Vol. 8, No. 2 - 1982 nrtn.oN HIHDS it published quarterly for and distributed to the of OREGON FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS (OFO). I iiiia.pondence for OREGON BIRDS, OREGON FIELD Contents iiHNl I HOIOGISTS, or the OREGON BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE •hmil.l be tent to: P.O. 10373, EUGENE, OR 97440. Vol. 8, No. 2-1982 Mtmberihlp classes and annual dues for OFO are: Individual - • / IK), family - $11.00, and Sustaining - $15.00. Membership in
V 1 l»M Includes a one year subscription to OREGON BIRDS. Maitiliai >hip is on a calendar year basis. President's Message • Richard Palmer 49 nttn.ON BIRDS is printed at the University of Oregon Press. Highlights from the Field Notes: Spring 1982 Aili. I«% appearing in OREGON BIRDS may be reprinted with the Mrmllllon of the author or the editor, and must indicate the Joe Evanich •••una •• OREGON BIRDS. OFO Third Annual Meeting Otis Swisher tilHor; Jim Carlson Klamath County Checklist
*UH Steve Gordon, Judy Carlson, Dennis Rogers, Steve Heinl Steve Summers 60
Off lien and Board of Directors Big Days: Klamath County Steve Gordon 70 Pi ••Mailt - Richard Palmer, Salem (1983) teiretary Otis Swisher, Medford (1983) Lister's Corner: LEAST BITTERN tiaaturer - Allison Mickel, Eugene (1983) Steve Summers
IMiailiir* - Terry Morgan, Portland (1981 - 1983) Site Guide: Miller Island S.W.M.A. Alice Parker, Roseburg (1981 - 1983) Steve Summers. ™ Jan Krabbe, Corvallis (1982 - 1984) Martha Sawyer, Roseburg (1982 - 1984) Lister's Corner: 1981 Lists compiled by Steve Summers 82 l)tay.m Itlrd Records Committee Short Notes Inrttary - Clarice Watson, Eugene AMERICAN REDSTART Darrel Faxon 87 Member. - Alan Contreras, Eugene (1980 - 1982) Thomas Crabtree, Bend (1980 - 1982) WHITE-THROATED SWIFT Jeff Gilligan, Portland (1981 - 1983) W. E. Hoffman David Fix, Eugene (1981 - 1983) David Irons, Portland (1981 - 1983) BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER Harry Nehls, Portland (1982 - 1984) Martha Sawyer 89 Eleanor Pugh, Wolf Creek (1982 - 1984) 90 Owen Schmidt, Portland (1982 - 1984) Pelagic Trips Steve Summers, Klamath Falls (1980 - 1982) OFO BookcasBookcas MiMini'Mpti of articles for publication in OREGON BIRDS should Editor's Note 92 We typail, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. Photographs • Imiiiil lie either black and white prints or color prints with high • Mllll «•< I Nvai Illustration: WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER Steve Summers uiliai lllutti atlont: Joe Evanich, Steve Gordon, W. E. Hoffman, Meva lummert PliHl.itft aplii Steve Gordon 45 organization so that it may grow and prosper over the years to come. President's Message We will keep you informed on our progress. Richard Palmer In This Issue In this issue you will find several articles on the Klamath Falls area. I hope you enjoy them and will plan to visit one of the better birding spots in Oregon. You might even find a GREAT Many different subjects run through my mind as I try to organize GRAY OWL on the very first trip as I did a few years ago. (A my thoughts for this issue's message. Let's start with few people have vaguely mentioned it's not always this easy.) Congratulations to the past administration. The convention at Bend May 7-9 is now past history but for those of you who missed attending, it was one of the best ever. It will be at least several years before I forget the history of the ornithologist Bendire in the Malheur area, as told by the keynote speaker Dr. Steve Herman. The other programs rated high as well. It will take a lot of hard work to top this convention. Environmental Problems A request has been submitted to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to spray 155 acres with Sevin to kill the mud shrimp. The shrimp have a detrimental effect on the oyster beds in Tillamook Bay, eventually smothering the oysters in the mud. What stand should we as a group take? Will the Sevin kill all of the food required by the thousands of returning shorebirds, soon to arrive from the north, which utilize Tillamook Bay? I wish I knew. Do we have any qualified biologists who would work with the board to develop a policy in relation to the birds of Tillamook Bay? Information will be required as to the exact spray area. We need the time and place of the public meetings and qualified members to attend these meetings, if we as a group are to contribute to this perplexing problem. Let me know if you wish to help. ( Birding Nuisance The finding of major rarities will certainly be less this year with the closure of the best area at the South Jetty of the Columbia OFO Members at Tumalo State Park. River by the Army Corps of Engineers while they repair the Note our new "leader" charting new directions. jetty. Does anyone know how long this project will last? Membership Drive Beginning this year a dedicated effort to increase membership will be headed up by Alice Parker of Roseburg. I intend to provide all the help I can and want to challenge each member to sign up at least one more member. Increased membership provides more funds for better publications and best of all provides additional people to contribute to the 47 46 Highlights from the Field Notes: Spring 1982 gray-phased GYRFALCON seen near Bend on Mar. 8-7 (TC) adds to the increasing number of Oregon records of this arctic Joa Evanich wanderer. Two WILD TURKEYS were a surprise on Apr. 5 in Ladd Canyon near La-Grande (DMo); TURKEYS found in this As usual, you can't comment on Oregon's spring weather this corner of Oregon are probably the oldest wild population in the year without mentioning that of the past winter--at least as far as state. The SAGE GROUSE lek at Virtue Flats, Baker Co., peaked birds are concerned! By far the most important physical at 70* birds this spring in mid-April (JE). influence on this spring's migration was last winter's heavy precipitation, especially in eastern Oregon. With the snowmelt Malheur N.W.R.'s first "biggie" this spring was a COMMON that began in late February, March, April, and May were very GALLINULE seen at the Benson boat landing from May 9-12 (SC, wet. Malheur Refuge in Harney Co. reported their highest water refuge personnel); unfortunately, it had disappeared by the time levels in more than one hundred years! Predictably, some good birders descended in droves upon the refuge! So far this year, finds resulted from the excess wetland habitat. 2-3 UPLAND SANDPIPERS have been reported from their typical Bear Valley haunts in Grant Co. (RE, SC, m.ob.), but the Logan Overall, migration seemed "normal" throughout the state this Valley site appears to be empty. Shorebird migration was spring with most species arriving and/or departing on time. Yes, amazingly uncommented on this spring except in the Klamath even the typical number of atypical vagrants were reported-- Basin. The first SNOWY PLOVER returned to White Lake, COMMON GALLINULE, OVENBIRD, LEAST FLYCATCHER, and Klamath Co. (the only known breeding population in the Klamath even a BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW; look that one up in your Basin) on Apr. 27 (SS). Two WHIMBREL Apr. 27 at Lower dictionary! Klamath N.W.R. were typical, but 13 on Apr. 29 were a surprise as were two SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS at White Lake on Apr. 27 (SS). Almost unbelievable was the flock of 73 MARBLED EAST OF THE CASCADES GODWITS at the Joseph sewage ponds, Wallowa Co., on May 15 (FC)! Among the more unusual larids in eastern Oregon this Probably the most commented-on species at Malheur N.W.R. this spring was an overwintering GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL on Lake spring was the WHITE-.PELICAN, very conspicuous due to the Ewauna, Klamath Co., until at least Apr. 20 (SS). A excess standing water. Up to 900 were seen at the Narrows in FRANKLIN'S GULL at Joseph on May 15 was Wallowa County's one flock! Union Co. had 10 very unusual WHITE PELICANS on third or fourth record (FC). A FORSTER'S TERN at Ladd Apr. 15 (M&JM), and a surprising DOUBLE-CRESTED Marsh, Union Co., on May 22 (JE, SC) and single BLACK TERNS CORMORANT on April 24 (JE, et al)--all in La Grande. A at La Grande sewage ponds May 28 (JE) and Joseph sewage ponds definite spring overshoot from more southerly nesting grounds May 15 (FC) were quite unusual. Totally unprecedented was a was a SNOWY EGRET at the Wallowa Fish Hatchery near breeding plumaged COMMON TERN at Thief Valley Res., Union Enterprise, Wallowa Co., on Apr. 15-22; it was northeast Co., on May 13 (JE), constituting a first record for northeast Oregon's second record (FC, RA). At least three LEAST Oregon. BITTERNS were found at the Benson boat landing road of Malheur N.W.R. during late May; many people heard them, but only a lucky few saw them (SC, AMc, et al). Five species of hummingbirds were reported from eastern Oregon this spring, including single male BROAD-TAILED HUMMERS at Bend May 22 (TC) and La Grande May 1 (JE); and a territorial ROSS' GEESE peaked at 10,000-12,000 birds in the Miller Island- pair of ANNA'S HUMMERS in Bend, Deschutes Co., during early Lower Klamath area, Klamath Co., during late March and early May (TC, m.ob.). Among the many interesting birds found April (fide SS). Two "BLUE" GEESE were found with the masses during the May OFO Convention in Deschutes Co. this spring of white geese during that period in the same vicinity; one were 5-10 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS at Smith Rocks St. Pk., "BLUE" on Mar. 20 at Miller Island appeared to be a SNOW X Crook Co. (m.ob.). ROSS' hybrid (SS). A BLUE-WINGED X CINNAMON TEAL hybrid was reported from Alkali Lake, Klamath Co., on Apr. 28, and By the end of May all 12 species of eastern Oregon's regularly three EURASIAN WIGEON were found Mar. 6 at Lower Klamath occurring flycatchers had arrived. An exceptional surprise N.W.R. in Oregon (SS). Most encouraging was a pair of included a pair of LEAST FLYCATCHERS first found May 29 at HARLEQUIN DUCKS seen along the Grande Ronde River near Clyde Holliday State Wayside near Mt. Vernon, Grant Co., (TM, La Grande for the first Union Co. record on May 8 (M&JM). It is m.ob.). These birds represent only the second well-verified questionable whether or not this inconspicuous duck breeds on record for Oregon! They were easy to locate by their distinct this side of the Cascades, but birders should look for them song right up to June 1. anyway. As usual, FERRUGINOUS HAWKS were back and building nests in n. Baker and Wallowa Counties by the first week of March. A 48 49 Among the vagrant spring overshoots were two NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS: one in La Grande April 22-29 (K&CC, JE) northeast Oregon's first record; and one in the