ville, March 26 This April unusualrecords of Scott's for the state, and a male at Contoocook, New Orioles came from Kerrville, Texas, and Portales, Hampshire, on May 8 was unique in the Northeastern New Mexico. The first Nevada record of the Baltimore Maritime Region. subspeciesof the Northern Oriole was a male found A Dickcissel at Furnace Creek Ranch on June 1 at Corn Creek, Desert Wildlife Range, on May 18. was only the fourth spring record for the Southern A Scarlet Tanager at Brandon, Manitoba, on May 20 Pacific Coast Region. A male Brambling was observed was most unusual, and a female, only the fourth spring near Lake Andrew, Adak, in the Aleutian Islands May record for California, was watched on San Nicolas 20-21. Saskatchewan'sfirst sight record of the House Island, June 1. A first-year male Summer Tanager Finch was three males heard and seen at Regina on occurred on April 22 at Braddock Bay, New York, April 26. Another male photographedat a feeder in and a total of 23 were reportedfrom the Northeastern Calgarywas only the third recordfor Alberta. A Green- Maritime Region this spring. tailed Towhee showed up at South Bend, Indiana, on A Cardinal at Colorado Springson May 13 was the May 2 for a most unusual record. A Lark Sparrow, first record for that part of the state. Black-headed quite rare on Vancouver Island, was recorded at Grosbeaksmade a goodshowing in the East this spring. Saanichin early April and again on May 13. The first A male visited a feeder in Atlanta in April, and another positive record of the.Clay-colored Sparrow for Atlan- was on Mullet Key, Florida, in the company of Rose- tic Canada was a bird singing at Newcastle, New breasted Grosbeaks, Northern Orioles, and Scarlet Brunswick, on May 26. Tanagers on April 29. A male was at Corpus Christe, Reportsfrom the Hudson-St. Lawrence Regionand Texas, in May, and an immature male appeared in the Northern Rocky Mountain-Intermountain Region Norfolk, Virginia, on April 3 and remained about 10 were not received; these Regions do not appear in days. Idaho's first recordsof the Indigo Bunting were the seasonal analysis. Gene Hayes and Anne birds at Alma on May 4 and 6, and another at Pocatello Harshman kindly assisted in the preparation of the on May 28. A brightmale PaintedBunting at a feeder seasonal review. in Port Huron, Michigan, was only the secondrecord

The SpringMigration April 1--May 31, 1973

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION wave seemsto have occurred about April 12. A heavy / Davis W. Finch flight of Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblerstook place in much of New England at the beginning of May, and a moderate kill occurred on the night of May 2-3 Followinga patternmore or lessapparent in previous at Boston's Prudential Building (80 birds, almost all springs,the first week of the period saw a fairly well White-throated Sparrows). Thereafter the big waves defined wave of overshootingsouthern species reach came on May 10, 23, and 30. New Englandand in somecases the Marltimes, bring- lng early cuckoos,a few warblers,Summer Tanagers, Blue Grosbeaksand Indigo Buntings.A secondsuch GREBES, TUBENOSES--Single Eared Grebesat Seapowet,R.I., Apr. 14 (RB et al.) and at Manomet, Mass., Apr. 25 (TLL-E) broughtto 14 the total of these birds in the Region in the last five years, only one other havingoccurred in spring. During a snow- storm on Apr. 2, Ed Thompson was startled to see a N. Fulmar fly by his office window on the University of Maine campusat Orono; inlandrecords in the North- east are extremely few. The only Manx Shearwaters reported were seen during stormsalong the Rhode Island coast: two at Weekapaug Apr. 10 (EAS), anotherthere May 9 (KBK) and one at Pt..Judith May 28 (DLK). On Apr. 9, a Black-cappedPetrel (Ptero- droma hasitata) was seen in the Gulf Stream north of Bermuda at 37ø57'N 62ø30'W, its extensively white head, neck and rump suggestingthe nominate race (RGBB; seeAm. Birds26:832 for a recentand more properly Regionalrecord of this species).

HERONS, IBISES--In Nova Scotia, an early Green Heron at Port Hebert Apr. 9 (R.S. Widng,fide PRD) and two at Seal I., May 6-21 were the only

7•48 AmericanB•rds, August 1973 ones reported •n the Mant•mes, as was a L•ttle Blue N S , Apr 8 (AAMacL), anotherat Port George, N S Heron at Amherst Apr. 25-28. The season's total of May 8 (RDL) and a pair was foundinland at Frederic- 109+ Cattle Egrets (cf. 29, 24, 32, 54 in the p•astfour ton, N.B., May 13 (KHD). About equallyuncommon, spnngs)included an early individual at Isleford, Me., single King Eiders were found at Point Lepreau, N.B , Mar 16 (Warren Fernaid, fide CMP), three birds in Mar. 25-31 (DS) and at Port George, N.S., May 6 the Maritimes, and maxima in Massachusetts of 18 (LN), and 22 of these birds at Cape Elizabeth, Me , at Ipswich May 6 (BGB) and 21 at MarshfieldMay May 1-23 was the largest group reported anywhere 17-19(v.o.). Four Great and 13 Snowy Egretsreached in the Region in at least five years (VS). the Maritimes, 11 of the latter occurringat 6 localities •n New Brunswick Apr. 7-late May, an unusual number. In the same province, single Louisiana On the Restigouche R. in n. New Brunswick, Dawd Herons were seen at Cape Jourimain May 11 (photo- Christie witnessedon May 1 a remarkablegathenng graphed, ARGMcI) and at Castalia, Grand Manan of scotersin a raft extending8Ve miles upriver from May 14-15 (Ken & Mary Edwards,fide DSC): there just above Dalhousie and estimated at 150,000 birds, were four previous provincial records. Farther south, virtually all Black Scoters. Scoter enthusiastswill note three occurred in Maine, seven in Massachusetts and that this is probably the highestcount of the species one •n Connecticut, for a total of 13 (cf. 7, 12, 13+, ever made in the Region, exceeding even the three- 6 •n the last four springs).A Yellow-crownedNight month scotertotals of recentfalls at Manomet, Mass, Heron at Saint John West May 26-28 (DSC, CLJ et and can only be comparedto the fall and winter eider- al ) was a third New Brunswick record, and three scoterconcentrations off Monomoy. others occurred in Maine and New Hampshire. The •ncrease of Glossy Ibises in the Region is reflected VULTURES, KITES, EAGLES, FALCONS by the five-year figures for spring migrants,including ---Turkey Vultures seldomwander in springnorth of overshootsand birds returningto breedingareas: 19, about central New Hampshire,but this year at least 26,322,325,491. Northernmost reported this year were sevenappeared in the Maritimes: one at Seal I., N.S , five on the French island of St. Pierre May 13 (one May 5-6 (IAMcL, ELM) and six or more at two specimen,fide ELM) and about 18 appearedat nine localitiesin New Brunswick,Apr. 18-May 14, while 1ocaht•esin the Maritimes. On Maine's Scarborough four or five others were seen in Maine. An ad. Black Marshes, near the Stratton I. colony, numbers had Vulture, only the third reported in the Region in the bruit up to 100 by Apr. 21 (HMC). Smaller groups past five years, was well seen at Needham, Mass , were present at a number of nearby areas, an.d38 at Apr. 17 (MLG). Single Swallow-tailedKites were seen Rye, N.H., Apr. 27 exceededany previo•uscount in in Massachusettsat GooseberryNeck in S. Westport the state (LGP et al.). May 6 (Phyllis Reganet al.) and at PlymouthCenter May 30 (v.o., fide RPE). Althougha numberof these WATERFOWL--Though [h• only Snow Geese birds have been found north of their usual limits •n reported from the Maritimes were a scatterednine birds recent years, these and the one last May at Province- •n New Brunswick,the nowuscal large numbers passed town were the only ones to reach the Region since throughNew Englandfrom late March to mid-April, 1965. Single Golden Eagles were seen at Holden, w•th a peak of movemerlt on theeweekend of Apr. Mass., May I (JaneO'Regan, fide RPE) and at Con- 7-8 Two-thirdsof the 930 birdsreported in New Hamp- cord, N.H., May 20 (DJA, EWP, LGP). The season's shire and half of the 743 birds in Maine this season PeregrineFalcons totaled 18 (cf. 21, 9, 6, 9 in the were seen at this time, while in Massach½ssettson past four springs). the Apr. 7 as many as 3847 were counted in the Con- nectmut Valley, the Greater Snow Goose's principal CRANES, RAILS, GALLINULES--A South northboundroute. Of the 11 "Blue Geese" reported African Blue (or Stanley) Crane, two of which wan- •n the period Mar. 27-Apr. 28 only a few were found dered about New England and e. New York last •n the company of the larger race. Gadwalls, which summer,was presentin Weisford, N.B. Apr. 24-May have yet to be found breedingnorth of Plum I., seem 1, reappearingMay 5 at Geary and May 6 at Cross to be occurringmore and more frequently as spring Creek, whereit remainedseveral days, the route fol- wanderersto the Maritimes. This year there were as lowed being a straightNNW line of about 60 mi. Dared many as 16 on Cape Bretom 10 at Morien Bay Apr. Christie could find no evidence that the bird had 18 (GS) and six at FramboiseMay 6 (IMacG); on escaped in the Maritimes. A King Rail was seen at Pr•nce Edward Island there were two at Brackley Kittery Pt., Me., Apr. 24 (DH); the speciesis qmte Marsh May 31 (BMacL) and in New Brunswick two uncommoneven a short distancebeyond the probable each at Saint John West May 13 (CLJ et al.), Cape northeasternlimit of its breedingrange at Plum I. A Jounmain May 26 (ARGMcl et al.) and Eel River Purple Gallinule on Block I., R.I., May 20 (WBD) Bar June 2 (J-PL). Four EurasianGreen-winged Teal and another present at Squantum, Mass., from May were reported(cf. 1, 4, 4, 8 in the past four springs), 24 throughat leastthe first week of June(DTB) brought s•ngle birds as follows: in New Brunswick at Chance to 12 the total Regional occurrences in the last five Harbor Apr. 8 and at SaintJohn West Apr. 16 (CLJ), years. at North Hampton, N.H., Apr. 15 (photographed, DWF et al.), and at Newbury and Plum I., Mass. SHOREBIRDS--In Massachusetts,Am. Oyster- from April to May 6 (RHS et al.). Uncommonin the catchersreturned to their breedinggrounds at Martha's Mant•mes,2 HarlequinDucks were seen at Cow Bay, Vineyard, Nantucket and Monomoy by about m•d-

Volume 27, Number 4 749 April, and eggs and young were reported by the end CUCKOOS, OWLS, WOODPECKERS--An of May. The only Stilt Sandpipersreported in the Re- early Yellow-billed Cuckoo was found dead in Provi- gion were single birds at Dipper Harbor, N.B., Apr. dence, R.I., Apr. I I (F. Sterrett,fide CW), and Ruth 14 (CLJ et al.) and at Nantucket. May 12-15 (EFA), Emery reported that a few Black-billed Cuckoos the species being an uncommon spring migrant, appearedin Massachusettsas early as Apr. 4, although especially in the Maritimes. In typical fashion, a few the details are not at hand. In New Brunswick the Curlew Sandpipers showed up near the end of May; record of a red Screech Owl at Holt's Point, Charlotte in Rhode lsland one photographedat Quonochontaug Co., July I, 1971(not previouslyrecorded here, WCT), May 26 and a recognizably different individual at the two seen on the Nackawic CBC this year, and Card's Pond in Matunuck May 28-29 were the first more recently a red bird at Notre-Dame, May I (MM) state records (DLK, CW et al.). In Massachusetts suggestthat the speciesis perhapsa very rare resident one was seen at Wellfleet May 30 (Blair Nikula et in the province. A few Red-bellied Woodpeckers al., fide RPE) while another was present at Plymouth appearedin New Englandduring May: one was present Beach May 30-June2 (PKD et al.). An unusuallyhigh at Concord, N.H., May 16-20 (Norman Chapman,fide inland count of Short-billed Dowitchers was that of EWP) and there were five others in Massachusetts 300-400 at Dummer, N.H., May 20 (Paul Doherty, and Connecticut. Somewhat similarly, eight Red- fide EWP). Respectivelyfirst and third spring records headedWoodpeckers appeared during the same month, in the last five years were a Long-billed Dowitcher the northernmost at Littleton, N.H., May 15 (RAB at Jerusalem, R.l., Apr. 29 (DLK. CW et al.) and et al.) and Biddeford, Me., May 27 (WCR, WCT et a Marbled Godwit at Courtenay Bay in Saint John. al.). A Black-backedThree-toed Woodpecker on Cape N.B., May 13-14 (CLJ et aLL Of the eight Ruffs Cod at Wellfleet May 13 was rather unseasonable reported, seven were in more or less usual locales in (Michael Henderson,fide RPE), and the considerably e. Massachusetts, the other at Covehead Marsh, rarer N. Three-toed Woodpecker was found at Bethle- P.E.I., May 23-25 (AAMacL). Two Black-necked hem, N.H., May 20 (MLF) and Cambridge, N.B., Stilts were seen on Cape Cod at Truro May 6 (WB), May 17 (J. Thorne,fide DSC). and Wilson's Phalaropesin the Region totaled 12 (cf. 8, 2, 2, 3, in the past four springs). FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS, MAGPIES, TITM1CE---A W. Kingbird found with a few Easterns at Seal 1., N.S., May 22 was the fourth spring bird to occur in the Region in the last five years, and the third in Nova Scotia (RRH, AAMacL). In Mass- achusettsan Acadian Flycatcher at Newburyport May 30 was the northernmostto date in the recent upswing of spring reports in the Region, and apparently the earliest arrival in the state this year, a few others appearing in June (CAG, WRP). A Rough-winged Swallow at Seal I., N.S. was.a not-unexpected rarity there May 21 (IAMcL, ELM et al.) and in New Bruns- wick where the birds are fast becoming routine, four were found at Saint John East May 10-14 (JGW) and two at Mill Settlement May 12 (DSC et al.). In the same province, an apparently wild Black-billed Magpie was present in Saint John West Apr. 22-26, the same bird or another 70 mi. east at Cape Enrage Apr. 26-27 (v.o.,fide DSC) and the same or another at Brier 1., N.S., May 14-18(DWL et al.). This route around the Franklin's Gull, Sable 1., N.S., Photo I Jean Boulva. Bay of Fundy is one that might well be followed by GULLS, TERNS•Two Laughing Gulls at Port a wanderingbird and the dates suggestthat such may Morien, C.B., May 19 (1MacG) were somewhatnorth have been the case. Another subject of speculation of the species'usual limits, as was a bird at Eel River in New Brunswickwas the originof a (European)Great Bar Apr. 21, a secondrecord for n. New Brunswick Tit at Aulac Apr. I (Stuart Tingley, fide DSC)! (J-PL). A Franklin's Gull occurredat Newburyport, Mass. about May 22 (v.o.), another at Maces Bay, WRENS, THRUSHES, GNATCATCHERS, N.B., May 31 was a first springrecord for the province WAXWINGS, SHRIKES--Two or three House (Joyce Golden, fide DSC) and one at Sable 1., May Wrens were present at Seal 1., N.S., May 19-22 26-June 2 (photographed.JB) was a first record for (1AMcL et al.) and a Short-billed Marsh Wren found Nova Scotia. An unmixed flock of ten imm. Little dead at Cape Elizabeth, Me., Apr. 20 was the only Gulls at Newburyport May 29 probably representsa one reported in the Region during the spring migration Regionalhigh (DJA. DWF) and one at Eel River Bar, (VS). On Prince Edward Island a Veery photographed N.B., June 2 was unusual there (J-PL et al.). A Gull- at Dalvay May 25-26 (AAMacL, SMMacL) and billed Tern at Plum I., May 6-14 was unique in the another at Rustico I., May 31 (BMacL) were the first Region this spring (HD'E et al.), and four scattered recorded in the province. What was by recent standards Royal Terns were found during May in Rhode lsland an average spring flight of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Massachusetts. broughtsix to New Hampshireand at least 12to Maine,

750 American Birds, August 1973 mostly m May, and one appeared as far north as Mill single birds, from Connecticut to Nova Scotia Nine Settlement, N.B., May 6 (DSC, MM). Two Bohemian others appearedin the Maritimes during May, and one Waxwings were found at Webster, N.H. in late May, was found as far north as Port-au-Port, Nfld., May one remaining to June ! (HWP et al.); the birds were 6-8 (Helen Abbott). A 3 Painted Bunting at Con- associatingwith Cedar Waxwings and gave no signs toocook, N.H., May 8 was unique in the Re- of nesting, but the date is probably unprecedentedin gion (Carolyn B. Wallace et al., fide EWP). In the Region. Nine Loggerhead Shrikes reported from Maine, a Seaside Sparrow at Biddeford Pool May 27 Rhode Island to New Brunswick, Mar. 8-Apr. 19 rep- was a rarity in that state (DJA, DWF et al.), and resented an average flight. a Lark Sparrow at Brier I., N.S. May 25 (DWL et al.) was the only one reportedin the Region this spring VIREOS, WARBLERS--A White-eyed Vireo at Finally, a singing Clay-colored Sparrow at Newcastle, Concord, N.H., May 3-5 (HM et al.) and a Golden- N.B., May 26 was a first positive record for Atlantic winged Warbler at Whitefield May 30 (RAB, MLF) Canada (Harry Walker, fide DSC). were quite far north. Among the rarer warblers an early Prothonotary reached Cole Harbor, N.S., Apr. SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface, under- 6 (Rosemary Eaton et al.,fide PRD) and in May single lined), contributors (boldface), observers and other birds were seen in Maine at Addison May 27 (HJS) abbreviations--Dennis J. Abbott Ill, Charles R. K. and Ocean Park May 29 (Webb, fide CMP), another Allen, Edith F. Andrews, (WB) Wallace Bailey, Jerome m New Brunswickat St. Andrews May 20 (HWMacC), J. Barry, Bradford G. Blodget, Jean Boulva, Richard and five more appeared in Massachusetts and Rhode Bowen, Robert A. Bradley, David T. Brown, Richard Island Seven Orange-crowned Warblers and the rather G. B. Brown, William Burt, Harold M. Card, David high total of eight Ceruleans were reported in New S. Christie, JamesM. Clark, William Bolton Cook, Seve- England, seven of the latter in Massachusettsand one ryn S. Dana, George G. Daniels, William B. Dean, K m Rhode Island. Single Yellow-throated Warblers Henrik Deichmann, Herman D'Entremont, Robert C. appeared in Massachusetts at Millis May 22 (John Dewire, PhyllisR. Dobson•Paul K. Donahne,Charles Marshall Jr.) and at Plum l., May 30 (George A. Wilson W. Dorchester, Ruth P. Emery, Richard L. Ferren, et al ) and singleKentucky Warblers occurredin Maine Davis W. Finch, Marion L. Fuller, Murray L. Gardler, at Otter Point, Mount Desert I. about May 10 (WCR) Carl A. Goodrich III, David Helm, Karl Hentz, Charles and at Cape PorpoiseMay 24 (Bixby,f/de CMP), with F. Hills, Marion W. Hilton, Peter R. Hope, Donald at least eight others reported at sevenlocalities in Mass- A. Hopkins, Richard R. Howie, Cecil L. Johnston, achusetts. At the Isles of Shoals, a Hooded Warbler Katherine B. Kinsey, Douglas L. Kraus, Robert D photographed at Star l., May 6 was one of only a Lamberton, Jean-Paul Lebel, Donald Wickerson Lent, few New Hampshire records (DJA, EWP et al.). H. Willa MacGoubrey, Trevor L. Lloyd-Evans, fan MacGregor, A' AngusMacLean, Bruce MacLean, ICTERIDS, TANAGERS, FRINGILLIDS--In Stella M. MacLean, Lloyd B. Macpherson, Mary Maine, a W. Meadowlark'was in song at Wells Apr. Majka, Andrew R. G. Mclnnis, lanA. McLaren, Hazel 8 (DJA) and at the end of May three Yellow-headed Miller, Eric L. Mills, Larry Nelly, ChristopherM. Pac- Blackbirds were discovered, one at Long I., May 30 kard, Helen W. Parker, Wayne R. Petersen, Elisabeth (Glbbens, fide CMP) and two at Bowdoinham May W. Phinne¾,Leon G. Phinney, William C. Russell, 31 (Peterson,fide CMP). Orchard Orioles in the EloiseA. Safnders,Vera Scamman,Herbert J. Sehg- Mantimes were limited to single ?? at Markland, Yar- mann, David Smith, Bruce A. Sorrie, George Spencer, mouth Co., May 13 (MWH et al.) and at Seal I., May Robert H. Stymeist, Edward V. Thompson, William 19-22 (IAMcL et al.). Two Scarlet Tanagers at Rustico C. Townsend, Dallas Wait, James G. Wilson, Charles I , P E 1., May 30 represented the fifth provincial Wood, v.o., various observers.--DAVIS W. FINCH, record, although the birds are apparently becoming 240 West 98 St., Apt. 11-c, New York, N.Y. 10025. more frequent there (AA MacL). The 23 SummerTana- gers reported in the Region were nearly four times HUDSON ST.-LAWRENCE REGION the average of the past four springs(6, 5, 7, 6). The earliest was one at Chatham, Mass., Apr. 3, and seven / Ned R. Boyajian others occurred later in the month; of the total, 11 were north of Massachusetts. It was an even more Except for a much better than average invasion of notable season for Blue Grosbeaks, no fewer than 44 "Carolinian" speciesinto southernareas and a number of which were reported (cf. 3, 2, 13, 4 in the past of interestingearly returns concentrated' in early and four springs). The earliest appeared Apr. 14, with 13 late April, it was a mediocre spring for observations others reported by the end of the month, and though in most locales. Few waves or groundings were in decreasingnumbers northward, the birds were found reported, none of them major. A cold, wet spell in virtually throughoutthe Region: two in Connecticut, mid-April put a further damper on things, especially 32 in Massachusetts, seven in Maine, one in New northward where some areas, virtually snow-free Brunswick and two in Nova Scotia. To a somewhat through the winter, received substantial accumula- lesser degree, Indigo Buntings were conspicuousby tions. their numbers and early arrival: single birds appeared at four localities on Cape Cod Apr. 3-4, another LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Two Corn reached Cole Harbor, N.S. by the latter date, and Loons overhead at the Sharon, Conn. Audubon Center by the end of the month 32 had been reported, mostly May 10 were the first recorded there. One at Stock-

Volume 27, Number 4 751 WATERFOWL, RAPTORS---A build-up of 70,000 Canada Geese at Baie St. Francois, Qu6., in early May was one of the highest Regional counts on record. The nesting population of this species on Gardiners !., L.!. has grown to 300 pairs. with broods doing well as of June 4. I%rther examples of the late May movement of Brant up the Hudson R. Valley were 1500 May 23-31 at N.J. Palisades, one off Croton Pt., May 27 and 500 in Dutchess County May 31. A flock of 250 was also seen off Nun's I., May 19. Seldom are more than a dozen together seen in that part of Qu6bec. The main flight of Snow Geese occurredfrom Apr. 6-10 with reports of flocks of 100-600 from N. Arlington and N. J. Palisades north to Vermont. Several flocks of up to 16 Gadwall were noted in the lie du Moine, Qu6. area in late May. Puleston reported that this species is now the commonest breeding duck on Gardiner's I., L.l. with close to 100 pairs present. Presumably the Gardiner's 1. environment is not changing appreciably. But in regard to the increase of this speciesvs. Black Duck decline in southern areas generally, it might be interesting to investigate the pos- bridge, Mass., May 20 and 4 at Croton Pt., N.Y. May sibility of generally drier conditions, either naturally 28 were consideredrather late, althoughat New Jersey or artifically induced as a contributing factor. Palisadesoverhead migrantsare regular each year until A N. Shoveler was seen in early April at Ashley at least May 25. inland reports of Red-throated Loons Falls, Mass. where it is quite rare in Spring. Eiders included 4 at Wilkes-Barre, Pa., May 14 and one at lingered remarkably late at Montauk Pt., L.I. where N.J. PalisadesMay 20. Nine Red-necked Grebes off 23 Common and 4 Kings were still present Apr. 28 Nun's I., Qu6., May 6, was a very good count for (DPo). An ad. • King was also seen at Trois Pistoles, that locale. Goodrich reported that the Pied-billed Qu6. on the late date of June 2. In Qu6bec, where Grebe has virtually disappearedas a breeder in Berk- there have been very few previous records, a Turkey shire County, Mass. Vulture was seen near St. Chrysostome Apr. 19, 2 near Mont St. Hilaire May 12 (P.Q.S.P.B.)and 3 others were noted during April in the vicinity of Qu6bec City (fide MM). A territorial pair of Goshawks found at The return of Tilefish, Lopholatlus charnaeleon- Pound Ridge Reservation, N.Y., Apr. 14 and last seen ticeps, to the Hudson Canyon has spurred special Apr. 28 might possibly have been nesting, although sport-fishingtrips which are proving a boon to observ- no nest was found nor young seen. ers hardy and patient enough to endure the 22-hour ordeal. On May 27, the Urner Ornithological Club SHOREBIRDS---There were a number of interest- recorded the following, approximately 95 miles ing inland occurrence of shorebirds. Black-bellied offshore; 175Greater Shearwaters, 50 Sooty Shearwa- Plovers appeared in remarkable numbersin e.c. Ver- ters, 2000 Wilson's Storm-Petrels, 17 Leach's Storm- mont with 75 at Dead Creek Ref., May 27 and 30 Petrels, one Gannet, 18 Pomarine and 4 Parasitic Jae- at Gale Meadows May 28. Also at Dead Creek on gers, 75 Red and 10 N. Phalaropes, 7 terns (sp?) and May 27 were 150 Short-billed Dowitchers and a Red a Canada Warbler, the latter 65 miles offshore. Knot, the latter one of the very few Vermont records (WN et al.). At Croton Pt., N.Y. there were 130Short- billed Dowitchers on May 27 and 56 Dunlin on May 28. Montreal, too, had some unusually high counts. Highlights of a Linnaean Society of N.Y. trip to On May 29 there were 120 Ruddy Turnstones, 400 Cox's Ledge the previousday included19 Sooty Shear- Dunlin and 500 Semipalmated Sandpipers at Nun's waters, 60 Wilson's Storm-Petrels, 50 Red and 70 N. I. As has been mentioned in the past, such occurrences Phalaropes and 4 Gannets. Best onshore report was are often the result of local conditions attracting birds 75 Sooty and 25 Greater Shearwatersat Smith's Pt., which normally passon overhead. Such was the case L.I., May 19. A Louisiana Heron appeared at E. on the SusquehannaR. at Exeter, Pa. this year where Quogue, L.!. as early as Apr. 15. Reports of southern 17 species were recorded for the spring. Included waders from Qu6bec included a Corn. Egret at St. amongthem were, dowitcher (sp?) 1, May 28, Dunlin, Paul Ile aux Nois May 5, a Snowy Egret near Bertbier 19, May 21-28, Western Sandpiper, 3, May 20-30, May 12, 6 Cattle Egrets from two locations and a White-rumped Sandpiper, 3, May 30-June 1, and Sand- Glossy Ibis near Bertbier May 12. A colony of 24 erling, 2, June I (WR). Other records of note were Black-crowned Night Herons was reported from an a Willet at lie du Moine May 30, one of the very few island in the SusquehannaR. near Wilkes-Barre and Provincial records and single Pectoral Sandpipers at 2 prs. of Yellow-crowned Night Herons were found S. Windsor, Conn. Mar. 28, a very early date, and nesting at Stony Brook, L.I. May 3 at Pittsfield, Mass. where very unusualin spring.

752 American Birds, August 1973 Two notable rarities were an Am. Avocet present at Apr 29 The cold weather of late Aprd apparently R•mouski May 27-June 2 for the first Province of delayed this speciessomewhat, many areas reported Qu6bec record and a Black-necked Stilt at Jamaica Bay it considerablymore common in early May than usual Wddhfe Ref., Apr. 20-25 (m.ob.) for one of the very The latest report was one at Millwood, Westchester few Regionalrecords. Wilson's Phalaropeswere again Co., N.Y., May 26. There has been a remarkable reportedas apparentlynesting at Ile du Moine. Further increasein the number of migrant Mockingbirdsnoted •nvest•gationswill be made this summer.This species at N.J. Palisadesin the past two years. This spring, •s now considered also annual at S. Windsor, Conn. no lessthan 34 were seenfrom early April to mid-May, (fide PD) though the date of this year's report, May including 11 in five hours on Apr. 7. In spring, they 1, seems remarkably early. On May 14, a Wilson's frequently move with Am. Robins and occasionally was also seen on Staten I. (JT) where it has seldom with Blue Jays;in fall they are more likely to be moving been noted. independently. At either season, seldom is more than one seen at a time, though often the total for any one GULLS, TERNS, ALCIDS--An interesting note day passes through within several minutes of one on gulls came from the Wilkes-Barre area (WR). Since another, indicating at least some tenuous degree of the 1950s,the Ring-billed Gull has been replacingthe association. On May 19, a Water Pipit was seen at Herring Gull as the usual winter/springspecies. Ring- Ravine L., N.J. on the very late date of May 19. The bdleds now occur in flocks of 100+ and Herrings are Bohemian Waxwings which invaded Montreal last very scarce.Two or 3 this year were the first in almost winter lingeredin small flocks until mid-April. A flock five years. Berkshire County, Mass. (RG) reported of 45 was also seenat Middlebury, Vt., Mar. 18. Cedar a s•mdar,though less extreme, situationthis year, with Waxwings were comparatively scarce at N.J. Palis- Rlng-b•lleds outnumbering Herrings on local lakes. ades. Numbers during the last half of May averaged Two Little Gulls were seen at Beauharnois, Qu6. on 10-15per hours, about •/3peak year counts. May 28 The seldom-reportedArctic Tern wascarefully •dent•fied at two locales in Qu6bec. There were two VIREOS, WARBLERS--A Yellow-throated Vireo at Ile du Moine June 2 and two at Nun's I., June was seen at Sharon, Conn. as early as Apr. 25 and 3 (P Q S P.B.). A total of 4 northboundCom. Terns a Northern Parula was seen at Quogue, L.I., Apr were seen at N.J. Palisades during May and one was 12. Although many observers consideredthe season recorded at Cruger's I., N.Y., May 12 where it is as generally uneventful in terms of waves and concen- qmte unusual.A Razor-billedAuk was carefullyiden- trations, there was a fine accumulation of notable tified at Montauk Pt. on the extremely late date of rarities. Apr 23 (DPu). SouthernSpecies. These occurredin especiallygood numbers in s. New York and New Jersey. At least PARAKEETS THROUGH RAVENS--The first 25 Prothonotary Warblers were reported for the Monk Parakeet from the Wilkes-Barre area was season, the earliest on the remarkable date of Apr reported May 14. A very early Corn. Nighthawk was 9 (fide TD). But these were soon upstaged by the seen at Babylon, L.I., Apr. 28. Chuck-will's-widow appearance of 2 Swainson'sWarhlers. One was care- appearedagain on Long I. where one was bandedMay fully identified in Central Park, N.Y.C., May 11 11 at F•re I. Light (DFo) and recaptured there May (rn.ob.) the other was banded and photographed at 16 (RP) Red-bellied Woodpeckers continued to be Tobay Sanctuary, L.I., May 20 (PB & AL, J7deTD) reported with about the same frequency as the last Certainly the most intriguingreport of the seasonwas two years from southern areas. Although one or two a meticulously described warbler seen in St. Paul's new s•tes are noted each year, old ones continue to Chapel Churchyard, Manhattan May 19. It fit exactly be abandoned at about the same rate. A Corn. Raven the descriptionof Sutton'sWarbler except for the back, at the Delaware Water Gap, N.J., May 9 was both which had a distinct, Parula-type yellow patch rather late and •n an unusual springlocation. than the yellowish wash depicted in field-guides Reports of Yellow-throated Warblers, about 7, and WRENS THROUGH WAXWINGS--A total of Kentucky Warblers, about 12, seemed normal. It •s 4-5 Carolina Wrens in the Greenwich, Conn., area always uncertain whether unusual numbers of pe- duringApril was unusuallyhigh for that location. Quite ripherally-breeding species represent unusual con- unusual was the occurrence of a number of Gray- centrations of normal migrants, or overshoots. At any cheeked Thrushes in the last few days of April. About rate, 5 Worm-eating Warblers in Alley Pond Park, 15 were reported, the greatest number from Long Queens is certainly worthy of note. A Hooded Warbler Island This species is normally quite unusual until appearedat JamaicaBay Ref. on the remarkably early about mid-May. Blue-gray Gnatcatcherscontinued to date of Apr. 5; later in the season a scattering of show indications of spreading northward. Six were individuals occurred north to Dutchess County, W noted during the spring around W. Hartford, Conn., Hartford and Montreal. •ncludingone nestingpair, and several in the Wilkes- Other warblers. Two Golden-winged Warblers at Barre area, where a pair also nested at Red Rock. Mont Tremblant Park, Qu6., June 9 was the farthest They are now also consideredrare but regularin Spring north this species has been recorded. One was also •n BerkshireCounty, where 5 were seenfor the season. seenat Montreal May 31. Male Lawrence-type hybrids There was also one at Montreal May 18. Good counts returned again to territories in Parsipanny, N.J , of Ruby-crownedKinglet were 50 at Muttontown, L.I., Yaphank, L.I. and Sharon, Conn. All apparently were Apr 14 and 70+ at Cherry Ridge, SussexCo., N.J., mated with Blue-winged females. A few Orange-

Volume 27, Number 4 753 crowned Warblers were seen at Westmount Summit, Anthony Laura, Mabel Macintosh, William Norse, Montreal during May, the only place in the Region Roger Pasquier, Dennis Puleston, Richard Ryan, Eric wherethey are reasonablyregular in Spring.One other, and Lama Saltzman, John Tramontario, Province of at Fire I., L.l., May 2 was much more unusual. A Qu6bec Society for the Protection of Birds.---NED Yellow-rumped Warbler lingered at Croton Pt. until R. BOYAJIAN, Walnut Creek, Calif. May 27. The hodge-podge flight of Apr. 27-29 also broughtsome interesting warbler reports. On Apr. 29, two very early returns were noted, a Bay-breastedWar- MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION bler at Queens County and a Blackpoll Warbler at / F. R. Scott and David A. Cutler E. Orange, N.J. and a truly remarkable find was made at Quogue,L.I. wherea very carefullyidentified Town- Following an extraordinarilywarm March, April was send's Warbler was found hopping about in the dune fairly normal and May i'ather cool. Precipitationwas grass (E&LS). It was the second or third Regional somewhat above normal, much of it concentrated in record. A total of 5 Cape May Warblers during May the last ten daysof May, creatingrather poor conditions at Middlebury, Vt. was consideredhigh for that place. for nesting marsh and beach birds. The migration in Territorial behavior was noted in Cerulean Warblers generalwas fairly early duringApril but becamequite from the usual locales in n.c. New Jersey and also drawn out in May, with heavy warbler concentrations at Yaphank, L.I. where the species is not known to during the last third of the month. Featured during breed. Once again a spring Connecticut Warbler was the season were numbers of interesting pelagic obser- reportedfrom New Jersey, this one at Mantelair May vations, a result of a recent upsurgeof interest in this 13 (RR). subject by regional field observers.

ICTERIDS, TANAGERS--The Boat-tailed Grackle seems to be assuming the status of a regular stray on Long I. This season one was seen at Gilgo Beach May 12 (FH,fide TD). The general impression of many observers through the Region that the N. Oriole is becomingincreasingly more numerousseems I.* ...... --t------:"--t'q BeachHayom Inle to be borne out by observations at N.J. Palisades, I •derick BaI more• where each season they become progressively more numerous, appearing in the last days of April and con- W-VA. [•' /Washi.eton{• IDEL•Ce•eMay ' tinuing into the first week of June. This year, 100+ were noted on 3 different four-hour watches. Overall average for the season was about 12 per hour. As is usual in years when southern warblers appear in numbers, Summer Tanagers were notably prevalent.

FRINGILLIDS--Flocks of 20+ Red Crossbills were still present at Bearfort Mt. N.J. Apr. 21 and Franklin Lakes, N.J., Apr. 28 and one was noted at Pleasantville,N.Y., May 30. A Lark Bunting,carefully LOONS THROUGH GANNETS•Late migrat- identified at Croton Pt., May 27 (WHet al.) was prob- ing Cam. Loons were noted in many localities both ably a first for WestchesterCounty. There are only offshore and along the coast during May. An excep- one or two other inland records for the Region and tional record was 9at Ocean City, Md., May 28 during only a scatteringfor the coast, most of them in Fall. strongeasterly winds (PGD), and4 wereseen far inland A singingClay-colored Sparrow, apparently the first at Penn Forest Res., Carbon Co., Pa., May 19 (RW). springrecord for Connecticut,was presentat Suffield A movement of Red-throated Loons at Cape Hen- May 7 to at least May 19 (m.ob.). Iopen, Del., Apr. 22 was estimated at 375 (PGD). DuMont noted several early Cory's Shearwaters ADDENDA--Veteran observer William Reid of offshore:one off Ocean City and 2 off Cape Henlopen Wilkes-Barre, Pa., ill for sometime, then floodedfrom May 6 and one off Virginia Beach, Va., May 20. Two his home last June by Agnes and still living in emer- b•t trips to the HudsonCanyon, about 90 milesdue gencyhousing, has been understandably remiss in his east of Beach Haven, N.J., May 26, revealed some correspondence.The followingobservations, though spectacularconcentrations of pelagicbirds for this no longercurrent, certainly warrant publication. region.One pa•y of l? reposed 175Greater Shearwa- Black Vulture, Wilkes-Barre, June 22, 1972 during ter, 50 Sooty Shearwaters, 19 Leach's Storm-Petreb, a lull in tropicalstorm Agnes. Wilson's Plover, Exeter, and 20•+ Wilson's Storm-Petrels(RK, AK, PWSm, Pa., Sept. 21, 1970. Seen with William Evans. Hoary •t aLL whereasthe other •y found 50 Greater Shear- Redpoll,in a flock of 60 Cam. Redpolls,Dallas, Pa., waters, 65 Sooty Shearwate•, 1 Leach's Storm-Petrel, Mar. 18, 1972. and 600+ Wilson's Storm-Petrels(•S). SeveralGreat- er Shea•aters were also found off Virginia Beach INITIALED OBSERVERS--P. A. Buckley, May 27 (RLAke et al.) and off Ocean City May 28 Thomas H. Davis, Paul Desjardins, Darrel Ford, (PGD). A few Sooty Shearwatersoff Ocean City and Robert Goodrich, Fred Heath, William Howe, Cape Henlopenseemed early May 6 (PGD), and other

754 American Birds, August 1973 reports •ncluded 2 off V•rg•ma Beach May 20 (JMA HAWKS--Black Vultures continuedto be very visi- et al ) and one picked up dead at Beach Haven May ble on the Delmarva Pen. duringthe spring,and peak 29 (BCH). Good numbers of Wilson's Storm-Petrels counts included 13 in s. Dorchester Co., Md., Apr were reportedby all the late May pelagictrips, the 28 (HTA et al.) and 10 at Woodland Beach, Del, earliest report being 25 at Norfolk Canyon 65 miles May 12 (WJW). Elsewhere along the northern edge off Cape Henry, Va., May 14(MLW). A few Gannets of their range, 2 were found at Longwood, Pa., Apr were reported both offshore and along the coast 15 (JGran). A Goshawk at Beltzville L., Carbon Co , throughoutMay, including, on May 28, 4 at Ocean Pa., Apr. 15 was the only report received (RW), a C•ty (PGD) and one at Assateague1., Md. (HTA). rather surprisingoccurrence considering the unusual fall and winter flight into the Region. Eighty-seven HERONS, IBIS--April 3 wasthe springarrival date Broad-wingedHawks at Liverson, Pa., Apr. 22 was at Bombay Hook N.W.R., Del. of the Little Blue the best Buteoflight reported(REC), and a fairly late Heron, Snowy Egret, and Louisiana Heron (NEH), pair was still at a nest in Hunterdon Co., N.J., May and the peak countof LouisianaHerons at Brigantine 29 (OAH). An imm. Golden Eagle was last seen at N W R , N.J. was 25 on May 22, an excellent number BlackwaterN.W.R., Md., Apr. 13 (HTA), and one (JFA) A Cattle Egret at Lynchburg,Va., Apr. 13 was noted at Tuckerton, N.J., May 5 & 10 (BCH) was qmte unusualso far inland (KF, RSF & PEM). Excellent counts of Bald Eagles continued in s The Armisteads found 60 pairs of Cattle Egrets in Dorchester Co., Md. with a peak of at least 6 adults a newly discovered heronry on Barren I., Md. and 10 immaturesMay 5 (HTA). This area has by (Chesapeake Bay) May 20, a first nesting record for far the highestconcentration of nesting Bald Eagles Dorchester Co. There were about 180 active Great in this Region.An Ospreyseen 65 mi. off Cape Henry, Blue Heron nestson BloodsworthI., Md., May 19 Va., May 14 was probablystill in migration(MLW) (HTA, MEA et al.), and Abbott found four other active Along the Delaware side of Delaware Bay Brooks Great Blue heronriesin e. Marylandduring the period could only locate one active Osprey nest in an area totalingover 500 pairs. Yellow-crownedNight Herons where a dozen or more could be found in previous seemedm very low numbersin the Norfolk, Va. area, years. Abbott et al. found a transient Merlin inland w•thno nestsfound (WWF et al.). The first Dorchester at Dyke marsh, Va., May 12, and a remarkableflight Co , Md. nest of this specieswas found with 5 eggs of approximately 250 Am. Kestrels was observed at May 19 on BloodsworthI. (HTA), and 2 adultsat Bombay Hook Ref., Del., Apr. 3 (NEH). a nest were seen Apr. 25 at Rocky Hill, near West Chester, Pa. (KK). Inland recordsof this bird included GROUSE, MARSH BIRDS--A Ruffed Grouse oneat Lynchburg,Va., Apr. 20-May6 (KF & PEM) near Princeton, N.J., Apr. 21 was rather unusual and 4 at Camp Hill, Pa., May 8 (MK). Brookssaw (RJB), and Black Rails were recorded by several 75 Glossy Ibis flying north at Cape Henlopen,Del., observers, often in good numbers, in the traditional Apr 23, and the speciescontinued its increase inland locationsfor this species, such as Broadkill Beach, in c New Jerseywhere 30 were notedalong the Mill- Del. and Elliott I., Md. Two Com. Gallinules were stone R , Apr. 30 (P&MT). noted near Struble Dam, Chester Co., Pa., Apr. 21, an unusualcounty record (SAF). ACom. Gallinule WATERFOWL--A Mute Swanappeared at Dyke nest with 9 eggs was located at Deal I., Md., May marsh, Fairfax Co., Va., Apr. 15 (JMA), and a pair 27 (HTA), but marsh birds in general were much was seen at Chincoteague N.W.R., Va. May 19 reduced here over previous years, apparently due to (WWF) A pair was found nestingat the naval air sta- fluctuatingwater levels in the impoundments. non near Pomona, N.J., May 7 (JFA), apparentlyan overflow from the populationat BrigantineN.W.R. SHOREBIRDS--Semipalmated Plovers were F•ve unusually late Canada Geese were noted at Wal- notedtwice near Struble Dam, Pa., 4 on May 14(PLH) lops I , Va., May 3 and June 2 (CRV), and 50 Brant and 2 on May 26 (REC), the first recordsfor Chester at BrigantineN.W.R., May 15 were a goodcount for Co. in nine years. The only reports of Am. Golden this date (JFA). Lawrence found 250 Snow Geese Ploversreceived were from BombayHook Ref., Del , still at Brigantine Ref., Apr. 15, and the usual where a number were present Apr. 1-May 6 with a •ndlvldualstragglers were reportedinto mid-May in peak of 37 on Apr. 14 (NEH, KR et al.). On a rainy several parts of the Region. Among about 150 Black May 20 Vaughn found more than 630 Black-bellied Ducks and 50 Gadwalls at Deal I., Somerset Co., Plovers on the airfield at Wallops Station, Va. mixed Md , May 27 were 3 Pintails and 3 N. Shovelers in with other shorebirds and Cattle Egrets, and (HTA) Eighty Ring-neckedDucks were noted at Mid- Granthamrecorded an estimated300 in flight at Long- dle Creek Wildlife Area, near Kleinfeltersville, Pa., wood, Pa., May 28, an extraordinary number for this Apr 7 (SRL), and amongthe many late diving ducks inlandlocality. This last record may have resultedfrom reported were a Canvasbackat Middle Creek May some strong coastal storms during this period. Near 22 (EWtr) and 2 Oldsquawat Cooks Pt., Dorchester Mathews, Va. a pair of Am. Woodcock had 5 eggs Co , Md. on the samedate (HTA et al.). All three Mar. 16 (MLW), and the first 3 Whimbrel were noted scoterswere notedin severallocalities along the coast quite early at Tuckerton, N.J., Apr. 10 (BCH). On and •n ChesapeakeBay duringMay. Generally,these the Delmarva Pen. singlemigrant Upland Sandpipers reportswere of only one or two birdseach, but DuMont were seenat Wallops I., Va., May 1 (CRV) and near reported72 birds of all three speciesoff Ocean City, PrincessAnne, Md., May 13 (PGD). The peak count Md , May 6. of 4000 Red Knots occurredat Cape May, N.J. on

