OREGON BIRDS is a quarterly publication of Oregon Field Ornithol• ogists. Oregon Birds is printed at the University of Oregon Press. Member• Oregon Field Ornithologists ship in Oregon Field Ornithologists is on an annual basis and includes a sub• scription to Oregon Birds. ISSN 0890-2313

Editor Owen Schmidt 15 -16 -17 June 1990 Associate Editor Jim Johnson Assistant Editor Sharon K. Blair OREGON FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS TCi@ ta at Hoodrahfeir ViStag ® IR®s@oi President Bill Stotz, Florence (1990)) Hood River, Oregon Secretary Donna J. Lusthoff, Beaverton (1990)) Treasurer Kit Larsen, Eugene (1990) Past President Larry Thornburgh, North Bend Directors David A. Anderson, Portland (1988-90) David Irons, Beaverton (1989-91) Tom Mickel, Eugene (1988-90) Tim Shelmerdine, Lake Oswego (1989-91) American Dipper OREGON BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE Secretary Harry Nehls, Portland (1991) Members Tom Crabtree, Bend (1989-91) Jim Carlson, Eugene (1990-92) Jeff Gilligan, Portland (1990-92) David Irons, Beaverton (1990-91) Jim Johnson, Portland (1990-92) Larry McQueen, Eugene 1988-90) Harry Nehls, Portland (1988-90) Owen Schmidt, Portland (1988-90) Steve Summers, Klamath Falls (1989-91) Alternates Nick Lethaby, Portland (1990) Alan McGie, Corvallis (1990) Jim Rogers, Port Orford (1990) Tom Staudt, Portland (1990) Linda Weiland, Portland (1990) • Harlequin Duck • Calliope Hummingbird • Williamson's Sapsucker • Black-backed Woodpecker • Purple Martin • American Dipper • Rosy Finch • Oregon Biids OREGON BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE © 1990 Omi ho Andereoini ° BM Sfiiehmcniliinie ° Christy Galen ° OREGON FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS Qnar Corcoran ° IR©fo©ecai Gogjgoros P.O. Box 10373 Eugene, OR 97440 Oregon Field Ornithologists OFO's llth Annual Meeting REGISTRATION FORM • Registration deadline 10 June 1990 • No Saturday banquet registrations accepted after 10 June • All registrations received by I June will get written confirmation; later 15 -16 -17 June 1990 registrants should call David A Anderson for confirmation • See reverse side for field trip sign up Call David A. Anderson with your questions — (503J775-5963

Fl in for each participant Hood River, Oregon Name Phone Address City State Zip

Name Phone lag ®¥®Poinii, IS JOT® 199©' Address • Registration — 4:30 - 7:00 pm, The Inn at Hood River Village Resort City State Zip • Evening Programs — 7:00 - 9:00 pm - Scenes of Hood River County, a slide program by David A. Anderson Name Phone - Columbia River Gorge Geology, by Bill Shelmerdine Address - Lewis'Woodpeckers, Wasco County, by Christy Galen City State Zip

SafafltrdtaiB, IS JOT© 1990 USE ADOmOtWl SWTS IF USDS) All field trips leave at 7:00 am. Meet at the parking lot at The Inn. • Dufur Mill Road, Hood River Valley EACH NUMBER TOTAL • Columbia River Gorge Registration OFO member $12.00

• Big Day style birding for serious county listers non-OFO member $15.00 Buffet dinner (with tip) $13.75 Saturday afternoon,The Inn Vegetarian dinner $13.75 • 4:00 pm, Business Meeting, OFO Board and OFO Members • 5:00 - 6:00 pm, Social Hour Box lunch Saturday $7.50 Saturday evening. The Inn • Turkey • Ham It Cheese • Roast Beef • 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Banquet Sunday $7.50 •7:30 - 9:30 pm, Programs • Turkey • Ham it Cheese • Roast Beef - Mt. Hood Wetlands and Wildlife Watch, Char Corcoran 1990 OFO Membership Individual $16.00 - Ponderosa and Lodgepole Pine Old-Growth Indicator Species, Rebecca Goggins Family $18.00 TOTAL ENCLOSED Smdl€)|, IT? JOT® 199© Make checks payable to OFO or Oregon Held Ornithologists Mail this form by 10 June 1990 to All field trips leave at 7:00 am. Meet at the parking lot at The Inn. • Dufur Mill Road, Hood River Valley David A. Anderson • Columbia River Gorge

Detailed agenda will be available at registration 6203 S.E. 92nd Avenue Portland, OR 97266 MEMBERSHIP IN OFO BRINGS YOU

Oregon Field Ornithologists • Oregon Birds — OFO's quarterly journal with news briefs of interest to Oregon birders • short notes and articles on status and identification of Oregon's birds • bird-finding guides to Oregon's better birding spots and /^rFlffiYM£.l) o rarer species • reviews of printed material of interest to Oregon's birders. > • Proceedings of the Oregon Bird Records Committee — OFO members stay current on the rare birds of Oregon. CO 16 -17 June 1990 Bf • Annual meetings — As a member, you are invited to participate in 3 OFO's birding meetings, held at some of Oregon's top O birding spots. Field Trip So§M[p O Harlequin Duck • Publications — OFO pub• Osprey c lishes useful field cards and other field checklists accurate according Caspian Tern to the checklist of Oregon birds pre• Band-tailed Pigeon u pared by the Oregon Bird Records Calliope Hummingbird Committee. Red-breasted Sapsucker Williamson's Sapsucker Black-backed Woodpecker FOR USE IN 1990 ONLY Purple Martin r OREGON FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS Clark's Nutcracker APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP & Rock Wren MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL American Dipper u Yellow-breasted Chat r 1. Rosy Finch Name 2. Address 3. Columbia River Gorge City State Zip 4. Hood River Valley Telephone

Dufur Mill Road 5. • $16.00 Individual 6. • Renewal • $18.00 Family • New member Big Day style • $25.00 Sustaining Wahtum Lake (easy hike) • $ Oregon Fund tor Ornithology Cloud Cap (strenuous hike) 7. Make check payable to Oregon Field Ornithologists or OFO, and mail to the Treasurer, P.O. Box 10373, Eugene, OR 97440 Describe your reasons for your identification: your familiarity with the species, field guides used, similar species that were eliminated, references that were consulted, etc. Oregon Riids Volume 16 Number 2, Summer 1990

Nows and Notes 119

I nfbrmation Wanted on Oregon's Birds 127

< !olor-marked Birds in Oregon 131 Describe the circumstances of the observation: light conditions, position of the sun, distance to the bird, duration of observation, equipment used, time of day, time of tide, etc. FEATURES

1989 Oregon Listing Results 139 Steve Summers

Bird Surveys of the Little Blitzen River in Southeast Oregon, Summer 1987 147 CD. Littlefield

PIELDNOTES 170

Eastern Oregon, Fall 1989 171 David A. Anderson

Add the names (and addresses and phone numbers if known) of other observers who may have identified the bird. Western Oregon, Fall 1989 180 Jim Johnson

Announcement 6. PHOTOS, RECORDINGS. Stale whetherphotos were taken or video or sound recordings Portland Audubon Society 118 were made. OBRC will duplicate and return original slides and tapes promptly. Donations of slide duplicates (OB RC prefers a double set) and copies of recordings may be considered a tax-deductible expense! (!over Little Gull, 26 November 1989, John Day Dam, Sherman Co.

7. SIGNATURE, DATE. Sign this form, and date it for when it was filled out. Photo I Gerard Lillie.

OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 117, Summer 1990 News and Notes

• OFO's 11th annual meeting is scheduled for OFO's 11th IT'S HERE! II) 17 June 1990, at The Inn at Hood River. Speak• annual er s a re scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings meeting, 15- with field trips Saturday and Sunday morning. The 17 June 1990, annual banquet will be held on Saturday evening after a late afternoon membership/board meeting Hood River THE The book Oregon Birders have been and cocktail hour. Field trips will explore various BIRDER'S waiting for! areas of Hood River County in order to acquaint After two years, Joe Evanich's Birder's birders with the variety of birds to be found there. GUIDE Guide to Oregon is off the press and ()ther field trips will be offered for those birders who TO onto the required reading list. arc hard-core county listers. Since Hood River is a OREGON popular wind surfing area, anyone who is interested Joseph t. Evanich, Jr. • Up-to-date listings of over 100 of in attending the annual meeting should make plans Oregon's top birding sites Hoon. Registration materials and further informa• • 36 page Bird finding guide tion will be sent to all OFO members in March. • Exhaustive Bibliography David A. Anderson, 6203 S.E. 92nd Avenue, Port• • Complete list of Oregon's Birding land, OR 97266. Organizations • Complete checklist of Oregon birds • The Oregon Shorebird Festival returns to the • Wire-o bound for easy use Oregon I Iregon Institute of Marine Biology 7-9 September • Coated for weather resistance Shorebird l!)90. Keynote speaker will be Larry Mangan from Festival, 7-9 the Bureau of Land Management, who will talk about the New River area of September Coos County. Terrestrial field 1990 Books are available in your local Bookstore, or they may be ordered directly trips will include the New from the Portland Audubon Society. River as well as To order, send $12.95 plus $2.00 for postage and handling to: Bandon Marsh Birder's Guide and Cape Arago. Portland Audubon Society Pelagic trips will 5151 N.W. Cornell Road be scheduled. OFO Portland, OR 97210 members will get a flyer ^ * in the mail this summer. VISA or MasterCard orders may be placed by phone at (503)292-6855. [ Larry Thornburgh, 2058 Cedar I Court, North Bend, OR 97459, yU jj* » (503)756-4281. SPECIAL NOTE! Joe Evanich will be at the Portland Audubon Society to talk birding and sign books on Sunday afternoon, June 24, from 2 pm to 4 pm. Be sure to stop by for an autographed copy. • Portland Audubon Society announced The its newest publication, The Birder's Guide to Oregon, Birder's by Joe Evanich. The 288-page durable-bound book Guide to is the first state-wide bird finding guide published CorOregon since Fred Ramsey's 1978Birding Oregon. Oregon It is sure to be on every Oregon birder's shelf, if not o n the dash or under the front seat. Over 100 birding OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 119, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 118, Summer 1990 sphere Shorebird Reserve Net• sites are detailed. Individual copies may be ordered work. For more information, for $14.95 postpaid. Birder's Guide, Portland write WHSRN, National Audubon Society, 5151 N.W. Cornell Road, Port• Audubon Society, 550 South land, OR 97210, (503)292-6855. Bay Avenue, Islip, NY 11751, (516)224-3731. Birding in • The Audubon Society of Corvallis announced Corvallis its newest publication, Birding in Corvallis, by Elzy • Progress continues on Oregon bird Eltzroth. "This attractive 5-1/2 by 8-12 inch, 11- "construction and mainte• data base page booklet provides detailed maps of the 6 largest nance of a statewide data base city parks, the Oregon State University campus, and for Oregon's fish and wildlife, the Waste Water Treatment Plant. It lists over 130 itiid marine mammals." "The species informational species of birds which may be found in the proper system will incorporate information on about 650 habitat and season, as well as the rare birds found species following the 'Procedures for Describing Fish within the Urban Growth Boundary since 1973." Mid Wildlife'format." For more information, contact Individual copies may be ordered for $3.00 postpaid. l.nrry Bright, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Karan Fairchild, Audubon Society of Corvallis, 31540 P.O. Box 59, Portland, OR 97207, (503)229-5463. Homestead Road, Philomath, OR 97370. • PAS announced several trips of interest to OBRC • The Oregon Bird Records Committee met in Oregon birders. "Birds and Natural History of Portland highlights Portland on 14 April 1990. Harry Nehls was ap• Southeast Arizona" 4-11 August 1990, led by David Audubon pointed Secretary after Tom Staudt declined to be I.uke and Eric Horvath; "Rogue River" 24-27 June Society renominated. Recent American Ornithologists' 1990, led by James Davis; and "Grande Ronde River" Union name changes (for example, California Tow- 28-28 June 1990, led by Peter Paquet. For more birding trips hee for Brown Towhee) and splits (Western Fly• i nformation contact Portland Audubon Society, 5151 catcher into Cordilleran and Pacific-slope Flycatch• N.W. Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210, (503)292- ers) were adopted for the Oregon checklist. Barred 6855. Owl was removed from the Review List, so reports of this species are no longer solicited. The Committee • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has an• voted not to republish the category of "species not on nounced a decision to review the status of Bald Bald Eagle the checklist" — a list of species for which reports Kagles "in preparation of a proposal to either reclas• status review have been received but no records have been ac• sify or delist the species." Bald Eagles are now listed cepted. A number of records were voted on. The next as threatened in Oregon, and endangered elsewhere OBRC meeting will be held at the time and place of (except Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the 1991 OFO annual meeting. Oregon birders may Michigan). "Whereas the results of the 1989 breed- continue to send their rare bird reports to the OBRC i ng season are not yet fully reported, the Service can at OFO's address in Eugene — P.O. Box 10373, nevertheless account for a minimum of 2,660 occu• Eugene, OR 97440, or directly to Harry Nehls, OBRC pied bald eagle breeding territories in the lower 48 Secretary, 2736 S.E. 20th Avenue, Portland, OR states, with reproduction of approximately 1.0 young 97202. per active territory nationwide." The official com• ment period ended in March 1990, but for more Oregon • ASanderlingbandedatClatsopSpitinOregon i nformation contact Daniel L. James, Wildlife Biolo•

Sanderling in m May 1984 was seen on an Earthwatch expedition gist, Fish and Wildlife Enhancement, U.S. Fish and fjje on 6 March 1986. The bird was seen by Margery Wildlife Service, Federal Building, Fort Snelling, Galapagos Plymire near Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos. Twin Cities, MN 55111. Reference: 55 Federal

" s This information appeared in Network News 3(1): 2, Register 4209-4212, 7 February 1990. May 1990, the publication of the Western Hemi- OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 121, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 120, Summer 1990 n i • i 111 c n t and habitat im• Oregon's • The Oregon Endangered Species Act is in• provement from upland threatened tended to keep state agencies from adversely affect• In ids. This year's stamp and ing species listed as endangered or threatened by will feature a Ruffed endangered the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The (! rouse. Sales of 53,500 species status of every listed species is reviewed every 5 stamps are expected, years. Oregon's endangered bird species are: Short- yielding $267,500, and tailed Albatross, Brown Pelican, Aleutian Canada I he sale of prints should Goose, American Peregrine Falcon, and California cenerate another Least Tern. Oregon's threatened species are: Bald $175,000. KenDurbin, Eagle, Arctic Peregrine Falcon, Western Snowy Oregon Department of Plover, and Northern Spotted Owl. Oregon Depart• Fish and Wildlife, P.O. ment of Fish and Wildlife, Nongame and Watchable Box 59, Portland, OR Wildlife Programs, P.O. Box 59, Portland, OR 97207. <)7207.

Malheur • Malheur Field Station announced an expanded Field Station bookstore, with a new bookshelf built during Volun• • The Library of Natural Sounds (LNS) at Cor• Custom bird bookstore teer Work Week. Be sure to stop in while birding nell University has substantially upgraded its facili• tapes Malheur NWR this spring and summer. Annemarie ties. Recordings are stored in an automated climate- Housley, Special Services Manager, Malheur Field controlled storage area. Original recordings sent for Station, HC 72 Box 260, Princeton, OR 97721, a rchiving are level matched before being duplicated. (503)493-2629. Two first-generation copies are made simultane• ously. One is archived in the LNS collection, the Malheur • Thanks to OFO members who supported Mark Other off site in a climate-controlled safety facility; Field Station Smith's birdathon to raise money for Malheur Field There are 3 work studios with trained technicians to birdathon Station in December 1989. See OB 15(4): 262, assist on-site visitors. LNS is able to custom load Winter 1989. Mark spotted 293 birds during the high quality audio cassettes to a maximum length of birdathon in Costa Rica, including plenty oftoucans, 60 minutes. Greg Budny, Curator, Library of Natu• parrots, and antbirds. The donations came to ral Sounds, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, 159 Malheur at a crucial time and helped the Field Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, (607)254- Station through a tough winter. Remember to make 2404. your reservations early for summer and fall birding in the area. Malheur Field Station, HC 72 Box 260, • A one-of-a-kind parabolic reflector with re• Custom Princeton, OR 97721, (503)493-2629. mote robotic positioner is available for $1200.00, or parabolic best offer. This was a test model, and is not in reflector Still a few • The Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society still production. You'll need your own microphone and left! has a few 1987 commemorative belt buckles free to recorder. Barbara Miller, Office Manager, Oregon donors. The impressive pewter buckle is suitable for Incorporated Industries, 1172 Old Salem Highway, gift-giving or pants-wearing. Your $10 donation will Albany, OR 97321, (503)967-6462. net you a serially-numbered hunk of metal (one of only 250) and a year's membership. Minnesota • The Nature Sounds Society sponsors its Sixth Field Prairie Chicken Society, P.O. Box 823, Detroit Lakes, Annual Field Recording Workshop 15-17 June 1990, MN 56502. recording at the San Francisco State University Field Station workshop at Yuba Pass. This workshop has sold out in the New Upland • A $5 Upland Bird Stamp will be required of past. A packing list and map will be sent to regis• Bird Stamp Oregon hunters pursuing upland birds in 1990. trants. $120 for Nature Sounds Society members, Proceeds from the new stamp will be used for man OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 123, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 122, Summer 1990 $130 for non-members. Adam Liberman, Annual • "Cleaning Binocular Lenses" is a free reprint Free reprint Field Workshop, 1846 Spruce Street #21, Berkeley, from Birding June 1988. Even though you saw it CA 94709, (415)549-9364. In-re, please say you saw it in Ornithological News• letter 75: 7, April 1990. Mr. Birding Equipment, Birding in • "Books for Nature" is a grassroots organiza• LSI] North L Street, Lake Worth, FL 33460. developing tion that sends field guides, technical literature, and countries basic field research equipment to libraries, teachers, • Running tally of the birds of the Oregon rare Rare birds and field biologists in developing countries. "Our bird phone network (and afew we learned about too goal is to encourage the growth of conservation late for the phone network): biology as a science and an ethic by increasing Tufted Duck, 17 February 1990, Cave Junction and knowledge of the natural world. We try to get our K i rby sewage ponds, Josephine Co., by June Babcock; books and field equipment free or at considerable - Yellow-billed Loon, 19 February 1990, Netarts Bay, discounts and send them where they are needed Tillamook Co., by Tim and Bill Shelmerdine; and with visiting researchers or by post." Please contact - Little Blue Heron, 11 March 1990, near Brownsmead, by letter before sending more than 1 box of material. < Matsop Co., by Mike Patterson and Harry Nehls. Books for Nature, do Bernie Tershy, Neurobiology and Behavior, Seeley G. Mudd Hall, Cornell Univer• sity, Ithaca, NY 14853, (607)255-2255, ext. 370. • 15-17 June 1990, Oregon Field Ornithologists, 11th Meetings & annual meeting, The Inn at Hood River, Hood River, events Lane guides • The American Birding Association (ABA) has Oregon. David A. Anderson, 6203 S.E. 92nd Avenue, assumed ownership of the 7 titles in the well-known Portland, OR 97266. Lane guide series (Southern California, Texas Coast, • 18-24 June 1990, American Birding Association Rio Grande, Florida, Churchill, Southeast Arizona, BOD vention, Fort Collins Marriot Hotel, Fort Collins, Colo• Eastern Colorado). Titles will be added to the series rado. Lectures, workshops, field trips (Rocky Mountain National Park, the Pawnee National Grasslands, and the using the Lane format of loop trips, specialties of the ArnpahoeNationalWildlifeRefuge). ABA P.O. Box 6599, region, and bar graphs showing seasonal occur• (Jolorado Springs, CO 80934-6599, (800)634-7736. rence. Potential authors of new titles are solicited. • 25 June - 30 June 1990, American Ornithologists' ABA Sales, P.O. Box 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 11 tiion and Cooper Ornithological Society joint meeting in 80934, (800)634-7736. I />s Angeles, CA. AOU/COS Local Committee, Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, 1100 Glen don Avenue, Run a • For the past 25 year s the Breeding Bird Survey Suite 1400, Los Angeles, CA 90024. breeding has remained the only program in the world that • 24-26 August 1990, Western Bird Banding Associa• bird survey provides continental information, within a statisti• tion, Edmonton, Alberta. Brian Hornby, 202 5008-86 cally reliable framework, for populations of any Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5S2 Canada, (403)468- group of vertebrates. We have surveys in every L602. state, province, and territory in North America. • 7-9 September 1990, Oregon Shorebird Festival. Larry However, the program exists only through an inter• Thornburgh, 2058 Cedar Court, North Bend, OR 97459, national network of volunteer surveyors. To qualify, (503)756-4281. an observer must have good hearing and know all • 11-14 November 1990, a national symposium on the songs and calls of the local birds. Surely you can in ban wildlife, Stouffer Five Seasons Hotel, Cedar Rap- ida, Iowa. Lowell Adams, Symposium Program Chair• spare one morning during the breeding season to man, National Institute for Urban Wildlife, 10921 Trot• run a roadside count. Breeding Bird Survey, U.S. ting Ridge Way, Columbia, MD 21044, (301)596-3311. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, MD 20708, • 21-27 November 1990, 20th World Conference of the (301)498-0330. International Council for Bird Preservation, Hamilton, New Zealand. Conference Makers Limited, P.O. Box !> 12(i, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 124, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 125, Summer 1990 • 2-9 December 1990, XX International Ornithologi• cal Congress in Christchurch, New Zealand. "This impor• Information Wanted on tant scientific occasion will provide the focus for a wide range of international events celebrating aspects of The World of Birds — a Southern Perspective.'" Dr. Ben D. Oregon's Birds Bell, Secretary-General, XX International Ornithological Congress, Department of Zoology, Victoria University, Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand. Note to OB readers: OB publishes information requests that may be of interest to Oregon's birders. The ending notation in brackets shows the first • 15 December 1990 - 2 January 1991, inclusive, 91st issue of OB in which the request appeared. This is a comprehensive listing of all Christmas Bird Count, National Audubon Society, 950 known and outstanding requests for information that have been m ade known to Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Oregon Birds. • 15 -19 May 1991, Cooper and Wilson Ornithological Societies, joint annual meeting, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK. I am preparing short accounts of the status of 100 sensitive Sensitive species of Oregon vertebrates under a contract with the nongame • 13-17 August 1991, 109th stated meeting of the program of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and species American Ornithologists' Union, Montreal, Quebec, Can• the Portland Audubon Society. Unpublished information is ada. needed on the status of the following bird species: Horned • 24-30 November 1991, Neotropical Ornithology Con• Grebe (breeding population); Least Bittern, Harlequin Duck gress, Quito, Ecuador. Nancy Hilgert de Benavides, Sec• (breeding population); Spruce Grouse; Barn Owl (in northeast• retary, Organization Committee, IV Neotropical Orni• ern Oregon); Horned Lark (in the Willamette Valley); Bank thology Congress, Casilla 9068 S-7, Quito, Ecuador. Swallow (breeding population); Western Bluebird (popula• tions outside those using nesting boxes); Grasshopper Spar• • 14 December 1991 - 2 January 1992, inclusive, 92nd row; Bobolink; Tricolored Blackbird (breeding colonies); and Christmas Bird Count, National Audubon Society, 950 Western Meadowlark (in the Willamette Valley). Credit will Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. be given for information used. [OB 15(4)1 David B. Marshall, • 17 December 1992 - 3 January 1993, inclusive, 93rd 4265S.W. Chesapeake Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, (503)244- Christmas Bird Count, National Audubon Society, 950 3837. Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Information is requested on sightings of Common Loons in Common Oregon. The Northwest Ecological Institute is studying pre- Loons 0 breeding behavior and possible nesting in Oregon. Sightings of Common Loons on freshwater lakes in Oregon from May through August are needed. Any observations of pairs, fights, or gatherings from spring or summer anywhere in Oregon (including offshore), would be appreciated. [OB 13(1); OB Birding 14(3)] Char Corkran, Vice President I Treasurer, Northwest in Ecological Research Institute, 13640 N.W. Laid law Road, Portland, OR 97229, 643-1349. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is attempting to deter• Coastal mine Tundra and Trumpeter Swan use areas on the Oregon coast. Information needed is good location data, date, time of swans day, behavior, and age if possible. Look for neck and leg bands. [OB 13(1); 14(4)] Roy Lowe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Science Center, Newport, OR 97365,867-3011 ext. 270. The Trumpeter Swan Society is looking for sightings of Trumpeter Trumpeter Swans anywhere in Oregon outside the usual nesting area in Harney Co. Information needed is good Swans location data, date, time of day, and behavior — and your

Merlin (ElzyJ name, address, and phone number. Please note neck collar in• formation, date of sighting, location of sighting, and the pres• ence of other swans. [OB 13(1)] DavidPaullin, P.O. Box 113, Burns, OR 97720. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 126, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 127, Summer 1990 Coastal The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is attempting to deter• I am interested in locating all specimens of Sandhill Cranes Sandhill mine Canada Goose use areas along the Oregon coast. Obser• (skins, skeletons, egg sets) from California, Oregon, Washing• Geese vations of any subspecies of Canada Goose including the ton, British Columbia, and Alaska. I have been studying the Crane introduced Great Basin Canada Goose are needed, but espe• distribution, abundance, and population status of cranes in specimens cially of Aleutian and Dusky Canada Geese. Record date, these areas and want to evaluate the body size/egg size rela• location, time of day, and subspecies. If you are not sure of the tionships from the Pacific rim of North America. Please send subspecies, note the relative size of the birds, color of the a list of specimens, includingmuseum number, collection date, breast, presence or absence of a neck ring, etc. Reports of Brant and locality. [OB 16(2)] Tom Pogson, Biology and Wildlife, are also wanted. On all geese, look for neck collars and leg University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK99775-1780. bands. [OB 13(1); 14(4)] Roy Lowe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Science Center, Newport, OR 97365,867-3011 Information is requested on inland and at-sea records of Marbled ext. 270. Marbled Murrelets in Oregon. Recent and dated observations are needed of murrelets along rivers or creeks, in forested Murrelet A future issue of Oregon Birds will focus on Oregon's birds areas, in bays, at river mouths, and off shore. Details should sightings Oregon of prey, which may include shrikes and ravens in addition to include date, time of day, specific location, number of birds, birds of hawks and owls — depending on the amount of material age, plumage, andbehavior. [OB 15(4)] S.KimNelson, Oregon prey available. I am interested in information in these categories: Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Oregon State University, status and distribution of particular species or groups of 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-3803, (503)737-4531. species (Gyrfalcon, accipiters, etc.); an historic account of the Mark A. Stern, Oregon Natural Heritage Data Base, 1205N.W. status of a particular species from the time of earliest records 25th Avenue, Portland, OR 97210, (503)229-5078. up to the present; the status of falconry in Oregon; individual observations of raptor behavior, food habits, etc.; and good Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists are Yellow- photos of Oregon raptors. If you have material or an observa• interested in Yellow-billed Cuckoo sightings. See OB 12(2): 70 billed tion, please contact me for developing a note or article. [OB for an interest announcement. If you located a Yellow-billed 14(4)] Bob O'Brien, 19251 S.E. Highway 224, Clackamas, OR Cuckoo in Oregon, please be aware that this species is also a Cuckoos 97015. "review species" and the Oregon Bird Records Committee asks forreports. [OB 12(2)] BillHaight, Oregon Department of Fish A seasonal raptor inventory and survey is being conducted & Wildlife, 506 S.W. Mill Street, P.O. Box 59, Portland, OR Raptor 97207. survey throughout the United States. Anyone with interest in raptors and experience with raptor identification may participate. I am researching the population status and health of Snowy Snowy Results from surveys will be submitted periodically to federal Owls in North America, and request help in obtaining field and state wildlife agencies and wildlife-oriented societies. To observations. I need the following for each sighting: date, Owl be a cooperator, submit a brief description of your raptor iden• location, number seen, age and sex, what the birds were sightings tification experience and interests. "Only sincere cooperators feeding on, and any other available information. Please should apply." [OB 13(3)] Douglas E. Trapp, President, include your name, address, and telephone number. Age and Midwest Raptor Rehabilitation Society, P.O. Box 1812, Sioux sex determining characteristics will be sent on request. [OB City, IA 51102-1812. 14(2)] Ursula C. Petersen, 436 Birge Hall, Department of Bald If you see Bald Eagles in Lincoln County—especially any at Zoology, UniversityofWisconsin, Madison, WI53706, (608)262- Eagles in Devils Lake or any away from Siletz Bay, Yaquina Bay, or 3159. Lincoln Alsea Bay — please note the age of the eagle, the date, the We would like information on roost sites used by Vaux's Vaux's bird's activity, and the location of the sighting. [OB 15(1)] Swifts in pre-migration in Oregon. Send location (town, street, County Gloria Sullivan, 3121 N.E. 30th Drive, Lincoln City, OR97367, address, description), name, address and phone number of Swift (H) 994-3759. resident, and your name, address and phone number. [OB migratory The Oregon Eagle Foundation asks for reports of sightings 13(4)] Portland Audubon Society, 5151 N.W. Cornell Road, staging Bald of Bald Eagles anywhere in Oregon. OEF maintains an Portland, OR 97210. Eagles in extensive Regional Reporter Network, consisting of reporters I am conducting a research project for the Oregon Depart• Oregon for each Oregon county. Reports are summarized annually in ment of Fish and Wildlife on Lewis' Woodpeckers in Oregon. Lewis' Report of Bald Eagle Observations, which is available to My study area is the Pine Oak Zone just east of Mt. Hood where Woodpecker anyone involved in projects that may affect Bald Eagles. Ob• Lewis' Woodpeckers breed and winter. I am interested in servations sent to OEF will be forwarded to the appropriate finding out where the nesting birds go in July-October and person. [OB 14(4)] Oregon Eagle Foundation, 5873 Estate where the non-resident population goes in winter. Any fall and Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97603. winter sightings with specific locations, dates, and number of birds would be useful. Seasonal and behavioral field notes

OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 128, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 129, Summer 1990 would also be of interest: locations of breeding and wintering populations, isolated orchards that attract flocks in the late summer, etc. [OB 14(3)] Christie Galen, 17585S.W. Chippewa Color-marked Birds in Trail, Tualatin, OR 97062, (503)692-8212.

