CBC newsletter.

14 Pages·1992·1 MB·English

by  Carolina Bird Club

.
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(NATL:
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1992
3 P M.'.R
members
for of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., ornithological society of the Carolinas
Volume 38 Spring 1992 Number
1
Simpson &
Headline Spring Meeting
Pratt
The Carolina Bird Club’s always This year's meeting will be in Boone, be excellent for migrants. Also scheduled
exciting spring meeting promises to be NC, May 8-10 at the Quality Inn is a trip to the Nature Conservancy's
doubly thrilling this year as members will Conference Center, 344 Blowing Rock prized BluffMountain tract with its
be given the opportunity to meet two Road (US 321). Registration for the unique fen, the only such marshland in the
remarkable individuals in the birding meeting begins at 3:00 p.m. Friday in the Southeast. Pre registration and a fee of
community. Conference Center lobby. For early $10 are required for the BluffMountain
Mark Simpson, author of Birds of the arrivals, we will offer two Friday field trip. Please use the form provided.
Blue Ridge Mountains, and Doug Pratt, trips. Those interested should meet in the The Saturday evening program will
the illustrator of the book, will be leading Quality Inn lobby at 1:00 p.m. include the annual business meeting and
field trips on Saturday. In addition, Mark Information for birding on your own will election ofofficers prior to our guest
will be the featured speaker for the also be available at that time. speaker, Mark Simpson. The evening
Saturday evening meeting. A wine and cheese reception will be held will conclude with the count down of
A NC
Statesville, native and a graduate from 7-8 p.m. Friday evening in the hotel birds seen on the day's field trips.
ofDavidson College, Mark is presently on meeting room; at which time the art work As you can see, this promises to be the
the faculty ofGeorge Washington of Doug Pratt will be on view. There will most exciting spring meeting yet; so
University. Autographed copies of his be a drink charge. make your reservations early. The
latest book will be available for purchase Following the social hour, our Friday deadline is April 8. Rates are $48
at the meeting with a percentage of the night program will get underway with a plus tax for single or double occupancy.
proceeds going to our club. short warbler workshop presented by Reservations may be made by mailing the
Also a graduate ofDavidson College, Simon Thompson followed by a preview form provided with deposit or by calling
Doug Pratt is a well known artist who offield trips by Harry LeGrand. the Quality Inn at [phone] for
presently lives in Baton Rouge, LA. A Included in this year’s outstanding field credit card guaranteed reservations. North
sampling of Doug's work, including the trips are visits to Roan and Grandfather Carolina residents only may call toll free
22 illustrations from the book, will be on Mountains. Lower elevation trips on the at 1-^00-362-2111 A 48 hour notice of
exhibit and for sale over the weekend. Parkway and along the New River should cancellation is required.
Winter Meeting Sets Attendance Record
Good weather, advance publicity, and an locally, and the highest representation was Friday night's program at the Wando
excellent program attracted a record setting from the Charleston-Mt. Pleasantarea High School began on a festive note with
crowd to the Carolina Bird Club winter with 24. Tennessee, Rhode Island and a lavish reception hosted by the
meeting in Mt. Pleasant, SC, January 31- Ohio were represented along with large Charleston Natural History Society. The
NC
February 2, 1992. The final registration groups from Shelby, and the Brevard- goodies wereprepared and servedby
of 211 recorded by John & Libba Pisgah Forest, NC area. Dennis & Donna Forsythe and Ann
Watson and Paula Wright topped the For the first time field trips were Shahid with the encouragement of
previous record of 187 set in Morehead available on Friday afternoon for early Society president, "Mac" MacMurphy.
City, NC last winter. CBC president, arrivals, and about 50 eager birders The celebration continued with the
John Wright, and Headquarters showed up. Bob Woods and Peter presentation ofa specially decorated cake
Secretary, Tullie Johnson, had Worthington led groups to the Pitt to Donna Forsyth by CBC executive
collaborated on a news release which was Street Causeway and Fort Moultrie while committee member-at-large for SC, Lex
mailed to newspapers in North and South Dennis Forsythe led a group to Folly Glover, commemorating the adding of
Carolina. We know that it was carried Beach. (continued on nextpage)
Winter Meeting
S'
(continued from previous page)
the 300th species to her South Carolina
list, a Wilson's Warbler at Huntington
Beach Slate Park on January 26, Steve
Compton
then whetted our appetite for
the Saturday field trips to close the
evening.
