Listen for the BLACK RAILS on the right hand side of Rt. 788,
about 0.3 mile from the intersection with Rt. 695. The other birds were
heard in the marsh along Rt. 695, east of the town of Saxus.
Ken Bass still has places available on his overnight pelagic trip out of
Rudee Inlet. This trip will depart at 11:00 pm on May 24 and will be
out over the Canyon areas near dawn for a full day of birding, returning
to dock about 6 pm on May 25. The cost is a very reasonable $95 per
person. If you would like to make a reservation on this trip, call Ken
Bass at 703-594-2714.
**************************************
To report bird sightings, leave your information at the end of the Bird-
Line tape (804-929-1736), or call Mike Boatwright at 804-929-1418 before
10:00 pm.
This printed summary is provided as a service of The Osprey's Nest, a
computerized bulletin board run for birders by birders in the Washing-
ton, D.C. Metropolitan Area. The Osprey's Nest may be reached at (301)
989-9036, in Colesville, MD. Your communications parameters should be
set for 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
Good Birding!
=====================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 May 90 17:31:00 MST
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: CWILLIAMSON@PIMACC.PIMA.EDU
Subject: New Mex RBA 48
This is Pinyon Jay with the New Mexico Bird Report
Number 48 for May 17, 1990.
Charles Black reported that a SWAINSON'S WARBLER was
at Rattlesnake Springs, south of Carlsbad, Eddy County, this
morning. Also he and his brother, Jim, found a pair of
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLERS and at least three OVENBIRDS and two
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS there. Larry Gorbet and Phil Johnson
found a MAGNOLIA WARBLER there on May 16.
Charles reported that LEAST TERNS have returned to
Bitter Lake Refuge near Roswell, Chaves County.
Migration is slow, but steady in the northern highlands.
The forests are still mostly silent above 8000 feet in the
Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and San Juan Mountains.
On May 12 a BONAPARTE'S GULL and about 50 CALIFORNIA
GULLS were in a wet meadow near the Brazos Rivar at the Park-
view Fish Hatchery, Los Ojos, Rio Arriba County. With them
were eight WHITE-FACED IBIS.
Two CANADA GEESE, a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORNORANT, and many
ducks were at the north end of El Vado Lake. Double-crested
Cornormants were near their nesting area at Abiquiu Lake, north
of Abiquiu.
On May 13 BLACK TERNS, EASTERN KINGBIRDS, one CALIFORNIA
GULL, and BONAPARTE'S GULLS were at the Maxwell Refuge north of
Springer, Colfax County, and Bonaparte's Gulls were at Las Vegas
Refuge, San Miguel County. There was an Eastern Kingbird at Las
Vegas Refuge near the Crane Lake Overlook.
The BLUE JAY reported from Galisteo and West Coronado
in Santa Fe was still present May 11.
On May 8 and 9 an ORCHARD ORIOLE was in Tucumcari, Quay
County, and RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were at Clovis, in Curry
County.
RED-FACED WARBLERS seemed to be in good numbers in south-
western New Mexico. One was still at Percha Dam, Sierra County,
on May 15.
They were in all the Forest Service campgrounds on the
way up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings in Catron County on May 5.
Also 50 ! were counted in Cherry Creek Canyon, north of Pinos
Altos, Grant County, on May 5; and they were reported from
Gallinas Canyon, east of Mimbres, Grant County, on May 3.
The COMMON BLACK-HAWK was at the Glenwood Fish Hatchery,
Catron County, on May 5. Also there was a female OLIVE WARBLER
at Cherry Creek Canyon on May 5 and a SPOTTED OWL was heard in
the area north of the canyon.
The pair of INDIGO BUNTINGS were still in Roswell, in
Chaves County, May 5, near the public golf course, corner of
4th and Nevada. A pair of INCA DOVES were at the Rose Gardens
on Highland Street on May 5, and have been present for about
a month.
On April 28 a female THREE-TOED WOODPECKER was in the
Zuni Mountains portion of the Cibola National Forest, McKinley
County, on a burned area on Forest Road 178, 2.1 miles south
of Forest Road 180.
Mesilla Valley Audubon plans a trip to Cave Creek
Canyon, southeastern Arizona, May 19. Call Tom Glenn, 526-6082,
or Roxanne Gunter, 522-8365, for more details.
Volunteers are needed for a Long-billed Curlew Count on
Roll
Diane McFarland or Carol Torres, at the Pecos Ranger Station,
757-6121.
On Friday, June 1, there will be a Magdalena Bird Count
at Water Canyon Campground, off US 60 west of Socorro. For
additional information, contact Jim Black in Albuquerque at
884-6787 or 255-0025.
Central Audubon in Albuquerque has Thursday morning
field trips weekly. Call Tamie Bulow at 298-9116.
They also have unscheduled weekend trips. Call Jean
Ann Olds at 265-0653, evenings.
If you have a computer with a modem, Arizona has the
bulletin board for you. Call 1-602-629-0502 and go into
message area 12 for bird news and rare bird alerts.
Please leave any messages or comments after the beep.
Leave your name and where you can be reached, in case there
are any questions. To skip the taped message, if you just
want to report a sighting, use the asterisk key.
Good birding!
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 23 May 90 07:58:44 EDT
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: "Norman C. Saunders" <NYS@NIHCU.BITNET>
Subject: Northern California hotline
This is your Northern California weekly rare bird summary
for 8:55am, Tuesday, May 22, 1990, sponsored by Golden Gate
Audubon Society. You may download the text of this report from
the Winner's Circle Computer Bulletin Board at 845-4812. The
name of the file is RBA0522.TXT.
Highlights of a pelagic trip from Sausolito to the waters 90
miles off-shore included 3 Murphy's Petrels, one Cook's Petrel,
15 Horned Puffins, 2 Xantus Murrelets and 2 Leach's Storm-
Petrels.
In San Francisco, the Dusky-capped Flycatcher was still at
Pine Lake Park through Sunday. Also in San Francisco, Red
Crossbills are along El Camino Del Mar below the Legion of Honor
in Lincoln Park and in the Presidio behind Baker Beach and Red-
necked Phalaropes are still at the south end of Lake Merced.
In Alameda County, two White-faced Ibis were in the main
marsh west of the visitors' center at Coyote Hills Regional Park
in Fremont on Thursday.
In Marin County, a male Harlequin Duck was off the Pt. Reyes
Lighthouse on Sunday.
In San Mateo County, a Red Phalarope was at the north end of
Pescadero Marsh last Tuesday.
From Southern California comes word of a Louisiana
Waterthrush at the Department of Water and Power in Mojave
yesterday and a Mourning Warbler there on Sunday. At the Salton
Sea, a Hudsonian Godwit was left of the kiosk at Red Hill
yesterday and a Sharp-tailed Sparrow was at Galileo Hills Sunday
and yesterday.
For updates, please call 524-5592. Please keep us posted on
any rare birds you have seen or know about, especially the
continuing presence of rarities. At the sound of the tone, you
may leave your name and number and the date and location of any
rare birds you wish to report. Messages may be any length up to
five minutes, so you have plenty of time to leave good
directions. Thank you very much.
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 23 May 90 15:26:40 EDT
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: "Norman C. Saunders" <NYS@NIHCU.BITNET>
Subject: Washington DC, area Hotline
The Voice of the Naturalist
a transcript of the tape prepared on
Wednesday, May 23, at Noon
************************************
Next week the tape will not be made until sometime in the afternoon so
you will have until Wednesday Noon to get your Memorial Day weekend
reports in.
