Bird Sightings Report

Bird Sighting Report, June 1 to June 30, 2010

For many species, breeding activities centering around the nest shifts to the care and feeding of fledgling young as the month progresses. Song activity decreases towards the end of the month, and the persistent begging of young can often be heard. Look for species in unusual habitats as post-juvenile wandering begins.

Species Accounts

Ducks: Gene Lewis reported Mexican Mallards (a subspecies of the common Mallard) at the Tyrone sewage ponds (21 on 6 June; 14 on13 June; 41 on 20 June; and 47 on 27 June). He also reports Blue-winged Teal (2 on 13 June; and 2 on 27 June) and Cinnamon Teal (4 on 6 June; and 1 on 20 June) at the same location. Larry Malone reported a Wood Duck at the Deming Waste Water Plant (12 June).

Cormorants: Larry Malone reported a Double-crested Cormorant at the Deming Waste Water Plant (12 June).

Herons: Gene Lewis reported a Cattle Egret at the Tyrone sewage ponds (6 June). Larry Malone reported a Green Heron in the Deming area (1 June).

Hawks: Jim Rogers reported a Swainson’s Hawk at the Grant County Airport (23 June), and a Harris Hawk (22 June) in Deming. An Osprey was reported near Cliff (Devena Crosley, 7 June and by Angela Slaugh, 8 June).

Swainson’s Hawk by Jim Rodgers, Grant Co. Airport, 23 June

Shorebirds: Gene Lewis reported a Spotted Sandpiper at the Tyrone sewage ponds (6 June).

Cuckoos: Yellow-billed Cuckoos were detected on a regular basis throughout the Cliff/Gila Valley during June (many observers).

Nightjars: Larry Malone reported a Common Nighthawk at the Mogollon Box above Cliff (22 June). In addition Larry Malone and a group of additional birders reported 4

Owls: Robert Shantz reported a Burrowing Owl on SR 338 in Hidalgo County (19 June). Larry Malone reported a Spotted Owl on an owling trip with several other people on Signal Peak (25 June).

Burrowing Owl by Robert Shantz, Hidalgo Co, 19 June

Woodpeckers: Gila Woodpeckers were detected at several locations in the Cliff/Gila Valley throughout the month of June (several observers).

Flycatchers: Willow Flycatcher numbers in the Cliff/Gila Valley appear to be greater this year than in the past several years (Roland Shook).

Vireos: Teri Matelson reported a Yellow-throated Vireo at  Mangas Springs (26 June). To my knowledge this is only the third record for the Gila River Valley. Water from Mangas Springs flows for approximately 6 miles before it enters the Gila River below Bill Evans Lake. Roland Shook reported a late Warbling Vireo in the Gila Bird Area (5 June).

Corvids: Seventeen Pinyon Jays were observed in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 26 June). Two American Crows were heard along the Gila River near Cliff where they have been scarce (Angela Slaugh, 28 June) and on 29 June (Devena Crosley, Danielle Walkup).

Silky Flycatchers: Dale Zimmerman reported a Phainopepla at his Silver City residence (4 June).

Warblers: Larry Malone reported an adult male Olive Warbler feeding young on Meadow Creek Road (26 June).

Towhees: An Abert’s Towhee was reported on The Nature Conservancy land in the Cliff/Gila Valley (Angela Slaugh, 8 June) and on private land in the Cliff/Gila Valley (Allena Thompson, Angela Slaugh, and Denise Friedrick, 14 June).

Grosbeaks: Mel Moe reported a rare Yellow Grosbeak in his yard located five miles north of Rodeo (5 June). The bird flew west into Arizona after Mel took the following picture.

Yellow Grosbeak by Mel Moe, Rodeo, 5 June

Icterids: Gene Lewis reported a Bronzed Cowbird at the Tyrone sewage ponds (6 June) and a male and female visiting his house daily during the month of June. A male Hooded Oriole was reported from the Gila Bird Area (26 June).

Bird Records

The following is general information concerning the use of records like those listed above. These considerations are modified from those found on the New Mexico Ornithological Society (NMOS) Web site (www.nmbirds.org) and are based on discussions between many individuals familiar with the production and use of avian records. It is important to recognize the potential sources or errors or incomplete/inaccurate data when utilizing historical records/reports. The following represents some of the common causes of unintentional misinformation found in bird records.

By their nature, published and unpublished observations of bird species are selective. An observer somewhere records personal observations of one to several species of birds. The observer decides that some/all of the observations are worthy of note and documents his/her observations. Some of these observations are then submitted to an editor or compiler to be included in a publication, recognized count or included in personal records.

If these records are submitted to an editor or compiler, they assess all submissions and determine which records represent biologically interesting or significant data that add to the knowledge base and are worthy of inclusion in the specific publication or count. Due to the limitations of space in many publications, these “worthy records” from multiple contributors are compiled, summarized, and published as important records for the state or are included in the records of a specific count.

The data available to many publications or counts are the product of the observations and data recording/submission practices of many individuals. Therefore, the quality of the data is dependent on the skills of the observers, which vary considerably. Misidentifications occur in spite of the best intentions of the observer and in spite of diligent screening of submissions by the editor or compiler.

In many cases, submitted observations are not a product of standardized or well-described field data collection methods. Lack of data does not necessarily mean lack of birds. Documented patterns in bird data in a particular location may not necessarily correspond to actual changes in bird numbers or their presence/absence. This could be for a number of reasons associated with observers. It may indicate a lack of observers in a locality or region. The number and/or quality of observers in a particular area may also have changed over time. For example:  (1) a long-time observer who submitted many reports from a particular area may move or no longer be able to submit observations, (2) a new observer may begin submitting reports in an area from which reports were previously rare, or (3) an observer’s skills may improve or decline over time. Also, the number of records could be associated with the behavior of a species, as some species are more or less detectable at different times of the year.

Also, the information on the location of the observation is of varying quality and specificity. Historical locations were frequently very general and/or difficult to understand or relocate, especially for early observations, prior to the common use of standardized maps or GPS units.

For all or some of the above reasons, interpret bird records with caution.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, please include a date and location. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated. Undated sightings, with or without a location, are of little value. Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. A thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Bird Sightings Report, May 1 to May 31, 2010

May began with snow falling in Silver City on the first day of the month. Night time lows on the Gila River were in the low 40s and persisted throughout many of the early days of the month. It is difficult to know what affect this had on breeding birds. The height of the breeding season in our area is from 15 May to 15 June. As nesting begins, there is a noticeable decline in detectability for many species as one or both members of the breeding pair takes up the duties of brooding the eggs. Once the eggs have hatched, then the task of feeding hungry and impatient chicks begins, and detectability again increases.

Species Accounts

see also the results of the North American Migratory Count – Grant County, that follows the Species Accounts section.

Ducks: Larry Malone reported a Wood Duck at the Deming Waste Water Treatment plant (8 and 19 May).

Quail: Two Montezuma Quail were seen at Karen Beckenbach’s Silver City residence (11 may).

Pelicans: Larry Malone reports a Brown Pelican on Lake Roberts (28 May).

Herons and Ibis: A White-faced Ibis was reported from Mangas Springs (Laura Casas, 5 May). A Snowy Egret was seen by Laura Casas at Mangas Springs (5 May). A Cattle Egret was reported by Carolyn Malone (Deming, 8 May)

Snowy Egret by Laura Casas, Mangas Sp, 5 May

Hawks: A Peregrine Falcon was  reported near Silver City by Julian Lee (13 May). A Harris Hawk was seen 9 miles south of Deming (Larry Malone, 8 May). Sandy Williams reports a White-tailed Kite 5  miles west of Columbus (26 May) and one north of the Animas Store in Animas (28 May). Brian Dolton reports a Northern Goshawk over Signal Peak (23 May). Ella Myers  reported a Common Black-Hawk nesting on the Mimbres River (17 May). An Osprey was seen in the Cliff/Gila Valley (Daniel Walkup, Davena Crosley, 27 May).

