The Whiter Season December1, 1975- March 31, 1976

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION HERONS - A number of white heronslingered into /Davis W. Finch early winter in the Region;single imm. Little Blueswere found at Great Cranberry l., Me., Dec. 17 - 27 (when This report was written under deadline pressure found dead--v.o.,fide DDC), at Falmouth, Mass., Dec. without centrally-compiledrecords from Newfoundland, 8 (A. Clarke, B. O_ E. M.), and in Rhode Island at Galilee Prince Edward Island or New Brunswick and with less Dec. 14 (DLK) and Block l., Dec. 19 - 20 (DB, SRD). than completerecords from Maine, Massachusettsand Two Great Egretsoccurred as far northeastas Fourchu, Connecticut. The New England Christmas Bird Count CapeBreton Dec. 13 (Ren$ Haldaneet al.,fide ELM) summary (Am. Birds 30:163) includes many isolated and four other December individuals along the s. New recordsand a few seasonaltrends not repeatedhere. Englandcoast are enumeratedin the CBC summary.In Massachusetts late Snowy Egrets were present at Falmouth Dec. I - 12, at Eastham Dec. 14 - Jan. 8, and at Nantucket Dec. 28, another occurring at Block Island Dec. 19. A Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Eastham, Mass., Dec. 19 providedan unusualwinter recordfor the Region (WB).

SWANS, DABBLING DUCKS -- Seven Whistling Swanswere seenat lockeport, N. S., Dec. 29, the species being seldom reported in Atlantic Canada (RSW, fide CRKA); the only othersthis seasonwere singlebirds at Acoaxet, Mass., Dec. 20 (Newport-Westport CBC) and at Old Lyme, Conn., date unspecified(Judy Burt,fide WGB). A Fulvous Tree Duck, hitherto hypotheticalin Nova Scotia, was shot at Bon Portage 1. Jan. 15, providinga first provincialspecimen (wing to N.M.C.). lwo Gadwallsat Saint John Dec. 27 wereunprecedented on New Brunswickand Atlantic CanadaCBCs, and good early-winter counts in s. New England were 120 at Concord, Mass., Dec. 18 (J. Hines, B. O.E. M. ) and 125 at Newport, R. 1., Dec. 12 (D[K, KBK, FP). Uniquethis seasonwas a Eur. Green-wingedTeal at Perryville,R. 1., LOONS, GREBES, TUBENOSES, CORMORANTS Feb. 23-29 (SSD, EASet al.). [ate Blue-wingedswere -- An Arctic Loon was identified at Gooseberry Neck, singlebirds occurringin Nova Scotia at Halifax Dec. 20 Mass., on the Newport-Westport CBC Dec. 20 (RB, (Hfx. E. CBC) and at Glace Bay, C. B., Jan. 2 (SMacD, NPH et al.) and two others were carefully studied at would-be winterers were individuals at Falmouth and Lawrencetown, Halifax Co., N. S., Jan. 31 (EHC) and Hingham,Mass. duringJanuary (fide R PE), and an early again nearbyFeb. 8 (RRA, SC et al.). The seasoh'stwo one appearedat Biddeford,Me., Feb. 21 (KCE, CEJ). Eared Grebes were found at Block 1., R. 1. on the CBC Besidessix Eur. Wigeons noted on three CBCs in thereDec. 20 (RA, SRD et al.) and on CapeCod at Sandy Massachusettsand Connecticut,single birds werefound Neck in Barnstable during January {fide RPE). Nine at three localities in Rhode Island Jan. I - Feb. 21 (v. o., Pied-billed Grebes found on seven CBCs in n. New .fide CW) and another was seen at Glace Bay, Mar. 17 Englandand Nova Scotia were more than usual and (SMack, GS). probablyreflected the mild late fall. SingleN. Fulmarsat the n. tip of Newfoundland at L'Anse-aux-Meadows DIVING DUCKS -- A count of 483 Redheads at Nov. 15 & Jan. 2 were consideredvery late at that locality Nantucket Dec. 28 was the highest CBC total there in (BDMact); off the New England coast the only reports more than a decade;at the end of January a suddeninflux wereof singlebirds on the CapeCod CBC Dec.21 (CAG, raised numbers to an estimated 1000, all of which JH), at JeffreysLedge, N.H., Jan. 25 (DJA et al.) and at reportedly departed Feb. I (EFA, Linda Loring). Cox's Ledge, R. I., Mar. 20 (DLK). Rather early was a Canvasback counts of 2500 at Assonet, Mass., Dec. 13 Greater Shearwater on Georges Bank off the (NPH) and 2106 at L. Saltonstall in E. Haven, Conn., Massachusettscoast in the period Mar. 2-8 (fide RPE) Jan. I (NSP) were high for the Region but not unusualat and surprisingly late was a Sooty Shearwater at theseparticular localities. Canvasbacks occurred abrupt- Sandwich, Cape Cod Dec. 21 (RP). Seven Double- ly and unseasonablyat a few open-water inland New crestedCormorants on four CBCsin n. New Englandand Englandlocalities: on the ConnecticutR. at Agawamand Nova Scotia were noteworthy; winter Double-cresteds Turners Falls, Mass., birds appearing Feb. 4 reacheda deserve careful identification in this area. peak of 30 on Feb. 20 (SK et aLL and in New Hampshire

690 American Birds, June, 1976 Tudor Richardsgathered records of about 24individuals S.A. at four localitiesin the Lakes Regionand eight birds on the Merrimack R. at Bow, all occurringin late January SMEW -- An adult drake Smew discovered in and early February, the total easilyexceeding previous Middletown, R. 1., Jan. 3 by Robert M. Bushnell inland New Hampshirecounts from any season.It seems and Hugh Willoughby remainedin the Newport- reasonable to speculate that these birds had been Middletownarea through Apr. 2, to be seenby dispersedby the freezingof waterselsewhere, perhaps to many observers,photographed and extensively the west. Possiblerelated to this puzzlingevent was the chronicled. Free-flying, wary and unhanded,rare fact that during the normal migration period Can- in captivity and untraceableto any aviary in the vashackswere unusually abundant in Maine, occurringat Northeast, the bird seemed above suspicion, five localitiesduring March, including 52 at Portland although the theoriesto account for its occurrence throughout the month (DRW). mightjust as well haveincluded the polar route. In The Tufted Duck of at least one previouswinter at Alaska the specieswas first found in 1960 at St. Salisbury,Mass. was this year apparentlyseen only Jan. Paul Island (Pribilofs), and since 1969 has been 1-4 (fide RPE). No counts of Barrow'sGoldeneyes were recordedannually within the period October -- available from the important wintering areas in Prince June in the central and/or western Aleutians, Edward Island and n. New Brunswick; elsewhere in the mostly at Adak. recordsappearing in American Region reports totaled about 53 individuals at 21 Birds now amountingto about 15 and involving localities,perhaps somewhat fewer than in recentwinters. perhaps27 individuals,only 13being adult drakes, Interesting were three at St. Pauls Bay, Nfld., Dec. 30' with at least four specimenstaken. Elsewherein (DWF, JEM et al.), the speciesbeing seldom recorded in North America singleSmews have beenrecorded the province,except for the past few wintersat least at at Buffaloand the Niagara River, Ont. (1960),at that preciselocality. Similarly rare in Nova Scotia, two Brantford, Ont. (1973), and three times since 1970 Barrow'sGoldeneyes were found at PugwashDec. 2 - in the Vancouverarea, all the just-mentioned Feb. 21 (RB, SIT) and another wintered near the recordsfalling in the period November March Annapolis causeway (PRH eta/.), these also being and only one bird beingan adult drake. To these recently discoveredwintering spots. Nine at Portland, recordscould be addedolder and lesssatisfactory Me., Dec. 9 werea goodcount there (DRW) and nearthe onesmentioned in the A.O.U. "Check-list"(1957; s. edge of the birds' winter range were individuals at 646) and Palmer'sHandbook of North American SachuestPoint in Middletown, R. I., Dec. 12 - Jan. 6 Birds (1976: 446-7). (DLK, KBK, DW et al.) and at L. Watrous in Woodbridge,Conn. in late March (NSP et al.). A very impressive early-winter estimate of Oldsquaws was VULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES -- One of several 73,500 at Nantucket Dec. 13 (RRV). Harlequin Ducks recent recordsthere, a Turkey Vulture at Brier Island, N. this winter numberedsomething like 249 individualsat 23 S., Jan. 1, was remarkably unseasonable(DWL, fide localities, or more than usual; in Nova Scotia, where the PRH). These birds winter annually in certainareas ofw. speciesnow seemsmuch less rare than a fewyears ago, 17 Connecticut,as manyas 30 doingso thisyear at Redding were found at Cherry Hill Jan. 3 (Broad Cove CBC), nine (NSP), and CBC totals at Lakeville-Sharon and Hidden at Port Hebert on the same date (RSW) and 12 at Jones Valley being 16 and three respectively. Accipiters Harbor, Shelburne Co., Mar. 20 (GDP et al.). In occurring on New England CBCs are discussedin the Massachusettsthe higher countswere 23 at North Beach, CBC summary. An ad. Broad-wingedHawk well seenat Chatham during January, I l at Magnolia Jan. 9 (fide Martha's Vineyardon the CBC thereDec. 30 wasperhaps RPE) and 14at NantucketFeb. 14(EFA, HC). Although the most unusual raptor of the season(ABD et al.). A these are respectable New England totals, they were Golden Eagleat Riverside-AlbertJan. 1 was new to New entirely eclipsedby a count of 130+in watersaround Isle Brunswick CBCs; the season'sfour others were single au Haut, Me., Mar. 7 (PV et al.), almost certainly a birds in Massachusettsat Rowley Dec. 5 (immature- Regionalrecord. At the n. tip of Newfoundlandhunters DCA), and at Dartmouth Dec. 7 (RAF, KSH) and in reported hundreds of King Eiders with thousands of Connecticutan adult at New Haven Dec. 20 (CBC) and Commons off L'Anse-aux-Meadows in late December an immatureat WoodbridgeJan. 29 (NSP). Bald Eagles (fide BDMact) but south of Newfoundlandremarkably reportedin Nova Scotia this winter numberedat least83, few werereported this winter:only 19at 16localities, and nearly half of those reported by age being immatures none south of Massachusetts. (RDL); 19 birds on New Brunswick CBCs were the highesttotal ever there (DSC), and in c. Massachusettsas many as 12 (nine adults, three immatures)were presentat Quabbin Reservoir in mid-February (THG). In Rhode Island late Ospreyswere seenat Middletown Dec. 20 (Newport CBC -- RMacl et al.) and at Barrington Dec. 24 (Janet Bryan, fide CW). Five Gyrfalcon sightings (three dark, one light, one white) at L'Anse-aux- Meadows,Nfld. in the period Nov. 9 - Jan. I probably representedaverage winter numbers at that locality (BDMact); farther south single birds were seen at Yarmouth, N. S. during the secondweek of February (MWH et al.) and in Massachusettsthe previously Smew, Newport, R.L, Jan. 8, 1976. Photo/ K.P. Able and reported Cape Cod bird was seen periodically through R.L. Ferren. January (WB, RPE, CAG), and singlewhite birds were

Volume30, Number 3 691 presentat variouslocalities in HampshireCounty Jan. 7- CBC-JC, RL), and at Newburyport Jan. 7 (GSB, FO, 28 (four observers,fide SK) and at Essex Mar. 12-18 RAR, TW). The latter bird, closelystudied with Great (PKD et al.). Aside from a few probable migrants in Black-backeds and Herrings seemed no less dark- March only four PeregrineFalcons were reported this mantled than the former and was identified as nominate season,in Nova Scotia, Massachusetts(two) and in fuscus, a race unconfirmedand almost unreportedin Connecticut. Fourteen Merlins on ten New England North America. An imm. Mew Gull carefullyexamined CBCs were more than usual. at Lawrencetown, Halifax Co., N. S., Feb. 7 was considered nominate canus on the basis of its almost PARTRIDGE, RAILS, COOTS -- Gray Partridge unmarked head and breast and clean-edgedblack tall occur in the Region exclusivelyin certain agricultural band (IAMcL); thereis a singleprevious provincial sight areasof the Maritimes, and this winter were reportedonly record of this species(Sable I. 1969) which has been on CBCs at Wolfville, N. S., (19 on Dec. 27) and at reported in all the Region's statesand provincesexcept Hillsborough, P.E.I. (11 on the same date). The species New Hampshire and Prince Edward Island, with canus has gone unrecorded on New Brunswick CBCs since confirmed in Massachusetts(twice) and Newfoundland I968, and may well be in decline.In Connecticuta CBC As in severalpast wintersa Mew Gull was presentat King Rail at New Haven Dec. 20 was the only one Newburyport and Salisbury, Mass., from late December reported anywhere this winter, and a count of 50 at least through January (AA, MA, RPE) and some Virginiasat Old Lyme-SaybrookDec. 30 wassurprising- observersthought there might havebeen two individuals ly high. In Nova Scotiaa Sora at Conrad'sBeach, Halifax (TB et al.). In Atlantic Canada 54 Black-headedGulls Co, Dec. 20 wasunique north ofs. New England(ELM), were recorded on five CBCs and a count of 45 at Cole and single Am. Coots were found as late as Dec. 13 at Harbor, N. S. during late February was the highest Amherst(CD), Dec. 15at Yarmouth(MWH) and Dec. 27 reported(fide RGBB); in New Englanda total of about 57 at Halifax (EC). was reported at 16 localities this winter, maxima at traditional spots being 22 in Boston harbor during SHOREBIRDS -- In Massachusetts single late February (fide RPE) and 15 at Watchemoket Cove in shorebirdswere SemipalmatedPlover at Manomet Dec. East Providence,R.I., Mar. 17-23 (HW et al.). 23 (KSA), Am. Golden Plover at Lincoln Dec. 14 (RAF). The occurrenceof asmany as 3000 Bonaparte'sGulls at Spotted Sandpiperat Chatham Dec. 19-31 (RVC) and Nantucket Feb. 14 was entirely unprecedentedthere and Lesser Yellowlegs at Rowley Dec. 14 (JB). Four Red even greater numbers apparently occurred later in the Knots lingeredat Cape SableIsland, N. S. to Jan. 29 (BJS month (JCA,fide EFA); with them was the island'sfirst et al.), otherswintered at N. Scituate,Mass. (fide RPE) Little Gull, an immature seen Feb. 8 - Mar. 31 (EFA, and two to four were presentin w. Rhode Island at HC). Elsewherein New Englanda total of 11 Little Gulls Weekapaug and Napatree Pt. to Feb. 19 (RAC, DLK, occurred at seven localities this season. At the northern EAS). Other late shorebirds were a White-rumped tip of Newfoundlanda total of 22 Ivory Gullsoccurring Sandpiper at Cape Sable I., N.S., Dec. 31 (BJS), a around L'Anse-aux-Meadows on five dates Dec. 16 -Jan dowitcher (sp.) on the BuzzardsBay, Mass., CBC Dec. 20 9 eclipsedall recentRegional records but was not unusual (RHS, RRV), a SemipalmatedSandpiper at Cape Sable at that preciselocality; Bruce Maclavish considered them I Dec. 31 (BJS) and two at Nauset, Cape Cod, Dec. 19 the mostsavory of locallyesteemed avian fare. In a winter (WB), two W. Sandpiperson the Cape Cod CBC Dec. 21 which saw as many as nine of these birds in southern (MLG, CAG), a Marbled Godwit at Nauset Dec. 1-I7 Canadaand the U.S., Regionaloccurrences were of single (v o, B.O.E.M.), eight Sanderlings at St. Pierre et immaturesat Cape Tormentinc, N. B., Dec. 20 (CBC - M•quelon, France, Dec. 30 (CBC), and three Red ADS), at Salisbury,Mass. Dec. 22 - Mar. 5 (CLSetal ,et Phalarop•õat Eastham,Cape Cod, Dec.21 (CBC- WB, rnult.al.) and of an apparentadult over Hartford, Conn, RPE). Dec. 2l (CBC - SAS). Typicallytame and frequentinga very limited area, the Salisbury bird was one of the JAEGERS, GULLS -- In Massachusettsa dark imm. season's greatest ornithological attractions. Higher jaeger (sp.) was seenat Tuckernuck Is. as late as Dec. 13- Black-leggedKittiwake totalswere 2700 at BrierI, N S, 15 (RRV) and a N. Skua wasreported on GeorgesBank Dec. 23 (CBC - RRA el al.), 1350+at Nantucket Dec 28 dunngthe periodMar. 2 - 8 (fide RPE), thisbeing one of (CBC - SP el al.) and 1000+ in Cabot Strait Mar 4 few winter records in the Region. In Newfoundland a (BDMact). gathering of 1317 gulls around the fish plant at Port-au- Chmx Dec. 30 containedabout 1100white-winged gulls, I 5 Glaucous to Iceland (DWF, JEM, DM, JW), and ALCIDS -- It was seeminglya very poor seasonfor elsewherein the provincegood counts of GlaucousGulls thesebirds almost throughout the Region.A scatteringof were 150 at L'Anse-aux-Meadows Jan. 2 and the same Razorbills from Cabot Strait to Cox's Ledge, R I numberin Cabot Strait Mar. 4 (BDMact). Both white- amounted to no more than 80 individuals, 30 of them at wingedgulls weremore abundantthan usualthis winter Lepreau, N. B., Jan. 2, this part of the Bay of Fundy being in Massachusetts(RPE) and Connecticut(WGB, NSP); an importantwintering locality (CBC). CommonMurres maximum counts of Icelands in Massachusetts were 100+ went unrecordedon Regional CBCs and the only ones around the n. end of Plum I., from early February to early found in New England were five individuals in March and 85 at Cape Ann Feb. 15 (fide RPE). As many Massachusetts:four (two oiled) at Nantucket on four as four LesserBlack-backed Gulls were found thiswinter; dates Dec. 17 - Mar. 14 (EFA) and an oiled bird at besides the traditional bird spending a seventh con- Provincetown Feb. 13 (BN). About 150 Thick-billed secutive winter at Digby, N. S., three occurred in Murres in Cabot Strait Mar. 4 were a fair count for that Massachusetts,single birds at Nauset, Cape Cod Dec. 7 crossing(BDMact); farther south about 39 occurring (CAG, VL, BN), inland at ChicopeeDec. 20 (Springfield during the winter at five localities in Massachusetts,

692 AmericanBirds, June, 1976 Ivory Gull, Salisbury,Mass., Jan. 9, 1976. Photo/Davis W. Finch. including22 on the Cape Cod CBC, wereunique in New OWLS, WOODPECKERS, SWALLOWS -- Snowy England. The seasonal New England Dovekie total Owls were fairly common at L'Anse-aux-Meadows, appears to be no more than 19 individualsat seven Nfld., Nov. 9 - Feb. 5 with occasional counts of six to localitiesand the only Corn. Puffinswere one at Jeffreys eight per day, and at leastseven or eight known to have Ledge,N.H., Jan. 25 (DJA et al.} and a corpseat Nauset, been shot (BDMact). In Nova Scotia Bob Lamberton Mass., Jan. I {fide RPE). gatheredrecords totaling nine individualsin the province this winter and in New Brunswick at least nine were • presentduring CBC period, and as many as ten birds, apparently return migrants, were found on the Tan- tramar Marshes at Sackville Mar. 29, the highestcount ever at that locality {SIT). In Regional New England I I Snowy Owls on sevenCBCs indicateda slight decline from last year's lob peak. and a crudely figured total of about 52 occurredat 36 localitiesduring the entireseason, most of them in Maine and Massachusetts. A Hawk Owl remainingat Lee, Me., Jan. 17 - Mar. 26 wasdiscovered and virtually hand-tamedby Peter Vickery, and seenby a great many observers:unconfirmed reports of two others came from the samestate, at Holden and Sorrento during February{v.o.,fide WCT). An unmistakableGreat Gray' Owl easily observed at Berwick, N. S., Mar. 26 was unique this winter, and only the third to occur in the province,previous records dating back to 1882and 1903 {GRB, RMacD, PP). A Red-belliedWoodpecker at BarringtonN. S. Nov. 2 was one of very few recordsfor Atlantic Canada {VS); in .... New England seven were reported at five localities in Massachusetts this winter, and four Connecticut CBCs . totaled as many as 27. Red-headed Woodpeckers numbered about 22 at 17 Regional New England localities,a better than averageseason, and early-winter Ivory Gull in flight, Salisbury, Mass. Jan. 6, 1976. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere unusually numerous.A Photo/W. Ervin. Black-backedThree-toed Woodpeckerat N. Wareham,

Volume 30, Number 3 693 Mass. Dec. I was unique south of the breedinggrounds Hampshire,and in Massachusetts13 at Athol Dec. 28 (RM), and singleN. Three-toed Woodpeckersat North and threeat Waylandduring March, It wasa fair-to-good West River, Lab., Jan. 3 (CBC) and at Rangeley, Me., seasonfor N. Shrikes, 15 individuals being reported in Mar. 22 (Sparks,fide PAC) were the only onesreported. Nova Scotia, 28 on 12 New BrunswickCBCs, and43 on Notably early Tree Swallows were two at N. Hampton, CBCs in Regional New England. In recent years the N.H., Feb. 25 (HWP), one at Longmeadow,Mass., Feb. winterpeak in Maineand New Brunswickhas occurred in 28 (Bill Natti,fide SK), andone at CapeSable, N. S., Feb. March, when local birds are briefly augmented by 28 (NC et aL). returningmigrants. This appearedto be the casethis seasonin Maine at least (PAC, WCT) but reports were JAYS, TITMICE, THRUSHES -- In Massachusetts unavailable from New Brunswick. singleGray Jays at PelhamDec. 19 (JS) and Athol Mar. 14- 15 (RC) wereunique in s. NewEngland this winter LATE WARBLERS -- These included, in but after the remarkable fall flight Boreal Chickadees Massachusetts,Black-and-white at Nantucket Dec. l0 werewidespread there. A VariedThrush on the CBC at (EFA), Worm-eatingat SandwichDec. 6 (BN, VLetal.), HammondRiver-Hampton, N. B., Jan.3 wasone of very N. Parula at OrleansDec. 12 (VL) and two Cape Mays at few recordsfor the province(DSC) and in Connecticut S. Wellfleet Dec. 1-29 (WB et al.), another Cape May one at Lakeville Dec. 27 - Mar. 20 was a third state record occurringat BroadCove, N. S., Nov. 23 (LEN). In boreal (v.o.; photographed,NSP). New Englandsingle Yellow-rumped Warblers survived at Bethel,Me., to Dec.29 (CKG) and, farthernorth, to Dec. WHEATEAR, SOLITAIRE, GNATCATCHER, 20 at Pittsburg,N. H., the latter bird, evensuet-fueled, KINGLETS A Wheatearclosely observed by Erik unable to meet the metabolicchallenge of 35ø F its final Hauge at Happy Valley, Lab. in early January was night(Thibeault, CBC). Single Ovenbirds were found at startlingat this season,and unprecedentedin the Portsmouth, R.I., Dec. 20 (photographed,RLF;-- Northeastexcept for oneon the St. Anthony,Nfld. CBC Newport-WestportCBC) and in Massachusettsat Jan. 1, 1975. Birdersare so few in n. Newfoundlandand Bourne Dec. 21 (BAS--Plymouth CBC) and Labrador,not remotefrom the birds'breeding grounds, FraminghamJan. 3 •de RPE); in NovaScotia an Am. that occasionalWheatears attempting to winter there Redstartappeared in Ian McLaren'sHalifax garden Dec. couldwell have gone undetected for years.A Townsend's 3. Solitaireappearing at a feederin Wolfville,N. S., Dec.29 or 30 wasa first provincialrecord (collected; Sherman ICTERIDS -- Four Yellow-headed Blackbirds oc- Blakeney,fide PRH). Singlesolitaires had occurred curring in a curious series were single iramaturesat duringthe fall in Quebecand New Brunswick. Strikingly Storrs, Conn., Dec. 21-29 (photographed,RCr, EG), at late were a Blue-grayGnatcatcher at Duxbury, Mass., Cape Sable,N.S., Feb. 14 (NC), at Tolland, Conn., Mar. Dec. 4 (H. Kelley, B. O. E. M.) and a Ruby-crowned 19 (TP, fide RLN) and another(age?) at Ipswich,Mass., Kinglet at L'Anse-aux-Meadows,Nfld., Nov. 12 (BD Mar. 20 (fide RPE). Two unquestionableBrewer's Mact). Golden-crowned Kinglets were very scarce Blackbirds at Katama, Martha's Vineyard Jan. 2 - Feb. throughoutthe Maritimes and in NewEngland except for 16 could not be photographedor collected,the species the south coast. Normal numbers, however, were present in Newfoundland. remainingunconfirmed in New England(GGD, ARK et al.). A Brown-headedCowbird was found as far north as Norris Point, Nfld., Dec. 29 (RA et al., Gros Morne CBC).

FRINGILLIDS At least five Cardinals were known to be presentat four localitiesin Nova Scotiathis winter and six were found on three New Brunswick CBCs; the speciesis a very recentarrival in the Maritimes.A Rose- breastedGrosbeak wintering Nov. 30 through March at a feederin BarringtonPassage, N. S. wasremarkable (BB); four otherswere reported in New Englandduring the season.A Black-headedGrosbeak present after Jan. 25 at Durham, N.H. was a first state record (TFB, DJA); in Massachusettsone was present at Littleton Dec. 22-28or longer (.lB) and anotherwintered at Amherst(v.o.,fide SK). The seasoWstotal of Dickcisselsfor the entire Region was only 22. Varied Thrush, Lakeville, Conn., Jan. 1, 1976. Photo/Noble Proctor. WINTER FINCHES -- The general picture can be WAXWINGS, SHRIKES -- This winter'sBohemian derived from the fall migration report and CBC Waxwingflight, comparable in timingand extent to those summariesfor Atlantic Canada (RDL) and New England of the pastdecade, was clearly the largestyet, so much so (DWF). In January a marked diminutionof redpollsin that subregionaleditors in many caseswere unable to New Brunswick coincided with a moderate influx in New quantifyit. The followingfigures, to be understoodas England, followed by severalpulses detectable at leastin strictly minimal, will give some idea of the volume Maine. Hoary Redpolls were reported in that stateat involved:677 birdsin the nine largestflocks reported in Littleton (two on Dec. 3 -- Mackleto,fide WCT) and Nova Scotia, 93 on four New BrunswickCBCs, 308 at ten Danforth (six on Jan. 2--CBC), and in Massachusetts localities in Maine, 296 at seven localities in New two were present at Weston Feb. 29 - Mar. 14

694 American Birds, June, 1976 (photographed;WD, LJR et al.) and two werereported at ShirleyCohrs, Harold Connors,Robert A. Conway,Eric Petershamduring March (fide RPE). H. Cooke, Robert Coyle, RobertCraig (RCr), DorcasD. Crary, Ethel Crathorne, Peter A. Cross, Norman SPARROWS, BUNTINGS -- In Maine a Green- Cunningham,Severyn S. Dana, Paul J. Desjardins,Con tailed Towhee at Biddeford Pool Dec. 18 - Apr. 28 was a Desplanque, Phyllis R. Dobson, Paul K. Donahue, first state record (CR et mult. al.). A Grasshopper Susan R. Drennan, William Drummond, Kimball C. Sparrowat Plymouth, Mass. Dec. 21 was uniquethis Elkins, William S. Emerson,Ruth P. Emery, Richard L. winter (BAH et al. -- CBC), and in Nova Scotiaa Sharp- Ferren, Davis W. Finch, Richard A. Forster, Sylvia J. tailed at Conrad's Beach, Halifax Co., Jan. 10 - Feb. 14 Fullerton, Thomas H. Gagnon, ConstanceD. Gallagher, (IAMcL, ELM, BDMact) and a Seasideon the Halifax William S. Gaunya, Ellen Gillard, Murray L. Gardler, East CBC Dec. 20 (SJF et al.) were both unusual. In Carl A. Goodrich Ill, Robert J. Goodrich, Celia K. Connecticuta Lark Sparrowat WestportDec. 20 wasthe Gorman, Kenneth S. Hamilton, Brian A. Harrington, only one reported this winter (CBC), as was an imm. Jeffrey Harris, Erik Hauge, Norman P. Hill, Marion W. Harris' Sparrow presentat S. Windham Jan. I - Mar. 31 Hilton, Peter R. Hope, Carolyn E. Jakeman, Gordon J. or later, one of very few state records (photographed, Johnson, Allan R. Keith, Seth Kellogg, Katherine B. WSG et mult. al.). A gambelii White-crownedSparrow Kinsey, Douglas L. Kraus, Robert D. Lamberton, presentthrough Mar. 26 at Cowesett,R. 1.may provide a Vernon Laux, D. Wickerson Lent, Madeleine Lent, first Regionalwintering record for this race (KBK). In Raymond LongIcy, Robert MacDonald, Robert Nova Scotia Phyllis Dobson reported Snow Buntingsas Maclachlan, Sara MacLean, Bruce D. Mactavish, John widespreadand abundantthis winter, in New Brunswick E. Maunder, lan A. McLaren, Melvin H. McNeill, Eric David Christie termed their numbers exceptional, the L. Mills, David Moores, Larry E. Nelly, Blair Nikula, birds being reported on 25 of 27 CBCs with as many as Robert L. Notion, Frank Oatman, Helen W. Parker, 1600 at Moncton, and in e. Maine Bill Townsend noted Robert Pease,Simon Perkins, FrancesPerry, GeorgeD. distinctcoastal influxes in mid-Januaryand againin mid- Perry, Tom Pressur,Noble S. Proctor, Peter Purley, February. Chandler Robbins, Jr., Leif J. Robinson, Nellie Ross, Rose Ann Rowlett, Eloise A. Saunders,Steven A. Sauter, SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface), Con- Alan B. Schroeder, June Seitz, Allan D. Smith, Betty tributors (italic), Observersand other abbreviations-- JuneSmith, BruceA. Sortie, BarbaraJ. Spencer,George Dennis J. Abbott 111,Peter AIden, Donald C. Alexander, Spencer,Viola Sperka, C. Leon Strickland, Robert H. Charles R. K. Allen, Kathleen S. Anderson. R. Ross Stymeist, Stuart 1. Tingle.v, William C. Townsend, Anderson, Edith F. Andrews, J. Clinton Andrews, Richard R. Veit, Peter Vickery, Dallas Wait, John Wells, Robert Arbib, Arthur Argue, Margaret Argue, Wallace David R. Whittier, Ralph S. Widrig, Tom Will, Dorothy Bailey, James Baird, Augustus Ben David 11, Beulah Williams, Hugh Willoughby, Charles Wood, Joseph Berman, James Berry, Richard Bowen, George R. Boyd, Zeranski, B.O.E.M. Bird Observer of Eastern Richard G. B. Brown, Tom Burke, Roger Burrows, Massachusetts,C. W. S. Canadian Wildlife Service, CBC William G. Burt 111,Gregory S. Butcher, Paula Butler, Christmas Bird Count, N.M.C. National Museum of Thomas F. Butler. Danny Bystrak, James Cavanaugh. Canada, v.o., various observers--DAVIS W. FINCH, David S. Christie, Nancy Clayton, Robert V. Clem, 210 W. 101st St., Apt. 11-H, New York, N.Y. 10025.

QUEBEC /Normand David and Michel Gosselin

A Fieldfare,good nt•mbersof BohemianWaxwings, a producesrough figures for eachmonth, providing a basis scarcity of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Evening for comparison(in this report, seefor example, Red- Grosbeaks,and early occurrencesof migrantsin March breastedNuthatch, BohemianWaxwing and Evening are the features of this winter season. December and January were unusuallycold and brought many 5-15 cm. snowfalls.Then February, mild and often rainy, put an end to what might have beena long and severewinter. Two snowstormsin early March did not delay the first spring migrants, as very mild weather prevailed afterwards; of some 41 migrant speciesrecorded in March, eight were noticed at record arrival dates, 22 somewhat or much earlier than average, and the remaining 11 were on schedule.Increased coverage can probablyaccount to someextent for suchearly records. We would like to explain that this regionalreport is compiledfrom recordsobtained mainly from the Ottawa Field-Naturalists Club (Hull area), the Province of QuebecSociety for the Protectionof Birds(Montrral area), and the Club des Ornithologuesdu Qurbec (Qurbec City and various other regions). The data processingof the C.O.Q. (throughdaily field check-lists)

Volume 30, Number 3 695 Grosbeak). Of course such figures cannot be used to at LesEscoumins,Mar. 14 (G'l). Peregrine Falcons, measurethe true variationsof bird populations;they will always rare in winter, were noted at Granby Dec. 30 be presentedhere only as information additional to the (C.O.Q.),Perc• Jan. 5 (RB)and Charlesbourg Mar. 25 reports already gathered. (C.O.Q.). As in mostyears, Willow Ptarmigansdid not go muchfarther south than Radisson{James Bay), very few stragglersreaching Matagami (fide RP). GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL -- A Horned Grebepicked up on a highwayat QuebecCity Mar. 8 (fide COOT THROUGH OWLS -- An Am. Coot at St- RC), seta recordspring arrival, whilea singlePied-billed Jean-lbervilleMar. 20 brokea recordfor early spring Grebe at SherbrookeFeb. 13 (RL, RT), appearsto be the arrival (FB). A Glaucous Gull near Sherbrooke Dec. 27 first Februaryoccurrence of this speciesin the Province. (RL) was a rare inland occurrence,and some 170 Iceland Another out-of-date and out-of-range Pied-billed Grebe Gullswere reported from RimouskiMar. 30 (JPL). Still wascaught at Mont-Joli, Mar. 27 (fide JPL); a Gannetat present at Beauharnois Dec. 2 was the Lesser Black- Ste-Flavie, Mar. 25 (ML) was quite unusual.A grand backedGull mentionedin the Fall issue(MH, JW). A total of 96 Great Cormorants was counted along the Bonaparte'sGull seenat Cote-Ste-CatherineMar. 28 (JS) southshore of Gasp{:Peninsula Feb. 2 (AB,GC). Snow was the earliestmigrant ever noted there. Beauharnois' Geesewere at Stanbridge East Feb. 11 (BT, fide MM), first Ivory Gull wasturned up Jan. 17(CL, JL); at least and an unprecedentedflock of 14 Brants arrived at Ste- threeimmature birds were observed there the nextday, Flavie Mar. 27 (ML). A White-fronted Gooseappeared allowing peopleto approachwithin a few feet of them at St-Paul-Ile-aux-Noix Mar. 31 (GM). Two Gadwallsat (JS, m.ob.);the last sightingoccurred on Feb. I (PL). SherbrookeJan. 31 (GL), still present Feb. 15 (C.O.Q.), Some ten Black-leggedKittiwakes were seenfrom the establishthe first wintering record for the species--birds Matane-Baie-Comeauferry Dec. 6 (MG). A reportof 22 having been noted only in January and March over the Razorbillsat Perc•Jan. 2 (fide RB) is noteworthy; previous years; another first was the record-breaking althoughcommon in summerthis species usually goes arrival of N. Shovelersat Richelieu Mar. 21 (CL, m.ob.). unrecordedin winter.Three Dovekies at Perc•in early Good numbersof Canvasbacks(actually the bestspring Decemberwere the only onesrecorded this season (RB). figures ever) were at Beauharnois (60) Jan. 27 (MH), Sherbrooke (16) Jan. 31 (GL), Cap-Rouge (2) Mar. 24 (C.O.Q.), St-Paul-Ile-aux-Noix (800) Mar. 27-28 (FB,DD), and Ile-Perrot (500) Mar. 28 (MM). A c• LesserScaup was identified at Montr6aI-NordJan. 1I (M. Julien). Waterfowlcounts in EasternQuEbec providedinteresting figures on somespecies this winter: although the numbers of Corn. Goldeneye in the Tadoussacarea (239) Jan. 13-14 (AR, AB, GC), and e. Gasp•Peninsula (296) Feb.2-5 (AB, GC) weresimilar, Barrow's Goldeneyeand Buffieheadnumbered 1156 and 33 at Tadoussac,and 82 and I in Gaspt.Oldsquaws showed the reverse pattern: 2794 near Tadoussac, comparedwith 44,112 along the E. Gasp•Peninsula. Two Harlequin Ducks were also seennear Tadoussacin the ivoryGull Beauharnois,QueQ Feb. 1, 1976.Photo/J.B. same survey, and the bird noted in the Fall Report was Steeves. presentat Hull until Jan. 17 (fide RMP). Only two Corn. Eiders were counted in the Tadoussac area: for an A belatedreport of a well-describedBarn Owl killed by accountof the discoveryof an overlandflight of the local a car near Huntingdon last fall was received from R. birdsto their wintering"grounds" in New England,see Youhie. Snowy Owls appeared in fair numbersat the Ornis Scand. 6 (I):41-47; Perc• recorded750 of these usual localities. At Villemontel, Abitibi Co., Jan. 3. P. eidersJan. 6 (RB), plus 14 King Eiders,85 Surf and five Ethier spottedthe only Hawk Owl of the season.Barred Black ScotersJan. 2 (fide RB). Owls werenumerous in s. Quebec,and a singleGreat Gray Owl wasreported from Aylmer Mar. 2 (fide R M P). Short-cared Owls have been unusually common around RAPTORS, PTARMIGANS -- Very few Goshawks Montreal,with a maximumof 15near Mt-St-Bruno Mar. were seen, but Sharp-shinned Hawks were found at 7 (FM}. The taggingof Saw-whetOwls sinceNovember QuEbecCity Dec.21 (C.O.Q.), LennoxvilleDec. 27 (fide in a small suburban woodlot indicates the following PvL} and Hudson Decemberthrough February (JW). B. occurrences:One in December, one in January, two in Barnhurstreported a rare dark-phaseRed-tailed Hawk at February, 10 in March (MH, m.ob.). Our only reported Coteau-Landing, Mar. 6 and a Red-shoulderedHawk at BorealOwl wasseen at Qu6becCity Mar. 20(DB, AH). Hudson Dec. 27; a good count of 40 Rough-legged Hawks was madeat Mt-St-Bruno Dec. 21 (FM). Among WOODPECKERS THROUGH M1MIDS -- A 9 the rarer raptors,a GoldenEagle was found in a wolftrap Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at St-Hyacinthe Mar. 29 at St-Urbain, Charlevoix Co., Mar. 30 (C.O.Q.); imm. (D.Cyr) is the earliestprovincial record ever. Both three- BaldEagles were at Qu6becCity Jan. 2 (fideC.O.Q.) and toed woodpeckers were virtually unreported after Cote-Ste-Catherine Feb. 21-Mar. 20 (fide MM), and an December. The severalGray Jaysfound in the Montreal adult at Cap-Tourmente Mar. 27 (DB). A Gyrfalcon and Hull areas were only a few more than usual. Blue appearedin e. Gaspein early February(AB, GC), andone Jays,Corn. Crows,Black-capped Chickadees and White-

696 AmericanBirds, June, 1976 breasted Nuthatches maintained their numbers within the invasion,the specieswas however more conspicuousthan limits of usual winter variations. On the other hand a real usual. As a rule, thesewaxwings reach peak numbersin scarcityof Red-breastedNuthatches was noticedby all our area in February; but this winter they were equally contributors;figures supplied by the C.O.Q. show that numerous in December, January and February. The the specieswas roughly one fourth as common as average. biggestflock congregated on Mt-Royal(Montr6al) with a BrownCreepers were also notably scarce in s.w.QuEbec maximum count of 250 on Feb. 14 (CL). Their numbers (fide M M & R M P). Exceptfor onein 1958,all provincial dwindled considerablyin March. Only two reports of Carolina Wrens occurred since 1971, relatively mild Cedar Waxwingswere received, both from Hull area(fide winters being probably responsiblefor the survival of RMP). The hardiness of Starlings is exemplified by someindividuals. It is not known if any of the birdsseen reportsof eight at Perc• Dec. 31 (RB), eight at this winter survived the severeconditions of January; Villemontel Jan. 3 (PE), and 15 at St-Michel-des-Saints they include birds at St-Laurent Dec. 20 (MH), St- Dec. 31 (PL). The speciesis alsoa regularwinter resident LambertDec. 18-Jan. 12 (SJH), and Philipsburgin early in mostvillages and garbagedumps in the southernparts January(fide M M). One howeverappeared in the Aylmer of the Province.A healthyand very late Yellow-rumped area Mar. 12 (MB). Single Mockingbirdswere at Arvida Warbler was at Sherbrooke Dec. 21 (RL); another was a Dec.2 (C.O.Q.),Quebec City Dec.18 (C.O.Q.), Dorval recordearly migrant at Aylmer Mar. 26 (JD). Dec. 20 (GH) and Mt-St-Bruno Mar. 16 (FM). It is felt that these records reflect lower numbers than usual, ICTERIDS, FR1NG1LL1DS -- The E. Meadowlark especiallyin the MontrEalarea. A BrownThrasher at at Nun's 1., Mar. 6 (RP), was the earliest ever there. Aylmer Mar. 27, may havebeen a bird winteringin that Cardinalsestablished their stronghold in the Montreal general area (fide RMP). area in the mid~60s(see/IFN 20:405; 21:400); no fewer than 25 birds were reported this past season(fide MM). TURD1DS -- The regular visits of Guy Huot at the Other Cardinals includedtwo pairs in the Hull area (fide feeders of the Rigaud area were rewarded by the RM P), a femaleat Granby Dec. 21-Mar. 14 (PT,m.ob.), a discoveryof a Fieldfareon Jan. 4. In thefollowing weeks, third consecutivewinter occurrence in the QuEbecCity hundredsof birdershad the opportunityto seethis bird as area (fide RC), and a first recordfor the Lac St-Jeanarea, it fed in its favoriteapple tree; it establishedthe longest at Chicoutimi Dec. 6-Feb. 7 (NB). Evening Grosbeaks stayin North Americaever recordedfor a Fieldfare(see were lessnumerous than in previousyears. Many feeder- A B 27: 590;29:846 and Condor72: 480). A carefulcheck owners commented on their overstock of sunflower seeds, by local observersassured that the bird bore no band. It and no flock of more than 90 birdswas reported. For each was last seen Mar. 20 (MM). The Townsend's Solitaire of the four months, the specieswas mentioned in 16, 24, mentionedin our lastreport was turned up again at Cap- 15, and I l per cent of the reports(average of the three TourmenteJan. 25 by J. Boulva, an observeralready previous years: 30, 35, 37 and 31 per cent) (C.O.Q.). familiar with the species. Purple Finches, Pine Grosbeaks,Pine Siskinsand Am. Goldfinches also appeared in reduced numbers. On the other hand Corn. Redpolls, Tree Sparrows and Snow Buntingswere within the limits of their usualabundance. Otherworthy-of-note reports in thinscategory include three Hoary Redpollsin the Montreal area (fide MM) and a White-crowned Sparrow at Levis Dec. 26 (fide RC).

CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Club des Ornithologues du Quebec (C.O.Q.), Ottawa Field- NaturalistsClub, Prov. of QuEbecSociety for the Protection of Birds -- B. Barnhurst, R. Bisson, D. Bordage, J. Boulva, A. Bourget, F. Brabant, N. Breton, M. Brigham,R. Cayouette(Quebec City Area: 8185 Av. du Zoo, Orsainville, P.Q.), G. Chapdelaine, D. Drum- mond, J. Dubois, P. Ethier, A. Hardy, M. Henririck, S.J. Hills, G.Huot, C. Lacroix, G. Laplante, P. Laporte, M. Larivee, J.P. LeBel, R. Lebrun, J. Leclerc, M. Mclntosh FieldJhre,Rigaud, Qua.. Jan. 4, 1976.Photo/ N. David. (Montreal Area: 136 Millhaven Av., Pointe-Claire, P.Q.), G. Morgan, B. Morin, F. Morneau, R. Perreault, R.M. Poulin (Hull Area: 254 Cooper St., basement, Ottawa, Ont.), A Reed, J. Steeves, R. Tanguay, P. Timmons, B. Tremblay, G. Trencia, P. van Lief, J. KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Golden- Wright. -- NORMAND DAVID, Centre de Recherches crowned Kinglets were totally absentuntil the arrival of Ecologiquesde Montre'al,4101 SherbrookeEst, Mon- the first migrants at the end of March. lfthe numerous treal, P.Q. and MICHEL GOSSELIN, 6151 Henri- reports of Bohemian Waxwings do not reflect a real BourassaEsl #107, MontrEal-Nord, P.Q.

Volume 30, Number 3 697 HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION one 45 mi. e. of Barnegat Inlet Feb. 5 (TK). The same /P.A. Buckley, Robert O. Paxton and observerreported a maximum of 5000N. Gannetsin the David A. Cutler vicinityof the foreignfishing fleets 60-100 mi. off theNew Jerseycoast in late Januaryand earlyFebruary, and 500 from shoreat Cape May Jan 24. Whetherdue to the mild The cycleof extendedand mild falls typical of the last early weather or not, Double-crestedCormorants were several years continued in 1975, with most observers recorded in almost unprecedented numbers on Long commentingon the abrupt changeto very cold weatherin Island (but not in coastal New Jersey)this winter. For time for ChristmasBird Counts.The chill upon the earth example,42 wererecorded on CBSs;in manyyears none continued, deeping in mid to late January -- setting is seen,or at leastreliably; by the mid-JanuaryNew York record lows in muchof the regionaround the 20the21st -- State waterfowl census, 35 were still present. One at HighlandFalls, N.Y. Dec. 27 wasthe first Orange County CBC record in 17 years (fit/e JPT). Coastally most apparentlywintered successfully. At the sametime Great Cormorant continues its southward expansion,and on the Lewes/CapeHenlopen, Del., breakwatersis now the winter cormorant. peaking at 26 on Mar. 30 (K. Seager). Late recordsand/or attemptsat winteringin the n. and w. parts of the Region by a variety of "summer"herons was another winter feature. More CBCs than ever recordedmore speciesthan ever, includingGlossy Ibis. Outstanding were a Least Bittern in the Hackensack Meadows (H.M.), that wintered successfullyfor the fourth year (DS et al.), one on the Lakehurst,N.J., CBC Dec. 28, at Calverton,L.I. Dec. 27 (GSR); and a Yellow- crownedNight Heron the sameday at Mastic, L.L (DM) Green Heron is now assuminga "rare but regular"winter status in the Region, this year occuringon six CBCs as follows:Pennsylvania I, New Jersey3 and Long Island2. Yet another wasfound at Tobay Pond, JonesBeach Jan. 8, (AW) where it was found dead Feb. 8, just before the excessivelywarm spellthat probablywould haveseen it through (S&KM). Most, if not all, egretsand ibis left Long Island in late December or early January, and and was finally amelioratedwith a vengeancein mid- about the sametime in s. New Jersey,returning in the late February when equally record high temperatureswere February warm spell, when one Glossy made it to recorded. March had a few cold days but generally WashingtonBoro, Pa. Feb. 22 (Ted Hake). We do not continued February's pulse of warmth. As will be know of any summer herons or Glossiesthat over- discussedin the Spring seasonanalysis, this warm trend winteredanywhere in the Region. peakedin unprecedentedfashion in mid April. Precipita- tion, alas, was generally in a reverselock-step with the WATERFOWL -- Whistling Swans continue their mercury, rising as temperaturesfell, and reversingthe expansionas winterersin the Region.While onlya dozen happy snow-freetrend of the last several years. Most were recorded on Long Island CBCs, an impressive655 areasexperienced above-normal precipitation, mostly as were tallied in N.J., the maximum being 290 in the snow. BrigantineN.W.R. area. Some5000 at WashingtonBoro, There was a bewilderingamalgam of unusualbirds this Pa. Feb. 28 (C J) were describedas part of an early winter, even morethan onewould expectwith a reporting migration owing to the warm spell. One at Newburgh, period spanninglate fall and early springmigration, plus N.Y. wasthe first OrangeCounty CBC reportin 17years the winter nadir. Certainly worthy of mentionhere were (fide JPT). Lessthan a dozen winteredagain on e. Long severalBarrow's Goldeneyes; Gyrfalcon; Sandhill Crane; Island. Two "White-fronted" geeseof doubtful lineageas Ivory Gull; Rough-wingedSwallow; Tennessee Warbler; well as provenance were seen on Long Island, but one Audubon's Warbler; Green-tailed Towbee; Hoary genuine article appeared at North Wales, Pa. Feb. 14, Redpoll and Golden-crownedSparrow. Perusalof the possiblya winterer from the EasternShore (AM). Three text will reveal specieswhich in other years would.have smallCanada Geese, probably hutchinsii. were seen with beensingled out for earlymention but whichthis year are a flock of 60 standard-sizedbirds at New Ringold, Pa. eclipsedby thosejust listed. Mar. 24 (M. Broun)and 50 mi. north threehours later by Betty Harris. GREBES THROUGH IBIS -- Red-necked Grebes A singleFulvous Tree Duck was seenat Tiana Beach, continuedto be scarcein our region,most reportsbeing L.I., Feb 7 (M. & L. Scheibel) while a flock of 23 made a of northboundbirds in breedingplumage during March. one-day appearanceat Bombay Hook N.W.R., Feb. 15 Unusual inland in winter was a Horned Grebe at Wilkes- (R. Keel). The approximately 11,500 Black Ducks in the Barre, Pa. Jan. 16 (WR, SB). Eared Grebes were only Long Island-extremelower Hudson Valley on the mid- reportedthrice: Mar. 13 at Longport,N.J. (JD), Dec. 20 January N.Y.S. waterfowl censuswas the first figure at Gardiner's Island, L.I. (TB, SS), and Mar. 6, Montauk below 16,500 (1975) in the period 1969-76; the Pt. (GSR, AJL et al.). The only N. Fulmar report wasof significanceof this drop remainsto bedetermined. Single

698 American Birds,June. 1976 c3Eur. Green-wingedTeal werereported from Brlgan~ to H.M. to add duck to a steady p•geon d•et and one tlne N.W.R., Mar. 23 (JA), SagaponackPond, L.I., Mar. (same?) was seen on a building in downtown Newark, 7 (AJL)and Tobay Pond Mar. 14(RKE). Up to four d N.J. Dec. 8 (D. Crocco). A gray Gyrfaleon was Eur Wigeonswintered at MecoxBay, L.I., (m.ob.),but approachedclosely on the ground and in flight at Tobay onlyone other, a single,was noted elsewhere. Excellent Pond Dec. 6, but disappearedthereafter (GSR, DL) counts were: 200 Redheads,Clinton, N.J. Mar. 3, 5000 CanvasbackDec. 4, Old Sam'sPond, near Asbury Park, N J (both HD), l100 Oldsquawat LongportMar. 20 (HTA), 4100 Ruddy Duckson the GloucesterCounty Goshawkscontinue to be widely reported, and •n (N J.) CBC,and an impressive17,000 on theGlenolden some areas have even become backyard feeder- (Pa) CBC.Three cr Tufted Ducks were seen this winter: eaters.Their increase,apparent change in haMts one at its accustomedlocation in the East River under the and southwardbreeding range extensionsseem Tnboro Bridge,N.Y.C., from Dec.6 to at leastJan. 31 directly tied to the simultaneousdecline m (JoseMachado et al.), oneon the LowerHudson CBC numbers of Cooper's Hawks. Although veteran Dec.21 (JosephKularich), and another, the first inland observersare seeingalmost no Cooper'sHawks, Regionalrecord, on RocklandL. RocklandCo., N.Y. theycontinue to bereported, especially on CBCs, Feb. 29-Mar. 7 (E.R. Brown et al.). by those lessthan familiar with them. Great The Shark River, N.J. Barrow'sGoldeneye came in cautionis urgedin acceptingidentifications, and sometimeduring November for thefirst time, remaining detailed descriptionsshould be required.And throughthe period, but most unexpected were two from while on the subject of identification,winter e LongIsland, a femaleon L. MontaukJan. 3 l-Feb. 12 Broad-wingedsare still reported annually (THD, T O'C et muh.al.) anda maleat MontaukPt., curiously,once again almost never by veteran Mar. 21 (JA, JC). As moreobservers see 9 Barrow'sin observers.That the bird doesoccur occasionallyin New Englandand elsewhere,they are learningit is no winterwe know;but unlessphotographic evidence harderto identifythem, under adequate conditions, than is submittedto the appropriate RegionalEditor, it is to separatefemale eiders or scaup.Both eiders and we shall not acceptany future reports. Harlequinswere widely but exceedinglythinly spread overthe Region,with • noneof the largeeider flocks of recentyears reported anywhere. Several accumulations Only one Sofa was reported,on the Boonton,N of scotersin the low thousandswere reported from s. New CBC, and only one King, from SussexCo. N.J Jan Jersey,but wereeclipsed by themass of some60,000 at (JZ). A BlackRail flushedat Island BeachS.P Dec 6 Montauk Pt. in late March, having built up from 20- (TK, TV) becameone of few Regionalwinter records A 30,000in Januaryand February. About 90% were White- northboundmigrant Sandhill Crane was seen clearly and wlngeds(m.ob.). well described•' from Raccoon Ridge, N.J., Mar 27 (Peter Dunne),and threewere seen the sameday (first Del. record)over Wilmington (A.E. Conway)more •n the RAPTORS THROUGH RAILS -- Observersin the growinglist of recentreports of thisbird unknown•n the n part of the Regioncommented on thenumbers of Region 20 years ago. w•nteringor attemptedwintering Turkey Vultures, as well as on the many earlyarrivals with the late February SHOREBIRDS -- Am. Oystercatchersremmned at warmspell. Up to 22 BlackVultures wintered in three Oak Beach Marsh, L.I., until Dec. 4 (K. Feustel), and at roostsin Pennsylvania,with up to ten at FrenchCreek Beach Haven Inlet, New Jerseyat least until Jan 16 S P. (R.E. Cook).After a lag,this species seems to be (BCH), if not throughthe winter.Northbound returnees joiningthe other southerners expanding their breeding arrived in the vicinityof Oak BeachMarsh Feb. 29, (DP), and winteringranges northward; New Jerseyand New the next day at ShinnecockInlet (LW); in N J first York breedingrecords are probablynot too far in the arrivals were Feb. 28 at Brigantine I. (JAk, JD) and future.Two Ospreyswere reported from Delaware,one LongportFeb. 29 (JD). A few PipingPlovers wintered m on the Rehoboth CBC and one in the Count week at s. New Jersey,but apparentlynone on Long Island Wilmington.Not somany years ago, winter Ospreys were Late-lingering shorebirds included the following all but unknown;now thereare severaleach winter. Bald SemipalmatedPlover, five on Jan.8, JonesInlet (AW), Eagleswere thinly scattered with no concentrationsSpotted Sandpiper,Culvers L. N.J., Dec. 21 (Jack reported.The breeding pair at BombayHook N.W.R. Padalinoet al.); Willet, to at leastFeb. 5, JonesInlet (SSt, was at its nesttowards the end of the periodas was New AW et al.) and Dec. 21, Cape May CBC; Red Knot, Jersey'sonly known pair (locationsuppressed); second scatteredflocks, the maximum being 150 that surwvedat and possiblythird prospectingpairs were also in New Longport(JD); Least Sandpiper,Jamaica Bay W R, Jersey. Dec. 21 (TH Det al.); Com. Snipe,widespread, w•th 70 on GoldenEagles were not frequentlynoted this winter. the Trenton Marshes Jan. 24 (RB, RW); variously Thepair returned to StissingMtn., Dutchess Co., for the determined, scatteredpeep, all south of Long Island winter,and oneor two winteredalong the coast of New •exceptfor eighthonestly identified only as "Cahdrls sp" Jerseynear BrigantineN.W.R. One eachat Raccoon on the Central Suffolk CBC Dec. 27; up to a dozen RidgeDec. 7 andPhillipsburg Dec. 28 (fide FPW) might Marbled Godwits at Brigantine N.W.R. to m•d- havebeen late migrants.Winter Merlinsincrease in December(JAk et al.); Long-billedDowitcher to Jan 4, numbereach year, but sixon theOrient, L.I., CBC must Tobay Pond(m.ob.), H. M., Dec.20 (RK et al.), andthree be a Regionalhigh. Five PeregrineFalcons plus one on Dec 12 at BrigantineN.W.R., wherethere were also duringCount week were found on RegionalCBCs; one two Short-billedsOAk); Red Phalarope Dec. 7, Sunken wintered in midtown Manhattan with occasionalforays Meadow S.P. on Long Island Sound(M. Lindauer),and

Volume30, Number3 699 an unidentified(but almostcertainly Red) phalaropeoff was releasedseveral days later. Offshore, a CBC found Atlantic City, N.J. Dec. 20 (fide JM). Northbound two about 22 mi. e. of Shark River Inlet, N.J. (RRetal), returnees were a changing d' Ruff at Bombay Hook and Koebelhad up to eight 60-100 mi. off the New Jersey N W R, Mar. 20 (Phyllis Hutlock et al.) and two Am. coast. Avocets at Brigantine N.W.R. Mar. 7 (DK). JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS Jaegershave not been OWLS THROUGH CHICKADEES Few Snowy considerednormal winter fare, but winter pelagic work Owls werereported this winter, the maximumbeing three by the hardiestof the hardy is discoveringthem "out at J.F.K. Int'l Airport (S. Chevalier). On Dec. 12 one there" Most reportshave beenof Pomarines,so it is not reachedPrice's Corner, Del., whereit spentthe day sitting surprisingthat a light-phaseadult and a dark-phase on a shoppingcenter building (Betty Burroughs).No immature at Jones Beach Dec. 13 were identified as that major aggregationsof Long-earedswere reported, but a species(TH D,TB,J.Gee).Actually offshore, A1 Lorenzeti roost of eight Short-earedsin BedminsterTwp., Bucks had a singleGreat Skua six miless. of Fire I. Dec. 6, and Co., was an excellentinland count (R.W Blye,Jr.). The Koebel estimated five Pomatines and 15 Great Skuas first definiteOrange County winter recordsfor BarnOwl around the foreign fishingfleets 60-100 mi. off the New includedone nestingpair at Warwick, N.Y. (fide JPT), threewere discovered "in residence"in a Belford, N.J. fish Jersey coast in late January and early February. We assume that winter"Great" Skuas are arctic Catharacta s. factory, and another possiblepair was in Atlantic City, •kua, but that assumptionmight be open to questionas N.J. (JAk). As many as 11 wintered in abandonedarmy far asspring and summerskuas go. We feelthe questionis buildingson David's I., New Rochelle,N.Y. (L. O'Dell, fide RA). Incrediblyhigh counts (if not typos)for Screech stillwide open, and that C. maccormicki, the Souih Polar Owls on CBCs included 35 on Northwestern Hunterdon Skua, might prove to be regular in our watersin its County, 42 on Bethlehem, Pa., 80 on Glenolden,and an contranuptial season. White-wingedgulls were on the low side of average, unbelievable118 on Upper Bucks County. This may explain where they have all gone. with no dramatic concentrations,and the usualsprinkl- ing on inland reports. Only two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were noted: MassapequaPark, L.I., late Nov. to Dec 9 (AJL, m.ob.), and on the H.M. Dec. 21 (RR). A high count of 24 Black-headedGulls camefrom Caven A late Whip-poor-will was mist-nettedat Cape Pt, N J, on the Lower Hudson CBC Dec. 21; othersand May Point Nov. 19 (J. Grantham), but more Little Gulls were scatteredalong the s. shore of Long startling was one found freshly dead at Island at virtually every inlet, but practically none was Brookhaven, L.I. Dec. 24 by Dennis Puleston.He seen south of Long Island. Laughing Gulls wintered at reported that it had just died, was plump, and several s. New Jersey locales, while one at Shinnecock when autopsied was found with an empty Inlet Feb. 12 (BS, BC) is almostunique on Long Island stomach. He points out that while torpidity is for mid-winter. The BrigantineI., "Mystery Gull" (see known for Poor-wills, it is not known for Whip- A B, 29 37) departedthis year on Dec. 4 (JAk), itsidentity poor-will, although this incident raises the no closerto beingrevealed than when it first appeared. possibility.There is no previousRegional record About one bird there was no mystery, only all- so late in the winter;in fact that Cape May report consumingenvy on the part of the verymany who did not above is the closest date! seeit soonenough. We refer to the immatureIvory Gull found at Southold, L.I. Feb. 8 by Paul Stoutenburgh-- A wide scattering of wintering Yellow-bellied Sap- who took the extraordinaryphoto on p. 676 Seenthe next suckers was highlighted by an amazing 12 on the day by a few local observers,it was found dead the Northwestern Hunterdon Co. (N.J.) CBC; there were morning of the 10th by THD, DWF et al. who, it is likewise a few Red-headeds. No Three-toeds were found rumored,were overcomeby grief at the discoveryof the Very few E. Phoebescould be located,but late-lingering emaciatedcorpse, now lying in statein the Am. Museum W. Kingbirds were at Barnegat Inlet Dec. 14 (MH) and of Natural History. This first Long Island recordsince a one was on the Cape May CBC Dec. 21. The warm air specimenwas found dead at nearbyOrient Pt., Feb. 14, pulsein late Februarywas doubtless directly responsible 1945 would have causedan even bigger commotion had for the unprecedentedRough-winged Swallow t at Cold Newburyport, Mass. not just struck again. Perhapsnext Spring Harbor, L.I. Feb. 19-20(T O'C et al.); last year year one was seenon Long Island in the first weekof March, at Two Com. Terns were seen on the Lower Hudson CBC that time settinga new arrival date by severalweeks A Dec 21, and the last two of the flock that harbored the count of 500 Fish Crows at the Tinicum Refuge roost NovemberArctic (seeAB, 30: 43) werefound deadat L. Feb. 11 (John C. Miller) wasalso unprecedentedthat far Montauk Dec. 20 (ROP). A winter-plumagedForster's inland.During January and Februarytwo different Gray Tern in a flock of Bonaparte'sGulls at Fire I. Inlet Feb. 23 Jays were seenby many observersin Vetbank and Salt provided the first mid-winter report ever for Long Island Pt., DutchessCo., N.Y., siteof the threeprevious N.Y C (J Bloss,S. Birnback); three at BeachHaven Inlet Dec. area records. 12 apparentlyleft soonthereafter (BCH). Chickadees of two varieties poured south from Alcids werevery light this winter. Noteworthywere an northern forests this winter. Boreal attracted most oiled Razorbill at Barnegat Inlet Dec. 18 (BCH) and a attention,and CBCs giveb. good indication of therelative Thick-bfiled Murre at Brigantine I., Jan. 17 (JAk). Two center of winter abundance.Our Region'sportion of exhaustedCorn. Puffins were captured alive on the beach N.Y.S. had ten, New Jerseyhad 14, while Pennsylvania at Water I., Fire Island, in early December (Karen had one, plus one during Count week. Kane estimates Blumer) One died (spec. to A.M.N.H.), and the other some40 winteringin n. New Jersey.Along with them(or,

700 American Birds, June, 1976 rather, the other way 'round) camethousands of Black- Sickels),the H M, Dec 13-21(DS et al ) and In a yard In cappeds-- into Carolinacountry. It is illuminatingto nearby N. Arlington in February (fide Irving Black), read the number of CBCs with both species;someone Paulsboro,N.J., Mar. 6 (J.T. McNeill); Ridley Park, Pa, should plot the winter overlap bandwidth. More Mar. 25-31 (Wm. Stocku); Wyomissing,Pa. Mar 26 importantly,people should have been on the lookout for (W.W. Kelley, Jr.); and New Castle,Del. Feb. 26 (fide interspecificinteractions (the species separation problem Keith Richards)-- an astonishingnumber of reportsfor momentarilyaside) and should be on thealert for possible this(usually) autumn wanderer. The errantflock of 20 or mixed pairs this spring.The contactbetween the two so Brewer'sBlackbirds wintering at Bombay Hook since speciesis indefinite in our area, having never been the winter of 1957-58 could not be located on the CBC, studied. but was of courseseen almost daily thereafter.

