Alabama & Mississippi: Spring 2024

Data for AL Spring 2024 encompass all the regions in the state, and the records included here come from 40 of its 67 counties. Review-level species are shown from across MS, but coverage of other records from regions 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 is incomplete. Overall, there are records from only 17 of MS’s 82 counties. Efforts to get more complete data for MS continue.

Sub-regional Compilers
Greg D. Jackson (Alabama), Terence Schiefer (Mississippi).

Abbreviations
Dauphin Island = Dauphin Island, Mobile County, AL; m.ob. = many observers; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; ph. = photo; v.r. = voice recording.

Waterfowl

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks continue to increase in number and move into new areas. In Bellaton, Baldwin Co 1–2 March (Donald Dehm), 300 established a new spring maximum for AL. They are rare in the Mountain Region. For example, 14 in Gadsden, Etowah Co 26 April (Andrew Lydeard, ph.) provided the county’s first record. Occasional in AL in recent years, a Fulvous Whistling-Duck at Bellaton, Baldwin Co 1–7 March (Eric Haskell, ph., m.ob.) was the Gulf Coast Region’s ninth. One on Dauphin Island 27 April–10 May (George Ross, Douglas Adkisson, ph., m.ob.) was the 10th. Ross’s Goose is occasional in spring on the Gulf Coast. One was near Grand Bay, Baldwin Co 25–29 March (Ron Kittinger, Rick Kittinger, ph.). Rare in spring in the Inland Coastal Plain, a Ross’s Goose was near Eufaula, Barbour Co 29 March (Louise Hewlett, Ron Kittinger, Rick Kittinger, ph.). Greater White-fronted Geese are rare in the Mountain Region, rare in spring in the Inland Coastal Plain, and occasional in late spring. One was in Calera, Shelby Co 9 March–23 April (Greg Jackson, Debra Jackson, m.ob., ph.). Three were in Tuscaloosa 11 March (Kevin Shaw, Kit Pflughoft, Satchell Watts-Kerr). One was near Florence, Lauderdale Co 12 May (R. Scot Duncan, ph.), where none had been reported since February. If provenance is determined to be natural, an unbanded juvenile Trumpeter Swan calling near Tuscaloosa 13–16 March (Kevin Shaw, Kit Pflughoft, Satchell Watts-Kerr, ph.) will provide AL’s second record. Occasional in the Inland Coastal Plain, a Tundra Swan was near Greensboro, Hale Co 2–7 March (Daniel Redwine, Andrew Lydeard, ph.). Rare and erratic in the Tennessee Valley, a juvenile was at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area, Limestone Co 14–22 March (Joseph McDonald, ph.).

Rare in spring in the Mountain Region, a Northern Pintail was at Inverness, Shelby Co 4–5 March (Gary Warner, ph.). A Canvasback that stayed near Bent Oak, Lowndes Co, MS 3 April–2 May (Terence Schiefer) broke the previous late departure record for the Upper East-Central Region by 11 days. At Orange Beach, Baldwin Co 11 March (Alden Dauby, Peter Hughes), 50 Redheads tied the Gulf Coast spring maximum. Rare inland and only occasionally inland in spring, a Surf Scoter was at Wheeler Dam, Lauderdale Co 8 March (Andrew Lydeard, Daniel Redwine). At Dale Co Public Lake 9 March (Randy White), 140 Bufflehead established a spring maximum for southern AL. Common Goldeneyes are rare in mid-spring in the Mountain Region, and a male at Bankhead National Forest, Lawrence Co 12 April (Ron Kittinger, Rick Kittinger, Louise Hewlett) was at a particularly odd site. Near Bent Oak, Lowndes Co, MS, a Common Goldeneye 5 April (Terence Schiefer) was 17 days later than the previous record for the Upper East-Central Region. On Dauphin Island 21 March (Patsy Russo), 13 Hooded Mergansers tied the spring maximum for the Gulf Coast. On 2 March (Allan Williams, Carol Williams, Justin Hall, Lucas Parvin) at Lee Co Public Lake, 73 Ruddy Ducks equaled the spring maximum for the Mountain Region.