Bend area May 16-17 (F&WVH). The GRAY CATBIRD barely made it into these Among the more unusual heron sightings was a GREAT EGRET at field notes when the first of the year was seen May 31 in Finley N.W.R., Benton Co., May 14 (Dl), and three BLACK- La Grande (JE); they are extremely late spring migrants as is the CROWNED NIGHT HERONS at Roseburg, Douglas Co., on Apr. 11 VEERY, first reported May 22 near Elgin, Union Co. (SC). (MS). TRUMPTER SWANS continue to be found in the Willamette Valley into the spring; two were seen north of Harrisburg, Linn Co., in early March (SG). The Veneta sewage pond EMPEROR Fifteen species of warblers were found by eastern Oregon birders this spring. Malheur's highlights on Memorial Day weekend GOOSE was still present as of May 8 (SH); I think I must be the included'a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, an OVENBIRD, and only birder in Oregon who hasn't seen it! Three handsome two or three TENNESSEE WARBLERS (fide AMi). A single male EMPERORS appeared at Newport on March 2-18, the first TENNESSEE WARBLER* was found along the Deschutes River in reported from that area in years (RO, RB, m.ob.). Another Bend during the OFO Convention May 8 (CCo, LT). good goose sighting was an adult ROSS' GOOSE found on Incidentally, has anyone found the NORTHERN WATERTHRUSHES Bayocean Spit, Tillamook Co., on May 12--it was accompanied by at Crescent Creek this year? A possible new Oregon species is a CACKLING CANADA GOOSE (HN)! A late report nonetheless the CONNECTICUT WARBLER found May 20 in Bend (TC); this deserves mention: on Feb. 14, a bright male TUFTED DUCK* species is very similar to the closely related McGILLIVRAY'S and was photographed at Finley N.W.R. as it kept company with MOURNING WARBLERS, and a specimen or exceptional photograph RING-NECKED DUCKS (R&JK, A&DM, TD, FR, LD). The bird, would probably be the only undisputed way it could be added to only the third Oregon record, could not be relocated the next the Oregon list! day. BOBOLINKS are quite common this year near Frenchglen on WHITE-TAILED KITES continue to be reported in good numbers Malheur N.W.R., and the Enterprise colony is up to 8-10 birds from southwest Oregon. Two were seen through March and April this year. A new colony of 8* birds was found in mid-May at Ladd near Roseburg, and copulation was noted (MS). Another KITE Marsh near La Grande (GS, JE). A bright male ROSE-BREASTED was seen near Sutherlin, Douglas Co., on May 2 (EP). The GROSBEAK appeared at a Madras feeder on March 14-15 for our Ashland area also had KITES during April as did Coos Bay and earliest spring record ever (IH)! A late flock of 1,500+ GRAY- Corvallis (m.ob.). A single RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was found CROWNED ROSY FINCHES was feeding along Wallowa Lake on at the mouth of the Pistol River, Curry Co., on May 1 for the May 12 (FC). And finally, an adult WHITE-THROATED SPARROW only report this spring (JR). A late PEREGRINE FALCON was was found at Frenchglen campground near Malheur N.W.R. on reported from Glide, Douglas Co., on May 15 (MS). Although a May 22 (JE). relatively common Oregon species, the BLUE GROUSE is nonetheless a difficult bird to locate; thus, a bird heard displaying in the hills west of Dallas, Polk Co., on May 15 was exciting (RP, et al). WEST OF THE CASCADES A late YELLOW-BILLED LOON was discovered at Netarts Bay, Shorebird migration was relatively uneventful and on time this Tillamook Co., on May 2 (R&JK). A RED-NECKED GREBE at spring. Some 29 species were reported, and only the highlights Albany, Linn Co., on Apr. 17 (SG) and another at Hagg Lake, are covered here. The most unusual species found was probably Washington Co., on Apr. 3 were unusual inland finds. the SOLITARY SANDPIPER; singles were reported at Sutherlin Apr. 14 (fide MS), at Alton Baker Pk. in Eugene, Lane Co., on Apr. 30 (DF), at Reedsport, Douglas Co., on May 1 (MS, SG), Despite a lack of ocean trips, a number of interesting pelagic and at Stewart pond, Eugene, on Apr. 24-29 (SG). A LONG- species were found. A LAYSAN ALBATROSS was described as it BILLED CURLEW appeared at Pony Slough on Coos Bay Apr. 21 cruised past Jumpoff Joe in Lincoln Co. on Apr. 8 (PL). A (AMc). A surprising AMERICAN AVOCET was found at special treat was a black-vented (opisthomelas) race of the MANX Walterville, Lane Co., on Apr. 20 (DJ), and a lost WILSON'S SHEARWATER seen March 28 off Newport (MSm, et al). Single PHALAROPE was discovered at Lane Community College in Eugene PINK-FOOTED and SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS were reported on May 3 (BB). Six of that species were seen near Yamhill, off Coos Bay, Coos Co., on Apr. 25 (DMa). Normally reaching Yamhill Co., on May 15 (J&BBe, RP). Oregon in early July, BROWN PELICAN'S appear to be moving north very early this year. The earliest reported was Apr. 14 at Newport (GH), and there have been about ten records since then GLAUCOUS GULLS lingered in Oregon well into spring. from Newport south. Individuals (immatures) were found in Eugene Mar. 10 (SG) and near Newport March-April (RB, m.ob.). An ANCIENT MURRELET was reported from Yaquina Head, Lincoln Co., on Mar. 20 (CM), and MARBLED MURRELETS and TUFTED PUFFINS 51 were seen near the headlands all along the coast during March and April. Three RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were reported from The only BLACK SWIFT found this spring was at Glide on May 15 Sea Lion Caves, Lane Co., on May 2 (JC). (MS). Single ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRDS were reported well out of their usual range: one at Sutherlin Apr. 9 (MJ, MS), and one at This spring two BARRED OWLS were heard in the Umpqua Nat'l. Roseburg Apr. 12 (MS). It should be stressed that field Forest near Roseburg on Mar. 13 and 21 and Apr. 8 (MS, MH). identification of RUFOUS and ALLEN'S HUMMERS out of their The spread of this species into western Oregon has been nothing typical range is virtually impossible except possibly when dealing short of phenomenal. A lone PYGMY OWL was heard May 15 near with adult males in full-gorgeted plumage. A COSTA'S HUMMER Dallas (RP, et al). The Peoria, Linn Co., BURROWING OWL was was reported from a Creswell, Lane Co., feeder on Mar. 20 (JB), last reported in March (fide AMi). and a female of either this species or the equally rare BLACK- CHINNED HUMMER was studied at Yaquina Bay St. Pk., Lincoln Co., on Apr. 18 (DFa). At least two CALLIOPE HUMMERS have been observed so far at Hendrick's Pk., Eugene, through late April and May (m.ob.). An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER at Roseburg on May 10 leads the list of spring passeriforms (RW). Two SAY'S PHOEBES popped up at Lone Ranch Beach, Curry Co., on Mar. 2 (BC), one was at Jacksonville, Jackson Co., on Mar. 21 (MP, BM), and three were found at Touvelle St. Pk., Jackson Co., on Mar. 27 (DH). A most unusual Empidonax record was the possible DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen Apr. 24 at Roseburg (MJ); according to what we know about this hard-to-identify flycatcher's present range, it is seldom if ever reported west of the Cascades! By far the most controversial sighting of the year has to be the possible BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW {Pygochelidon cyanoleuca] reported from the Warrenton sewage ponds, Clatsop Co., on May 1 (JG, DA, RS). This bird differs from the similar TREE SWALLOW by its black undertail coverts, dusky martin-like wash across the underparts, and its very distinctive voice, all characteristics noted on the Warrenton bird. Unfortunately the bird was never photographed. This would constitute not only a new Oregon record, but also a new North American record; the BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW is a southern South American species, only rarely straying as far north as s. Mexico! A disoriented SAGE THRASHER at the Marine Science Center, Newport, was a pleasant surprise on Apr. 3 (DFa). A BLUE- GRAY GNATCATCHER appeared at Agate Res., Jackson Co., on Mar. 28 (MP), and a pair was found in Douglas Co. on Mar. 29 (MS, MH). A rash of TENNESSEE WARBLER sightings occurred in western Oregon this spring: one at Roseburg Apr. 24 (MJ); one at Hendrick's Pk., Eugene, May 1 (LM); one at Lane Community College, Eugene, May 20 (SH); one at Sauvie Island, Multnomah Co., May 1-6 (LH); and five in n.w. Portland, Multnomah Co., on May 1 (CCk)! These appear to be the only unusual warbler sightings so far this spring. With the exception of sparrows, fringillid movement (or lack of) was quite uneventful. RED CROSSBILLS were present along the north coast in good numbers, and the BROWN TOWHEE was found at its typical haunts in the Medford area throughout the spring. An unusual coastal LARK SPARROW was a prize at Winchester 53 ********************* An asterisk (*) indicates that record has been submitted to the Oregon Bird Records Committee as of June 1, 1982. Field notes from issues of the following newsletters were used for these Highlights: Audubon Warbler (Portland Audubon Society) The Chat (Rogue River Valley Audubon Society) The Chat (Corvallis Audubon Society) The Dipper (Oakridge Audubon Society) The Eagle-Eye (Central Oregon Audubon Society) Oregon Grapeleaf (Salem Audubon Society) The Kalmiopsis Storm-Petrel (Curry County Audubon Society) The Quail (Lane County Audubon Society) The Rav-on (Grande Ronde Bird Club) The Sandpiper (Yaquina Birders & Naturalists) The Tattler (Cape Arago Audubon Society) In addition, reports to American Birds (Merlin Eltzroth) and personal communications (MS, TM, SS) were used. OBSERVERS: Dave Anderson (DA) Pat Lingstromburg (PL) Ralph Anderson (RA) Jim Mackie (JMc) Range Bayer (RB) Ray Maentz (RM) Jerry & Barb Bellin (J&BBe) Mike & Joann Mahoney (M&JM) Bob Bender (BB) Chris Marsh (CM) Jan Bittle (JB) Arnie & Debbie Martin (A&DM) Bay, Douglas Co., on Apr. 26 (MS). The fourth record of the Jim Carlson (JC) Dan Mathews (DMa) BREWER'S SPARROW for western Oregon was a bird found at Kent & Cilia Coe (K&CC) Alan McGie (AMc) Whitehorse Co. Pk., Josephine Co., on May 15 (SS, JC). Lincoln Bill Collis (BC) Larry McQueen (LM) Co. had its fourth TREE SPARROW when one was photographed at Frank Conley (FC) Allison Mickel (AMi) Gleneden Beach on Apr. 2 (JMc). Aside from the typical Eugene, Craig Corder (CC) Terry Morgan (TM) Corvallis, and southwest Oregon sightings, the only WHITE- Char Corkran (CCk) Bill Morris (BM) THROATED SPARROWS reported were 2-3 birds from Sauvie Tom Crabtree (TC) Doug Moser (DMo) Island all through March (HN, m.ob.). In line with last winter's Stuart Croghan (SC) Harry Nehls (HN) numerous reports were two or three different SWAMP SPARROWS* Lynette Dillon (LD) Robert Olson (RO) found on Sauvie Island during March and