WRENS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- Single Short- FINCHES -- Confirmed imm. • Black-headed billed Marsh Wrens on Dec. 27 at Calverton (JCI) and Grosbeakswere at feedersin the Bronx, Jan. 26 - through Mastic (M. Osmond,DM) were the first in winter on period(John Gillen et al.) andTuckahoe, N.Y. Feb 13- LongIsland in yearsfor thisnow-extirpated breeder; one throughperiod (Mrs. RichardForrest; photographed in was also seenon BrigantineI. Jan. 25 (JAk). It will be color).Confirmed <2 Rose-breasteds were at Laverock, interestingto see how more northerlypopulations of Pa. Dec.5 throughperiod (Heroert and ElizabethCutler Carolina Wrensfared in this bitterand snowymidwinter, et al.) and "all winter"at variousfeeders in Brookhaven, but we will be especiallymonitoring those within the L.I. (DP, GSR et al.); an imm. male was at Darien, circleof the Wilmington, Del. CBC, this year numbering Conn., feedersfor a week following Feb. 16, until it a stupendous200! The E. Bluebirdcolony at Longwood succumbedto "cat attack and generalemaciation" Its Gardens,Pa. had 13 pairs establishedby the end of the presentwhereabouts, if a specimen,are unknown, period,a hearteningincrease since the singlepair in 1972 hopefullyit is preserved(fide Arno Schulman)Two (JG) Two VariedThrushes wintered, an ad. male300 ft. IndigoBuntings were found this winter, the 2nd and 3rd over the Connecticut line from Dutchess County at that seasonfor N.Y.S., respectively:an imm. male in (R T W.B.C. fide EP), and a probablyimm. male Dec. the Bronx Botanical Garden Dec. 21 (T. Peszel)and one 18-Jan.29, SandystownTwp., SussexCo. N.J. (m.ob.). A at the Prichard feederin PleasantValley, DutchessCo late Wood Thrush was a at Brigantine N.W.R., Dec. 6 Jan. 13-19 (Marion Van Wagner et al.). Six feeder (JD), and one was found on ShelterI. Dec. 29 (JCI). At Dickcissels(L.I. 2; N.J. 2; Pa. 2; Del. 1) were about leastthree others were reported, without details, on New average. Jerseyand PennsylvaniaCBCs. Recordearly Blue-gray Exceptfor the now-ubiquitousEvening Grosbeaks, Gnatcatcherswere seen Mar. 27 in Central Park, N.Y.C. winter fincheswere thin and scattered(Red Crossbill)to (K Berlin),and Mar. 28 in BronxBotanical Garden (M. locallyabundant (Com. Redpoll)to almostnon-existent Scheckman,J. Oswald).Northern Shrikeswere distinctly (White-wingedCrossbill). Pine Grosbeakspretty much uncommonthis winter,even in the n. part of the Region. kept to the mountainsin n.w. New Jerseyand Penn- To the south, Loggerheadswere scattered,although the sylvania.Carefully described $ was a HoaryRedpoll from only provenoverwintering occurred on Long Island,at Dallas, Pa., Feb. 9 in a flock of 900 Commons;several Jamaica Bay W.R. (m.ob.). othersuspicious, "frosty" birds in the sameflock could A Black-and-whiteWarbler frequenteda feeder in not be seenclearly (WR). Anotherwas reported from the Lawrenceville,N.J., Dec. 1-21(William LaTourette),and same area three weekslater, by other observers,but a another was seenon the Tuckerton CBC Dec. 27. Orange- descriptionwas not furnished.Single Eur. Goldfinches crownedWarblers were seenin Rye, N.Y. Dec. 6 (TB), were at Long Island feedersin Seaford(fide (AJL) and ShinnecockHills, L. I., Dec. 20 (GSR), JonesBeach S.P. Centerport(Huntington Aud. Soc.). Cf. commentsin Jan 4 (ROP), on the BoontonCBC Dec. 28, at Matawan, AB, 29: 954. N J Dec. 6 (WS), and at BeachHaven Inlet, Jan.4 (RK et A highcount of Ipswich(Savannah) Sparrows was 25 a! ), a betterthan usualnumber. The Parulidprize went to on BrigantineI. Jan. 25 (JAk). Also highwas a countof a Tennessee Warbler found on the Lower Hudson CBC 18wintering Vesper Sparrows from Cumberland County, (RK, DS, TP$). This is not as unprecedentedas it might N.J. (DK). Oregon(Dark-eyed) Juncos were reported seemat first blush,as this species was a regularNovember from Demarest,N.J. Mar. 12-22(Mrs. FrancesBuch, netteeat Fire I. Lighthousein the late 1960s-early1970s photosexamined by PAB) and from Lawrenceville, (PAB, pers. comm.) and one frequentedan Ossining, Elwood and Eatontown but without detailsor photos An N Y, feederJan. 12-30, 1955until its demise(specimen in imm. Clay-coloredSparrow was studied from asclose as A M N.H.). An Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warbler two feet Dec. 6 at Island Beach S.P. (PWS, Kenneth was photographedin color at a Poughkeepsie,N.Y., Prytherch).New Jersey'sthird Harris'Sparrow was at a feeder Feb. 5-9 (S.&J. DeOrsey;photos examined by Cranburyfeeder Jan. 13 (J. Applegate et al). NewJersey's PAB), oneof an increasingnumber of recent,very late fall fifth Green-tailed Towhee, which arrived at a Mlckleton and winterreports for thisbird. ReturningPine Warblers feeder Nov. 20 remainedthrough the entire period and came back early with the February warm spell, the was seen by hundredsof observers.White-crowned earliestbeing Feb. 28 at Robert MosesS.P., L.I., Feb. 28 Sparrowsoccurred in considerablenumbers in thes part (D Wimpfheimer); severalLong Island, New Jerseyand of the Regionthis winter. While only 13were seen on New Pennsylvaniarecords followed in the nextweek. N o chats York State counts, 190were found on New Jerseycounts werereported during the entire winter. (maximum:53), 202on Pennsylvaniacounts (maremum Very few orioleswere found this winter,and all were 32), and only five Delawarecounts had 84. Onefeeder "Baltimores."Yellow-headed Blackbirds were reported alone in Belle Mead, N.J., had 22 (RW) making one from W. Nyack, N.Y., Mar. 25 (Mr. and Mrs. Berne doubt the A.O.U. check list wintering range as "from

Volume 30, Number 3 701 North Carolina south, casually north to Ontario". East Coast. While both might well havebeen correct, no Possiblyrelated to the White-crownednumbers was New descriptions,let alone photos,were furnishedalthough Jersey'sthird Golden-crownedSparrow, an immatureat the New Jersey bird was enigmaticallyreported to have a Boontonfeeder from Jan. 9 throughthe period (Charles been trapped, photographedin hand and comparedw•th Reeves,RK et mutt. st.; colorphotos examined by PAB). museumspecimens, a fact unableto be confirmedby the Two Lincoln's Sparrows were seen by experienced museumauthorities. The bird is not difficult to identify, observersthis winter: Dec. 25, Harrisburg,Pa. (CJ), and especiallyin the hand, but field guidesdo not stressthe Jones Beach, L.I., Jan 4. (A. Dignan). Record inland large size and very pale coloration typical of mkem Snow Bunting countsincluded 1000 each at Cranbury Moreoever, we have seenseveral "white-winged" juncos Neck Farm, N.J. Feb. 7 and Fleetwood, Pa., Feb. 8; and that were merely Slate-coloredswith excessivelywhite 2000 each at Harveys L. Pa. Feb. 1 (E. Johnson) and wing-bars, or perhaps hybrids or introgressantswith Bethlehem,Pa., Feb. 15 (Mrs. Thomas Mutchler). Few aikeni. Suffice it to say any putative White-winged Lapland Longspurswere noted, and no flocks of any Juncos anywhere in the East should preferably be consequence. collected, but failing that, photographedin color and black and white, and measured by those familiar with EXOTICS -- A pair of Black Swans frequentedthe mensural techniques.Species or subspecies,it ought to New Jersey side of Delaware Bay; by May they were occur in the East at least occasionally,and should be incubatingeggs on an impoundedpond near Heislerville looked for. (PAB) A Crowned Crane (sp. ?) survived since Septemberin s. New Jerseymarshes and pasturesat least OBSERVERS --•(sub-regionalcompilers in boldface) until Feb. 2 (DK). A Yellow-headed Parrot (Amszons Jim Akers, R. Arbib, Harry T. Armistead,Jim Ash, Ray ochrocephets)in Wilmington,Del., Feb. 18was probably Blicharz, S. Brent, Tom Burke, J. Clinton, Barbara one of two that survived the previous winter eating Conolly, Joe Costa, David A. Cutler (s. N.J., s.e Pa, crabapples.The only Monk Parakeet was one on the Del.), John Danzenbaker, T.H. Davis (s.e.N.Y., L I ), Northwestern Hunterdon Co. CBC; has something Howard Drinkwater, JesseGrantham, Mike Hanmsian, happenedto them, or are people no longer reporting Ben C. Hiatt, Cliff Jones,Richard Kane (n. N.J.), Rich them9The Bronx-Westchester CBC counted 10 Rose- Kelly, Tim Koebel, Don Kunkle, Dave Larsen, A J nngedParakeets, down from lastyear; one more was seen Lauro, D. Mackenzie, Stan & Kathy Majlinger, Jim on the Long BranchCBC. A small plagueof Chukars Merritt, August Mirabella, Tim O'Connor, Eleanor seemsdescending on the Region,with singlesat Jamaica Pink, Dennis Power, Ted Proctor, Gilbert S. Raynor, Bay W.R., eight in N. Greenwich, Conn., and most William Reid (n.e. Pa.), Richard Ryan, William strangelyof all, one (supportedby a color photo) on an Sandford, Don Smith, P. William Smith, Robert Smith, 18th floor window ledge in a downtown Manhattan BarbaraSpencer, Sue Stappers, Si Stepinoff,Tim Vogel, building (RKe). Nice try, Rich, but the Rhode Island Leroy Wilcox, RichardWiltshire, Floyd P. Wolfarth, A1 Red-balledTropicbird still retains a tight grip on first Wollin, John P. Tramontano, and Jim Zamos, place in the windowledgesweepstakes. Ringed Turtle H.M.:Hackensack Meadows, N.J.; (N) Doveswere reported from LongIsland (1) and N.J. (three W.R. (National) Wildlife Refuge; R.T.W.B.C.:RT singles). Finally, a Red-crested(Brazilian) Cardinal Waterman Bird Club; •=completedescription on file -- survived a second winter in Riverton, N.J. (Joseph P.A. BUCKLEY, North Atlantic Regional Office, Taylor). National Park Service, 150 CausewaySt., Boston, Mass 02114, ROBERT O. PAXTON, 560 Riverside Drive, INCERTAE SEDIS -- Two reports (Pennsylvania Apt. 12K, New York, N.Y. 10027, and DAV1D A. and New Jersey)were received of White-wingedJunco, a CUTLER, 1110 Rock Creek Drive, Wyncote,Pa. 19095 bird not known positivelyto haveever occurredalong the

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION springmigration beginnings were certainly fairly earlyin /F. R. Scott comparisonwith the pastfew years, they were not asearly as might have been anticipated by the weather. For the sixth successivewinter temperaturesin this region averagedwell above normal, with only January POLLUTION EFFECTS -- Two pollutionproblems beingbelow the long-term mean. Following a warmfall, a besetthe regionduring the period.From informationthat mild Decemberset up a fantasticChristmas Bird Count is still gradually coming to light, it appearsthat waste (CBC) season,although as usual there was little follow-up productsfrom the manufactureof Kepone,a chlorinated later in the winter to see how many of the southern hydrocarbonpesticide ingredient, were dumped into the stragglerssurvived the three-weekcold spellin January. JamesRiver at Hopewellfor perhapseight or moreyears Temperaturesin February set many records, with until stoppedby governmentaction last August.As a Washingtonaveraging 9.6øF. above normal. Although result, the river was closed to most fish and shellfish the seasonbegan with more than adequatemoisture, the harvestingafter tests showedappreciable amounts of last two monthswere relatively dry, and therewas little or Keponein theseorganisms. One wonderswhat effectthis no snow in most of the region. chemical.may havehad on the declineand disappearance The warm, open winter resultedin southernstragglers of the BaldEagle and the Ospreyas breedingbirds along remaining into the winter in even more numbersthan this river, althoughit wouldappear that thedecline began during the warm winters of recentyears. Although the well before Kepone manufacturebegan here.

702 American Birds, June, 1976 crowned Night Herons at Virginia Beach, Va., Feb. 27 (RkA) and 12 Glossy Ibis at ChincoteagueRef., Feb. 18 (LKM).

WATER FOWL -- Whistling Swansappeared again in small numbersin many inland localities,and Chandler found a Snow Goose(white morph) in Amherst County, Va., Dec. 7. A White-fronted Goose remained at Blackwater N. W. R., Md. through December (KK & MLH), and an adult and threeimmatures reappeared at GreenSpring, Louisa Co., Va., Mar. 7 and 14after being absentsince mid-November (JBB). Although ther.ewere only 122 Blue Geeseat BlackwaterDec. 31 (fide CSR), numbers here had increased to 450 by Jan. 31 (HTA & CPW). Fulvous Tree Ducks appeared twice, one at Blackwater Dec. 7-11 (RAR, MLH et al.) and four at Berlin, Md., Feb. 4 (LKM). Blue-wingedTeal arrived early in areas in which they did not winter, early dates beingFeb. 24 at SandyPoint S.P., Md. (S.P.S.P. below HLW) and Feb. 28 at Chincoteague Ref. (LKM). Three d Eur. Wigeonwintered at ChincoteagueRef. and were seenby numerousobservers (BWK, LKM, PWS et al.). No doubt encouragedby the lack of appreciableice, The secondproblem was a major spill of 250.000 ducks in general were in excellent numbersinland as gallonsof heavyNo. 6 fueloil in the ChesapeakeBay near the mouth of the Potomac River on Feb. I. Driven by typifiedby 158Green-winged Teal and409 Am. Wigeon near Kerr Res., Jan. 3 (KMF et al.). Oldsquawswere in strong northwesterlywinds, most of the spill floated goodnumbers along the coastwith a peakcount of 2485 acrossthe bay and ended up on the beachesand marshes at ChincoteagueDec. 27 (PAD et al.), and there were of Accomack and Northampton Counties, Va. An several inland records. Up to three were present in estimated 50,000 water birds were killed over the Albemarle Co., Va., Dec. 12-28 (RSM & CES), one was following few weeks, mostly Oldsquaws but also noted at Fort Belvoir, Va., Jan. 3 (PGD), and three were includingmany loons,grebes, scoters, and other diving seenat Kerr Res.,Jan. 3 (KMF). Up to three Harlequin ducks.Long-term damage to the bottomfauna of the bay Duckswere presentalong the ChesapeakeBay Bridge- and the affected marsheshas yet to be assessed.Cleanup Tunnel, Va. from late December to late February (CRB, operationswere still in progressin April. RC, DLM et al.), and singleWhite-winged Scoters were found inland in Campbell Co., Va., Dec. 23 (MRB) and GREBES THROUGH GANNETS -- An excellent Amherst Co., Va., Jan. 25-Feb. 8 (JHD, TD & MRB). concentration of Horned Grebes in the Chincoteague Hooded Mergansersremained unusually common in area totaled 2269 on Dec. 27 (PAD eta/.). A seriesof four much of the area; someof the locally high countswere 95 pelagictrips was led by R. A. Rowlettout of OceanCity, in the Blackwater Ref. area Dec. 31 (fide CRV), 250 at Md. to the edgeof the continentalshelf and Baltimore Cape Charles, Va., Dec. 28 (fide HTA), and 80 near Canyon about 60-70 mi. to the east and southeast. Richmond Dec. 24 (FRS). A count of 487 Corn. Among the choice results of these trips were 76 N. Mergansersat Fort Belvoir Jan. 3 (PAD et aL) was Fulmars on Mar. 7 and 12 on Mar. 20 and singleGreater outstanding. and Manx Shearwaters on Dec. 6, the latter well photographedand seenby about43 observers.Both the HAWKS, RAILS -- A Goshawk was reported in fulmers and the Manx Shearwater were observed in both lower Kent Co.. Md., Dec. 28 (fide MP), and another was Maryland and Virginia waters.Good concentrationsof seenat Bellevue,Md., Feb. 14(HTA). McKnight found a Gannetswere foundalong the coastwith peaksof 1227at Rough-leggedHawk inland at Brooke, Va., Dec. 23, and Back Bay Ref., Va., Dec. 29 (PWS) et al.) and 500 off the peak Bald Eagle count at Blackwater Ref. was six Ocean City Dec. 6 (RARet al.). adults, three immatures,and three unspecifiedon Jan. 3 l (HTA & CPW). Therewere only two "winter" recordsof HERONS, IBIS -- The Chincoteague CBC reported Ospreys,one at Hampton, Va., Dec. 20 (MAB et al.) and record numbers of herons and ibis on Dec. 27, including two at Cape Charles Dec. 28 (DDG et al.); singlesin 303 Great Blues, 86 Little Blues,215 Great Egrets, 109 Talbot Co., Md., Feb. II (GF) and Feb. 17 (BH) were Snowies,and 132 Louisianas(KMF et al.) and 27 Glossy probably early transients.An inland PeregrineFalcon Ibis (PP et al.). Forty-sevenCattle Egretsat Back Bay was noted near Hopewell. Va., Jan. 25 (CRB & MBO), Dec. 29 (PWS et al.) werea winter staterecord by far, and and there were many winter Merlin records,peak CBC Am. Bitterns seemed to be everywhere, with record totals beingfive at ChincoteagueDec. 27 (JMA et al.) and counts of 11 at Ocean City Dec. 29 (fide CSR) and 24at four at Ocean City Dec. 29 (fide CSR). At S.P.S.P. peak ChincoteagueDec. 27 (JMA et al.). Therewere numerous countsof migrating Am. Kestrelswere 29 on Mar. 13and other record heron counts, and Green Herons were 26 on Mar. 19 (HLW). reported from five localities along the coast and on ChesapeakeBay. Inland, a Great Egret was noted on One of the featuresof the seasonwas the high countsof severaloccasions at Kerr Res. up to Jan. 3 (PEM et al.). wintering rails along the coast and Chesapeake Bay. Among the first "spring" arrivals were 15 Yellow- Among the best were 57 King Rails at Back Bay Dec. 29

Volume 30, Number 3 703 (PWS et al.), 159 Clappersat Ch•ncoteagueDec. 27 (PP wh•te-w•nged gulls recorded, of most •nterest were a et al ), and 141Clappers at CapeCharles Dec. 28 (HTA et GlaucousGull previouslyreported at Kerr Res., which al) The Blackwater-ElliottI. area, Md. was clearlythe remainedat leastto Jan3 (KMF,JHD,TD et al.), andan placefor VirginiaRails, with peaksof 66 on Dec.31 (fide Iceland Gull at Richmond Jan. 24 (CRB et al) In CSR) and 38 on Jan 31 (HTA & CPW). Sora occurredon addition,a possibleimm. Thayer's Gull wasphotograph- at least eight of the CBCs along the coast and in ed at the Ocean City inlet Feb. 8 (RAR, PGD,RWS et Chesapeake Bay, including two at S.P.S.P., Dec. 28 al.), and an ad. LesserBlack-backed Gull was seenat (HLW) and a peakof 14 at BackBay Dec. 29 (fidePWS). Virginia BeachDec. 31 (PWS & TRW). A Herring Gull at The latter also recordedthe region'sonly Black Rail this Lynchburg Dec. 20 (KMF et al.) was unusual th•s far w•nter (DEP & RHP) and the region'speak Corn. inland,and another(or the samebird?) was picked up Galhnule count of 18 (fide PWS). Inland recordswere injured here the next day (JH). Kerr Res. recorded22 also of note with eight Virginia Rails and two Sora at Herring and 1584 Ring-billedGulls Jan. 3 (KMF et al), Kerr Res., Jan. 3 (RS et al.), a Sora in Albemarle Co., probably record counts for the Virginia Piedmont Dec 21 (PM & TFW), and a Corn. Gallinule at Bonaparte's Gulls were in relatively low numbers •n Lynchburg Dec. 20 (PEM), American Coots were in midwinteralong the Virginiacoast, althoughthe Ocean unusual numbers in many inland localities, and the City CBC recordeda record1059 on Dec.29 (fide CSR) 18,200 recorded at Back Bay Dec. 29 (fide PWS) Inland, however,the Hopewell,Va. areahad an excellent •nd•catedthat any harm the die-off of last winter did to peak of 38 on Dec. 20 (FRS et al.), and43 werecounted at populationshere was not critical. Kerr Res., Jan. 3 (KMF et al.). The spring migration brought a record flight of 550 to S.P.S.P., Mar 21 SHOREBIRDS -- Shorebird numbers were excellent (HLW). Three ad. Little Gulls winteredat Ocean C•ty dunng the winter near the coast, though there were few (MLH, RAR et al.), and a Black-leggedKittiwake was record counts. Thirteen Semipalmated Plovers on the observedalong the ChesapeakeBay Bridge-Tunnel Dec W•comico R. in Salisbury,Md., Dec. 28 (GS et al.) werea 26 (RC & MRB). The latter was recorded on all the umque record here, and a Killdeer had one egg at pelagictrips with a maximumof 600 on Dec. 6 (RAR et S P S.P. on the record date of Mar. 8 (HLW), later al.). These trips were also highlyproductive of almds abandonedafter a 3 in. snowfallthe followingday. As in SingleRazorbills were noted Dec. 6 and Feb. 1;Dovek•es recent years,Am. Woodcock wintered in good numbers wererecorded on all four, the besttotals being 73 on Dec on the EasternShore, maximum CBC countsbeing 83 at 6 and 51 on Feb. 12; and Corn. Puffins were observedon Cape CharlesDec. 28 (fide HTA), 27 at OceanCity Dec. two trips, one on Dec. 6 and sevenon Feb. 1 (RAR et al ) 29 (fide CSR), and 24 in s. DorchesterCo., Md., Dec. 31 Inshore, a Dovekie was noted swimmingin Broad Bay, (fide CSR), Ten far inland at Kerr Res., Jan. 3 were Virginia BeachDec. 31 (RLA & DEP), and anotherwas unusual(fide KMF), and a nestwith eggswas located at pickedup (andlater released in goodcondition) on a dune Laurel Md., Mar. 22 (BM). Other peak countsof interest at ChincoteagueRef., Dec. 27 (JHD & TD). •ncluded163 Willets and 65 Marbled Godwitsat Cape CharlesDec. 28 (HTA et al.), 265 PurpleSandpipers at OWLS THROUGH MARTINS -- Counting noctur- OceanCity Dec. 29 (fide CSR), and 2011 Sanderlingsat nally migrating Barn Owls seems a rather new and Ch•ncoteagueDec. 27 (PAD et al.). esotericactivity to most of us,but Wierengarecorded 30 Two late Hudsonian Godwits were noted at Back Bay flyingover Annapolis, Md., Mar. 14-31with a peakofll Dec 6 (BW, RAB et al.), and Dunlin winteredup the on the nightof Mar. 20-21(10 p.m.- 1a.m. ). On the same ChesapeakeBay at leastas far north as Hooper's1., Md. night Hoffman recordedsix overheadat nearbySeverna (HTA & CPW), with one at S.P.S.P. remainingto Dec. Park between10 p.m. and 2 a.m. In recentyears observers 28 (HLW). A late LeastSandpiper was seen at S.P.S.P., haveclearly been trying harder to censusthe owlson their Dec 15 (HLW), and two appearedinland in w. Charles CBCs,an activitythat involvesmainly a lossof sleep,and C•ty Co., Va., Jan. 25 (FM & FRS) where they have appropriateweather. Some interesting CBC totals th•s w•nteredpreviously. This winter, however,they couldnot year were 67 ScreechOwls at St. Michaels, Md., Dec 21 be locatedhere prior to or subsequentto thisdate. Early (fide JR) and 54 at LynchburgDec. 20 (fide MPM) •pnng arrivalsincluded a PectoralSandpiper at S.P.S.P., Impressive Great Horned Owl totals were 62 at St Mar 7 (HLW) and a rare Stilt Sandpiper near MichaelsDec. 21 (fide JR), 54 at Crisfield,Md., Dec 30 Ch•ncoteagueon Mar. 28 (BWK & BAL). A few Am. (fide CRV), and 32 each at Ocean City Dec. 29 and s Avocets remained at Chincoteagueto Jan. 1 (BWK), Dorchester County, Md., Dec. 31 (fide CSR) Two reappearing again Mar. 28 (BWK & BAL), but they young Great Horneds were in the nest at S.P.S.P. at the apparently wintered in numbers at Craney I., end of March (MLH). Up to eight Long-earedand four Portsmouth, Va., with at least 260 reported Feb. 21 Saw-whet Owls wintered in the National Arboretum •n (CRB). The only other report wastwo seenat Lynnhaven, Washington(HLW & MLH), and a few of both of these V•rg•niaBeach Feb. 26 (RLA). Thepelagic trip off Ocean specieswere found elsewhere in the region,but mainly•n Cay Dec. 6 recorded273 Red Phalaropes,and a single the n. portion. An unidentifiedEmpidonax was observed was found here Mar. 7 (RAR et al.). near Kerr Res., Jan. 3 (H L) and wasthought to be a Least Flycatcherbecause of call notes,grayish back, and lack of JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- At least 20 yellow on underparts.Early swallowarrivals included a jaegerswere found off Ocean City Dec. 6, of whichthe Tree at S.P.S.P., Feb. 15 (HLW) and Purple Mart•ns •n only onespositively identified were five Pomarinesand two placesin the Lynchburgarea Mar. 9 (MC & LF,fide one Parasitic,though a possibleimm. Long-tailedJaeger RS F). was also seen(RAR, PP et al.). One or more Skuaswere observedon all four of the pelagictrips out of OceanCity, M AG PIES THROUGH THRUSHES -- Eike observ- w•tha peakof six on Feb. 1 (RAR et al.). Of the numerous ed a Black-billed Magpie in Fairfax Co., Va., Feb 18,

704 AmericanB•rds, June, 1976 and there were other unconfirmedreports in the same BLACKBIRDS THROUGH FRINGILLIDS -- area, undoubtedly of the same bird. Common Ravens Single ad. d' Yellow-headed Blackbirdswere noted near continuedto increaseslowly in the upper Piedmontof Blackwater Ref., Dec. 7 (RAR, PGD et al.) and at Virginiawith severalrecords as far eastof the BlueRidge Kingston, Md., Dec. 30 (CRV), and a Blue Grosbeakwas as e Appomattox County (DP, JBB et al.). The Black- photographed at a feeder in Virginia Beach Feb 27 cappedChickadee flight broughtimpressive numbers to (RJT). Evening Grosbeakswere in moderatenumbers, parts of e.c. Maryland and a few to the s.e. part of the whereasPine Siskins made a poorshowing in the region. state On the upper Piedmont of Virginia singlebirds Common Redpolls were reported in three localities,two were well recorded in Amherst Co., Dec. 5 and Jan. 7 at Cape CharlesDec. 28 (PGD) and singlesat OceanCity (RC), Charlottesville Dec. 28 (RSM), and Louisa Dec. 29 O'•deCSR) and Feb. 8 (MLH et al.) and at County, Dec. 2 (JBB). These appear to be the first CharlottesvilleJan. 15 (TA, MB & CWS). The highlight acceptablerecords of this speciesin this sectionof the of the northernfinch flight wasthe Red Crossbill,which state Red-breasted Nuthatches were in the highest appearedin virtually all parts of the region and was numbers ever recordedin this region in winter. Record common in parts of the Eastern Shore. Some of the CBC CBC totalsincluded 61 at Kerr Res.,Jan. 3 (KMF etal.), totalsincluded 243 at Crisfield,Md., Dec.30 (CRV et al ), 66 at Ocean City Dec. 29 (CSR et al.), 194 at 103 at Cape Charles Dec. 28 (fide HTA), and 64 at Kerr ChincoteagueDec. 27 (PWS et al.), and a fabulous236 at Res., Jan. 3 (KMF et al.). The only White-winged Lynchburg Dec. 20 (MPM et al.). A Brown-headed Crossbill report was one at Annapolis, Md., Mar 4 Nuthatch count of 215 at ChincoteagueDec. 27 (PWS et (HLW). Two Lark Sparrows were found at Back Bay a! ) was a record here, and farther inland two were found Dec. 29 (GAG et al.) and confirmedby many observers at Hopewell, Va., Dec. 20 (KPL) and one in e. the next day (fide PWS), and a Bachman'sSparrow was Appomattox County, Mar. 14 (DP). Marsh wrens were reported at Cape Charles Dec. 28 (DFA), a first winter in exceptional numbers along the coast and on recordfor Virginia. A countof 54 LaplandLongspurs Chesapeake Bay. Back Bay, for example, totaled 57 near Ocean City Dec. 29 (RAR, BSB & EE) was Long-bdledsand 79 Short-billedsDec. 29 (]qdePWS). apparentlya recordfor Maryland. Snow Buntingswere The inland recordswere almost unprecedented. A Long- in normal numbersalong the coast,and unusualinland billed was found at Kerr Res., Jan. 3 (RC), and Short- observationswere two near Brooke,Va., Dec. 23 (AAB et bllleds were noted in three localitieson the Piedmont, two al.) and five near Kerr Res., Jan. 3 (KMF), the latter at Lynchburg Dec. 20 (PEM et al.), two near presentsince November. Charlottesville Dec. 28 (KL), and five at Kerr Res., Jan. 3 (J M Let al.). A Wood Thrush at Newport News Mar. 27 CONTRIBUTORS -- D. F. Abbott, J. M. Abbott, R was quite early (DLM). L. Anderson, H. T. Armistead,Tom Arter, A. A. Baker, J. B. Bazuin, Jr., R. A. Beck, C. R. Blem, M. R Boatwright,B. S. Bowen,Mike Britten, M. A. Byrd, Ray KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Both Chandler, Vera Coppie, Mildred Cunningham,J. H kingletswere in goodnumbers, and many CBCs reported Dalmas,Thelma Dalmas, P. A. DuMont, P. G. DuMont, record or near-record concentrations..A Blue-gray J. W. Eike, Earl Estes,George Fenwick, K. M. Fielder, Gnatcatcherwas noted at HopewellDec. 20 (FRS et al.), Lewis Fisher, R. S. Freer, D. D. Green, G. A. Grimm, two at AnnapolisDec. 28 (fide HLW), and two at Cape Bert Harrison, M. L. Hoffman, Jeff Humbach, B. W CharlesDec. 28 (RC, PGD et al.). First arrivals were Keelan, Kathleen Klimkiewicz.George Krantz, Lucretia noted at S.P.S.P., Mar. 26 (MLH) and at Richmond Krantz, Mr. and Mrs. K. P. Lapeyre, KennethLawless, Mar 28 (FRS). Water Pipitswere unusually common in Harry LeGrand, B. A. Lund, J. M. Lynch,L. K. Malone, Virginia,especially on the Piedmont,where the species E. T. McKnight,P. E. McQuarry,Brooke Meanley, Peter frequentlygoes unrecorded in midwinter.Coppie et al., Mehring, R. S. Merkel, D. L. Mitchell, M.P. Moore, for example,counted 120at DarlingtonHeights Jan. 1.A Fred Murray, M. B. O'Bryan, D. E. Peake,R. H. Peake, Solitary Vireo was observedat Virginia BeachDec. 31 Margery Plymire, Dan Puckette,Peter Pyle, Jan Reese, (RLA & DEP). There were a number of interesting C. S. Robbins,J. L. Rowlett, R. A. Rowlett, C. W warblerreports, among which were Black-and-whites in Saunders,R. W. Smart,Gail Stadler,Eileen Stephens, C five localitiesin e. Virginia and Maryland,a CapeMay at E. Stevens,P. W. Sykes, Jr., R. J. Tripician, C. R ChincoteagueDec. 27 (KMF et al.), and anotherCape Vaughn, T. F. Wieboldt, H. L. Wierenga,C. P. Wilds, May collectedat RichmondJan. 23 (CRB). A d' Bay- Bill Williams, T. R. Wolfe, 111-- F. R. SCOTT, 115 breastedWarbler near Milton, Albemarle Co., Mar. 18- Kennondale Lane, Richmond, Va. 23226. 24 (JLR, TA, JBB& TFW) wasa uniquerecord of an apparentlywintering bird, and the DuMonts and others totaled an amazing 487 Palm Warblers on the Cape Charles CBC Dec. 28. Common Yellowthroats were found on the Piedmont in at least two localities, one in SOUTHERN ATLANTIC Albemarle Co., Dec. 21 (ES & CES) andfive at Kerr Res., COAST REGION Jan 3 (KMF et al.). Other unusual winter warblers /Robert P. Teulings includeda Wilson's at Cape CharlesDec. 28 (PGD) and an ad c5Am. Redstartat TilghmanI., Md., Dec. 21 (GK It was an unusually mild winter in the Region, the & LK) Early spring arrivals included many Pine warmest on record in some areas.There were periodsof Warblerssinging in severalparts of the regionby Feb. 29 sub-freezing weather in December and January, but (J R, FRS et al.), a PrairieWarbler at LynchburgMar. 30 February was unseasonably warm and temperatures (RC), and three LouisianaWaterthrushes in Wicomico remainedabove normal through March. The seasonwas County, Md., Mar. 27 (CRV et al.). highlightedby the appearanceof Glaucousand Iceland

Volume 30, Number 3 705 Gulls in the Carolinas in numbers not heretofore seen. numbers of ducks including 3000 Redheadsand 3000 The presenceof the white-wingedgulls was the most Canvasbacks(JH). A flock of 48 FulvousTree Ducks was newsworthy event of the seasor•and attracted the found at Savannah River N. W. R. Jan. 16(fide PY), and attention of many observers. at Charlestona flock of 2000 Greater Scaup was seenin the harbor Feb. 7 (EF). Sightingsof 150Canvasbacks at L. Anne near Raleigh Feb. 4 (CL) and ten Corn. Goldeneyesat a pond near Murfreesboro,N. C., Dec. 27 (HL et el.) were two unusualinland observations.

RAPTORS -- A roosting flock of 40 Black Vultures was noted Jan. 4 near Chapel Hill (SA, AD). Another roost of nearly 200 Black Vultures wasfound along the Roanoke R. in n.w. Berrie County, N. C., Mar. II by Merrill Lynch, who also observed23 Red-shouldered Hawks during a 35-mile float trip down river from Scotland Neck. A close sighting of Krider's Red-tailed Hawk was recorded near New Bern, N. C. Dec. 22 (HL, EL, ML), and singleRough-legged Hawks were seen near Wilmington, N. C., Dec. 27 (JAL) and Mr. Pleasant,S.C. Feb. 1 (JC). A pair of nestingBald Eagleswith youngwas noted on Sullivan's I. near Charleston Feb. 7 (TB), and the presenceof two adultsand a juvenile at Savannah River N. W. R. late in the period indicatednesting may have occurredthere (JD). An imm. Golden Eagle was GREBES THROUGH CORMORANTS -- Horned seenat Okefenokee N.W.R. Jan. 21 (fide EC). At Atlanta Grebeswere unusually abundant during the winterperiod a Prairie Falcon took up temporary residencein early at severalof the largerinland reservoirs, topped by counts December and was seen regularly there by many of 168 at RoanokeRapids L. and 116at L. Gastonin observers through early January (fide JS). Another Halifax and Warren Counties, N. C. Dec. 27 (ML). sightingof possiblythe samebird waslater recordedApr. During March at least 300 dead, dying or disabled 5 about 20 mi. from the original location (WD). Horned Grebeswere found along the beachesof Bogue Following an unusuallyheavy fall flight, Merlins were Bank near MoreheadCity, N. C. (fideJF & SB). Several commonlyseen through the winter on the North Carolina of the birds were sent to the wildlife diseasediagnostic Outer Banks(10 recordedon the Bodie-Pea I. CBC), and laboratories in Madison, Wis. to determine what had there were reports of wintering Peregrinesat several killed them. Preliminarydiagnosis indicated the birds coastal points. died of multiple,needle-like puncture wounds on their legs,lower abdomen and, on somebirds, in the shoulder CRANES AND RAILS -- Censuses at Okefenokee region.The wounds were the type that fish -- particularly N.W.R. showed269 SandhillCranes present Jan. 21 (JE) bluefish-- might inflict (SB). Two Eared Grebeswere and 130Feb. 23 (WM); sevenwere also noted Feb. 20 at sightedin theRegion this winter, one in mid-Decemberat Forsyth,Ga. (TJ). This year no Yellow Rails or Black L. Wheelernear Raleigh(CM, JM) and oneat Salvoon Rails were flushed out during the annual burnoffofgrass the North Carolina Outer Banks Jan. 25 (RLA). A at the Beaufort, N. C., Airport in mid-February (JF). sightingof a Red-neckedGrebe outsideCharleston This sitehad beena havenfor both speciesin past winters harborhighlighted an offshorecruise sponsored by the (AB, 25:564).Elsewhere, however, a BlackRail wasseen CarolinaBird ClubJan. 31 (SG et el.). Earlier,two Great at Bulls l., S.C. Dec. 30 (EF) and a Yellow Rail at Cormorants(an adult and immature)were seen at the WrightsvilleBeach, N. C. Jan. 20 (JSH). Charlestonshipyards Jan. 3 (JB).On Jan. 10 an estimated At Townville, S.C. singleVirginia Rails wereseen Dec. 10,000Double-crested Cormorants were seen massed in 5 & Feb. 21 (HL). This specieshas probably been Pamlico Sound by an observeraboard the Hatteras- overlooked as a winter resident at other inland locations. Ocracoke I., N.C. ferry (JHu). Observersmight do wellto checkout likely habitatsin the manner describedby Robert Hader of Raleigh. Playing EGRETS, IBIS AND WATERFOWL-- Three Cattle tape recordedcalls, he found two Virginia Rails at L. Egretswere seen near Powells Point in CurrituckCounty, Benson Dec. 6, the same two again Dec. 20, one at N. C. Jan. 28. (DL) and severalremained through the Greenview Farm Mar. 13 and two at Dorothea Dix winter in the Morehead City area (JF). Inland, late cattail marsh Mar. 12. In respondingto the taped calls, individuals were seen at Chapel Hill Dec. 6 (WW) and the birdsventured into openareas where they were easily Jan. 9 at Raleigh(DG, DM). At OkefenokeeN. W. R. 540 seen. White Ibis were recorded in a late-winter census Feb. 23 (WM). WhistlingSwans were seenin increasednumbers S HOREBIRDS -- A Long-billed Curlew waspresent in the Regionagain this season,continuing an apparent until Dec. 21 at Morehead City, (EL) and another was upward trend; some wintered as far s. as Savannah, seennear CharlestonMar. 27 (PN). A Solitary Sandpiper Sylvania, Thomaston and Atlanta, Ga. A small white was unusually early near Thomasville, Ga. Feb. 24 goosebelieved to be a Ross'was present at Reidsville,N. (RLC). More than 100 Purple Sandpiperswere noted C. from late Januarythrough the end of the period (EB). Dec. 7 on the Charleston harbor jetties (TB), and Up to 16,000Snow Geese were present at Pea 1. N. W. R. "hundreds" of Am. Avocets were seen in the harbor there in late Decemberalong with 8000 Canada Geeseand large Dec. 13 (L J, TF). A large flock of at least100 avocets was

706 American Birds, June, 1976 also seenat Morris I. near CharlestonDec. 2 (CL) and a were seenFeb. I near Charleston(SG, HL) and another like numberat SavannahRiver N. W. R. Jan. 10 (JD). at Augusta Jan. 22 (CB). A Wilson'sWarbler showedup Least Sandpiperswintered inland at Raleigh (RH) and in downtown Atlanta Mar. 6 and remained there through Clemson (HL), and a Dunlin remained at the latter the end of the period (JL). location until mid-December (SG, HL). At the end of the period two Baird's Sandpiperswere seenat Charleston FRINGILLIDS -- A Painted Bunting was seenDec Mar 29 (PN). 24 at Morehead City (JF) and another Jan. 25 at Brunswick,Ga. (JW). An Indigo Bunting was present GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS -- White-wingedgulls Jan. 6-12 at Long Beach, N. C. (ST), and a Dickcisselwas madenews in the Carolinasthis winter beginning with the seenDec. 2 at WrightsvilleBeach (CW, PW). Althoughit sightingof an Iceland Gull at Cape Point on Hatterasl., was far from a record-breakingseason for winter finches, N C Nov. 22(BW;photo).OnJan. 17five Glaucousand EveningGrosbeaks were fairly abundantin the Region, three Iceland Gulls were found at that location among as were Pine Siskins. Especiallynoteworthy was the thousands of Herring, Great Black-backed and Ring- report of 24 Pine Grosbeaksseen at Clemmons, N.C near billed Gulls groundedon the beachby bad weather(JHu). Winston-Salem Mar. 27 (GG, MG, J•de RS). A Corn Elsewhere a Glaucous was found dead on the Beaufort- Redpoll was a rare feedervisitor at Winston-Salem Feb Morehead City causewayMar. 4 (JF; *N.C.S.M.), and 13-26(fide RS), and a White-wingedCrossbill turned up anotherwhite-winged gull of uncertainidentity, probably at a feederin RaleighDec. 17 (MB). Red Crossbillswere a smallGlaucous, was present for nearlya monthon the seenin scatteredareas in smallnumbers, indicating only a Pamhco R. near Aurora, N. C. (m.ob.). An Iceland Gull light influx of that species.A very unusual inland in second-yearplumage was seenat CharlestonFeb. 15 occurrencefor a Savannah(Ipswich) Sparrow was (DF), and another was reported inland at L. Hartwell recordedat BelewsCreek L. in Forsyth County, N C Feb 3-8 (HL). wherean individualwas well studiedFeb. 5 (FB, RS) The Inland appearancesof Bonaparte'sGulls were noted at bird was found in the companyof SavannahSparrows Clark Hill Reservoir, L. Hartwell and Raleigh's L. and Snow Buntings.A Tree Sparrowmade an uncom- Wheeler during the December-March period, and an mon winter appearanceat Winston-Salemwhere it was unusual inland occurrence of a Great Black-backed Gull observedseveral times at ReynoldsPark Feb. 9-13 (CF, was noted at Winston-SalemJan. 17 (CF). Most RS). Georgia sightingsof Lincoln's Sparrows were observers who went to see the Pamlico River white- recordedin late Januarynear Brunswick(CH) and Mar w•ngedgull also reportedseeing an imm. Black-headed 21 at Atlanta (TM). The specieswas also noted at Gull which lingeredin the vicinity of Hudles Cut ferry Charlestonwhere an individualwas regularly seen at a landingduring most of February.Reports of alcidsin the feederthrough the season(PN) and anotherwas seenat Region this winter were of two Doviekies seen on the Magnolia GardensFeb. 17 (EF). Bodie-Pea Island CBC Dec. 30 and a Razorbill found Acknowledgement ElizabethTeulings assisted in dead at HuntingtonBeach, S.C. Jan. 9 (FP, MBa). the preparationof this report. CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS Stanley DOVES THROUGH PIPITS -- Two Ground Doves Alford, Robert L. Anderson, Fran Baldwin, Mike Bara were locally unusualnear Forsyth, Ga. Feb. 4 (T J). Two (MBa), Sid Baynes,Ted Beckett,Clarence Belger,Jim noteworthyfinds in the Charlestonarea werea Scissor- Berry, W. D. Brame, Mike Browne, Ed Burroughs, tailed FlycatcherDec. 16(DF) and a Burrowing Owl Dec. Nelson Chadwick, Jay Carter, Robin Carter, John E 30 (PN). Single late-lingering Ruby-throated Hum- Cely, Robert L. Crawford, Phil Crutchfield, Eugene mingb•rds were seen in the coastal area near Atlantic Cypert,A1 Dawson,John Davis, Harriet DiGioia, Wally Beach,N. C. Dec. 6 (.IF) andat Mt. Pleasant,S.C. Jan Dreyfoos,John Eadie, Steve Everhart,Ted Ford, Dennis 19 (GH). A Bewick'sWren and a Long-billedMarsh Forsythe, Ed Farrar, Oliver Ferguson,Charles Frost, Wren were reported to have overwintered in the John Fussell, Sidney Gauthreaux, Gardner Gldley, Townville, S. C. area(H L), whileelsewhere early arriving Margaret Gidley, Donna Goodwin, Robert Hader, Jack HouseWrens were noted at Winston-SalemFeb. 29 (CF). Hagan, Grayson Hanahan, John S. Hardwick, Joe Red-breasted Nuthatches, although apparently Hudick (JHu), Chuck Hunter, LegareJohnson, Terry widespread, were generally less common than most Johnson,Mark Jones, Dorothy Lapeyre,Curt Laffin, observersexpected after their strong early showing Jim Lane, JoshuaA. Lee, Edmund LeGrand, Harry during the fall period. They were, however,abundant LeGrand, Carl Leibrandt, Merrill Lynch, Chris Marsh, throughout the winter at Southern Pines (JC) and Darryl Moffett, WendellMetzen, Frank Moore, Terry Clemson(H L). A Sprague'sPipit wasa rarefind at South Moore, Jim Mulholland, Perry Nugent, Clark Olson, Carolina'sSantee N. W. R. Feb. 21 (PN et al.). JamesF. Parnell, Jim Pullman, FrederickProbst, Bruce and Anne Reynolds, Kay Sisson, Wendell Smith, VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- Raleigh observers Ramona Snavely,John Swiderski,Sam Tipton, Helene •ndicatedthat SolitaryVireos, Black-and-white Warblers Tetrault, Mike Tove, CharlotteWaggett, Phil Waggett, and a PrairieWarbler were present throughout the winter William Wagner, Joe Webster, Gall Whitehurst, Bill •n that area (RH, CO, JM), and an Orange-crowned Williams, Pat Young. Abbreviations:*, Specimen, Warbler was a regular feeder visitor there December - N.C.S.M., North Carolina State Museum ROBERT March (fide RH). Januarysightings of one,possibly two, P. TEULINGS, Route 2, Box 154, Chapel Hill, N. C Cape May Warblerswere noted at Durham (WBD, RC, 27514. SA), and elsewhere out-of-season Blackburnian Warblers were seenat Macon, Ga., Jan. 2 (fide HDiG) and Brunswick,Ga., Jan. 25 (JW). Two PrairieWarblers

Volume 30, Number 3 707 FLORIDA REGION optimum comparisons).In order to evaluate low counts of birds in the Tallahassee Division for 1975-76, /Henry M. Stevenson December-March, the speciesinvolved were compared with their relative abundance for the same months in The pattern of departuresfrom averagetemperature 1974-75. A poor performance in 1975-76 only was this winter was almost ideal for determining correlations assumed to be due to the change in coverage, but between temperature and the geographic origin of subnormal abundance in both winters was deemed wintering birds. October was mild, November only significant.The usual breakdownof the data into Leon slightly above normal, December well below normal, and County and the coastal counties provided 8 months of January very cold. (Probably an eight-weeksaverage record for most species.In most instances,only those speciesthat were well below normal in 7 of the 8 months CENTRALSOUTHERN are included here unless other qorkers (*) considered them low also. The following speciesproved low in all 8 M% LL_ DIVISION c•..• OCEAN months: *Gadwall, *Pintail, Black Vulture, *Cedar • ' •Ia.anassee' • . . •S• John Waxwing, * Palm Warbler, Red-wingedBlackbird, Other -• • LiveOaK • ß specieswere low in 7 months (7 7= only 7 months of record): Black Duck (7/7'), Wood Duck (7/7*), St.•o•ge 1• O•gJ'•tDtt•l• PEN • •oylenO •$ach ß Hooded Merganser Brown Thrasher, E. Bluebird, Golden-crownedKinglet (7/7), and Chipping Sparrow. I Or,a.? Low in 6 months were the *Mallard, *Ruddy Duck, Hermit Thrush, and *Yellow-rumped Warbler. Three •. Pemrsburg• ...... • - additional speciesmostly or entirely restricted to the •rasota• • Sebri• g PEN.L.•eeehebee coastalcounties were decidedlylow there: Brown Pelican, GUlFOF MEXICO FortMyers• ' • • •ach• Palm ßAm. Goldeneye, Black Skimmer. - •nibel Is.• Fort ...... Swamp•Lauderdale• WESTERN SPECIES -- Although comparisonsare not readily available, the 16 speciesin this report that l consideressentially western in origin is thought to be an • • t•as Key. •Flaminge: unusuallyhigh number. Among them are the first Black- throated Sparrow known to Florida and the first Say's FLORIDA• LOWER•;gp,,,•/KEYS • x•ido Bar Phoebe proven to occur here.

LOONS AND GREBES -- A Red-throated Loon from late Decemberthrough early February would prove the lowest in many years in north Florida). Could most (possiblytwo) wasseen at St. Marks Light Dec. 13 (Ath. and SteveStedman). Two of the Eared Grebesreported at speciesbe expected to "decide"where to winterduring the Melbourne Beach last fall remained to Dec. 27 (MCB), normal time of their southwardmigration (the mild fall) and one remainedat St. Petersburguntil Mar. 6 (WB) -- or during the subsequent,more rigorouswinter? With the its fifth consecutiveyear of occurrencethere. A Least exception of the westerncomponent (if pertinent), the Grebe was reportedly found dead by a zoo attendant at determining factor appeared to be the mild fall. As in Miami Jan. 13 and discarded (EJF); there is still no other recent (though milder) winters, numbersof Green tangibleevidence of Florida occurrence. and Yellow-crowned Night Herons, White Ibis, Purple Gallinules, Laughing Gulls, and other cold-sensitive speciesincreased in north Florida, and about 25 speciesof SHEARWATERS AND CORMORANTS -- Alfred warblers spent some part of the winter months (Dec. - Bartleson found a dead Audubon's Shearwater near Vero Feb.) in some part of the Region. Some of these were Beach Mar. 4 -- a remarkably early date (*U.S.F.). An recorded farther north than ever before. observer (JB) with previous experience with Great February was relatively warm after the first week, as Cormorants reported one at Naples Jan. 6. March was believedto be(data not available).Correlating with this change, and more southerly air flow. were HERONS THROUGH FLAMINGOS -- A pair of severalquite early springarrivals, and someother species Green Herons in n. Polk County had four eggsby the nested early. The total of 56 birds killed at the WCTV early date of Mar. 20 (JBE). Severalobservers found tower in March was only moderate, and 40 of these were increased numbers of Cattle Egrets wintering in the found on the last four days (RLC). TallahasseeDivision, where the specieshas been rare in recentyears. A Black-crownedNight Heron was unusual CONTINUING DECLINES -- My field counts at Key West Jan. 4 (A JR), and a Yellow-crowned was beginningwith September1975 are not fully comparable early on Alligator Pt., Mar. 9 (JMS). The secondmid- to those made before that time, as a smaller number of winter record of the Wood Stork in Leon County was that routes (though longer ones) are now covered almost of one seennear Lake JacksonJan. 22 (JMS), and a high identicallyeach month. Some of theseroutes are entirely winter count of 85 White Ibis was made there on Dec. 5 new, some others partly so. However, these more recent (H MS). Unusual locationsfor the GlossyIbis were Stock resultscan be usedon either of two conditions.They may 1. (Lower Keys) Dec. 13 and Feb. 18 (FTH) and near St. be consideredreliable wheneverthey agreewith results PetersburgDec. 26 - Jan. 13 (CB, WB, LH). American obtained in other recent years or when they agree with Flamingosappeared widely, and once in numbers;single comments on comparative abundance made by other birds were seen throughout the period at Charlotte field workers. (Too few of the latter are yet availablefor Harbor (Charlotte Co.; MMS, Bill Sloat), and Marco 1.

708 American Birds, June 1976 (Belows),and a high count of 24 wasobtained on Jan. 19 records of the Purple Gallinule came from Gainesville -- appropriately,near Flamingo (Paul DuMont, Harvey Jan. 12 (JamesE. Horner) and Wakulla Springs(ad. & Mudd, John West). imm. throughout period; Bubas,J. B. HMS et al.). Peter Terry reportedsix Caribbean Coots at Miami, but John DUCKS -- The invasion of Fulvous Tree Ducks was Edscornpoints out that careful inspectionof most coot apparently greater than usual. Numbers ranging from 35 concentrations in the Peninsula reveals a few individuals to 100 were reported from Dunedin Beach ("Rosses"), of that type and suggeststhat thesemay well be variants Myakka River S. P. (Maces), Paynes Prairie (near of the the Am. Coot that spend their summers in the Gainesville;J H H, SteveNesbitt), near Ft. Pierce(HWK), North -- where observersare urged to watch for them. Guano L. (near St. Augustine;Steve Sutton, FWW), and 20 mi. off JacksonvilleBeach flying N Jan. 24 (JHH). SHOREBIRDS -- An Am. Golden Plover was Smallernumbers (one-four) appeared at St. Petersburg recorded on the causeway to St. George 1., Mar. 22 (LH) and Stock I. (FTH). The few Mottled Ducks at St. (JMS). Single Solitary Sandpipers (a redundancy?) George I. still are unrecordedin winter;,this year a pair wintered as far north as Lakeland and Bartow (PJF, CG, reappearedon the early date of March 28 (JMS). Rare in JBE et al.), and one reappearednear Panaceaon theearly the Lower Keys, one to four Green-wingedTeal were at date of Mar. 9 (JMS). A Willet was a rare winter visitor Key West Dec. 13 - Jan. 23 (EC, RC, FTH). Three inland near Gainesville Jan. 31 (JEC & JJC). Purple Cinnamon Teal were reported:near CorkscrewSwamp Sandpipersranged as far southas NaplesJan. 4 - Mar. 5 Dec. 26 (J. Hansen,L. Riopelle), Myakka River S. P., (Belows, MMS et al.) and Sebastian Inlet, Dec. - Jan. Feb. 3 - Mar. 26 (Maces), andat Loxahatchee N. W. R., (MCB, HWK, Ruth Troutman); the former bird was Jan. 23 (Ronald Snyderand Ned Hollenbach).Another photographed. Lakeland, earlier holding a near- Key Westrarity wasthe Ring-neckedDuck, four of which monopoly on wintering Stilt Sandpipers,had a very high remainedfrom Dec. 13to the end of the period(FTH). A migration count of at least 90 on Mar. 25 (JBE). An Harlequin Duck was at Lake Worth Dec. 25 - Feb. 1 unusual winter record was that often at Jack Island S. P., (John and Barbara Ribbles,RHP [photograph],m.ob.). Jan. 3 (HWK and RichardRoberts). A Ruff, associating Of four Oldsquaw records,two were inland and one far with dowitchers, was "carefully studied" at Sanibel l., offshore:one at St. PetersburgDec. 20 - Jan. 19(the Paul Feb. 12 (Wm. C. Russell).A N. Phalaropewas identified Engburgs,Butler Durham); L. lamonia (Leon Co.), one there on Jan. 21 (K. C. Emerson). shotby hunterDec. 20 (E HS, H MS); oneat SebringJan. 27 and Feb. 1; and two seen 38 miles off Melbourne Mar. GULLS AND TERNS -- New Smyrna Beach had 28 (JJ). Four White-wingedScoters were at Dunedin records of both Glaucous Gulls (Dec. 6, two on Jan. 3; Beach Jan. 22 (the Ken lreys), two Surf Scoters at RDB, MCB, JT) and Iceland Gulls (Feb. 1; Ath.). Lesser ReddingtonBeach Dec. 13 (LH), and a Black Scoterat Black-backed Gulls continued to increase: Port Dunedin Beach(WB & LH). Five competentobservers Canaveral Nov. 20 - Jan. 9 (RDB, JJ et al.), New Smyrna sawa MaskedDuck near Ft. LauderdaleJan. 6. A large Jan. 3 - l0 (RDB, MCB, JT), St. PetersburgDec. 20 - concentration of Red-breasted Mergansers near St. January (LH, CG, CB, DG); Key West had an adult Jan. Marks Dec. 6 was estimatedat 1500 (EHS). 14 & 20 and a second-yearbird (identifiable?)Jan. 20 (FTH).

KITES THROUGH FALCONS -- One of the few known winter records of the Swallow-tailed Kite in Florida was made at Gainesville Dec. 17 (Richard Bradley). Two more raritiesfor the Lower Keys were a Cooper's Hawk at Stock 1., Dec. I (Thompson G. Marsh), and a Red-tailed Hawk at Key West Jan. 18 (PJF). One of the Corn. Black Hawks at Virginia Key (Am. Birds, 29:962) was seen Jan. 29 (MT). Most Swainsoh's Hawks in Florida are seen south of Miami and on the Keys, but one was seen in s.w. Charlotte County Jan. 12 (MMS). Single Golden Eagles were reported from. e. Orange County Feb. 20-28 (DH, JJ, RDB, Ath.). near GainesvilleJan. 4 (JEC), and one that was "attacked by vultures," captured, and caged on an Bek•her'sGull,Naples. Fla., Jan. 13, i976. Photo/Noble unknowndate in HighlandsCounty (fide HWK). Of two Proctor. reportedBald Eaglenestings, one near Hastingsfledged youngby Mar. 4 (MCD, FWW); one on CudjoeKey was S.A. probably unsuccessful(MB). Three young Ospreys fledgedon SummerlandKey Mar. 15 (MD). There were A Band-tailed Gull remained at Naples Jan. 5- only two reportsof PeregrineFalcons. early March (Belows, JBE, m.ob). Sykes presentedevidence, based largely on slides,that two of thesebirds were present. In additionto the CRANES THROUGH COOTS -- Eleven Sandhill differenceshe pointed out in bill and head Cranes migratingover Alligator Pt., on the late date of markings, there appeared also to be a great Dec. 12(HMS) werethought to be the largestconcentra- differencein bill size,especially thickness, leading tion known to the TallahasseeDivision. Also rarely me to wonder if some other speciesof gull with winteringon the LowerKeys is the Sora, but onewas seen similar markingsmight have beenpresent. on Boca Chica Jan. 27 (MB and RC). Northerly winter

Volume 30, Number 3 709 Two Laughing Gulls paid a rare visit to inland KissimmeeFeb. 8 indicatedby actionsthat their nestwas Gainesville Dec. 1-28 (JEC & JJC). Bonaparte's Gull, already occupied(J BE), and White-breastedNuthatches previouslyrare in Leon County in January, increasedthis werefeeding young in thenest in n. LeonCounty Mar 30 year --- six at L. JacksonJan. 11 (NOW) and eight at the (NOW). sewagedisposal ponds Jan. 18 (GEM); other increases were numbers up to 30 at Key West Jan. 1 - 18 (FTH) and M1MIDS, THRUSHES, PIPITS -- Some of my 50 near Miami Dec. 26 (JMK). Associatingwith this previousreports have mentioned anomalous migrations species,a Little Gull was identified 10 mi. off Canaveral of Gray Catbirds.This species' fall migrationnormally Jan 25 (JJ). A Roseate Tern was reported off Cape ends by early Novemberhere and the springmigration Canaveralon the early date of Mar. 29 (JJ), but excellent beginsby mid-April. However, a muchearlier movement details were provided for a winter record at Key West in s. Florida someyears may have sent a few early (Jan. 5, AJ R). Also rare in winter, two Bridled Terns were individuals to the Tallahassee Division. In 1976 three seen off Canaveral Dec. I (JJ). An early date for the areas regularly covered throughout fall and winter Sooty Tern on the Upper Keyswas Mar. 24 at Tavernier suddenlyhad one or twocatbirds Feb. 1 &7 (GEM), Feb (JCO). 8 (GEM), and in my yard Feb. 18 to date. Further obfuscatingthe picture,a catbirdwas felled at the WCTV CUCKOOS, ANIS, NIGHT JARS -- All field marks tower Jan. 14 (RLC). A very early Wood Thrush wasat were observed on a Black-billed Cuckoo that came St. George1., Mar. 17 (HMS & JMS), and a Sprague's aboard a boat off Canaveral Mar. 26 -- ten days earlier Pipit wascollected on the causeway to that islandMar 22 than any other Florida record (3J). Tavernier had a (JMS). w•nter record of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo Jan. 30 (JCO & SS). Smooth-billed Anis expanded their range northward both inland and on the West Coast; one wasat VIREOS AND BANANAQUITS -- A Yellow- throated Vireo remainedat Key West Jan. 31 - Feb ! 1 GainesvilleDec. 2 (Dorothy Baer), two at VeniceMar. 2 (FTH, WG), where it rarely winters; early ind•wduals (Blanche Mink, MD et al.), and one to three at St. PetersburgMar. 20 - Apr. 2 (LH). A Chuck-will's-widow werefound at CapeCanaveral (dead; RDB, DH) andon the WithlacoocheeR. (near Lakeland), both on Mar 6 was early in n. Gadsden County Mar. 10 (GEM), and (JBE). Two early Red-eyedVireos were also at the latter s•ngle Ruby-throated Hummingbirds wintered as far north as JacksonvilleDec. 17-18 (MCD)and Jan. 8 (same locality on the same date (JBE). Hollywood had a b•rd, VMM). Rufous Hummingbirds appeared at BananaquitFeb. 10 - 19 (Helen Laemle,PWS et al ) Gmnesvilleagain Jan. 29-Feb. 20 (Ann H. Little, JHH) and for the first time at kakeland Mar. 19-20 (m.ob., WARBLERS -- Very unusualwere two winterrecords photographed).A completeaccount of the latter species' of the Prothonotary Warbler -- Jan. 22 near Palmdale occurrencein Florida will appear in an early issueof the (Carole Cobourn, RHP) and Jan. 24 at O'Leno S P Florida Field Naturalist. (SuwanneeCo.; ElizabethBall & JoyceWilliams) The same Palmdale observershad a Blue-winged Warbler WOODPECKERS AND FLYCATCHERS -- Two associatingwith the Prothonotary,other wintering Blue- Pfieated Woodpeckerswere near the edge of their range wingedswere found near Barrow Dec. 27 - January(PJF at Tavernier Mar. I (MB), and one was incubatingnear et al.) and at Key West Jan. 31 (FTH). A Tennessee Tallahasseeas early as Mar. 28 (HMS). Edscornpoints Warbler at the WCTV tower was very late on Dec 2 out that the record of the putative Golden-fronted (RLC). Northerly winter records also involved a Yellow Woodpeckerin Florida has now beenfollowed by four or Warbler near AuburndaleJan. 4 (JBE) and a CapeMay five other xanthic (yellow-crowned)Red-bellies. Two Warblerat Merritt 1.,Mar. 4 (JJ), althoughthe latter may species of flycatchers were removed from Florida's have been a very early migrant. A Black-throated Green Hypothetical List by clear photographs.A Loggerhead Warblerwintered at Mandarin(near Jacksonville) Dec 3 Kingbird appearedat Miami Mar. 7-14 (Robert Pittell, - Mar. 4 (PeggyPowell) and possiblyat TitusvilleMar 9 - mob.) and waswell photographed(*WJ B, to T.T.). Also, 19 (RDB; early migrant?). Another record of a Pine a Say'sPhoebe remained at Apopka until Jan. 14(m.ob.; Warbler came from Big Pine Key, where there •s no *Ath., to T.T.), and there is somequestion as to whether residentpopulation, Jan. 10(EC & RC); a pair in n Leon one seen20 mi. ENE on the 16th(Becky Payne and Betty County had young in the nest as early as March 30 K•ng) wasthe samebird. A few Great CrestedFlycatchers (NOW). A PrairieWarbler near L. JacksonJan. 22 (JMS • n late February in the Tampa area, and at Lakeland Feb. et al.) constituted the first winter record for inland Leon 21 (JBE), were consideredearly arrivals, but the species County; an early oneappeared on St. George1., Mar 17 w•ntersalmost, if not quite, that far north. Recordsof the (H M S & J M S). A very early LouisianaWaterthrush was very rare Wied's Crested Flycatcher were made at at the WithlacoocheeR., Feb.29 (JBE),and a Mourning lslamorado Jan. 5 (A JR) and in s. Dade County Jan. 15- Warblerwas at Ft. LauderdaleJan. 2-6 (Ath., m.ob), the Mar (JMK). Any wintering Empidonax in north or c. latter is one of Florida'srarest warblers. Wintering Florida is of interest;one at Titusville Feb. 14 (RDB) was Wilson's Warblers were chronicled at Gainesville Dec 16 not identified as to species.An early E. Wood Pewee (JHH) and Mar. 5 (RP; samebird?) and Jacksonvalle reached n. Leon County by Mar. 30 (NOW). Nov. 14 - Mar. 21 (MCD; photographed).

