Date: 1/14/26 9:11 am From: Jean L <jaleonatti...> Subject: Black Ducks - Boone Countu
Two American Blacks Ducks are being seen at Eagle Bluffs CA in the distribution channel below the junction house. Simultaneously 2 were seen at Wetland Cell #4. Hybrids are also reported in both areas.
Jean Leonatti Boone County <jaleonatti...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 1/14/26 7:03 am From: David Becher <davidbecher...> Subject: WGNSS Birding 1/15 and 1/17
On Thursday, we will meet at 8 am by the headquarters of Busch Wildlife Area in St. Charles County. We will meet by the parking lot to the left of the building.
On Saturday, we will meet at 8 am near the headquarters of Horseshoe Lake State Park in Illinois. From I-70 east exit at Illinois Route 111 and head north. The park entrance is on the left. At the lake turn left to the parking lots on the lakeshore near the HQ.
Please note that it is likely to be extremely cold (winter chills in the teens) on Saturday and please dress appropriately.
David Becher
Saint Louis
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
I forgot to mention our Saturday lunch venue: The Grove, located one
stoplight north of Nana’s on International in Weslaco. It’s a great place
for breakfast/brunch/lunch for eggs, waffles, and such.
The forecast for Sunday was chilly and wind—lots of it, especially toward
the coast. We hadn’t been to Boca Chica, so decided to go that way anyway.
Highway 4 is undergoing yet another reformation with installation of
infrastructure for Elon Musk’s Space X complex. Cybertrucks are being used
as company vehicles. We saw at least 200 along the way.
The tide was going out, but the wind was driving waves high onto the beach.
There would be no driving on it. We went back around the newly created
roundabout at the beach end of Hwy. 4, and steered a course for the Shrimp
Basin boat ramp.
The boat ramp area looked nearly empty of birds when we arrived, but
slowly, one by one birds began to emerge from the wind-protected low
area. Most
of the expected species were present, though in smaller numbers than we
usually see there.
After lunch at Isabel’s in Port Isabel we checked out the beach north of
the convention center, hoping it was the refuge birds were seeking from the
wind. There were birds, but in small numbers. A large gathering of
Laughing Gulls and a few terns were huddled at the far north end.
Onward! We cruised Hwy. 100 and the dirt road across from the little blue
hut. The wind was still too strong for birds to be comfortable sitting up
high. We saw a caracara and a White-tailed Hawk. No falcons. We filled
up with gas and headed to Alamo for a dinner of leftovers, time to pack,
and a few more minutes at the mini-puzzle Clare had brought to aggravate
our evenings. It went into a bag provide frustration on future occasions.
Monday, January 12. We loaded the car with 75 Black-bellied Whistling
Ducks flying back and forth to bid us farewell, then had breakfast at the
inn before starting north at 8:50. \
The Border Patrol check station on Hwy. 77 and Sarita Rest Area sported
Brewer’s Blackbirds as well as Great-tailed Grackles.
We turned east at Riviera to bird the roadside, Riviera Beach and
Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park. The end of the road at Riviera Beach, where
one year Groove-billed Anis lurked, gave us good looks at Lincoln’s and
Olive Sparrow. Forty-five minutes at the park yielded 28 species,
including shovelers, Mottled and Ruddy Duck, Lesser Scaup, Spotted
Sandpiper, both yellowlegs, avocets and stilts in the campground pond. Both
pelicans, Ring-billed, Laughing and American Herring Gull, Long-billed
Dowitchers, Forster’s Terns, and Reddish Egret in the shallow waters of the
inlet.
There was plenty of daylight when we reached Rockport, so we took a quick
swing through Goose Island State Park for 21 species, including Long-billed
Curlew, Little Blue Heron, Willet, Royal Tern, many Redheads and
Blue-winged Teal, and Eastern Phoebe. We ended the day with a drive along
Lamar Beach Road for one more look at Whooping Cranes before heading for
the Quality Inn in Fulton/Rockport.
Tomorrow we make a beeline north, leaving behind the RGV and south Texas
coast one more time. The memories are good enough to sustain us until next
time…
Edge Wade
Rockport, TX
<1edgewade...>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 1/12/26 5:57 am From: Maureen Thomas-Murphy <drmabuce...> Subject: Fw: Catching up with...Aerin Tedesco--no sighting
Just thought I would forward this email from Chicago. This woman, Aerin Tedesco wrote a song, "Today the Birds Are Saving My Life," that you can listen to via the link at the end of the post.Maureen Thomas-MurphySt Louis
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Bob Dolgan <twib...>To: "<drmabuce...>" <drmabuce...>Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 at 07:16:01 AM CSTSubject: Catching up with...Aerin Tedesco
Singer, songwriter, guitarist, drummer with local favorites Congress of Starlings.͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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Catching up with...Aerin Tedesco
Singer, songwriter, guitarist, drummer with local favorites Congress of Starlings.
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I first saw Aerin Tedesco and Andrea Bunch of Congress of Starlings perform at a Chicago Ornithological Society event at The Galway Arms on Clark Street. Later, I had the good fortune of including their music in the Monty and Rose films, including the original song “The Gift” about the birds’ arrival.
Then Aerin set a state record for an Illinois big year by a female birder. We chatted recently about Congress of Starlings’ new release, Orphans, including a show at the fabled Old Town School of Folk Music, on Friday, February 6, at 6 p.m.
TWiB: The last time we talked (for the newsletter) you had just set the Illinois record for a big year among women. Have you been “chasing” as much as you did that year (2020)?
AT: I have never in my life chased as much as that year and my Champaign County big year in 2021! So no. That said, some great stuff has been popping up here and there in the state and counties near me, and I managed to get on most of these birds! I found the second ever recorded Red-necked Grebe at Riverbend in Champaign County, and picked up county lifers Glossy Ibis, Loggerhead Shrike, Brewer's Blackbird, and just [last week], Townsend's Solitaire! I also added a bunch of birds to bump up my Vermilion County life list to 204. I also was able to chase the Short-billed Gull in Rock Island. I found it on the Iowa side and had to wait 45 minutes for it to get up and fly past the middle of the river to the Illinois side! That was Illinois state lifer 355 (and 140 for Iowa)! It has been fun chasing these birds and finding other regulars, and must less intense and exhausting than big year chasing!
