The first representatives of a northern irruption species found their way to my feeders yesterday! High count today (10/31) was 5 Pine Siskins! Hope these are only the first of many more northern finches this winter!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Nothing Finer than Carolina
A month or two ago, my wife and I planned an extended weekend trip to see our son, The Drinking Bird, and his lovely wife. An end of first quarter getaway turned out to be just what the doctor ordered for us. Yes, teaching junior high students is fun, but requires seemingly endless stores of energy. So, this weekend was about respite and, nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina as the first blast of autumn weather put a dent in the drought and brought in a fine wave of fall migrants.
We couldn't resist the long walk to the next point, but were rewarded amply upon our arrival there. On the way, a small flock of Semipalmated Plovers fearlessly foraged nearby. (photo courtesy of The Drinking Bird) From the point we scoped the following duck species: Blue-winged Teal, Mallards, Northern Pintail, American Widgeon, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shovelor. Shorebirds species included: Wilson's Snipe, Dunlin, Least Sandpipers, American Golden Plover, Black-bellied Plover, both Yellowlegs in the same view, Pectoral Sandpipers, and surely I few more that I've forgotten! Five Bald Eagles circled near the power lines crossing the lake arm. All in all, we had a great flurry of avian activity and a wonderful morning of birding. But then there was Sunday........
We headed for the beach at Wrightsvillle early Sunday for a leisurely picnic with birding as a secondary activity, or at least my son and I tried to make it seem like birding was not the primary objective. But the potential for North American lifers for me was strong on a NC beach, and this beach and my son delivered well. Within 5 minutes, I checked off Northern Gannet, a species that we both have seen in multitudes at Bass Island near Berwick, Scotland. Many flew at the edge of the scope's range, but later in the day, to my delight, an immature flew near the shoreline. Minutes after the first Gannets of the day, two Black Scoters (lifer #2) hugged the breaking waves as they glided 2-3 feet above them, passing by and under the pier. After lunch on the beach we headed for the marshy areas at the north end of the island. There we saw hundreds of birds in the distance and quickly began our trek to the far end of the island. There we saw 
hundreds of Royal Terns and Black Skimmers, mixed with American Oystercatchers, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, an Osprey, a Northern Harrier, and several shorebird species. Among the shorebirds was a couple Red Knots (lifer #3). But my favorite lifer of the day didn't come until we were heading back to the car. Almost totally blending into the white crystalline sand was a trio of shorebirds. One was the common Sanderling, but he was joined by two Piping Plovers, one mature and one immature. What a magnificent and graceful species! Certainly this was the highlight of my NC birding!
My mood, however, was slightly dampened by the fact that this species is in serious trouble largely due to irresponsible humans disrupting nesting grounds on beaches upstate from this very beach. When will we ever learn? And what can we do now to enact and enforce laws to protect this and our other threatened and endangered shorebirds of the Eastern Seaboard?
The welcomed Friday rains gave way to a breezy and overcast Saturday morning, so we set out for Jordan Lake near Chapel Hill to see what the precip dropped in. I was hoping for shorebirds as Ozark shorebirding has been dampened by too much rain and high lake levels. This, however, was certainly not the case in parched North Carolina, where dropping lake levels have caused more mud to be exposed than water in many of its lakes.
My anticipation and excitement grew as I got my FOY Dunlin at our first stop. Special thanks to Doug, Bruce, and others of the Chapel Hill Bird Club birders for that one.
Soon we parted ways with the bird clubbers, and we headed for the mud flats. After a 1/2 mile hike, on which we shared a rare and beautiful Gray Fox sighting, we arrived on the lake shore. A dozen American Golden Plovers greeted us from the first mudflat, as our first Bald Eagle soared over the distant point. We turned to our right just as large mixed flocks of waterfowl and shorebirds took to the skies a mile or so up the arm of the lake.
We couldn't resist the long walk to the next point, but were rewarded amply upon our arrival there. On the way, a small flock of Semipalmated Plovers fearlessly foraged nearby. (photo courtesy of The Drinking Bird) From the point we scoped the following duck species: Blue-winged Teal, Mallards, Northern Pintail, American Widgeon, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Shovelor. Shorebirds species included: Wilson's Snipe, Dunlin, Least Sandpipers, American Golden Plover, Black-bellied Plover, both Yellowlegs in the same view, Pectoral Sandpipers, and surely I few more that I've forgotten! Five Bald Eagles circled near the power lines crossing the lake arm. All in all, we had a great flurry of avian activity and a wonderful morning of birding. But then there was Sunday........
