Date: 7/14/25 11:17 am From: Jane Patterson via groups.io <seejanebird...> Subject: [labird] Hummingbird Celebration Sept 20, 2025 8-1pm Hammond, La
Save the Date!
We are once again partnering with the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in Hammond, La to hold a Ruby-throated Hummingbird Celebration. The last two weeks are the peak of fall migration for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird as they move through our area on the way to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
The Hammond Research Station focuses on plants for the home garden and grows many species of plants that are great for hummingbirds. Many will be in full bloom in September, right on time for the birds passing through. You can learn about many of these plants from Tangipahoa Parish Master Gardeners that will be on hand to answer questions.
Other activities for the day: - Hummingbird banding by Dr. Erik Johnson. See the birds up close and *maybe* you'll be one of the lucky ones that gets to hold a hummingbird - Learn about hummingbird plants from Wild Ones of Greater Baton Rouge and Pontchartrain chapters. They may have plants available for a small donation. - Buy hummingbird plants from KatKaw nursery - Purchase hummingbird feeders from Wild Birds Unlimited BTR and Backyard Birds and Gardens in Covington - Learn about the natural history of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird as well as about other hummingbirds that may visit in winter in La. - Watch hummingbirds in action in the gardens and at the feeder observation stations
Please share in your social circles! Hope to see everyone out there!
Date: 7/14/25 10:40 am From: James V Remsen via groups.io <najames...> Subject: [labird] 26 July Venice boat trip
LABIRD: at least 3 spots now open on the Venice pelagic trip Saturday 26 July, and if I can fill the post, I can keep the coast at $190. Let me know if interested in details.
Here is the trip report from last Saturday’s trip, highlighted by excellent looks at Band-rumped Storm-Petrels.
Dr. J. V. Remsen
Emeritus Prof. of Natural Science and Curator of Birds
Museum of Natural Science/Dept. Biological Sciences
LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
najames<at>LSU.edu
Date: 7/14/25 8:14 am From: Jane Patterson via groups.io <seejanebird...> Subject: [labird] Annual Wood Stork and Wading Bird event Saturday Aug 2, 2025
Saturday August 2nd will be the annual Wood Stork & Wading Bird event at
Sherburne WMA South Farm near Ramah, Louisiana. This is the time of year
when LDWF draws down water in the impoundments which traps fish and
attracts (potentially) lots of opportunistic wading birds, including (we
hope) lots of Wood Storks!
For Baton Rouge Audubon folks: this event will *replace* the Bluebonnet
Swamp walk for August. Our field trip coordinator is out of town, so we'll
do this event instead.
Event will run from 7-10am. Normally the viewing is from the observation
tower, but it has fallen apart and it's being rebuilt. The plan is to put
up a few tents for shade for observation. LDWF and USAC provide rides from
the parking area to the viewing area. Scopes will be available. Walking
on the levees will cause the birds to fly, so we do ask that folks take
care about that. You're advised to wear a hat and sunscreen and bring
water. If you are 17 and older you must have a valid WMA access permit (see
wlf.la.gov under licenses).
*Be aware this is NOT at Sherburne WMA headquarters* so be careful when
using a GPS for directions. You want to get here from I-10 not from 190.
Directions: exit at Ramah off I-10 exit 135. Turn right at the stop sign.
Turn left at the first available road. Go around the curve and turn right
at the next road through the small community. This takes you over a small
bridge. Turn right just past the Bayou. Follow surface road (*not *road on
top of levee) for about 2 miles until you see the south farm sign on the
left. Go up and over the levee to the left into the parking lot. You’ll see
a brown shed and a sign in the kiosk. The yellow gate is locked normally.
You can walk in (or bike or atv) any time. For this event they let us drive
and park. Then they take us to the observation area in ATV’s or a trailer.
Normally it’s about a 1.5 mile walk each way.
Date: 7/11/25 7:17 pm From: Jane Patterson via groups.io <seejanebird...> Subject: Re: [labird] Purple Martin roosts on the causeway
Well, no joy. Only a couple hundred birds flying over and I could not see
the roost from Sunset Point at all.
On Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 7:48 PM Peter H Yaukey <PYaukey...> wrote:
>
> Jane-
>
> I haven't been out, but have been monitoring it by radar (at rap.ucar.edu-
> not as nice an image as Zach Fradella's, which I imagine is using Fox's own
> radar). Yesterday morning's departure is pasted below.
