Published by The Kirtland Bird Club and The Museum of Natural History March, April, May 1993 Volume 89 Number 2 THE CLEVELAND BIRD CALENDAR Editor: Larry Rosche (LR)

Consulting Editor: Ray Hannikman (RH) On The Inside: Technical Editor Janice V. McLean Ph. D. The Weather William A. Klamm Editorial Assistants: William A. Klamm - Weather Summary Judy Tisdale - Keyboarding Reflections Wendy Wasman - Research Comment on the Season Contributors: Larry Rosche John Augustine (JA) Emil Bacik (EB) Dan Best (DB) Spring 1993 Black River Audubon Society (BR) Dwight and Ann Chasar (DAC) Elinor Elder(EE) Noteworthy Records Bob Finkelstein (BF) Anders and Joyce Fjeldstad (AJF) Pat Haddad (PH) Field Notes Robert Harlan RHL) Craig Holt (CH) William and Nancy Klamm (WNK) Snowy Plover -New for and Charles Klaus (CK) Headlands Beach State Park Len Kopka (LK) by Ray Hannikman Norma Kraps (NK) Muggsi Krister (MK) Bob and Denise Lane (BDL) Thomas Leiden (TLN) Next Issue: Thomas LePage (TLP) Summer 1993 Paula Lozano(PL) Perry Peskin (PP) Richard Rickard (RR) Breeding Birds Woody Stover (WS) of the Grand River Bert Szabo (BS) Bill and Ann Toneff (BAT) John Vanderpoel (JVP) Nesting Peregrine Falcons Jeff Wert (JW) Clyde Witt (CW) White Ibis in the Rocky River Valley Volume 89 Number 2

REFLECTIONS

Thirty Years Ago: A male Eurasian Wigeon was studied in Northampton Township on 9 March 1963 (Hjelmquist). A Sandhill Crane was seen over West Richfield on 30 Mar. (Schaedel). A moribund Purple Gallinule was found in Mentor on 10 May (Booth). The hybrid “Sutton’s Warbler” was studied well at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls on 9 May (Hjelmquist, Glassner). A Swainson’s Warbler was at Huntington Beach Park on 12 Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) - 13 May 1993 Headland Beach State Park May (Rea, Schuele). by Larry Rosche WEATHER The high was 79° on the 15th Twenty Years Ago: A flock SPRING 1993 and the low 29° on the 11th of 18 Pine Grosbeaks was at and 27th. Lake Erie was 35° on by William A. Klamm Whitehaven Cemetery on 17 the first and reached 42° by April 1973 (Carrothers).Red the 30th. Offshore ice fields, March- This was the 3rd Crossbills were widespread snowiest March on record. and extensive to dwindling from mid-April through late May. Temperature averaged 33.6° shore ice were prevalent A male Summer Tanager was at 3.7° below normal. The high through mid-month and fading the Mastick Picnic Grounds on was 72° on the 31st, with a thereafter. Sunshine prevailed 23 Apr. (KIamm). A Loggerhead record low of 3° on the 15th. 35% of the time. Precipitation Shrike was at Burke Airport on Lake Erie stood of 33° all came on 15 days and totaled 1 May (Hocevar). Five Glossy month. Extensive ice cover 3.16 in., 0.02 in, above normal. Ibises were seen flying west at and open fissures to expanded The most in any 24 hours was Burke Airport on 14 May open water areas with variable 0.77 in. on the 9-10th. Snowfall (Klamm). A pair of Wilson’s shore ice were prevalent on the totaled 1.1 in. with the most in Phalaropes was seen at White lake all month. Sunshine pre­ any 24 hours being 1.0 in. on City on 26 May (Hannikman). A vailed 33% of the time. the 2-3rd. The greatest depth Yellow-bellied Sapsucker lin­ Precipitation came on 18 days was 1.0 in. on the 3rd. gered through 31 May at and totaled 3.85 in., 0. 94 in. Kuhlman Woods (Hannikman). above normal. The most in any May- The month was notably 24 hour period was 1.14 in. on dry. It rained on only 8 days Ten Years Ago: A Northern the 4-5th. Snowfall totaled 25.4 and totaled 1.56 in., 1 .74 in. Goshawk was at Sims Park on in. with the most in any 24 hour below normal for May and 1.93 20 March 1983 (Corbin). Two period measuring 8.9 in. on 13­ in. in deficit for the year. Merlins were at the Old 14th. The greatest depth was 11 Sunshine prevailed 70% of the Brooklyn Airport on 1 Apr. in. on the 14th. time . Temperatures averaged (Bacik). A Purple Gallinule was 59.2°, 1.2° above normal. The turned in to the Cleveland high was 84° on the 28th and April - Temperatures aver­ Museum of Natural History on aged 47.6°. This was normal. the low 38° on the 17th. Lake 17 Apr. (Gustafson). A Logger­ Erie rose to 57° on the 31st. head Shrike was at Gordon Park on 24 Apr (Klamm). 12 Volume 89 Number 2 Comment on the Season by Larry Rosche

From all appearances it seemed that a good spring was had by most observers. Unfortunately, data from the Sunday Morning Bird Walks was not made available. Noteworthy records were impressive. The lakefront counties provided the highlights in this season’s rarity department. Ohio’s first Snowy Plover was was found by Ray Hannikman at Headlands Beach State Park and 6 Connecticut Warblers were banded at Lakeshore Park in North Perry in one day!. This location is becoming the top migrant trap in the region. In Cuyahoga County, Euclid Beach is becoming the latest hot spot, although it was good to get some top reports from Sims Park again. Reports indicated that the first good weekend was 8-9 May. They also show that migration was still going strong through the last third of the month .