early April (HN, et al). Tom Dudley (TD) Mike Paczolt (MP) Roger Ediger (RE) Richard Palmer (RP) Joe Evanich (JE) Elva Paulson (EP) JUST OVER THE BORDER Darrel Faxon (DFa) Fred Ramsey (FR) David Fix (DF) Jim Rogers (JR) SS reports the following eye-openers from the Klamath Basin in Jeff Gilligan (JG) Georgia Sanderson (GS) California—all within five miles of Oregon! A male GARGANEY Steve Gordon (SG) Martha Sawyer (MS) was found at Lower Klamath N.W.R., Cal., on Apr. 29 and an Steve Heinl (SH) Mark Smith (MSm) adult LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen by a number of birders at Lynn Herring (LH) Richard Smith (RS) Tule Lake N.W.R., Cal., on May 13 (refuge personnel); neither Gary Hettman (GH) Steve Summers (SS) of these species has ever been found in Oregon! Not quite as Ivy Hilty (IH) Larry Thornburgh (LT) rare but still surprising was an adult BLACK-LEGGED Dave Hofman (DH) Fay & Walter Van Hise (F&WVH) KITTIWAKE also at Tule Lake N.W.R. on Apr. 29 (refuge Matt Hunter (MH) Roy Woodall (RW) personnel). Dave Irons (Dl) Dave Jones (DJ) 54 Merideth Jones (MJ) Rick & Jan Krabbe (R&JK) 55 OFO Third Annual Meeting Otis Swisher The Third Annual Meeting of Oregon Field Ornithologists was held May 7-9, 1982 at Central Oregon Community College, Bend, Oregon. Field Trips, arranged by Tom Crabtree, were held early a.m. and throughout the day on the 8th, and again early a.m. on the 9th. On the 8th a compilation of 129 species was made. Sunriver's Jeff Cooney and "Hooter" Dr. Eric Forsman summarized the status of large owls found east of the Cascades. Larry McQueen and Otis Swisher searching for PYGMY NUTHATCH at Tumalo State Park. Paper Sessions included on interesting study of bird census techniques and results in Eastern Oregon habitats by Aaron Skirvin, Jeff Cooney of Sunriver on the work done by the raptor rehabilitation center there. Dr. Charles Henney summarizing a study of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS in Washington- Oregon-Nevada and the effects of pesticides on nesting successes. Afternoon sessions included Owen Schmidt's showing of slides which had already been contributed for use in the publication of the update of Birds of Oregon; Dave Pullen and Steve Thompson spoke about a dozen species management practices undertaken at Dr. Eric Forsman provided Malheur NWR along with management practices of wetlands, irrigation, farming, and people management on the refuge; and insights on SPOTTED OWLS. Greg Robart told about some non-game projects which are being considered and implemented by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife with non-game tax check-off funds. 56 Business Meeting was called to order by President Elzy Eltzroth The Banquet in the evening of May 8 was followed by slides and at 4:00 p.m. on May 8. Election of officers took place after Dr. Steven G. Herman's delightful talk which included Eastern candidates were introduced. Oregon's early ornithologist Charles Bendire. Bendire was at Fort Harney (east of Burns) from 1874-78 and at Fort Klamath President Richard Palmer Salem 1882-83 and was described as the most important ornithologist of Secretary Otis Swisher Medford the last quarter of the 19th Century and into the early 1900's. Teasurer Allison Mickel Eugene His two Volume Life History of North American Birds (1892, 1895) set a pattern which found full expression in Bent's Life History Board members elected (2): Jan Krabbe and Martha Sawyer. series. BYLAWS CHANGES were approved after an interpretation of Dr. Herman, from his extensive travels in Harney County, also proposed bylaws was made. An ex-president will remain as a spoke from first-hand experience about Malheur NWR and the member of the board until the present president's term of office high desert, Steens' Mountain and the Pueblo Mountains to the expires, at which time the change will be made. south of Steens', about SAGE GROUSE strutting grounds, WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS, the nearly 2,000 SNOWY PLOVER COMMITTEE REPORTS were made: recorded in 1980 in Southeast Oregon and Northwest Nevada, of Turn Turn Lake of the Pueblo Mountains, 00 Station and Harney Lake, shorebirds of Stinking Lake, and the work done by Dr. L. 1. Richard Palmer asked that people keep earliest arrival and R. Mewaldt on Hart Mountain. latest departure dates for species throughout the state and send them to him at 1990 Engel Court, NW, Salem, Oregon 97304. 2. Treasurer, Jim Carlson, reported OFO is in the black, has funds for foreseeable publishing efforts, and that OFO is now a tax exempt organization. Contributions are tax deductible. 3. New editor of Oregon Birds, Jim Carlson, reported on the need for contributions of all lengths to be used in OB's. Special mention was made of short notes such as mini site guides, maps, behavior studies, and descriptions of rare and unusual birds. Send to: Oregon Birds, Box 10373, Eugene, Oregon 97440. 4. Ex-editor, Steve Gordon, expressed his thanks to all who helped him as editor of OB's, and to special contributors Jim Carlson, Joe Evanich for his artwork, and Clarice Watson for her work on Bird Records Committee and the monumental work on the Index to Oregon Bird Reports, 1947-1981. 5. Elsie Eltzroth appealed for member contributions of letters on behalf of a commemorative stamp that uses a WESTERN BLUEBIRD image. 6. Records Committee secretary, Clarice Watson, reported that the Birds Records Committee had met twice this year, had over 100 records reviewed, and the committee is now reviewing journals. Introduction of committee members and Dr. Steven C. Herman spoke about Charles Bendire, alternates were made. an early Oregon field ornithologist. It was a delightful presentation. May 9th field trips were taken in early a.m. thanks to Tom Crabtree and those whom he got to lead them. 58 59 Klamath County Checklist Steve Summers To compile a checklist of birds solely for Klamath county, Oregon would be incomplete without including the whole of the Klamath Basin. The Klamath Basin is the most important area avifaunally of this region of the state and it doesn't make sense to exclude the best half for migrating waterbirds because the state line cuts through the middle of it. Therefore, to keep the integrity of the region intact, the following portions of the basin, in Siskiyou and Modoc counties of California, are included in this checklist: Butte Valley, Lower Klamath N.W.R., Tulelake N.W.R. and Lava Beds National Monument. This list should also be valid for the mountains surrounding the southern and southwestern portions of the basin in California (e.g. Medicine Lake Highlands and Goosenest Mtns.) and adjacent Modoc Plateau areas to the east (e.g. Clear Lake Reservoir N.W.R.). Klamath county is one of Oregon's most diverse inland counties. It is a meeting ground between western and eastern Oregon birdlife with a hint of California and a character of its own. The whole western boundary of the county is encompassed by the Cascade mountains with habitat and birdlife typical of that mountain range. In the southwest corner of the county the Klamath River has cut a canyon through the Cascades allowing a small extension of oak-chaparral habitat, more typical of California, to creep into the county. This area is a little remote, so thus far, it has been little studied. East of the Cascades the northern two-thirds of the county is relatively flat with isolated mountains. This portion of the county is covered primarily with large unrelieved tracts of lodgepole and A few other Klamath Basin highlights include: the only known ponderosa pine forests with more diverse coniferous forests nesting areas for RED-NECKED GREBE in Oregon, the presence occurring at higher elevations. of LEAST BITTERN on Upper Klamath Lake, the largest wintering concentration of BALD EAGLES in the United States outside The southwestern part of the county takes on a more arid aspect Alaska, Oregon's largest breeding population of BALD EAGLE, and includes the northern part of the Klamath Basin. Here, and the presence of Southern Oregon speciality species (e g juniper, sagebrush, and agricultural areas mix with marsh and PLAIN TITMOUSE, TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD, and BROWN alkaline flats to create a birdlife more typical of the Great Basin TOWHEE). Klamath county is also one of the very few areas in areas of southeastern Oregon. North America where all three species of North American Strix owls have been recorded. The spectacular waterfowl migrations through the basin have always been well documented. The pure flocks of thousands of ROSS' GEESE that gather each spring in the basin is an The following checklist contains 295 species recorded in Klamath ornithological sight found nowhere else in Oregon and very few county plus 17 additional species recorded only from the places in North America. The basin is probably also one of the California side of the basin. Several of these additional species better places in North America to find EURASIAN WIGEON, where have almost certainly occurred on the Klamath county side of the up to eleven birds in a day have been seen during spring state line but there are no definite records. passage. Shorebirding can be interesting and impressive too but this aspect of the basin has only recently been studied. 61 COMMON IOON "T (Mr-My, Se-No); XSV (All) ARCTIC LOON X (CaI) Codes and Abbreviations RED-NECKED GREBE uS (Mr-Se), loc; (ca away from Upper Klamath Lake) HORNED GREBE fcT (Mr-My,Se-No); caSV n? (Lower Klamath N.W.R.) EARED GREBE CS (Mr-No); caW Status WESTERN GREBE cS (Mr-No); rW PIED-BILLED GREBE cR R resident - present all year, breeds in the area. WHITE PELICAN cS (Mr-Oc); r (Fe.No) S summer resident - present only during spring through fall, breeds in area. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT cS (Mr-No); rW SV summer visitor - occurs during summer but not known to breed. GREAT BLUE HERON cR W winter visitor - present only fall through spring. GREEN HERON rS (Ap-Oc); X (Oe) T transient - present only as a migrant passing through the area. LITTLE BLUE HERON X (CaI) CA1FLE EGRE1 caT ( My-Jn, All-Se ) H historical - no acceptable records in last 50 years but known GREAT EGRET cS (Ap-No); UW to have occurred prior to that time. SNOWY EGRET fcS (Ap-Oc) (south co. only) BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON fcR LEAST BITTFRN rS (Ap-Au) Abundance AMERICAN BITIERN fcS (Mr-Oc); caW WHITE-FACED IBIS caT (My-Jn); nf c common - nearly always found fc fairly common - should find WHISKING SWAN cW (Oc-Ap); caSV BEWICK'S SWAN x u uncommon - may find TRUMPEIER SWAN X (CaI) r rare - hard to find CANADA GOOSE GIAN I CANADA GOOSE cR ca casual - hard to very hard to find and not recorded every year LESSER CANADA G00SF cW (Oc-Ap) x extremely rare - out of normal range, less than five records for CACKLING CANADA GOOSE cW (Oc-AP) „_..