The South Carolina low country was
well covered Saturday in trips led by
Steve Compton, Julian Harrison,
Pete Laurie, Lex Glover, Dennis
Forsythe, Perry Nugent, Nathan
Dias, Ed Blitch, Charlie Walters,
Teddy Shuler, and Jim Beatty. Their
efforts produced a total species count of
163 and one race (Ipswich Sparrow). A
Sunday boat trip in the Cape Romain
NWR
led by Perry Nugent added two
species (Piping Plover and Long-billed
Curlew) for a total of 165.
Our worst fears that "therejust don’t
seem to be as many warblers as there used Perry Nugent helped his group getgood looks at birds at Magnolia Gardens
to be" were confirmed by Dr. Sid
Gauthreaux in a presentation of his Habitat destruction at both ends of the newsletter for this group, published in
research involving radar monitoring ofthe migratory range is the apparent culprit. both English and Spanish, is available
Gulfof Mexico during migration. The Concern for neotropical migratory birds without charge by writing Peter Stangel,
Clemson professor and former CBC has resulted in the formation ofPartners in National Fish and Wildlife Foundation,
president has analized data which confirms Right, the Neotropical Migratory Bird 18th & C St., NW, Rm. 2556,
DC
a 50% decline in trans-Gulfmigrants Conservation Program. Part of their Washington, 20240.
between 1965-67 and 1987-89. He is now strategy is to monitor breeding birds in Many thanks to Lex Glover and his
in the process ofa detailed study ofradar certain habitats to see ifmanagement many helpers for an outstanding winter
surveillance records at all eight GulfCoast practices to preserve habitats are woricing. meeting. Now, on to Daniel Boone
radar station for every spring day since Gauthreaux stated that there would be country in the spring!
A
1957. opportunity for birders to help.
Chat to Resume Publication of Spring Counts
by John S. Wright
Long-time members ofthe Carolina accurate records of their Spring Bird Count find on Spring Count day. His message, a
Bird Club will remember when Christmas data. sad and deeply disturbing one, does leave
Bird Counts and Spring Bird Counts were In consideration ofour current financial us with some clear choices. If we value
published in The Chat. Of course, most health and the oft stated request that we the return of the migrants each spring, we
ofour localities also submitted their resume Spring Bird Count publication, must be willing to support those
Christmas Counts to the National your Executive Committee in October of individuals and organizations who can
Audubon Society for publication in 1991 authorized the resumption oftheir make a difference. And each ofus-novice
American Birds. However, after 1977 publication, beginning with the counts and expert—can get involved in continuing
only the Spring Counts were published in taken in the spring of 1992. or rejuvenating our local Spring Bird
The Chat, and these too were deleted after Those of us who struggled with the Count, an effort we can put to use in
1981 because oftight budgets. proposition ofwhether the Spring Bird monitoring our bird populations.
For the past decade several localities Counts were scientifically worth the effort John Fussell will soon be
have continued to conduct Spring Bird (both in doing and in publishing) got our communicating with Christmas/Spring
Counts and submit their data to John answer on Saturday night ofthe recent Bird Count compilers throughout the
Fussell who has continued to serve as the CBC winter meeting in Charleston. Dr. Carolinas with more specific information
Spring Bird Count coordinator. However, Sid Gauthreaux most clearly demonstrated about the counts. I hope that you will
without publication as an incentive, many the recent drastic declines ofneotropical make yourselfavailable when your local
localities no longer conduct and/or keep migrant birds, the very species we hope to compiler calls about the Spring Counts.
Volunteers Needed for 1992 Breeding Bird Survey
”
by Harry E. LeGrand Jr.
The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), a to the route numbers on the map. The intervals along the set route. Generally
continent-wide survey of the distribution, dot on the map is the starting point of the between 50 and 70 species are tallied per
abundance, and population trends of 25 mile route. route. I will send new volunteers a copy
breeding birds, is gearing up for the 1992 ofthe 2(X) page report entitled The
field season. In 1991, 36 of the 43 routes 003 Myrtle Grove Breeding Bird Survey: its First Fifteen
in North Carolina were run (or at least had 015 Climax Years, 1965-1979.
route totals submitted). Six of the 016 Mooresville I need to hear from you by
remaining seven routes had been spoken 027 Copeland approximately April 10. Let's get all 43
for, but no totals were ever received by the 129 Aydlett routes run this year. I want to be able to
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I presume 203 Cypress Creek increase the number ofroutes for North
that most or all were not surveyed because 205 Montague Carolina, but I can't do this until we get
ofbad weather or other commitments. I 217 Flay 100% coverage of the existing routes. If
am hoping that all of those routes run in you feel confident that you can identify all
1991 will again be run by the same Each BBS route is run on a single of the birds in your area by song and call
observers in order to provide the continuity morning, generally between late May to and are interested in helping, please contact
needed to calculate species trends in mid June. Routes begin one half hour Harry LeGrand, NC Natural
populations. before sunrise and last about four hours; Heritage Program, PO Box 27687,
I am looking for volunteers for the with the observer counting birds for three Raleigh, NC 27611. Telephone
following seven routes. The numbers refer minutes at 50 stops at one half mile [phone].
