Enjoyed watching the nighthawks overhead from Morgan County (between Berkeley Springs and Paw Paw). Saw 30 nighthawks head south between 6:00 and 7:30 pm. Then watched 27 Nighthawks heading north at 7:40pm??
Date: 9/1/25 5:16 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Nighthawks
Watched this evening from 630 to 8. Saw 56 nighthawks, 1 osprey, 3 black vultures and 8 cedar waxwings. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 8/31/25 4:54 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Nighthawks
Only had 3 common nighthawks last night but was excited to a bat. Tonight's forecast called for a thunderstorm to come our way from the NE, so we started looking ahead of the storm. We started at 6:30. The black cloud approached. We saw a prairie warbler in our birch tree. Then, ahead of the storm we counted 20 nighthawks, 2 chimney swifts, 2 red tails and 22 turkey vultures. All were moving away from the coming weather. The rain, thunder & lightning showed up at 7 and was pretty well finished by 7:30. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 8/31/25 8:18 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - New River Gorge NP--Madams Creek to Sandstone Falls (Summers Co.), Aug 30, 2025
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Subject: eBird Report - New River Gorge NP--Madams Creek to Sandstone Falls
(Summers Co.), Aug 30, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
New River Gorge NP--Madams Creek to Sandstone Falls (Summers Co.), Summers,
West Virginia, US
Aug 30, 2025 12:07 PM - 1:07 PM
Protocol: Traveling
8.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 75 degrees
Sandstone Falls parking area packed with cars from WV, VA, OH, KY, PA, MD,
NC, GA, MI, TN, CN, NY and CA
10 species
Canada Goose 55
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 4
Bald Eagle 1 Adult over mouth of Madams Creek
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Kingbird 1
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tree Swallow 28
Date: 8/30/25 6:56 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Aug 29, 2025
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sat, Aug 30, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Subject: eBird Report - East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV,
Aug 29, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
East River Mountain Overlook, Mercer County, WV, Mercer, West Virginia, US
Aug 29, 2025 12:36 PM - 1:36 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: unofficial hawk watch - 65 degrees, 75% cloud cover
and N wind 6-9 mph
7 species
Turkey Vulture 4
Red-tailed Hawk 2 probably residents
American Crow 4
Common Raven 1
Tree Swallow 3
Cedar Waxwing 5
American Goldfinch 1
Date: 8/28/25 3:37 am From: Jack OConnell <jack...> Subject: Greenbrier Co. Blue Grosbeak
Yesterday I had an exciting encounter with a Blue Grosbeak. I was sitting in a chair listening and watching for birds near a neighbor's cattle feeding area when I heard the distinct song. The non-breeding male came into sight, first at the top of a small tree, then to an outbuilding and finally to a tall patch of cocklebur. This gave me ample opportunity to get a few photos in good light. When the bird left the immediate area I continued to hear it sing so I recorded it with my phone. It made 5 "metallic-sounding" chips followed by the song. This was repeated many times. The vocalization continued for some time before it finally faded. That was certainly an enjoyable experience! Jack
Date: 8/27/25 10:47 am From: James Speicher <0000011f2d18fdda-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Nighthawks
I've had two singles. One on the 18th... https://ebird.org/checklist/S268152333 ...and one on the 22nd... https://ebird.org/checklist/S268860267 WV seems to get many more than here in MD just east of Harpers Ferry. BTW I like to note the times seen. I used to note the flight direction, but that just seems to be random. Jim S
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 8:59 PM, James Phillips<jimandjudyphillips...> wrote: Saw 15 common nighthawks just before dark this evening. Anybody else seeing any? Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 8/27/25 5:01 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: owlets may have had polecat
Had 3 common nighthawks fly over just before dark. After dark we listened to the 2 great horned owl youngins begging for food. After about 20 minutes, they were silent and we could smell skunk. Then about 2 a.m., they must have been hungry again. They woke me up. I closed the window & went back to sleep. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Aug 24, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Knob Ridge Road, Pipestem, WV, Aug 24, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Knob Ridge Road, Pipestem, WV, Summers, West Virginia, US
Aug 24, 2025 7:58 PM - 8:23 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: 70 degrees, partly cloudy