Shorebirds: A Spotted Sandpiper was seen at Mangas Springs (Laura Casas, 7 May) and at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 1 on 2 May, 11 on 9 May, 9 on 16 May). Larry Malone reports 28 Willets west of Deming (7 May). Gene Lewis reports 9 Western Sandpipers at the Tyrone sewage ponds (2 May). Wilson’s Phalaropes were seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 1 on 2 May, 13 on 9 May, 3 on 16 May).

Pigeons and Doves: Karen Beckenbach reported 2 Band-tailed Pigeons at her Silver City residence (11 May) and a total of 20 on 25 May. Gene Lewis reported approximately 20 Band-tailed Pigeons at the Tyrone sewage ponds (30 May). A singing Common Ground-Dove was reported by Sandy Williams on NM 9 in the Playas Valley at mile marker 26 (28 May).

Owls: A Northern Pygmy-Owl was seen at the Jennings’ residence on Highway 152, 10 miles east of Silver City (May 1). “Ski” Szymanski reported a Barn Owl at the Lichty Center along the Gila River (1 May).

Barn Owl by “Ski” Szymanski, Lichty Center, 1 May

Hummingbirds: Karen Blisard reported a Rufous Hummingbird at her residence near Pinos Altos (4 May).

Woodpeckers: An Acorn Woodpecker was seen at Mangas Springs (Laura Casas, 11 May).

Flycatchers: Jim Rogers reported a “Western Flycatcher,” most likely a Cordilleran Flycatcher at Cherry Cr. Campground (11 May). “Western Flycatcher” was split into Pacific-slope Flycatcher and Cordilleran Flycatcher. During migration these two species are almost impossible to separate. A singing, territorial bird at Cherry Creek Campground would be a Cordilleran Flycatcher.

“Western Flycatcher” by Jim Rogers, Cherry Cr. Campground, 11 May

Vireos: Sandy Williams reported a Bell’s Vireo along NM 9 in the Playas Valley (28 May).

Jays: Sixteen Pinyon Jays and 1 Steller’s Jay were seen at the Karen Beckenbach’s Silver City residence (11 May).

Thrashers: Larry Malone reports an adult Bendire’s Thrasher feeding a young at Deming (19 May).

Warblers: Gene Lewis saw at least one Orange-crowned, Virginia’s, Yellow and Yellow-rumped Warblers at the Tyrone sewage ponds (9 May). Sandy Williams reported a Lucy’s Warbler at Hachita (27 May) and 2 Lucy’s Warblers along NM 9 in the Playas Valley (28 May).

Tanagers: Jim Roger reported a Western Tanager in Hanover (5 May); while Karen Beckenbach reported 21 Western Tanagers at her Silver City residence (11 May); Laura Casas reported a pair of Western Tanagers at Mangas Springs (12 May);  Linda Zatopek reported one at her residence in the Burro Mts. (14 May), and Junella Haynes reported a male and female Western Tanager at her Silver City residence (12 May, 15 May). Karen Beckenbach also reported a Hepatic Tanager at her Silver City residence (11 May).

Towhees: A lingering Green-tailed Towhee was seen by Junella Haynes at her Silver City residence (12 May) and one was also seen by Gene Lewis at his Silver City residence (15 May).

Sparrows: A Clay-colored Sparrow was seen by Larry Malone (Columbus, 8 May).

Grosbeaks: Fifteen Black-headed Grosbeaks were reported by Karen Beckenbach at her Silver City residence (11 May). A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was reported by Steve London at his residence (near Hanover, 13 May).

Buntings: A Lazuli Bunting was seen visiting the feeders at the Karen Beckenbach Silver City residence (11 May), one was seen by Laura Casas at Mangas Springs (8 May), and a male was seen by Gene Lewis at his Silver City residence (15 and 16 May).

Icterids: Two Scott’s Orioles were reported by Karen Beckenbach at her Silver City residence (11 May). Gene Lewis reported a Bronzed Cowbird at his Silver City residence (12 May to 30 May)

Finches: Karen Beckenbach reported a Cassin’s Finch at her Silver City residence (11 May). Larry Malone reports a very high count, for this date, of 82 Pine Siskins in Deming  (19 May).

2010 North American Migratory Count – Grant County, 8 May 2010

Jerry Bird Compiler

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, please include a date and location. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated. Undated sightings, with or without a location, are of little value. Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. A thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Bird Sightings Report, April 1 to April 30, 2010

April provides a bridge between the first to arrive migrants of mid-March to the height of the breeding season in latter May. Owing to the unusual weather in our area during April, it will be interesting to observe how the weather will affect the breeding season. Many warblers, flycatchers, and others that rely on insects have had a much harder time than usual procuring food. Lucy’s Warbler and to a lesser degree Yellow Warbler, are early breeders. In “normal” years Lucy’s Warblers have almost finished raising a brood of chicks by the end of April. Cold, blustery weather makes this much more difficult.

Quiz Bird

Dale Zimmerman sends the following image to challenge you identification skills. This bird is a winter visitor to our area.

Photo by Dale Zimmerman, Silver City, 17 April

Species Accounts

Ducks: Gene Lewis reports 2 Blue-winged Teal (18 April); Cinnamon Teal (1 on 4 April and 2 on 18 April); and a Bufflehead (25 April), all at the Tyrone sewage ponds.

Herons: Gene Lewis reports a Black-crowned Night Heron at the Tyrone sewage ponds (18 and 25 April).

Hawks:  Jim Rodgers observed a Common Black-Hawk at Bear Canyon Lake (4 April) and Peter Riva of Gila noted one nesting near Bear Creek (6 April). “Ski” Szymanski reported 2 Prairie Falcons near Box Canyon (5 April), and one was seen by Patricia Taber at the same location (10-11 April). Jim Rogers reports an Osprey at Bear Canyon Lake (9 April).

Common Black-Hawk photo by Jim Rogers, Bear Canyon Lake, 4 April

Osprey photo by Jim Rogers, Bear Canyon Lake, 9 April

Owls: Hamilton reported a Burrowing Owl south of Silver City where San Vicente Creek crosses Ridge Road (5 April).

Hummingbirds: Male Black-chinned Hummingbirds are visiting feeders. One at Sam Fry’s residence off Red Rock Rd., near Silver City (4 April), and one at Denise Friedrick’s residence in Silver City (4 April), another at Jim Rogers’ residence (Hanover, 12 April). A  male Broad-tailed Hummingbird was seen by Denise Friedrick (Silver City, 4 April) and Richard Matthews reports this same species (Silver City, 8 April). Karen Blisard reports the previous two species north of Silver City near Pinos Altos on 5 April, as well as, a Calliope Hummingbird (near Silver City, 5 April).

Black-chinned Hummingbird photo by Sam Fry, Silver City, 4 April

Flycatchers: Elizabeth Rockey reports an adult male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher that she saw on Mount View Rd. in Silver City (28 April). Denise Friedrick and Allena Thompson saw a Brown-crested Flycatcher in the Gila Bird Area (15 April). Denise Friedrick and Allena Thompson also saw and heard a Dusky-capped Flycatcher in the Gila Bird Area (15 April).

Vireos: Denise Friedrick reported hearing a Plumbeous Vireo in the Cliff/Gila Valley (25 April).

Wrens: A Rock Wren was seen by Richard Matthews at his Dos Griegos residence (Silver City, 2 April).

Gnatcatchers: Gene Lewis reported a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at the Tyrone sewage ponds (11 April). He relays that this is the first one he knows of at this location. The 205th species on his list for the sewage ponds!

Warblers: Karen Blisard reported many Painted Redstarts at Little Cherry Creek (4 April). A Yellow-rumped Warbler was seen bathing by Jim Rogers at his Hanover residence (11 April) and Dale Zimmerman reports four of the subspecies D. c. auduboni feeding at the suet feeder for days (25 April). Lots of Lucy’s Warblers were reported by Patricia Taber (Box Canyon, 10-11 April). Denise Friedrick reported a male Wilson’s Warbler in the Cliff/Gila Valley (21 April)

Yellow-rumped Warbler photo by Dale Zimmerman, Silver City, 25 April

Emberizids: Many Black-throated Sparrows were seen by Patricia Taber (Box Canyon, 10-11 April). Elaine Halbedel reported a male Dickcissel at the intersection of Artcher and Cottage Sands Rds. near Silver City (18 April).

