Date: 8/20/26 10:24 am From: David Campbell (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Fall counts, Spartanburg and Cherokee (SC)
The Cherokee County SC fall count will be Saturday 5 September and the Spartanburg County count will be a week later, on the 12th. Lyle Campbell ( <ldcampb2...>) is the compiler.
-- Dr. David Campbell Professor, Geology Department of Natural Sciences 110 S Main St, Campus Box #7270 Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs NC 28017
Thanks for sharing your bike and other data for Halifax. I participated in the NC Bird Atlas in both Halifax and Northampton Counties and will be curious to see what the analysis shows. In Northampton County more parts of US 158 is 4 laned so that will have an impact. I noticed pairs of Shrike near Jackson and Scotland Neck. There also seemed to be pairs of Horned Larks foraging in cotton fields and using the strips of nearby land. Also logged patches for paper pulp looked promising. What cutting cycle do you think would be best for cover crops and grassland species?Loren Hintz
From Loren Hintz Chapel Hill, NC
On Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 06:00:37 AM EDT, <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> wrote:
carolinabirds Digest Wed, 19 Aug 2026
Table of contents:
1. Horned larks affected by farming practices - Frank Enders
  <fkenders...>
2. First kestrel of fall AUgust 16-18-? - Frank Enders <fkenders...>
3. Loggerhead Shrike sightings way down this summer. - Frank Enders
  <fkenders...>
This spring I biked several times along Ridgecrest Road going west from Hedgepeth Road in Halifax County, NC in the early morning.
I was interested how and if the Horned Larks here can get a brood off between various farming operations applied with various crops.No surprise that larks were not present where a good rye cover crop existed. The 3-4 locations for larks were those mowed down or shortgrass. The one pastured area may have too many grazers to protect either Horned Lark or meadowlark enough to breed successfully.Seems a shame that bird have to depend on farmers who fail to take good care of their land (as by using cover crops).
The larks seem to have a very iffy existence, needing "wastelands", or lands with less than optimal cropping practices (here most land is in cotton or peanuts or soybeans). Â
A later morning I may have seen but one Horned Lark.  The presence of multiple meadowlarks, specifically in two locations where row crops were not even planted, and/or somebody chose to mow maybe 4 acres, was unexpected, but underlines the incompatibility of the most profitable use cropping open land with "wildlife" , I am not sure I see bird golfers setting aside needed habitats. Clearly it will take lots of money to set land aside, and management by "wildlifers" seems pitifully inadequate.
Horned larks have managed to persist here for 44 years. But, where do they exist I summer when none can be found within several miles (what with the growth of "weeds" in untended land and crops too tall in well-tended land?
(Had a knee problem which prevented getting out more to try to follow the larks.)Â
Â
Â
Frank Enders, Halifax, NC  I do not have time for e-mail. Nor, I think, do you. Try calling 252-308-3443---good luck with that. I had noticed a sighting of a kestrel in S.C. On the CBC website (from ebird). Then I saw a female kestrel on August 16 along Ridgecrest Road west of Hedgepeth Road. For decades now the first kestrels appear here around August 15. Presumably the same bird was seen by me today, August 18, 2026.
Frank Enders
Â
Â
Â
Â
Frank Enders, Halifax, NC
I do not have time for e-mail. Nor, I think, do you. Try calling 252-308-3443---good luck with that. I would be willing to bet next spring and summer will have many fewer locations with shrikes present. Let me say only 20% of sites will be occupied. I could be wrong.But, within about 10 miles I usually have 8-12 sites occupied (by at least one bird, the probability of seeing a bird at a site where the species is continuing during the breeding season is maybe 10%). The birds might be out at the edge of woodlands rather than on powerlines along roads where easy to notice.
At the moment there are only 2-3 spots where I have noticed a shrike in the last two to four weeks.  It might be nice if I could figure out what times of day and weather are associated with me seeing a shrike along the road. Don't know if I have time and gas to do that, the shrikes not likely to be seen during rainstorms, nor early nor late in the day.
I'm thinking the drought may have knocked back the population.  Â
There are a few sightings of shrikes northeast of me, around Little Texas In Virginia (Sussex County). And a string of shrike sightings down NC33 over the years even down to the gas stations north of Greenville, NC  These are just birds which happen to be where I have need to drive for various purposes. I keep waiting to stumble upon some noticeable change in shrike populations/sightings, but no such luck.
I think this last breeding season may show a big dent in shrike sightings for the coming year or two.Â
Had I a smartphone, I might put sightings into eBird, but just writing down all the birds I see would be quite a burden.Â
It would help if Hotmail and gmail would stop randomly erasing some of my overlong emails.
Frank Enders
Â
Â
Â
Frank Enders, Halifax, NC
I do not have time for e-mail. Nor, I think, do you. Try calling 252-308-3443---good luck with that.End of carolinabirds Digest Wed, 19 Aug 2026
Date: 8/18/26 6:42 pm From: Frank Enders (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Loggerhead Shrike sightings way down this summer.
I would be willing to bet next spring and summer will have many fewer locations with shrikes present. Let me say only 20% of sites will be occupied. I could be wrong.
But, within about 10 miles I usually have 8-12 sites occupied (by at least one bird, the probability of seeing a bird at a site where the species is continuing during the breeding season is maybe 10%). The birds might be out at the edge of woodlands rather than on powerlines along roads where easy to notice.
At the moment there are only 2-3 spots where I have noticed a shrike in the last two to four weeks. It might be nice if I could figure out what times of day and weather are associated with me seeing a shrike along the road. Don't know if I have time and gas to do that, the shrikes not likely to be seen during rainstorms, nor early nor late in the day.
