Winter 1989 Contents Volume IX Number 1 January 1989 THE 1 Species Composition of Food Brought to RoseateTern Chicks on Falkner Island, Connecticut in Summer 1984 CONNECTICUT Sarah Richards and William Shew

6 More on Snow Bathing Donald Hopkins WARBLER

7 Connecticut Field Notes Summer: June 1 -July 31, 1988 Clay Taylor

14 An Editorial on the Evolution of Birding Roland C. Clement

18 Connecticut Bird Specimens in the State Museum of Natural History George A. Clark, Jr.

20 Third Report of the Connecticut Rare Records Committee

The Connecticut Ornithological Association 314 Unquowa Road Non-Profit Org. Fairfield, CT 06430 U.S. Postage PAID Fairfield, CT Permit No. 275

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Volume IX No.1 January 1989 Pages 1-24 THE CONNECTICUT ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION SPECIES COMPOSITION OF FOOD BROUGHT TO ROSEATE TERN CHICKS President Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield ON FALKNER ISLAND, CONNECTICUT Vice-President IN SUMMER 1984 Debra M. Miller, Franklin, MA 1 2 Secretary Sarah W. Richards and William A. Schew Winifred Burkett, Storrs ABSTRACT Treasurer Food of Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) chicks in 32 nests was Gary Palmer, Cos Cob identified between 14 June and 25 July 1984 at a nesting colony on the Board of Directors north end of Falkner Island, Connecticut, in central Long Island Sound. The Sand Lance (Ammodytes americanus) accounted for 55% of 1986-1989 1987-1990 all individual fish brought to the chicks while Anchovy (Anchoa spp.) Robert A. Askins, New London Raymond E. Belding, Harwinton made up 27%; 11% of the fish was divided between Bluefish (Po­ Frank W. Mantlik, Westport Julia Arab Rankin, Wethersfield matomus saltatrix), Silversides (Menidia menidia), Menhaden (Brevoor­ Robert Moeller, Sharon Dwight S. Smith, New Haven Frederick Purnell Jr., Darien Todd Weintz, Stamford tia tyrannus) and Pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus). Seven percent of all fish Fred C. Sibley, Guilford Christopher S. Wood, Woodbury brought to the colony were unidentified. Julie Zickefoose, Hadlyme Joseph Zeranski, Greenwich During the month of June, Sand Lance clearly were easily avail­ 1988-1991 able, while in the month of July this availability appeared to decrease Milan G. Bull, Fairfield simultaneously with an increased availability of other species. Pos­ George A. Clark, Jr ., Storrs Roland C. Clement, Norwalk sible reasons for these differences are discussed. Jay B. Kaplan, Canton John P. McDonald, Storrs INTRODUCTION threatened and now federally George W. Zepko, Middletown The food of Roseate Terns listed endangered species Rose­ (Sterna dougallii) has been ana­ ate Tern. Ex Offtcio lyzed by Jones (1903) and Nisbet Neil W. Currie, Sandy Hook (1981) for Buzzards Bay and STUDY AREA AND METHODS other areas near Cape Cod, Mas­ In 1984, between 175 and 200 About our Cover Artist: sachusetts, byCooperetal (1970), pairs of Roseate Terns nested and Hays et al (1973), for Great along with 2500 pairs of Com­ Michael DiGeorgio, Middletown Gull Island; and by Safina (1985) mon Terns (Sterna hirundo) on "Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)" for Cedar Beach on the south Falkner Island 5 km south of Again we are pleased to present the work of Michael DiGiorgio, who shore of Long Island, New York. Guilford, Connecticut in central is an illustrator for Field Publications and is known as a field painter. To date, however, no observa­ Long Island Sound. Roughly half He works directly from nature and tries to capture the feeling of the tions have been published on the of the Rosea tes nested on a spit on birds and other wildlife. His illustrations have appeared in Audubon food of this species in colonies the northern end of the island Magazine, Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife and The Living within Long Island Sound. Since and could be observed easily Bird. He has exhibited at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Phila­ there have been so few observa­ from a blind erected on a bluff 15 delphia, Northeastern Wildlife Exposition, Ballard Mill Gallary, tions of the food of many carnivo­ m above the colony. The blind Massena, NY and he helped to illustrate the National Audubon Society's Master Guide to Birding. Inquiries about commission work rous seabird species within the was sufficiently close to the col­ andotherworkavailableshouldbeaddressedtohimat18BrettonRd., Sound, this study was under­ ony to allow us to identify and A pt. 1W, Middletown, CT 06457. taken to determine the food determine approximate lengths brought to the colony of the then of the fish brought to the chicks. THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 1 THE CONNECTICUT ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION SPECIES COMPOSITION OF FOOD BROUGHT TO ROSEATE TERN CHICKS President Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield ON FALKNER ISLAND, CONNECTICUT Vice-President IN SUMMER 1984 Debra M. Miller, Franklin, MA 1 2 Secretary Sarah W. Richards and William A. Schew Winifred Burkett, Storrs ABSTRACT Treasurer Food of Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) chicks in 32 nests was Gary Palmer, Cos Cob identified between 14 June and 25 July 1984 at a nesting colony on the Board of Directors north end of Falkner Island, Connecticut, in central Long Island Sound. The Sand Lance (Ammodytes americanus) accounted for 55% of 1986-1989 1987-1990 all individual fish brought to the chicks while Anchovy (Anchoa spp.) Robert A. Askins, New London Raymond E. Belding, Harwinton made up 27%; 11% of the fish was divided between Bluefish (Po­ Frank W. Mantlik, Westport Julia Arab Rankin, Wethersfield matomus saltatrix), Silversides (Menidia menidia), Menhaden (Brevoor­ Robert Moeller, Sharon Dwight S. Smith, New Haven Frederick Purnell Jr., Darien Todd Weintz, Stamford tia tyrannus) and Pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus). Seven percent of all fish Fred C. Sibley, Guilford Christopher S. Wood, Woodbury brought to the colony were unidentified. Julie Zickefoose, Hadlyme Joseph Zeranski, Greenwich During the month of June, Sand Lance clearly were easily avail­ 1988-1991 able, while in the month of July this availability appeared to decrease Milan G. Bull, Fairfield simultaneously with an increased availability of other species. Pos­ George A. Clark, Jr ., Storrs Roland C. Clement, Norwalk sible reasons for these differences are discussed. Jay B. Kaplan, Canton John P. McDonald, Storrs INTRODUCTION threatened and now federally George W. Zepko, Middletown The food of Roseate Terns listed endangered species Rose­ (Sterna dougallii) has been ana­ ate Tern. Ex Offtcio lyzed by Jones (1903) and Nisbet Neil W. Currie, Sandy Hook (1981) for Buzzards Bay and STUDY AREA AND METHODS other areas near Cape Cod, Mas­ In 1984, between 175 and 200 About our Cover Artist: sachusetts, byCooperetal (1970), pairs of Roseate Terns nested and Hays et al (1973), for Great along with 2500 pairs of Com­ Michael DiGeorgio, Middletown Gull Island; and by Safina (1985) mon Terns (Sterna hirundo) on "Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)" for Cedar Beach on the south Falkner Island 5 km south of Again we are pleased to present the work of Michael DiGiorgio, who shore of Long Island, New York. Guilford, Connecticut in central is an illustrator for Field Publications and is known as a field painter. To date, however, no observa­ Long Island Sound. Roughly half He works directly from nature and tries to capture the feeling of the tions have been published on the of the Rosea tes nested on a spit on birds and other wildlife. His illustrations have appeared in Audubon food of this species in colonies the northern end of the island Magazine, Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife and The Living within Long Island Sound. Since and could be observed easily Bird. He has exhibited at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Phila­ there have been so few observa­ from a blind erected on a bluff 15 delphia, Northeastern Wildlife Exposition, Ballard Mill Gallary, tions of the food of many carnivo­ m above the colony. The blind Massena, NY and he helped to illustrate the National Audubon Society's Master Guide to Birding. Inquiries about commission work rous seabird species within the was sufficiently close to the col­ andotherworkavailableshouldbeaddressedtohimat18BrettonRd., Sound, this study was under­ ony to allow us to identify and A pt. 1W, Middletown, CT 06457. taken to determine the food determine approximate lengths brought to the colony of the then of the fish brought to the chicks. THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 1 From 14 June to 25 July 1984, fish Lance (Ammodytes americanus), strates (Richards, unpubl. data). 11% of the items brought to the fed to chicks in 32 nests were iden­ and juvenile Bluefish (Po­ Anchovy was the second most colony. tified during randomly selected matomus saltatrix). Sand lance common prey, ~ccotlntingfor hourly periods each day during accounted for 55% of the items 27% of the total catch. One spe­ DISCUSSION the morning (OS(X)-1300)and after­ fed to chicks during the two cies of Anchovy,Anchoa mitchilli, Jones (1903), Nisbet (1981) noon (13(X)-2200). During this 41 months of observations (Table is the most abundant spawner in and Cooper, et al. (1970) found day period, 8 days of rain or fog 1). They were almost the only Long Island Sound during the that Sand Lance constituted 70- prevented clear identifications. prey brought to the island dur­ summer (Wheatland, 1956). 100% of the food items brought Fish species composition was de­ ing courtship and early chick Menhaden, Silversides, Pipefish during courtship and to chicks in termined from a total of 327 feed­ rearing. and Bluefish together made up various colonies within the Cape ings. The majority of Sand Lance approximately 10% of the total Cod, Massachusetts area and fed to the chicks were 0-year catch. With the exception of eastern Long Island Sound. RESULTS (between 4 and 6 months old) Pipefish, these species were Apparently,SandLancewasutil­ Roseate Terns from Falkner Is­ and 1-year olds, varying in thicker dorso-ventrally than ized more heavily by Roseate land fed more offshore, arriving at length from 5-10 em and weigh­ Sand Lance. They varied be­ Terns in those areas than in cen­ the island from the southeast and ing between 0.5 and 2 g. These tween 7-8 em in length and tral Long Island Sound. There east 65% of the time, rather than small, thin fish were easily con­ weighed between 2 and 5 g. are three possible reasons for this from the Connecticut shoreline sumed by the young chicks. In These thicker, heavier fish were difference: visibility of the water, where the Common Terns fed in May and June, schools of Sand easily consumed by the larger availability of different fish spe­ abundance. Lance of small size were seen chicks. Occasionally, individu­ cies, and nutritional value of the Fish were brought to chicks and caught by the authors with als of these species were too large different fish species. throughout all daylight hours. Six plankton nets in the tide rips for the chicks to consume and Long Island Sound has a common species were identified: around the island. Thick were left at the nest site uneaten. higher silt content than the ocean juvenile Menhaden (Brevoortia tyr­ schools of these and older fish As far as could be determined, water further east or south of annus), Anchovy (Anchoa spp.), have been caught along the no juveniles of other fish species Long Island. Within the Sound, Pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus), Sil­ south shore of central Long Is­ were taken during the study, al­ the north side (Connecticut) has a versides (Menidia menidia),Sand land Sound over sandy sub- though juvenile Mackerel far higher silt content, partly due TABLEt (Scomber scombrus) have been to the abundance of soft sedi­ Number and percentage of individuals of each species of fish brought to Roseate taken by Roseate Terns at this ments, than the central and Tern chicks on Falkner Island, Connecticut from 14 June to 25 July, 1984. colony in the past (Richards, southern (Long Island) side with FishSpecies TotalPeriod June July pers. obs.). We were unable to much coarser sediments. Rose­ No./% No./% No./% identify a total of 7% of all fish ate Terns in Buzzards Bay (Nis­ brought to the colony, thus other bet1981) tended to feed in deeper Sand lance 217/55 140/66 77/43 species may have been utilized and generally clearer water that Common Terns. Roseates from Anchovy 1!Y7/27 37/18 70/39 during our study. Seasonal change in the species Falkner tended to do the same, Bluefish 20/5 0/0 20/11 of fish brought to the chicks was while in the clearer water of the observed (Table 1). In June, Sand south side of Long Island at Sil versicles 17/4 13/6 4/2 Lance accounted for 66% of the Cedar Beach (Safina 1985), they Menhaden 3/1 2/1 1/1 items given to the young. In July, fed close inshore. Perhaps the juvenile Menhaden and Bluefish, terns could see the long, thin Pipefish 1/1 0/0 1/1 probably not available in this Sand Lance better in the clearer Unidentified 27/7 19/9 8/4 area in June, constituted over water.

2 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 3 From 14 June to 25 July 1984, fish Lance (Ammodytes americanus), strates (Richards, unpubl. data). 11% of the items brought to the fed to chicks in 32 nests were iden­ and juvenile Bluefish (Po­ Anchovy was the second most colony. tified during randomly selected matomus saltatrix). Sand lance common prey, ~ccotlntingfor hourly periods each day during accounted for 55% of the items 27% of the total catch. One spe­ DISCUSSION the morning (OS(X)-1300)and after­ fed to chicks during the two cies of Anchovy,Anchoa mitchilli, Jones (1903), Nisbet (1981) noon (13(X)-2200). During this 41 months of observations (Table is the most abundant spawner in and Cooper, et al. (1970) found day period, 8 days of rain or fog 1). They were almost the only Long Island Sound during the that Sand Lance constituted 70- prevented clear identifications. prey brought to the island dur­ summer (Wheatland, 1956). 100% of the food items brought Fish species composition was de­ ing courtship and early chick Menhaden, Silversides, Pipefish during courtship and to chicks in termined from a total of 327 feed­ rearing. and Bluefish together made up various colonies within the Cape ings. The majority of Sand Lance approximately 10% of the total Cod, Massachusetts area and fed to the chicks were 0-year catch. With the exception of eastern Long Island Sound. RESULTS (between 4 and 6 months old) Pipefish, these species were Apparently,SandLancewasutil­ Roseate Terns from Falkner Is­ and 1-year olds, varying in thicker dorso-ventrally than ized more heavily by Roseate land fed more offshore, arriving at length from 5-10 em and weigh­ Sand Lance. They varied be­ Terns in those areas than in cen­ the island from the southeast and ing between 0.5 and 2 g. These tween 7-8 em in length and tral Long Island Sound. There east 65% of the time, rather than small, thin fish were easily con­ weighed between 2 and 5 g. are three possible reasons for this from the Connecticut shoreline sumed by the young chicks. In These thicker, heavier fish were difference: visibility of the water, where the Common Terns fed in May and June, schools of Sand easily consumed by the larger availability of different fish spe­ abundance. Lance of small size were seen chicks. Occasionally, individu­ cies, and nutritional value of the Fish were brought to chicks and caught by the authors with als of these species were too large different fish species. throughout all daylight hours. Six plankton nets in the tide rips for the chicks to consume and Long Island Sound has a common species were identified: around the island. Thick were left at the nest site uneaten. higher silt content than the ocean juvenile Menhaden (Brevoortia tyr­ schools of these and older fish As far as could be determined, water further east or south of annus), Anchovy (Anchoa spp.), have been caught along the no juveniles of other fish species Long Island. Within the Sound, Pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus), Sil­ south shore of central Long Is­ were taken during the study, al­ the north side (Connecticut) has a versides (Menidia menidia),Sand land Sound over sandy sub- though juvenile Mackerel far higher silt content, partly due TABLEt (Scomber scombrus) have been to the abundance of soft sedi­ Number and percentage of individuals of each species of fish brought to Roseate taken by Roseate Terns at this ments, than the central and Tern chicks on Falkner Island, Connecticut from 14 June to 25 July, 1984. colony in the past (Richards, southern (Long Island) side with FishSpecies TotalPeriod June July pers. obs.). We were unable to much coarser sediments. Rose­ No./% No./% No./% identify a total of 7% of all fish ate Terns in Buzzards Bay (Nis­ brought to the colony, thus other bet1981) tended to feed in deeper Sand lance 217/55 140/66 77/43 species may have been utilized and generally clearer water that Common Terns. Roseates from Anchovy 1!Y7/27 37/18 70/39 during our study. Seasonal change in the species Falkner tended to do the same, Bluefish 20/5 0/0 20/11 of fish brought to the chicks was while in the clearer water of the observed (Table 1). In June, Sand south side of Long Island at Sil versicles 17/4 13/6 4/2 Lance accounted for 66% of the Cedar Beach (Safina 1985), they Menhaden 3/1 2/1 1/1 items given to the young. In July, fed close inshore. Perhaps the juvenile Menhaden and Bluefish, terns could see the long, thin Pipefish 1/1 0/0 1/1 probably not available in this Sand Lance better in the clearer Unidentified 27/7 19/9 8/4 area in June, constituted over water.

2 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 3 Reliance on juvenile Sand cies. ers improved the manuscript. D.C. U.S.A. Lance early in the breeding sea­ Thirdly, the small, thin Sand These observations were part of Richards,S.W.1%3. Thedemer­ son, noted earlier by Nisbet Lance was easily swallowed by an overall study of Roseate and sal fish population of Long (1981) and Cooper et al (1970), small chicks early in the season. Common Terns breeding at Island Sound. I. Species com­ also occurred at Falkner Island. The wider, heavier juvenile fish Falkner Island funded, at that position and relative abun­ In all areas, Roseate Terns replace of the other species were swal­ time, by the Preservation of dance in two localities, 1956- Sand Lance with a variety of lowed with difficulty, or not at Natural Areas, the National 57. Bull. Bingham Oceanog. other specieslaterin the breeding all, by small chicks, but were Audubon Society, the Coil. 17:5-31. season. Some of these species, easily consumed by larger chicks Menunketuck Audubon Society, ---- 1987. Evidence of such as juvenile Menhaden and later in the season. These larger the Audubon Oub of Guilford successful aestivation by the Bluefish were not available early prey would be more valuable High School, the Valley Shore American sandlance Ammo­ in the summer when Sand Lance nutritionally to the larger chicks Waterfowlers, Inc. and by pri­ dytes americanus, from Long were abundant (Richards 1%3). than would the smaller Sand vate donations. Island Sound. Conn. Geol. Secondly,evidenceexists that the Lance that commonly occur in and Nat.Hist. Notes 2:3-5. American sand lance and similar central Long Island Sound, and LITERATURE CITED Safina, C. 1985. Tern Conserva­ species from Europe and Japan thus may have been selectively Cooper, D.H., H. Hays and C. tion and Research. Nat'l.Aud. may aestivate in the sand during chosen by the adults for food. Pessino 1970. Breeding of the Soc., Scully Sanctuary, New late-summer and early-fall Common and Roseate Terns York. 1985 Report. (Inoue et al1967; Winslade, 1974; ACKNOWLEIX;MENTS on Great Gull Island. Proc. Sekiguchi, H., M. Nagoshi, K. Sekiguchi, et al., 1976; Richards, T. Crossman, A Balestracci, D. Linnean Soc., N.Y. 71:83-104. Horiuchi and N. Nakanishi 1987), thus decreasing their Santoro and E. Schew helped Hays, H., E. Dunn and A. Poole 1976. Feeding, fat deposits availability as prey simultane­ with the observations. P. 1973. Common, Arctic, Rose­ and growth of sand eels in Ise ously with the increase in availa­ Yuschak built the blind. J. Spen­ ate and SandwichTerns carry­ Bay, Central Japan. Bull. Jap. bility of juveniles of other spe- delow and anonymous review- ing multiple fish. Wilson Bull. Soc. Sci. Fish. 42:831-835. 85:233-236 Wheatland, S.B. 1956. Oceanog­ Inoue, A., S Takamori, K. raphy of Long Island Sound, Kuniyuki, S. Kobayashi and S. 1952-1954. VII Pelagic fish Nishina 1967. Studies on the eggs and larvae. Bull. Bing­ fishery biology of the sand ham Oceanogr. Coli. 15:234- lance Ammodytes personatus 314. Girard Bull. Nankai Ref. Fish. Winslade, 0. 1974. Behavioral Res. Lab. 25:1-335. studies of theLesser Sand Eel Jones, L. 1903. The Terns of the Ammodytes marinus (Raitt). J. Weepecket Islands, Massa­ Fish. Bioi. 6:565-599. chusetts. Wilson Bull. 15:94- 104. 1 . Little Harbor Laboratory, 69 Nisbet, I.C.T. 1981. Biological Andrews Rd., Guilford, CT characteristics of the Roseate 064372 Tern Sterna dougallii. Un­ 2. Little Harbor Laboratory, 69 publ. reports of the U.S. Fish Andrews Rd., Guilford, Ct 06437 and Wildlife Service. Office of and Present Address: Dept. of t Endangered Species. U.S. Biology, Calif. State Univ., Long lf~~~~~~I~b~~Rl Dept. of Interior, Washington, Beach CA 90840

4 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 5 Reliance on juvenile Sand cies. ers improved the manuscript. D.C. U.S.A. Lance early in the breeding sea­ Thirdly, the small, thin Sand These observations were part of Richards,S.W.1%3. Thedemer­ son, noted earlier by Nisbet Lance was easily swallowed by an overall study of Roseate and sal fish population of Long (1981) and Cooper et al (1970), small chicks early in the season. Common Terns breeding at Island Sound. I. Species com­ also occurred at Falkner Island. The wider, heavier juvenile fish Falkner Island funded, at that position and relative abun­ In all areas, Roseate Terns replace of the other species were swal­ time, by the Preservation of dance in two localities, 1956- Sand Lance with a variety of lowed with difficulty, or not at Natural Areas, the National 57. Bull. Bingham Oceanog. other specieslaterin the breeding all, by small chicks, but were Audubon Society, the Coil. 17:5-31. season. Some of these species, easily consumed by larger chicks Menunketuck Audubon Society, ---- 1987. Evidence of such as juvenile Menhaden and later in the season. These larger the Audubon Oub of Guilford successful aestivation by the Bluefish were not available early prey would be more valuable High School, the Valley Shore American sandlance Ammo­ in the summer when Sand Lance nutritionally to the larger chicks Waterfowlers, Inc. and by pri­ dytes americanus, from Long were abundant (Richards 1%3). than would the smaller Sand vate donations. Island Sound. Conn. Geol. Secondly,evidenceexists that the Lance that commonly occur in and Nat.Hist. Notes 2:3-5. American sand lance and similar central Long Island Sound, and LITERATURE CITED Safina, C. 1985. Tern Conserva­ species from Europe and Japan thus may have been selectively Cooper, D.H., H. Hays and C. tion and Research. Nat'l.Aud. may aestivate in the sand during chosen by the adults for food. Pessino 1970. Breeding of the Soc., Scully Sanctuary, New late-summer and early-fall Common and Roseate Terns York. 1985 Report. (Inoue et al1967; Winslade, 1974; ACKNOWLEIX;MENTS on Great Gull Island. Proc. Sekiguchi, H., M. Nagoshi, K. Sekiguchi, et al., 1976; Richards, T. Crossman, A Balestracci, D. Linnean Soc., N.Y. 71:83-104. Horiuchi and N. Nakanishi 1987), thus decreasing their Santoro and E. Schew helped Hays, H., E. Dunn and A. Poole 1976. Feeding, fat deposits availability as prey simultane­ with the observations. P. 1973. Common, Arctic, Rose­ and growth of sand eels in Ise ously with the increase in availa­ Yuschak built the blind. J. Spen­ ate and SandwichTerns carry­ Bay, Central Japan. Bull. Jap. bility of juveniles of other spe- delow and anonymous review- ing multiple fish. Wilson Bull. Soc. Sci. Fish. 42:831-835. 85:233-236 Wheatland, S.B. 1956. Oceanog­ Inoue, A., S Takamori, K. raphy of Long Island Sound, Kuniyuki, S. Kobayashi and S. 1952-1954. VII Pelagic fish Nishina 1967. Studies on the eggs and larvae. Bull. Bing­ fishery biology of the sand ham Oceanogr. Coli. 15:234- lance Ammodytes personatus 314. Girard Bull. Nankai Ref. Fish. Winslade, 0. 1974. Behavioral Res. Lab. 25:1-335. studies of theLesser Sand Eel Jones, L. 1903. The Terns of the Ammodytes marinus (Raitt). J. Weepecket Islands, Massa­ Fish. Bioi. 6:565-599. chusetts. Wilson Bull. 15:94- 104. 1 . Little Harbor Laboratory, 69 Nisbet, I.C.T. 1981. Biological Andrews Rd., Guilford, CT characteristics of the Roseate 064372 Tern Sterna dougallii. Un­ 2. Little Harbor Laboratory, 69 publ. reports of the U.S. Fish Andrews Rd., Guilford, Ct 06437 and Wildlife Service. Office of and Present Address: Dept. of t Endangered Species. U.S. Biology, Calif. State Univ., Long lf~~~~~~I~b~~Rl Dept. of Interior, Washington, Beach CA 90840

4 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 5 MORE ON SNOW BATHING CONNECTICUT FIELD NOTES Donald Hopkins Summer: June 1- July 31, 1988 On January 7, 1988 I ob­ off. For a short period as this Clay Taylor served a second incident (see behavior occurred, a second crow The weather for the summer were either unsuccessful or not CW7:13) of snow bathing, this was in the trees at the edge of the attempted. The yearly Northern time by an American Crow hayfield. of 1988 was notable for its ex­ tremes. It was hot and dry much Mockingbird nest at the Meigs (Corvus brachyrhynchos). It was After the crow had left the of the time, with only .67 inches of Point Nature Center in Ham­ 11:45 AM. and the crow was in a area, I walked over to look at the rainfall in June-about 80% below monassett was not begun until hayfield on Granby Street, tracks in the field. At the first the average. The temperature early August, after the rains of Bloomfield, cr. It was first location of snow bathing, tracks exceeded 80 degrees F on 15 days July perked up the insect and sighted on the ground with one revealed that the crow had wan­ June, and 6 of those days were worm population. Wild food wing extended. (I observed the dered around before selecting a in over 90 degrees. The period from production wasfarbelownormal bird for 8 minutes). The bird, spot to bathe. In this area, tufts of June 5th tothe30threcordedonly in some parts of the state due to settled in the snow on its belly, grass had been pulled up to the .31 inches of rain, and this trend the drought and heat of June and was pecking in the snow. It then surface of the snow. The grass continued until July 9 when .12 extended its head and pushed was quite obvious at the first site early July. inches fell- hardly enough tore­ Interestingly, the Bermuda forward half its body length so and less so at the second site lieve parched plants or fill dwin­ high (a single high pressure cen­ that the head was under the where less time was spent. The dling reservoirs. July continued t~ that forms over the North snow. The bird raised its head grass seemed to have served hot, with 90 degree heat recorded Atlantic in summertime), south­ and continued to peck at the some purpose in the procedure. many places throughout the westwinds,andextremeheatdid snow, occasionally tugging at Impressions in the snow showed in State for more days than we care not serve to pump in many south­ something. I could see it rock that the crow had both wings to recall. A break in the drought em wanderers or post-breeding back on its tail as it released the slightly extended while plowing. began when .75 inches of rain fell dispersants. I received very few object it was tugging. This tug­ The snow was light and un­ on the 12th, .26 on the 14th, .35 on reports of unusual sightings for ging was repeated several times. compacted and was 13 centime­ the 15th, and 1.27 on the 18th. the entire summer. Perhaps the The bird plowed forward with its ters deep in the hayfield which This brought the total rainfall for heat drove most everyone inside head in the snow, interspersed measured 52 by 64 meters. There the month to about 60% ahead of to the air conditioners, but with pecking and tugging and were no other tracks in the field. normal. This period was fol­ birders are usually not that easily occasionally preening the breast. The last snowfall had occurred on lowed by another rainfall ex­ daunted. On one occasion it extended the January 5th. The sky was clear, treme- deluge! Twelve of the last There were two summer left wing and scratched under the the sun bright, with light, vari­ 13 days of July had some rainfall, (June) bird counts conducted this wing with its left leg. At the end able winds. The crow was ob­ andover3inchesfellin thenorth­ year, the Woodbury /Roxbury of this procedure the bird stood served at a distance of 50 meters. up, walked a few steps, then flew empartofthestatefromJuly25th count by the Western Connecti­ through the 27th, for a monthly cut Bird Oub (hereafter WCBC) further out (about 8 meters) into 27 London Rd., Windsor, CT the field. total of over 8 inches. Unfortu­ June 5 and the Greenwich/ 06095 The bird walked about in an nately, the needs of the plants, Stamford count June 18 and 19. aimless manner for 2 meters and insects and watercourses are bet­ Woodbury tallied 130 species began the procedure of pecking ter met by rainfall that is spread tying the 1987 record and setting and tugging and plowing ahead more evenly across the period. record high numbers for 27 spe­ in the snow. This was done once, Nestingduringtheearlypart cies; 2 new species were recorded then the bird stood up and flew of the season seemed to be nor­ for the count, including 2 Grass­ mal, but late and second broods hopper Sparrows in Washington. 6 THE CONNECTICUf WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 7 MORE ON SNOW BATHING CONNECTICUT FIELD NOTES Donald Hopkins Summer: June 1- July 31, 1988 On January 7, 1988 I ob­ off. For a short period as this Clay Taylor served a second incident (see behavior occurred, a second crow The weather for the summer were either unsuccessful or not CW7:13) of snow bathing, this was in the trees at the edge of the attempted. The yearly Northern time by an American Crow hayfield. of 1988 was notable for its ex­ tremes. It was hot and dry much Mockingbird nest at the Meigs (Corvus brachyrhynchos). It was After the crow had left the of the time, with only .67 inches of Point Nature Center in Ham­ 11:45 AM. and the crow was in a area, I walked over to look at the rainfall in June-about 80% below monassett was not begun until hayfield on Granby Street, tracks in the field. At the first the average. The temperature early August, after the rains of Bloomfield, cr. It was first location of snow bathing, tracks exceeded 80 degrees F on 15 days July perked up the insect and sighted on the ground with one revealed that the crow had wan­ June, and 6 of those days were worm population. Wild food wing extended. (I observed the dered around before selecting a in over 90 degrees. The period from production wasfarbelownormal bird for 8 minutes). The bird, spot to bathe. In this area, tufts of June 5th tothe30threcordedonly in some parts of the state due to settled in the snow on its belly, grass had been pulled up to the .31 inches of rain, and this trend the drought and heat of June and was pecking in the snow. It then surface of the snow. The grass continued until July 9 when .12 extended its head and pushed was quite obvious at the first site early July. inches fell- hardly enough tore­ Interestingly, the Bermuda forward half its body length so and less so at the second site lieve parched plants or fill dwin­ high (a single high pressure cen­ that the head was under the where less time was spent. The dling reservoirs. July continued t~ that forms over the North snow. The bird raised its head grass seemed to have served hot, with 90 degree heat recorded Atlantic in summertime), south­ and continued to peck at the some purpose in the procedure. many places throughout the westwinds,andextremeheatdid snow, occasionally tugging at Impressions in the snow showed in State for more days than we care not serve to pump in many south­ something. I could see it rock that the crow had both wings to recall. A break in the drought em wanderers or post-breeding back on its tail as it released the slightly extended while plowing. began when .75 inches of rain fell dispersants. I received very few object it was tugging. This tug­ The snow was light and un­ on the 12th, .26 on the 14th, .35 on reports of unusual sightings for ging was repeated several times. compacted and was 13 centime­ the 15th, and 1.27 on the 18th. the entire summer. Perhaps the The bird plowed forward with its ters deep in the hayfield which This brought the total rainfall for heat drove most everyone inside head in the snow, interspersed measured 52 by 64 meters. There the month to about 60% ahead of to the air conditioners, but with pecking and tugging and were no other tracks in the field. normal. This period was fol­ birders are usually not that easily occasionally preening the breast. The last snowfall had occurred on lowed by another rainfall ex­ daunted. On one occasion it extended the January 5th. The sky was clear, treme- deluge! Twelve of the last There were two summer left wing and scratched under the the sun bright, with light, vari­ 13 days of July had some rainfall, (June) bird counts conducted this wing with its left leg. At the end able winds. The crow was ob­ andover3inchesfellin thenorth­ year, the Woodbury /Roxbury of this procedure the bird stood served at a distance of 50 meters. up, walked a few steps, then flew empartofthestatefromJuly25th count by the Western Connecti­ through the 27th, for a monthly cut Bird Oub (hereafter WCBC) further out (about 8 meters) into 27 London Rd., Windsor, CT the field. total of over 8 inches. Unfortu­ June 5 and the Greenwich/ 06095 The bird walked about in an nately, the needs of the plants, Stamford count June 18 and 19. aimless manner for 2 meters and insects and watercourses are bet­ Woodbury tallied 130 species began the procedure of pecking ter met by rainfall that is spread tying the 1987 record and setting and tugging and plowing ahead more evenly across the period. record high numbers for 27 spe­ in the snow. This was done once, Nestingduringtheearlypart cies; 2 new species were recorded then the bird stood up and flew of the season seemed to be nor­ for the count, including 2 Grass­ mal, but late and second broods hopper Sparrows in Washington. 6 THE CONNECTICUf WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 7 Greenwich tallied 135 species lation about possible (and long Woodbury /Roxbury count and Milford marshes each summer­ and 39 high counts; new breeding suspected) breeding. on Candlewood Lake, New Fair­ someone must take the time to sit records highlighted the count, Heron nesting along the field as reported to the Connecti­ down and watch their move­ which had a chick Turkey Vul­ Sound was good this year, as cut Rare Bird Alert(fide FMa). ments to determine if they nest. ture, a Least Tern Colony off Chimon Island supported a rec­ The other raptor with lish on its Unfortunately, most reports only Greenwich, Kentucky Warbler ord 1044 Black-crowned Night breath, continued to set records; differentiate the adult males and nest, and a pair of Cliff Swallows. Herons(fide MB), up from the 95 young Ospreys were fledged do not differentiate adult females normal 800+ expected there. from 51 nesting attempts within from immatures in summer at LOONS THROUGH WATER­ Great, Snowy and Cattle Egrets, the State. These numbers were this locality. A late Peregrine FOWL Little Blue and Green Herons all up from 74 and 35 respectively in Falcon was seen June 7 at Milford Common Loons were scat­ nested there as usual; a Tricol­ 1987- fabulous! The majority of Point (hereafter MP)(SM). tered throughout the ponds and ored Heron nest was suspected Ospreys are still found from the Rail reports are usually thin lakes of the northwestern part of but not located. Barn Island in Connecticut River mouth east, but included new confirmations, the state, but no successful nest­ Stonington, as usual, had a Tri­ but nests in Guilford and now routine, of Oapper Rail ing was found(DR). Pied-billed colored June 27- July 7(MD). Westbrook produced young nests along the coast(DR). King Grebes again nested in the Lord­ Woodbury /Roxbury tallied again. A serious nesting attempt Rail was at Bam Island, Stoning­ ship marshes, Stratford(FMa), a record 53 Wood Ducks June 5, at Hammonassett Beach State ton, June 4(JK) and can be found and a territorial male was in but other duck numbers were Park (hereafter HBSP), however, with great regularity there each Litchfield(DR). There were the ordinary. A Blue-winged Teal at failed on June 13 due to human summer. Soras were on territory usual sea ttered late lingering and Station 43, South Windsor, June disturbance on a very hot day. in Litchfield(DR) and June 26 at summering birds on Long Island 25(SK) was very interesting. Northern Harriers are re­ Pequabuck Marsh in Plainville, Sound with reports of Common portedregularlyin the Stratford/ where Virginia Rail was also re- Loon, Homed Grebe, Oldsquaw, HAWKS THROUGH Red-breasted Merganser, SKIMMERS etc.(m.ob.). New nesting confirmations Double-crested Cormorants for Northern Goshhawk came continued to breed in good num­ from Morris and bers along the coast with colonies Woodbridge(DR), while a Sharp­ in the Norwalk, Guilford and shinned Hawk in Woodbury New London area at or above June 11 (RN) was termed a late previous levels (m.ob.). Inland migrant. A pair of Cooper's sightings in summer are becom­ Hawks again nested in ing almost routine, and this sea­ Greenwich(FMa), and one bird son provided 2 records with 1 on seen July 15-31 in the Naugatuck River in Water­ Watertown(RN) may have been bury, June 14(RN) and another on associated with a nearby nest . the Connecticut River in East Immature Bald Eagles were Haddam throughout the seen sporadically with 1 over summer(CT). The most interest­ Greenwich July 24(LB), and 3 in ing inland report was from the the vicinity of the Colebrook upper Connecticut River where Reservoir, Colebrook, through approximately 40 were seen July the period(DH fide JK). Adult 4, with 4 juveniles, fueling specu- Bald Eagles were seen on both the

8 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER 9 Greenwich tallied 135 species lation about possible (and long Woodbury /Roxbury count and Milford marshes each summer­ and 39 high counts; new breeding suspected) breeding. on Candlewood Lake, New Fair­ someone must take the time to sit records highlighted the count, Heron nesting along the field as reported to the Connecti­ down and watch their move­ which had a chick Turkey Vul­ Sound was good this year, as cut Rare Bird Alert(fide FMa). ments to determine if they nest. ture, a Least Tern Colony off Chimon Island supported a rec­ The other raptor with lish on its Unfortunately, most reports only Greenwich, Kentucky Warbler ord 1044 Black-crowned Night breath, continued to set records; differentiate the adult males and nest, and a pair of Cliff Swallows. Herons(fide MB), up from the 95 young Ospreys were fledged do not differentiate adult females normal 800+ expected there. from 51 nesting attempts within from immatures in summer at LOONS THROUGH WATER­ Great, Snowy and Cattle Egrets, the State. These numbers were this locality. A late Peregrine FOWL Little Blue and Green Herons all up from 74 and 35 respectively in Falcon was seen June 7 at Milford Common Loons were scat­ nested there as usual; a Tricol­ 1987- fabulous! The majority of Point (hereafter MP)(SM). tered throughout the ponds and ored Heron nest was suspected Ospreys are still found from the Rail reports are usually thin lakes of the northwestern part of but not located. Barn Island in Connecticut River mouth east, but included new confirmations, the state, but no successful nest­ Stonington, as usual, had a Tri­ but nests in Guilford and now routine, of Oapper Rail ing was found(DR). Pied-billed colored June 27- July 7(MD). Westbrook produced young nests along the coast(DR). King Grebes again nested in the Lord­ Woodbury /Roxbury tallied again. A serious nesting attempt Rail was at Bam Island, Stoning­ ship marshes, Stratford(FMa), a record 53 Wood Ducks June 5, at Hammonassett Beach State ton, June 4(JK) and can be found and a territorial male was in but other duck numbers were Park (hereafter HBSP), however, with great regularity there each Litchfield(DR). There were the ordinary. A Blue-winged Teal at failed on June 13 due to human summer. Soras were on territory usual sea ttered late lingering and Station 43, South Windsor, June disturbance on a very hot day. in Litchfield(DR) and June 26 at summering birds on Long Island 25(SK) was very interesting. Northern Harriers are re­ Pequabuck Marsh in Plainville, Sound with reports of Common portedregularlyin the Stratford/ where Virginia Rail was also re- Loon, Homed Grebe, Oldsquaw, HAWKS THROUGH Red-breasted Merganser, SKIMMERS etc.(m.ob.). New nesting confirmations Double-crested Cormorants for Northern Goshhawk came continued to breed in good num­ from Morris and bers along the coast with colonies Woodbridge(DR), while a Sharp­ in the Norwalk, Guilford and shinned Hawk in Woodbury New London area at or above June 11 (RN) was termed a late previous levels (m.ob.). Inland migrant. A pair of Cooper's sightings in summer are becom­ Hawks again nested in ing almost routine, and this sea­ Greenwich(FMa), and one bird son provided 2 records with 1 on seen July 15-31 in the Naugatuck River in Water­ Watertown(RN) may have been bury, June 14(RN) and another on associated with a nearby nest . the Connecticut River in East Immature Bald Eagles were Haddam throughout the seen sporadically with 1 over summer(CT). The most interest­ Greenwich July 24(LB), and 3 in ing inland report was from the the vicinity of the Colebrook upper Connecticut River where Reservoir, Colebrook, through approximately 40 were seen July the period(DH fide JK). Adult 4, with 4 juveniles, fueling specu- Bald Eagles were seen on both the

8 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER 9 ported June 19(MC). reports). 17(FMa), and 8 Willets July friends, and it will be interesting I never received the Con­ A few observers commented 27(SM), all at MP. Three Stilt to monitor the colony's future necticut DEP report on Piping on Willets along the coast west of Sandpipers at Sandy Point, West success. Other parrot news was Plover nesting successes for 1988, New Haven County, to which Haven July 15(RA) were the 'only at SISP, where 3 Black-hooded but the overall picture is similar area the species is beginning to ones reported. Whimbrels were Parakeets (sometimes called to previous seasons; about extend from their local range in at HBSP on and off, one being Nanday Conure) and 1 Senegal twenty nests produced young in the marshes at HBSP, where 10- seen July 15 and a flock of 8 July Parrot were present most of the spite of various disturbances. 15 pairs noisily guard their terri­ 22(JK). The rest ofthe migration year(RS). The Black-hooded American Oystercatchers are tories. began to appear with the rains at Parakeets successfully breeding across the shoreline, Among the first fall migrants the end of July. nested(FMa). with 5 - 7 pairs in Fairfield are shorebirds, and 2 Greater Tern nesting success was There were no unusual owl County, a few pairs along the Yellowlegs in Norwalk, June good in 1988, although a few sightings, and as noted in the eastern shore, and one regular 30(FMa) were part of the first reports indicated that late arri­ previous field notes, there were pair in the Westbrook/Clinton wave. By the second week of July, vals on the smaller nesting is­ no Common Bam-Owls fledged area. Sandy Point, Stonington, most species were represented at lands led to low chick counts in under the I-95 bridge in Milford, had 2 Oystercatchers fledge this MP, Sherwood Island State Park late June. Falkner Island and probably due to road construc­ year, and 1 of 2 fledglings at (hereafter SISP), and other favor­ othermajorislandsdid very well, tion there. It is always nice to see Menunketesuck Island, ite spots. Numbers appeared to although Duck Island in fledgling owls and 3 young East­ Westbrook, was banded July peak on or about July 20 with Westbrook had fewer Common em Screech-Owls were reported 4(CI',KC). The birds at this latter 500+ Short-billed Dowitchers Terns and only 2 pairs of Roseate sitting together on a branch in a locality may be the individuals July 24(FMa), 300+ "peep" sand­ Terns (down from 8 - 10 pairs in backyard in Simsbury August thatareseenin theareaintoJanu­ pipers July 24(SM), HXXJ+Sem­ 1987). While banding tern chicks 2(BK). ary and February (see previous ipalmated Sandpipers July on Duck Island, we noticed many Comments about relative chicks more than a week old, that abundance of species were con­ had died. There were no visible sistent - species with low num­ i' reasons for these deaths, and bers included both cuckoos(GC), / ' younger chicks did not seem to be Blue-gray Gnatcatcher(SK), and affected. thrushes(JF,JK), while species Very few unusual terns or with high numbers included gulls were reported. A Royal Willow Flycatcher, Winter Tern at MP July 15 and July Wren(DR,JK), Eastern 30(FP,JZ) and Black Skimmers at Bluebird(JF), and Brown MP July 31(JB) were the only Thrasher(GC). exceptions, albeit not unex­ The only woodpecker nest­ pected. ing report was of a young Pil­ "' eated calling for food from its OOVES THROUGH VIREOS nest hole in Simsbury July The active and apparently 12(BK). Acadian Flycatchers thriving Monk Parakeet colony were present in good numbers in on the Bridgeport-Stamford line the western part of the state(DR), received some newspaper pub­ and a calling Willow Flycatcher licity this summer. The local resi­ in Storrs was noted as unusual for dents feed and protect their noisy the location(GC).

10 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBERl 11 ported June 19(MC). reports). 17(FMa), and 8 Willets July friends, and it will be interesting I never received the Con­ A few observers commented 27(SM), all at MP. Three Stilt to monitor the colony's future necticut DEP report on Piping on Willets along the coast west of Sandpipers at Sandy Point, West success. Other parrot news was Plover nesting successes for 1988, New Haven County, to which Haven July 15(RA) were the 'only at SISP, where 3 Black-hooded but the overall picture is similar area the species is beginning to ones reported. Whimbrels were Parakeets (sometimes called to previous seasons; about extend from their local range in at HBSP on and off, one being Nanday Conure) and 1 Senegal twenty nests produced young in the marshes at HBSP, where 10- seen July 15 and a flock of 8 July Parrot were present most of the spite of various disturbances. 15 pairs noisily guard their terri­ 22(JK). The rest ofthe migration year(RS). The Black-hooded American Oystercatchers are tories. began to appear with the rains at Parakeets successfully breeding across the shoreline, Among the first fall migrants the end of July. nested(FMa). with 5 - 7 pairs in Fairfield are shorebirds, and 2 Greater Tern nesting success was There were no unusual owl County, a few pairs along the Yellowlegs in Norwalk, June good in 1988, although a few sightings, and as noted in the eastern shore, and one regular 30(FMa) were part of the first reports indicated that late arri­ previous field notes, there were pair in the Westbrook/Clinton wave. By the second week of July, vals on the smaller nesting is­ no Common Bam-Owls fledged area. Sandy Point, Stonington, most species were represented at lands led to low chick counts in under the I-95 bridge in Milford, had 2 Oystercatchers fledge this MP, Sherwood Island State Park late June. Falkner Island and probably due to road construc­ year, and 1 of 2 fledglings at (hereafter SISP), and other favor­ othermajorislandsdid very well, tion there. It is always nice to see Menunketesuck Island, ite spots. Numbers appeared to although Duck Island in fledgling owls and 3 young East­ Westbrook, was banded July peak on or about July 20 with Westbrook had fewer Common em Screech-Owls were reported 4(CI',KC). The birds at this latter 500+ Short-billed Dowitchers Terns and only 2 pairs of Roseate sitting together on a branch in a locality may be the individuals July 24(FMa), 300+ "peep" sand­ Terns (down from 8 - 10 pairs in backyard in Simsbury August thatareseenin theareaintoJanu­ pipers July 24(SM), HXXJ+Sem­ 1987). While banding tern chicks 2(BK). ary and February (see previous ipalmated Sandpipers July on Duck Island, we noticed many Comments about relative chicks more than a week old, that abundance of species were con­ had died. There were no visible sistent - species with low num­ i' reasons for these deaths, and bers included both cuckoos(GC), / ' younger chicks did not seem to be Blue-gray Gnatcatcher(SK), and affected. thrushes(JF,JK), while species Very few unusual terns or with high numbers included gulls were reported. A Royal Willow Flycatcher, Winter Tern at MP July 15 and July Wren(DR,JK), Eastern 30(FP,JZ) and Black Skimmers at Bluebird(JF), and Brown MP July 31(JB) were the only Thrasher(GC). exceptions, albeit not unex­ The only woodpecker nest­ pected. ing report was of a young Pil­ "' eated calling for food from its OOVES THROUGH VIREOS nest hole in Simsbury July The active and apparently 12(BK). Acadian Flycatchers thriving Monk Parakeet colony were present in good numbers in on the Bridgeport-Stamford line the western part of the state(DR), received some newspaper pub­ and a calling Willow Flycatcher licity this summer. The local resi­ in Storrs was noted as unusual for dents feed and protect their noisy the location(GC).

