Bird Notes - September to November, 2004
by Jim Rogers

First, apologies: To everyone who participated in the North American Migration Count, I missed entering 2 species ... Peregrine Falcon (2) and Brewer's Blackbird (32). The final total was 107 species and 4585 individuals. The weather was heavy rain, thunder and lightning, etc.

On the migration count (September 18), Lois Miller photographed 2 male Rose-­breasted Grosbeaks at her feeder. However, for the entire season she photographed 4 males and a female! She last saw them on September 21. There were numerous Oregon and Curry County records for this eastern version of our Black-headed grosbeak. Why? Quien sabe?

On September 28 Lois obtained an excellent photo of a Clay-colored sparrow at her feeder. It only stayed for one day.

Also about September 28 Terry Wahl saw a Sandhill Crane that remained on their Elk River ranch for two days. And at about the same time lots of Lapland Longspurs showed up at the ranch where they have remained through today (Nov. 8).

In early October, Say's Phoebes showed up at the Wahl ranch where they remained for a day or two. Ditto a Loggerhead shrike. And in late October a Tropical Kingbird paid a visit for several days.

Also in late October) Rich Nawa was checking out units of the Horse Timber Sale in the Game Lake area of the Biscuit Fire, when he spied a Black-backed Woodpecker. There were only 3 former Curry County records of this Cascades species. They are especially attracted to recent forest fires. This bird was on the Game Lake road about 3 miles south of Game Lake in the SW 1/4 of Section 3, T. 37S., R. 12 W.

On November 1 a late Vesper Sparrow showed up at the Wahl ranch.

On November 6 Tim Rodenkirk found a Tree Sparrow in the willow brush along the outlet of Floras Lake.

And, last but not least, on November 8 Phil Hicks had a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak visit his feeder in Brookings.

Please phone, fax or mail your bird observations to me at (541) 332-2555; 95187 Elk River Rd., Port Orford, OR 97465. Thanks.