At a recent Kirtland Bird Club meeting I was asked what I like and how reports should be made to The Cleveland Bird Calendar. This is not easy to predict, in that I try to vary year to year -what gets printed. Let’s start by being neat and using proper phylogenetic order. Forms are available upon request. It grates on me when people put robins ahead of mallards or when a list is received in chronological order of sighting. I also don’t have much affection for introduced species (even pheasants). Many reporters know that common residents are important to monitor but receive little ink unless a disaster takes place. Regardless, all records are archived in the CMNH and are important for future researchers. In reports to any publication, Neotropical migrants are emphasized and more newsworthy to readers. In general, the first date, high count, and last date are helpful to editors. The best of good birds.

Spring 1993 on 15 Apr. off Mentor Beach foot of Merwin St. along the (LR, JVP). A group of 200 was on 2 Apr. was ommon Loons were seen off West 9th St. on 28 our high count (PL, TLN). widespread in fair num­ Apr. (PL). Over 200 visited bers. Several birds were Lake Rockwell during the sea­ Tundra Swans were wide­ reportedC to have wrecked in fog son. The nest count at the spread and fairly numerous. A and bad weather in late March Great Blue Heron rookery at flock of 45 was over Auburn in Lorain Co.One bird was res­ Tinker’s Creek SNP was close Township on 11 Mar. Another cued from Island Road on 26 to 80 (LR, JT). Three Great 39 were at Punderson Lake Mar. It was released at Egrets were seen roosting in (fide DB). On 14 Mar. 84 were Wellington Reservoir (NK). A the Long Lake rookery on 17 on Lake Medina (CW). Metcalf bird was noted over Apr. (BDL). There were 22 counted 20 in Summit Co. on MetroHealth Medical Center sightings totaling 47 birds 20 Mar. A group of 28 stopped on 3 Apr. (RF, PL). Nimisila reported. The high was 18 on over at Lake Rockwell on the Reservoir hosted 12 on 4 Apr. 16 Apr. along the Iakeshore some date. A flock of 37 flew (BDL). On 7 Apr. 7 were at (WNK). Green-backed Herons over Lorain Co. on 27 Mar. Lake Medina (CW). The high were in expected low num­ (NK). Mute Swans are estab­ tallies of Pied-billed Grebes bers. Less than 10 were noted lishing themselves as local were 20 at Summit Lake on 12 along the lake. A Black- breeders in Portage and Mar. (LK) and 10 at Wellington crowned Night-Heron was a Summit Counties. Pairs were Reservoir on 21 Apr.(TLP). good find at Best Lake on 6 noted at Wingfoot Lake and Summit Lake provided safe Apr. (fide DB). The 50 near the Mogadore Reservoir (BDL). haven for 30-39 Horned Grebes 12-14 Mar. (LK, BDL). The puddle duck picture Another double digit tally remains cloudy. Migrants along (18) was made from Lake The puddle Lake Erie seem to be particu­ Medina on 4 Apr. (CW). duck picture larly scarce. The Klamms’ sur­ Double-crested Cormorants veys found only 3 pintails, 2 continue to increase numeri­ remains cloudy. shovelers, 3 teal, and no gad­ cally. The high count was 450