>
> The echo is in the same position as previous years, offshore the north
> end, where it is normally beyond sight from land. So I think at Sunset Pt
> you will only see birds milling before they go out- perhaps lots, but
> nowhere near the total numbers that roost. Did Zach say anything implying
> that the three arrows indicated visible movement streams going to the
> roost? Roost entry in the evening has never been visible on the NOAA
> radar, only morning departures. This has the potential to be an exciting
> new information source.
>
> My interested was picqued a few weeks ago when the echo started out being
> on the southern half of the bridge, perhaps even at the old roost site a
> the south end- but it shifted back north to its current location before
> anyone could visit to check.
>
> The long echo strung out along the bridge is consistent with one birder's
> report 1-2 weeks ago that they saw martins along the full length of the
> bridge when they started crossing N to S about 20 min before sunset. So
> that was presumably before they form the large swirling cloud to enter the
> roost.
>
> I have never figured out the optimal time to depart the north shore to see
> the evening entry cloud fully formed. If you figure it out, please post!
> When the southern roost was active and visible at leisure from shore, the
> cloud would always be in failing twilight, well after sunset.
>
> Ten years ago (or so), I kayaked out at night (pretty dumb- boats zipping
> by me in the dark- do not try this at home!) and estimated 250,000 martins,
> the roost starting about 2-3 miles from the north shore.
>
> Peter Yaukey
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <labird...> <labird...> on behalf of Jane Patterson
> via groups.io <seejanebird...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, July 10, 2025 1:47 PM
> *To:* LABIRD list <labird...>
> *Subject:* [labird] Purple Martin roosts on the causeway
>
> WARNING: This email originated outside of the University of New Orleans
> system. The sender of this email could not be validated and may not
> actually be the person in the “From” field. Do NOT click links or open
> attachments if the message seems suspicious in any way. Never provide your
> user ID or password.
>
>
>
> Hello LaBirders!
>
> Has anyone ventured out to see what the purple Martin roosts look like on
> the Causeway this year, either north shore or south shore?
>
> I know they’ve been several miles from shore the last few years and
> wondered if that still holding true.
>
> This image was shared by Zack Fradella, meteorologist with Fox 8 in NO last
> week.
>
> I plan to go to sunset park in Mandeville tonight to see what can see.
>
> —Jane Patterson
>
>
>
>
>
>
> NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is
> intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information
> that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under
> applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby
> notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the
> information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this
> communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether
> in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately
> contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the
> telephone numbers listed above. Thank you!
>
Date: 7/10/25 5:48 pm From: Peter H Yaukey via groups.io <pyaukey...> Subject: Re: [labird] Purple Martin roosts on the causeway
Jane-
I haven't been out, but have been monitoring it by radar (at rap.ucar.edu- not as nice an image as Zach Fradella's, which I imagine is using Fox's own radar). Yesterday morning's departure is pasted below.
The echo is in the same position as previous years, offshore the north end, where it is normally beyond sight from land. So I think at Sunset Pt you will only see birds milling before they go out- perhaps lots, but nowhere near the total numbers that roost. Did Zach say anything implying that the three arrows indicated visible movement streams going to the roost? Roost entry in the evening has never been visible on the NOAA radar, only morning departures. This has the potential to be an exciting new information source.
My interested was picqued a few weeks ago when the echo started out being on the southern half of the bridge, perhaps even at the old roost site a the south end- but it shifted back north to its current location before anyone could visit to check.
The long echo strung out along the bridge is consistent with one birder's report 1-2 weeks ago that they saw martins along the full length of the bridge when they started crossing N to S about 20 min before sunset. So that was presumably before they form the large swirling cloud to enter the roost.
I have never figured out the optimal time to depart the north shore to see the evening entry cloud fully formed. If you figure it out, please post! When the southern roost was active and visible at leisure from shore, the cloud would always be in failing twilight, well after sunset.
Ten years ago (or so), I kayaked out at night (pretty dumb- boats zipping by me in the dark- do not try this at home!) and estimated 250,000 martins, the roost starting about 2-3 miles from the north shore.
Peter Yaukey
[cid:a3f4d46f-3a68-49af-a178-15703fc12174]
________________________________
From: <labird...> <labird...> on behalf of Jane Patterson via groups.io <seejanebird...>
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2025 1:47 PM
To: LABIRD list <labird...>
Subject: [labird] Purple Martin roosts on the causeway
WARNING: This email originated outside of the University of New Orleans system. The sender of this email could not be validated and may not actually be the person in the From field. Do NOT click links or open attachments if the message seems suspicious in any way. Never provide your user ID or password.
Hello LaBirders!
Has anyone ventured out to see what the purple Martin roosts look like on
the Causeway this year, either north shore or south shore?
