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#172 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:30 am
Subject: Speigner Ponds 		riverbirdtom
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Hey all:
 
After the rains tapered off around noon I headed to Elmore county to see if these last fronts had brought any ducks to the ponds at Speigner.  The ponds are on Alabama Highway 143 across from Draper prison.
 
Finally we had a good number of ducks on these traditionally good duck ponds.  There are about 2 to 300 ducks scattered about.  Heavy rains have raised the water in the large pond used by the gravel operation. The water has backed up into the willow trees along the shore.  Most of the ducks were there and difficult to see.
 
However, on the ponds along the highway there were over 50 Bufflehead in one spot and another 75+  Northern Sholvers swimming in a tight circle. I have seen this behavior before and it seem to be a feeding activity.  Also seen here were : Redhead, Canvasback, Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, Pintail, and one loan Wood Duck standing on the back of a turtle.
 
Just west of the large pond is a big field.  There were many Red-tailed hawk and Northern Harrier in a feeding mode as I can imagine the morning rains has keep them on their roost.  There are at least two Krider's Red-tailed Hawks there, one has a all white head and is white about 1/3 of its upper body.
 
I hope each of you will find time to visit Speigner and enjoy the beauty of the waterfowl and raptors there.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

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#171 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Mon Nov 30, 2009 1:59 am
Subject: Montgomery Chirstmas Bird Count 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
Birders in the Montgomery Area will participate in the 2009-2010 Audubon Christmas Bird Count on Saturday January 2nd 2010. This Bird Count is the oldest scientific database on bird population in the world. The 109th Christmas Bird Count for the year 2008-2009 is now history, consisting of 2124 count areas with about 59,800 observers recording 65,573,000 individuals of 2126 specie. The Montgomery Count is one of eleven counts in Alabama.
 
The Christmas Count season is December 14th through January 5th.  The Montgomery count will take place on Saturday January 2nd 2010. Larry Gardella, tapaculo@... is the coordinator for the Montgomery Count. The Count takes place in geographical circles in the Montgomery area. Each Count is led by a Count Compiler. Specie and numbers are counted. Larry compiles the data for the Montgomery count and reports the data to the National Audubon Society.  The Montgomery Counts usually is in the range of 110 specie. You can read more about the Audubon Christmas Bird Count at  http://www.audobon.org/bird/cbc/
 
Get Involved
How the Christmas Bird Count Helps Protect Species and their Habitat
 
The data collected over the past century allows researchers, conservation biologists, and others to study the long-term health and status of bird population across North America.  It helps to identify environmental issues with habitat and with people as well. Over the years individual problems have been identified and corrected before it was too late to help.
 
Please find time to help with our important count by contacting Larry Gardella at tapaculo@... .  You will find it is a great way to help the avian population and have a FUN day in the field.  Larry has a number of circles in the Montgomery Area and he will assign you to a circle.  You will join the Count leader for a fun time and provide a good service to our birds.  E-mail or call him at 334-613-0690, you will be glad you did.
 
Hope each of you will consider helping on this project, its a good worth while service.
 
Please contact me or Larry if you have questions.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

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#170 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Fri Nov 27, 2009 1:02 am
Subject: Possible Short-eared Owl 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All :
 
While looking for Hawk at Speigner a guard told me he had found a small owl tangled in a barb wire fence and it was in poor condition.  He planed to move it to Auburn.
 
I sent a picture to several birders and the consensus was that it was a Short-eared Owl.  There are a number of Northern Harrier using the fields and sometimes Short-eared are found in association with Harrier. The habitat looks good for Short-eared Owl and possible sighting have been reported there in the past. If you are birding in that area please watch out for small owls and let me know.
 
Take Care,
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

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#169 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Wed Nov 18, 2009 3:26 pm
Subject: Fw: Barn Owl Photo's 		riverbirdtom
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Attached are pictures Bruce Parsons sent of the two Barn Owls we saw on the recent Owl Field Trip.
To view click on the DSC numbers in the Attach field.
 
