From: steve mayes <sgmayes@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Possible TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD at Sabine Woods
A possible Tropical Mockingbird has been seen today at TOS Sabine Woods. The bird has been seen in various places in the open areas of the property, often in trees bordering the field immediately to the right (east) of the entrance. An unusual mockingbird has been reported from the woods for at least three days and the bird was apparently photographed on Wednesday but it was not until today that enough people looked at the bird to figure out it might be something different. James Clark and Don Jeane are the first people I know to have seen the bird. The bird has an very long tail, obviously longer than a normal Northern Mockingbird. In addition, white outer tail feathers are not obvious, only white corners on the outer tail. The wings are dark (appear black) and contrast greatly with the paler body. There are no large white patches in the wings (the bird has been seen well in flight and perched). There is very little hint of wing bars. The bill may be a bit heavier than a typical Northern. Behavior has been fairly typical of mockingbirds but, as far as I know, no one has heard the bird sing/call yet. The bird has sometimes associated (or tried to) with typical Northern Mockingbirds but they appear to want little to do with him and he has been run off on more than one occasion. The bird has been photographed by several people and I would expect those photos to be posted soon. Given the weather, I would expect this bird to hang around tomorrow but don't hold me to that! For anyone coming to the woods, note that the Black-whiskered Vireo was also seen today. Good luck if you go looking!
Steve Mayes
]]>
Today, the variety may have been a tiny bit less (we don't have very many reports yet), but the numbers of a few species were remarkable. The number of Hooded Warblers was incredibly high- -- those of us there were discussing whether 100 or 200 would be reasonable. They were everywhere inside the Woods. Wood Thrushes were very plentiful, and Worm-eating Warblers were in abnormally large numbers.
Notable were at least four Swainson's Warblers seen Sunday and at least three today. There appear to have been at least three male Ceruleans today. American Redstarts and Blue-winged Warblers were easily found today.
The weather patterns across the Gulf – light winds, often mostly easterly or even northeasterly – have been very unusual, but somehow, at least a few of the migrant are making the crossing. How many may have been blown into the lower or middle coast and then proceeded round the coast is not something we can determine.
From reports by John Haynes, Terry Ferguson, and other Sabine Woods visitors whose names are not known to us.
John A. Whittle
]]>
At the Woods, the rain ceased about noon. At this time there were relatively few migrants present, 7-8 Brown Thrashers, perhaps a couple of Hooded Warblers and two or three calling Northern Parulas. Also evident were increasing numbers of Green Herons, perhaps totaling 20 at the peak. At about 1:30 p.m. activity increased, principally warblers. Activity continued for about an hour and then almost all the birds were gone. About 3:30 p.m. another wave of birds arrived, including large numbers (40-50) of Orchard Orioles, male and female, as well as other larger species. By about 4:30 p.m., the Woods were virtually completely devoid of migrants save for one or two Hooded Warblers. It appears that two waves of birds each stopped very briefly to feed for a short time and then pressed on.
Altogether, 14 species of warbler were detected. Orange-crowned (10), Nashville (at least 2), Northern Parula (not many), Yellow-rumped (2 – migrants not winter residents), Black-throated Green (2 males, 1 female),Yellow-throated (1), Palm (2 or 3 in the second wave), Black-and-white (2+ females in the first wave), Worm-eating (at least two in first wave), Swainson's Warbler (one in the first wave, seen remarkably well), Louisiana Waterthrush (heard only). Common Yellowthroat (hear only), Hooded Warbler (4+) and Yellow-breasted Chat (1 in second wave). Vireos included White-eyed (two or three in the first wave), Yellow-throated (two or three in the second wave), a probable Red-eyed and a probable Warbling (both in the second wave). The second wave was dominated by Orchard Orioles, but included at least 2 male Baltimore Orioles, 2-3 male Summer Tanagers, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and a Blue Grosbeak. Several Indigo Buntings were also present. Other species seen included Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and a female (presumably Ruby-throated) Hummingbird and a Gray Catbird. A Green-tailed Towhee was fairly active.