I know theyve been several miles from shore the last few years and
wondered if that still holding true.
This image was shared by Zack Fradella, meteorologist with Fox 8 in NO last
week.
I plan to go to sunset park in Mandeville tonight to see what can see.
Jane Patterson
NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the telephone numbers listed above. Thank you!
Date: 7/3/25 1:22 pm From: Jennifer Outlaw Coulson via groups.io <jenniferocoulson...> Subject: [labird] Swallow-tailed Kite sightings, including Larose
Dear LABIRD,
Just a reminder that I would greatly appreciate your reporting Swallow-tailed Kite sightings to inform Orleans Audubon Society's nest monitoring program. You can send reports directly to me or enter details into eBird. (My cell: 504-717-3544 or this email address)
If anyone is heading to Grand Isle this weekend, please keep an eye out for Swallow-tailed Kites along the route, including near the water tower on LA-3235 in Larose, north west of Parkridge Lane. I just had a report from there from a reliable source.
Thank you to everyone who is reporting their STKI sightings!!! Have a great Fourth of July!
Jennifer
Jennifer Coulson President Orleans Audubon Society Pearl River, LA
Date: 7/1/25 10:04 am From: Peter H Yaukey via groups.io <pyaukey...> Subject: Re: [labird] Golden-cheeked Warblers overfly LA
Everyone-
Thanks for all the insights.
Erik- thanks for sharing that geolocator data, I had never worked with it directly, so it was good to see what it looks like before it is transformed into tracks. Were those bins of dates selected to gather dates with similar light signals together?
Bachman's- Some quick math. Eight tracks are shown turning south to pass through LA and farther east. That's about 13 percent of their fall migrants. Granted, that could be atypical, they may have just happened to be sampling during a year with more eastward movement than normal or lucked on a bunch of birds that follow that path. However, even if that was ten times the normal amount, and only 1.3% of the birds normally go east this far, with a population of 100,000 (PIF estimate), that would mean that 1300 GCWA pass through this area every fall (possibly twice that, if the PIF estimate is breeding season and we need to add HY birds...?). If such a volume has only produced six detections over the years, then by proportion a population of 100 Bachman's might be expected to have produced (100/1300)*6 = 0.46 detections. So, none seems realistic.
Hope I didn't make any stupid math mistakes on the fly...
Very simplified way of looking at it of course, but still intriguing...
________________________________
From: <labird...> <labird...> on behalf of Jack Rogers via groups.io <jack...>
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2025 12:42 PM
To: <zoiseaux...> <zoiseaux...>
Cc: LABIRD List <labird...>
Subject: Re: [labird] Golden-cheeked Warblers overfly LA
WARNING: This email originated outside of the University of New Orleans system. The sender of this email could not be validated and may not actually be the person in the “From” field. Do NOT click links or open attachments if the message seems suspicious in any way. Never provide your user ID or password.
Paul and all-
Notably, South Padre Island has 2 July records (07-06-2014, 07-17-2020).
Maybe something for Louisiana birders to target in an otherwise dreadfully
slow month for birding?
Jack
Jack Rogers
*Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A & M University of
Kingsville*
*Kingsville, TX/Mt Pleasant, SC*
On Mon, Jun 30, 2025 at 12:28 PM Paul Conover via groups.io <zoiseaux=
<lusfiber.net...> wrote:
> Peter, Labird,
>
> In addition to the FL record, there have been other reports SE
> of the breeding grounds, including Galveston. While I wouldn't put it in
> my Next Ten list, I've always wondered if it's a rare but regular
> migrant. Migration seems to start by late June when almost no birder is
> out there. Last summer, I think it was, Dave Patton's trail cam at
> Peveto picked up a tantalizing late June BT Green/Golden-cheeked type
> warbler coming into the water feature, but the images just eluded ID.
>
> Paul Conover
>
>
> On 6/29/2025 7:34 AM, Peter H Yaukey via groups.io wrote:
> > LABirders:
> > I read a (to me) shocking geolocator paper yesterday that reported that
> many Golden-cheeked Warblers travel far east from their nesting areas
> before turning south in fall, many apparently traversing Louisiana. The
> paper states that 20% of the birds in the study sample migrated across the
> Gulf in fall, including some going as far east as peninsular Florida. Here
> are the tracks of the c. 12 (of their total of 61 migrants tracked w
> geolocators) that went transgulf or through Florida.
