The Spring Season March 1

The SpringSeason March 1 - May 31,1990

weather undoubtedly took its toll on other insect-dependent speciesas well. On Newfoundland, where migration is normally later than the mainland by one to two weeks, the more potentially susceptiblemigrants had not arrived when the foul weatherhit. If thesebirds perished,they did so south of the province. Bruce Mactavish reportsthat by the end of May in Newfoundland, there were still no leavesout on the trees,and the passerinemigration was at least ten days behind schedule. If the inclement weather had any effect on the degreeof birder effort, it was not apparent with respectto the rarities discovered, which were numerous and exciting, as one comesto expect of the Maritimes. Despitethe prevail- ing northeastwinds at this time, there were few European straysin evidence,but some did arrive, as noted below. Reportingwas excellentfrom Nova Scotia,eastern New- foundland, and Saint Pierre et Miquelon, good from New Brunswick, fair from western Newfoundland, and poor from Prince Edward Island.

ABBREVIATIONS: S.P.M.= Saint Pierre et Miquelon; PEI = Prince Edward Island; G.M.N.P. = Gros Mome National Park, Newfoundland. Place names in italics are counties.

LOONS TO IBISES -- The high countsof the two regular loon specieswere of 10 Red-throatedsat Economy, NS, on Apr. 6 (FS), and 100 Commons at Cherry Hill Beach,NS, on Apr. 28 (SC).This latter locationalso hosted the highest concentrationof Horned Grebes,with 78 on Mar. 13 (SC). Smaller numbers of Red-necked Grebes were oo reported from the mainland, with the largest group being

MAP ILLUSTRATIONS/DENISE O BRIEN of 60 at Pinkney'sPoint, NS, on Mar. 26 (JD).However, RE estimatedat least 200 around S.P.M. in April. Too little informationregarding tubenoses was received to draw any conclusions;no large numbersof any species ATLANTIC were seen. On May 16, RE checked some cliffs in S.P.M. where Northern Fulmar had been apparently prospecting PROVINCES for potential nestingsites a few years earlier, but no birds REGION were located. A Manx Shearwaterseen from Bon Portage I., NS, May 19 (FL) makesone wonder if this speciesmight try breedingon the island, which already hostsmore than Blake Maybank 50,000 Leach's Storm-Petrels. The first Leach's Storm- xperiencedMaritimers are accustomed to poorweather Petrelsreported from Nova Scotiawere on May 10, but 30 eachspring; indeed, there hardly seemsto be a spring were seenoff CapeSt. Francis,NF, on Apr. 25, during a NE at all, as winter fadesfoggily into summer.This year,how- gale (KKn, BMt). One that landed off-coursein Moncton, ever,it was worsethan usual.March and April were typi- NB, in late May was recovered,but died a few days later cally dull, cool, and dreary,enlivened by a few unusually (fide TE). The N. Gannet migration was well-observedthis warmspells that propelleda few suicidalmigrants north- year,with the peak period beingthe first 3 weeksof April. ward ahead of schedule.Then came a vicious May, with JD had 1000/hour flying past Pinkney'sPt., NS, on Apr. 5, the monthly temperaturea full 5 degreesCelsius below while 300-600/hour were seen off Pennant Bay, NS {D. & normal. A stalled low pressuresystem east of Newfound- A. Mackinnon). land kept north and northeastwinds, and the accompany- This was not a good heron spring. American Bitterns ing cold weather, pouring into the Region until May 27 showed averagenumbers, with 7 reportsfrom Nova Sco- (May 28 in Newfoundland). The third and fourth weeks of tia, 3 from S.P.M., and a few from New Brunswick and May were particularly hard on the birds on the mainland, Newfoundland. Great Blue Herons were late in arriving with below-freezingtemperatures and widespread snow- throughout the mainland, and no large concentrations fall or fiurries on severaldays. Swallows and Purple Mar- were found away from Prince Edward Island. The only tins were the most visible victims of the cold, but the Great Egretswere singlesat Moncton, NB, May 13-end of

388 American Birds, Fall 1990 period (HD et al ) and GrandManan, NB, May 18 (HD) A nationalpark stafffound it May 29 at CavendishBay (fide Little Egret on Bon PortageI., NS, from early May onwards DCh). Northern Shovelers are rare in Newfoundland, but (PS, m.ob.) was presumablythe samebird presenta year have had a 2nd consecutivegood spring showing,with a earlier. There is evidenceto suggestthe bird was also pre- pair and two malesMay 11 at Deer Lake, and a male at St sentin spring-summer1988 aswell. This tendsto support Paul'sMay 19 (bothsightings JW et al.). the theory mentioned a year ago in this report that this Pictou Harbour, NS, is a known wintering locale for Reglon's Little Egrets have a southern origin, after dis- GreaterScaup, but this year the numbersbuilt up to an all- placementfrom Africa, ratherthan via the North Atlantic. time high of 2300 on Mar. 24 (BMy). CommonEider were The bird was studiedclosely by IM on May 20 & 29, and well reported from around the Region, with the largest he reportsthat "its rangy,larger-headed appearance, and flock 16,000 at Three-Fathom Harbour, NS, Mar. 28 (FL). A •ts s•ze (notably larger than two Snowy Egrets)matched Harlequin Duck was locally rare at Le Goule, NB, Apr. 7 last year's birds, but this one had lores that were bluish- (fi'deHC). All three scorerspecies were reported less fre- grey, with only a small dot of yellow in front." Four quently than usual, but conclusionswould be dangerous Snowy Egretsreturned to Bon PortageI., NS, in early May, to draw. The bestreport on the mainland was from Hartlen where they apparentlyhave been attempting to establisha Pt., NS, on Apr. 13, where BMy had over 1000 scoters, colony.By mid-month there were only two birds present, with at least 350 White-wingeds, 150 Surfs, 120 Blacks, and none could be located at month's end. Their coloniza- and the rest Surf/Black. Alain Desbrosse had over 2000 tion could have been thwarted by the increasingnumbers White-wingeds off Langlade, S.P.M., Mar. 31. The only of gulls nestingthere. Elsewherein the Regiononly three Ruddy Duck reportedwas at Caraquet,NB, May 12 (MD) Snowies were reported: at Hacketts Cove, Halifax, NS, May 1-15 (BMa et al.); on Grand Manan, NB, Apr. 27-May BAPTORS -- Spring hawk flights are rare in the Mar- 4 (HD); and at WatersideMarsh, NB, May 25-26 (fide PP). itimes, but RW at Fundy N.P., NB, was treated to one on There were 3 reports of Green-backedHerons from Nova Apr. 23-24, during a break in the weather. Accurate Scotia,one eachfrom SealI. (May 9), Brier I. (May 20), and counts were not possible, but many hundreds of birds Dartmouth (May 22). were observed,primarily Sharp-shinnedHawk, Broad- The only memberof the heron groupto put on a good winged Hawk, American Kestrel,and Merlin. show was GlossyIbis. With rumoursof hundredsarriving There were numerousTurkey Vulture reportsfrom New in Maine this spring,we expectedsome to head our way, Brunswick and southern Nova Scotia. An out-of-range and we were not disappointed.Nova Scotiahad singlesat bird was at Sand L., Cape Breton I., NS, on May 9 (Cathy W ChezzetcookApr. 12-16, Seal I. Apr. 13, Black Pt. Apr. Murrant). The Red-shoulderedHawk in Kentville appar- 14, OvertonApr. 19-22, and Pinkney'sPt. May 23-24, and ently successfullyoverwintered. Even more unusual was a two at Hartlen Pt. May 10-11. In April (dateunspecified), Red-shoulderedresembling the pale Florida race, seenat Prince EdwardIsland hosteda flock of eight at Malpeque Moncton, NB, Mar. 28 (ST). A Broad-wingedHawk near (fide RC). New Brunswick had the best ibis show, with Mahone Bay, NS, Apr. 6 (SC) was Nova Scotia'searliest three at Lower CloverdaleApr. 12, 10 at Daniel's Harbour spring arrival by 5 days. The raptor of greatestinterest Apr 22 (RW), three at Moncton the sameday, and three at in this report is a belatedly reported Swainson'sHawk, Dieppe Apr. 14-18. found dead on Spenser'sI., Colchester,NS, in the springof 1989. The personwho found the bird sent in a band from WATERFOWL -- Incomplete reporting provided an the hawk's leg; the hawk had been banded as an immature incompletepicture of the statusof waterfowlpopulations. at Cape May, New Jersey, in the autumn of 1988. We The goose situation was clearer than for the ducks. Fol- would like more details from the bird's discoverer,espe- lowing last year'sSnow Gooseinvasion, high hopeswere cially including whether the bird was an old corpse,or a held for a repeatshow this year.It was not to be, although spring arrival. This was the 2nd record of this speciesfor Mmne did very well to the west and southof us. Only one the province,and the first confirmedone. or two were reportedfrom Nova Scotia.In New Brunswick A Red-tailed Hawk was reported by RB on the Burin a few small flocks were reported from Albert (fide DCh) Peninsula,NF, May 7. There are only 5 recordsfor insular and a single flock of three immatures was at Shepody Newfoundland.The plumage as describedin the report N.WA., Apr. 29-May 7 (RW, HD). However, Newfound- was atypical, but a red tail was in evidence. The conclu- land had an unprecedentedflock of 18 Snow Geese(four sive patagial marks were not noted. In New Brunswick, adult, 14 imm.) at Shallow Bay, G.M.N.P., Apr. 10-20, PeregrineFalcons have returned to their nestsin Fundy with a few until early May (HDm). Brant were felt to be N.P. and the harbourbridge at Saint John(fide RW & PP) down in numbersin Nova Scotia, with only one observer At the latter location the birds shifted their nest location reporting more than one hundred in a flock. In New from precarious bridge struts to a nesting platform built Brunswick,200 plus at Grand Manan Apr. 15 was consid- for them, and three week-old young were observedMay ered a goodnumber (HD). 25. In Newfoundland,away from the regular L'anse-aux- A number of Wood Ducks around St. John's,NF, are con- Meadows area, Gyrfalconswere noted at Flatrock, with sidered local escapesor releases(fide BMt), but one else- two white-morph'birdsApr. 13-15 (JW et al.), and Cape where in the province at Deer Lake, May 20, was St. Mary's, with a dark-morph bird seen Apr. i (JW) and considered wild (JW et al.), as were the three males that May 1 (RB). overwintered at Sullivan's Pond, Dartmouth, NS (BIL). EurasianGreen-winged Teal are becomingalmost routine. GROUSE TO SHOBEBIItDS -- Chukars were released One in the Wolfville, NS, area was seen off and on until at W. Pubnico,NS, in the springof last year.Some appar- Apr 16 (BS). New Brunswick had another at Waterside ently survived the winter, for a nest with 13 eggswas May 21 (AM), and another at Val Corneau P.P. May 5 found on May 13 (JD). Regardlessof this success,their (RobertDoiron). The duck of the spring was New Bruns- future seems in doubt. wlck's 2nd Garganey, at Val ComeauP.P., off and on from A dead rail found at Eddy Marsh, NS, on May 31 (Allan May 15-23 (fide HC). What may well have been the same Hanson) was either a King or a Clapper rail. It has been b•rd became a first for Prince Edward Island, when sent to the national museum in Ottawa for positive

Volume 44, Number 3 389 identification. A Common Moorhen was considered a of the Region,so it is difficult to explain the origin of 10 goodfind at Val CorneauP.P., NB, May 5 (fide HC). A new immaturesat Cole Harbour,NS, Apr. 28, and three adults speciesfor S.P.M.was a Sandhill Crane May 19-24 (j. & C. at Val CorneauP.P., NB, May 24 (fide HC). The former were Herbertet al., ph.). perhapslate migrantsfrom New England,while the latter Cape Sable is apparentlythe place to be in Nova Scotia may have been trying to nest locally.The Mew Gull over- for variety and numbersof our lessregular spring shore- wintering in Halifax was last seenMar. 25. Newfoundland birds. The following totals by Sid Smith were the best in reportedtwo Mew Gulls. The last week of April produced the province:187 Black-belliedPlovers May 27; two Semi- two Ivory Gulls, one in Glace Bay, NS, for several days plated Plovers May 27; 10 Piping PloversApr. 13; two (fide BIL), and one on the CN ferry to Prince Edward WhimbrelsMay 4; two Red KnotsMay 27; 60 Sanderlings Island (fide RC). May 4. In preparation for a live cross-CanadaT.V. link-up of SeA, birdersfrom Halifax, NS, Pt. Pelee,ON, and Calgary,AB, McLaren discovered Nova Scotia's 2nd Greater Golden- I'm saddened to announce another setback for the Plover at Hartlen Pt. May 22. It stayedfor 2 more days, Region'sbreeding terns• Here, as elsewherealong the eastcoast of NorthAmerica, tern populations have been delightingdozens of birders from near and far. This bird decliningdue to the pressuresof an increasinggull may have been caughtup in the NE winds that prevailed population.The CanadianWildlife Service[C.W.S.), in for much of May. Other GreaterGolden-Plovers were two the only accuratesurvey to date,estimates that 50% of at S.P.M.May 24-25 [RE et al., ph.), and one at St. Paul's, the tern colonies along Nova Scotia'sAtlantic coast NF, May 16 (JW et al.). All the birds were breeding- havealready been lost. Gulls are profitingby exploiting plumagedadults. This was the 3rd straight spring this garbagedumps, fishing industry waste, and untreated specieshas shown up in the Region.Piping Ploversare humansewage. The long-termsolution requires society decliningthroughout the Region,but nowhereis the situa- to changeits habits with respectto waste,but thus far tion more precariousthan in Newfoundland. At the last the political and socialwill to act seemslacking. The "stronghold"in the provinceat a beachwest of Burgee,Joe ternscan't wait. In responseto the crisis,the C.W.S.has Brazil counted a maximum of six birds. This is not much deviseda Tern RecoveryPlan to assistthe terns in the short term. The goal is to protect certain key tern to build a recoveryon. coloniesfrom depredationby gulls, so that in the Three Solitary Sandpiperswere a good spring find in future, if gull populationsare reducedbecause society G.M.N.P. on May 31 (HDm), as were two singlesin New has cleanedup its act, the ternswill be ableto reclaim Brunswick,one eachat Sackville[TE) and CapeJourimain their formerbreeding colonies. The Plan involveselim- (ST), both on May 17. Three Upland Sandpipersat W. Pub- inatingthose gull colonieswhich threatenthe coretern nice, NS, were a treat for JDon May 4. Another Upland colonies. Sandpiperwas out-of-placeat Bois Hebert, NB, May 10 SableIsland, NS, is the ideal'place to beginthis (fide HC). A Whimbrel of the Eurasianrace was on S.P.M. effort.It is isolated,located in rich feedinggrounds, and May 20 (BrunaLetournel). A Sanderlingat PortugalCove can supporta largenumber of term. Early in this cen- South, NF, Mar. 11 (CB) suggesteda rare successfulover- turythe breeding population was estimated at iinot far wintering. :ShOrtof a million birdsf but only about 1000 pairs The bird of the spring for Newfoundland was the remain,mostlyCommon and Arcticterns, with 10 or so pairs of Roseate Terns, the second-largestRoseate province's3rd Curlew Sandpiper at Kilbride May 24-26 colonyremaining in Canada.Gulls did not historically (BMt et al., ph.). This bird could have arrived on the same breedon SableIsland, but over 3500 pairsdo so now, systemthat broughtthe GreaterGolden-Plovers. A Buff- both Herring and Great Black-backed. The C.W.S. breasted Sandpiper at Conrad'sBeach Apr. 7 furnished plannedtopoison the gulls w!th Starlicide, which only the third springsighting for Nova Scotia.Nova Scotia humanelyshuts down the birds kidneys.It has been also had the Region'sonly Ruffs this spring, with one at approvedfor usein the U.S. (and the AudubonSociety LockeportApr. I (fide IM), and one (samebird?) at Little recommendsits use),but certificationisstill pendingin HarbourApr. 10 (DY). Short-billedDowitchers are rare in Canada.Local naturalhistory and bird clubs,and the spring;this yearone was at G.M.N.P.May 21 (JW,CB). Wil- majormain-stream natural history groups in the coun- son'sPhalarope are morecommon each year, especially in try, have not objectedto the gull eradicationprogram. New Brunswick. This province hosted one at Caraquet Support,however, is not unanimousamong the public May 14 (fide HC) and a pair at SackvilleSewage Lagoons at large.When the intentionsof the C,W.S,were placed beforepublic reviewFa considerablehue and cry was May 2-4 (TE). Anotherwas at Port Williams, NS, May 27 raised,much, of it ill-informed,and mostof it originat- (Jim Wolford). ing from the provinceof Ontario.The media naturally fuelled the controversy.Some critics objected to inter- GULLS TO ALCIDS -- Lost, but much appreciated, ferenceof anykind, preferring, in effect,the extirpation was an adult Long-tailedJaeger well inland on a snow- :ofthe terns. Others disliked the methodof killing the coveredfield at Gasperaux,NS, Apr. 6-8 (m.ob., ph). Its gulls,perferring a non-poisonousapproach. Still others right eye appearedinjured, and it was reduced to eating questionedthe safetyof the actualpoison to he used, earthworms,and laboratorymice served on a plywood and whether the adjacentlynesting "Ipswich" Savan- platter.When it left, however,it appearedin much better nah Sparrowswould be affected,although in field tests health than when it had arrived. the sparrowsiguored the bait set for the gulls. The An adult Frauldin's Gull in G.M.N.P.May 31 (HDm) fur- opponentsof the Plan floodedthe officeof the Federal Minister of the Environmentwith letters and phone nished about the province's 10th record for this gull. There are more Common Black-headed Gull records each calls,while proponentsremained quiet, which resulted in a one-yearpostponement, "pending further review." year. Newfoundlandestablished new high spring counts It is hopedthe Planwill proceedin 199!, asevery delay with 98 at St. John's Mar. 25, and 99 on Apr. 1, split hurts the terns further. The 10 remaining pairs of between 44 at Bellevue Beach and 55 at Harbour Grace. RoseateTerns will haveto hangon for anotheryear. All the other provinceshad good,but lesser,counts. Most birds left by early April, particularlyin the southernpart OWLS TO FLYCATCHERS -- In a Barred Owl nest box •n

390 American Birds, Fall 1990 the Wolfville, NS, area,Bernard Forsythe found the follow- seen Apr. 24 The wlnter's malor invasion of Bohemian lng on May 11. three short-tmledshrews, two red-backed Waxwingscontinued into late April, althoughthe flocksizes volves, one jumping mouse,two garter snakes,and two graduallydecreased. Unprecedented in dateand size,how- small brook trout. A Northern Hawk Owl at Candlestick ever,was a flock of 135 at Port au Choix,NF, May 5 (HDm). Pond,G.M.N.P., Apr. 14, furnishedonly the 2nd localrecord (fide HDm). Boreal Owls were much in evidencein the VIREOS, WARBLERS -- The regular vireos were Avalon Peninsulaof Newfoundland, with 4 separatesight- reported in normal numbers.All vireos are uncommonin lngs of three singlesand a pair. A pair at Bay St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, and even the most regular, Philadelphia, CapeBreton, NS, Apr. 13, was believedto be nesting(FL). has yet to be confirmednesting, so the sightingof a pair at They were discoveredin this locationa year ago. Millertown May 30 was encouraging(BMt). Rare anytime, No Whip-poor-willswere reportedfrom the Regionthis but especiallyso in spring, were a White-eyed Vireo on season,which suggeststhey were delayedby the poorMay Bon Portage I., NS, May 20 (IM et al.), and a Yellow- weather. Chimney Swifts, especiallyin New Brunswick, throated Vireo in Lunenberg,NS, May 27 (Jim Taylor) were hard hit by the May freeze. Fifty or more corpses Each provided a 4th springsighting in the province. were found in somechimneys. In Nova Scotia,mortality Mactavish felt that warbler migration was 10 days late was much lower. The famous Wolfville swifts described in in Newfoundland, with the cold weather once again detad a year agobuilt up to 800 or moreby May 20. responsible.Migration was similarly delayedon the main- We all would have loved to see the hummingbird sp. land, but the birds did arrive, and there was no evidence that appearedat Mosherville,NS, on Mar. i (CarolTaylor); of any die-off duringthe cold. The regularbreeders evoked the temperaturewas a very warm 11 degreesCelcius. This little comment from observers, but there were a few ran- bird must have been somethingdeliciously rare, as west- ties to brightenup this dull spring.A Golden-wingedWar- ern and southwesternhummers migrate much earlier than bler at Saint John West, NB, May 5 (fide HC) was a good Ruby-throateds.During the May cold snap,Ruby-throated find, as there are fewer than 10 recordsfor the province, Hummingbirds flocked to feeders, with one observerin most in fall. Nova Scotia's7th Black-throated Gray War- New Brunswickreporting 25 in the yard at one time (fide bler was a female at Green Bay May 17-19 (SC). A Pine DCh). The feederscertainly aided in the hummers' sur- Warbler,rare in Nova Scotia in spring,was discovered•n vival, for'numbersseemed normal at the endof themonth. Halifax May 20 (K. & W. Tay). Two were discoveredon ter- The only unusualwoodpeckers were a Red-headedon ritory on CurryMr., NB, Apr. 22 (Hal Hinds). The peculiar SealI., NS, May 14-19 (fi'deIM), and a Yellow-belliedSap- warblerof the spring,though, had to be the brightd Pro- suckeron S.P.M.May i (fide RE). thonotary Warbler at the feeder of Oliver Ross on Cape Flycatchersare normally late migrantshere, and were SableI., NS, Apr. 3-27. It subsistedon a diet of peanutbut- apparentlylittle affectedby the adverseweather in May. ter and crab-applejelly, not likely its normal fare. Another, There are unaccountablyfew Newfoundland records of or the same bird, reappeareda week later. Still another EasternPhoebe, but this spring there were two, one Apr. ProthonotaryWarbler flew onto the researchvessel the 22 at Plum Pt. (JohnGibbons), and one May 10 on Ramea "Hudson" on Apr. 5, 100 miles south of Halifax, NS, and (RN). A Western Kingbird, normally an autumn vagrant, died on board (fide BIL). was discoveredMay 20 at GermantownMarsh, NB (AM). Cyril Coldwell had a tantalizing but brief sighting of a TANAGERS TO FINCHES -- There were 2 Summer Gray Kingbird at GasperauxMay 12. Cyril provided a Tanager reports from Nova Scotia. A male was on Bon gooddescription, but the bird did not cooperateby linger- PortageI. May 9-23 (PS), and a first-yearmale was at Mid- ing for othersto corroboratethe find. dle Stewiacke May 10 (RossBaker). Rare in Newfound- land, a 9 ScarletTanager was at the unlikely locationof a SWALLOWS TO WAXWINGS -- A warm spell in patch of deciduousscrub 15 km east of Millertown, May March resulted in the earliest springswallow ever for New 30 (BMt). Most vagrants in that province are found at Brunswick, a Cliff Swallow at Mary's Point Mar. 18 (RW, coastalmigrant traps, so finding one inland is like win- DCh). A day later in the same location a Tree Swallow ning the lottery. There are few confirmed nestings of appeared(Dr. Majka). Both early birds undoubtedlyper- Northern Cardinal in this Region; a nest was discovered •shed. However, more timely swallows deserved a better with just-hatchedyoung on Grand Manan, NB, May 19 fate Most of the hirundines were severelyaffected by the (fi'deHD). mid-May cold. Purple Martins were the hardesthit, with It was a banneryear for Rose-breastedGrosbeaks, in part the 3 coloniesin Nova Scotia,and many of the coloniesin becausethey rushed to feedersduring the cold snap and New Brunswick, experiencinga 90% to 100% mortality were thus more visible than normal. Hundreds of birds (fide TE, FL, DCh). By the end of May there was a partial were reportedin late May from New Brunswickand Nova recolonizationat most places by late-migratingyear-old Scotia, with one in St. John's, NF, as well. There were 2 b•rds.Clearly, however, thef population can not withstand sightingsof Black-headedGrosbeak in Nova Scotia, the 2 springslike this in a row, and the colonieswill take sev- first a male at Hilton May 16-24 (Henry Dick), and the sec- eral years to reassert themselves. Tree Swallows, Cliff ond (with fewer details) a male at Cheverie in with a flock Swallows, and Barn Swallows were also greatly down in of Rose-breasteds.This brought the number of sightings numbers after the cold snap, as much as 70% in some for the provinceto 12, only 3 in the spring.It was an aver- areas. Only the late-migratingBank Swallows appeared ageyear for Indigo Buntings,with 6 recordsof sevenbirds untouchedby the cold. As an effect of this die-off, many in Nova Scotia, and 3 records of four birds for New fewer swallows than normal arrived on S.P.M. (fide RE). Brunswick.The only Blue Grosbeakwas a single at Alma, A singingHouse Wren was discoveredMay 20 in Saint NB, May 26 (AM). John,NB, andwas still on territoryat the end of the period A SavannahSparrow of the Ipswich race was noted on (fide JW). Thrushesand mimids were in normal numbers, Ramea, NF, Apr. 22 and May 7 (RN). The overwintering exceptfor NorthernMockingbirds, which appearedup in Field Sparrow at RW's feeder at Mary's Pt., NB, was last Nova Scotiawith over 20 sightingsaround the province.A seen Apr. 8. Fox Sparrowswere more heavily reported Brown Thrasher overwintered in Halifax, NS, and was last than normal, as they frequented people's feeders dur-

Volume 44, Number 3 391 ing poor weather. The cold in May encouragedWhite- land. White-winged Crossbillswere virtually absent on crowned Sparrows to stop by and linger during their the mainland, and scarce in Newfoundland. Red Cross- migration, with many more sightingsthan normal from bills in Newfoundland were reported as "all but extinct" Nova Scotia (9 reports totalling 18 birds) and New (BMt), which, if the provincialsubspecies is in fact a valid Brunswick. They stayed in the Fundy N.P., NB, area until species, is sad news indeed. Common Redpolls were the weather broke on May 25 (fide RW). In S.P.M. they scarceaway from their breeding areas in Newfoundland. were alsoreported as more numerousthan usual with sev- Pine Siskins and Evening Grosbeaks,after a winter away eral sightingsin late May (RE). Not normally a feeder somewhereelse, showedup in numbersin early May, and species,the foul weather of May drove Bobolinksto feed- have been at feeders since. ers in the Mary's Pt., NB, area (fide RW, DCh). Flockswere CONTRIBUTORS (subregional editors in boldface)-- even seenhuddling under the decksof housesfor shelter. R.G.B. Brown. Chris Brown,Roger Burrows.Hilaire Chias- An imm. c• Yellow-headed Blackbird at Riverview, NB, son, David Christie (DGh}, Shirley Cohrs,Rosemary Curley, May 29 (HD et al.) was the only unusual icterid reported ß Dave Curry, Brian Dalzell, Halton Dalzell, Marcel David, this spring. Hank Deichmann{HDm) Jerome D'Eon, Tony Erskine,Roger And now the finch report. Pine Grosbeakswere fairly Etcheberry,Keith Keddy, Ken Knowles(KKn), Fulton Laven- common only on Newfoundland. Purple Finches were der, Nova Scotia Bird Information Line {BIL), Bruce Mac- widespread by early May after a disappointing winter. tavish {BMt), Ian McLaren, Angus McLean, Richard House Finches continued their relentless march, with 7 Northcott, Linda & Peter Payzant, Peter Pierce, Bev Sarty, reports in Nova Scotia away from the Annapolis Valley, Francis Spalding,Peter C. Smith, Richard Stern, Jim Taylor, including a pair in Halifax in late April, and 12 on Seal I. Stuart Tingley, Rob Walker, John Wells, David Young.- Apr. 14. In New Brunswick they continued to expand in BLAKE MAYBANK (BMy}, Site 14A, Box 43, RR#4, Armdale, all the southerncities. They haveyet to reachNewfound- NS B3L 4J4.

QUEBEC QUEBEC lmßRadisson REGION

EastmainßGh•bougamao Matagam• Yves Aubry, Michel Gosselin, and Richard Yank

his springwas generally cool with light precipitation, below normal precipitation except in extreme southwest- but was highlighted by brief periods of abnormally ern Quebec,and also on the North Shore and the Gasp• warm weather that brought several waves of early Peninsula where record snowfalls occurred. Cold and migrants into the Region. A warm spell across western snowwas likely responsiblefor the discoveryof 109 dead Quebec in mid-March producedrecord early waterfowl swifts at the bottom of a chimney in La Pocati•re May 23 and swallows--these conditionsgiving way to cold and (CA); 60 Purple Martins were also found dead near a snow again beforemonth's end. A few mild days in early Laprairie houseduring the month (fide YA). Following a April and a five-day heat wave that reachedsouthwestern period of cold weather with strong east winds, warm Quebecon April 25 raisedaverage monthly temperatures southerlywinds broughta noticeableinflux of passerines abovethe mean for the southernone-half of the province, to the Magdalen Islands May 26-27. Most notable were where precipitation levels were also above normal. seven EasternBluebirds (EL, PBo), a Gray Catbird (CDi), Warblers of no fewer than 12 specieswere recordedat six speciesof locally rare warblers,a male ScarletTanager Montreal by the end of April, with several new early (AR, CDi), and 15+ Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (AP, v.o.). An arrival recordsbeing established. Indigo Bunting at Gasp• May 26 (JG,GCa) was likely part May was coolerthan usual throughoutthe Region,with of this movement as well.

392 American Birds, Fall 1990 NEW EARLY ARRIVAL RECORDS betchouanMay 10-14 (CC,GS et al.). Reportsof 13 Greater White-fronted Geese included an adult accompaniedby Date Species Location Observers three young hybrids (x Canada Goose)at Baie-du-Febvre 13 Mar. Blue-wingedTeal (2) Longueuil MP Apr. 8 (MP). A Bar-headedGoose was noted at Pointe-au- 16 Mar. Tree Swallows (5) Valleyfield MM, BB Platon Apr. 15 (LR), and anotherfed with CanadaGeese at 17 Mar. Greater White-fronted Geese (2) Sainte-Barbe PBa, RBa Baie-du-FebvreApr. 29 (DJ). Single BarnacleGeese were 20 Mar. Lesser Black-backed Gull Hull BMD spottedamong migratinggeese at Baie-du-FebvreApr. 14 22 Mar. Ross' Goose Baie-du-Febvre DJ (PBa,DJ) and MassonApr. 28-29 (RLD et al.). 7 Apr. EasternKingbird Hudson FHi et al. 28 Apr. MagnoliaWarbler Barri•re DP Teal provided considerableexcitement this seasonwith 28 Apr. Northern Waterthrush Maniwaki GBo single Eur. Green-wingedTeal at Baie-du-FebvreApr. 27 28 Apr. NorthernWaterthrush Aylmer JDu (DJ)and La Pocati•re Apr. 26 (CA), the Region's4th Gar- 29 Apr. Prairie Warbler Westmount Ld'A ganey at Saint-Paul-du-NordMay 5-11 (JBr et al.) and 29 Apr. Black-throatedBlue Warbler Westmount MAi CacounaMay 27-28 (LM et al.), and also its 4th Cinnamon 29 Apr. Piping Plover Fatima RA, SD, UD Teal at Saint-G•d•on May 11-26 (LI, RD, m.ob.)--all were 30 Apr. Common Yellowthroat Longueuil DD drakes. Two interesting hybrid teal were also found: a I May TennesseeWarbler Westmount MAi 3 May BlackpollWarbler Aylmer RLD 31 May Wilson'sStorm-Petrel Grande-Entree AP

LOONS TO WATERFOWL--An unusually large concentration of 700 Red-throated Loons occurred at Rivi•re- Ouelle May 25 (JL,LV) following a spell of strongE winds, while warm air from the southbrought 70 Horned and 90 Red-neckedgrebes to Aylmer Apr. 25 (JDu, RLD et al.)-- one of the largestflocks to be noted in w. Quebecin recent years. Outside its breeding range was an ad. Great Cor- morant at Rivibre-OuelleMay 3 (CA, JFR),as was another (or same) at BergeronnesMay 14 (ABd). Errant southern waders included a Great Blue Heron on Nue I., Mingan Archipelago,May 9 (SP), a Great Egret at Saint-Paul-du- Nord May 5 (GCy et al.), a Snowy Egretat Gros-Cap,Mag- dalen Is., May 29 (PRo), a breeding-plumagedLittle Blue Male Cinnamon Teal among Blue-wingedTeal at Saint-G•d•on, Quebec, May 14, 1990. Fourth provincial record. Photograph/ Heron at Georgeville May 27 (PFg, DL), a lone Cattle Egret Normand David. at Baie-du-Febvre Apr. 29 (CVa) and on nearby I. du Domaine May 5 (RS et al.) and, finally, an excellent total of Green-wingedTeal x N. Pintail at Mont-Brun Apr. 27 (SG) 14 Glossy Ibises reported from 9 widely scatteredloca- that closely matched the one illustrated in Bull. Brit. ¸rn. tions Apr. 21-May 21. A pair of Great Egretsin courtship Club 89:100, and a Green-wingedTeal x ? photographedat displayat Baie-du-FebvreMay 6 (DJ)was of interest,as the Saint-Zachariethe same day (MSc). Among other ducks, nearby BertbierIs. could eventually supporta new breed- unusualinland were a 9 Cam. Eider at KatevaleApr. 2-3 ing colony. (PRo) and a 9 Harlequin Duck at La Bale May 27-31 NorthboundTundra Swans included two birds excep- (HS et al.). tionally far east at La Pocati•re Apr. 24 (ABe) and M•ta VULTURES TO OWLS--The Turkey Vulture continues to establishitself in the Region;2 new nest sites were During the courseof a colonial breedingbird survey discoveredon mountainsnear Montreal (FM, GH), a pair conductedin the St. LawrenceEstuary by the Canadian still lingered at Cap-TourmenteMay 31 Vide LM), and Wildlife Service, 5 nests of the Greater Snow Goose April saw individualswander as far north as Saint-Fabien were discoveredMay 16 (GCh,PBr, FHo) on Battums (RP, GP), Chicoutimi (FGa), Ferland (JBo), and Saint- aux Loups-Marins(47 ø 15'N, 70ø 25'W), an island e. of Bruno, L. Saint-Jean (MSa, EG). Hawkwatchers were QuebecCity. At one nest the female was incubating active at Valleyfield (MM, BB) and Saint-Fabien(RP, GP). without the presenceof a male nearby,while a male was The former tallied 4122 Broad-wingedHawks during the presentat the other4 nests.Clutch sizes were 3, 3, 5, 6, season,3 times the previous spring high, and a record and 7 eggs.The birds flew as nestswere approached, flight of 55 Red-shoulderedHawks on Mar. 16. Five Red- thus ruling out the possibilityof injured birds. A 6th shouldereds were counted at Saint-Fabien, where rare, as pair was suspectedof nestingon the islandbut no nest was found.These records represent an anomalyin the were good totals of 34 Bald Eaglesand 1909 Red-tailed breedingrange of the GreaterSnow Gooseas the St. Hawks. An imm. Red-tailed Hawk reached Cap-aux- LawrenceEstuary, known as an important springand Meules May 5 (FS, CP), furnishingonly the 4th record for fall stagingarea for this species,is situated1800 km s. of the Magdalen Islands. the mainbreeding •rea (1). The dramatic increase in Two Cam. Moorhensat Saint-G6d6onMay 20-29 (MG et this goosepopulation has beenwell documentedin al.) furnished a 3rd L. Saint-Jean record, the first since recentyears. Other speciesnesting on the island were 1987, while observersof an errant Am. Coot at Mingan mainly Cam. Eider, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed May 23 (DR et al.) correctly eliminated the possibility of Gull, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Great Blue EurasianCoot. Away from w. Quebec,two Sandhill Cranes Heron, with a few pairs of Am. BlackDuck, N. Pintail, were notable at Pointe-LebelMay 13 (CVe, ABn), as was and Gadwall.--G.Chapdelaine. one at M6tabetchouanMay 20 (DC). (1) A somewhat similar event occurred in 1968 when a Rare in spring, two Lesser Golden-Ploverswere care- pair attemptedto nest,unsuccessfully, in Connecti- fully identified at M6tabetchouanMay 5 (GS, CC, JI) and cut (fide RTP). Saint-Blaise May 13 (RY). Western vagrant shorebirds

Volume 44, Number 3 393 involved an American Avocet at Berthier-sur-Mer May (GD, JDe). Beginning in March, a few Com. Redpolls 1-2 (JYG,JL), two at BeauportMay 20 (m.ob.)and at Saint- appearedin s. Quebec,where absentlast winter, and one Prime May 22 (LB), as well as single Marbled Godwits at still lingered at Saint-CaSd•onMay 20 (GS, CC). Saint-BlaiseMay 21 (MAr) and Rimouski May 25 (JLM, ABr, GG). Baie-du-Febvrewas visited by a • Ruff Apr. 22 EXOTICS--A number of N. Bobwhites were released (DT), while a black-morph Ruff was sighted at Saint- near Aylmer in May (fide RLD). Ratherincongruous but Barth•lemy May 7 (JFG). American Woodcock were undoubtedlystriking was a blue Budgerigaramong a flock observedin courtship display at Havre-Saint-PierreMay of Snow Buntings at Havre-Saint-PierreApr. 29 (SP)! 12 (SP) and Havre-aux-Maisons,Magdalen Is., May 14 (FS, CP); both locales are beyond the documented breeding CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS--M. Ainley (MAi}, range of this species. R. Angers,M. Arneaudin (MAr), C. Auchu, P. Bannon(PBa), Among the many gull reportssubmitted, an ad. Corn. R. Bannon (RBa), B. Barnhurst, A. Beaulieu (ABe), M. Beau- Black-headedGull at Saint-FulgenceApr. 14-19 (CC, GS lieu, R. B61anger (RBr), P. Boily (PBo), D. Bordage, A. et al.) and an ad. LaughingGull at Saint-G•d•on May 19 Bouchard(ABd), G. Bouchard(GBo), A. Boulialme (ABn), J. {LI et al.}, and nearbyLa BaieMay 28 {CC,JI}, were locally Boulianne (JBo),F. Bourret, J. Brassard(JBr), L. Brassard,A. rare. As could be expectedfollowing an uneventfulwin- Brisson(ABr), G. Brisson(GBr), P. Brousseau(PBr), R. Caissy, ter, owls providedfew highlights.Slightly puzzling,there- G. Caron (GCa),G. Chapdelaine(GCh), C. Cormier,D. Cfitg,J. Cr6peau, G. Cyr (GCy}, D. Daigneault, L. d'Amours, S. fore, was the origin of 13 Snowy Owls encountered in Decoste,U. Decoste,R. Demers,B. Desgagu6,J. D6silets(JDe), passageat Baie-du-FebvreApr. 1 {DJ}. G. Desjardins,B.M. DiLabio, C. Dion (CDi}, J. Dubois (JDu), R.L. Dubois, C. Duhamel (CDu), P. Foglia (PFo), P. Fradette WOODPECKERS TO FINCHES--An out-of-rangead. (PFd), P. Fragnier(PFg), S. Gagnon,R. Galbraith,G. Gallant, Red-headedWoodpecker brightened La Baie May 14 (PPa J.Y. Garant, J. Gaudreault, A. Girard, E. Girard, F. Gagnon et al.), while a Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerwas found Apr. (FGa), J.F. Giroux, F. Grenon (FGr), J. Harris, F. Hilton (FHi}, F. 22 & 29 (CVi, AP, BL) on the MagdalenIs., where it is a rare Hone (FHo), G. Huot, J. Ibarzabal, L. Irabeau, D. Jauvin, J. visitor. At Hull Apr. 22, a N. Flicker was observedto have Lachance, B. Leblanc, E. Leblanc, L. LeBlanc, G. Lemelin, D. the tail feathersand 3 outer primariespinkish insteadof Lepage,J.L. Martel, M. Mcintosh,L. Messely,G. Michaud, F. yellow (GM). A smallpercentage of the easternpopulation Morneau, P. Paquette(PPa), S. Paradis, D. Perrier, R.T. Peter- displays varying amounts of red or orange that is often son, M. Picard, C. Pineau, R. Pitre, A. Poirier, P. Poulin (PPo), limited in extent and difficult to detect in the field, and G. Proulx, A. Richard, V. Rivest, J.F. Rousseau,L. Roy, G. that does not imply hybridization with western birds Savard, M. Savard (MSa), F. Shaffer, R. Shooher, M. Scrosati (Condor 71:206-211). Increasinglyseen in spring in the (MSc), H. Simard,D. Talbot,M. Tessier,J. Turgeon,C. Vachon province, a Tufted Titmouseappeared at a Saint-Armand (CVa), N. Vaillancourt, C. Veilleux (CVe), C. Villeneuve (CVi), feeder Mar. 29 (PFo) and at nearby Philipsburg May 12 J. Villeneuve, L. Vinette. -- YVES AUBRY, Canadian Wfidlife (RG). A seldom encountered N. Wheatear paused at Service, P.O. Box 10100, Sainte-Foy,PQ, GIV 4H5; MICHEL Pointe-au-PbreMay 11 (ABr, GBr et al.), while a Brown GOSSELIN, Ornithology Department, Canadian Museum of Nature, P.O. Box 3443, Station D, Ottawa, ON, KIP 6P4; and Thrasherat CarletonApr. 27 (RC) was locally rare. RICHARD YANK, 566 Chester Road, Beaconsfield, PQ, Exceptionalwas a BohemianWaxwing on Brion I. Mar. H9W 3K1. 20 (AP et al.), as there exist few recordsfor the Magdalen Islands. The Region's10th White-eyed Vireo was found on Mr. Royal May 20 (JL et al.). On May 27 (JH), a "Brew- ster's" Warbler was observedat Argile L., Papineau, and locally rare was a c• Golden-winged Warbler at Saint- David, L$vis,May 23 (GL, AG). A rare Prairie Warbler was reported from Westmount Apr. 29 (Ld'A) and, rarely detected during migration in s. Quebec, a Connecticut Warbler was of particular interest at PalissadesMay 20 (BD). Southernwarblers made a rather poor showing,the sole HoodedWarbler being a female at WestmountMay 14 (LV, JL). A • SummerTanager was identified on I. des Soeurs May 15 (FGr, JL), and on the same day a bright male appeared at a feeder in Chandler where it fed on peanut-butterand suet until May 23 (PPo). The Rufous- sided Towhee reported at Sept-Iles last seasonsuccess- fully overwintered{NV), and one at StonehamApr. 21 {JT) was also farther north than usual. Other slightly out-of- range sparrowsincluded single Field Sparrowsat Saint- Eus•be Apr. 23 (MB) and Saint-David,L•vis, May I (GL), aswell as a VesperSparrow at Gasp•May 16-20 (JG,GCa). A c•Lark Bunting photographednear Baie-ComeauMay 6 (MT) was only the 6th for the province. A singing GrasshopperSparrow was a first for Saint-Pierre-de-Sorel (JC),while a c• "Oregon"Dark-eyed Junco showed up at Saint-Honor• May 7 (JV). Severallarge flocks of LaplandLongspurs were encountered in Abitibi in May {SG,VR, GBo},while an impressive flock of 10,000 Snow Buntings was observedat Saint- Thomas-d'AquinMar. 25 {CDuet al.}. A 9 Yellow-headed Blackbird was present at the Plaisance marsh May 6-8

394 American Birds Fall 1990 •Baxter ,State NEW ENGLAND L REGION •/Grandlsle Bangorß I Champlainß I MAINEMach•as ß Simon Perkins ß Burlington eDeadCreek •Mt.Desert/. WMA

Concord ß B•ddefordPool Portsmouthß

Quabbin.• Newburyport Cape Ann Res. ,• MA Boston ATLANTIC Province•3wn OCEAN HartfordßCTProvidenceß Plymouth ßNew Haven R I

Greenwich * B/, , I.

eteorologicalmeans and averagesrarely reflect the that appearedinland this spring. Only one specieswas degree to which weather affects the migration of unprecedented.Yet, when taken as a group, they added up birds over the course of an entire season. What matters to to somethingnoteworthy. The list included Brant, Bar- the birds is the meteorologicalheights and depthsof the row's Goldeneye,Red or Red-neckedphalarope, Wilson's variouspeaks and valleys.On average,the weatherin the Phalarope,a jaeger,Laughing Gull, and Forster'sTern. spring of 1990 was near normal. But a few anomalies,and Little Egret,Black Rail, and Townsend'sWarbler all rep- one high peak in particular,produced atypical yet some- resentednew "statebirds" this spring. what predictableresults. The most significant event of the seasonwas the nearly LOONS TO TUBENOSES--Following a notably lean simultaneous arrival of a huge assortment of migrants winter, both Red-throated and Common loons continued borne on a recordhot Southwestairflow, April 27-28. As to be under-reported.However, compensation carne in the this "heat pump" sent temperaturesthroughout New Eng- form of two different Arctic/Pacific loons. A well- land soaringinto the 90s, birds began to arrive from the describedbird in winter plumagewas studied off Steuben, Southen masse.Southern species that were sweptinto the ME, March 3 (RW), and a "near breeding plumage" indi- Region included American Swallow-tailed Kite, Black vidual was found at Martha's Vineyard May 22 (V. Laux). Rail, Scissor-tailedFlycatcher, Yellow-throated, Prothono- Diagnostic field marks for distinguishing Arctic from tary, and Hooded warblers, Summer Tanager,and Blue Pacific loons are few and somewhat subjective. None- Grosbeak;breeding residents that were recordedahead of theless, we may be on the brink of an identification schedule on that weekend included Black-billed Cuckoo, breakthrough(see especially McCaskie et al. 1990,Birding Swainson'sThrush, Blue-wingedWarbler, Lincoln'sSpar- 22:70-73). Observersare urged to take careful field notes row, Bobolink, and Orchard Oriole; and routine arrivals [and photos]since they may some day allow us to make that all arrived more or less together included Common retrospectiveidentifications. Those lucky enough to find and Roseateterns, Ruby-throatedHummingbird, Eastern breeding-plumagedindividuals should pay closeattention Kingbird, Least and Great Crested flycatchers, Yellow- to the relative extent of black and white "hash marks" on throatedand Warblingvireos, 14 speciesof warblers,and the sides of the neck, the shadeof gray on the nape and Northern Oriole. Even a Little Egretgot into the act! This is hindneck, and the presenceor absenceof white flank only a partial list but, while incomplete,it beginsto tell of patches.Based on the above criteria, Laux suspectedthe the magnitudeand breadthof the flight. Vineyard bird was an Arctic. It seemsreasonable to think A completelyunrelated pattern, and one that was prob- that either speciescould appearin New Englandwaters so ably coincidental,involved the numberof coastalspecies we should keep pluggingaway at the puzzle even in the

Volume 44, Number 3 395 event the two could be, someday, relumped. rolandat Whately,MA, Apr 13-22 (D Potter)were doubly Pied-billed Grebeswere found in typically low spring surprisingly. We New Englanders see only wisps of a numbers except Apr. 16, when 11 were counted in Way- much largerspring Snow Gooseflight that passeswell to land and Sudbury,MA, alongroughly 4 mi of the Sudbury our west. Not surprisingly,when significantm•mbers are R•ver (SP). Nantucket I., MA, has not been known previ- recorded,they are usually seenin w. New England,part•c- ouslyto hold significantnumbers of stagingspring Red- ularlly in the vicinity of Lake Champlain, VT. This year's neckedGrebes, so 200+ there Mar. 12 were noteworthy(B. largestfragment was composedof roughly 3500 birds over Perkins), as was the maximum of 232 Apr. 8 at a more tra- Addison, VT, Apr. i (WGE, NLM). Brant must regularly ditional spot off Hull, MA (RPA).Also at Hull, a Western overfly portions of our Region during migration, but we Grebeseen among the Red-necked(grebes!) between Apr. rarely observesuch flights. Noteworthy were the 8 widely 8 and 12 was likely the sameindividual discoveredthere a scatteredreports of inland Brant, including a total of 500 day later last year. on the morningof May 23 over the s. White Mountainsin Tubenosereports included 10 N. Fulmars20 mi eastof Rumhey,NH (E. Emery). Two Barnacle Geesewere seenm Chatham,MA, May 19 (W. Harrington),and a singleManx Northumberland,NH, on the ConnecticutRiver May 15 Shearwaterin NarragansettBay at Jamestown,RI, May 20 (D. & B. Killam), and another (?) singlebird was discov- (JB.C.). This latter recordfueled further speculationabout ered the same day in Maidstone, VT (D. Killam), roughly possiblenesting in watersliterally aroundthe cornerfrom sevenmiles upriver. Did two or three unmarkedBarnacle BuzzardsBay where Manx nestedin 1973. Geeseescape together? More likely these were the real thing. A "Richardson's"Canada Goose in Wayland, MA, PELICANS TO IBISES--An American White Pelican Apr. 27 (SP) may have been a returnee seen in the same in Coventry,VT, May 4-6 furnished the 4th staterecord, area last year. and the first outside the Champlain Valley (P. Wagner, With a few exceptions,duck migration was unremark- WGE, NLM). able. It is a rare year these days in which no "Eurasian" Green-wingedTeal are reported,but this year was one A modest.totalof 15 N. Shovelerswas tallied Apr. 25 at the only New England stronghold on S. Monomoy I m A breeding-plumagedLittle Egret, a first for New Chatham,MA (D. Houghton),and a total of threeEurasian Hampshireand only the 2nd for the United States,was Wigeons (W. Haven, CT, Mar. 1-26, v.o.; Plymouth, MA, discoveredin Rye Apr. 28 and was relocatedand stud- Mar. 1-30, fide B.O.; Chatham, MA, Mar. 17-Apr. 8, BN) ied by a privilegedfew for severalsubsequent days in was aboutaverage. The only significantcount of Redheads HamptonFalls, where it waslast noted May 2 (P.Hunt, came from Yarmouth, MA, where 85 were tallied Mar 1 S. Mirick, ph. DJA et al.). This record canhea mere 8 (K. Hamilton). Ring-neckedDucks this year were found m months after Massachusetts'first Little Egretin New- greatest numbers away from more traditional coastal bgrypo•,and one cannot help but wonderwhether the t•o rec:•rds involved the same individual. If some of spots,farther inland, as evidencedby a high count of 507 t•e multipleLittle Egrets seen each year in theWest at WachusettReservoir in Boylston,MA, Mar. 25 (BB). ih4iesrepresent migrant forms, it standsto reasonthat Of the roughly 10 King Eidersreported, only one, seen w4 shouldexpect past visitors to returneach spring. Mar. 17 at Isle Au Haut, ME (JM), was outside Mas- The New Hampshireegret was described as possessing sachusetts;and a small wintering flock of four to five t•.o very:.long head plumes, deep reddish facial skin, "queens" lingered at Gloucesterinto early March. Most antiburnt orange toes ("feet"), all indicationsthat the notable amongHarlequin Duck reports were the record bird was in "high" breedingplumage. Is it still much winter flock of 85, still at Sachuest Pt., RI, Mar. i (G too•arly'•o suggest we start watching for Little Egrets in Sprague),a marvelousrecord total of 536 countedfrom a our l•cal rookeries? boat around Isle Au Haut, ME, Mar. 9 (G. Mittlehauser), and a late drake that lingeredat Lynn, MA, until at least Meanwhile, it appears that Cattle Egret numbers have May 24 (fide B.O.). Between 1000-2000 Black Scoters fallen off somewhatin recent years. Thus, the following reportedfrom Steuben,ME, from early April throughm•d- records were noteworthy: Jamestown,RI, May 28 (CR), May (RW), made an unusually high total so far north for a and eight in inland Massachusetts-- one, Gill, May 16 (H. specieswhose spring migration, typically, takes most of Alien); six, Northampton,May 30 (T. Gagnon);one, Barre, them directly over land from stagingpoints farther south May 16 (ML). The only Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Also exceptionalinland were a surprisingfive Barrow's reportedwas not only early Apr. 4, but was found, of all Goldeneyesthis spring. They included individuals in places,in a small brook near downtown Boston,MA (fide Sandwich, NH, May i (D. Erler), Gill, MA, Mar. 31 (B Coyle), Framingham,MA, Mar. 11 (E. Morrier), Vernon, An adult White Ibis in Hadley, MA, Apr. 15 (P. Yeskie) VT, Mar. 11 (WGE, NLM), and Grand Isle, VT, May 3 (DH). provided the 2nd record for w. Massachusetts,only 8 months after an immature was seen on the Connecticut RAPTORS TO CRANES--A complete report of nest- R2ver.Early GlossyIbises were widely reportedthis year. ing activities amongthe Region'sOspreys, Bald Eagles, In Connecticut, nine Glossies were at S. Norfolk Mar. 17 and PeregrineFalcons will appear in the upcomingsum- (R. Soffer); in Rhode Island, two Glossies arrived at mer summary.For now, sufficeto say each speciescontin- Sachuest Pt. Mar. 18, a full week earlier than ever before in ued to improveits footingin New England. the state(S. Haydock);and in Massachusetts,a single bird Raptormigration this springsaw numbersreturn to nor- appearedin RochesterMar. 24 (WRP). By Apr. 12 in Mid- mal following a very slow seasonlast year. Three Black dletown, RI, a flock had grown to 200, the largestspring Vulturesin the Region,including two in n. Massachusetts, flock ever in Rhode Island (J. Hoftun). It should be inter- hint of things to come as their ranks continue to swell estingto seehow the breedingseason shapes up. south of us. The Massachusetts birds were one in W•I- liamstownMay 2 (C. & I. Thom)and one in HollandMay WATERFOWL--Three Tundra Swanswere a pleasant 15 (A. Bennett);in Connecticut,an individual in Danbury springsurprise at NapatreePoint, RI, Apr. 16 (CR),but two Mar. 23 (J.Snyder, fide FM) came as no real surprisesince

396 American B•rds, Fall 1990 three were presentfarther north throughmid-February. Sandhill Cranesput on an impressive(if somewhatcon- Kites continuedtheir annual springpilgrimages to New fusing)show in Massachusettsthis spring. But, despite at England. An Am. Swallow-tailed Kite, seen Apr. 27 at least 5 reports from the Commonwealth, none was Martha's Vineyard, MA (K. Leuschner),and spotted the reportedfrom any other New Englandstate. Some of those next day on Nantucket (P. Dunwiddie), was a passenger in Massachusettsmay havebeen playing tricks. For exam- aboardthe "tropical express"that usheredin the record ple, a bird seen rising from a field in Concord May 3 (T. heat that weekend.Two reportsof MississippiKite seenin Raymond) climbed to an estimated 5000 feet before Plymouth,MA, May 3 (S. Hecker)and Truro,MA, May 12 unhesitatinglysetting off to the northeast.Gone, right? A (T. Carollan, BN), each included a good descriptionof an bird appeared in another field roughly 5 miles away, 7 immature bird. Whether the reports involved the same dayslater (S. Verrill) and, exceptfor the dispositionof the bird is anyone'sguess. first bird when last seen, we might assumeonly one bird Given the infrequency with which Sharp-shinned was involved. Maybe; maybe not. A different problem Hawks are found nesting, reports of a bird at the Great involved a bird that wanderedup and down outer Cape Swamp in RhodeIsland May 24 (C. Harten),and particu- Cod from Apr. 12 to mid-May, which finally settled down larly a female carrying food in Abington, MA, May 20 at the Provincetownairport. Each day thereafterfor sev- (WRP), were intriguing.Hawk watchersin Newburyport, eral weeksthe bird took to endangeringitself and all mov- MA, producedthis year's highestRegional tallies of 113 ing aircraft by standingin the middle of the runway until KestrelsApr. 16, and 150 Sharp-shinnedHawks and 11 airport personnelcould chaseit off. A birder'sgain was a Merlins May 2 (E.M.H.W.). Similar Sharp-shinnedtotals of pilot's pain! Reportsalso came from WestboroMay 3 (B. 136 and 145 from two other stationslocated roughly one King) and NewburyportMay 27 (B.B.C.). and 3 miles farther south along a barrier beach not only showed excellent counter coordination, but also showed SttOBEBIBDS--Three reports of Lesser Golden- that few birds were gettingby. The wind was NW that day Ploversincluded a carefully scrutinizedbird on Martha's and, in Massachusettsin spring, such conditionstend to Vineyard, MA, Apr. 30-May I (VL), two May 19 in Hali- deflect and concentratebirds along the coast. Very rarely fax, MA (N. Sferra), and three early birds Apr. 19 in Mil- seenanywhere in e. North America, an ad. rufous morph ford, CT (J. Fengler).A SemipalmatedPlover in Acoxet, Red-tailedHawk in Sudbury,MA, Mar. 15 cameas a puz- MA, was very early Apr. 16 (S. Higginbotham). zling surprise(RAF). A high total of six GoldenEagles in 3 A Black-necked Stilt seen off and on at Nantucket I., states included, in Connecticut, one Mar. 10 at Ashford (G. Clark), and two Mar. 4 in Roxbury (W. Sullivan, fide P. Brady).In Massachusetts,one was noted in Granville May I (SK) and a wintering bird at Quabbin Res. remained through Mar. 4; in Maine, an immature was reported in SteubenApr. 16 & 17 (RW).

S.A•

Yellowand Blackrails madenews this spring.First, a Yellow Rail with an excellent senseof timing began callingin ScarboroughMarsh, ME, duringa tapingof the TODAY show in mid-April (J. Pierson).A month later,a secondstory began to unfold.As of this writing the pictureis not yet clear,but by early accountsa biol- ogistconducting wetlands research in severalfreshwa- ter marsheseast and north of Bangor,ME, between mid-May and early June,heard and recordedfive to six Yellow Rails (J. Gibbs)! Were these migrants? Stay tuned! Two Black Rails were heard calling "incessantly"in Stratford,CT, the eveningof May 18 (E. Hagen),but more remarkable was a well-deseribed Black Rail seen May 5 in Rutland,VT (B. Shepardet o13.If acceptedby the VermontRecords Committee, this sightingwould constitutethe firststate record. The Vermontbird probably representedanother overshoot swept north by the late April "heatpump."

Three of the four King Rails reportedthis springwere in Black-neckedS}ilton •antucket Island, Massachusetts, May 1990. Photograph/ClaudiaKronenberg, courtesy The Enqtfirer Connecticut:Durham Meadows May 12 (PL et al.); Strat- and Mirror. ford May 19-28 (RN); Norwalk May 25 (RN). The fourth was in Rhode Island at BuckeyeBrook May 29 (M. Mur- MA (Dr. Hayden et al., ph.), May 16-31 was probably dif- ray). Despite an above-average eight Corn. Moorhen ferentfrom a bird seenjust 30 mi away in ChathamMay 28 reportsfrom Massachusetts,and a stray on AppledoreI., (R. Barlow, fide BN). On the other hand, it seemslikely ME, May 26 (fide DHs), overall numbers suggest the that New Hampshire's2nd American Avocet, in Rye May speciesis continuingto decline.Oddly, however,a single 30 (DJA,ph.), was one of the two seenin Scarborough,ME, bird returned to Easton, ME, at the far northern limit of the May 9-18 (Goodale,K. Gammonset al., ph.). species'breeding range, for the 3rd year in a row (M. Typically, Greater Yellowlegs perform a sudden north- Trombley). ward exodus from New England each spring following a

Volume 44, Number 3 397 latestof many recentadditions to a growinglist of seabirds seenthere. A LaughingGull was found far from its coastal haunts in Newport, VT, Apr. 22 (F. Oatman), and a rare springFranklin's Gull turnedup in Newburyport,MA, May 20 (R. Maker). The standard collection of Little and Com- mon Black-headedgulls included a total of aboutsix Litties in Massachusettsand three in Connecticut,and the eight(of a total of 20 or more) Com. Black-headeds counted in Winthrop, MA, Mar. 28 (J. Quigley)were winter holdovers at a spot that usually harborsthe Regionalwinter maxima for the species.The Mew Gull that has spentthe last six wintersin Quincy,MA, was last recordedApr. i (R. Titus), American Avocet in Rye, New Hampshire, May 30, 1990. Sec- when it was seenin the companyof a 2nd adultbird. ond state record. Photograph/DennisJ. Abbott. Among the Regional total of eight LesserBlack-backed Gulls, two were reported from Connecticutand the rest were in Massachusetts. Among these, two each were relatively slow buildup. This phenomenon was clearly involved in Wellesley, MA, Mar. 18 (C. Quinlan), and illustrated this year by two sequentialcounts in Newbury- Acton, MA, Apr. 15 (RAF). An adult on Martha'sVineyard port, MA, of 800 and five, respectively,only 11 days apart, Apr. 21 was in immaculatebreeding plumage. As someone May 12 and 23 (SP). Unusually high concentrationsof who has spent years combingHerring Gull coloniesfor Solitary Sandpipers,monitored by E. Salmela at a sewage Lesser Black-backeds, this writer would love to still treatment plant in Hudson, MA, throughout May, pro- believe the latter are breeding in North America. But if vided a rare opportunity to study an encapsulatedview of that is the case,why haven't we seenjuveniles in late sum- the species'spring movements through New England.The mer or early fall? If any readershave seen (or in the future, counts (see Table 1) included a new state (and probably see) such a bird earlier than mid-October (Ontario, Que- Regional)maximum of 67 on May 14. bec, Maritimes?),I would very much like to hear about it. A gull flock on a seasidepond in Gloucester,MA, Mar. 11 Table 1. Daily counts of Solitary Sandpipers at Hudson contained six first-year Glaucous Gulls and a first-year SewageTreatment Plant, Hudson, MA, May 1990. GlaucousX Herring hybrid (SP). The fact that three Forster's Terns appeared in the 5/03 7 5[17 27+ Regionthis spring was noteworthyby itself. But that two 5/04 8 5/18 34 of thosethree were found at inland localeswas probably 5/05 12 5/19 Not counted unprecedented.The coastalbird (which was alsothe earli- 5/06 12 5/20 Not counted 5/07 16 5/21 26 est ever in Connecticut)was found in Greenwich,CT, Apr. 5/08 30 5/23 7 14 (J. Zaranski, FP), and the inland birds were in Concord, 5/09 20+ 5/24 2 MA, Apr. 16 (SP, RAF), and Northampton,MA, May 13 5/10 25 5/25 0 (TG). All three birds were adults in breedingplumage, a 5/11 3O 5/26 0 fact that took on added significancein June(see the sum- 5/12 48 mer summary).A BlackGuillemot in transitionalplumage 5/13 45 was found lingering late at NapatreePt., RI, May I (CR). 5/14 67* 5/15 64 PARAKEETS TO FLYCATCHERS--The colony of 30 5/16 45 or more Monk Parakeetsin Bridgeport,CT, "continuesto *State record thrive" (FM). Both speciesof cuckooswere againconspic- uously scarce.However, a Black-billed Cuckoo at South- Rhode Island's 4th Curlew Sandpiper, discoveredin port. CT. that arrived on the "tropical express"was at least Little ComptonMay 11 (DE), showedno hint of breeding 2 weeksearly Apr. 30 (C. Barnard]. plumage and was probably a yearling. Single Stilt Sand- An imm. 9 SnowyOwl bandedand colormarked by N. pipers in Scarborough,ME, May 21 (JD)and Ipswich, MA, Smith at LoganAirport in BostonMar. 15 was spotted 17 Apr. 13 (R. Bieda)were unusualspring finds. Scarborough days later far inland in Strafford,NH (A. & J. Tappan,fide Marsh also yielded four of the five Ruffs this spring, the DD]. Anotherimm. Snowy Owl seensporadically at Logan first of which was very early, Apr. 4-9 (JD).By May 6, two Airport throughthe end of the period (and beyond!]pro- males and one female (D. Thompson, G. Kemper) were vided one of the latest Massachusetts records (N. Smith], present,and at the (former?)Ruff capital of New England, and two Short-earedOwls, rare in inland New England, Newburyport,MA, only one individual appearedMay 3-8 lingered in Hadley, MA, until Apr. 2 (fide SK). Northern (J.Soucy). Saw-whet Owls apparently enjoyed a prosperousspring, With no significantcoastal storms this spring, the two judging by the 4 to 5 reports of breeding pairs in Mas- pelagic phalarope speciespassed virtually unnoticed. In sachusetts.But one individual, although lucky in some fact, the only noteworthyreport of either was that of two respects,could have fared better. As the story goes, the phalaropesidentified as either Red or Red-neckedon Lake bird came on board a fishing vessel200 miles offshore and Champlainat Grand Isle, VT, May 29 (RL). SingleWilson's was kept alive with steakfor more than a month, until the Phalaropes,also unusual in interior New England, were boat came ashore,at which time it was admitted to a rap- found in Concord, MA, May 15 (SP) and Swanton, VT, tor rehabilitationfacility! May 23 (DC). Thirty-one Corn. Nighthawks migratingover Princeton, MA, May 27, representeda high springcount (SP]. Single ]AEGEBS TO ALCIDS--Among the very few jaegers Chuck-will's-widowsin Middleton, CT, May 19 (J.Morin], reportedthis spring,a probablePomarine Jaeger seen May Marblehead, MA, May 12-16 (L. Sager et al., ph.], and 19 from Grand Isle, VT, on Lake Champlain (DH) was the Walpole, MA, May 28 (D. Munafo) furnished an above-

398 American Birds, Fall 1990 averagetotal, especiallysince the species'failed attempt at Burlington, VT, Apr. 3 (fide V.I.N.S.), 300+ in Lewiston, colonizing Nantucket I. and Martha's Vineyard, MA, ME, Apr. 5 (D. Haines), and 250 in Dixmont, ME, Mar. 29 roughly 15 years ago. Red-headedWoodpecker numbers (JM). This spring producedonly one LoggerheadShrike, were up this spring, as suggestedby a total of 13 birds on Appledore I., ME, May 23 (DHs). from Connecticut (one), Rhode Island (one), Vermont Nine Philadelphia Vireo reports, all from Massa- (two), and Massachusetts (nine). What was a a Pileated chusetts,provided a total well above average;but also Woodpeckerdoing on a coastalpeninsula (!) in Marble- raised the questionof why we don't see more, since it is a head, MA, May 26 (C. Floyd)? fairly commonbreeding species in n. New England.West- A heavy flight of Yellow-bellied Flycatcherswas noted ern Massachusettssub-regional editor Seth Kellogg was this spring,with an early arrival May 4 in Newtown, CT (P. particularly "perplexed"upon receivingtwo reportsthis Brady), and "unprecedented" numbers in w. Massa- spring since, in 20 years of active birding, he has never chusetts,particularly along the ConnecticutRiver Valley. seenone locally in spring! The local spring total of 47 was roughly seven times the Golden-wingedWarblers were again reportedin lower annual averagefor that area, and included 29 on one cen- numbersthan previousyears, while Blue-wingedsand the susin SpringfieldMay 19 (fide SK)! two hybrid types were found in greater numbers. The 3 reports of single "Lawrence's"Warblers from Blackstone, SoAr RI, May 9-15 (L. Symynkywicz),Salem, CT, May 19 (D. Miller), and Groveland,MA, May 23-29 (TA) were further One of the biggestsurprises of the springwas the dis- indication of the Blue-winged'scontinued encroachment coveryin Massachusettsof a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher into the Golden-winged'sgene pool. Where malesare seen and a Fork-tailed Flycatcher within 4 days and 25 miles of one another. The Scissor-tailed was in Manch- togetherin Massachusetts,Blue-wingeds have often been seenbehaving aggressively toward Golden-wingeds, going esterApr. 28-29 (S. Hedman),and the Fork-tailedwas out of their way to chasethem from the premiseswhen- in ConcordMay 2-3 (T. Handley et al., ph.). Both were very likely aidedin their passagehere by the previously ever they appearedin the sameclearing. As Blue-wingeds mentioned"heat pump," but of coursethe Fork-tailed continueto increasein New England,and they continueto had to have erred long before it came within the actively exclude Golden-wingedsfrom suitable habitat, influenceof that particularweather system. This was there seem to be only two hopes for the local survival of only the 4th occurrencein springof a total of 15 Fork- the latter: they either find an ecotype in which they can tailed recordsin New England,and this ratio is even competeon an equal level (powerlines?),or they retreatto more skewedamong the total sampleof North Ameri- refugiaat the northernfringes of their rangeat pointspos- can records (see Monroe and Barron 1980, Am. Birds sibly beyond the eventual limits of the Blue-winged's 34:842-845).But why this particularratio? influx. (In this light, a (• Golden-wingedin Lovell, ME, 40 Almost all North American Fork-taileds have be- mi n.w. of PortlandMay 27-29 [E. McNerney] was intrigu- longedto the highly migratorySouth American race T. ing.) Observersare remindedto track down birds singing s. savana,the form that migratesnorthward into the Golden-winged songs, and to check the color of their tropics from its southern,temperate breeding range in wingbarssince backcrossescan sound and look virtually our spring.Thus, our fall birdsare thosethat appearas identical to parental types, yet show differently colored a resultof a "reverse"migration, and springbirds as a wingbars--Golden-wingeds' may be white, and Blue- result of overshootingtheir wintering grounds.If we wingeds',yellow. assumeover-shooting represents a lessermistake than The same May 19 passerineflight in Springfield, MA, flying in the wrong direction,an assumptionthat intu- that broughta record numberof Yellow-belliedFlycatch- itively seemscorrect, shouldn't we then expectto see ersalso yielded an unprecedented145 MagnoliaWarblers moreovershoots in the springthan birds that haveerred by flying 180 degreesto their normalflight directionin on a singlecount (fide SK). Magnoliasalso made a splash the fail?The record,of course,shows the opposite.One at the banding station on Appledore, I., ME, where in possibleexplanation, as advancedby Kenn Kaufman roughly 3 weeks of work, the total of 286 was more than (pers. comm.), is that, even if more birds start out as twice that of any otherwarbler exceptCom. Yellowthroat. overshoots,fewer of thesemake it all the way to North The biggesthit amongthe warblerswas a d Townsend's Americabecause they havehad to fly twice as far as, for Warbler that was found dead in Little Compton,RI, May example,a Septemberbird that beganits errantflight in 11 (DE, ph., R. Emerson).This bird furnished not only a the tropics.Perhaps many springbirds "run out of gas" first stateand 3rd Regionalrecord, but alsothe first speci- beforethey gethere. men for New England(MCZ #332385). Noteworthy among the usual southern warbler overshoots were the northernmost Prothonotary Warbler in CHICKADEES TO WARBLERS--The obligingBoreal Lyman, NH, May 20 (S. Bogert),and one to two Yellow- Chickadee that established a winter residence in Novem- throatedWarblers May 7 (N. Currie) & 10 (PL, SF) in Kent, ber in W. Boylston,MA, finally departedApril 19 (m.ob.). CT. The two Yellow-throateds,thought to be a pair, were Two to three singing• SedgeWrens in Goshen,CT, seen seen in the same area through the rest of the month, and nearly continuouslyfrom May 18 into June (E. Hagen et were suspectedof breeding.If confirmed,this will repre- al.), provideda glimmer of hope for a speciesthat has all sent the first such record for New England. Also noted but disappearedas a breederin New England. An aston- along this stretchof the HousatonicRiver May 10 was a ishinglyearly WoodThrush found foragingwith robinsin high count of 12+ Cerulean Warblers (PL, SF). A Palm Kittery, ME, Mar. 17, was inexplicable(L. Phinney). A Var- Warbler was very late at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cam- ied Thrush seensporadically on Martha'sVineyard, MA, bridge, MA, May 22-24 (fide B.O.), and an Ovenbird that betweenMar. 8 and Apr. 2 furnisheda first island record, somehowsurvived the winter at a feederin W. Simsbury, and anotherin Bedford,NH, Mar. I (J. Newberry) repre- CT, was last seen Apr. 19 (G. & R. Knight). Very rare in sented a winter holdover. Remnants of an excellent winter New England in spring, a ConnecticutWarbler was well flight of Bohemian Waxwings noted in Vermont, New describedfrom Compton,NH, May 23 (J. Fisher). This Hampshire, and Maine included maxima of 425 in provided a perfect example of the importanceof written

Volume 44, Number 3 399 documentation, because without the excellent descrip- good showing this spring. Maximum counts,both above tion, the recordmay have gottenaway. average,included roughly 25 in Massachusetts{fide SK, B.O.}, and 15 banded on Appledore I., ME (DHs}.This lat- TANAGERS TO BLACKBIRDS--Two other spring ter total is particularlyinteresting since it representsonly overshoots,Summer Tanager and Blue Grosbeak,were thosebirds that actuallyhit the mist nets.How many oth- well reportedfrom Massachusetts(four tanagers and seven ers got by? grosbeaks)and Rhode Island (two tanagersand one gros- Yellow-headedBlackbirds were slightlymore conspicu- beak);and a Blue Grosbeakin Ipswich, MA, Apr. 19-25 (S. ous this year as shown by a Regionaltotal of six. For the Burton), was observed with a Rose-breastedGrosbeak and 2nd year in succession,a Boat-tailed Grackle was found an Evening Grosbeak,simultaneously. That could be a in Connecticut. If Boat-taileds continue to increase in New first! A well-described bird at a feeder in Westboro, MA, England,as we expectthey will, we shouldnot let down May 12 & 15, could only have been a d Painted Bunting our guard but remain vigilant for the first visitation by (M. Murphy), and a well-documentedPainted Bunting Great-tailedGrackle: a speciesthat is presentlyundergo- that had wintered at a feeder in Old Lyme, CT, was seen ing its own rapid rangeexpansion and which, as a vagrant, throughApr. 5 (M. Gates).This representedonly the 2nd hasalready reached Nova Scotia. unequivocablerecord for Connecticut. Four Dickcisselreports involving at least two overwin- CONTRIBUTORS {subregionaleditors in boldface}--D.J. tering birds furnisheda higher-than-averagetotal. Two in Abbott, R.E Abrams, T. Aversa, C. Barnard, Bird Observer, B. Connecticutwere at StamfordMar. 11 (FP) and Southport Blodgett,Brookline Bird Club, D. Cargill, D. DeLuca (New Hampshire},J. Despres(Maine}, Eastern Massachusetts Hawk May 22 (CB), and two in Massachusettswere in Wey- Watch. W. Ellison. D. Emerson (Rhode Island}. R.A. Forster mouth Mar. 11-Apr. 22 (R. Campbell) and Marblehead (e. Massachusetts},S. Finnegan, T. Gagnon, I. Heywood (e. Apr. 21 (J. Smith). A Clay-coloredSparrow in Medfield, Mass.},D. Holmes (DHs}, D. Hoag, P. Hunt, JamestownBird MA, May 18-31 continued that species'recent pattern of Club, S. Kellogg(w. Mass.},R. Lavalee,P. Lehman,E Mantlik spring appearances,and a Lark Sparrow discoveredon (Connecticut},J. Markowsky,N. Martin, R. Naylot, I. Nichol- Block Island Mar. 26 had probably overwinteredin New son (Vermont}, B. Nikula, W.R. Petersen, F. Purnell, E. England. Vermont'sfirst Green-tailed Towhee, found on Salmela, R. Stymeist,Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences, the BrattleboroCBC, was still presentMay 4 (fide V.I.N.S.). R. Widrig.--SIMON PERKINS, MassachusettsAudubon It appearedas thoughmigrant Lincoln's Sparrowsput in a Society,Lincoln, MA 01773.

HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION

William J. Boyle, Jr., Robert O. Paxton, and David A. Cutler Pringstarted out on the cool side, but turned rapidly warmer as a push of tropical air spread acrossthe Regionin mid-March. Recordhighs were set on three days eachin New York City and Buffalo,including an amazing 85 degrees in the Big Apple on March 13. The mild weather produced a massive exodus of waterfowl and some wintering speciesfrom the Region, along with a small influx of short-distancemigrants, such as Eastern Phoebe,Tree Swallow, and Ruby-crownedKinglet. After about March 20th, cooler, wetter weather returned and continuedthrough most of April, until the lastweek of the month. Then, another record warm spell swept through the Region,with the thermometerhitting 94 in Buffaloon the 28th, makingit the warmestcity in the countryexcept for the desertsouthwest. The heat wave produceda corre- spondingwave of early passerinemigrants, many occurring on recordearly datesthroughout the four-statearea. The end of April ushered in a May characterizedby AT•NTIC cool, extremelywet weatherthat delayedthe bulk of the OC•N songbirdmigration until the last third of the month, when Nat'l Wildlife Ref., near Smyrna,DE; Brig = BrigantineUnit, many excellentflights were recordedin most(but not all} ForsytheNat'l Wildlife Ref.,Atlantic, NJ;Dunkirk = Dunkirk areas.Rainfall for the month averaged225% of normal Harbor,Chautauqua, NY; Indian River = Indian River Inlet, over New York State and was comparablyheavy in the Sussex, DE; JamaicaBay = JamaicaBay Wildlife Refuge, southernpart of the Region.Though mid-seasonwas a bit Queens, NY; Little Creek = Little Creek Wildlife Area, Kent, slow, the latter part produceda modestvariety of rarities near Dover,DE; L.I. = Long Island, NY; Montauk= Morttank to add to the normalexcitement of springmigration. Point and vicinity, Long Island, NY; Port Mahon = marshes and bayshorealong mad eastof Little Creek,Kent, DE; Sandy ABBREVIATIONS--Braddock Bay = Braddock Bay S.P. Hook = Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway Nat'l RecreationArea, and vicinity, Monroe, NY; Bombay Hook = BombayHook Monmouth,NJ. Placenames in italics are counties.

400 American Birds, Fall 1990 LOONS TO IBISES--Common Loons were widely were the most ever for the countyand rare away from the reported from inland lakes and reservoirs in mid-May, Hudson River (m.ob.);farther upstateat BulwaggaBay at some non-breeders lingering into the summer. More the south end of Lake Champlain,a GlossyIbis May 15 unusual was a Red-throated Loon that arrived at Merrill was a first for EssexCounty (K. Murphy). A White-faced CreekRes., Warren,NJ, Apr. 18 and remainedthere, in full Ibis paid a brief visit to the S. Cape May Meadows, NJ, breeding plumage, through the period and later. Red- Apr. 16 (DSi, CS). necked Grebes continued to be scarce, as in the winter, with one at Indian River Apr. 11-13 being the only one WATERFOWL--The waterfowl highlight of the season southof Long Island (WWF, m.ob.). Farther north, a maxi- wasthe appearanceof FulvousWhistling-Duck at Bombay mum of 85 was noted along the Ontario Lakesharenear Rochester Mar. 17 (KCG), while 20 at Saratoga Lake, Saratoga,Apr. 13 made a good local count; five at Rye, Westchester,May 14, were rather late (TWB). An Eared Grebe was with the Red-necked and Horned grebes at Indian River Apr. 13 (JJ,BR), and anotherwas at Pt. Look- out, Nassau, L.I., Mar. 11 (SW). More unusual and very late was an individual at Iroquois N.W.R., Orleans, NY, May 27-28 (R. Wagner,m.ob.). Two chartered pelagic trips to the Hudson Canyon off New Jersey,Apr. 28 and May 26, producedlittle to excite Three Fulvous Whistling-Ducksat Bombay Hook National Wildh.'[•Refitge, Delaware, May 1990. The specieswas not the interest of the Region'sless seaworthyobservers. Both recordedfi'om adjacent regions at this time, but these birds trips located a few N. Fulmars, plus small numbers of might have beenholdoversiS'am the ira,asianthat reachedeast- shearwaters,including a Manx on the latter excursion.In ern Mar_¾land,Virginia, and North Carolina the preceding addition to the usual concentration of Wilson's Storm- November:Photograph/George M. Jett. Petrels,a Leach'sStorm-Petrel was seenby at least a few people on each of the trips (ABr). Hook. One was seenthere Mar. 16 (WJW,E. & S. Speck), Two Am. White Pelicans appeared this spring, a big but could not be relocated;however, three appearedMay drop from last year's mini invasion, but a noteworthy 20 and were seenand photographedby many throughthe occurrencefor the Regionnonetheless. One hung around 27th (AH, m.ob., ph. G. Jett). More mundane sightings BraddockBay May 15-23 (FN, m.ob.); a more unusual vis- from BombayHook included an imm. Tundra Swan May itor to BombayHook, May 21, was only the 4th American 17-31 (NH) and an ad. Ross' Goose Mar. 2-3 (v.o.). Two Tundra Swansat PiermontPier, Backland, NY, Mar. 9 representeda first springrecord for the county,while a wing- taggedTrumpeter Swan at SenecaFalls, Seneca,NY, Mar. 26, was apparentlyfrom the releaseprogram in Ontario. Holdover Greater White-fronted Geese from the winter seasonwere on Long Island (two) and in Dutchess,NY, but different birds were discoveredat Iroquois N.W.R. Mar. 21 (m.ob.), and at Hamlin, Monroe, where one to two were present Mar. 28-31 (v.o.). The Ross' Goose near Watermill, Suffolk, L.I., remained to at least Mar. 18 American White Pelican at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refitge, Delaware, May 21, 1990. Fourth state record. Photo- (m.ob.),while a secondwas at CayugaLake and vicinity graph/JoeSwertinski. Mar. 8-10 (fide CKM). Yet anotherholdover from the winter season, the Barnacle Goose at Amenia, Dutchess, NY, was last reportedMar. 11 (m.ob.). White Pelican recorded in Delaware (PV, m.ob.). Brown A Green-winged Teal of the Eurasian subspecieswas Pelican numbers were down substantially,apparently a seenby variousobservers at TuckahoeW.M.A., Cape May, result of mortality from HurricaneHugo and a December NJ, in March; a female of the Americansubspecies with a stormin North Carolina;two were off HigbeeBeach, Cape broodof eight ducklingsat Wantage,Sussex, May 26 fur- May, Apr. 29 (E. & J.Georges), while scatteredsingles and nishedan unusualbreeding record for interiorNew Jersey small groupswere seen in s. New Jerseyin May. One at (DF}. As noted above, waterfowl cleared out early; only Indian River May 26 was the only other reported (JJ). about 10,000 N. Pintail remained at Pedricktown, Salem, Hopefully these marvelousfishermen, who have only NJ, Mar. 6, of the estimated50,000 there 10 daysearlier. A recently begun to frequent this Region, will recover Eur. Wigeon remained at BombayHook to at least Mar. 28 rapidly from thesemajor setbacksand continueto enliven (m.ob.),while in New York there was one at JamaicaBay our summerbirding. Mar. 17; another at Hamfin Mar. 24 (CCs); and a 3rd at A nest of Am. Bittern, discovered at Port Mahon, was TonawandaW.M.A., Niagara, Apr. 18 (G. Rising). the first found in Delaware since the 1970s (CCa). Wander- A drake Canvasbackat Gordon'sPond, Sussex, DE, May ing heronsincluded a Little Blue Heron at BraddockBay 12 was an unusuallylate straggler(DSh, B. Lego),as was a May 23 (FN), a Tricolored Heron there May 31 (FN), and King Eider at Montauk May 12-13 (m.ob.).The only other about five Cattle Egretsin w. New York during April and King Eider was an imm. male at BraddockBay Mar. 15 (R. May, plus one alongthe St. LawrenceRiver May 4 (MB). A Oswald). As many as 14 Harlequin Ducks were still at Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Chittenango, Madison, Jones Inlet, L.I., Apr. 14, and a •-plumaged bird was NY, May 16-28 was the first for the Syracusearea in 10 enjoyed by many birdathon teams at Cape May, May years;another farther eastin Slingerlands,Albany, May 16-24 (PL, m.ob.).A flock of 75 Oldsquawat Lake Parsip- 17 was alsonoteworthy (W. Sabin).Two GlossyIbises near pany, Morris, NJ, Mar. 20, was an extraordinary inland Lewisville, Chester,May 9 were unusual for Pennsylva- concentration.Other good flights of sea ducks were indi- nia. Fourteenat Upper Nyack, Backland,NY, in mid-April catedby 7 sightingsof White-wingedScoters at 5 different

Volume 44, Number 3 401 locales •n east-centralPennsylvania from mid-March to to be of westernforms, •nclud•ng the so-called"Kr•der's" mid-May (fide BLM). (10), Harlan's (one), and calurus (five) (FN), if these •den- A ? Barrow'sGoldeneye, rare in interior New York,was tifications are correct,one wonderswhat wintering loca- reportedfrom CayugaL. Apr. 17 (B. Mitchell). Concentra- tions they are comingfrom and where they are heading tions of Corn.Mergansers were not particularlyprevalent BraddockBay tallied 43 Golden Eaglesfor the spring, with the mild early weather, but a group of 1000 at Lake while Derby Hill had 31; a scattering of other reports Mohawk, Sussex, NJ, Mar. 12 was noteworthy. A ? included three in New Jerseyin late March and early Hooded Merganserloafing on the sand at Indian River April. Although Am. Kestrelscontinue to decline at the May 7-21 may havebeen ill (APE,JSk et al.). hawk watches(only 959 at SandyHook, an all-time low), Merlins are doing well (181 at Sandy Hook and a record RAPTORS TO CRANES--The spring raptor counts 29 at inland BraddockBay). Oddly, there were numerous from regularly and irregularly manned hawk watchesin reportsof Merlins in Delawareand coastalNew Jersey•n New Jerseyand Pennsylvaniawere well below normal. mid to late May. A white Gyrfalcon was seen south of Sandy Hook, for example, which was monitored daily Plattsburgh,Clinton, NY, Mar. 21 (N. Mason). March 10 to May 15, producedonly 3289 migrantscom- For the 2nd year in a row, small numbersof Yellow pared to almost5000 in 1989. Montclair's3044 was less Rails were found in Delawareduring mid-May. Two were than half last season's total. On the Ontario Lakeshore, at BombayHook May 10 (DSh),while up to five were seen however,the storywas the reverse,with both Braddock and heard at Port Mahon May 14-15 (DSh, DAC et al) Bay and DerbyHill reportingexcellent counts. Braddock Also at BombayHook and Port Mahon in mid-May were Bay,with 93 daysof observation,recorded 60,307 raptors, similar numbers of Black Rails (DSh, DAC, m.ob.); in New includingrecord totals of both eagles,Merlin, and three Jersey, Black Rails were heard in at least 8 locations, Mississippi Kites. Derby Hill counters t011ied39•400 mainly along the Delaware Bayshoreof Cape May and b•rds,with recordcounts of both eagles,Peregrine Falcon, Cumberland,May 18-20 (m.ob.).A King Rail was alsoat and their first ever Mississippi Kite. Bombay Hook May 10-15 (DSh et al.), enabling some Fewerwandering Black Vultures were reportedfrom the Delaware Big Day teams to make a clean sweep of the northernpart of the Region,but three were at Hook Mr., rails; five specieswere heard at Port Mahon in 5 minutes Rockland,NY, Mar. 13 (PF et al.) and one was seenat Dry- May 15 (DAC, J. Miller, CP). King Rails were found at 3 den Lake, Tompkins,NY, May 6 (D. Evans),an unusual locationsin New Jerseyin mid-May and two were note- record for the Finger Lakes region. Two Turkey Vultures worthy at Pine Plains, Dutchess,NY, May 12 (Waterman that had wintered on eastern L.I. continued to be seen Bird Club). throughoutthe period and a few other singleswere noted A Purple Gallinule was seenin flight at DelawareC•ty, •n Nassau;this specieshas never been found nestingon New Castle,DE, May 15 near the Dragon'sRun Marsh s•te LongIsland. Big flightsof Ospreyswere notedat the hawk where the speciesnested in the early 1980s (AH); it was watches, including one-day peaks of 171 at Baer Rocks, not found again. There were again numeroussightings of PA, Apr. 14 (K. Kranick), and 201 at Derby Hill Apr. 29 Sandhill Cranes in upstateNew York, including one at and May 8. Horseheads,Chemung, Apr. 23-27, new for the county For the first time in severalyears, Am. Swallow-tailed (m.ob.). Individual reportscame from the westerncoun- Kite failed to show up at Sandy Hook in spring. There ties of Niagara, Chautauqua,and Cattaraugus,in March, were 2 reports from New Jersey,however; one was over and at least 10 from the Rochesterarea, mainly Braddock the Cook Campusof RutgersUniversity, Middlesex, May 9 Bay,in March and May (FN, m.ob.). (J Applegate,fide C. Leck)and anotherat Bennett'sBog, Cape May, May 15 (RR). In addition to the Mississippi SHOREBIRDS--The spring shorebird migration was Kites noted at the 2 New York hawk watches, there was unremarkable,with numbers slightly below the 7-year the usuallate-spring flight at CapeMay, where abouteight averageof a regular censusat JamaicaBay (AM, DM) and were seen Apr. 29-May 24. Four hawking insects over below average along the Delaware Bayshore, as well Higbee Beach W.M.A. May 20 delighted dozens of Although Bombay Hook and neighboring areas attract observers.Mississippi Kites at Sandy Hook May i & 9 many migrants,the habitatat Brig continuesto be largely were the first for that count (LC), while one was over East unsuitable for shorebirdsowing to mismanagementprac- Creek L., Cape May, May 19 (MN, WJB),and two to four tices; consequently,few birds are found at what was once were in Allendale, Bergen,NJ, May 24 (ST); more unusual the Region'spremier shorebirdinglocation. was an individual at Ft. Washington S.P., Montgomery, The first LesserGolden-Plover was alongRt. 12 eastof PA, May 13 (B & NM). Smyrna,Kent, DE, Mar. 18 (APE),up to 12 were thereMar The record totals of 92 and 54 Bald Eaglesat Braddock 24 (lSw), and small numberscontinued to be seenthrough Bay and Derby Hill, respectively,reflected the continuing May 14 (NH). In New Jerseyonly one was at Pedricktown recoveryof this species;dozens of sightingsfrom the rest Apr. 21 (MN), and a singlewas at JamaicaBay May 19 (fide of the Region were too numerous to even summarize. TWB). A Wilson'sPlover was found at HerefordInlet, Cape Nesting,too, is on the increase,especially in New Jersey, May, NJ,May 12 (DW,BMi), but couldnot be relocated where the number of successfulbreeding pairs increased One to two Black-necked Stilts were at Wainscott Pond from one to three.Reports of nestingN. Goshawksare also and vicinity, Suffolk,NY, May 11-26 (ABa,JRu et al.), and on the increase, but one at Moore's Beach, Cumberland, anotherwas found at Cow Meadow Park in Freeport,Nas- NJ, May 27 was surely just wandering (JZ). A flight of 51 sau, May 31 (P.Martin). In New Jersey,a flock of six was Red-shoulderedHawks at Hook Mr. Mar. 13 was unprece- in Wildwood Crest,Cape May, May 16 (L. Dunne), whale dented for that location (PF); interestingly,the season's singlesmade brief visitsto the SouthCape May Meadows peak of 956 passedBraddock Bay that same day, while May 16 (P. Holt) and to Brig May 24 (PP). In Delaware, DerbyHill had 617the followingday. Derby Hill had two nine returned to BombayHook Apr. 12, and as many as 71 Swainson'sHawks for the season,and BraddockBay had were countedin May (NH). AmericanAvocets returned to one. Among the 8291 Red-tailedHawks countedat Brad- Delaware as early as Mar. 13, and 93 were at Kitts Hum- dock Bay were a numberof birds believedby the observer mock 3 dayslater (WJW).Forty-one were at BombayHook