Icterids: Patricia Taber reported a Bullock’s Oriole in her yard and later at her feeder (Silver City, 3 April). Jim Rogers reports a Scott’s Oriole at his residence (Hanover, 9 April). A Yellow-headed Blackbird was reported by Gene Lewis (Tyrone sewage ponds, 18 April).

Answer to Quiz Bird

Note the submoustachial stripe is a buffy ochre. The white throat hints of fine streaks. Although mostly hidden in this picture, the breast is thinly streaked with dark brown, the breast and flanks are a buffy ochre. Sometimes there is a central breast spot. The face is grayish, and in flight, this species appears rather pale grayish overall. In the winter Lincoln’s Sparrows are often found in bushy undergrowth near water. Sometimes relatively easy to see but at others they become the sulkier of the undergrowth.

Lincoln’s Sparrow was first discovered by Audubon on a trip to Labrador. It was named in honor of one of Audubon’s young companions, Thomas Lincoln, who collected the first specimen.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, please include a date and location. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated. Undated sightings, with or without a location, are of little value. Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. A thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Bird Sightings Report, March 1 to March 31, 2010

March is the month of the early spring migrants. I mentally mark March 15th on my calendar as the time that Common Black-Hawks arrive soon to be followed by Lucy’s Warblers, Yellow Warbler’s, Vermilion Flycatchers, Bell’s Vireos and, as the month of March turns into April, a host of additional species. There are still some lingering winter visitors but as the days progress there will be fewer and fewer.

Species Accounts

Geese: 3 Canada Geese (Roland Shook, Gila Bird Area, 6 and 13 March).

Ducks: Patricia Taber reports two possible Greater Scaup at Bill Evans Lake (20 March); Gene Lewis reported Cinnamon Teal from Tyrone sewage ponds (6 on 1 March, 2 on 10 March and 12 on 21 March) and two members of this species were seen at Mangas Springs by Patricia Taber (21 March). A Blue-winged Teal was seen by Sam Fry at Mangas Springs (7 March).

Gallinaceous Birds : Jim Rodgers saw numerous Wild Turkeys near the Mimbres’ Forest Service Office (18 March).  Two female Montezuma Quail at Karen Beckenbach residence (13 March). One bird was photographed by Dale Zimmerman with the following comments: “The bird is in perfect plumage, showing well the unique overall color — that peculiar pinkish brown shade that somehow most artists fail to interpret properly when they do Montezuma Quail. The eye and bill colors show well, too.” A small covey of Montezuma Quail were seen on the Jack Carter’s property north of Silver City (fide Dale Zimmerman, 18 March).

Female Montezuma Quail, photo by Dale Zimmerman, Silver City, 13 March

Grebes: Western Grebes at Bill Evans Lake (Roland Shook, 2 on 6 March, 2 on 18 March, 2 on 25 March). Paul and Deloris Sellin also saw a Western Grebe at Bill Evans Lake (18 March) and another was seen by Patricia Taber at the same location (20 March).

Cormorants: a Double-crested Cormorant at Lake Roberts (Gene Lewis, 27 March).

Vultures: Karen Beckenbach saw a Turkey Vulture just east of the intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 80 eating a road kill with some ravens (3 March). Gene Lewis reported 50+ Turkey Vultures over Silver City (25 March).

Hawks:  An Osprey was seen on TNC’s Iron Bridge property by a small group of bird watchers led by Jerry Bird (7 March); Gene Lewis reported an Osprey at Lake Roberts (27 March).  At the Silver City residence of Jerry Bird, a Zone-tailed Hawk was seen (7 March). Alan Seegert saw a Common Black-Hawk at the Glenwood Fish Hatchery (18 March). An adult Bald Eagle was seen by Julian Lee south of Glenwood (22 March). Bob Wilcox had an usual sighting of two Peregrine Falcons sitting on a telephone pole in his back yard in Silver City (21 March).

Cranes: Sam Fry reports at approximately 66 Sandhill Cranes flying over Mangas Springs (7 March).

Shorebirds: Karen Beckenbach reported 3 Black-necked Stilts in the playa at the intersection of I-10 and Highway 338 (3 March).

Pigeons and Doves: A Band-tailed Pigeon was seen at the Jack Carter’s Silver City residence (18 March). Three to four Inca Doves were seen at the Gene Lewis residence in Silver City during the month of March.

Band-tailed Pigeon, photo by Dale Zimmerman, Silver City, 18 March

Owls: Alan Seegert reports a Pygmy Owl being harassed by a Curve-billed Thrasher (10 March,  Glenwood).

Hummingbirds:  a  male Broad-tailed Hummingbird was heard at the Roland Shook’s residence (30 March).

Woodpeckers: A Lewis’ Woodpecker was visiting a feeder at Henry Cole’s Riverside home (6  March , fide Carol Fugagli). A small group of bird watchers led by Jerry Bird saw a Gila Woodpecker at TNC’s Iron Bridge property (7 March).

Flycatchers: 3 Vermilion Flycatchers were seen by a small group of bird watchers led by Jerry Bird on TNC’s Iron Bridge property (7 March); another Vermilion Flycatcher was seen at Mangas Springs by Sam Fry (7 March); a pair of Vermilion Flycatchers were seen by Patricia Taber at Mangas Springs (20 March).

Swallows: A small group of bird watchers led by Jerry Bird saw several Violet-green and Rough-winged Swallows on TNC’s Iron Bridge property (7 March). Violet Green Swallows were also seen at Mangas Springs (Paul and Deloris Sellin, 18 March).

Thrushes: Jerry and Debbie Bird reported a Hermit Thrush at their Silver City residence (7 March). Gene Lewis reported Western Bluebirds from Tyrone sewage ponds (3 on 7 March, 5 on 14 March).  

Warblers: Rosemary Samulski reported a Painted Redstart in the Indian Hills subdivision north of Silver City (16 March) and another was reported by Jim Rogers (26 March, Arenas Valley).  A male Olive Warbler on the Gold Dust trail near Glenwood (Alan Seegert, 18 March). A Common Yellowthroat was heard at Mangas Springs (Paul and Deloris Sellin, 18 March).

Painted Redstart, Photo by Jim Rogers, Arenas Valley, 26 March

Emberizids: At least 3 Cassin’s Finches were seen at the residence of Jerry and Debbie Bird (a female on the 11th  and 2 males and a female on 12 March)   A Yellow-eyed Junco was again seen by Karen Beckenbach at her Silver City residence daily through much of  March. Dave Griffin is studying Yellow-eyed Juncos on Jack’s Peak. He would appreciate any records of Silver City birds or Pinos Altos birds. Please email him at griffinbio@gmail.com or call 575 382 2080. A White-throated Sparrow was seen by Alan Seegert at the Glenwood Fish Hatchery (18 March). A Lincoln’s Sparrow at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 28 March) , as well as 4-10 Savannah Sparrows at the same location and same observer throughout March. A Brewer’s Sparrow was also reported by Gene Lewis from the Tyrone sewage ponds (21 March).

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, please include a date and location. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated. Undated sightings, with or without a location, are of a lesser value. Please send these to tyrannidae@gmail.com. A thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Bird Sighting Report, February 1 to February 28, 2010

As the days lengthen  and the temperatures begin to climb, more and more species are preparing for the breeding season. February, in many ways was similar to December and January in that the number of birds in our area appeared to be much lower than in previous years. This is partially owing  to the number of winter storms, and also perhaps to the lack of a local food supply. As previously reported, many sparrows and other seed eating birds have chosen to winter south of the Mexican border. There is hope. More and more species are beginning to sing and the spring migration will begin around mid-march with the return of Common Black-Hawks, Lucy Warblers, and others.

Species Accounts

Geese: 2 Canada Geese (Roland Shook, Gila Bird Area, 1 and 26 Feb).

Ducks: 3 Hooded Mergansers on Lake Roberts were seen by participants of the SWNM Audubon field trip (20 Feb). 4 male Cinnamon Teal (Roland Shook, Bill Evans Lake, 26 Feb), and Lesser Scaup (Roland Shook, Bill Evans Lake, 16 Feb).