> >
> > [cid:a9bc4c85-0d14-493e-947a-ed00063f054b]
> > They had another map that gives stopover points. One of these is on the
> Chandeleurs. Has the LBRC considered whether a geolocator observation
> could constitute a first state record? The lead authors of the study are
> actually at LSU- perhaps they could provide information on the amount of
> precision in that stopover observation or the flyover tracks?
> > This is crazy!
> >
> > [cid:2624d6e2-9708-4bd0-bcc2-9a578f417bf3]
> >
> > [cid:cac7bd43-7edd-4d8b-ab89-93ebac7375e8]
> >
> > NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is
> intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information
> that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under
> applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby
> notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the
> information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this
> communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether
> in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately
> contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the
> telephone numbers listed above. Thank you!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the telephone numbers listed above. Thank you!
Date: 6/30/25 10:43 am From: Jack Rogers via groups.io <jack...> Subject: Re: [labird] Golden-cheeked Warblers overfly LA
Paul and all-
Notably, South Padre Island has 2 July records (07-06-2014, 07-17-2020).
Maybe something for Louisiana birders to target in an otherwise dreadfully
slow month for birding?
Jack
Jack Rogers
*Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A & M University of
Kingsville*
*Kingsville, TX/Mt Pleasant, SC*
On Mon, Jun 30, 2025 at 12:28 PM Paul Conover via groups.io <zoiseaux=
<lusfiber.net...> wrote:
> Peter, Labird,
>
> In addition to the FL record, there have been other reports SE
> of the breeding grounds, including Galveston. While I wouldn't put it in
> my Next Ten list, I've always wondered if it's a rare but regular
> migrant. Migration seems to start by late June when almost no birder is
> out there. Last summer, I think it was, Dave Patton's trail cam at
> Peveto picked up a tantalizing late June BT Green/Golden-cheeked type
> warbler coming into the water feature, but the images just eluded ID.
>
> Paul Conover
>
>
> On 6/29/2025 7:34 AM, Peter H Yaukey via groups.io wrote:
> > LABirders:
> > I read a (to me) shocking geolocator paper yesterday that reported that
> many Golden-cheeked Warblers travel far east from their nesting areas
> before turning south in fall, many apparently traversing Louisiana. The
> paper states that 20% of the birds in the study sample migrated across the
> Gulf in fall, including some going as far east as peninsular Florida. Here
> are the tracks of the c. 12 (of their total of 61 migrants tracked w
> geolocators) that went transgulf or through Florida.
> >
> > [cid:a9bc4c85-0d14-493e-947a-ed00063f054b]
> > They had another map that gives stopover points. One of these is on the
> Chandeleurs. Has the LBRC considered whether a geolocator observation
> could constitute a first state record? The lead authors of the study are
> actually at LSU- perhaps they could provide information on the amount of
> precision in that stopover observation or the flyover tracks?
> > This is crazy!
> >
> > [cid:2624d6e2-9708-4bd0-bcc2-9a578f417bf3]
> >
> > [cid:cac7bd43-7edd-4d8b-ab89-93ebac7375e8]
> >
> > NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is
> intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information
> that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under
> applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby
> notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the
> information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this
> communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether
> in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately
> contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the
> telephone numbers listed above. Thank you!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/30/25 10:28 am From: Paul Conover via groups.io <zoiseaux...> Subject: Re: [labird] Golden-cheeked Warblers overfly LA
Peter, Labird,
In addition to the FL record, there have been other reports SE
of the breeding grounds, including Galveston. While I wouldn't put it in
my Next Ten list, I've always wondered if it's a rare but regular
migrant. Migration seems to start by late June when almost no birder is
out there. Last summer, I think it was, Dave Patton's trail cam at
Peveto picked up a tantalizing late June BT Green/Golden-cheeked type
warbler coming into the water feature, but the images just eluded ID.
Paul Conover
On 6/29/2025 7:34 AM, Peter H Yaukey via groups.io wrote:
> LABirders:
> I read a (to me) shocking geolocator paper yesterday that reported that many Golden-cheeked Warblers travel far east from their nesting areas before turning south in fall, many apparently traversing Louisiana. The paper states that 20% of the birds in the study sample migrated across the Gulf in fall, including some going as far east as peninsular Florida. Here are the tracks of the c. 12 (of their total of 61 migrants tracked w geolocators) that went transgulf or through Florida.
>
> [cid:a9bc4c85-0d14-493e-947a-ed00063f054b]
> They had another map that gives stopover points. One of these is on the Chandeleurs. Has the LBRC considered whether a geolocator observation could constitute a first state record? The lead authors of the study are actually at LSU- perhaps they could provide information on the amount of precision in that stopover observation or the flyover tracks?
> This is crazy!
>
> [cid:2624d6e2-9708-4bd0-bcc2-9a578f417bf3]
>
> [cid:cac7bd43-7edd-4d8b-ab89-93ebac7375e8]
>
> NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the telephone numbers listed above. Thank you!
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/30/25 9:43 am From: David P. Muth via groups.io <muthdp...> Subject: Re: [labird] Golden-cheeked Warblers overfly LA
Eric--
Thanks for the tutorial and the clarifications. The bottom line is that the
specimen and photos from the Tampa area prove that it does occasionally
happen, and there seems to be a real possibility that it happens more often
than I suppose any of us imagined.
Peter brought up this paper in a discussion about Bachman's Warbler. I used
to argue (30 or 40 years ago) that Bachman's could easily be holding out in
some undiscovered remote location in the very under-birded and
under-studied mid-south. Others argued that it would still be detected
somewhere in migration in Florida or on the Gulf coast. I used to resist
that argument, pointing out that much of the Gulf coast was also poorly
covered. As more and more birders armed with better and better resources,
including now digital cameras, surveyed more and more of the coast, year
after year, my optimism faded to a very low point. But if Golden-cheeked
Warblers can be slipping past us regularly (and that remains to be
verified, as you point out), then I'd revise my hope back upward, if only
slightly. I don't think sedentary, large, loud and conspicuous, easily
identified Ivory-billed Woodpeckers could possibly still be holding out,
but small, early migrant, obscurely-plumaged (except adult males), warblers
might just.
David Muth
New Orleans
On Sun, Jun 29, 2025 at 8:48 AM Johnson, Erik via groups.io <Erik.Johnson=
<audubon.org...> wrote:
> Hi Peter and LAbird,
>
> Thanks for sharing this. Very interesting. Having worked with light-level
> geolocator data, I can appreciate some of the uncertainties it generates,
> especially during migration. Latitude is notoriously harder to estimate
> with accuracy than longitude, and the difference between Louisiana and
> southern Mexico can be hard to distinguish with certainty, especially as
> the date approaches the equinox. To illustrate this point, I'm happy to
> share location data generated from light from a geolocator we recovered
> this spring from Amite River Wildlife Sanctuary. You should be able to
> click through the dates to see how locations and the precision changes
> depending on stopover duration and proximity to the equinox.
> https://rpubs.com/Erik_I_Johnson/1301031 >
> Back the Golden-cheeked Warbler paper. The figure with the 11 movement
> trajectories showing easterly fall migrations does not show the
> uncertainty, so it's hard to be sure how realistic these lines are. But
> interestingly, the date of the fall migrations reported in the paper
> spanned July 1 to September 3, which is a good bit before the equinox, and
> there are apparently some longer stopover durations (which helps improve
> accuracy), so it is a little harder to poke holes in the idea of an
> easterly movement in fall.
>
> Such a "loop migration" pattern is exhibited by a number of Neotropical
> migrants, although many of those tend to be more boreal. There are even two
> recent documented records in eBird from late August in the Tampa, FL area
> (and also a specimen from late August in 1964), and early to mid-August
> Houston/Galveston-area records, suggesting the geolocator data showing the
> occasional trans-Gulf migration may have some validity. But I'd be
> surprised if it were as common as the paper suggests, given the paucity of
> records from the northern Gulf.
>
> Golden-cheeked Warbler populations continue to decline, unlike the rapidly
> increasing Black-capped Vireo, which now has records from LA. Even so,
> there's no reason to think Golden-cheeked Warbler wouldn't show up from
> time to time, and I think this geolocator study helps reinforce that. This
> species would (will) be an amazing (and overdue) first state record, but
> I'd be hesitant to use light-level geolocator data to accept it as a first.
>
> Erik Johnson
> Sunset, LA
> Erik.Johnson AT audubon.org
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: <labird...> <labird...> On Behalf Of Peter H Yaukey via
> groups.io
> Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2025 7:35 AM
> To: LABIRD List <labird...>
> Subject: [labird] Golden-cheeked Warblers overfly LA
>
>
> LABirders:
> I read a (to me) shocking geolocator paper yesterday that reported that
> many Golden-cheeked Warblers travel far east from their nesting areas
> before turning south in fall, many apparently traversing Louisiana. The
> paper states that 20% of the birds in the study sample migrated across the
> Gulf in fall, including some going as far east as peninsular Florida. Here
> are the tracks of the c. 12 (of their total of 61 migrants tracked w
> geolocators) that went transgulf or through Florida.
>
> [cid:a9bc4c85-0d14-493e-947a-ed00063f054b]
> They had another map that gives stopover points. One of these is on the
> Chandeleurs. Has the LBRC considered whether a geolocator observation
> could constitute a first state record? The lead authors of the study are
> actually at LSU- perhaps they could provide information on the amount of
> precision in that stopover observation or the flyover tracks?
> This is crazy!
>
> [cid:2624d6e2-9708-4bd0-bcc2-9a578f417bf3]
>
> [cid:cac7bd43-7edd-4d8b-ab89-93ebac7375e8]
>
> NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is
> intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information
> that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under
> applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby
> notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the
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>
>
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>
Date: 6/29/25 3:32 pm From: John Dillon via groups.io <kisforkryptonite...> Subject: [labird] LOS Fall News articles
If anyone would like to contribute an article to the fall LOS News, the deadline is August 1. Or if you have a suggestion about someone who’s knowledgeable who might write an article, please reach out.
Needs to be LOS newsworthy.
Current research in LA, LSUMNS stuff, rare bird stuff, pelagic stuff, hurricane birding, hummer migration or winter info, eBird info, bird banding stuff, birding location stuff, whatever.
Date: 6/29/25 6:48 am From: Johnson, Erik via groups.io <Erik.Johnson...> Subject: Re: [labird] Golden-cheeked Warblers overfly LA
Hi Peter and LAbird,
Thanks for sharing this. Very interesting. Having worked with light-level geolocator data, I can appreciate some of the uncertainties it generates, especially during migration. Latitude is notoriously harder to estimate with accuracy than longitude, and the difference between Louisiana and southern Mexico can be hard to distinguish with certainty, especially as the date approaches the equinox. To illustrate this point, I'm happy to share location data generated from light from a geolocator we recovered this spring from Amite River Wildlife Sanctuary. You should be able to click through the dates to see how locations and the precision changes depending on stopover duration and proximity to the equinox.
https://rpubs.com/Erik_I_Johnson/1301031
Back the Golden-cheeked Warbler paper. The figure with the 11 movement trajectories showing easterly fall migrations does not show the uncertainty, so it's hard to be sure how realistic these lines are. But interestingly, the date of the fall migrations reported in the paper spanned July 1 to September 3, which is a good bit before the equinox, and there are apparently some longer stopover durations (which helps improve accuracy), so it is a little harder to poke holes in the idea of an easterly movement in fall.
Such a "loop migration" pattern is exhibited by a number of Neotropical migrants, although many of those tend to be more boreal. There are even two recent documented records in eBird from late August in the Tampa, FL area (and also a specimen from late August in 1964), and early to mid-August Houston/Galveston-area records, suggesting the geolocator data showing the occasional trans-Gulf migration may have some validity. But I'd be surprised if it were as common as the paper suggests, given the paucity of records from the northern Gulf.
Golden-cheeked Warbler populations continue to decline, unlike the rapidly increasing Black-capped Vireo, which now has records from LA. Even so, there's no reason to think Golden-cheeked Warbler wouldn't show up from time to time, and I think this geolocator study helps reinforce that. This species would (will) be an amazing (and overdue) first state record, but I'd be hesitant to use light-level geolocator data to accept it as a first.
Erik Johnson
Sunset, LA
Erik.Johnson AT audubon.org
-----Original Message-----
From: <labird...> <labird...> On Behalf Of Peter H Yaukey via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2025 7:35 AM
To: LABIRD List <labird...>
Subject: [labird] Golden-cheeked Warblers overfly LA
LABirders:
I read a (to me) shocking geolocator paper yesterday that reported that many Golden-cheeked Warblers travel far east from their nesting areas before turning south in fall, many apparently traversing Louisiana. The paper states that 20% of the birds in the study sample migrated across the Gulf in fall, including some going as far east as peninsular Florida. Here are the tracks of the c. 12 (of their total of 61 migrants tracked w geolocators) that went transgulf or through Florida.
[cid:a9bc4c85-0d14-493e-947a-ed00063f054b]
They had another map that gives stopover points. One of these is on the Chandeleurs. Has the LBRC considered whether a geolocator observation could constitute a first state record? The lead authors of the study are actually at LSU- perhaps they could provide information on the amount of precision in that stopover observation or the flyover tracks?
This is crazy!
[cid:2624d6e2-9708-4bd0-bcc2-9a578f417bf3]
[cid:cac7bd43-7edd-4d8b-ab89-93ebac7375e8]
NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the telephone numbers listed above. Thank you!
