TOS Memphis Chapter News Tennessee Ornithological Society June 2018 http://birdmemphis.org Program for the May 2018 Meeting: “Wildlife of Thailand” presented by TOS member Danny Shelton. Danny was originally a local resident. He attended Germantown High School and the University of Memphis and worked with the Germantown Police Department for a time before moving to the center of the state. He is a member of the Nashville Chapter of TOS. Mr. Shelton said that he never intended to go to Thailand, but when the opportunity presented itself he decided to take the trip. The tour would cover much of the wildlife and culture of Thailand. He found the people to be warm and welcoming and of the Buddhist religion. Danny found out there is one thing you don’t do and that is insult the King, which he did not. It just so happened that the current King had just passed away so the folks were a little more sensitive on that topic. Danny was a little concerned about being in that part of the far east as Thailand in surrounded by Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, but Thailand seems to be a stable country and he felt at ease there. Their first stop was a hotel in Bangkok where they were treated to their first bird sightings which consisted of an Olive-backed Sunbird and a Coppersmith Barbet. A skilled photographer and videographer, Dan laced his talk with many excellent pictures and videos along the way. Before they got to the birding they experienced some of the culture in the form of several Buddhist temples of which there are many amazing examples. These were frequented by locals mourning the death of the King and as well as by tourists. A Spotted Owlet was seen there. Another example of local culture was a visit to the Salt Pans in Petchaburi. Here large fields are used as evaporating pans where salt water is allowed to cover the ground and the salt crystals that form are collected and used for various needs. Danny said that it was the best shorebird place in the world. Here he had pictures of Black-winged Stilt, Chinese Pond Heron, and videos of Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Painted Stork. After a boat ride to an island in the Bay of Thailand and return, they traveled to Kaeng Krachan National Park. This is the largest National Park in Thailand and is mostly mountainous rainforests known for diverse wildlife especially birds and butterflies. Here he had pictures of Blue-throated Barbet, Black-and- Red Broadbill, Common Flameback (a type of woodpecker), Great Hornbill, and Jerdon’s Baza and videos of Bamboo Woodpecker, the Dusky Leaf Monkey and White-handed Gibbon. Khao Yai National Park, the first National Park in Thailand, was their next stop where they saw the Siamese Fireback, the National Bird of Thailand. Later towards evening they were able to observe thousands of bats emerging from a cave and saw how birds of prey took advantage of the situation. Danny went on to explain about the other places they went such as the area near the Myanmar border where there were military checkpoints along the road. Pictures included Red-breasted Parakeets, Common Hill Myna, White-crested Laughingthrush, Black-crested Bulbul, Indian Nightjar and videos of Black-throated Laughingthrush, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater and much more. Some of the birds in Thailand were on their wintering grounds having come south from Siberia. The people on the tour counted over 400 new birds for their life lists. Thanks to Danny for this interesting and enjoyable presentation. (C. Brown)
Transcript
TOS Memphis Chapter News
Tennessee Ornithological Society June 2018 http://birdmemphis.org
Program for the May 2018 Meeting:
“Wildlife of Thailand” presented by TOS member Danny Shelton. Danny was originally a local resident. He attended Germantown High School and the University of Memphis and worked with the Germantown Police Department for a time before moving to the center of the state. He is a member of the Nashville Chapter of TOS.
Mr. Shelton said that he never intended to go to Thailand, but when the opportunity presented itself he decided to take the trip. The tour would cover much of the wildlife and culture of Thailand. He found the people to be warm and welcoming and of the Buddhist religion. Danny found out there is one thing you don’t do and that is insult the King, which he did not. It just so happened that the current King had just passed away so the folks were a little more sensitive on that topic. Danny was a little concerned about being in that part of the far east as Thailand in surrounded by Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, but Thailand seems to be a stable country and he felt at ease there.
Their first stop was a hotel in Bangkok where they were treated to their first bird sightings which consisted of an Olive-backed Sunbird and a Coppersmith Barbet. A skilled photographer and videographer, Dan laced his talk with many excellent pictures and videos along the way. Before they got to the birding they experienced some of the culture in the form of several Buddhist temples of which there are many amazing examples. These were frequented by locals mourning the death of the King and as well as by tourists. A Spotted Owlet was seen there.
Another example of local culture was a visit to the Salt Pans in Petchaburi. Here large fields are used as evaporating pans where salt water is allowed to cover the ground and the salt crystals that form are collected and used for various needs. Danny said that it was the best shorebird place in the world. Here he had pictures of Black-winged Stilt, Chinese Pond Heron, and videos of Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Painted Stork.
