Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:47:34 -0400
Reply-To: Joshua Spence <spencejoshua@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender: Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From: Joshua Spence <spencejoshua@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject: Re: Alder Flycatchers(!) Habersham Co., 8/29/2010
I spent the morning in Habersham County, hoping to relocate the ALDER FLYCATCHERS that were
discovered by Jim Flynn on Sunday. I had some success on Hardman Rd, not long after I arrived.
One individual Empid flew from the south-side Kudzu infested ditch to the north-side clump of
Boxelder trees. I never saw the bird leave these trees the entire time I was there. I never could
confirm the presence of more than one individual, but still thrilled to observe the one. The bird
stayed within the crown of the Boxelders then would disappear for several minutes. I'm assuming
it was retreating to the thick vegetation below where I could not see from my position. I studied it
when it would perch for short intervals, picking out the characteristics that placed into the
Willow/Alder complex. Thankfully, the bird did give the distinct "pip" call several times.
Unfortunately, it was very noisy in this area. There was loud equipment on the sod farm among
other unexpected noisy aggravations: insects, vehicles, planes! This may not be the case everyday,
but be prepared if you decide to chase these birds. Also, there was at least fourteen MISSISSIPPI
KITES putting on a show above the surrounding coutry-side. The BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was
not seen.
I also checked the Wall's Bridge Loop where Jim Flynn had another ALDER FLYCATCHER on Sunday.
I'm almost certain that I heard a few "pip" calls south of the small wooden bridge. It stopped as
soon as it began. Other than this it was slow along this road.
Thanks to Jim Flynn for getting the word out. This has been a nemesis bird for me for a long time.
It is number 303 for the year.
Joshua Spence,
Murray County
You must be a subscriber to post to GABO-L.
Instructions for subscribing (and the guidelines) are found here:
http://www.gos.org/gabo.html. Please read the guidelines before posting.
Send regular postings to gabo-l@listserv.uga.edu
To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html
To contact a listowner, send message to GABO-L-request@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