Flamingos through Limpkins

AL had its first two American Flamingo spring records and eighth and ninth unique records. Three at Gaillard Island, Mobile Co 20 April (Jacob Skiles, Chris Sucic, ph.) did not clearly match any flamingos previously found in AL. Another unique individual was at Orange Beach 22 April (Ezekial Dobson, ph.). Also occasional in MS, one flamingo was at Pascagoula Beach, Jackson Co 20 April–8 May (Brian Johnston, Lucy Jacobson, Collin Stempien, Abby Darrah, m.ob., ph.). On 15 March in Florala, Covington Co (James Barnett), four Horned Grebes tied the Inland Coastal Plain spring maximum. An Eared Grebe, rare in the Tennessee Valley, was near Leighton, Colbert Co 10 April (Damien Simbeck). A Western Grebe at Lake Guntersville, Marshall Co 30 March–5 April (Allison Graves, m.ob., ph.) was AL’s eighth and the 11th member of the Western/Clark’s complex. In Decatur, Limestone Co 5 March (Matthew Niemiller), 300 Rock Pigeons established a Tennessee Valley spring maximum. Rare but regular and increasing in the Gulf Coast, a single Inca Dove was at an unknown site in Elberta, Baldwin Co 9 March (Tommy Mullen, ph.). Up to four were on Dauphin Island 27 March–30 May (Evelyn Carter, Kevin Shaw, Satchell Watts-Kerr, ph., m.ob.). There, a nest with young provided AL’s third confirmed nesting location. Local but increasing in the Inland Coastal Plain, a White-winged Dove in Uniontown, Perry Co 1 May (Lawrence Gardella) was the county’s first.

Rare in spring in both MS’s Coast Region and Mountain Region, one Black-billed Cuckoo was at Clower Thornton Nature Trail, Harrison Co 14 May (Abby Darrah, Collin Stempien). Another was at Big Ridge, Walker Co, AL 16 May (Ginger Deason). A Chuck-will’s-widow at Wehle Nature Center, Bullock Co 24 March (John Trent) yielded the earliest arrival date for the Inland Coastal Plain. At Talladega National Forest, Bibb Co 29 March and 18 April (David George, Buster Morales, v.r.), four Eastern Whip-poor-wills provided an Inland Coastal Plain spring maximum. Additionally, 18 at Holly Springs National Forest, Benton Co 30 May (Mason Currier, heard only) appear to have set a maximum for MS’s Northeast Region. At Meaher State Park, Baldwin Co 10 May (Andrew Lydeard), 11 Purple Gallinules constituted an AL spring maximum. Limpkins are rare but increasing in both the Gulf Coast and the Inland Coastal Plain. One was at a new site in Enterprise, Coffee Co 12 March (Randy Webb, ph.). One at Dog River, Mobile Co 29 April (Ben Garmon) provided the second spring record for the Gulf Coast. One was at Eufaula NWR, Barbour Co 6 May (John McMahan, ph.), which is becoming a regular site. One was heard in Montgomery Co 27 May (Geoff Hill) at a new site. Also rare in MS’s Coast Region, a Limpkin was at Moss Point, Jackson Co 27 April (Shannon Harvey).

Shorebirds

Black-necked Stilts are rare breeders in MS away from the coast and delta. A pair was in Grenada, Grenada Co 15 April (Gene Knight). Singles were near Brooksville, Noxubee Co 21 April (Jeffrey Harris, ph.), 1 May (Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, Margaret Copeland, Wayne Patterson, ph.), and 24 May (Terence Schiefer). Rare but becoming regular in spring in the Tennessee Valley, up to two Black-necked Stilts were near Muscle Shoals 30 April–7 May (Randy Shultz). Additionally, up to two were at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area, Limestone Co 3–5 May (Rick Kittinger, Ron Kittinger, Louise Hewlett, m.ob., ph.). Six American Avocets at Catalpa Creek Bottoms, Lowndes Co 26 March (Duncan Fraser, Wayne Patterson, Jeffrey Harris, ph.) established an early arrival date for the Upper East-Central Region, which was 15 days earlier than the previous early date. One near Prairie Point, Noxubee Co 6–9 May (Marion Schiefer, Terence Schiefer, Evelyn Carter, Wayne Patterson, ph.) departed three days earlier than that region’s previous late spring date. Rare in the Inland Coastal Plain, a Black-bellied Plover was near Whitsitt, Hale Co 28 May (Andrew Lydeard, ph.). Also rare in the Upper East-Central Region, a single Black-bellied Plover in McLeod, Noxubee Co 21 April (Jeffrey Harris, ph.) was the earliest by five days. On 15 and 18 May (Marion Schiefer, Terence Schiefer, Dianne Patterson, Andrea Walker, ph.), two were at that location. Erratic in spring in the Mountain Region, on 9–14 March (Greg Jackson, Debra Jackson, Todd Harvey, David George, m.ob., ph.) 115 American Golden-Plovers set a Mountain Region maximum. From the AL coast north to Birmingham, birders went out the next day looking for more Golden-Plovers and found them. There was a major movement, with at least 710 (an AL maximum) at Riverbend Turf Farms, Baldwin Co 10 March (Craig Litteken, Lawrence Gardella, ph.). More than 100 in Tuscaloosa (Satchell Watts-Kerr, Dylan Taylor, Kit Pflughoft, ph.) set a record for that county.