4 BATS - I haven't seen bats for some time.
6 species
Canada Goose 6
Common Nighthawk 16
Chimney Swift 5
Great Horned Owl 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Wood Thrush 1
Date: 8/24/25 5:02 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 24, 2025
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Aug 24, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 24, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Summers, West Virginia, US
Aug 24, 2025 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.75 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 79 degrees, partly cloudy
10 species
Mourning Dove 1
Caspian Tern 1
Great Egret 2
Great Blue Heron 4
Turkey Vulture 16
Bald Eagle 1 juvenile
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
American Crow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Date: 8/23/25 7:09 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - jct Rt. 122 & CR 25, Hans Creek Road, Aug 22, 2025
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Subject: eBird Report - jct Rt. 122 & CR 25, Hans Creek Road, Aug 22, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
jct Rt. 122 & CR 25, Hans Creek Road, Monroe, West Virginia, US
Aug 22, 2025 2:30 PM - 3:05 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 82 degrees
13 species
Wild Turkey 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 18
Mourning Dove 9
Turkey Vulture 7
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
American Kestrel 3
American Crow 6
Common Raven 2
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 1
American Goldfinch 12
Eastern Towhee 1
Indigo Bunting 2
Date: 8/23/25 7:09 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Mountain Valley Lake, Aug 22, 2025
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Mountain Valley Lake, Aug 22, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Mountain Valley Lake, Summers, West Virginia, US
Aug 22, 2025 11:21 AM - 11:46 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 75 degrees, cloudy
10 species
Wood Duck 20
Wild Turkey 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
American Crow 3
Common Raven 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
Barn Swallow 11
Cedar Waxwing 15
Eastern Towhee 1
Date: 8/22/25 12:35 pm From: C <empidonaxdvg...> Subject: Red Crossbill Request for Information
Hi all,
I’m writing to follow up on my previous requests for observations of
eastern red crossbills feeding on conifers. Late summer-early fall is a
great time to look for crossbills, as conifer cone crops are mature and
food availability for crossbills is at an all time high.
As a reminder, I’m looking for recordings of crossbill calls from the
eastern US/Great Lakes with information on the conifers the birds are
feeding on. The recordings do not have to be made with any advanced
equipment – phone recordings are often sufficient. Pictures of the conifer
cones the birds are feeding on are most helpful. However, if you are
comfortable with conifer identification, notes on which conifers birds are
feeding on are also valuable.
Based on contributions from several folks across the eastern US, I’ve
accumulated nearly 1,000 records of eastern red crossbills and the conifers
they’re feeding on. If you’re interested, I’ve posted a little blurb on my
website (https://www.ckporterlab.com/community-science) illustrating and
describing the preliminary data for type 12, the crossbill I have the most
data for and am most interested in for this project.
Although there are some intriguing patterns in the data so far, describing
the feeding ecology of type 12 and other eastern call types will require
*much* more data across many seasons and years. So, if you have crossbills
in your area, please consider uploading recordings and conifer information
to eBird. I’ve also created an iNaturalist project (link below) where
observations can be uploaded. If you don’t use eBird or iNaturalist, please
feel free to send me any observations directly.
Thanks a ton for considering my request. Please feel free to reach out with
any questions! Also, please pass this onto anyone you think might be
interested in participating.
Yesterday was the anniversary of my arrival in New York Harbor many years ago. Guess who showed up yesterday morning to help me celebrate? A male American Redstart. Hadn't seen one in several years. He came to the birdbath late afternoon as well. So exciting.
It seems like activity at the birdbath picks up around 4:30. In addition to the regulars, a male Indigo Bunting and two male Baltimore Orioles came twice. I can tell them apart because, on one, the black hood ends in a widow's peak below his throat. The last bird before I had to leave was the female Scarlet Tanager.
Both the Redstart and Worm-eating Warbler were here again just now. Whoopee!
Date: 8/17/25 11:51 am From: Casey Rucker <autoblock...> Subject: R.-b. Grosbeak season winding down (Tucker)
Hi, all,
The six pairs of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in the yard have fledged numerous kids, and visits to the feeders are tapering off. Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, and Northern Cardinals have fledged multiple clutches, and I've seen family groups of Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and White-breasted Nuthatches, along with progeny of the two other resident woodpeckers. Barred Owls are still around, as are soaring Broad-tailed Hawks.
Date: 8/16/25 9:35 am From: Rankin, Gary <rankin...> Subject: Owl but no meteors
Like Jim Phillips, I stepped outside about 5:45 am this morning to hear an owl calling from the woods north of our home. But the owl I heard was an Eastern Screech-owl. It was doing the "whinny" and "bounce" calls. I listened for a few minutes, then let our dogs back in the house. I also looked for a few Perseid meteors but no luck. Maybe next year.