Gallinaceous Birds :  a Wild Turkey at Luna (21 Feb) observed by Brian Heap.

Grebes: Western Grebes at Bill Evans Lake (Roland Shook, 2 on 1 Feb, 2 on 12 Feb, 1 on 16 Feb).

Vultures: Gene Lewis reports seeing a Turkey Vulture over Silver City (26 Feb and 27 Feb).

Hawks: A male Northern Harrier was observed by Linda Zatopek and her husband on the Mangas Valley Road (10 February). Seven Bald Eagles were observed at Bear Canyon Lake by Jim Rogers (7 February). These are likely the same birds seen by the SWNM Audubon Society field trip participants on 20 Feb in the Mimbres Valley. Two adult Bald Eagles at Lake Roberts (SWNM Audubon field trip, 20 Feb), an immature Bald Eagle was seen by Brain Heap at Luna (12 Feb), and an immature was seen by Roland Shook (Gila Bird Area, 16 Feb).  Allan Seegert reported he observed 2 Northern Goshawks at Pleasanton (13 February). Robert Shantz took a picture of a Peregrine Falcon south of Animas (14 February). Finally, Jerry Bird reported seeing a Zone-tailed Hawk soaring over his Silver City residence (12 Feb).

Bald Eagles by Jim Rogers, Bear Canyon Lake, 2 February

Peregrine Falcon by Robert Shantz, south of Animas, 14 February

Cranes: Gene Lewis reported 4 Sandhill Cranes flying over Silver City (5 Feb).

Shorebirds: Robert Shantz reports observing and photographing Greater Yellowlegs in Hidalgo County near I-10 (27 Feb).

Greater Yellowlegs by R. Shantz, Hidalgo Co., 27 Feb

Doves: Gene Lewis had 1-3 Inca Doves visiting his Silver City residence throughout the month.

Flycatchers: An Empidonax flycatcher was heard in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook,1 and 16 Feb).

Jays: A flock of Pinyon Jays were seen from Spirit Canyon Lodge (near Lake Roberts) by participants in the SWNM Audubon field trip (20 Feb). A Steller’s Jay was observed by Ric Sumulski (13 Feb) at his Silver City residence.

Thrushes: Julian Lee reports observing a Mountain Bluebird on Separ Road south of Silver City (14 Feb). Teri Matelson observed a Townsend’s Solitaire in her Silver City yard (22 Feb). Also, Ric Samulski (8 Feb) and Patricia Taber (16 Feb) observed this species at their Silver City residences.

Townsend’s Solitaire by Teri Matelson, Silver City, 22 Feb

Thrashers: A Crissal Thrasher has been at Elroy Limmer’s residence since 1 Jan.

Crissal Thrasher by Elroy Limmer, Silver City, 11 Jan

Emberizids: Cassin’s Finches appeared at several Silver City residences. Karen Beckenbach reported a pair (3 February), Roland Shook reported up to 10 individuals throughout much of the period between 15 to 28 February, Brian Dolton reported one (28 Feb), Elroy Limmer 5 from 17 Feb to 28 Feb, and Jerry Bird 8 on 20 Feb. A Yellow-eyed Junco was again seen by Karen Beckenbach at her Silver City residence on 15 and 18 February and was appearing daily at the end of the month. Dave Griffin is studying Yellow-eyed Juncos on Jack’s Peak. He would appreciate any records of Silver City birds or Pinos Altos birds. Please email him at griffinbio@gmail.com or call 575 382 2080. A White-throated Sparrow was seen at the Dale Zimmermans’ residence from 20-28 February. A pair of Lesser Goldfinches were seen at the Roland Shooks’ residence on 28 February.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, please include a date and location. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated. Undated sightings, with or without a location, are of a lesser value. Please send these to tyrannidae@gmail.com. A thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Bird Sighting Report, January 1 to January 31, 2010

Many individuals have commented on the paucity of birds in our area during the months of December and January. The results of the Silver City and Gila River Christmas bird counts tends to support these observations. However, there are reports that many of our usual wintering sparrows have chosen to winter farther south in Mexico.

As January comes to a close, with the weather warming and the days lengthening, a few species are heralding the coming spring. House Finches, Curve-billed Thrashers, and  Bewick’s Wrens are beginning to sing as they prepare to attract a mate and begin the nesting cycle.

In January there was one Christmas Bird count that involved a number of local participants from the Silver City area.  After a short summary of unusual species seen during January, the results of the Gila River Christmas Bird Count will be summarized in tablature form.

Species Accounts

Geese: 2 Canada Geese (Gene Lewis, Tyrone sewage ponds, 31 January).

Ducks: 6 Buffleheads (4 males, 2 females) at the Silver City Golf Course (Barbara Smith, 1 January) and one at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 31 January).

Gallinaceous Birds : 7 Montezuma Quail (2 adult males, an immature male, and 4 adult females) at Karen Beckenbach’s Silver City residence on 3 January and a pair of Montezuma Quail at Steve London’s residence between Hanover and San Lorenzo (visiting everyday in January to at least the 27th); 12 Wild Turkeys visited Karen Beckenbach’s Silver City residence on 3 January.

Hawks: A Merlin was seen by Gene Lewis (3 January) at the Tyrone sewage ponds; a Bald Eagle observed in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 8 January).

Owls: 2 Great Horned Owl at the City of Rocks (SWNM Audubon Field Trip, 16 January); along with 2 Long-eared Owls.

Long-eared Owl by Brian Dolton, City of Rocks, 16 January

Doves: Gene Lewis had 1-3 Inca Doves visiting his Silver City residence throughout the month.

Hummingbirds: an immature Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird visited a feeder at Barbara Smith’s Silver City residence in Indian Hills on 1 January (also seen on 25 December). A male Magnificent Hummingbird was also seen at Barbara Smith’s residence on 1 January. Mary Alice Murphy reported on 27 January an  “intermittent hummingbird at our feeder – often on the snowiest days. It’s a big one and I’ve seen a white eye-stripe, but no colored throat.” This is most likely a Magnificent Hummingbird.

Flycatchers: An Empidonax flycatcher seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 14 January).

Titmice: Dale and Marian Zimmerman reported an unusual Bridled Titmouse at their Silver City residence on 10 January.

Thrashers: A Crissal Thrasher was seen by Gene Lewis at the Tyrone sewage ponds (17 January).

Warblers: Alan Seegert reported 2 Olive Warblers on the Sheridan Gulch Trail near Glenwood on 7 January. An Ovenbird was seen and photographed by Bob Barnes in Hillsboro on 14 January. There are only five other winter records for this species in the state.

Ovenbird by Bob Barnes, Hillsboro, 14 January

Ovenbird by Bob Barnes, Hillsboro, 14 January

Emberizids: A Fox Sparrow visited the Dale and Marian Zimmermans’ residence on 29 January. A Yellow-eyed Junco was seen and photographed by Karen Beckenbach at her Silver City residence on 26 January. This species has rarely been recorded in our immediate area: once at Cherry Creek, once at the City of Rocks and now at Karen’s residence. A relatively small population was discovered several miles south of Silver City on Jack’s Peak in the Burro Mountains several years ago.

Fox Sparrow by Dale and Marian Zimmerman, Silver City, 30 January

Yellow-eyed Junco by Karen Beckenbach, Silver City, 26 January

Blackbirds: Angela Flanders reported a flock of approximately 200 Yellow-headed Blackbirds approximately 2 miles north of Deming (14 January). Dale Zimmerman reports that this species has been visiting this winter site for at least the past 30 years. Karen Beckenbach saw this species in the same location on 18 January.

Yellow-headed Blackbirds by Angela Flanders, Deming, 14 January

Gila River Christmas Bird Count on 2 January

This year’s count totaled 97 species and 4760 individuals, while last year’s count totaled 95 species and 4214 individuals. Of interest this year were  Montezuma Quail, the unidentified peep species of sandpiper, the Eastern Phoebe, American Crows, Eastern Bluebirds, Fox Sparrow and Pyrrhuloxias. The fairly recently arrived Eurasian Collared-Doves are doing well in the Cliff/Gila Valley. The American Crows seem to be rebounding after a serious decline presumably caused by West Nile Virus. A special thanks to all who helped collect this data. For a historical look at count data from this specific area, go to http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/. Follow the link, then on the left-hand column click on “historical results.” You can select a state, then a count circle, then the years you are interested in. Toward the bottom of the resultant species table, you can see the total number of species and participants for each year.