Highlights of this week's tape are KING EIDER, FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK,
RUFF, CURLEW SANDPIPER, COMMON BLACK-HEADED GULL, FORK-TAILED
FLYCATCHER, and SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER.
The KING EIDER, a female, was seen at Ocean City Inlet on Saturday, the
19th. PURPLE SANDPIPERS were still present in good numbers on the rocks
there.
Three FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCKS were found at Bombay Hook NWR on Sunday at
the south end of Shearness Pool on the mudflats dotted with bushes just
beyond the junction of the road from Raymond Pool and before the drive
swings left up the side of Shearness. They were not seen Monday. Ten
LESSER GOLDEN-PLOVERS were reported in Shearness on Saturday but did not
linger till Sunday. We have a late report of a WHITE PELICAN in
Shearness Pool on Monday.
On Port Mahon Road, east of Little Creek, DE, a CURLEW SANDPIPER in
partial breeding plumage and reeve, or female RUFF, were present this
weekend at the mouth of the tidal creek. Farther on, beyond a two-story
white building and a blue boat with an obscenity painted on it a CURLEW
SANDPIPER in nearly complete breeding plumage was seen over the weekend
and a male RUFF with a splendid white ruff of feathers has been present
for nearly two weeks. The RUFF is sometimes on the beach just beyond
the house and sometimes on a short pier nearby. We have a Monday report
of this bird but not of the other three.
A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen Sunday afternoon near Bethany
Beach. From Delaware Rt. 1, go west on Rt. 26 a few hundred yards and
turn left on Kent Road. Follow this road 2-3 miles until it goes over a
culverted marsh on newly-constructed overpass. Just beyond, a road with
a sign for Camp Barnes goes left. The FLYCATCHER was seen along the
first quarter-mile of this road.
At Chincoteague NWR, a FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER was found late Friday
afternoon along the last leg of the Wildlife Drive and was relocated
there late Saturday afternoon. We have no confirmation of subsequent
sightings. A COMMON BLACK-HEADED GULL was seen on the refuge on Sunday
at 2 locations: the north beach parking lot and on the water at the head
of Tom's Cove. A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was seen Friday feeding with
other sandpipers along the beach on the east side of Tom's Cove and a
SOOTY SHEARWATER was seen off Assateague Beach Monday following a
fishing boat with gulls.
Up to 5 BLACK-NECKED STILTS were found along the causeway from the
mainland to Chincoteague, near the west end, on the north side of the
road opposite the pull-off on the south side. Another BLACK-NECKED
STILT was found yesterday at Jug Bay Nature Area on the Patuxent River.
One of the few places where PIPING PLOVERS may be accessible is Indian
River Inlet, where a pair were seen on the beach just south of the inlet
on Saturday.
WHIP-POOR-WILLS were calling last week at Broadkill Beach in Delaware
and along Millhill Road in Charles County, MD, on the 20th.
From Huntley Meadows CP come reports of two very tame YELLOW-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERONS and a nesting BROWN CREEPER in the woods at the beginning
of the boardwalk, 2 KING RAILS on separate territories, 2 LEAST
BITTERNS, 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, all resident, and an OLIVE-SIDED
FLYCATCHER heard but not seen on the 20th. LEAST BITTERNS and WILLOW
FLYCATCHERS are also on territory at Hughes Hollow.
An ALDER FLYCATCHER was seen briefly but heard singing over and over on
the 19th near Fletcher's Boathouse at the west end of Reservoir Road in
the District of Columbia, where a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH was also observed.
On the evening of the 19th, an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and a YELLOW-
BELLIED FLYCATCHER were in Upper Sligo Creek Park, north of University
Boulevard, in Kensington, MD. A LEAST FLYCATCHER was seen and heard on
the 20th in the Fort Reno area along Nebraska Avenue, and, for what it's
worth, a RINGED TURTLE-DOVE was seen in Rockville Sunday morning off
Seven Locks Road, 2 traffic lights north of Montrose Road, across from
the sign that says "End of Road - 1000 Feet."
************************************
There will be a field trip on Saturday, May 26, to Nolans Ferry and
Lilypons that requires reservations. Sign up with the leader, Ann
Mitchell, at 301-432-2021.
On Sunday, May 3, an all-day trip to Shenandoah NP will be led by Bill
Murphy. You must make reservations with him at 474-1880.
************************************
The Voice of the Naturalist is a weekly service of the Audubon Natural-
ist Society of the Central Atlantic States, and is summarized here with
their permission. Call the tape directly at (301) 652-1088. To report
bird sightings, call the ANS at 652-9188 or 652-5964 from 9-5, Monday
through Friday.
This printed summary is provided as a service of The Osprey's Nest, a
computerized bulletin board run for birders by birders in the Washing-
ton, D.C. Metropolitan Area. The Osprey's Nest may be reached at (301)
989-9036, in Colesville, MD. Your communications parameters should be
set for 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
Good Birding!
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 23 May 90 20:40:09 EDT
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: "Norman C. Saunders" <NYS@NIHCU.BITNET>
Subject: Cape May Birding Hotline, 5/17/90
The Cape May Birding Hotline -- a service of the
Cape May Bird Observatory
and the
New Jersey Audubon Society
Summary of the tape prepared May 17th
Highlights of the week include BLACK-NECKED STILT, WILSON'S PLOVER,
STILT SANDPIPER, HARLEQUIN DUCK, WARBLING VIREO, SOOTY SHEARWATER, BROWN
PELICAN, COMMON LOON, PIED-BILLED GREBE, and many bits of advice to the
participants in the World Series of Birding.
On May 16th, 6 BLACK-NECKED STILTS were seen just north of Cape May on
Ocean Drive, also known as Route 621, in the first pond on the right
just after the entrance to the Canyon Club. Four were seen in the South
Cape May Meadows on the same day. The South Cape May Meadows is owned
by the Nature Conservancy, and it is the property on Sunset Boulevard
between Cape May and Cape May Point. No BLACK-NECKED STILTS could be
found on the 17th at either location.
On May 12th a WILSON'S PLOVER was seen by boat on the sand bar island in
Hereford Inlet, the inlet between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood.
Ocean Drive also held a STILT SANDPIPER on the 16th and 17th, beyond the
Canyon Club entrance and over the first small bridge in the marsh on the
left side of Ocean Drive (Route 621), just across from the entrance to
the Breezy Lee Marina. A STILT SANDPIPER was also seen May 16th at
Moore's Beach.
A female HARLEQUIN DUCK was discovered May 16th at 2nd Avenue in Cape
May, and seen again on the 17th at the Concrete Ship. Second Avenue on
the 16th still held 1 SURF and 2 BLACK SCOTER. On May 16th a male SURF
SCOTER was in the Delaware Bay at Redwood Avenue in The Villas, just
about 10 minutes north of Cape May.
Higbee Beach held a WARBLING VIREO on May 14th and a MOURNING WARBLER on
May 17th.
SOOTY SHEARWATER was seen off Cape May Point on May 16th. BROWN PELICAN
are back, but being seen only sporadically. They didn't show up until
early May this year. Recent sightings include 2 seen on the 15th at
various locations including 2nd Avenue Jetty, Higbee Beach and The
Villas, possibly representing all the same 2 birds.
