The BLUEBIRD
THE AUDUBON SOCIETY OF MISSOURI
Vol. 53, Noo 4 Dec, 1986 The Audubon Society of Missouri Founded 1901
PURPOSE The Audubon Society of Missouri Is a non-profit statewide society organized in 1901 and affiliated with The NationalAudubon Society. It is dedicated to the preservation and protection of birds and all wildlife forms and habitat, to the education of the citizenr:y toward appreciation of the natural world, and to working for wise conservation practices related to people and wildlife.
OFFICERS
President W. RANDALL WASHBURN 314-636-2765 2319 Gray Fox Terr, Apt D Jefferson City, MO 65101 Vice President JOANN GARRETT 816-322-1580 1680 Southvind Drive Raymore, MO 64083 Treasurer SYDNEY WADE 314-635-0402 2114 St. Louis Road Jefferson City, MO 65101 Secretary JEANNE BARR 314-449-4063 1416 Sylvan Lane Columbia, MO 65202
EDITORS
The Bluebird BILL CLARK 314-474-4510 3906 Grace Ellen Dr Columbia, MO 65202-1796 Conservation JAMES P. JACKSON 314-433-2433 Rt 2, Box 136A Marthasville, MO 63357 Bird Survey TIM BARKSDALE 314-443-1929 fall 1986 221 Elliott Dr Columbia, MO 65201 JIM D. WILSON 314-751-4115 summer P.O. Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 MARK ROBBINS 215-299-1000 winter Academy of Natural Sciences spring 19th and The Parkway fall Longan Square Philadelphia, PA 19103
REGIONAL DIRECTORS WILLIAM REEVES 314-756-4932 Farmington PAUL BAUER 314-921-3972 Florissant JOAN JEFFERSON 816-889-2844 Freeman DAVID EASTERLA 816-582-8468 Maryville LYLE PURSELL 314-364-6589 Rolla REBECCA MATTHEWS 417-869-1000 Springfield LEO GALLOWAY 816-232-8035 St. Joseph J. MARSHALL MAGNER 314-961-4580 Webster Groves NATHAN FAY (Honorary) Ozark FLOYD LAWHON (Honorary) St. Joseph
MISSOURI BIRD ALERT - HOT LINE - 314-449-7938
(COVER AND HEADINGS BY DAVID PLANK) The Bluebird Vol. 5J, No. 4 Dec, 1986
As the newly elected President of The Audubon Society of Missouri, this is my first "From the President's CircleR for The Bluebird. If it is like my experience with newsletters the first one will be long and easy and as time goes on they become shorter and harder to write. First, I want to thank everyone for their support and help in my efforts as Vice President over the past two years in planning the fall meeting. I hope that support and help will continue as I head up the organization as President. in fact, neither this organization, nor any organization, can succeed with the efforts of only one person. The officers and the la board have a great deal of responsibility, but they are running YOUR organization. We need your input. If we are doing something wrong, let us know. Equally important, if we are doing something right, a -28 kind word is appreciated. While there are other reports about the fall meeting in this issue I do have a few comments I want to make. Driving down to the camp on Friday night I wondered if anyone would show up as the weather forecast was for rain all weekend. I scrambled a little Friday night and Saturday morning to line up additional "indoor" programs in case the rain continued, but it stopped about noon and as the cold front moved, we witnessed a massive hawk migration. The Photo Contest had an increased number of participants and the judges had a hard time picking the best. The Top Ten Birds List had some interesting species which may be the result of more of us on the lookout for unusual sightings. All in all, the weekend started out slow but ended up as a good experience for those in attendance. Make plans now to attend next year.
All the rain in late September and early October proved one thing. No matter how much we try to control our streams and rivers Mother Nature usually comes out on top. From my office in the Truman State Office Building I could see the Missouri River as it topped the levies and stretched from bluff to bluff, probably much as it used to be before we decided to try to tame it.
1 THE FALL MEETING
The Audubon Society of Missouri, meeting on October 4, 1986, at its annual fall conclave at Camp Clover Point did the following:
1 - Elected the following officers for the coming two years:
President Randy Washburn 2319 Grey Fox Terr., No. D Jefferson City, MO 65101 314/636-2765
Vice-President JoAnn Garrett 1608 Southwind Drive Raymore, MO 64083 816/322-1580
Treasurer Sydney Wade 2114 St. Louis Road Jefferson City, MO 65101 314/635-0402
Secretary Jeanne Barr 1416 Sylvan Lane Columbia, MO 65202 314/449-4063
2 - Returned the following member to the Board of Regional Directors:
Joan Jefferson RFD 1, Box 18 Freeman, MO 64746 816/899-2844
Leo Galloway 25 Blegrade Rd. St. Joseph, MO 64505 816/232-8035
Becky Matthews RFD 2, Box 128 Springfield, MO 65802 417/869-1000
2 3 - Named the following Editors:
Bluebird Bi 11 Clark 3906 Grace Ellen Drive Columbia, MO 65202 314/474-4510
Conservation James Jackson RFD 2, Box 136A Marthasville, MO 63357 314/443-2433
Fall, 1986- Tim Barksdale Thereafter: Sun111er - Jim D. Wi 1son All other - Mark Robbins (See following article on surveys.)
4 - Established a statewide feeder survey on a trial basis to be conducted by Jerry Dobbs of Springfield. Article will outline the details.
5 Bird-finding guide to be finished this winter by Bill Clark and referred to Pres. Washburn for a second reader and publication. Following article for more details.
6 - Discussed the possibility of a quarterly newsletter which would get news to ASM members much quicker than the current quarterly format of The Bluebird and would establish The Bluebird as a vehicle for more formal documents. The newsletter was tabled for more discussion at the spring meeting.
7 - The records committee will be finalized as soon as possible by Mark Robbins and is scheduled to be in place by Jan. 1, 1987. Following article will elaborate.
8 - Voted $300 for calls from operator of the Hot Line in an effort to stimulate the increased use and increased information to aid hotline callers. Barksdale will be assisted by Don and Susan Hazelwood of Columbia in the operation of the hotline. Voted to continue the hotline at the current number. Look for follow-up article.
9 - Approved a resolution by Dave Easterla which requires documentation for all species listed as casual or accidental or not listed in any
3 area of state on the 1986 revised list of Missouri birds prior to consideration of such reports.
10 -Approved a resolution by Jim Jackson placing ASM on record as supporting the concept of the entire MKT Trail as a hiking-biking trail (no motorized vehicles).
11 - Approved a resolution to ask the Dept. of Natural Resources to revise the checklist of birds at Table Rock State Park, which today shows many inaccuracies.
12 - Set spring meeting for final weekend in April (tentative). Plans are to meet in the Mingo NWR-Duck Creek area of Southeast Missouri. The East Missouri group, along with Victor Moss of Poplar Bluff, will handle the weekend. Final arrangements will be in the March Bluebird.
13 - Set Oct. 2-4 as the dates for the 1984 Fall Meeting and chose to return to Camp Clover Point.
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PHOTO CONTEST
The annual photo contest winners were:
1. Baby Western Tanager - by Eugenia Larson, St. Louis County and Webster Groves Nature Study Society.
2. Yellow Lady Slipper - by Isabel Rohrer, Kansas City, MO.
1. Tiger Swallowtail on Allium - by Becky Matthews of Springfield.
2. Elf Owl of Arizona - by Paul Bauer of Florissant.
An outstanding group of prints and slides this year.
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4 THE PROGRAM
Randy Washburn lined up another outstanding program. Fall meetings have a i1istory of both interesting and informative presentations. This year, we were given three different looks at our prairies ... by Jim Jackson, Jerry Overton, and Ron Klataske. Jerry is the editor of the Missouri Prairie Foundation quarterly, Jim is a long-time writer and prairie lover who spoke on the "Prairie Prospective" and Klataske is the Audubon Society's Region VP. He spoke on the preservation of the prairies in Oklahoma.
The talks, discussions, and slide shows were most illuminating.
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TEN BEST BIRDS
Chosen by Jim D. Wilson, state ornithologist, were the Top 10 birds for the year from July 1, 1985, through June 30, 1986.
1 -Gray Jay. 1st state record. Near Craig. Nov. 21, 1985. By Tom Bell and Mitch Hoover.
2 - Jaeger (either a Parasitic or Pomarine). Nov. 14. Smithville Lake. By Floyd Lawhon.
3- Eurasian Wigeon. oct. 24. By Floyd Lawhon, et al, at Horseshoe Lake near St. Joseph.
4 - Black Rail (2). May 26. At Bigelow Marsh by Mark Robbins.
5 - Anhinga. On both June 15 and 26. At Caruthersville. By Carmen Patterson, et al.
6 - Male Rufous Hunningbird. Aug. 8. At Fairfax by Evon Wright.
7 - Black-headed Grosbeak. Sept. 17 in Springfield by Etna Eastland. Then on Feb. 24 in Kansas City by Kelly Hobbs.
8- Great Black-backed Gull. Nov. 7-8 and Jan. I. Alton Dam. By Richard Coles and Carmen Patterson.
9 - Red-throated Loon. Nov. 12. Creve Coeur Lake in St. Louis area. By David Becker.
10 - Iceland Gull (2). Feb. 16. At Alton Dam. By Gullman Bill Rudden, Paul Bauer, and Ron Goetz.
5 As an addenda to this list
When Floyd Lawhon came up with an anhinga in the Bootheel, he must have set some sort of record. It marked the 35th consecutive year that he had added at least one bird to a life's state list which now totals 339 species.
Can anyone top that one???
And we are taking bets on what bird keeps the string alive in 1987. Follow Floyd around and you will be guaranteed something rare.
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THE COOKIE MONSTERS
Thanks again from everyone to Isabelle and Rebecca Rohrer and to Iris Helzer for their cookies which closed the Saturday night program. The cookies have become a Fall Meeting tradition.
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TO ESTELLE SNOW ...
Greetings from all in attendance. Estelle was unable to arrange transportation because of the severe flooding which cut most of Cooper County from I-70.
ASM HOTLINE
3 l4- 4 4 9-7 9 3 8
6 BIRDS OF THE FALL MEETING '86
The fall meeting of 1986 will be known as the "Year of the Hawk." On Saturday, when many were hanging around the water-logged Camp Clover Point area with mushroom man John Wylie and birders followed Gene Wilhelm, Tim Barksdale, Paul Bauer, and Dave Easterla, Jerry Dobbs and his wife braved the rain to wander to the airport. When the weather let up, they were surprised to see dozens of hawks kettling.
For the remainder of the day and again on Sunday, the hawks were the highlight of the meeting. It marks the first time such migration was noted during any fall meeting, though it has probably occurred in the past. Numbers are included below in the compilation of the list for the weekend. A total of 2,430 hawks were counted and many others may have passed before the Dobbs' alerted the gathering to look up.
Three birds were added to the list of 207 species listed in the March, 1986, Bluebird. Obviously, one - Wild Turkey - must have been overlooked in the compilation. At least it is now on the record. Two species were truly first additions -- Swainson's Hawk and Palm Warbler. Thus, the list of birds seen during the fall meetings in Lake of the Ozarks State Park since 1934 has now reached 210.
The birds of the fall meeting:
White Pelican (1,360), Double-crested Cormorant (150), Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green-backed Heron, Canada Goose (100), Wood Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Turkey Vulture (234), Osprey (21), Northern Harrier (3), Sharp-shinned Hawk (125), Cooper's Hawk (31), Broad-winged Hawk (1,120), Swainson's Hawk (3), Red-tailed Hawk (33), American Kestrel (58), Merlin (9), Peregrine Falcon (5), Wild Turkey, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Franklin's Gull (125), Ring-billed Gull, Caspian Tern, Rock Dove, falcon (sp.) 41, accipiter (sp.) 41, buteo (sp.) 4, raptor (sp.) 2, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Humn1ingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Horned lark, Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Starling, Solitary Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler,
7 Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler,Black-throated Green Warbler, Palm Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Rufous-sided Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow.
A total of 91 species - plus both yellow-shafted and Red-shafted Flickers and a group of John Wylie's Shorebirds III's.