The GFS weather model shows the rain from the next frontal passage situated over the local coast line mid-day on Wednesday (a little later that most local TV forecasters are quoting, but agreeing with the NWS forecast of frontal positions). The winds over the Gulf at the surface and 3000 ft continue to be forecast to be quite low for the time of year, especially at lift off time tomorrow evening (Tuesday) continuing through Wednesday morning. If these forecasts hold up, Wednesday's arrivals will not be early!
With thanks for reports from John Haynes and Ty and Ida Boumaan.
John A. Whittle
]]>
Today (Wednesday March 21), there was good activity, increasing during the morning, and tailing off late in the afternoon. We assume that many birds that arrived Tuesday stayed put wherever they could after they hit the coast and move into Sabine Woods during the morning. They likely were augmented by additional birds arriving after their Gulf crossing.
The most numerous birds were White-eyed Vireos, Northern Parulas and male Hooded Warblers. Altogether, 13 species of warbler were detected, one being heard only. These were, in decreasing order of abundance, Northern Parula (approx 75), Hooded (approx 50), Yellow-rumped, Black-and-white, Yellow-throated Warbler (10+), Black-throated Green (6+), Orange Crowned, Common Yellowthroat, Prothonotary (3+ males), Louisiana Waterthrush (probably 3), Blue-winged (1) and Nashville (1), with Wilson's as the heard only, and probably not in the process of migrating. White-eyed Vireos were very numerous, probably 100 or more, with young birds whose white eye had not yet developed being in the overwhelming majority. Yellow-throated Vireos were in good number for that species (probably 8 or more), and one Blue-headed was seen. One Great Crested Flycatcher was present, and a Wood Thrush call was heard several times by different observers, but was never seen. A number of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were seen. Swallows included one Northern Rough-winged perched in the early morning, and 20-30 Tree Swallows in the middle of the a day. Several Indigo Buntings were seen late in the day after the species was detected by voice during the morning. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, although present, were not numerous.
With thanks to Gerald Duhon, Terry Ferguson, John Haynes, Kelley Sampeck.
John A. Whittle
]]>It is clear that there are several Least Grebes in Cattail Marsh at various places in the marsh. The ones just inside the gate have been somewhat less visible, but they are still there. Others have been seen further to the north in the same cell (cell 2), and at least three others in the cell (cell 3) that is across the first levee from that cell.
The Harris's Hawk found January 11 was seen January 12 in the evening, January 13 in the evening (most probable ID), and on the morning of January 14. It is in the same general area, just to the left of the entrance to Cattail Marsh, but on Saturday, it was only visible from the Tyrrell Park side of that area. As far as we know, it was not seen January 15.
Bald Eagles were seen January 11,12,13 and 14, and there is some possibility there is a nest nearby.
Probable Glossy Ibises have been seen again.
Cinnamon Teal are still being seen, but can remain well hidden for long periods.
On January 15, there were about 1,500 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks in the cell (cell 8) that is in the right corner (SE corner) of the Marsh. (It is a one mile walk to that cell!)
A Green-tailed Towhee was found in Tyrrell Park January 15. To reach the location, continue counterclockwise round the main loop past the entrance to Cattail Marsh. Park at the next parking area before you reach the toilets (gray building with red roof). Walk back to the gully you crossed just before reaching that parking area, and walk along the north side (the side nearest you as you approach from that parking area) of the gully about 50 yards to the point where you have to turn left because another gully come in from the left. The towhee was in the underbrush, a lot of which is palmetto, at this corner. (Coordinates are 30 deg 00 min 32.8 sec N, 94 deg 08 min 36.1 sec west.)
With thanks for reports from Gerald Duhon, John Haynes, Steve Mayes, Harlan Stewart.
John A. Whittle
]]>
Yesterday afternoon (Jan 11), John Haynes found a sub-adult Harris's Hawk perched in the trees along the west edge of Cell 2, the cell that is the one you see as you enter and go to the top of the levee. The bird was seen in mid afternoon to the north (left as you walk in) probably between 1/8 and 1/4 mile. Today, we found the bird at about 3:30 p.m. perched in a tree on the north edge (left) of the interior parking area. It was being buffeted by the wind, and eventually flew off, but we relocated it perhaps 150 yards further north, perched in a tree and readily visible from the levee. This is only the second Harris's Hawk sighting in Jefferson County that we know of.