COMMON LOONS are still migrating over Cape May Point in small numbers,
plus 2 were in Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest on May 16th, and another
was seen at Hereford Inlet this week. PIED-BILLED GREBES have, indeed,
bred in the Cape May Point State Park in Bunker Pond, the pond visible
from the Hawk Watch platform. Adults with 5 young were discovered there
on May 12th. On May 17th they were visible from the Hawk Watch platform
in the back left corner of Bunker Pond with 2 young. I guess snapping
turtles have taken a toll. There are good numbers of LEAST BITTERN in
Cape May Point State Park. Every pond has a breeding pair, and a few
can be found in the South Cape May Meadows, as well. An AMERICAN
BITTERN was seen regularly in the South Cape May Meadows at least until
May 13th. The South Cape May Meadows held BLUE-WINGED TEAL and AMERICAN
WIGEON this week. A female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was in Cape May Point
State Park on May 16th in Lighthouse Pond West, the pond visible from
Lighthouse Avenue and from the Red Trail. One was also seen at Hereford
Inlet this week, and 1 was at Goshen Landing on the 14th. There is an
AMERICAN COOT on Lily Lake in Cape May Point.
PIPING PLOVER are again struggling to nest in the South Cape May
Meadows. They are between the east road and 2nd Avenue Jetty. Several
are breeding at Hereford Inlet, as well, and have been seen at Stone
Harbor Point and on the sand bar island in the inlet. WHITE-RUMPED
SANDPIPERS were in the South Cape May Meadows on May 17th. PURPLE
SANDPIPER can still be found in fair numbers at 2nd Avenue Jetty. RED
KNOT arrived in good numbers along the Delaware Bay shoreline on May
9th, and can be found in the 100s now, along with 1000s of RUDDY
TURNSTONES and SANDERLINGS at places like Reed's Beach and Moore's
Beach. WHIMBREL can still be found at Brigantine National Wildlife
Refuge and at Shell Bay Landing. Shell Bay Landing can be reached from
the northbound lane of the Garden State Parkway at Mile Marker 8.4.
Twenty were seen there on May 16th.
Single BONAPARTE'S GULLS have been seen in the South Cape May Meadows on
May 14th, 15th and 17th. Very small numbers of ROYAL TERNS have been at
the South Cape May Meadows and in Hereford Inlet. Five GULL-BILLED
TERNS have been at Goshen Landing since May 13th. Goshen Landing can be
reached from Route 47 just north of Reed's Beach.
BALD EAGLES are nesting successfully in Cape May County at East Creek
Pond on Route 670, and can be seen soaring over the pond from the road.
Do not go into the woods looking for the nest. Let Cape May County's
first successful eagle's nest in 60 years have a chance. Single eagle
sightings have also come in, in the past week, from Jake's Landing,
Moore's Beach and Higbee Beach.
BLACK VULTURE have been seen this week at Moore's Beach, a bit south of
Moore's Beach and at Goshen Landing, all reached from Route 47.
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER are again nesting at the Cape May County Park just
north of Cape May Courthouse on Route 9. When you enter the County
Park, follow the road all the way back to the zoo. Park here and look
in the oak woods north of the zoo to your right, and behind the large
green maintenance building. RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS are also nesting at
Tuckerton. PILEATED WOODPECKER reports have come in this week from
Route 618, the road west of Burley, and from Route 83, just west of
Route 47 near Dennisville on May 13th.
Belleplain State Forest is again good for RUFFED GROUSE, SUMMER TANAGER,
PROTHONOTARY, HOODED, KENTUCKY and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, ACADIAN
FLYCATCHER and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH. Good roads to explore for these
things are Pine Swamp Road, Sunset Road, New Bridge Road and Cedar
Bridge Road. Jake's Landing Road again has a good breeding population
of YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS, and SHARP-TAILED and SEASIDE SPARROWS can
be found in the salt marsh at the end of Jake's Landing Road. Jake's
Landing Road is reached from Rt 47, 1.4 miles north of the Wawa store in
Dennisville on Route 47. A LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH was at the Beanery on
May 17th, possibly a breeder.
Five CLIFF SWALLOWS were over Cape May Point on May 14th. RUBY-THROATED
HUMMINGBIRDS have been seen this past week at Higbee Beach and on
Newbridge Road in Savage's Run in Belleplain State Forest. CMBO has 3
feeders hung. One in the front, 1 on the side and 1 in the back.
Hopefully, we too will be attracting RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS, but
they have not become regular yet.
Other general birding notes helpful to World Series of Birding team
members include- all herons and egrets are in at Stone Harbor Bird
Sanctuary. YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS are again nesting in the
traditional site at the back side of the heronry at 115th Street.
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS are again nesting under the bunker at the Cape May
Point State Park. All the southern warblers should be found at Bear
Swamp along Route 555, north of Dividing Creek in Cumberland County,
including PROTHONOTARY, YELLOW-THROATED, KENTUCKY and HOODED WARBLER, as
well as ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. Turkey Point, also in Cumberland County,
has rails and LEAST BITTERN. Look for BANK SWALLOWS around the sand pit
near the town of Dividing Creek. CHUCK-WILLS-WIDOWS have been heard at
Higbee Beach and other locations at the southern end of the county, and
along the the Delaware Bay shore at places like Jake's Landing Road.
WHIP-POOR-WILL have been heard in Belleplain State Forest. Both SEASIDE
and SHARP-TAILED SPARROW are at Moore's Beach and Brigantine National
Wildlife Refuge. One other locale for those marsh sparrows is along
Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest on the right. KILLDEER,
HORNED LARK and MEADOWLARK are all likely at the Cape May County
airport, which is southwest of Rio Grande, and can be reached from
Breakwater Road. The commuter flight parking lot is a good vantage
point. The fields along New England Road this week have held
MEADOWLARK, BOBOLINK and BOBWHITE QUAIL.
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Cape May birding hotline is a service of the CMBO and may be reached
by phone at (609) 884-2626. Updates are made on Thursday evenings or
more often if warranted. To report sightings of rare or unusual birds,
call (609) 884-2736.
The CMBO is a research and education unit of the New Jersey Audubon So-
ciety. Our aim is to perpetuate and preserve the ornithological signif-
icance of Cape May. For more information regarding Cape May birding and
the observatory, write to the CMBO at:
Cape May Bird Observatory
P.O. Box 3
Cape May Point, NJ 08212
This printed summary is provided as a service of The Osprey's Nest, a
computerized bulletin board run for birders by birders in the Washing-
ton, D.C. Metropolitan Area. The Osprey's Nest may be reached at (301)
989-9036, in Colesville, MD. Your communications parameters should be
set for 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
Good Birding!
rm
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 23 May 90 23:12:00 MST
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: CWILLIAMSON@PIMACC.PIMA.EDU
Subject: Colo RBA 5-20-90
- RBA
* Colorado
* Statewide
* May 20, 1990
* COLO9005.20
- Birds mentioned
Bay-breasted Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Bronzed Cowbird
Dusky-capped Flycatcher
Golden-winged Warbler
Gray Hawk
Hepatic Tanager
Magnolia Warbler
Ovenbird
Philadelphia Vireo
Prothonotary Warbler
Purple Martin
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Summer Tanager
Tennessee Warbler
White-eyed Vireo
Worm-eating Warbler
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-throated Vireo
- Transcript
This is the Colorado Bird Report, sponsored by Denver Field
Ornithologists, updated on May 20th. (303) 423-5582
A BRONZED COWBIRD continues to be seen in the Carter's yard
on Green Mountain Drive in Lakewood. The cowbird comes to a
birdbath in the yard several times a day in the afternoon. On the
20th it was seen on four short visits between 3:40 and 7:05 PM.
