American Tree Sparrow - Murray County

American Tree Sparrow - Murray County
Originally uploaded by cojosh

Upon news that Max Medley had discovered an adult AMERICAN TREE SPARROW at Carter's Lake, I went right over. Max observed the bird between 2-2:30pm along the Powerhouse Rd. I arrived on site at approximately 3:40 and within five minutes, had re-found the bird about one hundred yards from where Max had it. It was perched in some bramble on the right(west) side of the road. This brushy area is approximately .75 miles from Old Hwy 411. On the right there is a check/maintenance building. If facing the building: To the right is a dItch, and here was the bird.

The sparrow quickly flew to the roadside and began to forage. It was noticeably longer than the surrounding Field Sparrows. Bright rufous cap, eyeline and shoulder-spots were easily distinguishable. The bicolored bill and bright bold wing-bars were dead giveaways. The bird was in feeding posture, so the central breast spot was hidden from view the majority of the time. When the bird was alert and erect the bold dark spot could be seen.

It returned to the same area(roadside, near power pole & guard-rail) each time it and the other sparrows were flushed by passing traffic. I tried to get close for a good photo, but the bird became skiddish. I felt that I'd better not harass it before others had an opportunity to enjoy it, so I backed off. I rattled off about twenty shots, but only one is diagnostic, and blurry. I stayed at a distance of at least one hundred feet and watched it in this same spot for 45 minutes through the scope.

This evening the bird was staying with a flock of about two dozen sparrows, made up of Songs, Fields, Savannahs, & White-throats. At approximately 4:40 a car flushed them and they did not return, but retreated into the ditch bramble where I initially found it. From here they began to forage in the grass/lot in front of the building.

Mark McShane will be added some video and GPS coordinates.

According to the Annotated Checklist, there are only four accepted records, along with three other reports.

Good find, Max!

Georgia Aster - Discovery of Murray County Colony

The Georgia Aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) is a state protected species of the Asteraceae family. This perrenial herb blooms beautiful purple heads during October and November. It is colonial, inhabiting dry habitats in portions of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and the Carolinas. Most populations are confined to forest edges where the availability of light is not restricted by a closed canopy. A majority of the known remaining colonies are found along roadsides and utility swaths. It's ability to survive more recent disturbances is due to its relict adaptability to natural disturbed situations. This species was a colonist of the Post Oak savannah/prairie that existed throughout the southeast many centuries ago. In 2003, there were approximately 60 reported populations throughout the southeast. The majority of the known existing populations are small, consisting of 10-100 stems.  

On October 31st, I accidentally stumbled upon a colony of Georgia Aster in Murray County, GA. This colony, like many others in the state was along a roadside. I visited the site over the next several days hoping to document the accurate size of the colony. Below are the notes from one trip:

11/04/10 - "I returned today to measure the size of the aster population. The area that is most concentrated with stems runs along the road for approximately 70'. It is 5-8' in width. These plants are atop a bank that is about 8' tall. There is a mow-line at about 4' up the bank, so no doubt some stems were lost when it was mowed recently. From the mow-line to the edge of the forest, there is about 5-8' of vegetation. Here there are several species growing, including the Aster patens. I counted the Aster georgianus until it got so thick that I had to estimate stems. From the west-end of the patch the clusters of stems were averaging 1-2' apart. This lasted for about 10' with an estimated 30 stems. Then the next 20' of the patch was thick with an estimated 300 stems. For the remaining 35' or so, the patch thins out and there is an estimated 180 stems spread throughout here. In all, I estimated just shy of 500 stems, at least 100 had bloomed heads, and there were at least 20 that had seeded heads only. Most of the seed capsules are still tight and have not spread." 

"After this, I thought I'd better check along the road for more and found at least 16 other clusters over a quarter mile distance. This is just east of the original cluster. Most of these have just a few flower heads, but some have dozens. I'm estimating at least another one hundred flowering heads, and I know I didn't see all of them. I'm guessing that much has been destroyed by mowing, and there are many competitive plants choking some of it out. I could see a nice cluster about 50' off the road on private property. The woodland surrounding the site looks to have been clearcut within the last 10-15 years. This disturbance, no doubt has allowed the sun to aid in this population's spread. As forest succession continues, the aster population will began to shrink and become confined to the roadside once more."