We headed for the beach at Wrightsvillle early Sunday for a leisurely picnic with birding as a secondary activity, or at least my son and I tried to make it seem like birding was not the primary objective. But the potential for North American lifers for me was strong on a NC beach, and this beach and my son delivered well. Within 5 minutes, I checked off Northern Gannet, a species that we both have seen in multitudes at Bass Island near Berwick, Scotland. Many flew at the edge of the scope's range, but later in the day, to my delight, an immature flew near the shoreline. Minutes after the first Gannets of the day, two Black Scoters (lifer #2) hugged the breaking waves as they glided 2-3 feet above them, passing by and under the pier. After lunch on the beach we headed for the marshy areas at the north end of the island. There we saw hundreds of birds in the distance and quickly began our trek to the far end of the island. There we saw 
hundreds of Royal Terns and Black Skimmers, mixed with American Oystercatchers, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, an Osprey, a Northern Harrier, and several shorebird species. Among the shorebirds was a couple Red Knots (lifer #3). But my favorite lifer of the day didn't come until we were heading back to the car. Almost totally blending into the white crystalline sand was a trio of shorebirds. One was the common Sanderling, but he was joined by two Piping Plovers, one mature and one immature. What a magnificent and graceful species! Certainly this was the highlight of my NC birding! 
My mood, however, was slightly dampened by the fact that this species is in serious trouble largely due to irresponsible humans disrupting nesting grounds on beaches upstate from this very beach. When will we ever learn? And what can we do now to enact and enforce laws to protect this and our other threatened and endangered shorebirds of the Eastern Seaboard?And so, I end this entry with a conservation question, and a great big thank you to my son and daughter-in-law for a memorable and productive weekend of North Carolina birds, beer, laughter, and relaxation! It just doesn't get any better!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Autumn Beckons Under Summer Temps
Giving up any immediate hope for seasonal temperatures , we ventured out this weekend, enjoying the cool mornings and then peeling off the layers to adjust to afternoons in the mid 80's. Nevertheless, organisms have detected decreasing photoperiods and have begun to move. On Saturday morning, we were treated to a large kettle of 250+ Turkey Vultures. Despite our attempts to find Black Vultures and raptors in the mix, we settled for the fact that this was a pretty amazing buzzard brigade.
On Sunday, we treated ourselves to a drive along Glade Top Trail. Native Smoke Trees with their brilliant reds and yellows brought the hillsides to life. Dogwoods were beginning to show color with touches of maroons. Sassafras trees lined the roads with their orangish-yellow hues. Peak colors, I suspect, are still a week away.
The glades of our region are nothing like the famous Everglades. Our "open spaces in the forest" provide a fascinating and purely southern Missouri ecosystem that results when southern slopes of the White River watershed become baked by their intense exposure to the sun and, therefore, become unable to support the trees of the surrounding oak-hickory deciduous forest. This creates a semi-arid community; home to pricky pear cacti, smoke trees, and other low growing grasses and xerophytes. As a result, there are numerous animal species found no where else in the state.
Although the Greater Roadrunners of the area either managed to stay off-road today or escaped my glances, another sluggish, reclusive species did make an appearance. The Missouri Tarantula
is truly a classic Missouri glade endemic. This large, nocturnal, hairy arachnid illicits fear among many, but is a docile and benevolent creature. Although all spiders produce venom, the Missouri Tarantula is only capable of a bite equivalent to a small bee sting. But far more importantly, when handled gently, this species of spider chooses not to bite.
In my thirty years of science teaching in southern Missouri, I have taught countless students how to handle tarantulas and then freely allowed them to let the gentle giants crawl across their hands and wrists. I have never seen one move into its striking poise, let alone bite a human. The species does, however, engage in fearsome behavior when capturing a cricket or a grasshopper. Tarantulas must first raise their fangs in order to bite, so it is obvious when it is ready to strike. Its otherwise sluggish nature transforms to quick and agile with prey in sight.