Not as many species as in recent years, but still one of the most exciting weekends ever at Clover Point.
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In addition to the hawk migration, 1986 was the Year of the Mushroom. The right combination made for one of the most productive seasons in the last 25 for fungi and mushrooms. Photographers had a tremendous weekend with the burst of color erupting from the humus.
Your Editor, for one, shot six roles of 36 exposures of almost nothing but nonflowering plants.
****************************** LOOMIS'S LEAVE Alverta Loomis, who served the Audubon Society of Missouri as secretary from 1981-85 and as the person in charge of getting The Bluebird printed and mailed during those years, has joined her husband, Loy, retirement in Arkansas. The Loomis Family now lives at Noo 7 Bob White Lane, Holiday Island, Arkansas, 72632o' They'd love to have ALL Missouri birders stop in for coffee, a visit, and a look at some of the Arkansas birds. Call before you stop - or you may miss themo Remember - there are fish to be outwitted in Arkannas and birds to be seen and Loy and Alverta are doing a lot of both these dayso
8 The Audubon Society of Missouri
Annual report of treasurer
BALANCE HAND SEPTEMBER 30, 1985 5,095.69 Checking Account 633. 13 Savir.gs Account 388.13 Scholarship Fund 74.43 Certificates of Deposit 4,000.00
RECEIPTS Dues 2,356.78 Fall Meeting 1,921.30 Interest Checking 45.68 Savings Account 23.54 Scholarship Fund 5.24 ,.. __ ~,c, __ .. __ 466.88 Donation to Scholarship Fund 40.00 Mise. Income (lists, decals, etc.) 83.60
TOTAL RECEIPTS 4,868.56"
EXPENSES Fall Meeting 1,788.25 Bluebird Printing 1,050.00 Mise-postage-typing 332.88 1,382.88 Birdlists (printing) 306.24 Hot Line 292.91 Conservation Federation of Missouri 250.00 Delegate to CFM Meeting 15010 Postage 110.00 National Audubon Society 75.00 Other Printing 65.00 Misc. 55.70
TOTAL EXPENSES 4,476.08
BALANCE ON HAND OCTOBER 3, 1986 5,488.17
Checking Account 764.80 Savings Account 411.67 Scholarship Fund 119.67 Certificates of Deposit 4,192.03 (2,080.22 due 6-4-87 @ 6.85%) (2,111.81 due 6-4-88@ 7.10%)
W. RANDALL WASHBURN Vice President
9 A'ITENTICN: Audubon Chapters, Nature Clubs, Environmental Centers, etc.
AVES is pleased to offer the following destinations in the formof a package for organizations that combine recruitment efforts
Valley of South Texas: Apr 6-12, 1987 $750 twin, $8.50 single Southeastern Arizona: May 21-Jl, 1987 $999 twin, $1099 single Maine-New Brunswick: Jun 6-lJ, 1987 $999 twin, $1099 single Kenya, East Africa: Jun 19-Jul 5 1987: $3197 twin, $3497 single Aus tralla ' s Wildlifee : Aug 1-23 1987: 3697 twin $3997 single Hawk Mountain, FA: Sep 25-27 1987: $239 twin, 300 single Assateague-Chincoteague: Oct 29-ilov l, 1987 $299 twin, 349 single
Any organization that chooses three or more destinations togetheras a travel packagefrcmfrom the list above and recruitedmembers in good standing or friends of such members will receive $50 per recruited person for the above-listed domestic trips and 150 per recruited person for the above-listed international trips. Such funds will be in the form of a contribution to your organization made directly by the participants and not by AVES. Contributions arededucted directlv from the above-listedfigures AVES will process all applications, logistics (including ticketing for all domestic & international travel), and provide an expert leader-guide from the gate city. Applications, deposits, and final payments are sent directly to AVES, Contributions are mamailedto toyour organization on each day of departure Your organization, in turn, is responsible for promoting and advertising the trips in as :na.ny ways as possibles by word of mouth, newspaper & radio releases, ·mailings to members & friends, and special news items in your periodicals. The minimu:n numberofof 10 10 paying particim.nts perdestinationattained 60 days beforeeachdesignated departure date, otherwise thetrips will becan celled..
All trips will be accepted on a. first-reserved, first-served basis with a required. non-refundable application fee of $1.50 per organization for your chosen travel package. Please note that penalties apply for individuals cancelling workshops. Organizations interested in this program must send a letter of agreement and the $1.50 application fee made payable to Gene Wilhelm to officially register . AVES will help your organization locate other organizations in your geographic area that might participate in your travel package However, ycur group is free to recruit its travel package on its own. AVES will supply application forms and detailed information about each destination chosen in your travel package. Your organization is welcome to duplicate and distribute as many copies of these materials as you see fit. It is highly recommended that your organization =eceive approval of your particular travel package as quickly as possible. AVES gladly will appear before Board of Directors meetings or similar during the month of November 1986 to answer any questions th~t you might have, schedule permitting If personal contact is impossible then telephone AVES at (412) 794-2434 Good luck and don't forget to contact AVES as soon as possible.
R. D. J, box 8 SlipperyRock, PA 16057
10 FEEDER SURVEY
The Audubon Society of Missouri is sponsoring a new and exciting statewide project - thanks to the imagination of the Greater Ozarks Aud. Soc., in generalj to Jerry Dobbs, in particular.
Jerry has accepted the task of organizing and compiling a statewide winter feeder survey.
Here's how it will work:
1 -The survey will be conducted during the months of Dec., Jan., and Feb. each winter.
2- Jerry will be contacting individuals around the state this winter in an effort to establish a solid statewide foundation for the project, but will eagerly accept ALL those interested in joining in the project.
3 - He will supply you with a form to use and a very simple set of directions to follow. You will return the form to him monthly.
4 -This will be a non-scientific survey, for sure, but, like the Christmas Bird Count, it will become another addition to the storehouse of knowledge concerning the birds of Missouri.
5 - In addition, it will make long, winter days much more bearable.
6 - You must be forewarned, however, that your housework may suffer, projects may be set aside, and bird seed bills may rise because of your entry into the project. What better way to enjoy the winter???
7 - You may not be able to begin this project in December because you read it here, but that is no problem ••• simply begin in January -or February.
8 - To get started, please contact:
Jerry Dobbs 3163 W. Village Lane Springfield, MO 65807 417/883-3950
1 1 CONSERVATION COMMENTS by James P. JACKSON
Crucial issues will remain somewhat in limbo until January, when both the U.S. Congress and the Missouri Legislature will reconvene. But it is always well to anticipate.
MKT Rails to Trails -- Prospects for a hiking and biking trail along the Missouri River are good since Governor Ashcroft gave the Department of Natural Resources a green light to plan development on the already abandoned Katy Railroad right-of-way. The Governor recommended that only two short spans be developed at first; this is to allow testing and financing of the concept on a limited, prudent basis. Yet if part of the project is implemented, surely there will be ample demand for the rest of it. The Missouri legislature, with our support and encouragement, will probably need to supplement DNR funding to prepare and maintain an adequate hiking and biking trail. We need to let our state political leaders know that this is a worthwhile effort for outdoor recreation, tourism, and wildlife enhancement.
Jetboats on Ozark Streams -- For any sort of pleasure floating, the noise and speed and intimidation of high-powered jetboats is growing worse with each passing summer. The Missouri Legislature, under public pressure to investigate this problem recently had an interim committee on jetboats conduct hearings around the State on this matter; its final recommendations were far from satisfactory. It seems that the promoters of the monster boats, who have big money at stake, appeared and testified at the hearings with greater force of numbers than those of us who want some controls. Thus they persuaded the committee that the problem was of minimal concern, judging from its official report recommending: (1) no controls whatsoever on jetboats, (2) a user fee be placed on all canoes using Missouri streams, and (3) increased patrolling by the Missouri Boat Patrol for "inconsiderate" b0havior among boaters. This committee cop-out should generate the wrath of everyone, resident or tourist, who cherishes the unique pleasures of peaceful floating on our lovely Ozark streams.
Acid Rain -- Once again, with silent blessings from the White House, the U.S. Congress sidestepped the increasingly trouble-some acid rain issue; the laws necessary for its reduction and control were not passed in 1986. It is not as if acid rain was an unproved, debatable problem; there is clear and abundant evidence that it has destroyed the fisheries of New England lakes, wiped out their loons and other
1 2 fish-eating birds, has damaged coniferous forests from Scandinavia to Germany to Canada, and is showing up as an imminent threat to wild nature in the Rocky Mountains. Yet it can be controlled and the cost for doing so, as in the case of all widespread environmental pollutants, must be borne by all of us who depend on electricity from coal-burning generating plants. If Congress does not take action on this insidious, growing problem -- and soon -- the late Rachel Carson's admonitions about a "Silent Spring" from pesticides may find a sequel in an entire "Silent Year" from acid rain for many parts of our nation. Our congressmen and senators need to get this message loud and clear.
Regal Escort
They were there to greet me, two young quail almost gaudy in their elegant uniforms, proudly bearing their colors and stripes.
They led me along the straightaway, through sunlight and shadow, steady-paced, waddling with importance befitting their station.
And at the turn, they stepped aside and gestured the way, nodding their heads in the faintest suggestion of a bow, as I passed.
Sylvia Spotts Route 12 Columbia, MO 65203
13 s ummer s urvey
June 1 - July 31, 1986
By Jim D. Wilson
Weather conditions through this period were hot and dry throughout most of the state, especially during July. However, conditions varied considerably regionally with the northwestern part of Missouri receiving normal amounts of precipitation and places in the remainder of the state going as long as 54 days without rain.
In general, nesting birds fared well during the period. This first year of the Breeding Bird Atlas Project kept birders afield during the summer. Although few rarities were revealed, a wealth of information was gathered by the 200-plus atlassers. Additional information was obtained from Breeding Bird Surveys and by Missouri Department of Conservation searches and research projects involving Swainson's Warbler, Barn-Owl, Mississippi Kite, Least Tern, and Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Among rarities, there were sightings of Anhinga and extralimital sightings of Mississippi Kites, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Painted Buntings and Song Sparrows. Western Kingbirds and Great-tail.ed Grackles seem to be making a definite advance into the state. Remarkably, Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins remained through the period at two localities.
Bald eagles nested in the same two nest trees as in 1985, with the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge nest fledging three young in
14 late June and the one in central Missouri fledging at least one eaglet a few weeks earlier. MDC research on Least Terns resulted in the discovery of a substantial population along the Mississippi in the southeast. It was a very successful nesting year for Martins, Bluebirds and Robins. There was a disturbing increase in reports of dead birds in urban yards - probably because of chemical lawn treatment.
Anhinga - three sightings of singles near s h Caruthersville from mid-June to mid-July. A male was seen on June 15 (CP) and a female on r June 26 (JW), and July 11 (ST). Am. Bittern - at least two successful nests at TSWA and sightings of individuals June 6 and 13 at Claybanks Marsh (Macon Co.).
CP found a mixed nesting colony composed primarily of Cattle Egrets and Little Blue Herons in the city of Sikeston in June. It contained approximately 200 individuals of these species. It also contained a few Black-crowned Night-Herons and a very few Great and Snowy Egrets. This colony may be a remnant population from an abandoned colony site that existed last year just north of Sikeston (see The Bluebird, Vol. 52, No. 4, p. 16). The Caruthersville Rookery was inspected (ST) on July 11 and estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 individuals. More than half were Cattle Egrets and the remainder were Little Blue Herons with small numbers of Black-crowned Night-Herons, Snowy and Great ur Egrets. A new postbreeding roost, or possibly a nesting rookery, was discovered in July (JHw) about 3 mi. south of the Cairo Mo. Bridge on I-57 in Mississippi Co. This grown up borrow pit contained over 500 Little Blues
15 and Cattle Egrets with a scattering of Great Egrets, at least two Black-crowneds and one Green-backed Heron.