This could possibly be one of the largest colonies of Georgia Aster in the state. It is located in the Brackett Ridges which are an extensive conglomeration of ridges in the southwest portion of Murray County. The elevation ranges approximately between 700' -  800'. The soils along these ridges are well-drained and perfect for plant communities that can not flourish in the lower floodplain forests. Historically, this area could have had sporadic clusters of Georgia Aster spread throughout these ridges. Maybe, there are some still there. I plan to make more survey trips in the upcoming fall to search for more Symphyotrichum georgianum.


For more information, see:

http://www.goldendelighthoney.com/tes/SYGE/asge_text.html

Carter's Lake Christmas Bird Count Summary - December 23, 2010

Twenty-four birders participated in the fourth annual Carter's Lake Christmas Bird Count on
December 23rd, 2010.  After three years of great counting weather the wind
finally hit us. With gusts up to 30 mph, the birding was quite unpleasant at
times. Still, everyone got out there to find some great species and we ended
the day with 98 total reported! Nine teams drove and walked
466.9 miles to count 17,051 individual birds.


The wind really hurt our nocturnal effort, so we had very few owls. It also
hurt the numbers of many other species, but it may have been instrumental
in pushing some waterfowl in that seemed to be absent prior to the count.
It probably helped gather some flocking species together as cruel weather
puts many in extreme survival mode.


Of the 98 species reported, 79 have been present on every count thus far. We lost
three as annuals, since we missed Virginia Rail, Sora, and House Wren. We added 

eight new species to our count-day list(listed in accounts). 

Teams were as follows:

Team 1 - Carter's Lake Section - Brandon Best, Bob Henderson, Bill Lotz

Team 2 - Pine Chapel Section - Paul Sykes, Dan Vickers

Team 3 - Coosawattee WMA Section- Carol Lambert, Jeff Sewell

Team 4 - Fite Bend Section- David Bennett, Mark Goins, Sandy Pangle, George Parsley, Phil

Riner  

Team 5 - Salacoa Section - Ann Stewart, Stephen Stewart, Richard White

Team 6 - Dews Pond Section - Bob Babcock, Chris Lambrecht

Team 7 - Ranger Section - James Dietrich, Jennifer Dietrich, Joshua Dietrich, Joshua Spence

Team 8 - Coniston Section - Roy Brown, Max Medley

Team 9 - Stationary Reservoir Watch - Mark McShane

Below are the species accounts:

As Max Medley and Mark McShane were on their way to the countdown, they observed three GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE at the Mashburn Rd pond. This is the second record of this species on the count.


Team 4 found three SNOW GEESE and Team 5 observed a single one.  This is the second time that this species has been observed on the count.


CANADA GOOSE numbers were well above the average with a solid 500 reported.


WOOD DUCK numbers were the lowest they've been, with only four being reported.


GADWALL numbers were slightly above average weighing in at 48 individuals.


MALLARD numbers were slightly below average with 67 total.


NORTHERN PINTAIL made it's first appearance on the actual count-day as the previous record was a count-week bird. This bird was found at the Carters reregulation pool.


GREEN-WINGED TEAL was observed during count-week.


REDHEADS were observed for the first time on this count. Both Team 1 and Team 3 reported this species, with a total of 10 birds.


RING-NECKED DUCKS were few and far between with only 28 total. This is well below the average.


After being a count-week species during the first two years and absent the third count, LESSER SCAUP made its way onto the count-day list. These were found at the Mashburn Rd pond by Team 4.


A beautiful COMMON GOLDENEYE drake was counted at the Carters reregulation pool. This is the circle's first record for that species.


HOODED MERGANSER numbers were below average with only 16 individuals reported.


This is the third year that RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS have made an appearance on the count. This year's total of 5 is the highest. These were at the Carters reregulation pool.


The 39 WILD TURKEYS counted this year is the new high count for the circle.


A covey of 12 NORTHERN BOBWHITES were flushed along Red Bone Ridge by Team 7.


Five COMMON LOONS were observed on the Carters Reservoir by McShane.