Missouri Tarantulas are nocturnal and so secretive that they are rarely seen, except in late summer and autumn. Because of some strange shift in their circadian rhythm, they venture out of their secure hideaways, and diurnally roam through open glades, occasionally crossing roads. They are truly remarkable. You can learn more about them at MDC's spider website.
Ah, fall temperatures may arrive around here tomorrow. Couldn't come at a better time, as these Ozark hills are ready to burst into flaming color that will knock your socks off!
On Sunday, we treated ourselves to a drive along Glade Top Trail. Native Smoke Trees with their brilliant reds and yellows brought the hillsides to life. Dogwoods were beginning to show color with touches of maroons. Sassafras trees lined the roads with their orangish-yellow hues. Peak colors, I suspect, are still a week away.
The glades of our region are nothing like the famous Everglades. Our "open spaces in the forest" provide a fascinating and purely southern Missouri ecosystem that results when southern slopes of the White River watershed become baked by their intense exposure to the sun and, therefore, become unable to support the trees of the surrounding oak-hickory deciduous forest. This creates a semi-arid community; home to pricky pear cacti, smoke trees, and other low growing grasses and xerophytes. As a result, there are numerous animal species found no where else in the state.
Although the Greater Roadrunners of the area either managed to stay off-road today or escaped my glances, another sluggish, reclusive species did make an appearance. The Missouri Tarantula
is truly a classic Missouri glade endemic. This large, nocturnal, hairy arachnid illicits fear among many, but is a docile and benevolent creature. Although all spiders produce venom, the Missouri Tarantula is only capable of a bite equivalent to a small bee sting. But far more importantly, when handled gently, this species of spider chooses not to bite.In my thirty years of science teaching in southern Missouri, I have taught countless students how to handle tarantulas and then freely allowed them to let the gentle giants crawl across their hands and wrists. I have never seen one move into its striking poise, let alone bite a human. The species does, however, engage in fearsome behavior when capturing a cricket or a grasshopper. Tarantulas must first raise their fangs in order to bite, so it is obvious when it is ready to strike. Its otherwise sluggish nature transforms to quick and agile with prey in sight.
Missouri Tarantulas are nocturnal and so secretive that they are rarely seen, except in late summer and autumn. Because of some strange shift in their circadian rhythm, they venture out of their secure hideaways, and diurnally roam through open glades, occasionally crossing roads. They are truly remarkable. You can learn more about them at MDC's spider website.
Ah, fall temperatures may arrive around here tomorrow. Couldn't come at a better time, as these Ozark hills are ready to burst into flaming color that will knock your socks off!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Green Leaf Reflections on Science Teachers
It's mid October, and the leaves are still very green. Faint signs of autumn are beginning to become visible, but as this morning's Springfield News-Leader reports, "maples often peak in mid-October, but that could be delayed this year because of unseasonably warm weather." Indeed, it is obvious now that the fall spectacle in the Ozarks is delayed, and we must grow accustomed to human accelerated climate change. We are now years into the current trend of warming global temperatures, and finally the world has begun to listen to the scientists. Hopefully, we are not too late to avert an ecological disaster.
This message is written, however, to thank all of those who, through the years have been willing to stand up in the face of ignorance and special interest groups to bravely educate the citizenry about the fact that our human actions are affecting Earth in extraordinarily negative ways. In spite of hateful and inflamatory remarks from those who continue to hide their heads in the sand, these brave scientists and educators have spoken the truth. They continue to do what scientists do; critically and objectively analyzing the data. And, the scientific results still supply mounting evidence supporting the hypothesis that our increasing appetite for and use of fossil fuels has significantly increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, leading to rising global temperatures.
And so, this day I say congratulations to you, Mr. Gore, and your team of scientists, whose work has finally been recognized globally with your acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Most of all, however, I want to thank all of those informed teachers, educators, mentors, and professors in the classrooms of the world. Thanks for objectively presenting the evidence of global warming with both eyes wide open, unblinded by the anti-science forces that seek domination and control of our thoughts and actions for the sake of greed and power.
It's going to take many serious and concerted efforts to kick our nation's and our world's fossil fuel addiction, but we owe it to the generations to come to meet this challenge head on. With an informed citizenry that values both objective scientific inquiry and diplomacy to resolve global challenges, we just might have a chance.