Volume 27, Number 4 755 the curiously early date of May 13 (AMk & HMor), panson with Laughing Gulls and Com Terns Three and late counts of Purple Sandpipers included 58 at birdsbelieved to have been Arctic Ternswere carefully Cape May, May 14 (JTM) and 20 at Brigantine I., identified 45 mi. off Virginia Beach May 20 by many N.J., May 26 (JFA). Twenty-five White-rumpedSand- observers(JMA, RLAke, PGD, RAR et al ), a first pipers at Brigantine Ref., N.J., May 22 were a good sightrecord for Virginia. Several RoseateTerns were count (JFA), and a Baird's Sandpiper was observed reported along the coast from Cape Henlopen, Del at Little Creek, De., May 12 (WJW). A Curlew Sand- south, and one at Fisherman I., Va., Apr. 6 was by piper was reported at Chincoteague Ref., Va., May far the earlieststate record (RLAnd). Two Sandwich 10 (JGrod, fide PGD) and 2 in the same area May Terns were seen at Virginia Beach May 20, one well 12 (PGD), the second and third sight records for the offshore(RAR) and the other close inshore(PGD et state. One at Brigantine Ref., May 14-26 was in the el.). same area where the specieshas been seen annually OWLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS--A for about 20 years (JD, RCR). Stilt Sandpiperswere Barred Owl nest with 3 young was located in Bull reported twice, one near Chincoteague,Va., May 13 Run Regional Park, Fairfax Co., Va., May 5 (JWE (PGD) and 4 at Little Creek May 19 (NEH), and a et al.), and H eck found four nestingpairs of Long-eared W. Sandpiperinland near Hopewell, Va., Apr. 1 was Owls in Hunterdon Co., N.J. in mid-May. By the end unusualas to both localityand date (FRS). There were of the month one nestingattempt had failed, one pair two reportsof Marbled Godwits, 2 near Chincoteague had fledged4 young, another 2 young,and the fourth May 13 (PGD) and one at Brigantine Ref., May 26 wasstill incubating.A pair of Short-earedOwls again (KR), and a Bar-tailedGodwit at Longport, N.J., May nestedat the Philadelphia,Pa. airport, the 2 young 6-27 was seen by numerous observers (JFA, DAC, first being seen June 3, just able to fly (NP), and 4 JD et al.). All reports of Ruffs were from Delaware: Saw-whetOwls were callingApr. 27 near Chatsworth, 3 at Smyrna Apr. 1 (NEH), one at Pickering Beach N.J. in a previouslyestablished breeding area (AB) Apr. 22 (PGD), and one at Bombay Hook Ref., May Early Chimney Swifts were noted in severallocalities, 1 (NEH). Am. Avocets were first noted at Chin- includingApr. 2 at Lynchburg,Va. (TH, fide RSF), coteagueRef., Apr. 5 (LKM) and BombayHook Ref., Apr. 3 at Richmond, Va. (FRS), and Apr. 3 at Sea Apr. 6 (NEH); up to 4 were presentat the latter location Breeze, N.J. (DEK). A Pileated Woodpeckernest at up to May 3. Three Black-necked Stilts were first Finland,Bucks Co., Pa. duringMay wasthe firstactive reported at Little Creek, Del., Apr. 21 (NP), and 10 nest found in the general Philadelphiaarea in many were found here the next day (PGD) and later in the years (GAF, AMla et al.), and an ad. Red-cockaded season. Elsewhere, one was found at Blackwater Ref., Woodpecker was feeding young near Wakefield, Va , Apr. 20, the fourth and earliest record for Maryland May 26 (RLAke & WWF). (HTA), 2 wereseen at WallopsI., Va., Apr. 27 (CRV), and one was observed at Cape May Pt., N.J., Apr. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH RAVENS--Early 28-29(KS). A Red Phalaropewas seenoff Cape Henry, E. Kingbirds included one near Ocean City, Md , Apr Va., May 6 (PGD), 20 were found at Norfolk Canyon, 7 (PGD) and one at Wallops I., Va., Apr. 11 (CRV) 65 mi. off Cape Henry, May 14 (MLW), and 75 were There were more than the usual number of Olive-sided reported off Beach Haven, N.J., May 26 (PWSm et Flycatchersreported from n. Virginia northward Most al.). Few Wilson'sand N. Phalaropeswere reported, of these were concentrated in the last week of May, the most interesting observations being 14 N. but one at Clarksboro, N.J., May 7 was quite early Phalaropesoff Virginia Beach, Va., May 20, 6 in the (JTM). Malone observed one well at Chincoteague same area May 27 (RLA et al.), and 10 off Beach Ref., May 27, the first spring record for Vlrgmla's Haven, N.J., May 26 (PWSm et al.). Eastern Shore. Cliff Swallows, usuallyunrecorded or very rare in s.e. Virginia, were reported here several JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS--Pomarine Jaegers times, as well as at Chincoteagueand in e. Maryland were reported by at least five different offshore trips Some of the more interestingreports included 2 near duringMay, the best countsbeing 6 or more off Virginia Wakefield,Va., Apr. 29 (PGD), 2 at LynnhavenInlet, Beach May 20 (PWSy et al.) and 18 off Beach Haven, VirginiaBeach May 20 (PWSy), 3-5at ChippokesS P, N J., May 26 (PWSm et al.). In general,lesser numbers Va., May 26 (RLAke & WWF), and 7 at Shirley, Va , of Parasitic Jaegers were reported, an unusual turn- May 27 (FRS). Few reports of Purple Martins were about for this Region. There seemedto be unusually received, but at Lewistown, Pa. only a handful had few white-wingedgull reports during the winter and arrived by May 30 versusa usualpopulation of about spring; the only reports at hand were one Glaucous 350 (MB). In Fairfax Co., Va., however, Abbott re- and one Iceland Gull at Shark R., N.J., Mar. 31 (KR). porteda moderatenorthward flight alongthe Potomac Similarly, the only Black-headedGull reported was R. Apr. I0-28averaging 50-200 per day.A Corn Raven an immature at Brigantine Ref., N.J., May 2 (HD). at Waggoner's Gap, Pa., Apr. 29 was suspectedof Several interestingpeak inland counts of Bonaparte's beinga local breedingbird (CJ). Gulls included 10 at Middle Creek Wildlife Area, Pa., NUTHATCHES THROUGH VIREOS--The Apr. 7 (SRL), 45 at Hatfield, Pa., Apr. 10 (AMIa), pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches at Longwood, Pa and 250 on the PotomacR. off Dyke marsh, Va., Apr. previously reported as excavating a nest site disap- 15 (JMA). After an all-night E wind of 20-30 knots, peared about Apr. 16 after a gardener removed the a bird thought to be an ad. Sabine's Gull in breeding dead limb being used (JGran). Another nest with at plumagewas seenoffn. AssateagueI. and Ocean City, least two young was discovered at Swarthmore, Pa, Md., May 28 (PGD). The bird was seenin closecorn- May 26 by Helen McWilliams and confirmedlater by

756 American Birds, August 1973 Alexander and Heckscher These nests represent a 5 (SS et al) At Blackwater Ref, Md 25 Summer major range extensionfor this speciesinto the Pennsyl- Tanagers were recorded May 12 versus only 11 Scarlet vama Coastal Plain. A singingBewick's Wren at Sandy Tanagers(HTA), a springratio perhapsnot atypical PotntS P., Md., May 12was quite unusual(PGD), and of the c. Delmarva Pen. A SummerTanager at Long- an early Carolina Wren nest had 5 eggsat Gloucester, wood, Pa., May 31 was well north of its normal breed- Va, Mar. 22, the young leaving Apr. 21 (MLW). Six ing range (JGran). An imm. • Black-headedGrosheak extremely early Gray-cheeked Thrushes were banded appearedin Norfolk, Va., Apr. 3 and remainedabout at Island Beach S.P., N.J., Apr. 28 0SW et al.) and ten days (LB, WWF). Early Indigo Buntings were were seenby many personsattending the Eastern Bird noted at ChincoteagueRef., Apr. 19 (LKM) and Wal- BandingAssociation annual meeting. In the Delaware lops I., Apr. 23 (CRV), and Malone, in fact, reported Valley area nesting E. Bluebirds seemedto be in in- a "large influx" at Chincoteaguein the last week of creased numbers, but nesting successseemed poor, at April and the first week of May. Evening Grosbeaks least to some extent due to harassment by Starlings were last seenin Virginia and Maryland May l0 (JWE, (DAC, JGran et al.). Near Lynchburg, Va. bluebird RLP et al.) except for one late bird recorded at Chtn- nesting seemed delayed by rain and cold weather, but coteagueRef., May 19 (PWSy). At Longwood a count by May 27 Murphy reported that 21 of 33 nest boxes of 125 on May 6 was unusually good for such a date were occupied by 97 young. Cedar Waxwings were (JGran). Purple Finchesremained late and in numbers, quite commonin much of the Region and remainedin 115at White Hall, Carbon Co., Pa., May 4 was excel- flocks tn some areas to the end of May. Over 100 were lent (RW). Pine Siskins were very common about present at Clifton, Va., May 22 OWE), for example, Washington, D.C. and were last reported May 12 at and Grantham reported 175 at Longwood, Pa., June 3. Chevy Chase, Md. (RLP) and elsewhere. Red Cross- A Sohtary Vireo at Mount Vernon, Va., May 29 was bills as usualwere very erratic, with mostrecords being extraordinarily late 0MA). from the Delmarva Pen., where they remained at least until early June (SHD). Elsewhere, a few were WARBLERS--A Prothonotary Warbler banded at recorded in Richmond, Va. to May 31 (FRS), one Wallops I., Va., Apr. 30 (CRV) and 2 seenat Finland, was noted near Seneca, Md., May 26 (PGD), and 17 Pa, May 12 (GAF) were locally unusual. A Law- were seen at Longwood May 31 (JGran). A White- rence's Warbler color-banded at Glassboro, N.J. in winged Crossbill picked up injured at Medford, N J 1972 (FG) was seen in the same area this year on in lateApril wasthe onlyreport of this species(EWfd), May 3 (JKM), and 5 Cerulean Warblers were recorded and an early Grasshopper Sparrow was recorded at at SycamoreMills, Delaware Co., Pa., May 10, where Elm, Pa., Apr. 17 (AMk). A Dark-eyed Junco banded there ts a local breedingcolony (NP). Yellow-throated at Wallops I., May 10 was late (CRV), and one seen Warblers were recorded from at least five localities at Bala-Cynwyd, Pa., May 31 was a record late date tns e Pennsylvania and South Jersey, an apparent (DS). Cook observeda Harris' Sparrowat Leesport, tncrease over recent years. Bay-breasted Warblers Pa., Apr. 30-May 5, and late White-throatedSparrows seemed unusually common, with a number of records were presentat Chevy Chase, Md., May 23-26(RLP) from e Virginia; one at Chincoteague Ref., May 27 A Lapland Longspurin full breedingplumage was ob- was probably the first spring record from Virginia's servedat BrigantineRef., May 20, an unprecedented Eastern Shore (LKM). A Kentucky Warbler banded date (RJS & PWSm). at Wallops I., Apr. 23 was somewhat early (CRV). Late warbler records were commonplace, and it is CONTRIBUTORS•J. M. Abbott, R. L. Ake, J probable that many speciesstayed around until early F. Akers, Horace Alexander, R. L. Anderson, H. T June In the Alexandria, Va. area Magnolia and Armistead, M. E. Armistead, Louise Bethea, R. J Canada Warblers as well as N. Waterthrushes were Blicharz, A. Brady, 'S. T. Brooks, Maurice Broun, still presentMay 28-29 (JMA). A flight of CanadaWar- R. E. Cook, H. W. Cooper, John Danzenbaker, blers apparently occurredMay 27, as 6 were recorded Howard Drinkwater, P. G. DuMont, S. H. Dyke, at Blackwater Ref., Md. on this date (HTA), and an J. W. Eike, Keith Fielder, W. W. Fogleman, G. A astomshtng18 were banded at Island Beach S.P., N.J. Franchois,S. A. Frankenfield,R. S. Freer, Frank on the same day, the most commonof the 24 species Gill, Jesse Grantham, Gisela A. Grimm, Jackie trapped (fide H. W. Cooper). Other late reports Grodie, O. A. Heck, Stevens Heckscher, B.C. Hiatt, tncluded Cape May Warblers at Bala-Cynwyd and Tom Hicks, N. E. Holgersen, P. L. Hurlock, Chff Wyncote,Pa., May 31 (DAC & DS), a Yellow-rumped Jones, Richard Kane, Mike Katz, Allan Keith, Karl Warbler near Lewisetta, Va., May 26 (FRS), Mourning Kessner, D. E. Kunkle, S. R. Lawrence, Andrew Warblersat Bala-Cynwyd May 30 (DS) and Pomona, Mack, L. K. Malone, J. T. McNeill, P. E. McQuarry, N J , June 4 (JFA & JD), and a Canada Warbler Helen McWilliams, J. K. Meritt, R. J. Middleton, A at GlassboroJune 2 (JKM). Mirabella, H. Morrin, Wyatt Murphy, Nick Pulcinilla, R. L. Pyle, Keith Richards, R. C. Rosche, R. A. Row- BOBOLINKS THROUGH LONGSPURS-- lett, Dorothy Sacks, Keith Seager, P. W. Smith, R Bobohnksremained late at SpringCity, Pa., with 75- J. Smith, Stan Speck, P. W. Sykes, P. & M. Taylor, C 100present May 26-28(RJM). WesternTanagers were R. Vaughn, M.L. Wass, W. J. Wayne, J. S. Weske, reportedthree times: an imm. 5 in Chesapeake,Va. Robert Wiltraut, Eric Witmer, Elizabeth Wood- Apr 10 (RLAke & GAG), a singing 5 in e. Anne ford--F. R. SCOTT, 115 Kennondale Lane, Rich- Arundel Co., Md., May 5 (PGD), and an ad. 5 in mond, Va. 23226 and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock excellentbreeding plumage at Millsboro, Del., May Creek Drive, Wyncote, Pa. 19095.

Volume 27, Number 4 757 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION occurrenceswere also reportedfrom Raleigh(HL) and / Robert P. Teulings Roanoke Rapids (JML). An imm. Great Cormorant wasat Croatan Soundnear Manteo, N.C., Apr. 6 The springseason was cool, wet and late. Over the JP). A MagnificentFrigatebird was seen off Jekyll I. Regionsummer residents were slow in arriving in nor- Apr. 28 (FM) and another sightingrecorded the next mal numbers and the warbler migration appeared to day at St. SimonsI. (MT). Again there was a report of a Great Blue Heron of the white form from the be tardy. Most winter finches departed in late April Jekyll I. area. The bird was seen by several observers and early May but lingererswere still presentthrough the end of the period, notably flocks of Red Crossbills duringthe period Apr. 29-May 16 (JB, FM. GD). A at several locations. Reddish Egret was found well n. of its range at Morehead City, N.C., Apr. 13 (TLQ,RR; photos). A Glossy Ibis wandered inland to Northampton County, N.C. where it was seen near Gaston May 29 (JML). White Ibisesappeared to be forminga small nesting colony at Pea Island N.W.R. in mid-May (NFW, DS). Events there will be watched closely to see whether this speciesis successfulin further extend- ing its breeding range northward along the North Carolina coast.

WATERFOWL---The peak movements of water- fowl occurredduring the last half of March and early April. A flock of 800 Snow Geese was seenwinging overJekyll I. Apr. 11(MD). A Eur. Wigeonwas discov- ered there Apr. 4 (JBr). lnland at Roanoke Rapids L., peak counts of 139 Lesser Scaup and 155 Red- breasted Mergansers were recorded Apr. I (JML). Four Buffieheadslingered at Pea. I. at least through May 26 (PW).

PELAGIC TRIPS--Increasing interest in the KITES THROUGH COOT---Swallow-tailed Kites speciesto be found offshoreresulted in reportsfrom sightedat ColumbusApr. 22 and at nearby Omaha, three parties who took cruisesoff the North Carolina Ga., Apr. 29 were rare records for that area (GB, coast. The trips were on consecutive weekends late WG), as was one seenover Fort Fisher, N.C., Apr. in the period, from Hatteras May 19 (PD, RA. RAR, 23 (HL, EL). For the second spring, Swallow-taileds HW, BB, D J), Morehead City May 26 (HL, EL, RAR, were seen on the N.C. Outer Banks, well north of HW), and from the latter location June 3 (RR & stu- their usual range. One was observed at Buxton Woods dents). Their censusesfollow with the tallies for each Mar. 30 (PB) and two were seen there May 12 just specieslisted in the same respective chronological 3 hours after a similar sightingat Pea I. 20 mi. to order: Cory's Shearwater 1,1,9; Greater Shearwater, the north (GG). A MississippiKite was seen in early 31,2.34; Sooty Shearwater 6,12.2; Audubon's Shear- May at OcconeecheeNeck, Northampton Co., N.C. water 16,6,0; Wilson's Storm-Petrel 116,150,110; (HL, JML), the same locality where the specieswas Leach's Storm-Petrel 2,0,0; Northern Phalarope seenlast year. Thesekite sightingsgive riseto specula- 17,30,0;Pomafine Jaeger0,2,0; ParasiticJaeger 0,0.1; tion about possible nesting in the upper coast and Arctic Tern 1,0,0; Bridled Tern 9,8,1; and Black Tern coastalplain sectionsof North Carolinawhere no pre- 0, 1,0. Other sightingsof pelagicsby observerson shore vious breedingrecords have been reported. In South are listed in the speciesaccounts below. Carolina, Bald Eagle nesting censusesin the Char- leston, Huger and Georgetown areas turned up three LOONS THROUGH IBISES--Com. Loons pairswith youngin mid-March (TB). Elsewherethere remained at Columbus, Ga. on the Chattahoochee R. were sightingsof single Bald Eagles in the Jekyll I. as late as May 4 (LAW, SP, MF) and were also seen vicinity Apr. 29 (RO), at Oregon Inlet May 16 (NFW) inland in good numbers at Roanoke Rapids, N.C. and at OcconeecheeNeck May 26 (fide JML). A signi- (JML), and Whispering Pines, N.C. (JHC). Peak ficant tally of 40 Red-shouldered Hawks was recorded counts of 33 and 21, respectively, were recorded at in OkefenokeeSwamp Apr. 29 (SP). In February and theselatter locationsApr. 8. Other inlandreports were March a total of 13 active Osprey nests were found from Raleigh (RSi) and Winston-Salem (RW et al.). at the Okefenokee N.W.R. by Wendell Metzen and At Jekyll I., Ga., eight Audubon's Shearwaterswere John Holt. Other reports were mostly of transients. seen near shore May 12 and three Greater Shearwaters It would be highly worthwhile for observers to search May 27 (fide CM). Gannets lingered there as late as out and report Osprey nestinginformation from other May 23 (FM). A Double-crested Cormorant found at areas of the Region. Only two falcon records were L. Hartwell near Clemson, S.C., Mar. 31 was believed received, both of Merlins. An individual was seen at to be the first local record (SG). A singlebird of this N. Wilkesboro Apr. (WPS) and another in Caswell specieswas also present at Whispering Pines in late Co., N.C., May 6 (FD). A Black Rail was captured April with another seen there May 20 (JHC). Inland in the Phillips I. marsh near Morehead City Apr. 13

758 American Birds, August 1973 byT L Quay(*NCSM),andaPurpleGalhnule CUCKOOS, OWLS, GOATSUCKERS--A was an unusualfind on nearby Bogue Banks Apr. 14 Black-billedCuckoo Apr. 28 at Columbus, Ga. (JM) (JF) Purple Gallinules were also found as far n. as and one May 26 at Occoneechee Neck, Northampton Pea Island N.W.R. where several were seen during Co., N.C. (JML) were new local spring records for the period (NFW). Most conspicuousamong several thoseareas. Among severalother reportsof this species reports of late Am. Coots was one of 40 at W. Onslow from the Region,there was a late occurrenceat Raleigh Beach, N.C., May 27 (GG). June I (DB, fide TLQ) and another at Chapel Hill June 3 (JOP). A Saw-whet Owl was unexpectedly SHOREBIRDS--Given the properhabitat around found at Medoc Mountain, Halifax Co., N.C., Apr inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds, good numbers of 6 (JML). Chuck-will's-widowswere noted at two loca- "coastal" shorebirdsmay be foundby thosewho seek tions well west of their normal coastal plain locale, them, and this seasona flood of such reports came with one heard May 5 in Forsythe Co., N.C. (fide from interior locations. Space permits only a brief RS) and another May 10 near Durham, N.C. (JRH) account Amongthe specieslisted were Semipalmated Equally unusual were the reports of Whip-poor-wills Plovers,Dunlin, Greater and LesserYellowlegs, Pec- heard calling in Brunswick and Bladen Counties, N.C toral, Least,Western and SemipalmatedSandpipers, in late April and early May (JHC), well east of their alongwith the usual inland migrants.A Black-bellied usual nesting range. Ploverwas found near Gaston, N.C., May 26 (JML). Wh•te-rumpedSandpipers were also noted there during FLYCATCHERS AND SWALLOWS--A Gray May (JML), as well as at Clemson(SG) and Raleigh Kingbird was seen on the s. Georgia coast at Sea I (CMa, RSi). Three Upland Sandpiperswere seennear Apr. 21 (TM, DH, SH, RSm) and two otherson nearby Atlanta Apr. 28 (RC, JD) and a rather late migrant Jekyll I. May 2 (CM). A third sightingwas recorded was at the Greenville, S.C. airport May 14 (SG). Unusual numbers of Willets were found inland with at Sullivan's I. near Charleston,S.C., Apr. 17 (SW, fide DF). Scissor-tailedFlycatchers turned up this 15 at Atlanta Apr. 29 (DC & DC), 10 at Clemson springat CumberlandI., Ga. in early May ( fide CM) May 5 (JJH),and 4 at RoanokeRapids May 22 (JML). and at Hilton Head I., S.C., May 12 (FH, fide CN) Another inland record of specialinterest was a Red There was a convincing report of an Ash-throated Knot at RoanokeRapids L. May 22 (JML). On the Flycatcherat Raleigh May 15. The sightingwas made coast,Whimbrels were "very commonall spring"at by Ross Silcock, who studied the bird closely in good Jekyll I (CM), and at least 100 were found on the light and heard its call. This is a first record for North beachat Cape Lookout off MoreheadCity May 18 Carolina and evidently the first springrecord for east- (JF) A Ruffin breedingplumage was an unusualsight ern U.S. Observers on a pelagic cruise May 26 off at the Pea I. refuge May 21-25 (NFW). Elsewhere, Morehead City encountered a Yellow-bellied a Wflson's Phalaropewas seenin North River Marsh Flycatcher which landed on the boat about 30 mi. at near Morehead City May 21 (JF), and a late Purple sea (HL et al.). Single Olive-sided Flycatchers were Sandp•perwas found at nea?byFort Macon May 27 noted at Atlanta May 20 (WD) and at N. Wilkesboro (RJH) May 25 (WPS). Tree Swallows were early transients GULLS AND TERNS--A Black-headed Gull was at Chapel Hill Mar. 17 (JOP) and at Roanoke Rapids at Pea I Apr. 19-23(N FW,JW). On Apr. 13,Jay Carter Mar. 18 (JML), and Bank Swallows were first noted watched Laughing Gulls moving n. at Wrightsville at Raleigh Apr. 5 (RJH). Migrating Cliff Swallows were Beach, N.C., and counted 400 in 40 minutes. Inland recorded at several locations in the e. Piedmont and sight•ngsincluded a lone bird at Columbus Mar. 31 upper coastal plain sectionsof N.C. Apr. 6-May 23 (LAW), 40 at Okefenokee Apr. 27 (JB), one at L. (JHC, RJH, JML, RR). Several of the latter were Wheeler near Raleigh Apr. 22 (RSi), and several at also noted at N. Wilkesboro Apr. 28 (WPS). Purple Roanoke Rapids L. May 6-15 (JML). Inland reports Martins arrived in the southernpart of the Region In of migrant Bonaparte's Gulls were of up to 50 seen mid-February (EC, RLC, JD), with a few noted as at ColumbusMar. 31-Apr. 22 (SP, LAW) and lesser early as Jan. 22 in extreme s. Georgia (Decatur Co , numbers at Whispering Pines (JHC), Raleigh (RSi, JBu). By Feb. 27 somewere seenas far n. as Morehead RJH), and Roanoke Rapids (JML) during approx- City (BS). imately the sameperiod. A Gull-billed Tern was early at Cape RomaineN.W.R. Mar. 18 (PN). A smallflock RAVENS THROUGH CREEPERS--At of Forster's Terns was found near Morehead City May Clemson, S.C., an unexpected appearance of two 16-17(RJH) and new evidenceof that speciesbreeding Corn. Ravens was recorded Apr. 15 (SG). A Fish In the area was the discovery of a nest with one egg Crow, seen and heard there May 5, was also locally In salt marsh near Cape Lookout May 18 (JF). Two unusual, possibly the first for that n.w. sector of the Black Terns at Roanoke Rapids provided the first state (SG). Red-breastedNuthatches lingered in scat- •nland spring record for that area (JML). Evidence tered areas of the Region until late April and early of coastal migration of the latter species was very May, with one found in Wake Co., N.C. on the late sparse, with only a few sightingsreported. Nesting date of May 18 (RR). Long-billedMarsh Wrens were of Least Terns is being monitored along the coast. noted as inland transients at Chapel Hill (RR) and They are apparently in trouble in the Jekyll I. area at Raleigh (RJH) where single birds were seen Apr where only one of four former nestings colonies 27 & 28, respectively.There were also inland sightings remains active (CM) and their status is in doubt of Short-billed Marsh Wrens, with three birds recorded elsewhere. in the Clemson area May I (SG) and individuals at

Volume 27, Number 4 759 RaleighMay 3 (HL) & May 17 (RSI) An extremely set late records including Evening Grosbeaks seen at late Brown Creeperwas found May 20 in CaswellCo., Thomasville, Ga. May 20 (RLC). One Purple Finch N.C. (GWo• fide PW). was noted in Durham as late as May 27 (JRH), and a 5 House Finch still remained in Winston-Salem at VIREOS AND WARBLERS--Solitary Vireos had theend of the period (Rw, RS).Red Crossbills seemed arrived in Urnstead State Park near Raleigh by Mar. to be the most reluctant of the winter visitors to move 20 (RSi), Durham by Mar. 25 (JAP, ET), and Hanging northward as evidenced by the presence of flocks hn- Rock State Park near Danbury, N.C. by Mar. 27 (ET, gering through the end of May at Raleigh (GW), Fay- RT). A high local count of nine migrantswas noted etteville (DBB), Southern Pines (JHC), and Roanoke at Columbus,Ga., Apr. 14 (WMa). A pair of Solitary Rapids (JML). Doris Cohrs reported seeing an ad Vireos was found building a nest May 14 near Mud Red Crossbill feeding2 juveniles near Atlanta in early Creek in Duke Forest, Durham Co., N.C. (RLW, May, indicating that at least a few of these unpredict- ET), the first known breedingattempt in that locality able invaders nestedduring their winter sojournm the in many years. Warbling Vireos were noted as uncom- Region. There was a surprisingsighting of a Sharp- mon transients in Wilmington Apr. 6 & 8 (EA), tailed Sparrow near Winston-Salem May 24, far inland RaleighApr. 21 & May 17 (GW), and Winston-Salem for the species (CF, RH, RS). At Clemson, a Clay- May 5 (fide RS). Repeated observationsof a singing colored Sparrow was an unexpectedvisitor Apr 29-30 Swainsoh'SWarbler at a spot s. of Atlanta in late April (SG, JJH), one of the few springrecords for the Region and early May indicateda possiblerare nestingattempt A Lincoln's Sparrow seen in that same vicinity May m that area (DC & DC). Follow-up observationswill 11 was also a very rare spring migrant (JJH,fide SG) be made to confirm the status. An Orange-crowned Warbler in SouthernPines Apr. 15 was the first spring record there (JHC). Two •6 Nashville Warblers were Acknowledgement---JamesPullman and Elizabeth found at Clemson Apr. 26 (SG), and another was seen Teulingscollaborated with the authorin complhngand Apr. 29 near Charleston(PN). Cerulean Warblersre- drafting this summary. turned to the area alongthe Roanoke R. in Northamp- ton Co., N.C. where they were found nesting last OBSERVERS AND CONTRIBUTORS--Robert year (Am. Birds 26:847). Merrill Lynch estimated25 Ake, Edna Appleberry, Grover Barfield, Ted Beckett, singing6• on territory there at the end of the period. Jim Berry, David B. Bingham, Charles Blake, Bill Two occurrenceswere reported of BlackburnJanWar- Blakeslee,David Bradshaw,Joseph Brent (JBr), Paul blers as rare migrants e. of the mountains, with four Buckley, James Buckner (JBu), J. H. Carter, Don individuals recorded on the spring bird count in the Cohrs, Doris Cohrs, Robert L. Crawford, Eugene Winston-Salemarea May 5 (fide RS) and two birds Cypert, Ginny Davis, FentonDay, Jack Domer, Wal- near Roanoke Rapids May 12 (JML). Blackpoll War- lace Dreyfoos, Paul Dumont, Millard Dusenbury, blers passedthrough the Region in abundance, with Dorothy Earle, Dennis Forsythe, CharlesFrost, M•ke peaks noted at Columbus May 6 (WMa) and in the Fuller, John Fussell, Sidney Gauthreaux, Wdham Raleigh-ChapelHill area May 13-21(GW, JAP). Late Gibbs, Gilbert Grant, Fred Hack, Robert J Hader, Magnolia Warblerswere seenat Durham May 23 (RR) Dan Hans, Sarah Hans, J. J. Hebrard, Ruth Hill, John andRaleigh May 26 (CMa, KKn). Two warblersrarely Holt, J. RussellHoverman, David Johnson,Joe Jones, seen in the spring were noted this year: a Mourning Kenneth Knapp (KKn), Kitty Kosh, Edmund Warbler banded May 26 at Hillsborough (CB) and a LeGrand, Harry LeGrand, J. Merrill Lynch, Chris ConnecticutWarbler observedMay 5 in Forsythe Co., Marsh (CMa), Cecily Masters, William Matheny N.C. (fide RS). Wilson's Warblers were recorded with (WMa), Wendell Metzen, James Miller, F Moore, higher-than-usualfrequency at Columbus, Raleighand Terry Moore, Mary Ann Neville, CarolineNewhall, several other Piedmont locations, the dates spanning Becky Norwood, Joseph Norwood, Perry Nugent, Apr. 28 to May 22. Canada Warblersalso seemedmore Ron adorn, Sam Pate, Eloise Potter, Jack Potter, common than usual in the Piedmont. James a. Pullman, T. L. Quay, Robert Rldgely, Richard A. Rowlett, RossSilcock (RSi), Bob Simpson, BOBOLINKS AND TANAGERS--abservers at Rosemary Smith (RSm), Wendell P. Smith, William Jekyll I. (CM), Thomasville (RLC), and Roanoke Smith, RamonaSnavely, David Sonneborn,Ehzabeth Rapids(JML) commentedon a conspicuousabundance Teulings, Robert Teulings, Mary True, L. A Wells, of Bobolinks. The migration of this specieswas still Steve West, Gall Whitehurst, Harold Wierenga, N m progressat the end of the period, with late transients F. Williamson, Ray L. Winstead, Plumer Wiseman, seen at Wilmington May 20 (KK), Chapel Hill May Robert Witherington, Gordon Woody (GWo), John 26-27 (JAP), and Georgetown, S.C. May 27 (RR). Wright. Other abbreviations: N.C.S.M , North Scarlet Tanagers, consideredrare spring migrants in Carolina State Museum; *, specimen.--ROBERT P. the coastalsection, were sightedin the MoreheadCity TEULINGS,Route 2, Box154 • ChapelHILL, North area Apr. 21, 28 & 29 (fide JF). Carolina 27514.

FRINGILLIDS--A • Black-headed Grosbeak was a noteworthy visitor at a feeder in Dunwoody, Ga., a suburbof Atlanta, Apr. 7-12 (WD). Winter finches, for the most part, had departed the Region by late April and early May, but small numbersof hangers-on

760 AmericanB•rds, August 1973 FLORIDA REGION conclusion that they pile up and concentrate along the / Herbert W. Kale II coast---andprobably only in a narrow band of coastline, because while birds may be numerous on Mullet Key they remain scarce in Tampa only 30 miles or so to The spring of 1973 was a vintage one for watchers the northeast. A "good" wave of migrants on A.B.S. of migratorybirds in Florida, especiallyalong the Gulf grounds occurred about May 4-7, and included West coast.Three major northwestcold fronts passeddown Indies winterers: Cape Mays, Black-throated Blues, the state, Apr. 6-10, 19-23,and 26-30, groundingunpre- Am. Redstarts, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, and Northern CENTRAl.SOUTHERN Orioles•ut the total was probably not more than 60 REGION birds. lb t' •,.J_ DIV SION ,,•.J DEEAN Migration along the Atlantic coast, though nowhere near as spectacular as the Gulf, seemed better this Apa/achko/e• .• ,• •. year, from an observer's point of view, than in recent years. Numerous warblers landed on Johnnie Johnson's boat in the Atlantic 20 miles east of Cocoa Beach Apr. 6 (Black-and-white, Palm, Prothonotary) Alisalot •d• ] Orlando• and 24 (Black-and-white, Palm, Am. Redstart, Black- poll, N. Parula, N. Waterthrush). A wave of several St. Pete•iburg• ...... hundred migrants of 15 species passed through Bear Cut, Key Biscayne and Matheson Hammock, Miami, • Pale Apr. 28 (JMK). GUlFOFMEX,CO F.tMy'•.. • Except for 30 birds killed by the WCTV tower at •ambel h.•e Fort •L•(H*TCHI Tall Timbers north of Tallahassee Apr. 26 (RLC), and C...... Swamp•tauderdal,• about 300, chiefly West Indies winterers, killed by the hugeVehicle Assembly Buildingat the Kennedy Space Center May 10-11(LEE), no other major tower mortal- ity was reported during the period. As usual, numerous migrants landed on the Dry Tor- LOWERKlEYS •r•d tugas (below D. Tort.) throughout the spring and between May 2-7, 93 species, including a Bahama cedented numbers of migrants. Other fronts of lesser Mockingbird (see below), were recorded by members strength followed in May. Mullet Key posted 35 war- of the annual tern bandingparty (WBR, GEW et el.). bler species.Only the Canada, Mourning, Kirtland's, For the first time in several years reports were and Bachman's were missing from the list of eastern received from the Florida Keys--thanks to Frances warblers from that mecca on the southern tip of the T. Hames, the new area editor (606 Truman Ave., Pinelias Co., peninsula. The date of the first spring Key West}. Unfortunately, the Southwest Gulf coast meetingof the newly-organizedFlorida Ornithological area is still not represented in these reports. Society (F.O.S.) held in St. PetersburgApr. 27-29 must have been pre-ordained by the great John J. himself. LOONS, SHEARWATERS, PETRELS--A Com. Picture the following view: A mulberry tree adorned Loon in full breeding plumage was a rare sight near with an Indigo Bunting, Northern Oriole, Scarlet Tan- Auburndale, Polk Co., Apr. 14 (JBE & PJF). Several ager, Rose-breastedGrosbeak, Blue Grosbeak,Swain- shearwaters seen offshore were: A Greater, 20 mi. son's Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Gray Catbird, east of Cape Canaveral May 21 (JJ), a Sooty, 27 mi. Brown Thrasher, Palm Warbler, Cape May Warbler, east of Mayport May 20 (JH), and an Audubon's, south Wood Pewee and a Cardinal, then double or triple of East Key, D. Tort., May 2 (WBR et el.}. The first each bird. Or, picture a tree-dotted golf course with record of Hareourt's Storm-Petrel for the S. Division a Wood Thrush, a Veery, a Swainson's Thrush, and and the second for the Florida region occurred 2 Gray-cheeked Thrushes---all within a foot or so of June I when a bird was picked up alive in good each other. The entire week-end was so replete with condition under a street lamp in a parking lot on Up- such kaleidoscopic scenes that John Edscorn per Matacombe Key. After it was measuredand photo- exclaimedthat "F.O.S. participantswere almostdeliri- graphedit was released(RTP & AS). ously overcome by the richness of the diet!" Over 136 species, including 25 warbler species, were TROPICBIRDS THROUGH CORMORANTS recorded, the most outstandingof which were 75 Buff- --Two White-tailed Tropicbirds were seen flying breastedSandpipers, 4 Wilson's Warblers, and a Black- and calling over Fort Jefferson, D. Tort., May headed Grosbeak. 6 (WBR et el.) and at least one was still there Jun. As numerous as the migrants were along the Gulf 2 (DR.L) raisinghopes that they mightnest on the Coast, Glen Woolfe_ndenpointed out that migration high brick"cliffs" of the fort. Boobiesreported include at Archbold Biological Station (A.B.S.) near Lake 2 ad. Blue-faced near Middle Key, D. Tort., May 4, Placid, Highlands Co., in central Florida could pass two Browns near Garden Key May 6, and one on almost unnoticed except for Gray Catbirds, Blue-gray May 7 (WBR et el.), and one on the Indian River Gnatcatchers, and Northern Parulas. The Gulf mi- near Sharps, Brevard Co., Mar. 9-Apr. 5 (ADC). A grants one can see at Dry Tortugas or along the west sick sub-adult Gannet came ashore at Ft. Pierce Apr. coastjust do not occur inland, which leads one to the 30 (HWK*--U.S.F.), the latest for the S. Peninsula.