„, , checklist area or season indicated BRANT caT (Oc-De) ("BLACK" BRANT only race recorded) EMPEROR GOOSE caT (Mr-Ap,Se-No) WHITE-FRONT ED GOOSE cW (Se-My); caSV Miscellaneous SNOW GOOSE LESSER SNOW GOOSE cT ( Fe-My,Oc-De); UW; caSV BLUE GOOSE rW (No-Ap) loc local - limited in range, not all areas of suitable habitat occupied ROSS' GOOSE cT (Fe-Mr,Oc-De); rW; caSV e erratic - numbers and/or range fluctuate from year to year MALLARD cR GADWAl I. cR I introduced - a species not native to the area, here only because of man PINIAII cW (Oc-My); rS n? nesting suspected or attempted (but failed) CREEN-WINGEO TEAL » AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL cT(Mr-My,Se-De); UW; rS nf known to have formerly nested in the area but not now known to do so EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL x Ore recorded only in Oregon portions of the checklist area BLUE-WINGED 1EAL fcS (My-Au) CINNAMON TEAL cS (Mr-Se): U (Oc-No) Cal recorded only in California portions of the checklist area GARGANEY X (CaI) EURASIAN WIGEON uT (Fe-Ap,No-De ); rW; x(My) AMERICAN WIGEON cT (Fe-My,Oc-De); fcW; US NORTHERN SHOVELER cW (Au-My); US Months of Occurrence WOOD DUCK UR, loc REDHEAD OS (Mr-No); UW RING-NECKFD DUCK fcT (re-My,Oc-No); uW; rSV, n? Ja January Jl July CANVASBACK cT (Mr-My,Se-De); fcW; uS Fe February GREATER SCAUP rf (Oc-My) Au August LESSER SCAUP cW (Se-My); US Mr March Se September COMMON GOLDENEYE cW (Oc-My); caSV Ap April BARROW'S GOLDENEYE uW (Oc-My); rS, loc Oc October BUFFLEHEAD cW (Se-My); rS, loc My May No November OLDSQUAW caT (No-Fe); xSV Jn June De December HARl EQUIN DUCK x (Ore) WHITE-WINGED SCOTER rT (Oc-De,Mr-My) SURF SCOTER caT (Oc-No) RUDDY DUCK cR HOODED MERGANSER fcW (Oc-My); rS, loc COMMON MERGANSER cW (Se-My); uS, loc RED-BREASTED MERGANSER caT (Oc-My); xSV TURKEY VULTURE fcS (Mr-Oc) WHITE-TAILED KITE caW (No-Fe) GOSHAWK uR SHARP-SHINNED HAWK fcR COOPER'S HAWK uR RED-TAILED HAWK cR RED-SHOUL DERED HAWK X SWAINSON'S HAWK uS (Ap-Se) ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK cW (Oc-Ap) FERRUGINOUS HAWK rT ( Mr-My,Se-No); caW GOLDEN EAGLE fcR BALD EAGLE uS; cW 62 NORTHERN HARRIER cR 63 OSPREY TcS (Ap-Se), loc GYRFALCON x (Ca I ) caSV (Jn-Se) PRAIRIE FALCON fcR BAND-TAILED PIGEON cR, I PEREGRINE FALCON rT; caS/W ROCK DOVE cS (Ap-Oc); rW MERLIN uW (Se-Ap) MOURNING DOVE AMERICAN KESTREL cR YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO x (Ore) BLUE GROUSE fcR fcR RUFFED GROUSE uR, loc BARN OWL SHARP-TAILED GROUSE H (formerly fairly common but now extirpated) uR SAGE GROUSE rR, loc (formerly more common) SCREECH OWL GREAT HORNED OWL cR fcR CALIFORNIA QUAIL cR PYGMY OWL rS (My-Se) MOUNTAIN QUAIL uR BURROWING OWL x (Ore) RING-NECKED PHEASANT cR, I BARRED OWL SPOTTED OWL uR CHUKAR uR. I GREAT GRAY OWL rR (Ore), loc LONG-EARED OWL rR SANDHILL CRANE fcS (Mr-Oc); r (re,No) SHORT-EARED OWL uR, e xll (Ore) VIRGINIA RAIL cS (Mr-No); caW BOREAL OWL fcR SORA cS (Mr-No); caW SAW-WHET OWL COMMON GALL INULE x (CaI) fcS (My-Se) AMERICAN COOT cR POOR-WILL COMMON N IGIITHAWK cS (Ju-Se) SEMIPALMATED PLOVER fcT (Ap-My,Au-Se); r (Jn-JI) x (CaI) SNOWY PLOVER rS (My-Se) BLACK SWIFT VAUX'S SWIFT fcS (My-Se), loc KILLDEER cS (Fe-No); uW WHITE-THROATED SWIFT x (Ore) MOUNTAIN PLOVER x (CaI ) AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER caT (Jl-Se) BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER fcT (Ap-My,Au-Oc); r (Mr,Jn-JI) RUDDY TURNSTONE caT (My,Jl-Se) COMMON SN1PE fcS (Mr-No); uW LONG-BILLED CURLEW fcS (Ap-Se), loc WHIMBREL rT (Ap-My,Au-Se) UPLAND SANDPIPER H, nr SPOTTED SANDPIPER rcS (Ap-Oc); uT (Mr,No); caW SOLITARY SANDPIPER rT (Ap-My,Jl-Se) WANDERING TATTLER x (Ore) WILLET cS (Ap-Oc); r (Mr, No | GREATER YELLOWLEGS cT (Mr-My,Au-No); rSV; caW LESSER YELLOWLEGS uT (Ap-My); fcT (Jl-Se); caT (Oc-No) RED KNOT caT (Ap-My) PECTORAL SANDPIPER xT (Ap); uT (Se-No) BAIRD'S SANDPIPER caT (Mr-My); uT (Jl-Se) LEAST SANDPIPER cT (Mr-My,J I-No); u (Jn); caW DUNLIN cT (Mr-My,Oc-De); r (Jn); caW SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER caT (Ap-Se) LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER cT (Mr-No); caW STILT SANDPIPER x (Ore) SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER x WESTERN SANDPIPER cT (Ap-My,JI-Oc); u (Jn,No) MARBLED GODWIT uT (Ap-My,Se-No); ca (Jn-Au) SANDERLING caT (My-Jn,Se) RUFF x (Ca I ) TM AMERICAN AVOCET cS (Mr-No); ca (De) •'1 wV BLACK-NECKED STILT cS (Mr-Se); u (Oc) RED PHALAROPE x (CaI) WILSON'S PHALAROPE cS (My-Au); u (Ap,Se-Oc) BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD caSV (My-Au) NORTHERN PHALAROPE fcT (My,Au-Oc); r (Jn-JI) ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD uSV (Ap-Se), IOC, n? BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD x (Ore) PARAS ITIC JAEGER x (CaI ) RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD fcS (Ap-Se) LONG-TAILED JAEGER CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD fcS (Ap-Sc) GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL caW (No-Mr) BELTED KINGFISHER fcR HERRING GULL fcW (Oc-Mr) THAYER'S GULL caW (No-Mr) COMMON FLICKER CALIFORNIA GULL cR YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER rW (Se-My) RING-BILLED GULL cR RED-SHAFTED FLICKER cR MEW GULL caW (No-Mr) PILEATED WOODPECKER uR FRANKLIN'S GULL caT (My-Jn,Se-No) ACORN WOODPECKER fcR, loc (Klamath River Canyon) BONAPARTE'S GULL fcT (Ap-My,Se-No); rSV; caW (De) LEWIS' WOODPECKER uS (Mr-Oc); caW; loc BLACK-LEGGED KITT IWAKE x (CaI ) YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER FORSTER'S TERN cS (Ap-Oc); ca (No) RED-NAI'ED SAPSUCKER uS (Mr-Oc); rW COMMON TERN x RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER fcS (Mr-No); uW CASPIAN TERN uS (Ap-Se) WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER fcS (Mr-Oc); rW BLACK TERN cS (My-Se) HAIRY WOODPECKER cR DOWNY WOODPECKER fcR WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER fcR BLACK-BACKED 3-TOED WOODPECKER uR 64 NORTHERN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER rR (Ore) 65 EASTERN KINGBIRD caT (Hy-Ju,Au) WESTERN KINGBIRD cS (Ap-Se); ca (Oc) SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER X (Ore) ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER FcS (My-Se) BLACK PHOEBE X SAY'S PHOEBE fcT (Fe-Ap); uS (My-Oc); caW WILLOW FLYCATCHER fcS (My-Se) HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER TcS (Ap-Se) DUSKY FLYCATCHER CS (Ap-Se) GRAY FLYCATCHER US (Ap-Se) WESTERN FLYCATCHER rS (My-Se) WESTERN WOOD PEWEE cS (My-Se) OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER cS (My-Se) HORNED LARK cR VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW US (Mr-Oc), loc TREE SWALLOW cS (Mr-Se); u (Oc-No) BANK SWALLOW FcS (Ap-Se), loc ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW fcS (Ap-Se), loc BARN SWALLOW cS (Mr-Oc); u (No) CLIFF SWALLOW cS (Mr-Se) PURPLE MARTIN US (Ap-Au) GRAY JAY FcR STELLER'S JAY cR SCRUB JAY CR BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE CR COMMON RAVEN FcR COMMON CROW UR, 'oc PINON JAY UR, loc CLARK'S NUTCRACKER cS; UW WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH FcR RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH CR PYGMY NUTHATCH CR BROWN CREEPER FcR WRENTIT rR, loc, n? DIPPER uR HOUSE WREN cS (Ap-Se) WINTER WREN rS (My-Au); uW BEWICK'S WREN cR LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN cS (Mr-No); FcW CANON WREN FcR ROCK WREN cS (Ap-No); uW MOCKINGBIRD caSV (My-Au), n?; XW; (Ore) GRAY CATBIRD x (Ore) BROWN THRASHER x SAGE THRASHER fcS (Mr-Oc); caW AMERICAN ROBIN cR VARIED THRUSH FcT (Mr-Ap,Se-No); HERMIT THRUSH FcS (Ap-No); caW SWAINSON'S THRUSH US (My-Se) WESTERN BLUEBIRD UR MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD FcR TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE US; cW BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER uS (My-Au) loc (Lava Beds N.W. ); xSV in Klamath co. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET CR RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET cT (Mr-My,Se-No) uS/W WATER PIPIT fcT (Mr-My,Se-No); rW BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE rR MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE cR BOHEMIAN WAXWING caW e (can be numerous in invasion years) CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE uR (Cascades only) CEDAR WAXWING fcR PLAIN TITMOUSE FcR COMMON BUSHTIT CR NORTHERN SHRIKE FcW (Oc-Mr) LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE FcS (Mr-No); STARLING 66 67 ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK X (Ca I ) BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK CS (Ap-Se) LAZULI BUNTING FcS (My-Se) EVENING GROSBEAK FcR, e PURPLE FINCH US (Ap-Se); rW; loc CASSIN'S FINCH cS (Ap-Oc); uW HOUSE FINCH cR PINE GROSBEAK caSV/W GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCH US (Mr-No) (Ore) COMMON REDPOLL xH (Ore) PINE SISKIN FcR, e AMERICAN GOLDFINCH UR LESSER GOLDFINCH FcR RED CROSSBILL FcR, e WHITE-WINCED CROSSBILL x (Ore) GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE fcS (My-Se) RUFOUS-SIOED TOWHEE cS (Mr-Oc); uW BROWN TOWHEE uR, loc SAVANNAH SPARROW cS (Mr-No); caW VESPER SPARROW FcS (Ap-Oc) LARK SPARROW US (Ap-Oc) BLACK-THROATED SPARROW caSV (My-Au), n? SAGE SPARROW rS (Mr-Se) DARK-EYED JUNCO SLATE-COLORED JUNCO uW (Oc-Ap) OREGON JUNCO cR TREE SPARROW rW (No-Mr) CHIPPING SPARROW cS (Ap-Oc) BREWER'S SPARROW cS (Ap-Se) BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW x (Cal) HARRIS' SPARROW caW (No-Fe) WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW cT (Mr-Ap,Se-No); fcW; rS GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW FcT (Mr-Ap,Se-No); uW WHITE-THROATED SPARROW caW (No-Mr) TOX SPARROW cS (Ap-Se); caW; (one record For "EASTERN" race-CaI) LINCOLN'S SPARROW FcS (Ap-Oc); caW Uireo SONG SPARROW cR MCGOWN'S LONGSPUR LAPLAND LONGSPUR uW (No-Mr) CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR x SNOW BUNTING caW (Ca I ) BELL'S VIREO X ( CaI) HUTTON'S VIREO x (Ore) SOLITARY VIREO fcS (Ap-Se) RED-EYED VIREO xSV (Jn-JI), (Ore) WARBLING VIREO fcS (Ap-Se) BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER X ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER fcS (Ap-Se); XW NASHVILLE WARBLER fcS (Ap-Se) VIRGINIA'S WARBLER X (Ore) NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER x (Ore) YELLOW WARBLER CS (My-Se) YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER MYRTLE WARBLER uT (Mr-My,Se-No); caW AUDUBON'S WARBLER CS (Mr-Oc); caW BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER rS (My-Oc) TOWNSEND'S WARBLER UT (Ap-My,Se-Oc); caSV HERMIT WARBLER fcS (My-Se) BAY-BREASTED WARBLER X (Ore) NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH rS (My-Au), I (northern Klamath co. only) MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER fcS (My-Se) COMMON YELLOWTHROAT fcS (Ap-Oc) YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT rT (My-Jn) WILSON'S WARBLER fcS (My-Se) AMERICAN REDSTART rS (Jn-Au), I (northern Klamath co. only) HOUSE SPARROW CR, I BOBOLINK X ( CaI) WESTERN MEADOWLARK CR YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD cS (Mr-Oc); rW RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD CR TRI COLORED BLACKBIRD fcS (Fe-No); uW NORTHERN ORIOLE BULLOCK'S ORIOLE FcS (My-Se) BREWER'S BLACKBIRD cR BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD cS (Ap-Se); UW WESTERN TANAGER CS (My-Se) 68 Klamath Forest N.W.R. which netted GOSHAWK, SANDHILL Big Days: Klamath County CRANE, BURROWING OWL, and YELLOWTHROAT, but required about 80 extra miles of driving. Based on analysis of these Steve Gordon results, future Klamath County Big Days eliminated this leg. The 1978 Klamath County Big Day established an Oregon single county Big Day record. Previous articles in OREGON BIRDS have recounted the results of Big Days conducted in Klamath County in 1977 and 1978 (5/1, 3. May 12, 1979; 147 species; (146 species in Klamath County-- p.25) and 1979 (5/4, p.5). This article provides summaries of WESTERN SANDPIPER was observed on the California side of those earlier efforts and details Klamath County Big Days in 1980 Stateline Road, Highway 161); 170 miles; 16.5 hours; Jim and and 1981. Judy Carlson, Mark Egger, Steve Gordon, Priscilla and Steve Summers. The highlight was a WESTERN FLYCATCHER at Miller With more than 6,150 square miles, Klamath is Oregon's fourth Island. This effort set the standard for future Big Days and largest county, and it contains a rich variety of habitats. While resulted in a fine-tuning of an efficient route. Good Klamath the county is too large to cover in a single day, a wide variety of County birds observed included ROSS' GOOSE, PRAIRIE habitats can be covered in the southern portion of the county and FALCON, BLUE and RUFFED GROUSE, SNOWY PLOVER, BARN in a circuit around Upper Klamath Lake. Even this route is so OWL, PYGMY OWL, three species of HUMMINGBIRDS (ANNA'S, long that it is impossible to be in every habitat at the most RUFOUS and CALLIOPE), PILEATED and LEWIS' WOODPECKERS, desirable time, early in the morning (a problem common to many BANK SWALLOW, PURPLE MARTIN, BLACK-CAPPED Big Days). Another problem encountered on several Klamath CHICKADEE, TRI-COLORED BLACKBIRD, and BREWER'S County Big Days has been late afternoon and evening winds SPARROW. which have reduced bird activity and hampered birding. Our route has been refined over five years to balance habitat 1980 AND 1981 KLAMATH COUNTY BIG DAYS coverage and time of day and to provide flexibility to adjust to weather conditions. Detailed accounts of the past two efforts are included below. Again, the number assigned each Big Day corresponds to the The 1977 Big Day is not really comparable with the other four. It column heading in the list of bird species. was an experiment to record more than 100 species under official American Birding Association (ABA) rules. It was conducted 4. May 10, 1980; 156 species (155 species in Klamath County-- earlier in the spring and included a trip to Crater Lake National WHISTLING SWAN was observed on the California side of Stateline Park; a good Klamath County spot omitted from subsequent Road); 157 miles; 15.5 hours; Jim and Judy Carlson, Tad itineraries because of the long travel time involved to drive to the Finnell, Steve Gordon, Priscilla and Steve Summers. rim. Plans to begin the 1980 Big Day early in the morning owling in the eastern Cascades southwest of Klamath Falls were impaired by SUMMARY OF 1977, 1978 AND 1979 BIG DAYS a snow storm. The Big Day began relatively late (5:00 a.m.) with one to two inches of snow on the ground as we headed The numbers assigned to the Big Days follow chronological order toward Spring Lake. While the weather remained less than ideal and correspond to the numbered column headings on the throughout the day, birding was good. SNOWY PLOVER was accompanying list of birds. observed at White Lake and WHISTLING SWAN was seen on the California side of Highway 161. For the second consecutive year, 1. April 16, 1977; 109 species; 181 miles; 12.5 hours; Dale we saw one species on the California side that was not seen in Cross and Steve Gordon. This first attempt at a Klamath County Klamath County later in the day (try as hard as we might, we Big Day included trips to Crater Lake National Park and Klamath couldn't ignore a giant, white SWAN). Forest N.W.R. While Crater Lake N.P. netted GRAY JAY and CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, the trip took too long for results Driving from White Lake back toward Klamath Falls via Lower produced, and while conducting the count earlier in the spring Klamath Lake Road, we observed BANK SWALLOWS at a nesting resulted in observations of wintering species, such as WHISTLING colony and saw one VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW. Miller Island SWAN, HOODED MERGANSER, and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, many State Wildlife Management Area was very productive. There we arriving migrants were missed. A BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE found WHITE-FRONTED, SNOW and ROSS' GEESE, SOLITARY (uncommon in the Klamath Basin) was the highlight. SANDPIPER, a breeding plumaged RED KNOT, and LINCOLN'S SPARROW. At the Link River/Lake Ewauna stop we found 2. May 13, 1978; 140 species; 182 miles; 15 hours; Jim and Judy Carlson, Kathy and Tad Finnell, Steve Gordon, Priscilla and Steve Summers. Highlights included WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, SWAINSON'S HAWK, NORTHERN PHALAROPE, GREAT GRAY OWL, and ACORN WOODPECKER. This Big Day included a trip to 71 70 MERGANSER (all rare in the Basin) were added. After birding Moore Park (MOUNTAIN QUAIL), we worked our way north along the west side of Upper Klamath Lake (RED-NECKED GREBE at BARROW'S GOLDENEYE (late). GREATER SCAUP was observed Rocky Point). At Pelican Bay we had VAUX'S SWIFT flying so on Upper Klamath Lake. After birding Moore Park, we travelled closely overhead we heard their wingfeathers snap in the air as along the west side of Upper Klamath Lake. In the afternoon, we they rapidly changed flight direction. We heard BLUE GROUSE took refuge at Rocky Point Lodge during a downpour to drink hot at Crystal Spring, again found LEWIS' WOODPECKER near refreshments and sample berry pie. While drying out, we Chiloquin, and saw a COMMON LOON on Upper Klamath Lake as watched RED-NECKED GREBES exhibiting courtship behavior. At we headed south toward Klamath Falls. Sevenmile Creek we found DIPPER under a bridge. For the fourth consecutive year we found CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD in a canyon above Hagelstein Park. (Also the After finding a GREAT GRAY OWL, we began a bizarre hunt for fourth year in a row for three HUMMINGBIRD species.) another elusive species, the COMMON SNIPE. We spent about 30 minutes driving the roads around Fort Klamath searching for a After we birded Miller Island, we traveled to White Lake where we SNIPE. The longer the search lasted, the more committed we saw SNOWY PLOVER and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. Our next became. The tiredness which comes from 10 hours of intensive stop along Stateline Road south of Merrill was extremely exciting. birding began to take its toll, and we became a little silly as we We found three CATTLE EGRETS, a large flock of BLACK- pursued a fencepost-sitting bird. This ordeal became the theme BELLIED PLOVER, six LONG-BILLED CURLEWS and two for the Big Day--"The Great Snipe Hunt". We found a SNIPE, WHIMBRELS in wet pastures on the Oregon side of Highway 161. . . . eventually. Along and near Tingley Lane we observed SWAINSON'S HAWK, In the "old Chiloquin burn" we found LEWIS' WOODPECKER and SHORT-EARED OWL and WHISTLING SWAN. By then our species singing VESPER SPARROW. A PURPLE MARTIN was found in the total stood at 167. A short digression is in order. Under the town of Chiloquin. At Algoma we observed CALLIOPE Amercian Birding Association's Big Day rules, members must make HUMMINGBIRD in the same bush for the third consecutive year an honest attempt for each member to identify each species (for the third consecutive year we also had three species of encountered. To enforce this concept, ABA requires 95% of the HUMMINGBIRDS--ANNA'S, RUFOUS, and CALLIOPE). species to be counted by all participants. The 1978 Oregon Big Day record of 171 established by Paul Donahue, Mark Egger, and The day ended with 155 Klamath County species, a new Oregon Tad Finnell (a Malheur N.W.R. to the coast marathon) had 160 single county Big Day record--a record which included that lone species seen by all; thus reducing the 171 species to 168 under Fort Klamath COMMON SNIPE. the 95% rule. The following day we returned to Miller Island hoping to Our team was within one species of tying the State Big Day photograph the RED KNOT. There we found a "EURASIAN" record. We went over our list and decided to travel back toward GREEN-WINGED TEAL. the Klamath Hills hoping to find GOLDEN EAGLE, CHUKAR, SAGE THRASHER, or SAY'S PHOEBE. Without success as skies 5. May 9, 1981; 169 species; 276 miles; 20.5 hrs.; Jim Carlson, darkened, we headed north again. With windows rolled half Tad Finnell, Steve Gordon, Steve Summers. down, Jim Carlson ordered a halt. We backed up and tied the record with #168, HORNED LARKS in a plowed field. We then New family members in the Carlson, Finnell, and Summers families stopped at Spring Lake. Through the cacophony of marsh bird reduced our team to four members. None of us were prepared for sounds I heard #169. Straining, all four members soon had the the birding experience which took place on May 9. Upon arriving record-setting bird, a COMMON YELLOW THROAT. After 20-1/2 in Klamath Falls the evening of May 8, we were excited to learn of hours of birding, we debated trying for #170. Since families were CATTLE EGRETS in the Basin and Steve and Priscilla had seen waiting, we decided to head for the warmth of the Summers' the BARRED OWL which was discovered by Forest Service home. biologists doing research on SPOTTED OWLS. We had established a new Oregon Big Day record (under ABA's With about two hours of sleep, we headed out before midnight to 95% rule) and a new single-county Oregon Big Day record. Birds Miller Island. Our attempts to call LEAST BITTERN after missed by one or more members included WHITE-HEADED midnight were unsuccessful, but we did get AMERICAN BITTERN WOODPECKER, DUSKY