After a boat ride to an island in the Bay of Thailand and return, they traveled to Kaeng Krachan National Park. This is the largest National Park in Thailand and is mostly mountainous rainforests known for diverse wildlife especially birds and butterflies. Here he had pictures of Blue-throated Barbet, Black-and-Red Broadbill, Common Flameback (a type of woodpecker), Great Hornbill, and Jerdon’s Baza and videos of Bamboo Woodpecker, the Dusky Leaf Monkey and White-handed Gibbon.
Khao Yai National Park, the first National Park in Thailand, was their next stop where they saw the Siamese Fireback, the National Bird of Thailand. Later towards evening they were able to observe thousands of bats emerging from a cave and saw how birds of prey took advantage of the situation. Danny went on to explain about the other places they went such as the area near the Myanmar border where there were military checkpoints along the road. Pictures included Red-breasted Parakeets, Common Hill Myna, White-crested Laughingthrush, Black-crested Bulbul, Indian Nightjar and videos of Black-throated Laughingthrush, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater and much more.
Some of the birds in Thailand were on their wintering grounds having come south from Siberia. The people on the tour counted over 400 new birds for their life lists. Thanks to Danny for this interesting and enjoyable presentation. (C. Brown)
Field Trips:
Overton Park - May 6, 2018: Margaret Jefferson led the group of 14 observers on a beautiful day of clear skies, wind WNW 6mph, with temperature 56-81 degrees. The group listed 52 species by the end of the outing. As usual Baltimore and Orchard Orioles were seen as were several Summer Tanagers. The numbers of individuals for each species were usually in the single digit range although Eastern Wood-Pewee (10), Carolina Wren (12), American Robin (30), Cedar Waxwing (12), Tennessee Warbler (30), Summer Tanager (10), Northern Cardinal (17), and Baltimore Oriole (12) did exceed that criteria. Good finds were made in the warbler family including American Redstart (5), Ovenbird (2), and Blackpoll (1), Black-and-white (3), Prothonotary (2), Tennessee (30), Magnolia (1), Bay-breasted (1), Yellow (1), Chest-nut-sided (5), Yellow-throated (3), and Black-throated Green (1). We finally began seeing Mississippi Kites (2) and Swainson’s Thrush (6).
(Martha Waldron compiled the stats; C. Brown the text)
Shelby Forest - Wednesday May 9, 2018: Dick Preston and Van Harris were leaders of the 10 members and guests who attended the mid-week hike. The day began clear but changed to scattered clouds with temperatures in the mid 60s to high 70s and humid breeze at 5-9mph. The breeze was not strong enough to discourage the mosquitoes, so we all had to take defensive measures consisting of either spray or long pants and sleeves plus the spray. In the end, the humidity and temperature caused some to roll up the sleeves. Although the 62 species recorded was not too different from the Overton Park list, there were a few surprises. A lone White Pelican appeared over Poplar Tree Lake, and Mississippi Kites (6) made frequent appearances over the park and also throughout Memphis on the way home. Three Broad-winged Hawks were seen, along with Eastern Kingbird (1), Warbling Vireo (1), Fish Crow (1), Barn Swallow (18), Veery (1), and Hooded Warbler (4). Another surprise was that only one Downy and one Red-headed Woodpecker was seen/heard. Pileated (3) and Red-bellied (6) Woodpeck-ers were heard, but not in the numbers you would normally expect. (Dick Preston compiled the stats; C. Brown the text)
Shelby County Spring Count - May 12, 2018: Members counted anywhere in Shelby County and submitted their totals to Dick Preston. As of the night of the meeting he had an observer total of 18 and a species count of 112. All of the cards were not in yet.
Our party of four that birded the road to and through the campground, the one way road along the bluff, and the road to the boat ramp, experienced some frustrations and some rather amazing encounters. Frustration came in two forms. The first was the gnats and mosquitoes that at times made birding a secondary activity and the second was that the birds were not at all courteous enough to hop out in plain view. In the majority of cases there was only a flood of distant calls that let us know that avifauna were actually there. Luckily two of our group were not partially deaf and were much more comfortable identifying many of the birds (but not all) by their call. We had what I thought were very high numbers of flycatchers and Indigo Buntings along with the largest number I have seen at once of Mississippi Kites (36) over the farm field on the flats below the bluff. (C. Brown)
Wolf River Restoration Trail - May 19, 2018: Martha Waldron led this hike along the Wolf River near Collierville. The leader and one other person walked the trail listening to the calls of many different species. Martha identified most of them by ear although we did see a number of Indigo Buntings and a few Yellow-breasted Chat, Field Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-tailed Hawk and Belted Kingfisher. Species total was around 34. The weather was humid but clear with some breeze. The temperature was warming rapidly through the two hours we birded.