402 American B•rds, Fall 1990 Mar. 23 (NH), but they were mostly absentfrom there in April and May. A Willet at Hamlin, Monroe, May 19 was unusual in spring for the Ontario Lakeshare,as was a Western Sand- piper at nearby Kendall, Orleans, the same day (RGS et al.). In New Jersey,a Western Sandpiper in full alternate plumagewas at Brig May 19 (MN, WJB), and small numbers were among the thousandsof Semipalmated Sand- pipersalong the DelawareBayshare in late May, including eight at Villas, Cape May, May 21 (JDo). At least three Curlew Sandpiperswere found in Delaware; one was at the Little Creek impoundmentsApr. 29 (NH), and it or another was there May 14 in full alternate plumage (J.P. Myers, KK, S.R. Drennan, G. LeBaron).Two were along the Port Mahon road May 20 (AH, P. Dumont), and a bird seenthere on the 27th could have been one of the previous two (MO). Brig hosted one Curlew Sandpiper May 19-24 (F. Lesser,m.ob.), while two were at Sagaponack Pond, Suffolk, L.I., May 22-24 (ABa et al.). A Stilt Sandpiper was at Moore's Beach, Cumberland, NJ, May 16 (PDu), and another was in Wildwood, Cape May, May 17-19 (PL et al.). Pedricktown recovered slightly from last year's low total and hosted four to five RuffsMar. 31-Apr. 28; nearbyMannington Marsh had two Ruffs in early April, while three were found along the bayshare of Cumberland. Delaware did almost as well, with four individuals in the BombayHook-Little Creek Lesser Black-backed Gull (front) at Port Mahon, Delaware, area Apr. 17-May 20. Phalaropeswere again scarce,with May 27, 1990. This bird appearsto be in first-summerplum- only about 15 Wilson'sreported from the 3 coastalstates, age, seenon this continentfat- lessfi'equently than older birds. including a few from western New York. Four Red-necked Photograph/MichaelO'Brien. Phalaropeswere at 3 sites in the Bombay Hook-Little Creek area in late May, but one on the May 26 Hudson 30+ Great Black-backed Gulls was at Lake Nockamixon, Canyon pelagic trip and another at Eden Township, Erie, Bucks,PA, Mar. 25, where numbershave been increasing NY, May 22 were the only othersreported. in recent years (B & NM), while the 194 tallied by the Buffalo Ornithological Society Apr. 8 was the highest in JAEGERS TO ALCIDS--The 2 Hudson Canyonpelagic 40+ years. trips produceda total of only four jaegers,three Pomafine Two Gull-billed Terns at Piles Creek, Linden, Union, NJ, and one Parasitic, plus one unidentified skua. Two Laugh- May 24, were far from any known breedinglocation (RR). ing Gulls were at Beltzville Lake, Carbon,.PA, Apr. 30, for Most unusual for springwas a Sandwich Tern at Hereford the 2nd spring in a row (DD), while one at Oneida Lake, Inlet May 21 (DW, P. Grithens); less surprisingwere two Oneida,NY, May 13-19, was a local rarity (m.ob.).An even RoseateTerns in Cape May in late May and an Arctic Tern better find was the ad. Franklin's Gull at SaratogaLake, in the S. Cape May Meadows May 31 (DSi). Single NY, May 19, only the 2nd for the Hudson-Mohawk River Forster's Terns were seen at 3 locations in east-central Valleys (W. Gorman, P. Connor, M. Gruett, M. Kuhrt). Pennsylvaniain April and May, and a Black Tern was at Equally rare for that regionwas a Little Gull at Alcove Res., one of them, Green Lane Res., Montgomery,May 21 (K. Albany, Apr. 15 (KA); one was at JonesInlet, L.I., Mar. Crilley). Otherwise, Black Ternswere very scarcein the s. 25-Apr. I (v.o.), and otherswere at BraddockBay Mar. 29 part of the Region, with a maximum of nine at Rye, (FN) and nearbyGreece, Monroe, Apr. 11 (KCG). Westchester,NY, May 13 (TWB); even in upstate New A gull flock at the hot water vent of the Salem, NJ, York they were low, with a maximum of 45 at Oak nuclear power plant, Mar. 7 included a Cam. Black- Orchard W.M.A., Genesee,May 14 (FD). The only alcid headed Gull and a Glaucous Gull (JKM, WDa). Another was a Razorbillin the surf off Tobay,Nassau, L.I., Mar. 21 bonanzawas providedby a gull flock in a farm field near (B. Hines). Moorestown,Burlington, NJ, Mar. 17, that contained one each of Cam. Black-headed, Iceland, and Lesser Black- OI4rLSTO SHRIKES--A Snowy Owl was reportedfrom backedgulls (TBa). Finally, a storm-drivensurf provided a Clermont, Cape May, Mar. 7 (R. Fisher); at least three feedingfrenzy of hundredsof gulls at Sandy Hook Apr. 4; remained on Long Island in early March and one was at amongthem were one Little, one Cam. Black-headed,two Orient Beach, Suffolk, L.I., Apr. I (PG). At Morgan'sHill, Iceland, and one Glaucous gull (J. Herder). Three other Northampton, PA, a Short-earedOwl was an unusually Cam. Black-headedGulls were in New Jersey,about four late migrantApr. 22 (A. Koch).Common Nighthawks were in the New York City-Long Island area,and one was at the generallyscarce, but two were reportedon the extremely Niagara River in early March. early date of Apr. 12; one was at Mt. Cuba,New Castle,DE Two LesserBlack-backed Gulls were at Port Mahon May (J. White), and another at Milburn, Essex, NJ (PB). Even 27, including one well-photographed in first summer more extraordinary was a report of two Chimney Swifts plumage, a dress seldom noted in this Region (MO). At flying over a shopping center in Hillsborough, Somerset, leastfive LesserBlack-backeds were in New Jerseyand six NJ, Mar. 18, by an experienced observer (B. Merritt); in New York, including onewintering at CayugaLake, one unfortunately, the possibility of Vaux's Swift or some at Braddock Bay Mar. 11 (FN), and one at Montezuma othervagrant, which may be more likely at that date, was N.W.R., NY, Apr. 16 (CCs).A noteworthyconcentration of not considered.A PileatedWoodpecker at Burleigh, Cape

Volume 44, Number 3 403 May, was another •n the spate of recent recordsof th•s cheekednonexistent For example,h•gh countscame from spemesm s.e.New Jersey(W. Klockner). Kaufman (12 Swamson's,20 Gray-cheekedm 2 hours at The late-April warm spell broughta few early flycatch- CentralPark, NYC, May 23); Tudor (many Swainson's,s•x- ers to the Region, including an Eastern Wood-Peweeat plus Gray-cheekedat ProspectPark, Brooklyn,May 24), West Milford, Passaic,NJ, Apr. 28 (PB) and an Eastern and Rodewald (10+ Gray-cheeked at Princeton, May K•ngbird at Albany, NY, the same day. Also arriving the 22-24). Observersinland in Pennsylvania and in w. New same day was a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher at Cape May York, however, found few of either species,although a (FM, BMi) that was seenoccasionally through May 5. Swainson'sThrush at Pt. Gratiot in Dunkirk, Chautauqua, Warm weather in March brought all the regular swal- NY, Apr. 24 was very early (JGu).Also notablyearly was a lows back early to CapeMay, with Tree Swallow the first Gray-cheekedThrush at Allentown Apr. 28 (BLM). on Mar. 14 and Cliff Swallow the last on Apr. 14; a N. The Townsend's Solitaire remained near Pawhng, Rough-wingedSwallow at Pt. Phillips, Northampton,PA, Dutchess,NY, to at least Mar. 13 (m.ob.), while the previ- Mar. 29 was unusuallyearly so far inland (DD). ously reported Varied Thrush at Fredonia, Chautauqua, NY, stayedto Mar. 8 (TM, m.ob.). Another Varied Thrush S. Ao was found at Goat Island, Niagara, NY, Apr. 19-21 (WDn, The highlightof the seasonwas the appearanceof a m.ob.). Two Bohemian Waxwings were at Crown Pont Cave Swallow at the CapeMay Point StatePark, NJ. It S.P.,Lake Champlain,Apr. 8 (E. Johnson)and many oth- was first observedApr. 20, althoughthe identity could ers,up to 150 at a time, were around CapeVincent, Jeffer- not be confirmed; when conclusive identification was son, NY, Apr. 24 (fide KLC). A Northern Shrike at Oyster made Apr. 22, the word spread rapidly (VE, JDo, Bay,L.I., in early March was the only one southof upstate m.ob.). Always in the companyof Barn Swallows,the New York, while all 4 reportsof LoggerheadShrike were CaveSwallow was seenrepeatedly the next day, once from w. upstateNew York. on the 24th, then disappeareduntil May 2-3. It van- ishedagain, only to be rediscoveredMay 19 by a team of Britishbirders participating in the World Seriesof VIREOS, WARBLERS--White-eyed Vireos rode the Birding. The swallow was enioyedby dozensof birders warm southerliesof late April to reachw. New York ahead the next day,and was seenregularly until aboutJune 5. of schedule. One was at Canadaway Creek, Dunkirk, Apr The only previousrecords of CaveSwallow north of 25 (D. Neveu) and another was banded at Manitou Beach, Florida on the east coast have come from Nova Scotia, Monroe, Apr. 29 (EB). A pair of Warbling Vireos at a nest in 1968, 1969, 1971, and 1982. All but the last were in Forest Hills, Queens,found May 24 apparently fur- from islandswell offshoreduring May and June,and nished the southernmostconfirmed breeding record for included as many as nine birds (one specimen)in 1968 New York (GT). PhiladelphiaVireos included a very early and three in 1969 on Sable Island; the most recent bird at Hawk Mt. Sanctuary,PA, Apr. 29 (LG), one in New sightingoccurred at CapeBreton Island on July9, 1982. Jerseyat Sandy Hook May 19 (R. Ditch), three from the Basedmainly on the color of the rump patch,a dark New York City area,and about a dozen from upstateNew chestnut,the CapeMay bird appearsto havebeen of the York. Caribbeanrace, Hirundo fulva fulva, as has been the Warbler migration, like that of the thrushes,produced case with the birds in Nova Scotia. an interesting mix of reviews. The big heat wave of late Remarkably,another Cave Swallow was discovered April brought an unprecedentedvariety of early migrants at JamaicaBay, NY, May 23 by AB AssociateEditor to the entire Region,with many speciesarriving on record Kaufman, while leading a group from the National early dates,albeit in very small numbers.After the end of Audubon Society staff. After flying away from the the month, the cool, wet weather delayed the bulk of group,the swallowreturned to be enjoyedby all for about15 minutes,but was never seenagain (KK, S. R. migration until after mid-May, although there were some Drennan,G. LeBaron,P.A.A. Bede et el.). Again,based good fallouts precipitatedby the rainy cold fronts. Many primarily on the color of the rump, Kaufmansuggests observersin s.e. New York, New Jersey,and s.e. Pennsyl- that the bird was probablyof the Caribbeansubspecies. vania noted excellentflights, some of the best in recent Needlessto say,birders will be keepinga closereye years, from about May 19-25, though marked more by on coastal "Cliff' Swallows in the future. variety than sheernumbers. Birds moved throughrapidly and then, apparently,dispersed, as birdersin most of New Common Raven was seen again at BraddockBay, with York State, especially the west, lamented a dearth of two each in March and April, and was noted as increasing migrantwarblers of many species. •n the Finger Lakes area, as it is in other parts of the Nineteen speciesof warblers arrived in the Rochester Regionwhere it occurs.As often happensafter strongwin- areain the last 6 daysof April, five of them on recordearly ter flights, Red-breastedNuthatches remained to breed in dates (RGS); the Niagara-Lake Erie region was not far atypical places,such as RockyHill, Somerset,NJ, and the behind with 16 species,including a Bay-breastedWarbler Albany, NY, area.One at AssawomanW.M.A., Sussex,DE, on the 28th (SWE). The Lehigh Valley, PA, region also May 24 may have just been late (APE), as were othersin experienced a big flight, with seven species on record the Cape May areain early May. early dates.Migrant traps such as Central Park, Manhat- A group of five Sedge Wrens along the boardwalk at tan (KK, m.ob.); Forest Park, Queens (GT); and Ft. Wash- Bombay Hook May 10-14 was the best concentrationin ington S.P.,Montgomery, PA (B & NM), producedsome of Delaware in 15 years (DSh); anotherwas heard along the the better concentrationsduring late May. A flock of sev- road to Bennett's Pier, Kent, DE, May 14 (KK et al.). A eral hundred warblers of 18 speciesspent the marrang s•ngle at Cayuga Marsh in May was the only report for, singingand feedingon a tree-lined streetamong the high- upstate New York, where they were formerly much more risesof center-cityPhiladelphia, May 20 (DAC). common. There were far morereports of Orange-crownedWarbler Cathorusthrushes were a mixed bag, as were the other than usual, including three wintering in New Jersey(one m•grant passerines; some observers reported good to at Princeton, two at Eatontown, Monmouth). Five others excellentcounts of SwainsoWsand Gray-cheekedthrushes, in New Jersey,one in Central Park, and about a half-dozen while others felt that Swainson's was rare and Gray- in upstate New York rounded out the spring total. The

404 American B•rds, Fall 1990 Cape May Warbler that wintered in Princeton was still breedingplumage, were along Rt. 12 eastof Smyrna,DE, presentin March (LL), but an early migrantat Tamiment, until mid-April (m.ob.). Pike, PA, in the Poconos,Apr. 17 was exceptional (B Yellow-headedBlackbirds were notedin aboveaverage & NM). Yellow-throated Warblers continue to occur with numbers,with two in Delaware, five in New Jersey,and increasingfrequency in w. New York;this springone was three in New York, including one well-photographedin at Fall Creek Gorge, Cayuga, May 19 (fide CKM), and Sheridan Township, Chautauqua, Apr. 12-14 (R. &. C. anotherwas in FredoniaMay 20 (D. Klaybor). Budnewski).Five of the Brewer'sBlackbirds wintering in New York State produced two Swainson'sWarblers; CapeMay were still presentMar. 6, then eightwere found one was in CentralPark, where the specieshas occurred at Week's Landing, Cape May, Mar. 10 (JDo). In w. New severaltimes, Apr. 28-May I (J.Fiore et al.), while for the York, one was in Hamlin, Monroe,Mar. 18 (A. Clarridge, 2nd year in a row one was foundin the westernpart of the FD), while a groupof threeto 16 was in EdenTownship, state. This one was discovered, well seen, and tape Erie, Apr. 2-18 (RA, m.ob.). A flock of eight to 10 Boat- recorded at Letchworth S.P. May 14 (M. Reinhardt); al- tailed Gracklesnear Woodstown,Salem, NJ, Apr. 8 was thoughheard by a number of observersthe next day, only about ten miles inland from their northernmost Delaware one of them was lucky enoughto see the bird (L. Vander- Bayshoreoutpost at Mad HorseCreek W.M.A. (DAC); far- Werf), the 5th for western New York. A Connecticut War- ther north, Boat-taileds nested on Staten Island for the bier was at Williamsburg Glen, Erie, May 20-21 (Yoerg, first time (H. Flamm). fide RA), and Mourning Warblers were found in above Two Pine Grosbeaksat Mountainside, Union, NJ, Mar. 1 averagenumbers in the southernpart of the Regionin late were the only onesnoted southof upstateNew York (D. May (m.ob.). Well north of its usual rangewas a Hooded Burk), but both speciesof crossbillsstaged a minor inva- Warblerat Massena,St. Lawrence,NY, May 14 (MB). sionto the northernparts of the Regionlate in the season. White-wingedCrossbills were the most widely seen,but TANAGERS TO FINCHES--Scarlet Tanager,too, was at least2 flocksof Red Crossbillswere in the Albany,NY, amongthe early birds at Rochester,Apr. 29 (RGS).Three region in mid-May, and 3 flocks were seen in the high- Dickcissels,two in March, were found in New Jerseydur- lands of Passaic-Morris,NJ, May 19 (PDu, PB et al.); some ing the spring,although others were locatedin early sum- of this latter groupremained into June,although there was mer; one wintering at Ghent, Columbia,NY, was present no evidenceof nesting.White-wingeds were widespread until Apr. 1, and another was in Fredonia Apr. 18 (J. throughoutmost of New York Statein April and May, with Goetz).A Clay-coloredSparrow was seenat HoganPoint, nestingsuspected in the AlleganyS.P. area. In New Jersey, nearRochester, May 15 (FN), and an evenrarer LarkSpar- severalflocks were in the highlandsof Passaicinto early row was found on the Buffalo OrnithologicalSoc. survey June, while the southernmostreport was of a pair al May 2O. Emmaus,Lehigh, PA, Apr. 27 (J. Horn). An "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrow was still at Sandy There were a few scatteredreports of Com. Redpoll in Hook May 19, an unusually late record of this often March. all from upstateNew York; the only significant ignoredsubspecies (P. Buckley). Henslow's Sparrows con- concentrationwas a group of 35-40 at Barcelona,Chau- tinue to decline in westernNew York, their only signifi- tauqua. Pine Siskins were noted in large numbers, espe- cant outpostin the Region;exceptional for spring was a cially in upstateNew York,through the end of the period, singingmale at WantageTownship, Sussex,NJ, May 17 but were presentand probablynested at variouslocations (DF). The Harris' Sparrowwintering at Mendham, Morris, in New Jersey;four were even at Walnut Ridge,New Cas- NJ, lingeredto mid-March,but one that had beenpresent tle, DE, May 20 (E. Speck).There were numerousreports at a Groton, Tompkins, NY, feeder since November was of nestingbirds in the Albany and Finger Lakesregions, only identified Mar. 11, after which it was enjoyed by and an impressivecount of 5000+ at BraddockBay May many. As many as 12 Lapland Longspurs, in striking 23 (FN). One siskin banded in Wisconsinin January,1988 was found dead in Hamilton, NY, Dec. 14, 1989 (GL).

CORRIGENDA--Thereport of four to five EaredGrebes at LakeMarburg, York, PA, in 1981, referredto in last spring's colunto,has been reviewed and not acceptedby the Pennsyl- vaniaOrnithological Records Committee.

OBSERVERS (Subregionalcompilers in boldface)--Ken Able (Hudson-MohawkRegion, NY: Dept. of Biology,SUNY, Albany,NY 12222), RobertAndrle, ScottAngus, Peter Bacin- ski (coastalNJ: 260 PageAve., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071),Marilyn Badger,Tom Bailey, Alan Baldelli(ABa), Robert Barber, Irving Black (n.e. NJ: EagleRock Village, Bldg. 26, Apt. 8B, Budd Lake,NJ 07828),R.J. Blicharz (n.c. NJ:827 PennsylvaniaAve., Trenton,NJ 08638), Alan Brady (ABr), ElizabethBrooks, T.W. Burke(New York Rare Bird Alert), Colin Campbell (CCa), Car- olyn Cass (CCs),Laurie Cleary, K.L. Crowell (St. Lawrence Region, NY: RD 4, Box 97, Canton, NY 13617), W. D'Anna (WDn), JohnDanzenbaker (JDa), Ward Dasey (WDa, s.w. NJ: 29 Ark Road,Medford, NJ08055), Dave DeReamus,Peter Der- ven (PDe,Rockland, NY: 70 Third Ave.,Nyack, NY 10960),F. Dobson, Jim Dowdell (JDo), Pete Dunne (PDu), A.P. Ednie (New Castle and Kent, DE: 21 N. Wells Ave., Glenolden, PA Male Yellow-headedBlackbird in Chautauqua County,New 19036), S.W. Eaton (NiagaraFrontier, NY: Ten Mile Rd., Alle- York, April 13, I990. Rare in western New York. Photo- gany,NY 14706),Vincent Elia, SherylForte, W.W. Frech (Sus- graphIRayBudniewski. sex, DE: Carr. Rt. 3, Box 1144, Lewes, DE 19958), G.L. Freed, Don Freiday, Padraic French, Paul Gillen, Laurie Goodrich,

Volume 44, Number 3 405 K.C. Griffith (Genesee Region, NY: 61 Grandview Lane, Rule,J.J. Ruscica, Sy Schiff [LongIsland: 603 Mead Terrace,S. Rochester,NY 14612), JoeGula, Jr., Greg Hanisek (n.w. NJ: 4 Hempstead, NY 11550), Dave Shoch (DSh), David Sibley Marnel Rd., Phillipsburg, NJ 08865), David Harrison (DHa), (DSi), Jana Skolnicki (JSk), Steve Sobosinski,R.G. Spahn Armas Hill, Norman Holgerson,Gene Huggins(Oneida Lake (GeneseeOrnithological Society), Sullivan County Audubon Basin, NY: 1065 Westmoreland,Syracuse, NY 13210), John Society,Clay Sutton, Pat Sutton, Joe Swertinski (JSw),Stiles Janowski, Kenn Kaufman, Rich Kane, Bob Kurtz, Laurie Lar- Thomas, J.P.Tramontario (Orange and Sullivan, NY: Orange son, Gary Lee. Paul Lehman, Mearns Bird Club, Helen Man- Co. Community College, Middletown, NY 10940), Don & son (Lower Hudson Valley, NY: Moores Mill, RD 4 Pleasant Donna Traver, Guy Tudor, Phil Vanderhorst,Steve Walter, Valley, NY 12569), Fred Mears, C.K. Melin (Finger Lakes Dave Ward, W.J. Wayne, Rick Wiltraut, AI Wollin (Long Region, NY: 449 Irish SettlementRd., Freeville, NY 13068), Island: 4 Meadow Lane, Rockville Center, NY 11570), Mary J.K. Meritt, Bob Mitchell [BMi), Dave Mizrahi, Arthur Morris, BethWood, Jim Zamos.Many otherobservers [approximately B.L. Morris (e. PA: 825 Muhlenberg St., Allentown, PA 300) who sent reports to us or their Subregionalcompilers 18104), Terry Mosher,Bill & Naomi Murphy, Mike Newlon, could not be listed, but their contributions are gratefully Frank Nicoletti, Michael O'Brien, Carl Perry, J.M.C. Peterson acknowledged. -- WILLIAM J. BOYLE, JR., 12 Glenwood (Adirondack- Champlain Region,NY: DiscoveryFarm, RD 1, Rd., Denville, NJ 07834; ROBERT O. PAXTON, 460 Riverside Elizabethtown,NY 12932), Pete Plage,Vivian Pitzrick, Rick Dr., Apt. 72, New York, NY 10027; and DAVID A. CUTLER, Radis, William Reid (n.e. PA: 73 W. Ross St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 1110 Rock Creek Dr., Wycote, PA 19095. 18702), RochesterBirding Association.Paul Rodewald, Bob

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archwas exceptionally warm, resulting in some ters=Blackwater Nat'l Wildlife Ref., MD; C.B.B.T. = Chesa- extremely early arrivals, birds that normally might peake Bay Bridge and Tunnel, VA; Chinc.= Chincoteague show up in a few areas late in that month appearingin Nat'l Wildlife Ref., VA; Craney= CraneyIsland DisposalArea, mid or early March instead. Temperatureswere close to Portsmouth,VA; Deal I. = Deal Island Wildlife Management normal for the rest of the period but with a cooling trend Area; MD; ES.P. = Ft. Smallwood Park, Anne Arundel, MD; and increasingprecipitation into May. The shorebird and Hart = Hart and Miller Is., Baltimore,MD; H.M.C.P.= Huntley passerinemigration received mixed to poor reviews. A MeadowsCounty Park, Fairfax, VA. Placenames in italics are counties. surprising number of birds lingered later into May than usual, such as Hermit Thrushes, American Pipits, and even several Glaucous Gulls and some northern finches. LOONS TO IBISES--Spitzer's loon studiescontinued One bright spot of the spring flight was the good flycatcher in the Bay, where he found unprecedentednon-coastal showing. Bald Eagle production was excellent but full numbersof Red-throatedLoons such as 200 in the Chop- details will appear next season.Any seasonwith a Ross' tank R. mouth, mostly in Talbotwaters Apr. 14, and 135 Gull well seenby thousandscannot be all bad. the next day, while 70 Corn.Loons were still presentMay Deviation from normal of temperature:March +4.7øF.; 1. Just acrossthe Bay on the western shore Stasz had 12 April +0.3ø; May -0.5ø; of precipitation: March +0.0 Red-throateds at N. Beach, Calvert, Mar. 31; his best Corn. inches (normal); April +0.5 inches;May +2.1 inches. Loon totalsthere were of 64 as early as March 19, 203 on April 5, and 313 on Apr. 12. All these loon recordsare ABBREVIATIONS--the Bay = ChesapeakeBay; Blackwa- from Maryland.

406 American Birds, Fall 1990 A sparsebreeder Regionally, Pied-billed Grebenested at increase(EPW), and the Hampton RoadsBird Club count Grandview,Hampton, VA, where an adult and four chicks recorded26 on May 12 (DMi). were seen May 19 (BT, BW), an unusual location. High counts of Horned Grebe in Maryland were modest ones WATERFOWL--Notable Mute Swan counts were of such as 256 at Patuxent N.A.S., St. Marys, Mar. 28 (KR), 275 at BarrenI. May 28 (CCW,GLA, HTA) and Reesefound 200 at Claiborne, Talbot, Mar. 19 (JE),and 400 at N. Beach 218 at the mouth of the Wye R. May 15 and 84 near Royal Mar. 21 (JLS).However, the interestingpoint was that they seemedto peak about2 weeksbefore they normally do. It was a good springfor Red-neckedGrebe with up to five at Black Hills Res., Montgomery,MD, Mar. 11-Apr. 7 RPH, PO, MO, RFR), two at Seneca, MD, Mar. 10 (PO), two at C.B.B.T.Mar. 4 (PMc, BP), and one at York R., VA, Apr. 4 (BT). Eared Grebeswere well representedwith singlesat N. Beach Mar. 3 & 28 (JLS),Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach, VA, Mar. 24 (SR), on the South R. near Annapolis Mar. 27 (MI), and at D.C. at HainesPt. Apr. 15, new for the District (DC). Sooty Shearwatersseen from land were two at Hog I., Northampton. May 15 (and a dead bird May 31) plus another dead one at CobbI. May 30. One was at Rudee Inlet May 27 (DFA). A pelagictrip out of RudeeInlet that left at 11:32 p.m. May 24 found two Manx, two Cory's, and 55 Sooty shearwaters,three N. Gannets,296 Wilson's and three Leach'sstorm-petrels, 14 fin whales, 11 Risso, 21 Mute Swan nest photographedMay 28, 1990, at Barren Island, Maryland-- the southernlimit of the species'breeding range on bottlenose, and 45 common dolphins, five molas, two ChesapeakeBay. Photograph/Geo•;eeL. Armistead. swordfish,and a blue shark (KHB, ESB et al.) on May 25. Northern Gannets continue to penetrate up the Bay in larger numbersthan have been seen prior to recent years, OakMay 25, theseall on the MarylandEastern Shore. The with 20 from N. Beach to Kent Pt. Mar. 26 (LMD), 32 at Pt. environmentalimpact of thesehuge, increasing birds must Lookout S.P. Mar. 17 (JLS,MI, DMd), one at Black Walnut be considerable. A Greater White-fronted Goose at Ma- Pt. Mar. 18 (RFR),and birds seenon 16 of 21 daysof obser- donna, Harford, MD, for the 2nd straightwinter remained vation during March by Stasz,all in Maryland waters at until Mar. 8 (DK) and the Blackwater Ross' Goose at least least 75 mi from the sea. until Mar. 10 (fide HTA). Late concentrationsincluded An Am. White Pelican was at Chinc. in March (RAA et 7000 Snow and 53 "Blue" geeseplus 1450 Tundra Swans al.), and quite likely the samebird was at Hog I., 40 mi to near Centreville, MD, March 11 (JE), 1000 N. Pintails, 1000 the s., during May (SR). Brown Pelicans showed up late Am. Wigeon,and 500 Gadwallsat Deal I. March 31 (SHD), and in small numbersin coastalVirginia with 32 at Chinc. 1200 Canvasbacksat Tilghman'sI. Mar. 18 (JGR),3000 Apr. 21 (BPk), 16 near WilliamsburgMay 13 (SR), and 18 LesserScaup at Hart Apr. 22 (RFR), 4000 Surf Scotersat N. at CraneyApr. 24 (TRW). In Virginia 40 Great Cormorants BeachMar. 31 (JLS),and 670 Buffieheadsat N. BeachApr. were at C.B.B.T.Mar. I (SR, BPn) and a very late bird was 16 (JLS).Scoters were in optimal numberson the Chop- nearbyat EasternShore of Virginia N.W.R. May 22 (SR), tank R. with 2560 Surf ScotersApr. 13, a good count for while in Maryland three were at ChoptankLight, Talbot, anytime of year, with 190 plus 65 White-wingedScoters Mar. 18 (RFR,EB) in the centralBay, five were in St. Marys still presentMay 6 (HTA, CCW, GLA). At Wallops I., VA, Mar. 17 (MI, JLS,DMd), and sevenwere at OceanCity Apr. Vaughnfound 245 Brant still on hand May 2. 26-27 (JGR).Double-crested Cormorants returned early ErectingWood Duck boxeshas becomea major activity with 40 at Ft. Armistead Park near Baltimore by Mar. 11 in someareas by sportsmen'sgroups with spinoffbenefits (HTA et al.), a possiblerecord count of 138 in D.C. Apr. 14 for screech-owls,crested flycatchers, Tree Swallows, and (DC), and 1008 at N. BeachApr. 16 (JLS).Unique was the other species.In Accomack,VA, 173 boxesproduced 67 report accompaniedby a fine drawingof three Anh.ingas Wood Duck broods in 1989, an increase from 20 to 39% in soaringover Hampton, VA, Apr. 8 (PS). one year; one box near Craddockville had feathers of For the second straight year, breeding of Am. Bittern Hooded Merganser, a species almost nonexistent as a was confirmedat H.M.C.P.,when an adult and threeyoung Regional breeder (GWR). Very late ducks were two N. were seen May 31 (KH, EPW) at this prime Virginia fresh Shovelersat Cobb I., VA, May 30 (SR), a Buffiehead at water marsh near D.C. This speciesis an extremely rare Piney Run Res., Carroll, MD, May 25 (RFR), and a Com. Regionalbreeder. Four LeastBitterns were seen at Barren Mergansernear Royal Oak, MD, May 25 (JGR).At Wallops I., MD, May 28, in a small 35 + acre artificial salt marsh I., 700 Green-wingedTeal Apr. 4 made a good total for so island created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineersand late (CRV). Jetty ducks included four to six Harlequin seededwith Spartinaalternifiora in dredgespoil. Seaside Ducks at C.B.B.T. Mar. 1-Apr. 11 (SR, BPn), and a King Sparrowsand ClapperRails, uncommon on the rest of Bar- Eider was there Mar. 4 (PMc, BP)and another at Ocean ren I., havealso become established here in largenumbers City on the extremely late date of May 19 (DC). Less (HTA et al.). The first Cattle Egrets,on typical dates,were surprising were 30 Red-breastedMergansers, notorious singles at Mt. Vernon Mar. 25 (PB)and Nokesville, VA, lingerers,at BackBay N.W.R./FalseCape S.P., VA, May 18 Mar. 31 (RAA). Black-crownedNight-Herons continue to (DS, TMP) and 26 on AssateagueI., MD, May 19 (DC), prosper in the wilds of the National Zoo in D.C. where while 97 made an excellent count for D.C. Apr. 7 (DC). Czaplakcounted 102 adults and 46 nestsApr. 8. The first Two exotics were seen, a Com. Shelduck at Piney Run GlossyIbises were six at N. Beach Mar. 31 (JLS)and 47 Res.,MD, where one was seenat this time last year,May 5 at Patuxent N.A.S. Apr. 3 (KR). Seven Yellow-crowned & 7 (RFR), and a Garganeyat Back Bay in mid-May (fide Night-Heronswere at H.M.C.P.during the period, a slight DFA) of unknown origins.

Volume 44, Number 3 407 SorasMay 2-3; 13 Corn. Gallinules both May 23-24 and May 30-31. This is a stretch of the Choptank R. from KingstonLanding to Frazier Neck in fresh-slightlybrack- ish marshesof Talbot & Caroline, MD. Many of thesetotals are unprecedentedfor thesetwo countiesand indicatewe still have much to learn and new areas to visit even in countiesthat were already consideredto be well birded. At Deal I., Dyke heard 12 SorasApr. 29. The Poolesville, MD, Sandhill Crane finished out its 2nd year in the area and has becomeso taken for grantedthat a big day party stoppedby to pick it up by flashlightMay 17 (v.o.}.

SHOREBIRDS--Four Wilson'sPlovers at CraneyMay 2 (fide DMi) and one at Grandview May 19 (BW) were some- Osprey nest at Barren Island, Maryland, May 28, 1990. what out of place away from the Eastern Shore of Virginia Ground nesting is not uncommonon ChesapeakeBay, on barrier islands.A PipingPlover at Grand View alreadyhad islands that ate some distancefrom the nearest trees. Photo- two young by May 19 (BW). Many found the shorebird graph/GeorgeL. Armistead. migration to be lackluster, yet there were some outstanding individual counts.Up to 18 Black-neckedStilts were RAPTORS TO CRANES--a flight of 111 Turkey Vul- at Deal I. May 12, a new Maryland high count (MO), and tures was seen at F.S.P., s.e. of Baltimore, Mar. 13 (SRi). one was at Blackwater,May 7-12 (MO, CS, HTA). In Vir- Owing to the mild March, Ospreysreturned earlier than ginia, eight were at False Cape S.P. May 1 (BT) and six usual in many areas. Mid-March is when they usually were at the Chine. causewayMay 18-19 (JJF),also record return in most Maryland areasof the Bay, but arrivals in state totals. Among the more interestingshorebird totals the first week of March were seen in several Maryland were thoseof Rottenbornin Virginia, including theseCobb counties(JGR, SRi, LTS), and they were attemptingnesting I. records:268 Black-bellied Plovers May 9, 1328 Dunlin in D.C. againthis year where they were seennest building May 16, and 89 Willets plus 745 Red Knots May 3O. At Apr. 7 (DC). An unprecedentedthree Mississippi Kites nearbyHog I. he saw 645 SemipalmatedPlovers May 15, were reported:singles at Rockville, MD, May 11 (MO), and 1377 Sanderlingswith a W. Sandpiper May 24. In a F.S.P.Apr. 28 (BM, ]]'deSRi), and H.M.C.P. May 8 (KK). At plowed field near Oyster were 35O Black-belliedPlovers F.S.P.Apr. 28 a SwainsoffsHawk was also reported,with and a LesserGolden-Plover May 23. At Craney he found details lacking.on a day when 13 raptor specieswere seen 70 White-rumped Sandpipers,a Wilson's Plover,and two here (SRi, BM, PF). Details were lacking at presstime of Black-neckedStilts May 19. Near Nassawadoxhe saw 300 the Bald Eagle nestingsurvey. These will appear in the WhimbrelsMay 8. A surprisingcount of Whimbrelswas summer 1990 season report. Eight pairs nested on of 595 at Bellevue, MD, in two large flocks flying north Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, on the upper Bay (DK), into the dusk calling the evening of May 25 in a central and the nest on the Potomac R. at Great Falls had two part of the Bayarea where the observershad only seentwo young May 5 (GS). previousbirds of this species(HTA, LA). Coverageat ES.P, the Region'sbest spring hawk flyway, The best Sanderlingcount was of 3034 May 18 in the is usually irregularat best and this year was no exception. Back Bay/False Cape part of Virginia (DS, TMP). A half However, over 1000 birds were seenMay 6 including 786 dozenreports were receivedof W. Sandpipers,most with Sharp-shinnedHawks, 40 Ospreys,two Bald Eagles,five no descriptions,making these difficult to evaluate.This is N. Harriers,seven Cooper's, 251 Broad-winged,and three a rare bird during the spring here. We need more informa- Red-tailed hawks, seven Am. Kestrels, and three Merlins tion on when the Westerns that overwinter leave the (SRi et aI.), to give some idea of how good it can be. The Region.Pectoral Sandpipers often show up in small num- last Rough-leggedHawk report was of one at Bellevue, bers in late March but the only early report this springwas MD, Apr. 14 (GLA, HTA), not especially late. Single of two birds at Denton, Caroline, MD, March 26 (MWH). Golden Eagleswere at Remington Farms Apr. 5 & 13 in Purple Sandpiperslingered later than usual with 32 at Kent, MD (FLP). Rottenbornwitnessed an excellent flight Ocean City May 20 (DC) and 30 at C.B.B.T.May 21 (DMi) of Am. Kestrelsat Back Bay Apr. 4 when he saw 318 flying and 15 still there May 27 (DFA). At Wallops I., 1635 Short- north along the dunes. At Rockville, MD, 150 Broad- billed Dowitchersmade an excellent count May 2 (CRV), winged Hawks were in migration Apr. 22 (MO) and 80 and 90 Cam. Snipe at Tanyard, Caroline, MD, Mar. 18 were seen in D.C. the same day (DC). made a goodtally for the EasternShore, snipe being com- Up to three Black Rails were heard at Saxis during May moner on the other side of the Bay (RFR, EB). A singleWil- on the central Bay w. of Chinc. (ESB,SRd, FD, DFA, BPn), son'sPhalarope was at Blackwater May 12 (HTA, CS) and and nine were calling at Elliott I., MD, May 5 (HTA, GLA, two were at CraneyMay 10 & 25 (fide DMi). Another was et aI.). In s. Dorchester,MD, 118 Virginia Rails were heard at Hart May 28 alongwith sevenRed-necked Phalaropes, a on a spring bird count May 12 (CS, HTA). Ten Clapper Red Knot, and 2500 Semipalmatedand 11 White-rumped Rails were at Barren I., MD, May 28, when a nest with 9 sandpipers(RD). At seafive Red-neckedPhalaropes were eggswas also discovered(HTA, GLA, CCW), and 43 were seenoff Virginia BeachMay 25 (KHB, ESB et al.). in the Hampton areaMay 12 for a springbird count at this site (DMi et aI.). As part of a survey by the state in Mary- land, marsheson the upper Choptank R. were visited at JAEGERS TO SKIMMERS The only jaegerreported night (MO). Some of these areas have never been birded was an unidentified one at Ocean City May 12 (MO). beforein this manner,and yielded excellentcounts of ral- SingleLittle Gulls were spottedat N. BeachApr. 6 (JLS) lids on thesenights: 19 King Rails Apr. 23-24 and 18 May and at Ft. Story-(Cape Henry), VA, Mar. 24 along with a 30-31; 37 Virginia Rails May 11-12 and 36 May 30-31; ten Black-legged Kittiwake (SR). A very late Cam. Black-

408 American Birds, Fall 1990 such as 1500 on South R. near Annapolis Apr. 9 (MI), 300 at Hog I., Surry, VA, Mar. 4 (BT), 266 in D.C. Apr. 7 (DC), 110 at CentennialPark, Howard, MD, Apr. 6 (JF),and 525 at N. BeachApr. 10 (ILS). An Iceland Gull was presentin the Cambridge-Preston,MD, area during March (DC, AJF, EE, JGR), representinga new record for Caroline. One (plus a Glaucous Gull) was at Alpha Ridge Landfill, Howard, Mar. 3 (SA). GlaucousGulls were surprisingly widespread for this seasonwith records from 7 other localities including four in mid-late May, with one at Rudee Inlet May 27-29 (DFA, KHB, ESB). The first CaspianTerns were five at Ft. Story,VA, along with six Royals Mar. 24 (SR) and although spectacular counts were not achieved at Hart as in some years, 120 were there May 28 alongwith a Black Skimmer(RD), and 62 made a good count for inland Triadelphia Res. in Howard, MD, Apr. 22 (JF). In the central Bay 148 Royal Ternsmade a goodtally May 8 at N. Beach (JLS).A single Arctic Tern was seen off Virginia Beach May 25 (KHB, ESB), and the first Forster's Terns were found Mar. 17 at Hunting Creek, VA, s. of D.C. (DC) and at N. Beach (ILS). Up to 55 Black Skimmerswere in the BarrenI.-Hooper's I. area May 5 & 12 (HTA et al.), frequentingthe area where they have bred during the past few summers.

CUCKOOS TO SHRIKES--This was a better than usualspring for the Regionallyscarce Black-billed Cuckoo (v.o.). Another result of the warm winter weather, presumably,was the sightingof an adult and fledglingE. Screech- Owl on the very early date of Mar. 19 in D.C. (DC). Short- Ross'Gull at Baltimore,Maryland, March 11, 1990. The back- earedOwls were seenat only 4 localities,including one at groundis proof enoughthat this bird is out of range: most Hains Pt. in D.C. Apr. 15 (DC). Bassheard 24 Whip-poor- Ross' Gulls live their lives without ever seeingtall trees.Photo- wills near Quantico Marine Base, VA, Apr. 29, and an graph/DaveCzaplak. exceptionallyearly one was heard near Charlottesville, VA, Mar. 11 (RB,fide CES).Normally the last few daysof March are the earliestthey may be expectedin this areain S,A,; Virginia. The high count of Red-headedWoodpeckers was of 10 at Nokesville Mar. 31 (RAA). The high point of the seasonwas an ad. Ross'Gull There were 9 reportsof Olive-sidedFlycatchers and one discoveredat BackR. SewageT•atment Plant in Essex, was bandedat Stevenson,MD, May 25 (BMR). Six records MD, e. of Baltimoreby Scarpullaand presentMar. 3-12 of Alder Flycatcherswere better than average,all in the and, incredibly,again from Apr. 13-24. DuringMarch it was seenby at least 2300 people from 16 states,It period May 19-27 and in the Piedmontor very near it, receivedextensive media coverage,usually being billed suchas oneat D.C. May 19 (RPH).Least Flycatchers made as the "bird of the century."The staff of the sewage a very strongshowing during May, much more widely plant are to be commendedfor their hospitality.They seen than usual, and Czaplak had them on six dates in erectedattractive wooden signs welcoming birders and D.C.May 2-16. Up to 70 E. Kingbirdswere counted in D.C. evenhad one sign with an arrow pointingto the tanks May 5 (MO). Fancyflycatchers in Virginia includeda Gray wherethe gull was mostlikely to be seen.This lovely Kingbird at Virginia Beach Apr. 28 (TH et al., fide JM; bird consortedwith Bonaparte'sGulls and was usually fourth state record) and a Fork-tailed Flycatcher present seenin flight, althoughoccasionally it could be seenat at Chinc.May 17-19 (KK, VBK, JB,JJF, JMA et al.; second rest on land along a nearby tidal creek. Also present staterecord), rounding out a 12 flycatcherspring for the were oneto two Little Gulls duringmuch of April, but Region.Presumably breeding were "shore"Horned Larks the"Patagonia effect'" stopped there. found during late May on the Virginia barrier islands of Hog, Cobb,and Wallops (SR, CRV). headed Gull was reported from Chinc. May 20 (JJF). The earliest swallows were four Purple Martins over Laughing Gulls returned a week or more earlier than D.C. Mar. 17 (DC) and a N. Rough-wingedSwallow the usual, no doubt owing to the March mildness,turning up next day at nearby McKee-BeshersW.M.A.; MD (MO), at several Maryland Bay sites in the 2nd week of the early dateseven for theseearly species.Red-breasted Nut- month instead of the 4th when they usually return (v.o.). A catchesfinished off a mediocrewinter flight with a smat- nest with one eggwas found at BarrenI. May 28 for the tering of recordsinto mid-May (v.o.). At least 2 pairs of 2nd straightyear, the only breedingrecords for the Mary- Brown Creeperswere on breeding territory at H.M.C.P. land part of the Bay exceptfor a reportin 1954 (HTA, GLA, (EPW) and two were at Patuxent N.A.S. May 12 (KR, CV). CW, ph.). Also breedinghere were HerringGull (24 nests) Thirteen Winter Wrens at McKeldin, Can•11, MD, Apr. 9 and Great Black-backed Gull (one nest), and although made a fine count, and the declining SedgeWren was rep- there were 6 Black Skimmer scrapes,for the first time in resentedby five birds at Irish Grove Sanctuary,MD, s. of severalyears no skimmer eggswere found and no tern CrisfieldApr. 8 (ILS, MI). Two Golden-crownedKinglets nests(vs. hundredslast year involving four species). were in the Carrollportion of the Hanoverwatershed near There was a goodflight of Bonaparte'sGulls with counts the Pennsylvanialine May 12, perhapsthe only areaof the

Volume44, Number3 409 Region where they have been found breeding (RFR). A Baltimore May 11 was slightly north of its usual range nice flight of passerinestook place Mar. 11 at F.S.P.when (BY). Very early was an IndigoBunting at Berlin, MD, Apr over 100 E. Bluebirds,1000 Am. Robins,and 100 Am. Pip- 16 (MH). Dickcisselreporting was good, leading one to its were seen (LMD, HLW)i hope for anothergood breeding season. One was at New- Most felt the thrush migration was again a poor one, port News, VA, Feb. 19-Apr. 21 (DMi), another at Tan- although more Gray-cheeked Thrushes were seen than yard, Caroline,MD, Apr. 25 (MN), threein Campbell,VA, usual with 25 over Rockville,MD, the night of May 27-28 along Route 625 May 10 (C & MH), one in Rockville, MD, (MO) and 14 there May 19-20 along with hundreds of May 19-20 (MO), eight in Westmoreland,VA, May 27 Veeries and Swainson's Thrushes (MO). More late Hermit (JJF), and one near Cambridge, MD, May 31-June 12 Thrusheswere found in May than are normally, with sev- (HLW). On May 5-6 Hilton found a Bachman'sSparrow in eral in D.C. as late as May 13 (DC, RPH). Brown Thrashers a county,undisclosed at the observer'srequest for security returned early in the March warmth and were nest build- reasons,in the south-centralVirginia Piedmont near the lng as early as Apr. i in Salisbury,MD (D & CB), and four North Carolina line. This is the third consecutiveyear were at Bull Run, VA, Mar. 11 (SDE).American Pipits lin- breedingbirds have been found in this generalarea. Late gered into May later than expectedwith 45 in Howard, lingering sparrowsincluded an Am. Tree at Chesapeake MD, May 12 (SA), oneat OceanCity May 19 (DC),and an City, MD, Apr. 13 (RFR, EB) and three Fox Sparrows at exceptionally late individual at D.C. May 29 (DC). The Lilypons, MD, Apr. 7 (RFR). The scarceHenslow's Spar- only LoggerheadShrikes reported were singlesat Lilypons row was representedby singlesat RockburnBranch Park, Apr. 7 (RFR) and Annapolis,an exceptionalrarity for this Howard, MD, Apr. 28-May 2 (BO, NM, RFR), Deal Island location and time of year, May 12 (MI). W.M.A., MD, May 6 (C & ES), and in Sussex,VA, May 5-6 (RPH), none of these re,gular areasof occurrence.Rarely reportedin spring,nine LaplandLongspurs were at Oland VIREOS, WABBLERS---Themigration for thesebirds Rd., Frederick, MD, Mar. 24 (PO). received very mixed reviews with some excellent flights A c• Yellow-headedBlackbird was at Back Bay N.W R, locally, such as May 5-6 on the coastal plain. Single VA, duringthe 3rd week of May (fide DFA). After several Philadelphia Vireos were seen at Dismal Swamp N.W.R. winters of showing up in small numbers,Purple Finches (ESB)and Lubber Run Park, Alexandria (RAA), both May made a rather strongflight throughoutthe Regionin April 8 Unique were a "Brewster's"Warbler at Barlow Pond, and early May (v.o.).House Finches were noted nestingas JamesCity, VA, Apr. 25 and an Orange-crownedWarbler at early as Apr. 14 on Carroll I., Baltimore (RFR). Pine Baltimore May 19 (BY). Yokel had good warbler totals at Siskins were rather widely reported during April and Cylburn Arboretum with 11 Cape Mays May 12, 12 Black- early May but did not linger past mid-May as they have throated Blues May 5, 14 Black-throatedGreens May 8, during some recent years. Evening Grosbeak was still and 21 Blackpolls,nine Canadas,and eight Bay-breasteds another northern finch that stageda fairly good spring May 17. A N. Parula was presentat Charlottesville,VA, on flight after a mediocrewinter, with severalsightings into the record early datesof Mar. 10 & 12 (RB, fide CES). An early May (v.o.). excellent flight by lower Eastern Shore standards took place at Royal Oak, MD, May 5, when Reesehad 12 Mag- nolia, five Chestnut-sided,18 Blue-winged,seven Black- throated Blue, six Blackburnian, 18 Black-and-white, and two Tennessee warblers. OBSERVER$--D.F. Abbott, J.M. Anderson, R.A. Anderson, It is not unusualfor Yellow-throatedWarblers to turn up G.L. Armistead, Gordon Armistead, Liz Armistead, Scott in a few areaseach year in late March. This year,however, Atkinson,Robert Barbee, K.H. Bass,Polly Batchelder,John singleswere alreadyin Williamsburg(SR) and JollyPond, Bjerke,Eirik Blom,Connie Bockstie, J.K. Boone, E.S. Brinkley, JamesCity (BT), VA, by Mar. 15, with 20 at the latter site Don & Carol Broderick,J.H. Buckalew,Barry Cooper,David Mar. 23 (BT), and in Maryland at two placesin Howard, Czaplak (D.C. area), L.M. Davidson, Fenton Day, Robert Mar. 18 & 19 (IS, CB). Most unusual was a Swainson's Dixon, S.H. Dyke, S.D. Eccles,Jeff Effinger, Ethel Engle,Jane Warbler on C.B.B.T.May 21 (MP, DMi et el.) and one was Farrell, A.J. Fletcher (Caroline, MD), S. Ford, Paul Fritz, at Nassawango Creek, MD, May 29 (CS). Louisiana J.J.Fulton, Jim & Patricia Gruber (Kent, MD), Terry Haag, Waterthrushes also returned earlier than usual with sin- Charles & Melva Hansrote, M.W. Hewitt, R.P. Hilton, Ken gles at NassawangoCreek Mar. 17 (SHD), Williamsburg Howard, Mary Humphreys,Marshall Illif, GeorgeJett, Teta Mar. 22 (SR),and JollyPond Mar. 23 (BT). This was a good Kain (C.B.B.T.),Kerrie Kirkpatrick, Dennis Kirkwood, V B. spring for Mourning Warblers, the reports on hand all Kitchens, Gail MacKiernan, Nancy Magnusson, Paul between May 12-31, with one person banding seven in McQuarry (PMc), Don Meritt, Jim Meritt, Dorothy Mitchell Fairfax, VA (EP). Unusual for early March was a Com. Yel- (DMi), Paul Murphy, Dottie Mumford (DMd), Bill Murphy, lowthroat at Hog I., $urry, VA, on the fourth (BT)--very Marianna Nutfie, Michael O'Brien, Paul O'Brien, Bonnie Ott, early, most likely, rather than an overwintering bird. At JohnOverton, T.M. Padgett,F.L. Parks,Brian Patteson(BPn), McKeldin,MD, 14 CanadaWarblers May 22 madea good Elizabeth Peacock, Butch Pearce, Carl Perry, E.L. Pitney total (RFR).Dyke had the unusualexperience of watching (lowerEastern Shore of MD), Bill Portlock(BPk), Mary Pulley, various Yellow-throated, Pine, and Black-and-white war- Kyle Rambo, J.G. Reese (Talbot, MD), G.W. Reiger, Sue Ricciardi (SRi), Sue Ridd (SRd),R.F. Ringler,Wilbur Patten- blersplus LouisianaWaterthrushes feeding among cypress house, B.M. Ross,Stephen Rottenborn, E.J. Scarpulla,Greg knees in a cold (28øF.),wet snow Apr. 7 at Nassawango Schrott,Don Schwab,W. Scudder,Matthew Sharp,L.T. Short, Creek on the lower EasternShore of Maryland. In spite Chris& Eddie Slaughter,Jo Solem (Howard, MD), P.R.Spltzer, of these interesting individual records there was little J.L. Stasz (Calvert,MD), C.E. Stevens,Paul Sunby,Charles consensusin the reports received on the quality of the Swift, BrianTaber, J.W. Taylor, G.D. Therres, M.A. Todd,Curt warblerflight. Vacek,C.R. Vaughn(lower Eastern Shore of MD), E.P.Welgel, H.L. Wierenga,C.P. Wilds, Bill Williams, G.B. Wilmot, C C Witt, T.R. Wolfe, Ben Yokel, P.A. Zucker.--HENRY T. ARMIS- TANAGER$ TO FINCHE$--A Summer Tanagerat TEAD, 523 E. Durham St., Philadelphia, PA 19119.

410 American B•rds, Fall 1990 •L '"'%. •' * Charlotte NORTH SOUTHERN ßGreenville '•h CAROLINA

ATLANTIC • <• SOUTH N Wilmington

COAST GEORGIA • ,Aiken•, e•.. • REGION

Winter 1989-1990 Report Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. • •vannahe_• eAiba•

Okefenokee•

o one could possiblyforget the weatherof Winter Eight I. Dec. 10 (DC), Atlantic Beach Dec. 17 (PSp), Cape 1989-1990 in the Southeast. December, usually the Hatteras Jan. 11 (MaL), Rodanthe Jan. 16 (JF), and Whale- warmestof the three winter months, was by far the cold- bone Feb. 4 (RD, C.B.C.). One was seen in South Carolina est, and some cities and towns had their coldest December at HuntingtonBeach S.P. on Dec. 31 (LG), and anotheror ever.Topping off the absurdityof the month was the Great the samethere Feb. 3 (PW); and in Georgiawas a single at Blizzard along the coast of the Carolinas, dumping as St. CatherinesI. in early December (RH). Also reported a much as 15 inches of snow;for someplaces, it was the considerable number of times was Eared Grebe. An Eared greatest snowfall depth ever. As if the snow were not lingered at Goldsboro,NC, to Dec. 16 (JW);and at least one enough,Christmas morning saw temperaturesplunge to bird was reportedin the Cape Hatterasarea Dec. 12 (MC, -5 degreesat Jacksonville,North Carolina;Wilmington in TH), Jan. 5 (DL), and Feb. 3-4 (C.B.C.). Georgia again had that statehit 0 degrees.Of course,chill factorsduring that Eareds at Rum Creek W.M.A., with two there Dec. 3 (TJ, December23-25 period ran into the -20s or below. Some- TKP, DaF) and one still there Jan. 26 (TJ, KD). how, January and February were quite mild and were Disappointingly,no pelagictrips were taken, or at least amongthe warmeston recordat many weather stations! reported,during the season.The eight to nine Am. White The Great Blizzard provided a goodbarometer of avian Pelicansthat spent part of the fall at Pea I., NC, lingered survivability and mortality. Usually, severestorms occur into the winter and were reportedat leastto Feb. 23 (RK). in January,February, or even March, and there is no full- Singleswere notableelsewhere at HatterasInlet, NC, Dec. scale census of birdlife after such storms; thus, one can 2 (HH), the Charleston,SC, airport Jan. 11 (DWa), and Bear only speculate how warblers, herons, and other birds Island W.M.A., SC, Feb. 24 (PN et al.). Continuing to fared after such storms. In this case, however, a number of increase,Great Cormorantis now found in numbers along coastal Christmas Bird Counts were held after the bliz- partsof the central coastof North Carolina,where rare just zard, and thus count totals of various speciescould be a few yearsago. Fussell noted six Greatson old pilings of a comparedwith numbers from previous winters. Results pier at New R. Inlet Jan.26, and 11 were there Feb. 12. He were shocking; of course, waterfowl were generally in had threemore at CapeLookout Feb. 11 and threeothers at increased numbers on the counts, but ground-dwelling Topsail Beach Feb. 12. Somewhat far inland for winter passerines, especially insectivores, were decimated. were singleAnhingas Jan. 25 at Lugoff,SC (LG), and Feb. House, Sedge, and Marsh wrens were hit hard, as were 16 in s. Cumberland,NC (PJC),the latter presumablyjust most warblers, particularly Palms. Pelicans,herons, and an early springmigrant. egretsfared poorly,and shorebirdsdied in numbers.Many It was a dismal winter for rare wader reports, in part birders commented on the scarcity of shorebirdslater in becauseof the high mortality/departureof suchbirds with the winter, and even the usually omnipresentSanderling the December blizzard. A Great Egret was present near was a rarity on somebeaches. Fussell saw zero shorebirds Morrisville, NC, Jan.28-Feb. 10 (HL, C.H.B.C.)and another along22 miles of beachfrom OcracokeInlet to Drum Inlet, was at Goldsboro,NC, ]an. 6 (ED). Seldomreported in win- North Carolina, on February 24. ter in the Piedmont was a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Jan. 3 at Clayton, GA (NI, fide TM). White Ibises well GREBES TO IBISES--Not surprisingly in a frigid inland included singlesat SanteeN.W.R., SC, Jan. 2 (TK) early winter, Red-necked Grebes staged a mini-invasion. and Eufaula N.W.R., GA, Jan. 31 (AA, MK). Excellent win- Besidestwo seen from the Ocracoke-CedarI., NC, ferry ter totals of GlossyIbises were of 30 at Bear I., SC, Jan. 29 Feb. 4 (LG et al.), singlesin that statewere found at Figure (LG, TIVlu,KC) and 77 there Feb. 24 (PN party).

Volume44, Number 3 411 WATERFOWL--This w•nter wfil be remembered two b•rds were also reported from Whalebone, Oregon negativelyfor many groupsof birds, but it was a positive Inlet, Cedar I., and Wrightsville Beach•n North Carohna, one for exciting waterfowl records,particularly sea ducks and from Huntington Beachin SouthCarolina. Oldsquaws (scoters, eiders, etc.). The only report of Fulvous are usually rare on inland lakes,but suchwas not the case Whistling-Ducks was of as many as seven birds at an this winter. A remarkable seven were at Augusta Dec 23 •mpoundmentnear Davis,Carteret, NC, in December(DS). (CB, KW), five were at JordanL., NC, Jan. 13 (KK, HLi, TS, This impoundmenthosted a remarkablenumber of Tun- HHe), two were at Savannah R. Plant Dec. 19 (AW), and dra Swans this winter, with up to 1000 estimated during one each were at Clemson, SC, Dec. 16-17 (SW, BS) and the season(DS); this is normally a rare bird in the county. DreherIsland S.P.,SC, Feb. 25-Mar. 3 (TK). Rarely seenon In addition to a few solo birds in the Piedmont of North the Georgiacoast were six Oldsquawsat SapeloI. Dec 31 Carolina, a most significantreport for that province was of (AWy, HP, TKP), with four there two dayspreviously. nine swans at Griffin Res., GA, Dec. 31 (PR). Two Mute Five Surf Scotersat Cane Cr. Res., Orange, NC, Dec 2 Swans were noted on L. Lanier, GA, Jan. 18 (JP)and two (DSh, C.H.B.C.) might have made a recordPiedmont count more(or the same?)in Whitfield,GA, Feb.5 (HD). for that state;and one inland at Clayton, GA, Dec. 26-28 An excellent count of 20 Greater White-fronted Geese (PB) was also unusual. Inland White-winged Scoters, all was made at the Region's best site for the species -- singles, appeared at L. Norman, NC, Dec. 15 (TP, DW), Eufaula N.W.R., GA, Jan. 28 (RM et al.). Others were two Greensboro,NC, Dec. 16-1ate January (HLi et al.), and eachin that stateat ClaytonDec. 26 (EM) and AugustaJan. SweetwaterCreek S.P.,GA, Dec. 29 (CG). Not surprisingly, 26 (AW), and one at Santee N.W.R., SC -- the most fre- scotersand Oldsquaws were more numerous along the quently reported White-fronted site in the Carolinas-- coastthan usual, especiallyin December.Common Gold- Dec. 30 (TK). As usual, there were a few scattered Snow eneyeswere only slightly up in numbers,but Common Gooserecords away from the usual wintering locations in Merganserswere definitely more prevalent than usual, n tidewater North Carolina,with the best count being of with at least 10 localities represented.Completely unex- s•x at Savannah N.W.R., SC, Dec. 10 (DF et al.). North Car- pected was a flock of 205 merganserson L. Phelps, NC, olina's first inland Ross' Goose was found, with hardly Jan.13 (ML);this wasperhaps a new'Regionalhigh count any Snow Geeseamong which to hide, at Pungo N.W.R. Nowhere else had numbers anywhere approaching this during the winter (DC). Not surprising,however, was one figure, but counts of 11 in the lower Cape Fear R. in late at Pea I. -- the usual East Coast haunt of the species-- December (GM, BB) and eight at Greensboroin January Dec. 28 (MT, PS, m.ob.). (HHe) were notable. No waterfowl specieswas more heavily influencedby the Decemberfreezes than the Brant, which normally win- RAPTORS TO CRANES--An Osprey was late near ters in modestnumbers in the Regiononly in Pamlico and Grimesland, NC, Dec. 30 (HV). Two Bald Eagle nestswere Core sounds,North Carolina. As bays and soundsto our found in late winter in the eastern Piedmont of North Car- north becamefrozen over by late December,notable num- olina (WK, JK);both may have beenbuilt by the samepain bers of Brant invaded the Region. In Georgia,where ex- asthe first nestingfailed. The locationsare being withheld tremely rare, four were seenfrom the CumberlandI. ferry to protectthe birds.Probably the mostcooperative Rough- Jan. 27 (HG, PB). In South Carolina, where simply rare, leggedHawk ever for the Region was a dark-morph b•rd there were several double-digit counts along the coast, that remained Jan. 22-Feb. 25 between Kinston and topped by a remarkable107 in Charlestonharbor Jan. 27 LaGrange,NC (BG, ED, m.ob.); it even perched on tele- (PN). Other good counts in that state were of 50+ during phone wires along busy US 70! Other recordsof Rough- the winter at Mount Pleasant(DF), 46 at RaccoonKey Jan. leggeds,all for North Carolina, were of two near Ayden 28 (PN), 25+ at Moore's Landing Dec. 31 (DF), and 20+ at Feb. i (JW), one north of Aurora Jan. 20 (RT), and one •n Huntington Beach S.P.Jan. 14 (DF). The lower Cape Fear Iredell near the Yadkin R., Jan. 7-9 (AB, RD). Golden R.-Southport area of North Carolina also hosted dozens of Eagleswere reportedfrom all 3 states,but North Carohna's Brant,with 67 on the CBCat SouthportDec. 31 (fide BB). were in the mountains outside of this Region; South Car- Puddle ducks made little news this winter; surprising olina's was at SanteeN.W.R. Jan. 13 (TK, MKal) and Geor- was a Blue-wingedTeal far inland Jan. 14 in n. Mecklen- gia's was in Morgan Dec. 29 (SR, fide TM). A Merhn burg,NC (DW). A Eur. Wigeonagain spent the entire win- inland near Goldsboro, NC, was seen Feb. 27 (ED); but sur- ter at Davis, NC (HH, PSa, JF), and singles were seen at prisingly,inland PeregrineFalcons were notedat 6 sites-- both North and South pondsat Pea I., Dec. 28 (MT, PS). Clemson(fide SW) and SanteeN.W.R. (TK) in South Car- Not surprisingly in this unusual winter, Greater Scaup olina, and Goldsboro (ED), Greenville (JW), Jordan L were widely reportedinland, with the bettercounts being (PSa),and Charlotte(fide DW) in North Carolina. a maximum of nine Dec. 31 in Greene, GA (PY), five at the Cely et al. againhad successin callingup a Yellow Rail Savannah R. Plant, SC, Dec. 19 (AW), and four at Dreher in a grassyCarolina bay east of Columbia, SC, it bmng Island S.P., SC, Jan. 9 (TK). heard Dec. 8 & 16. Another was heard Dec. 30 at Santee At a few sitesalong the coast,lucky birdershad the rare N.W.R. (TK). Of course, there is much to be learned about Regional feat of seeing Common and King eiders and winter distribution of this species.How widespread and Harlequin Ducks on a single day. Up to two Common frequent is it inland? Are the birds in the Carolina bays E•ders were at Huntington Beach S.P., SC, during the win- actually present all winter or are they just late fall ter (DF, LG, RMcN); elsewhere, all in North Carolina, sin- migrants?Most importantlyto birders,has anyonedewsed glesappeared at PeaI., CapeHatteras, Beaufort/Ft. Macon, a good method for actually seeing birds in the w•nter, and Wrightsville Beach. King Eiders were surprisingly without having to burn a marshor run marshbuggins or few, with but reportsof singlesat Wrightsville Beachand combinesthrough the habitat?Quite unusualin midwin- Huntington Beach. Harlequin Ducks were definitely ter inland were one or two Sofasin s. Mecklenburg,NC, widespread along the coast. Four were at Cape Hatteras Jan. 13 (DW, TP, JeW) and a calling King Rail along the Jan.11 (MaL)-Feb. 2 (LG party) and four were also at Top- Chattahoochee R. near Atlanta Feb. i (PM). At the same sail I., NC, Jan.26 (JF,DSq). Three near Surf City, NC, Feb. marsh (in a quarry) where the Sofa was noted, two Com. 12 (JF)might have been part of thoseat TopsailI. One or Moorhenswere a real surpriseDec. 30 (DW, KH, HW) A

412 American Birds, Fall 1990 group of 75 migrating Sandhill Cranes Dec. 16 over St. countsof 8600 Ring-billedGulls at JordanL., Dec. 31 (fide Catherines I., GA (AW) was late and about 50 mi east of BR), 252 Herring Gulls at GoldsboroDec. 16 (fide ED), and their usual migrationcorridor. 16 Herrings at Augusta Dec. 24 (AW). One of the betterfinds was a first-winterThayer's Gull at SHOBEBIRDS Many birders remarked on the devas- Cape Hatteraspoint Dec. 5 (DC) for about the 6th North tation of shorebirdsin late Decemberalong the coastand Carolinaand Regionalrecord. Surprising was just a single the overall scarcity of the birds in Januaryand February. report of Iceland Gull, an adult at a landfill near Newport, For example,Fussell et al. drove5 miles of beachnorth of NC, Jan. 25 (JF). Fussell had at least three Lesser Black- Corolla, NC, Feb. 4 and found only two shorebirds-- Am. backed Gulls with the Iceland, but the best count was of six Avocets!This speciesis practicallynever seen on beaches Lessersat Cape HatterasDec. 5 (DC). In addition to a few in the Region.Another avocetwas notableDec. 14-Jan. 12 other coastalrecords for North Carolina,where expected, in the Beaufort, NC, area (JF). Anne Waters found unusual one was at Tybee I., GA, Jan. 12-14 (BB1,PR, PS). Glaucous numbersof yellowlegsat Augustain midwinter, as many Gulls were sightedfour times, about averagefor a winter as 20 Greatersand threeLessers Jan. 13, with both species season:singles Dec. 17-18 at Beaufort(JF), Dec. 28 at Bodie presentto Feb. 6. Three SpottedSandpipers at Goldsboro I. (RD), and Jan. 27 in n. New Hanover (SC, KM) in North Dec. 16 (RT, GH) were quite late. At Bird Shoal nearBeau- Carolina, and Jan. 10 at Huntington Beach S.P. (PL) in fort, NC, Fussell and othershad as many as eight Whim- SouthCarolina. How many reportsare there of Glaucousx brels all winter and one to two Long-billedCurlews; these Herring gull hybrids?One was carefully studied by Tove, birds obviouslysurvived the blizzard of late December.A LeGrand,John Wright, and othersat CapeHatteras Dec. 26 probable record Regional count (for recent decades,at amid the more commongulls for comparison. least) of six Long-billedCurlews was made by Nugent at Although they are not unusual even in late November, Cape Romain N.W.R., SC, Jan. 28. Sandwich Terns are quite rare by mid-December,and two 8.,4. adults were thus notable Dec. 12 at Cape Hatteras (TH, MC). Five Forster'sTerns were notablein inland Georgiaat A somewhatbizarre-looking, Wilier-like shorebirdwas Rum Creek W.M.A. Dec. 18 (TJ). One of these years the reportedand photographedMay 19, 1989, at Hunting- Region will see an honest-to-goodnessalcid invasion, ton BeachS,P,, SC {PC). The observer felt thebird might such as the famous Dovekie invasions of several decades have been a Black-tailed Godwit, but I was not sure ago. Unfortunately, an injured Razorbill picked up at what it was,suggesting it was likely a Willet, thoughit Atlantic Beach,NC, Feb. 10 (fide JF) was the sole report; did have a strangelylong bill. I assumedthat this would the bird died a few dayslater. be the last I would hear of the bird, but the observer showedhis photosto DavisFinch and five Britishbird- OWLS TO SWALLOWS--Short-eared Owls winter ers,all of whom are familiarwith the godwit,and each sparinglyover much of the Region,but suitableextensive identifiedthe bird in the photosas a Black-tailedGod- marshes and old fields are rare inland. Of considerable wit, There is one previous Regional record,ødocu- interest were at least three that wintered near Athens, GA, mentedwith ph0togr•phs, fr6m Bodie I., NC:DeCember with five on Feb. 20 (BD). A N. Saw-whet Owl was heard 19798oJanuary 1980, plus anotherwinter.record, from PeaI•, apparentlyof this species. calling from a thicket of cedars iust east of Hatteras, NC, Feb. 3 (DW, HW); for some strangereason, most recent A count of 15 WesternSandpipers at AugustaFeb. 3 winter records are for the immediate coast. Fussell (AW et al.) was amazing,as the speciesis seldom seen reported that at least seven Archilochushummingbirds inland except July to Septemberand rarely in spring. were presentat feedersin c. Carteret in December;how- Excellent inland totals for Least Sandpipers,which are ever, none appearedto survive the Great Blizzard. Away locally regular in winter at a handful of sites,included 60 from this county,the other hummingbirdreports were of at AugustaFeb. 3 (AW) and 48 at GoldsboroDec. 16 (fide Rufousesconfirmed in the hand; one wintered in a green- ED). Surprisingly,just one inland report of Dunlin was house at Greenville, SC, Dec. 16-Feb. 28 and later, and received,that of a singlelate migrantat Clayton,GA, Dec. was bandedby D. Foy on Apr. 3 (MW, PW), and another 2 (PB, DB). A count of 100+ Long-billed Dowitchers is wintered near Smart, GA, and was also banded (fide TM). notableanywhere except at Bodie-PeaIs.; Cooperhad this Seldom found in winter, a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher was total on the athletic fields at the University of North Car- reportedat the w. end of EmeraldIsle, NC, Dec. 5 (BGa, olina-Wilmington Dec. 2. fide HH). Horned Larks were presumablymore common than usual in Decemberand early January,but as few bird- JAEGERS TO ALCID&--Strange asit may seem,an ad. ers spend time in plowed fields, this presumption was ParasiticJaeger was reportedfrom the HatterasInlet, NC, unproven; however, Dunning reported a good Georgia ferry Feb. 2 (HH), and an imm. Pomafine Jaeger was total of 50 in OconeeJan. 5. Over a month late, and quite a reportedfrom the same ferry two days later (LG et al.). shock following the blizzard, was a Barn Swallow over Becausejaeger identification can be difficult, I wonder Croatan Sound, NC, Dec. 26 (RD). just how many birds were actually involved in the above reports.Only three reportsof Little Gulls -- single adults WRENS TO WARBLERS--Although House Wrens at BodieI.. Dec. 28 (RD) and nearbyWhalebone Feb. 3 (RD, near the coast mostly succumbedto the blizzard, one HL), plus severalbirds Feb. 4 at Pea I. (RD) -- equalled a noted north of GreensboroJan. 31 (HHe) was quite a sur- disappointment.However, I feel that many birdersdo not prise; the speciesdoes, however, winter regularly in the havethe patienceto sortthrough thousands of Bonaparte's southeasternportion of North Carolina'sPiedmont. Three Gulls, often 1/4-mile or more at sea, to find a Little. Worse Blue-gray Gnatcatchersat Goldsboro Dec. 16 (fide ED) thanthree Little Gull reportswas just oneCommon Black- made an excellenttotal, whereasone Feb. 16 near Fayet- headedGull report-- an adult at MoreheadCity, NC, Dec. teville, NC (PJC)was possiblyan early springmigrant. 15-18 (JF)and again Jan.14 (PSa).On the other hand, the Not unexpectedly,noteworthy warbler sightingswere cold December at least forced down more of the "un- downrightscarce. The bestrecord was of a CapeMay War- wanted" gulls from farther north, as exemplifiedby CBC bler that visited a Chapel Hill, NC, yard Jan. 16-Feb. 15

Volume 44, Number 3 413 (TH) Also near that city was a lingenngBlack-and-whRe where mghtwere north of Corolla Feb. 4 [IF, JW,PWr, RT) WarblerJan. 5 (DSh). AlthoughNorth Carolinabirders are beginningto reveal wintering Ovenbirdsalong the coast, ICTERIDS, CARDUELINE FINCHES--The only Yel- one at L. PhelpsDec. 30 was surprisingat an inland locale low-headedBlackbird report, from the Charlestonarea, (ML). Why is it that a ratherrare migrantin the Southeast, unfortunatelycontained no details.Four Brewer'sBlack- that wintersnorth only to southernTexas, should be found birds wintered near SanteeN.W.R., SC (TK). Is this a regu- practically each winter in the Region?Not one, but two, lar site for the species?The range of this bird is most Wilson's Warblerswere seen at AugustaDec. 23 (CH, AW). peculiar;although it is locally numerousin winter in por- A Yellow-breasted Chat, the only one reported, found tions of Georgia,it also winters at one site near the North Fussell'sfeeder at MoreheadCity duringthe blizzardDec. Carolinacoast (Carteret) and alsoapparently near Bombay 23-24; not surprisingly,Fussell found the bird deadlater Hook, Delaware! in the season. From Goldsborocame a gooddescription of a female or imm. Pine Grosbeakat a feederin late January(fide ED), EMBERIZID FINCHES--Very rare in winter, and sel- but it couldnot be confirmedby veteranbirders. There are dom reportedfrom a feeder,was an Indigo Buntingat a six or seven previous state records,but no specimenor Gainesville,GA, feeder Feb. 22-24 (JY,fide JP). On the photographsto provideconclusive documentation. Purple otherhand, winter PaintedBuntings are usuallyfound at Finches fared somewhat better this winter than last, when feeders,the settingsfor an ad. male at Buxton,NC, Dec. 22 they seemedto be at an all-time winter low. Nonetheless, (fide MaL), at leastthree in the MoreheadCity-Beaufort Purples are being crowded out of feedersby the ever- area during the winter (LH, SCu), and three more near increasingHouse Finch, and many birdersare no longer Queen'sCreek, Ohslow,NC, all winter (GF). Single Dick- seeingthe formerat their feedingstations. Red Crossbills cissels,always notable in winter, were at GoldsboroDec. were reportedtwice, in the upper Piedmont-- at Table 16 (RD, ED et al.) and Rum Creek W.M.A., GA, Dec. 13 to Rock S.P., SC (SS), and near Commerce L., GA, where 13 late December(KD, TJ). were countedJan. 20 (JP).Although the Pine Grosbeakwas The blizzard and severecold in Decemberdid not pusha likely correctlyidentified, the report of a CommonRed- wave of hoped-forAm. TreeSparrows into North Carolina. poll at a feederin Tifton,GA, without details,was likely a The only reportsfor the seasonwere CBCbirds, perhaps misidentification,particularly sincethere were no reports correctlyidentified, at PeaI. and Greenville,SC. Extremely from states to the north. rare inland in winter was a Clay-coloredSparrow in n. Pine Siskins staged a moderate invasion (actually, Mecklenburg,NC, Dec. 10-11 (DW, TP, DSe, MH). Grass- "good" for the decade of the 1980s). The better counts hopperSparrows not onlywinter in the GeorgiaPiedmont, came from South Carolina feeders, where Glover had 100+ but they occurin moderatenumbers, at least locally,as at LugoffJan. 20 and Worthingtonhad 80+ at Greenville shownby sevenat Arnoldsville,Oglethorpe, Feb. 8 (BD) Jan.16. EveningGrosbeaks had a rather poor flight agmn and six in e. ClarkeNov. 29 (BD).The speciesis much rarer and were definitely spotty in distribution.A count of 30 •n North Carolina, apparently,in winter, although it is on Feb. 10 in Greene,GA, was quite exceptional(PY) somewhatregular in the southernportion; one Jan.31 at Ft. Braggnear Fayetteville (PJC) was probablynear the normal COBRIGENDUM--TheCom. Black-headed Gull reportedin n. limits of the range.Henslow's Sparrows do not usually AB 43:1305was not seenon May 19 but actuallyon March 19 occur in the Piedmont in winter, at least in recent decades, OBSERVER$--Anselm Arkins, Clarence Belger, Bill yet one and possiblytwo were notedJan. 31 at Townville, Blakeslee (BB1), Donna Brisse, Patrick Brisse, Bill Brokaw, SC (PW). The only Le Conte'sSparrow was seen within Allen Bryan,Kevin Calhoon,Carolina Bird Club,Derb Carter, five feet in c. Gates,NC, Jan. 25 (FW). J.E. Cely, Chapel Hill Bird Club, Sam Cooper,Steve Cox There seemsto be a misconceptionabout Fox Sparrows (SCox),Vicky Cox,Paul Crawford,Mark Crotteau,p.J. Crutch- and snow.When there is snow cover,Fox Sparrowstypi- field, ShirleyCuthrell (SCu), Evelyn Dabbs (EDa), Kathy Dar- cally invadethe feeders,giving people the impressionthat ley, Ricky Davis, Eric Dean, Harriett DiGioia, Barny Dunning, the birds are more common than normal during that Dan Forster(DaF), Dennis Forsythe,Gus Forte,Dorothy Foy period. My experienceis that the birds are simply in the (DFoy),John Fussell, Betsy Gallagher (BGa), Hugh Garrett, nearbyforests and thicketswhen there is no snow cover, Sidney Gauthreaux,Chris Geller, Lex Glover,Betty Grady, which is the case during 90-95% of the days in winter. Henry Haberyan,Todd Hass,Royce Hayes, Herb Hendrickson Now that birders are learning the winter habitat of Lin- (HHe), Kevin Hennings, Mike Hoekstra, Gene Howe, Lois coln'sSparrow, more of the birdsare being reported. Two Howland, ChristineHuzella, Nancy Iha, Terry Johnson,Mark were found in a purposefulsearch for the speciesin a Kalbach (MKal), Tim Kalbach, Margaret Kavanaugh,Jim clearcut field in n.e. Pitt, NC, Feb. 18 (JW,RT), and two Keighton, Ken Knapp, Rick Knight, Wojciech Krol, D morewere foundin a regularspot for them near L. Phelps, Lapeyre,Pete Laurie, Harry LeGrand,Henry Link (HLi), Mer- NC, Dec. 30 (ML). In the Piedmont were two at Townville, rill Lynch, Marcia Lyons (MALL Robert Manns, Kevin Markham, Greg Massey,Ellcry McClintock, RogerMcNelll SC -- anotherregular wintering site -- Jan.20 (PW, SCox, (RMcN), PeggyMoore, Terry Moore, Tom Murphy (TMu), VC) and one north of Charlotte Feb. 20 (DW). Perry Nugent,John Paget,Hunter Patterson,T.K. Patterson, Somewhatsoutheast of the winteringrange were single TaylorPiephoff, Paul Raney,Scott Ranger, Barbara Roth, Dal- White-crownedSparrows that winteredat MoreheadCity las Salter,Paul Saraceni(PSa), Don Seriff (DSe),Doug Shad- (JF)and nearMayesville, SC (EDa,LG). A Dark-eyed(Pink- wick (DSh),Ben Sill, Paul Spitzer(PSp), Deb Squires(DSq), sided) Juncowas observedat Athens, GA, Dec. 11 and ScottStegenza, Tom Street, Paul Sykes,Mike Tore, RussTyn- again Jan. 20 (pY). A few Lapland Longspurswere re- dall, HowardVainwright, Steve Wagner, Heathy Walker, Anne ported,as usual, from n.e. North Carolina,but the only rec- Waters,D. Watts(DWa), Muffy Wilkins, FloydWillian•s, Peter ord outsidethe normalrange in the statewas of five at Bird Worthington,David Wright, JeffWright (JEW),John Wright, Shoal near Beaufort Dec. 14-17, with three still there Jan. KathyWright, Paula Wright (PWr),Anne Wyand(AWy), John 29-31 (JF).Elsewhere, two were seennear Townville, SC, a Yarborough,Peter Yaukey. •I-IARRY E. LeGRAND,JR., N.C. somewhatregular wintering locale,Dec. 16 (SG,fide SW). Natural Heritage Program, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC Snow Buntingswere noted only on CurrituckBanks, NC, 27611.

414 American Birds, Fall 1990 FLORIDA REGION

.Tallahassee Jack-. H.P.Langridge St. Marks he twoyear drought in southFlorida created dramatic changes for wildlife: alligators concentrated into canals and drying pools of water, wandered into popu- lated areas, and even entered a house through an open doorand took possessionof a showerstall. Snail Kites dispersed to canals and roadside ditches before moving northward in search of water. Herons, egrets, and ibises Orland disappeared from vast areas and concentratedfarther ßClear Spnn(•( a • north. At the end of May, six inches of rain on the lower east coastdid not replenishLake Okeechobee,the major water storagearea for the southernregion. Dadß County experienceda rather good migration, but other coastalcounties reported "worst ever," "very poor," and "terribly disappointing."Despite proper conditions, PinellasCounty had no falloutsand the "worst springever for thrushes."The phosphatemines in Polk County pro- P Loxahatchee duced excellentshotßbirding this spring. As usual in spring,Caribbean strays provided observers some thrills: Least Grebe, Bahama Pintail, Bahama Swal- low, two Bahama Mockingbirds,Thick-billed Vireo, and many Shiny Cowbirds.

ABBREVIATIONS -- D.T• = Dry Tortugas;E.N.P. = Ever- gladesNat'l Park;Tally Div. = TallahasseeDivision; St. Marks = St. Marks Nat'l Wildlife Refuge.

LOONS TO DUCKS -- There have been very few state sightings,so a PacificLoon at St. GeorgeI., Franklin, Mar. substantialn.w. rangeextension of this species.To emphasize 22 {•ph. ]EC) was remarkable.At StockI. near Key West this northerly extensidn,the Fulvous Whistling-Duck, un- Apr. 14 (MW, LPB, MB), the sightingof a pair of Pied- commonin Tally Div., occurredin St. Marks with one Apr. 1 billed Grebeswith five chicks appearedto establishthe (JG),11 Apr. 11 (DBr),and sevenMay 28-31 (DEs).Six Black- southernmostbreeding record in the United States. A bellled Whistling-DucksApr. 6 (DRG) produced the first Least Grebe, aboutthe 3rd sightingfor Florida, stayedin a countysighting for Pinelias. pond near Marco I. Mar. 3-Apr. 28 (JD,LD, m.ob.).While Forty Mottled Ducks, a good flock number, flushed at returning from D.T. on May 6 (SH et al.), a tour group was Payhe'sPrairie Apr. 9 (RWS).A BahamaPintail, a rarevisitor, astonishedby a wanderingWhite-tailed Tropicbird over was spottedat Merritt Island N.W.R.Mar. 30-Apr. 8 (HR et an old fort in Key West;only two sightingswere reported a/.). A late Redheadwas found Apr. 26 (BK,MK) at St. Marks. from D.T. this spring.Sixteen Brown Boobies,a goodnum- The winteringg HarlequinDuck at SebastianInlet lingeredto ber, were counted on outlying buoys at D.T. May I (BB, Mar. 20 (RCS). m.ob.). Flying N in formation in Orange, 100 Am. White Pelicanswere late May 16 (DWF). A Wilson'sStorm-Petrel RAPTORS -- Three impressive kettles of Am. Swal- oddly was reportedinside the coastalbarrier islands in low-tailedKites were spottedwith onevery late flock of 22 BiscayneBay May 5 (VPE), and another wandered to w. over s.w. Broward May 24 (JLB,GM), a flock of 24 near FloridaBay, E.N.P., in May (fideWBR). SebringMar. 8 (BK, MK), and a flock of ten at St. Marks Mar. 16 (SB, CSG). The rare Black-shouldered Kites have been trying to establishthemselves in s. Florida the last Florida lost a valuableveteran observer when Jolm- few years. Three pairs with nests or dummy nests near hie Johnsonpassed away this spring. He wasthe com- Hillsboro Canal w. of Hwy 27 Mar. 22 (DF, WG) were modoreof pelagicbirdlug in Florida with over 3000 encouraging, but later the birds abandoned their nests. trips off the Cocoacoast. His frier•dlyinstructive man- However,observers in an airplane found a nest with two ner will be deeplymissed by all whq were fortunate fully fledgedyoung ten mi s. of the canal May 17 (TC). A enoughto lmow him. It seemed:appropriateto insert nest in E.N.P. again this year produced four fledglingsin this sadnews in the pelagicseetior•. late May (JCu).Despite the drought, a number of Snail Kites nested at Lee Sewage Plant in early May (WBR, An imm. RoseateSpoonbill, rare in Tally Div., visited St. m.ob.). A Mississippi Kite, rare in s. Florida, arrived in Marks May 25 (CSG, DS). At LoxahatcheeN.W.R. impound- Key West May 9 (•-JAO);another bird there was released ments, Fulvous Whistling-Ducknumbers swelled to 650 by by a bird rehabilitator May 18 (JAO et al.). Thirteen in a Mar. 15 (RB et al.), and 500 flocked in Glades Mar. 27 (BK, flock in Wakulla May 6 (RC, RLW) indicated an increasein MK). In Pinelias,where the speciesis a rare migrant,36 were breeding in that area. flyingover the intracoastalMay 9 (DNG).In PascoMay 15-31 Airplane surveys and casual observationsproduced a (DR), the impressive38 Fnlvousthat were paired suggesteda good number of Short-tailed Hawk sightings:a pair and

Volume44, Number3 415 two singlesat FakahatcheeStrand May 18 (MR), a pair on this year by the end of May, 11 pairs were using the plat- the Old LoopRd. nearTamiami Trail May 18 (MR), a pair form. Details of this simple yet effective projectwill be at Tiger Creek,Polk, throughoutthe spring(BC, m.ob.),a publishedelsewhere. Despite diligent searchingby many singleat HighlandHammock S.P. Mar. 16 (BK, MK), a pair observers,no Black Noddy was found at D.T. at AvonPark Apr. 29 (RLW),a singlenear Lake Placid May 12 (JWF),one late bird at W. Lake, E.N.P.,Apr. 15 (BDN, iS, DOVES TO MYNAS -- The population of Eur. Col- RS), a very late wanderingimm. bird 20 mi w. of W. Palm lared-Doveshas exploded in the Homesteadarea with over BeachMay 4 (CP),and one far n. at Wakulla,rare in Tally 10,000 presentthis year (PWS),and they haveestablished Div., for only the secondsighting for St. Marks Apr. 26 themselves solidly in other counties as well. Fifteen (]EC).A late dark morph Swainson'sHawk circled above White-winged Doves at Key West Apr. 6 (JAO) made a Mattheson Hammock in Miami for good views May 5 goodnumber there. The populationof Smooth-billedAnis (WB et al.). has sharplydeclined in Pinelias,and there are no longer any known coloniesin nearby counties(LSA). A Burrow- SHOREBIRDS TO TERNS -- Outstandingnumbers of ing Owl, goodfor D.T., was found Mar. 16 (PH et al.). After shorebirdswere tallied this spring: 142 Semipalmated a tropical depression,Chaeturas that looked superficially Ploversat the phosphatemines in Polk May 5 (PJF,DF), similar to Chimney Swiftswere studiedcarefully with one 500 Red Knotsat Ft. Myersbeach Apr. 16 (VCM), 622 Stilt at Bottle Key, Monroe, May 24 (tRS, ASt, TB) and two, Sandpipersin Polk May 5 (PJF,DF), and 400 Short-billed along with a dead one, at D.T. at the end of May (WBR, Dowitchersat Wakulla Apr. 7 (NW). A male Am. Wood- BK). The specimenhas been submittedfor identification. cockdisplaying in E.N.P.from Januaryto Mar. 24 (PWSet A N. Flicker was unusualon LoggerheadKey, D.T., May al.) again raisedthe possibilityof nestingfor this species I (BB, DAM et al.). The wintering Ash-throatedFlycatcher in the park. Seeingan adult with youngin LafayetteMar. at Delray Beach,very rare for the peninsula,lingered until 10 (FJ,JC) was a rare experiencein Florida. Apr. 28 (BHH). The rare Brown-crestedFlycatcher was The challengingof Iceland Gull sightingsin Florida seen and heard on IslamoradaMay 5 (AD, DP, HI)L), and provedagain to be a soundpractice, as the purportedIce- another sang May 19 (DLL, KJS) at Cape Florida, Dade. land Gull at PompanoLandfill during March was carefully Twenty-five Western Kingbirdsand 15 Scissor-tailedFly- scrutinized Mar. 24 and was determined to be a leucistic catchersw. of Homesteadduring March were striking numbers,with three of each speciesremaining until Apr. 29 (PWS et al.). A photographedGray Kingbird produced a first sightingfor Polk Apr. 28 (PJF,m.ob.). This speciesis rare inland this far north. For the 3rd consecutiveyear, the Bahama Swallow joined Cave Swallows ne•/¾a Cutler Ridge bridge Mar. 19-May 31 (PWS, SAS, FC, m.ob.). A Red-breastedNuthatch at Cedar Key tarried until May 6 (DCH), the samelate dateas last year. A very late Veerywas spottedat Key WestMay 31 (JAO). Two Bahama Mockingbirds,the 10th and 11th U.S. sightings, were found: one at Cape Florida, Dade, May 20 (tPWS et al.) and anotherat Ft. LauderdaleMay 20 (•BBE, CPo). A Curve-billed Thrasher, for a 2nd state record, was found last spring at St. GeorgeIsland S.P. May 29, 1989 (•BHS), but the bird was not reported. The Florida RecordsCommittee accepted the record after reviewing documentation,including a photograph.Flocks of Cedar Waxwings in Florida in March and April were not news, but eight dead in a yard in Delray Beach in late March broughtFlorida non-gameofficials on the sceneto collect the remainsfor analysis(MR). A very late waxwing tarried at St. Marks until May 31 (CSG).The populationof Com. Mynas in s. Florida has not expandedas rapidly as some observersexpected, so one at Cocoa May 15 (PT) was interestingthat far north.

VIREOS, WARBLEBS--A Thick-billed Vireo, the 7th Thepale gull at center,photographed March 22, 1990 at Pom- sightingfor the U.S. but one of the few to be fully docu- pano Landfill, Florida, was a center of controversy.It was mented,visited HypoluxoI., Palm Beach,Mar. 10-Apr. 1 identifiedfirst as an Iceland Gull, later as either a leucistic (•HPL, m.ob.;videotaped BHH; ph. DE). Two scarceBlue- Herring Gull or a hybrid,although "unidentified" would be winged Warblers rested near Miami Apr. 22-29 (SAS, anotherreasonable answer. Photograph/Richard Bowen. PWS et al.), one at Lignum Vitae Key Apr. 20 (RS),and one in E.N.P. May 14 (ASt, GTB). A Golden-wingedWarbler, HerringGull or a Glaucous/Herringgull hybrid (BHH, WG uncommonon the s.e. coast,appeared in Miami Apr. 25 et al., ph. RB). At StockI. Landfill near Key West Mar. 9 (VPE). The seldomseen Nashville Warbler stoppedby D.T. (-tDS),a first-yearGlaucous Gull, far s. for this species,was May I (HR, m.ob.), Miami Apr. 13 (JDG),and Key West artfully sketchedand carefully compared with nearby May 12 (JAO).A singingd ProthonotaryWarbler was late smallerHerring and LesserBlack-backed gulls. By placing in BrowardMay 24 (WG).Prothonotaries were reportedas a 12x20 foot platform over water and using decoys,Joe abundantin ApalachicolaN.E (HK). Reinman was successfulin enticing LeastTerns to nest on Swainsoh's Warblers were unusually common this a platformin Tally Div.:last year there were two nests,and springnear the Wakulla River,the ApalachicolaN.E, and

416 American Birds, Fall 1990 in the Sopchoppyand Oclochkneedrainages (RLW). East- Beimett,Wes Biggs, Paul A. Bithorn, Richard Bowen,Dorothy erly winds apparently were responsiblefor some east Brindle, Sydney Brinson,Marge Brown, L. PageBrown, Dana coastmigrants occurring on the Gulf coast;for instance, Bryan (DBr), Floyd Carley,James E. Cavanagh,Ron Christen, Worm-eatingWarblers were plentiful in Nokomis, with JulieP. Cocke,Towles Cole, Buck Cooper.Jim Cox,John Cur- the nets catching 12 during late April (AS, SS). The nutt (JCu),Harry Darrow,Arch Dillard, JohnDouglas, Linda Douglas,D. Jack Dozier, Virginia P. Edens, BernardineB. uncommonKentucky Warbler was spotted at Key West English,Dave Eslinger(DEs), Duncan Evered, Paul J. Fellers, Apr. 8 (JAO)and at Miami Apr. 10 (VPE).An earlyCon- JohnW. Fitzpatrick,Don Ford, Dot Farnham(DFa), Dot W. necticut Warbler hit the nets and was banded at Nokomis Freeman,Dave N. Gagne,Wally George,Katie Getsher,C. S. Apr. 27 (AS, SS), and late birds were seenat CedarKey Gidden,Dave R. Goodwin,Jeff D. Goodwin,J. Greenberg,Mar- May 26 (DCH) and on ConchKey May 25 (HD). A heavy ilyn Hardter,Dale C. Henderson,Steve Hilty, Brian H. Hope, thunderstormat St. GeorgeI., Franklin, May 10 createda Larry A. Hopkins, Peter D. Hunt, FrancesJames, Herb Kale, fallout that resulted in over 20 Connecticuts (JEC), a BarbaraKittieson (BKi), BruceKittridge, Marion Kittridge, H. startlingnumber for that area. Dade reportedgood num- P.Langridge, R. Leach,Fred E. Lohrer, David L. Lysinger,Vin- bers of Louisiana Waterthrushes and Hooded Warblers cent C. McGrath, Doug McNair, Cliff Miles, Barbara P. (BDN), yet farthern. on the lower e. coastneither species Muschlitz, Dolly Aim Myers, GeorgeMyers, Kris D. Nelson, was seenthe entire migrationdespite dally observations. BruceD. Neville, JoeA. Ondrejko,Dick Palmer(DPa), Rich T. A Wilson'sWarbler, a rare migrant,tarried at PineliasApr. Paul, Cynthia Plockelman,Carolyn Porrino (CPo), PeggyC. Powell, Bill Pranty, Dottie Prause, W.B. Robertson, Don 11-14 (LAH, KDN et al.). Robinson, Harry Robinson, Mark Robson, Rex K. Rowan, Daan Sandee,Kevin J. Samfield, Rick Sawicki, Dave Shoch GROSBEAKS TO FINCHES -- A tardy 6 Rose- (DSh), RobertW. Simons, P.Wm. Smith, SusanA. Smith, John breastedGrosbeak fed at a feeder in Lake Worth May 14 Squire,Rita Squire, Annette Stedman,B.H. Stedman,Stanley (PW). A pair of PaintedBuntings was on territoryto May Stedman, Henry M. Stevenson, Gene Stoccardo, E. 31 (BP et al.) at Merritt Island N.W.R., 35 mi s. of the Stoutamire,Randy C. Stringer,Karen Strobel,Allen Strong known breedingrange. A Dickcissel,uncommon in spring, (ASt), PeterTango, Scott B. Terrill, Noel Wamer,Phil Wein- visiteda feederin LakeWorth Mar. 25-Apr. 2 (DB et al.) rich, Mindy Williams, Rick L. West. -- H.P. LANGRIDGE, and sangon Apr. 1. Another attendeda feederin Miami 1421 W. Ocean Ave., Lantana, FL 33462. Apr. 17 (PWS). Scarcein s. Florida, a Field Sparrowvis- ited Flamingo,E.N.P., Mar. 18-25 (KG et al.). At Delray BeachMar. 10 (RB),five Lark Sparrowsmade a goodnumber for s. Florida, especiallyfor the last few years.Occa- sionally seenin Brevard,a White-throatedSparrow stayed until Apr. 15 (BP).The uncommonWhite-crowned Spar- row at Lake Harbor on Mar. 18 (BRB, HPL) was still there Apr. 6 (BHH),and two were in VolusiaApr. 17 (MJR,DF). Early Bobolinksoccurred in Duval Apr. 2 (JPC).At Lake Harbor e. of Clewiston, the wintering flock of Yellow- headed Blackbirds, unusual in Florida, was evident with five still presentMar. 18 (HPL, BRB)and threeApr. 5 (RL et al.). A male attended a feeder in Boynton Beach Mar. 20-27 (MR, AB).