Thanks Bruce
Tommy Pratt
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 1:37 PM
Subject: Barn Owl Photo's


4 of 4 Photo(s)


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#168 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:47 pm
Subject: Owl Field Trip 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
If you are planning on attending our owl field trip please take note we have had 4+inches of rain from IDA so the ground will be damp, if not wet. Please ware shoes or boots that will keep you dry.  We will eat our snack supper at Crescent Lake and will be inside. Restrooms are available here.
 
Please bring your flash light, binoculars, and insect repellant and anything else to make you comfortable.
 
Hope to see you on Thursday afternoon at 4:15 sharp.
 
Tommy Pratt

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#167 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Fri Oct 30, 2009 11:45 pm
Subject: Owl Field Trip 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
We will have an Owl Field Trip on Thursday evening 11-12-09.
 
Please gather in the parking lot of Hobby Lobby here in Prattville.
Directions>  Exit I 65 at exit 179 onto Cobbs Ford Road.  Go west and find the Hobby Lobby on the Southside of Cobbs Ford Road.
 
Be prepared to leave the parking lot promptly at 4:15pm Central Standard Time.  Sun set is at 4:47pm
 
Our first stop will be at a nearby silo to check for Barn Owls
 
Our next stop will be at the private and very beautiful Crescent Lake Fishing Club.  Part of this lake can be seen from I-65 at about the 177 mile marker.  We plan to get to Crescent Lake  before dark so you can see the beautiful lake and huge Cypress trees some over 600 years old. Seeing the property will be worth your trip. There will be restrooms here.
 
Items to bring:  Snack supper, drink, chair or stool, insect repellant, flash light, and anything to make you comfortable.
 
Here we will try for Great Horned, Screech, and Barred Owls.
 
It's a great time to be in the field so I surly hope to see you there, you will have fun.
 
As time permits we will go to the Lipscomb Farm for Barred Owls and to Cooters Pond for Screech and Great Horned Owl.
 
 
                                            CRESCENT LAKE FISHING CLUB

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#166 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:01 am
Subject: Operation Migration 		riverbirdtom
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If interested, Operation Migration 2010 of the Southeasten migration route of the Whooping Crane is underway and can be followed at the above web site.
 
 
RRBC

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#165 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:50 pm
Subject: Migrant Field Trip 		riverbirdtom
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Larry Gardella will lead a field trip at Ft. Toulouse on Saturday 09-26-09.
 
We will gather in the main parking lot at 7:00am.  There is a small entrance fee to the Ft. Property.
 
Directions from Montgomery:  Take U. S. 231 north to Wetumpka. Watch for a sign on the east side of the highway directing you to Ft. Toulouse.  The Ft. is about 4 miles west of U S 231.
 
Mosquitoes can be bad so be prepared.
 
The Coosa River and the Tallapoosa meet here bringing migrants that follow rivers down both and the area has been very productive for migrating warblers in past years.
 
Depending on the activity at the Ft. we may go to Speigner looking for early ducks and sparrows.
 
This is usually a good field trip with an excellent leader so if you want to have a fun day join us at Ft. Toulouse on the 26th
 
Remember the Alabama Ornithological Society Fall meeting will be 10-09 to 10-11-09 at Dauphin Island.
 
Hope to see you at the Fort.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

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#164 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sun Sep 6, 2009 11:29 pm
Subject: Horned Lark 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
There is a small sod farm along Alabama Highway 14 just west of Autaugaville, Alabama.  This afternoon there were about a dozen Horned Lark on the sod farm.  Horned Lark are not a common bird in central Alabama and these are first that I have seen in Autauga County.  Several years back there were nesting Horned Lark on a sod farm in Lowndes County which is across the river.
 
Just west of  Bear Creek on Highway 14 there were about 1000 cattle egret. They were lofting under a stand of Chinaberry and a space as large as a football field was snow white with egrets. They flushed several times while I was watching and they looked like a huge white thunderstorm moving across the open field. They have been here for several days.
 
Migration is underway so look for a field trip soon to Ft. Toulouse led by Larry Gardilla.
 
Tommy Pratt

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#163 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:22 pm
Subject: Fw: Correct road name 		riverbirdtom
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Please note the correction of my Goof on the name of the road .  Thanks Jim.
 
Tommy
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Groom
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2009 8:19 AM
Subject: Correct road name

Tommy,

 

Dozier’s store is on Ware’s Ferry Road.