13 Volume 89 Turkey Vulture and hawk flights passing Perkins Beach Spring 1993 Number 2 Buffleheads were numerous Date 3/31 4/8 4/15 4/29 5/3 with up to 112 along the lake on Turkey Vulture 3 23 68 29 22 Northern Harrier 2 • 1 • • 4 Apr. and 90 at Mogadore. A Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 11 168 311 count of 36 pairs of Hooded Cooper’s Hawk • 1 1 • • Mergansers was made on Mud Red-shouldered Hawk 1 1 1 • 1 Lake on 14 Mar. (BDL). Broad-winged Hawk • • • 823 Unprecedented was a female Red-tailed Hawk 3 2 13 5 1 Common Merganser on the American Kestrel 4 2 52 • • Rocky River through 29 May (WNK). This established a new Data collected by William and Nancy Klamm Into spring date. The large flocks from the winter had virtu- walls or wigeons in all of March Mar. Lesser Scaup peaked at and April! Diving ducks are far- 525 on 3 Apr. (WNK). Inland, a ally disappeared by mid-March. ing better. Increased inland lake high of 310 was noted at A flock of 30 at Lake Rockwell on 4 Apr was good for the loca­ coverage is producing high tal- Mogadore on 4 Apr. (LR). Ring- tion (CH). lies of scaup, buffleheads, and necked Ducks were in expected Red-breasted mergansers. totals away from Lake Erie. The Mergansers were numerous highest count was 2500 at inland and along Lake Erie. The The first young Wood Ducks were Mogadore Reservoir on 8 Apr. high count was 2757 on 16 Apr. along Lake Erie (WNK). in Parkman on 17 May (JA). Oldsquaws put in a very good Ruddy remained faithful to their Green-winged Teal were showing, particularly inland. Ducks alarmingly scarce. Along the Two were in Eastlake on 2 Mar. preferred spring locations. lake the high was a paltry 6 at (EE). A bird was in Lorain on 6 Hundreds were at Mogadore, HBSP on 28 Mar. (RH). Inland, Mar. (DJH, WNK). Two were in Oberlin, and Wellington it was worse. The high was a Akron on 25 Mar. (LR). Another Reservoirs in April. measly 5 in Summit Co. on 28 pair was at Silver Creek MP on The earliest Mar. (BDL). Northern Pintails 26 Mar. (JW). A flock of 4 was Turkey Vultures were noted on 11 occasions in on Lake Medina on 27 Mar. were over Avon on 7 Mar. (TLP). Sightings of ranged small flocks. Blue-winged Teal (CW). A handsome drake Ospreys tallies received from the graced Mogadore on 11 Apr. from early April through the period. The early report come Portage Lakes indicate that this (LR). Four Surf Scoters were species has become very tallied in Lorain on 6 Mar. (DJH, from Lake Medina on 4 Apr. scarce. All reporters are urged NK). Another was at Eastlake (CW). A bird was over North to monitor this species closely. on 1 Mar. (KM). A bird at Ridgeville on 10 Apr. (BR). Birds passed by Perkins Beach Northern Shovelers were Spencer Lake SWA on 13 Apr. noted 8 times in small numbers. was an outstanding find (NK). on 16 & 19 Apr. (WNK, TLP). One was at Spencer Lake on The most noteworthy sighting White-winged Scoters were was on 4 Apr. at HBSP where seen at Lorain and Eastlake at 22 Apr. (NK). Two were seen at they are not annual (RH). The expected times (m.ob.). A late North Chagrin on 25 Apr. (KM). One was in the CVNRA the only flock of Gadwalls of any bird was at Oberlin Reservoir same day (RHL). A bird was at size (55+) was at Mogadore on 4 May (NK). Common Best Lake on 29 Apr. (fide DB). Reservoir on 1-4 Apr. (LR). The Goldeneyes remained A bird flew over Russell Park on high inland counts of American in good numbers until 3 Apr. 2 May (DB). One soared over Wigeons were a mere 35 at (WNK). The latest bird was off Nimisila on 14 Mar. (BDL)l and the traditional Sims Park winter- Euclid on 6 May (PL). Up to 8 62 at Mogadore on 1 Apr (LR). ing area on 24 Apr. (RHL). passed through Lake Rockwell with a late bird seen on 25 May The 50 Canvasbacks at Wingfoot Lake on 4 Apr. was (CH). Reports of Bald Eagles high tally for the region (CH). Unprecedented was a were good. An immature was in Avon on 6 Mar. (RH). An adult Redheads were in good female Common was at HBSP on 13 & 21 Mar numbers on Akron Lakes. Merganser on the The Lanes saw 35 pairs at (RH). A subadult was seen over North Reservoir on 14 Rocky River.... Brecksville on 18 Apr. (DAC). 14 Volume 89 Number 2 Once again the nest failed at bellied Plovers were noted Apr. (BR). American Lake Rockwell. On a brighter only twice. Semipalmated Woodcocks were displaying in side, the nest at Snow Lake Plovers were better with highs 6” of snow in Medina Co. on 3 was successful. Harlan saw 2 of 8 at HBSP and 14 at Lake Mar. (CW). Donald Gray adults with 2 young there on 21 Rockwell. Solitary Sandpiper Gardens and Sims Park May. A Northern Harrier was a numbers were unimpressive. harbored a few late March good find in Akron on 6 Apr. The first Summit Co. arrival was migrants. (BDL). Sightings of migrants a rather late 4 May in Hudson along the lake were as expect­ (EE). The largest gathering was The high count of Bonaparte’s ed (m.ob.). A pair was actively 5 in the CVNRA on13 May Gull was 600 along the lake on courting during May at the (BAT). Spotted Sandpipers 15 Apr. (WNK). Inland, they Ravenna Arsenal. Red-shoul­ were as expected. The high were common but by no means dered Hawks continue to flour­ count of 7 Ruddy Turnstones anywhere close to the lakefront ish east of the CVNRA. Three was noted on 23 May at Lake number. A first year Iceland reports from Lorain Co were Rockwell, of all places. A flock Gull was was at Avon Lake on encouraging (NK). The earliest of 35 Semipalmated 2 Mar. (RHL) A subadult was Broad-winged Hawk was 10 Sandpipers was found at Lake found in Lorain on 6 Mar. (DJH, Apr at Bacon Woods (BR). A Rockwell on 24 May (LR). A m.ob.). An adult was at HBSP bird was seen with nesting nice flock of 100+ whizzed by on 4 Apr. (RH). Three material on 2 May at Big Creek HBSP on 31 May (RH). Least Glaucous Gulls were in Lorain Park (JA, DB). A dark Rough- Sandpipers were relatively on 18 Mar. (TLP). A first year legged Hawk lingered in Lorain scarce. No