SWALLOWS AND NUTHATCHES -- Early BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS -- The recordsinvolved a few Purple Martins at Vero BeachJan. only Yellow-headed Blackbird was reported from 15 (Patrick B. Lyons)and a Barn Swallowat CedarKey OchopeeFeb. I (MT). A N. Oriolewas very early on St Mar 23 (JHH). Possiblyinfluenced by weeksof warm Georgel., Mar. 2 (JMS et al.); winteringbirds considered weather, a pair of Brown-headed Nuthatches near "Bullock's"were seenagain at Mrs. Frank Stoutam•re's

710 AmericanB•rds, June, 1976 feeder in Tallahassee (dates?) and one netted, banded, Clay-colored Sparrow was "carefully studied"at Lake and photographedat HomesteadFeb. 5 (EJF). About 20 Worth Jan. 15 (RP). White-crowned Sparrowswintered Brewer's Blackbirds were seen 12 mi. n. of Homestead in small numbers at three locations near Tallahassee Jan. 24 (lan Nisbet). A 9 Stripe-headedTanager wasat (GEM. JMS et al.), and a Lapland Longspur was Ft. Lauderdale Dec. II - Jan. 6 (WG, WJB), and W. collected at St. George I., Jan. 31 (JMS, *T.T.). Tanagers near Tampa Jan. 3 (JBE, DG) and Ft. Lauderdale Dec. 17 - Mar. 21 (Ann Buckley, Ted CORRIGENDUM -- A. W. Grebe photographedat Hendrickson, PWS, m.ob.). A Summer Tanager Tampa in May 1975 was referred to (Am. Birds, 29:840) wintered near L. Wales (CG et al.). as the "only extant proof of record.. in Florida." More recently1 have learnedthat the Jacksonvillebird of 1965 GROSBEAKS AND BUNTINGS -- WinteringRose- was also photographed, but the fact seemsnot to have breastedGrosbeaks were seenat Homestead,a male Dec. been publicizedat that time. 28 and a femaleJan. 24 (EJF), at Sarasota Dec. 23 - end of period (Maces), and four throughout the period near Wabasso (fide MCB). A Blue Grosbeak was seen near OBSERVERS (Area editors in boldface) -- Brooks AuburndaleDec. 26 - 28 (JBE et al.) and a pair from mid- and Lynn Atherton (Ath.), Chas. Burman, Jim Berry, March into April near Ft. Pierce(fide HWK). A late or Margaret Brown, Margaret C. Bowman, Roberl D. winteringIndigo Buntingwas on Alligator Pt. Dec. 12 Barber, Wesley Biggs, Win. J. Bolte, Ted and Virginia (HMS), and two appearedat St. George1. on the early Below, Eric Cooper, JesseE. Connor, Jack, J. Connor, date of Mar. 17 (HMS & JMS; 1*, T.T.). Winter records Ruth Cooper, Robert L. Crawfor, Mary C. Davidson, of singleDickcissels were made at RockledgeFeb. I I Mary Dennis, John B. Edscorn, Erma J. Fisk, Paul J. (Helen Cruickshank),Merritt 1., Dec. 23 -25 (JJ), Coral Fellers,Chas. Geanangel,Dave Goodwin, Wally George, GablesDec. l0 (JMK), and GainesvilleMarch 2 (RP). Dan Heathcote, Frances T. Hames, John H. Hinter- mister, Larry Hopkins, Johnnie Johnson, Herbert W. FINCHES AND SPARROWS -- A Purple Finch Kale, Gail E. Menk,Virginia M. Markgraf, Donald and seen at lslamorado Jan. 16 (JCO) and previouslyis Grace Mace, John C. Ogden,Robert Pepenning,Ray H. probably the southernmostFlorida record. The Lark Plockelman, Jr., Alan J. Ryff, Ernest H. Stevenson,Jas. Sparrow, rare on the Keys,was seen at Key West March M. Stevenson,Malcolm M. Simons, Ruth Simons, Paul 21 - 28 (FTH). A more detailed account of Florida's first W. Sykes, John Treadway, Mark Trafton, Jr., Fred W. Black-throated Sparrow, found at Tallahassee Feb. 4 Wetzel, Noel O. Warner. Other abbreviations and (GEM), has been submittedto this journal for later syrnbols-- U.S.F., Univ. of S. Fla.; T.T., Tall Timbers publication;the bird wascollected Feb. 8 (HMS, *T.T.). ResearchStation; *, collectedspecimen or photograph - A Dark-eyedJunco, caughtand bandedat Ft. Myers HENRY M. STEVENSON, Tall Timbers Research Dec. 13, wasunusually far south(the Jalmar Nelsons).A Station, Route 1, Box 160, Tallahassee, Florida 32303.

ONTARIO REGION 10th, but the surgeof early migrantsmainly appearedin /Clive E. Goodwin the record-breakingwarmtI• of the last week. There were so many that listing them would be both tedious and a wasteof space.Toronto had about 15species that arrived It was a severe,cold winter, contrastingsharply with early in this period, and the story is almostidentical for the astonishinglymild seasonjust a year before.Some areasto the southand westwith largeflights of blackbirds meteorologistssuggest that we are entering a period of great variability in weather, and the topsy-turvyweather / HUDSONBAY/ in the past few yearsseems to confirm their views.The AN/ •/inisk •ape HenrmttaMar•a seasonwas variable in itself,with an exceptionallymild spell in February which brought March migrantsa full month ahead of their normal arrival dates. However, the seasonwas more noteworthyfor its cold than its warmth, and by the middleof Decemberrecord-low temperatures NTARIO were being set in northern Ontario. Lake • QUE. The early winter had its usualshare of birdsthat hung Nipigon Hearst Coch• on past normal migrationdeparture times, but relatively •..... 0 ß e • few warrant special comment, and apart from the Southwest,by the time Christmas Bird Count time had rolled around possiblyfewer than normal remained.The severeweather of January seemedto eliminate most of these,and the later winter wasvery quiet. As in previous years, this report will not repeat CBC data unless particularly noteworthy. fountø•o., , • N.ß Y February23 sawthe beginningof a periodof verymild weather which lasted until the end of the month and which evenbrought crocusesinto bloom in Toronto. The PA. month had been warmer than average from about the OHIO

Volume 30, Number 3 711 and goodnumbers of waterfowlcomprising the bulk of were reported north to Manitoulin Dec. 13 (CB) and the reports.Woodcock were even active on territory on MeafordJan. 22 (MG) anda bird inlandat Peterborough Feb 25 at Ancaster(RC) and Feb. 28 at Komoka(WRJ). Dec. 11 (DMcR); a goodearly count wasof I 10 Hamilton Many northernbirds movedout at the sametime. Feb. 20 (RC, AW et el.). A late Surf Scoter was at Winter returned at the beginning of March with Kingston Dec. 27 (AEB) and a Black Scoter was on the unusual cold, and the month was characteristically Niagara R. to Jan. 25 (m.ob.). The peak Cornwall area unsettled with snow and a severe ice storm on Mar. 2-3 numbersfor Com. Merganserswere over5000 in January which crippled the Southwest and must have been (AB). devastatingto many birds. In spiteof this early arrivals continuedto be reportedin the milderspells, and another HAWKS, EAGLES Goshawknumbers were about warm periodcommencing on March 22 carriedthe early average,with some twenty birds reported over the period arrivals further north and east, with 13 record-early Sharp-shinnedand Cooper'sHawks yielded about 30 speciesreported from Manitoulin-Sudbury(fide JN) and reportseach, almost all from southernregions and again early reportsfrom North Bay, Virginiatownand Ottawa aboutaverage. Red-taileds were in ratherlow numbersin (HP, PWR, RAF), in addition to newcomersin areas the traditional areas,although Malton trappingyielded further south. In summaryit can be saidthat in the south 25 over the period(JAM) and the 17 on the BarfieCBC most of the regular March migrants appeared in was high (fide CJM). An all-white bird was presentin Februaryand many speciesthat normallyarrive in April VaughnTwp. for the fifth consecutivewinter (GB, AD), were seen in March! and a bird at EspanolaFeb. 7 may have beena very early migrant (JN). The real migration came at the end of LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Scattered Com. March when Beamer Pt. recorded 800 Red-taileds and a Loonswere recorded north to Wiarton Jan. 15 (PM) and most encouraging397 Red-shouldereds,with the peak inland a bird Dec. 1 at Peterboroughwas the latest-ever movementMar. 24-26 (fide RC). Kingstonhad a late there (DMcR). An Arctic Loon was picked up by Red-shoulderedHawk Dec. 21 (MHE et el.) and there Ministry of Natural Resourcespersonnel at LindsayDec. were somefourteen wintering reportsfrom further west 20 and later released(fide JM). Five Red-throatedLoons along the lakes. A moderateRough-legged Hawk flight werereported: they includeda bird inlandat PuslinchL., had the heaviestconcentration in the Malton area, where Nov 27-28 (WHS, CAC) and oneat Hamiltonas late as numbersbuilt up from 17 at the end of October and 20 at Jan 18 (JC, JH, PW). KempenfeltBay had five Red- the end of Novemberto a peak of 54 on Dec. 30 (JAM) necked Grebes Dec. 7 (DS) and the 35 Horned Grebes There were only half a dozen on Wolfe and Amherst Is there, Dec. 14, were a good count (CJM, EAW). This (fiae RDW). specieswas exceptionallywidespread along the lower Algonquin Park was again the centre for Golden Great Lakes during December,and therewere very many Eagles, although it did not repeat its phenomenal early reports.Pied-billed Grebes also featured in the early numbersof other speciesthis year: up to four birdswere influx, with other noteworthy sightingsat Listowel Dec. presentin late January (RP et al.). ElsewhereGoldens 31 (M & JVD) and Kingston Feb. 15 (RDW). A Double- were seenat BethanyDec. 24 (D P), PeleeDec. 24 (J P K et crestedCormorant was at Hamilton Jan. 2 (CE). There al.), BurlingtonMar. 7 (WS, BW et al.) and OttawaMar was only a scatteringof Great Blue Herons:one late bird 27 (MB). Someeleven Bald Eagleswere reported with as inland was at New Hamburg Jan. 30 (DAS et el.). many as four in the Stratford area (GGi). Wolfe I did have a Gyrfalcon Dec. 21 (FP et al.) and another was at SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Whistling Swanswere Whitby Jan. 21 (EP et al.). A remarkablefive Peregrine both late and early:at Shrewsburythere were 219 Dec. 2 reports along the lower Great Lakes conceivablycould (GB) and returning birds were back in late February, havebeen one wide-ranging bird. Therewere six Merlins followingtheir patternof recentyears of spreadingwidely the Thunder Bay bird, long a regularin winter there,and in small flocks to feed in fields. Twelve were north to others south to Waterloo County. Mamtoulin I., Mar. 23 (E & GG). Canada Geesealso moved in numbersfrom Feb. 24 on (m.ob.). Late geese GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Sharp- were a Brant at Kingston Dec. 4 (MHE, RR) and four tailed Grouse were recorded at Atikokan Feb. 7 (SP) Snow Geeseat Port Royal Dec. 5 (GB). There were the Virginia Rails are rare at Thunder Bay so the one on usual dabbling duckswintering in favouredplaces along Mission I. Nov. 22 (WZ) was noteworthy. Erieau had the Lower Lakes:most species could be found in onesand over 700 Am. Coots on Dec. 2 (GB), a high countfor such twos Elsewhere Green-winged Teal were north to a late date. Shorebirdsyielded some surprisinglylate Mlndemoya Dec. 13 (CB), and the late March push dates: Killdeer at Kingston Jan. 27 (K.F.N.) and brought Pintail, Gadwall, Canvasbackand Redheadto Peterborough Jan. 28 (DMcR); an Am. Woodcock at the Manitoulin area (CB, JN, DF). There were three Bronte Dec. 31 (AW, M J, BW); a Purple Sandpiperat Redheadsin Colpoy Bay to Jan. 29 (LR, PM) and a good Toronto Dec. 14 and a Dunlin there Dec 17 (JAK); a Red count of 380 at Whitby Dec. 7 (DC). The only"regular" Phalarope at Niagara-On-The-Lake Dec. 21 (AES, Barrow's Goldeneyenow remaining is the Ottawa bird, ARC) with earlier birdsat Cobourg (ERM) and Toronto which was presentthoughout (fide RAF) but another (HK). March arrivals includeda Dunlin at SimcoeMar bird was at Meaford Jan. 20 (MG et el.) and a bird at 23 (H & SI) and a SpottedSandpiper at Wroxeter Mar PeterboroughMar. 11 could have beena possiblehybrid 29 (DR). from the descriptiongiven (GC). Harlequin Ducks were presentat Oakvilleand Toronto throughout(m. ob.), one GULLS -- Glaucous Gulls were again in good at Fort Erie to earlyJanuary (HHA et el.) and a bird at numbers and particularly widespread. Highest single Darlington P.P., Feb. 28 (GC). The only King Eider seen counts were 15 Ottawa, 13 Sudburyand 12 Burlington wasat Ottawa Dec. 3 (RMP, BD). White-wingedScoters with smallernumbers in manyother locations from Lake

712 American Birds, June, 1976 Huron southalong the lower Great Lakes.The datesare and KeeneJan. 4-28 (m. ob.)and Great Graysat Paudash intriguing, as Ottawa and Sudbury had peaks in L., Feb. 21 ( R & EL, P & JW) and MasseyDec. 20 and December, L. Ontario numberspeaked as usualin the Feb. 4 (fide KM). The latter bird was feeding on a cat earlyNew Year,and numbers seemed to declineafter that which it was believedto havekilled. Most noteworthyof except at Marathon, the only L. Superior station severalBarred Owl reports wasfrom Vaughn Twp , Feb reporting,which had eight on Mar. 28 and 17on Mar. 31 8 (AD, GB). Ottawa had a Long-earedOwl Feb. 8 and a (NE), probably return migration. The lceland Gull Short-eareda week later (SiG, StG); both speciesare rare pattern was rather different: most areas had good there, but widespreadin small numbers in their more numbers in December but the Toronto peak was in normal winter haunts. Four Boreal Owls and the same February and one of the largestcounts ever for this number of Saw-whets were seen: southernmost of the specieswas 26 in the Morrisburgarea Feb. 9 (AB). Snyder Borealswas a bird at Claireville,Feb. 8 (AS,f/de GWh) held that the L. Ontario Icelands are chiefly kumlieni, although few ever have the grey wing tips sometimes WOODPECKERS There were scattered Red- presentin this race;however, several of the Toronto birds bellied Woodpeckerreports; one at a feederin Whitevale th•syear showed grey in the wingtips (AW, CEG), which from Dec. 9 (JK, JM, m.ob.) and another in Barrie, Dec createdsome confusion with an ad. Thayer's Gull which 6 - Jan.4, (CJM) wereoutside the species'limited range •n was also present,but which had black wing tips (DEP, the Province. Red-headedWoodpeckers wintered north JL) Unusual springreports of lcelandsaway from the to Hope Bay and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckersnorth to Lakeswere at StrathroyMar. 19(WRJ) and Ottawa Mar. Wiarton. Typically all these reports are of scattered 27 (RW). Cornwall had an astonishing1240 Great Black- individualsvisiting feeders, and it emphasizesthe impact backedGulls Jan. 11 (ABet al.) reconfirmingthis area as that the practice of winter feeding must have on some a major wintering concentrationpoint for the species. speciesthat normallydo not winterin Ontario. In the case Some scatteredreports of smallergulls were noteworthy: of largely resident birds such as the Red-bellieds and two Franklin's at Toronto Jan. 25 (DCS); 12 Bonaparte's Tufted Titmice, feeders may be a major key •n at Cobourg Dec. 5 (ERM) and one at London Dec. 18 maintaining the species'sometimes tenuous hold •n the (GM), a Little Gull at QueenstonJan. 1 (FMR) and a Province. Black-leggedKittiwake at Hamilton Dec. 26 (JBM). There wasa light three-toedwoodpecker flight: maybe a dozen Northerns and a few more Black-backeds or perhapsreporters have ceasedmentioning,the latter• SouthernmostNorthern reportswere from Peterborough (RD) and Palgrave (VT). DOVES Mourning Doves continue to establishthemselves as a wintering species.Good numbers were reported at feedersnorth and eastto LARKS THROUGH TITMICE -- Eighteen Horned Stratford, Waterloo and Toronto; however, 150 at Larks were on Sudbury Downs from Jan. 17 on (CB) A Ottawa Jan. 1 (RT et al.) wasa record high there, light flight of Gray Jays penetratedsouth and west to and particularly noteworthy. According to R. King Twp., and Presqu'ileP. P., and about 20 birds•n all Alison, winterersare principallyyoung birds, and were reported. A Black-billed Magpie wintered at tend to be very susceptibleto frozen feet. Their Atikokan (S P). Common Ravenscontinue to presssouth gradual expansion from the cornfieldsof south- and west in winter with birds to Coilingwood Feb 22 western Ontario into colder and less hospitable (DS) and Mara Twp., Jan. 4 (AM, CH, CJM). areasof the Provincemay reflectthe evolutionof a The big movement of Black-capped Chickadees hardier, northern breed of this species. continued into early December in the Mornsburg- Cornwall area, with flocks numberinginto thousandsof The incredible fall influx of southwesternspecies birds moving east on a three-mile front (AB, JVR, SF, continuedinto early winter.Ontario's first White-winged EM). It was a good chickadee winter in the south, Dove wasfound at Albany in 1942and its secondwas a although many observers noted an exodus •n late b•rd at Belleville,Dec. 14-19,which wasvisiting a feeder February (GB et al.). Boreal Chickadees were and was photographed(RSM). It seemedunlikely that widespread:there were at least 14 birds reported, from the bird was an escapee,but the Collared Dove at a Thunder Bay south to London and east to Kingston, K•tchener feeder Jan. 8-11 (fide NC) likely was one; wherethere were four on Feb. 28 alone (fide RDW) Th•s however, in the light of the strangeseason and this also representsthe latest date the specieswas reported spemes'history of expansionselsewhere its occurrence Pairs of Tufted Titmice wintered at Oakville (DRG), seemsworth noting. Ancaster (RC) and Windsor (fide AHK).

OWLS -- A Barn Owl was found dead at Listowel in NUTHATCHES THROUGH KINGLETS A December(M & JVD). Six injured ScreechOwls were White-breastedNuthatch was at Nym L. from Dec 25, handledby theOwl RehabilitationResearch Foundation and Red-breasted Nuthatches were in good numbers over the period, and they had six Great Horneds there (SP); however, they were scarceelsewhere and (KMcK); 15 birds of this specieswere live-trappedat virtually absentin AlgonquinP. P. (fide RP). Carohna Malton Airport and released elsewhere (JAM). A Wrens were north and east to Paudash L. Dec 28-31 moderate Snowy Owl flight occurred:high counts were (JW) and at Millbrook throughout(HW); thereare some 25 at Ottawa, 15 on Wolfe 1. and 11 at Toronto, but most suggestionsthat the populationto the southfared badly of the widespreadreports were of individuals.It wasnot over the winter. Simcoe County's first successfulBrown an outstandingyear for other owls.Hawk Owls wereseen Thrasher wintering was a bird at Barrie throughout at Atikokan Feb. 10 (SP), EspanolaDec. 18-20(CB, JN) (H It). A HermitThrush at MississagiLight, Mar. 27, was

Volume 30, Number 3 713 a full two weeks earlier than the previousrecord (JN). Blackbirdswintered north to Marathon, wherethree Three and possiblyfour more Townsend'sSolitaires were specieswere seen at feeders, Brown-headed Cowbirds seen:two at Toronto, one from Dec. 8 for about a week survivingto at least Feb. 27 (NE). Enormousblackbird (JR et al.) and anotherMar. 11 for a few days(SB, fide numberswere recordedfrom late February. GB); a bird at ArtcasterFeb. 16 (SW); and one at Cedar SpringsMar. 25 (KJB). All this from a speciesthat had FINCHES -- The Cardinal successstory continues. beenseen half a dozentimes in the Provinceprior to 1975! Ottawa had its bestwinter ever with at least 13 at feeders, Kingston had at least 26, there were over 34 at Meaford P1P1TS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- Several and 8 on Manitoulin I. Even the Lakehead had one, with Water Pipitswere seen in December,all eclipsedby the45 a bird at Vickers Heights to Mar. 14 ( C & HR). Winter at Rondeau Dee. 2 (GB). The last of the exotics from the finches offered the usual mixture of abundance and scarcity. Evening Grosbeakswere present in small to moderate numbers throughout and were particularly common in eastern Ontario during the early winter. Purple Finches were virtually absent, with only a few smallflocks reported. Pine Grosbeaks,on the otherhand, stagedone of their better movementsduring December and January,with flocks of up to 80 birdsas far westas Waterloo, but there were few after early February. For the first time sincethe winter of 1971-2 redpollswere widespreadin large numbers, with the influx coming in late January and lasting to the end of the period. Prince Edward Pt, stagedsome kind of migrational coup with heavyredpoll migration off the Point on Jan. I (RDW, FC)! Flockswere into hundreds,although relatively few reached the Southwest. The flocks included good Phainopepla, Elgin Count.v, Ont., Dec. 29. 1975. numbersof Hoaries -- under 1% in Ottawa banding,but Photo/Marshall Field. at least 50 other reports- and a few of the distinctive Southwestwas the oddestof the lot: a Phainopeplawas "Greater"race of the Commonspecies. Both Pine Siskins found at Wallacetown Dec. 27 (RPo, MHF, LDA) and and Am. Goldfincheswere spottily distributed, very remained until about Jan. 17 (m.ob.). It was well common in some areas but thinly scattered in most photographedand is the first Canadian record. others, and with no particular pattern to the reports. Presumablythe samebird - surelythere were not two! - Crossbillswere equally scattered, but only smallnumbers yieldedtwo independent reports from London Feb. 29 - were recordedand many areas had neither species. Mar. 1, immediatelyprior to the icestorm (KCH, SCS). It wasnot an outstandingyear for winterincursives, but SPARROWS -- Until receivingAlice Kelly's report BohemianWaxwings staged one of the heaviestinvasions this summary was going to conclude that wintering of this century:it probablyequalled the flight of 1961-2 sparrows were fewer than usual, but apparently the although numbers were smaller than in the huge Southwesthad recordnumbers in someareas, particular- movementof 1958-9.Typically heaviestnumbers were in ly up to Christmas.The CBCs revealthese best, although the East althoughOttawa, which usuallyhas hundreds a Henslow'sand a Lincoln'sSparrow at Pt. PeleeDec. 3 whenthe restof usfeel lucky with onesand twos,had only (GB) were not found on the Count. In fact wintering a moderateflight. The firstreports came at thebeginning sparrownumbers are difficultto assess,as many reporters of December, and flocks of 15 to 50 birds were approach commoner winterers such as Song and White- widespreadby mid-January,with the peak numbers throated Sparrows with a rather "ho~hum"attitude,and comingtoo latefor mostof theCBCs. Perhaps a dozenof this can extendto the lessusual spedes as well. Hence the flocks reportedexceeded 100 birds,and therewere someare reported,others not. Observersto the north and sightingssouth and west at least to Hamilton and east tend to be less blase': Ottawa had its first ever Meaford. Few were seenafter early March and the last successfulRufous~sided Towhee wintering (fide RMP), was at Oakville Mar. 23 (CW). By contrast Cedar Manitoulin had a Dark-eyedJunco to Dec. 20 (JN) and Waxwingswere muchscarcer than in recentwinters. two Song Sparrowswintered (KDi), and therewere three Northern Shrikes appeared in moderate to good Tree Sparrowsat Rosslynin Januaryand February(EK). numbers: the centre of abundance seemed to be in the Everyone reports Harris' Sparrows, but only one south-centralparts of the Province,and as usualthey occurred this winter, at Meaford to Jan. 31 (MG). becamescarce in mid-winteronly to increaseagain later, Algonquinhad an early SongSparrow on Mar. 5 (RTo). whenthe Thunder Bay regionrecorded its first (fide KD). kapland Longspurswere in small numbers with Snow Somefive early LoggerheadShrikes were seen in the late Buntings,which were in very largenumbers at times.Ron March "push". Migrant Starlingsare alwaysearly: this Weir mentions "impressive flocks" at Kingston yeara birdreached Algonquin P. P. by Feb.11 (D & CM) throughout:100 of thesebirds was commonplace, several and four arrived on Manitoulin I. Feb. 21 (KDi). About flocksof over 1000were seen,and in March over 10,000 ten Yellow-rumped Warblers tried to winter: the most were estimated along four miles of road north of recklesswere birds at Kingston Feb. 24 (RDW) and Woodstock (SH). Gore'sLanding to Jan. 10 (ERM), wherea N. Oriolewas If the above accountdoes not includeyour favorite also seen Dec. 17 (NM). Ron Scovell's Ovenbird at sightingmaybe it arrived too late to be included. Five Thistletownfinally vanishedDec. 20. Point Peleehad a reportsarrived after the manuscript was largely complete, Louisiana Waterthrush Mar. 28 (JWi). includingone from a key reporter.The area compilers

714 AmericanBirds, June, 1976 depend on the observersto be able to get their material in J. Hughes,K.C. Hulley, H.&S. Inch, W.R. Jarmain, M. on time. If, as in this season,some reports do not arrive at Jennings,J. Kamstra,.4. H. Kelley,J..4. Kelley, H. Kerr, the compilers until almost two weeks after the season KingstonField Naturalists,J.P. Kielman,E. Knowles,J. endstheir effortsbecome hopeless. I greatlyregret having Lamey, L. de K. Lawrence, R. & E. Lewis, E. R. to omit interestingmaterial but if it arrivestoo late I have MacDonaM, C. J. MacFayden,D. & C. MacKay, N. no alternative. Many thanks to the vast majority of Martin, J. A. Mason, K. McKeever, D. McRae, E. observersand area compilerswho did get their material in Merriken, P. Middleton, J. B. Miles, A. Mills, R. S. on time, and thanks particularly to the many observers Morph), K. Morrison,J. Mountjoy,G. Muller, multiple who cannot be listed by namebut whoseobservations are observers(m.ob.), J. Nicholson, I. Park, D. Passco,E. essentialto form the broad picture of the season. Pegg,D. E. Perks,S. Peruniak,H. Petty, F. Phelan,R. Pittaway, R. Pokraka (RPo), R. M. Poulin, F. M. Rew, SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (bold face italic) CON- R. Richardson,P. W. Richter, J. Rising,D. Roberts,L. TRIBUTORS (boldface) AND OBSERVERS -- R. F. Robertson, C. & H. Rydholm, D.C. Sadler, J. A. ,4ndrle, L. D. Auckland, H. H. Axtell,`4.Bain, A. E. Bell, Satterly, W. H. Schaefer,A. E. Schaffner,D. Scott, A. C. Bell, G. Bennett, S. Bond, M. Brigham, K. J. Burk, D. Seriunas,W. Smith, S.C. Somerville,D. A. Sutherland, Calvert, C..4. Campbell, G. Carpentier, N. Chesterfield, R. Taylor,R. Tozer(RTo), V. Trojek,M. & J. Van Dyke, A. R. Clark, F. Cooke,J. Cumming,R. Curry, A. Dawe, J. Van Riet, P. Walker, E. A. Watson, R. Watt, R. D. K. Denis, B. Dilabio, K. Dinsmore(KDi), R. Dowson, •Veir,G. White (GWh), H. Williams,J. Wilson(JWi), C. M. H. Edwards,C. Escott,N. Escort,D. Ferguson,M. H. Wood, S. Wood. P. & J. Woodford,J. Woodword,A. Field, S. Findlay, R..4. Foxall, E. & G. Garrette, Simon Wormington, B. Wylie, W. Zarowski. -- CLIVE E. Gawn, StephenGawn, G. Gilbert (GGi), C. E. Goodwin, GOODWIN, II Westbank Crescent,Weston, Ontario, M. Grant,D. R. Gunn,C. Harris,S. Hastings,H. Hough, Canada, M9P IS4.

NIAGARA - CHAMPLAIN REGION

/Douglas P. Kibbe includedsingle birds grounded in Wallingford,Vt. (KU, The winter started innocuously enough with a PU) and LewisCounty, N.Y. (LC). Mild weatherinduced continuation of the mild fall weather which enticed numerousbirds to lingerin the Rochesterarea including numerousspecies to linger to Christmas.Then bitter cold two Double-crestedCormorants until Dec. 6 (WL et al.), and a moderateto heavysnowfall, which struckthe third five Great Blue Heronsin the GeneseeRiver GorgeDec. week of December and lasted through carly February, 21 (M & TT), and an Am. Bittern at Mendon Ponds caused the demise of many of these half-hardics. The whichfinally succumbed to thecold in earlyJanuary (all remainder of February was exeeptionally warm with fide R.B.A.). Canada Geese returned in force several temperatureswhich surpassed60øF in many areas, weeksearly as exemplifiedby an exceptionalestimate of triggering mass early movements of waterfowl and 75,000between Pt. Breezeand Oak OrchardFeb. 28 (CP, Icterids.Winter returnedbriefly in early March but soon AS). A total this high is more typical of late March. A succumbedto another massivewarm front whichbrought Brant was noted on L. Ontario Jan. I I (fide R.B.A.) and spring migrantsinto even the most mountainousareas. sixteenwere counted on ButtonBay in FerrisburghDec. Many unusualwinter recordswere establishedbut apart 23 (BG et al.). The latter is an extraordiinarytotal for a from a general scarcity of winter finchesno widespread specieswhich has not been recorded on a Vermont CBC trends were obvious. Consequentlythis was variously in the past 30 years.Waterfowl migration was widely termed the winter of the Boreal Chickadee, Bohemian noted the third week of February in w. sectionsof the Waxwing, Dickcissel, Pine Grosbeak, or Common region but a month passedbefore another warm front Redpoll dependingupon whom you asked. All were brought most puddle ducks back to Adirondack and unanimous,however, in terming 1976the year of the early Green Mountain areas. return, as record arrival dates were set everywhere. An immense flock of Redheads on Seneca Lake was estimatedto comprise50,000 birds ("100 birdsby 500 LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- Six Red- birdscovering 7 - 8 acres")Jan. 28 - 29 (JW,fide M J). The throated Loon reports in December and January difficulties of accuratelyestimating rafts of divers are

Volume 30, Number 3 715 obviousand somescepticism may be warrentedsince the returned to the Buffalo area by late March as had an tally exceedsthe previousstate maximum (5000) by an unusuallyearly pair of Pectoral Sandpipersnoted at order of l0 but it was, in any event, an extraordinary Hanover Center on Mar. 21 (FR, fide B.a.s.). flock This winter's sole Barrow's Goldeneye was a The Niagara River, which has reignedsupreme for carefully identified female in Essex Harbor on L. manyyears as the top gullobservatory in theRegion, was Champlain Mar. 6 (JP et al.). Immature Harlequin dethronedthis winter by the Robert MosesPower Dam Duckswere noted at RussellStation on L. Ontario (J & on the St. Lawrence R. where 29 imm. Iceland and 1240 WL,fide R.B.A.) and the NiagaraR. (m.ob.fide B.O.S.). Great Black-backedGulls (JV,fide LC) setRegional and Braddock Bay held two King Eiders Dec. 12 (WL, fide in the first instance New York state records. A total of 33 R B A ) while a third wasobserved Feb. 9 on the Niagara GlaucousGulls (JV) alsoseen there is a total secondonly R with 375 White-wingedScorer (HA, fide B. O. S.), a to last winter's count of 44 at Niagara Falls. The Falls local high White-winged count but well below the managedto salvagea pieceof this year'saction with an Regionalall-time high. A numberof late Ruddy Ducks imm. Little Gull Dec. 7 (DF) and a Black-legged were reportedincluding one through Dec. 17at Herrick's Kittiwake later in the month (HA et al.,fide B.a.s.) A Covefor that area'sfirst record(DC) and 15 on Conesus Corn. Tern at nearby BeaverIsland S. P. Dec. 7 (JT,fide L Jan 13 (JC & JS, fide R.B.A.), considereda B.a.s.) is exceptional,there being only two comparable "ridiculously" high count. winter recordsfor the Region,both alsofrom the Buffalo area. HAWKS THROUGH RAILS -- Turkey Vultures appearedat two locationsin Vermonton Mar. 24, more OWLS THROUGH CaRV1DS -- All three Barn than a month early, and numerousbirds were observed for the restof the month(fide V. I. N. S. ), a reflectionof Owls reportedwere from previouslyknown locationsin this speciesphenomenal inccreasein the Northeast. w. New York. Althoughwidespread in w. portionsof the Acc•piterswintered in numbers,with over a dozen region, Screech Owls were reported from only two Goshawks, more than 40 Sharp-shinned,and some 30 Vermont locations. While Barred Owl reports out- Cooper'sHawks being tallied during midwinter. A Red- numbered Great Horned by 4:1 in Vermont, Great shoulderedHawk which appearedin Winhall on the very Hornedprevailed in westernNew York by morethan ten earlydate of Feb. 25 (WN) wasjust oneof severalspecies to one. Both Long-caredand Short-cared Owl numbers setting record local early arrival dates in the Green were down considerablyfrom recent years. In fact, all Mountain State. A Broad-wingedHawk identified in Long-caredwere singlebirds except for a roost of nine FerrisburghMar. 25 (B & TG) is exceptionallyearly for near Barker, N.Y. which had dispersedby the end of Vermont, arriving only one day later than last year's January. Red-bellied Woodpeckers appear to be con- record Although down in numbersin most areas, 37 tinuing their northeastwardexpansion with Schenec- Rough4eggedHawks were found in the ChaumontBay tady'sfirst winteringreport (h'deGS). Numerousreports area Jan. 17 (RW,fide FC) and 44 were located on Pt. of Red-headedWoodpeckers were receivedincluding two Peninsulain JeffersonCounty Jan. 30 (TC & DM, fide in the L. Champlainvalley wherethey are uncommonat LC), the latter a recordmidwinter tally. any time of year. The only out-of-breeding-rangethree- The sevenBald Eaglesreported included four at Oak toed woodpeckerwas a Black-backedin Buffalo (mob Pt in January(fide LC). A new winterhigh countof fide B.a.s.). Marsh Hawks was set Dec. 14 when eleven were tallied in In contrastto the earlyarrival patternset by waterfowl Romulus, N.Y. (M J). Unusual falcons included a few E. Phoebesor Tree Swallowsappeared prior to their possiblegray phaseGyrfalcon seen briefly in Burlington normal arrival dates.A Gray Jay at Massena,N.Y., Dec Feb 25 (APet al.), two Peregrines(fide B.a.s. & BG) and 30 (JV, fide LC) was consideredvery unusual. The one acceptable[of 6 reported] Merlin. The only Gray numberof Corn.Raven reports from Vermont(90+) seem Partridgereports came from JeffersonCo., N.Y., with to indicatethat this speciesis doing much better in the coveysof up to 19 birds on Cape Vincent (fide LC). Green Mountains than in the Adirondacks where only a Wintering Virginia Rails are probably more common handful of singlebirds were reported.Four ravenswere than a singlereport from IroquoisN.W.R. (JM,fide B. a. also reported from the small Finger Lakes population s ) wouldindicate. The numberof winteringAm. Coots Ithaca's Fish Crow returned earlier than ever, on Feb 22 continue to increase yearly with nearly 5000 on (KR,fide EK). Despitea heavyfall movementof Boreal Chautauqua L. until mid-December(RS) and 1000 on Chickadees only moderate numbers were reported ConesusL. through the month (•qdeR.B.A.). (exceptfor the FingerLakes which had 17)and no return flight wasapparent. Only 22 Borealsremained behind in SHOREBIRDS, GULLS -- One of the first of many Vermont's "Northeast Kingdom" to be tallied on the early Am. Woodcockswas a bird found, surprisingly Island Pond CBC after a cone failure turned that area enough,in WashingtonCounty, N.Y., Feb. 21 (fideGS). into a avifaunaldesert despite promotional claims to the At least sevenDecember and January reportsof Corn. contrary prior to the count. A Carolina Chickadeeclosely Smpewere received. Other wintering shorebirds included observedand identified by call in a flock of some 20 at least four Purple Sandpipersand two Dunlin at Black-capped at the Tanglewood Nature Center in Niagara Falls through February (fide B.a.s.), another Elmira (WH) must, unfortunately, remain on the New Purple Sandpiperat IrondequoitBay Dec. 21-22 (AK, York hypotheticallist. Recentstudies have indicated that ST, fide R.B.A.), and a White-rumpedSandpiper chickadeesin the zone of overlap between the two hngermgat Braddock Bay until Dec. 5 (m.ob. fide "species"may give both calls alternatively and banders R B A). Another rarity observed at Braddock Bay therewill attestto the difficultyof identifyingbirds in the during this same time period (Dec. 2-4) was a Red hand since measurementsoverlap and no clear cut Phalarope(NH, WL, fide R.B.A.). Bothyellowlegs had plumagedifferences exist.

716 American Birds, June, 1976 NUTHATCHES THROUGH THRUSHES -- Both mdd invasion of Pine Grosbeaks and an early, massive Red-breasted Nuthatches and Brown Creepers were invasionof Corn. Redpolls.Bob Yunick wasparticularly down in numbersand only four winteringWinter Wrens emphaticin his descriptionof an immenseflight, and well were noted. Vermont's first Bewiek's Wren, banded last he might be, becausehe banded over 2200 at his feeder May 27 in Woodstock(see Am. Birds29 [4]:830), is in the trapsin Schenectadybefore pausing to mail in hisreport newsagain. This will be its final appearance,however, and on at least two dates had handled over 300 b•rds becausethe bird was found dead in Paragould,Arkansas Surprisingly,he observedno Hoaries, although e•ght Dec 31 (FT, fide SL). Despitethe coldestwinter in recent werereported in the region[one with details]. years and predictionsto the contrary, Carolina Wrens A Rufous-sidedTowhee reportedto be of the western continue to thrive everywhereincluding birds in at least spottedrace spentFebruary in Chili, N.Y. (Myers & JS, three areas in the L. Champlain valley. A Long-billed fide R.B.A.). This is believedto be only the fourth record Marsh Wren which lingeredin Burlington until Dec. l0 of this form for New York and the first for the Region (BE, WE) may be Vermont's first winter record. Four SavannahSparrows were observed in the Regionin Mockingbirdsalso continued to do well with at leasteight December while a GrasshopperSparrow in Saxton's b•rds wintering in Vermont and several reports from River Dec. 20 (DK et al.) providedVermont's first w•nter northern New York. Vermont'swinter provedto be too record. An imm. 5 Harris Sparrow spent most of the much for Brown Thrashers,however, as evidenced by the winter at a Chatham, N.Y. feeder (WT, fi'de GS) and demiseof two birdsat feeders(FKT, RS). Only two Gray unusual numbers of White-crowned Sparrows con- Catbirdswere seen both in earlyJanuary (fide R.B.A. and gregated in the Rochester area (e.g., over 35 January B O S). An extraordinary Swainson's Thrush was reports).Although numbersof Swamp Sparrowsoccur closelyobserved and fully describedin Essex,N.Y. Dec. regularily on w. New York CBCs, a singlebird found •n 20 (JP, DA, PT). Equally unusualwas a sickly Veery Londonderry Dec. 23 (DK) was only this species'fourth observedat leisure in Geneva, N. Y. Dec. 28 by two occurrence on a Vermont CBC in 30 years. No competent bird banders (PTr, CW). While midwinter exceptionalconcentrations of Lapland Longspurswere records of these thrushes are generally considered reported, but a tally of 2000 Snow Buntings •n unacceptable,the experienceof the observersinvolved YoungstownJan. 12 (Klabundes,fideB.O. S .) wasonly and the completenessof their reportsleaves little doubt one of severallarge flocksreported. regardingthe validity of theseobservations. A zealous pmr of E. Bluebirds commencednesting Feb. 26 in CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) and CITED Horseheads,N.Y. only to havetheir eggsdestroyed by OBSERVERS -- AI!egany County Bird Club, R Corn Grackles.(WH). Anderie,D. Anson,H. Axtell, W. Benning,E. Brooks,J Brubaker,Buffalo OrnithologicalSociety, L. Burton,J KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS --Perhaps Chaffey,L. Chamberlaine, D. Clark, B. Eastman, W becauseof theexceptional cold (to -40 ø F. in someareas), Ellison,J. Forness,M. Forness,D. Freeland,J. Gibson, both kingletswere remarkably scarce. Water Pipitsleft B. Guyett, T. Guyett, N. Henderson,High Peaks late, Dec. 28 at ConesusL. (CP, AS), and returnedearly, AudubonSociety, W. Howard, F. Howe, M. Jones,A Feb 25 at Braddock Bay (TT et al.). Bohemian Kemnitzer,E. Kibbe,S. Laughlin,M. Lerch,J. Listman, Waxw•ngsstaged an invasionof somemagnitude in the W. Listman, M. Metcalf, J. Morse, W. Norse, North n e portionof theregion with at least14 Vermont reports CountryBird Club, F. Oatman,C. Perrigo,B. Peterson, and severalfrom upstateNew York includinga flock of J. Peterson,A. Pistorius,V. Pitzrick,F. Rew,Rochester about 400 south of Watertown Center (RW,fide LC). It Birding Association,K. Rosenberg,R. Sargent,W. wasa gooc[year for N. Shrikeswith well over 80 locations Scott,A. Shea,J. Skelly, G. Snell,R. Sundell,P. Taber, reported.Three early returning Loggerhead Shrikes were S. Taylor, M. Tetlow, T. Tetlow, J. Thill, F.K. Thomas, spotted One at Braddock Bay Feb. 24 (CP) was F. Tripod, P. Trail (PTr), W. Trimm, K. Upton,P exceptionallyearly while the two late March reports from Upton, J. VanRiet,Vermont Institute of NaturalScience, the L Champlainvalley are an encouragingsign of this C. Walsh,R. Walker, P. Warren,J. Weise,R. Yunich-- specieswhich has all butdisappeared from the Region as DOUGLASP. KIBBE, 115Mt. LebanonBlvd., Apt. 11, a breeder.In additionto the usualreports of wintering Pittsburgh, Pa. 15228. Yellow-rumpedWarblers, a Pine Warbler wasreported from Batavia Jan. 10 (fide B.O.S.) and a Cape May frequenteda Penn Yan feeder from late December APPALACHIAN REGION throughearly January (ML, m.ob.,fide,WB). This isthe second consecutivewinter that the latter specieshas /George A. Hall attemptedto winter at a feederin the Region. The winterseason was divided into three distinct parts, BLACKBIRDS, FRINGILLIDS -- An imm. Yellow- a prolongationof the mild autumn,true winterwhich was headedBlackbird was seen by manyat a Montour Falls, very short, and one of the earliestsprings in recentyears N Y feeder(JB et al.,fide M J) while another bird was December was unusually mild, slightly on the wet side, seenat lroquois N. W. R. Mar. 7 - 10(JM,fide B.O.S.). and had little snowfall. In January the weatherturned An •mm. Rose-breasted Grosbeak noted at a Penn Yan quite cold, and remainedso all month. At Pittsburghthe feeder Jan. 25 through mid-February (ML, fide WB) month showeda 134 day-degreedeficit in temperature provided the third Regionalwinter record. Dickcissels Precipitationwas slightlydeficient but in the north there were considered the bird-of-the-season in Rochester wasplenty of snow.The groundremained snow-covered where up to three were observed(fide R.B.A.). A dearth all month, and the larger bodiesof water froze. By late of Purple Finches,Pine Siskins,Am. Goldfinches,and January a total of 85 inchesof snow had accumulatedat crossbfilsin northern areas was compensatedfor by a Warren, Pa. However, from central West Virginia south

Volume 30, Number 3 717 there was little or no snow. The cold weather continued CBCs recordedgood numbersincluding severalspecies until mid-February when a remarkable warming trend that normally are not present.In the north thesebirds all started. At Pittsburgh both February and March showed departedat the freeze-upbut goodnumbers remained in temperature excesses of about 230 day-degrees. the south. The northward flight beganin mid-February Precipitation was about normal. Although there were and reachedits peak muchearlier than usual.By the end short periodsof freezing weatherafter March I spring of March mostof the waterfowlhad left the Region. Most conditions prevailed from that time. Many plants placesfound that the flight was light, although in e. blossomedmuch earlierthan usualand somefruiting may Tennessee(GE) it was better than in recent years. This have beendestroyed by subsequentfrosts in April. may have been owing to the nature of the weather--long uninterrupted periods of warm weather but even considering that, it seems apparent that waterfowl populationscontinue to declinein this Region. The Whistling Swan flight beganin late February and the birds apparently used the direct route over the Region, as few reportscame in from any but the usual stations.The only large concentrationreported was 1000 seenat Edinboro L. in n.w. PennsylvaniaMar. 2 (RBo). Thesebirds were apparently forced down by an icestorm along the L. Erie shore 20 mi. to the north. The Pymatuning L. CBC listed 10,000 Canada Geese(RFL). Blue morphs of the Snow Goose were at Presquelsle, •v:•.• ...... •.-,•,o.;>,•c• ß . .• Feb. 21 (DS, fide RBo), while white morphs were at PymatuningL. throughthe period.On Mar. 20 a possible •Gott; ßE zab• • • hybrid betweenthe "Blue" Goose and a Canada Goose ß ...... :c was seen at Pymatuning (RFL). White morphs of the Snow Goose were seen near Lewisburg, W.Va., Dec. 27, the first local record (COH). ß ..- Oldsquaws,once rarely reported from this Region, have becomeregular in e. Ohio and w. Pennsylvania,and :: % .... ,,,,,,:[ this year were more widely reported than ever. However, As• resultof the mild December most areas had ve• 12 at Watauga L., Tenn., Jan. 17 (LH) and one at Boone successfulChristmas Bird Counts, and there were many L., Tenn., Feb. 5 (SG & MD, fide GE), were more straggle• from the fall migration still presentin the unusual.The only reportsof White-wingedScoters came •egion. The very coldJanuary sent most of theseon their from Nelsonville,O., Dec. 27 (BS), PresqueIsle, Dec. 28 way, but with the early return of warm weatherthe spring (JeS), Somerset County, Pa., Dec. 20 (GRS), and migration started quite early and the• were many early Watauga L., Term, Jan. 17 (LH). The best duck of the arrivals. Exceptfor EveningGrosbeaks which had come year was an imm. Barrow'sGoldeneye at PresqueIsle in numbe• in the fall it was not a really good winter for Mar. 21, apparentlythe secondcounty record (JeS). northerninvasion species, although many were present in s•ll numbers. HAWKS AND EAGLES -- It was an outstanding seasonfor severalraptor species.A Golden Eagle was LOONS, GREBES AND HERONS Red-throated caught in a muskrat trap in Gilmer Co. W.Va. in Loons were seenin Frederick Co., Va., Dec. I0 (RS) and February, and was ultimately cared for and turned loose at PresqueIsle, Pa., Dec. 28 (DS, fide RBo). A Red- by the State D.N.R. On Mar. 4 three and possiblyfive necked Grebe in Buncombe, Co., N.C., Feb. 21 was the Golden Eagles were seen feeding on sheep carcasses first local record and may have beenblown in by a storm (possible bear kills) in the mountains of Randolph on the 18th (RP, fide RRu). County, W.Va. (EO), and a stategame protector reported The fall seasonreport had noted the unusuallylarge two in Pendleton County. W. Va. Another Golden Eagle numbersof Great Blue Herons remainingin the Region. was seenin December in Warren County, Pa. (WH). Bald These birds remained through December in unusual Eagleswere reportedfrom Pymatuningk wherethey numbers,as for example,18 on a CBC at PymatuningL., nested, and Conneaut L., Pa. (RFL) and State College, Pa. (RFL) and 12 on a CBC near Weirton, W.Va. (RRi). Pa. in December (MW), along the Shenandoah River in Many of these bird left during the cold weather but w. Virginia, Dec. 20 (JP), near Roanoke, Va., Jan. 31 winterers remained at State College, Pa. (MW) and (NM) and at SenecaL., O., Mar. 23 (MJS). A surprising South Charleston, W.Va. (NG) as well as a few other numberof Sharp-shinnedHawks wintered,with reports placesin the north. Therewere late December records for comingfrom all partsof the Region.The Cooper'sHawk Green Herons: Dec. I I at Waynesboro,Va. (RSn), Dec. wasalso reportedmore commonly than usual.Goshawks 12 Lovettsville, Va. (DC), and Dec. 27 at Charleston were reportedfrom PymatuningL., Pa., Jan. I (RFL), (NG). Reportsof Great Egretsfrom Warren, Pa., Mar. 25 Powdermill Nature Reserve,Pa. (hereafter P.N.R.), Jan. (H J, fide WH) and L. Oneida, Pa., Mar. 27 (PH) were 18 & Feb. 9 (RCL,), four otherundetailed sightings in the rather early. Five Cattle Egrets were found at New- Pittsburgh area (PH), ShenandoahN.P. CBC, (DCa), comerstown,O. during Christmas week (ES). Columbia County, Va., Dec. 29 (SS), and Watauga L, Tenn., from Dec. 14 to at least Mar. 6. (GE). Both Red- WATERFOWL -- The southbound migration of shoulderedand Red-tailed Hawks were in good numbers waterfowl was still going on during December and most (ten Red-tails seen flying over one location in s.w.

718 American Birds, June, 1976 Pennsylvania,Feb. 23 (RBe). Rough-leggedHawks were Ga., Mar. 5. Four Short-earedOwls were present at State m unusuallyhigh numbersin the north and were reported College,Pa., in Januaryand February(MW), two wereat as far southas Marietta, O. (JSt), Carlisle, Pa. (RPf), and PresqueIsle Mar. 27 (JeS)and onein FrederickCounty, Clark County, Va. (RS). Many more N. Harriers Va., Feb. 24 (KR). At least four Saw-whet Owls were wxnteredin the Region than we are accustomedto. A heard calling at World's End S.P., Pa., in late March Merlin was present all winter near Chambersburg,Pa. (SS). SnowyOwl reportscame from Canton, O., Dec 18 (RPf), therewere four reportsfrom the Pittsburgharea, (PW), PresqueIsle Jan. 28 (DS), anda photographof one including a CBC first (PH); and one at Leeper, Pa. Jan. appearedin the Harrisonburg,Va. newspaperin January 30-Feb.1 (LC). Peregrineswere reported in Washington County, Pa., Dec. 7 (JMC), WestmorelandCounty, Pa., WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS AND Jan 18 (GKM) and Erie Pa., Jan. 16-Feb. 16 (RBo). An SWALLOWS Red-belliedWoodpeckers continue to unusualnumber of BlackVultures was present in a roost spread northward as recordscame from Warren, Pa, along the ShenandoahRiver in w. Virginia where500 of Jan. 3 (TG), PresqueIsle (third record)Mar. 27 (JeS)and the 1500 vultures using the roost were Blacks (KR). At four on the Linesville,Pa. CBC (RFL). There were more Shenandoah N. P. the CBC listed 72 Blacks and 292 than the usualnumber of reportsof winteringYellow- Turkey Vultures (DCa), while a roostnear Bristol,Tenn., bellied Sapsuckers, but both Hairy and Downy had 20 Blacks and 125 Turkeys (GE). The only raptor 'Woodpeckerswere in reducednumbers at mostplaces migration data for the seasoncame from the s. shoreof L. The early springbrought a rash of early arrival dates Erie where 218 birds (76 Kestrels, 71 Red-shouldereds, for the E. Phoebe, with the earliest being Feb. 26 at and 53 Red-taileds)of eightspecies were counted in five Clarksville, Pa. (RBe). There were three reports of E hours on Mar. 20 (JB). Kingbirdsin w. Pennsylvaniain March, remarkablyearly if the identifications were accurate. CRANES AND RAILS -- A Sandhill Crane was Tree Swallows arrived about at the normal times with presentnear Kingsport, Tenn. from Jan.9 to at leastFeb. most arrival datesbeing in the last few days of March 21 (m.ob.), the first Tennesseerecord east of the The arrival dates of Purple Martins ranged from Mar 10 Knoxvillearea. A Virginia Rail at Butler,Pa., Dec. 13-18 at Elizabethton, Tenn. to Mar. 26 at Clarksville, Pa, (FP) and a Corn. Gallinuleat Presquelsle, Dec. 8 (RBo) about normal, while a Barn Swallow at Bristol, Tenn were late. Mar. 31 was somewhatearly (GE).

SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS -- It wouldappear that CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES AND CREEPERS more Corn. Snipe wintered in the Region than ever The fall invasion of Black-capped Chickadees before,with reportsfrom Lock Haven,Pa. (PS), Berkeley producedsome high winter counts:299 on the Lock and Jefferson Counties, W.Va. (CM), Greenbrier Haven, Pa. CBC, about one third as common as the County, W.Va (COH), Charleston, W.Va.--23 on Carolina in n.w. Virginia (RS), and more Blackcaps CBC , Roanoke, Va. (NM), and Dalton, Ga. (AH). A banded than Carolinas at Marietta, O. (JSt), the latter few Am. Woodcock also remained during the winter. The two locations in the normal range of the Carolina early spring brought a few early reports of migrant Chickadee. However at P.N.R. Blackcapswere believed shorebirds. Killdeer had arrived in numbers in the north to be in below-normal numbers (RCL). Boreal by mid-February. Other early reports were Spotted Chickadees were reported from five Pennsylvama Sandpiper at Elizabethton, Tenn, Mar. 15 (GE), localities: two at Indiana, Pa. from mid-December to Dowltcher(probably Long-billed) at Shippensburg,Pa., February(EB); two at CaledoniaS.P. from Dec. 18 to Mar 12 (BB,fide CG), Greater Yellowlegsat Pymatun- April (MH,fide CG), oneat Bradfordfrom Dec. 27 to lng L, Mar. 14 (RFL), and Pectoral Sandpiper at Jan. 28 (LP,fide WH), onein ClarionCounty, Feb 22- Scotland, Pa., Mar. 27, (CG). The best shorebird record Mar. 9 (JC) and four at State Collegein Decemberand of the seasonwas an exhaustedRed Phalaropecaptured January (MW). and bandedat St. Albans, W.Va., Mar. 7, providingthe White-breasted Nuthatches continue to be in low third record for the state (JRA). numbersbut slightuptrends were notedat Lock Haven Two GlaucousGulls were at PresqueIsle, Jan. 2 (DF, (PS) and Morgantown(GAH). Whilethe early fall flight ftde RBo). of Red-breastedNuthatches had beenparticularly heavy, not manyindividuals remained in the Regionthrough the DOVES, PARROTS AND OWLS -- Mourning winter,although reports came in fromall areas,including Doves continue to increaseas wintering birds even in the 18 on the Linesville, Pa. CBC, the only high count north Brown-headed Nuthatches continue to do well at Dalton, A Budgerigarsurvived the coldestweather in the wild Ga. (AH), but thehabitat where they recently appeared at at Waynesboro, Va. (RSn), and there was another report BuncombeCounty. N.C. is beingdestroyed and the b•rds from the ShenandoahValley of what was probably the were not there (RRu). same bird (RS). There were two sightingsof a Monk Parakeet at Waynesboro, Jan. 11 & 30 (fide RSn). WRENS, M1MIDS AND THRUSHES -- It was a Four pairs of Barn Owls were nesting near very good year for Winter Wrens as indicatedby an all Elizabethton, Tenn. (GE), and other reports came from time highof 34 on the Great SmokyMountains N.P. CBC Clarksville, Pa. (RBe), Lock Haven, two on CBCs, first (JBO), and numerousreports from elsewhere.Until the local records(PS), and Bethany,W.Va. (AB). The seldom first of the yearthe CarolinaWren populationcontinued reportedLong-eared Owl wasfound at JerseyShore, Pa., its boom, although in two w. Pennsylvania localities in January (PS), in Clarke and Warren Counties, Va. (Pittsburghand Clarksville)the CBCswere down shghtly (KR), and a nest was found in ChickamaugaN.M.P., from last year. The prolonged snow cover and cold

Volume 30, Number 3 719 weather in the north caused some mortality but P.N.R., Dec. 20 (RCL), and Knoxville, from Dec 18- apparentlywas not catastrophic as it hasbeen in thepast. Feb. 22 (JBO) while an Indigo Bunting(possiblyinjured) The only reportsof Bewick'sWren camefrom Dalton, was coming to a feederin Knoxville after Jan. 20 (JBO) Ga (AH) whereone came regularly to a feeder,and two Dickcisselswere in Frederick County, Va., in late at Murrysville,Pa, Feb. 9 (AW,fide PH). December (KR), and at Dalton, Ga., Dec. 24 (AH) Brown Thrashers arrived very early, Mar. 24 at Clarksville, Pa., (RBe) and Mar. 27 at Morgantown It may havebeen the biggestyear on recordfor Evening Grosbeaks.They occurredin numbersat all placeswest of (GAH). A few thrashershad beennoted as usualduring the mountains and as far south as e. Tennessee. East of the winterand a GrayCatbird was found on the Linesville CBC (RFL). Mockingbirdscontinue to go northward the mountainsthey were lesscommon, and weremissing with three reportsfrom the Warren, Pa. area (WH). from someplaces. At Morgantown the large numbersof In the north the number of wintering robinswas below January declinedin late February and early March, but normal. At P.N.R.E. Bluebirds had the best spring then increasedagain in late March and early April The migrationin years(RCL) and a bluebirdwas found only reportsof Pine Grosbeakswere from Leeper,Pa, Feb. 16& Mar. 6 (LC). Purple Fincheswere thought to be nestingat Clarksvilleon Mar. 31 (RBe).Most remarkable was a Swainsoffs Thrush at a feeder in Warren, Pa., in in lower-than-normal numbers at most places, but a congregationof 200 at Johnson City Dec. 2 was late Decemberand early January (WHi,fide WH). exceptional (GE). House Finches remain common at KING LETS, WAXWINGS, PIPITS AND SHRIKES Indiana,Pa. (CW) andat Lock Haven,Pa. (PS). Theyare now quite common throughout the Great Appalchlan -- Ruby-crownedKinglets were somewhatmore com- mon than usual this winter, but Golden-crowneds were Valley south through Virginia. West of the mountains less common. Cedar Waxwings were scarce at most theyare still only casualbut werereported this yearfrom placesbut a large concentrationwas notedin Clarion Elkins, W.Va. (EO) and Knoxville, Tenn (JBO) At County, Pa. in mid-March (LC). Water Pipits were Morgantown they were absentmost of the winter but in March many appearedon the UniversityCampus where widely reportedand were in numbersas far southas they nestedlast year. Common Redpollswere numerous, KingsportTenn. (GE) andShenandoah N.P. (DC). A N. with some flocks of 200 or more north of a line drawn Shrike was seenin ShenandoahN.P., Va., Dec. 20 (fide DC), and two wereseen at Edinboro,Pa., Mar. I (JeS). approximatelyfrom Canton, O. to Pittsburghto Lock Haven, Pa. South of that line there were only a few scatteredreports: Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- Solitary Vireos were one on CBC (CM); Milton, Pa., Mar. 23 (SS) and onthe reportedfrom BotetourtCounty, Va., Feb. 14 (NM), Skyline Drive in ShenandoahN. P., Jan 25 (DC). At State Elizabethton,Tenn., Mar. 20 (GE) and Charleston,Mar. College, Pa., an individual of the subspeciesAcanthts 23 (NG). The mild December and the warm March combined to flammea rostrata, sometimescalled the "Greater Red- give an unusualnumber of out-of-seasonrecords of poll" was banded Feb. 28 (DB). warblers: Black-and-white,Waynesboro, Va., Dec. 4 Pine Siskinswere quite common at Dalton, Ga. (AH) (RSn)and Johnson City, Tenn., Dec. 7-I4 (DL,fideGE); but elsewherewere scarceor absent.The only reportsof Orange-crowned,Dalton, Ga., Dec.20 (AH), CapeMay, Red Crossbillscame from the Ohio sideof Pymatumng Bristol,Tenn. from Novemberto Dec. 28 (GE), Johnson L., Dec.28 (RFL), andfrom WashingtonCounty, Pa, of City, Tenn., Dec. 24 (PR, fide GE), Meadville,Pa. a smallflock in Februaryand March (RMH,fide PH), (banded),Dec. 2 (RFL), Waynesboro,Va., Dec. 10 ShenandoahN.P., March (DC), BlueRidge Parkway in (RSn), and Youngstown,O. (founddead) in January Virginia, Feb. 20 (MHe & RSn), and severalrecords at (WB), yellowthroat,State College, Pa., Dec. 2 (killedby a Watauga L., Tenn. (GE). None of thesereports involved cat) (MW), and Am. Redstart,Meadville, Pa., Dec. 2 large numbers.There were no reportsof White-winged (RFL). Yellow-rumpedWarblers wintered for the first Crossbills. time at P.N.R. (RCL) and were recordedon the Lock Haven CBC for the first time (PS). This specieswas Tree Sparrows were unusually scarceat most places but Lock Haven, Pa., P.N.R., and Marietta, O, reported normallyabundant in the south.In the springPine more than the usual numbers. A Chipping Sparrow Warblersarrived very early, for exampleFeb. 25 in w. wintered successfullyat P.N.R. (RCL). White-throated Kentucky (DCo), and were reported from many more Sparrowscontinue to increasein the northernpart of the placesthan usual.Prairie Warblershad arrivedin e. Regionas winteringbirds, as for examplea recordcount Kentuckyin late March (PA). of 1340on the PittsburghCBC. There weretwo reports from e. Tennesseeof Harris' Sparrows:one near White BLACKBIRDS Red-wingedBlackbirds and Com. Pine all winter (JBO) and one regularlyfrom Jan I at Gracklesarrived at placeswhere they had not winteredin the last week in February, a week to ten days early. Morristown (GE). Fox Sparrowswere more common tn Grackleswintered at Indiana, Pa., for the first time (CW). the springflight than usualand arrivedquite early Feb 15 at Marietta, O. (JSt), Feb. 22 at Pittsburgh(PH and Brewer'sBlackbirds were reported from the Shenandoah Valley,Va., Mar. 15(KR) andfrom the Tri-Cities Airport Feb. 23 at Morgantown (GAH). in e TennesseeJan. 11 (GE). There werewintering N. Lapland Longspurswere reported from Gatlinburg, Oriolesat Lovettsville,Va., Feb. 25 (DC), Middlebrook, Tenn., one injured bird on Dec. 2 (AS, fide JBO), n Va, Dec. 6-I7 (RSn), andat Dalton, Ga., Jan. 2-Feb. 18 ShenandoahValley, Va., five on CBC Dec.20 (RS), and (AH) 100 at Waterford, Pa., Mar. 21 (JeS). Snow Buntings were common as far south as Youngstown and Lock FINCHES AND SPARROWS -- Rose-breasted Haven, Pa. with a few reported in n. Virginia Dec 20 Grosbeakswere reportedfrom Youngstown,O. (WB), (RS) and Ohio County, W.Va. (AB).

