Re: [cobirds] AOU, Changing bird names
The conservation point is that, when you decide whether to support an organization, it is better to look at their actual track record in getting positive outcomes for the birds. And there really should be a lot more discussion of wildlife protection than these side issues. You can keep arguing about the name after the bird is extinct, but what’s the point. But the bird name topic is interesting. I would recommend the book : Mrs Moreau's Warbler: How Birds Got Their Names. That gives a neat account of English bird names and how various folks have been trying to standardize them ever since. In particular, it was interesting to read about MacGuillivray’s work. And the number of cool folk names that have been left by the wayside, but should be brought back - such as firetail for redstart. One thing is sure, the same group that brought the Mew gull debacle will likely not handle these re-names very well either. Probably will be a good market for a browser extension to fix whatever dumb names come out next… Dan Zmolek Longmont On Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 7:31:35 AM UTC-6 Stacie West wrote: > Where is the idea that changing some bird names means that conserving > birds and their habitats coming from? > > An ad hoc committee was formed. It didn't take over the rest of the work > of the AOS, other birding organizations, and a growing number of birders in > the US and world. Perhaps this movement to consider the names and legacies > of these early ornithologists will lead to efforts to not erase but > continue to educate and repair. > > Since a few commenters shared: I'm 41 and began birding just over 3 years > ago, and I'm delighted to hopefully have so much life left to continue to > enjoy it and advocate for birds and their habitats. Birding has continued > to evolve and advance how I approach my profession as an urban planner, and > I'm grateful. With the zeal of a newcomer, I've also enjoyed welcoming > others into the joy of birding. > > How wonderful that, from time to time, we can evaluate things like names > and their meaning or impacts, consider additional information or > perspectives, and learn from different ways of looking at the world. I > suppose being a newbie makes it easier to accept change, but I also enjoyed > my first experience birding in another country this year and learning about > common names in other languages. What a delight to be able to tickle our > neurons with expansive and inclusive thinking. > > Happy birding, > > Stacie West > Denver > > On Sat, Nov 4, 2023 at 12:25 AM SeEttaM wrote: > >> This amounts to nothing more than an attempt to 'white-wash' >> ornithology---to make it look like this field didn't revere those >> considered heroes during earlier historical periods who are now considered >> evil. 🤔 Future generations will look back on this and sigh. We can't erase >> the historical reality, slavery and Indian Wars and other bad stuff >> happened with birds named after some of the participants. And some birders >> and ornithologists thought that sweeping those names under a rug in 2023 >> was a higher priority than conserving birds and their habitats. >> Geeze >> >> SeEtta Moss >> Canon City >> >> On Thu, Nov 2, 2023, 3:28 PM Robert Righter >> wrote: >> >>> Hi: >>> >>> I would hope the American Ornithological Union would pause before >>> changing common names of birds that are named after historic ornithologists >>> as that could be divisive . Currently we are living in a period of time >>> where accusations of racism are rampant and consequently we are currently >>> judging past historic figures based on our current definition of how racist >>> they may have been. This is how history becomes distorted and historic >>> individuals unfortunately become misjudged. Let’s wait a decade or so and >>> revisit the topic again when hopefully our lenses are clearer, less >>> tainted. Why are we in such the rush to change the common names of birds >>> that have been established for centuries. We all need to take a deep breath >>> or two and wait to see what transpires. >>> >>> >>> Bob Righter >>> >>> Denver, CO >>> >>> -- >>> -- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group. >>> To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com >>> For more options, visit this group at >>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en >>> * All posts
[cobirds] Re: Zonotrichia Hat Trick at Ken Caryl, JeffCo
As per the ‘slam’, Red Rocks trading post back in Nov 2010 comes to mind. In one session there, my little brother and I observed all of the Zonos mentioned ( a nice Curve-billed Thrasher was the primary motivation for the visit ). I think we saw the WTSP in an adjacent field on the way out, so maybe doesn’t count as all in the same yard though. Good times then, that I appreciate even more in retrospect. Dan Zmolek Gunbarrel On Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 9:28:23 AM UTC-7 dsud...@gmail.com wrote: > My breakfast on the front porch was spiced up by a Zono Hat Trick, as the > usual few White-crowned Sparrows were joined by a gorgeous adult > White-throated Sparrow and a spiffy hatch-year Harris's Sparrow. It was so > interesting to compare their relative sizes, shapes and colors as they fed > side by side on the lawn under the feeders. > > I don't know if a Zono Slam (WCSP, WTSP, HASP *and* Golden-crowned) has > ever been enjoyed in a Colorado yard, but I'm watching for that western > wanderer to appear to make it a party of four! Have all four of Colorado's > *Zonotrichia* sparrows ever been seen simultaneously in the state, or > even all on the same day? I'd guess some red hot birder has maybe pieced > all four into a single day, but maybe not all together. It is something to > dream about. > > Out on Monterey Bay the term Skua Slam was part of the birding lexicon > when South Polar Skua and all three jaegers were seen on the same boat > trip, but that was less rare than a Zono Slam would be. A Colorado Skua > Slam is something else to dream about. Dream on! Say, why are jaegers so > lacking this fall? eBird suggests just one Parasitic at Jackson Lake was > all there was. > > David Suddjian > Ken Caryl Valley > Littleton, CO > > -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/8110fb7d-4b73-4db3-98fc-4f3b46d69080n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Never in all my born days: A pinyon jay overflying Lafayette, Boulder Co.
