Kentucky Rare Bird Alert

Past Updates: January - December 2005

Updated on September 8, 2005  

A good number of warbler species were reported this week. Highlights included WILSON’S, CAPE MAY, ORANGE-CROWNED, BAY-BREASTED, MOURNING, and 3 GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS, all seen in Jefferson County, many at Caperton Swamp. Other songbirds of note were a PHILADELPHIA VIREO in Jefferson Co, SWAINSON’S THRUSH in several locations across the northern part of the state, YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER with 2 Jefferson County sightings, and a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK from Boone County. Also seen at the Gunpowder Creek Nature Park in Boone County was the first reported WHITE-THROATED SPARROW of the season. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH were observed in Campbell County at the Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate and in Jefferson County. 

Both BAIRD’S SANDPIPER and BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER were seen at the Falls of the Ohio this week (both juveniles). Four BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, and a single SORA were reported from the sloughs of Henderson County. And LAUGHING GULLS, as well as one FRANKLIN’S GULL, were still been seen in the LBL area.

Updated on September 1, 2005

Hurricane Katrina didn't generate as many rare bird sightings as hoped, but a few unusual birds were observed. Two STORM PETRELS (unidentifed species) were observed at the Frankfort Fish Hatchery on August 31. In additiona, a BAND-RUMPED STORM PETREL was observed at the Falls of the Ohio near Louisville on August 30 - 31. LAUGHING GULLS have been reported from several locations, and a possible BRIDLED TERN was observed at the mouth of the Licking River (where it enters the Ohio River near Cincinnati).

A RED PHALAROPE was observed on August 31 along the Ohio River between the mouth of the Licking River and Mike Fink's floating restaurant. This bird was observed throughout the day. Also, three or more PHALAROPES (unidentified species) were observed at Taylorsville Lake. BLACK TERNS have been observed in Pulaski, Barren, Daviess, and Jefferson counties and at Land Between the Lakes. Several COMMON TERNS have also been observed.

Finally, a thousand or more migrating COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were observed in Pulaski County on August 31.

Updated on August 26, 2005

There have been several reports this week of warbler migration. Notable sightings from Jefferson County include BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS, MAGNOLIA WARBLERS, and AMERICAN REDSTARTS at Tom Sawyer Park, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLERS at Shawnee Park, and CERULEAN, NASHVILLE, and CANADA WARBLERS at Caperton Swamp. In Science Hill, Pulaski County, CANADA and CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLERS were observed and  AMERICAN REDSTARTS were observeed at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park in Boone County.

Numerous shorebirds have been observed, with most reports from Land Between the Lakes and other locations in western Kentucky. Species observed include 50+ WESTERN SANDPIPERS and 50 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER in Ballard and Carlisle counties, and a single SANDERLING plus 3 WILSON’S PHALAROPES on the Mississippi River at the Town Creek Unit. Four BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were observed on Lake Barkley at Little River, and 2 STILT SANDPIPERS were observed at the Falls of the Ohio near Louisville.

Migrating Empidonax flycatchers have been observed at more than one location with most, if not all, thought to be LEAST FLYCATCHERS. Among the gulls gathering at Land Between the Lakes have been a single LAUGHING GULL. Large numbers of CASPIAN TERNS and a COMMON LOON were also observed therel. A good number of LEAST TERNS and thousands of swallows have been observed on the Mississippi River. And, finally, 2 SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS were seen at the bison viewing area at Land Between the Lakes.

Updated on August 15, 2005

Most of the reports this week have come from western Kentucky. An exception was the nice find of 3 AMERICAN AVOCETS at the Petersburg gravel pit in Boone County on Saturday, August 13.

 A single WHITE IBIS was still being seen at Mitchell Lake in the Ballard Wildlife Management Area as late as Saturday, August 13. Mitchell Lake also contained good numbers of the common shorebirds including 350+ PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, and a few less common birds such as 4 STILT SANDPIPERS and 1 WILSON’S PHALAROPE. 18 LEAST TERNS and 2 BLACK TERNS were also observed there.

On the Mississippi River, just above the “old” Laketon boat ramp, 3 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and 6-8 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were observed on August 12. 50 LEAST TERNS and 21 BLACK TERNS were also counted in the same vicinity. Numerous MISSISSIPPI KITES were also reported from the the river area.