Afternoons seem to be the best time to see this bird. The best
place to look for the cowbird, which was first identified by the
Carters is from the grassy rise or berm just east of the driveway
leading from Green Mountain Drive to the parking lot of the LDS
Church located at the corner of Green Mountain Drive and Alameda
Parkway. The Carter's yard is the second one south of Green
Mountain Drive. Look for the feeders. If not seen in the yard on
the fence, look along the grassy berm. The bird has been seen as
far away as the Green Mountain Recreation Center tennis court.
A DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER was found by Bridges on May 20th
at Two-buttes in northern Baca County. This flycatcher was seen
300 yards east of the concrete outhouse near the beginning of the
cattail marsh. Scott Seltman points out that with a GRAY HAWK
currently in Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle and another
GRAY HAWK seen in April in Kansas, combined with other
southwestern rarities like the DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER and the
BRONZED COWBIRD in Colorado today, we should keep on the lookout
for almost anything from the southwest.
A WORM-EATING WARBLER and a male PROTHONOTARY WARBLER were
found in Wheat Ridge Greenbelt by Kellner and Stahoviach on May
20th. The Prothonotary Warbler was seen all day along the south
side of Clear Creek, about half way between the Prospect Park
Footbridge and the outlet to Bass Lake. The WORM-EATING WARBLER
was seen very early across the footbridge at Prospect Park, south
of the chain link fence, and was not refound later in the day.
Also in the Greenbelt, a WHITE-EYED VIREO, first found by
TenBrink was reported again on the 20th, at the Tree Bridge.
From Bonney Reservoir on May 20th, Righter reports 15
warbler species including BLACKPOLL WARBLER, TENNESSEE WARBLER,
MAGNOLIA WARBLER, OVENBIRD, and BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. This group
also saw a PHILADELPHIA VIREO. These sightings were made along
the lakes south shore at the Wheel Campground and at the pond on
the south side, just west of the campground.
A male BAY-BREASTED WARBLER was found on May 20th by CFO in
the trees on the north side of Henry Reservoir at Ordway, and by
Jones who saw another in Aurora.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS were reported in many places on May
20th, including Waterton Canyon, Lyons, and 8 miles west of
Briggsdale.
A male HEPATIC TANAGER and a male GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER were
reported on May 20th by Gent and Andrews in the Olive Marsh in
Pueblo, just east of Pueblo Boulevard on the south side of the
Arkansas River.
Unusual on Colorado's west slope, Dexter reported 10 PURPLE
MARTINS and three YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS seen on May 19th, along
the Uncompaghre River near Olathe.
On May 19th Waddington reported the banding of a male
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER in the west end of Bear Creek Lake Park in
Lakewood.
A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen on May 19th by Danials
800 yards west of a bridge on Burnt Mill Road two miles west of
I-25 south of Pueblo.
In Wheat Ridge Greenbelt on May 18th, Maguire reported a
SUMMER TANAGER near the corral, and a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was
seen near the tree bridge by Schottler.
On May 17th, a male BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, found by Saunders,
was seen in Wheat Ridge Greenbelt south of Clear Creek and east
of the Prospect Park Footbridge. A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was seen
buy Skominski on May 17th at the start of Blue Bell Trial in
Chatique Park in Boulder. Also on the 17th, a YELLOW-THROATED
VIREO was seen by Chew at the Northern Colorado Nature Center
east of Fort Collins.
For general information please call Irv Jackson at 233-2171
or Bob Spencer at 279-4682.
The field trip for Saturday, May 26th, is to the highline
canal and Daniel's Park. Call Lynn Willcokcson at 757-7000 for
information. On Monday, May 28th, there is a field trip to Willow
Springs Ranch. Call Rhonda Woodward at 697-9032 for details.
To update information about birds currently on the Colorado
Bird Report, or to report new sightings, please leave your name,
phone number, and message after the tone. Thanks for calling.
****************************************************************
* The COLORADO BIRD REPORT needs a person to CHAMPION the *
* posting of the report the BITNET listserv BIRD_RBA. *
* Currently the report is sent to Arizona via snail mail where *
* it is laboriously typed to disk with one hand as the other *
* feeds the new baby or washes diapers. If only a person local to *
* David Martin could rise to this call, and call Dave, and *
* make some sort of arrangement for a more expedient posting. *
* By the way... Dave has a computer with a modem... -cw- *
****************************************************************
- End transcript
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 24 May 90 01:13:00 MST
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: CWILLIAMSON@PIMACC.PIMA.EDU
Subject: San Diego Daily Update 5-24-90
This is the San Diego Field Ornithologist's Daily Rare Bird
Hotline for Wednesday, May 23rd 1990 at 4 PM.
Nothing new to report today. If you listened to the tape
yesterday you can hangup now.
At the south end of the Salton Sea a breeding HUDSONIAN GODWIT
was seen Monday at Red Hill at the ticket taking booth before the
trailer park. Instead of turning right into the trailer park turn
left. The bird was seen along the shore along the 1st cabannya.
On Point Loma a WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen on Monday at Fort
Roscrans National Cemetary on the east side of the Cemetary.
An OVENBIRD was seen Sunday at Cabrillo National Monument on the
ground near the Visitor Center's resturant.
Generlly birds reported on private property will not be reported
without the permission of the property owner. For additional
sightings during the past week, call the San Diego Bird Alert at
435-6761. If you have any questions about local birds or birding
call 464-7342 between 8 AM and 8 PM.
To report a good bird sighting, wait for the beep, leave your
name and telephone number, then tell us what you've seen, the
date and time of observation, and the locations as precisely as
possible.
Thank-you for your interest.
*****************************************************************
* San Diego Rare Bird Tapes needs a HELPING_HAND in that local *
* area to assist Mr Y and Ms X in posting their reports to BITNET
* listserv BIRD_RBA. This report currently is put in a bottle *
* at the California border into the CAP (Central Az Project) *
* and floated to Tucson. Then it is laboriously typed to disk *
* with one hand as the other scrubs burnt bread pudding off pan *
* bottoms. *
*******************help!*********help!***********help!*****-cw-**
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 24 May 90 01:11:00 MST
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: CWILLIAMSON@PIMACC.PIMA.EDU
Subject: Phoenix Az RBA 5-24-90
- RBA
* Arizona
* Phoenix
* May 24, 1990
* AZPH9005.24
- Birds mentioned
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Cattle Egret
Cedar Waxwing
Clapper Rail (Yuma Clapper Rail)*
Common Black-Hawk
Cordilleran Flycatcher
Franklin's Gull
Gray Flycatcher
Gray Jay
Gray Vireo
Greater Pewee
Hutton's Vireo
Indigo Bunting
Le Conte's Thrasher
Lincoln's Sparrow
Olive Warbler
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Ovenbird
Pacific Coast Flycatcher *
Pine Grosbeak
Red-faced Warbler
Solitary Vireo
Three-toed Woodpecker
Warbling Vireo
Western Wood-Pewees
- Transcript
This is the Maricopa Audubon Society weekly report of bird
sightings (602-832-8745) as of Thursday, May 24th 1990.
At the Desert Botanical Gardens at the Phoenix Zoo near
Papago Park an OVENBIRD was found in the morning on the 21st.
However birders looking for it later in the day could not refind
it.
In the west valley, 8 miles west of Buckeye on Baseline
Road, 2 LE CONTE'S THRASHERS were found. This is not the best
time of year to find them, but they are there.
At the El Mirage Road pond there were still 3 BLACK-BELLIED
WHISTLING-DUCKS seen during the week.