TWiB: I know your backyard has been a hotspot for you. Can you tell us about some of your favorite sightings and why you think it attracts so many birds?
AT: Yeah, my yard is absolutely unreal! It has a mix of native trees and plants as well as invasives like honeysuckle. It’s really not all that impressive. But here’s why I think birds show up. The city of Champaign is surrounded by corn and soy. It is essentially an agricultural wasteland for birds—most birds can’t and won’t utilize that kind of habitat. The city has old growth trees, lots of useful native and non-native plants and some folks putting up feeders and water features. So the city itself becomes kind of a wildlife refuge inside the unusable ag habitat. Just putting out a small water feature with a pump is a really great attractor because they can hear the water. On very hot days and very cold days it is a huge draw for birds. I had some great stuff show up again this year: Black-billed Cuckoo, Pine, Mourning and Black-throated Blue Warblers, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Yellow-breasted Chat (twice!). The best bird by far, though, has been a red morph Eastern Screech-Owl roosting in a cavity in the crabapple tree right outside my kitchen window! It showed up for the first time on November 21 and stayed four days, then again on December 19 and 20, and January 2 through 4! I feel so, so lucky that this bird chose my yard and that I get to see it so often! It’s really incredible and special...
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TWiB: It has been a few years since I recall a Congress of Starlings release. What prompted this project between you and Andrea? Are there other collaborators?
AT: This album is a LONG time coming! Andrea and I lead busy lives, so finding time to record was difficult and the album just kept getting put off and put off. So we are THRILLED to finally get these songs onto an album. The reason it is called Orphans is because these songs are like little neglected things that didn’t get the attention they deserved for way too long! The album features Andrea on guitar, keys and vocals, Greg Nergaard on bass, and Lindsay Weinberg on vocals and keys. Also, the guy who recorded and engineered the album, Ryan Groff (Modern Drugs), also plays guitar and sings on quite a few tracks. I played any drums you hear on the record because of logistics and time, but Janet Cramer will be playing drums at the album release show on February 6 at the Old Town School. The album is also unique because this time I wrote all the songs. Since I recorded all the main stuff in Champaign and Andrea, Greg and Lindsay recorded in Chicago and sent me files to edit and mix, it was a long process. Andrea and I decided to just do my songs this time. Perhaps we will do an album of songs she wrote at some point, too.
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TWiB: How meaningful is it to play at Old Town School, a place that’s seen so many luminaries through the years?
AT: I feel totally honored and thrilled that we get to play at the Old Town School! It is hands-down one of the best listening rooms in Chicago and the sound engineers know that room and make everything sound awesome! To take the stage where, as you said, so many incredible and talented musicians played is kind of mind-blowing if you think about it! It is the perfect place to bring this album to life live, and we couldn’t be happier we get to play there!
TWiB: I don’t think I’ve ever asked—how did you get into music? Any formative experiences you can mention?
AT: I’ve been singing since I was really small and took voice lessons starting in my teens. I started playing violin in 5th grade and guitar in 10th. Music was always something I was drawn to from a very young age, so it’s hard to say if there was any one thing that get me into it. At risk of sounding cliche, I really do think it’s just in my blood...
Orphans is available for purchase at Bandcamp starting February 6. Listen to the song “Today the Birds Are Saving My Life” here:
| Listen now · 4:39 |
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Date: 1/11/26 5:25 pm From: Maureen Thomas-Murphy <drmabuce...> Subject: Harris' sparrow still present at Columbia Bottom
Hello all,Connie Alwood found the sparrow in the brush pile next to parking lot Q and I refound it across the road from that lot at about 3:00 on Jan 11.
I had many pics, but on the way home, as my husband pumped gas at the Mobil station at Riverview and Dunn Rd, someone snuck into our car and stole my camera and his computer. Be sure to lock your car while pumping! Many of you have more valuable stuff than I.
Take care all,Maureen Thomas-MurphySt Louis
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 1/11/26 1:36 pm From: Allen Gathman <agathman...> Subject: NO SIGHTING -- Deadline for submissions to the March issue of The Bluebird
*February 1 *is the deadline for submission of materials to be considered for inclusion in the March 2026 issue of The Bluebird, the journal of the Missouri Birding Society. The most recent issue (and all the past ones) are available here <https://mobirds.org/Bluebird/>.
Did you lead or participate in a birding field trip recently? Did you have an unusual sighting? Did you just have a great experience birding sometime? Have a birding tip to share? Why not write about your birding experiences and submit it to The Bluebird?
We solicit submissions of anything related to birding in Missouri -- articles about birding trips, unusual sightings or experiences while birding, ideas for birding techniques, identification tips, memoirs, fiction or poetry about birds or birding, photos of Missouri birds, original artwork, book reviews, you name it.
We also publish peer-reviewed scientific articles reporting original research on birds; please note that the review process takes time, so such material is often published in a subsequent issue. If you want a paper to be peer reviewed, please make that clear when submitting it.
Please email all submissions to me, Allen Gathman, <agathman...>
How to submit: 1) Microsoft Word format is preferred for text submissions. Please, not PDF -- it's very hard to format for the journal. 2) If you have images to include with text, please send them separately, preferably as .jpg files -- not embedded in the Word document. 3) For all photos of birds, please include the identification of the bird species, the location where the photo was taken including Missouri county, date taken, and photographer's name.
Your submissions make the Bluebird possible; I encourage everyone to send something. If I get overwhelmed with submissions, I can always save some for a future issue. -Thanks,
Allen Gathman Editor, The Bluebird Pocahontas, MO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 1/11/26 11:37 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Mature Sharp-shinned Hawk visitor
On a sunny, cold day, with temps in the 20s F, the mature Sharp-shinned Hawk showed up around 12:30pm. With the sunlight and a hawk that stayed around for a while, I was able to get some nice photos
It perched in 2 different spots in the river birch tree, once right above the dense bush where several birds were sheltering. Then it flew down and perched above the feeders, watching the birds in the dense bush.
It then flew down and circled the bush, trying to flush or get at the birds. It briefly landed on the ground near the bush, again circled around the bush and then went deep into the branches, flushing two birds, which it chased after out of my view.
These birds are so pretty. You don’t often get some extended, closeup looks at them, from multiple viewpoints. But they don’t seem bothered by my presence, as long as aI stay back from the windows and don’t make any quick movements.