Very cool sighting. I almost fell off my bike today when I encountered a raucous group of 7 Pinyon Jays hanging out in a small pine near the back road at Boulder Res. They didn’t stay long though, the whole group took off high and due west, so Boulder Valley Ranch or perhaps even Crestview would be places to look for them now. I hope this trend continues for Pinyon Jays in Boulder; seeing the group like that certainly brought back pleasant memories of biking the White Rim trail in southern UT. Dan Zmolek Gunbarrel On Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 6:48:13 PM UTC-6 tedfl...@gmail.com wrote: > Hey, all. > > With a group from the University of Denver, I was delighted to hear and > then see a *pinyon jay* flying over near Waneka Lake, Lafayette, Boulder > Co., early this Sat. afternoon, Oct. 15. The bird was headed due west, > toward the foothills, as if to say, "I'm out here again on the Plains WHY?" > The bird was my first Boulder Co. pinyon jay in 10+ years and the first I'd > ever seen away from the foothills. > > Nice day out there, especially in the early afternoon as a little weather > system was coming in, dropping the temperature a bit and spreading some > overcast. 50+ bird species for us, including an FOS *cackling goose,* 9 > *Wilson > snipes, sharp-shinned* and *Cooper hawks,* a late *barn swallow,* 4 *American > bushtits,* 2 *ruby-crowned kinglets,* 1 *red-breasted nuthatch,* 3 *Townsend > solitaires,* 1 *cedar waxwing, *1 *lesser goldfinch,* 1 *chipping > sparrow, *1 tardy *vesper sparrow,* and a couple of* Audubon warblers.* > > Ted Floyd > Lafayette, Boulder Co. > -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/656441f6-3429-4c87-a818-cd664c1895ecn%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] Mexican grack
Indeed, but had to look that up. Fascinating. TIL that Mexican (Great-tailed) Grackles were likely introduced to N. America by the Aztecs - at least according to wikipedia. Dan Zmolek Gunbarrel On Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 6:35:52 PM UTC-6 ericb...@gmail.com wrote: > Aren’t Mexican and great tailed grackles one in the same? Or is the > Mexican a specific variant (similar to Mexican ducks and mallards until > recently)? > > Eric Storms > Castle Rock > > On Sun, May 2, 2021 at 6:13 PM Charles Hundertmark > wrote: > >> Looks like a Great-tailed Grackle. >> Chuck Hundertmark >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> On May 2, 2021, at 5:42 PM, Marcia Wade - Lafayette, Boulder County < >> marci...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> I think I saw a Mexican grackle in the parking lot of Wendy's in Limon >> at 12:15 p.m. Saturday. Anyone concur? I've only ever seen one in a >> picture. My pix aren't real good >> b/c I was eating lunch when I realized there was something wonky about >> his tail and hadda scramble to find camera b/c he was unhappy about us >> being there, and looked like he was planning to leave (he was and he did). >> In the 2nd pic where he's yelling at us, he looks like an avenging angel, >> doesn't he? Thanks in advance. - Marcia Wade >> >> >> >> >> -- >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >> Groups "Colorado Birds" group. >> To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. >> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate >> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "Colorado Birds" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to cobirds+u...@googlegroups.com. >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/34347005-0a56-48b9-8105-257add5f9c2cn%40googlegroups.com >> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/34347005-0a56-48b9-8105-257add5f9c2cn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> >> >> >> -- >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >> Groups "Colorado Birds" group. >> To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. >> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate >> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "Colorado Birds" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to cobirds+u...@googlegroups.com. >> > To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/0CD6DB3A-531A-48AC-A9EF-E1B13A02504A%40gmail.com >> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/0CD6DB3A-531A-48AC-A9EF-E1B13A02504A%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> > -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/800ee71c-fe3f-49e4-9e39-c3a6c18d8d31n%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Re: Boulder Reservoir closure
Good news for the birds; with the lot closed there will (hopefully) be a lot less dog traffic in the closed area. Note that It’s about a mile hike to get to that same NW observation spot from the Coot lake/ Scott Carpenter parking, which is usually pretty good for birding as well- although can be very popular in good weather. Dan Zmolek -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/2f5ca9c7-c3c3-4804-a8ac-d4c161379e6eo%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Green heron at Sawhill Ponds, Boulder County
The Green Heron was there this morning; we saw it in the sawhill pond just south of Ricky Wieser - not sure what that one is called. Also saw a Bittern hiding in the reeds at Duck pond. And a nice male Rose-breasted Grosbeak hanging out, back in the west end where the sawhill trail meets Boulder Creek. Good Birding, Dan Zmolek -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/60e87b3c-c6c5-4248-87a6-8fcfb3567c8f%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Gyr not observed - am 12/30 - Larimer
No luck this morning on Trilby. Did see a Ferriginous Hawk and a nice light-morph Rough-legged Hawk. Also, note to the other birder who's was there early, and left for work - you left your coffee mug on the fence, near the base of pole 16. Good Birding, Dan Zmolek Gunbarrel -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/2325bfb4-ee4d-46fd-ac97-b444e3802571%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Boulder Black-throated Green Warbler
Re-found the bird at ~5 pm in same general area, only slightly further west; initially seen in the trees just east from 29th st, where it crosses over the small creek there. Subsequently seen there by m.o.b. Really nice find, and a lifer for myself and others present. Thanks Nick! Dan Zmolek -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/f9f841e9-a3eb-457b-8a19-794bacdfabab%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] Cranes - Boulder County
At least 2 or three large groups were flying very high today over Twin Lakes just now. Was easier to hear them... Dan Zmolek, Gunbarrel, Boulder -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/1bb9aea9-9b9b-48fb-ae57-fea1e359093f%40googlegroups.com.
