Date: 11/28/25 5:51 am From: Brian Pendergraft (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: FOS Pine Siskin
I squeezed one bird in with all the goldfinches and finches this morning at the property. Two Purple Finches as well. All eating from the gum trees so keep an eye out there if you have some close by.
One heated bird bath has birds there constantly including all of the above-mentioned birds.
Date: 11/25/25 11:52 am From: \<hilton...>\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: This Week at Hilton Pond North (1-15 Nov 2025)
“This Week at Hilton Pond” (Lansing NC) the Aurora Borealis was terrific but there were lots of other nature happenings, from snow and fog to an earthquake and the arrival of two winter bird species. Check out photo essay #24 (1-15 Nov 2025) for all this plus info about White-tailed Deer, a seldom-seen insect, and our usual tallies of birds banded and recaptured. Just click on https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20251101.html
Dr. BILL HILTON JR.
"Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project”
℅ Hilton Pond North: Blue Ridge Birds & Nature
2918 Silas Creek Road
Lansing NC 28643
(803)684-5852
The mission of Hilton Pond North is "to conserve plants, animals, habitats, and other natural components of the Blue Ridge Region of the eastern United States through observation, scientific study, and education for students of all ages.
"Never trust a person too lazy to get up for sunrise or too busy to watch the sunset." BHjr.
Date: 11/24/25 7:51 am From: Robert Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Curlew Sanpiper
Chris and Jamie are right. This is a Dunlin.
Bob Lewis
Durham NC.
On Monday, November 24, 2025 at 10:43:31 AM EST, Jamie Adams" (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
Look at the rump, Curlew SP would have a white rump and clean flanks.
Jamie Adams
New Hanover, NC
On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:30 AM Chris Marsh <carolinabirds...> wrote:
> Reading the description I see why one might think this is a curlew sandpiper, but this bird’s bill is not the right shape for a curlew sandpiper. A curlew sandpiper’s bill is is more strongly decurved than the bill of this dunlin and the tip is more slender
>
>
> Chris Marsh
> (843)252-9784
> <cmarshlci...>
>
>
> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:25 AM Karen LORENZO <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>> The bird in the image is a Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) in non-breeding plumage. It can be distinguished from a Dunlin by its slightly larger size, longer legs, and longer, finer, more downcurved bill.
>>
>> I have seen a dunlin before, generally the head
>> on the dunlin is more stout.
>>
>> This is what came up when adding the
>> image to "Google image"
>>
>> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 10:20 AM Michael Fogleman <fogleman...> wrote:
>>> I found Karen's photos here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRcNtGSEWyh/ >>>
>>> Michael
>>> Cary, NC
>>>
>>> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 9:52 AM Karen LORENZO <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>>>> Not on either of them, sorry.
>>>>
>>>> It is posted to instagram under rare bird
>>>> #rareshorebird
>>>>
>>>> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 9:40 AM Robert Lewis <rfermat...> wrote:
>>>>> Can you post photos to ebird or "What's this Bird" on facebook?
>>>>>
>>>>> Bob Lewis
>>>>> Durham NC
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Monday, November 24, 2025 at 08:30:28 AM EST, Karen LORENZO" (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm not an avid birder, I just happened upon this bird while at Fort Fisher.
>>>>>
>>>>> When I looked up the photos I had taken, research says it is a curlew sandpiper.
>>>>>
>>>>> * After migrating to the Arctic from as far away as South Africa, male Curlew Sandpipers only stay for about 10 days to breed before heading back south. Females stay longer to incubate eggs and care for chicks, but as soon as the young are independent (at 2–3 weeks of age), females also take off to the south.
>>>>> * With its penchant for flying long distances, Curlew Sandpiper can turn up just about anywhere. This species is a rare but regular visitor to North America, where it has occurred in at least 45 U.S. states and all 10 Canadian provinces
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
Look at the rump, Curlew SP would have a white rump and clean flanks.
Jamie Adams
New Hanover, NC
On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:30 AM Chris Marsh <carolinabirds...> wrote:
> Reading the description I see why one might think this is a curlew
> sandpiper, but this bird’s bill is not the right shape for a curlew
> sandpiper. A curlew sandpiper’s bill is is more strongly decurved than the
> bill of this dunlin and the tip is more slender
>
>
> Chris Marsh
> (843)252-9784
> <cmarshlci...>
>
>
> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:25 AM Karen LORENZO <carolinabirds...>
> wrote:
>
>> The bird in the image is a *Curlew Sandpiper* (*Calidris ferruginea*) in
>> non-breeding plumage. It can be distinguished from a Dunlin by its
>> slightly larger size, longer legs, and longer, finer, more downcurved bill.
