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western vagrant news; spring in the air



Hi again c-birders,

Noticed multiple reports of Yellow-headed Blackbird on the web. Two are 
from Virginia: one from Chincoteague, in a flock of Red-wings, and the 
other in Gloucester County, in a flock of Common Grackles. The third 
comes from Westport, MA, and was with Red-wings. Yet another from the 
past week in Palm Beach County, FL; no details on what company it kept.

Speaking of birds without details, has anyone gone after the reported 
Tufted Duck?

Florida birders reported the first northbound Purple Martins and Chimney 
Swifts a few days ago, so watch for them. Today, a report from Georgia of 
lekking American Woodcock; I've seen reports here of peenting, but not 
the aerial display yet.

Here at Duke, a flock of Cedar Waxwings has moved in to attack the fruit 
on the Yaupon Holly trees in front of the Bio Sci building. I guess the 
hollies must be a less preferable food for them, as they seem to begin 
eating it late in the winter every year, presumably when better food like 
Bradford Pears have been depleted...

Good birding,

Josh



Joshua S. Rose
Duke University
Department of Biology (Zoology, R.I.P.)

jsr6@acpub.duke.edu
http://www.duke.edu/~jsr6/