Volume 27, Number 4 761 A subadult Great Cormorant was found perched on own tn n Ptnellas Co Two b•rds each were seen at a channel marker at the tnlet to Port Everglades May Tarpon Spnngs and Duneden Beach Apr. 15 (JHH) 19 (GH & BR) and subsequentlyseen by numerous The latter pair was apparentlynesting May 16 (RCB) observersthrough the end of May. This is the second An Am. Golden Plover at L. JacksonApr. 4 (HMS) (but first spring) record for the S. Peninsula and the and at Port Canaveral May 12 (ADC & HGC---latest southernmost occurrence in Florida. for N. Peninsula) were far from their normal sprtng migration route. Upland Sandpipers appeared more WADING BIRDS--Wood Storks again failed to numerousthan usual with 12 reports totalling 36 b•rds produceany significantnumbers of youngin the Ever- from 10 locations throughout the region Apr. 1-May 7, gladesNational Park (E.N.P.) and CorkscrewSwamp includingone killed at the WCTV tower Apr. 1 (RLC) Sanctuary(JCO). A heron roost on Tamiami Trail east Pectoral Sandpipers were also unusually numerous of 40-mile bend contained ca. 1300 Glossy Ibis Apr. with one at D. Tort., May 6 (PAB--latest for Lower 3 (JCO & JAK), and a one on Stock I., Apr. 2 was Keys) and 16 at Lakeland Mar. 29 (JBE), and 40 at a rarity for the Key West area (FTH). A relatively L. JacksonApr. 4 (HMS). White-rumped Sandptpers htghcount of 30 Flamingoswas made at L. Ingraham, were reported at St. Marks light Apr. 30 (HHA, HMS) Cape Sable, E.N.P., May 6 (PAT). and May 4 (HHA), 16 mi. east of Cape Canaveral May 2 (JJ), D. Tort., May 5 (WBR et al.), and at GEESE AND DUCKS--An ad. Canada Goose McKay Bay May 10 (JBE). Stilt Sandpipers on the w•th several downy young west of Panacea May 12 other hand seemed unusually scarce this sprtng w•th (HMS) indicatesthat thesenorthern transplants appear singlebirds seennear St. Marks light Apr. 26 (HHA), to be taking hold. Fulvous Tree Ducks were last seen Lakeland May 12 (JBE), and 8 late at L. JacksonMay at Merritt I. N.W.R. May 9 (PWS) and at McKay 24 (HMS). Almost unheard of in spr•ng, an Bay (Tampa) May 11 (WB---latestN. Peninsula).One unprecedented 75 Buff-breasted Sandpipersspent the pmr of Mallards on Alligator L., May 26, and a • day feeding in an open field on Mullet Key Apr 28 Rtng-neckedDuck on L. Jackson, Leon Co., May (F.O.S.•latest N. Peninsula). They were extremely 24 were eitherlate migrantsor summeringbirds (HMS). nervous and flighty and shortly before sunset all Ftve Red-breasted Mergansers on Ramrod Key Apr. departed northward over the Gulf (HMS & JBE) 25 were late wintering, but one at Key West June 3 Three more were seenat St. Marks Light Apr. 30 (HMS was presumedto be disabled (FTH). & HHA). An Am. Avocet at Alligator Pt , Apr 1 KITES AND HAWKS--Mississippi Kites were (RTT)>and Black-necked Stilts at Carrabelle Beach noted at several localities, one at Sanibel I., Apr. 14 Apr. 26 and May 16, and near St. Marks Ltght Apr (FHS et al.), two south of Crawfordsville, Wakulla 30 (HHA, HMS) were uncommon in the Tallahassee Co., May 3, and two 9 mi. east on U.S. 98 on May area. A stilt at Key West Apr. 2, and two on West 4 (HHA), and six flying over Gainesville May 20 SummerlandKey May 30 (RR) and at Key West Jun (JEH). 4 (FTH) marl•he earliestand latest dates for the Lower Keys. Over 65 N. Phalaropessighted 18 m• east of Cape Canaveral May 4 (JJ), were the earliestfor the Although the Everglade Kite did not breed in the N. Peninsula. Everglades this year because of dry condition, 1973 TERNS AND SKIMMERS--Confirming the ob- was still one of the best nesting seasonsin recent years, servation that migration of most Corn. Terns occurs wtth 28 nests located in s. Florida--6 on the headwaters well offshore, 45 were seen 18-45 mi. east of Mayport of the St. Johns R. in Indian River and St. Lucie Cos., May 20 (JBE et al.). An unprecedented150 were tn and 22 at L. Okeechobee (PWS & RC). Nevertheless, the Gulf off St. James, Franklin Co., May 16 (HMS) aerial reconaissanceindicates that the habitat situation, Two Roseate Terns were spotted offshore 20 m• east t e. suitable wet marshlands of sufficient size and dis- of Cocoa Beach Apr. 24 (JJ). Also in the Atlantic 3 tnbution to enable snail populations to survive and Sooty Terns and 32 Bridled Terns were 16 mt east reproduceannually, is suchthat the future looks bleak of Cape Canaveral May 2 (JJ). Black Terns, rare •n for this endangeredkite. spring,were near St. George I., Apr. 25, and St Marks Light Apr. 27 & 30 (HHA), and May 14 (HMS), L Jackson,May 24, OrangeL. May 31 (HMS), and off- There are a few summer records of Sharp-shinned shore east of Mayport May 20 (JBE et al.). At least Hawks in Florida, but no evidence of nesting. A bird 2 rare Black Noddy Terns were present with Brown near L. Iamonia, Leon Co., May 22 seemed too late Noddies on Bush Key, D. Tort., throughout May to be a migrant (HMS). Several Sharp-shinnedswere (WBR, DRL). Four Black Skimmers at Key West Jun on D. Tort., May 5-7 and at least 3 Broad-winged 8 (FTH) were the latest for the Lower Keys Hawks were there May 4-7 (WBR et al.) Migrating peregrinesincluded 6 at Cape Canaveral during April DOVES, PARROTS, CUCKOOS--White- (LEE), and one D. Tort., May 2-6 (WBR et al.). Only crowned Pigeons were abundant in the Keys (PWS) one Merlin, at Mullet Key May 5 (JBE), was reported and 2 were seen far north on Hypoluxo I , Palm tn the Region. Beach Co., May 26 (GIH, DS et al.). A White- winged Dove appeared in Sarasota Apr. 27 (MCS) SHOREBIRDS--Snowy Plovers, becoming rarer Reports of still another psittacid species seen flytng each year becauseof the evergrowinghuman popula- loose in Dade Co., refer to the White-fronted Par- tton along Gulf beaches,are now barely holdingtheir rot, Amazona albifrons. Two were seen on Elhott

762 American B•rds, August 1973 Key, B•scayne Nat'l Mon May 19 (JCO) Accord- mouth of the St Johns R , but •t no longer does so mg to Frances Hames, the much-sought-afterMan- A Red-breasted Nuthatch on St. George I., May 5 grove Cuckoo is seldom seen until May, and it is (JMS) was the latest for the Tallahassee Division useless to look for it in March and early April as House Wrens near St. Marks Light Apr. 30 (HHA many out-of-state birders do. Two birds were on & HMS) and Mullet Key May 5 were late, but one Summerland Key May 6-7 (PQR & RR), and at at JacksonvilleMay 26 (JPC) exceptionallylate. Un- Sugarloaf Key there were 2 on June 2 (FTH) and 3 doubtedly, the most outstandingfind for the period on June 3 (DRL). Unusual numbersof Yellow-billed will have to be the BahamaMockingbird (Mimus gun- Cuckoos migrated through the Keys with a dozen or dlachii) observedand describedin detail (to be pub- so seen feeding on caterpillars on Sugarloaf May 1-5 lished elsewhere)on East Key, D. Tort., May 3 by (MMc) Two were feeding in the open field with Paul and Fran Buckley. This appearsto be the first Buff-breasted Sandpipers on Mullet Key Apr. 28 sight record for North America outside of the West (F O S ), and 2 were seenflying north 35-42 mi. off- Indies. shore east of Mayport May 20 (JBE). Black-billed Cuckoos, uncommon in Florida, were seen at St. THRUSHES--Several Am. Robins lingered in the George I., 2 on Apr. 26 (HMS) and May 5 (JMS), regionwith late birds at Newport,Wakulla Co. (HMS) and one on May 16 (HMS), while many F.O.S. ob- and Mullet Key (DF, PJF, JBE) Apr. 21, Gainesville servers saw 2 on Mullet Key Apr. 28 & 29. A nest Apr. 26 (JRG), Payhe'SPrairie May 15 (LEW), but of the Smooth-billed Ani containing 4 eggs and 2 one singingat White SpringsMay 28 (RWL) was the young located west of Royal Palm May 22 is the latestin the N. Peninsula.A robin that was obviously first nesting record for this species in E.N.P. crippledspent the entire springperiod convalescing (HWW) in the hammockaround the EntomologicalResearch Center4 mi. southof Vero Beach,and was still present OWLS AND NIGHTHAWKS--Owls are rare on at the end of June (HWK & LAW). Four speciesof the Lower Keys, hence a report of a Screech Owl thrusheswere unusuallycommon along the Gulf coast calhngon Big Pine Key Mar. 26 (RWS) is noteworthy. throughoutApril and the first week or so of May with A boat fishing offshore 18 mi. east of Grant, Brevard many reports of Wood, Swainson's, Gray-cheeked, Co, provided a resting place for a migrating Corn. and Veery. At Tall Timbers 11 Swainson's,2 Gray- N•ghthawk Apr. 13 (JJ). The peent call of the south- cheeked, and 2 Veeries hit the WCTV tower Apr eastern race was first heard at Summerland Key Apr. 26 (RLC). Over 100 Grav-cheekedswere presenton 12, while the killykadick call of the Antillean form was Mullet Key on the eveningof Apr. 28 where only 21 not heard there until Apr. 27 (RR). However, both had been seenearlier in the day (JBE & HMS). On b•rds were reported calling on PlantationKey Apr. 6 St. GeorgeI., 35 Swainson's,7 Woods,and 5 Gray- (RTP--earliest for the Lower Keys and the Region) cheekedswere countedApr. 29 (HHA). Amazingly, and at Key West airport Jun. 1 (FTH). I received only two reports of thrushes elsewhere m the state--5 Veeries at Bear Cut, Key BiscayneApr WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS, SWAL- 28 (JMK), and 2 Swainsoh'son Merritt I., May 18 LOWS-The first bona fide record of the Red-headed (ADC). The latter sightingwas not involved in the Woodpecker on the Dry Tortugas and the Lower Keys cold front of Apr. 26-30, and was the latest for the was an adult seen on Loggerhead Key May 5 & 6 N. Peninsula. The general paucity of migrating (WBR, details to be published elsewhere). Rare in thrushesthroughout the Florida regionduring springs Dade Co., one adult was calling from a dead palm when weather fronts are weak or non-existent, and tree that containedseveral old woodpeckerholes north- the patternof distributionof groundedbirds occurring west of Homestead May 31 (JCO). Single birds were mainly along the Gulf coast when strong NW fronts apparentlymigrating near St. Marks Light (HHA) and do occur, clearly suggestthat most thrushessimply at Mullet Key (DG) Apr. 28. Three W. Kingbirdswere do not normallymigrate overland up the Floridapenin- west of Homestead Apr. 8 (JCO) and one at Mullet sula, but rather, fly well out to the west over the Gulf Key Apr. 29 (HWK & RER). Scissor-tailedFlycatch- of Mexico. ers were at Mullet Key Apr. 8-14 (PJF, WB & DG), Cedar Key Apr. 9 (JHH), near Trenton, Gilchrist Co., KINGLETS THROUGH VIREOS--Ruby- Apr 20 (DWJ), and Carrabelle Beach May 6 (HMS). crowned Kinglets were late at Mullet Key Apr. 21 Two Chff Swallows at Mullet Key May 10 (JBE & (PJF et al.), and near St. Marks Light where a male PJF) were very late. A Cave Swallowstudied closely was singingApr. 30 (HHA & HMS). A late Water for over an hour at Cedar Key Apr. 9 (JHH) is the Pipit was seen at a dump on Middle Torch Key May first record for the N. Peninsula. 7 (RR & PQR). Several Cedar Waxwings appearedm Rockledge in early May and remained until Jun. 3 CORVIDS THROUGH MIMIDS--Blue Jays are when 12 were seenfor the last time. (ADC & HGC) rare m the Keys, but have been occurringthere recently Four rare Philadelphia Vireos, one Apr. 27 at St (see Ogden, Am. Birds, 26: 851, also Stevenson, Marks N.W.R., and 3 on Apr. 29 on St. George I , Flortda Field Naturalist 1:9-13 1973) hence, single were closely observed by the Axtells. b•rds on Key Largo May 15 (RTP) and Elliott Key May 19 (JCO) are noteworthy. No Blue Jays reached WARBLERS--Space limitations prevent an Key West this spring (FTH). A Scrub Jay was seen adequate summarizationof the spring warblers. Most at Ponte Vedra Beach southeastof JacksonvilleApr. reports, especiallyof the rarer speciescame from the 6 (PCP). Formerly this species nested north to the Gulf coastal regions. A Black-and-white Warbler at

Volume 27, Number 4 763 Hollywood May 28 (RLP) was the latest for the S and Sugarloaf in the Lower Keys Apr 10-13 (MRB Peninsula. Swalnson's Warblers were at Mullet Key & RR). Seven Stripe-headed Tanagers (Spmdalts from Apr. 7-May 5 (WB et a/.--the latter date the zena), including 2 ad. • were on Hypoluxo I , Mar latest for the S. Peninsula). Vero Beach, Apr. 17 19-May 19 (HPL & PWS) and at least one was still (HWK), and Miami Apr. 28 (JMK). Worm-eatingWar- present May 28 (DG). Blue-gray Tanagers were not blers were reported statewideApr. 8-May 4. Golden- found in their usual Miami nesting location [9-Ed ] wmgedswere at Mullet Key Apr. 20 & 21 (DG, PJF May 26, but a singing• was at Dania May 26-28(JBE, et al.), and at D. Tort., May 5 (WBR). Blue-wingeds WB & DG) whereit had beenfor threeweeks following were on Mullet Key Apr. 7-29 (JBE, VM et al.), with severalmonths' absence (fide JBE). 10 at SarasotaApr. 8 (DHM), one at Cedar Key Apr. FRING I LLIDS--Rose-breasted Grosbeaks 9 (JEH), and Sanibel I., Apr. 15 (FHS et al.). Tennes- abounded along the Gulf Coast with birds at Mullet see Warblers were reported along the Gulf from the Key (PJF) and Alligator Pt. (RTT) Apr. 8, the earliest Tortugas to St. Marks N.W.R., Apr. 8 (HMS)-May records for the N. Peninsula and Tallahassee Division, 6, with a high of 28 on St. George I. Apr. 29. (HHA). respectively. A singleinland record was of a bird that The rare Nashville Warbler was seen at Mullet Key strucka window Apr. 29 in Lakeland (JBE). A • Black- Apr. 14 & 20 (WB & DG), Hypoluxe I. (PWS) and headed Grosbeak was closely observed for several D Tort., (LCB) May 5. An atypical Northern Parula minutes in the company of a Rose-breasted,Northern m white plumage with a golden back spot and deep Oriole, and Scarlet Tanager on Mullet Key Apr 29 yellowthroat was seen in Jacksonville,Apr. 25 (MCD), (HWK--latest for N. Peninsula).Blue Grosbeakswere and the latest parula for the TallahasseeDix•ision was reportedfrom Mullet Key Apr. 6-May 9 (DG & WB), on St. George I. May 16 (HMS). A Magnolia Warbler Laurel, Apr. 10 (PWL), Marathon Apr. 10-12(MC), at Winter Haven Apr. 6 (PJF) was the earliest for Sanibel Apr. 14 (FHS et al.) and D. Tort., May 2-6 the N. Peninsula. A Black-throated Green at Sharpes (WBR et al.) Indigo Buntings were numerousthrough- May 14 was the latest for the N. Peninsula(ADC). out the peninsulauntil mid-May. An est. 100 were Several of the latter were at Mullet Key Apr. 28-May on SummerlandKey Apr. 10-13(MRB & RR) Dick- 10 (VM), Alligator Pt., Apr. 28, and St. George I., cissels were reported from Mullet Key Apr 8-29, Apr. 29 (HHA). Alligator Pt., and St. Marks Light Apr. 27 & 30 (HNA The rare Ceruleanwas seenthroughout April at Mul- & HMS), and up to 10 were on Garden Key May let Key (WB et al.), SarasotaApr. 8-14 (DHM), D. 2-7 (WBR et al.). At least 14 Evening Grosbeakswere Tort., Apr. 8 (RW et al.), and Gainesville Apr. 9 still in Gainesville Apr. 15 (JHH), and one • visited (JHH). Chestnut-sidedswere at Mullet Key Apr. 28- a feederin JacksonvilleApr. 30-May 7 (VMM--latest May 5 (WB et al.) and at St. Marks N.W.R. Apr. N. Peninsula), and an unspecifiednumber frequented 27 & 28 (HHA). The Bay-breasted,usually rare, was a Tallahasseefeeder from Apr. 1-May 18 (MBM-- reported at Muller Key Apr. 27-May 10 (GJH, VM latest Tallahassee Division). et al.), SanibelI., Apr. 16 (FHS et al.), SarasotaApr. Purple Finches were still in TallahasseeApr 1-8 30 (GCM & DHM), St. Marks N.W.R., Apr. 2%30, (MBM) and Apr. 20 (FHS), and a late Am. Goldfinch and St. George I., Apr. 26-29 (HMS & HHA). An was there May 13 (HMS). Four goldfinchesin Rock- est. 200 Ovenbirds passedthrough Bear Cut on Key ledgeMay 14 (ADC) and one still there May 19 (HGC) BiscayneApr. 28 (JMK). Three N. Waterthrusheson are the latest for the N. Peninsula. Rare in spring, a small mangrovepond near Miami May 19 were late a Henslow's Sparrow hit the WCTV tower Apr 2 (JCO). Up to 3 Kentucky Warblers per day were seen (RLC). In spite of continuingdestruction of the marsh at Mullet Key Apr. 4-28 (JBE et al.). Others were 3 • (Cape Sable) Seaside Sparrows were singing seenat SarasotaApr. 2 (EVM), CedarKey andGaines- together near Ochopee May 26 (JBE & PJF), and 28 ville Apr. 9 (JHH & CHC). ConnecticutWarblers were (WB & DG). The marshwas alreadydry and dredging reported from D. Tort., May 7 (LCB), Mullet Key and drainage is expected to complete the extlrpatlon May 9 (DG), GreynoldsPark Miami May 17 (JMK), of the habitat and this endangeredpopulation sometime and Key BiscayneMay 26 (JBE). The Yellow-breasted this year. It is utterly incredible that there seems to Chat was scarcewith only one report, a bird at Mullet be no power on earth to stop the handful of selfish, Key Apr. 20 (DG). An unprecedented4 Wilson's War- greedy people who insist on exercising their sacred blerswere on Mullet Key Apr. 29 (F.O.S.). A Canada ownership right to rape the land because they have Warbler, rare anywhere in Florida, was seen at an investment in it. Daytona Beach May 9 (GC & GSM). A Dark-eyed Junco was incredibly late in Gaines- ville May 6 (PF--latest for the state). A Lark Sparrow WEAVERS, BLACKBIRDS, THRUSHES--A on St. GeorgeI., Apr. 25 (HHA) andthe secondspring lone 5 House Sparrow reachedthe Tortugas May 4-7 recordfor the TallahasseeDivision of the Clay-colored (WBR). GenerallyBobolinks were late with only 5-6 Sparrowobserved Apr. 22 near St. Marks Light (HHA) m the Lower Keys Apr. 27 (RR) and at Mullet Key were two springrarities. The Harris' Sparrowreported Apr. 27-29, but 2 near St. Marks Light Apr. 15 (JMS) during the winter period was still present at High were early, and flocks of 200 each were at Jacksonville Springsthrough Apr. 27 (JHH--latest N. Pemnsula) May 5-9 (MCD) and Payhe'sPrairie May 18 (SAN). An extremelylate White-throatedSparrow in Tallahas- A Yellow-headed Blackbird at Winter Haven since see May 31 (MBM) was the latest for.the state Other January was last seen Apr. 14 (fide JBE). The cold late sparrowswere a White-throatedin Tallahassee front of Apr. 8-10 grounded 100 Orchard Orioles at May 31 (MCM) and a Lincoln's on D. Tort , May Cedar Key (JHH) and an est. 200-300on Summerland 6 & 7 (WBR et al.)

764 American Birds, August 1973 OBSERVERS (area editors in boldface--Mr. & V. Morrison, G. S. Murray, S. A. Nesbitt, J. C. Ogden, Mrs. H. H. ARtell, Mrs. L. C. Below, W. Biggs, R. R. T. Paul, R. L. Pittell, P. C. Powell, B. Roberts, C. Boyd, L. P. Brown, M. R. Brown, Mr. & Mrs. R. E. Roberts, W. B. Robertson, Jr., P. Q. Ruffner, P. A. Buckley, G. Carleton, R. Chandler, J.P. Cocke, R. Ruffner, R. W. Smart, D. Snyder, A. Sprunt, H. C. H. Coleman, M. Crane, R. L. Crawford, A.D. M. Stevenson,J. M. Stevenson, M. C. Stewart, Mrs. Cruickshank, H. G. Cruickshank, M. C. Davidson, F. H. Stoutamire, P. W. Sykes, Mrs. P. A. To!!e, J. B. Edscorn, L. E. Ellis, P. Fabrick, Donna Fellers. Mr. & Mrs. R. T. Turner, L. A. Webber, H. W. P. J. Fellers, J. R. Gilliland, D. Goodwin, F. T. Hames, Werner, L. E. Williams, M. J. Williams, R. Willocks, G. Hampton, J. H. Hintermister, G. J. Horel, J. G. E. Woolfenden. Abbreviations--A.B.S., Archbold Horner, J. E. Hornet, G. Hunter (GIH), J. Johnson, Biol. Sta.; E.N.P., Everglades Nat'!. Park; F.O.S., D. W. Johnston, J. M. King, J. A. Kushlan, P. W. Florida OrnithologicalSociety; U.S.F., University of Labbee, H. P. Langridge, D. W. Lee, R. W. Lofton, South Florida;*, specimen.--HERBERT W. KALE 11, D. H. Mace, G. C. Mace, V. M. Markgraf, M. EntomologicalResearch Center, P.O. Box 520, Vero McGlassen, E. V. Miller, M. B. Miller, B. L. Mink, Beach, Florida 32960.

ONTARIO--WESTERN NEW YORK RE- delayed movement;events seemedto conspireto hin- GION der passage. If the migrants negotiated the storms and unfavourable conditions to the south they encountered / C!ive E. Goodwin and Richard C. Rosche poor weather in Ontario itself. At Pickering on May 27 strong cold winds off L. Ontario had observers ONTARIO-The mild March weather which stimu- muffled in parkas, but in sheltered areas birds were lated early migrationcontinued to influencemovement so numerous that literally every step yielded new into April, which in turn was a pleasantsunny month. individuals (CEG et al.). At Prince Edward Point The third week in particularwas delightful, and ohserr- (below, P.E. Pt.) the same day "flycatchers, vireos and warblers had to be pushed out of the way." The day there yielded an amazing 20 Lincoln's Sparrows, and on the night of May 28 at Kingston flight calls suggesteda rate of some 600 birds an hour crossing within earshot, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. (fide RDW). The period was not without its casualties.At Long Point May 23 the lighthouseaccounted for 966 birds of 42 species and the five-day period from May 22 to 26 had a record kill of 1032 birds (L.P.B.O.). At Lennox 127 birds were killed on May 28, even with the stack floodlightsoff (RDW). Although the last 10 daysof May providedobservers in the southwith a memorablespring, there were other periods when falls occurred, and areas where there were none. Around April 21 the week-longwarm spell To Hop• • .' broke, and the next two or three days saw heavy reversemigration particularly in the area of Pt. Pelee NationalPark (below,Pelee) and many grounded birds (BM, TH). April 30-May 2 and May 9-13 were also productive.But not everyonewas so fortunate. North of the storm line at North Bay Hazel Petty could report only the "poorestspring in 25 years" of summaries; ers almost subconsciouslybe•n to expect warblers seeminglythe delayed birds spent no time on the ground and flycatchers, rather than sparrows and kinglets. once conditions cleared. They were not altogetherdisappointed, as a host of record or near-recordearly arrival repo•s indicate. But With such a complicated weather pattern it is not the weather was not entirely ideal and a wet, colder surprisingthat the pattern of arrivals was equally com- spell at the beginningof the month slowedsome move- plex. Record early (below shown *) and late arrivals ment. May reverted to the pattern of recent springs, occurred at the same time, as at Mattice, with Tree and was both cold and wet. We have had nearly a Swallows two weeks early on Apr. 22 * and a Marsh decadeof cold springs,but they have been far from Hawk arriving about the same time quite late (JHE). uniform either in •ttern or effect and this year was Further south a Marsh Hawk arrived at Pimisi Bay distinctive in the degree to which it seeminglyhalted Mar. 8, where blackbird arrivals showed similar incon- migration.Repo• after reportemphasized the lack of sistencies: a Red-winged Blackbird Mar. 11' and movementin early May, and the extraordinary migra- Brown-headed Cowbird Mar. 30 (LdeKL), while at tion at the end of the month. Virginiatown the samespecies arrived Mar. 5 and Apr. Perhapsthe successionof storm systemsto the south 6 (PWR). In general earlier migrants were early---at of the Province in the earlier part of May explain the Kingston 13 speciesset recordsbut late migrantswere 8

Volume 27, Number 4 765 to 10days late arrivingin most areas, Plm•slBay had 26 800 on both May 19 and 23 (KFN) Further north May specieslate, 6 early and 3 on the 30-year mean there were 200 Brant at Cache L., Algonquin Provincial (LdeKL). At Long Pt., however, departures were Park (below, Algonquin) on May 2l (WCC). A teal closer to normal, running 3-5 days late (L.P.B.O.). at Hamilton on Apr. 15-19 had traces of white around Some speciesset both early and late records:for exam- the bill and tail, but otherwiseappeared a good drake ple, Solitary Vireos at Newbury Apr. 22 (WRJ)*, Cinnamon Teal (GWN et al.); there are four specimens Kingston Apr. 25 (K.F.N.)* and Ancaster Apr. 22 and a scattering of sight records for the Province (CW, SW); andagain at LongPt. June2 (BJ, WC, JO). Anotherrarity, but onethat hasbeen recorded annually since 1965, was a Eur. Wigeon at Pickering Apr 17 LOONS, GREBES--There were few reports of -May 6 (RD et al.). There were 64 Canvasback off Corn. Loon concentrations:the largest was a group of Owen Sound on the early date of Mar. 14 (GBt), and 60 at Kettle Pt., Apr. 23 (DR, AR), although63 were Ottawa had good counts of this species with 42 on counted in northward migration in 2 hours over Picker- Apr. 17 (TH), and of Redheads with 16 on Apr 15 lng Twp. May 6 (RD). Three Red-throatedLoons seen (BM). OtherOttawa records included a Barrow'sGold- on L. Ontario off Pickering May 16(RD) and 6 between eneye Apr. 15 (BM) and a Ruddy Duck May 6 Bronte and Burlington May 5 (AG, JLa, DEP) were (WEG). Scoters maintained the good numbers of the only numbersof this speciesseen. The largestcon- recent years, and a Surf at Komoka May 14 (WRJ) centration of Red-necked Grebes was in Mississagi and 2 late White-winged at Pelee May 18 (DR) were Strait, with 103Apr. 21 (CB, JN et al. and the Lower noteworthy. A count of 54 Ruddy Ducks at Pickering Great Lakes could only produce 45 at Hamilton Apr. on Apr. 10 (RD) was exceptionalfor the Toronto area 8 (MJ); this continuesrecent trends. Inland a bird was at Waterloo Apr. 7 (CAC, PKB) and a late sighting VULTURES, HAWKS--Six Turkey Vultures at at Ottawa May 20 (WEG), and one was also at P.E. Waterloo Apr. 9 (CAC) and 6 in the Sudbury area Pt. on Apr. 23 (RDW). Good Horned Grebe counts fit'de JN) were the most interesting reports of this were from PickeringTwp., with 166on Apr. 24 (RD), species, which continues in strong numbers. Wide- and over 300 at Long Pt. Apr. 15 (AD, CEG, JEG). spread Goshawk reports followed the heavy fall and An unprecedented7 Eared Grebes were reported:3 winter invasion. Hawk migrationoccurred at Kingston at Strathroy, May 17-22 (WRJ et al.) were the first Apr. 25 & May 1, when Broad-winged Hawks were for Middlesex Co. and one at Port Stanley, May 13 moving, and the peak of Rough-legged Hawks on -25 (MHF) the first for Elgin Co., and the others Amherst 1. came Apr. 12 when 20 were counted were at Niagara May l (CEG, JEG), Pelee May 14 (K.F.N.). A late bird of this specieswas seenat Ottawa -21 (CEG, HHA et al.) and Burlington from Apr. May 20 (MM). Adult Golden Eagleswere seenat Mel- 20 (M J, AW). bourne Apr. 20 (ML, RPk) and near CombermereMay 6 (RSB); but surely the outstandingraptor sightingwas CORMORANTS, HERONS--There were 6 Mar. 5 at Lake of Two Rivers, Algonquin, when an reports of small numbers of Double-crested Cormor- imm. Golden Eaglewas feeding on top of a deer kill ants, the most being 20 at Hamilton May 25 (GB, RC), surrounded by Corn. Ravens, with an ad. Bald Eagle and 18 at Port Britain May 26 (GBe). Manitoulin I. standing on the ice nearby (RT). Although neither is at the limit of Green Heron range: there was one speciesof eaglehas bred in Algonquinthe park attracts there May 20 and two on May 27 ON, CB, JL). The them in the winter months when they feed on the left- seasonyielded a good assortmentof rarer herons, with overs of wolf kills; Ron Pittaway notes further "it the first record of a Little Blue Heron at Ottawa Apr. seems reasonable to assume no eagles could winter 22-25 (RHu, BM et al.), a Snowy Egret at Bronte in the park without wolf packs supplying regular May 8-1l (m.ob.), and possibly the largest influx meals." There was at least another ad. Golden in the of Cattle Egrets sincetheir first breedingin 1962:there area. There were 13sightings elsewhere of Bald Eagles, were many reports from s.w. Ontario (fide JPK) with principally at Manitoulin 1., Long Pt. and Ottawa, and highs of 9 at Shrewsbury Apr. 28 (JAG) and 10 at 7 reports of Peregrine Falcons, all in the south Pelee May 16-17 (m.ob.); and 8 birds elsewhere, rangingnorth to Gore Bay and eastto Kingston.Glossy GROUSE THROUGH GALLINULES--A Ibis appearedin smaller numbers, with 3 at Long Pt. Ruffed Grouse at Pelee Apr. 21 was well described May 25 (L.P.B.O.) and another on June 2 (WC, BJ, (BM); there is no record for this intensively covered JO), and at Whitby May 26 (THa et al.). Early reports area and the bird may have been an escape A included 6 Green Herons Apr. 17 (WB), and a Black- Sandhill Crane was at Mattice May 13 (JHE), and crowned Night Heron Apr. 3-7 (BD, JH) both at far more unusual, another at Bradley's Marsh, L St Ottawa; and a Least Bittern at Long Pt. Apr. 28 (RC). Clair, Mar. 31-Apr. 15 (m.ob.). Two Yellow Rails at P.E. Pt. May 20 were the first Kingston records SWANS, GEESE, DUCK--Mute Swans occur (K.F.N.), but this elusive species is always easy to with ever-increasingfrequency: there were 9 along the miss. A Purple Gallinule made one of its erratic ap- Pickering waterfront (RD) and a bird on L. Scugog pearances in Ontario at Clarkson May 8-9 (mob ), Mar. 31 (WG). The high of Whistling Swans in Dover the last one was in 1971 at Moosonee! Pelee had an Twp. was 18,500 on Mar. 24 (DR). Canada Geese early Corn. Gallinule Apr. 7 (DR). also stageda goodmovement, with 22,500 over Kings- ton, Apr. 30-May 8 including 11,200 on May 1; SHOREBIRDS--Record-high water levels along and there were 2100 Brant in the same area later, with the Great Lakes eliminated most of the usual shorebird

766 American Birds, August 1973 habitat but flooded fields made a good substitute in GULLS, TERNS--There were some late sightings some areas, such as Pelee. Passage was more than of white gulls, the last being a Glaucous Gull on usuallyspotty for thisgroup, but therewas a"massive" Amherst I. May 19 (K.F.N.) and an Iceland Gull at movement at Ottawa May 28 (fide RAF) and a surpris- Port Hope May 27-29 (ERM). Pelee continued to ingly good assortmentof speciesreported with many be the location for rarer gulls in the spring, with a early arrival records established. Black-headedGull May 18 (DR) and a LaughingGull May 9 (DR) and 22 (HHA, RA), associatingwith the Two Piping Plover at Pelee May 21 (HHA et al.) 15,000 or more Bonaparte's Gulls which were present were the only sightingsof this species.Black-bellied in late April and early May. The area had no Franklin's Plover were early at Vineland Apr. 21' (RC, JO) and Gull this spring, but there were 4 elsewhereincluding P E Pt. May 8', and in good numberswith a record 2 at Ottawa May 9 (RAF et al.). The first Little Gull 13,000in Dover Twp., May 17 (DR). The sameholds reports were Apr. 8 at Thorold (GY et al.) and there for Ruddy Turnstones, with an early bird at Kingston were numbersalong the Lower Lakes to the end of May 15' (K.F.N.), 100at Ottawa May 28 (fide RAF), the period, with possibly 12 in the Whitby-Pickenng and 2 at Strathroy May 22 (DC); Whimbrel, with a area and 8 at Hamilton (fide RD,RC). Forster's Tern bird at Amherst I. May 15' (JAW) and 52 at Ottawa is anotherspecies that is reportedwith growingfre- (fide RAF); and Solitary Sandpipers,with an early quency:it seemsnow to be a regular migrantin the arrival at Dundas Apr. 11 (AW) and 11 reportsfrom southwestfrom late April (fide JPK) and on L. Ontario Kingston,where the speciesis rare in spring(K.F.N.). they arrived early at Dundas Apr. 16 (CW) and were Eight reportsof Willets alongthe Lower Lakes between present to May 20 (RC). Early tern reports included Apr 28 and June 2 represent the largest number of 3 Corn. Terns May 6 and a Black May 1 at Pickering reportsknown to this compilerfor a springmigration. (RD). This springall terns at Ottawa received exhaus- Many shorebirdsare significantlyrarer in spring than tive examination,but only one careful reportcolArctic in fall in this region: in this category come 2 Purple Terns stoodup; 3 on May 25 (BM). Sandpipersat Ottawa May 28 (BM, MM); singleWhite- rumped Sandpipers May 17 at Pelee (DR) and in CUCKOOS, OWLS, HUMMINGBIRDS--A Vaughan Twp., May 23 (TD); an unprecedentlyearly Black-billed Cuckoo at Kingston May 5 was early,* Baird's Sandpiperwhich was well describedseen at but cuckoo migration still seemed to be underway at Hamilton Apr. 12-18 (RC, GB, CW et al.); and a Long Pt., June 10 (fide RC). The last Snowy Owl sight- Stilt Sandpiper at Pelee May 11-14 (DR, m.ob.) ing was a late May 20 on Amherst I. (K.F.N.) and and Sarnia May 16 (DR, AR). Red Knots failed to the Thunder Bay area had 5 reports of Great Gray be reportedfrom locationswhere they are regular,but Owls to May 3 (fide KD). The remainingrecords are instead turned up unexpectedly on Amherst I., with all early arrivals: a Whip-poor-will, Lively April 28 19 on May 20 (K.F.N.), at Ottawa in the May 28 push (RM); and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at Keene when 75 were seen (fide RA'F), and there were 4 on Apr. 17 (JS), London Apr. 26* (WM) and Kingston Mamtoulin I. May 26 and 3 at SudburyMay 28 (CB, May 1' (K.F.N.). JL, JN). Algonquin'slargest ever flock of shorebirds was 75 Dunlin, May 20, at Lake of Two Rivers (JW, WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS--There DS, RP) and a bird at Kingstonon May 3 was early*. were a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers at Long Pt Kingston also had 22 Short-billed Dowitchers on in late April (JHn, DH) and a 8 still present there Amherst I., May 19 (K.F.N.) and 2 birdsat Hamilton June 2 (WC, BJ, JO); in the east birds of this species June3 were late (RC). The first MiddlesexCo. record were sightedat P.E. Pt., May 2 (RDW) and Kingston for a W. Sandpiper was one at Strathroy May 14- May 16 (RR). Northerly Red-headed Woodpecker 17(TNH, WH). There were 4 godwitreports: Marbled reports came from Chippewa Park June 2 (lB) and at Sarnia May 20-22 (RTy, DR) and Rockhouse Pt. Algonquin May 23 (RH, DJ) and there were 2 pairs May 27 (CW, SW) and HudsonJanat Pelee May 20 hangingon in Ottawa despitethe removal of dead elms (HHA et al.) and Chelmsford May 21 (Jbl). For the (fide RAF). A Black-backedThree-toed Woodpecker third spring in succession2 Ruffs were sighted,but at Pelee Apr. 7-8 (m.ob.) was surprising. Kingston this year both were high plumaged birds: the first at had its fourth springrecord of z,Northern Three-toed WalslnghamApr. 23-28 (DRB, m.ob.) with a white Apr. 25 (AEH) and an Ottawa sightingon May 30 ruff, the second,at Pelee May 13-17(DRG, m.ob.), was very late (RTa, PW). The April 20 movement almost wholly black. The specieshas been sighted at Pelee included an E. Kingbird (BM, TH). Later annually for the past decade but never more than 3 Empidonaxflycatchers staged a particularlygood mi- or 4 each year, and mostly in fall. Another species gration, especially Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, which that has been sighted almost annually in the same were numerous in the concentrations at the end of period, the Am. Avocet, appearedthis year at Picker- May, and even seen June 10 at Long Pt. (RC). There lng May 9 (RD) and Port Britain May 11-12 (JBW); was an Olive-sided Flycatcher at Kingston May 29 possibly the same bird on both occasions. Finally (PM); the species is rare there. phalaropes made a good showing with 13 Wilsons Phalaropesseen along the Lower Lakes and north to SWALLOWS THROUGH CHICKADEES--An Sudbury,between May 13 and the end of the period; early Cliff Swallow was seen at Lively Apr. 23 (JL) and N Phalaropesat Manitoulin I., May 20 (CB, JL), Echoing last fall's invasions there were 2 Black-billed StrathroyMay 29 (JWL, EL), and KingstonMay 28, Magpies at Thunder Bay to Mar. 25 (PT) and Gray the first in spring there (FC). Jaysand Boreal Chickadeeswere widespread.The last

Volume 27, Number 4 767 reports ofthejays were at Ottawa May 20 (fide RAF) of the speciesthis year was 2, May 11 (HQ, RDW) and near PeterboroughMay 2 (fide DCS), and there The more uncommon (as opposed to rare) warblers was one further west at Hepworth Apr. 15 (LC, JP). made a good showing, with many reports of Parula, Boreal Chickadeescontinued to be sightedto the end Cerulean, Prairie and Connecticut across the of the period, although May 20-23 marked the last Province. The group also provided a string of early of most of the reports, noteably from Pelee and Ottawa. arrivals, mostly in the April warm snap: Tennessee Warbler, Pelee Apr. 21 (BM, TH) and Kingston May WRENS, MIMIDS, THRUSHES--A Bewick's 2* (K.F.N.); Orange-crownedWarbler, Pelee Apr Wren wassighted at PeleeApr. 20 (BM, TH). Carolina 23 (BM, TH); Nashville Warbler, Hamilton Apr 22 Wren numbers seem to be recovering from the succes- (WS), Kingston Apr. 23* (fide RDW), and Killarney sionof severewinters; they were plentiful in the south- Apr. 29 (WRL); Black-throated Green Warbler Apr west (fide JPK) and sightedeast to Port Hope (ERM) 21 and Cerulean Warbler Apr. 22, both at Pelee (BM, and northto Goderich(DK). Mockingbirdscontinued TH); BlackpollWarbler, Highland Creek May 9 (RD), to prosper, as there were at least 11 birds known in and a N. Waterthrush, KingstonApr. 22* (K F N ) the Ottawa area and 12 May sightingsin the Sudbury A Yellow-breasted Chat at P.E. Pt., May 12 (AEB, area and many individuals reported south and west RKE) was one of five spring records for Kingston of these points. Thrush reports were mainly of early Both Kentucky Warblers and Hooded Warblers arrivals: Swainsoh's Thrushes at Thunder Bay Apr. appeared in good numbers: there were 4 Kentucky 30 (TDy) and London May 15', a Veery there May reports, at London Apr. 23 (TNH et al.), Pelee Apr 21' (WRJ) and 3 at Pelee Apr. 23 (JEF). Blue-gray 22 (BM, TH) and May 15 (CEG et al.), and Ancaster Gnatcatcherswere in very good numbersfor the sec- May 19 (RC), which is about the level of sightings ond year in a row: noteworthy were at least 3 Toronto over the past 3 years. Hooded Warbler reports are area reports, 14 from Kingstonincluding 2 early birds much more difficult to assess,as there were repeated on Apr. 21 at P.E. Pt., a pair nesting at Presqu'ile sightingsat Pelee between Apr. 23 and May 15 and May 10 0BW), and the first record for Manitoulin several birds were probably involved. The sameheld I May 6 (CB, .IN). in the London area May 10-20 (fide WRJ), and there were 4 reports from elsewhere. PIPITS THROUGH VIREOS--Water Pipits are normally scarcein the spring, but there were unusual MEADOWLARKS THROUGH TANAGERS numbers in the east this year: 45 records at P.E. Pt. --W. Meadowlarks were heard singingat Ottawa May with a high of 30 on May 20 (MJE, RDW) and an 13-27 (fide RAF) and at Lake of Two Rivers May early bird at Ottawa Apr. 11 with a high there of 100 24 (RP, RMk), and there was an abundanceof reports on May 11 (BM). Bohemian Waxwings lingered late from south and west of these locations, although with 15 to Apr. 16 (SO) and one Apr. 19 (RHu) at perhapssmaller numbersthan usual. Yellow-headed Ottawa, andone Peterborough,Apr. 8 (MP). Northern Blackbird sightingswere at Barfie I., Manitouhn I , Shrikes were almostequally slow to depart with sight- May 1 (RCa, ARu fide JN) and Strathroyfrom May rags Apr. 7 at P.E. Pt. (K.F.N.) and Uxbridge Twp., 18 (JAM, ML), and Orchard Orioles appearedto the Apr. l l (RD). White-eyed Vireos were so common- east at Port Hope May 25 (ERM) and 2 at P E Pt, place at Pelee this springthat no one botheredto com- May ll* (HQ, RDW), with one the following day ment on them any more: they were present from Apr. (AEB, RKE). A Baltimore Oriole 20 mi. southof Wawa 20 (BM, TH) and a high of 12 on May 12 (DR) was May 22 (JBM) was at the northerly limit of its range no more than typical of the numbers over the period Eight Summer Tanager reports May ll-June 10 are (CEG) and they were in generallygood numbersin the most ever in Ontario; all were in the L. Erie area the southwest (fide JPK). Kingston also had extendingfrom Pelee to Long Point and north to Mid- unprecedentednumbers, which there meant 5 records dlesex Co. from May 11-20(m.ob.), mostly at P.E. Pt. However, the only report from elsewhere in the Province was FINCHES, SPARROWS--Extralimital Cardinals at Bronte May 5 (MJ). were at Kakabeka Falls Apr. 29 (PB), Indian Pt , Manitoulin I., May 19 (JN), and a pair at South WARBLERS•Three Worm-eating Warblers were BaymouthApr. 16 to the end of the period (KDi) seen; at Pelee May 6 and May 12-14 (DR, CEG et An outstandingfeature of the springwas that "winter" al), at P.E. Pt., May 2-3 (MJE, RDW et al.) and finchescontinued to appear throughout,and were still at London May 20 (WGG, JWL). Over the last year presentpast the end of the period. For example, Even- or two Golden-wingedand Blue-wingedWarblers seem ing Grosbeakswere common to the end of May on to have experiencedone of those "pauses" which seem the Bruce Peninsula (fide JWJ), 2 Pine Grosbeaks at characteristicof expandingspecies, when the numbers Kingston May 25 (RKE) were the latest ever there, are reduced and some of the newly-claimed range is and smallflocks of Pine Siskins--and individualsinging vacated. This year numbersseem to be bouncingback birds--were reported from widely scattered locahtles again with many Pelee sightingsand Golden-wingeds into the last week of the period. Many could well nest, m the eastat Ottawa May 15(BM et al.) and 23 (RAF, and this is particularly true of Red Crossbills which RTa), and on Manitoulin I., May 21 (JN). A Golden- have been even more prone to this nomadicwandering winged was singingat Lake of Two Rivers May 24 than most of the other finches, and there were 7 areas (RMk, RP) and a Blue-wingedin the Otter L. reserve which reported these crossbillsin varying numbersdur- (K.F.N.) the following day. Kingston's first record ing May.