''
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Nominating Committee Report
NC
Peter L. Worthington, Chairman of Secretary..Len Pardue..Durham, Vice-President, WNC..Taylor Piephoff..
the CBC Nominating Committee, reports Treasurer..Robert Wood..Columbia, SC Charlotte, NC
that the following slate ofofficers will be
presented by the committee at the annual For a two year term: In accordance with the CBC By-laws
business meeting ofthe Carolina Bird Member at Large, WNC..Pat Wilkinson nominations may be made from the floor.
Club on Saturday evening. May 9 at the a)..Shelby, NC
Quality Inn Conference Center in Boone, Member at Large, ENC..Ricky Davis (I).. CBC
NC. (I) indicates an incumbent eligible Rocky Mount, NC Rare Bird Alert
forreelection. Member at Large, SC..Lex Glover (I)..
Lugoff, SC (704) 332-BIRD
For a one year term:
President..John Wright (I)..Greenville, NC For a three year term:
long time now that we wonder if take the shells.
something had him for a meal or if hejust Her biggest news was finding out that
Backyard
matured and decided that hunting in her butcher would grind suet for her, and
Birding someone’s yard where a rather large dog "the birds seem to like it better." CJ and I
chase him away was not his idea of happy grind our own, and it is a messy, greasy,
hunting. disgusting job. Perhaps I, too, will let the
with Frances J. Nelson In early February, I did my usual early butcher do it from now on.
morning tip-toe to the front door and saw My regular correspondent, Dave
a Song Sparrow hopping along the deck Abraham, from West Columbia, SC has
railing. The Hooded Mergansers paid us not failed me this time. I received three
another visit late that evening. They were letters from him. Perhaps he should write
Birding at our house was relatively lax still on the pond when darkness descended the column!?! His letters are delightful
in December. On the 13th a pair ofWood and we could no longer see them, but they and usually contain photographs or
Ducks and a female Mallard visited the were gone the next morning. And a Field drawings to enhance what he’s talking
Mallard drake who’s been coming and Sparrow began showing up regularly at about.
going since October. When the three the platform feeder CJ got for Christmas. His first letter was eight wonderful
newcomers left, the drake went too, and On February 20th CJ was out of town, pages. I wish I could just reprint the
we haven't seen him since. so 1 took Mocha for her bedtime walk entire letter, but the editor told me that my
The woodies returned, though, on the (about 100 yards down the driveway and space is limited this time. The Abrahams
19th to swim a short while, but they back). As I neared the turn around spot, I have noticed a lack ofbirds, too. Even the
moved on again. Two days later a pair of heard what sounded like several little birds usual robins are absent (CJ and I have
Hooded Mergansers landed on the pond- twittering in the pine trees. When I noticed an increase in robins this year).
the first time I had ever seen a male up- directed the flashlightbeam toward the They witnessed a hawk of some kind
close. He was almost as pretty as the trees, the noise stopped. I thought it a bit (Mr. A and I are still writing back and
male Wood Duck. We’d had females strange since it was 9 p.m., but I had no forth trying to decide between a Merlin and
before, but... answer. I figured it must be something a sharpie) capture a titmouse and are
Then, finally, on January 18th, the birds other than birds-my imagination or weird feeling guilty about attracting the smaller
arrived. I suppose the cold weather (lows frogs. CJ was home the next evening for birds to their yard. Now Mr. A is working
in the teens) triggered their little migrating our dusk walk and he pointed out the on a small bird protector with which to
mechanisms and they belatedly headed "peent" ofa woodcock. And, lo and cover his feeders.
south. I had begun to think the folks at behold, I heard the twittering again-part The letter contained much more-stories
Project Feeder Watch would expel us from of the woodcock’s flight display. I was so about swifts residing in his chimney; with
the program since we’d had so few birds. happy to identify my pine songsters of the an idea about a chimney with a heat-proof
I don't need to worry now, because the night before that I wasn’t even false flue; his ongoing battle with a
birds are here. Until mid-January, we’d embarrassed for not thinking about nuthatch, a downy woodpecker, and the
had one delinquent goldfinch, a few woodcocks. Since then, we have listened nuthatch house, complete with sketches;
juncos, and a couple ofWhite-throated to them almost every evening, but it is and the removal of an opossum from his
Sparrows and the regular cardinals, usually so near dark that we can’t see bug-light-tumed-bird-feeder.
