New bird for CR list: lined seedeater (1 Viewer)

[ManakusCR]

Hi dear birding fellows!

I wanted to share with you a report for a new specie for the CR birdlist; Sporophila lineola, Lined seed eater.

On October 5th, 2013 at 10:20am my friend Roy Orozco and I along with our wives decided to go birding to el Rey, a birding spot we frequent thanks to its easy access from Quepos and for the good variety of birds that can be found here. I never thought what was going to happen after that.

After 2 hours of birding I was looking at some white collared seedeaters and later I realized there was a bird I have never seen before, and immediately realized that was something totally new to our country, I pointed the bird to my friend Roy and our wives, we both got photos and emailed them to James Zook who identified the bird as lined seedeater.

According Zook, this specie is from south america; colombia, Venezuela, Guiana.
According the Panama field guide by George R. Angehr In Panama there is only one record from the caribbean side of canal area back in 2000, presumably with no photographic proof.

 

[njlarsen]

Certainly looks similar: http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Lined_Seedeater

Niels

 

[ManakusCR]

Hi njlarse!
Oh no doubt! This vagrant males was in a wetland I bird very often and so it for first time on Oct 5th 12:20pm, I made a few calls and sent some pictures and later in the day that place was loaded with birders from different parts or CR, I kept going for the next 4 days hoping to find a female or to see any particular behavior from than male with no succes, it did not vocalized but it associated with some females and a few males white collared seedeaters, on the Second day members of the scientific committee of the ornithological association James Zook acompanied by Kevin Easley and friends went to the place to see the bird.

 

[Birdingcraft]

So glad you guys found that bird! I probably won't be able to look for it until November so I just have my fingers crossed that it will be around. Given the Panama record and this species being a migrant, I was wondering when that might show up. Since it could show up in rice fields that are rarely birded, even if we get one every few years (or one or two a year), they could go totally undetected. A good reminder to bird a lot and watch for anything that looks unfamiliar (I am personally hoping to find the first Hammond's Flycatcher and Black-chinned Hummingbird for the country but would be happy for anyone to find them).

 

[bobf]

Can anyone provide directions to this site? The "map" on ebird doesn't help much. I'm planning a trip in Jan which will take me along the road Quepos-Dominical, and, while I assume the Lined Seedeater is long gone, there seem to be a number of recent sightings of Slate-colored Seedeater there. (And, if there are no seedeaters there in Jan., that would be good info as well)

Thanks

Bob

 

[Birdingcraft]

That site is always worth checking! On the road between Quepos and Dominical, watch for the sign for Playa del Rey. There may only be a sign on the north side of the road. The road to the wetlands goes through oil palms and then passes through nice wetlands. Four wheel drive only and even then, sometimes it can be too wet.

 

[ManakusCR]

Can anyone provide directions to this site? The "map" on ebird doesn't help much. I'm planning a trip in Jan which will take me along the road Quepos-Dominical, and, while I assume the Lined Seedeater is long gone, there seem to be a number of recent sightings of Slate-colored Seedeater there. (And, if there are no seedeaters there in Jan., that would be good info as well)

Thanks

Bob

Hi Bob!
If you drive from Quepos to Dominical, once you get to Finca Mona, drive 2km south heading to Dominical, the entrance is on your right hand side, like Patrick said there is a sign but it is not in the northern side, its on the southern side. Other way to put it is from Mona, count 5 birdges/culverts and take the next right right after the 5th one. you will see on your right hand side a sign for Dominical and other places. Follow this road along the palm oil until the T intersection, take a left and park your car somewhere in the sade, no 4x4 is needed as the road has been in OK conditions compared to other years. The birding here is good and the places is really reliable for slate colored seedeater, nonetheless unlike other sporophila species dont spect them on the grass, you will have more chances looking for them singing from a perch on a trees, once you start to walk, 150 meter from the T intersection there would be an older humble house on your right, the trees 60 meters past the house on your left are your better chances.


Good luck.
Johan Chaves
See my birding blog, I often post fresh info on sightings in this area:
www.manuelantoniobirding.wordpress.com