>>
>>
>> I have seen a dunlin before, generally the head
>> on the dunlin is more stout.
>>
>> This is what came up when adding the
>> image to "Google image"
>>
>> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 10:20 AM Michael Fogleman <fogleman...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I found Karen's photos here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRcNtGSEWyh/ >>>
>>> Michael
>>> Cary, NC
>>>
>>> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 9:52 AM Karen LORENZO <carolinabirds...>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Not on either of them, sorry.
>>>>
>>>> It is posted to instagram under rare bird
>>>> #rareshorebird
>>>>
>>>> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 9:40 AM Robert Lewis <rfermat...> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Can you post photos to ebird or "What's this Bird" on facebook?
>>>>>
>>>>> Bob Lewis
>>>>> Durham NC
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Monday, November 24, 2025 at 08:30:28 AM EST, Karen LORENZO" (via
>>>>> carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm not an avid birder, I just happened upon this bird while at Fort
>>>>> Fisher.
>>>>>
>>>>> When I looked up the photos I had taken, research says it is a curlew
>>>>> sandpiper.
>>>>>
>>>>> * After migrating to the Arctic from as far away as South Africa,
>>>>> male Curlew Sandpipers only stay for about 10 days to breed before heading
>>>>> back south. Females stay longer to incubate eggs and care for chicks, but
>>>>> as soon as the young are independent (at 2–3 weeks of age), females also
>>>>> take off to the south.
>>>>> * With its penchant for flying long distances, Curlew Sandpiper
>>>>> can turn up just about anywhere. This species is a rare but regular visitor
>>>>> to North America, where it has occurred in at least 45 U.S. states and all
>>>>> 10 Canadian provinces
>>>>>
>>>>>
Date: 11/24/25 7:31 am From: Chris Marsh (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Curlew Sanpiper
Reading the description I see why one might think this is a curlew
sandpiper, but this bird’s bill is not the right shape for a curlew
sandpiper. A curlew sandpiper’s bill is is more strongly decurved than the
bill of this dunlin and the tip is more slender
Chris Marsh
(843)252-9784
<cmarshlci...>
On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:25 AM Karen LORENZO <carolinabirds...>
wrote:
> The bird in the image is a *Curlew Sandpiper* (*Calidris ferruginea*) in
> non-breeding plumage. It can be distinguished from a Dunlin by its
> slightly larger size, longer legs, and longer, finer, more downcurved bill.
>
>
> I have seen a dunlin before, generally the head
> on the dunlin is more stout.
>
> This is what came up when adding the
> image to "Google image"
>
> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 10:20 AM Michael Fogleman <fogleman...>
> wrote:
>
>> I found Karen's photos here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRcNtGSEWyh/ >>
>> Michael
>> Cary, NC
>>
>> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 9:52 AM Karen LORENZO <carolinabirds...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Not on either of them, sorry.
>>>
>>> It is posted to instagram under rare bird
>>> #rareshorebird
>>>
>>> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 9:40 AM Robert Lewis <rfermat...> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Can you post photos to ebird or "What's this Bird" on facebook?
>>>>
>>>> Bob Lewis
>>>> Durham NC
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Monday, November 24, 2025 at 08:30:28 AM EST, Karen LORENZO" (via
>>>> carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I'm not an avid birder, I just happened upon this bird while at Fort
>>>> Fisher.
>>>>
>>>> When I looked up the photos I had taken, research says it is a curlew
>>>> sandpiper.
>>>>
>>>> * After migrating to the Arctic from as far away as South Africa,
>>>> male Curlew Sandpipers only stay for about 10 days to breed before heading
>>>> back south. Females stay longer to incubate eggs and care for chicks, but
>>>> as soon as the young are independent (at 2–3 weeks of age), females also
>>>> take off to the south.
>>>> * With its penchant for flying long distances, Curlew Sandpiper can
>>>> turn up just about anywhere. This species is a rare but regular visitor to
>>>> North America, where it has occurred in at least 45 U.S. states and all 10
>>>> Canadian provinces
>>>>
>>>>
Date: 11/24/25 7:25 am From: Karen LORENZO (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Curlew Sanpiper
The bird in the image is a *Curlew Sandpiper* (*Calidris ferruginea*) in
non-breeding plumage. It can be distinguished from a Dunlin by its slightly
larger size, longer legs, and longer, finer, more downcurved bill.