chickadees, and titmice. On the 18th we them. The song is absolutely captivating His second letter had two more ideas.
had ten goldfinches and twenty on the and gives us something to look forward to First, he would like someone to design a
20th. Since then they have increased to on our walks. set ofcards ofthe warblers in all their
fifty or sixty, a number which keeps us confusing variations. Then, we wouldn’t
busy filling feeders. have to flip back and forth in Petersen’s
We also saw this winter’s first Yellow- pages to figure out what we are seeing.
bellied Sapsucker, and a Pine Warbler Second, he has made a chickadee feeder out
finally came to the suet We had seen the ofa Rolaids-type plastic bottle. He hasn’t
warblers in the woods, but that was the perfected that yet, so he’s not marketing
first one we had seen in the yard since last the feeder at this time.
winter. The cold also pushed the White- His third letter brought news of Yellow-
throated Sparrows and Purple Finches, but Except for the woodcocks and a few rumped Warblers at his doctored-up marvel
fewer than last year, and we didn’t see our ducks, our winter birding has been rather meal. He adds nutmeats, raisins, fish and
first Fox Sparrow in the yard until sparse, but, thank goodness, other batter flakes, and the warblers love it CJ
February. Perhaps the word got out that members have shared some oftheir and I have seen the little "butter bottoms"
our resident Sharp-shinned Hawk had one experiences. Betty Mcllwain of at our suet feeders, but never on the marvel
NC
for dinner last winter. Brevard, writes that Blue Jays love meal. I guess we’ll have to try some
Speaking of the sharpie, he seems to boiled egg yolks. She believes that "other additions. However, I had better forget any
have become a rare bird here. We have species eat the yolks, but once thejays more additions to this column, or the
seen him occasionally this winter, but he find them, nobody else gets a chance." editor will fire me. Keep the letters
hasn’t perched his usual two hours on the She also puts out left-over cooked rice and coming 1006 Dogwood Hill Lane, Wake
deck at all. We haven’t seen him in such a egg shells, and in the spring, all species Forest, NC 27587.
CBC
& Summer
Spring Field Trips
Bird Banding Demonstration Wednesday, April 29, 1992
Leaders: Evelyn Dabbs & Lex Glover Limit: 30 Participants Cost: $5
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Black River as well as local resident species. Heading north on 1-95 lake Exit # 132
Swamp Banding Station at the home of DirGCtions: From Sumter head and turn left on SC 527. Go four miles
Tommy
and Evelyn Dabbs near Sumter, east on US 378 for twelve miles until you and turn left on US 378. Go for one mile
SC. Bring a lunch. Morning cross a series ofthree bridges. Get into and turn right into lane by two mailboxes.
refreshments and hot and cold drinks will left lane and turn left at the second median Continue one mile to only house in view.
be provided. crossing after the third bridge into the lane Nearby accommodations are available at
This will be a "hands-on" experience for by two mailboxes. Follow the lane about the Turbeville Comfort Inn (803) 659-
participants to band and release birds, it is one mile to the only house in view. 8282 or Days Inn [phone]. Both
an excellent way to study birds up close Heading south on 1-95 lake Exit #135 are located at the intersection of 1-95 and
and in the hand. This is also a great and turn right on US 378. Go five miles SC 378 (Exit # 135).
opportunity to photograph birds. to SC 527 and continue on US 378 for Registration: Contact Evelyn
Birds we expect to see include migrant one mile beyond SC 527. Turn right into Dabbs at [phone] to reserve space.
and breeding warblers, thrushes, lane by two mailboxes and continue one Send registration form with fee to CBC
flycatchers, tanagers, sparrows and orioles. mile to only house in view. headquarters.
Roanoke River, NC Saturday, June 1992
6,
Leaders: J. Merrill Lynch & Derb Carter Limit: 25 participants Cost: $10
Meet at 6:30 a.m., June 6 at the Cracker Prolhonotary Warbler, Northern Panila, breeding colony of Henslow's Sparrows in
Barrel Restaurant parking lot located at the Kentucky and Hooded Warblers, Orchard Martin County near Williamston.
intersection of1-95 and US 158 at Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, and Grasshopper There are a number of lodging options
Roanoke Rapids. Bring a picnic lunch and Sparrow. We may be doing some wadingg in Roanoke Rapids. Several are located
plenty ofdrinks. for marsh birds so bring old tennis shoes along US 158 in the vicinity of 1-95.