Black Vulture - 2 nests (2 nestlings each) at MNWR (JW). Fledged early to mid-August. Mississippi Kite - 1 to 4 - late May to late July at University City in St. Louis (RK); 1 -June 1, on BBA along Mississippi River in St. Louis (RK); 1 Ad., 1 juv.- seen repeatedly from June 25 through period, Poague Wildlife Area, Henry Co. (KK, Terry Finder-MDC); 1 - juv. - July 6, near Alton Dam, St. Charles Co. (PS); 5 (3 Ad., 2 unkn.) -July 27, 3 mi. southwest of Dorena Ferry, Mississippi Co. (JHw); 2 localities contained kites routinely through the season near MNWR (ST). ST found no kites during two searches along the length of the St. Francis R. bordering Arkansas.
Bale Eagle - 2 nests - one on MNWR fledged three young in mid-June and another on a central Missouri River produced at least one young (probably two) that was thought to have fledged in early June. Sharp-shinned Hawk - 13 nests discovered, primarily in the eastern Ozarks, as a result of KK's accipiter research project. Cooper's Hawk - 25 nests, primarily in the same region as above (KK) including one near Jefferson City (DK); 1 Ad. F. - July 12, Bunch Hollow WA, Carroll County (DF); 1 Ad. - July 13, Lawrence Co. (MMH).
Greater Yellovlegs - 2 - and Vhite-rumped Sandpiper- 2 - July 21, Aldrich Arm of Stockton Lake (JHy-doc.). Caspian Tern- 3- July 27, Binder Lake, Jefferson City (JW). Forster's Tern- 5 (2 Ad., 3 juv.) -July 12, Aldrich Arm of Stockton Lake.
16 Least Tern - 14 nesting colonies discovered during an MDC research project (JSm). All were on the Mississippi River and 5 were in Missouri. The largest Missouri colony contained over 120 nests. Nesting was generally initiated in mid-June and completed by the end of the period. Greater Roadrunner - 2 - together in BBA block, Taney Co. (BG et. al.). Com. Barn-Owl- nest in hollow tree, Ad with 4-5 young, in June at Queen City, Schuyler Co. (Carl Gottman, Loren Leatherman-MDC).
Western Kingbird - up to 6 individuals and one nest in BBA block in St. Louis (easterly location) at E. Grand and Hall Street (RK, DA - photos) - observed first incubation on June 9. Fledging of two young probably occurred in early July. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - Ext ral imi ted reports: 1 M - June 7, Reform W.A., Callaway Co. (JW); 1M- near Hale, Carroll Co. (DF). Bewick's Wren 1 nesting pair - June 9 & 11, 2 mi. so. of Fayette (CR- doc.) -otherwise rather commonly found on BBS and BBA in south Missouri.
Swainson's Warbler - 8 territorial males and some females found in canebreaks during a May search by MDC personnel along the Eleven Point and Current Rivers in extreme south Missouri; 1 -July, MNWR (PS). Rose-breasted Grosbeak- 2 (1 Ad. M and 1 imm.) -June, Springfield, a southerly location for nesting (CT -no doc.). Painted Bunting - 1 -June 22, Meramec State Park, Franklin Co. (easterly location) (WL - doc). Song Sparrow- 4 heard- June 29 , SOWA (MMH), a southerly location for summer.
17 Bobolink - 2 pr. - June 26, near Fayette (CR). Great-tailed Grackle- nesting colony of 8 or more males, May, western Cass County (JJ- photos). House Finch- nesting suggested by behavior in Columbia (JR); 2 Ad. M and 9 For juv., Charleston (JHw). Pine Siskin- 3 (at feeder) - all summer, St. Louis. Evening Grosbeak - 1 F - July 15, near Farmington (Bob Dugal, BRe); there are other reports of over 10 remaining at a Farmington feeder through the summer.
OBSERVERS:
(DA) Dick Anderson, (DF) Dennis Figg, (BG) Bob Gentle, (JHy) Jeff Hayes), (JHw) Jim Haw, (JJ) Joan Jefferson, (RK) Randy Korotev, (KK) Kevin Kritz, (DK) Don Kurz, (WL) Wade Leitner, (MMH) Mick McHugh, (CP) Carmen Patterson, (JR) Jim Rathert, (BRe) Bill Reeves, (SR) Skip Russell, (JSm) John Smith, (PS) Phoebe Snetsinger, (JSo) Jerry Sower, (ST) Sheryl Tatom, (CT) Connie Tyndall, (JW) Jim Wilson. In addition, many people too numerous to mention, contributed to this survey.
ABBREVIATIONS:
(MDC) Missouri Department of Conservation, (MNWR) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge - Stoddard and Wayne Counties, (SOWA) Schell- Osage Wildlife Area - Vernon and St. Clair Counties, (TSWA) Ted Shanks Wildlife Area - Pike County.
18 Bald Eagle Nest Mingo National Wildlife Refuge 1986 by Sheryl Tatom Missouri Department of Conservation
In 1985 two bald eagle chicks successfully fledged from Mingo's nest located in Monopoly Marsh (Wilson, 1985). This year, one adult bald eagle was first observed on the nest February 26. Activity at the nest tree increased by late March as both adults were observed there regularly (Mingo staff, pers. comm.). It is assumed that the adults attending this year's nest are the same pair from 1985. Two chicks were observed in the nest from Fry Bluff Overlook on April 5 (David Kneir, pers. comm.). It was not until April 12 that a third eaglet was recognized to share the nest as well (David Kneir, pers. comm.). The Mingo staff estimated the young birds to be approximately three to four weeks old. By nine and ten weeks of age, all three eaglets were observed exercising in the nest daily. They were primarily flapping and jumping (frequently lifting two to three feet off the nest). The chicks fledged during the second half of June: June 15, June 21, and the third eaglet by June 30. The birds remained close to the nest tree, probably venturing no farther than the boundary of Monopoly Marsh. They often returned to the nest or nest tree by sundown.
19 The eaglets began dispersing to other areas on the refuge in late July. July 25 was the first day that any young eaglets were sighted away from Monopoly Marsh. Two eaglets were observed soaring high above the hack tower and trees at Fox Pond in the north part of the Refuge. The wild eaglets left the area in mid- August. The last young bird was sighted on the area August 10. At least one adult stayed in the vicinity of the nest most of the summer (daily observations were made between June 5 and September 5). Often, both adults remained near the young, especially during the fledging period and well after the chicks had scattered. Both adults continued to visit the nest after the eaglets had left Mingo. The adult pair was sighted August 30 in Monopoly Marsh and one adult was observed on the nest September 5. Many thanks to Gerald Clawson and Eric Sipco for their helpful information.
Wilson, J.D. 1985. Bald Eagle Nestings in Missouri. The Bluebird, Vol. 52, No. 4. PP 22-27.
ASM HOTLINE
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20 NOTES OF A MISSOURI NATURALIST
by Peter Goldman Northeast Missouri State University Kirksville, Missouri
On a Saturday afternoon in mi dSeptember I got fed up with grading papers, writing lab hand-outs, composing lectures, and worrying about why I had not been able to write one of these essays lately. I threw my dogs in my car and headed for Big Creek. Big Creek is a state forest adjacent to Kirksville, and Big Creek means adventure for dog and man.
Big Creek has a flavor to it. Ridges and valleys alternate with washboard regularity, and grasses predominate on most ridges. In one place you can see to the west across the Chariton River valley for maybe ten miles. When I stand there and look west, I almost feel, and I stress a1 most, that I am out under the big Montana sky I 1ove so much. The New Yorker's Calvin Trillin argued that the West starts at Kansas City, people in St. Louis offer the Arch as testimony to their feelings about this boundary, but for me the West begins on that hill top at Big Creek.
On the afternoon in September the occasional puffy clouds that drifted by accentuated the impression of westerness. Each time a cloud intercepted the sun, I felt chilled, while the uninterrupted sunshine quickly warmed me again. The heat, like Montana summer heat, felt temporary and extremely tenuous, and it hardly concealed winter's bitter imminence.
To me, winter is Western reality, and the Gallatin Valley's summer residents migrate to more favorable sites to avoid it. In south Texas in February you almost see more cars from Iowa and Michigan than from Texas. Migration is one of the grand strategies with which living things deal with seasonally unfavorable conditions, and on this Saturday I watched hundreds of broad-winged hawks on their way south.
Broad-wings breed in the eastern United States and southern Canada and spend their winters in northern South America. They travel through Central America on the way, and as the land narrows, the broad-wings get funneled into progressively denser aggregations. By the time they pass over Panama, they aggregate in incredibly dense clusters. I have seen photographs of hundreds of hawks sharing the same thermal bubble.
On Saturday afternoon the hawks travelled south by exploiting the
2 1 thermal updrafts created, I suppose, by the warm sunlight heating otherwise cool air. About twenty birds made up the groups I saw. The hawks soared to several hundred feet above the ground by riding an updraft, then they reduced their wing area and glided south. A half-mile or mile south they repeated their ascent and glide, and then I could no longer see them.
had encountered large numbers of broad-wings around roosts in spring, but this was the first time I have seen them use this classic form of travel for soaring birds. It certainly looked effortless, as I only saw the birds adjust their wings slightly to ascend and descend. I do not remember one broad-wing flapping its wings during the two hours I watched their passage.
I assumed the birds soared for a while, then stopped for lunch. imagined that as they migrated, they alternated travel with fueling up, much like warblers and sparrows do during overland travel. However, three biologists recently made a strong case for broad-wings engaging in what they called "anorexic" travel.
They argue that Central America's funneling effect packs the birds so densely that hunting by all these birds in same place at one time would prove fruitless (or frogless, or mouseless, depending on diet). To evaluate this idea, they collected some migrants in Panamanian roosts in October. These birds had empty guts, and neither feces nor pellets littered the ground under the roost.
If the broad-wings fast during their travels, how do they manage to travel 5000 kilometers? Although soaring appears effortless, it must require some energy, and ignoring the minimal costs of this kind of locomotion, the birds still have to idle their metabolic engines. From where does the energy for "anorexic" travel come?
Apparently broad-wings use the same physiological tactic that other migrants use. Get very fat just prior to departure, burn the fat to fuel the trip, and hope for tail winds.
Fat fuels migration because it has high energy content per unit mass compared to other biological fuels. A broad-wing that stores 100 grams of fat can obtain as much energy from it as storage of 200 grams of carbohydrate would provide. Storing fat produces a smaller weight gain and so lowers the cost of soaring below that a carbohydrate storer would experience.
The proponents of "anorexic" travel for broad-wings investigated its
2 2 feasibility by making a bunch of assumptions about a hawk's behavior and physiology, and then calculating how far the hawk could travel weighted down by these assumptions. The biologists assumed that broad-wings soared 10 hours per day and that a soaring hawk uses energy at twice the rate a resting hawk does. They assumed that a soaring hawk travels about 8 meters per second, or about 30 kilometers per hour. This seems considerably faster than the birds I watched, but in line with birds observed in Panama.
Given these parameters and the energy density of fat, the biologists determined that a broad-wing could travel about 5000 kilometers if it stored 125 grams of fat. Males weigh about 300 grams and females 400 grams in this species. The level of obesity assumed in these calculations accords well with known levels in other sorts of migrants. Since in flapping flight a broad-wing uses six times as much energy as it does while soaring, travelling by flapping flight would necessitate frequent stops for food. So what looked effortless on a beautiful afternoon in September turns out to be nearly so.
HELP THE HOTLINE
The ASM Hotline had a close call with oblivion at the annual fall meeting.
Tim Barksdale, who has operated the hotline the past two years for the ASM noted that, though more than 800 calls had been received thus far in 1986, he received very few calls with information to make the hotline worthwhile.
The ASM directors then did two things:
1 - Approved the continuation of the hotline because it is vital and is carried in the directory of hotlines by the American Birding Association, and has served local birders as well - our main concern in the ASM.
2 - To make the line more valuable, the ASM approved a budget of $300 to allow Tim and his newly-acquired helpers, Susan and Don Hazelwood of Columbia, to help gather and disseminate information via the hotline.