Photos can be viewed at: flickr.com/photos/dgetman/sets
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Friday, January 9. We began the day at Santa Ana, designated as a wildlife
refuge in 1943, with a bird walk led by Mark and Joanie Hubinger. As the
only birders with them, we enjoyed a personalized tour that began with a
Ringed Kingfisher silhouetted in the morning haze. Shortly after seeing
the kingfisher, we were dazzled by a flock of 175 Cave Swallows over
Pintail Lake. A good array of ducks included several Cinnamon Teal. Greater
and Lesser Yellowlegs and Least Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers,
Wilson’s Snipe, Black-necked Stilts and Black-crowned Night Herons
skittered when the Cooper’s Hawk zoomed over. A special treat were the 6
Green Kingfishers, often in clear view. The thornscrub birds showed in
expected places and numbers.
The walk was followed up by another drive through the Progresso Sod Farms
subdivision. The Burrowing Owl was a no-show. The vibrant Vermillion
Flycatcher and three Loggerhead Shrikes were hunting. We watched a
White-tailed Kite rip up prey on the ground and four jackrabbits bounding
off at full speed as it took to the air. Two Long-billed Curlews were
feeding in a vacant lot.
Lunch was at Nana’s (the second stoplight north of Estero Llano Grande SP
on International). We searched for Brewer’s Blackbirds sometimes in the
parking lot, but saw none. Clare and Kathleen tried something new as I
stuck with my five lonches order (but al pastor this time).
We got to Estero a little after 2 p.m. and sat on the bench until nearly 5,
watching the Green Jay drip where the Tropical Parula had been appearing. No
parula, but bathers included Orange-crowned Warblers showing their orange
crowns, a Nashville and a Black-and white, and a couple Olive Sparrows.
The high winds were back on Saturday, so we began the day car birding along
Valley View Rd., en route to Donna Reservoir. There we watched a Western
Cattle-Egret attending three bulls.
The wind was so strong, most birds were hunkered. We counted 147 Neotropic
Cormorants, most in a huge raft. Our count of 239 Lesser Scaup was
probably low, as many may have been too close to the bank for us to see. A
lone Roseate Spoonbill managed to fly over the road, but it was struggling.
The Spotted and Least sandpipers did better by staying low, as did our
first Barn Swallow of the year.
We headed toward Old Military Highway (US 281) and caught sight of a
distant Northern Harrier, a White-tailed Hawk and a Crested Caracara as we
did our now obligatory try for the owl at the sod farms. The wind was so
bad even the Vermillion was not in view. We did get good looks at a
Savannah Sparrow clutching the fence to stay in place, and we had a good
show of two White-tailed Hawks using the wind to hover.
Because it was Saturday and no trucks were working, we dared to go to the
Progresso Lakes Grain Silos in hopes of seeing Yellow-headed Blackbirds. It
was a bust, but a pigeon aficionado would have been thrilled.
We turned for home and a rest break before a 5 p.m,. run up to McAllen for
the evening fly-in to the roost at 10th and Trenton. From a single spot in
the HEB lot we counted 8,000 Great-tailed Grackles (many, many more were
around), 18 starlings, 3 Bronzed Cowbirds (with the car decorated as proof
of presence), and 150 Green Parakeets flying in small groups and perching
on the power lines on Trenton Rd.
Edge Wade
Alamo, TX
<1edgewade...>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
We received word that Miscanthus harvest got started at the Dunbar blackbird roost earlier this week. Though we have not been there to confirm the status in person, we assume that this marks the end of large-scale roosting at that field for the season. We also assume that this means a lot of blackbirds will be seeking out alternative roost sites. We’re pretty certain that there are other regional roost sites to be found, and we’d be very interested to hear reports of other roosts or suspected roosts. The key is to pay attention to the flight direction of streams of birds in the evening when they’re headed to roost sites (or in the morning, when they’re headed away). We’ve had success in following them by vehicle, though it may take a little luck for the end point to be viewable from a public road.
Based on observations of flight trajectories on a few occasions, we have a hunch that there’s a roost somewhere southwest of the Missouri River relative to Eagle Bluffs, perhaps in Moniteau County? And we also made one observation last winter from Bradford Farm of a rather substantial southbound flow at dusk that suggested a roost perhaps farther south in Boone County, or perhaps in Callaway? We were unable to follow up on these. However, observations from home over multiple years confirm that evening flight direction many miles from a roost can provide clues to roost location and activity. Again, we’d be delighted to know what others are noticing in the way of big blackbird concentrations.
Joanna & Eric Reuter
Boone County, MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Wednesday, Jan. 7 looked like our best day to get upriver to Salineño and
beyond, so we were up a little earlier, had breakfast “at home” and were
off with a full tank of gas (prices dropped for no apparent reason).
Birding along Salineño Road between US 83 and town was a bit
disappointing—no sparrow flock, no Cactus Wren greeted us. That was offset
with an Audubon’s Oriole at the feeders when we arrived. The yard
regulars, including Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, Golden-fronted and
Ladderback Woodpeckers, Black-crested Titmice and Orange-crowned Warblers,
were joined by a Clay-colored Thrush and Olive Sparrow. Three Zone-tailed
Hawks were circling among the Black and Turkey Vultures. A gray morph
Eastern Screech-Owl drowsed in the box, and a Sandhill Crane called in
flight.
The volunteers have been working hard since mid-October, clearing growth to
open up parts of the site that haven’t been cleared since it was an RV
park, planting native plants, and giving the place a well-needed
overhaul. Hats
off!
The annual trek up the rutted two-track watching and listening for
Morelet’s Seedeaters may have had one zooming across to the island, but no
countable ones were encountered. There was a good smattering of waterfowl
on both sides of the river, and Osprey were fun to watch. We had lunch at
the picnic area between the roadside parking and the DeWind yard viewing
area.
The Dump Road was very quiet. Most of it had been “improved” to give
border operatives better access.
We birded Falcon Lake State Park from stem to stern. The lake is near its
historic low. Birds were sparse. We were not there at an optimal time, so
did not see many species. A covey of Northern Bobwhite scurried along the
perimeter of the bird blind.
The county park produced only a couple mockingbirds and a small flock of
Red-winged Blackbirds.
We dined at the Roma Dairy Queen and headed for Alamo.