768 AmericanBirds, August 1973 Long Point's second Sharp-tailed Sparrow record indicate how depressed,both in terms of numbers and for spnng was a bird on June 3 (L.P.B.O.). London species, was the migration dunng the first three weeks had hybrid plumaged Junco X White-throated of the month. A successionof frontal systemskept Sparrow May 20; the bird was well described and is cloud cover and precipitation almost continuousuntil apparently a recognized hybrid (WRJ, NBJ, fide about May 25. The Ithaca area even experiencedits DMS) The remaining sparrow reports are early or latestmeasurable snowfall of the century.May 17when late records. Early sightingsincluded a Grasshopper up to an inch fell. Passerinemigration activity picked Sparrow, Pelee Apr. 22 (BM, TH); a Dark-eyed Junco up noticeablyduring the last week of the month, with Mar 14' and 6 Song Sparrows Mar. 16, all in the the period May 21-26being especially good in the Erie, Mattawa area (LdeKL, RCR); and a Lincoln's Pa. area and May 29 being a "spectacular"day in Sparrow, London Apr. 9* (TNH). The late sightings the Rochester area. Records outlined below are all were all from Ottawa: a White-crowned Sparrow May from N.Y. State except where otherwise noted. 29 (WEG), and a Fox Sparrow (fide RAF) and a Lap- land Longspur (RHu) both on May 20. In closing it GREBES, CORMORANTS---A heavy movement shouldbe notedthat White-crownedand Fox Sparrows of waterfowl Apr. 3-5 accounted for large numbers were felt to be abnormally scarce in most areas this of Horned Grebes grounded in the southern part of spnng the Region at Belmont, Allegany Co. (VP) and at Elmira (WH). The noticeable scarcity of Pied-billed SUBREGIONAL EDITORS (boldface under- Grebes in optimum nestinghabitat was thought by lined), CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) and many to be a result of few young being produced in OBSERVERS--R. F. Andrle, H. H. Axtell, R. 1972. Away from large bodies of water the Double- Axtell, P. K. Bald, D. R. Baldwin, A. E. Bell, C. Bell, crested Cormorant is very rare, therefore four Apr W Bell, G. Bennett(GBe), P. Boyle, G. Brett (GBt), 22 and oneApr. 23 on a smallpond at Alma, Allegany R. S. Brodey, I. Browne, G. Bryant, W. C. Calvert, Co. were noteworthy (LB & DB); this may be the C. A. Campbell,R. Campbell(RCa), L. Chambers, first report for that county. F Cooke, W. Crins, D. Currie, R. Curry, R. Davis, T Davis, A. Dawe, K. Denis, B. Dilabio, K. Dinsmore HERONS, IBISES--A previously unknown Great (KD0, T. Dyke (TDy), R. K. Edwards, J. H. Enns, Blue Heron heronry of eight nestswas locatedat Avon, M J Evans,J. E. Faggan,G. Fairfield,M. H. Field, Livingston Co. (fide TT); elsewhere at well known R. A. Foxall•W. Geiger,W. G. Girling, W. E. Godfrey, nesting sites, 30 nests were found at each of two C E Goodwin, J. E. Goodwin, A. Gray, J. A. Green- heronriesin the Elmira area (WH), and in Allegany house, D. R. Gunn, D. Hanna, J. Hanna (JHn), J. County three nestswere in Ward Twp. and five were Harris, T. Hassell (THa), T. N. Hayman, R. Healey, in BirdsallTwp. (LB & DB). The more southernherons W Hewitt, T. Hince, A. E. Hughes, R. Humphries were reported more widely and in larger numbers than (RHu), N. B. Jarmain, W. R. Jarmain, D. Jeffrys, usual. SingleLittle Blue Herons were at PresqueI , M Jennings,J. W. Johnson,B. Jones,D. Kelly, King- Pa. (fide RB), near Wolcottsville, Niagara Co. (JM ston.FleldNaturalists, J.P. Kleiman•J. Lamey (JLa), et al.), and at Frewsburg,Chautauqua Co. (RS et al ) M Larmour, L. de K. Lawrence, E. Leach, May 12-18. New Regional highs of 10 Cattle Egrets J W Leach,J. Lemon, LongPoint Bird Observatory,, were at BraddockBay, Monroe Co. during May (fide W R Lowe, E. R. MacDonald, R. MacDonald, R. G.O.S.) and nine were at Medina, OrleansCo., May MacKay (RMk), P. MacKenzie, B. MacTavish, J. A. 3 (JM); others occurred in three additional areas includ- McCarter, M. McKie, W. McLeod, J. B. Miles, multi- ing three in the southerntier at the AlleghenyReser- ple observers(m.ob.), J. Nicholson•G. W. North, voir, CattaraugusCo., May 5 (FEet al.). About seven J Olmsted, S. O'Donnell, M. Parker, I•. E. Perks, Great Egrets were reported Apr. 10-May 13. Up to H. Petty•Mr. & Mrs. J. Petty, R. Pittaway,R. Pokraka three Snowy Egrets, also a new Regional high, were (RPk), H. QuillJam,P. W. Richter, A. Rider, R. Rock- at Braddock Bay May 13-16 (JC et al.). A single well, Mrs. R. C. Ross,'Mrs. A. Runnalls (ARu), D. Yellow-crownedNight Heron was at PresqueI., Pa , Rupert, D.C. Sadler, J. Sadler, D. M. Scott, W. Smith, Apr. 30 (fide EBr). Least Bitterns were more obvious, D Stnckland, P. Tapp, R. Taylor (RTa), R. Tozer, if not more common,perhaps due to high water levels R Tymstra (RTy), J. A. Warren, R. D. Weir, Mr. The first Glossy Ibises, a flock of eight, were noted & Mrs J. B. Wilson, C. Wood, S. Wood, J. Woods, at Yatesville,Yates Co., Apr. 28 (ML et al.); at Mon- P Woods, A. Wormington, G. Yaki, S. A. Yorke tezuma N.W.R. a maximum of seven occurred May --CLIVE E. GOODWIN, 45 LaRose Ave., Apt. 610, 7-14 (DM) and seven more were at Clarence, Erie Weston, Ontario M9P 1A8. Co., May 5 (PB).

WATERFOWL--Whistling Swan and goose num- WESTERN NEW YORK AND NORTH- bers peaked in late March as previouslyreported A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA.---April tempera- nearly white Canada Goose with black eyes and bill ture and precipitation averages were slightly above and with somefaint buffy featherson the back, wings, normal but the month, in general, was a pleasantone; and neck, was closely studied at Montezuma N.W R, mostspecies appropriate to that monthmoved in good Apr. 21 (DF et al.). Four widely scatteredBrant were numbers,including the usual sprinklingof early arri- reported Apr. 10-May 11. A White-fronted Goose, vals But May was a different story! While weather alwaysvery rare, was carefullystudied in the Iroquois statisticswere about normal, they could not begin to N.W.R. area Apr. 7 (RS et al.). Among the dabbling

Volume 27, Number 4 769 ducks, Pintails and Am Wigeon were generally more seasonalhigh for migrants at Erie, Pa (JB) There scarce than usual. At Montezuma N.W.R., the major were only two Peregrine Falcons and two Merlins concentrationpoint in the Region, Gadwall and Green- reported. Am. Kestrel numbers held their own winged Teal were estimatedin about twice the normal numbers(fide DM). The only Eur. Wigeon occurred CRANES, RAILS--Extremely rare but not at Montezuma N.W.R., Apr. 30 (RG). Most diving unprecedentedin the Region was a SandhillCrane care- duck migrants,and especiallythe Ring-necked Duck, fully observed as it flew southeastwardover Webster, were thoughtto be down in numbers.The early April Monroe Co., Apr. 21 (JCz, RC et al.); this was the waterfowl flight produced counts of 300 Oldsquaws first record for that county. Common Gallinules and and 20 White-wingedScoters at Edinboro L., Erie Co., Am. Coots were more scarcethan duringthe average Pa , Apr. 4 (DS). Oldsquaws were more commonly year. reportedelsewhere at this time, including31 that were found dead of unknown causesat Presque I., Pa., Apr. SHOREBIRDS--All shorebirds, i.e. Am. Golden 9 (DS). White-winged Scoters were more commonly Plover and Pectoral Sandpiper, primarily originating reported in higher-than-normalnumbers with the peak from flyways to the west, were very scarce this spring of 650 on Braddock Bay May 13 (WL). Habitat, except for Montezuma N.W.R., was also scarcedue to generally high water levels. But a number of reports were noteworthy. Where usually one or two VULTURES, HAWKS-•The amount of material occur per season at Montezuma N.W.R., this year available on hawk migrations throughout the Region a maximumof 19 Ruddy Turnstoneswere noted May was somewhat overwhelming this season, hence only 22 (WB); another was in an unusual place at Horse- the highlights can be noted below. Seasonal totals for heads, Chemung Co., May 30 (WH). Only three the Rochester area flights were not available, but the Whimbrets were reported from two localities. A count notes below indicate the highlightsfor that south shore of 50 Solitary SandpipersMay 5 at Montezuma N W R of L. Ontario location. Along the south shore of L. seemedunusually high (M J). Single Willets were noted Erie in the Erie, Pa. area, the seasonal total for all May 10-13at PresqueI., Pa. (DS), May 20 at Braddock observers was well over 3000 hawks, more than four Bay (JT et al.), and May 25 at Iroquois N.W.R (ftde times the average in recent years (fide RB); peak days B.O.S.). A very early Red Knot was at Montezuma there were Apr. 22 and May 1 (JB). N.W.R., Apr. 24 (Dm et al.); completely Counts of 153 Turkey Vultures Apr. 16 (LM) and unprecedentedwas the 74 there May 21 (WB). A Mar- 82 Apr. 21 (G.O.S.) at Braddock Bay were new single bled Godwit was at Hamlin, Monroe Co., May 17-19 day highs for the Rochester area (fide TT). Migrant (JMc et al.) and a HudsonJanGodwit occurredat Brad- Goshawks were noted nearly every day during Apr. dock Bay May 20 (JCI et al.). A Reeve was studied in the Rochester area where the highest numbers ever at Montezuma N.W.R., May 13 (NC et al.) and an were recorded (fide TT); this was undoubtedlyan after- ad. Ruff in breeding plumage was discoveredthere math of the unprecedentedfall flight last year. Three May 18 (WB et al.). An Am. Avocet remainedat Mon- active Goshawk nestswere located in Allegany County tezuma N.W.R. May 20-24 (JT, WB et al.). A single in late May (LB, DB et al.). Maximum Sharp-shinned Wilson's Phalarope was at Parma, Monroe C9, May Hawk counts at Braddock Bay were 150 on Apr. 22 6 (GM); two were at Carlton, Orleans Co., May 20 and 330 on May 2 (G.O.S_.); at Erie, Pa., where the (WL et al.), and two frequented Montezuma N W R , seasonaltotal was a good 492, about 129 were counted May 20-22 (JT et al.). Apr. 22 and 206 on May I (JB). Cooper's Hawks were scarce. Resident Red-tailed Hawk populations were GULLS--Single Laughing Gulls were carefully good; 80 birds Apr. 15 at Braddock Bay was the high identified on the Allegheny Reservoir Apr. 18 (LK) daily count (G.O.S.), and 66 was the seasonaltotal and at PresqueI., Pa., where it was the secondrecord, at Erie, Pa. (JB). Red-shoulderedHawk numberswere May 12 (DF et al.). Little Gulls away from the usual low. Counts of over 1000 Broad-winged Hawks were Great Lakes localities included two adults on Cayuga made in the Rochester area on eight days between L. at Canoga, Seneca Co., May 13 (DM et al) and Apr. 22 and May 29, with the peaks of 5000 on May an adult and an immatureat MontezumaN.W.R , May 2 (G.O.S.) and 4950 in two hours on the late date 22 (fide DM). of May 29 (JCz). At Erie, Pa., where Broad-winged Hawks were also noted migrating as late as May 27 PARAKEETS, CUCKOOS, OWLS--After the and 28, peak counts of 513 occurred Apr. 22 and 635 rash of reports and discussion concerning Monk on May I (JB); the seasonaltotal was 2129. Rough- Parakeets during the winter season,there apparently legged Hawk numbers reflected the winter scarcity were no observations this spring. Cuckoos were in with very few being reported save for nine migrants above-average numbers in the Rochester area in late at Braddock Bay Apr. 21 (G.O.S.). A single Golden. May (fide TT) but scarceelsewhere. Two Snowy Owls Eagle was studied at Alabama, Genessee Co., Apr. were reported, the last one being near Wolcottsvllle 16 (fide B.O.S.); at Braddock Bay both an adult and Apr. 14 (RS et al.). There was one active Long-eared an immature occurred Apr. 21 (G.O.S.). About ten Owl nest near Ithaca (fide DM) and an adult was on Bald Eagles were reported. The last known Regional a nest at Greece, Monroe Co., Apr. 7 (NM et al) Bald Eagle nest at Hemlock L. was destroyed by The first known Regional nestingofa Short-eared Owl natural causesand the birds were unreported in that in many years produced four young at Clarence in area (fide TT). A count of 32 Ospreys was a new mid-May (PB, AM & WM).

770 AmericanBirds, August1973 WOODPECKERS, JAYS, MAGPIES---The Red- (PB) An lmm g Yellow-headedBlackbird was studted bellledWoodpecker was reported more frequently than for several hours May 16 at Webster (JCz et al.). Pairs usual in the Ithaca area (fide DM); three separate of Orchard Orioles were believed to be nestingin late individuals occurredin areas either on or adjacent to May near Starkey, Yates Co. where they have the L Erie Plain, the only sectionof the Regionwhere occurredfor aboutthree years(fide FG), and at Carlton it is still quite scarceand often unreported.Blue Jays for the secondconsecutive year (WL et al.). This year's were locally scarceeastward in the Region;however, Summer Tanager, a first year male, occurred Apr. 22 indications were that they were far more common than at Braddock Bay (LM et al.). usualfarther westwardnear the flight'paths along the south shore of L. Erie. A Black-billed Magpie that FRINGILLIDS--Reflecting the winter pattern, remained for several days after Apr. 15 at Dryden, some winter finches were obvious and conspicuous Tompkins Co. showed no visible evidence of being throughoutthe period. Most abundantwas the Everang an escapedcage bird (DK et al.). Grosbeak; some 3265 reported Apr. 8 on a bird count covering the westernmost counties of the Region was CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES--Reflecting a record high (B.O.S.); most moved out of the Region the fall and winter invasion of Boreal Chickadees that May 18-22. Next in abundance was the Red Crossbill, barely reached the south shore of L. Ontario were the 117 recorded on the Apr. 8 bird count also being observationsof one Apr. 8 at Olcott, Niagara Co. a record high (B.O.S.); small flocks were widely scat- (RW), two Apr. 21 and one Apr. 22 at Braddock Bay tered through late May, including 20 at Alfred May (TT et al.), and one May 2 at Webster (TT et al.). 27 (CK). Pine Siskins were moderately common and Red-breastedNuthatches moved through the Region last reported May 24. Some Pine Grosbeaks were still in good numbers. in the Region in early Apr.; the 36 recorded on the Apr. 8 bird count being a record high (B.O.S.). Only VIREOS, WARBLERS---The White-eyedVireo, a a few Com. Redpolls and White-winged Crossbills bird that often overshootsits more southernnesting were reported. range, was reported in seven localities, five in the Other Fringillid reports includedthe first successful southern part of the Region and two in the Rochester wintering of a Rose-breastedGrosbeak in the Roches- area, early was one Apr. '26 at Braddock Bay (JC1 ter area; the bird previously reported at Irondequolt et al ), of the rest, four appeared May 11-13. remained through Apr. 12 (fide TT). A g Dickcissel Warbler movement through the Region was slow frequented a feeder at Big Flats, Chemung Co., May but steadyduring most of the first three weeks of May; 16 (MW) and another was at Friendship, Allegany Co , conditions were such that large numbers were noted May 20 (HG). House Finches spreadinto a number May 19 in some areas, but it wasn't until the last week of new Regional localities; singlesApr. 20 at Belmont when peak numberswere reported. A Prothonotary (LB & DB) and Apr. 24 at a Keuka Park feeder (MG) Warbler was near Keuka Park May 12 (MT et al.), were firsts for those areas; three separateindividuals away from the regular Regional nestinglocality. The were reported from suburban Rochester during May, rare Worm-eating Warbler occurred at Irondequoit, from where they have occasionallybeen previously Monroe Co., May 12 (NM et al.), one was at its north- reported; a pair was regularly seen at Ithaca (DM) ernmostnesting locality at Elmira May 12 (fide WH), where they have also been previously reported and another was found dead May 17 in urban Elmira irregularly; at the well-established colonies in Elmtra (fide WH). The Golden-wingedX Blue-wingedWarbler four young were fed regularly at a feeder (WH) and hybridswere reportedin equalproportions! The domi- up to 20 were counted at the Eggertsville, Erie Co nant hybrid, the "Brewster's", which has been locality (fide B.O.S.); there was some evidence of decreasing in abundance, occurred near Keuka Park spreadinto other areasof metropolitanBuffalo. Hen- May 16(MT et al.) and at the TonawandaIndian Reser- slow's Sparrows continued to decrease in most areas, vation May 21 (PB). The "Lawrence's" type was except in two Erie County, Pa. areas where they were found at Elmira May 12 (WHet al.) and at Clymer, present in normal numbers (DS & RB). The Clay- ChautauquaCo., May 20 (EP). Unusually early was colored Sparrows that frequented Foster L. near a N Parula at Greece Apr. 21 (fide TT). Cape May Alfred for the past three years had not yet returned Warblerswere unusuallycommon and widespread.The this year by the end of this period (EB). The Ithaca very rare Yellow-throated Warbler was carefully Harris' Sparrowpreviously reported remained through studiedat BraddockBay May 2 (GM). Bay-breasted May 14 (fide DM). Warblers were thought by many to be more common than in the averageyear. There were four widely scat- CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) and OB- tered PrairieWarbler reportsaway from the known SERVERS-James Baxter, Paul Benham, Walter Elmira area nestingsites, including an early one Apr. Bennlng, Richard Bollinger, Thomas Bourne, (EB) 21 at PresqueI., Pa. (JS et al.). The only report of Elizabeth Brooks, (EBr) Esther Bryan, Buffalo the rare Kentucky Warbler was one at Frewsburg May Ornithological Society, Lou Burton, Doris Burton, 11-12 (RS et al.). Early was a Hooded Warbler near (JCI) Julie Claffey, (JC) Jack Connor, Robert Cooper, Belmont Apr. 26-27 (VP et al.). Noel Cutright, (JCz) Jerry Czech, Flora Elderkin, David Freeland, Genesee Ornithological Society, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS--The uncommon Mabel Gibson, Helen Goldthwait, Robert Gustarson, W Meadowlark occurredMay 4 at Athol Springs,Erie Frank Guthrie, Wilifred Howard, Morgan Jones,Doug- Co (TB) and May 10 in Tonawanda Twp., Erie Co. las Kibbe, Lewis Kibler, ClarenceKlingensmith, Mal-

Volume 27, Number 4 771 colin Lerch, Walter Listman, Dorothy Mcllroy, Alice The cool, wet spring undoubtedly had a great influ- Mc Kale, Willard Mc Kale, (JMc) JosephMcNett, Gor- ence on the early nesting species, and if we couple don Meade, Laura Moon, Neil Moon, (JM) John this with the cold, wet June of last year which was Morse, Elizabeth Pillsbury, Vivian Pitzrick, Donald associatedin placeswith the floodingproduced by Hur- Snyder. JamesStull, Robert Sundell, JosephTaylor, ricane Agnes, we can only wonder about the future Thomas Tetlow, Mabel Thompson, Robert Wagner, populationsof some critical species.The overall effect Jayson Walker, Mary WeIles.--RICHARD C. of this can only be assessedafter we pass through ROSCHE, 305 Elm St., Crawford, Neb. 69339. the nesting season, but some results are evident at this writing, and will be discussedin the summerseason report. APPALACHIAN REGION One small consequenceof this successionof poor seasonsis that the northward expansion of such birds /George A. Hall as the White-eyed Vireo and Summer Tanager have come to a (hopefully temporary) halt. It was a very wet, and in some ways late, spring One of the more interesting places for waterfowl in the Appalachians.March had been so extraordinar- in recent years has been Lake Arthur at Moraine State ily warm that the return to cooler, more normal weather Park near Butler, Pa. This year, however, artifical man- in April and May seemedalmost like a return to winter. ipulation of the water levels left water too high for good shorebirding, and reduced a Henslow's Sparrow population from 90 singingmales last year to only nine this year. Other species were also affected. On the other hand the new impoundment at Bald Eagle State Park, Pa. continued to produce. One wonders if these impoundmentswill follow the history of others in this Region, of producingvery spectacularbirding for sev- eral years and then gradually deteriorating.

GREBES AND HERONS--Horned Grebes were in good numbersat most places,as for example 1600 seen at Bald Eagle S. P. on Apr. 5 (MCI, fide PWS). But at the same place Pied-billed Grebes were down by 50 per cent (PWS). although at most other places Pied-billedswere in good numbers. ß-' '• ' 1 There was an unusualnumber of reportsfor a spring •anooga • _•*• seasonof Great Egrets:Blacksburg, Va., Apr. 8 (PBD, fide JWM), SenecaLake, Ohio Apr. 13 (JS), Yellow Creek S.P., Pa., Apr. 18 (RFW, fide DBF), and Williamsport, Pa., May l0 (JV, fide PWS). Cattle Egretswere widespread: Dalton, Ga., 16on Apr. 16 At Pittsbush the April temperatures wc• •ut nor- (DC, fide APH); Warren, Pa., May l0 (CP, fide m•l but the r•Jn•11 w•s ].72 inches in excess. •or WLH), Knoxville May 3 (secondcounty record) (PP, •y the r•Jn•11 w•s 2.78 inches •bovc normal •nd fide JBO), Marietta, O., Apr. 28 and May 21 (JS), the month showed• temperaturedeficit o• • •0 d•y- and three sightingsof I I birds at Lock Haven, Pa. degrees.At W•cn, P•. {PWS). More unusualwas a Little Blue Heron at Deep in •. There wcrc several •rosts in •y, •nd one Creek Lake, Md. May 6 (FP), and a Yellow-crowned •s I•tc •s •y 23 on the Bluc Ridge P•rkw•y in south- Night Heron at MorgantownApr. 15 (GAH). Great crn •irgini•. The hc•v• r•ins producodsome flooding Blue Herons were more widely reportedthan normally in pl•ccs? •nd in southern •irgJni• nc•r •l•x but at Lock Haven, Pa. they were less common than incheso• r•in ovc•ight producedfi•sh-fi•ding which usual (PWS). A Glossy Ibis was seen Apr. 29 near undoubtedlyw•shcd out nestingso• m•ny species. Loyalsockville, Pa. (RA, fide PWS) and one was In •rch the northward movement hod been on time reportedfrom Bald EagleS. P. on May 6 (MW). or cvcn slJghtl••hc•d o• schedulebut the return o• cooler?wet weather changedthis •nd •11through April the v•s species•ivcd I•tc •nd by the end o• the DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS--As reported momh m•n• specieswcrc •s much •s ten d•s I•tc. earlier the bulk of the waterfowl flight went through In the north the rc•lly g•d movementsdid not begin in early March andgenerally was subnormal. No great- until mJd-•, but •rom tben on the migration er numberscame throughin April. At Bald Eagle S. quite go•, •nd I•stcd until the end o• the month. In P. there were two good flights: Apr. 5 with 2600 in- some years spells o• hod weather d•m up the migrants dividualsof 20 speciesand Apr. l0 with 3900 indi- •nd produce heavy movements when the viduals of 21 species(PWS), but elsewherenumbers clears. This year, however, w•s more uniform, •nd were down 50 per cent or more. CanadaGeese nested the Ioo• successiono• d•ys o• b•d w•thcr produced near Warren, Pa. (WLH) and near Kingsport,Tenn. • undotin movement, much in the s•mc (TWF). At the latter place the birds probably came Ion• successiono• g•d d•ys does. from introductions at a nearby game management area.

772 AmericanBirds, August1973 Hooded Mergansers raised young near Martenville, &SR), at Austin Springs, Tenn, Apr 28 & 29 (MD Pa (DG, fide WLH) and Com. Mergansers nested &HD, fide GDE), and near Knoxville, Tenn., Apr near Warren (TG & HEJ, fide WLH). 30 (PP, fide JBO). The Harlequin Duck at Blacksburg,Va. reported in the previousaccount remaineduntil Apr. 7 (JWM). CUCKOOS, PARROTS, AND OWLS--Both The Oldsquawis usuallya rare springmigrant in this cuckoo specieswere late in arriving and were in gener- inland Region, but this year it was widely reported ally reducednumbers. The damp springseems to have in some numbers (e.g. 500 at Bald Eagle S. P., Pa. almost eliminated most of the tent caterpillars in the Apr 10(MC 1,fide PWS)). A similarsituation obtained Region. The Monk Parakeets at Pittsburgh started to for the White-wingedScoter, which was reported in nest in April. Three of the birds present are young eight locationsas far southas Waynesboro,Va. (MH, raisedlast year (DBF). There werethree active nestsof fide RSS). Added to thesesea ducks the Greater Scaup Barn Owls in the Elizabethton, Tenn. area (GDE), and was reported more than is usual in this Region. this specieswas reported more frequently than usual, but most observers are totally silent on owls. RAPTORS--Turkey Vultures are doing well at Warren in the northernpart of the Region(WLH) and WHIP-POOR-WILLS, SWIFTS, AND nestedat Raccoon Creek S. P., Pa. (NK), but most HUMMINGBIRDS--Whip-poor-wills continue to areasfailed to comment on them. Two probablehold- decrease at Marietta, O. (JS), Newcomerstown, O overs from last fall's flight were Goshawks seen at (EHS), and Morgantown (GAH), but apparently not Ehzabethton,Tenn. Apr. 28 (LRH, fide GDE), and at State College, Pa. (MW). The arriving populations one seen in the Canaan Valley, W.Va. in early May of Chimney Swifts were about normal, and so they (fide GAH). Cooper's Hawk seems to be making a do not seem to have suffered unduly from the cold, modest comebackfrom its very low populationsof wet nestingseason of last year, but the unfavorable recent years. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in s. Vir- weather of May may have caused further damage ginia only three territorial Broad-winged Hawks could Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were late in arriving, be found where there had been nine in 1972. Two Gol- and were in below normal numbers at most places den Eagles were seen at Roan Mt., Tenn. on the very late date of May 21 (fide GDE). There were more WOODPECKERS AND FLYCATCHERS than the usualnumber of reportsof Ospreysthis spring. --Red-bellied Woodpeckerscontinue to move north- They apparentlynested successfully at a newimpound- ward. One was seenat Warren, Pa., Apr. 9 (LO, fide ment in Wayne County, W.Va., one of the very few WLH), and they nested at Raccoon Creek, S. P., Pa nestingsin the state (RH); they were seenin late May (N K). The outlookfor Red-headedWoodpeckers seems at Warren (TG, fide WLH), and remained at Terra brighter than in the last few years, with noteworthy Alta, W.Va. until at least mid-June(WLW & GAH). reports of several at Warren (WLH), Lock Haven A Merlin at the Powdermill Nature Reserve (below (PWS), Morgantown (DS), Weirton, W. Va. (RMR), P N R.) near Rector, Pa. Mar. 23 (RCL) and a Pere- and Blue Ridge Parkway (RAK), but at Elizabethton grine at State College, Pa. Apr. 5 (ERB, fide MW) only one nestingpair could be found (GDE). were noteworthy. Most species of flycatcher arrived somewhat late althoughthe Acadiansat PittsburghMay 6 (DBF) East RAILS THROUGH TERNS--A Purple Gallinule Liverpool, O., May I1 (NL) and MorgantownMay near Elizabethton, Tenn. May 7 was a first local record 13(GAH) werea little early.At Marietta, O. all species (DL, fide GDE). The rainy weather and high water were felt to be in low numbers(JS), but this situation levels were not conducive to a good shorebirdflight, was not prevalent. Great Crested Flycatchers were but a number of noteworthy records were reported. low at P.N.R. (RCL), but were felt to be 60 per cent Ruddy Turnstonesat Mountain Lake Park, Md. on above normal at Pittsburgh(DBF). E. Wood Pewees May 23 (FP) and Upper Strasburg,Pa. May 26 (BB, were generally scarce (and late) but at P.N.R. bandings fide CLG) were first local records. Black-bellied were above normal (RCL). There was a very heavy Plovers at Staunton, Va. May 8 (MH, fide RSS) and flight of Least Flycatchers and at Morgantown they Carmichaels,Pa. May 28 (RKB); Sanderlingat Ft. remaineduntil May 28 (GAH). Willow Flycatchers Loudon, Pa. May 20 (CLG); and Wilson's Phalarope were reported from Elizabethton, Tenn., May 23 at Blacksburg,Va. (ML,fide JWM) andState College, (GDE) andSwannanoa, N.C., May 12(RCR), both Pa May 28 (MW) were all unusual records for those localitiesbeyond the usual southern extremity of the Iocahtles. range. Olive-sided Flycatchers are seldom reported If shorebirdswere in short supply it was a good from the Region but this year reports came from seasonfor gulls and terns. There was a very heavy Kingsport,Tenn., May 19 (TWF), JeffersonCounty, flight of Bonaparte's Gulls across the mountains in W.Va., May 26 (NL &GAH), Blacksburg,Va., May mid-April(325 at L. Arthur, Pa., Apr. 15(WOR &SR)). 24(RGH ,fideJWM), ButlerCounty, Pa, and Law• ence A LaughingGull was seenat Blacksburg,Va., Apr. County',Pa., May 23 (TEM, fide DBF), Churchville, 30 (ML, fide JWM). There were more than the usual Va., May 26, Waynesboro,Va., May 28 (RSS), with numberof reports of Common and Black Terns, but three banded at P.N.R. the mostinteresting terns were Caspiansat Ft. Loudon, Pa , May 20 (CLG), Cumberland, Md. Apr. 27 (JP), SWALLOWS AND CORVIDS--After last year's andL Arthur,Pa., Apr. 15-May5 (WOR & SR,fidb disastrousJune great concern had been felt for the DBF) and Forster'sat L. Arthur, Pa., Apr. 20 (WOR swallows,but it nowappears that exceptfor the Purple

Volume 27, Number 4 773 Martin most species are only shghtly reduced For Veerles were also well above normal at P N R (RCL• example at Clarksville, Pa. there were 15 nests on and at Morgantown (GAH). There were a few mot,:' Bell's farm comparedwith 20 last year (RKB). A new than usual reports of Gray-cheeked Thrushes and at colony of Bank Swallows was located at Little Hoc- Pittsburghthere was a goodflight, noticed particularly king, Ohio (PM, fide JS). A small colony of Rough- on the night of May 9-10 (DBF). At Warren, Pa. about winged Swallows was probably wiped out in the flash one-third of the young E. Bluebirdshatched in 80 boxes flood near Galax, Va. (RAK). The cold weather pro- died during the cold May. duced some very large concentrations of migrating swallows, as for example at Morgantown May 12-13, GNATCATCHERS AND VIREOS--Several (GAH), and at L. Arthur, Pa. where 8000 swallows reporters found Blue-gray Gnatcatchersto be in low of all specieswere counted May 5 (DBF). numbers,for exampleat P.N.R only five were banded, As expected the Purple Martin was in greatly comparedwith a normal 15. Red-eyed Vireos were reduced numbers at all those places affected by the in low numbers at Warren, Pa. (WLH), Morgantown weather last June. Many personsreported no birds (GAH), and P.N.R. (52 banded against a normal in their nesting boxes. In a number of communities 61--RCL). They were somewhat late arriving at most only one box would contain birds, as if the few remain- places, and not until May 21 at Butler, Pa. (FWP) ing birds all concentratedat one place. The Yellow-throated Vireo continued to be scarce in Common Ravens nested in Forest County, Pa. the central part of the Region. As mentioned above (HEJ, fide WLH), and several others were seen in the northward expansionof the White-eyed Vireo suf- Warren County (WLH). A Fish Crow at JerseyShore, fered a setback this year. At P.N.R. only three were Pa May 16 (PWS) was a long way up the Susquehanna banded and there were fewer than usualat Morgantown from its usual tidewater locale. There was a very con- (GAH). Solitary Vireos were found nestingin Lincoln vincing (but unverified) report of a Gray Jay from near County, W.Va. (NL), slightly out of known range Martins Ferry, Ohio Apr. l-May 19 (KS, fide BV). WARBLERS--The warbler migration is the ptbce NUTHATCHES AND CREEPERS--Brown- de resistanceof the springin this Region, and as usual headed Nuthatches nested in Buncombe County, it presentssuch a varied picture that it is hard to make N C., the first record there in this century, although generalizations.Some observer, somewhere,is going they have been observedthere for two years (RCR). to take exceptionto eachof the statementsthat follow Red-breasted Nuthatches were in good numbers at Most areas reported reasonablygood flights with all most places, remainedrather late in the lowlands, and the expected speciesseen, but populationswere on were in good numbers in the high elevation breeding the low side at some places. Generally the flight was grounds. a little late, with the bulk of the birds not cominguntil Brown Creepers seen at Raccoon Creek S. P., Pa. the last of April at Dalton, Ga. (APH), and after mid- as late as May 27 (N K) suggestthat they may be nesting May in the north, about 7-10 days late in each case there but no definite evidence was available. Although the flight was late it was prolonged,and mi- grants were still present at the end of the month WRENS, MIMIDS, AND THRUSHES--House Although most places felt that numbers were good, Wrens arrived at East Liverpool, O. Apr. 20, (a little one reporter raised the interesting question as to early) and were abundantthere (NL). They were felt whether what was being seen day after day was not to be one-third above normal at Marietta, O. (JS), but the same group of birds that did not move on owing elsewhere they were somewhat late in arriving and to the unfavorable weather. However, at P.N.R. band- were not in especially large numbers. As could have ing data indicated that nine specieswere trapped in beenpredicted from the mild winter weatherthe popu- above average numbers, five in below average, and lations of the Carolina Wren in the northern parts of two in average numbers (RCL). At Fox Chapel, Pa the Region were very high. A Short-billed Marsh Wren the warbler "hot spot" mentionedlast year produced at Kingsport, Tenn. May 12 was a local first (FJA, several outstanding days: May 5, 200 birds of 18 fide TWF). species, May 10, 1000 birds•of 30 species,May 19, A Mockingbird at Warren May 19 (RS, fide WLH) 600 birds of 28 species, May 22,300 birds of 28 species, was very late for such a far northern station. Gray andMay 26,250birds of 26 species(SR, DBF). Despite Catbirds were down in numbers somewhat at P.N.R. the fact that the migrationin the lowlandsseemed quite (RCL) and at Morgantown (GAH). good it became apparentin late May and early June At P.N.R. only 11 Wood Thrushes were banded that the breeding populationsin the mountainswere comparedto an average of 21 (RCL), and at Morgan- quite low, a point to be taken up in the next report town the banding results were similar (GAH), but at As has been the case for the past few years it East Liverpool, O. they were thought to be abundant was the more northern speciesthat stagedthe heavier (NL). Hermit Thrushes were more common at Mor- flights. Tennessees, Cape Mays, Magnolias, Bay- gantown than in any recent year (GAH). The real star breasteds,Blackburnians, and Wilson's all put on good of the thrush flight was Swainsoh'sThrush which mi- flights and one or the other of these specieswas the grated in very large numbers throughout the Region most common one at most places. Blackpolls were and stayed very late. There was an unusual amount somewhat less common, although contrary to the of singing.At P.N.R. 103were bandedcompared with majority trend there were someunusually early arrivals an average of 21 (RCL) and at Morgantown 43 were for this species: Apr. 21 at Inwood, W. Va. (CM) banded compared with an average of seven (GAH). and Apr. 24 at Morgantown (DS). On the other hand

774 American Birds, August 1973 the Yellow-rumpedWarbler was•n low numbers(only On the other hand the sparrow movement, par- four bandedat P.N.R.--RCL, and only one at Morgan- ticularly of the grassland sparrows, was very disap- town--GAH). The more southerlybreeding species pointing. Savannah, Vesper, and Grasshopper Spar- were not so abundant. Ovenbirds were very scarce rows were all in low numbers. Was this owing to last at Morgantown,but no other reporterscommented on year's flooding and rains?. The Grasshopper Sparrow them Louisiana Waterthrushes were quite late--not has been decreasingand disappearingfrom parts of untd May 1 at Dalton, Ga. (APH)--and were in low its range for several years, but whether this is owing numbersgenerally. On the otherhandin n. West Vir- to weather, changesin farming practices, conversion g•ma Hooded and Black-and-whiteWarblers showed of habitat to real estate "developments". or insec- modest comebacksafter being down for some years. ticides, or whatever is not known. At L. Arthur, Pa A Cerulean Warbler on May 10and a Prairie Warbler the increase of water levels moved the Henslow's Spar- on the sameday at Warren, Pa. (HEJ) were well north rows that remained into the Grasshopper Sparrow of their usual range. Yellow-throated Warblers are range,an d thelatter simplydi sapp eared (D B F). At Mor- making a fairly widespread expansion of their range gantownboth Field Sparrowsand SongSparrows were •n the Region, and this year reports came from banded in lower numbers than in 1972. On the Barnswile, O., Apr. 19 (MCh &ME); Centre County, other hand Lincoln's Sparrowsstaged a very goodflight Pa , May 22, second local record (ERB, fide MW), with 11 banded at Morgantown, a record number Garrett County, Md., one on Apr. 28 and three on (GAH), and more than the usual number of reports May 5 (FP), and Lincoln County, W Va., nestingon of this elusive species by binocular birders. However May 28-31 (NL), but none were seen this year at at Pittsburgh fewer were seen (DBF) and lower- Dalton, Ga. (APH). There were many more reports than-averagenumbers were bandedat P.N.R. (RCL) of Connecticut and Orange-crownedWarblers than is The White-throated Sparrows which had wintered •n usual for the spring, and there were far more than unprecedentednumbers in the north staged a heavy the normalnumber of sightingsof the Vermivorahy- and long-lastingflight, and there was much singing brids The flight of White-crowned Sparrows was also good A Harris' Sparrow at Marietta, O. Apr. 26 (JS) may TANAGERS---There was a very heavy, but some- have been the one reportedthere in the winter. A Lap- what late flight of Scarlet Tanagers with 34 banded land Longspur at State College, Pa. May 20 (ERB, at P N R againstan average of lessthan seven. Further fide MW) was very late. expansion of the Summer Tanager was not evident th•s year, but one was reported at Warren, Pa. (far CONTRIBUTORS--Pierre N. Allaire, Fred J out of range) Apr. 28 (HEJ). Alsop, Robert Angstadt, Blaine Barnhart, Fred W Behrend,Ralph K. Bell, Mrs. Earl R. Bordner, Mary Chapman (MCh), Morton Claster (MC1), Delano NORTHERN FINCHES--The influx of northern Crowe, Martha Dillenbeck, Helenhill Dove, Mrs. P finches detailed in the last report continuedinto April B. Dyck, Mabel Edgerton, Glen D. Eller, Thomas and •n some places was heavier in April than earlier. W. Finucane, David B. Freeland, Carl L. Garner, EverangGrosbeaks, Pine Siskins, and PurpleFinches Norris Gluck, Ted Grisez, Duane Gross, Davison G were all in very great numbersthroughout April. and Grove, Anne P. Hamilton, Charles O. Handley, Sr, remmned well into May. By the middle of May most Mozelle Henkel, L. R. Hemdon, Paul D. Hess, Wal- of these had departed but small numbers of each still ljam L. Highhouse, Russell Hogg, Robert G. Hooper, were presentat the end of the period. Pine Siskins, Harris E. Johnson, Constance Katholi, Randall A especially,remained in somenumbers on June 1, often Kendrick, Nick Kerlin, Nevada Laitsch, Mark Larson, encouragedby bird-feedingactivity, and it is entirely Robert C. Leberman, Dick Lura, Thomas E. McGary, possiblethat they may have nested in the Region,possi- Clark Miller, Pat Murphy, John W. Murray, Lynn bly at unprecedentedlow elevations. There were scat- Ostrander, J. B. Owen, Paul Pardue, Jim Paulus, tered reports of small numbersof Red Crossbillsbut Robert O. Paxton, Frances Pope, Frank W. Preston, the bulk of them had departedbefore Apr. 1. There Chase Putnam, Robert R. Reid, Jr., Robert M. Rine, were only three reports of White-winged Crossbills: Scott Robinson, W. O. Robinson, Robert C. Rmz, Allegheny County, Pa., six on Apr. 21 (PDH, fide David Samuel, Ruth Samuelson, Ed. Samuelson, Paul DBF), Mountain Lake Park, Md., May 6 (FP), and W. Schwalbe, Ellis H. Shimp, Ruth S. Snyder, Kath- Charleston, W.Va., May 22 (NG). The House Finch leen Spragg, Jerie Stewart, Marjory Taylor, James continues to do well in the Lock Haven, Pa. area Vanemon, Betty Vossler, RichardF. Waechter,Merle (PWS), but no other reportersmentioned it. There was J. Whitney, Cora D. Williams, Merrill Wood, William only one report of Pine Grosbeak, at Sheffield, Pa., L. Wylie--GEORGE A. HALL, Department of Chemis- May 14 (MT, fide WLH). try, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Vir- ginia 26506. OTHER FRINGILLIDS--There was generally a very heavy flight of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, espe- cially mentionedat Charleston(CK), and P.N.R. (67 bandedagainst an averageof 130--RCL). Indigo Bunt- lngs also were in record numbers with 47 (average 23) banded at P.N.R. (RCL) and at Morgantown 54 (average 21) were banded (GAH).

Volume 27, Number 4 775 WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION the Broad-winged Hawk migration more than a week, ! AI Maley with most of the big groups being reported in the last days of April or early May. Two Ferruginous Hawks The migrationthis spring was prolonged.The snow were seen in Minnesota and five Golden Eagles appeared, three in Wisconsin and two in Michigan, and ice left early, bringingthe early migrantsin ahead from late April to mid-May. Observers reported a total of schedule, but speeding them on without stopping. of ten Peregrine Falcons bound for the tundra. As May arrived so did the cool and rainy weather, so that the rapid passageof passefinesthat so often occurs was broken up and extended until the end of PHEASANTS, GALLI N ULES--Ring-necked May and into June. Pheasants are reported declining as clean farming increasesin Minnesota; they are commonest now near urban areas. Two Purple Gallinules ventured to Wis- consin and one to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in April in a tactical mistake. Two out of the three later expired.

The heavy May rains combined with high water levels in L. Erie to leave much of the eastern edge of the Region under water. Shores that once had Terns at Duluth, Minn., 1) Forster's, 2) Arctic 3) shorebirdswere forsakenfor fieldsthat oncehad crops. Common . Photo/Marjorie M. Carr.