The Hotline number is 314/449-7938. Unless it is supplied with vital information and kept updated in 1987, it has a chance to become extinct. So-- we ask all birders in Missouri to continually update this line.
23 RANGE EXPANSION OF THE GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE INTO MISSOURI, WITH DETAILS OF THE FIRST NESTING COLONY
by Mark B. Robb1ns. 1 an d David A. Easterla 2
Prior to 1900 the Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanusl was restricted to the southern tip of Texas in the United States (Dresser 1865). Over the past 80 years, this species has dramatically increased and expanded its range to include most of the southwest and southern Great Plains regions of the country. In this paper we review the expansion into Missouri and present details of the first nesting colony in the state.
As early as 4 January 1958 an individual of the Quiscalus mexicanus complex was observed in Missouri in St. Charles County (J. E. Comfort et al., Anderson and Bauer 1968). This individual was not identified to species, since at that time, both Great-tailed and Boat-tailed (Quiscalus major) grackles were treated as conspecific. The second sighting was not until 1972, when a single bird was seen from 22 October through December at Springfield, Greene Co. (N. Fay et al ., Bluebird 40:9). Easterla and J. Hilsabeck obtained the third record and the first specimen (DAE # 2979; female; ova 2 x 2 mm; light fat; weight 130.3 g) on 8 May 1976 at Bigelow Marsh, Holt Co. in northwestern Missouri. On 15 May 1979 T. Barksdale and the authors discovered a nesting colony in a cattail marsh adjacent to the extreme northwestern corner of Big Lake State Park, Holt Co. Subsequent observations by Robbins on 19-20 May determined that the colony consisted of two males and at least eight females. On the 19th one of the males was observed displaying and patrolling the eastern section of the marsh where five nests (# 1-5) were located (Table 1). The following day nests # 1-3 contained the same number of eggs, however, nest # 4 had its first egg and one of the eggs in nest # 5 had hatched. In addition, three other nests were located at the southern edge of the marsh (# 6-8), where a single adult male was associated with the three females. The fact that only two males were present is not surprising, as this species is highly polygynous (i.e., one male mating with multiple females). All eight nests (see Table 1) were situated from .5 to 1m above the water (water depth ranged from .75 to 1m) in cattails (Typha) Dimensions (length x width; in millimeters) of one clutch of eggs (nest # 1) were 30 x 19, 32 x 20 and 32 x 20. Barksdale visited the colony later on the 20th and found several additional eggs had hatched. Fledglings were noted by 2 June.
The following year, on 17 May at the same colony, Robbins found 5 completed nests and one near completion (Table 1). A single male and
24 six females were seen. Again, all nests were attached to cattails. On 29 March 1980, Easterla and his ornithology class observed eleven grackles (8 males, 3 females) in roadside marshes west of Bigelow, Holt Co.; however, these birds did not remain to breed. As a result of very dry conditions, no birds bred in the area in 1981. A minimum of eighteen grackles (9 males, 8 females) were in various stages of nesting in mid-May 1982 at Big Lake and at a small cattail marsh ca. 2 km north of the state park. As early as 27 March 1982, Easterla and his ornithology class observed a minimum of 19 birds (sex ratio about equal) on the western edge of Pelican Pool at Squaw Creek Nat. Wild. Refuge, Holt Co. It was surprising that the grackles did not breed on the refuge in view of the seemingly ideal nesting conditions that were present. In 1983 Great-tails were again active at the above two nesting sites. Although F. Lawhon observed relatively large numbers near St. Joseph, Buchanan Co. during the spring of 1984, culminating with ca. 100 individuals on 4 April (Bluebird 51:15), the species was not recorded breeding in northwestern Missouri that year. Likewise, breeding activity was not recorded in 1985, possibly as a result of very low water levels. Grackles finally were recorded nesting at Squaw Creek N.W.R. in 1986, when on 24-26 May, Robbins observed a minimum of five males and eight females nesting in the densest and tallest cattails at the western edge of Pelican pool. Periodically the birds left the marsh and flew ca. 1.5 km to the southwest where they were observed feeding on arthropods in flooded fields. No birds were found breeding at the original nesting sites near Big Lake. The first nesting colony outside of Holt County was discovered on 4 May 1986, when J. Jefferson found a minimum of five nests in Cass County (Bluebird 54:13).
Although most of the records of this species have been concentrated in northwestern Missouri during the spring and early summer, relatively large numbers have been recorded at other seasons in the western half of the state. For example, L. Galloway observed ca. 100 birds west of Adrian, Bates Co. on 21 February 1983 (Bluebird 50:23). Over 100 were seen on 11 November 1984 in extreme western Bates Co. (K. Jackson, F. Lawhon, Bluebird 52:34). Twelve to thirteen birds were present at a feed lot near Lowry City, St. Clair Co. on 1 January 1984 (S. Hilty, pers. CO!ll11.). Almost every year since 1979, one to two individuals have been recorded on the Squaw Creek Christmas Bird Count, Holt Co. Recently, this species has been found in Barry County, where 5 were seen on 13 April 1985 (M. Rogers, V. Jenkins, Bluebird 52:16).
Why has this species expanded its range so dramatically? Expansion of the Great-tailed Grackle appears to be closely tied with an increase in surface water coupled with the increase in food provided by
25 agriculture. During this century, there has been a proliferation of water impoundments throughout the western United States. In the Great Plains, the dramatic increase in water impoundments has occurred in the past 40 years (U.S. Geological Survey). The vast majority of the Great-tailed Grackle colonies in the Great Plains are closely associated with water impoundments (Davis 1975; Faanes and Norling 1981; pers. obs.). The spring of 1981 was unusually dry in the central Great Plains, resulting in low water levels (or completely dry) in many lakes, ponds, and marshes. As a result the colony in Missouri failed to breed, and other colonies in Kansas and Nebraska failed also (S. Hansen, pers. comm.). Moreover, Great-tails have profited from the planting of trees for windbreaks and shade, providing alternative nest sites in the Great Plains. In addition, the incomplete harvest of grains combined with their availability at feed lots has provided food for this species and other icterids during the winter season.
How far will this expansion extend into Missouri? To date in Missouri, Great-tails have only bred in cattail marshes. If this trend continues, this species eventually may be found breeding in cattail marshes in Platte and Buchannan counties. However, in other areas of this species' range, it has been found breeding in isolated groves of trees near water (Davis 1975; pers. obs.). Given this flexibility in nesting sites, Great-tails eventually may be found breeding in the more open areas in the western section of the state from Springfield to the Iowa border. Also, it is likely this species will continue to increase in numbers during the winter in the western half of the state.
Acknowledgments
We thank the following people for sharing their unpublished observations: T. Barksdale, S. Hansen, S. Hilty, and F. Lawhon. J
Literature Cited
Anderson, R. A. and P. Bauer. 1968. A guide to finding birds in the St. Louis area. Webster Groves Nat. Soc., St. Louis.
Davis, W. M. 1975. The Great-tailed Grackle in Oklahoma. Bull. Oklahoma Ornithol. Soc. 8:9-18.
Dresser, H. E. 1865. Notes on the birds of southern Texas. Ibis 1:493.
26 Faanes, C. A. and W. Norling. 1981. Nesting of the Great-tailed Grackle in Nebraska. Am. Birds 35:148-149.
1) Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th and The Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103. 2) Department of Biology, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO 64468.
. 1 Table 1. Great-ta1led Grackle nest contents.
19-20 May 1979 17 May 1980
Nest # of eggs Nest # of eggs
1 3 1 4 2 4 2 1 3 3 3 1 4 0 (1) 4 1 5 4 (3e, 1y) 5 4 6 3y 6 7 4 8 0
1 Numbers in parentheses refer to change in nest contents from the 19th to the 20th. E denotes eggs: y denotes young.
ASM HOTLINE
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27 EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING NESTING POPULATION OF SWAINSON'S HAWKS IN MISSOURI
by Brian Toland
The Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) is a bird of the prairies, prairie parklands, and deserts of the western United States (Brown and Amadon 1968). This hawk usually nests at low to moderate elevations in the Great Plains Region, north sparingly to interior Alaska and south to northern Mexico (Brown and Amadon 1968). In Missouri, the few reports of nesting Swainson's hawks have historically been from the Springfield and southwest Jackson County areas (Robbins 1976, 1978). However, the nesting range of Swainson's hawk is west of Missouri, with the exception of the localized population along the western edge of the state (Comfort 1975). Documentation of Swainson's nests any farther eastward in Missouri is lacking (J. D. Wilson, pers. comm . ) and most reports of possible nesting activity are a result of sightings of late migrant or immature Swainson's or red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis). While conducting investigations of nesting northern red-tailed hawks, and American kestrels (Falco sparverius) during the spring and summer of 1984 and 1985, I logged incidental observations of all Swainson's hawk behavior that was indicative of nesting.
The only Missouri raptor species which can normally confound field identification of the Swainson's hawk is the red-tailed hawk, especially immatures. In flight, the Swainson's hawk is easily distinguished from other Missouri buteos by its lankierbuild, higher wing aspect ration, dark-brown flight feathers which contrast with the white wing lining, dark-brown chest band (except in melanistic individuals), and the slight dihedral of the wings at certain times while soaring (Toland 1984).
The Swainson's hawk nest is relatively more flimsy and smaller than the red-tail's, and because the former nests as much as two months later than the latter, the structure may be inconspicuous in the canopy of the nest tree (Call 1978). Swainson's are among the most docile of buteos (Brown and Amadon 1968, Call 1978) and often build nests surprisingly close to occupied farm buildings. Normally these hawks build a new nest annually, usually in the upper canopy or outer edges of a tree, but are known to use the old nests of red-tails or other raptors (Brown and Amadon 1968, Call 1978).
Patterns of breeding behavior are similar in most species of raptors (Brown and Amadon 1968, Newton 1978). Like most migrant buteos,
28 Swainson's hawks initiate nesting with the male on territory first (Schmutz 1977), displaying in the area of the nest by conspicuous perching, calling, or aerial maneuvers (Brown and Amadon 1968, Newton 1978 Nesting activities such as courtship, pair-bond consumation, nest building, and nestling care are manifested by behaviors such as mutual perching, mutual soaring, tail-chasing, diving, leg-dangling flight, courtship food-begging and feeding, copulation, carrying nest materia 1 , and transporting prey to the nest site (Brown 1977).
The following observations are indicative of nesting by Swainson's hawks in Missouri: .. On 25 June 1984, a pair of adult Swainson's hawks hunted voles (Microtus sp) by waiting-on behind and about 75 feet above a tractor that was plowing a field west of Prairie State Park, Barton County (Sec. 18 T32N, R33W). After approximately 5 minutes, the male captured a vole and was immediately followed to a nearby woodlot by the food-begging female. Subsequently on 18 August 1984, a pair of adults was accompanied by 2 immature Swainson's hawks in the same general area.
On 2 July 1984, at 1030 h, I watched a soaring adult Swainson's hawk outside of Springfield, Green County (Sec. 15, T31N, R22W). After soaring at a considerable height for 7 minutes, the bird landed on a utility pole adjacent to the highway. Nearly 5 minutes later the hawk captured a small rodent following a long, shallow dive into the roadside ditch. The bird immediately flew directly and rapidly to a woodlot about 800 m away.
While conducting harrier studies in Barton County, I observed a soaring adult Swainson's hawk on Route 126 (Sec. 31, T31N, R32W) at 1100 h. on 13 June 1985. The bird began a gradual descent, before parachuting into a pasture to capture a vole about 50 r.1. away from me. The hawk then flew in a bee line to a distant woodlot at least 800 m. to the south. Subsequently, in the same area, I saw a pair mutually soaring for approximately 10 minutes on 10 July 1985 before gradually circling over to the aforementioned woodlot. On 2 August, an immature Swainson's pursued an adult while shrieking incessant food solicitation calls.
On 17 June 1985, I spied a pair of adult Swainson's hawks soaring together above a corn field about 5.5 miles east of Mendenmines, Barton County (Sec. 29, T32N, R32W). Subsequently, on 2 August, a single adult flew accompanied by a food-begging juvenile Swainson's.
