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May 2007

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From:
Bill Whan <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Bill Whan <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 24 May 2007 10:30:22 -0400
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        Finding something rare during this period of many bird movements is
always a treat. Looking around the region over the past few days, we
hear of a calling black rail in Michigan, a red-necked stint in Indiana
(images from John Cassady at http://www.jkcassady.com/gallery/rnst.htm
), and a remarkable reddish egret (image from Frank Angileri at
http://www.pbase.com/eng45ine/image/79325440  )in Illinois.  These birds
are to one degree or another out of range, and the farthest anyone's
likely to go in predicting their occurrence in these parts is to guess
they'll show up once in a blue moon. Ohio seems overdue for a rarity.
        Other phenomena of the season are more predictable, and while they may
not be jaw-dropping surprises are on the other hand all the more
inspiring for being predictable. Take the current movement of whimbrels
through the Great Lakes as an example. A report came from just across
the border in SE Michigan on Sunday of ~230 passing over a march during
the afternoon, then a flock of 66 there yesterday; a watch in the
Toronto area yesterday tallied 2892 of these stirring travelers. For
photos from Jean Iron & Ron Pittaway see Ontario Birds:
http://www.jeaniron.ca/Shorebirds/2007/whimbreltoronto.htm  . Whimbrels
tend to move en masse here, over a period of just a few days...that is
now, seekers.
        Other bird appearances have graduated from the lightning-bolt stage to
something more regular. Spring seems to be producing more Mississippi
kites in the region in recent years. Nearly all Ohio's records have
occurred in the past three decades, and during May and June. They now
nest regularly in the Washington DC area, and in southernmost Indiana
and Illinois. This season birds have appeared in Massachusetts and New
York, and in surprising numbers elsewhere. Might be a good one to look
for these days in Ohio; they have a distinctive flight profile.
        Then there are the species demoted from regular status into the
lightning-strike category . Take as an example the evening grosbeak that
appeared two days ago in Holmes County. These birds were far more often
seen not too long ago. They were regular in Ohio during winter, and
habitues of feeders. A Hocking County feeder hosted as many as 310
during April of 1996, where one hung around into June. I couldn't afford
sunflower seed for a horde like that. These days we see a few in winter,
and about as many in spring, seldom more than a couple at a time. I
haven't seen one here in years. They seem have joined (though perhaps
not for all the same reasons) northern birds that used to be more common
here---crossbills, redpolls, pine grosbeaks, Bohemian waxwings, etc.
        Anyway, good luck to all with an eye for the unusual.
Bill Whan
Columbus


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