I have seen a dunlin before, generally the head
on the dunlin is more stout.
This is what came up when adding the
image to "Google image"
On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 10:20 AM Michael Fogleman <fogleman...> wrote:
> I found Karen's photos here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRcNtGSEWyh/ >
> Michael
> Cary, NC
>
> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 9:52 AM Karen LORENZO <carolinabirds...>
> wrote:
>
>> Not on either of them, sorry.
>>
>> It is posted to instagram under rare bird
>> #rareshorebird
>>
>> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 9:40 AM Robert Lewis <rfermat...> wrote:
>>
>>> Can you post photos to ebird or "What's this Bird" on facebook?
>>>
>>> Bob Lewis
>>> Durham NC
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Monday, November 24, 2025 at 08:30:28 AM EST, Karen LORENZO" (via
>>> carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I'm not an avid birder, I just happened upon this bird while at Fort
>>> Fisher.
>>>
>>> When I looked up the photos I had taken, research says it is a curlew
>>> sandpiper.
>>>
>>> * After migrating to the Arctic from as far away as South Africa,
>>> male Curlew Sandpipers only stay for about 10 days to breed before heading
>>> back south. Females stay longer to incubate eggs and care for chicks, but
>>> as soon as the young are independent (at 2–3 weeks of age), females also
>>> take off to the south.
>>> * With its penchant for flying long distances, Curlew Sandpiper can
>>> turn up just about anywhere. This species is a rare but regular visitor to
>>> North America, where it has occurred in at least 45 U.S. states and all 10
>>> Canadian provinces
>>>
>>>
On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 9:52 AM Karen LORENZO <carolinabirds...>
wrote:
> Not on either of them, sorry.
>
> It is posted to instagram under rare bird
> #rareshorebird
>
> On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 9:40 AM Robert Lewis <rfermat...> wrote:
>
>> Can you post photos to ebird or "What's this Bird" on facebook?
>>
>> Bob Lewis
>> Durham NC
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Monday, November 24, 2025 at 08:30:28 AM EST, Karen LORENZO" (via
>> carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I'm not an avid birder, I just happened upon this bird while at Fort
>> Fisher.
>>
>> When I looked up the photos I had taken, research says it is a curlew
>> sandpiper.
>>
>> * After migrating to the Arctic from as far away as South Africa,
>> male Curlew Sandpipers only stay for about 10 days to breed before heading
>> back south. Females stay longer to incubate eggs and care for chicks, but
>> as soon as the young are independent (at 2–3 weeks of age), females also
>> take off to the south.
>> * With its penchant for flying long distances, Curlew Sandpiper can
>> turn up just about anywhere. This species is a rare but regular visitor to
>> North America, where it has occurred in at least 45 U.S. states and all 10
>> Canadian provinces
>>
>>
Date: 11/24/25 6:53 am From: Karen LORENZO (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Curlew Sanpiper
Not on either of them, sorry.
It is posted to instagram under rare bird
#rareshorebird
On Mon, Nov 24, 2025, 9:40 AM Robert Lewis <rfermat...> wrote:
> Can you post photos to ebird or "What's this Bird" on facebook?
>
> Bob Lewis
> Durham NC
>
>
>
>
>
> On Monday, November 24, 2025 at 08:30:28 AM EST, Karen LORENZO" (via
> carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> I'm not an avid birder, I just happened upon this bird while at Fort
> Fisher.
>
> When I looked up the photos I had taken, research says it is a curlew
> sandpiper.
>
> * After migrating to the Arctic from as far away as South Africa, male
> Curlew Sandpipers only stay for about 10 days to breed before heading back
> south. Females stay longer to incubate eggs and care for chicks, but as
> soon as the young are independent (at 2–3 weeks of age), females also take
> off to the south.
> * With its penchant for flying long distances, Curlew Sandpiper can
> turn up just about anywhere. This species is a rare but regular visitor to
> North America, where it has occurred in at least 45 U.S. states and all 10
> Canadian provinces
>
>
Date: 11/24/25 6:41 am From: Robert Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Curlew Sanpiper
Can you post photos to ebird or "What's this Bird" on facebook?