Thursday, January 8 was as windy as predicted. We’d planned for that by
going upriver again to the casitas at Rancho Las Lomitas where we could sit
out of the wind on the porch with Anna and watch the feeders she tends so
well. A Greater Roadrunner zipped past as we pulled in to park.
The Gray-headed subspecies of Orange-crowned Warblers were bouncing in
front of us for most of our stay. A pair of Audubon’s Orioles view with
the Green Jays for feeder access. The Scaled Quail were slow to arrive, but
when they did, they strutted admirably as they made their way through the
seed Anna strewed around the area.
We bid adios to Anna and strolled around back where we had close-up views
of a very dapper Black-throated Sparrow who serenaded us enthusiastically.
Lunch was a picnic at the ranch before heading to Edinburg for one more try
for a 2026 look at the Crimson-collared Grosbeak. She was not cooperative.
The regular cast of characters was present. A Summer Tanager, a Ruddy and
a Ring-necked Duck, and a group of 35 Northern Shovelers “phalaroping”
(scrunched together in a tight circle moving counter clockwise to create a
vortex bringing food to the surface) provided entertainment.
We were all tired, so we called it a day a little before 5, gassed up and
went for an early supper at El Dorado.
Edge Wade
Alamo, TX
<1edgewade...>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 1/8/26 12:43 pm From: Carla_Kevin Hogan <smokeywags...> Subject: Re: A different hawk today in the yard
________________________________
From: Carla_Kevin Hogan <smokeywags...>
Sent: Thursday, January 8, 2026 2:40 PM
To: Daniel Getman <daniel.p.getman...>
Subject: Re: A different hawk today in the yard
Hi Dan, We have "skitterish" birds at out feeding stations as well. A mature, Sharp-shinned hawk has decided this is a really nice place to hang-out. Fresh, clean water provided at the bird bath as well! We hope he stays. Bon-Appetit! Kevin Hogan and Carla Bascom.
________________________________
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Thursday, January 8, 2026 1:08 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: A different hawk today in the yard
No wonder the birds are skittish in our yard and are often gone for long periods of time.
This rainy morning we had another hawk, different from the other day, visit our yard.
I'm not sure if it's a Cooper's Hawk or a Sharp-shinned Hawk, but I lean towards a Sharp-shinned. It is definitely an immature bird. If anyone wants to venture an opinion, please reply to me with your rationale. Personally, Im leaning towards a Sharp-shinned because of the cap extending down the back of the neck, but the legs looks quite a big stockier than the thin legs of a Sharpie. Also the behavior of flying around the bush is what Ive typically observed for a Sharpie. I dont have a good photo of the tail.
I initially saw it on a branch of the river birch and I grabbed my camera. It then jumped to a higher branch and sat there, looking around, for a good 20 minutes. It them jumped down to the feeders and then flew round a dense bush where birds had taken shelter and then landed atop the bush.
Rather than fly around the bush and try to get at them, which is quite typical behavior, this bird literally went deep into the bush after the birds. It was unsuccessful and emerged again, perched for short time, then flew away. Ive never seen a haw in our yard go deeply into that bush after a bird. It went a good 18-24 inches in.
Photos can be viewed at: flicker.com/photos/dgetman/sets
Date: 1/8/26 11:08 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: A different hawk today in the yard
No wonder the birds are skittish in our yard and are often gone for long periods of time.
This rainy morning we had another hawk, different from the other day, visit our yard.
I'm not sure if it's a Cooper's Hawk or a Sharp-shinned Hawk, but I lean towards a Sharp-shinned. It is definitely an immature bird. If anyone wants to venture an opinion, please reply to me with your rationale. Personally, I’m leaning towards a Sharp-shinned because of the cap extending down the back of the neck, but the legs looks quite a big stockier than the thin legs of a Sharpie. Also the behavior of flying around the bush is what I’ve typically observed for a Sharpie. I don’t have a good photo of the tail.
I initially saw it on a branch of the river birch and I grabbed my camera. It then jumped to a higher branch and sat there, looking around, for a good 20 minutes. It them jumped down to the feeders and then flew round a dense bush where birds had taken shelter and then landed atop the bush.
Rather than fly around the bush and try to get at them, which is quite typical behavior, this bird literally went deep into the bush after the birds. It was unsuccessful and emerged again, perched for short time, then flew away. I’ve never seen a haw in our yard go deeply into that bush after a bird. It went a good 18-24 inches in.
Photos can be viewed at: flicker.com/photos/dgetman/sets
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Monday, January 5, we headed straight for the Limpkin found Sunday at
Resaca de los Fresnos in San Benito. A couple from Tennessee we’d met
before and who had been on the unsuccessful search for the Crimson-collared
Grosbeak arrived at the same time. We got the Limpkin in the scope
quickly, and John Yoakum, on a “bus driver’s holiday” drove up to see it as
we were leaving.
Our luck didn’t hold, as we dipped on the Aplomado Falcon along and in the
vicinity of Hwy. 100. With high hopes of seeing a hummingbird (Kathleen
had missed it at Estero and Clare hadn’t had an opportunity, yet), we went
to the Laguna Vista Nature Trail with the three blinds. All feeders were
empty. Blind 3’s drip wasn’t working; Blind 1’s feeder was on the ground.
At Blind 2 a Long-billed Thrasher, a Lincoln’s Sparrow , Olive Sparrow and
two bathing Orange-crowned Warblers drew our attention. We stopped at the
Laguna Vista Community Marina and stayed in the car to see 10 species,
including Spotted Sandpiper, Neotropic and Double-crested Cormorant, White
Ibis, Tricolored Heron and lounging Brown Pelicans.
We made the sharp right into a small parking area at the east end of the
causeway used by fishermen. Lisa Saffell had seen the recently split
Mangrove Yellow Warbler there after waiting 10 minutes. The woman with her
for the sighting had been waiting for it for 4 hours. We gave it 20
minutes, then drove to the mudflats and mangroves via the dirt road that
goes right just after the turn onto the KOA entrance road. Nothing there. We
went for a restroom and a picnic lunch at the Convention Center.
The drive around the mudflats north of the Convention Center was productive
again, although fewer birds were present than on our last drive there. Four
plover species, a Gull-billed Tern, a white morph Reddish Egret, and our
first of trip Marbled Godwits were highlights.
TX-48 Shrimp Basin Bridge/Zapata Memorial Boat Ramp/San Martin Lake outlet,
like the mudflats, had fewer birds than before, but were good for 20
species. I took a cat nap as the others surveyed the site.