In the Arlington Valley, in the west part of Maricopa
County, at least 3 pair of the YUMA CLAPPER RAIL were found on
the 3rd. 3 CATTLE EGRETS were also reported from a cattle pasture
near the Gilespie Dam and several migrating WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES
were noted during the day as well.
North of Phoenix at the Slate Creek Divide area, a pair of
GRAY VIREOS were seen building a nest, and a GRAY FLYCATCHER was
also sighted there. CEDAR WAXWINGS were found near the town of
Sunflower. Seems that CEDAR WAXWINGS move through the area in May
even though none had been reported during March or April.
A COMMON BLACK-HAWK was also noted south of Sunflower along
a small stream.
At Rio Verde, which is north of Fountain Hills along the
Verde River, a female BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD was seen. They are
not usually found that far west.
A PACIFIC SLOPE FLYCATCHER was heard calling also at Rio
Verde.
On the Maricopa Audubon Field Trip to the (Sierra Onchas
Mountains ???) on the 19th, several interesting birds were found.
Along Parker Creek, a singing INDIGO BUNTING was found. Other
birds in the area included OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, a late
LINCOLN'S SPARROW, and HUTTON'S VIREO, SOLITARY VIREO, and
WARBLING VIREOS.
At Rose Creek, a PACIFIC SLOPE FLYCATCHER was heard along
with GREATER PEWEE and an OLIVE WARBLER.
Along Wilson Creek there was a RED-FACED WARBLER and 2
CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHERS.
In the White Mountains, near the entrance to the Sunrise Ski
Area, three birds were found that are hard to see in Arizona: a
GRAY JAY; a THREE-TOED WOODPECKER, and a PINE GROSBEAK. The Pine
GROSBEAK is a very hard bird to get in the state.
Over at Becker Lake near Springerville a FRANKLIN'S GULL was
found.
Memorial Day Weekend can be a very good time to bird and it
is a good time to find unusual birds - if you can find an
uncrowded place to look. If you do, please leave your bird
sightings on the tape after the beep, and if you need directions
or have any questions, call Steve Ganley, at (602) 830-5538...
and good birding.
*****************************************************************
* The MARICOPA Bird Report needs an ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEER *
* in the Phoenix area to assist Steve Ganley in posting this *
* report the BITNET listserv BIRD_RBA. This report currently is *
* sent by an overly awkward system of semafore stations from *
* Phoenix to Tucson. Then it is laboriously typed to disk *
* with one hand as the other washes baby bottles and folds *
* diapers. Steve currently has an Apple Computer with no modem. *
***********************************************************-cw-**
- End transcript
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 24 May 90 11:22:15 EDT
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: "Norman C. Saunders" <NYS@NIHCU.BITNET>
Subject: NJ Fall Seabird Watch
Summary of the Fall 1988 Seabird Watch
8th Street Jetty, Avalon, NJ
Season Peak Peak
Species Total Flight Date
========================================================================
Common Loon 2340 130 19 Oct
Red-throated Loon 24401 3270 23 Nov
Horned Grebe 111 12 5 Dec
Northern Gannet 49877 8208 14 Nov
Double-crested Cormorant 75872 11487 19 Oct
Great Blue Heron 445 206 19 Oct
Tundra Swan 435 337 18 Nov
Brant 9751 2614 31 Oct
Snow Goose 1654 400 4 Dec
Canada Goose 3464 1303 7 Oct
Green-winged Teal 2252 510 21 Oct
Scaup sp. 5383 616 26 Oct
Oldsquaw 1290 251 3 Nov
Common Goldeneye 1149 266 18 Nov
Bufflehead 1328 472 30 Oct
Scoter sp. 129071 24560 21 Oct
Red-breasted Merganser 2488 309 10 nov
Hooded Merganser 71 16 12 Nov
Jaeger sp. 58 9 20 & 28 Nov
Bonaparte's Gull 4125 1634 11 Dec
Black-legged Littiwake 158 119 5 Dec
========================================================================
Rarities seen:
Western Grebe -- 1 on 22 Dec
Red-necked Grebe -- 3 on 29 Oct, 1 & 30 Nov
Harlequin Duck -- 2-4 on 17, 19, 24 Oct, 6 Nov
Common Eider -- 2 on 3 Dec
Razorbill -- 1 on 6 Dec
Little Gull -- 5 on 14, 15, 27, 28 Nov, 10 Dec
HOURS:
September: 6
October: 120
November: 198
December: 100
Total: 424
SOURCE: "Watching Seabirds in Cape May County," by Paul Ker-
linger, Peregrine Observer--Journal of the Cape May Bird
Observatory, Winter 1989, Vol. 12, No. 2, New Jersey
Audubon Society.
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 24 May 90 11:24:28 EDT
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: "Norman C. Saunders" <NYS@NIHCU.BITNET>
Subject: Sandy Hook, NJ, Hawk Watch
Sandy Hook Hawk Watch
Spring 1989
Peak Peak
Species March April May Total Flight Date
========================================================================
Turkey Vulture 49 143 29 221 14 17 Apr
Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 1 1 3 May
Sharp-shinned Hawk 74 1650 765 2489 419 24 Apr
Cooper's Hawk 28 144 42 214 30 25 Apr
Red-tailed Hawk 37 60 15 112 10 17 Apr
Red-shouldered Hawk 30 29 1 60 7 17 Mar
Broad-winged Hawk 0 77 48 125 20 4 May
Bald Eagle 0 0 3 3 2 4 May
Northern Harrier 38 138 39 215 29 3 May
Osprey 12 52 14 78 13 1 Apr
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 2 2 1 3-4 May
Merlin 1 127 57 185 33 18 Apr
American Kestrel 477 725 34 1236 299 29 Mar
Unidentified 4 27 0 31
========================================================================
TOTALS: 750 3174 1051 4975
Hours 121.5 217 73.5 412
Days 14 27 11 52
========================================================================
Totals include 1 Rough-legged Hawk and 1 Goshawk, both in April.
SOURCE: "Sandy Hook Hawk Watch, Spring 1989," by Zack Klyver,
Peregrine Observer--Journal of the Cape May Bird Obser-
vatory, Winter 1989, Vol. 12, No. 2, New Jersey Audubon
Society.
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 24 May 90 11:38:00 MST
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: CWILLIAMSON@PIMACC.PIMA.EDU
Subject: Tucson Az RBA 5-24-90
- RBA
* Arizona
* Tucson
* May 24, 1990
* AZTU9005.24
- Birds mentioned
Allen's Hummingbirdo
American White Pelicans
Bobolink
California Gull
Common Tern
Elegant Trogons
Five-striped Sparrows
Mississippi Kites
Montezuma Quail
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Red-necked Phalaropes
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Thick-billed Kingbird
Tropical Kingbird
Varied Bunting
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
- Transcript
This is the Tucson Audubon Society's weekly bird report updated
on Thursday, 24 May 1990.
There were a few interesting findings this week in southern
Arizona. One includes the discovery of 2 SCISSOR-TAILED
FLYCATCHERS on May 19. The two birds were seen about 5 miles of
Portal along the road that comes out of New Mexico. The other
rare find of the week was a female BOBOLINK seen at Willcox. The
bird was originally found on the 18th near the small attractive
pond with a perimeter of lush vegetation.
TROPICAL KINGBIRDS have finally reappeared this summer. The birds
have been seen at several locations including Kino Springs on the
18th, at Arivaca on the 18th, and at Dudleyville on the 20th.