FLYCATCHER, HERMIT THRUSH, and to respond. In the forests southwest of Klamath Falls, we called BARN OWL. Our total of 165 species counted by all members BARRED OWL successfully and heard many SAW-WHET OWLS. After breakfast we birded Lake Ewauna and the Link River trail. GREATER SCAUP, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, and RED-BREASTED 72 CO CO a> o , CD o r— CO CO r- CO CO CT) CD Oi 0~) cn a> ' *~~ ' *— X X X COMMON LOON X BLUE GROUSE RUFFED GROUSE X X RED-NECKED GREBE X X X X HORNED GREBE X X CALIFORNIA QUAIL X X X X X EARED GREBE X X X X X MOUNTAIN QUAIL X X X X WESTERN GREBE X X X X X RING-NECKED PHEASANT X X PIED-BILLED GREBE X X X X X CHUKAR X X X WHITE PELICAN X X X X X SANDHILL CRANE X X X DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT X X X X X VIRGINIA RAIL X X X X SORA X X X X GREAT BLUE HERON X X X X X AMERICAN COOT X X X X X CATTLE EGRET X X GREAT EGRET X X X X X SEMIPALMATED PLOVER X X X BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON X X X X X SNOWY PLOVER X X X AMERICAN BITTERN X X X KILLDEER X X X X X BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER X WHISTLING SWAN X 0 X CANADA GOOSE X X X X X COMMON SNIPE X X X X WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE X X X X X LONG-BILLED CURLEW X SNOW GOOSE X X WHIMBREL X ROSS' GOOSE X X X X X SPOTTED SANDP1 PF.R X X X X MALLARD X X X X X SOLITARY SANDPIPER X represented 97.6% under ABA's rules. Yes, a common bird GADWALL X X X X X WILLET X X X X PINTAIL X X X X X GREATER YELLOWLEGS X X missed by all members in 1981 was COMMON SNIPE. GREEN-WINGED TEAL X X X RED KNOT X BLUE-WINGED TEAL X X X LEAST SANDPIPER X X X X CINNAMON TEAL X X X X X DUNLIN X X X POSTSCRIPT: AMERICAN WIGEON X X X SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER X NORTHERN SHOVELER X X X X X LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER X X X X X o X X A short drive the next morning along Lower Klamath Lake Road WOOD DUCK X X X X WESTERN SANDPIPER REDHEAD X X X X X (CHUKAR, GOLDEN EAGLE, COMMON SNIPE) and a quick stop at RING-NECKED DUCK X X X X AMERICAN AVOCET X X X X X Lake Ewauna (BONAPARTE'S GULL) were rewarding; those four CANVASBACK X X X X X BLACK-NECKED STILT X X X X GREATER SCAUP X X X X species were found easily, but missed on the Big Day. LESSER SCAUP X X X X X WILSON'S PHALAROPE X X COMMON GOLDENEYE X X X X X NORTHERN PHALAROPE X BARROW'S GOLDENEYE X X The five combined lists contain a total of 201 species with 196 BUFFLEHEAD X X X X X CALIFORNIA GULL X X X X recorded on the four May Big Days. The 1981 Big Day was almost WHITE-WINGED SCOTER X X RING-BILLED GULL X X X X X 100 miles and four hours longer than any of our previous Klamath RUDDY DUCK X X X X X BONAPARTE'S GULL X X HOODED MERGANSER X FORSTER'S TERN X X X X County attempts, but the 169 total included so many good birds COMMON MERGANSER X X X X X CASPIAN TERN X X X (12 species not seen on any of the previous efforts) that topping RED-BREASTED MERGANSER X BLACK TERN X X X X X X that 169 mark will be extremely difficult. TURKEY VULTURE X X X X X ROCK DOVE X X X MOURNING DOVE X X X X X GOSHAWK X However, with additional planning, knowledge, skill, and a little X X SHARP-SHINNED HAWK X X X BARN OWL more luck and energy, 175 species might be possible on a Klamath acclpiter, sp X X X X X X RED-TAILED HAWK X X X X X GREAT HORNED OWL County Big Day. The unique relationship of key Oregon habitats X X SWAINSON'S HAWK X X PYGMY OWL in such close proximity makes such an effort so rewarding in ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK X BURROWING OWL X Klamath County. Matching that record would be extremely GOLDEN EAGLE X X X BARRED OWL X BALD EAGLE X X X X X GREAT GRAY OWL X X difficult in any other Oregon county. X NORTHERN HARRIER X X X X X SHORT-EARED OWL SAW-WHET OWL X OSPREY X X X Aside from the friendship shared, the Klamath County Big Day VAUX'S SWIFT X X X X efforts helped us sharpen our bird identification skills and our PRAIRIE FALCON X X knowledge about Klamath County bird and habitat distribution AMERICAN KESTREL X X X X X and spring phenology. We birded in beautiful settings. The green pasturelands around Fort Klamath surrounded by forested mountainsides are an attractive landscape under any circumstances; add a GREAT GRAY OWL or a "rare" COMMON SNIPE and the scenery becomes spectacular. While a Big Day does require moving quickly to achieve the objective of maximizing the total number of species recorded, we were able to study and enjoy many of the individual birds on the following list 75 of 201 species. 74 Lister's Corner: Least Bittern r- 00 cn O — cr> O co co f- CO cr> cn cn cn Steve Summers X X X X X ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD X X X X WESTERN BLUEBIRD RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD X X X X MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD X X X X X CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD X X X X TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE X X X GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET X X X X BELTED KINGFISHER X X X X X RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET X X X The LEAST BITTERN has a very elusive history in Oregon. COMMON FLICKER X X X X X X X Gabrielson and Jewett cite a few records from the late 1800's and PILEATED WOODPECKER X X WATER PIPIT ACORN WOODPECKER X early 1900's from Harney and Klamath counties in their book the X X X X X LEWIS' WOODPECKER X X X X CEDAR WAXWING Birds of Oregon, 1940. Since that time there have been few YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER X X X X X X X X X X HAIRY WOODPECKER X X X X X STARLING additional records and the LEAST BITTERN remains an elusive DOWNY WOODPECKER X X X X X _ X X X species to find in Oregon. WHI1E-HEADED WOODPECKER X X X X SOLITARY VIREO WARBLING VIREO X X X X WESTERN KINGBIRD X X X X Perhaps one of the better places to look for this species in ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER X X X X X HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER X x X X X X Oregon is in the marshes of Upper Klamath Lake, Klamath DUSKY FLYCATCHER X X NASHVILLE WARBLER X X X GRAY FLYCATCHER X X X X YELLOW WARBLER County. The northern end of the lake is surrounded by an X X X X X WESTERN FLYCATCHER X YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER X extensive tule and cattail marsh. Most of this marsh is in the WFSTERN WOOD PEWEE X X X TOWNSEND'S WARBLER TOWNSEND'S/HERMIT WARBLER X Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and is accessible only by OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER X X MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER X X X X boat or canoe. There is a marked canoe trail through the marsh COMMON YELLOWTHROAT X X X HORNED LARK X X X X X WILSON'S WARBLER ; X X X X starting and ending at the Rocky Point Public Boat Launch. This VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW X BITTERN was seen along this canoe trail in 1975 and 1981 in June X X X X X TREE SWALLOW X X X X X MOUSE SPARROW and July. May and August would also be worth trying. BANK SWALLOW X X X X X X X X ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW X X X X X WESTERN MEADOWLARK YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD X X X X X BARN SWALLOW X X X X X The boat launch is maintained by Rocky Point Resort where you X X X X X CLIFF SWALLOW X X X X X RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD X X X can rent canoes if you don't have your own. A 17 foot canoe PURPLE MARTIN X X TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD NORTHERN ORIOLE X X X X which holds a maximum of three adults rents for $7.00 per one- BREWER'S BLACKBIRD X X X X X GRAY JAY X half day (5 hours) or $10.00 per day. There is a cafe and X BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD X X X X X STELLER'S JAY X X X X restaurant at the resort as well as cabins, RV sites and a few SCRUB JAY X X X X X X X X X BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE X X X X X WESTERN TANAGER tent sites for rent. There are also large Forest Service COMMON RAVEN X X X X BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK X X X X campgrounds nearby at Lake of the Woods on Highway 140. The CLARK'S NUTCRACKER X LAZULI BUNTING X - X X X resort has brochures on the Upper Klamath Canoes Trails or one X X X X X BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE X X EVENING GROSBEAK can be obtained by writing to the Klamath Ranger District, 1936 X X X - X X MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE X X X X X PURPLE FINCH X X X X California Avenue, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601. CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE X X CASSIN'S FINCH X X X X X COMMON BUSHTIT X X X X X HOUSE FINCH PINE SISKIN X X X X X X X X Although LEAST BITTERNS are here, the probability of seeing WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH X AMERICAN GOLDFINCH X X X X RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH X X X X X LESSER GOLDFINCH one is not known since it has only been attempted a few times. X PYGMY NUTHATCH X X X X X RED CROSSBILL GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE X X X X Even if it is missed, the birding in this area makes it a very X RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEE X X X X X enjoyable trip. RED-NECKED GREBES nest here and the chances BROWN CREEPER X X X SAVANNAH SPARROW X X X X X of seeing them are very good. Some other species to be found in VESPER SPARROW X DlPPER X X DARK-EYED JUNCO X X X X X the marsh, the surrounding aspen-willow edges and bordering X X CHIPPING SPARROW X X X X X HOUSE WREN X X coniferous forest at this time of year include: WHITE PELICAN, X X X X X BREWER'S SPARROW X X BEWICK'S WREN DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT X X X WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW X X X X X LONG-BILLED HARSH WREN x X X X X GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW X X X X X HERON, WOOD DUCK, REDHEAD, HOODED MERGANSER (rare), CANON WREN X X X X X X X X ROCK WREN X X FOX SPARROW BALD EAGLE, OSPREY, BLUE and RUFFED GROUSE, SANDHILL LINCOLN'S SPARROW X X X X X X X X X CRANE, VIRGINIA RAIL, FORSTER'S and BLACK TERNS, eight AMERICAN ROBIN X X X X SONG SPARROW VARIED THRUSH species of WOODPECKERS (including WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER, HERMIT THRUSH PILEATED, WHITE-HEADED and BLACK-BACKED THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS), WILLOW, HAMMOND'S and DUSKY FLYCATCHERS, STELLER'S JAY, CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES, CREEPERS, WARBLERS (8 species), YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED and EVENING GROSBEAKS, PURPLE (uncommon) and CASSIN'S FINCHES, RED CROSSBILL and FOX SPARROW. 