Our last stop of the day was Oliveira Park to wait for the parrot fly-in. It
was very windy and the parrots flighty, but we got good looks at a group of
Red-crowned Parrots in time to be just a little late for meeting up with
Marc Lund and Kelly Clarke for dinner at El Dorado.
On the 6th, we started at the Progresso Sod Farms, once again looking for
the Burrowing Owl, this time with better information as to the location of
the pile of concrete blocks it was hanging around. We dipped again, but
the very bright Vermillion Flycatcher was at the end of the street to
dazzle us.
At Hidalgo we found Monk Parakeets at a nest, then went on to the Old
Hidalgo Pumphouse WBC. The day was heating up and lawn mowing was in full
swing. We walked to get good views of the resaca, and found a nice
selection of RGV species, including very good views of a White-tailed Kite,
but added no new birds to our trip lists.
To our delight, Anzalduas County Park was back fully open (not counting the
portion across the levee that has been off limits since 911). It is no
longer being used as a migrant detention center, but several genres of law
enforcement-- border patrol, sheriff, and state troopers-- were present.
We had excellent views of a Gray Hawk. A FOY Black-and-White Warbler was
working the ebony trees near our picnic table. The extremely short grass
in the expanse between the levee and the entrance booth was being cut
again, we assumed simply because the employee was paid full-time and it was
a new tractor. Once the go-to site for Sprague’s Pipits, it is doubtful
they could find the area attractive now.
We finished the day’s birding at the National Butterfly Center, now
charging $10 for entrance. We sat at the feeders and I did a short walk
along the trail. A Curve-billed Thrasher and a Long-billed were using
opposite sides of the feeding area. The usual suspects were around—that
is, all but the chachalacas, which were off somewhere else, well aware that
there would be no more fresh food put out for the day.
Edge Wade
Alamo, TX
<1edgewade...>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 1/7/26 1:56 pm From: Jane Frazier <janefraz2828...> Subject: Jane
Folks how are you? Joan I still want to know the subject of your latest book review. I have the flu now but have some old pills for queasiness. Feel better. Had the flu shot too but it is no total prevention.
Hope Josie you are having a good break. It is warm here for this time of year. A play this weekend is up in the air due to my flu. Online Audubon meet tomorrow.
Jane
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Date: 1/7/26 6:14 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: No sighting - Nestbox Update
With a little warmer weather, yesterday I checked our nestboxes for any evidence of roosting activity. We have 2 kestrel/screech owl, 2 flicker and 10 bluebird/tree swallow nest boxes.
Earlier this year, the screech owl nestbox, visible from our back patio, had a gray Eastern Screech Owl roosting in it, but it was quite secretive and rarely visible. I haven’t seen it for several weeks.
Yesterday, I found evidence that a Northern Flicker was spending time in that box. This morning, I saw a female flicker at that nest hole box. In a nearby flicker box (approx 50 yds away), I found similar evidence of occupation by a Northern Flicker, probably the male. It will be interesting to see if they nest in either of those boxes.
Interestingly, this screech owl box is where Great Crested Flycatchers have nested the last 3 years. So this particular nest box has had quite a bit of activity by 3 different bird species!
No activity in any of the Bluebird boxes, but they usually leave for the winter and return in late February and Tree Swallows sometime in March.
Interesting winter activity!
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 1/6/26 4:47 pm From: David Becher <davidbecher...> Subject: WGNSS Birding 1/8 and 1/10
On Thursday, we will meet at Heron Pond at Riverlands at 8 am. The weather forecast is for some rain.
On Saturday, we will meet at the Headquarters at Columbia Bottom CA at 8 am. Please note that there are currently no facilities available at the HQ building.
David Becher
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 1/5/26 8:24 am From: Jane Frazier <janefraz2828...> Subject: River Bluffs Audubon Program
Please join us on Zoom January 8, 6:30 p.m.,Thursday, for a special program with Missouri River Bird Observatory. Dana Ripper and Ethan Duke, the directors and speakers, have offered the following description: "From plastics to pesticides, from habitat to human environments, the Missouri River Bird Observatory is working on all the most urgent challenges that birds face. Please join our presentation at 6:30 p.m. to learn about how MRBO is helping birds with support from RBAS." The meeting ID is 890 9842 0740 and the passcode is 640327. This should be a really good one!
Jane Frazier VP RBAS Jefferson City
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Jan. 3: I set my alarm for p.m., so started the day a bit late with
breakfast at the Alamo Inn, then headed toward Corpus Christi. We parked
along the street at Bayfront Park a little before noon, and with scopes had
no trouble locating the Red-footed Booby on the rocks with Brown Pelicans
directly across from the Hilliard Center.
It was only a 10 minute drive from the booby site to Indian Point Pier. We
parked, met a couple birders who had just seen the Red-throated Loon and
its companion Common Loon off the left end of the pier. We strolled out
the pier and had the two loons in sight before 12:45.
The original plan (a bit ambitious) was to see the booby and loon, have a
picnic lunch, go for Whooping Cranes on Lamar Beach Rd., then head for
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center on Mustang Island for the flamingo. It
might have worked, but when we got off the pier, we saw no picnic site and
I, knowing Clare’s high regard for seafood, suggested we could forego the
picnic and head for Rockport and the Boiling Pot, where Kathleen and I had
eaten supper the night we stayed in Fulton.
It was a little after 2 p.m. when we got there. Katleen ordered the gumbo.
Clare and I got blue crab and shrimp. Scrumptious!...but a long time
waiting for food, then the check. We didn’t get to Lamar Beach Rd. for the
cranes until 4 p.m., so had to scratch the run for the flamingo with too
little daylight left after seeing 22 whoopers,15 sandhills, and 13 Roseate
Spoonbills.
We were still so full from the late lunch that supper was the carry out key
lime tarts from the Boiling Pot.
For Sunday we planned to start at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands with hopes of
adding the Crimson-collared Grosbeak to our 2026 list. Nope. The birding
center wasn’t open until 1 p.m., so we birded the adjacent Municipal Park
pond with a small assortment of waterfowl and a group of Common Ground
Doves between the path and the pond.
