Bird Sightings Report

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.

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