 

The only reason I point this out is to eliminate confusion for people not familiar with the Montgomery area and trying to find “Wears” Ferry Road.

 

Jim Groom


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#162 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Wed Sep 2, 2009 11:37 pm
Subject: Shorebird Field trip 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
Plans are made for a shorebird trip on Saturday 09-12-09.
 
We will meet at Dozier's Store on Wears Ferry Road at 7:00 and bird on the Dozier Sod Farm.
They are having an afternoon Dove Shoot so we must be out before noon.
 
Directions: From Montgomery go east on Wears Ferry Road until you come to Dozier's warehouses.
The store is on the south side of the road.
 
Depending on the birds and time we may move to the Sprague Sod Farm located on US 331 south of Montgomery.
 
Watch for an announcement of an early migration field trip to Ft. Toulouse soon.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

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#161 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:50 pm
Subject: Fw: [ALBIRDS] Roseate Spoonbill in Hale County 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
Below is a post on ALBIRDS by Eric Soehren , State Land Division, reguarding a Roseate Spoonbill on Forever Wild property in Hale County.  This is an unusal bird to Alabama. There is a good chance the bird will be there on Saturday th 29th along with several hundred Wood Storks.  The property will be open to the public on that date.
 
If you would like to go, meet me at McDonalds in Selma at 6:30AM and we will take a shot at finding the bird. McDonalds is located in Selma on US 80 west of the bypass coming from Montgomery.  It will be another 30 miles or so west of Selma to the property.
 
Bring your usual gear and plenty of drink.
 
Hope to see you in Selma.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club
----- Original Message -----
From: esoehren
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 11:26 AM
Subject: [ALBIRDS] Roseate Spoonbill in Hale County

 

Dear ALBirders,

A Roseate Spoonbill has turned up at the Forever Wild State Cattle Ranch in Hale County and is congregating with Wood Storks at a large roost site on the east side of the property [DeAL 42-A4]. I was recently contacted by our property manager (Bill Mason) that the bird was first observed on 19 August and is still present (as of this morning 25 August). Based on the daily routine of this bird, it is likely that it will continue to roost with the Wood Storks thereby giving anyone interested in seeing it an opportunity to do so this Saturday.

The Cattle Ranch is currently closed to the public. However, there will be an open fishing day this Saturday (29 August) which would enable anyone interested in seeing this bird to visit the roost site. The gate will be open from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is located along AL Hwy 69 (between Greensboro and US 80 near Gallion; DeAL 42-A4). There will be a sign along the highway pointing the way to the gate. If you plan to visit, be sure to check in with State Lands personnel (look for blue or white pickups with state stickers) regarding your intention to see the Spoonbill and they will provide directions to the roost. The best time to observe the Spoonbill (and Storks) is during the early morning hours; afterwards it may disperse elsewhere for the day (but not always), which has been the typical routine.

Apparently this years Spoonbill dispersal patterns have been unprecedented, with birds reported as far north as New Jersey and Maryland. Spoonbill researchers are very interested in all sightings out of their normal dispersal range (including Alabama). So the recent observations in Baldwin County and now Hale County may be a reflection of these movements. Therefore be on the alert elsewhere and check suitable areas (e.g. drawdown ponds, large congregations of waders, etc) throughout the state. Given the circumstances this year, it is likely others are out there.

Good Birding,

Eric Soehren
Shorter, AL


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#160 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:01 pm
Subject: Time for The Big Switch 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
 
I would like to encourage each of you to consider making the BIG SWITCH, that is switch from buying bottled drinking water and buy yourself one or two safe water containers and bottle your own.  I know its easy to just buy a case, cool it down and throw away the empty bottle.  That's the problem:  millions of empty bottles are thrown out along our highways and millions more go to the landfills.  We can make a difference if each of us makes the SWITCH and encourages someone else to make the SWITCH. In the longrun it will much less expensive to bottle your own and a big saving on our environment which needs all the protection it can get. Save money and give it to some conservation group such as The Alabama Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy or Ducks Unlimited. This is something we all need to do.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club
 

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#159 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sat Aug 1, 2009 5:55 pm
Subject: Fw: Kite pictures 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
For those of you that missed our Swallow-tailed Kite trip on July 25th, Lee McElvaine has posted some excellent photos in his Facebook album of the graceful Swallow-tailed Kites flying over a hay field in west Autauga County. To view Lee's work go to the web site listed in Lee's e-mail below.
 