29 Midway between Lamar and Prairie State Park (Sec. 30, T32N, R32W) at 1430 h. on 25 June 1985, I noticed a single adult Swainson's hawk soaring. After nearly 30 seconds it folded its wings and stooped at an immature red-tailed hawk that was flying at low altitude across a corn field. After diving at the red-tail three times in rapid succession, the Swainson's flew straight to a nearby woodlot; the red-tail hastily departed from the area using a low profile, contour-hugging flight. Later in the summer, on 21 August, I discovered 2 young Swainson's accompanied by a pair of adults, hunting together in a loose flock.
On 5 June, 1g85 in Pettis County north of Sedalia (Sec. 9, T47N, R21W), I witnessed a pair of Swainson's hawks flying across the highway towards a woodlot about 400 m. to the west. The male (judging from its smaller size) was carrying a branch with green leaves, either to be incorporated into the nest or to be used as nest decoration as is typical of most species of buteos.
At 1030 h. on 22 June 1985, I was travelling down U.S. 40 between the Davisville Wildlife Area and Franklin Island in Howard County (Sec. 32, T48N, R15W) when I observed a pair of Swainson's hawks soaring together. The pair suddenly became agitated when a young red-tailed hawk flew into the immediate area but approximately 50 ft. below them. The Swainson's hawks alternated strafing dives at the young red-tail, which landed in a nearby tree as an apparent respite from the anfractuous course it wended to doge the attacks of its tormentors. On 18 July, I observed an adult Swainson's hawk capture a vole and fly without eating to a distant woodlot perhaps 3/4 mile away.
Although time constraints precluded further investigations of my incidental Swainson's hawk sightings, interpretation of the aforementioned breeding behavior, including courtship display, copulation, nest material transfer, food provisioning, post-fledging dependency, and territorial defense are strong indicators of Swainson's hawk nesting in Missouri. Appropriately designed nest surveys could provide important new information regarding the extent to which Swainson's nesting has increased in Missouri. Nests are found primarily by driving available roads in mixed farmland and wooded areas before the leaf canopy is completely developed. Because these birds usually construct new nests almost every year, the fresh nest material makes them easier to identify.
Timing of surveys should coincide with the latter one-half to two-thirds of the nesting cycle. Disturbance of nesting birds should be avoided, especially during early courtship, nest building, egg laying, and incubation phases. Adult birds should not be flushed from
30 the nests, especially when eggs are present. If the adults are flushed, limit the stay dt the nest site to five minutes or less. Nests should not be visited during inclement weather, especially during rainstorms, windstorms, or extreme heat or cold spells. It is crucial to be sure adult birds and/or young are aware of the investigator's presence when approaching the nest. This will insure that incubating or brooding adults are not startled, resulting in damaged eggs or young nestlings. Care should be taken not to create physical paths or scent trails to the nest tree, which may cue opportunistic predators such as raccoons (Procyon lotorl opossums (Didelphis marsupialis), American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchosl, and rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta) to the location of eggs or nestlings.
LITERATURE CITED
Brown, L. H. 1977. Birds of prey, their biology and eco 1ogy. A&W Publishers Inc., New York.
Brown, L. H. and D. Amadon. 1968. Eagles, hawks, and falcons of the world. McGraw-Hill, New York, New York.
Robbins, M. 1976. Summer survey. The Bluebird. 44:19-22.
Robbins, M. 1978. Summer survey. The Bluebird. 45:10-15.
Call, M. W. 1978. Nesting habitats and surveying techniques for common western raptors. U.S. Dept. of Interior-Bureau of Land Manag. Tech. Note TN-316.
Comfort, J. 1975. Wintering Swainson's and broad-winged hawks. The Bluebird. 42:14-15.
Newton, I. 1978. Population ecology of raptors. Buteo Books, Vermillion, South Dakota.
Schmutz, J. K. 1977. Relationships between three species of the genus Buteo (Aves) coexisting in the prairie-parkland ecotone of southeastern Alberta. Unpubl. M.S. thesis, Edmonton University, Alberta.
Toland, B. R. 1984. Missouri's eagles, hawks, falcons, and vultures. Missouri Conservationist. 45:16-31.
3 1 (Editor's Note: Brian Toland has been a regular contributor to The Bluebird during his years as a student at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is currently working with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. He was best-known in Missouri as a student of raptors and his research published in The Bluebird was related to raptors. He writes:
"I'm really enjoying my work in South Florida. The weather is perfect, recreational opportunities mind-boggling, and intimate observations of many interesting and/or exotic and/or endangered species consistently present themselves. I've become acquainted with manatees, dolphins, sharks, Peregrines, Merlins, Wood Storks, Sandhill Cranes, Snail Kites, Crested Caracaras, Scrub Jays, Bald Eagles, Barn Owls, Burrowing Owls, Least Terns, Magnificent Frigatebirds, gopher tortoises, sea turtles, alligators, indigo snakes, and an awesome array of wading birds, shore birds, warblers, and sea birds."
Brian's address is: Brian Toland; Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission; PO Box 1840; Vero Beach, FL, 32961.)
*******************************
Remember, too, that the Dept. of Conservation has made available two tapes which should be in the libraries of all Missouri birders and/or naturalists.
Missouri Bird Calls is a 40-min. tape set up by habitat, not taxinomically. Missouri is divided into nine habitats for the purpose of this tape.
Frog and Toad Sounds is a 20-min. tape of amphibian sounds which comes with a picture guide.
They are $4.21 each, including postage and tax. Order from t1 o. Dept. of Conservation, Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102-0180.
32 ASM AND AUDUBON
For your information, listed below are the presidents of the 13 Audubon Societies in Missouri. Only seven of the 13 belong to the Aud. Soc. of Mo.
Burroughs Aud. Soc. Greater Ozarks Aud. Soc. Richard Myers, Pres. Becky Matthews, Pres. 13404 Woodland RFD 2, Box 128 Kansas City, MO 64146 Springfield, MO 65802
Chariton Valley Aud. Soc. *Ozark Gateway Aud. Soc. Scott Ellis, Pres. Lester Marsh, Pres. 19 leisure Dr. 3295 Ivy lane Kirksville, MO 63501 Joplin, MO 64801
*Columbia Aud. Soc. Ozark Rivers Aud. Soc. Jim Wallace, Pres. Alex Primm, Pres. 303 Westwood Ave. RFD 6, Box 456 Columbia, MD 65201 Ro 11 a, MO 65401
*East Ozarks Aud. Soc. *River Bluffs Aud. Soc. Mrs. Beth Williamson, Pres. Bill Hays, Pres. 814 No. Middle Box 155A, Route 1 Farmington, MO 63640 Hartsburg, MO 65039
*Four Seasons Aud. Soc. *Scenic Rivers Aud. Soc. Gordon Griffith, Pres. Craig Barwick, Pres. 806 Sherman 1501 Haven Hills Rd. Charleston, MD 63834 Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Grand Gulf Aud. Soc. St. Louis Aud. Soc. Jody Eberly, Pres. Jerald Miller, Pres. RFD 2, Box 181 3927 Lucas-Hunt Rd. Mountain View, MO 65548 St. Louis, MO 63121
*Midland Empire Aud. Soc. Mike McKenzie, Pres. RFD 1, Box 145 Agency, MO 64401
*ASM members.
In addition to these Audubon organizations, the following groups are affiliated with the Aud. Soc. of Mo.:
33 Elsberry Garden Club Hawthorn Garden Club Mrs. Arch Taylor 1622 Hayselton Dr. Elsberry, MO 63343 Jefferson City, MO 65101
Northeast Mo. Nat. Hist. Club Webster Groves Nature Study Society c/o J. Freiling Valgard Jonsson Box 623 4116 Koeln Hannibal, MO 63401 St. Louis, MO 63116 ------
There is a reason for this information.
First - we would like to have EVERY nature group in the state to be a part of the Aud. Soc. of Mo. The cost for club affiliation is a mere $12.00 a year for the first 200 members and $12.00 for each 400 members thereafter. Second - this organizational affiliation allows ALL members of the affiliated group to join the ASH at the reduced rate of $5.00 a year. Thus a club with 200 members can join for $12.00 a year and each of the 200 members can then join the ASM for $5.00 a year - a personal savings of $2.00 for each individual.
Third - Each member receives The Bluebird four times a year and will receive any other publications which the ASM should initiate in the future. In recent years, The Bluebird has grown from 20 pages to as many as 68. It has a growing list of contributors who approach birding, nature study, and ornithology from many directions.
Fourth - In the Midwest, the ASM gives you more for your dollar than any like organization. A group is only as strong as it is active and activity comes through active membership.
Thus - we want YOU. If you are a member of an Audubon group which is not an ASM affiliate, please talk with your officers and get them to take the next logical step.
Then - join in the activities of the ASM and enjoy your membership.
34 NATURAL EVENTS CALENDAR
One of the finest gifts you can give to a friend this holiday season is also one of the least expensive (or at least in this editor's opinion).
The 1987 Natura 1 E~nts Ca 1endar wi 11 so 1ve the prob 1em for something for the person who has everything.
The calendar, wtlich gives almost a daily log of things to look for in nature throughout the year, was introduced last year by the Missouri Dept. of Conservation. It was a resounding success in 1986 but according to John Wylie, it has been improved in 1987.
John notes: "The calendar is similar to the one we produced last year, but it is on heavier paper and the pictures are even better. A11 kinds of natura 1 events are 1i sted from Monarch butterfly and White Pelican migrations to wild flowers in bloom by months. The calendar commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Conservation."
The calendar sells for $3.68, wtlich includes tax and postage. Order it from Dept. of Conservation, Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102-0180 or pick it up at the MDC' s Metro offices in Kansas City, St. Louis, or Springfield.
ASM FOR CHRISTMAS
Looking for a year-long Christmas Gift?
Why not the Audubon Society of Missouri for your nature-loving friend?
For an individual membership, you pay only $7.00. An entire family costs but $8.00.
And for the student - mere $5.00.
To subscribe -- send a check for the proper amount to Syd Wade, 2114 St. Louis Rd., Jefferson City, Mo. 65101. If you will make the request, Syd will send along a card letting your friend know the Christmas gift is from you.
Do it now. Best money you will spend this year. Coupled with the Natural History Calendar from the Dept. of Conservation, you will be a hero all year.