Also in the town of Dudleyville, which is about 60 miles north of
Tucson, there were MISSISSIPPI KITES, a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, and
a singing WILLOW FLYCATCHER. All of these birds were seen on the
20th.
At the Willcox sewage ponds there was a CALIFORNIA GULL and a
COMMON TERN seen on the 17th and RED-NECKED PHALAROPES on the
18th.
FIVE-STRIPED SPARROWS have finally decided to advertise
themselves with their distinctive singing. Five different birds
were seen in Sycamore Canyon on the 19th, about 3 miles down into
the often strenuous walk. No reports of Five-stripes have yet
come out of California Gultch. Also at Sycamore on the 19th were
ELEGANT TROGONS, MONTEZUMA QUAIL, a VARIED BUNTING, and a
NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL.
On the 19th, a flock of 17 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS made a brief
appearance at Ruthrauff sewage only to soon disappear to an
unknown destination.
An out-of-place THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD was reported from Sabino
Canyon on the 21st and a possible adult male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
was seen in Bear Canyon on the 20th.
Now that I'm back from my vacation, would you please direct all
your birding reports away from Barb Koenig and towards Jack
Holloway at 722-3207.
- End transcript
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 24 May 90 18:56:11 EDT
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: Les Eastman <lreastma@CRDEC7.APGEA.ARMY.MIL>
Subject: Wintips for May 23rd
Wingtips
brought to you by the Harford County Chapter of the
Maryland Ornithological Society
A Summary of the Tape Prepared On
Wednesday, May the 23st
At Harford Glen, in Harford County, MD, on Tuesday, May the 22nd, a
MOURNING WARBLER was observed singing and flitting around the banding
station table that is stationed there. Caught and banded was a GRAY-
CHEEKED THRUSH, about 10 species of WARBLERS, including CANADA, MAGNO-
LIA, REDSTART, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, BLACKPOLL, and
a GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, LEAST AND ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. WOOD DUCKS
with young can also be observed at the Glen now.
In Garrett County in Western Maryland, over the past weekend, May the
19th and 20th, excellent views of an ALDER FLYCATCHER at Finzel Swamp
and also at Mt. Nebo WMA. A RAVEN was observed flying over at Swallow
Falls, and a #10 look at a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER at the 4-H Conference
Center, and a RUFFED GROUSE walked across the road in front of a very
lucky group at Cranesville Swamp, and they were also heard drumming at
Finzel Swamp and on Dan's Rock. A very late WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW at
Finzel Swamp and a very late RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET at the 4-H Conference
Center, which according to the book tied the record late date for the
state. NASHVILLE WARBLER was heard at Cranesville Swamp and the usual
SOLITARY VIREO were nesting at Swallow Falls.
Three FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCKS were observed at Bombay Hook NWR in De-
laware on Sunday, May the 20th, at Shearness Pool.
Two breeding plumage CURLEW SANDPIPERS and 1 breeding plumage, white
phase RUFF, with white ruff and 1 REEVE were observed along Port Mahon
Road on Sunday, May the 20th. These birds seem to move around alot due
to the tides but the RUFF seems to spend most of its time by a white
house that has a blue boat near it, which is about 2.5 miles or so down
Port Mahon Road from Rt. 9. One of the CURLEW SANDPIPERS was right
where the Port Mahon tidal gut opens up to the bay. The other was down
close to where the RUFF was sighted by the white house. A PEREGRIN FAL-
CON was in the area which was making these birds move around quite a
bit, also.
A PURPLE GALLINULE was reported in northern Delaware, from Rt. 9 where
it crosses the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in Chesapeake City. You go
north of the canal on Rt. 9 to the first traffic light and turn left.
The name of this road is unknown at this time. It was reported as being
named Cass'(?) Point Road but was incorrect information. Go approxi-
mately 1 mile, but not much more than that. You will come up on the
south side of the road. There is a large dike on the left. You can see
several paths going up along the dike, and from that dike, you can look
out into an impoundment where the PURPLE GALLINULE was seen. It was
looked for on Sunday, May 20th, but was not found. The actual sighting
date is unknown to Wingtips, but this second hand information did come
from an excellent source.
A migrating ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and a MORNING WARBLER were observed
at Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore County on Saturday, May 19th and a
LINCOLN'S SPARROW was observed there on Friday, May 18th.
A MORNING WARBLER and a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH were banded at Harford Glen,
in Harford County, MD, on Saturday, May the 19th.
A male SUMMER TANAGER was observed by several birders on Sunday, May the
20th, at Elk Neck State Park in Cecil County, MD. It was located at
Turkey Point off to the right hand side of the road, just past the
Lighthouse Trail, near the end. It was observed flying back and forth
in the tops of the trees and was heard singing as if to be territorial.
A PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was observed at Elk Neck State Park in Cecil
County, MD, on Thursday, May 17th, along the Black Trail near the
Rhodes(?) boat launch area. Also observed singing as on territorial
ground.
BLACKPOLL WARBLERS are being observed both in Harford County, in several
locations, and in Cecil County this past week.
Wingtips will be selling raffle tickets at the Harford Mall in Harford
County, MD, located at the intersection of Bel Air Road and Rt. 24, on
Saturday, May the 26th, between 9:30 and 6 PM. Donation is $1 per
chance. First prize is a fall weekend Bed & Bath for two in Cape May,
NJ, any weekend of your choice after Labor Day, just in time for the
fall migration; second prize is an 11 inch carved swan decorative decoy;
third prize - a $50 gift certificate for Western Auto; fourth prize is
an oriole stained glass sun catcher made by the Touch of Glass in Havre
de Grace. To reserve your tickets, contact June Vaughn at (301) 838-
4427. Please keep in mind that this is to fund the Wingtips Hotline.
The phone bills and equipment are very expensive. Please show us your
support. If anyone is able to donate just a few hours of their time to
help sell the tickets at the mall, please contact June Vaughn at the
previously announced number.
The next scheduled Warbler Competition Walk will be tomorrow Saturday,
May the 26th. John Wortman is the leader and they will be birding the
Susquehanna State Park in Harford County, MD. Meet at the Rock Run Mill
on Stafford Road at 7AM. Counting starts at 7:15 sharp and ends at 9:30.
On Sunday, May the 27th, the leader is Dennis Kirkwood. They will be
birding the upper Deer Creek area in Madonna. Meet on Madonna Road where
it crosses Deer Creek at 7AM. Good luck to both of you.
An article will be in the Chesapeake Bay Magazine in the June issue
featuring the famous "Bird of the Century", the Ross' Gull at Back River
Sewage Treatment Plant in Essex, Baltimore County, MD.
And now we will hear from our friend The Voice of the Naturalist.
[ The tape of the Voice of the Naturalist follows. ]
Thank you very much.
This tape is changed regularly every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Rare
reports and updates on them are made in between as soon as possible.
Reporting from MD, PA, DE, VA, NJ and the DC area. To report your bird
sitings and trips, call (301) 838-4427.
This is June Vaughn thanking you for calling and wishing you Happy
Birding!
********************************************************************
Wingtips may be called directly at (301) 638-0290
********************************************************************
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 25 May 90 07:49:39 EDT
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: "Norman C. Saunders" <NYS@NIHCU.BITNET>
Subject: Sample Maine Hotline
The Maine Bird Alert
Sponsored by Maine Audubon in
Falmouth & Quincy, Maine
Transcript of the Tape Prepared On May 23
*********************************
With the rain and cold and the snow in some parts of the state this
week, the bird activity has slowed down considerably. To date, 26
species of warblers have been tallied, with only the MOURNING WARBLER
added this week. Shorebirds are on the increase and LEAST TERNS are
back, as well as COMMON NIGHTHAWKS and WHIP-POOR-WILLS.