The Kites continue there over the this past week and members of the Birmingham Auduborn Society are there today.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club.
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:51 AM
Subject: Kite pictures

Hi Tommy,
 
Sorry it took this long. Busy week.
 
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32269679&l=792fbd4717&id=45109143
 
Lee

Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out.

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#158 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Mon Jul 20, 2009 9:16 pm
Subject: Fw: Kites 		riverbirdtom
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Below are some pictures taken today of the Kites in the hay field.  I sure hope they will hang around until our trip on Saturday.
 
Looks like it may warm up by the week end.  Bring plenty of water, sun screen and all the items that will make you comfortable.
 
Looking forward to seeing each of you come Saturday.
 
Take care and drive safely
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club
----- Original Message -----
From: Beth
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 3:27 PM
Subject: Kites

Here are a few shots. I wish I had a good camera.  I told you I am going to save up for one.  Rod (Ron?) told me today that Best Buy has an 18mo/same as cash deal going right now. Maybe I'll go look soon.    It was fun.  We saw a bunch of birds. This was only a small part we saw in the tree as we were leaving. The men said there were about 50 in the (what did they call the flock?)  They were circling everywhere but only saw one Mississippi kite in the tree.  Thanks for telling me about it.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#157 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:54 pm
Subject: Kite Field Trip 		riverbirdtom
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Greetings to All:
 
Any Kite Field Trip is either a big hit or a big miss.  If you have a big hit it will be an experience you will long remember; if you have a miss it will be a hot day in a empty hay field.  There are not any guarantees.
 
We have located a few Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites in West Autauga County.  They have been using a hay field for about two weeks and were there today.
 
Date:  Saturday 07-25-09
 
Meeting Place:  Chevron Station at intersection of US 82 and Alabama 14 West.
 
Directions:  From Montgomery exit I 65 at marker 179 onto Cobb Ford Road and go west.  At the second traffic light just pass the shopping center on the left, take highway US 82 west. Go several miles to the intersection of Alabama 14 and the Chevron station will be on the north-west corner.  We will gather in the parking lot at 9:30 and leave for the hay field at 9:45.
 
There is no shade or restrooms in the hay field, it will be hot.  Bring plenty of drink and any other items to make you conformable such as a stool and umbrella.
 
In the past the Kites show up around 10:00 to 10:30.
 
Hope to see each of you next Saturday.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

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#156 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Wed May 6, 2009 8:09 pm
Subject: Day Trip 		riverbirdtom
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It seems that the address I gave won't open, sorry.
 
Go to "Alabama Nature Conservancy"
 
Click on the "places we protect"
 
Go to Southeast
 
Click on "Splinter Hill Preserve."
 
This should get you there.
 
Tommy
 
 
 

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#155 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Wed May 6, 2009 4:24 pm
Subject: May Day Field Trip 		riverbirdtom
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Place:  Splinter Hill Bog and Preserve  http://www.nature.org/images/nav_wherewework_over.gif
           A pitcher Plant Bog owned and protected by the Alabama Nature Conservancy
           Please go to their web site to find out more about the property and plants growing there.
 
Nearby on the Forever Wild Preserve is one of the largest know populations of the globally imperiled Panhandle lily (Lilium iridollae) I will contact Eric Soehren to learn the location and if blooming.
 
Also, nearby is the Perido Winery, one of the oldest in the state.  It May be open for samples.
 
We should have time to visit the Pitcher Plant Bog and do some birding on the Forever Wild property
looking for the Bachman's Sparrow and some nesting Warblers.
 
Location:  From Montgomery go on I 65 South to exit 45 then go west on County Road 47 for about 2 miles or a little farther and the property is on the left [south]
 
Date: Saturday 05-16-09
 
Place to gather: On I 65 at exit 164 [Hope Hull] there is a Waffle House. We will depart there at 7:00 am sharp. Come early for breakfast but be ready to leave at 7:00.
 