We then reversed our plan and headed for what we’d intended for the
afternoon—a drive around the fields south of McCook, with faint hopes of
seeing Mountain Plover and more realistic expectations of other open land
birds. Our route was shortened so we could have plenty of time at the
wetlands. We saw Lark and White-crowned sparrows, but no Vespers, and had
good looks at several Pyrrhuloxia and Loggerhead Shrikes.
The grosbeak eluded us for the three hours spent at the Edinburg Scenic
Wetland WBC. We enjoyed Inca and White-winged doves, a Greater Scaup among
the lessers and shovelers, 3 Cattle Egrets loosely hanging with the Great
Egrets, satisfying looks at a Blue-headed Vireo, and Clay-colored Thrush, a
Curved-billed and 4 Long-billed Thrasher, Nashville and Orange-crowned
warblers.
A gas stop and quick trip to Walmart for groceries and a cheap coffee pot
(we can’t get the hang of the fancy one in our apartment) got us home
before dark for a supper of leftovers—shrimp for Clare and lonches for
Kathleen and me.
Edge Wade
Alamo, TX
<1edgewade...>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
I have an immature coopers hawk that hunts the feeders I maintain between veterinary health and animal operations facilities. While I haven’t specifically seen a successful attack, the few mourning dove feathers, a cardinal, and at least 1-2 junco feather sets attest to some success. I have observed a few of the bird’s attack flights and he/she is fine tuning its approach and timing, but simply haven’t had time to watch consistently. Even from afar, the explosion of birds when attacked is a spectacle to behold! Also observed a sharp-shinned hawk in the vicinity but no flights/attacks………..
Good birding all!
Kirk (Lees Summit)
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> On Behalf Of Daniel Getman
Sent: Sunday, January 4, 2026 3:59 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Sharp-shinned Hawk visiting feeders
For a couple weeks now, I've suspected a hawk has been regularly visiting our bird feeders, because the birds are very skittish and avoid the feeders for long periods of time.
This afternoon, I finally got a good look at the adult Sharp-shinned Hawk visiting the yard.
I originally saw it in the river birch tree outside our window and grabbed my camera.
Then it flew down and circled a dense lilac bush where several birds had taken shelter.
It then flew and perched above the feeders, but continued to watch the birds hiding in the bush.
then it flew to a nearby buttonbush, and after circling the lilac bush several times, finally gave up and flew away.
Notice the skinny legs and black cap that extends down the back of the neck. These features distinguish it from a Cooper's Hawk, which is also generally larger. If I’m incorrect on the identification and rationale, let me know.
Photos can be viewed at: flickr.com/photos/dgetman/sets
For a couple weeks now, I've suspected a hawk has been regularly visiting our bird feeders, because the birds are very skittish and avoid the feeders for long periods of time.
This afternoon, I finally got a good look at the adult Sharp-shinned Hawk visiting the yard.
I originally saw it in the river birch tree outside our window and grabbed my camera.
Then it flew down and circled a dense lilac bush where several birds had taken shelter.
It then flew and perched above the feeders, but continued to watch the birds hiding in the bush.
then it flew to a nearby buttonbush, and after circling the lilac bush several times, finally gave up and flew away.
Notice the skinny legs and black cap that extends down the back of the neck. These features distinguish it from a Cooper's Hawk, which is also generally larger. If I’m incorrect on the identification and rationale, let me know.
Photos can be viewed at: flickr.com/photos/dgetman/sets
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Dec. 31. Lisa Safell joined us as we ate breakfast, and we chatted with
Leo Miller, a Chicago birder we’ve crossed paths with and shared good first
of the year days many times in the Valley. We did grocery shopping (a
necessary chore), then headed for Edinburg Scenic Wetlands to meet up with
Lisa and look for the female Crimson-collared Grosbeak, a lifer for Lisa. We
hung around the entrance booth watching the favorite tree for a long time,
even though we were told a Cooper’s Hawk had come into “her” tree earlier
in the morning and she hadn’t been seen since. We decided to walk to the
wetlands. We got our gratifying look at Least Grebes (Fluff-Butts),
followed by good looks at Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night Herons, a
cooperative Bewick’s Wren feeding on insects on a cactus, and a good
assortment of “the usual suspects”. We headed back to the entrance area to
wait for the grosbeak. A noisy happy family group was moving through the
area. Our expectations lowered. Then, as the family left, the grosbeak
appeared in a nearby tree, flew into the tree we were watching and began to
feed, giving us several fine views. Lisa did a prairie-chicken dance and
we parted. Lisa headed for South Padre Island as we went to lunch to
fortify us for a not too strenuous afternoon of car birding.
Donna Reservoir was not real birdy—fewer species than usual, but we were
treated to a group of 10 Spotted Sandpipers flying around, and the little
pond to the east hosted a spoonbill, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and
Caspian Terns . A drive along the levee to the south was highlighted by a
couple of Mexican Ducks and a Peregrine Falcon zooming in on some doves (it
missed).
There was no question as to where to begin New Year’s Day: Llano Estero
Grande SP and the bird walk led by John Yoakum, assisted with other park
employees and a half dozen “old timers”. It was a very large group—perhaps
40. Lisa, Kathleen and I tended to be toward the rear, so missed 10-15 of
the species seen by the upfront birders.
Missing the Zone-tailed Hawk was the only disappointment in a perfect
weather day with like-minded people. Highlights included watching newbies
spy their first pauraque, seeing Lisa’s perfect photo of a White-tailed
Hawk, and catching sight of Cave Swallows zipping overhead. My species
total was 65.
After the walk through the Tropical Zone of the park and waiting
unsuccessfully for the Tropical Parula at a water drip, Lisa chose to head
for the National Butterfly Center as we picnicked, then went east to work
toward 100 species for the day.
The Hwy. 48 Shrimp Basin bridge/boat ramp, even though full of fishermen,
was as birdy as usual, with American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, and
Gull-billed Terns among the 11 new year birds. On South Padre Island we
added an Osprey at the Pearl Resort pond, but didn’t see a single coot
there—the first time ever for that.
Along the main drag, we spotted Rock Pigeons on the power lines as we
cruised toward the mudflats north of the convention center where we found
Semipalmated, Snowy, Piping and Black-bellied Plovers among the
Sanderlings and Dunlin before strolling along the convention center/Laguna
Madre Trail boardwalk and finding coots, American Wigeon, pintails,
Red-breasted Mergansers, an Eastern Phoebe and Yellow-rumped Warbler to
bring the day’s total to 94. It wasn’t the hoped for 100, but it was a
great day of birding in good company and very pleasant weather.