The colorful birds: SCARLET TANAGERS, INDIGO BUNTINGS, and NORTHERN
ORIOLES are being reported from all over, obciously a welcome sight on
these gray days. The AMERICAN AVOCETS reported last week on the Spurwig
Marsh were last seen on May 18.
In the Portland area, at Evergreen Cemetery, 20 species of warblers are
being reported, including WILSON'S, CANADA, BAY-BREASTED, CAPE MAY, and
BLACKPOLL. Also there, PHILADELPHIA, SOLITARY, and RED-EYED VIREOS,
SWAINSON'S THRUSH, EASTERN KINGBIRD, SCARLET TANAGERS, LINCOLN'S
SPARROW, LEAST FLYCATCHER, and an OSPREY fishing in the duck pond. At
Pattisick Pond a VIRGINIA RAIL was calling.
At Cape Elizabeth, in Kettle Cove, there were 20 PURPLE SANDPIPERS, 6
OLDSQUAW, and 2 COMMON LOONS, and at Handeford Cove, 2 WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROWS and a PINE SISKIN.
In Scarborough at Pine Point ther were 2 LEAST TERNS, 20 COMMON TERNS,
83 BRANT, 3 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, 12 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 1
DUNLIN, 40+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, 15 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 30 BLACK-BELLIED
PLOVERS, 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, 2 TRICOLORED HERONS, 75
BONAPARTE'S GULLS, and 6 LAUGHING GULLS. At the railroad tracks off Rt.
9 at Pine Point there was a WILSON'S PHALAROPE and 4 BLACK-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERONS. At the end of Jasper Road off Rt. 9 there was a BLUE-
WINGED WARBLER, 3 BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS, a VEERY, HERMIT THRUSH, and
RED-EYED and SOLITARY VIREOS. At Ross Road there were PRAIRIE,
BLACKPOLL, and BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS, a WARBLING VIREO, WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROW, and RED CROSSBILLS.
At Scarborough Marsh there was a STILT SANDPIPER, 3 WHITE-RUMPED
SANDPIPERS, 20 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 1 LITTLE BLUE HERON, and more
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS.
At Higgins Beach there were 5 DUNLINS. In Powmell there are BARN,
CLIFF, TREE, and BANK SWALLOWS. Elsewhere around the sate, at Seapoint
Beach in Kittery, there 25 WHITE-WINGED and 27 SURF SCOTERS, 1 DUNLIN, 3
RUDDY TURNSTONES, 3 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 3 WILLET, and GREATER and
LESSER YELLOWLEGS. In York there was a first report of a COMMON
NIGHTHAWK, plus two SOLITARY SANDPIPERS and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS.
In Kennebunk there was a MOURNING WARBLER and 6 PINE SISKINS. At
Seawall Beach, near Moore's Mountain, there were PIPING PLOVE, LEAST
TERN, and a raft of 100+ BLACK SCOTERS.
At Reeds State Park there was a female ORCHARD ORIOLE, numerous
BLACKPOLL WARBLERS, a STILT SANDPIPER, and a PEREGRINE FALCON. In the
Cushing area there were 2 flocks of 100+ OLDSQUAW, a GOSHAWK, WHITE-
CROWNED SPARROW, and 13 species of warblers.
In Lackland at the breakwater there were 12 PURPLE SANDPIPERS. Out on
Monhegan 14 species of warblers are being seen. Also, RUBY-THROATED
HUMMINGBIRD, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, a COPPER'S HAWK, and 2 PEREGRINE
FALCONS. Up in Port Kent, 82 species of birds were tallied at a
Birdathon on the 19th and yesterday 2 inches of snow fell. Among the
birds reported: WHIP-POOR-WILL, BAY-BREASTED, CAPE MAY, and WILSON'S
WARBLERS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, VESPER SPARROW, PIED-BILLED GREBE, and
an AMERICAN BITTERN.
At Belgrade Lake, returning this week, were 10 BLACK TERNS and 6 PURPLE
MARTINS. At the basin near Lake Auburn there were 2 YELLOW-THROATED
VIREOS and in Wilton, a LINCOLN'S SPARROW.
A SANDHILL CRANE has been reported on Little Swan Island in Merry-
meeting Bay. Since the bird is not visible from shore and the island is
accessible only by boat, we will hope that it moves to a more convenient
location.
This tape will next be updated on Tuesday, May 29. Happy Birding!
*********************************
This transcript of the Maine Bird Alert has been provided as a sample.
The hotline may be reached by phone at (207) 781-2332. We would hope
that one of our subscribers closer to Maine than I am will be able to
provide this material to us on a more regular basis!
Good Birding!
Norm Saunders
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 25 May 90 12:12:28 EDT
Reply-To: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
Sender: National Birding Hotline Cooperative <BIRD_RBA@ARIZVM1>
From: "Norman C. Saunders" <NYS@NIHCU.BITNET>
Subject: Philadelphia BirdLine
The Philadelphia Birdline
A Service of the Academy of Natural Sciences
A Summary of the Tape Prepared On
Thursday, May 24
*****************************
A lot of bird news on this edition of the Philadelphia BirdLine for
Thursday, May 24. Highlights will include the following birds in
Delaware: a SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER, PAINTED BUNTING, both WHITE and
BROWN PELICANS, 3 FULVOUS-WHISTLING DUCKS, a spectacular RUFF, a reeve,
CURLEW SANDPIPER, and RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. The following in New
Jersey: CAVE SWALLOW, MISSISSIPPI KITE, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, and
both WHITE-WINGED and RED CROSSBILLS. And the following birds in
Pennsylvania: BLACK-NECKED STILTS at two places, in Philadelphia and
Lancaster County, WHIMBREL in Lancaster County, a number of nice
shorebird species at one Lancaster County puddle, including WILSON'S
PHALAROPE and RUDDY TURNSTONE, as well as warblers of note--an apparent
female Lawrence's Warbler in Lebanon County and migrants in the
Philadelphia area. A lot of reports!
Let's start first with the Delaware birds. The spectacular RUFF re-
ferred to on the BirdLine previously as being by Port Mahon Road and the
Delaware Bay continued this week as of today, May 24. The RUFF, a
blackish bird with a beautiful white ruff, a bird with the maximum
breeding plumage, has generally been seen on the wooden platform beyond
the white building, displaying on the platform for the numerous RUDDY
TURNSTONES with which it associates. Unfortunately, no reeve right
there on the platform, but not far away, about 1/2 mile south along Port
Mahon Road, by the cut, a reeve was present on May 22 and 23. Too bad
the RUFF and reeve have not gotten together for a nice Delaware breeding
record.
While on the topic of RUFFS and reeves it may be of interest to you that
back during the spring of 1972 in that part of Delaware, there was on
one occasion 7 RUFFS and 7 reeves together at one time at the Little
Creek impoundment, the RUFFS in breeding plumage were displaying. Of
note last year, in 1989, two RUFFS in breeding plumage were seen at
Little Creek on the 4th of July, after the breeding season. They were
seen near the tower at Little Creek, one RUFF white, one RUFF black.