720 American Birds, June, 1976 CONTRIBUTORS -- Pierre Aliaire, Richard Almy, areasof the regionbegan to warm. For example,on the Jo & Ray Ashworth (JRA), Blaine Barnhart, William 27th it was a 31 ø near the Twin Cities while in the Bartolo, James Baxter, Ralph Bell (RBe), Richard southwesternparts of Minnesotatemperatures "soared" Bollinger (RBo), Dorothy Bordner, Charles Brightbill, to 33 ø above a few hours later. A.R. Buckdew (AB), Enid Burggraff, Lois Callahan, February was one of the mildest on record with above Jean Camlin, Dennis Carter (DCa), James & Maureen normal temperaturesall acrossthe region.Temperature Colflesh OMC), Dennis Coskren (DCo), Dollie Coxe recordswere set with highsin the 50s and 60s in many (DC), Martha Dillenbeck, Glen Eller, Thomas Finucane, areas.These mild conditionsappeared to triggerone of David Freeland, Carl Garner, Norris Gluck, Sally the earliestmigrations on record. Ducks and geesewere Goodin. Ted Grisez, Anne Hamilton, C.O. Handley, movinginto southwesternMinnesota by mid-monthand Mozelle Henkel (MHe), Leroy Hemdon, Paul Hess, flocks of blackbirds, grackles, meadowlarks, some Roger & Margaret Higbee (R M H), Mary High, William shorebirdsand other early specieswere enteringthe Highhouse,William Hill (WHi). Harris Johnson.Robert southernparts of the regionby the end of February. C. Leberman, Ronald F. Leberman, Dick Lura, George March brought about a temporary return to winter. & Kathi Malosh (GKM), Norwood Middleton, Clark What was called "the most devasting ice storm ever Miller, Ephe Olliver, J.B. Owen, Richard Peiffer (RPf), recorded".hit southernWisconsin and Michiganduring Lawrence Peterson, J. Pfister, Frank Preston, Richard the first few daysof the month. Many largecommunities Price (RP), Kelley Ramsay, Peter Range, Robert Rine were without power for more than a weekand treeswere (RRi), Robert Ruiz (RRu), Glenn & Rith Sager (GRS), down over a wide area. By mid-month spring returned Paul Schwalbe,Ellis Shimp, Mary& JulesSimon (MJS), suddenly, especially in Wisconsin. On the 19th a record Robert Simpson (RS), Ruth Synder (RSn), Stanley high of 76ø was recorded in Madison. The rest of the Stahl, Anne Stamm, David Steadman, Bruce Stehling, monthwas mild. Thesemild conditionsbrought many Jerie Stewart (JSt), Jean Stull (JeS), Arthur Stipka, Ann migrantsand recordearly migrationdates were recorded Wagstaff, Cora Williams, Peter Wilson, and Merrill for many species.Many lakesin southwesternMinnesota Wood -- GEORGE A. HALL, Department of were free of ice by the latter half of the month which is at Chemistry,West Virginia University,Morgantown, West least two to three weeks ahead of normal. Virginia 26506. It is most difficult to summarizethe bird activity against such a varied weather background.I believe Daryl Tessen'sstatement best summarizesthe situation. WESTERN GREAT LAKES He states,"Ornithologically the seasonwas deceiving. Birds seemednoticeably harder to find (as a result of /Robert B. Janssen actualscarcity?) although certain groups/species proved notable exceptions." The winterin thisarea is always interesting. The winter A summaryof severalgroups of specieswill give an of 1975-76 was one of contrasts, very difficult to indicationof the diversity.Waterfowl were presentin summarizeboth from the standpointof weatherand of about "normal" numbers,although normal is a difficult birds. It was a mild winter acrossthe region,but there word to define. More waterfowl each year linger or were exceptions. overwinter becauseof the increasein open water areas. Hawks as a group were generallyscarce. Gulls continued to make newswith largenumbers wintering, especially in Michigan, and many rare specieswere recorded.It was not a SnowyOwl year, but scatteredindividuals were seen by many observers.Hawk Owls were very scarcewith N.I MINN...... -'. a,,,.'•.,•:. ••' I only two records, but Short-eared Owls were recorded in unprecedentednumbers in Wisconsin.Generally there was no invasion of the so-called "winter finches". Pine Siskins,both crossbills,Evening Grosbeaks (except in I' ' s"l ß w • J r Michigan),goldfinches and Purple Fincheswere relative- ly scarce.However. it wasdefinitely a Tree Sparrowand CommonRedpoll year. The former species was present in large numbers, especiallyin Minnesota and Wisconsin, throughout the period. In addition, large numbersof SnowBuntings and LaplandLongspurs moved across the areaduring December and March. All acrossthe region many overwintering sparrows were recorded. The The mild weather of the fall continued until •d- number of individual Field, Harris', White-crowned, Deeemir, when winter gave us a preview. in the Twin White-throatedand Fox Sparrowsshowing up at feeders Cities, a thunder storm struck on the 14th; rain changed was far beyond numbersrecorded during any previous to snow when the temperature hit 35øF. and the winter. thermometer plummeted to 4o on the morning of the The highlightsof the seasonincluded the lvory Gull 15th. However, the latter half of December was mild, recordedat Duluth on January 1, the wintering Black- providing generallygood conditionsfor ChristmasBird throated Sparrow near Milwaukeeand the Sharp-tailed Counts. January was bitter cold acrossthe wholeregion Sparrow at Pt. Mouillee, Michigan in December. with belowzero readingsin manyareas, especially at the beginningand end of the month. A predictionof thingsto LOONS THROUGH HERONS ACom. Loon come occu•ed at the end of the month when southern winteredat Virginia, Minn., for only the secondstate

Volume 30, Number 3 721 winter record. A Red-throatedLoon was presentDec. 20 CBC Jan. 3 and birds arrived on the recordearly date of - Jan 12 on L. Erie, in Monroe County, Mich., and Feb. 28 in Wayne County, Mich. With the mild weather migrantswere early in OzaukeeCounty, Wisc., Mar. 20 of late March a number of shorebirdspecies showed up and Berrien County, Mich., Mar. 23. A Red-necked exceptionallyearly, for exampleon Mar. 24, Killdeer,an Grebewas seen on L. Superior,Lake Co., Minn., Jan. 31. Am. Golden Plover, Am. Woodcock,Corn. Snipe,Lesser Two White Pelicanswere presentin St. Paul until Dec. Yellowlegs and Pectoral Sandpipers were seen in 21, a very latedate for thisspecies. Black-crowned Night GoodhueCounty, Minn. An exceptionallyearly Greater Herons remainedin the Detroit area until early January Yellowlegswas seenat Mason, lnghamCo., Mich., Feb and one winteredthrough February in LaCrosseCounty, 26 (DM). A Purple Sandpiper was late on Dec. 6 at Pt Wisc Mouillee, Monroe Co., Mich. (JAG).

WATERFOWL-- Mute Swans are being recorded GULLS -- Gulls continue to be one of the most morefrequently in thearea during the winter, with four interestinggroups for birdersin this Region.Glaucous reportsfrom Wisconsin,and at leasta dozenindividuals Gullswere present on the Great Lakesin goodnumbers from various localities in Michigan. Canada Geese with up to ten reportedFeb. 1 betweenDuluth and Two winteredin large numbersin the area; up to 24,000 at Harbors, Minn. At leastnine were reported in the Detroit Silver L., Rochester, Minn., and 21,000 lingered at area in December and January, and at least four were Honcon Marsh, Wisc., until late December.Migrants reportedfrom the Wisconsinside of L. Michigan.There were in s. Minnesota and Wisconsin, during late were four reports of Iceland Gull, from Minnesota February. Encouragingwas the count of 10,000Can- (Duluth, Feb. 1), Wisconsin(Milwaukee, Jan. 20, Mar 2) vasbacks on the Detroit R. in late January (JPK). A and Michigan (Detroit R., Jan. 25, Muskegon L. Mar, HarlequinDuck was observed in RacineCounty, Wisc., 7). Great Black-backedGulls continuedto be reportedin Dec 4 and a pair was in Manitowoc County Mar. 26. good numbers; 100 at Pt. Mouillee, Mich., in late Eiders are very rare birds on the Great Lakes: one December,and one in Racine County, Wisc., Dec. 3 On Common Eider was seennear Marquette, Mich., Feb. 6 the Lower Rogue, Mich., CBC 15,000Herring Gulls and (N1) and a King Eiderwas present in St. Clair County, 6000 Ring-billed Gulls were counted.Thayer's Gulls were Mlch, during Januaryand early February(JAG). Many well documentedfrom Dakota County Minn., Jan. 2 and observersfrom Michigan reported good numbersof Duluth, Feb. 1. A Black-headed Gull wasseen on L Erie, White-wingedand Surf Scoterson L. Michigan, the in Monroe County, Mich., Dec. 6 (JAG). A Frankhn's Detroit R. and L. Erie. Only two reports came from Gull was on the Detroit R., Dec. 6 and Bonaparte'sGulls Wisconsin,both thesewere of White-winged.Only one were reportedfrom BenzieCounty, Mich., Dec. 20 and reportcame from L. Superior,that of a Surf Scoterat Berrien Co., Mich., Jan. 4. A Bonaparte's Gull was Grand Marais, Cook Co., Minn., Dec. 10. presentthroughout the period in Milawukee. An Ivory Gull was seen for about three hours in the Duluth harbor RAPTORS -- The first wintering record for Turkey Jan. 1 (DS). A Black-leggedKittiwake was observedat Vultures in Wisconsin occurred when two remained in New Buffalo, Berrien Co., Mich., Jan. 4. (RS). Mannette Countyall season.Goshawks, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper'sHawks were scarce all acrossthe Regionin OWLS -- A single Barn Owl was seenat Pt. Moufilee, contrast to the previousseveral winters. The samewas Mich., Dec. 27 (JPK). Snowy Owls were present true for Rough-legged Hawks which were generally throughoutthe Region, but, in smallernumbers than last scarcein all areas.Golden Eagles were reported from four year. It appearedthat the birds that werepresent moved localities in Wisconsin, and three in Minnesota. Bald farther south than usual. A number of reports were Eagles wintered in normal numbers (30-40) at Reads receivedfrom southerncounties, especially in Minnesota Landing,Minn. A substantialmovement of Bald Eagles Only two Hawk Owls were reported, one at Grand occurredFeb. 28 alongthe MississippiR. in Wisconsin, Portage, Cook Co., Minn., Dec. 16 and one at when 67 were countedbetween Ferryville and LaCrosse. Washingtonl., Door Co., Wisc., Jan. 20 - 21. There was Amongthe mostinteresting reports of the winterare the one report of a Great Gray Owl in Minnesota (Ottertall well documentedobservations of two Ospreys seenin County) and two from Wisconsin(Price County and Minnesota. The first was an individual seen on the Bayfield County). Short-cared Owls were unusually Rochester CBC on Dec. 27, and another was seen along common in Wisconsin,being reported on 12 CBCs with the open MississippiR. near Hastings,Dakota Co., on 18 birds in Ozaukee County, and 36 in KenoshaCounty severaloccasions during January and February (JD). The At Pt. Mouillee, sevento nine birds were present into latter bird was seento take fish from the open river inthe early January. samearea that was usedby six ad. Bald Eagles. Most observersreported good numberson Am. Kestrelsall WOODPECKERS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Red- acrossthe region. bellied Woodpeckers appear to be expanding northward in Minnesota. One wintered near Battle Lake, Ottertall GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Spruce Co., and this speciesis reportedincreasing in the Detroit Grousewere residentthroughout the periodat Babbitt, area of Michigan. Eastern Phoebeswere reported as late Mlnn One of the more unusual records of the season was as Dec. 11 in Milwaukee and Dec. 21 in Waukesha of a Sandhill Crane flying over Madison, Wisc.,Jan. 11. County, Wisc. Tree Swallows had returned in good There were five Decemberreports of Virginia Rails in numbers to s. Minnesota and s. Michigan, by the last Wisconsin,two early January reportsfrom Michigan, week in March. Black-billed Magpieswere reported only and what wasprobably a winteringbird seenin Hennepin from Minnesota, with 12 at AgassizN.W.R., severalin County, Minn., from mid-February to early March. An Hubbard County Feb. 13, one in Clay County Feb 29, Am Woodcockwas reported on the Kenosha,Wisc. and on the same date in Aitkin County. Boreal

722 American Birds, June, 1976 Chtckadeesand Red-breasted Nuthatches were reported common in n. Wisconsin, and c. Michigan. Common as scarceor absentfrom mostareas in the region.It is very Redpolls were found in excellent numbers, especiallyin encouraging to report the increase in numbers of Minnesotaand Wisconsin,with lessernumbers reported Carohna Wrens.They were reportedon five Wisconsin in Michigan. Along with the influx of Com. Redpolls,the CBCs and also five CBCs in Michigan with 11 birds in s. number of Hoary Redpolls reported was much larger Monroe and Wayne counties. Mockingbirds were than in previousyears. Many observersreported stngle reported from many areas in Michigan, but were birds in flocks of Com. Redpolls. Pine Siskinswere down, unreported in Wisconsin and only one reported in with almostevery observer reporting sub-par numbers Minnesota, that from Minneapolisduring January and Scatteredflocks of Red Crossbillswere reported across February. Varied Thrush reports were down from Minnesotaand Wisconsin,but werereported as scarcetn prevtouswinters; only one was reported in Minnesota Michigan. White-wingedCrossbill reports were confined (Ramsey County) and three from Wisconsin, to a few across northern parts of the region. A Sharp- (Mdwaukee, Door and Shawanocounties). The Hermit tailed Sparrowwas carefully identified at Pt. Morallee, Thrush has been a rare wintering bird in this region. Dec. 27 (JPK), a first winter record for Michigan. Vesper There was only one previous wintering record for Sparrowswere reported on two Wisconsin,CBCs The Minnesota, but this winter at least three birds came to secondstate record for a Black-throatedSparrow was of feedtng stations in Decemberand January, one each in an individual that appearedat a feeder in Milwaukee Hennepin, Mower and Ottertail counties.In Wisconsin County, Wis., in late February and remained throughout one successfullywintered in Milwaukee County, and March. (DT). This wasthe winter of the Tree Sparrowin another in Racine County. Eastern Bluebirds Minnesota and Wisconsin. Birds were hterally overwintered in s. Wisconsin and s. Michigan and everywhereall winter acrosssouthern areas of the regton rematned until mid-December, in s. Minnesota. Moun- and were more abundant than ever before, in this wrtter's tarn Bluebirdswere again reportedin Minnesota,with a opinion. stngle bird seen at AgassizN.W.R., Mar., 28 - 29. The Late Chipping Sparrows were recorded in Olmsted only Townsend'sSolitaire report camefrom Wisconsin, County, Minn. (specimen)Dec. 6 and one was banded of a s•nglebird at Green Bayfrom Jan. 26 to the end of the Jan. 10 at Howell, Mich. Field Sparrowsoverwintered tn period (TE). Water Pipits were exceptionallyearly in Minneapolis,were present on three WisconsinCBCs one Wtsconsinwith two in Milwaukee County, Mar. 21, and overwinteredin Waukesha County, Wisconsin,and one two even earlier in Michigan, at Pt. Mouilee, Mar. 13. wintered in Howell, Mich. Harris' Sparrows were BohemianWaxwings reports were few and far between reported from two localities in Minnesota, and one tn acrossthe whole of the region. It was certainlynot an Michigan. Two White-crowned Sparrows wintered in mvastonyear. About the samecould be said for Northern Hopkins, Hennepin Co., Minn., and White-throated Shrtkes, scarceacross the whole region. Sparrowsagain wintered indowntown Minneapolis Fox Sparrows were reported on five WisconsinCBCs and at leastthree birds winteredin the Minneapolisarea. In the WARBLERS THROUGH 1CTERIDS -- This region marshesalong L Erie, near Detroit, 28 SwampSparrows ts not known for its winteringwarbler population, so the were counted on the CBC• an unusually high number few reportsof thesespecies are noteworthy.A CapeMay The above reportsindicate an unusuallylarge number of Warbler remainedin Lake County, Minn., until Dec. 21. sparrows wintering in this region, whether this ts an Yellow-rumpedWarblers were reported on three Wiscon- indication of changingwinter rangesor an isolatedcase stn CBCs with an additional bird overwintering at for this relatively mild seasonremains to be seen. Snow Appleton, remaininguntil mid-March. Yellow-rumped Buntings were reported in unusually high numbers Warblerswere early at Duluth with two seenon Mar. 31. especiallyduring Decemberand again in March. Flocks Common Yellowthroatswere reported on the Madison, of 500 to 1000 and more birds were seenby a number of Wtsc CBC and another wasin BerrienCounty, Mich., on observers in all three states. Jan 4 There werethe usualreports of scatteredwintering meadowlarks,blackbirds, gracklesand cowbirds.There CONTRIBUTORS --- A record 260 observers, 118 were 74 Brown-headed Cowbirds counted on the from Michigan, 80 f¾om Minnesota and 62 from Wtnona, Minn. CBC. This is an exceptionally high Wisconsincontributed records for this report. Ltsted numberfor this area. Both speciesof meadowlark,Red- below are the Regional Editors, plus those indivtduals wtngedand Rusty Blackbirds,and Com. Grackleswere whoseinitials are usedin the text. JoanneDempsey, Tom common migrantsacross the region by mid-March. Erdman, J. A. Greenhouse,N.J. 11nicky(Upper Pemn- sula, Michigan), Robert B. Janssen(Minnesota), Alice FR1NG1LL1DS A single Rose-breastedGrosbeak Kelley (s.e. Michigan,) J.P. Kleiman, Alan Marble vtstted a feeder in suburban Minneapolis during late (BenzieCo., Michigan), Doug McWhirter (c. Michtgan), Decemberand earlyJanuary. Another individual was at a James Ponshair(w.c. Michigan), Dean Schneider,Roy feeder in Milwaukee throughout March. There was a Smith (s.w. Michigan), Daryl Tessen (Wisconstn) -- clear pattern for occurrenceof Evening Grosbeaks, ROBERT B. JANSSEN, 14321 Prince Place, conststingof excellent numberspresent in all areas m Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343. Decemberbut decreasingmarkedly by mid-January.The largest number reported was 1500 - 2000 in an old sunflowerfield in ChicagoCounty, Minn., Dec. 13. By February, birds were totally absent in most southern areas Purple Finches were very scarce with most observersreporting few birds.They werevirtually absent from Michigan. Pine Grosbeaks were reported as

Volume 30, Number 3 723 MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION arrived Feb. 29 (RPx); another bird was presentat /Vernon M. Kleen Brookville, Ind. Feb. l0 (JC). One Bar-headedGoose-- thought to be an escapee--waspresent at the Ottawa The only word that could adequatelydescribe this N.W.R., Ohio (hereafter, O.W.R.) Feb. 28--Apr. 6 seasonis "variable."iowa reportedthe mildestand driest (m.ob.). A BarnacleGoose (no referenceto possible seasonon record;central Ohio reportedgreat contrasts: status) was found at Squaw Creek N.W.R., Mo. the coldestand snowiestJanuary on record followed by (hereafter, S.C.R.) Mar. 25 (LG, m.ob.). an exceptionallywarm Februarywhere new record-high LOONS, GREBES, PELICANS AND COR- temperatureswere seton 10 days--one as much as 9øF. MORANTS -- There wereseveral Corn. Loonsreported higher than the previoushigh. Basically,the seasonwas mild, as much as 10ø above normal; the warm trend, in December;a few lingered into January. One Red- throatedLoon was closelystudied in CuyahogaCounty, Ohio, Dec. 28-30 (•'M, m.ob.). A Red-necked Grebe was present at Decatur, ill. Dec. 7-10 (*RSa); another appearedat Springfield,ill Mar. 19 (H) and remained through the end of the period; three were found at Louisville, Ky. Jan, I {DSu). December recordsof the Eared Grebe included singlesat Louisville Dec. 7 (• DSu) and Springfield,IlL Dec. 18 (H); the next reportswere of springarrivals at Dayton, Ohio (at least one, possibly two) Mar. 13 (RPo); E. St. Louis, Ill. (1) Mar. 13-16 (JEa); and Columbia, Mo. (3) Mar. 27 (WG et aL). The only W. Grebe reportedwas found at LouisvilleDec. 17 (DP) and was probably the same bird observedthree miles away Jan. 12-21 (CR, m.ob.). A single White Pelican was noted near Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 29 (SK); one wintered at Cordova, ill (first observedDec. 27, EF, which beganabout Feb. 10,triggered much early activity. m.ob.); springarrivals were first seenat S. C. R. Mar. 23 Docks and geesemoved through in excellentnumbers (L) and Schell Osage Wildlife Area, Mo. (hereafter two to three weeksahead of antitipatedschedule; swans S.O.W.A.) Mar. 27 (m.ob.). Lone Double-crested by-passedmany traditionalstopping places because of Cormorants lingered near Louisville Dec. 1l--Jan 2. open water farther north; woodcockarrived and began (DP, m.ob.); Springfield,Ill. through Dec. 21 (H); and courting and nesting; Mourning Doves nested; Pine Alton, Ill./St. Louis,Mo., Jan. 1-10(JEa); springarrivals Warblers began singing;and Snow Buntingsretreated. were noted in Gibson County, Ind. (1) Mar. 13 (CM et March was more normal, although remaining mild. aL); S.O.W.A. (2) Mar. 27 (NJ. m.ob.); and S.C.R. Observersnoted a good seasonfor Rough-leggedand Mar. 30 (L). Marsh hawks: Long-eared and Short-eared owls; gulls and winter finches. They appreciatedthe early warm H E RONS -- A concentration of 94 Great Blue Herons weather and found some birds returning earlier than was still presentat O.W.R. Dec. 7 (fide LV); 16 birdsand previouslyrecorded. A good berry crop allowed great 19 nestswere observed in Pope Co., ill Mar. 16 (JS). At concentrations of robins and smaller numbers of least 28 ad. Little Blue Herons had returned to the E. St. bluebirdsand waxwingsto stay all winter. Some species Louis, Ill. heronry by Mar. 27 (JEa). An exceptionally pushed far inland compared to their more regularly early Cattle Egret was reported Feb. 22 near Hickman, reported locationsand others, which shouldhave been (western) Ky. (JEI, DP); another had arrived at E. St. gone, were reported throughout the season.A second Louis, Mar. 27 (JEa). One Great Egret lingered near wave of early migrantsappeared during the last week of Columbus until Dec. 23 (ER); one had returned to E. St. March, again establishing many new early arrival Louis by Mar. 27 (JEa). The mild winter was favorable records. for several Black-crowned Night Herons: as many as 11 Since this season included the Christmas Bird Counts were at Louisville Jan. 31 (DP, m.ob.); six at Fremont, (hereafter CBC) most records from those counts have not Ohio, Jan. 11 (TBt); and one near Cleveland Dec. 20 (M). been repeated;however, a few exceptionalobservations, which may otherwisebc missedby the readership,have SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS -- Winter recordsof been included. Whistling Swansincluded singles at or near:Columbus as in order to better verify observations,observers are late as Dec. 22 (TT); iowa City, ia. (plusanother illegally requiredto completedocumentation forms for extraor- killed, but violator arrested) Dec. 13-16 (•'MN, NH, dinary sight records at the time of observation; such m.ob.); Montgomery Co., ind. Dec. 20 (AB); Whitewater documentationshave been denoted by a dagger(•') before S. P., Ind. Dec. 27 (fide Let); Rend Lake, Ill. Jan. 10 the observer's initials. A total of 80 documentations (not (•'BPj); and BowlingGreen, Ky. Feb.4-7 (HS); transients includingthose for CBCs) weresubmitted for this report arrived at Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 21 (and remainedthrough period (Illinois, 33; Indiana, 7; Iowa, 6; Kentucky, 5; the period, RPo); Cincinnati, Mar. 7 (DSt, IS) and Missouri, 16; Ohio, 13); in addition, 12 documentary O.W.R. (no date; apparentlybecause of the early thaw, photographswere received.Where positiveidentification large concentrationsof swansdid not build up there as is available it has beendenoted by an asterisk(*). usual). White-fronted Geesedrifted somewhateastward to the delight of many observers;six at Brookville, ind., EXOTICS -- For the third consecutiveyear a pair of Feb. 12-16 (JC, BW); five at Cincinnati Feb. 16 (Dl);two Mute Swans returned to Steuben County, ind.; they at Killdeer Plains, Ohio, Mar. l0 (BSt); 25 in Alexander

724 American Birds, June, 1976 County, 111.Feb. 15 (BPj et al.), two •n Knox County, Ill., (Harrison and Crawford counties) two Black Vultures Feb 18 - Mar. 24 (RHo); three at L. Sangchris,Ill. Mar. were observed Feb. 12-24 (HB). Only a few Goshawks 19 (H) and 25 there Mar. 31 (K); 11in Mason County, Ill. advancedinto our Regionthis winter; two were reported Mar 20 (H); one near Iowa City, Ia. through late St. Louis, late Decemberthrough Jan 16 (on CBC), and February (NH) and a maximum of 70 there Mar. 27 (MN) DeKalb Co., ind., Feb. 21 (fide Haw). A "kettle" of 20 four •n St. Louis Feb. 28 (JS); the birdswere reportedas Red-tailed Hawks on Jan 2 and 17 more on Jan 3 were very common in w. Iowa and Missouri (m.ob.). A quite unexpectedin Mason Co., Ill. (RKn); a "Knder's" concentration of up to 12,000 Snow Geese(both forms) form was studied well at the Kickapoo Forest Preserve, w•ntered at the Ballard County, Ky. Waterfowl Ref. Ill. Jan. 31 (C). Are Red-shouldered Hawks actually (JMo); three (two white, one blue) were found at increasingin numbers9Wintering birds of this species Brookville, ind., Feb. 16 (DSt et al.); two (blue) were were reportedfrom: Montgomery Co., Ind. through Dec noted at Dayton Jan. 15 (RPo) and one remained all 23 (AB); IndianapolisDec. 22 (SG); Fairfax, Ind., Jan 7 - period near Cleveland(M). As noted in the introduction, Feb. 15 (SG); Hancock Co., Ind., Jan. 15-Feb. 28 (HWe), most of the ducks begantheir spring migrationsfrom two Stillwater Marsh, Ind., Mar. 6-28 (SG); Toledo Feb 14 & to three weeks ahead of anticipated schedule;these 19 (ET); St. Charles Co., Mo., Jan. 24 (JEa) and Feb 22 movementswere detected Regionwide.On Mar. 28 two (TBk); ChicagoJan. I (DE) and six migrantsat Lora•ne, C•nnamon Teal were observed at Council Bluffs, Ia. Ohio, Mar. 20 (D, MSt). Rough-leggedHawks, including (MWi et al.); four were noted at S.C.R. Mar. 31 (E). the dark phase, were very common this season More There were fair numbers of wintering Canvasbacks;a Golden Eagles were found: Kentucky -- one at Land "stable flock" with a maximum of 183 remained near Between the Lakes Dec. 20 (CP); Iowa -- one at Iowa Loresville Jan. 17-Feb. 14 (S, FS, LBc); 123 at City Dec. 6 (•MN); illinois -- several from CBCs, Madisonville,Ky., in February(JHa); upto 30 duringthe including Mason Co. Dec. 20 (H); indiana -- one adult period at Bloomington,Ind. (SG); 27 at Mr. Pulaski, Ill., and one immature at Fairfax Jan. 18 - Mar. 21 (SG, MB, Dec I I (MC); "more than usual" in the Chicago (C, TA); Missouri -- four in March at S.O.W.A (NF), mob ) and c. Illinois (H) areas;late - winter or early singlesat S.C.R. Dec. 7 (E), Jan. I (L) and Jan. 24 (RM) spnng concentrations included 1000 and 5000 at The early February thaw, especiallyalong the Miss•ss•pp• Sandusky, Ohio, Feb. 14 (TT) and Mar. 9 (TBt), R., allowed roostingand wintering Bald Eaglesto drift respectively;and 60 at CouncilBluffs, Ia. Feb. 22 (MWi et northward somewhat earlier than hoped for, the 'al) Inland observationsof GreaterScaup have been disappointment was sadly detected by the absence of •ncreasing;records included: one at Maryville, Mo., Dec. eagleson the traditional one-day eagle census•n m•d- 1 - 11 (E); one at Springfield,Ill., Jan. I (H); up to 10 at February throughout the Region. The censuswas held Rend Lake, ill., Jan. 17 - Feb. 1 (BPj, MMo); oneat St. Feb. 14this year (EF, m.ob.). Severalobservers remarked Louis Jan. 17 (JEa, TBk); a maximum of 24 at Fairfax, that there were more Marsh Hawks than usual th•s lnd, Mar. 13 (SG, MB); and one at Iowa City Mar. 20 winter. (]'NH). There were also a few inland records of Oldsquaw:two at Springfield,Ill., Dec. 1, but only one Dec 27 (H); one at St. LouisJan. 10 (JEa, TBk); which TURKEYS, CRANES AND RAILS --Wild Turkeys stayedthrough the period;and one in MontgomeryCo., were observedall winter in MongomeryCounty, Mo, ind, Jan. 24 (AB); aroundCleveland the expected L. Erie however,the one-timehigh of 54 wasnoteworthy (RW) populationwas in "poor evidencecompared to normal." The last Sandhill Cranes to leave the Region were (M) Three (one male and two females)Harlequin Ducks observedDec. 18 (2) at Stillwater,Ohio (PK et al), 25 were seenat Chicago,Jan. 3 (C); two, a female(Dec. 7-21) were flying S at LouisvilleDec. 15 (BPB); 325 were stfil and a male (Jan. 24 - Feb. 8) were presentat Cleveland presentin GibsonCounty, Ind., Dec. 6 (CM)and another (I'M), another male (or the same one9) was found in 100in HarrisonCounty, ind., the sameday (HB), spnng Fairport Harbor, Ohio Mar. 17 (DKi). As usual, a few arrivalswere first seenin Lafayette,Ind., Feb. 25 (DA) White-winged Scoterswere found inland; the first at St. and in other Indianaand s.s.w.Ohio areasthrough m•d- Louis, Dec. 7 (JEa); two there Feb. 14 (JEa, TBk); March (m.ob.). A Virginia Rail was found Dec 23 •n another(a differentbird) there Mar. 27 (JEa, m.ob.);two Mason Co., Ill (H) and in AlexanderCo., Ill., Jan 3 (Het at Fairfax, Ind., Jan. 23-Feb.21 (MB et al., •'SG);one at al.); one Sora was "flushed" in Gibson Co., Ind., Jan l Spnngfield,Ill., Feb. 11(H); oneat Lexington,Ky., Feb. (tCM). 15 - 21 (DC); one at Cincinnati Feb. 8 (DSt); and one at Dayton Mar. 21-30 (RPo, SP, m.ob.). The only Surf SHOREBIRDS -- The observation of a Snowy Scorerreported was observedat Waukegan, Ill., Jan. 25 (C) Two Black Scoters were found, one at Rend Lake Plover at S.C.R. Mar. 31 wasexceptionally early (LG) American Golden Ploverswere also notedrather early-- Dec 5-13 (• BPj) and oneat Springfield,Ill., Dec. 12(H). especiallyin Illinois -- Feb. 29 at Mark Twain N W R (JEa). Most reportersindicated that Am. Woodcocks VULTURES, HAWKS AND EAGLES -- For the were early this year; they were found regionwideby Feb most part, Turkey Vulturesdo not regularlyoccur here 20, many areas between Feb. 13 & 16; there were at least before mid-February; however there seem to be small 16 nests with young in the Cincinnati area by Mar 8 "pockets" of these birds wintering in the Region, (KM). Of the 40+ Least Sandpipersfound at Rend Lake, especiallyin e.c. Illinois and w.c. Indiana (Haw); in Dec. 5, 15 were still presentDec. 13 (BPj); one wasfound ad&tion, six were found near Lebanon, Ohio, Dec. 30 at Maryville, Mo., Dec. 6 (E). At least25 Dunlin and five (MSc); early migrantshad arrivedin n. portionsof the W. Sandpiperswere also present at Rend Lake Dec 5 Regionby Feb. 21 (DeKalb Co., Ind. -- Haw), and Feb. (BPj, MMo). The first springAm. Avocetwas found at S 23 (Toledo--ET). Along the Ohio R. in s. Indiana C. R. Mar. 27 (E).

Volume 30, Number 3 725 GULLS Who studyou had to go all the way to the 22 & 28 (MH) and four at Rend Lake Feb. 21 throughthe East Coast to see an Ivory Gull? Just ask Cleveland end of the period (BPj, MMo). Several Saw-whet Owls observers one adult Dec. 17 - 19 (photographed, were locatedin February and March; althoughprobably •JHO, m.ob.) and lowa observers-- one immaturein present,none were reported from Kentucky or Indiana, AppanooseCounty Dec. 20 (}CA et al.). Where wasthe six were bandedduring the period at Cincinnati (RA) hothne?Many Regionalbirders who couldnot get allthe The Red-headedWoodpecker was an uncommon to very way to the East Coastcould have seen these birds (with commonwinter residentthis year throughoutthe Region, the possibilityof many birders diligently combingthe most contributorsdo not believethis speciesshould be on areas on following days, the bird(s) may have been the Blue List. relocated and further valuable notes assembled. Do not wait severaldays to inform othersof suchobservations; it FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS AND CORVIDS would be most helpful to initiate a Regionwidehotline Half-hardy E. Phoebes were noted on three Kentucky tmmediately!)Both Glaucousand Icelandgulls were well CBCs; one was in Gibson Co., Ind., Jan. 24 (CM), •nland especiallyin the St. Louis area where four of Acadia, Mo., (two) Dec. 27 (JEa); and in Jacksonand each were present betweenJan. 10 & 17 (JEa et al., Johnsoncounties, 111.,Jan. 11 & 18, respectively(BPj), mob ), otherGlaucous records included one at Louisville the oneat Natural BridgeS. P., Ky., Feb.25 wasprobably Jan 1 (}LaS); one at ChicagoJan. 31 (C); two at Crab an early migrant (DC). Unidentified Empidonax Orchard N.W.R., Ill. (hereafter, C.O.R.) Feb. 4 - 7 flycatcherswere observedat: Louisville,Dec. 2-12 (JE1) (•BPj et al.); and one at Fulton, Ilk, Feb. 28 (BSh et al.). and Dec. 7 (BPB, DP) at different areas;and Springfield, Other Iceland recordsincluded singles at L. Chautauqua, Mo., Mar. 26 (NF). An early-arrivingCliff Swallow was 111,Dec. 13 ($H) and Fulton, II1., Feb. 28 (BSh et al.). detected at Columbia, Mo., Mar. 27 (WG et al.) One Regular numbers of Great Black-backedGulls stayed Black-billedMagpie wasobserved at IndianapolisJan 10 around Cleveland;at least50 werereported from O.W.R. (}CK et al.) the observersthought it might be an Dec 7 (fide LV); one was found at C.O.R. Feb. 5 - 8 and escapedbird. Three Fish Crows were heard calling near photographed(•BPj, m.ob.). Two outstandingdescrip- St. Louis as early as Mar. 7 (JEa, TBk). tions and subsequentverifications of Thayer'sGulls were received: one, an immature at L. Chautauqua, II1., Dec. CHICKADEES THROUGH THRUSHES The fall 13 (}H) and the other in St. Charles Co., Mo., Feb. 7 invasion of Black-cappedChickadees remained ewdent (•JEa). One confirmedand oneprobable California Gull throughout the winter; it was particularlynoted in Ohio were reported;notes from "gull" expertsverified the one Red-breasted Nuthatches were well-distributed and •n at St Louis, Mar. 7 (}TBk) and suggestedthat the other good numbers in the southern part of the Region, but •n at Rend Lake Feb. I (}BPj, }MMo)remain "probable" sporadic numbers in the north. Bewick's Wrens were because certain minute details that would have helped reported from five Kentucky CBCs; the only other winter verify the observation were not reported. One ad. recordswere in Missouri: Acadia, Dec. 27 (JEa) and Franklin's Gull was observed at Cleveland Mar. 17 Montgomery County Feb. 20 (RW). At least hve (DK 0 Little Gullswere found in normal numbers(up to Carolina Wrens winterednear lowa City, la., (NH) and three) during the period around Cleveland(M) and one the specieswas reported as increasingin the w•nter b•rd was presentat Rend Lake Nov. 29 (•MMo). One around Toledo (ET). As expected, marsh wrens were Black-leggedKittiwake remainedaround St. Louis Jan. reported during this mild winter -- I'm surprisedthat 15 - Feb. 14 (TBk, JEa, m.ob.). more were not located. One Long-billed Marsh Wren was seenat S.C.R. Dec. 26 (E et al.) and two Short-billed •n JacksonCounty, II1., Jan. 10 - 11 (tBPj). Many Brown DOVES, OWLS AND WOODPECKERS -- The Thrashers wintered in the Region; 42 were talhed on onsetof warm February weather inducedsome species to Kentucky CBCs; one was present at a Woodstock, 111 nest early; four Mourning Dove nestswere located by most of January (DFi) for an extreme record, only Feb 20 at Findlay, Ohio (BSt). Five Barn Owls were lndiana was without winter thrashers. Everyone, •n- observed in the Region this winter: Onawa, la. in early cludingnon-birders, reported large numbersof wintenng December(EG), Lexington,Ky. (on CBC), Sparta, 111., robins; someflocks numbered near or over 1000 birds A Jan 27 (DT), SangamonCo., II1., Mar. 2 (fide K), and Townsend'sSolitaire wasfound singingat Barnard,M o, Cleveland,Mar. 27 & 30 (}JHo). A minorflight of Snowy Dec. 31 (E). Owls penetrateddeep into the Region;these notables •ncludedsingles in Wright Co., Mo. Dec. 21 (fide HWu); PIPITS, WAXWINGS, SHRIKES AND Rend Lake Dec. 31 - Jan. 3 (}BPj, m.ob.); Red Bud, II1., WARBLERS -- Kentucky has few winter records of Mar 10 and later (photographed,fide TMa); McLean Water Pipits; therefore, the three at Prospect Dec 22 Co , II1., for 10 days in mid-February (m.ob.,fide DBi); (DP) and 50 in Oldham County Jan. 17 (S, FS) were and L Rathbun, la. in January (fide GB); others were considerednoteworthy. Four BohemianWaxwings were found at ChicagoDec. 28 (DE); Calumet, II1., Jan. 23 -24 seen;three at St. Louis Jan. I (tTBk) and one in Iowa (LJ, DMa); and Cleveland Dec. 1 & 13 (M). Many City, Feb. 1 (•RD). The only N. Shrike reportedwas observerssuggested that there were more Long-eared and found Dec. 31 in Winnebago County, Ill. (H) Short-eared Owls than usual. One Long-eared was noted LoggerheardShrikes wintered in good numbersin w asfar southas RendLake Mar. 20 (BPj) and4 - 5 othersin Missouriand s.w. Iowa; onewas present at ChicagoMar Montgomery Co., Ind., Feb. 28 - Mar. 27 (AB). Large 19 (KB). Two Orange-crownedWarblers were located, numbers of Short-eareds included a peak of 30 in St. one at Ft. Wayne, Ind. Dec. 20-21 (Haw) and the otherat Charles Co., Mo., in late December (JEa); up to 15 C.O.R. Jan. 4 (tBPj). A Yellow Warbler visited a regularlyfound at S.C.R. (L); up to 12 duringthe period Montgomery County, Ind. feeder Dec. 23-25 (AB) at KansasCity, Mo. (m. ob.); 13 in Marion Co., II1., Jan. Yellow-rumped Warblers survivedthe mild early w•nter

726 American B•rds,June, 1976 •n several areas; one was still present at Toledo, Ohio, peak of 150 •n Iowa C•ty dunng the CBC (NH), 35 at Jan 19 -- at 7ø F. and with 10 in. of snowon the ground; O.W.R. Feb. 1 (fide LV); 14 in SangamonCo., Ill ,Jan lowa alsoreported more wintering birds than usual.An 15 (H); most others were small groups or singlesfrom early-arrivingBlack-throated Green Warbler was present mid-January to about Mar. 20-23 (m.ob.). There was a •n MenifeeCounty, Ky. Mar. 27 (LaS). Althougha few good- to -excellentflight of Pine Siskinsthrough most of P•ne Warblers regularlywinter here, it appearsthat the the Region; an obviouscontrast was the one bird found •n "heat wave" of February stimulatedspring migration Ft. Wayne (Haw) all winter comparedto over 300 banded and/or singing activity; birds were found in four at Indianapolis (CK); as many as 600 at one time were locations,two in Kentucky,one in Illinois and one in observed at Columbus. Red Crossbills were also M•ssouri,between Feb. 22 & 28. An unusualnumber of widespread,but only in small groups;the largestflocks Palm Warblers was found in December; four on the ranged from 10 to 20 birds and were most apparent BowhngGreen, Ky. CBC; anotherat LouisvilleDec. 21 between mid-Decemberand late February; two nests (BPB), onein WabashCounty, Ind., Dec. 13(tHaw); one were found during the last half of March in Springfield, at W•nchester, Ind., Dec. 28 - Jan. 2 (LCt); and one at Ill., (H) -- unfortunately, neither lastedvery long. There T•ffen, Ohio, Dec. 20 & 31 (JK et al.); otherindividuals were as many reports of White-winged Crossbillsas Red werefound in WarrenCo., Ky. Jan. 24(HS) andOxford, Crossbillsand they were found in all statesexcept Iowa, Ohio, Mar. 4 (*SB). One Ovenbird was present at most flocks consistedof lessthan ten birds, however one Prospect,Ky. Dec. 20-21 (DP, JEI). There were four flock of 20 wasfound in ColumbusJan. 31 (CT); the most December records of Com. Yellowthroats: Cleveland southerlyrecords were Bernheim Forest, Ky., (four) Dec Dec 5 (AF); MuscatatuckN.W.R., lnd., Dec. 13 (JE1); 28 (DP); C.O.R., (seven) Dec. 7 (BPj); St. Louis (one) P•geonRiver Ref., lnd., Dec. 27 (Haw); and Chicago Dec. 9-21 (JEa); and Cincinnati,(up to five) Dec. 22 - Jan Dec 17 (TC); three werepresent in JacksonCounty, Ill., 1 (WR). Le Conte's Sparrows were detectedsomewhat Jan 11 (BPj, MMo). farther north during the winter than usual: Nodaway County, Mo. (three) Dec. 20 (E); S.O.W.A. (seven)Feb WEAVERS, BLACKBIRDS AND ORIOLES --The 16 (KH); St. CharlesCo., Mo. (one) all winter(JEa), and first Chicagoarea Eur. Tree Sparrowwas recorded Mar. Rend Lake (several)all winter (BPj). The first Bachman's 28 (}MM1, m.ob.). Three Yellow-headedBlackbirds Sparrows of the seasonwere located at Caulfield, Mo, were detectedat S.C.R. Feb. 8 & Mar. 14 (L). One ad. (three) Mar. 29 (}RT). The only slightly out-of-range Orchard Oriole appearedat Cobden, Ill., Nov. 30, was wintering Harris' Sparrow was at a Danville, Ill., feeder caught,banded and photographed, Dec. 6 (TMe). FiveN. Dec. 29 - Apr. 10 (fide MC). SeveralLincoln's Sparrows Oriolesheld over into the period;one at Springfield,Ill., attempted to survivethe winter; three were found on Dec 11 (H); ChicagoDec. 24 (C); Warren, Ohio, Dec. 20 Kentucky CBCs; four on Illinois CBCs; a few at - Jan 5 (NA); Cincinnati, during two weeksin mid- Springfield, Mo., during the period; four at S.O.W A, January(fide KM); and Columbusno date(TT, m.ob.). Mar. 7 (N J); and one at eachof the following locations What new can be added about the winter roosting of Independence,Mo., Feb. 23 (TBk); Maryville, Mo, Dec blackbirds?Many roostswere reported and several flocks 20 (RR); Grafton, Ill., Mar. 10 (H). There were excellent wintered farther north than usual. flocks of Lapland Longspurs; Kentucky observers indicated,though, that they were not too easyto find, FRINGI LLIDS -- The second winter record of Rose- four were notedat Cincinnati-- the first in severalyears breastedGrosbeak (photographed) was received from the The earliest Smith's Longspurs had returned to Chicagoarea, Dec. 24 (C) & 27 (LY). ThreeBlack-headed Springfield,Ill. Mar. 6 (H); anotherwas presentat Rend Grosbeaksspent part of thewinter here; one at Louisville Lake Mar. 20 (BPj) for the first s. Illinois record. Snow Dec 21-30 (}BPB, BM); one at Cincinnati, January Buntings were found in every state; they were most through March (*W, MG); and one (photographed)at prevalentduring January and February; six were found Salem,Ill., Jan. 29 - Mar, 26 (MH, m.ob.). SingleIndigo at Prospect,Ky. Jan. 10 (DP, m.ob.); flocks of over 500 Buntings were noted at Ottawa, Ill., Jan. 16 (}JMc); were found in Indian (Lafayette), over 5000 in Hancock Sterhng,Ill., Feb. 28 - Mar. I (BSh);and BowlingGreen, County, Ohio, 600 in Shelby County, Ill. only s•ngles Ky, Jan. 23 (*HS). Evening Grosbeakswere well- were reportedfrom Missouri: Maryville Dec. 7 (E) and d•stnbuted,even in Kentucky;most arrived in mid-late Columbia Feb. 2 (}IA). December;although it wasa good year, many observers, NON-CORROBORATED REPORTS Those especiallyin the north,did not believeit wasthe bestyear; the specieswas reportedfrom 95 of Iowa's99 counties. reports which may be correct but for which there was insufficient evidence to confirm them have been included Purple Fincheswere also well distributed,but somewhat scarce•n some areas. Two House Fincheswere presentat in this section. (Eur.) Green-wingedTeal Columbus a Cleveland feeder from Jan. 10 through the end of the Mar. 18-30(JFy, m.ob.) Eur. Wigeon Columbus Mar period(}RHa, m. ob.)another, photographed, was found 30 (TT). GlaucousGull KansasCity, Mo., Feb.23 (fide m Indianapolisbeginning Mar. 28 (}CK et al.). One Pine L). Com. Flicker (Red-shafted)-- KansasCity, Mo, all Grosbeak was documentedfor Louisville Dec. 21 (•S); winter (L); Marshall Co., Ill., Mar. 24 {fide VH) from 8-12 were observed(no dategiven) near Sheldon,la. Kentucky and Canada warblers -- Oxford, Ohio, both (ftdeGB) and therewere apparently reports of the species during the last week of March (fide DO). Yellow-headed at two other n. Iowa locations. Three possibleHoary Blackbird Cincinnati,four at a feederFeb. 8-12(LSc) Redpollsvisited a KansasCity, Mo., feederFeb. 8-Mar. ADDENDUM One Thayer's Gull was reported 11 one bird, banded Feb. 24, and photographedwas from St. Louis, Oct. 11, 1975; it was thoroughly e•ther a pure Hoary or an intermediate(•MMy, m.ob.). documentedand photographed;through initiative of the Common Redpolls were scattered throughout the observer,the record has been verified by appropriate Region;however, it wasnot a majorinvasion; there was a national experts (*TBk).

Volume 30, Number 3 727 CONTRIBUTORS -- (Sectional editors' names in Imbrogno; LeRoy Johnson; Nanette Johnson; Stanley boldfacetype; contributors are requestedto sendtheir Kahrl; Charles Keller (Indiana); (DKi) Douglas Kibbe; reports to these editors.) Major contributorsare (RKi) Ralph Kittie; (DKI) Dennis and Vernon Kline; identified with a singleinitial as follows: (A) Richard (RKn) Roy Knisley;Paul Knoop; Jean Knoblaugh; Bob Anderson(Missouri); (B) LawrenceBalch (n. Illinois); Krol; Ernie Lines; Karl Maslowski; (DMa) Dorothy (C) CharlesClark; (D) OwenDavies; (E) DavidEasterla; Matchett; (TMa) Thomas May; (JMc) John McKee; Inez (H) H. David Bohlen;(K)Vernon Kleen(s. Illinois);(L) McLure; (TMe) Tim Merriman; (DMy) Dick Meyers; Floyd Lawhon;(M) William Klamm;(P) PeterPeterson: Charles Mills; (MMI) Michael Mlodinow; Burr Monroe; (S) Anne Stature (Kentucky); (W) Arthur Wiseman; (DMo) Dean Mossman;(MMo) Mike Morrison; (JMo) other contributors and observers include: I.C. Adams; JamesMoynahan; (MMy) Mary Myers; Richard Myers; Tom Alexander;Nancy Ambrose; Delano Arvin; Ronald Mike NewIon; Roland Oliver; David Osborne(s. Ohio); Austing; Charles Ayers; (TBk) Tim Barksdale;(TBt) (BPB); Brainard Palmer-Ball; Donald Parker, (RPx) Thomas Bartlett; Steve Beissinger; (DBi) Dale Robert Paxton; George Perdix; (BPj) BrucePeterjohn; Birkenholz;Gladys Black; Keith Boardway;(LBb) Lynn Murray Peters;Clell Peterson;(RPh) Richard Phillips; Braband; Robert Bradbury; (LBc) Leonard Brecher; Stuart Pimm; Tom & Sally Potter; (RPo) Robert Powell; Mike Brown; Alan Bruner, Harold Bruner; (DBu) Worth Randie; Bill Rathert; A. Reece; Esther Dorothy Buck; Elaine Burstatte;Ted Cable; Marilyn Reichelderfer; (CAR) Mrs. C.A. Robertson; (CR) C. Campbell;(LCt) Larry Carter;(LCs) LeeCasebere; John Robertson;Richard Rowlett; (RSa) Richard Sandburg; Coons; Dennis Coskren; (RCo) Rick Counts; (RCr) Les Schmalz; (MSc) Maria Schneiderman; Herbert Robert Crofts; Richard DeCoster;(JEa) Joe Eades;(JE 1) Shadowen; (BSh) Betty & Harry Shaw; (RSi) Ross Jackie and Diane Elmore; Douglas Emkalns; (JEr) Joe Silcock; James Smith; (LaS) Lawrence Smith; (LiS) Erwin; Elton Fawks; Nathan Fay; (DFi) Darlene Fiske; Litha Smith; Fred Stamm; (MSt) Mike Stasko; (BSt) Annette Flanigan; (JFl) James Flynn; (JFr) James BruceStehling; (DSt) David Styer; (BSu) Bettie Sumara; Frank; (DFr) Darlene Friedman; (JFy) Jim Fry; Mrs. (DSu) Donald Summerfield;Ida Suttman;Dick Thom; Ivan Fulton; Jim Funk; Leo Galloway; Mrs. Milton Tom Thomson; Chris Toops; Elliot Tramer; Robert & Garvin;E. Getscher;Steven Glass; William Goodge; Nick Joan Tweit; Laurel Van Camp (n. Ohio); (MWe) Mark Halmi; (JHa) James Hancock; (RHa) Ray Hannikman; Weldon; (HWe) Henry West; Bret Whither; (MWi) (Haw) JamesHaw; (JHe) John Herman; Chris& Kelly Melba Wigg; Gary Wilford; (HWi) Helen Wilson; Rea Hobbs; (RHo) Ronald & Shu-ping Hodgson; (JHo) Windsor; (HWu) Helen Wuestenfeld;Lynne Yaskot; Mel James Hoffman; Margeret Horsman; Virginia Zimmerman -- VERNON M. KLEEN, Div. of Wildlife Humphreys; L. Barrie Hunt; Ramon lies; David Resources, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois. 62706.

CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION (CHM). The Eared Grebe, primarily western, was /Robert B. Hamilton reportedat threelocations in Mississippi:Sardis Dam (MD), HattisburgCBC, and WashingtonCounty CBC; The weather this past winter has been somewhat at Gulfshores, Ala., Jan. 3 (PFC) and at Fairhope, Ala., variable. December and January were colder than usual Feb. 15 (AN & MNo). The rare WesternGrebe was found throughout the Region but February and March were at Reelfoot L. Tenn. CBC Dec. 20 and at Sardis L. Jan. 3, warmer than usual and we had an early spring. 10, & 24 (MD). SingleWhite Pelicanswere found inland Precipitationwas below normal through February but at Wheeler N.W.R., Ala., from mid-November to Jan. 31 March was wetter than usual. There were minor invasions (TZA) and at RossBarnett Reservoir, Miss., Dec. 15(CB, of someboreal speciessuch as EveningGrosbeaks and Red-breastedNuthatches. The effect of the early spring could not be gaugedbecause many observershave not yet reportedtheir spring migration records. Louisiana, Alabama, and Northwest Florida reported new birds for their lists when an Allen's Hummingbird, Arctic Loon, and SageThrasher respectivelywere found.