Date: 8/16/25 6:39 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Owls
I woke up at 5 this morning. Stepped out on the porch in time to see a really long meteor in the western sky & hear a young great horned owl in our neighbor's yard. After a couple of minutes, I could hear a second young great horned about a quarter mile from the first. Ended up listening to them for 30 minutes before I went back to bed. While I was on the porch, I shined a light around the edge of the yard. I was greeted with 4 pairs of eyes around our compost box. I determined that they were young foxes but couldn't tell if they were red or gray. This has been mammal week in our yard. In addition to rabbits, gray & red squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and a skunk we had 3 buck deer travelling together - 8 & 6 point and the third had paddle shaped antlers. I sure miss seeing bats! Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
This evening I got a real surprise. On the twisted vine perch by the quince shrub was a baby catbird. Just a little gray ball. No tail but I could see just a hint of rust on his butt. He was sitting there waiting to be fed. When a female Cardinal landed above him, he looked up and opened his mouth. I half expected her maternal instinct to kick in and she'd feed him. Nope. A bit later, there was movement in the quince bush, but it was not the parent but a Carolina Wren. It, too, was greeted with an open mouth.
I was really beginning to worry when he flew a short distance and disappeared in the tall grass. A while later, I went out to see if I could spot him. Was I ever relieved when I got thoroughly scolded by the catbird parent. I did not expect to find a youngster this late.
Date: 8/11/25 6:56 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Bluestone S.P., Meador Campground, Aug 10, 2025
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Bluestone S.P., Meador Campground, Aug 10, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Bluestone S.P., Meador Campground, Summers, West Virginia, US
Aug 10, 2025 1:30 PM - 1:55 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 78 degrees, sunny
14 species
Wood Duck 2
Great Egret 1
Great Blue Heron 5
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 4
Tufted Titmouse 1
Eastern Bluebird 4
Cedar Waxwing 2
American Goldfinch 4
Song Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 3
Date: 8/11/25 6:56 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 10, 2025
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 10, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Summers, West Virginia, US
Aug 10, 2025 1:09 PM - 1:20 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.75 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 81 degrees, sunny
6 species
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 1
American Kestrel 1
American Crow 2
Common Grackle 5
Indigo Bunting 1
Date: 8/8/25 7:24 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Hans Creek Rd., Aug 7, 2025
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Hans Creek Rd., Aug 7, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Hans Creek Rd., Monroe, West Virginia, US
Aug 7, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 73 degrees, cloudy
33 species
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 16
Mourning Dove 21
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Black Vulture 5
Turkey Vulture 31
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
American Kestrel 3
Eastern Kingbird 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 18
Common Raven 7
Tree Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 22
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 2
European Starling 27
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
Northern Mockingbird 5
Eastern Bluebird 11
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 10
Chipping Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 6
Eastern Towhee 1
Eastern Meadowlark 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Indigo Bunting 4
The female Scarlet Tanager has visited the birdbath on several occasions. I was hoping to see the male and today it finally happened. The first time it was around noon. Didn't stay long but long enough to snap a photo and soak in that gorgeous color. So much more vibrant than a Cardinal.
Around 5:00, what appeared to be a different bird showed up. It had a lighter spot on top of the head and back. I was able to get a photo and video of him taking a bath. What a thrill to have them in my yard.
Earlier this morning the pedestal bath was full of Robins of different ages. As always, they left a bunch of hackberry pits.
Another special visitor was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in the spicebush out front. Some of those berries are starting to turn red, but I'm not sure they are on their menu.
Since there seems to be plenty of food out there for the birds, I haven't been putting out seed. On a whim, I put out a small amount of sunflower chips on the tray outside my kitchen window. It didn't take long for the youngsters to find it. A female Carninal was one, still had the dark beak. One persistent young Housefinch kept getting in dad's face, wanting to be fed, even touching his beak. He just kept it up. So funny. Reminded me of an annoying little kid.
Date: 8/4/25 5:56 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: hummingbirds
Our hummingbird numbers have jumped as well. We are putting out food twice a day. Counted at least 12 of the little rascals but we are sure there are more. At Bellepoint, we passed a house with 4 feeders on the porch. There were at least 10 birds while we watched. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 8/4/25 5:51 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 3, 2025
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Mon, Aug 4, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 3, 2025
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Summers, West Virginia, US
Aug 3, 2025 1:55 PM - 2:05 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.75 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 76 degrees, cloudy
5 species
Turkey Vulture 17
Bald Eagle 5 2 adults, 3 immatures
American Crow 2
Common Raven 1
Common Grackle 8
Date: 8/4/25 3:21 am From: Jack OConnell <jack...> Subject: Hummingbird Explosion
The number of hummingbirds visiting my feeder has increased dramatically in the past couple of weeks. I have a feeder up that holds exactly one quart of fluid. Yesterday my flock emptied the feeder TWICE! Wow, what a show! Jack
