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Morris Creek, 11/18 & 11/19/2000




A walk through the creekbottom yesterday found the usual suspects but some
were present in larger than previously noted numbers and some were doing odd
things.

Found yesterday in the creekbottom:

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 and only one.  The Ruby-crowned Kinglet shortage
exists here too.

Golden-crowned Kinglet - many more than usual.  In contrast to the small
numbers of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, the Golden-crowned Kinglets are numerous
and have been since their somewhat early arrival in mid to late October.

American Robins - 200+.  Because we are rural, I usually don't see Robins
until Halloween, when the winter "gangs" of Robins begin wandering the
countryside. This year the Robins arrived on time but are present in larger
numbers than usual.

Cedar Waxwings - 200+.  This is the largest flock we've ever had the
pleasure of hosting in the creekbottom.  The Waxwings usually put in a fall
appearance in the creekbottom or the yard in November.

White-throated Sparrows - numerous.  In response to the Robins high in the
trees, doing their "steam-kettle" squeal, the White-throats were squealing,
as well, sounding very like the Robins except for a slight difference in
pitch.  The White-throats were also calling in a one note "wheee", sounding
very like a Towhee.  Had there not been an occasional "peee" and once a
"peee-va", I would have thought there were Towhees in the scrub rather than
White-throats.  Just to be sure, I watched two White-throats making the
"wheee" call.  It was a little strange.

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1. With a large flock of both Robins and Waxwings all
concentrated in two or three trees, the Sharp-shin wasn't far away.  He
eventually revealed himself but was unable to secure lunch.  

Donna Bailey
Winnsboro, SC
e-mail: dsbailey@conterra.com
URL: http://www.conterra.com/dsbailey
     "Where are the Birds?  Migration across South Carolina"
URL: http://www.conterra.com/dsbailey/audubon	
    "Columbia Audubon Society"