Bob Lewis
Durham NC
On Monday, November 24, 2025 at 08:30:28 AM EST, Karen LORENZO" (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> wrote:
I'm not an avid birder, I just happened upon this bird while at Fort Fisher.
When I looked up the photos I had taken, research says it is a curlew sandpiper.
* After migrating to the Arctic from as far away as South Africa, male Curlew Sandpipers only stay for about 10 days to breed before heading back south. Females stay longer to incubate eggs and care for chicks, but as soon as the young are independent (at 2–3 weeks of age), females also take off to the south.
* With its penchant for flying long distances, Curlew Sandpiper can turn up just about anywhere. This species is a rare but regular visitor to North America, where it has occurred in at least 45 U.S. states and all 10 Canadian provinces
Date: 11/24/25 5:30 am From: Karen LORENZO (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Curlew Sanpiper
I'm not an avid birder, I just happened upon this bird while at Fort Fisher.
When I looked up the photos I had taken, research says it is a curlew
sandpiper.
- After migrating to the Arctic from as far away as South Africa, male
Curlew Sandpipers only stay for about 10 days to breed before heading back
south. Females stay longer to incubate eggs and care for chicks, but as
soon as the young are independent (at 2–3 weeks of age), females also take
off to the south.
- With its penchant for flying long distances, Curlew Sandpiper can turn
up just about anywhere. This species is a rare but regular visitor to North
America, where it has occurred in at least 45 U.S. states and all 10
Canadian provinces
I had a male at my feeder last weekend up here in Boone. I always have to carefully remember all the female differences between Purps and house at this time of year:)
Elizabeth Faison
Boone, NC
________________________________
From: <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> on behalf of Brian Pendergraft <carolinabirds...>
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2025 7:49 AM
To: <carolinabirds...> <carolinabirds...>
Subject: FOS - PURPLE FINCH
About on time here in Northern Wake County.
( Female bird.)
Please consider joining CBC's in Northwest NC which have been understaffed in recent years. Mt. Jefferson: Sunday, 12/14/25; Stone Mtn: Sunday, 12/21/25, and Wilkesboro(Upper Yadkin): Sunday, 1/4/26. More info on these HCAS-sponsored counts, with maps, past results, and reporting forms, is at https://hcnature.blogspot.com/p/high-country-christmas-bird-counts.html . Everyone is welcome, and all help is much appreciated.
I am at Ft Fisher watching Northern Gannets and Black Scoters heading by southbound. In the past 30 minutes 200+ Scoters, 20+ gannets, all immatures.Wayne Hoffman Wilmington Sent from my Galaxy
Date: 11/9/25 8:44 am From: Susan Campbell <susan...> Subject: Winter Hummingbirds in the Carolinas
All
It is now Winter Hummingbird Season across NC. Yes we can have hummers here in the cooler months! In all but our northwestern counties, a hummer or two may be present all season.
For those along the coast (who can smell saltwater), you are likely to be hosting Ruby- throated. But inland of the Sounds, a hummer is more likely to be a Westerner at this point. Rufous is the most likely but NOT the only possibility. And identification at this time of the year can be very tricky since most hummingbirds are not adult males in distinctive plumage.
We have already had a couple Rufous confirmed as well as a Black-chinned and the states fifth Broad-billed Hummingbird. Also, there are or have been several Rufous/Allens documented. These hummers may stay just a few days or weeks or may remain on site until Spring.
If you still are seeing a hummer now or have one turn up in the coming weeks: please let me know (<susan...>) right away! As part of our research here in NC, we maintain a database that includes all of the winter hummers we hear about. This is just as valuable (if not more so) than the banding we do.
Be aware that a hummingbird may not find your late blooming flowers or feeder until after this frost that is coming or maybe not until a good freeze. So, maintain a feeder hung in a spot where it is easy to see- especially early in the morning- if you want a shot at hosting one of these hardy gems during the next several months..I it is now Winter Hummingbird Season across NC. Yes we can have hummers here in the cooler months! In all but our northwestern counties, a hummer or two may be present all season.
For those along the coast (who can smell saltwater), you are likely to be hosting Ruby- throated. But inland of the Sounds, a hummer is more likely to be a Westerner at this point. Rufous is the most likely but NOT the only possibility. And identification at this time of the year can be very tricky since most hummingbirds are not adult males in distinctive plumage.