Three-toed * am conducting a research project, funded by the Oregon Oregon WrwlnPfW Nongame Checkoff Program and the U.S. Forest Service, on W OUUpeCJUJT Three-toed Woodpeckers in Oregon. Please notify me of (1) any nest nests located during 1982-1987, and (2) any sightings during Note to OB readers: OB keeps a running tab of color-marked birds that may locations the winter months (October-March) of any year. Information be seen by Oregon's birders. The ending notation in brackets shows the first should be as specific as possible. [OB 13(2)] Rebecca Goggans, issue of OB in which the notice appeared. Any banded or color-marked bird, WildlifeBiologist,c/oODF&W,61374ParrellRoad,Bend,OR including those with the standard aluminum U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service band, 97702, (503)388-6363. may be reported directly to the Bird Banding Laboratory, Laurel, MD 20708. This is a comprehensive listing of all known and outstanding requests for Migrating * am interested in field notes and other records of migrant information that have been made known to Oregon Birds. ™ . passerines, particularly large movements of migrating war- passerines ^ vireos, and sparrows or vagrants, in Clatsop County. The Canadian Wildlife Service has color-marked Pelicans American Any records would ideally include location of sightings (includ- with blue wing tags on the left wing. The birds were captured White inghabitat details), weather conditions (including wind direc• at Stum Lake in central British Columbia, the only pelican tion and speed if possible), time of day and non-migrants seen nesting colony in that province. [OB 14(1)] Doug Wilson, Pelicans in association with these species. Of particular interest are Vancouver, British Columbia, (604)584-8822. records from the South Jetty/Ft. Stevens area, but any Clatsop Brown Pelicans have been color-marked by researchers at Brown County records would be useful. [OB 14(4)] Mike Patterson, the University of California, Davis. The tags vary from plain Eastern/ 384 Altadena Avenue, Astoria, OR 97103. aluminum bands to bands plus plastic leg markers of various Pelicans Western I am looking for recordings of single-note whistle calls—not colors. Each configuration has a meaning, so good accurate songs — of both Eastern and Western Wood-Pewees. The descriptions are needed. You may see a green, yellow, or Wood- sounds are needed for possible use by the California Bird orange plastic taghangingoff a green legband. Note the date Pewee Records Committee. [OB 14(1)] Dr. StevenBailey, Department and location, the color configuration, numbers (if possible), and of Birds and Mammals, California Academy of Sciences, Golden include any other comments about the situation or condition of Purple Gate Park, San Francisco, CA94118, (415)750-7177. the bird. [OB 15(1)] Pelican Research Project, Department of The Purple Martin Colony Registry Program of the newly- Wildlife & Fisheries, University of California, Davis, CA95616, Martin formed Purple Martin Conservation Association is attempting or Roy Lowe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Science colonies to locate and register a majority of the martin colonies in North Center, Newport, OR 97365, 867-3011 ext. 270 America. You can further assist us by attempting to find m artin colonies on your travels. If you have or know of a colony, Tundra Swans breeding in northwestern Alaska have been Tundra or are interested in starting one, please let us know. [OB 13(2)] marked since 1984 with blue plastic neck collars bearing Purple Martin Conservation Association, P.O. Box 178, Edin- white alphanumeric codes prefixed with the letter U. A total Swans boro, PA 16412. of 102 birds have been marked, over 90 of which are probably Western Individuals with single nest boxes or active with a bluebird still alive. The numbers, in the sequence 000-300, are read trail are asked to send the following information: (1) total vertically from the bottom up. Some birds were fitted with Bluebirds number of nest boxes, (2) number of nest boxes used by backpack harness telemetry transmitters. All have FWS bluebirds, (3) total number of bluebird eggs, (4) number of bands. Most birds are expected to pass through Pacific or bluebirds fledged, (5) general area where the boxes are located, Intermountain flyways. [OB 13(4); 14(4)] U.S. Fish and and (6) approximate elevation above sea level. Results will be Wildlife Service, Bird Banding Office, Laurel, MD 20708 and published. [OB 13( 1)] Earl Gillis, 14125 N.E. Cullen Road, Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box270, Kotzebue.AK Newberg, OR 97132. 99752, (907)442-3799.

Tricolored *n C0OPerati°n the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I am The Canadian Wildlife Servicehas neck-collared Trumpeter Trumpeter . ||~. *| summarizing the published literature and unpublished infor- Swans during the summer of 1986 in southern Mackenzie - rJlackbirdS mation on the historical and current status and distribution of District, Northwest Territories. Look for red collars with Swans Tricolored Blackbirds. If you have unpublished field notes on white alpha-numeric markings. Please note neck collar historical or recent colonies, please contact me. [OB 15(2)] information, date of sighting, location of sighting, and the Edward C. Beedy, Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc., 1725 23rd presence of other swans. [OB 13(1)] David Paullin, P.O. Box Street, Sacramento, CA95816, (916)444-5638. 113, Burns, OR 97720

OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 130, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 131, Summer 1990 Lesser The small breeding population of Lesser Snow Geese in the Prudhoe Bay area of Alaska has been studied for the past 7 sighting. Include your name, address, and phone number. [OB Snow years. Several thousand birds have been tarsus-banded and 15(2)] Pat Miller, Washington Department of Wildlife, 5405 Geese neck-collared with blue and white alphanumeric bands. [OB N.E. HazelDell, Vancouver, WA98663, (206)696-6211, or Don 13(1)] Snowgoose Project, Attn.: D.M. Troy, LGL Alaska Kraege, Washington Department of Wildlife, 600 N. Capitol Research Associates, 505 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 501, Way, Olympia, WA 98504, (206)753-5728. Anchorage, AK99503 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is collecting information Dusky- Lesser Look for Lesser Snow Geese wearing a green collar with a on Dusky Canada Geese in an attempt to understand winter• 2-letter, 2-digit code (example: "FA21"). In addition, collared ing requirements of this troubled subspecies. Any Canada Canada Snow geese will be painted either green or red on tops and bottoms Goose in Oregon with a red collar is a Dusky. A Canada Goose Geese Geese of wings. Note the wing color (green or red) and usual location with a yellow collar is either a Dusky marked several years and habitat information. [OB 13(1)] U.S. Fish and Wildlife ago or a Cackler. Note the following: characteristics of fields Service Regional Office, Migratory Bird Coordinator, P.O. Box they are found in, numbers of Duskys and numbers of other 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103, (505)766-8052, or Bosque del subspecies of Canadas, collar numbers, etc. There are several Apache National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 1246, Socorro, NM avenues of reporting your findings. Any marked bird can be 87801, (505)835-1828 reported directly to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Portland Audubon Society will take your information and Pacific During the summer of1986, Brant on the Yukon-Kuskokwim translate it to special Fish and Wildlife forms. [OB 13(1)] Black Delta, Alaska, were color banded yellow with a single black Maurita Smyth, Portland Audubon Society, 5151N. W. Cornell digit (number or letter) repeated 3 times around the band. Road, Portland, OR 97210, (W)238-0667. Brant Each bird is carrying 2 color bands on the same leg producing a 2-digit code. Any sighting will be appreciated. Include a A population of Harlequin Ducks in northern Idahohasbeen Harlequin description of the code. [OB 13(1)] James S.Sedinger, Institute marked with nasal discs of various shapes and colors: blue, of Arctic Biology, 211 Irving Building, UAF, Fairbanks, AK red, gray, white, orange, green, yellow, and black discs in Ducks 99775-1780. the shape of acircle, square, oval, triangle, and cross. Marking will continue in 1990. Forarecentand Pacific If you see a Pacific Black Brant with a color leg band, please similar study in Grand Teton National Black note the color of the band, which leg the band was on, and the Park, 50 percent of marked Harlequin lettering on the band. Note the color of the band, the color of Ducks returned the next year. Please Brant the lettering on the band, letter code (2 or 3 letters or numer• note sex and number of duck, color als), and whether read from body to foot or vice versa. Also note and shape of nasal marker, and exact date and locality, and look to see whether a whip antenna is location of sighting. If possible, try to hanging down from the Brant's tail, because some have been take a photograph. [OB 16(1)] Craig fitted with radio transmitters. [OB 14(1)] Roy Lowe, U.S.Fish Groves, Nongame and Endangered and Wildlife Service, Marine Science Center, Newport, OR Wildlife Program, Idaho Department 97365,867-3011 ext. 270 of Fish and Game, P.O. Box25, Boise, Pacific Black Brant in Alaska have been marked with colored leg ID 83707, (208)334-3402. bands and colored nasal tabs. Note the color of the band, the In a cooperative study of the ecology of wintering Redheads Black color of the lettering on the band, letter code (2 or 3 letters or Redheads Brant in south Texas, Redheads have been banded with U.S. FWS numerals), and whether read from body to foot or vice versa. aluminum bands and nasal discs. Yellow, white, red, blue, Also note date and locality, and look to see whether a whip and green discs were used. Discs attached in 1987-88 were antenna is hanging down from the Brant's tail, because 53 blank, while those attached in 1988-89 are alpha-numerically have been fitted with radio transmitters. In 1989, 8 radio- coded. "Please report location, date, sex, nasal disc color, tagged birds were either heard or recovered by hunters at alpha-numeric code, and condition of observed birds. [OB wintering areas in California and Mexico. [OB 15(1); 16(1)] 15(2)] Joe Moore, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sci• Roy Lowe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Science ences, 302NagleHall, Texas A&M University, College Station, Center, Newport, OR 97365, 867-3011 ext. 270. TX 77843-2258. Wildlife agencies in Washington and Oregon have marked a Osprey nestlings were color-banded in interior Alaska. Bands Canada segment of the Canada Goose population along the lower Osprey on the right leg are red aluminum bands inscribed with 2 Geese Columbia River with light gray neck collars. Black alphanu• alphabetical symbols. Report sightings, along with characters meric codes on the collars begin with 2 numbers followed by 2 on the bands if possible. [OB 14(4)] Jeff Hughes, Alaska letters (for example, 01CA). Please record the following infor• Department of Fish and Game, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchor• mation: collar code, exact location, and date and time of age, AK 99502, (907)267-2201. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 132, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 133, Summer 1990 Manitoba Burrowing Owls were marked with FWS aluminum bands, black leg jesses in 1988, and red, white, or blue numbered from year to year); and the birds exhibit strong site fidelity, Raptors plastic bands in 1989. Ferruginous Hawks were marked with with territorial individuals occupying the same territories FWS aluminum bands, andblack anodized aluminum bands from year to year. [OB 15(2); 16(1)] Oscar W. Johnson, with 2-digit alpha-numeric codes on the opposite leg in 1988 Department of Biology, Moorhead State University, Moor head, and 1989. Loggerhead Shrikes were marked with FWS alumi• MN56560, (218)236-2360. num bands, red plastic bands on the opposite leg in 1988, and In 1987-88, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Snowy red and white plastic bands on the opposite leg in 1989. [OB Fish and Wildlife Nongame Program, we color-marked 372 16(2)] Ken de Smet or Mike Conrad, Manitoba Department of Snowy Plovers at Abert Lake, Lake Co., Oregon. Each plover Plovers Natural Resources, Box 14,1495 St. James Street, Winnipeg, has 2 bands on each leg, which may include either 3 colored Manitoba, R3H0W9, (204)945-6301. bands and an aluminum Federal band, or 4 colored bands. Since 1983, The Nature Conservancy has color-marked Bandcolors include white, yellow, red, dark blue, lime, and the Greater aluminum Federal band. Banded plovers have been re- approximately 90 Greater Sandhill Cranes at Sycan Marsh sighted at Abert Lake, and may likely occur at other alkaline Sandhill and surrounding breeding sites in Lake Co., Oregon. All lakes in Lake and Harney Cos. These banded plovers have Cranes marked cranes have a 3-inch tall orange band with a 1/2-inch been resighted frequently along the California and Baja Cali• wide piece of white tape wrapped around the middle. Often fornia coasts during fall/winter, and should be watched for this tall orange band is reported as "orange/white/orange." along the Oregon coast during both the fall/winter and spring/ Additional bands are 1-1/2 inches tall and are colored yellow, summer seasons. [OB 15(4)] Report sightings to Mark Stern, white, blue, red, and green. Typically, each crane has a tali Oregon Natural Heritage Program, 1205 N.W. 25th, Portland, orange band on one leg and 2 smaller colored bands on the OR 97210, (503)229-5078. other. All bands occur on the upper leg. Banded cranes have been reported from Langell Valley east of Klamath Falls, About 800 shorebirds of several species were banded at Shorebirds Camas Prairie, Summer Lake Wildlife Management Area, Cheyenne Bottoms in Kansas during the 1989 spring and fall Paulina Marsh, Chewaucan Marsh, and near Greaser Reser• migrations. All birds carry an orange band over a band of voir in the Warner Basin. [OB 15(4)] Report sightings to Mark another color on their left leg, and a green flag over a band of Stern, Oregon Natural Heritage Program, 1205 N.W. 25th, another color on their right leg. [OB 16(1)] Nellie Tsipoura, Portland, OR 97210, (503)228-9561. Pan American Shorebird Program, PASP/WHSRN, 550 S. Bay Avenue, Islip, NY 11751. Australasian The Australasian Wader Studies Group has been applying colored plastic leg flags to migratory shorebirds in Victoria, Bristle-thighed Curlews were color banded in Alaska and on Bristle- waders Australia. Pieces of PVC adhesive tape are stuck on the the northwest Hawaiian Islands as part of a study of their outside of metal bands so that the overlap of tape forms a flag breeding and population ecology. All birds were banded on the thighed that sticks out from the leg. Rufous-necked Stint (300 birds, tibia and some on the metatarsus with a stainless steel band Curlews red flags), Curlew Sandpiper (271 birds, yellow flags), Sharp- and either 1 light blue band or 4 colored plastic bands in tailed Sandpiper (297 birds, green flags), Lesser Golden- combinations of red, green, light blue, yellow, orange, and Plover (22 birds, white flags), have been marked. [OB 14(3)] mauve. Note the colors, sequence and position (above or below K.W. Lowe, Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, the ankle joint) of bands on each leg. [OB 15(1)] Brian G.P.O. Box8, Canberra, ACT. 2601, Australia. McCaffery, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 346, Bethel, AK 99559 (907)543-3151; Robert Gill, U.S. Fish and Pacific As part of a study on their winteringbiology, Pacific Golden- Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503 Plovers have been banded on Oahu, Hawaii, and near Nome, (907)786-3514. Golden- Alaska. Each bird wears a Fish & Wildlife Service band on one Plovers leg and 1 or more color bands on the other. Color band Ruddy Turnstones have been color banded on the Colville Ruddy combinations are 2 of the same color, 2 of different colors, 3 of River Delta on the central arctic coast of Alaska. Breeding 2 colors, and 3 of 3 colors. Please note which leg is color banded birds have been marked with unique combinations of dark Turnstones and the exact sequence of colors. "It is important that we know blue, dark green, red, orange, yellow, brown, gray, pink, which leg carries the particular color(s) and, where used mauve, and white bands. All birds carry a white station code together, whether the color band is above or below the metal band. [OB 16(2)] Jim Helmericks, Colville Village via Pouch band." A yellow dye was applied to the white plumage of 88 340109, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska 99734. Pacific Golden-Plovers on Oahu in April 1989. The project is The Sanderling Project has mist-netted and color-banded Sanderlings expected to continue several more years. Recent findings: the Sanderlings along the West Coast. The only colors used were population consists ofboth territorial and non-territorial birds, green, orange, red, yellow, and white. No blue. Some and with one or the other behavior apparently fixed for life after juvenile Sanderiings have been transplanted to other parts of Western the first wintering season; survival rates are high (over 80% the coast in an attempt to determine how a young bird selects Sandpipers OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 134, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 135, Summer 1990 a given site along the coast as its winter home. Each trans• sighting, and color band order (right leg, yellow over green, planted bird carries a color combination of bands, and a green etc.). Reports will aid in our continuing study of the colony, flag on its right leg. Please try to record the com plete color com - especially movements outside the breedingseason. [OB 15(2)] bination. Western Sandpipers have also been color banded. Don Starks, Executive Director, San Francisco Bay Bird Obser• For both species, note which legthe aluminum FWS band is on. vatory, P.O. Box247, Alviso, CA 95002, (408)946-6548. [OB 15(1)] TheSanderlingProject,P.O.Box247,BodegaBay, Sabines's Gulls have been color banded on the Colville River Sabine's CA 94923, or Roy Lowe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Delta on the central arctic coast of Alaska. Breeding birds have Science Center, Newport, OR 97365, 867-3011 ext. 270. Re• been marked with unique combinations of dark blue, dark Gulls ports of banded Sanderlings can be sent to Barbara Kus, De• green, red, orange, yellow, brown, gray, pink, mauve, partment of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, and white bands. All birds carry a white station code band. CA 92182, or Suzanne Fellows, Bodega Marine Lab, P.O. Box [OB 16(2)] JimHelmericks, Colville Village viaPouch340109, 247, Bodega Bay, CA 94923 Prudhoe Bay, Alaska 99734. The Canadian Wildlife Service banded 700 Semipalmated Semi- Banded adult Common Terns from Minnesota have a dark Common palmated Sandpipers, 500 Stilt Sandpipers, and 100 Hudsonian Godwits green plastic band with white stripe over the FWS band on on Little Quill Lake, Saskatchewan, during the 1988 south• the right leg. The left leg may be banded with light green, Terns Sandpipers, bound migration. These were the first Hudsonian Godwits light blue, or white. Common Terns from Wisconsin have a Stilt ever banded in prairie Canada. [OB 15(1)] Send obser• yellow band over the FWS band on the right leg, no band on Sandpipers, vations to H. Loney Dickson, the left. Common Terns from Vermont are banded with 3 Wildlife Biologist, Canadian (unstated) colors in addition to the FWS band, and yellow dye and Wildlife Service, Second on on the breast, belly, undertail, underwings, and/or rump. Hudsonian Floor, 4999 98th [OB 14(4)] (Minnesota and Wisconsin) Sherman L.Burson III, Godwits Avenue, Edmonton, Department of Ecology, 109 Zoology, 318 Church Street, Min• Alberta, T6B 2X3, neapolis, MN55455; (Vermont) ChrisRimmer, Vermont Insti• Canada. tute of Natural Science, Woodstock, VT 05091. Semi- While unlikely to During the spring of1989,75juvenile Common Ravens were Common palmated appear in Oregon, marked in Douglas County, Washington. A bright yellow and White- Semipalmated and marker with a number was placed on each wing of nestlings. Ravens White-rumped Sand• Information from returns will be used to determine timing, rumped pipers were color- route, andrapidity of migration, and winteringhabitat. Please Sandpipers marked in Brazil in 1986-87. Look for a numbered blue flag note date of sighting, number of ravens seen, number on wing with an orange or yellow band over it. [OB 13(3)] Susana tags if possible, and your name, address, and phone number. Lara Resende, Corson Building E227, Cornell University, [OB 15(4)] George Brady, Washington Department ofWildlife, Ithaca, NY 14853 Box 535, Pateros, Washington 98846, (509)923-2326. Ring- For a long-term study on post-breeding dispersal, wintering The Northwest Ecological Research Institute is conducting locations, and nest site fidelity, Ring-billed and California Black- billed and a long-term study in the Portland west hills, Cedar Mill, and Gulls were banded in 1987 and 1988 at Lake Lahontan, Catlin Gabel School areas. Black-capped and Chestnut-backed capped California Nevada. In 1987, each bird has an FWS aluminum bandon the Chickadees have been marked with from 1 to 3 colored plastic and Gulls right leg, and either a green or red plastic band with black bands on their legs. Please contact us if you see marked Chestnut- numbers on the left or right leg. In 1988, each bird was banded chickadees at your feeder, or if you regularly see House with a yellow plastic band on either the right or left leg. Each Finches with an aluminum U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service backed plastic band bears a prominent black number. In future years, band. [OB 13( 1)] Philip Gaddis, 13640 N. W. Laidlaw Road, Chickadees blue, white, and orange color bands may be used—probably a Portland, OR 97229, 645-4751, or Char Corkran, 130 N.W. different color each year. Please record the date, time, and 114th Street, Portland, OR 97229, 643-1349. location of sighting, which leg the plastic band is on, color of plastic band, and number on plastic band if possible. [OB During the 1988 breeding season, 250 color-banded Western Western 13(4); OB 14(4)] Alan Gubanich, Department of Biology, Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) fledged from nest boxes on the Bluebirds University of Nevada, Reno, NV89557, (702)784-6652. Hugh Audubon Society of Corvallis Bluebird Trail. Aluminum Judd, 2325 Jessie, Sparks, NV89431, (702)356-7485. USF&WS numbered bands were placed on the left leg, and 2 colors were placed on the right leg to indicate fledging sites. In California San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory has been color banding addition, a few birds have a single plastic color band over the Gulls California Gull chicks in a colony near San Francisco. We USF&WS band to indicate special circumstances. In 1989 the would appreciate any information on sightings. Reports should position of the bands will be reversed. Please note and report include name and address of observer, date and location of OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 136, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 137, Summer 1990 any sightings of these birds with as much of the following 1989 Oregon Listing information as possible: the positions and colors of the bands, date, place, activity, and number and sex of the birds. If the bird is in hand, the number of the band is important whether Results color-banded or not. If the bird is dead, I would like to examine the carcass if possible. Bluebirds were last color-banded in 1983 and 1984 when a total of 354 were ringed. At the Steve Summers, 1400-A Arthur Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603 beginning of 1988, only 4 males — 1 color-banded in 1983 and 3 color-banded in 1984—returned to nest at boxes on the trail. All 4 were unsuccessful in their first attempts. Later, the male from 1983 successfully raised 2 broods with his mate. The Starting right in with the highlights for 1989, Dave Irons has other 3 disappeared from their sites and did not nest in any reached the 400 mark for his Oregon state list. This brings the total of other boxes being monitored. [OB 14(4)] Elsie Eltzroth, 3595 Oregon 400 birders to five. Congratulations, Dave! N.W. Roosevelt Drive, Corvallis, OR 97330, (503)752-0666. Elsewhere among the following lists you'll find two new 200 counties American Robins have been marked with the standard aluminum U.S. (Grant and Wasco) and a new 300 county (Lane). Phil Pickering and Fish and Wildlife Service bands plus colored bands (combina• Linda Weiland have joined Dennis Rogers and Barbara Combs in the Robins tions of red, light blue, dark blue, silver, gold, and green). exclusive 100 Club (county life lists of 100+ in every Oregon county). Now These birds are part of a study concerned with diet choice and 100 Club members shall I do this? Okay, I will—the "Total Ticky"—the information on where they are seen feeding is of particular addition of all your 100 counties. Here goes in alphabetical order: Combs interest. Please note the following: band colors (in their order (4797), Pickering (5969), Rogers (5289), and Weiland (4823). down the leg), where the band is seen, if the bird is feeding In the county year lists department there were 8 new record highs (what on), and the date and time of sighting. [OB 15(1)] Rex Sallabanks, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, and 1 tie. As I challenged last year, the threshold would be lowered to Eugene, OR 97403. 100 for the 6 remaining counties that had not recorded a year list yet and 4 were turned in — Crook, Gilliam, Morrow, and Sherman. That leaves Loggerhead Loggerhead Shrikes in east central Alberta have been color banded in 1989 with white split plastic rings. It is expected only Linn and Wheeler Counties with no recorded year list, so next year Shrikes that banding will continue at least the next several years. [OB I'll take anything for those 2 counties and the threshold for the above 15(4)] Doug Collister, 3426 Lane Crescent S.W., Calgary, mentioned 4 will be this year's records. That ought to be easy enough. Alberta, T3E 5X2, Canada. This brings me to a question that several people noted on their listing A 5-year "Oregon" Junco color leg banding project has been forms this year. That is "Why is the county year list threshold (150) Dark-eyed undertaken to determine the winter movements, spring-fall higher than the county life list threshold (100)?" People who wonder Juncos migration routes, and summer nesting locations of the Dark- about this, thinking that it doesn't make sense, are right. But my answer eyed Junco population that winters in the Rogue River Valley. Marked individuals have 2 color bands (red, yellow, blue, or would be that (and I know it's not really a good one but it's the only one orange) of the same color on the left leg, with a U.S. Fish & I have) it's not that the county year list threshold is too high, it's that the Wildlife Service numbered band on the right leg. The color of county life list threshold is probably too low for most counties. Since we the band will indicate the original banding location. The started this game out by trying to get our county lists over 100 (and most following information is requested: date, accurate location of us are still striving for that mark), I think it's best to keep it that way description, color of bands, number of marked and unmarked for now. The county year listing business came after county life listing juncos seen together at any time, and the number of consecu• tive days marked individuals were seen at the same location. and at the time I arbitrarily set the threshold at 150. I thought that to [OB 16(1)] Dennis P. Vroman, 1106 N.W. A Street, Grants be a respectable mark for most counties to start at. Also, I was trying to Pass, Oregon 97526, (H) (503)479-4619 (W) (503)476-3830. keep the sheer length of an additional list down to help conserve space in Oregon Birds. A few modifications have now been made to that as Common Redpolls were color banded in the Canadian arctic in the summer of 1988. Each bird has an individual combination of noted in the preceding paragraph. At any rate I hope this satisfies all the Redpolls 3 plastic color bands plus a standard FWS metal band. Please people out there who may have pondered this question. report the exact band combination (note light or dark for blue). Totals marked with an asterisk (*) are previously submitted totals [OB 15(1)] Giles Seutin, Department of Biology, Queen's as an updated total was not received this year. The only exception is for University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada. county year lists where an asterisk means a new county year list record 0 high. As I threatened last year, minimum carry through totals have been OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 139, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 138, Summer 1990 135 Dave Irons 101 Greg Gillson raised. Only totals of 375 or more for the state are carried through. 134 Donna Lusthoff 101 Tom Love County totals are now only carried through if they are still leading in a *279 Jim Rogers 133 Aaron Tegerdine 257 Dennis Rogers county. 115 Tom Love Coos 296 Larry Thornburgh 221 Steve Summers Last, I'd like to say to all the people (and there were several) who 115 Dennis Rogers Dave Irons 289 Ben Fawver 211 noted that they appreciate my doing listing results that I really do 110 Walter Yungen 205 Steve Heinl 107 David Anderson 283 Alan McGie appreciate your appreciation. 224 Dave Irons 200 Jim Carlson 107 Linda Weiland 183 Phil Pickering Oregon State List (300) 103 Barbara Combs 219 Dennis Rogers 215 Phil Pickering 159 Ray Ekstrom 431 Jeff Gilligan 341 Ron Maertz 1989 County Lists Clatsop 212 Steve Heinl 152 Howard Sands 412 Tom Crabtree 341 Tom Staudt •257 Jeff Gilligan 209 Paul Sullivan 151 Jim Johnson *408 Owen Schmidt 340 RoyGerig 246 Phil Pickering 195 Alice Parker 147 Paul Sullivan *404 Richard Smith 335 Marshall Beretta 184 Jim Carlson 141 Alice Parker Dave Irons Baker 243 Mike Patterson 400 333 Elmer Miller 235 Dave Irons 184 Fred Parker 138 Barbara Combs Jim Johnson 231 Ann Ward 392 332 Anne Archie 212 Jim Johnson 183 Jan & Rick Krabbe 128 Fred Parker 214 Craig Corder 391 Larry Thornburgh 332 Alice Parker 210 Tom Crabtree 176 Barbara Combs 126 Jan & Rick Krabbe 206 Marion Corder 386 Steve Heinl 327 EvaSchultz 202 Donna Lusthoff 176 Ron Maertz 119 Clarice Watson Donna Lusthoff 124 Linda Weiland 386 326 Ben Fawver 194 David Anderson 171 Donna Lusthoff 112 Jack Corbett Phil Pickering 114 Dennis Rogers 386 325 Greg Gillson 188 Linda Weiland 167 Steve Summers 111 Linda Weiland 112 Merle Archie 386 Linda Weiland 324 Don Pederson Tom Love 109 Alan McGie 110 Phil Pickering 179 166 Jim Johnson 381 Jim Carlson 322 Floyd Schrock 176 Greg Gillson 166 Richard Palmer 109 Walter Yungen Joe Evanich 107 Barbara Combs *381 320 Dave Copeiand 175 Tim Shelmerdine 165 Tom Crabtree 106 Anne Archie Deschutes *379 Alan Contreras 318 Fred Parker 164 Steve Heinl 161 Clarice Watson Sheran Jones 104 Paul Sullivan 254 Tom Crabtree 379 316 Fred Zeillemaker 164 Dennis Rogers 160 Walter Yungen . 