10 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBERl 11 Fmch(RN,EHi); those species up where in the state; it is important in numbers were Pine and Prairie to remember that this species can Warblers(RN), Cerulean and begin nesting by March, how­ Hooded Warblers in western ever. Connecticut(DR), Worm-eating Warbler(GC), and Indigo Observers; Contributors Bunting(EHi). (boldface): A Lawrence's Warbler was Ralph Amodei, James Bair, reported at Flander's Nature Ray Belding, Lysle Brinker, Mi­ Center, Woodbury(RB) and a lan Bull, Tom Burke, Winnie singing male in East Haddam Burkett, George dark, Jr., Bar­ was in the company of territorial bara Cole, Pam & Randy Cerulean, Kentucky, and Comelo(P&RC), Katherine Con­ Hooded Warblers(SO). Pine verse, Mary Czlapinski, Mike Warblers were confirmed nesting Dewire, Carl Ekroth, Jeff in West Hartford(DR) and at Fengler, Merion Frolich, Carol Lake Whitney, Hamden(FMc), Goertz, Ed Hagen(EHa), Mike while a Kentucky Warbler nested Hayes, Ed Hiestand(EHi), Don for the first time in Hopkins, Jay Kaplan, Betty Greenwich(TB). Always elusive, Kleiner, Steve Kotchko, Frank Yellow-breasted Chats were re­ Mantlik (FMa), Stephen Mayo, I would assume that the worm/fruit feeders suffered ported from Westport(RW) and Florence McBride (FMc), Russ drought and lack of insects hurt many nest failures due to the the Greenwich Audubon Center Naylor, Sean O'Brien, Fred Purple Martins but the HBSP drought and severe heat late in where there were two singing Purnell, Larry Reiter, Dave Ros­ colony begun last year expanded the season(DR), but the Eastern males(TB). gen, Phil Rusch, Paul Saraceni, to 8- 10 pairs. Notable for swal­ Bluebird population continued A very good find was a Ves­ Richard L. Soffer, Clayton Tay­ lows was a pair of nesting Oiff to grow statewide with an esti­ per Sparrow in Torrington July lor, Dave Tripp, Rob Winkler, Joe Swallows at the North Stamford mated 900 nestlings produced 3(MH), while the Grasshopper Zeranski. Susan Cole(omission reservoir. Massing swallows at this year(DR). Sparrow colony at Bradley Inter­ from Spring CW84 observers). SISP July 15 included 100 Tree, 5 nation Airport, Windsor Locks, Northern Rough-winged, 15 WARBLERS THROUGH continues to survive. A recently 24 Old Leesville Rd, Moodus, CT Bank, and 75 Bam Swallows. FINCHES fledged Dark-eyed Junco June 5 06469 Common Ravens set records Other than comments about in Union was an early date(GC) - with a report of 14 fledged out of the less frequently seen species, maybe the parents knew the 7 nests(DR). The first nest to be very few reports were submitted drought was approaching. found was in the northeastern about nesting failures or suc­ Numerous spring reports of part of the state (see the previous cessesin this group. Impressions late-lingering Pine Siskins car­ CW issue). Although the Black­ about relative abundances went ried into summer, the most no­ capped Chickadee is a common as follows: lower than usual table one visiting a feeder in nester, it is always nice to find a numbers were indicated for Sharon through the first week of nest with three young in a back­ Northern W a terthrush (RN), July(BC). No nestings were re­ yard tree stump(GC). Rufous-sided Towhee(EHi), Or­ ported but the odds are that more Robins and other insect/ chard Oriole(RN), and Purple than a few Siskins tried some-

12 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 13 Fmch(RN,EHi); those species up where in the state; it is important in numbers were Pine and Prairie to remember that this species can Warblers(RN), Cerulean and begin nesting by March, how­ Hooded Warblers in western ever. Connecticut(DR), Worm-eating Warbler(GC), and Indigo Observers; Contributors Bunting(EHi). (boldface): A Lawrence's Warbler was Ralph Amodei, James Bair, reported at Flander's Nature Ray Belding, Lysle Brinker, Mi­ Center, Woodbury(RB) and a lan Bull, Tom Burke, Winnie singing male in East Haddam Burkett, George dark, Jr., Bar­ was in the company of territorial bara Cole, Pam & Randy Cerulean, Kentucky, and Comelo(P&RC), Katherine Con­ Hooded Warblers(SO). Pine verse, Mary Czlapinski, Mike Warblers were confirmed nesting Dewire, Carl Ekroth, Jeff in West Hartford(DR) and at Fengler, Merion Frolich, Carol Lake Whitney, Hamden(FMc), Goertz, Ed Hagen(EHa), Mike while a Kentucky Warbler nested Hayes, Ed Hiestand(EHi), Don for the first time in Hopkins, Jay Kaplan, Betty Greenwich(TB). Always elusive, Kleiner, Steve Kotchko, Frank Yellow-breasted Chats were re­ Mantlik (FMa), Stephen Mayo, I would assume that the worm/fruit feeders suffered ported from Westport(RW) and Florence McBride (FMc), Russ drought and lack of insects hurt many nest failures due to the the Greenwich Audubon Center Naylor, Sean O'Brien, Fred Purple Martins but the HBSP drought and severe heat late in where there were two singing Purnell, Larry Reiter, Dave Ros­ colony begun last year expanded the season(DR), but the Eastern males(TB). gen, Phil Rusch, Paul Saraceni, to 8- 10 pairs. Notable for swal­ Bluebird population continued A very good find was a Ves­ Richard L. Soffer, Clayton Tay­ lows was a pair of nesting Oiff to grow statewide with an esti­ per Sparrow in Torrington July lor, Dave Tripp, Rob Winkler, Joe Swallows at the North Stamford mated 900 nestlings produced 3(MH), while the Grasshopper Zeranski. Susan Cole(omission reservoir. Massing swallows at this year(DR). Sparrow colony at Bradley Inter­ from Spring CW84 observers). SISP July 15 included 100 Tree, 5 nation Airport, Windsor Locks, Northern Rough-winged, 15 WARBLERS THROUGH continues to survive. A recently 24 Old Leesville Rd, Moodus, CT Bank, and 75 Bam Swallows. FINCHES fledged Dark-eyed Junco June 5 06469 Common Ravens set records Other than comments about in Union was an early date(GC) - with a report of 14 fledged out of the less frequently seen species, maybe the parents knew the 7 nests(DR). The first nest to be very few reports were submitted drought was approaching. found was in the northeastern about nesting failures or suc­ Numerous spring reports of part of the state (see the previous cessesin this group. Impressions late-lingering Pine Siskins car­ CW issue). Although the Black­ about relative abundances went ried into summer, the most no­ capped Chickadee is a common as follows: lower than usual table one visiting a feeder in nester, it is always nice to find a numbers were indicated for Sharon through the first week of nest with three young in a back­ Northern W a terthrush (RN), July(BC). No nestings were re­ yard tree stump(GC). Rufous-sided Towhee(EHi), Or­ ported but the odds are that more Robins and other insect/ chard Oriole(RN), and Purple than a few Siskins tried some-

12 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 13 AN EDITORIAL amateurs to get to know birds these people. This was a real without shooting them. There shock because I had once edited ON THE EVOLUTION OF BIRDING was a long hiatus between the the New England Bulletin of Bird Roland C. Clement collecting era and the new LifeunderGriscom'stutelageand birding strategies of the present, had later come to know thou­ An advance glimpse of answered. and it shows in the record, I be­ sands of birders while staff biolo­ status reports on rare birds in Serious field ornithologists lieve. Griscom published Birds of gist for the National Audubon Connecticut (COA Bull. 2:1) from thought it a test of mettle to col­ the New York City Region in 1923, Society during the sixties and Zeranski and Baptist's manu­ lect ten to fifty specimens a day and Peterson's first Field Guide to seventies, not to mention more script of a forthcoming book on and many rare birds were re­ the Birds appeared in 1934, but recent Connecticut contacts as the birds of our state reminds duced to possession and pre­ The Great Depression of the president of the Connecticut one-or at least suggests-how served for posterity in various 1930's and World War II in the Audubon Society and COA. One different the bird students of the collections. It may be just as well, 1940's scattered our interests. leather-suited lady at West Ha­ tum-of-the-century were when some of us may feel, that there World War II technology pro­ ven had come from outer Long compared to those of today. were few ornithologists during vided good binoculars for almost Island on a motorcycle! The ban­ Although fewer in number, this first phase of birding's his­ everyone interested in owning ter was mostly one-upmanship the early Connecticut ornitholo­ tory. There was a great deal of them. By 1960, the advent of jet about who had seen or missed gists-professional and ama­ shooting of wildlife by almost aircraft and a national network of other rarities in Florida, Califor­ teur-wereoften more assiduous everyone in those days; the fron­ good highways, not to mention nia or Alaska. Was I on the right afield and covered smaller areas tier mentality still held sway. As rising incomes, set the stage for planet? At last Dennis Varza and more thoroughly on foot and by a consequence, unusual or puz­ the modem explosion of interest Ray Schwartz appeared and I small boat; or they used bicycles zling acquisitions were more of­ in birds. We are now well into a relaxed. Yet in those first, inse­ and horse and buggy, and the ten referred to the community's new era when few rarities escape curemomentsin themidstof that new railroad to conduct "expedi­ expert in the identification of the binoculars, telescopes and small mob of strange modern tions" farther afield. They did such things, and the net was telephoto lenses of the birding birders, I suddenly realized how more camping on study sites drawn tighter on rarities. The community. Roger Peterson must feel about because getting home for supper Corn Crake shot in Saybrook in WheninApril, 1984,aRoss' the advent of the National Geo­ was much less easy than it is for 1887 is illustrative. Only one Gull was spotted in Connecticut graphic Society's team-produced us. Most important as a distin­ other example of this European at Oyster River, West Haven, I Field Guide to the Birds of North guishing characteristic, they visitor has been found in Con­ broke with my custom of not America! were collectors of bird specimens necticut since that time. This era chasing rarities and went to see Did the field ornithologist because this was a necessary ended with the migratory bird this bird. It was a revelation to of early century really differ so aspect of field ornithology prior treatywithCanadain 1918. Sage me-not the bird, but the birders. much from today's birder? Per­ to the advent of good optical and Bishop's The Birds of Con­ I soon saw the bird well enough haps the differences are merely equipment. Elliot Coues' Key to necticut(1913)isourdocumentof to accept the record and mark my byproducts of a different per­ North American Birds, in six edi­ that period. life list, although it was not to me spective and fading memories? tions between 1872 and 1927, was Ludlow Griscom-first at a truly exciting specimen. But the Recapturing the motivations and the "field guide" of its day.It the American Museum of Natu­ people! I sidled up to a group of responses of an earlier generation began with the forthright advice: ral History, then at Harvard's fifty or so birders on the beach­ or century is certainly no easy "First, shoot your bird." Identifi­ Museum of Comparative Zool­ mostly appended to a telescope, task. Perhaps we might do better cation was then accomplished by ogy-whom Roger Peterson including a big-barreled Questar to look at the very different cul­ running the specimen through once called "the court of last re­ or two-and suddenly realized tural environments we have oc­ the keys until all questions were course," made it possible for that I knew absolutely none of cupied, each in our tum.

14 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 15 AN EDITORIAL amateurs to get to know birds these people. This was a real without shooting them. There shock because I had once edited ON THE EVOLUTION OF BIRDING was a long hiatus between the the New England Bulletin of Bird Roland C. Clement collecting era and the new LifeunderGriscom'stutelageand birding strategies of the present, had later come to know thou­ An advance glimpse of answered. and it shows in the record, I be­ sands of birders while staff biolo­ status reports on rare birds in Serious field ornithologists lieve. Griscom published Birds of gist for the National Audubon Connecticut (COA Bull. 2:1) from thought it a test of mettle to col­ the New York City Region in 1923, Society during the sixties and Zeranski and Baptist's manu­ lect ten to fifty specimens a day and Peterson's first Field Guide to seventies, not to mention more script of a forthcoming book on and many rare birds were re­ the Birds appeared in 1934, but recent Connecticut contacts as the birds of our state reminds duced to possession and pre­ The Great Depression of the president of the Connecticut one-or at least suggests-how served for posterity in various 1930's and World War II in the Audubon Society and COA. One different the bird students of the collections. It may be just as well, 1940's scattered our interests. leather-suited lady at West Ha­ tum-of-the-century were when some of us may feel, that there World War II technology pro­ ven had come from outer Long compared to those of today. were few ornithologists during vided good binoculars for almost Island on a motorcycle! The ban­ Although fewer in number, this first phase of birding's his­ everyone interested in owning ter was mostly one-upmanship the early Connecticut ornitholo­ tory. There was a great deal of them. By 1960, the advent of jet about who had seen or missed gists-professional and ama­ shooting of wildlife by almost aircraft and a national network of other rarities in Florida, Califor­ teur-wereoften more assiduous everyone in those days; the fron­ good highways, not to mention nia or Alaska. Was I on the right afield and covered smaller areas tier mentality still held sway. As rising incomes, set the stage for planet? At last Dennis Varza and more thoroughly on foot and by a consequence, unusual or puz­ the modem explosion of interest Ray Schwartz appeared and I small boat; or they used bicycles zling acquisitions were more of­ in birds. We are now well into a relaxed. Yet in those first, inse­ and horse and buggy, and the ten referred to the community's new era when few rarities escape curemomentsin themidstof that new railroad to conduct "expedi­ expert in the identification of the binoculars, telescopes and small mob of strange modern tions" farther afield. They did such things, and the net was telephoto lenses of the birding birders, I suddenly realized how more camping on study sites drawn tighter on rarities. The community. Roger Peterson must feel about because getting home for supper Corn Crake shot in Saybrook in WheninApril, 1984,aRoss' the advent of the National Geo­ was much less easy than it is for 1887 is illustrative. Only one Gull was spotted in Connecticut graphic Society's team-produced us. Most important as a distin­ other example of this European at Oyster River, West Haven, I Field Guide to the Birds of North guishing characteristic, they visitor has been found in Con­ broke with my custom of not America! were collectors of bird specimens necticut since that time. This era chasing rarities and went to see Did the field ornithologist because this was a necessary ended with the migratory bird this bird. It was a revelation to of early century really differ so aspect of field ornithology prior treatywithCanadain 1918. Sage me-not the bird, but the birders. much from today's birder? Per­ to the advent of good optical and Bishop's The Birds of Con­ I soon saw the bird well enough haps the differences are merely equipment. Elliot Coues' Key to necticut(1913)isourdocumentof to accept the record and mark my byproducts of a different per­ North American Birds, in six edi­ that period. life list, although it was not to me spective and fading memories? tions between 1872 and 1927, was Ludlow Griscom-first at a truly exciting specimen. But the Recapturing the motivations and the "field guide" of its day.It the American Museum of Natu­ people! I sidled up to a group of responses of an earlier generation began with the forthright advice: ral History, then at Harvard's fifty or so birders on the beach­ or century is certainly no easy "First, shoot your bird." Identifi­ Museum of Comparative Zool­ mostly appended to a telescope, task. Perhaps we might do better cation was then accomplished by ogy-whom Roger Peterson including a big-barreled Questar to look at the very different cul­ running the specimen through once called "the court of last re­ or two-and suddenly realized tural environments we have oc­ the keys until all questions were course," made it possible for that I knew absolutely none of cupied, each in our tum.

14 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 15 At the tum of the century, It seems obvious that in our day, ceptions it encourages. I am books. Our friend and neighbor, birding was still looked upon as birding is just one among many sometimes dismayed, by the Roger Peterson, the apostle of frivolous, if not positively inimi­ outdoor activities that have be­ euphoria that a phalanx of high­ this birding revolution, finds it cal to the work-ethic of a country come specialized forms of recrea­ altitudemigratingBroad-winged dismaying that one guru's offer­ caught up in a production mania tion or sport. By sheer power of Hawks creates among hawk­ ings are no longer enough to sat­ that started about 1850 and still participation, birding won legiti­ watch observers: "two-hundred isfy the new multiplicity of inter­ drives many of us. Thus, it was macy. More of us can pursue this birds!" "no, three hundred!" or ests. FormanybirderstheAmeri­ useful to masquerade one's inter­ hobby because we are part of that five hundred, or a thousand, all can Birding Association now est in birds as a contribution to large critical mass of Westerners guestimates made by excited supplants the Audubon Society science. Thiswashonestenough who have achieved higher per­ amateurs. Some of the sponsors which gave them their start. because specimens usually sonal incomes. That fewer mi­ of these ritualistic events seem to Subcults tend to be ephem­ ended up in some museum or norities participate, as yet, attests think they have failed if the daily eral, so although we can hardly university and there was still lots to a subordinate economic status. September count of Broadwings rein in the sporting enthusiasms of describing and distibutional Ironically, the achievement of does not achieve five figures. involved, those of us who hope to mapping to do. Indeed, ornithol­ higher incomes also often in­ It may be well to reflect on ad vance conservation causes and ogy was more descriptive than volves stresses that cause people Alvin Toffler's observation (in ornithological science by piggy­ analytic in those days and the to seek out the therapy afforded Future Shock, 1970) that the larger backing them on the new interest amateurs could still understand by outdoor sports; others need a subcult like birding becomes, in birding should not fan the the professionals. Birders were, this catharsis to balance a too­ the more likely it is to fragment emotional flames. Banked fires almost by definition, more "seri­ sedentary existence. Birding and spawn new subcults. The last longer. ous" about their hobby than we provides an extra bonus because multiplication of birders has need to be today, when birding it helps make us feel at home on helped sell more Peterson field 71 Weed A venue, Norwalk, CT has achieved nearly the popular the planet-an important contri­ guides, and has also created a 06850 legitimacy of golf and tennis. It is bution during a period in human demand for new kinds of bird true that the "population history when technological sample" used in characterizing change is so rapid that it imposes the early birder is a skewed one, debilitating disorientation. because those who were less as­ The ritualistic side of siduous in collecting, observing birding is exemplified by its list­ and reporting, left little trace and ing competitions: life list, conti­ cannot be included in our meas­ nentallist, U .S.list, State list, yard urements. Also, fewer people list; by the Christmas Count, the birded due to the lack of the re­ Spring Big Day and the fall Hawk quisite education, leisure and Watch. Competiveness has been surplus income. a favorite American trait, is fun It is no accident that I can up to a point and can spur us to compare birding's popularity to accomplishments we might oth­ golf and tennis. It has become a erwise not make the effort to sport like these others. Sport (as achieve. It can also get in the way David Sansone suggested re­ of what little scientific contribu­ cently in Greek Athletics and the tion our sport can make if "The Genesis of Sport) is "the ritualis­ Score" becomes more important tic sacrifice of physical energy." than the enjoyment and the per-

16 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 At the tum of the century, It seems obvious that in our day, ceptions it encourages. I am books. Our friend and neighbor, birding was still looked upon as birding is just one among many sometimes dismayed, by the Roger Peterson, the apostle of frivolous, if not positively inimi­ outdoor activities that have be­ euphoria that a phalanx of high­ this birding revolution, finds it cal to the work-ethic of a country come specialized forms of recrea­ altitudemigratingBroad-winged dismaying that one guru's offer­ caught up in a production mania tion or sport. By sheer power of Hawks creates among hawk­ ings are no longer enough to sat­ that started about 1850 and still participation, birding won legiti­ watch observers: "two-hundred isfy the new multiplicity of inter­ drives many of us. Thus, it was macy. More of us can pursue this birds!" "no, three hundred!" or ests. FormanybirderstheAmeri­ useful to masquerade one's inter­ hobby because we are part of that five hundred, or a thousand, all can Birding Association now est in birds as a contribution to large critical mass of Westerners guestimates made by excited supplants the Audubon Society science. Thiswashonestenough who have achieved higher per­ amateurs. Some of the sponsors which gave them their start. because specimens usually sonal incomes. That fewer mi­ of these ritualistic events seem to Subcults tend to be ephem­ ended up in some museum or norities participate, as yet, attests think they have failed if the daily eral, so although we can hardly university and there was still lots to a subordinate economic status. September count of Broadwings rein in the sporting enthusiasms of describing and distibutional Ironically, the achievement of does not achieve five figures. involved, those of us who hope to mapping to do. Indeed, ornithol­ higher incomes also often in­ It may be well to reflect on ad vance conservation causes and ogy was more descriptive than volves stresses that cause people Alvin Toffler's observation (in ornithological science by piggy­ analytic in those days and the to seek out the therapy afforded Future Shock, 1970) that the larger backing them on the new interest amateurs could still understand by outdoor sports; others need a subcult like birding becomes, in birding should not fan the the professionals. Birders were, this catharsis to balance a too­ the more likely it is to fragment emotional flames. Banked fires almost by definition, more "seri­ sedentary existence. Birding and spawn new subcults. The last longer. ous" about their hobby than we provides an extra bonus because multiplication of birders has need to be today, when birding it helps make us feel at home on helped sell more Peterson field 71 Weed A venue, Norwalk, CT has achieved nearly the popular the planet-an important contri­ guides, and has also created a 06850 legitimacy of golf and tennis. It is bution during a period in human demand for new kinds of bird true that the "population history when technological sample" used in characterizing change is so rapid that it imposes the early birder is a skewed one, debilitating disorientation. because those who were less as­ The ritualistic side of siduous in collecting, observing birding is exemplified by its list­ and reporting, left little trace and ing competitions: life list, conti­ cannot be included in our meas­ nentallist, U .S.list, State list, yard urements. Also, fewer people list; by the Christmas Count, the birded due to the lack of the re­ Spring Big Day and the fall Hawk quisite education, leisure and Watch. Competiveness has been surplus income. a favorite American trait, is fun It is no accident that I can up to a point and can spur us to compare birding's popularity to accomplishments we might oth­ golf and tennis. It has become a erwise not make the effort to sport like these others. Sport (as achieve. It can also get in the way David Sansone suggested re­ of what little scientific contribu­ cently in Greek Athletics and the tion our sport can make if "The Genesis of Sport) is "the ritualis­ Score" becomes more important tic sacrifice of physical energy." than the enjoyment and the per-

16 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 CONNECTICUT BIRD SPECIMENS IN THE Collection, SBB: 20), 1 little Gull listed specimens there is a mount (WB 82:226-227), 2 Sooty Terns of Glossy Ibis taken in 1850 STATE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (CW 1: 55, and UCONN 7809, (SBB:43). George A. Clark, Jr. mrue, Waterford, 7 Sept. 1979), 4 Unfortunately, preserved Dovekies, 11 Thick-billed Mur­ specimens are generruly uninfor­ Serious study of birds in (1983), which may be consulted res, 1 Black Guillemot (SBB:18), 3 mative about past trends in Connecticut began in the 1800's for scientific names of species. Passenger Pigeons, 8 Common populations except for major when the principal method of Additionru abbreviations are: Bam-Owls, 103 Eastern Screech­ changes. As examples, a lack of study was the collection and CW, Connecticut Warbler, WB, Owls, 19 Great Homed Owls, 4 recent specimens reflects appar­ preservation of specimens. Al­ Wilson Bulletin. The following Snowy Owls, 63 Barred Owls, 40 ent declines in Red-headed though that inventory phase is list includes the number of study Long-eared Owls, 33 Short-eared Woodpecker, Sedge Wren, now past for Connecticut, study skin specimens for each species Owls, 31 Northern Saw-whet Northern Shrike, and Connecti­ skins obtained many decades and for the most unusuru speci­ Owls, 8 Red-headed Woodpeck­ cut Warbler. For those species agostillhavescientificvruueand mens either a literature citation ers, 1 Black-backed Woodpecker thathaveexpandedtheirpopula­ historicinterest. Yetsurprisingly or data on catruog number, locru­ (UCONN 2487, South Windsor, tions in the state relatively re­ little has been published about ity, and date: 2 Leach's Storm­ 22 Feb. 1924), 19 Sedge Wrens, 1 cently, all the Connecticut speci­ the present locations of histori­ Petrels (from Sage Collection, Varied Thrush (CW 1:55), 59 mens at Storrs are from recent cally important specimens. It is SBB: 26), 30 American Bitterns, 8 Northern Shrikes, 5 Loggerhead decades, as in the examples of hoped that this will be the first of Least Bitterns, 1 Blue Goose Shrikes, 1 Philadelphia Vireo (17 Cattle Egret, Tufted Titmouse, severru articles on the present (UCONN 6030, Stonington, 12 Sept. 1894 from Sage Collection, Northern Mockingbird, North­ locations of important specimens Nov. 1956), 19 American Black SBB: 145), 2 Orange-crowned em Cardinru and House Finch. from Connecticut. Ducks, 21 Ospreys, 1 American Warblers (8 May 1888 from Treat At the Connecticut State Swallow-tailed Kite (CW 1:55), 4 Collection, SBB: 151; UCONN Acknowledgment Museum of Naturru History at Brud Eagles, 63 Northern Harri­ 4263, mrue, Coventry, 6 Oct Fred Sibley made vruuable the University of Connecticut, ers, 134 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1%7),48ConnecticutWarblers,2 suggestions on an earlier draft of Storrs, study skin specimens 42 Cooper'sHawks,41 Northern Mourning Warblers, 1 Black­ this report. document the occurrence of 269 Goshawks, 154 Red-shouldered headed Grosbeak (CW 1:55), 1 species of wild birds in the state. Hawks, 53 Broad-winged Blue Grosbeak (UCONN 7945, Literature Cited In this article I summarize the Hawks, 86 Red-tailed Hawks, 8 mrue, Willimantic, 29 Apr. 1982), American Ornithologists' Union. holdings of some unusuru speci­ Rough-legged Hawks, 1 Golden 1 Smith's Longspur (Auk86:345), 1983. Check-list of North mens and of large series of some Eagle (from Sage Collection, SBB: 1 Chestnut-collared Longspur American birds, 6th ed. species of speciru interest. 81-82), 101 American Kestrels, 28 (WB 82:226-227). Sage, J. H., L. B. Bishop, and W. P. Most of the older study skins Mertins, 2 Peregrine Frucons, 1 In one case, the date pub­ Bliss. 1913. The birds of of Connecticut birds now at Gyrfrucon (from Sage Collection, lished in SSB does not agree with Connecticut.State Geol. Nat. Storrs originated from the pri­ SBB:83),6YellowRails,3Upland the date given on the originru Hist. Surv. Bull. 20. vate collections of J. H. Sage and Sandpipers, 1 Hudsonian God­ specimen label and in Sage's W. E. Treat and were taken wit (from Sage Collection, SBB: catalog of his specimens. Pre­ Biology, Box U-43, University of mainly from 1875 through 1925; 60), 1 Wilson's Phalarope sumably the latter date is correct. Connecticut, Storrs, CT many of those specimens were (UCONN 1974, immature fe­ On this basis the femrue Leach's mentioned in Sage et ru. (1913, mrue, Stratford, 29 Aug. 1969), 4 Petrel reported as from 17 Sept. hereafter abbreviated SBB). The Red Phruaropes (from Sage Col­ 1903(SBB:26)wasactuallytaken nomenclature here follows the lection, SBB: 52), 1 Parasitic on 16 Sept. 1903. American Ornithologists' Union Jaeger (10 Sept. 1903 from Sage In addition to the above

18 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 19

.. CONNECTICUT BIRD SPECIMENS IN THE Collection, SBB: 20), 1 little Gull listed specimens there is a mount (WB 82:226-227), 2 Sooty Terns of Glossy Ibis taken in 1850 STATE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (CW 1: 55, and UCONN 7809, (SBB:43). George A. Clark, Jr. mrue, Waterford, 7 Sept. 1979), 4 Unfortunately, preserved Dovekies, 11 Thick-billed Mur­ specimens are generruly uninfor­ Serious study of birds in (1983), which may be consulted res, 1 Black Guillemot (SBB:18), 3 mative about past trends in Connecticut began in the 1800's for scientific names of species. Passenger Pigeons, 8 Common populations except for major when the principal method of Additionru abbreviations are: Bam-Owls, 103 Eastern Screech­ changes. As examples, a lack of study was the collection and CW, Connecticut Warbler, WB, Owls, 19 Great Homed Owls, 4 recent specimens reflects appar­ preservation of specimens. Al­ Wilson Bulletin. The following Snowy Owls, 63 Barred Owls, 40 ent declines in Red-headed though that inventory phase is list includes the number of study Long-eared Owls, 33 Short-eared Woodpecker, Sedge Wren, now past for Connecticut, study skin specimens for each species Owls, 31 Northern Saw-whet Northern Shrike, and Connecti­ skins obtained many decades and for the most unusuru speci­ Owls, 8 Red-headed Woodpeck­ cut Warbler. For those species agostillhavescientificvruueand mens either a literature citation ers, 1 Black-backed Woodpecker thathaveexpandedtheirpopula­ historicinterest. Yetsurprisingly or data on catruog number, locru­ (UCONN 2487, South Windsor, tions in the state relatively re­ little has been published about ity, and date: 2 Leach's Storm­ 22 Feb. 1924), 19 Sedge Wrens, 1 cently, all the Connecticut speci­ the present locations of histori­ Petrels (from Sage Collection, Varied Thrush (CW 1:55), 59 mens at Storrs are from recent cally important specimens. It is SBB: 26), 30 American Bitterns, 8 Northern Shrikes, 5 Loggerhead decades, as in the examples of hoped that this will be the first of Least Bitterns, 1 Blue Goose Shrikes, 1 Philadelphia Vireo (17 Cattle Egret, Tufted Titmouse, severru articles on the present (UCONN 6030, Stonington, 12 Sept. 1894 from Sage Collection, Northern Mockingbird, North­ locations of important specimens Nov. 1956), 19 American Black SBB: 145), 2 Orange-crowned em Cardinru and House Finch. from Connecticut. Ducks, 21 Ospreys, 1 American Warblers (8 May 1888 from Treat At the Connecticut State Swallow-tailed Kite (CW 1:55), 4 Collection, SBB: 151; UCONN Acknowledgment Museum of Naturru History at Brud Eagles, 63 Northern Harri­ 4263, mrue, Coventry, 6 Oct Fred Sibley made vruuable the University of Connecticut, ers, 134 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1%7),48ConnecticutWarblers,2 suggestions on an earlier draft of Storrs, study skin specimens 42 Cooper'sHawks,41 Northern Mourning Warblers, 1 Black­ this report. document the occurrence of 269 Goshawks, 154 Red-shouldered headed Grosbeak (CW 1:55), 1 species of wild birds in the state. Hawks, 53 Broad-winged Blue Grosbeak (UCONN 7945, Literature Cited In this article I summarize the Hawks, 86 Red-tailed Hawks, 8 mrue, Willimantic, 29 Apr. 1982), American Ornithologists' Union. holdings of some unusuru speci­ Rough-legged Hawks, 1 Golden 1 Smith's Longspur (Auk86:345), 1983. Check-list of North mens and of large series of some Eagle (from Sage Collection, SBB: 1 Chestnut-collared Longspur American birds, 6th ed. species of speciru interest. 81-82), 101 American Kestrels, 28 (WB 82:226-227). Sage, J. H., L. B. Bishop, and W. P. Most of the older study skins Mertins, 2 Peregrine Frucons, 1 In one case, the date pub­ Bliss. 1913. The birds of of Connecticut birds now at Gyrfrucon (from Sage Collection, lished in SSB does not agree with Connecticut.State Geol. Nat. Storrs originated from the pri­ SBB:83),6YellowRails,3Upland the date given on the originru Hist. Surv. Bull. 20. vate collections of J. H. Sage and Sandpipers, 1 Hudsonian God­ specimen label and in Sage's W. E. Treat and were taken wit (from Sage Collection, SBB: catalog of his specimens. Pre­ Biology, Box U-43, University of mainly from 1875 through 1925; 60), 1 Wilson's Phalarope sumably the latter date is correct. Connecticut, Storrs, CT many of those specimens were (UCONN 1974, immature fe­ On this basis the femrue Leach's mentioned in Sage et ru. (1913, mrue, Stratford, 29 Aug. 1969), 4 Petrel reported as from 17 Sept. hereafter abbreviated SBB). The Red Phruaropes (from Sage Col­ 1903(SBB:26)wasactuallytaken nomenclature here follows the lection, SBB: 52), 1 Parasitic on 16 Sept. 1903. American Ornithologists' Union Jaeger (10 Sept. 1903 from Sage In addition to the above

18 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 19

.. THIRD REPORT OF THE was from Stratford, 28-29 CW 7:45. Photos on file. First CONNECTICUT Nov., M. Szantyr et al. (88-7). authenticated state record. Seecw 6:17-18,20. TUNDRA SWAN (Cygnuscolum­ ...... I ...... 'EE RARE RECORDS COMM I1 ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga). bianus). Orange, 11 Jan.1986,J. Longshore Oub Park, West­ Bair (88-12); CW 6:38. Kon­ The Connecticut Rare Rec­ number of birds at each locality port, 25 Sept. 1987, F. W. Mant­ old's Pond, Woodbridge, 15 ords Committee (hereafter and date is one unless otherwise lik (87-31). First accepted state Mar.1986,M.Szantyretal.(88- CRRC) was established in an ef­ indicated. Hyphenatednumbers record (hypothetical). 8). fort to improve the quality of in parentheses (e.g., "88-15") are WHITE miS (Eudocimus albus). GREATER WHITE-FRONTED documentation for sightings of CRRC file numbers. For cases in Immature at Lordship, Strat­ GOOSE (Anser albifrons). rare birds in Connecticut and to which two or more observers are ford, 30 Aug. 1980, D. A. Sibley Simsbury and Granby, 16-17 facilitate the preservation of that named, those who submitted a (88-4). Oct. 1985, J. Kaplan et al. (87- documentation. A previous report are marked with an aster­ FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK 42). Willimantic Reservoir, report from the CRRC (1987, isk (•). Reference to additional (Dendrocygna bicolor). Three in Windham, 23-26 Nov. 1986, L. Connecticut Warbler 7:46-51) details in the Connecticut War­ Assekonk Swamp, North R. Bevier- and W. Burkett (87- more fully explains that rationale bler is provided as "CW", fol­ Stonington, 16-29 May 1987, 35). Storrs, Mansfield, 16 Oct. for the CRRC. lowed by the volume and pages. N. Weismuller, R. Dewire, L. 1987, L. R. Bevier- and W. This third report follows the The following species are the R. Bevier•, et al. (87-47). See Burkett (87-41). The CRRC format established in the previ­ most recent additionsto the State ous CRRC report. Submitted list: Anhinga (hypothetical), and/ or published notes on par­ Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Mew ticular sightings have been re­ Gull (hypothetical), Burrowing viewed by the CRRC and evalu­ Owl, LeConte's Sparrow. ated as accepted or not accepted. Not accepted reports include two ACCEPTED RECORDS categories: 1) reports for which the documentation was consid­ EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigri­ ered inadequate for the identifi­ collis). Sandy Point, West cation, and 2) reports of species Haven, 6 Jan. 1987, D. Sibley• judged by the CRRC to be cor­ and R. Schwartz (88-15). rectly identified but most proba­ CORY'S SHEARWATER bly escapes or releases from cap­ (Calonectris diomedea). Picked tivity. A number of additional up at Lake Forest, Bridgeport, sightings are currently under 5 Oct. 1985 and released 9 Oct., review and are to be included in Fairfield, M. G. Bull et al. (86- future CRRC reports. The CRRC 10); photo on file. welcomes submission of addi­ NORTHERN GANNET (Sula tional reports and Rare Bird Re­ bassanus). Numerous indi­ port Forms may be obtained from viduals were actively feeding theCRRCSecretary,FrankMant­ along Long Island Sound in lik (39-A Woodside Ave., West­ the period 24-29 Nov. 1985. port, cr 06880). The only group of these sight­ In the following accounts, the ings reviewed by the CRRC

20 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 21 THIRD REPORT OF THE was from Stratford, 28-29 CW 7:45. Photos on file. First CONNECTICUT Nov., M. Szantyr et al. (88-7). authenticated state record. Seecw 6:17-18,20. TUNDRA SWAN (Cygnuscolum­ ...... I ...... 'EE RARE RECORDS COMM I1 ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga). bianus). Orange, 11 Jan.1986,J. Longshore Oub Park, West­ Bair (88-12); CW 6:38. Kon­ The Connecticut Rare Rec­ number of birds at each locality port, 25 Sept. 1987, F. W. Mant­ old's Pond, Woodbridge, 15 ords Committee (hereafter and date is one unless otherwise lik (87-31). First accepted state Mar.1986,M.Szantyretal.(88- CRRC) was established in an ef­ indicated. Hyphenatednumbers record (hypothetical). 8). fort to improve the quality of in parentheses (e.g., "88-15") are WHITE miS (Eudocimus albus). GREATER WHITE-FRONTED documentation for sightings of CRRC file numbers. For cases in Immature at Lordship, Strat­ GOOSE (Anser albifrons). rare birds in Connecticut and to which two or more observers are ford, 30 Aug. 1980, D. A. Sibley Simsbury and Granby, 16-17 facilitate the preservation of that named, those who submitted a (88-4). Oct. 1985, J. Kaplan et al. (87- documentation. A previous report are marked with an aster­ FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK 42). Willimantic Reservoir, report from the CRRC (1987, isk (•). Reference to additional (Dendrocygna bicolor). Three in Windham, 23-26 Nov. 1986, L. Connecticut Warbler 7:46-51) details in the Connecticut War­ Assekonk Swamp, North R. Bevier- and W. Burkett (87- more fully explains that rationale bler is provided as "CW", fol­ Stonington, 16-29 May 1987, 35). Storrs, Mansfield, 16 Oct. for the CRRC. lowed by the volume and pages. N. Weismuller, R. Dewire, L. 1987, L. R. Bevier- and W. This third report follows the The following species are the R. Bevier•, et al. (87-47). See Burkett (87-41). The CRRC format established in the previ­ most recent additionsto the State ous CRRC report. Submitted list: Anhinga (hypothetical), and/ or published notes on par­ Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Mew ticular sightings have been re­ Gull (hypothetical), Burrowing viewed by the CRRC and evalu­ Owl, LeConte's Sparrow. ated as accepted or not accepted. Not accepted reports include two ACCEPTED RECORDS categories: 1) reports for which the documentation was consid­ EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigri­ ered inadequate for the identifi­ collis). Sandy Point, West cation, and 2) reports of species Haven, 6 Jan. 1987, D. Sibley• judged by the CRRC to be cor­ and R. Schwartz (88-15). rectly identified but most proba­ CORY'S SHEARWATER bly escapes or releases from cap­ (Calonectris diomedea). Picked tivity. A number of additional up at Lake Forest, Bridgeport, sightings are currently under 5 Oct. 1985 and released 9 Oct., review and are to be included in Fairfield, M. G. Bull et al. (86- future CRRC reports. The CRRC 10); photo on file. welcomes submission of addi­ NORTHERN GANNET (Sula tional reports and Rare Bird Re­ bassanus). Numerous indi­ port Forms may be obtained from viduals were actively feeding theCRRCSecretary,FrankMant­ along Long Island Sound in lik (39-A Woodside Ave., West­ the period 24-29 Nov. 1985. port, cr 06880). The only group of these sight­ In the following accounts, the ings reviewed by the CRRC

20 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 21 considered the evidence to be 1987, R. L. Soffer (87-21). 3-4 May 1986, T. Gilman et al. regalis). Greenwich, 4 Sept. insufficient for subspecific RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (87-34). Broad Brook Reser­ 1987 (87-32). determination in these three (Phalaropus lobatus). Adult voir area, Meriden, 26 May SANDHILL CRANE (Grus ca­ cases. female, Sandy Point, West 1987, F. Whitney (87-22). nadensis). NewCanaan, 16Jan. HARLEQUIN DUCK (Histrioni­ Haven, 8 June 1987, R. English BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK 1988 (88-22). cus histrionicus). Male, Mer­ (87-20). (Pheucticus melanocephalus). RED-NECKED PHALAROPE win Point, Milford, 4 Nov. MEW GULL (Larus canus). Branford, 20 Dec. 1980. N. (Phalaropus lobatus). Milford 1986, F. McBride• and J. Hammonasset Beach State Proctor, D. Sibley• et al. (88- Point, Milford, 27 Aug. 1986 Withgott(87-28). Photoonfile. Park, Madison, 5-6 Nov. 1973, 16). (87-25). BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps F. Purnell et al. (88-6). First CLAY-COLORED SPARROW PARASITIC JAEGER (Stercorar­ atratus). Bruce Golf Course, state record (hypothetical). (Spizella pallida). Storrs, Mans­ ius parasiticus). Milford Point, Greenwich, 16 May 1987, K. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE field, 30 Sept. 1987, L. R. Milford, 21 Sept. 1985 (87-30). Ballas et al. (87-24). (Rissa tridactyla). A half mile Bevierlt and W. Burkett (87 -37). MEW GULL (Larus canus). West AMERICAN SWALLOW- outside New London harbor, LE CONTE'S SPARROW (Am­ Haven, 23 Dec. 1984 (85-34). TAILED KITE (Elanoides forfi­ 29 Nov. 1987, H. McGuinness modramus leconteir). Canton, See CW 5, No. 1, cover photo. catus). Lake Whitney, (88-11). 27 Dec. 1987 to 9 Jan. 1988, J. IVORY GULL (Pagophila Hamden, 10 June 1987, F. BURROWING OWL (Athene cu­ Kaplan•, L. R. Bevier, J. eburnell). Connecticut River in McBride• and A. Syer (87 -27). nicularia). NewHavenharbor, Kaufman, et al. (88-1). Photos East Windsor Hill, 11 Jan. 1986 GYRFALCON (Falco rusticolus). 19-28 Dec. 1979, A. H. Bled­ on file. First authenticated (86-7). West Haven and New Haven, soe•, N. Proctor, et al. (88-5). state record. See CW 8:25-27 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (Se­ 22 Dec. 1987 until7 April1988, First authenticated state rec­ and American Birds 42:231 lasphorus rufus). Portland N. Currie•, R. Schwartz, et al. ord. See American Birds including published photo. Meadows, Portland, 30 Aug. (87-48). Photos on file. See 34:254 including published HOARY REDPOLL (Carduelis 1986 (87-33). American Birds 42:228. photo. hornemanni). Torrington, 12 SCISSOR-TAILED FLY- BLACK RAIL (Lizterallus ja­ COMMON RAVEN (Corvus co­ Mar. 1987, M. Szantyr• and J. CATCHER (Tyrannus forfica­ maicensis). Hammonasset rax). Canton Landfill, 27 Feb. Kirk (88-9). tus). Near Milford Point, Beach State Park, Madison, 6 1983, J. Kaplan (88-2). Milford, 22 Aug. 1987 (87-29). Oct. 1986, C. Taylor (87-46). SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus plat­ UNACCEYTED RECORDS GRAY JAY (Perisoreus canaden­ SANDHILL CRANE (Grus ca­ ensis). Storrs, Mansfield, 5 Oct. (Identification Questionable) sis). East Rock Park, New nadensis). Newtown, 24 Aug. 1987, L. R. Bevierlt and W. Haven, Jan. or Feb., 1967 or 1987, M. Szantyr (88-10). Burkett (87-40). LEACH'S STORM-PETREL 1968 (88-18). AMERICAN AVOCET (Recurvi­ NORTHERN WHEATEAR (Oe­ (Ocellnodromaleucorhoa). Bird MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialia rostra americana). Greenwich nanthe oenanthe). Town Beach, found dead in East Hartford currucoides). Male reported Point Park, Greenwich, 13 Clinton, 27-29 Sept. 1987, J. near the Connecticut River in from Oxford, mid-April, 1975 May 1985, J. Zeranski (88-27). Zickefoose•, A. Griswold, et al. 1975, but specimen lost (87- (88-19). CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris (87-38). 45). LARK BUNTING (Calamospiza ferruginell). Adult in breeding VARIED THRUSH (lxoreus nae­ NORTHERN GANNET (Sula melanocorys). Beacon Falls, 24- plumage, Bam Island, Ston­ vius). Male in Granby, 5 Jan. - bassanus). Westport, 30 Dec. 25 Feb. 1985 (85-11). ington, 7 June 1987, L. R. 10Feb.1986,J.Ford,J.Kaplan•, 1984 (85-39). HENSLOW'S SPARROW (Am­ Bevierlt and F. Purnell (87-36). et al. (87-43). Photo on file. BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps modramus henslawir). Ham­ RUFF (Philomachus pugnax). YELLOW-THROATED WAR­ atratus). Greenwich, 23 Mar. monasset Beach State Park, Female, Sherwood Island BLER (Dendroica dominica). 1988 (88-28). Madison, 1 Sept. 1986 (87-26). State Park, Westport, 8 May Audubon Center, Greenwich, FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo Photos on file.

22 THE CONNECTICliT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 23 considered the evidence to be 1987, R. L. Soffer (87-21). 3-4 May 1986, T. Gilman et al. regalis). Greenwich, 4 Sept. insufficient for subspecific RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (87-34). Broad Brook Reser­ 1987 (87-32). determination in these three (Phalaropus lobatus). Adult voir area, Meriden, 26 May SANDHILL CRANE (Grus ca­ cases. female, Sandy Point, West 1987, F. Whitney (87-22). nadensis). NewCanaan, 16Jan. HARLEQUIN DUCK (Histrioni­ Haven, 8 June 1987, R. English BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK 1988 (88-22). cus histrionicus). Male, Mer­ (87-20). (Pheucticus melanocephalus). RED-NECKED PHALAROPE win Point, Milford, 4 Nov. MEW GULL (Larus canus). Branford, 20 Dec. 1980. N. (Phalaropus lobatus). Milford 1986, F. McBride• and J. Hammonasset Beach State Proctor, D. Sibley• et al. (88- Point, Milford, 27 Aug. 1986 Withgott(87-28). Photoonfile. Park, Madison, 5-6 Nov. 1973, 16). (87-25). BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps F. Purnell et al. (88-6). First CLAY-COLORED SPARROW PARASITIC JAEGER (Stercorar­ atratus). Bruce Golf Course, state record (hypothetical). (Spizella pallida). Storrs, Mans­ ius parasiticus). Milford Point, Greenwich, 16 May 1987, K. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE field, 30 Sept. 1987, L. R. Milford, 21 Sept. 1985 (87-30). Ballas et al. (87-24). (Rissa tridactyla). A half mile Bevierlt and W. Burkett (87 -37). MEW GULL (Larus canus). West AMERICAN SWALLOW- outside New London harbor, LE CONTE'S SPARROW (Am­ Haven, 23 Dec. 1984 (85-34). TAILED KITE (Elanoides forfi­ 29 Nov. 1987, H. McGuinness modramus leconteir). Canton, See CW 5, No. 1, cover photo. catus). Lake Whitney, (88-11). 27 Dec. 1987 to 9 Jan. 1988, J. IVORY GULL (Pagophila Hamden, 10 June 1987, F. BURROWING OWL (Athene cu­ Kaplan•, L. R. Bevier, J. eburnell). Connecticut River in McBride• and A. Syer (87 -27). nicularia). NewHavenharbor, Kaufman, et al. (88-1). Photos East Windsor Hill, 11 Jan. 1986 GYRFALCON (Falco rusticolus). 19-28 Dec. 1979, A. H. Bled­ on file. First authenticated (86-7). West Haven and New Haven, soe•, N. Proctor, et al. (88-5). state record. See CW 8:25-27 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (Se­ 22 Dec. 1987 until7 April1988, First authenticated state rec­ and American Birds 42:231 lasphorus rufus). Portland N. Currie•, R. Schwartz, et al. ord. See American Birds including published photo. Meadows, Portland, 30 Aug. (87-48). Photos on file. See 34:254 including published HOARY REDPOLL (Carduelis 1986 (87-33). American Birds 42:228. photo. hornemanni). Torrington, 12 SCISSOR-TAILED FLY- BLACK RAIL (Lizterallus ja­ COMMON RAVEN (Corvus co­ Mar. 1987, M. Szantyr• and J. CATCHER (Tyrannus forfica­ maicensis). Hammonasset rax). Canton Landfill, 27 Feb. Kirk (88-9). tus). Near Milford Point, Beach State Park, Madison, 6 1983, J. Kaplan (88-2). Milford, 22 Aug. 1987 (87-29). Oct. 1986, C. Taylor (87-46). SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus plat­ UNACCEYTED RECORDS GRAY JAY (Perisoreus canaden­ SANDHILL CRANE (Grus ca­ ensis). Storrs, Mansfield, 5 Oct. (Identification Questionable) sis). East Rock Park, New nadensis). Newtown, 24 Aug. 1987, L. R. Bevierlt and W. Haven, Jan. or Feb., 1967 or 1987, M. Szantyr (88-10). Burkett (87-40). LEACH'S STORM-PETREL 1968 (88-18). AMERICAN AVOCET (Recurvi­ NORTHERN WHEATEAR (Oe­ (Ocellnodromaleucorhoa). Bird MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialia rostra americana). Greenwich nanthe oenanthe). Town Beach, found dead in East Hartford currucoides). Male reported Point Park, Greenwich, 13 Clinton, 27-29 Sept. 1987, J. near the Connecticut River in from Oxford, mid-April, 1975 May 1985, J. Zeranski (88-27). Zickefoose•, A. Griswold, et al. 1975, but specimen lost (87- (88-19). CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris (87-38). 45). LARK BUNTING (Calamospiza ferruginell). Adult in breeding VARIED THRUSH (lxoreus nae­ NORTHERN GANNET (Sula melanocorys). Beacon Falls, 24- plumage, Bam Island, Ston­ vius). Male in Granby, 5 Jan. - bassanus). Westport, 30 Dec. 25 Feb. 1985 (85-11). ington, 7 June 1987, L. R. 10Feb.1986,J.Ford,J.Kaplan•, 1984 (85-39). HENSLOW'S SPARROW (Am­ Bevierlt and F. Purnell (87-36). et al. (87-43). Photo on file. BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps modramus henslawir). Ham­ RUFF (Philomachus pugnax). YELLOW-THROATED WAR­ atratus). Greenwich, 23 Mar. monasset Beach State Park, Female, Sherwood Island BLER (Dendroica dominica). 1988 (88-28). Madison, 1 Sept. 1986 (87-26). State Park, Westport, 8 May Audubon Center, Greenwich, FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo Photos on file.

