David Sibley

Blackberry eGuide updates

The Blackberry app has been updated again today: Blackberry Update Version 4.1.0 – 7 Jun 2011 Blackberry-style theme (replaces “90′s DOS style” interface) Improved smart search Improved support for touch-enabled devices Improved support for native text auto-complete This follows an update on 27 May 2011 which included the following changes: Added “My Location” Global filter by […]

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New efforts to save Spoon-billed Sandpiper

There is more evidence of the dire situation with Spoon-billed Sandpiper – efforts are currently underway to develop a captive-breeding population. A team led by staff from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and Birds Russia, along with several other international organizations, is currently in Siberia working to locate and capture a small number of

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Distinguishing Interior West from Western Taiga White-crowned Sparrows

See my detailed discussion of White-crowned subspecies here, which needs updating with the information below. In early May 2011 I spent several days in southeastern Arizona, and devoted a lot of time to studying the White-crowned Sparrows. At that date most of them were migrant Interior West birds of subspecies Z. l. oriantha. Most of

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A “mystery” oriole and the limitations of identification by impression

On 9 May 2011 several birders saw and heard a strange oriole in Georgetown, South Carolina (photos here). They identified it as a Scott’s Oriole, a first state record and the first spring record in the east. When other birders saw the photos, some questioned why the bird was not an Orchard Oriole (common in

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Intergradation between Mexican Duck and Mallard in Arizona

The Mexican Duck was formerly considered a species (Anas diazi), and is currently lumped with Mallard (as subspecies Anas platyrhynchos diazi), but recent DNA studies suggest that Mottled Duck (not Mallard) is its closest relative (McCracken et al. 2001). Whatever its genetic background, it is clear from field observations that Mexican Ducks and Mallards interbreed

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Two new events coming up this month

11 May 2011, 6:00 to 8:30 PM – Lecture at Boston Public Library, Boston, MA Sponsored by the New England Forestry Foundation. I’ll be talking about the history of forests and bird populations in New England, and the critical need for young forest, shrubland, and grassland. With a book-signing after. Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Copley Square, Boston,

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Dark-fronted Cliff Swallows in Louisiana and Mississippi

It’s time to revisit the variation in Cliff Swallows along the Gulf Coast – with dark-fronted Cliff Swallows nesting in southern Mississippi and Louisiana. I’m continuing to update the Google map of Cliff Swallow forehead colors, thanks to all who have submitted info and especially Susan Epps, who surveyed many locations on the Gulf Coast

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