LOONS THROUGH 1BIS -- The largestnumber of Corn. Loonsreported was the 26 at SardisLakes, Panolo Co.. Miss., Dec. 5 (BBC & LC). An Arctic Loon was found in Shelby County, Ala., Dec. 27- 31 (T1, G J, HK, et al.). This representedthe first Alabama record. The rarely seenRed-throated Loon wasreported in Pensacola Jan. 20 (BJ). The Red-necked Grebe found and photographedat Cameron on the SabineN.W.R. CBC Dec. 20 (JHe & HDP) provided only the second Louisiana record. Maximum numbers of Horned Grebes reportedwere the 140at SardisL. Dec. 5; therewere 120 there Jan. 18 (BBC & LC). They were found on five Arkansas CBCs with a high of 33 on L. Millwood

728 American Birds, June, 1976 ET & FW). The Jackson County, Miss., CBC reported Pontchartrain,St. Tammany Par., Jan. 4 (JWB, MN & one Brown Pelicanpresent during count period and three RN) and one femaleat the samelocation Jan. 6-7 (ML, were on the Dauphin I. count. The 105 reported at St. PM, SM, DPM & JM). All threescoters were reported in Joe, Gulf Co., Fla., Mar. 27 is encouraging(BJ & SS). the Regionthis winter.The 24 at CameronDec. 20 (BO) The ad. Blue-faced Booby seen in company of three as wellas the eighton TimbalierBay, La., Mar. 23 (BO) Gannetsat Santa Rosa I., Fla., Mar. 31 providedthe first were unrecognizableas to species.One White-winged winter record for that area (BJ). The Brown Booby, Scoterwas found on the Buffalo R., Tenn., CBC, three which is consideredcasual in the area, wasreported Mar. wereseen in TerrebonneBay, La., Mar. 23 (JP & BO) A 26 at PensacolaBeach (CK); this made the first March Surf Scoter was also found on the Buffalo R. CBC and and secondwinter record there. Anhingas were reported one wasfound duringthe countperiod at NashvilleThe at eight different locationsin Louisiana this winter and fourthinland record in Alabamafor thespecies occurred five were found on the Texarkana CBC (CHM). A late near DecaturFeb. 3-7 (SHo, MMc, AM & CS). At Bllox• MagnificentFrigatebird was found Dec. 16at Dauphin I. were20 on Feb.20-21 (llV). The onlyBlack Scoters were (DB & RH). The Little Blue Heron reportedat Pensacola the threeat PanamaCity Dec. 19 (BJ & SS) &20 (CH & Dec 20 was the first in December there (KB & CM). JH). On Mar. 7 at Gum Cove, Cameron Par., a 9 Cattle Egrets seemed to be wintering in increasing Masked Duck wasfound (JHe,MN&RN). This is sixth numbers.Approximately twice as many (2000) wintered Louisianarecord. There were only scatteredreports of at Miller's L., EvangelinePar., this winter as last (BO). It Com. Merganserthis winter. It wasonly found on oneof was also reported at scattered locations in Arkansas, sixteenArkansas CBCs. The femaleat EutaulaRefuge Mississippi,and Louisiana. The tendency for Reddish Jan. 3 (FLet al.) wasnoteworthy. On the otherhand Red- Egretsto winter seemedto be increasing,with recordsat breastedMerganser was found on 15 of 58 CBCs in 1975- Dauphin I., Jan. 18 (LA & LRT) for the firstJanuary and 76 and only 10 of 58 in 1974-75. third winter recordthere, PanamaCity, Fla. (B.C. A. S.) Dec 20 for the secondDecember record, and four on the HAWKS THROUGH GALLINULES -- Swallow- SabineCBC Dec. 20. The two imm. Black-crownedNight tailed Kitesreturned somewhat early this year;one was Herons at Wheeler N.W.R., Ala., Jan. 13 (JG, AM & CS seenon Mar. 3 at Pensacola(B J) and at DauphinI (RH et al ) wasthe first local Januaryrecord. The GlossyIbis & Rill). Scatteredrecords of Sharp-shinnedHawks and also at Wheeler, Dec. 2 - 18, (RMB, WCD, CS & EW) Cooper's Hawks indicate numbers of both were low A marked the latest fall record there. White Ibis were north purealbino Red-tailed Hawk in RandolphCounty, Ark, of the coastal zone at NatchitochesDec. 21 (CV); near Nov. 10 & 14 (SB) wasof interest.An indicationof Red- Starkville,Oktibbeha Co., Miss., Dec. 23 (JJ); and on the tailed abundance in Louisiana this winter was the 181 Natchez, Miss., CBC Jan. 3. reportedon the 110-mi.stretch off-10 w. of BatonRouge (RK, NO & BO). The Broad-wingedHawk at Fairhope, WATERFOWL -- Fifteen Whistling Swans were at Ala., Feb.27 (AN & MNo) maywell have been wintenng, Hatchie N.W.R., Tenn., Jan. 3-24 (JGu & JL). There the one on the New OrleansCBC certainlywas. The tenth were scattered records south of usual locations of Canada Swainson's Hawk for Alabama was recorded Feb 3 •n Geesethis year, perhapsindicating that they will again BullockCounty (JK). There werefewer Rough-legged migrateto the coast.The flightat PensacolaDec. 18(EB Hawks reportedthis year than last. Golden Eagleswere & HB) representedthe first Decemberrecord. They were seenat scatteredlocations: one at WheelerN.W.R., from also reportedon the Gulf Shores,Ala., CBC.; the Baton late Novemberto mid-January(TZA); two on the White RougeCBC; 11 at St. Gabriel, E. Baton RougePar. (TS River N.W.R., Ark., CBC, one at L. Millwood Dec 14 & KSm), Mar. 12; and eight at Miller's L. Evangeline (CHM); oneat SpringBayou, Madison Par., Jan. 17(H J, Par, Jan. 10 (BO). The Brant presentat Birmingham RN, DK et al.); and two on the Reelfoot Lake CBC The from Nov. 2 to end of period (HK, m.ob.) made only the Bald Eagle situationis encouraging.This specieswas third Alabama record and the first s. of the Tennessee reportedon 15 CBCsthis year and only 13last. The total Valley. The two Fulvous Tree Ducks collected in numberof adultswas 39 this year and 41 last;however, LimestoneCounty on Jan. 8 (DV) marked the second therewere 53 immaturesthis year and only31 last This Alabama record for the TennesseeValley and the first year (1976) there were eight active nestsin Louisiana, local one. The first reported spring migrants were at whichfledged nine young (RAy); last year there were only Miller's L. Mar. 13 (BO). The Black Duck on L. six knownnests and sevenyoung. There was one known Millwood, Little River Co., Ark., Dec. 14 & 20 (CHM) nestin Mississippithis year whichfledged one young providedonly the fourth localrecord. The two Cinnamon (RAy). The first regularoccurrence in PanamaCity area Teal on the SabineCBC werethe only onesreported. The in manyyears was reported (JH & SS) with unconfirmed 4000 Canvasbacksreported at Porter L., Crittenden Co., reports of a nest. At least one adult and one immature Ark, werethe largestnumber seen in Memphisarea since seem to have survived the winter. An adult was found 1928 (BBC). Greater Scaup were reported on seven deadafter being shot at DeerpointL. Dec.24 (JH & SS) Christmascounts in Arkansas,Mississippi, Louisiana, The maximumnumber reportedthis winter was51 (24 and Tennessee.Common Goldeneyewere seenat higher ad.) at ReelfootL. Ospreyswere reported on the Ashland numbersthan usual in scatteredlocations in the Region, City, Tenn.CBC; at DauphinIsland Jan. 23 (Rill & SH), according to severalcontributors. There were scattered at L. PontchartrainDec. 13 (RDP) and Feb. 1 (MMy & reportsof Oldsquawson the s. part of our Region:in NN); at L. Cameron Parish e. of Rockefeller Ref. Feb 16 Alabama, one on the TuscaloosaCBC Jan. 3 (JCT); in (RN, AD & BB); and at Venice,Plaquemines Par. Mar Arkansas, three on Sardis L. Dec. 26 - Jan. 18 (MD, 22 (JWB, BCr & RN). SinglePeregrine Falcons were seen TOS), in Mississippi,15 in the Gulf of Mexico off of near Mamou, EvangelinePar., Dec. 23 (BO); near Bfioxi Feb. 20-21 (HV); and in Louisiana,one male on L. Hackberry,Cameron Par., Feb. 1 (BCr & RN); and at

Volume 30, Number 3 729 Santa Rosa 1., Fla., Jan. 25 (BJ). Merlins were reported billed Anis continue to be seenregularly: one at Panama on the Jacksonville, Ala., Baton Rouge, Sabine, and City Dec. 20 (B.C.A.S.) and two at Fort PickinsJan I & ReelfootL. CBCs. Singleswere seen in New OrleansDec. 4 (RD & SS). There were eight reports for s. Louisiana, 16 (NN), and SabineJan. 10(JWB, MN & RN). The high the largestnumber was 8+ at Reserve(RJS & MW) The count for the wintering Sandhill Crane flock near BurrowingOwl at Cameron Dec. 19 & 20 (RK, PMc et Cheneyville, Rapides Par., was 29 (RN e! al.) Birds al.) was the only one reported. Shore-earedOwls were arrived Dec. 13 and stayedtill at leastMar. 18(DM). The presentat scatteredlocations: seven at Stuttgart A F B, habitat was changedby an irrigationproject in Alabama Ark., in early December; four on Eufaula CBC; one at L where cranesnormally winter. Only six were presentthis Millwood Dec. 14 (CHM); one on the SabineCBC(PMc year, the number is usuallyabout 30 (TI). Two were seen & BO); and at leastfour at RockefellerRefuge, Cameron near Slidell Jan. 4 (H DP) and one at Holla Bend N.W.R., Par., all winter (BR, RN, KZ e! al.). The very rare Saw- At k , Jan. 17 (Ed H & H H). A Yellow Rail was observed whet Owl was at Reserve,La., Dec. 9-16 (RJS & LV) on the Sabine CBC (PMc) and a Black Rail was seenat The Reserve CBC found a Chuck-will's-widow while Alabama Port on Christmas Day (BSi) for the first the Dauphin I. and Gulf Shorescount found one Whip- Alabama winter record. poor-will each. Another Whip-poor-will was found in Lafourche Par. Dec. 29 (BO & FZ). The Com. Night- A Purple Gallinule with the right wing missingwas at hawk seenat Navarre, Fla., Mar. 21 (BJ) wasthe earliest Sabine N.W.R. Dec. 26 (MJM). The one at Garcon Pt., arrival there;two apparentlywintered in s. Mississippi,as Santa Rosa Co., Fla., Dec. 27 wasthe third winter record they were seen on Jackson County CBC. The Lesser there (DT) and one at Gulf ShoresJan. 3, (GJ & BCr), was first Ala. winter record. Nighthawk found at Johnson's Bayou, Cameron Par, Mar. 21 (BCr, RN & MN) made the first Louisiana March record. A Vaux's Swift was again found at CHARADRIIFORMES -- The first reported Am. LaPlace, St. John the Baptist Par. One wasseen Nov 10, Golden Plovers were in late February at Mobile (TI); 16, & Dec. 17 (RJS & MW). I (RBH) heard them on three were at Miller's k., EvangelinePar., Mar. 3 (BO). severaloccasions in Baton Rougein early December The The 307 at Lonoke Mar. 26 (EdH, H H, HP & MP) wasa swift observed on L.S.U. campus Feb. 3 (BCr) was goodcount. The Whimbrelat St. JoeS. P., Fla., Dec.31 probablyVaux's. Hummingbirdreports seem to become (CH, JH, BJ & SS) wasthe firstlocal winter record; two more numerous each winter. Two apparently were found on the Sabine CBC. The Solitary Sandpiper Archilochussp. wereat Magnolia Ark., Dec. 27 & Jan 3 seenat Magnolia Springs,Ala., Feb. 15 (HK) and Mar. (FC & HC). Another was found in Baton Rouge Jan 2 14 (PFC, ER & RRR) was probably wintering. Nine (RN & PMc). A d Ruby-throatedHummingbird Pectoral Sandpiperswere inland at Morgan County wintered at Reserve(RJS). A c• Black-chinnedHum- (DCH) Dec. 18;this is latestAlabama fall occurrenceand mingbird arrived in Baton Rouge in late September only the third inland winter record. The locally rare approximatelytwo monthsearlier thanprevious records, Balrd's Sandpiperwas found in Baton Rouge Mar. 19 and stayed through December (RA). At least five c• (BCr & GG). The 30 Dunlin found at Wheeler N.W.R. Black-chinned Hummingbirds wintered in Metairie, Dec 20 werethe lateston recordlocally (DCr, HE, AM et JeffersonPar. (NN, RN, M N e! al.). Selasphorussp were al) On the inland Marion CBC there were five W. presentat Reservefrom Sept. 25 until the end of January, Sandpipers.Three Am. Avocets were seen inland in two males& two femaleswere present(RJS & MW) The EvangelineParish Nov. 26 - Dec.6 (CGu & HG); onewas Rufous Hummingbird which wintered and was at Wheeler N.W.R., Dec. 3 (RMB & VVM) and three photographed at Hattiesburg represented the first were n. of Decatur, Ala., Dec. 12 (DCH). A Wilson's Mississippirecord (LG). There weresix at Dauphin I and Phalarope was observedon the JacksonCounty, Miss., oneat BayouLa BatreDec. 25 -Jan. 13(RiH,RH,CSp& CBC. A ParasiticJaeger was found at DauphinI. Dec.20 LRT) the mostever for Alabama. At Pensacolaone was (RiH). The casualGreat Black-backed Gull wasfound seen December 1 (JuM) and one from Dec. 15-Feb 15 Feb 8 at Fort Pickens, Fla., (StL & SL). A secondyear (LT,fide BJ); four apparentlywintered at Metairie (NNe, GlaucousGull wasreported (RN) on the SabineC BC;the RR, RN e! al.). A male apparently winteredat Monroe, first ever on a Louisiana count. On L. Millwood one La. (MC & DK). The ad. d Allen's Hummingbird at Franklin's Gull was found Jan. 4-7 (CHM) and two on ReserveOct. 8 - Mar. 16, proved to representthe first Mar 21 (CHM). An ad. Little Gull was found below Louisiana record and probably the first record for the Sardis Dam Jan. 3 & 10 (MD), providing the second Region. For the secondconsecutive winter a Buff-belhed Miss record.The rare Black-leggedKittiwake wasfound Hummingbird wintered at a feeding station in New at same site Dec. 26 (MD), Jan. 3 (MD, LC & BC) and Orleans (RR, RN et al.). Jan 10 (MD). Twenty Gull-billed Terns at West Bay, Fla, Mar. 14 were first winterers there. Single Black FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS, NUTHATCHES, Terns were found at Alabama Pt., Jan. 3 (HK, ER e! al.) THRASHERS -- At leastnine W. Kingbirdsspent the and on the Sabine CBC. earlypart of the winterat Kenner,Jefferson Par. (RDP), one was still presentJan. 18 (RN). At leastnine Scissor- DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS Six tailed Flycatchersattempted to winter in the sameplace White-winged Doves were in JeffersonParish Jan. 18 (RDP); one survived till March. One was also seen at (RN, NNe e! al.). One was shot Dec. 24 near Huntsville Fairhope, Ala., Jan. 5 (LA). The only Wied's Crested (•qdeTZA) the fourth inland Alabama recordand first Flycatcher reported was further north than usual at n of the coastalplain,. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was seen Miller's L. Jan. 4 & 6 (BO). This is the fifth occurrencein w of Creole, Cameron Par., Dec. 21 (RJS). The two anis Louisiana;bird was sightedJan. I (RN, MN, BCr & (speciesuncertain) in Mobile County Dec. 20 (BW & JW) PMc) and Jan. 11 (DF). An Empidonaxwas found near was only the secondAlabama record.In Florida Groove- L. Pontchartrain Dec. 13 (RDP) and another on the

730 American Birds, June, 1976 AtchafalayaBasin CBC. The E. Wood Peweefound at Metairie Dec. 30 (MK, DPM & JM). One was seenat Bon Starkville, Oktibbeha Co., Miss., Mar. 6 (TD) was early. Secour, Ala., Jan. 3 (PFC & VH). Another was found A Vermilion Flycatcherapparently wintered at Foun- Dec. 19-Mar. 28 at Pensacola(JM,fide CK) where•t is tainbleu S. P., near L. Pontchartrain;it wasseen Dec. 13 considered accidential. One was also seen at Cameron (RDP) and Feb. I (MMy & NN). An imm. male at Dec. 20 (SR) and Eunice, St. Landry Par., Feb. 11 &21 Pelham, Shelby Co., Dec. 1-2 (RoS) was the first (HG). The 63 Great-tailed Grackles found on the Sabine recordedn. of the Alabama coastalplain. The male at CBC seemto indicatethe speciesis regularin winterin MagnohaSprings, Jan. 21 - Feb. 28 (PFC) wasone of a Louisiana.There werealso several reports of up to four few late winter records. It was found on several area beingseen thro.ughout the winterin EvangelineParish A CBCs The two Tree Swallows at Shelby County, Ala., Bronzed Cowbird was reported Feb. 8 in Metairie Feb 22 (AM, BS, CoS) may havebeen wintering. The (DPM). A G W. Tanager wasfound at ShreveportDec Bank Swallow reported on AtchafalayaCBC (RK & 22 (PL & BMc) andone on the AtchafalayaCBC (PMc) HRP) madethe first Louisianawinter record. One at Ft. A 9 Summer Tanager was presentat feeder in Little MorganMar. 27 (PFC) wasa veryearly migrant. Earliest Rock for two months(DRH) and onewas found during PurpleMartin recordswere Jan. 10at Pensacola2 (PK) the Count period at E1 Dorado, Ark. For the second and Jan. 13 at Dauphin I., (JLD). consecutivewinter one wasat a suetfeeder in Marianna, This was a moderatelygood year for Red-breasted Dec. 1-Dec.27 (JMc & E1W,fideMGr). A femalewas at Nuthatches.They were found on 36 CBCs, compared Jackson, Miss., after Christmas and a female was there w•thonly 24 lastyear. Several observers commented that Jan. 1 (BEG & WT). Individualswere also reportedat theywere present but not in highnumbers, especially in four other widely scatteredlocations in Louisiana The Louisiana, where there was only one Count period two 9 grosbeaks in New Orleans Dec. 20 were Rose- record The SageThrasher found at Ft. Pickens,Mar. 28 breasted(WW). Black-headedGrosbeaks were reported (LD, mob.) providedthe secondFlorida record and the one at Panama City Dec. 20 (NR); one at Rison, first for n.w. Florida. ClevelandCo., Ark., Feb. 9-Mar. 1 (PA); 1 female •n JeffersonParish Feb. 21 (NN & NAN); and a femalein EvangelineParish, Feb. 29 - Mar. 29 (HG). Two Blue VIREOS AND WARBLERS The Yellow-throated Grosbeakswere found on the Baton RougeCBC and one Vireo at Magnolia Springs on Feb. 28 (PFC) was was at Covington, St. Tammany Par., Jan. 25 (RN) probablyan early migrant, but may have been wintering. Female-plumagedPainted Buntingswere found at New The Mar. 23 arrival of a Red-eyedVireo at Little Rock Orleans Dec. 20 (MMy); near St. Francisville, W (EdH) ties the early arrivaltime at that location.An FelicianaPar., Jan. 17 (MN & PMc); and at Gonzales, Orange-crownedWarbler was seenat Wheeler N.W.R. AscensionPar., Jan. 26-Feb. 15 (TH). The one at Gulf Dec 20 (HK); onewas nearby Feb. 14(DC). A Magnolia ShoresMar. 12 (WFR et al.) was two weeksearly but Warbler wasseen at Venice,Plaquemines Pa. duringthe probablyan early migrant. A 9 Dickcisselwas found at Christmascount period (RDP). A •2 CapeMay Warbler JeffersonCounty, Ark., Dec.27 (JS) for thefirst county presentat a feederin MemphisDec. 2 - Jan.3 (EC,BBC et winterrecord. The one reportedin LauderdaleCounty, a! ) representedthe firstw. Tennesseewinter record. The Tenn., Dec. 27 (H 1D) wasthe first countywinter record two g BlackpollWarblers at Marianna,Fla., Mar. 21 Onewas at feederin Natchitochesin January(.KS & HW) (MG, MGr, DS, MS) were 22 days earlier than any and a male was at feederin Baton Rouge in early Feb previousrecord. The Ovenbirdfound at PevetoBeach (RN et al.). This was a fair EveningGrosbeak year, but Woods Dec. 26 (MJM) wasthe only one recordedthis the birds did not get as far southas in someprevious winter The N. Waterthrushon DauphinI. Jan. 15(DN & years.High concentrationswere at TallapoosaCounty, LRT) was the secondrecorded in winter in Alabama. Ala., 200 on Mar. 13(BD); at Tuscaloosa,300 on Mar 14 Loms•ana Waterthrushesarrived five days early at Gulf (JCT); and at Birminghamwell over 500 (fide TI) In Breeze,Fla., Mar. 3 (LD, RD, SD & StD),and alsoearly Arkansasthere were 31 reports,mostly from the n. partof at Lov•ck, Jefferson Co., Ala., Mar. 4 (DH). At state. The largest reported flock was about 80 at Covingtona Yellow-breastedChat was observedNov. Jonesboro(E J). In Louisianathe highestconcentration 25-Dec 6 (AS), constitutingthe fourth w. Tennessee wasat Campti, NatchitochesPar., whereup to 40 were record One wasat Hattiesburg,Miss., Dec. 14(LG). Dan present after Feb. 21 (JT, RN et al.). The largest Pumngton commentedthat Wilson's Warblers were Mississippigroup was about 80 at Starkville during quitecommon in theNew Orleans area. The female seen February and March (JJ). There were a few more at Baton Rouge Mar. 19 (KZ & RZ) is one of very few scattered Pine Siskin records this winter than last -- it everfound in the area in spring.The maleat Birmingham was present on 23 CBCs this year; 13 last. There were Mar 25 - 29 (RRR, FS & JWS) wasa monthearlierthan several birds reported from Natchitoches (CV), previousrecords. Shreveport(H J), and EvangelineParish (HG & JD) On the other hand there were probably thousandsaround BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS, FINCHES -- A flock Starkville in late March (JJ). Two Red Crossbillswere of 20-30 Yellow-headedBlackbirds was reported Mar. 21 reported at Homochito National Forest, Miss, m at Abbeville, Vermilion Par. (SC, LL & EP); suchlarge February (RHo). There were up to 11 at Noxubee numbers are unusual in Louisiana. There seemed to be N.W.R., WinstonCo., Miss., after Feb. 29. Amazinglyat more than the usualnumber of winteringoriole reports. least one pair nestedand produced'three young (TD, A "Baltimore" was seenand photographedat Crossett, RHo & J J). The Green-tailed Towbee at Bon Secour in Ark, Dec. 15-Feb. 27 (MMC). A g "Baltimore" was at January (PFC, m.ob.) provided the secondAlabama Montgomery Feb. 28-Mar. 8 (JK), a female at Bir- record. Tree Sparrows were found on Natchez (1), mingham Jan. 30 (MLM), and a female wintered at AshlandCity, Tenn.,(1); BuffaloRiver, Tenn., (3), and Jackson, Miss., (CB). A g "Bullock's" was seen at Fayetteville(5) CBCs. Harris' Sparrow were found at

Volume 30, Number 3 731 Texarkana and ShreveportCBCs. One wasphotograph- Helen Kittinger, Mike Klumpp, Jerald Ledbetter,Lonnie ed at Harrisburg. PoissettCo., Ark., during its presence Lege. Michael Leumas, Stephen Liston (StL), Susan from Decemberto February (SG). Liston, Patricia Lonnecker, Florence Lynn, Jay Mc- Caskill, Mable McDonald (MMc), Paul McKenzie CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) and OBSERVERS -- (PMc), Mrs. Dennis McNutt, Brad McPherson (BMc), Peggy Ackerman, Lois Archer, T.Z. Atkeson, Raoul V.V. McWilliams, Charles Merritt, Josie Metzger, Ann Aucoin, Ray Aycock (RAy), Evelyn Barbig, Howard Miller, Mary Lou Miller (MLM), Charles H. Mills Barbig, Bay County Audubon Society, R.M. Bays, Kate (CHM), Bill Milmore, Judy Milmore (JuM), Paul Beck, Tom Darden, Jack Deshotels,Bill Dimon, Mary Mumme, Steve Mumme, Michael J. Musumeche Gray (MGr), Charles Guillory, Harland Guillory, Joe (MJM), David P. Muth (DPM), Joseph Muth, Mac Guinn (JGu), Edith Halberg (EdH) (Arkansas), Henry Myers(MMy), NancyNelkin (NAN), Norton Nelkin, Dot Halberg, Robert B. Hamilton (RBH), Candis Harbison, Newburn, Nancy Newfield (NNe), Marcella Newman, Joe Harbison, Ralph Havard, Richard Hayward (Rill), Robert Newman (Louisiana), Albert Nonkes, Mini Sharon Hayword, James Hebrard (JHe), Tim Hickox, Nonkes (MNo), Nichole O'Neill, Brent Ortego, Helen Steve Hillberg (StH), Susan Holt (SHo), V. Horne, Parker, Max Parker, H. Randy Perry (HRP), John Robert Howell (RHo), D.C. Hulse (DCH), Donald Portnoy, H. Douglas Pratt (HDP), R. D. Purrington, Hulsey, David R. Hunter (DRH), Thomas lmhof EmmetPutnam, Robert Raither,Col. W. F. Register,Jr., (Alabama), Greg Jackson, J. Jackson, Horace Jeter, E. Reid, Robert R. Reid (RRR), Nancy Roberts, Brad Barbara Johnson, Evalyn Johnston, D.T. Kee, James Robichaux, Steve Russell, Rose Schatz (RoS), Bob Keeler, Robert Kennedy, Paul King, Curtis Kingsbery Shannon, Connie Shannon (COS), Terry Sharpe, Ken (Florida), Helen Kitfinger, Mike Klumpp, Jerald Shaw, Charlotte Shea, Frances Shepherd, James W. Ledbetter, Lonnie Lege, Michael Leumas, Stephen Shepherd (JWS), Bob Simonson (BSi), Alice Smith, Liston (StL), SusanListon, Patricia Lonnecker,Florence Keith Smith (KSm), Charles Sprinkle (CSp), Steve Lynn, Jay McCaskill, Mable McDonald (MMc), Paul Stedman, Ronald J. Stein (RJS), Jane Stern, Dean McKenzie (PMc), Mrs. Dennis McNutt, Brad McPher- Steward,Martha Steward, EvelynTackett, Mrs. Jimmy son(BMc), V.V. McWilliams, Henry Halberg, RobertB. Taylor, TennesseeOrnithological Society, James C. Hamilton (RBH), Candis Harbison, Joe Harbison, Thompson(JCT), Laura Tingler, Lib R. Toenes(LRT), Ralph Havard, Richard Hayward (Rill), Sharon William Turcotte, Dave Turpin, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Hayword, James Hebrard (JHe), Tom Hickox, Steve Veldhuis, David Vest, Lester Vicknair, Charles Viers, Hillberg (StH), Susan Holt (SHo), V. Horne, Robert Emmett Waldrep, Harold Wales, Randy Waryen, Howell (RHo), D.C. Hulse (DCH), Donald Hulsey, Elizabeth Watson (EIW), David Weber, Melvin Weber, David R. Hunter (DRH), Thomas lmhof (Alabama), Wiley Wilkinson, Mrs. Frances Wills, Beverly Winn, Greg Jackson, J. Jackson, Horace Jeter, Barbara John Winn, Furcy Zeringue, Kathleen Zinn, Robert Johnson, Evalyn Johnston, D. T. Kee, James Keeler, Zinn--ROBERT B. HAMILTON, School of Forestry, Robert Kennedy,Paul King, CurtisKingsbury (Florida), Louisiana State University,Baton Rouge, La. 70803

NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS MissouriR. (RNR). Black Duckswere present at Gavin's /Wayne C. Harris and Sheila M. Lamont Pt., S. D.,with oneJan. 9 and five Feb. 3, and singlesnear Pierre Feb. 22 & 27. At Oak Hammock Marsh, n. of The weather this winter was mild with little snow in Winnipeg, 100 Mallards, three Pintails and one Corn. most areas.On the Canadian Prairies a cold spellthe first Goldeneyewintered on natural openareas fed by springs two weeks of Decemberdrove many of the tardy migrantssouth. A week at the beginningof Januarywas also cold but therewere no heavy snowfallsuntil March. Montana and the n. two-thirds of North Dakota had • • SASK • MAN •vo,•l F normal to mild weather. South Dakota and s. North Dakota had cold temperaturesthroughout December and January with moderation in February. The early snowcover in the southernparts of the regionresulted in reducedwintering populations of waterfowl overmuch of the area.

WATERFOWL -- An EaredGrebe at ReginaDec. 26- 28 and a W. Grebeat WabumunL., Alta., Dec.27-Jan. 17 were unusual(TMB, G RAE). Two Canada Geesearrived at Bowdoin N.W.R., Mont. Feb. 10, earlier than usual (JRF) while wintering numbers increasedto 1250 at Regina (LS). Mallards reachedtheir lowestwintering numbersin many yearsat Ft. Peck, Mont. with 600 in early January (CMC). Winteringpopulations at Regina and Calgary numbered450 and 400, respectively(LS, RJB) while at Bismarck,N. Dakota 800-1000were on the

732 Ame•can Birds, June, 1976 (HWRC). Four Barrow's Goldeneyeswere present at totals of 111 sightingsfrom Saskatchewan(WCH), six CalgaryJan. 25 and six winteredat Ft. Peck(RJB, from Manitoba (HWRC), 31 from S. Dakota (GLS), 79 CMC). Therewere 2860 Corn.Mergansers at Yankton, S. from Alberta (SJ, FAS, GRAE, RJB), 21 from N. D., Dec. 5 (GLS). A Red-breastedMerganser Dec. 20 at Dakota (JTL) and l 1 from Montana (CMC). The rarely Fargo, N.D., wasunusual (EGA). Hooded Mergansers recordedPygmy Owl visiteda feederat Banff, Alta., Dec. were seen in South Dakota in Yankton County Mar. 18 13-27 (WER, DW, LW), where it was catching House and in Gregory County Mar. 21-27 (GLS). Sparrows,and anotherwas seen Feb. 6 and heardcalling Mar. 28 near Cochrane, Alta. (SJ). The one report of a HAWKS AND EAGLES -- Goshawks were well Barred Owl was at Fargo. N. Dak., Jan. 16 (EGA). representedwith 14 reported in Alberta, 22 in Saskatchewan,four in South Dakota and one in each in Manitoba and Montana. Both Cooper's and Sharp- shinned Hawks were reported farther north than usual with singleSharp-shinneds in Saskatchewanat Shell L. and Ravenscrag(WCH, SML, MAG) and a single Cooper'sat Calgary(HW P). A total of 164Golden Eagles were reported, with only Montana havingfewer than noimal. Good numbers of Bald Eagleswere seen with Alberta reporting 23, Saskatchewan17, Manitoba 6, North Dakota 2, South Dakota 64 and Montana reportingeight Dec. 6 and oneto five duringthe restof the season.

FALCONS -- Gyrfalcons were seenat Ft. Peck with one Dec. 14, followed by one adult alone and two immaturestogether, all three Feb. I (CMC). There were alsoreports of singlesfrom Saskatchewanat Ravenscrag, Glaucous Gull, Fort Peck, Mont., Dec. 6-7, 1975. Mar. 1 and White Bear once in October and once in Photo/Charles M. Carlson. March (MAG, SOJ). Prairie Falconswere reported from five Saskatchewan,five South Dakota, three Alberta and S.A. one Montana localities. Single Peregine Falcons were reportedfrom Bxuce,Alta., Jan.25 (R P), CalgaryJan. 13 GLAUCOUS GULL -- The highlight of the & Mar. 7 (DBG, PS), n. of Cochrane,Alta., Dec. 2 (SJ), seasonfor this area was the numberof reportsof near Carrot R., Sask.,Jan. 1 (S. Riome), Medora, N. D., Glaucous Gulls. In South Dakota at Gavin's Pt. Dec. 20 (JS), Dunn Center, N.D., Jan. 24 (FJC) and Ft. there were two Dec. 17 with at least one until Dec. Peck during December (R. Shupe). Merlins were 24 and a singlebird Mar. 19 (GLS), while Ft. reportedthroughout the area all winter. Randall Dam at Pickstown had one Jan. 15 (Y.B.C.) and a first-yearimmature Jan. 24 (KE). GALLINACEOUS B1RDS -- Sharp-tailed Grouse At Ft. Peck a single first-year immature was seen and Gray Partridgenumbers still have not fully recovered Dec. 6-7, constitutingthe third or fourth state in Saskatchewanwhere fewer than noxmal were reported record(CMC). The fifth recordfor Saskatchewan from Moose Jaw, Eastend, Grenfell and Kindersley was a sighting of three second-yearimmatures (EWK, MAG, EKH, JMH). Numbers of both these Dec. 22 at Gardiner Dam near Cutbank (WER, specieswere down in SouthDakota, butabove average in BCG, D. Renaud). [Excellent details-ED.] The Montana with Sharp-tailedsnumbering 56 {normal 15- frequencyof sightingsof GlaucousGulls has been 20) at Ft. Peck (CMC). About 20 Turkeyswintered along increasingover the past few years, and in most the SheyenneR., north of Valley City, N. Dak. (DEG). casesobservations are at dams where water is kept open artifically during the winter months. With RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- A Virginia the increasingnumber of dams, winter obser- Rail flushedfrom a warm springin JonesCounty, S. D., vations of Glaucous Gulls may become a more Jan. 25 (RLH) wasapparently the firstwinter record for common occurrence at inland locations. the state (GLS). Two Com. Snipe wintered at Joliet, Mont. (CMC), while in South Dakota there were three at WOODPECKERS -- Common Flickers were un- Rapid City, and singlesat Rapid Valley, Meade County, and Minnehaha County (JLM, EMS, EEM, GWB). A usuallycommon with midwinterreports of singlesfrom Wilson'sPhalarope at L. Sharpenear PierreFeb. 21 was Edmonton,Calgary, Winnipeg, Brandon, Man.; Regina and Saskatoon. Six were in Moose Jaw all winter, two at unusual (JLM. HJM). Ft. Peck and Clifford, N. Dak., sevenat Joliet, and five at Fargo.A Red-belliedWoodpecker appeared in Winnipeg DOVES AND OWLS -- Mourning Dovesremained Dec. 19-21 (ARL); another spentDecember and January unusuallylate, with one Dec. 26 at Regina,three Dec. 28 at Bismarck (RNR) and six localitiesreported them in S. at Round L., Sask. (TMB, DF), three Jan. 2 at Glenboro, Dakota (GLS). A Red-headed Woodpecker in full ad. Man. and oneat WinnipegJan. 14(PS, RL). Nine Snowy plumagewas observedJan. 18 at Burke, S.D. (GLS). Owls in 35 mi. was the most ever at White Bear, Sask. (SOJ), but they wereabsent at Shehoand Spirit L., Sask. CORV1DS AND CHICKADEES -- A Gray Jay indicating an uneven distribution. Overall there were throughoutthe winter in Winnipegwas unusual(PH).

Volume 30, Number 3 733 One Com. Crow was seen in mid-winter at Bowdoin, refuge(JRF). BohemianWaxwings moved south in good Mont, wherethey are rarein winter(CMC), two Jan. 2 at numbers, with a peak at Saskatoon of 460 birds per Calgary (GW) and singlesDec. 15 (BF) and Feb. 15 observerover the ten day period Dec. 29-Jan. 8 (PON) (RMD), two Feb. 7 at Morley, Alta. (MSL), Dec. 27 at Theywere reported absent only at Monarch,Alta. (FAS) Banff,Alta. (GRAE) andJan. 22 at Regina(RBD). Over Northern Shrikes were reported in lower numbers than 185 Clark's Nutcrackersfrequented a backyardfeeder in normal on the Canadian Prairies with six sightingsfrom Banff, Alta. Black-capped Chickadee numbers were Manitoba, 25 from Saskatchewanand eightfrom Alberta aboveaverage in Saskatoonand Regina,while in North except near Cochrane where they were more numerous Dakota their numbers had recovered from the 1975 than usualwith 20 observations(S J). Montana reported blizzard (DEG, DLK). Bowdoin reported a single four sightings(CMC) while there were ten from South Mountain Chickadee(JRF). Dakota (GLS) and none from North Dakota (JTL) The only Cardinal reportswere from Pine Falls, Man where NUTHATCHES -- Red-breasted Nuthatches were one visiteda feederdaily (DH) and S. Dakota with eleven well abovenormal with eightobservations n. of Cochrane sightings(GLS). (SJ), four in the Edmonton area and six at Calgary. Twenty were recordedDec. 7 at Lac du Bonnet, Man. GROSBEAKS, FINCHES AND SPARROWS -- (RFK, RK), a singlein WinnipegFeb. 27 (HWRC) and Evening Grosbeaks moved into the area with above- 24 individuals from seven localities in south Dakota normal numbers reported throughout with a peak at (G LS). In Saskatchewana record34 wererecorded on the Saskatoon of 290 birds per observerover the ten day SaskatoonCBC (PON), with above-normalnumbers at period Mar. 2-12 (PON). Of special interest was the Regina (TMB) and lndian Head (MS) as well as a occurrence of an almost pure white grosbeak in the substantial number of sightings within the forested Winnipeg area. It had a slightyellow tingeon the breast,a regionsand awayfrom feedersat Emma L. (BCG, JKG), pale yellow cresentor vee acrossthe nape and a few small Prince Albert and Maidstone (WCH, SML). gray spotson the upper back. It wasfirst notedDec 2 at a bird feeder near Oakbank, 12 mi. e. of Winnipeg(DB) CREEPERS -- BrownCreepers were above normal in and after being observedseveral times in the city it was Alberta and Saskatchewanespecially near the forested last reported near Oakbank Mar. 27. A d' Evening regions. There were single birds at Edmonton Jan. 1 Grosbeak having dull brownish primaries and tail (RP), Jan. 14 (DW, LW) and Feb. 7 (LP) and at Calgary featherswas banded ai SevenSisters, Man. (HWRC) Feb 5 (JI). Within the forest at Emma L., Sask. there Purple Finch numbers were higher than normal at were four Dec. 20, five Dec. 21, one Dec. 25 and two Dec. Bismarckwith 194banded (RNR) and with singlebirds at 26 (BCG, JKG). Saskatoonhad one ortwo all winter and Ft. Peck(CMC) and Erskine,Alta. (LL) beingunusual A Regina had at leastone all winter. In South Dakota there sightrecord of a HouseFinch Feb. 6 at Saskatoonwas the were reports from Clay County, Pierre, Hurley, third recordfor Saskatchewan(PON). Another was seen Brookings,Burke L. and from most Rapid City feeders. at Rapid City throughthe winter(LAW). Pine Grosbeaks were absent in Manitoba and the Dakotas, with few D1PPERS THROUGH BLUEBIRDS Dippers reportsfrom anywhereelse in the Regionexcept along the were reported from Calgary, Bow R., Alta.; n. of forestfringe in Saskatchewan.Gray-crowned Rosy Finch Cochrane and from Rapid City. A Long-billed Marsh numbers were above normal throughout. They were Wren apparently wintered at a warm spring in Jones reported at Eastend, Sask. from Oct. 27 when 53 were County, S.D. (RLH). A Mockingbird seenseveral times seento Mar. 14 when sevenwere seen,with a high of 100 at Winnipeg earlier in the month disappearedDec. 24 on one day (MAG). White Bear, Sask.,reported up to 22 (R [•K). A Brown Thrasher seenJan. 25 in n. JonesCo., S. duringthe winter (S OJ). One was at ReginaDec. 1-21and Dak apparently wintered (RLH) while another was a first recordfor SpringValley, Sask.was one Dec 17-20 present at Winnipeg Dec. 12-13 (HWRC). Robins (FB). There were up to 25 n. of Cochrane,Alta. through wintered throughout the region. An unusually late E. the winter (SJ), 40 at Ft. Peck Jan. 3 (CMC), 50 at Bluebird was present at Moose Jaw Nov. 23-Dec. 10 Cochrane, Alta., Jan. 24 (KM), 200 at Medora Dec 20 (EWK, m.ob.). (JS) with flocks at Rapid City (EMS) and in the South Dakota Badlands (RAW). Common Redpolls were SOLITAIRE -- Townsend's Solitaires were in above common throughout with a peak at Saskatoon of 289 normal numberswith two at Banff Dec. 26 (GRAE), one birds per observerover the ten day period Nov 16-26 at Jasper, Alta., Feb. 26 (HC), one at Calgary Jan. 11 (PON). Hoary Redpollswere reportedfrom all statesand (JD), oneeach at MooseJaw (EWK) and Regina(TMB) provincesexcept Manitoba. Both Red and White-winged all winter, three at Ft. Peck during December and Crossbillswere virtually absent with very few numbers January (CMC), eight at Medora Dec. 20 (RNR), 20 at anywhere except in the forested region of the Canadian BismarckJan. 4 (RNR), onein w. PerkinsCounty, S. D., Prairieswhere hundreds of White-wingedswere reported Dec 7, Mar. 12 and two there Jan. 10-20 (AH), two at from Lac du Bonnetand Sandilandsin Manitoba and up Belle Fourche, S.D., Dec. 5 (1W), one at Rapid City all to 200 at EmmaL., Sask.(JKG). A Rufous-sidedTowhee winter (B.H.A.S.), five daily in Sturgis, S.D., Jan. 10 - was seenat Moose Jaw Dec. 1 (GAZ). Tree Sparrows Feb 10 (EEM), one at Burke L., S. D., all winter and were reported in greater numbers than usual for the three there Mar. 22 (GLS). One in RobertsCounty, S. D. winter seasonwith reportsnorth to Regina(RBD), Skull Dec 24 wasa first for the county(fide BK H) aswas one in Creek, Sask.(H. & R. Schuler),Calgary (RJB) andnorth Brookings County, S.D., Dec. 25 - Jan. 10 (NJH). of Cochrane (SJ). Song Sparrows were seen at Ravenscrag,Sask., Jan. 8 (MAG), Ft. PeckJan. 3 (CMC) K1NGLETS THROUGH CARD1NAL A Golden- and Fargo Dec. 20 (EGA). South Dakota reportedSong crownedKinglet at BowdoinNov. 28 was the first for the Sparrowsfrom four localities.

734 AmericanBirds, June, 1976 CORRIGENDUM -- The observatton of 52 Holden, P. Holttng, E.K. Hubbard, D. Hutchtnson,J Bonaparte'sGulls, Birds Hill P.P., Man., (Am. Birds 29: Irwin, S. Johnston, S.O. Jordheim, E.W. Kern, R 869) shouldhave read May 11, not Apr. 11, 1975. Knapton, R.F. Koes, D.L. Kubischta,R. Lane, L Lohr, J.T. Lokemoen, M.S. Lore, A.R. Low, E.E. Miller, K Morck, H.J. Mortimer, J.L. Mortimer, W. Niven, P CONTRIBUTORS (Area editors in bold face). -- O'Neil (PON), R. Palindat, L. Patterson, H.W. Ptnel, Wdham & Joyce Anaka (WJA), E.G. Anderson, D. R.N. Randall, W.E. Renaud,P. Sawatzky,F.A. Schultz, Barnes, T.M. Beveridge,Black Hills Audubon Society, L. Scott, E.M. Serf, M. Skinner, G.L. Steffen, J G W Blankespoor, F. Bogdan, R.J. Butot, H. Campbell, Swanick.G. Wagner,D. Weseloh,L. Weseloh,I. Weyler, C M Carlson, H.W.R. Copland, F.J. Cussel, R.M. L.A. Williams, R.A. Wilt, Yankton Bird Club, G A Darnelson, R.B. Donison, J. Duncan, G.R.A. Ebel, K. Zado and 212 other observerswhose reports contrtbuted Eckert, B. Fisher, J.R. Foster, D. Francis, B.C. Godwin, to our understanding of this season. -- WAYNE C J K Godwin, D.E. Goeke, M.A. Gollop, D.B. Gregg, HARRIS and SHEILA M. LAMONT, Box 994, Pnnce B K Harris, J.M. Harris, R.L. Hill, A. Hinds, N.J. Albert, Sask. S6V 5S5.

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS Plains N.W.R., Okla., Tulsa, Osage County, Okla, /Frances Williams Hagerman N.W.R., Tex. and Wichita County, Tex Double-crested Cormorants were present in Crosby County, Tex., Dec. 1-Jan. 14 (PD, RE), providinga first It was another warm, dry winter on the plains, with winter record. Seven Anhingas were observedat Dallas very httle snow cover even in Nebraska, and lakes Feb. 29 (HN, L&DB). remainedopen most of the season.As a result many spectesoverwintered that usuallydo not, othersremained HERONS -- So many heronsand egretswere stghted longerinto the seasonthan customaryand manyspring during the winter that only a few can be notedhere: Ltttle mtgrantswere far ahead of schedule.Dry conditions Blue in Wichita County, Tex., Dec. 17, Cattle Egrets resultedin many prairie fires and birderswere reminded throughout Texas, Great Egret at Waco, Tex., Jan 16, that recently burned areas are very attractive to birds - Snowy Egret at El Paso Feb. 28, Black-crownedNtght roastedinsects and weedseeds are easily secured from the Heron at Midland Dec. 15-Jan. 3, Am. Bittern tn bare ground. Washington Co., Okla., Jan. 18-Feb. 1. ! S.DAK. ! mINN. WATERFOWL -- There were eight records of WYO.r-VTe•ti• z..... •-...... WhistlingSwans in w. Texas,those in Crosbyand Gray Sco.sbluff-NEBR.C•lu'•mbu• IOWA Counties constituting first county records(MT, JW) A North Platte . ß ßOmaha White-frontedGoose was observed in HudspethCounty, Tex., Mar. 16 (KZ). Three Ross' Geese remained at FortBoulderoCallins ß ß KearneyßBea_.lr_}ce..•_•. - HagermanN.W.R., Feb. 21-Mar. 16 (JF,KWH, mob ) øDenver Manhattan A Fulvous Tree Duck in McClennan County, Tex., Jan 1 Haysß Tot•ek•ßLawrence provided a new county record (M&JB). Black Ducks C O L O. KANS.Halstead iI MO. were banded at Hagerman N.W.R. during December Wichil• i GrandLake (JF) and werealso seen in AngelinaCounty, Tex., Feb 13 (DF) and Dallas County Feb. 14 (HN, SC). Cinnamon Clayton 1• OK[AßTulsa•fi• • • •FartLakeGibson Teal in NacogdochesCo., Tex., Mar. 12-13provided a AmarilloI . Muskogee NEW MEX. . • OklahomaMoffe• new localityrecord (DF). This specieswas also sighted at I 'LakeTe•[ma ARK. Dallas Feb. 21&29 (WP) and Oklahoma City Feb 28 to • Muleshoe end of period (JGN). Wood Ducks winteredin Delaware Refuge Dentona C•merce County, Okla. (FMB, MB). Six Oldsquawswere s•ghed ß Dallas in LancasterCounty, Neb., Dec. 7 (DG) and one wasat Big Lake, Tex., Dec. 6 (LBP, et al.). A White-winged Midland Scoter was photographedin Angelina County, Jan 23 (LD, CM), providingthe first recordfor the pineywoods area of Texas. All three species of merganserswere common thoughout the Region; the largest flock comprisedover 1000Com. Mergansersin Linn County, Kans., Jan. 30 (ESM). The ever-increasingnumber of GREBES THROUGH ANHINGAS --A Horned reportsof Hooded Mergansersmay reflectan increase•n Grebe in Kerr County, Tex., Mar. 26 provideda first number and expertise of birders rather than an actual county record (K&EM). The wandering of W. Grebes increasein populationof the birds. notedm thefall reportcontinued, with additionalrecords comingfrom Coffey County,Kans. (H&ER, m.ob.)and VULTURES THROUGH FALCONS -- Turkey WtlbargerCounty, Tex. (NM, LS, m.ob.). Eared Grebes Vultures wintered in Delaware County, Okla. (FMB, at Plattsmouth, Neb., Mar. 27 were more than two weeks MB) and returned very early to Comanche County, early White Pelicans are rare inland in winter but this Okla., Feb. 13 (RMK) and Linn County, Feb. 28 (ESM) season they lingered through December at Great Salt There were three sightings of Goshawks in the

Volume 30, Number 3 735 pineywoodsof e. Texas (DF, KBB, DD) but the only sightedat Big L., ReaganCo., Tex., Jan. 8 (CCW). other report came from Midland in w. Texas (JK). A Wilson'sPhalaropes wintered at El Paso(KZ et al.). Broad-wingedHawk in PecosCounty, Tex., Jan. 2 had strayedfar west and was very late (JM). A dark phase GULLS, TERNS -- Eight Glaucous Gulls were Swainson'sHawk in Lancaster County, Neb., Dec. 20 sightedin the Region, an amazing number of inland was also late (DG). White-tailed Hawks were north of records in one season:Coffey County, Kans., Feb. 1 their normal range in BuriesonCo., Tex., Jan. 28 (TGa) (JHS, m.ob.), Linn County, Kans., Jan. 30-Feb. 8 and Dallas Co., Jan. 24 (JH, HN). Rough-leggedHawks (ESM), two in Alfalfa County, Okla., Jan. 17 (VJH, were abundant in the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma RSK), Osage County, Okla., Jan. 20 (DG, m.ob.), but south of the Red R. there were few sightings.A late Oklahoma County, Jan. I-Feb. 11, with a secondbird report, but well worth including,stated that therewere at Feb. 8 (JGN, HW), and a very late bird in Canadian least eight active nestsof Harris' Hawks in one w. Texas County, Okla., Mar. 25 (JG). Herring Gulls were countylast summer (fide KZ). The Corn. Black Hawk had photographedin El PasoCounty, Jan. 31 (KZ) and were returnedtothe Davis Mts., Tex., by Mar. 14(TGa). In the alsoreported in RogersCounty, Okla, Jan. 10(K&DS). e. part of the Region Golden Eagleswere seen in Linn This speciesis rare inland during winter. A bird believed County in March (ESM) and Grand Island, Neb., Mar. to be a Thayer'sGull wascarefully studiedat Dallas Jan. 21 (AS). 24(HN, JH). A LaughingGull waspresent at DallasMar. It wasa bannerwinter for BaldEagles on the plains,as 13 (HN, SC). A Heermann'sGull at Big L., ReaganCo., they were reported in good numbers at most major Tex., provideda new staterecord. Bill Edwardsof Odessa reservoirs.High counts included24 at Great Salt Plains found it Dec. 2 and Terry Maxwell of San Angelo N.W.R., 16 in Linn County, 27 at Flint Hills N.W.R., photographedit Dec. 4. Full detailswill be published Kans., 15 in Potter County, Tex., 14 in Randall County, elsewhere.Black-legged Kittiwakes visited Big L., Dec. 5- Tex. The Tulsa Audubon Societyconducted public tours 24 (IW, m.ob.), Wichita County, Tex., Dec. 29 (FC, to seeBald Eaglesat KeystoneL., drawing an estimated m.ob.), Randall County, Tex., Dec. 21 (SS, PA). Six 500 sightseersduring January and February. Forster'sTerns remainedat HagermanN.W.R. most of Ospreyswere sighted in Marion County, Tex., Dec. 20 December (CRB). A Caspian Tern wintered on L. (LR) and Tulsa Mar. 9 (ES et at). Caracaras were Livingston,Walker Co., Tex. (KBB). reported in four Texas counties:Navarro, Kaufmann, McLennan and Hood. Prairie Falcons visited Lyon County, Kans., Jan. 23 & Feb. I (JHS), Washington County, Okla., Feb. 22 (ED) and wintered in c. Oklahoma. There have been recent observations of Peregrine Falcons in the Chisos Mts., Big Bend N.P., Tex., and climbers have been barred from cliff areas which might providenesting sites for the rare raptors.A lone Peregrine was sightedat El Paso Mar. 7 (GOW). Merlins were reported at eight localitiesin the Region, providing first county recordsin Crosby, Fannin and Johnson Counties, Tex.

QUAIL THROUGH RAILS -- A Gambel's Quail near the Rio Grande in Big Bend N.P., Mar. 8 was the first seenin the park in many years(BHK). Montezuma Quail continueto spreadand wereseen in the Vieja Mts., Jeff DavisCo., Tex., in December(JM). SandhillCranes also made a rare appearancein Big Bend N.P., Feb. 3, Mar. 3 (TB, VBB). An unusual winter record of this specieswas reported in Lyon County, Kans., Feb. 13 (BG). A Yellow Rail provideda newrecord for Big Bend N.P., Jan. 31 (RL). Details will be publishedelsewhere. GlaucousGull (imm.), Oklahoma Count),, Okla., Jan. 30, 1976. Photo/John Shackford. PLOVERS TH ROUGH PHALAROPES -- A Piping Plover at L. Rayburn, NacogdochesCounty, Tex., Feb. 6 DOVES THROUGH GOATSUCKERS -- Ground constituteda very rare winter record for any inland area Doveswintered in ColemanCounty, Tex. {CS) and were (DF). Two Snowy Plovers were sighted in Lancaster reportedfrom the pinewoodsofe. Texasin Februaryand County, Neb., Mar. 28. This species is accidental March {DF, RR). Inca Doves remained at a feeder in anywhere in Nebraska (DG). Three Mountain Plovers Wichita, Kans., Nov. 11 until the end of the period were sightedMar. 13 in OsageCounty, Okla., feeding (N&GM,fide DV). Thesetwo dovespecies are spreading with Killdeer and pipits in a burned area (SG, ED). northward, with more extra-limital reportseach year. Woodcocks were reported from six areas including The only Monk Parakeetsreported were in Cleveland Coffey County, Kans., Feb. 29 and Lyon County, Kans., County, Okla. (JG, DC). Barred Owls astounded Mar. 12 (BG). Dunlinswere observed in OklahomaCity observers by appearing in city backyards in broad Dec. 13, Feb. 6, 7, 8 & 14 (JGN), Wichita County, Tex., daylight at Cushing,Okla. (DI) and Denton, Tex. (JY). Dec. I, 18, Jan. 5, 7 & 9 (NM), HagermanN.W.R., Dec. Long-earedOwls winteredat Bellevue,Neb. {M W) and in 20 - Mar. 31 (KWH, m.ob.). A Red Phalarope was Laneaster County, Neb. {DG). Short-eared Owls were

736 American Birds, June, 1976 abundant only •n Ector County, Tex. (BE, m.ob.). A MIMICS, THRUSHES A Mockingbird wasseen In Saw-whet Owl was presentin Big Bend N.P., Mar. 7, 9 Lancaster County, Neb., Feb. 15 & 22 (DG). A Gray (PFA) Another in Lyon County, Kans.,Jan. 24-Mar. 21 Catbird wintered in Lubbock, Tex. (D & FG). Brown provideda new countyrecord (BG, DR et al.). A Whip- Thrashers wintered as far north as Nebraska and as far poor-will at CollegeStation, Tex., Feb. 29 wasthe earliest west as PresidioCounty, Tex. A Long-billedThrasher ever by 23 days (DaF). A Poor-will found dead at Waco, remainedin Big BendN.P., Mar. 10-31(R&JJ, mob ) A Tex, Mar. 12 provided a first county record(FG). Curve-billed Thrasher banded at Hays, Kans., remained at a feeder throughout the period (MER). A Cnssal SWIFTS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- White- Thrasher was sighted in lrion County, Tex., Dec 4 throated Swifts wintered in far w. Texas, wherethey were (CCW) and a Sage Thrasher was seenin Kerr County seenat HuecoTanks S.P. in Januaryand February(KZ) Mar. 18 (E&KM). Both thesespecies were east of their and IndianHot Springs,Hudspeth Co., Feb.22 (GOW, normal range. EW) A <2Ruby-throated Hummingbird remained at a A massive Am. Robin invasion occurred In the feederIn Nacogdoches,Tex., Dec.21-Jan. 9. An Anna's Sherman, Tex., area during November and December Hummingbirdarrived at Tulsasometime in thefall (W R) Thousands swarmed over the county and each evening but wasnot broughtto thenotice of Tulsabirders until about four o'clock began arriving in the city to roost Jan 2 (PK). It wasthen seen by 30 members of theTulsa Observerswere stationedin variousparts of the city to AudubonSociety, appeared on KOTV andon thefront estimate numbers of birds in the flocks and a reliable total pageof the TulsaWorld. It waslast seenJan. 11. of 500,000 robins was obtained.The birds dispersedby Contributors in the eastern-mostparts of Nebraska, early January (CRB et al.). Kansas and Oklahoma were all enthusiasticabout the Varied Thrushes were observed at Scottsbluff, Neb, largenumbers of Red-headedWoodpeckers present in Dec. 4 (AK, JB) and ArkansasCity, Kans., Dec 20 & their areas. A Lewis' Woodpeckerwas discoveredat Jan. 11 (D&KS, WC,fide DV). A WesternBluebird was EisenhowerS.P., GraysonCo., Tex., Dec. 26 (L&MB). studiedcarefully in Wichita, Kans., Jan. 3 (M&NL, DK) ThreeWilliamson's Sapsuckers were located at El Paso Mountain Bluebirds were present in the Wichita Mts, Mar 7 (GOW, EW, KZ) and oneat MidlandMar. 25 ComancheCo., Okla., Jan. 31 (O.C.A.S.), Nacogdoches, provideda newcounty record (GH, GP, m.ob.). Tex., Feb. 2, Mar. 15 (DM, m.ob.), Hardeman County, Tex., all winter (NM). Two Townsend's Solitanes at FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- The warmwinter Denton, Neb., Dec. 21, one in Lincoln, Jan. 18 (DG) and wasprobably responsible for thefollowing occurrences of one in Jackson County, Okla. (JWA) were noteworthy flycatchersand swallows. A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher was observations. found near Junction, Tex., Jan. 2 (BM, LH). Eastern Phoebes wintered in severalOklahoma localities. A Black KINGLETS THROUGH SHRIKES -- A few Ruby- Phoebeprovided a new countyrecord in McClennan crownedKinglets wintered at Hays.Sprague's Pipits were County,Tex., Dec.20 (M&JB, BH). An Empidonax(sp?) observedin Cleveland County, Okla., Feb. 18 to mid- was seen Dec. 19 in NacogdochesCo. (DF). Most March (JG). Bohemian Waxwings were present in amazingwas the discoveryof a wood pewee(sp?) at Lincoln Jan. 5, 7 & 18 (SD), Omaha Mar. 25 (MW), Midland Feb. 22 (EB). VermilionFlycatchers wintered at Midland Feb. 13, 23 (ME, MC). Phainopeplaswintered five Texas localitiesnorth and/or east of their normal at Hueco Tanks S.P. A N. Shrike observed in Wichita range Violet-greenand Tree Swallowsand Purple County,Tex., Dec. 1-29 was found dead Jan. 5 (NM) It Is Mart•nswere in HudspethCounty, Tex., Feb. 22 (GOW, now at the DallasNatural History Museum.This species EW) EarlyTree Swallowswere noted in Linn County, wasalso reported in RandallCounty, Tex., Dec. 26,Jan Kans, Mar. 13 (ESM), Sherman,Tex., Feb. 17 (CRB)' 25 (KS, PA), Midland Dec. 24-Jan.I (ME, m.ob) and and Tulsa Feb. 26 (LR, MK). Lincoln(no date given-- SD). A pair of Loggerhead Shrikeswhich built a nestin Linn County, Kans. on the CORVIDS THROUGH WRENS -- Blue Jays and early date Mar. 20 linedtheir nestwith rabbitfur -- an ScrubJays wintered in Big BendN.P., wherethere were anthropomorphicobserver might say the birds knew that few previousrecords of eitherspecies. Scrub Jays also some more cold weather was due. w•ntered at Hueco Tanks S.P. (KZ). Blue Jays were bmld•nga nest in Cleveland County, Okla., Mar. 11,eight WARBLERS THROUGH TANAGERS -- Yellow- daysearlier than any previous nest-building date in the rumped(Myrtle) Warblerswintered in Kansasand were state(GMS). Seven Fish Crows were sighted at CaddoL., abundant in the Dallas area in February. A Yellow- HarrisonCo., Tex., Feb. 7 (LR). A MountainChickadee throated Warbler in Ft. Worth Mar. 19 was early (MP) was observedat Hueco Tanks Jan. 4 & Mar. 17 (KZ). Western Meadowlarkswere presentin RogersCounty, Red-breastedNuthatches were presentthroughout the Okla., Feb. 20-Mar. 31 (K&DS) and were more Region,but werenowhere numerous. A Bewick'sWren numerous in e. Texas than usual. A • Yellow-headed remainedat a feederin Hays, Kans.,Nov. 15-Apr. 1 Blackbird wintered in Midland (m.ob.), a female was (MER). A CactusWren in PotterCounty, Tex., Feb. 8 sightedin Omaha Feb. 9 (MW) and a female visiteda untilthe end of theperiod provided a firstcounty record feederin Tarrant County, Tex., Dec. 31 (L&AB) A <2 (PA) Short-billedMarsh Wrens were seen in BigBend Orchard Oriole was seenin Ft. Worth Dec. 26 (J&M RL) N P (RL) and WashingtonCounty, Tex. (OG). The Hooded Orioles arrived in E1 Paso Mar. 7, an early date number of Canon Wrens at Hueco Tanks S.P. increased (GOW, EW). Northern (Bullock's)Orioles were seenIn greatlybut the numberof RockWrens declined (KZ). Huntsville, Tex., Dec. 20-Jan. 4 (KBB) and RockWrens were reported in CollinCounty, Tex., Feb.8 Nacogdoches,Tex. throughoutJanuary (DA). In Llnn (MRo). County, Kans., 25 Brewer'sBlackbirds were observed

Volume 30, Number 3 737 Dec. 6. Great-tailed Grackles were abundant in Amarillo all winter. An ad. c• Summer Tanager was seen in NacogdochesJan. 20 (DE).