FYI:
From: Kristina Baker
Subject: 2018 SPAC spring banding summary and MAPS banding plans.
Our 2018 spring migration banding at SPAC has concluded, and I want to thank all of you who came out and helped. We processed 175 birds (156 newly banded, 19 recaptures) of 35 species. In spring 2017, our numbers were less (104 newly banded, 5 recaptures, 29 species), but we also banded one less day and used fewer nets. This year, we moved from last spring’s primary banding spot (between the visitor’s center and wildflower area) due to MAPS protocol stipulations that suggest no banding at our MAPS station area for six weeks prior to beginning our MAPS research. Thus all our 2018 spring banding was at the hummingbird visitor’s parking area. We did recapture one male Indigo Bunting that we banded last spring, and we also recaptured a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird that we didn’t band (so COOL!). We are currently awaiting information from the Bird Banding Lab on original banding information for that Ruby-throated Hummingbird. I’m already setting hopeful goals for 2019 spring banding to band a few more additional days, add more nets, and stretch the banding season from mid-April to mid-May. We’ll likely keep the spring banding station in the same location for 2019.
Additional 2018 Spring Banding Results
Number of banding days: 7 Banding dates: April 21, 23, 25, 27, 29; May 1, 4. Number of banding hours per day: ~4.5 Number of nets used: 14 Number of guests/observers: ~25
(The species list and quantity of individuals each species is not included in this newsletter.)
Thanks to SPAC for allowing access and space to conduct this research and for providing supplies, vehicles, and personnel. And thanks again to everyone who participated; I hope to see you all at the 2018 SPAC MAPS banding! For MAPS, we may stagger our volunteer help this year to allow everyone opportunities to get ample experience, but of course we’ll welcome anyone who wants to come out and observe otherwise. Ideally for each MAPS banding session, it would be nice to have 2 banders, 2 recorders, and 4 to 6 folks to check nets. We could get by with less, but we’ll run smoothly with 7-10 folks. This year, we are also going to incorporate a volunteer birder who can keep track of all the birds encountered across the banding station each banding day for our MAPS Breeding Status list.
The tentative schedule for MAPS is below, but please be aware this is very likely going to change! Due to my work schedule and weather events, some days will probably need to be shuffled around. Overall, I’m going to try to keep banding on the weekends, but that may not always be the case. Please email me to let me know your availability over the banding season. Email to [email protected]
Tentative 2018 MAPS banding schedule Period #3 May 21-30: Banding date - May 26: Backup banding date - May 27. Period #4 May 31-June 9: Banding date - June 2: Backup banding date - June 3. Period #5 June 10-19: Banding date - June 16: Backup banding date - June 17. Period #6 June 20-29: Banding date - June 23: Backup banding date - June 24. Period #7 June 30-July 9: Banding date - June 30: Backup banding date - July 1. Period #8 July 10-19: Banding date - July 13: Backup banding date - July 14. Period #9 July 20-29: Banding date - July 21: Backup banding date - July 22. Period #10 July 30-August 8: Banding date - August 4: Backup banding date - August 5.
Best to all you good folks………...Kristina
More FYI:
New Information Center at Mid-South Raptor Center!!!
Make sure to check out the new information center the next time you drive past the rehab center. This was constructed by Jeremy Waldron as part of his Eagle Scout project. Jeremy is the grandson of MTOS members Jim and Martha Waldron. He is shown here below, between his granddad Jim and his dad Brian Waldron.
MTOS Meeting - May 16, 2018:
Old Business:
Barbara Pyles reminded us that we still need a spare bulb for the projector.
The slate of officers for next year was voted on and approved unanimously by the members present.
Margaret Jefferson is seeking members to sign up to supply refreshments for hospitality hours 2018-19.
New Business: None.
Unusual sightings: Jay Walko at the Pits - Hybrid Glossy/White-faced Ibis; Fulvous Whistling-Ducks; Sora; and a Painted Bunting at Bunting Corner near the TVA-Allen Steam Plant.
TOS Membership Information
Benefits include monthly programs, field trips, quarterly journals, and state and chapter newsletters.
Categories and dues are: Individual $36 Family $40 Sustaining $55 College Student $23 Other Student $ 5 Lifetime $450 one time +$18 yearly
Please send dues to: Barbara Pyles
518 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. South Cordova, TN 38018-4832
To reduce printing and mailing costs, a digital version, which is usually expanded with photos and occasional articles, is provided. Notify Margaret Jefferson at [email protected]. If you have no internet access, a printed version can be mailed.