“In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” -From the Great Law of the Iroquois
This message is written, however, to thank all of those who, through the years have been willing to stand up in the face of ignorance and special interest groups to bravely educate the citizenry about the fact that our human actions are affecting Earth in extraordinarily negative ways. In spite of hateful and inflamatory remarks from those who continue to hide their heads in the sand, these brave scientists and educators have spoken the truth. They continue to do what scientists do; critically and objectively analyzing the data. And, the scientific results still supply mounting evidence supporting the hypothesis that our increasing appetite for and use of fossil fuels has significantly increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, leading to rising global temperatures.
And so, this day I say congratulations to you, Mr. Gore, and your team of scientists, whose work has finally been recognized globally with your acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize.Most of all, however, I want to thank all of those informed teachers, educators, mentors, and professors in the classrooms of the world. Thanks for objectively presenting the evidence of global warming with both eyes wide open, unblinded by the anti-science forces that seek domination and control of our thoughts and actions for the sake of greed and power.
It's going to take many serious and concerted efforts to kick our nation's and our world's fossil fuel addiction, but we owe it to the generations to come to meet this challenge head on. With an informed citizenry that values both objective scientific inquiry and diplomacy to resolve global challenges, we just might have a chance.
“In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” -From the Great Law of the Iroquois
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Grassland Gems
.jpg)
Our first fall blast descended into Missouri this week, and avian friends that we haven’t seen since last spring returned to visit. Dark-eyed Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, Lincoln's Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and others inhabited Lincoln's Sparrow by Marvin DeJong the brushy edges of the Ozarks once again.
This day the winter residents and other migrants took second seat to two elusive migratory grassland sparrows, LeConte’s and Henslow’s. The Greater Ozarks Audubon Society’s annual quest took us to the hunter managed and dominated Bois D’Arc Conservation Area 20 miles northwest of Springfield.
I spend a lot of time birding by myself or with one other friend, but one’s odds of seeing these two species are greatly increased by the presence of a coordinated crowd of birders. Most of the birders attending today’s field trip were veterans of last year’s trip, when we had soul satisfying views of a LeConte’s and a Henslow’s, both in a single binocular view, begging for our careful observation and analysis of differences. The image lingered in our memories as we recalled our lucky day.
Because of their skulking nature and mouse-like running behavior (the sparrows, not the birders!), six observers is the minimum number needed to isolate and view LeConte’s and/or Henslow’s. The technique reminds me of childhood days of upland game hunting. We form a line and string out across the grasslands to cover more territory. These sparrows prefer the shorter areas of the prairie, those either burned or grazed to prevent the dense mesh created by the 6-8 feet tall bluestems, switch, and Indian grasses of the tall grass prairie. We flush our first LeConte’s of the day from the one to two foot high grasses. In flight it appears light gray and weak. It flies less than 50 feet. We surround the bird, closing in on it from all sides. We approach within 5 feet or less, the bird flushes and flies a shorter distance this time. We surround the bird again and again, until the bird has little additional energy to evade us. It is then that, as my birding friend Lisa said, “we can have our way with it”. The tiny, short tailed LeConte’s Sparrow perches on a stem less than 5 feet away from the entire group. Its orange face glows from amid the grasses. Purplish nape becomes visible to all. White medial stripe on top of head appears. Smiles all around for a mission accomplished.
Since I left my camera in the car, I ran ½ mile back to the car to get it. Shortly after I returned, the group closed in on another LeConte’s. Not as cooperative as the first bird, this one dove for
.jpg)
the dense vegetation. Regardless, I snapped off a few pictures, one of which is on the left. The LeConte's is in the center of the picture, just to the left of the beige stem.Later, the group split up as Charley and I bushwhacked through the dense thickets. Emerging from the thick vegetation, we flushed a dark bird out of the grasses. This bird flew less than 10 feet. We closed in without the help of our group this time. The bird flushed again as we noted its streakiness in addition to its dark back as it dove into the grasses. Even knowing exactly where the bird went down, however, we were unable to kick it out of the grasses this time. Almost certainly, however, we had a Henslow’s Sparrow.
