Sixteen members of the HPAS once again traveled to Dauphin Island this year for a look at spring migrants, shorebirds and waterfowl, totaling 133 species, exceeding last year’s total by 2, in the 3 ½ days there. The trip this year was again facilitated by the generosity of the Stowers, whose lovely home housed 3 couples while other stayed in nearby condos. As we were a full two weeks earlier this year, we saw about 25 species that we had not seen in 2008. Some warblers, such as Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green, were not seen at all this year. However, their absence was more than made up for by those we did not see in ’08, but which were readily viewable this year, especially at a Bottlebrush in full bloom on the main street! Prothonotary, Yellow-throated, and Cape May Warblers were a bit hit with everyone, and even a Cerulean was seen! Hooded Warblers were fairly common this year as well, seen at the Shell Mounds and the Audubon Reserve, along with Kentucky and Worm-eating Warblers. Perhaps the most common birds were Indigo Buntings and White-eyed Vireos. A visit to Bob Sargent’s banding station at Fort Morgan was not only instructive but gave us close-up views of the stunning Painted Bunting and several other species. Painted Buntings were later seen near the Shell Mounds on our last day, along with an influx of Scarlet Tanagers and Blue Grosbeaks. Other unusual sightings included a newly arrived, exhausted Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, which posed cooperatively for photos, American Avocets seen every day from the Stowers’ comfortable balcony, Sora, Red Knot and Blackburnian Warbler, always a crowd-pleaser. Trips to an island rookery gave a special opportunity to observe the breeding behavior and brilliant plumage on Snowy, Great & Reddish Egrets, Tri-colored and Little Blue Heron and White Ibis. Be sure to have a look at the excellent photos taken by Michael Mead, owner of The Bird Barn in Highlands. After four nights of great food and fellowship, we all returned to Highlands with smiles on our faces and well equipped to welcome spring migrants back to the mountains!

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Many half-day field trips are offered by the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society within the area. Watch the paper for up-coming trips and join the group for a fun outing to get to know some of our beautiful birds. Trips are free, though membership in the Audubon Society is certainly encouraged, as the group seeks to promote education about birds and their preservation as well as their habitat. Those with all levels of interest are welcomed. Please call Brock Hutchins at 787- 1387 for additional information.