Pyrrhuloxia by Dave Krueper, Gila River, 2 January

Route 1 – Begin at Mangas Springs and proceeding north and west on Highway 180 until it intersects with the Bill Evans Lake turnoff. Proceed along the Bill Evans Lake road to Bill Evans Lake. Also include the area south of Bill Evans Lake on the east side of the Gila River to Mangas Creek. Bill Norris and Scott Zager.

Route 2 -Bird the Runyan’s property on the east side of the Gila River above the Highway 180 Bridge. Then begin at the Iron Bridge across the Gila River. Proceed along the east and west bank of the Gila River in a southerly direction until the river makes a big turn against the hill. On the west bank of the Gila River bird to the McCauley ranch keeping on the west side of the fence that parallels the Gila River. Also bird along Sycamore Creek. Larry Malone, Sam and Kim Fry.

Route 3 – Begin at Highway 180 and Airport Mesa Road. Proceed in a northerly direction until you intersect with Highway 211. Turn right and bird Highway 211 until it intersects with Highway 180. Retrace your path to the junction of Airport Mesa Road and Highway 211. Continue along Highway 211 through Gila and then on the east side of the river to Spar Canyon. Count all birds on the east side of the Gila River to 3/8 miles of the river. Also include Hooker Loop Road. Also, Begin along Highway 180 on the northeast side of Cliff continuing along Highway 180 to mile marker 80 and including the areas of Buckhorn, Table Butte Road, Mogollon Vista subdivision, and the Duck Creek Loop. Bruce Hayward and Tom Brake.

Route 4 – Begin in the town of Cliff. Bird along Highway 211 until the junction with Highway 293. Continue to bird along Highway 293 until the pavement ends. Bird the Lichty center, especially the pond. Eugene Lewis and Susan Hill.

Route 5 – Begin on the U Bar Ranch property north of Bear Creek on the east side of the Gila River and bird north along the east side of the Gila River to the northern boundary of U Bar property. Also do the Beaver Pond Stringer and Talbert’s Pond. Roland Shook, Janet Ruth, Dave Krueper, Roxanna Wright.

Route 6. Begin at Mangas Creek below Bill Evans Lake and bird south to the end of the Bird Area. Jerry Bird and Brian Dolton.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, please include a date and location. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated. Undated sightings, with or without a location, are of a lesser value. Please send these to tyrannidae@gmail.com. A thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Please send comments to Roland Shook.

Bird Sightings Report, December 1 to December 31, 2009

There were two counts this month that involved a number of local participants from the Silver City area. First was the annual Raptor Count on 5 December (compiler Roland Shook) and second, was the Silver City Christmas Count on 19 December  (compilers Rinda Metz and Karen Beckenbach). After a very short summary of unusual species seen during December, the results of both counts will be summarized in tablature form.

Species Accounts

Geese: Three Ross’ Geese north of Virden (Robert Shantz, 27 December).

Ross’ Geese by Robert Shantz, Virden, Dec. 27

Ducks: A male Common Goldeneye and a Hooded Merganser at Lake Roberts (Brian Dolton, Dec. 27).

Hawks: A light-morph adult Ferruginous Hawk near Bill Evans Lake (Russ Kleinmann, Dec. 12). Two Bald Eagles at Lake Roberts (Brian Dolton, Dec. 27).

Ferruginous Hawk by Russ Kleinmann, near Bill Evans L, Dec. 12

Owls: A Western Screech Owl at Pleasanton (Alan Seegert, Dec. 2) and 2 Great Horned Owls calling near Western New Mexico University (Patricia Taber, Dec. 8).

Kinglets: Three Golden-crowned Kinglets seen on the Dragonfly Trail at Fort Bayard (Karen Beckenbach, Dec. 21).

Finches: A female Cassin’s Finch at Karen Beckenbach Silver City residence (Dec. 22).

Southwestern New Mexico Raptor Count, December 5, 2009

“On Sunday, Dec. 13, 1970, Ralph Fisher and Tom Brake conducted a hawk count from the highway between Bayard and the international border south of Columbus, New Mexico. Odometer readings and altitude were recorded in conjunction with our observations…The time of commencement of the count was approximately 9:15 AM.” Thus began the notes of Ralph and Tom in 1970. Since that time the raptor count has occurred annually, and has continued, almost without interruption, since its beginning.

The count consists of individuals driving the main roads in southwestern New Mexico looking for flying or perched raptors and recording their identification and location. Also included are observations on roadrunners and shrikes, neither one a true raptor, but both predatory. Below is a compilation of this year’s count. Note the totals column for the years 2007, 2008, and 2009. Also there is a column with a 13 year average of the various species. An increase or decrease in the numbers for a species over the past three years does not necessarily indicate a population trend. Statistical tests would needed in order to conclude if these changes are random or statistically significant.  Note that Northern Harrier numbers this year were only approximately 37 per cent of their 13 year average, showing a decline over the past 3 years. American Kestrels this year were detected at 50 per cent of their 13 year average but last year they were at 120 per cent of that figure, showing fluctuation in the numbers of this species. Red-tailed Hawks were reported near their 13 year average, while Ferruginous Hawks appear to continue to decline in this part of the state. Golden Eagles and Greater Roadrunners are slightly down from their 13 year average, but Loggerhead Shrikes have been below the 13 year average for the past 3 years, showing in 2009,  a 50 per cent reduction from the 13 average. If you would like to look at a chart with data from all 13 years, please click 13 year Raptor Summary Sheet. If you lack the ability to read Adobe PDF files, click on the following link to download a free reader (Adobe Reader).

Raptor Count 2009

Route 1 – Beginning at the junction of Ridge Road and Highway 90 in Silver City, proceeding south on Highway 90 to the intersection of Highway 70 near Lordsburg, then proceeding west to Highway 464. The route turns north on Highway 464 towards Redrock. Return to Silver City via the Redrock through the Burros. Walter Szymanski, Annie Lessem, Pam Bryant, and Ron Groves

Route 2 – Beginning on Highway 180 at Hurley, proceed south to Highway 26, checking various side roads to the east upon nearing various housing developments. Return north about 11 miles to Dwyer Rd and go NE to the Mimbres River. Go back about 1 mile and take the right fork to Highway 180, ignoring the road to the NW. Proceed to Highway 61 and to Highway 152, then west to Highway 35. Proceed north to Bear Canyon Lake and Lake Roberts. Gene Lewis, Susan Hill

Route 3. Begin 1 mile east of Deming. Proceed on Highway 26 to Hatch. Return to Deming via Highway 26. At the junction of the Lake Valley Rd and Highway 26, proceed north to Lake Valley. Return to Highway 26 and then west to Deming. Patricia Taber, Teri Matelson, Helen Matelson

Route 4 – Beginning 5 miles west of Deming on Interstate 10, then west to the intersection of Highway 146, then south to the Mexican border on Highway 146 and Highway 81. Larry Malone

Route 5 – Beginning at the junction of Highway 180 and the Mangas Valley Road travel west to the Bill Evans Lake road, then south to the end of the dirt road. Return to Highway 180 and then to Cliff and the junction of Highway 211, then north to Mogollon Creek via Highway 211 and Highway 293. Return to highway 180 and then north on Highway 180 to Highway 78. Proceed west on Highway 78 to the Arizona border. Bruce Hayward and Tom Brake

Route 6. Beginning at the junction of Ridge Road and Highway 180 proceed on Ridge Road to the Grant County Airport. Now proceed south to Whitewater, then east to Highway 90. The route then continues from the junction of Highway 90 and the Separ road proceeding on the Separ Road to Interstate 10, then west on Interstate 10 to the junction of Highway 113, then south to Highway 9, then west to the Coninental Divide. Backtracking to the junction of Highway 113, then east on Highway 9 to Columbus. Proceed north to Deming. Roland Shook, Russ Kleinmann

Route 7 – Beginning at the junction of State Line Road and Highway 80 near Rodeo, then south to Rodeo on State Line Road and then north on Highway 80 to Highway 145, then east to Highway 338, then north 4.5 miles. Backtracking to the junction of Highway 145 then south on Highway 338 to Animas then, west on Highway 9 to the junction of Highway 80. Jerry Bird, Rinda Metz

Silver City Christmas Bird Count, December 19, 2009

Below is a summary of the Silver City CBC. The data presented are preliminary and may be slightly changed before the final report is submitted. A special thanks to Rinda Metz and Karen Beckenbach for supplying these preliminary results.