White-rumped bird was at Avon Lake on 7 Co. through 31 Mar. (NK). Sandpipers were seen! The 3 Mar. (CH). A bird was late at E. Merlin reports were as we have Pectoral Sandpipers at Burke 55th St. on 17 Apr. (BF, PL). come to expect in recent times. Airport on 27 Mar. provided our Caspian Terns moved through A bird flew close by the break- high count (DJH). Very few the region in good numbers. wall at HBSP on 11 Apr. (EB, Dunlins were noted. No Short- The first report was from HBSP RH, LR). A bird was at Euclid billed Dowitchers were found! on 4 Apr. (RH). A high count Beach SP on 22 Apr. (TLP). A A Common Snipe was a good of 133 was made off West 9th bird was rather late at HBSP on find in Aurora on 27 Mar. (EE). St. on 16 Apr. (PL). The high 19 May (RH). A dead bird was found at E. at Lorain was 86 on 14 Apr. 55th and St. Clair on 1 Apr. (TLP). Over 50 visited Lake Where Ring-necked Pheasants (TLN) (no fooling). One was in Rockwell during the period. On come from is not clear. A female Akron on 5 Apr. (BDL). A bird 17 Apr. 8 were at the Firestone was flushed at Donald Gray visited Carlisle Metropark on 25 Gardens on 7 Apr. (PL, TLN). A pair in Lorain Co. on 2 May was Merlin (Falco columbarius) - A new bird for unique (NK). A Wild Turkey exhibited disoriented behavior While standing by the lower pond on 27 March 1993 we heard in the CVNRA on 13 May (BAT). and saw a male American Kestrel fly up to another in a fall tree beyond Virginia Rails and Soras were the chapel. Those two disappeared and a little later a small falcon was relatively scarce. The high seen and eventually heard harassing crows and jays. It did this repeat­ count was only 2 at several edly for maybe 5 minutes before moving off. We had a variety of views sites (m.ob.). Common of the bird, but often just silhouettes. We easily saw the heavy streaking Moorhens were found at the on the breast and the generally dark coloration coupled with the aggres­ Jaite area of the CVNRA on 23 sive, behavior and bullet-like flight. We also got small looks at the heav­ Apr. (DAC) and at Gordon Park ily checkered appearance of the underwings and the tail. Vocalization on 29 Apr. (RHL). was quite different from the kestrel, seeming more, continuous and “hawk-like”. This was our first encounter with this well-described aggres­ horebirding is rapidly sive behavior in a migrant Merlin and we were quite impressed. becoming a thing of the Dick and Jean Hoffman past in the region, unless ySou like counting Killdeer. Black- 15 Volume 89 Number 2 Country Club (BDL). Twelve Lakeshore Park Banding Report Spring 1993 were at Walborn Reservoir on Selected Species Total 25 Apr (BDL). A pair was at YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER 12 Snow Lake on 23 & 26 Apr. ACADIAN FLYCATCHER 4 (DB). Two LEAST FLYCATCHER 10 Common Terns E. WOOD-PEWEE 6 were at Lake Rockwell on 21 BROWN CREEPER 31 HOUSE WREN 25 May (CH). There were few WINTER WREN 3 other reports. The earliest GRAY CATBIRD 133 WOOD THRUSH 10 Forster’s Tern was 17 Apr. at HERMIT THRUSH 28 HBSP (RH). A basic plumaged SWAINSON’S THRUSH 37 GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH 4 bird was at Lake Rockwell on VEERY 11 21 May (CH). They were scat­ GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET 19 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET 10 tered along the lake at WHITE-EYED VIREO 2 SOLITARY VIREO 1 expected times. PHILADELPHIA VIREO 2 RED-EYED VIREO 14 BLUE-WINGED WARBLER 1 Black-billed Cuckoos were in TENNESSEE WARBLER 1 much better totals than ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER 1 NASHVILLE WARBLER 3 Yellow-billed Cuckoos. Two YELLOW WARBLER 23 Black-billeds were at Lower CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER 4 MAGNOLIA WARBLER 23 Shaker Lakes on 9 May (PP). CAPE MAY WARBLER 1 BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER 4 Szabo noted one at YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER 8 Cascade Valley MP on 12 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER 1 BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER 2 May and at Firestone MP on PINE WARBLER 2 13 May. Another visited Sims PRAIRIE WARBLER 1 PALM WARBLER 10 Park on18 May (TLP). One BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER 3 was along the Carriage Trail in AMERICAN REDSTART 27 OVENBIRD 8 the CVNRA on 22 May NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH 1 LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH 1 (BDL). A bird was at the MOURNING WARBLER 26 Ravenna Arsenal on 8 May CONNECTICUT WARBLER 8 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT 22 (LR, JW). The first Common HOODED WARBLER 2 Nighthawk in Cleveland was WILSON’S WARBLER 10 CANADA WARBLER 16 16 May (WNK). This species YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT 1 warrants further scrutiny. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 9 RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEE 27 Numbers seem to be very CHIPPING SPARROW 71 FIELD SPARROW 16 low. The earliest Chimney SAVANNAH SPARROW 1 Swift was at Gordon Park on GRASSHOPPER SPARROW 1 SONG SPARROW 403 15 Apr. (DJH). The majority of LINCOLN’S SPARROW 42 the population was a week SWAMP SPARROW 39 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW 424 to 10 days later than usual. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 34 DARK-EYED JUNCO 505 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD 26 Resident owls and woodpeckers NORTHERN ORIOLE 15 ORCHARD ORIOLE 1 were well reported. The only PURPLE FINCH 47 Short-eared Owls were seen in HOUSE FINCH 484 PINE SISKIN 1 Lake Co. on 6 & 21 Mar. and 12 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH 451 Apr. (JP). A Red-headed ALL DATA COLLECTED BY JOHN V. POGACNIK Woodpecker was at Cascade Valley MP on 4 May (BS). They were in their usual haunt in the CVNRA rookery (DAC) with daily occurrences along the lake (WNK). Yellow-bellied

