Good afternoon-- I figured today would be a good one to do another thorough tromp through Oxbow Meadows (south Columbus)...was great day for ANY outside activity. I got a late start (10:30AM) on the north side of the property along the Riverwalk. There was alot of activity. I kicked myself for awhile after I saw what may have been a Western Kingbird (ultimately) fly over-- Thought it was one of the many Robins, then maybe a stubby-tailed M.Dove, until I glassed it to catch a quick view before it vanished into the horizon... can't confirm that. So I was hacked off.. for a while. I then went to the Environmental Learning Center Parking lot and walked around the entire lake north of the center. As I neared completion of that loop (12:30PM) which parallels Oxbow Creek Golf Course, I flushed 3 doves-- one of which was 3rd White-winged Dove seen in GA for 2001! Though I try to be modest and humble, I have to point out that back in November I told Jeff Sewell and Bruce Dralle that thought one of those fields would potentially produce a White-wing some day!! Yes, yes, I still consider myself lucky! Anyway--I figure that all who wanted WWDO for GA have already gone to Baker Co. or Tybee Isl., but if you want to try for this one-- Look for the directions to Oxbow in the GABO archives www.gos.org, then Georgia Birders On-line, then the archives link.(try in Sept 2000) From the main entrance, follow the black, chain-linked fence to right. It will turn north, paralleling South Lumpkin Rd. Follow it down toward a big, conspicuous dead tree that will be in front of you. Before you get to that tree you will run into where Oxbow Creek drains into a wooded lake. The bird flushed the creek mouth into the immediate trees. Then they flew about 70 yards into a patch of trees in the middle of the golf course. Other good birds of the day: Gadwall Blue-winged Teal Greater Yellowlegs Blue-headed Vireo Orange-crowned Warbler Vesper Sparrow and yesterday...Bald Eagle and Brewer's and Rusty Blackbird.

Good birding,

Walt Chambers Columbus