22 THE CONNECTICliT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 1 23 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER UNACCEPTED RECORDS CORRECTIONS FOR THE SEC­ Origin Questionable (identifica­ OND CRRC REPORT: Editor tion accepted) CW 7:48- The Gull-billed Tern Betty S. Kleiner, Simsbury was in Madison on 4 Oct. 1985 5 Flintlock Ridge, Simsbury 06070 BARNACLE GOOSE (Branta leu­ and seen by C. Taylor et al. (85- Art Director copsis). Adult with apparent 30). Patrick J. Lynch, Cheshire hutchinsii Canada Goose mate CW 7:50- The Yellow-headed Associate Editors and 2 hybrid offspring, at Blackbird dates should be 16- Robert A. Askins, New London Frederick Purnell Jr ., Darien Southbury Training School, 25 April1985. Anthony H. Bledsoe, New Haven Fred C. Sibley, Guilford Southbury, and Squire Road CW 7:51- The South Polar Skua George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs Clay Taylor, Moodus Pond, Roxbury, 22 Nov. 1984- report should have the CRRC Jay B. Kaplan, Canton Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield 10 Jan. 1985 (85-33). Photos designation (85-37), not "(87- Editorial Advisory Board onfile. See CW 5, No.2 : 16-18 37)". Michael Harwood, Washington, Chairman and cover photo. Storrs, CW 7:51 - For Ash-throated Noble Proctor Mansfield, 21 Sept. 1986 (87- Flycatcher, add "See CW 6:33- John Terres 39). Photo on file. 34." The Connecticut Warbler, is devoted to the study ofbirds, and is published RED-CRESTED POCHARD quarterly (January, April, July and October) by the Connecticut Ornitho­ (Netta rufina). Bunnell's Pond, Submitted: September 27, 1988 logical Association (COA). Membership in COA is based on a calendar year, Beardsley Park, Bridgeport, 9- George Oark, Chair and Com­ with membership renewable in January . New members ofCOA receive all 13 Dec. 1987 (87-49). Photo on piler of the Third Report fourissuesofThe Connecticut Warbler for that year. Address all correspon­ file. dence, and make checks payable to: The Connecticut Ornithological BLACK-HOODED PARAKEET Committee Members for 1988: Association, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06430. (Nandayus nenday). Storrs, Louis Bevier, Tom Burke, Rich­ Membership Fees Mansfield, 13-14 Sept. 1987 ard English, Ed Hagen, Fred Member $10.00 Contributing $20.00 (88-23). Purnell. Alternates: Buzz Family $15.00 Sustaining $30.00 CHOUGH (Pyrrhororax pyrrhoco­ Devine, Fred Sibley, Mark Szan­ rax). Newtown, 23-24 Nov. tyr, Oay Taylor, Joe Zeranski. Life $300.00, payable in three annual installments 1987 and 15 Feb. 1988 (88-20). Frank Mantlik, Secretary, 39-A Guide for Contributers Woodside Ave., Westport, CT 06880 Preparation of Manuscripts: The editors welcome submission of articles and notes for the Connecticut Warbler. Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on one side of the sheet only, with ample margins on all sides. Style ofthe manuscript should follow general usage in recent issues. All manuscripts receive peer review. Dlustrations: The editors welcome submission of line artwork of Connecticut and regional birds. Black and white photographs of particular interest will also be considered, but tend to ·print at less than optimum quality. Line art should be submitted as good-quality photographic prints or in original form. All originals and prints will be returned promptly after publication prints are made. THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER 24 THE CONNECTICliT WARBLER THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER UNACCEPTED RECORDS CORRECTIONS FOR THE SEC­ Origin Questionable (identifica­ OND CRRC REPORT: Editor tion accepted) CW 7:48- The Gull-billed Tern Betty S. Kleiner, Simsbury was in Madison on 4 Oct. 1985 5 Flintlock Ridge, Simsbury 06070 BARNACLE GOOSE (Branta leu­ and seen by C. Taylor et al. (85- Art Director copsis). Adult with apparent 30). Patrick J. Lynch, Cheshire hutchinsii Canada Goose mate CW 7:50- The Yellow-headed Associate Editors and 2 hybrid offspring, at Blackbird dates should be 16- Robert A. Askins, New London Frederick Purnell Jr ., Darien Southbury Training School, 25 April1985. Anthony H. Bledsoe, New Haven Fred C. Sibley, Guilford Southbury, and Squire Road CW 7:51- The South Polar Skua George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs Clay Taylor, Moodus Pond, Roxbury, 22 Nov. 1984- report should have the CRRC Jay B. Kaplan, Canton Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield 10 Jan. 1985 (85-33). Photos designation (85-37), not "(87- Editorial Advisory Board onfile. See CW 5, No.2 : 16-18 37)". Michael Harwood, Washington, Chairman and cover photo. Storrs, CW 7:51 - For Ash-throated Noble Proctor Mansfield, 21 Sept. 1986 (87- Flycatcher, add "See CW 6:33- John Terres 39). Photo on file. 34." The Connecticut Warbler, is devoted to the study ofbirds, and is published RED-CRESTED POCHARD quarterly (January, April, July and October) by the Connecticut Ornitho­ (Netta rufina). Bunnell's Pond, Submitted: September 27, 1988 logical Association (COA). Membership in COA is based on a calendar year, Beardsley Park, Bridgeport, 9- George Oark, Chair and Com­ with membership renewable in January . New members ofCOA receive all 13 Dec. 1987 (87-49). Photo on piler of the Third Report fourissuesofThe Connecticut Warbler for that year. Address all correspon­ file. dence, and make checks payable to: The Connecticut Ornithological BLACK-HOODED PARAKEET Committee Members for 1988: Association, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06430. (Nandayus nenday). Storrs, Louis Bevier, Tom Burke, Rich­ Membership Fees Mansfield, 13-14 Sept. 1987 ard English, Ed Hagen, Fred Member $10.00 Contributing $20.00 (88-23). Purnell. Alternates: Buzz Family $15.00 Sustaining $30.00 CHOUGH (Pyrrhororax pyrrhoco­ Devine, Fred Sibley, Mark Szan­ rax). Newtown, 23-24 Nov. tyr, Oay Taylor, Joe Zeranski. Life $300.00, payable in three annual installments 1987 and 15 Feb. 1988 (88-20). Frank Mantlik, Secretary, 39-A Guide for Contributers Woodside Ave., Westport, CT 06880 Preparation of Manuscripts: The editors welcome submission of articles and notes for the Connecticut Warbler. Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on one side of the sheet only, with ample margins on all sides. Style ofthe manuscript should follow general usage in recent issues. All manuscripts receive peer review. Dlustrations: The editors welcome submission of line artwork of Connecticut and regional birds. Black and white photographs of particular interest will also be considered, but tend to ·print at less than optimum quality. Line art should be submitted as good-quality photographic prints or in original form. All originals and prints will be returned promptly after publication prints are made. THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER 24 THE CONNECTICliT WARBLER Winter 1989 Contents Volume IX Number 1 January 1989 THE 1 Species Composition of Food Brought to RoseateTern Chicks on Falkner Island, Connecticut in Summer 1984 CONNECTICUT Sarah Richards and William Shew

6 More on Snow Bathing Donald Hopkins WARBLER

7 Connecticut Field Notes Summer: June 1 -July 31, 1988 Clay Taylor

14 An Editorial on the Evolution of Birding Roland C. Clement

18 Connecticut Bird Specimens in the State Museum of Natural History George A. Clark, Jr.

20 Third Report of the Connecticut Rare Records Committee

The Connecticut Ornithological Association 314 Unquowa Road Non-Profit Org. Fairfield, CT 06430 U.S. Postage PAID Fairfield, CT Permit No. 275

J

Volume IX No.1 January 1989 Pages 1-24 Spring 1989 Contents Volume IX Number 2 April1989 THE 25 Editorial - The Tanager Tree Frederick Purnell, Jr. CONNECTICUT 27 The 1988-1989 Christmas Count Fred C. Sibley and Stephen P. Broker WARBLER 39 Connecticut Field Notes Fall: August 1 - November 30, 1988 A Journal of Connecticut Ornithology Jay Kaplan

44 From the Editor's Desk Betty Kleiner

45 Snow Geese Struck Down by Thunderstorm Milan G. Bull

47 Possible ''Red-shafted" Northern Flicker in Woodbury, Connecticut Mark Szantyr

The Connecticut Ornithological Association 314 Unquowa Road Non-Profit Org. Fairfield, CT 06480 U.S. Postage PAID Fairfield, CT Permit No. 275 I J

Volume IX No. 2 April1989 Pages 25-48 THE CONNECTICUf ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION EDITORIAL Pre•ident The There is a tall, spreading tree on the trail to Pico Debra M. Miller, Franklin, MA Humboldt where the tanagers feed in the sunlight. In Vice-Pre•ident Tanager the high cloud forest of the Venezuelan Andes an early Frank Mantlik, Westport mist rolls up the valley on midwinter afternoons, Secretary Tree Alison Olivieri, Fairfield shrouding the peaks in cool, wet whiteness. The tana­ Trea.urer gers continue feeding, oblivious to the cloud, their Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield disembodied chatter drifting down through the mist. I stood below that tree several weeks ago, gazing up Board of Directors into a rich and beautiful realm. In the Neotropics, tanagers travel in mixed feeding flocks, composed of 1987-1990 1988-1991 up to a dozen species. For the most part they are as Raymond E. Belding, Harwinton Milan G. Bull, Fairfield brilliantly colored as butterflies, with exotic descrip­ George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs Julia Arab Rankin, Wethersfield tive names: Beryl-spangled, Saffron-crowned, Bay­ Dwight S. Smith, New Haven Roland C. Clement, Norwalk Todd Weintz, Stamford Jay B. Kaplan, Canton headed, Burnished-buff. They display their greatest Christopher S. Wood, Woodbury John P. McDonald, Storrs variety in the rain and cloud forests of South America, Joseph Zeranski, Greenwich George W. Zepko, Middletown areas of astounding biological diversity which most of us will never see. 1989-1992 Winifred Burkett, Storrs My companions this day were my friend Frank Jay Buss, Fairfield Mantlik and two young biologists from Hampshire Sam Fried, West Hartford College. We formed part of an expedition studying the Gordon Loery, Morris livestock guarding dogs of the high Andes, descen­ Gary Palmer, Cos Cob Frederick Purnell, Jr ., Darien dants of those introduced by the Spaniards long ago. Suddenly a new arrival among the tanagers caught our attention. It was a striking bird, black and white, About our Cover Artist: with a bright splash of crimson. "Wow! What's that?" It was, indeed, an old friend, a male Rose-breasted Mark Szantyr, Waterbury Grosbeak coming into breeding finery on its wintering "Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)" grounds. "Is it rare?" Not really. I explained how this Mark Szantyr is a newcomer to bird painting, most of his work being bird could well be in New England by early May, large spatial or biomorphic abstractions, based on drawings from life. defending a nesting territory in a woodlot. It was one His primary media is oil paint, with works in juried shows, the most of "our'' birds, here only for the winter. recent being the Kansas 14th Annual Small Painting, Drawing and Yet seeing the grosbeak here was jarring. Wasn't Printmaking Show in Hays, Kansas. He is an avid photographer, this bird' s life as clearly defined and determined by its especially of birds and nature, and has had many articles published time in the tanagertreeasitwas onitsNorth American about birds and birding, numerous ones in the Connecticut Warbler. breeding grounds? H so, what sense could it make to He also runs a bird-banding station at the Flanders Nature Center in view it as "our" bird, as though the other half of its Woodbury, for the Western Connecticut Bird Oubs' Science and existence did not matter? It was clearly "their" bird Research Committee. Inquiries about his work may be directed to him too, belonging as much to the Andean villagers, the at 25 Bonair Ave., Waterbury, Cf 06710. bromeliads and the tanagers as to "us". As we read of the ongoing destruction of the South THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 25 THE CONNECTICUf ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION EDITORIAL Pre•ident The There is a tall, spreading tree on the trail to Pico Debra M. Miller, Franklin, MA Humboldt where the tanagers feed in the sunlight. In Vice-Pre•ident Tanager the high cloud forest of the Venezuelan Andes an early Frank Mantlik, Westport mist rolls up the valley on midwinter afternoons, Secretary Tree Alison Olivieri, Fairfield shrouding the peaks in cool, wet whiteness. The tana­ Trea.urer gers continue feeding, oblivious to the cloud, their Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield disembodied chatter drifting down through the mist. I stood below that tree several weeks ago, gazing up Board of Directors into a rich and beautiful realm. In the Neotropics, tanagers travel in mixed feeding flocks, composed of 1987-1990 1988-1991 up to a dozen species. For the most part they are as Raymond E. Belding, Harwinton Milan G. Bull, Fairfield brilliantly colored as butterflies, with exotic descrip­ George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs Julia Arab Rankin, Wethersfield tive names: Beryl-spangled, Saffron-crowned, Bay­ Dwight S. Smith, New Haven Roland C. Clement, Norwalk Todd Weintz, Stamford Jay B. Kaplan, Canton headed, Burnished-buff. They display their greatest Christopher S. Wood, Woodbury John P. McDonald, Storrs variety in the rain and cloud forests of South America, Joseph Zeranski, Greenwich George W. Zepko, Middletown areas of astounding biological diversity which most of us will never see. 1989-1992 Winifred Burkett, Storrs My companions this day were my friend Frank Jay Buss, Fairfield Mantlik and two young biologists from Hampshire Sam Fried, West Hartford College. We formed part of an expedition studying the Gordon Loery, Morris livestock guarding dogs of the high Andes, descen­ Gary Palmer, Cos Cob Frederick Purnell, Jr ., Darien dants of those introduced by the Spaniards long ago. Suddenly a new arrival among the tanagers caught our attention. It was a striking bird, black and white, About our Cover Artist: with a bright splash of crimson. "Wow! What's that?" It was, indeed, an old friend, a male Rose-breasted Mark Szantyr, Waterbury Grosbeak coming into breeding finery on its wintering "Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)" grounds. "Is it rare?" Not really. I explained how this Mark Szantyr is a newcomer to bird painting, most of his work being bird could well be in New England by early May, large spatial or biomorphic abstractions, based on drawings from life. defending a nesting territory in a woodlot. It was one His primary media is oil paint, with works in juried shows, the most of "our'' birds, here only for the winter. recent being the Kansas 14th Annual Small Painting, Drawing and Yet seeing the grosbeak here was jarring. Wasn't Printmaking Show in Hays, Kansas. He is an avid photographer, this bird' s life as clearly defined and determined by its especially of birds and nature, and has had many articles published time in the tanagertreeasitwas onitsNorth American about birds and birding, numerous ones in the Connecticut Warbler. breeding grounds? H so, what sense could it make to He also runs a bird-banding station at the Flanders Nature Center in view it as "our" bird, as though the other half of its Woodbury, for the Western Connecticut Bird Oubs' Science and existence did not matter? It was clearly "their" bird Research Committee. Inquiries about his work may be directed to him too, belonging as much to the Andean villagers, the at 25 Bonair Ave., Waterbury, Cf 06710. bromeliads and the tanagers as to "us". As we read of the ongoing destruction of the South THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 25 American forests we are inevitably must be of direct concern to all tempted to disparage the attlfude of us who care about the diver­ THE 1988-1989 CHRISTMAS COUNT of governments and developers sity of life on our planet. Fred C. Sibley1 and Stephen P. Broker oblivious to the richness and fragil­ Even if we are never fortu­ ity of their natural heritage. (It nate enough to visit the Ama­ More Connecticut Christmas Pine Grosbeak; Stratford-Milford helps, of course, to overlook the zon basin, the pampas of Ar­ CountsareheldthefirstSaturday had the only Bam Owl, New policies that have brought the old­ gentina or an Andean cloud of the count period than at any London had a Snowy Owl, New timber forest of our own Pacific forest, their future is connected other time. When did we get the Haven had Grasshopper Spar­ Northwest to a tenuous remnant.) to our own. Let "your'' next bitter cold and strong winds? row and Westport came through To many in South America, the grosbeak serve as a reminder. You guessed it. After that day with their colony of Monk Para­ attempts to establish long-term anything seemed reasonable. The keets (the Connecticut Rare Rec­ alternatives to habitat destruction Frederick Purnell, Jr. 162 species plus one count period ords Committee is still struggling smack of ecological imperialism 73 West Ave., Darien, CT (CP) bird was no record breaker, with whether this is an estab­ and have evoked aggressive na­ 06820 but we can't see what isn't there. lished feral population). People tionalistic responses. ''They" are There were rare birds seen. always want to know who's the telling "us" what to do. There are Those wishing to support Northern Gannet (Greenwich­ biggest and the best. The coast others, however, who have learned BIOMA's efforts may contact Stamford) and Veery (Salmon always has the edge herewith 44 thelessonofthetanagertree. Hugo them at the following address: River) were new for the state species not seen elsewhere in the Arnal, the dynamic young director Christmas Count list. The Veery state and a total of 151 plus 2 CP ofBIOMA,a Venezuelan organiza­ BIOMA is most unusual and almost un­ species. If it's any consolation, the tion committed to acquiring and Edit. Camara de Comercio de heard of during winter. Ten number of species seen inland preserving biologically important Caracas counts had a total of 19 species but not on the coast was very high natural areas, has begun to marshal Piso 4, Avenida Este 2, Los seenonlyononecount. The New this year (10). New Haven as public and private support on Caobos Haven count had 5 such species usual dominated the coastal behalf of the environment. His Apartado 1968 including Cape May Warbler, counts despite going out in the work, and that of others like him, 1010-A, Caracas, Venezuela another exceptional winter rec­ worst weather. Their 125 was 14 ord. above the competition (Old Lyme Other unique records of water this year as Stratford-Milford and marsh birds: Greenwich­ faded to a three way tie for third). Stamford had the only Red­ New Haven had the most field necked Grebe and Great Egret; observers of the coastal counts, New London the only Blue­ but Greenwich-Stamford winged Teal; New Haven had claimed the most total observers. Eurasian Wigeon and Sora; Old Palm Warbler and Short-eared Lyme had American Oyster­ Owl were both missed for the first catchers; Westport had Lesser time in ten years. Yellowlegs; and Stratford­ In Mid-state, the Woodbury­ Milford had Seaside Sparrow. Roxbury count took honors for Single count sightings of upland most species, individuals and birds: Lakeville-Sharon had Red­ observers. The 100 species seen headed Woodpecker, Trail Wood mid-state was respectable and had Palm Warbler, Hartford had the House Wrens (4 total on Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Salmon River and Hidden Valley

26 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 27 American forests we are inevitably must be of direct concern to all tempted to disparage the attlfude of us who care about the diver­ THE 1988-1989 CHRISTMAS COUNT of governments and developers sity of life on our planet. Fred C. Sibley1 and Stephen P. Broker oblivious to the richness and fragil­ Even if we are never fortu­ ity of their natural heritage. (It nate enough to visit the Ama­ More Connecticut Christmas Pine Grosbeak; Stratford-Milford helps, of course, to overlook the zon basin, the pampas of Ar­ CountsareheldthefirstSaturday had the only Bam Owl, New policies that have brought the old­ gentina or an Andean cloud of the count period than at any London had a Snowy Owl, New timber forest of our own Pacific forest, their future is connected other time. When did we get the Haven had Grasshopper Spar­ Northwest to a tenuous remnant.) to our own. Let "your'' next bitter cold and strong winds? row and Westport came through To many in South America, the grosbeak serve as a reminder. You guessed it. After that day with their colony of Monk Para­ attempts to establish long-term anything seemed reasonable. The keets (the Connecticut Rare Rec­ alternatives to habitat destruction Frederick Purnell, Jr. 162 species plus one count period ords Committee is still struggling smack of ecological imperialism 73 West Ave., Darien, CT (CP) bird was no record breaker, with whether this is an estab­ and have evoked aggressive na­ 06820 but we can't see what isn't there. lished feral population). People tionalistic responses. ''They" are There were rare birds seen. always want to know who's the telling "us" what to do. There are Those wishing to support Northern Gannet (Greenwich­ biggest and the best. The coast others, however, who have learned BIOMA's efforts may contact Stamford) and Veery (Salmon always has the edge herewith 44 thelessonofthetanagertree. Hugo them at the following address: River) were new for the state species not seen elsewhere in the Arnal, the dynamic young director Christmas Count list. The Veery state and a total of 151 plus 2 CP ofBIOMA,a Venezuelan organiza­ BIOMA is most unusual and almost un­ species. If it's any consolation, the tion committed to acquiring and Edit. Camara de Comercio de heard of during winter. Ten number of species seen inland preserving biologically important Caracas counts had a total of 19 species but not on the coast was very high natural areas, has begun to marshal Piso 4, Avenida Este 2, Los seenonlyononecount. The New this year (10). New Haven as public and private support on Caobos Haven count had 5 such species usual dominated the coastal behalf of the environment. His Apartado 1968 including Cape May Warbler, counts despite going out in the work, and that of others like him, 1010-A, Caracas, Venezuela another exceptional winter rec­ worst weather. Their 125 was 14 ord. above the competition (Old Lyme Other unique records of water this year as Stratford-Milford and marsh birds: Greenwich­ faded to a three way tie for third). Stamford had the only Red­ New Haven had the most field necked Grebe and Great Egret; observers of the coastal counts, New London the only Blue­ but Greenwich-Stamford winged Teal; New Haven had claimed the most total observers. Eurasian Wigeon and Sora; Old Palm Warbler and Short-eared Lyme had American Oyster­ Owl were both missed for the first catchers; Westport had Lesser time in ten years. Yellowlegs; and Stratford­ In Mid-state, the Woodbury­ Milford had Seaside Sparrow. Roxbury count took honors for Single count sightings of upland most species, individuals and birds: Lakeville-Sharon had Red­ observers. The 100 species seen headed Woodpecker, Trail Wood mid-state was respectable and had Palm Warbler, Hartford had the House Wrens (4 total on Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Salmon River and Hidden Valley

26 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 27 counts) and Lincoln Sparrows ing, yet we do like to look back state. The good news about the the Christmas Count numbers (Salmon River and Woodbury­ years later and say "I told you rest of the ducks is that Common only confirm this decline with the Roxbury) deserve special recog­ so." Therefore, as payment for Goldeneye, Bufflehead and all 3 statelowof75,aboutathirdofthe nition. Great Cormorants were doing this article, I get to throw in merganser species are at high mid 70's total. A new low has present for the first time (Salmon some predictions from time to levels with the 1500 Red-breasted been reached in 4 of the last 7 River) and Greater Scaup (Ox­ time. Let's start by comparing Mergansers breaking the old rec­ years. ford) had not been seen in over 10 this year's count to 1972-1976 ord. Gadwall are also doing well It was a bad year for Ruffed years. Incredibly, over 25 percent period. with a record 469 seen versus 23 Grouse and Pheasant. Bobwhite of the species mid-state were Waterfowl: Loons are about in the early 70's. For therestof the that used to be reliable on the represented by high counts in the same. Surprised? Pied-billed puddle and sea ducks, we are on New London and Old Lyme contrast to the coast where high and Homed Grebes have de­ a down trend from a peak in the counts are now a rarity on all counts and low counts were clined somewhat. Great Cormo­ early 80's and are back to or be­ counts and were found only on about even (more later). On the rants show only a slight increase low the previous low in the mid the Barkhamsted and Hartford Northern Counts, Hartford is while Double-crested Cormo­ to early 70's. counts this year; total of 7 birds. always the top dog for species, rantshavegonefrom 1 peryearto Raptors: Turkey Vultures are a American Coot is a species we are individuals (65% of the State to­ 100 per year. Both species had permanent fixture now and losing as a winter resident. They tal) and observers -beating out numbers double or triple their much more common mid-state were missed for the first time in Greenwich-Stamford for state present levels in 1984 & 1985. than on the coast. Ospreys turned 10 years mid-state and recorded honors in this category. The Palm Herons are doing very well. Even up on the New Haven and Ox­ record lows in the northern Warbler at Trail Wood was new the American Bittern is coming ford counts. This is the same fre­ counts (13 individuals) and on for the northern counts. The back to former levels. Snowy and quency with which they were the coast (10 individuals). Only Marsh Wren, Double-crested Great Egret are appearing on the seen ten years ago. With the con­ 10 years ago the counts were 236 Cormorant and Rose-breasted counts and the Great Blue Heron tinued recovery of the species I and 76 respectively. Nothing Grosbeak at Hartford and Lap­ has gone from an average of 10 to would have expected more win­ spectacular happened to shore­ land Longs pur at Storrs are all over 200 per year. The only de­ ter records. Bald Eagle numbers bird numbers. We are on a down rare species for this area. Ravens, clining species is the Black­ were phenomenal. The 49 seen is trend here, returning to the lower still a rarity in the state, were crowned Night-Heron - down a almost double the previous high numbers of the early 70's. Kill­ recorded at both Barkhamsted (3) third from the 70's. Mute Swans with 8 counts recording the spe­ deer were at record low numbers and Lakeville-Sharon (2). It was just continue to multiply with a cies. Woodbury-Roxbury had the while American Oystercatchers an exceptional year for Phoebes high count of 1750 this year; the most with 13, followed by Old turned up again at Old Lyme - with 2 found at Litchfield Hills 4th high count in the last 7 years. Lyme with 10. The rest of the 2nd year there and 3rd year for and 1 at Trail Wood. At the same time, they are still a hawks are all doing well. Red­ the state. The numbers of Ring­ The senior author-filling in for rarity on the northern counts and shouldered and Rough-legged billed and Great Black-backed Stephen Broker - has attempted midstatenumbersarewellbelow Hawk numbers equal thoseofthe Gullshaveleveledoffon theinte­ to make some sense out of this the 1985 peak. Snow Geese are 70's, while the 3 accipiters and the rior counts although sti1110 plus swirling mass of tea leaves. If I essentially unchanged, while Red-tailed have shown tremen­ times larger than the numbers of fail, just remember that none of Brant average several hundred a dous increases from those days the 70's. Interestingly, the num­ the psychics predicted the events year compared to the 1-2 of the with the mid 80's being the high ber of Herring Gulls on the inte­ in China or Russia. Trends, easy early 70's. Canada Goose num­ point. The falcons have also done rior counts has increased only to see in hind sight, are difficult to bers did not break any records well with a record count of Mer­ slightly over the same period and call on one year's decline. One this year, but are still 7 times the tins (4) and Peregrines (5) this the numbers of all three gulls doesn't want to run through the countin the70'swith the increase year. The American Kestrel, as have remained almost constant streets crying that the sky is fall- spread rather evenly over the we all know,is not doing well and on the coast.

28 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 29 counts) and Lincoln Sparrows ing, yet we do like to look back state. The good news about the the Christmas Count numbers (Salmon River and Woodbury­ years later and say "I told you rest of the ducks is that Common only confirm this decline with the Roxbury) deserve special recog­ so." Therefore, as payment for Goldeneye, Bufflehead and all 3 statelowof75,aboutathirdofthe nition. Great Cormorants were doing this article, I get to throw in merganser species are at high mid 70's total. A new low has present for the first time (Salmon some predictions from time to levels with the 1500 Red-breasted been reached in 4 of the last 7 River) and Greater Scaup (Ox­ time. Let's start by comparing Mergansers breaking the old rec­ years. ford) had not been seen in over 10 this year's count to 1972-1976 ord. Gadwall are also doing well It was a bad year for Ruffed years. Incredibly, over 25 percent period. with a record 469 seen versus 23 Grouse and Pheasant. Bobwhite of the species mid-state were Waterfowl: Loons are about in the early 70's. For therestof the that used to be reliable on the represented by high counts in the same. Surprised? Pied-billed puddle and sea ducks, we are on New London and Old Lyme contrast to the coast where high and Homed Grebes have de­ a down trend from a peak in the counts are now a rarity on all counts and low counts were clined somewhat. Great Cormo­ early 80's and are back to or be­ counts and were found only on about even (more later). On the rants show only a slight increase low the previous low in the mid the Barkhamsted and Hartford Northern Counts, Hartford is while Double-crested Cormo­ to early 70's. counts this year; total of 7 birds. always the top dog for species, rantshavegonefrom 1 peryearto Raptors: Turkey Vultures are a American Coot is a species we are individuals (65% of the State to­ 100 per year. Both species had permanent fixture now and losing as a winter resident. They tal) and observers -beating out numbers double or triple their much more common mid-state were missed for the first time in Greenwich-Stamford for state present levels in 1984 & 1985. than on the coast. Ospreys turned 10 years mid-state and recorded honors in this category. The Palm Herons are doing very well. Even up on the New Haven and Ox­ record lows in the northern Warbler at Trail Wood was new the American Bittern is coming ford counts. This is the same fre­ counts (13 individuals) and on for the northern counts. The back to former levels. Snowy and quency with which they were the coast (10 individuals). Only Marsh Wren, Double-crested Great Egret are appearing on the seen ten years ago. With the con­ 10 years ago the counts were 236 Cormorant and Rose-breasted counts and the Great Blue Heron tinued recovery of the species I and 76 respectively. Nothing Grosbeak at Hartford and Lap­ has gone from an average of 10 to would have expected more win­ spectacular happened to shore­ land Longs pur at Storrs are all over 200 per year. The only de­ ter records. Bald Eagle numbers bird numbers. We are on a down rare species for this area. Ravens, clining species is the Black­ were phenomenal. The 49 seen is trend here, returning to the lower still a rarity in the state, were crowned Night-Heron - down a almost double the previous high numbers of the early 70's. Kill­ recorded at both Barkhamsted (3) third from the 70's. Mute Swans with 8 counts recording the spe­ deer were at record low numbers and Lakeville-Sharon (2). It was just continue to multiply with a cies. Woodbury-Roxbury had the while American Oystercatchers an exceptional year for Phoebes high count of 1750 this year; the most with 13, followed by Old turned up again at Old Lyme - with 2 found at Litchfield Hills 4th high count in the last 7 years. Lyme with 10. The rest of the 2nd year there and 3rd year for and 1 at Trail Wood. At the same time, they are still a hawks are all doing well. Red­ the state. The numbers of Ring­ The senior author-filling in for rarity on the northern counts and shouldered and Rough-legged billed and Great Black-backed Stephen Broker - has attempted midstatenumbersarewellbelow Hawk numbers equal thoseofthe Gullshaveleveledoffon theinte­ to make some sense out of this the 1985 peak. Snow Geese are 70's, while the 3 accipiters and the rior counts although sti1110 plus swirling mass of tea leaves. If I essentially unchanged, while Red-tailed have shown tremen­ times larger than the numbers of fail, just remember that none of Brant average several hundred a dous increases from those days the 70's. Interestingly, the num­ the psychics predicted the events year compared to the 1-2 of the with the mid 80's being the high ber of Herring Gulls on the inte­ in China or Russia. Trends, easy early 70's. Canada Goose num­ point. The falcons have also done rior counts has increased only to see in hind sight, are difficult to bers did not break any records well with a record count of Mer­ slightly over the same period and call on one year's decline. One this year, but are still 7 times the tins (4) and Peregrines (5) this the numbers of all three gulls doesn't want to run through the countin the70'swith the increase year. The American Kestrel, as have remained almost constant streets crying that the sky is fall- spread rather evenly over the we all know,is not doing well and on the coast.

28 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 29 Woodpeckers, winter finches, Barkhamsted and 1 at New Ha­ state-wide, and for Mockingbird, tant phenomenon. Although the feeder birds, and southern birds ven, Pine Siskin down from 1970 Winter Wren and Gray Catbird following explanation may not all seem worthy of special atten­ last year to 84 this year. Even mid-state. This may be due to the be correct, some explanation is tion this year. Woodpecker num­ American Goldfinch hit an all relatively mild 1987-88 winter. needed. In a normal year high berswerejustgreatalmostacross time low on the coastal and north­ Certainly Carolina Wrens are counts should outnumber low the board. Red-bellied Wood­ ern counts. The Purple Finch that sensitive to exceptionally cold counts by a wide margin. This is peckers posted their 6th high some lump with winter finches winters and Mockingbirds, Car­ partially due to the fact that you count in 10 years with record has continued to decline. The dinals and Tufted Titmouse are can have a high count for any numbers reported on almost ev­ count this year of 180 was less all southern birds that have in­ species, but you can only have a ery count. Only the Barkhamsted than half the lowest count re­ vaded the New England area low count for species seen in each count failed to record the species. corded in the last 20 years (ignor­ fairly recently. The House Wren, of the last ten yeafs. Hartford is a Over 30 Yellow-bellied Sapsuck­ ing last year's 260). Who killed Winter Wren and Catbird are all more or less typical situation ers were reported (3rd time in 5 the Evening Grosbeaks? Acid species that can survive a mild with 15 high counts and 5 low years). Either counters are get­ Rain? Global Warming? Or per­ winter and that probably suc­ counts. In contrast, the coastal ting better at finding them or haps the most magnificent year cumb during February cold counts had 13 high counts and 18 there is a trend developing. ever for northern seed plants and spells in a normal winter. Indi­ low counts. Most of the coastal Downy Woodpecker numbers therefore, no need to move? viduals of these species that sur­ counts had similar patterns. were at a record high. Flicker Whatever the cause, this is a shift vived last year's winter are likely Greenwich-Stamford was the numbers are still4-5 times greater of massive proportions. A real to attempt overwintering again. most striking with a mismatch of than during the 70's, but down phenomenon. Decades ago Eve­ Augmented by new birds at­ 6 high count to 18 low counts. from the 1985 peak. A record ning Grosbeaks poured out of the tempting to overwinter, we have Going out on a limb, one might number of Pileated Woodpeck­ north every 10-20 years with a record count. The fact that these suggest that these low counts ers was seen this year, probably spectacular winter flights. Some record highs are showing up represent a shift from censusing reflecting both increased obser­ have speculated that the now most prominently in the mid­ the birds to censusing the habitat. vations and increased observer expected annual winter move­ state area would lend further Confused? On the average count skills. ment of this species has been in support to the mild-winter argu­ for the average species only some Winter finches were the big­ response to the abundance of ment. The feeder birds men­ of the birds are actUally found. gest story of this Christmas feeders andMcSunflower stands. tioned are primarily permanent There is too much habitat (over Count and no one needs to get out Have you all stopped feeding or residents with limited migration 150 square miles) to be covered a calculator to recognize the drop. put out low fat sunflower seeds? The combination of a mild winter by the observers and we count Evening Grosbeaks were missed Keep your eye on this species. and extra food at feeding stations only a portion of the birds. This is -well, one each on the Barkham­ This brings us to a group of could explain their jump in num­ measured in party-hours and if sted and Westport counts. Totals common feeder birds showing bers. Every mild winter should we have approximately the same arealmostmeaningless-1453last record highs for the state- Black­ then be followed by an upturn in number of party-hours of effort year and 2 this year. A previous capped Chickadee, Tufted Tit­ the numbers of these species. The from one year to the next we low count in the last 20 years of mouse, and White-breasted Nut­ northern areas are evidently still should sample the same propor­ 425. Other winter finches did not hatch. We can also include too cold for most of these species tion of the population and be able show the catastrophic drops, but DownyWoodpeckerandifwego to overwinter. to detect changes in the popula­ it definitely was not a finch year. mid-state will find record highs The exceptional number of tion. For species that are very Pine Grosbeak represented by a for Hairy Woodpecker, Cardinal, high counts mid-state and the conspicuous or with very limited single bird in Hartford. Both White-throated Sparrow and exceptional number of low habitat, we census all the indi­ crossbills were missed. Common Song Sparrow. We also find rec­ counts on the coast was men­ viduals. The ultimate censusing Redpoll represented by 72 at ord highs for Carolina Wrens tioned earlier. This is an impor- of all individuals of all the species

30 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 31 Woodpeckers, winter finches, Barkhamsted and 1 at New Ha­ state-wide, and for Mockingbird, tant phenomenon. Although the feeder birds, and southern birds ven, Pine Siskin down from 1970 Winter Wren and Gray Catbird following explanation may not all seem worthy of special atten­ last year to 84 this year. Even mid-state. This may be due to the be correct, some explanation is tion this year. Woodpecker num­ American Goldfinch hit an all relatively mild 1987-88 winter. needed. In a normal year high berswerejustgreatalmostacross time low on the coastal and north­ Certainly Carolina Wrens are counts should outnumber low the board. Red-bellied Wood­ ern counts. The Purple Finch that sensitive to exceptionally cold counts by a wide margin. This is peckers posted their 6th high some lump with winter finches winters and Mockingbirds, Car­ partially due to the fact that you count in 10 years with record has continued to decline. The dinals and Tufted Titmouse are can have a high count for any numbers reported on almost ev­ count this year of 180 was less all southern birds that have in­ species, but you can only have a ery count. Only the Barkhamsted than half the lowest count re­ vaded the New England area low count for species seen in each count failed to record the species. corded in the last 20 years (ignor­ fairly recently. The House Wren, of the last ten yeafs. Hartford is a Over 30 Yellow-bellied Sapsuck­ ing last year's 260). Who killed Winter Wren and Catbird are all more or less typical situation ers were reported (3rd time in 5 the Evening Grosbeaks? Acid species that can survive a mild with 15 high counts and 5 low years). Either counters are get­ Rain? Global Warming? Or per­ winter and that probably suc­ counts. In contrast, the coastal ting better at finding them or haps the most magnificent year cumb during February cold counts had 13 high counts and 18 there is a trend developing. ever for northern seed plants and spells in a normal winter. Indi­ low counts. Most of the coastal Downy Woodpecker numbers therefore, no need to move? viduals of these species that sur­ counts had similar patterns. were at a record high. Flicker Whatever the cause, this is a shift vived last year's winter are likely Greenwich-Stamford was the numbers are still4-5 times greater of massive proportions. A real to attempt overwintering again. most striking with a mismatch of than during the 70's, but down phenomenon. Decades ago Eve­ Augmented by new birds at­ 6 high count to 18 low counts. from the 1985 peak. A record ning Grosbeaks poured out of the tempting to overwinter, we have Going out on a limb, one might number of Pileated Woodpeck­ north every 10-20 years with a record count. The fact that these suggest that these low counts ers was seen this year, probably spectacular winter flights. Some record highs are showing up represent a shift from censusing reflecting both increased obser­ have speculated that the now most prominently in the mid­ the birds to censusing the habitat. vations and increased observer expected annual winter move­ state area would lend further Confused? On the average count skills. ment of this species has been in support to the mild-winter argu­ for the average species only some Winter finches were the big­ response to the abundance of ment. The feeder birds men­ of the birds are actUally found. gest story of this Christmas feeders andMcSunflower stands. tioned are primarily permanent There is too much habitat (over Count and no one needs to get out Have you all stopped feeding or residents with limited migration 150 square miles) to be covered a calculator to recognize the drop. put out low fat sunflower seeds? The combination of a mild winter by the observers and we count Evening Grosbeaks were missed Keep your eye on this species. and extra food at feeding stations only a portion of the birds. This is -well, one each on the Barkham­ This brings us to a group of could explain their jump in num­ measured in party-hours and if sted and Westport counts. Totals common feeder birds showing bers. Every mild winter should we have approximately the same arealmostmeaningless-1453last record highs for the state- Black­ then be followed by an upturn in number of party-hours of effort year and 2 this year. A previous capped Chickadee, Tufted Tit­ the numbers of these species. The from one year to the next we low count in the last 20 years of mouse, and White-breasted Nut­ northern areas are evidently still should sample the same propor­ 425. Other winter finches did not hatch. We can also include too cold for most of these species tion of the population and be able show the catastrophic drops, but DownyWoodpeckerandifwego to overwinter. to detect changes in the popula­ it definitely was not a finch year. mid-state will find record highs The exceptional number of tion. For species that are very Pine Grosbeak represented by a for Hairy Woodpecker, Cardinal, high counts mid-state and the conspicuous or with very limited single bird in Hartford. Both White-throated Sparrow and exceptional number of low habitat, we census all the indi­ crossbills were missed. Common Song Sparrow. We also find rec­ counts on the coast was men­ viduals. The ultimate censusing Redpoll represented by 72 at ord highs for Carolina Wrens tioned earlier. This is an impor- of all individuals of all the species

30 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 31 will never be reached. However, Other troubles: Last year That was the easy part. After he species seen during the past 10 as we increase the number of Stephen Broker pointed out that had sifted through the 17 differ­ years (since the 1979-80 count). observers we reach a total census Eastern Meadowlarks have al­ ent counts and sorted out what Exceptions are Trail Wood, for more and more species. These most vanished as a wintering has possible significance, it took whichheldits3rdcountthisyear, may be obvious Christmas Count bird in Connecticut. This is cer­ an army to carry it all up to my and Barkhamsted, which held its facts. The new ingredient pro­ tainly true again this year with 5 office. Thanks Stephen! Thanks 4th count. The number of indi­ posed is that in coastal areas the counts recording a total of 18 also to the compilers for their vidual birds seen on the count is amount of habitat has shrunk birds or 1/10th of the total 20 cooperation with the Christmas given, rounded off to the nearest rapidly even as the number of years ago. Unlike the Red­ Countsummary.Nooneneedsto thousand. Numbers of observers observers has increased. Thus for winged Blackbird, this decline thank all the participants. You participating in the count is then many species we started census­ has been statewide. For the Red­ probably had as good a time as given, followed by the name of ing the entire habitat many years winged Blackbird this year's we did. H we didn't enjoy it we the compiler(s). Rarities are ago. When the habitat is de­ coastal count would have been a wouldn't be there. The sponsor­ listed, those species which have creased we end up with fewer record low but for last year's ing organizations certainly de­ been observed 4 or fewer times in birds and a record number of low slightly lower count. At the same serve credit for keeping these ten years. Asterisks denote spe­ counts. We are, and this is a very time this year's mid-state count counts going and for providing cies unique to that one count. important point)? the argument, was 7 times as large as the previ­ organization and extras: Other noteworthy species, which not censusing whether the birds ous high. In general, blackbird Connecticut Ornithological have been seen more than 4 times had a good breeding year but (Red-wing, Grackle, Cowbird) Association, Dennison Pequotse­ in the past decade, are referred to how much habitat is left in our numbers are so erratic that trends pos Nature Center, Greenwich in the preceding section of this count circle. H Swamp Sparrows are hard to find. The year 1985 Audubon Society, Hartford report. Finally, species recorded had their worst breeding season was a big year (38,000); last year Audubon Society, Housatonic in new high or low numbers are on record we could still end up was a bad year (2,500). This year Audubon Society, Litchfield listed. Species dropped from the with 20 on the count as we did wasn't a lot better (7,000). Coastal Hills Audubon Society, Mattabe­ various lists are those last seen when they had the best ever counts for the same years were seck Audubon Society, Natchaug more than 10 years ago. breeding season. The particular 12,000, 1300 & 1400. Confusing Ornithological Society, Nauga­ count circle has winter habitat for figures, but in the 1970's coastal tuck Valley Audubon Society, WHOLE STATE -1.7 counts only 20 individuals. An indirect totals always made up the great­ New Haven Bird Oub, Potapaug 162 species + 1 CP (224); measurement of the habitat loss est share of the state total and Audubon Society,and the Sauga­ 444,178 individuals; 827 observ­ coastally may be very useful. H never sank below 50%. Oosing tuck Valley Audubon Society. ers+ 138 feeder watchers; 8 new the argument is correct, then we suggestions. Look at interior High Counts; 10 new Low should not be comparing coastal rather than coastal figures for INDIVIDUAL Counts; 1 New Species. counts, where we are measuring shifts in passerine numbers. Keep COUNT SUMMARIES habitat loss, with interior counts your eyes on Evening Grosbeak The following paragraphs list NORTHERN COUNTS -6counts. where we are measuring repro­ numbers for the next few years. each of the 17 State counts and 106 species (153); 181,000indi­ ductive success. Watch the resident feeder birds. provide basic information on the viduals; 322 observers+ 49 feeder Additional measures worth Are they faring better than the results of the 1988-1989 Christ­ watchers; 15 new High Counts; 6 watching in future years are the migrants? mas Bird Counts. The numbers new Low Counts; 1 New Species. total species count and the num­ This year Stephen Broker de­ following the count name refer to bers of rarities. Both should de­ serves thanks for compiling all the total species seen on the count TRAIL WOOD: 50 species Oow cline if habitat loss is what weare the data. At the last moment he and the numbers of species seen count) (74); 11,000 individuals now measuring, particularly on asked me to summarize the during count periods. The num­ (new high); 13 observers + 2 coastal counts. mounds of data he had amassed. ber in parentheses is the total of feeder watchers. Compiler: Mari-

32 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 33 will never be reached. However, Other troubles: Last year That was the easy part. After he species seen during the past 10 as we increase the number of Stephen Broker pointed out that had sifted through the 17 differ­ years (since the 1979-80 count). observers we reach a total census Eastern Meadowlarks have al­ ent counts and sorted out what Exceptions are Trail Wood, for more and more species. These most vanished as a wintering has possible significance, it took whichheldits3rdcountthisyear, may be obvious Christmas Count bird in Connecticut. This is cer­ an army to carry it all up to my and Barkhamsted, which held its facts. The new ingredient pro­ tainly true again this year with 5 office. Thanks Stephen! Thanks 4th count. The number of indi­ posed is that in coastal areas the counts recording a total of 18 also to the compilers for their vidual birds seen on the count is amount of habitat has shrunk birds or 1/10th of the total 20 cooperation with the Christmas given, rounded off to the nearest rapidly even as the number of years ago. Unlike the Red­ Countsummary.Nooneneedsto thousand. Numbers of observers observers has increased. Thus for winged Blackbird, this decline thank all the participants. You participating in the count is then many species we started census­ has been statewide. For the Red­ probably had as good a time as given, followed by the name of ing the entire habitat many years winged Blackbird this year's we did. H we didn't enjoy it we the compiler(s). Rarities are ago. When the habitat is de­ coastal count would have been a wouldn't be there. The sponsor­ listed, those species which have creased we end up with fewer record low but for last year's ing organizations certainly de­ been observed 4 or fewer times in birds and a record number of low slightly lower count. At the same serve credit for keeping these ten years. Asterisks denote spe­ counts. We are, and this is a very time this year's mid-state count counts going and for providing cies unique to that one count. important point)? the argument, was 7 times as large as the previ­ organization and extras: Other noteworthy species, which not censusing whether the birds ous high. In general, blackbird Connecticut Ornithological have been seen more than 4 times had a good breeding year but (Red-wing, Grackle, Cowbird) Association, Dennison Pequotse­ in the past decade, are referred to how much habitat is left in our numbers are so erratic that trends pos Nature Center, Greenwich in the preceding section of this count circle. H Swamp Sparrows are hard to find. The year 1985 Audubon Society, Hartford report. Finally, species recorded had their worst breeding season was a big year (38,000); last year Audubon Society, Housatonic in new high or low numbers are on record we could still end up was a bad year (2,500). This year Audubon Society, Litchfield listed. Species dropped from the with 20 on the count as we did wasn't a lot better (7,000). Coastal Hills Audubon Society, Mattabe­ various lists are those last seen when they had the best ever counts for the same years were seck Audubon Society, Natchaug more than 10 years ago. breeding season. The particular 12,000, 1300 & 1400. Confusing Ornithological Society, Nauga­ count circle has winter habitat for figures, but in the 1970's coastal tuck Valley Audubon Society, WHOLE STATE -1.7 counts only 20 individuals. An indirect totals always made up the great­ New Haven Bird Oub, Potapaug 162 species + 1 CP (224); measurement of the habitat loss est share of the state total and Audubon Society,and the Sauga­ 444,178 individuals; 827 observ­ coastally may be very useful. H never sank below 50%. Oosing tuck Valley Audubon Society. ers+ 138 feeder watchers; 8 new the argument is correct, then we suggestions. Look at interior High Counts; 10 new Low should not be comparing coastal rather than coastal figures for INDIVIDUAL Counts; 1 New Species. counts, where we are measuring shifts in passerine numbers. Keep COUNT SUMMARIES habitat loss, with interior counts your eyes on Evening Grosbeak The following paragraphs list NORTHERN COUNTS -6counts. where we are measuring repro­ numbers for the next few years. each of the 17 State counts and 106 species (153); 181,000indi­ ductive success. Watch the resident feeder birds. provide basic information on the viduals; 322 observers+ 49 feeder Additional measures worth Are they faring better than the results of the 1988-1989 Christ­ watchers; 15 new High Counts; 6 watching in future years are the migrants? mas Bird Counts. The numbers new Low Counts; 1 New Species. total species count and the num­ This year Stephen Broker de­ following the count name refer to bers of rarities. Both should de­ serves thanks for compiling all the total species seen on the count TRAIL WOOD: 50 species Oow cline if habitat loss is what weare the data. At the last moment he and the numbers of species seen count) (74); 11,000 individuals now measuring, particularly on asked me to summarize the during count periods. The num­ (new high); 13 observers + 2 coastal counts. mounds of data he had amassed. ber in parentheses is the total of feeder watchers. Compiler: Mari-

32 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 33 lynn Higgins. New species for Goose, Bald Eagle, Cooper's White-breasted Nuthatch, lowthroat (new), Yellow­ count: Snow Goose, Northern Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, ISnipe, Eastern Great Horned Owl, Fish Crow, 10 years). Mute Swan, Turkey Vulture, Phoebe, Gray Catbird, Palm Black-capped Chickadee, Winter Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Warbler•, Brown-headed Cow­ Wren, Rufous-sided Towhee. Hawk, Wild Turkey, American bird. Low Counts: Ruffed Grouse, MID-ST ATE COUNTS: -5 counts Woodcock, Rock Dove, Downy Gray Catbird, Field Sparrow, 100 species (148); 81,000 indi-­ Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black­ BARKHAMSTED: 62 species+ 1 Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak viduals; 141 observers+ 17 feeder capped Chickadee, Tufted Tit­ CP (90); 7000 individuals (low); (missed for first time in 10 years). watchers. 26 new High Counts; 3 mouse, White-breasted Nut­ 53 observers. Compilers: Dave new Low Counts; 3 new species; 1 hatch, Hermit Thrush, Gray Cat­ Rosgen&DaveTripp,Jr.Rarities: LITCHFIELD HILLS: 63 species species dropped. bird, Northern Mockingbird, Pied-billed Grebe, Greater Scaup, (114); 16,000 individuals; 42 ob­ European Starling, Northern Lesser Scaup, Northern Bob­ servers + 5 feeder watchers. SALMON RIVER: 77 species Cardinal, Snow Bunting, Red­ white, Iceland Gull, Common Compiler: Ray Belding. Rarities: (123); 9000 individuals; 46 ob­ winged Blackbird, House Finch, Raven, Snow Bunting. Ring-necked Duck, Turkey Vul­ servers+ 1 feeder watcher. Com­ House Sparrow. Low Counts (2): ture, Northern Harrier, Rough­ piler: David Titus. Rarities: Great Common Merganser (missed for STORRS: 59 species+ 1 CP (110); legged Hawk, Common Snipe, Cormorant (new), Wild Turkey, first time in 10 years), Purple 10,000 individuals; 25 observers. Long-eared Owl, Yellow-bellied Long-eared Owl, Yellow-bellied Finch. Compiler: Winnie Burkett. Rari­ Sapsucker, Eastern Phoebe Sapsucker, Veery (new), Com­ ties: Great Blue Heron, Cooper's (new), Winter Wren, Gray Cat­ mon Yellowthroat, Lincoln's OXFORD: 62 species + 1 CP Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, bird. New Highs (7): Red-bellied Sparrow (new), Snow Bunting (105); 9000 individuals; 23 ob­ Eastern Screech-Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Black-capped (new). High Counts (19): Great servers+ 1 feeder watcher. Com­ Woodpecker, Brown Thrasher, Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Cooper's pilers:BuzzDevine&MarkSzan­ Lapland Longspur (new). High White-breasted Nuthatch, Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, tyr. Rarities: Snow Goose (new), Counts (5): Barred Owl, Downy Brown Creeper, Eastern Blue­ Wild Turkey, Eastern Screech­ Greater Scaup (new), Bufflehead, Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, bird, White-throated Sparrow. Owl, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Hooded Merganser (new), Os­ Eastern Bluebird, Northern Car­ New Lows (1 ): Evening Grosbeak Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied prey (new), Bald Eagle (new), dinal. Low Counts (2): Purple (missed for first time in 10 years). Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Harrier, Killdeer, Win­ Fmch, Evening Grosbeak (missed Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, ter Wren, Red-winged Blackbird. for first time in 10 years). LAKEVILLE-SHARON: 64 spe­ House Wren, Winter Wren, East­ High Counts (8): Pied-billed cies (108); 16,000 individuals; 36 em Bluebird, American Robin, Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Mute HARTFORD: 85 species (129); observers. Compiler: Robert Northern Cardinal, Song Spar­ Swan, Common Merganser, 120,000 individuals; 153 observ­ Moeller. Rarities: Mute Swan, row, White-throated Sparrow. Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-bel­ ers+ 42 feeder watchers. Compil­ Ring-necked Duck, Red-headed Low Counts (0). lied Woodpecker, Carolina ers: Jay Kaplan & Stephen Davis. Woodpecker*, Common Raven Wren, Swamp Sparrow. Low Rarities: Double-crested Cormo­ (new), Carolina Wren, Gray Cat­ QUINNIPIAC VALLEY: 73 spe­ Counts (2): Great Horned Owl, rant, Bald Eagle, Northern Bob­ bird, Snow Bunting, Rusty Black­ cies (117); 23,000 individuals; 24 Purple Finch. white, I

34 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 35 lynn Higgins. New species for Goose, Bald Eagle, Cooper's White-breasted Nuthatch, lowthroat (new), Yellow­ count: Snow Goose, Northern Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, I

34 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 35 Snow Goose (new), Wood Duck, Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, bird. Low Counts (7): Pied-billed flehead, Red-breasted Mergan­ Lesser Scaup (new), Bufflehead Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Grebe, American Kestrel, Ameri­ ser, Bald Eagle, Northern Har­ (new), Red-shouldered Hawk, Thrush, American Robin, Gray can Coot, Barred Owl, European rier, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Rough-legged Hawk, Wild Tur­ Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Starling, Fox Sparrow, American Wild Turkey, Red-bellied Wood­ key (new), Long-eared Owl, Lin­ Cedar Waxwing, Northern Car­ Goldfinch. pecker, Yellow-bellied Sap­ coln's Sparrow. High Counts dinal, American Tree Sparrow, sucker, Hairy Woodpecker, (20): Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Song Sparrow, White-throated OLD LYME: 104 species (157); Northernflicker,Pileated Wood­ Common Goldeneye, Common Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, 17,000 individuals; 42 observers. pecker, Fish Crow, Tufted Tit­ Merganser, Bald Eagle, Cooper's House Finch, House Sparrow. ~ Compiler: Jay Hand. Rarities: mouse, Carolina Wren, Ruby­ Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Low Counts (1): Mute Swan. Black-crowned Night Heron, crowned Kinglet, Northern Car­ Great Black-backed Gull, Red­ Northern Goshawk, American dinal. Low Counts (13): Red­ bellied Woodpecker, Downy Oystercatcher, Yellow-breasted throated Loon, Wood Duck Woodpecker, Pileated Wood­ COASTAL COUNTS - 6 counts. Chat, Chipping Sparrow, White­ (missed for first time in 10 years); pecker, Tufted Titmouse, White­ 149 species+ 1 CP (218); 179,000 crowned Sparrow. High Counts Northern Pintail, Oldsquaw, breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Blue­ individuals; 364 observers + 72 (10): Horned Grebe, American American Kestrel, Killdeer, bird, Hermit Thrush, Gray Cat­ feeder watchers; 13 new High Bittern, Ring-necked Duck, Bonaparte's Gull, Great Black­ bird, Northern Mockingbird, Counts; 18 new Low Counts; 1 Hooded Merganser, Rock Dove, backed Gull, Red-breasted Mer­ NorthernCardinal, Song Spar­ new species. Barred Owl, Red-bellied Wood­ ganser, European Starling, row, Dark-eyed Junco. Low pecker, Yellow-bellied Sap­ Swamp Sparrow, Brown-headed Counts (5): American Kestrel, NEW LONDON: 111 species+ 6 sucker, Downy Woodpecker, Cowbird, Evening Grosbeak Mourning Dove, American Gold­ CP (153); 27,000 individuals; 23 Winter Wren, Gray Catbird. Low (missed for first time in 10 years). finch, Evening Grosbeak (missed observers. Compiler: Bob Counts (11): Red-throated Loon, for first time in 10 years), House Dewire. Rarities: Northern Gan­ Common Loon, Greater Scaup, STRATFORD-MILFORD: 105 Sparrow. net (new), Blue-winged Teal, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shoul­ species+ 1 CP (173), 25,000 indi­ Lesser Scaup, Harlequin Duck deredHawk(missedforfirsttime viduals, 44 observers. Compiler: HIDDEN VALLEY: 68 species + (new), Ruddy Duck, Northern in 10 years), American Kestrel, Fred Sibley. Rarities: Snow 1 CP (105); 12,000 individuals; 12 Goshawk, Merlin, Snowy Owl Horned Lark, European Starling, Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mer­ observers + 10 feeder watchers. (cp-new), Eastern Bluebird (cp), Savannah Sparrow, Fox Spar­ lin, Common Barn-Owl, Yellow­ Compilers: Sibyll Gilbert & Water Pipit, Chipping Sparrow, row, Swamp Sparrow. bellied Sapsucker, Pile a ted Jeanne Kauffman. Rarities: Snow Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Lapland Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Goose, Bald Eagle, Wild Turkey, Longspur, Northern Oriole (cp). NEW HAVEN: 125 species+ 3 CP Chipping Sparrow. High Counts Barred Owl, Yellow-bellied Sap­ High Counts (20): Canada Goose, (179); 49,000 individuals; 110 (13): Great Blue Heron, Mallard, sucker, Eastern Phoebe, House Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, observers and 6 feeder watchers Gadwall, Common Goldeneye, Wren, Savannah Sparrow (new). Oldsquaw, Common Merganser, (high). Compiler: Stephen Bro­ Ring-necked Pheasant, Belted High Counts (29): Bald Eagle, Red-breasted Merganser, Dun­ ker. Rarities: Eurasian Wigeon, Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Wild Turkey, Rock Dove, Eastern lin, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Turkey Vulture (cp), Osprey, American Robin, Black-capped Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Gull, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine Chickadee, White-breasted Nut­ Barred Owl, Yellow-bellied Sap­ Belted Kingfisher, Northern Falcon, Wild Turkey,Sora, Black­ hatch, Carolina Wren, Gray Cat­ sucker, Downy Woodpecker, Flicker, Carolina Wren, Ameri­ bellied Plover, Cape May War­ bird, Northern Mockingbird. Hairy Woodpecker, Northern can Robin, WaterPipit, Cedar bler (new), Grasshopper Spar­ Low Counts (2): Short-eared Owl flicker, Tufted Titmouse, White­ Waxwing, Yellow-rumped War­ row (new), Common Redpoll. (missed for first time in 10 years), breasted Nuthatch, Brown bler, White-throated Sparrow, High Counts (20): Mute Swan, Brown-headed Cowbird. Creeper, Carolina Wren, Winter Lapland Longspur, Rusty Black- Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Buf-