For the first time at a single locationin the U.S., all threespecies of cowbirdswere reportedat a LakeHar- bor feed lot Mar, 4 [PWS] with hundreds of Brown- headed,one cTBronzed, and one cTShiny. The Shiny Cowbirdsare still arrivingin the U.S. with five on D.T. May I (m.ob.).12 at Key Westduring spring 0AO), and about a dozen at Flamingo,E.N.P., May 16 (PWS, SAS, SLT).Established pairs attended feeders on Islamorada May 5 (HPLet al.) and in Homesteadall spring[CIvi et a/;), Lee, Levy, Taylor,and Wakullahosted their first ShiniesMay 5 (Vt•M), duringMay (DCH),May 20 (HK, GS;WB),and May 23 (RKR), respectively,andP/ne//as found a male,rare there,May 1 (KDN, DJD}.

The ScrubJay biologists at ArchboldBiological Station near Lake Placid enthusiasticallyreported sighting no Brown-headedCowbirds this spring (FEL). An Orchard Oriole in Miami Apr. 9 (BDN,JS, RS) was unusualfor the s.e. coast.Only two flocksof Pine Siskirkswere reportedat feedersduring March and April with 36 at Venice (DEs), and over 20 at Tallahassee,two lingering until May 20 (ES). State bird listers can now find House Finches regularly at the FSU campusin Tallahassee(DS et al.).

OBSERVERS -- Lyn S. Atherton, Jocelyn L. Baker, Thomas Bancroft, Bruce R. Barrett, Benton Basham,Allyson

Volume44, Number3 417 ß Wawa

Moosonee ß

Cochraneß ONTARIO ßSudbury ThunderBay ß Marathon ß Sudbu• REGION

Ron D. Weir

Pe• Kingston Presqu'ileProv.Pa•.• Torontoe Waterloo ß

Hamilton ß ß Samia ß London

he springseason was one of weatherextremes, and the tion on trends, displacements, and rarities should be influenceson the migrantswere excitingfor the bird- included. On the other, the publication of these early ers,but sometimesdifficult for the birds.Very warm con- arrivalsfor the historicalrecord is importantin assessing ditionsMarch 9-19 first brokewinter's grip all the way long-termclimatic change,among other things. To make north to Atikokan, Thunder Bay, and Cochrane,where efficentuse of space,therefore, a concisesummary is pre- temperaturesreached 20 ø C. This warm southerlyair flow sentedin Table1, and virtually no referenceis madeto it propelledunprecedented numbers of early arrivals into within the text. The fact that record-keepingand regular Ontario. At Pelee, 15 speciesset record early dates.Far- coverageby birders date back severaldecades here under- ther north, Manitoulin Island, Sudbury,and ThunderBay, scoresthe significanceof the vastnumbers of recordearly had record-earlydates for 11, nine, and 13 speciesrespec- arrivals. tively, typical for areaseast to AlgonquinProvincial Park and Kingston.However, winter regainedcontrol until the ABBREVIATIONS -- Pelee = Point Pelee Nat'l Park and secondweek of April, affectingadversely Killdeer, Purple vicinity;P.E.Pt. = PrinceEdward Point; Algonquin, Presqu'ile Martins, swallows, Eastern Phoebes, and Eastern Blue- and Rondeau are Provincial Parks. Place names in italics birds, but fortunatelythe extent of the kill appearsnot to denote counties. havebeen serious.Snow fell at PeleeApril 3 and concentrated somemigrants including the 103 EasternPhoebes, LOONS TO IBISES -- The 37 Red-throated Loons 48 Fox Sparrows,and 525 SongSparrows. The pendulum Mar. 26-May 21 representeda steadyincrease since 1987 then swungback again to record-breakinghigh tempera- and were about double the 1982-1989 spring averageof tures April 20-30, which were felt well north at Mat- 18. The largestgroup containednine birds at Presqu'ile achewan(30 ø C !9 and Atikokan.Early arrival records fell May 21 (JSet al.). Horned Grebeswere numerousand the by the scoreall acrossthe province.Cooler weather pre- biggest'rafts' were of 185 at PeleeApr. 21 (GTH, STP), 150 vailedduring most of May,which was conducive only to a at Ottawa Apr. 26 (BMD), and 90 on Pittock L., Oxford, few noteworthygroundings, with many migrantsoverfly- Apr. 17 (JMH).Red-necked Grebes were alsoplentiful, led ing. The contrarietyin weather producedstriking con- by 250 near Cabot Head Apr. 20 (DF) and 200 at Ottawa trasts between late-departing arctic species such as Apr. 26 (BMD). Other noteworthysightings were of one in Northern Shrikes, Lapland Longspurs,Snow Buntings, Wheatley harbourApr. 13, where locally rare (D & KM), and redpolls,and the early arrivalsfrom the tropics. and three at MoosoneeMay 14 followed by anotherthere This profusionof early arrivals, which involved 106 May 25 (AW). The trend to risingnumbers of EaredGrebes speciesbreaking records (sometimesin several counties continued, with seven birds, which compareswith the simultaneously)and evenmore species just barely missing 1972-1989 averageof eight for the entire year. Singles the record,created some difficulty in writing this account, were in Stratford Mar. 15 (MPD), CobourgApr. 2 (W & whichis alwaysa balancingact between quantity of mate- LW), Westminster ponds, Middlesex, Apr. 7 (RKH), rial and availablespace. On one hand, importantinforma- Plattsville,Waterloo, Apr. 21 (DE),and TownsendMay 19

418 AmericanBirds, Fall 1990 Table1. Recordearly arrival datesfor countiesand regionsof Ontario,Spring 1990 (Man. I. = ManitoulinIsland).

Com Loon Mar. 15 Pelee AW Bank Swallow Mar. 13 Long Pt. L.P.B.O. Pmd-bfiledGrebe Mar. 17 Oxford JMH, DSG Cliff Swallow Mar. 17 Pelee AW, KO Double-crested BrownCreeper Mar. 10 Pelee AW Cormorant _Apr.23 Sudbury JGL Winter Wren Mar. 14 Pelee AW Great Blue Heron Mar. 17 Man. I. GVH Black-crowned MarshSedgeWren g•pa•i 2610 LongMan.Pt. I. JMH,JCN DSG Night-Heron Mar. 4 Middlesex WRJ Golden-crowned CanadaGoose Mar. 14; 18 Man. I.; Thunder Bay DEB, CTB; ERA Kinglet Mar. 11 Pelee AW Wood Duck Mar. 17 Man. I. JCN E. Bluebird Mar. 14; 15 Peterborough;Algonquin EBo;RGT, DT Green-wingedTeal Mar. 14 Oxford JMH Mar. 17; 19 Man. I.; Thunder Bay JCN;R & LM Am BlackDuck Mar. 16 Thunder Bay AGH Gray-cheekedThrush A r. 25 Presqu'ile J & EC N Pintail Mar. 14; 17 Presqu'ile;Thunder Bay HS; SVPet al. WoodThrush •Pay5;6 Man.I.;Algonquin DBF; RDS Mar. 16 Man. I. CTB Gray Catbird A r. 14 Durham MJE Blue-wingedTeal Mar. 19 Oxford JMH Am.Pipit •Pa•.16; 18 Oxford;Sudbury fiVIH,DSG; N Shoveler Mar. 13 Oxford JMH White-eyedVireo A r. 28 Durham KH Am Wlgeon Mar. 17 ThunderBay SVPet al. SolitaryVireo •PaY 3 Sudbury WRL LesserScaup Mar. 12 Oxford JMH Yellow-throatedVireo Apr. 26; 28 Oxford;Peterborough fiVIH;PB, DCS Black Scoter Mar. 16 Pelee AW, DCC Philadelphia Vireo Apr. 29 P.E.Pt. K.F.N. Barrow'sGoldeneye Mar. 16 Pelee AW, DCC Red-eyedVireo A r. 29; May 1 P.E.Pt.;Presqu'ile RKE;CV HoodedMerganser Mar. 17 Man. I.; Sudbury JB,GVH; JGL •4Pay3 Algonquin MR Turkey Vulture Mar. 27 Man. I. GG Blue-wingedWarbler Apr. 28; 28 Durham;Oxford MME; ]MH Osprey Mar. 15 Oxford JMH Golden-winged N Harrier Mar. 22 Algonquin GF Warbler Apr. 29 Durham MJB Merlin Mar. 24 Sudbury SL Orange-crowned VirginiaRail A r. 28 Algonquin RGT Warbler Apr. 29; May i Durham;P.E.Pt. RSh;KFN AmCoot •Pa•.4 Peterborough BT Nashville Warbler Apr. 22; 22 Durham; Frontenac MJB;JHE, RDW Sandhill Crane Mar. 22 Man. I. DEB RGT Lesser Golden-Plover Mar. 12 Pelee AW et al. N. Parula Apr. 28; May 2 Durham;Algonquin SemlpalmatedPiover A r 25 Pelee DGC Chestnut-sidedWarbler Apr. 28 P.E.PtAlgonquin.... KM.JF• H;MR Kalldeer •Pa•i12 Sudbury;,ThunderBay FM;JWm Black-throated Blue Mar. 15 Algonquin RH Warbler Apr. 26; May 2 Frontenac;Algonquin RR;MR GreaterYellowlegs Mar. 16; 17 Oxford;Pelee MO; AW Black-throated Green Mar. 18 Frontenac RDW Warbler Apr. 27; 29 Man. I.; Sudbury JCN;CGB SohtaxySandpiper Apr. 29 Algonquin RGT BlackburnJanWarbler Apr. 24; 28 Pelee;P.E.Pt. DGC; K.F.N. UplandSandpiper A r. 19 Oxford •vIH May 3 Algonquin MR PectoralSandpiper •Pa•. 13 Pelee AW Pins Warbler Mar. 15; Apr. 28 Pelee;Sudbury GTH; JGL Dunhn May 14 Algonquin MR Palm Warbler Apr. 17; 29 Durham; Moosonee MJB,E.Pegg,AW Short-billedDowitcher _Apr. 22 Pelee DGC Bay-breastedWarbler Apr. 28; May 9 LongPt.; Algonquin L.P.B.O.;GEW Am Woodcock Mar. 16 $udbury HEB CeruleanWarbler Apr. 29 Presqu'ile D. Shanahan Little Gull Apr. 13 P.E.Pt. K.F.N. Black-and-white CaspianTern Apr. 3; 15 Frontenac;Oxford RDW;JMH Warbler Apr. 27 Algonquin RDS Com Tern Apr. 29 Man. I. DEB, CTB Am. Redstart _Apr.29 P.E.Pt. K.F.N. Com Nighthawk May 12 Agonquin GEW Ovenbird May 8 Algonquin MR Ruby-throated N. Waterthrush _Apr.28 Algonquin LF,RGT Hummingbird Apr. 30 Renfrew JMB Mourning Warbler May 16 Algonquin MR Red-headed Wilson'sWarbler May 13 Algonquin RGT Woodpecker May 6 Algonquin GEW ScarletTanager May 9 Algonquin MR Yellow-bellied IndigoBunting _Apr.28 Oxford JMH Sapsucker Mar. 19 Pelee L & WF Rufous-sidedTowhee Mar.4 Oxford JMH N Flicker Mar. 20 Algonquin PD ChippingSparrow Mar. 15 Pelee DGC et al. Yellow-bellied Field Sparrow Mar. 25 Presqu'ile RA Flycatcher Apr. 25; May 6 Peterborough;Pelee DCS;BMay VesperSparrow Mar. 13 LongPt. JSK Alder Flycatcher Apr. 25; May 7 Welllngton;Pelee RVT;RAB SavannahSparrow Mar. 18 Oxford JMH LeastFlycatcher Apr. 24; 25 Pelee;Durham L & WF; JF Fox Sparrow Mar. 17 Sudbury S.O.S. _Apr.27; 29 Algonquin;Presqu'ile MK;RPH SongSparrow Mar. 16 Sudbury D & MS E Phoebe Mar. 4; 19 Peterborough;Man. I. SW; DEB Lincoln'sSparrow Apr. 29; 30 Moosonee;Oxford AW, JET; Mar. 16; 16 Durham;Presqu'ile MJB;S & DH White-throated Great Crested Sparrow Mar. 22 Fresqu'ile SML Flycatcher •A,pr. 26; 28 Durham;Presqu'ile MJB;RPH LaplandLongspur Mar. 17 ThunderBay AGH, CPH •nay 8 Man. I. JCN SnowBunting Mar. 17 ThunderBay BA, SVP E Kingbird _Apr.28; 29 Durham;Man. I. DBa;DEB, CTB Bobolink _A•or.28 Presqu'ile S & JB HornedLark Mar. 17 ThunderBay AGH, CPH Red-wingedBlackbird Mar. 17 ThunderBay AGH, CPH TreeSwallow Mar. 14;14 Waterloo;Peterborough TC;FH W. Meadowlark Mar. 17 Pelee AW Mar. 15; 15 Durham;Oxford MJB;JMH Corn.Grackle Mar. 17 ThunderBay AGH, CPH N Rough-winged Brown-headed Swallow Mar. 16 Pelee DGC Cowbird Mar. 17; 17 Algonquin;Thunder Bay CCm;AGH; CPH N. Oriole Apr. 28; May 3 Man. I.; Sudbury CTB et al.; JCN

(DB, KT), and two were at Strathroy Apr. 15 (JRM). Stray Algonquin Apr. 20 & 24 (RDS, RGT). Single untagged Am. White Pelicans were at Bobcaygeon,Peterborough, Trumpeter Swans appeared at Long Pt. Mar. 10 (RVT), Apr. 28 (ph. PB et al.) to provide a county first, and at FanshaweL. Apr. 22 (WLi), and TavistockApr. 22-24 (ph OrangevilleMay 16 (fide MWD). JMH, DSG et al.). An echoflight of GreaterWhite-fronted Extralimital GreatEgrets numbered 12, abovethe 1982- Geesedeveloped; five were aroundPort Royal Mar. 2-11 1989 spring averageof nine. Singlesappeared n. to Fall- (fide IR) followed by two in Ottawa Apr. 25-28 (fide brook, Lanark, Apr. 15 (TM, MMcL) and Ottawa Apr. 30 BMD), and one at Evansville Apr. 16-23 for Manitoulin (JC•). The only Little Blue Heron was the immature at Island's 3rd ever (DEB, LB, CTB et al.). Goose surveys PeleeMay 8-13 (WC et al.). The 10 CattleEgrets made the along the Hudson Bay coast resulted in the impressive bestspring showing since 1986, and away from the south- total of 605,255 Snowsflying past the mouth of the Little west were singlesnear Orillia May 2-12 03VIq,ED), Nar- ShagamuR. May 15 (LL), where 14 ad. Ross'Geese were rowsLock Apr. 30 (VB), Delta May 13-14 (AM et al.), and presentMay 16 (AW). The Brant flight in the south was Ottawa May 16-17 (fide BMD). The breedingplumaged strong,led by 5000 over Deep R. May 15 (WW), several Yellow-crownedNight-Heron at RondeauP.P. lingered thousand in Kingston May 19-24 (K.F.N.), and 2000 at May 11-18 (GCo et al.) and provided the sightingto main- CobourgMay 17-25 (ERM). More than usual were d•s- tmn the 1961-1989 spring average of one. Single ad. placed farther west at Etobicoke,where 367 were found Black-crowned Night-Herons wandered n. to Minden May 21 (EAJ), and Long Pt., where one appearedJune 1 Apr. 18 (GCa)and AlgonquinMay 10 (GEW),where rare. (JCu,IR). Lone Glossy Ibises were at Whitby May 3 (JBH) and The only CinnamonTeal was the male at Thunder Bay OttawaMay 13 (DSH.),maintaining the 1982-1989 spring May 9 (AW,DGC et al.). Three Gadwallreached Moosonee averageof two. Apr. 29 where locally very rare (AW). Male Eur. Wigeon were at OshawaApr. 23-25 (fide MJB) and Hurkett near WATERFOWL-- A strongflight of TundraSwans Thunder Bay May 16 (DGC, NGE, BA), fewer than the brought 4000 to Verchoyle, Oxford, Mar. 16 (DNB), a 1982-1989 springaverage of four. The Canvasbackflight record3500 to PeleeMar. 7-8 (DGC et al.), and strayse. to was strongestin e. L. Ontario where rafts of 7700 & 7000

Volume 44, Number 3 419 province's12th sighting.Some 89 Bald Eagleswere noted, a further increasein that species'gradual but steadyrise since the 28 in 1982. Censuswork this spring to monitor numbersof breedingRed-shouldered Hawks resulted in five on one route within Peterborough(DCS). This con- trasts with 23 breeders located on a single route near Kingston, which lies in the heartland of this species' Ontarionesting range (JHE, RDW). Two nestsin Algonquin Apr. 18 and May 30 provided the first confirmedbreeding evidencefor the Park (RDS, RGT). Sadly, however,2 nests in Yorkwere desertedowing to human interference(JRM et al.). The 21 Golden Eaglesrepresented a big increase, over double the 1982-1989 spring averageof nine. They were reported from Perth, Oxford, Waterloo, Niagara, Prince Edward, Ottawa, Bruce, and Quetico P.P., Mar. 7-Apr. 29. Some 30 PeregrineFalcons were reported, up from the 1982-1989 springaverage of 23. The only Yellow Rails noted were one at Long Pt. May 11 (JMH,JSK) and two in the Richmondfen May 27 (VBL). A lone King Rail was well north at Sky Lake, Bruce,May 9 (MJP).The five Am. Cootsin the Hearst sewagepond May 13 were significant (AW). Sandhill Crane numbers remained high at 76, the most noteworthy among which were pairs possibly breeding near Ottawa and Long Pt., and three each at Innerkip Apr. 16 for Oxford's first in spring (JSK)and Deep R. May 26 (WW, AH).

Adult Yellow-crownedNtght-Heron at RondeauProvincial Park, SHOREBIRDS -- Most observers reported a disap- Ontario, May 15, 1990. The speciesaverages one record per pointing flight of littorals, thoughtto have resultedfrom springin Ontario.Photograph/James N. Flynn. overflightsduring the long periods of sunny weather in May. Nevertheless,some outstanding sightings were noted were near KingstonMar. 18 & 26 respectively(K.F.N.}, and beginning with Ontario's 2nd Snowy Plover, May 9 at 2200 at Presqu'ileMar. 22 (DGC).Late individualswere at Long Pt. (L.P.B.O.),which is where the first was found in Schomberg,York, May 21 (RAD et al.), Tavistocksewage 1987. The province's3rd ever,but first documented,Wil- lagoonsMay 29 (JMH),and in the Ottawaarea at the end of son'sPlover excited many observersin e. Hamilton Bay May (BMD), all of which suggestedthe possibilityof nest- May 26-31 (KAM et al.). Following last spring'ssurge in ing. Ring-neckedDuck numberswere way up alongthe n. numbers,Piping Plover reverted to scarcitywith singlesat shores of L. Ontario and L. Erie. Peak tallies included 1800 Pelee Apr. 18 (JL) and Oliphant Apr. 26 (PM). Six Am. in the Kingstonarea Mar. 17-25 (K.F.N.},1300 at Blenheim Avocetsmade a respectableshowing for a speciesthat Apr. 8 (SC), and 1128 at Pelee Mar. 12 (AW). The record high tally of 14,000 LesserScaup at Pelee Mar. 16 may have resulted from concentrationsof Zebra Mussels, as may also have been the casefor the 5000+ in Rondeau Bay Mar. 31 (KJB). A male and female King Eider delighted observersat Pelee Apr. 18-23 (BMC, MLC et al.), where the speciesis very rare. Burlington's overwintering imm. male Harlequin Duck remained to Mar. 10 (KAM, GN), and anothermale appearedin OshawaMar. 17-18 (FJ,DDC). Thunderstorms'grounded' a pair of Surf Scotersin Pittock L. May 4 to provide Oxford's2nd springoccurrence (JMH). Other concentrationsof divers at Pelee,possibly attracted by Zebra Mussels, were the 375 White-winged Scoters Apr. 3 and 1200 Corn. GoldeneyesApr. 4 (DCC). Migrant Barrow'sGoldeneyes were the ad. male at Pelee Mar. 18 (AW, DGC et al.), the Park's 2nd ever, and an imm. male at P.E.Pt.Apr. 13 [RDW,JHE, WP}. The 500 female-plumaged Corn. Mergansers at Beaverton May 21 were late and judgedto be non-breeders(RJP). AmericanAvocet at Hamilton, Ontario, May 28, 1990. Photo- graph/TimSabo. VULTURES TO CRANES -- The trend to earlier arrivals continued for Turkey Vulture as its vanguard appearsevery 3rd spring,although there were 25 in 1983. reachedMiddlesex and PeterboroughMar. 15 (PAR,DCS), Two were in Thunder Bay Apr. 20 (BP, R. Sein), and the Frontenac, Leeds, and Grenville Mar. 16 (K.F.N., MH), and otherswere singlesat 2 Hamilton sites Apr. 25-May 2 & Waterloo Mar. 17 (TC et al.). One American Swallow- May 28 (RDo et al., RZD), Manitoulin I. May 26-31 (JCN, tailed Kite appearedat WheatleyP.P. May 19 (K. Hale), for DEB et al.), and Port Rowan June 6 (DJTH et al.). The 30 Ontario's6th since 1978. Equally rare was the ad. Missis- WilleLsat Pelee Apr. 29 topped a strongflight there (STP, sippi Kite at Pelee May 27 (MB, RK) to provide the NFS, KAM), but elsewhereonly singleswere at Strathroy

420 American Birds, Fall 1990 Apr. 29 0RM), Long Pt. May 11 (AB, SD), Thunder Bay May 17 (MZ), and RondeauMay 24 (PAW). The 54 HudsonianGodwits topped the record-setting50 in 1988,both of which comparewith a 1973-1989 spring averageof only six. The 22 in the north included 21 at Thunder Bay May 12 (AW et al.) and an early bird at the Little ShagamuR. mouth on Hudson Bay May 16 (AW). The 32 birds in the southwere 12 eachon PeleeI. May 16 (PAW) and Dunnville May 25 [fide MEF), five on Mani- toulin I. May 17 & 20 [JCN,CTB, JGL),and one and two at PeleeMay 17 & 19 respectively(MEE LG; KAM, RLW). A strongflight of MarbledGodwits was reportedwith a pair at the Little ShagamuR. mouth in the north May 30 (AW, NHK et aL) and 12 in the south, over double the 1982- 1989 spring averageof five. Nine frequentedPelee Apr. 27-May 5 (DGC et al.) and singleswere at Toronto'se. Headland (HGC, AT), Port Perry May 23-June I (JBH et al.), and Manitoulin I. May 29-31 [JCN,DEB et al.). At the Tavistocklagoons a SanderlingMay 17 was a rarity, and a W. Sandpiperthere May 29 wasa first for Oxford [JMH).Another Western appeared at Maple May 21 [JRM). An early female Wilson's Phalarope was at the Pic R. mouth, Thunder Bay, May 7 (AW, DGC). Ten Red-necked Phalaropeswere found, abovethe 8-year averageof five. Threeeach frequented the Blenheimlagoons May 21 (DM) and the Nonquonlagoons at Port Perry May 26-31 [fide Adult California G•H at Mooso,e, Ontario, May 2, 1990. First MJB). Singleswere at Pelee May 15-21 (SWP,LP et aLL for •rthern Ontario, a• eighthfor the province.Photograph/ Townsend ponds May 18-22 (DJTH, EDu), Tavistock Alan Wormin•ton. pondsMay 22 (JMH et aLL and e. Hamilton Bay May 31 (mPa). •) of a CaliforniaGull seen ne• Wildwood, Oxford, Dec. 18, saa lSk). The 12 reportsof Thayer'sGulls equMled the 1982-1989 spring average. Among the white-wingeds, 28 Iceland 'i:{{?::•T•o su .bapeciesof'Sho•,•lled D•w•[ci•e• (L. g. •: Gulls were fewer th• usual, but 75 Glaucous Gulls were • •-e•:•;]'and./•S;:ii::•hdarsoni• .a•e.known f•:::l• :n•gu!ar: about•e no•. Continuingits s•ong presencew• Lesser Black-backedGull, at 24 birds M•. 13-May 15. Notewor- thy •ong these was the breeding-plumagedadult at Mooson• May 1 (AW), where two Great Black-backeds •:.;::;::;::•h•:• ]•i:• :g• :plurii•ge,: May t4• i•!•ean •:• !:.a:.:½:•!ii•ffia the were found May 19 (AW). :tiaa"Wtth.:f•i'•; ?e:e•ta'mt/•i ]]• :y] ] !•xperieii'6: '• '' 8bser•era• Arctic Ter• nmbered eight on May 28 migratingpast ]:•as;i ::• :ti•;•:.t•]:..erefo•,•:0'" notethe Ottawa, where the speciesappe•s •nually (B• et aLL However,unexpected were two at N•ticoke Apr. 24 0BM, S•, GP) followedby singleson AmherstI. May 19 (M•, ::'::'..'•d ,one gr•s•.•.• .r•e•?::•;-at Poa Pe•]:May ts,::h:e.... •W et al.) •d in e. Hamilton Bay May 27 (PHo, SM et aLL The adult at MoosoneeMay 21 had •rived e•ly (AW). An unusual 11 Forster's Terns were inl•d at Wild- wood L., Oxford, Apr. 14-20 (IMH, lSk), and one was north to Owen SoundApr. 24 (PM). Peak coun• of Black Tern were of 300 at Long Pt. May 20 (•) •d 150 at the Amherstviewsewage ponds May 18 (K.EN.).

JAEGERS TO TERNS - At the Tiny Marsh Apr. 18, a O•S TO SH•S -- The last Sno• Owls reported Parasitic Jaegerwas seen trying to steal a fish from an were singlesin Thunder Bay Apr. 17 (NGE) •d Ottawa Osprey[fide RLB). The only LaughingGull reportedwas Apr. 20-21 (B•). Some 18 Short-e•ed Owls •rived on the adult at Port RowanMay 11 (RVT et aLL thoughtto be Amherst I. M•. 3 (GY et al.) •d three were noted at New the same bird at Long Pt. June 5 (AB). The 1982-1989 Hske•d Apr. 20 (LT et aLL The only Chuck-will's-•dow springaverage was two. Franklin'sGulls numberedonly reported away •om usual haunts in the southwestwas at two, well belowthe 1976-1989average of 14, at Pickering Bald•n, York,Apr. 26 (PHa. 1•). Well n. of rangew• Apr. 14 (]MS et al.) and near Wheatley during early May the •ip-poor-will in Quetico EE May 31 for the •ea's [fide KJB).ACom. Black-headedGull lingeringaround 5• ever •de SFP).A male Black-ch•ed H•gbird Niagara-on-the-LakeMar. 1-24 (GBe) was joined by a lingeredat a feederin •deau Fe•y, Leeds,May 25-26, secondadult Mar. 25 (LF). A third appearedat the tip of well s•n •d describedby experiencedobservers (ph. M LongPt. June2 [JCu),raising the springtotal to equal the & AS, NMM, NRB et aLL This was a first sighting for 12-year spring averageof three. Ontario's 12th Mew Gull Ont•io. Red-•llied Woodpeckernumbers remained high, was the adult in Wheatley harbourMay 14 (DRG), the as•e speciesapp•ently continuesto benefitkom several Peleearea's 3rd. The province's8th California Gull mate- successivemild winters.Singles were e. to CobourgApr. rialized at the Moosoneedump May 2 (ph. AW et al.); it 23-25 (E•) and GrenadierI. May 16 (MH); fo• were at was the first for the north. Meanwhile, the Ontario Bird EE.Pt. May 1-20 (K.EN.) •d •r• on Amherst I. Apr. 25- RecordsCommittee has accepted a previoussighting (fide May 17 (K.EN.). The only Thru-toed Woodpeckers. of

Volume 44, Number 3 421 rangewas the singleat Smith Falls Apr. 26 (D & FR). VIllEOS TO FINCHES -- Thirty White-eyed Vireos The only.extralimitalAcadian Flycatcher was at P.E.Pt. representeda strong incursion, but the only three away June 2 (RDW, JHE). Also associatedwith the push of fly- from the southwest were in Durham at Whitby Apr. catchers into Ontario in late May--early June was a w. 28-May 10 (KH et al.), NewcastleMay 20 (EA), and Dar- Kingbird at Long Pt. June 4 (AB, SJ).One Scissor-tailed lington P.P.May 21 (DT). "Audubon's"Yellow-rumped Flycatcher,a typical springtally, was found at Pelee May Warblerswere a male at P.E.Pt.May 19 (VPM) and a female 20 (MA, JL, KEmo et al.). Cold weatherin mid-May forced at PeleeMay 21 (D & KM); Yellow-throatedWarblers were swallows into large flocks as they searched for food. few, with singlesat Long Pt. Apr. 28 (JCu,GA) and Pelee Among thoseat the Tavistocklagoons May 17 were 2000 May 14-20 (OA, WAM et al.). Lone Kirtland'sWarblers, Trees,700 N. Rough-wingeds,6000 Banks,300 Cliffs, and rare stragglers,were alongthe upper Brucepeninsula May 3000 Barns 0MH). Another 10,000 Bank Swallows gath- 20 (MDC) and in CobourgMay 31 (ph. AKS,JT eta/.). 'Yel- ered at LongPt. May 21 (IR). low' Palm Warblers(D. p. hypochrysea)were singlesat Originsof the Black-billedMagpie at LongPt. Apr. 11 Pelee Apr. 28 (KAM) and May 17 (D. Blue, JW) and at (BC et al.) perplexedobservers; it may have originated Beachville,Oxford, May 2 (JMK).Eight Worm-eating War- from the escapesat Woodstockduring autumn 1989. A biers were the fewestin spring since 1982, and only one noticeablemigration of returningBoreal Chickadees was loggedApr. 14-May 13 at Thunder Bay,where 22 were in one flock Apr. 25 (BA, SVP). Ottawa'swintering Tufted Titmousewas last seenApr. 14 (MT) and the only other away from the traditional southwestwas in Mississanga May I (M. Buck). Numbers of Carolina Wrens declined throughoutthe southwestfor no known reason,and the extralimitalswere two in Oakville Apr. 9 (DP) and one at Presqu'ile Apr. 28-May 10 (RPH, BBt). The 150 Marsh Wrens at Long Pt. May 12 (JMK) were encouragingnumbers, and the specieswas also up in Cobourgmarshes (ERM). Single Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were n. to MoosoneeApr. 29 (AW et al.), for a 2nd local record,and at Rainy R. June1-4 (D. Lee, TW, MK). Male KentuckyWarbler singing at Toronto,Ontario, April 30, The female E. Bluebird at MoosoneeMay 17 was well 1990. Photograph/TimSabo. north (AW, DJA, G. Cox). A male Mountain Bluebird obliged many observersat P.E.Pt. Mar. 31-Apr. 13 (ph. was away from the far southwest,at Whitby May 21 (JFet RDW, JHE et al.) as it fed on Red Cedarberries. During the a/.). The 11 KentuckyWarblers were below the 1982-1989 1980s,about one per year hasturned up somewherein the springaverage of 17. Away from the southwestwere sin- province. The Townsend'sSolitaire remained in Ottawa glesin Toronto'sHigh ParkApr. 29-30 and LakeshoreMay Dec. 27-Apr. 14 (BMD et al.). Some 1700 & 840 Swain- 19 (VH eta/., MWD), Whitby May 20 (JFet al.), and P.E.Pt. son'sThrushes were counted in nocturnalmigration over June2 (RDW,JHE). The only out-of-rangeHooded Warblers WoodstockMay 15 & 25 respectively(JMH), and 350 were were singlesat Whitby Apr. 28-29 (JF eta/.) and P.E.Pt. groundedat Long Pt. May 20 (JMH et al.). The wintering May 20 (RDW). A similar pattern emergedfor Yellow- Varied Thrushes at Long Pt. and Gore Bay were present breasted Chats at Whitby May 18 (DDC, E & BP), P.E.Pt. until Mar. 22 & 31 (L.P.B.O.;RCa) respectively. Numbers of May 19 & 20 (K.F.N.),and OshawaMay 21-22 (JP,DL). N. Mockingbirdswere up sharply in e. Ontario, where 9 The 12 Summer Tanagers equalled the 1982-1989 pairswere on territoryin KingstonMay 1-31 (K.F.N.),and springaverage. The only extralimitalswere an imm. male this speciescontinued to pioneerthe north. Singleswere at 3 different sites within Algonquin, where rare, May 11-23 (RH, RGT, GEW et al.) and n. to Matachewan Apr. 28 (LT), Red RockApr. 29 (fide NGE), Kirkland Lake for 2 weeksduring May (fide LT), MarathonMay 10-13 (SVP et a/.), Thunder Bay May 7 (AW, DGC), and MoosoneeMay 6 (EH, JET, AW). The Sage Thrasher at Indian Pt., Mani- Immature male Sum- toulin I., May 24 (DEB) was well seenand nicely docu- mer Tanager at Red mented,providing Ontario's 8th recordsince 1965. Rock, Ontario, May Following an impressivewinter incursionby Bohemian 10, 1990. Photograph/ Waxwingsinto s. Ontario, their departurefor the north- Alan Wormington. west was greatly delayed, setting numerousrecord late dates. Normally when the irruptions do occur, the birds are virtually gone from everywheresouth of Sudburyby mid-March. Some 200 were still in Britt, Parry Sound, at Red RockApr. 28-May 11 (OHC et al.) and a femaleat Apr. I (MK), and record late dates were set by 50 in P.E.Pt.May 14 (D. Brown, DCa). A male WesternTanager KingstonApr. 13 (A & HH), 34 in NewcastleApr. 17 (EA), near CobourgMay 17 (J. McColl) was seenat closerange 12 in PembrokeApr. 19 (JMB),five on Manitoulin I. Apr. and describedadequately. This was Ontario'sfirst since 21 (DEB, CTB), and 10 near Carleton Place May 12 (IP). 1984. Blue Grosbeakshave numberedone per springsince Cedar Waxwing flocks contained up to 4000 birds at 1981, so singlefemales at RondeauMay 7-10 (M. Apse et P.E.Pt.Apr. 21-May 20 (K.F.N.).The N. Shrikein Algon- al.) and P.E.Pt.May 13 (RDW, JI-IE)made a respectable quin Apr. 22 tied a latest ever date (RGT). Reportswere showing. Dickcisselswere again scarce:singles were at received on 51 LoggerheadShrikes, many of these from PeleeApr. 24 and May 19 (DGC,SAC et al.), LongPt. Apr. nestingterritories. Numbers continue to vary erratically 27 (AB, SD), and RondeauMay 19 (SC). from year to year. Ontario's6th Cassin'sSparrow, a singingmale, at Pelee

422 American Birds, Fall 1990 May 17 was the first since 1987 (MJB). A male Lark Brown, D.N. Bucknell, T. Bunbury, K.J. Burk, P. Burke, Buntingat Gore Bay, Manitoulin I., Apr. 14 (ph. G & AA) M.D. Cadman, D.D. Calvert, G. Cameron CGCm),R. Camp- was the 13th in Ontario since 1974. The only Henslow's bell ORCa),D. Cargill CDCa),G. CarterCGCa), O.H. Cearnes, Sparrowswere singlesat JarvisApr. 18 (SJM), Pelee Apr. D.G. Cecile, S. Charbonneau, T. Chatterton CTCha), T. 23 (DGC), and Amherst I. May 19 (RE)W). This species Cheskey, B.M. Chomyshyn, M.L. Chomyshyn, J. & E. appearsto be decliningsignificantly in the province.ALe Christie,J. Cibula (JCi),w. Clark, G. Coady CGCo),B. Col- Conte's Sparrow at Moosonee Apr. 29 was very early lier, S.A. Connop,H.G. Currie, J. CursonCJCu), M.P. Davis, (AW). Single Sharp-tailed Sparrows •vere at the Jarvis R.A. Davis, E. Deardon, M.W. DeLorey, B.M. Dilabio, R. lagoonsApr. 18 (SJM),Pelee May 15 (C & RL), and Darling- Dowson CRDo),R.Z. Dobos, S. Dougill, P. Dubreuil, E. ton P.P. May 26 (GAS). East of range were lone Harris' Dunn CEDu),M.H. Edwards, R.K. Edwards, J.H. Ellis, D. Sparrowsin Gore Bay,Manitoulin I., Apr. 30-May 15 (C & Entz, N.G. Escott,J. Fairchild, L. Fazio, D.B. Ferguson,D. SW) and WallaceburgMay 13-16 (ph. TCha). Record late Fidler, M.E. Foley, L. & W. Foott, G. Forbes,F. Foster,D.R. Lapland Longspurswere in TavistockMay 19 (JMH) and Gardiner, G. Garrette, L. Gollert, D.S. Graham, S. & D. AlgonquinMay 31 (MR, RGT). The last Snow Bunting in Hadlington,P. Harpley (PHa), A.G. Harris, C.P. Harris, R.' the southpassed Algonquin May 5 CRGT). Hawkins, R.K. Hayward, F. Helleiner, M. Hendrick, A. & The warm surge brought 100,000 Red-winged Black- H. Henriksen, B. Henshaw, K. Henshaw, A. Herriot, D.S. birds and 50,000 Corn.Grackles to PittockL., Oxford,Mar. Hilaire, V. Higgins,G.T. Hince,J.B. Hobbs, P. Holder CPHo), 12 CJMH).Six W. Meadowlarkswere above averagefor J.M. Holdsworth, R.P. Holland, G.V. Horn, E. Hunter, D.J.T. recent springs;one was in MoosoneeApr. 24 CAWet al.). Hussell, N. Ironside, M. Jacklin, A. Jaramillo, W.R. Jar- Noteworthy Yellow-headedBlackbirds were single males main, E.A. Jefferson,F. Jerome, S. Jones,N.H. Khairallah, in Ottawa May 5 CMJ),Kingston May 17-18 CM & MS et KingstonField Naturalists,R. Kovalcik, M. Kubisz, V.B. al.), and Smithville May 29 CMEF). The only Brewer's Ladouceur,C. & R. Ladwig, S.M. LaForest, S. Larsen, J.G. Blackbirdsaway from the southwestwere two on Wolfe I. Lemon, J. Lesser,J. Lightener 0Li), W. Lindley CWLi),L. Apr. 1 (RDW, JHE) and anotherin Stoney Creek Apr. 13 Linklater, D. Lockrie, Long Pt. Bird Observatory,W.R. CGN).Orchard Orioleswere reportedin numbersalong the Lowe, J.R. Macey, V.P. Mackenzie, R. & L. MacLennan, n. shoreof L. Ontario,from Whitby,Newcastle, Port Hope, N.M. Mansfield, J. Maquire CJMq),F. Mariotti, D. Martin, Presqu'ile, P.E.Pt., and Amherst I. A male was n. to W.A. Martin, E.R. McDonald, M. McEvoy CMME), J.R. Evansville, Manitoulin I., Apr. 30 eBB, DEB). Late Pine McKeeman, K. McKeever,K.A. McLaughlin, M. McLeod, Grosbeakswere in AlgonquinApr. 8 CRGT)and at Morton, S. IX4clX4inn,D. & K. McNorton, A. Mess, P. Middleton, J.B. Leeds,May 12 (fide MH). A record late date was set by Miles, S.J.Miles, T. Mosquin, T.R. Murray, G. Naylor, J.C. Corn. Redpolls over Algonquin May 12 CGEW),and late Nicholson, M. Oldham, K. Overman, M.J. Parker, L. Paul, Hoaries were in Moosonee May 2 and Winisk May 15 S.W. Paul, M. Pawlick CMPa),E. & B. Pegg,D. Perks, I. CAW). Pine Siskins remained numerous over much of the Perry, J. Perry, W. Perry, S.F. Peruniak, B. Peterson, S.V. south into May and nesting was confirmed in Oxford Phippen, S.T. Pike, R.J.Pittaway, G. Pond, D. & T. Powell, (JMH, JSk). P.A. Read, I. Richards, P.W. Richter, D. & F. Robinson, R. Rogers,M. Runtz, D.C. Sadler, H. Saunders,IX4. & M. Saun- COBRIGENDUM -- AB 44:84, column 2, 2nd last line, ders,D. & M. Schoenefield,D.A. Scott,A.K. Sculthorpe,J. replaceSmith Rockby SmoothRock. Serensits,N.F. Sherwood,R. ShillabeerCRSh), J. Skeving- ton CJSk),J.M. Speirs,R.T. Sprague,M. & A. Steams,R.D. SUBREGIONAL EDITORS (boldface), CONTRIBU- Strickland, Sudbury OrnithologicalSociety, L. Taman, J. TORS (italics), AND CITED OBSERVERS-- M. Ainley, E. Tate, B. Taylor, M. Taylor, K. Thomas,J. &J. Thomson,J.E. Allin, G. Anderson,R.F. Andrle, O. Arian, D.J. Argo, E.R. Thompson, W. Thompson, D. Tozer, R.G. Tozer, R.V. Armstrong,G. & A. Armstrong,R. Arnold, B. Atkinson,B. Twest, C. Vardy, R.L. Waldhuber, W. Walker, G.E. Wallace, Bailey, D.E. Bailey, L. Bailey, M.J. Bain, H.E. Baines, B. S. Watson,R.D. Weir, W. & L. Wensley,M.P. Whelan, C. & Barrett CBBt),D. Barry CDBa),N.R. Beacock,D. Beadle, C.T. S. White, B. Wilkinson, J. Williams CJWm),J. Wilson, P.A. Bell, G. Bellerby CGBe),M. Blagdum, S. & J. Blaney, C.G. Woodliffe, T. Woodrow, A. Wormington, B.K. Wyatt, G. Blomme, J. Boden, B. Bolten, E. Boote CEBo),A. Bose,J.M. Yaki, M. Zettek. -- RON D. WEIR, 294 Elmwood Street, Bouvier, R.L. Bowles, R.A. Bracken, H. Bremner, E. Kingston,Ontario K7M 2Y8, Canada.

Volume 44, Number 3 423 ,MsqueIsle $ P,ß --" ,-" ,":-;

' • :?" ' -.;:' ,•:"•vo•.

•Wh lin* •Cbmb • APPALACHIAN o.,o REGION ,•sb•rg. WEST:•' . • :' -•

GeorgeA. Hall

:•"•• NORTH K.o•,,•.•:..•?•.-:.• CAROLINA c•...•" -Da,on:'" UTHCAROLINA

eatherwiseit was a mixedup season,and the bird o•e or more S.D. above •at me•, •d o•]y six were migrationwas alsomixed, beingpoor at mostplaces below [RCL, •). but pretty goodat a few others. As usu• •e Lake Erie shoreproduced some r•ities, as The first two monthsof the year had beenwarmer than did the AusQ• Springsarea i• e•tem Tennessee. normal but March showed almost summerlike conditions. At Pittsburghthe month was much drier than usual but ABBREVIATIONS-- B.E.S.P.= Bald EagleState Park, Cen- showeda temperatureexcess of 179 day-degrees.By mid- tre Co.,PA; C.EH. = M.E. ClarkFish Hatchery, Rowan County, April, however,more seasonalconditions returned. April KY; G.S.M.N.P. = Great Smoky Mountains Nat'l Park, TN; had normal rainfall and temperaturesbut May was much M.L.B.S. = Mountain Lake Biological Station, Giles Co., VA; cooler and wetter than normal. P.N.R. = Powdermill Nature Reserve, Westmoreland Co., PA; With the mild March weatherthe first wavesof migrants P.I.S.P.= PresqueIsle StatePark, Erie Co., PA; Y.C.S.P.= Yel- were somewhatearly, althoughnot unusuallyso. Warbler low Creek State Park, Indiana Co., PA. Place names in italics migrationappeared to be in progressin the south in late are counties. March, and in the north the first wave of Neotropical migrants arrived slightly early. By late April and May, LOONS TO IBISES -- Red-throated Loons were when the peak of migration is expected, the cold-wet reported from ChickamaugaDam, TN, Mar. 26 (RSt), and weather producedmixed results.During May severalcold Y.C.S.P.Apr. 29 & 30 (fide JG). The Corn. Loon showed frontswith northerlywinds producedsome groundings of some improvementover recent years with goodflights at migrants at a few places but the majority of locations Warren, PA (WH), Cave Run L., KY (FB), and Boone L., TN found few migrants.Since local breedingpopulations of (RK). migrants seemed to be about normal, it was generally In March there was an excellent influx of the usually thoughtthat the low numberswere not owingto low pop- rare Red-necked Grebe: P.I.S.P., Mar. 8 (BW) & 10 (EK); ulations but to the birds overflyingthe area concerned. Edinboro L., PA, Mar. 13 (JH); Moraine $.P., PA, Mar. 12 There were some exceptions, however, and the spotted (HL); Colyet L., PA (EZ); Balto, MD, Mar. 24 (RKi); and thrushesfor exampleremain in low numbers. Fishersville, VA, Mar. 7-16 (YL). One was also seen at At PowdermillNature Reserve,where the springband- Rocky Gap $.P., MD, Apr. 3 & 10 (MT). An EaredGrebe at ing seasonwas quite successful,the good numberswere Y.C.$.P.May 16-30 was especiallynoteworthy (m.ob.). An attributedin part to the coincidenceof the migrationwith Aechmophorus grebe (probably Western) was seen at the small-sizedinstar larvae of the GypsyMoth, which is $henangoL., PA, Apr. 26 (EB). having a major outbreakin that region.At that station25 The Am. White Pelicanis seldomseen in this Regionso specieswere handled in numbers within one standard reportsof nine at the HiwaseeRiver, TN, Mar. 27 (RSt)and deviation (S.D.) of the ten-year average,19 specieswere five at Ft. LoudonL., TN, Apr. 11 (MD) were noteworthy.

424 American Birds, Fall 1990 The Double-crested Cormorant continues to increase in Oldsquawwas reported from 10 locationsand was in fair numbers throughout the Region and is now found on numbers,while White-wingedScoter was reportedfrom 10 nearly everylarge body of water.One of the bestrecords of locationsranging from P.I.S.P. on L. Erie to ChickamaugaL, the seasonwas of an immature Anhinga soaring over TN. Rather late and most unusual was the flock of 47 BrasstownBald, GA, May 30 (DF). White-wingedsat B.E.S.P.May 5 (D & BB). The rarer Surf There was an unusual number of bittern sightings.A Scoterwas found at Wilbur L., TN, Apr. 4, BooneL., TN, flightof eightAm. Bitternsleaving for the northon Apr. 16 Apr. 6 (RK), and B.E.S.P.,May 5 (D & BB).Two Black Scot- was reportedfrom P.I.S.P.(JM) and other sightingsthere erswere present at the GavinPower Plant, OH, Apr. 4 (MG) were on May 14 & 15 (JHS,JGS) and May 19 (EK). This A 9 Hooded Merganserwith four young was seen in specieswas alsoreported from P.N.R.,Apr. 21 (RM, RCL); Warren,PA, May 19 (TG). More unusual was the pair of from near Cumberland, MD, May 5 (RKi); from Red-breastedMergansers apparently nesting in Russell, Warren,May 21 & 23 (TG); and from StateCollege, PA, May VA, May 29 (SH). Finally, the only concentrationof water- 11-13 (HH, RHa). LeastBitterns were reportedfrom State fowl reportedwas the 20,000 Com. Mergansersat P.I.SP College,PA, Apr. 12 (HH); AustinSprings, TN, Apr. 29 for a May 4 (JM). 12th local record (RK);Rowan, KY, May 23-25(FB); and as many as six seenregularly in May at P.I.S.P.(JM). RAPTORS -- The managementprograms for Osprey GreatBlue Heron is increasingas a breedingbird in this and Peregrineappear to be payingoff, asboth speciesare Region.In Mercer, PA, 3 colonieshad 885 adults and 401 beingreported more frequently than in the past.The same nests (EB), while a colony in Lawrence,PA, had 47 nests can be said for severalspecies: N. Harrier, N. Goshawk, (AM), one near Jefferson,PA, had 19 nests (RB), and a new and both eagles.On the other hand, the once common colony in Knox, TN, had 4 nests(BF). There was another buteosare not beingreported in their pastnumbers. new colonyin the KnoxvilleRegion (CN). Not too longago Two pairs of Ospreyswere nestingat Cumberland,MD the sightof a GreatEgret in springin this Regionwas most (RKi, MT). At least one of thesebirds was banded and may unusual, but it has now become a rather common bird, have been one of the birds "hacked"along the Potomac with a total of 17 locationsreporting up to five birds this River in recent years. The Bald Eagle recovery is even season.The only reportsof SnowyEgret, May 25 (JM)and more spectacularwith reportscoming in from all parts of Little Blue Heron, May 20 (RKo) & 24 (JM), came from the Region. Eagles were nesting at Hartstown and P I S.P. Cattle Egrets continue to increase with reports PymatuningL., PA (RFL), Butler, PA (PH), MosquitoL, from B.E.S.P.(GB), Mosquito L., OH (CB), New Hope, VA OH (DH), 2 locations in e. West Virginia (CS), and the (YL), Lyndhurst,VA (RS), Austin Springs,TN (BC, RK), Highland, VA, site where they nested in 1989 (LT). At BooneL., TN (BC), and Washington,TN (FA). There were another Butler location an immature pair has been at- nesting coloniesof Black-crownedNight-Herons at Elk- temptingto nest,without success,for 3 years(JG). ton, VA, with 15-20 nests (KF), and near Kingsport, TN This year reportsof N. Goshawkcame from State Col- (DN). At P.I.S.P.,Black-crowned Night-Herons were fre- lege,PA, Mar. 9 (GY), B.E.S.P.Apr. 1 (RH), BlackMoshan- quentwith a maximum of 32 from Apr. 16-19, and a Yel- non S.P.Apr. 18 (B & JPe),near Chattanooga,TN, Mar. 27 low-crowned Night-Heronwas photographedthere Apr. (RSt), and Lycoming,PA, May 25 (SS), and a nest was 19 for a 9th countyrecord (JM). A Yellow-crownedNight- found in the Allegheny N.F. near Warren, PA, May 23 Heron was reported from Youngstown,OH, Apr. 29 (NB), (DW). Rough-leggedHawks were last seenat Pymatuning and two were at the usual nest site near Elizabethton, TN, L. Mar. 24 (RFL), and other records came from Lander, PA, throughthe period(RK). A GlossyIbis was seenat Austin Mar. 18 (DW), DansRock S.P., MD, Apr. 8 (MT), and/•'gh- Springs,TN, Apr. 26 (•'RK)and anotherwas reportedfrom land, VA, Mar. 19 & 26 (LT). There were few reports of near StateCollege, PA, May 7 (J& BPe). Broad-wingedand Red-shoulderedhawks. Golden Eagles were reportedfrom: the usualwintering areain Bath (Mar WATEBFOWL -- In general the waterfowl flight was 1) and Highland (Mar. 26), VA (LT); Barton Knob, WV mediocreto poor, althoughalmost all expectedspecies (three immatures),Mar. 23 (MG); Colyer L., PA, Mar. 9 (K were seen.Unfortunately, few observersreport compara- & JJ);Laurel Hill, PA, Mar. 10 (B & TR); JohnsonCity, TN, tive numbersof waterfowl, so it is difficult to judge the Apr. 14 (late) (RK);and moreunusual as to both dateand statusof mostspecies. A fallout of 200 birds of 15 species place,Lumpkin, GA, May 29 (DF). was reportedfrom the LigonierValley, PA (RCL).In Som- At Warren, PA, 85% of the 34 nest boxes for Am. erset, PA, the broods of Mallards and Wood Ducks were Kestrelswere occupied(DW). Merlins were reportedfrom early and were largerthan expected(AM). Erie, PA, and P.I.S.P.regularly from Apr. 8-May 12 (JM); The largeflights of TundraSwans apparently overflew from Meadville, PA, Apr. 6 (RFL); Austin Springs,TN, the Regionas the largestnumber reported was 200 at War- Apr. I (RK); and Elizabethton,TN, May 12 (DL, GW). A ren, PA, Mar. 5 (TK), and the only record at Pymatuning pair of Peregrineshas taken up residenceon the office L., PA, was of three on Apr. 13 (RFL).A Tundra Swanwas buildings of downtown Pittsburgh, and while present still presentat B.E.S.P.May 12 (B & JPe)and onewas seen from late Februaryto the end of the seasonno definite at StateCollege, PA, aslate asMay 28 (MW). A Mute Swan nestingwas established(JG). They were also presentin was at Williamstown, WV, Mar. I to May 12 (EA) and one downtown Knoxville (CN). More conventional reports was at P.I.S.P.May 28-31 (JM). A GreaterWhite-fronted came from Austin Springs,TN, Mar. 11 (JB),Ooltewah, Gooseat Swoope,VA, furnished a new Augusta record TN, Mar. 27 (RSt), Mr. LeConte, G.S.M.N.P. (CN), Moun- (YL) as well asbeing noteworthy for the Region.The only tain L., VA, May 17 (CZ), and at least four at P.I.S.P.,May reportsof Snow Geesecame from P.I.S.P.,one on Mar. 6 14-22 (JM, RKo, JHS). (JHS, JGS) and Fishersville, VA, 11 on Mar. 7 (YL). Two Brantwere at P.I.S.P.Apr. 19 (BCa).The introducedpopu- BAILS TO TERNS -- Good details were submitted for a lation of CanadaGeese continues its rampantincrease and Black Rail at P.I.S.P.May 20, for the first Erie record (BM). hasreached pest levels in s.w.Pennsylvania (AM), and is A King Rail at Antes Fort, PA, Apr. 26 was the first seen the subjectof a crop-damagesuit againstthe statein West there in 23 years (P & GS). A Virginia Rail at Austin Virginia (GAH). Springs,TN, May 26-29 suggestedpossible nesting at that

Volume 44, Number 3 425 location (RK). More Soras and Virginia Rails were reported than usual. The only report of Sandhill Cranes camefrom Whitfield, GA, a flock of 75 on Mar. 5 (HD). The shorebirdflight was fairly good, as flooded fields offeredresting areas in placesnormally lacking them, and many speciesarrived somewhatearly. There were two fallouts at P.I.S.P.that were impressiveeven for that location where shorebirdsare usually plentiful. Following a cold front on May 13 approximately 2000 birds of 16 specieswere recorded,1500 in the first 3 hours of day- light. Highlightswere 1100 Short-billedDowitchers and 400 "peep" (JM, EK). Another flight occurredthere May 29, when 600 birds of 15 speciesincluded 325 Semipal- mated Sandpipers,42 Ruddy Turnstones,and 24 Whim- brels(DS, JHS, JGS). Lesser Golden-Plovers were reported from KingstonSteam Plant, TN, Mar. 31 (BS),Washington, TN, Mar. 31 (RK), and Austin Springs,TN, Apr. 4-6 (RK). Downyyoung Short-eared Owl in a nestin JeffersonCounty, Ohio, Besides the usually common shorebird species, Red spring 1990. First nestingrecord for the county.Photograph/ Knots,Sanderling, Baird's Sandpiper, Dunlin, and espe- Michael Arabia. cially White-rumped Sandpiperswere more numerous and more widely reported than usual. Willets were set, PA, three on a recoveredstrip mine site Mar. 3 (AM), reportedfrom Y.C.S.P.Apr. 20 (fide JG)and P.I.S.P.May 7 and P.I.S.P.,up to 11, Apr. 14-22 (JM,GR). Northern Saw- (JHS)& 20 (JHo,BM). The only Whimbrel recordscame whet Owls were reported from Saybrook,PA, Apr. 2 from P.I.S.P. where 66 were tallied from May 13-30, (CNe), Black MoshannonS.P., PA, May 12 (J & BP), and including 44 on May 25 (JM). Two Marbled Godwits at Roan Mt., TN, Apr. 13 (two) (FA, BC). P.I.S.P.May 18 furnished the first spring record and the The Chuck-will's-widow continuesto appear in the 14th countyrecord (JGS,JHS). The only Stilt Sandpiper ShenandoahValley, with recordsfrom Berkeley,WV, May was reported from Antes Fort, PA, May 17, for the 2rid 5 (MG), Harrisonburg,VA, the 3rd week in May (R.B.C.), recordthere in 23 years(PS). A Ruff at P.I.S.P.May 5 fur- and Lyndhurst,VA, Apr. 27 (LP). It was alsoreported for nished the 3rd Erie record (JGS).A Wilson'sPhalarope the 3rd yearin the Ohio valley nearParkersburg, WV, May was at Niles, OH, May 16 (fide CB), and three were at 5 (LB, JB1).Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrived quite C.F.H. May 18 (FB). A Red-neckedPhalarope near Har- early, as for example,arrivals on Apr. 26 at Edinboro,PA risonburg,VA, furnishedthe first record for Rockingham (JH) and Morgantown,WV (GAH). (R.B.C.),and onewas seennear Cumberland,MD, May 25 There were more reportsof Red-headedWoodpeckers & 27 (RKi, MT). than in recentsprings. They were presentat 5 sitesnear A Franklin'sGull was at C.F.H.May 4 (FB). The spring Elizabethton,TN (RK), and there were 3 new reportsof flight of Bonaparte'sGulls was unusually heavy at most breedingnear Harrisonburg,VA, and one in Hardy, WV places,and 358 were countedat Y.C.S.P.in late April (fide (KF). Other reports came from Kelletville, PA (TG), JG),and 225 at BooneL., TN, Apr. 6 (RK). As usualP.I.S.P. Rowlesburg,WV (AC), Clarksville, PA (RB), and Lynd- experienceda number of the rarer gulls: LaughingGull, hurst,VA (RS).A nestof Red-cockadedWoodpeckers was May 10 (JM); Little Gull, May 25 (JM); CommonBlack- found at Cumberland Fails S.P., KY (BP-B). There were headed Gull, two on May 19---4th state record (EK); reports of 12 Olive-sided Flycatchers from 8 loca- Thayer's Gull, Mar. 3 (JM, EK); Iceland Gull, five until tions from Gilmer, GA (an early date of Apr. 29) (CR) to Mar. 8 (JM) and a late one May 19 (EK); LesserBlack- Erie, PA, with bandingsat P.I.S.P.(RFL) and P.N.R. (RCL, backed Gull Mar. 3 & 31 (EK, JM); and Glaucous Gull, 13 RM). In n. WestVirginia, E. Wood-Peweesseemed to be in on Mar. 3 (JM, EK) and one on Mar. 17 (EK). low numbers(GAH). Both Acadianand Leastflycatchers CaspianTerns were numerousagain this spring, and as were in unusually high numbersat M.L.B.S. (CZ). Least mentioned in an earlier account Forster's Terns are now Flycatcherswere found in a possiblebreeding habitat more "common" than tom. Terns. A Least Tern was at in Campbell, TN, May 28, but were not there June 2 P.I.S.P.,May 29, the 8th sightingfor the county (JGS,DS). (A & RH). The increased number of Black Tern reports is most encouragingas this specieshad almostvanished from the SWALLOWS TO V/BEOS--There were mixed reports Region. of Purple Martins: none at Waynesboro,VA (RS), and scarceat Clarksville,PA (RB},but normalat Harrisonburg, CUCKOOS TO FLYCATCHERS--Both cuckoo species VA {KF). Tree Swallows nested at Fishersville, VA, and were in low numbers almost everywhere,but at Jersey near Waynesboro,VA, for the first time {RS). The recent Shore, PA, they were in the best numbersin the last 5 colony of Bank Swallows in Knox, TN, had 30 nests(A & years {PS).No commentwas made as to whether this had RH). anythingto do with the gypsymoth outbreak.There were ACom. Raven was heard on Big Black Mountain, KY, 4 activenest sitesof Barn Owls and 2 or 3 othersightings May 27 (BP-B). This speciescontinues to expand in n. in Washington, TN (RK). Other sightings came from Pennsylvania (WH). Brown-headed Nuthatches were Fishersville,VA, Apr. 20 [MH), and JerseyShore, PA, May foundat an elevationof 1800 ft nearBlalrsville, GA, May 15 {PS). Up to three Long-earedOwls were sightedat 28 (DF). Carolina Wren populations in the north came P.I.S.P.Mar. 10 and Apr. 8 & 14 (DD, JHo).Another Long- through the winter without major decline. A pair spent eared was found in Berkeley,WV, May 5 {MG). Short- the winter at a feederat Warren,PA (WH). The only report eared Owls nested in Jefferson,OH, for a county first of Bewick'sWren camefrom Murray, GA, Mar. 5 (HD); and (MA). Other reportscame from Weyer'sCave, VA, six on the only reports of Marsh Wrenswere May 12 at Austin Mar. 4 {YL), Fishersville, VA, four on Mar. 11 {YL}, Somer- Springs,TN (RK), and Erwin, TN (BC).

426 AmericanBirds, Fall 1990 Golden-crownedK•nglets stageda good m•gration at low-breastedChat May 15 in Warren,PA (TG), was north Clarksmile,PA (RB),but at nearbyMorgantown, WV, they of the usual range. were scarce (GAH), and few other reportersmentioned Summer Tanagercontinues to increasein s.w. Pennsyl- them. Blue-grayGnatcatchers were missingat Meadville, vania (RB) and one was seenat Edinboro,PA, May 6-8, for PA (RFL), and were caughtin below averagenumbers at the 9th Erie record (JH).Indigo Buntingswere thoughtto P N R. (RM, RCL). The Catharus thrushes remained at low be scarceat State College,PA (MW), Morgantown, WV numbers. There was more singing from Swainson's (GAH), and a few other places.Blue Grosbeakwas found Thrushes at Morgantown than I have heard for several in Summers,WV, the first in several years (JP),and one years,but the totals were still low. At P.N.R., Swainson's was reported from Elizabeth, WV, May 24 (fide JE). A Thrusheswere banded in averagenumbers, but elsewhere Dickcisselwintered at State College,remaining until Mar. no one reportedvery many and somestations missed the 17 (DB), and one was seen at Saegertown,PA, Mar. 27 speciescompletely. A Gray-cheekedThrush at Fairview, (TP). A Sharp-tailedSparrow was at Austin Springs,TN, NC, May 15 was noteworthy(RY). Veerloswere in normal May 12, for the 10th local record, and the first one in numbersin the breedinggrounds of e. Tennessee(RK) but spring (RK, JB). At P.N.R., Field, Song, and White- were in low numbers in the Cheat Mountains of West Vir- crowned sparrowswere banded in below averagenum- g•ma (GAH). WoodThrushes were reportedas beinglow bers. A White-crowned Sparrowwintered successfullyin at Huntington,WV (MG), but were felt to be commonat Elk, PA (LC). A Harris' Sparrowwas seennear Marion, PA, Clarksville, PA (RB). Mar. 15 (RHi). The four or five N. Mockingbirdsreported in Erie, PA, Bobolinksat Swoope,VA, as late as May 28 suggested were more than the normal number at this northern loca- possiblenesting at this low and southernlocation (YL). A tion (JM). A mockingbirdnesting in Allegheny, PA, failed Brewer's Blackbird was in Sullivan, TN, Mar. 30 (BC). The becauseof cold weather in late May (PB). The N. Shrike only reportof Red Crossbillscame from the breedingsta- reported from Lander, PA, in the winter remained until tion on Shenandoah Mr., VA (LT), but White-winged Mar. 18 (DW). Other reportscame from P.I.S.P.Mar. 3-10 Crossbillsstaged a small flight as far south as central (DD), Montour, PA, Mar. 12 (SS), and Indiana, PA, in Pennsylvania. Reports came from P.I.S.P. Mar. 3 (GR), March (MHi). The LoggerheadShrike picture appeared Union City, PA, Mar. 9-23 (JM), Elk, Mar. 22 (LC), Black brighter.In e. Tennessee7 locationshad nine birds (AH) MoshannonS.P., PA, Apr. 8 (J& BPe), and Y.C.S.P.Mar. 10 and there were 9 nestingpairs in Rocldngham,VA (KF). (MHi). Common Redpolls were reported from Cumber- Otherreports came from Petersburg and Renick,WV (KF), land,MD, Mar. 15 (RKi),and Warren, PA, Apr. 9 (BHi).' Swoope,VA (YL), and Y.C.S.P.(fide JG). Pine Siskinswere in greatnumbers at many places,but White-eyedVireos at P.I.S.P.May 7 (JHS)& 12 (JHo)and in were missing or only sporadically present at others Warren,PA, May 23 (JK)were somewhatnorth of the usual Wherethey did occurflocks of severalhundred were com- range.Philadelphia Vireo is oftennot reportedin spring,so mon. At P.N.R.,1000 were bandedduring the period (RM, the very early recordsfrom the Blue Ridge Parkway,VA, RCL). Because of the spottiness of occurrence this fi Apr 14 (MH) and Trumbull,OH, Apr. 30 (DH) were note- ight was probablyless than that of 2 winters ago.Many of worthy.A total of 56 PhiladelphiaVireos (6 standarddevia- thesebirds remained in the Regionuntil the end of the tionsabove average) were banded at P.N.R.(RCL, RM). period, and while no definite nesting was established somecertainly did nest in the Region.Captured birds at WARBLERS TO FINCHES--With a few exceptions, P.N.R. showedphysiological evidence of breeding.There reportersfelt that the warbler flight was very poor. Most were scattered records throughout the Region and observersfound all the expectedspecies but total numbers throughoutthe period for small flocks of Evening Gros- were low. In e. Tennessee,however, the flight was goodat beaks, but as in the winter report no great invasion Knoxville (CN), and at Elizabethton, TN, most species occurred. were in goodnumbers (RK). The exceptionswere a few weather-cansed fallouts. One of these occurred at Niles CORRIGENDA The record for Long-billedDowitcher at P.I.S.P.Aug. 20-26, 1989 (AB44:90) should be deleted. and MosquitoL., OH, May 10 (CB).At EN.R. the weather was a factorin the bandingof 12 speciesin aboveaverage CONTRIBUTORS-- RichardAlmy, Fred Alsop, Michael numbersand none in below average(RM, RCL). Arabia,Elizabeth Armstrong, Carole Babyak, Lynn Barnhart, A "Brewster's"Warbler was found in Campbell, TN, Ralph Bell, JohnBlomberg (JB1), Blanche Bordner, Dorothy May 19 (CN). An Orange-crownedWarbler at Chicka- Bordner,Jim Brooks (JB), Paul Brown, Edward Brucker, Nancy manga Dam, TN, Mar. 26, may have furnished the first Brundage,Fred Busroe, Gall Butler,Bill Callista(BCa), Linda March record for the area (RSt). Other records of this rare Christenson,Alan Clark, BrianCross (BC), Dave Darney (DD), spnngtimespecies were at Akeley Swamp, PA (BH, CP), David Davis, Marcia Davis, Harriett DiGJoia,Jeanotto Esker, and 4 sightingsat P.I.S.P.,May 3 to May 20 (JHS,JGS, EK, Kathleen Finnegan,Barbara Finney, Dot Freeman, Steven RKo). One of the few reportsof largenumbers came from Grado,Mike Griffith, Ted Grisez,Joe Grom, Randy Harrison M.L B.S. Apr. 29 where in excessof 300 Yellow-rumped (RHa), Harry Henderson, John Heninger, Mozelle Henkel Warblers were counted (CZ). Yellow-throated Warblers (MH), Paul Hess,Margaret Higbee (MHi), William Highhouse, Bill Hill, RobertHilton (RHi), David Hochadel,Audrey Hoff, continue to increasein s.w. Pennsylvania(RB) and 44 Ron Hoff (RH), JoyceHoffman (JHo), Steven Hopp, Joan s•ngingmales were counted near Chattanooga,TN, Mar. Howlett (JH), JenningsJones, Katharine Jones,Ray Kiddy 28 (RSt). Cerulean Warblers were felt to be unusually (RKi),Jim King, Ted Kirsch,Rick Knight(RK), Ramsay Koury numerousin Allegheny,PA (PH), and in Greene,PA (RB). (RKo),Dave Krueger,Ed Kwater,YuLee Larner,H. Leapman, Swmnson'sWarblers were reportedfrom Letcher,KY (BP- RobertC. Leberman,Ronald F. Leberman,Dick Lura,Anthony B) An exampleof the early seasonwas furnishedby three Marich, JerryMcWilliams, BernardMorris, RobertMulvihdl, Ovenbirds singing in Augusta, VA, Mar. 31, 3.5 weeks Charles Noel (CNe), CharlesNicholson, Dan Nieves, Brainard early (CES).Northern Waterthrushes apparently nesting at Palmer-Ball,Linda Patrick, Thelma Patton, Becky Poplinski P N R. were at rather low elevation (RM, RCL). Connecti- (BPe),John Poplinski (JPe), James Phillips (JP),Chase Putnam, cut Warbler is usualIy unreportedin springbut one was BardRich, Ted Rich,Geoff Robinson, Rockingham Bird Club, banded and another seen at P.N.R. (RM, RCL, DK). A Yel- ChristopherRustay, Glenna Schwalbe, Paul Schwalbe,Boyd

Volume 44, Number 3 427 Sharp,Donald Snyder,Ruth Snyder(RS}, Stanley Stahl, Ann Charles Ziegenfus, Eugene Zielinski.-- GEORGE A. HALL, Stature, C.E. Stevens,Craig Stihler, Randy Stringer,Jean H. P.O. Box 6045, West Virginia University, Morganton, WV Stull (JHS), Jim G. Stull, Leonard Teuber,Mary Twigg, Gary 26506-6045. Wallace, BrendaWatts, Don Watts, Merrill Wood, Ruth Young,

MINNESOTA Ou,•,h•__.•'•..•-r---- - X_.,..r/-'- • WESTERN ACrexMeadows• .M•C•HIGAN-•'""'"'••'"'• • • GREAT LAKES I B'gStøheNW•nneapolis e!t Paul WMAWIscONsIN • •.TraverseCity•l-Huron/'• REGION B•ackDogeL.•_ eEauCla•re •' / I ,• t

David J. Powell

eatherthis spring was mixed, alternating cold and bers were at Rush Lake. Eared Grebes were seen at 8 warm, with generallywetter than normal conditions. Michigan and 8 Wisconsin locations, with 12+ at Lake There was a warm spell in late April that producedan Wissota,Chippewa, WI, May 2 (JP),one of the best springs excellent influx of migrants into southernMichigan and ever for thesestates. Also notablewas an EaredGrebe May southern Wisconsin (20+ species of warblers in each 17-18 at Duluth (m.ob.), where they are accidental in state); but early May was cold, and May 10 produced spring. Western Grebes were e. of normal Apr. 15 at record snowfall in Wisconsinwith three to eight inches, Tomah,WI (DK); May 13 in St. Louis,MN (AE); May 26, and 20 inches at Marquette, Michigan. May 14-20 also two on Rush Lake, WI (TZ et al.); May 28, two on Lake produced a good wave of migrants in Wisconsin. Min- Wissota, Chippewa,WI (JP);and two on May 31 at Crex nesota observersmissed out this spring, with no real Meadows, WI (BI, PM). American White Pelicans staged waves. The rarities were a little sparse this spring, an excellent May migration in Wisconsin,with groupsof althoughthe diversitywas good.The bestbird of the sea- three to 15 in many sites. Three Am. White Pelicans in son was probably Minnesota's second Green-tailed Michigan were also consideredto be more than normal. Towhee,with a Say'sPhoebe in Michiganalso good. LeastBitterns were reportedfrom 6 locationsin Michi- ABBREVIATIONS -- W.P.B.O. = Whitefish Point Bird gan this spring. While not many, it was certainly an Observatory,MI; M.W.S. = MuskegonWastewater System, improvementover last spring'sone report. American Bit- Muskegon,MI. Placenames in italics are counties. terns also remainedscarce in Michigan, with reportsfrom only 9 counties.Great Egrets were n. of normal Apr. 20-25 LOONS TO IBISES -- Red-throated Loons are more at Superior,WI (RJ),and May 23-25 at Marquette,MI (NI, common eastward in the Region. This was clearly indi- WR). Snowy Egretswere seenin aboveaverage numbers in cated by the record 342 seenApr. 24-May 31 at W.P.B.O., Michigan, with reportsfrom 5 locationsincluding 3 in the with a peak of 43 May 12 (staff), versus one May 26 at Upper Peninsula,and in Minnesota, where there was a Duluth (KE, PB et al.), where they are rare/regular or peak of eight in mid-May in Lac Qui Pade (FE) in the casual migrants. Wisconsin observersreported them in vicinity of Big StoneN.W.R., where they usedto nest, and normal numbersin their usual L. Michigan locations.One maybewill again.The only Little Blue Heron of the season was inland Apr. 18 at Madison, WI (JO, PL). A Pacific was one seen flying along L. Michigan in ¸zaukee, WI Loon found Apr. 15 n. of Cleveland,WI (DT) represented (DG). No Tricolored Herons were reported this spring in one of the few records for Wisconsin. Common Loons the Region,certainly fewer than normal. Cattle Egretswere were less common than last year's record total, but the seen in normal numbersin Wisconsinand above average 8863 counted during the period at W.P.B.O.(staff) were numbers in Minnesota, but only one was seen in Michi- certainly impressive, as was the peak of 1087 Apr. 29 gan. The only Yellow-crownedNight-Heron reported was (staff). Red-neckedGrebes were also seen in impressive one Apr. 23 in Waupaca,WI (JA).The casualWhite-faced numbersat W.P.B.O.,with 345 Apr. 27 and 754 for the sea- ibis appeared3 times this spring:Apr. 23-29 in the Min- son (staff).Red-neckeds were absentfrom their GrassyL., nesotaR. bottomsin the Twin Cities (DR et al.); Apr. 26-29 Columbia,WI, nestingsite, and only one pair was at the at TheresaMarsh, Dodge,WI (MD); and May 8-12 at New OakridgeL., St. Croix, WI, nestingsite, althoughfair num- Ulm, MN (JS).

428 American Birds, Fall 1990 and a peak of 752 May 22 (staff). The decidedly uncom- WATERFOWL, RAPTORS -- No large concentrations mon Barrow'sGoldeneye was seentwice this spring,Mar. of Tundra Swanswere presentin Wisconsinthis spring, 29-Apr. 13 at SherburneN.W.R., MN (JHaet al.), and Apr. but a flock of 2000 was presentin Tuscola,MI, in April 13 in Marathon, WI (PR). (MW). Tundra Swans lingered into late May in Ashland/ Bald Eagles staged an unprecedented spring flight at Bayfield, WI (DV), and at NayanquingPt. Wildlife Area, Duluth, where a couple of hundred individuals were seen Bay,MI (RW et al.). Mar. 15 (m.ob.);all previousMinnesota concentrations of this size have occurredin the fall or winter. A pair of N. S.A. Goshawks nested successfully at the far s. location of Millington, Tuscola,MI (MW). An excellentspring total of A TrumpeterSwan was at NayanquingPoint W.A. 49 Red-shouldered Hawks was seen Mar. 18 at Port Huron, Apr. 3-14 (RW,JS, E & GP). This bird was releasedand MI (DM). The only Swainsoh'sHawk reported away from wing-taggedin 1987 in Becker,MN, winterednear Des W.P.B.O.was one May 7 at Hayward, WI (JR).The rare/reg- Moines, IA, in 1987-1988, returnedto M/nuesotain the ular FerruginousHawk was seen in both Michigan and springof 1988,after which it Wasnot geenagain until Minnesota:Apr. 21 at Fennville, Allegan, MI (TC, JW); this springin Michigan.The presenceof thesereleased May 11 at W.P.B.O.(RP, KM); and May 26 in Pennington, birdsin the GreatLakes complicates the job of identify- MN (K & SS). The Michigan recordsare pending accep- ing non-Mute Swans,particularly out of season.Ob- servers in the Great Lakes will need to be extra careful tanceby the staterecords committee. Rough-legged Hawks with swans as these introductions continue, so as not to lingeredto the end of May at one Michigan and 2 Wiscon- muddythe pictureof swanoccurrence in the Region. sin locations.Golden Eaglesaway from W.P.B.O.were at no fewerthan 5 Wisconsinand 5 Michiganlocations. Pere- Greater White-fronted Geese were more frequently grine Falconscontinue to do well in the Region,with good reported than usual in Minnesota and Wisconsin,with numbers in Minnesota, including the return for the 3rd 400 Mar. 31 in Martin (KE et al.) particularlynoteworthy. consecutiveyear of a pair to Palisade Head, Lake, and In Michigan, White-frontedsmade their normal appear- reportsfrom 9 locationsaway from W.P.B.O.in Michigan. anceat Fish Point Wildlife Area, Tuscola,where up to five After last winter's good turnout, Prairie Falcons were were presentMar. 17-21 (M-W,MH). White-frontedslin- reportedtwice in Minnesota this spring:Apr. 13-May 20 gered into late May at Crex Meadows, WI (JH), and Ash- in Clay (L & CF, MMo) and Apr. 22 in Polk (DJ).The only land, WI (DV). Snow Geese lingered until May 27 in Gyrfalconwas one Apr. 7 at W.P.B.O.(KM, RP). Colur•bia,WI (MM}.Ross' Goose is justbarely regular in the Region,so four reportswere more than normal:Mar. TURKEYS TO PHALAROPES -- Wild Turkeys were 15-21, three at Fish Point W.A., Tuscola, MI (RW); Mar. reported more frequently than normal in both Michigan 24-early April in Columbia, WI (DT, SM, m.ob.); late and Minnesota. The actual cause for this increase in April-early May, three in Lac Qui Parle, MN (m.ob.);and reportsis difficult to determine,owing to continuedintro- Apr. 15 in Lewiston,Winona, MN (AMP). CinnamonTeal ductions of turkeys in both states. Yellow Rails were made two appearancesin Wisconsin,a male Apr. 21 in reported from 4 Michigan and 5 Wisconsin locations, Dane (ST), and a pair May 12-13 in Kenosha (fide JD). above average, although the secretive nature of this Eumsian Wigeon put in appearancesin all 3 states (all speciesmakes detection difficult, obscuringtheir actual males):Mar. 25-Apr. 1 in Columbia,WI (PA, m.ob.);Apr. 3 abundance.King Rails were found at 2 Michigan and 5 at Frontenac,Goodhue, MN (JL);Apr. 4-19 in Chippewa Wisconsinlocations, about average for this scarcespecies. 0P); and Apr. 24-May 2 in Jackson,MI (DB, m.ob.). Sev- The shorebirdmigration was quite sparsein both Michi- eral HarlequinDucks were presentfrom March into early gan and Wisconsin, with the exception of the "large" May on L. Michigan primarily between Milwaukee and shorebirdsin Wisconsin.Evaluating the shorebirdmove- Port Washington,WI. All three scoterswere reportedfrom ment is very difficult, becauseit is so dependent on the both Michigan and Wisconsin.White-wingeds were seen availability of a restrictedhabitat, which appearsand dis- in record numbers at W. EB.O., with 2555 for the season, appearsvariably. As an example,in Michigan last year one of the large ponds at Pte. Mouillee S.G.A. was drawn Table1. SpringHawk Totalsat WhitefishPoint Bird down for the entire period, resulting in excellent habitat Observatory,MI and excellentshorebird numbers; this year that pond was First Last Total Peak not drawn down, there was only restricted habitat, and Date Date Count CountDate(s) very few shorebirdswere seen.Creation and management TurkeyVulture Mar. 29 May 31 85 6 Apr. 23 of shorebird habitat is one area of conservation that war- Osprey Apr. 20 May 31 113 13 Apr. 29 rentsbeing addressed, particularly because of the suscep- Bald Eagle Mar. 15 May 27 117 16 Mar. 16 tibility of this habitatto vagariesin the weather.Only one Northern Harrier Mar. 15 May 31 385 34 Apr. 19 LesserGolden-Plover was reported from Michigan this Sharp-shinnedHawk Mar. 16 May 31 8627 1750 May 8 spring, definitely below average.The endangeredPiping Cooper'sHawk Mar. 25 May 31 66 8 Apr. 2O Plover continuedto do poorly in the Region,with reports Northern Goshawk Mar. 15 May 29 6O 5 Apr. 7 Red-shouldered Hawk Mar. 16 from only 3 Michigan, 2 Minnesota, and one Wisconsin May2 4O 5 Mar. 30 locations. Excellent numbers of Am. Avocets were Broad-wingedHawk Apr. 20 May 31 5647 1553 Apr. 26 Swainson'sHawk Apr. 26 May 26 8 2 May 5, 8 reportedRegionwide, particularly in Minnesota and Wis- Red-tailed Hawk Mar. 20 May 31 994 101 Apr. 21 consin.In Wisconsin,there were 150-200 birds reported FerruginousHawk May 11 May 11 1 from around the state, constitutingone of the best flights Rough-leggedHawk Mar. 16 May 31 1283 131 Apr. 14 in years. In Michigan, where avocets are less common GoldenEagle Mar. 16 May 22 35 5 Mar. 3O than in the rest of the Region,they were reportedfrom 6 American Kestrel Mar. 15 May 31 6O0 85 Apr. 23 locations,above average. Early GreaterYellowlegs were at Merlin Mar. 16 May 31 98 5 May 8 Ashland, WI, Mar. 15 (DV) and Berrien, MI, Mar. 18 (RS). PeregrineFalcon Apr. 14 May 25 52 9 May 7 Willets were also seen in excellent numbers in Wisconsin Gyrfalcon Apr. 7 Apr. 7 I with flocksof up to 40 birds seenlate April to mid May.

Volume 44, Number 3 429 Whimbrels were also seenin good numbersin Wiscon- Berrien, MI (RS). Excellent numbers of Glaucous Gulls sin, with flocks of up to 55 seenalong L. Michigan. How- were found in Wisconsinin March, with a few lingering ever, two May 27 in St. Croix (JSm)were unusualin that through May. Averagenumbers of GlaucousGulls were they were in w. Wisconsin.Whimbrels were seenin aver- found in Michigan, all on or near the Great Lakes. Great age to slightlybelow averagenumbers in Michigan, with Black-backedGulls w. or n. of their normal range were only 524 seenduring the period at W.P.B.O.(staff). A very seen in Berrien, Chippewa, and Mackinac, MI, and Port cooperativeLong-billed Curlew was in Rice,MN, Apr. 23- Washingtonand Manitowoc, WI. 26 where it was seenby many. HudsonianGodwits were the only speciesof "large" shorebirdsseen in unexcep- OWLS TO FLYCATCHERS -- Lastwinter's poor show- tional numbers this spring in Wisconsin, and they were ing of SnowyOwls was followedup by a springwith almost only slightlybelow average.In Michigan,Hudsonian God- no reports. A Burrowing Owl in n. Burnett, WI, May 26 wits were seenat 4 locations,slightly below average.Wis- (RH} was one of the few for Wisconsin. In Minnesota, Bur- consin observers also had excellent numbers of Marbled rowing Owls may be making a comebackfrom their very Godwits,with a flock of 43 May 14 on LongIsland, Ash- low numbersof the 1980s, with reportsfrom Nobles,Lin- land (EELparticularly impressive. Contrastingly, in Mich- coln, and Rock (where they nested last year}. It was a igan, none was reported. The distribution of the "large" strangeseason for Great Gray Owls in Minnesota,as none shorebirdsin the Region is spring is interestingin that was found in their usual ARkin area, but more than normal avocet,Willet, and both godwits are definitely more com- were found to the east in St. Louis and Lake. Great Grays mon westward, while Whimbrel is much more common were also found May 31 at Watson,Marquette, MI (CW}, eastward.Only a few Red Knots were reported,all from and sevenwere found during the period Apr. 30- May 27 alongthe GreatLakes. A SanderlingApr. 23 at Ashland, at W.P.B.O.(staff}. After last year's very low numbers, a WI (DV) was early.Western Sandpipers are quite scarcein much more typical 85 Long-earedOwls were recordedat the Regionin spring, so one Michigan and 2 Wisconsin W.P.B.O.this season(staff). A reflectionof the cyclic nature sightingswas aboutaverage. Very early were three Baird's of borealspecies is the statusof BorealOwls at W.P.B.O.; Sandpipersin Eau Claire,WI, Apr. 20 UP).Also very early just 2 years after the record 160+, only one was recorded was a Dunlin in Muskegon,MI, Apr. 4 (BJ). Stilt Sand- this spring at W.P.B.O.(staff). In Minnesota,Boreal Owls piperswere reported5 times during the period in Michi- were heardcalling in their normalrange in Cook,Lake, and gan, about average for this scarce spring migrant. St. Louisthis springwith nestingconfirmed near Ely and Long-billedDowitchers were seen twice at Nayanquing Isabella (SW}. A nesting N. Saw-whet Owl fledged five Point W.A., Bay,MI: one Apr. 27 (PC,RPu) and six May 12 youngin Tuscola,MI (MW}, well s. of their known range, (RA). Wilson's Phalaropeswere reported from 12 Michi- but sincethis owl is so secretive,it is very possiblethat it gan counties,above average. The normalfew Red-necked nestsin many more placesthan we realize. Phalaropeswere seenin Michiganand Wisconsin. The Polk, WI, Chuck-will's-widow returned for the 5th consecutiveyear May 16 (JHu},and anotherwas heard w. LARIDS -- As with many species,spring jaegerspre- of Spring Green, Saak, WI, in early May {AS, SS}. An senta differingpicture in the Region.At W.P.B.O.,they are unidentified hummingbirdApr. 22 in Lake, MN (fide KE}, regular,with this spring'sthree individuals (all Parasitic) was tantalizing: it was so early so far north that it might aboutnormal (staff);but the two Parasiticsat Duluth May have been somethingother than a Ruby-throated.More 26 (KE, PB), furnishedonly the 2nd springrecord there. Red-headedWoodpeckers were reported in Michigan this An adult Parasiticwas alsoseen May 28 at Port Wing, Bay- spring, an encouragingsign for this increasingly scarce field, WI (LE). LaughingGulls were seen in normal num- species.Black-backed Woodpeckers were generallyharder bers with 4 Michigan and 3 Wisconsinreports comprising to find than normal in Wisconsin,except in Vilas, where 11 birds,all but one on L. Michigan.Franklin's Gulls were four to six birds were found during the period (JB et al.}. foundaway from L. Michiganin Jackson,MI, May 28 (DB), They were found in normal numbers in Michigan, with Ashland, WI, Apr. 23 (DV) and May 15 (EE), St. Croix, WI, sightingsfrom 4 locationsin the Upper Peninsula.A Say's May 12 (TS), and OshkoshMay 31 (TZ). Little Gulls were PhoebeMay 5 in Big Stone,MN (TM}, was quite interest- seen in all 3 states:May 5 and intermittently thereafterat ing, as they are only casualin Minnesota.However, a Say's Manitowoc (PS, CS), but just one bird, where there have Phoebeseen and photographedMay 5 at TawasPoint S.P., been many in the past;two on May 12 at TawasPoint S.P., losco,MI (LG, MW); May 25 at Duluth (PB);two on May 27 at Oconto Marsh (JWo); and May 31 at St. Joseph, Berrien, Mi (WB). Mew Gull is accidentalin the Region, so 2 reportswere most impressive:Mar. 3 at Sheboygan,WI (JB),and Mar. 18 at Manitowoc, WI (PS). Thayer'sGulls were seenin their usual small numbers, with a few alongL. Michigan in Wisconsinin March, two on Mar. 3 at M.W.S. (JG,DP, JE), and one Apr. 7 at Sterling S.P., Monroe, MI (PC, TW). Iceland Gulls were also seen in their usual small numbers: until Mar. 11 at Oshkosh (TZ et al.); Mar. 3 at Manitowoc (PS); two on Mar. 3 & 10 at Say'sPhoebe at TawasPoint State Park, Michigan, May 5, 1990. M.W.S. (JG et al.); May 5 at Sheboygan(PS); May 7 at Fourth staterecord. Photograph/Mark Hubinger. W.P.B.O. (LD); and mid-May at Manitowoc/Two Rivers (DT). LesserBlack-backed Gulls have become regular in Iosco, MI (MH, JHb), was much more exciting, as it was the Region,as typified by this spring'srecords: Mar. 1 & 10 only the 4th for Michigan. Decidedly more W. Kingbirds at Milwaukee (VA, PS, TS et al.); Mar. 3 & 10 at M.W.S. (DP than normal were found e. of their normal range,with five et al.); Apr. 5 in Red Wing, Goodhue,MN (RG);Apr. 29 in reported in Wisconsin and two in Michigan, including a Carver, MN (D & BM); May 25 at Nayanquing Point W.A., femalethat returnedto nestwith an E. Kingbird for the 3rd Bay, MI (TL, TSm, JBe);and one during the period in year in a row in Isabella, MI. A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher

430 American Birds, Fall 1990 was seen and photographedApr 24 in Price, WI (MHa, May 20 at WPB O. (JS)was well n of normal, and the first JLu, LGr et al.). recordedat the observatory.Prothonotary Warblers were more frequentlyreported in Minnesotathis season. SWALLOWS TO WARBLERS -- A Bank Swallow Mar. Worm-eatingWarblers were reported6 times in Michi- 25 in lackson,MI (DB), was early. A well documentedN. gan (high) and 7 times in Wisconsin,including 2 nesting RavenApr. 11-14 at the CedarCreek Natural History Area, sites,and an early individual Apr. 23 in Madison (DC). In Anoka, MN (GP), furnished one of the few reliable s. Min- Minnesota, where the speciesis still consideredcasual, nesotarecords ever. BorealChickadees were seen in good one was found Apr. 30 in Sakatah S.P., Rice (WS). A numbersat W.P.B.O.,with 442 seen during the period, 50 LouisianaWaterthrush was way n. of normal Apr. 28 at on Apr. 25 (staff). Tufted Titmice were n. of normal in Vetmillion, Chippewa,MI (TA). Caught,banded, and pho- Michigan in Cheboygan,Delta, and Menominee. A Rock tographed,this bird was thought to be the first for the Wren was at Bloomington,MN, Apr. 29 (BF et al.); the Upper Peninsula. Kentucky Warblers were seen in good speciesis only casualin Minnesota.Carolina Wrens were numbers in their traditional Wyalusing S.P., WI, nesting found in 7 Michigan, 5 Wisconsin,and 3 Minnesota loca- location,with severalother springovershoots seen at vari- tions, a good showingfor this winter-limited species.A ous locations.Michigan observersfound five individuals, Bewlck'sWren in mid-May at Devil's Lake S.P.,WI (AS), about average.A Hooded Warbler was well n. of normal provided the first Wisconsinsighting in years. A Sedge May 22 in Superior,WI (RJ).Yellow-breasted Chats were Wren Apr. 28 at Tawas Point S.P. (G & EP) was early. A scarcer than normal in Wisconsin. Blue-grayGnatcatcher May 10 in Moorhead,MN [fide L & CF) was n. and w. of normal. TANAGERS TO FINCHES -- SummerTanagers staged Eastern Bluebirds were more commonly reported in a mini invasion into Wisconsin,with reports of between 10 Michigan.Mountain Bluebirdsare continuingto increase and 15 individuals, the mostever. Three SummerTanagers in Minnesota;a pair nested in Polk, the first breeding for were found in Michigan, about averagefor this southern Minnesota,although a male had nestedwith a 9 Eastern species.A WesternTanager was at FergusFalls, MN, May Bluebird previously. A Gray-cheekedThrush Apr. 23 at 16 (S & DM). A Western Tanager seen May 6-13 at Mar- WPB.O. (staff) was early, particularly for so far north. A quette,MI (OJ),would be the 2nd for Michigan if accepted Townsend's Solitaire was in Washington,WI, Apr. 3-8 by the Michigan Bird RecordsCommittee. Northern Cardi- (mob.), which was very late for Wisconsin.Several Varied nals continued to do well at the northern edge of their Thrusheslingered into mid-Marchin Wisconsin.Northern range,with reportsfrom the extremenorth in all 3 states. Mockingbirds were observed in excellent numbers in Of particularinterest was a cardinalfound in Sax-ZimBog, Michigan and Wisconsin,with 10-11 birds in Wisconsin, St. Louis,MN (KE et al.), well away from any town/feeder. and reports from 12 Michigan counties. Five American Dickcissels appeared in good numbers in Wisconsin in Pipits were in Allegan, MI, on Mar. 17 (DP, JG), early. mid-late May, but were very scarcein Michigan, although BohemianWaxwings lingered into early April in Wiscon- one was found n. of normal in Delta, MI, May 20 (CT). A sin and Michigan'sLower Peninsula,and until May 19 at Green-tailedTowbee found May 13 in Moorhead(m.ob.) W.P.B.O. (staff). LoggerheadShrikes were up in numbers was only the 2nd for Minnesota.Two Am. Tree Sparrows in Minnesota,including one May 26 in Duluth (KE et al.), lingeredinto Juneat a Port Wing, Bayfield,WI, feeder (LE). where they are accidental.However, they were not found Three Lark Sparrowsin Michigan made about an average in goodnumbers in Michigan and Wisconsin,with 6 and 3 number, but they were scarcerthan normal in Wisconsin, reportsrespectively. where they returnedto somenesting sites but were absent An excellent early migrationoccurred in both Michigan from others.A SavannahSparrow Mar. 13 in Hillsdale, MI and Wisconsin Apr. 26-29 when most of the spring (JRe),was very early.A GrasshopperSparrow May 30 at the migrants,along with severalof the rarer species,arrived in Grand SableDunes, Alger, M! (R & NF), was n. of normal both states. In Michigan, four species of thrush, five Sharp-tailedSparrows were presentat CrexMeadows W.A. speciesof vireo, and 27 speciesof warbler had returnedby in late May (DT, RH). Harris' Sparrowswere seenin good Apr. 30. A similar influx occurredin Wisconsin,with five numbers in both Michigan and Wisconsin. In Michigan, speciesof vireo and 15-20 speciesof warblers returning there were 5 sightingsof six birds;one would be normal. In by Apr. 29. White-eyedVireos were seenin excellentnum- Wisconsin,the migration of Harris' Sparrowswas very bers in Wisconsinin late April and May, and in above localized, but in good numbers,with 18 on May 10 in average numbers in Michigan, with one far n. at Tawas Pepin (RH) particularlyimpressive. Point S.P.,Iosco, May 11 (LG). Bell'sVireos were harderto Smith's Longspurswere seen in very large numbers find than normal in Wisconsin, with observers unable to (hundreds)in Lac Qui Parle, Big Stone,and Traverse,MN, find birds at severaltraditional nestingsites. They were Apr. 28-30 (m.ob.), following the passageof a strongcold seen in their usual small numbers in Michigan, with 5 front; they are casual in Minnesota in spring. Snow reports.A Red-eyedVireo was amazinglyearly for the far Buntingslingered to May 21 in Kewaunee,W! (MP), and north spot of Ashland, WI, Apr. 19 (DV). May 27 in Keweenaw,M! (LB). The HouseFinch invasion An impressive1000 Yellow-rumpedWarblers per hour rolled on, with reports from 3 locations in Michigan's were seen on Long Island, Ashland, WI, May 14 (EE). The Upper Peninsula, and reports from Moorhead, Fergus "Audubon's"form of the Yellow-rumpedwas noted a sur- Falls, Morrison, and Duluth in n. and w. Minnesota. House prising 3 times: May 2 in Sawyer,W! (PLa), the 2rid for Finches are now virtually everywherein s. Minnesota, Wisconsin;May 3 in Moorhead,MN (L & CF); and May 15 mostly in medium-sizedtowns at feeders,although they in Sherburne N.W.R., MN (JHa). Yellow-throated Warblers are also well established in the Twin Cities. It has been fas- returned to their usual nesting areas in Berrien, MI, and cinatingto witnessthe spreadof HouseFinches across the Rock,WI. There were only 2 additionalsightings, both in Regionfrom their initial foraysinto Michigan in the mid- Wisconsin:Apr. 25 at LaCrosse(FL) and Apr. 28 at Madi- 1970sto their first nestingin 1981, their initial appearance son (PA). The scarcePrairie Warbler was reported only in Wisconsin,and finally their appearancein Minnesota twice in Michigan, although no reports were received There are now thousands in Michigan, doubtlesshun- from their primary range in the state.A CeruleanWarbler dreds in Wisconsin, and they are widespread in Min-

Volume 44, Number 3 431 nesota.Only in the extremenorth are they hard to come CONTRIBUTORS-- (I wish to thank the many individuals by, and eventhat seemsto be changing.One wonderswhat who submittedrecords for this summary.The nature of this will happenwhen eastmeets west as soonthey must. summaryprecludes listing every individual who sent in Red Crossbillswere scarcein Wisconsinand Michigan reports;therefore, only those individuals with cited records until late May, exceptat W.P.B.O.,where a few werepresent are listedbelow. State editors are in beldface).Tom Allen, Jim in March. White-wingedCrossbills were foundin excellent Anderson,Ron Annelin, Philip Ashman,Vern Aune, Parker numbers in s. Minnesota and s. Wisconsin even into mid- Backstrom,Jeff Baughrnan,Joe Bens (JBe),Laurie Binford, May afterlast winter'sinvasion. While Michiganseemingly Walter Booth, Don Brooks, David Cedarstrom, Phil Chu, Tom missedout on the invasionlast winter, apparentlya good Copps,Jerry DeBoer, Louis Dombrowski, Mary Donald,John Eastman,Fred Eckardt, Kim Eckert(Minnesota), Eric Epstein, numberof White-wingedscame into the state,as 1820 were Laura Erickson,Audrey Evers,Laurence & Carol Falk, Bruce countedat W.P.B.O.during the period,with somestill pre- Fall, Rob & Nancy French,Ray Glassel,Leonard Graf, Jim sentat the end of May (staff).Good numbers of Com. Red- Granlund (Michigan), Larry Gregg(LGr), Dennis Gustarson, polls were in n. Michiganand n. Wisconsinin March and Jay Hamernick [[Ha), Maybelle Hardy (MHa), Jim Hoetier, April, with 1744counted at W.P.B.O.during the season,the Randy Hoffman, JoanieHubinger (JHb),Mark Hubinger,Joe laston May 12 (staffi.There were several sightings of Hoary Hudick (JHu),Nick Ilnicky, BeckyIseuring, Brian Johnson, Redpollsin n. Wisconsinand at W.P.B.O.in March and Doug Johnson,Robbye Johnson,Olive Johnson,Dennis earlyApril, last Apr. 11 at W.P.B.O.(staff). Kuecherer,John Lane, Paul Lauten(PLa), Fred Lesher,Tony Leukering,Peggy Lison, JohnLubtala (JLu),Tom McMullen, Peg McNamara,Dennis & BarbaraMartin, Mark Martin, Sue Martin, Kevin Metcalf, Steve & Diane Milliard, Dan Miller, Mark Moore (MMo), JohnOttinger, Ellen & Glenn Peterson, Mark Peterson,Greg Pietila, Rod Planck,Anne Marie Plun- kett, Janine Polk, David Powell, Robert Putman (RPu), Jack Reinoehl,Dick Rengstorf,Paul Risch,John Robinson, William Robinson,A1 Shea,Sue Shea,Tim Smart (TSm), JerrySmith (JSm),Roy Smith,Joe Soehnel, Charles Sontag, Tom Soulen, JackSprenger, Keith & ShellySteva, Paul Sunby, Wally Swan- son, Charlotte Taylor, Daryl Tessen (Wisconsin), Steve Thiessen, Dick ¾erch, Charles Walknet, Ron Weeks, Tex Hoary Redpollat WhitefishPoint, Michigan, on the relativelylate Wells, JohnWill, Myles Williard, SteveWilson, JohnWood- date of April 7, 1990. This bird showsthe white rump and stubby cock 0Wo), W.P.B.O.staff, Tom Ziebell. DAVID J. POWELL, bill typicalof theHoary. Photograph/Jim Granlund. 217 Montrose, Kalamazoo, M149001-4222.