Some late summer wandering seems to be taking place. The dry conditions have limited the habitat for shorebirds and waders, but where it exists there have been some good sightings. In Fulton County’s lower Hickman bottoms, a juvenile WHITE IBIS, and a juvenile TRICOLORED HERON were spotted on August 4 on Pond # 9. The TRICOLORED HERON has been seen through August 7, but the IBIS has not been seen again. Also at this location, on August 4, a fly-over ROSEATE SPOONBILL was observed; first flying north then later south and not relocated since. A ROSEATE SPOONBILL had been seen a few days earlier just south of the Kentucky border on Reelfoot Lake. In addition, a single juvenile LITTLE BLUE HERON was observed as late as August 6 at the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery of Rowan County; not a common sight that far east in  Kentucky.

On Tuesday morning, July 12, several SOOTY TERNS, an AUDUBON'S SHEARWATER, and a probable BROWN NODDY were observed above the Kentucky Dam on Kentucky Lake. On Wednesday morning, July 13, 3 SOOTY TERNS were relocated there, but the others have not been seen. Other birds noted in the area of Kentucky Dam were 2 MARBLED GODWITS, LAUGHING GULL, CASPIAN TERN, and several WILLETS. WILLETS were also reported at the Falls of the Ohio in the Louisville area on July 13.

Updated on July 12, 2005

Hurricane Dennis has brought visitors to Kentucky Lake. As of Tuesday morning, July 12, 7 SOOTY TERNS and 1 AUDUBON SHEARWATER have been reported. They are being viewed from the pull offs on the Kentucky Lake dam.

The BRANT that has been in Pulaski County has not been seen since Saturday morning, May 28; it was at the pump house location at that time.

17 WHITE IBIS were reported on May 29 as flyovers in Pike County.

A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was observed in Christian County on May 28 in the vicinity of mile marker 74 on I-24.

Late warblers include a male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER in Burnside on May 31; a BLACKPOLL WARBLER in Pike County on May 30; and a MOURNING WARBLER in Jefferson County on May 31. In addition, a BREWSTER’S WARBLER was observed along Highway 1363 in southwestern McCreary County on May 31.

A number of shorebirds were reported from different locales. On Horseshoe Road in the Henderson sloughs a RUDDY TURNSTONE, 10 DUNLIN, 20 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, 3 LEAST TERNS, 5 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, and 1 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER were observed on May 31. WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER and another RUDDY TURNSTONE were reported from the Union County Peabody Coal Plant.

On May 29 at Smithland Dam tailwaters 5 BLACK TERNS and 36 LEAST TERNS were observed. At Lake Barkley Dam, a 1st year FRANKLIN’S GULL, a HERRING GULL, LESSER SCAUP, a COMMON GOLDENEYE, and a PIED-BILLED GREBE were reported. Also, a COMMON LOON in basic plumage was observed at the Kentucky Lake Dam on May 29.

Updated on May 23, 2005

The BRANT, first located on May 14 in Somerset, has been relocated. It is spending its nights on the pump house pond and has been seen at other locations. The following are directions to each:

• Twin Lakes Ponds: (block F-3 pg 68 of the Delorme Atlas) From the jct. of Hwy 27 and Bypass 80 go east on 80 to Hwy. 1247 and turn left, go past the Somerset Country Club (which has ponds where the geese could be, but only one is visible from 1247; you can see most of the ponds by driving back to an apartment parking area) watch for the Twin Lakes sign on the right.
• Pumphouse Pond: (block F-4 pg 68) Go east on Bypass 80 to Hwy. 39, turn left continue past the Pulaski County School on the left, then watch on the right for Old Pumphouse Road (gravel) turn right and the pond will be on the left.
• Pulaski County Park: (block G2 pg 68) From the jct. of Hwy. 27 and West Hwy. 80 go west. You'll cross the bridge over Fishing Creek, Lake Cumberland, continue probably 2-3 miles & watch for the park sign on the right (north) side. The Brant has been observed using the area near the boat ramp. It has always been seen in the company of Canada Geese.

Updated on May 11, 2005

The WESTERN GREBE first noted on May 1 was still present on the 8th. It was seen from the Eureka campgrounds on Lake Barkley. On May 6, a single PIPING PLOVER was seen at the ash basin in the Sinclair Unit of Peabody WMA. It was not seen on later searches. 2 LARK SPARROWS were observed in Calloway County on May 7 and 8. Five WILSON’S PHALAROPES were observed in the Henderson sloughs on May 6 but have not been located since.

The number of birds mentioned this week was huge with migration in full swing. A male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was observed in Berea College Woods on May 6; a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was noted in Harrison County on May 7; BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were mentioned from across the state, with 10 counted in Berea College Woods; and AMERICAN REDSTARTS and MAGNOLIA WARBLERS were mentioned for the first time this year.

A WILLOW FLYCATCHER was counted in Calloway County; GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH were observed at the Western Kentucky WMA and the sloughs in Henderson; single BOBOLINKS were seen in Fayette and Hart counties; BLUE GROSBEAKS were observed in Hart and Henderson counties; a MISSISSIPPI KITE was observed in WKY WMA; and a VESPER SPARROW was noted in Henderson County. A BALD EAGLE was seen in Montgomery County, and 2 young eagles were viewed on the nest in the sloughs in Henderson County.

A number of shorebirds were mentioned with highlights being 100 DUNLIN, 8 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, 1 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, and 5 STILT SANDPIPERS observed at the sloughs.

A few lingering waterfowl were also noted: a RUDDY DUCK was seen in Jacobson Park in Lexington on May 10, a RING-NECKED DUCK in Calloway on May 8, and a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER in the sloughs of Henderson on May 9. And a late PINE SISKIN was observed in Calloway County.

Updated on May 2, 2005

A single WESTERN GREBE was observed in the northeast corner of Lake Barkley on Sunday, May 1.  It was visible from Green Turtle Bay but was likely much closer to the campground on the eastern side.

A LARK SPARROW was seen in Ragland on April 28, but has apparently not been seen since. A HENSLOW’S SPARROW was reported from  southeast Lexington on April 29, but has also not been reported on since.

Migrating birds mentioned for the first time this year were SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER which has returned to its nesting site along Highway 453 near Grand Rivers, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO from Shawnee Park in Louisville, and AMERICAN REDSTART from Pike County.

Species observed that have not yet left for the summer included 9 PINE SISKINS still visiting feeders in Calloway County, “lots” of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES in the Lexington Cemetery in Fayette County, and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS from several spots across Kentucky.

The most frequently mentioned birds of the week were ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, and GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS, both observed at numerous locales across the state.

Updated on April 26, 2005

There are no unusual sightings this week, but plenty of new birds for the year. First mentions of the year include CHUCK-WILLS-WIDOW from Trigg County on April 18, OVENBIRD from Mammoth Cave on April 19, and INDIGO BUNTING, and GRAY CATBIRD on April 20 from Panorama Shores in Calloway County. Also on April 20, a WOOD THRUSH was heard in Calloway Co.

On April 21, birds observed included a SNOWY EGRET in Calloway County, BALTIMORE ORIOLE in Bernheim Forest, and both LONG-BILLED and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, AMERICAN PIPIT, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, and the CINNAMON X BLUE-WINGED TEAL HYBRID from Chaney Lake.

On April 22, the first mention of BLUE GROSBEAK came from Bernheim Forest, as did the TENNESSEE WARBLER. A CAPE MAY WARBLER was observed in Science Hill, Pulaski County, as was a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. Also seen in Pulaski County were 11 COMMON LOONS at Fishing Creek Recreation area and Green River Lake combined, a CATTLE EGRET, 3 GREEN HERONS, a GRAY CATBIRD, and a KENTUCKY WARBLER also were seen in the Green River Lake area. On the Saberhauer Unit of the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area in Henderson a WILLET, 4 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and 1 DUNLIN were observed. PHILADELPHIA VIREO, and BACKPOLL WARBLER were added from Calloway County, YELLOW WARBLER from Owensboro, and ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, EASTERN WOOD PEWEE, and BLACKPOLL and KENTUCKY WARBLERS from Berea College Woods.

Observed on April 23 were 5 WILLETS, and a single BLACK-NECKED STILT at the Reel Foot Lake/Long Point area.

On April 24, a single COMMON TERN was distinguished from a flock of FORESTER’S TERNS at Jonathon Creek mud flats, and a SWAINSON’S THRUSH was seen in Calloway County.

Updated on April 18, 2005

The highlight this week was a single UPLAND SANDPIPER observed during a KOS Field Trip at the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area near Henderson. Other birds observed during this field trip were AMERICAN BITTERN, GREAT EGRET, BALD EAGLE (2 chicks), VIRGINIA RAIL, 30 SORA, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, GREATER AND LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, 2000 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, WILSON’S SNIPE, and RUSTY BLACKBIRD.

New additions to the warbler list for the spring include a HOODED WARBLER from the Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area, plus BLUE-WINGED, CERULEAN, WORM-EATING, and PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS and OVENBIRDS reported from several locales. In addition, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was observed in the Big South Fork area. Many vireos have also been reported from numerous locations, with RED-EYED, WHITE-EYED, YELLOW-THROATED, and BLUE-HEADED VIREOS all mentioned more than once.

Other arrivals were a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK in Calloway County, and an EASTERN KINGBIRD in Logan County. COMMON TERNS were observed on the upper end of Yatesville Lake.  The first BROAD-WINGED HAWK mentioned this year was seen in Fulton County. HENSLOW’S SPARROWS have returned to the Central Kentucky WMA. And lastly,  BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS are nesting atop a Bradford Pear tree in the 1700 block of Fourth Street in Louisville

Updated on April 12, 2005

Highlights this week are of course the continued return of migrants. However, birds such as PINE SISKINS (Calloway Co), RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Calloway Co and Berea College Forest),  PURPLE FINCH (Berea College Forest and Jefferson Co), and BROWN CREEPER (Berea) continue to be seen. In addition, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS were observed singing in Lexington Cemetery.

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS were noted this weekend in two different locales in Calloway County. CHIMNEY SWIFTS were reported from there also, as were WHITE-EYED and WARBLING VIREOS, ORCHARD ORIOLE, NASHVILLE WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and NORTHERN PARULA since last weekend.

Observed in Hart County were WHIP-POOR-WILL, LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH, NORTHERN PARULA, and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER.

Observed in Berea College Forest in Madison County were 7 PRAIRIE WARBLERS, 5 YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, and PINE WARBLER.

Reported from the Owensboro area were BLUE-HEADED VIREO and NORTHERN PARULA. The only warbler mentioned from the Lexington area was a lone PINE WARBLER in Lexington Cemetery.  OSPREY were observed in Trigg County (Lake Barkley) and in Bracken County. Also in Bracken Co., a RUFFED GROUSE was heard drumming.

High water has caused a lack of shorebird habitat, and a lack of shorebirds. SOLITARY SANDPIPERS were reported from several areas including the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery and Petros pond. WILSON’S SNIPE were seen in numerous places, and 20 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEG were observed at Walton Pond (Warren Co.).

Finally, a CINNAMON TEAL X BLUE-WINGED TEAL hybrid was observed on April 9 on Chaney Lake in Warren County.

Updated on March 31, 2005

While winter visitors such as PURPLE FINCH, WINTER WREN, BROWN CREEPER, and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET are still being reported,  our summer birds are making their first appearances. On March 28, in Pike County BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, and  BROWN THRASHER were reported.

On March 30 from Pulaski County Park and vicinity the following list was observed: BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, PINE WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER,  and LOUSIANA WATERTHRUSH. From Calloway County on the 30th and 31st , BLACK-AND-WHITE, PINE, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, LOUSIANA WATERTHRUSH,  BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, and HENSLOW’S SPARROWS were noted, as well as 400 to 500 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS.

BONAPARTE’S GULL numbers are increasing, with them mentioned from several areas. Large mumbers of PECTORAL SANDPIPER, LESSER and GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and WILSON’S SNIPE were mentioned from Reel Foot Lake

The BULLOCK’S ORIOLE is still present in Lawrenceburg, but is being seen much less often; mostly in the early mornings and late evenings.

Lastly, and a little late, a female SURF SCOTER was seen on the Ohio River from General James Taylor Park in Newport on the 27th.

Updated on March 21, 2005

The male BULLOCK’S ORIOLE is still visiting the feeders in a Lawrenceburg backyard. Directions are: from 62 go north on Starhill and go past the first chainlink-fenced in yard to the next yard that tends up a gradual incline to a gray stone house with white garage/carports. This is the second lot on Starhill, but the house is up on the next street (Mackland). Parking is better along Starhill; pull safely off to the right side somewhere in the vicinity of the weedy patch with several small willow trees. You can see the feeders in the backyard of the Riddle's home. Approach slowly and watch the feeders and trees in the yard. The bird frequents both sunflower and suet feeders, as well as oranges that have been cut in half and placed on the ground.

Signs of spring include the arrival of TREE SWALLOWS, which have been seen for about a week wide spread. Also the first PURPLE MARTIN was reported from Russellville on March 21, and a single BARN SWALLOW was observed in Calloway County on March 20.

Other signs of spring would include a FIELD SPARROW singing on March 14 in Grayson County, and BROWN CREEPER, WINTER WRENS, and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER singing in the Three Ponds State Preserve in Hickman County on March 16. Also noted at Three Ponds were PECTORAL SANDPIPER, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 20 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, 325 WILSON’S SNIPE, 1100 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a BALD EAGLE CHICK. Young GREAT BLUE HERONS were noted at a colony off of Kentucky Lake on March 15.

A sign that winter has not yet left would be 3 SNOW BUNTINGS seen at feeders in Richmond, Madison Co., on March 17.

Updated on March 7, 2005

The first shorebirds of the year have been posted this week. On March 5, 17 LEAST SANDPIPERS were observed on Jonathon Creek. On March 6, a single LESSER YELLOWLEG was seen at Blood River, and 4 were seen at the sloughs of Henderson.

Waterfowl numbers are good right now. Highlights include a single LONG-TAILED DUCK on March 5 at the dams of LBL, along with a COMMON LOON, and a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were also seen in Lexington (20+), and at Meldahl Dam in Bracken County on March 6. These birds were in breeding plumage. RUDDY DUCKS (also in breeding plumage), COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD, REDHEAD, and WOOD DUCKS were also reported from the Lexington reservoirs over the last several days. At Meldahl Dam, 25 REDHEADS, 8 CANVASBACKS, 260 LESSER SCAUP, and 165 HORNED GREBES were also observed. Both the LESSER SCAUP and the HORNED GREBE were seen at most areas reported from. Also 60 RING-BILLED DUCKS were observed at the sloughs.

 200 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN are still being seen on the mud flats of Blood River, and FORSTER’S TERNS were seen there and at Jonathon Creek. Both THAYER’S and  LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were viewed from the dam area of LBL on March 5. A single TREE SWALLOW was also noted during the same outing.

Lastly, FOX SPARROWS were reported this week from Pike County and at Raven’s Run in Fayette County.

Updated on February 15, 2005

The BULLOCK’S ORIOLE is still present in Lawrenceburg as of Tuesday morning, February 15. Please call the Riddles the night prior to visiting their yard (Phone number: 502-839-4612). Directions to their home are given below (see the February 10, 2005, update).

Highlights of a KOS Field Trip to the Homestead Unit of the Peabody Wildlife Management Area on February 12 included: 4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 4 SHORT-EARED OWLS, a BARRED OWL, AMERICAN PIPITS, LAPLAND LONGSPURS, and PURPLE FINCHES.

Also observed on February 12th, at the Saurheber Unit of the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area near Henderson, were 6 TUNDRA SWANS, a WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, a SNOW GOOSE,  COMMON GOLDENEYE, and a FOX SPARROW.

109 REDHEADS were counted at Waitsboro on Lake Cumberland on February 13t. Observed at the Ballard WMA on February 11 were: 12 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 50 SNOW GEESE, 40 GADWALL, and 2 WOOD DUCK. On February 10 and 11,  100+ SANDHILL CRANES were observed feeding on the ground near Cecilia in Hardin County.

Lastly, a first for the year, an AMERICAN WOODCOCK in flight display was reported on February 10 near Ragland.

Updated on February 10, 2005

A male Bullock's Oriole has been confirmed to be coming to feeders in a yard just outside of Lawrenceburg, Anderson County. This is a first-state record! Being as there might be quite a bit of interest in this bird, Brainard Palmer-Ball is arranging an impromptu "field trip" over there on Saturday to focus some of the visitation over the weekend into one time period. Brainard will meet anyone interested in this time at the Walmart at the southeast corner of the Jct. of US 127 and US 62 just west of downtown Lawrenceburg at 10:00 a.m. EST (between the McDonald's and the Walmart). From there everyone can carpool across town to the bird.

If you cannot make it on Saturday, that's fine, but you should make a call the evening before you visit. The hosts are Annette and Bobby Riddle and their phone number is 502/839-4612.

Directions follow: from the Jct. of Old US 127 and US 62 in downtown Lawrenceburg, go 1.1 miles east on US 62 (over RR tracks and beyond intersection with gas/food marts) to Starhill Road on the left (brick entrance walls). Take a left on Starhill and go past the first chainlink-fenced in yard to the next yard that tends up a gradual incline to a gray stone house with white garage/carports. This is the second lot on Starhill, but the house is up on the next street (Mackland). Parking is better here along Starhill; pull safely off to the right side somewhere in the vicinity of the weedy patch with several small willow trees. You can see the feeders in the back yard of the Riddle's home. Approach slowly and watch the feeders and trees in the yard. The bird frequents both sunflower and suet feeders, as well as oranges that have been cut in half and placed on the ground. Brainard was told that the bird does not come as much on colder days and in the morning, a pattern which seems to have been been true this week. The Riddles have two dogs, one closely resembling a fluffy black cat :o)  Both bark a bit but are friendly.

Again, anyone who cannot make the Saturday, mid-morning trip is fine to go at another time; just make sure you call the Riddles (probably the day before you come is best). If you do go, please report results -- both negative and positive -- including the time of the day you go.

Updated on January 31, 2005

There have been no reports of anything too unusual, but some of interest. MUTE SWANS seem to be all the rage this winter. Recent reports have included 12 on Herrington Lake at Sunset Marina, 10 on Homer Murray Road, 6 at Petros Pond in Warren County, and 1 from Owsley Fork Lake in Madison County. A single immature TUNDRA SWAN was also seen in Laurel County on the January 26.

Other waterfowl observed include CANVASBACKS at Petros Pond, McElroy Lake, Owsley Fork Lake, and Barkley Dam. Also observed at Lake Barkley were COMMON GOLDENEYE and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. A single COMMON GOLDENEYE was also observed at McElroy Lake. An estimated 8,000 SNOW GEESE were observed in corn fields in Fulton County. In the same area, 7 ROSS’S GEESE, 250 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, and 2 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were reported. 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were also mentioned from Walton’s Pond in Warren County, 20 REDHEADS were viewed at Petros Pond, and CACKLING GEESE were reported from Petros and from the intersection of Chamberlain Lane and Brownsboro Road in Jefferson County.

SANDHILL CRANES continue to be on the move, with 16 observed this week in southwest Logan County, 250 in a corn field along Vance Road on the back side of Chaney Lake, and 1200 in the Woodburn area.

RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were observed in the woods along Chaney Lake on January 29. AMERICAN PIPITS, LAPLAND LONGSPURS, HORNED LARKS, and a PALM WARBLER were observed at McElroy Lake. Another PALM WARBLER was observed at Griffin Park, as well as 25 WILSON’S SNIPE. A single PINE WARBLER made a showing at a backyard feeder in Murray and, lastly, 2 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS visited a feeder in Mt. Sterling.

Updated on January 17, 2005

The warm spell that kicked the year off had daffodils poking through, a black snake making an appearance at Rough River, and apparently had SNOW GEESE and SANDHILL CRANES moving northward. There were several reports of SANDHILL CRANES, from Edmonson and Warren counties, that were flying either north, or south, or on the ground. Outside the state, several thousand SNOW GEESE were reported from southern Illinois.

There were two reports of SHORT-EARED OWLS: 2 birds were seen on the Homestead Unit of the Peabody Wildlife Management Area, and 1 was reported from Madison County, SSE of Richmond, on January 16. Other birds of prey reported were 14 NORTHERN HARRIERS, and 1 light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK that were observed at the Peabody Wildlife Management Area.

Waterfowl of interest included 20 REDHEADS, 3 MUTE SWANS, and 3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE observed on Petros Pond on January 16. Also 5 CACKLING GEESE were at Griffin Park. 8 MUTE SWANS were also observed at the Peabody WMA, and 10 more along Homer Murray Road near Woodburn in Warren County.

Also observed were some wintering birds that have been scarce this year. 3 CEDAR WAXWINGS were observed at the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, and several reports of YELLOW-RUMPS WARBLERS were made, including a dozen or so from the Lewis County WMA on the Ohio River. Finally, a single RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was seen at Cave Run Lake.