77 76 Site Guide: Miller Island Steve Summers Miller Island just south of Klamath Falls is a little known birding area of the Klamath Basin. It is mostly bypassed by visiting birders on their way to the larger refuges (Tule Lake and Lower Klamath) on the California side of the Basin. Although much smaller than the California refuges, it is similar to them, and if you're interested in birding the Oregon side, it is worth a visit. This area is not actually an island. The Klamath River has changed course in the past and left sloughs and marshes which in some ways create an island effect. Much of the area is owned by the State and is managed as the Klamath Wildlife Area. There are still some private farms and the large marsh which borders the southern portions is a private hunting club. Most of the State land is open to birding, although some roads are closed to vehicles and are signed as such. When visiting the area, please respect the rights of private landowners and obey all road closures. Miller Island is most noted for its spring (late February - April) ROSS' GEESE. During this time almost pure flocks of several thousand ROSS' GEESE gather here on their northward migration. They are usually easy to find by just driving around and looking. Occasionally, "BLUE" GEESE are found with them including BLUE-SNOWS, BLUE-hybrid SNOW X ROSS' and BLUE ROSS'. One or two of these types are usually present every year with the BLUE ROSS' the rarest. Many WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and CANADA GEESE will also be present and the rare EMPEROR GOOSE should always be looked for among the other dark geese. WHISTLING SWANS reach their peak abundance during mid to late February. Hundreds will be present during this month and the Eurasian race, BEWICK'S SWAN, has been recorded here at this time. February through March is also the best time to look for TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS. During this early spring period there will be a wide variety of ducks present. EURASIAN WIGEON are occasionally seen here and Klamath county's only record of EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL came from here. BLACK-NECKED STILTS and AMERICAN AVOCETS breed here and arrive in late March. Other shorebirds start arriving then too but the best shorebirding comes later in April and early May. At least 26 species of shorebirds have been recorded here. Most of the area is marsh and agricultural land so migrant passerine birding opportunities are few. There are, however, a few old abandoned farm house sites where the houses are gone but the ornamental plantings of trees and shrubs remain. These 79 areas are open to birding and can be productive during peak migration periods. They create an oasis effect and sometimes can be jumping with birds but sometimes not. Fail waterbird migrations through Miller Island are poor after the opening of duck hunting season in October. This area is heavily hunted and most of the waterbird numbers are kept down. There is no hunting during the week though so it is still worth a try during that season. To reach the Miller Island area, travel south on U.S. Highway 97 from Klamath Falls. After crossing the Klamath River, just out of town, there will be a railroad overcrossing. Immediately after this is Miller Island Road. Turn right and you'll be in the wildlife area. There aren't many roads, so it is easy to find your way around the area. Maps are posted on various bulletin boards. 80 314 Marion Corder 312 Al Prigge Clackamas 311 Gerald Smith 155 John Gatchet 308 Martha Sawyer 108 Jeff Gilligan 307 Sayre Greenfield 101 David Irons Lister's Corner: 1981 Lists 306 Alan McGie 301 John Gatchet Clatsop Steve Summers 300* Dennis Van Horn 235 Jeff Gilligan 298 Rick & Jan Krabbe 210* David Fix 296 Margaret Markley 206 David Irons 294 Tom Love 200 Joe Evanich This year again there was good response to county listing. Over 288 Alice Parker 193 Tom Crabtree 40 people reported, an increase of 10 over last year. The 285 Fred Parker 155 Terry Morgan following lists represents totals as of December 31, 1981. 280 Verda Teale 154 Matthew Hunter (Previously submitted lists having at least 300 for Oregon or 150 142 Alan Contreras for a county have been included and marked with an asterisk 133 David Anderson (*).) Oregon Year 1981 (250) 131 David Hofmann 120 Steve Heinl Last year there were no reports from six counties (Gilliam, Hood 344 Jeff Gilligan (New single year record) 116 Richard Palmer River, Linn, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler). This year we 334 Richard Smith 112 Verda Teale picked up counts for Hood River and Linn counties, so only four 316 David Hofmann 103 Steve Gordon are still left with no reports of 100 species. The remaining 315 Craig Corder counties are far from areas of active birding and birders, but 313 Terry Morgan Columbia hopefully this year someone will chance to stay long enough in 313 Dennis Rogers 152 Jeff Gilligan some of these counties to pick up 100. One of the purposes of 311 Richard Palmer county listing is to get birders into the least birded areas of the 304 Steve Heinl Coos state. It appears now that north-central Oregon is that lonely 304 Matthew Hunter 251 Alan McGie area. More distributional information is needed for that area and 304 Leonard Paul 240* Ben Fawver besides it should be easier to become number one in such a 300 Martha Sawyer 217* Larry Thornburgh county. 299 Marion Corder 210 Alan Contreras 295 David Irons 196* David Fix So for what is left of this year, get out and bird whatever 290 Jim Carlson 193* Tad Finnell counties you can. Remember to keep good notes on what you 284 Jim Rogers 191 David Irons find, not just lists, including dates and locations. Let's make 281 Rick & Jan Krabbe 177 Jeff Gilligan 1982 an even bigger county listing year. 279 Alan Contreras 171 Dennis Rogers 278 John Gatchet 158 Alice Parker 262 Steve Gordon 157 Matthew Hunter Oregon (275) 258 Clarice Watson 157 Fred Parker North America (ABA area) (500) 256 Nancy Bock 155 Steve Heinl 390 Jeff Gilligan 141 Steve Gordon 640 Jeff Gilligan 364 Tom Crabtree 137 Steve Summers 621 Tom Crabtree 356 Alan Contreras County Lists (100) 128 Jim Carlson 621 Robert Griswold 356 Richard Smith 120 Clarice Watson 583 Marion Corder 354 David Irons Baker 577 Margaret Markley 352* Tad Finnell 225* Ann Ward Crook 567 Richard Smith 350 Jim Carlson 131 Joe Evanich 565 Tom Love 346* Mark Egger 131 Jeff Gilligan 560 Jim Carlson 344 Judy Carlson Benton 559 Judy Carlson 342 Steve Gordon 181 Elzy & Elsie Eltzroth Curry 555 Elzy & Elsie Eltzroth 340 Joe Evanich 156 Rick & Jan Krabbe 247 Jim Rogers 541 Richard Palmer 339 Terry Morgan 138 Clarice Watson 242 Dennis Rogers 539 Al Prigge 339 Steve Summers 135 David Irons 208 Steve Summers 537 Gerald Smith 332 Richard Palmer 123 Joe Evanich 175 Alan Contreras 536 Steve Summers 331 Craig Corder 121 Alan Contreras 171 David Irons 532 Clarice Watson 327 Clarice Watson 117 Richard Palmer 150 Matthew Hunter 531 Frank Conley 324 Matthew Hunter 116 Jeff Gilligan 138 Jeff Gilligan 530 Terry Morgan 324 Dennis Rogers 115 Steve Gordon 135 Alice Parker 529 Steve Gordon 323 David Hofmann 113 Matthew Hunter 133 Jim Carlson 522 Leonard Paul 323 Leonard Paul 131 Steve Gordon 504 Dennis Rogers 317 Steve Heinl 83 500 Jim Rogers 316* Larry Thornburgh 315 Elzy & Elsie Eltzroth 82 Lincoln 142 Terry Morgan 127 Terry Morgan Jackson 221 Joe Evanich 137 John Gatchet 124 Fred Parker 206 Steve Summers 201 David Irons 135 David Hofmann 171 David Hofmann 118 Steve Heinl 195* David Fix 128 David Anderson 115 Alan Contreras 192* Tad Finnell 112 Tim Bickler 113 Steve Gordon Deschutes 187 Jeff Gilligan 112 Steve Heinl 171 Tom Crabtree 182 Rick fc Jan Krabbe 100 Craig Corder 137 Matthew Hunter 175 Tom Crabtree 125 Richard Palmer 171 Clarice Watson Polk Jefferson 119 Steve Gordon 164 Steve Gordon 163 Richard Palmer 110 Jeff Gilligan 119 Terry Morgan 164 Matthew Hunter 110 Alan Contreras 163 Jim Carlson Sherman (no reports) 109 Jim Carlson Josephine 159 Dennis Rogers 104 Jeff Gilligan Richard Palmer Tillamook 191 Steve Summers 157 155 Alan Contreras 256 Jeff Gilligan Douglas 145 David Hofmann 237* David Fix Klamath 221 Matthew Hunter 142 Terry Morgan 232 David Irons 209 Alice Parker 259 Steve Summers 142 Verda Teale 225 Tom Crabtree 209 Martha Sawyer 228 Steve Gordon 136 Steve Heinl 210 Joe Evanich 208 Fred Parker 225 Jim Carlson 123 Steve Summers 194 Terry Morgan 159 Steve Heinl 225* Tad Finnell 122 Craig Corder 189 Richard Palmer 157 Steve Gordon 188 Jerry Pierce 117 David Anderson 185* Tad Finnell 113 Steve Summers 169 Matthew Hunter 116 Martha Sawyer 183 Matthew Hunter 105 Alan Contreras 165 Jeff Gilligan 110 John Gatchet 175 David Hofmann 104 Terry Morgan 160 Richard Palmer 105 Nancy Bock 165 Alan Contreras 159 Steve Heinl 161 John Gatchet 154 David Irons Gilliam (no reports) Linn 149 David Anderson 151 Alan Contreras 101 Richard Palmer 146 Clarice Watson Grant 142 Terry Morgan 142 Steve Heinl 118 Joe Evanich 132 Clarice Watson 131 Verda Teale 123 Martha Sawyer Malheur 117 Steve Gordon 131 Marion Corder 127 Craig Corder Lake 118 Frank Conley 127 Steve Gordon Harney 178 Ken Voget 112 Jeff Gilligan 118 Dennis Rogers 215* David Fix 163 David Irons 105 Alan Contreras 215 Jeff Gilligan 154 Steve Summers Umatilla 201 David Irons 126 Richard Palmer Marion 231 Marion Corder 198* Tad Finnell 122 Steve Gordon 157 Tom Crabtree 229 Craig Corder 188 Terry Morgan 121 Alan Contreras 125 Richard Palmer 165 Nancy Bock 182 Steve Summers 106 Tim Bickler 136 Joe Evanich 181 Jim Carlson Lane 102 Alan Contreras 122 Jeff Gilligan 180 Matthew Hunter 271 Alan Contreras 176 Alan Contreras 268 Clarice Watson Morrow Union 173 Steve Gordon 248 Steve Gordon 155 Craig Corder 225 Joe Evanich 172 John Gatchet 242 Jim Carlson 153 Marion Corder 218 Frank Conley 204* Dennis Van Horn 163 David Hofmann 229* Tad Finnell 103 Nancy Bock 161 Tom Crabtree 224 Steve Heinl 196* Georgia Sanderson 130 Dennis Rogers 157 Steve Heinl 211 Margaret Markley Multnomah 198 Matthew Hunter 118 Craig Corder 151 Joe Evanich 238 Jeff Gilligan 192* Eva Schultz 114 Steve Gordon 144 Craig Corder 194 Tom Crabtree 191* David Fix 114 Matthew Hunter 142 Nancy Bock 191* David Fix 190 Dennis Rogers 112 Terry Morgan 139 Richard Palmer 191 David Irons 185 Jeff Gilligan 138 Martha Sawyer 154 Verda Teale 136 Verda Teale 177 Steve Summers 152 Tom Love 135 Clarice Watson 152 David Irons 147 Joe Evanich 134 Dennis Rogers 148 Martha Sawyer 104 Tim Bickler 138 Richard Palmer 110 Alice Parker 107 Fred Parker Hood River 85 101 David Anderson SHORT NOTES Wallowa 220 Frank Conley 187 Paul Sullivan 157 Joe Evanich American Redstart 116 Terry Morgan 104 Marion Corder 101 Craig