Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2004 21:44:36 -0400
Reply-To: James R Brooks Jr <jrbamc@JUNO.COM>
Sender: Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From: James R Brooks Jr <jrbamc@JUNO.COM>
Subject: Yard Birds/Tupelo/Migrants
10/11/2004
Took a break from fixing our clothes dryer and walked down to the lake
to feed some bread to the bream. On the way back there was a noise in
the trees above and I saw a large accipiter wing it's way out and away
across the yards. As I continued back toward the house another large
commotion in the wooded slough behind the house, a Great Blue Heron
crashed it's way out of the understory and flapping heavily, passed
between the house and myself as I stood there gaping. Later, while
the glue on the dryer was drying, saw a Ruby-crested Kinglet in the
oaks, along with the male (green) and female Scarlet Tanagers. Also
a Catbird, an Eastern Phoebe, and an Empidonax with a large bluish
berry (smilax?) in it's mouth. The Tupelos are still active with the
usual suspects, seems to be just Swainson's Thrush, Eastern Bluebird,
and an occasional American Robin for the thrushes group. There is a
bird at the feeders that I can't clearly id, it is about the same size
as a Cardinal but is dark gray on top, med gray beneath, has a stout
bill and a small pale patch under the chin/neck area. It might be a
female Brown Cowbird, I can't find anything in my Mr Sibley like it.
Later a flock of migrants came whipping through, several fast gleaners
in various shades of light green/pale yellow/white with little or no
head patterns, maybe some faint eyelines. Warblers and/or Vireos for
sure, but none I could identify cleanly. Have noticed more Chipping
Sparrows gathering into loose flocks, in neaby yards and in the trees.
The Gray mystery seed-eater has little overall pattern, but the light
area under the chin does have light black lines bordering that area.
The bird is very reserved and patient around the hanging feeders,
slowly approaching branch by branch and then feeding without being
easily spooked. No discernible Blue tint, probably not a Grosbeak.
James Brooks
east of McDonough (Henry Cty) GA
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