PIED-BILLED GREBES were slightly below average with only four being reported.


A single HORNED GREBE was observed by Team 1 on the Carters reregulation pool. This is the first official count-day record.


Five DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were observed on the Carters reregulation pool.


GREAT BLUE HERONS were observed in above average numbers, 27 in all.


113 BLACK VULTURES were counted, and interestingly this is the lowest number that has been reported from this circle.


292 TURKEY VULTURES were just eight individuals shy of the first counts high of 300.


One adult BALD EAGLE was observed at Carters Lake, making this four years in a row.


Surprisingly, the five NORTHERN HARRIERS found, represents a new high count for the circle.


An average number of two SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS were reported.


Eleven COOPER'S HAWKS becomes the new high count for the circle, beating last year by three individuals.


RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS have been reported in very high numbers for the last consecutive years. This year broke that trend with only eight birds counted! The average was 26, so this is a poor representation of the presence of that species.


RED-TAILED HAWKS were reported in slightly higher average numbers at 44 individuals, but still did not beat the high count of 54 in 2009.


A new high count of 27 AMERICAN KESTRELS were counted this year.


We had 384 SANDHILL CRANES this year, which also established a new high count record for the circle.


After extraordinarily high numbers of KILLDEER over the last few years, they were found in below average numbers this year. Nearly a 65% drop at 82 individuals.


Only three WILSON'S SNIPE were counted this year, all of which were reported by Team 2.


A single AMERICAN WOODCOCK was observed at dawn by Team 4. This low number was no doubt a product of high winds.


Team 1 observed one BONAPARTE'S GULL at the Carter's reregulation pool.


14 RING-BILLED GULLS represent the most that have been reported on count-day for this circle. Team 1 and Team 5 both added to this total.


ROCK PIGEON set a new high with a total of 343. 306 of these were observed by Team 4 on Fite Bend Rd.


EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were observed during count-week on Fite Bend Rd.


MOURNING DOVES have been reported in good numbers for the last three years. Even though this year has been the lowest showing for this species, the count still yielded a hardy 223 individuals.


Nocturnal counting was greatly impacted by the high winds. EASTERN SCREECH OWL was the only one tallied this year. Team 1 was able to find three. This is the lowest number of this species since the counts inception.


The 17 BELTED KINGFISHERS observed this year, set the high-count for this species.


Four RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were just slightly below the average for the circle.


RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS were reported in slightly below average numbers. There were 71 counted this year.


This was the lowest count for YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS thus far. Only 17 reported.


The DOWNY WOODPECKER also experienced its lowest turn-out for the count. Just slightly below average numbers at 38.


Six HAIRY WOODPECKERS were counted this year. This is the third time that this species has failed to reach double-digits.


NORTHERN FLICKERS were the lowest since the count began. Only 26 reported. Compare this to the annual average of 53.


PILEATED WOODPECKERS followed the low woodpecker trend with only 11 counted this year. Not the lowest showing thus far, but very close.


The 30 EASTERN PHOEBES that were reported, fell well below the average for this species.


Only a single LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was observed in the circle this year. This bird was observed by Team 2 near Moss Rd, which is a north GA stronghold for this species.


Team 1 was able to locate a BLUE-HEADED VIREO, a first count record!


Even though it was only by two individuals, the 121 BLUE JAYS reported was the lowest count report for that species.


AMERICAN CROWS were out in record numbers. At 1388, this smashed the previous record of 579.


Team 1 and Team 7 both reported single FISH CROWS from their sections. This is the third time that this species has been reported from the circle. Wintering birds are slowly becoming the norm in some north GA locals.


Medley and McShane heard a COMMON RAVEN call several times from the ridge-top above the reservoir dam. This would most likely be one of the birds that I observed here on 12/05/2010. A pleasant surprise for the count, and one that I never expected to show up on this list.


Both CAROLINA CHICKADEE(178) & TUFTED TITMOUSE(127) set new high count numbers this year.


Two RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were reported this time. Teams 5 and 7 found one each.


The 25 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were slightly below average. In contrast, the 65 BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHES were slightly above average.


Only three BROWN CREEPERS were reported this time around. Two of which were found by Team 7 and the other by Team 2. This tied their low count for the circle.