We will carpool from here to several and pants you don't mind getting wet. These include Hampton Inn 1-800-426-
choice birding areas on private land in the Also be prepared for mosquitoes. 7866, Holiday Inn [phone],
Roanoke River floodplain about 30 We may also have a chance to see the Comfort Inn [phone], and Days
We
minutes away. will concentrate on the northernmost breeding population of Inn [phone].
Roanoke River specialities: Cerulean American Anhinga in the eastern US
Warbler, Swainson's Warbler, and among a colony of nesting Great Blue Registration: Contact Merrill
Mississippi Kite. We will also have a Herons. Common Moorhens are another Lynch at [phone] (home) or (919)
chance to see many otherbreeding birds in possibility. 967-7007 (office) to reserve space. Send
this rich area such as Wild Turkey, Least If there is sufficient interest, we may registration form with fee to CBC
Bittern, King Rail, Homed Lark, have time in the late afternoon to visit a
headquarters.
Savannah River Area, SC Saturday, June 13, 1992
Leader: Graham Dugas, Jr. Limit: 25 participants Cost: $10
Meet at the Shoney’s Restaurant in Purple Gallinule, Least Bittern, waders,
A
Hardeeville at 8:30 a.m. variety of fast etc. and the Savannah River Spoil Site for
food places are available in Hardeeville for Black-necked Stilt, waders, lingering
lunch. Bring something to drink, a hat shorebirds and waterfowl. There is a
and/or sunscreen, and insect repellanL possibility of American Avocet and
In the morning we will visit Webb Mottled Duck.
Wildlife Center forRed-cockaded Nearby accommodations are available in
Woodpecker, Bachman's Sparrow, Wild Hardeeville including Comfort Inn (803)
Turkey, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, 784-2188, Econo Lodge [phone],
warblers, etc. and B & C Boat Landing and Holiday Inn [phone].
famous for Swallow-tailed and
Wood
Mississippi Kites and soaring Registration: Contact Graham
Storks. Dugas, Jr. [phone] to reserve
After lunch in Hardeeville we will visit Least space. Send registration form with fee to
Savannah Nation Wildlife Refuge for Bittern CBC
headquarters.
Pelagic Trip Saturday, July 25, 1992
Leaders: Ricky Davis & Mike Tove Limit: 22 participants Cost: $80
Meet at 5:30 a.m. at Pirate's Cove birding. Expected birds include Black- Nearby accomodations are available in
Marina on the Roanoke Island-Nags head capped Petrel, Cory's and Audubon's Manteo at the Duke ofDare Motor Lodge
causeway. Bring lunch and drinks. Shearwaters, Wilson's Storm-petrel, and [phone] and The Elizabethan Inn
As promised at the fall meeting in Nags Bridled Tern. Hoped for species include [phone].
Head, another CBC sponsored pelagic trip Greater Shearwater, Leach's and Band- ROQiStration: Contact Ricky Davis
has been scheduled in 1992. Captain rumped Storm-petrels, Pomarine Jaeger, at [phone] (evenings) to reserve
Allen Foreman's boat, the Country Girl, and Sooty Tern. HopefuUy the weather in space. Send registration form with fee to
wUl take us offshore to the Gulf Stream July will be calm enough to assure the CBC headquarters. A full refund will be
and deep water for some good pelagic boat getting out this time! made if the boat doesn't go.
Early '92 Field Trips Well Received
NO
Outer Banks many Surfand Black Scoters and looks at Homed Larks. Farther down the
Reported by numerous Oldsquaw-many being seen at road apairofcourting Red-tailed Hawks
John S. Wright close range as they sat on the water. held our attention as they flew with their
The highlight of our trip. Sandhill landing gear down.
The CBC field trip to the NC Outer Crane (present since December), was seen Homed Grebes seemed
near the little community ofNebraska. to be everywhere as
Banks and Pamlico Sound, January 11-12, We finished our birding with good looks we ate lunch at Lake
was blessed with good weather and good
at several Bald Eagles around Hartwell, then a flock
birds. Despite a rather raw and windy start NWR
Mattamuskeet Lake before topping of Scaup swimming a mile away attracted
at the exposed tip of the Oregon Inlet
offour "tanks" with some good down- our attention. Five Redheads mixed in
jetty, the morning sun rose to reveal
home cooking and departing for home. with them brought our our field guides.
Purple Sandpiper feeding among the rocks.
Our group, about 25 strong, had a great Distinguishing Redheads from
Later in the morning we viewed the usual
weekend. I hope we can do this again next Canvasbacks at that distance was tough,
excellent variety ofwaterfowl and waders
at the Peal Island NWR. In addition we year! and the call is still somewhat debatable.
