FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] Re: spotted towhee in Hart Co.

["Palmer-Ball, Brainard (EPPC OOS KNPC)" <Brainard.Palmer-Ball@xxxxxx>]

I know most everybody recognizes that I am a real stickler for details ....
but Steve's wording about checking the towhee (likely not intended) made me
feel a little more overbearing than even I admit to being :o)  
 
As much as anything I was figuring this was, in fact, Kentucky's 5th Spotted
Towhee record and I simply wanted to see it ... but over the years I have
also seen two towhees that have showed intergrading characters between the
two species, either reflecting hybridization or albinism. The Hart County
bird certainly shows no sign of abnormality, appearing to be a clean member
of either the P. m. montanus or P. m. arcticus race. It shows some distinct,
brownish rather than whitish streaks in the mid-back area and dark
brownish-gray on the lower back and rump. I have not checked to see if these
characters are indicative of the bird being hatched in 2005. It appears to
be another male ... why have all of our five been males ? ? ? 
 
Regarding the Bernheim eagles ... although we did eke out looks at both Bald
and Golden yesterday, quite a bit of persistence was required to see a
Golden, and then not at a very close distance. From a few visits there this
season, I have formed the opinion that there is definitely less activity
this winter, so if you plan to visit for a chance at Goldens, be prepared to
spend some time and bring your scope and several pairs of eyes.
 
bpb, Louisville
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: birdky-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:birdky-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On
Behalf Of Kistlers
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 7:38 PM
To: Bird line
Subject: [birdky] spotted towhee in Hart Co.


January 8, 2006: There has been a male Spotted Towhee in Hart Co for a week
or two. Brainard came down today to make sure the homeowners were IDing this
rarity correctly. After that business was taken care of, we headed up to
Bernheim, where for the first time ever I saw two species of eagles in a
single day. Also a very cooperative red phase screech owl. It was a great
day to be out. The property owners hosting the towhee are willing to share
their bird with visitors.
 
Steve Kistler