We have already had a couple Rufous confirmed as well as a Black-chinned and the states fifth Broad-billed Hummingbird. Additionally, there are or have been several Rufous/Allens documented. These hummers may stay just a few days or weeks or may remain on site until Spring.
If you still are seeing a hummer now or have one turn up in the coming weeks: please let me know (<susan...>) right away! As part of our research here in NC, we maintain a database that includes all of the winter hummers we hear about. This is just as valuable (if not more so) than the banding we do.
Be aware that a hummingbird may not find your late blooming flowers or feeder until frost or maybe not until a good freeze. So, maintain a feeder hung in a spot where it is easy to see- especially early in the morning- if you want a shot at hosting one of these hardy gems during the next several months..
Hope to hear from at least a few of you in the weeks ahead!
Susan Campbell
Co-founder and Science Director
Cape Fear Bird Observatory
Date: 11/8/25 6:41 am From: Nate Dias (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: FOTS Purple Finch, Orange-crowned Warbler in Charleston
This morning while doing yard work at my mother’s place in western
Charleston, I set up a sprinkler in the back yard. In addition to what
seemed like every Myrtle Warbler in Charleston County, it attracted an
Orange-crowned Warbler and some Palm Warblers to take a ‘leaf bath’.
Then as I watched the bathing bird party out the kitchen window (looking
for the Yellow-breasted Chat that has been stealthily using a nearby banana
feeder), I was surprised to see a female Purple Finch join a House Finch on
a sunflower tube feeder. After she had her fill and left, I snuck out to
hang a tray feeder with some sunflower seeds. In my experience, Purple
Finches like tray feeders more than tube feeders.
"These days I prefer to hunt with a camera. A good photograph demands more
skill from the hunter, better nerves and more patience than the rifle
shot." -- Bror Blixen
Date: 11/4/25 4:37 pm From: \<hilton...>\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: This Week at Hilton Pond North (15 Oct 2025)
We haven’t seen a hummer since 30 September, so “This Week at Hilton Pond” (Lansing NC) it’s time for our Ruby-throated Hummingbird banding summary for 2025. See https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20251015.html . It was a very good second year—especially for RTHU returns from 2024. Our latest photo essay includes Nature Notes about fungi, robins, and woodpeckers, plus a video snippet of a ravenous young White-tailed Deer. Enjoy, and share if you will!
Dr. BILL HILTON JR.
"Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project”
℅ Hilton Pond North: Blue Ridge Birds & Nature
2918 Silas Creek Road
Lansing NC 28643
(803)684-5852
For 20 years, Pat Moore was the primary compiler for the Hatteras Bird Count, but with her passing this year, I will be the compiler. It is impossible to fill her shoes, but I'm going to give it a go.
This year's Hatteras Christmas Bird Count will be Saturday, December 27, 2025. If you would like to participate, please contact me. We were short of folks last year so I am hoping to get a few new folks, and I am excited to be working with those of you who have volunteered in past years. I will be emailing past participants soon with more information.
Date: 11/3/25 7:14 am From: Diane Midness (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Pamlico County Christmas Bird Count
The Pamlico County Christmas Bird Count will be Tues., Dec. 16. We will have several of our expert birders not able to participate this year. We are thankful for the many who do come from outside the county each year and welcome newcomers. If you would like to join us please contact Diane Midness <dmidess...> Warmly, Diane Midness Oriental, NC
Date: 11/2/25 2:34 pm From: Robert Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Durham NC Christmas Count
The Durham Christmas Bird Count for the upcoming season is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025. This is the traditional first Sunday of the Christmas Bird Count season.
Assignments will be mostly the same as last year. If you are new, please send me an email! We love volunteers.
More details will come later. The traditional web site is here:
Date: 11/2/25 11:11 am From: Nate Dias (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Nashville Warbler in Charleston
I got good looks at a Nashville Warbler in my mother’s habitat in western
Charleston today. I first saw it in the back yard Mulberry then we rebound
it in a live oak overhanging some blooming Camellia sasanquas. Of course I
had neglected to take my camera when I went to do yard work today.
This is the first new yard bird at “Rancho Dias” in many years - the last
one I recall was the Bronzed Cowbird back in November 2008:
"These days I prefer to hunt with a camera. A good photograph demands more
skill from the hunter, better nerves and more patience than the rifle
shot." -- Bror Blixen