LOONS, GREBES--The Arctic Loon is a rare but GULLS, TERNS--A record of a Great Black- regular migrant throughthe Region; one was seen at backedGull in Marquette, Mich. in April drawsatten- Duluth May 3 (JB). Red-necked Grebes returned to tion to the spreadof this speciesthroughout the Great nest again at Rush L., WinnebagoCo., Wisc., on the Lakes. As usual, Laughing Gulls appeared at St. easternfringe of their range. Joseph, Berrien Co., Mich. this spring:one on May 7 and two on May 19 (WB). The most excitingnews HERONS. STORKS--Little Blue Herons and Cat- from Duluth was not the 3 adult and 4 immature Little fie Egrets returned to the L. Johannaheronry in Pope Gulls seen May 27, but the presenceof at least three Co. and Pelican L. in Grant Co., Minn. where they Arctic Terns May 27-June4 (JG et al.). nestedlast year for the first time. Fifteen Cattle Egrets were reportedin Wisconsinand ten in Michigan;they bred last year on the islands at the western end of L. Erie. A Wood Stork was carefully described from Eldorado Marsh, Fond du Lac Co., Wisc. May 3 (FB), the first occurrence in the state this century.

GEESE, DUCKS--One White-fronted Goose at the Fennville Game Area, Allegan Co., Mich., Apr. 7 was unusual, as were 3000 at the Big Stone N.W.R., Minn., April 12. Dabbling ducks seemed scarce this spring, due in part at least to the early ice breakup and generally open conditions that dispersed and speededthe birdsthrough the Region.Three Cinnamon Teal were seen in Wisconsinduring the latter part of April and early May. 1) Little Gull and 2) Arctic Tern at Duluth, Minn. HAWKS, EAGLES, FALCONS--Goshawks Photo / Marjorie M. Carr. were widely reported along the flight lines in early SHOREBIRDS--American Golden Plovers must April as expected. Reports from Minnesota add that have gone through farther west this year, since only the gcousepopulations crashed last year, another factor three Wisconsinreports and no Michigan reports men- in the winter Goshawk invasion. The weather delayed tioned them, in spite of large numbers of the more

776 American Birds, August 1973 uncommon waders One hundred and thirty Wh•mbrel Shrikes were reported from the entire Region Seven rested briefly at Pt. Mouillee, Monroe Co., Mich., localities in Berrien Co., Mich. had White-eyed Vireos May 26 Willets are beingnoted with greaterfrequency this spring, as this speciesedges into the state. these days, with 31 birds in Wisconsin May 3-31 and 23 birds in Michigan May 2-6. Lesser Yellowlegs con- WARBLERS--Warblers arrived early, about April gregat•onswere noted in Michigan, with 270 in Ottawa 17-20, setting various local early arrival dates. They Co and 130 in Berrien Co., both May 5. Marbled were then nearly absent until much later in May, with Godwits were well represented with 12 in Wisconsin the first big waves occuring May 19-20 and 23-24, a and three in Michigan in the period April 28 to May stark contrast with the average year in which the migra- 17 HudsonJan Godwits, of which this editor was tion is likely to have peaked before the middle of the privileged to see 180 in Concepcion, Chile in April, month. A Yellow-throated Warbler was seen May 31 appearedin Minnesota, Wisconsin(88 birds May 16-26) at Madison (BV). The usual sprinkling of Kentucky and M•chigan (one on May 19). A Ruff was photo- and Hooded Warblers occurred, mostly in Wisconsin graphed at Fish Pt., Tuscola Co., Mich., April 21 and Michigan. (WD) Fifty-one Am. Avocets were noted in Wis- consin, with unusual numbers in the eastern part of ORIOLES, TANAGERS--In one of those incon- the state. A Red Phalaropeat Kalamazoo, Mich., May gruoussituations likely to occur at migrationtraps, an 23 (RA) joined a list of several odd waders that have Orchard Oriole was seenperched in a tree near a Boreal founda feedlotpond there to their liking.The reference Owl at Whitefish Pt., Mich., May 6. Seven hundred to a Long-tailed Jaeger in last fall's report should be Brewer's Blackbirds at Horicon Marsh, Wisc., Apr deleted for lack of substantiatingdetails. 7 point up the increasing numbers of this species •n the Region. A total of six SummerTanagers were seen in th'e three states in the Region. A W. Tanager was OWLS--One of the more interestingand satisfying describedfrom Onamia, Minn., May 8 (MI). efforts in wildlife managementin the Region is this editor's program of artificial nest constructionin and FRINGILLIDS--A g Painted Bunting brightened around Ann Arbor, Mich. While Barn and Screech upa Port Huron, Mich. feederMay 2 (WLa), the second Owls have long been known to use nest boxes, it is state record. Even later than usual in arriving .were now clear that open nesting species will also accept Dickcissels, which didn't arrive in Michigan until May help Great Horned Owls readily occupy well placed 30. A pair of Pine Grosbeaks May 11 in Marquette, artificial nests. Suitable materials include boards, hard- Mich. is intriguing,since, they are not known to breed ware cloth or even the end sections from metal drums. in the Upper Peninsula.Pine Siskinsand Red Cross- All that is necessary is to conceal the structure high bills lingered well into May, with several reports of in a tree, fill it with wood chips and wait. Evergreens nestingssouth of their usual range. Two Le Conte's are easiestto climb and offer privacy, especiallyimpor- Sparrows were detected in Michigan, one in Mason tant •n populatedareas. This springtwo pairs of Long- Co., Apr. 23 (EG) and one bandedApr. 27 at Whitefish eared Owls successfullynested in hardware cloth bas- Pt. A Sharp-tailed Sparrow was reported from kets erected just outside the city. The nests, made Kenosha Co., Wisc., May 28 (JH). Last, but certainly large enoughand deep enoughto concealthe incubating not least, a very unusual Golden-crowned Sparrow was b•rd from below, were placed against the trunks of carefully describedfrom Suamico, Brown Co., Wisc evergreens, 15 to 25 feet up. (CH, MO) where it was observedMay 13. The willingnessof owls in general to accept man- made nest sites strengthensthe belief that their num- CONTRIBUTORS (area compilers in bold- bers are often limited not so much by food as by the face)---Ray Adams, JamesBaumhofer, Walter Booth, supply of hawk and crow nests. It would be interesting Fran Brown, Wilbur Davidson, Kim Eckert, Ethel to see ffthese resultshold true for the northern species, Getgood, Janet Green, James Hamers, Clara Hus- the Great Gray and Hawk Owls. song, Nick Ilnicky, Upper Peninsula, Michigan, M lvanovs, Robert Janssen,Minnesota, Alice Kelley, s e Michigan, (WLa) Warren Lamb, William Longley, An •mm. Hawk Owl was seen near Duluth May Margaret Olson, Roy Smith, s.w. Michigan, William 31 (JB) and one was caught and banded at Whitefish Smith, Daryl Tessen,Wisconsin, Barbara Vogelsang Pt, Chippewa Co., Mich. in late April. --AL MALEY, 1465-1325 University Ter., Ann Arbor, Mich. 48104. GOATSUCKERS, SOLITAIRES, VIREOS--A Chuck-will's Widow was recorded in Jamieson Park, MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION Columbia Co., Wisc., May 18-27 (WS). A wintering Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker enjoyed the Vernon M. K!een and Lee Bush arboretum in Madison enough to remain at least until May 23. The only Scissor-tailed Flycatcher report this We were drowned. The MississippiRiver was above spnng comes from Onamia, Mille Lacs Co., Minn., flood stagefor 77 consecutivedays (more than the entire where one appeared May 25. Two Townsend's report period) and the flood plainsadjacent to this and Sohtmresappeared, one found on a field trip in Mus- the other major rivers were constantlysubmerged. Even kegon Co., Mich. Apr. 7 and one at Sunrise, Chisago thoughSt. Louishad only two inchesabove normal rmn- Co , Minn. Apr. 27 (WL). Only five Loggerhead fall for the period, it was flooded the worst, sinceboth

Volume 27, Number 4 777 the Missouri and Illinois riversmergeintothe Mississippi not noted until the last two weeks of May, and it was there. The crest of the flood occurred April 27 when early June before the migrationended. The only wave the water level was from 15-16 feet over flood stage. was noted on the night of May 22-23. The waterresponsible for theflooding originated out side Towards the end of May, when some of the pre- our Region. Lake Michiganwas also at a record high viously flooded fields turned to mud flats, unusualnum- level. bers of shorebirdsbegan to appear and others lingered beyond their normal departure dates.

MICH. EXOTICS--The Monk Parakeet is continuingto spread throughout our Region. One bird spent the IOWA•:•,• Chicaao winter in the Clevelandarea and was photographed ..... • .--"•...•'• • OH•0/•' there Apr. 29 and May 6 (M). There have been at C•lumbu* least four verified reports of this speciesin Illinois • ...... including a nest (GL).

LOONS, GREBES, CORMORANTS--Observers I", .• c.•a •.- KY./ •VA. suggestedthat Corn. Loons were relatively scarcethis spring; none were reported from Missouri, Iowa or Kentucky; only four were found in Indiana (Muncie, Apr. 14,fide LCr); a weak passagewent through Ohio in late April and they went through Illinois Mar. 31 -Apr. 19; only one was found in L. Michiganduring Average temperaturesand rainfall throughout the the season(B). A W. Grebe was presentat Wilmette, Regionwas highly variable. At Cleveland.temperatures III. Apr. 15 (RR) and may have been the same averaged3.2øF above normal in April and 1.0ø below individual found at Evanston, 111.in late April (JR, in May; Chicago, Louisville and Fort Wayne, Ind. WK); another was observedat Squaw Creek N.W.R., averaged slightly below normal temperatures both Mo. May 9 (EL) and May 23 (SP, R). Double-crested months. A frost occurred as late as May 5 at Chicago. Cormorantsremained scarce; reports included 40+ at During the night of April 9 and morning of April 10 Squaw Creek Ref. May 9 (SP), eight at Horseshoe a snowstorm dumped from I-3 inches of snow on L., Alexander Co., III. Apr. 27 (K, H), one at Decatur, the northern two thirds of the Region and was followed III. Apr. 7 (RS) and one at Dickson Mounds, Fulton by a freezing rain. Rainfall was average for Cleveland Co., 111.May 6 (H). in April, but 115inches above normal in May; it was slightlyabove average in April at Louisville, but over HERONS, EGRETS, IBISES, BITTERNS---The three inches above average in May; it was somewhat Great Blue Heron colony at Red Rock Ref., Iowa, above average in both April and May at Chicago, but did not return this spring owing to high water around over an inch below average for both months at Fort their nestingtrees. Another factor influencingthat col- Wayne. ony is the presenceof large concentrationsof pesticides Since floodwaters were backed up so long and as analyzed from eggsby Dr. John Richard, Iowa State several bridges were washed out, it was impossible University (fide GB). An ad. Little Blue Heron for someobservers to visit their favorite birding haunts. appeared at Cedar Pt. Reft, Lucas Co., Ohio, Apr. Owing to the flooded conditions, a true waterfowl and 22 (LV). Great Egrets were encountered more fre- shorebird picture could not be obtained; however, the quently than usual in the Cleveland area, appearing newly created lakes formed ideal nesting habitat for as early as Apr. 13 (M). Four Black-crowned Night several duck speciesand coots far southof their nor- Herons were found at Sangchris Lake S.P., 111.as mal nesting range. early as Mar. 29 (H); around Chicago, they remained At the Mark Twain N.W.R., 111.it was noted thai fairly common--normalfor that area (C). Five Glossy "Most specieswhich inhabit bottomland timber appear Ibises were presenl at Burke Lakefront Airport to stay in their usual territories during floods. At the (Cleveland) May 14 (M). One White-faced Ibis was crest of Apr. 27, we found titmice, chickadees, found at Bigelow Marshes, Mo. May II OHi). On prothonotary warblers and other speciesforaging in June 5, two Least Bittern nests were located at L. brush and timber at least a mile from any dry land." Mermet, Massac Co., 111.(DH). (V). At Red Rock Refuge, Iowa, normally with 9000 acres of water, but nearly 60.000 this year, the 1972 WATERFOWL--There was poor evidence of a nests of the Great Blue Herons were barely visible WhistlingSwan migrationover n. Ohio this spring; above the standing water (GB). The herons did not however, one good flight was noted over Waite Hill return there this year. (Cleveland) Apr. 8 (AF, fide M); six individualsflew Nearly all wintering species departed rather late, over Evanston, Ill. Apr. 7 (Bet al.). Two White-fronted establishingseveral new late records;a few early arrival Geese lingeredat Squaw Creek Ref. until at least May dates were recorded when a front on April 19-21 23 (R). Two blue morphs of the Snow Goose were brought in several species;however, most spring mi- presentat Goshen, Ky. May 29 (BM). Blue-winged grants were rather late, up to two weeks in some cases, Teal remained later than usual in most parts of the especially warblers, flycatchers, cuckoos, nighthawks, Region; several nested in the flooded bottomlands of and some terns. Peaks of some of these birds were extreme s. Illinois (DK) and young were found at

778 American Birds, August 1973 Louisville, May 23 (BM). A large concentration of Mounds, Fulton Co., I11.June 3 (H). Two Ruddy Turn- Lesser Scaup, estimated up to 150,000, was present stones were reported from the Ohio River bottoms, at Red Rock Ref., la.--an unusual number for that Warrick Co., Ind. May 16 (WG); singleswere found area Ruddy Ducks were reported beyond normal at L. Chautauqua, I11. May 20 and Springfield, I11 departure dates for many areas; at least two pairs May 25 (H); three others were present at Maryville nested in Jackson Co., s. Illinois (DH, K). A brood SewageLagoons, Mo. May 23 (R). At least three Corn often youngHooded Merganserswas present at Magee Snipewere in courtshipdisplays at OakwoodBottoms, Marsh, Ohio, May 13 (LV); a pair of adults was JacksonCo., Ill. in early June (DH). Three Whimbrels observed several times at Carpenter Park, Springfield, were found at Magee Marsh, May 23 (LV). As I11 duringlate spring(H). A secondaryinflux of Red- expected, Upland Sandpipers continued to be scarce breasted Mergansers, primarily females, passed The May 5 high of 23 Willets at Squaw Creek Ref through the Cleveland area April 7-8; fair numbers was noteworthy (E). Pectoral Sandpipersremained remained there until Apr. 28 (M). common in Illinois past mid-May; 600 were estimated in Cass Co. May 12 (H, K). A group of 150 White- FALCONIFORMS--A roost of 100 Turkey Vul- rumpedSandpipers were countedat Squaw Creek Ref tures was considered unusual for Martin, Ottawa Co., May 17 (JD). Four Baird's Sandpipers were still pres- Ohio, Apr. 2 (LV). Red-shoulderedHawks continued ent at Squaw Creek Ref. May 25 (E). Single Dunhns to be fairly commonin s. Illinois, but the six (accurately were reportedearly from Wilmette, Ill. Apr. 1 (B) and identified) individuals in the Chicago area during the Reelfoot Lake N.W.R., Ky. Apr. 7 (MB et al.); eight report period were unusual; they were found in were found at Squaw Creek Ref. May 19 (MM); 25 improved numberscompared to recent years around were tallied at Columbia, Mo. May 25 (IA). One Mar- Cleveland (M). The discoveryof 12 (including5 nesting bled Godwit was observed in Lake Co., Ill. May 5 pairs) Swainson'sHawks in n. Kane Co., I11.was one (B) and two in Ottawa Co., Ohio, from May 11-20 of the outstanding events in Illinois all spring (JKr). (LV). Several flocks of HudsonJan Godwits were Osprey reports included: one from Missouri, three reported: 200+ birds May 16 at Columbia, Mo. (JFa), from Iowa, eight from Illinois, two from Kentucky, 46 on May 17 (JD) and 3 on Apr. 29 (E) at Squaw five from Indiana and two from Ohio. Peregrine Fal- Creek Ref., 5 on May 19 at Springfield, Ill. (H), a cons were reported by several observers,but support- singlebird was found in Morgan Co., Ill. May 13 (BO, ing details were sufficientonly for the individualsat H). A "black" Rnffwas discoveredwith a large flock Magee Marsh, Ohio, Apr. 7 (LV), Bigelow Marsh, of PectoralSandpipers at Bloomington,Ill. May 9 (RS) Mo May 5 (E), Columbia, Mo. May 12 (BG et al.), Two N. Phalaropeswere found at the Maryville Sew- and e Morgan Co., Ill. May 13 (RQR, TC, H). The age Lagoons,Mo. May 23 and four were presentthere only Merlin reported was found at Shelbyville, Ill. Apr. May 25 (R). 15 (H). GULLS, TERNS--An Iceland Gull was identified PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH RAILS at Waukegan, I11. May 10 (JR). Six Laughing Gulls --The first recent record of the Greater Prairie were observed on the Illinois side of the Mississippi Chicken in n.w. Missouri was obtained when a R. at St. Louis Apr. 27 (KW's) and three others were singlebird was identifiedat BigelowMarsh, May 5 reported from Land Between The Lakes, Ky. May (E) A flock of ten SandhillCranes was observed 6 (WG, CP). Spring reports of Franklin's Gulls include flying over KankakeeGame Preserve,Ind. Apr. 11 one at Chicago Apr. 24 (JR), one at Magee Marsh (NR, MJ). One Black Rail was heard and later May 15 (MSt), one at Kenlake (w. Kentucky) May hand-caughtand bandedat Beverly, Adams Co., Ill. 23 (BM et al.) and three at Decatur, Ill. May 28 (RS) The Corn. Tern found at the Kankakee Game Preserve, May 28 (JF et al.). Documentedreports of Purple Galhnules were received from four Illinois locations: Ind. Apr. 11 was rather early (NR, M J); in the Cleve- Springfield(photographed), Apr. 24-28 (JM, m.ob.), land area, these terns were "conspicuously" absent Morton, Tazewell Co. (photographed),May 17 (BS), At least 23 Forster's Terns were found Apr. 29 at EggersWoods (third arearecord for Chicago)May 6 Maryville and Squaw Creek Ref., Mo. (E); five others (Bet al.), and Nelson, Lee Co., May 5 (JKg, RP). were counted at Barren River S.P., Ky. May 27 (LB) An estimate of over 100,000 Amer. Coot were pres- At least 72 Black Terns were present at Land Between ent at Red Rock Ref., Ia. at one time (GB); in Jack- The Lakes May 27 (WG, CP) and 45 others at Barren son Co., Ill. over 50 nests of this species were lo- River S.P. the same day (LB); around Cleveland, these cated in the flooded wheat fields (K, DH). birds were absent--possiblyowing to a late migration OWLS, SWIFTS, WOODPECKERS--A Shortø SHOREBIRDS--A single Piping Plover was pres- eared Owl's nest was found at Goose Lake Prairie ent at Squaw Creek Ref. Apr. 23 (E) and May 17 S.P., Ill. (DB, RS). Chimney Swifts were reported (JD), three were found at Waukegan,Ill. May 12 (B). Apr. 1 at both Geneva, Ind. (LCr) and Petersburg, American Golden Plovers were first reported Mar. Ill. (H). Red-headedWoodpeckers remain fairly com- 28 at L. Shelbyville, Ill. (K); up to 1000 were present mon to common through most of the Middlewestern at Edinburg, Christian Co., Ill. Apr. 7 (H); a high Prairie Region and it is suggestedthat this speciesbe of 230 was countedat Squaw Creek Ref. Apr. 28 (E); taken off the "Blue List" for this Region. these plovers were very common in Illinois this spring and were last reported May 20 in Mason Co. (H). FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--A group of 70+ One Black-bellied Plover was still present at Dickson E. Kingbirdswere counted at the n. sewageplant and

Volume 27, Number 4 779 surroundingfields at Bloomington, Ind May 13 (SG) WARBLERS--A Black-and-white Warbler had A single W. Kingbird was found at Bigelow Marsh, arrivedin Springfield,ill. by Apr. 3 (H). Prothonotary Mo May 11 (JHi) while six were present near St. Warblers were rather numerousthis spring,especially Joseph,Mo. May 9 (E). SingleScissor-tailed Flycatch- in s. areas; in Indiana, 22 were counted in a seven-mile ers were observed at Squaw Creek Ref. Apr. 23 (E) stretchof the Kankakee Game Preserve May 21 (NR, and Columbia, Mo. May 17 (iA); two were present M J). at St. Joseph May •q (E). Olive-sided Flycatchers appeared to be more common this spring than usual; one at Jonesboro, Union Co., ill. May 6 was early for that area; at least 24 were found in the Chicago On Apr. 24, Dave Bohlen and Vern Kleen conducted area from May 18-31 with a peak of 8 on May 28 a nine-mile canoe trip on the flooded Cache River, (B, MSm). Male Vermilion Flycatcherswere observed Johnson Co., 111.They recorded numbers of all breed- at Avery, Ohio, May 2 (AS, RB) and the Chicago ing species heard and seen each hour, Among the Botanical Gardens, Glencoe, Ill. May 4 (PW, fide B). speciesfound during the survey were five SwamsoWs Tree Swallows were found in the Louisville area as Warblers. Tape recorders were not used and only a late as June 2 (fide S); they nestedat L. Mermet, Mas- small section of the suitable habitat available was wlthm sac Co., (southern) Ill. (DH). Bank Swallows were hearing distance from the river bank; therefore, it is reported on Apr. 14 at Rockford, Ill. (JD) and Skokie believedthat the area supportsa largenumber of these Lagoons, Ill. (B). warblers. Kleen later found SwainsoWs Warblers at JAYS, MAGPIES, NUTHATCHES, CREEP- three other s. Illinois locations where they had not ERS--Blue Jays passed by the Cleveland lakefront been foundpreviously (Union, Jacksonand Randolph at the rate of 500/hourMay 6 (M). Two pairs of Black- counties). Further investigations should prove these billed Magpiesattempted nestingat Sandusky, Ohio; birds fairly commonin s. Illinois and possiblyin w, the birds were presentfrom Apr. 1-May 10 and thereaf- Kentucky and s. Missouri. ter disappearedfrom the area. Photographswere taken of the birds and one nest (fide D). Red-breasted Nuthatches were described as having a definite mi- A Townsend's Warbler was documented for Crane gration through Region during early May. A Brown Creek S.P., Lucas Co., Ohio, Apr. 7 (ET, fide LV) Creeper "... was observed carrying nest material A Cerulean Warbler had arrived at New Haven, ind to a cavity on the timbered flood plain n. of Springfield by Apr. 21 (JHa). Two Prairie Warblers were heard (Ilhnois) on May 5 & 6. Later observations showed and seen at Rocky River Park, Cleveland, Apr, 22 the nestinghole had been destroyed." (H). (DA, fide D). A n•stingpair of KentuckyWarblers was found at Oregon, ill. (MSw); the species wtas WRENS, THRUSHES--Bewick's Wrens were reportedas far below normalfor c. Illinois (H). Hooded observedin WhitesideCo., Ill. May 15(HS) andMason Warblerswere heard and seen at Springfield,Ill Apr Co , Ill. May 20 (H); a nest was discoveredat Ferne 20 (H) and were reportedmore frequentlythan usual Clyffe S.P., Ill. May 16 (K). CarolinaWrens appeared in the Chicago area. as migrants as well as permanent residents in areas where they are not very common; three reports from BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS-- n w. Missourifrom Apr. 21-May6 (E), four locations Nesting "Yellow-headed Blackbirds are not at in the Chicago area (B, MSm), and increasingin the PowderhornMarsh (Chicago area), the culrmrlatlon Cleveland area (M). A Wood Thrush appeared at of a six-yearperiod of decline."However, they still Louisville Apr. 2 (HF). Hermit Thrushes remained occur at five other local areas (B). Northern Orioles well beyond their normal departure times; one was continueto be increasingand were more commonthan presentat Lakewood, Ohio, May 23 (D), another was usualaround Louisville (S). A 6 SummerTanager was bandedat IndianapolisMay 17 (CK). Swainson'sand presentin the Rocky River Park, Apr. 22 (M) Gray-cheekedthrushes were both reportedin Spring- field, ill. Apr. 21 (H); bothspecies were very common FRINGiLLiDS--Evening Grosbeaks lingeredwell this spring, especially in Illinois--occasionally, the into May setting departure dates throughout the Gray-cheekeds were more common than the Swain- Region:Louisville, May 12 (HC), Valley Statiol•, Ky, son'sexcept in Kentuckywhere they were scarce.The May 7 (DS), Carterville, Williamson Co., Ill May numbersof E. Bluebirdsseem to be increasingin most 9 (MH), Marshall Co., Ill. May 12 (DC, fide VH), of the s. parts of the Region;however, n. Illinois and Connersville, Ind. May 10 (DBu). Up to 16 Pine Gros- Iowa still report them as rare. beaks visited the Cleveland area Apr, 16 (VC, fide KINGLETS, PIPITS, WAXWINGS, M). A ?Purple Finch lingered at a Peoria, Ill. feeder VIREOS--The Golden-crowned Kinglet found near until May 27 (MW, fide VH). Pine Siskinswere also Ft Wayne, Ind. May 11 was rather late (JHa, EP). noted late into May: Shelbyville, Ky. May 20 (HB), Five Sprague'sPipits at LaPorte, Ind. Apr. 11 con- Valley Station, Ky. May 16 (DS), Fort Wayne, Ind stltuted the third state record for this species (NR, May 20 (JHa et al.); a nest with young was found MJ). There was a late influx of Cedar Waxwings after on the Illinois State U. campus(Normal) May 29 (RS) they had been virtually absentduring the previous three Red Crossbills remained at a Crown Point, Ind feeder months. Two singing 6• Bell's Vireos were found at throughthe end of the period (GP); five were observed Oakland, Pike Co., Ind. in a strip mine area May 19 at Decatur, Ill. June 2 (FI); a nest with an incubating (CM). ? was discovered on the Illinois State U• campus Apr

780 American Birds, August 1973 Editor Vernon Kleen and Dave Bohlen canoeing on the Cache River, Ill.,/Ipr. 24, 1973. 21 but was later destroyed by House Sparrows (RS, Brecher, Horace Brown, Woody Brown, (DBu) DBi). One White-wingedCrossbill appearedat a Bar- Dorothy Buck, Vera Carrothers, (LCr) Larry Carter, rJngton•Ill. feeder May 30 (JW,fide B). A Green-tailed (LCs) Lee Casebere, Herbert Clay, D. Collins, J. Earl Towhe• was present at South Bend, Ind. Apr. 19- Comfort, Tom Crabtree, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Dufen- May • (RD et al.) but,unfortunately, was never photo- dach, Jon Dunn, (JFa) John & Linda Falch, Nathan graphed. There were several reports of Clay-colored Fay, Helen Fisher, Annette Flanigan, (JFu)James Sparrows: one at a Morgan Co., Ill. feeder May 6 Funk, Steven Glass, Bill Goodge, Willard Gray, (BO•t al.), one in Tazewell Co., Ill, (Hopedale Twp.) Nicholas Halmi, (JHa)James Haw. David Hayward, May • {PeoriaAud. Soc.,fideVH), twoin theChicago (JHi) Jack Hilsabeck, Howard Hintz, Kelly Hobbs, area May 13(C et al.), one in the Lake Co., Ill. location Mike Homoya, Virginia Humphreys, Frank Irwin, as repOtted last year, and another at Maryville, Mo. Wilbur Jackson, Lee Johnson, Marie Jones, (JKg) Jack May i• & 15(JHi, E). SongSparrows were reported Keegan, (JKr) Jim Keir, Charles Keller (Indiana), in exeepfional numbers in the Cleveland area during David Kennedy, (JKn)Jean Knoblaugh, Walter the migration period (MI. The last Smith's Longspurs Krawiec. Gary Larson, Edmund LeGrand, (JM) Mrs. of the seasonwere found Apr. 22 at Springfield, Ill. John Martin, (AM) James & Amy Mason, Mick (H). McHugh, Charles Mills, Burt Monroe, Jr., Bill O'Brien. David Osborne (s. Ohio), Ed Parrot, Sebas- CONTRIBUTORS•(sectional editors' names in tian Patti, Richard Paulson, Clell Peterson, George boldfacetype; contributors are requested to sendtheir Pyle, Phyllis Raccasi, (RQR) Robert Q. Randall, reports to these editors). Major contributors are iden- Nancy Rea, Jerry Rosenband, (RR) Robert Russell, tified with a single initial as follows: (A)--Riehard Richard Sandburg, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Shaw, (MSk) Anderson(Missouri), (B)•Lawrenee Balch (n, Illinois), Merit Skaggs, (MSm) Muriel Smith, (MSt) MiKe (C)-•-Charles Clark, (D)--Owen Davies, (E)--David Stasko, Allan Stickley, (MSh) Mike Stierhoff, Bill Easterla, (H)--H. David Bohlen, (K)•Vernon Kleen Stroud, David Summerfield,(MSw) Mark Swan, Elliot (S. Illinois), (L)•FIoyd Lawhon, (M) William Klamm, Tramer, Laurel Van Camp (n. Ohio), Pat Ware, Marie (R)--Mark Robbins,(S)--Anne Stamm(Kentucky), Welty, Kurt Wesseling,Jr., Kurt Wesseling, Ill, John (V)•ally Vasse, other observers include I. A. Wood.--VERNON M. KLEEN, Div. of Wildlife Adams, Don AItemus, Mike Bierly, (DBi) Dale Birk- Resources,Dept. of Conservation,Springfield, Illinois enho|z, Gladys Black, Roderick Bodkin, Leonard 62706 and LEE BUSH, Cambria, Illinois 62915.

Volu•ne 27, Number 4 781 CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION banded 548 birds of 54 speciesincluding 180 birds on Apr. 4! JamesPeavy netted at Ft. Morgan acrossthe / Thomas A. Imhof mouth of Mobile Bay on I I days Apr. 9-May I and banded 367 birds of 56 species.Totals and peaks for A warm March with vegetationand migrantsa little thetop 15species by thesetwo banderswere: Hooded early was sloweddown by a cool April and May liber- Warbler, 100, peak 16 on Apr. 4 (MEM), White-eyed ally sprinkledwith storms,heavy rains, and cold fronts Vireo, 73, peak 15on Mar. 29 & Apr. 1 (MEM), Worm- that producedloads of groundedmigrants right to the eatingWarbler, 50, peak 16 on Apr. 4 (MEM), Gray end of the period. Many areas wcrc so flooded as to Catbird, 48, peak 8 on Apr. 27 (MEM), Northern produce habitat attractive to shorebirds cvcn where Parula, 44, peak 25 on Mar. 29 (MEM), Red-eyed they arc normallynot seen. Althoughrain, wind, and Vireo, 39, peak 13 on Apr. 4 (MEM), White-throated clouds often made observation conditions poor, there Sparrow,35, peak 9 on Apr. I I (JVP), Wood Thrush wcrc plenty of birds to delightthe birdwatcher. and Kentucky Warbler, 34, peaks 10 & 21 on Apr. 4 (MEM), Indigo Bunting, 32, peak 16 on Apr. 26 (MEM), Swainsoh'sWarbler, 30, peak 15 on Apr. 4 (MEM), BlueJay, 23, ProthonotaryWarbler, 22, Oven- bird, 21, Northern Waterthrush, 20. Of 37 thrushes (Swainson's--Gray-cheeked--Veery), 34 were banded Apr. 26-May 1. TRANS-GULF MIGRANTS--The following • v,.,•_•,<•*•,os•d_- .• ?' .-.,m•..•a., I.: ._. specieswere noted 20-25 mi. off the Louisiana coast i -I • MISS. • A LA. • ' on Apr. 8 during northerly winds (RJN, RBH) and I .... -- May 23-24 during southerly winds (RJN, PJB) and, exceptfor the three puzzlingbold-faced species, were :he, eJackson -Mant•me• assumed to be on trans-Gulf migration when seen: Green Heron, 9, Apr. 8 & May 23, Cattle Egret, Apr. 8 & May 24, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Apr. 8, Blue-wingedTeal, 3, May 24, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Apr. 8, Com. Nighthawk, 2, May 23, E. Kingbird, 2, Apr. 8, Barn Swallow, May 24, PurpleMartin, May 23, Red-eyedVireo, May 23, MagnoliaWarbler, May 23, Pine Warbler, Apr. 8, Com. Yellowthroat, Apr. 8, Kentucky Warbler, May 24, Hooded Warbler, May in March and April wasthe greatestin yearsalthough 23, Am. Redstart, May 24, • Cardinal, floating belly wc wcrc short on a few species.The best days wcrc up dead, Apr. 8! Mar. 30, Apr. 4, 7, 8, 27•11 precededby rain or COUNTS--While banding and even birding off- north wind." Alice Tait •mc down from Mas- shoreyield interestinginformation on the springmi- sachusettsfor six weeksat Dauphin Island, listed 200 gration,so do counts.The followingare informative: species,and said, "This was the best seasonin the Apr. 5, JVP party, Ft. Morgan, 142 species,18 war- ten years I have bccncoming to the island." L. A. blers. Apr. 7-8, M.B.C., DauphinI., 187species, 27 Wells of Columbus, Ga. said of this "fantastic mi- warblers. Apr. 14-15, A.O.S., Ft. Morgan, 181 sp., gration" that it was late, included three fortuitous 22 warblers. Apr. 20-22, RJN party, Cameron Par., weekends of clear weather after rains, and prolo•ed 26 warblers. Apr. 27-28, L.O.S., Cameron, 195 sp., low temperature.Tom Atkcsonreports ncady all of 24 warblers. May 5, B.A.S., Bankhead Forest, 27 WheelerRefuge under water, but freshmudfiats along warblers. May 12, B.A.S., Birmingham, 135 sp., 30 White Spd• Dike coupledwith "stiff north winds warblers. and unusuallycool temperaturesproduced a whole GREBES, PELICANLIKE BIRDS--The only handel of goodies" notably shorebirds. Eared Grebes noted this winter and springwere single At Memphis,O. F. Irwin reposedthe Mississippi birds all in April on the coast, 7th-8th on Dauphin River crestedat 41.5 ft. on Apr. 6 after 63 days above I. (M.B.C.), 14th(.RJN, MHN, MS) and 27th (RBH) flood stageand was still high at end of period;the both Cameron Parish. A Wilson's Petrel 10-15 mi. off windwas high almost daily, the weathercool, and most Grand Isle Apr. 3 (RJN) wasthe earliestever recorded migrantswcrc about a weekor morelate. In Louisiana, in Louisiana waters. The only Brown Pelicans in Bob Newman noted that often "water in Cameron Par- coastal Louisiana were 4 on Apr. 8 (RBH, RJN) and ish was too high for first-rateshorebirding, bnt this one on May 5 (RJS), yet 112, including many young spring it was so vc• high that . . . places that wcrc apparently still being cared for, were counted on alwaysdry before . . . becameexcellent shorebird Dauphin I. May 23 (LRT). An imm. Gannet, rare habitat." In New Orleans, Mac Myc• said that the anywherein Louisiana,was seen Apr. 8 at the mouth "shorebirdmigration was the best . . . in several of Barataria Bay (RBH). An OlivaceousCormorant, rare anywhereinland, was noted at Natchitochesat BANDINGsFour banders mist-netted on the 10-15ft. May 25 (JH, HW, CEV). An Anhinga at Alaba• coastthis spring.Margaret Miller operated WheelerRef. Apr. I I (HEJ) was the first Tennessee on DauphinIsland on 15 days Mar. 22-May 9 and Valley of Alabama record in I I years.

782 AmericanBirds, August 1973 HERONS, IBISES--A Yellow-crowned Night Tenn, May 20 (MLB, mob ) were the latest ever in Heron in Birmingham Mar. 7 was the earliest ever the upper mid-South. A Long-billed Curlew on in Alabama north of the Fall Line (GC, WLC). Least Dauphin I., Mar. 31 (LRT) was photographed(JAJ) Bitterns were numerousin early April on the Alabama for the first time in Alabama---there is no specimen coast, on the Apr. 4 on Dauphin I. LRT saw more Baird's Sandpiperhad maxima of 11on Mar. 31 (OBM) on one bush than in her whole life, on Apr. 5, and 9 on Apr. 8 (BMM) in New Orleans; Alabama 17 were at Ft. Morgan (JVP, m.ob.). A Wood Stork with two prior spring records had three this year, three at Claiborne, Monroe Co. May 13 (CLK, KB, CP) at Alabama Point May 14(TAI, JVP), three at Wheeler was, except for stragglers, the earliest for Alabama. Ref., May 16-20 (DCH) and four there May 21-23 Glossy Ibises at Ft. Morgan Apr. 14-15 (A.O.S.), (DCH). At Wheeler May 24-25, 23 Dunlins (DCH) Dauphin I. Apr. 19 (AGT) and Cat I. Apr. 23 (DB) providedthe first springrecord for the TennesseeVal- pointed to breedingon Cat I. again this year; one col- ley of Alabama, and two were seen on the Busseltown lected in Cameron Parish Apr. 7 with well-developed Unit, Tennessee N.W.R., May 17 (JLe) In inland ova (HDP, PJB) indicatedthe first breedingof this Alabama, W. Sandpipers were detected quite often, species in far w. Louisiana. the latest ever were 7 on May 18 at Wheeler Ref (DCH, JLW); one at Starkville, Miss., May 17 (JNS) DUCKS--In a flooded wheat field near Monroe on was probably the latest ever for that state. Seven San- May 9, 12 Fulvous Tree Ducks constituted the first derlingsat Wheeler Ref., May 16-18(DCH, JLW) were record for n. Louisiana (DTK, JLi, DL). Locally late the first in spring in the Tennessee Valley of Alabama were a Redhead Apr. 30 at Swan Creek, Limestone At Jacksonville Apr. 21 a Short-billed Dowitcher Co , Ala. (JLW, EM), a Canvasback at Noxubee Ref. (WJC) was the first spring record for the mountain on Apr. 19 (JAJ) and a Corn. Goldeneye Apr. 25 also region of Alabama. At Wheeler Ref., 8 Long-billed in LimestoneCo. (DCH). New for Alabamhwas a Dowitchers May 16 (DCH) provided only the second 9 Masked Duck, observed closely at leisure at Wheeler inland record for spring in Alabama. Buff-breasted Ref, May 16 (DCH). A Black Scoter about 25 mi. Sandpipers also concentrated in New Orleans with off Grand Isle Apr. 8 (RJN, RBH) is the only scoter 22 on Mar. 28 tieing the earliest for Louisiana (BMM) report this season. and two as late as Apr. 27 in Cameron Par. (RBH), Alabama doubled the number of its spring records, HAWKS--New for Louisiana was a late-reported with one at Ft. Morgan Apr. 30 (JVP, TW), one at Goshawk,shot while tryingto catcha chickenby CKo Alabama Point May 14 (TAI, JVP) and two at Swan at Amite, Tangipahoa Par. before Nov. 30 that had Creek, LimestoneCo., May 3 (DCH). In three s w been bandednear Duluth, Minn. Sept. 29, 1972(CRS Louisianaparishes (Cameron, Vermilion, Acadia) 28 of Waukesha, Wisc.) Although hawk populations are or 29 Hudsonian Godwits were recorded Apr. 26-May 8 plunging, the decline for vultures, kites, Cooper's (RBH, photo-HDP, CEV, RJN, AWP, REN) Hawk, Buteos, coastal Ospreys and Am. Kestrel is The only phalaropesreported were 8 Wilson's in Cam- possiblynot as severe as the following: Sharp-shinned eron Parish Apr. 26 (HDP). A phalarope photo- Hawks were reported twice: Natchitoches Apr. 4 graphed Sep. 12-15 near Birmingham has been identi- (CEV) and Ft. MorganApr. 14-15(A.O.S.) Eagles fied as a Red (CSR, RCL), thus the Northern remains were not reported! One record of Marsh Hawk was on the Alabama hypothetical list. received, from Dauphin I., Apr. 15 (LRT, AGT). GULLS AND TERNS--Laughing Gulls are still Three Peregrine Falcons were noted, at Cameron usingthe ChattahoocheeValley; one at Headland Apr Parish, Apr. 14 (PJB, GHL, RJN, m.ob.), E. Baton 25 (MF) is the first for the Lower Coastal Plain, five Rouge Parish, Apr. 19 (PJB, HDP, DAT), and Ft. late ones were at L. Oliver June 3 (LAW). Apparently Morgan Apr. 30 (JVP, TW). The three Merlins re- Franklin's Gull often sneaks through this Region as ported were all from Alabama: BirminghamMar. 24 unidentifiable immatures, so it is a pleasure to report (WRM), Dauphin I., Mar. 26 (AGT), and Gulf 4 adults in Cameron Parish Apr. 13-20 (HDP, RJN, ShoresApr. 15 (A.O.S.). MHN, MS, photo--BBe, BMM). Except for Laughing Gull, local black-headedgulls migrate out of this Re- RAILS--A Black Rail calling repeatedly at 11:30 gion before they assume their black heads. This year p m on May 13 and 9:30 p.m. May 14 at Gulf Shores apparently the departure of some was delayed by bad in brackishmarsh (TAI, JVP) maybe breedinglocally. weather, as above. Black-headed Bonaparte's Gulls are virtually unknown in this Region--one prior record SHOREBIRDS--Two eggs of the Am. Oyster- June 14, 1953--so at least25 in ad. plumagein Cameron catcher at Grant's Pass near Dauphin May 25 (REH) Parish Apr. 14-15 (•JN, HDP, m.ob.) were provided the first egg date for Alabama. Up to 50 noteworthy; one at Gulf Shores May 14 (TAI, JVP), Semlpalmated Plovers at Wheeler Ref., May 5-28 the latest for Alabama except for the Tennessee Valley (DCH) were the most seen anywhere in inland was in winter plumage. At L. Oliver, 20 Least Terns Alabama. Two Piping Plovers at Wheeler Ref., May Apr. 26 (LAW) were only the fourth inland record 16 (DCH) were the first reported inland in spring in for spring in Alabama. Unusual were two Caspian Alabama. Two Wilson's Plovers there May 16-18 Terns at Reelfoot L., Tenn., May 19 (MLB, m.ob ) (DCH, JLW) were the secondrecord inland, the first in springin Alabama. Five Black-belliedPlovers there CUCKOOS, SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS--A May 25 (DCH) were the latest ever in springin inland Yellow-billed Cuckoo on Dauphin I., Mar. 25 (LRT) Alabama. Forty Am. Golden Plovers in Lake County, was the earliest ever for Alabama. Early Chimney