16 Volume 89 Number 2 Sapsucker migration was fair. Garretsville by 15 Apr. (JA). throughout the region. A bird in A high count of 15 was made at They were very scarce at for­ Parma Heights on 25 May was HBSP on 15 Apr. (RH). A pair mer gathering spots along the certainly a migrant (RHL). lin-gered well into May at the lake. The high was only 28 on Ravenna Arsenal (LR, JW). 29 May (WNK). Tree Swallows hrushes fared well with Northern Flicker migration was were numerous on cold days at the exception being as expected along the Lake Rockwell. A total of 300 Gray-cheeked. Veeries lakeshore (m.ob.). Five was there on 4 Apr. (CH). At wereT in especially good totals Pileated Woodpeckers were least 175 Bank Swallows were along the lake east of seen at North Chagrin on 23 attempting to nest at Cascade Cleveland. Eastern Bluebirds Apr. (KM). Valley MP (BS). Another 150± are doing well in almost every were trying to nest at the con­ sector of the region. For exam­ An Olive-sided Flycatcher crete plant adjacent to HBSP. ple, at the Ravenna Arsenal was early at Lower Shaker Northern Rough-winged counts numbers close to 70 Lake on Swallows were late in arriving (LR, m.ob.). A Veery provided 9 May (PP). The first Eastern at Lake Rockwell on 14 Apr. a pleasant surprise in residen­ Wood-Pewee was 9 May in the (CH). A tally of 60 at HBSP on tial Stow on 18 May (JT). A Rocky River Valley (WNK). The 2 May was good for the site Gray-cheeked Thrush was at first Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (RH). Two Cliff Swallows were Sims Park on 24 May (TLP). was at HBSP on 22 May (RH). at Oberlin Reservoir on 26 Apr. Swainson’s Thrushes were Two were at Donald Gray (NK). The early Barn Swallow widespread in fair numbers. Gardens on 24 May. Another was 8 Apr. at North Chagrin The high tally of Hermit was at Euclid Beach SP on 26 (KM). On the morning of 29 Thrushes along the lake was May (TLP). A bird was singing Apr. the rate of passage of 14 on 20 Apr. (WNK). The last at Sims Park on the same date Blue Jays by perkins Beach was at Euclid Beach SP on 16 (DJH). Another was in Parma was 1200/hour (WNK). May (TLP). Wood Thrushes Heights on 27 May (RHL). are flourishing in some areas Acadian Flycatchers were in Red-breasted Nuthatches and absent in many others. As good supply. A bird singing were, for all intents and pur­ habitats change so too do the along the fence at Gordon Park poses, absent. Brown nesting preferences of our was surprising for the location Creepers were conspicuous at woodland species. A Gray (DJH). Alder Flycatchers were HBSP on 10 Apr. when 20 were Catbird was slightly early on common at the Ravenna counted (RH). They were 27 Apr. at Donald Gray Gardens Arsenal at the end of the peri­ assumed to be nesting at (PL, TLN). While very much in od. One was in Parma Heights Russell Park (DB). A brood of 5 evidence in and around Gordon on 27 May (RHL). Willow Carolina wrens hatched in Park, Northern Mockingbirds Flycatchers received little Medina Co. on 18 May (NK). were seen in higher than nor­ mention. The first report of Winter Wrens were thought to mal numbers elsewhere. A bird Least Flycatcher came from be nesting at the Happy Days was in Euclid on 23 Mar. (PL). HBSP on 25 Apr. (RH). area of the CVNRA (DAC). The Up to 4 were seen at Eastern Phoebes arrived in only Marsh Wren reported Edgewater SP in mid-Apr. (PL, good numbers in the last third along the lake was on 24 May TLN, BF). Brown Thrashers of March. Great Crested at HBSP (RH). Golden- continue to be rare at Shaker Flycatchers arrived later than crowned and Ruby-crowned Lakes (PP). They are thriving normal but in fairly good num­ Kinglet migration was very at the Ravenna Arsenal and bers. As usual, Eastern noticeable along the lake dur­ West Branch SP. Two Kingbirds were well reported ing expected times. No American Pipits were moving along Lake Erie. A total of 8 at nesting report of Golden­ along the lakefront on 26 Mar. Euclid Beach SP on 29 May crowneds was received. (WNK). Late birds were at seemed late for the site (TLP). Usually a relatively early HBSP on 2 & 8 May (CH). migrant, an odd late May Another was in Lorain Co. on Purple Martins had returned to movement of Blue-gray 19 May (NK). traditional nest sites near Gnatcatchers was noted 17 Volume 89 Number 2 A White-eyed Vireo was Migrant Black-throated Blue Lakes on 8 May was represen­ exceptionally early at Tinkers Warblers came through in tative (TLP). An early bird was Creek SP on 7 Apr. (EE). There timely fashion but in small seen at Lake View Cemetery were only 3 reports from along groups. No tally received was on 15 Apr. (DJH). A late male the lake. The earliest Solitary over 3. Early Black-throated (for the location) was at Sims Vireo was at Lower Shaker Green Warblers were at Park on 26 May (DJH). The Lake on 20 Apr. (PL). Five HoIden Arboretum on 18 Apr. passage of American were at Lake Isaac on 30 Apr (CK) and at Shaker Lakes on Redstarts was excellent at (RHL). No Yellow-throated 24 Apr. (RR). A flock of 14 in HBSP. Prothonotary Warblers Vireos were reported from one tree at the Munroe Falls were found in the CVNRA in along the lake. A Philadelphia MP on 2 May was impressive May (TLP, BAT). Reports of Vireo was early at Firestone (BS). Blackburnian Warblers Ovenbirds indicate a better MP on 29 Apr (BS). One was at were well reported at HBSP. A than aver-age movement along Lake Isaac on 12 May (RH). A count of 4 on 22 May was con­ the lake-front parks throughout bird was at Sims Park on 22 servative. Yellow-throated most of May. A Northern May (RH). Warbling and Red- Warblers have become fairly Waterthrush was in the eyed Vireos were abundant. common along the Towpath CVNRA on 2 May (DAC). Trail in the CVNRA. The first LePage noted them in good arbler migration was record of this species for Lake numbers along the lakefront slightly late but lasted View Cemetery was a brilliant parks throughout most of May. into June along the male feeding on the ground on A Louisiana Waterthrush was lake.W Inland, Szabo’s and the chilly morning of 22 Apr. at HBSP on 9 Apr. (LR). This Rickard’s reports indicated a (DJH). Reports of Pine was the first report from there very good movement. Blue- Warblers indicate an increase since the mid-seventies. One winged Warblers were widely as a local migrant. Up to 8 was at North Chagrin the same reported and felt to be doing were seen along the Towpath day (KM). Another early arrival well in traditional nesting Trail in the CVNRA in late April was at Holden Arboretum on locales. The only lakefront (LK, JT, JW). Birds were seen 18. Apr. (CK). The only report came from HBSP on 8 at Shaker Lakes on 18, 20 & Kentucky Warbler reported May (RH). Tennessee Warblers 29 Apr. (DJH, RHL, PL). One was along the Carriage Trail on were quick to move through, was at Spencer Lake SWA on 16 May (BDL). Mourning with 5 at Lake Isaac on 12 May 19 Apr. (NK). Three were at Warblers were common along being the high count (RHL). North Chagrin on 25 Apr. (KM). the lake. Hannikman and The only Orange-crowned Lake Isaac hosted one on 30 LePage found them on nearly Warbler was at the Jaite Area Apr. (RHL). A bird was in every excursion after 18 May. in the CVNRA on 8 May (RHL). Brecksville on 2 May (BAT). A Two in Medina on 29 Apr. were Nashville Warblers moved as possible nesting was indicated early and noteworthy (CW). For expected from late April through by a bird on 26 May at Holden many years I have felt that this mid-May. The Northern (RR). Palm Warblers were species is overvalued as a rare Parula at Lower Shaker Lake generally abundant along the migrant, but a report of 24 at on 22 Apr. was the only lake. A high tally of 30 was at Lakeshore Park on 25 May Cuyahoga Co. report (PP). A Lower Shaker Lake on 9 May even raised my jaded eyebrows conservative estimate of 80 (PP). Bay-breasted and (JP). Up to 12 Wilson’s Yellow Warblers was at HBSP Blackpoll Warblers were aver­ Warblers visited HBSP on 22 on 9 May. Chestnut-sided age along the lakefront. No May (RH). A Canada Warbler Warblers were numerous along Cerulean Warblers were found was at Lake Isaac on 12 May the lake. The number of territo­ along the lakefront “hotspots” (RHL). They were in fair num­ rial birds at the Ravenna but they were doing well in bers along the lake the last Arsenal was mind-boggling. preferred woodland habitats. third of May (RH, TLP). Hooded Magnolia Warblers were A migrant was at Shaker Warblers were as expected numerous at HBSP. Cape May Lakes on 8 May (TLP). Black- inland. None were reported from Warblers put in a better than and-white Warblers were along Lake Erie, A Yellow- normal showing locally.(m.ob.). well reported. Ten at Shaker breasted Chat was at Lake 18 Volume 89 Number 2 Isaac on 12 May (RHL). They were in double figures at the Ravenna Arsenal. Another was in Sagamore Hills on 21 May (DAC).