There is not a good picnic place in the area so we will go about 10 miles or so to Stockton to the Stagecoach Res.  This is near the Mobile Delta so we may explore here some.
 
Bring items that will make you comfortable such as insect spray, sun screen and etc.
Water and snack
Camera
Binoculars.
We may have some water to cross so be ready
Wildflower book
 
This is really a nice place to visit  with some unusual plants and wildlife.
I hope each of you can attend and enjoy a day in the field.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

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#154 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sun Apr 26, 2009 11:37 pm
Subject: Trip To Cane Creek Canyon 		riverbirdtom
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Just a brief report on the field trip to Cane Creek Canyon.
 
24 made the trip.
 
Some went up on Friday. Some went with Damien Simbeck on his weekly shorebird inventory of the area for TVA. 490 Lesser Yellowlegs plus several other shorebird specie and a Peregrine Falcon hunting were seen.  Some stopped by the Natural Bridge and others stopped by Bankhead National Forest on the way up.
 
On Saturday Jim Lacefield, geology professor and owner of Cane Creek Canyon was our guide for the day.
Jim gave us a orientation of the property, about 800 acres, and led our hike through the property.  Faye Lacefield loaded our lunches on a all terrain vehicle and left them at the bottom of the canyon for us to enjoy when we got there.
Jim shared with us tons of information on the geology of the area and how Alabama looked million of years back.  We got a million dollar lesson on rocks and rock formations, canyons and glades, wild flowers, trees and shrub and history of the area.  Jim explained how house size boulders were moving down the canyon walls to the creek bed. What a treat and what knowledge he had for us. It was just wonderful.
After a good breakfast on Sunday some left for Bankhead, some to the Bibb county Glade on the Cahaba  River and some to the Dismals Canyon near Phil Campbell.
 
If you are ever in the area make time to meet Jim and Faye Lacefield and see Cane Creek Canyon.
 
We saw many wildflower, some only found locally, and a bird or two.
 
Tommy
River Region Bird Club.

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#153 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sun Apr 5, 2009 11:23 pm
Subject: April Birding Field Trips 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
April offers some nice birding opportunities. Migration is under way.
 
The Alabama Ornithological Society holds its Spring meeting April 17-19 at Dauphin Island. This in the heigth of migration and always a fun place to be in the spring.
 
There will be a bird trip at Lanark on the same week end.  The walk will begin at 8:30 on the 18th.
If you are not attending the AOS meeting please join us at Lanark.
 
The club's trip to Cane Creek Canyon is the weekend of the 25th.  It's not too late to sign up for this trip.
I have been assured that the wildflowers there will be in bloom and some are found no other place than North Alabama. This will be a trip you will surely enjoy.
 
Hope to see each of you at one of these field trips.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club.
 

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#152 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:05 pm
Subject: Cane Creek Canyon field trip. 		riverbirdtom
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Hi all:
 
 
Today I had some conservation with Eric Soehren and we discussed the proposed field trip to Cane Creek Canyon. Eric has been there several time he gave a very encouraging recommendation of the canyon.  Eric tells me that there are some very rare wildflower growing there found nowhere else in the country.  His description of the area makes you want to get in your car and go today.  He assured me no one would be disappointed.
 
So we can make our final plans I would like to hear from you if you plan to go.  Please let me know your plans by Sunday April the 5th. I hope that each of you can make this trip.
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

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#151 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sat Mar 7, 2009 4:08 pm
Subject: Cane Creek Canyon 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
Some additional Information on our field trip to Cane Creek Canyon on 04-25-09.
 
We have had some inquires if the hike's were strenuous.  Jim has assured me it is nothing like the Walls of Jericho hike.  It is about an 150 foot incline to the waterfall and some 300 foot decline into the canyon.
There is some hiking on the Plato.
 