Corder On June 17, 1977, while birding in Wallowa county, I found a pair of AMERICAN REDSTARTS in a deciduous grove along the Wallowa Wasco (no reports) River. Since the species is sometimes found in that section of the state, the sighting was no great surprise. However, on June 11, Washington 1982, I returned to Wallowa county, and once again found 173 Joe Evanich AMERICAN REDSTARTS in the same location, indicating that this 163* David Fix normally hard to pin down bird may be found regularly in this 157 David Irons spot. 156 John Gatchet 127 Jeff Gilligan The grove is situated between Oregon Highway 82 and the Wallowa 115 Verda Teale River, beginning 1.1 miles east of the town of Wallowa. There are a number of large cottonwoods, some fir trees, and plenty of shorter willows. These provide good habitat for the REDSTARTS as well as flycatchers, VEERIES, and other warblers. Birders passing through Wallowa county would find it worthwhile to spend a few minutes in this spot. The grove is rather narrow, so much of the observation can be done from the highway shoulder, with a minimum of disturbance to the birds. Darrell Faxon 86 White-throated Swift Succor Creak flows north through central Malheur County a few miles west of the Idaho line. An unimproved dirt (mostly rock) track parallels its course within Oregon. A sizable state park has been established along the creek where it passes through a narrow rocky canyon. At one point a great rock wall leans far out over the creek, seeming to threaten the road squeezed between the creek and the opposite slope. A few picnic tables sit nearby. WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS nest in crevices in this wall. I found them on my first trip through in June 1972. I visted them every year through 1975. Gilligan and Smith (Oregon Birds, 6-2) reported the colony in 1978. It should still be viable. I published an article on it in the Ontario paper in 1973 which elicited a comment that a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher colony also occupied the honeycombs on Lake Owyhee. I never had an opportunity to One frequently uses Interstate Route 5 (1-5) as a means to get check on this. from one place to another and not as a place to bird. However, I have found that there are many surprises along the way, especially at the rest stops. The SWIFTS are wonderful to watch. An excerpt from my 1973 article may show why. On May 29, while returning from Medford, we stopped at the "The WHITE-THROATED Manzanita rest stop about one mile north of the Merlin exit in SWIFT at first appearance Josephine county. This rest stop is on the east side of the seems to be a large SWALLOW freeway going north. On previous trips I had seen PLAIN but is no relation, it is TITMOUSE along with many other passerines in the picnic area. On this occasion we included a walk along the frontage road distinguished from the immediately behind the truck parking area. There is a SWALLOWS by incomparably considerable amount of ceanothus along the road which is ideal stronger and swifter flight, by habitat for BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and sure enough we its narrow, sharply pointed, found a pair. They were easy to see because they harrassed any and curved wings, as though SCRUB JAY that ventured near what was probably the nest site. its body bisected a flattened Further along this road one can also find BROWN TOWHEES crescent moon, and by the (Parkers), so that one can find three of the "Medford" sharp shallow strokes these specialities in this one place. If you wish to drive the frontage wings take in flight. road exit the freeway at Merlin and continue north on the east side of the freeway. It is a dead end road and you will have to As an example of its powers of flight, watch it drop from the sky return to the Merlin interchange to get back on 1-5. gathering speed, make a great vertical swoop near the ground, shoot up the face of the cliff, and disappear into its nest crack, The BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were still there on July 30 seemingly at full speed. A swallow could break its neck trying (Crabtree, et. al.). this. The maneuvers of these winged bullets are beyond adequate description and must be seen to be believed." Martha Sawyer W. E. Hoffman 89 88 Pelagic Trips OFO Bookcase Oregon Field Ornithologists is attempting to provide a service to its membership by making publications dealing with the birdlife of Oregon available by mail. To this end, we maintain a "bookcase" of current volumes produced by OFO and by other groups and Oregon Field Ornithologists will be sponsoring at least two pelagic individuals in Oregon. These publications are available by mail or trips this fall. The trips will be conducted by Charleston at the book table at the annual meetings. If you know of other Charter Service in the Coos Bay area. The dates are September publications which might be of interest to our members please let 18 and October 9. The trips will last at least five hours and us know. possibly eight. The cost is $15 for OFO members and $18 for non-OFO members. There is room for 30 birders on each trip. If these two trips are successful we will be scheduling more Oregon Field Ornithologists throughout the year, possibly from several different ports. This offers a chance to get a few pelagic birds on your year and Index to Oregon Bird Reports in AUDUBON FIELD NOTES and county lists (possibly even Douglas county). The September trip AMERICAN BIRDS 1947 - 1981 -- Clarice H. Watson, 79 pages, should offer larger numbers of birds and species but the October February 1982. trip probably has a higher chance for FULMARS and FLESH- Special Publication #3 $3.00 FOOTED SHEARWATERS. Interested persons should send their checks as soon as possible to the OFO treasurer at P.O. Box Field Checklist of the Birds of Oregon -- Steven C. Gordon, 10373, Eugene, Or 97440. More complete details of the trip will 16 pages, April 1981. be sent to participants before the departure date. Special Publication #2 $ .50 Bibliography of Oregon Ornithology: An Updating for the Years 1971-1977 with a Revised Cross-Referenced List of the Birds of Oregon -- Mark Egger, 76 pages, November 1980. Special Publication #3 $3.00 OREGON BIRDS: Volumes 6 & 7, Issues l-4--per issue $2.00 OREGON BIRDS/ Volume 5, Issues 1-6 -- per issue $1.00 SWOC TALK Volume 4, Issues 3 and 5 -- per issue.. .$1.00 Volume 3, Issue 2 (without cover) $1.00 Volume 2, Issue 6 $1.00 Audubon Society of Corvallis Birding Oregon -- Fred Ramsey $4.75 Checklist of the Birds of Oregon--Bertrand & Scott (rev) $1.25 Field Checking Card $ .10 Portland Audubon Society Birds of Northwest Forests and Fields -- David Marshall.. .$2.50 Birds of Northwest Shores and Waters -- Harry Nehls $2.50 Oaks Bottom Checklist $1.25 Sauvie Island Checklist $1.00 Lane County Audubon Society Eugene-Springfield Checklist $ .15 Grande Ronde Bird Club Union-Wallowa County Checklist $ .50 90 91 "Send Field Notes To..." Editor's Note When afield in Oregon, please share your unusual or exciting finds with others. Cooperative communication with the individuals listed below will help promote a better understanding Everyone who has seen both RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS and of Oregon's birds. Many of the twelve reporting areas are YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS in Oregon can now add one to represented by Audubon groups or other bird clubs who your Oregon list. Those with both BLACK and GRAY-CROWNED regularly publish field notes and are interested in observations ROSY FINCH will have to subtract one. Also, we can now all go close to home." out looking for BLACK-SHOULDERED KITES and GREEN-BACKED HERONS. All of this is to say that the 6th Edition of the AOU 1. Harry Nehls, 2736 S.E. 20th, Portland 97202 checklist has been released as a supplement to the July issue of 2. Richard Palmer, 1990 Engel Ct., NW, Salem 97304 the Auk. The actual checklist with all of its detail and expanded 3. M.S. "Elzy" Eltzroth, 3595 N.W. Roosevelt, Corvallis 97330 geographic coverage is at press but the AOU decided to print a 4. Allison Mickel, 4633 Scottdale, Eugene 97404 simple listing with all the new names, order, lumps and splits. 5. Fred Parker, 313 W. Hickory, Roseburg 97470 6. Alan McGie, 3603 Edgewood Dr., North Bend 97459 7. Jim Rogers, Star Rt. Box 151-A, Port Orford 97465 As editor, I have already had to decide when or if to make the 8. Vince Zauskey, 945 E. Main, Ashland 97520 change to the new checklist. My decision right now is to continue 9. Steve Summers, 1009 Merryman, Klamath Falls 97601 using the existing list through the end of this year. My primary 10. Tom Crabtree, 1667 NW Iowa, Bend 97701 reason for doing this is because of the material I already have in 11. Joe Evanich, P.O. Box 1386, LaGrande 97850 hand which would have to be redone. I also think it would be a 12. Steve Thompson, Malheur N.W.R., Box 113, Burns 97720 good idea to allow birders to get used to the changes before fully implementing them. For example, the Oregon Bird Records Committee will have decisions to make on some of the historic records. Just what MANX SHEARWATER or WHITE WAGTAIL has been seen in Oregon? I hope to have someone prepare an article for the next issue of OB which will describe all of the changes which will affect Oregon, including a tentative new state list. So expect to see information on the new list but articles using the old list until 1983. I hope you enjoy the extensive articles on the Klamath Basin, I certainly want to thank Steve Summers for producing many of them. The next issue is already in production with the OBRC action report as the main article. I have had some response to the request for short notes as you can tell in this issue. I appreciate those who have contributed. We can always use half to full page items and they don't have to be about birds as "good" as those reported this time. I also wanted to thank those who responded to the listing supplement. The increased participation in this feature of OB certainly warrants our continuation of it. Finally, I would like to ask for volunteers who might be interested in doing one yearly feature for OB. There are many tasks which are relatively simple, like compiling the list totals or doing an index, but which take time or organization, both of which are in limited supply in our small "staff". If you would be interested in taking on one of these yearly projects please let me know. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and good birding. Oregon Non-Profit Organization Field U. S. Postage Paid Eugene, OR 97401 Ornithologists Permit #516 P.O. Box 10373 Eugene, OR. 97440 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED