The Chat
Buchanan County Bird Club Newsletter
Editors Roger and Lynda Mayhorn

The Buchanan County Bird Club meets the
2^nd Monday of each month at the
Buchanan County Public Library at 6:30 PM

Volume 3     Issue 11     October 2004

This unusually colored Mourning Dove showed up at the Mayhorns’ feeder on Compton Mt on Oct. 3. At first glance Roger thought the bird had black feathers around the chest and neck area, but on closer examination with binoculars he decided that the bird must have gotten into oil or some other substance that gave the feathers the dark appearance.

Red-breasted Nuthatches are not annual winter visitors to our area, but every few years, probably due to a food shortage farther north, they move into our area. Well it seems this year is one of those years. They were last seen in Buchanan County in numbers in 2002. The first Red-breasted in the area this year was observed on the Mayhorns’ property on Compton Mt as early as Sept. 22. Another was observed at the Birch Knob Hawk Watch on September 25. Since then they have shown up in different areas of the county.  The Red-breasted Nuthatch at 4.5 inches is smaller than the 5.75 inch White-breasted Nuthatch that we normally see at our feeders. Where the White-breasted has a plain white face the Red-breasted has a dark eye stripe with white above and below it. The Red-breasted has a pale orange belly, but the White-breasted is mostly white underneath. The Red-breasted’s call is also much higher pitched than the White-breasted’s. The sound has been compared to the sound of a toy tin horn. Be on the lookout for these little fellows in pine trees or at your feeders this winter. 

Orange-crowned Warbler

On October 12 Roger Mayhorn saw a small bird in the cherry tree outside his kitchen window. At first he thought it was a Tennessee Warbler, but this bird was a bit different. The coloration was a bit different. This bird had bright yellow undertail coverts. Tennessee Warblers always have white or very light yellow feathers under the tail. Roger took this and several other photos. The bird was an Orange-crowned Warbler, a species that is seen only occasionally here in the county during migration. It nests in Alaska and Canada and the Western U.S. in brushy deciduous thickets. David Raines had also found an Orange-crown on his property just two days before on Oct. 10.

Ed Caudill saw the first Winter Wren of the season in the county on October 9. These thumb sized little wrens nest north of us, but come this far south to spend the winter. They can usually be seen feeding around tree roots, in brush piles or along the edges of banks. David Raines also saw a Winter Wren in the Breaks area on Oct 23.

Marie Miller was outside her house on Slate Creek on Oct 14, when she saw a large white bird flying overhead. She quickly went inside, grabbed her camera and managed to get a photograph before the bird disappeared over the mountain. When she had the photo developed, the bird was just a tiny black speck in the middle of a gray sky. She thought the photo was useless as a means of identifying the bird. However, fellow bird club member, Roger Mayhorn, took the photo and scanned it into his computer as a very large file. This allowed him to enlarge the photo on the computer. Even though the result was not a great photo, it was good enough for Roger to determine that the bird had large wings and was flying from left to right with its neck tucked in close to its body with legs trailing behind. This is indicative of a heron or an egret. If the neck had been outstretched it would have indicated a stork or a crane such as a Whooping Crane or a Sandhill Crane. Since Marie had gotten a good look at the bird and saw that it was white, Roger knew the bird was almost certainly an egret, probably a Great Egret, a bird that is sometimes seen in this area, and a species that has been passing through the area during October. This just proves that even a picture of a distant bird or a poor photo can be an aid to identifying a species. Photos or video are invaluable as documentation for a species unusual to the area. The next time you seen an unusual bird, grab your camera and start shooting. Congratulations Marie! That’s the type of action that we like to see from our club members.