ERINGILLIDS -- A Dickcissel visited a feeder in Lyon County, Kans.. Dec. 8 OHS). EveningGrosbeaks were present throughout the period in Lancaster, Douglas and Sarpy counties, Neb., Lyon & Johnson Counties, Kans., Comanche, LeFlore, Washingtonand OsageCounties, Okla, Palo Duro Canyon S.P., Tex. Common Redpolls were really "common" in the Region. The specieswas reported by the only three observers in Nebraska who submit reports and were possibly present elsewherein the State. The species While-*• inged Crossbill. Lubbock, Tex.. Mar. 8. 1976. appearedin greaternumbers than ever before throughout Photo/G. •'. Juo' Kansas. In Oklahoma there had been only one previous sight record of Com. Redpolls. This year they were spentnetting in the samearea in January no Baird'swere reportedat feedersin Norman (H&MF) and Tulsa (AB, ECH, m.ob.) and at leastsix photographerstook pictures caught. at the latter location. Le Conte'sSparrows were seen in Linn County, Kans., Feb. 28 (ESM), Osage County, Okla., Dec. 6-Jan. 17 (EH) and Waco, Tex., Dec. 22, 29 (KBB). Joe Gr- zybowski censusedthree grasslandplots of 100 acreas eachin Cleveland,McClain and Grady counties,Okla. Le Conte's Sparrows wintered in all three plots but were most numerous in lightly grazed areas. Henslow's Sparrows were sightedin Marion County, Tex., Feb. 22 (LR). Lark Sparrows were presentin StephensCounty, Okla., Jan. 13-Feb. 12 (JC) and lingered until late December at Tishomingo N.W.R., Okla. (CRB). A singing t5 Cassin'sSparrow was present at Nacogdoches Mar. 27-Apr. 2, the first time this specieshas been recorded east of Dallas (DW, DF). The White-winged form of Dark-eyed Junco was observedat Hays Dec. 30 (CAE). Gray-headedJuncos were regular feeder visitors at Lubbock and Midland. Common Redpoll, Tulsa, Okla., Mar. 6. 1976. Photo/ John ShaclxJbrd. Tree Sparrows were abundant as far south as Briscoeand Crosbycounties in w. Texas, a few were seenin n. c. Texas and record numbers were present at Tulsa. Swamp Sparrows were observedat El PasoJan. 18, Feb. I (KZ), This was probably the biggestinvasion year ever for Pale Dure Canyon S.P., Dec. 21 (KS), were commonall Pine Siskins. Professor Ely at Hays banded over 300 winter at Tulsa and e. Nebraska. during"casual" banding and Mary LouiseMyers banded It was a good longspur year, with 16 contributors over 550 in JohnsonCounty, Kans., Dec. ! 5-Mar. 30. She commenting on one or more species.McCown's were reportedthat thistle seedfeeders and thistle seedhit an present from Jeff Davis County east to Johnson and all-time salesrecord at local feed stores.Many feedersin Brazes counties,Tex. Lapland Longspurswere common Lubbock, Wichita Falls and Tulsa had 40 or more siskins at Hays early in winter, moved out in January and coming daily and a flock of 50 was present at Hueco returned during an early March snowstorm.This species Tanks S.P. in late winter. Several observers noted that was recorded in c. Texas from Wichita County south to when siskinsare presentgoldfinches go elsewhere,but in Brazos County, Chestnut-collared Longspurs swarmed the Texas Panhandle, in fields of commerciallygrown throughout w. Texas and were reported east to Dallas sunflowers, there were thousands of both, although and JohnsonCounty, Tex. A flock of Smith's Longspurs siskins were the more abundant. appeared at Tulsa in early December (DS), large flocks Several Red Crossbillswere seen irregularly through visited Terrell, Tex., Jan. 25-Feb. 12 (fide WP) and a the period at Hays (MER) and one visited a feeder in flock in w. PresidioCounty, Tex., Feb. 22 & 24 provided Pontotoc County, Okla., Jan. 5 (WILD, KJG). A White- a first county record(J M). All four specieswere presentat wingedCrossbill which frequenteda feederin Lubbock Dallas and at Norman, Okla. Dec. 28-Mar. 8 was photographed, providing the first verified Texas record (G J, m.ob.). CONTRI BUTORS AND INITIALED OBSERVERS Lark Buntings wintered in Jackson County, Okla. Nebraska: Joyce Brashear, Shirley Doole, Daryl (JWA) and in Wichita County, Tex. (LS), both localities Giblim Alice Kenitz, Andy Saunders,Melba Wigg, four somewhatnorth of the usual winter rangeof the species. additional observers. Lark Buntings in the Dallas area in late March were Kansas:lvan L. Boyd, Wallace Champeny, CharlesA. noteworthy. Just where Baird's Sparrows winter in w. Ely, Bob Gress,Don Kilby, Mike & Nancy Lesan,Natan Texas is a long-standingmystery. Some were locatedin and Geula McDonald, Earl S. McHugh, Mary Louise BrewsterCounty in November, but when three days were Myers, Marvin E. Rolfs, Dennis Ronsse, Helen &

738 American Birds, June, 1976 Edward Ryan, Jean H. Schulenberg, David & Kent Pat Davenport, Louis Debetaz, David Deuel, E.W. Seibel, Donald Vannay, 11 additional observers. Easley, Bill Edwards, K. Elrod, Rosemary English, Oklahoma: John W. Ault, F.M. & Marguerite MidgeErskine, Pansy Espy, David Fischer(DaF), Dean Baumgartner, Pat Bergey, Alice Blevins, Charles R. Fisher (DF), Jeffrey Fleischer,Orlyn Gaddis, Tony Brown,Don Carruth, John Craythorne,Ella Delap, Win. Gallucci (TGa), Gayla Gatling, Fred Gehlhach,Tim H. Dixon, Hubert & Mable Frings, Steve Gast, Dotty Gollob (TGo), Don & FlorenceGum, BessieHall, Karl Goard, Kathy J. Gresham,Joe Grzybowski,Elizabeth C. W. Hailer, LouisHejtmanek, Kelly Himreel, Gall Hodge, Hayes, Victor J. Heller, Elizabeth Hicks, Deloris Isted, Jenny Huey, Robert & Joan Jefferson,George Jury, Polly Keating. Rodney M. Kemper,Robert S. Kennedy, Berton H. Kaplan, June Kingon, Rich LoBella, Joe & Mary Korthase, Robert M. Laval, Janet M. McGee, Mary Ruth Lowe, David Manry, Terry Maxwell, Jody John G. Newell, Oklahoma City Audubon Society, Miller, BobMoncrief, Carrol Moore, Nancy Moore, Kay Wanda Robinson, Lois Rodgers,John Shackford, Dick & ErnestMueller, HazelNichols, Margaret Parker, L.B. Sherry, Eleanor Sieg, Kathleen & Dick Stuart, George Paul,Georgia Porter, Warren Pulich, Midge Randolph M. Sutton, Jack D. Tyler, Henry Walter, 30 additional (MRa), Robert Reeves,Lin Risner, Margaret Roddy observers. (MRo), Chuck Sexton, Ken Seyffert, Layfette Texas:Bill Adams, Don Adams, PeggyAcord, Philip Stankewitz, Stelle Stevens, Max Tgaweek, Ed White, F. Allan, Keith A. Arnold, Larry & Martha Ballard, Geth O. White, C.C. Wiedenfeld,Iris Wiedenfeld,Jack Landon & Ava Beaver, Ethelyne Bizilo, Liz & Duncan Williams, David Wolfe, J. Yoss, Kevin Zimmer, 50 Boeckman, Charles R. Brown, Lillian M. Brown, additional observers.- FRANCES C. WILLIAMS, Virginia B. Brown, Tim Brush, Kelly B. Bryan, Mary & 3307 Neely, Midland, TX., 79701. Jerry Bush, Fred Collins, Mary Crockett, Sam Crowe,

SOUTH TEXAS REGION Grasshopperand Lark Sparrows.At Kenedy,in adjacent /Fred S. Webster, Jr. Karnes County, Starlings in the cattle troughs made feedingthe animalsdifficult. (RR). Blacklockremarked Winterwas very dry and rathermild. After meager that at Welder Wildlife Refuge winter passerinepop- rainfallin Decemberand almostnone in Januaryand ulations were unusually low in riparian and live oak February, March gave faint hope for a break in the chaparralcommunities. At AransasNat'l Wildlife Refuge droughtin somelocalities. Barren pastureland and dried- much natural waterfowl food was not utilized as low up stockponds were a commonsight throughout South placesfailed to receiverainfall. (BH). While the upper Texasby late winter.With grassgrazed to theground in coast, which has the greatestaverage annual rainfall in many places and growth of winter crops retarded, this Region, was unusually dry this winter, low areas around Galveston Bay continued to be inundated as depletionof subterraneanwater reservescaused the land to sink. In considerationof fluctuating water levels, it could be expected that bird populations would shift ::'• • .. • e•t•eTroHouseon ß •Cove accordingly,and the presenceor absenceof unusual numbersof a speciesin a particular locality would not necessarilyreflect a populationexplosion or depletionin -. EaglePass Beeve ." general.For instance,the scarcityof LeastSandpipers on San Antonio's Mitchell L. (JAM) and plover and sandpiper speciesin the Rockport area (DNW) was creditedto a lack of moistfeeding flats; and the presence of "huge" flocks of Willets and Marbled Godwits resting closeto shoreat Rockportwas thought to be owingto the shallowcondition of the bays(DNW). On the other hand, receding lake levels at WeMer Refuge encouraged shorebird activity in late winter (GWB). As usual, an insufficiencyof reports from representativelocfilities precludesany Region-wide assessmentof population numbers. An Arctic air mass which penetrated the Region on January 7 provided the coldest weather of the season; ground-dwellingseedeaters became hard to lind. In some freezing temperaturesreached as far south as the Rio instancesMockingbirds resorted to feedingon sunflower Grande Delta. Fortunately the cold spell was not seeds,and warblers and orioles took sugar water from prolonged, and a pattern of unseasonably high hummingbirdfeeders. In Wilson County, Sekulaobserv- temperaturesdominated the remainder of the season. ed LoggerheadShrikes preying on smallerbirds more than usual. While plowing a dry field on March 24, he LOONS, GREBES -- Common Loons were down in noted that seedsand insectforms turned up by the plow numbersalong the coast.A bird thought to be an Arctic were attracting Killdeer, Mountain Plover, Loon was seenat Rockport Mar. 13, with Cam. Loons Mockingbirds, Water Pipits, Great4ailed Grackles, (EIS). A Red-throatedLoon, foundat TexasCity Dec. 31 Brown-headed and Bronzed Cowbirds, and Savannah, (CC), remained through February. Fared Grebeswere

Volume 30. Number 3 739 abundant in the surf off n. Padre I. but down in numbers -- 49 adults and 8 young -- on Mar. 23 (BH). Sandhill generally;however a great increasein numberswas noted Crane counts were generally up, particularly on the at Texas City Dike in late February. central coast. Jacanas continued in residence at Manor L The late summer population was believedto number IBISES, SPOONBILLS -- White Ibis numbers around 35 birds (fide TBF), although recent sightings continued to drop in the Rockport area. (DNW). Good haveinvolved just a few. Boat excursionsare mostlikely numbersof RoseateSpoonbills were found in Chambers to produce Jacanas, although some have been seenfrom County marshesalthough this speciesmore often moves the bridge this winter. Manor L. is a private huntingand southward in fall. fishing preserveof Brown and Root; arrangementsfor hiring a boat can be made through Pat Kirland, phone WATERFOWL -- Geese and ducks, as well as other 676 - 4204. Am. Woodcocks were reported more waterbirds,were abundant in floodedfields and adjacent frequently than usual, and in suchunlikely spotsas Port higher land on the Mexico sideof the Rio Grande Delta. Aransas,and a golf courseat CorpusChristi at mid-day In spring this area producesa huge volume of small (KM). Severalwere presentat Welder Refuge(GWB), grains. A Brant was found at Aransas Refuge Jan. 2 and one was seen on leafy forest floor at Santa Ana (WL DW) and wasseen by otherobservers on subsequent Refuge, where it is rare, Dec. 29 (JD). A Purple days Three Fulvous Tree Ducks were seenin Fort Bend Sandpiper was discoveredat the Freeportjetties, Mar 7 County Jan. 22 (MA, MJ & TPJ); in moderntimes it has (LB et al.), and an individual was seenfeeding on the beenvery unusualfor this speciesto appearin winterthis spillway below Falcon Dam, Dec. 15-16 (PJ & RP) far north on the Texas coast. Northern Shovelers were very common inland, notably at Austin and San Antonio. GULLS, TERNS -- Unusual gull speciescontinue to Redheadswere reported in very small numbers on the brighten our winters. A Glaucous Gull was seenat Texas coast, but the presenceof Canvasbacksattracted some City Dike Jan. 7 (MJ & TPJ), and oneon Bolivar Flatsat attention. It should be stated that one hundred Can- GalvestonMar. 9 (VLE et al.). A sub-adultgull, generally vasbacks would be considered an excellent count agreedto be of the Icelandspecies, was found in company nowadays. LesserScaup, once observedin the hundreds with other gull specieson a sandflat nearthe southjetty at of thousands on the upper coast, were seldom seen in Port AransasFeb. 28 (TL). After beingobserved by many four-digit numbers.Common Goldeneyesseemed more birdersand frequentlyphotographed on followingdays, common than usualon the coast;for example, a countof the bird was collected sometimebetween Mar. 14 - 17, 50+ in ChambersCounty Jan. I (DTD). Severalcould be much to the consternationof both thosewho had played foundat the mouthof NuecesBay, CorpusChristi area, the game of "what is it?" and thosewho were thereby tn February(fide KM). Two 9 Oldsquawsrepresented a denied the opportunity of participating. Two Great •'first"for AransasRefuge (LB). Scoterspecies rewarded Black-backedGulls were describedfrom the Freeport the effortsof birderswho haveturned to surf watching. jettiesJan. 4 (LB & MB). An ad. RoseateTern a vagrant The Common Scoter, rarest of the three speciesin this species,was seen at TexasCity Dike Mar. 12(RVDiO) A Region, was found in the surf offn. Padre I. --28 on Feb. winter ad. Black Tern was observed at the Port Aransas 8 (RL & TL et al.) and lessernumbers subsequently. jetty Dec. 27 (GRG et al.); there are very few late Three Masked Ducks in female plumagewintered at Decemberrecords for this migrant species. Santa Ana N.W.R. An individual was observed at roadside on the outskirts of Corpus Christi Jan. 2 HUMMINGBIRDS -- Winter hummingbird (DEM). One was seenat Manor L., Brazoria Co., Dec. 7 watchingcontinues to improve in quality and quantity, (JKR & BR). possiblythis winter was the bestever. More personsare respondingto the realizationthat a few hummerswill winter over if feedingstations are maintained.Something HAWKS -- The birder who did not hear of the Hook- should be said for this relatimely mild winter, but it billed Kites (Chondrohieraxuncinatus ) at Santa Ana should be noted also that most wintering hummers are Refuge is probably rarer than the birds. This species, western species which, we assume, are accustomedto resident in humid lowland forest and marsh of tropical lower temperatures.In this Region, floweringplants in America, ranges northward to the adjacent state of sheltered places often survive all but the most severe Tamaulipaswhere it is consideredrare. In May 1964this winter storms.That insectlife is an important supplement specieswas discoverednesting at Santa Ana Refuge,a to the sugarwater and nectarfare wassuggested by Mrs first U.S. record.On Dec. 16, 1975,five birdswere seenby Anderson who observedhummers persistentlyhawking Sh•fflett, and individualswere seeninto March by many insectson sunny days; on cold or rainy days the same observers. Red-tailed and Marsh Hawk and Am. Kestrel hummersperched in protected placeswhen not wsitmg numbers were down in western and southern areas, feeders. The Houston and Corpus Christi areas were probably reflectinga dearth of small prey. A Harlan's hummingbird centers this winter, with a sprinkling Hawk wintered at San Antonio (SH,fide JAM). A Gray elsewhere.While a few • Ruby-throateds,Black- Hawk was seenfrequently at Santa Ana Refuge.An chinneds and Broad-tailed were observed, Anna's and apparently ad. Corn. Black Hawk was reported there on Rufous Hummingbirds were more numerous.Since the Mar 24 (JK). An Osprey,scarce winter residenton the c. Rufous is not a novelty, comments centered around coastal plain, was presentin n. Victoria County from Anna's which seemswell on the way to being a winter mtd-January to midiMarch (GG). Three Merlins were regular. The following tally of Anna's reached this observedat Welder Refuge(GWB). compiler: Houston l, Lake Jackson 1, Freeport 1, Victoria 2, San Marcos 3, Port Aransas1, Kingsville1, CRANES, JACANAS, SHOREBIRDS -- The count and Hidalgo County I. Presumably only males are of Whooping Cranes at AransasRefuge remained at 57 included. The composite Anna's arrived in later

740 American Birds, June, 1976 November, was singingby January, and departedin countswere up on a line from Austinto the uppercoast A February. The individual in Houston attained adult Swainson'sThrush, rare in winter, was seen at Aransas plumage during its sojourn (MA). In San Marcos, an Refuge, Dec. 27 (GRG et al.). Eastern Bluebirds and adult male wasseen in courtshipdisplay (fide WS). Cedar Waxwingsnumbers were generallydown.

WARBLERS, ORIOLES -- The Olive-backed Warbler (Tropical Parula) could be found at Santa Ana The Allen'sHummingbird has been reported in Refugeduring the season.One wasfound at Falcon Dam, the greater Houston area on severaloccasions Dec. 27 (CWE). Numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers since1958, and in each instanceidentification was were reported low along the coastbut high inland. A few supported by careful observation and/or Black-headed Orioles were found as far north as Alice photography.Other individuals, although having and Beeville and were occasional visitors to Dr. O'Neil's the plumage of ad. d' Allen's -- in accordance yard in Falfurrias.Good hunting places for thisand other with illustrations in the standard field guides-- South Texas specialtiesare thoseroadside rest areasin were not officially reported on the basis of a heavily wooded (live oak) localities s. of Kingsville on prevailingnotion that the green back may not, U.S. Hwy. 77. Other winter oriole visitorsto Dr. O'Neill's after all, be diagnostic.Despite or becauseof the yard were N. Orioles(both Baltimoreand Bullock's)and above, Allen's remained on the hypotheticallist a Hooded Oriole; someof thesewere attracted to sugar for Texas. But no longer, we trust, for around water. mid-March 1976 an ad. male was found dead at a residence in w. Houston where it had fed for FR 1NG1LL1DAE-- Pyrrhuloxiaswere exceptionally almostthree months (fide RB). In additionto this numerousin Starr County (JCA). This was not a good specimen,another individual in s.e.Houston was year for northern finches;Purple Finches, Pine Sisklns, well describedand photographedin Januaryand and Am. Goldfinches were all "down" in most localities February (NP et al.). Lark Bunting numbers exceedednormal in Starr and WilsonCounties, the only areasreported. Populations of Savannah, Vesper, Chipping, Field and Lincoln's KINGFISHERS, FLYCATCHERS -- Green Sparrows appeared to be good in northern counties and Kingfishers,locally residentalong certain streamsin down in somesouthern counties, although we mustoffer westernand southernparts of the Region,were more thisas merelya generalization.Populations of Le Conte's widely reportedthan usual,including the Austin,San Sparrowswere reportedgood, but Lark, White-throated Antonio and CorpusChristi areas. Of particularinterest and Song Sparrows were definitely down in most were observations in the town of Refugio, Refugio reported localities. Clay-colored and White-crowned County, where two males and a female were seenon Sparrowswere in goodnumbers in Starr Countyearly in differentoccasions in February and March (GC, WMC, the season,but we receivedno information concerning DTD et al.). This appearsto be a county first and the latter days. Longspurswere holding up in Travis providesone of the easternmostrecords. An Ash- County, mostly Chestnut-collared,with a few McCown's throatedFlycatcher was seen near Roma, Starr Co., Dec. and Lapland identified. 29 (JD, PL, & GM); this is a winterfirst for the county. Eastern Phoebes numbers were down on the central coast CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS Margaret and at San Antonio. Anderson, John C. Arvin, Larry Ballard, Martha Ballard, Alma Barrera, Randy Beavers, Gene W JAYS, CROWS -- Brown Jays frequentedthe usual Blacklock, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Campbell, Glenn localitynear Roma. GreenJays showed a sharpincrease Cureton,Wesley M. Cureton,David T. Dauphin, Robert in the Falfurriasarea (AWe) and seemto be expanding V. Di erio, Jon Dunn, CharlesW. Easley,Victor L northward. Several were seen at Corpus Christi (fide Emanuel,T. Ben Feltner,Mrs. A. H. Geiselbrecht,Gary KM), andtwo visited a feederat Dinero,s. Live Oak Co., R. Graves, Gerry Green, Steve Hawkings, Bill in December(RK & MT) for a newcounty record. The Hawthorne,David R. Hunter, PeterJenkins, Margaret BrownsvilleCity dump continuedto be the bestplace to Jones,T. Paul Jones,John Kelly, Ruby Knight, Edward find the Mexican Crow; here they were likely to be seen A. Kutac, Paul Lehman, Ray Little, Terry Little, Guy with the larger White-necked Ravens. McCaskie, Kay McCracken, Dale E. Merkord, JamesA Middleton, JamesG. Morgan, Dr. A. W. O'Neill, Noel VERD1NS THROUGH WAXWINGS -- The Verdin Pettingell,Alan Pounds,Robert Powell, Mrs. Raymond lSdisappearing from the Falfurriasarea as brush-clearing Regmund, Barbara Ribble, John K. Ribble, Mr and continues unabated (AWe). Red-breastedNuthatches, Mrs. S. Eugene Sankey, Willie Sekula, Wayne A Brown Creepers and House and Winter Wrens were Shifflett, Elton 1. Stilwell, Mary Taylor, Bruce L reportedbelow normal in a majorityof localities,while Tedford, Doris N. Winship,W. L. D. Winship.--FRED BrownThrashers numbers were up in thenorthern half of S. WEBSTER, JR., 4926 Strass Drive, Austin, Texas the Region. Reports of high Am. Robin numberswere 78731. centered around the central coast. A Rufous-backed Robin(Turdus rufopalliatus) a bird of the Pacificslopes of Mexico, wasfound alongthe Rio Grandenear Roma, Dec 29, by observerspreviously acquainted with this species(JD & GM). A Clay-coloredRobin frequented the Santa Ana Refugeheadquarters area through February, and one was reported at Brownsville. Hermit Thrush

Volume 30, Number 3 741 NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN - Mont., on the record late date of Dec. 7. Six Double- INTERMOUNTAIN REGION crested Cormorants remained at the Yakima R. mouth until Jan. 24. Forty were countedin the Nampa area Dec. /Thomas H. Rogers I and two, Jan. 10. Nineteen Black-crowned Night Herons were seen in the Tri-cities area Dec. 19-Jan. 18 The entire Region had a mild winter with generally and six winteredat Rupert, Ida. The speciesappeared at below-normal precipitation and with little snow in the Nampa and at ToppenishGame Reserve,Wash., in late lowlands. Crater Lake N. P. had five feet lesssnow depth March. An Am. Bittern at Rock L. in n.w. Whitman Co., than normal. Eastern Washington had a normal Wash., Mar. 13 furnished an early record (JWW). snowpackin the mountains,however. Only March was unseasonablycold. WATERFOWL A Mute Swan was at Central Park, s. of Manhattan, Mont., Mar. 20. The Trumpeter Swan populationat Red Rock LakesN. W. R., Lima, Mont., peaked at 327 Mar. 2. The mid-winter tri-state aerial surveyin that area Feb. 23 revealed623 adults and 102 cygnets,about the sametotal as last year but with 20% fewer cygnets.The Helena area had four Trumpeters flying over Helena Valley Res. Mar. 25 (PMcK), and Ennis, Montana had a few (ETH & RAH). Wintering Trumpeters at Malheur N.W.R. numbered about 30. Two appeared Feb. 14 along the Cheney-Spangleroad, SpokaneCo., Wash.(JA). Up to 20 wereon the Crooked R. 40 mi. n. of Prince George, B.C. An Idaho Fish and Game Dept. aerial surveyJan. 5 of Pend Oreille R. and L., Coeur d' Alene L. and the lower St. Jo R. showed 84 Whistling Swans.Four were seenin the Richland,Wash., area Jan. 29 (ZB), and one was at Nampa Dec. I (G.E.C.). The Kootenai Valley in n. ldaho had about 800 by mid-March. The S. Thompson R. between Kamloopsand Pritchard, B.C. had 331 Jan. 25, and over 700 wintered at Malheur N.W.R., Burns, Ore. The migrational peak there was nearly 11,000 at mid-March. O•EGON J IDAHO Wintering Canada Goose numberswere upat McNary N.W.R., Burbank, Wash., where the peak was 27,000 in mid-December and mild weather prevented the usual Bird •cfi•iW w•s characterizedh• m•n• lingefin• f•11 mid-January decline. Increasedgrain stubble feeding migrants•nd •he wimerin• o[species•h•t norm•11•move area at Malheur N.W.R. brought wintering numbersof om o[ •he Re,on. Similarl• m•n• sprin• migrantswere Canadas to over 3000. The speciespeaked at 3000 at earl•. Incursions o[ Am. Robins •nd Bohemian W•x- Columbia N.W.R., Othello, Wash., in January. The win•s in •he western part •nd Corn. Redpolls o•r •h• Nampa area had nearly I 0,000 in late December.Twenty- Re, on were impressive•nd wintefin• one Cackling Geese were reported at McNary N.W.R. pl•ntduL Jan. 18 (MC & S M) and somewere still there at the end of March (OV). A peak of 189 White-fronted Geesewas LOONS, GREBES -- An Arctic Loon appeared on reached Mar. 12 at Malheur N.W.R. One wintered on Gordon L. near Selah, Wash. Dec. 1 (Y.A.S.). The Skaha L., Penticton, B.C., Jan. 4 - Mar. 21 (SRC) and "Valley Birders" of the Lewiston-Clarkston(Idaho- two were in the Nampa area in late January and early Washington)area had a Corn. Loon near Asotin Creek, Februaiy. Two to five were found in SpokaneCo. on Asotin, Wash. Jan. 17and onebird wasat ShuswapL. in three dates in February and March and ten tardily the n. Okanaganof BritishColumbia Dec. 21. Sightings reportedbirds were near Lowden,Wash. Oct. 26(NFM). of Red-throated Loon were obtainedin the Nampa, Ida. A single Snow Goose was at Rupert, Ida. Jan. 1 and area Dec. 14, two birds; Feb. 14, two, and Feb. 17, one Nampa had l0 in early December and two, Mar. 12. (G.E.C.). Several Red-necked Grebes were seen Malheur N.W.R., which attracts practically all the w. throughout the winter on Okanagan L. at Vernon and part of the Region'sSnow Geese,had its peak--52,100-- Penticton, B.C. The Horned Grebe was reported "on all Mar. 15. McNary N.W.R. had a Blue Gooseontwodates the open lakes"in the just-mentionedarea throughthe in January (B.M.A.S.; CS) and a bird intermediate winter and an Eared Grebe was seen all winter al Ravalli betweena Snow and a Blue wasfound in the CouleeCity, N.W.R., Stevensville,Mont. (CK). Three were still in the Wash. area Feb. 8 (WH). Nampa, Ida. area Dec. 5 (G.E.C.). Western Grebes Ducks wintered in above normal numbers in e. winteredin very smallnumbers on OkanaganL. A single Washington(JS). At McNary N.W.R. a peak of 39,500, bird wason a pondnear Yakima Jan. 10and six wereseen mostly Mallards, occurred in November and December. in the "Tri-cities" (Pasco-Richland-Kennewick),Wash. At Columbia N.W.R., Othello, Wash. the peak of area Jan. 29 (Y.A.S.). 113,670 decreasedslightly in January. The Nampa area had nearly 500,000 Mallards at the end of December. PELICANS THROUGH HERONS -- A White Peak numbers at Malheur N.W.R. were reached the week Pelican was on the West Gallatin R. south of Manhattan, of Feb. 29 - Mar. 6 at 76,000 and Pintail numberspeaked

742 American Birds, June, 1976 the followingweek at 63,000.Two late Mallardslingered sightingsof PeregrineFalcons came to six for the Region in Yoho N.P., B.C., until Dec. 20 and Gadwall wintered One was of an apparentlyescaped bird with jesses,in e muchmore commonly than usual on OkanaganL. Act Washington. What's going on? Merlins were reported Mallard X Pintail hybrid was capturedFeb. 10 during from six localities. bandingoperations at ColumbiaN.W.R. Four Cin- namon Teal wereseen in the Nampa area Dec. 21. Single Eur Wigeonsshowed up nearSpangle, Wash. Mar. 14-15 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS Blue Grouse were and at Reardan, Wash., Mar. 20 (JA & WH). Six to eight Wood Ducks wintered on a creek one mi. w. of Vernon, reported only from Sawtooth Nat'l Recreation Area, B C and one wasat Walla Walla throughthe winter.One Ketchum, Ida. and SpruceGrouse only from L. Louise, wason a pondat Helenafrom Novemberto late January Banff N.P. The only Sharp-tailedGrouse reported were (S M) and onein the Salmon,Ida. area Dec.4 wasunusual four near Kamloops, B.C. and up to 26 near Sinking (HBR). Near Pocatello,where the speciesis rare in Creek in Lincoln Co., Wash. SageGrouse were reported spring,a male was seenFeb. 28 and a female Mar. 7 only for the Salmonarea and at Yakima Firing Rangeof 18 birds. One Mountain Quail was sighted along the (CHT). The aerial waterfowl survey over n. Idaho Jan. 5 Grande Ronde R., Asotin Co., Jan. 10 and eight were revealed 50 Canvasback (RR). A few wintered on found there Feb. 11(JWW). Fifteen Turkeys weresighted OkanaganL. and severalwere found in the Richlandarea in the Nampa area Dec. I & 13, Mar. 28 (G.E.C) Jan 29. (Y.A.S.). One at Livingston, Mont., Feb. 22 CRANES THROUGH GULLS Sandhill Cranes probablywintered (PDS). Two <2Oldsquaw frequented the Kennewick, Wash. sewageponds Dec. 21 - 27 (EB; appearedat Malheur N.W.R. Feb. 21 and increasedto 235 breedingpairs. They were returningto Bear Lake REW) A White-wingedScorer was photographed about N.W.R. and the Pocatello area in s.e. Idaho and in the Dec 15 on Lower Granite Impoundment between Clarksion and Asotin, Wash. (JW). A few Ruddy Ducks vicinity of Sprague, Wash. during the latter half of wintered in the Okanagan;four were on the OkanaganR. March. An apparentlywintering Virginia Rail wasfound near Vaseux L., Mar. 8. The Jan. 5 n. Idaho aerial survey Jan. 13 in the Ellensburg area (Y.A.S.) and one was showed 990 Com. Mergansers. A Red-breasted "singing"at McNary Park in Urnatilla, Ore. Mar 21 Merganserstayed in the Tri-citiesarea Nov. 13 -Jan. 24 (CC). The most northerly wintering of Killdeer was at Prince George, B.C. along the Nechako and Fraser (REW). Rivers(JC) and one had reachedNicholson, B.C. by Feb 25 (RRH). Single very late Spotted Sandpiperswere reportedat NampaDec. 21 (G.E.C.) and Salmon,Dec 24 VULTURES, HAWKS -- Malheur N.W.R. had a (HBR) and a Greater Yellowlegs straggler was at the Turkey Vulture Feb. 28; averagearrival date: Mar. 19. Yakima R. delta Dec. 24 (REW). Goshawk sightingswere up somewhat but Goshawks Another in a snowstormnear Spangle,Wash. Mar 28 were certainlynot plentiful.There were probablya few was two weeksearly (WH). Even more surprisingwere more Cooper's Hawks than usual but they must be two LesserYellowlegs examined by telescopeat U matdla, considered rather rare in the Region. The Harlan's Ore. Jan. 9 (CC). Least Sandpiperslingered at the subspeciesof Redqtailed Hawk appeared twice in the Yakima R. delta until Jan. 11, when 31 were found Spokane area, (JA) singles,and 1-2 were seenat Kamiak (REW) and 21 were found Feb. 21 at ScootenayRes in Butte, Whitman Co., Wash. (JWW). Sight records of the Yakima area (CC & REW). Two Dunlin were still at Swainson's Hawk came from the Yakima area, one Dec. the Yakima delta Jan. 11, then disappearedwith the 25 and from Toppenish Game Reserve,two Feb. 25 coming of high water, 12 birds reappearing Mar 27 (Y A S ). Rough-leggedHawks were generallynumerous (REW). Malheur N.W.R. was the only locality reporting and widespread.Baker, Ore. had a Ferruginous Hawk, arrival of the Long-billed Dowitcher, Mar. 26, and Am Dec 5, and one flew over the lodge at Crater Lake N.P. Avocet, Mar. 29. Jan 17 (GTM). On the Jan. 5 surveyin n. Idaho, Bald A first-yearGlaucous Gull againappeared at Coeur d' Eagles totaled 106 adults and 13 immature birds. In the Alene Feb. 28-29 (JA & WH) and a second-yearbird was Pocatello, Ida. area 33 (12 immature birds) was the at Wanapum Dam below Vantage, Wash. Mar. 21 (BH) highest number, Feb. 7. Numbers were up along the A few Herring Gulls at Flathead L. in W. Montana were Spokane R. (JS). Smaller numbersappeared at many apparentlythe first ever recordedin that area (DS,RL) other localitiesas they did for the Golden. A number of Two were sightedat Nampa Dec. 21 and one was at remarkable Ospreysightings came in. An adult was at a Rupert Mar. 7. A few were on Lower Crab Creek w of pond on Red Rock Lakes N.W.R. Dec. 12 (JR). One bird Othello, Wash. Mar. 21 (BH). An imm. bird was on the was over the Snake R. at American Falls, Ida. Jan. 21 Snake R. near American Falls (CHT) and ten adults (MRC) and one, at the s. end of Flathead L. in w. droppedinto a feedingflock of Ring-billedGulls in the Montana, Feb. 28 (RL). The specieswas reported at Pocatello area Mar. 26 (MRC). The specieswintered Priest L. in n. Idaho Mar. 19 (KBr) and one was in the much more sparinglythan usual in the Okanagan. A few canyons. of Ellensburg,Wash. Mar. 7 (SL). Three were California Gulls wintered at Penticton,B.C. (SRC) and in the Nampa area Mar. 17 (G.E.C.) and one south of one was seenat Umatilla, Ore. Jan. 10 (CC). Ring-balled Nicholson, B.C. Mar. 18 was two weeksearly (RRH). Gulls wintered at Richland and were preparing for The only Gyrfalconsighting for the Regionwas of onein nesting on the Columbia R. islandsthere. A Mew Gull s Idaho, where a local falconer is trying to induce the was identifiedat the Spokanedump Feb. 29 (WH) On stateto legalizethe speciesfor falconry. It would seem the samedate a Black-leggedKittiwake wassighted along that a letter to Idaho Fish & Game Dept., 300 S. Walnut, the Snake R. at Clarkston, Wash., making the first record Boise, 83706--pro or con would be in order. Total for that area (BR,fide JWW).

Volume 30 Number 3 743 DOVES, OWLS -- Libby, Mont, had 13 wintering (W J). Up to s•x Black-balledMagpies wintered •n Yoho Mourning Doves (EE & RE). Barn Owls are on the N.P., where they are very rare at other times. Clark's •ncreaseand spreadingeast inthe Region.Four road kills Nutcrackerwere common in the vicinity of Field, Golden, were reportedat Touchet, Wash.;singles were seennear and Nicholson,B.C. and a group of 20 was along the Yakima on three dates; one or two were seen in the Spokane R. below Spokane Mar. 15. Urnattila area in December and January; two were sightedin the Asotin-Silcott, Wash. area, and three were CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS -- Two Corn foundin the Pullman-Moscowarea. The Nampaarea had Bushtits were positivelyidentified at Westbank near two, Dec. 27; a roost was locatedat Rupert, and Baker, Kelowna, B.C., Dec. 28 (RC & SIC), and six appeareds Ore had one in December. It was anothergood year for of Baker, Ore., Dec. 10 (AW). Bewick's Wren was seeingSnowy Owls in the Reardan- Davenportarea ore. common in the Yakima area and was reported near Washington, where up to six per day were found. The Richland (B.M.A.S.) and near Blue Creek in the Blue birdswere reported elsewhere fromthe OkanaganValley, Mts. east of Walla, Walla (B.M.A.S.). At least seven at McNary N.W.R.; near Somers, Mont., and at Cation Wrens, some singing,were found at Columbia Sawtooth Nat'l Recreation Area. Belatedly reported N.W.R., Othello, Wash. Mar. 20 and two pairs wereseen Hawk Owls were reportedfor L. Louise,one on Nov. 8 often during the winter at VaseuxL. in the s. Okanagan (GW), three at Prince GeorgeAirport Nov. 3 (JB), and Valley. A Rock Wren was found near Asotin Jan. 24 and one on Tabor Mt., PrinceGeorge, Nov. 15 (JB). One was a migrant appearedalong the Grande Ronde R. southof s•ghtedat Rainy Hill Campgroundon the Coeurd' Alene As0tin Feb. 8 (JWW). At nearbySilcott four seenFeb 21 R in n. Idaho, Dec. 6 (WM). A few Burrowing Owls (V.B.). w•ntered at McNary N.W.R. A Barred Owl slept in a weeping willow in a yard at Kalamalka L. near Vernon MIMIC THRUSHES, THRUSHES -- A Jan 22 (KB) and one was heard in Yoho N.P. Mar. 10 Mockingbird was seenwell on Trail Creek just w of (RRH). One appearedon Lewis & Clark State College Pocatello Dec. 20-21 (MRC; TR). A Sage Thrasher campus,Lewiston, Ida., Jan. 17(McV) and one wastaken stayedin a Tri-citiesyard eatingRussian olives Dec 2 at in December near Ennis, Mont., (SP), making the first least through Dec. 11 (EM). Am. Robins wintered at record for that area since 1909. One was heard in Spokane and the Tri-cities in very large numbersand Colorado Gulch in the Helena area in lateJanuary (GN & were very common at Yakima. Larger numbers than NN) An observationwas obtainedfor the Great Gray usual were reportedfor the Vernonarea and wintering Owl in mid-winterin the Bozemanarea (JM) and onewas numberswere high at Coeur d Alene. Some 5000 were reported near Klamath Agency, Ore., Mar. 4. Boreal seen in the Snake R. area e. of Baker Jan. 2 (JBr) Owls were regularlyseen or heard in Yoho N.P. during Elsewheretheir numbersappeared about normal.At least the entire winter (BB, RRH). The only Saw-whetOwls three wintered in Helena. Hermit Thrushes wintered at were found at Rupert; near Pullman, Wash.;at Parson,s. the Tri~cities. of Yoho N.P., andnear Vernon, where people hearingthe bird thought a UFO had landed and was signaling! PIPITS THROUGH STARLINGS -- In Idaho, HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS where winter Water Pipit recordsare rare, one was at American Falls, Feb. 8 (MRC). Large flocks of -- Two d'Anna's Hummingbirdswere present most of the winter in the Wenatchee,Wash. area and up to four BohemianWaxwings appeared at Wenatchee,Yakima and Walla Walla. Record numbers were at Baker, and visited feedersat Yakima, where the latest observation wasof one Jan. 4 (JRo). The BeltedKingfisher wintered Spokane had possiblythe greatestconcentrations on record; one flock was estimatedat 7000 there in early as far north as PrinceGeorge (JC). The appearanceof January. The birds penetratedas far southas Rupert and two Pileated Woodpeckers near Salmon Jan. 4 was unusual. A few Lewis' Woodpeckerswintered in the Nampa in Idaho. Numberselsewhere were unimpressive A few Starlingswintered at Field and Golden and some Summerland-Penticton,B.C. area (SRC). Two veryearly even at Prince George, B.C. birdswere sightedin the Portneuf gap s. of PocatelloFeb. 8 (MM) and one at Pullman Mar. 5 was the earliest ever there (B). Thirty-eight along the Klickitat R. and Rock WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS -- A few Orange- Creekwere found in KlickitatCo., Wash.Dec. 28 (D J). crownedWarblers stayedat the Tri-cities Dec. 2 - Feb 29 Three White-headed Woodpeckers visited a feeder at (CC; EM; REW). A few Yellow-rumpedWarblers Naramata, B.C. throughout the winter (SRC). The wintered from s. Idaho across s. Washington to the specieswas also found Dec. 20 in the Blue Creek area of Wapato - Parker area and one was at a Missoula feeder •n the Blue Mts. e. of Walla Walla. The N. Three-toed mid-winter.One of the Myrtlerace ate bread regularly at Woodpeckerwent undetectedexcept in and near Yoho a feederin RichlandJan. 24 - Mar. 30 (REW). N P Black-backed Three-toed Woodpeckers were Red-winged Blackbirds wintered as far north as the reported only along Green Mt. Road, Penticton and in a Okanagan Valley. Oliver, south of Penticton, B. C had recent burn w. of Spokane. 1500 Dec. 31. Several Rusty Blackbirdswere seenat Westbanknear Kelowna, B.C. Dec.28 (RC & SiC) andin SWALLOWS, JAYS -- A very early Cliff Swallow the HelenaValley two appearedDec. 21 (SMa) and 13on wasat Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney,Wash., Mar. 28. A Blue Mar. 17 (BM), the first recordsfor the area. Brewefts Jay wintered in Bozeman and was last seen Mar. 22 Blackbirdsagain wintered at PrinceGeorge (J C). A ranch (PDS). Eight of the birds were reportedwintering in a near Othello had at least 300 Brown-headed Cowbirds yard in Kennewick,Wash. (TH) and singlebirds were aroundit Mar. 21-24and otherranches in the vicinity seenoccasionally until Mar. 21 (CC; DF; NW & REW). seemdto have similar numbers(BH). Two were seenin Oneat Bigfork,Mont., hasbeen a residentthere for a year the Helena Valley Dec. 25 (SMa).

744 AmericanBirds, June, 1976 FINCHES Evening Grosbeak numbers were about CONTRIBUTORS (Area editors in boldface, average A Purple Finch visiteda Bozemanfeeder Dec. 27 number of observers in area, observers cited): British (ETH, EH, CH & JP). A very few Cassin'sFinches were Columbia: Banff area, Rudi Butot (4), G. Wagner, s reportedin the Kamloops,Vernon and Pentictonareas interior, James Grant (13), (KB) Kay Billet, (JB) Jean duringthe winter. HouseFinches wintered as far north as Brignail,Jim Caldwell,Richard Cannings, (SIC) Sidney Kamloops and continued to increase in numbers at Cannings,(SRC) Steve Cannings;Yoho N.P. area, R.R. Mlssoula, Mont. Pine Grosbeaksightings were mostlyin Howie (7), Brent Beam; Idaho: Grays L. & Bear L t he Okanaganand the victinityof Yoho N. P. but Fortine, N.W.R., Edward W. Loth (2); Kootenai N.W.R., Delano Mont had a few appearances;Spokane, two; Nampa, A. Pierce;n. Idaho, Shirley Sturts (6), Wayne Melqulst, one, Helena, one, and Canmore, Alta., one. Rather high Ray Rogers;Pocatello area, Charles H. Trost (4), Mark numbersof Gray-crownedRosy Finchesappeared from R. Collie, Mike Mahoney, Terry Rich; Rupert area, the Okanagan south into c. Washingtonand as far south W.H. Shillington; Salmon area, Hadley B. Roberts, as Mlnam, Ore. and east to Nampa. Bozeman noted Sawtooth Nat'l Recreation Area, Edward L. Linqmst them Up to 57 visiteda feederat PrinceGeorge (JC). Ten (4); s.w. Idaho, Belle Shaw (35), Golden Eagle Chapter, Hoary Redpollswere seenat PrinceGeorge Jan. 2 (JB) Nat'l Audubon Society; Montana: Bigfork & lower and one wasclosely observed at Bigfork, Mont. Feb. 25 - Flathead Valley, Wanda Jamieson(8), Elly Jones, Ron Mar 3 (RL). The Com. Redpoll invadedin vastnumbers Lan, Dan Sullivan; Bitterroot Valley, Ruby Sutherland over nearly every part of the Region. A few got as far (2); Bozemanarea, P.D. Skaar (10), Urana Clarke, Eve T south as Fields, Ore., (CSL) but they seemedto missthe & Ray A. Hays, Camille & Ed Harper, J. Montaigne area just east of the Cascade Mts. Flocks of several Louis Moos, Jean Perkins, Steve Pray; Fortine area, thousands and a few between five and ten thousand were Winton Weydemeyer; Helena area, (SMa) Sid Martin reportedin the vicinity of Bigfork, Mont. (DS). Pine (8), Pat McKinney, Bill Milton, Gene & Norma N•xon, Slskinswintered commonly at Revelstoke,B. C. and were Missoulaarea, S.S. Frissell(7), Arnold Bolle, R. Llpka, rather abundant at Spokane but elsewhere their Craig Kuchel, P.L. Wright, Huch Zachiem; Red Rock appearanceswere rather sparse. Am. Goldfinches Lakes N.W.R., (JR) Jim Roscoe; Oregon: Baker area, appeared to winter mostly from the Okanagan south Ann Ward (3), (JBr) Joanne Brown; Crater Lake N P, through e. Washington into n. Oregon. Red Crossbill George T. Morrison; Malheur N.W.R., Richard J. reports were scarceor nonexistent,the only exception Sjostrom;Washington: Columbia N.W.R., Eric S•pco, being the Spokane area, whereflocks of five up to 140 Lewiston-Clarkston valley, Margaret J. Polumsky were regular. Moderate numbers of White-winged ("Valley Birders"); McNary N.W.R., Owen Vivion, n e Crossbills wintered at Glacier N.P., Revelstoke N.P. and Washington, Mrs. S.O. Stanley(11), Jim Acton, Warren Yoho N P., B.C. and singlebirds frequenteda feederin Hall, (KBr) K. Breslauer; Pullman area, John W. Weber Penticton. A few appearedin the vicinitiesof Bozeman, (5), (B) Biermann,Irvin Buss,McVicker, Bob Ramsey, Helena and Missoula and in Spokane, the Davenport, Tri-cities area, Robert E. Woodley (10), Earl Bowen, Wash, cemeteryand at Priest L., Ida. Craig Cotder, Dick Fitzner, Thomas Hall, Elisabeth Moore, Norman Woodley; Walla Walla area, (SM) Shirley Muse (8), Blue Mt. Audubon Society, Mark Conwell, Niel F. Meadowcroft, Connie Sherer, Jim SPARROWS A few Rufous-sided Towhees Wolcott; Washington State Dept. of Game, Jim Stout, wintered as far north as Penticton and Vernon, B.C. A Wenatchee area, Wayne Doane; Yakima area, Alice E. Gray-headed Junco was observedat length in Bozeman Horschel(7), Zelia Butler, SteveLayman, (JRo) James Mar 21 (PDS). Harris' Sparrows wintered in small Rooney, Yakima Audubon Society: independentcon- numbers, often at feeders, from the Okanagan south tributors (10), Esther& Ray Enders,Dave DeSante,Bfil through e. and c. Washingtonto s.c.Oregon, s. Idaho and Harrington-Tweit, Don Jole, C.S. Lawson. S C Montana. One that wintered at Swan L., Flathead THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. 10820 Maxwell Ave., Co, Mont. was worthy of specialnote (EJ). Up to eight Spokane, WA. 99206. were near Richland and one at Pullman wasthe only one in recentyears (lB). White-crownedSparrows remained until late December at Penticton and Vernon. Two Golden-crowned Sparrows were seen Mar. 20 near Umatllla, Ore. (CC). Single White~throated Sparrows MOUNTAIN WEST wintered at Bozeman(LM Pt al.), Livingston(UC), and /Hugh E. Kingery Mlssoula (AB.). Supposedlywintering Fox Sparrows were observedin the Yakima area along KonnewocPass "Ordinary birds in usual numbers"summarizes the Road, two birds, Jan. 3 (Y.A.S.); along Asotin Creek Mountain West winter. Mild, dry, warm weather near Asotin, four birds, Jan. 17 (V.B.), and at Silcott, w. characterizedthe Region,except for northern Utah and of Clarkston, four Feb. 21 (V.B.). A lone Lincoln's western Wyoming where a few storms left normal Sparrow was found near Malheur N.W.R. Mar. 19(DD). snowfall in the mountains. The low temperature at A Swamp Sparrow visiteda Missoulafeeder all winter Jackson, Wyo., was only 35ø F.,atBear RiverN. W R, (PLW) Two SongSparrows wintered at feedersat Prince Utah, only lø, and at Las Vegasthe temperaturedropped George(JC). At leasttwo Lapland Longspurswere found below30 ø only once.Despite the mildnessfew southerly along Asotin Creek Jan. 17 (V.B.) and the specieswas speciesoverwintered, and because of it not many seenMar. 28 at Missoula (HZ) for the only records.Lake northern birds came in, except for Bohemian Waxwings Louisein Banff N.P. had 150 Snow BuntingsJan. 4 and and Com. Redpolls.Abundant natural food kept birdsin upto 1500were sighted inthe Davenport, Wash., area but the forests and fields; most feeders had fewer birds than the birds were rather scarce or absent elsewhere. usual. NonethelessChristmas Bird Counts found good

Volume 30, Number 3 745 Colorado Div. of Wildlife's 23rd annual count in January reflectedthe state'shighest total duckssince 1972 and the highestever of Canada Geese.The ducks,95 - 98 per cent Mallards, totaled 298,000 geesetotaled 135,000. ß I m,m...u i. % wYo•,•o L•-- Farmington Bay had 9600 wintering ducks, which increasedin March to 84,900 including34,700 Pintails...... :'::",:.::.. I ...... Bear R. had a peak of 58,000, but Pintails peaked at 30,000 Mar. 20, half of normal,since the refugeremained ßITiLLWAT[i I ! eB[NVEII largely frozen. Ruby Lakesshared in the Pintail bonanza, • UTAH I COLORADO with 6500 Mar. 30. Provo, Utah, had i 8,000 Pintails Feb. 18 (WWB), and threeeven reached Dubois, Wyo., Mar. 7-22. Nevada refuges reported good totals of Can- • ...... , ...... ,. vasbacks,w•th 3030 at Ruby Lakes,3492 at Sunnyside, ',, ::v::..':' and 2000 at PahranagatLakes near Alamo. At Alamo the total wintering ducks reached8700. Greater Scaup reports came from Denver Feb. 28, Overton, Nev. Mar. 5, and BoulderMar. 20. Goldeneyes speciesdiversity and good Iolals. (The party-hour counts below exclude Nevada lhjs year.) The Great Salt Lake h•s risento a recordlevel. Rising water, coupled with a new dike to an island lacking adequ•le culverts, h•s crealed a large bay of sail Waler Westof Earmington Bay W. M. A., higher than the main lake; the waters lap at the refuge. For records of waler birds unsophisljcaledas Io political boundariesat Davis Dam (half In Arizona, half in NeVada),see lhe SoulhweslRe•jon report on Common and B•rrow's Goldeneyes,Oldsquaws, Glaucous-winged, Herring, Thayer's, california, and Bor•parte's Gulls, and Black-leggedKjlljWake, all of which occurredjn bolh slales Ibis Wjnler. Oldsquaw, Farmington Bay, Utah, Mar. 5, 1976. Photo/T. Provan. LOONS, HERON S -- Nevada observers counted four Arctic Loons at L. Mohave Dec. 4, and singlebirds were seemedscarce at the normal locations.The Oldsquawat at L. Mead Dec. I ! & 21 and Eeb. 13. A Horned Grebe FarmingtonBay Mar. 5 representsUtah's first recordin 20 years(*T P). Denver, on Feb. 26, also had a mid-winter winteredat Boulder, Colo., and birdsbegan returning to the prairie reservoirsas soonas they becameice-free in Oldsquaw(BA), and two White-wingedScoter records late February. The s. Nevada Eared Grebe population Dec. 6 (HH) and Mar. 21 (D. F. O.). HoodedMerganser improvedslightly over lastyear, with 5000wintering at L. reports increase,with pairs winteringat Jacksonand Mohave and 1000 at Las Vegas Bay, L. Mead. Aerial Reno. Common Mergansersshifted their winter habits: surveysdetected enormous concentrations of W. Grebes scarceat normal placeslike Duboisand Sheridan,Wyo., on L. Mead, the peak mounting to 50,000 the second McCoy, Colo., and Bear River, an unusual200 at Logan, Utah, Dec. 26, and over 500 in s. Nevada all winter. week of December. Most moved out during late December, leaving a wintering residueof 7000- 10,000. HAWKS -- Christmas Count Accipiters (not On Dec. 4, L. Mohave had another 6000. The mild winter includingNevada) maintained the levelof the pastthree induced a number of Great Blue Herons to winter outside years,while counts of Red-tailedHawks dropped 18 per their usualrange; the !oneheron at Monte Vista N. W. R., cent and Rough-leggedHawks increasedabout the same. Colo., "at timeslooked awfully lonely." One winteredat a At Seedskadee N.W.R., Wyo., the Rough-legged hot spring in Jackson, Wyo., and an early arrival at populationrevolved with thestorms; apparently the birds Dubois Mar. 30 perchedin sagebrush.Reno had fewer moved back and forth due to weather as much as 100 than usual Black-crownedNight Heronswinter, but two miles.The ColoradoDiv. of Wildlife estimateda healthy appearedin Denver Jan. 5 and Eeb. 9-I0 for newwinter 500 in the San LuisValley, and a Januaryhawk count east records(MOS, TG). of Denver by Andrewsshowed an increaseof Rough- !eggedsto 44 from 31 last year. In n. and e. Nevada WATERFOWL -- At Bear R., the last fall Whistling LawsoWs1875-mile trip Dec. 17-21yielded a paucityof Swansleft Jan. i, and the first springbirds arrived Feb. hawkswith a low percentageof iramatures.He suggests 26, with a peak Mar. 31 of 3000, up from a dismal severalfactors: warm weather,few jackrabbits,poor showinglast year. Ruby Lakes N. W. R., Nev., had 450 breedingsuccess last spring. Lucas reported many Buteos the sameday. About 250 winteredat SunnysideW.M.A., in the e. Nevada mountainsat 8000-10,000 feet in mid- Lund, Nev. Scatteredbirds dropped into e. Colorado. January,when they normallydrop into the valleys.He Colorado's second Trumpeter Swan, banded in Grand reporteda dramaticincrease in raptorsin thevalleys after Prairie,Alberta, Sept.9, 1975,spent one day at Denver the first real stormin early February. Dec. 1; the normal winteringgrounds would be the Snake River of idaho (WG). Bear R., where the bird sometimes EAGLES, FALCONS -- A Div. of Wildlife aerial census doesappear, had two Mar. 28, and Ruby Lakes had ten found 280 Goldenand 200~250Bald Eagleswintering in Mar. 30. Colorado's San Luis Valley, with the Rough~legged

746 American Birds, June, 1976 Hawks -- an unusualconcentration attributed in part to the banon predatorpoisoning, and to a declinein illegal shooting. Although at Casper, Wyo., the Jackson Canyonroost was almost all Balds,Wyoming apparently had satisfactory wintering Golden populations.At Sheridan, Hall identified two different Gyrfalcons,on Jan. 5 and Mar. 18. Nevada tallied over 40 observations of Prairie Falcons,where they appear to hold their own. In Colorado the Div. of Wildlife opines that the populationhas reached its optimum,with every available nestingsite occupied.

PTARMIGAN, CRANES -- On their annual quest, Immature Glaucous-wingedGull Photo/C.S. Lawson. EvergreenNaturalists found 51 White-tailedPtarmigan on Guanella Pass, Colo., Feb. 29. At least four of the Grays Lake, Idaho, imm. Whooping Cranes passed through Monte Vista in Februarywith 15,000of their Owls in December, but none since; they did return to foster Sandhill relatives;almost as many peoplecame to Logan, Utah by Mar. 27. Casperhas had none for a year see them. Whooping Crane reports also came from and a half. An eerly Poor-will was at L. Mead Mar. 7-11. Jackson,Wyo., Mar. 27 and Randolph,Wyo., Mar. 30, Over 500 White-throated Swifts wintered at Davis Dam; probably Grays L. birds, if the reports are accurate. Las Vegasalso had a few during the winter. Another migration of Sandhills passesthrough e. Nevada; up to 305 reached Hiko Feb. 25, 497 to Lund WOODPECKERS TO LARKS -- Although Feb. 27, and they arrivedat Ruby LakesMar. 16. Sheridan and Dubois found Com. Flickers only on CBCs, Casper,Aspen, and Colorado Springsseemed to SHOREBIRDS, GULLS -- First spring shorebirds have above-average numbers wintering. Gila arrived at Farmington Bay, Utah, Feb. 24 -- Am. Woodpeckerswintered at Ft. Mohave, the first confirma- Avocets,N. Phalaropes,and LesserYellowlegs. Moun- tion of that in the state, and were digging nest holes by tain Ploverarrived early in Colorado,with the first bird at Mar. 3 I. The sparseHairy and Downy reports included Pawnee Nat'l Grassland Mar. 19, another at Colorado low numbers at feeders, normal to low numbers in the SpringsMar. 28. ThreeCom. Snipewintered near Aspen, forest. CBC countsdeclined slightly for the Hairies, were Colo. Bear R. had 100 Long-billedCurlews by Mar. 31. average for Downies. Many ponderosa pines in the At Fort Mohave, Nev., a flock of 100 Pectoral Colorado foothills have fallen victim to pine beetles;at Sandpiperscollected on Jan. 9 -- Nevada's largest the same time reports of N. Three-toed Woodpeckers reportedwinter flock. At Saltair, Utah, Mar. 25 werea have increased-- three years in a row on the Denver Dunlin and five Sanderlings(WWB). Bear River's Am. CBC, two yearsat Boulder,plus scatteredwinter reports. Avocetsfirst arrived Mar. 10, with 5000 by Mar. 31. The Becauseof their quiet demeanor,many more must have usual handful of Glaucous Gulls visited e. Colorado; one found the beetlecountry, unnoticed.A few Ash-throated at Boulder Jan. 5 - 19, one at Prewitt Res. near Brush Feb. Flycatchersand Black and Say's Phoebeswintered in the 8, and oneat LongmontMar. 7- 23. In additionto the six s. Nevada tip. A Gray Flycatcherat L. Mead Mar. 7 - 1I NevadaThayer's Gulls, Denverhad one on its CBC and had arrived extremely early (PL, BO, L J). Horned Lark another Feb. 22 (JR). Herring Gulls penetratedas far numbers on two hawk-counting trips seemed low: southas WashingtonCounty, Utah Mar. 4 (SH), as well Andrews' hawk line Jan. 24 tallied 622 compared with as the s. Nevadatip. California Gullsreturned to Utah in 2100 last year, and Lawsoncounted an unbelievablylow late February;Bear River counted1300 Mar. 31, along 104 on a 4~daytrip in n. Nevada in December. Las Vegas with 3000 Ring-billeds. had the largestNevada flock, 1200in December.Perhaps the mild winter affected the wintering habits of this PIGEONS TO SWIFTS -- A colonyof 30 wild Rock abundant western species. Doves now inhabits a cliff near Dayton, Nev. which "Ridgway visited between1867 - 1869and found Black S.A. Swifts, but no Rock Doves." (CSL). This year'swinter visit did not presentan opportunity to checkpresent-day SWALLOWS -- How do you estimate a usageby summeringswifts. Mourning Doveswintered million birds?Austin, Baepler,and Blake visited only in small numbersthroughout the Region,although Davis Dam on Mar. 31, at different times of the Grand Junction had 800 Jan. 20 (WWB). A Snowy Owl day each without knowledgeof the others' visitedBonny Res., Colo. Feb. 7 - 13(DP,fide M & PM). presence.They estimated that in a 5-7 milestretch Pygmy Owl reports ran about normal, with seven alongthe ColoradoRiver 750,000~ I millionTree Colorado and two Zion Nat'l Park reports. Winter Swallowshad assembled.Lawson explains: "This Burrowing Owls showed at Las Vegas Jan. 7 and L. speciesmoves slowly up the Colorado River Mohave Jan. 18; they had returnedto Reno by Mar. 10 duringearly March and stagesin the area from and Bear River by Mar. 16. Long-eared Owl reports Davis Dam alongthe river to Topock Swamparea increased noticeably, perhaps because of better near Needles(Cal.). During the last 5 - 7 daysof observers.Winter reportsranged from Cheyennesouth to March the populationcould easilyexceed 2.5-3 ColoradoSprings, and includeda nestingbird with 5 eggs million birds." Mar. 27 at Denver (HH). Bear R. had 30 Short-eared

Volume 30, Number 3 747 JAYS TO NUTHATCHES -- Gray, Steller's, and Waxwingsdid invadein large flocks -- to Wyoming in Scrub Jaysand Black-billed Magpiesdeserted feeders for December, then south to Reno, Salt Lake City, and wild habitats, where each wasabundant. Michael noticed Aspenin January,and to e. Coloradoin February.Large this particularly in the Aspen-GlenwoodSprings area, flocks included over 1000 in Reno Feb. 12-Mar. 2, 800 at although it was lesstrue in Summit County, Colo. CBC GreenRiver, Wyo. Feb. 12,500 in Aspenand Cody, Wyo. counts for magpiesand Steller's were average. Several most of the winter. Small flocks of Cedar Waxwings locations had large December flocks of Com. Crows: strayedthrough the Regionirregularly. Fort Mohave had McCoy, Sheridan, and WashingtonCounty, Utah (SH). 100 Phainopeplas winter; by Feb. 25 the population They winteredat Laramie, Wyo., an unusualoccurrence. reached300, and somewere carrying nestingmaterial. A Like the jays, both Black-capped and Mountain few more N. Shrikesthan usualwintered. The pattern of Chickadees and White-breasted Nuthatches found winter distribution of shrikes seems to show Northerns in enoughnatural food to decreasetheir numbersat feeders. Wyoming and e. Colorado; both speciesin w. Colorado CBC reports showedBlack-capped up 30 per cent over and Utah; and Loggerheadsin Nevada. the last two years,and Mountains down 40 per cent ( 1.1I and 1.28 per party-hourrespectively). Neither Mountain VIREOS, WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS -- A Gray Chickadees nor White-breasted Nuthatches reached the Vireo appeared at Davis Dam Mar. 14 (N & BG), e. Colorado plains. Nevada's earliest record. It and a Bell's Vireo at Ft. DIPPERS, WRENS, THRASHERS -- Most Mohave Mar. 10 (plus a Solitary Vireo Dec. 4, 1974) reportersthought Dippers scarce,although one sangJan. constitutethe Region'sonly winter vireosin four years. 26 from the Truckee R. in downtown Reno. Except for After last year's wintering warblers in e. Colorado, the CBC reports, we heard of only two Winter Wrens, in Denver/Boulder area attracted none this mild winter. Denverand Colorado Springs.Mockingbirds lingered in Good numbers of Lucy's Warblers returned to Ft. Boulder Dec. 2 - 10 and Sheridan Dec. 28 and later; an Mohave in March, and were carrying nest material by obscurely-markedbird puzzledReno observers Feb. 2, as month'send. Yellow-rumpedWarbler reportscame from it lacked white almost entirely. They wintered at Las Ogden in January, Logan Feb. 10; a few winteredat Vegas, and began nesting in March. Denver and Kanab, Davis Dam, Las Vegas, and Reno. The Loveland, Colo., reported winter Brown Thrashers,the Townsend's Warbler Jan. 15 in Reno seemed most pair at Loveland wintering although one died after unusual (BP), as did Ft. Mohave's Grace's Warbler Feb. striking a window. Sage Thrashersmoved through s. 25 (CSL) and Painted Redstart Feb. 25-27 (*, CSL, BB, Nevada in late February and early March as usual, VM). The mild winter benefitedHouse Sparrows,which reachingReno by Mar. 21. The onlyother reported was at maintained good numbers,especially where aided by Ft. Morgan, Colo., Mar. 25. feeders. Several February reports of Yellow-headed Blackbirds came in, from Ft. Collins, Bart L., and Logan. THRUSHES -- Large numbers of Am. Robins A Bullock's Oriole which began coming to a Denver populatedthe Region from Aspenand Logan westand feederabout Dec. 20 was found dead Jan. 2(* D. M.N.H.). south. Back'sneighbor, Edith Brown, sawone at Dubois The c. Colorado piedmont had a handful of wintering feeding daily beside and in Warm Springs Creek. "It Rusty Blackbirds.Ten Great-tailedGrackles.wintered at waded in warm water up to is breast, ducked its head Las Vegas,the first time in the Region. Corn. Grackles under and came up with tidbits, She thought sometimes strayed to Aspen Jan. 1, Prewitt Res. Feb. 8, and hellgramites.We wonder if it watched Dippers and got Cheyenne Feb. 22. ideas from them." Boulder had two Hermit Thrushes during much of March (NS et al.), and Swainson's Thrushes appeared out-of-seasonat Colorado Springs Dec. 2 (SS) and Logan Jan. 2. A few W. Bluebirds wintered in the Nevada tip. They arrived as usual at Kanab in February and at Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Colorado Springs, DenOer,and Cheyennein late March. A few Mountain Bluebirds probably wintered in the Region,but not many. Nevada'slargest flock all season .was a paltry 12 on Mar. 8 at Cold Creek. Observers uniformly reported very low numbers.A few February reportscame from the mountains(Fairplay, Ward, and Aspen, Colo.); perhapsthe birds moved more directly than usualto their nestinggrounds. Like other mountain birds, Townsend'sSolitaires kept to the mountainsand Male Painted Redstart, Fort Mohave, Nev., Feb. 25-27. did not spread out on the plains. They suffereda sharp Photo/ C.S. Lawson. decline in a Sheridan cemeteryalso inhabited by Sharp- shinned and Cooper's Hawks. F 1NCH E S -- Although mostfeeders lacked their usual customers,they did attract two oddities: in Denver a KINGLETS TO SHRIKES -- Thoughregionally rare Cardinalwintered, using the Coopers'feeder during bad this winter, one flock of 13 Golden-crownedKinglets weather, and a Reno feeder drew a Black-headed appeared in the desert at Ft. Mohave Dec. 10. Several Grosbeak Jan. 14. Evening Grosbeaks wintered hundred Water Pipits wintered at Bear R., and a few throughoutthe Region,although not in greatnumbers. wintered at Cottonwood Cove, Nev. Colorado had EasternColorado and e. Wyomingcollected a varietyof January flocks at Boulder and Loveland. Bohemian PurpleFinch reports, most unsupported by details.The

748 AmericanBirds, June, 1976 status of this speciesfrom Sheridan to Boulder is CONTRIBUTORS -- (Editor-observers collecting uncertain;reports have jumped in the pasttwo yearsand observations from their communities in boldface, w•th •nclude some well-documented observationsby well- number of contributors). •nformed observers. Cassin's Finches were numerous in Aspen-GlenwoodSprings through the winter, and a Nevada: State Editor -- C.S. Lawson, Box 5475, Las tremendouscone crop east of Laramie attracted many. Vegas, 89102; Boulder City Polly Long; Davis Dam, They movedthrough the valleyand piedmonttowns in Ft. Mohave, L. Mead -- C. S. Lawson; Ely and e. Nevada lateFebruary and returned to theirmountain nesting sites (10) -- Paul Lucas;Eureka - Diamond Valley(3) -- Janet hke Summit County by mid-March. Aspen had good Eyre; L. Mohave -- Skip Prange; Las Vegas (21) numbers of Pine Grosbeaks, which moved into the Chuck Lawson;Reno (15) JessieAIves; Ruby Lakes-- foothillsin early winter. Feedersdrew fewerrosy finches, Ron Papike; also, George Austin, Don Baepler, Bob althoughmodest flocks occurred throughout the Region. Barnhurst, John Blake, Nick & Betty Greene, Loren They probablyfound food on meadowsand tundraspots Jamison, Vince Mowbray, Bob Oakleaf, Bill Pickslay, blown bare of snow. Black Rosy Finchesdrifted as far and Van Remsen. south as EscalanteCanyon in s.e. Utah, with 40 there Utah: Bear River N. W. R. (10) -- Rodney Krey, Mar 21, and Dubois had its first record of Brown FarmingtonBay W. M. A. -- Tim Provan; Kanab (2) -- cappedssince 1964, with three Mar. 22-31. StevenHedges; Logan (16) -- Ann Schimpf;Ogden Corn. Redpollsinvaded, particularly Wyoming and e. M. L. Killpack; Salt Lake City (2) -- Gleb Kashin,also, Colorado. Flocks occurredsouth to Colorado Springs; W. W. Brockner, Ken Kertell, Paul Lehman, Peter Scott Denver had daily countsof as many as 100. Sheridanhad Wyoming: Cheyenne (9) -- May Hanesworth, 100-150from Dec. 5-Mar. 1. Jackson,Dubois, Cody, and Casper-- O.K. Scott, Frank and Lois Layton; Cody (3) Aspen hosted them, and Salt Lake City had two Ursula Kepler; Dubois Mary Back; Jackson(4) -- Decemberreports. Dec. 5-9 at Sheridan,Downing found Bert Raynes;Laramie -- HustaceScott; Sheridan(8) -- two Hoary Redpolls which "stood out among the Helen Downing ; also, Marian Collins, Platt Hall Commons."The large flocksat Casperhad "a scattering Colorado: Aspen & Glenwood Springs(6) -- David of what appear to be Hoary Redpollspresent the last Michael; Boulder Narca Schor(27) and LouiseHering weekof 1975"(OKS). Pine Siskinsand Am. Goldfinches (23); Colorado Springs -- Mahlon Speersand Elinor were scarce.Red Crossbillsprobably often find their Wills; Denver (26) -- Bob Andrews;Evergreen (20) -- essenhalcone crops at placesnot visitedby our observers. W.W. Brockner; Ft. Collins(14) -- Ft. CollinsAudubon Th•s w•nter'sonly reportscame from WyomingCBCs, a Society;Ft. Morgan--Joseph Rigli; GrandJct. --Dawd tourist at Cedar Breaks Nat'l Mon., Utah, a Reno feeder, Galinat; Longmont(25) -- Allegra Collister;McCoy -- and from Laramie, of a flock feeding on the abundant Margaret Ewing:Monte VistaN. W. R. -- C. R. Bryant, conecrop. The Cedar Breaksand Laramie observations Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park (4) -- Warner Reeser;also, John & •mplythat the birdsfollow the conecrop to placesremote Joyce Cooper, Tom Gatz, Walter Graul, Harold Holt, enoughnot to attract bird watchersduring the winter. Carl Jacobson,Mike and Pete Moulton, Dan Pinkham, W•th the Cedar Breaks flock were two White-winged Jack Reddall, M. O. Snyder, Sally Sorenson,Jim Tate, Crossbfils, Mar. 30 (PL). A Green-tailed Towhee Betsy Webb. -- HUGH E. KINGERY, 869 Milwaukee appearedat Barr L. Feb. 26-28. St., Denver, Colo. 80206. SPARROWS, JUNCOS -- Early SavannahSparrows arrivedat LoganMar. 6, with othersMar. 18and at Bear R Mar. 28. Abundant VesperSparrows flocked around H•ko, Nev., Mar. 16and a few arrivedin n. Utah thenext week A stray Lark Sparrow wasfound at Fernley,Nev. SOUTHWEST REGION Jan 11 (VM). At Cottonwood Cove 150-200 Black- /Janet Witzeman, John P. Hubbard and throatedSparrows wintered, and smallnumbers of Sage Kenn Kaufman Sparrowswintered throughout s. Nevada. Early migrants •ncluded birds at Logan Mar. 6 and 28 and one at Laramie Mar. 31. According to CBC reports, we had DEJA VU -- Arian events this season showed several morejuncos and Tree Sparrowsthis year, up 20 percent unexplainedsimilarities to the winter of 1952 - 53. In that overlast year; juncos measured 6.06 per party-hour, Tree season,as in this, the Regionreceived unusual numbers of Sparrows2.87 per party-hour. White-wingedJuncos Eastern Phoebes,White-throated Sparrows,and eastern apparentlystaged a flight from Cheyenneto Colorado race Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers(S. v. varius); several Spnngs, mostly in the foothills. White-crowned Brown Thrashers were noted, and Lawrence's Gold- Sparrowsspread out, with noneat ColoradoSprings but finches (our traditional invader from the west) were h•ghernumbers at Kanab than last year and many at virtually absent. This combinationof trends may be Reno The late Februarystorm affected their movements entirely coincidental,but the implication is of a hght •n the Nevadatip: 500at DavisDam Feb. 25 dwindledto invasionfrom the east an impressionstrengthened by 50 Feb. 27. Five White-throated Sparrowsmade winter the numbersof EasternBluebirds (possibly of eastern appearancesin four Coloradopiedmont cities. The only races) in the lowlands, and severalinteresting eastern Snow Buntingreports came from Sheridanand Cody. vagrants. A new hot spot in southern New Mexico was Percha ABBREVIATIONS -- *: photograph or specimen; Dam State Park, on the Rio Grande south of Elephant CBC Christmas Bird Count; D.F.O.: Denver Field Butte Dam and CaballoLake, the siteof manysignificant Ormthologists;D.M.N.H.: Denver Museum of Natural recordsthis season.But top honors went to the Tucson H•story. sewagetreatment plant: after an autumn which had

Volume 30• Number 3 749 produced,among other things, ScarletTanager, Bay- during the winter. Numbers in the spillway area were breasted(early Dec.) and Black-throatedBlue Warblers, about as follows: Ring-billed, 300 all winter; California, and Arizona'sfirst Black Scoter,this memorablelocality numberspeaked at 65 on Feb. 13 (VR), many presentall endedthe year with an adult maleScarlet-headed Oriole winter; Herring, at least one all winter, peak of four on -- the bird of the season. Jan. 17 (KK et al.); Thayer's,peak of threefirst year birds Jan. 17 (KK et al.); Glaucous-winged,one secondyear bird present all winter; Bonaparte's, single immatures • % •,•.•.•: ...... , , ½oto.: seensporadically all winter (CSL, VR). Perhapsthe most I ' ' interestinggull speciesat Davis Dam this winter was the Black-leggedKittiwake. Two immatureswere recordedin early December(CSL, GM) and an adult and immature Feb. 25 (CSL). I •,•-•*•*•' ARIZ N•.j•[•, NEWgEX. •*--• I I•'•w•m• 5• •.•.-•. /• •.su• (Most of the above Davis Dam data was provided by I •..J 1'"'•- ." . T•, •'-4,• -• 7 • ..... CSL; also KK, GM, VR et al.).