Scarlet Tanagers were easier to find at HBSP than normal. A tally of 60+ Rose-breasted Grosbeaks was made at HBSP on 9 May (EB, RH, LR). Indigo Buntings received little mention. The first Chipping Sparrows arrived on 8 Apr. (WNK, TLP). Vesper Sparrows were scarcer than expected along the lake. They did how­ ever return to traditional nest­ ing sites in Medina and Portage Counties. A singing along the lake bird in Strongsville was unusual Meadowlarks NOTEWORTHY was sustained from late March RECORDS (TLN). As always, Grasshopper through the first two-thirds of Sparrows are good finds. One Apr. Counts ranged from 9-10 An alternate was banded at Lakeshore Park Eared Grebe - at varius locales from HBSP to plumaged bird was in the com­ on 8 May (JP) and one was at Perkins Beach. pany of 800 Red-breasted HBSP on 9 May (RH). Fox Mergansers at Lake Rockwell Sparrows put in a decent A male was at on the evening of 25 April. A showing the first half of April. Orchard Oriole North Chagrin on 1 May (KM). dense morning fog hampered The last report was 22 Apr. at An immature was at Lakewood searching the next morning. By Cleveland Lakefront SP (TLP). Park on 5 May (WNK). A male afternoon the bird had disap­ The first Lincoln’s Sparrows was in Sharon Center on 6 May peared with the mergansers. were at Donald Gray on 29 (BDL). Headlands Beach SP Apr. (RHL). The high count was recorded one on 8 May (RH). It was a 6 at HBSP on 22 May (RH). In American Bittern - One was in Concord Township banner season for this belea­ Cuyahoga Co. the high count on 9 May (JP). A bird was in guered species. The first sight­ of White-throated Sparrows, Medina on 12 May (CW). A ings were at Wake Robin Trail was 50 at Donald Gray on 29 pair was at Firestone MP on 13 (Hoffman) and the Ravenna Apr. (RHL). Over 400 were May (PH). Arsenal (Mary Gustafson, Dan banded at Lakeshore Park dur­ Northern Orioles were in abundance from 1 Rice) on 13 Apr. A bird was at ing the period (JP). White- May. On the strong movement Gordon Park on 20 Apr. crowned Sparrows were unim­ day of 9 May, 70+ were count­ (LePage). Another bird was at pressive with a high count of a ed at HBSP. this location on 9 May measly 19 along the lake on 5 Purple Finches continue their strong showing (Hannikman). Shaker Lakes May (WNK). A female Dark- in their traditional areas in hosted one on 9-10 May eyed Junco lingered at HBSP the CVNRA. Their migration (Peskin, Harlan). A bird was through 31 May (RH, MK, LR). along the Lake Co. shoreline seen as it passed by Perkins The high tally for the species was better than the past few Beach on the rather late date was 150 at Gordon Park on 8 springs. A Pine Siskin was at of 24 May (Klamm). Apr. (RHL). Bobolinks were Brecksville MP on 10 Apr. (RHL). moving well on 9 May when 100 were counted at HBSP (EB, RH, LR). Movement of Eastern