Mrs. Lacefield has provided some information on motels should you care to stay overnight:
We are located about 10 miles south of Tuscumbia, which is the southernmost of the four cities in the "Muscle Shoals Area." There are two motels in Tuscumbia and several more in Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Florence. The closest one to us is Coldwater Inn, a new motel which is on US 72 across the highway from the tourism office. The phone number 256.383.6844. Rooms there are $79/single, $89/double. A mile or so farther east on US 72 is the KeyWest Inn, which is an older motel. They are offering your group a special rate of $54.95/night. These rooms have refrigerator, microwave, and free continental breakfast. For further information, you can access the following websites:http://www.colbertcountytourism.org/pages/lodging.html andhttp://www.visitflorenceal.com/Lodging/tabid/56/Default.aspx.
 
I believe our date of the 25th will be at the peak of the wild flower season and we should he in prime time for migration.  This will be an outstanding field trip and I hope every one can attend.
 
As the time gets closer I will furnish more information and directions.
 
Tommy Pratt
 

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#150 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sat Mar 7, 2009 3:36 pm
Subject: March Field Trip 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
The march field trip will be Saturday March 21 at 9:00.
 
We will bird Lanark, the gate will open at 8:30. Please sign in.
 
John Trent with the State Land Division will be our trip leader.
 
We will bird untill noon and break for lunch.  You may bring a lunch or there are near by food places.
 
After lunch we will have a sparrow stomp near Wetumpka at John Davis Laws's property.
 
Directions to Lanark:  From Montgomery take I65 to the 179 exit.  This will be on to Cobbs Ford Road. Turn righr [east] and go past the motels to the first road on the left[north] and then go to the "T" intersection. Turn right [east] and go 1/2 mile to the Lanark sign on the left. Follow this road to the Nature Center.
 
We will gather at the rest stop on US Highway 231 between Montgomery and Wetumpka to go to John David's property.  Please be there by 1:30 sharp.
From Lanark return to Cobbs Ford Road and turn left[east] and cross the toll bridge. Go to the Lower Wetumpka Road turn left[east] to highway 231 and turn left. After you cross the Tallapoosa River go to the rest stop on the left.
 
If you don't make the morning outing meet us for the sparrow stomp.
 
Hope to see each of you at this fun outing.
 
Tommy Pratt
RRBC

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#149 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Tue Mar 3, 2009 5:09 pm
Subject: Fw: visit to Cane Creek Canyon 		riverbirdtom
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Hello All:

I have been in contact with Jim Lacefield about a field trip to Cane Creek
Canyon and his response is below.  From the information he furnished it
would seem that our best date would be on the 25th of April.  Mark your
Calendar for this trip!  As I develop more information we will furnish
details about time etc.  If you haven't been to the web site or looked at
the plant list they are:
http://alwildflowers.org/CCCNP.htm

http://schuffertstudios.com/catalog/Misc/CaneCreekPreserve.pdf

This will be an outstanding time in the field and it is hoped each of you
can enjoy this time with us.
Keep Tuned
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Lacefield" <lacefiel@...>
To: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 5:40 AM
Subject: visit to Cane Creek Canyon


> Hello Tommy,
>
> We received your letter yesterday; it's good to hear from you. We are
> looking forward to your group's visit to the preserve. Either of the
> dates you listed would be fine. That is a good time of year to see  the
> preserve. If you come on the April 25th date there should be some
> spectacular native wildflowers in boom, such as the yellow  ladyslipper
> orchids down on the main creeks and many native azaleas.  On the May 16th
> Saturday many of the showiest wildflowers will be  finished, but there
> will still be mountain laurel flowering and some  Alabama azaleas. As to
> birds, there are lots of tanagers to be seen,  as well as others.
>
> Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you prepare for  your
> trip up. We can e-mail directions to the preserve if needed.
>
> Jim Lacefield

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#148 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Fri Feb 27, 2009 1:58 am
Subject: Sparrow Stomp 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
The weather bureau has forecast 80% chance of rain with possibility of strong storms for Saturday.
 
It appears best to reschedule the sparrow stomp for a later date.  Tentative plans are for a morning bird outing at Lanark on the 21 of March, lunch at a famous Bar-B Que place in Wetumpka and the sparrow stomp in the afternoon at John David Law's. Keep Tuned.
 
Plans are being worked out for out trip to Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve in North Alabama in late April or mid May. Watch for details.  Visit their web site at:  http://schuffertstudios.com
 
Tommy Pratt
River Region Bird Club

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#147 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:42 am
Subject: February Sparrow Stomp [02-28-09] 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
We are planning a Sparrow Stomp for Saturday 02-28-09.
 