Both yesterday and today, an American Bittern flushed near the northwest corner of Cell 2. If you want to try to refind this bird, turn left on the levee and walk until just before the bulrushes and other vegetation give way to more open water, almost at the corner of the cell.
Least Grebes were easily seen yesterday and today. There seems to be one grebe usually in the deeper water channel that greets you as you walk up the levee from the entrance. There may be several grebes, as one has been a little way south (right) and another some distance north (left). There are also a good number of Pied-billed Grebes everywhere in the Marsh.
Scanning the dark ibis (there are about 150 around) has produced at least two birds that are very likely Glossy Ibis.
After the three Bald Eagles last Sunday (Jan 8), one young eagle was seen in mid morning yesterday (Jan 11) and an adult bird in the afternoon. An adult Bald Eagle flew in around 3:30 p.m. today (Jan 12), landed on a coot, held in underwater to drown it, and then carried it off to the levee to the south, presumably to consume it. Northern Harriers have been seen apparently doing the same thing, but they apparently cannot lift a coot, and have to consume it in the vicinity of where they catch it.
In Cell 2 today just inside the gate were lots of Green-winged Teal, a good number of Blue-winged Teal, at least three male Cinnamon Teal, many Ruddy Ducks, many Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails and Gadwall, a few American Wigeon a few Mallards, several pairs of Mottled Ducks and two or three Redheads.
Cell 1, the deep water cell at the north end of the Marsh, has lots of Ring-necked Ducks and Ruddy Ducks, as well as Canvasback, some Redhead, a few Northern Pintail, a few Gadwall and one male and two female Bufflehead. There are two or three Lesser Scaup also in that area.
John A. Whittle
]]>
The recent area Christmas Counts did not produce any "first ever for the area" sightings. Interesting birds that are in locations that are routinely accessible include the continuation of at least one Green-tailed Towhee at Sabine Woods, in the original location near the dead oak tree in the "open" area to the east of the main entrance. A Short-eared Owl was seen at dawn at the Intracoastal Canal bridge on Highway 87. The male Vermilion Flycatcher at the Sabine Pass Cemetery (on the left as you enter) is still there (as are those at the Old League Road/Willis Road intersection, and the young male on South China Road at the corner formed by the limestone roads about 2.2 miles south of China). It is possible that the Least Flycatcher and the Winter Wren both seen near the drip in Sabine Woods on the count on January 3 are still there.
On January 8, John Mariani found two Least Grebes in Cattail Marsh. They were in the area of cell 2 immediately inside the walk in gate, and were seen by many observers during the course of the afternoon. A true "Patagonia Picnic Table Effect" then set in. Steve Mayes, before he even got to look for the grebes, found a immature male oriole that appeared to be a Baltimore Oriole in Tyrrell Park at the entrance to Cattail Marsh. Then, two adult and one third year Bald Eagles flew over calling vigorously. They flew towards the northwest, but then soared back to the southeast. One adult was seen later in the day perched in the distance, and a Peregrine Falcon was in the same area! At least two Glossy Ibis were in Cell 2 in the Marsh, and, later, one or two male Cinnamon Teal. Cell 2 is currently home to a large number of ducks including Blue- and Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Northern Pintails and a few Gadwall. The more distant deep water cell in the north, Cell 1, has Ring-necked Ducks and Canvasback.
There is a small flock of Redheads in the lake ("Willow Lake") on the east side of US69 just after the exit for Jimmy Johnson Boulevard.
The Sandhill Cranes in west Jefferson County have seemingly been looking for a change in scenery, we have a report that they are regularly in a field of the south side of Old Sour Lake Road, east of Imes Road (a.k.a. Aggie Drive) and just before the railroad crossing. About 300 were there near dusk on January 8. (The birds were at about 30 deg 04 min 60 sec N 94 deg 16 min 47 sec W). About 35 were also seen January 8 in a field north of Walden Road about 9/10 mile east of South Pine Island Road and between the two canal crossings. (The birds were at about 30 deg 02 min 22 sec N 94 deg 14 min 27 sec W).