I'm thinking the drought may have knocked back the population.
There are a few sightings of shrikes northeast of me, around Little Texas In Virginia (Sussex County). And a string of shrike sightings down NC33 over the years even down to the gas stations north of Greenville, NC These are just birds which happen to be where I have need to drive for various purposes. I keep waiting to stumble upon some noticeable change in shrike populations/sightings, but no such luck.
I think this last breeding season may show a big dent in shrike sightings for the coming year or two.
Had I a smartphone, I might put sightings into eBird, but just writing down all the birds I see would be quite a burden.
It would help if Hotmail and gmail would stop randomly erasing some of my overlong emails.
Frank Enders
Frank Enders, Halifax, NC
I do not have time for e-mail. Nor, I think, do you. Try calling 252-308-3443---good luck with that.
Date: 8/18/26 6:14 pm From: Frank Enders (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: First kestrel of fall AUgust 16-18-?
I had noticed a sighting of a kestrel in S.C. On the CBC website (from ebird). Then I saw a female kestrel on August 16 along Ridgecrest Road west of Hedgepeth Road. For decades now the first kestrels appear here around August 15. Presumably the same bird was seen by me today, August 18, 2026.
Frank Enders
Frank Enders, Halifax, NC
I do not have time for e-mail. Nor, I think, do you. Try calling 252-308-3443---good luck with that.
Date: 8/18/26 6:06 pm From: Frank Enders (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Horned larks affected by farming practices
This spring I biked several times along Ridgecrest Road going west from Hedgepeth Road in Halifax County, NC in the early morning.
I was interested how and if the Horned Larks here can get a brood off between various farming operations applied with various crops.
No surprise that larks were not present where a good rye cover crop existed. The 3-4 locations for larks were those mowed down or shortgrass. The one pastured area may have too many grazers to protect either Horned Lark or meadowlark enough to breed successfully.
Seems a shame that bird have to depend on farmers who fail to take good care of their land (as by using cover crops).
The larks seem to have a very iffy existence, needing "wastelands", or lands with less than optimal cropping practices (here most land is in cotton or peanuts or soybeans).
A later morning I may have seen but one Horned Lark. The presence of multiple meadowlarks, specifically in two locations where row crops were not even planted, and/or somebody chose to mow maybe 4 acres, was unexpected, but underlines the incompatibility of the most profitable use cropping open land with "wildlife" , I am not sure I see bird golfers setting aside needed habitats. Clearly it will take lots of money to set land aside, and management by "wildlifers" seems pitifully inadequate.
Horned larks have managed to persist here for 44 years. But, where do they exist I summer when none can be found within several miles (what with the growth of "weeds" in untended land and crops too tall in well-tended land?
(Had a knee problem which prevented getting out more to try to follow the larks.)
Frank Enders, Halifax, NC
I do not have time for e-mail. Nor, I think, do you. Try calling 252-308-3443---good luck with that.
I do, Dennis. Try him at 803-422-6971.Enjoy a good fall migration! By the way, I live at Hilton Head, now.Steve PattersonSent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: "Dennis Forsythe(via carolinabirds Mailing List)" <carolinabirds...> Date: 8/17/26 12:18 PM (GMT-05:00) To: CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...> Subject: RFI Irvin Pitts AllDoes anyone have current contact information for Irvin Pitts?T hanks in advance/Dennis-- Dennis M Forsythe PhDEmeritus Professor of Biology The CitadelCharleston, SC843-708-1605 cell
Date: 8/15/26 12:42 pm From: Lynn Erla Beegle (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Register for the Sep 24-27 Carolin Bird Club Meeting asap (registration opened at 2 pm today)
Hello ! Reminder: Register for the Sep 24-27 Carolina Bird Club Meeting in Hickory asap (registration opened at 2 pm today) Go to carolinabirdclub dot org and choose Home to register. Several trips have already filled up. Looking forward to seeing you in Hickory, NC this fall! LynnErla Beegle Raleigh North Carolina
Date: 8/10/26 6:54 pm From: Harry LeGrand (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Reminder: A call for Summer Reports for the Briefs for the Files
Fellow birders,
Now that the rather brief Summer Season is over (June-July), as *The Chat'*s Briefs for the Files editor, I would like to hear from *any of you who have not posted important records for the season already on eBird. * The great majority of the Briefs over the past decade have come from the editor perusing the eBird database, species by species, and picking out the most signficant reports. This is tedious (looking at over 400 Species Maps!), but I need to wait for a few more days to start so that any and all rarity sightings (as seen on the Carolina Bird Club Sightings page) have hopefully been approved as valid. But, *a few of you might have some important records that were not on eBird, so please let me know what notable birds you saw (or birds you expected but didn't).*
For the summer season, I also will be looking at the NC Bird Atlas breeding maps, though the data are probably now at least a year old. The 5-year Atlas surveys ran from 2021-2025, so this was the first summer since around 2020 that some to many of you were probably not in the field as much covering your atlas blocks. Nonetheless, I want to peruse these mostly 2021-2025 maps to have an idea of where species have been confirmed breeding, for example.