Birding activity dropped offconsiderably
spotted Common Goldeneye and Peregrine
after lunch, but we still managed to find a
Falcon. SC
Townville, pair ofturkeys, a muskrat, and a painted
During the afternoon we found Lesser A
Reported by turtle. pair of Kingfishers put on a
Black-backed Gull at Cape Hatteras Point
Bob Wood show for us at Eighteen Mile Creek, but
and White Pelican
the site otherwise wasn't up to its usual
from the ferry
level ofproductivity.
which took us Beautiful spring-like weather greeted 22
Overall, we saw or hear 70 species,
from Hatteras CBC birders in Townville, SC on
We including nine duck, seven raptor, and five
Island to Ocracoke February 29. started the day with two
sandpiper species.
Island. White-Crowned Sparrows and a handful of
Townville will be outstanding in May
Very early Buffleheads in a pasture within sightofI- and June, and we hope the winter trip has
Sunday morning 85. The next stop, at the ponds off
increased interest in birding the piedmont
we boarded the McAdams Pond Road, tested our skills
of western South Carolina. Bob Wood
ferry for the crossing ofPamlico Sound. with poorly-plumaged Pectoral
With crystal clear skies we watched from Sandpipers. We also picked up several
the deck as the sun rose over the Atlantic. Gadwalls and two American Black Ducks.
Our ferry crossing was also notable for the The nearby fields produced outstanding
& Beacons
Birds Travel Opportunities
Does a Black Rail Weekend in April, a
Eric G. Bolen is currently researching Correspondents supplying useful date
Lake Erie Migrant Trap Weekend in May,
the history ofbirds colliding with (dates, location, species, weather, etc.) as
a Southeastern Arizona Fiesta in July and
lighthousesalong the Atlantic Coast, with well as anecdotal material will be
Belize in August spark your interest?
special reference to NC. First mention of appropriately acknowledged. Please
Contact Dennis Forsythe, 1468 Battery
such impacts (pun intended!) seems to be contact Eric G. Bolen, c/o Graduate
Haig Ct., Charleston, SC 29409 tel.
in Audubon's renowned work, and he School, UNC-Wilmington, Wilmington,
[phone] (home) for complete
hopes to acquire as much additional NC 28409.
information.
information on this subject as possible.
My
1991: Big Year
by John S. Wright
In 1987 an unusually large number of Sparrows. I was on a roll and I was uneventful even though I birded regularly.
very rare birds were found in North psyched up. I remained in that condition By the end of the month my list stood at
Carolina. Among these were Pacific for the remainder ofthe year. On 275 species, but I was missing several
Loon, Spotted Redshank, Northern February 9lh the first really great bird breeding season birds which I would need
Wheatear, Green Violet-ear and Smith's graced my list. This was a Long-eared to find in July.
Longspur. Several North Carolina birders Owl (#161), the result ofa call from the On July 7th Paula and I started out for
managed to see all or most of them, and finder, Derb Carter. My winter birding the mountains, but we stopped in Raleigh
partly because oftheir success with these ended with Red Ftialarope (#171), seen to say hello to Harry LeGrand. Our travel
rarities a competition developed that year from the headboat Carolina Princess on plans changed when he told us ofa Ruffin
to see who could lay claim to the record March 16th. I had experienced a pretty Wilmington. The Ruffbecame #276 and
North Carolina year list-a year list being good winter and hadn't woriced too hard to was quite a thrill. Back to the mountains
the total number of species ofbirds seen get the birds. a day late, we looked hard and finally
(or heard) in one calendar year. As this I knew that I would need to have a busy found Black-billed Cuckoo, saw Black-
"big year" competition heated up, it and productive spring if I wanted to capped Chickadee atClingman's Dome,
became apparent that the final numbers entertain any hopes ofreaching 3(X) and as a great bonus we not only heard but
would be large. At year's end, John species by year's end. I birded frequently also saw a Saw-whet Owl (#280) along
Fussell and Derb Carter came out on top around my home county all through late the Blue Ridge Parkway. Coming back
of the heap with year lists of 326 and 325 March and early April. Milestone bird from the mountains we made one oftwo
species respectively; pretty staggering #2(X), Orchard Oriole, came on April July trips to the extreme southeastern
numbers for one year ofbirding in North 15th. My next great bird (#210) was an coast. These trips yielded Wood Stork,
Carolina. These numbers represented Harris' Sparrow, thanks to another call Reddish Egret and Fhirple Gallinule
about 80% of the total number ofbirds from Derb Carter. Paula and I saw this (#287). By the end ofJuly some good
ever recorded in the state. one on the way to the Greenville, SC shorebirds (Baird's Sandpiper, Curlew
Trying to catch or surpass those 1987 spring meeting of the Carolina Bird Club. Sandpiper) and a few pelagic birds had
record totals was not my goal when in late Ofcourse, we birded the North Carolina pushed my total to 293 species. August,
Decemberof 1990 1 announced to my mountains hard on Friday morning before however, proved to be a barren month;
birding firiends that during the coming year crossing the state line, and had mn the list bringing only Sooty Tem and Wilson’s
of 1991 I was going to keep a North up to 226 species. Likewise, we birded Phalarope (#295).