Hummingbirds wintering in the area include a Buff-bellied, a Calliope, several Rufous, a Ruby-throat and a possible Broad-tailed. A mini-field trip to the homes with these hummers is planned for Friday morning, January 20. Details are on page 3 of the January Brown Pelican which will be mailed and posted on the website (www.goldentriangleaudubon.org) later this week.
There are unprecedented numbers of raptors, especially Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels around the area, both along the beach road, and in west Jefferson County. Enjoy them while you can as the Red-tailed Hawks will begin to thin out noticeably next month.
With thanks for reports from John Mariani, Steve Mayes, Jana Whittle and others whose reports I received indirectly.
John A. Whittle
]]>
Sparrow variety along the immediate shoreline has been good. At least three Harris's Sparrows have been frequenting a non-public area of Sea Rim State Park since Nov 28. Call Terry Ferguson on 409-332-3608 to find out if access will be possible at the time you would like to look for them. Generally, fairly early morning or late afternoon seem best. Access, if available, does not require beach driving or lengthy walking. Other sparrows in good numbers in the Golden Triangle include Field and Vesper Sparrows. The Green-tailed Towhees at Sabine Woods have not been reported recently, although they are shy. (There are Green-tailed Towhees this year scattered along the coastal areas of east Texas and Louisiana.)
Good numbers of raptors are also present. Red-tailed Hawks are especially numerous along Highway 87 between Sabine Pass and McFaddin NWR, with 33 being count in that 12-mile stretch on one recent late afternoon. Bald Eagles are being seen in west Jefferson County (two adults and two immature birds) and at Anahuac NWR (seven birds). These eagles are usually found in association with duck and goose flocks. One accessible are that has been holding ducks in Jefferson County has been either side of Lawhon Road, just west of the community of New Bethel. Green-winged Teal and Northern Pintail have predominated, with lesser numbers of Northern Shoveler and Gadwall.
The geese and Sandhill Crane flocks in west Jefferson County have been rather nomadic, and may well be roosting outside the county, and flying in to feed some days. Most often when they are found – which does not happen on every trip in the area – they have been in the extreme western part of the county, west of FM1406/FM365.
A pair of Vermilion Flycatchers has been around the farmyard at the intersection of Willis Road and Old League Road, and the male at the Sabine Pass cemetery is back.
Wintering Hummingbirds are seemingly plentiful this year with Rufous, Black-chinned and Calliope all being seen. Call Jana Whittle 409-722-4193 if you want to try to see a Rufous.
John A. Whittle
]]>
Hummingbird Program Nov 17, 2011
]]>
For those of you not on Texbirds, here is Steve Mayes' post about two Long-eared Owls found in Sabine Woods today. Apologies for "duplication" to those who already know about the owls.
Birders,
John Whittle, John Haynes and I discovered a Long-eared Owl at TOS Sabine Woods near Sabine Pass in Jefferson County this morning and Harlan Stewart discovered a second bird later in the day. One bird was very cooperative and stayed in the exact same spot from 11am until at least 5pm. The other bird was more skittish and flushed a couple of times and was not refound later in the day. Both birds were in the western section of the woods near the southern fence line (the one that borders Hwy 87) probably 2/3 of the way out to the western fence line. Be warned that there are numerous Barn Owls (at least a half dozen) around so you may have to sort through several owls before you find the right one(s). If the birds do hang around, please be respectful of them and do not unduly harrass them. Please do not play Long-eared tapes/MP3's to locate them and if you are taking photos, don't get too close, be careful with your use of flash and be respectful of other birders trying to see them. Several good photos have already been taken and will hopfully be posted at some point. The one bird was very tame (as this species can be) and allowed lots of good looks all day long so hopefully it will stick around for everyone to see, let's try to make sure we, as birders, do our part to keep them around. Good luck to anyone who goes out looking. I will be out there again tomorrow, so I'll probably see you there!
Steve Mayes Port Arthur, TX
John A. Whittle
]]>
In Sabine Woods, there is significant evidence of wintering birds "overshooting" but calling a halt to migration on seeing the Gulf. Many of these birds will either retreat a short distance back into the Big Thicket, or perhaps proceed further west and then south again. The number of western species showing up has been well above average.