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St Louis• Bruce G. Peterjohn CrabOrch•d• MISSOURI?R•KENTUCKY• '•,n•on- B•lard [. Cum•rland MingoNWR- WMA

his winter'sunusually warm weather continued into below normal April 1-20 and migration slowed to a March when temperaturesgenerally averaged5-8øF trickle except for brief local movements. The return of above normal. These favorable conditions allowed water- warm temperaturesApril 20-28 producedthe strongest fowl to pass through the Region rapidly and produced Regionwide movement of the season. Most breeding numerousrecord-early arrivals. Weather patterns abruptly passerinespecies returned during this week and there changed in early April. Temperatureswere generally were numerousoverflights of warblers,thrushes, and fly-

432 American Birds, Fall 1990 catchers. Shorebirdswere also well representedin this springfor EaredGrebes. In the w. states,they peakedat 21 movement. A series of strong cold fronts produced at Dunbar Slough, IA, May 2 (SD). Small numbers were defined flights during each week of May. While these reportedfrom 9 sitesin Illinois, as late as May 22-29 at flights produced impressivenumbers of migrants,they Riverdale (WMa, m.ob.). There were also 3 reports from largely occurred mid-week and were not witnessed by Ohio. WesternGrebes appeared in above-normalnumbers most birders. As usual, stragglerswere still passing with a maximumof four at ThomasHill Res.,MO, Apr. through the northern statesduring early June. 14-16 (BG, IA). Three or fewer were also noted at 8 Iowa March snowstormswere short-livedevents, while April lakes.A casualspring migrant in Illinois, one Westernwas and May were characterizedby excessiverainfall through- noted at CharlestonMay 14-18 (RBu, m.ob.). out the Region. This above-normalprecipitation filled Normal numbersof Am. White Pelicanspassed through pondsand reservoirs,caused local flooding,and signalled an end to the drought conditions that had prevailed in some states since 1988. While perceptionsof this migrationvaried from stateto state, it was generally a fairly eventful season. Most migrants appeared in encouragingnumbers, especially when comparedwith the dearthof sizableflights charac- teristic of recent springs.Additionally, scatteredrarities generatedexcitement in most states.

ABBREVIATIONS ---S.C.R.-- Squaw Creek Nat'l Wildlife Ref., MO; Say. Res. -- SaylorvilleReservoir, IA; M.M.W.A. -- MageeMarsh Wildlife ManagementArea, OH; U.S.R. = Union SloughNat'l Wildlife Reft,IA; Spfid. = Springfield,IL. Itali- cized place namesare counties. SevenAmerican White Pelicans at Lake Renwick,Hlinois, April 25, 1990. Althoughoutnumbered by the 105 at Quincyon the west- LOONS TO IBISES -- Single Red-throated Loons at ern edgeof the state,this groupset a recordhigh for northeastern Buck Creek S.P., OH, Mar. 25-Apr. 1 (•-DO et al.) and Hlinois.Photograph/Joe B. Miloserich. Evanston,IL, Apr. 4 (EW) representednormal numbersfor this very rare springmigrant. One of the wintering Pacific the w. states,peaking at 1000 in Taney, MO, Apr. 5 (GJ). Loons at Table Rock L., MO, lingered throughMay 9 (CL, The 105 White Pelicansnear Quincy Apr. 15 (RD) made m.ob.). An accidental spring migrant, the immature an unprecedentedspring flock for Illinois. There were 2 Pacific Loon was a surprisingvisitor to Alum CreekRes., otherIllinois sightingsand onewandered E to PatokaRes., IN, Mar. 22 (]Ca).A Brown Pelicanpaid a brief visit to L. Erie at Bay Village Apr. 29 (•'SS et al.). While the details were rather sketchy,this sightingcould representthe first acceptablerecord for Ohio. Another(?) Brown Pelican gracedthe Chicagolakefront, where a tantalizingly distant

Pacific Loon (with a CommonLoon, front, for comparison)at Alum Creek Reservoir,Ohio, May 21, 1990. Secondstate record. Photograph/MaryGustafson. OH, May 21-22 (gBPi,MG, m.ob.,ph.), furnishingthe 2nd acceptablestate record. The first Corn. Loon returnedto Illinois by Mar. 16. Their numbers were unimpressive exceptfor 64 at CaesarCreek Res., OH, Apr. 20 (WM). Mis- souri's wintering Yellow-billed Loon also remained at BrownPelican at MontroseHarbor, Chicago,May 15, 1990. Sev- TableRock L. throughMay 9, and moltedinto its stunning enthIllinois record.Photograph/Joe B. Milosevich. breedingplumage before departing (CL, m.ob.}. No large flocks of Pied-billed Grebeswere reported. observationMay 7 was followed by confirmed sightingsat Impressiveconcentrations of Horned Grebestotalled 250 L. Calumet May 14 (RBi et al.), Montrose harbor May at Table Rock L., MO, Mar. 11-25 (EL, JH) and 210 in Gib- 15-18 (m.ob.,ph.), and EvanstonMay 21 (fideEW). It rep- son, IN, Mar. 4 (GB). They were decidedly scarceelse- resented Illinois' 7th record. Brown Pelicans were for- where. Small numberslingered into May in moststates, as merly irregularvisitors to the midwest,with mostrecords late as May 23 in Iowa and Indiana. An above normal preceding the DDT-induced crash of their populations springmovement of Red-neckedGrebes consisted of sin- during the 1950s and 1960s. With their recent resurgence gles in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana as well as one or two at along the Gulf of Mexico, Brown Pelicans may once again 4 Ohio locations. The Red-necked at L. Decatur, IL, lin- become accidental/casual visitors to this Region. The gered through May 7 (MD, RP, m.ob.). It was also a good largest flocks of Double-crested Cormorants totalled

Volume 44, Number 3 433 850-1400 in Iowa and 300-500+ m Missouri and Illinms, dle ducks 3200+ Green-wingedTeals, 3900+ Am. Black fairly goodnumbers for recentsprings. Improved numbers Ducks, 190,000+ Mallards, 43,000+ N. Pintails, 14,000+ elsewhereincluded 200 at Hovey L., Mar. 22 (JCa),a siz- Blue-wingedTeals, 37,000+ N. Shovelers,18,500+ Gad- able flock for s. Indiana. walls, and 34,000+ Am. Wigeons(RC). With the exception Herons produced few noteworthy records. American of 4000 N. Pintails in Gibson, IN, Mar. 4 (GB), similar Bitternsreturned by Mar. 23-31 in normalnumbers with a numbers were not evident to observerson the ground total of 35+ records.The 15+ LeastBittern sightingswere CinnamonTeal appearedin good numbersfor the 2nd alsonormal for recentyears. Great Egrets returned to w. consecutivespring. One or two were reportedfrom 6 Iowa LakeErie by Mar. 17, and largeflocks developed only near locations. Farther east, there were single teal at Sang- heronries.Ten recordsof extralimital Snowy Egretswere amon, IL, Mar. 18-25 (ñDB), L. Shelbyville, IL, Apr 23 abovenormal, and outnumberedreports of wanderingLit- (ñRCh), and near Salem, IN, Apr. 25 (ñTL et aL). Two tle Blues. An early Little Blue Heron returnedto Union, reportsof Eur. Wigeonwere typical of mostsprings, with IL, Mar. 18 (BD).The only TricoloredHeron reported was singlemales at OberlinRes., OH, Mar. 11 (GG)and Palos, from the Chicagoarea, where it has residedfor a number IL, Mar. 25-26 (fide EW). of years.Record-early Cattle Egrets returned to DuckCreek The aerial survey of the Illinois R. and MississippiR., W.M.A., MO, Mar. 16 (BR) and Pickaway, OH, Mar. 24 IL, Mar. 19 also producednoteworthy diving duck num- (BM et al.). Numbersof migrantsmay be increasingin Illi- bers: 52,000+ Canvasbacks, 6000+ Redheads, 47,000+ nois, where 100 were noted at Rend L. May 19 (LA), but Ring-neckedDucks, 98,000+ scaup,5500+ Buffleheads, similar trendswere not apparentin the other states.Wan- and 5000+ Ruddy Ducks. The March 5 survey of these deringCattle Egrets were reportedfrom 11 Iowa counties, rivers yielded 43,500+ Corn.Goldeneyes, 2000+ Hooded and ten individuals were scattered across Indiana, but few Mergansers,and 17,500+ Corn. Mergansers(RC). Other appearedelsewhere. Green-backed Herons returned to sizable flocks of divers included 1500 Canvasbacks in Kentuckyand s. Illinois by Apr. 7-8, but remainedscarce Henderson, IL, Mar. 24 (MBa), 4500 Redheads and 6000 at many locations.Black-crowned Night-Herons returned Ring-neckeds in Gibson, IN, Mar. 4 (GB), 2600 Rxng- to moststates by Mar. 14-21 in normalnumbers. An early neckedsat MogadoreRes., OH, Mar. 8 (LR), and flocksof Yellow-crownedNight-Heron appeared at LouisvilleMar. 1500-6500+ scaup in most states. Late Greater Scaup 17 (fide AS). The expectednumber of reportsof Yellow- were still presentat RivertonW.M.A., IA, May 24 (SD) and crowneds included three records from n. Illinois and one in Cook,IL, May 31 (WMa). m n.w. Indiana. White-facedIbises stageda good move- ßHarlequin Duckswere well representedalong the Great ment throughthe w. states,peaking at 35 at S.C.R.,Apr. 28 Lakes with one at Hammond, IN, Mar. 10 (KB et al.), (AB), and producing4 Iowa recordsof one or two individ- another along the Chicago lakefront through Mar. 28 uals. A White-facedIbis appearedin Indiana for the 2nd (m.ob.),and at least four individuals alongthe Cleveland consecutivespring, visiting KingsburyW.M.A. May 6-7 lakefrontwith one lingeringthrough Apr. 21 (WK). Old- (BPo,ñm.ob., ph.). They are accidentalanywhere e. of the squawwere scarceon the GreatLakes with a maximumof Mississippi River. only nine at Cleveland. The 13 inland records were slightly abovenormal, scatteredacross every statewith a WATERFOWL-- While sizable flocks developedat a late migrant at Rice L., IA, May 11 (SD). The only Black few localities,the waterfowlmigration was generallylack- Scoterswere two at Evanston,IL, Apr. 4 (EW). It was a luster,no doubtreflecting the decliningcontinental popu- good springfor Surf Scoters.The Great Lakesmaximum lations of most species. Two Fulvous Whistling-Ducks was of six at Cleveland, while there were eight inland were carefullyidentified at Rend L., IL, May 13-14 (BD, sightingsscattered across the n. statesApr. 15-May 14. ñDRo et al.), furnishingthe 6th staterecord of a species Unprecedented numbers of White-winged Scoters whose number of midwestern vagrant records has appearedon L. Erie at Clevelandwhere flocks of 30-60 declined markedly since the early 1970s. The Tundra were noted at several locations and 186 were counted Mar Swan migration bypassedthis Region since only small 10 (EP). Only small numberswere reportedon L. Mxchi- numbers were encountered in the n. states. Extralimital gan,and six inland recordsfrom the n. stateswere typical records consisted of one in Henderson, KY, Mar. 11 (LRa, of recent springs.An impressive1500 Com. Goldeneyes BP) and two at S.C.R.,Mar. 22-Apr. 3 (RB et al.). The only gatheredin Gibson,IN, Mar. 4 (GB).Late goldeneyes were Trumpeter Swan was an immature discovered at noted through May 18-20 in Illinois and Ohio, May 30 at M.M.W.A. Apr. 8 (BPi, MG, ph.). Mute Swanscontinued to CardinalMarsh, IA (DC), and May 31 at U.S.R. (MK). The increase,especially in Illinois, where 51 were tallied dur- last Corn.Mergansers were noted May 15-24 in Iowa and ing March 5-19 aerial surveysof the Illinois R. (RC). Illinois. A strongflight of GreaterWhite-fronted Geese produced flocks of 1000 at U.S.R. Mar. 25 (MK), 250 in Taney,MO, HAWKS TO CRANES -- The Indiana Dunes area expe- Mar. I (JH,PM), and March 5 aerial totalsof 710 alongthe riencedanother good hawk flight, tallying 3070 individu- Mississippi R. and 600 along the Illinois R. in Illinois als with record seasonalcounts of 14 Bald Eagles,132 N (RC).Smaller flocks were widespreadin Illinois, but these Harriers, 654 Sharp-shinneds,216 Red-shouldereds,and geesedid not wanderE of Gibson,IN. LateWhite-fronteds 25 Rough-leggeds(fide KB). Similar flights were not lingereduntil May 5 at RawsonL., IL (SSh)and May 28 in encountered elsewhere as most observers found few Sioux, IA (BHu). Surprisingnumbers of late Snow Geese migratinghawks. appearedduring May with flocks of 20-21 in Missouri The earliest Ospreyreturned to c. Illinois by Mar. 23, and Iowa May 22-24 and scatteredsingles in Iowa, Indi- presaginga good migration with a daily maximum of ana, and Illinois through May 26-31. Ohio's wintering sevenin Missouri.Mississippi Kites returned to s. Illinois Ross'Goose was still presentin JacksonMay 25 (DM). Apr. 23, slightly aheadof schedule.In Missouri,extrahm- Migrant Ross' Geesewere scatteredacross the w. states ital kites wandered to Swan Lake N.W.R. Apr. 27-29 (JG) and appearedat 2 Illinois sitesduring March. and near JeffersonCity May 17 (PMc). Another Missis- The March 19 aerialsurvey of the Illinois R. andMissis- sippi Kite was discoveredat CoralvilleRes. May 19 (ñTK), sippiR. valleys,IL, yieldedsome impressive totals of pud- furnishingone of few recentrecords for Iowa. The largest

434 American B•rds, Fall 1990 dally flight of migrantBald Eaglestotalled ten in the Indi- Plover was detectedin the Regionfor the 5th consecutive ana DunesMar. 14 (f•de KB), while their continuedrecov- spring when one appeared near Burhngton, IA, Apr. 28 ery was evident in every state.Northern Harriers received (ñCF).A SemipalmatedPlover at SangchrisL., IL, Apr. 10 mixed reports, and were most plentiful near the Great was early (DB). It was a good spring for Piping Ploversin Lakes. At the low end of their cyclical movements, N. Iowa and Illinois with nine and five sightings,respec- Goshawks were very scarce with only one acceptable tively. None was found in the other states. The 16+ sighting from Illinois. The only sizable Red-shouldered records of Am. Avocets constituted an above-normal Hawk flight totalled 74 at Indiana Dunes,IN, Mar. 14 [fide spring flight. Their largestflocks in the w. statestotalled KB) Broad-wingedHawks returnedto c. Illinois and n.e. 13-21, while locally unusual concentrationsincluded 21 Indiana by Apr. 4-5, but their northward passagewas gen- near Spfid. Apr. 15 (DB), 16 in Henry,IN, Apr. 21 (LC),and erally poor. While 572 at BuschW.M.A., Apr. 22 (JZ) rep- 10 at EastFork Res.,OH, Apr. 20-21 (DD et al.). resenteda recordspring count for Missouri, the only other Four LesserYellowlegs in Warren, KY, Mar. 3 (BP) were "flight" totalled 165 alongw. LakeErie Apr. 23. fairly early, while a Solitary Sandpiper at Big Island As expected,small numbersof Swainson'sHawks were W.M.A., OH, June 4 was late (BPj). An impressiveWillet scattered across the w. states. In Illinois, Swainson's migration produced40+ reports,peaking at 40 at Swan appearednear Spfld. Apr. 21 (DB, ph.) and near Rockford Lake N.W.R., MO, Apr. 28 (m.ob.),37 at BaysBranch, IA, May 10-26 (]Do) in addition to the breedingpairs in Kane. Apr. 29 (SD, AF), and 21 in Hamilton, OH, Apr. 30 (JD). Rough-leggedHawks stagedan unusual flight in early Flocks of 11-17 Willets were noted at other locations. A May. This movement was most noticeable in Illinois, SpottedSandpiper in Taney,MO, Mar. 25 was fairly early where there were scatteredsightings May 5-13 and a very (JH),while 75 at ClevelandMay 13 provided an unusual late hawk was reported from Belvidere May 30 (EB). concentration(fide LR). Whimbrels were restrictedto the Another Rough-leggedin Pike May 5 (DM, TBa) was very Chicagolakefront May 20-29, peaking at 12 on the last late for s. Ohio. Twelve reports of Golden Eagles were date (JLa,m.ob.). Hudsonian Godwits were fairly scarce•n shghtly above normal. They were found in every state the w. states,although 46 congregatedat the IPL ponds, with a maximum of five in Union, IL, Mar. 18 (BD, m.ob.). IA, May 24 (SD) and 23 at Colo, IA, May 14 (HZ). Four or One at DelawareW.M.A. Apr. 22 (BPi) was unexpectedin fewer appearedat 2 Illinois locations.Small numbersof c Ohio, where there are few recent records. Merlins and Marbled Godwits were noted in the w. states. The 6+ Ilh- Peregrinescontinued to increaseas migrants,producing nois recordsincluded 20 near Spfid. Apr. 14 (DB); none 25-30+ sightingsof both species.Prairie Falcons were was noted e. of Illinois. represented by a wintering individual in c. Illinois Red Knots appeared briefly along both Great Lakes through Mar. 11 and a migrant near Marshalltown, IA, including a sizable spring flock of 60 at Waukegan,IL, Apr 4 (BPr). May 19 (DDz). Early Sanderlingsreturned to Spfid. Apr As Gray Partridgesexpand within s. Iowa, occasional 15 (DB) and Iowa and Indiana by Apr. 19. Their numbers birds crossinto Missouri, where one was reported from were generally low, even along the Great Lakes. The Nodaway May 3 (fide DE). A wandering Ruffed Grouse expectedsmall numbersof WesternSandpipers were scat- was discovered in n.w. Indiana at South Bend Mar. 6 (DS). tered across Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois, while one at Numbers of rails remained low, perhaps reflecting the ClevelandMay 20 (LR, RH) was a casualspring visitor to droughtconditions in their breedingrange. Yellow Rails Ohio. Early LeastSandpipers were discoveredMar. 17 •n were reported from one Illinois and 3 Missouri locations Warren, KY (BP), and Mar. 31 at SangchrisL., IL (DB). Apr. 8-May 14. The only report of the elusive Black Rail White-rumped Sandpiperswere plentiful in n.w. Missouri was from S.C.R.May 23 (ñDE).King Rails were reducedto with 400 at S.C.R. May 14 (MR) and 450 in Holt May 20 single sightings from Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, addi- (DE). The first Baird'sSandpiper appeared in Taney,MO, tional declines in their already small population. A few Mar. 25 (JH, PM) and the largest flock in the w. states rails returnedearly with Virginiasin Illinois and Ohio by totalled 84 in Iowa. Single Baird's at Salamonie Res., IN, Apr I and a Sora at Cone Marsh, IA, Mar. 31 (AJ). The Apr. 28, Kingsbury W.M.A., IN, May 7 (Haw et al.), and L largestreported concentrations were of nine Virginias and Rockwell, OH, May 4 (CH, ñLR) were found in states 20-25 Soras.Common Moorhens were universally scarce. where there are very few confirmedspring records. Early An impressive181,000+ Am. Cootswere tallied on aerial Pectoral Sandpipersreturned to Warren,KY, Mar. 3 (BP), surveysof the MississippiR. and Illinois R., IL, Mar. 19 and Say. Res. Mar. 4 (SD), but their migration was gener- (RC), but their numbers were low elsewhere. Sandhill ally unimpressive.A Dunlin in Warren,KY, Mar. 31 was Craneswere plentiful in n.w. Indiana and n.e. Illinois Mar. early (BP). The expectedflocks appearedalong the Great 11-14 when flocks of 200-650+ were widespread.The Lakes, while above-normal numbers inland included 125 seasonal total of 3686 cranes in the Indiana Dunes area at S.C.R.May 14 (MR) and 95 at Spfid. May 26 (DB). was remarkable(fide KB). Smallernumbers were widely A remarkable625 Stilt Sandpiperscongregated in Holt, noted in Kentucky through Mar. 19. Extralimital cranes MO, May 20 (DE), easily that state'slargest spring flock. are becoming more numerouseach year. This migration Small numbersof Stilt Sandpiperswere scatteredacross produced records of three to five cranes at 2 Missouri the n. states.The only Buff-breastedSandpipers from the sites, 5 reportsfrom Iowa with a maximum of nine Sand- w. stateswere 22 at Riverton W.M.A., IA, May 19 (DR, RR) hills, and 10 recordsfrom Ohio e. to Adams May 23 (DM, One was briefly viewed at BarbertonMay 28 (ñRHa) for PWh) and GeaugaMay 10-15 (BF). only the 2nd springrecord from Ohio. The only accept- ably documentedRuff gracedthe Clevelandlakefront May $HOBEBIBD$--The most pronouncedRegionwide 16-20 (ñRH, m.ob.). The dowitcher migration was unre- shorebird movement occurred Apr. 20-30, while their markable.Common Snipes peaked at 75-105 in Illinois May migration was generally disappointing. A Lesser and Iowa, while a large movement of Am. Woodcock Golden-Ploverin Warren, KY, Mar. 3 was early (BP). Nor- totalled 58 at Spoon L., IL, Mar. 12 (MBa). An early W11- mal numberspassed through Illinois and Iowa with max- son'sPhalarope in Gibson,IN, Apr. 18 presageda fairly lma of 6000 in )rasper,IL, Apr. 13 (RP)and 1000-2000+ at goodmovement with maxima of 96 at S.C.R.Apr. 29 (DE), otherlocations. Very few appearede. of Illinois. A Snowy 24 at U.S.R. May 1 (MK), and 14 at Arcola, IL, May 12

Volume 44, Number 3 435 (RCh).An unprecedentedflight of Red-neckedPhalaropes passedthrough Iowa with 54 at Spirit L. May 21, 34 at VenturaMarsh May 21, and 27 at South Twin L. May 22 (SD). A maximum of sevenappeared in Holt, MO, May 25 (DE), while the only one e. of the MississippiR. was noted in Illinois.

GULLS, TERNS--These groups produced few surprises. An unusually strong spring flight of Laughing Gulls yielded 10+ reportsalong L. Michigan (somedupli- cation is likely) and 20 sightingson L. Erie. Inland records consistedof 3 sightingsin Illinois and singlereports from Indiana and Kentucky. The largest flocks of Franklin's Gulls in the w. states totalled 300-440, while the 20+ sightingse. of the Mississippi 1• were above normal for recentyears. Little Gulls were restrictedto Wankegan,IL, where three individuals were identified Apr. 23-May 5 (DDz, MH, ASi et al.). Bonaparte's Gulls were locally numerous, producing maxima of 3000+ on L. Michigan and 1000+ in w. Kentucky.A California Gull studied at SangchrisL. May S (•-DB)furnished the 4th springrecord from Illinois. Lingering gulls along the Great Lakes included a Thayer'sin n.w. Indiana Apr. 4 and Icelandsin Ohio and Illinois through Apr. 7-9. LesserBlack-backed Gulls were detectedonly once on the Great Lakes (on L. Michigan),but inland sightingsincluded up to two in Gib- Long-earedOwl at Chain o' LakesState Park, Illinois, March 12, son,IN, Apr. 1-22 (GB,ph.), one at L. Rockwell,.OH,Apr. 1990. Relativelyfew were found in the Middlewestern Prairie 6 (•-CH),the winteringgull at L. Barkley,KY, throughApr. Region thisspring. Photograph/Jim Solurn. 7 (BP), and one near Quincy, IL, Apr. 15 (•-RD).Late Glau- cousGulls remainedthrough May 13 at Clinton L., IL (RP) Relatively few Long-eared Owls were detected, with a and May 6 at Wankegan,IL (EW). Great Black-backed maximum of 12 in n. Illinois. Short-eared Owls were Gulls continued to slowly increasealong L. Michigan. widespread, and a number of April and May sightings Inland reportswere limited to the wintering immatureat raisedthe possibilityof nesting.Only widely scatteredN. L. Barkley, KY, through May 8-9 (BP, ph.) and an unex- Saw-whet Owls were encountered in the n. states. Com- pected adult at Spfid. May 25 (•-DB). An imm. Black- mon Nighthawksreturned to s. Illinois by Apr. 21 but they legged Kittiwake at Beaver Creek Res. Mar. 20 (•-TBr) were late arrivals at many other locations.Most observers establishedOhio's first inland springrecord. reported small numbers, with a maximum of 150 in the Early CaspianTerns returned to L. Barkley,KY (BP), and Chicagoarea. Whip-poor-wills appear to be decliningat a Erie, OH (TBr), by Apr. 1. Their only sizableconcentration number of locations.Early Chinmey Swifts returned to 2 totalled 156 at Say. Res. May 20 (SD). Exceptionalnum- Missouri sites Apr. 4-5. Their largest flocks totalled bers of Com. Ternsgathered along L. Michigan in Illinois 345-500+ in Illinois and Indiana. A Ruby-throatedHum- where 2860 were countedin Lake May 21 (EW) and flocks mingbird in Grayson,KY, Apr. 8 (KC) was also an early of 100-500+ were noted at other sites. Their numbers migrant. Their numberswere generallylow. peaked at 200 on L. Erie while large inland flocks Migrant woodpeckerswere noted in relatively poor included 98 in Gibson,IN, May 12 (GB) and 50 at Spfid. numbers in most areas. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere May 13 (DB).Early Forster'sTerns also returned to w. Ken- numerousonly along L. Erie, where 30 were counted at tucky and 2 Ohio locationsby Apr. 1. Their largestflocks Headlands Beach S.P. Apr. 15 (LR). They lingered into totalled 100-186 in Iowa and Illinois. Within their estab- May in most states,as late as May 17-23 in the Chicago lished breedingrange, Least Terns peaked at 36 in s. Illi- area. The flycatcher migration was uneventful and few nois. Extralimital sightingsconsisted of one in Nodaway, sizableconcentrations developed. Their peak movements MO, June2 (DE, TE), and n. Illinois' 4th recordwith up to were somewhat later than normal during late May and two in Will June10-11 (DJ,JM). Black Ternsstaged their early June.Overflight E. Wood-Peweesappeared at several best spring flight in a number of years. An incredible locationsby Apr. 22-24, but other typically late flycatch- 2900+ were estimatedalong the MississippiR. betweenE. ers such as Yellow-bellied, Alder, and Willow did not St. Louis-Cairo, IL, May 18 (KM). Other large flocks appear until mid-May. Concentrationsof 13 Yellow-bel- included 200-250 at scattered locations in Missouri and lieds at Spfid. May 25 (DB), 12 Alders at ChicagoJune 8 Iowa and 100-116 in c. and n. Illinois. (EW), and 30 Leastsalong the Cleveland lakefront during May were representative of their peak numbers this CUCKOOS TO FLYCATCHERS--Both cuckoos were spring. Least Flycatchers were also widespread during decidedly scarce.While a few early arrivals were noted, late April, appearingnorth to the GreatLakes. Extralimital such as a Black-billedat Spfid. Apr. 24 (DB) and Yellow- WesternKingbirds were restrictedto Illinois, where sin- billed in Lucas, OH, Apr. 29 (MA), their migration was gles were reported from 4 locationsin the Chicagoarea very late and many did not return until June. A Greater May 16-26 (JLa,RHu, MH et al.) and near RockfordJune Roadrunnerin OregonMay 7 (TD) was east of its normal 14 (JBr).Early E. Kingbirdsreturned to Ozark, IL, Apr. 18 range in Missouri. Barn Owl reportswere limited to nest- (TF) and Norwalk, IA, Apr. 21 (AJ). Their largestflights ing individuals. Following a dismal winter for Snowy produced90 kingbirdsalong the MississippiR. between Owls there were only 2 spring records,both in Illinois, E. St. Louis-Cairo, IL, May 18 (KM) and 51 at L. Calumet, with an owl at Carlin lingering through Apr. 7 (m.ob.). IL, May 19 (JLa). Single extralimital Scissor-tailedFly-

436 American Birds, Fall 1990 souri's 6th and 7th Mountain Bluebirds were singles at Prairie S.P.Apr. 2 (-PJL)and near CedarSprings Apr. 10-14 (EJ, •hu.ob., ph.). The wintering Townsend'sSolitaire at Brown'sL., IA, was last observedApr. 7 (BHu). Catharus thrushesstaged an excellentflight. Veeriespeaked at 95+ at ChicagoMay 15 (m.ob.)while Gray-cheekedsproduced maxima of 10-13 in Illinois and Iowa. Local concentrations of Swainsoh'sThrushes included 45+ in Barry, MO, May 6 (IH, PM), 200+ at LedgesS.P., IA, May 11 (SD, AF), 59-65 at 2 Illinois sitesMay 16, and "hundreds"passing over c. Ohio during the night of May 19-20. The largest flights of Hermit Thrushes totalled 29-33 at Chicago. Wood Thrushes were generally scarce.Wintering Varied Thrushes remained through Mar. 10 at Libertyville, IL (WMa), and Apr. 8 at Ft. Wayne, IN (Haw). Migrant mimidsincluded flocks of 40-55 GrayCatbirds along both Great Lakes, and 50 Brown Thrashers in St. Louis, MO, Apr. 21 (JZ). Cedar Waxwings exhibited their typical bimodalmigration pattern, although their numbersduring Scissor-tailedFlycatcher east of range at Glencoe, Illinois, May May were relatively small in some states.Wintering N. 16, 1990. Photograph/JimLanding. Shrikesremained in n. Illinois and n. Ohio through Mar. 11-19. LoggerheadShrikes were reportedin typical num- catcherswere discoveredat Glencoe,IL, May 14-22 (IS, bers for recentyears. 'Pm.ob.),Van Buren,IA, May 15 (IF), HorseshoeL., IL, May 22 (•-BW),and Champaign,IL, June6 (RCh). VIREOS, WABBLEBS--Bell's Vireos were generally reported from traditional locations in the e. states, al- SWALLOWS TO SHRIKES--Swallows produced a thoughone at HeadlandsBeach S.P. May 19-20 0-Vn,LR) number of early recordswith Purple Martins appearing was unexpected in n.e. Ohio. Early vireos included a north to Cincinnatiby Mar. 17 (NW) and Tree Swallowsat Solitary in Hocking, OH, Mar. 31 (BPj, MG), plus Taney, a number of locations by Mar. 10-15. Large flocks MO, sightingsof a Yellow-throated Apr. 8, Philadelphia included 3000 Treesat L. Waveland, IN, Apr. I (AB). The Apr. 21, and Red-eyed Apr. 8 (JH). Only Philadelphia most surprising bird of the seasonwas a Violet-green Vireosappeared in fairly good numbers,peaking at 10 in Swallow photographedin Holmes, OH, May 16 (•-DK, s.e. Missouri. •-BG1 et al.). It established Ohio's first record and one of Warblerselicited mixed commentswith n. Illinois expe- very few confirmedreports e. of the MississippiR. Other riencing the largest flights. Good numbers of Golden- early swallowsappeared in Tanej4MO, with a N. Rough- winged Warblerswere encouragingwith maxima of 20 winged Mar. 17 and a Bank Mar. 31 (PM, yrI). The largest near Mingo N.W.R., MO, May 5 (BR, RBr), 20 in St. Louis, flight of Bank Swallowstotalled 1575 at Evanston,IL, May MO, May 13 (IZ), and 19 at ChicagoMay 15 (EL). Some 16 (EW). Early Cliff Swallows appearedat SangchrisL., records of early warblers included scatteredTennessees IL, Mar. 31 (DR) and Buck Creek S.P., OH, Apr. 7 (BM); Apr. 22-24, an Orange-crownedin Fulton, IL, Apr. 9 (KR}, their increasingnumbers included flocks of 250-450 in and Louisville reports of a N. Parula Mar. 28 and Yellow Illinois. Large Barn Swallow flocks consistedof 1850 at Apr. 10 (DN). Cape May Warblers were rather scarce, Evanston,IL, May 16 (EW) and 1000+ in Pike, OH, May 5 although40 were noted in one tree in ChicagoMay 16 (DM, TBa}. (RBi). Rare migrantsin the w. states,single Black-throated The only sizable Am. Crow flight produced 2300 at Blue Warblers were reported from Mingo N.W.R., MO, Headlands Beach S.P., OH, Mar. 11 (LR eta/.). Fish Crows May 5 (BR) and LedgesS.P., IA., May 11 (SD, AF). Late are increasingin s. Illinois, peakingat 55 in Union Apr. 15 Yellew-rumpedWarblers in the Chicagoarea June 8-10 (DRo). The return flight of Red-breasted Nuthatches included one exhibiting characteristicsof the Audubon's resultedin small numberspassing through each stateand race (•-EW). A Yellow-rumped also remained at Euclid, late migrantsappearing at scatteredlocalities until May OH, through June 2 (J & DHo}. The expanding Yellow- 26-June2. Late migrantBrown Creepers were notedalong throated Warbler wandered N to Walnut Woods S.P., IA, bothGreat Lakes May 27-28. Otherthan s. Missouri'spop- May 28 (RM) and Pine Lake S.P., IA, May 29 (MP). An ulation, the only Bewick'sWrens were one at Spfld. Apr. early Prairie Warbler returned to Ozark, IL, Apr. 11 (TF} 17 (CO) and another in Kentucky. Winter Wrens were while extralimital recordsincluded one at Iowa City, IA, scarce, peaking at 12 along L. Erie. A Sedge Wren at May 23-29 (IF, m.ob.)where they are casualvisitors. ChicagoApr. 16 was an early migrant(EW), while a Marsh An early Palm Warblerat LongL., IN, Mar. 31 (KB et al.} Wren at Duck Creek W.M.A., MO, Mar. 16 (BR) may have presageda good flight with a maximum of 200 at Chicago wintered. Kingletswere most numerousin Ohio, where May 17 (IP). Other early warblers included a Bay-breasted concentrationsof 40-125 were reported for both species. in Cook,IL, Apr. 17 (fide RBi), three Blackpollsat Pomona, Late migrantsincluded a Golden-crownedat Cincinnati IL, Apr. 23 {KIV0,and a Black-and-whiteat Mammoth Cave May 13 (PW) and Ruby-crownedsin Iowa and Illinois N.E, KY, Apr. 8 (I & PB). Goodnumbers of Am. Redstarts May 27-28. Two early Blue-grayGnatcatchers returned to peakedat 205 in 2 treesat ChicagoMay 15 (RHg, HR et al.). Jefferson,KY, Mar. 20 (LRa).Their numberscontinued to A ProthonotaryWarbler at S.C.R.May 4 (DE) was unusual increase,with an impressive78 tallied in Union, IL, Apr. in n.w. Missouri. Overflight Worm-eatingWarblers were 14 (DRo}. widespreadin n. Illinois, but were overshadowedby the Improved numbers of E. Bluebirds included late Swainsoh'sWarbler banded in Winnebago,IL, Apr. 28 (LJ, migrantsalong both Great Lakes May 17-June 1. Where JA). Fifty Ovenbirdsat ChicagoMay 15 (RHg, JP) easily thesetardy bluebirdsare headedremains a mystery.Mis- surpassedother concentrations.The earliest Louisiana

Volume 44, Number 3 437 Waterthrushappeared in Peoria, IL, Mar. 21 (LA), wh•le 24-Apr. 12 (TK et al ) Six in Newton,IN, Apr. 21 (Haw et one at Stone S.P. May 16 (BHu) was a rare visitor to w. al.) were at the e. edgeof their confirmedrange. Iowa. An early Wilson'sWarbler in St. Louis,MO, Apr. 17 While good numbers of Bobolinks appeared in Ken- (ñJZ et al.) exhibited characteristicsof a w. race. Unusual tucky, the other statesdid not sharein this movement.A inland warbler concentrations included 30 Wilson's in territorial W. Meadowlark in Portage May 13-31 (LR, Kossuth,IA, May 15 (MK) and 50•- Canadasat Trail of m.ob.) furnished one of few recent records for n.e. Ohio TearsS.F., IL, during late May (DRo, SR). Scattered individuals were noted at other locations in n. Indiana and n. Ohio. BreedingYellow-headed Blackbirds TANAGERS TO FINCHES--Both tanagers were re- appearedE to w. Lake Erie. They were plentiful in n.w. ported in low numbers in several states,although over- Missouri, where 300+ were estimatedat S.C.R. Apr 29 flight Summers were rather plentiful in n. Illinois. A (DE), and wanderedwidely in Illinois, with 10+ recordsof Rose-breastedGrosbeak in Jefferson,KY, Mar. 24 (fide BP) extralimital individuals scattered across the state. A Yel- may have wintered locally. Their spring migration was low-headed Blackbird was also noted in Warren, KY, Mar unimpressivein most states.Blue Grosbeakscontinued to 10 (BP et al.). Brewer's Blackbirds were also widely expand, producing scatteredoverflights N to the Great reported,peaking at 40-62 in the w. statesand 17 in Illi- Lakeswhere singlesin Lake, IL, Apr. 28-May 2 (MH, DBr, nois. Unprecedentedtotals for Kentuckyconsisted of 45+ m.ob.) and M.M.W.A., May 20 (MG) were unexpected. Brewer'sin WarrenMar. 24 and 75+ in Hickman Apr. 3 One in Ozark, IL, Apr. 18 was fairly early (TF). A well- (BP,BH). Eight near Medina Apr. 22 were unusualin n e described• Lazuli Buntingin JacksonMay 11 (ñMM) fur- Ohio (JVn). Expected numbers of Great-tailed Grackles nished Missouri's7th springrecord. Normal numbersof were encountered in w. Missouri, while one or two at 7 w D•ckcisselsincluded straysE to Holmes, OH. and c. Iowa locations fit the expected pattern of occur- The N passageof sparrowsstarted with numerousMarch rence in that state. m•grants,but their numberslater in the seasonwere gener- The finch migrationproduced few surprises.Purple ally mediocre.Late Am. Tree Sparrowslingered through Fincheswere scarcein many areas,although flocks of 80- May 6 alongw. Lake Erie, May 11 at MuscatatuckN.W.R., 128 were reportedfrom Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri The IN (PW, JBe), and May 12 in Clermont, OH (DH). Early only Red Crossbillreport was of a flock of five in e. Iowa. ChippingSparrows returned to Taney,MO, Mar. 5 (JH)and White-wingeds remained the more numerous crossball Worthington,OH, Mar. 12 (BM), and there were numerous with 7+ recordsfrom Illinois, 4 sightingsin Iowa, one additional sightingslater in March. In the w. states,Clay- Indiana report, and the most southerlyrecord from Web- coloredSparrows peaked at 30 in SiouxCenter, IA, May 10 ster Groves,MO, Mar. 11 (JC).Most reports were of s•x or (JV).An excellentmigration through Illinois produced12+ fewer White-wingeds,although 45+ were discoveredat records of Clay-coloreds with a maximum of five at Waukegan,IL, Mar. 4 (DJ,FS). An impressive158 Com EvanstonMay 16 (EW).A casualmigrant in w. Iowa, a Lark Redpolls were tallied in Ames, IA, Mar. 4-14 (P & RA) Bunting was observedat DeSoto N.W.R. Apr. 28 (MB). This specieswas scarceelsewhere in Iowa and the other SavannahSparrows returned to n. Illinois Mar. 12, and n. states,with only widely scatteredencounters of one to were still passingthrough n.w. Missouri and n. Illinois four redpolls during March. Pine Siskins remained the June 1-6. Their largestreported concentration totalled 42 mostnumerous winter finches.Their N migrationdid not m Illinois. MigrantHenslow's Sparrows were foundin nor- peak until mid-May, producingflocks of 50-200+ in Ohio mal numbersfor recentyears, including 2 reportsfrom and 30-50+ in the other states.Evening Grosbeaksre- Iowa, where they are provingto be regularin very small mainedscarce; there were only 5 reportsfrom the n. states numbers.Reports of migrantSharp-tailed Sparrows at 2 L. with a maximumof 33 alongc. LakeErie. M•chigan locations, one site on L. Erie, and one Iowa marshwere normal for recentyears. HYPOTHETHICAL SIGHTING--A Rufous-necked A fairly goodflight of Fox Sparrowsproduced maxima Stint was reportedby a singleobserver at S.C.R.May 20. of 35-45 along both Great Lakes and 20 in Missouri. A While the documentationis suggestiveof this species,the Lincoln's Sparrow banded in Seneca, OH, Apr. 15 (TBr) bird disappearedbefore additional corroborative evidence was early, but later migrantswere scarce.Concentrations could be obtained. Since there is only one confirmed of 150 SwampSparrows at Fermi, IL, May 5 (VB, PK), 500 record of any stint from the midwest (a breedmg- White-throatedsin St Louis,MO, Apr. 23 (JZ), and 125 plumagedRufous-necked photographed at Ashtabula,OH, White~crownedsat ChicagoMay 15 (JP)were not repre- July 21, 1962), any stint reportmust be accompaniedby sentativeof the numbersencountered by most observers. unequivocalevidence to constitutea satisfactoryrecord •n The wintering Golden-crownedSparrow at GreenRiver this Region. ConservationArea, IL, was last observedApr. 11 (JK).It was a goodspring for Harris' Sparrows,especially e. of the CONTRIBUTORS (state editorsin boldface)--I. Adams,P. M•ssissippiR., where there were 9+ reportsfrom Illinois & R. Allen, M. Anderson,J. Armstrong,L. Augustine,M. Bab- includingfive in the Chicagoarea May 16 (RBi et al.). Sin- cock (MB), T. Bain (TBa), T. Barksdale(TB), T. Bartlett (TBr), gle Harris' Sparrowsat Chesterton,IN, May 21 (BJet al.) M. Baum (MBa),J. & P. Bell, R. Bell (RB),J. Bens(JBe), R. B•ss and OttawaN.W.R., OH, May 10 (iBM) were casualspring (RBi),D. Bohlen(DB), G. Bowman,R. Bradley(RBr), K. Brock, wsitorsto thosestates. The only largemovement of Dark- J. Brosdal (JBr),D. Brown (DBr), R. Brundage(RBu), Alan Bruner (Indiana),E. Burstatte,V. Byre,D. Carter,L. Carter,J eyed Juncostotalled 500 at ClevelandApr. 20 (J & DHo). Casttale(Jca), J. Chain (JC),R. Chapel (RCh), K. Clay, R Surprisingnumbers of late juncoswere encountereddur- Crompton(RC), B. Danley,M. Deatbn,J. Decker, R. DeCoster, ing May, including scatteredsightings in Ohio, Missouri, D. Diaz (DDz), SteveDinsmore (Iowa), D. Dister(DD), J. Don- and Indiana May 21-23 as well as one at S.C.R. May 31 aldson (JDo),T. Donovan,D. Easterla,T. Easterla,B. Faber,T (TB). The largestflocks of LaplandLongspurs consisted of Fink, A. Fix, C. Fuller, J. Fuller, J. Garrett,G. Gerone,B. Ghck 2000+ in Knox, IL, Mar. 7 (mBa) and 400-650 in Iowa and (BG1),B. Goodge(BG), M Gustarson,R. Hannikman (RH), R other Illinois locations.They were scarceelsewhere. A Harlan (RHa),J. Haw (Haw), J. Hayes(JH), D. Helm (DH), B fmrly typical springflight of Smith'sLongspurs peaked at Hendricks(BH), J. & D. Hoffman(J & DHo),M. Hogg,C. Holt, 517 in Knox, IL, Apr. 8 (MBa) and 150 in Johnson,IA, Mar. R. Hugel(RHu), R. Hughes(RHg), B. Huser(BHu), G. Jackson,

438 AmericanBirds, Fall 1990 A. Johnson,B. Johnson,E. Johnson,D. Jones,L. Jones,P. Kas- Robinson,L. Rosche(LR), D. Rose(DR), R. Rose,H. Rylaars- par, J. Keegan, M. Kenne, T. Kent, W. Klamm, D. Kline, J. dam, S. Shipp (SSh),A. Sigler (ASi), S. Sprengnether(SS), Landing (JLa],T. Langschied,E. LaTurner,J. Loomis 0L], C. Anne Stature (AS) (Kentucky), J. Steffan, D. Stoltsfuss, F. Lundberg,R Mahnkey (PM], W. Marcisz (WMa], B. Masters, Stoop, J. Vanderpoel (JVn), J. Van Dyk (JV), N. Walker, Eric W. McGill (WM), M. McHugh, P. McKenzie (PMc], K. Walters (Illinois), B. Wetteroth, P. Whan (PWh), P. Wharton McMullen, J. Milosevich,D. Minney, R. Myers,D. Noonan,C. (PW), H. Zaletel, J. Ziebol. In addition, many personswho Olson, D. Overacker, R. Palmer, B. Palmer-Ball (BP], Bruce could not be individually acknowledgedsubmitted notes to Peterjohn(BPj] (Ohio], E. Pierce,B. Polk (BPo],B. Proescholdt the variousstate reports.--BRUCE G. PETERJOHN,105-K E. (BPr], M. Proescholdt,J. Purcell, L. Rauth (LRa], B. Reeves,K. TiconderogaDr., Wes•erville,OH 43081. Richmond, Mark Robbins (Missouri), D. Robinson (DRo], S.

ß FayetteNile ßRee/foot L• ß Naghwite J'DuckR. Unit TENNESSEEßCross Creeks NWR ß Ft. Smith ß Memphis ARKANSAS CENTRAL Wheeler••R•R ß I.•'tle Rock SOUTHERN ß Sardis/_ LeMiliwood Wh•River NWR MISSISSIPPI REGION ß Birmingham

Noxubee NWR ß GregD. Jackson •ShreveportßMonroe / f ALABAMA \•" •,.•UISIANA / •)•,•'--'•JJackson •M;tgomery ß•'?Baton Rouge•t.Gulfp orl CameronPar. • • f

he springof 1990 was favorablefor birdersin our "eastern"passetines. Interestingly, there were also quite a Region,combining at least moderatenumbers of most few westernvagrants during this sameperiod, especially regularmigrants with severaloutstanding discoveries. As in Louisiana.Inland siteswere busy in May, with May 5-6 a newcomerto this post,I delightedin both the variety of yielding an excellent number of migrantsin both north birds that were recordedand the energyand skill of the central Arkansas and north Alabama. Although a few recorders.I appreciatethe contributionsof sightings,and I species arrived ahead of schedule, a general tardiness encouragereaders who are not representedbelow to sub- characterizedthe seasonfor many transientsas well as for mit future records to their subregional editors. Please departingwintering birds in several localities. rememberto provide detailsfor unusualand/or difficult- By the time of this writing, few springrecords had been to-identifyspecies, as properdocumentation is necessary receivedfrom Mississippiand centralTennessee. Several for inclusion both in this column and in the records of Mississippi winter records,received too late for inclusion individual states. in that seasoWsreport, are detailedbelow. Weather acrossthe Regionwas variable,with more wet conditionsin the westernportion than in the east.Little ABBREVIATIONS -- A.B.R.C. = Alabama Bird Records Rock recordedan end-of-seasonsurplus of 12 inches of Committee;C.F.H. = CentertonFish Hatchery,Benton Co., AR; rain, whereas Birmingham showed a five-inch deficit for L.B.R.C.= LouisianaBird RecordsCommittee; p.a. = pending the three month period (with over three inchesbelow nor- acceptance;T.B.R.C. = TennesseeBird Records Committee; * mal in April). An exceptionto this patternwas southwest- = specimento Louisiana State University Museum of Natural ern Louisiana, which suffered a dry May. There were Sciences.Place names in italicsare parishes(in Louisiana)or severalcold fronts this spring that were productivein counties. terms of groundingmigrants. Some of the best birding days on the coast associatedwith this bad weather were LOONS TO STORKS -- There were 3 reportsof four March 17 and 30, April 7, 11 (Louisianaonly), and 27-28, lingeringCorn. Loonsin late May from Arkansas(MM, and May 9. DRS) and n.w. Florida (TAI, JTF). Any tubenosesin our Coastallocations also experienced frequent strong east Region are notable, particularly in spring. Unidentified and southeastwinds duringthe latterpart of April and the small shearwaters (probably Audubon's) were noted first week of May, resultingin an unusualmovement of twice, with 10-12 birdsseen from shoreApr. 13 on Santa

Volume 44, Number 3 439 Rosa I, FL (CAM, CLC), and an individual 17 mi south of (PBa, TLS, GK), one was •n Bohvar Jan. 10-Feb 10 (N & South Pass, LA, May 28 (SWC, DLD, DPM, RDP). Four JCH,m.ob., ph.), and three were spottedm Tun,caFeb. 11 storm-petrels,two of which were positivelyidentified as (JRW).Associating with the Bolivar Tundra Swan during Wilson's (one *), were also discovered 17 mi south of the sametime period was an ad. Trumpeter Swan (N & South Pass,LA, May 28 (SWC et al.). There is only one JCH,m.ob., ph.). There are no modernrecords for Missis- previousspecimen for Louisiana.Northern Gannetshave sippi, and this bird was unbanded and unmarked. increasednoticeably in the last severalyears along the n. Whether it was from a reintroduced population in the Gulf; at least moderate numbers can now be found at all Midwest or from a more distant site is unknown. seasons,particularly in Alabama and Florida. The 10-20 Over 600 Greater White-fronted Geese and more than birds spottedfarther west in Cameron,LA, Mar. 18 (AWK, 18,000 Snow Geese were recorded in Tunica, MS, Feb. 4 CAM et al.) were more noteworthy,but not surprising. (JRW).A very late ad. White-frontedwas at C.F.H.May 26 Well off course was a Brown Pelican at L. Dardanelle, (MM). Ross' Geesecontinued their recent pattern w•th Pope,May 31-June1 (LH, H & MP, ph.) establishinga 3rd severalsightings this winter and earlyspring. A latereport Arkansas record. Late Double-crested Cormorants were in Mississippiwas of five to 18 birds in TunicaFeb. 4-11 noted in Cameron,LA, May 19 (DLD) and Plaquemines, (JRW,m.ob.) for a 4th staterecord. The speciesis now reg- LA, May 28 (DLD, SWC, DPM). There are previousnesting ular amongflocks of Snow Geesein s.w. Louisiana.I had records for Louisiana, but the status of these individuals reports of two Ross' Geese Mar. 3 in Calcasieu (SWC, could not be determined. Magnificent Frigatebirds are DLD], and an impressive 57 (with over 20,000 Snows) often observed in the warmer months along the outer Mar. 4 in JeffersonDavis (SWC). A solitary individual was coast, but inland records are generally only associated found in Perry, AL, Mar. 11 (GDJ, DGJ) for a 6th state with strongGulf storms.The single bird flying over the record (2nd for Alabama's inland CoastalPlain). The latest rice fields of Lafayette,LA, May 4 (KVR) in the absenceof observationof this diminutive goosewas of five seenMar. suchweather was thereforevery unusual. 18-31 in Little River, AR (CM). Infrequently seen inland on migration, five American Oldsquaws appeared more frequently than usual Bitterns were reported from n.w. Alabama (PDK, DEK), throughoutthe spring.There were 9 reportsspread across n w. Arkansas (MRW), and w. Tennessee(RPF, MG), Mar. the Regionof this often difficult-to-find species,and birds 31-May 20. The 13 birds in a single impoundment in at many sitesremained much later than normal.The three Cameron, LA, Apr. 23 (SWC, DLD) were surprising.The OldsquawsApr. i in Colbert(GNP, PDK, DEK) provideda Least Bittern is unusual in n.w. Alabama; three calling first n.w. Alabama record. An individual observed on birds were in Lauderdale May 11 (PDK, DEK). A Tricol- Dauphin I., AL, Apr. 8 (HHK, GA, m.ob.) was likely the ored Heron located at Millwood L., AR, Apr. 14 (LP, CM et bird seenin the samearea Apr. 29 (DOM)(setting a late al.) provided a first local springrecord. The adult Black- record for Alabama). One to three birds in Cameron, LA, crownedNight-Heron May 12 at C.F.H. (MM) was the first Apr. 27 (DLD, SWC,TAP) to May 4 (AWK, SS)were quite recordedin May for n.w. Arkansas.More than 150 Yellow- late as well, but the prize for lingeringgoes to an Old- crowned Night-Heronswere seen circling at dusk Mar. 15 squawseen May 20 in Santa Rosa,FL (BM), establishinga at Gulf Breeze, Santa Rosa, FL (DB, JWB). Even more late n.w. Florida record. An impressiveraft of approxi- impressivewas a flight of 3500 White Ibises, mostly mately 100 scoters (of which all identified birds were adults, Mar. 25 in Jefferson,LA (AWK). This species Surfs)was observedin s.e. Cameron,LA, Apr. 23 (DLD, appearedmore commonthan usual in s.w. ArkansasApr. SWC). A singleSurf Scoterwas noted as late asMay 6, also 28-May 31 (CM, DPh,WMS), with asmany as 27 birds(24 in Cameron (JPK, DH). Three White-winged Scotersin adults) recorded. Nesting was considered possible, ColbertMar. 18 (ALM, ADM) provided a new late record althoughno evidencewas discovered. for inland Alabama. An incursion of White-faced Ibises took place in the n.w. portionof our areain mid-April. Five Plegadis,two of IL4PTORS---The spring migration of raptors at most which were definitelyWhite-faced, were foundApr. 14 in sitesin our Regionis often unimpressive.An exception•s Miller (CM, WM, LC) for a first spring s.w. Arkansas the Mississippi R. at Baton Rouge; in the period Mar. record.On Apr. 19, 28 birds were locatedin Shelby(MGW, 3-Apr. 28, 52 hoursof observationyielded 2614 raptorsof CHB, DM, JRW, ph. JLL) for a first Tennessee record 12 species (CF, JPK). American Swallow-tailed K•tes (acceptedT.B.R.C.). RoseateSpoonbills are rare in s.e. arrived in force,beginning with an early individual Mar 8 Louisiana,so one to six birds in TerrebonneMar. 13-Apr. at Baton Rouge(AWK). High counts of migrant Swallow- 3 (CGB,AN, LPR)were interesting.Rounding out the large taileds included 14 seen Mar. 10 at Pensacola,FL (JP), waders,Wood Storksare quite rare in the easternportion seven at Ft. Morgan, AL, Mar. 25 (PB, JL, PG), and eight of the Regionin spring.On 5 days from Apr. 10 to May 31, birds (settinga local maximum) at Baton RougeMar 31 singlestorks were notedin eastMontgomery, AL (AM, LG, (CF). On the breedinggrounds May 29 in Marengo,AL, CMe). There were only 3 previous late winter to early eight Swallow-tailedswere recorded(RRS, MBS), tying spring records for the state, although there was a sus- the previousstate maximum. Thesebirds were observed pectednesting near Montgomeryin 1968. feedingover a large field with approximately65 M•sms- sippi Kites(RRS, MBS), the latterrepresenting a new h•gh WATERFOWl. -- Fourteen Fulvous Whistling-Ducks countfor Alabama.At BatonRouge Apr. 4-28, 194 Missis- Apr. 28 at Ft. Morgan (AF, DF, PB, GF et al.) representeda sippi Kites were spotted,with a high countApr. 22 of 94 good number in Alabama for this vagrant.Although the (CF, JPK). An individual May 6 in Cameron, LA (DLD, speciesis commonly found in s.w. and s.c. Louisiana, 10 SWC), was both late and unusual for that location •n b•rdslocated in Concordia,LA, May 5 (E & JT) were out of spring. the usual range. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck,rare but High counts of Broad-wingedHawks at Baton Rouge regular in s.w. Louisiana, was seen in CameronApr. 29 (CF,JPK) included 600 birds Apr. 4 and 458 Apr. 15, the (CAM, MMS, KVR). Swans are rare in our area, and I had total at this site for the spring was 1846. Swainson's late reportsfrom the winter of a small influx in n.w. Mis- Hawks are regularmigrants in small numbersin extreme sissippi.Thirteen Tundra Swans were in Carroll Dec. 3 s.w. Louisiana,and this spring there were singlebirds •n

440 Amencan Birds, Fall 1990 CalcasieuApr. 22 (DLD, SWC) & 29 (CAM, MMS, KVR). I received only 5 reports of six Merlins in Louisiana and Alabama Mar. 3-Apr. 29. PeregrineFalcons are usually seenin small numbersin spring,and therewere four birds reported from the Alabama and Louisiana coasts Mar. 16-May 6. More unusual was the single PeregrineMay 1 in Washington,AR (MM).

RAILS TO SHOREBIRDS -- BlackRails are alwaysa treat;this springtwo were heard in Cameron,LA, Apr. 14 (JS,KVR et al.), and onebird wasseen at Ft. Morgan,AL, Apr. 28 (AF, DF, G & JM). The first record of King Rail in n.w. Alabama since 1911 was of a bird in LauderdaleMay 4 (PDK).Tennessee's first nestingrecord for Sofa was documented Apr. 17-June 8 in Shelby, with two young CurlewSandpiper inthe rice fields ofVerr•ilion Parish, Louisiana, observedseveral times with an adult (MGW, m.ob., p.a. May 4, 1990.Third staterecord. Photograph/K. V. Rosenberg. T.B.R.C.).A Purple Gallinule,a rare migrantin Tennessee, was observedMay 18 & 20 in Putnam (SJS). Louisiana Apr. 11-May 28 {AWK, JS, AS, GS}, and two Shorebirdsappeared in normal numbersin most areas. were noted Apr. 26 on the Ft. MorganPen., AL {PB, GF}. The temporary (hopefully) closureto birders of the excel- Two Dunlins spottedin Shelby,TN, May 5-6 {T.O.S.}were lent ponds of Blakely I., AL, should remind all of us that unusual for spring. A near-alternate-plumagedCurlew when visitation rules are established for an area, they Sandpiperwas discoveredin Vermilion,LA, May 4 {ph. shouldbe followedby everyone.The high inland count KVR} and relocated May 5 {m.ob.}. This was the 3rd this season for Black-bellied Plover was in the rice fields Louisianarecord of this Eurasianvagrant {p.a.L.B.R.C.}. of s.c. Louisiana May 10, when 272 were observed(KVR et The maximumcount of Stilt Sandpipersfor the rice fields al.). This speciesis rare in spring in Arkansas,so seven of s.c. Louisianawas of a noteworthy2640 birds May 4 birds in HempsteadMay 19 (CM) were noteworthy.The 10 {KVR}.Only a few Buff-breastedSandpipers were reported, Black-belliedsin Vermilion,LA, May 27 (JPK,EB) were beginningwith oneMar. 16 at Ft. Morgan{PB, GF} that was late. Although small groups of Lesser Golden-Plovers shyof the Alabamaearly arrival date by oneday. Four seen were noted in severalspots in February,the 100 birds in Apr. 7 in Lawndes,MS {TLS}furnished a first local spring Cameron, LA, Mar. 3 made an unusual number for that record.One to two birds were noted Apr. 14-15 in Little date. By Apr. 1, approximately1800 birds were in Miller, Biver, AR {CM et al.}, where they are rare. A maximum AR (CM). Eight Wilson'sPlovers were recordedin Jeffer- springcount for Alabamawas set by the observationof six son, LA, as early as Mar. 11 (MMy, RDP). Piping Plover Buff-breastedsApr. 28 in s. BaMwin {GDJ,DGJ}. numbersshould always be monitored,and this spring A Ruff was reportedMay 12 in Vermilion,LA (JPK,p.a. there were submissionsof 13 reportsof up to 28 birds in L.B.R.C.}.Although still very rare, this speciesappears to Alabama and LouisianaMar. 2-May 6. One seen inland be increasingin incidence.in recentyears in our Region. Apr. 8 in Vermilion,LA (JPK),was very unusual. Approximately 3200 Short-billed Dowitchers were tallied Although Black-neckedStilts are abundant at the head May 4 in the s.c. Louisiana rice fields {KVR}. A Long- of Mobile Bay, they are uncommonlyseen at most other billed Dowitchercalling in Okaloosa,FL, Mar. 9 (DB,JWB} sites in coastal Alabama, and are rare in n.w. Florida. provided only the 4th area spring record. The 5420 Long- Unusual were one early individual Mar. 2 in s. Baldwin, billeds in Acadia and Vermilion,LA, Apr. 8 (JPK}repre- AL (PB),and five birdsat 3 localitiesin n.w. FloridaApr. sentedan impressivenumber for the Region.The species 6-May 24 (RAD). Locally rare sightingsof Am. Avocets is rare in spring in Arkansas,and up to four birds were included two in Bradley, A_R,Apr. 14 UF, P & LB), one in reported in Benton and WashingtonMay 1-12 {MM}. The Pensacola,FL, May 3 (RAD), and anotherMay 12 in Ver- Am. Woodcockseen May 24 in Okaloosa,FL {DM3N),was milion, LA (JPK).Good numbers of yellowlegswere noted quite late; this speciesis rare alongthe coastin the breed- in Acadia and Vermilion,LA, Apr. 8, with 1230 Greaters ing season.At the oppositeend of the spectrumwas a Wil- and 1200 Lessers (JPK). Willets are rare inland, but this son'sPhalarope found dead in Cameron,LA, at the very springI had 5 reportsof 132 birds in the w. portion of the early date of Mar. 24 {MJM}. Region, including an outstanding100 Willets at C.F.H. May I (MM). Whimbrelsseemed especially common this JAEGEBS TO HUMMINGBIRDS -- PomarineJaegers season in s. Louisiana, and 60 were located in Cameron are rarely seenin our Region,so the three discoveredwith Apr. 14 (KVR et al.). Largenumbers were seen in the rice two unidentified jaegersin Cameron,LA, Apr. 14 {JS,KVR fields (where usually scarce),with over 40 countedon 4 et al.} were interesting.One immature{*} roughly17 mi dates Apr. 12-May 25 (KVR, JPK et al.). The maximum southof SouthPass, May 28 {SWC,DLD, DPM, RDP}pro- count for Hudsonian Godwit was of 16 in Vermilion, LA, vided the 4th record for s.e. Louisiana. Much rarer was the May 10 (KVR et al.). 2nd-summer Long-tailed Jaeger {*} 15-17 mi south of Impressivenumbers of Ruddy Turnstoneswere noted in SouthPass on the sametrip. There is only one previous the s.c. Louisianarice fields, with a peak of 193 recorded Louisianarecord of this species.The 216 LaughingGulls May 19 (KVR, AWK). Anotherspecies that is rare inland is May 4 in the s.c. Louisianarice fields {KVR}were unusual Sanderling.I had reportsof singlebirds May 10 & 25 in away from the coast,although inland numbershave been Vermilion,LA (KVR), and three were spottedMay 26 at on the increasein that area in the last few years. Lesser C.F.H. (MM). The largestnumber of White-rumpedSand- Black-backedGulls continueto turn up, and this spring piperssubmitted was 970 seenMay 10 in the s.c.Louisiana there were two reports. A first-winter bird at Pickwick rice fields (KVR et al.). Much less numerousin spring is Dam,Hardin, TN, Feb.10 wasseen again Mar. 27 and Apr. Baird'sSandpiper, especially in the easternportion of the 11 (DJS);this representeda 3rd staterecord (p.a.T.B.R.C.). Region. Three individuals were reported from s.w. An adult LesserBlack-backed was reported from Ft. Mor-

Volume 44, Number 3 441 gan May 3 (JTF,BE), providingboth the 4th recordand a May 19-20 in Cameron,LA (SWC, DLD). The Burrowing late date for Alabama(p.a.A.B.R.C.). I receivedonly one Owl noted in December in Cameron, LA, was relocated report of Great Black-backedGull; observationsof this Mar. 18 (CAM et al.). speciesin the last severalyears seem to have gradually I receivedonly a few recordsof lingeringvagrant hum- increasedin the e. portion of the Region.A 3rd-yearbird mingbirds from Louisiana. In Orleans, a Buff-bellied was seenApr. 3-May 3 at Ft. Morgan and Dauphin I., AL remainedto Apr. 1 (ph.) and a male Rufouswas seenuntil (RAD, ph. GDJ,m.ob., p.a.A.B.R.C.). Mar. 22 (AS, GS). A male Black-chinnedHummingbird Goodnumbers of inland CaspianTerns were noted,with presentFeb. 15-May 2 in East Baton Rouge(MLD, RBD) 20 tying the maximumfor inland AlabamaApr. 9 in Lime- set a new late date for Louisiana. Black-chinneds are rare stone (GDJ), and 16 counted May 12 at C.F.H. (MM). but regularin Alabama,and the Sargentsbanded a female UnusualCom. Tern reports included seven as early as Mar. at Ft. Morgan Apr. 18. 18 in Cameron,LA (CAM et al.) and threeMay 26 at C.F.H. (MM). A Forster'sTern Apr. 1 in Carroll,AR (MM, FR) was WOODPECKERS TO CROWS -- A few late Yellow- early.A LeastTern at Starkville,MS, May 27 (TLS) pro- bellied Sapsuckerswere noted in Louisianaand Arkansas vided a first local springrecord. At least25 imm. Bridled in early May. The only Olive-sidedFlycatcher reported Terns (three *) and three SootyTerns were locatedabout was May 24 in Putnam, TN (SJS);usually small numbers 17 mi southof SouthPass, LA, May 28 (DPM, RDP,DLD, are seenthroughout the Regionin May. The rare Yellow- SWC).Bridleds appear to be regularin the warmermonths bellied Flycatcherwas seenand heardMay 19-20 at Mill- in the n. Gulf, and Sooty Terns often nest in small num- woodL., AR (CM), for a 2nd arearecord. Least Flycatchers berson islandsoff s.e.Louisiana. A BlackTern spottedin (both *) Apr. 28 and May 20 in Cameron,LA (SWC,DLD) Cameron, LA, Mar. 18-19 (CAM eta/.), could have been a were rare for the season,and the May bird establisheda rare wintering bird or an early migrant. The 108 Black new late datefor the state.Another late flycatcherwas the Ternsat C.F.H. May 12 (MM) representeda large number E. PhoebeApr. 6 in Baton Rouge (SWC, DLD). A Great for Arkansas. The rarest larid of the season was the CrestedFlycatcher Mar. 10 at Ft. Morgan,AL (PB et al.) exhaustedBrown Noddy that landedMay 9 in a smallboat was quite early. WesternKingbirds are much more difficult to locatein springthan in fall, even on the coast.One bird wasnoted in Cameron,LA, Apr. 27 (DLD,TAP, SWC). The individual May 5 in St. Clair (RRR,ER), represented the 3rd sightingin the MountainRegion of Alabama.Gray Kingbird is rare in Louisiana,and this springone was in BernardMay 5 (DS, FG, GO). The last of the unusualfly- catcherreports was of a very early Scissor-tailedMar. 18 in Garland, AR (PL). Swallowsseemed to buckthe trendthis spring by arriving earlier than usual in severalareas. Thirteen Purple Martins Feb. 18 at Grenada Lake, MS (GK, SK), furnished a new early date for the area.A new early recordwas also set in n.w. Arkansasby the appearanceof a Tree Swallow in WashingtonMar. 3 (MM). A significantmovement of Bank Swallows was witnessedMay 5 in Cameron,LA, with over 500 birds passing along the coast in a short period (KVR, TAP). The estimated 2500 Cliff Swallows May 11 on the White R. in Arkansas (DMo) must have been a tremendoussight. There are six acceptedrecords for Cave Swallow in Alabama,all occurringin April on This Brown Noddy landed on a small boat north of Dauphin the coast.The 7th recordwas of a singlebird Apr. 21 on Island, Alabama, on May 9, 1990, and was later released.Fourth Dauphin I. (WCH, EBa, MLG, GSc et al.); another individ- staterecord. Photograph/Ralph W. Havard. ual was notedMay 9 on DauphinI. (RWH,MVH) providing the 8th staterecord (both p.a.A.B.R.C.). The firstBarn with Havardand Van Hoosejust northof DauphinI. (ph. Swallowsighting from Alabama this springwas of a very RWH)! The bird was releasedon the islandand departed early bird March 10 in Montgomery (JH). Fish Crows within a few hours. This was only the 4th record for appeared to be expanding further into the Mountain Alabama,and the firstfor spring(p.a.A.B.R.C.); all previ- Regionof Alabama,with multiple reportsin earlyspring ous recordshave followed tropical storms,though the as far north as Etowah (JH, TAI, m.ob.). weatherin the Gulf that day was rough. White-winged Doves wintering at Golden Meadow, NUTHATCHES TO VIREOS--Red-breasted Nut- Lafourche,LA, remainedto at leastApr. I (DPM, MMy); hatchesremained later than in mostyears at severalspots 57 seenthere Mar. 11 provideda new s.e.Louisiana maxi- in Louisiana,and one noted in s.w. Hempstead,A_R, May mum (MMy, RDP). Severalcalling birds were seenin late 21 (WMS) was quite late. Unfortunately, few Bewick's April in the town of Cameron,LA, andjust eastof town an Wrensare now noted in the easternpart of our Region,so adult and a juvenilewere discoveredMay 20 (SWC)for one Apr. 28 in Colbert,AL (PDK, WJR,AW) was a good oneof the few Louisiananesting records. Farther east they find. HouseWrens nested successfully in Alabamafor the arerare but regularin spring,and onewas observedApr. 4th time this springin Jefferson,and youngwere banded 21 at Ft. Morgan, AL (GDJ, DGJ, m.ob.). A Black-billed May 19 (RRS, MBS). A late Sedge Wren was found in Cuckooin MontgomeryMay 28-30 (EMW) set a new late Cameron,LA, May 6 (SWC, DLD, CAM). Thrushesseemed record for Alabama's inland Coastal Plain. Yellow-billed scarcein n.w. Florida this spring(PAD). An early move- Cuckoosstaged a latemovement in May;they were "abun- ment of many Veeries and several SwainsoWsThrushes dant" at Ft. Pickens,FL, May 9 (RAD),and 80 were seen was detectedby earon the nightof Apr. 10 in BatonRouge

442 AmericanBirds, Fall 1990 (KVR, JS, RB). A Veery in WashingtonMay 12 (MM) was WOOD WARBLERS -- The 25 Blue-winged Warblers unusual for n.w. Arkansas.Two Gray-cheekedThrushes in Cameron,LA, Apr. 11 (AWK, JS) representeda large and a Swainsoh's Thrush were very late May 28 in number for our area. Five Golden-winged Warblers, un- Cameron, LA (AS, GS), and another late Gray-cheeked usual in n.w. Arkansas,were recordedMay 3-11 in Wash- was seen in Putnam, TN, May 27 (SJS).The 350 Wood ington (MM). A Blue-winged X Golden-winged hybrid Thrushes encounteredon Grand Isle, LA, Apr. 16 (JH) (which was close to a Blue-winged in appearance)was were notable.American Robinsare rare alongthe coastin spottedat Ft. Morgan,AL, Apr. 19 (PB, GF, JH). Nashville the breedingseason, and late reportsincluded singlebirds Warblersare rare in springin n.w. Florida; one was located May 20 in Lafourche,LA (DPM), May 22 in Santa Rosa,FL at Ft. PiekensApr. 30 (E & HB, TB). The Chestnut-sided (RAD), and May 28 in Cameron,LA (GS, AS). Warblerin Cameron,LA, May 28 (AS, GS) was very late. The Am. Pipit spottedin WashingtonMay I (MM) was A rare male "Audubon's"Yellow-rumped Warbler was the latest ever for n.w. Arkansas.Cedar Waxwing reports seen at Dauphin I., AL, Apr. 6 (JH, HP, JM). Townsend's included over 30 on the late date of May 20 in the vicinity Warbler is accidentalin our Region;the report of a male of Grand Isle, LA (DPM), and the first nesting of the Apr. 28 in Cameron,LA (MJM, JiS)was outstanding,one of speciesin w. Tennesseerecorded in ObionMay 28 (CPN, the few recordsfor the state(p.a.L.B.R.C.). Three Blackbur- TDP, GM). I had a late report of a Bell's Vireo Dec. 17 in njan Warblers observed Mar. 17 at Ft. Piekens (FW, m.ob.) Orleans,LA (RDP),in the samespot where one (likely the provided a new early date for n.w. Florida. The earliest same) wintered 2 years ago. There are fewer than 5 winter known sightingof a Prairie Warbler in s.e. Louisiana oc- recordsfor s.e. Louisiana. Bell's Vireos are extremely rare curred Mar. 18 in Plaquemines(RDP). A new early record inland in Alabama, and the singingbird in w. Jefferson for Alabamawas establishedApr. 15 when a Bay-breasted May 5 (TAI, WG, JG)was only the 4th in springaway from Warblerwas spottedat Ft. Morgan (PB). This speciesis the coast.A SolitaryVireo spottedin WashingtonMay 22 much harder to find in n.w. Arkansas, and one bird was (MM) was the latest ever noted in n.w. Arkansas. Early observedin CarrollMay 13 (MM). CeruleanWarblers ap- May heralded a significant movement of Philadelphia pearedin excellentnumbers in earlyApril. "Several"were Vireos in western areas, with May 5-6 yielding an amaz- notedApr. 7 at Ft. Morgan,AL (PB),and up to 11 were seen ing 55 birds (40 on May 6) in Cameron,LA (SWC, DLD, in a singleday duringthe 2nd week of April in n.w. Florida CAM). Another notable vireo transit was in late May; a (fide OEF). On Grand Isle, LA, eight Ceruleans were total of 119 Red-eyedswas seen in Putnam, TN, May 19 counted Apr. 16 (JH). The ProthonotaryWarbler sighted (SJS),and 43 were observedin Cameron,LA, May 19-20 Mar. 17 in Lee OH) set a new early date for the inland (SWC, DLD). Black-whiskered Vireos are expected in CoastalPlain of Alabama.Two Worm-eatingWarblers Mar. small numberseach spring along our coast,usually in late 17 at Ft. Piekens,FL, establisheda new early date for the April and early May. This seasonin Louisiana,there were area.In Cameron,LA, a high of 45 Worm-eatingswas noted singlebirds in CameronApr. 28 and May 5 (bothTAP) and Apr. 11 (AWK, JS). The N. Waterthrush Feb. 24 in St. at Grand Isle May 14 (GS, AS). One was at Ft. Piekens,FL, Chades,LA (RDP)was likely a rare winteringbird. Apr. 29 (OEF),but surprisinglyI know of nonethis spring Mourning Warblersare rare in spring,especially in the from the Alabama coast. e. part of the Region.This seemedto be a goodyear for the species,with six birds reported. Single males were in Cameron,LA, Apr. 28 (TAP,SWC, DLD et al.) and May 12 (CAM, CLC), another male was seen in Grant, AR, May 12 This was the "Yearof the CapeMay Warbler"along (H & MP), and a singingmale was at Vicksburg,MS, May the coast,with more birds seenthan in any previous 13 (JTB). Farther east, another bird was in Colbert, AL, season.This likely resultedfrom the preponderanceof May 17 & 23 (WJR);a singingMourning Warblerwas pre- E and SE winds in the Gulf in April and May, causing sent May 26-30 in e. Jefferson(PF, HHK, RRR), establish- an alterationin the courseof birds normally destined ing a new late date for Alabama.An exceptionalfind was for peninsularFlorida and the EastCoast. Observers in Alabamaand n.w. Florida usuallysee small numbersof the calling male MacGillivray's Warbler in Cameron,LA, Cape Mays each spring; the frequencyof sightings May 5 (DLD et al.). This representeda 7th stateand 3rd dropsrapidly as oneheads west, and the speciesis rare spring record for this western vagrant (p.o.L.B.R.C.). in s.w.Louisiana. The first CapeMay reportedthis year Hooded Warblers were numerous in Cameron, LA, Apr. wason the earlydate of Mar. 25 at Ft. M•.•, AL (PB, 11, when 65 were counted(AWK, JS).I had 3 reportsof JL,PG). The peakcount in Alabamawas of 35 birdsat single Wilson's WarblersApr. 19-27 from the Alabama Ft, MorganApr. 21.(GDJ,DGJ et al.}, a new statemaxi- (PB)and Louisiana(TAP) coasts;this speciesis oftendiffi- mum. In Louisiana,the'species was first recordedApr. cult to find in spring.Late CanadaWarblers were at Gulf 23 with two birds in Cameron (SWC, DLD). At least I6 Breeze,FL, May 14 (DB, JWB) and in Cameron,LA, May werereported in thatstate this year, with a highcount 20 (SWC, DLD). The find of the season,if not the year,was of five in Cameron Apr. 27 {SWC, TAP}. Very late the Red-facedWarbler at EastJetty Woods, Cameron,LA, Louisianarecords on May 20 includedtwo in Cameron Apr. 27-30. This incrediblefirst Regionalrecord was dis- {SWC}and one at GrandIsle {DPM),the latter reporta coveredby Wallace and SorrelIs,and was subsequently late date for the s.e. portion of the state.A singleCape seen by over 200 birders, many of whom were attending May Warblerwas spotted in Putnam,TN, aslate as May the L.O.S. springmeeting (ph. DPn). 23 ISIS). Closelyrelated to the invasionof Cape Mays was a TANAGERS TO FINCHES -- The male Scarlet Tan- much smaller influx of Black-threated Blue Warblers, agerMay 20 at GrandIsle (GC,DPM, RDP) provideda new an Atlantic coastmigrant that is even less commonin our•'Region.Four were noted at Ft. Morgan,AL, Apr. late record for s.e. Louisiana. An early arrival record for 19-22 (RRS, MBS, PB, JI•, DSo}, and six'were in Rose-breasted Grosbeak for the Mountain Region of Cameron,LA, from Apr. 28 to the Iat• date of May 20 Alabama was set by a bird in e. JeffersonMar. 29 (RRS, {SWG,DLD, CAM, TAP}. Another late Black-throated MBS). A male Black-headed Grosbeak, very rare in Blue was at Ft. Piekens,FL, May 11 {DB,JWB}. Arkansas,was discoveredin IndependenceMay 13 (MB). A Dickcisselat a feederin MontgomeryMar. 4-Apr. 19

Volume 44, Number 3 443 (LG, AM) was likely a winteringbird. There hasbeen only at the periphery of its ever-expandingrange included six one previouswintering recordfor the inland CoastalPlain in Chicot,Craighead, and Little River, AR, Mar. 2-Apr. 11 of Alabama. A Rufous-crownedSparrow was seenMay 19 (CM, WMS, DRS), one in Chicot, AR, May 14-23 (DRS), on Pinnacle Mt., AR (RL), away from known sites on Mag- and one to three in Pensacola,FL, as late asMay 23 (RAD). azine Mt. and Mt. Nebo. The VesperSparrow Apr. 28 in Late Pine Siskinsincluded onebanded May 27 in Putnam, Cameron,LA (TAP, DLD, SWC) was very late. Lark Spar- TN (SJS),and three birds May 28 in e. Jefferson(RRS, rows are rare in springin the e. portion of the Region,so MBS) that established a new late date for Alabama. The the one to two birds noted Apr. 21 & 28 at Ft. Morgan, AL over 2000 Am. Goldfinches at Bull Shoals S.P., Baxter, AR, (PB, OEF) were noteworthy.Another unusual report was Apr. 13 (DMo) must have been an impressivesight. of one in East Baton Rouge,LA, Apr. 8 (DP). Bobolinks were noted in good numbers in Louisiana CORRIGENDUM -- In the Autumn 1989 report (AB and Arkansasin May. Yellow-headedBlackbirds are rare 44:105) the number of Black-necked Stilts listed in Mobile, transientsin Louisiana, and I received a report of a male AL, Aug. 20 shouldbe 1110 (not 110), settinga new state Apr. 29 at JohnsonsBayou, Cameron (DPM). The species maximum. is easier to find in w. Arkansas,and in Clark up to 35 maleswere recordedApr. 17-23 (BL et o13. CITED OBSERVERS(Subregional editors in boldface) -- BonnieArdoin, GussieAmett, Dick Ballman,Jayne W. Ball- S.A. man, Evelyn & Howard Barbig,Tom Barbig,Philip Barbour (PBa),Edward Barnsley (EBa), John T. Battalio,Larry & Polly Bennett,Paul Blevins,Marcus Board, E. Boykin,Christopher G. Brantley, R. Brumfield, Carolyn H. Bullock, Steven W. Cardiff (Louisiana), Cerise L. Cauthron, Gay Craft, Lynn Christie, Miriam L. Davey,Rex B. Davey,Donna L. Dirtmann (Louisiana), Robert A. Duncan (n.w. Florida), Bill Evans, Owen E. Fang,Chuck Feerick, Gene Fleming, Robert P. Ford, Ann Forster,Dan Forster,Jenny Fort, Paul Franklin, JohnT. Fulton, MargaretL. Gallagher,Larry Gatdella, Murray Gardler, Peggy Gibbs, James Gilliland, William Gilliland, Frank Groves,Ralph W. Havard,Nona & J.C.Herbert, Lisa Hlass, Jim Holmes, D. Hunter, William C. Hunter, Thomas A. Imhof, DebraG. Jackson,Greg D. Jackson(Alabama), Jerome A. Jack- Male ShinyCowbird at Fort Morgan,Alabama, May 4,1990. son (Mississippi),Curtis L. Kingsbery(n.w. Florida), Helen H. Part of a small invasion, providing a first record for Kittinger,Donna E. Kittle, Paul D. Kitfie, JoeP. Kleiman,Gene Alabama.Photograph/Greg W. Lasley. Knight, ShannonKnight, Andy W. Kratter,Robert Lashley, BeckyLester, Jo L. Levy,Paula Lisowsky,Jan Lloyd, Louisiana Ornithological Society, Jeff Madden, Curtis A. Marantz, THEY'RE BAAACK! And this time in numbers. The Wendy Margolis, George McKinney, Andrea Menyhert, three Shiny Cowbirds that visited our Region last ColerieMenyhert (CMe), Al D. Miller, Ann L. Miller, Dottie springwere just a tease.This seasonwe were invaded, Miller (DOM), Dwight Miller, CharlesMills, Bill Milmore, with the brunt of the assault in Alabama. The same E Mike Mlodinow, George & Gene Monheit, Duane Moren and SE winds that resultedin the influx of CapeMay (DMo), Michael J. Musumeche,David P. Muth, Mac Myers Warblerslikely assisted the passage of thecowbirds. Up (MMy), Ann Neville, Charles P. Nicholson, Glenn Ousset, to 45 birdswere reported in the Region,with all but two Helen & Max Parker (Arkansas), Ted A. Parker, David Pash- noted on the Alabama coast. All of this began rather ley, Dave Patton (DPn), Lance Peacock,James Pfeiffer, Drew innocentlywith a male at a feederApr. 25 in Bon Sec- Phillips (DPh), G. Ned Piper, T. David Pitts, Hugh Powell, our N.W.R. (JTF),providing Alabama's first record(p.a. RobertD. Purrington,Elouise Rafferty, Robert R. Reid, Frank A.B.R.C.).The followingday at nearbyFt. Morganat Reuter,William J.Rogers, K.V. Rosenberg, Lawrence P. Rozas, leastthree birds were discovered(PB, GF, m.ob.,ph.). Martha B. Sargent,Robert R. Sargent,Terence L. Schiefer, This numberhad increasedto sevenby Apr. 27, and GeorgannSchmalz (GSc), William M. Shepherd,Damien J. many of theseremained at the fort until May 12 (RAD). Simbeck,Don R. Simons,A1 Smalley,Gwen Smalley,Curt A male was notedat Gulf Shores20 mi to the eastApr. SorrelIs,Dana Southard (DSo), David Spears, Stephen J. Sted- 26 (JTF).and a few miles north of Gulf Shoresfour were man, JohnSterling, Jim Steward (JiS), M.M. Swan,Eleanor & seenMay 3 (PB,GF). Dauphin I., AL, recordedits first James Talley, TennesseeOrnithological Society, Judith L. Shiny CowbirdApr. 30 (JH),and this numberincreased Toups (coastalMississippi), Mark Van Hoose,David E Vogt to an amazing28 birds May 11 (RWH). Severalof the (middle Tennessee), Martha G. Waldron (w. Tennessee), DauphinI. birds lingeredto at leastmid-June [RWH). Phillip Wallace, Donald M. Ware, Anthony Watkins, Fred Outside Alabama, n.w. Florida's 2nd record was of a Wicke, Michael R. Widner, Erika M. Wilson, Jeff R. Wilson, male May 9 at Ft. Pickens [RAD), and the 3rd for Tony Ziccardi. -- GREG D. JACKSON,2220 Baneberry Dr., Louisianawas established (p.a.L.B.R.C.) by a maleMay Birmingham,AL 35244. 14 at GrandIsle (AS, GS). It is possiblethat someof these birds are still presentat this writing (a scary thought),but evenif all havedeparted, I doubtwe have seen the last of the "Puerto Rican Pestilence," A BronzedCowbird, 0nly notedonce previously in Alabama, was describedwell from Ft. MorganApr. 22 (JH, p.a.A.B.R.C.). A new early record for OrchardOriole for the w. Panhandle of Florida was provided by a bird at Ft. Pickens Mar. 21 (DB, ]-WB).The male Scott'sOriole present at a feeder in St. Landry, LA, since Januarydeparted Mar. 2 (BA, fide SWC, p.a.L.B.R.C.).House Finch reports

444 American Birds, Fall 1990 h

HudsonBay WoodBuffalo Nat. Park rnCity C•. Athabasca•r• PRAIRIE R.McMurray. / • Churchill• PROVINCES -GrandePrairie / p.. ALBERTA/%• . xr ßThompson REGION '•. / LaRonge MANITOBA :'kJ• perNat' Park /SASKATCHEWAN Rudolf E Koes and :• EdmontoneeBeaverhillL' Peter Taylor '•-•BanffNatParkSaskatoon ß 1• eCalgary

SwiltCu•ent Lethebridge ß Regatta Oak :'"'""cyo• .•/•Old •Wives L .We•um Br•ndo• Winnipeg

emperatureswere 7-15øFhigher than averageover One Trumpeter Swan appearedat Tregarva,SK, Apr. 5 most of the Region in March, but weather patterns (FB) and two at ReginaApr. 8 (CB, MB, RKr, RTe). A flock varied from west to east in April and May. In southern of 200 GreaterWhite-fronted Geese at O.H.M. May 3 (GH) Alberta, April and the first half of May were mainly warm, was exceptionallylarge so far east.Snow Geese,however, interspersedwith several snowfalls, and late May was were lessabundant than usual at O.H.M., the main migra- very wet. In southern Manitoba, cool conditions and tion apparentlybeing displaced west. northerly winds predominated,with only a few warm Preliminarywaterfowl countsshowed the highestover- daysbefore late May. These included a brief record-break- all numbersof dabblersin the last 5 years. Green-winged ing hot spell, April 22-23. Then snowstormson April 28 Teal in Manitoba and Saskatchewanshowed the strongest were followed by two daysof near-recordlows! Precipita- increases.Diving duck numbersremained low in Mani- tion for the period was above normal acrossmost of the toba and Saskatchewan,especially for Ruddy Duck. In Region. Alberta, however, this speciesincreased along with Red- The timing of migrationwas one to two weeks late overhead and Canvasbackin responseto improvingwater lev- all in the east, and close to normal in the west. Observed els (fide BJ,C.W.S.). migration, especially of songbirdsand shorebirds,was Saskatchewan'sfirst Garganey visited the Qu'Appelle very sparsein Manitoba,with flycatchersand warblersin Valley northeastof Craven,May 11-13 (SD, TH, FB, m.ob., particular being scarceand late. Increasedprecipitation, photo). Another Garganey, Alberta's fourth, remained however,resulted in encouragingnumbers of mostwater- fowl acrossthe prairies.