The 90 CAROLINA WRENS were about thirty below their annual average.


WINTER WRENS were in descent numbers with 12 being reported from the circle. This is well above average for this species and only one shy from tying with the high count.


Kinglet numbers were extremely low this year. GOLDEN-CROWNEDS (29) were less than half of the average. RUBY-CROWNEDS (35) were not even 1/3 of the average.


This count puts out some of the highest statewide numbers of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and this year was no different. There were 417 individuals reported this time. That is a new high count for the circle and exactly 100 higher than the previous record.


Slightly above the average, HERMIT THRUSHES came in with 27 reported.


799 AMERICAN ROBINS established a new high count for that species.


Team 6 found a GRAY CATBIRD, which is the second record for the circle.


117 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS were only two shy of tying with the counts high.


Only 15 BROWN THRASHERS were reported, which was about average.


2331 EUROPEAN STARLINGS were reported.


The wind disallowed us to find more than 22 AMERICAN PIPITS. This was slightly below the count average. 


CEDAR WAXWINGS were well above the count-average, coming in at 740.


The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER total this year was lower than average, but we still had 95 in all.


The 28 PINE WARBLERS reported were above the count-average and only three individuals away from tying the high.


Only one PALM WARBLER was reported, which was a little low for that species.


Only 37 EASTERN TOWHEES were counted this time around, which was the lowest turn-out for that species thus far.


The 392 CHIPPING SPARROWS reported fell above the count-average.


FIELD SPARROWS were found in average numbers this year, 127 in all.


Team 2 found the only VESPER SPARROW for the count. This is the first time in the last four years that this species did not reach double-digits. 


The SAVANNAH SPARROW number was extremely lower than the average but still beat the low-count by two indviduals. Only 76 birds were reported this count.


Only eight FOX SPARROWS were found on this years count. This was below average, but not the low-count.


Both SONG SPARROW (149) & SWAMP SPARROW (24) registered well below the average, establishing low-counts for those species.


The 221 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS reported were below the average, but not as low as last years 190.


WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were in high numbers this season. The 56 reported established a new high-count for the circle and may be a high statewide record. Most(22) being reported by Team 4.


DARK-EYED JUNCO numbers were slightly below average at 103.


NORTHERN CARDINALS were in above average numbers at 245.


1190 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were reported this year.


Just barely above the average were EASTERN MEADOWLARKS at 202 individuals.


45 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were a new high count for the circle. All of these were found by Team 2.


Team 2 also added 44 BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS to the tally. This is the first time this species has been recorded on this CBC.


4708 COMMON GRACKLES were counted, the lowest thus far.


Three BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS were observed.


This has been a great season for PURPLE FINCHES. 39 were reported on count-day, which was above average. Likewise, the HOUSE FINCHES set a new high at 37.


Team 3 found the only PINE SISKIN on the count.


AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES were the lowest since the count began. The 108 reported is only about 50% of the average.


Seven HOUSE SPARROWS were counted.








The Carter's Lake CBC is located in the ridge & valley province of north GA. The fifteen mile diameter circle covers portions of southern Murray County and northeastern Gordon County.


The Christmas Bird Count is a winter bird survey that stands as the longest running wildlife census. It is conducted by volunteers. The National Audubon Society has promoted the census for decades. The society and others use the data to determine the health of populations.




For more information:
http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count

Mole Salamander - New County Record

The last night of 2010 was a rainy one in northwest Georgia. Storms had moved in throughout the Great Valley by 9 PM. Flooding of local creeks and rivers was inevitable. It was the kind of weather that most would not want to be traveling in, even if it was New Years Eve. It was even a nasty night for many nocturnal creatures, unless of course, you are a salamander. Not just any salamander, but a MOLE SALAMANDER. Interestingly, this wet humid night had warm enough temperatures to trigger breeding for at least one amphibious crawler. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to spy it crossing a road(see photo above).

Why did the salamander cross the road?

To get to the spawning pond on the other side.

The Mole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) is a member of the family Ambystomatidae. Species of this family spend the majority of their lives underground. In fact, many of them are rarely observed by humans except during the breeding season. This period can begin as early as fall and continue through the winter months into early spring. As has already been noted, rainfall and temperatures play a major role in the salamanders' migration to wetlands. At these aquatic locations, adults will breed during suitable conditions.