LOONS, GREBES, CORMORANTS Four Arctic t = Loons were on Lower L. Mohave, above Davis Dam Dec. 11 (GM). The specieshas been fairly regular in small 8 • '• '•0• • C BIo • • numberson L. Mead, just to the north, in recentwinters (fide VM). Slightly more Horned Grebeswere reported than usual: four at Colorado R. points and three at the lesstypical localitiesof Tucsonand Nogales(m.ob.). An Olivaceous Cormorant was at L. Patagonia Feb. 28 (Jon Dunn, GMcC, VR); by Mar. 21 there were two DAVIS DAM • This localityonlhe Arizona-Nevada individuals present(Rod Norden). There are about five border, "diseovered"just last winter, again hosted an previouswinter recordsfor Arizona, all in the vicinityof array of s•eies that, until recently,has •n eonsidered Nogales. A likely sourceis the Sonoran population: 45 rare to a•idental in Arizona. •e produetivity of this birds and a possiblebreeding colony were discoveredat spoteannot • attributed merelyto the presenceof water Presa del Novillo, only 170 mi. s. of the Arizona border in a dese• region,for the hugeexpan• of Lake Mead lies Mar. 17 (RPR). In New Mexico, two were found at just to the noah; rather, somethingabout the Davis Dam Elephant Butte Res. and one downriver at Caballo Res., spillway itself •ems to provide aeeeptable artifieial Jan. 31 (BP), indicatingthat at leastsome of the Elephant habitat for ee•ain speeies.Chief itemsof interestthere Butte breeders overwinter in the state. this winter were B•rrow's Goldeneyes, Oldsquaws,and •ven s•eies of gulls,ineluding Bl•ck-I•gged Kiltiwak•. WATERFOWL Whistling Swans winter uncom- •e Barrow'swere a repeat performance,hawng made monly on the lower Colorado R. A flock wasreported at t•ir first Arizona appearancelast winter with 57 at Davis nearbyPainted Rock Dam on the lower Gila R., Dec. 7 Dam. Evidently the birds last winter were part of a (Allen Guenther). But more uncommon were 26 east of generalmovement, sinee southern California had itsthird Apache,Ariz., Dec. 5 (fide SSpf.); and six at a tank s. of •eord, no•hern California had "by far the mostever," Sells, Ariz., Jan. 10 (fide WD). Two Ross' Geesewere and west •ntral Colorado recorded unusual humors taken bya hunternear Columbus, s. w. New Mexico,Jan. (see Am. Birds 29: 741, 737, 721). Possibly a similar 17 for a new locality record (fide BP). The FulvousTree movementoeeurred this year. Num•rs at Davis Dam Duck has been a rare summervisitor in recentyears to s. this •ason did not •ak until Jan• (the largesteount: Arizona; one found at Phoenix last summer remained as 43 on Jan. 9; CSL, VM) suggestingthat birds were late as Dec. 15 (KK, Tim Barksdale).Single Wood Ducks gradually 'diseovering'the favorable habitat of the were presentduring the winter at Phoenix (m.ob.) and spillwayduring the early winter. Howe•r, the •rrow's Mar. 10 n.w. of Globe Ariz. (BJa) where they are moved around more this year than last, leavingexact considered unusual. Arizona records of this species eountsopen to question;counts at differenthours on the follow few consistent patterns, and some observers • day varied by as mueh as 80 •r cent. believethat a high percentageof those reported in the More 1oeation-speeifiewere the OId•uaws. One was state are probably feral. Scaup identificationcontinued presentby •e. 10, three by Dee. 23, and five by Jan. 9; to cause problems. Several Greaters were reported; the• five Oldsquawswere at the spillway•nstantly to however, the only ones that stayed around to be the end of February. A lone individual found three miles examined -- two malesat Tucson -- were, by consensus downriver on ffeb. 3 (VR) never showed up at the (KK,GMcC,TP) not Greaters, but probably scaupsp. x spillway•These waterfowl were exceptionallyfar south; Ring-neckedDuck hybrids.Act Barrow'sGoldeneye on a sueha eoneentrationof •rrow's and OId•uaws at an pond w. of Springer, n.e. New Mexico, Dec. 7 (Brent equal latitude on the California eoast would • Giezentanner) representedone of only a handful of phenomenal.All had vanishedat the end of ffebruary, recordsfor the state.The speciesis listedas hypothetical eoineiding with the big depa•ure of Common in New Mexico. A postscriptto the Surf Scoternumbers Goldeneyesthat oeeurred about Feb. 25-27. of the fall was one female at Evans L., s.w. New Mexico, Gull numberson the lower Colorado vary markedly Dec. 2 (Bert Ross,fide DAZ). from winter to winter. Yu•, for example,had far more Ring-billedsthan usualthis year and a few •lifornias, RAPTORS -- Lowland reports of Goshawk in the not usuallynoted there. •is abundancewas reflected at Region were singles at Farmington, N. Mex. (APN) Davis Dam, with a remarkableseven spedes reeorded Bitter Lake N. W. R. (Barnet Schrank) and in oaks near

750 American Birds, June, 1976 $onoita, Ariz. (SeymourLevy). A Red-shoulderedHawk Rivoli'sHummingbirds are half-hardy; normally they appearedDec. 20 at RedingtonPass east of Tucson(Ross withdraw from s.c.Arizona in winter, but with the aid of Chapin) and remainedthrough mid-March (m.ob.). On feedersone will occasionally remain through the winter in Jan 15 the bird was trapped for photographyand the mountains;the Spofford'sfeeders at Portalsustained examination (Rich Glinski, WD); there were no in- one this season.Apparently less hardy was an ad c; dlcationsthat it hadever been a captive.Apparently this Rufousthat attemptedto winterat the samefeeders, it represents the first confirmable Arizona record. A survivedlong enough to providethe first winterrecord Ferruginous Hawk at 8000 ft., over the snow-covered for the mountains,but wasfound deadin the snowJan 8 grassland at Valle Grande, Jemez Mts., n.w. New KINGFISHERS, WOODPECKERS -- There are a Mexico,Feb. 28 (Pat Snider)was at anexceptionally high elevationfor thisspecies to besurviving the winter. A rash coupleof recordsof BeltedKingfishers in winterin the of reportsof BlackHawks from s. Arizonawas received, coldTransition Zone of the WhiteMts.; about equally nonefully verified;the speciesis not to be expectedin unusualwas one at 7000 ft. at RoseCanyon L. in the mid-winter.An Ospreyat Bitter Lake N. W. R., N.Mex., SantaCatalina Mts., n. of Tucson,Feb. 24 (GM) The •? Dec 20 (Delbert Boggs, Jodi Corrie) was not seen GreenKingfisher on the NogalesCBC was therefrom subsequentlyand thus was probablyjust a very late Dec.8 to at leastJan. I (VirginiaCechmanek, M H etal ) migrant; the species is rare in winter in New Mexico. Another(or the same)was at the upperend of L Caracaras, resident in southwest-central Arizona, Patagonia,a few milesaway Feb. 5-Mar. 27 (GM, Bill wanderedto peripherallocalities: one at NogalesJan. 4 Roe et al.). (M & DK) and one near PhoenixJan. 8 (ST). Red-headedWoodpeckers, scarce and local as summer residentsin New Mexico,are quiterare in winter,noted CRANES, SHOREBIRDS -- The four young thisseason were singles at LasVegas (WH) Bosquedel Whooping Crones in the Rio Grande Valley (see fall ApacheN. W. R. (C. Hundertmark)and PerchaDam S report) winteredsuccessfully, and left for the north with P. (WB, BP). Theeastern race Yellow-bellied Sapsucker their foster-parentSandhills Feb. 15-22(GZ). (S. v. varius) collectedin s.w. New Mexico in November An exceptional record was the presenceof three (seefall report)presaged a minor invasionof vagrant SemlpalmatedPlovers at L. McMillan, s.c.N. Mex.,Jan. sapsuckersto s.c. Arizona. Individuals of the easternrace 17 (MW); this speciesis virtually unknown in winter in werefound at Nogales,Patagonia, Phoenix, and Garden the Region.For the secondconsecutive year the (or a) Canyonin the Huachucas(KK, ST). A probableS v Long-billedCurlew remained through the periodat the variuswas at Bosquedel Apache N.W.R., Jan.31 (BP) Phoenix sewage ponds along with two additional Birdsof the red-breastedraces (S. v. daggettiand S v individualsthat joined it this winter.A Red Phalarope ruber,from Californiaand the PacificNorthwest) were was at NogalesFeb. 6 (DStz, M & DK). This species, found at Madera Canyon, Phoenix, and two locations rarest of the three phalaropes in migration in the nearTucson (m.ob.). This seems to bethe largest invasion Southwest,is the onlyone at all likelyto beseen in winter. on record since the winter of 1952-53, when several easternform andtwo red-breastedform sapsuckers were GULLS -- An addition to the New Mexico list was a collectedin Arizona. In the fall reportwe notedthat a first year Glaucous Gull at Ute L., n.w. New Mexico in DownyWoodpecker had straggleddown slope to the late March and early April, with definite photographs Silver City area. Further records at remarkable low obtained (Keith Giezentanner). There are no previous elevationswere: one near Las CrucesDec. 20 (Bruce recordsfor the state, but the specieshas beenverified in Patterson)was at thesouthern limit of thespecies' range adjacent statesof Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. A (if it had gonea few milesto the southwestit would have possible Thayer's Gull was reported near Las Cruces beenthe first record for Mexico);one in riparianwillows Mar 6 (BP) and three wereat ElephantButte L. Feb. 27 nearPhoenix Jan. 2-15 (RBr, PN, ST et al.) providedthe (CGS). There are two previousrecords for this speciesin firstlocal record; and one was s.c. of TucsonDec 4 (Ed the state. Single first year Glaucous-wingedGulls were Chalif). This speciesis very rare in the lowlandsin reportedat PuertoPe•asco, Sonora, Mex., Feb. 28, 29 Arizona,probably in directcorrelation to its general (DSt]) and south at Puerto Lobos Mar. 15 (RPR). scarcityin the mountainsof the state. Convincingdetails submitted for both recordseliminated the possibilityof their being Thayer's. The speciesis FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- An Ash-throated consideredcasual in Sonora;there are about five previous Flycatcherwas well describedfrom the westslope of the recordsfor n. Gulf of Calif. (see Devillers et al., 1971. SandiaMts., e. of AlbuquerqueFeb. 2 (0. van Buskirk), Cahf Birds 2:23). An odd isolatedincursion, apparently there are few winter recordsfor New Mexico, although from a pelagicsource, brought to Nogalesa Heermann's anotherwas in the Albuquerquearea two yearsago One Gull Feb. 5 (CM, BB) and up to sevenBonaparte's Gulls was in Las Cruces Mar. 2 (BP) which would have been Feb 5-9 (DStz et al.). For other gull records,see above exceptionally early for a migrant. Eastern Phoebes under Davis Dam. appearedat Las CrucesDec. 23 (BP, FE), Guevavi Ranch north of Nogales Jan. I (Meteers), St. David, s e Arizona, Jan. 24 (DD), PatagoniaFeb. 8 (M H et al.), and DOVES, OWLS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- A veryearly Percha Dam Feb. 29 (KZ et al.). These, with the five (or wintering?)White-winged Dove was at Percha Dam reportedduring the fall, add up to far morethan usualfor S P, Feb. 29 (KZ et al.); four had arrived by Mar. 21 the season.The only Coues' Flycatcherof the season (BP) Owls such as Barn and Short-cared that hunt in winteredquite successfully at Phoenix,being still present open country seemto be frequent victimsof highway when the first migrants returned to their mountain traffic Five road-killed Barn Owls were found during habitat; one wonderswhy this species,which wintersas Decemberand Januaryin the Demingarea alone (WB). far north as Sonora, Mex., should be so rare in the U S

Volume30, Number3 751 in winter. A Vermilion Flycatcher, uncommon in New same timing was noted this year at Yuma, where four Mexico in winter, was at Percha Dam Feb. 29 (WB, BP, were banded and others seen Mar. 13 (SSpt). KZ) A Purple Martin at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in TucsonMar. 6-7 (SA) wasthe earliestspring THRUSHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- At least one record ever for Arizona -- most arrive in late April and of the Rufous-backed Robins reported during the fall May This is an interestingcontrast to similarlatitudes in remained at the Tucson sewageplant to Feb. 4, providing the eastern U.S., where martins return in late winter. a bonus for observers who came to see the Scarlet-headed Oriole. Except for the invasion of Varied Thrushes(fall, CORVIDS The Blue Jay found near Las Crucesin winter '72, '73) the speciesis rarely recordedin the state, November (seelast report) remainedin the samegeneral thus two reports of singlesin s. Arizona were unusual in area through February (BP). A minor invasionof Scrub Madera Canyon Dec. 18 (Noble Proctor), and at Tucson and Steller's Jays around Las Cruces was extremely Dec. 28 (Marguerite Krause, WD). Eastern Bluebirds localized (BP). The only other lowland record was of a appeared at a number of unusual locations,including single Steller's at Roswell Mar. 26 (MW). Common eight at Roswell Dec. 12 (MW), up to 12 near Las Cruces Crows are known to wander somewhat in winter in the Feb. 7-Mar. 29 (BP, KZ et al.) and small flocks at Southwest. Unusual locality recordsthis winter were 16 scattered points in the lowlands around Tucson and at HavasuN.W.R., extremew. Arizona, Feb. 5 (VR), two Arivaca, Ariz. (BH, PN et al.). Possiblyall of thesewere s e of Phoenix Feb. 28 (RBo), two at Shiprock,n.w. New part of a generalmovement from the east:the few that Mexico, Feb. 19 (WS) and at least 150 in the nearby La have been collected around Tucson in winter have been of Plata Valley in January and February (APN, CGS). the eastern race sialis rather than fulva, the race that Virtually no movementof Clark's Nutcrackerswas noted breeds in the border ranges of Arizona. Western this winter which suggeststhat the singleexception, a Bluebirdsoccurred in good numbersin the Phoenixarea, bird in residential Tucson during February and March but few were recorded in the lowlands of s.e. Arizona (SA et al.) might have been an escapedpet. Mountain Bluebirds, which were abundant last winter acrosss. Arizona and New Mexico, werevirtually absent CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS Up to six from those areas this season;this speciesseems much Bridled Titmice were presentfrom Decemberthrough more erratic in occurrencethat its congeners. March at PerchaDam S. P. (WB, BP et al.). Although the A single Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at Page, extreme n speciesbreeds in the s. end of the Black Range,some 20 Arizona, Dec. 24 (SB, KK) wasprobably an exceptional- rm to the west, there is apparently only one previous ly late lingerer, sincethe speciesis not known to winter recordfor this sectionof the Rio Grande:late May 1973, anywhere in the n.e. half of the state. Sprague'sPipits upstreamat Caballo L. (Barbara Escher,Charles Hyder). again wintered at Phoenix (KK et al.) strengtheningthe Coincidentally,up to six Mountain Chickadeeswere also thesisthat they are regularthere, not 'casual'as formerly presentat Percha Dam this winter (BP). A Dipper was supposed;they must have been simply overlookedprior presentin the Organ Mrs. e. of Las CrucesDec. 19 - Feb. to last winter. Northern Shrikes were noted in about 14 at the samedammed up springwhere it was found last normal numbers and locations,i.e., singlesat Shiprock winter (BP, WB). A Winter Wren near Cliff, s.w. New (WS) and near Clayton, N. Mex. (Dolf Krehbiel) and a Mexico, Dec. 27 was also in the same area where one was couple in the Doney Park area near Flagstaff (Steve recordedlast winter (WB); this individual wasmore richly Carothers). coloredthan the easternrace hiemalis(fide DAZ) -- the only form yet verifiedin New Mexico -- and presumably VIREOS, WARBLERS A Solitary Vireo at Percha representsthe westernpacificus. A House Wren at Las Dam Mar. 7-20 (Alan & Laurie Hahn et al.) may have Cruces Dec. 19 (WB) was unusual, although this species been wintering there. A very late Yellow Warbler was may winter regularly in small numbers in the southern near Phoenix Dec. 8 (ST); thereare aboutfour previous part of the state. December records for Arizona, all of which we consider lingering migrants rather than 'winter records'.A Bay- THRASHERS The Gray Catbird is virtually breasted Warbler at Tucson Dec. 7 (Maurice Barnhill, unknown in the Regionin winter, so one at LasVegas, N. DStz) was the third Arizona record. Orange-crowned Mex, Dec. 1-13 was notable (WH). Brown Thrasher Warblers and yellowthroats are among those species reports in Arizona this winter numbered four, far more which winter regularly at low elevationsin Arizona, they than usual; singles were at Sabino Canyon, Santa are quite rare in winter in New Mexico, probablyowing in Catalina Mts. (PN); Patagonia (BJo); s.w. of Tucson part to the fact that the latter state has no elevations (Linda Rosenthal); and Boyce Thompson Arboretum below2800 feet. SingleOrange-crowneds at LasCruces in near Globe (Nora Barry et al.). One in New Mexico wasat late December (BP, FE) and upper Guadalupe Canyon Las Cruces (BP). Most of these birds remained for Mar. 3 (JPH) may have representedwinter records or extendedperiods (i.e. up to the entire season)as seemsto extreme dates for migrants. An imm. • Com be usualfor the few that appearhere in winter. Phillipset Yellowthroat wintered successfullyat Las Cruces(WB, al (in Birds of Arizona, 1964) commented that the BP). A MacGillivray's Warbler, for whichthere are very movements of the Sage Thrasher were poorly un- few winter recordsin the U.S., was found near Phoenix derstood, and the statement still applies. Wintering Jan. 3 (DStj). populationsvary considerablyand ChristmasBird Count data may be misleading, since the fall migration is 1CTERIDS, TANAGERS Yellow-headed protracted and stray individuals continue to turn up in Blackbirds seem to be wintering increasinglyin New atypical habitats through the end of December. A Mexico, and new localities included ten near Rodeo Dec concentrationof northward migrantsin mid-March has 30 (RS), 100 near Kirtland Jan. 10-11 (WS), 1-2 at Las been known for someyears in the Phoenix area, and the Vegas Feb. 2-6 (WH), and two near Logan Feb. 5 (MCC)

752 American Birds, June, 1976 Great-tailed Grackles in New Mexico are not known to winter. Exceptional was the presenceof a pair feeding a wander to any extent in winter, so noteworthy were recently,[ledgedyounginEncanto Park, Phoenix Mar 26 records of 22 near Rodeo Dec. 27 (RS) and 25-30 at (KK, JW). The juvenile was not yet flying strongly,and Portales Feb. 2 (JPH) -- both localities unknown as had obviously hatched somewherenearby. We know of breedingor wintering sitesfor the species. no previousevidence of the species'breeding at sucha low An adult d' Scarlet-headedOriole brought national elevation (+_ 1000 ft.: lower Sonoran zone!) in the fame and hundredsof birdersto the Tucsonsewage plant, Southwest,although Red Crossbillshave been observed Dec 17 - Jan. 12 (Roland Mercer et al.). There were about year 'round in some Phoenix neighborhoods;nesting has five previousArizona records,all near Tucson, three of been observedonly in the Santa Catalina Mts. of Arizona them during a relatively short period in the late 40s and and suspectedin several ranges in Arizona and New early 50s. That concentrationof records was probably Mexico. due in part to the presenceof Allan Phillips, who had the Single White-winged (Dark-eyed) Juncos, local and proper qualificationsfor identifying this species-- keen irregularof occurrencein New Mexico, showedup during sensesand a collecting permit; contra the superficial December at La Cueva (Marjory Swain), Taos (WH), treatment in A Field Guide to Mexican Birds (Peterson and Santa Fe (JPH). The only Harris' Sparrow reports and Chalif, 1973) Q -plumaged Scarlet-headedsof the this winter were singles near Flagstaff, near Sedona northern race are extremelysimilar to G5 -plumaged (Marilyn Watson), near Phoenix (RN) and at Patagonia Northern Orioles. Remarkably, it seems the famous (SB). Tucson bird was not the only individual reported this We have become accustomedto seeinga few White- season.A probableScarlet-headed thought to bean imm. throated Sparrowsin recentwinters, but there were more male was seenat L. Patagonia Dec. 7 & 25 (PN). And this year than at any time in the lasttwo decadesThey amazingwas the report of a probablepair nearPhoenix even appearedin flocks: seventogether near Patagoma Apr 4 (ST, SB); the female's identity must remain Feb. 28 (GMcC, VR) and about 20 at PerchaDam late •n tentative, but both birds were carefully describedand the winter (BP). Having mentioned these Whlte- were givingtypical calls of the Scarlet-headed. throateds (in the introduction) as evidenceof movement Winter recordsof Scott'sOrioles in the Regionoccur from the east, we must admit the anomaly that Arizona at, and becauseof, feederswhich providethe meansfor receivedunusual numbers of Golden-crownedSparrows them to survive. This winter individuals were at feeders (whichnormally winter west of us). Largestnumbers were near Silver City (Stuart O'Byrnes),two at Portal (DB, around Tucson; most remarkable was the presenceof SSpf), and at Tucson (BernardWeideman). A pair of three (along with two White-throateds)at the Spofford's Hepatic Tanagerswas at PatagoniaJan. 1 (W & WM), feederon the eastslope of the Chiricahuasat Portal The and a malewas at PhoenixJan. 20 (HL, SD): the species simultaneous 'invasion' of eastern and western winteredfairly regularlyin the SonoitaCreek area during Zonotrichiasis analogousto this season'sFox Sparrow the late 40s, 50s and early 60s, but recent recordshave situation: generally uncommon, Fox Sparrows were been few. somewhat more common than usual in the Region th•s FRINGILLIDS -- Cardinalsare typically residentin winter, and eastern and western races figured about thmr New Mexico haunts, so a male presentMar. 12-31 at equally in the reports. Rodeo (RS) -- where the speciesis not resident-- was At least ten McCown's Longspurswere recorded at a unusual.Pyrrhuloxias in New Mexico showa tendency waterholein the high elevation grasslandsof s.w New opposite that of Cardinals and regularly wander in Mexico, Mar. 3 (JPH, CGS). During the w•nter winter; two northern peripheral records for the season Chestnut-collaredLongspurs were abundant again in this were one at Roswell from Jan. 24 through the end of the area, as well as in the same habitat in s.e. Arizona. At least period (MW) and two at La Joya State Game Refuge, two Chestnut-collaredswere presentnear Ft. Union, n e Socorro Co., Mar. 19 (Jim Sands).Evening Grosbeaks New Mexico, Feb. 4 (JPH) where rarely reported in werenotably absent in most partsof the Region,although winter. a small flock was at Portal from mid-January to mid- February(SSpf). Inexplicablewas the presenceof one at CORRIGENDA In the last report the printer Covered Wells, in the desert of the Papago Indian omitted part of the copy pertaining to Northern and Red Reservation, s.c. Arizona, from Jan. 23 to the end of the Phalaropes,thus making incorrect someof the material period (Amadeo Rea). Purple Finches are rare in s.e. printed. The following is the correctaccount for thesetwo Arizona, evenduring winterswhen there are invasionsof species: Northern Phalaropes came through in good other finches. This winter at least two pairs were at numbers, with flocks noted at Phoenix and Willcox in feedersin Portal (DB, SSpf). Evenmore unusual was a 9 September,and 50 at Blackrock L., N. Mex., Aug 26 Purple Finch at Percha Dam Feb. 29 (KZ, photo verified Red Phalaropes,comparatively quite rare in the Region, by DAZ) one of only a few recordsfor New Mexico. were reported as follows: one at Tucson Sept. 6, one at Rosy Finchesappeared severaltimes in New Mexico, Willcox Sept. 10, two at Tucson Sept. 13, and one at includinga flock of 60 Brown-cappedsand one Black at Nogales Sept. 21 (all by PN); one was on the Lordsburg Abiquiu Dam, n.w.N. Mex., in January and February Playa, N. Mex., Oct. 8 (WSpf), and one wasat Tucsonthe (MCC, JPH), two Blacks and 24 Leucosticte sp. on day after the heavy weather Nov. 29 (HF). Sandia Peak Dec. 20 (Ross Teuber et al.), and a flock of Alsoin the Fall Reportwe impliedthat the onlyrecords Lemosticte sp. near Las Vegas Feb. 22 (WH). for White-winged (Dark-eyed) Junco in Arizona oc- Alter having been "excessivelyabundant on the San curred in 1936-37. A junco collected Feb. 23, 1971 at Francisco Peaks" of n.c. Arizona last fall (RPB), Red Flagstaffwas, although not entirelytypical, believed to be Crossbillsappeared in small numbersin the mountains of this form (Carothers et al., 1973, M. N. A. Tech Ser and the conifer-cladcity parks of s. Arizona during the No. 12, p. 45).

Volume30, Number3 75• ACKNOWLEDGEMENT -- JW wishesto express on the Pacific coast, but late February and March appreciationand thanksto Gale Mensonfor hishelp. His brought near-record snowfall and long sub-freezing storehouse of records, knowledge and experience periodsto the Aleutian Islands. In most mainland areas, contribute much to the quality of each report. the most prominent characteristicof the winter wasvery little snowfall. CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilers in boldface) -- Steve Alden, Russell P. Balda, William Baltosser, Bob WATERFOWL Up to five Whooper Swans were Bates, Dickie Bogle, Randy Betteher (RBo), Robert seenat Adak 1. from Feb. 13 on (GEH and others),and at Bradley (RBr), Scott Burge, Marshall C. Conway, Doug leastnine birds werepresent at Amchitka I. during March Danforth, William Davis, Saleme Demaree, Florence (GVB and others). A Blue-wingedTeal seenat Homer Erwin, Harold Fetter, Tony Gallucci, Murray Hansen, Dec. 10 (LG) providedthe first Alaska winter record. Up Bill Harrison, Nogales; Walton Hawk, Betty Jackson to three Eur. Wigeon were seenat intervalsat Adak from (BJa), BettyJones (BJo), Mike & Diana King, CharlesS. mid-Januaryto mid-March, and three Am. Wigeon were Lawson,Helen Longstreth,Carl Marvel, Guy McCaskie, seen with them on Feb. 29 & Mar. 14 (AWW). •[en N. Wilma & William Meteer, Gale Menson, Tucson; Shovelers at Amchitka Dec. 2 (RHD) was a good Vincent Mowbray, Alan P. Nelson, Phil Norton, Robert Aleutian count at any season.Adak's winteringflock of Norton. Ted Parker, Bill Principe,s.c. New Mexico; Van Canvasbacks(see previous winter reports) failed to Remsen, Robert P. Russell, Charles Saffell, C. Greg appear this year; a single bird on Jan. 10 (AWW) Schmitt, Robert Scholes, Shirley Spiller (SSpt), Sally provided the only record. One Canvasback seen at Spofford (SSpf) Portal; Walter Spofford(WSpf), David Amchitka Dec. 6-7 (RHD) was the first Aleutian sighting Stejskal(DStj), William Stone, Doug Stotz (DStz), Scott westof Adak. LesserSeaup were seen at Kodiak I. several Terrill, Jolan Truan, Marjorie Williams, Robert times during the period; maximum count was five males Witzeman, Gary Zahm, Kevin Zimmer, Dale A. Jan. 11 (RAM & WED). One LesserSeaup was recorded Zimmerman, s.w. New Mexico. Abbreviations: m. ob., on the Eyak R., Cordova, Jan. 3 (PI). Up to nine Tufted manyobservers; CBC, ChristmasBird Count;• female Ducks were recorded at Amchitka in early December or immature. JANET WITZEMAN, 4619 E. Arcadia (RHD), and two or three were seenoccasionally at Adak Lane, Phoenix. Ariz. 85018: JOHN P. HUBBARD, 2097 during the winter (AWW, JLT, GVB). An ad. 9 Tufted Camino Lade, Santa Fe, N. Mex. 87501; KENN Duck at Eyak L., Cordova , Jan. 18-22 and Feb. 22-25 KAUFMAN. (PI), representedthe first record of the specieson the Pacificcoast of Alaska east of Adak and helpsto beginto fill the gap between the regularly-occurringAleutian ALASKA REGION birdsand recentsouthern B.C. - Washingtonrecords. At the easternend of the winter range, Steller'sEiders were /Daniel D. Gibson and G. Vernon Byrd abundant at Chiniak Bay, Kodiak, this winter. Rafts of up to 300 wereseen regularly during the period (RAM). Winter 1975-76was relatively mild throughoutAlaska. Birds were reported near Anchor Pt., Kenai Pen., in late It begancold in the Interior (e.g.,temperatures of-45 ø to winter (DM), and up to 41 (CBC) were seenat Homer 50ø F at Fairbanks during the first week of December), during the period (MAM). One female was presentat but it did not remain so,and, althoughit wascold again in Cordova during February and March (PI). King Eiders early February, 50ø wasnot seenagainatFairbanksnor were common at Kodiak in rafts of up to 200 birds were any cold recordsset. It wasa normally bitter winter (RAM) and the specieswas recordedat Homer in small numbers(MAM). One •? King was presentat Cordova during March (P1), and a subadultmale was observedas far eastas Pt. Louisa,Juneau, Mar. 8-9 (FG & VL). One 9 -plumagedSmew observedat Amchitka Dec. 9 & 14 Co/villeR. • • (RHD) provided the only Aleutian record during the ß. Noalak•. BROOKS RANGE•, •

• •-.• PalmerGlennallen • .*••h• - • .Valdez[

Sinew, Kodiak, Alaska, March, 1976. Photo/W. Donaldson.

754 American Birds, June, 1976 period. An ad. c• Smew presentwith a flock of Com. Two or three Harris' Sparrows, all banded (and all Goldeneyesat the BushkinR. mouth, Kodiak, from Mar. probably by RBW), were seen at irregular intervals 7 through the closeof the period (RAM & WED, et mult. during the period at Auke Bay,Juneau, from November al.; photo U.A.M.), provided only the fourth Alaska on (RBW). Wintering White-crowned Sparrows were record of an ad. male and was like the Cordova Tufted recorded at Kodiak (one throughout the period, DF& Duck, the first Alaska observationof the specieson the LF, RAM), at Cordova (one on CBC, Jan. 2, et al.), and Pacific coast east of Adak. at Juneau (one on Jan. 14, RBW). A Lincoln's Sparrow closely observedat Kodiak on Feb. I (RAM & WED; RAPTORS -- A Marsh Hawk at Adak Jan. 9 (GEH) photo U.A.M.) provided the first winter record of the and a male there Feb. 14 and 17 (AWW) number among speciesin the Region. !t is only the third recordedat few Aleutian records,most in winter. A white Gyrfalcon Kodiak at any season.A flock of 15 Lapland Longspurs was observedat Adak Jan. l0 (GVB, JLT, GEH), and at at Adak Jan. 9 (GEH) proividedonly the secondAleutian least two dark birds were presentat Amchitka during winter record. McKay's Buntingswere reported seen March (GVB and others). Short-cared Owl is not a regularly in flocks of 10-12 at St. Michael during regular winter bird in the Region,so the followingare of Februaryand March, and small flockswere also seenat interest: up to three at Amchitka Dec. 2 and 14 (JTC, Unalakleet Feb. 15 and Mar. 15-17 (TW). EPH), one at Adak Jan. 6 (GEH), and up to four at the Mendenhall wetlands,Juneau, Jan. 31 (FG & FT). Boreal CONTR! BUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Cheryl M. Owls were first reported calling Feb. 28 at both Boise,James T. Coffey, Robert H. Day, David DeLap, Anchorage(AS) and Fairbanks (DDG & JJ). William E. Donaldson. Richard Folta, Douglas Fritz, Linda Fritz, Frank Glass, Larry Goldstein, Raymond S. S HOREB1R DS -- Two wintering Surfbirds were seen Hadley,George E. Hall, Eric P. Hoberg, Petelsleib, Alice at Kodiak Jan. 3 and 31 (RAM) and Black Turnstones Johnstone, Jennifer Jolts, Vernon Laux, Richard A. were recorded there several times; maximum count was Macintosh, David McDonald, Mary A. Miller, Bruce B. 25 on Feb. 14 (RAM). Paige, David K. Porter, Alice Shoe, Fred Filly, John L. CHICKADEES -- All but unknown in Alaska, Trapp, Toby Wheeler, Anthony W. White, Ralph B. Williams, (U.A.M.) University of Alaska Museum. -- Mountain Chickadeeswere recordedagain in the Juneau DANIEL D. GIBSON, University Museum, University area this winter, following the occurrenceof at leastone of Alaska, Fairbanks 99701, and G. VERNON BYRD, bird at a downtown feeder during winter 1974-75. Two U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 5251, Adak, were banded and four to six were presentat Auke Bay Alaska 98791. Mar. 12-24 (RBW, RSH). Another very rare winter visitant in s.c. Alaska, a Boreal Chickadee, was observed at North Douglas Jan. 4 (FG). NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION STARLINGS, BLACKBIRDS -- One Starling at /John B. Crowe!l, Jr. and Harry B. Nehls Cordova from early Decemberto early January was the first to winter locally (P1). A Brown-headedCowbird The winter seasonwas generally mild in the Region feedingabout Auke Bay bandingtraps on Feb. 20 (RBW) exceptthat the first half of Februaryand muchof March representedone of a very few winter recordsof a species had lower-than-normal temperatures.Snow was limited that is rare in Alaska at any season. to higher elevations, although a late November FRINGILL1DS -- A Gray-crowned Rosy Finch seen at a Universityof Alaska, Fairbanks,parking lot from late November to Dec. 18 (CM B, RS H, DDG) wasby far the latest for the Interior. Common-type redpolls were numerous in s. Alaska, from Southeastern (maximum count, 1000+at Juneau Jan. 24, RBW) to South-central (1659 on AnchorageC.B.C., Dec. 20, DD et al.). They were less numerous in the Interior (m.ob.). Hoary-type redpollswere not numerousanywhere, but a few were seenas far southas Adak (AWW, GV B, JLT) and Juneau (RBW). White-wingedCrossbills were apparently presentall winter throughout much of forested Alaska. Small numbers were reported in the lnterior (Fairbanks -- DDG and others) and inland in s.c. Alaska (Palmer -- • 01 ' ' • ': DKP), but the specieswas abundantat Kodiak (RAM) and commonon the Kenai Pen. (Homer and Kasilof-- MAM), in the Prince William Sound region(Cordova -- P1), and in Southeastern(Juneau -- FG, and CBCs Klukwan and Haines, both RF et al.). Red Crossbills were abundant in Southeastern (Juneau -- FG, and CBCs Sitka, AJ and others; Glacier Bay, BBP et al.), and a few were seen as far west as Prince William Sound (P1) and Kodiak (RAM). Pine Siskinswere abundant at Kodiak (RAM) and locally common east of there.

Volume 30, Number 3 755 snowstormfollowed by a heavy snowfall on Dec. 12 hit WATERFOWL -- Hundredsof WhistlingSwans, as Vancouver, B.C. Total precipitation was higher than usual, wintered in the lower Columbia R. and in the average, at leastin the southernportion of the Region.In Willamette Valley. Up to 175 TrumpeterSwans were at late Februaryand early March numbersof pelagicbirds both Port Alberni, B.C. (HT, JW), and near Mt. Vernon, were found dead on Washington and northwestern Wash., on Jan. 21 (BB,.fide PM); eleven wintered at Oregon beaches;some were oiled, but mosthad diedfrom Duncan, B.C. (JCo). Up to five adult Trumpeter Swans another unknown cause. were seenand heard at RidgefieldN. W.R. and acrossthe LOONS THROUGH HERONS Single Yellow- river at Sauvie1. from Decemberthrough February (JG, billed Loons were recorded repeatedly at Port Gamble, HN et al.). An estimated7000 Canada Geesewintered in Wash, and at Eld Inlet at the s. end of Puget Sound the lower Willamette Valley, with others remainingall through the winter season;other individualswere noted winter at SauvieI. A half-dozenBlack Brant passedthe once at Pt. Roberts on the international border and at winter at Sauvie I. (NM et al.); Jan. 17, there were 25 at Saamch Inlet, Vancouver 1., in mid-winter. On Jan. 3 Boundary Bay (BK, RP). An Emperor Goose was at there were 95 Red-neckedGrebes at Torino, B.C., (MS, SauvieI., Dec. 7 to mid-January(SJ et al.). A few White- GS, fide VG), a remarkableconcentration. Up to four fronted Geesewere at Campbell River, s. Vancouver 1, Seattle, Tacoma, w. of Portland and in the Willamette Eared Grebes could be found during the seasonaround Victoria (VG); a few individuals were also noted in the Valley refugesat various times during the winter. Two vicinity ,of Vancouver, B.C., and along the n. Oregon Snow Geese wearing orange neck-bandsreportedly coast from late December to mid-February. Several placedon the birdsat WrangelI., Siberia,in July 1975, concentrations of up to 5000 W. Grebes were noted at wereat WesthamI., in the FraserR., delta,B.C., muchof various times during the winter around s. VancouverI. the winter(RWC et al.fide VG); two"Blue"Geese Dec 8 (JG), were with the numbers of white Snow Geesewhich A recentlydead Black-looted Albatrosswas found on wintered on Sauvie I. (NM). A Ross'Goose was seen the beach s. of the Nehalem R., Ore., Mar. 27 (MK, HN). repeatedlyat AnkenyN.W.R., s. of Salem,Ore., during A 'wreck' of N. Fulmars occurred on the n. Oregon and the winter (FRet al.). A singleBlack Duck was noted a Washington coastslate in February and early in March number of timesat Seattlefrom late Decemberthrough with 40 to 80 dead birds for each mile of beach in some January (fide PM); two individualsof this specieswere places,the heaviestconcentration seems to have beenin discoveredat PacificCity, Ore.,Feb. 2 (JG et al.). There ten mi s. of the Columbia R. On Feb. 28 there were 50 is considerablereason to believethat theseare escapes Sooty Shearwatersat Ocean Shores(G & WH). On Mar. from game farms. Six Gadwall at Ocean ShoresDec. 20 & 6, two dead Scaled Petrels were found on the beach by 24 at Newport, Ore., the last ten days of December Jack Smith of the WashingtonDept. of Fish & Game--- providedunusual records. One of two Eur. Green-winged one at Moclips, Wash., the other near Twin Harbors S. Teal werenoted at Vancouverall winter(B K), at Victoria P, the first was badly decomposed,but the latter was in in Januaryand February(VG et al.), andat NisquallyN conditiongood enoughto be preserved;it is promisedto W. R. near Tacoma, Feb. 27 - Mar. 18 (BH-T). A Blue- the Univ. of Puget Sound (G & WH). On Feb. 28 the wingedTeal wasrecorded ten miless. of CampbellRiver Hoges had a brief view close at hand in heavy westerly Jan. 17(HT). A CinnamonTeal at Scappoose,Ore., Feb winds of a bird in flight at Ocean Shores,Wash., which 14 (LN) wasa surprisingoccurrence; three at Brownsville, they later deducedwas a Scaled Petrel. That same day Ore., Feb. 24 (HTa,fide LN) werevery early migrants A they found three Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels.Single birds N. Shovelerat CampbellR. Jan. 3 wasalso a surprising of this specieswere observeds.w. of Pt. Roberts Feb. 16 winter record (fide HT). Two pairs of Wood Ducks (TW), and at Fitzhugh Sound, B.C., Mar. 23 (MS). A winteredat Duncan,B.C. (JCo). A concentrationof 70 dead Leach's Storm-Petrel was on the beach at Sunset Redheadson a pond at Walterville,e. of Springfield, Beach, Clatsop Co., Ore., Mar. 6 (DF, HN). An Ore., Feb. I (C J, fide LM) was an unprecedented estimated 1100 Brandt's Cormorants wintered at Active concentrationfor this Region;up to a half-dozenof these Passin the Gulf Is. on the s.e. side of VancouverI. (fide birdswere on s. Vancouver1. (V & MG, RS) and at Salem VG), the samenumber was presenton Greater Chain I., (R L) much of the winter. Over 1000 Canvasbackwere on near Victoria, Mar. 6 where800 PelagicCormorants were Alsea Bay, Ore., during December(LN); 600 were at observedten dayslater (RWC,fide VG). SingleCattle Tillamook Bay Jan. 31 (HN). The c; Tufted Duck found Egrets were seen at Harrisburg, Ore., Dec. 3 (JG, fide in Novemberat Vancouverwas seen periodically until HN), at a point four mi. w. of Grants Pass,Ore., Jan. 17 mid-January,continuing to prefersalt water habitat (BK, (S & PS), at Longview, Wash., Mar. 7 to the end of the RP, MS). Oldsquawnumbers were at a peak of almost report period (MC, fide PM), and at Cloverdale, Ore., 300 birdsin the Victoria regionearly in the winter;a few where three were presentJan. 23 (JB, HN). Up to eight birds penetratedto the s. end of PugetSound, and as individual Great Egrets at one locality or another many as a dozen at Ocean Shoresin mid-December were wintered from the Columbia R. bottomsw. of Portland, not extraordinary. It was, however,unusual that there s through the Williametteand Rogue R. valleysand w. weresix recordsof Oldsquawon the Oregoncoast all the the coast. A Black-crowned Night Heron was seen at way to Gold Beach,with 12 individualsat Yaquina Bay Seattle Dec. 10 & Feb. 8 (fide PM), and at Grants Pass Mar. 21 the peak count (TC, fide HN). On Feb. 13 a Mar 9 (SS); a number were recordedat Coos Bay and at Steller'sEider was found at Sidney,Vancouver 1., for the Medford on Christmas Bird Counts (CBC). An Am. third recordof thespecies in BritishColumbia (JW,fide Bittern wasat SeattleMar. 6-7 (fide PM), and singlebirds VG); the bird wasthereafter seen repeatedly and was wereat Reifel Refuges. of Vancouver,Feb. 5 (VG) and at photographeduntil Mar. 27. A 9 King Eider was Victoria Feb. 25 after a night of highwinds (fide VG); two discoveredat Garibaldi on Tillamook Bay Mar 10 Am Bitterns were at Tillamook, Ore., for the CBC. (DDS, ES) for the first Oregonrecord of this species,it

756 AmericanBirds, June, 1976 GAMEBIRDS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS--There appearedinexplicably on the Vancouvercampus of U. B. C. in late November until Dec. 5 a Rock Ptarmigan in winter dress!The bird, thought to be a male, alloweda close approach for photographing,but was able and willing to fly (GGu, PMa, fide BK). In late December

Steller• Eider, Sidney. B.C. Photo/J. Williams. was there the next day (TC, HN) and on Mar. 20 (JBC et al.). RAPTORS -- A Turkey Vulture was seen in the vicinity of Victoria on the surprisingdate of Jan. 10 (RS, fide VG); onewas seen near Albany, Ore., Feb. 7 (GGfide FR). The White-tailed Kite which appeared last fall at Finley N.W.R., s. of Corvallis, remained there all winter (FRet al.); one was also discoveredfor the Coos Bay CBC. Lone Goshawks were observedat Dungenessin January (S & DSm) and in March, at Saanich in mid- January (V & MG), and on the Tillamook CBC. Aside Rock Ptarmigan, U.B. C. campus, Vancouver. from CBC records,there were up to a scoreor more of Photo/V.P. Marshall. sightingsfor both Sharp-shinnedand Cooper's Hawks from more than a dozen localities in the s. half of the until mid-January a bird identified as a female was at Region.An ad. Swainson'sHawk wasseen at Saltspring White Rock, B.C. (MS, BK et al.). It is possible,but I., B.C., Mar. 7 (RS,fide VG). Although they were to be seemsimprobable, that the birds were once captive and seenreadily at favoredplaces, Rough-legged Hawks for had been released. the second successive winter were recorded with less frequencythan they had beenin the precedingyear after a At least40 Sandhill Craneswintered at Sauvie I. (JG, number of exceptionallygood years. Up to two ad. HN et al.); hundreds stopped there in migration after Golden Eagleswere seenrepeatedly on s. VancouverI. mid-March (TC, JG). Approximately a scoreof Virginia throughout the report period; individualswere also seen Rails spentthe winterat variouspoints on s. VancouverI. at Burnaby, B.C., the first week in March, at Sauvie I. (JC, V & MG, RS). A pair of Snowy Ploverswere seen through the winter, at Baskett Slough N. W. R. w. of Mar. 20 on the bay-oceanspit at Tillamook Bay, (MK, Salem, Feb. 22, and around Medford in early January HN). One or two Ruddy Turnstones were at nine and late February. Bald Eagleswere widelyreported from different coastal localities from Vancouver to Gold Beach the Puget Sound-Willamette Valley trough and on the at varioustimes during the winter, but mostlyin the latter Oregon and Washington coasts in number up to four half of December. A Whimbrel was at Victoria for the individualsat any givenlocality; on s. VancouverI. and in Dec. 27 CBC. A Wandering Tattler at Yachats, Ore., Jan the Gulf Is. 30-40 birds were seenin a day severaltimes, 2 (TC) was out of place for that mid-winter date. Greater but peak countsoccurred at Squamish,B.C., when 127 Yellowlegswere to be fotmd in numbersup to ten (except were noted Dec. 15 (JI, fide VG) and at Campbell R. for the 30 recordedby the Victoria CBC) at favored spots when 75 were recorded for the CBC. Adults usually betweenSeattle and Bellinghamand on s. Vancouver I. outnumbered immatures on such occasions, but not up to the first half of January. A migratory movement always.The s. Willamette Valley CBCs had particularly was evident for this speciesin the s. Willamette Valley good countsof Marsh Hawks. SingleOspreys were noted after Mar. I (LM). Two Red Knots were at Crescent at six locationsin the s. half of the Region during the Beach, s. of Vancouver, Dec. 14-16 (ESi, fide BK). report period, with four of the sightingsbeing made in Between 50-60 Rock Sandpipers on jetties at Ocean March. There werefive reportedsightings of Gyrfalcons Shores all winter was a large concentration for this from as many localitiesin N. Washingtonand s. British species.Three Short-billed Dowitchers were found at Columbia from mid-December to mid-February. Six DungenessSpit, e. of Port Angeles,Wash., Mar. 25 (DB). Prairie Falconsshowed up on the Medford, Corvallisand After December, Long-billed Dowitchers were reported Sauvie1. CBCscombined; one was seen repeatedly near only from Victoria, Reifel Refuge,Nisqually N. W. R., ShadyCove on the RogueR. in late Februaryand early Salem and Grants Pass in numbersup to seven.Six W. March (MM, fide JH), and another was at Baskett Sandpipers were still at Iona and Sea Islands s. of SloughN.W.R. Feb. 22 (JG, MK,fide HN). Exclusiveof Vancouver on Feb. 5 (VG). A Marbled Godwit CBC, Peregrineswere reported from only four localities photographedat DungenessSpit Mar. 24 (DB) isthe only with sevenbirds involvedin the sightings.Merlins were March occurrencefor that speciesin this Region known betterreported, from CampbellR. s.to Eugenewith 14 or to us. A Red Phalarope at Ocean Shores,Mar. 10 (BH- more birds involved,not includingCBCs. T), was likewise highly unseasonal.

Volume 30, Number 3 757 GULLS, ALCIDS -- There were numerous records Charlotte Is. (MS). At leastone BurrowingOwl wintered for the report period of GlaucousGulls, mostlyfrom the at the Eugene airport (LM); one was also found for the vicinity of the Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca and Gold Beach, Ore., CBC. A Barred Owl was found Dec 26 from Puget Sound, but alsoa few coastallyas far southas in N. Vancouver where it remained for a week to be Newport. Causefor greatwonderment indeed is supplied photographedand seenby many (BBo,fide BK); another by Dave DeSante's dramatic account and infinitely was heard hooting at Cortes I., B.C., Dec. 17 (AD, fide detaileddescription of a bird seenin flight by him and a VG). Short-eared Owls returned to normal winter companion, Marty McMahon, for lessthan a minute but numberson the Samishand Skagit Flats (NL) after the at one point within 20 feet and whichcan only havebeen low numbers last year. The estimated 30 Short-eared an Ivory Gull. This remarkable observation occurred Owls wintering at Baskett Slough N.W.R. and 20 at Dec 20 at the baseof the north jetty to Gray's Harbor, Ankeny N.W.R. (RL et al.) wereexamples of the unusual Washington;the A.O.U. Check-listof N. Am. Birds(5th numberspresent in the WillametteValley this season ed ) p 229, mentions other accidental occurrencesin w. Seven pairs of Saw-whet Owls respondedto a six mile N America, but this is the first for the State of surveyroute s. of Eugenein early February(LM), one Washington. Western Gulls occurred repeatedlyand wascalling on SamishI., Wash.,Mar. 8 (NL) andone was Cahfornia Gulls appearedseveral times at Vancouverand recordedin Januaryand early February at Olympia(fide at Victoria during the season(BK, VG). There were 300 GH); see also the Regional CBCs for additional records mostly ad. Herring Gulls at Skincuttle Inlet, Queen of this speciesand the next. Charlotte Is., in n. British Columbia, Mar. 27 (MS). Anna's Hummingbirds again were much noted At About two dozen Bonaparte's Gulls spent the entire least eight spent the winter at CampbellR., sevenat winter at Burrard Inlet, Vancouver;they have always Vancouver, six at Bellingham four at one feeder -- disappearedbefore by mid-winter (BK). Another winter- four at Saanich,one at BellaColla, perhapsas many as plumaged ad. Little Gull showed up at Clover Pt., two dozenat Portland,and up to half-dozenat Salemand Victoria, Feb. 27 this year (V&MG et al.). A Heermann's Eugene. An Acorn Woodpecker was seen near Banks, Gull was at Victoria Dec. 4 (RF, MG, .fide VG); Ore., Mar. 14 (TC, JG). Aside from CBC records, two representativesof this specieswere also recordedon the Lewis' Woodpeckerswere on the Washingtonside of the Bellinghamand Gray's Harbor CBCs. Numbersof Black- Columbia Gorge Mar. 21 (DDS), one was at Finley leggedKittiwakes were found inexplicably dead on ocean N.W.R. Jan. I (LN), and two were there Mar. 15 (GG, beachesfrom Tillamook n. to VancouverI., from late fide FR). A Yellow-belliedSapsucker of thenuchalis race January through March; the largestconcentration was 60 was at Stanley Park, Vancouver, Mar. 2 (BK); on• of the per mile at SunsetBeach, s. of the Columbia R., Clatsop ruber race ten miles n. of Campbell R., B.C., Dec 26 Co, Ore., Mar. 9 (DDS). Live kittiwakescongregated in added an unusual winter period record (HT). A Black- numbers up to 300 at Ocean Shores and at the mouth of backed Three-toed Woodpecker was found Mar. 27 on the Columbia R. in late February,and at HecateStrait in the e. side of Oregon'sMt. Hood (fide DDS). n BC, Mar. 26.

A Caspian Tern was found at Ocean Shores on the FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRUSHES -- A record-settinglate date of Dec. 19 (DH, EH). Black Phoebe was noted at the new northern station of Small numbers of Ancient Murrelets were in waters Yaquina Bay, Jan. 3, for the CBC; anotherwas at Grant's south and east of Vancouver I. until March; on Mar. 26, Pass,Jan. 4 (SS). SingleSay's Phoebes were observedat lO,000 were in the Skincuttle Inlet area, Queen Charlotte Sooke Harbour, B.C., Mar. 19 - 20 (V&MG,RS), and in ls (MS). On the Oregon coast, one Ancient Murrelet was the Klickitat Valley w. of Goldendale,Wash., Mar 21 found dead at Sunset Beach Mar. 9. (DDS)and two were (DDS). A shockinglyearly Olive-sidedFlycatcher was seenalive at Yaquina Head, Lincoln Co., Mar. 21 (TC, heard in N. Seattle, Mar. 5 and then wasseen on Mar 13, [•de HN). An estimated 1600 Cassin's Auklets were it wasnoted thereafter to theendof thereport period (EP, counted near Kelp Head, Queen Charlotte Sound, B.C., /?'dePM). Up to 35 Slylarks werecounted in the Victoria Mar 23 (MS); three oiled dead oneswere on the beachat area during the winter (VG et al.). A Violet-green Sunset Beach, Mar. 6, where four oiled dead Rhinoceros Swallowwas at Duncan, B.C., on theearly date of Feb 27 Auklets and three oiled and dead Tufted Puffins were also (JCo). 'Yen Tree Swallowsat Scappoose,Ore., Jan 24 found (DF, HN). Up to six RhinocerosAuklets wereseen (DDS) werethe first of the season.Early Rough-winged at Victoria during the winter (VG et al.) and one was Swallowswere seen at Tillamook Bay Mar. 10(DDS, ES) noted at Vancouver Mar. 14 (BK). A Tufted Puffin was and at Salem Mar. 30 (RL). A late Barn Swallow was at seenat CapeAlava, on Washington's Olympic Pen., Mar. Seattle Dec. 26 (MG,fide PM), and an early one was at I (DBe, fide GH). Fern Ridge Res., w. of Eugene,Mar. 21 Whereseveral Cliff Swallowswere present a weeklater (Tk). A single OWLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS A half- Cliff Swallowhad beenrecorded there Mar. 26 (LM) A dozenor more SnowyOwls wereon the Lummi, Samish, Blue Jay appearedin N. SaanichJan. 10and remainedin and Skagit flats in the vicinity of Bellinghamand Mt. the samevicinity to the end of the reportperiod (VG et Vernon, Wash., throughoutthe report period (m.ob.); a al.). Six Black-billedMagpies spent the winter in w dozenwere concentrated at Ladnet,B.C., Feb. 14 (fide Whatcomand Skagit Counties,Wash., (TW); a pair was BK) Elsewhere,one or two SnowyOwls wererecorded at at Quandra I., B.C., for five days commencingJan 3 Seattle, Dungeness Spit, Elma, Ocean Shores and (HT). Singlemagpies appeared at Seattlein early March Westport, Wash., and at the s. jetty of the Columbia R., (SG, fide PM), at OceanShores Mar. 30 (DC,fide PM), variouslyfrom mid-Januaryto early March. A Pygmy and at Portland Mar. 31 (TC, fide HN). A Clark's Owl was heardcalling at SecurityCove, 53ø N 132ø W, on Nutcracker spent several months at Ferndale, Wash Mar 30, for the first recordof thisspecies in the Queen (TW); anotherwas at Banfield,B.C. (KS,fide VG) and

758 American Birds,June, 1976 yet another remained at Eugene from the end of Victoria in early February (DN, fide MS) and again in December into February (LM). Single Mockingbirds mid-March (KT,fide MS), and one or two were at the s. were at CrescentBeach, B.C., Dec. 5 (AG, GR,fide VG), jetty of the Columbia R., Feb. 7 - Mar. 6 (HN et al.). at Victoria Dec. 3 - Feb. 18 (VG et al.) and at Duncan, SinglePalm Warblers were also noted at Portland Dec. 2 B.C. for the winter (JCo); the specieswas also found on (fide HN), at Victoria Dec. 6 (TB, RS,fide VG)and Mar. the Dallas, Ore., and Gold Beach CBCs. 5 (MS), and at YaquinaBay, Ore., Jan.24 (RO,fide FR). Fourteen W. Bluebirds were found at Tacoma Feb. 14 Lone Com. Yellow-throatswere at Fern Ridge Res., w. of (fide PM); the specieswas more commonat Wolf Creek EugeneDec. 31 (TL, AP,fide HN), and at SauvieI., Jan. than in recentpast winters (EPu). Both the Medford and 17 {DDS, JG), as well as at Corvallis for the CBC. One Corvallis CBCs recorded encouraging totals of W. Hermit Warbler and two Wilson's Warblers were Bluebirds. On Mar. 19, nine of these birds were in the reported on the Coos Bay CBC. A Hooded Warbler was territory n. of Victoria (V&MG). A lone Mountain found at DiscoveryPark in Seattle Dec. 31 {LD) and Bluebirdwas on the SamishFlats s. of Bellingham,Dec. 7 remaineduntil Apr. 4, duringwhich time it wasseen by (NL); a large flock of Mountain Bluebirds was in scores of observersand wasphotographed (fide PM); it is Medford, Ore., Mar. 31 (JH). Townsend'sSolitaires were the first record for Washington known to us. recordedthree timesin the vicinityof Victoria and in the Gulf ls. in Decemberand January(fide VG); one wasat White Rock, B.C., in mid-January,another was at Bellevue,Wash., Mar. 13-29(fide PM), one wasobserved several times in Corvallis, Ore. Nov. 29 - Mar. 6, and one showed up on the Tillamook CBC.