ABBREVIATIONS -- C.W.S. = Canadian Wildlife Ser- vice; O.H.M. = Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Manage- ment Area, MB; P.P. = Provincial Park.

HERONS TO WATERFOWL -- American Bittern numbersseemed fairly high in s.e.Manitoba in May (RKo, PT, RTk). The only southernherons reported were four GreatEgrets in Manitoba,the mostnortherly one at Riding BJ Mountain N.P., May 6 (JG,LK). White-faced Ibises,however, appeared in all 3 provinces. At Pakowki L., AB, where the speciesis now almostannual, up to three were seen Apr. 26-May 6 (OD, RK1).More unusual was one at Big Hill SpringsP.P., 30 mi n.w. of Calgary,May 12-14 (J& EM, m.ob.). At Regina, one on May 21 and two May 30 constituted about the 12th Saskatchewan record (KB, TH, PI, m.ob.).A very obligingbird at O.H.M., May 2-6 (BM, m.ob., photo),provided Manitoba's first positiverecord of Male Garganeynear Taber,Alberta, May 15, 1990. Fourth provin- White-faced Ibis, although five previous undetermined cial record.Photograph/Lloyd Bennett. Plegadisibises were all mostlikely of this species.

Volume 44, Number 3 445 near Taber May 6-28 (LB, m.ob., photo). CinnamonTeal sonably well described (JR, VR) A bird identified as a showsigns of rangeexpansion in Alberta,w•th threepa•rs 2nd-year Iceland Gull was photographednear Warren, and a lone drake at scattered locations on Beaverhill L., MB, May 6 (DF et al.). Highlightsat Calgarywere an adult May 12-26 (JTh),and a pair at L. WinagamiMay 17 (JS, Iceland Gull Apr. 16 (WS), a Glaucous-wingedGull first MSt). A hybrid CinnamonX Blue-wingedteal visitedBre- seenApr. 3 (MW, m.ob.), and a seriesof abouthalf a dozen tona Pond near Edmonton Apr. 22 (JL).Eurasian Wigeon GlaucousGulls, including one adult, commencingMar 20 also featured in central Alberta, with up to three males (RW, m.ob.). Glaucous Gulls have occurred there in and two possiblefemales at BitternL. Apr. 13-29 (TT) and increasing numbers since the mid-1980s (fide RD) A a male at Beaverhill L. Apr. 28 (RK1). Sabine'sGull was at Cold Lake May 26 (RK1),and three White-winged Scoter numbers at Beaverhill L. were were at Tawayik L., Elk Island N.P., AB, May 29 (BC). An encouraging,with over 10 pairsMay 21-27 and 25 birds, Arctic Tern at St. Ambroise May 22 (MSi) fit the recent mainly single males, May 22 (JTh). Migration of this patternof rare but regularoccurrence in s. Manitoba;more speciesat Natalie L., MB, peakedwith a local record of unusual was one compared with Common and Forster's 27+ birds,May 18 (PT). terns at BrightwaterReservoir w. of Hanley, SK, on the suspiciouslyearly date of Apr. 25 (JW). VULTURES TO SHOREBIRDS -- Two Turkey A Barred Owl near Reston, MB, Mar. 31 was south of the Vultures were seen at Medicine Hat, AB, May 17 (DB). normal range (D & IB, FM). Long-eared Owl reports Hawk countsin the PembinaR. valley at Windygates,MB, included nests at Good Spirit Lake, SK (B & JA) and were lower than those of last year, but still impressive. Medicine Hat, AB (MO). Short-earedOwls were generally Over 7000 birds, mainly Red-tailed Hawks, were seen in scarce.Increased Boreal and N. Saw-whet owl reports •n 16 days, Mar. 24-Apr. 22 (AS, DS). Peak diversity the foothillsnear Calgarymay have simply reflectedgood occurredApr. 18 with 662 raptorsof 15 species,including owlingweather in late winter (fide RD);these species were two Ospreys, 68 Sharp-shinned, 46 Cooper's and four unreportedand scarce,respectively, in s.e. Manitoba An Ferruginoushawks, four Golden Eagles,and two Pere- early Whip-poor-will kept some Pinawa, MB, residents grine Falcons(DS, BS). awake, April 21-22 (LJ). A Rufous Hummingbird at a A Red-shoulderedHawk at St. Adolphe Mar. 30 was Waterton,AB, feederbrightened a May 6 snowstorm(RK1) aboutthe 15th for Manitoba (GH, WN et al.). Of three Gyr- Lewis' Woodpeckersightings in Calgary,May 6 & 17, falcon reports in Manitoba, the most exciting was of a were northeast of this species' limited Alberta range dark-morphbird takinga Sharp-tailedGrouse at full speed (TK, HG). A Violet-green Swallow was reported in the near PinawaMar. 11. It gaveBob Nero and Herb Copland Qu'Appelle Valley n.e. of Craven, SK, May 11 (FB, JN). some consolationfor not catchingany Great Gray Owls Two lingering Corn. Ravenswere near SaskatoonMay 16 that day. (BG).Continuing to fill a prairie gapin the White-breasted One hundred thirty Sharp-tailed Grouse dancing Nuthatch'srange, one nestwas found and two morewere groundswithin 35 mi of Saskatoonrepresented a 60% suspectedat Weyburn, SK (NP). declineover 20 years;they averaged15 birds per lek Townsend'sSolitaires, rarer in spring than fall or w•n- The mostunusual Whooping Crane sightings were of two ter, appearedat Pense,SK, Apr. 17 (EF,fide FB) and Win- adults and an immature at Cold Lake, AB, Apr. 30-May 1 nipeg May 6 (BN et al.). The Catharusthrush migration (RK1),and an adult near Red Deer, AB, from May 15 to was generallypoor in Manitoba and Saskatchewan,but early June (Ray Beaubien, m.ob., fide RD). Also at Cold peaksof 58 Gray-cheekedMay 13 and 42 Swainson'sMay LakeMay 1 was an early Yellow Rail (RK1). 17 were reported at Weyburn (NP). Severalhundred Her- Early too was a Semipalmated Plover near Winnipeg mit Thrusheswere groundedin the Cold Lake area, Apr. Apr. 22 (SH). An exceptional1500 LesserGolden-Plover 29 (RK1).The late April cold snap also grounded many congregatedat SpruceGrove, west of Edmonton,May 15 thousands of Am. Robins, in flocks of 50-400 birds, across (JS). Pakowki L. is becominga regular spot for Black- s.e. Manitoba for about a week (KG, RKo, PT), and over neckedStilts as well as ibises;three were seenthere May 2 1000 were seenat Emma and Christopherlakes, SK, May 7 (RD). Will thesespecies remain after the droughtrecedes? (FR). A Varied Thrush, also infrequently reported m SevenAm. Avocetsat L. WinagamiMay 17 (JS)indicated spring,was at ReginaMay 12 (PI), and the overwintenng possible restoration of this species towards its historic male at Pinawa, MB, was last seen Apr. 29 (HH). rangelimit in c. Alberta. A flock of 150 Whimbrels at Keho L. near Lethbridge WAXWINGS TO FINCHES---At least 1885 Bohemian May 13 (TD) was the largestseen in s. Alberta in at least Waxwingsflew north to Saskatoonfrom a countryroost, 30 years (liD); three were at Irricana, AB, May 20 (JS)and Mar. 27 (BG).A LoggerheadShrike was near the northern three scatteredsingles appeared in Saskatchewan,May rangelimit at Muriel L., s. of Bonnyville,AB, May 26 6-27 (RKr,PC, NP, RB). At Muriel L., southof Bonnyville, (RK1).Rarely seen on migration was a Golden-winged AB, over 200 Ruddy Turnstonesand 1000 Sanderlings Warblerin Winnipeg, May 25 (RKo).Interesting warblers were recordedMay 26 (RK1). in Regina were a N. Parula May 24 (RKr), "Audubon's" Little Quill L., SK, took top shorebirdhonours again; a WarblersApr. 23 (FL) and May 24 (TH, RTe), and a P•ne peak census of 91,500 birds May 23 included 10,800 Warbler May 21 (RTe). A sluggish imm. male Summer Semipalmated, 15,300 White-rumped, and 12,600 Stilt Tanagerwas caughtand releasedat a Dauphin,MB, school sandpipers, plus 26,000 Red-necked Phalaropes (PC, May 15 (BW). A ScarletTanager, likely still migrating,was C W.S.). Single Western Sandpipers were reported at singingat RochePercee, SK, May 27 (DW). SingleW. Tan- Chaplin L., SK, May 13 (PC) and Beaverhill L. May 17 agerswere reportedin WinnipegMay 22 (Mr. & Mrs Joe (EML). An American Woodcockin a Regina front yard Hughes)and ReginaMay 23-26 (TH, m.ob.). Apr. 3-4 (TR, RKr, JTr) was the city's first and about the A Field Sparrow sangnear Seven SistersFalls May 20, 6th for Saskatchewan. but remainedfor only a few hours(PT); the last one found in that area stayed for three summers! Parts of GULLS TO THRUSHES -- A Mew Gull, seen with a Saskatchewanreceived an unprecedentedFox Sparrow flock of Ring-billedGulls at Giroux,MB, Apr. 18, wastea- invasion Apr. 29-May 3, following blizzard conditions

446 American Birds, Fall 1990 (the fifth reported) was photographedat a Regina feeder Apr. 23-24 (KB). Manitoba records this spring included two in Altona Apr. 18 (MK), three males at a Winnipeg feeder May 17 (BL, m.ob.), and at least three elsewherein Winnipeg May 21 (DC, GD, DH). Can the first nest be far behind? Four White-winged Crossbills in Medicine Hat May 27 were amongthe few recordedthis spring Region- wide (PH). Pine Siskinsstaged a strongmovement through Manitoba and Saskatchewan in May, with several observersnoting them in hundreds. CONTRIBUTORS (subregional compilers in boldface) --Bill & JoyceAnaka, M. Bailey, Dennis Baresco,Keith Barr, Ray Beaubien,Ray Belanger,Lloyd Bennett,Carol Bjorklund, David & Irma Braddell, Frank Brazier, Bob Carroll, Paul Chytyk, Diane Cox, S. Dechta, Gabriel Derochers, Ross Dickson, TeresaDolman. Olga Droppo, Dennis Fast. Elmer Fox, John Gartner, Ken Gardner, Bernie Gollop, Horst Female House Finch at Regina, Saskatchewan,April 23, 1990. Grothman, Henny Hamßl, David Hatch, Trevor Herriot. First fully documentedrecord for theprovince. Photograph/Keith GeorgeHolland, StewartHolohan, Phil Horch,Phyllis Ilsley, Barr. Brian Johns,Lawrence Johnson, Loretta Kampeas,Richard Klauke(RK1), Rudolf Koes (RKo), Terry Korolyk, Robert Kreba Many hundredswere estimatedin both Reginaand Saska- (RKr),Mary Krueger,Jim Lange,Betty Lavender,F. Lawrence, toon (TH, SS).At least150 were seenat Cold LakeApr. 29 Gerry Lunn,John & EvelynMacGillivray, Ed Mah-Lin (EML), Fletch Manning, Bill May, Wayne Neily, John Nelson, Bob (RK1), and there were also good numbers in Winnipeg, Nero, Mark ¸xamitny, Nick Postßy, Jim Reimer, Victor where such groundingsoccur more frequently. Reimer, Tom Riffßl, Frank Roy, A1 Schritt, Dorothy Schritt, Regina's 4th Golden-crowned Sparrow was reported Stan Shadick,Bob Shetrier,Martin Siepman (MSi), Wayne May 21 (FL). An unusually large flock of 200 McCown's Smith, John Stßeves,Marion Stßeves(MSt), Frank Switzer, Longspursappeared n.w. of ReginaMay 12 (FS). A mon- Peter Taylor, Raymond Tervo (RTe), JonathanThompson strous flock estimated at over 30,000 Snow Buntings (JTh), Terry Thormin, Russell Tkachuk (RTk), J. Triffo (JTr), swarmed at Beaverhill L. Apr. 13 (TT). Yellow-headed Bill Wallßy, Jim Wedgwood,Don Weidl, Merrill Werschler, Blackbird numbers appear to be booming in parts of Ray Werschler.-- RUDOLF F. KOES, 135 RossmereCres., southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba (NP, PT, RKo). Winnipeg, MB R2K OG1, and PETER TAYLOR, Box 597, Saskatchewan'sfirst fully documented House Finch Pinawa, MB ROE 1LO.

ß Shelby Medicine Lake NWR ß UpperSouris {•'[ ß Bowdoln NWR NWR • I•lyerNWR -•',• NORTH Grand Forks • DAKOTA FortPeck.•es• •'•C-•arrisonDam Great Falls Arrowwood NORTHERN MONTANA • NWRFargoß ' • ßLewistown Bismarck GREAT •_• TewaukonNW•R MilesCity Heettinger %. PLAINS 73 WaubayNWR ß Billings REGION L. Oahe Pierre ß:"?•¾ SOUTH David O. Lambeth Sioux Falls ;.i' ;..-':;.••:--';•.RavidCty DAKOTA -. Black Hills ß Lacreek NWR Yankto•

archwas considerably 'warmer than usual, and in less, open winter, there was widespread concern that a most areas,very dry. Comingon the heels of a snow- third consecutiveyear of drought was imminent. Severe

Volume 44, Number 3 447 dust storms occurred almost weekly •n central North Mar 25 (GBB),2100 Green-w•ngedTeal on the McCluskey Dakota, evoking comparisonswith the "dirty thirties." CanalApr. 11 (RWH); 220 Buffieheadat LongLake N W.R. Most of North Dakota and northeastern Montana received Mar. 26 (AMV); and 700 Corn. Mergansers on the little precipitationthrough the end of May and a huge per- McClusky Canal Apr. 11 (RWH). Other highs, all at Upper centageof the wetlandsthere remained dry. In contrast, Souris, included 450 Corn. Goldeneye Mar. 31; 80,000 South Dakota, eastern North Dakota, and much of Mon- LesserScaup April 13; and 6000 Gadwall and 4000 Am. tana were enjoyingnear or abovenormal precipitationby Wigeon April 28 (GBB, REM). Earliest ever records for early May. North Dakota included a Ross'Goose at Harvey Mar. 29 With the exception of the Red River Valley in eastern (RWH); Canvasbacks Mar. 20 at both Tewaukon (HH) and North Dakota, warm weather and thawing wetlands in Stewart Lake N.W.R. (DJB); a Lesser Scaup Mar. I at early March led to the appearanceof waterfowl on or near Tewaukon (SMM); and Blue-winged Teal at Long Lake record early dates.The extreme dry conditionsin central Mar. 13 (AMV). Severalthousand Ross' Geese including North Dakota caused ducks to concentrateon remaining two blue morphbirds passedthrough Freezeout Lake, MT, wetlands, and record high daily countsbelied the well- around Mar. 19 (MS). publicized decline in overall populations. Migration stalled in early April but resumedwith vigor around the RAPTORS TO CRANES -- The recoveryof three rap- 20th. May was generallycool and conditionsfor migration tor speciesof specialconcern appeared to continue.Seven were poor, particularly in mid-month. The result was Ospreysin the Minot area Apr. 28 (REM, GBB), and seven a strungout migration of passetines with many spe- at IcelandicState Park in early May (fide LFM), exceeded cies arriving and departinga week or more past the usual the previoushigh daily count of four in North Dakota.A dates. pair appeared to be in residenceon the Marias R. near Chester,MT, where they had not beenseen for years(HM) LOONS TO WATERFOWL -- The first Corn. Loons Peakcounts of Bald Eaglesat singlelocations where they were seen Apr. 7 at both Tewaukon Ref., ND, and Fort were drawn by winter fish kills were of 32 in Hamlin, SD, Peck, MT. The peak number of 24 occurred Apr. 23 on Mar. 27; 36 on Buffalo LodgeLake, ND, Apr. 8; and 58 at Lake Elwell near Chester,MT (HM). The highestcounts of Medicine Lake Ref., MT, Mar. 31. A nestbox was prowded grebesincluded 30 Pied-billedsat Upper Souris,ND, Apr. for a pair of Peregrines frequenting a bank building at 28 (REM), 409 Horneds at Grand Forks May 3 (EF), and Fargo. The female soon left, on May 22, while the one- approximately1000 Earedsat RattlesnakeLake, MT, May year-oldmale remained into early June (WC, MAB). The 2 (JP)and at Lake Elwell May 4 (HM). One or two Clark's origin of thesebirds is unknown althoughthe male was Grebeswere seen in Montana at RattlesnakeLake Apr. 25 banded. The Regional total of Peregrine sightings (JP),Bowdoin Ref. May 2 (KS), and FreezeoutMay 6 (MS). exceeded30, with most of theseoccurring in mid-May Two were seen with 37 Western Grebes at Grand Forks Other raptor records of interest included Turkey May 28 (EF). Vulturesin locationswhere rarely seenincluding one at A GreatEgret in Hamlin, SD,Apr. 11 wasearly (BKH).A Malta, MT, Apr. 28 (D & TP), and singlesnear Grand Forks Great Blue Heron at Fargo Mar. 21 (LLF) tied North Apr. 29 and May 4 (EF). Northern Goshawksat FargoMay Dakota's2nd earliest date, but one was already at Billings 23 (LLF) and GarrisonDam May 26 (DNS) both were later Mar. I (JP).A Snowy Egretwas at Tewaukon Ref., ND, May than the previous latest record. A Broad-winged Hawk 31 (KLN). A Green-backedHeron near Great Falls May 29 was seen over Bowdoin May 2 [KS), and another was in provided a rare record for Montana. Four White-faced the Westby,MT, areaMay 1-7 (TN). A major movementof Ibises in Brown, SD, Apr. 20 were also early. Some geese Red-tailedHawks occurredthrough the Red River Valley were very late in leaving South Dakota including 45 Mar. 29 when numbersexceeded 90 per half-hourat both GreaterWhite-fronteds in Day on May 13 (BKH), 14 Snows Fargo (GEN) and Grand Forks (EF). A Merlin was near m Lake May 28 (RB), and a Ross'in PenningtonApr. 20 Camp Crook, Harding, SD, May 31 (PFS). A Gyrfalcon (NRW). wintered in McLean, ND, for the 2nd consecutiveyear, Several very unusual recordsfor waterfowl occurred.A and was last seen Mar. 25 (GBB, REM). Bar-headedGoose, presumably an escapee,was with giant Two Greater Prairie-Chickens were seen Apr. 3 at CanadaGeese at Upper SourisMarch 24 (GBB).A Greater Arrowwood Refuge,ND (RB).A peak of 17,000 Am. Coots White-frontedGoose thought to belongto the Greenland at Upper SourisApr. 28 set a new high for springin North racewas seenwell n.e. of Binford,ND, Apr. 13 (EF).North Dakota. A Whooping Crane that summered in c. North Dakota'sfirst Garganey was photographedat close range Dakotalast year spent all of May in the samearea. Four- near BismarckMay 12. The photographer,Dave Angell, teen Whooping Cranes were seen near Whitewater, MT, had setup a blind in hopesof capturingthe ultimateWood Mar. 27 (Butch Mayer). Duck photo! A female duck, likely a Blue-winged Teal, accompanied the drake. Eurasian Wigeon arrived at SHOREBIRDS TO TERNS -- Betkeynoted that shore- Freezeout, MT, March 20 (MS), and single drakes were birds seemedto move throughvery quickly despite the seenat BentonLake N.W.R., MT, Apr. 12 & 17 (SM). Docu- many mudfiatsalong drying sloughsand lakes.However, mentation and photos were submitted for a male Tufted Piping Plovers and Black-neckedStilts were unlikely to Duck seen on Priest Butte Lake (near Freezeout Lake) nest in numbers at Nelson Res. and Bowdoin N.WR, April 17 (MS); the identification was corroboratedby a respectively,because of high water conditions.A P•plng British observerfamiliar with the species,and the record Plover nest with eggsMay 15 at Lake Ilo N.W.R., ND, was is a first for Montana.An OldsquawAt GarrisonDam Mar. unusually early. Two Whimbrels were noted at Lake Bow- 11 was the 2nd-earliestfor the state and a rarity for the doin, MT, May 14-18 (DP, KS), and one at Sand Lake springperiod (REM, GBB).A Surf Scoterin YanktonApril N.W.R. May 28 was South Dakota'slatest (FMM). Two 23 furnished only the 2nd spring observationin South Long-billed Curlews were found in Harding, SD, May 23 Dakota (WH). (PFS), and 12 were seenMay 22 at Corral Pond in Montana Highest ever spring counts for waterfowl in North (WR). Dakotaincluded: Forty thousandCanada Geese in McLean A count of 390 Ruddy Turnstonesin the Devils Lake

448 American B•rds, Fall 1990 areaMay 27 (REM) was the 2nd highestfor North Dakota. Two Red Knots were seen at Grand Forks May 17 (EF). The 2200 SemipalmatedSandpipers at Devils Lake May 27 (REM) set a new high for the state.While 2525 White- rumped Sandpipersat Devils Lake May 27 made a good number for North Dakota, the six at Westby May 21 (TN) were consideredunusual as there are fewer than 15 sight- ! ings for Montana.At least 1500 Stilt Sandpiperswere in the same area May 20 (TN). An American Woodcockwas found in an open garagein Deuel, SD, May 14 (GS).This specieswas also found in Day, SD, and in North Dakotaat Arrowwood and in Ransom. Documentation was received for a Red Phalarope in basic plumage seen May 26 in Perkins, SD (PFS). A LaughingGull first observedJan. 10 in Yankton, SD, overwinteredand was in breedingplumage when last seen Blue-grayGnatcatcher atFargo, North Dakota, •nMay 12, 1990. Apr. 28 (SVS).A total of 250 Bonaparte'sGulls was pre- Fifth staterecord. Photograph/Gordon Berkey. sentMay 26 at DevilsLake, a favoritestopover in fall. Cal- ifornia Gulls had arrived at Freezeout,MT, by Mar. 6 (MS), lows in North Dakota were found during that period. The Ft. Peck by Mar. 10, and Garrison Dam by Mar. 25. A first datefor N. Rough-winged,Bank, and Cliff swallowsin Thayer'sGull May 5 (GBB)and a 2rid-summerGlaucous e. North Dakota was April 24; Cliffs arrived in w. North Gull May 27 (DNS, PHS), both at GarrisonDam, set new Dakota on the 26th and at Bowdoin N.W.R., MT, on the 27th. late dates for North Dakota. Single Caspian Terns were Two Blue-grayGnhtcatchers al FargoMay 7-13 provided seen in Yankton May 22 (WH) and Lake May 28 (RB), and the 5th record for North Dakota (RHO, D & DW). numberspeaked at 27 at Fort Peck, MT, May 10 (CC). THRUSHES TO WARBLERS -- An Apr. 27 snow- DOVES TO GNATCATCHERS -- Mourning Doves storm caused 75% of the bluebirds to abandon nests on very rarely winter in North Dakota and one at FargoMar. the Waubay N.W.R. trail (fide DRS), and 29 dead Tree 2, if indeed a migrant. was the state'searliest ever. A more Swallows were found in nest boxes throughout the trail. typical arrival date for extreme e. North Dakota is during Mountain Bluebirdswere nestingin cavitiesin a rock face the last weekof March. Inexplicably(and in sharpcontrast near Redstone, MT (TN). Several South Dakota observers to waterfowl, which often arrive in the Red River Valley reported large numbers of Swainsoh's Thrushes May 2-3 weeks later than is the case for central North Dakota 10-11, and one veteran North Dakota observer (LLF) com- westwardthrough Montana), Mourning Doves,along with mented that he had never seen so many. A singing Wood severalother speciesincluding severalspecies of nesting Thnashwas in FargoMay 29-31 (MAB, RHO). There were sparrows,usually arrive much later at morewesterly loca- a number of sightingsof Am. Pipits in North Dakota and tions. This year's dates illustrate the point -- doves first Montana during late April, and 24 were seen May 11 at appearedin w. North Dakota on April 8 while the first Ldgan,ND (REM). dates at several Montana locations were April 11-19. A A N. Mockingbird was found in Deuel, SD, May 10 nest with eggsin Day, SD, Apr. 6 was the earliest ever (BKH), a pair was observedin Perkins, SD, May 25 (PFS), reportedfor that state (DRS). Two Barred Owls were seen and still another was in North Dakota at Hettinger May 31 carrying food at mid-day May 12 in the Mirror Pool area (D & CG). A SageThrasher was seen Apr. 27 and May 11 alongthe SheyenneRiver s.w. of Fargo(GBB, REM) where near Comanche,a ghosttown n.w. of Billings (WR). the specieshas been known to be presentfor a number of One exampleof why somethought this was a "strung- years, and one was observedin Fargo May 7 (LLF). Per- out" migrationwas provided by Yellow-rumpedWarbler, hapsa high populationof volesaccounted for many nest- which was first found at FargoApr. 9, a typical early date. ing Short-eared Owls at Freezeout (MS), and there were Yet this specieswas still aroundby the hundredsas late as also "many" Short-earedsin the area of Chester,MT, in May 19. South Dakota observersconsidered this the best comparisonto pastyears (HM). warblermigration in recentyears. Rarities seen included a A Whip-poor-willwas calling May 16 at HartfordBeach singingBlue-winged Warbler in BrookingsMay 17 (DR), S.P.,SD (DR, BKH), and in North Dakota in RansomMay 5 two Golden-wingeds in Minnehaha May 18 (AH), a (JC),in FargoMay 21 (D & DW), and in Grand Forks May Prairie Warbler (consideredaccidental) in Beadle May 5 23 (EF). The arrival of Chimney Swifts in FargoApr. 25 (D (RGR),a latestever Worm-eatingWarbler banded and pho- & DW) tied the previousearly date.White-throated Swifts tographedin Day May 27 (DRS), and a singingLouisiana were first noticed at Billings, MT, on Apr. 25 (WR). A Waterthrush in Minnehaha May 18 (AH). The second female Red-naped Sapsuckerwas present in the Little springand 5th overallrecord for Blue-wingedWarbler in Rocky Mountains of Montana May 28 (D & TP). An North Dakotawas furnishedby one at FargoMay 12 (RHO, observer (HM) commented that Hairy Woodpeckersare GEN). A Black-throatedBlue Warbler at BismarckMay 20 becominghard to find in the area of Chester,MT. At least (EMH, RNR) provided a rare spring record for the Region, six Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were in the cemetery at and a BlackburnJanat Audubon N.W.R. May 16 (DGP)was Grand Forks May 25 (DOL). A Say'sPhoebe arrived near unusual for w. North Dakota. A Yellow-breasted Chat was Petersburg,ND, Apr. 19, but was found dead after the sightedat Tewankon (KLN) May 24; there have been very snowfallof Apr. 28. A male Vermilion Flycatcherat Pick- few recordsin recent years for e. North Dakota. erel L. StateRec. Area May 12 provided the 3rd recordfor South Dakota (DRS). TANAGERS TO SISKINS- Eastof rangeW. Tanagers Strongwinds from the southApr. 18-22 probablyresulted were found in South Dakota in Minnehaha May 7 (AH) in the stronginflux of swallowsover the northernpart of the and Day May 13 (BKH), and in Marmath, ND, May 27 (D & Region.The first Purple Martins, and Tree and Barn swal- CG). A N. Cardinal was again in the Bismarckarea (RNR),

Volume 44, Number 3 449 and one appeared at a feeder in Crystal, ND, on Apr. 18 undoubtedlynest most years if not every year, and a nest only, a day with strongsoutherly winds (LFM). Le Conte's under construction in the Denhigh Experimental Forest Sparrowsat FargoApr. 22 (LLF) and Grand ForksApr. 23 Apr. 11 (DOL) apparently fledged young before May 19 (EF) were very early. Very few Fox Sparrowswere seen (REM). The last sightingsof the White-winged Crossbills this spring;migratory conditionswere poor at the time of that had irrupted into the easternDakotas were Apr. 21 at their usual occurrencein early April, and they most likely Grand Forks (SOL) and May 11 in Aberdeen (DAT). The overflew the Regionon the strongsoutherly winds of Apr. 2nd-latestrecord for Common Redpoll occurred at Fargo 18 & 19. Someobservers in e. SouthDakota were surprised May 12 (BK). Pine Siskins were present throughout the to find White-crowned Sparrowsoutnumbering the usu- period and many young were produced in Bismarck, ally more commonWhite-throateds by 3 to 1. Two Smith's where the first young appearedat a feederApr. 20 (RWH). Longspurswere in McHenry, ND, May 5, and a Chestnut- collaredLongspur had arrived at Upper SourisJoy Mar. 31 ADDENDUM--Two expertswho have examined pho- (REM, GBB). tos taken by Chuck Carlsonof a large-bodied,large-billed An adequately-describedd Bobolinkwas reportedon gull at Ft. Peck in March of 1985 have concludedthat it the incredibly early date of Mar. 29 in Emmons, ND was a Glaucous-wingedGull in first winter plumage.This (AMV), bestingthe previousearly dateby 16 days.A flock was the first record for this speciesin Montana. of 1400 Com. Gracklesin Minot May 2 was unusual both becauseof its size (in the springperiod) and the late date CITED OBSERVERS (area editors in boldface) -- MON- (GBB). Both subspeciesof N. Oriole were found near TANA: Chuck Carlson, Harriet Marble, Larry Malone, Zeona in Perkins,SD, and near Camp Crook in Harding in StephenMartin, Ted Nordhagen,Dwain & ThoraPrellwitz, J. late May (PFS). Phelps,William Roney,Karen Stutzman,Michael Schwitters. Up to 100 Gray-crowned Rosy Finches were using a -- NORTH DAKOTA: Don J. Bozovsky,Gordon B. Berkey, feedingstation in LewistownMar. 21-24, and the number Mary Alice Bergan,Rick Bohn, JohnChalley, Wick Corwin, of Cassin'sFinches there reached35 Apr. 10 (LM). The last Eve Freeberg,Larry L. Falk, Daveand CarolynGriffiths, Bet- Pine Grosbeaksseen in Fargoand Hope, ND, were on Mar. niceC. Houser,Harris Hoistad, Elaine M. Hill, RandyW. Hill, Bob Kloubec, Donald L. Kubischta, David O. Lambeth, 4-5 (RHO, DLK). Althoughthe GreatPlains may havebeen Sharon O. Lambeth, Laura F. Mitchell, Ron E. Martin, Sheldon a natural barrier keepingHouse Finches from spreadingto M. Myerchen,Gary E. Nielsen,Kristine L. Nelson,Robert H. the east, this appearsnot to be so for the easternpopula- O'Connor, David G. Potter, Robert N. Randall, Brian W. San- tion spreadingwestward. In South Dakota, they are being born, Danny N. Svingen,Peder H. Svingen,Rita A. Saterno, regularly found in Aberdeen, Brookings, Davison, and Anna M. Vos, Dennis & Diane Wiesenborn. -- SOUTH Yankton. In addition to Fargo,they were found in North DAKOTA: Robert Buckman,Augie Hoeget,Bruce K. Harris, Dakotain Grand Forks,Hope, Bismarck,and three-fourths Willis Hall, FloraMae Miller, DanReinking, Robert G. Rogers, of the way acrossthe state near New Town (RAS, BCH). Gary Stava,Dennis R. Skadsen,Paul E Springer,Steve Van An estimated1000+ Red Crossbillswere presentApr. 14 Sickle,Nathaniel R. Whitney.-- DAVID O. LAMBETH, in the PonderosaPines of Slope, ND (BWS), where they 20th Avenue S., Grand Forks, ND 58201.

Unfinishedbusiness: This gull photographedat Fort Peck, Montana, tn March 1985 has recentlybeen confirmedas a Glaucous- wingedGull infirst-winter plumage, thus establishing the first staterecord. Photograph/Charles Carlson.

450 American Birds, Fall 1990 SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION eChadron (Winter 1989 - 1990 Report) ß Valentine NWR NEBRASKA JosephA. Grzybowski ßCrescent Lake NWR NorthPlatte Is no news,good news? Not if youwant to writethis col- •o/e•r and Island umn, and not if you considerthat no news may mean • Lincoln fewer birds. But that may have been the story of this season.The extremecold temperaturesof Decemberengulfed K•nvin NWR ß the Region.This condition, along with a generalizedand stressingdrought that had only minor and local reprieves Manhattanß over the past few years, may have pushedbirds south or, s•. KANSAS .Topeka as Roschecomments, just killed them outright. ßCheyenne Bottoms Still, not all birds live in the Regionall year, and erup- tions or movement of some speciesinto or out of the Wichita v Regioncan still occur.And nature is more versatilethan • CimarronNat.Grassland to affectall birds the same.While individuals may perish, enoughcan still surviveto maintainthe populations. ßBlack Mesa GreatSaltPlainsß Waterfowl were left "homeless" by the December II' NWR (--•Tulsa freezes,which Chuck Sexton(of our neighboringRegion} _M tells made for some crowded conditions on Texas reser- Washita • OklahomaCity voirs to the south. These waterfowl may have found the NWR warmer Januaryand Februaryweather a useful excuseto ßWichita Mountains NWR leave what could have becometheir Texasghettos. A few eFodSill BrokenBow speciesof waterbirdswere reportedin exceptionallyhigh ß NWR numbers during February. However, most unusual, no scotßrswere reportedfor the period. What otherpatterns were thereto detect?Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere generallythought to be more abundant this year.The eruptionof Steller'sand Scrubjays noted for likely of Westerns,but observersare encouragedto make the fall provided sightingsinto the winter. The numbersof distinctionsbetween Western and Clark's grebeswhen Red-breasted Nuthatches faded in the north as the winter possible.Only a few Am. White Pelicanswere reported progressed.These nuthatchesmay have succumbedto the this winter, all in e. Oklahoma.Most cormorantsdepart combined effects of cold and drought, as their numbers Oklahomaduring February.A concentrationof 800+ Dou- did not pick up farther south. ble-crestedCormorants in Muskogee,OK, Feb. 14 was very Although Januaryand Februarywere mild acrossthe high (JN,JM). Region,fewer birds overall were reported,and some bird A GreatEgret lingered in Johnston,OK, Dec. 4 (WAC et species graced the plains in lower numbers or were al.). Six TrumpeterSwans were notedin Osage,OK, Feb. 5 absent. Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers were (MG, DV}; three wore neck collars. Ross' Geese were dis- exceptions,and were commonat somelocales, but Rough- coveredin Buffer, KS, Feb. 6 (DK, PJ},in Sequoyahand leggedHawks stagedonly a minor incursion.Snowy Owls Wagoner,OK, Dec. 28 to Feb. 10 0M et al.), and in Custer, were a "no-show", and Northern Shrikes were close to it. OK, Feb. 6 (TL). An undocumentedreport of a Barnacle Pine Siskins were generally widespreadbut present in Goose was received for Custer, OK. American Black Ducks unimpressivenumbers. Purple Finchesfailed to material- appearto be lessfrequently reported in recentyears. The ize any significantshowing in Oklahoma for yet another only report this seasoncame from Adair, OK, Jan. 21 and year. Lapland Longspurswere down, and Roschecould Feb. 18 (MM). Up to five N. Shovelerssurvived the Decem- not locateany Snow Buntingsor Red Crossbillsin north- ber chill to winter in Garden, NE (RCR, DJR). westernNebraska, where they are normally present.Few Eight Greater Scaup were photographed Feb. 10 in people commentedabout Cedar Waxwingsor American Bogßrs,OK (JA). It appearsthat this speciesis primarily a Robins;there were just somearound. migrant through the Region, and its migration patterns Yet out of it all, the little details, patterns,and excep- still need some attention.An Oldsquawwas noted Feb. tions still accumulate.Not manybirds appeared to linger 7-11 in Bryan, OK, for a first local record (JWe).A male (or survive!}north of their safewinter rangesmuch into Barrow'sGoldßheyß was found Feb. 25 in Keith, NE, the December. Some birds arrived early, or perhaps at the 6th consecutivewinter for this speciesat this location early end of their normalspring arrival dates. (RCR, DJR). Common Mergansersreturned in good num- bera at E1 Dorado State Res., Buffer, KS, where 5000 were LOONS TO DUCKS-- Almostunheard of even during observedFeb. 6 (PJ,DK). But notice--NO scotßrsto report, migration, 133 Common Loons were summed Feb. 17 by except,perhaps, some rumors for Seward,KS! two parties on Lake Tenkiller, Sequoyah,OK (JM, JN, MM}. An Aechmophorussp. grebewas noted Jan. 17 in RAPTORS TO WOODPECKERS -- Turkey Vultures Sequoyah, OK (JM, JN, ES}. Most of these records are were observedboth late (Dec. 16; JH) and early (Feb. 11;

Volume 44, Number 3 451 (DK), althoughfluctuations in their numbersmay be less readily detectable.

FLYCATCHERS TO WARBLERS- Normally-sunny Oklahoma was cold for a Say's Phoebethat was photographed on the ice in Tulsa Dec. 9-17 (PS, JCH et al.). But it was warm enoughfor E. Phoebesto return to Cleve- land, OK, by Feb. 11 (BM, MD), and for PurpleMartins in Canadian, OK, by Feb. 26. Part of the invasion,a single Steller'slay wintered at Sowbelly Canyon, Sioux, NE (m.ob.). Up to 24 were counted Dec. 30-]an. 7 at a feeder near Kenton, Cimarron, OK (MO, MG, DV et al.), and they also wintered in Mor- ton, KS (fideMT). Probingout onto the Plains,a Scrublay wintered in Woods,OK (LR, fide PN). Otherswere noted Harris' Hawk at Norman, Oklahoma,January 1, 1990. Second in Texas,OK (JW,GH, SM), Morton, KS (fide MT), and recordfor centralOklahoma. Photograph/Joseph A. Grzybowski. Boise City, Cimarron, OK (KS). A Black-cappedChickadee in Cimarron,OK, Jan.? pro- TL) in central Oklahoma. One apparently arrived by Jan. vided only the 2nd documentedrecord for this speciesfor 14 in Comanche, OK (WA). Northern Goshawks were Oklahoma (MG, DV et al.). For Red-hreasted Nuthatches reportedfrom Cimarron,OK, Jan. ? (imm.) & 8 (ad.;JW et the word was "WOW!!" last fall, but iust "wow" for the al.), and Holt, NE, Jan.27 (MBr)--not much of an invasion winter. Interestinglyenough, their numbersfaded during year. A Harris' Hawk was discovered Dec. 12 in Cleve- Decemberin e. Nebraska(BP, LP), and by lateJanuary in s. land, OK, and remainedthrough at leastMar. 12 (DP,JAG, Kansas(P]). In Oklahoma,they were presentthrough the TL et al.). This speciesis casualin the Regionaway from period. one countyalong the Red River in Oklahoma. Mountain Bluebirdswere noted north to Keith, NE, ]an. Someraptors appeared to be presentin goodnumbers in 27 (TB, RSi, RR), and east to Oklahoma ]an. 23-Feb. 11 s. Kansasand Oklahoma.Janzen and Kilby both reported (MO, JGN et al.). The Rosches considered Townsend's that N. Harriers were more numerous than usual. Red- Solitaires unusually common this winter in n.w. tailed Hawks also seemed more abundant in Kansas and Nebraska. One descended east to Boone, NE, and was Oklahoma. Red-shouldered Hawks were noted north to observedJan. 26 (WM). Sarpy, NE, Dec. 31 (GC), and west to Alfalfa, OK, Jan. 6 Of the three Varied Thrushesreported in the fall, the (GL et al.). Golden Eagleswere noted eastto Morrill, NE, Jan.27 (TB, RSi, RR), and Rogers,OK, Dec. 23 (RSt).Up to eight Merlins were reportedfrom the Wichita area (fide PJ),three from e. Nebraska(fide BP), and a handful from Oklahoma.A Prairie Falcon was noted in Mayes, e. Okla- homa, Dec. 2 (JHa et al.). Two Killdeer were able to make it throughDec. 31 on the N. Platte R. in Keith, NE, but were not seen after (RCR, DJR).American Woodcocks are increasingwestward in the Region in both winter and summer. One in Cowley,KS, Feb. 23 was the first for that locale(DK). A SpottedSand- piper Dec. 5 in Tulsa was tardy (JW, DW). Up to five GreaterYellowlegs wintered in Oklahoma(MO, JGNet al.). It was clearly not the Franklin's Gull winter of last year, but an adult was notedJan. 6 in Keith, NE (RCR,DJR). One Franklin's Feb. 18 in Rogers, OK, was likely an early migrant(DV). Somewhatsurprising was a concentrationof 600+ Bonaparte'sGulls at the Lake Eufaula dam, Mcin- tosh,OK, Jan.27 (JGNet al.). There,numbers are normally much reducedby that time. GlaucousGulls were noted in Cedar, NE, Dec. 2 (MBr) & 10 (BJR),Keith, NE, Feb. 25 (RCR, DJR), in Oklahoma from Dec. 16 to Feb. 10 (JGN, MO et al.), Cherokee, OK, Jan. 14 and Feb. 4 (MM), and Alfalfa, OK, Feb.28 (GL,LL). For the ?th consecutiveyear, This VariedThrush, photographed on November29, 1989, spent a Lesser Black-backed Gull appeared at Lake Hefner, the winter of 1989-1990at a feeder in Omaha,Nebraska. Photo- Oklahoma,this yearfrom Jan.5 throughFeb. 25 (JGN,MO graph/B.J. Rose. et al. ). Arriving early was a Forster'sTern observedFeb. 25 in one in Douglas, NE, wintered (MB et al.). The Brown Tulsa(JA). An Inca Dovedisplaced north wasobserved in Thrashers predicted to die in Douglas, NE, in the fall Wichita, KS, during December(fide PJ). report were last seenDec. 12 (RS). One was noted Dec. 18 During even the dullest winters, some birds are more in Washington,NE (AG). In Cimarron, far w. Oklahoma, abundant than usual. A good acorn crop boosted Red- however, a Brown Thrasher did survive the winter (KS). headedWoodpeckers numbers in e. Nebraska(BP, LP) this Only a few N. Shrikeswere reported,and those from winter. They appearedto be more abundantin s.w. Okla- Nebraska.Only rarely wintering, a Solitary Vireo was homa as well. Yellow-belliedSapsuckers were also more notedin McCurtain,OK, Jan.1 (WAC,MDu). Are thereany abundant than usual in e. Nebraska (BP,LP) and s. Kansas vagrantwarblers to report?Nope!

452 AmericanBirds, Fall 1990 TANAGERS TO FINCHES- A Pyrrhuloxia discov- CORRIGENDUM- The pale-winged gull from Nebraska ered in Morton, KS, this fall was reduced to feathers by pictured in last winter's report (AB 43:331), whose identity Dec. 28 {SP, MT). An imm. Rufous-sided Towhee was questioned between Thayer's and Iceland gulls, was remained until Dec. 2 in Dawes, NE {RCR, DJR), and one accepted by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union Records was noted in Douglas,NE, until Dec. 14 {EL). Two Chip- Committeeas an Iceland Gull (fide BJR). ping Sparrowswere observedin McCurtain,OK (BH, PH), where they may winter regularly.Normally departingby CITED OBSERVERS (area editors boldfaced) -- KANSAS: October 1st, a Lark Sparrow wintered in McClain, OK PeteJanzen, Dan Kilby, SebastianPatti, Max Thompson,Ger- ald Wiens. NEBRASKA:Mary Babcock,Tanya Bray, Mark Brogie{MBr}, GrahamChisholm, Alan Grenon,David Hugh- Snow Buntings did not appear in n.w. Nebraskathis son, Eunice Levisay,Wayne Mohlhoff, BabsPadelford, Loren winter, and Lapland Longspurs were generally scarce Padelford, Dorothy J. Rosche,Richard C. Rosche,B.J. Rose, there until late February(RCR, DJR). Longspurs also made RogerRose, Roger Sharpe, RossSilcock {RSi). OKLAHOMA: a poor showingin c. Oklahoma(JAG). Wendy Anderson,Jim Arterburn, Robin Brookins,William A. To continuethe litany of poor showings,the finch num- Carter,Mike Denker,Mike Duggan{MDu), Mike Gray, George bers were also unimpressive. Few Purple Finches Hansen, Jim Harman {JHa}, Berlin Heck, Pat Heck, Janet appearedagain in c. and e. Oklahoma although one was Higgs, JamesC. Hoffman, Tim Lamey, Glenda Leslie, Loyal noted in Comanche,in s.w. Oklahoma (JAM)where they Leslie,Jo Loyd, Janet McGee {JAM}, Louis McGee, Jeri McMa- are rare. RedCrossbills were absenteverywhere, and Pine hon, SteveMetz, Mike Mlodinow, Terry Moses, Brian Muzny, Siskin numberswere generallylow Regionwide.However, John G. Newell, Paul Nighswonger,Jimrole Norman, Mitchell Am. Goldfincheswere presentin normalto goodnumbers Oliphant, Darrell Pogue,Lester Rose, Kenneth Saunders,Pat in many parts of the Region.Sixteen Rosy Finches (Gray- Seibert, Richard Stuart {RSt). Elsie Stubbs, Don Vetset, Jeff crowned) were observed in Sioux, NE Jan. 27 {DH, BP, LP}. Webster {JWe},Jim Woodard, Don Woodfin. -- JOSEPH A. Their occurrence in w. Nebraska is erratic. House Finches GRZYBOWSKI, 1701 Lenox, Norman, OK 73069. still appear to be increasing in the Region. The two observedin Payne, OK, Jan.5 were the first reportedfrom that locality {GL}. Three in Otoe, NE {BP, LP, TB}, were possiblythe first reportedat that locality as well. Eight White-winged Crossbills{the rare crossbill)made an appearancein Madison,NE, Jan.15 {MBr). A numberof Common Redpolls were noted in Kansasand Nebraska. The southernmostin the Region included one Feb. 14-15 in Cowley, KS {DK, GW), and one Feb. 26 & 27 in Tulsa {TM et aL). A Lesser Goldfinch, rare in winter, visited a feeder in Comanche, OK, Jan. 8-Feb. 28 (JAM}.More than 50 EveningGrosbeaks were observedcoming to a feederin Cimarron, OK, Jan. 7 (Jw, GH).

CommonRedpoll tn Tulsa,Oklahoma, February 26, 1990. The statehas fewer than tenrecords. Photograph/Steve Metz.

Volume 44, Number 3 453 Nebraska.My impression of the overall pace was still dO•TI. If our reporting system can decipher downward changes,it is perhapsin the number of reportsof those eChadron uncommonspecies. Here, I would interpretthat the mod- • eValentineNWR est number of waterfowl and rail reports indicate that i •co.s•,•. NEBRASKA thesegroups may havebeen impacted by the drought.But ' "• eCrescentLakeNWR then, did we need any data to say that? m '-'•,•akeMcConaughy Some shorebirds did not appear as common. Baird's •• P,a.e ••.• •/• •rand Island Sandpipersmay have been off the mark a little. It seems - ,e• • ...Llnc•n like fewer observerscommented on some higher interest and visibility speciessuch as Buff-breastedSandpiper and HudsonianGodwit than before.However, herons may not K•rwin NWR ß havebeen unaffected, particularly in Oklahoma.But these Manhaltane are all impressions,not the result of systematicsearches. .ws.KANSAS .Topeka Are they artifacts of our reporting system? eCheyenneBottoms There were more rumblings on declining numbers of • •3,:• FlintHills. -M Orchard Orioles, this time from Lloyd Moore for eastern ichita Kansas.They have been gone from western and central eC'•arronNaLGr•slaod Oklahomafor someyears now. Also, the pictureappears to eBlack Mesa darken for Bell's Vireo, which may be on its way out in much of the Region. -- Gre•NS•Plainse •T•sa The annual springquestion: "How were the warblers?" This year the situation was mixed, but generally good. •K•HOMA•,,• Most observers east of the middle found a fair number of species.Most consideredit a goodwarbler season,but the eWich• •u•ans N• Padelfordsthought it was still a poor warbler year in easternNebraska (except for a few species),even on days Tishomm• • ß NWR Bmk••w when the frontscame through.Impressions. Do someof us have memoriesof better times?In westernportions of the Region, it is a good seasonif you can mention them in your report. This year they could be mentioned, but it turned cold at the end of the season in northwestern SOUTHERN GREAT Nebraska,and Roschehad no goodwarbler days. Moore thought that numbers of Ovenbirdsand Black- poll Warblerswere down. Scatteredacross the Region,the PLAINS REGION impressionwas good for the big-three Vermivoraspecies, and Yellow-rumped and Mourning warblers. Several JosephA. Grzybowski speciesof migrantvireos (Solitaryand Philadelphia)also made a good showing eastin the Region. ell, it was not a droughtseason, except perhaps in The incidence of tornadoeswas up this spring in the eastern Nebraska where the Padelfords could find no Region,and included a number of very powerful storms wet fields for shorebirds. Now comes the difficult, even with winds up to 250 miles per hour. One seriesof torna- humbling, speculation on what lasting effects of the does in central Nebraska March 13 had a documented cat- drought(if any) can be observedand decipheredfrom all astrophiceffect to birds, killing an estimated10,000 geese the other cause-effect patterns that can emerge. Often- (mostly Snows) over a 350 squaremile area. This was times, the patternsthat have the highestpotential to be the mostextensive kill documentedin Nebraskahistory. deciphered come from observations of the resident species.However, mostof thesespecies receive little com- ABBREVIATIONS-- CheyenneBottoms = CheyenneBot- ment in our reportingsystem. Also, speciescollapsing to tomsWildlife ManagementArea, BartonCo., KS; Fontenelle a few oaseswill appearto be doingwell there. Forest= FontenelleForest, Sarpy Co., NE; GreatSalt Plains= Populations migrating across the Region can also be GreatSalt PlainsNat'l Wildlife Ref.,Alfalfa Co., OK; Quivira = affected if they have to cross an exacting gap. In other Quivira Nat'l Wildlife Ref., StaffordCo., KS. reports, I commentedon Least Flycatchersand Upland Sandpipers.Well, for a poor showingin the fall, the Least LOONS TO WATERFOWL -- Two W. Grebes observed Flycatcherswere sure abundant this spring acrossOkla- in Pawnee,NE, Apr. 14 (JT,BP, LP) were at the very e. edge homa and Kansas.In addition, observersreported good of the Region. A Clark's Grebe was noted in Grant, NE, numbersof Yellow-belliedFlycatchers. So much for that. May 17 among six W. Grebes(RCR, DJR).Woodard esti- For Upland Sandpipers,my impressionwas that there mated6000 Am. White Pelicanswere presentat GreatSalt were still fewer flying over at night than I remember.On Plains Apr. 29. It has been severalyears since Olivaceous goodnights in pastyears, I might expectto hear a constant Cormorants have been recorded in e. Oklahoma. One Mar. processionof three to five per minute flying overhead. 27 was photographedbeside a Double-crestedbelow the This year that pacewas one or two per minute. Still, some Kerr Dam, Sequoyah, OK (BJR). A female Anhinga in populationsmay not have been affected,and one observer, Cherokee,KS, Apr. 29 was noted at the same locality at Loren Blake, wrote me last fall to indicate that numbers which one was observedduring May 1966 (LM, M]V[,SP). of breeding Upland Sandpipers were good in southern At least four Am. Bitterns were counted at Quivira on

454 American Birds, Fall 1990 May 20 (PJ). Several others were reported across the the Great Salt Plains May 6 (GL, LL), and Wagoner,OK, Region.Little Blue Heronswandered north to Sarpy, NE, May 20 (BJR)--fewerthan in the past few years,but still May 12 (BP, LP) and Phelps, NE, May 24 (RCR, DJR). betterthan 10 yearsago. Forty HudsonJanGodwits Apr. 14 White-facedIbises can be common in some western por- in Sarpy, NE (AG), was the high count for the season.A tions of the Region, but become more scarce east and pair of Marbled Godwitswas presentin a wet meadowin north. However, 48 in Linn, KS, Apr. 21 were unusual Morrill, NE, most of May, and may breed (RCR,DJR). Two {DB}.Singles in Wagoner,OK {TM}, Apr. 15, Tulsa Apr. 17 Dunlin Apr. 15-17 in Sarpy, NE (TB et aLL were some- (JW, ScD}, Sarpy, NE, Apr. 20 {ML}, Knox, NE, Apr. 20 what early. {MBr), Muskogee,OK, May 1 {LPo,JN), Dawes, NE, May 11 Reportsof Buff-breastedSandpipers seem to be declin- {RCR,DJR}, along with two Apr. 28 in Arthur, NE {RCR, ing. This season,10 were found in TulsaMay 12 (JL,PS) DJR},and four Apr. 22 in Phelps,NE, {BJR},provide a gen- for the only report. Four Short-billed Dowitchers were eral pictureof their fringedistribution in the Region. noted May 10 in Sarpy, NE (TB), and one was observed SevenTundra Swanswere spottedin Texas,OK, Mar. 5 May 12 in Linn, KS (MM). Five Long-billedDowitchers {DV, MG}. TrumpeterSwans, most likely originatingfrom arrived Mar. 10 in Oklahoma (JGN). the LaCreek N.W.R. in South Dakota, are increasing in LaughingGulls are making an interestingstory. They northcentral Nebraska. The Roschescounted up to 31 seem to be less of a surprise each year, and more are individuals at various localities. One in Cedar, NE {DS}, was eastof this group. Becomingmore worthwhile to report becauseof their potentially declining numbers,an Am. Black Duck was observedin Douglas, NE, Apr. 2 (BJR}.Cinnamon Teal continue to be reported during their April migrations through Tulsa {E & KH, JA} and e. Nebraska {DS, MBr}. WoodDucks have probablyestablished themselves across the Region.The male observedin Cimarron, OK, May 16 {GL, LL} added to several recent records for this westernmost county in Oklahoma. Among the less frequently observeddiving duckswere four GreaterScaup noted Apr. 15-17 in Sarpy,NE {BJR},an OldsquawApr. 24 in Pierce, NE (DS},and an ad. • Surf ScoterApr. 27-28 in Keith,NE (RCR,DJR}. A 9 Red-breastedMerganser at CheyenneBot- tomsMay 20 was quite late {m.ob.}.

RAPTORS TO CRANES -- A N. Goshawk was observedMar. 3 in Cimarron, OK (DV, JN). Dan Lashelle Adult Laughing Gull among Franklin's Gulls at Gavin's Point provided written documentationof a possiblead. Gray Dam, Nebraska,April 29, 1990. The larger bill of the Laughingis Hawk observedApr. 15 & 16 in Geary, KS. The status of apparenthere, backing up the identificationsuggested by the black this record will need to be consideredcarefully by the wingtips.Photograph/Mark A. Brogie. KansasOrnithological Society. C•rtainly an exciting find was an imm. gray-morphGyrfalcon discoveredMar. 8 at appearingin the spring.An adult was photographedApr. CheyenneBottoms (MS), and seen by many observersin 28-29 in Cedar, NE (MBr et al.). Another was noted in the following week. CherokeeMay 11 0-M, JH, ES), and up to five were noted A listing of recordsshows the narrow timing of Pere- below the Kerr Dam in Sequoyah,OK, May 20 (BJR)& 21 grine Falcon migration through the Region this season. (JN,JM). In addition, an ad. California Gull photographed They were noted Apr. 29 (JW et al.) and May 12 (JWe)at May 20 at the Kerr Dam (BJR)provided the first docu- the GreatSalt Plains, May I in Wichita, KS (DK), May 3 in mented spring record, and only the 4th documented Bryan, OK (JWe),May 6 in Tulsa(JK), at Quivira May 6 (2; record for Oklahoma. Three ad. California Gulls were also LM, MM, RF) and May 20 (2; PJ),at FontenelleForest May photographedin Dawes,NE, May 25 (SD), and a single 10 (BP), and May 13 in Linn, KS (LM, CH). However, few adult was discoveredin Keith, NE, May 18 (RCR,DJR). reportsof Merlin were received. Three leks of Lesser Prairie-Chickens were active in DOVES TO SHRIKES - Loyd commentsthat Yellow- Pratt, KS, perhaps at the northeastcorner of their range billed Cuckooswere late this year, and still remained (PJ). Almost never observed,but likely regular, Yellow uncommonin late May. A few Black-billed Cuckooswere Rails were observedApr. 28 and May 3 in Jefferson,KS notedalong the easternborder of the Region. (RR, PR). A King Rail Mar. 10 in Sheridan,NE, was a sur- Long-caredOwls nested in Rogers,OK. One largejuve- prise for that locale and date, and may have overwintered nile was photographedin the nest May 14 (DV, MG). (RCR,DJR). Thirty Sandhill Cranesin Rogers,OK, Mar. 12 Short-earedOwls Apr. 13 & 22 in Nowataand Washington, (RS) were east of normal migration corridors. OK (DV), were late if not breeding.Paul Wilson found 2 nestsof Short-caredOwls in TulsaApr. 28. However,both PLOVERS TO TERNS -- Piping Ploversat non-breed- were later predated.Both Asio speciesare almostunheard ing locationswere recordedbetween Apr. 14 and May 12 of as breedersin Oklahoma,but scatteredreports of sum- this season.Seventeen Black-necked Stilts were present mering Long-earedsdo exist for recenttimes. May 20 at Quivira (PJ),where they maintain a breeding A Black-chinnedHummingbird was comingto a feeder outpost. Although these birds and others must migrate in Cimarron,OK, May 5 (PJet al.). Surprisingly,few actual through Oklahoma, they are still very rarely reported. records exist for this area. Rosche found a 6 Broad-tailed However,three were noted Apr. 29 in Greer,OK (IM), and Hummingbird in Sheridan, NE, perhaps the first for w. oneto two were seenin Cimarron,OK May 25-June 1 (JS). Nebraskaduring spring. A Lewis' Woodpeckerwas pho- Whimbrels were reported from Oklahoma May 5 (HH), tographedin the Wichita MountainsN.W.R., Comanche,

Volume 44, Number 3 455 Shrikeswere almostunreported this pastwinter. One was presentin Douglas,NE, Mar. 24 (BJR).

VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Bell's Vireosseem to be slip- ping farther and farther into endangeredstatus in the Region, and may be receiving the same pressuresfrom cowbirdparasitism that plummettedthe Oklahomapopu- lations of Black-cappedVireos. Only one alreadybanded Black-cappedVireo could be locatedat traditional locations in Caddo and Canadian counties.However, 6 pairs were found in Blaine County,up from 4 pairs the previous year.Their numbersin the Wichita Mountainsmay alsobe higher this year than last (JAG,VF). A White-eyedVireo crept northward to Sarpy, NE (RG, BG). Philadelphia Vireoswere consideredmore common this yearin e. Okla- homa and e. Kansas. A Yellow-throated Vireo was observedMay 6 far west in Morton,KS (MT et al.). The "hottest" warblers reported this season were Golden-wingedsin Leavenworth,KS, May 6 (CH), and Johnson,KS, May 7 (LM) & 14 (MM); Cape May Warblers May 3 in Wichita, KS (PJ),and May 12 in Leavenworth,KS (DB);Black-throated Blue WarblersApr. 24 in Douglas,KS (PW), May I in Muskogee,OK (JM, JN), and May 20 in Wichita, KS (DVa); and ConnecticutWarblers May 2 in JuvenileLong-eared Owl in a nest in RogersCounty, Oklahoma, Johnson, KS (CH), and May 19 in Richardson, NE May 14, 1990. Thereare few actual nestingrecords for the state. (KK, PK). Photograph/MikeGray. Not as "hot,"but not bad,a d Blue-wingedWarbler was noted Apr. 21 in Delaware, OK, where they may breed OK, Mar. 12-15 (JTh).Many individuals reported good (DV). A N. Parula was observedwest to Wichita, KS, May numbers of Empidonax flycatchers, mostly Leasts. Vermilion Flycatchershave been notederratically over the yearsbreeding in Cimarron,OK, including this year OWe, TW et al.). An Ash-throatedFlycatcher Apr. 15 in Jackson, OK (MO), was early. About 20 Steller's Jayswere still present in Cimarron, OK, Mar. 4 (DV, MG), and at least one was observed in Morton, KS, May 6 (PJ,MT et al.). At Sowbelly Canyon, Sioux,NE, the wintering Steller'sJay was last noted Apr. 13 (PL). ScrubJays were noted in Morton, KS, May 6 (PJ, MT), more leftovers from the winter's invasion.

SoA.

Fish Crows are considered rare but local breeders in a few e. Oklahoma counties in the Arkansas River drainage. Although confusion with imm. American Crowsand lack of familiarityby local birdersare con- foundingthe determinationof status,they are likely expandingtheir range,More arebeing reported farther upstream and along tributaries of the Arkansas R. throughTulsa and Washington,OK, and possiblyinto Kansas.This season,one to five birds were notedalong the SpringRiver in Cherokee,KS, Apr. 29 throughMay Chestnut-sided Warbler at Kaw Reservoir Dam, Oklahoma, March 12 (LM, MM, SP,GP, SC, RP). They have been reported 25, 1990. This bird was so early that it was thoughtpossibly to for severalyears, including this year, from Adair, OK, haveoverwintered. Photograph/Mike Gray. (MMI, JM). Up to 20 were noted in Leftore,OK, Mar. 23-25 (JAG). 22 (PJet al.). A Chestnut-sidedWarbler discovered Mar. 25 A Red-breastedNuthatch was still present May 14 in at the Kaw Dam, Osage/Kaw,OK, appearedto be in winter Tulsa (PS, JL). A Townsend'sSolitaire was noted east in plumage,and was likely a surprisingbut probablesur- Stafford,KS, Apr. 29 (GP). With deteriorationof someof vivor of the December chill (DV, MG). Westernmost of the the bottomlands in the northern plains affecting this reports,four were noted in Wichita, KS (fidePJ). species,reports of Veery may be worthy of notice. This Yellow-rumpedWarblers were commonthis springwith year two were reported from Tulsa May I (PS, TM) & 6 150 notedApr. 18 in Tulsa(GH). Also morewesterly than UMa et al.), and one was noted May 2 in MuskogeeUM). usualwas a Bay-breastedWarbler May 14 in Wichita, KS Others were discoveredin Wichita, KS, May 21-23 (PJet (PJ),and American Redstartsin Comanche,OK, May 6 (T al.). A Gray-cheekedThrush May 22 in Tulsa was later & DM), and Morton, KS, May 5 (MT). Yellow-throated than most (PS, JL). The Varied Thrush wintering in Warblers were noted at several locations in e. Kansas Douglas, NE, was last noted Mar. 16 (MB). Northern where they are uncommon breeders.Three made it to

456 American Birds, Fall 1990 FontenelleForest Apr. 24 (AG), perhapsthe northernmost RecordsCommittee. One May 5 in Morton, KS (MS, fide outpostfor this speciesin the Region.A pair of Cerulean MT), may be part of a regular migration for this species Warblers was collecting nesting material May 15 in throughthe w. portion of the Region.Two recordsof three Delaware, OK (JM, SM et al.). Two males were observedin to four Sharp-tailedSparrows in TulsaMay 6-7 (M & WD, Tulsa May 10 where they are rare (TM, JL et al.), and one JW et al.) addedto a patternfor occurrencesof this species was observedMay 19 in Richardson,NE (TB, AG). during the spring.Song and Swamp sparrowswere noted Worm-eating Warblers in Leavenworth, Douglas, and until May 6 in Tulsa (m.ob.). Sedgwick, KS, were considered rare transients. One in Great-tailed Grackleshave expanded northward. One Morton, KS, Apr. 22 (E & RC) and perhapsthe samebird was observedat the northern edgeof the Region in Knox, May 5 (MT et al.) were clearly extralimital. At one locality NE, Apr. 21 (MB). The story continues expectedly for in Adair, OK, where they likely breed, they could not be HouseFinches, which are losingtheir novelty.A male was located this year (MM1). A Hooded Warbler May 3 in singingin Cleveland,OK, Mar. I (JAG),for a new locality Muskogeewas unusual (JN);even more so was a female in in the middle strip. Pine Siskinswere noted by a number Wichita, KS, May 9 (PJ). However, Rosche found them of observersin Oklahomathrough the end of the period. A commonalong the TalimenaDrive in LeFlore,OK. Lesser Goldfinch remained in Comanche, OK, until Mar. 2 (J & LM). TANAGERS TO FINCHES -- West of most occur- renceswas a ScarletTanager May 14 in Wichita, KS (JoN). CITED OBSERVERS (area editors boldfaced)• KANSAS Regular,but very rare, was a male Rose-breastedGrosbeak -- David Bryan, Elizabeth& RobertCooper, Steve Crawford, at Black Mesa State Park, Cimarron, OK, May 9 (GL, LL). Robert Fisher, Chris Hobbs,Dan Kilby, Pete Janzen,Dan Three Lazuli Buntings in Johnson,KS, May 3-13 (JSe, Lashelle, Lloyd Moore, Mike McHugh, Cliff Nickel, Jim Nickel (JNi),John Northrup (JoN),Richard Parker, Sebastian MM, FY) and one in TulsaMay 6 (PS,JL) were on the east- Patti, Galen Pittman, Richard Rucker, Pam Rasmussan, ern edge of their migration corridor. One Apr. 22 in Marvin Schwilling,John Seimens (JSe), Max Thompson,Don Dundy,NE (BJR,DR, RRo),was slightlyearly. Vannoy, Phil Wedge, Fred Young. NEBRASKA -- Mary Is there a population of Bachman'sSparrows still left in Babcock,Tanya Bray, Mark Brogie (MBr), Steve Dinsmore, e. Oklahoma? From the occasional record scattered here Ruth Green,Alan Grenon,Betty Grenon,Karla Kaufman,Paul and there,it appearsthat this speciesdeserves more atten- Kaufman, Mark Lund, Pat Lundy, Bahs Padelford, Loren tion. One was noted May 8 in LeFlore(JN). Is it part of a Padelford,Chris Rasmussen,Dorothy J. Rosche,Richard C. hidden low density population, or the last of the rem- Rosche,B.J. Rose, Doug Rose, Roger Rose (RRo), David Stage, nants?A Cassin'sSparrow again appearedin Dundy, NE JerryToll. OKLAHOMA-- Jim Arterburn,Marge & Wait (BP,LP). A Clay-coloredSparrow May 8-10 in McCurtain, Davis, Scott Dingman (ScD), Vic Fazio, Mike Gray, George OK, furnished one of few local records (BH). Four Field Hansen, Jim Harman, Hubert Harris, Elizabeth & Kermeth SparrowsMar. 5 in Texas,OK (DV,MG), were slightlywest Hayes, Berlin Heck, JamesC. Hoffman, John Kennington, of their normaldistribution. A 9 Lark BuntingMay 13 in Glenda Leslie, Loyd Leslie, Jo Loyd, JuanitaMartin (JMa), Wagoner,OK (JCH,JA), windows an expectedtime period Janet& LouisMcGee, Terry & DebbieMcKee, Jeri McMahon, Ina Mery, SteveMetz, Terry Mitchell, Mike Mlodinow (MM1), for this type of record, but this one was observedin e. Jimrole Norman, Leslie Poitevent (LPo), Pat Seibert, John Oklahoma. Shackford, Richard Stuart, Elsie Stubbe, John Thomlinson A Baird'sSparrow in Cass,NE, May 4 & 6 (CM) was well (JTh), Don Verser, Jeff Webster (JWe), Tina Webster, Paul east of expectedoccurrence. The documentationwill be Wilson, Jim Woodard. -- JOSEPH A. GRZYBOWSKI, under review of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 1701 Lenox, Norman, OK 73069.

Volume 44, Number 3 457 ßAmarillo ß Buffalo Lake NWR

ß Muleshoe NWR •Vichitaß Hagerman NWR ß Lubbock Falls

For1 Worth TEXAS REGION ß ß Dallas

El Paso Nat. "•JPark ßMidland GregW. Lasleyand ß San ßAbilene • Nacogdoches. Angelo Davis.M•s.ßBalmo•..aL. Chuck Sexton TEXAS

ß SanAntonio Free13o•

• .w. GULF Kingsvilleß . , •/ Corpus s

Bentsen State Park '• LagunaA!ascosa NWR Brownswile

wo-thirdsof the stateseemed to enjoya wet spring blue skies and record heat set in over most of the state. with notableeffects on migrationand nesting.Before Longtimereaders of this column will be familiar with delvinginto thosereports, it only seemsfair to addressour the name Richard Albert. Richard was a dedicated "poorcousin," the Trans-Pecos.Once again, that areawas observerfrom Alice whose knowledgeof South Texas besetwith droughtconditions. In Alpine, Lockwoodnoted plantsand animalsmade his reportsto us especiallyvalu- that "migration...hasbeen almost nonexistent"and the able.Richard passed away in April aftera longillness. The samecould be said for E1 Paso.Yet Big Bendhosted sev- Texasbirding community has lost a friend. We dedicate eral easternand western(and southern?)vagrants. this column to his memory. Moisture conditions in the Concho Valley were near normal, which was welcome and "unusual" comparedto THE MAY 6 FALLOUT--Jim Morgan presented us recent seasons.This resulted in one of the best spring with a thoughtful analysis of weather patterns on the migrations in several years. Despite an unusually wet U.T.C. this seasonincluding a majorfallout on May 6: spring,the droughtwas not brokenin southTexas, leading "In spiteof plentiful rainfall, birderswere often left frus- to a lacklustermigration. Nonetheless, the rains there did tratedthis springdue to the lack of significantgroundings improveshort-term habitat conditions. of passerinemigrants... Now for the wet and wild. By the first of May, the Pan- "What happenedthis spring?As Ted Eubankspointed handle had alreadyreceived over two times their normal out, duringour 15 yearsof birdingtogether we had never rainfall. May Day in Amarillo had cold rain with a touch beforewitnessed the weather patternthat dominatedthe of snow. Within a week, this same storm would be head- 1990spring season on the U.T.C.The prevailingsoutheast- line news statewide,as torrential rains delugedthe Red, erly winds were unusuallystrong, upwards of 20 knotsfor Sabine, and Trinity River basins, flooding thousandsof hours,if not days on end. Gustsof 30-40 knotswere wit- acres,and washingout everythingin a ragingromp to the nessedon many April daysalong the U.T.C.The abundant Gulf of Mexico. Floodingin the Dallas-FortWorth metro- rainfall notwithstanding, the migrant passerineswere plex was the secondworst in history.Obviously, species seemingly'pushed' through the rain by strongsoutheast- like Barn Swallows (which often nest in culverts) took a erly winds. By the end of April, we had not encountered bad hit on their first nestingattempts there. Nanney wryly the classical rain and wind shift associatedwith strong observedthat "pictures on the evening news of rabbits Pacificor arctic cold fronts,these fronts being extremely roostingin trees did not bode well for the early nesting weak or nonexistentin this spring. successof specieslike Louisiana Waterthrushand Ken- "On May 3, in advance of a slow-movingcold front, tucky Warbler." heavyrains blanketedthe coastfrom CorpusChristi into Due to the timing of that main storm,virtually all areas Louisiana. Most coastal areas received 3-4 inches of rain- got their best migrationbirding during the first week of fall, and 6 inches was recorded at Sea Rim State Park. May. Even where rain didn't fall, this weather pattern Surelythis would bringthe long-awaitedfallout. Ted and I apparentlyhad a recognizableinfluence: note the timing departedfor the coastearly on May 4, onlyto find a lack of of several of the interestingfinds in Big Bend. The se- groundedmigrants. Once again, the culpritappeared to be quence of rains and weather conditions on the upper the wind. The cold front was moving slowly and had Texascoast provided much food for thought,as we high- seeminglystalled out to the north of us. The southeast light in Morgan'sdescription below. The migrationand all winds continued to be strong and were upwards of 25 thoughtsof rain cameto a halt in mid-May when endless knotsall morning.We completedthe day without witness-

458 American Birds, Fall 1990 ing a wind shift along the coast By early everang,how- A SootyShearwater found dead on PadreI May 15 w•11 ever, the front cleared the coastbringing relatively strong representthe 4th acceptedTexas record and the first for w•nds from the northwest. Kleberg(ACh, *to WelderRef.). A deadMasked Booby was "On May 5, the makingsof the inevitable fallout took foundon MustangI. Apr. 25 (TA). Six BrownBoobies were place. About mid-day, rain showers and thunderstorms reportedMar. 30 off Freeport(P & TF). Continuinga trend formed out in the Gulf of Mexico from the Coastal Bend to of recentyears, several single N. Gannetswere seenin the well offshore Louisiana. On weather radar the rain Boca Chica area between Mar. 15 and Apr. 20 (m.ob.) A showedto be about 200 miles extent in latitude and it just Brown Pelican strayedinland to L. Sam RayburnApr. 13 hugged the coastline on the northern edge. Migrants (DF, NB, MCo), the first for the Pineywoods. Another would now have this extensiverainfall plus the northwest Brown Pelican at San Antonio's Mitchell L. May 1 was w•nds impeding their northward passage.The rains over noteworthy(WS). A lone OlivaceousCormorant at L. Bal- the Gulf and the northwestwind continuedthrough the morhea Mar. 1-22 (ML) and two at Fort Hancock, Hud- night, eventhough little or no rain fell alongthe coastline speth, May 5 (BZ) were out of place. Notable flocks of or inland. migrating Anhingas included 425 over Wilson Mar. 22 "On May 6 when I arrivedat High Island at 7:00 a.m. it (WS) and 250 over Weesatche,Goliad, Apr. 11 (DMu). At was immediately evident that a fallout had occurred or Victoria, Melton tallied impressivecounts of Anhingas was in progress.Migrants were swarming the trees...On with 110 Mar. 30, 261 Apr. 4, and 225 Apr. 11. An early that day I coveredthe sameareas that Ted and I traversed MagnificentFrigatebird was over AransasApr. 18 (TS). on May 4. An interestingcomparison of numbersof cer- Snowy Egret is regarded as accidental in May in the tain specieson eachof the two daysfollows: southernplains area, but oneor two were observedin Lub- bockMay 1-22 (L.E.A.S.)and onewas in TerryMay 6 & 15 Species May 4 May 6 (DS). Lake Balmorhea hosted two unusual herons, a Little Swamson's Thrush 75 205 Blue there May 17 (ML) and a Yellow-crowned Night- Philadelphia Vireo 4 40 Heron May 13 (RR).Floodwaters from the Trinity R. inun- Red-eyedVireo 16 415 dating pastures near 1-10 in Chambers created ideal Tennessee Warbler 30 290 habitat for ibises. Cureton counted 450 White Ibises in a Chestnut-sided Warbler 20 80 single field there Mar. 19. Glossy Ibis has only been Magnolia Warbler 45 285 acceptedas a valid speciesfor the statewithin the pastfew Bay-breastedWarbler 75 241 years. Reportsthis seasonincluded one at Anahuac Mar Black-and-white Warbler 4 110 18-31 (•- MA, m.ob.) and one in ChambersApr. 29 (•-DP, AP). Two Wood Storks flying over L. Corpus Christi S.P "My 15 yearsof monitoringU.T.C. falloutshave told me Apr. 21 (CH et al.) were unusually late (or early?);the fact that rain is the dominantingredient for a passerinefallout. that one of the birds was carryinga stickmakes the record However,until this spring,I had not witnessedabundant even more interesting. rainfall and unusually strong southeasterlywinds as a dominantweather pattern. Clearly, this combinationdoes WATEI•FOWL -- After the rains of February and not producethe massivegroundings that accompanyrain March, Fulvous Whistling-Ducks moved into Laguna with little or no wind, or the classical rain and wind shift Largaon the Laureles;over 50 were seenApr. 3 and over of a frontal passage.The May 6 fallout provedonce again 200 Apr. 13 (CC, ]G, SB, N & PP, LS). Another 200 could be that the latter combination is the most reliable event to foundalong the s. boundaryof LagunaAtascosa Apr. 3-10 groundsignificant numbers of passerinemigrants." (KR). Five Fulvous at Mitchell L. May 11-22 (WS) were unusual.An out-of-rangeFulvous Whistling-Duck showed ABBREVIATIONS-- Ft. Bliss= Fort Bliss sewageponds, E1Paso; G.M.N.P. = GuadalupeMountains Nat'l Park;Laure- up in a floodedfield Apr. 8 at L. Tawakoni,the 2nd year in les = LaurelesDivision of the King Ranch;L.R.G.V. = Lower a row the specieshas appearedat that location (RK, GH, Rio GrandeValley; Norias = Norias Division of the King MWh). Black-belliedWhistling-Ducks were seen in fair Ranch; T.B.R.C. = Texas Bird Records Committee (Texas numbersin s. Texas.Most unusualwere 160 perchedatop Ornithological Society); T.C.W.C. = Texas Cooperative a Brownsvillegrain elevatorMar. 23 (H & GA), and 500 W•ldlife Collection(Texas A & M University);T.P.R.F. = Texas were seen in a Jim Wells field Mar. 30 (A & MC). A first PhotoRecord File (TexasA & M University);U.T.C. = Upper May recordfor the Panhandlewas provided by a Greater TexasCoast. The followingare shortenednames for county, White-fronted Goose in Lubbock throughout the season state, or national parks, wildlife refuges, etc.: Anahuac, (L.E.A.S.). Three Ross' Geese were seen as late as Mar. 7 in Anzalduas,Aransas, Attwater, Bentsen,Big Bend, Buffalo the Rockportarea (CC). Muscovy Ducks were reported in Lake,Kickapoo, Laguna Atascosa, Sabal Palm, SantaAna. small numbers from Falcon Dam to the Salinerio area. A 9 Muscovy investigatingpotential nestingcavities at Anzal- LOONS TO STOP,KS = A singleRed-throated Loon, a duasMay 1 was of particular interest(JA). specieswhose status on the U.T.C.is maskedby confusion The increasedpresence of Wood Ducks in the Panhan- with the more abundantCorn. Loon, appearedalong the dle has arousedinterest in possiblenesting (KS). A pair Freeport Jetty Mar. 19 (GK, EW, BM, •- to T.B.R.C.). was observedat Buffalo SpringsL. in LubbockApr. 4-10 Arctic/Pacific Loons are normally consideredsomewhat (CSt), and a courting group of five was at L. Tanglewood, rare in Texas. This season, however, at least 17 individuals Randall, Apr. 8 (JH, TJ, KS). Two Wood Ducks near Choke were at 4 locationsduring April and May alone.A phenom- CanyonRes. Apr. 21 were probablythe first in spring for enal nine Arctic/PacificLoons, some in breedingplumage, McMullen (CH, LH, KO, WL). Mottled Duck appearsto be were at L. Tawakoniin Rainesand VanZandt Apr. 28-May expandingits breedingrange northward. The pair seenat 5 (GH, RK, RR, lVFWh,ph., m.ob.). Another was there May LongviewMar. 11 (N.E.T.F.O.)continued a patternestab- 20 (RK).Up to five Arctic/PacificLoons were with 24 Corn. lished over the past severalyears. Two to five Cinnamon Loonsat Galveston'sOffat's Bayou Apr. 20-May 2 (DMu, Teal frequentede. Fort Worth during March and the first JA, GL, ph., m.ob.), one was seenApr. 26 from the Bolivar half of April (BN, m.ob.). Unusual numbersof duckslin- Ferry (KR,LD), and onewas at RockportApr. 11 (JD). gered at many locations in central Texas. Among the

Volume 44, Number 3 459 speciescommented on were Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, territorial; a nest was discoveredthere May 6 (DMu) On N Shoveler,and Redhead.Several ducks also hngered late Mar. 24 Lockwood observed a Red-shouldered Hawk at Artwaterincluding a CanvasbackApr. 19-23 (DMu), a investigatingthe old nest site of last year's amazingRed- Com. GoldeneyeApr. 27-29, and as many as four Buffle- shouldered/GrayHawk pair. This bird was not reported headsApr. 27-29 (Spoonbill).Greater Scaup remained in again,but a lone GrayHawk was seenin that areaApr 15. e Texasthrough May when five were seenon L. Winns- The radar-screencounts of migranthawks, begun in fall borroMay 28 (N.E.T.F.O.).A pair of GreaterScaup, casual 1989 by Anse Windham in Kingsville,were continuedth•s m the Trans-Pecos,was at Ft. Bliss Apr. 4 (BZ), the latest season.The hawksapparently fly too high to be seenfrom everspring date for that area. the ground on many occasions.Preliminary readingsfrom An Oldsquaw that wintered on Austin's Town L. the radar seemto show migratinghawks in mid-afternoon remained until at least Mar. 9 and one was in San Patricio above 10,000 per hour over Kingsville on several occa- for 3 weeksin March (E & NA) and was last reportedApr. sionsduring early April, with a peak of 18,000between 3 2 (A & MC). Surf Scoterswere found at Bolivar Apr. 2 & 4 p.m., Apr. 4 (AW). (RU),Galveston Apr. 10 (Spoonbill),Mustang I., Apr. 21 (E The first largenumbers of Broad-wingedsin the coastal & NA, A & MC), and in CorpusChristi Apr. 27 (JGet al.). bend were reported Mar. 31 when the Armisteadssaw Springrecords are sporadic.A HoodedMerganser in Mid- about 2100 at Kingsville.The Palmerswent on to describe land May 5 was unusual;previous records there have been some fantasticBroad-winged activity from Kingville. On duringthe winter (D & JMe,fide FW). A 9 RuddyDuck Apr. 1, "NearCarreta Creek we encounteredan almostsolid with 10 downy chickson a pond near SantaMaria Mar. 31 canopyof birdsperhaps 400 meterswide and lessthan 100 (OC, GL, CJ) representedan unusualnesting record for metersabove the ground.Within a radius of lessthan one H•dalgo.This speciesoccasionally nests in the L.R.G.V. kilometerwe saw 10 separatekettles of hawks,each with when water conditionsare appropriate(fide JA). hundredsof birds...Therewere at least18 separatekettles in a moredistant tier andprobably more. Our final estimate RAPTORS -- The 4649 migrating Turkey Vultures was 35,000Broad-winged Hawks at that location." recordedat Bentsenduring the period far exceededthe RuthieMelton in Victoriacounted 60,686 Broad-wingeds previoushigh count of 2733 made in 1989 (fide GD). The from her yard betweenMar. 28 and May 6. Peak fi•ght freeze of December 1989 seemed to devastate the L.R.G.V. dateswere Apr. 3 (23,508)and Apr. 11 (22,250).Carmona populationof tree snails,the primary food of Hook-billed counted9000 Broad-wingedsat Harlingen Apr. 2. Count- Kites. Hook-billed Kite reports were down considerably ers at Bentsenreported only 16,000 Broad-wingedsduring duringlate winter,but therewere a few reportsof asmany the season;the majoritywere between Mar. 28 and Apr. 14 as three Hook-billed Kites at Anzalduas during March (fide GD).The Broad-wingedflight peakedin e. TexasApr with a few reported at Bentsen,Santa Ana, and Falcon 14 when 700 were tallied over Nacogdoches(MW). The Dam duringthe latter part of the season.Most impressive only Broad-wingedHawk in the Panhandlewas one •n were four Hook-billeds at Fronton, Starr, May 2 (JA). Lubbock Apr. 18-20 and May 2 (DS, m.ob.). An imm. About 20 migrant Am. Swallow-tailed Kites were Broad-wingedat Rio GrandVillage in Big BendMay 2 (JD) observedbetween Mar. 24 and Apr. 11 at many coastal was out-of-place. plain locationsfrom Brownsvilleto the U.T.C. (fide JEc, Several hundred Swainson's Hawks per day were PP,TE). A pair of Swallow-tailedKites took up residence counted on the last 3 days of March at Bentsenand 2294 nearHampshire, Jefferson, again this spring.First detected were tallied there Apr. 8 (fide GD). Two Swainson's Apr. 14 (KZ), they ware seenin the area throughthe sea- arrived on the early date of Mar. 4 in Lubbock(L & SMa) son. Given the nest-buildingactivity noted, there seems CharlieClark reported one Ferruginous Hawk Mar. 19 near httle doubtthat the pair is nestingat that location.Unex- Tivoli, his latest for that area by 30 days; one remained pected was an extremely early Mississippi Kite on the until May 5 in Kleberg(N & PP). A FerruginousHawk •n TexasTech campus at LubbockMar. 5 (KRy).The species GalvestonApr. 18 (J & WRi) was late and out of place A •s not expected in the Panhandle area until mid-April pair of GoldenEagles was found nestingin Dallam during (KS).An ad. Bald Eaglein Midland Apr. 17 (K & JCru,fide March (RGo) at a site heretoforenot reported, and an FW) provideda rare arearecord. Bald Eagleswere nesting immature seenMar. 14 in Houstonprovided a rare record •n Walker,Montgomery, and Victoria. (N.E.T.F.O.).Arvin saw an Am. Kestrel leave a possible Donohuereported migration totals from Bentsenas 164 nestsite below FalconDam May 3 and reported5 apparent Sharp-shinnedand 231 Cooper'shawks between mid- nestingpairs along a stretchof U.S. 83 in Dimreit. This March and mid-May. Cooper'sHawks were seen repeat- speciesis not thoughtto be a regularnester in s. Texas. edly in Kenedyand Klebergduring April and May (N & PP, BZ, RB et al.) which may suggestnesting. O'Neil and GROUSE TO SHOREBIRDS -- Springcounts of Att- Fugatefound nesting Cooper's Hawks in s. Brooksand n. water's Prairie-Chickenrevealed 494 birds comparedto H•dalgoMay 3 & 10; two adultswere presentand 4 eggs 432 last year, a modest14% increase.More intensive field were photographedin the Hidalgo nest May 3. Cooper's work resultedin finding morebirds, but initial resultssug- Hawk in e. Texasis a likely yet rarely confirmedbreeder. gesta small increasein the populationsince 1989 (BAd, This year Eubanksobserved a territorialadult nearLake O' SL). A lone Scaled Quail frequentedthe Mitchell L. area the PinesApr. 15, and (consideringthe late date)the May from Apr. 26 throughMay (WS, S.A.A.S.);there have been 27 bird near Atlanta (N.E.T.F.O.) should be considered a few recentrecords in that region.Four Purple Gallinules breeding candidate as well. In the Trans-Pecosa Com. were in NacogdochesMay 2 (MW); the speciesis rare and Black-Hawkwas sightedin E1 PasoApr. I (MCh) for the irregular in the Pineywoods.The last of 141 Whooping 2nd countyrecord, and one overBig BendApr. 18 (MicP, Cranesdeparted Aransas Apr. 25; threesubadults and two DPi) was noteworthy.One to four Harris' Hawks were at breeding females of the 146 that had arrived in the fall Lake 6, Lubbock,Mar. 2-Apr. 7 (L.E.A.S.),a rare concen- died duringthe winter (TS). tration for that area (fide KS). A few Gray Hawks were Good numbers of Lesser Golden-Plovers were in the reported in the L.R.G.V. A pair of Gray Hawks at Rio coastalbend during March and early April (PP)and 150+ GrandeVillage in Big Bend Apr. 21 (ML et al.) appeared were counted near Falfurrias Apr. 8 (AO). Although

460 American B•rds, Fall 1990 unusualfor the Pineywoods,Lesser Goldens made use of mightbe considered.Over 1000each of White-rumped the closelyclipped grass of the Greggairport where 184 andBaird's sandpipers in e. CameronMay 6 werenotable were counted Mar. 24-27 (N.E.T.F.O.). In n.c. Texas, (OC). A Baird'sSandpiper at Big Bend May 3 (WD, SK, Hayhiereports that moreLesser Goldens were detected ph.)provided one of veryfew park records, and a Baird's than normalwith 4 separatereports. A SnowyPlover at at Lake Mineral Wells S.P. May 30 (RK, GH, MWh) was Mitchell L. Mar. 29 (WS) was rare for spring, and very late.The Purple Sandpiper at Freeportremained through early.Snowy Plovers at the McAllensewer ponds May 1 mid-April.Dunlin were particularly common in theU.T.C. encouragedsuspicions that the speciesis breedingthere paddyfieldsthis season with a highcount of 3227May 12 (JA).A Wilson'sPlover at McAllenApr. 22 was out of (TE,JM). A Wilson'sPhalarope in LubbockMar. 4 (RR)was place(JD). Three Piping Plovers at Fort WorthApr. 18 the earliest on record for that area by 3 weeks. A Red- (JWS)were notable;typically n.c. Texasaverages one per neckedPhalarope, very rare in spring,was recordedat migration(fide CH). A flockof 1004-Mountain Plovers at Austin May 9 (BF). Falfurriason the late dateof Apr. 8 (AO) was the largestin that areain recentmemory. A very late (injured?)Moun- JAEGERSTO SKIMMER -- An unidentifiedimm. tain Ploverwas at LagunaAtascosa Apr. 30 throughMay jaegerwas on a spoilisland in CameronMar. 30 (PM,JN), (KR). Two pairs of MountainPlovers were againappar- two subad.jaegers, tentatively identified as Parasitics, entlynesting in theDavis Mountains in lateApril. werebriefly seen on MustangI. Apr.29 (TA),and a single Two Black-neckedStilts in NacogdochesMay 3 (MW) Pomafinerested at High I. Apr. 20 (DMu, RT). Most inter- representedthe firstrecord for the Pineywoods. A pair of estingwas the reportof a subad.jaeger, possibly a Long- Am. Avocetsattempted nesting at MitchellL. but the eggs tailed, photographedand describedMay 15 on Mustang were destroyedthe third weekof May (WS).This repre- Island (tto T.B.R.C., TA). An ad. Laughing Gull at L. sentedthe 2ndBexar nesting record. The annual staging of TawakoniMay 4 provideda firstrecord there and oneof very few for n.c. Texas(GH, AV). A worn, first-winter Thayer'sGull was on the beach near High I., Apr.7-14 (J& WRi, JD, A & GSm,m.ob., ph.). There are now about12 solid records of this form in Texas. A few Lesser Black- backedGulls lingered; one was at AransasMar. 2-25 (TS, H & GA), onewas at LagunaAtascosa at leastuntil Mar. 21 (KR),and TonyAmos' "old reliable"on MustangI. left Apr. 13. Anotherad. LesserBlack-backed was on the beachat High I. Mar. 31 (MA, LA, PG).A GlaucousGull was at GalvestonMar. 18 (TE, ph.) and anotherwas at HighI. Apr.20 (DMu,RT). A first-winterBlack-legged Kit- tiwake roostedwith gullsin a field near High I. Apr. 25 (BB, m.ob.). Threepairs of Gull-billedTerns were going through mat- ingrituals at the McAllensewer ponds May 1 (JA).Com- monTern is rareaway from the coast.Nine werereported fromLongview May 17 (N.E.T.F.O.),an extraordinarynum- ber for this inland location. Elsewhere, a Corn. Tern at L. Fi• Wiliets,rare in western Texas, atLake Balmorhea onApril 12, TawakoniMay 20 (RK, GH, JNu,MWh) provideda first 1990.Photograph/Mark Lockwood. record for Van Zandt. A Least Tern at L. BaLmorheaMay 17 (ML) and anotherat Midland May 19 (JMeret al.) were Am. Avocets at Bolivar Flats culminated with 9000 Mar. 4 unusual. An ad. Black Skimmer at Mitchell L., Apr. 26-27 (RU). Five Willets at L. BalmorheaApr. 12 (ph. ML) pro- was about 125 miles from the nearestcoastline. Although a vided a rare record. A concentration of 700 Willets at numberof speciesassociated with the coast are seen at Fal- LagunaAtascosa Mar. 23 (H & GA) was noteworthy.A conDam regularly, Behrstock's observation of threeBlack Whimbrel, rare in n.c. Texas, fed in a flooded field near Skimmersat that locationApr. 20 wasa bit moreunusual. Fort Worth Mar. 31 (EW). Eubanksremarked that excellent countsof late migrants DOVESTO NIGHTJARS-- Arvincomme.•ted onthe suchas HudsonJanGodwit and White-rumpedSandpiper seemingincreased abundance of Red-billedPigeons in the weremade possible by the rain-induceddelay in the rice L.R.G.V.recently. Pairs were seenat Anzalduas,Bentsen, crop.High counts.reported by Eubanks and Morgan dur- and SantaAria, and at least 10 pairswere watchedfrom ingtheir shorebird surveys along the U.T.C. included 1826 one Starrlocation May 2 (JA}.Small numbersof Ringed LesserYellowlegs Apr. 24, 685 HudsonJanGodwits May Turtle-Doves are now being seen in as many as 3 12,5235 Semipalmated Sandpipers May 12, 11,151White- Kingsvillelocations {SB, N & PP},and in Bedfordfive were rumpedSandpipers May 12, 3005 Stilt SandpipersMay seenMar. 7-20 {GK, MP, EW et al.}. Inca Dovesare being 12, and 6000 Long-billedDowitchers Apr. 28. reportedwith increasingfrequency in the n. Panhandle; An early HudsonJanGodwit was 40 mi s.w. of Eagle three that wintered in Hereford remained this season {A & LakeApr. 11 (JD).Six HudsonJanGodwits provided an DCoc}.Another Inca Dovetook up residencein Amarillo overduefirst recordfor RainesApr. 22 (RK, JNu,MWh). {B& JPr},and yet another was heard there Apr. 9 & 19 {KS}. Carmona had a remarkable 800-1000 Red Knots at Boca Elsewhere, an Inca Dove at Eagle Mountain L., Tarrant, ChicaApr. 22 with 100 still thereMay 6. TwoSemipal- wasn. of the species'very local range in n.c.Texas (RDC, matedSandpipers in HudspethMay. 5 (BZ) and a White- fide CH).The d RuddyGround-Dove at Lajitasfrom the rumped Sandpiper at L. BalmorheaMay 17 (ML) winterreport was last seen Mar. 22 (fideML). GreenPara- representedrare Trans-Pecosrecords. The lone White- keetscontinued to be seenin McAllen throughthe season rnmpedSandpiper in GalvestonMar. 3 (LA, PG)was so but their numbers seemed reduced; whereas about 40 were earlythat the possibility of thebird having overwintered reportedFeb. 21, no morethan 20 were seenat any one