In general the numbers of all species are down. This is true not only of this count, but also the Gila River CBC conducted 2 January. Reports of other local counts reveal the same trends. My weekly forays to the Gila Bird Area have shown low winter levels for several weeks. There are a few birds that perhaps deserve comments: Montezuma Quail have been much more numerous in the Silver City area this past year with several local reports, and they were again observed on count day. Eurasian Collared-Doves, a relatively recent introduction to our area, are doing quite well. White-crowned Sparrows are particularly scarce this winter. The preliminary count of 340 would often be a count associated with one flock, not a total for all observers. Finally, a species total of 88 is well within the range of total species detected on count day when historical data is observed. For a look at historical results, go to http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/. Follow the link on the left-hand column under “historical results.” You can select a state, then a count circle, then the years you are interested in. Toward the bottom of the resultant table, you can see species totals for each year.

note: a “cw” designation means the species was observed count week but not on the day of the count.

Routes and Participants

Rte 1: The Arenas Valley area and Ft. Bayard.  East of 32nd By-pass Rd. to the eastern edge of the Count Circle north of 180. Leader Larry Malone Participants: Elroy Limmer , Mel Taliaferro.

Rte 2: Begin at the junction of Ridge Rd. and Hwy 90 and proceed SE along Ridge Rd to Mangus Valley Rd.  Turn west until you intersect Hwy 90. Return via Hwy 90 to limits of Silver City. Leader Patricia Taber Participants: Terry Matelson and Helen Matelson.

Rte 3: Hwy 180 at Red Barn and  Pinos Altos Crk. Walk north up the Creek to 32^nd By-pass Rd. Finish with Hwy 15, including Sanctuary Rd. to north edge of the Circle. Leader: Karen Beckenbach, participants:, Ron Groves and Pam Bryant,  Walter “Ski”  Szymanski  and Annie Lessem.

Rte 4: Beginning at Hwy 180 and Alabama, go north and west along Cottage San Rd  and Bear Mt Rd to the edge of the circle. Cover any FS roads  within the circle.  Chloride Flats Rd. Continental Divide Trail. Walk Silva Creek behind Jose Barrios, and any walkable creek areas.  Leader Bill Norris, Participants: Jack and Martha Carter.

Rte 5: Little Walnut Rd, Little Walnut campgrounds and picnic area, and north on Swan Rd. into Dos Griegos. and south to 32nd By-Pass Rd. Leader  Bruce Hayward, Participants: Tom Brake, Dennis Beaver, Brian Dolton.

Rte 6: Beginning at the junction of Bypass Road and HWY 180 going in on roads on the west as allowed. Continue south to Tyrone and a half mile further on Hwy 90. Do the Tyrone townsite and two miles beyond. Take McKinny Road and follow it to the Tyrone sewage ponds and do the area beyond on private land. Also go into Oak Country Estates, following Old Ranch Road, mostly staying on the roads. Leader Gene Lewis, Participant: Susan Hill.

Rte 7: Starting with Mt. View Rd. covering all roads and area south of Hwy 180 to the eastern edge of the circle. If time allows walk from Sotol Loop (off of Mtn. View) to San Vicente Crk. Walk the tributary of Maude Canyon from Mark and Tricia’s house (at the end of Copper Vista) to the fairgrounds. Jerry Bird Leader, Participants:  Debbie Bird, Paula Lynch, Keller Suberknopp.

Rte 8: Cover San Vicente Creek from the north edge of the golf course, along the Trails and Open Space Trailhead to town. This includes Downtown and all surrounding little neighborhoods as well as Boston Hill. Route ends at 180. Leader Julian Lee Participants: Connie Adler and Judith Nelson, Marta Green and Rod Rees.

Rte 9: Silver City Golf Course. Leader, Roland Shook, Participant: Bob Wilcox.

Rte 10: Hwy 180 from mile marker 107 east to Silver City including Wind Canyon, Chloride Flats and Truck By-Pass Rd.- covering all subdivisions and streets close to Hwy 180. Stop at Alabama and 180.  Leader Rinda Metz, Participants: Jane Spinti , Milly Lehrmamn.

Feeders – Kathy Cassell, Dale Zimmerman, Eulalia Lewis, Susan Lynch, Kathy Anderson, Jerry P. (Wind Canyon.)

I encourage the submission of records and photos. Please send these to tyrannidae@gmail.com. A thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Bird Sightings Report, November 1 to November 30, 2009

Upon further review …. In my haste to get the October Bird Sightings Report done and sent, I used a picture by Allison Trombly of a “Red-naped Sapsucker.” There is a problem! Below are the original picture and an additional one submitted by Allison. Look carefully (something I didn’t do) and see if you can identify the bird. This illustrates that for many of us we look but we really don’t “see.” We identify birds on the basis of what we think we see, and at times are sadly mistaken. Additional pictures and a comment by Dale Zimmerman occur at the end of this report.

Sapsuckers by Allison Tromply, Silver City, Oct. 21

Species Accounts

Ducks and Geese: A Wood Duck at the Tyrone sewage ponds was seen by Julian Lee and Gene Lewis (Nov. 1); a Snow Goose at Lake Roberts (Larry Malone, Nov. 18); 10 Canvasback ducks on Bill Evans Lake (Roland Shook, Nov. 3, one Nov. 6, and two Nov. 27).

Gallinaceous Birds: Three Wild Turkeys were seen at the Richard Matthews’ Silver City residence (Nov. 8); 8 Montezuma Quail at the Jack Carter’s Silver City residence (fide Jerry Bird, Nov. 16).

Grebes: Five Western Grebes at Bill Evans Lake (Roland Shook, Nov. 3 and Nov. 6);  6 Eared Grebes at Bill Evans Lake (Roland Shook, Nov. 3) and 8 at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, Nov. 30).

Cormorants: A Double-breasted Cormorant was seen at Bill Evans Lake (Roland Shook, Nov. 3) and at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, Nov. 5).

Hawks and Eagles: A Golden Eagle seen near Cooke’s Peak (Julian Lee, Nov. 5), and two seen near Bear Creek north of Silver City (Richard Riva, Nov. 9); a Northern Harrier was seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds by Gene Lewis (Nov. 1), and at Faywood (Jim Rogers, Nov. 13); a juvenile Goshawk on Gomez Peak (Walter “Ski” Szymanski and companions, Nov. 15); a Harris’ Hawk 8 miles east of Deming (Larry Malone, Nov. 23); a Merlin was seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds by Gene Lewis (Nov. 1 and Nov. 8).

Rails: A Virginia Rail and Sora calling at Mangas Springs (Larry Malone, Nov. 21).

Cranes: Eleven Sandhill Cranes seen near Hurley (Jim Rogers, Nov. 10).

Shorebirds: A Greater Yellowlegs seen on Fuller Road, Hidalgo County (Robert Shantz, Nov. 20); an American Avocet at Pancho Villa State Park (Larry Malone, Nov. 23); a Western Sandpiper at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, Nov. 28); a Wilson’s Snipe in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, Nov. 27).

Gulls: a Bonaparte’s Gull at the Deming Water Treatment Plant (Larry Malone, Nov. 2).

Doves: Two to five Inca Doves have been visiting Gene Lewis’ Silver City residence from Nov. 15 to the end of the month.

Owls: Two Burrowing Owls at the stock yard in Deming (Larry Malone, Nov. 23).