Exploration of additional areas uncovered numerous White throated, White Crowned and Lincoln’s Sparrow, a few Field Sparrows, a Common Yellowthroat, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a Nashville Warbler, and all the regulars. A Cooper’s Hawk soared overhead against the autumn sky to put the crown on a satisfying birding morning.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
2007 Lifers, Ay? Bay...., and Clay Day
North American life birds are few and far between these days. So when a day comes that one makes its appearance in the bins, it is indeed a good day, one to celebrate. Today's lifer brings back memories of #369, two Bay-breasted Warblers in the Mark Twain National Forest last spring. And those Bays bring to mind a spring whose warbler numbers I may never see again. I hope I'm wrong about that.
But, today, the Bay has turned to Clay, as in Clay-colored Sparrow, and that is what I am celebrating. I know how this species can be confused with the Chipping Sparrow, but I have gone over my field notes, run through field guides, looked at internet photos, and called my bird savvy son. He says that they are seen in mixed flocks with Chipping Sparrows (as Sibley guide mentions), and that the field marks and observations that I describe are consistent with the species.
I met this bird as it flushed with a flock of Chippies. It fed alone on asphalt near a maintenance building at Fellows Lake, 25-30 feet from the small flock of Chipping Sparrows. It's head was rounder and larger than a Chipping Sparrow giving it an overall larger appearance. It had a very buffy supercilium, clean facial markings, clear white patches around its moustache, a buffy
overall appearance, and an indistinct rump that contrasted with the highly visible gray rumps of the nearby Chippies. I can't remember a gray nape, but the clean, contrasting marks on the head were strikingly different from the more ratty appearing Chipping Sparrows. This caught my attention. The bird was feeding on the ground which could have partially hidden its nape.
At any rate, the Clay-colored Sparrow had entered my life list at number 370.
Red-tailed Hawk poses for me at Fellows Lake
But, today, the Bay has turned to Clay, as in Clay-colored Sparrow, and that is what I am celebrating. I know how this species can be confused with the Chipping Sparrow, but I have gone over my field notes, run through field guides, looked at internet photos, and called my bird savvy son. He says that they are seen in mixed flocks with Chipping Sparrows (as Sibley guide mentions), and that the field marks and observations that I describe are consistent with the species.
I met this bird as it flushed with a flock of Chippies. It fed alone on asphalt near a maintenance building at Fellows Lake, 25-30 feet from the small flock of Chipping Sparrows. It's head was rounder and larger than a Chipping Sparrow giving it an overall larger appearance. It had a very buffy supercilium, clean facial markings, clear white patches around its moustache, a buffy
overall appearance, and an indistinct rump that contrasted with the highly visible gray rumps of the nearby Chippies. I can't remember a gray nape, but the clean, contrasting marks on the head were strikingly different from the more ratty appearing Chipping Sparrows. This caught my attention. The bird was feeding on the ground which could have partially hidden its nape.At any rate, the Clay-colored Sparrow had entered my life list at number 370.
So, hip, hip, hooray for bays, and clays, and days like these!
Red-tailed Hawk poses for me at Fellows Lake
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Ozark Riverwalk Trail Dedication
"With hard work and committment, dreams CAN come true", said Neal Grubaugh, former mayor and visionary
for the town of Ozark, Missouri, at the official opening of the Finley River Trail on Saturday, September 22. Mr. Grubaugh, a highly respected gentleman and long time public servant of Ozark, spoke softly of the dream that began 24 years ago when he led this rural Ozarks town into an uncertain future. The jewel of the town, then as now, is the clear, swift running Finley River, a tribituary of the James River which flows into what remains of the legendary White River, now dammed by the Corps of Engineer to provide hydroelectric power and recreation to a fast paced, consumption-driven society.