36 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER2 37 Snow Goose (new), Wood Duck, Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, bird. Low Counts (7): Pied-billed flehead, Red-breasted Mergan­ Lesser Scaup (new), Bufflehead Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Grebe, American Kestrel, Ameri­ ser, Bald Eagle, Northern Har­ (new), Red-shouldered Hawk, Thrush, American Robin, Gray can Coot, Barred Owl, European rier, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Rough-legged Hawk, Wild Tur­ Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Starling, Fox Sparrow, American Wild Turkey, Red-bellied Wood­ key (new), Long-eared Owl, Lin­ Cedar Waxwing, Northern Car­ Goldfinch. pecker, Yellow-bellied Sap­ coln's Sparrow. High Counts dinal, American Tree Sparrow, sucker, Hairy Woodpecker, (20): Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Song Sparrow, White-throated OLD LYME: 104 species (157); Northernflicker,Pileated Wood­ Common Goldeneye, Common Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, 17,000 individuals; 42 observers. pecker, Fish Crow, Tufted Tit­ Merganser, Bald Eagle, Cooper's House Finch, House Sparrow. ~ Compiler: Jay Hand. Rarities: mouse, Carolina Wren, Ruby­ Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Low Counts (1): Mute Swan. Black-crowned Night Heron, crowned Kinglet, Northern Car­ Great Black-backed Gull, Red­ Northern Goshawk, American dinal. Low Counts (13): Red­ bellied Woodpecker, Downy Oystercatcher, Yellow-breasted throated Loon, Wood Duck Woodpecker, Pileated Wood­ COASTAL COUNTS - 6 counts. Chat, Chipping Sparrow, White­ (missed for first time in 10 years); pecker, Tufted Titmouse, White­ 149 species+ 1 CP (218); 179,000 crowned Sparrow. High Counts Northern Pintail, Oldsquaw, breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Blue­ individuals; 364 observers + 72 (10): Horned Grebe, American American Kestrel, Killdeer, bird, Hermit Thrush, Gray Cat­ feeder watchers; 13 new High Bittern, Ring-necked Duck, Bonaparte's Gull, Great Black­ bird, Northern Mockingbird, Counts; 18 new Low Counts; 1 Hooded Merganser, Rock Dove, backed Gull, Red-breasted Mer­ NorthernCardinal, Song Spar­ new species. Barred Owl, Red-bellied Wood­ ganser, European Starling, row, Dark-eyed Junco. Low pecker, Yellow-bellied Sap­ Swamp Sparrow, Brown-headed Counts (5): American Kestrel, NEW LONDON: 111 species+ 6 sucker, Downy Woodpecker, Cowbird, Evening Grosbeak Mourning Dove, American Gold­ CP (153); 27,000 individuals; 23 Winter Wren, Gray Catbird. Low (missed for first time in 10 years). finch, Evening Grosbeak (missed observers. Compiler: Bob Counts (11): Red-throated Loon, for first time in 10 years), House Dewire. Rarities: Northern Gan­ Common Loon, Greater Scaup, STRATFORD-MILFORD: 105 Sparrow. net (new), Blue-winged Teal, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shoul­ species+ 1 CP (173), 25,000 indi­ Lesser Scaup, Harlequin Duck deredHawk(missedforfirsttime viduals, 44 observers. Compiler: HIDDEN VALLEY: 68 species + (new), Ruddy Duck, Northern in 10 years), American Kestrel, Fred Sibley. Rarities: Snow 1 CP (105); 12,000 individuals; 12 Goshawk, Merlin, Snowy Owl Horned Lark, European Starling, Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mer­ observers + 10 feeder watchers. (cp-new), Eastern Bluebird (cp), Savannah Sparrow, Fox Spar­ lin, Common Barn-Owl, Yellow­ Compilers: Sibyll Gilbert & Water Pipit, Chipping Sparrow, row, Swamp Sparrow. bellied Sapsucker, Pile a ted Jeanne Kauffman. Rarities: Snow Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Lapland Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Goose, Bald Eagle, Wild Turkey, Longspur, Northern Oriole (cp). NEW HAVEN: 125 species+ 3 CP Chipping Sparrow. High Counts Barred Owl, Yellow-bellied Sap­ High Counts (20): Canada Goose, (179); 49,000 individuals; 110 (13): Great Blue Heron, Mallard, sucker, Eastern Phoebe, House Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, observers and 6 feeder watchers Gadwall, Common Goldeneye, Wren, Savannah Sparrow (new). Oldsquaw, Common Merganser, (high). Compiler: Stephen Bro­ Ring-necked Pheasant, Belted High Counts (29): Bald Eagle, Red-breasted Merganser, Dun­ ker. Rarities: Eurasian Wigeon, Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Wild Turkey, Rock Dove, Eastern lin, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Turkey Vulture (cp), Osprey, American Robin, Black-capped Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Gull, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine Chickadee, White-breasted Nut­ Barred Owl, Yellow-bellied Sap­ Belted Kingfisher, Northern Falcon, Wild Turkey,Sora, Black­ hatch, Carolina Wren, Gray Cat­ sucker, Downy Woodpecker, Flicker, Carolina Wren, Ameri­ bellied Plover, Cape May War­ bird, Northern Mockingbird. Hairy Woodpecker, Northern can Robin, WaterPipit, Cedar bler (new), Grasshopper Spar­ Low Counts (2): Short-eared Owl flicker, Tufted Titmouse, White­ Waxwing, Yellow-rumped War­ row (new), Common Redpoll. (missed for first time in 10 years), breasted Nuthatch, Brown bler, White-throated Sparrow, High Counts (20): Mute Swan, Brown-headed Cowbird. Creeper, Carolina Wren, Winter Lapland Longspur, Rusty Black- Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Buf-

36 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER2 37 WESTPORT: 105 species + 2 CP viduals; 91 observers + 39 feeder (165); 32,000 individuals; 54 ob­ watchers. Compilers: Gary CONNECTICUT FIELD NOTES servers + 27 feeder watchers. Palmer, Canfield Clark, & Tho­ Summer & Fall: August 1 - November 30, 1988 Compiler: Frank Mantlik. Rari­ mas Baptist. Rarities: Red-necked Jay Kaplan ties: American Bittern, Cooper's Grebe, Great Egret, Harlequin Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Lesser Duck (new), Black Scoter, Pere­ Due to unforeseen circum­ our coast in mid-November. A Yellowlegs, Monk Parakeet, grine Falcon, Greater Yellow legs, stances and a change in field edi­ late loon remained on the Con­ Common Yellowthroat, North­ Ruddy Turnstone, Eastern tors, much of the data for this necticut River near Suffield em Oriole. High Counts (8): Phoebe. High Counts(6): Red­ column was unavailable. The throughout November(PS). Pho­ Double-crested Cormorant, necked Grebe, Great Blue Heron, editors regret this inconvenience tographs were taken of an Eared Mute Swan, Red-shouldered Great Black-backed Gull, Red­ and extend apologies to all those Grebe on Bantam Lake, Litchfield Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Red-bel­ bellied Woodpecker, Carolina contributors who have been so in mid-October; however, field lied Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird. Low generous with their field notes notes on this sighting have yet to Wren, Winter Wren, Brown Counts (20): Pied-billed Grebe, and sightings. We hope to return surface (fide FM). A Great Thrasher. Low Counts (14): Pied­ American Black Duck, Ring­ to a regular schedule with our Cormorant was sighted inland at billed Grebe, American Wigeon, necked Duck, Ruffed Grouse, next issue of the Warbler. Mansfield HollowReservoir Oc­ Oldsquaw, Ruffed Grouse, AmericanCoot (missed for first This period saw a continu­ tober 16-17(WE). As many as 600 American Coot (missed for first time in 10 years), Black-bellied ation of the abnormally high Double-crested Cormorants time in 10 years), Great Black­ Plover, Red-breasted Nuthatch, temperatures that gripped much were staging at the Norwalk Is­ backed Gull, Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, American Robin, of the northeast throughout the lands October 1 (FMa,CW), while Savannah Sparrow, Fox Spar­ Ruby-crowned Kinglet (missed summer. During latter August, 75 cormorants were inland along row, White-throated Sparrow, for first time in 10 years), Cedar temperatures finally moderated the Connecticut River at the En­ Snow Bunting (missed for first Waxwing, Yellow-rumped War­ and dropped to 50 degrees F field Dam October 2. By October time in 10 years), Purple Finch, bler, American Tree Sparrow, August 22. Showers were a wel­ 23 only a single bird remained Pine Siskin, American Goldfirich. Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, come change August 23-25 and (PS). American Bittern sightings White-throated Sparrow, Dark­ following a moderate (1.5 inches) included single birds seen Au­ GREENWICH-STAMFORD: eyed Junco, Purple Finch, Ameri­ rain September 4, cool weather gust 18 at Lordship Marsh, 105 species (162); 29,000 indi- can Goldfinch, Evening Gros­ conditions precipitated songbird Stratford(FMa), September 3 at beak (missed for first time in 10 migration. A major cold front Bam Island, Stonington (m.ob), years). moved through the State October October 17 at Connecticut 8-9 with strong northwest winds Audubon's Larsen Sanctuary HELP WANTED! 1. Peabody Museum, Yale Uni­ and a "nor'easter" November 1 (RW) and November 30 at versity, New Haven, CT 06511 dumped up to 3 inches of rain on Quiarnbaug Cove, Stonington Art New Director for portions of Connecticut, provid­ (MP). Lateegretreportsincluded The Connecticut Warbler. 2. 76 Diamond Street, New Ha­ ing some relief to area reservoirs. 2 Snowy Egrets at Manresa Someone with access to a ven, CT06515 November continued with un­ Marsh, Norwalk November computer with desktop pub­ settled weather conditions in­ 6(FMa) and a Cattle Egret located lishing software. If interested, cludingheavyrainNovember17. in Newtown August 5(MS) contact either which was 18 miles inland. A Pat Lynch- 272-6556 LOONS THROUGH Greater White-fronted Goose or Betty Kleiner - 658-5670 WATERFOWL appeared at Mirror Lake, Storrs Common Loons and Homed October 9(WE). Few Snow Geese Grebes began to congregate off were reported from southeastern

38 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 39 WESTPORT: 105 species + 2 CP viduals; 91 observers + 39 feeder (165); 32,000 individuals; 54 ob­ watchers. Compilers: Gary CONNECTICUT FIELD NOTES servers + 27 feeder watchers. Palmer, Canfield Clark, & Tho­ Summer & Fall: August 1 - November 30, 1988 Compiler: Frank Mantlik. Rari­ mas Baptist. Rarities: Red-necked Jay Kaplan ties: American Bittern, Cooper's Grebe, Great Egret, Harlequin Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Lesser Duck (new), Black Scoter, Pere­ Due to unforeseen circum­ our coast in mid-November. A Yellowlegs, Monk Parakeet, grine Falcon, Greater Yellow legs, stances and a change in field edi­ late loon remained on the Con­ Common Yellowthroat, North­ Ruddy Turnstone, Eastern tors, much of the data for this necticut River near Suffield em Oriole. High Counts (8): Phoebe. High Counts(6): Red­ column was unavailable. The throughout November(PS). Pho­ Double-crested Cormorant, necked Grebe, Great Blue Heron, editors regret this inconvenience tographs were taken of an Eared Mute Swan, Red-shouldered Great Black-backed Gull, Red­ and extend apologies to all those Grebe on Bantam Lake, Litchfield Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Red-bel­ bellied Woodpecker, Carolina contributors who have been so in mid-October; however, field lied Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird. Low generous with their field notes notes on this sighting have yet to Wren, Winter Wren, Brown Counts (20): Pied-billed Grebe, and sightings. We hope to return surface (fide FM). A Great Thrasher. Low Counts (14): Pied­ American Black Duck, Ring­ to a regular schedule with our Cormorant was sighted inland at billed Grebe, American Wigeon, necked Duck, Ruffed Grouse, next issue of the Warbler. Mansfield HollowReservoir Oc­ Oldsquaw, Ruffed Grouse, AmericanCoot (missed for first This period saw a continu­ tober 16-17(WE). As many as 600 American Coot (missed for first time in 10 years), Black-bellied ation of the abnormally high Double-crested Cormorants time in 10 years), Great Black­ Plover, Red-breasted Nuthatch, temperatures that gripped much were staging at the Norwalk Is­ backed Gull, Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, American Robin, of the northeast throughout the lands October 1 (FMa,CW), while Savannah Sparrow, Fox Spar­ Ruby-crowned Kinglet (missed summer. During latter August, 75 cormorants were inland along row, White-throated Sparrow, for first time in 10 years), Cedar temperatures finally moderated the Connecticut River at the En­ Snow Bunting (missed for first Waxwing, Yellow-rumped War­ and dropped to 50 degrees F field Dam October 2. By October time in 10 years), Purple Finch, bler, American Tree Sparrow, August 22. Showers were a wel­ 23 only a single bird remained Pine Siskin, American Goldfirich. Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, come change August 23-25 and (PS). American Bittern sightings White-throated Sparrow, Dark­ following a moderate (1.5 inches) included single birds seen Au­ GREENWICH-STAMFORD: eyed Junco, Purple Finch, Ameri­ rain September 4, cool weather gust 18 at Lordship Marsh, 105 species (162); 29,000 indi- can Goldfinch, Evening Gros­ conditions precipitated songbird Stratford(FMa), September 3 at beak (missed for first time in 10 migration. A major cold front Bam Island, Stonington (m.ob), years). moved through the State October October 17 at Connecticut 8-9 with strong northwest winds Audubon's Larsen Sanctuary HELP WANTED! 1. Peabody Museum, Yale Uni­ and a "nor'easter" November 1 (RW) and November 30 at versity, New Haven, CT 06511 dumped up to 3 inches of rain on Quiarnbaug Cove, Stonington Art New Director for portions of Connecticut, provid­ (MP). Lateegretreportsincluded The Connecticut Warbler. 2. 76 Diamond Street, New Ha­ ing some relief to area reservoirs. 2 Snowy Egrets at Manresa Someone with access to a ven, CT06515 November continued with un­ Marsh, Norwalk November computer with desktop pub­ settled weather conditions in­ 6(FMa) and a Cattle Egret located lishing software. If interested, cludingheavyrainNovember17. in Newtown August 5(MS) contact either which was 18 miles inland. A Pat Lynch- 272-6556 LOONS THROUGH Greater White-fronted Goose or Betty Kleiner - 658-5670 WATERFOWL appeared at Mirror Lake, Storrs Common Loons and Homed October 9(WE). Few Snow Geese Grebes began to congregate off were reported from southeastern

38 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 39 Connecticut with only a single (2450), Broadwings (9330), Coo­ 27(A0a). There were numerous forts. An immature jaeger was bird on the Pawcatuck River per's (471) and Merlin (364). Also reports of Lesser Golden Plover sighted at Milford Point Septem­ September 30(EK). Meanwhile, sighted at this location were 8 including a flock of 25 that landed ber 15(BR), but this bird was not 200 Snows were seen flying over Bald and 1 Golden Eagle, 18 Gos­ at the tip ofMilfordPoint Septem­ positively identified. Late Laugh­ Greenwich Audubon Center Oc­ hawks and 26 Peregrine Falcons. ber 19(PD). The last report of ing Gull sightings included 16 tober4(EJ). 100+ Brant seen flying Numbers of Sharp-shinned Piping Plover for the period were birds at Veteran's Park, Norwalk, over Storrs October 30(WB) were hawks and Kestrels were down 2 birds at Milford Point August November 16(FMa) and a single most unusual for northeastern from 1987(fide RE). On the other lO(FM,MS). Hudsonian Godwits bird at Gulf Pond, Milford No­ Connecticut. Another unusual hand, southeastern Connecticut were reported August 10 from vember 25(MS). A rare inland Brant sighting was that of a dazed hawk watch sites reported good Milford Point(FM,MS); Septem­ sighting of Bonaparte's Gull, per­ bird found wandering in a numbers of sharpies and kestrels ber 3 from Ash Creek, Bridgeport haps the third for the northeast Farmington parking lot October with the best date September (AC,DF); October 29-November comer, came from Mansfield 31 (fide JK). The bird was subse­ 22(RSCB). As mentioned, it was a 13 at Milford Point(RE) and 3 Hollow Reservoir September quently released. record year for Ospreys. Late birds at Hammonasset State 3(WE). Single Lesser Black­ Single male Eurasian Wigeon sightings included single birds Park, Madison November 4- backed Gulls were seen at werefoundNovember26atLake inland at the Hopmeadow Coun­ 6(JK). TheonlyBaird'sSandpiper Milford Point September 18 Saltonstall, Branford and at Fur­ try Club, Simsbury, October reports for the period came from (m.ob.) and from Sherwood Is­ nace Pond, Guilford(SB). Up to 25(KD) and along the shore at Milford Point September 10- land State Park, Westport No­ 1000 Greater Scaup were at Lighthouse Point November 11 (m.ob.). One of the most excit­ vember 13(RS). An early Glau­ Milford Point November 14(RE). Among several inland ing shorebird reports for the pe­ cous Gull was found at the North 6(FMa,FP). A female Common Bald Eagle sightings was an riod was a juvenile Curlew Sand­ Haven dump October 15(MM). A Eider was discovered at Milford immature bird sporting a wing piper discovered at Milford Point strong east wind yielded 9 imma­ Point September 18(FP,RE). This tag #37, seen on the Housatonic September 14(NP). The bird was ture Black-legged Kittiwakes at bird remained through the pe­ River, Shelton, September photographed and remained Greenwich Point October riod and was seen by many ob­ 23(CC,CL).It was observed again until September 29(JZi) and, if 21(TBa,FP,JZe). All birds were servers. A single Black Scoter was in late September in Rocky Hill accepted by the Connecticut Rare flying into the wind. Sightings of observed north of the Enfield and determined to be a bird from Records Committee, it will con­ larger terns included a Caspian at Dam on the Connecticut River Alaska that was released in New stitute the 12th (approx.) record MilfordPoint September 18 November S(PS). York State's reintroduction pro­ for this species in the State. The (FP,RE) and a Royal at Longshore gram. The bird was captured only Buff-breasted Sandpiper Park, Westport, August 4(FMa). HAWKS THROUGH TERNS October 6 and returned to the reported was a single bird at Roseate Terns were sighted spo­ Excellent hawk flights were New York hack site, where it was Short Beach Park golf course, radically at Milford Point observed at Quaker Ridge, last observed October 23(fide Stratford, September 4 (DT). through September with a late Greenwich September 10, 14 and FMa). In addition to those birds Wilson's Phalaropes were re­ date of September 19(FMa). 16. Over 28,000 hawks were to­ sighted on hawk watches, there ported from Milford Point Au­ Common Terns peaked at taled on the three dates including were also numerous sightings of gust 11 (TBa,JZe) and from Lord­ Milford Point September 19 with 13,000 Broad-winged Hawks and Peregrine Falcons including a ship Marsh August 17(NC). An over 1200(FMa). The last Least 6 Bald Eagles September 16(fide bird in downtown Waterbury extralimital report of Parasitic Tern reports were also from FMa). Lighthouse Point, New November 4(MS). Jaeger in Rye, New York, October Milford Point with 40 birds Haven, was also a choice site as A Sora was caught and banded 21 (TBu) sent Connecticut birders sighted August 7 (FMa). Up to 4 24,629 hawks were tallied August 27 in Storrs(WB). Nine running for the shore, but the bird immature Black Skimmers were through October 31. There were Oystercatchers were at Sandy could not be relocated in seen at Milford Point August 17- record high counts for Osprey Point, Stonington, August Greenwich in spite of their ef- September 14 (m.ob.).

40 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 41 Connecticut with only a single (2450), Broadwings (9330), Coo­ 27(A0a). There were numerous forts. An immature jaeger was bird on the Pawcatuck River per's (471) and Merlin (364). Also reports of Lesser Golden Plover sighted at Milford Point Septem­ September 30(EK). Meanwhile, sighted at this location were 8 including a flock of 25 that landed ber 15(BR), but this bird was not 200 Snows were seen flying over Bald and 1 Golden Eagle, 18 Gos­ at the tip ofMilfordPoint Septem­ positively identified. Late Laugh­ Greenwich Audubon Center Oc­ hawks and 26 Peregrine Falcons. ber 19(PD). The last report of ing Gull sightings included 16 tober4(EJ). 100+ Brant seen flying Numbers of Sharp-shinned Piping Plover for the period were birds at Veteran's Park, Norwalk, over Storrs October 30(WB) were hawks and Kestrels were down 2 birds at Milford Point August November 16(FMa) and a single most unusual for northeastern from 1987(fide RE). On the other lO(FM,MS). Hudsonian Godwits bird at Gulf Pond, Milford No­ Connecticut. Another unusual hand, southeastern Connecticut were reported August 10 from vember 25(MS). A rare inland Brant sighting was that of a dazed hawk watch sites reported good Milford Point(FM,MS); Septem­ sighting of Bonaparte's Gull, per­ bird found wandering in a numbers of sharpies and kestrels ber 3 from Ash Creek, Bridgeport haps the third for the northeast Farmington parking lot October with the best date September (AC,DF); October 29-November comer, came from Mansfield 31 (fide JK). The bird was subse­ 22(RSCB). As mentioned, it was a 13 at Milford Point(RE) and 3 Hollow Reservoir September quently released. record year for Ospreys. Late birds at Hammonasset State 3(WE). Single Lesser Black­ Single male Eurasian Wigeon sightings included single birds Park, Madison November 4- backed Gulls were seen at werefoundNovember26atLake inland at the Hopmeadow Coun­ 6(JK). TheonlyBaird'sSandpiper Milford Point September 18 Saltonstall, Branford and at Fur­ try Club, Simsbury, October reports for the period came from (m.ob.) and from Sherwood Is­ nace Pond, Guilford(SB). Up to 25(KD) and along the shore at Milford Point September 10- land State Park, Westport No­ 1000 Greater Scaup were at Lighthouse Point November 11 (m.ob.). One of the most excit­ vember 13(RS). An early Glau­ Milford Point November 14(RE). Among several inland ing shorebird reports for the pe­ cous Gull was found at the North 6(FMa,FP). A female Common Bald Eagle sightings was an riod was a juvenile Curlew Sand­ Haven dump October 15(MM). A Eider was discovered at Milford immature bird sporting a wing piper discovered at Milford Point strong east wind yielded 9 imma­ Point September 18(FP,RE). This tag #37, seen on the Housatonic September 14(NP). The bird was ture Black-legged Kittiwakes at bird remained through the pe­ River, Shelton, September photographed and remained Greenwich Point October riod and was seen by many ob­ 23(CC,CL).It was observed again until September 29(JZi) and, if 21(TBa,FP,JZe). All birds were servers. A single Black Scoter was in late September in Rocky Hill accepted by the Connecticut Rare flying into the wind. Sightings of observed north of the Enfield and determined to be a bird from Records Committee, it will con­ larger terns included a Caspian at Dam on the Connecticut River Alaska that was released in New stitute the 12th (approx.) record MilfordPoint September 18 November S(PS). York State's reintroduction pro­ for this species in the State. The (FP,RE) and a Royal at Longshore gram. The bird was captured only Buff-breasted Sandpiper Park, Westport, August 4(FMa). HAWKS THROUGH TERNS October 6 and returned to the reported was a single bird at Roseate Terns were sighted spo­ Excellent hawk flights were New York hack site, where it was Short Beach Park golf course, radically at Milford Point observed at Quaker Ridge, last observed October 23(fide Stratford, September 4 (DT). through September with a late Greenwich September 10, 14 and FMa). In addition to those birds Wilson's Phalaropes were re­ date of September 19(FMa). 16. Over 28,000 hawks were to­ sighted on hawk watches, there ported from Milford Point Au­ Common Terns peaked at taled on the three dates including were also numerous sightings of gust 11 (TBa,JZe) and from Lord­ Milford Point September 19 with 13,000 Broad-winged Hawks and Peregrine Falcons including a ship Marsh August 17(NC). An over 1200(FMa). The last Least 6 Bald Eagles September 16(fide bird in downtown Waterbury extralimital report of Parasitic Tern reports were also from FMa). Lighthouse Point, New November 4(MS). Jaeger in Rye, New York, October Milford Point with 40 birds Haven, was also a choice site as A Sora was caught and banded 21 (TBu) sent Connecticut birders sighted August 7 (FMa). Up to 4 24,629 hawks were tallied August 27 in Storrs(WB). Nine running for the shore, but the bird immature Black Skimmers were through October 31. There were Oystercatchers were at Sandy could not be relocated in seen at Milford Point August 17- record high counts for Osprey Point, Stonington, August Greenwich in spite of their ef- September 14 (m.ob.).

40 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 41 Redding September 8(MS) and in 24(FMa). Two early Lapland Longspurs DOVES THROUGH VIREOS Woodbury, September 11(MS). were seen at Milford Point Octo­ A late Yellow-billed Cuckoo Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were WARBLERS THROUGH ber 9(RE) and an inland Snow was found in New London Octo­ located August 25 i.,-,Suffield(PS), FINCHES Bunting was seen feeding along ber 6(AD). Long-eared Owls in Newington August 28(JE,SE) An Orange-crowned Warbler the shore of Congamond Lake, were reported from Lighthouse and at Flanders Nature Center, was observed at Milford Point Suffield November 6(PS). A high Point, where two birds were seen Woodbury, September 11 (MS). A September 14(CB). Connecticut total of 200 Bobolinks were seen November 12(fide RE) and a Western Kingbird was reported Warblers were seen at Sherwood in Waterbury August 6(MS). An single bird November 22(NC). on three occasions from Light­ Island State Park August 21(RS); immature male Yellow-headed Single Short-eared Owls were house Point Park. Sightings were Birdcraft Sanctuary, Fairfield, Blackbird was seen at Ham­ also reported at Lighthouse Point made September 30(RE,FMc), August 30(AOi); Huntington monasset State Park August on these dates by the same ob­ November 14(RE), and Novem­ State Park, Redding, September 9(CT). Winter finches- forget it, servers. An additional Short­ ber 26(fide RE). 10(RM) and at the Audubon they just weren't here. There eared Owl report came from Sta­ Common Ravens have now Wildflower Garden, Greenwich, were few Purple Finches re­ tion 43, South Windsor, where a been confirmed as residents in September 19(FP). Mourning ported and virtually no reports of single bird was seen November the northwest and northeast cor­ Warblers were sighted at Flan­ siskins or grosbeaks - nor would 14(SK). Northern Saw-whet ners and at Barkhamsted Reser­ ders Nature Center, Woodbury there be any during the coming Owls continued to be where they voir. However, the birds are not August 17(MS); and immature winter. shouldn't as single birds collided always easy to find and thus 2 bird was banded at Birdcraft with cars in Stonington October ravens feeding on a deer carcass Sanctuary, Fairfield September Observers; 26 and November 21 (SCBR). at KentSchool(TR)November 15, 28(AOi); and a late individual Contributors (boldface) Another hit a Norwalk Maritime were interesting. Gray-cheeked was found at Harnmonasset State Torn Baptist(TBa), Charles Center window November 4. A Thrush were reported from Roar­ Park October 9(SJ). Late warbler Barnard, Jr., Louis Bevier, Steve Saw-whet Owl in proper loc~tion ing Brook Nature Center, Canton reports included American Red­ Broker, Milan Bull, Torn was found roosting in cedars in September 2 and 17(JK); and from starts at Denison Pequotsepos Burke(TBu), Winnie Burkett, Old Saybrook November 29(TR). Lighthouse Point, where 2 birds Nature Center, Stonington, Octo­ George Clark, Jr., Albie Collins, Large flights of Common were seen October 5(NC). Over ber 31-Novernber 2(SCBR) and Carol Collins, Ti Crossman, Neil Nighthawks were observed 1000 American Robins passed by November 19, a very late date, at Currie, Ken Doyle, John and August 25-30 in the Farmington the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch Sherwood Island State Park(MB). Sharon Egan, Richard English, Valley area (JK) and in Water­ site in 20 minutes October 20(EJ). This fall was a very good one Walter Ellison, Diane Ferber, Ed bury August 25 where 150 birds Water Pipits were observed at for sparrows, with record num­ Hiestand, Elsbeth Johnson, Sh­ were observed (MS). Chimney Lighthouse Point October 13 bers of several species banded at eryl Johnson, Elizbeth Kading, Swifts seen near the Farmington (FMa,et.al.). A dozen pipits were Storrs(WB). Unusual sparrows Jay Kaplan, Steve Kotchko, Char­ River in Collinsville September 8, seen at Station 43, South Wind­ included Vesper reports from les Letizia, Rod MacDonald, numbered over 100(JK). Red­ sor, October 14(JK,et.al.) and 7 Sherwood Island State Park Oc­ Frank Mantlik (FMa), Flo headed Woodpeckers appeared birds were seen at Sherwood Is­ tober 12(FMa), from Storrs Octo­ McBride(FMc), John McDonald, at feeders in Stonington in Octo­ land State Park October 16(RW). ber 15(LB) and from Longshore Mark Mushkat, m.ob=many ob­ ber and Madison in December Philadelphia Vireos were seen Park, Westport October 19(FMa). servers, ArtieOliveria(AOa), Ali­ and an immature bird was lo­ from at least six locations in the A Grasshopper Sparrow was son Olivieri(AOi), Maggie Phil­ cated in Cranbury Park, Nor­ State, all between September 3- banded in Storrs September brick, Noble Proctor, Fred walk, November 18(EH). Olive­ 25. The latest Red-eyed Vireo 29(WB) and additional birds Purnell, Records of Southeast­ sided Flycatcherswere reported reported was a bird from Long­ were seen in that area October em Connecticut Birds (RSCB), in Canton September 2(JK), in shore Park, Westport, October 19(JMc) and October 21(GC,TC). Tom Rochovansky, Bill Root,

42 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 43 Redding September 8(MS) and in 24(FMa). Two early Lapland Longspurs DOVES THROUGH VIREOS Woodbury, September 11(MS). were seen at Milford Point Octo­ A late Yellow-billed Cuckoo Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were WARBLERS THROUGH ber 9(RE) and an inland Snow was found in New London Octo­ located August 25 i.,-,Suffield(PS), FINCHES Bunting was seen feeding along ber 6(AD). Long-eared Owls in Newington August 28(JE,SE) An Orange-crowned Warbler the shore of Congamond Lake, were reported from Lighthouse and at Flanders Nature Center, was observed at Milford Point Suffield November 6(PS). A high Point, where two birds were seen Woodbury, September 11 (MS). A September 14(CB). Connecticut total of 200 Bobolinks were seen November 12(fide RE) and a Western Kingbird was reported Warblers were seen at Sherwood in Waterbury August 6(MS). An single bird November 22(NC). on three occasions from Light­ Island State Park August 21(RS); immature male Yellow-headed Single Short-eared Owls were house Point Park. Sightings were Birdcraft Sanctuary, Fairfield, Blackbird was seen at Ham­ also reported at Lighthouse Point made September 30(RE,FMc), August 30(AOi); Huntington monasset State Park August on these dates by the same ob­ November 14(RE), and Novem­ State Park, Redding, September 9(CT). Winter finches- forget it, servers. An additional Short­ ber 26(fide RE). 10(RM) and at the Audubon they just weren't here. There eared Owl report came from Sta­ Common Ravens have now Wildflower Garden, Greenwich, were few Purple Finches re­ tion 43, South Windsor, where a been confirmed as residents in September 19(FP). Mourning ported and virtually no reports of single bird was seen November the northwest and northeast cor­ Warblers were sighted at Flan­ siskins or grosbeaks - nor would 14(SK). Northern Saw-whet ners and at Barkhamsted Reser­ ders Nature Center, Woodbury there be any during the coming Owls continued to be where they voir. However, the birds are not August 17(MS); and immature winter. shouldn't as single birds collided always easy to find and thus 2 bird was banded at Birdcraft with cars in Stonington October ravens feeding on a deer carcass Sanctuary, Fairfield September Observers; 26 and November 21 (SCBR). at KentSchool(TR)November 15, 28(AOi); and a late individual Contributors (boldface) Another hit a Norwalk Maritime were interesting. Gray-cheeked was found at Harnmonasset State Torn Baptist(TBa), Charles Center window November 4. A Thrush were reported from Roar­ Park October 9(SJ). Late warbler Barnard, Jr., Louis Bevier, Steve Saw-whet Owl in proper loc~tion ing Brook Nature Center, Canton reports included American Red­ Broker, Milan Bull, Torn was found roosting in cedars in September 2 and 17(JK); and from starts at Denison Pequotsepos Burke(TBu), Winnie Burkett, Old Saybrook November 29(TR). Lighthouse Point, where 2 birds Nature Center, Stonington, Octo­ George Clark, Jr., Albie Collins, Large flights of Common were seen October 5(NC). Over ber 31-Novernber 2(SCBR) and Carol Collins, Ti Crossman, Neil Nighthawks were observed 1000 American Robins passed by November 19, a very late date, at Currie, Ken Doyle, John and August 25-30 in the Farmington the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch Sherwood Island State Park(MB). Sharon Egan, Richard English, Valley area (JK) and in Water­ site in 20 minutes October 20(EJ). This fall was a very good one Walter Ellison, Diane Ferber, Ed bury August 25 where 150 birds Water Pipits were observed at for sparrows, with record num­ Hiestand, Elsbeth Johnson, Sh­ were observed (MS). Chimney Lighthouse Point October 13 bers of several species banded at eryl Johnson, Elizbeth Kading, Swifts seen near the Farmington (FMa,et.al.). A dozen pipits were Storrs(WB). Unusual sparrows Jay Kaplan, Steve Kotchko, Char­ River in Collinsville September 8, seen at Station 43, South Wind­ included Vesper reports from les Letizia, Rod MacDonald, numbered over 100(JK). Red­ sor, October 14(JK,et.al.) and 7 Sherwood Island State Park Oc­ Frank Mantlik (FMa), Flo headed Woodpeckers appeared birds were seen at Sherwood Is­ tober 12(FMa), from Storrs Octo­ McBride(FMc), John McDonald, at feeders in Stonington in Octo­ land State Park October 16(RW). ber 15(LB) and from Longshore Mark Mushkat, m.ob=many ob­ ber and Madison in December Philadelphia Vireos were seen Park, Westport October 19(FMa). servers, ArtieOliveria(AOa), Ali­ and an immature bird was lo­ from at least six locations in the A Grasshopper Sparrow was son Olivieri(AOi), Maggie Phil­ cated in Cranbury Park, Nor­ State, all between September 3- banded in Storrs September brick, Noble Proctor, Fred walk, November 18(EH). Olive­ 25. The latest Red-eyed Vireo 29(WB) and additional birds Purnell, Records of Southeast­ sided Flycatcherswere reported reported was a bird from Long­ were seen in that area October em Connecticut Birds (RSCB), in Canton September 2(JK), in shore Park, Westport, October 19(JMc) and October 21(GC,TC). Tom Rochovansky, Bill Root,

42 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 2 43 Paul Saraceni, Richard Soffer, Wood, Joe Zeranski(JZe), Julie SNOW GEESE STRUCK DOWN Mark Szantyr, Clay Taylor, Dave Zickefoose(JZi). Tripp, Rob Winkler, Connie BY THUNDERSTORM 71 Gracey Road, Canton, Cf Milan G. Bull 06019 On March 24, 1988, a fast­ dead birds and so returned with FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK handled for the past year and a moving weather front passed her husband and a flashlight to half. We received many compli­ over lower Fairfield County, collect them. Being dark, windy, Changes do occur in the War­ ments and comments on Oay's Connecticut, bringing heavy and rainy, and the birds were bler from time to time and some style of editing. It is a big job and showers, thunder, lightning, and much larger than expected, the need an explanation. You will his expertis-e and efforts were strong gusty winds. It was a Morgans retreated and left the note in this issue the change of greatly appreciated. Thanks prime example of a severe spring clean-up until morning. Field Notes Editor and the related Clay! thunderstorm. The following morning, Mrs. form. The next issue (July) will Our Site Guide editors have Approximately one mile from Morgan telephoned the Fairfield contain our first Site Guide, done a great job with their first myhomein the Southport section police for help. When the police which will be a semi-annual fea­ Site Guide and are already work­ of Fairfield is a low, but some­ arrived, they found 17 Snow ture. ing on the next one. They wel­ what steep hill, approximately Geese (Chen caerulescens),all Jay Kaplan has agreed to edit come any data or information on 170 feet in height, known as Mill dead except one. The birds were the Field Notes and will be as­ potential sites or complete site Hill. It is old farmland that has lying in a nearly straight line, sisted by Paul Desjardins. There guides for future issues. If you been subdivided into two acre about five feet apart. The line of are two report forms in this issue, have a favorite birding area that house lots with several remain­ dead geese was nearly 100 feet one for March thru May- the might make a good site guide, ing fields and woodlots. long and extended from a neigh­ Spring sightings, and the June - please contact one of the editors. At about8:00p.m.,as the worst bor's property, across the road July nesting season form. They Your suggestions are important of the storm was passing over and the Morgan's drive, and into are both to be sent to me (See to the compilation of data on Fairfield, I was busy turning off their woods. Mrs. Morgan felt form). Please note that the June­ Connecticut bird life. electrical appliances, as a particu­ that neighborhood dogs might July form must be received by Last, but not least, we are need larly severe lightning bolt had have carried off one or two addi­ August 10. The need for such a a new Art Director for the War­ just shaken the house. On the top tional birds, and at least one other quick return date is to send im­ bler. Pat Lynch, who has been ofMillHill,atthehomeofDr .and had been partially eaten by some portant sightings to American doing such a great job with the Mrs. Kenneth Morgan, a light­ animal during the night. Thus Birds in time for their publication layout and laser printing of each ning bolt struck a utility pole, the total number of birds in­ date. This was voted upon by the issue, will no longer be able to do knocking out their power. At 8:30 volved may have been as high as C.O.A. Board. In the future, all so, because of job commitments. p.m., Mrs. Morgan was returning 20. report forms will have a quick If you have access to a computer home from a meeting and as she The somewhat astounded tum-around date. It is crucial that and desktop publishing software turned into her long driveway, Fairfield police called the Con­ the forms be filled out as birds are for formatting the Warbler and she noticed what looked like the necticut Audubon Society to re­ sighted. The October issue of the have an interest in doing this job, work of vandals. Through the port this incident and ask for help Warbler will contain both the please contact either Pat at 272- rain, what appeared to be a long in disposing of the birds. Subse­ Spring and Summer reports. 6556 or me at 658-5679 for further string of white plastic bags was quently, the remaining live goose I would like to take this oppor­ information. We need your help! strewn across her drive and into was admitted to the CAS wildlife tunity to thank Oay Taylor for his the woods. As she drove around rehabilitation center, and to this fine job as Field Notes editor, a Betty Kleiner the ''bags," Mrs. Morgan ob­ day it remains on the waterfowl tough assignment that he has served that they were actually pond .. The bird was x-rayed by a

44 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER2 45 Paul Saraceni, Richard Soffer, Wood, Joe Zeranski(JZe), Julie SNOW GEESE STRUCK DOWN Mark Szantyr, Clay Taylor, Dave Zickefoose(JZi). Tripp, Rob Winkler, Connie BY THUNDERSTORM 71 Gracey Road, Canton, Cf Milan G. Bull 06019 On March 24, 1988, a fast­ dead birds and so returned with FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK handled for the past year and a moving weather front passed her husband and a flashlight to half. We received many compli­ over lower Fairfield County, collect them. Being dark, windy, Changes do occur in the War­ ments and comments on Oay's Connecticut, bringing heavy and rainy, and the birds were bler from time to time and some style of editing. It is a big job and showers, thunder, lightning, and much larger than expected, the need an explanation. You will his expertis-e and efforts were strong gusty winds. It was a Morgans retreated and left the note in this issue the change of greatly appreciated. Thanks prime example of a severe spring clean-up until morning. Field Notes Editor and the related Clay! thunderstorm. The following morning, Mrs. form. The next issue (July) will Our Site Guide editors have Approximately one mile from Morgan telephoned the Fairfield contain our first Site Guide, done a great job with their first myhomein the Southport section police for help. When the police which will be a semi-annual fea­ Site Guide and are already work­ of Fairfield is a low, but some­ arrived, they found 17 Snow ture. ing on the next one. They wel­ what steep hill, approximately Geese (Chen caerulescens),all Jay Kaplan has agreed to edit come any data or information on 170 feet in height, known as Mill dead except one. The birds were the Field Notes and will be as­ potential sites or complete site Hill. It is old farmland that has lying in a nearly straight line, sisted by Paul Desjardins. There guides for future issues. If you been subdivided into two acre about five feet apart. The line of are two report forms in this issue, have a favorite birding area that house lots with several remain­ dead geese was nearly 100 feet one for March thru May- the might make a good site guide, ing fields and woodlots. long and extended from a neigh­ Spring sightings, and the June - please contact one of the editors. At about8:00p.m.,as the worst bor's property, across the road July nesting season form. They Your suggestions are important of the storm was passing over and the Morgan's drive, and into are both to be sent to me (See to the compilation of data on Fairfield, I was busy turning off their woods. Mrs. Morgan felt form). Please note that the June­ Connecticut bird life. electrical appliances, as a particu­ that neighborhood dogs might July form must be received by Last, but not least, we are need larly severe lightning bolt had have carried off one or two addi­ August 10. The need for such a a new Art Director for the War­ just shaken the house. On the top tional birds, and at least one other quick return date is to send im­ bler. Pat Lynch, who has been ofMillHill,atthehomeofDr .and had been partially eaten by some portant sightings to American doing such a great job with the Mrs. Kenneth Morgan, a light­ animal during the night. Thus Birds in time for their publication layout and laser printing of each ning bolt struck a utility pole, the total number of birds in­ date. This was voted upon by the issue, will no longer be able to do knocking out their power. At 8:30 volved may have been as high as C.O.A. Board. In the future, all so, because of job commitments. p.m., Mrs. Morgan was returning 20. report forms will have a quick If you have access to a computer home from a meeting and as she The somewhat astounded tum-around date. It is crucial that and desktop publishing software turned into her long driveway, Fairfield police called the Con­ the forms be filled out as birds are for formatting the Warbler and she noticed what looked like the necticut Audubon Society to re­ sighted. The October issue of the have an interest in doing this job, work of vandals. Through the port this incident and ask for help Warbler will contain both the please contact either Pat at 272- rain, what appeared to be a long in disposing of the birds. Subse­ Spring and Summer reports. 6556 or me at 658-5679 for further string of white plastic bags was quently, the remaining live goose I would like to take this oppor­ information. We need your help! strewn across her drive and into was admitted to the CAS wildlife tunity to thank Oay Taylor for his the woods. As she drove around rehabilitation center, and to this fine job as Field Notes editor, a Betty Kleiner the ''bags," Mrs. Morgan ob­ day it remains on the waterfowl tough assignment that he has served that they were actually pond .. The bird was x-rayed by a

44 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER2 45 local veterinarian and was found entire line of migrating geese fell POSSIBLE ''RED-SHAFTED" NORTHERN to have breast muscle trauma as one. Perhaps the fall was preventing it from flying. caused by severe wind shear FLICKER IN WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT On March 28th, Dr. George A. from which the geese could not Mark Szantyr Clark, University of Connecticut recover. Shortly after first light on 4 quent flickers passing over us ornithologist, delivered one of The author would appreciate the specimens to the Pathobiol­ receiving reports of other bird September 1987, while banding that morning supported our ini­ ogy Laboratory at the UConn losses during inclement weather. passerines at the Van Vleck Sanc­ tial observations of light and Cooperative Extension Service, Please address reports to the tuary of the Flanders Nature color. Center in Woodbury, Connecti­ for autopsy. An April 7th diagno­ Connecticut Warbler. Weather and light conditions sis indicated "trauma from fall­ cut, Michael Harwood, Angela were good. The weather was Dimmitt and I noticed the occur­ clear and cool, following the ing, but cause of falling uncer- 2325 Burr St., Fairfield, Cf 06430 renceofafairmigrationofNorth­ passing of a cold front, and the t am.. " The position of the dead birds em Flickers (Colaptes auratus). light was at a low angle over our on the ground suggests that the There were many flickers on the right shoulders, illuminating the sanctuary and small groups of passing birds well. three to six birds were moving The bird was identified as a east to west over the sanctuary Northern Flicker by the undulat­ pond, adjacent to which we had ing flight style typic~of wood­ set our portable banding table. peckers and by the white rump The height of flight varied from patch extending up the lower fifteen to approximately one back of the bird. This allowed us hundredmeters. Inattemptingto to rule out other possible species count these birds, we looked, at with red underwings. We did not leastcasually,ateach that passed. note the color on the underside of At approximately 0730 hours, the tail, and there were no other while I was banding one of the field marks to suggest the red­ DON'T FORGET! many Gray Catbirds (Dumetella shafted form, formerly C. cafer. Your carolinensis) caught that day, Wecannotexcludethepossibility Dimmitt noted that one of the that the flicker in question was a Summer field reports passing flickers had red wing­ "Yellow-shafted" X "Red­ linings. My quick check con­ shafted" hybrid or an aberrant­ must be received firmed that one of four flickers plumaged "Yellow-shafted" passing overhead indeed had red F1icker, but the red color did by August lOth! and not yellow wing-linings. I appear typical of "Red-shafted" made comparisons to the other Flickers I have seen in western three birds in the group and was portions of the United States. able to rule out light conditions as Bent lists the breeding range of the cause of the perceived red "Red-shafted" Flicker as north to color. The bird was observed for southern Alaska, east to central about ten to fifteen seconds as it North and South Dakota, and made its way westward beyond south to Oaxaca, Mexico. He the treeline. Checks on all subse- states that during migration this

46 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER2 47 local veterinarian and was found entire line of migrating geese fell POSSIBLE ''RED-SHAFTED" NORTHERN to have breast muscle trauma as one. Perhaps the fall was preventing it from flying. caused by severe wind shear FLICKER IN WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT On March 28th, Dr. George A. from which the geese could not Mark Szantyr Clark, University of Connecticut recover. Shortly after first light on 4 quent flickers passing over us ornithologist, delivered one of The author would appreciate the specimens to the Pathobiol­ receiving reports of other bird September 1987, while banding that morning supported our ini­ ogy Laboratory at the UConn losses during inclement weather. passerines at the Van Vleck Sanc­ tial observations of light and Cooperative Extension Service, Please address reports to the tuary of the Flanders Nature color. Center in Woodbury, Connecti­ for autopsy. An April 7th diagno­ Connecticut Warbler. Weather and light conditions sis indicated "trauma from fall­ cut, Michael Harwood, Angela were good. The weather was Dimmitt and I noticed the occur­ clear and cool, following the ing, but cause of falling uncer- 2325 Burr St., Fairfield, Cf 06430 renceofafairmigrationofNorth­ passing of a cold front, and the t am.. " The position of the dead birds em Flickers (Colaptes auratus). light was at a low angle over our on the ground suggests that the There were many flickers on the right shoulders, illuminating the sanctuary and small groups of passing birds well. three to six birds were moving The bird was identified as a east to west over the sanctuary Northern Flicker by the undulat­ pond, adjacent to which we had ing flight style typic~of wood­ set our portable banding table. peckers and by the white rump The height of flight varied from patch extending up the lower fifteen to approximately one back of the bird. This allowed us hundredmeters. Inattemptingto to rule out other possible species count these birds, we looked, at with red underwings. We did not leastcasually,ateach that passed. note the color on the underside of At approximately 0730 hours, the tail, and there were no other while I was banding one of the field marks to suggest the red­ DON'T FORGET! many Gray Catbirds (Dumetella shafted form, formerly C. cafer. Your carolinensis) caught that day, Wecannotexcludethepossibility Dimmitt noted that one of the that the flicker in question was a Summer field reports passing flickers had red wing­ "Yellow-shafted" X "Red­ linings. My quick check con­ shafted" hybrid or an aberrant­ must be received firmed that one of four flickers plumaged "Yellow-shafted" passing overhead indeed had red F1icker, but the red color did by August lOth! and not yellow wing-linings. I appear typical of "Red-shafted" made comparisons to the other Flickers I have seen in western three birds in the group and was portions of the United States. able to rule out light conditions as Bent lists the breeding range of the cause of the perceived red "Red-shafted" Flicker as north to color. The bird was observed for southern Alaska, east to central about ten to fifteen seconds as it North and South Dakota, and made its way westward beyond south to Oaxaca, Mexico. He the treeline. Checks on all subse- states that during migration this

46 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER2 47 "species" is known to wander country or for the eastern-most THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER further to the east and to the Great hybrid nesting locations from Editor Plains, with records as far east as which such birds might origi­ Betty S. Kleiner, Simsbury Texas. Records from further east nate. 5 Flintlock Ridge, Simsbury 06070 still are considered as hybrids Art Director with C. auratus, i.e. the current My thanks to Michael Harwood Patrick J. Lynch, Cheshire ''Yellow-shafted" race of North­ for reviewing this text. ern Flicker. An interesting note is Associate Editors the 1988 banding of a "Red­ Literature Cited Robert A Askins, New London Frederick Purnell Jr., Darien Anthony H. Bledsoe, New Haven Fred C. Sibley, Guilford shafted" X "Yellow-shafted" George A. Clark, Jr ., Storrs Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield flicker at a banding station on Bent, A. C., 1964. Life Histories of Jay B. Kaplan, Canton Nantucket Island, Massachusetts North American Woodpeck­ (G. Tallcouch, pers. comm.). ers. Dover Publications, Inc., Editorial Advisory Board There have been at least a few New York, NY, 264-308. Michael Harwood, Washington, Chairman reported sight records for this western subspecies in Connecti­ The Connecticut Warbler, is devoted to the study ofbirds, and is published cut, but to date I know of none 25 Bonair Ave., Waterbury, CT quarterly (January, April, July and October) by the Connecticut Ornitho­ that have been satisfactorily 06710 logical Association (COA). Membership in COA is based on a calendar year, documented. It would be of with membership renewable in January. New members ofCOAreceive all interest to search the literature for four issues ofThe Connecticut Warbler for that year. Address all correspon­ any well-documented occur­ dence, and make checks payable to: The Connecticut Ornithological rence in the eastern half of the Association, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06430. Membership Fees Member $10.00 Contributing $20.00 Family $15.00 Sustaining $30.00 Life $300.00, payable in three annual installments

Guide for Contributers Preparation of Manuscripts: The editors welcome submission of articles and notes for the Connecticut Warbler. Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on one side of the sheet only, with ample margins on all sides. Style of the manuscript should follow general usage in recent issues. All manuscripts receive peer review. illustrations: The editors welcome submission of line artwork of Connecticut and regional birds. Black and white photographs of particular interest will also be considered, but tend to print at less than optimum quality. Line art should be submitted as good-quality photographic prints or in original form. All originals and prints will be returned promptly after publication prints are made. THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER 48 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER "species" is known to wander country or for the eastern-most THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER further to the east and to the Great hybrid nesting locations from Editor Plains, with records as far east as which such birds might origi­ Betty S. Kleiner, Simsbury Texas. Records from further east nate. 5 Flintlock Ridge, Simsbury 06070 still are considered as hybrids Art Director with C. auratus, i.e. the current My thanks to Michael Harwood Patrick J. Lynch, Cheshire ''Yellow-shafted" race of North­ for reviewing this text. ern Flicker. An interesting note is Associate Editors the 1988 banding of a "Red­ Literature Cited Robert A Askins, New London Frederick Purnell Jr., Darien Anthony H. Bledsoe, New Haven Fred C. Sibley, Guilford shafted" X "Yellow-shafted" George A. Clark, Jr ., Storrs Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield flicker at a banding station on Bent, A. C., 1964. Life Histories of Jay B. Kaplan, Canton Nantucket Island, Massachusetts North American Woodpeck­ (G. Tallcouch, pers. comm.). ers. Dover Publications, Inc., Editorial Advisory Board There have been at least a few New York, NY, 264-308. Michael Harwood, Washington, Chairman reported sight records for this western subspecies in Connecti­ The Connecticut Warbler, is devoted to the study ofbirds, and is published cut, but to date I know of none 25 Bonair Ave., Waterbury, CT quarterly (January, April, July and October) by the Connecticut Ornitho­ that have been satisfactorily 06710 logical Association (COA). Membership in COA is based on a calendar year, documented. It would be of with membership renewable in January. New members ofCOAreceive all interest to search the literature for four issues ofThe Connecticut Warbler for that year. Address all correspon­ any well-documented occur­ dence, and make checks payable to: The Connecticut Ornithological rence in the eastern half of the Association, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06430. Membership Fees Member $10.00 Contributing $20.00 Family $15.00 Sustaining $30.00 Life $300.00, payable in three annual installments

Guide for Contributers Preparation of Manuscripts: The editors welcome submission of articles and notes for the Connecticut Warbler. Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on one side of the sheet only, with ample margins on all sides. Style of the manuscript should follow general usage in recent issues. All manuscripts receive peer review. illustrations: The editors welcome submission of line artwork of Connecticut and regional birds. Black and white photographs of particular interest will also be considered, but tend to print at less than optimum quality. Line art should be submitted as good-quality photographic prints or in original form. All originals and prints will be returned promptly after publication prints are made. THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER 48 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER Spring 1989 Contents Volume IX Number 2 April1989 THE 25 Editorial - The Tanager Tree Frederick Purnell, Jr. CONNECTICUT 27 The 1988-1989 Christmas Count Fred C. Sibley and Stephen P. Broker WARBLER 39 Connecticut Field Notes Fall: August 1 - November 30, 1988 A Journal of Connecticut Ornithology Jay Kaplan

44 From the Editor's Desk Betty Kleiner

45 Snow Geese Struck Down by Thunderstorm Milan G. Bull

47 Possible ''Red-shafted" Northern Flicker in Woodbury, Connecticut Mark Szantyr

The Connecticut Ornithological Association 314 Unquowa Road Non-Profit Org. Fairfield, CT 06480 U.S. Postage PAID Fairfield, CT Permit No. 275 I J

Volume IX No. 2 April1989 Pages 25-48 Summer 1989 Contents Volume IX Number 3 July 1989 THE 49 Editorial Debra M. Miller CONNECTICUT 51 Site Guide: Naugatuck State Forest Arnold Devine,Mark Szantyr, Dwight Smith

60 Connecticut Field Notes WARBLER Winter: December 1, 1988- February 28, 1989 A Journal of Connecticut Ornithology Jay Kaplan

68 Unusual Bird Specimens in theY ale Peabody Museum of Natural History George A. Clark, Jr., Fred C. Sibley, Roland C. Clement

70 Book Review Roland C. Clement

71 Unusual Feeding Behavior in Iceland Gull Mark Szantyr

'The Connecticut Ornithological Association 314 Unquowa Road Non-Profit Org. Fairfield, CT 06430 U.S. Postage PAID Fairfield, CT Permit No. 275

~~z-~ v..;o;,Jc..ucA..