Near Foley, Baldwin Co 8–13 April (Andrew Lydeard, Craig Litteken, m.ob.), up to 102 Upland Sandpipers constituted a new AL maximum. Rare in recent decades but regular the past four years, a Long-billed Curlew was near Union Church, Mobile Co 21 April (Eric Haskell, Craig Litteken, Lawrence Gardella, ph.). Rare in spring at the Gulf of Mexico, different Hudsonian Godwits were at Fort Morgan 18 April (Susan Keefer) and 15 May (Augusta Herre, m.ob., ph.). An exceptionally high number of 18 were at Coldwater River NWR, Quitman Co, MS 13–14 May (Becky Rosamund, Larry Pace, ph.). One was near Long Beach Harbor, Harrison Co, MS 15 May (David Reed, Ivory Reinert, Michelle Reinert, ph.). Three were on Deer Island, Harrison Co, MS 16 May (Timothy Guida). One was in Pascagoula, Jackson Co, MS 17–20 May (Marc Bachman, Brian Johnston, Holly Cox, Collin Stempien, m.ob., ph.). Three were at McLeod, Noxubee Co 17–18 May (Terry Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, Wayne Patterson, Duncan Fraser, Jeffrey Harris, ph.) (second record for the Upper East-Central Region and first for the county). One was on Singing River Island, Jackson Co, MS 21 May (Brian Johnston, Janet Wright, ph.). Ruddy Turnstones are rare inland, though three were at two sites near Leighton, Colbert Co 15 May (Rick Kittinger and Ron Kittinger, ph.). The Upper East-Central Region in MS had a virtual explosion of Stilt Sandpipers, a bird rare in spring in that region. Birds were observed on 17 dates from 6 April to 20 May at four localities in Noxubee Co. There was a high count of 42 near Brooksville 13 May (Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, Jeffrey Harris, Wayne Patterson, Duncan Fraser, Andrea Walker).

Rare but regular inland, a Sanderling was near Leighton, Colbert Co, AL 29 April (Sherri Brown, ph.). One near Brooksville, Noxubee Co, MS 13 May (Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, Jeffrey Harris, ph.) established an early arrival date. One was in that same general area 17 May (Duncan Fraser). On 2 March at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area, Limestone Co (David Geroge, Todd Harvey) 140 Dunlins set a spring maximum for inland AL. Baird’s Sandpipers are rare in spring on the Gulf Coast, in the central Tennessee Valley, in the Inland Coastal Plain, and in the Upper East-Central Region. Two were in Catalpa Creek Bottoms, Lowndes Co, MS 10 April (Wayne Patterson, Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, Jeffrey Harris, ph.). At Fort Morgan 13 April (Douglas Hamm, ph.), six Baird’s Sandpipers set a Gulf Coast spring maximum. Six were at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area, Limestone Co 26 April (Rick Kittinger, Ron Kittinger). One was in Maplesville, Chilton Co 12 May (Geoff Hill). Two were near Whitsitt, Hale Co 16 May (R. Scot Duncan). One was near White Hall, Lowndes Co, AL 18 May (Geoff Hill). One near Brooksville, Noxubee Co 18–19 May (Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, ph.) bettered the region’s prior spring late departure date by 19 days. On 13 April, near Foley, Baldwin Co (Craig Litteken), 13 Buff-breasted Sandpipers were a good number for this bird that is rare but regular in spring on the Gulf Coast. In Calera, Shelby Co 9–11 March (Gary Warner, ph., m.ob.), 250 Pectoral Sandpipers yielded a Mountain Region spring maximum. Three Semipalmated Sandpipers at Blakeley Island, Mobile Co 21–22 March (Craig Litteken) provided AL’s earliest record. Near White Hall, Lowndes Co 18 May (Geoff Hill), two Western Sandpipers were the latest in spring for the Inland Coastal Plain.

At Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area, Limestone Co 26 April (Greg Jackson), 80 Long-billed Dowitchers established an inland AL maximum. A Solitary Sandpiper in Noxubee NWR, Noxubee, MS 2 March (Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, Jeffrey Harris, Evelyn Carter, Gary Carter, Madison Brode, ph.) was the earliest for the Upper East-Central Region by 11 days. One in Madison, Madison Co 15 March (Matthew Niemiller) established an early date for the Tennessee Valley. A Lesser Yellowlegs at Choccolocco Park, Calhoun Co 1 March (Susano Medina) was either the earliest ever in the Mountain Region or a rare wintering bird. Rare but regular in spring in the Tennessee Valley, up to four Willets were at Wilson Dam, Colbert Co 2–3 May (Daniel Redwine, Andrew Lydeard, Damien Simbeck, ph.). In the Upper East-Central Region of MS, Willets are also rare but regular. Up to two at Catalpa Creek Bottoms, Lowndes Co 10–11 April (Terence Shiefer, Marion Schiefer, Wayne Patterson, Jeffrey Harris, Duncan Fraser, ph.) provided the earliest record for the region. Additionally, 28 were in McLeod, Noxubee Co 21 April (Jeffrey Harris, Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, ph.). Finally, 10 were in Noxubee NWR 27 April (Mark Woodrey, Jeffrey Harris, ph.). Wilson’s Phalaropes are rare but regular in spring in the Tennessee Valley. One at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area, Limestone Co 13 April (Greg Jackson) was early. Another was by Muscle Shoals 9 May. They are also rare but regular in the Upper East-Central Region. A female was near Brooksville, Noxubee Co 1 May (Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, Margaret Copeland, Wayne Patterson, ph.).

Gulls through Ibises

Although the Gray Gull made its first appearance in AL in the winter, only in the spring did it appear onshore and become somewhat dependable. It was first found at Alabama Point, Baldwin Co 14 March (Elizabeth Hughes, m.ob., ph.). Laughing Gulls showed up outside their usual range across the region. Rare but regular in the Tennessee Valley, two in Tuscumbia, Colbert Co 14 March (Ellis Halgren) were in an unusual location. They are occasional in spring in the Mountain Region. One in Haleyville, Winston Co 29 April (Adam Carter, ph.) was the first recorded in the county. An adult was at Lower Lake, Sardis, Panola Co 30 March (Gene Knight), where they are rare. Occasional in spring in the Inland Coastal Plain, a Laughing Gull was at Eufaula, Barbour Co 6 May (John McMahan, ph.). Three were at that site 25 May (Cameron Tescher, ph.). Rare but regular in the Upper East-Central Region, two were at Columbus Lake, Lowndes Co 21 May (Wayne Patterson, Evelyn Carter, ph.). At Wilson Dam, Colbert and Lauderdale counties 13 March (Greg Jackson), four Lesser Black-backed Gulls established an AL spring maximum. Uncommon to rare, but regular and increasing on the Gulf Coast, a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Fort Morgan 11–27 May (Eric Haskell, Franklin Chalk, m.ob.) was late. At Fort Morgan 14 May (Craig Litteken, ph.), an adult gull was a good candidate for AL’s first “pure” Kelp Gull. The Alabama Bird Records Committee will determine whether it is indeed a Kelp or one of the hybrid “Chandeleur Gulls,” which are rare and decreasing in occurrence.

The Inland Coastal Plain had its second spring record for Least Tern in Eufaula, Barbour Co 25 May (Cameron Tescher, ph.) and its third near Marvyn, Lee Co 27 May (Barry Fleming). At Walter F. George Reservoir, Barbour Co 21 March, two Caspian Terns set an early record for the Inland Coastal Plain. Rare in spring in the Mountain Region, two Caspians were in Gadsden, Etowah Co 10 April (James Burdette). Two were at Smith Lake Park, Cullman Co 20 April (Ken Wills). Near White Hall, Lowndes Co 18 May (Geoff Hill), two Black Terns provided the Inland Coastal Plain with its seventh spring record. At Guntersville, Marshall Co 2 March (Greg Jackson), 570 Common Loons established a spring maximum for inland AL. It was the second highest spring number in AL. One in Oxford, Lafayette Co 26 April (Gene Knight) was late. On Dauphin Island 27 April (Mason Currier, ph.), a Manx Shearwater is pending review before the Alabama Bird Records Committee as potentially AL’s first. Rare in the Tennessee Valley, a Wood Stork in Huntsville, Madison Co 4 May (Doug Mitchell) was the second in spring in the Tennessee Valley and the sixth in the season in north AL. More than 105 Magnificent Frigatebirds on Dauphin Island (51 or more) and Fort Morgan Peninsula (54 or more) 14 May (Franklin Chalk, Andrew Haffenden, m.ob.) was the highest number for spring in AL. Found on the beach in Biloxi, Harrison Co, MS 8 April (Missy Dubuison, ph.), a Brown Booby was rehabilitated. Rare but regular in spring in the Tennessee Valley, four Anhingas were at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area 13 April (Tim Milback, ph.). Three were at Red Bank, Lawrence Co 26 April (Rick Kittinger, Ron Kittinger, ph.).