Chapter Newsletter Submissions
E-mail or call Chad Brown [email protected] or (901) 754-3385 Deadline for submissions to the Newsletter is the 22nd of the month.
Field Cards
Please mail or e-mail your field cards and notable sightings to Dick Preston.
*February 28 for the April Newsletter *June 30 for the August Newsletter *October 31 for the December Newsletter
Forward contributions to: Theresa Graham, Editor P.O. Box 366 Oakland, TN 38060 (901) 465-4263 or e-mail: [email protected]
Memphis Chapter TOS
667 North Idlewild Street Memphis, TN 38107-4516
The Tennessee Ornithological Society promotes the enjoyment, scien-tific study, and conservation of birds.
www.tnbirds.org
Chapter Meeting
No Meeting June, July & August, 2018
Program at 7:00 PM
No Meeting
Hospitality
No Meeting
Field Trip Information
No scheduled chapter field trips
New Members
Special Events
June 1-3, 2018 - Hatchie Birdfest, Brownsville, TN.
For full information go to http://www.hatchiebirdfest.com
Jay Walko, after several attempts, finally got the picture he was hoping for, a Prothonotary Warbler with lunch. And a great picture it is. On a recent trip to the Pits, Jay took photos of a hybrid White-faced/Glossy Ibis and two Fulvous Whistling-Ducks.
Thomas Blevins added a few more photos to our collection in early May. The picture below is of an
active Osprey nest near Chattanooga, TN. To the right is a Broad-winged Hawk. On the bottom, an Osprey on a nest.
Mr. Blevins also added the following pictures. All but one of these were taken at Radnor Lake State Park. Wood Duck pair. (below)
Yellow Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler (right)
American Redstart (below)
Cliff Swallow (right)Fayette County
Green Heron (bottom) Blackpoll Warbler (below)
Since it is summer, the time that hummingbirds frequent our area, Dianna Johnson has contributed two pictures of hummers not typically seen around here. In fact these pictures were taken in Arizona.
The stunning picture to the left shows all the identification features needed to confirm that this is indeed a male
Blue-throated Hummingbird. A bird that is uncommon in the U.S. but will appear near streams in mountain canyons in the extreme southwest. The blue throat is hard to see on the male and absent on the female. Best ID’d by size (5”), white eye stripe and white corners on the black tail.
(Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of N.A.)
The Rivoli’s (formerly Magnificent) Hummingbird to the right is even larger (at 5 1/4’’) than the blue-throated and shares the same general territory in south-western mountains. As shown here, the male’s green throat and purple crown flash in good light. Otherwise it usually looks dark but with a white spot behind the eye. Both male and female have long bills and the female a white stripe behind the eye.
(Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of N.A.)
This “bug-eyed” looking critter to the left, also an Arizona summer
resident, is the smallest owl, (5 1/2’’) the Elf Owl. It is frequently seen in deserts and canyons and nests in holes in trees and saguaro cactus. It is active only at night.
“Tiny size, no ‘ear’ tufts, short tail. Blurry streaks below, white eyebrows, white stripe above wing,” help to identify this owl.
(Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America)
MTOS 2017-2018 Season Final Exam Answer Sheet________
Look at the pictures on page 10 and 11. Match a letter from column #2 to the correct # in column #1.
Record your answers on a sheet of paper then display the answer sheet contained in the second PDF attachment to check your answers.
Column #1 Column #2
#1. _______________ A. Black-and-white Warbler
#2. _______________ B. Wilson’s Phalarope
#3. _______________ C. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
#4. _______________ D. Chestnut-sided Warbler
#5. _______________ E. Blackpoll Warbler
#6. _______________ F. Swainson’s Thrush
#7. _______________ G. Baltimore Oriole (male)
#8. _______________ H. Magnolia Warbler
#9. _______________ I. Black-throated Green Warbler
#10. ______________ J. Empidonax Flycatcher species
#11. ______________ K. Pied-billed Grebe
#12. ______________ L. Orchard Oriole (1st year male)
#13. ______________ M. Great Crested Flycatcher
#14. ______________ N. Summer Tanager
#15. ______________ O. House Wren
#16. ______________ P. Baltimore Oriole (female)
#17. ______________ Q. Golden-winged Warbler
#18. ______________ R. Orchard Oriole
S. Orange-crowned Warbler
T. Tennessee Warbler
U. Cooper’s Hawk
V. Meadowlark
W. Empidonax Flycatcher species
X. Cedar Waxwing
Y. Hooded Warbler
Z. Bay-breasted Warbler
MTOS 2017-2018 Season Final Exam (from Overton Park outing 5-6-2018)