Volume 27, Number 4 783 Swifts were five on Mar 12 in Birmingham(RDB), 20-29(RJN, mob ) and one on DauphinI May 21 was four on Mar. 17 at Florala, Ala. (CLK, m.ob.) and the latest ever for Alabama. Black-throated Blue War- two at NatchitochesMar. 19 (CEV). A RufousHum- blers also moved westward, a 5 at Reelfoot L, Apr mingbirdat Ft. MorganApr. 5 (JVP, RR, WRM, FBT) 7 (CKn, MLB) was the first for w. Tennessee, birds was the third for Alabama. were on Dauphin I. Apr. 8 (M. B.C.)and Apr. 24 (LRT) and one 5, present at Sabine N.W.R. headquarters FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--On Dauphin I. for about a week, was last seen Apr. 28 (RW, RJN, 14 Acadian Flycatchers were banded Apr. 1-27, AWP, MHN). At Huntsville a 5 Myrtle Warbler May (MEM). An early E. Kingbird was in New Orleans 26 (BGM) and a • June 9 (BGM, MLB, PS) were, Mar. 17 (OBM). Near St. Francisville a Willow exceptfor anotherJune record, the latestfor Alabama Flycatcher (fitz-bew song)was heard May 5 and two Early locally was a Black-throatedGreen Warbler on more were recordedMay 12when an Alder Flycatcher Mar. 18 (REH). An adult 5 Hermit Warbler in (fee-bee-osong) was also heard (RBH), a fine start Johnson's Bayou Woods, Cameron Par., Apr 20 on learningthe statusof these recently separatedbut (BMM, LPO, RJN, MHN, collected--HDP) was the morphologicallyidentical species;apparently a situa- first definite record for Louisiana and the farthest east tion that mist-nettingcannot improve. The Barn Swal- for the species. Also early locally were a Blackpoll low has becomewidespread as a breeder in the coastal Warbler at Eufaula, Ala., Apr. 16(MF) anda Louisiana plain of Alabamaand nearby states so that recordearly Waterthrush at Lovick, Jefferson Co., Ala., Mar I l datesare madealmost every spring,and springdepar- (DJH). A 5 Connecticut Warbler bandedon Dauphin ture dates have become meaningless. This year a I. May 4 (MEM) is the ninth spring record for the locally-early bird was at TuscaloosaMar. 16 OCT). state; one was in Memphis on 40ø F. May 14 (OFf), In "Alabama Birds" (1962) the only March date is Hooded Warblers were especially abundant in the 28th on the coast; we now have March arrival Alabama this spring(see Bandingabove) and on Apr datesfor the four mostheavily birded regions.As of 5 one well-known observer (OSP) saw more than in 1972,the coastalpopulation, now breedingat the head his whole life. On the same day 150 were counted of Mobile Bay, was within 75 mi. of the southernmost at Ft. Morgan (JVP, m.ob). An early Mourning War- inlandcolony at Millry. In Louisiana,birds frequenting bler was in Jacksonville, Ala. May 7 (WJC). bridges in Natchitoches throughout May (CEV) indicatemore extensions of the breedingrange. Purple BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS--A Bobolink on Martins arrivedearly thisyear, the only knownrecord- Dauphin I. Apr. 14 was the second earliest for the breaker was a 5 in Starkville Feb. 6 (JAJ), earliest state (G&JMe). A singing 5 W. Meadowlark in Cal- ever for inland Mississippi.Although Cliff Swallows casieu Parish Apr. 14 (SLG) may indicate local could not be found at all in Louisiana(RJN) nor at breeding.The first Mississippispecimen of the Yellow- their only breedingstation in Mississippi(JAJ), 6 birds headed Blackbird was obtained at Starkville Mar 26 arrived early for the TennesseeValley Mar. 30 in Flor- (JAJ), two 55 were seen in Cameron Parish Apr 1 ence (BGM, FB). (RBH, mob) and one at Stonewall, near Shreveport, Apr. 18 (HCH, HHJ, JRS, RL) and a 5 at Ft. Morgan NUTHATCHES, THRUSHES, VIREOS--A Apr. 30 (JVP, TW) was the latest ever for Alabama Red-breastedNuthatch May 14 at Ft. Morgan where A Bullock's Oriole was on Dauphin I. Apr. 8 (FEB) they wintered commonly (TAI, JVP) was the latest and a 5 in Cameron Parish Apr. 28 (RBH) An ever for Alabama.A Swainson'sThrush and a Veery estimated 12 W. Tanagers were seen in Louisiana, Mar. 31 at Johnson'sBayou, Cameron Par. (RBH, mostly Cameron Parish and Baton Rouge vicinity, REN) were both by three days the earliest ever in Apr. 13-29(1 collected-HDP, RJN, m.ob.). Louisiana. Three Black-whiskered Vireos, one banded at Ft. Morgan Apr. 15 (TAD, one bandedon Dauphin FINCHES--Wintering Black-headed Grosbeaks I Apr. 24 (REH) and one seen on Dauphin I. May were last seen at feeders in Alexandria, La. Mar 26 14 (REH, DDN) brought to 9 the total now known (SH), Baton Rouge Apr. 2 (RJN, MHN), Dauphin for Alabama.An earliestever PhiladelphiaVireo was I., Apr. 12 (REH) and Fairhope, Ala., May 3 in Mobile Apr. I (LMcK) and the specieswas more (A&MN), except for a May 4, 1928record, the latest common than usual in s.w. Louisiana, with at least for Alabama; also two • were in Johnson's Bayou sevenApr. 22-May 8 (RBH, m.ob.). Woods, Cameron Par., Apr. 28 (RBH). A late Indigo Bunting was at a feeder on Dauphin I. on May 31 WARBLERS--A Worm-eating Warbler on (REH, SBH) one of a very few places where one can Dauphin I. Mar. 17 (LRT) was the earliest Alabama obtain a springdeparture date. A Dickicisselthat win- record, as w•s a Blue-winged Warbler there Mar. 22 tered in Baton Rouge was last noted Apr. 17 (MHN, (M &JMa). A 5 Bachman'sWarbler seenindense vegeta- RJN, m.ob.). The last noted EveningGrosbeaks were tion in rather dark, rainy weather in Peveto Beach reported as follows: Natchitoches Apr. 26 (CEV), Woods, Cameron Par., Apr. 15 was well described Baton Rouge Apr. 27 (GHL, JTL), Starkville May and a convincingsketch submitted (HDP). A Tennes- 10 (JAJ), Fairhope May 10 (A&MN), Mulga, Jefferson see Warbler at Ft. Morgan May 14 (TAI, JVP) was Co., Ala., May 15 (L&MW), Ruston, La., May 21 the latestever for the coastalplain of Alabama. Earliest (JWG, RA) and Birmingham, • still present June 6 ever for the state was a Nashville Warbler on Dauphin (RW). Although Pine Siskins were not abundantand Apr. 8 (LRT). At least 12Cape May Warblers,possibly widespread this winter, some remained late, several doublethat number, were seenin Cameron Par. Apr. were seen May 10 in Natchitoches (CEV.) and five

784 American Birds, August 1973 recorded in Birmingham May 12 (HBT, IFS). Six Red Crossbills seen in the Bankhead Forest of Alabama May 5 (TAl) at the same place where five were seen Mar. I (TAI, HHK) appeared to be a family group, onebright red bird, one yellowish-green with a yellow rump, and three or four heavily-streaked. A Clay- colored Sparrow was seen near Lake Charles Apr. 12(H DP). A White-throatedSparrow at FairhopeMay 22 (A&MN) was, except for summeringrecords, the latest for the coastalplain, another was in Memphis May 24 (OFl). A Swamp Sparrow at Bussey'sL. near Phenix City May l0 (JMi) was latest ever for the coastal plain of Alabama. CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in boldface) --Roland Abegg, Alabama Ornithological Society, Thomas A. Atkeson, Raymond D. Bates. Kate Beck, Bruce Bell, Michael L. Bierly, Birmingham Audubon Society, Don Bland, Barbara M. Bodman, F. E. Bowers, Fred Bowman, Nell Broughton, Philip J. Bruner, William J. Calvert, Greg Carlisle, W. L. Car- lisle, Ben B. Coffey, Mike Fuller, Mary A. Galliard, J. W. Goertz, L. E. Goodnight, Sandra L. Guthans, R. B. Hamilton, Jim Hart, Suzanne Haupt, Richard The migration extended well into June, when rain E. Hayward, Sharon B. Hayward, Hubert C. Hervey, grounded the last flycatchers, warblers and thrushes David C. Hulse, Donald J. Hulsey, Thomas A. Imhof, in Saskatchewan. O. F. Irwin, Jerome A. Jackson, Horace H. Jeter, Harold E. Johnson, D. T. Kee, Curtis L. Kingsbery, HERONS, IBIS--Single Green Herons were seen Helen H. Kittinger, Carol Knauth, Cecil Koepp, R. May 9 at Springfield, S.D. (WH), May 2-15 at Fargo Lance, Roxie C. Laybourne, Jerald Ledbetter, D. (FJC,EGA) and May 24 at ValleyCity, N.D. (BW•S), Liles, J. Liles, Louisiana Ornithological Society, while there were seven at Tewaukon Ref., N.D. by George H. Lowery, Jean T. Lowery, W. Roger Maner, the end of May (EAA) and one near L. Dauphin, Man. Mary Lou Mattis, Chuck & Mary Mayhew, J. June I was a furthest north record (WJW, LS). The Mayhew, Louise McKinstry, Bob G. Meadows, only Cattle Egrets were singlesat Cresbard May 12 Gloria & Jim Meander, O. B. Miles, James Miller, (HWW) and Hurley, S.D. May 13(CB) and at J. Clark Margaret E. Miller, Mobile Bird Club, Elliott Mont- Salyer Ref., N.D., May 19 (AKT). Black-crowned gomery, B. M. Myers, Dot D. Newburn, Marcella Night Herons were "unusually abundant" at Utica, H. Newman, Robert J. Newman, Robert E. Noble, S.D. with up to 12 per day through May (WH). A Albert & Mini Nonkes, L. P. O'Meallie, A. W. Palmi- White-faced lbis was studied for three hours at Utica sano, James V. Peavy, O. Sewall Pettingill, Cosette May 8 (WH). Polizo, H. Douglas Pratt, Chandler S. Robbins, Richard Ryan, J. N. Sappington,Charles R. Sindelor, SWANS--Whistling Swans arrived at Deuel Co., ldalene F. Snead, Mike Spintiler, Pat Stallings.Ronald S.D., Mar. 16(WR), Medicine Lake Ref., Mont., Mar. J. Stein, James R. Stewart, Alice G. Tait, Dan A. 20 (DNW) and Vulcan, Lethbridge and Stettler, Alta. Tallman, Helen B. Thigpen, James C. Thompson, Lib on Mar. 21,22 and 28, respectively (EB, HCES, LML). R. Toenes, F. Bob Truett, Charles E. Viers, Harold Due to the lack of shallow runoff ponds, swans were Wabs, Rita Walther, Larry & Melody Watts, Ted scarce at Regina and absent at Kenaston, but there Weems, L. A. Wells, Rebecca Wilson, Joseph L. were 3000 near Spring Valley during the first two weeks Wright--THOMAS A. IMHOF, 1036 Pike Rd., Bir- of April (FB), 11,500 near Laura Apr. 12 (JBG) and mingham, Ala. 35218. 2335 flew over Perdue, Sask. in 2V2 hours May 7 (WER). NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS GEESE--Record early dates for Canada and White- / Wayne E. Renaud fronted Geese were set in many areas. On Feb. 6, 3110 Canada Geese flew up the Missouri R. in 45 Spring migrationbegan up to three weeks early, with minutes at Pickstown, S.D. (WH). Canadas arrived the warm temperatures of late winter. Water levels at Bowdoin and Medicine Lake Refuges, Mont. and were the lowest in years, with only half the 1972 surface Audubon Ref., N.D., on Feb. 27, Mar. I and Mar. water in someNorth Dakota localities. April tempera- 4, respectivelyand at Saskatoon,Spirit L. and Indian tures in contrastwere below normal, unseasonablycold Head Mar. 11, Moose Jaw Mar. 12, Sheho, Sask. Mar. and windy in the Dakotas and the wettest in history 13 and Lethbridge, Alta. Mar. 13. At Tofield, Alta., at Regina. At Saskatoon, snowstorms occurred on Canadaspeaked at 50,000 Apr. 1, and Snowsat 15,000 April 14-15(when Edmontonhad 8 inches), 20-21 and and White-fronteds at 5000 May 5. There were 12,000 28-29, grounding many migrants for most of the month. Snow Geese at Tewaukon Ref., N.D., Mar. 27 and Most of the area was dry and windy through May. 30,000 at Hamlin Co., S.D. to May 8 but owing to

Volume 27, Number 4 785 lack of spring runoff water, they overflew their tradi- Alta, Mar 30 (RDR) Major waves of Am Kestrels tional stoppingfields near Winnipeg. For the first time, were reported from near Minot Apr. 22 with 100 (LK) "blues" outnumbered "snows" 400 to 300 at Last and n. of Winnipeg Apr. 25-26 with 50 per day (EK) Mountain L., Sask. May 4 (WCH). Of 54 Merlins reportedfrom 14localities, 32 individuals were seen at Saskatoon(WER). DUCKS--March 21 was an early arrival date for eight species of ducks at Medina and for Gadwall, CRANES--Four Whooping Cranes were at Wal- Am. Wigeon and Redhead at Crosby, N.D. At least lace, S.D., Apr. 17-24 (RRJ, BKH) and there were 94 Cinnamon Teal were reported from Alberta, with six sightingsof 19 individualsat Long Lake, Audubon, singlesat L. PrestonApr. 28 (BM) and near Highmore, Arrowwood and ChaseLake Refuges,N.D., Apr 8- S D., May 29 (JH), at Tewaukon Ref., Apr. 14 (OWJ) May 5. Between Apr. 15 and May 31, there were and Stanley, N.D., May 16 (GDK), at Fort Simpson, 20 Saskatchewan reports of 75 Whooping Crane N W.T., May 11 (AW), near Laura May 9 (JBG) and individualsreported to and many corroboratedby the a pair s. of Vonda, Sask., May 2 (KRL). Single 5 Museum of Natural History, Regina; obviously some Eur. Wigeon were sighted at Valley City, N.D., Apr. individual birds were sightedin more than one locality 19 (DMB), CalgaryMar. 18 (RP, PS), EdmontonApr. during their migration. In chronological order, these 29 (TT, JE) andFort Simpson,N.W.T., May 14(AW). were from Nokomis, North Portal, Rama, Southey, Wood Duck pairs were seen Apr. 5 at Brandon (BR) Elbow, Stoughton, Kendal, Southey, Brightsand, and Apr. 25 at Bradwell, Sask., the fourth record for Herbert, Cochin, Delisle, Rowletta, Indian Head, the Saskatoonarea (WCH). On Mar. 25, there were Eston, Esterhazy, Cutknife, Humboldt, Nipawin and 3 Greater Scaupin Roberts Co., S.D. (BKH) and one Cavell (M. K. Baker). Apr. 26 at Saskatoonarea (SJS),with threeApr. 20-22 Earliest arrivals of Sandhill Cranes were at James- and two May 6 at Toileld, Alta. (BB, GG). There were town Mar. 24 and Arrowwood Ref., N.D., Mar 26, five Albertr. observationsof Oldsquaws:one at Niton Spring Valley Mar. 28 and Kindersley, Sask , Apr Apr. 21 (REG), 5 at Darwell Apr. 22 (GP), 15at L. Isle 2. At Kindersley,flocks of 100 passedall day Apr May 13 (MH), one at Mundare Nay 19-20 (GG, LG) 11 and at Spring Valley, 25 flocks of 20 to 200 cranes and two at Hanna June 2 (RDR). passedover in three hours, Apr. 15.

VULTURES, ACCIPITERS--Turkey Vulture WADERS--On May 13, five Piping Plovers were records included eight at Cedar Pass, S.D., May 28 again observedon an alkaline pothole in SheridanCo (WH), a first record for Fargo Apr. 19 (KJZ), one (PDS). Whimbrelseemed more widespreadthan usual at BismarckApr. 28 (RNR) and six near Twin Buttes, one May 20 was the first record for Bowdoin Refuge N D., Apr. 23 (FS), singlesat Aldersydeand Sedge- and the fourth for Montant (PDS, CC), 17 on May wick, Alta., Apr. 14 and May 7 (BL, VL, AB), 19 at LaCreek Ref., S.D. (HB), one May 12 and three three at BrandonApr. 20 (BR) and one at Duck Mtn. May 16 at Brooks (CFNS, VL, CR), one at Toileld, P P., Man., May 9 (FT), three at SaskatoonMay Alta., May 22 (DD), while three at Dundurn June 19 (S.N.H.S.) and singlesat Duck L., May 11 (AJE), 6 where the first definite record for the Saskatoon area MaidstoneMay 12(WCH), s. of Vonda May 18(KRL), (WCH). Red Knots, onceconsidered very uncommon, NlpawinMay I (SDR), MooseJaw May 4 (PRK), and were reportedfrom BowdoinRef., Mont., two on May at Indian Head, Sask., May 20 (MS). A Goshawk was 19(PDS), BeaverhillL., Alta., 78 and 100,May 20-21 at Brandonas late as Apr. 26 (BR) and one lingeredat (GG, LG) and Perdue,Sask., 27 on May 25 (WER) Meacham, Sask., until May 27 (TD). In spite of in- Two Dunlins at Bowdoin Ref., Mont., May 4 (RJK) creasedawareness of Accipiter populations,only 36 and singles at Kingman May 21 (VL), Cooking L, CoopeftsHawks and 42 Sharp-shinnedHawks were May 20 (E.B.C.), Whitford May 21 (MH) and Toileld, reportedfor the entire region. Alta., May 5 and 27 (GG, LG, DD), contrastedwith BUTEOS, EAGLES--No Buteo waves were 25 at Sullys Hill May 20, 1000at Tewaukon Ref., N D , reported. Seven Broad-wingedHawks were seen at May 24 (EAA) and hundredsat Oak L., Man, May Peers,Alta., May 12 (REG) and one at Fort Simpson, 20 (DRMH). At Tofield, Alta., there were 31 N W.T., May 23, was very far north. Red-tailed BuffbreastedSandpipers May 20,300 May 21, but only Hawks reached Indian Head Mar. 24 and Rosetown, two the following day (GG, LG, DD). Hudsoman Saskatoon, Looma and Toileld on Mar. 25. There were Godwits were unusually common, with one photo- reportsof 72 Bald Eaglesand 56 Golden Eagles. graphedat Bowdoin Refuge May 19, probably the fourth Montana record (PDS, CC), 52 at Tewaukon OSPREYS, FALCONS--There were reports of 36 Ref., Apr. 17 (EAA), 75 at Crosby Apr. 23 (WES) Ospreysfrom 20 localitiesand 18 PrairieFalcons from and 100 at J. Clark Salyer Ref., N.D.Apr. 25 (AKT), 13 localities. Single Peregrine Falcons were reported plus an unusuallylarge flock of 52 at Toileld, Alta from Medicine L., Mont., Mar. 9 (DNW), Crosby, Apr. 28-30 followinga 3-in. snowfall (LG). A Black- Apr. I (WES), BismarckApr. 7 (BQ), MontpelierMay necked Stilt May 29 was a first for Medicine L. Refuge 3 (LCH) and LaMoure, N.D., May 18 (PFS, MLA), (DNW). s e of Red Deer, Alta., Apr. 17 (RDR), Raymore May 6 (WCH), Dundurn May 10 (WCH) and Laura, GULLS, OWLS--A single Little Gull at Regina, Sask., May 12 (JBG), Riding Mtn. Nat. Park May Apr. 20-26 is the first sight record for s. Saskatchewan 5 (RJW) and near Winnipeg May 4, with two May and the secondfor the province (MB). At Saskatoon, 9 (CD). An ad. • Gyrfalcon was seen at Scotfield, Snowy Owls remained late, with 11 in the last ten

786 American Birds, August 1973 days of Aprd and one at Meacham May 1 (SJS). Long- BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS, GROSBEAKS-- eared and Short-eared Owls remained very scarce Red-winged Blackbirds arrived at Valley City, N.D , exceptat Edmontonwhere 17 Short-earedswere seen Mar. 14 and peaked at 3400 on Mar. 27 (BWS), with in 30 minutes Apr. 18 (REG). 300 at Regina on Apr. 15. On Apr. 21, a wave of 5000 blackbirds at Spirit L. included at least 2000 Red- WHIP-POOR-WILL THROUGH CORVIDS-- wings and 500 Common Grackles. On Apr. 22, there On May 27, a Whip-poor-will was observed closely were 2000 Brewer's Blackbirds at Moose Jaw and 3500 at Fargo (JYW) and another was heard at Brandon Red-wingeds at Raymore. A Western Tanager was (BR) On Apr. 22, there were 1000 Tree Swallows seenat SaskatoonMay 18 (LWO) and a Scarlet Tana- at the J. Clark Salyer Refuge, N.D. A Corn. Raven ger at BrandonMay 20 (BR). On May 27 an incredible at Regina May 12 was a stragglerfrom the early winter wave of singingRose-breasted Grosbeaks numbered invasion(WG). A largespring aggregation of 600 crows 51 ok{at L. Lenore (WCH). The large winter flocks was seen at Twin Buttes, N.D., Apr. 23 (FS). of Evening Grosbeaksremained until May 23 at Sprat L., where up to 100 were present through April, May CREEPERS THROUGH MIMIDS--Brown 19 at Saskatoon, May 13 at Maidstone, May 10 at Creepers were present at Regina, Apr. 27-May 12, Wolseley and May 9 at Moose Jaw. with a "wave" Apr. 30 (AJB). A White-breasted Nuthatch was seen daily at Indian Head Apr. 1-28 FRINGILLIDS--Purple Finches were numerous (MS). A Curve-billed Thrasher May 26 was the first at a number of localities, with 75 at Stonewall, Man , for LaCreek Refuge and the second for w. South Apr. 20-22 (KG), 40 on the feeder at once at Sullys Dakota (BJR). A Sage Thrasher was dead at Omega Hill, N.D., Apr. 30 (DEG), flocking to bandingtraps Tower, LaMoure, N.D. May 23 (MLA). A Mocking- at Saskatoon Apr. 30-May 4 (MIH) and with 50 at bird was at Bismarck May 28 (RNR). Regina May I (FWL). A "small flock" of Purple Finches was seen at Plentywood, Mont., where the THRUSHES--Am. Robins were early near Pierre speciesis scarce, on May 13 (ETH, RAH). Saskatch- where a large migration was under way by Feb. 18, ewan's first sight record of the House Finch was three with 280 at Yankton Mar. 1,300 at Hurley, S.D. Mar. • heard and seen at Regina Apr. 26 (FGB), while 7 and over 40 at Montpelier, N.D. Mar. 9. In Saskatch- another • photographedat a feeder which it frequented ewan and Alberta, robin numbers increasedfollowing Mar. 10-Apr. 21 in Calgary, was the third record for snowstorms,with 500 at Indian Head Apr. 14 and 200 Alberta (RB, fide WRS). there Apr. 28, the same day that there were 225 at A Grasshopper Sparrow at Meacham, Sask. May Edmontonand 100 at Spirit Lake. On April 31, there 29 was unusual (SJS). Dark-eyed Juncos were were 500 robins at Tisdale and the next day, 200 at grounded in amazing numbers by snowstorms, with Regina and 950 at Moose Jaw. 300 at Indian Head, "hundreds" at Moose Jaw and Saskatchewan'sfirst WoodThrush was seenby eight 3500 at Raymore, all on Apr. 14, and an estimated competentobservers at SaskatoonMay 24 (PO, SJS) flock of 5000, "solid" on both sidesof the highway with other singlesat Highmore, S.D., May 6 (JH) and at Weirdale, Sask., Apr. 28. There were 100Tree Spar- at Fargo May 14 & 28 (EGA). Single Gray-cheeked rows at J. Clark Salyer Ref., Mar. 13 and 500 at Grand Thrushes at Plentywood, Mont., May 13 and Bowdoin Forks Mar. 25 & 31 (EGA), while at Raymore 1700 Ref May 20 were good records for a species rarely were groundedApr. 14 by the snowstorm.Fox Spar- recordedin the state, althoughprobably a regular mi- rows were reported increased at Regina and Moose grant through the eastern edge of the state (ETH, Jaw (MB, EWK). Lapland Longspurs arrived early RAH). A 5 E. Bluebird was seenat SaskatoonMar. 31 on Mar. 17 at Rosetown, where they remained until (JEP). SingleMountain Bluebirdsat MooseJaw Mar. 3 June 9, while at Toileld they peaked at 5000 on Apr and at Sheho Mar. 9 were early. A Townsend's Soli- 1, 10,400 on Apr. 7 with 300 still present May 21 taire was noted at Spirit L. Apr. 18 (WA). Smith's Longspurs passed through Alberta as usual with 10 at Whitford May 21 (MH), one at Orion Apr VIREOS, WARBLERS--There were seven 23 (GMG, PG), and 3 on May 5 increasing to 200 Philadelphia Vireos near L. Lenore, Sask., May 27 on May 14-15at Toileld (GG, LG, DD). (WCH). Most observersreported warblers both late and scarce, but there were minor waves involving ten CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in boldface)--H speciesincluding 40 Tennesseesat LaMoure May 19- S. Abrahamson, E. A. Alfstad, W. Anaka, Eliz. G 20, of eight speciesat Sullys Hill May 19-23 and at Anderson, M. L. Avery, D. M. Baker, Ed Baldwin, JamestownMay 29. On May 27 at Rosetown, 35 Ten- Fred G. Bard, P. L. Beckie, Marg Belcher, H. Besler, nessee Warblers descended upon two plains shelter- A.J. Binnie, Flossie Bogdan, Ctlrol Breen, Art Broom- beltsduring a warm rain and someremained with Black- hall, Betty Bulmer, G. Bulmer, R. Butot, Chas & polls until June 10 (DHR). A TennesseeWarbler and Helen Carlson, F. J. Cassel, M. E. Christensen, a Blackpoll Warbler at Bowdoin Refuge May 20 were H. W. R. Copland,Eliz. Cruickshank,Barb Danielson, unusual(PDS). SingleGolden-winged Warblers were R. Danielson, D. Dekker, C. Dixon, T. Donald, A seen at LaMoure May 20 (MLA), Fargo May 23 J. Erskine, C. A. Fjetland, A. C. Fox, K. Gardner, (EGA), JamestownMay 21 & 24 (PFS, DHJ) and R. E. Gehlert, W. Gemmell, D. Gilmer, D. E. Goeke, at Riding Mtn. Nat. Park, Man., May 21 (WJW). Other J. B. Gollop, Gwen Goulden, Loran Goulden, G. M rare warblers included a BlackburnJan at Saskatoon Greenlee, W. Hall, M. J. Hampson, B. A. Hanson, May 7 (PO) and a Hooded at Fargo May 6 (PKH). B. K. Harris, Chas. Harris, Jean M. Harris, W C

Volume 27, Number 4 787 Harris, Phyllis C. Hart, June Harter, D. R. M. Hatch, Swanick, F. Switzer, S. J. Thomson, Terry Thormin, Lois C. Haynes, Eve T. and R. A. Hays, J. D. A. K. Trout, Mary G. Trump. F. Tulley, J. G. Turner, Hayward, M. Hennie, R. O. Hilling, Mary I. Houston, Robt. W. Turner, H. W. Wagar, R. J. Walker, W. FJiz. K. Hubbard, Phyllis K. Hunter, D. H. Johnson, J. Walley, D. N. White, J. Y. White, J. Wolford, A. O. W. Johnson, R. R. Johnson, Edith W. Kern, Pat Wormington, R. L. Wright, K. J. Zimmer. R. Kern, R. J. King, L. Kirsch, Leith M. Knight, F.. B.C.--Edmonton Bird Club, S.N.H.S.---Saskatoon G. D. Kobriger, D. L. Kubischta, P. L. Lago, Fred Natural History Society, C.F.N.S.---Calgary Natural W. Lahrman,Bill and VirginiaLang, G. F. Ledirigham, History Society. M. Lewis, L. M. Lohr, John T. Lokemoen, K. R. Lumbis, J. Matthews, Anna Miller, L. M. Moos, Betty Note: The above was written between June 17 and Murphy, S. F. McClintock, D.C. McGlauchlin, Rose 24 by Wayne œ. Renaud, biologystudent at the Univer- McLaughlin, W. Niven, L. W. Oliphant, Pat O'Neil, sity of Saskatchewan,whose permanent address is Box R. Palindat, G. Pegg, H. Pinel, J. F.. Polson, Beckie 327, Rosetown, Sask. SOL 2va. Wayne had no time Quanrud, R. N. Randall, R. D. Rafuse, D. H. Renaud, available after June 24 (and I had none before June Wayne F.. Renaud, S. D. Riome, Barb Robinson, Carol 25), so the additions and deletions necessary to Robinson, B. J. Rose, W. Rose, I. O. Rostad, R. accomodatethe Manitoba and North Dakota reports, L. Rytter, W. R. Salt, P. Scholefield, B. W. Schranck, which arrived late due to slow mail service, are my Helen C. F.. Schuler, Ester M. Serr, Stan J. Shadick, responsibility. I did the final typing.--C. STUART P. D. Skaar, Mary Skinner, N. F. SIoan, F. Splen- HOUSTON, 863 University Drive, Saskatoon, Sask. doria, P. F. Springer, W. F.. Steffen, L. Stephen, J. S7N O J8.

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS Seven Colorado oil companies were charged in / Frances Williams Denver U.S. District Court with killing migratorybirds in oil settling ponds covered with sludge. U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials estimatedthat as many as 30,000 Spring was notable for high water and low tem- ducksare killed each year by landingin sludge-covered perature. In Smith County, Texas, youngof early nest- oil ponds. Oil-stained birds which manage to extricate ers like chickadees and bluebirds died in the boxes, themselvesfrom suchponds present an identification probably from lack of food, during a period of ten problem to birders. This springa phalaropewhich was as red as a Red Phalarope but had the bill and unmarked wingsofa Wilson's Phalaropecaused much discussion among west Texas birders. The consensuswas that it was an oil-stained Wilson's Phalarope.

LOONS, GREBES, PELICANS--Cam. Loons remainedin Smith Co., Tex. until May 17and at Dallas • • • t • I • e' Topeka until May 23. Western Grebes were sightedin Cimar- ran Co., Okla., May 9-13. Pied-billed Grebes were still presentat Midland, Tex., at the end of the period. White Pelicans moved through Texas and Oklahoma • o• ..... • • Tul• duringApril with peaknumbers including 2500at Fred- ' I , ' •KLA. ',f• ricksburg, Tex., Apr. 15 and 150 at Tulsa Apr. 21. This specieswas not observedin Coloradountil May. The largest flock in that state numbered 77 birds in CrowIcy Co., May I I.

HERONS, IBIS--Each year brings more reports of Green Herons west of the 100th meridian. This spring there were 14 reports Apr. 29-May 12. Little Blue Herons were sightedat Amarillo Apr. 20 and at Ft. Worth Mar. 24. The largest number of Cattle Egrets reported was 125 at Kerrville, Tex., Apr. 15. days of continuous•in. Frost occu• in Johnson The specieswas reported the same date at Cushing County,Kansas as late as May 17and all areas reported and Perkins, Okla. and May I in Wichita Co., Tex. that trees and shrubs leafed out about two weeks later Unusual spring sightings of Great Egret were at thannormal because of continuingcold weather. Arri- Pueblo, Colo., May II, Otero Co., Colo., May 12 val datesof summerresidents and migrantsvaned from and Midland Apr. 15. A LouisianaHeron at Ft. Worth very early to ve• late but all reporte• agreedthat May 5 was noteworthy (L&AB). Least Bitterns were thepeak of migrationwas two weekslater than usual. locatedin BrazosCo., Tex., May 24, Yuma Co., Colo., Winter residentswere generally two to three weeks May 12 and Wichita Co., Tex., Apr. 28. White-faced late in leaving.Periods of heavymigration were April Ibis werenumerous throughout the RegionApr. 6-May 20-22, Ap•l 29-May I, May 5-7, and May 13-15. 27.

788 American Birds, August 1973 DUCKS--By the end of the period Wood Duck and 12 at San Angelo Apr. 27. P•p•ngPlovers were broods had been noted at Cushing, Dallas and Hays, observedat Pueblo May 11-12(VT, DSi) and Kaufman Kans. A male in Howard Co., Tex. on the late date Co., Tex., May 12(CDF). SeventeenSnowy Plovers May 25 caused observers there to wonder if he might were counted at San Angelo Apr. 27. A Killdeer's be one of a nestingpair. This speciesoccurred in Boul- nest with three eggs was found in Ellis Co. on the der Co., Colo., May 12. Diving ducks remaineduntil early date Mar. 25. On Apr. 20, 35 Am. Golden Plovers mid-May in many areas. A Barrow's Goldeneye was were sighted in Canadian Co., Okla. Other records present at Boulder Apr. 5 (HC) and a Black Scoter included single birds at Ft. Worth Mar. 30 and San at Dallas Apr. 28 (HN). Red-breastedMergansers in Angelo Apr. 22. Ruddy Turnstones were sighted at Weld Co., Colo., May 9 made a new record for Pawnee Ft. Worth May 14, OklahomaCity May 18, 20, Wichita Nat'l Grasslands. Co., May 11. An Am. Woodcockchick perhapstwo weeksold was RAPTORS---The nest of a White-tailed Kite was foundin PayneCo., Okla., Apr. 7 (JBa, m.ob.). Th•s found in Leon Co., Tex., Apr. 20 (CDF). The birds is possibly the second nesting record for the State first appearedin the area Mar. 24 (DWo,LR). A White- Whimbrelswere noted in Kiowa Co., Okla., May 16, tinled Kite at Dallas May 23 was a first County record Comanche Co., May 23, Dallas May 7, Mcl•ennan (PJa, MFr). MississippiKites arrived in San Angelo, Co., Tex., May 18, Kaufman Co., May 12. A flock Tex., Apr. 1 but not until late April in the remainder of 27 Whimbrels near Longmont in early May was of the Region. noteworthy.Willets moved across the plainsin good The only flocks of Broad-wingedHawks reported numbersApr. 27-May 5. White-rumpedSandpipers were in NacogdochesCo., Tex., where 281 birds were were unusually common in Texas May 9-16. High countedApr. 3 and 221 on Apr. 12. This specieswas count was 50 in Brazos Co., May 16. This species noted at Howard Co., Apr. 22 and Boulder May 4. was recordedat Tulsa May 28 and Ellis Co., May Swainson's Hawks were recorded in Nacogdoches 21. Dunlins were sighted in Kaufman Co., May 12 Co , Apr. 8-9. They are rarely seen so far east. By and WichitaCo., May 14. Buff-breastedSandpipers the end of the period five nests of Golden Eagleshad werelocated in FreestoneCo., Tex., Apr. 21, Kaufman beenfound in the Region. Only three Bald Eagleswere Co., May 12, Oklahoma City Apr. 20, May 20, Wichita seen during the spring migration. Marsh Hawk nests Co., May 13, Brazos Co., May 16. There were nine were found in Trego and Phillips Cos., Kans. Only reportsof Hudsonian Godwits totalingat least 21 birds 33 Ospreys were sightedin the Region. Sanderlingswere recordedin Wichita Co., May 11 Only five PeregrineFalcons were recordedin the and Tulsa May 14. Black-necked Stilts were more Region, the earliest Apr. 20 and the latest May 27. widely dispersedin the Regionthan normal. Northern Merlins were noted at Dallas Apr. 14, Lubbock Co., Phalaropeswere found in CanadianCo., Okla., May Tex., May 5, Kerrville Apr. 15 and San Angelo Apr. 28, BoulderMay 6, SheridanCo., Neb., May 12. 1 In Armstrong Co., Tex., Apr. 1, 71 Am. Kestrels were countedalong 20 miles of road. Ten were sighted GULLS, TERNS--Laughing Gulls appeared at •n a quarter-mile in Howard Co., Apr. 6. Dallas May 19 (HN, m.ob.) and Wichita Co., May 23 (MBr). There were eightreports of Forster'sTerns PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH RAII•S CommonTerns were carefullystudied at Lincoln Apr --Greater Prairie Chickens seem to be prosper- 24, Buffalo Lake N.W.R., May 21, Bellevue, Neb , •ng in Tulsa Co. A flock of 500 SandhillCranes in Apr. 29, Junction, Tex., May 27, Wichita Co., Apr Greet Co., May 13 was extremely late 0&LMc). A 15. Caspian Terns were sightedin Wichita Co., May K•ng Rail in BrazosCo., Apr. 27 was a first spring 22 and Comanche Co., May 23. record(GFC). A Virginia Rail wassighted at Colorado DOVES, PARAKEETS, CUCKOOS--A White- Springs May 13 and one was collectedin Brazos Co., wingedDove was seen,heard and photographedat Buf- Apr. 5 (GFC). A Yellow Rail was noted at Bellevue, falo Lake N.W.R., May 19-21 (KS). Inca Doves are Neb., Apr. 30. Purple Gallinules were recordedat Dal- increasingat Lubbockbut the •mall groupin Jackson las May 13, BrazosCo., Apr. 27, Oklahoma Co., early Co., Okla. was last seen May 4. Monk Parakeets May. ACom. Gallinule remained at L. Overholser are still present in Norman, Okla. Black-billed Cuck- near Oklahoma City Apr. 17-May 19. Two birds were oos were noted May 3-21 at Nacogdoches, Tulsa, seen on the latter date. Johnson Co., Bellevue and Lincoln. One at Dallas May 22 was an unusual locality record (WP). SHOREBIRDS--Most observers reported low numbers of shorebirdsand blamed it on high water. OWLS, GOATSUCKERS--Barn Owl nests were However Ken Seyffert reported that at Buffalo Lake locatedin Boulderand Ellis Cos. BurrowingOwls were N W.R. in the Texas Panhandle mudflat conditions reported in good numbers at Pueblo and Weld Co , were ideal but few shorebirds appeared. Other w. but were decreasingin Boulder and Ellis Cos. Texas observersnoted that the thousandsofplaya lakes An attack on a Burrowing Owl by a Loggerheed on the plainscontained water and that shorebirdscould Shrike was observed in Midland. The Burrowing Owl be widely dispersed. was holdinga grasshopperin its beak while standing Semipalmated Plovers were recorded at Stillwater, near its burrow. The shrike flew at the owl, knocked Okla., Apr. 21, 24, Longmont, Colo., May 12, Ellis it off balanceand causedit to drop the grasshopper Co , Kans., May 5 and Brazos Co., May 3. Peak num- The shrike'smate picked up the grasshopperand flew bers were 21 at Salt Plains N.W.R., Okla., Apr. 20 away with it (ABC).