The western parts of Jefferson County, although mostly dry, seem to have a normal raptor population. Sandhill Cranes have been seen (Nov 6) but are not yet numerous, and sparrows seem a little below normal. Several fields (most notably east of the southern part of South China Road) have been flooded for some time, and are attracting shorebirds in increasing numbers.
Because of the drought, there are very few nearby readily accessible waterfowl friendly areas this year, and we therefore have not yet any feel for the number and variety of wintering waterfowl this year.
Lingering neotropical migrants seen recently in Sabine Woods include:
Nashville Warbler (Nov 4, 5, 8, 10)
Yellow-breasted Chat (Nov 4)
Northern Parula (Nov 5)
Black-throated Green Warbler (Nov 5)
American Redstart (Nov 4, 5, 8, 9)
Ovenbird (Nov 5)
Magnolia Warbler (Nov 8, 9)
Tennessee Warbler (Nov 8)
(Yellow-rumped, Wilson's, Orange-crowned, Common Yellowthroat are considered likely to be wintering, although the numbers of Wilson's seen are still quite high!; overshooting Pine Warblers seen Nov 5 and 10))
Indigo Bunting (Nov 4, 5, 8)
Painted Bunting (Nov 4, 5, 10) -- maybe turn out to be wintering bird(s)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (female Nov9)
Blue Grosbeak (female plumaged Nov 10)
Gray Catbird (Nov 4,5,8,9,10)
Eastern Wood Pewee (Nov 4, 5, 8)
Arriving and overshooting -- Sparrows and related species
Green-tailed Towhee – this species was first reported Oct 21. Two were seen together Oct 29; one without a tail was seen Nov 5, and one was glimpsed Nov 9 associating with the 200 White-throated Sparrows.
Eastern Towhee {Nov 4(2), Nov 10 (2 – male and female)}
White-throated Sparrows {Nov 4 (30), Nov 5 (10), Nov 8 (none?), Nov 9 (200), Nov 10 (500)}
Field Sparrow {Nov 4(7), 5(22), 9(20), 10(35)}
Lincoln's Sparrow {Nov 4(8), 5(13), 8(5), 9(2), 10 (1)}
Swamp Sparrow {Nov 4(10), 5 (16), 8(6), 9(3), 10(2)}
Savannah Sparrow (mostly along sides of highway al days)
Chipping Sparrow {Nov 4(1), 5(2), 9(1), 10(8)}
White-crowned Sparrow {(Nov 4(2), 5(2), 10(10)}
Song Sparrow {Nov 4 (2), 5(3), 8(1), 9(1), 10(1)}
Dark-eyed Junco {Nov 4(3), Nov 5(1), Nov 10 (2)}
Vesper Sparrow {Nov 5(3), Grasshopper Sparrow {Nov 5(2), 9(1)}
Brown Creeper {Nov 4(3), 5(2), 10(2)}
Golden-crowned Kinglets {Nov 4(21). 5(2), 8(2), 9(4), 10(3)}
Raptors
Numbers of Red-tailed Hawks soaring over the coast are high, and there are more Accipiters (both species) around than normal. Northern Harriers are also more plentiful than usual for this time of year, American Kestrels are normal. Merlins are now perhaps not quite a numerous as in recent winters, although there were many earlier. Two White-tailed Kites are in residence along the highway at Sea Rim State Park. There are good numbers of raptors over western Jefferson County, including at least three Crested Caracaras.
Western "vagrants"
The Green-tailed Towhees are noted above.
Bullock's Oriole (Nov 4 in Sabine Woods)
Western Tanager (female in Sabine Woods Nov 4, female in Nederland Nov 9)
Say's Phoebe (near Sea Rim Nov 9).
Hummingbirds
Rufous and Rufous/Allen's Hummingbirds are being seen at feeders in Nederland. Lingering Ruby-throats were seen through Nov 8. A Broad-tailed Hummingbird (fem) and a Black-chinned (imm. male) were seen in Nederland Nov 6. A Buff-bellied Hummingbird was seen briefly in Nederland Nov 8.
With thanks for reports from Terry Ferguson, John Haynes, Steve Mayes, Harlan Stewart, Jana Whittle.
John A. Whittle
]]>