In a leisurely conversation under the shade of a stately cypress tree near the trail head, I commented to a fellow volunteer that this riverwalk trail will eventually connect to all the tributaries of the Finley River, providing many linear parks and wildlife corridors within the region. Furthermore, this trail will hopefully merge, near the new Ozark Recreational Center, with the old Chadwick rail line, which will
carry it out of the Finley River watershed, into the James River watershed, where it will join the extensive Ozark Greenways system in and around Springfield.
for the town of Ozark, Missouri, at the official opening of the Finley River Trail on Saturday, September 22. Mr. Grubaugh, a highly respected gentleman and long time public servant of Ozark, spoke softly of the dream that began 24 years ago when he led this rural Ozarks town into an uncertain future. The jewel of the town, then as now, is the clear, swift running Finley River, a tribituary of the James River which flows into what remains of the legendary White River, now dammed by the Corps of Engineer to provide hydroelectric power and recreation to a fast paced, consumption-driven society.At the center of Ozark, the course of the Finley River has remained largely unchanged since the turn of the 20
th century. Its waters have endured the seasonal algal bloom, a sure sign that pollution has taken its toll as the small town has evolved into a city. Erosion, caused by gravel dredging and the clearing of riparian zones, has also significantly damaged a portion of its stream bank, but it is still free running, with only a slight slow down for a mill pond at the site of the historic Ozark Mill. It's this site that captures a bit of the essence of what the city of Ozark once was.
th century. Its waters have endured the seasonal algal bloom, a sure sign that pollution has taken its toll as the small town has evolved into a city. Erosion, caused by gravel dredging and the clearing of riparian zones, has also significantly damaged a portion of its stream bank, but it is still free running, with only a slight slow down for a mill pond at the site of the historic Ozark Mill. It's this site that captures a bit of the essence of what the city of Ozark once was.On Saturday, however, a group of 57 civic-minded and conservation-oriented Ozarkians gathered to begin the restoration of this aquatic treasure. These people, ranging in age from Ozark elementary students to senior citizens, worked together to beautify and 
showcase the Finley River as the center of this lively community. They celebrated the completion of phase one of a nine phase project designed to focus on the river and to imprint it indelibly on the hearts of all its residents, both old and new.
showcase the Finley River as the center of this lively community. They celebrated the completion of phase one of a nine phase project designed to focus on the river and to imprint it indelibly on the hearts of all its residents, both old and new.In a leisurely conversation under the shade of a stately cypress tree near the trail head, I commented to a fellow volunteer that this riverwalk trail will eventually connect to all the tributaries of the Finley River, providing many linear parks and wildlife corridors within the region. Furthermore, this trail will hopefully merge, near the new Ozark Recreational Center, with the old Chadwick rail line, which will
carry it out of the Finley River watershed, into the James River watershed, where it will join the extensive Ozark Greenways system in and around Springfield. I took a lead from Mr. Grubaugh and dreamed of the day when the waters of the Finley River are treasured and again run crystal clear, when its banks are held firmly in place by native forests, and its people join hands on this extended riverwalk park project to connect it and our community, in ecologically sound ways, to surrounding communities.
Thanks, Mr. Grubaugh, for the strength of your vision and the power of your dreams. May they become even stronger in the hearts of all who share this vision and dream of conservation for our beautiful ci
ty.
ty.Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A Letter to the Editor: Missouri Conservationist
To both of my readers,
I officially edited and sent a Letter to the Editor of the Missouri Conservationist magazine regarding their article on utility birds. I post it here, as I'm not very confident that a letter critical of the MDC will ever reach the pages of the Conservationist.
"Dear Editor,
I just finished reading the article entitled "Utility Birds"
Although the term "utility birds" used to describe these unique species clearly devalues them, it does not concern me nearly as much as the fact that the two rail species occupy the same habitat as an endangered species that can be mistaken by hunters for a legal target. As a birder, I know that size itself can be deceiving as a tool for identification. With this in mind, it is possible that a King Rail might easily be mistaken for a Virginia Rail, as both have similar field marks.
Low's article even warns that King Rails are present in rail habitat during the hunting season. In light of this disclosure, failure to offer Missouri Conservationist readers and hunters keys to differentiating the two species seems irresponsible. We Missouri citizens rely on the MDC to take seriously its mission to educate the public and, more importantly, to responsibly manage and sustain our precious wildlife resources.
I know firsthand that mistaken targets account for a certain percentage of hunter kills. During opening weekend of dove season this year on the Aldrich arm of Stockton Reservoir, I watched as an MDC agent picked up a dying Killdeer that had been shot by a dove hunter. Hunters do make mistakes, and we know all too well the stories surrounding past mistakes leading to the death of Whooping Cranes and other endangered species by hunters. How many King Rails can we sacrifice and still justify this "utility bird" hunting season?