19 Volume 89 Number 2 Least Bittern - The only report Headlands Beach SP on 13 Whip-poor-will - LePage was from Gordon Park on 12 May (Hannikman). reported birds at Euclid Beach May (LePage). State Park on 20 Apr. and one American Avocet - Rosche, at Donald Gray Gardens on 25 Little Blue Heron - An adult Wert, and Krister were privy to Apr. Another bird was at was an outstanding find at an adult female as it flew Donald Gray Gardens on 20 Gordon Park on 20 Apr. directly over their heads on 26 Apr. (Klamm, Leiden, LePage, (LePage). Apr. at Headlands Beach SP. Lozano). Birds were at Lakeshore Park on 27 Apr. and Cattle Egret - LePage’s daily Upland Sandpiper - A bird was 7 May (Pogacnik). scrutiny of the lakefront flushed from the former nesting enabled him to once again find area in Fairport Harbor on 18 Sedge Wren - A bird was at this species at Burke Airport on Apr (Rosche, Hannikman, Headlands Beach SP on 9 May 25 Apr. Bacik, VanderpoeI). Two were (Bacik, Hannikman). in Leroy Township on 27 Apr. Golden Eagle - A single and another in Fairport Harbor Bewick’s Wren - Our first doc­ observation was of an adult on 2 May (Pogacnik). umented report since 1978 was over Brimfield Township on 17 of a bird flitting about the May (Rosche). Whimbrel - Five passed over breakwall of Headlands Beach Headland Beach SP on 19 May SP on Audubon Count Day 15 Northern Goshawk - Adults or (Hannikman). Three flew by May (Bacik). near adults were seen at Lake Lakeshore Park on 23 May Isaac on 26 & 31 Mar. and in (Pogacnik). Northern Shrike - A bird was Parma on 13 Apr. (Harlan). at Fairport Harbor on 10 Mar. Bacik, Hannikman, and Rosche Western Sandpiper - An alter­ (Rosche). Mary Gustafson saw observed an adult at nate plumaged bird was another at the Ravenna Headlands Beach SP for well attracted to the exposed mud Arsenal in mid-March. over a half-hour at Headlands at Lake Rockwell on 24 May Beach SP on 11 April. An adult (Rosche). Loggerhead Shrike - A bird was in North Perry on 13 Apr. flew by a single observer at (Pogacnik). Black Tern - A bird was at the Perkins Beach on 4 May Spencer Lake SWA on 2 May (Leiden). Peregrine Falcon - Lozano, (Kraps). Two were at Lake Leiden, Finkelstein and many Rockwell on 18 May (Rosche). Golden-winged Warbler - A others felt that there were now female was at Headlands 2 pairs in the downtown area. Barn Owl - A bird was reported Beach SP on 8 May A pair was seen frequenting from Lakeshore Metropark on (Hannikman, Holt). A male was the Metro General Health 16 Apr. (Pogacnik). at Shaker Lakes on 10 May Center area as well as the (Harlan). Pat Haddad saw a birds. A bird Long-eared Owl - Three were male at Firestone Metropark on was at Headlands Beach SP on last seen at Caley Metropark in 14 May. 25 Apr. (Hannikman, Rosche). Lorain County on 3 Mar. (Kraps). A bird spent 18 Mar. at Brewster’s Warbler - A bird Sandhill Crane - A bird was the Erie Street Cemetery was in Parma Heights on 25 seen flying over the CVNRA in (Bacik, Hannikman). Another May (Harlan). A territorial bird Brecksville on 2 May (Chasar). was at Lakeshore Park on 31 was in the CVNRA at the A bird flew 15 feet over Bob Mar. - 1 April (Pogacnik). Station Road Parking Area Faber’s canoe party on the from 5 May (Chasar). Cuyahoga River in Geauga Co. Northern Saw-whet Owl - Up on 23 May (fide DB). to 2 birds were at Lakeshore Prairie Warbler - A male was Park on 21 Mar. - 7 Apr. at Edgewater State Park on 29 Snowy Plover - Ohio’s first (Pogacnik). Apr. (Lozano, m.ob). Females sighting of this species was at were at North Chagrin on 30 20 Volume 89 Number 2 Apr. (Metcalf) and at Lower Shaker Lake (Peskin) on 9 FIELD NOTES May. Harlan’s diligent fieldwork Harlan who said he would get paid off with the first record of Snowy Plover this species at Lake Isaac on 30 to Headlands as soon as possi­ Apr. A male was at Headlands (Charadrius ble. I got Larry and told him Beach SP on 3 May (Metcalf). alexandrinus) ­ that the bird was a Snowy New for Ohio and Plover and not a Piping Plover. Needless to say, Larry was Connecticut Warbler - A report Headlands, Beach came from Geauga County at excited. The chase was on, but Eldon Russell Park on the 16 State Park I was still the only one to have May Sunday Morning Bird Walk by Ray Hannikman seen the bird, (Augustine, m.ob.). A male was I discovered Ohio’s first at Headlands Beach SP on 23 After I had finished talk­ Snowy Plover (Charadrius May (Rosche). The highest tally ing with Larry, I returned to my alexandrinus) at about 6:20 in the history of the region was car. I saw Andy Fondrk and a.m. on May 13, 1993 at made when Pogacnik banded 6 told him, “I got a new bird for Headlands Beach State Park. at Lakeshore Park on 29 May. Ohio, a Snowy Plover, on the In my haste and joy over get­ beach!” We raced to where I ting a new bird on my had left the bird but it was Summer Tanager - Once Headlands Beach State Park againa report was made in gone. Andy and I started to list, I called the bird a Piping lateMay. This year The report walk west along the beach Plover (after all, it was early in came from Lakeshore Park on and I got to the extreme west the morning and I only briefly 25 May (Pogacnik). end without seeing the bird. glanced at this light-mantled We then started the long walk plover as it scooted into the ris­ to the east breakwall and I was Dickcissel - A bird was at ing sun!). I called Larry Lakeshore Park on 7 May beginning to think the Snowy Rosche, he had left for work so (Pogacnik). A bird was cooper­ Plover was gone. I found the I talked with his wife Sherry, ative at Craig Rieker’s feeder in bird back along the beach of and also Muggsi Hahn to tell Parma on 25 May (Harlan, the Natural Area and Andy them about the bird. Then it LePage, Lozano). and I both watched the plover was back to the beach to relo­ scoot along the beach and cate the plover. As I was walk­ run in the beach debris. It was Green-tailed Towhee - The ing along the shore of the birding highlight from last win­ about 8:40 a.m. and I had to Natural Area toward the east ter remained a Wendy Akin’s get to the parking lot because break-wall, I saw the plover fly feeder in Amherst Township Muggsi said she would get west-ward and land. Something through April (Kraps). there at 9:00 a.m. She was odd about this bird - it did not already in the parking lot and I have a lot of white around the told her the bird was a Snowy Clay-colored Sparrow ­ rump. When I refound the bird, Gordon Park provided yet Plover, not a Piping Plover. I I studied it - dark bill, about another outstanding rarity on told Muggsi to get something one inch long, incomplete 29 Apr. (Harlan). to draw with so she could breastband, dark patches sketch the bird just in case no behind each eye, darkish legs ­ photographs could be taken. Henslow’s Sparrow - A bird a classic Snowy Plover!! I was reported from along Rob Harlan was next to arrive raced back to my car, con­ Dewey Road in Geauga Co. on and I showed him the bird firmed the identification, and 23 Apr. (Pogacnik). Gordon whose movements were being realized I had to get people Park once again provided us watched by Andy and Muggsi. here to document this new with this outstanding sparrow Rob then informed the Ohio species forOhio. I tried to reach on 29 Apr. (Harlan). Lastly, a Bird Hotline about the Snowy Muggsi but could not get her, bird was atLakeshore Park on Plover and used my telephone but I succeeded in getting Rob 25 May (Pogacnik). credit card to do it! But I did not mind because this was the 21 Volume 89 Number 2 Larry Rosche had left and before Tom LePage arrived. The Snowy Plover just sat in a footprint in the sand with only the top of its head showing. It was just the Snowy Plover and me - a great way to begin my spring birding vacation. I left the plover at 4:45 p.m. Edwin Pierce of Akron was the last to see the bird at 8:05 p.m. as it departed Headlands Beach State Park and headed north out over the Lake.

