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Carolina RBA May 31 Update



hotline: Carolina Rare Bird Alert
date: May 31, 2001
number: 704-332-2473
to report: 704-332-2473 or 704-532-6336 or PiephoffT@aol.com
coverage: North and South Carolina
compiler: Taylor Piephoff for the Carolina Bird Club

Hello, this is a May 31 update of the Carolina Rare Bird Alert featuring 
birding news from North and South Carolina sponsored by the Carolina Bird 
Club. Highlights on this report include:

SHORT-EARED OWLS
ANHINGAS
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS
BRANT
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
DICKCISSALS

SHORT-EARED OWLS are apparently breeding at the Alligator River NWR in 
eastern NC. From US 64 turn into the refuge on Milltail Rd. Take the first 
left (Long Curve Rd) and go .8 miles. Scan the fields from that vantage 
point. Dawn or dusk would be best to see or hear these birds. A scope may 
also be helpful but not necessary.

ANHINGAS are also breeding on the refuge. This area is at the northern limit 
of this species breeding range. Access to the actual breeding sites is 
available by boat only; however birders in the area may be able to see some 
soaring by mid-morning on the refuge.

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS are easy to see south of Monroe, NC in Union 
County. From US 74 in Monroe take the Hwy. 200 South exit. When 200 turns 
right in Monroe, STAY STRAIGHT. You will be on Hwy 207 (Hayne St.). Stay on 
207 through town and a few miles south of town. Turn right onto Wolf Pond Rd. 
There is a blinking light and a convenience store there. Continue on until 
just before the large transmission lines cross the road. Look for signs 
directing you to the flycatchers. The Olsens have been very kind to allow 
many birders to visit their property over the past 2 summers.

A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen in SC on May 26. The location was in 
Elgin, SC at the intersection of Smyrna and Bedford Rds. This bird has not 
been seen since that date but could be in the area still.

A BRANT was seen at the Salt Pond at Cape Hatteras Point on May 28.

Also on the Outer Banks, an imm. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was seen at the north 
end of Oregon Inlet on May 30.

DICKCISSALS are present in Brunswick County, NC near the town of Southport. 
>From Southport, follow Hwy. 211 out of town towards the Southport/Fort Fisher 
Ferry terminal. When 211 turns right to go to the ferry, STAY STRAIGHT. 
Follow this road over a salt marsh, and railroad tracks to a right turn at 
Shepherd St. Look along the stretch of Shepherd St. on the wires and shrubs 
along the road.

Thanks this week to Jeff Lewis, Steve Dennis, Jim Hengeveld, Rob Bierregaard, 
Tom Trautman, Ricky Davis, and Bob O'Connor for their calls and reports.

Taylor Piephoff
Charlotte, NC
PiephoffT@aol.com