For the first half of the summer (June), nearly all of the Carolinas was mired in a year-long drought that stretched back to around mid-August 2025. This meant that there were often extensive mudflats at inland lakes that did not become flooded until heavy rains in July. Shorebird and wader reports were thus more frequent at inland locales than normal this season. The often excessive heat continued most of the summer, sadly. From my perspective here in Raleigh, I could not find (hear singing) ANY House Wrens at several places where I have heard them routinely for a few decades, such as in my Cameron Village neighborhood and at Raulston Arboretum. Was the scarcity of House Wrens noticed in your area where they normally breed? Are they retreating a bit back northward, or are Bluebirds (or other species) occupying nest boxes where they used to be nesting? Just curious!
I'd like to hear from folks by* August 25*, if possible. Again, *almost all of you submit eBird reports, so those data are already available to me on the website, and thus a big "Thank You" for posting results.*
Harry LeGrand, Brief for the Files editor (for *The Chat*) Raleigh
Date: 8/8/26 2:34 pm From: Jeremy Wrenn (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Shorebird call today at Falls Lake (Granville) Neuse River RR Grade
Yes ,the recording is not great at all.
Thanks, Erla!
--Jeremy Wrenn
On Sat, Aug 8, 2026, 4:58 PM Lynn Erla Beegle <optmystc1...> wrote:
> Sounds a bit like a Lesser Yellowlegs to me, but the recording is not
> definitive enough for a confident identification. IMHO.
>
> LynnErla Beegle Raleigh NC
>
>
> On Sat, Aug 8, 2026, 13:45 Jeremy Wrenn <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
>> Folks, I'd love to get some opinions on the shorebird call I recorded
>> earlier this morning at the Granville side of the Neuse River RR Grade. I
>> have a pretty good idea which bird it is, but will leave it open so as not
>> to influence the responses.
>>
>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S381230286?continue >>
>> The bird was never seen, and called behind me and flew off from a flooded
>> grassy area. It called three times. I have separated the calls into two
>> shorter recordings, as the first call was a bit apart from the last two.
>> I also left a recording with the entire selection together, though wind
>> and background noise are a factor.
>>
>> Headphones may be best.
>>
>> Let me know if anyone has any opinions.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> --Jeremy Wrenn
>> Wake Forest, NC
>>
>
Date: 8/8/26 1:59 pm From: Lynn Erla Beegle (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Shorebird call today at Falls Lake (Granville) Neuse River RR Grade
Sounds a bit like a Lesser Yellowlegs to me, but the recording is not definitive enough for a confident identification. IMHO.
LynnErla Beegle Raleigh NC
On Sat, Aug 8, 2026, 13:45 Jeremy Wrenn <carolinabirds...> wrote:
> Folks, I'd love to get some opinions on the shorebird call I recorded > earlier this morning at the Granville side of the Neuse River RR Grade. I > have a pretty good idea which bird it is, but will leave it open so as not > to influence the responses. > > https://ebird.org/checklist/S381230286?continue > > The bird was never seen, and called behind me and flew off from a flooded > grassy area. It called three times. I have separated the calls into two > shorter recordings, as the first call was a bit apart from the last two. > I also left a recording with the entire selection together, though wind > and background noise are a factor. > > Headphones may be best. > > Let me know if anyone has any opinions. > > Thanks, > > --Jeremy Wrenn > Wake Forest, NC >
Date: 8/8/26 1:58 pm From: Jeremy Wrenn (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Shorebird call today at Falls Lake (Granville) Neuse River RR Grade
The consensus seems to be Lesser Yellowlegs.
The first call sounded like a SB Dowitcher to some degree, but the last two
were more clear.
--Jeremy Wrenn
On Sat, Aug 8, 2026, 1:44 PM Jeremy Wrenn <jeremy.wrenn...> wrote:
> Folks, I'd love to get some opinions on the shorebird call I recorded
> earlier this morning at the Granville side of the Neuse River RR Grade. I
> have a pretty good idea which bird it is, but will leave it open so as not
> to influence the responses.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S381230286?continue >
> The bird was never seen, and called behind me and flew off from a flooded
> grassy area. It called three times. I have separated the calls into two
> shorter recordings, as the first call was a bit apart from the last two.
> I also left a recording with the entire selection together, though wind
> and background noise are a factor.
>
> Headphones may be best.
>
> Let me know if anyone has any opinions.
>
> Thanks,
>
> --Jeremy Wrenn
> Wake Forest, NC
>
Date: 8/8/26 10:45 am From: Jeremy Wrenn (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Shorebird call today at Falls Lake (Granville) Neuse River RR Grade
Folks, I'd love to get some opinions on the shorebird call I recorded earlier this morning at the Granville side of the Neuse River RR Grade. I have a pretty good idea which bird it is, but will leave it open so as not to influence the responses.
The bird was never seen, and called behind me and flew off from a flooded grassy area. It called three times. I have separated the calls into two shorter recordings, as the first call was a bit apart from the last two. I also left a recording with the entire selection together, though wind and background noise are a factor.
Date: 8/7/26 8:32 am From: \<hilton...>\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Hilton Pond North (16 Jul 2026) Fledgling Cardinals, Turkeys, and Orchids, etc.
Photo essay #43 of "This Week at Hilton Pond North†(Lansing NC) is now online! Join us for a late-July tour of Blue Ridge nature as we build owl nest boxes, explore spectacular wildflowers on Pond Mountain, celebrate National Moth Week, and share our hummingbird presentations for local summer campers. We offer video snippets of White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkey, plus our usual banding and recapture tallies. We hope you'll enjoy this latest installment and share it from https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260716.html
P.S. If you like to listen, don't miss our companion "Deep Dive" podcast linked from the installment.
Dr. BILL HILTON JR.
"Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Projectâ€
â„… Hilton Pond North: Blue Ridge Birds & Nature
2918 Silas Creek Road
Lansing NC 28643
(803)684-5852
The mission of Hilton Pond North is "to conserve plants, animals, habitats, and other natural components of the Blue Ridge Region of the eastern United States through observation, scientific study, and education for students of all ages.
"Never trust a person too lazy to get up for sunrise or too busy to watch the sunset." BHjr.
Date: 8/4/26 4:01 pm From: Tim Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Osprey Nesting in Mountains
Thanks for the good information. Although they are uncommon in the mountains we do get eBird reports but many I hear about are not recorded except maybe as a social media post with no real info. As Guy noted, most reports tell us little. It might be helpful if there was a NestWatch-like project for other marginal birds likely to be effected by climate. Uncommon mountain birds like osprey, bald eagle and Am kestrel come to mind. In the mean time, documenting nesting data would be helpful.
Tim Lewis
Jackson Co NC
________________________________
From: <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> on behalf of Harry LeGrand <carolinabirds...>
Sent: Friday, July 31, 2026 12:06 PM
To: <badgerboy...> <badgerboy...>
Cc: <carolinabirds...> <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Re: Osprey Nesting in Mountains
Please check the Birds of North Carolina website, which is hosted by the Carolina Bird Club.
Harry LeGrand
author/editor of the Birds of North Carolina website
Tim and all, this is a great question. I was curious about it myself as there has been a request to install Osprey nesting platforms in the mountains of NW NC. Although the NC Bird Atlas data, which is publicly available on the web, shows several confirmed nesting reports in the mountains, it appears that most of them are probably incorrect, with pictures showing what appear to be squirrels nests with Ospreys near them, reports of Osprey carrying food, with no further comments, which obviously Ospreys do every time they catch a fish whether or not they are nesting in the area, and other sorts of behaviors unlikely indicative of true nesting.
However, there was one place, Lake Santeetla near Robbinsville at about 2000 feet elevation, that had several reports from 2021 thru 2025 of Ospreys on nest in April, and one report with a good description but unfortunately no photo, of Ospreys on the nest with nestlings in June. See ebird checklist here<https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S90708315>. Coincidentally, the Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas 2 which finished up earlier this decade, also had what I consider likely correct reports from Claytor Lake near Blacksburg at 2000 feet elevation, with pictures, of Ospreys nesting.
So Yes, probably, if you consider 2000' elevation lakes to be "Mountains".
Guy (McGrane, Boone NC)
On 7/31/2026 10:10 AM, Tim Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) wrote:
Hello everyone,
Are there records of Osprey nesting in the mountains. Where/when and are there photos?
Date: 8/2/26 5:35 am From: Ginger (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
I have exactly the same need for the info Matt Jensen seeks: who can repair
binoculars for donation. Mine are (Swift?) Ultralites and Leicas. Thanks.
Ginger
On Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at 2:53 PM scompton1251 <scompton1251...>
wrote:
> Matt and Susan,
>
> Oops! Misread the subject line.
>
> Steve Compton
>
>
>
> Sent from my Galaxy
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Susan Campbell <susan...>
> Date: 8/1/26 1:21 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: Matt Janson <m.janson.geolover...>, CarolinaBirds <
> <carolinabirds...>
> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
>
> Hey—
>
> Let me know if you do not get any responses….
>
> Susan
>
> Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> > ------------------------------
> *From:* <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...>
> on behalf of Matt Janson <carolinabirds...>
> *Sent:* Saturday, 01 August 2026 13:16:45
> *To:* CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...>
> *Subject:* Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
>
> Good afternoon listserv,
> I am wondering if anyone is aware of a location or organization that
> repairs and donates used binoculars to schools, nature centers, or other
> programs. I have a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars that are out of
> alignment. Zeiss did offer to repair them for me for a fee but instead I
> opted to go with a new pair of Vortex optics since we use those at work and
> I have been extremely impressed with their warranty policy compared to
> Zeiss.
> Anyhow, I now have an excess pair of Zeiss Terra EDs, and while they are
> in need of repair, could potentially be used by someone (?). It feels wrong
> to just throw them in the garbage, but perhaps that is where they are
> destined.
> If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please respond to me directly.
> Thank you!
> -Matt
> P.S. - a couple decent birds on Ocracoke this week - Louisiana waterthrush
> (rare migrant on the Outer Banks) and a Sargasso shearwater from shore
> yesterday afternoon
> --
> Matthew D. Janson
> Ocracoke, North Carolina
> (704)-651-3860
>
unsubscribe please -- thank you! wonderful digest I just don't read it much
these days.
On Sun, Aug 2, 2026 at 6:00 AM <carolinabirds-request...> wrote:
> carolinabirds Digest Sun, 02 Aug 2026
>
> Table of contents:
>
> 1. Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair? - Matt Janson
> <m.janson.geolover...>
> 2. Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair? - Susan Campbell
> <susan...>
> 3. Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair? - scompton1251
> <scompton1251...>
> 4. Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair? - scompton1251
> <scompton1251...>
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Matt Janson <m.janson.geolover...>
> To: CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2026 13:16:45 -0400
> Subject: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
> Good afternoon listserv,
> I am wondering if anyone is aware of a location or organization that
> repairs and donates used binoculars to schools, nature centers, or other
> programs. I have a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars that are out of
> alignment. Zeiss did offer to repair them for me for a fee but instead I
> opted to go with a new pair of Vortex optics since we use those at work and
> I have been extremely impressed with their warranty policy compared to
> Zeiss.