Volume44, Number 3 461 tlon in the L R G.V seemedalarmingly reduced, but the speciesseemed to be reportedfrom a number of areasout- side its normal haunts. Carmona found two Mar. 2 at Arroyo City near the LagunaMadre, and a pair was inves- tigating a possiblenesting cavity in the bank of the Rio Granden. of EaglePass Mar. 16 (KB,JSo, DR). Elsewhere,a RingedKingfisher was at Inks Lake S.P.Mar. 2 (EK et al ) and another was near Comfort on the GuadalupeR. Apr 29 (E & KMu), continuinga trend of recentHill Country reports. One of the two Lewis' Woodpeckersat Midland during the winter lingered until May 5 (fide FW). Other Lewis' Woodpeckerrecords this seasonincluded one in Fort Male Ruddy Ground-Doveat Lajitas, Texas,March 9, 1990. This Davis Apr. 29 (ñJD),one in HartleyMay 5 (KS),and oneat bird ispale enoughto suggestthe western race (eluta),unrecorded G.M.N.P. May 9 (ñMF). A Red-headed Woodpecker at in Texas,if it is notjust a worn or exceptionallypallid bird of the Muleshoe N.W.R. May 11 (JC1)was the first there in 10 easternrace (rufipennis).Photograph/Mark Lockwood. years.A Golden-frontedWoodpecker there the samedate time in spring(SWe). An unexpectedRed-crowned Parrot furnished a new spring record for the refuge. A d showedup in FalfurriasMar. 7 (AO) and an equallyunex- Williamson'sSapsucker was found at Rio GrandeVillage pected Green Parakeetwas at the Fred JonesSanctuary, in Big Bend Mar. 5 (JSe). San Patricio, Apr. 14 (A & MC). Three Green Parakeets were at LagunaAtascosa Apr. 22 throughMay (KR). FLYCATCHERS TO SWALLOWS--Most exciting was A Groove-billedAni at the Fort Worth Zoo May 8 (AK) the May 5 discoveryof a GreaterPewee at BoulderMead- was thoughtto be a legitimatevagrant; the aviary there has ow in Big Bend (VE, -I'to T.B.R.C.).There is only one pre- no anis in its collection. There are fewer than a dozen vious acceptedTexas record of this speciesdespite more recordsin n.c. Texas(CH). While the FerruginousPygmy- than a dozen undocumentedreports. A singingE. Wood- Owls of Noriaswere calling lessfrequently in March and Peweein JeffDavis May 19 (ML) was well out of range A April, estimatesof their numberscontinued to increase territorial Acadian Flycatcher along the Frio R. near (RW, PP,LS et al.). Three Long-earedOwls were found at PearsallMay 23 was the first probablebreeding bird Arvin BuffaloLake Mar. 4 (KS)and anotherwas at Big BendApr. had ever found on the Rio Grandeplain s. of the Balcones 17 (SP). A Pauraquein De Witt Apr. 11-26 (DMu) was Escarpment.He speculatedthat this species(as well as probablyat the n.e. edgeof the species'range. Quite unex- others)may routinelyfollow Hill Countryrivers south and pectedwas a singingChuck-will's-widow near Canadian, nest in riparian areas.A Black Phoebeat Lake 6 in Lub- Hemphill, May 19 (KS). bockMar. 2-4 (GJ,m.ob.) was possiblythe samebird seen there in January.A VermilionFlycatcher in GarzaApr 25 (BBo)was noteworthy.Elsewhere, Vermilion Flycatchers unexpectedlyshowed up at 3 Fort Worth area locations Mar. 15, Mar. 23, and May i (TG, ChH, F.W.A.S.).Vermd- ion Flycatcherswere thoughtto be unusuallycommon •n far s. Texaswith as many as 12-15 per day at someloca- tions in Brooks,Kenedy, and Kleberg(m.ob.). A Social Flycatcherwas reportedat AnzalduasMar 17 and was seensporadically until Apr. 5 (R & LG, TP, OC,J & EM,-I'to T.B.R.C.).Unfortunately, no photoswere obtained This speciesis residentin s. Tamaulipasand has longbeen expectedto stray north. A pair of Thick-billed Kingbirds returned to CottonwoodCampground in Big Bend again this spring.The birdswere first seenApr. 7 (ML) and noted throughoutthe rest of the season(JVR, P & TF, JD, RW, m.ob.). Fisher observed a W. Kingbirdnear L. SamRayburn May 11, an unusualbut increasinglyregular species in the Male Broad-billedHummingbird at Midland, Texas,May 22, 1990. Pineywoods.At leastone Rose-throated Becard was still at Aboutthe ninthstate record. Photograph/Midge Erskine. BentsenMar. 3 (E & NA). The Masked Tityra from the winter remained at Bentsen until Mar. 11 but was difficult to HUMMINGBIRDS TO WOODPECKEBS--A Broad- locateduring its final 7 or 8 days(m. ob.). billed Hummingbirdvisited Del Rio Apr. 9 (B & VH) and Despite the fact that some Purple Martins abandoned anotherwas at Midland May 22 into June(ME, ph.). These nestlingsin the droughtof last summerin s. Texas,the two recordswill, if acceptedby the T.B.R.C.,constitute the speciesseemed to arrive in above normal numbersthis 8th and 9th for Texas,although we suspectthe species year,with birds takingup previouslyunused nesting sites may be more common in the Big Bend region than our (PP, m.ob.). Purple Martins seemto be increasingin the recordswould suggest.Buff-bellied Hummingbirds were Lubbock, Slaton, and White River Lake areas (L.E.A S ), in Falfurriasby Mar. 12 (AO) and Kingsvilleby Mar. 14 (N andAmarillo's first nestingbirds of lastyear returned Apr. & PP). An Anna's Hummingbird at Sarita Apr. 29 (DW et 30 (RSco).Purple Martin massingsare almostexclusively al ), furnisheda very surprisingspring record for s. Texas, associatedwith fall stagings,but over 500 were in a single and probably a new Kenedy record as well. A d Ruby- flock this springin Longview(N.E:T.F.O.). Rarely reported throatedHummingbird at Alpine May 8 may representthe in the Panhandlearea was a Violet-greenSwallow seenin hrst record for several years for that area (ML). Many LubbockMay 4 (CSt).Cave Swallows were seenat Aransas observerscommented that the Ringed Kingfisherpopula- Apr. 2 near the MatagordaI. sitewhere they nestedin 1989

462 Amencan Blrds, Fall1990 (BJ,fide TS). Cave Swallows returned to Sea Rim S.P by in Victoria May 21 (RMe) Both sitesare n. of the expected Mar 24 (J & WRi) to nest again this seasonat the eastern- rangeof the species. mostrange extension of the speciesin Texas. VIREOS, WARBLERS--A pair of Black-cappedVireos JAYS TO THRASHERS--The montane jay invasion of at Dinosaur Valley S.P. May 13 (CH) was encouraging, winter persistedinto springwith Steller'sJays lingering in sincethis specieswas virtually absentthere last year.Else- Alpine until Mar. 11 (JSc),in Amarillo until Mar. 16 (JPr),in where about 300 Black-cappedVireos were observedby Big Benduntil Apr. 29, and in the DavisMountains until at workerscensusing in and aroundKerr W.M.A., Kerr (fide least May 9 (PE). ScrubJays remained in the E1 Pasoarea JGr). This remarkabletally was primarily a function of until the all-time late date of May 27 (BZ), and PinyonJays increasedobserver coverage and accessto new properties were still in the Davis Mountains May 21 (PE). Espy Another 100 territories were at the Devil's River State Nat- observedSteller's Jays carrying sticksinto a pine in the ural Area, Val Verde,and 80 more were at Kickapoo(fide Davis Mountains May 21 (PE), but heavy construction KB). Gray Vireos set up about 18 territoriesat Kickapoo seemedto have discouragedthis apparentnesting attempt. (KB) and anotherlone Gray Vireo was discoveredin n.e A GreenJay in AransasPass Apr. 4 (E & NA) was n. of its Kinney May 16 (E & KMu). An out-of-range Yellow- typicalrange; one had been at this samelocation in summer throatedVireo was at Big Bend Apr. 24 (JSe).One of the 1989. Farther afield, a Green Jayat Midland Mar. 31 (JBu, most amazingrecords of the seasonwas of a singingHut- BW) was a surprise.Was it an escapee,or a natural vagrant? ton'sVireo discoveredand photographedApr. 20 on a pri- An apparentSan Blas Jay was at AnzalduasMar. 3-Apr. 5. vate ranch in the Texas Hill Country in Real (RB, BAr) This is a sedentarybird of the Pacificlowlands of s.w.Mex- The next day otherobservers were ableto tape recordand ico and its chancesof reachingthe U.S. on its own are prob- photographa territorial pair there (GL, CJ,VE). The pair ably nil. The specieshas recently been seen for sale in was monitoredthrough the seasonby Armstrongand Gee, Matamoros and Montetrey, Mexico (TE et al.). A pair of who suspectednesting was in progressby mid-May. This Mexican Crows was building a nest at the Brownsville recordrepresents a 200+ mi rangeextension. A Philadel- dumpApr. 29 (M & RFa);the speciesalso attempted nesting phia Vireo nettedat KickapooMay 1 (KB, ph.) provided a near there last year.An Am. Crow was at AransasApr. 1-2 new Kinneyrecord. A Red-eyedVireo in the Big Bendhigh for the first refugerecord in 18 years (TS). A single Chi- country May 8 (RH) was unexpected.By May 6 a pair of huahuan Raven made a rare appearancenear Falfurrias Yellow-green Vireos had returned to Laguna Atascosafor Apr i (AO). CommonRavens are showingup with increas- the 3rd year in a row (KR). ing frequency in the Austin area; records this spring A Golden-wingedWarbler in Big Bend May i (J & JTe) included one near SeguinMar. 18, one in n. Hays Mar. 20, was well w. of its typical migration path as was a Ten- and one at McKinney Fails S.P.Apr. 9 (T.A.S.). nesseeWarbler there May 5-6 (DMu). Single"Lawrence's" Arvin found Carolina Chickadees fairly commonly Warblerswere at High I. Apr. 11 (RR) and at Palmetto S.P alongthe Frio R. all the way s. to Dilley in s. Frio May 23. Apr. 27 (Dill, DBe). Unexpectedwas a Virginia'sWarbler The distribution of the species in this area is poorly in LubbockMay i (GJ) and another there May 3 (DS) known. A Red-breastedNuthatch still at Midland May 5 Lucy'sWarblers had returnedto CottonwoodCampground provided only the 2nd May record ever there (FW). A in Big Bend by Mar. 23 (JGe),and by the end of April at White-breastedNuthatch at Ft. Clark Springs,I•'nney, Mar. least 4 pairs were nestingthere (JVR,ML, m.ob.). March 19 provided a rare record for that area (OC). A pair of rains were responsiblefor the 103 N. Parulasseen Mar. 30 CanyonWrens defending a territoryalong the Frio R. near on the U.T.C. (JM). Unusual N. Parula records included PearsallMay 23 provided one of very few recordsoff the one in LubbockMar. 22 (MR) and one in OldhamMay 1-7 BalconesEscarpment on the Rio Grandeplain (JA).A pair (RSco).A TropicalParula was in n.w. KlebergMar. 16 (JTo, of Carolina Wrens was seen in Lubbock Mar. 10 (CSt), and GM, MBu); otherswere on Norias Mar. 17-18, Apr. 10-11 anotherwas at a different site in the same county May 5 (RW), and May 17 (MCra, HBu). This speciesmay prove (DS) Another Carolina Wren was at L. Tanglewood,Ran- regularin the latter area.A c• "Mangrove"Warbler discov- dall, Apr. 8 (JH,TJo, KS). A pair of Blue-grayGnatcatchers ered at the mouth of the Rio Grande at Boca Chica Mar. 20 at MuleshoeN.W.R. May 11 furnishedonly the 2nd May (GaL) sang through Apr. 6 (ph., m.ob.). Curiously, the record for that location (JC1). groveof black mangrovesthat it defendedwas quite dead, A Veery in Piano, Coilin, May 10 (RR) and another in having been frozen to the ground last winter! To our Vega,Oldham, May 12 (PA,RSco) provided rare records. A knowledge,this is only the 2nd occurrenceof this tropical very late Hermit Thrush was bandedat KickapooMay 7 subspeciesof Yellow Warblerin the U.S.; the first was May (KB). Unexpectedwere Wood Thrush recordsat Lubbock 26, 1978 at Rockport,Texas (AB 32:1031).Two Magnolia Apr. 4 & 8 (AG) and Apr. 28 (MB1). Two Clay-colored Warblersin CorpusChristi May 26 were late (CC). Robinsremained at SabalPalm throughMar. 5 (M & RFa), Normally a rare spring migrant in Texas, the Cape May and one was still at Anzalduas Apr. 7. A Clay-colored Warbler appeared in exceptional numbers. For example, Robin was last seen Apr. 21 at Laguna Vista, Cameron nine were seen along the U.T.C. Apr. 21 (DMu et at.) and (MK), whereup to five had beenpresent during the winter, five were seenbetween High I. and SabinePass May 4 (JM, and oneor two lingeredat SantaAria at leastthrough Apr. TE). Two Cape May Warblerswere in CorpusChristi Apr. 22 (TE et at.). There were also one or more Clay-coloreds 21; one was still presentApr. 25 (A & MC). Unusual west- reportedat Bentsenthrough the period.ZA Varied Thrush ern records of Black-throated Blue Warblers were of visitedan E1Paso yard for nearly 2 weeksbeginning in late individuals at Big Bend May 10 (RS) & 20 (JAB).A Black- April beforeit departedMay 10 (LJ,• to T.B.R.C.).A Gray throated Blue near Campbell in n.c. Texas was unusual Catbirdin Randall Apr. 8 (]H, TJo, KS) was early for the (WC). Yellow-rumpedWarbler, considered to be a faculta- Panhandle,and anotherat Big Bend Apr. 27 (RW) was out- rive migrant, respondedto this past winter's exceptional of-place. A Long-billed Thrasher was again at the Old chill with a mass exodus from e. Texas (TE). Wolf re- Ranch at Big Bend during April and May (m.ob.), and markedthat he found the species"present in numbersin anotherhad returned to Midland by Mar. 26 (fide FW). Costa Rica this spring where they are normally uncom- Long-billedThrashers were seenat IndianolaApr. 26 and mon." As a result of this movementinto the tropics, Yel-

Volume 44, Number 3 463 1ow-rumpedWarblers returned through Texas in unusual CorpusChristi Apr. 27 (JGet al.) was a rarity. A Hooded numbers late in the spring (e.g., lingered to May 11 in Warbler in LubbockApr. 26 (DS) was unexpected.Boot Nacogdoches).With this massmigration of "Myrtles" were Canyon in Big Bend producesexciting warbler records a few "Audubon's,"a subspeciesrarely seenin e. Texas. from time to time; this springwas one of those times. A Oftego observed one on Bolivar Pen. Apr. 28, and the Red-facedWarbler was carefully describedthere May 1-2 breedingplumaged "Audubon's"in SabineWoods May 4 (JD, MBi, WD et al.) for what will be the 7th accepted (TE, JM) representeda new late springdate for the U.T.C. A Townsend'sWarbler near FalconDam Apr. 25 (BB, JD) was unusual for date and location, as was one in Oldham May I (JSco).At least three Hermit Warblersgraced the high Chisosin early May •fide ML).

S.A.

Basedon continuing loss and fragmentationof its habitatin the Hill Country,the Golden-cheekedWar- bler was listed May 4, 1990, as an endangeredspecies Unusually far east was this Painted Redstart at Fort Clark by theU.S• Fish & WildlifeService. The emergency rule Springs,Kinney County,Texas, on March 18, 1990. Photograph/ bri•4•ingthe speciesunder the immediateprotection of Kelly B. Bryan. the EndangeredSpecies Act was promptedby ongoing and tbxeatenedclearing around urban areassuch as Texas record. Undoubtedly the bird-of-the-seasonwas a Austin, San Antonio, and Kerrville. This action touched singingSlate-throated Redstart at Boot SpringsApr. 26 & off predictableheightened public attention on the war- 30 and May 15 (GW, P & TF, ML et al.). Although it eluded bier and debateover protection of endangeredspecies, many who searchedfor it, this bird was eventually seen In the meantime,Golden•c•eekeds appeared to have well by about 10 people during this 19 day period. No an excellent nestingseason. Although songactivity photos were obtained, but excellent descriptionshave abruptly diminishedabout May 15 when record heat been submitted to the T.B.R.C. If accepted,it will repre- set in, numerousfledglings were seenwith adults by sent the first Texas record and about the 4th for the United seasoh'send, including not uncommonlybroods of States. threeto four,young: TANAGERS TO FINCHES--A dJHepatic Tanagerat A Blackburuian Warbler at Amarillo May 6 (KS) was a Hueco TanksS.P., May 5 (JSp,JF) provided a first park good find, as was one at Big Bend's Old Ranch May 22 record,and anotherin LubbockMay 2 (L.E.A.S.) was only (ML). A Yellow-throatedWarbler in E1Paso Apr. 6 (JSp,JF) the 2nd the Panhandlearea (fide KS). A singingPyrrhu- was the first for that area in 9 years. A Pine Warbler in 1oxia in Palo Duro Canyon Mar. 28 (KS) raised hopes of nesting, but the bird could not be found later. After the winter influx of Pyrrhuloxiasonto the U.T.C. area, a few were noted lingering. Singles were at Indianola Mar. 8 (RMe), Victoria Mar. 13, and Attwater Apr. 10 (MCra). Two Rose-breastedGrosbeaks at San AngeloMay 4-5 (RD, M & DT) providedrare records for the ConchoValley. A • Blue Bunting at Bentsenlingered until at least Mar. 15. Several large massingsof Dickcisselswere noted this seasonwith 1300 in MatagordaMay 5 (RU) and 4000 in a singleLamar field May 12 (DF) of special note. Green-tailed Towhees lingered on the U.T.C. and the coastalbend into mid-April Male Prairie Warblerat KickapooCaverns State Park, Texas,May (m.ob.);the latestwas at IndianolaApr. 26 (RMe). 16, 1990. One of veryfew documentedrecords for the westernhalf Botteri'sSparrows were found Apr. 25 & 27 in K]eberg of the state.Photograph/Kelly B. Bryan. (JG,HBr et al.) for a new countyrecord. Cassin's Sparrows were describedas particularlycommon over many areasof Pampa, Gray, May 4 furnished a new county record (F & the coastalplain of s. Texassuch as Cameron,WiIIacy, JE). Unusual Prairie Warbler recordsincluded one at Big Brooks, Kenedy, K]eberg,and Aransas. Many had already BendApr. 28 (LA, PG),probably the first park record,and fledged young by the end of May (m.ob.). Four Black- a singing male at KickapooMay 16 for a first Kinney throated Sparrows,now quite rare in the coastalbend, record(KB). StrongSE winds duringmost of the springon were found in w. Live Oak May 14 (CC). A SageSparrow at the U.T.C. were thoughtresponsible for the unusualabun- Big Bend Mar. 24 (JGe)provided a rare record. A late dance of Blackpoll Warblers there. Arvin counted 22 SavannahSparrow was at L. TawakoniMay 20 (RK et al.). Blackpollsnear SabinePass Apr. 25, and 102 were tallied Two reportsof migrant Sharp-tailedSparrows were very alongBolivar Pen. Apr. 20-21 (DMu, RT). A Blackpollat unusual;one was well seenApr. 29 near Comfortin the LostMaples May 3 (KR) and anotherat Comfortthe same Hill Country (E & SW) and two were studied in the same date (E & KMu) provided unusual Hill Country records. areaMay 3 (E & KMu). A Fox Sparrowat PaloDuro Canyon Another Blackpoll at Amarillo May 12 (JPr)was out-of- S.P.Mar. 28 was unusual(KS), and a White-throatedSpar- place. A singingProthonotary Warbler in Ingram, Kerr, row at Ft. Bliss May 5 (BZ) was late and out-of-place.A May 24 was out-of-rangeas was a Swainsoh'sWarbler at Yellow-eyed Juncowas seen foragingin the leaf litter near ComfortMay 5 (E & KMu). BootSprings, Big BendApr. 29 (fide RRo)and May 5 (•-VE A cat in Lubbockprovided a specimenrecord for Ken- et al.). If accepted,this recordwill be the 3rd for Texas. tucky Warbler Apr. 20 (GJ)as did anothercat in Amarillo Two Chestnut-collaredLongspurs were photographedat May 15 (JPr),both first occurrencesin their respective Big BendApr. 20-23 for a very late record(RW). areas since 1982 (fide KS). A MacGillivray's Warbler at Along with Fisher'sE. Kingbirdand Dickcisselmassings

464 American Birds, Fall 1990 in Lamar were a remarkable190 BobolinksMay 12. Nine Espy,Ted Eubanks (EastTexas: 2701 Amherst, Houston, TX Bobolinks put in a rare appearancein McKinney, Coilin, 77005),F.W.A.S. (Fort Worth Audubon Society), Mike & Rose May 7-15 (HH, RR, PBi, EW). Amazingwas a c• Bobolink Farmer(M & RFa), Harold Fetter,Steve Fettig, Dean Fisher, at L. BalmorheaMay 17, representingperhaps the 3rd Mark Flippo,Cathy Foster, Jane Fowler, Phyllis & TonyFrank, record for the Trans-Pecos,all in mid-May (ML, ph.). RichardFrederick, Brush Freeman, Randy Fugate (RFu}, Red Singing W. Meadowlarks were in Kleberg at least until & Louise Gambili, Tom Gardner, John Gee (JC-e},James God- Apr. 13 (NP) and at least one was still at LagunaAtascosa win (JGo), Alice Gomez, Ricardo Gonzalez (RGo), Peter on the extremelylate date of May 25 (KR). From Kings- Gottschling,William GraberIll, Jessegrantham, Guy Gray,Ed ville, Palmer reported that "The optimism triggeredby Greaves,Joe Grzybowski(JGr), Charles Hall (ChH), Lanrens Halsey, JamesHamous, Thad Harden, Jim Hargrove (Jill}, infrequent observationsof Bronzed Cowbirds in recent GeorgeHarmon, Bob Harrison, Steve Hawkins, Bernice & seasonswas apparently unwarranted; they have been Vern Hayes, Carl Haynie (North Central Texas: 737 Mead- abundant this spring and so have their brown-headed owcrest,Azle, TX 76020), RhandyHelton, Dick Henderson cousins." A Bronzed Cowbird captured at Ft. Hood, (Dill}, Diana Hews. Helen Hoffman, Carolyn & Tom Jennis(C Coryell, May 11 (KM, *T.C.W.C.) furnished a first county & TJe},Cheryl Johnson,Tom Johnson(TJo}, Barry Jones,Larry record, and Tarter reportsthe speciesis on the increasein Jordan,George Jury, Armand Karbach, Tom Keesee, Greg the ConchoValley. Keiran, Steve Kerr, Richard Kinney, Mike Krzywonski, Ed Kutac, L.E.A.S. (Llano EstacodoAudubon Society), Steve S.A. Labuda, Greg Lasley, Gale Lawrence (GaL), Wade Leitner, Tony Leonardini, Mark Lockwood, Sue Lower, Andy The cowbird family in Texasis, unfortunately,one MacLeod (AMa}, Lisa & Shannon Manley (L & SMa}, Judy specieslarger with the documentationthis springof the Mason {JMa),Terry Maxwell, Don & Ruthie Melton (D & RMe), first Shiny Cowbirdin the state.We had beenexpecting Bob Menten, Joan& Don Merritt (J & DMer), JeanMichlewski, this unwantedspecies, but thoughtit would show up Bill Miles (BMi), Kenneth Moore, Pete Moore, Arnold Moor- on the U.T.C. We were quite surprisedwhen Kenneth house, Gerry Morgan, Jim Morgan, Jack & Elaine Motman, Moore contactedus with news that he had captureda Ernest& Kay Mueller (E & KMu), JohnMuldrow (JMu),Derek Shiny Cowbird in a cowbirdtrap on a Black-capped Muschalek (DMu), N.E.T.F.O. (Northeast Texas Field Vireo study site May 23 at Ft. Hood, Bell. The speci- Ornithologists),Ken Nanney, Bob Neill, Peter Neuman, Jim men, identified as a one-year-old male (fide Steve Newman,Julius Nussbaum gnu), Donal O'Brien, Bill O'Con- Cardiff];has been deposited inthe T,C.W.C. nell, Andrew O'Neil, Ken Offill, Mitchell Oliphant, Brent & Sue Oftego (B & SOt), Nancy Palmer,Paul Palmer (South Three Great-tailedGrackles in Walker Apr. 27 (DP, AP) Texas:615 SouthWanda, Kingsville, TX 78363), JahnParme- representeda new countyrecord. ACom. Gracklein Laji- ter (JPa),Sonja Paspal, Michael Patten (MicP), Mike Patterson, tas Mar. 24 (ML) was well w. of its normal range.O'Neil Dick Payne, Jim Peterson,Debra Pikus (DPi), Tom Pincelli, was still seeingOrchard Orioles at the end of the seasonin Charles & Ruth Potter, Allan Pritchard, Brian & JoannPruitt (B Falfurriasand suspectedthey were nestingthere. Hooded & JPr),Warren Pulich, RossRasmussen, J. Van Reinsen,Maria Orioles were back at Sarita Mar. 14 (JTo, MBu et al.). and Riddlespurger,Teresa Risdon, David Riskind, Jan & Will rapidly increasedin the followingweeks at many spotsin Risser(J & WRi}, JaneRogers (fRo), RobertRothe (RRo),Craig Klebergand Kenedy (PP et al.). An Altamira Oriole was Rudolph,Ken Russell,Kent Rylander(KRy), S.A.A.S. (San heardat NoriasMay 17, about60 min. of its normalrange Antonio Audubon Society),Paul Scalzo(PSca), Rick Schaefer (Ris), JohnSchmidt (JSc),Richard Schneider,Bob Scott,Peter (AO). A singleAudubon's Oriole, not recordedat Laguna Scott,Rosemary Scott (RSco), Willie Sekula,Jeff Selleck (JSe), Atascosafor years,was there Apr. 22 (fide KR). Two Scott's Chuck Sexton,Ken Seyffert(Panhandle: 2206 S. Lipscomb, Orioles in n.w. Bexar Apr. 8 (S.A.A.S.) were at the e. edge Amarillo, TX 79109), J.W. Sifford, A1 & Gwen Smalley (A & of that species' range. Less expected was one in s.w. GSm),J. Sorola(JSo), Spoonbill (The Spoonbill,a publication Austin May 10 (FD). Pine Siskins lingered late at many of Houston Outdoor Nature Club), John Sproul (JSp),Tom locations. Stehn, Darleen Stevens,Leonard Stiles, Cliff Stogner(CSt), Billie Strickland(BSt), David Stuart(DStu), Glenn, Jimmy, & CORRIGENDtJIt•--Delete the reportof Paurqueat Del Rio Patty Swartz,Paul Sykes(PSy), T.A.S. (TravisAudubon Soci- May 9-29, 1988 (AB42:460) and Apr. 30, 1989 (AB:43:507). ety), Delbert& MargaretTarter, Joan & JohnTedford (J & JTe), RobertThacker, Butch Thompson,Steve Thompson,Judy CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSERVERS(Subregional Toups(JTo), Tom Urban,Richard Uzar, Allen Valentine,Gene editorsin boldface}--PeggyAcord, Bob Adamcik (BAd), Lynn Warren,Ro Wauer,Sally Weeks (SWe), Debra Wendler (DWe), Aldrich, Helen Alexander,Tony Amos,Carl Anderson,Henry Ed Wetzel, Matt White (MWh), Egon & Sue Wiedenfeld, Burr & GeorgeArmistead, Beryl Armstrong(BAr), Eddie & Nina Williams, Francis Williams, Francis Willis (FWillis), Anse Arnold, JohnArvin, Mike Austin, JohnBaird, Betty & Dan Windham, David & Mimi Wolf, Lloyd Wright, Barry Zimmer Baker lB & DBa), Mickey Baker, Sharon Bartels,Bob Behr- (Trans Pecos: 6720 Heartstone Ct., El Paso, TX 79924), Kevin stock, Duane Berry (DBe}, Peter Billingham (PBi}, Mike Zimmer, ChristopherZyskowski•GREG W. LASLEY, 305 Bishop (MBi), JamesBlack (JAB),Marge Blackburn(MBI), LoganberryCt., Austin, TX 78745, and CHUCK SEXTON, 101 Gene Blacklock, Bill Blakeslee(BBI), Peter Bono, Bebe Boren E. 54th Street, Austin, TX 78751. (BBo},Rick Bowers,Howard Brokaw (HBr), David Brotherton (DBr}, Hugh Brown, Lillian Brown, Kelly Bryan, Mike Bunn (MBu},Harold Burgess(HBu}, Joy Butts (JBu}, Oscar Carmona, Barbara& Don Cavin, Allan Chaney (ACh), Michael Chintis (MCh}, .Charlie Clark, Jeremy Clark (JCl), Alice & Don CocanougherCA & DCoc),R.D. Coggeshall,Careline Coleman (CCo),Mark Conway(MCo), Arlie & Mel Cooksey,John Coons, Marilyn Crane (MCra), Mary & Gordon Creel (M & GCr), Katherine& Jim Crumley (K & JCru),Wesley Cureton, Ward Dasey,France Davis, RossDawkins, Laurel Devaney,Gladys Donohue,Jon Dunn, DustyDunstan, John Economidy (JEc}, Fred & Jan Elston,Victor Emanuel,Midge Erskine, Pansy

Volume 44, Number 3 465 IDAHO-WESTERN MONTANA REGION

Thomas H. Rogers

archand April in the Regionwere mild in mostareas while someareas were very dry; in others,precipitation varied. May, by contrast,turned cold and unseason- ably wet nearly everywhere.A few reportsindicated that the migration was early the first two months,late in May.

LOONS TO WATERFOWL -- A Red-throated Loon was identified on Hayden L., Kootenai, ID, Mar. 20 (PH), as was a Pacific Loon there Mar. 12 (SHS). Twin Lakes near Preston,ID, had 54 Com. LoonsApr. 21, down from a high of 80 last year and 150 severalyears ago. Fishing was suspected of disturbing them (CHT). One was noted at WinchesterLake S.P.,Winchester, ID, Apr. 22 (GT). Red- neckedGrebes apparently were againnesting in s.e.Idaho, for three were on Silver L., Harriman S.P., Fremont, ID, in late May (DM), and three were on Henrys L., Fremont, about the same time (JS). The species was nesting in unusual abundance on Brown's L., Powell, MT (PLW). Two were on CanyonFerry Res.,Helena, MT May 4 (JSm). The speciesis seldom seen there (GH). One was seen at Salmon, ID, Apr. 23 (HR). A huge raft of about 2000 migratingEared Grebes was on CanyonFerry Res.May 4 MAP ILLUSTRATION/KENN KAUFMAN (JSm).A Clark's Grebe was found on Pablo Res., Polson, on HAWKS TO TERNS -- Normally rare at Red Rock n.w. Montana'sbirdathon May 19 (DC). Lakes, one to two Turkey Vultures were seen there late A small group of Am. White Pelicanswas again nesting April to late May (JB).At the end of the period,3 of 4 his- at Minidoka N.W.R., Rupert, ID (CHT). A Great Egret toric Bald Eaglenests and one of 2 newly found nestsin appeared8 mi s. of Salmon,ID, May 26 for that area'sfirst the Kalispell area were successful,with as many as eight record (LH). Four or five at American Falls Res. in late surviving young (DC). The pair at Kootenai N.W.R. April were assumedto be nestingon the Fort Hall Bottoms hatchedtwo youngabout Apr. 17 (LDN). A pair attempting n.w. of Pocatello, ID (CHT), and seven were with cattle to nest near North Fork, ID, gave up in late May (HR). A near Idaho Falls, ID in late May (JS).Two of the species nest with nestlingsat Metcalf N.W.R., Stevensville,MT, were reportedfrom the Bigfork, MT, area Apr. 21 (MV). A was goodnews; other attempts there apparently have been White-faced Ibis made the first record for Kootenai unsuccessful(PLW). The springraptor migrationstudy in N.W.R., Bonnets Ferry, ID, May 21 (LDN). w. Montana counted peaks of 10 Bald Eagles and 155 An imm. TrumpeterSwan was sightedat SalmonApr. Golden Eaglesin March at the main lookout e. of Rogers 18 (HR). Two Snow Geesestayed on a pond at Lewiston, Passn.w. of Helena (FT). The W. Foundation for Raptor ID, Mar. 28-Apr. 24 (JM, MK). Single Snow Geeseon the Conservationsponsors the project. Notable was a Broad- Red R. near Elk City, ID, Apr. 22 (SB) and on Hayden L. winged Hawk in the FlatheadValley, n.w. Montana (JR). Feb. 18 (PH) were vagrants.A d Wood Duck, rare at Red Sightingsof five Peregrinesand two Prairie Falconswere RockLakes N.W.R., was seenthere May 30 (JB).Seemingly reported. Twenty Sharp-tailedGrouse at Mann Cr. e. of verifyingthe severedrop in N. Pintail numberswas their Weiser, ID, were notable--the area has been closed to complete absenceat Kootenai N.W.R. (LDN). None was hunting for over a decade(DJ). A feather,scat, and tracks observed on lakes in the Fortine, MT, vicinity either of Wild Turkey were found n. of Culdesac,ID (CV, MK, (WW). A d Garganeywas photographedon the SnakeR. LP). near Hammett,ID, in late April (SG) and was again seen A lone Sandhill Crane appearednear Kalispell in late May 3 (DT). A Gadwallwas on HaydenL. Apr. 3 (PH). A d April and a pair with one chick was seen near Boulder, Eur. Wigeonwas on the Snakenear Hammett Mar. 2 (CHT, MT, May 28 (DC).Severalbirds seen near Salmon Mar. 23 CW), and HaydenL. had one Apr. 19 (PH). ChurchSlough provided a new early arrival date (HR). Five Sandhill betweenSomers and Kalispell,MT, had 30 GreaterScanp Cranesat Fortine provided the first spring recordthere in Apr. 14 (DC). A pair of Harlequin Duckswas observedon 70 years' observing(WW). A WhoopingCrane there May Big Elk Cr., PalisadesRes., Bonneville, ID, May 27, and one 23 was apparently the first ever for far n.w. Montana (MD bird was sightedon HaydenL. Apr. 17 (PH).The speciesis et al., fide WW). One WhoopingCrane at Red RockLakes a rare breederin the state(CG, CHT, CW). A pair of Old- May 14-16 and June2-3 was believedto be a 13-year-old squawswas on the Clearwater R. near Lewiston Mar. 7 male (JB). (KC) and two maleswere on a pond nearSomers, MT, Mar. A window-killed Piping Plover at Gardiner,MT, made 18 (DC). PabloRes. hosted three Red-breastedMergansers the area'sfirst, * to MT Dept. of Fish, Wildlife & ParEs(JO., May 19 (DC). TM). Five Am. Avocets, occasional at Kootenai N.W.R.,

466 AmericanBirds, Fall 1990 were observedMay 15 {LDN). Notablewas a GreaterYel- for a few years (KB). An Ovenbird was singing (taped) at lowlegsalong the Red R. Apr. 6 (SB).Pablo N.W.R. had 44 Pocatello for 3 days starting May 31 (ES). A N. Water- Marbled Godwits Apr. 19 (DW), and 10 appeared at thrush was noted in the Gardiner vicinity May 19 (JZ, TM SalmonApr. 26 (HR). et ol.) & 25 OARS). Two Franklin's Gulls were sighted at Deer Flat N.W.R. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was identified at Gardiner May 12 (AL). Franklin'sand Ring-billedgulls were down May 30 {WS) and a male visited feedersin Ketchum,ID, in in numbers at Red Rock Lakes, their previous nesting late May (BS). A • Clay-coloredSparrow singing s. of colonyabandoned (lB). Hayden L. had a GlaucousGull Kalispell May 19 was "somewhat unusual" (DC). Lark Mar. 10 (PH). A CaspianTern was sightedalong the Snake Buntingswere increasingslightly at Red Rock Lakesbut R. s. ofNampa, ID, May 19 (AL). A Forster'sTern was over there was no evidenceof breeding there (JB). A Harris' Hells Gate S.P.,Lewiston, ID, Apr. 30 (AS). Sparrowthat wintered at a feedernear Culdesacremained through April (C.B.). A Chestnut-collaredLongspur at OWLS TO SHRIKES -- At least two calling Flammu- Spotted Bear airstrip up the S. Fork of the Flathead R., lated Owls were found in the South Hills near Twin Falls, n.w. Montana,was very unusual(DC). A Corn.Grackle vis- ID, in mid-May (iT), and one was heardon ScoutMt. s. of ited a Missoula feeder briefly Mar. 1; others were seen PocatelloMay 22 (CHT,C•Ar). A N. Pygmy-Owlwas calling there later (PLW).Several were at their traditional nesting in the South Hills in mid-May (JT). A Barred Owl was site in Soda Springs,ID, May 3. They were reported in found at Benewah L., Kootenai, ID, May 5 (DJ), and Ashton,ID (fide CHT), and s. of Burley,ID (WHS). another was in the Pothatch, ID, area Mar. 7 (ZP). The Red A c•Purple Finch was reportedat a feedernear Coeur R. had a Boreal Owl Mar. 15 (SB). A pair of Great Gray d'Alene Mar. 5-6 (RB). At Hayden L., femaleswere noted Owls was again nestingnear the rangerstation at Island Apr. 2 and a pair later (PH). A yellowCassin's Finch with a Park, ID (fide CHT). A high densityof Long-earedOwls groupof normally coloredbirds was reportednear Dillon. was found at Ninepipe N.W.R., Lake, MT, with 7 nestsin MT, May 12 (TB, BB, DE). Red Crossbillswere very com- one shelter belt. Short-earedOwl numbers at Ninepipe mon in the Flathead Valley; one White-winged was in a were alsovery high with "hundreds"nesting in the valley flock near Kalispell May 13 (DC). Common Redpolls, there (DH). A high population of microtine rodentswas abundant at Missoula during the winter, still lingered believedresponsible. The latterowl specieswas believed there Mar. 29 (VV). A Lesser Goldfinch visited a feeder on declining at Red Rock Lakes, none having been seen yet Mink Cr. Road s. of Pocatelloin late May (iS). this year 033).Northern Saw-whet Owls were heard and seenaround JetteL. n. of Polson, MT (DC), and one was at OBSERVERSCITED (subregionaleditors in boldface)-- Deer Flat N.W.R. Apr. 7 (AL). Eric Anderson, Tim & Beth Baker, JanissaBalcomb, Arnold A Black Swift was with White-throated Swifts at Spar Bolle, Canyon Birders (C.B.), Keith Carlson, Dan Casey, Canyons. of Challis,ID, in late May (JS).One of the latter SusannahCasey, Mary Davis,David Ewer,Scott Grothe, Craig at Prairie, ID was unusual (AL). Black-chinnedHumming- Groves,Denver Holt, GeorgeHolton, LucindaHaggas, Mer- birds seemed more common than usual at Forfine (WW) lene Koliner, Klaus Lackschewitz, Louise La Vole, Joanne but were reportedas scarcein the Coeurd'Alene vicinity. McCormack,Terry McEneaney,Dale Miller, Larry D. Napier, A nest of this specieswas found at DaggettCreek (BA). Jeff& DeannaPalmer, Jack Poppe, Lou Potter,Joyce Queck- borner, Hadley Roberts,Jim Rogers,William Schreier,W.H. Three Lewis' Woodpeckers,rare in s.e. Idaho, were spot- Shillington,John Shipley, Amy Smith,Jean Smith, Eric Stone, ted near Ashton in late May (DM, KS). The specieswas Kit Struthers,Brian Sturges,Dan Taylor, GeorgeThompson, sighted in mid-May near Rathdrnm, ID (JT). Red Rock Fred Tilly, C.H. Trost, Jack Trotter, Carole & Hank Vande Lakeshad 2 sightingsin early May [lB). An Ash-throated Voorde,Mary Vetter,Virginia Vincent, Cheryl Webb, Winton Flycatcherwas incubating in a bluebirdbox nearPocatello Weydemeyer,Dave Worthington. Philip L. Wright, Janey in mid-May (CW). The TreeSwallow population at Fortine Youngblood,Joe Zarki.--THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. 10820 was "heavy" but Cliff and Barn swallow numbersthere Maxwell, Spokane,WA 99206. were very low (WW). A Blue Jay was with Steller'sat Missouladuring the winter and spring (KL). A ScrubJay was reportedin the vicinity of Mayfield, ID, Mar. 14 (EA). A White-breasted Nuthatchat Prairie Apr. 25 was unusual(AL). A Bewick's Wren was sighted near Lewiston Mar. 10 (CV, LP). A W. Bluebird near Henrys L., Fremont, ID, in late May was a rarity (lSJ.Mountain Bluebirdswere doing "exceedingly well" at Red Rock Lakes[lB). A N. IVackingbirdvisited a Helenayard May 23 0-P)and anothervisited the Mayfield vicinity (CS). Two Am. Pipits at Prairie May 20 were noteworthy (AL). The desertw. of Springfield,ID, provided four LoggerheadShrikes Apr. 12 and at least 2 pairs were on territoryw. of Blackfoot,ID (CHT et al.).

WABBLERS TO FINCHES -- A singingc• Tennessee Warbler, rare in w. Montana, was found in Missoula's GreenoughPark lAB). The specieswas notedon 3 datesin May in the Gardiner, MT, area (TM et al.). A Nashville Warbler in the vicinity of Peck, ID, Apr. 21 was noteworthy (CV,LP). Six Black-and-whiteWarblers at FortineApr. 19 made only the 2nd sightingthere in 70 years'observing --the first sightingwas of one bird (WW). At Troy, MT, severalAm. Redstartsappeared, having been absentthere

Volume 44, Number 3 467 :, • ßSheridan ß g •dy Sundance •"•.•'•'•

olorado'smost dramatic bird discovery in yearscame by one degreeeach of latitude and longitude,and measures this spring when Duane Nelson, working for Hawk- about 50 by 70 miles); k -- written descriptionon file with watch International, located a maior spring raptor migra- R.E.; -I--I--- written descriptionon file with, and subjectto tion site 20 minutes from downtown Denver. Located on approvalof, stateor local recordscommittee. the DakotaHogback where the plainsmeet the mountains, he counted, in 34 days, 2245 migrating raptors of 17 LOONS TO WATERFOWl, -- The mass of 766 Cam. species(10.1/hour). Loonsat Walker L., NV, Apr..12 doubledthe recordcount Observersthis springsaw a big diversity of species,and for both the Lahontan Valley and the Mountain West (LN). pronouncedthe migration a good one. Yet, for Regionally Western Grebe nesting in Nevada's LahontanValley has nesting birds, the limited number of migrants seen con- dropped to "rock bottom" -- a researcherwanting to col- trasts markedly with high densities on their nesting lect Aechmophorus grebes on their nesting grounds grounds.In this Region, observerimpressions, at least of couldn't fill his permit becauseof too few nesting pairs migrating land birds in April and May, seem to have no (LN). In contrast,L/L/B/L tallied 406 Westerns,cf. 279 last relationship to breeding abundance. For example, Col- year. L/L/B/L also counted 1215 Am. White Pelicans, 4 orado observerssee very few migrating Ruby-crowned times the 1989 count. The Riverside Res., CO, nesting Kinglets, Warbling Vireos, or Green-tailedTowhees--the colony had 750 pelicans on Apr. 28. most abundant speciesin their respectivebreeding habi- In Lahontan Valley, nesting Great Egretsincreased from tats of the mountains and plateaus. 80 pairs in 1988 to 140 this year, Snowy Egretsfrom 225 Observersin the Mountain West see hundreds of spar- pairs to 310 pairs, and Cattle Egretsto 310 pairs; Black- rows but only dozensof warblers.The plains offer lots of crowned Night-Heronshave dropped, though, from 1805 good habitat for sparrows,little habitat for warblers.Each pairsin 1986 to 460 pairsin 1990 (LN). Observersreported yearbirdwatchers flock to the samereservoirs to find water- three Little Blue Herons in n.e. Colorado.A Glossyibis at birds and shorebirdsand to the sameriparian areas to seek Fort Collins Apr. 29-May 13 was distinguishedby, inter colorful warblers.Few stop alongthe prairie fencerowsto alia, blue lores (•DL, PO), for Colorado's 4th record. count the hordesof Chipping, Clay-colored,Vesper, and Flocks of 30-200 White-faced Ibises stopped in w. Col- Lark sparrows,or to searchthose flocks for rarer grassland orado,but e. Coloradoreported lower numbers.At Still- species,the way Bridgeslast fall searchedsuccessfully for water a recordnumber of nestingWhite-faced Ibises timed Sprague'sPipits (AB 44:132). Perhapsdiligent trips along their nesting to water availability--the 5900 pairs in 3 the dusty plains roadswould turn up other surprisesand coloniescould easily produce a record number of young. providebetter data aboutthose plain plainsmigrants. Fish SpringsN.W.R., UT, hosted65 Tundra SwansMar. Regardlessof what this litany of rare birds does mea- 4, the high count for the Region.A GreaterWhite-fronted sure,three statesthis springrecorded new species:Hermit Goosestopped at RenoMar. 28-Apr. 7 (EK), and 10 were at Warbler in Wyoming, Golden-winged Warbler in Nevada, Windsor, CO, Mar. 15 (WH). High counts of Snow Geese and Garganeysand Bronzed Cowbird in Colorado.The came from e. Colorado: 8000 at Cheraw Mar. 4, 50,000 at latter bird was not, we hope, a precursorof more to come. LamarMar. 11-16 (and 10,000 Apr. 14), and 5000 at Crook Mar. 15. Amongthe Snowsat Lamarwere 50 Ross'Geese ABBREVIATIONS -- L/L/B/L = Longmont/Lyons/Bert- Mar. 11 (MD). Reportsof singleRoss' Geese came from Las houd/Loveland area, CO, using Foothills Audubon Club Vegasand Reno (•EK), YellowstoneN.P. (•JZ), and Casper. records;1st Lat = First ]atilongrecord (a latilongis outlined Denver noted a big drop in several duck species-- N.

468 American Birds, Fall 1990 Pintail, Am. Wigeon, and Lesser Scaup. Colorado'sfirst had a healthy 170 Snowies on May 25, about twice last Garganeys,judged a wild pair, stayedat JacksonRes., Ft. year'scount (JE).Two at Rock Springs,WY, provided a 1st Morgan, CO, Apr. 22-28 (JB tMJ, m.ob.). Most Regional Lat (FL). At LocomotiveSprings, W.M.A., on the Great Salt recordsof Eur. Wigeon come in the spring:this year three L., 60 SemipalmatedPlovers stoppedMay 10 (PP). The were in e. Colorado Mar. 21-May 5. An imm. male Coloradonesting site of Piping Plovershad 5 pairsMay 25 Harlequin Duck stoppedat Walker L., NV, Apr. 14 (LN, (C.B.O.).At LasVegas a newly accessiblearea produced 12 nestsof Black-neckedStilts, eachwith 4 eggs(VM). Their numbers dropped noticeably, though, at Casper, while Am. Avocetswere numerous--120 in May (J & VH). Observers found Whimbrels at 13 sites, the most 19 at JacksonRes., CO, Apr. 30 and seven at Casper May 10. Two HudsonJanGodwits remained at CasperApr. 27-29 (1st Lat, •JL, FL, J & VH). Good numbers of Marbled God- wits moved through the Region,with 240 at JacksonRes. Apr. 30 and 160 at CasperApr. 29. Rare May shorebirds Male Harlequin Duck on Walker Lake, Nevada, April 14, 1990. along the Great Salt L. included a Ruddy Turnstoneand Photograph/LarryNeei. two Dunlins at LocomotiveSprings, 18 Red Knots and a ph.), and Sheridan,WY, had two May 21-22 (RWg), the Dunlin at Howard Slough(PP). Observersfound nine Pec- first there in 11 years.Rawhide Power Plant near Windsor, toral Sandpipers (rare spring migrants), at Las Vegas, CO, attracted one to two Surf Scotereand a peak of five Humboldt W.M.A., and Casper,but few Stilt Sandpipers: White-winged Scoters (RR). Lahontan Valley had a • four at Casperand two at Cheraw, CO---a major decline White-winged Apr. 14 (LN). A Corn. Merganser at Ft. from previous springs. Neel found 20 Short-billed Collins already had chicksMay 21 (WH). Dowitchers at Fernley W.M.A., NV, Apr. 27, and two at CarsonL. Apr. 26; one was at CasperMay 14 (J & VH). RAPTORS -- Until standing at a hawk watch, bird- Buffalo, WY, reported 415 Wilson's Phalaropeson the watchers don't realize the thrill of seeing birds actually May 12 Spring Count, up by 100 from the previous high (B.H.A.S.). At Odgen,3000 Wilson'sand 2000 Red-necked migrating.The Dakota Hogbackcount (Mar. 20-May 4) of phalaropeswere at Howard SloughMay 19 (PP). Another 2245 raptors of 17 species comprised 30% Accipiters, 23% falcons, 20% Buteos, and 18% vultures. Most abun- 1000 Red-neckedswere at LocomotiveSprings May 10, and Casperhad 300 May 7-14. dant species were 472 Am. Kestrels, 421 Red-tailed Hawks, 407 Turkey Vultures, 344 Cooper'sHawks, and GULLS TO HUMMINGBIRDS -- An adult Common 224 Sharp-shinnedHawks. The peak came April 11-15, with a count of 1028 raptorsat a rate of 27.2/hour. The Black-headedGull stoppedat Longmont,CO, Apr. 9-16 most in one hour, 11-12 a.m. April 14, was 93. Hawkwatch International also conducted a hawk watch at the Goshute Mts., near Wendover, NV, which tallied 1887 birds for 15 speciesMar. 8-Apr. 29. Top specieswere 570 Red-taileds, 294 Sharp-shinneds,261 Cooper's,176 Am. Kestrels,and 152 Golden Eagles.The 5/hour average was low---apparentlythe raptorsuse the Goshutesmore in fall than in spring0-M, HW). Observersreported the samenumber of Ospreysas last spring, except for an increaseat Yellowstone(48 birds). Nesting had started at Lahontan Valley, L. Tahoe, Fontenelle, WY, Yellowstone, Pueblo, Silverthorne, and Granby,CO. At JacksonRes.. CO, 23 Bald Eaglesgathered Adult CommonBlack-headed Gull (with Bonaparte'sGull) at Mar. 8, and 21 assembled near Norwood in w. Colorado Longmont,Colorado, April 9, 1990. Secondstate record. Photo- Mar. 3. They begannesting at Moab, UT (the state'sonly 2 graph/DavidLeatherman. nestingpairs), Seedskadee N.W.R., WY (firsttime in memory), and Bart L. near Denver.The Corn. Black-Hawkseen (JP, •DL, •WH), for Colorado's 2nd record. Since both at Las VegasApr. 21 (•'MC) was the first reported in the Franklin's and Bonaparte's gulls were also present, Regionin 5 years.A Harris' Hawk stayedat LasVegas Apr. observershad the opportunity for good comparisons.A 7-22 (RR, MC, DC). L/L/B/L reported 83 Swainson's Mew Gull stopped at Reno Mar. 25 (?DBo). California Hawks compared with 29 in 1989, and at Logan 48 Gulls may have establisheda new nestingsite in Colorado, swarmedaround a recently plowed field May 4-5 (PP). at Walden, where some of the 110 seen May 28 appeared The Pawnee Nat'l Grassland hosted an impressive 100 to be sittingon nests(WH). A 2nd-yearHerring Gull seen nesting territories of Swainsoh's and 24 of Red-tailed at Ogden May 4 was late (PP). CaspianTern reports dou- Hawks (C.D.O.W.). Reports of Merlins doubled, with 26 bled in Colorado and Wyoming, and a pair seen at Ft. reported throughout the Region including a 1st Lat at Collins in May appearedto carry nesting materialsCol- Cortez, CO, Apr. I (AV). Boschanreported PeregrineFal- oradohas no nestingrecords. cons occupying 13 territories in s.w. Utah, one nest Barn Owls had 4 new nest holes near Grand Jct., CO alreadywith four young. (CD). Smith censused10 F!ammulatedOwls near Morgan, UT, May 21-22, and Truan estimated25 between Banlah SHOREBIBDS -- Regionalhigh countsof Black-bellied and Wetmore, CO, May 12. Of 30 known Great Horned Plovers always come from c. Utah--this season 125 at Owl territoriesin the San Luis Valley,CO, mostfailed and Howard Sloughnear Odgen (PP). On a LahontanValley the successfulones generally fledged only oneyoung; high shorebird survey Apr. 20, Snowy Plovers dropped, with winds and late snows may have adverselyaffected them only six, plus 28 at HumboldtW.M.A. (LN). Fish Springs (J & ER). A major censusfor Spotted Owls in s. Colorado

Volume 44, Number 3 469 has so far reported only one, in Mesa Verde N.P. (VZ, C.F.O.). Observersidentified three LesserNighthawks at Two Buttes,CO, May 25-27; althoughsilent, they seemed to fly lower and exhibit the distinguishingfield marks in contrastto Commonsalso present (•-•-MJ).A Lesserwas found dead at this site 2 yearsago. Springdale, UT, had its usual glut of hummingbirds•an estimatedpeak of 970 Black-chinnedsin Gifford'syard.

FLYCATCHERS TO WAXWINGS -- May 26-27 saw at least 100 W. Wood-Pewees in Dyer, NV (PL). Voice identifiedan E. Wood-Peweeat Ft. CollinsMay 15 0-•-WH). Call and plumageserved to identify birds thoughtto be Male Golden-wingedWarbler at Fort Collins, Colorado,May 29, Alder Flycatchersat Pueblo and Crook, CO, May 29 & 31 1990. Photograph/DavidLeatherman. 0-•'MJ, •-•-WH)--the first claimed sight identificationsin the Region (Coloradohas a couple of specimens).Col- orado's2nd LeastFlycatcher nest, under constructionMay Magnolia Warbler May 26 (•-LB), Wyoming's2nd Cape 25, failed, apparently owing to 2 severe rain and hail May Warbler May 26-27 (MA, •-FL, ph.), Black-throated stormson successivenights (the stormsalso killed 12 Great Blue May 23-28 (•-FL, ph. JS), Wyoming'sfirst Hermit Blue Heronsand one cormorant--HEK).A Dusky-capped Warbler May 26 (MA, •-FL), BlackburnJanWarbler May 28 Flycatcher describedfrom Two ButtesMay 20 0-•-CBr),if (•-R & JS), Bay-breastedWarbler May 26-June 2 (•-FL), accepted by C.F.O., will add a 2nd to Colorado's only BlackpollWarbler May 28 (tRS), Black-and-whitesMay 21 record, a controversialspecimen which allegedly came from the same section of the state. The controversy involves not the identity of the specimenbut rather the identity of the collectionsite. On May 19 a Great Crested and a Scissor-tailedflycatcher, respectively, strayed to Den- ver and Pueblo (DD, DDa). Grand Jct. had 10 Purple Mar- tins on May 15 (TT), a high countfor Colorado.The Denver SpringCount tallied 3058 swallowsMay 12-13, including 1274 Violet-greensand 723 Barns. Bank Swallowsbuilt 300 nestsin a gravelpit at RawhideRes. n. of Windsor,CO. The Gray Jayswhich in March patrol ski area restam rants in Vail and Summit, CO, abandonthe slopesin April --which is about the time they start breeding (JM). In Baca, remnantsof the winter outfall of mountain species persisted,with Steller'sJays Apr. 8 and May 5, and Mr. Hermit Warblerat FontenelleDam, Wyoming,May 26, 1990. First ChickadeesApr. 8 (MJ). Bushtits nested at Eagle Apr. staterecord. Photograph/Janis Herman Steenberg 7-May 21 (1st Lat breeding--JM). A Red-breasted Nuthatch spent May 13 catchingmidges on the walls of the Rawhide power plant (RR). Again this spring,a Car- olina Wren appearedin Denver, but no one found a nest this year (MA). At Monte Vista, CO, hundredsof Hermit Thrushes,grounded by a spring snow storm, "suddenly becamevery apparentat our feedersand other snow-free areas around town. We fed them pieces of earthworms which they and robinsgladly accepted"[J & ER). A Varied Thrush stoppedat Barr L., CO, Apr. 17 (AW, SF). After a modestwinter dispersal,Bohemian Waxwings spread out more abundantlyin March, a few to Pueblo and many to Denver, Boulder, and Grand Jct. Only Casper reported them in April ---60 on Apr. 5. Worm-eatingWarbler at FontenelleDam, Wyoming,May 26, 1990. VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Colorado's7th White-eyed Fifth state record.A surprisingnumber of easternwarblers turned Vireo was at Denver May 16 (•-JTeta/.). Its 13th Yellow- up at this locality in southwesternWyoming during May. Photo- throated Vireo sangvigorously at Chatfield May 22 and graph/JanisHerman Steenberg. later (J & BK eta/.). Richard Yank, AB Regional Editor from Quebec, discoveredNevada's first Golden-winged & 28, Wyoming's5th Worm-eatingWarbler May 26-June6 Warbler at Dyer May 27 0-RY, m.ob.). Other Nevada rari- (MA, tFL, ph.), OvenbirdMay 23-June 2 ($FL, ph.), and ties included two N. Parulasat Las Vegasin May (J& MC, Hooded Warbler May 18-20 (JLa, $BB). Wyoming had VM) and two to three Black-and-whitesthere May 8 & 19, someother notables:N. Parulaat Rock SpringsMay 31; an Ovenbird and a Hooded Warbler May 27 at Dyer (m. Magnolia at Casper May 22 (J & VH); a pair of Black- ob., fide PL), and a Painted Redstartat Las VegasApr. 5 throatedBlues at Cody(lst Lat, •MM) and oneat Casper;a (MC, VM). Chestnut-sidedat Lingle May 20 (•'J& VH); Blackburnian Fontenelle, in s.w. Wyoming, seemsto act as a trap for Warblersat Green R. May 27 and Sheridan May 26 (•-RS, warblers. This spring most of Wyoming's notable war- •-HC); a Blackpoll Warbler at Yellowstone May 19, the blers--17 species--stoppedthere, including these rarities: Park'sfirst (•-DP);and a Pine Warbler at DouglasMay 20 N. Parula May 20-28, Chestnut-sidedWarbler May 28, (•'J & VH; fewer than 5 state records).

470 American Birds, Fall 1990 Grounded by a late snowstormon May 1, 1990, this Black- F•maleBlack-throated BlueWarbler at FontenelleDam, Wyom- throatedSparrow was a first for Monte Vista, Colorado. Photo- ing, May 26, 1990. Photograph/JanisHerman Steenberg. graph/JohnJ. Rawinski.

Colorado had a good list of warblers too: most signifi- erado, which reportedthem from 13 locationsincluding cantly,photographs documented both a Prairie Warbler at 1st Lat recordsfrom Maybell (JWd}and Burlington{DL, RockyMountain ArsenalMay 21, the state's7th (BRz),and D.F.O.}. Wyoming posted its 2nd record of Great-tailed its 3rd Swainsoh'sWarbler, a remarkablebird that stayed Grackle at CheyenneMay 22 {VW}. Las Vegasreported s. at Ft. Collins May 27-June3 (tWH, m.ob.).Two observers Nevada'sfirst Corn. Grackle in severalyears, on May 27 described,and otherssaw, the state's7th Mourning War- {tVM}. Feedersapparently sustain too many cowbirdsand bler (ttJC, ttDB); and a detailed, single-observerreport blackbirds. A Denver feeder attracted Colorado's first was submittedfor a ConnecticutWarbler at Ft. Lyon May BronzedCowbird, a cooperativebird first noticedon May 24 (if accepted,Colorado's second--ttMJ). In addition, 17 which stayedon and on {W & IC, m. ob.}.One wonders the statereported five N. Parulas,six Chestnut-sideds,four if other Bronzed Cowbirds, consorting with flocks of Magnolias, three Black-throated Blues, three Black- blackbirdsof variousilks, have escapedthe eyesof Col- throated Greens (including one May 4 at Rocky Ford oradobirders. A Scott'sOriole sippedfrom a nectarfeeder hoppingover snow-covered branches--MJ), two Blackbur- in EagleMay 12-17 (2nd Lat, tlM). nians, one Pine, a remarkable seven Palms, three Bay- Red Crossbillsstarted to roam along the Front Range, with Boulderreporting 53 in April and otherreports from Rye, Ft. Collins, and feedersin Evergreen.A displaced White-wingedCrossbill appeared at a feederin suburban DenverMay 7 (DSh),and Yellowstonehad onefemale May 28 (tJZ). Common Redpolls lingered into March in n. Wyoming and south to Dillon, Lyons,and Loveland CO, and into April at Buffalo,WY, and Ward, CO. Pine Siskins returnedto someplains sites--L/L/B/L tallied 495 cf. 101 last spring, and Florence, CO, and Cheyennereported many. The Denver Spring Count tallied 82 May 12-13. Evening Grosbeaksalso made numerous spring appearances:up to 40/day in Casperyards, 56 at the May 15 peak Palm Warbler at Fort Collins, Colorado, May 14, 1990. Seven in Florence,50 in May at WoodlandPark, CO, and a spring birdsof this speciesshowed up in Coloradothis spring,as part of total of 382 at L/L/B/L, cf. 295 in 1989. an unusuallystrong movement of easternwarblers. Photograph/ David Leatherman. EXOTICS -- The Red-backed Buzzard returned to Gunnison, CO, Mar. 26; it had with it the Swainson's breasteds,23 Blackpollsincluding 5 in one tree at Crook Hawk bandedas its mate 2 yearsago (DR). on May 15 (DL), 10 Black-and-whites,two Worm-eatings, and one Canada Warbler. COBRIGENDA -- Three expertshave reviewed the descriptionof the Yellow-billed Magpie reportedat Fallen, NV, May 13, 1989 (AB 43:516). All concludedthat the bird TANAGERS TO FINCHES-- This springsaw reports couldhave been a Yellow-billedMagpie but that the obser- of Hepatic Tanagersat 2 sites away from their Colorado nestinglocale•at CationCity May 8 (VT) and PuebloMay vation and descriptiondo not sufficientlydocument the first record of that speciesoutside the bordersof Califor- 19-20 (C.F.O.).Nevada reported two SummerTanagers, at nia. Expertsfrom the Smithsonianexamined the Goshawk Dyer May 26-27 and at Las VegasMay 27, with 30 W. Tan- thoughtto be of the Siberianrace (AB 44:299);they pro- agers (VM). At Ogden, Killpack banded only 176 Lazuli nounced the specimen an aberrant member of some Buntings, compared with 345 and 478 the previous 2 unknown North Americansubspecies (fide FL). Contrary springs.Observations increased, though, at L/L/B/L, with to my statement(AB 44:299), Coloradohas one (only one) 92 seen over the spring.Three Wyoming locations,Green confirmed specimen of the e. race of the Solitary Vireo R., Jackson,and Casper,reported Indigo Buntings May (D.M.N.H. 38518, per BA). And referringto largeshorebird 22-26, and the May I snowstormgrounded one at Monte flocks in Colorado (AB 44:131), BA mentions his observa- Vista, CO (1stLat, tJ & ER). Severalsparrows strayed from tions Sept. 4, 1977 at JacksonRes. of 3000 Baird's and their normalmigratory routes: a Clay-coloredto Eagle,CO, 2000 Stilt sandpipers. on May 17-19 (lst Lat, tim), a Black-throatedto Monte Vista Apr. 18 (1st Lat, tJ & ER, ph.), a Sage Sparrow to COMPILERS (in boldface), CONTRIBUTORS (in italics), Logan,UT, Mar. 10 (KA), and a GrasshopperSparrow to and CITED OBSERVERS--Jean Adams, Bob Andrews, Keith Cortez,CO, Apr. I (lstLat, tAV). Archibald (12 observers),Arkansas Valley AudubonSociety, Great-tailedGrackles continued their expansionin Col- M. Armitage,R. Austin,Mary Back,Lu Bainbridge(LBa), Big

Volume 44, Number 3 471 Horn Audubon Society,Dean Bjerke (32), D. Boardman(DBo), (9), P. Lehman, Forrest Luke (9), David Martin (50), JohnMar- B. Boevers,Nelson Boschen(5), BoulderAudubon Society,J. tin, M. McMillen, Ann Means (27), Jack Merchant (4), Vince Bregar,D. Bridges,L. Brinkerhoeff(LBr), Jerry Cairo, w. & J. Mowbray (5), Larry Neel, Paul Opler (9), Peter Paton, J. Carter,Colorado Bird Observatory,Colorado Field Ornitholo- Prather, B. Prather, D. Price, D. Radovich, John & Elizabeth gists,H. Corbett,M. Cressman,D. Crowe, D. Daniels (DDa), M. Bawinski, Bert Raynes (15), J. Reddall, ].C. Rigli, R. Rucker Davis, Denver Field Ornithologists,Coen Dexter (3), Keith (RRu), Bon Ryder, D. Shipman (DSh), Dave Silverman (24), Dixon (12), D. Dominick, Ruby Ebright,Joseph Engler, Mar- •¾ginia Simmons,V. Arnold Smith, Janis& Rick Steenberg,J. garet Ewing, S. Fitzmorris, Elva Fox, Jewel Gifford, J.R. TenBrink, Van Truan, T. Tustison,Alan Versaw,R. Waggoner Guadagno, May Hanesworth (34), Phil Hayes (45), Steven (RWg), A. Wallace, J. Ward (JWd),Jim & Bosie Watts,Howard Hedges (4), Jim & Verna Herold, William Howe (8), Mark Weinberg, V. Wheeler, Roberta Winn (RWn), R. Yank, Joe Janos,J. & B. Kellner, Ursula Kepler (22), Merlin Killpack, Zarki (16), Vic Zerbi.-•HUGH E. KINGERY, 869 Milwaukee Edward Kurtz, J. Larson(JLa), J. Lawrence,David Leatherman Street, Denver, CO 80206.

SOUTHWEST REGION "• :'i•.•.•GrandCanyon"•;•i: • *Farmington ';'•?:''• Clayton.

.'.'. ARIZONA• G•.•o- •:-.? ß.•anta Fe ßDavis Dam --::.' '•.ß F ags•ff •.• ARIZONA '-. •' ':[•?';•-•%.... Albuquerque•.•' •-Tu..... ß ..•. ßPres•o• • . '.:...... '•;:•;•-=.spr•ge•i,•. ß NEW MEX CO ParkerDam •. :•'•:;/¾:•..•....•:...•.•: .5.= Phoenix .' .....;::-•'.'?•::::•.=.•';• •:•?:•':-. , "•-•:• .....•-':• ;':,-'•'.;:,'= •he NWR •Bi•er •k Gary H. Rosenbergand -' 'Yuma •mtedRock Dam Cohsbquences•.... ' David Stejskal ßTucson .Willcox Silver • LasCruces Cadsba• Nat Park '?Patagonia':•;I

s if a hurricanehad comeand gone,a few remnants ers, and unprecedentednumbers of Evening Grosbeaks of last winter's major invasion of montane species and Purple Finches wandered around central and south- in the lowlands of Arizona were still evident as the ern Arizona as a stark reminder that somewhere to the spring got under way. As summer residents began fil- north,montane birds had experienceda roughwinter. tering back into the state, small bands of Steller's Jays, Relativelycool temperatures throughout the springmade scatteredWilliamsoh's Sapsuckers and Lewis' Woodpeck- it a pleasureto be out in Arizona despitea carotidof rarities

Female Evening Grosbeak at feeders at Portal, Arizona, May 1990. This specieswandered the lowlands and foothills of the southwest in unusual numbers this season, along with other northern and montane birds, apparently holdoversfrom last winter's invasion. Photograph/ Rick Bowers.

472 American Birds, Fall 1990 to be seen Continuedcoverage of the Nava)oReservation in 27 (DK) was reported as the highest single day count in the northeasternportion of the state saw unprecedented recent history for the San Pedro. gull numbersduring the latter part of April. Vagrantsfrom A pleasantsurprise this springwas a FulvousWhistling- the southhighlighted the birding in southernArizona this Duck found on a pond at Kino Springs,iust n. of Nogales, spring;a FulvousWhistling-Duck, Arizona's second record Apr. 28-May 15 (D. Pearson,JS, m.ob.); there are only of ElegantTern, and two LeastTerns are perhapsa sign of about a dozen recent records for the state, some of which what the summer has in store for us. And now for a final are suspect as being possible escapeesfrom captivity word about the much talked about Double-stripedThick- Extralimital records of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks knee at Yuma. For thoseof you who had your doubtsas to include one at Peck'sL., near Prescott,Apr. 24-25 (VG et the validity of the record,you canbreathe easy: the Arizona al.), and three remaining in s.w. Phoenix (out of six that Gameand Fish Departmentfound the personwho brought wintered locally) May 19 (TC). Seven, including nesting the bird from Mexico and released it on that now-famous individuals,were found duringthe period alongthe upper golf coursein Yuina (fide JW). S.P.R. (Ed Lehner). Three Tundra Swans at Mormon L. Mar. 17-19 providedonly aboutthe 4th springrecord for ABBREVIATIONS -- A.B.C. = Arizona Bird Committee; the state,all of which were northboundmigrants in n. Ari- B T A = BoyceThompson Arboretum; L.C.R. = Lower Col- zona. Seeminglyout of place was a single Ross'Goose at orado River; S.P.R.= San Pedro River; S.T.P. = SewageTreat- Cow Springs L. Apr. 2 (CL), establishinga rare spring ment Plant; V.O.C. = Village of Oak Creek. recordfor the northeast.A pair of WoodDucks near Camp Verde Apr. 11 was in the samegeneral area as a pair •n LOONS TO WATERFOWL -- Although Common May of 1989; this speciesis almostunknown as a breeder Loon is a regularwinter visitor throughoutthe state,it can in Arizona. Other late recordsthis spring included one still be considereda very scarcespring migrant, particu- female at Alamo L. May 2-3 (AM, BB), one near Nogales larly in northern Arizona. Therefore,three on Black Mesa last seen May 15 (m.ob.), and one male at Kayenta Apr Apr 25, one there May 1, and one at Many Farms Lake 4-May 29 (CL). A d Eur. Wigeonwas at Willcox Apr. May 12 (CL) were of interest.The Yellow-billed Loon (Aft- 14-28 (John O'Brien, m.ob.); there are now about two zona's 2nd) that wintered on Lake Havasu was last seen on dozen records for Arizona. Very rare for spring was a Mar. 14 (KK, GHR).A singleWestern Grebe at Willcox Apr. White-winged Scoterfound at Davis Dam Mar. 13 (GHR, 19 (GM) was undoubtedlya northboundmigrant, whereas KK); most Arizona records have occurred in fall and win- one Clark's Grebe at Many Farms L. Apr. 8-May 12 may ter, suggestingthat this individual may have wintered well have been a potentialbreeder; this latter specieshas locally. More unusual was a 9 Surf Scoterat the Sierra been found nestingat Many FarmsL. during the pasttwo Vista S.T.P.Apr. 19 (JohnGardner), establishing only the summers. 2nd springrecord for s.e.Arizona, the otherone occurring American White Pelicans were seen passing in rela- May 16, 1976, at Willcox. Exceedinglyscarce as a spring tively high numbersthroughout the state;notable concen- transientin the southeastis Red-breastedMerganser, thus trationswere of 350 at Alamo L. in early March (BB et al.), five at the Snyder Hill S.T.P., Tucson, Apr. 13 (Mark and 115 at KayentaApr. 7 (CL). One of the two BrownPel- Stevenson)were noteworthy. icans that wintered on Alamo L. was still presentMar. 26 (BB, AM). A flock of 60 Double-crestedCormorants along VULTURES TO TERNS -- A Turkey Vulture Feb. 25 the Salt R. in s.w. Phoenix Mar. 21 (D. Rosey) was an representedone of the earliestspring records for the upper unusually high concentrationaway from known nesting S.ER. (DK). Nestingpairs of Ospreyswere reportedfrom areas in Arizona. In the northeast portion of the state, Scholz L. and from Upper Lake Mary, near Flagstaff;this where this speciesis at best a very rare transient,three speciesfs a local breeder on lakes above the Mogollon were found at Many FarmsL. Apr. 8, one was at Tuba City Rim. Recordsof Black-shoulderedKite continueto pile up Apr. 23, one was at Cow SpringsL. Apr. 29, and another with sightingsthis spring including one at Alamo L. Apr was at Kayenta May 21 (all CL). Three Olivaceous Cor- 6-10 (BB,AM), two at PicachoRes. Apr. 22 (fide SGa),and morantswere at LakePatagonia Apr. 26 (GM) with at least one near Florida Canyon May I (R. Stringer). Thirteen one remaining there throughoutMay; it is puzzling that young Bald Eaglesof the local breedingpopulation were this small lake remains the only area in Arizona that this fledgedthis spring;this numberis down from a high of 22 "Mexican" speciesoccurs with regularity. fledged in 1988 (fide JW). An ad. Gray Hawk at the Page An American Bittern at RooseveltL. May 9 (D. Laush et SpringsFish Hatchery,s. of Sedona,May 6 (•'RF)was well al) was probablya late migrant, as this specieshas not north and west of normal nestingareas in Arizona. A Corn. been found nestingbelow the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. Black-Hawk at Alamo L. Mar. 30-31 (AM, BB) was a bit The LeastBittern found alongthe Gila R. e. of EstrellaMr. west for a normalmigrant; this specieshas been known to Park during the winter was still presentApr. 14 (TC). Sin- nest due north of this area on the Virgin R. in s.w. Utah. gle Great Egretswere seenat Peck'sL. on Apr. 26 (VG .et Crested Caracarais a scarcevisitor anywhere in Arizona al ) and at PalominasMay 15 (DK); one at Mormon L. Apr. away from the southwestportion of the state;extralimital 24 (VG et al.) representedone of only a few recordsfor recordsthis springincluded one Apr. 4 in s. Phoenix(fide northern Arizona. Small numbers of Cattle Egrets were SGa)and one in n.w. TucsonApr. 19 (GM, BDa). Unusual scatteredthroughout southern Arizona during the spring. this late in spring away from known nesting areaswas a Of particular note was one at FlagstaffApr. 30 (A. Pren- PeregrineFalcon at Mammoth May 26 (W. Hoag). nace), and another at Many Farms L. also Apr. 30 (CL); At least 3 pairs of Clapper Rails were found along the there are still very few records of this invasion species Gila R. near Arlington May 23 (fide TC); this remains one from the northern portion of the state. A Green-backed of the few areasin southernArizona away from the L.C.R Heron at Kayenta May 28 (CL) was extremely late as this at which this endangeredrace still nests. Although Vir- specieshas not been found nestingin northernArizona. ginia Rail nestscommonly in marsh habitat throughoutn. White-faced Ibis, typically a fairly common spring mi- Arizona,its statusas a regularnesting species in the s. por- grant, was seenin greaterthan usual numbersthroughout tion of the state has yet to be established;several were the state with several flocks of 100+ individuals being heard calling from a marshat the Empire CienegaRanch reported;one suchflock of 500+ on the upper S.P.R.Apr. throughoutthe period (m.ob.),two were found in proper

Volume 44, Number 3 473 habitat at NogalesMay 5 (DJo),and one was calling May seenon the Navajo Reservationduring the period with a 19 from a marsh on the SlaughterRanch, e. of Douglas, high count of 348 on Many FarmsL. Apr. 30. where they have been suspectedof breedingin the past Scarce anywhere in Arizona away from the L.C.R., (MK et al.). A single,presumably lost, Sandhill Cranewas CaspianTerns appeared around the statewith two in Tuc- seen at Cottonwood in the Verde Valley Apr. I (C. Van son Apr. 29 (SGa),two at Lake PatagoniaMay 11-12 (S Cleve) for a first local record. McMahon),and two at KayentaMay 8 (CL)providing only The only Black-bellied Plover of the seasonwas one the 3rd northeastArizona record. Two ElegantTerns were found at Alamo L. Apr. 20 (AM, BB). Much more unusual well describedfrom the Tucson S.T.P.May 24 (?JP),if for spring was a Lesser Golden-Plover (P. dominica) at acceptedby the A.B.C.,they would representonly the 2nd KayentaMay 12 (CL); this representsonly about the 8th Arizona recordof this highly migratoryspecies. A Com- springrecord for the state,and only aboutthe 5th ever for mon Tern was reportedfrom Willcox May 17 (JP);there are n Arizona. Single Snowy Ploversat Willcox Apr. 21 (JP) only a few verified springrecords of this speciesfor the and May 5 (JBo)suggested that once again this species state.Very exciting were two Least Terns found in Tucson may be nestingin the Willcox Playa. One at KayentaMay this spring,with one at the TucsonS.T.P. Apr. 21-23 (CBe I (CL) representedone of the few springrecords for the n. et al.) and anotherat the SnyderHill S.T.P.May 7-8 (GHR, portion of the state.A total of 20 SemipalmatedPlovers at DF et al.); there were only about 10 previous recordsfor Cow SpringsL., w. of Kayenta,between Apr. 29 and May the state,only two of them from spring. 21 (CL) made an unusuallyhigh count for n. Arizona;the one there May 21 was also late, as there are virtually no PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- At an June records for the state. unusually low elevationfor late springwas a Band-tailed Unusual concentrationsof Willets were seen in April Pigeon near the B.T.A. May 13 (D. Lausch, R. Dummer) with high countsof 24 at TucsonApr. 27 (S. Levy)and 30+ New for the B.T.A. was a Common Ground-Dove found at CrescentL., White Mrs., Apr. 27 (M. Larson).Also of note there Mar. 30-May 7 (CT). One of the several Ruddy was a singlebird at Peck'sL. Apr. 11 (VG et alo),one at Will- Ground-Doves found last winter in s.w. Phoenix remained cox Apr. 19 (GM), two at Peck'sL. Apr. 24, and four there until Mar. 21. Extremelyearly was the reportof a Yellow- Apr. 25 (VG et alo).A singleWhimbrel at the Pinal Air Park, billed Cuckooin the VerdeValley May 1 (H. & A. Gaither), Marana, Apr. 23-25 (J. Gardner,JHo) was only about the as was one reportedfrom Dudleyville May 20 (JBo). 10th in springfor the state.Although not unprecedentedin An Elf Owl at Cornville Apr. 27-May 30 (D. Osborne) spring,a flock of 48 Marbled GodwitsApr. 30 (with a total waswell northand westof its normalrange in centralAri- of 119 individualsbetween Apr. 24 and May 1) at Kayenta zona; this specieshas been found casually as far north as (CL) was still a very high concentrationfor Arizona.Also lower Oak CreekCanyon in August1956. A pair was also more frequentthan usualwere reportsof small groupsof found in mesquitehabitat s. of Charlestonon the upper Sanderlings beginning in late April: one was at Cow S.P.R.May 21 (DK) where they bred last year for the first SpringsL. Apr. 28 (CL); one was at Willcox Apr. 28-29 time; surprisingly,there are no other Elf Owls known to (SGa);three were at Many FarmsL. Apr. 30 with two still breed in the lowlandsof the upper S.P.R.despite being there May 5 (CL); one was at the Many FarmsS.T.P. May 5 commonin most of the canyonsdraining the eastside of (CL); and two were at the SierraVista S.T.P.May 17 (GHR). the HuachucaMts. Of interestwere two BurrowingOwls Very unusualfor n. Arizona in springwere singleBaird's at Marana Apr. 25 (JHo).This specieshas undergonea Sandpipersat KayentaApr. 19 and May I & 5 (CL). drasticreduction of numbersduring the past few years Unprecedentedconcentrations of Franklin's Gulls were throughoutmost of its rangein southernArizona, and it is reportedfrom n.e. Arizonathis spring,with an unbeliev- our opinion that this owl should be consideredfor the able total of 292 seenbetween Mar. 21 and May 28 (275 threatenedspecies list for Arizona. Who sayslightning occurringbetween Apr. 26 and May 6). More amazingwas doesn'tstrike twice? For the 2nd time in 10 years,Sharon that the high concentrationwas of 143 at Many Farms Goldwasserfound a freshlykilled N. Saw-whet Owl in the Lake Apr. 30 (CL); the previous high was of 18 seen in lowlands of southernArizona, this time along the Santa Phoenix during November1979. This apparentinvasion Cruz R. n. of NogalesMar. 10 (*U. of A.); there are very few was not limited to the northeast: seven were in Tucson lowland records(live or dead)of this borealspecies in Ari- Apr. 13 (M. Stevenson),one was at Willcox Apr. 27 (R. zona. Very early was the Buff-collaredNightjar found in Frayman), two were also in TucsonApr. 27 (DK), and ten GuadalupeCanyon Apr: 20 (S. Perry).At least two were were in FlagstaffApr. 30 (the sameday asthe majorfallout presentin Florida Washby early May (m.ob.). in the northeast;A. Prennace).The northeastalso pro- Unusual for northeastArizona were reports of two dif- duced numbersof Bonaparte'sGulls, with a total of 17 ferent Chaeturaswifts, both identified asVaux's, May 13 & seenfrom Tuba City to Many FarmsL. betweenApr. 4 and 19 at Kayenta(CL). A single• Broad-billedHummingbird May 6 (CL). Fewer were reported from the southeast;one was foufid May 19 at Rio Verde,Phoenix, suggestingthe was in TucsonApr. 13 (M. Stevenson),two were at Will- possibility of local nesting (T. Gatz); this specieswas cox Apr. 14 (T. Godfrey), and one was there May 13 (J. found nestingat this exactlocality in May 1976 (fideJW). Scheibe).A Heermann'sGull was reported from Sierra Both a male and female White-earedHummingbird had Vista Apr. 28 (DH); there are only a few valid spring returnedto RamseyCanyon by May 10 (JWh)suggesting records for the state. California Gull had been considered a that this speciesmay attemptnesting for the secondyear scarcespring migrant ih the northeastbefore this year;a in a row. Extralimitalrecords for MagnificentHumming- total of 136 was reportedfrom the NavajoIndian Reserva-. bird well north of its normalbreeding range in Arizona tion betweenMar. 12 and May 23, with a high concentra- included:a pair in Oak CreekCanyon Apr. 21 (VG et al ), tion of 45 at Kayenta Apr. 29 (CL). One was also seen in two at the CaveSprings Camp Ground,Oak CreekCanyon, s w. Phoenix Apr. 27 (CBa), while another was seen at May 22 (fide A. Gaither);one female in the Sierra Ancha W•llcoxMay 17 (JP).An ad. HerringGull at KayentaApr. Mts., n.w. of Globe,May 31 (TC); and one in SedonaJune 3 28 (CL) provided only the 2nd springrecord for n.e. Ari- (J.Fortmann). At leastone LuciferHummingbird was seen zona.In accordancewith the concentrationsof gullsin the at Portal in early May (SSp). Also north of the regular northeastthis spring, over 2000 Ring-billed Gulls were breedingrange were singleCosta's Hummingbirds in the

474 AmericanBirds, Fall 1990 Village of Oak Creek Mar. 20 (A. Thornburg) & 29 (M. (BJ).Spring recordsof EasternPhoebe in Arizona are few, McManus). and may representindividuals that wintered locally; one A single Belted Kingfisherwas seen entering a hole in was 3 mi s. of St. David Mar. 21 (DK), and another was the bank of the upper Salt R., the same locality at which found at the Snyder Hill S.T.P.,Tucson, Apr. 8 (DJo).A this specieswas suspected nesting in 1987 and 1988 (Mike Brown-crestedFlycatcher in SabinoCanyon Apr. 18 (JHo) Cross);there are still only a couple of confirmed nesting was a bit earlier than normal arrival dates.The only East- records in Arizona. A single Green Kingfisher was seen ern Kingbird of the spring was one photographed at along SohoiraCr. near PatagoniaMar. 13 (M. Stackhouse), BeckerL., Springerville,May 27-28 (CBa). More scarcein and again Apr. 2 (S. Vetault). A male was seen along the springwere two Scissor-tailedFlycatchers found 5 mi s. of upper S.P.R.near CharlestonMar. 4-5 (DK), while a differ- Portal on the Portal Rd. May 19 (tM. Emmonset al.). ent plumagedmale was presentsporadically throughout The Blue Jay that dazzled local birdersthrough most of the period along the S.P.R. near the Highway 90 bridge the winter was still present at St. David May 8 (DK). (DK). No nestinghas been confirmedin 2 years. Several Steller's Jays continued to be found at several lowland Lewis' Woodpeckersin lowland areas this spring were locationsthrough at least mid-March. A lost Pinyon Jay probably residual effectsof last winter's montane inva- was reported from Willcox on the late date of Apr. 15 sion: two in e. TucsonApr. 9 (M. Simmons),one at Red 0Bo). Also apparentlylost was a single Am. Crow at the Rock S.P. May 9 (S. Foster),one below Stewart Mr. Dam Village of Oak Creek Apr. 13 (W. Turner). A very late May 15 (TG eta/.), and anothern. of RooseveltL. May 15 Townsend'sSolitaire was found in SycamoreCanyon May (H. Messing).Similarly, an Acorn Woodpeckerwas at a 19 (JBo).A Varied Thrush found at Camp Creek Mar. 22 very unusually low elevation at Chandler Apr. 10 (S. (A. Spencer)probably was one that had wintered locally; Barnes).A Red-breastedSapsucker was reportedfrom Fort the individual that wintered at the B.T.A. was last seen Apacheat the baseof the White Mt•. Mar. 17 (Brian Heap, Mar. 5 (CT). The Rufous-backedRobin that delighted fide GM). Further remnantsof the winter invasion were crowds at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson severalWilliamsoffs Sapsuckersaway from known breed- throughoutmost of the winter was lastreported Apr. 5; the ing areas: a male was at the B.T.A. through the winter one that wintered in a s. Phoenixyard was last seenMar. period and last seenMar. 9 (CT), a female was there Mar. 21 (PB). Single Brown Thrasherswere reported in n.w. 17 (CT), two were in TucsonApr. 9 (GG), and another TucsonMar. 29 (fide JK), along Dry BeaverCr. near High- female was in CaveCreek Canyon Apr. 28 (SGa). way 179 May 19 (A. Thornburg),and in BisbeeMay 26-28 (C. Gottlund). The only Red-eyed Vireo reported this FLYCATCHERS TO VIREOS- springwas one in WickenburgMay 14 (LorenHays). S.A. WARBLERS TO FINCHES -- Two Tennessee War- With the recentspli•dng of WesternFlycatcher into biers,one in n.w. TucsonApr. 29 (S. Edwards)and another two distinctspecies, the Cordilleranand Pacific-slope flycatchers,it hasbecome more important determining alongthe upper S.P.R.May 16 {DK},were aboutaverage for which forms pass through Arizona during migration. a normal spring. Similarly, three Northern Parulas were CordilleranFlycatcher nests commonly in many of the reportedwith one at Peck'sL. Apr. 28 (A. Thornburg),one montaneareas throughout the state,but "western-type" singingmale along Granite Cr. outside of PrescottMay 10 flycatchersare often seenin riparianareas throughout {CT}, and anothersinging male in RamseyCanyon May 27 the lowlandsof southernArizona, particularlyduring {B. Larsonet al.}. More unusualfor spring,and a first for April and May, and specimenevidence has shown that Ramsey Canyon, was a Chestnut-sided Warbler found many of these are Pacific-slopeFlycatchers. At this there May 4 0Wh}. Most Palm Warblerrecords for the state stagein our understandingof separatingthe two forms are from the fall, thus one alongthe upper S.P.R.Apr. 25 in thefield, vocalizations appear to be the onlyreliable {tH. Douglas} was noteworthy. A stunning breeding- way; the distincttwo-syllable call of Cordillerancom- plumaged• Bay-breastedWarbler was well describedfrom pared to the slurred, one-syllablecall of the Pacific- Cave Creek Canyon May 20 {C. Sandell, RM}, providing slope, Pacific-slopesidentified by call included the following:one alongthe upper S.P.1LApr, 6 (DK);four one of the few springrecords for the state.Only one Black- at SabinoCanyon Apr, 18 OHo);one at SevenSprings, and-white Warbler was reported this period, in Madera nearPhoenix May I {BD};one at ArivacaMay 18 0Bo); CanyonApr. 29 {W. Monroe}.Also sparsethis seasonwere and one alongthe VerdeRiver, May 19 {TC}.As little is Am. Redstartswith only three reported. known aboutthe rangeof individual variationof calls Outstandingwere 3 sightingsof Worm-eatingWarbler within each species,we urge caution in attemptingto this spring; one was at Madera Canyon Apr. 20-27 (R. identify "western-type"flycatchers to speciesaway Haaseth), one was in Cave Creek Canyon May 4-6 (JBo, from knownbreeding grounds. RM}, and the third was along Granite Creek May 15 {CT}, providing one of the best springs ever for this scarce Buff-breastedFlycatcher has one of the most restricted migrant.Four Ovenbirdsin s. Arizona made a greaterthan breedingranges of any of the summerresidents in south- normal number. One was along the upper S.P.R.May 9 easternArizona, and is virtually never seen away from {DK},one was in CaveCreek Canyon May 19 {JohnAlcock), those few nesting areas in the Huachuca Mrs. Of great one was at the DesertBotanical Gardens in PhoenixMay 21 interest were a pair near the SouthwesternResearch Sta- (S. Burnset al.}, and one was seenat the roadsiderest stop tion, Cave CreekCanyon, from late April to May 20 (RT, just s. of PatagoniaMay 21 (JBo).No fewer than 15 N, m.ob.), one seen along Turkey Creek, Chiricahua Mrs., Waterthrushes were around southern Arizona between Apr. 7 (DJo),and one truly out of place reportedfrom the May 5 & 22 {m.ob.).Likewise, Hooded Warbler put in an upper S.P.R.Apr. 20 (fide DK). For the 3rd consecutive excellentshowing with one in MaderaCanyon Apr. 29 (W. year a GreaterPewee was seen in the lowlands along the Monroe}, one male in Tempe May I (fide D. Pearson},one upper S.P.R.,Apr. 19-25 (DK). NorthernBeardless-Tyran- male in Miller Canyon May 13 (D, Rosey},and another nulets continueto be found a bit north with a pair found male in MaderaCanyon May 31 0Bo);we wonderwhy this along Queen Cr., e. of the B.T.A., Mar. 12 (SGa), and "southeastern"warbler turns up as regularly as it does in anotherpair found alongthe Gila River s. of GlobeMay 26 the desertsouthwest during late spring.