Let's all show a bit more respect for these incredible bird species and their close, endangered relatives. And, if hunters need to "tune up for the fall hunting season", I suggest they sharpen their skills on clay pigeons and leave our native "utility birds" alone.
Respectfully,
Greg Swick
Christian County
Missouri
I officially edited and sent a Letter to the Editor of the Missouri Conservationist magazine regarding their article on utility birds. I post it here, as I'm not very confident that a letter critical of the MDC will ever reach the pages of the Conservationist.
"Dear Editor,
I just finished reading the article entitled "Utility Birds"
Although the term "utility birds" used to describe these unique species clearly devalues them, it does not concern me nearly as much as the fact that the two rail species occupy the same habitat as an endangered species that can be mistaken by hunters for a legal target. As a birder, I know that size itself can be deceiving as a tool for identification. With this in mind, it is possible that a King Rail might easily be mistaken for a Virginia Rail, as both have similar field marks.
Low's article even warns that King Rails are present in rail habitat during the hunting season. In light of this disclosure, failure to offer Missouri Conservationist readers and hunters keys to differentiating the two species seems irresponsible. We Missouri citizens rely on the MDC to take seriously its mission to educate the public and, more importantly, to responsibly manage and sustain our precious wildlife resources.
I know firsthand that mistaken targets account for a certain percentage of hunter kills. During opening weekend of dove season this year on the Aldrich arm of Stockton Reservoir, I watched as an MDC agent picked up a dying Killdeer that had been shot by a dove hunter. Hunters do make mistakes, and we know all too well the stories surrounding past mistakes leading to the death of Whooping Cranes and other endangered species by hunters. How many King Rails can we sacrifice and still justify this "utility bird" hunting season?
Let's all show a bit more respect for these incredible bird species and their close, endangered relatives. And, if hunters need to "tune up for the fall hunting season", I suggest they sharpen their skills on clay pigeons and leave our native "utility birds" alone.
Respectfully,
Greg Swick
Christian County
Missouri
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Busiek Racers
This morning 17 GOAS birders and guests "raced" down to Busiek State Forest, a Missouri Department of Conservation Public Use Area 15 miles south of Springfield, Missouri. We were eager to greet fall migrants, and the cool, crisp morning held promise. The weather was ideal for humans, as we were met by many in the parking lot of the conservation area, including a group of cross-country "racers" getting in an early weekend practice.
The weather apparently proved to be less than ideal for birds as our fall migrant expectations exceeded our observations. However, it was great to be out in the field again with a great group of people. We successfully kicked off the fall field trip season, and it should be a season full of terrific sightings. On this morning, however, the birds took a second seat.
Where birds were concerned White eyed Vireos ruled the day at Busiek as we heard and saw over 20. but the true highlight for me was not avian, but reptilian. As others' eyes were on the sunlit edge of the forest, scanning for Nashville and Palm Warblers, my sights turned to a gray streak in the grasses. There I spotted this beautiful Blue Racer.
Many times in the past I've tried unsuccessfully to catch these speedsters, but today was the day that Nature sent me favorable conditions. The snake's metabolism had been slowed considerably by unseasonable overnight lows. I slowed its progress with my foot, and gently lifted it out of the grasses. Lisa, a warbler expert, quickly quipped, "Look, it's just like a Nashville." And indeed it was, its body transitioning from gray to blue-green to bright green to yellow. Its moist skin glistened in the morning sun.
Showing no signs of aggression, the cold blooded creature clung to the fingers of my hand, content to stay and to gather some of my inner warmth. For a moment I wanted to take it to my classroom to educate young people of the beauty and grace of this misunderstood reptile, but Sue reminded me of my conservation ethic, that of "enjoy, then release". So, I released this "racer" back to its grassy domain, where rather than speed away, it paused in the morning sun, long enough to let me capture its memory. I post it here, and give thanks for another day when Nature revealed her incredible beauty up close and personal.
The weather apparently proved to be less than ideal for birds as our fall migrant expectations exceeded our observations. However, it was great to be out in the field again with a great group of people. We successfully kicked off the fall field trip season, and it should be a season full of terrific sightings. On this morning, however, the birds took a second seat.