Carolina year list "Oh, you mean a big on the way back home too, taking a rather By the end of August I knew that I could
year, " John Fussell said. I tried to circuitous route around Mount Mitchell, at least reach and surpass the 300 species
explain that all I was going to do was to and stopping by the Yadkin River bridge plateau. The only question was whether I
keep a diary of my bird sightings during to find nesting Cliff Swallows (#232). could make a serious run at the326 species
the year so that I could have an accurate May was pure excitement. My list was which John Fussell had posted four years
record of my birding year. I explained that growing, and I was enthusiastic about earlier. At the time I didn't think it would
I was only going to do this for fun, and preparations for a North Carolina "big be possible.
that I was not trying to do a "big year," day" which I was to do with Derb Carter Early September was a boost. I saw
However, I don't think that he was fooled. and Merrill Lynch by carand airplane Buff-breasted Sant^iperand Yellow-headed
Anyway, I purchased a small notebook for from the mountains to the coast on May Blackbird on the 2nd of the month, and
the purpose and was all ready to start my 19th. Some preliminary scouting on the thinks to a call from Eric Dean I had Eared
year list diary when the new year began. coast yielded Roseate Tem (#248) and in Grebe (#298) on the 4th. A much delayed
My first entry was for January 1st The the mountains an Alder Rycatcher (#258), Greater Shearwater came on a September
Greenville Christmas Count kept me out However, the "big day" ended up as a big pelagic trip, and the 300th bird of the year,
all day, and I tallied my first 71 species. bust. The entire state was awash with Lesser Golden Plover, was seen on the
My first "good" bird, a Short-eared Owl rain so that flying to the coast was 10th, thanks to yet another call from Eric
(#73), came on January 5th. A trip to the impossible. But, I was happy to have Dean. Halfway through the month Paula
Outer Banks and the Lake Phelps area on been a part ofthe effort, and to return and I again went to the mountains,
January 19th and 20th with my wife home with 260 species on my year list needing several "confusing fall warblers."
Paula, Harry LeGrand and Ricky Davis May 25th found me aboard the headboat We were successful, seeing Nashville
boosted my total to nearly 150 species, Carolina Princess again. My trip netted Warbler and Philadelphia Vireo among
and changed my outlook on the year list. Band-rumped Storm Petrel, Long-tailed others, and an unexpected Wild Turkey
The year hadjust begun and I had already Jaeger and White-tailed Tropicbird (#268) (#304). I was hoping to build my list
seen Short-eared and Bam Owls, White on a day when the ocean was alive with during the CBC fall meeting at Nags Head
Pelican, Harlequin Duck, Iceland Gull, migrating pelagic birds. and was not disappointed. Wilson’s
Lincoln's, Clay-colored and Vesper The month ofJune was rather (continued nextpage)
Big Year
Pamlico Sound Count. From the ferry we indeed been a very big year for me. It was
(continued from previous page) counted birds. Cold and disappx)inting. a most hectic, challenging and thoroughly
Warbler, Western Kingbird, Lark Nothing new. December 27: Hatteras enjoyable year ofbirding.
Sparrow and Eurasian Wigeon (#312) were Count. Lots of rain. Just after Hummingbird
enough to ease my disappointment at not commenting to Ricky Davis about being
Q & A
seeing Eloise Potter's Kirtland's Warbler. frustrated in several attempts to find a
Common
October and the first halfofNovember Merganser, guess what?
were a long dry spell. Only on species, Common Merganser (#324)! A few hours
Dickcissel, was added during this month later a report ofThayer's Gull had me four- by Dottie Foy
and a half, and I began to feel that my luck wheeling through sand again at Cape
had run out. Virtually all the "easy" birds Hatteras Point. Thayer’s Gull was a great
were already on my list, and the remaining bird and made #325. December 28:
possibilities were tough. However, Bodie-Pea Island Count. The Razorbill Does the water need to be colored
I
became rejuvenated on November 16th on was a great bird, but I didn't see it Oh red to attract hummingbirds?