Date: 6/29/25 5:47 am From: Peter H Yaukey via groups.io <pyaukey...> Subject: Re: [labird] New Peveto Woods Sanctuary Manager
Thanks for your many years of service Dave! So many birders have benefited!
________________________________
From: <labird...> <labird...> on behalf of Kevin Colley via groups.io <Kcolley71...>
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2025 5:02 PM
To: <budogmacm...> <budogmacm...>
Cc: <davepatton122...> <davepatton122...>; Labird <labird...>; list serve BRAS <main...>
Subject: Re: [labird] New Peveto Woods Sanctuary Manager
WARNING: This email originated outside of the University of New Orleans system. The sender of this email could not be validated and may not actually be the person in the “From” field. Do NOT click links or open attachments if the message seems suspicious in any way. Never provide your user ID or password.
I agree Mac. Hats off to Dave and welcome Charlotte!
NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the telephone numbers listed above. Thank you!
Date: 6/29/25 5:35 am From: Peter H Yaukey via groups.io <pyaukey...> Subject: [labird] Golden-cheeked Warblers overfly LA
LABirders:
I read a (to me) shocking geolocator paper yesterday that reported that many Golden-cheeked Warblers travel far east from their nesting areas before turning south in fall, many apparently traversing Louisiana. The paper states that 20% of the birds in the study sample migrated across the Gulf in fall, including some going as far east as peninsular Florida. Here are the tracks of the c. 12 (of their total of 61 migrants tracked w geolocators) that went transgulf or through Florida.
[cid:a9bc4c85-0d14-493e-947a-ed00063f054b]
They had another map that gives stopover points. One of these is on the Chandeleurs. Has the LBRC considered whether a geolocator observation could constitute a first state record? The lead authors of the study are actually at LSU- perhaps they could provide information on the amount of precision in that stopover observation or the flyover tracks?
This is crazy!
[cid:2624d6e2-9708-4bd0-bcc2-9a578f417bf3]
[cid:cac7bd43-7edd-4d8b-ab89-93ebac7375e8]
NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the telephone numbers listed above. Thank you!
Date: 6/28/25 3:02 pm From: Kevin Colley via groups.io <Kcolley71...> Subject: Re: [labird] New Peveto Woods Sanctuary Manager
I agree Mac. Hats off to Dave and welcome Charlotte!
Kevin
> On Jun 28, 2025, at 6:41 AM, Mac Myers via groups.io <budogmacm...> wrote:
>
> Dave, thanks for many years of doing a great job at the sanctuary.
>
> Charlotte, thank you for taking on the job, and I'm sure you'll do a great
> job, too.
>
> Mac
>
> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> > Virus-free.www.avast.com
> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
>> On Fri, Jun 27, 2025 at 10:22 PM Dave Patton via groups.io <davepatton122=
>> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>>
>> Dear Birders,
>> There were some additions and repairs at Peveto Woods today, but they were
>> not my doing.
>> It is my pleasure to announce the passing of my Peveto Woods Sanctuary
>> duties along to the new manager, Charlotte Chehotsky. I officially handed
>> over the keys to the sanctuary (contribution box), and today, Charlotte and
>> volunteer, Dale Hamilton, were busy getting started. They completed a new
>> water hole viewing bench with a hiding wall, repainted the contribution
>> box, and lifted the old picnic table onto blocks to prevent and repair
>> rotting.
>> It has been my pleasure and honor to manage the sanctuary for the past 18
>> years. I now look forward to enjoying my visits and helping when needed.
>> Thank you Charlotte for taking over. I know the sanctuary is in good hands.
>>
>> Dave Patton
>> Past Manager
>> Peveto Woods Sanctuary
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
On Fri, Jun 27, 2025 at 10:22 PM Dave Patton via groups.io <davepatton122=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Dear Birders,
> There were some additions and repairs at Peveto Woods today, but they were
> not my doing.
> It is my pleasure to announce the passing of my Peveto Woods Sanctuary
> duties along to the new manager, Charlotte Chehotsky. I officially handed
> over the keys to the sanctuary (contribution box), and today, Charlotte and
> volunteer, Dale Hamilton, were busy getting started. They completed a new
> water hole viewing bench with a hiding wall, repainted the contribution
> box, and lifted the old picnic table onto blocks to prevent and repair
> rotting.
> It has been my pleasure and honor to manage the sanctuary for the past 18
> years. I now look forward to enjoying my visits and helping when needed.
> Thank you Charlotte for taking over. I know the sanctuary is in good hands.
