FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] RPT: Misc observations

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

Work had me both east and west last week.
 
On May 17, I was in Wolfe and Lee counties. Tallied about 20 species of 
warblers but migrants (save a likely territorial Chestnut-sided in Wolfe along 
KY 746 north of Campton) were all breeders except for a couple of Maggies.  I 
had a Black-billed Cuckoo singing in earnest in a remote area above the Red 
River. I also got the best look I've ever had at a Swainson's Warbler. I was at 
the top of a cliffline and squeaked it in to within about 10 feet down below me 
in nice bright, even light ... where's David with his camera when you need him? 
:o)  He even sat there and sang several times before flying back off to the 
rhododendrons below.
 
On May 18th, I swung by several shorebird spots in Henderson County. I tallied 
14 species with highlights being 5 Black-bellied Plovers and a Stilt Sandpiper 
on the slough along Horseshoe Road, a few relatively tardy birds including 
single Pectorals two spots, a few Solitarys, and a couple of Greater 
Yellowlegs, small numbers of White-rumps, 22 Short-billed Dowitchers at the 
Ellis Park wet spot along US 41 (which will be dry in a week), small numbers of 
Short-billeds along KY 268 and Horseshoe Road, and 205 Dunlin counted on the 
slough along KY 268 west of Sauerheber.  One pair of Spotted Sandpipers 
appeared to be acting territorial at Horseshoe Road, but they better get going 
quick as the water is disappearing about a month sooner this year. Potentially 
nesting Least Terns have returned to the Peabody Camp #9 pond in Union County.
 
There is a cool-looking hybrid dabbler at Sauerheber (on the shorebird unit 
when I was there) hanging out with some male Blue-winged Teal. Best thing I can 
figure it is a hybrid Blue-winged x Green-winged Teal. Small and with a 
Green-winged green stripe thru the head and gray sides, but otherwise looks 
like a Blue-winged, although with alot of whitish in the otherwise rufous face.
 
On May 19th I swung by the Paradise basins in Muhlenberg County. Not much in 
the way of waterbirds; did hear and see an Alder Flycatcher and heard one 
(going over during night) and saw another Black-billed Cuckoo north of Sinclair 
... I must be lucky with BBCUs this year ... first one I'd actually seen in 
about 3 years.
 
Thoughts are with Mark Bennett; thanks to those who have posted info.
 
bpb, Louisville