Re: [cobirds] probable Pacific Wren, Boulder
The Wren put on a show in the same spot at 7:05 pm - after hearing a few rounds of calls, a small group of patient birders enjoyed good looks at the bird as it worked over the creek for ~2 minutes. Good birding, Dan Zmolek Gunbarrel -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/25568afe-661d-49b4-af66-5789fbc2f110%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Brant at Stearns Lake - Boulder County
Brant + other 5 'expected' species of goose present at 8:30 am. Dan Zmolek Boulder, Co -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ac2ca559-f78b-4d22-9953-515b5322a6ec%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Brant at Stearns Lake - Boulder County
This afternoon, Leslie S found a Brant and Greater White-Fronted goose in amongst the thousands of geese at Stearns Lake. Others had found a Ross's goose at that location, but we missed on that one ;( There was also an odd white and black goose with pink legs - hybrid perhaps ??? it was hanging around the same area with the Brant. RFI for that 'odd' one; pics will be posted to a forthcoming ebird checklist. Most of the flock, including Brant, flew out - but not too far, probably just to the fields due north of the lake. The large flock returned at ~4:30, but we were unable to relocate the Brant. Should be good chances in the morning, both in the fields or the lake. Good Birding, Dan Zmolek, Gunbarrel -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/a709539e-b6dc-470d-aa03-5b545810f263%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Short-billed Dowitcher, Twin Lakes, Boulder County
Thanks to Bryan Guarente for the awesome post - explaining the weather dynamics in great detail. That got me thinking that I should study the Dowitchers at Twin Lakes more closely. So - knowing it is a difficult ID, especially this time of year - I reviewed details of what to look for, and went out for a look. This morning, there were still a dozen or so Dowitchers to study - on the east side of the mudflats in the west lake - in much better light than last night. They were mostly keeping very active, feeding in shallow water and moving quickly. I was initially able to see a smaller individual that had a shorter bill, but it was difficult to stay with or refind. After ~20 minutes, I had a few interesting looks, but nothing definitive. Interesting group to study; different size birds, different back curvatures. But mostly they were staying so active, that the bills were mostly obscured. Then a gull flew in, and scared some of them onto a patch of ice, where a few Dowitchers stayed still just long enough to get a good look at them. I saw at least one individual with a flat back, thicker base of bill and 'kink' towards the end of the bill - not curved. My conclusion is that there are one or more Short-Billed Dowitchers mixed in this flock. I was unable to get a photo, but perhaps these birds will hang around... These birds are in the dog park, just south of Avery brewing - the west lake of Twin Lakes. Good Birding, Dan Zmolek Gunbarrel -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/17c94bc3-4584-4164-99cc-bd83272d51a4%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Magnolia Warbler - Old St Vrain Rd, Boulder County
We birded Old St Vrain road in Lyons late this afternoon. While studying a sapsucker - we had a Magnolia Warbler fly in close. This was approx 0.2 miles from the west bridge over the creek; i.e the West entrance to Old St Vrain Rd off highway 7. More details to come on ebird. Dan Zmolek Gunbarrel -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/5abfd095-4fc5-45aa-9c34-3519e5b8fc8d%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Prothonotary warbler, boulder - Yes
This morning at the east side of pleasant view marsh - in the trees. Good looks! Dan Zmolek Gunbarrel -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ea2b1e50-ca53-4a99-8781-a407adadab96%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Winter Wren - Brainard Lake - Boulder County
Really nice conditions today up there around Long Lake. Many highlights - but the best was a singing Winter Wren on the Jean Lunning trail. We will soon have an ebird list out with more details. You can see quality video of the bird here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BlL9gn8jmuY/ We also heard Three-toed woodpeckers drumming, many newly fledged young of various species. And a perfect wildflower display. Directions : Follow the trail as it it winds along south of Long Lake until you reach the west end of the Lake - we last heard it near the long boardwalk in that area (just SW of Long Lake) Good Birding Dan Zmolek -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/8d750c44-bc80-4836-8d4b-cc46f39b4cdc%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