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·~ Volume IX No.3 July 1989 Pages 49-72 THE CONNECTICUT ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION EDITORIAL President All around Since moving to Massachusetts in 1987, I have been Debra M. Miller, Franklin, MA me I saw asked many times why I continue to work for COA. A Vice-President communication, good question. Frank Mantlik, Westport friendship, I believe in the goals and objectives of COA and the Secretary warmth. work that we do. Connecticut needs to document its Alison Olivieri, Fairfield avian history in order to develop a reference for the Treasurer future. The ornithological community needs a forum Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield through which it can come together, communicate, Board of Directors cooperate. The public needs to be informed concern­ ing avian trends. 1987-1990 1988-1991 COA has reached beyond the early stages of its Raymond E. Belding, Harwinton Milan G. Bull, Fairfield development and made great strides with its publica­ Neil Currie, Sandy Hook George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs tions and projects. We have a clear understanding of Fred Sibley, Naugatuck Roland C. Clement, Norwalk our mission and we are finding new ways to work Dwight S. Smith, New Haven Jay B. Kaplan, Canton Joseph Zeranski, Greenwich John P. McDonald, Storrs together and accomplish our goals. It is challenging George W. Zepko, Middletown and rewarding for me to be part of all this. In setting up committees this year, I was struck by a 1989-1992 willingness for volunteering and helping out. The old Winifred Burkett, Storrs troopers are still there along with some new faces too. Jay Buss, Fairfield Sam Fried, West Hartford Betty Kleiner and Jay Kaplan work hard in getting The Gordon Loery, Morris Warbler out. New to that staff are Paul Desjardins with Gary Palmer, Cos Cob field reports; and site guide editors, Dwight Smith, Frederick Purnell, Jr., Darien Buzz Devine and Mark Szantyr. Carl Trichka keeps our financial records in order. Neil Currie, George Zepko and Frank Mantlik are still out there in the field About our Cover Artist: signing up new members. Julie Zickefoose The Rare Records Committee, led by George Clark, has completed work on the State checklist. Roland "American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)" Clement continues to write articles and news releases, Julie Zickefoose is a free-lance artist and naturalist who is spreading the word about COA. Michael Harwood devoted to the study, conservation, and appreciation ofbirds. Her returns to the Editorial Advisory Committee with new work for theN ature Conservancy involved the creation of the Least members Alan Brush, William Davis and John Kricher. Tern/Piping Plover Recovery Program. She is currently illustrat­ Winnie Burkett changes hats from Secretary to chair­ ing Birds of Insular Newfoundland and a book on Ospreys. Her person of the Program Committee. Just when Fred paintings, drawings and articles have appeared in American Birds, Sibley thinks it was safe to answer the phone again, we Bird Observer, Bird Watcher's Digest and numerous publications call to ask for another favor. of the U. S. and Canadian Wildlife Services. These are just some of the wonderfully talented The American Woodcock is Julie's third cover drawing for The people who conduct our business. The selfish reason Connecticut Warbler. More information about her work may be why I continue to work for COA is that I enjoy working obtained by writing to her at Box 84, Hadlyme, CT 06439. with these people. I've learned a lot from them.

THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 49 THE CONNECTICUT ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION EDITORIAL President All around Since moving to Massachusetts in 1987, I have been Debra M. Miller, Franklin, MA me I saw asked many times why I continue to work for COA. A Vice-President communication, good question. Frank Mantlik, Westport friendship, I believe in the goals and objectives of COA and the Secretary warmth. work that we do. Connecticut needs to document its Alison Olivieri, Fairfield avian history in order to develop a reference for the Treasurer future. The ornithological community needs a forum Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield through which it can come together, communicate, Board of Directors cooperate. The public needs to be informed concern­ ing avian trends. 1987-1990 1988-1991 COA has reached beyond the early stages of its Raymond E. Belding, Harwinton Milan G. Bull, Fairfield development and made great strides with its publica­ Neil Currie, Sandy Hook George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs tions and projects. We have a clear understanding of Fred Sibley, Naugatuck Roland C. Clement, Norwalk our mission and we are finding new ways to work Dwight S. Smith, New Haven Jay B. Kaplan, Canton Joseph Zeranski, Greenwich John P. McDonald, Storrs together and accomplish our goals. It is challenging George W. Zepko, Middletown and rewarding for me to be part of all this. In setting up committees this year, I was struck by a 1989-1992 willingness for volunteering and helping out. The old Winifred Burkett, Storrs troopers are still there along with some new faces too. Jay Buss, Fairfield Sam Fried, West Hartford Betty Kleiner and Jay Kaplan work hard in getting The Gordon Loery, Morris Warbler out. New to that staff are Paul Desjardins with Gary Palmer, Cos Cob field reports; and site guide editors, Dwight Smith, Frederick Purnell, Jr., Darien Buzz Devine and Mark Szantyr. Carl Trichka keeps our financial records in order. Neil Currie, George Zepko and Frank Mantlik are still out there in the field About our Cover Artist: signing up new members. Julie Zickefoose The Rare Records Committee, led by George Clark, has completed work on the State checklist. Roland "American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)" Clement continues to write articles and news releases, Julie Zickefoose is a free-lance artist and naturalist who is spreading the word about COA. Michael Harwood devoted to the study, conservation, and appreciation ofbirds. Her returns to the Editorial Advisory Committee with new work for theN ature Conservancy involved the creation of the Least members Alan Brush, William Davis and John Kricher. Tern/Piping Plover Recovery Program. She is currently illustrat­ Winnie Burkett changes hats from Secretary to chair­ ing Birds of Insular Newfoundland and a book on Ospreys. Her person of the Program Committee. Just when Fred paintings, drawings and articles have appeared in American Birds, Sibley thinks it was safe to answer the phone again, we Bird Observer, Bird Watcher's Digest and numerous publications call to ask for another favor. of the U. S. and Canadian Wildlife Services. These are just some of the wonderfully talented The American Woodcock is Julie's third cover drawing for The people who conduct our business. The selfish reason Connecticut Warbler. More information about her work may be why I continue to work for COA is that I enjoy working obtained by writing to her at Box 84, Hadlyme, CT 06439. with these people. I've learned a lot from them.

THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 49 My motivation for staying involved in Connecticut ornithology, even though I no longer live in the State, became apparentto me at our Site Guide annual meeting in March of this year. Following the workshop NAUGATUCK STATE FOREST presentations, everyone gathered for a refreshment break. I took this 2 3 time to stand back and observe. There was an energy and congenial­ Arnold Devine\ Mark Szantyr , Dwight Smith ity in the gathering that was exciting to see. Diverse landscapes of woods, tury the locale now known as the I saw people comparing notes on the workshop presentations­ ponds and streams coupled with Naugatuck State Forest was a discussing and debating points. There were questions about the a beautiful ravine and 162 species popular recreational area called afternoon program- What would the quiz be like?- Wouldn't the of birds highlight birding explo­ High Rock Park. Trains of the presentation about the salt marsh be interesting?- Who would be rations in Naugatuck State For­ NewYork,NewHavenandHart­ going on the field trip? est, just minutes from New Ha­ ford Railroad stopped near I saw friends making plans for lunch together - a quick trip to ven and Waterbury. Spruce Brook to drop off passen­ Birdcraft Museum for birds and bargains - a brown bag lunch on the The Hunter's Mountain area gers for an outing day of picnics, lawn. All around me, I saw communication, friendship, warmth. All of Naugatuck State Forest in­ hikes or fishing. Eventually, title around me, I saw COA. cludesabout 2,191 acres of mixed to the land was presented to the hardwoods, pine plantations, State of Connecticut by Harris Debra M. Miller laurel thickets, swampy areas, Whittemore, who had purchased 14 Oakridge Dr., Franklin, MA 02038 streams and a steep-sided hem­ it in parts over a period of years. lock ravine. The vegetation of this In the 1930's the state forest was State-owned forest has been improved through clearing of much affected by past practices. brush and other debris, planting Historically, forests in the of cover, and construction of Naugatuck Valley were cut for trails by the Civilian Conserva­ use in the brass industry. Hard­ tion Corps. Today, much of the woods such as chestnut and red state forest is crisscrossed with maple sprouted in great numbers hiking trails or unimproved from the stumps, and frequent roadways. Incongruously (some wood crops were produced by would say incredibly!), the DEP clear cutting. Later, trees were cut recently sanctioned the construc­ for railroad ties. Lumber produc­ tion of a rifle range within the tion from both private and public forest, so be prepared to hear the lands in this part of Connecticut ''booms" of high-powered rifles peaked in 1909, and has since as you hike along the trails. ·- steadily declined, although a few An abundance of wildlife permits are still issued for limited other than birds may be observed cutting of timber in this and other within the state forest. Three of ·. state forests. The impressive Connecticut's five squirrels, the hemlock forest that occurs on the southern flying squirrel, gray north-facing slope of Spruce and red squirrel are common Brook Ravine is an old-growth within their respective habitats. stand little affected by human At dusk and through the night activity. aerial animals other than owls In the early years of this cen- may include the little and big

50 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 51 My motivation for staying involved in Connecticut ornithology, even though I no longer live in the State, became apparentto me at our Site Guide annual meeting in March of this year. Following the workshop NAUGATUCK STATE FOREST presentations, everyone gathered for a refreshment break. I took this 2 3 time to stand back and observe. There was an energy and congenial­ Arnold Devine\ Mark Szantyr , Dwight Smith ity in the gathering that was exciting to see. Diverse landscapes of woods, tury the locale now known as the I saw people comparing notes on the workshop presentations­ ponds and streams coupled with Naugatuck State Forest was a discussing and debating points. There were questions about the a beautiful ravine and 162 species popular recreational area called afternoon program- What would the quiz be like?- Wouldn't the of birds highlight birding explo­ High Rock Park. Trains of the presentation about the salt marsh be interesting?- Who would be rations in Naugatuck State For­ NewYork,NewHavenandHart­ going on the field trip? est, just minutes from New Ha­ ford Railroad stopped near I saw friends making plans for lunch together - a quick trip to ven and Waterbury. Spruce Brook to drop off passen­ Birdcraft Museum for birds and bargains - a brown bag lunch on the The Hunter's Mountain area gers for an outing day of picnics, lawn. All around me, I saw communication, friendship, warmth. All of Naugatuck State Forest in­ hikes or fishing. Eventually, title around me, I saw COA. cludesabout 2,191 acres of mixed to the land was presented to the hardwoods, pine plantations, State of Connecticut by Harris Debra M. Miller laurel thickets, swampy areas, Whittemore, who had purchased 14 Oakridge Dr., Franklin, MA 02038 streams and a steep-sided hem­ it in parts over a period of years. lock ravine. The vegetation of this In the 1930's the state forest was State-owned forest has been improved through clearing of much affected by past practices. brush and other debris, planting Historically, forests in the of cover, and construction of Naugatuck Valley were cut for trails by the Civilian Conserva­ use in the brass industry. Hard­ tion Corps. Today, much of the woods such as chestnut and red state forest is crisscrossed with maple sprouted in great numbers hiking trails or unimproved from the stumps, and frequent roadways. Incongruously (some wood crops were produced by would say incredibly!), the DEP clear cutting. Later, trees were cut recently sanctioned the construc­ for railroad ties. Lumber produc­ tion of a rifle range within the tion from both private and public forest, so be prepared to hear the lands in this part of Connecticut ''booms" of high-powered rifles peaked in 1909, and has since as you hike along the trails. ·- steadily declined, although a few An abundance of wildlife permits are still issued for limited other than birds may be observed cutting of timber in this and other within the state forest. Three of ·. state forests. The impressive Connecticut's five squirrels, the hemlock forest that occurs on the southern flying squirrel, gray north-facing slope of Spruce and red squirrel are common Brook Ravine is an old-growth within their respective habitats. stand little affected by human At dusk and through the night activity. aerial animals other than owls In the early years of this cen- may include the little and big

50 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 51 brown bats, eastern pipistrelle lock ravine, a dominant feature of and red bat. In the leaves and the park, provides a microclimate debris of the forest floor are conducive to more northerly white-footed mice and shrews nesting species. while meadow voles occur in the Access: Take Route 8 to Exit rJ fields and brushy areas. Deer, 26, which leads to Route 63. Take gray fox, otter and of course, rac­ Route 63 North over the bridge coon and opossum are also fre­ across the Naugatuck River, quently encountered. turning left onto Scott Street at the second light. About one-tenth \ SPECIALITIES of a mile further, take the second Spring migration: 33 species left onto Lewis Street. Follow of warblers (including Hooded, Lewis Street through the residen­ Pine, Blue-winged/Golden­ tial area to a stop sign. Going winged complex, Worm-eating, straight, Lewis Street becomes Black-throated green, Canada, Hunter's Mountain Road up a and Wilson's) and Olive-sided steep hill passing several houses flycatcher. which are clustered towards the Nesting: Hermit Thrush, Soli­ hilltop. Continue past a metal tary Vireo, Winter Wren, North­ gate on the right, usually orna­ em Goshawk, Northern Saw­ mented by piles of trash, leading whet Owl (suspected), Whip­ to the former Laurel Park landfill. poor-will, warblers including The state forest boundary begins Golden-winged/Blue-winged just beyond. complex, Black-throated green, Birding Explorations: Con­ Pine and Worm-eating. Rare tinue slowly along Hunter's Species: Upland Sandpiper, Fish Mountain Road stopping fre­ Crow, Bald Eagle, Northern Gos­ quently to bird the adjacent habi­ hawk,Red-headedWoodpecker, tats. The brushy fields which line Connecticut and Mourning War­ the roadsides can produce House bler. Wren, Brown Thrasher, Chest­ During the past 10 years the nut-sided, Yellow and Blue­ Naugatuck State Forest winged Warbler. In late spring­ (Hunter's Mountain block) has summer you may hear the Bee­ fVIW&Itfl)(.t:. .51Afh roR£5"f /tii.H floc.rc:. /!>U>C..t:.. provided 162 species. The area, buzz-buzz-buzz of the Golden­ o' "l.ooo 1 1ooo 1 located within the Naugatuck winged Warbler - try to spot the River Valley can be one of the best singer. In the past five years our inland migrant traps with a searches have revealed the song­ spring warbler migration ri­ ster to be a Blue-winged Warbler. valling East Rock Park. With suit­ This is one of many areas in the able weather conditions the fall forest where Blue-wing/Golden­ raptor migration is also notewor­ wing hybridization is evident. In thy. The steep sided, cool hem- late summer the area may host a

52 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER3 53 brown bats, eastern pipistrelle lock ravine, a dominant feature of and red bat. In the leaves and the park, provides a microclimate debris of the forest floor are conducive to more northerly white-footed mice and shrews nesting species. while meadow voles occur in the Access: Take Route 8 to Exit rJ fields and brushy areas. Deer, 26, which leads to Route 63. Take gray fox, otter and of course, rac­ Route 63 North over the bridge coon and opossum are also fre­ across the Naugatuck River, quently encountered. turning left onto Scott Street at the second light. About one-tenth \ SPECIALITIES of a mile further, take the second Spring migration: 33 species left onto Lewis Street. Follow of warblers (including Hooded, Lewis Street through the residen­ Pine, Blue-winged/Golden­ tial area to a stop sign. Going winged complex, Worm-eating, straight, Lewis Street becomes Black-throated green, Canada, Hunter's Mountain Road up a and Wilson's) and Olive-sided steep hill passing several houses flycatcher. which are clustered towards the Nesting: Hermit Thrush, Soli­ hilltop. Continue past a metal tary Vireo, Winter Wren, North­ gate on the right, usually orna­ em Goshawk, Northern Saw­ mented by piles of trash, leading whet Owl (suspected), Whip­ to the former Laurel Park landfill. poor-will, warblers including The state forest boundary begins Golden-winged/Blue-winged just beyond. complex, Black-throated green, Birding Explorations: Con­ Pine and Worm-eating. Rare tinue slowly along Hunter's Species: Upland Sandpiper, Fish Mountain Road stopping fre­ Crow, Bald Eagle, Northern Gos­ quently to bird the adjacent habi­ hawk,Red-headedWoodpecker, tats. The brushy fields which line Connecticut and Mourning War­ the roadsides can produce House bler. Wren, Brown Thrasher, Chest­ During the past 10 years the nut-sided, Yellow and Blue­ Naugatuck State Forest winged Warbler. In late spring­ (Hunter's Mountain block) has summer you may hear the Bee­ fVIW&Itfl)(.t:. .51Afh roR£5"f /tii.H floc.rc:. /!>U>C..t:.. provided 162 species. The area, buzz-buzz-buzz of the Golden­ o' "l.ooo 1 1ooo 1 located within the Naugatuck winged Warbler - try to spot the River Valley can be one of the best singer. In the past five years our inland migrant traps with a searches have revealed the song­ spring warbler migration ri­ ster to be a Blue-winged Warbler. valling East Rock Park. With suit­ This is one of many areas in the able weather conditions the fall forest where Blue-wing/Golden­ raptor migration is also notewor­ wing hybridization is evident. In thy. The steep sided, cool hem- late summer the area may host a

52 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER3 53 variety of butterfly species. Dur­ the years we have found that this way for the teed-up posture of the various wr.ding birds have oc­ ing winter, flocks of Robin, Cedar loop bisects the widest variety of Olive-sided Flycatcher. This park curred, including Great Blue and Waxwing and Evening Grosbeak habitats and offers the greatest is one of the most reliable spot for Green-backed Heron, the latter of occasionally feed in the over­ diversity of birds. the species during this period. which has nested, Spotted, Soli­ grown apple trees which still The mature deciduous woods Follow the path to the ''T" inter­ tary, Least and Semipalmated persist. In fall, Red-headed along Spruce Brook and the forest section (about 800 yards from the Sandpipers. Duck species at the Woodpecker and Upland Sand­ road can be good for migrants, trailhead). Along the way, Wild pond may include Mallard, Black piper have been observed mi­ especially warblers. The east fac­ Turkey was once seen. Rufous­ and Wood Duck. grating through this area. ing slopes warm up quickly on sided Towhee, Ruffed Grouse Leaving the pond, return to Continue down the roadway cool spring mornings and can be and Scarlet Tanager are more the main trail bearing left at theY to a white pine stand on the left. alive with birds. In this area listen common. At the T take a left and and heading toward the power Ruffed Grouse, Brown Creeper, and look for Yellow-throated, listen for Canada Warblers which line right of way about 100m. If Northern Goshawk, Pine War­ White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireo, have been recorded during sum­ you are short of time, you can bler and Hermit Thrush have Common Yellowthroat, Blue­ mer months and may breed. follow the power line down slope occurred in this woodlot. winged, Chestnut-sided and From the T to the pond, about back to the paved road (about 0.4 Travel downhill past the Black-and-white Warbler as well 0.3 miles, in past years members miles). Be careful along the route paved forest road on the left and as other common woodland nest­ of the Blue-wing/Golden-wing as many sections are rocky, continue uphill to a gravel park­ ing species from spring through Warbler complex have been ob­ muddy and flooded. The ing area on the left (0.2-0.3 miles). fall. As you ascend the trail, a served along this trail, including shrubby habitat along the power­ Park and scan the fields for mixed spruce grove is on the the Brewster's hybrid. Brown line can be ideal for Prairie and American Kestrel and Eastern right. Above and below this Thrasher, Field Sparrow and Yellow Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Bluebird, both permanent resi­ grove, Hooded Warblers are of­ Chipping Sparrow and Rose­ Field and Song Sparrow and dents. Eastern Meadowlark has ten heard May through July. Al­ breasted Grosbeak abound in this American Goldfinch in spring been consistently recorded in though not confirmed, nesting is area. and fall. During winter, check for past years, but is now apparently strongly suspected, so please use Upon reaching the pond, take Purple Finch, White-throated, absent from this site. Walk back caution while searching for these some time to study the dead Song and Fox Sparrows. Should down the road about 200 feet and birds. Scan the tops of the spruces wood, the pond and the shoreline you choose to continue along the tum right onto a blocked path for the sometimes numerous as well as the sky. From this point, main trail, be on the lookout for between a spruce grove and an Cape May, Bay-breasted and numerous species of raptors have Chestnut-sided and Nashville old apple orchard. Ruffed Blackpoll Warblers. Ruby­ been seen including a courting Warblers, and both cuckoos. Grouse, Hairy and Pileated crowned Kinglets are usually pair of Northern Goshawks, Red­ The deciduous woodland Woodpecker, Field, White­ numerous in Spring and Fall. In shouldered and Red-tailed Hawk along the left side of the trail has throated and Fox Sparrow may 1985 a Golden-crowned Kinglet and the occasional Osprey. Tur­ produced woodcock, as late as be seen here. Return to the car and spent the summer here-did it key Vultures soar on warm sum­ December. From this point to a backtrack downhill to the paved nest? mer days as they nest along the sharp right curve (about 500 forest road on the right. Drive Continuing uphill along the ledges overlooking the Nauga­ yards which begins a horsehoe about0.3miles toagravelroadon path, the thickets of blackberry .. tuck River. Search the dead tree bearing left down the hillside), the right, blocked by a row of and jewelweed have produced tops for Eastern Bluebird at any the area abounds with wild large rocks to prevent vehicle Mourning and Kentucky War­ season, and in summer for Com­ grape. In season, both the grape entry (if you come to a power line blers. Late May to June is the best mon Flicker, all of the swallows, and insects they attract supply a cut you are 0.1 mile too far). Park time. During late August and blackbirds and the occasional food source for Ruffed Grouse, here to begin birding a trail loop, early September, scan the dead Olive-sided Flycatcher. Depend­ Catbird, Veery and Wood about 3.0 miles in length. Over tree tops along the entire path- ing on the season and water level, Thrush, Northern Cardinal,

54 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 55 variety of butterfly species. Dur­ the years we have found that this way for the teed-up posture of the various wr.ding birds have oc­ ing winter, flocks of Robin, Cedar loop bisects the widest variety of Olive-sided Flycatcher. This park curred, including Great Blue and Waxwing and Evening Grosbeak habitats and offers the greatest is one of the most reliable spot for Green-backed Heron, the latter of occasionally feed in the over­ diversity of birds. the species during this period. which has nested, Spotted, Soli­ grown apple trees which still The mature deciduous woods Follow the path to the ''T" inter­ tary, Least and Semipalmated persist. In fall, Red-headed along Spruce Brook and the forest section (about 800 yards from the Sandpipers. Duck species at the Woodpecker and Upland Sand­ road can be good for migrants, trailhead). Along the way, Wild pond may include Mallard, Black piper have been observed mi­ especially warblers. The east fac­ Turkey was once seen. Rufous­ and Wood Duck. grating through this area. ing slopes warm up quickly on sided Towhee, Ruffed Grouse Leaving the pond, return to Continue down the roadway cool spring mornings and can be and Scarlet Tanager are more the main trail bearing left at theY to a white pine stand on the left. alive with birds. In this area listen common. At the T take a left and and heading toward the power Ruffed Grouse, Brown Creeper, and look for Yellow-throated, listen for Canada Warblers which line right of way about 100m. If Northern Goshawk, Pine War­ White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireo, have been recorded during sum­ you are short of time, you can bler and Hermit Thrush have Common Yellowthroat, Blue­ mer months and may breed. follow the power line down slope occurred in this woodlot. winged, Chestnut-sided and From the T to the pond, about back to the paved road (about 0.4 Travel downhill past the Black-and-white Warbler as well 0.3 miles, in past years members miles). Be careful along the route paved forest road on the left and as other common woodland nest­ of the Blue-wing/Golden-wing as many sections are rocky, continue uphill to a gravel park­ ing species from spring through Warbler complex have been ob­ muddy and flooded. The ing area on the left (0.2-0.3 miles). fall. As you ascend the trail, a served along this trail, including shrubby habitat along the power­ Park and scan the fields for mixed spruce grove is on the the Brewster's hybrid. Brown line can be ideal for Prairie and American Kestrel and Eastern right. Above and below this Thrasher, Field Sparrow and Yellow Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Bluebird, both permanent resi­ grove, Hooded Warblers are of­ Chipping Sparrow and Rose­ Field and Song Sparrow and dents. Eastern Meadowlark has ten heard May through July. Al­ breasted Grosbeak abound in this American Goldfinch in spring been consistently recorded in though not confirmed, nesting is area. and fall. During winter, check for past years, but is now apparently strongly suspected, so please use Upon reaching the pond, take Purple Finch, White-throated, absent from this site. Walk back caution while searching for these some time to study the dead Song and Fox Sparrows. Should down the road about 200 feet and birds. Scan the tops of the spruces wood, the pond and the shoreline you choose to continue along the tum right onto a blocked path for the sometimes numerous as well as the sky. From this point, main trail, be on the lookout for between a spruce grove and an Cape May, Bay-breasted and numerous species of raptors have Chestnut-sided and Nashville old apple orchard. Ruffed Blackpoll Warblers. Ruby­ been seen including a courting Warblers, and both cuckoos. Grouse, Hairy and Pileated crowned Kinglets are usually pair of Northern Goshawks, Red­ The deciduous woodland Woodpecker, Field, White­ numerous in Spring and Fall. In shouldered and Red-tailed Hawk along the left side of the trail has throated and Fox Sparrow may 1985 a Golden-crowned Kinglet and the occasional Osprey. Tur­ produced woodcock, as late as be seen here. Return to the car and spent the summer here-did it key Vultures soar on warm sum­ December. From this point to a backtrack downhill to the paved nest? mer days as they nest along the sharp right curve (about 500 forest road on the right. Drive Continuing uphill along the ledges overlooking the Nauga­ yards which begins a horsehoe about0.3miles toagravelroadon path, the thickets of blackberry .. tuck River. Search the dead tree bearing left down the hillside), the right, blocked by a row of and jewelweed have produced tops for Eastern Bluebird at any the area abounds with wild large rocks to prevent vehicle Mourning and Kentucky War­ season, and in summer for Com­ grape. In season, both the grape entry (if you come to a power line blers. Late May to June is the best mon Flicker, all of the swallows, and insects they attract supply a cut you are 0.1 mile too far). Park time. During late August and blackbirds and the occasional food source for Ruffed Grouse, here to begin birding a trail loop, early September, scan the dead Olive-sided Flycatcher. Depend­ Catbird, Veery and Wood about 3.0 miles in length. Over tree tops along the entire path- ing on the season and water level, Thrush, Northern Cardinal,

54 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 55 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, North­ Warbler, Brown Creeper and the point you are entering the north up and down the stream bank. It ern Oriole and a host of other uncommon Pileated Wood­ facing slope of Spruce Brook also nests here. species. Hooded Warblers also pecker. If you don't wish to cross Ravine. Bisected by the river, the This quarter mile trail along occur here regularly. Both Olive­ the dam, another stand of white north slope of this beautiful east­ the brook can be refreshingly cool sided Flycatcher and Gray­ pine is about 400 feet down­ west oriented ravine forms a cool, even on a hot summer day. The cheeked Thrush have been ob­ slope-where the same species moist conifer-forested mi­ water looks inviting, but can be served during fall migration. also may be found. Broad­ crohabitat. Birds usually found surprisingly cold. Along the trail, If you have time for a short winged Hawks have nested in further to the north may nest in watch for striped maple, which excursion, take the trail on the the vicinity in recent summers. this ravine. Watch for Winter provides another indicator of the right which appears about half­ From the small pond there are Wren, Black- throated Green cooler conditions which prevail way down the horseshoe (about two ways to proceed. You can Warbler, Solitary Vireo and Her­ on the north-facing slope of this 275 yards). This trail leads follow the left fork downslope mit Thrush. One July day a ravine. through a red maple shrub past the pine grove on the left Northern Saw-whet Owl was The trail ends at the previ­ swamp to a hemlock and white (just discussed) and parallel with heard calling in the woodland. ously mentioned footbridge. The pine lined "canyon" (about 400 the small stream. After crossing The 0.6 mile long trail is steep open bottomland between the yards). Along the trail Worm­ the footbridge the trail terminates as you decend but fortunately it is ravine slopes can be teeming with eating Warblers are common in at the paved forest road. The right all downhill and in good condi­ bird life, except during winter. spring and summer as are East­ fork ascends a slight hill. This tion. The bank slopes steeply to Here Blue-winged and Chestnut­ em Wood Pewee and Great trail bisects an upland deciduous the brook 200 feet below along sided Warbler, American Red­ Crested Flycatcher. In the lower woodland where Downy and parts of the trail. Past the steep start, Yellowthroat, Solitary and "canyon" a river otter was once Hairy Woodpecker, Black­ area, the ravine opens up and Red-eyed Vireo, Veery, Wood observed scurrying in and capped Chickadee, Tufted Tit­ habitat begins changing to a Thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak around the rocky ledge as it mouse and White-breasted Nut­ mixed deciduous-conifer wood­ and Northern Cardinal are some headed into a small stream. hatch are permanent residents. land. The Worm-eating Warbler, species for which you might Returning to the trail back at Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Wood Pewee, Great search. the horseshoe, continue down­ Ovenbird and Wood Thrush are Crested Flycatcher, Veery, Wood To proceed back to the park­ hill, where a small stream paral­ common species during spring, Thrush and Ovenbird are fairly ing area, do not cross the foot­ lels the trail. Louisiana Water­ summer and fall. About 250 common in spring and summer. bridge (unless you want to return thrush is common and nests yards from the pond you will When you come to a dirt parking to the small pond and retrace the whereas Northern Waterthrush come upon a hemlock grove with lot, stay along the left edge until a trail back to the car), but follow occurs sporadically during mi­ a small road on the left. Take this trail veers left toward the brook. the dirt road 200 feet to the paved gration. Continue to the small left trail approximately 200 yards Take an immediate left and fol­ park road, bearing left up the hill. pond on the left. Ruby-throated until you reach a small stream. low the trail up and along Spruce It is about 0.5 miles back to the Hummingbirds have been re­ Here you will find blue trail Brook. Once you get back into the car. Check the wooded slope on corded in the apple trees along its markers following the stream ravine the innumerable water­ the right for Worm-eating War­ edge. Northern Oriole, Scarlet downhill into the Spruce Brook falls and deep pools of water are bler, if you have not yet seen one. Tanager, Common Yellowthroat Ravine. Follow the trail and the picturesque, especially in winter Search the open area toward the and many other species will be brook downstream about 180 when icefalls and ice ledges are hilltop for Olive-sided Flycatcher conspicuous (spring-fall). yards until a trail, identified by a plentiful. Be on the lookout for in late May and early September. Across the concrete dam in 4 inch red diamond attached to a northern species and for Eastern On the left is a shooting range . the pine grove are a picnic table hemlock, breaks off to the right. A Phoebe, which nests on the moss (as you may have already and benches, where you can re­ singing Acadian Flycatcher has covered rock outcroppings, and heard!). It is difficult to under­ lax, listen and watch for Pine been observed in this area. At this Louisiana Waterthrush, darting stand why the DEP permitted the

56 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 57 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, North­ Warbler, Brown Creeper and the point you are entering the north up and down the stream bank. It ern Oriole and a host of other uncommon Pileated Wood­ facing slope of Spruce Brook also nests here. species. Hooded Warblers also pecker. If you don't wish to cross Ravine. Bisected by the river, the This quarter mile trail along occur here regularly. Both Olive­ the dam, another stand of white north slope of this beautiful east­ the brook can be refreshingly cool sided Flycatcher and Gray­ pine is about 400 feet down­ west oriented ravine forms a cool, even on a hot summer day. The cheeked Thrush have been ob­ slope-where the same species moist conifer-forested mi­ water looks inviting, but can be served during fall migration. also may be found. Broad­ crohabitat. Birds usually found surprisingly cold. Along the trail, If you have time for a short winged Hawks have nested in further to the north may nest in watch for striped maple, which excursion, take the trail on the the vicinity in recent summers. this ravine. Watch for Winter provides another indicator of the right which appears about half­ From the small pond there are Wren, Black- throated Green cooler conditions which prevail way down the horseshoe (about two ways to proceed. You can Warbler, Solitary Vireo and Her­ on the north-facing slope of this 275 yards). This trail leads follow the left fork downslope mit Thrush. One July day a ravine. through a red maple shrub past the pine grove on the left Northern Saw-whet Owl was The trail ends at the previ­ swamp to a hemlock and white (just discussed) and parallel with heard calling in the woodland. ously mentioned footbridge. The pine lined "canyon" (about 400 the small stream. After crossing The 0.6 mile long trail is steep open bottomland between the yards). Along the trail Worm­ the footbridge the trail terminates as you decend but fortunately it is ravine slopes can be teeming with eating Warblers are common in at the paved forest road. The right all downhill and in good condi­ bird life, except during winter. spring and summer as are East­ fork ascends a slight hill. This tion. The bank slopes steeply to Here Blue-winged and Chestnut­ em Wood Pewee and Great trail bisects an upland deciduous the brook 200 feet below along sided Warbler, American Red­ Crested Flycatcher. In the lower woodland where Downy and parts of the trail. Past the steep start, Yellowthroat, Solitary and "canyon" a river otter was once Hairy Woodpecker, Black­ area, the ravine opens up and Red-eyed Vireo, Veery, Wood observed scurrying in and capped Chickadee, Tufted Tit­ habitat begins changing to a Thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak around the rocky ledge as it mouse and White-breasted Nut­ mixed deciduous-conifer wood­ and Northern Cardinal are some headed into a small stream. hatch are permanent residents. land. The Worm-eating Warbler, species for which you might Returning to the trail back at Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Wood Pewee, Great search. the horseshoe, continue down­ Ovenbird and Wood Thrush are Crested Flycatcher, Veery, Wood To proceed back to the park­ hill, where a small stream paral­ common species during spring, Thrush and Ovenbird are fairly ing area, do not cross the foot­ lels the trail. Louisiana Water­ summer and fall. About 250 common in spring and summer. bridge (unless you want to return thrush is common and nests yards from the pond you will When you come to a dirt parking to the small pond and retrace the whereas Northern Waterthrush come upon a hemlock grove with lot, stay along the left edge until a trail back to the car), but follow occurs sporadically during mi­ a small road on the left. Take this trail veers left toward the brook. the dirt road 200 feet to the paved gration. Continue to the small left trail approximately 200 yards Take an immediate left and fol­ park road, bearing left up the hill. pond on the left. Ruby-throated until you reach a small stream. low the trail up and along Spruce It is about 0.5 miles back to the Hummingbirds have been re­ Here you will find blue trail Brook. Once you get back into the car. Check the wooded slope on corded in the apple trees along its markers following the stream ravine the innumerable water­ the right for Worm-eating War­ edge. Northern Oriole, Scarlet downhill into the Spruce Brook falls and deep pools of water are bler, if you have not yet seen one. Tanager, Common Yellowthroat Ravine. Follow the trail and the picturesque, especially in winter Search the open area toward the and many other species will be brook downstream about 180 when icefalls and ice ledges are hilltop for Olive-sided Flycatcher conspicuous (spring-fall). yards until a trail, identified by a plentiful. Be on the lookout for in late May and early September. Across the concrete dam in 4 inch red diamond attached to a northern species and for Eastern On the left is a shooting range . the pine grove are a picnic table hemlock, breaks off to the right. A Phoebe, which nests on the moss (as you may have already and benches, where you can re­ singing Acadian Flycatcher has covered rock outcroppings, and heard!). It is difficult to under­ lax, listen and watch for Pine been observed in this area. At this Louisiana Waterthrush, darting stand why the DEP permitted the

56 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 57 construction of a shooting range slopes and for Warbling Vireo in July. The forest supports a fine by a deciduous wood. You are in the middle of a state forest, the cottonwoods and sycamores Whip-poor-will population and observing a dramatic example of especially since the Naugatuck that line the river. Killdeer and is one of the most consistent loca­ how microclimate influences State Forest has traditionally Spotted Sandpipers nest along tions for finding this species from vegetation. The north-facing been a major recrea tionalloca tion the small islands and gravel April through August. Whip­ slope receives less sunlight and in the Naugatuck Valley. On the banks of the river. Belted King­ poor-wills can be heard along cool, wet conditions prevail, re­ left, between the shooting range fishers nest in the short sand Hunter's Mountain Road, by the sulting in a more northern habi­ and the powerline, the Hooded bluffs which formed the former park boundary, near the trail tat-hemlock conifer forest. Con­ Warbler can usually be located, shootingrange.Whenthepaved parking site described above and versely, the south-facing slope is initially by its song and, with road is reached, continue 0.3 off the dirt road leading into warmer and dryer, hence a de­ persistence, by sight. Also, check miles, tum left, crossing a bridge Spruce Brook Ravine. Common ciduous woodland. The obvious the powerline cut for hawks, Pil­ over the railroad tracks, then Nighthawks are uncommon, but differences between the shrub eated Woodpecker, Prairie War­ cross the steel bridge over the can be observed performing their and herb layers of each forest bler, Song and Field Sparrow, Naugatuck River to arrive at the aerial maneuvers in pursuit of type also result from this micro­ Indigo Bunting, Northern Oriole, formerroute8. ToaccessRoute8, insects along the Naugatuck climate differences. and Rose-breasted Grosbeak turn left (north) to Naugatuck or River from late May-July. From You may also want to cross during spring, summer and early right, (south) towards Seymour. mid-August to mid-September the Naugatuck River to explore fall, before proceeding to your car A variety of nocturnal species nighthawks are sometimes abun­ the eastern part of the Naugatuck about 0.1 mile up the road. are found in the park. Screech, dant, especially on overcast eve­ State Forest, which includes more Once in the car, drive down­ Great Homed, Barred and North­ nings. Nighthawks apparently than a thousand acres of forest, hill past the dirt road leading into ern Saw-whet Owls all have been usetheriverasamigratoryroute. much of it a white birch/ gray Spruce Brook Ravine to the bot­ recorded and are probably per­ If birding is slow or you have birch hybrid forest. tom of the valley and to the con­ manent residents (although the completed your explorations, fluence of Spruce Brook and the Saw-whet is rare and sporadic). take time to examine the ecology Naugatuck River. Park here and Undoubtedly, the Eastern of the hemlock forest. Both abi­ 1. D.E.P. Hazardous Waste Man­ scope the rock ledges and hillside Screech-Owl is the most common otic and biotic conditions are agement Section, Hartford, CT for Turkey Vulture, Northern species located on Hunter's similar to the great coniferous Goshawk, Bald Eagle (rare in Mountain Road, especially in the forests that form a broad belt 2. 25 Bonair Ave., Waterbury, CT winter), Osprey, Broad-winged forest-field habitat at the park across Canada and Eurasia. No­ 06710 Hawk, waterfowl and gulls. boundary, along the paved park tice that the forest is self-sustain­ Glaucous and Iceland Gulls were road near the powerline right-of­ ing, ie., the seedlings and sap­ 3. Southern Connecticut State uncommon fall and winter resi­ way and elsewhere. Great lings are also hemlock, indicating Univ., New Haven, Cf 06525 dents along this stretch of river Homed and Barred Owls are not that it is unlikely to be displaced (usually about 0.25 to 1 mile up­ consistently found in any one stream) when the Laurel Park location, but remain uncommon landfill was active, and may still through the whole area-both be found. Fish Crows may occa­ have been heard on Hunter's sionally be heard calling as they Mountain Road and observed fly above the river valley. Drive along the Naugatuck River. slowly south along the gravel Woodcock are common along . road which parallels the railroad Hunter' sMountain Road and can tracks. Stop and listen for Worm­ be observed at dusk performing eating Warbler along the bedrock their courtship ritual from April-

58 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER3 59 construction of a shooting range slopes and for Warbling Vireo in July. The forest supports a fine by a deciduous wood. You are in the middle of a state forest, the cottonwoods and sycamores Whip-poor-will population and observing a dramatic example of especially since the Naugatuck that line the river. Killdeer and is one of the most consistent loca­ how microclimate influences State Forest has traditionally Spotted Sandpipers nest along tions for finding this species from vegetation. The north-facing been a major recrea tionalloca tion the small islands and gravel April through August. Whip­ slope receives less sunlight and in the Naugatuck Valley. On the banks of the river. Belted King­ poor-wills can be heard along cool, wet conditions prevail, re­ left, between the shooting range fishers nest in the short sand Hunter's Mountain Road, by the sulting in a more northern habi­ and the powerline, the Hooded bluffs which formed the former park boundary, near the trail tat-hemlock conifer forest. Con­ Warbler can usually be located, shootingrange.Whenthepaved parking site described above and versely, the south-facing slope is initially by its song and, with road is reached, continue 0.3 off the dirt road leading into warmer and dryer, hence a de­ persistence, by sight. Also, check miles, tum left, crossing a bridge Spruce Brook Ravine. Common ciduous woodland. The obvious the powerline cut for hawks, Pil­ over the railroad tracks, then Nighthawks are uncommon, but differences between the shrub eated Woodpecker, Prairie War­ cross the steel bridge over the can be observed performing their and herb layers of each forest bler, Song and Field Sparrow, Naugatuck River to arrive at the aerial maneuvers in pursuit of type also result from this micro­ Indigo Bunting, Northern Oriole, formerroute8. ToaccessRoute8, insects along the Naugatuck climate differences. and Rose-breasted Grosbeak turn left (north) to Naugatuck or River from late May-July. From You may also want to cross during spring, summer and early right, (south) towards Seymour. mid-August to mid-September the Naugatuck River to explore fall, before proceeding to your car A variety of nocturnal species nighthawks are sometimes abun­ the eastern part of the Naugatuck about 0.1 mile up the road. are found in the park. Screech, dant, especially on overcast eve­ State Forest, which includes more Once in the car, drive down­ Great Homed, Barred and North­ nings. Nighthawks apparently than a thousand acres of forest, hill past the dirt road leading into ern Saw-whet Owls all have been usetheriverasamigratoryroute. much of it a white birch/ gray Spruce Brook Ravine to the bot­ recorded and are probably per­ If birding is slow or you have birch hybrid forest. tom of the valley and to the con­ manent residents (although the completed your explorations, fluence of Spruce Brook and the Saw-whet is rare and sporadic). take time to examine the ecology Naugatuck River. Park here and Undoubtedly, the Eastern of the hemlock forest. Both abi­ 1. D.E.P. Hazardous Waste Man­ scope the rock ledges and hillside Screech-Owl is the most common otic and biotic conditions are agement Section, Hartford, CT for Turkey Vulture, Northern species located on Hunter's similar to the great coniferous Goshawk, Bald Eagle (rare in Mountain Road, especially in the forests that form a broad belt 2. 25 Bonair Ave., Waterbury, CT winter), Osprey, Broad-winged forest-field habitat at the park across Canada and Eurasia. No­ 06710 Hawk, waterfowl and gulls. boundary, along the paved park tice that the forest is self-sustain­ Glaucous and Iceland Gulls were road near the powerline right-of­ ing, ie., the seedlings and sap­ 3. Southern Connecticut State uncommon fall and winter resi­ way and elsewhere. Great lings are also hemlock, indicating Univ., New Haven, Cf 06525 dents along this stretch of river Homed and Barred Owls are not that it is unlikely to be displaced (usually about 0.25 to 1 mile up­ consistently found in any one stream) when the Laurel Park location, but remain uncommon landfill was active, and may still through the whole area-both be found. Fish Crows may occa­ have been heard on Hunter's sionally be heard calling as they Mountain Road and observed fly above the river valley. Drive along the Naugatuck River. slowly south along the gravel Woodcock are common along . road which parallels the railroad Hunter' sMountain Road and can tracks. Stop and listen for Worm­ be observed at dusk performing eating Warbler along the bedrock their courtship ritual from April-

58 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME!~ NUMBER3 59 CONNECTICUT FIELD NOTES nary seed to table scraps. One bird, Common Grackle, Brown­ station even provided maple sap headed Cowbird and Purple Winter: December 1, 1988- February 28, 1989 from a tree to which the feeder Finch. Many of these were re­ Jay Kaplan was attached. gionallyrestricted birds. Pileated No species was reported at all Woodpecker was seen but three A "wimpy winter?" asked The this season. Nevertheless, there 41 stations, however, Black­ times, which is a pity as it is very Hartford Courant at the conclu­ were a few goodies such as a capped Chickadee, Tufted Tit­ impressive to see these large sion of the winter season. Well, Black-headed Grosbeak in Har­ mouse and House Finch did birds tearing suet bags to shreds. from a birder's point of view, it all winton. Massachusetts managed appear at all but one station at Seen only 3-4 times were Field a Sprague's Pipit andaLe Conte's depended upon what you were f/' some point during the winter Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird and hoping to see. From a meterol­ Sparrow (our bird from 1987?) season. Mourning Dove and Sharp-shinned Hawk. Might the ogical standpoint, the tempera­ and many Connecticut birders Downy Woodpecker made it to latter be common? Look for piles tures were not all that wimpy. travelled north to begin their 1989 39 stations, while Northern Car­ of feathers in the vicinity next December was actually 1.5 deg. F lists on a high note. Will a mild dinal and Dark-eyed Junco were winter. The following species below normal in Bridgeport, al­ winter have any effects upon seen at 38. Other high scorers were reported from only one sta­ though 1.3 deg. F above normal spring migration? Stay tuned to were Blue Jay (37), White­ tion: Northern Flicker, Red­ for the Hartford area. January the next issue of The Warbler to breasted Nuthatch (35) and breasted Nuthatch, Rufous-sided was a mild month with tempera­ find out! White-throated Sparrow (33). Towhee, White-crowned Spar­ tures averaging 5.4 deg. F above Certainly there are no surprises row, Merlin, Ring-necked Pheas­ normal for the State. February Winter Bird Feeder Survey: on this list as all of these species ant and Yellow-bellied Sap­ was just about average, with high 1988-1989 are common winter visitors to sucker. Absentfromourlistwere readings of 57 deg. F in Bridge­ This year's survey elicited 41 feeding stations in our region. such birds as Brown Thrasher, port and 65 deg. F in Hartford responses, up from 37 received Birds seen at over 50% of the sta­ Gray Catbird, Swamp Sparrow February 1. It was the precipita­ lastyear. Ofthistotal,51% (20)of tions were American Goldfinch and, of course, the missing red­ tion or, rather, a lack of precipita­ the feeding stations were located (28), European Starling (27), polls, siskins and grosbeaks. tion, that made the winter seem in a residential area and 37% (15) American Crow and Song Spar­ What does this all mean? It is so mild. The snowfall for the were in rural woodland. Three row (25), and House Sparrow hard to tell until we begin to re­ 'entire 1988-89 winter measured feeders were in rural farmland, (22). All results are similar to ceive a greater number of reports 11.9inchesand total precipitation while two were in urban areas. thoseoflastyear. Next on the list and more years of records. For from December 1 through the These figures show a slight shift in terms of frequency of appear­ example, I know of several feed­ end of the 1988-89 winter season from the previous year when 60% ance were Red-bellied Wood­ ing stations that regularly attract in Hartford stood at a mere 4.73 of the feeding stations were in pecker (18) and Hairy Wood­ such species as Ruffed Grouse inches. For comparison, a normal residential areas and 24% in rural pecker(17). Have Red-bellied and Wild Turkey to name two winter's snowfall is just under 50 woodlands.Most stations (39 out Woodpeckers driven Hairy's species that were not reported inches. With conditions like this, of 41) used sunflower seeds. away from feeding stations? this year. Unlike other aspects of one might have expected all Other common foods provided American Tree Sparrow was next the field notes, designed to dis­ kinds of unusual sightings. There were mixed bird seed (28 sta­ (16). Mockingbird was noted at cuss unusual sightings or abun­ was a smattering of catbirds and tions), suet 28, and thistle seed 26. 12 feeding stations, although not dances, the winter feeder survey orioles around feeding stations, Water was provided at 12 sta­ one person mentioned anything shows trends. Without an his­ but nothing to generate great tions, and cracked com at 11. At about fruit. Species sighted from toric and larger data base, one enthusiasm. Does lack of snow least a dozen other varieties of 5-10 times included Rock Dove, cannot begin to extrapolate also mean lack of winter finches? food were utilized ranging from Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, meaningful changes in occur­ There surely weren't any around finch mix to popcorn, from ca- Fox Sparrow, Red-winged Black- rence - the winter finches being