Best $11.00 in history. 35 MISSOURI BIRDING ADVENTURES FOR WINTER
Paul Bauer -- Coordinator Winter is the high season for exciting birding adventures. Each year is a differ- ent mix of unusual vagrants from the far north combined with massive groups of migra- ting waterfowl and blackbirds. Late November is a thrilling time to visit Squaw Creek NWRin NW Missouri. After Christmas and on until early March, is a great time to visit Mingo NWR in SE Missouri. For this season, I want to cover the following topics: 1) National Audubon Christmas Bird Counts ( CBC ' s) - Late Dec. 86 2) Two Guided Field Trips for Gulls - Sat. 17 Jan and Sat 7 Feb 87 3) Where to Find the Most Eagles - Jan & Feb 4) Winter Bird Feeding & Feeders 5) Rare Bird Documentation &Form. For winter birding, be sure and consider the wind-chill factor. Always bring extra layers of clothing as if the temperature was 20° to 30° colder than shown on the thermometer. Half your body heat is lost from the head. A good thick hat with wide ear-flaps is a must, or consider a down hood or a knit stocking hat combined with a sweatshirt hood. Avoid tight restrictions on hands and feet which reduces blood flow- the only source of warmth to fingers and toes. Mittens are better than gloves with fingers. Consider a thin pair of socks and then a thicker pair, instead of two thick pairs, in your boots. If properly dressed for severe weather, you will enjoy Nature's wonders in winter, and get that special thrill of doing something unusual while others are too timid to venture outdoors. So get properly prepared and find out that birding can be enjoyable in all seasons. Invite friends to join you- both members and non-members. ALSO INVITE YOUR NON-MEMBER FRIENDS TO JOIN OUR SOCIETY. As coordinator of our birding adven- tures, I would remind you that this service is for you, and there is always room for improvement. Contact me with any ideas, comments or suggestions for trips that you desire. Volunteer to be a local leader for a trip in your area. For my phone number, see inside front cover or send mail to: 4 Club Grounds So., Florissant Missouri, 63033. 1) National Audubbn Christmas Bird Counts -This is an idea that started at the turn of the century and has grown to unoelieveable proportions. The original idea was to provide an alternative to the Christmas-hunt where excessive wildlife were harvested without need. From a modest beginning in 1900,with 27 participants, this annual late-December birding adventure has grown steadily to almost 41,400 participants in 1985 at 1478 different count areas all across North America and beyond. In Missouri last year, 27 bird counts took place in all. regions of the state. Refer back to the March 1986 BLUEBIRD (Vol 53, No.1) for details, nearest locations and the name and address of the compiler so you can find out the date and time for this year's count. Also check elsewhere in this BLUEBIRD issue for any last minute details from Bill Clark. If you take part, a modest fee is suggested (usually 3 dollars) to cover the massive printing costs that AMERICAN BIRDS incurs publishing the national results of all these counts - but you will get your name in print
36 2) Two Guided Field Trios for Gulls Near St. louis- The trip dates are: Sat 17 January and Sat 7 Feoruary 1987. The group will assemble at 8:30AM, combine cars if necessary and leave the meeting spot about 9 AM. Meet at the I-270 rest stop on the west side of the Mississippi River. Detailed directions and information on food and lodging are provided below.leaders are Bill Rudden and Ron Goetz. The St. louis area has certainly earned the reputation of Winter Gull Capital for the lower mid-west. To date 17 species of gulls have been identified within 50 miles of the St. Louis city boundary. Many of the unusual and rare ones have been found in winter. The more severe the weather, the better the gull; see Sept 1986 BLUEBIRD (Vol. 53, no 3) for details. Our leaders for these trips are certainly well qualified. Bill Rudden was the finder of the Siaty-backed Gull, and Ron Goetz is one of the initial identifiers of tnis first lower-48 record. Eventually this gull was viewed by more than a 1000 birders from 24 states from Dec 20, 1983 through Jan 29, 1984. This exciting gull story is weil documented with excellent photographs in the Summer 1986 issue of AMERICAN BIRDS (Vol 40 No.2). Meet a: the I-270 rest stop and Tourist Information Center on the west side of the Mississipoi River between 8:30 and 9AM. This rest stop is in north St. Louis county. Coming from the west, exit at Riverview Blvd. (last Missouri exit on I-270), and make a left turn at the bottom of the hill. Go under the highway bridge and make another left turn up hill to the rest area (do not re-enter the highway). Visits are planned to the best downstream areas from Dam #27 up to Alton and Dam #25 and beyond as apcropriate. We will look for gulls, eagles and any other surprises 3ring plenty of lunch, snacks, and warm liquids. Remember the chill factor is oft;n severe on the river, so bring more extra layers of clothing than you think is necessary! Numerous motels of all prices,many resturants and fast food places exist between the junction of I-70 with I-270,and east on I-270 to the Mississippi River. At this time of year no advance reservations should be necessary. Tell them you are bird watchers with Missouri Audubon Exits from I-270 at Lindbergh, Hanley and Bellfountain have all the necessary food, lodging and car needs nearby. All of these exits are only 10 minutes or less from the starting point rest area. If you stay overnight Saturday, you can repeat some of the same birding spots Sunday morning before returning home. Each day can be a new deal, but nothing can be promised especially if the weather is mild. Clear severely-cold weather will cause the most ice on the river upstream and concentrate birds on any open water near the dams. Please don't try to come on these trips if new heavy snowfall has the roads in dangerous shape. 3) Where to Find the Most Eaales - In Missouri during the winter, the best location is Winfield Dam (=25) on the Mississippi River. Now the secret is out. Expect to see as many as 60 bald eagles from mid-January to mid-February if the weather stays cold enough to keep the river frozen. Winfield is on Highway 79 about 16 miles north of I-70 in eastern Missouri (Lincoln Co.). Go north on High- way 79 through Winfield (slowly) and turn right on road (N). Continue on (N) about 3 miles to the dam. Restrooms are open year-around north of the visitors parking area. A lookout platform provides a good area for scopes. Good viewing is possible all day. Numerous·lodging and food accommodations are located along I-70 at Wentzville, O'Fallon and St. Peters. Lodging is sparce along Highway 79 but does exist if you search it out. Eagles are also fairly numerous farther north on 79 at Clarks- ville (Dam #24) and more overnight lodging and eating places exist there. Most of the eagles are usually concentrated below Dam#25 where the water is open and they can feed on fish. Follow a small gravel road on the right below the dam to a ferry crossing to get closer to the eagles. Do not block this road,
37 and stay in the car to avoid flushing the eagles. Many are in the trees along the river on both sides or on tne ice in the river. Since the river is narrow here, this can be a good place for close-up eagle photos. In severely cold weather, wind your camera film very slowly to avoid tearing or breaking the film Keep the camera warmer by having it inside your coat aga1nst your body when not 1n use. Unless you like huge crowds, avoid the advertized Eagle Days. It is good that we love our eagles, but the mobs are not good for serious birding or photography. 4) Winter Bird Feedina & Feeders, (Etc.)-At our recent fall conference, Jim D. Wilson noted that according to surveys 65% of the people in Missouri feed birds. This is wonderful. I would only like to pass on some experience that may increase your enjoyment, and help to keep your birds healthy. Start your feeding before the birds really need food so they will learn the location. Start some feeding by early November. Regular feeding should start by December without interruption until early April when new buds and insects become available as a natural food source. Before your feeders are used for the season, clean them with soapy water and an old toothbrush to remove old food and any fungus or mold. Rinse twice with clean water and dry in the sun before using. If you leave town on a winter vacation, leave bird food with a neighbor and ask them to keep your feeders filled .. In early winter when the ground is clear, feeding can be skipped on some days since many natural seeds or berries are available. This forces the birds to search for several sources of food as a back-up to your supply. However in late winter most natural foods may be used up, or the food can be covered with deep snow and/or coated with thick ice. If the birds can't get natural food, they quickly die if your local feeding is interrupted. So locate your feeders - seed and suet - so you can view them from your windows. You will enjoy the birds more and remember to fill tne feeders If possibie, relocate your feeders a few feet every month. Fungus can grow in the droppings below feeders, and birds scratching on the ground for dropped seeds seeds can ingest the fungus. This can be harmful. Small black sunflower are the best for many small wintering birds. Hang feeders between poles or in other ways to make it harder for squirrels to rob them. Put out cheap feed (such as ground corn) on the ground for doves and squirrels. ETC - On a Different Note - Winter is a fine time to build a few bird houses for spring. Put tne nouses outside so the new wood can weather (and lose any stain odors before they are used in April and May. Consider houses for Bluebirds and wrens as a start. Check your local library to get a book with specifics on hole size, box dimensions and placement height. 5) Rare Bird Documentation- The state ornithologist, Jim D. Wilson, has provided the preferred.format to be followed for verifying extraordinary sight records. See form at end of this article. Note the emphasis is on describing what you actually see before resorting to field guides, and on making notes at the time of sighting rather than later. So always carry a small note pad and pen with you into the field. PLEASE accept this task as worth the time and effort to make sure our state bird records remain valid and meaningful into the future. Use the Check-list of Missouri Birds as a ouide for which birds should be documented. The most recent check-list revision-is dated March 1986, but earlier versions are still a useful guide for this purpose. This latest check-list co- author, Dr. David Easterla, suggests that documentation be submitted for: (1) all species listed as casual (only 5 to 15 state records); (2) any species shown as accidental in anyseason anystate region; and (3) all birds seen in Missouri that are not on the Missouri check-list! After taking your on-the-spot notes for exceptional sightings, call the ASM MISSOURI BIRD ALERT HOT LINE: call (314) 449-7938 so other birders can share your exper1ence. Hav1ng other birders see your bird helps to confirm your sighting. Mail a copy of your field notes to the Bluebird Bird Survey Editor: Care of Mr. Jim D. Wilson, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo. ZIP 65102. Accepted records are reported in the BLUEBIRD seasonal survey, and nationally in AMERICAN BIRDS published by National Audubon Society 950 Third Ave. New York, N.Y., 10022.
38 1. Species 2, Number _____ 3. Location 4. Date to
Desc=iption of size shape, and color-pattern (Describe n great detail all pa=ts of the plumage beak and feet col r- a tion in addition to the diagnostictic characteristicsteris tics, bu include only what was actually seen in the field,
7. Description of voice, if heard: 8, Description of habitat general and specific:
10. Similarly appearing species which are eliminated by 6, 7, & 8. Explain,
11. Distance (hew measured 12. Optical equip
13, Light (sky light on bird angle of sun):
14. previous experience with this and similarspecies: 15. other observers 16. Did the others agree with the identification? 17. observers who independently identified the bird: 18, Books, records and advice consulted, and how did these influence this description 19. How long after observing the bird did you first write this description? name and address
Signature ------Date
39 RAPTOR MIGRATION IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA-FALL, 1985
by Mark Peters 3702 Lion's Den Road Imperial, Missouri 63052 314/296-9159
(Editor's Note: This is the second in a two-part series concerning the 1985 hawk migration in St. Louis County. The first segment included a species report and general consideration of the migration. Part Two relates primarily to the migration of Broad-winged Hawks.)
In regard to our St. Louis area Broad-winged Hawk flight this writer has wondered why some years are "seemingly" so poor and others are excellent, as was this year. Increased coverage at more sites would help lessen the effect of the unknown, e.g., did the birds pass by in large numbers but went undetected because no one was there to observe them? On the other hand, as has been asked numerous times before, do flights go over so high on certain days (blue skies) that observers miss large numbers of birds? What factors are involved in Broadwing kettle/stream formation -- particularly in the sizes of these groups? That tantalizing questions are numerous.
The Broadwing flight this fall (1985) was spectacular enough that both site-restrained hawkwatchers and roving field birders alike encountered them in numbers. Why were so many deposited locally? Looking to the vagaries of the weather would seem to suggest an answer. A fortuitous dip in the jet stream passed over the St. Louis area about 23 Sept. (which historically is about the time of our peak Broadwing migration) producing a series of cold fronts and an unprecedented number of Broadwings for the next nine days.
What was happening weatherwise in Missouri and the upper Midwest previous to 23 Sept.? Thanks to high pressure to our north, the last 10 days of Aug. were cooler than normal. As the high slid to the southeast the last three days of Aug., up to and including 9 Sept. were increasingly unseasonably warm. On 9 Sept., a rather weak cold front passed through St. Louis. From 9 Sep. until 15 Sept. our weather was cooler than normal being dominated by a high to our north and northeast. A number of Broadwing migrants probably got going during this period. A southerly airflow with increasingly warmer than normal temperatures was our fair from 15 Sept. until the cold front of 23 Sept. During most of this last block of time the jet stream was diving quite far south in the west. It ran a southwest to northeast course just to the west of Missouri so for 15-23 Sept. we were to the
40 southeast of the jet in the hot air, warm air being pur.lped north by a high over Virginia. Those to the northwest and west of the jet stream were in cooler air. Generally cooler air associated with cold fronts stimulated migration (thermals form more readily) and warm air impedes migration (thermals largely absent). Also during this period, surface frontal movement was sluggish as the southwest to northeast running jet only pushed a series of low pressure surface systems from the southwest to the northeast along an essentially stationary front.
The jet stream controls the movement of surface weather systems and generally is found near the boundary of air masses with contrasting differences in temperature. This fall the timely passage of its southwest to northeast orientation over Missouri heralded in an excellent Broadwing flight period. In a nutshell it appears a uniform-paced movement of birds was occurring the cool air to the north of the jet, and the wave of birds entered our area on the crest of the cool air associated with a long-awaited surface level cold front.
