I've ran three routes over the last week in Murray County. These are unregistered roadside surveys, but I use the same method that is used on the BBS routes. The first route I conducted is in southwest portion of Murray County near the Brackett Ridges. This route only had twenty stopping points. I observed 54 species in all, but not one Prarie Warbler. Highlights on this route were Wood Duck, Red-headed Woodpecker, Louisiana Waterthrush, Grasshopper Sparrow, Dickcissel(Fagala Rd location).

The next roadside survey I conducted was in the southcentral portion of Murray County in the Coosawattee WMA. It has fifty stopping points through a variety of habitat including much early successional growth. I recorded 66 species here. This area yielded Prairie Warblers at 18 of the 50 stops. Other highlights included a Black Vulture perched on a chimney of an abandoned house and acting very agitated when I came too close, Northern Bobwhite - 3/50, House Wren, Blue-winged Warbler - two new locations.

The other roadside survey was in west-central Murray County near Springplace. This was also a small route with only 24 stopping points. I had 55 species here, but no Prairie Warblers. Highlights were Northern Bobwhite- 6/24, House Wren- 2/24, and best of all, two Barred Owls on the 23rd stop. When I got out of the vehicle I heard the distinct "ksssssshhip" hiss that's made by begging juveniles. They were perched in a grove of hardwoods adjacent to the road. They could fly but it was clear that they were new at it.

Take Care,

Joshua Spence,

Murray County

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