60 THE CONNECTICur WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 61 CONNECTICUT FIELD NOTES nary seed to table scraps. One bird, Common Grackle, Brown­ station even provided maple sap headed Cowbird and Purple Winter: December 1, 1988- February 28, 1989 from a tree to which the feeder Finch. Many of these were re­ Jay Kaplan was attached. gionallyrestricted birds. Pileated No species was reported at all Woodpecker was seen but three A "wimpy winter?" asked The this season. Nevertheless, there 41 stations, however, Black­ times, which is a pity as it is very Hartford Courant at the conclu­ were a few goodies such as a capped Chickadee, Tufted Tit­ impressive to see these large sion of the winter season. Well, Black-headed Grosbeak in Har­ mouse and House Finch did birds tearing suet bags to shreds. from a birder's point of view, it all winton. Massachusetts managed appear at all but one station at Seen only 3-4 times were Field a Sprague's Pipit andaLe Conte's depended upon what you were f/' some point during the winter Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird and hoping to see. From a meterol­ Sparrow (our bird from 1987?) season. Mourning Dove and Sharp-shinned Hawk. Might the ogical standpoint, the tempera­ and many Connecticut birders Downy Woodpecker made it to latter be common? Look for piles tures were not all that wimpy. travelled north to begin their 1989 39 stations, while Northern Car­ of feathers in the vicinity next December was actually 1.5 deg. F lists on a high note. Will a mild dinal and Dark-eyed Junco were winter. The following species below normal in Bridgeport, al­ winter have any effects upon seen at 38. Other high scorers were reported from only one sta­ though 1.3 deg. F above normal spring migration? Stay tuned to were Blue Jay (37), White­ tion: Northern Flicker, Red­ for the Hartford area. January the next issue of The Warbler to breasted Nuthatch (35) and breasted Nuthatch, Rufous-sided was a mild month with tempera­ find out! White-throated Sparrow (33). Towhee, White-crowned Spar­ tures averaging 5.4 deg. F above Certainly there are no surprises row, Merlin, Ring-necked Pheas­ normal for the State. February Winter Bird Feeder Survey: on this list as all of these species ant and Yellow-bellied Sap­ was just about average, with high 1988-1989 are common winter visitors to sucker. Absentfromourlistwere readings of 57 deg. F in Bridge­ This year's survey elicited 41 feeding stations in our region. such birds as Brown Thrasher, port and 65 deg. F in Hartford responses, up from 37 received Birds seen at over 50% of the sta­ Gray Catbird, Swamp Sparrow February 1. It was the precipita­ lastyear. Ofthistotal,51% (20)of tions were American Goldfinch and, of course, the missing red­ tion or, rather, a lack of precipita­ the feeding stations were located (28), European Starling (27), polls, siskins and grosbeaks. tion, that made the winter seem in a residential area and 37% (15) American Crow and Song Spar­ What does this all mean? It is so mild. The snowfall for the were in rural woodland. Three row (25), and House Sparrow hard to tell until we begin to re­ 'entire 1988-89 winter measured feeders were in rural farmland, (22). All results are similar to ceive a greater number of reports 11.9inchesand total precipitation while two were in urban areas. thoseoflastyear. Next on the list and more years of records. For from December 1 through the These figures show a slight shift in terms of frequency of appear­ example, I know of several feed­ end of the 1988-89 winter season from the previous year when 60% ance were Red-bellied Wood­ ing stations that regularly attract in Hartford stood at a mere 4.73 of the feeding stations were in pecker (18) and Hairy Wood­ such species as Ruffed Grouse inches. For comparison, a normal residential areas and 24% in rural pecker(17). Have Red-bellied and Wild Turkey to name two winter's snowfall is just under 50 woodlands.Most stations (39 out Woodpeckers driven Hairy's species that were not reported inches. With conditions like this, of 41) used sunflower seeds. away from feeding stations? this year. Unlike other aspects of one might have expected all Other common foods provided American Tree Sparrow was next the field notes, designed to dis­ kinds of unusual sightings. There were mixed bird seed (28 sta­ (16). Mockingbird was noted at cuss unusual sightings or abun­ was a smattering of catbirds and tions), suet 28, and thistle seed 26. 12 feeding stations, although not dances, the winter feeder survey orioles around feeding stations, Water was provided at 12 sta­ one person mentioned anything shows trends. Without an his­ but nothing to generate great tions, and cracked com at 11. At about fruit. Species sighted from toric and larger data base, one enthusiasm. Does lack of snow least a dozen other varieties of 5-10 times included Rock Dove, cannot begin to extrapolate also mean lack of winter finches? food were utilized ranging from Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, meaningful changes in occur­ There surely weren't any around finch mix to popcorn, from ca- Fox Sparrow, Red-winged Black- rence - the winter finches being

60 THE CONNECTICur WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 61 an obvious exception. Should we (FMa et al.). Single Red-necked different locations. Brant were February 24 (LK). These sight­ continue a winter feeder survey? Grebes were seen at Groton Long also plentiful withahighof370in ings pale when compared to the By all means. The survey will Point December 30 (RSCB); South Norwalk December 27 100+ birds seen on the Naugatuck take time to develop into a useful Rocky Neck State Park (hereafter (FMa,CW) and flocks of up to 150 River, Seymour January 12 (BD). tool. It is also a means by which RNSP), Niantic January 26 birds reported from other coastal A single Greater Scaup Barkham­ feeder watchers may learn what (RBA); and off Long Beach, Strat­ locations (fide FMa). sted Reservoir January 1 (DT) species may be missing at their ford February 4 (RS). Great Open inland waters provided was an uncommon sighting. The backyard feeding stations. Look­ Cormorants, common along the a host of waterfowl reports, in three Lesser Scaup seen in Bark­ ing for these species the follow­ coast, are rare inland and the addition to the usual coastal hamsted Reservoir December 26 ing year will help to improve single bird on the Connecticut sightings. Two Wood Ducks (SKe) may seem insignificant their observational skills and, River in Suffield January 13-19 were seen on the Connecticut when compared with the 125 perhaps add to our knowledge of (SKe,PS) was noteworthy. This is River in Suffield February 25 seen in New Haven Harbor De­ the species we may take for the third consecutive year a Great (PS). A Green-winged Teal (Eu­ cember 12 (FMa et al.). Another granted. Keep watching those Cormorant has been reported at rasian race) was sighted January report of five Lesser Scaup came feeders! this location. One species that 6 (CBa) at Grays Creek, Westport. from New London January 17 apparently enjoyed the mild In addition to several coastal (BK,WC,MC). The Common LOONS weather conditions was Great sightings, Northern Pintails were Eider previously reported from THROUGH WATERFOWL Egret. Two birds were seen in reported from Congamond Lake, Milford Point, was last seen De­ In spite of the mild tempera­ Norwalk Harbor December 1 Suffield December 12 (SKe); Lake cember 6 (RE). Two duck sight­ tures and a good deal of open (FMa) with one remaining until Beseck, Middletown December ings stand out this season. A water, loons were in short supply December 16 (BF), and single 21 (WS); the Enfield Boat Launch, Harlequin Duck observed on the throughout the period. Red­ individuals were reported from Connecticut River January 16 Thames River during the New throated Loons were scarce in Milford Point December 7 (SM), (BK,JMa); and from North Farms London CBC, December 26, was southeastern Connecticut as re­ SISP December 24 (RW), and Reservoir, Wallingford January the best. The bird remained in the ported in the Records of South­ Great Meadows, Stratford De­ 29-February 2 (WS). Eurasian area through the period. More eastern Connecticut Birds (here­ cember 29 (SKo). The lack of Wigeon have become almost reliable and also outstanding, after RSCB). A single Common snow on the ground was great for regular winter visitors in Con­ were the three Barrow's Gold­ Loon was seen on the Connecti­ geese, with flocks numbering necticut in the last few years. This eneye located on the Connecticut cut River in Suffield, December thousands of individuals in season, sightings of single birds River. First reported from the 18 (PS). Grebes were also on the many areas of the State. With all came from Lake Saltonstall, East Enfield Boat Launch January 15 low side with single Pied-billed of these geese, there couldn't help Haven early December (fide RE); (PS), these birds, one male and Grebes reported from the Housa­ but be a few rarities. A Greater Oyster River, Milford January 29 two females, remained through tonic River in Southbury, Decem­ White-fronted Goose (Greenland (SM); and West Haven February March 3 with a large flock of ber 26 (RN) and along the Thames race) was discovered amidst two 1 (BD). A single Redhead was Common Goldeneyes. A high of River, New London through thousand Canadas on a Bloom­ reported on Aspetuck Reservoir, 25 Ruddy Duck were seen at Held January (RSCB). Along our fieldsodfarmJanuary9(BK,JKa). Easton January 1 (NC,RN et.al.) Pond, Weston December 3 (FMa). southwest coast, Horned Grebes The bird was seen sporadically and three Redheads were present could be found in their usual and last reported February 25 on the Thames River, New Lon­ VULTURES THROUGH GULLS haunts, although numbers were (HM, fide TB). Another individ­ don through much of the period Mild conditions may have in­ down from the previous year. ual appeared on Mirror Lake, (m.ob.). A Ring-necked Duck fluenced Turkey Vulture move­ Sherwood Island State Park Storrs December 31 (JMc). Snow was sighted on the upper Con­ ments during the period as 11 (hereafter SISP), Westport had a Geese were widely reported with necticut River from the Enfield birds were seen roosting on an high number of 50 February 20 one or two birds reported from 11 Boat Launch February 4 (JB) and island in Lake Quonnipaug,

62 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 63 an obvious exception. Should we (FMa et al.). Single Red-necked different locations. Brant were February 24 (LK). These sight­ continue a winter feeder survey? Grebes were seen at Groton Long also plentiful withahighof370in ings pale when compared to the By all means. The survey will Point December 30 (RSCB); South Norwalk December 27 100+ birds seen on the Naugatuck take time to develop into a useful Rocky Neck State Park (hereafter (FMa,CW) and flocks of up to 150 River, Seymour January 12 (BD). tool. It is also a means by which RNSP), Niantic January 26 birds reported from other coastal A single Greater Scaup Barkham­ feeder watchers may learn what (RBA); and off Long Beach, Strat­ locations (fide FMa). sted Reservoir January 1 (DT) species may be missing at their ford February 4 (RS). Great Open inland waters provided was an uncommon sighting. The backyard feeding stations. Look­ Cormorants, common along the a host of waterfowl reports, in three Lesser Scaup seen in Bark­ ing for these species the follow­ coast, are rare inland and the addition to the usual coastal hamsted Reservoir December 26 ing year will help to improve single bird on the Connecticut sightings. Two Wood Ducks (SKe) may seem insignificant their observational skills and, River in Suffield January 13-19 were seen on the Connecticut when compared with the 125 perhaps add to our knowledge of (SKe,PS) was noteworthy. This is River in Suffield February 25 seen in New Haven Harbor De­ the species we may take for the third consecutive year a Great (PS). A Green-winged Teal (Eu­ cember 12 (FMa et al.). Another granted. Keep watching those Cormorant has been reported at rasian race) was sighted January report of five Lesser Scaup came feeders! this location. One species that 6 (CBa) at Grays Creek, Westport. from New London January 17 apparently enjoyed the mild In addition to several coastal (BK,WC,MC). The Common LOONS weather conditions was Great sightings, Northern Pintails were Eider previously reported from THROUGH WATERFOWL Egret. Two birds were seen in reported from Congamond Lake, Milford Point, was last seen De­ In spite of the mild tempera­ Norwalk Harbor December 1 Suffield December 12 (SKe); Lake cember 6 (RE). Two duck sight­ tures and a good deal of open (FMa) with one remaining until Beseck, Middletown December ings stand out this season. A water, loons were in short supply December 16 (BF), and single 21 (WS); the Enfield Boat Launch, Harlequin Duck observed on the throughout the period. Red­ individuals were reported from Connecticut River January 16 Thames River during the New throated Loons were scarce in Milford Point December 7 (SM), (BK,JMa); and from North Farms London CBC, December 26, was southeastern Connecticut as re­ SISP December 24 (RW), and Reservoir, Wallingford January the best. The bird remained in the ported in the Records of South­ Great Meadows, Stratford De­ 29-February 2 (WS). Eurasian area through the period. More eastern Connecticut Birds (here­ cember 29 (SKo). The lack of Wigeon have become almost reliable and also outstanding, after RSCB). A single Common snow on the ground was great for regular winter visitors in Con­ were the three Barrow's Gold­ Loon was seen on the Connecti­ geese, with flocks numbering necticut in the last few years. This eneye located on the Connecticut cut River in Suffield, December thousands of individuals in season, sightings of single birds River. First reported from the 18 (PS). Grebes were also on the many areas of the State. With all came from Lake Saltonstall, East Enfield Boat Launch January 15 low side with single Pied-billed of these geese, there couldn't help Haven early December (fide RE); (PS), these birds, one male and Grebes reported from the Housa­ but be a few rarities. A Greater Oyster River, Milford January 29 two females, remained through tonic River in Southbury, Decem­ White-fronted Goose (Greenland (SM); and West Haven February March 3 with a large flock of ber 26 (RN) and along the Thames race) was discovered amidst two 1 (BD). A single Redhead was Common Goldeneyes. A high of River, New London through thousand Canadas on a Bloom­ reported on Aspetuck Reservoir, 25 Ruddy Duck were seen at Held January (RSCB). Along our fieldsodfarmJanuary9(BK,JKa). Easton January 1 (NC,RN et.al.) Pond, Weston December 3 (FMa). southwest coast, Horned Grebes The bird was seen sporadically and three Redheads were present could be found in their usual and last reported February 25 on the Thames River, New Lon­ VULTURES THROUGH GULLS haunts, although numbers were (HM, fide TB). Another individ­ don through much of the period Mild conditions may have in­ down from the previous year. ual appeared on Mirror Lake, (m.ob.). A Ring-necked Duck fluenced Turkey Vulture move­ Sherwood Island State Park Storrs December 31 (JMc). Snow was sighted on the upper Con­ ments during the period as 11 (hereafter SISP), Westport had a Geese were widely reported with necticut River from the Enfield birds were seen roosting on an high number of 50 February 20 one or two birds reported from 11 Boat Launch February 4 (JB) and island in Lake Quonnipaug,

62 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 63 Guilford December 21 (WS). A eastern portions of the State. River, New Milford January 20 for Homed Lark and 75 were seen mid-winter warm front coin­ Thus, 12 birds along a powerline (NC); and the New Milford there January 9 (JKa,BK). Com­ cided with seven birds in Granby at Denison-Pequotsepos Nature landfill January 26 (RBA). Lesser mon Ravens are now permanent February 1 (HJ) and five in Union Center, Mystic January 17 were a Black-backed Gulls continue to residents at Barkhamsted Reser­ February 2 (BK,WC). The open welcome sight (RSCB). A late increase as winter visitors, with voir, but difficult to observe. waters allowed eagles to remain Sora was observed at Lake Whit­ reports of this species from six Three birds were sighted January dispersed along the State's major ney,NewHavenDecember16-17 locations, primarily landfills. A 15 (DT) and single individuals waterways and Bald Eagles were (FMc). Winter numbers of single Glaucous Gull was seen in were located February 19 (PS) everywhere this season. Bald American Coot, according to Hartford February 17 (RR). and February 25 (RN et al.). Red­ Eagles are expected around the CBC reports, have declined dra­ breasted Nuthatch was all but reservoirs in northwestern Con­ matically. Remnant populations OWLS THROUGH KINGLETS absent this winter with birds necticut during the winter. An remain with six birds on Conga­ A Common Bam Owl was a missing from many of their usual immature Golden Eagle, sighted mond Lake, Suffield (SKe), and road kill in Gales Ferry December haunts. One in New Milford at the north end of Barkhamsted five on the Thames River, New 21 (RSCB). A very reliable East­ January 1 (RN et al.) was the only Reservoir January 14 on a New London(FS)throughtheperiod ern Screech Owl during the pe­ report received. A species that Haven Bird Club trip, was not plus a single bird at Rocky Neck riod was at the Enfield Boat has increased during the rela­ expected. The bird was last re­ State Park (NHBC). Few shore­ Launch on the Connecticut River. tively mild winters of recent ported February 19 (PS). An birds reports were received for It was studied and photographed years is the Winter Wren. Nu­ adult Golden Eagle was sighted the period. Three Black-bellied by many observers who were merous reports were received in Pres ton December 12-16 Plover were seen at Longshore waiting for the Barrow's Gold­ from throughout the State and it (RSCB).Single Northern Harriers Oub Park, Westport January 1 eneye to appear. Single and brief will be interesting to look for any were reported from Lordship (RN) and a single bird was at SISP reports of Snowy Owls came increase in nesting activity by this Marsh, Stratford January 1 to end January 15 (EJ). There were two from Milford Point January 11 species. Golden-crowned of period (RN), Bloomfield Janu­ Common Snipe at Hamden Wa­ (NC) and January 26 (RBA), and Kinglets were in good supply, ary 12 (BK), Durham Meadows ter Compound December 3 (CG) Sandy Point, West Haven Febru­ but there was only one report of January 14 (WS), and a male in and one at Green Farm Road, ary 1 (RBA). A Long-eared Owl Ruby-crowns, an individual in Wallingford February 26 (WS). Westport January 15 (EJ). Ameri­ was sighted at Hammonasset Sherman January 2 (AD,JKf). American Kestrels continue in can Woodcock were reported Beach State Park (hereafter short supply with few winter sporadically throughout the pe­ HBSP) December 31 (JB) and two THRUSHES reports of this species - a good riod. birds were found in Sherman THROUGH FINCHES subject for some research? Mer­ As usual, South Cove, Old January 10 (JKf). One Saw-whet Single Hermit Thrushes were lin, on the other hand, were re­ Saybrook was a good place for Owl spent the entire winter at reported from Canton December ported throughout the period Bonaparte's Gulls with 200 seen Greenwich Point Park (m.ob.), 20 (JKa) and Woodbury through with single birds at Sikorsky Air­ in this location January 17 while less sedentary birds were the period (RN). Brown Thrash­ port, Stratford December 20 (BK,WC,MC), but no little or seen in North Haven February 7 ers were observed at Farm brook, (NC), Hartford January 6 (CE), Black-headed Gulls. An albino (FMc); February 11 (BD) and a New HavenDecember4 (DB), the and SISP February 20 (SKo). Ring-billed Gull was again at Ft. different bird February 20 Hamden landfill December 19 Peregrine Falcon reports were Hale Park, New Haven through (BD,DSm). (CG), and HBSP, Madison Janu­ even more prevelant with seven the period (fide FG). Iceland An adult Red-headed Wood­ ary 23 (NC). The mild weather reports, including one from Hart­ Gulls were reported from the pecker was sighted in Clinton conditions may have contributed ford and six from the coast. Connecticut River, Suffield Janu­ January 14 (BD,MS,FG). Open to numerous winter reports of Northern Bobwhite have de­ ary 13-19 and February 23 (two agricultural lands in Bloomfield Gray Catbirds, including reports clined in recent years, even from birds) (SKe), the Housatonic provides suitable winter habitat from East Rock Park, New Haven

64 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 65 Guilford December 21 (WS). A eastern portions of the State. River, New Milford January 20 for Homed Lark and 75 were seen mid-winter warm front coin­ Thus, 12 birds along a powerline (NC); and the New Milford there January 9 (JKa,BK). Com­ cided with seven birds in Granby at Denison-Pequotsepos Nature landfill January 26 (RBA). Lesser mon Ravens are now permanent February 1 (HJ) and five in Union Center, Mystic January 17 were a Black-backed Gulls continue to residents at Barkhamsted Reser­ February 2 (BK,WC). The open welcome sight (RSCB). A late increase as winter visitors, with voir, but difficult to observe. waters allowed eagles to remain Sora was observed at Lake Whit­ reports of this species from six Three birds were sighted January dispersed along the State's major ney,NewHavenDecember16-17 locations, primarily landfills. A 15 (DT) and single individuals waterways and Bald Eagles were (FMc). Winter numbers of single Glaucous Gull was seen in were located February 19 (PS) everywhere this season. Bald American Coot, according to Hartford February 17 (RR). and February 25 (RN et al.). Red­ Eagles are expected around the CBC reports, have declined dra­ breasted Nuthatch was all but reservoirs in northwestern Con­ matically. Remnant populations OWLS THROUGH KINGLETS absent this winter with birds necticut during the winter. An remain with six birds on Conga­ A Common Bam Owl was a missing from many of their usual immature Golden Eagle, sighted mond Lake, Suffield (SKe), and road kill in Gales Ferry December haunts. One in New Milford at the north end of Barkhamsted five on the Thames River, New 21 (RSCB). A very reliable East­ January 1 (RN et al.) was the only Reservoir January 14 on a New London(FS)throughtheperiod ern Screech Owl during the pe­ report received. A species that Haven Bird Club trip, was not plus a single bird at Rocky Neck riod was at the Enfield Boat has increased during the rela­ expected. The bird was last re­ State Park (NHBC). Few shore­ Launch on the Connecticut River. tively mild winters of recent ported February 19 (PS). An birds reports were received for It was studied and photographed years is the Winter Wren. Nu­ adult Golden Eagle was sighted the period. Three Black-bellied by many observers who were merous reports were received in Pres ton December 12-16 Plover were seen at Longshore waiting for the Barrow's Gold­ from throughout the State and it (RSCB).Single Northern Harriers Oub Park, Westport January 1 eneye to appear. Single and brief will be interesting to look for any were reported from Lordship (RN) and a single bird was at SISP reports of Snowy Owls came increase in nesting activity by this Marsh, Stratford January 1 to end January 15 (EJ). There were two from Milford Point January 11 species. Golden-crowned of period (RN), Bloomfield Janu­ Common Snipe at Hamden Wa­ (NC) and January 26 (RBA), and Kinglets were in good supply, ary 12 (BK), Durham Meadows ter Compound December 3 (CG) Sandy Point, West Haven Febru­ but there was only one report of January 14 (WS), and a male in and one at Green Farm Road, ary 1 (RBA). A Long-eared Owl Ruby-crowns, an individual in Wallingford February 26 (WS). Westport January 15 (EJ). Ameri­ was sighted at Hammonasset Sherman January 2 (AD,JKf). American Kestrels continue in can Woodcock were reported Beach State Park (hereafter short supply with few winter sporadically throughout the pe­ HBSP) December 31 (JB) and two THRUSHES reports of this species - a good riod. birds were found in Sherman THROUGH FINCHES subject for some research? Mer­ As usual, South Cove, Old January 10 (JKf). One Saw-whet Single Hermit Thrushes were lin, on the other hand, were re­ Saybrook was a good place for Owl spent the entire winter at reported from Canton December ported throughout the period Bonaparte's Gulls with 200 seen Greenwich Point Park (m.ob.), 20 (JKa) and Woodbury through with single birds at Sikorsky Air­ in this location January 17 while less sedentary birds were the period (RN). Brown Thrash­ port, Stratford December 20 (BK,WC,MC), but no little or seen in North Haven February 7 ers were observed at Farm brook, (NC), Hartford January 6 (CE), Black-headed Gulls. An albino (FMc); February 11 (BD) and a New HavenDecember4 (DB), the and SISP February 20 (SKo). Ring-billed Gull was again at Ft. different bird February 20 Hamden landfill December 19 Peregrine Falcon reports were Hale Park, New Haven through (BD,DSm). (CG), and HBSP, Madison Janu­ even more prevelant with seven the period (fide FG). Iceland An adult Red-headed Wood­ ary 23 (NC). The mild weather reports, including one from Hart­ Gulls were reported from the pecker was sighted in Clinton conditions may have contributed ford and six from the coast. Connecticut River, Suffield Janu­ January 14 (BD,MS,FG). Open to numerous winter reports of Northern Bobwhite have de­ ary 13-19 and February 23 (two agricultural lands in Bloomfield Gray Catbirds, including reports clined in recent years, even from birds) (SKe), the Housatonic provides suitable winter habitat from East Rock Park, New Haven

64 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 65 (two birds) December 14 (FMc); (MB). Hocks of Rusty Blackbirds Carl Ekroth, Richard English, Merrithew (JMe), Russ Naylor, Durham Fairgrounds January 14 were reported north of Konold's BobFoley,MerionFrolich.Frank New Haven Bird Oub (NHBC), (WS)); and Sherman February 20 Pond, North Haven December 9 Gallo, John Gebhardt, Virginia& Alison Olivieri, Rare Bird Alert OK£). A late Water Pipit was at and January 6 (FMc); three ap­ Paul Godwin, Carol Goertz, Wil- (RBA), Records of Southeaster HBSP December 10 (SM). Mild peared at a Middletown feeder lard Hartman, Michael Har- Connecticut Birds(RSCB), Ron weather did not provide an in­ December 18-19 (GM) and a flock wood, Robert Hollister, Hazel Rozsa, Paul Saraceni, Wilford crease in late warbler reports. A of more than 17 Rusty's at a Jockheck, Elsbeth Johnson, Jay Schultz, Ray Schwartz, Fred Si­ single male Common Yel­ Wallingford feeder for much of Kaplan 0Ka), Jeanne Kauffman bley, Dee Smith, Dwight Smith lowthroat at Durham Meadows the period increased to 42 by OK£), Seth Kellogg(SKe), David (DSm), Jane Snyder, Mark January 14 (WS) was the only February 11 (WS). Single North­ Kelly, Len Kendall, Mr. & Mrs. Szantyr, Dave Tripp, Connie report for the period. One of the ern Orioles were reported from Walter Kennedy, Betty Kleiner, Wood, V. P. Wystrach most interesting reports was an feeders, one, killed by a Sharp­ Steve Kotchko(SKo), Jim & Mary immature male Black-headed shinned Hawk in Wilton Decem­ Lyons, John McDonald(JMc), 71 Gracey Rd., Canton, Cf 06019 Grosbeak at a Harwinton feeder. ber 3 (fide FMa), a first year-male many observers (m.ob.), Frank The bird, first observed February in Westport December8-18 (fide Mantlik (FMa), Joyce Marshall S,remainedforoneweekand was FMa) and a bird in Groton Center (JMa), Hugh Martin, Patsy photographed (RB,DT), but was January 3 (RSCB). Mason, S. C. Mayo, Florence not put on the rare bird alert at the Winter Finches..... that's all, McBride (FMc), Glenn Mc- request of the homeowner. Al­ folks. Actually, there was a single Namara, Mark Mushkat, James most as unique was an immature report of a fly-by Evening Gros­ Indigo Bunting at a Glastonbury beak in Canton December 20 feeder January 12-13 O&ML). OKa). Not too impressive when Sparrows of interest included compared with previous years. a Chipping in Shelton December However, reports of the absence 28 (JB,EB) and a Lincoln's in of a species are as valuable as Middlebury December 17 (BD). reports of the presence of the Lapland Longspurs were re­ species. Thus, we believe there ported sporadically from HBSP were almost no siskins, repolls, throughout the period (m.ob.) grosbeaks or crossbills in Con­ with no more than two indivi du­ necticut during the winter of als seen at any one time. A Snow 1988-89. Bunting was also seen at HBSP January 14 (RE), while another Observers;Contributors (boldface) was sighted in Middletown De­ Ralph Amodei, James Bair, cember 18 (WS). A male Red­ Cheryl Barker(CBr), Dan Barvir, winged Blackbird in South Nor­ Charles Barnard(CBa), Ray walk (CW) January 27 might Barnett(RBa), Ray Belding(RBe), havebeenanearlymigrant. Sing­ Ella Bradbury, Andrew Brand, ing males in East Hartford (Jl

66 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 67 (two birds) December 14 (FMc); (MB). Hocks of Rusty Blackbirds Carl Ekroth, Richard English, Merrithew (JMe), Russ Naylor, Durham Fairgrounds January 14 were reported north of Konold's BobFoley,MerionFrolich.Frank New Haven Bird Oub (NHBC), (WS)); and Sherman February 20 Pond, North Haven December 9 Gallo, John Gebhardt, Virginia& Alison Olivieri, Rare Bird Alert OK£). A late Water Pipit was at and January 6 (FMc); three ap­ Paul Godwin, Carol Goertz, Wil- (RBA), Records of Southeaster HBSP December 10 (SM). Mild peared at a Middletown feeder lard Hartman, Michael Har- Connecticut Birds(RSCB), Ron weather did not provide an in­ December 18-19 (GM) and a flock wood, Robert Hollister, Hazel Rozsa, Paul Saraceni, Wilford crease in late warbler reports. A of more than 17 Rusty's at a Jockheck, Elsbeth Johnson, Jay Schultz, Ray Schwartz, Fred Si­ single male Common Yel­ Wallingford feeder for much of Kaplan 0Ka), Jeanne Kauffman bley, Dee Smith, Dwight Smith lowthroat at Durham Meadows the period increased to 42 by OK£), Seth Kellogg(SKe), David (DSm), Jane Snyder, Mark January 14 (WS) was the only February 11 (WS). Single North­ Kelly, Len Kendall, Mr. & Mrs. Szantyr, Dave Tripp, Connie report for the period. One of the ern Orioles were reported from Walter Kennedy, Betty Kleiner, Wood, V. P. Wystrach most interesting reports was an feeders, one, killed by a Sharp­ Steve Kotchko(SKo), Jim & Mary immature male Black-headed shinned Hawk in Wilton Decem­ Lyons, John McDonald(JMc), 71 Gracey Rd., Canton, Cf 06019 Grosbeak at a Harwinton feeder. ber 3 (fide FMa), a first year-male many observers (m.ob.), Frank The bird, first observed February in Westport December8-18 (fide Mantlik (FMa), Joyce Marshall S,remainedforoneweekand was FMa) and a bird in Groton Center (JMa), Hugh Martin, Patsy photographed (RB,DT), but was January 3 (RSCB). Mason, S. C. Mayo, Florence not put on the rare bird alert at the Winter Finches..... that's all, McBride (FMc), Glenn Mc- request of the homeowner. Al­ folks. Actually, there was a single Namara, Mark Mushkat, James most as unique was an immature report of a fly-by Evening Gros­ Indigo Bunting at a Glastonbury beak in Canton December 20 feeder January 12-13 O&ML). OKa). Not too impressive when Sparrows of interest included compared with previous years. a Chipping in Shelton December However, reports of the absence 28 (JB,EB) and a Lincoln's in of a species are as valuable as Middlebury December 17 (BD). reports of the presence of the Lapland Longspurs were re­ species. Thus, we believe there ported sporadically from HBSP were almost no siskins, repolls, throughout the period (m.ob.) grosbeaks or crossbills in Con­ with no more than two indivi du­ necticut during the winter of als seen at any one time. A Snow 1988-89. Bunting was also seen at HBSP January 14 (RE), while another Observers;Contributors (boldface) was sighted in Middletown De­ Ralph Amodei, James Bair, cember 18 (WS). A male Red­ Cheryl Barker(CBr), Dan Barvir, winged Blackbird in South Nor­ Charles Barnard(CBa), Ray walk (CW) January 27 might Barnett(RBa), Ray Belding(RBe), havebeenanearlymigrant. Sing­ Ella Bradbury, Andrew Brand, ing males in East Hartford (Jl

66 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 67 UNUSUAL CONNECTICUT BIRD Snowy Owl; Boreal Owl (YPM Acknowledgments 1662, male, Kent, 12 Nov. 1906•); Eleanor Stickney and Steve SPECIMENS IN THE YALE PEABODY 2 Chuck-will's Widows (YPM Zack helped in making study MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 85435, female, Stony Creek, 26 material available. Louis Bevier George A. Clark\ Jr., Fred C. Sibley2, Roland C. Clement3 June 1969; YPM 85108, male, and Walter Ellison aided in the Falkner's Island, 11 May 1980•; examination of certain important This is the second report in a Brown Pelican (mount: Macken­ skeleton, YPM 2273, New Ha­ specimens. projected series on the location of zie 1961:23); Tricolored Heron ven); Black-backed Woodpecker unusual bird specimens from (skeleton, YPM 11613, Milford, 4 (skeleton, YPM 11999, New Ha­ Literature Cited Connecticut. Thefirstreportcon­ Nov. 1976); 3 Greater White­ ven, winter of 1977-78; Boreal Bull, J. 1964. Birds of the New cerned specimens housed at the fronted Geese (Auk 62:309-310, Chickadee (YPM 2299, North Ha­ York area. Harper and Row, University of Connecticut in 1945; these birds appear to be of ven, 2 Dec. 1913•); 1 Philadelphia New York.Clark, G. A., Jr. Storrs (Clark 1989). We now re­ the Greenland subspecies, flavi­ Vireo; Yellow-throated Warbler 1989. Connecticut bird speci­ port on exceptional specimens in rostris); Eurasian Wigeon (YPM (YPM 6189, albilora subspecies, mens in the State Museum of the collections at theYale Uni ver­ 325, male, Grove Beach, Clinton, male, Hamden, 31 Oct. 1952•); 1 Natural History. Connecticut sity Peabody Museum of Natural 2 Jan. 1920; YPM 89109, male, Cerulean Warbler•; Prothono­ Warbler 9: 18-19. History (YPM) in New Haven. Lake Staltonstall, Branford, 16 tary Warbler (YPM 8488, female, Mackenzie, L. 1961. The birds of We here list either the number Dec. 1971•; Golden Eagle (YPM Guilford, April 1959•); Summer Guilford, Connecticut. Pea­ of specimens or, for certain un­ 10242, immature female, North Tanager (YPM 46443, male, body Museum of Natural usual specimens, a citation of Madison,24Nov.1936);3Yellow Hamden, 14 Apr. 1960•); Western History, New Haven. published reference or data on Rails; Com Crake (Auk 61:471- Tanager (skeleton, YPM 6750, Sage,J. H., L. B. Bishop, and W. P. catalog number, locality and 472, 1944•); 4 Purple Gallinules•; male, North Madison, 12 July Bliss. 1913. The birds of Con­ date. Our nomenclature follows American Oystercatcher (skele­ 1968); Harris' Sparrow (YPM necticut. Conn. State Geol. the Sixth Edition of the American ton, YPM 13843, Betts Island, 89125, male, North Madison, 28 Nat. Hist. Surv. Bull. 20. Ornithologists' Union Check-list Norwalk, 1 June 1984); Spotted Feb. 1974•); Dickcissel (YPM Schwartz, R. 1987. Common of North American Birds (1983). Redshank (Auk 89:677, 1972•); 1 97183, male, Guilford, 30 Dec. Black-headed Gull from Hol­ For each species marked with an Whimbrel•; 2 Marbled Godwits•; 1984•); Yellow-headed Blackbird land. Conn. Warbler 7:21. asterisk, a kodachrome photo­ Buff-breasted Sandpiper (skele­ (YPM 3544, female, New Haven, graph of one or more specimens ton, YPM 11649, Guilford, 28 1878•; see Sage et al. 1913: 112); has been deposited in the re­ Aug. 1977); Ruff (YPM 90809, Hoary Redpoll (Sage et al. 1913: 1. Biology, Box U-43, University search photographic collection of male, Stratford, 8 July 1974•); 120•). of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268 the Connecticut State Museum of Long-billed Dowitcher (YPM In addition to the above speci­ Natural History in Storrs. Speci­ 14228, juvenile female, North mens, a carcass in fluid without 2. Peabody Museum of Natural mens in the following list are Haven, 25 Sept. 1913,.); 2 Com­ bill, feet, or feathers is recorded as History, Yale University, New study skins unless otherwise mon Black-headed Gulls (skele­ being from an Artie Tern (YPM Haven, CT 06520 designated as a mount, skeleton, tons, YPM12949,Milford,26June 1586, West Haven, 22 Sept. 1961). or preserved in fluid: 1980; Schwartz 1987); 1 Iceland We have not attempted to con­ 3. 71 Weed Avenue, Norwalk, CT Eared Grebe (YPM 77316, Gull•; 1 Glaucous Gull•; 7 Black firm the original identification. 06850 Bul1(1964:274)mentionedaGreat male, Mt. Carmel, Hamden, 22 Terns; Black Skimmer (in fluid, Dec. 1964,.); Greater Shearwater YPM 11382, Milford, 25 Oct. Gray Owl specimen at YPM, but we have been unable to find it. (YPM 95275, male, Saybrook, 7 1972); 5 Dovekies; 2 Thick-billed Murres (+ 1 skeleton); 4 Passen­ Perhaps that specimen is a mount July 1973•); American White Peli­ which no longer bears a label. can (mount; Mackenzie 1961:24); ger Pigeons; 1 Monk Parakeet*; 1

68 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 69 UNUSUAL CONNECTICUT BIRD Snowy Owl; Boreal Owl (YPM Acknowledgments 1662, male, Kent, 12 Nov. 1906•); Eleanor Stickney and Steve SPECIMENS IN THE YALE PEABODY 2 Chuck-will's Widows (YPM Zack helped in making study MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 85435, female, Stony Creek, 26 material available. Louis Bevier George A. Clark\ Jr., Fred C. Sibley2, Roland C. Clement3 June 1969; YPM 85108, male, and Walter Ellison aided in the Falkner's Island, 11 May 1980•; examination of certain important This is the second report in a Brown Pelican (mount: Macken­ skeleton, YPM 2273, New Ha­ specimens. projected series on the location of zie 1961:23); Tricolored Heron ven); Black-backed Woodpecker unusual bird specimens from (skeleton, YPM 11613, Milford, 4 (skeleton, YPM 11999, New Ha­ Literature Cited Connecticut. Thefirstreportcon­ Nov. 1976); 3 Greater White­ ven, winter of 1977-78; Boreal Bull, J. 1964. Birds of the New cerned specimens housed at the fronted Geese (Auk 62:309-310, Chickadee (YPM 2299, North Ha­ York area. Harper and Row, University of Connecticut in 1945; these birds appear to be of ven, 2 Dec. 1913•); 1 Philadelphia New York.Clark, G. A., Jr. Storrs (Clark 1989). We now re­ the Greenland subspecies, flavi­ Vireo; Yellow-throated Warbler 1989. Connecticut bird speci­ port on exceptional specimens in rostris); Eurasian Wigeon (YPM (YPM 6189, albilora subspecies, mens in the State Museum of the collections at theYale Uni ver­ 325, male, Grove Beach, Clinton, male, Hamden, 31 Oct. 1952•); 1 Natural History. Connecticut sity Peabody Museum of Natural 2 Jan. 1920; YPM 89109, male, Cerulean Warbler•; Prothono­ Warbler 9: 18-19. History (YPM) in New Haven. Lake Staltonstall, Branford, 16 tary Warbler (YPM 8488, female, Mackenzie, L. 1961. The birds of We here list either the number Dec. 1971•; Golden Eagle (YPM Guilford, April 1959•); Summer Guilford, Connecticut. Pea­ of specimens or, for certain un­ 10242, immature female, North Tanager (YPM 46443, male, body Museum of Natural usual specimens, a citation of Madison,24Nov.1936);3Yellow Hamden, 14 Apr. 1960•); Western History, New Haven. published reference or data on Rails; Com Crake (Auk 61:471- Tanager (skeleton, YPM 6750, Sage,J. H., L. B. Bishop, and W. P. catalog number, locality and 472, 1944•); 4 Purple Gallinules•; male, North Madison, 12 July Bliss. 1913. The birds of Con­ date. Our nomenclature follows American Oystercatcher (skele­ 1968); Harris' Sparrow (YPM necticut. Conn. State Geol. the Sixth Edition of the American ton, YPM 13843, Betts Island, 89125, male, North Madison, 28 Nat. Hist. Surv. Bull. 20. Ornithologists' Union Check-list Norwalk, 1 June 1984); Spotted Feb. 1974•); Dickcissel (YPM Schwartz, R. 1987. Common of North American Birds (1983). Redshank (Auk 89:677, 1972•); 1 97183, male, Guilford, 30 Dec. Black-headed Gull from Hol­ For each species marked with an Whimbrel•; 2 Marbled Godwits•; 1984•); Yellow-headed Blackbird land. Conn. Warbler 7:21. asterisk, a kodachrome photo­ Buff-breasted Sandpiper (skele­ (YPM 3544, female, New Haven, graph of one or more specimens ton, YPM 11649, Guilford, 28 1878•; see Sage et al. 1913: 112); has been deposited in the re­ Aug. 1977); Ruff (YPM 90809, Hoary Redpoll (Sage et al. 1913: 1. Biology, Box U-43, University search photographic collection of male, Stratford, 8 July 1974•); 120•). of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268 the Connecticut State Museum of Long-billed Dowitcher (YPM In addition to the above speci­ Natural History in Storrs. Speci­ 14228, juvenile female, North mens, a carcass in fluid without 2. Peabody Museum of Natural mens in the following list are Haven, 25 Sept. 1913,.); 2 Com­ bill, feet, or feathers is recorded as History, Yale University, New study skins unless otherwise mon Black-headed Gulls (skele­ being from an Artie Tern (YPM Haven, CT 06520 designated as a mount, skeleton, tons, YPM12949,Milford,26June 1586, West Haven, 22 Sept. 1961). or preserved in fluid: 1980; Schwartz 1987); 1 Iceland We have not attempted to con­ 3. 71 Weed Avenue, Norwalk, CT Eared Grebe (YPM 77316, Gull•; 1 Glaucous Gull•; 7 Black firm the original identification. 06850 Bul1(1964:274)mentionedaGreat male, Mt. Carmel, Hamden, 22 Terns; Black Skimmer (in fluid, Dec. 1964,.); Greater Shearwater YPM 11382, Milford, 25 Oct. Gray Owl specimen at YPM, but we have been unable to find it. (YPM 95275, male, Saybrook, 7 1972); 5 Dovekies; 2 Thick-billed Murres (+ 1 skeleton); 4 Passen­ Perhaps that specimen is a mount July 1973•); American White Peli­ which no longer bears a label. can (mount; Mackenzie 1961:24); ger Pigeons; 1 Monk Parakeet*; 1

68 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 69 Book Review book provides many exciting accomplish it. This is why muse­ ones. ums hang so few of them. Twentieth Century Wildlife Artists, Nicholas Hammond, 1986. But any reviewer worth his Hammond is very much Published by The Overlook Press, Woodstock, New York. 224 pp. salt will feel an obligation to de­ aware of the need that every bird ISBN 0-87951-221-0. $40. flate that Philistine assumption, picture create a new synthesis of This handsome volume has was invited to submit work for "Iknowwhatllike." This is what "bird in its environment," but he been in various book stores for reproduction, but refused. This is the long controversy about illus­ speaksofitonlyindirectly.Hope­ three years. As a birder and a unfortunate for all of us. tration versus animal art versus fully, someone will soon come would-be artist, how could Ire­ The 14" x 19" book has 125 art is all about. It has nothing to along who has a trained eye, both sist a recent mark down in its color plates, with another 125 in do with the "In" art style of mu­ for birds and the dynamics of price? black-and-white. Four introduc­ seum circles at any given time. It good pictures, select a few, and The author has been an officer t<>rychapters discuss the relation does ask whether the artist has explain to us why someimpactus of England's Royal Society for the of "Wildlife Art" to art, providing built on the long tradition of the more than others. When we Protection of Birds (RSPB) for a brief background to earlier ef­ struggle to make line, form, value viewers of bird pictures become more than 20 years, first as editor forts at picturing birds. Today's and color evocative. As this book educated enough to ask for better of Birds, and now as Director of wildlife painting and the special puts it, the artist, qua artist, must work, then bird artists will know Information and Education. He use of illustrations for identifica­ know how to "share his enthusi­ that they must become better art­ has had ample time to study and tion purposes are also covered, asm for the experience of seeing ists if they are to communicate the encourage the work of most of the all in 33 pages. The following an animal, not just for the animal excitement we all feel in viewing current crop of Western Europe's pages treat 42 artists and their itself." This is done by emphasiz­ birds. This book does not accom­ bird illustrators and artists, and work. Two pages each for bibli­ ing the pattern of dynamic forces plish that, but it is a pleasing step had easy access to the work of ography and index round it out. inherent in the forms of the pic­ in the right direction. their predecessors. A trip to the It is surprising that a book of this ture. These include the gesteral United States acquainted him price should have unjustified vitality of the bird involved, its Roland C. Oement with much of what has been pro­ lines. "jizz" if you can stand that hor­ 71 Weed Ave., Norwalk, CT duced in this country. The cover­ The "old masters," Bruno rible neologism. Very few bird 06850 age, however, is admittedly Liljefors and Louis Fuertes, each artists have addressed this need somewhat biased, due to per­ receive eight pages, and every­ yet, or attained the mastery to sonal acquaintance and access. onegetsatleasttwopages. ltis,of The artists discussed include 25 course, unfair to judge an artist's UNUSUAL FEEDING BEHAVIOR from Western Europe, 14 from work from pictures in a book North America, and 3 from Aus­ because (1) the selection process IN ICELAND GULL tralia, each interesting in his/her may often miss the best of the Mark Szantyr own way. artist's work, (2) reproductions At 0545 hours on Sunday, 20 prised of Herring Gulls (Larus As public interest in bird por­ always short-change the delica­ April 1986, while birding in an argentatus), Ring-billed Gulls traiture continues to grow apace, cies of color and texture, and (3) agricultural area along Rt. 34 in (Larus delawarensis), and one Ice­ future compilers should be reduction in size may alter the Orange, Connecticut, Frank land Gull (Larus glaucoides). The alerted to include (from North impact of a composition to its Gallo and I encountered a group Herring Gulls, numbering ap­ America) John Livingston Bull, detriment. of approximately 50 gulls feeding proximately 40, ranged from Robert Verity Oem, Guy Cohe­ What do we look for in such a in the dirt of a recently plowed first-winter birds to adults as leach, Donald Malick, John C. book? So eager are we as hobby­ cornfield. Upon inspecting the determined by plumage. The Yrizarry and Connecticut's own ists that almost any new bird flock, we found that it was com- Ring-bills numbered about 10 Julie Zickefoose. Actually, Oem images will please us; and this 70 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 71 Book Review book provides many exciting accomplish it. This is why muse­ ones. ums hang so few of them. Twentieth Century Wildlife Artists, Nicholas Hammond, 1986. But any reviewer worth his Hammond is very much Published by The Overlook Press, Woodstock, New York. 224 pp. salt will feel an obligation to de­ aware of the need that every bird ISBN 0-87951-221-0. $40. flate that Philistine assumption, picture create a new synthesis of This handsome volume has was invited to submit work for "Iknowwhatllike." This is what "bird in its environment," but he been in various book stores for reproduction, but refused. This is the long controversy about illus­ speaksofitonlyindirectly.Hope­ three years. As a birder and a unfortunate for all of us. tration versus animal art versus fully, someone will soon come would-be artist, how could Ire­ The 14" x 19" book has 125 art is all about. It has nothing to along who has a trained eye, both sist a recent mark down in its color plates, with another 125 in do with the "In" art style of mu­ for birds and the dynamics of price? black-and-white. Four introduc­ seum circles at any given time. It good pictures, select a few, and The author has been an officer t<>rychapters discuss the relation does ask whether the artist has explain to us why someimpactus of England's Royal Society for the of "Wildlife Art" to art, providing built on the long tradition of the more than others. When we Protection of Birds (RSPB) for a brief background to earlier ef­ struggle to make line, form, value viewers of bird pictures become more than 20 years, first as editor forts at picturing birds. Today's and color evocative. As this book educated enough to ask for better of Birds, and now as Director of wildlife painting and the special puts it, the artist, qua artist, must work, then bird artists will know Information and Education. He use of illustrations for identifica­ know how to "share his enthusi­ that they must become better art­ has had ample time to study and tion purposes are also covered, asm for the experience of seeing ists if they are to communicate the encourage the work of most of the all in 33 pages. The following an animal, not just for the animal excitement we all feel in viewing current crop of Western Europe's pages treat 42 artists and their itself." This is done by emphasiz­ birds. This book does not accom­ bird illustrators and artists, and work. Two pages each for bibli­ ing the pattern of dynamic forces plish that, but it is a pleasing step had easy access to the work of ography and index round it out. inherent in the forms of the pic­ in the right direction. their predecessors. A trip to the It is surprising that a book of this ture. These include the gesteral United States acquainted him price should have unjustified vitality of the bird involved, its Roland C. Oement with much of what has been pro­ lines. "jizz" if you can stand that hor­ 71 Weed Ave., Norwalk, CT duced in this country. The cover­ The "old masters," Bruno rible neologism. Very few bird 06850 age, however, is admittedly Liljefors and Louis Fuertes, each artists have addressed this need somewhat biased, due to per­ receive eight pages, and every­ yet, or attained the mastery to sonal acquaintance and access. onegetsatleasttwopages. ltis,of The artists discussed include 25 course, unfair to judge an artist's UNUSUAL FEEDING BEHAVIOR from Western Europe, 14 from work from pictures in a book North America, and 3 from Aus­ because (1) the selection process IN ICELAND GULL tralia, each interesting in his/her may often miss the best of the Mark Szantyr own way. artist's work, (2) reproductions At 0545 hours on Sunday, 20 prised of Herring Gulls (Larus As public interest in bird por­ always short-change the delica­ April 1986, while birding in an argentatus), Ring-billed Gulls traiture continues to grow apace, cies of color and texture, and (3) agricultural area along Rt. 34 in (Larus delawarensis), and one Ice­ future compilers should be reduction in size may alter the Orange, Connecticut, Frank land Gull (Larus glaucoides). The alerted to include (from North impact of a composition to its Gallo and I encountered a group Herring Gulls, numbering ap­ America) John Livingston Bull, detriment. of approximately 50 gulls feeding proximately 40, ranged from Robert Verity Oem, Guy Cohe­ What do we look for in such a in the dirt of a recently plowed first-winter birds to adults as leach, Donald Malick, John C. book? So eager are we as hobby­ cornfield. Upon inspecting the determined by plumage. The Yrizarry and Connecticut's own ists that almost any new bird flock, we found that it was com- Ring-bills numbered about 10 Julie Zickefoose. Actually, Oem images will please us; and this 70 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 3 71 birds and were aged similarly to This denizen of the arctic ice floes THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER the Herring Gulls. According to was observed to dine on various table-scraps, including pork, Editor bill color and plumage character­ Betty S. Kleiner, Simsbury istics, the Iceland Gull was in chicken and clams. The bird was fading first-winter plumage, banded and released. 5 Flintlock Ridge, Simsbury 06070 approaching first-summer. Oearly these instances illus­ Art Director The gulls worked through the trate the resourcefulness and Patrick J. Lynch, Cheshire opportunism of the family Lari­ overturned soil and each species Associate Editors was seen to take a type of earth­ dae in their search for food. They Robert A Askins, New London Frederick Purnell Jr., Darien worm in their bills and, with two also raise questions to what might be considered "normal" Anthony H. Bledsoe, New Haven Fred C. Sibley, Guilford or three quick upward flips of the George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield head, swallow the worm whole. gull behavior. Jay B. Kaplan, Canton The Iceland Gull was seen to take three of these worms, probably of References Editorial Advisory Board the species Lumbricusterrestris, in Bent, A. C. 1963. Life Histories of Michael Harwood, Washington, Chairman William Davis this manner. We observed the North American Gulls and Terns. Dover Publications, Alan Brush gulls until their foraging took John Kricher, Alternate them beyond a small hill and out Inc. New York, NY, pp. 64, 73, of view. The total time of obser­ 111,137. The Connecticut Warbler, is devoted to the study ofbirds, and is published vation was approximately 25 Grant, P. J. 1986. Gulls: A Guide quarterly (January, April, July and October) by the Connecticut Ornitho­ minutes. to Identification, Buteo Books, logical Association (COA). Membership in CO A is based on a calendar year, Thinking this type of feeding Vermillion, South Dakota, pp. with membership renewable in January. New members of COA receive all behavior unusual for L. glaucoi­ 151-154. four issues of The Connecticut Warbler for that year. Address all correspon­ des,acheckoftheavailablelitera­ Harrison, Peter, 1983. Seabirds: dence, and make checks payable to: The Connecticut Ornithological turewas made. Both L. argentatus An Identification Guide, Association, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06430. and L. delawarensis are well Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, known to forage in agricultural MA pp. 347-348. Membership Fees fields, often following a plow and Kibbe, Douglas P. 1982. Ameri­ can Birds, Niagara-Champlain Member $10.00 Contributing $20.00 capturing prey in its wake. No Family $15.00 Sustaining $30.00 mention was made of Iceland Region Summary, 36:292. Gull taking insects or earth­ American Birds Christmas Count Life $300.00, payable in three annual installments worms, nor was any reference Summary, Seventy-eighth made to their foraging in agricul­ through Eighty-seventh Guide for Contributers Christmas Count - Summary tural fields. Preparation of Manuscripts: Gulls are opportunistic and of Connecticut Counts. will use whatever food source is Terres, John K., 1982. The The editors welcome submission of articles and notes for the Connecticut available. The recent increase in Audubon Society Encyclope­ Warbler. Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on one side of the gull numbers at landfills, both dia of North American Birds, sheet only, with ample margins on all sides. Style ofthe manuscript should coastal and inland, as reflected in Alfred A. Knopf, New York, follow general usage in recent issues. All manuscripts receive peer review. NY. the summaries of Connecticut's lllustrations: Christmas Bird Counts, seems to correspond to the increase in size The editors welcome submission of line artwork of Connecticut and and numbers of these landfills. 25 Bonair Ave., regional birds. Black and white photographs of particular interest will also On January 14, 1982, an adult Waterbury, CT 06710 be considered, but tend to print at less than optimum quality. Line art male Ivory Gull (Pagophila should be submitted as good-quality photographic prints or in original eburnea) appeared at a bird feeder form. All originals and prints will be returned promptly after publication in Saratoga Springs, New York. prints are made. 72 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER birds and were aged similarly to This denizen of the arctic ice floes THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER the Herring Gulls. According to was observed to dine on various table-scraps, including pork, Editor bill color and plumage character­ Betty S. Kleiner, Simsbury istics, the Iceland Gull was in chicken and clams. The bird was fading first-winter plumage, banded and released. 5 Flintlock Ridge, Simsbury 06070 approaching first-summer. Oearly these instances illus­ Art Director The gulls worked through the trate the resourcefulness and Patrick J. Lynch, Cheshire opportunism of the family Lari­ overturned soil and each species Associate Editors was seen to take a type of earth­ dae in their search for food. They Robert A Askins, New London Frederick Purnell Jr., Darien worm in their bills and, with two also raise questions to what might be considered "normal" Anthony H. Bledsoe, New Haven Fred C. Sibley, Guilford or three quick upward flips of the George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield head, swallow the worm whole. gull behavior. Jay B. Kaplan, Canton The Iceland Gull was seen to take three of these worms, probably of References Editorial Advisory Board the species Lumbricusterrestris, in Bent, A. C. 1963. Life Histories of Michael Harwood, Washington, Chairman William Davis this manner. We observed the North American Gulls and Terns. Dover Publications, Alan Brush gulls until their foraging took John Kricher, Alternate them beyond a small hill and out Inc. New York, NY, pp. 64, 73, of view. The total time of obser­ 111,137. The Connecticut Warbler, is devoted to the study ofbirds, and is published vation was approximately 25 Grant, P. J. 1986. Gulls: A Guide quarterly (January, April, July and October) by the Connecticut Ornitho­ minutes. to Identification, Buteo Books, logical Association (COA). Membership in CO A is based on a calendar year, Thinking this type of feeding Vermillion, South Dakota, pp. with membership renewable in January. New members of COA receive all behavior unusual for L. glaucoi­ 151-154. four issues of The Connecticut Warbler for that year. Address all correspon­ des,acheckoftheavailablelitera­ Harrison, Peter, 1983. Seabirds: dence, and make checks payable to: The Connecticut Ornithological turewas made. Both L. argentatus An Identification Guide, Association, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06430. and L. delawarensis are well Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, known to forage in agricultural MA pp. 347-348. Membership Fees fields, often following a plow and Kibbe, Douglas P. 1982. Ameri­ can Birds, Niagara-Champlain Member $10.00 Contributing $20.00 capturing prey in its wake. No Family $15.00 Sustaining $30.00 mention was made of Iceland Region Summary, 36:292. Gull taking insects or earth­ American Birds Christmas Count Life $300.00, payable in three annual installments worms, nor was any reference Summary, Seventy-eighth made to their foraging in agricul­ through Eighty-seventh Guide for Contributers Christmas Count - Summary tural fields. Preparation of Manuscripts: Gulls are opportunistic and of Connecticut Counts. will use whatever food source is Terres, John K., 1982. The The editors welcome submission of articles and notes for the Connecticut available. The recent increase in Audubon Society Encyclope­ Warbler. Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on one side of the gull numbers at landfills, both dia of North American Birds, sheet only, with ample margins on all sides. Style ofthe manuscript should coastal and inland, as reflected in Alfred A. Knopf, New York, follow general usage in recent issues. All manuscripts receive peer review. NY. the summaries of Connecticut's lllustrations: Christmas Bird Counts, seems to correspond to the increase in size The editors welcome submission of line artwork of Connecticut and and numbers of these landfills. 25 Bonair Ave., regional birds. Black and white photographs of particular interest will also On January 14, 1982, an adult Waterbury, CT 06710 be considered, but tend to print at less than optimum quality. Line art male Ivory Gull (Pagophila should be submitted as good-quality photographic prints or in original eburnea) appeared at a bird feeder form. All originals and prints will be returned promptly after publication in Saratoga Springs, New York. prints are made. 72 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER Summer 1989 Contents Volume IX Number 3 July 1989 THE 49 Editorial Debra M. Miller CONNECTICUT 51 Site Guide: Naugatuck State Forest Arnold Devine,Mark Szantyr, Dwight Smith

60 Connecticut Field Notes WARBLER Winter: December 1, 1988- February 28, 1989 A Journal of Connecticut Ornithology Jay Kaplan

68 Unusual Bird Specimens in theY ale Peabody Museum of Natural History George A. Clark, Jr., Fred C. Sibley, Roland C. Clement

70 Book Review Roland C. Clement

71 Unusual Feeding Behavior in Iceland Gull Mark Szantyr

'The Connecticut Ornithological Association 314 Unquowa Road Non-Profit Org. Fairfield, CT 06430 U.S. Postage PAID Fairfield, CT Permit No. 275

~~z-~ v..;o;,Jc..ucA..