377 Patrick Muller 239 Craig Miller 311 Paul Osburn Benton 157 Barb Bellin 158 Barb Bellin 376 Jan & Rick Krabbe 310 Jon Anderson 188 Karen Theodore 223 Jan & Rick Krabbe 157 Paul Sullivan 154 Mike Patterson 372 Judy Carlson 307 June Babcock 173 Jan & Rick Krabbe 207 Elsie Eltzroth 153 Barbara Combs 144 Merle Archie 162 Jim Carlson 369 Barbara Combs 301 Hendrik Herlyn 148 Craig Corder 144 Elsie Eltzroth 369 Steve Summers 207 ElzyEltzroth 160 Steve Heinl 147 Aaron Tegerdine 144 Elzy Eltzroth 366 Alan McGie 192 Fred Zeillemaker 157 Greg Gillson 143 Richard Palmer 136 Anne Archie 366 Dennis Rogers 187 Alan McGie 152 Eva Schultz 1989 Oregon Year List (250) 182 Greg Gillson 137 Jim Carlson 131 Dave Copeiand 146 Donna Lusthoff 363 Barb Bellin 130 Don Pederson Paul Sullivan 333 Jim Johnson 167 RoyGerig 131 Jack Corbett 146 Richard Palmer 363 127 Walter Yungen 125 David Anderson 361 Tom Love 315 Phil Pickering 161 Barb Bellin 139 Walter Yungen 125 Eva Schultz Karen Kearney 308 Larry Thornburgh 159 Richard Hoyer 122 Marion Corder 138 Phil Pickering 357 118 Craig Miller 121 Greg Gillson 356 Clarice Watson 306 Paul Sullivan 158 Dave Irons 136 Marion Corder 118 Clarice Watson 121 Linda Weiland 355 Jerry Kearney 302 Walter Yungen 152 Phil Pickering 133 Barb Bellin 115 Floyd Schrock 111 Don Pederson 299 Steve Heinl 150 Hendrik Herlyn 132 Alan McGie 355 Gerard Lillie 104 Fred Zeillemaker 104 Paul Sherrell Craig Corder 299 Gerard Lillie 149 Barbara Combs 131 Tim Shelmerdine 352 101 Dave Copeiand 352 Ken Knittle 299 Tom Staudt 144 Mike Patterson Crook 130 Merle Archie 144 Clarice Watson 351 Craig Miller 295 Hendrik Herlyn Columbia 181 Tom Crabtree 127 Dennis Rogers 137 Jim Carlson 350 Richard Palmer 292 Donna Lusthoff 214 Phil Pickering 155 Craig Miller 127 Paul Sherrell 350 Mike Patterson 286 Tom Crabtree 136 Jon Anderson 127 Linda Weiland 134 Dennis Rogers 169 Jim Johnson 111 Barbara Combs 349 Paul Sherrell 283 Don Pederson 165 Dave Irons 111 Paul Sullivan 125 Barbara Combs 133 Steve Heinl 348 ElzyEltzroth 282 Dave Copeiand 130 Linda Weiland 107 Dennis Rogers 122 Steve Summers 133 Richard Palmer 347 Elsie Eltzroth 281 Jack Corbett 129 Dennis Rogers 119 Tom Love 130 Walter Yungen 105 Jim Johnson 346 Merle Archie 280 Alan McGie 104 Phil Pickering 113 Jim Johnson 128 Don Pederson 125 Donna Lusthoff 345 Marion Corder 275 Richard Hoyer 122 Tim Shelmerdine 104 Walter Yungen 112 Jack Corbett 344 David Anderson 274 RoyGerig 121 Jack Corbett 111 Elsie Eltzroth 104 Linda Weiland 117 David Anderson 103 Linda Weiland 344 Jack Corbett 272 Paul Sherrell 108 Barbara Combs 101 Steve Heinl 111 Elzy Eltzroth 344 Tim Shelmerdine 267 Howard Sands Clackamas 104 Aaron Tegerdine 108 Craig Corder 266 Tim Shelmerdine 108 Hendrik Herlyn 344 Walter Yungen Phil Pickering 104 Walter Yungen 265 Mike Patterson 193 108 Clarice Watson 342 Kamal Islam 136 Tim Shelmerdine 102 Craig Corder OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 140, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 141, Summer 1990 145 RoyGerig 103 Jamie Simmons 149 Ron Maertz 122 Hendrik Herlyn 107 Paul Sullivan 111 David Anderson 130 Floyd Schrock Jim Johnson 148 Tim Shelmerdine 122 Don Pederson 105 Dave Copeiand 111 124 Dave Irons Lake 121 Jack Corbett Alan McGie 147 Floyd Schrock 104 Don Pederson 109 118 Walter Yungen 244 Craig Miller 121 Floyd Schrock 107 Jack Corbett 135 Hendrik Herlyn 116 Dennis Rogers 241 Steve Summers Douglas 107 Ray Ekstrom 121 Linda Weiland 107 Clarice Watson 112 Barbara Combs 240 Merle Archie 118 Donna Lusthoff *287 Martha Sawyer Jamie Simmons 104 Craig Corder 106 107 Steve Heinl 230 Anne Archie 272 Ron Maertz 107 Dave Copeiand 103 Paul Sherrell Hood River 107 Jim Johnson 225 Priscilla Summers 271 Ken Knittle 102 Dave Copeiand 211 Jim Carlson Lincoln 212 David Anderson 105 Phil Pickering 257 Alice Parker 101 Jim Carlson 187 Dennis Rogers *300 Darrel Faxon 238 Fred Parker 195 Donna Lusthoff 104 Donna Lusthoff 104 Richard Palmer 178 Dave Irons 270 Phil Pickering 232 Dennis Rogers Harney 159 Phil Pickering 104 Linda Weiland 175 Ray Ekstrom 247 Jan & Rick Krabbe 231 Dave Irons 272 Merle Archie 143 Linda Weiland 175 Phil Pickering 245 Dave Irons Tom Crabtree 134 Tim Shelmerdine 227 Steve Heinl 261 Josephine 164 Karen Theodore 236 Floyd Schrock Anne Archie 127 Dave Irons 210 Paul Sullivan 260 198 Steve Summers 152 Tom Crabtree 221 Steve Heinl Phil Pickering 122 Jim Johnson 191 Merle Archie 251 143 Ray Ekstrom 150 Jan & Rick Krabbe 213 Greg Gillson Dave Irons 112 Barbara Combs 181 Phil Pickering 250 123 Dennis Rogers 144 Barbara Combs 207 Barb Bellin Jim Johnson 103 Dennis Rogers 169 Steve Summers 249 106 Barbara Combs 143 Paul Sullivan 203 Roy Gerig 168 Howard Sands 244 Steve Heinl 139 Richard Palmer Jim Carlson Jackson 105 Linda Weiland 198 Jim Carlson 160 Jim Carlson 239 103 Phil Pickering 138 Alan McGie 193 Jim Johnson 158 Barbara Combs 228 Steve Summers 254 Marjorie Moore 137 Linda Weiland Howard Sands 189 Clarice Watson 155 Anne Archie 223 Craig Miller 241 Klamath 136 Steve Heinl 217 Steve Summers 183 Tom Crabtree 146 Linda Weiland 222 Paul Sullivan 288 Steve Summers 134 ElzyEltzroth 216 June Babcock 181 Barbara Combs 132 Jim Johnson 222 Linda Weiland 255 Jim Carlson 133 Barb Bellin 216 Ray Ekstrom 179 Dennis Rogers 132 Donna Lusthoff 220 Larry Hammond 249 Ray Ekstrom 125 Tim Shelmerdine 165 Dave Irons 179 Paul Sullivan Mike Patterson 210 Donna Lusthoff 212 Marjorie Moore 125 Paul Sherrell 131 155 Steve Heinl 175 Donna Lusthoff Jan & Rick Krabbe 205 Dennis Rogers 124 Jack Corbett 131 Eva Schultz 208 152 Jim Johnson 175 Richard Palmer Alan McGie 203 Paul Sherrell 113 Jim Johnson 116 Ray Ekstrom 208 149 Jan & Rick Krabbe 173 Eva Schultz Dennis Rogers 196 Steve Heinl 108 Walter Yungen 116 Clarice Watson 208 146 Barbara Combs 172 Elsie Eltzroth Jon Anderson 193 Howard Sands 104 Donna Lusthoff 113 Walter Yungen 198 139 Dennis Rogers 172 ElzyEltzroth Shelba Hammond 187 Dave Irons 198 139 Linda Weiland 171 Walter Yungen Gilliam Tom Love 181 Ron Maertz 197 136 Paul Sullivan Lane 147 Linda Weiland Fred Zeillemaker 177 Jon Anderson 168 Jack Corbett 193 133 Phil Pickering 305 Steve Heinl 162 Jon Anderson 140 Phil Pickering Barbara Combs 177 Clarice Watson 184 124 Tom Love 295 Jim Carlson 160 Mike Patteron Karen Kearney 176 Barbara Combs 130 Craig Corder 184 124 Walter Yungen 290 Clarice Watson 158 Linda Weiland Jerry Kearney 176 Jan & Rick Krabbe 115 Roy Gerig 183 122 Donna Lusthoff 277 Paul Sherrell 154 Don Pederson Jack Corbett 176 Richard Palmer 103 Barbara Combs 180 121 Paul Sherrell 267 Barbara Combs RoyGerig 174 Paul Sullivan 148 Alan McGie 101 Dennis Rogers 178 118 Elsie Eltzroth 255 Phil Pickering Paul Sherrell 173 Merle Archie 144 Hendrik Herlyn 100 Dave Irons 177 118 ElzyEltzroth 252 Dennis Rogers Craig Corder 167 Anne Archie 140 Craig Corder 174 118 Richard Palmer 250 Jan & Rick Krabbe Grant Clarice Watson 161 Linda Weiland 138 Steve Summers 174 114 Barb Bellin 246 Mike Patterson 204 Paul Sullivan Richard Palmer 159 Alan McGie 136 Paul Sherrell 173 114 Clarice Watson 243 Steve Summers 195 Merle Archie Elsie Eltzroth 152 Barb Bellin 134 David Anderson 171 112 Alice Parker 241 Dave Irons 159 Walter Yungen ElzyEltzroth 152 Donna Lusthoff 131 Merle Archie 171 111 Jack Corbett 240 Eva Schultz Mike Patterson 150 Dave Copeiand 131 Tom Love 148 Anne Archie 166 109 Merle Archie 197 Paul Sullivan 145 Jan & Rick Krabbe Eva Schultz 150 Walter Yungen 129 Fred Zeillemaker 165 107 Fred Parker 171 Jim Johnson Dave Irons Walter Yungen 148 Marion Corder 126 Tim Shelmerdine 139 164 106 Jim Carlson 169 Richard Palmer Marion Corder 146 Jack Corbett 124 Dave Copeiand 136 Steve Heinl 163 105 Anne Archie 166 Elsie Eltzroth 127 Donna Lusthoff David Anderson 145 Craig Corder 118 Anne Archie 162 Barb Bellin 105 Dave Copeiand 166 ElzyEltzroth 123 Richard Palmer 145 Jim Johnson 118 Craig Miller 159 Greg Gillson 159 Walter Yungen 122 Barbara Combs 139 Eva Schultz 146 Barb Bellin 111 Bill Tice 158 Bill Tice Jefferson 137 Phil Pickering 100 Aaron Tegerdine 122 Linda Weiland 155 Dave Copeiand 146 Ron Maertz 117 Dennis Rogers 185 Tom Crabtree 124 David Anderson 133 Alice Parker 150 Don Pederson 168 Barb Bellin 122 Hendrik Herlyn 116 Barb Bellin 150 130 Fred Parker 112 Phil Pickering 162 Craig Miller OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 143, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 142, Summer 1990 Linn 125 Dennis Rogers 103 Linda Weiland 111 Jon Anderson 133 Steve Heinl 172 Greg Gillson 123 Steve Heinl Wheeler Sherman 124 Dave Irons 168 Jan & Rick Krabbe 115 Linda Weiland 107 Anne Archie 142 Paul Sullivan 183 Phil Pickering 124 Linda Weiland 149 RoyGerig 112 Paul Sullivan 106 Jammie Simmons 117 Dennis Rogers 146 Linda Weiland 119 Richard Palmer 139 Barbara Combs 107 Barbara Combs 115 Steve Heinl 142 Dave Irons Umatilla 117 Jack Corbett 132 Elsie Eltzroth 102 Phil Pickering 103 Barbara Combs 131 RoyGerig 254 Craig Corder 114 Barb Bellin 132 ElzyEltzroth 103 Linda Weiland Multnomah 124 Craig Miller 254 Marion Corder 111 Jammie Simmons 129 Dave Irons 100 Phil Pickering Jeff Gilligan 120 Jim Johnson 190 Paul Sullivan 110 Barbara Combs 126 Jon Anderson *244 110 Dennis Rogers 169 Ken Knittle 108 Dave Copeiand 126 Steve Heinl 225 Jim Johnson Yamhill 103 Donna Lusthoff 159 Donna Lusthoff 100 Dennis Rogers 124 Walter Yungen 219 Dave Irons 186 Tom Love 100 Barbara Combs 148 Jim Carlson 122 Dennis Rogers 199 Tom Love 167 Roy Gerig 147 Jan & Rick Krabbe Wasco 119 Phil Pickering 198 Tom Crabtree 152 Dave Irons Tillamook 144 Dave Irons 214 Donna Lusthoff 114 Richard Palmer 193 Phil Pickering 146 Walter Yungen *288 Jeff Gilligan 205 Craig Corder 111 Barb Bellin 179 Donna Lusthoff 144 Linda Weiland 142 Phil Pickering 264 Phil Pickering 192 Marion Corder 109 Jim Carlson 179 Linda Weiland 141 Phil Pickering 138 Floyd Schrock 263 Dave Irons 167 Phil Pickering 105 Don Pederson 170 Paul Osburn 121 Dennis Rogers 138 Bill Tice 251 Jim Johnson 163 David Anderson 103 Linda Weiland 163 Aaron Tegerdine 117 Steve Heinl 127 Greg Gillson 247 Tom Crabtree 162 RoyGerig 100 Floyd Schrock 161 Dennis Rogers 114 Jim Johnson 115 Barb Bellin 158 David Anderson 246 Jan & Rick Krabbe 110 Walter Yungen 153 Dave Irons 112 Barbara Combs Jim Johnson Malheur 143 Greg Gillson 239 Linda Weiland 105 Barbara Combs 152 112 Richard Palmer 226 Donna Lusthoff 100 Jammie Simmons 142 Dennis Rogers 211 Craig Corder 142 Tim Shelmerdine 111 Jim Johnson 136 Steve Heinl 220 RoyGerig 137 Steve Heinl 110 Linda Weiland 204 Marion Corder 218 Jack Corbett Union 128 Linda Weiland 129 Merle Archie 134 Mike Patterson 108 Dennis Rogers 126 Craig Corder 210 Steve Heinl *252 Joe Evanich 126 Tim Shelmerdine 103 Donna Lusthoff 118 Dennis Rogers 208 Tom Love 187 Craig Corder 120 Don Pederson 111 Dave Irons 118 Paul Osburn 114 Barbara Combs 207 Walter Yungen 176 Phil Pickering 106 Walter Yungen 109 Phil Pickering Jack Corbett 113 Walter Yungen 204 Mike Patterson 171 Donna Lusthoff 104 104 Linda Weiland 204 Dennis Rogers 167 Barb Bellin 101 Richard Palmer 100 Barbara Combs 109 Barb Bellin 167 Dennis Rogers 100 Barbara Combs 102 Richard Palmer 202 Richard Palmer 158 Paul Sullivan Marion 101 Fred Zeillemaker 201 Barbara Combs 157 Jan & Rick Krabbe Washington 226 Barb Bellin 201 Greg Gillson Polk 198 Karen Kearney 154 Steve Heinl *230 Joe Evanich 200 Jack Corbett 151 Dave Irons 194 Jon Anderson 225 RoyGerig 194 Tim Shelmerdine 210 Donna Lusthoff 210 Barb Bellin 193 Jerry Kearney 150 Marion Corder 194 Dave Irons 191 Don Pederson 142 Richard Palmer 182 RoyGerig 195 Floyd Schrock 191 David Anderson 188 Phil Pickering 184 Jack Corbett 186 Don Pederson 132 Barbara Combs 179 Jim Johnson 176 Walter Yungen 132 Walter Yungen 174 Phil Pickering 178 Don Pederson 184 Barb Bellin 177 Linda Weiland 177 Walter Yungen 174 Craig Miller 131 David Anderson 169 Tom Love 172 Floyd Schrock 128 Tom Love 165 Richard Palmer 175 Richard Palmer 173 Floyd Schrock 153 Greg Gillson 171 Bill Tice 171 Paul Sullivan 123 Jim Carlson 145 Dennis Rogers 159 Tom Crabtree 12.1 Linda Weiland 144 Barbara Combs 164 Phil Pickering 170 Aaron Tegerdine 144 Tom Crabtree 152 Tom Crabtree 167 Craig Corder 112 Jack Corbett 137 Walter Yungen 142 Paul Sullivan 109 Elsie Eltzroth 141 Dave Irons 140 Barbara Combs 164 Dave Copeiand 136 David Anderson 134 Dave Irons 162 Clarice Watson ioy >"lzy Eltzroth 134 Barb Bellin 138 Greg Gillson Paul Sherrell 126 Fred Zeillemaker 154 Elsie Eltzroth 108 117 Craig Corder 134 Dave Copeiand Jim Johnson 125 Jon Anderson 154 ElzyEltzroth 107 114 Richard Palmer 108 Dennis Rogers Richard Palmer 105 Donna Lusthoff 124 Jan & Rick Krabbe 151 Merle Archie 106 113 Tim Shelmerdine 105 Linda Weiland 124 Paul Sullivan 147 Jim Carlson 109 Barbara Combs 123 Steve Heinl 136 Bill Tice Wallowa 107 Don Pederson Morrow 121 Donna Lusthoff 131 Alan McGie *240 Frank Conley 106 Steve Heinl 114 Dennis Rogers 212 Paul Sullivan 203 Craig Corder 127 Hendrik Herlyn 101 Mike Patterson 110 Dave Copeiand 171 Phil Pickering 199 Marion Corder 114 Steve Summers 105 Mike Patterson 112 Marion Corder 155 Craig Corder 142 Jammie Simmons 152 Marion Corder OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 144, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 145, Summer 1990 1989 County Year Lists ' 188 Wasco (Donna Lusthoff) *181 Sherman (Phil Pickering) Bird Surveys of the Little 247 Lane (Steve Heinl) 177 Deschutes (Karen Theodore) 245 Coos (Larry Thornburgh) 177 Umatilla (Paul Sullivan) *225 Clatsop (Mike Patterson) *170 Hood River (David Anderson) Blitzen River in 222 Lane (Paul Sherrell) 164 Lake (Karen Theodore) 212 Coos (Ben Fawver) 154 Marion (Don Anderson) *212 Jackson (Howard Sands) 151 Grant (Paul Sullivan) Southeast Oregon, 206 Douglas (Ron Maertz) '146 Gilliam (Linda Weiland) 206 Harney (Larry Hammond) 145 Sherman (Linda Weiland) Summer 1987 206 Lake (Merle Archie) *140 Morrow (Jammie Simmons) 204 Jackson (Marjorie Moore) 138 Gilliam (Phil Pickering) 199 Lincoln (Phil Pickering) 117 Sherman (Dave Irons) Carroll D. Littlefield, Malheur Field Station, HC72 Box 260, Princeton, 198 Harney (Shelba Hammond) *111 Crook (Tom Crabtree) OR 97721 195 Lake (Anne Archie) *190 Polk (Roy Gerig) Tie 189 Jackson (June Babcock) Riparian ecosystems have been described as the most important habitat in North America for nesting bird species (Carothers and Johnson 1975). This is particularly evident in the arid regions of the Previous County Record High Year Lists 204 Baker (1988) Craig Corder western United States, where riparian zones are linear deciduous 178 Benton (1982/83) Jan & Rick Krabbe/Matt Hunter landscape communities surrounded by contrasting desert, shrub, and 191 Clackamas (1988) Phil Pickering wooded uplands (Johnson and Lowe 1985). Wildlife use in riparian zones 196 Columbia (1988) Phil Pickering has been described as greater than in any other type (Gaines 1977, 250 Coos (1988) Larry Thornburgh Hubbard 1977, Wauer 1977). Thomas et al. (1980) reported that of the 218 Curry (1985) Jim Rogers 363 terrestrial species known to occur in southeast Oregon, 288 were 201 Deschutes (1988) Tom Crabtree either directly dependent upon or used riparian zones more than any 247 Douglas (1983) Martha Sawyer 185 Grant (1988) Paul Sullivan other type. Even in coniferous forested regions, Bull and Skovlin (1982) 237 Harney (1986) Phil Pickering reported bird diversity and species composition increased with an 152 Jefferson (1988) Tom Crabtree increased amount of deciduous vegetation. Adding to the importance of 160 Josephine (1987) Romain Cooper riparian zones, Szaro and Jakle (1985) found that in central Arizona 23 234 Klamath (1983) Steve Summers to 33 percent of the birds in adjacent dry washes and 7 to 15 percent of 225 Lake (1988) Merle Archie those found in adjacent desert uplands were birds of neighboring 257 Lane (1985) Steve Heinl 241 Lincoln (1986) Phil Pickering riparian communities. 211 Malheur (1987) Craig Corder Unfortunately, many riparian systems in the western United States 181 Marion (1986) Barb Bellin have been severely degraded since the mid-1800's, and in a few instances 196 Multnomah (1988) Jim Johnson the 1700's. Present estimates are that 70 to 90 percent of the natural 190 Polk (1984) Roy Gerig riparian ecosystems in the United States have been lost to human 234 Tillamook (1985) Phil Pickering activities (Ohmart and Anderson 1986). Ohmart and Anderson (1986) 218 Umatilla (1982) Craig Corder also summarized regional losses from the literature. In the California 207 Union (1983) Joe Evanich 209 Wallowa (1985) Frank Conley Sacramento Valley losses exceed 98 percent, in Arizona 95 percent, and 188 Washington (1984) John F. Gatchet in the Rocky Mountain-Great Plains region 90 to 95 percent of the 150 Yamhill(1985)RoyGerig willow-cottonwood riparian ecosystems of the plains and lower foothills have been lost. As much as 80 percent of the remaining riparian ecosystems in the United States (both privately and publicly owned) are in unsatisfactory condition (cf. Ohmart and Anderson 1986). Livestock grazing, activities of recreationists, logging, impound• ments, ground water withdrawals, channeling, mining, and road con• struction have had an alarming negative impact on riparian ecosystems OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 146, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 147, Summer 1990 throughout the United States, particularly in the west. Most studies diversion dam had recently been repaired with a newly-felled cotton- concerning the impacts on local avifaunas have been conducted in the wood and bulldozed rocks, while another had been reconstructed with desert southwest by Carothers and Johnson (1975), Anderson and bulldozed rocks. Ohmart (1977), Szaro (1980), Szaro and Jakle (1985), with few in the Only walking transects were conducted in the uplands and summer northern Great Basin (cf. Taylor 1984, Duff 1979, Winegar 1977). In an grazed riparian areas, while point transects were conducted in the effort to begin collecting baseline information for this important habitat autumn grazed riparian zone. in southeast Oregon, this study was initiated in early June 1987. Although time constraints and limited funds prevented extensive sur• : i I : j veys in portions of the riparian zone and surrounding uplands, a : : : : principle study area of ca. 3.0 km was chosen for more intensive investigations. The major objective of the study was to examine bird use within the Little Blitzen River riparian zone and surrounding uplands. Should management regimes change in the future, information obtained 25 30 29 28 during this study could be used for comparative purposes. Hopefully, similar and expanded surveys will continue in this unique area of Steens Mountain in the future. Study Area The study area was located on the western slope of Steens Mountain, ca. 16 km southeast of Frenchglen, Harney Co., Oregon. From the confluence of the Little Blitzen and Blitzen Rivers, bird populations were examined along the Little Blitzen River and surrounding uplands for a distance of ca. 6.4 km east and south. Within this area riparian habitat along the stream consists primarily of alders (Alnus incana), with small groves of willows (Salix sp.), and isolated large black cottonwoods (Populus trichocarpus). Irrigated meadows surround the alder zone from the Riddle Ranch, southeast for ca. 4.0 km. On adjacent uplands and study area. Fence bordering the system, western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) occur in scattered to moderate stands. South of the stream, junipers have an understory of desert shrubs, primarily big sagebrush (Artemesia triden- tata), while on the north the understory consists primarily of native grasses. A few chokecherry (Prunus virginianus) groves are present Methods within the area. A total of 16 days was spent in the study area between 3 June and Summer livestock grazing occurs from west of the Riddle Ranch 4 August 1987. Of these, 5 days were in June, 9 days in July, and 2 days homesite to the Blitzen River, while autumn grazing occurs east of the in August. Most bird activity had been drastically reduced by early homesite. Riparian vegetation is degraded in the western portion of the August and no additional visits were made, except for 1 brief 1-hour study area, while in the eastern portion riparian habitat is in much check in late August. The purpose of the late August visit was to better condition; however, some bank erosion and few young alders and determine if the Little Blitzen River was being used by migrants. Little cottonwoods presently exist. Willows appear to have become recently activity was noted; therefore, it was assumed most migrants were using established in a few depressions where the river channel once existed. the north-south Blitzen River Canyon instead of diverting eastward up Three small diversion structures divert water from the river channel the Little Blitzen drainage. into lateral ditches. These provide irrigation water for the meadow The principle study area was in riparian habitat beginning ca. 1.2 habitat which surrounds the riparian zone. Within this meadow habitat km south-southeast of the Riddle Ranch homesite. Twenty permanent several upland islands are vegetated with junipers and basin wildrye stations, 150 m apart, were established on 3 June. Beginning ca. 50 m (Elymus cinereus). Meadow vegetation contains a combination of native south of a cross-fence, the transect extended for ca. 3.0 km southeast grasses and sedges (Carex spp.), and several exotic species. One (Transect O; Figure 1). Along this transect, 8 minutes were spent at each OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 148, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 149, Summer 1990 of the 20 points. Point transect surveys were initiated between 05:10 and 05:30, on 12 June, 24 June, and 2 July. All birds seen and heard at these Table 1. Species and numbers of birds recorded on Point Transect Route points were recorded. An attempt to complete a transect survey on 13 0-1987. July was unsuccessful as virtually all bird activity had ceased. Consid• Species 12 June 24 June 2 July Median ering the narrow band of riparian habitat being surveyed, this method Canada Goose 1 _ 0.3 of censusing was believed to the the most accurate (D. Taylor, pers. Common Merganser . 4 1.3 comm.). The purpose of this survey was to provide baseline information 'American Kestrel 1 1 0.7 and no effort was made to determine the number of birds/ha. Further• 'Spotted Sandpiper 5 2 1 2.7 more, recent studies of methodology for ascertaining bird densities are Common Snipe - 2 2 1.3 'Mourning Dove - 3 8 3.7 proving that past methods do have flaws (D. Taylor, pers. comm.). Common Nighthawk 2 1 1 1.3 Therefore, it was decided at the onset of this study to only record Belted Kingfisher - - 1 0.3 numbers of birds and not their densities. 'Northern Flicker 1 3 1 1.7 To provide information of bird species composition and number of 'Willow Flycatcher 3 1.0 individuals in surrounding upland and summer livestock grazed ripar• 'Western Wood-Pewee 6 4 5 5.0 Violet-green Swallow - - ian habitats, walking transects were conducted (Transects 1-4; Figure 4 1.3 'Tree Swallow 4 2 2.0 1). Most birds within 20 m on each side of these transects were believed Barn Swallow 1 . 1 0.7 to have been seen or heard. Methods were to walk slowly and record all 'House Wren 8 9 16 11.0 individuals. Among dense stands of junipers, stops were made so the 'American Robin 28 26 27 27.0 vegetation could be thoroughly examined. Dates for these surveys are 'European Starling 7 8 7 7.3 presented in the results. 'Warbling Vireo 2 6 6 4.7 'Yellow Warbler Three mist-nets were used in portions of Transect 0. Species which 41 44 40 41.7 "Red-winged Blackbird 3 5 5 4.3 inhabit lower vegetative layers were captured, banded, and released. 'Northern Oriole 1 _ 1 0.7 Although not as successful as hoped, most breeding pairs were captured 'Brewer's Blackbird 11 13 4 9.3 along ca. 0.4 km of the stream. 'Brown-headed Cowbird 8 3 5 5.3 Green-tailed Towhee . . 1 0.3 Results 'Lazuli Bunting 6 7 12 8.3 Transect 0 Chipping Sparrow - 2 . 0.7 Of the 29 species recorded on Transect 0, 18 were considered 'Song Sparrow 3 6 8 5.7 Cassin's Finch 1 2 3 2.0 breeding among and along the riparian zone (Table 1). The most House Finch 1 - - 0.3 important community member was the Yellow Warbler (scientific names for bird species are presented under species accounts), with a median * Nesting riparian species. 41.7 individuals/count. The American Robin was second in abundance (median 27.0), although this species was not a riparian zone obligate, being seen throughout the juniper covered uplands as well. Wet meadow Transect 1 habitat was used extensively by this species. Black cottonwoods located Walking Transect 1 was located north of the Little Blitzen River along the transect route contributed an additional 4 species which were (Figure 1) on xeric juniper uplands. Unlike other upland transects, absent from monotypic alder/willow stands. American Kestrel, Tree sagebrush was limited and native grasses were prevalent. Avian species Swallow, European Starling, and Northern Oriole nested only in the recorded on a single 2.0 km survey conducted on 2 July £:re presented in larger cottonwoods along the transect. Individual species seen in the Table 2. The juniper-associated Chipping Sparrow (17) was the most study area will be discussed in greater detail under species accounts. commonly encountered species, while the grassland ESSOdated Vesper Although not considered as breeding directly in riparian vegetation, Sparrow was second in abundance (10). the irrigated wet meadow contributed other species which would other• Transect 2 wise not have been present. This is particularly true of the Common Two surveys were completed along Transect 2. The first, on 14 July, Snipe and Bobolink. Aerial foragers also used the meadow habitat included breeding birds, while the 4 August survey was conducted to extensively — Common Nighthawk and Violet-green, Tree, and Barn determine the status of migration. This route was unique because Swallows. riparian zones were bordered by steep slopes and rimrocks. What few OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 150, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 151, Summer 1990 Table 2. Species and numbers of birds seen along walking Transect 1 (2 Table 3. Walking Transect 2 from willow corral west to Blitzen River July 1987). (summer livestock grazed)-1987. Species Number Species 14 July 4 August American Kestrel 1 Great Blue Heron 1 - Common Nighthawk 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 - Mourning Dove 8 Mallard - 1 Northern Flicker 2 'American Kestrel 1 2 Dusky Flycatcher 1 'Spotted Sandpiper 2 - Western Wood-Pewee 1 'Mourning Dove 11 3 Barn Swallow 2 Rufous Hummingbird 1 - Rock Wren 3 Belted Kingfisher - 1 House Wren 2 Red-naped Sapsucker 1 - American Robin 4 Northern Flicker 6 2 Western Meadowlark 4 'Western Wood-Pewee 7 3 Green-tailed Towhee 7 Violet-green Swallow 24 - Vesper Sparrow 10 Rock Wren 1 - Chipping Sparrow 17 Canyon Wren 2 - Brewer's Sparrow 3 'House Wren 7 4 Cassin's Finch 4 Black-billed Magpie - 4 Mountain Chickadee 1 - 'American Robin 20 4 meadows present were not irrigated, but heavily grazed by livestock. 'Warbling Vireo 1 1 The survey route was ca. 2.0 km in length. 'Yellow Warbler 12" 5 European Starling Although species diversity was high, breeding bird numbers were - 1 Western Meadowlark - 8 low. Species diversity was attributed to ecotypes which were in close 'Brewer's Blackbird 6 109 association to the riparian zone. Of the 30 species recorded, 10 were Brown-headed Cowbird - 9 considered as nesting in riparian vegetation. American Robins were Western Tanager 1 - most abundant (20), but some of these individuals could have been 'Lazuli Bunting 3 - breeding in adjacent junipers, and likely the same situation existed for Green-tailed Towhee 6 1 the second most abundant, the Mourning Dove (11). Yellow Warblers Chipping Sparrow 5 32 Pine Siskin 3 - were fewer in numbers, compared to Transect 0, as were the Warbling Lesser Goldfinch 1 2 Vireo, Lazuli Bunting, and House Wren (Table 3). The Song Sparrow, * Riparian nesting species. which nests in understory shrubs, was completely absent along this " Included 4 recently fledged young. transect. Little understory vegetation was present as most had been degraded by intensive livestock grazing. juveniles. Second in abundance was the Brewer's Sparrow (10) followed In August, this area supported large populations of Brewer's Black• by the American Robin (7). One Dusky Flycatcher nest was located in a birds (109) and Chipping Sparrows (32). In addition, Western Meadow- juniper. Also apparently nesting along the transect route was Gray larks and Brown-headed Cowbirds had moved into the area where they Flycatcher, Mountain Chickadee, and Black-throated Gray Warbler. fed with Brewer's Blackbirds in a heavily grazed, dry meadow. Green-tailed Towhees occurred commonly in the dense stands of sage• Transect 3 brush. Walking Transect 3 was ca. 1.2 km long, extending from near Three species which appeared to be migrating were recorded during entrance gate, northwest to the cross-fence north of Clemen'3 Cabin. the survey. These were a Northern Oriole male flying south, Violet- Habitat was xeric juniper uplands with an understory of big sagebrush, green Swallows moving down the canyon, and 2 Dark-eyed Juncos southwest of the Little Blitzen River. Fifteen species were recorded on feeding among a dense stand of junipers. the transect (Table 4). Transect 4 Chipping Sparrows were the most commonly encountered species Transect 4 extended for ca. 0.8 km from the first cross-fence north• (22); however, several of these were in flocks including recently fledged west to the second cross-fence which extended southward from the

OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 152, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 153, Summer 1990 Table 4. Bird species and numbers on walking Transect 3 (14 July 1987). Table 6. Bird species and numbers on Transect 6 (1987). Specie» i.s . NumbeMnmhor Species 14 July 4 August "Mourning Dove 2 "Mourning Dove 13 "Belted Kingfisher "Northern Flicker 2 3 "Northern Flicker 2 "Dusky Flycatcher 1 Dusky Flycatcher 1 "Gray Flycatcher 1 "Western Wood-Pewee 5 Violet-green Swallow 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 "Rock Wren 2 "House Wren 9 "Mountain Chickadee 1 6 "American Robin 18 3 "American Robin 7 "European Starling 2 "Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 "Warbling Vireo 2 Northern Oriole 1 "Yellow Warbler 7 8 "Green-tailed Towhee 6 Green-tailed Towhee "Vesper Sparrow 3 1 Chipping Sparrow 31 "Chipping Sparrow 22 Brewer's Sparrow 1 "Brewer's Sparrow 10 Song Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 2 Cassin's Finch 1 Pine Siskin 2 "Juniper nesting species. * Riparian nesting species.

Table 5. Species and numbers of birds recorded on Transect 4(14 July Transect 5 Transect 5 was a continuation of Transect 4, but due to time Species Number limitations the transect was not completed. "Northern Flicker 2 Transect 6 "Gray Flycatcher 1 Transect 6 was in an ungrazed riparian zone from the first cross- Violet-green Swallow 3 fence (immediately northwest of Transect 0), northwestward to the "Rock Wren 8 Northern Oriole 1 willow corral (Figure 1). The transect included some of the best riparian "Green-tailed Towhee 1 habitat within the study area. A few black cottonwoods and numerous "Vesper Sparrow 1 stream-lining alders were present along this 1.6 km transect. This "Chipping Sparrow 28 portion of the valley was rather narrow with few adjoining meadows. "Brewer's Sparrow 3 Bird species and numbers are presented in Table 6. On a breeding bird survey conducted on 14 July, the most commonly * Nesting species. encountered species was the American Robin (18). Mourning Doves and House Wrens, numbering 13 and 9 respectively, were second and third. No migrants were noted on the August survey. Possibly, the Belted Kingfishers had nested on this portion of the study area, but none were willow corral (Figure 1). Habitat consisted of a grassland bench with seen on the July survey. scattered junipers and sagebrush. Nine species were recorded along the Annotated Species List route (Table 5). During the study, 67 species were seen in the area. Of these, 29 (43.3 Again, Chipping Sparrows were the most commonly encountered percent) were primarily in riparian habitat, 25 (37.3 percent) in shrub/ species (28), and several small flocks were present. Rock Wrens (8) were juniper uplands, and 13 (19.4 percent) were migrants. Few migrants recorded, but these included a brood of 4 recently fledged young. The were noted in the study period: however, if surveys had continued into Northern Oriole seen was a member of a pair which nested at the Riddle Soptember additional species in this category would have certainly been Ranch homesite. The dearth of sagebrush accounted for fewer Green- added. The objective of the study did not involve migrants, therefore, tailed Towhees and Brewer's Sparrows along this transect. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 154, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 155, Summer 1990 little information was obtained. As previously mentioned, likely most nearest nestinghabitat was east of the study site in Little Blitzen Gorge migrants moved southward through the Blitzen River Canyon. and in the rimrock area northeast of the site. GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias). A single Great Blue Heron SHARP-SHINNED HAWK(Accipiterstriatus). Adults were seen 13 was noted at the confluence of the Blitzen and Little Blitzen rivers on 14 and 29 July. On 13 July, the bird was being harassed by an American July. Upon departure, the individual flew north toward Malheur Kestrel. This, or another individual, was hunting on 29 July in the same National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). This species is well known for the general area. Although nesting habitat was available in the riparian northward wandering of post-fledged juveniles, and perhaps this was a zone no nesting was known. These individuals likely moved into the area young bird which had been produced in a rookery farther south. A from aspen clones at higher elevations. Their arrival corresponded to an southbound migrant was also observed flying up the Little Blitzen on 28 influx of young flocking passerines into the study area, particularly July. Chipping Sparrows, American Robins, and Brewer's Blackbirds. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax). An RED-TAILED HAWK(Buteo jamaicensis). A Red-tailed Hawk pair adult bird was among dense alders along the Little Blitzen River ca. 30 hunted over the shrub uplands throughout the study period. On 29 July, m east of the confluence on 14 July. This probably represented an early the pair was accompanied by a recently fledged juvenile. This pair migrant from the large rookeries in north Malheur Lake. apparently nested either in Little Blitzen Gorge or the rimrocks north• WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi). At 06:00 on 30 July, 7 high• east of the study area. flying White-faced Ibises flew over the southern portion of the study AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius). One pair nested in an area. The flock was migrating rapidly and departed across xeric uplands abandoned woodpecker hole in a black cottonwood along Transect 0, and toward the south. Considering Malheur NWR is the only known nesting another in a western juniper immediately southwest of the study area. area north of the Little Blitzen River, these birds had probably left the The female of the latter pair was observed trying to transport a large refuge in the early morning hours. This corridor appears to be an sagebrush vole (Lagurus curtatus) on 23 June to its 4 young, which important pathway for the species, and migratingflockshave been noted eventually fledged on 3 July. A male was also seen on 14 July in in the past leaving the refuge in the early morninghours along this route. cottonwoods along the Little Blitzen River along Transect 2. All kestrels CANADA GOOSE (Branta canadensis). At 05:00 on 23 June a single had disappeared from the study area by 29 July. Canada Goose flew southward over Station 1, Transect 0 for the only PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus). A single Prairie Falcon flew record of the species during the study period. A Canada Goose at this along the north rim of the Little Blitzen River Gorge on 11 and 24 June. locality in June is rather unusual unless nesting was occurring in the Kerley (1982) sighted the species on 4 occasions at the confluence in 1981 Blitzen River Canyon. Subadults and unsuccessful nesting pairs are and suspected an eyrie was nearby, but no nesting site was located. generally in the Northwest Territories, Canada, molting areas at this KILLDEER (Charadriusvociferus). Three high flyingmigrantsflew time, and those remaining in southeast Oregon are breeding adults with over Transect 0 at 20:24 on 13 July. The birds circled once and then young. Perhaps this individual was a wandering sick or injured subadult resumed their southward course. Although habitat was available for the unable to make the northward molting flight. species along Transect 2, none was ever seen there. It is likely that MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos). The species was noted on 3 Killdeers accumulate migratory fat reserves on favorable mudflats at occasions: 2 males flew up the Little Blitzen River along Transect 0 on Malheur NWR, making it unnecessary to spend much time during 23 June; a female flew up from the river 0.8 km ESE of Clemen's Cabin autumn migration along the water systems of Steens Mountain. on 29 July; and a female was near the confluence on 4 August. SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularia). At least 3 pairs of COMMON MERGANSER (Mergus merganser). One Common Spotted Sandpipers occupied territories within the study area; 2 pairs Merganser was recorded near the westernmost diversion structure on 3 along Transect 0, and another along Transect 2. Possibly 3 pairs were June, and 4 in the same area on 2 July. Although no adult males or young present along Transect 0 as 5 individuals were recorded on 12 June. were noted during the study period, some nesting could have occurred Because of their polyandrous matinghabits it was not ascertained if this farther east among the rimrocks in Little Blitzen Gorge. Other than extra bird had a nesting mate or if 2 males were with a single female. On large junipers, little nesting habitat was available within the study area 3 July, an adult was captured, banded (1181-65613), and released 0.3 km for this cavity and crevice nesting species. SE of Clemen's Cabin. No nest or young were located, and the species TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura). Single Turkey Vultures was not seen after 14 July. were seen soaring over the canyon on 12 and 29 July. The individual seen COMMON SNIPE (Gallinagogallinago). Two Common Snipe pairs on 12 July was flying northwest in the late afternoon, indicating it was nested in the meadow habitat adjacent to Transect 0. These birds were 1 of the 64 vultures which used the "P" Ranch Roosting Site in 1987. The seen and heard throughout June and July, but were not seen in August. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 156, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 157, Summer 1990 A nest containing 4 eggs was located on 13 July ca. 0.4 km SE of Clemen's als were seen in this area on 4 August. Kerley (1982) reported that the Cabin in a moist meadow near a juniper/wildrye upland. This nest was population of Belted Kingfishers increased upstream in the Blitzen successful, but fate of young was not determined. River as water depths and flows diminished in late summer. Consider• MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura). The Mourning Dove was ing the species was not seen in the Little Blitzen River Study Area until 1 of the most commonly encountered birds on the study area. The species late June, the same could have occurred here. was seen daily in both upland and riparian habitats, and 1 nest RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis). The Red-naped containing 2 eggs was located in a juniper on 11 June. Doves were Sapsucker nests commonly among aspen clones on Steens Mountain, regularly seen in riparian zones, but these could have been birds coming moving to lower elevations after the breeding season. The species was to the stream for water. Two males and 1 female together were captured, recorded only on 13 July when an adult was observed feeding in junipers banded (1153-20729, 730, 731), and released on 24 June. The dove near Transect 0, and a juvenile was feeding in the same general area. population had declined by August, and the majority of the remaining Likely this migratory woodpecker is more common in September and birds were using riparian habitat. October at the peak of migration. GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus). One pair of Great DOWNY WOODPECKER (Picoides pubescens). The only record for Horned Owls had apparently nested in the study area before studies the Downy Woodpecker during the study period occurred on 3 August; were initiated in June. Single adults were seen between 3 June and 29 however, another was seen by Chris Carey, Guy Sheeter, and myself on July, and an immature was heard callingfrom junipers south of Transect 5 November 1986 near the Riddle Ranch homesite. The August record 0 during the early morning of 3 August. Earlier in the season, adults was either a female or immature feeding among the junipers on an were associated with cottonwoods, but as the summer progressed birds upland in the meadows near Transect 0. spent more time among junipers. Their major hunting area appeared to HAIRY WOODPECKER (Picoides villosus). There was but a single be on the xeric uplands in the southern portion of the study area. record for the mid-sized black and white woodpecker during the study COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor). Two pairs nested period. A single adult was noted feeding in cottonwoods along Transect within the study area, both in the uplands adjacent to the meadows along 0 on 13 July. This bird was likely a post-breeding wanderer as there was Transect 0. None were seen on 3 June, but both pairs were on territory no evidence of nesting along this portion of the Little Blitzen River; by 11 June and courtship "booming" flights were noted. By 28 July, only however, some nesting could have occurred in the deciduous trees in 1 pair remained and a recently fledged young was seen 3 August. An Little Blitzen Gorge. adult was flushed from the ground south of the east diversion dam on 24 NORTHERN FLICKER (Colaptes auratus). This was the most June, but no eggs could be located. Apparently 1 pair was unsuccessful commonly encountered piriform on the study area, with at least 8 pairs. in their nesting attempt and disappeared from the area between 12 and The most seen on a given transect was 6 along Transect 2 on 14 July. Two 28 July. The major feeding area for both pairs was over the meadows pairs were consistently seen along Transect 0,1 pair in Transect 1,1 pair in Transect 3, and 1 in Transect 6. It is likely that most nesting occurred bordering the Little Blitzen River. in junipers, but some pairs could have nested in cottonwoods, particu• COMMON POORWILL (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii). Although 2 larly along Transect 0. poorwills were found dead on the Steens Mountain South Loop Road during the study period, the only record for the study area occurred on WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus). The Western 29 July. During the evening an individual was heard calling among the Wood-Pewee was the most common member of its family in the study junipers north of the river adjacent to Transect 0. area. Six were along Transect 0 on 12 June, and 7 were recorded along RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus rufus). The Rufous Transect 2 on 14 July. Activity was usually associated with riparian habitat, particularly in the vicinity of the larger cottonwoods. Migration Hummingbird breeds at higher elevations on Steens Mountain, but on was in progress by 4 August, and 5 were recorded along Transect 6. the study area the species is only a migrant. Two were recorded during WILLOW FLYCATCHER (Empidonax traillii). This near riparian the study, 1 female on 14 July, and another female was captured in a obligate was recorded on 3 occasions, but it was not determined if these mist-net and released on 29 July. Few nectar producing plants were individuals attempted to nest or if they were late migrants. All records available after July, and this could have accounted for no observations were from Transect 0:1 calling 11 June; 3 calling 12 June; and 1 calling in August. 2 July. The Willow Flycatcher is presently classified as a Sensitive BELTED KINGFISHER (Ceryle alcyon). Belted Kingfishers were Species in the western United States, and with few exceptions popula• not noted until 23 June, and 1 was captured, banded (1153-20732), and tions have declined drastically in recent decades. The species should be released on 2 July. Although no nesting burrows were located, nesting monitored closely along the Little Blitzen River, as it is an indicator could have occurred in vertical banks along Transect 6. Three individu- OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 158, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 159, Summer 1990 BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica). One pair nested at an aban• species for the health of riparian systems. doned homestead east of Transect 0. The pair consistently hunted over DUSKY FLYCATCHER (Empidonax oberholseri). The Dusky Fly• the meadow habitat during the study period. The pair was apparently catcher was regularly encountered on juniper-covered slopes within the reproductively successful as 2 of 3 individuals seen of 29 July appeared study area. One nest containing recently hatched young was located 14 to be recently fledged. Other than the resident family group no other July along Transect 3. The nest was ca. 0.3 m above ground and was Barn Swallows were seen in the study area. rather exposed. Other pairs were located along Transect 1, south of BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE (Pica pica). Four Black-billed Magpies Transect 0, and in junipers on uplands surrounded by meadows. One were noted near Transect 2 on 4 August for the only observation. These pair was still on territory 3 August. This species commonly nests on individuals were feeding in a grazed, grassy flat in association with Steens Mountain among junipers and aspen clones, and is likely the European Starlings, Brewer's Blackbirds, and Brown-headed Cowbirds. most abundant empid on the mountain. These birds could have summered in the study area, as an abandoned GRAY FLYCATCHER (Empidonax wrightii). At least 2 pairs of this magpie nest was located in nearby riparian vegetation. sagebrush resident occurred within the study area. Breeding individu• COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax). Two Common Ravens hunted als were located on the juniper-sagebrush slopes along Transects 3 and briefly over meadows along Transect 0 during the afternoon of 23 June. 4 on 14 July. Both pairs occurred in an area dominated by tall sagebrush Both flew in from the north and appeared to be merely passing through with a few scattered junipers. the region. WESTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus verticalis). An early autumn MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE (Parus gambeli). One pair remained migrant was recorded among the cottonwoods along Transect 0 during among junipers and apparently nested in the southwest portion of the the late afternoon of 3 July. No known nesting occurred in the study study area alongTransect 3. First seen on 3 June, they were still present area, but pairs do nest near Page Springs. Favorable nesting habitat on 14 July. Another, a transient, was recorded on 14 July in riparian exists at the Riddle Ranch homesite, but no Western Kingbirds were habitat along Transect 2. seen there during the study period. ROCK WREN (Salpinctes obsoletus). At least 6 pairs occupied TREE SWALLOW (Tachycineta bicolor). At least 2 pairs of Tree territories within the study area. Two pairs were located in a small rocky Swallows nested in black cottonwoods along Transect 0. Four birds were wash near the northwest extremity of Transect 1; 1 pair was among seen daily from 3 through 12 June; thereafter, 2 were present. Nesting rimrocks along the Little Blitzen near Transect 2; and 3 pairs (including could have been in progress after 12 June, with the females incubating. 1 with 2 recently fledgedyoung ) along Transect 4 in rocky terrain west Their status remained stable through 2 July, but again 4 birds were of the Riddle Ranch homesite. present on 13 July. The species disappeared after this date and was not CANYON WREN (Catherpes mexicanus). Two Canyon Wrens were seen again. Cool weather in June could have resulted in early termina• observed along Transect 2 on 14 July. These birds were apparently tion of the nesting effort. occupying a territory on a sheer cliff west of the willow corral. Few cliffs VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta thalassina). Violet- of this type were available within the study area; however, Kerley (1982) green Swallows did not appear on the study area until 1 July. On this reported the species as numerous in more favorable habitat in Blitzen River Canyon. date, 21 continually circled meadow habitat in the late afternoon. Later in the season, birds would appear before and during storms, and in the HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon). House Wrens nested in both early morning and late afternoon. Likely these individuals were nesting riparian and adjoiningjuniper habitats throughout the study area. Most among crevices in Little Blitzen Gorge. By 13 July, younghad appeared juniper sites were confined to those bordering riparian zones and none among the flocks and these continually harassed adults for food. The were seen in Transects 3 and 4. About 8 pairs had territories along large cottonwoods appeared to be favored perching sites for both adults Transect 0,4 in Transect 2, and 5 in Transect 6. On 11 June, a nest was and young. The species continued to use the study area through 4 located in a juniper in the southern portion of the study area. Within the August. Congregation areas were along Transect Oand at the confluence nesting cavity, a racer (Coluber constrictor) was consuming the eggs; of the Little Blitzen and Blitzen Rivers. however, some eggs were apparently spared as young fledged in July. NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ser- Fledged young in the study area were first seen of 13 July. By early August, some dispersal from the area had occurred, but 6 and 4 were ripennis). Rough-winged Swallows were recorded on 3 occasions, and all found in Transects 6 and 2, respectively. A total of 8 breeding adults was appeared to be migrants. Three were seen 13 July, 1 on 14 July, and 2 captured, banded, and released from Transect 0. Band numbers and on 3 August. Although no Rough-wings were noted in June, eroded dates were: vertical banks along a few stretches of the river could have supported a few breeding pairs. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 161, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 160, Summer 1990 Transect 0 area; however, 1 pair was noted on 14 July along Transect 6 Band Number Date and a single bird on 4 August was near Transect 2. One pair was removed 1710-77143 11June by the rancher at the Riddle Ranch homesite in July. 1710-77144 11 June 1710-77145 11June WARBLING VIREO (Vireo gilvus). About 5 pairs of Warbling Vireos 1710-77151 24 June nested in the study area. Three pairs occupied territories along Transect 1710-77152 2 July 0; 2 east of the west diversion dam, and 1 in cottonwoods 0.4 km ESE of 1710-77153 2 July Clemen's Cabin. Another pair was located in dense riparian habitat 1710-77156 2 July along Transect 6, ca. 0.8km SSE of the Riddle Ranch homesite. In 1981, 1710-77159 2 July Kerley (1982) found a nest containing a single young near the confluence, and in 1987 a pair still occupied this area along Transect 2. By 4 August, AMERICAN DIPPER (Cinclus mexicanus). Dippers nest along high the majority had left the study area and only 1 was recorded (Transect elevation streams on Steens Mountain, and in autumn migrate to lower 2). The pair ESE of Clemen's Cabin was captured, banded (1710-77148, elevations. Within the study area, there were no summer records; -77149), and released on 23 June. however, on 5 November 1986, Chris Carey, Guy Sheeter, and I observed YELLOW WARBLER (Dendroica petechia). The Yellow Warbler a dipper as it fed in the Little Blitzen River at the Riddle Ranch homesite. was the most abundant species in the riparian zone of Transect 0. An AMERICAN ROBIN (Turdus migratorius). American Robins were average of 41.7 individuals (range 40 to 44) was recorded per point recorded from throughout the study area, nesting in both riparian and transect in June and early July. Fewer individuals occurred on the juniper woodlands. Meadow habitat was used extensively for feeding summer grazed area (Transect 2), and 12 birds (which included 4 purposes. Earthworms captured in the meadows appeared to be the recently fledged young), representing 4 pairs, were noted on 14 July. It major food item. In fact, 1 Robin captured in a mist-net escaped, leaving was estimated that ca. 50 pairs occupied territories within the study a tangled worm in the net. Pair numbers could not be estimated, area, with 80 percent of these along Transect 0. Interestingly, little however, the species was most prevalent near riparian zones. Along production was noted along Transect 0 and all birds had left this stretch Transect 0, robins averaged 27 individuals/count (range 26 to 28), of the river by August. Cool weather in June and July could have been Transect 2 had 20 on 14 July, and Transect 6 had 18 on 14 July. Upland responsible, as cold air drainage from Little Blitzen Gorge was evident transects produced 4 on Transect 1 on 2 July, and 7 on Transect 3 on 14 in July. After the river turned toward the north, south of the Riddle July. None were recorded on Transect 4. Most robins had left the study Ranch homesite, this thermal condition did not appear to exist. Cold air area by August, and only 4 were present (Transect 2) on 4 August. Eight apparently settled in the broader meadow area. As a result, no Yellow were captured, banded, and released in the mid-section of Transect 0. Warblers were seen near Transect 0 on 4 August, while 5 were noted on Band numbers and dates of captures were: Transect 2, and 8 on Transect 6. Twelve Yellow Warblers were captured, banded, and released alongTransect 0 in June and July. Band numbers, Band Number Date age, sex, and date of banding were: 902-48802 11 June 902-48803 11 June 902-48804 11 June Band Number Age Sex Date 902-48805 2 July 1710-77146 Adult Male 11 June 902-48806 2 July 1710-77147 Adult Male 11 June 902-48807 2 July 1710-77150 Adult Female 24 June 902-48808 14 July 1710-77154 Adult Male 2 July 902-48809 28 July 1710-77155 Adult Male 2 July 1710-77160 Juv. Unk. 12 July Four of these individuals were recently fledged juveniles, while 2 1710-77161 Juv. Unk. 12 July 1710-77162 Adult Female 13 July adult males and 2 adult females were also captured. 1710-77163 Adult Male 13 July EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris). At least 4 starling 1710-77164 Adult Female 14 July pairs nested in black cottonwoods along Transect 0, and other pairs 1710-77165 Adult Female 14 July likely nested elsewhere in the study area. On 12 June, 54 (mostly 1710-77166 Juv. Unk. 29 July juveniles) were feeding in a meadow in the southern portion of the area. Their numbers had dropped to 8 by 24 June, but occasional pairs YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (Dendroica coronata). Within the continued to be recorded into August. Most activity was confined to the study area, the breeding status of the Yellow-rumped Warbler is pres- OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 163, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 162, Summer 1990 tently heard and seen in all areas where junipers were present. ently unclear. This species commonly nests at higher elevations on BREWER'S SPARROW (Spizella breweri). Although not as abun• Steens Mountain; however, a male in breeding plumage was recorded on dant as the Chipping Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrows were regularly 3 June at the eastern extremity of Transect 0. This represented the only encountered in shrubby areas, particularly among sagebrush. Three June record, and it is possible a pair nested among the dense junipers territorial birds were recorded along Transect 1 on 2 July, while 10 and adjacent to the riparian zone. One migrant was noted near Transect 6 3 were noted on Transects 3 and 4, respectively, on 14 July. The major on 4 August. autumn concentration was south of the meadow alongTransectO(ca. 1.0 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER (Dendroica nigrescens). A km SE of Clemen's Cabin), where 50+ individuals were seen on 29 July. female of this species was watched for some time as she gleaned insects VESPER SPARROW (Pooecetesgramineus). A few Vesper Sparrows among scattered junipers along Transect 3 on 14 July. This was the only nested in the study area. Greatest densities were on the grass-covered record for the study area, and likely represented a breeding bird. Kerley slope along Transect 1, where 10 were observed on 2 July. Additional (1982) noted the species throughout the Blitzen River Canyon where its pairs were recorded along Transect 3 (3) and 4 (1). In late July, both habitat was juniper-covered slopes. Brewer's and Vesper Sparrows concentrated ca. 1.0 km SE of Clemen's YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens). On 3 June, an indi• Cabin on a sage-covered slope; 25 Vespers were there on 29 July. vidual chat called consistently from a dense chokecherry stand adjacent LARK SPARROW (Chondestes grammacus). No known nesting to the Little Blitzen near the west diversion dam in Transect 0. The occurred in the study area, and the only Lark Sparrow noted during the species was not seen or heard thereafter, and it is possible this individual period was in the meadow's edge below Clemen's Cabin on 4 August. was a late spring migrant. Most Lark Sparrows on Steens Mountain are found at lower elevations, WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana). This species is a particularly on the slopes immediately east of Page Springs. transient in the study area, and the only observation was that of an adult SONG SPARROW (Melospiza melodia). Lack of understory in the male in a cottonwood along Transect 2 on 14 July. riparian zones likely accounted for the limited number of Song Sparrows LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena). The center of abundance seen on the study area. The major nesting area was the eastern half on for this riparian nesting species was the eastern one-half of Transect 0. Transect 0, where 3 to 8 were seen or heard during point surveys. Pairs Through June, 6 to 7 individuals were seen per transect, but 12 individu• present appeared to occupy extensive linear territories, as 1 banded (67- als were noted on 2 July. The only other area where it was recorded was 82945) on 28 July was observed 90 m east of the capture site on 29 July. along Transect 2 on 14 July when 3 were seen. Two adult males were One pair was still feeding young within a small stand of willows on 3 captured, banded (67-82943, -82944), and released on 1 and 13 July. The August. No Song Sparrows were seen in the summer grazed riparian species appeared to have left the study area early and none was recorded zone, indicating that the lower shrub layers were lacking in this area. after 14 July. DARK-EYED JUNCO (Junco hyemalis). Two Dark-eyed Juncos GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Pipilo chlorurus). The Green-tailed were located along Transect 3 on 14 July. The status of these birds Towhee was an inhabitant of the sagebrush-juniper slopes, rarely being remained undetermined, but it is likely that these individuals were mere recorded in riparian zones. Seven adults were noted along Transect 1 on transients from higher elevations. However, Hansen (1956) did find 2 July, and a few young had fledged by 14 July, as 2 young and 4 adults nestingjuncos on Steens Mountain at ca. 1700 m, only 120 m higher than were seen on Transect 2, and 2 recently fledged juveniles and 4 adults this locality. Generally, the majority of juncos nest between 1800 and were seen on Transect 3. Greatest densities occurred on the north facing 2300 m on the mountain. slopes south of Transect 0 and south ofTransec t 2. In August, a few birds BOBOLINK (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). Two pairs of Bobolinks nested were noted near riparian zones, but up until this time most activity had within the study area, both in meadow habitat north of the Little Blitzen been confined to xeric slopes. River a short distance from the west diversion dam. On 3 July, 2 males CHIPPING SPARROW (Spizellapasserina). The Chipping Sparrow and 1 female were located. The second female was not seen until 29 July, was the most commonly encountered nesting species on the juniper- at which time both pairs were feedingyoung. One recently fledged young covered slopes in June, but once young fledged, riparian zones also was present on 4 August, and both pairs appeared successful in produc• became important use areas. Flocking was first noted on 14 July when ing young in 1987. 22 and 28 were seen on Transects 3 and 4, respectively. About 60 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaiusphoeniceus). Near the west juveniles were noted along Transect 0, but their numbers had declined diversion dam, 3 pairs of Red-winged Blackbirds occupied meadow to 15 by 3 August. Large concentrations were still present, however, habitat along Transect 0. First seen on 3 June, 1 male was still present along Transects 2 (32) and 6 (32) on 4 August. Breeding densities of on 3 August. Three birds, which appeared to be migrants, flew rapidly Chipping Sparrows were not determined, but the species was consis- OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 165, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 164, Summer 1990 west toward the Blitzen River on 13 July. These 3 could have nested among the cottonwoods along Transect 0. locally, as the population was declining at this time. PINE SISKIN (Carduelis pinus). Pine Siskins were seen on 2 WESTERN MEADOWLARK(Sturnella neglecta). Only 2 pairs were occasions: 1 in the eastern portion of Transect 0 on 3 June; and 3 along known to have nested on the study area, these along Transect 1. On rare Transect2on 14 July. Both observations consisted of transient individu• occasions these birds flew from their upland nesting areas down into the als, but nesting does occur at higher elevations on Steens Mountain. meadows near Transect 0. After the nesting season, use increased in the LESSER GOLDFINCH (Carduelis psaltria). Lesser Goldfinches riparian zones, as 8 were noted on 4 August feeding on a heavily grazed were seen between 23 June and 4 August. One adult male was captured, meadow adjacent to Transect 2. banded (1710-77158), and released on 2 July alongTransect 0. Individu• BREWER'S BLACKBIRD (Euphagus cyanocephalus). Brewer's als recorded were mostly in junipers and it is likely several pairs nested Blackbirds concentrated their breeding activities along the riparian within the study area, particularly from southeast of Clemen's Cabin to habitat in Transects 0 and 2. Through June an average of 12 individuals the confluence. This species can now be considered a common breeding was seen alongTransect 0, while 6 were along Transect 2 on 14 July. The bird from Page Springs southward to at least Blitzen Crossing. earliest flocks were seen on 1 July when 3 small groups flew up the AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis tristis). On 11 June, a male canyon to an apparent roost site. By early July, few territorial birds American Goldfinch was near Transect 0, and another was in the same remained along Transect 0 and none remained after mid-July. About general area on 28 July. Both of these birds were considered wandering 150 individuals flew eastward up the canyon to an unknown roost site on individuals, and nesting was .not known to have occurred within the 29 July. At this time the major feeding area was adjacent to Transect 2, study area. where 109 were feeding in a heavily grazed meadow on 4 August. BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (Molothrus ater). This obligate nest Conclusions parasite was regularly encountered alongTransect 0 during the nesting The purpose of this survey was to obtain baseline information of the season. Three to 8 were seen during surveys in June. Interestingly, none birdlife on BLMs recently-acquired Riddle Ranch. Walking and point was recorded on other transects until August, indicating that the transects were conducted throughout the ranch, but greatest effort was densities of host species (Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Song Spar• concentrated on the riparian habitat in the southeastern portion of the row, Brewer's Blackbird) were much greater along Transect 0. On 4 study area. Unfortunately, time did not permit the establishment of August, 8 immatures were feeding with 109 Brewer's Blackbirds on a permanent point transects elsewhere in the study area, and these should heavily grazed meadow adjacent to Transect 2. It is likely that all 8 be established as soon as possible. Cowbirds had been hatched, brooded, and fledged by the blackbirds. On Data collected in 1987 indicated riparian habitat along Transect 0 Malheur NWR, Brewer's Blackbirds are the primary host for this highly was in good condition, while habitat in Transect 2 was severely de• detrimental species. graded. When comparing Transect 0 with Transect 2, 41.7 Yellow NORTHERN ORIOLE (Icterus galbula). Two pairs of Northern Warblers were present along Transect 0, while only 4 pairs could be Orioles nested within the study area. One pair nested along Transect 0 located along Transect 2. The Yellow Warbler is considered an indicator in a cottonwood, while the other nested at the Riddle Ranch homesite. species, being more numerous in areas with high shrub volume, and One male was observed moving rapidly south over Transect 3 on 14 July, little or no livestock use (Taylor and Littlefield 1986). and this could have been an early autumn migrant. No Orioles were The Willow Flycatcher and Song Sparrow were rare and uncommon, recorded after mid-July within the study area. respectively, in the study area. Although riparian habitat appeared in CASSIN'S FINCH (Carpodacus cassinii). Cassin's Finches were good condition along Transect 0, the dearth of these 2 species, which present within the study area through the period. These birds were associate with understory shrubs, indicate this component of the system mostly associated with riparian zones as individuals were often seen was limited. A few Song Sparrows did nest in the eastern portion of coming to the river to drink and bathe. All observations were from Transect 0, and Willow Flycatchers were heard along the same transect Transect 0 except for 4 seen among junipers along Transect 1 on 2 July, in June. The flycatchers, however, were believed to be late migrants. and 1 among alders along Transect 6 on 14 July. Nesting could have Neither species was recorded elsewhere in the riparian zones, although occurred on the uplands, but this was not confirmed. Hansen (1956) habitat appeared good along Transect 6. Transect 2 was summer grazed and no understory was present. Future studies should pay particular found the species nesting in junipers at 1700 m elevation on the attention to these 2 as both are indicator species for lower vegetation mountain. layers in riparian ecosystems. HOUSE FINCH (Carpodacus mexicanus). The only record for the House Finch during the study period was that of a single bird on 12 June Although no effort was made to locate nests and monitor reproduc- OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 166, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 167, Summer 1990 tion, this could be an important objective in the future. Transect 0 was Hansen, C.G. 1956. An ecological survey of the vertebrate animals on directly below Little Blitzen Gorge, and cold air drainage was evident Steen's Mountain, Harney County, Oregon. Ph.D. thesis, Oregon during the eveninghours. General observations indicated there was low State College, Corvallis, Oregon. brood survival for birds nesting in this area compared to those nesting Hubbard, J.P. 1977. Importance of riparian ecosystems: Biotic consid• further downstream in Transects 2 and 6. Minimum temperatures did erations, pp. 14-18 IN Importance, preservation, and management of not appear as cold from Transect 6 to the confluence of the Little Blitzen riparian habitat: A symposium. U.S. Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. and the Blitzen River. Future investigations might consider minimum RM-43, Fort Collins, Colorado. temperatures in relation to reproductive success throughout the study Johnson, R.R. and C.H. Lowe. 1985. On the development of Riparian area riparian zones. Reproductive success in upland areas did not seem Ecology, pp. 112-116 IN Riparian ecosystems and their management: to differ between transects. Reconciling conflicted uses. U.S. Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM- 120, Tucson, Arizona. Hopefully, avian studies can continue and be expanded in the future. Different land use regimes provide a unique opportunity to compare Kerley, D.E., Proj. Advisor. 1982. An ecological survey of the Donner und avian use between these various regimes. Blitzen River. Nat. Sci. Found. Grant No. SPI 8026259, Eastern Oregon State College, La Grande, Oregon. Acknowledgments Ohmart, R.D. and B.W. Anderson. 1986. Riparian habitats, pp. 169-199 I would like to thank Chris Carey (ODF&W) and Guy Sheeter (BLM) IN Inventory and monitoring of wildlife habitat. Bur. of Land who encouraged studies at the Riddle Ranch. Also, Josh Warburton and Manage., Denver, Colorado. Dean Durfee, of the BLM, allowed studies to be conducted on lands Szaro,R.C. 1980. Factors influencing bird populations in southwestern within their jurisdictions. Lucile Housley (Malheur Field Station riparian forests, pp. 403-418 IN Management of western forests and grasslands for nongame birds. U.S. Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. Director) was instrumental in encouraging and participating in studies INT-86,Ogden,Utah. along the Little Blitzen River. Special thanks go to the kids. Rob Holloway was present duringmost and M.D. Jakle. 1985. Avian use of a desert riparian island visits, and was responsible for operatingmist-nets, and Gaylin Holloway and its adjacent scrub habitat. Condor 87: 511-519. Taylor, D.M. 1984. The effects of cattle grazing and other factors on made trips between her duties elsewhere. Without these 2 it would have passerine birds nesting in willow riparian habitat. Master of Science been rather quiet around the campsites. thesis, Idaho State Univ., Pocatello, Idaho. LITERATURE CITED and CD. Littlefield. 1986. Willow Flycatcher and Yellow Anderson, B.W. and R.D. Ohmart. 1977. Vegetation structure and bird Warbler response to cattle grazing. Am. Birds 40:1169-1173. use in the lower Colorado River Valley, pp. 23-34 IN Importance, Thomas, J.W., C. Maser, and J.E. Rodiek. 1980. Wildlife habitat in preservation, and management of riparian habitat: A symposium. managed rangelands—the Great Basin of southeastern Oregon—ri• U.S. Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-43, Fort Collins, Colorado. parian zone. U.S. Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. RNW-80, La Grande, Bull.E.L. and J.N. Skovlin. 1982. Relationships between avifauna and Oregon. streamside vegetation. Trans. North Am. Wildl. Nat. Resour. Conf. Wauer, R.H. 1977. Significance of Rio Grande riparian systems upon 47:496-506. the avifauna, pp. 165-174/w Importance,preservation, and manage- Carothers, S.W. and R.R.Johnson. 1975. Water management practices mentofriparian habitat: Asymposium. U.S. Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. and their effects on nongame birds in range habitats, pp. 210-222 IN Rep. RM-43, Fort Collins, Colorado. Proceed, of the symposium on management of forest and range Winegar, H.H. 1977. Camp Creek channel fencing- plant, wildlife, soil, habitats for nongame birds. U.S. Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO- and water response. Rangeman's Jour. 4:10-12. 1, Tucson, Arizona. Duff, D.A. 1979. Riparian habitat recovery on Big Creek, Rich County, Utah. pp. 91-92 IN Forum-grazing and riparian I stream ecosystems. 0 Trout Unlimited, Denver, Colorado. Gaines, D. 1977. The valley riparian forests of California: Their importance to bird populations, pp. 57-85 IN Sands, A., ed. Riparian forests in California: Their ecology and conservation. Inst. Ecology, Univ. California, Davis. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 168, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 169, Summer 1990 FIELDNOTES: Eastern FIELDNOTES Oregon, Fall 1989 Oregon Birds and American Birds have synchronized reporting areas, periods, and deadlines. Field reports for eastern and western Oregon David A. Anderson, 6203 S.E. 92nd, Portland, OR 97266 are due to the OB Regional Editor and AB Regional Editor at the same time. _ , , Season Months Due date As is typical, a few Pacific Loons were reported regionally this season. One Fall August—November 10 December was at Pine Hollow Res. 8 Oct. (DL), 1-2 were at John Day Dam 21 Oct. & 26 Nov. Winter December—February 10 March (LW, PM, CM), and 1 was at the mouth of the John Day R. 18Nov. (LW, PM). The Spring March—May 10 June rarer Red-throated Loon was only reported once on 23 Nov. at the John Day Dam Summer r**Y*\y 10 August (LW, PM, JJ). The fall's first Common Loon report was noted 27 Aug. at Phillips Res. (CO'L, fide US 10/89) after which they were fairly widely noted with a maximum of 66 on Wickiup Res. 12 Sep. (CM). The highest numbers of Horned Grebes this fall at the John Day Dam was 40on 21 Nov. (PP). The were21 at Wickiup Res. 18 Sep. (CM). Red-necked Grebes were consistently reported from the John Day Dam 21 Oct.-26 Nov. (m.ob.) with the maximum noted being 7 on 18 Nov. (LW, PM). On 6 Nov. all 6 grebe species recorded in Oregon were at the Dam and included 1 Eared, 2 Clark's, and over 100 Western Grebes (PP). On 15 Oct. 2 Red-necked Grebes were at Haystack Res. (TC) and another was at Hood River (DAA). A Western Grebe at The Narrows 30 Nov. was a record late date for Malheur L. (GI), and another individual was at SLWMA on the 30th (MSL, fide GI). However, the 500-600 at the John Day Dam 23 Nov. must have been an impressive sight (J J). A Clark's Grebe was at the John Day Dam 7 Oct.-23 Nov. (m.ob.) while 2 were there 26 Nov. (CM). Two were on Suttle L. 13 Nov. (LR). American White Pelicans are rare away from Harney, Summer L., Warner and Klamath Basins. This year they were widely noted in the region as follows: Oregon Birds Regional Editors 15 Jul. 2 circling over Indian Rock LO. (U.S. 9/89) Western Oregon Eastern Oregon 4 Aug. 8 on Columbia R. at M.P. 127 of I-84 (LW, PM) Steve Heinl (SpringTall) David A. Anderson 6 Aug. 8 at Hat Rock S.P., Umatilla Co. (LW, PM) 356 West 8th 6203 S.E. 92nd Ave. 19 Aug. 1 at Wickiup Res., 1 st Deschutes Co. record (CM) Eugene, OR 97401 Portland, OR 97266 23 Aug. 16 at John Day (U.S. 9/89) 28 Aug. 8 at John Day (TH, U.S. 9/89) Jim Johnson (Winter/Summer) 1-7 Sep. 22 at Ladd Marsh (JW, jr., RavOn 9/89) 3244 N.E. Brazee Street 5-30Sep. 2atOchocoRes., 1st Crook Co. record (LR, //cfeTC) Portland, OR 97212 8 Oct. 14 at Cold Springs N.W.R., Umatilla Co. (PS) American Birds Regional Editors An "incredible" 650 Double-crested Cormorants invaded Wickiup Res. 18 Western Oregon Eastern Oregon Sep. (CM). Great Egrets had a mild case of wanderlust this season. Reports BillTweit BillTweit include the following 1 off Dodds Rd., Deschutes Co., 5 Aug. (E.E., 9/89); 2 west P.O. Box 1271 P.O. Box 1271 of Dayville 7 Aug. (PS); 1 at Prairie City sewage ponds 2 Sep. (PS); 2 at Rock 01ympia,WA 98507 Olympia, WA 98507 Creek Res., Wasco Co. 9 Sep.-8 Oct. (DL); and 1 at Willow Creek Res., near Heppner 15 Oct. (JS). One was even found on Wickiup Res. 31 Aug. (CM). A late American Birds Sub-Regional Editors Snowy Egret lingered at SLWMA 16 Nov. (MSL, fide GI). Two Green-backed Steve Heinl (Spring/Fall) Tom Crabtree Herons were noted in August. The first at Hood River on the 13th (remaining to Jim Johnson (Winter/Summer) 1667 N.W. Iowa 4 Sep.) (DAA, DL, VT) and the 2nd was at Taylor L., The Dalles (RG). The last Bend, OR 97701 White-faced Ibis reported were 3 at MNWR 30 Sep. (PS). An early Tundra Swan was at Rock Creek Res. 9 Sep. (DL). The first migrant OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 170, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 171, Summer 1990 White-fronted Goose was noted 23 Aug. at Hatfield L. (CM). At SLWMA they ar• rived on the 30th (MSL, fide GI) and at MNWR 4 Sep. At MNWR a peak count S.P. on 14 Sep. (TC) are noteworthy, however, what is the origin of these birds? of3240 occurred of 15 Sep. (TD, fide GI). A single bird noted at Haystack Res. 27 ASpruce Grouse was noted in the Eagle Cap Wilderness 2 Sep. (TS, JJ, GL). Four Aug. had a yellow neck band with the code "CI" (RG). Few Snow Geese were Sage Grouse were on Steens Mtn. 24 Sep. (KM). Despite the fact that productiv• observed in the Harney Basin this season. Up to 26 were noted 23 Oct.-6 Nov. at ity of Sage Grouse in 1989 was below average in the state, the ODFW lifted their the John Day Dam (PP, LW, PM). One was even noted on Pine Hollow Res. 29 hunting moratorium and is allowing 2000 birds to be hunted (fide TC). One can Oct. (DL). A Ross' Goose was at MNWR 9 Sep. (JJ). Two Brant, rarely reported only wonder why. A rare record of the Sandhill Crane in Wasco Co. occurred in the region, were below the John Day Dam 7 Oct. (PP). when 4 were noted flyingnear Pine Grove on 24 Oct. (DM, A.W. 12/89). The peak Wood Ducks were widely reported after early Sep. and included a pair at count for MNWR was 704 in mid-Sep. (fide GI). Hart Mt. N.AR. 26 Oct., for the second fall record for that locale (MF, fide TC). Single Black-bellied Plovers were at Boardman 2-7 Oct. (JS) and along the A "Common" Green-winged Teal was below the John Day Dam 6 Nov. (PP). Six s. shore of Malheur L. 23 Sep. (TC). A maximum of 20 Semipalmated Plovers Blue-winged Teal were on the Prairie City sewage ponds 27 Aug. (PS). Afemale were at SLWMA 10 Sep. (MM); 3 were at MNWR 30 Sep. (PS); and 5 were at Northern Shoveler was at the mouth of Hood R. by 15 Oct. (DAA). Eight Greater McKay Creek N.W.R. 9 Sep. (PS). Several Black-necked Stilts at MNWR 15 Sep. Scaup were reported from Rufus on 28 Oct. (LW, PM); 2 at Ana Res. 22 Nov. (CM); established a new late date for the refuge (TC). On 24 Aug. 2 were at Irrigon and and 11 at Suttle L., 29 Oct.-lO Nov. (LR, fide TC). The most Common Goldeneye 3 were at the Boardman sewage ponds (JS). Fifty-six American Avocets were still reported was 250 at the John Day Dam 21 Nov. with 20 Barrow's (PP). A female near the MNWR Field Station 15 Oct. The last seasonal report of Greater Harlequin Duck, the only regional report this season, was below John Day Dam Yellowlegs was from Malheur L. 11 Nov., with the most reported this season of 6 Sep. (PP). No Oldsquaws were reported this season. 26 at Summer L. on 21 Aug. (CM). Two were even reported from Pate L., Steens A single Black Scoter was noted on Haystack Res. 15 Oct. and around the Mtn. on 7 Sep. (KJ). Lesser Yellowlegs lingered in the region until 17 Oct. when first of Nov. it moved over to Suttle L. (TC, LR). Surf Scoters staged an invasion a single was noted at Summer L. (DF). The last Spotted Sandpipers were noted into the region with 18 reported from 7 Oct. thru period's end (m.ob.). The most on 12 Sep. on the Umatilla R. at Pendleton (PS). Solitary Sandpipers were noted as follows: reported from 1 location was 8 at the John Day Dam on 7 Oct. (PP). Single White- winged Scoters were noted along the Blitzen R. 21 Oct.-7 Nov. (fide GI) and at 19 Aug. 1 at Grass Valley (L W, PM) Crane Prairie Res. 2 Nov. (CM). Two were on Wickiup Res. 2 Nov. and 1-3 were 19 Aug. 1 at Steens Mtn. (LH. tide GI) at John Day Dam 28 Oct.-6 Nov. (LW, PM, PP). Over 600 Common Merganser 30 Aug. 1 north of Kent (RG) were at the John Day Dam 21 Nov. (PP). Two Red-breasted Mergansers at 31 Aug. 1 near Tygh Valley (RG) Wickiup Res. 31 Aug. (CM) was the first seasonal report. Up to 8 were noted at 31 Aug.-5 Sep. 1 at Klamath Falls (SS) 1 Sep. 2 at Boardman (JS) the John Day Dam 6-26Nov. Afemale was at Malheur L. 17 Sep. (TC, fide GI); 24 Sep. 1 s. Malheur L. (CO'L, fide GI) another female was at Rufus 28 Oct. (LW, PM) and a pair was at Pine Hollow Res. 12 Nov. (DL). Ruddy Ducks are very uncommon in Wasco Co. so 1 on Pine Hollow Two to 3 Marbled Godwits were at SLWMA 7-10 Sep. (MM, MSL, fide GI) Res. 12 Nov. (DL) is noteworthy. The latest individual at MNWR was at "P" and 1 at Squaw Creek Irrigation Pond 1 Aug. was Deschutes Co's. third record Ranch 15 Oct. (MD). (LR, E.E. 9/89). The last Turkey Vulture reported was at the "P" Ranch on 15 Oct. (MD), A Ruddy Turnstone, with a flock of 5 Western and 25 Least Sandpipers, while the last Osprey was noted 8 Oct. at Strawberry L. (C&M O'L). A Black- below the John Day Dam 26 Aug. was the first Sherman Co. record (PP), and was shouldered Kite, rarely verified in the region, was reported at the Klamath the only 1 reported this season. Sanderlings were reported in the region between Forest N.W.R. 4 Nov.-2 Dec. (SS) where 1 spent some time last Aug.-Nov. An 2 and 25 Sep. (both times at the Rufus sewage ponds (PP, LW, PM)), with the immature Goshawk visited SLWMA 25 Nov. (fide GI). From 1-2 Red-shouldered most being 7 at MNWR on 9 Sep. (JJ). This species was also noted at Boardman Hawks were noted in the southern Blitzen Valley 9 Sep.-l Oct. (m.ob.). Four (3) on the 22nd (JS) and from Hood River on 4 Sep. (DAA, DL). Semipalmated Swainson's Hawks were at Diamond Craters 30 Aug. (fide GI); 1 was in n.w. Sandpipers were noted at the Cove sewage ponds on 5 Aug. (DL et al.) and 2 were Wallowa Co. 10 Sep.; and another was at Fort Rock 25 Nov. (PS). Over 3 dozen at the Rufus sewage ponds on 6 Sep. (PP). The last Western Sandpiper was Red-tailed Hawks were noted between Jackman Park and Steens Mtn. summit reported 24 Nov., and was a new late date for the Harney Basin (fide GI). Baird's in Sep. eating the abundant grasshoppers (KJ), and on 6 Sep. a light phase Fer• Sandpipers were regionally reported between 22 Aug. (1 at Boardman, JS) and ruginous Hawk was there as well (KJ). An adult Ferruginous was on Hwy. 97 23 Sep. (several at SLWMA TW). near the Silver Lake turnoff on 10 Sep. (MM). The first regional Rough-legged Pectoral Sandpipers were reported in low numbers in the region, so the 150 Hawk on Steens Mtn. 6 Sep. (KJ) was early. The most reported this season was at the Willow Creek W.M.A. on 11 Nov. is noteworthy (LW, PM). Four at the 40 in the Fort Rock area 25 Nov. (KJ). Merlin were widely reported after the first mouth of Hood River 4 Sep. are thought to be the first county record (DAA, DL). on 8 Sep. at Steens Mtn. (CC, fide GI). At least 4 Peregrine Falcon reports were Other reports included 4 at Sod House School site on 14 Oct. (MD) and 2 at Kent received, while Prairies were widely reported. An immature gray-phase Gyrfal- 9 Sep. Stilt Sandpipers were recorded at MNWR 23 Sep.-14 Oct. (TC, JJ, m.ob.) con was at Klamath Forest N.W.R. 1 Nov. (SS). for the first refuge records. After 7 were initially seen on the 23rd only 1 could Ring-necked Pheasants are rare in Deschutes Co. so 2 young birds at Turn alo be found after that date. Other Stilts were a pair at Ochoco Res. 28 Aug. (LR) for the first Crook Co. record (E.E. 9/89), with 1 there on the 29th. This or another OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 172, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 173, Summer 1990 bird was noted on the late date of 25 Nov. (LR). The receding waters in the Harney Basin are providing good habitat for 2 at Boardman on 19 Nov. (PS, JS); and the last report was 16 Nov. at SLWMA migrating shorebirds. Along the exposed shoreline near the headquarters 25 (fide GI). Short-billed Dowitchers were noted with a concentration of about 5000 Long- Mew Gulls are regular at Hood River so 3 there on 18Nov. are not especially billed Dowitchers on 9 Sep. If the number of dowitchers just west of the noteworthy, however, singles at McNary Dam 21 Oct. (DAA, DL, PS), and below headquarters was this large, how many more were around the lake? (TC). A the John Day Dam 23 Oct. (PP) are at locations where they are more unusual. Short-billed Dowitcher was also recorded at Taylor L., The Dalles on 31 Sep. Six hundred Ring-billed Gulls at Wickiup Res. 31 Aug. (CM) was a large number (RG). Records of Long-billed Dowitchers at Boardman fell between 21 Aug. and for that location. Single Herring Gulls were noted at the mouth of the Hood R. 9 Oct. (JS). Six Wilson's Phalaropes were recorded at the Wasco sewage ponds 4 Sep. (DAA, DL) and below the John Day Dam on 10 Oct. (PP). A Thayer's Gull on 26 Aug. (PP) while 6 were also recorded at the Prairie City sewage ponds on was noted below the McNary Dam 21 Oct. (PS et al.). Western Gulls are highly the 27th (PS). Red-necked Phalaropes were last reported on 1 Oct. (PS) with 32 unusual in the region. Two were reported from John Day Dam on 4 Nov. and at Harney L. This species was also noted during migration at sewage ponds at another at SLWMA 12 Nov. (MSL, fide GI). No reports of Sabine's Gulls were Rufus, Wasco, Prairie City, and Rutledge. It was also noted on the Wilson Res., received this year. Kent (m.ob.). Single Common Terns were noted at Mosier on 9 Sep. (DL), at Wickiup Res. Franklin's Gull was finally added to the Hood River checklist when 1 was 18-29 Sep. (CM) and at Summer L. on 30 Sep. (CM). An adult and immature briefly noted at the mouth of Hood R. on 1 Oct. (DL, DP, DAA). The major Caspian Tern at Wickiup Res. 29 Sep. (CM) were the last reported this season. highlight of the season was the LITTLE GULL found 21 Nov. (PP) above the A Forster's Tern was at the mouth of Hood R. 4 Sep., where they are rare (DL, John Day Dam. It was subsequently seen by many observers with a flock of DAA). Two Black Terns were at Ochoco Res. 29 Aug. (CM). This species is rare Bonaparte's Gulls until 28 Nov. on both sides of the Columbia R. (TS) enabling in Crook Co. Another super find for the region was the ANCIENT MURRELET listers a chance to add the species to 2 state lists. This was the sixth state and (where else this season?) at the John Day Dam 21-28 Nov. (PP, JJ, TS, LW, CM first regional record, and the first in Oregon since 1981. The most Bonaparte's et al.). Gulls noted at the John Day Dam was 16 on 6 Nov. (PP). They were also noted Band-tailed Pigeons were quite noticeable in the Columbia R. Gorge in mid- at Haystack Res. (4) on 27 Aug. (RG); Willow Creek W.M.A. on 28 Oct. (LW, PM); Aug. (DAA), however elsewhere in the region they are not normally reported, or are extremely rare. One was at MNWR 1 Oct. (JJ), while 8 were noted in Bend