Hummingbirds: a female Magnificent Hummingbird at Karen Beckenbach’s Silver City residence (Nov. 15).

Woodpeckers: A Lewis’ Woodpecker at Gila Hot Springs (Andy Anderson, Nov. 13); a Downy Woodpecker at Lake Roberts (Larry Malone, Nov. 23); two Hairy Woodpeckers at the Mount View Cemetery in Deming (Larry Malone, Nov. 23) a first for Deming; one at the Zimmermans’ Silver City residence (Nov. 20) and one at the Gene Lewis’ Silver City residence (Nov. 30).

Flycatchers: an Empidonax Flycatcher in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, Nov. 3), and one (possibly a Hammond’s) at San Vicente Creek (Larry Malone, Nov. 18).

Corvids: A Steller’s Jay at the Dale Zimmermans’ Silver City Residence (Nov. 18) and one in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, Nov. 27).

Chickadees: A Mountain Chickadee was seen near Hanover (Jim Rogers, Nov. 9).

Creepers: A Brown Creeper in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, Nov. 6).

Thrushes: A very rare Varied Thrush appeared at the Dale Zimmermans’ Silver City Residence (Nov. 20). This is perhaps only the third record of this species in Grant County and the Zimmermans’ 206^th “yard bird.”

Varied Thrush by Dale Zimmerman, Silver City, Nov. 20

Varied Thrush by Dale Zimmerman, Silver City, Nov. 20

Thrashers: A Sage Thrasher at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, Nov. 1).

Pipits: Two American Pipits seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds by Julian Lee (Nov. 1).

Warblers: an Olive Warbler on Meadow Creek Road (Larry Malone, Nov. 18) and one feeding in the oaks and pines at Steve London’s residence between Hanover and San Lorenzo (Nov. 26).

Olive Warbler by Steve London, near Hanover, Nov. 26

Tanagers: A very late female Summer Tanager was seen near the Bear Mountain Lodge by Elaine Halbedel (Nov. 20).

Sparrows: Two slate-colored Fox Sparrows in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, Nov. 3); and Chipping (22), Brewer’s (1), Savannah (1), Song (3), Lincoln’s (1), White-crowned (22) Sparrows were seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds by Gene Lewis (Nov. 22)

Finches: Four Lawrence’s Goldfinches at Pancho Villa State Park (Larry Malone, Nov. 16)

Identification of Sapsuckers

Red-naped Sapsucker by Dale Zimmerman

Silver City, October 7, 1989

Hybrid Red-breasted X Red-naped Sapsucker

by Dale Zimmerman, Mangas Springs,

December 30, 1989

Red-breasted Sapsucker by Dale Zimmerman

Tucson, February 13, 1988

The “Red-naped” Sapsucker pictured in the previous Bird Sightings appears to be a Red-naped X Red-breasted Sapsucker hybrid. Note the amount and distribution of red, as well as the relative amounts of black and white feathering, on the head.

Hybrid sapsuckers are more frequent in southwestern New Mexico than generally known. I suspect that some are present annually during fall and winter. Because many of these resemble typical Red-napes in most respects, observers fail to properly record them. It often takes more than a casual glance, and, of course, one needs to be familiar with details of sapsucker plumage patterns.

Compare these three pictures of a male Red-naped, a clearly intermediate bird, and an apparent Red-breasted Sapsucker. The latter was photographed northwest of Tucson, Arizona, 13 February 1988. Note that although this individual looks very much like Sphyrapicus ruber, it may carry some genes of S. nuchalis, the Red-naped Sapsucker: there is a short but noticeable black extension behind the eye, and a tiny black spot on the hind-crown, not expected in a “pure” Red-breasted. Bear in mind, too, that there are pronounced subspecific differences between northern and southern Red-breasted Sapsuckers, and that intermediates between these can show varying combinations of characters. One should also remember that Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers can hybridize with either of the other two species. This, plus age and sexual variation can produce a confusing array of plumages. Positive identification of sapsuckers requires attention to numerous details.

Dale Zimmerman

Field Trips

There are three counts coming up in the near future. The first is the annual Raptor Count, always held on the first Saturday of December. Participants are assigned a driving route in the southwestern corner of New Mexico and count all hawks and owls that they see. Shrikes and roadrunners are also counted. If you are interested in a route or going with someone, please call Roland Shook at 388 3441.

The Silver City Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, December 19. The center of the count circle is the golf course. If interested, please contact Rinda Metz at 534 0160.

The Gila River Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, January 2. This count is centered on the town of Riverside near Cliff, NM. It is important to let the count leader know if you want to participate so arrangements can be made with private land owners. Count leader is Roland Shook at 388 3441.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. Please send these to tyrannidae@gmail.com. A thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Bird Sightings Report, October 1 to Octotober 31, 2009

Many of our fall migrants fall into two main camps, those that migrate from north to south and winter in the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America or South America; and those that migrate from cooler, higher elevations to lower, warmer elevations. Several species in our area fit this later category. This year Townsend’s Solitaires, which have descended from higher elevations, have become more numerous than in recent past years. Ruby-crowned Kinglets are another example of an altitudinal migrant.

Species Accounts

Ducks: Gene Lewis reports a female Cinnamon Teal from the Tyrone sewage ponds (10/7); Northern Shovelers (80), Ring-necked Ducks (5), Lesser Scaup (2), and Ruddy Ducks (1) were all seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds by Gene Lewis (10/17).

Grebes: A Pied-billed Grebe was reported by Julian Lee at the Tyrone sewage ponds on 10/26).

Hawks: An Osprey feeding on a captured fish (10/14) at Lake Roberts provided Mel Moe an opportunity to capture a photo of it. An Osprey was also observed on 10/17 along the Gila River near Bill Evans Lake on the Southwestern New Mexico Audubon Society’s field trip. A Harris’ Hawk was seen near Deming by Larry Malone (10/20); Jerry Bird reports that he and his wife observed a Golden Eagle (10/25) on the McKnight Canyon Road. During the Southwestern New Mexico Audubon Society’s field trip on 10/17 one of the last Common Black-Hawks of the season was seen along the Gila River near Bill Evans Lake.

Osprey by Mel Moe – Lake Roberts, 14 October

Rails: A Virginia Rail at Mangas Springs was seen by Larry Malone (10/2)

Coots: A Common Moorhen was seen in the Deming area by Larry Malone (10/19)

Shorebirds: Spotted Sandpipers were moving along the Gila River in the Gila Bird Area on 10/6, 10/9, and 10/23 (Roland Shook)

Hummingbirds: Karen Beckenbach sent me an email that on further review, the White-eared Hummingbird that she reported for 9/26 at her Silver City residence was most likely a female Broad-billed Hummingbird. These two species can be difficult to distinguish in the field. An Anna’s Hummingbird was seen in Spring Canyon State Park by Larry Malone (10/25). Karen Beckenbach reported 4 Broad-tailed Hummingbirds coming to her feeder even in the snow (10/28).

Woodpeckers: An Acorn Woodpecker was only Gene Lewis third sighting at the Tyrone sewage ponds on 10/11. Alison Trombly reported an injured Red-naped Sapsucker at her residence (10/21); while Mel Moe reported one from Lake Robert (10/14). A total of six were seen in the Gila Bird Area on 10/23 (Roland Shook). Red-naped Sapsuckers are another species more common in the fall. Richard Matthews reported a Williamson’s Sapsucker at his residence on 10/24 and Mel Moe reported the same species seen at Sapillo Creek (10/16). Julian Lee reported 3 Lewis’ Woodpeckers on Emory Pass (10/8).

Red-naped Sapsucker by Allison Tromply – Silver City, 21 October

Acorn Woodpecker by Robert Shantz – Paradise, AZ, 22 February

Flycatchers: A late Cassin’s Kingbird was reported from the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 10/7 and 10/17); and a member of the genus Empidonax was observed in the Gila Bird Area on 10/16 (Roland Shook).

Vireos: A late Bell’s Vireo was at Pancho Villa State Park (Larry Malone, 10/9)

Wrens: A Marsh Wren was detected at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 10/11) and a Cactus Wren near Bill Evans Lake 10/17 on the Southwestern Audubon Society’s field trip.