Volume 27, Number 4 789 Long-eared Owls were located on Pawnee Nat'l other w•ntering montane jays Scrub Jays were noted Grassland Apr. 18, Yuma Co., Apr. 15, May 15, and at Portales Apr. 5-24. Pition Jays were sighed at Por- •n Ellis Co. throughout the period. Short-eared owls tales Apr. 22, Boulder Co., Apr. 28 and Pueblo Co , were nesting in Ness Co., Kans. Whip-poor-wills May 28. Clark's Nutcrackerswere still presentat the returned to Tulsa for the third year. There were many end of the period at Pueblo, Lubbock and Boulder reports of Poor-wills from Colorado May 12-28. This but they had left most plains areas by mid-May species was common in Morton Co., Kans. in May and one was sighted as far east as Stillwater Apr. 7 BUSHTITS, VERDINS, NUTHATCHES (JBa). --Bushtits were recorded at Lubbock May 13 and Clayton May 16. A Verdin was noted in Jackson Co , SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECK- Okla., Apr. 19 (JA, BrC) and a nest with eggs was ERS-Chimney Swifts arrived in Boulder Apr. 10 located in Palo Duro Canyon, Tex., May 6. Verdins and on May 4 more than 70 were counted over have only recently moved into these two areas Red- the Colorado University campus. This specieswas for- breasted Nuthatches lingered until early May at L•n- merly considereda rare visitor west of the 100thmeri- coln, Lyons, Colo., Portales and Lubbock. dian but is now regular at several widely scattered localities. Recent records were at Howard Co., CREEPERS, WRENS--Brown Creepers were late Clayton and Portales, New Mex. in leaving Ellis Co., Apr. 11 and Denver Apr 26 Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were sighted in Lub- Winter Wrens were noted on the late dates May 8 bock May 6, 27. Com. Flickers and Red-belliedWood- at Clayton and May 15 at Midland. Carolina Wrens peckers are being reduced in Norman by Starlings were singing during May in both Potter and Randall usurpingtheir nestingcavities. A Red-belliedWood- Cos., Tex. Very late Long-billed Marsh Wrens were pecker was west of its usual range at Slaton, Tex., recorded in Brazos Co., May 24, Boulder May 27, May 9 (W&YG). This specieswas unusually common Ft. Worth May 5, Colorado Springs May 13. in Ellis Co. all winter and was nesting there for the first time. At least three pairs were located (CAE). MIMICS, THRUSHES--Mockingbirds were A nesting Golden-fronted Woodpecker was found in noted at Bellevue Apr. 21, May 5. Brown Thrashers Lubbock Co., May 5. Another of this species was were seen at Pawnee GrasslandsMay 8, Boulder Co , seen at Dallas east of its usual range May 3 (BV). May 12, Portales May 13-17. A Gray Catbird was A Red-headedWoodpecker was noted at Pawnee Nat'l noted at Portales May 16. A flock of hungry Am Grassland May 22. This speciesincreased in e. Ne- Robinsate over ten poundsof applesand raisins dunng braska but there were fewer records in Colorado. a snow storm at Boulder Apr. 8. Wood Thrushes at Lewis' Woodpeckerswere scarce at Boulder and lin- Clayton May 4, 8 provideda secondrecord (AJK) A gered at Clayton until Apr. 29 and Amarillo until May Wood Thrush nest containingtwo eggswas found at 10 College Station, Tex., a first nesting record for the area (KAA, GFC). Hermit Thrushes were absent •n FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--Flycatchers Ellis Co. where 160 other Hylociehla thrushes were were in low numbers in many areas throughout the banded! Gray-cheekedThrushes were unusuallycom- migration season.A W. Kingbird was recorded at Lin- mon in JohnsonCo., even outnumberingthe usually coln May 9. Eastern Kingbirds were more numerous abundant Swainson's Thrushes. Gray-cheeked than W. Kingbirds in Yuma Co. A Great Crested Thrushes were also recorded at Boulder May 30 and Flycatcher was sighted at Pueblo May 27 (VT). An Midland May 17. Veeries are rarely recorded on the E Phoebe was noted in Arapahoe Co., Colo., Apr. plains but this spring there were 21 records during the 29 One Hammond's Flycatcher and two Dusky first two weeksof May. EasternBluebirds were s•ghted Flycatchers were banded near Longmont May 29 in Union Co., New Mex., Apr. 3-15 and Portales May (ACo). Olive-sided Flycatchers were sighted at Bel- 10. levue May 12 and Johnson Co., May 31. Vermilion Flycatchers were observed at Buffalo Lake N.W.R., VIREOS--Black-capped Vireos were found •n May 21 and Adams Co., Colo., Apr. 29. A Violet-green Comanche Co., Apr. 18 and Cleveland Co., Okla , Swallow in Smith Co., Tex., Apr. 24 was a new County Apr. 27, May 22. Although White-eyed Vireos breed record (EC). Twelve of this species were sighted at in the eastern third of the Region they are rarely Kerrville Apr. 21 (E&KM). At Boulder 254 Violet- recorded in the west. They were observedin Comanche green Swallows were counted May 12. Rough-winged Co., Apr. 14-16,Ellis Co., Apr. 30-May 6 and Morton Swallows were nesting in McLennan Co., Tex. Barn Co., Kans., May 12. Yellow-throated Vireos also Swallows were observed nest-building in Comanche strayed and were sighted at Comanche Co., Apr 13, Co., Mar. 19. On Apr. 4 the nest containedfive eggs. Boulder May 1, 12, Ellis Co., May 4. Philadelphia This is a very early nesting record for Oklahoma Vireos were reported from ten widely scattered (J&LMc). Barn Swallows were nesting in Dallas, one localities Apr. 28-May 25. of the few records in this area of Texas. Three pairs of Purple Martins were nesting in Howard Co., a sec- WARBLERS--In the western third of the Region ond record. warbler migration was "fantastic." In the remainder of the Region it was spotty with reports varying from CORVIDS--Blue Jays were seen in Weld Co., May JohnsonCo.'s 26 speciesand Ft. Worth's 22 species 15 Steller's Jays left the plains much earlier than the but few individuals to Ellis Co.'s "poor season both

790 American Birds, August 1973 m numbers and variety." Some reporters didn't even nette. There is no specimen of this unmistakable mentionwarblers, an occurrenceunheard-of in spring! speciesfor the State, but there are four previoussight There were seven reports of Black-and-white Warblers records, all much farther west than San Saba Co. There west of the 100th meridian Apr. 26-May 30. The is no specimen of Hooded Warbler for Nebraska, but ProthonotaryWarbler was a first record at Pueblo May the specieswas noted in LancasterCo. May 10 (SD) 3-4 (DSi, VT) and LubbockMay 5 (M&OD). A Swain- and Omaha May 5 (CSw). In the west it was recorded son's Warbler was collected in Johnson Co., May 4. at BoulderMay 26 (ACo), Larimer Co., May 12(MMu) The specimenis at KansasUniversity. A Worm-eating and Midland Apr. 28 (M.N.). CanadaWarblers were Warbler was banded at Hays Apr. 21, one was found sightedat Bartlesville(no date), Ft. Worth May 22, dead in JohnsonCo., Apr. 20 and one was sighted JohnsonCo., May 9 and Tulsa May 23, 25. at Omaha May 20. A Golden-wingedWarbler was dis- covered in Baca Co., May 5. Blue-winged Warblers ICTERIDS--There was a goodflight of Bobolinks arrived in Smith Co., Apr. 17, Dallas Apr. 21, Nacog- May 12 when 40 males were counted in Kaufman Co dochesApr. 26 and Omaha May 12. TennesseeWar- Other recordson that date includedsightings in Ellis blers were common in many areas May 6-18 with a Co. and Longmont. The specieswas recorded May peak of 42 at Nacogdoches May 8 and a late record 5-11 at Dallas and May 13 at ColoradoSprings but at Hays May 30. An early Virginia's Warbler was appeared late at Boulder May 28. Yellow-headed sightedin RandallCo., Apr. 29. Elsewherethe species Blackbirdsare sightedin the easternhalf of the Region was noted May 5-15. Northern Parulas arrived in Mid- morefrequently each year. This springthey appeared land Apr. 3, ComancheCo., Apr. 11, JohnsonCo., at Lincoln Apr. 18 and were still present May 30. The Apr 21, Portales May 5, Buffalo Lake N.W.R., May largest flock counted at Dallas comprisedabout 60 6, Omaha May 21. birdsMay 8. Other recordsincluded Tarrant Co., Apr 24, 27, GrimesCo., Tex., Apr. 28, BurlesonCo., Tex , DENDROICA WARBLERS--Magnolia Warblers May 9, BrazosCo., May 23. The Bullock'ssubspecies were sightedin Ft. Worth May 5, JohnsonCo., May of N. Oriole was nestingat Dallas and Tarrant Co 6, Pueblo May l l, 19, Larimer Co., Colo., May 12, Scott's Orioles were recorded at Kerrville Apr. 21 Yuma Co., May 12-13,Omaha May 22, Boulder May 29-31. Cape May Warblers were far west of their usual (E&KM) and Portales Apr. 22 (DP). Great-tailed Grackles which arrived in Lubbock in February were rangeat Salt PlainsN.W.R., Apr. 27 (ZM), Cimarron stillpresent in May. CommonGrackles are now regular Co, May 12-13 (O.O.S.), Boulder May 2, 3, 7, 19 nesters at Clayton and their presence in Amarillo and (mob.). The only Black-throated Blue Warbler Lubbock through May led observersthere to suspect reportedwas at Ft. Worth May 5. Black-throatedGray nesting. Bronzed Cowbirds were recorded at Kerrville Warblerswere at PortalesMay 5, Baca Co., May 4, May 10, BurlesonCo., May 7 and San Angelo Apr Boulder May 12. Townsend's Warblers were recorded 22. early at Hays Apr. 14and PortalesApr. 22; elsewhere dates were May 3-11. First dates for Black-throated TANAGERS--Western Tanagers appeared at Green Warblers were May 3-5 in JohnsonCo., Bel- Osage Hills S.P., Okla., May 24 and Tarrant Co , levue, Comanche Co., Boulder. Cerulean Warblers May 5. There were three recordsof ScarletTanagers were recorded at Ft. Worth Apr. 25, Nacogdoches in WashingtonCo., Okla., Apr. 24, May 3 & 10. Other May 3, Dallas May 5-8, JohnsonCo., May 30, Bartles- sightings were Delaware Co., Okla., May 3, Potter ville (nodate). Blackburnian Warblers, which are rarely Co., Tex., May 6, Tarrant Co., May 5. It is interesting seenon the plains, were recordedMay 5-29 at Johnson to note that nearly all these vagrants were recorded Co , Lincoln, Tulsa, Colorado Springs, Boulder, after the species had arrived in its nesting area m Moore Co., Tex., McLennan Co., Midland. Thirteen JohnsonCo., Apr. 29. SummerTanagers were sighted localities reported Chestnut-sidedWarblers May 1- on the northernedge of their range at LongmontMay June 4. Thirteen Blackpoll Warblers were banded at 4, PortalesMay 10 and Ellis Co., May 1-5. Boulderand there were numerousother reportsthere May 14-June 1. This species appeared at 14 other FRINGILLIDS--A Cardinal was seen in Colorado localities where it seldom occurs. Palm Warblers were SpringsMay 13. Pyrrhuloxiaswere present in Denton, sightedat PuebloApr. 29, JohnsonCo., May 5, Dallas Tex. throughoutthe winter and at least until Apr. 12 May 5-6, Colorado Springs May 13, Lubbock May Rose-breastedGrosbeaks were very numerousm 23 Johnson Co., where they nest, and were common throughoutthe Region during migration. Black-headed MORE WARBLERS--Ovenbirdswere unusually Grosbeakswere notedas far eastas Tarrant Co., May common at many localities Apr. 28-May 30. A Ken- 7 and were common along the eastern edge of their tucky Warbler was photographedat PuebloMay 7 usual migrationpath. An Indigo Bunting at Portales (VT). This speciesalso appearedat Dallas Apr. 23 May 10 was a first record there althoughthis species & 28. One of the rarestwarblers on the plainsis the is a regular migrant throughoutthe Region. Lazuh Connecticut.The only report this springwas at Bel- Buntingswere notedat LubbockMay 15 (SM, AB), levueMay 5 (RG). MourningWarblers were reported ClaytonMay 14 (WC) and Midland May 15 (M.N) at BellevueMay 21, NormanMay 30 and Hays May "More than a thousand" Dickcissels were observed 12 The prizefind of the seasonwas a groupof three in Dallas Co. May 6 but by May 19 only one could Red-facedWarblers in San Saba Co., Tex., May 5. be found(HN, DM). Largeflocks of EveningGros- They were observedrepeatedly from 10 a.m. to 2:30 beakswhich winteredon the plainswere still present p m by Lillian M. Brown, Gerald Raun and Lou Bar- at Longmontand PuebloJune 1. Departure datesat

Volume 27, Number 4 791 20 other localities varied from Apr. 17-May 26 with Charles D. Fisher, Foothills Audubon Club, Maurine the median being May 18. Purple Finches remained Forbes, Bob & Lynn Forster, Thelma Fox, Margaret at Dewey, Okla. until May 1, Borger, Tex., May 1, Francis, Georgia Galloway, Margaret Gallup, Pat Lubbock Apr. 22, Omaha Apr. 16. Cassin's Finches Garthwaite, Mary Glenn, Howard & Dotty Goard, lingered until May 13 at Pueblo, Apr. 22 at Lubbock, Neland Gray, Ruth Green, Wayne & Yvonne Greene, May 4 at Boulder and May 13 at Colorado Springs. Janet Greer, Dave Griffiths, John Grula, Don Gum, Flocks of 100 or more Pine Siskins were seen only Charles Haas, Janet Hagood, Martel Hall, Mrs at Nacogdoches and Amarillo. Elsewhere they were Clomer Hames, Mary Harberg, Ron Harden, Warren low in numbersbut remained late. By the end of the Harden, C. Hasselback, Elizabeth & Kenneth Hayes, period Pine Siskins were nestingin Hays and Trego Carol Haverkampf, K. L. Heacock, Paul & Iris Hefty, Co , Kans. Red Crossbills which wintered throughout Vic Heller, C. Henderson, Jim Henderson, Gene Hen- the Region remained late and were still present at dricks, Louise Itering, Elizabeth Hicks, Duncan Boulder, Pueblo, Johnson Co. and Hays at the end Himes, Thomas Hoffman, Bill & Ginger Holhday, of the period. Departure dates elsewhere were Apr. Edyth Hoyt, Bernadine Huckaby, Deloris Isted, Phyl- 1l~May 24. White-winged Crossbills were seen at Bel- lis Jackson, Virginia Jeffrey, Mary Avolyn Johns, Billy levue Apr. 7 and Omaha Apr. 25. Jones, Ted Jones, Norma Johnson, Paul Johnson, Paul The Green-tailed Towhee which wintered in Dallas Julian, Teta Kain, Joann Karges, Polly Keating, Rlta remaineduntil May 8. The specieswas noted at Pawnee Kenney, J. T. Kent, Mrs. Orb Kersey, Hugh Kingery, Grasslands May 8, 16, Morton Co., May 13 and Por- June & Francis Kingon, Jane Kittleman, R. Klein, tales May 10. Winter sparrows remained late on the June Knox, Gerrie & Joe Kremer, Adolf J. Krehbiel, plains. GrasshopperSparrows were unusually com- Steve Larson, Donald Laub, Gary Lee, Edmund Le- mon in w. Texas. Baird's Sparrows were noted at Grand, Ted Levin, Jerry Ligon, John Lindfors, Ray Clayton Apr. 5 and Boulder May 4. ALe Conte's & Terry Little, Genevieve & Allen Litton, Joe Living- Sparrow appeared in the unlikely habitat of an urban ston, Joe & Mary Ruth Lowe, Blaine M. Marshman, residencebackyard in Ft. Worth Apr. 21. SageSpar- Judith & Robert Mason, Terry Maxwell, Mary Mayes, rows at Lubbock May 5 were a first record (DGu Larry Mays, Sue & Joel McConnell, Janet & Lewis et al.). A Tree Sparrow was sighted at Dallas Apr. McGee, Earl McHugh, Iris McPherson, Marion Meier, 4, the first recordthere in manyyears (fide HN). Tree Elizabeth Mekkelsen, Sharon Menaul, A.M. & Sophia Sparrowsremained late at Lincoln May 5 and Boulder Mery, Midland Naturalists, Polly Miller, Zella May 7. Over 2100 ChippingSparrows and 500 Clay- Moorman, Rosalind Morris, Knolla Morrow, Eloise colored Sparrows were recorded at Lubbock May 5. Mudge, Ernest & Kay Mueller, Dee Muir, Mary Harris' Sparrows remained until May 15 at many Muller, Mary Louise Myers, C. A. Newman, John localities. A White-throated Sparrow lingered at Newell, Hazel Nichols,Karen Nickey, Jimmy Norman, Colorado Springs until May 13. Chestnut-collared Oklahoma OrnithologicalSociety, Mabel & John Ott, Longspursarrived at PawneeGrasslands Apr. 18 and Margaret Parker, David Paschke, Sue Patterson, the first nest was found May 25. The largestnumber SebastianT. Patti, L. B. Paul, Dorothy Phillips, Fred of McCown's Longspursever countedin a single day Pianalto, Cloyce Pinson, David K. Porter, Georgia on PawneeGrasslands was 233 Apr. 18. Fifteen nests Porter, Warren Pulich, Midge Randolph,Gerald Raun, of this specieshad been found by the end of the period. Grace E. Ray, Ora & AI Reed, Mrs. Clinton Reeves, Anne & Bruce Reynolds, Lin Risner, Charles Roberts, REPORTERS (bold face) and OBSERV- Doris Robertson, Margaret Roddy, Marvin E. Rolls, ERS-Peggy Acord, Aiken Audubon Society, Rena Ross, Kent Rylander, D. & B. Saville, Kenneth Bruce Anderson, Bryce Anderson, Robert Ander- Seyffert, Mrs. J. D. Sharp, O. C. Sheffield, Dick son, Keith A. Arnold, Audubon Society of Oma- Sherry, Dave Silverman, Harold & Jerry Smith, Jerry ha, John Ault, Inez Baker, Jack Barclay, Lou Spangler,Julia Sparger, Mahlon Speers,Gregg Spicer, Barnette, Martha Gene Beaty, Landon & Ada Beaver, Carolyn Stallwitz, Layfette Stankewltz, Darleen Ste- Verlie Beeler, Esther Bennett, Pat Bergey, John & vens, Helen Stiles, Bob Suitt, Berene Sullivan, George Ethelyne Bizilo, A1 Bjelland, Ben Blazier, Steve M. Sutton, Carl Swanson, Tippa Test, Evelyn Borchard, Boulder Bird Club, Ethel Bowman, Tanya Thomas, John Tilton, Rosemary Trigg, Van Truan, Bray, Margaret Broday, Lillian M. Brown, John Tulsa Audubon Society, Jack D. Tyler, V. J. Vacin, Budde, Mary Bush, Fern Cain, Sally Campbell, Bea Frostie van Cleave, Esther Waddill, Ann & RussWell, Cannon, Brad Carlton, Bill Carter, Mrs. Pilk Carter, Grace Wiegman, Melba Wigg, Lynn Willcockson,Craig Virginia Chartock, Alden Clifford, Bill Collins, G. F. Williams, Howard Williams, Doris Williamson, Eva Collins, Allegra Collister, Harry Collum, Jim Wilson, Erin Wingren, David Wolf, Louise & Roy Commers, Wesley Cook, Ruby Cranor, A. B. Croc- Wood, John Zelazny, Kathleen Zinn--FRANCES kett, Allen & PaulaCrockett, Vern & Betty Cronquist, WILLIAMS, 3307 Neely, Midland, TX, 79701. Douglas & Irene Cruickshank, Camille Cummings, Edgar Cunningham, Roberta Currie, Carol Cushman, Yvonne Daniel, D. Davis, Ella Delap, Jim Delehant, Jean Devlin, Hazel & Fitzhugh Diggs, Ruth Dillon, Max & Orlena Dodson, Shirley Doole, Doris Doyle, Charles Easley, Chip & Elizabeth Elliott, Robbie Elliott, Charles A. Ely, Dorothy England, Richard & Tony Esposito, Mrs. V. E. Estes, Tippy Ferris,

792 American Birds, August 1973 SOUTH TEXAS REGION 1150 Bay-breasted Warblers, 80 Ovenbirds, 60 N. / Fred S. Webster, Jr. Waterthrushes, 35 and 1500 Am. Redstarts, 450 Rose- breastedGrosbeaks, 1400 Indigo Buntingsand 60 Scar- let Tanagers. From the positionof the birder, this was the poorest migrationin years in most areas.The principalexcep- On the afternoon of May 5 an unusually high number of migrants could be heard overhead on North Padre tions occurred on North Padre Island and along the Island (BAF). "On the night of May 5-6 (mainly upper coastal strip where unfavorable flying weather on several dates caused transients coming in from the between 10-11 p.m. on May 5) a large number of pas- serines were grounded on the north end of the Padre Gulf of Mexico to drop into the first cover available. Island National Seashore. At Malaquite Beach, where Cold fronts and rains were not lacking elsewhere but in most instancesthe hoped for windfall failed to mate- approximately 25 lampposts light the parking lot, there were hundreds, probably thousands, of pas- rializc. Developments during the first half of May did much to redeem the season and will be recounted in setinesof great variety swirling around the lights. Many some detail. were exhaustedand were sitting on the pavement. At two other lighted areas nearby there were grounded birds in lesser numbers (there is much less light at these latter two). Calls of transients overhead could be heard all night on unlighted sections of the beach. Skies were overcast, a light mist falling. The next morn- ing no dead birds could be found in the parking lot, possiblyowing to the presenceof crabs and Laughing Gulls" (BT, fide BAF). At Port Aransas, some 25 miles up the beach from Padre Island National Seashore, a cold front moved through with high winds and some rain on May 12. A major push of passerines was indicated, with flycatchers. thrushes, warblers, orioles, grosbeaksand buntings in varying degrees of abundance. Pulich reported that it was difficult to identify speciessince many birds did not seem to want to land, flying over in largeflocks, two or three groupsof 10-20individuals each 10-minuteperiod. Many flocks consistedof Mag- nolia, Black-throated Green and Bay-breasted (30+) Warblers, Yellowthroats, Canada Warblers, and Am. Redstarts. At High 1., "the wind was still hard out Emanuel and Feltner arrived at High Island, east of the north on May 13, although skies had cleared of Galveston, at noon on May 2 ahead of a cold front. following the violent norther of May 12," Wolf wrote. Rainfall had been slight, Feltnet wrote, and wind was The day was outstandingfor Swainson's Thrush (50+), southerly, but they ran up an excellent count during Red-eyed Vireo (60+), Magnolia (42+) and Bay- the afternoon. "In late afternoon and early evening breasted(39+) Warblers, and Am. Redstarts(38+). the front moved through, accompaniedby extremely heavyrain and a windshift from SE to NW. At about LOONS, GANNETS, ANHINGAS--An appar- I1 p.m. we went down to the beach and found we entlyhealthy Corn. Loon was picked up by park rangers could hear the chips of warblers quite clearly at time on Padre Island N.S., June I I and released in a fresh and some could be seen as they flew over the pier waterpond (fide BAF). The decomposedremains of lights. At breakfast the following morning we sat at a subadultGannet was found washed up on the beach a restaurant window and watched small migrants Apr. 9 (BAF). Fourlarge flocks of Anhingas,perhaps materialize in the sky and drop into what cover was 400 individualsin all, were spottedon N. Padre1., available... At Lamar Woodsbirds literally exploded Mar. 24, "millingand circlingas they slowlymoved around us as we walked through the woodlot." The inland"(FO, RAR & DS). Movementof thisspecies day was spent along the coast between High Island was notedat Bentsen-RioGrande Valley S. P., Mar. and Sabine Pass with spectacular results. Isolated 25 (GD). clumpsof salt cedar held as many as 20 speciesand 200 individuals. A listing of more abundant as well HERONS, TREE DUCKS•The woodlandat High as unusuallyabundant species follow; for purposesof I. yieldeda countof 72 GreenHerons Apr. 13(DW). comparison,the first number relatesto May 2, second Twelve Black-bellied Tree Ducks were seen in w. Har- and solitary numbersto May 3:40 Yellow-billed Cuck- ris Co., Mar. 31 (DHH), and 2 were at Anahuac oos, 12and 45 Black-billed Cuckoos, 800 E. Kingbirds, N.W.R. Apr. 9 (RWC), bothoccurrences well beyond 1000 E. Wood Pewees, 1200 and 650 Gray Catbirds, theusual range. About 700 individuals entered Laguna 240 Swainson'sThrushes, 39 Grey-cheekedThrushes, AtascosaN.W.R. Apr. 6 (JDF). FulvousTree Ducks 80 Veeries, 65 PhiladelphiaVireos, 20 and 600 Black- appearedat Rockport Mar. 21; the flock built from and-white Warblers, 500 and 3000 Magnolia Warblers, 7 to 125+ in 10 daysand then disappeared(DNW). 25 and 40 Black-throated Green Warblers, 35 Blackbur- At Anahuac N.W.R., 225 were noted on Apr. 9 njan Warblers, 150 and 1300 Chestnut-sided Warblers, (RWC).

Volume 27, Number 4 793 HAWKS, EAGLES---Two Swallow-tailed Kites JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS--An intermediate were seen in n. Chambers Co., Apr. 24 (PJa, AM phasead. PomarineJaeger, "very tame but apparently & HN). Migration of MississippiKites was confined quitehealthy", wasobserved on the N. PadreI. beach largely to the secondhalf of April. Fifty were seen between Apr. 26-May 2 (BAF et al.). An oil-soaked at Santa Ana N.W.R. Apr. 16, but the greatestflight, bird, believed to be the same individual, was picked an estimated700 birds, was reported Apr. 22 (WAS). up about 10 mi. south of the above sightingMay 7 April 26 was the big day at CorpusChristi with 200+ (fide BAF). On S. Padre l., 5 mi. north of the jetties, reportedfrom the area (fide KM). At Falfurrias, 150+ an immature of this species was observed May 12 were movingin late afternoonApr. 28 {KM). Again, (BAF). A second-or third-year Glaucous Gull al the spacepermits listing of only the largerflights of Broad- Bolivar Pen. flats May 12 (SB, LR & DW) was well wingedHawks. The seasontotal at Santa Ana N. W. described. A bird carefully identified as a Great Black- R., a major border crossingpoint, was estimated at backed Gull was seen at Laguna Atascosa N.W.R. 20,000 between Mar. 18-Apr. 26. Apparently the lar- over a period of one week, around Mar. 6 (GAU et gestflighl was 9000on Mar. 29 (WAS). Eastwardon al.). There is one previous sight record for Texas. At the coast. 10,000+ were reported at Laguna Atascosa Bolivar Pen., 2500 Corn. Terns were seen May 3 (VLE N.W.R., Apr. 7-8 (fide JDF); usually, large flights & TBF). A bird described as a RoseateTern was seen are more likely to be encounteredfarther inland. Hawk in Aransas Bay Mar. 30 (DAG, SEL & JL). watchingwas very good in the CoastalBehd region. "Clouds" of hawkswere reportednear CorpusChristi Mar. 24 (fide KM). On Mar. 25, 12-15,000Broad- wingedswere recordedin a 45-min. period near Rock- port. This flight was comingin from Aransas Bay. Birds streamedstraight in, high over the water, until they were just over land, then began to circle (FO et al.). The writer suggeststhat strongnortherly winds may have pushedthe hawks over water as they mi- gratedup the coast.A steadystream of migranthawks was noted north of Corpus Christi Apr. 27 and on Mar. 30-31 thousands were reported from the met- ropolitanarea (KM). After rain on the morningof Apr. 17, a large flight was seen in the Austin area; one observer (HN) estimated2000 Broad-wingedsbetween 9:30 a.m.-I:30 p.m. No large flights of Swainson's Hawks were reported.The seasontotal for this species at Santa Ana N.W.R. was set at 500 (WAS). A Black Pomafine Jaeger. Padre !. Natl Seashore, Texas, Hawk at Salineno. near Falcon Dam, Mar. 25 {DAG, •4pr. 26-May 2, 1973. Photo/Bruce •4. Fall. SEL & JL) was well described; most reports of this CUCKOOS, HUMMINGBIRDS--A beach trip rare specieslack substantiatingdetails. A GoldenEagle from the Ranger Station on Padre Island N.S. south passedover the Hardingresidence in San Antonio May to Mansfield Channel (about 60 mi.) May 16 revealed I (AH). an influx of Yellow-billed Cuckoos. "This species was very common, with many individualssitting on sea-oats CRANES, SHOREBIRDS--Whooping Cranes left stalkson the primary dunes. A number(about 25) were Aransas N.W.R. between Apr. 1-29; all but 9 of the washed up on the beach." A single E. Kingbird was 50 birds had departed by Apr. 18 (EFJ). Peak move- the only other bird found washed ashore. This and ment of Sandhill Cranes occurred Mar. 11-12 at the precedingday were clear, calm and cool (BAF). Austin. Mrs. Winship remarked on the scarcity of A bird believed to be a Green Violet-ear (Colibri thaias- ploversin the Rockportarea. A PipingPlover at Austin sinus)was seen on extreme N. Padre l., May 24 (FO). Apr. 26-27 (KK; RAR & SW) was very unusual. The observeris familiar with this speciesin the highland American Golden Plovers were in numbers on the oak forests of s. Mexico. This species was added to upper coast by Mar. 10 (DW), a rather early date. the Texas list on the basis of an individual seen and Bolivar Pen. yieldeda highcount of Ruddy Turnstones, photographedat Austin, Aug. 25-Sept. 18, 1969. 390+; May 13 (DW). An early Upland Plover was at Port Aransas Mar. 10 (WP). A Red Knot count WOODPECKERS, COTINGAS, FLYCATCH- on Galveston beach May 12 was set at 2000 birds (PJo). ERS--A Downy Woodpeckerwas reported at Bent- High countsof White-rumped (340+)and Stilt (I 50+) sen-Rio Grande Valley S. P., Mar. 15 (GD). This Sandpipers were recorded in w. Harris Co., May 13 specieshas not been listed for the Rio Grande Delta. (DHH). A very late Buff-breasted Sandpiper was seen A e Rose-throated Becard was seen in the Anzalduas at San Antonio May 28 (DW). Wolf found 51 Hudso- area of Hidalgo Co., Mar. 5 (GD). In general, nian Godwits in a flooded rice field in the Anahuac flycatcher species were reported in less-than-usual area Apr. 22; this was a large early count. Highest numbers. A Tropical Kingbird at Bayside, Refugio seasoncount reported was 99 in w. Harris Co., May Co., Apr. 20 (DNW) was north and eastof its S. Texas 13 (DHH). A Ruff was found in a flooded rice field range. A push of W. Kingbirds occurred at Beeville in e. Chambers Co., Mar. 31 (CDF et al.). One was Apr. 29 (AHG). E. Wood Peweesinvaded the Corpus reported at Galveston May I I (JAM). Christi area May 13 (KM).

794 AmericanBirds, August 1973 SWALLOWS, KINGLETS--Large flocks of Tree the upper coast May 3 (VLE & TBF) At Anahuac and Barn Swallows were noted at Port Aransas from N.W.R., 25 were counted May 5 (RWC). Fourteen Mar 26 into May. Two flocks of Purple Martins, about (13 gg) were seen between High I. and Sabine Pass 150 birds in each, was seen there Feb. 18 (WP). A May 6 (VLE, EBK, RAR & SW). Elsewhere, a single late Ruby-crowned Kinglet was seen at San Antonio • was seen at Port Aransas May 4 (WP), and 2 • May 16 (AH). in the Bartlett area, Bell Co., May 6 (REC & BR) With a few exceptions,the oriole migrationwas disap- VIREOS, WARBLERS--A Black-cappedVireo in pointing. Orchard Orioles were common at High I , San Antonio May 2 (AH) was out of pocket both time- Apr. 13 and 15 (DW). Northern Oriole flights were wise and placewise. White-eyed Vireos were common noted at Corpus Christi Apr. 16-26, but on Apr. 30 at High I., Mar. 24-Apr. 15. A late Warbling Vireo numbersreached near invasionproportions throughout was singingat Austin May 27 (FSW). Black-and-white the city. This situationlasted until aboutMay 8, during Warblers were numerous in the Galveston and High which periodhungry groups attracted attention as they I areas Mar. 24 (VLE & TBF) and Apr. I (DHH), fed on fruits, insectsand flowers (KM). A heavier and at Welder Wildlife Refuge Mar. 26 (FO et al.). movementthan usual was noted at Beeville Apr. 26- A typical Brewster'sWarbler hybrid was seenat High May 2 (AHG). A Western Tanager was seen by a I , Apr. 26 (BB & HN). A Lawrence'sWarbler type, numberof observersat High I. betweenMar. 31-Apr describedas having "gray wings with two white wing 7; whether all sightingswere of the same individual bars, yellow breast and head, black bib" was seen is not known. at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley S. P., Apr. 27 (RW). Peak numbers of N. Parulas occurred on the upper FRINGILLIDS--A good push of Rose-breasted coast Mar. 24-Apr. 1; a late bird was seen at Beeville Grosbeakswas indicatedat Corpus Christi May 1-7 May 14 (AHG). An Olive-backed Warbler was seen A • Black-headedGrosbeak was seenthere May 6 (LW, at San Benito, Cameron Co.,' Mar. 19 (CEH). The fide KM). Dickcisselnumbers were below par on the Cape May Warbler, whose migration occurs east of coast, but large numbers were reported from Beeville Texas, was seen in perhaps unprecedented numbers. and San Antonio in late April. A late Rufous-sided Considering each day's count as of different Towbee was observedat San Antonio May 15 (AH) individuals, a total of 17 birds was reported from the A very late Vesper Sparrow was seen at Encinal, La upper coastbetween Mar. 31 (first March record, TBF) SalleCo., June 10(ROA), anda late Lincoln's Sparrow and May 6. A number of these were ad. g6 and most in BanderaCo., May 25 (DW). birdswere seenat High I. Even more surprising•vere reports from the Coastal Bend. Two ad. g5 were seen CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS--Dr at Port AransasApr. 21, 22 & 26 (LT, fide WP). An RichardO. Albert, Mrs. W. D. Anderson,Sonny Bass, ad• was at the Ranger Station, Padre Island N. S., Charles R. Bender, Dr. Barnard Benson, Russel W May 5; "due to lack of cover the bird was foraging Clapper, Dr. Ralph E. Clearman, Gladys Donohue, on the ground and on a wooden fence" (BAF). A • Victor L. Emanuel, Bruce A. Fall, T. B. Feltner, C was at the station May 7-8 (BAF et al.). Several of D. Fisher, Jerry D. French, Mrs. A. H. Geiselbrecht, the warblers which were moved to safety from the David A. Griffiths, Adele Harding, Dan H. Hardy, parking lot at Malaquite Beach on the night of May C. E. Hudson, Jr., Phyllis Jackson (PJa), E. F 5-6 match the descriptionof • Cape Mays (BT, fide Johnson,Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jones(PJo), Kenn Kauf- BAF). A very late singing• Black-throatedGreen War- man, Edgar B. Kincaid, Steven E. Larson, John Leon- bler was seen at Austin June 13 (WDA). A total of ard, Alice Marsh, Mary Anne McClendon, Kay 13 CeruleanWarblers was reported,all from the upper McCracken, James A. Middleton, Hazel Nichols, coast, a • May 13 at High I. (DW) was unusually Frank Oatman, Warren Pulich, Jr., Barbara Ribble, late Blackpoll Warblers occurred in fair numbers on Lin Risner, Rose Ann Rowlett, Wayne A. Shifflett, the upper coastduring the secondhalf of April. Highest David Simon, Bill Tanner, Leona Turnbull, George countreported was 20+ at High I., Apr. 26 (PJa, AM A. Unland, Ricky Warriner, Louise Waters, Suzanne & HN). Newsworthy were singlebirds at Port Aransas Winckler, Doris N. Winship, David Wolf---FRED S. May 5 (WP) and the Padre Island N. S. RangerStation WEBSTER, JR., 4926 Strass Drive, Austin, Texas May 7 (BAF). A very late Palm Warbler was at Rock- 78731. port May 18 (DNW). As many as 17 Ovenbirds were among warblers found on the grounds of the State CapitolBuilding at Austin May 5 (MAM, RAR), pre- sumablyattracted by downtownlights during the night. The MacGillivray's Warbler was seen at San Antonio May 7 & 18 (AH), and at Beeville May 15 (AHG). Advertising in American Birds pro. BOBOLINKS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS--It vides revenue that helps keep your seemsfitting that a seasonwhich producedCape May subscription rates down. Your patronage Warblers in S. Texas would bring also the usually rare of these advertisers encourages their Bobolink.This speciesinvaded the upper coast early continued support. in May. Thirty birds (28 •4) were seen in fields along the gulf front east of High I., May 2, and 14 along

Volume 27, Number 4 795 NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN- on Botanie L. in the Cascades at 4000 ft., 15 miles INTERMOUNTAIN REGION north of Lytton, on June 2-3. April 20, arrival date for the Red-necked Grebe there, was also two weeks / Thomas H. Rogers early. Up to 20 of these birds, a much higher- than-normal number, were seen at Kootenai N.W.R., After a mild March in the Region April temperatures Bonnets Ferry, Ida. and I I were seen on Hauser L., generallybecame about normal, except that Missoula, Ida. Apr. 29 (SGS). Forty-five Horned Grebes at For- Red Rock Lakes Nat'l Wildlife Refuge at Lima, and fine Apr. 20 representedthe largestnumber there since Charlo, Mont. reported cool conditions. However, 1930. The arrival on Apr. 7 of the Eared Grebe at Three Forks, Mont. was an early record; the peak there was 1000Apr. 22. On the samedate 25 W. Grebes appearedat Sprague L. near Sprague, Wash.

PELICANS AND CORMORANTS--Four White Pelicansstopped at McNary N .W.R., Burbank, Wash. Apr. 10 and stayed about two weeks. The species r• __%,--'&-WilliamsLake'• NL' appearedelsewhere only at Ennis, arrival date Apr. 15. At the latter locality Double-crested Cormorants came up with an early date of Apr. 3, and up to 15 ßR ¾B• : were seenintermittently at McNary Refuge during the period. .: ;,.- .: f ,.,. i HERONS AND IBISES--From one to 16 Black- crowned Night Herons were observed at a few ß:u•rg ß I, Co•r o. •,, localities from c. Washington south to Heppner, Ore. Eighty Great Blue Herons were seen at the heronry •:-•---•-•oX•=:--,. •/,,o4 .... at Benewah L. near St. Maries, Ida. A White-faced • 9e•,v ß / .• ß(. Bozeman •. .__•/ Baker/' lhis was identified at Manhattan, Mont. May 15 (RAH, ETH, LM & PDS) and on the same day 6 were seen at Canyon Ferry east of Helena (DC). 'Eortinc,Mont., to thenorth, experienced a mild month. Apparentlywithout exception,precipitation WATERFOWL--Mute Swans again appeared at continuedhighly deficient. Spokane fared perhaps the Wilsall, Mont. Apr. 29, when 9 were present. A new best, v•th 46 per centof normalmoisture, but Yakima locality, Three Forks, had 8-10 between Apr. 24-May at the other extreme had only .0] inch, comparedto 19. The birds are suspectedto have come from the the normal .6] inch. May did a little better but most Dey Puy pond at Livingston. Canada Goose numbers areas still added to their water deficiency, only Spokane lookedgood in the Columbia Basin of c. Washington. reportingslightly above average rainfall. It all added Columbia N.W.R., Othello, Wash. had a peak of 5000. up to very low waterIcyels and a snowpack in the At ToppenishN.W.R. they peaked at 8500. About mountainsat perhapshalf normal or less. Tempera- 2000 were seen in mid-April in the vicinity of St. tures wcrc aroundnormal exceptfor an unseasonable Andrews, Douglas Co., Wash. At McNary Refuge hot spellin mid-monthwhich reached the 80sand even the February-Marchpopulation of Canadaswas double 90s. what it was last year. Single White-fronted Geese Thegenerally mild, dry springresulted in manyearly appearedon two datesat Baker,Ore. Onlya few Snow arrivals and low water attracted more shorebirdsthan Geese were reported. normally.However, at Yakimathey evidentlypassed ToppenishRefuge had a tremendouspeak of 250,000 over dried-up ponds and were missed. Also, many waterfowl,85 per cent of which were Mallards. Colum- speciesof birdswere late there. Southern interior Brit- bia Refugehad a peakof 65,000,of whichover 35,000 ish Columbiadid not follow the patterneither, for what were Mallards and 18,000 were Pintails. The duck mi- startedout as an early springbecame changeable and gration seemed to largely bypass McNary Refuge, disagreeable,with arrivaldates about normal. Some which had a peak of about 14,000 in February, com- speciesappeared in unusuallylarge numbersand a pared to nearly 38,000 last year. fairly large number of "displaced species" was A duck believed to be a hybrid Cinnamon X Blue- recorded,about half from the east. A few speciesof wingedTeal was observedat length on a pond near montane or northern breeders seemed to show more Charlo, Mont. (CJH). A European Wigeon was late stragglersthan in other years. observed carefully under good conditionsat Helena, Mont. for three days startingMay 3 (SM,LB & GH). LOONS AND GREBES The Corn. Loon reached A record early date of Mar. 18 for the Redhead at a peak of 60 at Ennis, Mont. Apr. 22 and Potholes Fortine was the secondMarch date there in twenty-five Res. south of Moses L., Wash. had 27 in mid-May years' observing. Bozeman had a record early date (DB). The species'arrival date of Apr. 8 at Fortine of Mar. 3 for the Ring-necked Duck. Two Greater was two weeks ahead of normal there and was the Scaupwere seenon the SpokaneR. aboveNine Mile earliestfor the Region.Two Arctic Loonswere present May 6. Common Goldeneye numbersreached 5700

796 AmericanBirds, August 1973 at Turnbull N W R , Cheney, Wash •n m•d-March were found at Banks L Grant Co , Wash May 5 Common and Barrow's Goldeneye, arriving at Fortine Upland Sandpipers were reported only in the valley around mid-March, were about three weeks earlier east of Spokane, where up to 9 were seen at the usual than average and 16 Ruddy Ducks were there about spot at Hauser L. junction, May 10-20. The Solitary two weeksearly. A pair of Harlequin Ducks wasfound Sandpiper,rare in spring in the Region, was seen at Apr 22 on the West Gallatin R. above Squaw Creek, Fortine May 12 & June 2, and beside Skaha L. m southwest of Bozeman. Up to 3 were seen on later Penticton, B.C. May 10. The Dunlin, never common dates and the birds were still present May 31. A c{ in the Region, was seen at the mouth of the Yakima was seen May 14 on the Okanagan R. at Okanagan R. Apr. 8--6 birds; at Three Forks May 10, and at Falls, B.C. A few Red-breasted Mergansers were at Reardan May 8-22, 2 to 3 birds. Also seen at the latter Banks L., Grant Co., Wash. Apr. 3; 5 were engaged place was a Stilt Sandpiper,May 24 (JA). A Semipal- •n courtship display. Eight were seen there May 5. mated Sandpiper, also rare in spring, seen at Potholes The birds arrived in the Bozeman area Apr. 7 and Reservoir Apr. 22 was the only one reported. The peaked at 200 on Apr. 15. One was seen May 29 near W. Sandpiperarrived at Three Forks May 4, a record Charlo, Mont. early date; few spring records exist there for the species.The Am. Avocet arrived early at Ennis Apr HAWKS AND EAGLES--A few sightings were 8 and was impressivewith 50+ birds near St. Andrews, made of the scarce Ferruginous Hawk, at Baker and Wash. on Apr. 13-14. Heppner, Ore.; along the Clearwater R. of n. Idaho, and west of Bozeman. A Bald Eagle nest in the L. GULLS AND TERNS--A Glaucous-winged Gull Wenatchee area north of Leavenworth, Wash. was the was identified at close range on the Umatilla R. at first known for that locality. A peak of 25 of the birds Umatilla, Ore., date not given (CC). The Herring Gull occurred at Ennis, Mont. Apr. 15. Eight Osprey nests was noted Apr. 8 at Ennis and one was seen Apr were counted in the L. Wenatchee area and 20 of the 16 & 20 at Coeur d'Alene, Ida. Six to 8 of the birds b•rds were recorded at Chatcolet L. near St. Maries, were observed May 29 on mud flats of L. Wallula, Ida A very few Prairie Falcons were reported at five Wash. A few Bonaparte's Gulls appeared at Four 1ocahtiesand single Peregrine Falcons, at three. The Lakes, Sprague L. and Reardan in e. Washington m rare Gyrfalcon was noted once. May. CaspianTerns were first seenat McNary Refuge May 16. One was sighted at Boardman, Ore. May GALLINACEOUS BIRDS--About 15 Sharp- 15. Two were seen on Morgan L. near Othello, Wash tinled Grouse were observed on the strutting ground May 6 (MV) and2 were identifiedat Turnbull N.W. R , south of Creston, Wash. Apr. 8-21 and around 30 Sage Cheney, Wash. June 3 (FBH). May 7 was a record Grouse were displayingin the samearea in mid-April. early date for the Black Tern by the West Gallatin West of Mansfield, Wash. 56 were strutting Apr. 21 R. at Central Park, northwest of Belgrade, Mont. but only 2 c{c{were seen. Bobwhite were heard in mid- DOVES AND OWLS--Two Band-tailed Pigeons April at Yakima, where the species was introduced were sighted near Plain, Wash. on the east slope of some years ago but supposedlyhad died out. Chukar the Cascades May 26 (EH). A Barn Owl was seen numbersappeared good along the Snake and Grande near Clarkston, Wash. Apr. 21, and a pair was nesting Ronde Rivers of s.e. Washington and were seen in in a Wood Duck nest box at Toppenish Refuge. A the Wenatchee and Yakima areas. Only small numbers Pygmy Owl was sighted10 mi. south of Coeur d'Alene of Gray Partridge were reported. along Highway 95 May 31 and the birds were believed to be nestingin Spring Creek Canyon north of Reardan CRANES AND RAILS--The first Sandhill Cranes Both localities are around 2500 ft. in elevation. Few of the spring were seen Mar. 11, 2 near La Grande, Burrowing Owls were found. Single birds were seen Ore April I was an early date for them at Belgrade, near Brewster and Sprague L. in Washington and at Mont. Between 500 and 700 were estimated to be in Baker, and the speciesreturned to McNary Refuge a field east of Mansfield, Wash. Apr. 21 and at least Mar. 19. A Saw-whet Owl was found in willows, an 3000 were at St. Andrews, Wash. Apr. 13-14. A Vir- unusual habitat, north of Coulee City, Wash. May 5 ginia Rail was seen at Charlo Apr. 7-8 (CJH) and one was clo•selyobserved near Prineville, Ore. Feb. 8 (JE). POOR-WILLS THROUGH HUMMING- The specieswas first heard on May 12in Turtle Valley BIRDS--The Poor-will was reported only from the near SalmonArm, B.C. A Sora was found dead along Yakima area, one bird May 27, and kIeppner, arrival a street in a residentialarea in a suburbeast of Spokane date, May 19. Common Nighthawks apparently were May 3. One or 2 were seenlater in the month at Cougar late over most of the Region, having not yet appeared Bay on Coeur d' Alene L. in Idaho, and at Reardan by the end of May. However, 2 were reported at and Yakima Indian Reservation, Wash. Clarkston May 5 (MJP) and Heppner had them May 15. They appeared May 26 in the Tri-cities (Pasco- SHOREBIRDS--The Semipalmated Plover, rarely Richland-Kennewick), Wash. area and were noted at seenin springin the Region, was seenat Three Forks Umatilla and Baker, Ore. on the 29th. Vaux's Swifts May 15, at Reardan May 10 and 25 and at Umatilla were reportedonly at St. Maries and Winchester,Ida , N W.R., n.c. Oregon Apr. 26. A Piping Plover at Baker; Yakima, and near Keremeos, B.C. A c•Broad- Canyon Ferry, Broadwater Co., Mont. May 29 fur- tailed Hummingbirdwas noted at intervalsfrom May rushed the first Montana record away from the n.e. 14 to at least June 3 and was photographed in color corner of the state (RLE). Two Black-belliedPlovers at Missoula (PLW).