Another factor may have played a role in our excellent Broadwing flight. This idea is quite hypothetical, but I've cited it before to explain the tremendous variability in observed Broadwing numbers from fall to fall in the St. Louis area. Minimizing greatly the myriad of observer-related variables influencing observed numbers of Broadwings could an excellent flight year for St. Louis (or any geographic point roughly south of Duluth for that matter) be one in which the flight line of the birds concentrated at Duluth is directed our way? Duluth is almost due north of St. Louis. It is reasonable to assume that the majority of Duluth Broadwings in heading for points south will pass mostly through Missouri and Illinois. Let us say that 25,000 Broadwings pass Duluth's Hawk Ridge in a three day period. As they pass on south the flight lines of all these birds will be variously effected by the meteorological conditions at each point the birds find themselves along this flight line. To the degree that rainy weather, wind drift, topographical features, etc., will effect the ability of the birds to migrate on a particular day, the degree to which they will be blown off course or otherwise directed by land features, etc., will determine in quite simplified form here, the ultimate distance per day travelled and in what (end sum of vectors) direction. Thus I picture the flight line from Duluth south as a zig-zag snaking line stretching roughly north to south. Some years the major flight line may pass to the west of St. Louis, some years pass immediately over (producing an exceptional year as this was?) or pass to the east of St. Louis. However, anyone, anywhere, within the range of the Broadwing should observe some variable numbers of them in migration during the appropriate migratory period and under favorable meteorological
41 conditions as the widely dispersed birds over the range should be coalescing into kettles and passing south on a broad front.
The above assumes many things including, after the birds have passed Hawk Ridge, that the birds do remain in kettles and interkettle streams of birds and that they do slowly eventually reassemble (weather permitting) beginning at dawn the morning following their descent and scattering to roost at dusk the previous evening. It also assumes that wind drift plays a significant role in altering the heading of the flight. However, it is our experience in the St. Louis area, that if winds have a strong west or northwest component that the Broadwings, instead of being blown to the east or southeast, take a more southwest or west-southwest heading so that the actual path of their flight ends up being almost due south or slightly to the west of south. More observations of Broadwings during migration under various wind directions and speeds may support or conflict with our previous observations. The birds overall over the years have been faithful to an almost due south course. ****************************** SEASONAL SURVEY EDITOR
After more than seven years as the Seasonal Survey Editor, Jim D. Wilson, the state ornithologist for the Mo. Dept. of Conservation, has chosen to limit his work to a single season. So - for those who contribute to the Seasonal Survey - here is the future plan.
Fall, 1986, will be handled by Tim Barksdale. Send your information to Tim at 221 Elliott Dr., Columbia, MD 65201. His phone is 314/443-1929 ... or use the Hotline number of 314/449-7938.
Spring, Fall, and Winter thereafter will be handled by Mark Robbins who did the Seasonal Surveys from Dec., 1976, to Mar., 1979. Mark is now a research ornithologist at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Send your information to him at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 19th and The Parkway, Longan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103. His phone is 215/299-1000.
Summer only will still be compiled by Jim D. Wilson. Address is still Mo. Dept. of Conservation, Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102-0180. Phone is 314/751-4115.
Please make sure you are filing data with the proper person. The seasons are:
Fall (Aug. 1 -Nov. 30) Winter (Dec. 1 - Feb. 28) Spring (Mar. 1 -May 31) SUir•ner (June 1 - July 31) 42 CASS CO. COUNT
For a number of years, a sunlller bird count simi 1ar to the Christmas Bird Count has been conducted in a number of areas in the Greater Kansas City region. Only one report has been forthcoming in 1986. JoAnn Garrett, the new vice-president of the Aud. Soc. of Mo., conducted the annual Cass County Count on June 14. Remember, this is not a breeding bird survey nor an atlasing project, through both may be a part. It is not a Big Day effort, either. It is a head count of the birds seen on a single day within a count circle.
Maybe one of these days, it will catch on statewide and we will have an Aud. Soc. of Mo. effort to do in the summer what we do in the Holiday season each year count!
JoAnn's report:
"June 14 was a day of mixed weather- overcast, sunny, cloudy, and a blinding deluge of rain and wind. Dedicated birders covered 584.4 miles, spending 58 hours, 45 minutes driving and hiking through Cass County. They were joined by others who monitored feeders. Field observers were Don and Ruby Campbell, JoAnn Garrett (compiler), Joan Jefferson, Marjorie Schenek, Millie Stephens, Mary Conrad, Anne Duffer, Rose Green, Bill and Marilyn Nelle, Mary Ann Waisman, Lilyan Warner. Guarding the feeders were Omelle Ament, Dicksie Gray, Jackie Hayes, Mrs. Harry Williams in Pleasant Hill, Verna Mills and Joe Werner in Harrisonville, Ms. Hazelwood Ballard in Strasbourg, and Evelyn Johnson in Peculiar.
"We had a total of 87 species and 12,127 individual birds. There was good news and bad news. The good news was the increase, once again, of Bluebirds. They increased to 224 from 138 in 1985. Bobwhite almost doubled in a year's time, and the robins continued to increase.
"We found no bitterns nor rails at the Bittern Bottoms this year. Hummingbirds were down from 35 to 18 and hawks were down considerably.
"The Great-tailed Grackle has made quite an influx into the southwest corner of Cass County. Bob and Joan Jefferson confirmed the nesting of the Great-tails and documented the sightings. These birds were also seen in the Raymore and Garden City areas. There were no Cattle Egrets sighted this year. Upland Sandpipers
43 are increas;ng and were often seen, picture perfect, perched on a fence post. I saw a hen Ring-necked Pheasant with about 10 chicks in the Raymore area. The hen was released into the wild, but the fact that she had a brood was a fine indication that pheasants will become established in Cass County.
The list:
Great Blue Heron 22, Green-backed Heron 26, Canada Goose 68, Mallard 4, Wood Duck 1, Turkey Vulture 38, Red-tailed Hawk 38, American Kestrel 25, Turkey 1, Northern Bobwhite 227, Killdeer 1871, Upland Sandpiper 22, Common Snipe 2, Rock Dove 74, Mourning Dove 280, Yellow-billed Cuckoo 44, Screech Owl 7, Great Horned Owl 15, Barred Owl 5, Chuck Will's Widow 1, Whip-poor Will 10, Common Nighthawk 2, Chimney Swift 136, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 18, Belted Kingfisher 4, Common Flicker (25 yellow-shafted, 4 red-shafted), Pileated Woodpecker 1, Red-bellied Woodpecker 26, Red-headed Woodpecker 96, Hairy Woodpecker 17, Downy Woodpecker 50, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 28, Eastern Kingbird 1768, Western Kingbird 4, Great Crested Flycatcher 41, Eastern Phoebe 42, Acadian Flycatcher 2, Eastern Wood Pewee 49, Horned Lark 32, Tree Swallow 19, Rough-winged Swallow 22, Barn Swallow 346, Purple Martin 97, Blue Jay 169, Common Crow 137, Black-capped Chickadee 150, Tufted Titmouse 82, White-breasted Nuthatch 19, House Wren 31, Bewick's Wren 1, Mockingbird 90, Gray Catbird 5, Brown Thrasher 158, American Robin 701, Eastern Bluebird 224, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 31, Loggerhead Shrike 56, Starling 586, Bell's Vireo 2, Yellow-throated Vireo 4, Red-eyed Vireo 7, Warbling Vireo 32, Northern Parula 12, Kentucky Warbler 2, Common Yellowthroat 50, House Sparrow 1993, Eastern Meadowlark 760, Western Meadowlark 3, Red-winged Blackbird 956, Orchard Oriole 19, Northern (Baltimore) Oriole 66, Common Grackle 1285, Great-tailed Grackle 58, Brown-headed Cowbird 279, Summer Tanager 5, Northern Cardinal 286, Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2, Blue Grosbeak 5, Indigo Bunting 128, Dickcissel 910, Pine Siskin 2, American Goldfinch 63, Rufous-sided Towhee 6, grasshopper Sparrow 48, Lark Sparrow 15, Chipping Sparrow 10, Field Sparrow 97, meadowlark (sp.) 250.
44 A MALE EASTERN BLUEBIRD RAISES A BROOD WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM A FRIEND
by Lawrence Herbert Box 61 Trenton, Missouri 64683
(Editor's Note: Larry Herbert recently moved to Trenton from Garden City, Kan., A food inspector for the USDA, he is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Kansas Ornithological Society and still serves on the Kansas Records Committee. He is married and has three children, has an MS from Emporia State (1974) in biology and is on tap to teach Introduction to Ornithology at Trenton Juco this spring. He is looking forward to studying the birds of North Central Missouri and to becoming a very active member of the ASM.)
This note supports the statement by Lawrence Zeleny (Sialia, 1986, Vol. 8, No. 3, p. 104) that the male Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis, will usually raise the brood after they have hatched, should the female disappear. This evidently occurred at a nesting box in front of our home in Lyon county, east-central, Kansas, in the summer of 1983.
On July 1, 1983, a pair of eastern bluebirds began building a nest, and a complete clutch of five eggs was noted by July 11. They all hatched on July 21. Both parents were noted almost daily until the hatching date. Thereafter the male apparently tended the nestlings by himself.
The nest was even checked late at night once, with a flashlight, to see if the female might be present and just continually overlooked. The brood of nearly week-old nestlings rested comfortably on their own, for no adult was present.
Then on July 29 (which was also day nine for the nestlings) a female was observed with the male on a power line above the nest. The male came to the box, entered, and very shortly, exitedand flew back up to the line by the female. The female, in turn, investigated the box, located an insect larva and entered the nest. In a few seconds she came out of the box singing vigorously, and joined the male up on the line. The pair were observed daily after that bringing insects to the nest until all five nestlings fledged on August 5.
It is unlikely that the female would disappear for over a week, and then reappear and resume parenting duties. Or is it?
It is even more unlikely that the female had been overlooked for this
45 time span since the nesting box was directly in front of our home and was regularly monitored.
Most probably, what occurred on July 29, then, is that the male brought a different female to the box, showed her that the nest contained a brood, and she assumed the duties of a foster mother.
Prior to her arrival, the nestlings were doing quite well. They appeared healthy and well fed. The weather was very warm and there were plenty of insects to be sure. The male could probably have fed the brood up to fledging time but was, no doubt, grateful for assistance as well as a new companion.
******************************
BIRDING GUIDE
The birding guide is moving slowly because Your Editor has been slow to make it move. But it is coming along. By the last of 1986, we will be putting the final touches on it.
Bear with us. Things such as making a living, trying to put together the CBCs, The Bluebird, and running a world-wide weightlifting program do cut into the free time. Just returned from a week in Vienna for the World Masters Lifting Championships and am headed to England by the time you read this to head up another world-wide lifting group.
The guide is next!!!
ASM HOTLINE
3 l4- 4 4 9-7 9 3 8
46 A SECOND HOME FOR A BABY CARDINAL
by Patrick Mahnkey PO Box 53 Forsyth, MO 65653
This is a true account of what I consider unusual bird behavior. Just how extraordinary it really is depends on how many similar phenomena other people have seen. I think it would be interesting for Bluebird readers to report similar experiences, or any extraordinary bird behavior, to their editor.
One summer in the late 1960s while I was visiting my parents in Taney County, we all observed a pair of cardinals nesting in a nursery evergreen at the corner of the house, a few feet from a kitchen window. There were three or four dark naked heads in the nest. Then one morning we were disturbed to see that the nest had been torn down by some animal during the night.
I found one lone baby supported by a flat branch a couple of feet below the nest site, but no others. I gathered pieces of the torn nest and reconstructed it, uncardinallike, in the original place. I left the baby in it, hoping the parents would continue to care for it. It seemed unhurt.
The parents were not even in sight, and I had sad feelings for the nestling as the day grew cloudy and a cool drizzle began. I peered out the window very often that cay, and I saw only the little gray head weaving back and forth.