Thrashers: Sage Thrashers were seen by Larry Malone in the Gila Bird Area and at Bill Evans Lake (10/2) and two at Spring Canyon State Park (10/25)

Kinglets; A flock of Golden-crowned Kinglets near Rocky Canyon campground (Mel Moe, 10/17), Julian Lee reported a pair of this species at his Silver City residence on 10/28.

Pipits: An American Pipit at the Tyrone sewage ponds was seen by Julian Lee (10/14)

Warblers: A late Townsend’s Warbler was observed in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 10/9) and at Spring Canyon State Park on 10/25 (Larry Malone). Yellow-rumped Warblers seem numerous this year with Gene Lewis reporting 8 from the Tyrone sewage ponds on 10/7, 12 on 10/11, 14 on 10/17 and 6 on 10/25.

Yellow-rumped Warbler by Robert Shantz – near Redrock, 1 November

Tanagers: a Summer Tanager in the Gila Bird Area on 10/2 (Larry Malone)

Sparrows: Chipping (90+), Vesper (3), Savannah (2), Lincoln’s (1), and White-crowned (7) Sparrows were all seen by Gene Lewis at the Tyrone sewage ponds on 10/7. Wintering sparrows are a sign that summer is over.

Finches: Seven Lawrence’s Goldfinches were observed at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 10/18) and one in the Deming area by Larry Malone (10/23)

Field Trips

The November field trip is scheduled for Saturday the 21^st. The destination is the Lichty Center owned by The Nature Conservancy. Most of the Cliff-Gila Valley is privately owned and this field trip gives participants an excellent opportunity to access some wonderful riparian habitat. The trip will leave from the Fine Arts parking lot on the campus of Western New Mexico University at 8 AM. The walking will be moderate with several trails and roads available. You will need appropriate clothing for this time of year, binoculars, sunscreen, water and a snack. We will return in late morning or early afternoon. The trip leader is Roland Shook and can be reached at 388 3441.

There are three counts coming up in the near future. The first is the annual Raptor Count, always held on the first Saturday of December. Participants are assigned a driving route in the southwestern corner of New Mexico and count all hawks and owls that they see. Shrikes and roadrunners are also counted. If you are interested in a route or going with someone, please call Roland Shook at 388 3441.

The Silver City Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, December 19. The center of the count circle is the golf course. If interested, please contact Rinda Metz at 534 0160.

The Gila River Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, January 2. This count is centered on the town of Riverside near Cliff, NM. It is important to let the count leader know if you want to participate so arrangements can be made with private land owners. Count leader is Roland Shook at 388 3441.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. Please send these to tyrannidae@gmail.com.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Bird Sightings Report, September 1 to September 30, 2009

The main thrust of fall migration has taken place as winter visitors join the year-round resident species to form our late fall, winter, and early spring bird communities. Many passerine species now tend to congregate in relatively small, mixed feeding flocks.

Species Accounts

Ducks: 59 Northern Shovelers at the Tyrone sewage pond (Gene Lewis, 9/13).

Grebes: 4 Eared Grebes (Bill Evans Lake, Roland Shook, 9/14).

Herons: 2 Great Egrets at Bill Evans Lake (9/28, Jerry Bird)

Ibis: 2 White-faced Ibis were seen at Lake Robert’s on 9/4 (Larry Malone) and 39 were seen at Bill Evans Lake (Roland Shook and Linda Moore, 9/22).

Vultures: 84 Turkey Vultures were seen by Patricia Taber of 9/28 above Silver City.

Hawks: Larry Malone reported only his second Zone-tailed Hawk sighting in Luna County on the east side of Florida Mountains (9/8), and a immature of the same species was seen in the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook and Linda Moore (9/17).

Rails: Sora – 1 adult and 1 immature, seen at the upper end of Lake Robert’s (9/4, Larry Malone).

Shorebirds: A Semipalmated Plover (Deming Waster Water Plant, Larry Malone, 9/7); a Spotted SandpiperWestern Sandpiper and (Tyrone sewage pond, Gene Lewis, 9/6); Baird’s Sandpiper (1 to 2 at Tyrone sewage ponds, Gene Lewis, 9/6, 9/7, 9/20) and several photographed by Robert Shantz at the junction of I-10 and Animas Highway (9/13); Red-necked Phalarope (Tyrone sewage ponds, Gene Lewis, 9/20; and Bill Evans Lake, Roland Shook, 9/14); and an American Avocet (Roland Shook, Bill Evans Lake, 9/14).

Baird’s Sandpiper, Robert Shantz, Animas Rd and I-10, 9/13

Hummingbirds: A female White-eared Hummingbird was reported by Karen Beckenbach at her Silver City residence (9/26).

Woodpeckers: An Acorn Woodpecker was seen on the east side of Florida Mountains by Larry Malone, his first for Luna County (9/7), a Lewis’ Woodpecker visited Richard Matthews’ Silver City residence on 9/26 and Jerry Bird saw the same species at the Iron Bridge on 9/18, and a Red-naped Sapsucker was seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 9/14).

Flycatchers: 12 Western Wood Pewees at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 9/6); an Olive-sided Flycatcher at Lake Robert’s on 9/4 (Larry Malone); a high of 12 Western Kingbirds on 9/7 (Gene Lewis, Tyrone sewage pond); and a Gray Flycatcher at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 9/13).

Shrikes: A Loggerhead Shrike (Tyrone sewage ponds, Gene Lewis, 9/6).

Vireos: A Bell’s Vireo at the Tyrone sewage pond (Gene Lewis, 9/6, his 204^th species for that location).

Swallows: 2 Bank Swallows at the Tyrone Sewage Ponds (Gene Lewis, 9/13).

Bushtits: 6 Bushtits at Gene Lewis’ Silver City residence (9/14); and several at Mary Alice Murphy’s Silver City residence on 9/16.

Bushtits by Mary Alice Murphy, Silver City, 9/16

Wrens: A House Wren (Gila Bird Area, Roland Shook, 9/14)

Thrushes: an immature Townsend’s Solitaire seen by Jim Rogers at Lake Roberts (9/7).

Immature Townsend’s Solitaire, Jim Rogers, Lake Robert’s, 9/7

Kinglets: A Ruby-crowned Kinglet in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook and Linda Moore (9/22).

Phainopeplas: 2 Phainopeplas on the east side of Florida Mountains (Larry Malone, 9/7).

Warblers: A female Black and White Warbler seen at Cherry Creek Camp Ground on 9/4 (Larry Malone); several species at the Tyrone sewage pond seen by Gene Lewis: an Orange-crowned Warbler (9/6), a Virginia’s Warbler (9/7), a Yellow-rumped Warbler (9/13), and a Wilson’s Warbler (9/16). A Townsend’s Warbler was seen and photographed by Jim Rogers in Hanover (9/23). McGillivray’s Warbler (Roland Shook, Gila Bird Area, 9/2, 9/17), Nashville Warbler (Roland Shook, Gila Bird Area, 9/17), 1-2 Painted Redstarts (Roland Shook, Gila Bird Area, 9/14, 9/17 and 9/22)

Townsend’s Warbler, Jim Rogers, Hanover, 9/23

Tanagers: A female Western Tanager (Tyrone sewage pond, Gene Lewis 9/6); and two additional females at Gene’s Silver City residence (9/14).

Sparrows: 35 Chipping Sparrows (9/13); and 7 Vesper Sparrows (9/13) at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis). A Dark-eyed Junco was seen at Richard Matthews’ residence in Silver City (9/27).

Field Trips

The Gila River Bird habitat area will be October’s des­tination. We will be exploring the woods along the riv­er and walking can be a little rough—the trails are not well defined. We will also be birding along the gravel road leading to the birding area. If time permits, we will stop off at Bill Evans Lake and Mangas Springs on the way home. We will meet on Saturday, October 17 at the parking lot south of the WNMU Fine Arts Theater at 8:00 am and carpool to the area. Bring binoculars, sun­screen, a hat, snacks and water. We should return in the early afternoon. This is site #20 on the Southwestern New Mexico Birding Trail.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission is necessary to use any of these photographs.