The next morning, Kathleen and I were stiff from walking, so decided on a
day of birding nearby sites mostly by car until time to meet Clare at the
Harlingen airport. We began by following up on a tip on the whereabouts of
a Burrowing Owl at the Progresso Sod Farms (now a housing development of
"ranchitos". We dipped on it, but were entertained by several shrikes and
a Vermilion Flycatcher before going back up 1015/International Blvd. to
watch the drip for the Tropical Parula. As we approached the picnic table,
I noted Robert Brundage and Denise Welch as they focused on the drip. We
waited for the parula until lunchtime. Robert asked if I knew of a good
place to eat nearby. The answer was Nana’s, of course. Our picnic lunch
went uneaten, as we joined them for a round of lonches.
Working our way east toward the airport, we checked out Tiocano Lake bed.
Dry! Gone was the habitat for King Rail and so many other species. Nearby
is La Feria Nature Center with two draws: a very large, roofed viewing
platform overlooking a lake with welcome shade on a 90 degree, clear day,
and restrooms. Our first of the trip Curve-billed Thrasher greeted us in
the parking lot, but we were quickly distracted by three sky-dancing
White-tailed Kites. Once on the platform, a lively Black Phoebe and a
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher vied for our attention.
We made it to the airport and were in place to greet Clare when her flight
came in 10 minutes early. Back at the Alamo Inn, we heated vegetarian
chili for a quick supper, had a relaxing evening and planned the next day: a
run for the Red-footed Booby and Red-throated Loon near Corpus Christi that
we hadn’t known about on the way down.
Edge Wade
Alamo TX
<1edgewade...>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
The very windy drive from Columbia to Sherman, TX ,December 28, was crowned
with a striking sunset featuring a flare of glowing marigold clouds.
The next day ‘s drive was topped off at Lamar Beach Road, starting at the
beach at the end of Main St., past the entrance to Goose Island State Park.
It’s our go-to place for Whooping Cranes. We were treated to 38—by far the
greatest number we’ve seen there. The accompanying Sandhills sounded off
enough to satisfy my need to hear them—a renewal of life rite for me.
The morning of the 30th we backtracked across Copano Bay from our motel in
Fulton to bird Goose Island SP by car with temps in the 40s and a lessened,
but still chilly wind. One Roseate Spoonbill brought color onto a cloudy
palette alongside Tricolored and Little Blue Herons, Willets and a Spotted
Sandpiper. Five mockingbirds vying for control of a thicket full of
berries provided some lively entertainment.
We cruised Lamar Beach Road again, seeing 15 Whoopers, 32 Sandhills, and
first for the trip Belted Kingfisher and Loggerhead Shrike. Then it was
back across Copano Bay to bird Fulton Beach Road with spottings of Greater
Yellowlegs, Royal Terns, and the usual suspects (Laughing Gulls,
cormorants, Brown Pelicans, Osprey, etc.).
Continuing onto Little Bay, we found a Caspian Tern among the Royals, 128
Lesser Scaup, and toward the end, 2 American Coots. The latter were
meaningful, as they hold a special role in sanctioning a day’s birding as
successful. Jerry, who had a fondness for coots based on their ability to
survive in a harsh environment, would declare on seeing them (even if it
were in the first 15 minutes of birding), “Well, we can go home now. The
day is a success.”
We rolled on, and signed in at the Alamo Inn at 5 p.m. The resident White
Chinese Goose (age 23, I think) greeted us and alerted us to the incoming
64 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks who circled, bedecked the roof, then
settled into the backyard for the night.
Edge Wade
Alamo, TX
<1edgewade...>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Group,
I am thankfully well enough to take over scheduling the WGNSS birding trips again. I have attempted to combine the list that Ann was using with my own. I hope that no one has been accidently dropped or is getting multiple messages. Please let me know if there is a problem. Also if anyone would like to be dropped from the mailing list please let me know, it is getting quite large.
On Thursday, the first we will meet at Teal Pond at Riverlands at 8 am. Just a note that what appears to be a Gyrfalcon was photographed there today. Please dress for the weather.
On Saturday, we will meet at Sailboat Cove at Creve Coeur Lake at 8 am. If you need directions please let me know.
David Becher
Saint Louis
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 12/28/25 10:20 am From: Marge Lumpe <margelumpe...> Subject: Hi Lonesome this morning
Good morning fellow birders! Hi Lonesome was pretty quiet again today. It was quite windy--20 mph SW, It was 69 degrees when I started, and it has now dropped to 55! A fairly remarkable showing of 9 Eastern Bluebirds were on the utility line along Lumpee Avenue just beyond Cemetery Road. A Northern Cardinal was perched in a tree right over the little stream in the same area. Then there was nothing else until I turned on to Hi Lonesome. A raptor of some sort lifted off the northern part of the prairie north of Hi Lonesome Road. I could not get my binocs focused on it before it disappeared. Judging by the speed of flight as well as the height, I do not think it was a Northern Harrier which I expected to see. An Eastern/Western Meadowlark lifted off, and that was all for Hi Lonesome Road. The last species was a Downy Woodpecker along Klink.
I'm hoping we have better luck on our count tomorrow.
Happy Birding, Marge Lumpe Benton County
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Date: 12/27/25 10:07 am From: Chris Barrigar <1chrisbarrigar...> Subject: Vermillion Flycatcher, Otter Slough, 12/27
As of 11:30 am, the subadult Vermillion Flycatcher female-type still present at Cypress Lake boat ramp (NOT Otter Lake asi previously wrote in err) at Otter Slough Conservation Area.
Date: 12/27/25 10:02 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Attention Young Birders: MBS Camp Scholarships to American Birding Association’s (ABA) Young Birder Camps 2026
As of Monday, December 29, 2025, information about the scholarships and the
application materials are downloadable on the MBS website at
https://mobirds.org/MBS/Scholarship.aspx. *Applications must be received
by Sunday, February 15, 2026. *
The two 2026 camp scholarships are for 13-17 year-old birders, one for Camp
Colorado in Allenspark, CO, August 2-8, 2026, and one for Camp Delaware
Bay, coastal Delaware and Cape May, NJ, Aug. 6-12, 2026.