Finally I discovered where the parents were. They were busily entering and leaving a thick cedar above the garden, about 150 feet from the kitchen. They were rapidly building a new nest. I wish I had been more observant and had noticed whether the male was actually helping or merely accompanying the female in her many flights in and out of the cedar, but I wasn't a record keeper in those days. Anyway, I gave up hope for tne little bird in the nest I had rebuilt. It seemed that the cardinal parents were going to raise a new family in a new place and forget about the old nest.
Oh joy! That afternoon I heard a sharp twit at the kitchen window. The male had returned. He had discovered the surviving baby, so probably they would give up their idea of a new family and care for the little one. The father descended with twits to the torn nest, looked for a moment at his baby, and before my unbelieving eyes he picked it
47 up His strong beak grasped the loose skin of the baby's back, and off they went. I ran to the door and watched a labored flight across the yard and garden to the thick cedar. I stared at the cedar for a long time, but there were private things going on there that I could only imagine.
For thousands of years people believed that birds and other creatures could reason as man could. Behavior such as I have described would have been a logical thing build a new home and transfer the young to it. We would not now be much surprised seeing mammals do this. But later scholars explained that blind instinct supplied all the requirements. They said this until rather recently; now they may have backed away slightly.
Still, logically, birds should not be logical, we are told. We all know that creatures have brains; but whether they have minds is a matter of definition. After seeing the valiant behavior of these cardinals, and some other examples of extraordinary behavior here and there, I tend to believe that mind, and logical mind, is more a matter of degree than of definition. It must be that in moments of great crisis nonhuman minds can also rise to the occasion. Some logical decision-making must occur.
I have wondered in recent years if the cardinals that now nest in the evergreen are descendants of the naked gray baby that got carried to the cedar home. But here a sentimental mind is working, not a logical one. ******************************
RECORDS COMMITTEE
The Missouri Records Committee will reach fruition in early 1987. Mark Robbins, who assumes the role of survey editor, will coordinate the final composition of the committee.
The committee will be composed of not less than five members and may be as many as needed to review the unusual sightings in the state and to see, as often as possible, the birds in question.
Jim D. Wilson has compiled information from surrounding states concerning record committees and has laid the groundwork for Robbins.
Jan. 1 is the target date for the finalization of the committee. It may take slightly longer.
48 CBC LINEUP
As has been the practice in recent years, The Bluebird will publish in its March issue the final compilation of the 1986 Christmas Bird Counts.
Bill Clark, your Bluebird editor, will coordinate the collection of information. He will have it reviewed by Mark Robbins, who replaces Bob Fisher, who reviewed the data the past two years. And, as usual, Becky Matthews will handle the tedious task of tabulation of the 26 or so counts.
Many of you have asked about attending more than one count. Listed below are the dates and data on the counts we had available at press time. Be sure to check with the appropriate person before taking off.
Dec. 16 or 17 - New-Mac. Contact Norma Crews, RFD 5, Box 33A, Neosho, MO. Phone is 417/451-7651. Meet under the sign at Consumer's Market on Neosho Blvd. in Neosho. 7:45 a.m.
Dec. 19 - Squaw Creek NWR. Mark Robbins in charge. May be reached in Missouri after Dec. 15 at 816/582-3764. Meet at refuge HQ bldg. not later than 7:15 a.m.
Dec. 20 -Columbia. Contact Don Duncan, 221 West Brandon Rd., Columbia, 65201. Phone is 314/449-5260. Assignments made in advance. No general meeting site.
St. Joseph. Contact Mike McKenzie, RFD 1, Box 145, Agency, Mo 64401. Phone (home 816/253-9442 or (work) 816/238-5671. Assignments in advance.
Jefferson city Will be handled by Jim D. Wilson, the state ornithologist, Contact Jim at Mo. Dept. of Conservation, Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102. Prone at home is 314/634-3312. Office is 314/751-4115. Springfield This is usually a huge group so contact in advance: Jim key 2278 Inglewood, Spri ngfi e1 d, Mo. 65804. No phone avail ab 1e. A lot of planning precedes this count, so please contact Jim in advance if you plan to visit.
Poplar Bluff- Contact Vic Moss, RFD 9, Box 109, Poplar Bluff, Mo. 63901. Prone is 314/686-3173. Call in advance.
49 SE Kansas city Bob Fisher will be the man in charge. His address is 3114 So. Norton, Independence, Mo. 64056. No other details available.
Dec. 21 - Jackass Bend. Contact Chris Hobbs, 8848 Gallery, Shawnee Mission, Kan., 66215. Phone: 913/492-0983. Contact in advance.
Montrose WA. Contact John Belshe, Biology Dept., Cent. Mo. State Univ., Warrensburg, Mo., 64093. Home ph: 816/747-7848. Office: 816/429+4838. Must be contacted prior to Dec. 14.
North Cass County. JoAnn Garrett. 1608 Southwind Dr., Raymore, Mo 64083. Phone: 816/322-1580. Assignments in advance.
Dec. 22 -Swan Lake. Handled by Columbia Aud. Soc. Contact Jim Wallace, 303 Westwood, Columbia, Mo. 65201. Phone is 314/443-8920. Or meet the group at 7 a.m., at the Federa 1 Headquarters at 7 a.m. -- not the state check-in building.
Dec. 26- Big Oak Tree State Park. Contact Jim Haw, 1262 Daly Dr., New Haven, Ind., 46774. After Dec. 21, contact Jim at 314/683-6103. That is in Charleston, Mo. Meet at truck stop on SW corner of Charleston-East Prairie interchange on 1-57.
Dec. 27 - Taney County. Contact Jerry Dobbs, 3163 W. Village Lane, Springfield, Mo. 65807. Phone: 417/883-3950. Meet either at 7 a.m. at Venture Parking Lot, SW corner of Glanstone (Business Loop 65) and Battlefield Rd. in Springfield or at 8 a.m. in parking lot of Friendship Inn, west of entrance to School of Ozarks. Take County VV Hwy right (west) from US 65 two miles south of Branson.
Trimble. Contact Chris Hobbs, 8848 Gallery, Shawnee Mission, Kan. 66215. Phone: 913/492-9083. Assignments in advance.
Sullivan- Contact Kathryn Springer, RFD 2, Box 111, Bourbon, Mo. 65441. Phone is 314/468-6259. Contact in advance.
Dec. 28 - Weldon Spring. Contact Tom Parmeter, 2270 Love Lane, Florissant, Mo. 63031. Phone: 314/921-6017. Meet at Busch WA HQ Bldg. at 8 a.m.
50 Jan. 3 - Dallas County. Contact Jeff Hayes, PO Box 963, Buffalo, Mo 65622. No phone. Meet at Victorian Steak House, NW corner of US 65 and Mo. Hwy 32 (stoplight) in Buffalo. 7:30 a.m. for assignment.
Orchard Farm- Contact Randy Korotev, 800 Oakbrook Lane, St. Louis, Mo. 63132. Phone: 314/993-1105 at home or 314/889-5637 at work. Contact in advance. Mingo NWR. Contact Steve Dilks, 513 No. A, Farmington, Mo. 63640. Phone: 314/756-6067. Meet at Puxico Restaurant at 6:15a.m. Restaurant opens at 6 a.m. for quick meal. Located east of caution light on Hiway PP, then south on Hawks St.
Dates for the following had not been received at press time. Last year's compiler is listed after the count. Contact those people if you would like to attend and help.
Gray Summit - Donald Hays, RFD 4, Box 307, Union, Mo. 63084.
Hannibal - Jim Shaw, 3901 Cheyenne, Hannibal, Mo. 63401.
Knob Noster - Will be held for sure. Ken Hollinga will conduct the count, but has yet to establish a date. Jan. 2 is a possibility. Ken's address is 835 Westover Terrace, Whiteman AFB, Mo. 65305.
Maremec spring Harriet Graham, Box 310, HCR 75, Laquey, Mo. 65534.
Maryville- Dave Easterla, 1420 No. Det1ey, Maryville, Mo. 64468.
Whetstone- Rea Windosr, RFD 3, Montgomery City, Mo. 63361.
Patterson will not be held this year and the fate of the nonsanctioned Overton count remains to be determined.
If you are in the Columbia area and are interested in two small counts limited to a small area, the Columbia Audubon Society will count on its tw land holdings as follows:
Wild Haven wi1dl ife Area - Dec. 30. A1 bert Area - Dec. 31.
For info on either, contact Jeanne Barr, 1416 Sylvan lane, Columbia, mo 65202. The phone is 314/449-4063.
51 THE index president's page page 1 The Fall meeting 2 Photo Contest Winners 4 ren Best 3irds of 1985-86 5 Birds of the Fall Meeting 7 Loomis's leave 8 Treasurer's Report 9 AVES Expedition 10 Feeder Survey 11 Conservation comments by Jim jackson - 12 Poem - Syrvia Spotts 13 Summer Survey by Jim D. Wilson 14 Bald Eagle Nests by Sheryl Tatom 19 Notes of a Missouri Naturalist by Peter Goldman 21 Help the Hotline 23 Range Expansion of the Great-tailed Grackle in Missouri by Mark Robbins and Dr. David Easterla Page 24 Evidence of an increasing Nesting Population of Swainson's Hawks in missouri by Brian Toland--28 MDC Tapes 32 ASM and Audubon 33 Natural Events Calendar 35 ASM for Christmas 35 Missouri Birding Adventures for Einer by Paul Bauer - 36 Documentation Form 39 Raptor Migration in the St. Louis Area - Fall, 1985 by Mark Peters 40 Seasonal Survey Editors 42 Cass County Count 43 A Male Eastern Bluebird Raises a Brood by Lawrence Herbert - 45 Birding Guide for Hissouri 46 A Second Home for a Baby Cardinal by Patrick Mahnkey - 47 Records committee CBC Lineup Index
52 AUDUBON ORGANIZATIONS IN MISSOURI
NA Audubon Society of Missouri
N Burroughs Audubon Society Iansas City
N Chariton Valley Audubon Society Kirksville
MN Columbia Audubon Society Columbia
MN East Ozark Audubon Society Farmington
M Elsberry Garden Club Elsberry
MN Four Seasons Audubon Society Cape Girardeau
N Grand Gulf Audubon Society Mountain View
MN Greater Ozarks Audubon Society Springfield
M Hawthorn Garden Club Jefferson City
MN Midland Empire Audubon Society St. Joseph
M Northeast Missouri Natural History Club Hannibal
MN Ozark Gateway Audubon Society Joplin
N Ozark Rivers Audubon Society Rolla
MN River Bluffs Audubon Society Jefferson City MN Scenic Rivers Audubon Society Poplar Bluff
N St. Louis Audubon Society St. Louis
M Webster Groves Nature Study Society St. Louis N Chapter, National Audubon Society NA Affiliate, National Audubon Society M Affiliate, Audubon Society of Missouri
SCHEDULB OF MEMBERSHIP DUES
All duea should be aent with your name, address, and zip to Mr Sydney Wade, 2114 St Louis Road, Jefferson City MO 65101
Regular • $7.00 Contributing $20.00 Family. .a.oo Benefactor. 50.00 Student 5.00 *Affiliate (Individual) 5.00 Sustaining, 10,00 •Affiliate (Organization) .12.00 Patron (Life Member) 100.00 An Organization in accord with the purposes and activities of the Audubon Society of Missouri becomes Affiliate Organization upon payment of dues according to a sliding scale based upon membership: $12.00 for the first 200 mem bers and $12.00 more for each additional 400 members or fraction thereof. individuals belonging to an affiliate Organization may join the Audubon Society of missouri (membership includes a sub- scription to the bluebirdfor $5.00 - provided their dues are remitted through their local treasurer.
Bluebird is the official quarterly publication of the Audubon Society of Missouri. Articles, eaaaye and stories on all phases of natural history and conservation are invited and will be printed within the limits of available apace. Copy to be used should reach the editor by february 1, May . l., August l. or Novemb er 1, for use in the next issue, Audubon Society of Missouri c/o Sydney Wade NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION 2114 St. Louis Road U.S. POSTAGE Jefferson City MO 65101 P A I D Address Correction Requested Jefferson City, Mo. Return Postage Guaranteed Permit No. 233