=£,~{)

·~ Volume IX No.3 July 1989 Pages 49-72 ~ Fall1989 Contents Volume IX Number 4 October 1989 THE 73 From the Editor's Desk Betty Kleiner CONNECTICUT 74 Basics of Bird Photography Sam Fried WARBLER 80 American Swallow-tailed Kites in Mansfield, Connecticut A Journal of Connecticut Ornithology George A. Clark, Jr., and Louis Bevier l 83 Banding Passerines on Chimon Island Carl J . Trichka

88 Connecticut Field Notes Spring: March 1 -May 31, 1989 Jay Kaplan

95 Early Spring Hawk Movement Elsbeth Johnson

The Connecticut Ornithological Association 314 UnquowaRoad Non-Profit Org. Fairfield, CT 06430 U.S. Postage PAID Fairfield, CT Permit No. 275

Volume IX No.4 October 1989 Pages 73-96 FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK THE CONNECTICUT ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Pat was the one This issue of the Connecticut Warbler is dedicated to who really Patrick}. Lynch. President made the Debra M. Miller, Franklin, MA "Warbler" into Pat has been Art Director for the "Warbler'' since Vice-President a first class mid-1987 and under his direction, our journal has Frank Mantlik, S. Norwalk journal taken on a new look, both externally and internally. Secretary Pat spent many hours formatting the text, making sure Alison Olivieri, Fairfield Treasurer the artwork was reproduced to its best advantage. He Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield also contributed artwork for one of the covers. Al­ though I was responsible for the contents, Pat was the Board of Directors one who really made the "Warbler" into a first class 1987-1990 1988-1991 journal for birders; one of which we can be proud. Raymond E. Belding, Harwinton Milan G. Bull, Fairfield Additional responsibilities with his job at Yale's Louis Bevier, Storrs George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs School of Medicine have forced Pat to resign as our art Neil Currie, Sandy Hook Roland C. Clement, Norwalk director. We are saddened to lose his expertise with Fred Sibley, Naugatuck Jay B. Kaplan, Canton Dwight S. Smith, New Haven John P. McDonald, Storrs desktop publishing and as a talented artist. We cannot Joseph Zeranski, Greenwich George W. Zepko, Middletown thank him enough for all he has done to make the Connecticut Warbler a successful publication. 198~1992 There is now a big gap in our production of the Winifred Burkett, Storrs Jay Buss, Fairfield Warbler and we are working hard to fill this void. An Sam Fried, West Hartford offer has been made to format this issue which will Gordon Loery, Morris help in the interim. We are hoping to utilize desktop Gary Palmer, Cos Cob Frederick Purnell, Jr., Darien publishing to be provided by another member of C.O.A. This offer includes the use of a laser printer. Our hopes for the future of the Warbler include a bigger and better journal with more staff and a greater variety of About our Cover Artist: articles - something for everyone. Don't hesitate to Shawneen Finnegan send me your thoughts and ideas regarding the War­ bler; your input is important not only to the staff, but wyellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata )" to the COA Board. Shawneen E. Finnegan has been sketching since age 3 but only recently began drawing birds. Art has always been a pastime al­ Betty Kleiner, Editor though at one time she worked as a graphic artist. Shawneen attented the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, studying The ConnecticutWarbler photography. Interestedintheout~f-doorsandwildlifeallherlife, birding became an obsessive hobby seven years ago. She has traveled extensively in the U.S. pursuing birds. Currently residing in Santa Barbara, California, she devotes her time to bird photog­ raphy and artwork when not out in the field observing birds.

THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 73 FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK THE CONNECTICUT ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Pat was the one This issue of the Connecticut Warbler is dedicated to who really Patrick}. Lynch. President made the Debra M. Miller, Franklin, MA "Warbler" into Pat has been Art Director for the "Warbler'' since Vice-President a first class mid-1987 and under his direction, our journal has Frank Mantlik, S. Norwalk journal taken on a new look, both externally and internally. Secretary Pat spent many hours formatting the text, making sure Alison Olivieri, Fairfield Treasurer the artwork was reproduced to its best advantage. He Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield also contributed artwork for one of the covers. Al­ though I was responsible for the contents, Pat was the Board of Directors one who really made the "Warbler" into a first class 1987-1990 1988-1991 journal for birders; one of which we can be proud. Raymond E. Belding, Harwinton Milan G. Bull, Fairfield Additional responsibilities with his job at Yale's Louis Bevier, Storrs George A. Clark, Jr., Storrs School of Medicine have forced Pat to resign as our art Neil Currie, Sandy Hook Roland C. Clement, Norwalk director. We are saddened to lose his expertise with Fred Sibley, Naugatuck Jay B. Kaplan, Canton Dwight S. Smith, New Haven John P. McDonald, Storrs desktop publishing and as a talented artist. We cannot Joseph Zeranski, Greenwich George W. Zepko, Middletown thank him enough for all he has done to make the Connecticut Warbler a successful publication. 198~1992 There is now a big gap in our production of the Winifred Burkett, Storrs Jay Buss, Fairfield Warbler and we are working hard to fill this void. An Sam Fried, West Hartford offer has been made to format this issue which will Gordon Loery, Morris help in the interim. We are hoping to utilize desktop Gary Palmer, Cos Cob Frederick Purnell, Jr., Darien publishing to be provided by another member of C.O.A. This offer includes the use of a laser printer. Our hopes for the future of the Warbler include a bigger and better journal with more staff and a greater variety of About our Cover Artist: articles - something for everyone. Don't hesitate to Shawneen Finnegan send me your thoughts and ideas regarding the War­ bler; your input is important not only to the staff, but wyellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata )" to the COA Board. Shawneen E. Finnegan has been sketching since age 3 but only recently began drawing birds. Art has always been a pastime al­ Betty Kleiner, Editor though at one time she worked as a graphic artist. Shawneen attented the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, studying The ConnecticutWarbler photography. Interestedintheout~f-doorsandwildlifeallherlife, birding became an obsessive hobby seven years ago. She has traveled extensively in the U.S. pursuing birds. Currently residing in Santa Barbara, California, she devotes her time to bird photog­ raphy and artwork when not out in the field observing birds.

THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 73 BASICS OF BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY Sam Fried focus much closer than standard optical lenses. Extension tubes, which are simply short lens barrels that house no optics, allow closer focusing with There are many reasons why a birder might want to become a bird any type of lens, and are useful in certain situations. photographer. Whether it is a desire to capture the rare and fleeting beauty that is the essence of all birds or to provide documentation of a bird's Supporting Equipment occurrence or plumage, bird photography presents incredibly difficult A 400mm/5.6lens mounted on a gunstock can be satisfactorily hand held challenges, along with incomparable rewards. An evening viewing bird when shooting at 1/125 second or faster. Whenever additional support is photos provides a source of pleasure as old friends are remembered and available, take ad vantage ofit and your pictures will be sharper. Since long past experiences relived. Comparing one's own photographs to the photos lenses magnify every shake and vibration as much as they do the image and paintings in field guides provides a greater understanding of a species' (even at high shutter speeds), your results will be improved with the use of appearance in the field. Building a "life list" of species photographed adds a sturdy tripod, or monopod. Every bird photographer should own a another dimension to birding which will keep you fascinated long after steady tripod and a beanbag (make your own with some heavy cloth and a you've seen and identified a new species. few pounds of dried beans). Beanbags provide excellent support in many situations. Where a firm but uneven surface is available, rest your lens on Getting Started a beanbag directly on a tree stump, rock or the roof of a car. Using a cable A basic outfit that will enable you to photograph birds includes: a 35mm release will remove another source of movement- pressing the shutter single lens reflex camera body with automatic metering, equipped with a release button. A desirable feature on your camera body is mirror lock-up, winder or motor drive; a 400mm lens, f /5.6 or faster; a gunstock-type mount which prevents the reflex mirror from moving during exposure. It should for the camera and lens; a sturdy tripod; and a large amount of slide film. Of be utilized when you are photographing a stationary subject. utmost importance is an attitude that includes a great deal of patience and Another helpful piece of equipment is a high quality 1.4x teleconverter, embraces tolerance for any initial failure. which increases the magnification of your primary lens by 40% (but with Since it is generally very difficult to get an acceptably large image of a wild about a one-stop loss in light transmission). With a teleconverter, your bird with any size lens, it is usually impossible to do so with a lens shorter lens's close-focusing capability remains the same. Teleconverters are not than 400mm. There are several types of such super-telephotos from which recommended for mirror lenses or for less than top-quality optical lenses to choose. The two primary choices are straight optical lenses (the long since they magnify optical defects right along with image size. heavy ones) and catadioptric or mirror lenses (the short light ones). Stan­ dardopticallenses are in the approximate price range as most mirror lenses, Film but higher quality optical lenses which feature low dispersion glass and There will always be an argument over which type of film is best for bird internal focusing generally cost much more. Some photographers don't photography. Probably the highest standard is set by the magazines that care for mirror lenses because the pictures they produce look one dimen­ publish bird photographs. The uniformly preferred film is Kodachrome 64 sional, and out of focus images appear as "donuts" or double lines. Mirror slide film, because of its relative speed, sharp grain and good color satura­ lenses are also very slow, usually with maximum apertures of f /8 and even tion. Kodachrome 25 is also excellent, but is very slow and Fujichrome 50 lower actual light transmission levels. When lower light reaches the film, has been finding an audience in the past few years. Faster speed film results slower shutter speed will be required. This is a distinctdisadvantageinbird in grainier, more contrasty images, as a general rule, and will not enlarge photography because fast shutter speeds are necessary to stop bird and well or show as much detail in the bird's feathers. You may want to try faster camera motion. For these reasons magazines rarely publish photos taken film when you startout,orwhenlightconditionsdemand it, but overall, the with a mirror lens, except for documentary purposes. end result of slower film is superior in all regards. . A maj.or ~onsideration in c~oosing your lens is its close-focusing capabil­ Ity, whi~h IS even more crucial than with your binoculars. Nothing is more Critical Focus frustratmg than to have to back away from a bird because you're too close It is often difficult to keep the whole bird in focus while using long lenses, to focus! A 400mm lens should focus to 15 feet or less. One significant due to shallow depth of field. Consequently, i tis essential that you use great advantage of internal focusing and of mirror lenses is that they usually care in focusing, concentrating on those parts of the bird that must be sharp. Always focus on the head, especially the eye, unless some other feature of 74 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 75 BASICS OF BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY Sam Fried focus much closer than standard optical lenses. Extension tubes, which are simply short lens barrels that house no optics, allow closer focusing with There are many reasons why a birder might want to become a bird any type of lens, and are useful in certain situations. photographer. Whether it is a desire to capture the rare and fleeting beauty that is the essence of all birds or to provide documentation of a bird's Supporting Equipment occurrence or plumage, bird photography presents incredibly difficult A 400mm/5.6lens mounted on a gunstock can be satisfactorily hand held challenges, along with incomparable rewards. An evening viewing bird when shooting at 1/125 second or faster. Whenever additional support is photos provides a source of pleasure as old friends are remembered and available, take ad vantage ofit and your pictures will be sharper. Since long past experiences relived. Comparing one's own photographs to the photos lenses magnify every shake and vibration as much as they do the image and paintings in field guides provides a greater understanding of a species' (even at high shutter speeds), your results will be improved with the use of appearance in the field. Building a "life list" of species photographed adds a sturdy tripod, or monopod. Every bird photographer should own a another dimension to birding which will keep you fascinated long after steady tripod and a beanbag (make your own with some heavy cloth and a you've seen and identified a new species. few pounds of dried beans). Beanbags provide excellent support in many situations. Where a firm but uneven surface is available, rest your lens on Getting Started a beanbag directly on a tree stump, rock or the roof of a car. Using a cable A basic outfit that will enable you to photograph birds includes: a 35mm release will remove another source of movement- pressing the shutter single lens reflex camera body with automatic metering, equipped with a release button. A desirable feature on your camera body is mirror lock-up, winder or motor drive; a 400mm lens, f /5.6 or faster; a gunstock-type mount which prevents the reflex mirror from moving during exposure. It should for the camera and lens; a sturdy tripod; and a large amount of slide film. Of be utilized when you are photographing a stationary subject. utmost importance is an attitude that includes a great deal of patience and Another helpful piece of equipment is a high quality 1.4x teleconverter, embraces tolerance for any initial failure. which increases the magnification of your primary lens by 40% (but with Since it is generally very difficult to get an acceptably large image of a wild about a one-stop loss in light transmission). With a teleconverter, your bird with any size lens, it is usually impossible to do so with a lens shorter lens's close-focusing capability remains the same. Teleconverters are not than 400mm. There are several types of such super-telephotos from which recommended for mirror lenses or for less than top-quality optical lenses to choose. The two primary choices are straight optical lenses (the long since they magnify optical defects right along with image size. heavy ones) and catadioptric or mirror lenses (the short light ones). Stan­ dardopticallenses are in the approximate price range as most mirror lenses, Film but higher quality optical lenses which feature low dispersion glass and There will always be an argument over which type of film is best for bird internal focusing generally cost much more. Some photographers don't photography. Probably the highest standard is set by the magazines that care for mirror lenses because the pictures they produce look one dimen­ publish bird photographs. The uniformly preferred film is Kodachrome 64 sional, and out of focus images appear as "donuts" or double lines. Mirror slide film, because of its relative speed, sharp grain and good color satura­ lenses are also very slow, usually with maximum apertures of f /8 and even tion. Kodachrome 25 is also excellent, but is very slow and Fujichrome 50 lower actual light transmission levels. When lower light reaches the film, has been finding an audience in the past few years. Faster speed film results slower shutter speed will be required. This is a distinctdisadvantageinbird in grainier, more contrasty images, as a general rule, and will not enlarge photography because fast shutter speeds are necessary to stop bird and well or show as much detail in the bird's feathers. You may want to try faster camera motion. For these reasons magazines rarely publish photos taken film when you startout,orwhenlightconditionsdemand it, but overall, the with a mirror lens, except for documentary purposes. end result of slower film is superior in all regards. . A maj.or ~onsideration in c~oosing your lens is its close-focusing capabil­ Ity, whi~h IS even more crucial than with your binoculars. Nothing is more Critical Focus frustratmg than to have to back away from a bird because you're too close It is often difficult to keep the whole bird in focus while using long lenses, to focus! A 400mm lens should focus to 15 feet or less. One significant due to shallow depth of field. Consequently, i tis essential that you use great advantage of internal focusing and of mirror lenses is that they usually care in focusing, concentrating on those parts of the bird that must be sharp. Always focus on the head, especially the eye, unless some other feature of 74 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 75 your subject. Continue past the location, ready your equipment, tum ~he bird is critica~ly important. A helpful item, for camera bodies with around and come back, gently rolling into just the right position the first m~erchangeable VIewfinder screens, is a plain rna tte screen the whose center time. You will probably only have one chance, so turn your engine off, take wtll not black out when using a lens with a small maximum aperture. some shots, then try creeping closer. Some birds that you see along Anothe~ help~ul type of screen incorporates a fresnel lens, which increases roadways (hawks, herons, etc.), don't mind cars and trucks roaring past the relative bnghtness of the image, and allows for easier viewing and focus. them, but as soon as one slows down, they're gone.

Techniques C. Shooting from a boat . T~ere are as ~any ways to photograph birds as there are ways to go On a rocking boat, a 300mm or 400mm lens on a gunstock is about the only btrdmg. ':Vandenng around taking pictures on a catch-as-catch-can basis combination that works. Keeping the bird in the frame, ifyou'reonanocean may .provtde the .most fun, but is not necessarily the most effective way to trip, is itself a noteworthy achievement. A success ratio of about 3% is co~s~stentlyobtamgoodshots. Youcansitinablindforhours,orevendays, admirable. watting for THE MOMENT. You can travel in a car or boat each acting as a very effective blind. ' D. Working from a blind On~ cardinal ~le applies to whatever technique you employ: if you're The techniques involved in working with blinds far exceed the space shooting a ~pectes for the ~irst time, or if it's a rare bird that requires allowed in this article. Suffice itto say that a great deal of patience and time ~ocumentatto.n: always begm shooting early. Don't worry about perfect may be required in working from a blind, but the results can be extraordi­ h~ht, composttion, ~ng!e, or size of image until after you've taken some nary. ptctures. Keep moVIng m slowly and shoot until you are satisfied that you have some good shots. If you're lucky, some photos will come out well Flight Shots often not the ones you expected. AI ways carry several extra rolls of film i~ Shooting birds on the wing with a camera is more difficult than doing it your pocket. with a gun, because even if you "hit'' them, their motion doesn't stop. The result is many blurry and out of focus images. Good flight shots of small A. Wandering around on foot birds are very difficult to obtain without an elaborate flash set-up. Larger Use a 400mm lens on a gunstock or a monopod equipped with a ball head. birds, such as soaring hawks and sea birds, are somewhat easier, but still Although a .monopod is steadier with weighty equipment, it is not much presentagreatchallenge. Useofagunstock-mounted400mmlensisalmost help for achon shots or for anything much above eye-level. Therefore mandatory for this type of work. Perhaps the easiest way to get good flight unless you are shooting shorebirds or the like, use a gunstock. Tripods ar~ photos of sea birds is from a boat that the birds are following for food. c~mbe~some, slow to use and may interfere with use of your binoculars. A Sometimes the birds will hang almost motionless, making flight shots triP?~ ts o~ great use, however, when your subject is nearby and you have relatively easy. sufftctent ttme to set up. Feeder Photography B. Driving in a car Feeding stations are an excellent place to practice and develop your ~ars make excellent blinds and provide steady support, except in strong shooting skills. Naturallookingpicturescan be had by observing where the wmds or when other people in the car won't sit still. The best car for this birds usually perch near the feeder or where they forage on the ground. purpose has~ "bench" front seat for sliding across, plenty of room for your ever expandmg a:ray of eq~~pment, power windows that can all be oper­ Metering ated from the drtver's posttion, high clearance for rough roads and of Photographing evenly lit, medium-toned subjects against a similarly lit course, four-wheel drive. ' ' .. background is easy. But what do you do with black birds, white birds, black Rest your long lens on the window or the roof. Beanbags are great for this and white birds? A general rule of thumb is to overexpose one stop to bring appro~ch as they instantly conform to any surface and help to dampen vtbrahons. out the detail in black birds, underexpose one stop to keep the detail from washing out in white birds, and bracket your exposures (take several shots Should you spot a bird by the side of the road and it's too late for a slow above and below the meter's indicated reading) whenever possible. Be stop in perfect position, don't slam on your brakes. You will only frighten

76 VOLUME IX, NUMBER4 77 THE CONNECfiCUTWARBLER your subject. Continue past the location, ready your equipment, tum ~he bird is critica~ly important. A helpful item, for camera bodies with around and come back, gently rolling into just the right position the first m~erchangeable VIewfinder screens, is a plain rna tte screen the whose center time. You will probably only have one chance, so turn your engine off, take wtll not black out when using a lens with a small maximum aperture. some shots, then try creeping closer. Some birds that you see along Anothe~ help~ul type of screen incorporates a fresnel lens, which increases roadways (hawks, herons, etc.), don't mind cars and trucks roaring past the relative bnghtness of the image, and allows for easier viewing and focus. them, but as soon as one slows down, they're gone.

Techniques C. Shooting from a boat . T~ere are as ~any ways to photograph birds as there are ways to go On a rocking boat, a 300mm or 400mm lens on a gunstock is about the only btrdmg. ':Vandenng around taking pictures on a catch-as-catch-can basis combination that works. Keeping the bird in the frame, ifyou'reonanocean may .provtde the .most fun, but is not necessarily the most effective way to trip, is itself a noteworthy achievement. A success ratio of about 3% is co~s~stentlyobtamgoodshots. Youcansitinablindforhours,orevendays, admirable. watting for THE MOMENT. You can travel in a car or boat each acting as a very effective blind. ' D. Working from a blind On~ cardinal ~le applies to whatever technique you employ: if you're The techniques involved in working with blinds far exceed the space shooting a ~pectes for the ~irst time, or if it's a rare bird that requires allowed in this article. Suffice itto say that a great deal of patience and time ~ocumentatto.n: always begm shooting early. Don't worry about perfect may be required in working from a blind, but the results can be extraordi­ h~ht, composttion, ~ng!e, or size of image until after you've taken some nary. ptctures. Keep moVIng m slowly and shoot until you are satisfied that you have some good shots. If you're lucky, some photos will come out well Flight Shots often not the ones you expected. AI ways carry several extra rolls of film i~ Shooting birds on the wing with a camera is more difficult than doing it your pocket. with a gun, because even if you "hit'' them, their motion doesn't stop. The result is many blurry and out of focus images. Good flight shots of small A. Wandering around on foot birds are very difficult to obtain without an elaborate flash set-up. Larger Use a 400mm lens on a gunstock or a monopod equipped with a ball head. birds, such as soaring hawks and sea birds, are somewhat easier, but still Although a .monopod is steadier with weighty equipment, it is not much presentagreatchallenge. Useofagunstock-mounted400mmlensisalmost help for achon shots or for anything much above eye-level. Therefore mandatory for this type of work. Perhaps the easiest way to get good flight unless you are shooting shorebirds or the like, use a gunstock. Tripods ar~ photos of sea birds is from a boat that the birds are following for food. c~mbe~some, slow to use and may interfere with use of your binoculars. A Sometimes the birds will hang almost motionless, making flight shots triP?~ ts o~ great use, however, when your subject is nearby and you have relatively easy. sufftctent ttme to set up. Feeder Photography B. Driving in a car Feeding stations are an excellent place to practice and develop your ~ars make excellent blinds and provide steady support, except in strong shooting skills. Naturallookingpicturescan be had by observing where the wmds or when other people in the car won't sit still. The best car for this birds usually perch near the feeder or where they forage on the ground. purpose has~ "bench" front seat for sliding across, plenty of room for your ever expandmg a:ray of eq~~pment, power windows that can all be oper­ Metering ated from the drtver's posttion, high clearance for rough roads and of Photographing evenly lit, medium-toned subjects against a similarly lit course, four-wheel drive. ' ' .. background is easy. But what do you do with black birds, white birds, black Rest your long lens on the window or the roof. Beanbags are great for this and white birds? A general rule of thumb is to overexpose one stop to bring appro~ch as they instantly conform to any surface and help to dampen vtbrahons. out the detail in black birds, underexpose one stop to keep the detail from washing out in white birds, and bracket your exposures (take several shots Should you spot a bird by the side of the road and it's too late for a slow above and below the meter's indicated reading) whenever possible. Be stop in perfect position, don't slam on your brakes. You will only frighten

76 VOLUME IX, NUMBER4 77 THE CONNECfiCUTWARBLER aware of the light values on the background and foreground: a darkish or ready to fledge. . medium-toned bird on water that is reflecting a bright sky will be underex­ 4. Never closely approach a bird to photograph tt when other people ~re posed; birds in trees are often either backlit by a bright sky or brilliantly lit still observing it; always ask other observers if they have any obJection in front of a dark canopy of leaves. These situations require exposure to your moving closer to the bird. . . compensation because your meter doesn't recognize the most important 5. Never move ahead of other photographers workmg the same btrd; part of your picture. If you are buying a camera specifically for bird you can all move up together and there is no reason to hurry when photography, one with a built-in spot meter is very helpful with tricky approaching a bird on foot. lighting situations. This will enable you to meter the precise area of the frame you want properly exposed. Conclusion . Bird photography can provide a great deal of joy. A real sense o.f pnde and Composition achievement accompany the capture of a criti.cal mo~ent ~n ftlm. Every The same rules of artistic composition may be applied to bird photogra­ image is new in a field that is open to discovery m behav10r, fltg~t, plumage, phy as in other art forms. However, you generally don't have time to and sexual as well as seasonal variations needing photographtc documen- compose, and may feel very fortunate if you obtain a sharp, well-exposed tation. image. If the bird is relatively stationary, try to arrange the photo so thatthe Photography keeps birding a vibrant and exciting ho~by; you can alw~ys bird is not in the center of the frame. Include some important background improve your pictures of even the most commo~ s~ctes. Photograp~mg habitat or color and look for an interesting pose. If the bird is involved in a rarity that documents the occurrence of a spectes t.s ~ proud accomph~h­ some natural behavior, be it feeding, courtship, nest-building, or other ment. Even if you've seen them all, it is extremely dtfftcult to get r~cogmz­ activity, develop a series of shots that tell a story. Of course, capturing such able pictures of a large number of species. Looking back ~t btrds you moments is the most difficult task facing a bird photographer; most oppor­ photographed years before brings forth a treasure of me~ones and often tunities occur and are gone in an instant. some surprises, adding immeasurably to the pleasures ofbtrd photography A spot of light reflected in the bird' s eye will make the bird come alive in and our appreciation of the natural world. your photograph. Such a "catchlight" is almost essential if the bird is dark­ eyed and dark-headed so that you can't otherwise see the eye. Suggested additional reading: Russ Kinne- The Complete Book of Many bird photographers talk about filling the frame with the bird's Photographing Birds, 1981, AM Photo. image as if it were the ultimate accomplishment of their careers. Most of the time it is impossible to "fill the frame", except with large birds at close range. Many lenses simply don' tfocus that closely, even if the opportunity should 90 Sunny Reach Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 present itself. From an aesthetic point of view, the image of the bird should takeupnomorethan 1/2to2/3oftheframe. Otherwise,itisoverwhelrning in size and looks like a poster without background or foreground. Aim for a composition that is balanced and pleasing to the eye.

Ethics of Bird Photography The ethics of bird photography can be stated with a few simple rules: 1. Never intrude on a bird to the extentthat you are displacing itfrom its preferred habitat. 2. Never take any action that would expose a bird or a nest to predation or the elements. 3. Don't take pictures of nests or nestlings, unless you are absolutely not disturbing the birds. Nest photography may threaten the lives of the parents and the young birds; even hawk nests high in trees can be endangered should the young get excited and fall out before they are

78 THE CONNECfiCUTWARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 79 aware of the light values on the background and foreground: a darkish or ready to fledge. . medium-toned bird on water that is reflecting a bright sky will be underex­ 4. Never closely approach a bird to photograph tt when other people ~re posed; birds in trees are often either backlit by a bright sky or brilliantly lit still observing it; always ask other observers if they have any obJection in front of a dark canopy of leaves. These situations require exposure to your moving closer to the bird. . . compensation because your meter doesn't recognize the most important 5. Never move ahead of other photographers workmg the same btrd; part of your picture. If you are buying a camera specifically for bird you can all move up together and there is no reason to hurry when photography, one with a built-in spot meter is very helpful with tricky approaching a bird on foot. lighting situations. This will enable you to meter the precise area of the frame you want properly exposed. Conclusion . Bird photography can provide a great deal of joy. A real sense o.f pnde and Composition achievement accompany the capture of a criti.cal mo~ent ~n ftlm. Every The same rules of artistic composition may be applied to bird photogra­ image is new in a field that is open to discovery m behav10r, fltg~t, plumage, phy as in other art forms. However, you generally don't have time to and sexual as well as seasonal variations needing photographtc documen- compose, and may feel very fortunate if you obtain a sharp, well-exposed tation. image. If the bird is relatively stationary, try to arrange the photo so thatthe Photography keeps birding a vibrant and exciting ho~by; you can alw~ys bird is not in the center of the frame. Include some important background improve your pictures of even the most commo~ s~ctes. Photograp~mg habitat or color and look for an interesting pose. If the bird is involved in a rarity that documents the occurrence of a spectes t.s ~ proud accomph~h­ some natural behavior, be it feeding, courtship, nest-building, or other ment. Even if you've seen them all, it is extremely dtfftcult to get r~cogmz­ activity, develop a series of shots that tell a story. Of course, capturing such able pictures of a large number of species. Looking back ~t btrds you moments is the most difficult task facing a bird photographer; most oppor­ photographed years before brings forth a treasure of me~ones and often tunities occur and are gone in an instant. some surprises, adding immeasurably to the pleasures ofbtrd photography A spot of light reflected in the bird' s eye will make the bird come alive in and our appreciation of the natural world. your photograph. Such a "catchlight" is almost essential if the bird is dark­ eyed and dark-headed so that you can't otherwise see the eye. Suggested additional reading: Russ Kinne- The Complete Book of Many bird photographers talk about filling the frame with the bird's Photographing Birds, 1981, AM Photo. image as if it were the ultimate accomplishment of their careers. Most of the time it is impossible to "fill the frame", except with large birds at close range. Many lenses simply don' tfocus that closely, even if the opportunity should 90 Sunny Reach Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 present itself. From an aesthetic point of view, the image of the bird should takeupnomorethan 1/2to2/3oftheframe. Otherwise,itisoverwhelrning in size and looks like a poster without background or foreground. Aim for a composition that is balanced and pleasing to the eye.

Ethics of Bird Photography The ethics of bird photography can be stated with a few simple rules: 1. Never intrude on a bird to the extentthat you are displacing itfrom its preferred habitat. 2. Never take any action that would expose a bird or a nest to predation or the elements. 3. Don't take pictures of nests or nestlings, unless you are absolutely not disturbing the birds. Nest photography may threaten the lives of the parents and the young birds; even hawk nests high in trees can be endangered should the young get excited and fall out before they are

78 THE CONNECfiCUTWARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 79 AMERICAN SWALLOW-TAILED KITES IN Road. Louis Bevier searched the area of past sightings and observed both MANSFIELD,CONNECTICUT birds in the late afternoon from Mansfield City Road. Bevier found another 1 George A. Clark, Jr. , and Louis Bevier favorable vantage point at the top of a knoll on private property, just west of Rt. 195 and south of Clover Mill Road. On June 24 he was able to get Probably the most exceptional birds seen in Connecticut duringJune 1989 recognizable pictures of a kite overhead atthatsite. Bevier and Tom Baptist were two American Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) in Mansfield. later were able to see the bird at that location. Bevier watched the bird for The kites were first reported the afternoon of June 6 from the Holiday Hill more than 15 minutes at distances as close as 75 to 100 feet, describing it as Camp on Chaffeyville Road, where Paula Coughlin and several others "a large hawk with relatively broad, long wings with swept back, pointed spotted them in flight. That evening Coughlin telephoned George Clark. ends." He noted molt in the inner primaries and heavy wear on outer Cla~k' s initial assumption was that these birds would probably not be seen primaries, features which we subsequently confirmed by photographs. a gam, at leastlocally. The usual experience with thisspeciesin the northeast Head, underparts, and wing linings were snow white. The long tail was has been that these birds do not linger in the area. black and shaped like that of a Barn Swallow. The leading edge of the upper It was, therefore, a great surprise when four days later Mansfield resident wing coverts was blacker than the gray sheen on ti:te greater coverts and Dale Truman telephoned Shirley Davis to report two kites flying over his secondaries. The bill was small and hooked, and the grayish-yellow feet home.. Davis prompt~y called members of the local Natchaug Ornithologi­ were relatively small. Bevier saw the bird pursuing a dragonfly and, on cal Soctety. Convergmg on Browns Road, Bob Craig, John McDonald, Jim another occasion, saw the bird reach down to chew on an unidentified item Slater and Clark were rewarded by a fleeting glimpse of the kites passing held in the foot. out of sight over the tree-tops. Meanwhile Davis, at the Trumans' home on Subsequently, Bob Craig reported observing a kite on June 19 at a swamp nearby Crane Hill Road, had taken three recognizable photographs of a kite near the intersection of Rt. 195 and Oover Mill Road, and Sharon Ashworth flying overhead. By the time McDonald and Clark reached the Tru­ saw both birds near Mansfield Hollow Dam. We have been unable to obtain mans'home they had only another momentary glimpse of the birds. As the information on unconfirmed reports after June 24. The birds were never kites moved away, observers drove off in different directions to look for observed perched and no evidence of breeding was obtained. them. John McDonald dearly saw both birds flying over the woods to the Thus, kites were present in Mansfield over at least a 19-day interval, as east of a farming area along Mansfield City Road. However, by early indicated by detailed reports. All sightings were within a 3-mile diameter afternoon, the birds had vanished. circle, although the absence of sightings on some days could have been due The following morning, June 11, Clark was called by Truman, who again tothebirdsleavingthecirclearea. Toourknowledge,astayofthisduration, reported the birds flying around his home. After alerting several people of by this species in such a limited area is unprecedented in the northeast in the reappearance, Clark drove around looking for a good vantage point recent decades. The only record of an extended visit in this region is from which he might be able to observe the birds. The best location was the described by Eaton (1914), who related the account of at least two kites at same area on Mansfield City Road where McDonald had seen the birds the West Hoosick, New York (near Bennington, VT) in 1886. One bird was shot previous day. Clark waited some minutes and the birds flew over the tree for a specimen but at least one was present from July 16 to August9. The tops more than 300 feet to the east. The black and white underwing pattern collector, Griffin Haight, believed additional birds, possibly young, were and the deeply notched tail can be seen in Clark's photographs, which show present, but evidence for breeding was not found. recognizable, though small, images of both birds. While in that area Clark Swallow-tailed Kites formerly bred as far north as Minnesota with egg was joined by Carol Phillips, Dolores Hilding and Winnie Burkett. The kites dates as late as June 7 and 16 (Roberts 1936). Additional evidence for early disappeared about mid day. It was later learned that Mary Jane Spring had summer nesting in the northern part of the kite's range is a report of a nest seen a kite that morning from the Freedom Green condominium complex with eggs June 3 from Iowa (Bent 1937). Since 1900, however, kites have further south in Mansfield. By this date the kites were on the statewide Rare become extremely scarce in the north central states (Roberts 1936), and the BirdAlert,andduringsubsequentdaysanumberofobserversfromoutside breeding range of the species within the United States in now restricted to the local area came seeking the kites. Unfortunately, the kites were not seen the southeast. An extensive change in habitats and land use over the last for days at a time. However, on June 21, Jim Slater received a telephone century with the progressive spread of agriculture is in our opinion, a report of a kite sighted near the intersection of State Rt. 195 and Browns conceivable, though by no means proven, cause for the elimination of breeding kites in the north central states. 80 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 81 AMERICAN SWALLOW-TAILED KITES IN Road. Louis Bevier searched the area of past sightings and observed both MANSFIELD,CONNECTICUT birds in the late afternoon from Mansfield City Road. Bevier found another 1 George A. Clark, Jr. , and Louis Bevier favorable vantage point at the top of a knoll on private property, just west of Rt. 195 and south of Clover Mill Road. On June 24 he was able to get Probably the most exceptional birds seen in Connecticut duringJune 1989 recognizable pictures of a kite overhead atthatsite. Bevier and Tom Baptist were two American Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) in Mansfield. later were able to see the bird at that location. Bevier watched the bird for The kites were first reported the afternoon of June 6 from the Holiday Hill more than 15 minutes at distances as close as 75 to 100 feet, describing it as Camp on Chaffeyville Road, where Paula Coughlin and several others "a large hawk with relatively broad, long wings with swept back, pointed spotted them in flight. That evening Coughlin telephoned George Clark. ends." He noted molt in the inner primaries and heavy wear on outer Cla~k' s initial assumption was that these birds would probably not be seen primaries, features which we subsequently confirmed by photographs. a gam, at leastlocally. The usual experience with thisspeciesin the northeast Head, underparts, and wing linings were snow white. The long tail was has been that these birds do not linger in the area. black and shaped like that of a Barn Swallow. The leading edge of the upper It was, therefore, a great surprise when four days later Mansfield resident wing coverts was blacker than the gray sheen on ti:te greater coverts and Dale Truman telephoned Shirley Davis to report two kites flying over his secondaries. The bill was small and hooked, and the grayish-yellow feet home.. Davis prompt~y called members of the local Natchaug Ornithologi­ were relatively small. Bevier saw the bird pursuing a dragonfly and, on cal Soctety. Convergmg on Browns Road, Bob Craig, John McDonald, Jim another occasion, saw the bird reach down to chew on an unidentified item Slater and Clark were rewarded by a fleeting glimpse of the kites passing held in the foot. out of sight over the tree-tops. Meanwhile Davis, at the Trumans' home on Subsequently, Bob Craig reported observing a kite on June 19 at a swamp nearby Crane Hill Road, had taken three recognizable photographs of a kite near the intersection of Rt. 195 and Oover Mill Road, and Sharon Ashworth flying overhead. By the time McDonald and Clark reached the Tru­ saw both birds near Mansfield Hollow Dam. We have been unable to obtain mans'home they had only another momentary glimpse of the birds. As the information on unconfirmed reports after June 24. The birds were never kites moved away, observers drove off in different directions to look for observed perched and no evidence of breeding was obtained. them. John McDonald dearly saw both birds flying over the woods to the Thus, kites were present in Mansfield over at least a 19-day interval, as east of a farming area along Mansfield City Road. However, by early indicated by detailed reports. All sightings were within a 3-mile diameter afternoon, the birds had vanished. circle, although the absence of sightings on some days could have been due The following morning, June 11, Clark was called by Truman, who again tothebirdsleavingthecirclearea. Toourknowledge,astayofthisduration, reported the birds flying around his home. After alerting several people of by this species in such a limited area is unprecedented in the northeast in the reappearance, Clark drove around looking for a good vantage point recent decades. The only record of an extended visit in this region is from which he might be able to observe the birds. The best location was the described by Eaton (1914), who related the account of at least two kites at same area on Mansfield City Road where McDonald had seen the birds the West Hoosick, New York (near Bennington, VT) in 1886. One bird was shot previous day. Clark waited some minutes and the birds flew over the tree for a specimen but at least one was present from July 16 to August9. The tops more than 300 feet to the east. The black and white underwing pattern collector, Griffin Haight, believed additional birds, possibly young, were and the deeply notched tail can be seen in Clark's photographs, which show present, but evidence for breeding was not found. recognizable, though small, images of both birds. While in that area Clark Swallow-tailed Kites formerly bred as far north as Minnesota with egg was joined by Carol Phillips, Dolores Hilding and Winnie Burkett. The kites dates as late as June 7 and 16 (Roberts 1936). Additional evidence for early disappeared about mid day. It was later learned that Mary Jane Spring had summer nesting in the northern part of the kite's range is a report of a nest seen a kite that morning from the Freedom Green condominium complex with eggs June 3 from Iowa (Bent 1937). Since 1900, however, kites have further south in Mansfield. By this date the kites were on the statewide Rare become extremely scarce in the north central states (Roberts 1936), and the BirdAlert,andduringsubsequentdaysanumberofobserversfromoutside breeding range of the species within the United States in now restricted to the local area came seeking the kites. Unfortunately, the kites were not seen the southeast. An extensive change in habitats and land use over the last for days at a time. However, on June 21, Jim Slater received a telephone century with the progressive spread of agriculture is in our opinion, a report of a kite sighted near the intersection of State Rt. 195 and Browns conceivable, though by no means proven, cause for the elimination of breeding kites in the north central states. 80 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 81 Robertson (1988) noted a recent major increase in numbers of kites in their breeding range in the United States. Occurrences of Swallow-tailed Kites to BANDING PASSERINES ON CHIMON ISLAND the north of the breeding range have become more frequent in recent years CarI J. Trichka with annual occurrence in the northeastern states. The Mansfield birds represent the third consecutive year of reported occurrence in Connecticut Chimon Island was one of the units incorporated into the Connecticut following the 1987 Hamden and 1988 Clinton sightings of single birds (cf Coastal National Wildlife Refuge (renamed the Stewart B. McKinney Na­ Warbler,9:22, 1989,and8:81, 1988). We know ofsevenotherearlierreports tional Wildlife Refuge) and has the largest heronry in Connecticut. Its (Zeranski and Baptist, in press). importance as a bird sanctuary was known for decades prior to its acquisi­ tion by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1984. Acknowledgments: In 1981, Connecticut Audubon Society began field research on Chimon to We thank the many named and unnamed individuals who helped by document the breeding of herons, egrets, ibises and gulls. The island was generously sharing their information on the whereabouts and activities of being offered for sale and its value as a refuge had to be documented. A the Mansfield kites. secondary goal was to study the passerine migration through this area in spring. Literature Cited At that time, the consistent banding of migrant passerines on offshore Connecticut islands was being done only on Falkner and Chimon Islands. Bent, A. C. 1937. Life histories of North American birds of prey. Part 1. U.S. Sibley(1984) summarized data from Falkner Island covering the years 1978 Natl. Mus. Bull. 167. to 1980. During that period a total of 1,669 individuals were banded on Eaton, E. H. 1914. Birds of New York, Part 2. NY State Mus., Albany. Falkner, representing 76 species. From 1981 through 1989, a total of 1662 Roberts, T. S. 1936. The birds of Minnesota, Vol. 1. Mus. Nat. Hist., Univ. individuals of 64 species were banded on Chimon (Table 1). Minn. Robertson, W. B.,Jr.1988.AmericanSwallow-tailedKite.Pp.109-131.In: R. TABLE 1. Passerines Banded on Chimon Island S. Palmer (ed.). Handbook of North American birds, Vol. 4. Yale Univ. Press, New Haven. Year Species Individuals Dates Zeranski, J., and T. R. Baptist. In press. Connecticut birds. Univ. Press of New England, Hanover, NH. 1981 23 86 5/25-6/3 1982 35 194 5/24-5/30 1. Biology, Box U-43, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268 1983 16 62 5/24 - 6/3* 2. P.O. Box 665, Storrs, CT 06268 1984 38 256 5/17-5/24 1985 25 200 5/20-5/25 1986 37 302 5/18-5/24 1987 26 102 5/31-6/5 1988 25 183 5/25-5/28 1989 32 277 5/22-5/26 * four days only

Discussion There are striking contrasts in habitats between the two islands. Falkner is a windswept gravel pile rising some 30 feet above Long Island Sound. It is barren except for patches of sumac and wild rose. Situated 3 miles off the coast, it is about 4 acres in size. Chimon Island is about one mile from the coast and comprises some 70 acres. It is heavily wooded (cherry and maple) at the south end, with dense

82 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 83 Robertson (1988) noted a recent major increase in numbers of kites in their breeding range in the United States. Occurrences of Swallow-tailed Kites to BANDING PASSERINES ON CHIMON ISLAND the north of the breeding range have become more frequent in recent years CarI J. Trichka with annual occurrence in the northeastern states. The Mansfield birds represent the third consecutive year of reported occurrence in Connecticut Chimon Island was one of the units incorporated into the Connecticut following the 1987 Hamden and 1988 Clinton sightings of single birds (cf Coastal National Wildlife Refuge (renamed the Stewart B. McKinney Na­ Warbler,9:22, 1989,and8:81, 1988). We know ofsevenotherearlierreports tional Wildlife Refuge) and has the largest heronry in Connecticut. Its (Zeranski and Baptist, in press). importance as a bird sanctuary was known for decades prior to its acquisi­ tion by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1984. Acknowledgments: In 1981, Connecticut Audubon Society began field research on Chimon to We thank the many named and unnamed individuals who helped by document the breeding of herons, egrets, ibises and gulls. The island was generously sharing their information on the whereabouts and activities of being offered for sale and its value as a refuge had to be documented. A the Mansfield kites. secondary goal was to study the passerine migration through this area in spring. Literature Cited At that time, the consistent banding of migrant passerines on offshore Connecticut islands was being done only on Falkner and Chimon Islands. Bent, A. C. 1937. Life histories of North American birds of prey. Part 1. U.S. Sibley(1984) summarized data from Falkner Island covering the years 1978 Natl. Mus. Bull. 167. to 1980. During that period a total of 1,669 individuals were banded on Eaton, E. H. 1914. Birds of New York, Part 2. NY State Mus., Albany. Falkner, representing 76 species. From 1981 through 1989, a total of 1662 Roberts, T. S. 1936. The birds of Minnesota, Vol. 1. Mus. Nat. Hist., Univ. individuals of 64 species were banded on Chimon (Table 1). Minn. Robertson, W. B.,Jr.1988.AmericanSwallow-tailedKite.Pp.109-131.In: R. TABLE 1. Passerines Banded on Chimon Island S. Palmer (ed.). Handbook of North American birds, Vol. 4. Yale Univ. Press, New Haven. Year Species Individuals Dates Zeranski, J., and T. R. Baptist. In press. Connecticut birds. Univ. Press of New England, Hanover, NH. 1981 23 86 5/25-6/3 1982 35 194 5/24-5/30 1. Biology, Box U-43, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268 1983 16 62 5/24 - 6/3* 2. P.O. Box 665, Storrs, CT 06268 1984 38 256 5/17-5/24 1985 25 200 5/20-5/25 1986 37 302 5/18-5/24 1987 26 102 5/31-6/5 1988 25 183 5/25-5/28 1989 32 277 5/22-5/26 * four days only

Discussion There are striking contrasts in habitats between the two islands. Falkner is a windswept gravel pile rising some 30 feet above Long Island Sound. It is barren except for patches of sumac and wild rose. Situated 3 miles off the coast, it is about 4 acres in size. Chimon Island is about one mile from the coast and comprises some 70 acres. It is heavily wooded (cherry and maple) at the south end, with dense

82 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 83 tangles of bittersweet, wild rose, blackberry, Japanese honeysuckle and levels of the trees. In the last two years, the banding sites were greatly poison ivy elsewhere. What were once open fields are now overgrown and improved by U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel who cut all the low brush in reverting to heavy secondary growth. Other differences affect banding the net lanes and opened up part of the northwest field. This appeared to opportunities. Most noticeable is that Falkner stands alone off the coast materially improve our results. whereas Chimon is surrounded by several wooded islands and vegetated As shown in Table 3, the most common passerines banded on Chimon sandbars that offer passing migrants more resting and feeding options not were Gray Catbird and Common Yellowthroat. Catbirds accounted for always available on Falkner. The banding efforts on each island has been 21.2% (353) of all individuals banded, while yellowthroats represented very different including numbers of nets and personnel involved in each 20.9% (348 ). In all, 23 species of warblers were banded representing 53% of operation. all individuals banded(888). Although some of the species involve large Banding on Falkner was done throughout. the spring migration, while on .. numbers, most of these occurred during a single year when a "wave" of Chimon it was conducted for one week only, usually at the end of May. birds chose Chimon to rest. This was true of some Catharus thrushes and OperationsonChimonstartedasearlyasMay18thandendedaslateasJune several species of warblers. 5th. Utilizing a one week period also produces other variables such as Migrant passerines utilizing the Atlantic coastal flyway to northern weather. Although poor weather was encountered throughout the study breeding grounds have few options when weather forces them off course. period, it did not totally hamper banding operations and did not last for For birds over Long Island Sound, the offshore islands that dot the coast of more than one to one and a half days in any one year. Connecticut offer habitats in which to rest and feed before resuming their Initially, banding on Chimon was a hit or miss affair. A wide variety of travels northward. These islands are also the home of such nesting species banding sites were tried. Over the years some of these sites became as the American Oystercatcher (a recent arrival), along with eight species of unproductive due to vegetation changes. During the last six years we chose herons and egrets, two species of gulls, one cormorant species and at least sites at the northwest and west sides of the island that were increasingly three species of terns, of which the Roseate Tern is a rarity in Connecticut. productive. The heavily wooded south end of the island, although probably I would like to thank the Connecticut Audubon Society and Milan G. Bull, a productive area for migrants, was not utilized because ofits proximity to Director of Field Studies and Ornithology, for support and assistance nesting herons and the fact that the approaches are heavily grown with during this period. Also, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which provided bittersweet and poison ivy. the access to the island and the many volunteers who assisted us while enduring somewhat primitive living conditions on the island. TABLE 2. Captures and Netting Effort Year Birds/100 Net Hrs. No. of Nets Literature Cited 1981 Nodata 5 1982 83.4 6 Sibley, S.C. 1984. Spring Migration on Falkner Island. Connecticut 1983 53.2 3 Warbler4:27-29. 1984 66.4 5 1985 60.9 5 TABLE 3. Individuals and Species Banded 1981-1989 1986 95.0 8 1987 46.3 9 No. No. Years 1988 110.9 10 Individuals Netted Since 1981 1989 138.8 10 American Woodcock (N) 2 2 J Black-billed Cuckoo (N) 1 1 Although the data presented in Table 2 appear variable, there are several Northern Flicker (N) 4 2 reasons to explain them. Early in the study, nets were opened and closed Eastern Wood Pewee 1 1 at the convenience of staff and when birds appeared plentiful. During the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 6 4 last four years, a more consistent approach was taken. Nets were opened Acadian Flycatcher 6 4 before dawn and closed before noon. Bird activity dropped off markedly in Traill' s Flycatcher (N) 24 9 the later morning hours when most feeding activity shifted to the upper Least Flycatcher 11 5

84 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 85 tangles of bittersweet, wild rose, blackberry, Japanese honeysuckle and levels of the trees. In the last two years, the banding sites were greatly poison ivy elsewhere. What were once open fields are now overgrown and improved by U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel who cut all the low brush in reverting to heavy secondary growth. Other differences affect banding the net lanes and opened up part of the northwest field. This appeared to opportunities. Most noticeable is that Falkner stands alone off the coast materially improve our results. whereas Chimon is surrounded by several wooded islands and vegetated As shown in Table 3, the most common passerines banded on Chimon sandbars that offer passing migrants more resting and feeding options not were Gray Catbird and Common Yellowthroat. Catbirds accounted for always available on Falkner. The banding efforts on each island has been 21.2% (353) of all individuals banded, while yellowthroats represented very different including numbers of nets and personnel involved in each 20.9% (348 ). In all, 23 species of warblers were banded representing 53% of operation. all individuals banded(888). Although some of the species involve large Banding on Falkner was done throughout. the spring migration, while on .. numbers, most of these occurred during a single year when a "wave" of Chimon it was conducted for one week only, usually at the end of May. birds chose Chimon to rest. This was true of some Catharus thrushes and OperationsonChimonstartedasearlyasMay18thandendedaslateasJune several species of warblers. 5th. Utilizing a one week period also produces other variables such as Migrant passerines utilizing the Atlantic coastal flyway to northern weather. Although poor weather was encountered throughout the study breeding grounds have few options when weather forces them off course. period, it did not totally hamper banding operations and did not last for For birds over Long Island Sound, the offshore islands that dot the coast of more than one to one and a half days in any one year. Connecticut offer habitats in which to rest and feed before resuming their Initially, banding on Chimon was a hit or miss affair. A wide variety of travels northward. These islands are also the home of such nesting species banding sites were tried. Over the years some of these sites became as the American Oystercatcher (a recent arrival), along with eight species of unproductive due to vegetation changes. During the last six years we chose herons and egrets, two species of gulls, one cormorant species and at least sites at the northwest and west sides of the island that were increasingly three species of terns, of which the Roseate Tern is a rarity in Connecticut. productive. The heavily wooded south end of the island, although probably I would like to thank the Connecticut Audubon Society and Milan G. Bull, a productive area for migrants, was not utilized because ofits proximity to Director of Field Studies and Ornithology, for support and assistance nesting herons and the fact that the approaches are heavily grown with during this period. Also, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which provided bittersweet and poison ivy. the access to the island and the many volunteers who assisted us while enduring somewhat primitive living conditions on the island. TABLE 2. Captures and Netting Effort Year Birds/100 Net Hrs. No. of Nets Literature Cited 1981 Nodata 5 1982 83.4 6 Sibley, S.C. 1984. Spring Migration on Falkner Island. Connecticut 1983 53.2 3 Warbler4:27-29. 1984 66.4 5 1985 60.9 5 TABLE 3. Individuals and Species Banded 1981-1989 1986 95.0 8 1987 46.3 9 No. No. Years 1988 110.9 10 Individuals Netted Since 1981 1989 138.8 10 American Woodcock (N) 2 2 J Black-billed Cuckoo (N) 1 1 Although the data presented in Table 2 appear variable, there are several Northern Flicker (N) 4 2 reasons to explain them. Early in the study, nets were opened and closed Eastern Wood Pewee 1 1 at the convenience of staff and when birds appeared plentiful. During the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 6 4 last four years, a more consistent approach was taken. Nets were opened Acadian Flycatcher 6 4 before dawn and closed before noon. Bird activity dropped off markedly in Traill' s Flycatcher (N) 24 9 the later morning hours when most feeding activity shifted to the upper Least Flycatcher 11 5

84 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 85 TABLE 3. Individuals and Species Banded 1981-1989 (cont.) TABLE 3. Individuals and Species Banded 1981-1989 (cont.)