> Anyhow, I now have an excess pair of Zeiss Terra EDs, and while they are
> in need of repair, could potentially be used by someone (?). It feels wrong
> to just throw them in the garbage, but perhaps that is where they are
> destined.
> If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please respond to me directly.
> Thank you!
> -Matt
> P.S. - a couple decent birds on Ocracoke this week - Louisiana waterthrush
> (rare migrant on the Outer Banks) and a Sargasso shearwater from shore
> yesterday afternoon
> --
> Matthew D. Janson
> Ocracoke, North Carolina
> (704)-651-3860
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Susan Campbell <susan...>
> To: Matt Janson <m.janson.geolover...>, CarolinaBirds <
> <carolinabirds...>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2026 17:21:01 +0000
> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
> Hey—
>
> Let me know if you do not get any responses….
>
> Susan
>
> Get Outlook for iOS
> <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> > ------------------------------
> *From:* <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...>
> on behalf of Matt Janson <carolinabirds...>
> *Sent:* Saturday, 01 August 2026 13:16:45
> *To:* CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...>
> *Subject:* Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
>
> Good afternoon listserv,
> I am wondering if anyone is aware of a location or organization that
> repairs and donates used binoculars to schools, nature centers, or other
> programs. I have a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars that are out of
> alignment. Zeiss did offer to repair them for me for a fee but instead I
> opted to go with a new pair of Vortex optics since we use those at work and
> I have been extremely impressed with their warranty policy compared to
> Zeiss.
> Anyhow, I now have an excess pair of Zeiss Terra EDs, and while they are
> in need of repair, could potentially be used by someone (?). It feels wrong
> to just throw them in the garbage, but perhaps that is where they are
> destined.
> If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please respond to me directly.
> Thank you!
> -Matt
> P.S. - a couple decent birds on Ocracoke this week - Louisiana waterthrush
> (rare migrant on the Outer Banks) and a Sargasso shearwater from shore
> yesterday afternoon
> --
> Matthew D. Janson
> Ocracoke, North Carolina
> (704)-651-3860
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: scompton1251 <scompton1251...>
> To: Susan Campbell <susan...>, Matt Janson <
> <m.janson.geolover...>, CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:51:40 -0400
> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
> Susan and birders,
>
> I got at least 6 responses with several eBirders running streak of 5 years
> or more!
>
> Looks like this will be large lottery pool.
>
> Steve Compton
> In the South Carolina Coastal Plain in
> Dorchester, SC
>
>
>
> Sent from my Galaxy
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Susan Campbell <susan...>
> Date: 8/1/26 1:21 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: Matt Janson <m.janson.geolover...>, CarolinaBirds <
> <carolinabirds...>
> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
>
> Hey—
>
> Let me know if you do not get any responses….
>
> Susan
>
> Get Outlook for iOS
> <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> > ------------------------------
> *From:* <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...>
> on behalf of Matt Janson <carolinabirds...>
> *Sent:* Saturday, 01 August 2026 13:16:45
> *To:* CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...>
> *Subject:* Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
>
> Good afternoon listserv,
> I am wondering if anyone is aware of a location or organization that
> repairs and donates used binoculars to schools, nature centers, or other
> programs. I have a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars that are out of
> alignment. Zeiss did offer to repair them for me for a fee but instead I
> opted to go with a new pair of Vortex optics since we use those at work and
> I have been extremely impressed with their warranty policy compared to
> Zeiss.
> Anyhow, I now have an excess pair of Zeiss Terra EDs, and while they are
> in need of repair, could potentially be used by someone (?). It feels wrong
> to just throw them in the garbage, but perhaps that is where they are
> destined.
> If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please respond to me directly.
> Thank you!
> -Matt
> P.S. - a couple decent birds on Ocracoke this week - Louisiana waterthrush
> (rare migrant on the Outer Banks) and a Sargasso shearwater from shore
> yesterday afternoon
> --
> Matthew D. Janson
> Ocracoke, North Carolina
> (704)-651-3860
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: scompton1251 <scompton1251...>
> To: Susan Campbell <susan...>, Matt Janson <
> <m.janson.geolover...>, CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:53:17 -0400
> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
> Matt and Susan,
>
> Oops! Misread the subject line.
>
> Steve Compton
>
>
>
> Sent from my Galaxy
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Susan Campbell <susan...>
> Date: 8/1/26 1:21 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: Matt Janson <m.janson.geolover...>, CarolinaBirds <
> <carolinabirds...>
> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
>
> Hey—
>
> Let me know if you do not get any responses….
>
> Susan
>
> Get Outlook for iOS
> <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> > ------------------------------
> *From:* <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...>
> on behalf of Matt Janson <carolinabirds...>
> *Sent:* Saturday, 01 August 2026 13:16:45
> *To:* CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...>
> *Subject:* Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
>
> Good afternoon listserv,
> I am wondering if anyone is aware of a location or organization that
> repairs and donates used binoculars to schools, nature centers, or other
> programs. I have a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars that are out of
> alignment. Zeiss did offer to repair them for me for a fee but instead I
> opted to go with a new pair of Vortex optics since we use those at work and
> I have been extremely impressed with their warranty policy compared to
> Zeiss.
> Anyhow, I now have an excess pair of Zeiss Terra EDs, and while they are
> in need of repair, could potentially be used by someone (?). It feels wrong
> to just throw them in the garbage, but perhaps that is where they are
> destined.
> If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please respond to me directly.
> Thank you!