As I look back at the sighting several fortunate things kept the Snowy Plover at Headlands Beach State Park on May 13. All day the wind first time in my 20 plus years of Plover find its way to was moderately strong out of birding that I had found a new Headlands Beach State Park? the northeast and the weather bird for the state and my only Between 1987 and 1992, was cool - these helped keep thought was to get as many American Birds lists seven the bird there and the beach­ people to Headlands Beach Snowy Plover sightings from combers to a minimum. Very State Park as quickly as poss­ nearby Illinois, Indiana, few people wandering about ble to see it. Late in the morn­ Michigan, Wisconsin, and the beach was the biggest ing John Pogacnik and Bill and Ontario. Dates on four of the factor in keeping the bird at Nancy Klamm photographed the sightings range from May 4 to Headlands for the entire day. bird so that after proper May 12 so our Ohio bird Also, the plover was finding review, the Snowy Plover occurred at about the enough food to satisfy its would be officially accepted expected time. needs so it did not have to onto the Ohio bird checklist. leave to find food. Ed Pierce Since I spent the most told me the plover was actively Snowy Plover was not time observing the Snowy feeding before its departure, an unexpected species for Plover, I can comment best as if to refuel itself for further Ohio. Larry Rosche, Emil Bacik about its behavior during its wanderings about the Great (who predicted earlier in the one day visit to Headlands Plains. spring a Snowy Plover would Beach State Park. The bird fed occur at Headlands this spring) actively, darting about quickly My only regret was that and I seriously began to think and snatching up emerging the Snowy Plover stayed only about this species after we sandflies. Occasionally a one day. I wish more non-local had found out that one was dead insect was picked up. birders had been able to see it, found in interior Illinois on May The plover scooted quickly but those fortunate enough to 7, 1986 with another sighting along the beach and would be off on May 13, or have (same bird?) at Presque Isle get several hundred yards good bosses who let them State Park in Pennsylvania on away with several quick bursts take a few hours of vacation, May 17, 1986. Ohio was right of energetic movements. What I were treated to a new Ohio bird between these two sightings ­ will remember most about the - and a shorebird at that. so why wouldn’t a Snowy plover’s visit occurred after

22 Notice: All reports to The Cleveland Bird Calendar are archived in the library of The Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Rare Bird Hotline: (216) 321- 7245 The hotline is sponsored by the Kirtland Bird Club. In cases of extreme rarities (i.e. Western Grebe, Mew Gull, Varied Thrush, Harris Sparrow, etc.) please contact the editors as soon as possible.

Invitation: The Kirtland Bird Club meets the first Wednesday of the month except July and August at 7A5 P.M. in The Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Field Study: On the first Sunday of each month a census is conducted at Headlands Beach State Park. The purpose is to study the long term occurrence patterns of migrant and resident birds of the Grand River and Fairport Harbor section of the region. For more information call Larry Rosche at 678- 9408 or Ray Hannikman at 261- 4047.

Acknowledgement: Special thanks are given to William and Nancy Klamm, Anthony Hess, Richard and Jean Hoffman, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Leiden for their generosity towards the publication of Volume 89.

Inquiries regarding subscription to The Cleveland Bird Calendar should be addressed to Joan M. Palmer, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval, , Cleveland, Ohio 44106. The annual subscription rate is $7.50.

Field reports, artwork, papers, and photographs should be directed to Larry Rosche, 7473 Sylvan Drive, Kent, Ohio 44240.