At Wheeler Dam, Lawrence Co 8 March (Daniel Redwine, Andrew Lydeard), 8000 Double-crested Cormorants provided a spring maximum for inland AL. Rare in the Upper East-Central Region, a Neotropic Cormorant was at Columbus Lake, Lowndes Co 22 April (Duncan Fraser, ph.). An American Bittern at Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area 11 May (Jacob Wessels, ph.) added four days to the spring late date for the Upper East-Central Region. At Eufaula NWR, Barbour Co 18 April (Tyler Krul), four Least Bitterns tied the spring maximum for the Inland Coastal Plain. Three at Columbus Lake, Lowndes Co 3 May (Duncan Fraser) were away from the expected site in the Upper East-Central Region, Noxubee NWR, Noxubee Co, where they nested again this spring. A Little Blue Heron at Noxubee NWR, Noxubee Co 4 March (Terence Schiefer) was two days earlier than the previous early arrival date for the Upper East-Central Region. Occasional in spring in the Inland Coastal Plain, a Tricolored Heron was at Eufaula NWR, Barbour Co 7–29 May (Cameron Tescher, ph.). A Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Wheeler Dam, Lawrence Co 6 March (Michael Fritts) furnished an early record for the Tennessee Valley. In Auburn, Lee Co 10 March (Tristan Swartout, ph.), a Green Heron was either the earliest for the Inland Coastal Plain or a rare wintering bird.

At Eufaula NWR, Barbour Co 10 April–19 May (John McMahan, ph.), up to 24 Glossy Ibises provided the inland maximum for any Plegadis ibis. Glossy Ibises are rare in the Upper East-Central Region. Up to five were in McLeod, Noxubee Co 17–18 May (Wayne Patterson, Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, ph.). One was at Noxubee NWR, Noxubee Co 18–20 May (Duncan Fraser, ph.). Single birds were seen at Noxubee NWR, Noxubee Co 12 April, 4–7 May, and 18–20 May (Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, Wayne Patterson, Duncan Fraser, Jeffrey Harris, m.ob., ph.). Rare away from the delta and coast in MS, 16 White-faced Ibises were in Grenada, Grenada Co 15 April (Gene Knight). One was at Noxubee NWR, Noxubee Co 4–5 May (Karen Kosakowski, ph.). Rare but regular on the Gulf Coast, though more unusual in spring, a White-faced Ibis was at Fort Morgan 24 April (Franklin Chalk, ph.). A White-faced Ibis near Leighton, Colbert Co 3 May (Louise Hewlett, Rick Kittinger, Ron Kittiner, ph.) was the 14th for inland AL and sixth for the Tennessee Valley.

Raptors through Flycatchers

On 7 April in Saginaw, Shelby Co (Nishant KC, ph.), a White-tailed Kite was the first for north AL, second in spring, and the state’s 14th overall. A Swallow-tailed Kite near Madrid, Houston Co 5 March (Nancy Young) was the earliest for inland AL. One was in Starkville, Oktibbeha Co 2 April (Louanne Blankenship), which is an early arrival date for the Upper East-Central Region, where it is rare. In the Conecuh National Forest, Conecuh Co 13 May (Noah Rosdeutscher, Noah Griffin, James Walker), 28 Swallow-tailed Kites provided an inland AL spring maximum. Up to four were in Noxubee NWR, Winston Co 18 May–5 June, establishing a new late spring departure date. In Cedarville, Hale Co 23 March (Satchell Watts-Kerr, Kevin Shaw), 12 Bald Eagles tied the Inland Coastal Plain spring maximum. In the Birmingham area count on 27 April (John Imhof, Sherrie Alexander, Rick Kittinger, Ron Kittinger), nine Bald Eagles furnished a Mountain Region maximum. Casual in MS, a Swainson’s Hawk was near Macon, Noxubee Co 10 April (Duncan Fraser), providing the first record for the Upper East-Central Region. Near Foley, Baldwin Co 10 March (Lawrence Gardella), five Red-tailed Hawks provided a spring maximum for the Gulf Coast. In Madison, Madison Co 16 March (Ken Ward), six Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers established a Tennessee Valley spring maximum. At Hollins Wildlife Management Area, Talladega Co 22 May (Forest Service staff, Drake Smith), 18 Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in 10 clusters of known nesting sites furnished an AL maximum.