Volume 44, Number 3 475 Truly surprisingwas a • ScarletTanager reported from Wildlife Refuge;E.B.L. = ElephantButte Lake; L.V.N.W.R.= alongSonoita Creek, s. of Patagonia,Mar 31 (tA. Bell);there Las VegasNat'l Wildlife Refuge;P.O. Canyon= Post Office are still fewer than 20 recordsfrom Arizona. An average Canyon,Peloncillo Mrs.; S.P.= StatePark; T/C = Truth or Con- number (five) of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were scattered sequences;Zuni = Zuni Indian Reservation.Place names in aroundthe southeastthis spring(m.ob.). A very late Swamp italics are counties. Sparrowremained at BlackMesa, near Kayenta,Apr. 25-27 LOONS TO DUCKS The only loons reportedwere (CL). Also late was a Golden-crownedSparrow at Cornville up to five Commonsat E.B.L. Mar. 7-9, with one still there May 3 (CL); of the four that wintered at the B.T.A., one was Apr. 27 (JH et al.). Up to 70 EaredGrebes were at Zuni May still presentMar. 23 (CT). A late Harris' Sparrowwas pho- 5-8, but low water was expectedto hampernesting efforts tographedat Lukeville Apr. 2-6 (Sylvia Gallagher). (DC, SI). Over 1000 Aechmophorusgrebes were on E.B.L...... f -.• - •; • ,- ...... ß ..• ... ß -... Apr. 13 (DC), while exceptionallyearly was an ad. Clark's Grebeescorting a largejuvenile at CaballoL. Apr. 13 (ph. DC). Elsewhere,single Clark's were at Mesilla Apr. 28 (CS) and BrantleyL., Eddy, May 16 (PJ,LG), while peripheral Westernsincluded up to four at BluewaterL. Apr. 7 (DC), Evans L., Grant, until mid-May (RF), and Bitter Lake May 16 (PJ,LG). PeripheralAm. White Pelicansincluded up to 14 at Zuni Apr. 11-21 (DC) and 58 at Bluewater L. Mar. 24 Female Bobolinkat Willcox,Arizona, May 18, 1990. Very rare in (DC), while unusual were 83 over RattlesnakeSprings, southeasternArizona in spring.Photograph/Barry R. Zimmer. Eddy, Apr. 7 (BB, SW). Westerly was an OlivaceousCor- morantin the Gila Valley May 5 (fide RF). A Least Bittern was picked up exhaustedon May 2 in Bobolinks,very rare and irregular migrantswithin the Carlsbad(SW), where the speciesis rarely reported. A state,were found in relatively high numbers,mostly in the Great Egretat MangasSprings Apr. 30 (ph. RF) was a local northeast; a female was located on the Twin Lakes Golf first, and established one of the few records for Grant. Course, Willcox, May 18 (ph. BZ), five were in Kayenta Early was a Snowy Egretat Zuni Apr. 8 (DC); four were in May 21 (CL), two there May 23 (CL), and one thereMay 27 the Gila Valley (RF et al.) and 89 at Bitter Lake (SB et al.) (CL). With adequatecoverage of the northeastin spring,it May 5. Few Cattle Egretswere reported,but reportsin- would not be surprisingto find Bobolink to be a rare but cluded vagrantsat Chama in early May (LS), up to 15 at regularmigrant there. A BronzedCowbird at FlagstaffApr. BosqueRefuge Apr. 3-May 14 (PJ, CS), and four at T/C 28 (A. Prennace)may have representeda first record for northern Arizona. A male Orchard Oriole was seen at St. Apr. 24 (DM). Unusual in spring was an ad. Yellow- crowned Night-Heron at Bosque Refuge May 15 (LG). David May 8 (DK); this speciesis surprisingly scarcein White-faced Ibises were widely reported in the period southemArizona when one considersthat they nest regu- Apr. 8-May 24 (m.ob.). larly within 100 miles of the border in central Sonora. Two probable Black-bellied Whistling-Duckswere at As usual after a flight year, there were several scattered RattlesnakeSprings Apr. 16-17 (BB, B. Wright). Late was a reports of Purple Finches in s.e. Arizona during April. Greater White-fronted Gooseat BosqueRefuge May 24 Unprecedented,though, were seeminglyhuge flocks of 78 (RT, PB), as were two Snow Geesethere May 31 (CS) and and 54 individuals alongthe HassayampaRiver in central four at Bitter Lake May 4 (SB et al.). One to two Wood Arizona Mar. 14 (CT). Late for the southeastwere up to Ducks were near EspafiolaMay 30 (fide BL), PerchaDam three Cassin'sFinches associatingwith House Finches at Mar. 15 (DM), and Mesilla Apr. 29 (CS); one at Roswell the feedersat Madera Canyonin early May (GHR et al.). May 5 had been there for severalmonths (fide SB). A few Also late were eight Am. Goldfinches(including singing "Mexican" Mallards were in the Gila Valley Mar. 8 (RF), males)in GuadalupeCanyon May 19 (GHR, DK et al.). below E.B.L. Apr. 27 (JH), and at PerchaDam throughout CONTRIBUTORS(Area compilersin boldface)--Charles the period (DM). Four possibleGreater Scaup associating Babbitt(CBa), Pat Beall, Chris D. Benesh,Brian Bock,Jerry with Lesserswere at Navajo Dam Mar. 26 (PJ).An ad. male Bock, RobertBradley, John Coons(Flagstaff], Troy Corman, Surf Scoreron JohnsonMesa, Colfax,May 26 (J.Campbell, William Davis, Bix Demaree,David Fisher,Rich Furgueson, R. Tully) was unusual. At least 10 Barrow's Goldeneyes Steve Ganley (SGa), Tom Gatz, Virginia Gillmore, Sharon were on the San JuanR. below NavajoDam Mar. 17 (ph. Goldwasser,Alma Green (Sedona),Grace Gregg,Jack Hol- DC), with three still there Mar. 26 (PJ).The only Hooded loway (Tucson),Betty Jackson(Globe), Dan Jones,Mark & Mergansersreported were a pair on Dulce L. Mar. 24 (fide Camille Kaspryzk, Kenn Kaufman, Lynn Kaufman, Jeff PRS) and three at BosqueRefuge Mar. 1 (RT, PB). Single Kingery, Dave Krueper (Sierra Vista), Chuck LaRue (Kay- Corn. Mergansersat Mesilla Apr. 28 (CS) and Bitter Lake enta),Ann McLucky,Gale Monson, Robert Morse (Portal),Jim May 5 (SB et al.) were late, while also noteworthywere a Paton,Will Russell,John Saba, Walter & Sally Spofford,Rick Red-breastedMerganser at BluewaterL. Apr. 7 (DC) and Taylor, Carl S. Tomoff (Prescott),Greer Warren, JackWhet- anotherat BottomlessLakes S.P. Apr. 21 (CB). stone (JWh), Bob & Janet Witzeman (Phoenix),Barry Zim- VULTURES TO PHALAROPES--Two probableBlack men---GARY ROSENBERG,5441 N. Swan Rd., Apt. 313, Vultures were reported circling with 10 Turkey Vultures Tucson, AZ 85718; DAVID STEJSKAL, 5755 E. River Rd., abovethe Rio Grandebetween Radium Springsand Hatch #703, Tucson, AZ 85715. on Apr. 3 (CS); the speciesremains unverified by specimen or photographin New Mexico. A count of migratory raptors in the Sandia Mrs. Feb. 24-May 7 yielded 3310 NEW MEXICO birds of 17 species(SH et al.). Among the highlightswere 1336 Turkey Vultures, beginningMarch 15 and peaking Sartor O. Williams III and the first week of April; 38 OspreysApr. 1-26; 41 Swain- sows Hawks beginning Apr. 4; four Zone-taileds Apr. John P. Hubbard 21-May 6; and 218 Golden Eagles.Lingering Ospreysin- ABBBREVIATIONS--Bitter Lake = Bitter Lake Nat'l cluded one to three in mid-May at Zuni (DC, SI), Ojo Wildlife Refuge;Bosque Refuge = Bosquedel ApacheNat'l Caliente, Cibola OE), Bitter Lake (PJ,LG), and Rattlesnake

476 AmericanBirds, Fall 1990 Springs(CB, JB), plus one in the Gila Valley May 27 (RF,D. Perhapsindicative of a continuingnorthward expan- Henderson). Westerly were two M•ss•sslppi Kites at sion,White-winged Doves appeared at 2 Albuquerquelo- BosqueRefuge May 20 (CB);also notablewere five north calities:two each in the southernpart of the city Apr. 2 of ClaytonMay 15 (fide WC) and eightat Bitter Lake May (ph. A. Swain) and the "north valley" after Apr. 9, the lat- 14 (CB, JB). ter carrying nesting material after May 3 (BO). An Inca A pair of Bald Eaglesagain nested in Sierra, where one Dove that wintered at MangasSprings was last seenApr young was fledged in 1988 and two in 1989 (K. Stinnett et 22 (RF);other peripheral birds were up to threein Socorro al ), this year, a single chick hatchedMar. 18 but died 2 into May (PJ,JS), one at T/C May 20 (DM), and a remark- weeks later. A pair of Com. Black-Hawks near Albu- able seven at Roswell May 4 (SB et al.). Whiskered querqueApr. 4 was defendingthe site where one young Screech-Owlswere presentin the Peloncillo Mrs. in the fledged last year (SH); also notablewas a bird reportedat period, with at least one in CottonwoodCanyon Mar PerchaDam Apr. 10 (H. Parent,fide RF). Harris' Hawksap- 13-15 (ph. JB,tape-recording LG) and up to three in Clan- pear to be spreadinginto the Luna area, with seventhere ton CanyonMar. 8 (DC). A red-morphN. Pygmy-Owl in Mar 9 (RF) and two May 8 (JS,PJ); however, numbers were Clanton Canyon Mar. 14 was giving a two-note call (LG), considereddown in Eddy (SW). Broad-wingedHawks are which is characteristicof the southernrace Glaucidiumg irregularin migrationin New Mexico, sonoteworthy were gnoma. Over 200 Lesser Nighthawks were at Bosque two overthe SandiaMrs. Apr. 27 (SH et al.) and singlesat RefugeMay 17 (PJ,LG). Fort SumnerApr. 22 (CB)and PerchaDam May 3 (PJ,JS). Four Chimney Swifts in RoswellMay 5 (SB et al.) were An Am. Kestrel pair was feeding two juveniles in Las the only ones reported.Early White-throatedSwifts in- Cruces on the early date of Mar. 21 (LS). Late were three cluded up to 10 in the Sandia Mrs. (HS), Sevilleta N.W.R. Merhns over the SandiaMrs. Apr. 22-28 (SH et al.) plus (RT, PB), and E.B.L. (JH,JV), Mar. 7-9. Lucifer Humming- anotherreportedly in the Gila Valley May 5 (fide RF). birds had returned to P.O. Canyonby Mar. 26, where at The introduced Wild Turkeys at BosqueRefuge con- least six remainedthrough the period (RS). Most unusual tlnue to thrive, with 60 in one flock Mar. 21 (JS,PJ); seven in spring, an ad. male Rufous Hummingbird was at P.O at San Marcial Mar. 20 (PES) were further evidence of a CanyonMar. 27-28 and April 6 & 11 (RS); even more un- southwarddispersal by birds from this introduction.Late usual was an ad. male Calliope Hummingbirdthere Apr. Sandhill Craneswere over ClaytonMar. 31 (WC), and two 22 (RS).Two MagnificentHummingbirds in the PinosAl- remainedat CaballoL. until Apr. 3 (CS). A Black-bellied tos Mrs. May 24 (CB) were the only ones reported. Late Plover was at Zuni Apr. 29 (ph. DC) and two at Holloman was a female Belted Kingfisherat Bluewater Canyon May L. May 17 (PJ, LG). A LesserGolden-Plover, rare in New 28 (SI). Very unusual was an easterlyLewis' Woodpecker Mexico, was at Zuni Apr. 26 (DC). Snowy Plovers outside at Clovis May 12 (LG, CD), while also notable was one in the usual rangeincluded singlesat Zuni Apr. 29 (ph. DC) the Gila Valley May 5 (fide RF). Southerly were single and Mesilla Apr. 28 (CS); five at Brantley L. May 16 (PJ, Downiesat BosqueRefuge Mar. 4 (SOW) and PerchaDam LG) could representa new PecosValley breedinglocality. Mar. 15 (DM). A pair of Three-toedWoodpeckers was for- Up to 10 SemipalmatedPlovers were at Zuni (DC), Bosque agingin a burned area in the Zuni Mrs. May 20, where the Refuge(JB), Bitter Lake (SBet al.), and BrantleyL. (PJ,LG), specieshas been regular lately (DC). Apr. 29-May 16. An adult Killdeer was tending two chicks FLYCATCHERS TO THRUSHES--Notable was a call- near Otis, Eddy, Apr. 18 (SW). ing Eastern Wood-Peweeat Oasis S.E, Roosevelt,May 9 The earliest Black-necked Stilts were two at Otis Mar. 25 (CB).A possibleDusky Flycatcher in the SandiaMts. Apr. (SW), a high of 98 (plus 320 Am. Avocets)was at Bitter 12 (HS) was early. Four Black Phoebeswere at Espafiola LakeMay 5 (SB et al.). A SolitarySandpiper was at Sandia Mar. 24 (PIet al.), while westerlywas an EasternPhoebe at Park in the SandiaMrs. Apr. 22 (HS). Three Long-billed Zuni Apr. 8 (DC);other notable Easterns were singlesnear Curlewsnear PerchaDam Apr. 3 (CS)were the earliestre- ClaytonMay 17 (fide WC) and Fort SumnerApr. 22 (CB) ported; westerly were up to four at Zuni Apr. 8-21 (DC, Up to five Vermilion Flycatcherswere at BosqueRefuge SI). Single Marbled Godwitswere at BosqueRefuge May May 4-5, where the specieshad wintered (RT, PB). Early 20 (CB, C. Troup) and Avalon L., Eddy, Apr. 16 (BB,fide were singleAsh-throated Flycatchers at White's City Mar. SW). Long-billedDowitchers were widespread,with highs 23 (SW) and Dripping Springs Apr. 4 (CS), plus three of 50 at BosqueRefuge Mar. I (RT,PB) and over300 there Thick-billed Kingbirdsin GuadalupeCanyon Apr. 28 (PJ). Apr. 30 (PJ).Wilson's Phalaropes migrated statewide be- Westerly were a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Mangas ginning in mid-April, with a high of 429 at Bitter Lake SpringsMay 6 (ph. RF) and another,plus an EasternKing- May 5 (SB et al.). Two Red-neckedPhalaropes, relatively bird, at BosqueRefuge May 10 (PES,RT). rare spring migrants,were at BernardoMay 2 (CB). Following the winter influx, a few Steller'sJays per- GULLS TO WOODPECKERS--Extremelyearly was an sistedoutside the usual range,with numbersdecreasing as ad. Franklin'sGull at E.B.L.Mar. 9 (JH,JV). The specieswas the seasonprogressed, e.g., at PerchaDam from 10 on Mar conspmuousat Clayton(WC) and 72 were in the Rio Grande 15 to one on Apr. 26 (DM) and at RattlesnakeSprings from Valleyfrom Socorro to MesillaApr. 3-27 (v.o.),while west- 10 on Mar. 23 to two on Apr. 17 (SW). Othersincluded late erly were four to five at Zuni Apr. 13 (SI) and 18 at Bluewa- singlesat Silver City Apr. 30 (D & MZ), Mangas Spring ter L Apr. 28 (DC).A late Bonaparte'sGull was at Zuni May May 26 (RF), and P.O. CanyonMay 27 (RS), plus one in 12 (DC). The first-year Glaucous Gull was still at E.B.L. creosotebushdesert near Hermanas, Luna, Apr. 23 (C. Mar 7 (JH, JV), where one to two ad. California Gulls were Painter). Among the last of the winter-dispersed Scrub also present Mar. 7-9 (JH, JV); another California was at Jayswere singlesat SocorroMay 2 (JS),Las CrucesMay 8 Zuni Apr. 8 (DC).Two imm. Thayer's Gulls, along with over (CS), and RattlesnakeSprings May 28 (SW), plus four at 20 mostly imm. Herring Gulls,were on CabafloL. Mar. 7-9 T/C until May 12 (DM). WesterlyBlue Jays,likewise rem- (JH,JV); one Herringlingered on E.B.L.until Apr. 13 (DC). nants from the winter influx, were one in Santa Fe until Rare m New Mexico, a Caspian Tern was at Bluewater L. May 10 (JH)and up to threeeach in Albuquerqueinto May Apr 18 (ph. DC). The earliest Least Terns were at Bitter (BO) and Socorrountil Apr. 15 (PJ,JS); 20 in Roswell May LakeMay 10 (SW),where six werepresent by May 17 (fide 5 (SB et al.) madea high count,and the specieswas "con- L Marlart);unusual was one at BosqueRefuge May 25 (CB). spicuous" in Carlsbad (SW). Southerly were 20 Pinyon

Volume 44, Number 3 477 Jays in the Gila Valley May 4 (RF et al) Two Clark's Roswell April 22-24 (SB et al ), and single Hooded War- Nutcrackerswere •n the Datil Mrs. May 25 (SOW), where blers at PerchaDam May 3 (PJ,JS), near CaprockApr 30 seldomreported; also notable were nine in the Zuni Mrs. (ph. GV), and RattlesnakeSprings May 2-3 (GV, R & T. Mar. 17 (DC). High counts of Am. Crows included 200 at Bodnar). Also worth noting were single TennesseeWar- BosqueRefuge Mar. i (RT, PB), 13 at Mesilla Apr. i (CS), blers at SocorroMay 2 (PJ),Ft. Sumner May 10 (CB), and and 52 in the Gila Valley May 5--with fledged young May Roswell May 18 (CM); a Black-and-whiteWarbler at Albu- 27 (RF). querque May 4 (RT); up to three Am. Redstartsat Fort A few Mt. Chickadeespersisted in submontaneareas fol- Sumner May 10 (CB), plus westerly singles at Bosque lowing the winter invasion, including three at Bosque RefugeMay 20 (CB, C. Troup) and PerchaDam May 13 RefugeMar. 15 (RT, PB) and singlesat SocorroApr. 3 (PJ), (CS);and as many as four N. Waterthrushesat SanAntonio Dripping SpringsMar. 23 (CS), and RattlesnakeSprings Ap.r.30-May 4 (PJ,JS) and two eachin the GilaValley May Apr. 6 (SW). A Bridled Titmouseat San Simon Cienega 5 (RF et al.) andRattlesnake Springs May 15 (CB).Vagrants Mar. 9 (CB) was away from the usual habitat. Lowland Red- were two Red-facedWarblers at PerchaDam Apr. 29 (LG), breastedNuthatches were singlesat SocorroMay 2 (PJ,JS) while a pair in the Datil Mrs. May 25 (SOW) was at the and BosqueRefuge May 10 (PES, RT). WesterlyEastern northern limit of the usual range. Also vagrantwere two Bluebirdswere one south of Clines Corners,Torrance, May PaintedRedstarts at CassDraw Apr. I (LG et al., ph.), well 10 (SW), and reportedlytwo in the Gila ValleyMay 5 (fide eastof the usual range. RF). Lingeringlowland/southern Townsend's Solitaires in- GROSBEAKS TO FINCHES--At least 3 pairs of N. cluded singlesat PerchaDam May 3 (PJ,JS), P.O. Canyon Cardinalswere at Rattlesnake'Springs through the period, May 8 (PJ,JS), and RattlesnakeSprings May 17 (PJ,LG), while new Eddy localitieswere CassDraw and BlackRiver plus six at RoswellMay 5 (SB et al.). Up to three Swain- Village (fide SW}. There were several reports of Rose- son's Thrushes were at Rattlesnake Springs May 14-17 breastedGrosbeaks, including at least three birds at Rat- (v.o.),plus singlesat BosqueRefuge May 2 (CB), Clovis tlesnakeSprings May 15-17 (v.o., ph. JB}.Indigo Bunting May 10 (CB), and CassDraw, Eddy, May 16 (PJ,LG). reportsincluded a remarkable10-15 individuals at Rat- MIMIDS TO WARBLERS--Early were a Gray Catbird tlesnakeSprings May 14-17 (CB et al.}; elsewhere,records at RattlesnakeSprings Mar. 31 (J. & L. Temple)and single included one near Gallup May 11-22 (S[} and two at SageThrashers near Gallup Mar. 9 (SI) and Moriarty Mar. RoswellApr. 30-May 6 (SB et al.}. Infrequentin the area,a 4 (DC). Single westerly Brown Thrasherswere at Bosque • VariedBunting was reported at RattlesnakeSprings Apr. RefugeApr. 14 (PB,fide RT), Silver City May 11-13 (D & 19 (CB}. Late were single Green-tailed Towbees at PO. MZ), and PerchaDam Apr. 29 (LG, CD). Four Bendire's Canyon May 16 (RS} and Roswell May 18 (CM}. Thrasherswere at RinconadaCanyon west of Albuquerque The first Black-chinnedSparrows were singingat Drip- Apr. 18 (HS), while over 60 Am. Pipits were at Mangas ping SpringsMar. 23 (CS}.Early was a SageSparrow near SpringsMar. 4 (RF). Low to moderatenumbers of Cedar Gallup Mar. 31 (SI}, while two Lark Buntingsthere May 2 Waxwingswere reportedinto May west of the PecosVal- (SI} were west of the usual range. Also notable were a ley, with notablerecords being of up to six near Gallup Swamp Sparrowat Zuni Mar. 18 (DC} and an ad. Golden- May 16-23 (SI), Percha Dam through May 17 (DM), and crowned Sparrowat Santa Fe May i & 7 (JH}.A Harris' RattlesnakeSprings May 17 (PJ,LG)--plus up to 40 in Al- Sparrowthat wintered at Las Cruceswas last seenMay 3 buquerqueuntil May 10 (LG). Phainopeplaswere rela- (CS};the only otherwas at AlbuquerqueApr. 7 (LG} Mod- tively numerous in the lower Rio Grande Valley, with one erate numbersof McCown'sand Chestnut-collareds,plus north to Socorro May 17 (JS), 23 at Percha Dam May 31 up to six Lapland Longspurs,were at the Moriarity turf (DM), and 34 alongthe river betweenRadium Springsand farm during March (DC, LG}. Hatch May 27 (CS). A pair of Loggerhead Shrikes was A Bobolink at Los Alamos May 19 (PRS,fide BL} was feedingnestlings near LasCruces May 11 (CS). unusualand the only report.Several Great-tailed Grackles Up to three Bell's Vireoswere at CassDraw near Carls- were at Silver City throughoutthe period, where they bad May 17, including one on a nest (PJ, LG). Unusual were possiblynesting in late May (D & MZ}. A local hrst were a probableGray Vireo in the SandiaMrs. near Plac- were six CommonGrackles at McGaffeyL., MclGnley,May •tasMay 21 (CB), a Yellow-throatedVireo at Albuquerque 26 (SI}, while other reportsincluded 25 at PojoaqueMay Apr. 24 (GV), and a Red-eyedVireo at RattlesnakeSprings 13 (fide BL},three at BosqueRefuge May 24 (RT,PB}, and May 17 (PJ,LG). severalin T/C Apr. 24 (DM}. Up to six BronzedCowbirds It was a productiveseason for rarer warblers,with mi- were at T/C during mid-May (DM}, where the specieshas granttraps in the easternplains sharingthe spotlightwith apparentlybecome regular; also notablewere one to two better-birded sites elsewhere--often associated with cold- in LasCruces May 2 (GE}and RattlesnakeSprings May 28 front-associatedinclement weather. The highlight was a (SW}, plus GlenwoodMay 18 (JH},Mangas Springs May 2 well-described Swainson's Warbler near Rattlesnake (RF}, and P.O.Canyon May 8 (RS}.Northerly were Orchard SpringsMay 3 (CB),a speciesstill unverifiedin New Mex- Orioles at Clayton (WC} and a male at TucumcariMay 9 ico. Other notablereports included a N. Parula at Bosque (CB}, while unusual was a Baltimore (Northern} Oriole in Refuge May 2 (PJ,JS); one to two Chestnut-sidedsat Rat- Chama May 12-15 (LS}. tlesnakeSprings May 14-16 (v.o.,ph. JB)and a male Mag- Cassin'sFinches persistedwell into May in southern nolia Warbler there May 16 (ph. LG); a probable and submontaneareas from the Rio Grande Valley west- Yellow-throatedWarbler at Bitter Lake Apr. 27 (BO, T. ward, including five in the Gila Valley May 5 (RF et al } Raveed);single Palm Warblerswest of AlbuquerqueMay and othersin Silver City (D & MZ} and P.O. Canyon(RS}. 13 (HS) and at BosqueRefuge Apr. 28 (P. Echelmeyer,E. At Socorro,numbers peaked at over 50 beforedeclining to Walker);single • Blackpoll Warblersat Fort SumnerMay the last three birds on May 2 (PJ,JS}. A few Pine Siskins 10 (CB), OasisS.P. May 9 (CB), and Bitter Lake May 5 (SB, lingeredinto April or May in submontaneareas, including D. Russell);Prothonotary Warbler at BosqueRefuge May at Socorro, Roswell, Silver City, and Percha Dam (v o } 10 (RT); singleWorm-eating Warblers at PerchaDam May Following the winter invasion, Evening Grosbeaks 3 (PJ,JS) and RattlesnakeSprings Apr. 27 (JBet al.); a Ken- remainedconspicuous into April or May in lowlandareas tucky Warbler at Las CrucesMay 2 (GE) and another at almost statewide,including in the west from Gallup and

478 American Birds, Fall 1990 Zuni southto Glenwood,the Gila Valley,.and Silver City Larry Gorbet,John Hubbard, Stephen Hoffman, Stephen (m.ob.).Notable were an estimated1200 in SantaFe May Ingraham,Pat Insley, Philip Johnson,Burton Lewis, Curtis 5-6 (W. & J. Risser),over 30 in SocorroApr. 22 (PJ),and Marantz,Doris Miller, BruceOstyn, Catherine Sandell, Robert two at T/C Mar. 21 (DM); easterlyreports included a few Scholes,Lorraine Schulte, Hart Schwarz,John Shipman, birds at Clayton (WC), Roswell May 5 (SB et al.), and Rat- PatriciaR. Snider,Paul E. Steel,Ross Teuber, Gordon Vickrey, fiesnakeSprings Apr. 22 and May 6 (BB,fide SW). JamesVaught, Steve West, S.O. Williams III, Dale & Marian INITIALED OBSEBVEB$--Pat Basham, Sherry Bixler, Zimmerman.--SARTOR O. WILLIAMS III and JOHN P. CharlesBlack, James Black, Bill Bourbon,David Cleary,Wes HUBBARD, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Cook,Carol Davis, John Egbert, Gordon Ewing, Ralph Fisher, Santa Fe, NM 87503.

ALASKA REGION

T. G. Tobish, Jr. I

Pring1990 was nearly an instant replay of spring1989. tours.For visitorsof the BeringSea outposts,please sub- March was mostlya moderatingtransition period with mit trip summariesand documentationof rarer speciesto below averageprecipitation (snowfall) north of the Gulf of either myself, the University of Alaska Museum, or Pete Alaska coast and average rainfall in Southeast Alaska. Isleib, before July 1. Your data continuesto provide us April was nearly warm on the mainland and into the with pioneeringinformation but we cannot go to press Aleutians,and the very high winter snow accumulations without documentation and details. dissipatedquickly. By the first week of May an upper GREBES TO DUCKS The peak WesternGrebe count level high pressuresystem anchored itself in the eastern at the traditionalS.E. Alaskastronghold wintering areain Gulf of Alaska. The Aleutian low weakened earlier than Sumner Strait reached339 May 5 (PJW).Latest there were normal and a large stationary Siberian low formed over 26 on May 19 (PJW).We receiveonly sporadiccounts of the Chukchi Sea. The combinationof these upper atmo- Western Grebe from elsewhere in the southeast, so the late sphereconditions produced excellent weather for coastal winter peak of 250 in Ketchikan'sTongass Narrows into migrants throughout the southern portions of Alaska mid-April was noteworthy(SH). Observerscommented on where migration was boring, early, and devoid of concen- the paucityof HornedGrebes in passagein the CookInlet trations. Most observersvoiced disappointment with a Basin (DFD, RLS). Although the winter population of spring migration that barely materialized. The Asiatic HornedGrebes was hard hit by the ExxonValdez oil, there componentin the Bering Sea-North Pacific islands was have been few data released to document the extent of this one of the poorestever. Indeed, Attu birders reporteda impact. condensedmigration that peakedon essentiallytwo days The only April WhooperSwans reported were flocksof in late May. Upper atmospherepressure gradients pro- six and nine in different parts of Adak Apr. 1-9 (fide ducedthe dreadedeasterly flow in northwestAlaska at St. GVB). A single Bean Gooseat Attu May 21 (Attour) was Lawrence Island and Nome. Nearcftc landbirds nearly the Region'sfirst in several years; this gooseremains a produced as much excitement at Gambell as individuals sporadicspring migrant in the w. Aleutians.At the e. limit fromwest of the BeringStrait. The Chukchiarea low kept of the species'normal winter distribution,Emperor Geese ambienttemperatures above average on the North Slope peaked at a low of 246 Mar. 10 (DM, RAM); for such an and earlyarrival records were set for at leastseven species early, mild spring season, it was unusual that most of at Prudhoe Bay. A longtime North Slope resident called thesebirds remained to at leastApr. 30. Althoughthe few spring1990 the earliestever. Emperor Geesethat lingered at Attu I. to at least June 8 As usual ! received more rumored reportsthan docu- (Attour) were quite late, the specieshas been annual in menteddata, especiallyfrom areasfrequented by the bird small numbersrecently into Juneand a few likely remain

Volume 44, Number 3 479 to summer there where suitable habitat abounds. Sixty ued earher arrivals and perhaps a winter record. The Aleutian CanadaGeese at Kodmk L May 4 furnishedthat GreaterYellowlegs that chagrinedAsiatic-seekers at Gam- island's 3rd report in recent times (RAM); 31 remained to bell June 4 (4Points) furnished a first St. Lawrence I. May 7 (DM). The spring migration of this Aleutian form record. The speciesis casualon the Seward Pen. There historicallybrought birds to the ShumaginIs. and into the were no other Tringarecords of note. Wood Sandpipers e. Aleutians after an apparent lengthy open ocean flight were scatteredin the w. Aleutians,where only 10 at Attu from stagingareas on the Oregoncoast. At the west end of May 29 made a late peak. Common Sandpipersmade a the species'range, a few were reported from Attu I. May decentshowing in the w. Aleutianswhen the main push 22-June6, with a high of sevenMay 23 (Attour). occurredbetween May 26 (two at Buldir to June1, GVB et A drake Garganey at Buldir I. June I furnished the al.) and June4 (oneat Agattu,HD, SB).A peakof nine at Region'sonly report (ILJ, EM, MH, KK). A pair and a sin- Attu May 30 was above average(Attour). One Common gle Cinnamon Teal appearedboth at JuneauApr. 21-May Sandpiper was found at Gambell May 26 (JK). Single 6 and May 15 (RJG)and at the Stikine R. mouth May 1-6 Black-tailedGodwits were locatedat Adak I. May 20-22 (PJW).Up to four Corn. Pochardsat Attu May 22-June 1 (•-JO,SC) and at Attu May 30 (Attour). Marbled Godwits (Artour)were averageand the only onesreported. Canvas- toucheddown at the usual stagingareas after a non-stop backswere foundbeyond their normal Interior springdis- overwater flight from the Pacific Northwest, at Kodiak persal areas,northwest to KotzebueSound in May where May 4 (RAM) to May 18 when JBAcounted the peakof 34, three were locatedMay 15-23 (E & JR).A female Canvas- and on the AlaskaPen. at Puale Bay May 11 (JH).Four back at Attu L May 20-23 (Attour) provided the Near Is.'s Marbled Godwits at JuneauMay 12 (RJG)and three at 3rd spring record, but was likely a wandering individual Sitka May I (MW) were noteworthysince the species•s from the small wintering populationin the c. Aleutians. not annual and usually found as singlesin northernS.E. Tufted Ducks were reported from all the usual c. and w. Alaska in spring. Aleutian localities in above averagenumbers; maximum Arctic-boundSanderlings were poorly representedon was 33 at Attu May 22-23 (Artour). Good numbers the N. Gulf Coastthis season,but they made news in remained into June in the w. Aleutians, where 24 at Nizki Upper Cook Inlet, where they are historically casualin June 1-6 (SR, DO) were especially noteworthy. The spring. The group of eight that arrived near Anchorage speciesis a casualsummer visitor in the w. Aleutians. A May 21 (DFD) was noteworthy,but this group formed a drake Tufted Duck near Nome June4 (BJR,SR) provided nucleusto which numbersincreased to an unprecedented one of few SewardPen. records.Casual at any seasonwest 310 May 28 (TGT,JLD). A few remainedin the Anchorage of the e. Aleutians,one drakeSurf Scoterat Little TanagaI. area to at least June 2 (TGT). Lone Temminck's Stints at Apr. 9 was noteworthy (GVB). A few single Smewswere Buldir May 28-29 (GVB, ILJ) and Nizki I. June3 (SR, DO) located May 19-June 4 between Adak (SC, LC, GVB) and furnishedthe first Aleutian reportsin severalyears A Attu (Attour). well-studiedRuff at Sitka May 1-8 (MW, TJ, ph.) was one IIAPTORS TO SHOREBIIlDS-The now famous Taku R. of few for S.E. Alaska and provideda first local spring Steller's Sea-Eaglewas first seen this spring May 15, in record.A female Wilson'sPhalarope sighted near Juneau the exactarea where it was seenlast Autumn (fide MEI). It May 21-22 (RJG)added to a growingnumber of S.E.Alaska was seenwhenever birders attemptedthe trip throughthe springrecords. A pair arrived in FairbanksMay 30 into period. Attu's remainingWhite-tailed Eaglecould still be June(PDM), wherethere are a few previousspring reports. found in TemnacValley into June(Attour). GULLS TO WOODPECKERS--Kodiak's 2nd record of One Sora at the Petersburgfish hatcheryMay 19 was CommonBlack-headed Gull camefrom Woman'sBay, ioined by a secondbird JuneI and the observernoted pos- where one adult was found May 26 (JH, •-RAM) in com- rublebreeding activity into June (PJW). These furnished pany with a Bonaparte'sGull. This was the 3rd South- only Mitkof I.'s third report, but the species is a rare coastal spring record in 4 years for this form, which is breeder at the nearby lower Stikine R., where Walsh also annual in the southwest.Bonaparte's Gulls wanderedto located a calling bird May 27. A calling Sora at Juneau's the peripheryof their taigarange to Woolly Lagoonnear •ntertidal wetlandsApril 26 was the state'searliest ever Nome, where four adults were found May 25 (•-JK),and (JGK,MEI et al.). beyondto Gambell,where one adult was studiedMay 28 Shorebirdpassage was uneventful,likely becauseof fair (4Points).I know of no previousSt. LawrenceI. spring weather and few stormsduring the peak period between .records.A GlaucousGull at the Fairbanksdump May 20 April 25 and May 15. Noteworthywas the lack of concen- (PDM, BAC) was unusual in the Interior. Seawatchers at trations of, especially,High Arctic nesters(Black-bellied Gambell found an Ancient Murrelet June 3-5 (JLD, BH), Plover, Sanderling, Pectoral Sandpiper), which appar- there are about 4 previousSt. LawrenceI. records,scat- ently overflewnormal Gulf Coaststaging sites at the Cop- tered betweenJune and August. per R. Delta, Homer, and Kodiak. Asiatic shorebirdswere Sixteenobservations of at least 12 individual N. Pygmy- unspectacularand late both in numbersand diversity.A Owls were made by Walsh this springon Mitkof I., where brave Black-belliedPlover appearedw. of Prudhoe Bay this owl hasbred and continuesto be found in goodnum- May 15 (EB), the earliestever for the w. BeaufortSea. Sin- bers (PJW).The season'sonly certain Barred Owl report gle Common Ringed Plovers were found June I & 6 at came from the lower Stikine R. where one was calhng Gambell (4Points),where the speciesis nearly annual in April 25 (PJW). The male Anna's Hummingbird that spring. More unusual was the Semipalmated Plover at aggressivelyheld a territoryat KetchikanMay 11-15 (SH) Buldir I. May 31 (ILJ);this plover is a casualmigrant in the was surprising,since there are few springrecords for the w Aleutians. Region. Red-breastedSapsuckers arrived early in m•d- GreaterYellowlegs made the spotlightthis spring.Fol- month and were widespreadacross S.E. Alaska by late lowing the past 2 springs'March reports, a GreaterYel- March, at least a week ahead of normal times. lowlegsappeared at KetchikanMarch 30 (SH). Given that FLYCATCHERS TO THRUSHES--Furnishing a first the specieshas expandedits winter rangein the n. Pacific record south of the Alaska Range (aside from mainland Northwest (see Buchanan 1988, The Canadian Field-Nat- S.E., where it is a rare nester) was a most unexpected uralist 102:611),S.E. Alaska observerscan expectcontin- singing Hammond's Flycatcher at Anchorage May 15

480 AmericanB•rds, Fall 1990 (ñRLSet al ). There are few recordsof this flycatcheraway May 11 (TGT) was actuallyone of a pair that had an active from the Tanana H•ghlands in the e. Interior, centered nest there May 30 (EW). Tfus furrusheda first Anchorage around Fairbanks, or from the mainland S.E. river sys- area nest record, although this pioneer's nesting tems.The Eur. Skylark at GainbellMay 27 (OBSRV,ñDMF) stronghold(away from S.E.Alaska) lies in Palmer,only 70 furnished St. LawrenceI.'s 3rd spring record. Elsewhere, km to the northeast. Quite puzzling was the female- singles were at Attu May 21-31 (Attour). The Region's plumagedPalm Warblerin muskegat PetersburgApril 16 first report in severalyears of Purple Martin came from (ñPJW).The five previous Alaska records were all from Gainbell May 27 (4 Points,but no written details!). Many October. This individual certainly must have wintered of the state's9, recordshave come from the Bering Sea and moved north with Pacific Coast Yellow-rumped coast in late spring to early summer. Tree Swallows Warblers. entered the Regionrecord early in S.E. Alaska where sin- For the 2nd consecutivespring, Rustic B•mting had a gles were noted in synchronyApril õ at Ketchikan (SH) disappointingshowing in the Aleutians, where singles and April 7 at Petersburg(PJW), and six were at Craig were found at Attu May 30 and June 9 (Attour) and one Aprd 8 (MEI). A mixed flock of 25 Tree and Violet-green carcasswas discoveredat Buldir May 28 (ILJ).A male was swallows at AnchorageApril 18 (DFD) also set a record at St. Lawrence I. June 3-7 (Wings, 4Points), where this early local arrival for both species.Tying the record for Emberizid is casual in spring. The McKay's Bunting at earliestspring arrival was a singleN. Rough-wingedSwal- Kodiak L March 10-11 (ñRAM, DM, TR) likely wintered low on the lower Stikine R. May 7 (PJW). with Snow Buntings locally. There are now about 4 N. One of the four Boreal Chickadees that overwintered in Gulf of Alaskacoast records between fall and early spring Juneau (see winter) remained at feeders through May 7 Bramblingswere on time and in low numbersin the c (fide MEI). Quite surprisingwas the 9 Golden-crowned and w. Aleutians. One at Adak May 15-16 (ILJ et al.) was Krugletdescribed from White Sprucewoods near Noorvik, earliest, 11 at Attu May 30 (Attour) was maximum, and some55 km up the KobukR. from KotzebueSound, May 2 two at Attu June 9 (Attour) were latest. 1 • Common Rose- (ñJW). This Sitka Spruce-W. Hemlock forest speciesis finch made a brief appearanceat Attu May 30 (Attour) casual north of the Alaska Range and accidental away during a storm-relatedfallout, for the only springreport. from the TanariaValley. This individual must have over- The • Purple Finch that wintered at Petersburg(q.v) wintered in the area. Single Siberian Flycatchersarrived remained through Apr. 5 (PJW).Crossbills continued to after the passageof a low pressuresystem in the w. Aleu- elude observersstatewide, a trend begun last fall when tians at Attu May 30 (Artour) and at Buldir June 1-2 (GVB, nearly everyonenoted an exodusby December.At Kodiak, ñILJ, RPS et al.). Thesefurnished the Region's3rd report White-wingeds were fairly common through the winter and 2nd from spring, all from the w. Aleutians. For the but numbersdecreased dramatically by April (RAM). Red 2nd time in spring, and 3rd ever, Bluethroatswere found Crossbillswere reported only from Kodiak, and only in in the Aleutians, again at Attu where probably two males small numbersthere. CommonRedpolls were uniformly were locatedMay 30 and June I (Artour).Siberian Ruby- distributed throughoutthe range in fairly common num- throatsmade a nice showing,found at 4 locationsbetween bers, although a spring assessmentof both redpolls and May 26 (nearTanaga I., ILJ,JP) and June7 (St. Paul I., ñRB, Pine Siskinsis difficult, asboth formsquietly disperseto MT, and Attu, Artour); maximum was six at Attu May nest by mid-May (as do most forest "residents").Follow- 28 (Artour). ing the winter records(q.v.) of singlebirds at Adak I., up We know little of the spring movementsand timing of to five Pine Siskinsvisited a feederthere Mar. 21-Apr. 20 Townsend'sSolitaire into the S.E. portions of the Region, (PB, GVB). For the 2nd consecutive spring, Oriental so 8 separatereports of one to two birds betweenApril 10 Greenfinchvisited Attu, where one could be seen May (one north of Juneau,RC) and May 3 (lower Stikine R., 30-June 3 (Attour). A rogue female Evening Grosbeak PJW)were noteworthy.The speciesprobably migrates into remainedat KetchikanMar. 24-Apr. I (ñSH); there were S.E. Alaska via the mainland river systemsthat bisect the no other winter or early spring reportsof this casualvisi- CoastRange from British Columbia.One Townsend'sSoli- tor to the Region.This sightingfurnished the Region's3rd taire was beyond the known Interior mountains and springrecord. A (5Hawfinch at an Adakfeeder May 13-16 BrooksRange breeding areas of the speciesat Noorvik (GVB et al.) and up to two at Attu May 30-June 7 consti- May 5 (JW). Two Eyebrowed Thrushes at Attu May 30 tuted an averageshowing, given the species'occurrences (Artour) and one at nearbyNizki I. June I (SR) furnished over the past 5-6 springs. the only reports. Following last Autumn's report from Petersburg(q.v.), a Dusky Thrush appeared briefly in CONTRIBUTORS AND ORSERVERS--J.B. Allen, Attour JuneauMay 12 (MS et al.). This was the Region'searliest (D.D. Gibson,M.E. Isleib,G.B. Rosenband, T.L. Savaloja,N S m springby a week. Proctor,D.W. Sonnebornet al.), S. Barclay,R. Behrstock,P Birts,E. Burroughs,G.V. Byrd, R. Cartensen,B.A. Cooper,S. & MOTACILLIDS TO FINCHES--Black-backed Wagtails L. Crabtree,D.F. Delap, H. Douglas,J.L. Dunn, D.M. Forsythe, amved at Attu May 21 and up to four couldbe foundthere Four PointsNature Tours(B. Hallett, C.J.Hainey et al.), D.D through June 9 (Artour). An active nest with 2 eggswas Gibson, R.J. Gordon, B. Hallett, J. Hardester, S. Heinl, M locatedon an old pier there June8-9 for a 2nd local nest Hipfner, M.E. Isleib, T. Jacobsen,I.L. Jones,J. Kelly, J.G.King, record. The first nest for North America was also from K. Kriessel, R.A. Macintosh, P.D. Martin, E. Maycock, D Attu, in summer 1983. Details of both of these nests will Menke, OBSERVENature Tours (D.M. Forsythe,R. Odear),D O'Daniel, R. Odear,J. O'Neale, J. Pitocchelli, T. Revalee,S be publishedelsewhere. A (5 Black-backedWagtail was Richardson,E. & J. Robb,B.J. & S. Rose,R.L. Scher,R.P. Schul- apparentlypaired with a • White Wagtailat GainbellMay meister,M. Schwan,M.M. Taylor, W.R. Uhl, P.J.Walsh, M 26-June 8 (WINGS, 4Points).Black-backed Wagtail is rare Ward,J. Watters,G.C. West, E. Whitney,WINGS (J.L.Dunn, G awayfrom the c. andw. Aleutians.The Region'sfirst since Rosenberg,R. Behrstocket al.).--T. G. TOBISH, JR., 2510 1988 and the first ever away from Attu and St. Lawrence ForakerDrive, Anchorage,AK 99517. islands was a lone Pechora Pipit at Buldir I. May 28 (ñGVB, ILJ).A Eur. Starlingfirst discoveredin Anchorage

Volume 44, Number 3 481 BRITISH COLUMBIA A.N"'rite 'YUKON REGION TE •pring wasearly in southernBritish Columbia, but cold m•and snow lingeredChris during SiddleMarch in the northeastern southern British Columbia, allowing many species to arrive early. However,the last half of April and all of May weresection. wetThe and firstcold,halfpossibly ofApril causing was some summer-like nesting failures. across I fullclutches. Several boxes occupied by chickadees were InfoundGrand manyForks,bluebird forinstance, nests abandoned,the Boundary even Naturalistssomewith '"-T'•' DawsonCreek' also abandonedbefore egg laying commenced.Daphne Hamilton of Grand Forks notes, "Although the swallows had pairedand built nests,they did not lay any eggsup to the end of May." The weather also affected passerinemigration in the Vancouverarea, delayingit up to a week in somespecies. • PrinceRupert Wayne Weber writes, "Despite the stormy weather, concentrationsof groundedpassefines were almostnonexis- tent until the second half of May, and many observers commentedthat this was one of the worst spring migrations that they had ever seen, with very few 'waves' of migrants." The birding revolutionthat hasbrought us betteroptics and better field guides has also imposed upon birders a new set of responsibilities.One is documentingthe sighting of an unusual bird with a written description, or sketch. British Columbia birders haven't been consistent at documentingrare or unusualbirds. In this regardthey ßwo PJed-bJ]]e• Grebes ca]]J•g at De]kat]a have fallen behind the rest of the birding world, where a S•ctu•y, •.C.L, Ma• 22 •Js•ed •e first Q.C.L record recognizablephoto or a written descriptionis requisite of te•tori• behavior (MH, PH, •). O•e of •e two birds before the record will even be considered! was heard ]u•e 4 (MH) a•d see• ]u•e 6 (RWC). O•e hum Drawing a rough sketchwith arrows pointing out the dred twenty mJ•a•t RedmeckedGrebes made a good- bird's strikingfeatures isn't hard. You do not need to be an sized spring co•ce•tratJo• o• gaglet L., •ear Prince artist. If you wish to developan effectivesystem for mak- George,Apr. 30 0B, CA). A mi•a•t flock of 25 Ho•ed ing noteson a bird's appearance,borrow or purchaseThe Grebeswas o• •e Co]•bia R. New Approachto Identificationby PeterGrant and Killian O• May 20 Sw• L., Vernon, he]d about •50 Western Mullarney or read Davis Finch's introductionto Volume 1 Grebes(R]C). O• May 26 •M •umber had swo]]e• to •200 of The Master Guide to Birding. (PR). However, 5000 Western Grebeso• Oka•aga• L. at Sightingsof rare birds that are not supportedby docu- Kelowna May 12 were truly mindnumbi• 0B}• mentationwill not be publishedin this column. Unfortu- Campbell,aboard •e sailingvessel Dakin Sound,spot- nately this seasonalone I have had to ignore a Hermit ted 116 Black-footer Alba•sses 3-5 mi offshore between Warbler on Vancouver Island, a Blackburnian Warbler TasuSound and Sunday•let on the w. side of •e Q.C.I. near SalmonArm, an Ash-throatedFlycatcher in Victoria, May 25. A •er 52 were counted •om Sunday •let to and a LoggerheadShrike at Revelstoke. Gowgaia Bay May 27. A record high count of 72 Black- footeds was seen off •e east coast be•een Juan Perez ABBREVIATIONS -- Q.C.I. = Queen Charlotte Islands; Sound to S•ncuttle Island June 2 (RWC). Force, abo•d Van. = Vancouver; V.I. = Vancouver Island; Vic.= Victoria. ß e •E. Ricker, counted 206 Black-footers over La Per- LOONS TO HEBONS -- Forty-eight Red-throated ouseBank w. of V.I. on May 23. FourteenN. Fulm•s were Loonsat Royal Roads,Vic., on March 17 were a nice con- seen •ong •e s.e. coast of Moresby I. be•een Houston centration (BW et al.). Two Red-throated Loons were Stew• Channel to Juan Perez Sound, May 29 (RWC). observedat their "usual"spot along the DempsterHwy in Only four were seenover La PerouseB•k May 23 (•). the s. Ogilvie Mts. May 19 (HG, MS). Five hundred Pacific American White Pelicansappend in •e inte•or •om Loons were in Active Pass, s. of Galiano I., March 1 (BW), Apr. 20 to May 13. High countsincluded 26 on Chapperon and numbersbuilt off ReifolI., Ladner,from 1000 on Apr. L., on the DouglasL. Ranch, Apr. 20 (MC, m.ob.), •d 30 12 to 3000 on Apr. 29 (JI,m.o.b.). Four PacificLoons were on May 13 at •e n. end of OsoyoosL. •G). BrownPelicans seenon Gravel L. at Km 628 of the North Klondike Hwy, •e sc•ce fall visitors, wi• i•atums occurringalmost central Yukon, May 18 (HG, MS). This season'sonly inte- eve• ye• •ound Vic. July •h November.There,re, rior Yellow-billed Loon was on OkanaganL., 3 min. of a Brown Pelican at Point Robe•s M•. 17 (fASc) was Penticton,Apr. 22 (LR). One in non-breedingplumage was am•ing. This was probably•e samebird that appe•ed at Rose Harbour, Q.C.I., May 29 (RWC), and three irama- ß e next day at Sat•na I. (•). tureswere in MassetInlet May 22 (CB, PH). An ad. Brandt's Cormorant, r•e in •e Q.C.I., was seen

482 American Birds, Fall 1990 in Hecate Strait off JuanPerez Sound May 31 (RWC) More Two male Northern Harriers arrived near Haines Junc- expectedwere large flocks of Brandt's•n Active Pass:1250 tion, Yukon, Apr. 8 (CR). Accipiters are quite rare in the Mar 1 and 2300 Apr. 5 (BW). Double-crestedCormorants Q.C.I., so these observationswere of interest.A Sharp- are casualin the interior. A cormorant,probably an imm. shinnedHawk was at Tasuand anotherwas at Kootenay Double-crested,was on Swan L., s. of DawsonCreek, May Inlet on May 24 (RWC).A final Sharp-shinnedwas at Anna 28 (CS). Two or three Double-crestedsshowed up at Inlet June4 (RWC).Only one Sharp-shinnedreport was Tranquille, Kamloops, with two there May 6 and one receivedfor Vic., comparedto 12 reportsfor spring 1989 May 30 (SR). (DF).On the otherhand, the 16 reportsof Cooper'sHawks A Great Egret, casual in British Columbia, was at in Vic. and areawas up for the secondyear in a row (DF) A William L. May 19 (PR), and one was at Tranquille, Kam- Cooper'sHawk near the SmithersBridge May 28 was far loops, May 2 & 3 (SR, RRH). A Great Blue Heron was north of this species'reported range (NT). Also out of their observed at night May 20 standing on a logging road "traditionally understood range" were two Cooper's beside Venner meadows high in the mountains e. of reportedfrom the PrinceGeorge area: one at PineviewApr VaseauxL. A possiblefood source-- toadswere crossing 15 (LL) and the otherat Pilot Mt. May 29 (SS). the road to congregatein the pondsnearby (RJC,BGS). TwelveRough-legged Hawks restedduring migrationat WATERFOWL -- The spring stagingareas for water- the Prince George Airport Apr. 2 (JB, CA, DR). Four fowl in the lakes of the s. Yukon had normal numbers of Golden Eagles at Telkwa Mar. 11 (EL) were probably ducks, geese, and swans, including Trumpeter Swans spring migrants.Peregrine Falcons were reported on 37 (maximumcounted was 182 Apr. 7 -- HG, PH, MS, DS). A occasionsin the Van. area, 25 of thesecoming from Reifel few Snow Geesewandered into the interior this spring. I. A pair was reported twice at a cliff within 40 km of Van- One, then two, associatedwith Canadasat Nakusp Mar. couver(KMB), which may proveto be a new nestinglocal- 31-Apr. 22 (MA, GD, CS). Two were at Swan L., Vernon, ity. There were only 3 reportsof Peregrinesin the interior May 12 (MC). A "Cackling" Canada Goosewas at Koote- Northwestern British Columbia remains the provincial nay Inlet, Q.C.I., May 24, a very late date (RWC). Probably centre for Gyrfalcon.A very pale female was at Tyee L the samebird was spottedat SundayInlet May 25 (RWC). Mar. 14 (NT). An imm. Gyr was at WoodmereApr. 19 April 25 was the peak of CanadaGoose migration over the (WE). One or two Gyrfalconswere seen in the North Fork BabineMts. with thousandspassing that day (ML). A flock Passof the Ogilvie Mts. near the DempsterHwy, probably of 60 Greater White-fronted Geeseat TobagganL. n. of attractedby the abundanceof Willow andRock ptarmigan, Smithers May 8 was notable (EP), as were 100 birds on of which about 150 and 20, respectively,were noted May Somenos Flats, Duncan, Apr. 18 (SW, EW). A single 19 & 20 (HG, MS). White-frontedwas at EagletL., nearPrince George, Apr. 30 RAILS TO ALCIDS -- American Coots, uncommon in (CA, JB).Four were at Knutsford,s. of Kamloops,May 8 & the Yukon, seem to be settling in at 2 locationsthere, as 9 (RRH). Some 1056 Brant were in SkidegateInlet May 4 onewas seenat Swan L. near WhitehorseMay 13 (HG} and (MH, MF), and 1134 were censused between Masset Inlet at leastfour were near Pelly Crossing,central Yukon, May and Wiah Point, Q.C.I., May 22 (PH, CB). 21 (HG, MS}. An ad. Virginia Rail and five or six young A pair of Wood Ducks was at Buckhorn Rd., Prince were seen at Cumberland,V.I., Apr. 29 (PC} where this George,Apr. 30 (CA). This speciesbreeds locally in that speciesbreeds but is rarely documented. area. Eurasian Wigeon were widely reported in the inte- Sandhill Cranemigration was monitoredthis springin rior The Sunshine Coast's first Redhead, a male, was at the Bulkley Valley. Two hundredSandhills passed over SecheltMay 8-9 (TG). Three or four Tufted Ducks, rare but TelkwaApr. 15 (WE); 2000 appearedat WoodmereApr. 19 regular transients,appeared in the Van. area during the (DR); 600 went over Moricetown Apr. 20 (WE}; 400 left spring. Two males and a female frequented Iona I. in WoodmereApr. 21 but were replacedby 3000 (DR}.Another March (DMP, m.ob.), while a female was at Reifel I. May observer,ML, notesthat Apr. 21 wasthe peakfor Sandhill 12-21 (JI).A male was on Lulu I. Apr. 3 (MD, GA). On the Crane migration over Tyhee L. In the Kamloopsarea 2000 coast 3000 Oldsquawswere off Denman Is. on March 21 passedover Apr. 21 and another1300 Apr. 22 (RRH}. (DVM). Casualin the interior, Oldsquawswintered in very A small invasion of Black-necked Stilts managedto small numbersin the OkanaganValley, some lingering avoid the largerurban centresand so cameto the attention into the spring. Latestwas a male on Green Lake near Pen- of few birders. Two stilts were at Mile 150 House, s. of ticton May 20 (CS, LVD, GD, RRH). Two Oldsquaws were Williams L., Apr. 30 (RWC}, while it was rumoured that on Alkali L. Apr. 29 (PR).One was on JackoL., Kamloops, SalmonArm had 10 birds. A singleat StumpL., nearKam- Apr. 13, and one was at RoseHill, nearKnutsford, Apr. 27 loops, Apr. 4 was reported to Rick Howie secondhand (RRH).A pair of HarlequinDucks on SwanL., Vernon,was Onceagain a handful of Am. Avocetsappeared in the Van. quite unusual(RJC, RRH). Two Harlequinswere alsopres- area at SerpentineFen and Iona I. The first bird appeared ent on Williams L. on May 9 (PR). Ten thousandSurf Scot- at the Fen on the recordearly date of Mar. 31 (TH). Eventu- erswere seenoff Yellowpoint, s. of Nanaimo,Apr. 9 (DFF). ally onebird at the Fen appearedto be sittingon a nest.Up Barrow's Goldeneyes are uncommon in the Q.C.I. One to four birds were on Iona I. where one defended a terri- male and two females at Buck Channel May 22 were of tory (WCW). There were also unusual numbers in the interest (RWC). Kamloops area. Up to 5 pairs were at White L. on the RAPTORS TO PTARMIGAN -- A Black-shouldered Douglas Plateau Apr. 23 to May 12 (RM). Four were at Kite, a first for British Columbia and Canada, was seen BeresfordL. May 8 and two were west of 70 Mile House independentlyby two observersat Reifel I. Bird Sanctuary in late May (RRH). Apr. 26 (•'JI,•-DS). This individual was very likely a stray Giscome,near Prince George,had 30 LesserYellowlegs from the population at Raymond, Washington. Casual May 17 alongwith 550 PectoralSandpipers, 20 Baird's,50 observationsindicate that significantBald Eagle popula- Semipalmated,10 Leasts,and eight Long-billedDowitch- tions build during the lower SkeenaR. eulachonrun; on er•, in fields flooded by the unusually heavy rains. Such March 24-25,350+ were seen. Two to three hundred were shorebirdnumbers for Prince Georgeare unusual (HA, JB). at DenmanI. duringthe herringspawn on Mar. 4 (RT). Sixty A Willet at RevelstokeMay 15 was very rare (DP). The gatheredat Duke Point and GabriolaI. Mar. 11 (BB et al.). Blackie Spit Willet, presentsince Aug. 30, 1989, was last

Volume 44, Number 3 483 reportedApr. 16 (WCW) A WanderingTattler was heard spring.A GreatGray Owl, very rare on the SunshineCoast, at Km 71 of the DempsterHwy on May 21 (HG). was photographedat Halfmoon Bay Mar. i (KB). Another Six to eight Hudsonian Godwits were at the North at Pinanton, near Kamloops,May 7 was at a more usual SewageLagoons, Fort St. John,May 2, well within their location (RRH). One to two Long-earedOwls continuedto usual migration "window" (AW). Marbled Godwits were be seenat Reifel I. throughoutMarch (JI,m.ob.). Two were unusually frequent this spring along the coast. One at seenat QuilchenaGolf Course,Lulu I., April 14 (ASt). A Entry Point was the first for the Q.C.I. since1987, quickly pair of Short-earedOwls nestedamong the saplingsof a followedby five at Sandspitthe sameday (MH). A breed- cottonwood plantation on the Vernon Commonagein ing-plumagedRuddy Turnstoneat the s. end of Charlie L. April. Unfortunatelythe nest's8 eggswere predatedAprd May 28 furnishedthe 4th or 5th recordfor the PeaceRiver 28, probablyby ravens (MCa, MC). This was one of only area (•-CS).Forty Red Knots, an unusually large group for about7 breedingrecords for the Okanagan.A BorealOwl, V.I., were reportednear TorinoMay 8 (AD). Four at Entry quite rare in southernBritish Columbia,was heardMar 24 Point, Q.C.I., were the first there since 1983 (MH). A Long- in the mountains east of OkanaganFalls (DB, WD) The billed Curlew at Telkwa May 19 was out of range(DH). A QueenCharlotte Islands' Saw-whet Owl, whichmay prove compactCalidris flock at the North Lagoons,Fort St. John, to be a separatespecies, was recordedtwice by RWC this proved to be 29 SemipalmatedSandpipers and eleven spring.Two were callingat YakulanasBay on the w. coast White-rumpedSandpipers on May 28 (•-CS).While single May 28, and another two were calling at RamseyIsland White-rumpedsoccur annually in the PeaceRiver area May 3O. aroundvery late May and earlyJune, flocks of this size are Vaux's Swifts, uncommon but regular in the Prince very rare. No reportsfor Rock Sandpiperwere receivedfor Georgearea, arrived back in CottonwoodPark on May 7 the Vic. area,where this speciesis in decline(DF). A Short- (CA, HA, JB). A male Anna's Hummingbird, first for the billed Dowitcher,very rare in the interior,was spottedjust Q.C.I., was seenon HotspringI. May 29 (AGW,MSp). The n. of VernonMay 6 (PR).Twelve Wilson's Phalaropes were Vic. area reportedsix Anna's at 4 locationsfrom March 7 recorded at Swan L. near Whitehorse May 26, and two until period's end (JGa,BB, BW, m.ob.). Two Calliope were at ShallowBay, s.w. of LakeLaberge, May 24 (HG). Hummingbirdsappeared out of range in Van. with one at At least five Long-tailed Jaegerswere counted in the StanleyPark Apr. 26 (DMP) and the otherat QueenEliza- North Fork Passof the s. Ogilvie Mrs. May 20 (HG). As beth Park May 18 (EMac). usual, Bonaparte'sGulls congregatedin Active Pass,with At least2 pairsof Black-backedWoodpeckers were along 1300 on Apr. 5 (BW). Tenthousand gulls, mostly Glaucous- theVenner Meadows road above Vaseux Lake May 20 (RRI-I, winged, also Ring-billed and a few Herring gulls, were at LVD, GD, CS) and anotherpair was presentnear the high- the lower Skeena River eulachon run on Mar. 15 (WE). An way on AnarchistMt. May 19 (BB).Vancouver retained its a•l.Ring-billed Gull, very rare in theQ.C.I., was at Lomgon Yellow-bellied Sapsucker(first found Dec. 17, 1989) in Inlet May 25 (RWC). There were five Glaucous Gulls ShaughnessyPark until March 24 (DTy,RTy). A Red-naped recordedin the Q.C.I. during May (RWC).An ad. Thayer's Sapsuckerwas seenin QueenElizabeth Park, Van., May 1 Gull, now provingto be rare but regularin fall to springin (RT). This species now occurs regularly enough (1-2 the Okanagan,was at Vernon May 2 (CS, MC). During the recordsa year) to be a regular springmigrant. A male Wil- OkanaganBig Day,May 20, diehardbirders braved the icki- liamson'sSapsucker appeared May 19 nearthe gravelp•t on hessof the KelownaDump to ferretout an adult and a first- Anarchist,a sitethe birds had not visitedfor years(BB) year Thayer's Gull (CS, RJC). A late lingering flock of FLYCATCHERS TO STARLING- Two Hammond's Thayer's Gulls associatedwith late spawning herring Flycatchers furnished first and second records for this involved 11 birds at Yellowpoint s. of Nanaimo (DFF). specieson the Q.C.I. The first was seennear Tlell June 6 The first Arctic Terns to arrive near Kluane L., Yukon, and the secondwas at RoseSpit June7 (RWC).Two Ham- th•s spring were two on May 12 (FD). Revelstokehad a mond's/Duskytypes were heard at km 10 of the Dempster flock of Sterna terns May 25-26. Nine were Common Hwy May 19 (HG, MS) and anotherwas near Whitehorse Terns,but the final bird was an Arctic Tern, extremelyrare May 26 (HG). Gray Flycatcherscontinue to expand into anywherein the interior (exceptthe PeaceRiver areaand the OkanaganValley from WashingtonState. One at Sum- its n.w. breedinggrounds), a first for Revelstoke(WD, BD, merland Apr. 30 was an early arrival. RJC and AP, DP). Caspian Terns, casual in the interior, were seen at researchingthe statusof this speciesin British Columbia, Karoloopswith six May 17 and four May 27 (SR). One counted 38 Graysat Summerlandbetween May and early adult was at Salmon Arm May 24 (MC, CS, PMc). An ad. June. Other populations also exist near Vaseux L. and Horned Puffin was seen at Marble I. on the central w. coast Oliver. WesternKingbirds, normally very raretransients in of Queen CharlotteIs. on May 22 and anotheradult was at spring to Van., were reported 12 times. These sightings Flat RockI. near the extremes. end of MoresbyI. (RWC). involved about five birds (WCW). PIGEONS TO WOODPECKERS -- Three Band-tailed EurasianSkylark countsin the Victoria Airport-central P•geonswere at QueenCharlotte City June6. This species Saanich area resulted in 42 birds at 4-5 locations. Assum- is rare on the Q.C.I. (RWC).It alsoseems to be decliningin ing that there were another 11 non-singingfemales at the the Van. area, where only seven were reported for the airport, the populationof the whole Victoria areawas esti- spring (WCW,JI). mated at 53 individuals (ALM, BW et al.). Flammulated Owls were found frequently, especially Seven Purple Martins appeared at Ladysmith Harbour during the May 20 OkanaganBig Day. Six were heard by May 26, a fairly new locale.Eight birds at CowichanBay the "PygmyOwls" (Ri-I,LVD, CS, GD), one of the Big Day May 20 were more expected (DM). A Tree Swallow was teams,around Pentictonbetween midnight and 4 a.m. on seen at Jordan River on Apr. 28, for perhaps the first May 20. Onewas seenin the BaldRange, about 30 km n. of confirmed record for s.w. Vancouver Island (KT, JGa) Kelowna, May 13 (JB,m.ob.). At least 10 were on Wheeler Forty Bank Swallows at Iona I. May 27 made an all t•me Mt., Kamloops,from Apr. 20 throughMay (RRH).The only high for this speciesin Van. (WCW). The unusualweather Snowy Owl reportedwas near MacKenzie Mar. 15 (EMc, of this reporting period affected swallows in a dramatic fide JB). Six Burrowing Owls returned to their Osoyoos way in the Van. area. Northern Rough-wingedSwallows release site Mar. 18 (AB). Eventually 21 returned this arrived 10 days ahead of normal during the summer-like

484 American B•rds, Fall 1990 period of late March. However,the arrival of the bulk of Apr 1, the secondat SookeMar. 19 (EW,SSt) Four Black- the Barn Swallowsappeared to be greatlydelayed by the poll Warblersat CrookedRiver P.P.,near Bear L., May 27 cool rains of mid to late April. Weberreports that very few were part of a suddenincrease in this speciesin the Prince Barn Swallows were present even by the end of April. Georgearea (JB,P.G. Naturalists). Th•s was also the case in Vernon (CS). Was it the cold wet weather that caused Western Tan- A Blue Jay was discoveredat Ladner Harbour Park, agersto concentratein unusual numbersin the valleys? Delta, Mar. 3 and was last reportedApr. 22 (CC, m.ob.). Ten males and one female were seen in a tree in Penticton However, the jay had been presentfrom about Nov. 20, May 18 (RJC),while most of the deciduoustrees in Okana- 1989, accordingto a local resident,Albert Wigglesworth. gan Falls Prov. Campsiteheld two or three birds during This was about the 8th Van. record. the eveningof May 19 (CS, GD, LVD, tLRH).Flocks of 20 to The fine warm weather in March must have "fooled" 25 birds were seenin Revelstokeearly in May, where they somespecies into breedingearly. For example,four or are usuallyseen as singlesor pairs (DP). five fledglingCanyon Wrens were seenat VaseuxL. May A maleRose-breasted Grosbeak appeared out-of-range at 19, beatingthe previousearliest fledgling date by 2 weeks Revelstoke on May 24-26 (WD, DP). Two male Lazuh (GL, DMcC). Buntingsturned up on southernV.I. after a six-yeargap in A Northern Wheatear was noted at high elevations in the records.One male was at Mill Bay May 26 (DA), the the s. Ogilvie Mts. May 20 (HG, MS). Mountain Bluebird secondwas on Mt. Tolmie May 29 & 31 (KT, ALM). m•grationin Prince Georgeoccurred from Mar. 26 to Apr. VesperSparrows are very local on s. VancouverIsland. 25 The largestflock was of 20 Apr. 11 (CA). The warm A pair set up territoryalong C. SaanichRd., and was seen weather during early spring allowed bluebirds to nest from May 6 throughthe reportingperiod (ALM, BW, KT, early in some locales.Two pairs of Mountain Bluebirds BB). VagrantLark Sparrows appearedin 3 areas:one on were feeding5-day-old young at White L., nearPenticton, Mt. Tolmie, Saanich,May 31 for a 12th recordfor V.I. (H & May 1, about3 weeksearlier than normaland 10 daysear- JMc), one photographedon SaturnaI. May 29 (LF), and her than the previousrecord (AP, MH). Two pairs of West- one at South Slocan May 27 (LVD). SavannahSparrows ern Bluebirds,one with five youngat Vaseuxand the other usually appear in concentrationsof 100 to 200 near the with seven young at White L., nested one week earlier end of April in the Van. area. This did not happen this than previous records. Early clutches such as these spring (WCW). A singing Le Conte's Sparrow was seemed to do well; however, later clutches didn't fare so discoveredat Mt. RobsonP.P. May 30 (CA, JB). This spe- well in the late May rains. Powell notes that Mountain cies' rangew. of the Rockiesis poorly known. A Golden- Bluebirdsno longernest at Revelstokealthough they did crowned Sparrow,Nakusp's 4th, was seen May 12 (GD). asrecently as 5 yearsago. The nestof a pair of Townsend's Another Golden-crowned, rare in the Q.C.I., was seen at Sohtaireswith 4 eggswas found in the roadsideof the MassettApr. 19 (Patty & DennisMartin). A late departing Swan Lake Rd. n. of Whitehorseabout a metre away from Harris' Sparrow,a rare winter visitor, was last seenMay 22 active, though not very intense, traffic (HG). American at Summerland(A & DMc). The White-crownedSparrow Robin migration peaked Apr. 11 when a single flock of migrationwas fairly normalin the Vernonregion (CS), but 1000 was at Pineview,Prince George (CA). was very poor in the Vancouverarea (WCW). Seventy Am. Pipits were at Giscome,Prince George,on Two male Lapland Longspursin SecheltApr. 22 fur- Apr. 21 (JB,CA, m.ob.).Later, in May, numbersgrew with nishedthe first springrecords for the SunshineCoast (TG). 100 near the Prince GeorgeAirport May 6 (JB),and 100 at The arrival date for Lapland Longspurswas Apr. I at P•neviewthe sameday (CA, DR, JB).A leucisticBohemian Sheep Mountain, Kluane L., Yukon (MN). Seven Snow Waxwingwas spottedin PentictonMar. 17 (SRC).A Cedar Buntingsappeared at KelownaMar. 7 (JBu). Waxwing,rare in the Q.C.I., was seenat RoseHarbour June As sometimeshappens, Sechelt experienced a minor 2 (RWC). Two Northern Shrikes arrived at Kluane L. Apr. "fall-out" of interior migrantsMay 22-23 when a pair of 9, the same that this speciesarrived in 1989 (MN, FD). Yellow-headedBlackbirds, Northern Orioles, a Chipping EuropeanStarlings are rare in the Yukon.One appearedat Sparrow,and a Lazuli Bunting were found (ASk). Tony KluaneL. May 17 for the first time in 1-2 years(MWi). Greenfield notes that of the 5 Sunshine Coast Lazuh VIREOS TO SISKIN- The warm, summer-like Bunting records, 3 have occurred on May 23s and the weatherof the first half of April allowed somespecies to other 2 on May 28s! Only four Bobolinkswere noted near set arrival date records around Vancouver. A Warbling Revelstokethis spring, down from last year'spopulation Wreo at QueenElizabeth Park Apr. 21 was the earliestever (DP).However, Bobolinks at Mabel Lake,near Lumby (CS), (RT) A Townsend'sWarbler there Apr. 13 was 12 daysear- and at Nakusp seemto be doing well (GD). Two Western lier than the averagearrival date. CommonYellowthroats Meadowlarks4 km n. of MacBrideMay 13 were nearthe n. at SerpentineFen, Surrey,Apr. 3 were the earliestever by edgeof their range (JB).Rusty Blackbirdsarrived back in 2 days and 13 days ahead of the average(BL). Wilson's their Kluane L. breeding grounds by May 12, when six WarblerApr. 18 was9 daysearlier than normal(WCW). A were seen (FD). Revelstoke'svagrant CommonGrackle rangingTennessee Warbler, rare in the w. Kootenays,was overwinteredand spentall of March at a feeder,as did one found at Nakusp May 26 (GD). Two were well described of the town's two Bramblings(DP). With 32 reports of from VancouverMay 18 & 19 (tDMP, tDAJ). Northern Orioles, it is fair to state that this specieshas Two male Yellow Warblerswere at BigsbyInlet May 30 been steadily increasingin numbers during the last 20 for a 2nd record for the Q.C.I. (RWC). Black-throatedGray yearsin the Vancouverarea (WCW). Warbler continues to expand its range on V.I., where it FourteenRosy Finches were on the KitsegueclaLake Rd. used to be considered rare. An additional report came n. of Smithers,near Moricetown,Apr. 11 (WE). Three Pine from the west coastwith a pair at GreenpointCampsite, Grosbeaksof the Queen Charlotte race were seen at Skin- PacificRim N.P., May 10 (SF). At least one pair of Black- cuttle Inlet May 31 (RWC).White-winged Crossbills were throated Green Warblers was at Kiskatinaw P.P. between scarce.However, a few lingeredat Massett,Q.C.I., with 10 DawsonCreek and Fort St. JohnMay 28 (CS). Two Palm Mar. 27, 25 Apr. I (MH), and nine at Sandspit May 11 Warblerswere found, representingfirst March recordsfor (MH, PH). Two were noted near PentictonMay 9 (RJC) southernV.I., one at CowichanBay Mar. 19 (DM, KT) and Red Crossbillswere absentfrom the West Kootenaysuntfi

Volume 44, Number 3 485 late May when they startedto becomequite common(GD). Coast), Helmut Grunberg (the Yukon), Anna Hamel, Peter A Common Redpoll visited Sechelt feeders with Pine Hamel, Tom Hanrahan, JuergenHansen, Marg Harris, Dave SiskinsApril 29 to May 2 for the first springrecord for the Hafier, Margo Hearne (Queen Charlotte Islands), Peter Hee- Sunshine Coast (AS). GD noted that Common Redpolls bink, Rick Howie (RRH)(Kamloops area), Doug Innes, Marian lingeredlonger than usual aroundNakuap, until Apr. 13. Innes,John Ireland, Dale A. Jensen,W. Doug Kragh,Xavier In Revelstokevery large flocks, in the thousands,were Lambin, Bill Lamond,Marcel Lavigne,Liard Law, Gerry noted in March (DP). Although Pine Siskin is common Lulm, Alan L. MacLeod,Dianne Maloff, DennisMartin, Patty throughout most of the province, nests are seldom Martin, D. Marvin, Pat McAllister, David McCorquindale recorded. A nest in a conifer at 959 West 58th Ave., Van., (DMcC), Audry Mcintosh.Dave Mcintosh, Earl McIver, Rick McKelvey, Eric MacBean, Hue MacKenzie, Jo Ann MacKen- fledgedyoung June I (RT). zie, Magi Nams,Sandy Osborne, Marie O'Shaughnessy,Mario CONTRIBUTORS (Subregionaleditors in boldface) -- Paris,Doug Powell, A1 Preston,D. Michael Price, Phil Ranson Dave Aidcroft, Marlene Allard, Gladys Anderson, Jerry (Williams Lake), Syd Roberts,Dave Robinson,Laurie Rock- Anderson, Cathy Antoniazzi, Helen Antoniazzi, Bruce Arm- well, Christoph Rohner, Ron Satterfield, A1 Schellenberg, strong,Nancy Armstrong, G. Arnold,Barbara Begg, Kevin M. BarbaraM. Sedgewick,Brian G. Self, Dylan Shortt, Chris Bell, Charlie Bellis, Ken Berry, Jack Bowling (central and Siddle, Merna Singh, Arnold Skei (ASk), Dave Smith, Steve northeasternB.C.), Doug Brown, Andrew Bryant, Joan Bur- Smith,Michael Spenser (MSp), Samantha Statton (SSt), Andy bridge(JBu), R.W. Campbell, Richard J. Cannings(Okanagan), Stewart(ASt), Keith Taylor,Robert Thompson, Rick Toochin, Steve R. Cannings,Phil Capes,Mike Carlson (MCa), Colin Danny Tyson, Rick Tyson, Linda Van Damme, Trevor Clark, Mary Collins, Doris Davidson, Gary Davidson (the Venables,Eric Walters,Emily Watts, Syd Watts, Wayne C. Kooteneys),Brent Diakow, Wayne Diakow, Adrian Dorst, Weber (Vancouver), Alan G. Whitney, Bruce Whitt.ington, Frank Doyle, M. Dutton,Wayne Erickson, Mike Force,Shane Albert Wigglesworth,Mike Williams (MWi), Al Wilson, Mark Ford, David Fraser (Victoria and V.I.), J. Garnett, Jeff Gaskin Wynja. -- CHRIS SIDDLE, Site 10, Comp. 56, RR 8, Vernon, (lGa), Bryan Gates,Jude Grass, Tony Greenfield (Sunshine BC VIT 8L6.

OREGON/WASHINGTONREGION prilinmuchBffi of theTweitRegion and was Davew•er Fixth• average, tion•althou• for a short amajorwhile incold central •ont Oregon. on April May 19 h•ted was notmigra- par- •W :½ ßOlympia • estport :• ßEllensburg ticularly pleasant.Most parts of the Regionwere cool and wet, particularly during the latter half of the month. Stormsat the end of the month broughtMay precipitation aboveaverage for the month, new snow to the mountains, and a few RedPhalaropes onshore. There were several notable shorebird concentrations in the western half of the Region,inland from the outer coast. The Kirtland Road Sewage Ponds, near Medford in the Rogue valley of Oregon, had excellent numbers and species diversity throughout April and early May. Be- tween three and four thousand"peep" were countedthere April 29 (MM). Pasturesin the Chehalis valley west of Elma, Washington,held large numbersof shorebirdsMay /72•::' •ugen,•en d OREGON 17-18 (RM, JS)and fields in the Skagitvalley, Washington, held very large numbersof Whimbrels in early May (BK). Relatively few of the eastsidespecies such as avocet, stilt, Say'sPhoebe, and Rock Wren appearedon the west side this spring.This was an aboveaverage spring for eastern vagrantwarblers in southeasternOregon, with records of twelve individuals of sevenspecies in Harney County alone. Numbers and movements of the regular migrant MAP ILLUSTRATIONIKENN KAUFMAN passerineswere largelyunremarkable. ing in Washi,ton. Yellow-billed Loons at Sequim Bay, ABBREVIATIONS--Fields = Fields, Harney, OR; Finley = ClaBam, WA, and Netarts Bay, Tillamook, OR, both M•. 5 Finley Nat'l Wildlife Ref., Benton, OR; K.R.S.P. = Kirtland (BT, CR), had wintered locally. Another was on Yaquina Road SewagePonds, near Medford, lackson, OR; Malheur = Bay,Lincoln, M•. 19 (RangeBayer), perhaps the most •e- Malheur Nat'l Wildlife Ref.,Harney, OR; O.S. = OceanShores, quent site for the speciesin Oregon.The Horned Grebeat GraysHarbor, WA; Sauvie = Sauvie Island, Columbia,OR; Bend, OR, M•. 25 (TC) was two weeks e•lier than the av- S.J.C.R.= southjetty of the ColumbiaR., Clatsop,OR. Place erage•dval there. •ere was only one report of Cl•k's names in italics are counties. Grebe •om w. Oregon, in Central Point, Jackson,May LOONS TO CORMORANTS--Strong migration of Pa- 14-18 (Ray S•bby, HS). This speciesis rarely reportedin cific and Commonloons was noted along the Washington the Roguevalley. There were two w. Washingtonrepo•s: coast Apr. 22-26 (CCh, BT}, with hundreds per hour one winte•ng on Willapa Bay M•. 23 appearedto be an noted. A pair of Corn. Loons on a nest at Lost Lake, intergrade [*G & WH) and another was reported without Okanogan,May 5 (SJ}was one of the few pairs still breed- details at Dungeness,Clallam, May 26 (FS).