Where birds were concerned White eyed Vireos ruled the day at Busiek as we heard and saw over 20. but the true highlight for me was not avian, but reptilian. As others' eyes were on the sunlit edge of the forest, scanning for Nashville and Palm Warblers, my sights turned to a gray streak in the grasses. There I spotted this beautiful Blue Racer.
Many times in the past I've tried unsuccessfully to catch these speedsters, but today was the day that Nature sent me favorable conditions. The snake's metabolism had been slowed considerably by unseasonable overnight lows. I slowed its progress with my foot, and gently lifted it out of the grasses. Lisa, a warbler expert, quickly quipped, "Look, it's just like a Nashville." And indeed it was, its body transitioning from gray to blue-green to bright green to yellow. Its moist skin glistened in the morning sun.
Showing no signs of aggression, the cold blooded creature clung to the fingers of my hand, content to stay and to gather some of my inner warmth. For a moment I wanted to take it to my classroom to educate young people of the beauty and grace of this misunderstood reptile, but Sue reminded me of my conservation ethic, that of "enjoy, then release". So, I released this "racer" back to its grassy domain, where rather than speed away, it paused in the morning sun, long enough to let me capture its memory. I post it here, and give thanks for another day when Nature revealed her incredible beauty up close and personal.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Bittern Sweet Birding
I gaze at the glistening water through the dense, brilliant green of the rushes and sedges. This is a familiar place that reaches back to my childhood. I recollect a vast string of memories not unlike the constant V's of ducks and geese that once winged high overheard. It was then that I silently sat at the bottom of a duck blind peering from beneath old and young men, firearms, and vegetation. But today, I stroll with tripod, scope, and binoculars on a similar quest to draw birds in or to sneak close enough to shoot them...... this time with a camera.
The water depth was perfect, and a dozen or so Great Egrets appeared on the horizon as I climbed the levee to the impoundments. I was surprised to see decoys and hunters concealed in the weeds, awaiting early teal that were restlessly darting through danger from one section of the bottoms to another. Since it's designated status as McPherson Wetlands came into being, I frequent this large "Basin" in the middle of the Kansas wheat country. But this time was different. There was 
change evident in the cool northerly breeze and the activity level of the waders. Great egrets were in great abundance, their shimmering white contrasting with the dark plumage of the White faced Ibises, also in abundance.
change evident in the cool northerly breeze and the activity level of the waders. Great egrets were in great abundance, their shimmering white contrasting with the dark plumage of the White faced Ibises, also in abundance. Immature Black-crowned Night Herons occasionally lifted their heads above the vegetation, and I was delighted to see a mature one 100 yards away in the clear.
As the sun's rays shifted toward perpendicular, its golden hues brought the landscape to life. It was then that another golden hue appeared in the reeds. At first there was only one golden bird, but I scanned the area more closely. Then, they appeared! American Bitterns, lined up and randomly spaced along a 1/2 mile stretch of the slough. They glowed in the waning sunlight. I stopped counting at 15, and set up the scope to see if I could capture the image. See if you can count the four bitterns in this photograph! If you see more, please let me know! Up to this point, I had seen 2 or 3 American Bitterns in my life. I .jpg)
quickly surpassed that number tenfold! What a sight!
.jpg)
quickly surpassed that number tenfold! What a sight! Gunshots broke the hypnotic spell and my eyes turned upward as hundreds of startled egrets, night-herons, bitterns, teal, and mallards rose into the orange and purple twilight skies. The flocks twisted and turned above the waters, seeking solace in the marsh once again. Three Northern Harriers scanned the flocks for easy prey.
Soon, the sun fell beneath the horizon, and the guns silenced. I started my slow meander back to the car as four Sora flushed from the side of the levee. One hundred or so White-faced Ibises sailed overhead. Around seventy five Blue-wings confidently tipped their wings and fell into the wetlands, safe for the coming dark hours. The symphony of rails, frogs, and insects filled the air, and night fell again upon these wetlands. I smiled and remembered the joy of this evening, its movement, light, color, smells, and sounds. I awed at this extraordinary ecosystem, which, through the years, has firmly implanted in my heart. 
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)