We will meet at the rest Stop on US 231 between Montgomery and Wetumpka at 8:30am and will move to the stomp field at 9:00 sharp.  The rest stop is north of the Tallapoosa River and on the west side of the highway just as you start up the hill.
 
Our host is John David Law and Rod Douglas of Wetumpka.  John David has a 300 acre field that is full of sparrows and some wet area in the field.
 
If you have never been on a sparrow stomp you are in for a treat.  We will line up across the field and move through the field.  The plan is to flush sparrows and hope for one of the Ammodramus or Ammospiza specie  {Henslow-Grasshopper-LeConte's} sparrow pops up. These sparrows have a different flight and  usually only fly a short distance.  The stompers form a circle around the spot where the sparrow lands and quickly close in hoping for a close look. These sparrows scoot through the grass like a mouse.  They may just run through your legs. They are really beautiful birds seen up close.
 
It would be a good idea to bring boots as we may be in some wet areas.
 
Should we strike out on the sparrows we can bird Ft. Toulouse and other area in Elmore County.
 
Rod has a good Bar-B-Que restaurant in mind for lunch.
 
I believe you will have fun on this trip and I am hoping each of you will attend.
 
Remember Lanark on the 21st.
 
Tommy Pratt
RRBC
 
 

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#146 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:25 am
Subject: February Sparrow Stomp 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
We are planning a Sparrow Stomp for Saturday 02-28-09.
 
We will meet at the rest Stop on US 231 between Montgomery and Wetumpka at 8:30am and will move to the stomp field at 9:00sharp.  The rest stop is north of the Tallapoosa River and on the west side of the highway just as you start up the hill.
 
Our host is John David Law and Rod Douglass of Wetumpka.  He has a 300 acre field that is full of sparrows and some wet area in the field.
 
If you have never been on a sparrow stomp you are in for a treat.  We will line up across the field and move through the field.  The plan is to flush sparrows and hope for one of the Ammodramus or Ammospiza specie  {Henslow-Grasshopper-LeConte's} sparrow. These sparrows have a different flight and  usually only fly a short distance.  The stompers form a circle around the spot where it lands and quickly close in hoping for a close look. These sparrows scoot through the grass like a mouse.  They may just run through your leggs.

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#145 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Sat Feb 14, 2009 6:13 pm
Subject: February Field trip 		riverbirdtom
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Hey All:
 
The River Region Bird Club is compiling an inventory of birds seen at Lanark for The Alabama Wildlife Federation.  The current list is attached and may be downloaded for your review and study prior to our field trip there on Saturday February 21st.  The field trip starts at 9:00.
 
Should you see any bird not on the list while visiting Lanark please report it to me so it may be added.
Hope to see each of you next Saturday.
 
Tommy Pratt
 
 

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#144 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:17 pm
Subject: Feb. Field trip 		riverbirdtom
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Well from my e-mail I must have forgotten to put the date of February 21st.
 
Many thanks.
 
Tommy

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#143 From: "Tommy Pratt" <tpratt5402@...>
Date: Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:32 am
Subject: February Field Trip 		riverbirdtom
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Hi All:
 
We have been invited to Lanark for our Feb Field trip.
 
Allen and Pricilla Tubbs will be our field trip leaders.
 
We will gather at Lanark, gates will open at 8:30am and field trip will begin at 9:00 sharp.
You must register at the Nature Center prior to the field trip.
 
Directions:  From Montgomery take I 65 North and take exit 179.  Go right, east to the first road to the  left, north.  This will be just past the motels on north side of Cobbs Ford Road.   Go to the "T" intersection and turn right, east.  Go about .4 mile and see the Lanark sign on the left.  Follow this road to the Nature Center.
 
If you wish, bring your lunch or there are several places to grab lunch in the area.
 
You may wish to bring your camera as some early flowers may be in bloom.
 
Lanark is a beautiful place to visit and the 5 miles of trails are a pleasure to walk. You will enjoy your time here and hopeful will see plenty of birds.
 
Hope to see you there.
 
Tommy
 

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