Accidental in MS, a Say’s Phoebe in Noxubee Co (Terence Schiefer), which had been the third recorded in the Upper East-Central Region in the fall, continued until 19 March. Single rare Vermilion Flycatchers were at the Mississippi Welcome Center, Hancock Co 2 March (Kevin Reifenberg, ph.) and at Gulf Islands National Seashore, Jackson Co, MS 12 March (Tom Butera). Occasional in the Inland Coastal Plain, a Western Kingbird at High Bluff, Geneva Co 11 April (Randy White) was the second for the Inland Coastal Plain in spring, the eighth in spring in inland AL. East of Leighton, Colbert Co 29 April (Sherrie Brown, ph.), a Western Kingbird provided the sixth record for the Tennessee Valley, second in spring. Gray Kingbirds are rare in MS. One was at Pascagoula Point Park, Jackson Co 23 April (Mark McShane, Brian Johnston, Jimmie Dufault, ph.). One was on Singing River Island, Jackson Co 28 April (Brian Johnston, Lucy Jacobson, Jimmie Dufault, Janet Wright, ph.). Rare in MS, single Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were found in Lafayette Co 2 April (Gene Knight); Deer Island, Harrison Co 12 April (Timothy Guida); and Back Bay Boulevard, Harrison Co 21 April (Eric Haskell). In Noxubee Co, up to two Scissor-tailed Flycatchers probably nested in McLeod, Noxubee Co 7 April–3 May (Terence Schiefer, Marion Schiefer, Jeffrey Harris, ph.). A pair definitely nested in Brooksville, Noxubee Co 8 April–June (Evelyn Carter, ph.).

Rare in spring in both the Tennessee Valley and the Mountain Region, one Olive-sided Flycatcher was at Wheeler NWR, Madison Co 25 April (Rob Cochran, ph.). Another was at Larkin Fork, Jackson Co 19 May (Rick Kittinger, Ron Kittinger, ph.). A third near Bridgeport, Jackson Co 30 May (Andrew Lydeard, ph.) established a late spring record for AL. An Acadian Flycatcher seen and heard at Wheeler NWR, Madison Co 16 and 21 April (Charles Boley) was the Tennessee Valley’s earliest ever. On Dauphin Island 22 April (Greg Jackson), a singing Willow Flycatcher was AL’s earliest and the fourth in spring on the Gulf Coast. Away from a known breeding area in Morgan Co, Willow Flycatchers are rare in the Tennessee Valley in spring. One was singing in Oakland, Lauderdale Co 3 May (Damien Simbeck). On 29 May, a silent Alder/Willow (Traill’s) Flycatcher was at Holly Springs National Forest, Benton Co, MS (Mason Currier). Rare in spring on the Gulf Coast, single Least Flycatchers were on Dauphin Island 19 April (Rick Wright), 30 April (Andrew Haffenden), and 10 May (Cynthia Freeman), the last of which tied the Gulf Coast late spring record. One at Fort Morgan 10–14 May (Michael Jordan, Tina Hughes, ph.) tied and then broke the record.

Vireos through Blackbirds

Casual in MS, a Bell’s Vireo was singing at Coldwater River NWR, Quitman Co 18 May (Gene Knight). Rare but regular on the Gulf Coast in spring, Philadelphia Vireos were in Daphne, Baldwin Co 25 April (Daniel Errichetti), Fort Morgan 30 April (Franklin Chalk), Fort Morgan 10 May (Michael Jordan), Daphne 10 May (Lawrence Gardella), and Dauphin Island 12 May (Matthew Janson, Jack Hutchinson). Rare but regular in spring in the Mountain Region, a Warbling-Vireo was at Oak Mountain State Park, Shelby Co 22 April (Andrew Lydeard). Rare in spring on the Gulf Coast, a Warbling-Vireo was at Fort Morgan 10 May (Tina Hughes). Horned Larks are becoming more regular in winter near Foley, Baldwin Co. Two there from 14–21 April (R. Scot Duncan, others) furnished the ninth Gulf Coast record, second in spring. On Dauphin Island 26 May (Marybeth Lima), two Bank Swallows provided a new late spring record for the Gulf Coast. In Coden, Mobile Co 21 April (Andrew Lydeard), 600 Barn Swallows established a Gulf Coast spring maximum. Four Cliff Swallows in Phenix City, Russell Co 2 March (John McMahan) set an early date for the Inland Coastal Plain. At Sardis Dam, Panola Co 13 March (Gene Knight), two Cliff Swallows were two days earlier than the previous record for MS’s Tri-Lakes Region. Cave Swallows are rare but regular in spring on the Gulf Coast and more unusual away from the outer coast. One was on the Mobile Causeway 11 April (Mason Currier). One was at Blakeley Island 14 April (Lawrence Gardella). Up to three were at Fort Morgan 15–22 April (Eric Soehren, R. Scot Duncan, Andrew Lydeard, others, ph.). Two were on Dauphin Island 20 April (Satchell Watts-Kerr, Kevin Shaw, Andrew Lydeard). One was in Coden, Mobile Co 21 April (Andrew Lydeard). One was on Dauphin Island 30 April (Andrew Haffenden). Also rare in MS’s Coastal Region, a Cave Swallow was at Bayou Caddy, Hancock Co 15 April (Timothy Guida).

At Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area, Limestone Co 13 March (Rick Kittinger, Ron Kittinger, Louise Hewlett, ph.), five Brown Creepers provided a new spring maximum for north AL. A Sedge Wren at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area 2–7 March (David George, Todd Harvey) was the earliest recorded in the Tennessee Valley. In Cedarville, Hale Co 2 March (Andrew Lydeard, Daniel Redwine), 22 Sedge Wrens established a spring maximum for AL. A Veery in Huntsville, Madison Co 8 April (Charles Boley) was the earliest ever for the Tennessee Valley. In Northport, Tuscaloosa 29 March (Ellis Halgren), a Swainson’s Thrush furnished an early record for the Inland Coastal Plain. Near Fackler, Jackson Co 30 May (Andrew Lydeard, v.r.), three were the latest in spring for the Tennessee Valley. In Choccolocco Park, Calhoun Co 10 March (Rick Remy), 60 American Pipits furnished a spring maximum for the Mountain Region. Two at Catalpa Creek Bottoms, Lowndes Co 10 April (Wayne Patterson, Marion Schiefer) tied the late departure date for the Upper East-Central Region.

Occasional in spring in the Mountain Region, a Lark Sparrow was in Calera, Shelby Co 10 April (Joe Wujcik, ph.). Also occasionally nesting in the Mountain Region, a Lark Sparrow was copulating and probably nesting at Harpersville, Shelby Co 27 April (Todd DeVore, ph., others). Near Autaugaville, Autauga Co (a regular site for Lark Sparrows) 19 May (Nishant KC), six provided an Inland Coastal Plain spring maximum. A Clay-colored Sparrow found in Belforest, Baldwin Co 7 January continued through 19 March (Craig Litteken, ph., others). A Clay-colored Sparrow at Red Mountain Park, Jefferson Co 24–25 April (Todd DeVore, ph., others) was the 11th for the Mountain Region and third in the region in spring. A Dark-eyed Junco near Auburn, Lee Co 30 May (Ralph Mirarchi) was the latest in spring for the Mountain Region. In Tuscaloosa on 8 April (Wes Jarnigan), 42 White-throated Sparrows provided an Inland Coastal Plain spring maximum. In Cedarville, Hale Co 2 March (Andrew Lydeard, Daniel Redwine, ph.), 11 LeConte’s Sparrows set a new spring maximum for AL. Occasional in spring migration, a Henslow’s Sparrow was heard singing near Eutaw, Greene Co, AL 24 April (Andrew Lydeard). In Birmingham on 3 March (Chris Browning), 80 Song Sparrows furnished a spring maximum for AL. Lincoln’s Sparrows are rare in spring in the Mountain Region. One was at Saginaw Swamp, Shelby Co 15 April (Greg Jackson). One was at each of two Birmingham locations 25 April (Michael Fritts, Greg Jackson).

Two Yellow-breasted Chats in Lafayette Co 16 April (Gene Knight) set an early record for MS’s Tri-Lakes Region. Rare in spring on the Gulf Coast, Yellow-headed Blackbirds were on Dauphin Island 12 April (Ben Garmon, Patsy Russo) and Fort Morgan 18–26 April (Craig Litteken, ph., m.ob.). A Yellow-headed Blackbird at Saginaw, Shelby Co 17 April (Raymond Cavender, ph.) was the third for the Mountain Region and second there in spring. One at Hazel Green, Madison Co 28 April–2 May (Sue Moske, ph.) was the ninth for the Tennessee Valley, third there in spring. Rare in MS’s Tri-Lakes Region, an adult male Yellow-headed Blackbird was in Lafayette Co 21 April (Gene Knight). An adult male Orchard Oriole in Guntersville, Marshall Co 1 April (Rick Kittinger, Ron Kittinger) was the earliest ever for the Tennessee Valley. In Ashford, Houston Co 16 March (Renea Simpson), 18 Baltimore Orioles at a regular wintering site provided an Inland Coastal Plain spring maximum. Occasional on the Gulf Coast, a Shiny Cowbird was at Fort Morgan 14–28 April (R. Scott Duncan, Andrew Lydeard, m.ob., ph.). Rare in spring on the Gulf Coast, a Bronzed Cowbird was in Mobile 15 April (Michael Stempien, ph.). At Choccolocco Park, Calhoun Co 11 March (Skip Smith), 50 Rusty Blackbirds furnished a Mountain Region spring maximum. Near Union Church, Mobile Co 19 April (Mason Currier, m.ob.), 120 Brewer’s Blackbirds provided a late record for the Gulf Coast and a larger number than in recent years. Rare but locally increasing in the eastern Inland Coastal Plain, up to five Boat-tailed Grackles were near Hartford 13–21 March (Randy White). Up to 10 were at Eufaula NWR, Barbour Co 29 March–29 May (Allan Williams, Carol Williams, Tyler Krul, Amber Hart, m.ob., ph.). Both of these are regular sites.