Returning to the present in that part of central Delaware, on the im-
poundment by Port Mahon Road, a CURLEW SANDPIPER in nice plumage has
been present with sightings made May 14 through yesterday, May 23. It
has been with DUNLIN and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. At Bombay Hook NWR, a
female RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was in Raymond Pool the am of May 23. Three
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCKS were found at Bombay Hook NWR on Sunday, May 20,
in the morning and they continued there at the refuge as of today, May
24. The initial sighting was at the first corner of Shearness Pool.
The ducks have been seen there subsequently and also by the tower by
Raymond Pool. A WHITE PELICAN was found at Bombay Hook NWR the morning
of Monday, May 21. It was seen that day and the next day at either
Raymond or Shearness Pools.
Along the Delaware Seacoast, 8 BROWN PELICANS were seen at the Indian
River Inlet on May 23, flying by. Also in southern Delaware, SCISSOR-
TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen one day only, Sunday May 20, in the vicinity
of the Assawoman WMA along the road to Camp Barnes, that is Road 361,
1/2-mile past the new bridge over the Rehobeth/Assawoman Canal. Also in
southern Delaware this past week a female PAINTED BUNTING was seen north
of Lewes in a hedgerow along Oyster Rock Road, across from the Lewes
Airport. Referring again to the Assawoman WMA, today, May 24, one RED-
BREASTED NUTHATCH was seen along the road to Strawberry Landing. Also
today, May 24, 2 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS nearby, at Bethany Beach.
Shifting gears from southern to northern Delaware, the White Clay Creek
valley, north of Newark, is a nice place to bird. Seen there last
Saturday, May 19, a PILEATED WOODPECKER. Also there: BARRED OWL, RED-
SHOULDERED and BROAD-WINGED HAWKS nesting, a number of VIREOS--YELLOW-
THROATED, RED-EYED, WHITE-EYED, and WARBLING--a number of WARBLERS,
including YELLOW-THROATED, CERULEAN, PARULA, HOODED, KENTUCKY, BLUE-
WINGED, PRAIRIE, LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH, and CHAT, recently MOURNING
WARBLER in migration. Also in the White Clay Creek Valley recently,
ACADIAN and LEAST FLYCATCHERS, HUMMINGBIRDS on nests, and as I said, a
nice place to bird.
Not many late waterbirds in Delaware this spring, but a few this past
week including 3 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS at Port Mahon on Sunday, May
20, a single late first-year TUNDRA SWAN at Bombay Hook NWR this week,
NORTHERN SHOVELER at Bombay Hook NWR, and a lone BUFFLEHEAD as of May 22
at Port Mahon.
Now, New Jersey sightings of note include the CAVE SWALLOW from the West
Indies at Cape May both days last weekend, May 19-20, at the bunker pond
at Cape May Point SP, between 4-6 MISSISSIPPI KITES in the Cape May area
last weekend, May 19-20, seen over the state park, the South Cape May
Meadows, and at Higbees Beach. Other birds in the Cape May area May 19-
20: YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, BLACK TERN, UPLAND SANDPIPER, and MOURNING
WARBLER. Call the Cape May tape for details, 609-884-2626.
Call the North Jersey tape for info about something very interesting
this past week in Northern New Jersey: both species of CROSSBILL, that
is, WHITE-WINGED and RED, at different places in northern NJ. Get the
locations by calling that number: 201-766-2661.
Now the Pennsylvania news. There was birding excitement in Lancaster
County this past weekend. On Saturday, May 19, there were 5 WHIMBREL,
only the second Lancaster County record and the first away from the
Conchahilla Flats of the Susquehanna River. The three previous records
there were between 1950 and 1976. The only place in Pennsylvania where
WHIMBREL tend to occur regularly has been Presque Isle in Erie County.
The following day, Sunday May 20, 10 BLACK-NECKED STILTS were found at
Muddy Run, at the fly-ash pond, for the first confirmed Lancaster County
record and for the first modern record for this species in the county.
There are references to it having been there in the mid-1800s. At the
same spot at Muddy Run on Sunday May 20, a single WHIMBREL joined the
STILTS. Neither the STILTS nor WHIMBREL were seen after Sunday May 20.
At another location in Pennsylvania, BLACK-NECKED STILTS continue, in
southeastern PA, in Philadelphia, 5 BLACK-NECKED STILTS on Sunday May
20, north of I-95, south of the Girard Point Bridge. Nesting is oc-
curring there.
Returning to Lancaster County this past weekend, more shorebird ex-
citement: at a small farm puddle near Mount Joy, northwestern Lancaster
County, birds present last weekend, May 19-20, will follow. The puddle
itself will probably not be present this upcoming weekend unless there
is rain. Two WILSON'S PHALAROPES were there. At one time last weekend
only 5 individual shorebirds were at the small puddle, with 5 different
species--1 KILLDEER, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, 1
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, 1 WILSON'S PHALAROPE. A heavy turnover of
shorebirds has occurred at the puddle. Also there on occasion recently,
RUDDY TURNSTONE, DUNLIN, WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER,
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, and LEAST SANDPIPER. Nearby in the area, on the
fields, singing HORNED LARKS and VESPER SPARROWS.
At the Conchahilla Flats on the Susquehanna River last weekend, May 19-
20, TRICOLORED HERON, RUDDY TURNSTONE, DUNLIN, and DOWITCHERS. A
LINCOLN'S SPARROW was seen at Muddy Run, southern Lancaster County, on
May 19. A MOURNING WARBLER was seen at Middle Creek, northern Lancaster
County, on May 17. A MOORHEN was seen earlier this month at Middle
Creek, first seen on May 6, it stayed until at least May 14. MOORHENS
only occur every couple years in that part of Pennsylvania.
An interesting bird seen in Lebanon County, PA, on May 17 was apparently
a female Lawrence's Warbler. It's hard to find an illustration of a
female Lawrence's Warbler but the bird, obviously a golden-wingedxblue-
winged hybrid, seemed to be one. It had the pattern of a female GOLDEN-
WINGED WARBLER but with yellow on the breast. Overall the bird had a
greenish tinge with yellow wing-bars. It was seen by Lake Duffey on
state gamelands 145 in Lebanon County at Rt. 117, between Colbrook and
Mount Gretna. Follow the old railroad bed.
Migrant warblers have been seen the past couple of days in the
Philadelphia area. On May 23 at the Fort Washington SP in Montgomery
County, 21 species of warblers, including KENTUCKY, WORM-EATING, and a
number of late YELLOW-RUMPED. Also a number of THRUSHES, as many as 25
SWAINSON'S and 1 GRAY-CHEEKED.
On May 22 in Carpenter's Woods, Northwest Philadelphia, 18 species of
warblers including WILSON'S and also a number of thrushes, 30+ SWAIN-
SON'S.
Today, May 24, in the area of Morgantown, PA, still YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS. Also both SWAINSON'S and GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES. A number of
BLACKPOLL WARBLERS have been throughout our region the past few days.
Also noted recently, CANADA WARBLERS at various places.
That's it for this time on the BirdLine. This is Armas Hill thanking
you for calling!
*****************************
The Philadelphia Bird Line may be called directly at (215) 567-2473.
Send your sighting reports to Armas Hill, c/o the Philadelphia Academy
of Natural Sciences, 19th St. and the Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
or call them in to (215) 299-1181 during the day.
This printed summary is provided as a service of The Osprey's Nest, a
computerized bulletin board run for birders by birders in the Washing-
ton, D.C. Metropolitan Area. The Osprey's Nest may be reached at (301)
989-9036, in Colesville, MD. Your communications parameters should be
set for 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
Good Birding!