486 American Birds, Fall 1990 There were two pelagictrips off Westport,WA, Apr 22 Blue-w•ngedTeal were in very low numbersthroughout and May 5 (TW); the April trip was cut short by bad the springin e. Washington(JA, PM, G & WH). There were weather. Some 83 Black-footed Albatrosses, 12 N. Ful- two reportsof hybrid teal:a Cinnamonx Green-wingedat mars, three Pink-footed Shearwaters, and four Fork-tailed Hatfield L., Deschutes,OR, Apr. 15 (TC) and a Cinnamon Storm-Petrelswere found in May; only the albatrossnum- x Blue-wingedat DiamondL., Douglas,OR, May 28 (DFi). bers were average. Low numbers of Sooty Shearwaters A broodof 10 Gadwallsat Siletz Bay furnisheda first Lin- were found on both trips (4,500 and 6,500), and three coln, OR, breedingrecord (Bob & Dona Morris). Gadwalls Short-tailedShearwaters were found in April. In Oregon, arerare breeders along the outercoast, but areincreasingly two Black-footed Albatrosses were found dead on Coos commonelsewhere, especially in the Puget Sound area beachesin mid-April (BG,Jack Thomas) and a Fork-tailed There were 13 reportsof Eur. Wigeonfrom e. Washington Storm-Petrelwas seen between the CoosBay jetties Mar. and 5 from e. Oregon,an aboveaverage number of spring 11 while the observer(Dan Matthews)was surfing! reportsfor e. Washington.An ad. • King Eider at LaPush, American White Pelican colonies at Malheur showed a Clallarn, WA, May 28-June I (Matt Nixon) provided the decline this year; 930 nestswere counted.In late May, 200 latest ever spring record of this rarity. Two broods of pehcansat Malheur were killed in a die-off of unknown Hooded Merganser,a scarcenesting bird in Oregon,were origins(Gary Ivey). Aboveaverage numbers were reported encountered:a brood of 10 on the Umpqua R. at Tyee, throughoute. Washington,where they do not breed. The Douglas,June 6 (DFi) and anotherbrood on Cabell Marsh, normaltime period for northernmigration of Brown Peli- Finley, May 27 (K. Merrifield). cansinto our Regionis June-July,but in recentyears a few KITES TO QUAIL--In Oregon,reports of Black-shoul- have appearedin May. This springsaw a significantin- deredKites away from the Roguevalley were few, as most creasein sightingsin April and May. The first was an im- of the winteringbirds elsewheredisappear by late winter. mature flying north past YaquinaHead, Lincoln, OR, Apr. There was one report from the coast,near Florence(TM), I (Mike Noack).By the middle of April, it had becomeob- and 3 from the Willamette valley, in Benton (fide ME) and viousthat a smallmovement of post-breedingBrown Peli- at Finley (HH). In the Roguevalley, 2 nestswere locatedin cans(or mostly non-breeding?)was underwayin Oregon. s.e. MedfordMar. 30 (MM, OS). Althoughfledged young On Apr. 22, six adults, a subadult,and an immature were have indicated breedingin severalareas of the state over at Grays Harbor, WA (BT). The number at Grays Harbor the past 15 years,very few actual nestshave been located had increasedto 30 at the end of April (FS) and 51 by May in Oregon.In Washington,there was only onereport away 18 (RM). Some525 Double-crestedCormorants on Belling- from their 2 regularlocales: one at Nisqually N.W.R. Mar. ham Bay, WA, Mar. 17 (TW) made a high count for that 30 (HaroldFray). The regularlocales are Toledo,Lew•s, area, where their numbers continue to increase. A Double- where one was seen Mar. 28 (Ray Scharpfi and Tokeland, crested Cormorant at Ochoco L., Crook, OR, Mar. 24 Pacific,where two adultswere watchedin aerial displays (J& RK) was 22 days earlier than average. Apr. 15 (BL). The albino Red-tailedHawk nearPhilomath, HERONS TO MERGANSERS--The first Great Egret Benton, OR, persisted into its 18th spring (ME). Rough- sightingthis springin e. Washingtonwas of two April 14 at leggedHawks were sparinglyreported, not surprisinglyaf- PotholesS.P., Grant (TSc}, which seemsan early date for ter a mediocre winter. The last report was Apr. 15 at this newly establishedbreeder. Oregon's3rd Little Blue Tokeland, WA (BL). Heron, which appearedJan. 15 near Brownsmeade,Clat- AmericanKestrels seldom draw commentin our Region sop, remained until Mar. 23 (PSh, m.ob.). Again this owing to their generalabundance and inconspicuousmi- spring,White-faced Ibises appeared in w. Oregon.On the grations. A migratory movement was witnessed Apr. 29, coast,three put down briefly at YaquinaBay, Lincoln, May along the Tillamook, OR, beaches(SR). The latest coastal 6 (fide HN}, one flew past the YaquinaBay iettiesMay 16 migrant Merlins were May 3 at Bandon, OR (DFi), and (f•deDFa}, and threewere at TillamookMay 22 (CR).In the May 12 at LeadbetterPt., WA (TB). Inland, the last was W•]lamettevalley, a flock of 18 was at Finley May 17-18 Apr. 11 at Sauvie (JJ).There were no Merlins reported (HH, RH). Ibiseshave now shownup in springmigration in from the eastside of the Cascades.Nine Peregrinereports w Oregonin abouthalf of the recentspring migrations. from w. Washingtonwere fewer than half of average,and Between Apr. 27 and May 3, a "massive flight" of therewere few reportsfrom w. Oregon.Occupancy of Ore- Greater White-fronted Geesemoved through Lincoln on gon nest sites this spring was about the same as in the the Oregoncoast, arriving from the eastover the Si]etz and previous several years (JoelPagel). East of the Cascades, AlseaR. drainages,and movingnorth up the coast.Thou- three were reported. sandswere seenflying northwardfrom Yachatsto Lincoln Gray Partridge have not been reported in the Hart Mt., City (DFa et al.}. With them were small numbersof Snow Lake, OR, vicinity since the mid-1960s. A pair was seen on Geeseand quite a few CanadaGeese. On the Washington Hart Mt. Apr. 30 (G. Kiester).Two SpruceGrouse on Pine coast,a good movement was noted Apr. 29 (EH, FS). A GrassRidge, Yakima, May 12 (•-KenBevis) were far south Ross' Goose at Seatfie Apr. 24 (Erica Norwood, •-BSu, of their normalrange in the n. WashingtonCascades. Cali- m.ob., ph.} furnishedthe 4th w. Washingtonrecord; all are fornia Quail populationsnear Spokanewere "huge" (JR), springrecords. Other Ross'records away from their main probablyreflective of the mild winter. migrationa]path in s.e. Oregonincluded the first for De- SHOREBIRDS--Two Lesser Golden-Plovers, both deschutes,OR, at Hatfield L. Apr. 30-May I (TC), one at scribedas fulva, were reportedfrom Oregon.One was seen Reardan, Lincoln, WA, Mar. 5 (JA), and one at C]arkston, May 11-12 at K.R.S.P.(OS, MM} and the other at Finley Asotin, WA, May 5-12 {J & DP, m.ob.). The two Emperor May 19 (M & EE). Seven were reported from Washington, Geesethat had wintered at Charleston, OR, were still there none identified to subspecies.The earliest were two at Apr. 8 (fide L. Thackaberry}.In Washington,there were Ocean Shores Apr. 21 (BW} and five were near Elma, two sightingsfrom Clallarn (D & SS, TB) and three from Grays Harbor, May 17-18 (RM, JS). These are average alongPuget Sound (S. Johnson,J. Carroll, R. Droker}.Al- spring numbers.There were only 3 Oregon reports of most all of these may have been fetal birds, as only one Snowy Plover, but surely more were noted. Two were at s•ghtingwas not either from freshwateror associatedwith their northernmostbreeding locale at Ocean ShoresApr Canada Geese. 21 (K. Brown} and one was seen the same day elsewhere

Volume 44, Number 3 487 on GraysHarbor (J Wingfield). The first returmngBlack- attentionto subspecies,when possible.A fair showingof necked Stilts were in the Klamath Basin, OR, Mar. 24 at least 26 Wilson'sPhalaropes in w. Oregonincluded 12 (PSu) and they and Am. Avocetshad returnedto central at K.R.S.P.May 11-12 (MM) and sevenin Finley (HH), but Washingtonby Apr. i (AS). The only westsidestilts were there was only one sightingin w. Washington,in Seattle two at K.R.S.P.Apr. 10 (Dick Cronberg)and onethere Apr. (EH). Ten pairs were potentialbreeders at DiamondLake, 22 (MM), and the only westside avocets were one at in the s. OregonCascades, but the heavyrains of late May K.R.S.P.Apr. 23 (MM, OS) and one at ForestGrove, Wash- flooded out at least one nest (DFi). Some 125 Red-necked •ngton,OR, May 6 (JG).Both species are casualon the west Phalaropes,with 10 Red Phalaropes,at the K.R.S.P.May side of the Cascades. 22 (HS) had probablybeen driven inland by the late May The peak counts of Greater Yellowlegswere of 58 at storms.The Redsrepresented the first springrecord for Olympia, WA, Mar. 27 (JanetPartlow) and 50 at K.R.S.P. the Roguevalley and one of few inland springrecords in Apr. 16 (MM). LesserYellowlegs are rarer springmigrants, the Region. more common in the interior than the west side. The west- JAEGERS TO DOVES--Jaeger migrationwas almost side peak countwas of eight at K.R.S.P.Apr. 22 (MM), and undetectedthis spring.There were no Oregonsightings In there were at least 9 other westsidereports. The eastside Washington,only eightPomarines and two Parasiticswere peakcount was of 17 nearBend Apr. 30 (TC).There were 10 seenon the 2 Westportpelagic trips (TW), and one Poma- reportsof SolitarySandpiper on the eastside and fourteen rine (RM) and seven Parasitics (B & GR) seen from shore at morefrom the westside, the earliestApr. 15 at W. Richland, the GraysHarbor channel. An ad. Little Gull was at Point Benton,WA (BW). Theseare averagenumbers for this scarce No Point on PugetSound Mar. 6-Apr. 8 (VN) and possibly m•grant.Willets were recorded3 times from areaswhere the same bird was at Seattle Apr. 5 (RM) for the 10th they are unusual:one at DiamondL., Douglas,OR, Apr. 29 springrecord. An adult also appearedduring March 1989 (DFi), threeat Boardman,Morrow, OR, May 8 (CCo),and one at Point No Point. Bonaparte'sGull migrationwas noted at Kahlotus,L., Franklin, WA, May 12 (J.& M. Hirth). alongthe outer coastMay 3 at Bandon(DFi) when flocks The peak coastal count of 150 Whimbrels near Tilla- were steadily moving north along the beaches.Six Heer- mook, OR, May 9 (HN) was overshadowedby the countof mann's Gulls were early at Ocean ShoresMay 18 (G & 750 in Skagitvalley fields, Skagit,WA, May 5 (BK) and WH), possiblycorrelated with the early appearanceof 450 near Elma, GraysHarbor, WA, May 17-18 (RM, JS). BrownPelicans. Three of the 4 GlaucousGull reportswere We are accustomedto believing that Whimbrels are pri- from March on the lower Columbia R. system(NL, BT), marily coastalmigrants in our Region.If they prove to be probably attracted by the large smelt run. The only regularin thesenumbers in thesemore inland locales,we Sabine'sGull report was of two on the pelagictrip off shall have to reviseour thinking. The peak count of Mar- WestportMay 5 (TW). bled Godwit, 200 at OceanShores Apr. 20 (G & WH), was a The only known CaspianTern breedinglocales on the very large spring count. One at Finley May 18 (AF) was west side of the Cascadesare on the s. Washingtoncoast. one of few ever discoveredin the Willamette valley. Six For at least a decade,steadily increasingnumbers have Marbled Godwits Apr. 24 in the Warner Basin,Lake, OR beenreported on PugetSound, but no attemptsat breeding (Bill Pyle), and eight at Malheur betweenMar. 24 and Apr. have been noted. This spring, the highestnumbers ever 26 (WC, S. Freshman,CM) were the only interior migrants were reported on Bellingham Bay, in northern Puget reported.Forty Ruddy Turnstonesin fieldsnear Elma May Sound,with lotsof courtshipdisplay and nocturnalfi•ghts 18 (JS) made a high count for a non-coastalspot. There inland notedthere, but no breeding(TW). CommonTerns was only one eastsideRuddy report,a singleat Boardman, went almost unreportedthis spring, except for the May Morrow, OR, May 8-14 (CCo). 3-5 period.On May 3, northboundmigrants were pasmng Red Knot countswere lower than normalthis springin Bandonon the s. Oregoncoast (DFi) and on May 4 & 5, w Oregon.The highest count there was of 27 at Bandon peak countswere reported from Willapa Bay and Grays May 3 (DFi). As usual, numbersof knots were on Grays Harbor (G & WH, TW). Two ad. Arctic Terns had returned Harbor, WA, from Apr. 23 through May 12 (DFi, John to their breedingsite at Everett, Snohomish,WA, by May Gatchet),but the high count was only 150+, which is low. 23 (RM).A Forster'sTern in basicplumage at EverettMar Three SemipalmatedSandpipers were reportedfrom the 17 (DPa)had probablywintered there.If so,this would be west side, and four from the east side, below average the first winter recordfor the Region. counts.The peak countsof W. Sandpiperswere of 320,000 A pair of Ancient Murreletsin breedingplumage found at one spot on Grays Harbor Apr. 26 (CCh) and 10,000- off Port Angeles,WA, May 29 (JS)were either very late 15,000 at BandonMay 3 (DFi). Always rare in springon migrants,or from the vestigialbreeding population on the the west side, three Baird's Sandpiperswere found, at the OlympicPeninsula. Fifteen Marbled Murrelets noted Apr. K.R.S.P.Apr. 16 (HS, OS), Sauvie Apr. 21 (JJ),and Ab- 8 flying down the WaatchR., Clallam,from the old growth erdeen,WA, Apr. 29 (BL). The peak count on the eastside Cedar Reserve2.5 mi upstream (FS) helped define the was large, 18 at Malheur Apr. 26 (CM). Pectoral Sand- nestingchronology of this species. pipers are also scarcespring migrantson the west side: Band-tailed Pigeonscontinued uncommon,or at least two were at SeattleMay 13 (MO). The eastsidereports to- uncommonlyreported. In Oregon,it has seemedthat rea- tailed 16 from 3 sites, about normal. sonablenumbers have been reported only alongthe outer Short-billedDowitcher numberspeaked on the outer coast,with only a smatteringreported elsewhere. In Wash- coastduring the last week of April. Some 20,000 were at ington, they still seem relatively numerousaround Puget one site on GraysHarbor Apr. 26 (CCh),and 400 eachwere Sound, and are scarcer along the coast. Observersare at Tillamook (HN) and Bandon (DFi). Seven reports of urgedto pay attentionto this species.A migrantMourning Short-billed Dowitchers came from inland areas, with six Dove over the ocean 10 mi off Bandon Apr. 16 (Terry seen in w. Oregon and Washington,one at Boardman, Thompson)had little to coo about.In the samevein, dove Morrow,OR, May 5-8 (DonnaLusthoff, C & MCo), and six numberswere way down aroundSpokane (JR). •n Grant, WA, May 12 (BT, DPa) that were thought to be OWLS TO WOODPECKEBS--Departure dates for hendersoni.We urge observersof spring migrant Short- wintering owls were Mar. 3 for three Snowy Owls near billed Dowitcherson the eastside of the Cascadesto pay MosesLake, Grant, WA (MD), Mar. 15 for two Burrowing

488 Amencan B•rds,Fall 1990 Owls near the K.R S P. (MM), and Apr 9 for Short-eared lows were notedMar 4 alongthe SnakeR. southof Asotin, Owls at BaskerrSlough N.W.R., OR (fide BB). There are no WA (CVV), and Mar. 5 alongthe Strait of Juande Fuca at confirmedbreeding records for Great Gray Owl in Wash- Sequim,WA (BT). Very early N. Rough-wingedSwallows •ngton,so a report of a hootingbird in OkanoganApr. 7 were at SkagitWildlife Area, WA, Mar. 2 (fide BK) and at (AS) was pretty exciting. A Boreal Owl near RogersL., Salem Mar. 19 (Bill Tice). A Bank Swallow at Hammond, Okanogan,WA, Apr. 12 (RM) was in an area where they Clatsop,OR, May 20 (MP) was the only report west of the are beingfound regularly.Two Black Swifts were at Fort Cascades,where this swallow is a rare migrant. A Cliff Rock S.P.,Lake, May 6 (Mike Houck);they rarely occurin Swallow in the Roguevalley Mar. 9 (Jim Livaudais) was e. Oregon.Vaux's Swifts appearedfirst in the Willamette perhapsthe earliestever springarrival for the Region. valley Apr. 12 (RH)but did not appearin Washingtonuntil With habitatfor GrayJays becoming increasingly scarce 3 weekslater, May 4 (FS). White-throatedSwifts returned and fragmentedin the OregonCoast Range and along the early.Three at SmithRocks S.P., OR, Mar. 26 (CM) were 3 outer coast, all sightingsin those areas are of interest. A weeksearlier than averagefor c. Oregon,and they had re- pair was seencarrying nest materialin Little LobsterVal- turned to 2 e. Washingtonsites before April (RM, MD). A ley, west of Corvallis,Mar. 17 (D. & E. McDonald)and they White-throatedSwift at Lower Table Rock Apr. 28 (Stew- were noted at Eden Valley, Coos,Apr. 29 (GeoffKeller). art Janes,OS) was a first for Jacksonand one of few for w. Two Bushtit nests, one to the west and one to the east of Oregon. Cle Elum (BSu, Hal Opperman),were the 2nd and 3rd An Anna's Hummingbirdnest near Portland (J. Beck- known nestsfor Kittitas. The sourceof the range expan- man) had two young on Apr. 16. They had apparently sion was probablyover the CascadeCrest from w. Wash- fledgedby Apr. 27. Thereare still very few definitebreed- ington.Red-breasted Nuthatches were superabundantthis ing observationsof this recent colonizer. Two Costa's springin the s. OregonCascades, appearing to be among Hummingbirds showed up this spring in Oregon, both the half-dozen most common forest birds there (DFi). Rock males at feeders. One was in Sutherlin, Douglas, Apr. 4 Wrens are casual in the westside lowlands. There were 3 (KW) and anotherwas in AshlandMay 7 into June (J.Bab- reportsthis spring, Apr. 18 in Seattle (JamesWest), May cock).There are still no acceptedWashington records of 13-14 in coastalLane, OR (Tom & Billy Jo Smith), and th•s springvagrant. There were 2 reportsof Broad-tailed May 17 in Eugene(T & AM). Hummingbirdin e. Oregon,where they are uncommon.A THRUSHES TO WARBLERS--Thrush migrationwent male was in AndrewsMay 27 (JG,NL) and a femalewas in virtually unremarked,with no mention of night migration Fields May 26-28 (m.ob.). of Swainson'sheard this spring.The first Swainson'swas Continuingtheir winter abundance,Lewis' Woodpeck- at SauvieApr. 21 (JJ)and a few migrantswere still present erswere well reportedfrom the centralWillamette valley, in Washtucna,Adams, WA, May 28 (BT). Migrant Veeries, w•th mostnoted mid-March to April. On the eastside, the or possibly vagrants,were at Malheur May 24 (James first Lewis' returned to Deschutes, OR, Mar. 28 (Dave Dan- Davis) and at Fields May 31 (K & JK). The first Veery •n ley), abouta monthearly for the area,and to e. Washington Washingtonwas May 14 in Okanogan(SJ). The pair of N Apr 18 in Okanogan(SJ). At leastone pair of the Acorn Mockingbirdswintering near Medford was seenMar. 25 Woodpeckerflock that appearednear Lyle, Klickitat, in (HS) and the usual handful of springrecords in e. Oregon October1989, nested(WC) for the first Washingtonbreed- consistedof two in Harney, one May 15 (K. Larsen)and ing record. anotherMay 27 (JG,NL, GL). A SageThrasher Mar. 4 at FLYCATCHERS TO WRENS--The only report of Fort Rock S.P.was 3 weeks earlier than averagefor central Least Flycatcher, an uncommon spring vagrant, was at Oregon.Others at Enterprise,Wallowa May 12 (PSu) and Fields May 26-30 (HN, m.ob.). The first arrival datesfor in downtown EugeneMar. 23 (David Jones,PSh) were in Hammond's Flycatcher on the west side were about a partsof Oregonwhere they are casual. week earlier than average:Apr. 7 near Salem, OR (Roy The last Bohemian Waxwings of the relatively small Geng)and Apr. 15 nearTacoma, WA (CCh).A largemigra- winter numbers were singles in Richland, WA, Mar. 12 tory movementwas noted in the interiorHarney, OR, May (BW) and at Frenchglen,Harney, OR, Mar. 18 (AF, Marty 26-30 (SH, JJ)with "hundredsrecorded daily." Migratory Campbell).The last N. Shrikeswere Apr. 2 on the west concentrationsof Hammond'shave been reported in the sidein Polk, OR (BarbRupers), and Apr. 7 on the eastside interior in the last week of May other years, but not in in Grant, WA (MD), about averagefor final departure.A suchimpressive numbers. A d GrayFlycatcher 9 mi e.n.e. pair of apparentlyterritorial Hutton'sVireos at WenasCr., of Riverside,Okanogan, WA, May 16 (SJ)was in the gap Yakima,May 26 (EH) representeda significantrange ex- between the Okanogan valley population in British pansioninto the eastslope of the WashingtonCascades for Columbiaand the Washingtonpopulations on the e. slope this sedentaryspecies. of the Cascades.The presenceof three Pacific-slopeand Harney in e. Oregonheld an excellent number of east- no CordilleranFlycatchers with the largeconcentration of ern warblers, including three TennesseeWarblers: a fe- Hammond'sin Harney May 27 (SH, JJ)was intriguing. male in CatlowValley May 27 (JJ,SH), and a male and a Otherwise,Pacific-slope Flycatchers arrived on time, with femaleat FieldsMay 30 (SH, JJ).There was one otherOre- no migratoryconcentrations reported. There was only one gonrecord, at PaulinaMarsh, Lake, May 13 (B & TS), and reportof CordilleranFlycatcher, at Bend,OR, May 3 (TC). one documented Washington sighting, at Washtucna, A BlackPhoebe in Fields May 20 (Dale Blackburn)was Adams, May 28 (ñBT, ñBL). Washingtonhas far fewer an e. Oregonrarity. Only five Say'sPhoebes were reported recordsthan Oregon. A first-yeard Chestnut-sidedWarbler from the west side, somewhatbelow averagefor this regu- was at Malheur May 30 (SH, JJ,m.ob.), a MagnoliaWarbler lar wandererfrom the east.An Ash-throatedFlycatcher, a was at FieldsMay 25 (PMu, LW), and a d Bay-breasted rare vagrantto w. Washington,was at Auburn May 27-30 Warbler was at Page Springs,Malheur, May 27 (R & JK, (Bob Willison). m.ob.). There were three Harney records of Black-and- Reports of Purple Martins indicated arrival of small white Warbler:one at Malheur May 13-14 (JohnChappo), numbersat or near known colonies during mid-April or a first-yearmale at MalheurMay 26-29 (HN, m.ob.),and a early May, the first report from Fort Lewis, WA, Apr. 12 female at Alvord Ranch May 27 (JJ,SH), and none else- (GR).Large migratory concentrations of Violet-greenSwal- where. The only Am. Redstartwas in the Alvord Basin,

Volume44, Number 3 489 Harney, May 27 (JG,NL, GL), and two of the 3 Ovenbird March (JA, SJ), except for one very late bird in Albion, records were from Malheur May 27-30 (MP, LW, PMu, Whitman, WA, May 4-6 (J & DP). The few reports of m.ob.). The other Ovenbird was a male in Richland, WA, Evening Grosbeaksfrom the lowlands indicated there May 31 (t-BW). were normal numbers (TW, TR, TB). Except for Orange-crownedand Yellow-rumped war- EXOTICA The CrestedCaracara that appearedin the blers, few concentrationsof the regular migrants were fall of 1989 in Curry, OR, remainedabout 4 mi up the found (JA, DFi, BT), and most comments indicated that RogueR. from Gold Beachuntil at least Mar. 17 (Angie the local breederswere on time. As is usual for Oregon,a Cromack,Dorothy Gray). A Eur. Goldfinchvisited a feeder few Palm Warblerswere encountered:one at YaquinaBay at ToketeeR.S., in the DouglasOregon Cascades,May Mar. 2-5 (RoyLowe), and at the S.J.C.R.Apr. 14 & 28 (IMP). 10-12 (DFi, Martha Sawyer). The North Bend, Coos,OR, A N. Waterthrushat PaulinaMarsh, Lake, May 13 (BS)was pair of Eur. Tree Sparrows,present since summer 1989, early for a vagrantand could have beena migrantreturn- continued to visit BG's feeder. ing to the small local breedingpopulation. Waterthrushes CORRIGENDUM--The winter column indicated that the were back at that breeding area at Gilchrist, Deschutes, HoodedWarbler in Pullmanfurnished the 2nd Washington OR, May 13 (B & TS). There were two very early Yellow- record. It was the 3rd overall record, and the 2nd winter breastedChats in Oregon:one near Prineville, CrookMar. record. 24 (R & JK)and anotherApr. 5 southof Gold Beach,Curry INITIALED OBSERVERS, with subregional editors in (SR). Their normal arrival time in much of the Region is boldrace--JimActon, Barb Bellin (Salem area), Thais Bock early May. (Tacomaarea), Wilson Cady, Chris Chappel, Craig & Marion BUNTINGS TO FINCHES--There were four Rose- Cotder,Tom Crabtree (e. Oregon),Mike Denny,Merlin & Elsie breasted Grosbeaksin Harney May 25-31 (m.ob.), all Eltzroth (Corvallisarea), Darrell Faxon,Anthony Floyd, Jeff Gilligan,Barbara Griffin, Steve Heinl, HendrikHerlyn, Glen & males,and oneIndigo Bunting in HarneyMay 31 (K & JK). Wanda Hoge,Rich Hoyer, EugeneHunn, Jim Johnson,Stuart Both are regular spring vagrantsin e. Oregon.Arrival of Johnston,Karen & Jerry Kearney, Rick & Jan Krabbe, Bob Chipping Sparrowswas a few days earlier than usual, Kuntz, Bruce Labar, Nick Letbaby,Gerard Lillie, Phil Mat- with one near Salem, OR, Mar. 15-16 (JackEvans), one in tocks(Washington), Tom & Allison Mickel, CraigMiller, Mar- Corvallis, OR, Mar. 30 (P_H),one in Sutherlin, Douglas, jorie Moore (Roguevalley), Pat Muller, RogerMuskat, Harry OR, Mar. 31 (KW), one in Bend, OR, Apr. I (TC), and one Nehls (w. Oregon),Vic Nelson, Mark Oberle, Jeff & Deanna near Synarep, Okanogan, WA, Apr. 19 (SJ). The rarest Palmer,Mike Patterson,Dennis Paulson 03Pa), Bob & Georgia sparrow of the seasonwas the Brewer's Sparrow with Ramsey,Jan Reynolds, Craig Roberts,Tom Rogers(e. Wash- Zonotrichia in n.e. Portland Apr. 25 (JJ,David Bailey). ington). Skip Russell,Howard Sands,Tom Schooley,Fred Other eastsidesparrows that stray more regularlyto the Sharpe,Bill & Tim Shelmerdine,Paul Sherrell,Jeff Skriletz, west side included a Lark Sparrow at Skykomish,WA, Dory &Stan Smith (OlympicPeninsula), Andy Stepnewskl, May 28 (D. Batchelder,S. Givan) and a SageSparrow at Paul Sullivan, Bob Sundstrom, Otis Swishar, Carol Vande SeattleMar. 31 (K. Aanerud).A singingGrasshopper Spar- Voorde (Clarkstonarea), Terry Wahl, Linda Welland. Katie row near EaglePoint, Jackson,OR, May 6 (HS) made the Wilson, Bob Woodley.--BILL TWEIT, P.O. Box 1271, 4th consecutiveyear at that site, the only breedinglocale Olympia,WA 98507,and DAVEFIX, HC 60, Box 101, Idleyld on the west side. Five Swamp Sparrowswere noted on the Park, OR 97447. west side, four probablybeing remnantsof the goodwin- teringnumbers. A 2hal-yearSwamp Sparrow netted at the S.J.C.R.May 5 (MP) was most likely a migrant and furnished the latest spring sightingfor w. Oregon.After a good winter for White-throatedSparrows, a few lingered late: one at Sanvie Apr. 29 (JJ),one at Silver L., Lake, OR, May 13 (B & TS), and one to mid-May at Bend (TC). White- crowned Sparrow migration was below averagein the Spokanearea (JA,TR), and unmentionedelsewhere. The 2 isolated colonies of Tricolored Blackbirds in n. Oregon both were occupied this spring, with 15 birds at Portland(JJ) and 20 at Hermiston,Umatilla (PSu).A large colonywas reported this springnear the Medfordairport, Jackson (L. & C. Morris); there are several colonies in the Roguevalley. A Great-tailedGrackle was at Malheur May 16-17 (Dan Browder, Larry Hammond). Most Oregon recordsare springrecords. A Pine Grosbeakamid the wheat fields at Davenport, Lincoln,WA, May 8 (JA)was surprising.Red Crossbills appearedin notablenumbers in severalareas. Type III birds were widespread and common throughout the Puget Troughfrom Bellinghamsouth to Corvallis (TW, CCh, EH, BT, JJ,RH) during mid-April and May. Crossbillsof unknown type were also reportedalong Washington's outer coast(G & WH, MO), were very numerousat lower elevations in centralOregon (TC), and were numerousin pines in the Spokane area (JR). The only reports of White- winged Crossbills were in Washington: one to three at OceanShores Apr. 7-May 12 (BobMorse, MD) and 30 near Arlington, Snohomish,May 27 (t-TSc). The remnants of the wintering Com. Redpolls trickled north throughout

490 AmericanBirds, Fall 1990 '•Cres(•ntCily:::-'.-•::i• .YrekaKlamathBasin .... / •/-•i:: :: {..•!•::.-'L..•:•,•.:refugesWamerM•.... MIDDLE PACIFIC Ba,•,Arcata eka:;;•"?•'•i¾:;'•::'."i.:?:[:9•;f•fi?.?*::.•:%!:*?..:.•.:-:'--;:*:::':':!::•}•:•*•:•*. ** COAST REGION --•:•.•$.•:•.c:•:•,Honey I- DavidG. ¾ee, Buce E.Deuel, eS,mero and StephenF. Bailey PLBraggI-. •,. ....•--•-'k..]:..

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he fourthyear of droughtaffected California's water- As in Winter, o•l],v• Albatrosseswere found: fowl nestingeffort, as severalmajor wetlandsin the 20 mi w.s.w. of Ano Nuevo Pt., San Mateo, Mar. 31 {RSTh, northeastwent dry. The May rains helped someby creat- m.ob.) and 3 mi n.w. of Pt. Pinos Apr. 23 {L. Shumacher, ing additional brood water, but duck production was fide RT & AB). A boat reachedPterodroma watersMay 19. reducedfrom last year.The droughtalso appeared to have adverseeffects on nestinglandbirds such as Barn Owl and Thre•hy'soneCook's Pdtrel Petrels75 m•-•.w.-•f--Pl.35to 73 mi •ey•ss.w. of_P_p•t.w_ere•the _ReaLesrew•ard and• V Tricolored Blackbird. We can only speculate to what U-SFB).A Flesh-footedShearwater offshore Monterey Apr. degreebird populationswill be affectedby what is turning 7 (DLm, fide AB) was during this species'rarest season out to be one of the worst droughtsin this centuryfor the here.A Fork-tailedStorm-Petrel •4th a broodpatch, mist- state. netted on EL May 27-28 {GEM,P.R.B.O.) "strengthens sus- We are gratefulto Phyllis Bailey for compilingthe land- picions that they may breed here in very low numbers" bird reportsfor Yee'sanalysis. {seeAB 40:1249 and 43:1362-1363). Single Black Storm- ABBREVIATIONS -- C.B.R.C. = California Bird Records Petrels (or the samebird?) over SoquelCanyon, Monterey Committee;C.C.R.S. = CoyoteCreek Riparian banding Sta- Bay, May 6 & 17 {RT,fide AB) provided the earliest credi- tion, SantaClara; C.V. = CentralValley; El.: SoutheastFaral- ble reportsfor the Region. lon Island; S.E = San Francisco;ph. = photo on file with An imm. Masked Booby 2 mi w. of Pt. Lobos Apr. 5 RegionalEditors. All recordsfrom El. shouldbe creditedto U-DLm, ph.) furnished the first record for the Region. Pt. ReyesBird Observatory(P.R.B.O.). Place names in italics American White Pelicans continued to be unusually are counties. widespreadand numerousin most coastaland S.F. Bay LOONS TO PELICANS -- Among Com. Loon counts counties,with the rarestbeing five at L. Talawa, Del Norte, e. of the Sierra, 27 on Crowley L. Apr. 7 {T. & ]. I-Ieindel) Apr. 18 {RMcN). An ad. Brown Pelican was inland in and 28 on TopazL. Apr. 20 (P•M, ES) were recordhighs for Santa Clara at Vasona Res. about May 24 O-DuB),roughly Mono. The Season's lone Yellow-billed Loon was at 15 mi and 3 days removedfrom last year'simmature. Trinidad, Humboldt, Mar. 14-Apr. 15 U-RAE, t-LPL). An BITTERNS TO WATERFOWL -- American Bitterus EaredGrebe at Alviso, Santa C]ara, late Februaryto Apr. 1 were reported in "good numbers" from the n. coast 0. was "90% albinistic" (GI-It, M•M). Hewston,ADB}, in contrastto other parts of the Region.

Volume 44, Number 3 491 Two pairs of Snowy Egretsdisplaying and entering nest terey (DR) and Del Norte (ADB). Immature Bald Eaglesare sites on Prince I. at the Smith R. mouth, Del Norte, now being found widely throughout our Region and throughoutMay (ADB)represented the first nestingrecord locally all year, as the reintroductionefforts progress. The for that county,and the first on our coastn. of Humboldt increase in reports is reminiscent of Peregrine Falcon, Bay. CharlestonSlough's resident Snowy Egret X Little except that adult Bald Eagleswill take longer to appear. Blue Heron was presentat least throughApr. 26 (PJM).A New nesting range for Red-shoulderedHawks included CattleEgret and White-facedIbis nestingcolony at Colusa s.e. Alameda (ALE) and e. Santa Clara (D. Elliott). A N.W.R. was abandonedby May 14 becausethe nesting Swainsoh's Hawk over S.F. Mar. 19 (ASH) was a rare pond went dry, causingcollapse of the nestplatforms. The coastal migrant. A survey of San Joaquin located about ibisesmay have moved to Sutter N.W.R., where 991 birds 1O0 active Swainsoh'sHawk nests(W. Holt, J. Estep).As were countedMay 14 (S. Berendzen).Ibises were reported the population for the entire state of this Threatened from 16 counties this spring, with single birds near speciesis estimatedat only 550 pairs(J. Estep), it is hoped Vallejo, Solano, May 5 (MBG et al.) and in Sierra Valley, that the identificationof the SanJoaquin nests will lead to Plumas, May 27 (DGY, L. Jensen),and 40 in a possible the protectionof many as the countyis developed. nestinglocation at Ahjumawi Lava SpringsS.P., Shasta, GROUSE TO SltOBEBIBDS -- Nine drumming d May 27 (RbL et al.) being amongthe more unusual. RuffedGrouse were found in the Region'snorthwest, way Included in seven coastal Greater White-fronted Goose aboveour recentaverage. A Sora on F.I. Mar. 28 was only reports were 10 exceptionally late adults near Ft. Dick, the island's 2nd for spring. When an adult Sora was Del Norte, May 21 (ADB). A singlebird at TopazL. Apr. 23 flushedoff a nestwith eggsat HansonSlough May 9 it pro- was Morto'slatest ever for spring(PJM, ES). The wintering vided a 2nd Santa Cruz breedingrecord, the first since blue morph Snow Gooseat ShorebirdsPond, Santa Cruz, 1976 (DLSu). A Corn. Moorhen found at Arcata Marsh last was last seenin early April (fide DLSu). Anotherwas seen period lost a wing during the winter, but survived until at at the Ukiah sewagepond, Mendocino,Mar. 24 (OJK,RJK). leastMay 19 (fide GSL). Six adult Canada Geese with 12 chicks in the Carson-Ice- All winteringfulva LesserGolden-Plovers were goneby berg Wilderness,Tuolumne, June 2 (D. Dow) represented Apr. 22. The only migrantsreported were two in breeding the southernmostnesting record for the Sierra Nevada w. plumage at Lake Talawa, Del Norte, May 16 (ADB). A slope. breeding-plumageddominica, much rarer in spring,was A Eur. Green-wingedTeal in the Arcata BottomsMar. seen Apr. 28 in Lower GarrissereCanyon, for the first 3-Apr. 15 (L. Long, BED) furnishedthe only report. Mal- inland SalinasValley recordof any golden-ploverand the lard X N. Pintail hybrids were seen on Grizzly I. Road., first in springto be subspecificallyidentified in Monterey olano,Apr. 18 (J.Ferrera) and at BridgeportRes., Mono, (t-DR). Another dominica was reported from the Arcata pr.23 (t-PJM).The duck of the season was an immature d BottomsMay 12 (FJB). arganeyat the BolinasSewage Ponds, Marin, Mar. A pair of Black Oystercatcherswas found on the Smith R., a mile and a half from the ocean,Mar. 11 (ADB, J. Gart- land). An impressivetotal of 14 Solitary Sandpiperswas reportedfrom the coastApr. 21-May 13. Inland, one was at L. Shastina,Siskiyou, Apr. 20 (RE) and one or two were found Apr. 21-28 at DechambeauPonds, Mono (J. & D. Parker,JMHu et al.). The only inland Ruddy Tumstones noted were two at Tule Lake N.W.R. May 9 (ADB, RE, RAE). Thirteen Sanderlings were reported from Lower Male Garganey,apparently in first-spring plumage, at Bolinas, Klamath N.W.R. May 22, the largestnumber ever seen in California,April 29, 1990. Photograph/StephenF. Bailey. the Klamath Basin (RE), while 23 alternate-plumaged birds at the ,Lodi SewagePonds May 23 were late and a 27-Apr. 30 (ph. t-KH, ph. t-SFB, t-HG, ph. EDG, m.ob.). largenumber for San Joaquin(DGY). Single Baird's Sand- This would be the Region's8th if all the recordscurrently pipers at Pt. ReyesApr. 13 (LES) and Hayward Shoreline, being reviewed by the C.B.R.C. are accepted. Another Alameda, May 5 (RJR) were fewer than most recent Blue-wingedX CinnamonTeal hybrid was found at the springs. Similarly, only two Pectoral Sandpipers were StocktonSewage Ponds Apr. 6 (DGY). Much lesscommon reported:from the ModestoSewage Ponds May 6 (ERC,N. was an apparentBlue-winged Teal X N. Shovelerin Palo Selover)and the Hayward ShorelineMay 20 (RJR).The Alto Apr. 26-May I (t-PJM).Eurasian Wigeon were last Ruff that had wintered alorfgthe Hayward Shorelinewas reportedfrom the C.V. Apr. 26 (GEw), from the coastApr. last seenApr. 17 (m.ob.). 27 (RS), and from BridgeportRes. Apr. 28 (JMHu et al.). JAEGERS TO ALCIDS -- Amazing was the sight of The latter bird established the first record for the e. side of three ad. Long-tailedJaegers flying s.w. from S.E Bay at the Sierras. Palo Alto May 30 (t-PJM),for a first for Santa Clara. Very Wintering Tufted Ducksremained until Apr. 4 at Warm unseasonal was a S. Polar Skua 30 mi offshore Humboldt Springs,Alameda (LRF) and Apr. 26 in S.F. (DSg,m.ob.). Bay Apr. 8 (GSL, •RAE, SWH). Additional birds were at Richardsoh'sBay, Marin, Mar. 6 Our 10 Franklin's Gulls were all adults. Pairs at Mono L. (D. Whitworth) and on Mare I., Solano, Mar. 15 (DAsh, Apr. 21 (PJM) and at Crowley L. Apr. 22 (T. & J. Heindel) RbL), the latter being a new localefor this bird. The King were firsts for spring in Mono. Five at Lower Klamath Eider that was present at Pt. Reyes since the previous N.W.R., Siskiyou,May 22 (RE) echoedlast year'snesting August was last seen Apr. 21 (m.ob.). An Oldsquaw on there. The otherFranklin's was near CoyoteHills Regional Mare Island Mar. 15-22 (RbL, DAsh, CLO) was the only Park, Alameda, Apr. 14 (RS), where a Little Gull was one reportedaway from the immediatecoast. Eight inland found Mar. 3 (•C. Jones). A Corn. Black-headed Gull Red-breastedMergansers were observedMar. 10-May 22. stopped briefly at Pigeon Pt., San Mateo, Apr. 7 (BS, RAPTORS -- A partially albino Turkey Vulture at t-SMo). About 32,000 California Gull nests were counted SonomaMay I (A. Cermak) must have been a rare sight. at Mono L. in May (J.Dierks, fide I. Mandelbaum),up from Black-shoulderedKites were consideredvery few in Mort- the 25,000 averagesince 1983 (ES). Over 50 Black-legged

492 American Birds, Fall 1990 K•tt•wakes at the Klamath R mouth, Det Norte, Mar. 22 central coastup to S.F.; however,slightly •nland within (JMa)made a largenumber ashore in California. the Inner CoastRanges and from Marin northward, they ElegantTerns again returnedearly, with four at Moss are rare but regularspring migrants. LandingApr. 21 (CKf), Santa Clara'sfirst in springMay 4 The winteringLeast Flycatcher near Invernesspersisted at CharlestonSlough (PJM), and one at CrescentCity May until Mar. 28 (RS). Seeminglyterritorial Gray Flycatchers 29, Del Norte's earliest by over a month (ADB). Three at San Benito Mt., San Benito (five), May 19 (DSg, DWm) Black Skimmers at the Carmel R. mouth, Monterey, May againsuggested breeding at this locale.An E. Phoebeat 17 (P. Eastman) presumably represented the annual MonoL. May 31 (fide JM! was the Region's first in spring// migrantsthat mustbe nestingsomewhere around S.F. Bay. in 7 years.San Francisco sDusky-capped Flycatcher tar-V/ One of the Thick-billed Murres lingerednear Monterey tied at Pine L. Park until May 20 (DSg,DL), while the win- to April 9 (m.ob.,AB, RS). Five sightingsof Xantus' Mur- tering Ash-throatedFlycatcher in Sacramentoremained relets near F.I. and offshore Monterey Mar. 7-May 19 until Mar. 3 (MJL). A Cassin'sKingbird at Wilder Ranch (m.ob.) continuedto suggestanother undetected seabird S.P. Mar. 7 (DEG et al.) established a Santa Cruz first. A speciesnesting locally (seeAB 40:1251 and AB 41:139). Scissor-tailedFlycatcher made a cameo appearanceat Residualto Febmary'swreck of HornedPuffins, two more CrespiPond, Monterey,May 8 (ñRER,ph. ñDR). deador dyingindividuals were found Mar. 4-19 in eachof The Steller's Jay near Madison, Yolo, Apr. 28 (DLSu) 3 counties:Monterey (fide AB), Santa Cruz (DEG), and was probablya residual reminder of the winter invasion Mendocino (DT). Live birds were still seen at sea: one off into the lowlands. Common Ravens continued to increase Monterey Mar. 4 (PtW), two off Humboldt Bay Mar. 15 in numbers and range along the central coast. Moffett (GSL,ph. C.L. Vardaman),eight sightings at F.I. peakingat Field played hostto Santa Clara'sfirst nestingrecord Apr four on Mar. 29, and 15 birds up to 74 mi s.w. of Pt. Reyes 4 and later (MRo, P. Zell)! They no doubt have nested in May 19 (SFB). The latter appearedto be healthy,and are the DiabloRange of the countyin substantialnumbers but probablynormal at that distanceoffshore in many years have simply gone undetected(WGB). Along the Santa (see AB 43:533). Cruz/Montereyline where there were no recordsprior to OWLS TO WOODPECKERS -- A sharp decline from 1989, one in the PajaroR. Valley May 18 was the area's6th recentyears in nestingBarn Owls within a closelymoni- (DLSu).And for only the 2nd time in 21 years,they were tored area in s. Monterey{G. Work) has DR wonderingif seen in Alamo, Contra Costa,Apr. 22 (JMR-- two birds) the droughtis the culprit. The BurrowingOwl seeking A bird censusalong 3 mi of the StanislausR., including refugeunder eavesin S.F.Feb. 1-Mar. 17 (L. Keide],MLR) CaswellS.P., San Joaquin,May 6, producedan amazing was one of few found within the city. Short-earedOwls 290 HouseWrens (DGY, W. Holt) -- all appearedterrito- nested successfully in the Arcata Bottoms (FIB). This rial. A Winter Wren at C.C.R.S.May 10 (fideWGB) was lin- appearsto establishthe first nestingrecord of this species geringlate. along our coast n. of the S.F. Bay area! Fifteen Com. THRASHERS TO WOOD WARBLERS -- Following a Nighthawksat Ahiumawi Lava SpringsS.P. May 26 (RbL belatedreport of a Le Conte'sThrasher in the Kettleman et al.) madean impressiveearly congregationof this late- Hills, Fresno, last summer (RH), two singingmales were arriving species. found in the samearea Mar. 24 (ñDGY).Except for a bird "Most extraordinary migratory experience I've wit- seenjust to the immediate southApr. 29, 1980, there have nessed"was GSUsdescription of the spectacularflight of been no Regionalsightings in almost20 years.Undoubt- about 2OOOBlack Swifts at Trinidad State Beach, Hum- edly, their secretivenature keeps them elusive, but their boldt, May 27 during a 4-hour eveningwatch (ñGSL,LPL preferredhabitat of AtripIex-linedwashes has all but van- et al.). The Region's previous high count was 150! An ished from our Region, with the Kettleman Hills (and Anna'sHummingbird at Tom'sPlace Apr. 12-May 9 (CDH) otherareas?) probably maintaining a remnantpopulation and a RufousHummingbird at Mono L. Apr. 22 (P]M) fur- The intriguingsighting of a bird well describedas a Gray nishedfirst and 2nd springrecords, respectively, for the Wagtail at Tuolumne Meadows,Yosemite N.P., May 20 Mono Basin. (ñD. Bouldin) will draw close scrutiny from the C.B.R.C. The decimationof Acorn Woodpeckercolonies by the With only one previousPhainopepla on record, Marin's Eur. Starlinginvasion has been noted in the S.F. Bay area three birds were exceptional:e. of OlemaFeb. 22-Mar. 31 for many years. Thus, pairs attempting to nest in starling- (CSp,M. Ward),Novato Apr. 6-29 (RS),and Pt. ReyesMay •nfestedareas of AlamedaApr. 18 {HG et al. -- first nest- 22 (RS). Additional birds in Sacramento Mar. 25 (TDM, xngattempts here since1979) and LivermoreApr. 24-May AM) and StocktonMay 2 (W. Holt) were rare on the C V. 4 (HLC) were probably observedwith excitement and floor during spring. cheering.Rare sapsuckersincluded a Yellow-bellied in It was a very good season for Tennessee Warbler Monterey,two Red-napedsin Contra Costawith another Excludingthe bird that winteredin GoldenGate Park, S.F, in Mono, and a Yel]ow-be]lied/Red-napedin SanJoaquin. until Apr. I (MLR), there were four along the coastApr. Pi]eatedWoodpecker continued to show signsof increas- 8-May 28 and two at F.I. May 9 & 13. A male N. Parulaat ing its rangealong the centralcoast with at ]easttwo new GagosCr. Road, San Mateo, Apr. 21 (fide JM), and one nest sites in Santa Cruz (DLSu, L. Clark) and a bird in singingat BearValley Rd., Pt. Reyes,Apr. 22 (RS, DDeS) Moraga,Contra Costa, Apr. 9-28 (H. Nathanet at.). were our earliestever for springand better fit a pattern of FLYCATCHERS TO WRENS -- The passageof 13 breeding birds (known breeder in Marin) than typical Olive-sidedFlycatchers through San JoaquinMay 6-June vagrants. For the 3rd straight spring a Hermit X 8 was3 timesthe springaverage {DGY). A W. Wood-Pewee Townsend's Warbler was found: a male at Mt. Diablo S P at Pine Cyn., Mt. Diablo, Contra Costa,Apr. 4 (KGH) was Apr. 29 (ñ]Met at.) was at the samelocale as one 2 years exceptionallyearly. Erapidonax flycatchers are iustifiably ago. Wintering Palm Warblers lingered late in Pacific amongthe big groansin birding identification.Not he]p- GroveApr. 12 (AB) and ArcataMarsh Apr. 13 (B. Widdow- ing mattersis their often enigmaticdistribution over our son),but six birds alongthe immediatecoast Apr. 18-May Regmn.For instance,the Hammond'sFlycatcher in Pacific 6 were probablymigrants. A rare-in-springBlackpoll War- GroveApr. 15 (AB) furnishedone of few Montereyrecords bler was at F.I. May 24. dunng spring.It maintainsthis vagrantstatus along the A Black-and-whiteWarbler was at F.I. May 9-10 whfie

Volume 44, Number 3 493 one at the Big Sur R. mouth, Monterey,Mar. 3 (PEG)surely Norte's most overdue first record." A Purple Finch and had wintered locally. Additional last datesof known win- two Pine Siskins at Lodi L. May 25 & 29, respectively, tering warblersincluded the Am. Redstartat Golden Gate were very late on the C.V. floor (DGY). With Lawrence's Park, S.F..Apr. 7 (m.ob.) and the N. Waterthrushat Arcata Goldfinch flocks of up to 75 birds found in the central Marsh Apr. 15 (FJB).Single Ovenbirdswere at F.I. May Inner CoastRanges and numeroussmaller groups in Santa 9 (our earliest ever) and June 3. A nesting pair of Clara, WGB statedthey were ':..still plentiful in their Dia- MacGillivray'sWarblers n. of CascadeCr. May 17 was only blo Range strongholds...the Santa Cruz Mts. invasion Santa Cruz's3rd, but 2nd in 2'years(DLSu). In the delta appearsto be not quite over." regionof Sacramento,15+ territorial Cam. Yellowthroats CITED CONTRIBUTORS(subregional editors in boldface) May 20 (TDM, AM) indicated healthybreeding in a county -- Dick Ashford (DAsh), StephenF. Bailey, Alan Baldridge, wherethey were formerlyfeared extirpated as a breeder. Alan D. Barron, William G. Bousman,Fred J. Broerman,Eric TANAGERS TO FINCHES -- Corralitos Cr., Santa R. Cain,Howard L. Cogswell,David DeSante (DDeS), Bruce E. Cruz, and Pine L. Park, S.F., kept their wintering Summer Deuel,Jean DuBois 0DUB), Arthur L. Edwards,Ray Ekstrom, Tanagerscontent until Mar. 19 (m.ob.}and Apr. 8 (DSg et RichardA. Erickson,Gil C. Ewing(GEw), Leora Feeney, Doug- al.}, respectively,while anotherin the "jungles"of Golden las E. George,Ran H. Gerstenberg,Philip E. Gordon,Edward Gate Park Mar. 27-Apr. 7 (JMR,m.ob.} had probablywin- D. Greaves,Helen Green, MargueriteB. Gross,Keith Hansen, tered locally as well. Our only Rose-breastedGrosbeaks Rob Hansen,Charlotte D. Harbeson,Stanley W. Harris, Kevin G. Hinsta, Alan S. Hopkins, Grant Hoyt (GHt), Joan M. were at El. May 17 and Tom'sPlace, Mono, May 30 (CDH}. An excellent movement of Black-headed Grosbeaks Humphrey (JMHu), Robert J. Keiffer, Clay Kempf (CKf), Oliver J. Kolkman,David Lemon (DLm), Robin Leong(RbL), through San ]oaquin was highlighted by an impressive Gary S. Lester, Lauren P. Lester, Donna Lion, Michael J. 180 alonga 3 mi stretchof the StanislausR. May 6 (DGY, Lippsmeyer,Michael J. Mammoser,Annette Manolis, Timo- W. Holt}. Two Blue Grosbeaksat San Luis N.W.R., Merced, thy D. Manoils, John Mariani (JMa), Gerard McChesney Apr. I (JMR}were the earliestin the Regionby a day,typi- (GeM), RobertMcNab (RMcN), Peter J. Metropulos,Joseph cal arrival datesbeing the 3rd week in April. Single c• Marian, CharlesL. O'Connor,Harold M. Reeve, JeanM. Rich- Indigo Buntings were at Rodeo Lagoon, Marin, May mond, Robert J. Richmond, Michael E Robbins (MFRb), Don 2•-June 5 (L. Tierney, m.ob.}, Mt. Diablo, Contra Costa, Roberson,Robin E. Roberson,Mike Rogers(MRo), Mary May 31 and later (MiW et al.}, and Bennett Valley, LouiseRosegay, Ruth A. Rudesill,Daniel Singer(DSg), Chris Sonoma,May 28 and later (fide RAR}. Spooner(CSp), Rich Stallcup, Lynn E. Stenzel, Bradley M. Wintering Clay-colored Sparrows were last observed Stovall, Emilie Strauss,David L. Suddjian (DLSu), Richard Mar. 11 in Pescadero(RSTh} and Apr. 23 in Blue L., Hum- Ternullo,Ronald S. Thorn (RSTh),Dorothy Tabkin, Kent Van boldt (M. Morris}, with the singing male at Elk Cr., Del Vuren, Jerry R. White, Peter White (PtW), Michael Wihler Norte, May 22 (ADB} a very rare spring vagrant for the (MiW), David Wimpfheimer(DWm), David G. Yee,Bob Yutzy. mainland. In the past, Black-chinnedSparrow has been Many more contributorswere not specificallycited; all are thoughtto invade the Regionduring drier years.But dur- appreciated.-- STEPHENE BAILEY (loonsthrough pelicans, iug the past 2 years of our 4-year drought,there has been raptors,jaegers through alcids), Dept. of Ornithology& Mam- little signof irruptive tendenciesfrom this erraticspecies. malogy,Calif. Academy of Sciences,Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118; BRUCE E. DEUEL (bitterns through The few birds reported this seasonwere from locales in waterfowl, grouse through shorebirds),1843 Clark Road, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Benito, and Monterey Live Oak, CA 95953;DAVID G. YEE (owlsthrough finches), where it is seen annually. With the Lark Bunting at Hay- 2930 Driftwood P1. #39, Stockton, CA 95219. ward Regional Shoreline, Alameda, Apr. 14 (RJR},this hotspot now has all 3 records of this species (first in spring}for the heavily birded EastS.F. Bay area. Interest- ing GrasshopperSparrow news included Napa's first nesting recordw. of Napa May 5 (•-MBG}and the singingbird returning to Pt. Saint George,Del Norte, May 12 (ADB}. The singing Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Arcata Marsh May 5-12 (FJBeta/.} most likely had wintered locally. Was the ad. Golden-crowned Sparrow with a white crown at ReichmuthPark, Sacramento,Apr. 27 (•-TDM et a/.} showing White-crowned introgression,or was it just an aberrantGolden-crowned? Wintering Harris' Sparrows were last noted at the Carmel R. mouth Apr. 15 (H. Osborne,P. Zucker}, Pengrove,Sonoma, May 2 (H. Boy- sen}, and Blue L., Humboldt, May 7 (M. Morris}. Addi- tional birds were in Concord Mar. 17-Apr. 20 (B. & B. Gallagheret al.) and Sunny Brae, Humboldt, Apr. 10-24 (SWH}. A Lapland Longspurat L. Talawa, Del Norte, May 16 (ADB} appears to be the Region'slatest by 3 days, althoughthere are several questionablebirds from F.I. in Julie. The only encouragingwords on Tricolored Blackbirds were of up to five males at Ft. Dick May 3-13 (RAE, ADB, LPL} for one of few Del Norte records;otherwise, only Sacramentoreported nesting attempts (from 2 sitesonly}, with Santa Cruz noting total nesting failures! Has the drought compounded this sensitive species' already erraticnesting behavior? The c•Hooded Oriole nearSmith R. May 12 (ADB, GSL,LPL} was considered"probably Del

494 American Birds, Fall 1990 SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST ßMorro Bay CALIFORNIA REGION Oceano _ .•-•;.,•-... ßBakersfield ßBaker ;.•%•- *•.•,•.. ..+.•,,,•>:A•, <-,-California City Lake 'Kelso':.••*-' - Guy McCaskie •'"' ß • •- Oxnard---•]• •';':' .

. .. ." . . .

his springwas dry,with few of the stormsgenerating San NicolasI. Apr. 22, 149 nauticalmi s.w. of San Nicolas in the Gulf of Alaska reaching southern California, I. Apr. 26, 132 nautical mi s.w. of San Miguel I. Apr. 27, leavingthe entire Regionin a seriousdrought condition. and at 99 nautical mi s.w. of San Miguel I. Apr. 27, along A number of rarities were found immediatelybefore the with six more between 40 and 78 nautical mi w. of San MemorialDay Weekend;but a cold frontpassing through Nicolas I. Apr. 25 (all PPy). The only Cook'sPetrels seen duringthe MemorialDay weekendseemingly pushed the within 200 miles of the coast were five between 84 and regularmigrants and hoped-forvagrants from the Region, 115 nautical mi s.w. of San Miguel I. Apr. 27 (PPy). Two leaving many birders working the desert oasesin the Short-tailed Shearwaters 31 nautical mi s.w. of Pt. Con- northeasternportion of the Regiondisappointed. ception,Santa Barbara,Apr. 29 (PPy)were late for $. Cal- ABBREVIATIONS -- C.L.N.W.C. = China Lake Naval ifornia waters. A freshly dead Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel WeaponsCenter in extremen.e. Kern;F.C.R. = FurnaceCreek was found on TorranceBeach, Los Angeles,May 16 (CW, Ranch in Death Valley, Inyo; L.A.C.N.H.M. = Los Angeles *L.A.C.N.H.M.), this record probablyassociated in some CountyNatural History Museum; N.E.S.S. = northend of the way to the February "wreck." A Least Storm-Petrel35 Salton Sea, Riverside; S.C.R.E. = Santa Clara River Estuary nautical mi s.s.w. of San Nicolas I. Apr. 22 (PPy) was the near Ventura, Ventura;S.D.N.H.M. = San Diego Natural His- earliest ever to be found in California waters. tory Museum; S.E.S.S. = south end of the Salton Sea, Six Red-billed Tropicbirdswere reported, all far off- Imperial.As virtuallyall raritiesfound in s. Californiaare shore,with one 52 nautical mi s.w. of San ClementeI. Apr. seenby numerousobservers, only the observerinitially iden- 18, two at 116 nautical mi s.s.w.of San Nicolas I. Apr. 19, tifyingthe bird is included.Documentation is on file with the andthe other three between 47 and58 nauticalmi s.w.of California Bird Records Committee (c/o Don Roberson, 282 SanNicolas I. Apr. 22 (all PPy).A dyingad. • Brownt/ Grove Acre, Pacific Grove, CA 93950) for all rarities listed in Boobyfound on the beachin Imperial Beach,San Diego, thisreport, and records submitted without documentation are Apr. 2 (fide PU, *$.D.N.H.M.) is only the 4th ever to be not published. reportedfrom the coastof s. California. LOONS TO BOOBIES -- A Pacific Loon, quite rare HERONS TO FALCONS -- An imm. Little Blue Heron inland in this Region, was at N.E.S.S. May 20 (CMcG). initially found on Upper Newport Bay, Orange, Jan. 28 Small numbers of Com. Loonswere found inland during and still presentat the end of the period {DRW}, and an the latter half of April, when this speciesis obviously adult near Lakeview, Riverside, June 4 {DRW}, were the movingnorth throughthis Region,but one at C.L.N.W.C. only two found away from coastalSan Diego. There was May 31 {DVB}was late for sucha locality. an influx of Reddish Egrets to the coast with the first A Black-footedAlbatross about 20 mi off San DiegoMay noted on San Diego Bay Mar. 23 (LS), then three at the 19 {GMcC} was relatively close to shore for this area. mouth of the San Diego R. Apr. 26 (CGE), and finally Three LaysanAlbatrosses were seen during a scientific seventogether on s. San Diego Bay May 6 {REW};one at cruiseoff S. Californiain April with one eachat 128 nau- Marina del-Rey,Los Angeles, Apr. 27 {JR)and anotherat tical mi s.s.w.of SanNicolas I. Apr. 19, 59 nauticalmi s.w. Pt. Mugu, Ventura,Apr. 17-19 (BA) were north of San of San NicolasI. Apr. 22, and 12 nauticalmi n.n.w. of San Diego, where very few have been recorded. Two Catfie NicolasI. Apr. 24 (all PPy).Eleven Murphy's Petrels, now Egretsat Deep Springs,Inyo, May 18 (MJL),one at Owens consideredregular over the deepwaters far off California, L., Inyo, May 19 {T & JH}, and anotherat F.C.R.May 18-25 were againencountered with singlebirds at 148 nautical {MJL} were unusual for this time of year. The Yellow- mi w.s.w. of San NicolasI. Apr. 21, 55 nauticalmi s.w. of crowned Night-Heron that has been present along the

Volume44, Number3 495 coastof SanD•ego on and off since1981 was presentin La Imperial, Apr. 7-8 (RHi), and groupsof up to five, along Jolla Mar. 1-24 (DaK). A Wood Stork at GuajomeL. near with a numberof singleindividuals, reported from at least OceansideApr. 23-26 (FRT) was alongthe coastwhere 15 widely scatteredlocalities during April. An ad. Zone- now consideredvery rare indeed. tailed Hawk on Hot SpringsMt., San Diego,May 5 & 20 A Ross'Goose that spent the winter on LagunaLake, (JO'B, GMcC) was at a known nesting site. A Merlin at SanLuis Obispo,was still presentMay 16 (KAH), another Valyermo,Los Angeles, Apr. 21 (KLG)was rather late. that had been presenton Santa CatalinaI. since Dec. 14 PLOVERS TO PUFFINS -- A Black-bellied Plover at was still there June4 (MG), and a 3rd around s. San Diego F.C.R. Apr. i (MAP) and another there Apr. 18 (T & JH) Baywas last seenMay 18 (GMcC),these all beinglate for were amongvery few ever found in this areaof California. this speciesin s. California. As is normal, Brant were A LesserGolden-Plover, rare inland, near LancasterApr found inland in the s.e. portion of the Region during 15 (MTH) and anotherthere May 13 (WD) were both felt to March and April with 200 on L. Henshaw in the moun- be of the N. American form dominica, and a 3rd at S.E S S truns of San Diego Mar. 11 (GMcC) and 150 at N.E.S.S. May 22 (GMcC) was clearly dominica;two fulva at Seal Apr. 14 (GMcC) being the largestflocks. A flock of 40 BeachMay 5 (DRW) were the last of the 11 that spentthe Brant seenflying north over ButterfieldRanch in e. San winter at this location, and a bird photographedon the DiegoApr. 8 (BED)was obviouslyon the move;one bird coast at S.C.R.E. May 15 (RJM) appears to have been near Lancaster,Los Angeles,May 12 (DVB) and another dominica.Twenty-four Snowy Ploversat Edwards,Kern, photographednear Lost Hills, Kern, May 13-24 (RAE) Mar. 24 (MTH) had not been present earlier so were were at unusual localities. A "Cackling"Canada Goose, clearlyspring migrants. somewhatrare in s. California,in Bishop,Inyo, May 2-12 Twenty-fiveSolitary Sandpipers, normally very rare in (T & JH) was late. spring,were reported,with singlebirds in Irvine Apr. 10 A CSEur. Wigeonstill presenton Morro Bay Apr. 15 (BED),near SantaPaula, Ventura,Apr. i (RJM),near Ven- (KAH) was the lateststaying of the winteringbirds, and tura Apr. 29 (DD), and on n. VandenbergA.F.B. Mar. 31 another on Little Lake, Inyo, Apr. 16-22 (RHN) was not (TME) and Apr. 26 (KH) being alongthe coast,and single only at an unusuallocality, but alsoquite late. Two CS birds at S.E.S.S. Apr. 28 (KR), 1000 Palms Oas•s, HarlequinDucks at Pt. Sal, SantaBarbara, May 26 (DeK) Riverside,Apr. 29 (CMcG),and at least18 at variouslocal- were probablysummering locally. An Oldsquawstill pre- ities in the high desertin the e. portion of the Region senton Morro BayApr. 30 (TME) and anotherat the Santa betweenMar. 31 and May 17. A flock of over 3000 Whim- Ynez R. mouth, Santa Barbara, Apr. 21-25 (BJM) were brelsseen flying n. near Brawley,Imperial, May 3 (RMcK) both a little late; one on L. Perris, Riverside, Mar. 28-31 .illustratedjust how numerousthis speciescan be in th•s (CMcG) and another on a small reservoir near Westmor- areaof Californiaat this time of year.A cSHudsonian God- land, Imperial, Mar. 31-Apr. 14 (GMcC) were inland wit photographedat S.E.S.S.May 21 (PHi) was only the where considered casual. A 9 Black Scorer, casual to acci- 5th to be found in s. California. As usual, small numbers dental inland, was at N.E.S.S. Apr. 14 throughthe end of of Ruddy Turnstonespassed through the Salton Sea the period (KR) and an imm. male was at nearby Desert betweenApr. 21 and May 29, with 26 on Apr. 21 (RMcK) Shores,Imperial, Apr. 13 through May (KR). More than beingthe largestsingle day countthis year;single birds at the expectednumbers of Surf Scoterswere found inland C.L.N.W.C.Apr. 28 (MTH) and at EdwardsMay 12 (JLD) with 100 togetheron L. Henshaw Mar. 11 (GMcC), six were the only two found away from the Salton Sea. A more on nearbyL. CuyamacaMar. 24 (GMcC),up to 20 at Black Tumstone,very rare to casualinland, was at Salton N.E.S.S.after Apr. 14 (GMcC,MAP), and up to four at City Apr. 28 (KR), two more were at N.E.S.S. Apr. 29 nearby Desert Shores after Apr. 13 (KR). Up to eight (RMcK), and a 4th was at S.E.S.S.May 22-28 (GMcC). A Whiteqwinged Scoters at N.E.S.S. after Apr. 14 (GMcC, Surfbird, casualinland, was at N.E.S.S. May 3 (RMcK). MAP) made an exceptionalnumber for an inland locality, SingleRed Knotsnear LancasterApr. 29 (MTH) and at and anotherwas at nearbyDesert Shores Apr. 13-14 (KR). EdwardsMay 12-13 (JLD),along with up to two nearthe Fifty Red-breastedMergansers at N.E.S.S.Apr. 14 (GMcC) Kern N.W.R. May 13-24 (RAE), were the only onesfound madea high numberfor an inland locality. inland away from the Salton Sea.At least 16 Sanderhngs, Three Black-shoulderedKites around S.E.S.S. Apr. 28 normally quite rare inland away from the SaltonSea, were (BED) and two more near Holtville, Imperial, May 21 found at various localities in Kern and San Bernardino (RMcK) were in an area where this species may be betweenMay 3 and June 3 (MOC, EAC), and more than expandingits range.A first-yearMississippi Kite, a casual 250 were found on the Salton Sea Apr. 21 (RMcK). As springvagrant to s. California,was photographedat Oasis, expected,a few SemipalmatedSandpipers were found, Mono, May 25-26 (MF, PR). A pair of Bald Eagles, a including one alongthe coastin GoletaMay 7 (PEL);two speciesthat has only recently reestablisheditself as a at S.E.S.S. May 22 (GMcC), one at N.E.S.S. Apr 29 breeding bird in s. California, was at a nest near Tin- (RMcK), another there June 2 (REW), one near Lakeview, nemahaRes. in the Owens Valley in March but desertedat Riverside,May 9 (CMcG), one at Harper Dry Lake, San the end of April (T & JH), and anotherpair was at a nest Bernardino,May 3 (EAC),and a 7th in the FremontValley containing2 eggsnear L. Gregoryin the San Bernardino of e. KernMay 11-12 (MTH) were inland.A Baird'sSand- Mrs. in April (SJM),giving us 2 new breedinglocalities. piper, decidedlyrare in spring, was at Harper Dry Lake A Sharp-shinnedHawk in suitablenesting habitat in the May 17 (EAC)and anotherwas nearLost Hills, Kern,Apr San Jacinto Mrs., Riverside, May 27 (RMcK) would be 20 (JCW).Wintering Stilt Sandpipersremained around exceptionally late for a migrant, but there is only one S.E.S.S.through March and up to 20 there betweenApr record of nestingin s. California. An ad. N. Goshawk,a andMay 12 (GMcC)were considered spring migrants casualto accidentalstraggler to the coastof s. California, Buff-breastedSandpiper photographed at Edwards was near SantaMargarita, San Luis Obispo,Mar. 18 (JR). e 3 (MTH) was the first to be found in s. California in Swainsoh'sHawks were reportedin greaternumbers than spring.A 9 Ruff on BatiquitosLagoon, San Diego, Mar 31 usual, with the largestflocks being of 110 near Pomona, (DRW)was probably a springmigrant, and anotherfemale LosAngeles, Apr. 14 (BL),40 overPasadena Apr. 18 (MCL), was inland near LancasterApr. 21-May 12 (KLG). 20 overPiru, Ventura,Mar. 11 (RJM)and 19 near Imperial, An ad. LaughingGull photographed41 nauticalmi s w

496 American Birds, Fall 1990 of San NicolasI. Apr. 22 (PPy)was at an unusuallocality, Angeles,May 6 (DG) were w. of the species'normal range. and an adult at S.E.S.S.May 12 (GMcC) was a little early An Inca Dove, a speciesthat appearsto be expandingits for that locality. Reportsof Franklin'sGulls included an range, was at F.C.R. May 15-28 {DG). One of the two Ruddy Ground-Dovesthat spent the winter at F.C.R. was still presentApr. 7 (DDeS).Two calling Whip-poor-wills had already returned to L. Fulmor in the San JacintoMts. by Apr. 27 (BED). Noteworthy reports of migrant Black Swifts included a flock of 19 over Arroyo Grande,San Luis Obispo,May 28 (RS), 40 more over Los OsosJune 2 (JSR),single birds over GlendaleMay 30 (KLG), at S.C.R.E.May 29 {DD), and near L. Cachuma, Santa Barbara, May 31 {PEL), two over Chatsworth,Los Angeles,May 16 (DD), and three over Pt. Loma May 12 {EC).Up to six Chinmey Swifts were around downtownLos Angelesafter May 20 (KLG), and single Adult Franklin'sGull at EdwardsAir ForceBase, California, May birds in the FremontValley May 11 {MTH) and at F.C.R. 6, 1990. Photograph/MattT. Heindel. May 26 {PEW) were in the n.e. portion of the Region;in addition, an unidentified Chaetura near Carpinteria May immature off San Simeon Mar. 24 (JCW), an adult at 27 {MAH) may also have been a Chimney Swift. A Lewis' S.E.S.S. Apr. 14 (GMcC), another adult there May 5-12 Woodpecker at S.E.S.S. May 5 {MAP) was at the most (MAP), three adults togetherat EdwardsMay 5-6 (MTF0, unusual locality of at least 30 reportedfrom the e. portion four differentadults at C.L.N.W.C.between Apr. 5 and May of the Region in April and early May, all undoubtedly 7 (DVB), and five different adults around Owens L., Inyo, related to the influx of last fall and winter. An Acorn betweenApr. 19 and May 19 (T & JH). An imm. Little Gull Woodpeckerin HuntingtonBeach May 5 (DRW) was out- photographedat the Santa Ynez R. mouth May 7-June 14 side the species'normal range,as were about 15 scattered about the high desertof Pdverside,San Bernardino,and e. Kern betweenApr. 28 and May 26, and anotherat Deep SpringsMay 11 (MJL),these all probablyassociated with last fall's movement of these birds. More than the expectednumber of Dusky Flycatchers were found along the s. coast of the Region with at least five on Pt. Loma between Apr. 28 and May 5 (REW, GMcC), and three more in Orange between May 10 & 17 (BED, RAE). In addition, Gray Flycatcherswere far more ImmatureLittle Gull (with Bonaparte'sGull) at Santa YnezRiver numerousthan expectedalong the s. coastwith at least 13 mouth,California, May 10, 1990.Photograph/Alex Abela. on Pt. Loma between Apr. 21 and May 12 (REW, GMcC) and four more in Orangeduring the sameperiod (RH, JB, {BH) departed with the Bonaparte'sGulls with which it BED). A singing Cordilleran Flycatcher at Schulman was associating.A Heermann'sGull, very rare inland, was Grove in the White Mts., Inyo, May 12 0MJL)gave us addi- at DesertShores near N.E.S.S. Apr. 28 {ICR).A 2nd-winter tional evidence that this speciesmay breed in this area. Mew Gull at S.E.S.S. Mar. 31 {GMCC) was far inland. A The E. Phoebefound wintering in San Simeon remained dark-mantled gull photographed at Edwards Apr. 13 through Apr. 17 (RS) and another near Lompoc, Santa {MTH) was thought by the observerto be LesserBlack- Barbara, Mar. 17 (BH) had probably wintered locally. A backed Gull rather than W. Gull; either specieswould be Vermilion Flycatcher near Imperial Beach Mar. 14 (EC) accidentalat this location.The only Glaucous-wingedGull and another at the San Diego R. mouth Apr. 28 (REW) found far inland was a first-yearbird at N.E.S.S. Apr. 14 were away from any area of regular occurrence, and (GMcC). A first-yearGlaucous Gull, quite rare in s. Califor- anothernear Weldon, Kern, May 7 through the end of the nia, was in Anaheim Mar. 14 (JPi). A Sabine's Gull on the V/PTheriod(SaF) was to the n.w. of thisspecies' known range. beachnear the mouth of OsoFlaco Creek, San Luis Obispo, e Thick-billed Kingbird that spent its 8th winter near Apr. 21 {PPe)and another34 nautical mi s. of San Nicolas Tustin was last seen Apr. 6 (DRW). The only E. Kingbirds I. Apr. 23 (PPy)were botha little early. found this spring were one at Little Lake May 25 (RHN) Gull-billed Ternsagain appeared along the coaston San and anotherat F.C.R.May 26 (REW). A Scissor-tailedFly- Diego Bay with the first noted Apr. 8 {RN) and as many as catcher, a casual straggler to California, was found in 15 presentby the end of the period. Two ElegantTerns at Afton Canyon, San Bernardino,May 25 (DMW). S.E.S.S.May 12 (GMcC) furnishedonly the 2nd record for A Scrub Jay at Harper Dry Lake May 3 (EAC) was far Imperial. An Arctic Tern 8 nautical mi n.n.w. of San Nico- from suitablehabitat. A Chestnut-backedChickadee along las I. Apr. 24 {PPy) was unusually early for s. California the Santa Clara R. near Santa Paula May 26-June 7 (MAH) waters; one adult at S.E.S.S. June 2 (REW) and an adult was the southernmost ever found in California. A Winter and a first-year bird togetherat N.E.S.S. June 9 (GMcC) Wren in Mojave, Kern, June I (TME) was surely lost. A were inland and at the time of year previous birds have Townsend'sSolitaire on Santa Cruz I. Apr. 14 (MW) and been found in this area of California. another on Pt. Loma May 8-9 (B & IM) were at coastal Four Tufted Puffins, very rare in s. California waters, localities,and more than the expectednumber were found were seen 2 mi off San SimeonMay 3 (JMcD). at desert oasesin the n.e. portion of the Region during PIGEONS TO PIPITS -- Eight Band-tailed Pigeonsat April and May. A VariedThrush in Mojave May 24 OMTH) oasesin the high desertsof San Bernardino and e. Kern was late. An American Pipit at F.C.R. May 27-28 (RAE) between May 4 and June 1 were probably related to last was also late for such a locality. winter's movement. A White-winged Dove on Pt. Loma, VIREOS, WOOD WARBLERS -- A Bell's Vireo in San Diego, May 19 {PEW), and anotherin Claremont,Los Mojave May 4 (MTH) was one of very few ever found at

Volume 44, Number 3 497 migrant traps in this area. A Yellow-throatedVireo, a casual stragglerto California, was found near Anaheim Hills, Orange, May 17 (RAE). A Red-eyed Vireo photographedin MojaveJune 2-3 [IF) was the only one found this spring. A c3Blue-winged Warbler in HuntingtonBeach May 28 (DRW) was one of very few ever found in California. The only TennesseeWarblers found alongthe coastthis spring were an unusually early one on Pt. Loma Mar. 30-31 (CGE), followed by single birds May 14-15 (REW) and June 3 (REW), and two more in Huntington BeachMay Louisiana Waterthrushat Mojave, California, on May 21, 1990. 16-19 (BED) & 29 (LRH); in addition, single birds at MojaveMay 25-26 (PEL),F.C.R. May 26 (REW),Big Pine Fourthstaterecord. PhotographIMatt/•I-leindel. May 24 (JLD),and the Fremont Valley June 2-3 (MTH) Warblerwas well seenin ,Cajam•ersCanyon in the New were the only onesreported from the desertoases. A Vir- YorkMts. of e. SanBernardino l•y 13(ES), there being fewer ginia'sWarbler in the ChocolateMts. e. of Niland, Impe- than 10 acceptedrecords of thfs speciesfor California. rial, May 16 (RMcK) and anotherat Deep SpringsMay 15 TANAGIrBS 7'0 FINCHItS -- A Summer Tanager in (DG) were the only two reported.Up to sevenLucy's War- San Luis ObispoJune 3 (GW) was undoubtedlya spring blersseen in suitablenesting habitat near Borrego Springs, vagrant,as were sevenfound at desertoases in the e. por- San Diego,during April [IO'B) appearedto be on territo- tion of the Regionbetween May 19 and June8. The only ries;this areais west of the species'known rangein s. Cal- Rose-breastedGrosbeaks found along the coastwere sin- ifornia.A Lucy'sWarbler at 1000 Palms,Biverside, Apr. 21 gle birdsin GoletaMay 28 (KB),near SantaPaula May 26 (CMcG), another in Desert Center, Biverside, Apr. 7 (MAI-I), and on Pt. Loma June 3 (REW); seven at desert (MAP), two in Kelso, San Bernardino,Apr. 7-8 (CMcG), oasesin the n.e. portion of the Region between May 14 and another there May 28 (GH) were also away from and JuneI were far fewer than expected.Indigo Buntings known breedinglocalities. were also scarcer than normal with one in Santa Barbara Northern Panalas were more numerous than usual with May 20 (BJM)being the only one found alongthe coast;in 12 found alongthe coastbetween Apr. 4 and June7, and addition, a male was found in the San Gabriel Mts., Los six more in the n.e. portion of the Regionbetween May 15 Angeles,May 16 (SJM), and only 15 more were found in and June3. The Chestnut-sidedWarbler found wintering the e. portionof the Regionbetween May 4 and June1, far at Finney L. near S.E.S.S. was still present Apr. 21 fewer than normal. A d DickcAssel,a casualstraggler to (GMcC), in breeding plumage;a male in Mojave May 27 California,was present fora •hort time in Los Osos May 7 [ICW) and anotherin Huntington BeachJune 4 (DP) were (P & SG). springvagrants. A 9 Black-throatedBlue Warbler, excep- A Green-tailed Towhee near Hi Mr. Lookout Mar. 24 tionally rare in spring,was found in the ChocolateMts. (RZ) was only the 5th to be found in San Luis Obispo.A June 18 (DRW). A Palm Warbler in Redondo Beach, Los Clay-coloredSparrow on Santa Catalina I. Mar. 10 (DeK) Angeles, Apr. 19 (DM) was felt to be a spring vagrant could well have wintered locally, but two together at rather-than a bird having wintered locally, and anotherin Scotty'sCastle in DeathValley Nat. Mon., Inyo, May 14 (T Huntington BeachMay 3 (BED) was definitely a spring & JH) were clearly springvagrants. A Black-throatedSpar- vagrant,as was an individual at F.C.R.May 18-20 (MJL). row in Huntington BeachApr. 23-25 [I & SG) was along A d Bay-breastedWarbler, decidedly rare in recentyears, the coastwhere considered very rare,especially in spring. was in California City May 25 (ShF). Black-and-white One or two Lark Buntingswere presentat Agua Caliente Warblers were scarcerthan normal with only six found Hot SpringsApr. 4-28 (BT) and anotherwas at Finhey L. alongthe coastin April and May, and five more in the e. near S.E.S.S.Apr. 21 [IO'B), this being the time of year portion of the Regionbetween May 5 & 27. An Am. Red- small numbersare occasionalyfound in the s.e. portion of start near Morro Bay June9 (GPS)was the only one found the Region,but four togetherin Palo Verde,Imperial, May alongthe coast,and 20 in the n.e. portion of the Region 22 (RMcK)were late. A Sharp-tailedSparrow, a rare strag- betweenApr. 28 and June8, alongwith one more in the Mule Mts. of e. Imperial May 22 (RMcK), were far fewer than normal. A Worm-eatingWarbler in Mojave May 25 [ICW) was one of very few found inland in spring.Reports of Oven- birds included one along the coast on Pt. Loma May 20 (EP), 10 in the n.e. portion of the Regionbetween May 5 and June 8, and one more in Regina,Imperial, May 18 (RMcK).A singingd LouisianaWaterthrush in Mojave aY21 (CM)was only the 4th eve,r/to be found in Califor- a and the first during spring/A N. Waterthrushnear ImperialBeach Apr. 25 (CGE),/ivasa little early,being fol- Sharp-tailedSparrow at Galileo Hill, California, on May 21,1990. lowedby anotheron •e c9dstin RedondoBeach May 3 Veryrare inlandin the west.Photograph/Matt T. Heindel. (DM) and eight more •n/4he e. portion of the Region betweenApr. 29 and M/•y 26. A d MourningWarbler in gler to California and accidentalinland, was in Mojave MojaveMay 20 (MAP) was alsoxSne of very few to be May 13 (MTH) and anotherwas at Galileo Hill, Kern, May foundin s. Californiain spring.,A d HoodedWarbler at 20-24 (H & PB). A Swamp Sparrow in Fullerton, Orange, AguaCaliente Hot Springsin e./SanDiego Apr. 21 [IO'B) Mar. 22 [IPi) had not been presentearlier in the winter so wasearly for a springvagrant x With a malein the Fremont was assumedto be on the move, and another in Mojave ValleyJune 2 (DVB)and a f•jnalein HuntingtonBeach May 4 (MTH) was clearly a migrant.Four White-throated June8 [IPi) being on more expected dates. A Red-faced V Sparrows were found in e. Kern after Apr. 29, with one in

498 American Birds, Fall 1990 the FremontValley June2 (MTH) beingexceptionally late. CONTRIBUTORS (county coordinators in boldface) -- A Harris' Sparrowin Brawley,Imperial, Apr. 21-28 (BED), BrooksAllen, David V. Blue, Karen Bridgers,N. BruceBroad- and anotherin the FremontValley May 4 (MTH) were the books, Hank & Priscilla Brodkin, Eugene A. Cardiff (San only two reportedthis spring. Bernardino),Mark O. Chichester(Kern), Daniel Cooper, Eliz- The only Bobolinks found this spring were singing abeth Copper (San Diego), Mary Cunningham, Wanda males at Deep Springs May 19 (MJL), Harper Dry Lake Dameron, Brian E. Daniels, Dave DeSante, Don Desjardins, May 24 (EAC), near BakersfieldJune 2 (JCW), and on Jon L. Dunn, Tom M. Edell (San Luis Obispo), Claud G. SantaCatalina I. June4 (MC). The RustyBlackbird found Edwards,Richard A. Erickson,Marc Fenner, Jay Fermin, wintering at C.L.N.W.C.remained through Mar. 17 (DVB). ShawneenFinnegan (ShF), Sam Fitton (SaF), Jim & Sylvia Bronzed Cowbirdshad returned to Brawley by Apr. 21 Gallagher,Kimball L. Garrett (LosAngeles), Misty Gay,Pascal (GMcC) where small numbers have been found in recent & Susan Grimaud, Dan Guthrie, Robb Hamilton (Ri-Ia), Karen summers,with as many as 10 differentbirds seenthere by A. Havlena, Loren R. Hays, Gjion Hazard, Matt T. Heindel, the end of the period;a femalein MorongoValley Apr. 29 - Tom & ]o Heindel, Roger Higson (RHi), Brad Hines, Ken May 12 (MAP) was well to the n.w. of this species'limited Hollinga,Mark A. Holmgren,Dexter Kelly (DeK), Dave King rangein California.An imm. c•Orchard Oriole found in (DaK), Paul E. Lehman (Santa Barbara and Ventura),Michael SantaAna Feb. 24 was still presentApr. 20 (BED). J. Lippsmeyer,Michael C. Long, Barry Lyon, Curtis Marantz, Betty & Ida Mazin, John McDonald, Chet McGaugh,Robert A few Purple and Cassin'sfinches were found at desert McKernan (Riverside), Barbara J. Millett, David Moody, oasesin the n.e. portionof the Regionincluding a Cassin's RandyJ. Moore,Stephen J. Myers, Rachel Newhelm, Richard Finchat F.C.R.May 25-29 (BED).A (• EveningGrosbeak in H. Neuman, John O'Brien, Michael A. Patten, Phil Persons Altadena, Los Angeles,May 11 (W & BR) was at a some- (PPe), Jim Peugh (JPe),Jim Pike (JPi), Ed Post, Dick Pervis, what unusual locality, but small numberswere reported PeterPyle (PPy),Kurt Radamaker,Winifred & BobRagsdale, from the desertoases in the n.e. portion of the Region at JimRobertson, Philip Rostron,Jim S. Royer,Louis Santaella, about the same time, including a late individual at F.C.R. Brad Schram,Ruby Scott,Gregory P. Smith, Emilie Strauss, May 25-27 (NBB), indicatinga small movementof these Fern R. Tainter,Bob Theriault, Philip Unitt, RichardR. Veit, birds. CharlesWalker, Richard E. Webster,Gayle Wegener,John C. ADDENDUM--A reportof a d HarlequinDuck in Sunset Wilson, David M. White, DouglasR. Willick (Orange),Mark Beach,Orange, between Oct. 1989 and Feb. 1990 (Bob& Mil- Wimer, Roger Zachary. An additional 65__ observerswho lie Heifer) was received too late to be included in the Winter could not be individually acknowledgedsubmitted reports Report,and may havebeen the samebird that spentthe win- this season.-- GUY McCASKIE, San Diego Natural History ters of 1984-1985 to 1987-1988 in nearbyBolsa Chica. Museum, Balboa Park, P. 0. Box 1390, San Diego, CA 92112.

Kilauea Pol• •

¾1I. o'AHu•.'•g,,• HAWAIIAN Honolulu'""' MOLOKA'I I. ISLANDS REGION

RobertL. Pyle • KAHOOLAWEL

- r-,. II '•_ /HAW^r,.

Pringrainfall was a bit abovenormal on Kaua'i,but ABBREVIATIONS -- F.F.S.= French Frigate Shoals; H. = almost all reportingstations on the other main islands Hawai'i I.; K. = Kaua'i I.; M. = Maul I.; O. = O'ahu I.; showed below normal amounts. Some were far below nor- J.C.N.W.R. -• James Campbell Nat'l Wildlife Ref., O.; mal. Because of the wet winter, cumulative amounts for P.H.N.W.R.= Pearl Harbor Nat'l Wildlife Ref., O. the calendaryear are still abovenormal at mostreporting ALBATROSSES TO PETRELS -- Single Black-footed stations, indicating good vegetative conditions for spring Albatrosses, much scarcer in Hawaiian waters than nesting.Season highlights included Hawaii's first record Laysans,were reportedoffshore about 3 miles w. of Kaena of a live and healthy Northern Fulmar, and some other Pt., O., Apr. 29 (TS, attractedto fishing lures}, and the interestingoffshore pelagic observations. same day near Penguin Banks s.w. of O'ahu (PD}. No

Volume 44, Number 3 499 Laysanswere seenat either locality.A hght morphNorth- submittedA bird of mmdardescription was reportedthere ern Fulmar was observedwell (liD, RLP et al.) and pho- a few dayslater (PB),and agmnApr. 8 (BE).Other observers tographedseveral miles off KeaholePt., H., May 6. The (PD, liD) searchingthe area assiduouslyduring that week bird was with a large flock of Wedge-tailedShearwaters, did not find sucha bird amongthe black-billedjuv. Cattle and was observedover a period of 20 minutes.About 10 Egrets,thus settingoff further intensiveresearch into com- prior recordsfrom Hawaii, includingboth light and dark parative field identificationof the variousraces of Little morphs,have all beenbeach wash-ups; two were alive but Egretand of juv. and imm. CattleEgrets. Full observational weakened,the otherslong dead.Hawaiian (Dark-rumped) detailsare in preparationfor publicationin 'Elepaio. Petrels ('U'au, Endangered)heard around camp at Sin- Stray Cattle Egrets (for sure, yellow-billed) were re- cock'sBog in Alaka'i WildernessApr. 12-14 would repre- portedthis seasonat SandI., Midway, Mar. 15 (one,CR, sent the 2nd colony reportedon Kaua'i (TT). None was KM) and at Tern I., F.F.S.,during most of March (one to seenand no burrowswere found despitea diligentsearch. two, JM et al.). Goingto seain boatsto observepelagic birds in Hawaiian WATERFOWL TO PARAKEETS • The wintenng waters has been growingin interestand in feasibility dur- Brant at Honouliuli Unit, P.H.N.W.R., was last reported ing the past couple of years.This seasoncomprehensive Mar. 31 (RLP). The flock of Hawaiian Geese (Nene, Endan- speciescounts were received from 6 differenttrips between gered)at Kipu Kai, K., had at least 3 known broodsof three Mar. 29 and May 6. Some were from boats chartered goslingseach this springbut apparentlyonly one young specifically for birding, others were from boats- bird survived (TT). Countsof 46 (Mar. 5) and 38 (Apr 2) of-opportunitygoing primarily for whale-watchingor fish- Hawaiian Ducks (Koloa) at Ki'i Unit, J.C.N.W.R. (PD), •ng. Five departedfrom Honolulu harbor,O., and one from confirmedthis to be still the top concentrationlocality m Honokohaun. of Kailua-Kona,H. One ventured barely a the state for this Endangeredbird, although its genetic maleoffshore, and othersgot out 10-15 miles. As expected, makeup here is under suspicion. Northern Pintads Wedge-tailedShearwater was the dominantspecies on most remained at Honouliuli until Apr. 20 (PD) and two N. trips. But unexpected were the 2000+ Wedge-taileds Shovelerswere still there May 10 (PD). One femaleN. Pro- recordedon the May 6 trip (RD, RLP et al.) out of Honoko- tail and one N. Shoveler,stragglers, were observedat Sand hau.These were in largeroving flocks at 2, 8, and 13 mi off- I., Midway, Mar. 8-15 (CR,KM). shore, and were in numbers far greater than had been A Hawaiian Hawk ('Io, Endangered)attacked an 'Apa- observedin pastyears on occasionalsmall boat trips in this pane in an aerial mistnetat Hakalau N.W.R., H., Apr. 28, samearea and season(RD). Other Wedge-tailed counts were but the prey escapedand the predatordid too aftera brief from 650 (Apr. 20, PD) down to one and zero on the entanglement in the net (JL). The 'Io, a good Buteo, nearshoretrips. A few dark morphswere noted. About 50 evolved to feed on birds since Hawaii had no rodents or Sooty Shearwaters,30 Newell's Shearwaters,and 15 Bul- other terrestrial mammals or reptiles until some arered wer'sPetrels were estimatedon the May 6 trip, and five to with the early Polynesiansettlers. The Solitary Sandpiper seven Sooties, one to three Newell's, and two to three Bul- was seenagain Mar. 11 & 12 (PD, RD, RLP), and perhaps wer's were seenon othertrips that went somemiles from the sameindividual was reportedApr. 24 at nearbyHono- shore. Other rarer tubenosespecies recorded were three uliuli Unit in full breedingplumage (DP). Juan FernandezPetrels, one White-neckedPetrel, several One to two Ring-billedGulls were reportedby numer- Flesh-footed Shearwaters, one Short-tailed and one Christ- ous observersat Ki'i Unit, J.C.N.W.R.,through the season masshearwater, all on May 6 out of Honokohau(RD et al.). until at leastMay 5 (PD).Remains of a Black-leggedK•tt•- Off of Honolulu, one Buller's Shearwater (RD et al.) and one wake, scarcein Hawaii, were found at Sand I., Midway, possibleShort-tailed (DP) were reportedApr. 15, and one Mar. 8 (KM, CR). Three CaspianTerns remained at Keaha Flesh-footedShearwater was seenMar. 29 (DP). Among the Pond,M., throughat leastApr. 6 (ShM), and one was stall five storm-petrelsreported Apr. 29, at least someseemed there Apr. 19 (DP). This was an excellent year for migrat- mostlikely to have beenBand-rumped (PD). ing Arctic Ternsin Hawaii. Three were seenon the pelagic Several Newell's Shearwaters (Threatened) were seen trip off HonoluluApr. 15 (DP et al.) and 30, an unprece- and heard flying up lower HanapepeCanyon, K., around dented number,were observedin several groupson the 7:30 p.m. May 22 (AK, viewing from the overlookon high- trip off Honokohau May 6 (RD et al.). Other reports way 50); and a few were seenat sea 3 mi off KaenaPt., O., includedone at Ki'i Unit, J.C.N.W.R.,Apr. 14 (m.ob.)& 20 Apr. 29 (TS). (PC),and two thereApr. 23 (PC).One was at KanahaPond, TROPICBIRDS TO EGRETS -- Three White-tailed M., Apr. 19 (DP) and two near Lihue, K., in early May, one Tropicbirdsin Iao Valley, M., May 16 (ShM) and one flying of which was found deadMay 9 and preservedas a speci- north over Hakalau N.W.R., H., at 6500 ft elevationMay 28 men (TT). A Blue-gray Noddy returned again to roost (JL)represented interesting localities for the species.Red- nightly on Tern I., EES., from Mar. 28 into April (KM) looted and Brown boobieswere recorded on the pelagic The speciesis scarceat Tern I., althougha few breedregu- raps out of Honolulu,but none on the trip out of Hono- larly 7 km away at La PeroussePinnacle (also F. ES.). Good kohau. Largestcounts were of 48 Browns and 174 Red- numbers of White Terns (counts of 13-25) were found on footedsApr. 29 (PD),with smallercounts of 33 and below the pelagic trips off Honolulu Mar. 29-Apr. 18, but only on the othertrips. Eventhe nearest-shoretrips foundnine one (RD) off Honokohau,H., May 6. and three BrownBoobies. One MaskedBooby on the near- A male and female Chestnut-belliedSandgrouse seen shore trip Mar. 30 (PD, RLP) was unexpected.Tern I., and photographedApr. 21 along a roadsideN. of Karlua- F F.S., continuesto be a favored destinationfor straggling Kona, H. (DP), were in an uncommonlyaccessible location Lesser Frigatebirds. Two adult males were seen there for this normally hard-to-seespecies. A Barn Owl was togetherMar. 4 & 24, and at least one was reportedthere noted soaringover the forest at the edge of the Alaka'• almost daily through the month (JM et al.). Three adult Wilderness,K., Apr. 18, and anotherwas seenat Puu Lani malesin a groupwere seenflying overheadMay 25 (JM). Ranchin S. Kohaia,H., Apr. 21 (DP).A flock of at least25 A white egret observedwith adult and immature Cattle noisy parakeets, probably Rose-ringed, was observed Egretsat J.C.N.W.R.Apr. 1 was confidentlyidentified as a flying overhead2 mi upslopefrom Kailua-Kona,H. (GF). Little Egretof subspeciesnigripes (DP). Detailed notes were The number and location were notable.

500 American Birds, Fall 1990 ENDEMIC HAWAIIAN FORESTBIRDS -- In the cap- repeatedly in its last known haunt, but elicited no tive flock of Hawaiian Crow ('Alala, critically Endangered) response. the first chick hatchedsuccessfully May 23, and was from a female (Mana) which had not previouslyhad a chick INTRODUCED FINCHES AND ESTRILDIDS -- Two hatch successfullyfrom any of her eggs.More eggsfrom SaffronFinches were coming regularly to scatteredbird Mana and Lu'ukia were in incubationduring June. seed in a residential area of Pearl Harbor, O., in late March In JL'sstudy area at HakalauN.W.R., H., 'Amakihi, Tiwi, and early April (SUM); and up to four Yellow-fronted and 'Apapanebegan to breed in goodnumbers in April, Canarieswere comingto a feederin Kaaawa on the wind- the latter two much delayedcompared to prior years.The ward side of O'ahu in late April (MC). Both were interest- first (Hawaiian) 'Akepa nest was found Apr. 15, nearly a ing localities for these scarceintroduced species.Small month later than last year. By the end of May, 15 nestsof numbers of Black-rumped Waxbills were found at this Endangeredspecies had beenlocated, 5 of which had Pu'uanahulu,H., Apr. 10, but only two were seen there already had young fledgedsuccessfully. The first nest of Apr. 21 (DP).This speciesis now known only in this local- Hawai'i Creeper (Endangered)was found Mar. 19, and ity, and is difficult to find. A flock of 50-75 CommonWax- severalothers were located.The first fledglingwas netted bills was reportedMay 5 at WaimanaloAgriculture Station May 29. The first Oma'onest was foundApr. 30, and the (SB)near the extremes.e. corner of O'ahu. The specieshas first 'Elepaionest was foundunder constructionat the end becomelocally commonover most of O'ahu exceptat the of May. southeastend. A milling flock of over 200 JavaSparrows During a survey trip to Sincock's Bog deep in the reportedat Kailua-Kona,H., May 20 (JL)was an unprece- Alaka'i Wilderness,K., Apr. 12-14 (Tr), 'Elepaio,'Amak- dentedly large concentration for this area where the ihi, and 'Apapane were found commonly,and smaller speciesfirst establishedits foothold on this island. numbersof 'Anianiau, 'Akepa, and Tiwi were noted. No CONTRIBUTORS -- Marlee Breese, Sara Bushman, Paul Kaua'i Creeperswere seen,which is significantconsider- Chang, Marian Chassee,Reg David, Donna deHaan, Peter ing that the speciesused to be fairly commonin the inte- Donaldson,Renate Duvall, Bruce Eilerts, John Ford, Gordon rior of the Alaka'i, and that reported observationsin the Fowler,Lenny Freed, Allan Keith,Jaan Lepson, Tod Lum, Ken more accessiblefringes of the Alaka'i have been notably McDermond,Jan Megyesi,Suzanne Morrissey, Sherry Moss- absentin the past couple of years.None of the critically barger (ShM), Doug Pratt, Craig Rowland, Tim Sutterfield, EndangeredKama'o, Puaiohi, 'O'u, or Nukupu'u were Tom Telfen-- ROBERT L. PYLE, 741 N. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua, observed.A tape of the 'O'o'a'a (extinct-?)was played HI 96734.

GreatAt•co l.

ATLANTIC OCEAN

ßBAHAt4• IS. WEST INDIES

REGION 3AMAIcA• ,'• _ •% •.? .:• : VIRGINIS.

Robert L. Norton ßgston ...... "- PUERTO •ro • •,.

CARIBB•N S• •,•

LESSER

gainthe weather was the lead story affecting Regional cyclonesi• the e•tern tropi•l Atl•fic. These same fac- ecosystemsand bird populations. At Cruz Bay, St. tors may also influence r•nf•l patterns i• the western John,in the United StatesVirgin Islands,precipitation for •opical Atl•fic • e.g.,in the Virgin Isl•ds, •so at about each month of the spring was well below average:March 18 degreesnorth. For about20 ye•s, • •e Sahelsuffered -32%, April -22%, and May -70%. Cumulativeprecipita- ßrough • extended drought, the Virgin Isl•ds experi- tion for the spring was 49% below average.With few enced a long period of wet seasons.Now the Sahel exceptions,spring periods here had been very wet from droughth• app•ently beenbroken. Wi• •e advent of a 1971 to 1987, but now a dry cycle may be settingin. wet Sahel, if there is really • •verse relationship, the It hasbeen suggested recently that rainfall at latitude 18 northeft C•ibbe• may now expectdrier se•ons. degreesnorth in the Sahel desertregion of West Africa is Although•is was a d• •d hot spring,good rains d•- linked to the number, strength,and trajectory of named ing the •nter had produceda bloom of native pl•ts e•ly

Volume 44, Number 3 501 aus JENA...GERMANY (PH). A Solitary Sandpiperat Viequesin early March (DG) furnishedone of the few springreports from the P.R.shelf. Experience A Whimbrel was seenat CaboRojo, P.R., Mar. 11 (PH). The Ultimate In Tom Kemp, aboard a cruise ship west of Dominica, Brillianceand Clarity! noted at least 10 Pomafine and two Parasitic jaegers,as aus JENA Binoculars well as 19+ unidentifiedjaegers, Mar. 28. The birds were apparentlymoving west to east, following flocks of Sooty World's Finest Terns and Brown Noddies. On Mar. 31, e.n.e. of St. Croix, Opticsl more jaegers were seen harassingpelagic terns; among them were six Pomafine, five Parasitic, and five unidenti- ausJENA fied jaegers(TK). San Juan Harbor, P.R., was host to two LesserBlack-backed Gulls on Apr. 1 (TK), perhaps only the 2nd report for PuertoRico. Europtik, LTD P.O. Box 319 -AB Dunmore, PA 18512 DOVES TO COWBIRDS -- A Ruddy Quail-Dove 717-347-6049 reportedfrom St. JohnApr. 3 (fide TD) added to the small I but increasing number of records east of Puerto Rico. Counts of 30 Cuban Parrots Mar. 4 and 12 Cuban Parakeets in the spring,easing stress on frugivoresand insectivores Mar. 5 (CF et al.) suggestedthat thesetwo speciesare still after the disasterof HurricaneHugo last September. doingwell in Cuba.Twelve St. Vincent Parrotswere easily heard and observed Mar. 23 on the Vermont Nature Trail ABBREVIATIONS -- B.V.I. = British Virgin Islands; (RLN). Chuck-will's-widows apparently breed in the P.R. = Puerto Rico. vicinity of the Rand Nature Center,Grand Bahama,where they were singing on the evening of May 9 (PWS, SAS). STORM-PETRELS TO GULLS -- A weakened Leach's The Smiths also reported that local residents claim to "hear them all summer." A Black Swift, rare on St. Croix, was seen there in the companyof two CaribbeanMartins May 9 {RW). A search for Puerto Rican Woodpeckerson Vieques (DG) failed to turn them up in 3 areaswhere they had beenknown prior to HurricaneHugo. Three Yellow-belliedElaenias and two GrenadaFlycatchers sortied in open fields adjacentto the Vermont Nature Trail, St. Vincent, Mar. 24 (RLN). Some 250,000Tree Swallows at ZapataSwamp, Cuba, Mar. 6 (CF et al.} must have made an amazing sight. Although the total population of Cuba'sendemic Zapata Wren might now be as low as four to eight individuals, two were reported Mar. 7 (CF et al.}. / A Pearly-eyed Thrasher noted Mar. 20 at Abaco I., Bahamas, indicated northward expansion (EV). It also raised concern for nesting (Bahama)Cuban Parrotsthere. On Puerto Rico, competition with this thrasher for nest ThisLeach's Storm-Petrel was brought to shoreby fishermen on St. siteswas thoughtto be a major factorin the decline of the Thomas,U.S. VirginIslands, during spring 1990. Statusof storm- petrel speciesin the WestIndies is still incompletelyknown. On endemicPuerto Rican Parrot. A White-eyed Vireo, rare so far east, was identified Mar. 10 at the observation tower at this bird, the dark line downthe centerof the white rump rulesout Wilson'sand Band-rumpedstorm-petrels. Photograph/Robert L. Maricao Forest,P.R. (PH). A Blue-wingedWarbler, rare in Norton. the West Indies, was seen on Abaco Mar. 20 (PH). The endemic Yellow-headedWarblers of Cuba appear to be Storm-Petreltook refugeaboard a cruise ship, apparently doingwell in protectedhabitats; 25 were noted Mar. 4 (CF at night, during the passagefrom St. Croix to San Juan, et al.). Two Whistling Warblers, endemic to St. Vincent, P.R.,Apr. 1 (TK). Anotherweakened Leach's Storm-Petrel, were noted alongtrails at the Vermontnature reserve Mar. which died, wasbrought to shoreon St. Thomasby fisher- 24 (RLN). men (fideJP, ph. RLN). ThreeRed-looted Boobies observed An Indigo Buntingwas seen at EstateHope, Tortola, workingthe edgeof the St. Kitts marineshelf Mar. 31 (TK) B.V.I., Mar. 3 (RLN). Two singingGrasshopper Sparrows at were probably from the Redondocolony located s.w. of Vieques Mar. 4-11 (DG) suggestedcontinued breeding Nevis (RLN). An ad. Great Blue Heron was seenMay 10 at activity in spite of the devastationof HurricaneHugo. Dur- Prickly Pear I., n. of Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. (RLN), suggesting ing the week of Mar. 4-9 in Cuba,Tawny-shouldered and that breedingmay occurin the area. Cubanblackbirds were both seencommonly, but the former Northern Shovelersand Am. Wigeonremained at Mary outnumberedthe latterten to one.Shiny Cowbird,the prin- Point Pond, St. John, as late as Mar. 13 (TD). On St. Vin- cipal nemesisof icterid speciesin the West Indies, was not cent, one immature and five adult Coin. Black-Hawks, as seenduring this sameMarch period in Cuba (CF et al.). well as three Broad-wingedHawks, were seen Mar. 24 (RLN) at the VermontNature Trail parking area. The rare CONTRIBUTORS -- Thelma Douglas, Craig Faanes, Gundlach'sHawk was reportedMar. 7 near SantoTomas, DaphneGemmill, Peter Hunt, TomKemp, Arturo Kirkconnel, Cuba (CF et al.). Five of the endangeredCuban race of JudyPierce, Tim Sabo,P. William Smith,Susan A. Smith,Eric Sandhill Crane were noted Mar. 6 at the Zapata Swamp VanderWerf, Ro Wauer, Carlos Wolzkow. -- ROBERT L. NOR- (CF et al.). At Culebra, P.R., five Long-billed Dowitchers TON, National Parks Trust, Box 860, Road Town, Tortola, were sorted out from a flock of 200 Short-billeds on Mar. 9 British Virgin Islands.

502 American Birds, Fall 1990