Little Gull, 26 November 1989, John Day Dam, Sherman Co. Photos I Gerard Lillie. Left: Little Gull. Right:Ancient Murrelet. 26November 1989, John Day Dam, Sherman Co. Photos/GerardLillie. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 174, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 175, Summer 1990 during the first week of the month (fide TC). A Mourning Dove at SLWMA 27 Nov. was late (MSL, fide GI). A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was reported on 24 Aug. (JS). The last Barn Swallow was noted 17 Oct. at Ana Res. (DF). Gray Hart Mtn. refuge in late Aug. (SH, fide GI). An adult and 2 immature SPOTTED Jays were noted at Barnhouse Springs C.G. 3 Sep. (PS). Two hundred and fifty OWLS were noted along Boulder Crk., Wasco Co. on 19 Aug. (JJ). Pinyon Jays near Hole-in-the-Ground 25 Nov. (KJ) was the largest of 3 flocks in A Barred Owl was noted near Wildcat C.G. north of Ochoco Res. in early Oct. the area and also the most reported this season. Two Mountain Chickadees wan• (BM, U.S. 1/90). Single Great Gray Owls were at La Pine (CM) and Glass Hill, dered through Wasco city park, 29 Sep. (PP). Eight Chestnut-backed Chickadees Union Co. 29 Sep. (RavOn 11/89). There are rumors that this species exists on were in Lostine Canyon 13 Aug. (PS). the Bear Springs Ranger District of Wasco Co. Single Long-eared Owls were A Canyon Wren visiting MNWR-hq was at an unusual location 8 Aug. (GI). found at Motet C.G., n.w. Wallowa Co. 9 Sep. (PS) and at Hat Rock S.P. 22 Oct. Bewick's Wrens are resident in the Pendleton area, so the 12 noted there in Aug. (PS, DL, DAA). Northern Saw-whet Owls were noted on Cow Creek in the Blue are not unusual (PS), however, they are Mtns. 13 Nov. (LH, fide GI). Boreal Owls were again reported from northwest uncommon at MNWR. Singles were at Wallowa Co. 9 Sep.-21 Oct. (PS, DAA, DL, et al.). The known range of this species MNWR-hq 14 Oct. (MD); another was at in the state now includes the Deschutes Co. portion of the Cascades where 2 were "P" Ranch 15 Oct. (LM, fide MD); and recorded near Waldo L. (Lane) between 28 Sep. and the third week of October another was at Dyer Wayside 11 Nov. (TC). (LW, PM). An early Winter Wren was at The season's last Common Nighthawk was at Battle Mtn. S.P. 19 Sep. (MD). MNWR 9 Sep. (fide TC). An American The latest reports of Common Poorwills were of 2 at Sand Springs 2 Sep. (DL) and Dipper was noted on the John Day Dam 2 near Sisters 13 Sep. (fide TC). The last Vaux's Swift was at MNWR-hq 30 Sep. fish ladder 28 Nov. (TS). A Blue-gray (PS), while the last White-throated Swift was at Summer L. 2 Oct (MSL, fide GI). Gnatcatcher was at MNWR 24 Aug. The species was also reported at Owyhee Canyon 31 Aug. (CC, fide GI), and (fideEE). A late Swainson's Thrush was Smith Rock S.P. 2 Sep. (GG). The last Black-chinned Hummingbirds noted were at Camp Sherman on 17 Oct. (LR, fide at Squaw Butte Experimental Station near Burns 27 Aug. (LH, fide GI), John TC). A WOOD THRUSH was photo• Day 1 Sep. (CO'L, U.S. 10/89), and at Frances L., Eagle Cap Wilderness Area 3 graphed at Fields on 14 Oct., for the Sep. (JJ). Reports of Anna's Hummingbirds seem to be increasing 1 was at third (first verified) state record (JC, Ochoco L. 16 Aug. (CS, E.E. 9/89); and another was at a feeder at Silver Lake 3- SS). The last reported Sage Thrasher 23 Sep. (SS). The last Calliope Hummingbird noted was at Frances L. 3 Sep. (TS, was near the Field Station 14 Oct. (MD). JJ). Rufous Hummingbirds lingered until 17 Sep. at John Day (CO'L, U.S. 10/89). American Pipits probably nest on Mt. Hood and are commonly noted there Despite the fact that Acorn Woodpeckers are being recorded on the north especially in fall migration. Fifteen were side of the Columbia R. at the town of Lyle, there are no recent records of the noted on Cooper Spur 2 Aug. (PP). At species in either Wasco or Hood River Counties. Two Williamson's Sapsuckers Condon 100 were seen 23 Sep. (LW, at Battle Mtn. S.P. 19 Sep. were a bit late for the area (MD). A Three-toed PM). Two hundred Cedar Waxwings Woodpecker at Hart Mtn. N.A.R. 27 July was the first record for that location were noted at Pendleton 12 Sep. (PS). (fide TC). One was also noted east of Indian Rock L.O. on the Middle Fork John Wood Thrush, 14 October 1989, Fields, Day R. 27 Aug. (PS). A Black-backed Woodpecker was again seen north of The last reports of selected vireos Harney Co. Photo I Steve Summers. Wahtum L. on 13 Aug. (PO), and another was at Barnhouse Springs C.G. 3 Sep. and warblers are: about 8 miles s.w. of Picture Gorge (PS). Two pairs were in the Mt. Jefferson Solitary Vireo 1 Oct. MNWR (JJ) Wilderness Area on 27 July (E.E. 9/89). Nashville Warbler 30 Sep. MNWR (JJ) Last flycatcher reports are as follows: Yellow Warbler 1 Oct. MNWR (JJ) Olive-sided Indian Mtn., Hood River 4 Sep. (DAA, DL) Townsend's Warbler 29 Sep. Wasco City Park & MNWR (PP, JJ) Common Yellowthroat Dusky Pendleton 12 Sep. (PS) 1 Oct. jet. of Hwy. 206 & Klondike Rd. (PP) Wilson's Warbler "Western" Page Springs 27Sep.(BT) 30 Sep. MNWR (JJ) Say's Phoebe Rufus 24-25 Nov. (LW, PM) Ash-throated Hay Cr., John Day R. 29 Aug. (RG) Two BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS were reported from MNWR Western Kingbird 10 miles e. of Bend 25 Sep. (BT) this season. A female was at "P" Ranch 26 Sep. (BT), and a m ale was at the head• Eastern Kingbird Hereford 4 Sep. (U.S. 10/89) quarters 29-30 Sep. (BT, PS, JJ). A concentration of 25 Hermit Warblers were at timberline on Cooper Spur, Mt. Hood 2 Aug. (PP). Three were found along Odell Twelve Horned Larks on Mt. Hood 2 Aug. at 7500-8500 feet elevation are in Butte Rd., Klamath Co. 5 Sep. (MD). APalm Warbler was found at MNWR Field an area where they probably breed (PP). Purple Martins at Government Cove, Station 27 Sep. (CDL, fide GI). Three BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were noted near Cascade Locks are probably regular so 1 there 13 Aug. is not too surprising this year as follows: at Benson Pond, MNWR 9 Sep. (JJ); "P" Ranch 23 Sep. (TC); (DAA, DL). However, a female at Hatfield L. 15 Sep. was the first Deschutes Co. and at Moro city park 25 Sep. (PP). A Black-and-white Warbler was at Poison Cr. record (TC). Two hundred Bank Swallows were at the Boardman sewage ponds C.G. 18 Aug. (CG, A.W. 10/89). Only 3 American Redstart reports were received. Two were at MNWR-hq on 1 Sep. (JC) and 16 Sep. (CC, fide GI), and another was OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 176, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 177, Summer 1990 at Frenchglen 8 Sep. (JJ). Northern Waterthrushes were noted until 23 Sep. Observers: K.Merrifield when 1 was located at Fields (DI, DF). Other singles were at Poison Creek C.G. David A. Anderson Craig Miller near Seneca 18 Aug.; at MNWR-hq 29 Aug. (fide GI); at Frenchglen 8 Sep. (fide Chris Carey Marjorie Moore TC); and at MNWR Field Station 20 Sep. (fide GI). Jim Carlson Pat Muller A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was on the John Day R. at Rock Creek Tom Crabtree C. O'Leary 29 Aug. (RG). A Lazuli Bunting was still in Pendleton 12-13 Sep. (PS). A late Mike Denny Paul Osburn Don Pederson Rufous-sided Towhee was at MNWR-hq 27-28 Nov. (fide GI). On 19 Sep. aBrown Tom Downs Phil Pickering Towhee was reported from Squaw Butte Experimental Station near Burns (LH, E. Eltzroth Doug Eustace Lou Rems fide GI). This is a very unusual location for this species. The only American Tree M. Fish Marty St. Louis Sparrow reported was at the Enterprise fish hatchery 10 Nov. (PS). The last Dave Fix Jamie Simmons Chipping Sparrow reported was at DeMoss Park 6 Sep. (PP). Twenty Brewer's Cecil Gagnon Tom Staudt Sparrows and 1 Vesper Sparrow were at Cold Springs C. G. 30 Aug. (GG). A Lark Roy Gerig Christy Steck Sparrow was found along Hwy. 205 north of MNWR 15 Sep. (BT). Greg Gillson Paul Sullivan The brown race of the Fox Sparrow was located at Silver Lake Ranger Larry Hammond Steve Summers Station 17 Sep. This race is uncommon east of the Cascades (SS). A Swamp Steve Herman VerdaTeale Sparrow was located amongst a large flock of Golden-crowned Sparrows and Tom Hunt Bill Tice juncos at the Moro sewage ponds 23 Oct. (PP). The season's first White-throated Gary Ivey Mike Walker Sparrow was found 13 Oct. at MNWR-hq (JC). Other Oct. records included Jim Johnson Jim Ward singles at: "P" Ranch on the 14th (JC); at Fields on the 15th (MD); and at Dog Cr., Ken Jones Linda Weiland Grant Co. on 31 Oct. (CG, fide TC). There were at least 7 regional reports of Gerard Lillie Tom Winters Harris' Sparrows were received beginning with 1 at SLWMA 25 Sep. (MSL, fide C.D.Littlefield GI). Three Lapland Longspurs near Midland on 16 Oct. were early (SS). A Snow Lou Leidwinger Other Sources: Bunting was reported from Klamath Forest N.W.R. 4 Nov. for the only report this Donna Lusthoff Audubon Wa/to/er(Portland) B. Mapleston season (LL, fideSS) . Eagle Eye (Bend) Dave Marshall RavOn (La Grande) Reports of Tricolored Blackbirds are increasing. This season 30 were seen Larry McCloskey at Prineville 21 Oct. (CM). The last Yellow-headed Blackbird was at the Squaw Upland Sandpiper {John Day) Butte Experimental Station 28 Nov. until 4 Dec. when it was found dead (Ui,fide GI). A migrant was noted at the Wasco sewage ponds 23 Oct. (PP). A female GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE was at Fields on 14 Oct. for Oregon's first fall and first fern ale record (SS). Three Rosy Finches were on Cooper Spur on 2 Aug. (PP). Several reports of this species were received from Steens Mtn. until 8 Sep. (KM, fide GI). Two Pine Grosbeaks were at Frances L. 3 Sep (TS, JJ). A female Purple Finch was with some House Finches in Moro city park 25 Sep. (PP). Several White-winged Crossbills were reported from n.w. Wallowa Co., and adjacent Umatilla Co. Aug. through mid-Sep. (PS, LW, PM). Single Common Redpolls were in La Grande 4-29 Nov. (MW, RavOn 12/89, DE). Four Lesser Goldfinches were found at Page Springs 29 Sep. (BT). Well, another seasonal report has been typed at my manual Remington antique. To those readers who read every word, thanks a lot! You will also note I didn't put in those pesky 4-letter county abbreviations which some of you find bothersome. If you don't know where some of these spots are located I'm afraid you will have to buy McArthur's Oregon Geographic Names! You will also note that this season, unlike the past 2,1 have cited about everyone I could think of who saw or was credited with seeing a particular sighting. I hope all of you are happy now! I know I am happy with all of the notes I received from those who took the time to do so, but there are still too may "fides" in the report. So if your initials precede a "fide" I'd like to hear directly from you. To those active county listers covering the northern tier of counties thank you for proving that this area is not always the Great Barren Basin it often seems when we rush through it.

OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 178, Summer 1990 (PSu) and 4 Oct (MS). These observations most likely pertain to the individual seen there 4 Jun and which may have summered in the estuary, for about a fifth FIELDNOTES: Western such Oregon occurrence. The first report of Horned Grebe was of 3 birds early at the SJCR 26-27 Aug (MP), followed by another 1 at Salem 7 Sep (GLd) which was quite early for the Oregon, Fall 1989 Willamette Valley. Red-necked Grebes are rarely seen during Aug, but this year there were 2 reports. One at Fish L., Jackson Co., 20 Aug was felt by the observer David Fix, HC 60, Box 102-A, Idleyld Park, OR 97447 to the same bird seen there 1 Jun (HS). Another was seen 2 Aug from Tillamook Steve Heinl, P.O. Box 3136, Ketchikan, AK99901 Head (MP). Coastal sightings elsewhere began during the second week of Sep. Red-necked Grebes at DL 9 Oct and at FRR 10 Nov (SH) furnished the only inland reports aside from the bird at Fish L. Recently Western Oregon has averaged 1 or 2 sightings away from the coast each fall. Abbreviations: BB Boiler Bay The usual small number of Eared Grebe reports included a bird in basic BOS Bayocean Sandspit, Tillamook Bay plumage on the odd date of 7 Aug at BSNWR, with another there 24 Sep (both BSNWR Baskett Slough N.W.R. RG); 2 with a yen for sea life at BB 24 Oct+ (HN et al.), and from 2 (13 Aug) to DL Diamond Lake 120 (16 Oct) at favored DL. Thirty grebes lingered there 19 Nov but none was FRR Fern Ridge Res. seen thereafter. The peak recorded there during fall 1988 was 57 birds in com• MSC Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport parable coverage of the site. MSP Monmouth sewage ponds Western Grebes were noted by many birders as being unusually common NSP Nehalem sewage ponds around the SJCR this fall. There were reports of 10-11 Clark's Grebes: a pair on SI Sauvie Island Agate L. 22 Jul-23 Aug(MM et al.); a bird photographed (and first recognized by SJCR South Jetty of the Columbia River single-note call) on FRR 3-14 Aug (SH); 1 at Dorena Res. near Cottage Grove 8 SSP Sheridan sewage ponds Aug (SH); 28 Aug and 12 Nov off Yaquina Head (KL); 2 at Timothy L. s. of Mt. TRS Toketee Ranger Station, Douglas Co. Hood 8 Oct (DL); 1 the same day at the SJCR (MP); 1 in the Siuslaw R. near Florence 27 Oct (BSz), and 1 at DL 9 Oct. Loons - Tubenoses The fall saw 3 albatross species Seven Red-throated Loons at reported! About 50 Black-footed Albatrosses were encountered on Tillamook Head 28 Aug (MP) fur• the 16 Sep trip out of Charleston, 2 nished an unusual sighting so early out of Garibaldi 10 Sep, and 4 out of in the fall. Two to 3 were at FRR 10 Garibaldi 14 Oct. Fortunate indeed Nov (SH), where they are rare but were those who saw a single possibly annual. Sightings of Red- LAYSAN ALBATROSS on the 16 throated Loons which were proba• Sep trip from Charleston (BG, LT et bly different individuals were made al.) and on the 14 Oct trip out of at DL 9 Oct (Ron Maertz) and 8 Nov. Garibaldi (JJ, GLi et al.). It's hard Three Pacific Loons were found to top these offshore sightings, but away from the coast, at Willamette from 20 miles off Depoe Bay 19 Sep Park, Corvallis 11 Nov (Kent Rode- came the report of an ultra-rare cap et al.), at SI 4 Oct (HN), and in SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS the higher w. Cascades at DL. (TT), 1 of few recent observations of The earliest Common Loon this species alive in West Coast noted was at Cottage Grove Res. 15 waters. Aug (SH). Inland reports of Com• mon Loons were few. Reports of In contrast to other fall seasons in the past decade, no numbers of multiple birds inland included 15 at Northern Fulmars were detected DL 16 Oct, 3 at Lost Creek Res. 21 from shore points. This may have Oct (MM), and 2 at Henry Hagg L. 5 been at least partly due to the settled Nov (DL). A YELLOW-BILLED weather, but Fulmars have been LOON was seen in the lower Co- sanAibatr0SSt 14October 1989, Umileswest seen from land many times during quille R. at Bullards Beach b.F., 0f Garibaldi, Tillamook Co. Photos above and just upriver from Bandon 17 Sep right/Bob O'Brien. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 181, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 180, Summer 1990 reasonably calm weather in other years. Twenty or more were seen 16 Sep out of Charleston, and "many" were encountered out of Garibaldi 14 Oct. Comple• menting the typical reports of up to several dozen Pink-footed Shearwaters offshore was the single bird seen from BB 30 Sep (GLi, TSt). Considering how routine this bird is just a few miles offshore, it is surprising that so few have ever been seen from shore points in Oregon. No Flesh-footed Shearwaters were reported seen of the offshore trips. Buller's Shearwaters were encountered in modest numbers on 3 pelagic trips 10 Sep-14 Oct, while 50 were noted offshore from the Salmon R., Lincoln Co. duringmid-Sep (TT). TT noted that numbers of Buller's offshore dropped sharply in early November. One was seen from BB 5 Nov (R&JK). Any sighting of a Buller's from shore is notable, though less surprising at BB. The highest esti• mate of the assemblage of Sooty Shearwaters around the SJCR this fall was 50,000, 24-26 Aug (MP). One thousand were noted from BB 30 Sep (GLi, TSt). Short-tailed Shearwaters made a subpar showing. Twenty seen from BB 26 Nov (JJ) was the only report of numbers. Two were seen between the Tillamook Bay jetties 19 Nov (fide BB), and 1 was found dead on the beach at the SJCR 12 Nov (MP). ThisfallsawanotherreportofMOTTLEDPETRELin Oregon, abirddead on Clatsop Beach s. of SJCR 15 Nov (HN). Several Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were found on the 17 Sep pelagic trip out of Charleston, and 1 was noted 22 Oct at Yaquina Bay for the only onshore observation this fall (Sheran Jones). Six or 7 Leach's Storm-Petrels were a big surprise at the SJCR 3 Sep (DC). Pelicans - Herons MM reports that the bullfish population in Hyatt L., Jackson Co., drew many American White Pelicans this summer as well as last. Two hundred pelicans were counted there 6 Aug (RS), decreasing to 115,26 Aug and 40 by 18 Sep (MM). Two were on the valley floor at Emigrant L., near Ashland 27 Aug, and 5 were there 17 Sep (MM). One was at White City 18 Sep (MM). This must have been the greatest showing by White Pelicans in Western Oregon since the days, long past, when numbers of like magnitude late-summered at FRR. Perhaps related the the Jackson Co. incursion was the 4 Aug flyover of 14 pelicans, headed northward, at TRS (Rhonda Belloir, Dennis Thrall). The common thread tying together this season's numerous reports of Brown Pelicans were notes on southward migration during Oct, spanning the period 5 Oct-11 Nov. Seven hundred were seen passing Cape Meares 17 Oct (HN); 250 passed Lincoln Co. points in one-half hour the same day (fide DFa). Twenty-five passed the Siuslaw R. jetties in late afternoon 11 Nov (DFi, SH). Late sightings were of 10 near Bandon 12 Nov (BB); 1 at the SJCR 18 Nov (MP); and 1 26 Nov at Charleston (LT). Reports of Great Egrets were generally of single birds or small groups at widely scattered sites along the coast and in the interior valleys. The group at Mottled Petrel, wings found IS November 1989, on Clatsop Beach, Clatsop Co. Photos I Yaquina Bay peaked 10 Aug at an impressive 32 birds (fide DFa), with up to 17 Harry Nehls. birds on SI 7 Oct (HN), 6 n. of Finley NWR 4 Nov (ME), and only 5 around Florence during Sep (SH). In contrast with the poor numbers in the Siuslaw R. of Siletz Bay 8 Nov (fide DFa). Altogether there have now been sightings of estuary was a new one-site high count for Western Oregon of 115 egrets gathered perhaps 2 dozen Snowy Egrets on the coast n. of Coos Bay. Cattle Egrets made at drawn-down FRR 20 Oct (SH). This assemblage had decreased to 65 birds by another poor showing, with only 2 birds reported. One was at Waldport 14 Oct 10 Nov. The previous high fall count of Great Egrets at FRR was about 90 birds. (fide DFa) and 4 were in pastures near Tillamook 22 Nov (fide HN). The were only Snowy Egrets away from Coos Bay were in the Columbia Co. portion of SI 2 reports of Black-crowned Night-Herons this season, a juv. 3 Sep at BSNWR 11-30 Aug( JJ, BSh, TSh et al.) for a first county record, and another at the s. end (RG) for a third or fourth Polk Co. record, and 2, 18 Aug at Astoria (MP). OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 183, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 182, Summer 1990 Swans, Geese, and Ducks 24 Sep (MM). One 19 Oct at Ashland was the last report for that area (ES). Oct Reports of Tundra Swans involved typical numbers at coastal and valley sightings elsewhere included 1,7 Oct over SI (HN) and 14 at BSNWR the same locations. The earliest interior sighting was of 30 swans near their Maple Grove, day (BB); 2 Oct at Toledo (DFa); and 100 in early Oct over Salem (fide BB). Polk Co. wintering site 5 Oct (RG), and the first coastal sighting was from Lincoln The usual smattering of later-than-usual Ospreys was noted this season, Co. 21 Oct (fide DFa). Snow Geese were widely reported as they overflew Western with single birds at Minto I., Salem, 6 Oct and it or another there 28 Oct (BL); Oregon during Oct. The first sighting was of 8 birds at the SJCR 24 Sep (MP). 1 on the latter date migrating s. over TRS; 7 Oct at Siltcoos L. in coastal Lane Co. They were not noted on SI until 7 Oct (JL, HN). Fifty were seen passing the (BC); along the Willamette R. near Buena Vista 1 Nov (fide BB); along the lower mouth of the Siuslaw R. 13 Oct (BSz); aflock flew over Corvallis 22 Oct (RH), and Sixes R., Curry Co. 3 Nov (DFi); and finally, 1 at Coos Bay 8 Nov (LT). flocks passed over Eckman L., Lincoln Co., 29 Oct and 4 Nov (RL). None were The set of Black-shouldered Kite reports this fall points to diminished seen in the Tillamook area, nor in the Cascades. Single Brant were discovered numbers. The total seen during the period was only 60 percent of the fall average 20 Oct at SI, with that or another bird present 6-18 Nov (HN), and at Ankeny over the past 5 years. This probably reflects an actual decrease, as kites are as NWR and nearby BSNWR 20 Nov+(RL). readily seen as any raptor, and concentrate their foraging and roosting in First detection dates for ducks in Western Oregon, Fall 1989: traditional areas which are well-birded. Whether this apparent decline in 1989 Northern Pintail 2 Aug FRR, 16 Aug SI means anything with respect to a trend cannot yet be known. The first report was Gadwall 10 Aug FRR, 2 SepSJCR of an imm. 10 Aug at FRR (SH). Four were seen during the period in the Rogue American Wigeon 1 Aug FRR, 16 Aug SI Valley 30 Aug+ (MM); 1 was at Bandon 26 Aug-4 Sep (LT, DFi); 1 was seen on Eurasian Wigeon 15 Oct Yaquina Bay 3 dates 11 Sep-23 Oct near Devil's L., Lincoln Co. (fide DFa); 1 was near the SJCR Redhead 25 Aug DL sewage ponds 4 Nov (J J); 2 were not far away at the King Ave. marshlands near Warren ton 5- Greater Scaup 27 Aug SJCR 25 Nov (MP); and 1 was near Lebanon 16 Nov. The long-established roost at Lesser Scaup 10AugNSP Royal Ave. at the e. side of FRR held a disappointing 6 birds on 10 Nov (SH). As Ring-necked Duck mid-AugMSP many as 19 kites have gathered here at sunset in past years. Harlequin Duck 28 Aug Tillamook Head Eight to 10 Golden Eagles were seen during the period in the Rogue Valley Common Goldeneye 1 Nov DL lowlands and foothills (MM et al.) which is normal. An imm. Golden Eagle Olctequaw 290ctBB circling with vultures over the West Hills of Portland 7 Aug was an exciting find Ruddy Duck 5 Sep Salem, 16 Sep MSC (fide HN), unusual for both location and time of year. One was reported from Red-breasted Merganser 1 Aug Gold Beach Lincoln Co. 20 Oct (fide DFa), and an imm. stirred up the geese at BSNWR 14 Nov (fide BB). The pair which nests near Glide in the Umpqua Valley continued The only concentrations of Redhead reported were 8 in Yaquina Bay 11 Nov present through Oct. There were no reports of special interest concerning Bald (JJ) and the usual flock at the s. end of DL, which peaked at about 40 in late Nov Eagles. shortly prior to freeze-up. Inland Greater Scaup included 1, 21 Sep at the MSP Based on reports, the smaller accipiters were under-reported, as 1 active (RG); 2 on 3 Oct at Salem (GLd); 1,14 Oct at Emigrant L. (MM); and a few birds observer listed about one-third of all the sightings received through the submit• in mid-fall on DL and the nearby sewage ponds. This duck winters regularly at ted notes and subregional newsletters. Northern Goshawks away from the many sites away from the coast in Western Oregon but has often escaped Cascades were 1,18 Sep over Corvallis (Fred Ramsey) and 1,29 Oct and 1 Nov identification, or has been under-reported. near Black Rock in the Coast Range of Polk Co. (RG). The season's showingby scoters away from the coast was unimpressive. The There was no real increase in reports of Red-shouldered Hawk n. of Curry large sewage ponds of the n.c. Willamette Valley attracted their share, with 4 Co. over the most recent 5-year fall average of 4 birds. However, at least 1 Surf Scoters at the MSP 27 Oct and 1 at the nearby Independence ponds 5 Nov apparently summered on the outskirts of residential Eugene (BC), and another (RG), and a White-winged Scoter at the MSP 9 Nov (fide BB). Five Surf Scoters possibly did so along W. 11th Ave. s. of FRR. An ad. was at Eagle Point in the on DL 11 Oct had increased to 11 birds on 16 Oct, with 1 still there 8 Nov. A late Rogue Valley 30 Aug (MM). Later sightings were 12 Sep in Lincoln Co. (TC); 27 migrant White-winged Scoter lingered with goldeneyes and 7 Greater Scaup in Sep at the Salmon R., Lincoln Co. (RL); 1 at Siletz Bay 7-22 Oct (JJ), and an ad. a patch of open water there 11 Dec. 24 Nov at SI (HN) for only the second or third local record. The only sighting of Barrow's Goldeneye in the lowlands at the close of the A typical 3 "Harlan's" Red-tailed Hawks were noted, with single birds in the fall reporting period was of 2 males at Yaquina Bay 19 and 24 Nov (HH et al.). w.c. Willamette Valley in mid-Oct (BB), 12 Nov off Van Duyn Rd., Coburg, Lane Numbers at DL peaked at about 300 birds shortly before freeze-up in Dec. Eighty Co. (DFi, SH), and 24 Nov at Scappoose, Columbia Co. (HN). HS submitted Hooded Mergansers at Eckman L. 19 Nov was an impressive concentration excellent details on the occurrence of 2 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS seen in the (HH). Forty lingered at the s. end of DL through Nov. upper Rogue Valley of Jackson Co. The first was an imm. 29 Aug near milepost 4 of Hwy 140. The second bird was an ad. 28 Sep not far away, along Hwy 140 Diurnal Raptors - Rails near Lake Creek. To my knowledge, this is the first convincingly detailed report Reports of large flocks of Turkey Vultures once again centered in the upper of this species in Western Oregon within the past decade. A few birds now winter Rogue Valley. One hundred and fifty were seen near Ashland 24 Aug (RS); 180 in the lowlands of Humboldt Co., California (RAE, pers. comm.). We should were at Emigrant L. 18 Sep (RS), and 50 were seen in roost trees near Phoenix OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 184, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 185, Summer 1990 certainly continue to watch for this hawk in fall and winter in Western Oregon. 5 Aug (fide LT) and a surprising 7 birds at Green Peter Res., Linn Co. 26 Aug About 2 dozen Merlins were reported, with the earliest coastal bird seen 20 (RH). As many as 110 Greater Yellowlegs gathered at various mudflats on SI to Aug at the MSC (HH), and the first interior sighting at Ashland 18 Sep. 12 Sep (JJ, NL et al.). There were no other reports of large concentrations. Peregrine Falcons were seen at many locations this fall. Inland sightings, Exemplifying the excellent shorebird habitat on SI was the peak count of 123 judging form reports, were few, involving 5 birds on SI 16 Aug+ (m.ob.); at FRR Lesser Yellowlegs there 12 Sep (JJ); 52, along with 150 unidentified yellowlegs, 29 Sep (SH); and the wintering Peregrines which have become a fixture around were there 2 days later. Remarkably, 15 were still there 7 Oct (HN), a late date downtown Portland (m.ob.). Additionally, 2 juvs. were playing together on the for anything other than singles or very small groups in Western Oregon. The breeze in the Umpqua Valley foothills 31 Jul and 1 Aug, indicating that a pair peak count of Lesser Yellowlegs at the SJCR ponds was 18on 16 Aug(MP). Either bred in the vicinity (DFi). Apparently only 2 or 3 of the known pairs in Western no large flocks built up at sewage ponds this fall, or such were unreported. Two Oregon successfully reproduced in 1989 (Dan Fenske, Kevin Sands). Inclement birds at Seaside 14 Oct (MP) were about as late as they are normally seen in our spring weather is believed to be at least partly responsible for this widespread area. failure. Up to 9 Solitary Sandpipers occurred on SI during the period (to 20 Sep), This season saw the appearance in Western Oregon of no fewer than 3 which is certainly an above-average showing, approaching and even surpassing GYRFALCONS. A gray bird was seen 30 Sep-8 Oct in the SJCR area (m.ob.). the total usually reportedfor all of Western Oregon in agiven season. Elsewhere, This bird was stated (HN) to have moved a few miles e. to the Tongue Point area 1 was at FRR 9 Aug (SH); 2 were at Keizer 12-18 Sep (BB), and 1 was at the of Astoria toward the period's end. One was at Yaquina Bay 28 Oct (JJ, GLi), that Siltcoos L. outlet 17 Sep (SH). The only Willet away from favored estuaries on the bird watched chasing a Peregrine which bore a starling in its talons. It was seen c. and s. coast was at BOS 23 Aug (HN). The scarcity of this species around again 11 Nov (HN, MP). A white-phase Gyrfalcon, exception al in the Northwest, Tillamook is puzzling. Willets occur regularly, both in fall migration and during was discovered at BOS 12 Nov (fide NL). Single Prairie Falcons were seen at winter, well to the n. at Willapa Bay, Washington. Whistler's Pond near Glide, 31 Jul (DFi); at Ashland 3 Sep (fide ES); at Hyatt L., The high count of Whimbrel this fall was 83 at BOS 2 Aug (HN). One on SI Jackson Co. 18 Sep (MM, RS); on Mt. Hood at 8000' 19 Sep (RG); and at BSNWR 22 Aug (DI) was among the collection of good finds there this fall. There were 28 Oct (RG). All reports of Sandhill Cranes indicated a normal passage through more than the usual 2 or 3 Long-billed Curlews reported this fall. One was at the the Willamette Valley. A single bird summered at SI (JJ). There were no reports mouth of the Winchuck R. near the Oregon-California border 29 Aug (HS), and of note concerning Virginia Rail. another was at Pony Slough in Coos Bay 22 Oct (LT). Inland curlews were at BSNWR 15 Aug (RG) and 20 Aug at Agate L. (OS). Shorebirds Ajuv. HUDSONIAN GOD WIT at theNSP 10 Aug(MPet al.) was the rarest The fall wader season in Western Oregon was highlighted by an impressive shorebird discovered this fall. Marbled Godwits made what may have been their showing on SI, one which put interior-valley shorebirding into new perspective weakest appearance in Western Oregon in this decade, with fewer than 30 birds for many Portland-area birders. Heavy coverage, spearheaded by JJ and NL, reported. Twenty at Bandon 10 Sep was the peak count. They were present at resulted in the discovery of several rare species and unusually high numbers on Bandon nearly throughout the report period. many expected species. Abundant mudflats this year on the island offered Red Knots were in very low numbers habitat for high numbers of yellowlegs and peeps. It remains to be seen whether this fall and were scarcely reported. Five water management schemes recently initiated on the island will preclude at Bandon 3-10 Sep was apparently the another showing like the one enjoyed in 1989. peak count (DFi). Interestingly, all 5 of Lesser Golden-Plovers, of whatever ilk, were encountered in typical num• the birds at Bandon during that time bers this fall. Plovers identified as P. d. fulva were seen at Racetrack L., SI, 1 Sep were ads., although up to 3 juvs. ap• (PM, LW_ and again on the island (2 birds) 7 Oct (NL), and at 4 north-coastal sites peared there as well. Two sightings of spanning the period 4 Sep-7 Oct (total of 13+). Birds attributed todominica were Sanderlings were made away from the seen at 3 coastal sites 3-17 Sep (total of 12), while 15 golden-plovers were coast, with 1 at BSNWR3 Sep a very good reported both inland and coastally without assignment to either form, rounding find in the c. Willamette Valley (RG), and out a total of some 40 birds. The few reports of Black-bellied Plovers were all from 2 on SI 12 Sep (JJ). coastal sites except for 1 at Plat I Res., Sutherlin 29 Sep (DFi). Numerous reports of Semipalmated Only 2 reports of Snowy Plover were received, of 2 at Bayshore Beach, Sandpiper from 6 coastal and 2 interior- Waldport 17 Sep (R&JK), and 5 atBOS 5 Nov(CR) with none found there 18Nov. valley locations refer to roughly 35 indi• Semipalmated Plovers were reported in normal numbers from favored coastal viduals, spanning the period up to 17 spots, e.g. 275 at BOS 2 Aug, with 75 into October (HN et al.); 40 at the SJCR Sep. Fortifying this high total were the 11 rather late on 5 Oct with 4 there 4 Nov (HN), and 100+ still at Bandon 21 Oct reported from SI, the peak being 6 birds (DFi). Thirty-six on SI into October was a remarkably high count for any on 6 Aug(JJ). Counts of Western Sandpi- HudsonianGodwit, lOAugust 1989, OBRC Willamette Valley location. pers from coastal mudflats were typical, 251-89-10C, Nehalem sewage ponds, Til- There were 2 reports of American Avocet, from the New R. mouth, Curry Co., i.e.8000atNehalemBay 19Aug;3000at lamookCo. Photo/MikePatterson. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 187, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 186, Summer 1990 BOS 6 Sep, and 1000+ at Florence 2 Sep. However, the count of5000 to 6 Sep on fall, so it is inter• SI is a staggering concentration for the Willamette Valley, but not surprising esting to note an apparent arrival considering the miles of mudflats that are exposed at this time of year. Least date for SI of 6 Sandpipers were poorly reported. This is certainly not a glamor shorebird, but, Aug (JJ); 30 were as it is very common and shows up everywhere, it ought to be more closely there by 12 Sep monitored. Flocks of several hundred were found at Agate L. and Hyatt L. during (HN). A flock of late Aug, and 1000+ were on the flats at Bandon 26 Aug (SH et al.). 50-75 assembled It was a poor year for Baird's Sandpiper in Western Oregon. No concentra• at Plat I Res. dur• tions worthy of the description were reported, except for a very respectable peak ing Oct (DFi). count of 25 at SI 14 Sep (JJ). Reports spanned 11 Aug (5, Bandon, DFi) to 1 Oct (Sutton Beach, BSz). Pectoral Sandpipers were also unusually scarce in Western Dozens of Red Phalaropes Oregon, as they were throughout most the continent this autumn (American were noted on the Birds 44( 1)). HN commented that it was a poor migration, with no flocks greater ocean well off• than 10 birds encountered. Even SI could muster a lacklustre peak of just 18 on shore during mid- 14 Sep (JJ). The lack of concentrations, as well as the absence of the typical early Sep pelagic trips Oct. sightings, pointed to an unusually modest showing by Pectoral Sandpipers outof Charleston, this fall. Only 2 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers were seen, well below the last 5 years' and 3 were seen average of 6: at the NSP 2 Sep (JG, R&JK) and at the SJCR ponds 16 Sep (MP). at Tillamook Bay Seven Rock Sandpipers were found at Depoe Bay 29 Oct (GLi, NL, JJ). Few ob• 23 Nov (Greg servers mentioned Dunlin. An ad. on SI 16 Aug was well on the early side (JJ). Gillson), but the One at Bandon 4 Sep (LT) and 1 at the SJCR 4-5 Sep (MP) were more on schedule. species otherwise The wintering throngs generally do not assemble in Oregon until about the first went unreported. week of Oct. Similarly, there It was a banner year for Stilt Sandpipers in Oregon. They appeared in were few reports numbers on both sides of the Cascades. As many as 12 were seen in a day on SI of Red-necked (JJ,NL, etal.). For the record, submitted sightings away from SI were: 2, Bandon Ph alar ope. These 24 Aug+ (DFi, JJ, SH et al.); near Newport 30 Aug (fide DFa); at Kernville, described an un• Lincoln Co. (fide HN); 2 at Agate L. (OS et al.); at the SJCR 1-6 Sep (MP); 2, NSP, usual pattern: 2 Sep (CR) with 1 there the next day (HH) and 2 again 10 Sep (DC); and another There were no at Bandon very late on 22 Oct (LT). Surely many more of these elegant waders offshore sight• passed through Oregon without being discovered by birders. Buff-breasted ings, and only a Sandpipers were found only twice this fall. Single birds were at the SJCR 4 Sep * * " - few were seen (or (MP) and, naturally, on SI, 14 Sep (JJ). This was the poorest showing by the 1 reported) along species since only 1 bird was detected in 1984. Ruffs. Top: 2 September 1989, OBRC 260-89-16C, south jetty ofthe the coast, yet 39 Among the highlights this past shorebird season was the appearance of at Columbia River, photo I'Mike Patterson. Bottom:6September 1989, were near Philo- least 3 RUFFS at various sites on SI during the period 24 Aug-14 Sep (JJ, NL, Sturgeon Lake, SauvieIsland, Multnomah Co.,photo /Bob O'Brien. maty, jn jj^e c m .ob.). They were found in both the Multnomah and Columbia Co. portions of the Willamette Valley (RH) and 100+ were at DL in late Aug. The 7 or 8 Wilson's island, and represent the first records for an interior valley site in Western Phalaropes seen this fall in Western Oregon were above the last 5 years' average Oregon (although a Ruff was seen at Coquille, Coos Co., 18 Jan 1980). Addition• of about 4: at the DL sewage ponds 4 Aug, with another posing for photos on a ally, single Ruffs were encountered 26 Aug at Bandon (JJ, SH) and 30 Aug-6 Sep floatingboat cushion at DL 6 Aug(DFi, ph. MS); at FRR 7-9 Aug and 18 Aug(SH); at the SJCR (MP). Although token Ruffs have become nearly annual in fall, it and 3 at SI 11 Aug, with another there 30 Aug (BSh, TSh, NL). should be recalled that this species had yet to be recorded in the state as recently Jaegers - Gulls as 10 years ago. Pomarine Jaegers were seen from shore at the SJRC 2 Sep (MP) and 5 Oct Peak counts of Short-billed Dowitcher along the coast were 150 at the SJ CR (HN), from BB 30 Sep (4- GLi, TSt), and from the Siuslaw R. jetties 11 Nov (DFi, 16 Aug (MP) and 200+ at Bandon 21-24 Aug (DFi). A peak count of 65 on SI on SH). Only 1 was seen out of Garibaldi 10 Sep and again 14 Oct, but 6 or 7 were 24 Aug is noteworthy, but it has become realized in recent years that such seen out of Charleston 16 Sep. Six Parasitic Jaegers were noted from the SJCR numbers occur on the island in Aug and Sep. Two at the SJCR 5 Oct (HN) was 20 Aug-30 Sep, with a late individual 18 Nov (MP); from BB 30 Aug (MD); and the latest report. Long-bills numbered 320 on SI 25 Sep, but had increased to 1 around the MSC 26 Oct (BL). Two were seen 10 Sep out of Garibaldi, with Ion some 450 by 27 Oct (HN). These numbers pale in comparison to the adult peak the 14 Oct trip. None was seen on the 16 Sep trip from Charleston. The fall's of800 at SI on 30 Jul (JJ, NL). Common Snipe are not often reported early in the

OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 188, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 189, Summer 1990 collection of sightings seems a bit subpar, but they may represent a normal Terns pattern of occurrence during an extended period of generally settled weather. A Caspian Terns were well-reported as usual. The concentration about Yaquina Long-tailed J aeger was encountered out of Yaquina Bay 17 Aug (RL), and a prob• Bay peaked at 200+ birds 29 Jul, said to be the highest count ever made there able Long-tail was seen on the 17 Sep trip out of Charleston (LT). ASouth Polar (fide ME). One hundred seventy-five at Tillamook Bay 2 Aug decreased slowly Skua was seen 25 Aug offshore from Cape Foulweather (TT), and 2 birds each to a lone bird by 27 Sep (HN). In the interior lowlands, 9 were in the Salem area were found out of Charleston 16 Sep (DFi, LT, Mike Graybill et al.) and offshore 1-3 Aug (BB, RG); up to 12 were at SI (3 Aug, JJ); 23 were at Agate L. 26 Aug, Depoe Bay 19 Sep (TT). and small numbers were at FRR and Cottage Grove Res. during Aug (SH). The junior author observed a group of Caspian Terns fly s. over each of these An average 4 Franklin's Gulls were seen this fall: at SI 20 Aug(JJ) with 2 reservoirs, on 23 Aug (Cottage Grove Res.) and 29 Aug (FRR), the flocks moving there 28 Sep (NL), and 13-21 Oct at the Warrenton sewage ponds (MP). There steadily beyond the lakes, and on across low mountains in obvious overland were no significant reports for Bonaparte's Gulls among the few received. A migration. The latest tern at Yaquina Bay was seen 7 Oct (JJ), and, at the SJCR, Heermann's Gull at the MSP 11 Oct was surely surprising (RG). This gull shows an imm. was quite late 4 Nov (MP). up away from the coast just often enough to escape the term "accidental inland" in Western Oregon, especially as some of the interior valley sightings have Once only a "dreamed-for" species in Oregon, ELEGANTTERNS have now occurred during periods of fair weather. pushed n. into the state in 4years out of the past 7. They built up to high numbers in n.w. California this fall, with 400-450 in Humboldt Bay an dup to 64 at An ad. Mew Gull 13 Sep at the NSP was the first one noted (HN). Four had Crescent City. With such a swelling to the s. of us, it is perhaps surprising that appeared at the MSP by 11 Oct (RG). A California Gull seen 2 Sep at the Rogue no more than a couple dozen Elegant Terns were detected in Oregon. As it was, R. mouth had been banded 2 Jul 1989 at Mono L. (RAE). Herring Gulls appeared 2 were found at the mouth of the Chetco R., Brookings, 31 Aug (MD); 3 (2 ad. and in the Eugene area by 15 Oct (2 birds), had increased to 24 by 29 Oct and to a banded juv.) were among roosting gulls 8 Sep inside the mouth of the Rogue R. surprising 80 by 10 Nov. Thayer's Gulls were detected there by 29 Oct (2) and had at Gold Beach (RAE, Alan D. Barron, beautiful description and drawing), and 20 increased to 20 by 10 Nov. A Glaucous-winged X Herring Gull was at the were at the latter site 14 Sep (R&JK). RAE suggests that, with many now Glen wood gull rocks on the Willamette R. in Eugene 15 Oct, along with an early breeding in s. California, the juvenile was probably banded there (the band first-winter Western Gull. inscription could not be read). Four Glaucous Gulls were noted by period's end. A first-winter bird discov• ered at the FRR dam 10 Nov (SH) reappeared the following day among the large Common Terns made an average showing, characterized by scattered gull flock 12 miles away at Glen wood (SH, DFi); at the latter site on 21 Nov were reports of small numbers during mid-fall. In contrast to some other years, there both the imm. and a stunning ad. Glaucous Gull, the first to be found in Lane Co. were no reports of greater than 30 birds per sighting. Singles were on SI 15 Aug and the s. Willamette Valley (SH). Two birds were in the Astoria area 11-18 Nov (fide HN) and 22 Aug (JJ). Ten birds offshore from Depoe Bay 4 Nov (TT) were (MP). the latest seen. As is normal, Arctic Terns were noted but a few times during the season. They were seen out of Garibaldi 10 Sep (TC); from Charleston 16 Sep Few Black-legged Kittiwakes were noted this fall. As expected, the only (m.ob.); offshore from Depoe Bay 18 Sep (50 birds, TT); at Yaquina Bay 24 Sep concentration was around the SJCR, where as many as 60 birds were encoun• (JJ); and near Florence 26-29 Oct (BSz), a very late date for the species at this tered (14 Oct, MP). A first-winter Black-legged Kittiwake at the SSP 26-27 Nov latitude. Most surprising was the report of 2 Arctic Terns 22 Aug at Agate L. (OS), (JJ, RG) furnished a first Yamhill Co. record. There were but 3 reports of Sabine's said to be a second Jackson Co. record. An ad. Forster's Tern was reported 12 mi. Gulls, with none showing up inland this fall. Fifty were seen 7 Sep offshore from offshore from Cascade Head 29 Aug(TT) and is said tohavebeen photographed. Cape Lookout (TT); about a dozen were found 16 Sep out of Charleston (m.ob.), Reports of this species w. of the Cascades have become annual in recent years, and 1 was spied from BB 28 Oct (TSh). with as many as 7 having been found (1984), but only several per fall during the past few years.