>
> Dave Patton
> Past Manager
> Peveto Woods Sanctuary
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/27/25 8:22 pm From: Dave Patton via groups.io <davepatton122...> Subject: [labird] New Peveto Woods Sanctuary Manager
Dear Birders, There were some additions and repairs at Peveto Woods today, but they were not my doing. It is my pleasure to announce the passing of my Peveto Woods Sanctuary duties along to the new manager, Charlotte Chehotsky. I officially handed over the keys to the sanctuary (contribution box), and today, Charlotte and volunteer, Dale Hamilton, were busy getting started. They completed a new water hole viewing bench with a hiding wall, repainted the contribution box, and lifted the old picnic table onto blocks to prevent and repair rotting. It has been my pleasure and honor to manage the sanctuary for the past 18 years. I now look forward to enjoying my visits and helping when needed. Thank you Charlotte for taking over. I know the sanctuary is in good hands.
Date: 6/25/25 10:21 am From: mdpethke via groups.io <mdpethke...> Subject: [labird] Governor Landry vetoes bill banning balloon releases
Governor Jeff Landry vetoed HB 581, banning the mass release of balloons, on June 20. I have located no veto message. If anybody knows why this important environmental provision did not pass muster with our fearless leader, please enlighten us.
Date: 6/22/25 11:37 am From: Jennifer Outlaw Coulson via groups.io <jenniferocoulson...> Subject: [labird] Some sad news about Joelle Finley
Dear LABIRD,
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our
longtime members and leaders, Joelle Finley. On the morning of June 21,
Joelle passed away unexpectedly at her home with her loving husband, Ken
Harris, at her side. Joelle’s family is helping Ken, and he asks that we
all give him a few days before reaching out to him.
Joelle’s leadership in local environmental organizations was exemplary and
selfless. She served on Orleans Audubon’s Board for the past 19 years and
was the Vice-President for the past 17 years. She played many vital roles
in Orleans Audubon, coordinating our monthly programs and birding field
trips, and serving on the City Park and Sanctuary committees. Joelle also
helped organize local birding festivals and led many trips for the Grand
Isle Migratory Bird Celebration. She served as an advisor for the New
Orleans City Park’s Birding Corridor and was instrumental in its planning
and development. She and Ken also conducted bird monitoring surveys there
and elsewhere. On May 18th, 2021, OAS thanked and honored Joelle for her
long-time service to OAS and the environmental community by bestowing her
with the Swallow-tailed Kite Conservation Award.
Joelle was a longtime leader of the former Crescent Bird Club, running
field trips and handling membership. She was instrumental in orchestrating
its merger with OAS. She served many other leadership roles in the
environmental community, including Secretary of the Greater New Orleans
Chapter of the Louisiana Master Naturalists and Secretary for the Louisiana
Ornithological Society.
As a wildlife photographer, world traveler, and dynamic speaker, Joelle
shared her knowledge and talents by presenting lectures for OAS, LOS, CBC,
Northshore Bird Club, Sierra Club and the like. Her talks have taken us to
wonderfully exotic birding destinations such as Vietnam, Cuba, Brazil,
Madagascar, Thailand, Ghana and Indonesia. She and Ken had most recently
traveled to Uzbekistan and the Caribbean. Several of her recorded
presentations are available on the Orleans Audubon Society’s YouTube
channel.
Joelle was a true inspiration to countless people in the Greater New
Orleans Area as they were getting started in birding. Many have recounted
how Joelle generously shared her knowledge and also introduced them to
other birders. Joelle team taught many beginning birding classes for OAS.
She was featured and quoted in numerous articles about birds and birding,
articles which have appeared in birding magazines, local newspapers,
television spots and online blogs.
For many of us, myself included, Joelle was also a lifelong friend and
cherished birding companion. OAS will provide more information soon.
Date: 6/18/25 3:17 pm From: David P. Muth via groups.io <muthdp...> Subject: [labird] Beach-nesting Bird Colony Atlas for the Northern Gulf
Labird:
I am forwarding this link to a new atlas of beach nesting birds for the
northern Gulf of Mexico prepared for the Gulf Coast Joint Venture.
David
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Wilson, Barry <barry_wilson...>
Date: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Subject: Beach-nesting Bird Colony Atlas for the Northern Gulf
GCJV Board & Initiative Team Chairs,
[sent via BCC to a 150+ Bird Nesting Island Cooperative list]
************************
Barry C. Wilson
GCJV Coordinator (USFWS)
c/o USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
700 Cajundome Blvd
Lafayette, LA 70506
337-262-7015
<barry_wilson...>
www.gcjv.org