Additional information about the camps can be seen on the ABA website at
https://www.aba.org/camps/. MBS has reserved the places for young Missouri
birders at the camps with ABA. The MBS scholarship applicants DO NOT
REGISTER FOR THE CAMPS WITH ABA, as MBS has already arranged the
registrations, including the deposits. Scholarship awardees will complete
the registration details with ABA after selection by MBS.
Camp Colorado birders will explore the shortgrass prairie of northeastern
Colorado and into the aspen groves and alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain
National Park. Delaware Bay campers will visit the beaches, bayshore,
marshes, and woodlands in Delaware and around Cape May, NJ, in peak fall
shorebird migration.
2023 Camp Scholarship awardee Eliza Lohman’s account of her Camp Colorado
adventures in the December 2023 issue of *The Bluebir*d, and Zita
Roberton’s 2024 Camp Colorado report is in the September 2024 issue. These
may be found at https://mobirds.org/Bluebird/.
MBS Youth Scholarships are made possible by proceeds from silent auctions
at meetings and generous donations. You can donate to the Youth
Scholarship Fund at https://mobirds.org/MBS/Donate.aspx. Be sure to
indicate “Youth Scholarship Fund”.
Date: 12/27/25 9:06 am From: Kathy and Mark Haas <kathyhaas...> Subject: Vermillion Flycatcher at Otter Slough CA
Chris Barrigar asked me to correct the location of his sighting yesterday. The bird was near the boat ramp on Cypress Lake, not Otter Lake. Mark HaasJackson, Cape Girardeau County
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Date: 12/21/25 7:35 pm From: Joanna Reuter <00000304dde78ef2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Update on northern Boone County blackbird roosts
In the last week, we’ve checked on three miscanthus fields in Boone County:
1) Dunbar Lane (the big one) is amply active with blackbird roosting activity. Well worth the trip to view. On our recent visit, the trees along the field did not seem to fill in as much as they sometimes do, perhaps for two reasons: 1) Arrivals seemed late. 2) Their use of trees seemed to be concentrated farther back from the field edge then we’re used to. However, as they started to settle in to the field, the flights were quite spectacular, and the percentage of field utilized was high. If you are not familiar with this roost, there are more details in this listing for a past field trip: https://www.columbia-audubon.org/blackbird-friday-evening-roost-watch-2025/
2) There’s activity at a roost in miscanthus fields just north of the VV crossing of Rocky Fork Creek (near Prathersville, just north of Columbia). We haven’t attempted a numerical estimate. It is only a fraction of the Dunbar magnitude, but it is nevertheless getting robust use as a roost at the same time that Dunbar is active. From VV, it is possible to pull off onto Mauler Road and get a decent thought slightly distant view of the field on the west side of Rocky Fork Creek. The slightly larger miscanthus field on the east side of the creek is pretty much out of view. We have confirmed activity here several times during the past few weeks.
3) Another miscanthus field is located just north of Tri-City Lake Conservation Area, near Centralia. We wondered if this one might also be getting use as a roost, but it appears inactive based on a single visit. When we checked it out a little before sunset, we saw a lot of blackbirds in flight on a trajectory towards Dunbar, a few miles to the southwest. A group stopped in some trees within view, and we wondered if they might be preparing to settle into this field. However, they eventually took off and joined up with a later flock that was on a Dunbar flight trajectory. We saw no blackbirds settle into this miscanthus field. The folks in the vehicles driving past us almost certainly concluded that we were crazy city people who had stopped to watch cows through binoculars!
Joanna & Eric Reuter Boone County, MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 12/18/25 8:49 am From: Jane Frazier <janefraz2828...> Subject: Binder lake
The tundra Swan was still there yesterday. Very distinct dusky head and neck and pink bill. Very close to the bank at bait shop. I'm just a neanderthal with computers so please forgive the three posts on mobirds with no species. I couldn't make it take the tundra. Ha. I give up.
Jane Frazier Cole county
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On Thursday, Dec. 18, we will meet at the Teal Pond parking lot at 8:00, at Wise Rd. and Riverlands Way, just before you get to the Audubon Center at Riverlands <https://maps.app.goo.gl/XFHUCeizWUSN8hmZ6>. Riverlands is the place to see and be seen--especially if you're a rare duck, a gull, or a raptor. The weather is predicted to be above freezing, with rain. If that's the case, we can seek shelter in the Audubon Center. Dress for the weather. Bring lunch if you wish! No trip is planned for Saturday, 12/20, because of the busy holiday season and various Christmas Bird Counts in the area. *Happy holidays to all! *
Date: 12/16/25 7:00 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: SPARKS program progress report available
Mobirders, The 2025 progress report has been submitted for the SPARKS program, an ongoing agreement between the Missouri Birding Society and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks.
Through the SPARKS and similar CACHE program with MDC, the Missouri Birding Society has earned and expended more than $150,000 to support a wide variety of partnership projects.
See the table at https://mobirds.org/MBS/Conservation.aspx for the really amazing contributions this all-volunteer organization has made to support bird conservation, habitat improvement and education!
The SPARKS progress report is available upon request from the address below.
Date: 12/15/25 12:01 pm From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Birding with a Purpose
All, I am just finishing up the progress report for the SPARKS agreement between the Missouri Birding Society and the Missouri Department of Resources, Division of Missouri State Parks.
A well-deserved thank you to so many birders who have contributed toward our efforts to better understand what birds are where and when by submitting eBird checklists for Missouri State Parks.
We have a special effort to fill in data on the bar charts, working to complete a full year's dataset for parks with fewer than 12 empty weeks.
You can fill in a blank week by birding these parks in the time remaining in December and in January.
Weeks, for eBird purposes, are com;uted as week 1 is composed of days 1-7; week 2, days 8-14, week 3, 15-21, and week 4 as days 22 through the end of the month.
Sam A. Baker SP, December week 3, January week 4 Washington SP, December week 4 Pomme de Terre Lake & SP, December week 4 and January week 2 Stockton Lake & SP January week 2 Montauk SP January week 3 Big Sugar Creek SP January week 2 Lake Wappapello January week 2 Taum Sauk Mt. SP January weeks 3,4
You don't have to be a member of the Missouri Birding Society to participate in this effort, but if you aren't a member, please consider joining. Your membership dues help pay for the many services MBS offers ALL Missouri birders. Dues are only $20 per year ($15 for students). See https://mobirds.org/MBS/Membership.aspx