NC
an Outer Banks trip with Harry LeGrand as well. December 29: Mattamuskeet ...Raleigh,
a fly-by Pine Siskin and King Eider were Count. The rain stopped in early
followed by Ross’ Goose (#316) at Pea morning. Lots of birds but nothing new NO! Hummingbirds will come to a
Island Refuge. The following day I was a until the news was spilled at the hummer feeder regardless ofthe color of
participant on Harry's CBC field trip to compilation dinner (after dark). In addition the water in it. In 1983 I did an
Mattamuskeet Lake and surrounding areas, to a Ruff seen by Ricky Davis and Bob experiment using five feeders with
and before that day was over, a barely- Lewis, Harry LeGrand had seen a Sandhill different water in each one. One had green
audible Lapland Longspurbecame #317. Crane. colored water, one had blue colored water,
The rest ofNovember was hard birding. I I slept fitfully that night, having an one had yellow colored water; one had
took the headboat Continental Shelf out of Indiana Jones-type dream about the clear water, and one had red colored water.
Morehead City on the 23rd hoping for Sandhill Crane in which things went from The hummers fed from all feeders; they
miracles, but I got a Black-legged bad to worse. I awoke early on the 30th had no favorite. There was a time several
Kittiwake (#318). For the Thanksgiving and with two others went out early to years ago when this country was buying
holiday I wanted no turkey (which I'd locate the crane. By 8:00 a.m. we had our red dye from China. This was used for
already seen); I wanted year birds. Paula seen iL I felt much relief at having tied ourred/maroon bathroom fixtures and
and I celebrated the holiday with Common the record of326 species, and with another many other things including food
Eider on the 28th and with John Fussell day remaining there was hope for even coloring. This was very harmful to
saw Brewer's Blackbird (#320) on the more. I drove home to Greenville, bathed, humans and birds alike, and somewhere
29th. shaved and rested up for the last day of the along the line the U.S. government
The month ofDecember remained and year. stepped in and banned the importation of
We
all the birds now were going to be hard to Paula and I had planned to spend the last this red coloring. began making our
find. I faced the real possibility of day driving the beach from Corolla to the own red dye and what has been on the
striking out with a full month left, but I Virginia line, looking for alcids. Little market now for several years is safe for
also knew that with some luck there was Gull, etc. All that changed when the call humans and birds. Therefore, there is no
the possibility ofbreaking the record. On came from Henry Link telling ofa Red- truth to the statement thatred food dye
the 7th Paula and I raced eastward aftera necked Grebe atJordanLake and a will injure hummingbirds. As a matter of
phone tip to find LeConte's Sparrow probable Pine Grosbeak at High Point. fact, too much sugar in the sugar water
(#321) near Edenton. The following day I At 4:00 a.m. on December 31st Paula will do more harm than the old China dye
raced westward to follow up on a CBC and I hauled out ofbed and took offfor ever did. But that's a question for another
Rare Bird Alert call and found Rufous Jordan Lake. Before sunrise we wereat issue of the Newsletter.
Hummingbird (#322) in Charlotte. Then Ebeneezer Point, waiting for enough light
the Christmas Counts began. My last to see a grebe. Unfortunately, Jordan Lake Should all feeders have perches?
NC
best chances to add rarities would lie in is big and there were several grebes. ...Wilmington,
those two weeks. I was scheduled to go Fortunately, a half hour of scanning
on eight counts, mainly in the coastal finally proved successful. We saw Red- No. The birds will use either a feeder
areas. necked Grebe (#327) and were offto High with or without perches. I would suggest
December 14: Goldsboro Count. Point. We arrived about 9:00 a.m. and however, that anyone who is serious about
Nothing new, December 15: Morehead spent the next three hours waiting, along studying the "gems of the bird world" get
City Count Having learned ofa Snow with Henry Link, Herb Hendrickson and a feeder with perches. The birds are far
Bunting on Bird Shoal I risked the others for the Pine Grosbeak to come back easier to see and study when they are
crossing of Taylor's Creek by kayak and to the feeder. No grosbeak. My luck had perched while sipping their food.
surfboard, and Snow Bunting (#323) was finally run out, but not before the setting
mine. December 22: Greenville Count. I ofa new record for the greatest number of Sendyour hummingbird questions to
look my flu out into the field and managed species ofbirds seen in one calendar year Mrs. Dorothy J. Foy, PO Box 457,
to survive the day. December 26: in North Carolina. The year 1991 had Oriental, NC 28571