WAXWINGS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Small flocks of up to 17 Bohemian Waxwings were seen four timesin the vicinityof CampbellR. from earlyDecember until mid-February(HT); one to three individualswere seen at Victoria or nearby on four occasionsin late Januaryand early Februaryand modestflocks were at Bellingham for about a month after mid-December (TW). Nine BohemianWaxwings were at SeattleFeb. 21 (fide PM), 50 were at Rockport e. of Sedro Wooley, Wash., Feb. 16 (DWfide PM), and a smallflock wasat Trail in s. Oregon, Feb. 29 (MM, fide JH); single individuals were seenin the s. Willamette Valley between mid-Januaryand theend of March (fide LM, FR). One or Hooded Warbler, Seattle. Photo/E. Spragg. two N. Shrikes spentthe winter at Victoria, Dungeness and at Ankeny N.W.R.; others were observedin seven BLACKBIRDS THROUGH SPARROWS -- A locations at various times during the winter from n. subadult t5 Yellow-headed Blackbird appeared at Washington s. to Eugene and w. to Tillamook. A Sidney, B.C., Feb. 16 (J & DWi,fide VG); another bird of LoggerheadShrike was identified at Eugene Mar. 25 this specieswas in Victoria, Mar. 3 (VGu,fide VG). One (LM) and another was said to be near Elma, Wash., Mar. or two Brown-headed Cowbirds were seen off and on 30 (DC, fide PM). A Black-and-whiteWarbler was during the winter at Vancouver (BK) and at Sidney (VG discoveredat Longview,Wash., Dec. 27 (JD,fide PM) -- et al.). A d W. Tanager was discoveredat Sauvie1., Jan. the seventhrecord for w. Washingtonin the lastten years. 18 and allowed a close view OB, RCu, fide HN); it Aside from CBC records, Orange~crowned Warblers constitutesone of very few winter recordsof this species were found at seven locations in w. Washington and in the Region and may be the first for January. An imm. Oregon up to early March when a few additional Indigo Buntingwas seenat Alton Baker Park in Eugene sightingsmay have been of early returning migrants. Nov. 29-30 and was last seen Dec. 4 (TL); the bird at a Single Nashville Warblers were reported from Coos Bay Leaburg, Oreg., feeder for a month last winter is now on the CBC, from Newport Mar. 3 (E & EE,fide FR), and thought by McQueen to have been an Indigo, rather than from Albany, Ore., Mar. 12 (GG,fide FR). "Myrtlebon" a Lazufi as reportedin Am. Birds 29:734 (fide TL). It was Warblers were widely evident in the s. half of the region, generally agreed by observersthat Evening Grosbeaks including Vancouver 1. in March. A t5 Black-throated were presentin the Region from Vancouver, Bellingham Gray Warbler wasat Mapleton, Ore., Feb. 5 (fide LM), a and Vancouver 1., s. to Eugenein larger winter numbers bird of this specieswas at Corvallis Mar. 14 (JF,fide FR), than have been presentfor years.The 36 Purple Finches and several females were at Cape Blanco, near Port at SaanichFeb. 28 (RS,fide VG) wasan unusualwinter Orford, Ore., Mar. 20 - 21 (LM). Between 15 and 20 season concentration, as indeed was the 13 birds at Townsend'sWarblers were found severaltimes during the Duncan, Jan. 24 (MS, fide VG). A Cassin'sFinch was winter at Cannon Beach,Ore. (TC, HN etal.). Individual identifiedon the campusat CorvallisFeb. 5 (WH, fide Townsend's Warblers were recorded, other than on FR). A pair of Pine Grosbeaks was observed at CBCs, at or in the vicinitiesof Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia BellinghamJan. 25 (DMc,fide TW), two were at Saanich and on s. Vancouver1., mostlyin December.The number on Feb. 26 (E & ARD, fide VG), eight were at Seattle of recordsfor Palm Warblers was surprising;three were Mar. 18 (DC,fide PM), and 30 were at Oakridge,Ore., found at Ocean ShoresNov. 28 (BH - T, fide PM), and for the CBC. Up to three Gray-crownedRosy Finches five were there on Dec. 20 (J & ADa); three were at were seen at Oyster Bay, Vancouver 1. (HT), at Seattle

Volume 30, Number 3 759 (fide PM), at Ocean Shores with Snow Buntings(JDa, Jan. 4 (SS), and a small flock was heard at the s.jetty of fide GH), and at Yaquina Head, Ore. (fide FR) duringthe the Columbia R., Feb. 13 (DDS). Up to a dozen Snow winter; scatteredflocks were to befound on flats in Skagit Buntings were observed at one time in the vicinities of and Island Counties, Wash., also (NL). Two redpolls Vancouver,Bellingham and Victoria, at CampbellRiver, were found at Warm Beach,Snohomish Co., Wash., Jan. Ocean Shores,the s. jetty of the Columbia R., Yaquina 12 (fide TW), one was at Saanich, Jan. 22 - 25 (RM - Bay and at Portland, mostly after December. G,V&MG), four were at Sea I., s. of Vancouver, Jan. 25 (fide BK), and one was at Medford Mar. 3 (JH). Pine Siskins were widely abundant and much commented OBSERVERS -- Dean Berg (DBe), Blair Bernson, upon. Sixty Am. Goldfinchesat Victoria, Jan. l0 (E & John Biewener, Douglas Bonham, Brad Boyle (BBo), ARD, fide VG) was an unusual winter-time concentra- Tom Briggs,R. Wayne Campbell, David Castor, Mary tion there. LesserGoldfinches were reported only from Clanfield, John Comer (JCo), Alan Contreras, Tom Corvallis where three were seen Feb. 20 (LN) and two Crabtree, John B. Crowell, Jr., Richard Cummings were observed Mar. 28 (FR). Red Crossbills were (RCu), E & A. R. Davidson. Judy Davis, Jack & Ada observedat only six locations and in small numbersfrom Davis (J & ADa), David DeSante, Liz Diamond, Adrian Campbell R.. s. to Cottage Grove, Ore., but both the Dorst, E & Elsie Eltzroth, David Fix, Jim Frick, Ralph Victoria and Tillamook CBCs listed in excess of 200 Fryer, Jeff Gilligan, Greg Gillson, Sam Goldenberg,Vic individuals. & Margaret Goodwill, AI Grass, Matt Griswold, Vera A Savannah Sparrow was at a Bella Coola, B.C., Guernsey, Geraldine Guppy (GGu), Bill Harrington- feeding station, Feb. 21 (A & LK, fide VG). A Tree Tweit, Dudley Herrington, Joseph Hicks, Wayne Sparrow was seenat Bella Coola, Jan. I I (A & LK,fide Hoffman, Glen & Wanda Hoge, Eugene Hunn, John VG), two were at Sea I., Jan. 19 (BK), and individuals Ireland, StewartJanes, Chip Jobanek,A. G. & L. Karup, were noted at Samish I., Wash., Feb. 5 & Mar. 13 (NL); Brian Kautesk, Mark Koninendyke, Norman Lavers, one was also found at Ankeny N.W.R., Feb. 15 (JG, Robert Lucas, Tom Lund, R. Mackenzie-Grieve, David MK). An early migrant Chipping Sparrow was at Mark, Peter Marshall (PMa), Phil Mattocks, Merle Medford Mar. 29 (JH), andanother Harris' Sparrow was McGraw, Dick McNeely (DMc), Larry McQueen, at Burnaby,B.C., Feb.29& Mar. 2 (IRfide MS). Besides Norman Minnick. Harry Nehls. David Newell, Lars CBCs, White-throated Sparrows were noted at one time Norgren, R. Olson, Evelyn Peaslee, R. Phillips, AI or another during the winter at four localities from Prigge, Eleanor Pugh (EPu), Fred Ramsey, lan Robert- Portland n. to Bellingham. Lincoln's Sparrows were son, Glen Ryder, Ron Satterfield, E. Shofferen,Michael reportedat six localities.in addition to showingup on a Shepard, Ed Sing (ESi), George Sirk, Stan & Dory Smith numberof the Region'sCBCs. A SwampSparrow, first (S & DSm), Ken Summers, Steve & Priscilla Summers, found on the CBC, was seenagain at Fern Ridge Res., Howard Taylor (HTa), Keith Taylor, Howard Telosky, Dec. 31 (TL, AP,J?deLM); anotherwas seen at Ankeny Terry Wahl, Jack & Dorothy Williams (J & DWi), Doug N_W.R., Feb 22 (JG, MK). Upto ten LaplandLongspurs Wood, John Woodcock.- JOHN B. CROWELL, sentthe winter on the Montlake fill at Seattle(PM et al.); 1185 Hallinan Circle, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034 and single birds were at Dungeness,Wash., after Feb. 14 HARRY B. NEHLS, 2736 S. W. 20th Avenue, Portland, (DSm), at Victoria Dec. 6 (RS, fide VG), at Medford, Oregon 97202.

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION /Rich Stallcup and Jon Winter

This, the driestwinter in decades,formally qualified as a drought. Many waterfowl never arrived in their usual winter strongholdsbut remainedon open water to the north. Many of the birds which did arrive were killed or weakenedby botulismand choleracaused by stagnating •s s • • :• • R•dBlur -- ] water. Waderswere concentratedat permanentseepages as occasionalponds went dry. Vernal poolsfor the most part never appeared. Again, becauseof mild weather many summer and eastern passerinesremained and provided some first regional records.Others were producedby waterbirds. The Mottled Petrelwas, this season added to the regional and California state lists. aroe el • ntke leY • eLosBonos I. LOONS THROUGH STORM-PETRELS -- Five Yellow-billed Loons were reported Dec. 20 - Jan. 25, San • •4 o• to•O•- u.•, V,saliaß ' whichis high(m.ob.). An Arctic Loon wasstill present at ReddingJan. 3 and a Red-throatedwas a L. Hennessey Dec. 7 - Mar. 13(WS,BDP). Bothspecies are rareinland as is the Red-necked Grebe, one of which was seen in

760 AmericanBirds, June, 1976 breeding plumage on Topaz L. Mar. 13 (JD,PU). AnotherBrant was at HumboldtBay for threedays inthe Numbers were higher than average along the coast. secondweek of March {fideTS). Elevenblue Snow Geese Horned Grebes continue to be common inland and 49 were reported. It appears from current studiesthat the werereported them. Western Grebes were in veryhigh populationestimates for Ross'Goose are low by about numbers at usual coastal locations. At Los Banos, 340 half and there may be truly near 100,000 (fide RS) Pied-balledGrebes on one pond was an incrediblyhigh Several small "blue geese" were seen this winter, concentration Jan. 25 (LCB, B&CY). Five Laysan suggestingthat eitherblue Snowsare crossingRoss' or Albatrosses;one from the Eel R. canyonJan. 18, oneoff more outrageous that the Ross' actually has a blue Monterey in early Decemberand up to three at the morph. Ah, the obvious things we've never noticed. CordelleBanks in Januaryand Februaryseems high, but Possibly because of very scarce water inland all as winter pelagictrips increasewe may find them more dabbling duck specieswere in very high numbersat regularly Northern Fulmars were very numerousat sea coastal estuaries and reservoirs(GP, P.R.B.O., BS) throughoutthe period,with dark birdsoutnumbering Only one (Eur.) Green-wingedTeal was reported,which whiteby about 13:1.The P.R.B.O. BeachedBird Survey is lower than any in the last six years. It was at Arcata (below B.B.S.) reportedheaviest dieoffs during the last Feb. 20 (fide TS). Of 21 Eur. Wigeon notedfour wereat week of March with 14dead birds per km. of beachfrom Bolinas (P.R.B.O.). Two obvious hybrids with Am Pt Reyessouth but considerablyfewer to the north. A Wigeon were noted. Mottled (Scaled) Petrel Pterodroma inexpectata was pickedup dead on Pt. ReyesBeach Feb. 25 by BM and All Aythya were low along the coast except Can- AR The skin is depositedat the Calif. Academy of vasbackswhich were normal, and scaupwhich were far Soencesand is the first recordfor California(B.B.S.). A above usual numbers with 91,072 on the Oakland CBC Plnk-footed Shearwaterwas seenon Monterey Bay Feb. {fide DE). The Ring-neckedx Tufted Duck hybrid(of last 15 (C F O.). The speciesis rare in winter. First winter winter) was seenagain at Rodeo Lagoon Dec. 27 (RS*, records of Buller's Shearwaters were received for one DW et al.). Goldeneyewere in averagenumbers, with Dec 14on MontereyBay (PK) andan aberrant,beached over 70 Barrow's reported. Oldsquawswere triple the individualat Marina Feb. 25 (B.B.S.). Sootyand Short- average with 41 reports. The White-winged Scoter tailed Shearwaterswere reported throughout the winter. remained through Mar. 10 at Redding (BED) and Five Short-tailedswere the most on any one trip but ten another was at June L., Dec. 7. Black Scoterswere high beached dead birds were picked up between Monterey Over 100 Hooded Mergansersreported is higher than and Marin Counties(B.B.S.). A Fork-tailedDec. 13and usual. A male Red-breastedMerganser at PalicinesRes, and Ashy Storm-Petrel Dec. 14, both at Monterey, were Feb. 14 (DE) is probablya first countyrecord. the only petrelsseen alive and a Fork-tailedat Marina Dec 13 and an Ashy at PigeonPt. Feb. 5 were dead on RAPTORS THROUGH RAILS -- White-tailed Kites beaches(B.B:S.). continuetowards a common statusthroughout the C V and alongthe coast.None is moredeserving a population CORMORANTS THROUGH IBIS -- On the boom in this era of withdrawal and extermination. Nine Oakland CBC 438 Brandt's Cormorants were far above Goshawks,all from the Sierraand Cascaderanges, was a the two-year average of 91, with equal coverage. good showing.Sharp-shinned and Cooper'sHawks were Similarly,Pelagic Cormorants were double the two-year widely reported,as is usual,with Sharpiesmore common averageon the OaklandCBC with 29 on Dec. 21(fide on the coast,and Cooper'smore commonin the C.V. Six DE) Largestreported number of egretsin the Central "Harlan's" Red-tailed Hawks, three from the n. C.V. and Valley(C.V.) was80 Greatsat El MaceroMar. 1(DAG) threefrom Lassenand Modoc counties,are slightly more and 75 Snowiesat Willows Dec. 29 (JS). Over 50 Cattle than the five-yearaverage. Swainson's Hawks returnedto Egretswere found, all but two of whichwere coastal. A the C.V. in early March (RS, GM) and one over Golden careful count revealed 56 White-faced Ibis at Los Banos Gate Park Mar. 30 wasa first recordthere (LCB). Rough- Jan 25 (LCB). A singlewas near Willows Mar. 16 (fide leggedHawks were all but missingfrom the coastand SAL) and six wereat GrizzleyI., Dec 23 (fide DR). C.V. but were in usual good numbers in the Basin FerruginousHawks were in good numbers December WATERFOWL Of an estimated 35,500 waterfowl through February but none were reportedafter Mar 7 non-hunting deaths in the C.V., 30,000 were from Golden, 46, and Bald Eagles,92, were again reported cholera, 4500 from botulism and 1000 from lead more often and from more new localitites than ever poisoning. Most were dabbling ducks but geeseand before. Marsh Hawk• and Ospreys were also more swans were also seriouslyaffected. The lack of rain commonthan everin mostreported areas especially late necessaryto aeriate standingpuddles is.thought to be in the periodwhen migrants began moving through. Over responsiblefor the diseases. 50 Prairie Falcons,37 Peregrinesand 30 Merlinswere all From Dec. 7 until late February 3000 swans were encouragingtotals as were 307 Am. Kestrelson the Pt presentat Victoria1. At leasttwo had billswhich exactly ReyesCBC alone! A bandedfemale Am. Kestrelreturned matchthe patternof Bewick'sSwan and an additionalten to the Farallon Is. for the third consecutive winter. It does birds had varying amounts of yellow but more than not summerthere (P. R. B. O.). extremeWhistling Swans (m.ob.). It appearsthat we are dealing with numeroushybrids. Another typical ad.. ReintroducedTurkeys were at: L. Wildwood,Nevada Bewmk'swas with 1000 Whistling at the Chico Sewage Co. 25 on Feb. 1 (JH), Mines Road, 21 on Feb. 15 (AE) Ponds Dec. 28 (RS). Huge numbersof Black Brant were and on the Eel R. in S. Humboldt Co., four on March 28 noted passingnorth in the last week of March and into {fide TS). A well-knownSage Grouse lek near Honey L April Highestwas 3530 from Pigeon Pt. Mar. 25 (BS). held only 15 malesthis winter, whereabout 100is normal

Volume 30, Number 3 761 Another lek at Crowley L. is in fine shape.It is probablya (m.ob.).The peakdieoff was in late Februaryand early natural relocation owing to human disturbancerather March whenfive per km. were pickedup (B.B.S) than a reduction in population, howeverthe situation should be carefully checkedby governmentbiologists. TERNS AND ALCIDS -- Forster's Terns wintered at more places and in larger numbers than ever. A Corn Sandhill Cranes at Honey L., 350 on Mar. 7 (m.ob.) Tern was carefully studied and describedon the Oakland and in SurpriseValley, 16 on Mar. 6 (RS, JW et al.) were CBC Dec. 21 (WMP) for the latest regionalrecord On early returnees.Migrants in the C.V. were noted Feb. 22 the OaklandCBC 251 Com. Murresdwarfed the previous and Mar. 1 (DAG). Virginia Railsapparently wintered in high of 7. Forty-twoPigeon Guillemots on the Pt Reyes the Honey Valley as different singleswere there found CBC was very high. The first regionalwinter recordfor Dec 31 and Jan 2. (WS, KK). The Pt. ReyesCBC totaled Xantus' Murrelets was of three off Pt. Pinos Feb 15 66 which is high. Four Black Rails at Kehoe Marsh Dec. (C. F.O.). Ancient Murrelets and RhinocerosAuklets 20 (RS, BV et al.) andthree at BeneciaS. P. Dec. 28 (JR) were high in number but Cassin's Auklets were low were the only ones reported. At Bolinas, 2726 coots was especiallyon tripsfrom Monterey.Two Horned and one above the four-year averagethere (GP, P.R.B.O.). Tufted Puffinswere found beached(BBS) and a Tufted on Monterey BayJan. 10 (RS, F.A.S.) wasthe only other one reported. SHOREBIRDS -- At Shields Marsh, 32

SemipalmatedPlovers Dec. 9 (DS) must have beenfall PIGEONS THROUGH GOATSUCKERS A migrantssince the Pt. ReyesCBC total Dec. 20 was only White-winged Dove, rare anywhere in the Region, 21 Snowy Ploverswere noted as only one-halfor one- appearedin Palo Alto Feb. 14(TC). Nearly all the records third normal numbersat the Pajaro R. mouth (J&RW) are for fall and winter. An unusually high concentration but were well reportedelsewhere. A total of nearly 3000 of 40 Mourning Doves was found at Willow Creek, Kfildeers was counted on the Pt. Reyes and Crystal Humboldt Co. Dec. 28 (fide TS). A Ground Dove was SpringsCBCs combined.That is an impressivenumber. found at Half Moon Bay Dec. 11 where it remaineduntil Mountain Ploverswere in usualplaces but generallyvery low in numbersthis period, the most being35 in Merced Mar. 14 (PM*, BS). Anotherwas seen 20 km. southof the Co Feb. 22 (TC). Only 26 Am. Golden Ploverswere Half Moon Bay at Pigeon Pt. Nov. 29. (AB*) Both recordsmay be of the sameindividual. There are at least reported,which is lessthan half the numberin a goodyear for them. On the Pt. ReyesCBC 827 Black and 34 Ruddy five previousrecords for the Region (referencein Am Turnstoneswere good numbersand probably reflect a Birds 28,690,1974is in error). In recentyears the pattern represenitiveratio. On the Oakland CBC however, 32 of extralimital occurrencesof this speciessuggests the true vagrantsare most likely to turn up in the fall Blackswas only about half averagethere. Common Snipe The Oakland CBC recorded 52 Great Horned Owls were clearly up in numbersreported, perhaps owing to whichis downconsiderably from their high of 146on last many usual haunts being dried up, concentratingthe speciesat permanentseepages. Like snipe,both species of year'scount (/[de DE). Most remarkablewas the presence yellowlegswere highly reportedbecause of their conc•n- of 70Burrowing Owls at WestNewark Dec. 28 (GZ, EM) trations at available puddles. High count for Short-earedOwls during the periodwas 13 birds near Davis Feb. 22 (RS et al.) In generalowls were reportedin good numbersthroughout the region The usual four or five Rock Sandpiperswere at Bodega Several Poor-wills, scarce in winter, were seen near Head (m. ob.) and one Jan. 18 (WS, KK) then two on Bolinasin January(DS, BM, RS). Mar. 14(GMcC, DR) werenear Bean Hollow Beach.One or two also wintered on the Humboldt jetties (ft'deTS). Least Sandpipers,Dunlin, Marbled Godwit and Am. SWIFTS THROUGH WOODPECKERS A d Avocetswere in highestnumbers of the pastfour yearsat Black-chinned Hummingbird was found on the Bohnas(P.R.B.O.). Two Black-neckedStilts on the Pt. SacramentoCBC Dec. 27 (fide BK).There are very few ReyesCBC Dec. 20 (RS, GM) werefurther evidence that winter records for this species.Two ct Costa's Hum- the speciesis spreadingnorth alongthe coast.Single N. mingbirdswere reported.One returnedto a feedernear Phalaropes found dead at Pajaro Dunes Dec. 13 & 22 Loomisfor the third winter in a row on Dec. 5 (ftde BK), (B B.S.) and an injuredindividual at MossLanding Feb. and anotherwas seen frequenting a feederon the Oakland 14 (JS) are all unusual winter records. Only 15 Red CBC, Dec. 21 (fide DE). Both Rufous and Allen's Phalaropeswere noted. Hummingbirdswere presentin the region by the end of January, which is normal for Allen's but a little early for JAEGERS AND GULLS -- Twenty Pomarine and Rufous. only three Parasitic Jaegers were reported, all from Monterey Bay. Five Western x Glaucous-wingedGulls Lewis'Woodpeckers were found in a large concentra- were reported from the coast. They are likely quite tion consistingof about 300 birds s.e. of Reddingnear common and often misidentified as other species. Battle Creek Mar. 8-12 (BED). The observationof a Fourteen GlaucousGulls were reported, representingat Williamson's Sapsucker 10 km. west of Trinity Center least ten individuals. About 100 Thayer's Gulls were Jan. 24 is noteworthy sincethe statusof this speciesin reported from the coast plus one on the Feather R. at Trinity County is uncertain(fide TS). An excellent Oroville Dec. 29-Feb. 27 (RS, DW, P.R.B.O.) for a first descriptionof what appearsto be a Downy x Nuttall's county record. Twenty-eight Mew Gulls from six inland Woodpecker (D. pubescensx nuttall#) hybrid was locationswas above average.Normal hundredswere on recorded Mar. 26 in n.e. Contra Costa county (JM*, the coast. Black-legged Kittiwakes staged a major DE*, DR). Hybrids betweenthe two speciesare known invasion along the coast, comprised mostly of adults but they are fairly rare.

762 American Birds, June, 1976 FLYCATCIIERS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- An seenat NacassioRes., Marin Co., Feb. 18-23(WMP, Ash-throated Flycatcherwas found on the San JoseCBC JM). A winteringWarbling Vireo was found on the at Alvlso Dec. 21 (B&CY*). There are very few acceptable CrystalSprings CBC Dec.27 (fideBS). winter records for this species. The Region's first OhvaceousFlycatcher was found on Dec. 7 and remained WOOD WARBLERS -- Owing to the temperate throughout the period at the Carmel R. mouth (GZ*, weather throughout the period, warblersoverwintered in RD, mob.). There are only three previousstate records substantialnumbers, providing somerather remarkable for this species,all from the Southern Pacific Coast records. At least eight Blacksand-whiteWarblers were Region Two and possiblythree E. Phoebeswere found reported along the coast from Humboldt Bay to San during the period. A singlebird was found at Palicines, Francisco Dec. 3 - Jan. 6 (m.ob.). Four Nashville San BenitoCo. Jan.24 (JM*) and remaineduntil Feb. 22, Warblers were reportedfrom Petaluma to the Carmel R and anotherfound on the West SonomaCBC at Bodega Mouth Dec. 7 - Jan. 3 (RD, DE, GP, GLB). A single Bay Jan 3 (m.ob.*) and was last seenFeb. 7. This bird or Yellow Warbler was seenat Gray Lodge N.W.R. Dec 23 a third individual was found Dec. 14 at Salmon Creek, (RS, BED) and most amazing wasthe presenceof a Cape Sonoma Co. about 3 •/• km. n.e. of the spotwhere the bird May Warbler at Santa Cruz from Feb. 1 through the end at Bodega Bay was found (JM*, RD, GZ). A few Say's of the period (WG, m.ob.*). This recordis the first w•nter Phoebesappear to have wintered in the n.e. part of the occurrence for the state. An apparent Townsend's x region A Dusky Flycatcher was caught, banded, and Hermit Warbler (D. townsendix occidentalis) hybrid photographed at Putah Creek, Yolo Co., Jan. 27 was captured, photographed and banded at Palomann (DAG*). This is the first winterrecord for the Region.A Mar. 18 (P.R.B.O.). Hybrids of these two speciesare Coues' Flycatcher, the secondfor the Region, wasfound known. Hermit Warblers wintered in remarkable at New Brighton Beach S.P., Santa Cruz, Dec. 6 and numbers. At least 14 individuals were found from remained,to the delightof many observers,until Feb. 18 Sebastopol to San Mateo County, Dec. 20 - Jan 11 (RM* EM*, Robert Ramer). (m.ob.). At least six Palm Warblers were found from Violet-green Swallow wintered in rather larger Bodega Bay to Santa Cruz Dec. 21 - Feb. 21 (PM, JW, numbers. A flock of 140 was found Jan. 3 at Pescadero WG, LCB, etc.). A singleN. Waterthrushwas present Marsh (RM). Dec. 1 - Feb. 1 in the Carmel R. mouth (m.ob.). S•ngle Wilson's Warblers were found on the Crystal Spnngs CORV1DS THROUGH THRUSHES -- A Yellow- CBC Dec. 27 (fide BS), and in Claremont Canyon, billed Magpie,west of its normalrange, was noted when a BerkeleyDec. 21 (fide DE). An ad. (• Am. Redstart was singlebird wasfound on Bay Farm I. Dec.21 (AE, GB). A presentthroughout the period in Sebastapol(m.ob.,fide rathernoticeable flock of 235 Pi•on Jayswas seen at CP). Eagle Lake Mar. 6 (LCB et al.). BlueList Bewick'sWrens BLACKBIRDS THROUGH TANAGERS -- Small were reported as "common"during the period in both numbersof Yellow-headedBlackbirds appeared to have Sutter and Yolo Counties(JH). The Bendire'sThrasher winteredin the northeasternpart of the Region,while 125 reported last fall remainedthroughout the period at were found at Jersey 1., Contra Costa Co. (DE, JM, DR) Courtland (AP). The Brown Thrasher reported in Two Hooded Orioles were seen in Fresno Dec. 2- Jan 21 Oakland last Novemberremained through the end of the (fide RH). Single"Bullock's" Orioles were seen Feb. 2, in period (m.ob.). A Sage Thrasher, west of its normal Golden Gate Park (LCB), Fresno, Feb. 18 (RH et at ), range, was seennear Oroville Dec. 28 (P.R.B.O.). The and at Soquel Jan. 26 (RM). A Rusty Blackbird was SoquelCBC reporteda highcount of 18,000robins (fi'de found at lndian Creek Res., Alpine Co. (WS*, KK*) RM) VariedThrushes appear to havewintered in smaller Most of the records for this speciesin the Region are numbers. A Hermit Thrush, rare in the Great Basin in along the Coast. A few W. Tanagers wintered, which is winter,was seen near Standish, Lassen Co., Jan. 1 (DE). normal for this species. Swmnson'sThrushes reported in winter in the Region usually are misidentified Hermit Thrushes, however a FRINGILLIDS -- Single Black-headed Grosbeaks well-describedSwainson's was reported on the Palo Alto were reportedfrom GrazosCreek, San Mateo Co., Dec 2 CBC at SearsvilleL. Dec. 23 (CY*). Followinglast fall's (JR), Asilomar Dec. 14 (GMcC), and San Leandro Res , movement,Townsend's Solitaires appeared on the count; Oakland Dec. 21 (/?de DE). Incrediblewas the discovery single birds were found on the Ano Nuevo CBC Jan. 3 of a • -plumagedBlue Grosbeakon the ReddingCBC (ftde BS), and on Martin Grade Rd., Santa Cruz Dec. 21 Jan. 3 (RS, DT et al.) There are no previous regional (JM, EM). winterrecords for this species.A rather largeflock of 450 EveningGrosbeaks was seen at FredonyerSummit Dec WAXW1NGS THROUGH VIREOS -- Bohemian 28 (P.R.B.O.). Gray-crowned Rosy Finches were Waxwings stageda major invasionof the state;the largest reported in good numbers from the n.e. part of the s•ncethe winter of 1968-69.They reachedtheir southern- Region. Most noticeablewas a flock of 107 Hepburn's most penetration at Angwin, Napa Co., where a single Rosy Finches(L.t. littoralis) just north of Cedarville, b•rd was found Jan. 24 (Glenn Clifton). At least 25 Modoc Co. Jan. 10 (SFB). An out-of-range, out-of- reports were received; the largest concentration was of seasonGreen-tailed Towhee was seenat Kehoe Marsh, some 3200 birds at Janesville,Lassen Co., Feb. 26 (RS, Marin Co., Jan. 4 (L. Stenzel).A singleLark Buntingwas GH) Nearly all the reports were limited to the found along West Butte Rd., Sutter Co. Feb 29 northeasternpart of thesta•e. There were no reportsfrom (P.R.B.O., RS). Very rare in winter, a Grasshopper the coast Northern Shrikes wintered innormal numbers. Sparrowwas seen in C.oyote Hills Park Dec.4 (DE) Two appeared south of their normal coastal range; one At least22 Tree Sparrowswere reported, which would was found at BodegaBay Jan. 10 (LCB) and anotherwas indicatethat thisspecies probably wintered in substantial

Volume30, Number3 763 numbers.Most of the recordswere from the n.e. part of Bolander, William Bousman, Betty Burridge (BBu), the regionwhere a largeflock of I 1 birdswas seen on Jan. California Field Ornithologists, Central Valley, Alan l0 at the s.c. corner of Tule Lake N.W.R. (SFB). There Craig, RosamondS. Day, Richard Dean, BruceE. Deuel, were two reportsfrom the coast;a singlebird wasfound Phil Detrich, Jori Dunn, Art Edwards, Dick Erickson, at Half Moon Bay Dec. 11-30 (PM,BS) and three birds Jules Evans, Lynn Farrar, Fresno Audubon Society, were presentat SearsPt., SonomaCo., Feb. 15-Mar. 13 David A. Gaines, Winnifred Greene, Keith Hansen, Rob (L. Stafford, m.ob.). The winter distributionof Chipping Hansen, Tom Heindel, Phil Henderson, Glenda Sparrow is somewhat of an enigma throughout the Hightower, Joel Hornstein, Paul Kelly, Margaret Keith, region. Winter recordsof this speciescan be virtually Betty Kimball (BK), Barb K!asson(BKI), Ken Knittie, non-existent in one coastal area and a few kin. away a Oliver J. Kolkmann, Phyllis Laymon, Stephen A. regularwinter visitor. The bird is difficultto find in Marin Laymon, Ron LeValley, Tom Love, Eugene Makishima, Countyin winter,but at leastfour birdswere present just many observers(m.ob.), Peter Metropulos, Bill Manolis, to the north near Santa Rosa Dec. 14 (GLB, BDP). The Georgianne Manolis, Brian J. McCaffery, Guy Mc- second regional wintering Clay-colored Sparrow was Caskie, Randall Morgan, Joe Morlan, Jim Morris (JIM), found at Pt. Reyes Station Jan. l0 (LCB, BDP, GLB). Adeene Nelligan, Pacific Seabird Group, Gary Page, Harris' Sparrowswere presentat Olema Marsh in good Arvil Parker, BenjaminD. Parmeter, Carmen Patterson, numbers where at least ten were found on the Pt. Reyes Point ReyesBird Observatory,William M. Pursell,Van CBC Dec. 20 (RS, JW el a/). A handful of Lapland Remsen, Jean Richmond, Don Roberson, Ane Rovetta, Longspurswintered along the coast, but a rather large Dave Rudholm, Barry Sauppe(BS), PRBO BeachedBird flock of 55 was seen in the Arcata Bottoms the last week in Survey (B.B.S.), Tom Schulenberg,Doris M. Shanks January (fide TS). Fifteen Chestnut-collaredLongspurs (DMS), Dave Shuford (DS), John Silvas, Jim Snowden, were found at Honey Lake Jan. 1, and two McCown's Bruce Sorrie (BSo), Rich Stallcup, Lynn Stenzel, Wally Longspurswere presentthere on the same date (m.ob.) Sumner, Dean Taylor, Phil Unitt, John and Ricky Warfiner, Bruce Williford, Dave Winkler, Jori Winter, CONTRIBUTORS AND ABBREVIATIONS -- Bob and Carol Yutzy, Gary Zamzow,--RICH David Ainley, Carol Anderson, Maurine Armour, STALLCUP, 4409 44th Ave. Sacto., Ca. 95824 and JON Stephen F. Bailey, Bernice Barnes(BB), Laurence C. WINTER, Point Reyes Bird Observatory Box 321 Binford, George Bing, Tony Bledsoe, Gordon L. Bolinas, Ca. 94924.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION La Jolla, San Diego Co. Mar. 3 (JD), and were more /Guy McCaskie common off shore, with 235 counted off Ventura Co. Jan. 15 (L J) and 80 around San ClementeI. Mar. 29 (PU). The only Pink-footed Shearwater seenall winter was one near The winter was exceptionallymild and dry. There were Anacapa1. Feb. 11 (L J). A Short-tailedShearwater, very few northernland-birds but N. Fulmarsand Black-legged rare and sporadic in s. California waters, was well seen Kittiwakes were abundant on the ocean. A Bar-tailed near Catalina 1. Feb. 15 (L J), three were seenfrom shore Godwit and a Broad-billed Hummingbird in the Los in La Jolla whenstrong NW windswere blowing pelagic Angelesarea were the outstandingfinds of the season. birds up againstthe shoreon Mar. [ (JD, VR), and two were seen at Goleta under the same conditions the LOONS, GREBES -- Two Arctic Loons were on followingday (PL, LB, BS). A freshlydead New Zealand Ramer L., lmperial Co., Dec. 22 - Jan. 25 (CE, DVT et Shearwater found on the beach near La Jolla Feb. 19 al.) and another was seennear lmperial Dam, lmperial JRJ-*S. D. N.H. M.) representsthe first winter record Co., Jan. 31 (WS); this speciesis very rare away from the coast in California. A Red-neckedGrebe, rare anywhere •n s. California, was photographed at Goleta, Santa Barbara Co., Jan. 9 - 19 (PL), one was presentin Oxnard, Ventura Co., Mar. 19 - 22 (GSS) and another was seenat Malibu, Los Angeles Co., Jan. 16 (GSS). Horned Grebes have been considered rare away from the coast in California, but recordsin recentyears indicatethat they do occur rarely but regularly inland; this winter 5-6 were presenton L. Cachuma, Santa Barbara Co., (LB, GH); at least ten individuals were found on and around the Salton Sea (EAC, HC, JD) and a migrant was in Baker, San Bernardino Co., Mar. 29 - Apr. I (PL).

ALBATROSSES, SHEARWATERS, STORM- PETRELS -- Two Black-looted Albatrosses near San ClementeI. Mar. 29 (PU) werethe only onesreported. N. Fulmars reacheds. California waters in numbersduring early January and were still present at the end of the period; many were visiblefrom shore,with 50 seenfrom

764 American Birds, June, 1976 for Cahtornia. Manx Shearwaterswere present in coastal (DVT). A Greater Scaup at Menton, San Bernardino waters,as indicatedby the sightingof two from Montana Co., Dec. 20 (EAC), another at N.E.S.S. Jan. 30 (GSS) de Oro, San Luis ObispoCo., Feb. I (PL.VR), one from and ten near Imperial Dam on the ColoradoR., Jan 24 Goleta Feb. 6 (PL), ten from La Jolla Feb. 9 (JD, VR) (VR, JD) wereall noteworthysince the speciesis rare and 60 from there Mar. 1-3 (JD, VR). A Fork-tailed inland. The d Tufted Duck that appeared on L Storm-Petrel seenfrom shorein La Jolla Mar. 3 (JD) was Sherwood in November remained to late February unexpectedsince there are no recentrecords of the species (GSS). The only Oldsquawreported was one in San in s California waters and it is unrecorded farther south. Diego Dec. 19- Jan. 2 (JD). Acr HarlequinDuck at San An Ashy Storm-Petrelat La Jolla Mar. I (JD, VR) was Simeon,San Luis ObispoCo., Jan. 25-31 (LB, VR) was interesting,since winter recordsare few indeed. probablywintering locally and the maleat Playadel Rey wasstill presenton Mar. 29 (FH). White-wingedScoters HERONS As usuala few Cattle Egretswere present were exceptionallyscarce along the coastsouth of the along the coast with up to six in Ventura County in northern Channel Is. and Morro Bay with only two or January (CMcB) and up to eight in San Diego Co. threeindividuals reported; two at S.E.S.S. Feb.22 (DVT) throughout the winter (JD et al.); three in Redlands, San were unexpectedsince inland recordsare few and far Bernardino Co. all winter (EAC, SC) were at an between. A Black Scoter at Goleta Mar. I 1 (PL), one on •nterest•nglocality, although the speciesis stillincreasing Anaheim Bay Dec. 14 (VR), and anotherat nearbySeal here •n California. Up to five LouisianaHerons were at BeachJan. 2 (BB) werethe only threefound this winter Seal Beach, Orange Co., throughout the winter (GSS), HoodedMergansers were present along the coastin small one wasstill presenton Newport Bay, OrangeCo., Mar. numberswith about 15 reported betweenSanta Barbara 21 (FH) and anotherremained near San Diego until at and San Diego includingfive near Oceanside,San Diego leastFeb. 21 (PL); thisspecies regularly winters in coastal Co. Jan. 23 (JD). s Cahfornia. VULTURES, KITES, HAWKS, FALCONS --An SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- A few WhistlingSwans ad. California Condor seen near Calibasis, Los Angeles were presentin the OwensValley all winter, as usual, but Co., Dec. 6 & Feb. 22 (GSS) maywell havebeen the same one near Tecopa, Inyo Co. Nov. 15-Jan4 (JT), one at individual seenhere Aug. 20. A Turkey Vulture over Big Baker, San Bernardino Co. Jan. 5 (VR), another near Pine, lnyo Co. Jan. 18 (TH) was at an unexpectedsite Riversideduring January and February (EAC, SC) and sincethe speciesis normallyabsent in the OwensValley seven at the north end of the Salton Sea (hereafter after September. A White-tailed Kite near Brawley, N E S S ) Dec. 7 (DVI) were all of interest;along the Imperial Co., Dec. 7 (GMcC) was east of its normal coast three were at L. Cachuma, Santa Barbara Co., Jan. range. An imm. Broad-wingedHawk in Santa Barbara 3 - •eb 6 (PL. LB), one was near Newport, Orange Co., Mar. 12 (LB) and anotheron the San DiegoCBC Dec 20 Jan 20 (GSS) and another was seenin flight over San (JD et al.) werethe only two reportedthis winter. A few D•ego Bay Jan. 2 (NS). Rough-leggedHawks werepresent with up to threeas far A Canada Gooseshot from a family group of six at the south as L. Henshaw, San Diego Co. Feb. 14 - Mar 28 south end of the Salton Sea (hereafterS.E.S.S.) Dec. 3 (JD, JRJ) and two around S.E.S.S. Jan. 26-Mar 1 (DVT) provedto be of the small race from the Aleutian (DVT, H&PB). Some 25 Ferruginous Hawks were Islands(B.c. leucopareia). A Brant waspresent with Black reportedfrom variousparts of the Region.A few Bald Brant on San Diego Bay Dec. 13 -Jan. 10 (GMcC, VR); Eagleswere present around areas of openwater with nine one or two of thesebirds appear in this area everyyear. A at L. Mathews, RiversideCo. Jan. 11 (EAC, SC) being Black Brant on Tinnemaha Res., Inyo Co., Mar. 6 -31 the largestconcentration reported. Reports of Peregrine (TH) was at a most unusual locality and totally Falcons included three individuals on the Channel Is unexpected.Three or four "Blue Geese"were present with Feb. 13-Mar. 21 (L J), one at Playa del Rey, Los Angeles the 18,000 Snow Geesewintering at S.E.S.S. (DVT); Co.. Dec. 15 - Feb. 13 (PL), anotheraround the nearby th•s form is found regularlyin limited numbershere each Palos Vetdes Pen., all winter (SW) and a third in San w•nter Ross' Geese were more numerous than usual at Diego all winter (JD et al.). Only ten Merlins were S E S S with 600-700 present December-mid-March reportedduring the period. (DVT) Three Ross' Geeseat Goleta Dec. 23 - Feb. 17 (P[, LB) and anotherin San Diego Jan. 29-31 (GMcC) CRANES -- Only two Sandhill Cranes were seenon were•nteresting, since the speciesin casualon the coastof the Carrizo Plain Jan. 25 (H & PB) and it is believedthe s Cahfornia. dry conditionsexisting in the area had forcedthe normal wintering population of this area to go elsewhere, however,up to 94 were regularly seennear Brawley•n Two Fulvous Tree Ducks shot at S.E.S.S. Dec. 24 December and January (DVT). (DVT) may have beenattempting to winter locally. A Blue-w•ngedX CinnamonTeal wasat Santee,San Diego SHOREBIRDS -- The AnacapaI. Am. Oystercatcher Co , Jan.21 (JD); thishybrid occurs regularly and is best wasstill presenton its favorite rock Mar. 7 (FH et al ) looked for when the spring influx of Cinnamon Teal, Two Snowy Ploversat Owens L., lnyo Co., Jan. 11 (TH) along with a few Blue-wingedTeal, appear in mid- werea surprisesince winter recordsaway from the coast Januarythrough March. Six Eur. Wigeonwere reported, and the Salton Sea are unknown. As usual a few Am w•th single birds at Goleta Mar. 13 (NM), on Newport Golden Ploverswere presentalong the coastwith up to Bay Mar. 13 (LAS), in OceansideJan. 3-Feb. 21 (JD, VR, nine on San Nicholas 1., Jan. 24-Mar. 28 (L J), one at PL), at FurnaceCreek Ranchin Death Valley (hereafter Goleta, Santa Barbara Co., Mar. 10-28 (PL, LB) and up F C R ) Dec. l-Mar. 21 (M&NP), on PuddingstonRes. to threenear Imperial Beach,San Diego Co., Dec. l-Feb Dec I-Jan.15 (DG), and at S.E.S.S. Dec. 22-Mar. 6 1 (GMcC, JD); oneon SanNicholas 1. Jan. 24-25. One of

Volume 30, Number 3 765 the birds near Imperial Beach was of the Asiatic race Thayer'sGulls includeup to three imm. birdsin Riverside [ulva, the rest being of the nominate form dominica. On Dec. 6-Feb. 23 (VR, SC) and an immature at Salton City Feb I I Bob Margolis discovereda Bar-tailed (godwit Feb. 7 (JD, VR). Mew Gulls appeared to be commoner feedingin a concrete- lined drainagechannel at Playadel than usualalong the coastwith "hundreds"as far southas Rey, and it was subsequentlyseen by hundreds of San Diego; an immature in Riverside Dec. 6 (VR), an observersbefore disappearingMar. 2 (GSS, BB); this is adult at N.E.S.S. Mar. 27 (EAC) and an immature at the first to be found in s. California and only the fourth to S.E.S.S. Jan. 25 (J D, VR) werenoteworthy since few true be reported in California. A few LesserYellowlegs do inland recordsexist for s. California. An imm. Laughing winter in s. California as evidencedby onenear lmperial Gull at S.E.S.S. Jan. 10 (DVT) appears to be the first Beach during January (JD) and six at S.E.S.S. Jan. 25 recordedhere in winter. Black-leggedKittiwakes became (VR). Up to sevenSanderlings were to be found at Salton abundant along the coast in late January with numbers City during the winter, indicating that the speciesmay such as 1500 between Santa Cruz 1. and Anacapa 1 Feb regularly winter on the Salton Sea. A flock of 50 Dunlin 14 (LJ), 1790 there on Mar. 20 (LJ) and 300 near San on Owens L. Jan. 11 (TH) was at an interestinglocality Clemente 1., Mar. 29 (PU) being seen offshore, and for that time of the year. Stilt Sandpiperswere regularly numberslike 250 at Goleta Mar. 2 (PL) being reported seenat S.E.S.S. with five on Feb. 7 (JD, VR) beingthe along the coast;one at E1Monte, Los AngelesCo, Mar 6 largest number reported. (H & PB) wasthe only truly inland recordalthough a few were seen 2 or 3 miles inland from the beach in both Santa A Wilson's Phalarope near lmperial Beach Feb. 1 Barbara and San Diego counties. Over 99% of the birds (GMcC) was probably wintering locally; this speciesis present were adults. very rareanywhere in Californiabetween mid-N ovember An imm. Com. Tern on San Diego Bay Jan. 2 (JD) was and late March. A flock of about 30 N. Phalaropesspent probably a late fall stragglerand not a winteringbird the winter near lmperial Beachas usual;this appearsto be Eleven Elegant Terns at Pt. Mugu, Ventura Co Dec 13 the only place in North America where phalaropes (PL, LB) were exceptionally late. A Black Skimmer regularly winter. Most interestingwas the presenceof found near Imperial Beach Feb. 29 (B & CY) was still Red Phalaropesoffshore throughout most of the winter. presentat the end of the period and probably wintered Virtually none were seen last fall, so 79 counted off locally; this is the third time this specieshas wintered in Ventura and Los Angelescounties Jan. 14-18 (L J) came this area. as a surprise. Thirteen were counted in s. California waters Feb. 11-15 (LJ), 184 were found there Mar. 17-21 ALCIDS A few Com. Murres reached s. California (L J) and 150 wereseen off Los AngelesMar. 30 (PU); in as evidencedby 67 counted near Santa Rosa 1. Mar 20 addition one was seenfrom shoreat Goleta Mar. 2 (PL), (L J) and 30 seenof Ventura Mar. 31 (PU), but oneoff San three were noted from La Jolla Mar. 3 (JD) and another Diego Mar. 3 (JD) and another there Mar. 28 (PU) were was picked up dead on the beach there Feb. 19 (JRJ - the only onesfound in the s. part of the Region Three *S D.N.H.M.). A few late fall Red Phalaropes oc- PigeonGuillemots at San Miguel 1. Feb. 12(L J) werethe casionallylinger in s. California to mid-Januarybut then first springarrivalsand numbershad built up450 by Mar disappear until late April when spring migrants appear 18.Two AncientMurrelets off Morro Bay Feb. 26 (BED) off the coast. were in an area of normal occurrence; two seen from Goleta Pt. Feb. 29 (PL) were lessexpected, and onefound JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS -- A few dead in La Jolla Mar. 12 (JRJ-*S.D.N.H.M.) wasat the Pomafine Jaegersspent the winter offshoreas indicated s. extreme of its known range. SevenTufted Puffins near by the presenceof sevenbetween Oxnard and Anacapa I. Santa Cruz 1., Jan. 14 (LJ) were unexpectedsince the Feb 22 (VR et al.) and 37 counted offs. California Mar. speciesis rare in s. California. 28-31 (PU); in addition sevensightings were made from Goleta Pt. during the winter (PL) and one wasseen from Malibu Dec. 20 ( H & PB). A numberof ParasiticJaegers DOVES •[HROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS -- A were reported from along the coast with three around White-winged Dove in Claremont, Los AngelesCo Mar Goleta all winter (PL), two near Santa Barbara I., Mar. 25 (LAS) was the only one reported during the season 21 (L J), one or two around Huntington Beach Five Long-earedOwls on San Miguel I., Feb. 12 & Mar throughoutthe period (R & MW) and a few around San 18 (L J) wereat an interestinglocality. A Whip-poor-will Diego with an amazing 16 counted in La Jolla Mar. 1 in RiversideJan. 10-28 (SC) was only the secondto be (JD, VR). found in California during the winter; it is unfortunate An imm. GlaucousGull, a rare but regularwandered to the racecould not be determined.Up to 15 Vaux'sSwifts the s. California coast, was at Goleta Jan. 6 (PL, JD), were regularly seen near Oceanside,San Diego Co, another was at McGrath S.P., Ventura Co., Jan. 15 (LB) throughoutthe winter (G McC et al.), and an unidentified and a third was at Otay, San Diego Co., Dec. 20~23 chaetura was at El Monte, Los AngelesCo., Jan 4 (NS) (GMcC, JD); most unusual was an immature at S.E.S.S. and Feb 5 (HK); Vaux's Swifts are known to winter Feb 7 (JD, VR) since inland recordsare few indeed. occasionallyalong the coast but all identificationsmust Three Glaucous-wingedGulls were seen in RiversideDec. considerthe possibilityof Chimney Swifts. A • Broad- 6 (VR) with one remaininguntil Feb. 23 (SC); this species billed Hummingbird was the star attaction at Dan and is rare this far inland. An imm. yellow-leggedW. Gull was Lee Trimmer's feeder in the Mt. Washingtonarea of Los at S E.S.S. Jan. 25 (JD, VR) and another was at Salton AngelesJan. 21 - Feb. 18; there are only five previous City Feb. 7 (JD, VR); this distinct-lookingbird normally recordsfor California (Calif. Birds 1:111-112,1970) occurs as a post-breeding visitor to the Salton Sea betweenlate June and early Septemberwith virtually no WOODPECKERS A few "Yellow-shafted" othersrecorded outside that period. Inland sightingsof Flickers were seen, but interest in this bird has waned

766 AmericanBirds, June, 1976 We don't ridicule those birders whose interests differ from ours. If others prefer less birding, later starts, more shopping, sightseeing and leisure on tours, we don't find fault with them. Consequently, we were somewhat surprised to see another leading agency's brochure ridicule tours designed to see the maximum number of birds as "maniacal endurance tests." That agency used to advertise that their tours saw the most birds. Perhaps they are distressed that in every area where we run tours, we now find far more birds than they. The best proof of how good our tours are, is the fact that almost every birder who has ever taken one, has registered for another in less than a year. Not only did they find the birding phenomenal, but as one of our participants said, "It was the greatest vacation I've ever had." Don't worryl If you like long bird lists, BIRD BONANZAS will keep on offering them to you. Our 1977 tours include Venezuela, Southeast Asia, Colombia, Costa Rica, India-Nepal, Alaska, Arizona, Nicaragua, Peru, Zambia, Dominican Republic, Pan- ama and others. For additional information write: BIRD BONANZAS, INC. 12560 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 601 ß North Miami, Florida 331S1

BIRD BONANZAS is pleased to announce a new series of low-cost short tours to Vene- zuela. This land is extremely rich in birds, with over 1300 species. It has good roads, comfortable hotels, and spectacular national parks, some of which are included in the areas visited by our tour series. Almost every person who has taken a BIRD BONANZAS' tour has registered for another within less than a year. Consequently, these tours are being offered at the lowest possible price in the hopes that once birders are at- tracted to them, they will become regular participants on our other tours. Each tour includes 2 - 3 days in Caracas, and the remainder of the time at the other area you select-- Maracay, Canalma or Maracaibe. You will have your choice of four of BIRD BONANZAS' most experienced leaders in the neotropics: Steven Hilty, Ted Parker, Jaime Pujals and Dora Weyer. Costs are as low as $695. Departures almost every week starting November 10, 1976. For additional information write: BIRD BONANZAS, INC. 12550 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami, Florida 33181

Volume 30, Number 3 767 s•nceIt was demoted to subspecificstanding. Surely the Chickadeeswere presentin the coastallowlands, and one bird has not changed its appearance, and the same or two were seenin the Providence/NewYork Mrs ofe interest should be generated when found today as it San Bernardino County during February and March wouldhave ten yearsago; how can a person'sreaction to a (VR); there area very few recordsfor the latter 1ocahty bird be effectedby professionalornithologist's decisions The Chestnut-backed Chickadee found in Santa Barbara on nomenclature? A Lewis' Woodpecker near Santa Oct. 24 was last seenMar. 10 (GH). Three Winter Wrens Isabel, San Diego Co., Nov. 28 - Mar. 15 (JR J) was the around Santa Barbara all winter (PL) and another near only one reported in the s. part of the Region. A bird Arcadia Dec. 24 (GSS) were the only onesreported from believed to be the eastern race of the Yellow-bellied the coastal slope;one at Piute Springs,San Bernardino Sapsucker(S. v. varius) was photographedat Avalon on Co. Dec. 4 (VR) was at a desert oasis. A Curve-billed Santa Catalina l., Jan. 2 (L J) and another was seen at Thrasher wasfound at Finney L., lmperial Co., Jan 25 Brock Ranch, Imperial Co., Jan. 4 (EAC, SC); this form (JD, VR), a secondwas found there Jan. 31 (H & P, WS) is a casual straggler to California. A Williamson's and both were still presentMar. 22 (HK); this species•s Sapsuckerin the Mid Hills of e. San Bernardino Co., very rare in California and there is only one prewous Mar 26 (VR) was in an area from which only one record for the lmperial Valley. Varied Thrushes were previousrecord is known;one near Julian, San Diego Co. virtually non-existentwith a single bird on the Palos Dec 21 - Mar. 22 (fide PU) and two at nearbyCuyamaca Verdes Pen. all winter (SW), one in Arcadia Dec 8 ~ 24 S P Mar. 21 (JD, PU) were outsidetheir known normal (GSS) and anotherat Deep SpringsMar. 27 (SC) bmng range Four Ladder-backedWoodpeckers were found at the only onesreported. A few Golden-crownedK•nglets the n extremity of the speciesrange in lnyo County with were presentalong the coast with one in SanteeJan 21 on in the n.e. part of Death Valley Jan. 9 (RAH) another (JD) beingthe farthestsouth; three in the New York Mrs in Cottonwood Canyon Mar. 7 (M & NP), a third at Wild Jan. 6 (VR, EW) were at an interestinglocality Two /Rose Dec. 30 (RAH) and onemore near Tecopa Dec. 15- Sprague'sPipits in San Diego Dec. 19 (JD et al ) were Feb 16 (JT). well heardand seen;there are onlythree previous records for California and they are all for the fall period.S•ngle FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A Scissor-tailed imm. N. Shrikeswere seenat Big Pine, lnyo Co. Jan 4& Flycatcher at Chiriaco Summit Jan. 30 - 31 (JPR) was a 19(TH), andan adult wasin nearbyBishop Feb. 22 (TH), real surprisesince the speciesis rare at any time of theyear this speciesprobably reaches the OwensValley in small and there are only two previouswinter records.An Ash- numbersevery winter. throated Flycatcher in Santa Barbara Jan. 3 - Feb. 10 (PL, NM) representsone of the few believable winter VIREOS, WARBLERS -- A Solitary Vireo •n San recordsfor California.The OlivaceousFlycatcher found Diego Jan. 2 (JD, GMcC) was a gray bird of the at F C. R. on Nov. 29 was last seen Jan. 4 (RAH, M & plumbeusrace. Two Warbling'Vireosremained •n San NP) Four E. Phoebeswere reported with one in Santa Diego through most of December(JD) but could not be Barbara Jan. 2 - 26 (PL), one at Pt. Mugu S.P., Ventura found thereafter;it haslong been suspected that somefall Co, Jan. 15 (LB), another at Santee, San Diego Co., Jan. migrants linger into the early winter and that many 9 - Mar. 3 (JD et al.) and the fourth in Kelso, San December records do not pertain to truly wintenng BernardinoCo., Dec. 4 (VR, JA); certainly more than individuals. expected.A Gray Flycatcher,rare during the winter in Two ( ct and • ) Black-and-whiteWarblers spentthe California,was in San BernardinoDec. 21 - 22 (EAC, SC) winter at Mission Dam near San Diego (PU et al ) and and another was at S.E.S.S., Feb. 22 (B & CY). A anotherfemale was seen near Westmorland, Imperial Co Dusky/Hammond's Flycatcher in San Diego Dec. 6 - Jan. 25 (VR); this speciesis rare in California. A late Feb I (JD), a W. Flycatcherin RiversideDec. 6 - 13(VR) TennesseeWarbler was found in San Diego Dec. 6 (JD, and another in Whittier Jan. 7 (HK) were the only PU). A NashvilleWarbler at Fort Tejon, Kern Co, Dec Emptdonax flycatchers reported. Unexpected was a 22 (TS) was probablya late fall migrant, but one •n Los Coues' Flycatcher in RiversideDec. 19 (SC), another in AngelesJan. 6 (L J) and anotherin Long BeachDec 30 - OceansideJan. 3 - Mar. 10 (GMcC, BS), and a third in Mar. 15 (SW) were wintering birds. A Yellow Warbler at San Diego Feb. 9 - 23 (JD, VR); there are only nine Finney L., ImperialCo., Jan. 25-Feb.22 (VR. H&PB) previous records for California but most of thesehave was the only one reportedwintering. Unexpectedwas a been during the winter. Cape May Warbler at Morongo Valley, San Bernardino A Bank Swallow near San Diego Jan. 26 (JD) was Co. Dec. 7 (H & PB) and a female at Brock Ranch, unexpected, since few winter records exist. Rough- ImperialCo., Jan.4 (EAC, SC); neitherwere seen again, wingedSwallows were seen along the ColoradoR. valley and both are besttreated as very late fall migrants.Seven and at S. E. S.S. throughoutthe periodindicating small Black-throatedGray Warblerswere reportedduring the numbers are present in these areas in winter. A Barn period,but threeof thesewere seen in Decemberand were Swallow at S. E. S.S. Jan. 31 (WS) had probably probablytardy fall migrants,so the threein Riversideall wintered locally. winter (EAC, SC) and onein SanteeFeb. 22 (FH) were the only winteringindividuals. A Hermit Warbler, rare •n s. Californiaduring the winter, wasin Cambria,San Lms JAYS THROUGH SHRIKES -- A Scrub Jay near ObispoCo., Dec. 1-Jan.16 (FRT) and anotherin Santa Tecopa, lnyo Co., Dec. 15- 17 (JT), anotherat Lost Lake, BarbaraDec. 1-Jan.22 (PL) werethe only two reported RiversideCo., Mar. 27 (PL), and a third at S.E.S.S., Feb. A Palm Warbler in Goleta to Dec. 17 (PL) another•n I (BB) wereall outsidetheir normal range.ACom. Crow nearbySanta Barbarato Jan. 20 (PL) and a third near at Kelso Dec. 4 - Jan. 29 (VR, EW) was unusual,and a ImperialBeach Dec. 6 (JD) all appearedto be lingenng flock of up to elevenwas at S. E. S.S., Dec. 6 - Feb. 15 fall migrants.A N. Waterthrush,very rare in Califorma (DVT, SC, HK). Small numbers of Mountain duringthe winter,was in Tapia Parknear Malibu Dec 15

768 AmericanB•rds, June, 1976 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours: 1976-77

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Volume30, Number3 769 - Jan 17 (GSS, H & PB) and another was near Imperial reported including one in the New York Mts. Dec 3 Beach Dec. 20 - Jan. 11 (GMcC). The only Wilson's (VR). A Tree Sparrow remainedin San Diego Dec 13-21 Warblers reported were one near Santa Barbara Jan. 18 (JD); this is unusuallyfar south for this species.A Clay- (PL) and anotherin Long Beachall winter (SW). Two or colored Sparrow, very rare in California during the three Am. Redstarts were present around Finney L., winter, was in Santa Barbara Nov. 5 - Feb. 13 (PL, LB) Imperial Co., all winter; this speciesregularly winters in and another was photographed at Newport Bay Jan 2 this area in small numbers. (DH). A Harris' Sparrow remained in Goleta all winter (PL), one was in Clarement Jan. 5 (DG) and at least 12 ORIOLES, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS -- A c• were seen in lnyo County during the period. White- Orchard Oriole was at a feeder in Northridge, Los throated Sparrows appeared to be presentin average AngelesCo., Jan. 29 (GSS); one or two of thesebirds are numbers with 15 individuals reported. Single Swamp found in s. California every winter. Amazing was the Sparrowswere in Goleta Dec. 15 - Feb. 18(PL), Riverside presenceof up to five Scott'sOrioles in Morongo Valley Dec. 6-21 (VR, SC), Anaheim Feb. 17 - Mar. I (FEB, Dec 28 - Mar. 9 (SC, MP, GSS); this is the rarestoriole to HK) and at F.C.R. Mar. 14 (VR); one or two are be found in California during the winter. A "Baltimore" reported every winter. Oriole was in San Diego Dec. 6-13 (JD) and 12 A McCown's Longspurwas still presentnear lmpenal •Butlock's"Orioles were found alongthe coastbetween Beach Dec. 6 (JD) and two were found near West- Santa Barbara and San Diego during the period. Six morland, Imperial Co., Jan. 25 (JD, VR). A Lapland Rusty Blackbirdson Santa Catalina 1.Jan. 24 (L J) were Longspur was at F.C.R. Jan. 17 (LSM), two were at unprecedented;one at Kelso, San Bernardino Co., Mar. DominguezHills, Los AngelesCo., Jan. I - Feb. 10 (FH, 25-26 (VR, KHB) was undoubtedlya spring migrant GSS), two more were found near NewportJan. 13 (L J) moving through the area. Two Great-tailed Gracklesat and up to eightwere noted around Westmorland Jan 25- Ramer L., Mar. 22 (HK) werethe only onesfound away Feb. 7 (JD, VR); a few of these birds are found in the from the ColoradoR. valley.Nine W. Tanagersalong the Region every winter. coast between Los Angelesand San Diego during the winter were about average; one near Bishop Dec. 13 CONTR1 BUTORS -- Jeff Aardahl, Ernest R. Abeles, (LS M) was exceptionallylate for this locality. A Summer Fred E. Baker, Larry Ballard, Kristin H. Berry, Bruce Tanager was in Goleta Jan. 6 (PL, JD), another was in Broadbooks, Hank & Priscilla Brodkin (H&PB), NorthridgeFeb. 15(GSS), and a third wasin SanDiego Stephen M. Brown, Eugene A. Cardiff, StevenCardiff, Dec 20 - Jan. 2 (JD); smallnumbers regularly winter in s. Bruce E. Deuel, Jon Dunn, Claud Edwards, David M California. Fix, Dan Guthrie, Fred Heath, Tom Heindel, Don Hoechtin, Robert A. Hudson, Gerrie Human, JosephR Jehl, Lee Jones, Jim Kenek, Harry Krueger, Paul FINCHES A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was in San Lehman, Larry S. Mangari, Jetty McCubben,Charlotte Diego Dec. 6 (JD) and another was in Arcadia Dec. 23 McBride, Nelson Metcalf, Jess & Donna Morton (J & (GSS); this speciesis found virtually every winter in s. DM), Michael Perrone, Mike & Nancy Prather (M & California and is more likely than the Black-headed NP), Van Remsen,John P. Rieger, Brad Schram,Tom Grosbeak. A Black-headedGrosbeak in Big Pine Dec. 14 Schulenberg,L. A. Shelton, G. Shumway Suffel, Russ (TH) was exceptionalfor that locality. Most interesting Spowart, Nick Story, Wally Summer, Jan Tarble, Fern was an Indigo Bunting in Goleta Feb. 17 (PL) and R. Tainter, Don V. Tiller, Philip Unitt, Steve & Chris anotherat San Marcos,San DiegoCo. Mar. 9 (JK); there Watson (S & CW), Shirley Wells, Edwin Wessman,Russ are few winter records indeed. A flock of 15-30 Cassin's & Marion Wilson (R & MW), Bob & Carol Yutzy (B & Finches in the Laguna Mts of San Diego Co. during CY). Specimen(*), San Diego Natural History Museum March (JK, JD) and one in the Granite Mts. of e. San (S. D. N.H. M.)-- GUY MCCASK1E, San Diego Bernardino Co. Mar. 24 (VR) were of interest locality- Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, San• Diego, wise Pine Siskinswere more numerousthan usualalong California. the coast and in the coastal lowlands. Up to 200 Gray- crownedRosy Finches were present in WestguardPass of the White Mts., lnyo Co., throughoutthe winter (TH); this speciesclearly occurs regularly as this locality. A few Siskin plumages Red Crossbillsmoved into the area asevidenced by two To the Editor: near Arcadia Jan. 3(GSS), two on the Palos Verdes Pen. Mar 16 (GSS) one in Rialto Dec. 16 (SC) and a flock of I noted the SA in American Birds (28:644, 1974) ten in the Cuyamaca Mts., Mar. 21 (JD, VR). relativeto the supposedEuropean Siskin reported from Wisconsin.The descriptionindicated that tt SPARROWS, LONGSPURS -- A few Green-tailed was probably a male. What is not apparently Towhees were found in the southern portion of the generallyknown is that, although the Pine Siskin Region as expectedbut one in the New York Mts. of e. usually has hen-featheredmales, once in a very San BernardinoCo., Jan. 7 (VR, EW) was unusual.Two long time it producesa cock-featheredmale. Sucha Lark Buntingsnear Irvine, Orange Co., Jan. 12 (MP) bird might well be taken for a European Sisk•nor were the only ones reported. Up to three Sharp-tailed Sparrowswere presenton Newport Bay Dec. I - Mar. 14 for a Pine Siskin-goldfinch hybrid. The only (GSS, MP et al.). "Slate-colored"Juncosappeared to be specimenI haveever seenis in the collectionat the commonerthan usualamong flocks of Dark-eyedJuncos Agassiz Museum, in Cambridge, Mass. It was and a "Pink-sided"Junco was seenin Niland, Imperial vetted by Ernst Mayr. Co, Jan. 25 (VR). Seven Gray-headed Juncos were Charles H. Blake

770 American Birds,June, 1976