Despite Saturday morning rain and wind Roger and Lynda Mayhorn drove to the home of David and Susan Raines in The Breaks on October 16 for a sparrow birding day on David’s property. The original plan had been to go birding at Beaver Knob near Elkhorn, KY first, but because of the weather that was dropped. Around noon the sun came out as Johnnie and Betty Ratliff showed up. That’s Johnnie, David and Roger in the photo. The first Pine Siskins of the season and White-crowned Sparrows were some of the first birds seen at David’s feeders. A pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks was also seen at the edge of a field. A Lincoln’s Sparrow was found, along with Song Sparrows, a Field Sparrow, a Swamp Sparrow and a few White-throated Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows. Earlier in the day David had seen a Blue-headed Vireo and a Palm Warbler near his house.3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets were seen along the edge of a field, and a late Summer Tanager came down to a small stream.  During one of the short intervals, when the sun came out, a flock of 50-60 crows rose from above the mountaintop with a Red-shouldered Hawk and a Cooper’s circling beneath them. The Cooper’s made several dives on the Red-shouldered, but didn’t seem to have much effect on the buteo.  Later David grilled hotdogs, and everyone had an enjoyable meal. Thanks to David and Susan for their hospitality and for inviting the club to bird on their property. 

On October 17 the first Purple Finch of the season showed up at the Mayhorns’ feeders on Compton Mt. It was either a female or a first year male. (They look similar) On October 21 the first raspberry colored male showed up. Then on the 26th two more of the species made an appearance. After that the numbers kept increasing until on November 1 a total of 20 came to the feeders (some of the group in photo). These sparrow-sized finches will stay in the area throughout the winter. They will then go north and select a territory. They will choose a small or medium sized spruce or fir in open woodland in which to build their cup-like nest of twigs, lined with hair, fine rootlets or even occasionally sheep wool. The female will lay 3-5 blue-green eggs. After the young are raised and fledged at 14 days the family will join large flocks of these finches to forage for food. 

On October 19 Johnnie and Betty Ratliff had a Ruby-throated Hummingbird at their feeder at Little Prater. On the 23rd Johnnie saw another one. This one not only fed at the feeder, but also bathed in the yard pond. If you see a hummer in October or later take a close look at it. It may be a western species. Most of you will remember that Johnnie and Betty had a Rufous Hummingbird at their feeder throughout the month of December 2003. Johnnie has also been seeing flocks of Red-tailed Hawks flying over the area during October.

The National Audubon Society recently released a “State of the Bird” report. The group studied data from 1966 to 2003 for 654 species. The report found that 70 percent of the grassland species, such as the Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, Short-eared Owl and Greater Prairie Chicken, are doing poorly.  Of the birds living in shrublands, including the Northern Bobwhite, Painted Bunting and Florida Scrub Jay, 36 percent of species are not doing well.  Of the species living in forests 25 percent are declining. For birds living in urban areas 23 percent are on the decline and of those using wetlands 13 percent are on the downward slide.  Wouldn’t it be a sad commentary on our society that within a hundred years many of the birds we see often and take for granted may be gone forever?

In mid-October Ed and Michelle Talbott were having lunch at the Huddle House in Grundy, when an Osprey flew in and landed in a large Sycamore tree just across the road. Ed pointed out the fish hawk to some others in the restaurant. The Osprey put on a show by flying off down the river, then returning 30 seconds later.

This female Blackpoll Warbler was found and photographed on Compton Mt by Roger Mayhorn on October 20. This bird was distinguished from the similarly colored Bay-breasted Warbler by the light streaking on the breast, and white undertail coverts. These small warblers have only been observed in Buchanan County two other times, September 20, 2002 and October 2, 2003. All three sightings have taken place on the Mayhorns’ property on Compton Mt.

Ed Talbott III on October 21 birded Caney Island Branch near Weller Yard. There he found a Tennessee Warbler, a Magnolia Warbler, Song Sparrows, a couple of White-throated Sparrows and a Lincoln’s Sparrow. Ed also saw what he thought was a Swamp Sparrow. At a pile of logs he saw his first Winter Wren of the season.

On October 22 David Raines at the Breaks and Roger Mayhorn on Compton Mt saw their first Dark-eyed Juncos (Snowbirds) of the season. This is a bird that migrates vertically. Instead of heading north during the summer this bird migrates to the highest surrounding mountains to nest and raise its young. Then during the fall this species drops back down into the lower elevations to spend the winter.

This small brown bird with a de-curved (down curved) beak was photographed on the Mayhorns’ property on October 22. This was the first Brown Creeper of the fall season. This is another one of those small birds that spends its summer to our north, but comes south to escape the harsh winters. These little birds spend their time searching along the bark on the bodies and branches of trees looking for insects. When they stop they blend so well with the bark of the tree, that they are difficult to see.

First Common Grackles of the season
Ed Talbott II also saw the first Grackles of the season on October 22 near the mouth of Home Creek. About 50 of these large icterids (blackbirds ) were roosting in the trees there. On his morning run Ed has also been seeing a Belted Kingfisher along the Levisa river.  Just two days later Ed had this species coming to his feeders at Big Rock, VA. A large flock of these rather large birds can be a nuisance at feeders. 

BCBC members, Dave and Diana Worley, recently returned from a birding trip to Great Britain. They arrived in London on Sunday, October 3 and started birding from the airport. Between the airport and the city of London they picked up a Carrion Crow, a Kingfisher and a Sparrow Hawk.  They next day they birded Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. There they found Tufted Ducks, Great Crested Grebes, Mandarin Ducks, Barnacle Geese and Grey Wagtails. On Tuesday they left with their group and headed for Exeter. On the way they saw Pied Wagtails, European Robins (in photo), Goldfinches and Coal Tits. That evening they had a Common Buzzard (hawk) in the field near their hotel.  On Wednesday they went to Plymouth and the Mayflower steps, where the pilgrims left England in 1620. There they saw a Razorbill. Then it was on to Wales where they saw a Eurasian Oystercatcher and Gray Heron.  They birded along the Irish Sea on Thursday and found Eurasian Curlew, Common Greenshank and some Rooks.  On Friday while heading for Scotland they picked up a flock of Wagtails and saw several Eurasian Kestrels along the way.  In Scotland while birding along the lochs (lakes) Dave and Diana saw Song Thrushes and a Little Grebe.  Over the next few days they toured castles and churches and birded around them. They added the Blue and Great Tit and Bohemian Waxwings to their list. In the highlands of Scotland they saw several Black Grouse and observed a Golden Eagle. Kestrels were common there, as well as Common Pheasants.  At Saint Andrews at the bay they found 50 Common Eiders, hundreds of Oystercatchers, lots of Curlews and Redshanks.  They left Scotland and headed back into England. On day 14 just outside London they saw crows, Jackdaws, more Rooks and Wood Pigeons. There they also three Red Kites, which was the last lifebird of the trip. Their total species for the trip was 104. 43 of those were lifebirds. Dave and Diana, you’re making us envious. 

While watching the birds at his feeder on October 28, Roger Mayhorn saw an unusual bird among the regulars at his feeders. It turned out to be a partial albino House Finch. The bird had large white wingbars that came together across its back, giving the impression that a white chevron had been painted there. The bird also had a somewhat deformed bill. Partial albino birds of several species are not uncommon. In fact in a very large flock of one species it would not be unusual to find a partial albino among the group. Blackbirds and Robins are two groups that often have albino or partial albino individuals. 

Red-headed Woodpeckers are not common in Buchanan County, but are often seen in the more open pastureland of neighboring Russell and Washington Counties. They are seen here occasionally during fall migration and this year they seem to be much more numerous. Several were seen at Birch Knob in Dickenson County during the hawk watch in September. Dave Worley saw one near his home in Russell Co. on November 2. Two were seen on Compton Mt at the Mayhorn home on Warbler Watch Day on September 11.One was observed at David Raines home on October 16. However, the best sightings have been in Johnnie and Betty Ratliff’s yard on Little Prater. A couple of these birds have been spending time at the Ratliff feeders and in the trees around the yard. Johnnie says these are beautiful birds with completely red heads, black backs with large white wing patches. We are hoping Johnnie will be able to get some photos.

This male Sharp-shinned Hawk has decided that the feeders at the Mayhorns’ home on Compton Mt have golden arches over them. He keeps returning to get breakfast, lunch and dinner, though he is not always successful. One day Roger and Lynda heard a loud thump at the kitchen window. They went in to find a large dove-sized imprint on their window, and all of the birds had fled from the feeders. They believe that the Sharpie drove a Mourning Dove into the window, then grabbed it and flew off. Sharp-shinneds have been observed using this strategy. 

Once again Michelle Talbott and her parents invited the bird club to Guesses Fork for its annual Sparrow Day on their property. The morning weather was clear and cool, but the constant wind gusts kept many of the birds down in the cover out of sight.  On hand were Ed and Michelle, Ed and Mary Talbott, Johnnie and Betty Ratliff, David Raines, Marie Miller and Roger Mayhorn. 36 species were counted for the day. The day started with large flocks of Cedar Waxwings passing overhead every few minutes. Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks put on an aerial display for the group as the raptors circled overhead or made diving runs at the flocks of Waxwings and large flocks of Goldfinches feeding on weed seeds.  White-throated Sparrows were the most numerous of the sparrow species with Song Sparrows being a close second. Two Field Sparrows were seen and one of those had a white forehead and a deformed, pointed head. Roger Mayhorn tried to get a photo, but the bird kept dropping into the thick cover. 3 Swamp Sparrows were observed near a small pond and thanks to the sharp eyes of David Raines 3 Vesper Sparrows were found close by at the edge of the dirt road. Ed Talbott set up the scope and everyone got great looks. Roger Mayhorn then did a slow stalk of the birds and was able to get close enough for some photos.  Only one White-crowned Sparrow was located, and it was an immature bird. Only one Purple Finch was found as well as one Brown Thrasher, one Eastern Meadowlark, one Rose-breasted Grosbeak and one Woodcock. Surprisingly, no Dark-eyed Juncos were found, nor were any Eastern Bluebirds located.  With the sky darkening and threatening rain the group gathered in the regular picnic place, which was just where part of the resident cattle herd decided to spend time. The cattle were driven off, but kept returning, thinking they were going to be fed. Ed Talbott II built a fire, while the rest of the group cut sticks for roasting wieners. Michelle’s parents, Billy Ray and Shirley joined the group, and everyone had a nice lunch of hotdogs, chips with deviled eggs and brownies made by Marie Miller and oatmeal cookies made by Mary Talbott. The club is grateful to Billy Ray, Shirley and Michelle for allowing the club the use of their property. 

Fellow Club member, Dave Worley received a call from the landowner of Stuart’s Pond in Rosedale VA on October 31. He was told that there was a large number of white birds at the pond. Dave arrived shortly at the pond at 9:30 AM to find 51 Great Egrets in the trees around the pond. The birds were evidently migrating through the area and decided to rest at this body of water. The birds remained there for the rest of the day.  Dave also had 32 Pine Siskins at his feeder on November 2.
 

Great Blue Herons have become more common to the area over the past several years, but during the fall migration they become even more numerous as they stop along the rivers to rest and feed. Paula Young, Assistant Professor of Law at the Appalachian School of Law, and who attended her first bird club meeting here last month, saw a Great Blue standing on a rock in the middle of the Levisa River on October 31. She didn’t have binoculars but she was able to take note of the bird’s size, the bluish-grey coloring and the dark markings at the front of the folded wing, which indicates that this bird was an adult. A juvenile does not have the black on the wing. 

White-crowned Sparrow

Vesper Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Brown-headed Cowbird

Northern Mockingbird

Pine Siskin