No. No. Years No. No. Years Individuals Netted Since 1981 Individuals Netted Since 1981 Great-crested Flycatcher 4 4 Northern Cardinal (N) 6 5 Bam Swallow (N) 6 6 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 7 2 Brown Creeper 1 1 Indigo Bunting (N) 4 4 House Wren (N) 11 5 Painted Bunting 1 1 1 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet Rufous-sided Towhee 2 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 1 Seaside Sparrow 1 1 25 7 Veery Song Sparrow (N) 48 8 Gray-cheeked Thrush 10 4 Lincoln's Sparrow 11 6 Swainson's Thrush 52 8 Swamp Sparrow (N) 12 4 Wood Thrush (N) 8 3 White-throated Sparrow 15 3 Gray Catbird (N) 353 9 White-crowned Sparrow 1 1 Brown Thrasher (N) 1 1 Red-winged Blackbird (N) 15 5 White-eyed Vireo (N) 5 3 Common Grackle (N) 13 6 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 1 Red-eyed Vireo 23 7 Northern Oriole (N) 1 1 Blue-winged Warbler 1 1 House Finch (N) 22 7 Tennessee Warbler 1 1 American Goldfinch (N) 55 8 Northern Parula 7 5 Yellow Warbler (N) 66 8 (N) Denotes Confirmed Nesting Chestnut-sided Warbler 5 3 Magnolia Warbler 92 7 65 Glover Street Cape May Warbler 2 1 Fairfield, CT 06430 Black-throated Blue Warbler 13 5 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 1 Blackburnian Warbler 1 1 Bay-breasted Warbler 3 2 Blackpoll Warbler 24 5 Cerulean Warbler 1 1 Black-and-white Warbler 3 3 American Redstart 92 9 Ovenbird 7 24 Northern Waterthrush 47 8 Kentucky Warbler 1 1 Mourning Warbler 13 7 Common Yellowthroat (N) 348 9 Wilson's Warbler 20 7 Canada Warbler 120 9 Yellow-breasted Chat 3 3 Scarlet Tanager 2 2

86 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 87 TABLE 3. Individuals and Species Banded 1981-1989 (cont.) TABLE 3. Individuals and Species Banded 1981-1989 (cont.)

No. No. Years No. No. Years Individuals Netted Since 1981 Individuals Netted Since 1981 Great-crested Flycatcher 4 4 Northern Cardinal (N) 6 5 Bam Swallow (N) 6 6 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 7 2 Brown Creeper 1 1 Indigo Bunting (N) 4 4 House Wren (N) 11 5 Painted Bunting 1 1 1 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet Rufous-sided Towhee 2 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 1 Seaside Sparrow 1 1 25 7 Veery Song Sparrow (N) 48 8 Gray-cheeked Thrush 10 4 Lincoln's Sparrow 11 6 Swainson's Thrush 52 8 Swamp Sparrow (N) 12 4 Wood Thrush (N) 8 3 White-throated Sparrow 15 3 Gray Catbird (N) 353 9 White-crowned Sparrow 1 1 Brown Thrasher (N) 1 1 Red-winged Blackbird (N) 15 5 White-eyed Vireo (N) 5 3 Common Grackle (N) 13 6 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 1 Red-eyed Vireo 23 7 Northern Oriole (N) 1 1 Blue-winged Warbler 1 1 House Finch (N) 22 7 Tennessee Warbler 1 1 American Goldfinch (N) 55 8 Northern Parula 7 5 Yellow Warbler (N) 66 8 (N) Denotes Confirmed Nesting Chestnut-sided Warbler 5 3 Magnolia Warbler 92 7 65 Glover Street Cape May Warbler 2 1 Fairfield, CT 06430 Black-throated Blue Warbler 13 5 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 1 Blackburnian Warbler 1 1 Bay-breasted Warbler 3 2 Blackpoll Warbler 24 5 Cerulean Warbler 1 1 Black-and-white Warbler 3 3 American Redstart 92 9 Ovenbird 7 24 Northern Waterthrush 47 8 Kentucky Warbler 1 1 Mourning Warbler 13 7 Common Yellowthroat (N) 348 9 Wilson's Warbler 20 7 Canada Warbler 120 9 Yellow-breasted Chat 3 3 Scarlet Tanager 2 2

86 THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 87 A noted Fairfield Countymeterologist(Dr. Mel Goldstein) stated "It was the CONNECTICUT FIELD NOTES wettest May on record, and the third wettest month on record (in 40years)." Would ~ese weather conditions influence the migration or the success of Spring: March 1-May 31, 1989 the nesting se?~n? In spite of the rains, there were few indications that Jay Kaplan weather conditions at the end of the period impacted on most species. Several observers reported a scarcity of such inland shorebirds as Solitary Ah spring! This observer looks forward to spring more than any other and Spotted Sandpipers, no doubt due to high water levels in wetlands and season. Winter may provide northern rarities and autumn, with its hawk along watercourses. Others reported fewer swallows, thrushes or warblers migrations and vast assemblages of shorebirds, may be the ultimate in but such trends were evidently not apparent throughout the State. When birding for some of my contemporaries. For me, however, the arrival of our the urge to move north begins, it takes more than slighttemperature swings first spring migrants provides a rekindling of spirit and a desire to get up or above-average rainfall to dampen the flow of birds to their breeding early in the morning to enjoy the bright colors and pleasant melodies of our grounds. songbirds. (It's also much easier to see them without all those dam leaves that obstruct one's view later in the season). Others must feel as I do, LOONS THROUGH FALCONS because it seems as though we receive more field reports at this season than Red-throated Loons lingered into mid-May along the coast with a last any other. More reports do not necessarily translate into more interesting report from East Haven May 10 (EH). A high of 45 was reported from observations, but a quick perusal of 1989's spring sightings might send Sherwood Island State Park, Westport (hereafter SISl'), March 5 (FMa et al.). shivers up a birder's spine. American White Pelican, Wilson's Plover, Common Loons were numerous along the coast throughout May with 7 Yellow-throated Warbler and Lark Sparrow inConnecticut? Wow! Enough reported at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison (hereafter HBSP), to peak the interest of even a casual birder,and certainly enough to rouse the Ma~ 18 (FMa,FP). Inland, 2 pair were present on Barkhamsted Reservoir more ardent from their winter cabin fever. Apnl8-May 17; however, there was no indication that theses birds nested The start of the spring season of birding does not always coincide with that (DR). An adult Pied-billed Grebe with a chick was sighted at Lordship of the calendar. March began with average temperatures in the mid thirties, marshes, Stratford, May 26 (FP). A small pond, located behind a row of but as it is wont to do, dropped to a frosty 8 degrees Fin Hartford March 8, warehou~s, has been a confirmed nesting location for the grebes for several tying the record low for the date. Temperatures began to moderate through years. A high count of 120 Homed Grebes were reported from SISP March mid-month,reaching 70deg. F March 18 and 19 in Hartford. Early migrants 27 (RCI). Red-?ecked Grebes were reported from at least6 coastal locations took good advantage of this warm front as robins and grackles poured March 20-Apnl19, plus an inland sighting at Batterson Pond New Britain through the northern half of the State. The morning of March 20 saw AprilS (MC). ' ' temperatures plunge into the teens, bringing the northward movement to An adult Northern Gannet was reported off HBSP March 18 (WW). One an abrupt, albeit temporary, halt. The first day of spring provided some­ of the most intri.guing si~htin~s for the period was an adult, breeding thing different, at least this year, it rained! A little snow even fell on the plumaged American White Pehcan at Greenwich Point Park Greenwich northwest hills, but overall, the dry winter pattern continued with precipi­ May29 (LBr). Th~ bird was photographed off Pelican (serious};) Island, and tation for the month more than one inch below normal. March went out like was I.ast seen flymg east along the shoreline. Despite intensive searching, a lamb with the temperature reaching 83 deg. F March 28 in the Hartford the bird was not relocated. Double-crested Cormorants first nested in the area. April began under damp conditions, with precipitation on the first 7 State 10 years ago with 2 nests on East White Rock (Island), Westport. This days of the month in Bridgeport, the first ten days in the Hartford area. year, there were 90+ nests on the island (MB). Offshore Goose Island Temperatures were mild during this period, but from mid-month cool, dry Guilford held 256 cormorant nests by May 23 (JSp). The u~ual number of conditions prevailed. Rainfall for the month was still almost one-half inch ~erons were reported nesting on Norwalk's Chimon Island, with an addi­ below normal, giving little indication of what was to come. Any concern tional report of a new colony containing 400 birds on nearby Grassy Island over a repeat of the drought conditions of 1988 quickly disappeared in early (MB). May. By May 10, Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks) had Wad~rs we~e also doing well on Great Captain's Island, Greenwich (MB). received 5.61 inches, over two inches above normal for the entire month. ~menc~n Bitterns continue to be reported sparsely with single birds Over 3 additional inches fell in Bridgeport May 16-17, and the total for the sxghted m South Windsor April2 (JKt), Simsbury April7 (MV), Cheesebor- month in the Hartford area stood at 11.95 inches, eight inches over normal. VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 89 88 THE CONNECTICUTWARBLER A noted Fairfield Countymeterologist(Dr. Mel Goldstein) stated "It was the CONNECTICUT FIELD NOTES wettest May on record, and the third wettest month on record (in 40years)." Would ~ese weather conditions influence the migration or the success of Spring: March 1-May 31, 1989 the nesting se?~n? In spite of the rains, there were few indications that Jay Kaplan weather conditions at the end of the period impacted on most species. Several observers reported a scarcity of such inland shorebirds as Solitary Ah spring! This observer looks forward to spring more than any other and Spotted Sandpipers, no doubt due to high water levels in wetlands and season. Winter may provide northern rarities and autumn, with its hawk along watercourses. Others reported fewer swallows, thrushes or warblers migrations and vast assemblages of shorebirds, may be the ultimate in but such trends were evidently not apparent throughout the State. When birding for some of my contemporaries. For me, however, the arrival of our the urge to move north begins, it takes more than slighttemperature swings first spring migrants provides a rekindling of spirit and a desire to get up or above-average rainfall to dampen the flow of birds to their breeding early in the morning to enjoy the bright colors and pleasant melodies of our grounds. songbirds. (It's also much easier to see them without all those dam leaves that obstruct one's view later in the season). Others must feel as I do, LOONS THROUGH FALCONS because it seems as though we receive more field reports at this season than Red-throated Loons lingered into mid-May along the coast with a last any other. More reports do not necessarily translate into more interesting report from East Haven May 10 (EH). A high of 45 was reported from observations, but a quick perusal of 1989's spring sightings might send Sherwood Island State Park, Westport (hereafter SISl'), March 5 (FMa et al.). shivers up a birder's spine. American White Pelican, Wilson's Plover, Common Loons were numerous along the coast throughout May with 7 Yellow-throated Warbler and Lark Sparrow inConnecticut? Wow! Enough reported at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison (hereafter HBSP), to peak the interest of even a casual birder,and certainly enough to rouse the Ma~ 18 (FMa,FP). Inland, 2 pair were present on Barkhamsted Reservoir more ardent from their winter cabin fever. Apnl8-May 17; however, there was no indication that theses birds nested The start of the spring season of birding does not always coincide with that (DR). An adult Pied-billed Grebe with a chick was sighted at Lordship of the calendar. March began with average temperatures in the mid thirties, marshes, Stratford, May 26 (FP). A small pond, located behind a row of but as it is wont to do, dropped to a frosty 8 degrees Fin Hartford March 8, warehou~s, has been a confirmed nesting location for the grebes for several tying the record low for the date. Temperatures began to moderate through years. A high count of 120 Homed Grebes were reported from SISP March mid-month,reaching 70deg. F March 18 and 19 in Hartford. Early migrants 27 (RCI). Red-?ecked Grebes were reported from at least6 coastal locations took good advantage of this warm front as robins and grackles poured March 20-Apnl19, plus an inland sighting at Batterson Pond New Britain through the northern half of the State. The morning of March 20 saw AprilS (MC). ' ' temperatures plunge into the teens, bringing the northward movement to An adult Northern Gannet was reported off HBSP March 18 (WW). One an abrupt, albeit temporary, halt. The first day of spring provided some­ of the most intri.guing si~htin~s for the period was an adult, breeding thing different, at least this year, it rained! A little snow even fell on the plumaged American White Pehcan at Greenwich Point Park Greenwich northwest hills, but overall, the dry winter pattern continued with precipi­ May29 (LBr). Th~ bird was photographed off Pelican (serious};) Island, and tation for the month more than one inch below normal. March went out like was I.ast seen flymg east along the shoreline. Despite intensive searching, a lamb with the temperature reaching 83 deg. F March 28 in the Hartford the bird was not relocated. Double-crested Cormorants first nested in the area. April began under damp conditions, with precipitation on the first 7 State 10 years ago with 2 nests on East White Rock (Island), Westport. This days of the month in Bridgeport, the first ten days in the Hartford area. year, there were 90+ nests on the island (MB). Offshore Goose Island Temperatures were mild during this period, but from mid-month cool, dry Guilford held 256 cormorant nests by May 23 (JSp). The u~ual number of conditions prevailed. Rainfall for the month was still almost one-half inch ~erons were reported nesting on Norwalk's Chimon Island, with an addi­ below normal, giving little indication of what was to come. Any concern tional report of a new colony containing 400 birds on nearby Grassy Island over a repeat of the drought conditions of 1988 quickly disappeared in early (MB). May. By May 10, Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks) had Wad~rs we~e also doing well on Great Captain's Island, Greenwich (MB). received 5.61 inches, over two inches above normal for the entire month. ~menc~n Bitterns continue to be reported sparsely with single birds Over 3 additional inches fell in Bridgeport May 16-17, and the total for the sxghted m South Windsor April2 (JKt), Simsbury April7 (MV), Cheesebor- month in the Hartford area stood at 11.95 inches, eight inches over normal. VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 89 88 THE CONNECTICUTWARBLER ough Pond, Stonington April 30-May 6 (RSCB) and at HBSP May 2 (SM). (DR,ES). The lower Connecticut River valley produced the only Golden Least Bitterns appeared in their usual haunts with a high of 3 birds at Eagle report with a bird in Essex March 2 (RE). There is a mounting concern Lordship Marsh May 27 (RE). Tricolored Herons were reported from SISP in the State's birding community with regard to low numbers of both May7(RSo),NorwalkMay17(MSNC)andMilfordPointMay21 (SM). The wintering and nesting American Kestrels. Hopefully, some of the 11 sudden predicted expansion of Cattle Egrets has yet to materialize. Two Kestrels sighted in the South Windsor marshes April13 (SKo) remained on birds were seen in Ledyard May 14 (RSCB) and 3 were reported in Westport territory. Merlin reports included single birds from Mansfield Hollow May 23 (RN et al.). An unusual nesting location for Yellow-crowned Night Reservoir, Mansfield, April18 (LBe, WE); Watertown April24 (RN); Haley Herons was discovered in residential Fairfield with 2 nests in the crown of Farm State Park, Groton, April25 (RSCB); and Kent May 17 (DR et al.). The a tall oak tree (MB). At least one pair of Yellow-crowneds continue to nest several Peregrine reports were primarily of immature birds and included on the Norwalk Islands and 1-2 adults were seen through May in the one chas~ng a yellowlegs. at Milford Point May 6 (RBA). The latest report of Milford Point marshes (m.ob). a Peregrme was from Ellmgton May 13 (CE) and there were no indications How many Snow Geese migrate through Connecticut? These high flyers of nesting in the State's larger cities. are often missed, but 1,070 were spotted over Mansfield March 28 (WB ,WE,TC). Brant were reported in good numbers along the coast with a TURKEYS THROUGH NIGHTJARS high ofl 00 at Manresa, South Norwalk May 19 (EH). A Green-winged Teal, Wild Turkeys continue to increase in the State beyond their stronghold in Eurasian Race, was at Milford Point April22-23 (RBA), while a high of62 of the northwest. King Rails were reported from Lordship marsh May 14 our more familiar race was seen in South Windsor March 24 (SKo). A single (DR,DT), Manresa Marsh May 14-21 (m.ob.) and Durham May 20 (FMa et Northern Shoveler was in South Windsor March 18 (SKe) and 5 birds were al.). Sor~s we~e also reported in the usual locations, plus single birds from at Milford Point on that date (CE), with 3 remaining until April 8 (JB). GreenWtchPomtParkMay4(LBr)andfromTransylvaniaPond,Southbury, Eurasian Wigeon were frequently sighted in the West Haven area March 4- May 13 (RN). The only Common Moorhen report for the period came from 19 (m.ob.) and additional birds were at SISP March 26 (RW) and April6 Dead Man's Swamp, Cromwell, where a bird was heard calling May 19 (RBA). Canvasback are common on the coast in March, but 9 birds on (EH,MS et al.). A very strange report of a white "crane-like" bird with black Congamond Lake, Suffield, March 15 (SKe) are a good sighting. A single wing-tips,seen flying down the Connecticut River in Chester March 23 was Redhead was on Bantam Lake, Litchfield, March 27 (RB). Scaup were also reported to the Connecticut Rare Bird Alert. The bird was not relocated and reported from inland locations with 26 Greater Scaup on Mudge Pond, the report has not been verified. Equally intriguing was a report of a bird Sharon, March27 (DR) and 6 LesserScaupatthis locationApril14 (DR). The that c~uld possibly have been a Northern Lapwing from Stearn's Farm, previously reported immature male Harlequin Duck on the Thames River, Mansfield, March 16 (Ken Koper fide LBe). Intensive searching failed to New London was present until at least March 4 (LBe, FP, JZe). There were relocate th~ bird. A report has been submitted to the CRRC. Returning to large movements of White-winged Scoters on Long Island Sound in mid­ more plausible, although by no means routine sightings, a Wilson's Plover May with 180 reported off Milford Point May 18-19 (EH). The previously was observed and photographed at Long Beach, Stratford May 3 (WW). A reported Barrow's Goldeneye on the Connecticut River, Enfield was last high count of 33 Killdeer was reported at SISP March 19 (SKo). Five to 6 seen March 3 (PS). Hooded Mergansers were confirmed breeding at pairs of American Oystercatchers were again nesting successfully on the BarkhamstedReservoir(DT)andalongtheHousatonicRiver,Kent(DT,CBk). Norwalk Islands. Nests were reported on Long Beach Island, Tree Ham­ There were few noteworthy movements of hawks this season, although mock, Sheffield, Goose and Cockenoe Islands (FMa,MB). March 17 was apparently a good day for Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Willets may well have nested in the Lordship marshes where 3 birds were Hawks in the New Canaan area with 30 Vultures sighted on that date (EJ). present May 4 (FMa,SM). Willets were also sighted at SISP May 12 (RSo) The 1988-89 winter, with its mild temperatures and open water, saw Bald and their usual locations in the salt marshes at Meig's Point, HBSP (m.ob.) Eagles on many of the State's major waterways. At least one bird persisted and Ba:n Is., Stonington (LBe). Bradley International Airport, Windsor through the period at Barkhamsted Reservoir (m.ob.). Northern Harriers Locks, Is now the only known breeding location in the State for Upland have not nested in the State in recent history. Thus, a female carrying sticks S~ndpi~r. In addition to the Bradley birds, 2 birds, likely migrants, were in the Lordship marshes May 30 (LBe) was most encouraging. Although no sighted m Durham April21 (FMc) and another at Flanders Nature Center, nest was found, a pair of adults remained in the area through May (m.ob.). W~bury, May 5 (MS). Two White-rumped Sandpipers, more often A Rough-legged Hawk was reported from the Portland meadows March 17 considered fall migrants, were at Milford Point May14-20 (m.ob.). A Purple

THE CONNECTICUTW ARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 90 91 ough Pond, Stonington April 30-May 6 (RSCB) and at HBSP May 2 (SM). (DR,ES). The lower Connecticut River valley produced the only Golden Least Bitterns appeared in their usual haunts with a high of 3 birds at Eagle report with a bird in Essex March 2 (RE). There is a mounting concern Lordship Marsh May 27 (RE). Tricolored Herons were reported from SISP in the State's birding community with regard to low numbers of both May7(RSo),NorwalkMay17(MSNC)andMilfordPointMay21 (SM). The wintering and nesting American Kestrels. Hopefully, some of the 11 sudden predicted expansion of Cattle Egrets has yet to materialize. Two Kestrels sighted in the South Windsor marshes April13 (SKo) remained on birds were seen in Ledyard May 14 (RSCB) and 3 were reported in Westport territory. Merlin reports included single birds from Mansfield Hollow May 23 (RN et al.). An unusual nesting location for Yellow-crowned Night Reservoir, Mansfield, April18 (LBe, WE); Watertown April24 (RN); Haley Herons was discovered in residential Fairfield with 2 nests in the crown of Farm State Park, Groton, April25 (RSCB); and Kent May 17 (DR et al.). The a tall oak tree (MB). At least one pair of Yellow-crowneds continue to nest several Peregrine reports were primarily of immature birds and included on the Norwalk Islands and 1-2 adults were seen through May in the one chas~ng a yellowlegs. at Milford Point May 6 (RBA). The latest report of Milford Point marshes (m.ob). a Peregrme was from Ellmgton May 13 (CE) and there were no indications How many Snow Geese migrate through Connecticut? These high flyers of nesting in the State's larger cities. are often missed, but 1,070 were spotted over Mansfield March 28 (WB ,WE,TC). Brant were reported in good numbers along the coast with a TURKEYS THROUGH NIGHTJARS high ofl 00 at Manresa, South Norwalk May 19 (EH). A Green-winged Teal, Wild Turkeys continue to increase in the State beyond their stronghold in Eurasian Race, was at Milford Point April22-23 (RBA), while a high of62 of the northwest. King Rails were reported from Lordship marsh May 14 our more familiar race was seen in South Windsor March 24 (SKo). A single (DR,DT), Manresa Marsh May 14-21 (m.ob.) and Durham May 20 (FMa et Northern Shoveler was in South Windsor March 18 (SKe) and 5 birds were al.). Sor~s we~e also reported in the usual locations, plus single birds from at Milford Point on that date (CE), with 3 remaining until April 8 (JB). GreenWtchPomtParkMay4(LBr)andfromTransylvaniaPond,Southbury, Eurasian Wigeon were frequently sighted in the West Haven area March 4- May 13 (RN). The only Common Moorhen report for the period came from 19 (m.ob.) and additional birds were at SISP March 26 (RW) and April6 Dead Man's Swamp, Cromwell, where a bird was heard calling May 19 (RBA). Canvasback are common on the coast in March, but 9 birds on (EH,MS et al.). A very strange report of a white "crane-like" bird with black Congamond Lake, Suffield, March 15 (SKe) are a good sighting. A single wing-tips,seen flying down the Connecticut River in Chester March 23 was Redhead was on Bantam Lake, Litchfield, March 27 (RB). Scaup were also reported to the Connecticut Rare Bird Alert. The bird was not relocated and reported from inland locations with 26 Greater Scaup on Mudge Pond, the report has not been verified. Equally intriguing was a report of a bird Sharon, March27 (DR) and 6 LesserScaupatthis locationApril14 (DR). The that c~uld possibly have been a Northern Lapwing from Stearn's Farm, previously reported immature male Harlequin Duck on the Thames River, Mansfield, March 16 (Ken Koper fide LBe). Intensive searching failed to New London was present until at least March 4 (LBe, FP, JZe). There were relocate th~ bird. A report has been submitted to the CRRC. Returning to large movements of White-winged Scoters on Long Island Sound in mid­ more plausible, although by no means routine sightings, a Wilson's Plover May with 180 reported off Milford Point May 18-19 (EH). The previously was observed and photographed at Long Beach, Stratford May 3 (WW). A reported Barrow's Goldeneye on the Connecticut River, Enfield was last high count of 33 Killdeer was reported at SISP March 19 (SKo). Five to 6 seen March 3 (PS). Hooded Mergansers were confirmed breeding at pairs of American Oystercatchers were again nesting successfully on the BarkhamstedReservoir(DT)andalongtheHousatonicRiver,Kent(DT,CBk). Norwalk Islands. Nests were reported on Long Beach Island, Tree Ham­ There were few noteworthy movements of hawks this season, although mock, Sheffield, Goose and Cockenoe Islands (FMa,MB). March 17 was apparently a good day for Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Willets may well have nested in the Lordship marshes where 3 birds were Hawks in the New Canaan area with 30 Vultures sighted on that date (EJ). present May 4 (FMa,SM). Willets were also sighted at SISP May 12 (RSo) The 1988-89 winter, with its mild temperatures and open water, saw Bald and their usual locations in the salt marshes at Meig's Point, HBSP (m.ob.) Eagles on many of the State's major waterways. At least one bird persisted and Ba:n Is., Stonington (LBe). Bradley International Airport, Windsor through the period at Barkhamsted Reservoir (m.ob.). Northern Harriers Locks, Is now the only known breeding location in the State for Upland have not nested in the State in recent history. Thus, a female carrying sticks S~ndpi~r. In addition to the Bradley birds, 2 birds, likely migrants, were in the Lordship marshes May 30 (LBe) was most encouraging. Although no sighted m Durham April21 (FMc) and another at Flanders Nature Center, nest was found, a pair of adults remained in the area through May (m.ob.). W~bury, May 5 (MS). Two White-rumped Sandpipers, more often A Rough-legged Hawk was reported from the Portland meadows March 17 considered fall migrants, were at Milford Point May14-20 (m.ob.). A Purple

THE CONNECTICUTW ARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 90 91 SandpiperremaineduntilMay24atthemouthoftheTh~mesRiver(~B). Common Snipe and American Woodcock appeared m many locations Barkhamsted, Norfolk, Canaan and New Hartford (DR). Additional Ra­ following the March 18 warm front. A snipe continued in New H~rtford vens nested in the eastern part of the State in Ashford (m.ob.). Winter Wrens unti1May12(DT). Asmanyas3individualLittleGullsappearedarmdstthe were reported commonly from many areas this spring. A very early Marsh flock of Bonaparte's Gulls in the West Haven area April 8-9 (m.ob.). Wren was on its South Windsor nestinggroundsApril3 (KM). A phenome­ Common Black-headed Gull was also observed sporadically in this area at nal number ofapproximately 200 Golden-crowned Kinglets were observed the mouth of the Oyster River March 12-April21 (m.ob.); Bradley Pt. Park in East Rock Park, New Haven, April 8 (RE). There was good thrush AprilS (RE) and Savin Rock April 17 (FMc,AR). Iceland Gulls were on movement in the Westport area May 25 (FMa). Among the more interesting Menunkatesuck Island, Westbrook, March4 (FP,LBe), Merwin Point, West thrush reports were Gray-cheeked in Utchfield May 19 (EH), Southport Haven March 21 (JKi) and Savin Rock April9 (FMc). West Haven was also May 20 (CBn) and Goshen May 23 (RN,DR et al.). The mid-March warm a good location for Lesser Black-backed Gull March 28-April 8 (RBA). A front caused a veritable explosion of American Robins in the northern half Lesser Black-backed Gull appeared inland at Shepaug Dam, Southbury, of the State- 350 were sighted in the area of Lot Won the UConn campus, March 19 (DR). Glaucous Gull went unreported for the spring period. A Storrs, March 20 (WE fide GC). A Water Pipit was observed in Mansfield Caspian Tern was sighted at Long Beach, Stratford, May 19 (EH,MS et al.). April30 (GC et al.). Observers had virtually nothing to say about vireos this Black Terns were at Short Beach, Stratford, May 8 (WW), and Milford Point season. Does this mean they were in average numbers or were there none May 27 (JB) and May 31 (RE). Black Skimmers were ~t Long Beach M~y 15 at all? (SM) and Groton Long Point (RSCB). Both Yellow-billed and Black-btlled No one is ever satisfied with warblers. There were many observers who Cuckoos were reported in various locations throughout the State, no doubt commented upon the scarcity of "warbler waves." Yet, there was quality as due to outbreaks of gypsy moth caterpillars. Only one Common Bam Owl well as quantity reported in several locations. Brewster's Warblers were in returned to the Wesleyan University, Middletown nesting location; how­ Kent May 14 (DT,FZ) and May 31 (FMc) and in Orange May 15 (FMc). A ever, another pair did nest in the vicinity (GZ fide FMa). A late Long-eared Lawrence's Warbler appeared for the third consecutive year in West Hart­ Owl was being harrassed by crows and jays in Westport April7 (FMa) and ford May 7 (PD et al.) and another was paired with a female Blue-winged the only Short-eared Owl reported was at Long Beach March 21 (WW). A in Fairchild Wildflower Garden, Greenwich, May 28 (FMa,CW). River Chuck-will's Widow was discovered roosting at Lake Wintergreen Park, Road, along the Housatonic River, Kent, with its nesting Golden-winged New Haven, April27 (JG), where it was photog~aphed. The ~ird was l~st and Cerulean Warblers, is known as an excellent location for warblers. The reported May 3 when it was heard calling for the ftrst and only time (RSc ftde area went beyond expectations with the sighting of a Yellow-throated FMa). Warbler May 14 (PD). This bird was last sighted May 17 (MS,NC). A high of 30 Palm Warblers were in the Mansfield -Ashford -Coventry area April WOODPECKERS THROUGH WARBLERS 30 (GC et al.). In addition to their usual breeding grounds in Kent and in The only Red-headed Woodpecker report for the period was from the tip Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam, a Cerulean Warbler was ob­ of Milford Point May 29 (JS fide FMa). Songbird migration may have been served at East Rock Park May 4 (RE). Also at East Rock was a Prothonotary only slightly delayed by the wettest May on record. There was good Warbler May 5-6 (FMc et al.), which was photographed. Additional movement May 4, and warbler migrations were reported as heavy May 14, Prothonotary Warblers were in Southport May 14 (CBn) and on Falkner's 18-19 and 25. Olive-sided Flycatchers were reported from Boston Hollow, Island, where one was banded May 22 for the first time since at least 1978 Ashford (FMa et al.) May 20, and East Rock Park, New Haven May 28-29 (JSp). A Worm-eating Warbler, banded on Falkner's Island the following (FMc et al.). Empidonax flycatchers were in good numbers including a day, was also the first one caught in 12 years of banding on the island (JSp). singing Acadian in Fairchild Garden, Greenwich May 21 (LBr). Another A singing male Kentucky Warbler was again found in Fairchild Garden, most unusual observation was made in Lordship marsh May 25, where a Greenwich, May 9-28 (m.ob.). Right next to this bird was a calling male possible Ash-throated Flycatcher was reported. The bird was seen by an Mourning Warbler May 28 (FMa,CW) and the two birds actually appeared experienced observer who was looking for a reported Boat-tailed Grackle. to be scolding one another. There were five additional sightings of Mourn­ A report has been forwarded to the ~RRC. ~ommon Ravens seet_n to be ing Warblers in southwestern Connecticut, all between May 25-30. expanding in northwestern Connecticut, w1th reports from 6 dtfferent towns throughout the period. Birds were sighted in Cornwall, Sharon, TANAGERS THROUGH GROSBEAKS Summer Tanagers were at two locations during the period with single 92 THE CONNECI'ICUTWARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 93 SandpiperremaineduntilMay24atthemouthoftheTh~mesRiver(~B). Common Snipe and American Woodcock appeared m many locations Barkhamsted, Norfolk, Canaan and New Hartford (DR). Additional Ra­ following the March 18 warm front. A snipe continued in New H~rtford vens nested in the eastern part of the State in Ashford (m.ob.). Winter Wrens unti1May12(DT). Asmanyas3individualLittleGullsappearedarmdstthe were reported commonly from many areas this spring. A very early Marsh flock of Bonaparte's Gulls in the West Haven area April 8-9 (m.ob.). Wren was on its South Windsor nestinggroundsApril3 (KM). A phenome­ Common Black-headed Gull was also observed sporadically in this area at nal number ofapproximately 200 Golden-crowned Kinglets were observed the mouth of the Oyster River March 12-April21 (m.ob.); Bradley Pt. Park in East Rock Park, New Haven, April 8 (RE). There was good thrush AprilS (RE) and Savin Rock April 17 (FMc,AR). Iceland Gulls were on movement in the Westport area May 25 (FMa). Among the more interesting Menunkatesuck Island, Westbrook, March4 (FP,LBe), Merwin Point, West thrush reports were Gray-cheeked in Utchfield May 19 (EH), Southport Haven March 21 (JKi) and Savin Rock April9 (FMc). West Haven was also May 20 (CBn) and Goshen May 23 (RN,DR et al.). The mid-March warm a good location for Lesser Black-backed Gull March 28-April 8 (RBA). A front caused a veritable explosion of American Robins in the northern half Lesser Black-backed Gull appeared inland at Shepaug Dam, Southbury, of the State- 350 were sighted in the area of Lot Won the UConn campus, March 19 (DR). Glaucous Gull went unreported for the spring period. A Storrs, March 20 (WE fide GC). A Water Pipit was observed in Mansfield Caspian Tern was sighted at Long Beach, Stratford, May 19 (EH,MS et al.). April30 (GC et al.). Observers had virtually nothing to say about vireos this Black Terns were at Short Beach, Stratford, May 8 (WW), and Milford Point season. Does this mean they were in average numbers or were there none May 27 (JB) and May 31 (RE). Black Skimmers were ~t Long Beach M~y 15 at all? (SM) and Groton Long Point (RSCB). Both Yellow-billed and Black-btlled No one is ever satisfied with warblers. There were many observers who Cuckoos were reported in various locations throughout the State, no doubt commented upon the scarcity of "warbler waves." Yet, there was quality as due to outbreaks of gypsy moth caterpillars. Only one Common Bam Owl well as quantity reported in several locations. Brewster's Warblers were in returned to the Wesleyan University, Middletown nesting location; how­ Kent May 14 (DT,FZ) and May 31 (FMc) and in Orange May 15 (FMc). A ever, another pair did nest in the vicinity (GZ fide FMa). A late Long-eared Lawrence's Warbler appeared for the third consecutive year in West Hart­ Owl was being harrassed by crows and jays in Westport April7 (FMa) and ford May 7 (PD et al.) and another was paired with a female Blue-winged the only Short-eared Owl reported was at Long Beach March 21 (WW). A in Fairchild Wildflower Garden, Greenwich, May 28 (FMa,CW). River Chuck-will's Widow was discovered roosting at Lake Wintergreen Park, Road, along the Housatonic River, Kent, with its nesting Golden-winged New Haven, April27 (JG), where it was photog~aphed. The ~ird was l~st and Cerulean Warblers, is known as an excellent location for warblers. The reported May 3 when it was heard calling for the ftrst and only time (RSc ftde area went beyond expectations with the sighting of a Yellow-throated FMa). Warbler May 14 (PD). This bird was last sighted May 17 (MS,NC). A high of 30 Palm Warblers were in the Mansfield -Ashford -Coventry area April WOODPECKERS THROUGH WARBLERS 30 (GC et al.). In addition to their usual breeding grounds in Kent and in The only Red-headed Woodpecker report for the period was from the tip Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam, a Cerulean Warbler was ob­ of Milford Point May 29 (JS fide FMa). Songbird migration may have been served at East Rock Park May 4 (RE). Also at East Rock was a Prothonotary only slightly delayed by the wettest May on record. There was good Warbler May 5-6 (FMc et al.), which was photographed. Additional movement May 4, and warbler migrations were reported as heavy May 14, Prothonotary Warblers were in Southport May 14 (CBn) and on Falkner's 18-19 and 25. Olive-sided Flycatchers were reported from Boston Hollow, Island, where one was banded May 22 for the first time since at least 1978 Ashford (FMa et al.) May 20, and East Rock Park, New Haven May 28-29 (JSp). A Worm-eating Warbler, banded on Falkner's Island the following (FMc et al.). Empidonax flycatchers were in good numbers including a day, was also the first one caught in 12 years of banding on the island (JSp). singing Acadian in Fairchild Garden, Greenwich May 21 (LBr). Another A singing male Kentucky Warbler was again found in Fairchild Garden, most unusual observation was made in Lordship marsh May 25, where a Greenwich, May 9-28 (m.ob.). Right next to this bird was a calling male possible Ash-throated Flycatcher was reported. The bird was seen by an Mourning Warbler May 28 (FMa,CW) and the two birds actually appeared experienced observer who was looking for a reported Boat-tailed Grackle. to be scolding one another. There were five additional sightings of Mourn­ A report has been forwarded to the ~RRC. ~ommon Ravens seet_n to be ing Warblers in southwestern Connecticut, all between May 25-30. expanding in northwestern Connecticut, w1th reports from 6 dtfferent towns throughout the period. Birds were sighted in Cornwall, Sharon, TANAGERS THROUGH GROSBEAKS Summer Tanagers were at two locations during the period with single 92 THE CONNECI'ICUTWARBLER VOLUME IX, NUMBER 4 93 Noyes, Gerald Parkinson, Hazel Phillips, Noble Proctor, Fred Purnell, birds in the Fairchild Wildflower Garden, Greenwich, May 11 (RBA) and Connecticut Rare Bird Alert(RBA), Records of Southeastern Connecticut another at the Connecticut College Arboretum, New London, May 20 Birds(RSCB), Arne Rosengren, Dave Rosgen, Paul Saracini, Ellen (RSCB). Perhaps SummerTanagersshould be looked for in arboretum-type Schremp, Ray Schwartz(RSc), Jane Snyder(]Sn), Jeffrey Spendelow settings. A Blue Grosbeak was reported at HBSP May 4 (RBA) and was (]Sp),, Jert_Y Stanley, Richard Soffer(RSo), Mark Szantyr, David Tripp, relocated May 10 at Meig's Point (NP fide MS). Vesper Sparrows went Munel Vtet~, Walter ~e~tje, Rob Winkler, Connie Wood, George Zepko, unreported at Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks; however, Joe Zeranski(]Ze), Juhe Ztckefoose(]Zi), Francis Zygmont. birds were observed at White Memorial, Litchfield April 25 (RBA) and Barkhamsted Reservoir May 14 (DT et al.). A Lark Sparrow was observed 71 Gracey Road, Canton, CT 06019 at close range on Dolbia Hill Road, East Haddam May 27-28 (]Zi). Grass­ hopper Sparrows continue to nest at Bradley Airport, although perhaps in fewer numbers than in past seasons. The mid-March warm front that brought so many early migrants into northern Connecticut also was gener­ ous with Fox Sparrows, reported from many locations. A high count of 21 Fox Sparrows were at Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton, March 21 EARLY SPRING HAWK MOVEMENT (DA,J.Ka) with the last bird reported there April25. Three White-crowned Elsbeth Johnson Sparrows were reported at HBSP May 14 (FMa,FP), while single birds were seen in Litchfield May 18-19 (EH,FMc) and in Storrs May 20 (GC). C~nnec~icut ?awk migrations are generally considered a fall phenomenon. The Birders should screen blackbird flocks very carefully. A male Yellow­ Sprmg migration appears scattered, is tedious to chronicle and has none of the headed Blackbird was found amidst a Red-winged flock in Suffield March drama involved in the autumnal spectacle. I wouldn't know where to go in spring 24 (HP). A male Boat-tailed Grackle was at Lordship marsh May 14-19 (EH to meet my fellow watchers unless I went to Hook Mountain in Rockland County et al.) This may be a potential breeding location for this species should it NewYork. ' continue its northward expansion into Connecticut. A European Goldfinch March 18, 1989, was unseasonably warm and when, in mid-morning, I saw a Red­ was reported at an undisclosed Norwalk feeding station in mid-April. This shouldered Hawk over my home in New Canaan in southwestemFairfield County, bird was assumed to be an escapee (fide FMa). Evening Grosbeaks, I susl?ected a movem~nt. The morning edition of the New York Times weather map unreported in the State since December, were reported only twice during predicted a fast-moVIng cold front along the entire Appalachian front at about 2 the period; 2 birds at a Harwinton feeder March 26 (PC) and 2 birds in p.m., preceded by a trough of northward-moving warm air and brisk southwesterly winds until sundown, when the front was to cross the New York City region. This Boston Hollow, Ashford, May 8 (WB). Where are those grosbeaks, any­ was e':'

Guide for Contributers Preparation of Manuscripts: The editors welcome submission ofarticles and notes for the Connecticut Warbler. Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on one side of the .sheet only, with ample margins on all sides. Style ofthe manuscript should follow general usage in recent issues. All manuscripts receive peer review. lllustrations: The editors welcome submission of line artwork of Connecticut and regional birds. Black and white photographs ofparticularinterest will also be considered, b.ut tend to print at less than optimum quality. Line art should be s~?nntted as ~ood-quality photographic prints or in original fot;m. All ongmals and pnnts will be returned promptly after publication pnnts are made.

THECONNECTICUTWARBLER 96 THE CONNECfiCUT WARBLER flew due north, apparently migrants. The first hour had yielded three species, one unidentified raptor and a total of 10 birds. THE CONNECTICUT WARBLER At noon the skies remained mostly overcast, but the temperature was now 68 degrees F. and the wind had diminished to6-8 mph. Several passerines were singing Editor below me and flitting among the trees. Turkey Vultures began appearing, circling, Betty S. Kleiner, Simsbury rocking and spiralling upward in a lazy fashion. One group of nine birds appeared 5 Flintlock Ridge, Simsbury 06070 nearby; while further away, a group of 11 more, plus a Red-tail was observed. All Art Director took a long time, enjoying the thermal, before gliding due north. The Red-tail Patrick J. Lynch, Cheshire returned and I now had two adults and one immature that could possibly be designated as locals. Now, with less wind and continued warming, the birds gained Associate Editors altitude, although they remained well below the middle altitude cloud ceiling. A Robert A Askins, New London Frank Mantlik, S. Norwalk Sharp-shinned Hawk appeared overhead, gained altitude and flapped northward. Anthony H. Bledsoe, New Haven Frederick Purnell Jr., Darien George A. Clark, Jr., Sto!TS Fred C. Sibley, Guilford At 12:36 p.m. a Peregrine Falcon appeared, seemingly from nowhere, made two Jay B. Kaplan, Canton Carl J. Trichka, Fairfield circling glides and sped off to the east. The noon-hour total was 35 raptors, Editorial Advisory Board consisting of 25 Turkey Vultures, six Red-tails, one Sharp-shin, one Peregrine, and . . Michael Harwood, Washington, Chairman one unidentified raptor. William Davis By 1 p.m., the wind had almost subsided and the temperature rose to 72 degrees Alan Brush F. New York City reported a tern perature of 76 degrees, breaking a 1934 record high John Kricber, Alternate of 71 degrees for that date. Only a single Sharp-shin passed through during the hour. The Connecticut Warbler is devoted to the study ofbirds, and is published The sky darkened as the front approached, earlier than forecast. quarterly(January, April, July and October) by the Connecticut Ornitho­ At 2 p.m. there was no wind and the first drops of rain began to fall. Thunder lo~calAssociati~n(COA).MembershipinCOAisbasedonacalendaryear, rumbled in the distance and lightning began to flash while I moved my gear and WithmembershiprenewableinJanuary.NewmembersofCOAreceiveall watched the storm approach. The rain was heavy at times, the temperature fell fourissuesofThe Connecticut Warbler for that year. Address all correspon­ steadily, and visibility decreased considerably as I ended my watch. The following dence, and make checks payable to: The Connecticut Ornithological day it snowed. Association, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06430. Membership Fees 64 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan, CT 06840 Member $10.00 Contributing $20.00 Note: This same weather system sent an impressive number of early migrants, Family $15.00 Sustaining $30.00 i.e., American Woodcock, Fox Sparrow and American Robin, into the area. Life $300.00, payable in three annual installments

Guide for Contributers Preparation of Manuscripts: The editors welcome submission ofarticles and notes for the Connecticut Warbler. Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on one side of the .sheet only, with ample margins on all sides. Style ofthe manuscript should follow general usage in recent issues. All manuscripts receive peer review. lllustrations: The editors welcome submission of line artwork of Connecticut and regional birds. Black and white photographs ofparticularinterest will also be considered, b.ut tend to print at less than optimum quality. Line art should be s~?nntted as ~ood-quality photographic prints or in original fot;m. All ongmals and pnnts will be returned promptly after publication pnnts are made.

THECONNECTICUTWARBLER 96 THE CONNECfiCUT WARBLER ~ Fall1989 Contents Volume IX Number 4 October 1989 THE 73 From the Editor's Desk Betty Kleiner CONNECTICUT 74 Basics of Bird Photography Sam Fried WARBLER 80 American Swallow-tailed Kites in Mansfield, Connecticut A Journal of Connecticut Ornithology George A. Clark, Jr., and Louis Bevier l 83 Banding Passerines on Chimon Island Carl J . Trichka

88 Connecticut Field Notes Spring: March 1 -May 31, 1989 Jay Kaplan

95 Early Spring Hawk Movement Elsbeth Johnson

The Connecticut Ornithological Association 314 UnquowaRoad Non-Profit Org. Fairfield, CT 06430 U.S. Postage PAID Fairfield, CT Permit No. 275

Volume IX No.4 October 1989 Pages 73-96