Warblers through Buntings

An Ovenbird calling in Parrish, Walker Co 24 March (Andrew Lydeard, v.r.) was the earliest for north AL. Rare on the MS coast, a Golden-winged Warbler was at Henderson Point, Harrison Co 11 April (Ivory Reinert, Michelle Reinert, ph.). A rare hybrid Brewster’s Warbler (Golden-winged Warbler x Blue-winged Warbler) was at Fort Morgan 17 April (Andrew Lydeard, others). At Larkin Fork, Jackson Co 22–31 May (Duane Yarbrough), two Brewster’s Warblers stayed significantly later than previous ones in AL, raising a question of possible breeding. A singing male Prothonotary Warbler near Camden, Wilcox Co 16 March (Thomas Moorman) tied the earliest record for the Inland Coastal Plain. A Swainson’s Warbler at Wheeler NWR, Madison Co 1 April (Robert Goss) was early for the Tennessee Valley. Near Tuscaloosa on 29 March (Benji Martin), two Tennessee Warblers seen and heard furnished an early Inland Coastal Plain record. Another Tennessee Warbler was at Ashford, Houston Co 31 March (Renea Simpson). One at Noxubee NWR, Noxubee Co 18 May (Duncan Fraser) set a new late spring departure date for the Upper East-Central Region. Rare but regular in spring in the Tennessee Valley, an adult male Mourning Warbler was near Waterloo, Lauderdale Co 10 May (Rick Kittinger, Ron Kittinger). Rare in the Mountain Region in spring, a Mourning Warbler was heard at Cahaba Riverchase Greenway Park, Jefferson Co 12 May (Greg Jackson, Debra Jackson). A Kentucky Warbler near Camden, Wilcox Co 29 March (Thomas Moorman, Kat Moorman) was on the earliest date for the Inland Coastal Plain. One heard in Huntsville, Madison Co 8 April (Charles Boley) was the earliest for the Tennessee Valley.

A Hooded Warbler in Starkville, Oktibbeha Co 18–19 March (Jacob Wessels) established an early arrival date for the Upper East-Central Region, four days earlier than the prior record. Rare on the MS coast, single Cape May Warblers were at Singing River Island, Jackson Co 15–28 April (Brian Johnston, Janet Wright, Lucy Jacobson, Jimmie Dufault, ph.); Gulf Park Estates, Jackson Co 20 April (Abby Darrah); Biloxi Cemetery, Harrison Co 22 April (Holly Cox, ph.); and Pascagoula, Jackson Co 11 May (Jimmie DuFault, ph.). One to two were at Clower Thornton Nature Trail, Harrison Co 29 April and 6 May (Ivory Reinert, Michelle Reinert, Charlie Hubbard, ph.). Five were at Greenwood Island, Jackson Co 29 April (Collin Stempien, Abby Darrah). At Paint Rock, Jackson Co 3 April (Ava Lyerly), two male American Redstarts seen and heard provided an early record for the Tennessee Valley. Rare in MS, a Black-throated Blue Warbler was in Natchez, Adams Co 3 April (Barry Tillman). In Cedarville, Hale Co 2 March (Daniel Redwine, Andrew Lydeard), 225 Yellow-rumped Warblers furnished an Inland Coastal Plain spring maximum. In Northport, Tuscaloosa, six Black-throated Green Warblers set an Inland Coastal Plain spring maximum. Rare in spring on the Gulf Coast, an adult male Canada Warbler was at Fort Morgan 14 May (Michael Jordan). Occasional in spring in the Inland Coastal Plain, a Wilson’s Warbler was heard singing near Tuscaloosa 24 April (Andrew Lydeard).

A rare Western Tanager was at Long Beach, Harrison Co, MS 21 March (Michelle Reinert, ph.). A rare Black-headed Grosbeak was at Broadwater Golf Course, Harrison Co 17–19 March (Stephen Dunaway, Holly Cox, Lucy Jacobson, Brian Johnston m.obs., ph.). A singing male Indigo Bunting in Guntersville, Marshall Co 13 March (Duane Yarbrough) established an early record for the Tennessee Valley. Rare but regular in the Inland Coastal Plain, an adult male Painted Bunting was in Andalusia, Covington Co 4–10 April (Thomas Savage). Occasional in the Mountain Region, a male Painted Bunting was in Birmingham 19 April (Linda Henckell). Another adult male Painted Bunting at Wheeler NWR, Morgan Co 6 May (Patrick Hartigan) provided the 10th record for the Tennessee Valley.

Report edited by Kelsy Taylor, 4 Mar 2026.