> -Matt
> P.S. - a couple decent birds on Ocracoke this week - Louisiana waterthrush
> (rare migrant on the Outer Banks) and a Sargasso shearwater from shore
> yesterday afternoon
> --
> Matthew D. Janson
> Ocracoke, North Carolina
> (704)-651-3860
> End of carolinabirds Digest Sun, 02 Aug 2026
>
Date: 8/1/26 11:53 am From: scompton1251 <scompton1251...> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
Matt and Susan,Oops! Misread the subject line. Steve ComptonSent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: Susan Campbell <susan...> Date: 8/1/26 1:21 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Matt Janson <m.janson.geolover...>, CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
Hey—
Let me know if you do not get any responses….
Susan
Get Outlook for iOS
From: <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> on behalf of Matt Janson <carolinabirds...> Sent: Saturday, 01 August 2026 13:16:45 To: CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...> Subject: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair? Â
Good afternoon listserv, I am wondering if anyone is aware of a location or organization that repairs and donates used binoculars to schools, nature centers, or other programs. I have a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars that are out of alignment. Zeiss did offer to repair them for me for a fee but instead I opted to go with a new pair of Vortex optics since we use those at work and I have been extremely impressed with their warranty policy compared to Zeiss. Anyhow, I now have an excess pair of Zeiss Terra EDs, and while they are in need of repair, could potentially be used by someone (?). It feels wrong to just throw them in the garbage, but perhaps that is where they are destined. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please respond to me directly. Thank you! -Matt P.S. - a couple decent birds on Ocracoke this week - Louisiana waterthrush (rare migrant on the Outer Banks) and a Sargasso shearwater from shore yesterday afternoon
--
Matthew D. Janson Ocracoke, North Carolina (704)-651-3860
Date: 8/1/26 11:52 am From: scompton1251 <scompton1251...> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
Susan and birders,I got at least 6 responses with several eBirders running streak of 5 years or more! Looks like this will be large lottery pool.Steve ComptonIn the South Carolina Coastal Plain inDorchester, SC Sent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: Susan Campbell <susan...> Date: 8/1/26 1:21 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Matt Janson <m.janson.geolover...>, CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
Hey—
Let me know if you do not get any responses….
Susan
Get Outlook for iOS
From: <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> on behalf of Matt Janson <carolinabirds...> Sent: Saturday, 01 August 2026 13:16:45 To: CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...> Subject: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair? Â
Good afternoon listserv, I am wondering if anyone is aware of a location or organization that repairs and donates used binoculars to schools, nature centers, or other programs. I have a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars that are out of alignment. Zeiss did offer to repair them for me for a fee but instead I opted to go with a new pair of Vortex optics since we use those at work and I have been extremely impressed with their warranty policy compared to Zeiss. Anyhow, I now have an excess pair of Zeiss Terra EDs, and while they are in need of repair, could potentially be used by someone (?). It feels wrong to just throw them in the garbage, but perhaps that is where they are destined. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please respond to me directly. Thank you! -Matt P.S. - a couple decent birds on Ocracoke this week - Louisiana waterthrush (rare migrant on the Outer Banks) and a Sargasso shearwater from shore yesterday afternoon
--
Matthew D. Janson Ocracoke, North Carolina (704)-651-3860
Date: 8/1/26 10:21 am From: Susan Campbell <susan...> Subject: Re: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
Hey—
Let me know if you do not get any responses….
Susan
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <carolinabirds-request...> <carolinabirds-request...> on behalf of Matt Janson <carolinabirds...>
Sent: Saturday, 01 August 2026 13:16:45
To: CarolinaBirds <carolinabirds...>
Subject: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
Good afternoon listserv,
I am wondering if anyone is aware of a location or organization that repairs and donates used binoculars to schools, nature centers, or other programs. I have a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars that are out of alignment. Zeiss did offer to repair them for me for a fee but instead I opted to go with a new pair of Vortex optics since we use those at work and I have been extremely impressed with their warranty policy compared to Zeiss.
Anyhow, I now have an excess pair of Zeiss Terra EDs, and while they are in need of repair, could potentially be used by someone (?). It feels wrong to just throw them in the garbage, but perhaps that is where they are destined.
If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please respond to me directly.
Thank you!
-Matt
P.S. - a couple decent birds on Ocracoke this week - Louisiana waterthrush (rare migrant on the Outer Banks) and a Sargasso shearwater from shore yesterday afternoon
--
Matthew D. Janson
Ocracoke, North Carolina
(704)-651-3860
Date: 8/1/26 10:14 am From: Matt Janson (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Donation of Zeiss binoculars needing repair?
Good afternoon listserv, I am wondering if anyone is aware of a location or organization that repairs and donates used binoculars to schools, nature centers, or other programs. I have a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars that are out of alignment. Zeiss did offer to repair them for me for a fee but instead I opted to go with a new pair of Vortex optics since we use those at work and I have been extremely impressed with their warranty policy compared to Zeiss. Anyhow, I now have an excess pair of Zeiss Terra EDs, and while they are in need of repair, could potentially be used by someone (?). It feels wrong to just throw them in the garbage, but perhaps that is where they are destined. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, please respond to me directly. Thank you! -Matt P.S. - a couple decent birds on Ocracoke this week - Louisiana waterthrush (rare migrant on the Outer Banks) and a Sargasso shearwater from shore yesterday afternoon -- Matthew D. Janson Ocracoke, North Carolina (704)-651-3860
Date: 7/31/26 9:06 am From: Harry LeGrand (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Osprey Nesting in Mountains
Please check the *Birds of North Carolina* website, which is hosted by the
Carolina Bird Club.
Harry LeGrand
author/editor of the Birds of North Carolina website
On Fri, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59 AM <badgerboy...> wrote:
> Tim and all, this is a great question. I was curious about it myself as
> there has been a request to install Osprey nesting platforms in the
> mountains of NW NC. Although the NC Bird Atlas data, which is publicly
> available on the web, shows several confirmed nesting reports in the
> mountains, it appears that most of them are probably incorrect, with
> pictures showing what appear to be squirrels nests with Ospreys near them,
> reports of Osprey carrying food, with no further comments, which obviously
> Ospreys do every time they catch a fish whether or not they are nesting in
> the area, and other sorts of behaviors unlikely indicative of true nesting.
>
>
> However, there was one place, Lake Santeetla near Robbinsville at about
> 2000 feet elevation, that had several reports from 2021 thru 2025 of
> Ospreys on nest in April, and one report with a good description but
> unfortunately no photo, of Ospreys on the nest with nestlings in June. See
> ebird checklist here <https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S90708315>.
> Coincidentally, the Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas 2 which finished up
> earlier this decade, also had what I consider likely correct reports from
> Claytor Lake near Blacksburg at 2000 feet elevation, with pictures, of
> Ospreys nesting.
>
>
> So Yes, probably, if you consider 2000' elevation lakes to be "Mountains".
>
>
> Guy (McGrane, Boone NC)
>
>
> On 7/31/2026 10:10 AM, Tim Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) wrote:
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> Are there records of Osprey nesting in the mountains. Where/when and are
> there photos?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tim Lewis
> Jackson Co. NC
>
>
>
Date: 7/31/26 8:59 am From: <badgerboy...> Subject: Re: Osprey Nesting in Mountains
Tim and all, this is a great question. I was curious about it myself as there has been a request to install Osprey nesting platforms in the mountains of NW NC. Although the NC Bird Atlas data, which is publicly available on the web, shows several confirmed nesting reports in the mountains, it appears that most of them are probably incorrect, with pictures showing what appear to be squirrels nests with Ospreys near them, reports of Osprey carrying food, with no further comments, which obviously Ospreys do every time they catch a fish whether or not they are nesting in the area, and other sorts of behaviors unlikely indicative of true nesting.
However, there was one place, Lake Santeetla near Robbinsville at about 2000 feet elevation, that had several reports from 2021 thru 2025 of Ospreys on nest in April, and one report with a good description but unfortunately no photo, of Ospreys on the nest with nestlings in June. See ebird checklist here <https://ebird.org/atlasnc/checklist/S90708315>. Coincidentally, the Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas 2 which finished up earlier this decade, also had what I consider likely correct reports from Claytor Lake near Blacksburg at 2000 feet elevation, with pictures, of Ospreys nesting.
So Yes, probably, if you consider 2000' elevation lakes to be "Mountains".
Guy (McGrane, Boone NC)
On 7/31/2026 10:10 AM, Tim Lewis (via carolinabirds Mailing List) wrote: > Hello everyone, > > Are there records of Osprey nesting in the mountains. Where/when and > are there photos? > > Thanks, > > Tim Lewis > Jackson Co. NC
Date: 7/30/26 3:26 pm From: Brian Pendergraft (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Falls Lake - Decent Warbler
I had a notion to go outside this afternoon after work because the dew point was more tolerable, and I really don't like to be indoors. Dang it paid off.
I had a NORTHERN YELL\OW WARBLER in one of my mimosas (sorry) for over 30 minutes actively feeding on insects. This was only my second one at Falls Lake, and although they are close by somewhere on the lake or other places in Wake County, this was exciting for me.
I've never had more than 17 warbler species in the fall here, but this bird might help. If I can just get a cold front Blue-winged Warbler in late August or early September!
Middle of August starts the show, so obviously I'm getting pumped now.
Date: 7/28/26 6:02 pm From: Lynn Erla Beegle (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: Steve Compton's 2026 stats so far
Hi Steve, et al.
I admit: I've submitted at least one eBird checklist each day, no
misses, since January 1st... 2017 (!) This despite a full-time job
(retired July 2024), surgery, travel, crises, and funerals. Yes, I
guess I need an intervention. But some days were just brief lists,
half-hour in my backyard, for example.
And I know this will be my longest streak (over 9 years at this
point); at 68 years of age, I won't have the energy to do another
3,500- day streak.
So congratulations, and keep it up, Steve and others.
Note that the eBird Checklist-A-Day Challenge is actually to do 365
complete lists in a year. So if you miss a day, all is not lost; just
make two lists in a day and keep going! You'll still be eligible to
win!
On Tue, Jul 28, 2026 at 4:41 PM scompton1251 <scompton1251...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my Galaxy
> Birders.
>
> This is my first year of full retirement, and my first time keeping an eBird list every day. I haven't missed a day so I am.atill qualified for the Zeiss binos drawing. Here are some stats for the year so far:
>
> Lists Species
> World 326 245
> US 322 245 ( no adds in Canada)
> SC 285 170
> County 268 143 ( Dorchester, SC)
>
> ABA area life list 679. Added 5 in a 15 day trip to Minnesota, ND, Montana, Saskatchewan this June
>
> Completed my 38th year of Breeding Bird Surveys in June.
>
> Has anyone else done an.eBird list every day this year?