Franklin's Gull, Alcids August 1989, Clatsop Nine species of alcids were observed in Oregon this past fall. Common Beach, Caltsop Co. Photo I Bob O'Brien. Murres were stated to have died off in above-normal numbers this summer (fide HN, Range Bayer). Sixty-seven were found dead 2 Sep along Baker Beach, Lane Co. (SH). Murre mortality fluctuates noticeably from year to year. Pigeon Guillemots remained near shore in small numbers well into early winter. From 1 to 3 birds were noted during November at BB, Yaquina Bay, Florence, and at Shore Acres S.P. (m.ob.). Guillemots in basic plumage are an uncommon sight after September. Reports of Marbled Murrelets were received from many locations, all involving the small numbers typically encountered at this season. A XANTUS' MURRELET was 10 mi. offshore from Lincoln City 9 Sep (DFa, TT), and another was reported among a group of Horned Grebes on the ocean at

OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 190, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 191, Summer 1990 BB 24-25 Oct (HN). Xantus' Murrelets have been found in Oregon during3 of the Siletz Bay (HN); at least 4 during early Nov at BSNWR (fide BB); 3 at FRR by past 5 years, and there have now been several onshore sightings. Ancient 10 Nov (SH); and 2 at Pony Slough 18 Nov. Murrelets were seen at Yaquina Head, a suspected nesting site, 13 Sep (TC); at Saving the best for last, and leading all reports of owls in Oregon in 1989, BB 30 Sep (GLi, TS); and 2 at Shore Acres S.P. 5 Nov (LT). was the apparent BOREAL OWL which answered taped calls on in subalpine Cassin's Auklets were unusually conspicuous near shore this fall, the forest alongTaylor Burn Rd., 2 mi. n. ofWaldo L., Lane Co. (25 Oct, Steve Gordon; numerous sightings off vantage points alongthe Lincoln Co. coast (m.ob.). More 4Nov, Norm Barrett, PSh, details related to the authors). Further developments than the usual few Rhinoceros Auklets were seen. Most impressive was a group in this birding drama are eagerly awaited. of 60 birds seen at Yachats 1 Oct (KM). Although this sighting probably pertains to auklets which summer or are fledged in nearby Sea Lion Caves, the observa• Nighthawk - Woodpeckers tion is notable for the time of year. Eight Rhinos were seen 30 Sep from BB and Interesting reports among the few received for Common Nighthawk were of another 8 were seen at Yaquina Bay the same day (GLi, TSt). Tufted Puffins were a flock of 90 feeding on a late midge hatch over the s.w. corner of DL at sunset still feeding young at Haystack Rock, Clatsop Co., 11 Sep (TC). Two HORNED 15 Aug, and single bird 24 Aug on the coast at Yachats (fide DFa). The latest PUFFINS were an exciting find 15 mi. offshore from Cascade Head 3 Nov (TT), report was of 1 in Roseburg 3 Sep, a typical departure date for our area. and 1 was found washed up at Bayshore Beach (RL). No Black Swifts were reported this year, in contrast with an average of 3- 4 reports each fall during the period 1984-88. Conversely, Vaux's Swifts were as Pigeons - Owls well-reported as ever. Their enchanting pre-roost behavior provides a spectacle Band-tailed Pigeons are attempting to endure a period of scarcity in in Oregon birding to be sought and savored. Reports of swift roosts were as Western Oregon. Judging reports of this species is difficult, because many follows: 60-100 using a hollow incense-cedar snag near TRS 25 Aug (DFi, Tim birders do not mention them even when they are numerous. Band-tails were still Knutsen); 250, Yachats, 5 Sep (fide ME); 450, O.S.U. campus, Corvallis, 7 Sep present at Florence 15 Oct (BSz); 12 were in the Salem area 22 Oct (fide BB); 19 (fide ME); 400-500, Elk's Lodge, Independence, 13 Sep (fide BB); 200, Eugene, 15 were at Finley NWR 25 Oct (ME); and 1 at TRS 18 Oct furnished only the second Sep (SH); 150, Western Mennonite School, Salem, 18 Sep (FS); 1000, Corvallis, sighting in 6 years' residence there. The only large flock reported was a group 20 Sep (fide ME), and 50, Independence, 4 Oct with decrease to none by 8 Oct (fide which fed or watered regularly on the open mudflats at Bandon. This flock BB). In addition, "a few" were at Ashland 1 Oct(RS); an unspecified number were increased from 15 birds on 21 Aug, to 50 on 3 Sep, and to 75 on 9 Sep, but none at Corvallis 3 Oct (RH); and the last birds detected were 2 over SI 14 Oct (HN). was seen on later visits (DFi). Three Mourning Doves were seen along the n. coast, where always rare and never expected: at Yaquina Head 23 Sep (KL); at Yaquina Bay 1 Oct (KM), and at Depoe Bay 29 Oct (LL, GLi, NL). Every species of owl known to occur in Oregon in summer was recorded in Western Oregon during the report period. Single Burrowing Owls were noted dur• ing the fall at Medford and nearby Cen• tral Point (MM), and a single bird was once again at the Corvallis airport 15 Oct+ (ME). Each of the 3 Strix species was located, with numerous Spotted Owls tracked during various monitoring and inventorying programs (m.ob.); a pair of Barred Owls continuing resident (?) in n.e. Douglas Co., and at least 1 Great Gray Owl seen in that species' regular Howard Prairie/Hyatt L. haunts during the period (fide MM). Two Long-eared Owls were noted 25 Aug near Banks, Washington Co. (fide HN), and another 2 were found dead on

Frizzell Rd. near Salem 21 Sep (fide BB). Burrowi 0wl 27 November 1989, The usual modest numbers of Short-eared Commerce Road, Jackson Co. Photo/ Owls were found, with 1 notable 24 Sep at Howard Sands. Costa's Hummingbird, OBRC 430-89- 19B and C (left), 5 May 1989, Winchester, Douglas Co. Photos I Martha Sawyer. OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 192, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 193, Summer 1990 This fall saw a remarkable increase in reports of Lewis' Woodpecker from senior author). The main exodus of the Violet-green Swallows out of Western the Willamette Valley, especially in w. Polk Co. The first lowland birds detected Oregon took place about 22 Aug-15 Sep (HN et al.). This year saw no great were at Scappoose 2 Sep (MP) and at FRR the next day (SH). This is about 2 gatherings reported during the last week of Sep or in early Oct. The final bird of weeks later than migrants begin to show up in clearcuts and subalpine openings 1989 bade adieu at White City near Medford 21 Oct (MM). The last Northern in the higher Western Cascades. Further valley sightings outside the Rogue Rough-winged Swallow was seen at the SJCR 9 Sep (MP). Again this fall there were at Corvallis, 11 Sep (fide ME); at SI 14 Sep (fide HN); at Hillsboro, were quite a few reports of migrant Bank Swallows: single birds at FRR 1 Aug Washington Co. 17 Sep (fide ME) and 8 birds at E.E. Wilson Game Management (SH); at SI 24 Aug and 5 Sep (DI); and at the NSP 25 Aug (TC); and 4 Banks at Area the same day (DS); 3 in w. Polk Co. foothills 19 Sep, followed by 12 on 17 SI 8 Sep (DC) and 2 at Agate L. 18 Sep (HS). Not too many years ago this species Oct, 22 on 20 Oct, and 15 on 25 Oct (all RG); 1 in Salem 21 Sep (BL); at BSNWR was detected less than annually on the west side of the Cascades. The last Cliff 2 Oct (RG); and at Finley NWR 7 Oct (RH). MM noted that it would likely prove Swallow was seen at the SSP19 Sep (RG). The Barn Swallow migration this fall "a good winter for high numbers in the Rogue Valley", where Lewis'Woodpeckers was notably sparse on the s. coast and in the Umpqua Valley (DFi). The latest are still quite common. Barn Swallow was noted 21 Nov at Independence (fide BB). The woodpeckers we may consider Cascades specialties in our area were reported only a few times, which is typical. A Three-toed Woodpecker at Timothy Corvids - Vireos L. s. of Mt. Hood 14 Oct (TSh) was the only one noted. Three-toeds appear to be Single Scrub Jays were found well out of range this fall, at Astoria 10 Sep rare but regular in the crest and subalpine bench country of the higher Western (MP), and in a clearcut at the base of Saddle Mtn. s.e. of there (H. Bruner). Clark's Cascades s. to about Willamette Pass. South of there they are extremely rare on Nutcrackers staged a modest incursion into the Douglas-fir forest zone during the w. side of the Cascade crest. Three Black-backed Woodpeckers were noted 27 Sep and Oct in n.e. Douglas Co. This does not appear to occur every year. ABlack- Aug at the w. base of Mt. Hood (fide HN); 1 was seen 3 Sep at Olallie L. in extreme billed Magpie was seen 18 Oct e. of Ashland along Hwy. 99 (RS). This species was w. Jefferson Co. (BL), and 4 birds were seen or heard during the period in n.e. formerly seen with greater frequency in the upper Rogue Valley. Douglas Co., where this species is not common but is routinely observed over a The only really interesting wren sighting this fall was a Rock Wren creeping broad area lying w. of the crest. A imm. Red-naped Sapsucker was seen 13 Aug about the roof of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office just above FRR 15 Sep along Skyline Rd. n.e. of Detroit (Jack Corbett), where 1 was also seen 14 Jul. (SH), for 1 of very few records of a fall migrant Rock Wren in the Willamette Valley. Lowland arrival dates for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at heavily-birded sites Flycatchers - Swallows were 12 Sep at SI (JJ) and the followingday at FRR (SH). Western Bluebirds are Latest flycatchers noted in Western Oregon this year were: Olive-sided quite rare along the outer coast at any season, so 1 at the North Spit of Coos Bay Flycatcher, 13 Sep, Eagle Point (HS); Western Wood-Pewee, 2 Oct, BSNWR 18 Nov was a good find (BG). Seven Mountain Bluebirds seen in the upper Rogue (RG); Hammond's Flycatcher, 16 Sep, Cascade Head (JJ), and 19 Sep, near TRS; Valley 6 Oct were unusual, as they are noted there fairly often in spring but "Western Flycatcher" (most likely the newly-elevated species, Pacific-slope seldom in fall (HS). The latest Swainson's Thrushes were heard overhead at Flycatcher), 24 Sep, Coast Range of Lane Co. (SH); and Western Kingbird, 26 night at TRS 26 Sep, seen 2 Oct at Eagle Point (HS) and brought in dead by a cat Sep, Ashland (RS). There were no meaningful departure dates for Willow or 11 Oct in Salem (BL). Dusky Flycatcher this year. A Wren tit found 29 Oct near Black Rock in the Coast Range of w. Polk Co. Three Black Phoebes were recorded during the fall around Ashland (MM), (RG) was at about the northern known limit of the species' range in the inner and 1 was at Tou Velle Park in the c. Rogue Valley 24 Sep (fide ES). An imm. Coast Range. It must be considered likely by any active birder who has witnessed Black Phoebe was at the small pond near the base of the south jetty of the their ongoing expansion into "garbage habitat" in Southwest Oregon that the Coquille R. 24 Aug, but not later (DFi). Perhaps the most surprising flycatcher spread of this species into Yamhill Co., w. Washington Co., and, ultimately, the sighting of the fall was a Say's Phoebe discovered near the top of 7500' Mt. Portland area, is simply a matter of time. Ashland, Jackson Co. 4 Sep (RS), the only report of this truly rare fall migrant There were no Northern Mockingbird reports in the area this fall. As is through our area. normal, American Pipits arrived at a wide variety of sites across Western Oregon Purple Martins were sparsely reported. They were seen as expected at the within a few days: 1 Sep, SJCR (MP); 2 Sep, summit Mt. Ashland (13- EA); 3 Sep, NSP and Bay City sewage ponds of coastal Tillamook Co. but in pathetic BOS (HH, RH) with the main push there 12 Sep (fide HN); 3 Sep, Bandon (DFi); numbers. Only 8 martins were at Bay City 10 Sep (DC), with 5 there 3 days later 4 Sep, DL sewage ponds; 7 Sep, MSC (Bob Olson, Laimons Osis); 12 Sep, SI (late (CR). This used to be an important fall gathering site for them. The only sightings arrival- JJ); and 13 Sep, BSNWR (BB, RG). Arrival of Northern Shrikes was reported outside Tillamook Co. during the period were of a pair at an old Tom noted beginning 7 Oct with a bird at SI (fide HN). The first 1 on the coast was, Lund nest box at Bandon up to 21 Aug(possibly the last pair at this colony- DFi), predictably, at the SJCR 14 Oct (GLi, TSt); in the s. Willamette Valley, at and 3 at Tou Velle Park (fide ES). Corvallis 27 Oct (ME); in the mountains, where seldom ever detected, near Black No strikingly late Tree Swallows were discovered, with the last individual Rock, Polk Co. 4 Nov (RG); and in the Rogue Valley at Central Point 13 Nov (MM). seen only 18 Sep at BSNWR. The fall migration schedule of this species appears At the recently-discovered breeding site on SI, Red-eyed Vireos were seen to be much different than that of Violet-green Swallow, as Trees seem to begin feeding young up to 7 Aug (PSu et al.). Most remarkable was a Red-eyed Vireo leaving the state as soon as their young have fledged (personal impression of in a yard in Tigard, s. of Portland 7 Sep (Tom Love, fide HN). What causes this

OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 194, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 195, Summer 1990 sighting to stand out is that, with no known breeding sites within many miles of Sparrow, an uncommon fall migrant through our area. The latest was at Minto Tigard, this individual was probably a fall migrant. If so, it is the only 1 known I., Salem 6 Oct (BL). The first lowland Fox Sparrow was found a few days earlier to this writer to have been seen in Western Oregon within the recent birding era. than usual, in Portland 27 AUG (JG). Does anyone recall another? Lincoln's Sparrows arrived in the lowlands by 28 Aug at FRR (2-3, SH) and quickly became common there. Two were at BSNWR by 5 Sep (RG). Five Swamp Warblers Sparrows were reported. The first was sheltering in gorse and blackberries on a The latest reported sightings for some of our routine summering warblers hillside shortly s. of the jetties at Bandon 19 Oct (DFi). One was at the DL sewage are as follows: ponds the following day; 2 were noted 5 Nov+ on SI (NL); and 1 at the Nashville Warbler 10ct Salem Independence sewage ponds was a very good find for the c. Willamette Valley, Yellow Warbler 24 Sep Lincoln Co. - coast where as yet there have been only a few sightings of this elusive bird. 10ct Salem-valley Eleven-plus White-throated Sparrows were found in the Portland/SI area 1 Oct TRS-mountains during the period. One at Salem 13 Oct was the earliest one noted. About 2 dozen Black-throated Gray Warbler 13 Oct Thornton Crk. White-throats were reported. A general incursion of Golden-crowned Sparrows Hermit Warbler 30 Sep Hyatt L. was widely noted during the second week of Sep (m.ob.). The first 1 reported in MacGillivray's Warbler 10ct TRS the lowlands was at FRR 13 Sep (SH), a typical arrival date. For several weeks, Common Yellowthroat 1 Oct BSNWR - Early final date. A male was present this species swarmed in the mountain clearcuts in such legions that they may through Nov in Ashland. actually outnumbered the juncos. Two Harris' Sparrows were found, 1,5 Nov at Wilson's Warbler 22 Oct Bay City sewage ponds Minto I. and another 27 Nov+ at Eagle Point (MM, HS). Harris' Sparrows have wintered at each of these locations in the recent past. Palm Warblers made their typical showing, with 8 or 9 discovered, all in the northern 3 coastal counties, beginning with a rather early individual 9 Sep at the Lapland Longspurs were encountered at 4 north-coastal sites 6 Sep-28 Oct. MSG (fide DFa). Characteristically, at least 3 were found around the favored As many as 24 were about the SJCR (5 Oct, HN) which is typical. One was at the SJCR(m.ob.). NSP 16 Sep (DL); 1 was near Florence 14 Oct (BSz- not seen annually in Lane Co.); and 70 were at Yaquina Bay 28 Oct, about as large a gatheringof longspurs Vagrant warblers are much easier to find east of the Cascades than west, but as is ever found in Western Oregon (DL). On 13 Sep a CHESTNUT-COL• there is a special allure to scouring the Oregon coast for these waifs. They say LARED LONGSPUR was found amongmigrant sparrows and pipits at the DL birders have a streak of the gambler in the best of them —yet, how to explain sewage ponds in the higher w. Cascades of n.e. Douglas Co. What was believed the logic sustaining the sweet misery of shaking for something you might only to be a different Chestnut-collared was seen there 3 Oct. Pending acceptance by a few times in your Western Oregon birding "career"? Disregarding the singular the OBRC, these birds provided the fifth and sixth records for the state. One case of Palm Warbler, the Oregon Birds Fieldnotes indicate that the collective appeared at this location 2 Oct 1986. Snow Buntings showed up at the SJCR by vagrant-hunting effort of Western Oregon birders has produced a paltry total of 4 Nov (12- HN) with 2 seen there 6 Nov (MP). None was reported elsewhere. 22 vagrant warblers in the 6 fall seasons 1984-89: an average of fewer than 4 per year. The disparity in the volume of coastal fall vagrant warblers discovered The only Tricolored Blackbirds reported were 2 males at Ashland 5 Aug between Oregon and California continues to loom yawningly vast. (RS). Although seldom considered a conspicuously migratory species, Western Meadowlarks are precisely that in the Cascades, owing to concentration, due to But it also makes this occasional event cause for celebration indeed. This lack of habitat. They will drop down in any habitat remotely resembling autumn saw the discovery of Oregon's second PRAIRIE WARBLER which was grassland, with some humorous situations encountered at times. Migrant also the first verified state record. An ad. male, it remained 24 Aug-3 Sep (DFi, meadowlarks first appeared at the DL sewage ponds 4 Sep and were continually m.ob.) in the willows at the small pond near the south jetty at Bandon. Then of present, in numbers up to 15, until 4Nov. Yellow-headed Blackbirds were found 29 Oct came Oregon's third CANADA WARBLER, the first documented for 23 Aug at Agate L. (MM), and 4 Sep near Astoria, a good sighting for the north Western Oregon. This stray, an imm. female, stayed 4 days in a willow stand near coast (MP). The last Northern Orioles of the year were in Ashland, a male 9 Oct the base of Tillamook Head in Seaside (DI, m.ob.). The other vagrant warbler an a female 2 days later (RS). found this fall was inland, a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER which ap• peared for only a short time with chickadees at a feeder in West Linn, just s.e. The only sighting of Rosy Finches during the period was of 22 near the of Portland, 2 Sep (R. Howe, fide HN) for 1 of a handful of records for Western summit of Mt. Hood 19 Sep (RG). Inexplicably, a late Aug hike up South Sister Oregon. and across the crater snowfield, probably a regular site for Rosy Finches, failed to record any. White-winged Crossbills invaded the Cascades for the first time since the major incursion of 1985. Twelve ad. males were singing at Old Man All The Rest Camp at the w. base of Mt. Bailey, e. Douglas Co. 5-6 Aug (DFi, MS, Sue Gordy), Late Chipping Sparrows were discovered 28 Oct at TRS and at Yaquina and 25 were found along the Taylor Burn Rd., n. of Waldo L. 20 Aug (SH, PSh). Head (JJ, NL, GLi). Chipping Sparrows are very scarce at any season on the The White-wings n. of Waldo L. seemed to have left by mid-Sep (SH), and those coast. In light of the abundance of Clay-colored Sparrows in California this past near Mt. Bailey were never encountered again. Aflock of White-winged Crossbills season (130 reported in AB 44(1) it is simply amazing that none was detected in passed through thelow Coast Range of Lincoln Co. at Thornton Crk. 2 Nov(DFa). Western Oregon in fall 1989. As expected, there were but a few reports of Vesper OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 196, Summer 1990 OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 197, Summer 1990 Surely this species occurred in Western Oregon in actual numbers far surpassing what were discovered by birders. Finally, the enigmatic Eurasian Tree Sparrow which frequented a North The quarterly journal of Oregon Field Ornithologists Bend feeder all summer was present during the fall report period from 1-10 Sep, and had returned 11 Nov. An imm. of this species was present there up to 12 Sep (BG). Oregon Birds is looking for material in these categories:

Observers: News Briefs on things of temporal importance, such as meetings, birding All observations from DL and TRS by DFi unless otherwise noted. trips, announcements, news items, etc.

EA - Ed Abbott TSt - Tom Staudt Articles are longer contributions dealing with identification, distribution, BB - Barb Bellin BSt - Bruce Stewart ecology, management, conservation, taxonomy, behavior, biology, and BC - Barbara Combs BSz - Bill Stotz historical aspects of ornithology and birding in Oregon. Articles cite DC - Dave Copeland PSu - Paul Sullivan TC - Tom Crabtree references (if any) at the end of the text. Names and addresses of DS - Dave Swanson authors appear at the beginning of the text. MD - Mike Denny OS - Otis Swisher ME - Merlin Eltzroth TT - Terry Thompson Short Notes are shorter communications dealing with the same subjects as RAE - Richard A. Erickson LT - Larry Thornburgh DFa - Darrel Faxon LW-Linda Weiland articles. Short Notes typically cite no references, or at most a few in DFi - David Fix parentheses inthetext. Names and addresses of authors appear at the RG - Roy Gerig end of the text. JG-JeffGilligan BG - Barb Griffin Bird Finding Guides "where to find a in Oregon" (for some of the SH - Steve Heinl rarer birds) and "where to find birds in the area" (for some of HH - Hendrik Herlyn RH - Rich Hoyer, Jr. the better spots). DI - David Irons JJ - Jim Johnson Reviews for published material on Oregon birds or of interest to Oregon R&JK - Rick and Jan Krabbe birders. NL-NickLethaby GLi - Gerard Lillie Photographs of birds, especially photos taken recently in Oregon. Color GLd - Glen Lindemann slide duplicates are preferred. Please label all photos with pho• KL-KathyLiska tographer's name and address, bird identification, date and place the RL - Roy Lowe photo was taken. Photos will be returned; contact the Editor for more BL - Bob Lucas information. DL - Donna Lusthoff KM - Kathy Merrifield MM - Marjorie Moore Deadline for the next issue of Oregon Birds — OB 16(3) — is 27 July 1990. PM - Pat Muller The next issue should get to you by the first week of September 1990. MP - Micheal Patterson Material can be submitted any time, and the sooner the better. Please send CR - Craig Roberts materials directly tothe Editor, 3007 N.E. 32nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97212 HS - Howard Sands MS - Martha Sawyer (503)282-9403. FS - Floyd Schrock ES - Eric Setterburg Oregon Birds Board of Editors: David A. Anderson, Range D. BSh - Bill Shelmerdine TSh - Tim Shelmerdine Bayer, Charlie Bruce, Alan Contreras, Tom Crabtree, David PSh - Paul Sherrell Fix, Jeff Gilligan, Steven G. Herman, Mike Houck, George A. RS - Ray Skibby Jobanek, Jim Johnson, CD. Littlefield, Roy Lowe, David B. GS - Gerald Smith Marshall, Harry B. Nehls, Mark Stern, Paul Sullivan, Clarice Watson OREGON BIRDS 16(2): 198, Summer 1990 OregonHids Non-Prolit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Eugene, OR Permit #516 Oregon Field Ornithologists P.O. Box 10373 Eugene, OR 97440

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