The Mole Salamander is a very interesting amphibian. Some larvae fail to metamorphose completely, so some adults are paedomorphic. It was once thought to be confined to the Coastal Plain regions, but after several discoveries of it north of the Fall Line, it is believed that it could possibly have a statewide distribution. Due to its reclusive nature, this species is difficult to find. Its habitat preferences apparently evolve around the presence of wetlands. Therefore, it is often found in forests that surround these low "flooded" areas. The Southern Floodplain Forest is a perfect example of an ideal habitat for this salamander as well as several others. They inhabit the subterranean crevices of forested uplands. These areas are typically adjacent to swamps, that are a product of rivers or streams that rise past their banks to create an aquatic ecosystem. Sometimes these are only temporary pools, but in some cases the water doesn't recede. Obviously, these environments are much more prevalent in the Coastal regions of Georgia. As one would guess, the larger the rivers, the larger the floods. It is clear why the assumption that the Mole Salamander was absent from north Georgia would be supported by this hypothesis. Fortunately, small rivers and streams can flood to create new habitats that can be vital to the survival of smaller populations. This very well could be the case at this Murray County location.

The area where I found this individual is along some of the best floodplains in the county. This is the second I have found at this location. I believe these could be the product of a disjunct population that inhabit the forests bordering Holly Creek. The headwaters of Holly Creek begin near Potatopatch Mountain in the Cohutta Wilderness at approximately 3253' in alttitude. The creek runs approximately 38 miles to where it confluences with the Conasauga River at 653' above sea level. The entirety of Holly Creek lies within Murray County. It begins as highland slope seepages gathering to transform into soft bubbling brooks. Within miles these mountain streams widen into deeper bedrock steps that fall in altitude. Velocity increases as the water leaves continues through the coves of the Cohutta Mountains to meander through the wide valleys. A total fall of approximately 2600' from beginning to end. Reoccurring flooding possibilities present themselves when the creek's direction shifts from a north-to-south path to east-to-west. Here the creek begins to zig-zag creating an array of oxbows. It continues this pattern for the last twelve miles of its journey abutting the Brackett Ridges to the south. The ridges disallow the floods to spread uncontrollably as well as aid in the collection of rainwater, that runs down the steep slopes. Therefore, there can be extensive wetlands along Holly Creek year-round, but especially in the rainy season.

This population of salamanders probably extends along the Conasauga River as well as other large tributaries. This could be the case throughout the remainder of the Ridge & Valley and the Piedmont regions of Georgia. I would assume that their prevalence decreases in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I could only find eleven county records above the Fall Line, four of which were in the northern regions of the state. These were Bartow, Cherokee, Walker, and White Counties. This new county record will be submitted to the state's database.

The individual I found was an adult male. Its vents were swollen, signifying its readiness to mate. It measured 4 3/4" in length. As I said, I collected it as it was crossing a road, migrating to a wetland. Roads are a major obstacle for many amphibians. Hundreds, maybe thousands lose their lives each year along this single road. Imagine what the number is state, nation, or world-wide. The construction of roads through such areas fragment these habitats. Wetlands have historically been drained by landowners to get the most productive use out of property. Unfortunately, there have been many plants and animals depending on these aquatic habitats for centuries. In the case of a Mole Salamander population, it cannot survive without breeding waters. As those disappear, so will the population. Due to its inability to travel very long distances, finding new suitable locations is difficult. Upland habitats have been greatly altered as well, so this species, and many others alike have much to contend with.

After I measured and photographed the Mole Salamander I released him along side the wetland. I hope he is able to find a mate and many young are reproduced. Finding this salamander was a nice years-end surprise.

See map at:
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov:8080/mapserver/naa/

The book below is an excellent reference book for Georgia herpetofauna. Follow link:

http://www.ugapress.org/index.php/books/amphibians_and_reptiles/

References:

Jensen, J. B., Camp C. D., Gibbons, W., Elliott, M. J., (2008). Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia. Athens & London, GA: The University of Georgia Press.