>
> Steve Compton
> Dorchester, SC
>
>
Date: 7/28/26 1:41 pm From: scompton1251 <scompton1251...> Subject: Steve Compton's 2026 stats so far
Sent from my GalaxyBirders.This is my first year of full retirement, and my first time keeping an eBird list every day. I haven't missed a day so I am.atill qualified for the Zeiss binos drawing. Here are some stats for the year so far:       Lists   SpeciesWorld  326     245US     322     245 ( no adds in Canada)SC      285     170County  268     143 ( Dorchester, SC)ABA area life list 679. Added 5 in a 15 day trip to Minnesota, ND, Montana, Saskatchewan this JuneCompleted my 38th year of Breeding Bird Surveys in June.Has anyone else done an.eBird list every day this year?Steve ComptonDorchester, SC Â
Date: 7/25/26 1:16 pm From: Brian Pendergraft (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: FOS - American Redstart
71 degrees on July 25th and I am looking at a female American Redstart in the backyard here at Falls Lake. Not the first ever in July here but I see more when the calendar turns over to
early August.
Makes me want fall quicker.
Date: 7/24/26 8:07 am From: Becky Bateman (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: 2026 Gray-cheeked Thrush Program - Falls Lake, NC
Well, I can only do the 10th and I see that is full. Guess I am just out of
luck.
On Fri, Jul 24, 2026, 7:40 AM Brian Pendergraft <carolinabirds...>
wrote:
> Good morning.
>
> The response has been really really special, and I can't thank everyone
> enough for continuing to participate in this little program. It's Ryan and
> Tony for sure.
>
> We're getting full on a couple of days (Oct 3rd, 4th, and 10th are full)
> but the other dates have room if anyone else wants to attend.
>
> Again the program is from Oct 3-10, and I would like to keep it to 10-12
> per day. Let me know quickly to reserve your spot. This will be the last
> announcement.
>
> 7:00am start time till whenever you get tired, and we do expect to see
> some brown thrushes, as well as a few warblers and other stuff. This is
> driveway birding! Come join us.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Brian Pendergraft
> Falls Lake, NC
>
Date: 7/24/26 7:39 am From: \<hilton...>\ (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Hilton Pond North (1 Jul 2026) Bats In Our Trees, Not In A Belfry
Thirty-two tiny teeth, paper-thin wings, and a life spent among the leaves—meet the Eastern Red Bat in Installment #42 of “This Week At Hilton Pond North.†We also offer photos of a Hooded Warbler, nestling Eastern Bluebirds, and a beetle whose wing covers resemble a Turkish rug, as well as our latest banding results (including hummingbirds). Please take a look at https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260701.html Enjoy!
(There are also links to our nature livestream and latest “Deep Dive†podcast.)
Dr. BILL HILTON JR.
"Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Projectâ€
â„… Hilton Pond North: Blue Ridge Birds & Nature
2918 Silas Creek Road
Lansing NC 28643
(803)684-5852
The mission of Hilton Pond North is "to conserve plants, animals, habitats, and other natural components of the Blue Ridge Region of the eastern United States through observation, scientific study, and education for students of all ages.
"Never trust a person too lazy to get up for sunrise or too busy to watch the sunset." BHjr.
Date: 7/24/26 4:41 am From: Brian Pendergraft (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: 2026 Gray-cheeked Thrush Program - Falls Lake, NC
Good morning.
The response has been really really special, and I can't thank everyone enough for continuing to participate in this little program. It's Ryan and Tony for sure.
We're getting full on a couple of days (Oct 3rd, 4th, and 10th are full) but the other dates have room if anyone else wants to attend.
Again the program is from Oct 3-10, and I would like to keep it to 10-12 per day. Let me know quickly to reserve your spot. This will be the last announcement.
7:00am start time till whenever you get tired, and we do expect to see some brown thrushes, as well as a few warblers and other stuff. This is driveway birding! Come join us.
Date: 7/22/26 12:26 pm From: Brian Pendergraft (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: 2026 Falls Lake Gray-Cheeked Thrush Program
Hey everyone.
It's almost August, and it's been a long and hot summer up here in northern Wake County. I'm ready for cooler temps and fall migration! Mid-August starts the migration up here typically, but I can get a roaming parula, redstart, or black and white previous to then, so I'll start spending more time outside.
But this program is also about those brown guys....the thrushes that I love so much. Ryan, Tony, and yours truly are opening up the property again this year if the interest is there. This would be year 13 I think?
I'm going on vacation the week of August 11th, so I'm hoping to have everyone signed up before I leave. This year's program is October 3-10th, so please let me know via email or text if you want to reserve a spot. Please try and stay away from both Saturday's because I do let the New Hope and Burlington folks schedule these days. (Lee let's discuss the Franklin County folks as well, if there is interest.)
For folks who want more information about the program, please reach out to me off-line, and I'll be happy to provide the information you need. Please reach out to friends/family who might not be on this listserv. I'll put out a Facebook blurb, but I won't do much more than that. We have been getting right at 100 folks every year, so hopefully we will see some folks again this year. *PLEASE NOTE: I'm going to limit it this year to 10 or so birders per day this year, to reduce the number of cars, as well as keep the groups a bit smaller so everyone can get on all the birds. So please reach out quickly, so you don't lose a spot.*
The dogwood berry crop is good again, and the magnolia has numerous pods already. We've seen the Gray-cheeked here since the program started, and my history with the bird goes back to 2005. October is the best month here in my part of Wake County, so I expect to see thrushes, warblers, and probably a few grosbeaks and tanagers.
I look forward to your responses, and I will get to all of you pretty quickly to reserve your spot.