Volume 27, Number 4 797 WOODPECKERS--The Red-naped form of the MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRUSHES--A Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerwas found to be the common Mockingbirdresponded to a tape recordingand came and only form at Wenas Creek northeast of Yakima within about 15 ft. of observers at the Hanford Atomic during April and May. It was also the form seen at Energy Commission reservation north of Richland, Leech L., just east of the Cascade Crest near White Wash. It was first noted about Apr. 15 and stayed Pass (EH). A pair of WilliamsoWsSapsuckers was at leastuntil the 28th (REW). Numbers of both Western at its nest near Red Top Mt. lookout, about 20 mi. and Mountain Bluebirdsappeared about normal. How- northeast of Cle Elum, Wash. May 26 and the species ever, at Fortine, none of the former had been seen was seen in the mountains in the Heppner area. Two for several years. Unusual was a Westernat Red Rock pairs were found on Anarchist Mt. 14 mi. by Highway Lakes N.W.R., Lima, Mont. Apr. 13. No bluebirds 3 east of Osoyoos, B.C. May 14. The White-headed had been seen in the Charlo area. Woodpecker was seen at three localities west of Yakima and in the mountains near Heppner. PIPITS AND WAXWINGS--Water Pipits were observed mostly in the Grand Coulee region of c FLYCATCHERS--Two Ash-throated Flycatchers Washington, where 300 were seen Apr. 13 at St were sightedat the Crab Creek-PotholesRes. area Andrews and 100 were at Banks L., May 5. A flock of Columbia Refuge May 27. The Gray Flycatcher, of about 200 Bohemian Waxwings was seen just south seen for the fourth consecutive year along the upper of Redmond, Ore. Mar. 22 and record late dates were end of Wenas Creek northwest of Yakima, was found obtained for the species at Bozeman, May 12, and nesting.The nest wasphotographed and 5 otherpairs at Missoula, May 5. They were last seen at Prineville were seento the north on ManastashRidge May 26-28 Apr. 8. (EL).

LARKS AND SWALLOWS--The only sizeable WARBLERS--May 6 was a record early date for concentration of Horned Larks was some 200 in Virtue the Orange-crowned Warbler at Bozeman. The Flat near Baker Mar. 21. Six very early, unidentified Nashville Warbler was found to be rather common swallows were seen along the North Powder R. near at Missoula May 2-29, for the first time since about Baker Feb. 3. The first Violet-green Swallows 1958,and one was still there June4 (RLH). The species appearedat Spokane on the early date of Mar. 3, and was not noted elsewhere. A Black-and-white Warbler a large movement at nearby Medical L. consistedof was identified in Rock Creek Canyon southeast of at least 1000 birds and about as many Tree Swallows. Mabton, Wash., Apr. 29 (ERC) and 2 were seenalong A Feb. 28 arrival for the latter species at Spokane Pataha Creek near Clarkston May 27 (MJP). Single was early. The first sighting at Prineville on Mar. Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers were seen at Mls- 10 equaledthe previousearly record. Someobservers soula, the Tri-cities and Yakima Indian Reservation at Spokane and Coeur d'Alene thought that swallow Two unusualsightings of N. Waterthrushwere made numbers were definitely down this spring. A Purple One was seen at Cougar Bay of Coeur d' Alene L Martin was observed at 20 ft. as it rested on a fence May 29 and again on June 5 (SGS) and one was lden- wire in the Rattlesnake Creek area near Missoula, May titled in mid-May at Tollgateat 5600ft. elevationin 21 (Mrs. PWfide PW). the Blue Mts. of extreme n.e. Oregon. A very early Wilson's Warbler sighting was made at Heppner Apr CORVI DS--The Corn. Raven seemedto be holding 17 (DW). Single 6 Am. Redstarts were found May its own or increasing.This was believed true at Charlo, 27 and June2 alongWenas Creek northwestof Yakima and the birds were seen more often than usual at For- This is on the western edge of their range. tlne. A flock of 50 circled over a pond on Yakima Indian Reservation on May 20 before moving on. BLACKBIRDS--A road-killed 6 Bobolink was Clark's Nutcrackers were almost unobserved. They picked up May 29 in the Bowen Valley near Baker, were noted at Bozeman, one was seen at Penticton, Ore. and a live one was seen there two days later B C. and they were described as unusually scarce at (JB). Around 1000 Yellow-headed Blackbirds at Fortine. Kootenai Refugein May were by far the largestnumber ever recorded there, probably becausemore marsh is CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS--Chest- being developed there. Brown-headed Cowbirds nut-backed Chickadees were noted only at Goose seemed to remain rather common, particularly at Prairie in the foothills west of Yakima in the foothills Charlo and Pullman and on upper Wenas Creek a flock of Tower Mt., about 2 mi. southeast of Spokane, of 36 was seen May 31. Western Tanagers were unusu- 2 on Apr. 3 (JR), and at Chatcolet at the s. end of ally plentiful at Missoula, where they reached a peak Coeurd'Alene L., May 31 (JA). The PygmyNuthatch June 4, when a walk of about twenty blocks revealed was reported visiting feeders in the Rattlesnake Cr. 16, plus others singingat a distance. valley at Missoula (PW). A few late Brown Creeper reportswere received.Two were still at Kamiak Butte north of Pullman, Wash., May 12 and one was seen FINCHES, SPARROWS--Evening Grosbeaks at Baker's Pond near Clarkston, Wash., May 27. were common to abundant at many localities. At Mls- Bewick's Wren was reported along streams in the soula they built up to peak numbers the last week of Yakima area; 8 were seen Apr. 30. Two were noted May, with 350 estimated one day in a rather limited in the Tri-cities area Apr. 6. area. Flocks of hundreds were in the Prineville area

798 AmericanBirds, August 1973 Apr. 15-May 15 and the birds were reported as giving Refuge, Audrey Polumsky, Lawrence Polumsky, Mar- the cherry growers fits in the Wenatchee area. House garet J. Polumsky, Clarkston, Wash. area, Jan Finches appeared May 15 at Three Forks, Mont. The Reynolds, Thomas H. Rogers, Barbara Rottacker, specieshas been sighted more frequently in that locality Larry Roumpf, Lonnie Sherer, P. D. Skaar, Bozeman, but is still scarce there. Pine Siskin numbers appeared Mont. area, Connie Sinealley, Larry Smith, Mrs. S. low in e. Oregon and Washington. At Fortine, Mont. O. Stanley, for Spokane Audubon Society and north- they arrived very late, on June 2, but were then eastern Washington, Helen Stein, Esther Stewart, common. Red Crossbills were sparse or absent in the Frank Stewart, Shirley G. Sturts, Couer d' Alene, Ida. lowlands. area, Butch Taylor, Bill Thoren, Maurice Vial, Larry A Vesper Sparrow at Fortine Apr. 13 provided Waldron, Ann Ward, Baker, Ore. area, John W. the earliest record there in 48 years of observing. A Weber, Winton Weydemeyer, Dorothy White, Jack Clay-colored Sparrow singingin the Spokane Valley Winchell, Mr. and Mrs-. Paul Wolf, Jim Wollcott, just east of Spokane May 16 was observedat 20 ft. Robert E. Woodley, Tri-cities, Wash. area, (DW) Dave and photographed(JA). A few Harris' Sparrowsduring Worden, north central, Ore., Maurice B. Wright, Turn- winter and spring are becoming almost routine in the bull Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, Philip L. Wright, Vince more westerly part of the Region. Two, possibly 3, Yannone.--THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. 10820 Maxwell were seen and singingat Missoula Mar. 1-May 8. A Ave., Spokane, Wa. 99206. singing6 was at SpokaneApr. 21-22and one was seen May 19-20at Clarkstoa. At the Tri-cities, where they CORRIGENDUM--The reporting of a family of were noted all winter, 2 were seen yet on Apr. 28 Yellow Rails near Peshastin, Wash., at 26:880 should and I sangat Baker from January until its last sighting read "Virginia Rails." on May 9. Two males that wintered at Jim Grant's feeder at Vernon, B.C. apparently departed the night of Apr. 29-30. White-crowned Sparrows were migrat- ing between Mar. 28 (Heppner) and May 18(Missoula). GREAT BASIN-CENTRAL ROCKY On May 3 a storm grounded many at Baker, where MOUNTAIN REGION 100 were estimated in Ann Ward's yard. Golden- crowned Sparrows, mostly singles, were seen at / Hugh E. Kingery Spokane, Medical Lake, Davenport, Yakima, Coulee City, Turnbull Refugeand the Tri-cities in Washington. A wet, cold springhad little effect on dates of water- At the latter place up to 5 were seen (EM). A Fox fowl migration, but delayed the landbirds. For Sparrow at Baker Mar. 20-21 was two or three weeks example, in Salt Lake City, normal April landbirds earlier than normal. Lincoln's Sparrows were migrating came in May and combinedwith normal May migrants starting Mar. 27, when one was netted near Granger. to permit record species counts. At Malheur N.W.R., Wash. (PM). The few Lapland Longspurs that win- Ore., the phenology of spring accelerated, beginning tered in the Ahtanum Valley west of Yakima had left two weeks behind on April l, and winding up seven by the end of February. days ahead on May 31.

CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS(area ORE / •_.AT. ,^B• -- editors in boldface)•James Acton, EugeneC. Barney, McNary Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, Earl Bowen, Lynn Brant, Dave Brown, Columbia Nat'l. Wildlife Refuge, II .,...... _, IDAHO ' Joanne Brown, Zee Butler, Bea Buzzertl, Hugh Campbell-Brown, Helen Carlson, Phil Cheney, ' ' ' Donald A. Childress, Urana Clarke, Craig Corder, Mrs. Marion Corder, Sharon Cotterell, Emily R. Cragg, Yakima, Wash. area, Wayne Doane, central Washington, Helen Doornik, Sid Draper, Judy Elkins, Robert L. Eng, Doris Fisher, Tony Gascon,Vic Good- will, JamesGrant, southern interior British Columbia, Tony Greager, Ed Grossman, Pauline Hager, Warren A. Hall, Bill Hamilton, Ralph L. Hand, Missoula, Mont. area, Lucille Hardinger, Eve T. Hays, R. A. Hays, C. J. Henry, George Holton, Alice Horschell, •'x.• ARIZ.' NEW MEX. Eugene Hunn, Frances B. Huston, Gertrude lnman, Vivian Kohlrnss, Carolyn Lagergren, Ann Laidman, The easternportion of the Regionsuffered a ho•en- Earl Larrison, Larry Larrochelle, Leo Lesmeister, dous winter lasting almost to June, while w. ldaho Donald L. MacDonald, Jim Mack, Sid Martin, Helena, and Oregon had warm, d•, mild weather all spring. Mont. area, Phil Mattocks, Niel F. Meadowcroft, Walla Telluride, Colo., topped the honor stories when, on Walla, Wash. area, Sally Meadowcroft, Bobby Moate, Apr. 19, 55 inchesof snowfell in 24 hours.Colo•do ElisabethMoore, Louis Moos, Robert Morgan,Gerald Weste• Slope peach trees came into full bloom May Morsello, Prineville, Ore. area, Vee Nealey, Kay 2, the latest date on record by four days and more Osatenko,Del Pierce,Kootenai Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, than two weeks later than average. Everywhere, Tyson W. Planz, Red Rock Lakes Nat'l Wildlife cottonwoods leafed out two weeks late.

Volume 27, Number 4 799 A feature of this sprlng's migration was the occur- weeks early m the w part of the Region, at Stillwater rence of plains migrantsin Colorado Front Range foot- and Malheur, with nesting already begun at Malheur hills. They included Sandhill Crane, Long-billed by May 14. Meanwhile, scattered birds dropped into Curlew, Willet, Northern Waterthrush, Rose-breasted locations throughout the Colorado mountains, the Grosbeak, and Lark Bunting. strangestbeing one which stayed for 3 days in a yard A number of e. Idaho recordsthis spring came for in the Ponderosa Pine belt west of Boulder. birds which nest in northern Idaho, but which are rarely found in southern Idaho--usually midwestern species whose breeding range lists to the northwest (the same SWANS, GEESE--Whistling Swans droppeddras- phenomenon offered for some unusual records from tically at Bear R., from 6900 last year to 500 this year, Sheridan, Wyo.). Examples include Red-eyed Vireo, this continued the decreased usage since last fall, prob- Northern Waterthrush, and American Redstart. ably weather-related. Canada Geese nest in the West A regular feature of our spring migration is the arrival during the spring, and both Malheur and Stillwater of many speciesat Malheur earlier than at more south- had hatchingpeaks in mid-April. Stillwater's produc- erly and easterly points. Examplesthis springincluded tion increasedslightly, but Malheur's dropped.Refuge White Pelican, SwainsoWsHawk, Long-billed Curlew, biologistMcLaury attributesthe drop to increasedpre- Tree Swallow, Sage Thrasher, Yellow-rumped War- dationon nestsand young,perhaps because of unfavor- bler, and Western Tanager. Can we blame this on able water conditions. Durango has never before people or birds? Does the intensive daily coverage recorded any spring geese, but this year it had both at Malheur turn up birds which similar field work would a pair of Canarias and a Snow Goose which stayed find earlier elsewhere? Or do the Malheur migrants May 14-28. use routes outside the Region--e.g. California--or cross desert areas unpopulatedby bird watchers, or WATERFOWL--Monte Vista N.W.R. recorded a simply overfly the desertto drop at the Malheur oasis? peak duck migration of over 19,300 birds, with 7730 Mallards and 4350 Pintails. Use at Arapaho N.W R, HABITAT DESTRUCTION--Nevada observers Colo., increased,with the peak movingfrom 1600last fear that if Pyramid Lake receives all the water which year to 2700 May l l, 1973. In Utah, Pintails made competing interests there seek, Stillwater Refuge will the best showing with 10,700 at Desert L., 25,500 at dry up. This year, Wildlife Biologist Larry Napier Bear R., and 15,000 at Farmington Bay. Developing reports the breeding population down 15 per cent from Desert L. boasted a massive increase in usage, from 1972. "This was partially causedby Stillwater's stead- 7250 ducks and 3000 Am. Coot last year to 27,800 fly decreasing habitat from insufficient water ducks and 6000 coot this year. Despite the high count receipts. If an allocation is not given to the Manage- of Pintails, Bear Riveifs usageof 72,430 ducksdropped ment Area within several years it may cease to exist from 1972. Wyoming's Hutton Lake N.W.R. and Nat'l as a size large enough to warrant management." Elk Ref. showed more usage, with Lesser Scaup at Farmington Bay W.M.A., Utah, suffers from the Hutton L. up 45 per cent to 3900 birds. Early migrants oppositeproblem; this springrising waters of the Great bypassed Camas N.W.R., Idaho, because the refuge Salt L. inundated several hundred acres of alkali bul- remainedfrozen over until early April. Later migrants rush and saltgrass marsh. The shorebirds suffer most appeared in normal numbers, with 10,000 Mallards from this encroachment. (down), 4000 Pintails, and 2400 Lesser Scaup Malheur's total usagealso dropped, by 4200 birds to LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Common Loons 12,300. occurred in many locations in May--unusually late for that northern breeder. They stayed the whole month at Grand Junction, appearedat Durango, Colo., May HAWKS, EAGLES--Broad-winged Hawks 16 and Nampa, Ida., May 18-19. Red-necked Grebes strayed west to Boulder Apr. 23 and to PocatelloApr occurred in e. Idaho in early May at both Camas 30. The latter, Idaho's second, stayed after banding N W.R. and Market L. (MC). These apparently are in the same open wood lot for a week. A few Rough- the first records for s. ldaho. Western Grebes arrived legged Hawks stayed later, with May records at two weeks early at Malheur and two weeks late at Malheur and Rexburg, plus one May 26 at Durango Stillwater and Minidoka N.W.R., ldaho, with normal A Black Hawk whichvisited Zion Apr: 13-15has not populations at both places. Non-breeding populations been seen since, although it nested there previously of White Pelicans declined at Stillwater and Malheur; A very late Bald Eagle surprisedobservers at Durango as last year, the 600 birds still at Malheur May 31 May 15. Nevada had no monopoly qn Bald Eagles showed no signs of nesting. Pocatello had another caught in traps (Am. Birds 27:644); one was found at Green Heron record Apr. 12, presumablythe same McCoy, Colo., early this spring.Included in 31 Osprey bird that wintered. Colorado registeredits thirteenth reports were the first nesting pair at Sheridan and one Cattle Egret record,this oneon May I alongan irriga- at Summer L. feeding on a kangaroo rat. A Prairie non ditch at Monte Vista N.W.R., the first in the San Falcon appeared in a Cheyenne yard Apr. 15 & 17 Lms Valley (PHRS). Grand Junction Snowy Egrets Eight Peregrine observations came in; and the Park lost their heronry to a boat ramp 2 years ago; a few Service banned rock climbers from a climbing route un- still visit, but nesting sites, if any, are unknown. Black- til the Peregrines complete nesting--climbers too crowned Night Herons, which used the same site, have frequentlytrod on the nest platform,a rare level spot completely disappeared.White-faced Ibis arrived two in the middle of a popular route.

800 American Birds, August 1973 GROUSE, CRANES, RAILS--At Zton, PIGEONS, OWLS, NIGHTHAWKS--Band- "Gambel's Quail appearto be losingout againstpre- tailed Pigeons appeared in unusual places--Colorado dators. Strip_edSkunks have been increasingduring Springsand Malheur--and in goodnumbers at the usual the past several years, and wild house cats are the places--Pueblo, Monte Vista, Evergreen, Durango most commonly-seenmammal in Zion. A bevy of quail (300 on May 22). Burrowing Owls continue to decrease that numbered21 birds a year ago has dwindled at Malheur, cause unknown; although several have to 8 this year, and recently-stockedquail in the Watch- been shot, this probably has not causedthe decline man housingarea were beingbrought in by stray house Numbers of Short-eared Owls at the refuges are unlm- cats." Wild cats pose problems to birds throughout pressive, except for 25 at Camas Apr. 5. Nighthawks the West, and not merely to quail. Sandhill Cranes arrived the usual last week in May at several locations, moved north in April, with 125at Grand Junction Apr. except that R.M.N.P. had one May 12. 2 and arrivals, late, at Nat'l Elk Apr. 10, Camas Apr. 15, and Caldwell, Idaho, Apr. 22. Lesser Sandhill HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS--Bould- Cranes peaked at Malheur the first week of April, and er observers counted twice the number of humming- nestingof Greaters began Apr. I. Lack of water and birds of previous springs, but in most localities the htgh nest predation is resulting in very low nesting hummingbirdseither appearedin diminishednumbers success.For the third year in a row, a Corn. Gallinule or tapered off as flowers massedtheir blooms. Abun- was found at Utah L., near Provo. dant natural food from the wet winter probably decreaseddependence upon feeders, where most hum- mingbirds are seen. The first hummingbird to the Re- SHOREBIRDS--The late thaws in the east and the gion, a Broad-tailed, reached Zion Apr. 3; the first dryness in the west resulted in fewer shorebirds than one to Colorado, also a Broad-tailed, appeared at usual. Durango had its first records of Semipalmated Durango Apr. 28. Red-headed Woodpeckers seem to Plover and Long-billed Curlew. Snowy Plovers arrived increase west of Pueblo, and were studied in 2 Boulder m mid-April at Stillwater, as last year, with 50 present locations May 27-June 4. Unusual spring records of May 31. High water probably caused the lack of Lewis' Woodpecker came from Zion Apr. 30 and Cra- Killdeer at Zion, and flooding from a break in an irriga- ter L. Apr. 21, where 3 were "rising to insects." tion ditch on Desert L. destroyed many Killdeer nests. Black-bellied Plover peaked at Bear R. at 150, then FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS--Most fly- Camas picked up its first record with 5 present May catchers were late and few in numbers as May ended 18-21. Although Corn. Snipe failed to overwinter in Eastern Kingbirds arrived on normal dates, however, many places, they seem to maintain their nesting at Grand Junction, Dubois, Nampa, and Malheur. An population; a winnowing inventory at Summer L. out-of-range Scissor-tailed Flycatcher had almost shows a stable population. Long-billed Curlews' were reached Utah when found perched on a mullein stalk seen in migration in mountain towns more than in McElmo Canyon near Cortez, Colo. Ash-throated usual--with reports from Evergreen, R.M.N.P., Flycatchers strayed north along the foothills to Pueblo Grand Junction, Durango, and even 6 at Sheridan in and Colorado Springs May 12 & 30, and one visited a raging blizzard. Highest count came with 220 at Malheur May 31. A pair of Black Phoebes returned Nampa, on nestinggrounds May 3 I. At Reno a Whim- to Pueblo Apr. 21, for Colorado's second record for brel occurredMay 1; this probably is the first Nevada the secondyear in the same place, and began gathering record north of Las Vegas. Stillwater boasted 4 rare nest material by May I I. Swallows arrived in their Red Knots May 14, and enjoyed an invasion of the usual abundance. Grand .Junction had a banner day coastal-migrant,Dunlin•00 remainedfor a few days May 25, with 2900, including 1240 Violet-greens and in early May. One Dunlin strayed into Idaho Apr. 1190 Cliffs. Bear R. had 2100 Barns at their peak 26, when it fed with 2 Least and 2 Western Sandpipers and 2 Willets at Am. Falls Res. Long-billed Dowitchers JAYS---The fall/winter Corvid invasiontapered off were countedin diminishednumbers, the highestcount by May 31. At least one Gray Jay remainedin Gunn- 1300 at Bear R., compared with 3000 last year. ison Colo., until Apr. 18. Blue Jays strayed to Eldora, Colo. May 25-29, and 2 at Mud L., Idaho, May 19 (DH) added to the multiplicity of strays in that state JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS--Rarest inland sea- since its second (sight) record last October. A few bird was a Pomarine Jaegerfound at Westcliffe, Colo., Steller's Jays remained in the low country into May, May 12-13(m.ob.). California Gulls begannesting two with the last records at Zion May 11 and Cheyenne weeks late at Am. Falls Res. "With the water level May 27. Clark's Nutcrackers stayed at feeders along down because of rotten cement in the dam, the gull Front Range cities well into May, with the last records island no longer qualifies as an island; people and dogs at Boulder May 16 and Colorado Springs May 30. At have visited the nesting sites more than usual, and Evergreen their numbers were "fantastic"--more it looks as if mortality is very high, especially among common than during the winter--with a high count the Ring-billeds, which nest nearest the mainland." of 58 May 23. Further west, they stayed at feeders On Apr. 5-23 a host of 310 Ring-billed Gulls "made in Durango, McCoy, and Dubois, and Malheur on semi-arid Durango look like a Maine fishing port," Apr. 3 notched its sixth refuge record. and an unusual one stopped at the Nat'l Elk Ref. May 9, as well as 2 Franklin's Gulls the next day. THRASHERS, THRUSHES, WAXWINGS Bonaparte's Gulls turned up at Gunnison Apr. 22, --Gray Catbirds made rare appearances at Grand Malheur May 6, and Reno May 9. Junction and Jefferson, Colo., and had not arrived at

Volume 27, Number 4 801 Dubois by May 31 A Brown Thrasher strayed up glon This spring we had 12 Colorado birds, plus a to R.M.N.P. May 12. Rupert, Ida. had a Varied hybrid, one each at Cheyenne, Pocatello May 23 (last Thrush Mar. 25-Apr. 10. Mt. Bluebirdcounts dropped, year came Idaho's first record), and Malheur--Ore- and the birds came in late. Dubois saw none in May gon's secondrecord (for the first, see N. Pacific Coast after 5 April sightings:"this is bad news." Winter's Region report below)--May 19-21 (C.A.S.). Indigo BohemianWaxwings lingered into the springin many Buntings continue to occur in the West, commonly places;Malheur had 450 Apr. 3, but only 10 per cent along the Colorado foothills, occasionallyat Durango remained the next day. In the pinyon pines at Rupert Zion's first one flew into a restaurantwindow. A pair Apr. 13 hundreds hawked insects. Last reports came of Indigo Buntingsnear Alma, Idaho May 4, a 6 there May 4 from Colorado Springs and Rupert. May 6 (CHT) plus a 6 May 28 at Pocatello constitute Idaho's first records. At Cheyenne observers studied WARBLERS--Rare warblers poppedup in numer- a Lazuli/Indigo hybrid May 11-18. Evening Grosbeaks ous places: Black-and-white May 12 at both Cation continued common throughout the region, with City, Colo., and Malheur (fourth refuge record); Durango counting 300 May 25 and only Crater L Worm-eatingat PuebloApr. 20 & May 11 and Boulder reporting none. A 6 Purple Finch visited an Evergreen May 29; Tennesseeat Malheur May 19; Magnolia at feeder Apr. 28-30, and suffered himself to be banded Dubois Apr. 29 & May 3, the eighth sightingin 10 Three visited Malheur May 19, and a 6, also banded, years; Chestnut-sidedat Cheyenne May 27; a photo- stayed through May 31 for Malheur's secondrecord graphed Bay-breastedat R.M.N.P. May 20, the park's The winter's rosy finch influx spilled over into spring, second; the fourth Oregon Ovenbird at Malheur May with observationsof 500 at Dubois in April, 200 on 19, later banded; and the second R.M.N.P. Hooded Apr. 8 at McCoy, 200 on Apr. 15, 20 on May 17 at May 14. Among more normal warblers, Zion noted Durango, and large flocks May 26 at Gunnison. These Vlrginia's as especiallyabundant--84 countedcrossing flocks probably avoided the high country due to the between 2 cottonwood trees May 5. Last year Salt abundant high country snows. Pine Siskins erupted Lake City authorities, after box elder trees had an throughoutthe Region. Flocks of 100 populated Zion mfestation of worms, sprayed the trees extensively, during the first week of April, feeding on cottonwoods, and Yellow Warblersstopped singing and disappeared. with some seen as late as May 17. Other large counts A few are returning this year. (After a similar occur- included 300 at McCoy May 30 and 1000 at Durango rence in Denver 3-4 years ago, the Yellow Warbler May 25; yet Crater L. has had none after October population has returned to normal.) Yellow-rumped A few Red Crossbillsstayed in the Colorado mountains Warblers, commonestof the family in the West, began and even at feeders in Boulder and Grand Junction, arriving in April, the first report from Malheur Apr. Cheyenne had them through the whole period. Lark 9 At Crater L. they arrived Apr. 26, when 8 feet Buntingswhich winter in Arizona but migrateand nest of snow covered the ground. Single N. Waterthrushes rarely in our Region, crossed w. Colorado, c. Utah, occurred in late May in Colorado at Wetmore, Jef- and Rupert. The last wintering Dark-eyed Junco ferson, Evergreen, Durango, and R.M.N.P., and at records came from Durango May 17 and Malheur May Stone, Idaho. The speciesnormally migratesin limited 19. Chipping Sparrows arrived ten days later at Salt numbers on the e. Colorado plains, following up the Lake City May 28, and very early at Evergreen Apr east side of the Continental Divide to nesting areas 3 and Dubois May 8. Harris' Sparrows remained in mn. Idaho, but rarely anywhere west or south of that severalColorado locations through April and Durango route. could still count l0 on May 16. Dubois had two on May 17, and Rupert found one on Apr. 9. White- BLACKBIRDS--Bobolinks strayed into several throated Sparrows appeared at Grand Junction, Colorado locations for first or rare records: 4 at Durango, Zion, and Dubois, all in early May At Durango May 19 (C.F.O.); one at Colorado Springs Colorado Springsan overnight snowstormgrounded May 30 (others observed across the dividing line in six Swamp Sparrows and one Lapland Longspur, the Great Plains Region); and one at Gunnison June apparently interruptingtheir migratoryflight and forc- 7-8 The usual nesting Bobolinks arrived at Malheur ing them off course.The birds were seenat closerange, May 13, and became common by the end of May. at length,while feeding. A Chestnut-collaredLongspur A fast-moving pair of likely Scott's Orioles paused spentten minutesfeeding in a corral with Horned Larks momentarily in a cottonwood tree in Pinyon country and Black Rosy Finches--a first record for Dubols at McCoy. On the basis of the brief observation, at and probably for w. Wyoming. least one probably was this species. Great-tailed Grackles returned for the third year to Gunnison Apr. ABBREVIATIONS--A.A.S.: Aiken Audubon 18, the pair acted as if it was nesting. Com. Grackles Society; C.A.S.: Corvallis Audubon Society; C.F O continue to spread; at Evergreen they are supplanting Colorado Field Ornithologists; R.M.N.P.: Rocky Brewer's Blackbirds, R.M.N.P. counted 26 May 12, Mountain Nat'l Park. they appeared regularly at Dubois in May, and AREA CONTRIBUTORS--(Editors collectingob- Pocatello and Rexburg counted singlesMay 16 & 19. servations from their communities in boldface, with number of contributors listed) Bear River N.W R, FINCHES, SPARROWS--A S. Carolinian found Utah: W. B. Zimmerman;Boulder, Colo. (15): Louise a Cardinal in Colorado SpringsMay 13, the first A.A.S. Hering; Camas N.W.R., Idaho: Clifford Himreel; Cas- record there (CC). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have tledale,Utah: Ann Wisslet;Cheyenne, Wyo. (6): May become regular though rare migrants through the Re- Hanesworth; Colorado Springs, Colo. (4): Mahlon

802 American Birds, August 1973 Speers; Crater Lake Nat'l Park: James Holcomb; were just l eafing out on June 1. The same sort of condi- Desert Lake W.M.A., Utah: T. H. Provan; Dubds, tions prevailed in the higher parts of the Mogollon Wyo.: Mary Back; Durango, Colo. (16): Richard Mountains in New Mexico. At lower elevations, one Stransky; Evergreen, Colo (6): W. W. Brocknet; Far- saw the remarkable sigh! of icicles 20 feet long still mington Bay W.M.A., Utah: Reuben Dietz; Grand hangingfrom a cliff on the north side of Kennedy Peak Junction, Colo. (9): Lorna Gnstafson;Gunnison, Colo. in the Galiuro Mountains, Graham Co., Ariz. on Apr. (6): Sidney Hyde; Jefferson, Colo.: Carol Hack & 11, and snow was still plainly visible on Baboquivari Kathy Hawkins: Malheur N.W.R, Ore. (6): Eldon Peak in Pima Co., Ariz. at the end of April. McLanry; McCoy, Colo.: Margaret Ewing; Monte The southern deserts, often sere and brown by mid- Vista N.W.R., Colo.: C. R. Bryant; Nampa, Idaho April, stayed green throughout May. Flowers on (25): Belle Shaw; Nat'l Elk Ref., Wyo.: Don Redfearn; such plants as mesquite, palo verde, and saguaro were Pocatello, Idaho (5): C. H. Trost; Pueblo, Colo.: Van a full two weeks late; the palo verde bloom was the Truan; Reno, Nev. (7): JessieAires; Rexburg, Idaho: heaviestin years. Annual plantshad an unusuallygood Donnell Hunter; R.M.N.P., Colo. (12) Warner Reeser; season. with an abundanceof leafage and flowers. The Rupert, Idaho: W. H. Shillington; Seedskadee result of all this was a super-plentyof food, both plant N.W.R., Wyo.: Merle Bennett; Sheridan, Wyo. (6) and insect, resulting in turn in an unusually wide dis- Platt Hall; Stillwater W.M.A., Nev.: Larry Napier; tribution of birds on the desert. Feeders were not as Summer L., Ore.: Larry Bright; Zion Nat'l Park, Utah well-attended as usual. Lakes and reservoirs were full (17): Jerome Gifford. or nearly so, and streams cascadeddown many canyons OBSERVERS--Robert Bratz, Charles Campbell, normally dry. Mark Collie, Allegra Collister, John Cooper, Janet In keeping with the vegetative schedule, bird arrivals Eyre, Sam Gadd, Jeffrey Gottfried, O. R. Henderson, and departures were well behind normal dates. Most Nancy Hurley. Paul Julian, Gleb Kashin. R. F. Kemp. observers discerned a scarcity of birds, particularly Vern Kousky, Rodney Krey, Thompson Marsh, of warblers. Apparently the prevailing snow and cold Blaine Marshman, Carl Marti, Donald McDonald, at high elevations kept some birds in the lowlands much Leon Powers, Pat Roberts, Douglas Sherman, P. H. later than usual, although the large amount of food R. Stepney, William Stone, Doug Stotz.--HUGH E. available may have been what detained them. Among KINGERY, 10 Emerson, Denver, Colo. 80218. the highlightsof the seasonwere unusualappearances of Bobolinks in New Mexico and Texas (west to the SOUTHWEST REGION Gila Valley!), a surgein the expansionof Great-tailed Grackles into new territory, unprecedentednumbers / Gale Monson of Evening Grosbeaks below the Transition Zone, Lark Buntingsin the northernpart of the Region, Cas- The wet, cold conditions of the preceding winter sin's Sparrows singingthroughout the period, and num- lingered into spring, making the first five months of bers of Harris' Sparrowslingering into May. 1973 one of the dampest and coolest on record. The high country of east central Arizona and west central CORMORANTS, HERONS--Nesting Double- crested Cormorants at Elephant Butte Marsh, Sierra Co., N. Mex. were fewer this year, with only 10 nests occupied on May 5 (CHu, CHy). Small numbers of Cattle Egrets continued to be seen in the Phoenix area (SD et al.) and 40 were found in a field in Riverside Co. near Palo Verde, Calif., May 14 (JWi, RWi). At Tucumcari Marsh, Quay Co., N. Mex., 25-50 pairs of Black-crownedNight Herons were nestingApr. 28 and May 28 (CHu. CHy, BE).

WATERFOWL--A White-fronted Goose was a! Bosquedei Apache N.W.R., N. Mex., May 14-28, and 2 were at Tule SpringsPark, near Las Vegas, Nev., May 27 (VM). Three Black-belliedTree Ducks were found at flooded fields n.n.w. of EIfrida, Cochise Co., Ariz. on May 16 and 8 on May 30 (Lyle Sowls. Bonnie Swarbrick). A White-winged Scoter was reported at La Choya, Sonora, Mex., Apr. I (SD). A pair of Corn. Mergansers were noted on the Rio New Mexico, according to long-time residents, has de los Pinos,Rio Arriba Co., N. Mex., May 27 (GZ). not seen such weather for decades. On May 16, those A Red-breastedMerganser was lingeringon the Rio partsof the White Mountainsplateau of Arizonaabove Grande near Santa Clara, Rio Arriba Co., N. Mex., 9000 feet were still 75 per cent snow-covered, much May 29 (RWo). of them with drifts many feet deep. Many of the lakes were partiallyice-covered at that late date, one (Lee HAWKS--Hard on the heels of the report of a Valley Reservoir) with ice from shore to shore! At White-tailed Kite in Arizona in February came the the sametime, quakingaspens showed no signof green, sightingof 2 in Chaves Co., N. Mex., one over Roswell even at 8500 feet or lower. At Flagstaff, Ariz. aspens and one abou! 8 mi. to the north, both Apr. I (AC);

Volume 27, Number 4 803 there are two previous hypothetical records for the 28 (MWI) for another hypothetical New Mexico state. A Mississippi Kite was seen near Gila, Grant record. A record number of at least 275 Black Terns Co , N. Mex., May 12 (DZ), a westernmost record was counted at Bosque Ref., May 14 (GZ). for the state. The Goshawk present in n.w. Phoenix at the end of March stayed until Apr. 14 (DS), one DOVES, ANIS, OWLS--Nine Inca Doves were was seen at San Juan Pueblo, Rio Arriba Co., N. Mex., observedin the Mohave Valley, Mohave Co., Arlz , Apr 21 (PS), one was over Los Alamos Apr. 28 (PS), n.e. of Needles, Calif., May 17 (SB). One of the 2 and one was at Bitter Lake N.W.R., N. Mex., May Groove-billed Anis reported at Phoenix last season 5 (LK). An ad. Broad-wingedHawk was identified at remained until at least Apr. 8 (JWi). A Whiskered Owl Corn Creek on the Desert Natl. Wildlife Range, Clark was heard in Sycamore Canyon, Pajarito Mts., Santa Co , Nev., May 7 for the first Nevada record (CL, Cruz Co., Ariz., May 29 (TP). Two BurrowingOwls KS), details will be publishedelsewhere. An immature were seen north of La Choya, Sonora, Mex., May was carefully identified near Gila May 12 (DZ) for 29-31 (SL). A Long-eared Owl nest with 5 young was a possiblesecond record for New Mexico. A Rough- discoverednorthwest of Oracle, Pinal Co., Ariz., Apr legged Hawk was found south of Lyden, Rio Arriba 29 (Rich Glinski). Co , N. Mex., Apr. 21 (PS). From 35 to 40 Ferruginous Hawks were migratingN high over BosqueRef., Apr. NIGHTJARS, SWIFTS---Two Com. Nighthawks 6 (DD et al.). An ad. Gray Hawk was found in s.w. were seen and heard about 6 mi. west of Ruby, Santa New Mexico May 16 (DZ). An ad. Bald Eagle was Cruz Co., Ariz., May 29 (TP, SH). The speciesdid seen 10 mi. east of Fredonia, Coconino Co., Ariz., not arrive at Las Vegas, N. Mex. until May 30 (WH) Apr I (RWl). Two nestlingswere seen along the Salt Two Chimney Swifts were flying over central Tucson R in Gila Co., Ariz., Apr. 22 (Betty Jackson).A Mer- May 27 (TP). A White-throated Swift perched •n a hn was observedat Corn Creek Apr. 15 (VM). Only willow at PicachoRes., Pinal Co., Ariz., May 10 (SL) 4 Peregrine Falcons, from two localities, were reported. HUMMINGBIRDS--A neat bit of ornithological sleuthingby TP, assistedby SH, turned up the first RAILS--A call-count of the endangered Yuma sub- Lucifer Hummingbird nest in Arizona, in Guadalupe species of the Clapper Rail, made during late May, Canyon, CochiseCo. on May 20. The nest, in a small yielded a total of 700 birds alongthe Colorado R. from chollacactus, held two eggs,and photographswere the Mexico border to the Topock area of Havasu taken. (It will be recalled that the editor rather ques- N W.R., Ariz.-Calif., and another 200 below the bor- tioned a sight record of a ? seen in the same area der (Roy Tomlinson, Dick Todd, et al.). This was Apr. 1, 1972.) Three d Costa's Hummingbirdswere the first time such a count has been run. locatedin the Arizona portion of GuadalupeCanyon, and 2 on the New Mexico side, May 18-20(TP); not only is the speciesvirtually unrecordedfrom this area, SHOREBIRDS--Semipalmated Plover were but dd are seldom seen in Arizona anywhere in the reported from New Mexico as follows: one at La spring after late May. A well-nigh incredible record Cueva, Mora Co., Apr. 22 (JD et al.), 2 at Tucumcari was that of a • Anna's Hummingbird in Albuquerque Marsh Apr. 28 (CHu, CHy, BE), and one at Bitter Apr. 15-20;the bird was photographed(DD et al ) Lake Ref., May 12 (MWl). Four were at Phoenix May It is subsequent to the first New Mexico record 6 (JWi). A Black-bellied Plover was observed at Las obtainedlast fall at Silver City, Grant Co. A ? R•voh Vegas Wash, on L. Mead near Las Vegas, Nev., Apr. Hummingbird was seen at a feeder with Broad-tailed 14 (VM), and another was at Bitter Lake Ref., May Hummersat Greet, Apache Co., Ariz., May 14(GM) 18 (DB). A very late Com. Snipe was found at a marsh in the San Pedro Valley, Cochise Co., Ariz., May KINGFISHERS, WOODPECKERS--A Green 29 (WBA). Some unusual numbers of Willets were Kingfisher was identified at Puerto Pefiasco,Sonora, observed:20 at L. Pleasant,Maricopa Co., Ariz., Apr. Mex., Apr. I (SD et al.). An Acorn Woodpecker 27 (SD), 22 on May I and 33 on May 10 at Bosque remained in Tucson until Apr. 5 (GG), 2 were seen Ref (GZ), 18 at a windmill tank 15 mi. south of Datil, at Cliff, Grant Co., N. Mex., May 28 (JD, PF), and Catron Co., N. Mex., May 20 (BM), and 16 at Tucson one was near La Cueva, on the west side of the Sand•a May 23 (HF). At Bosque Ref. on May 6, 35 White- Mts., N. Mex., May 28-30 (Tom Smylie). A Lewis' rumped Sandpiperswere counted (CHu, Robt. Jost). Woodpecker stayed in e. Phoenix• until May 5 (JW0, At least 500 Marbled Godwits were still present about and 1-2 were seen at Corn Creek, Desert Wildlife 15 mi. north of La Choya, Sonora, Mex., May 29-31 Range, Nev., May 7-13 (CL, VM, KS). Two Hairy (SL). Woodpeckers were found at Elephant Butte Marsh Apr. 7 (CHu, BE), and one was at Cliff May 28 (JD, GULLS, TERNS--Twenty-three Ring-billed Gulls PF). A pair of Downy Woodpeckers was at B•tter were following a plow with White-necked Ravens south Lake Ref., May 17 (LK et al.). of Bonita, Graham Co., Ariz., Apr. 10 (GM), and an unusuallylarge number of 500 were feeding in an FLYCATCHERS--Say's Phoebe did not arrive at alfalfa field at Bosque Ref., Apr. 18 (GZ). A Cedar Crest, SandiaMts., N. Mex. until Apr. 12, and Bonaparte's Gull was found May 12 at Horizon L., was not seen again until May 3; it usually arrives at east of El Paso (BHB). A Caspian Tern was carefully mid-March (BM). Two Willow Flycatcherswere sing- identified at L. McMillan, Eddy Co., N. Mex., Apr. ing near Lewis Springs, Cochise Co., Ariz. on the

804 American B•rds, August 1973 San Pedro R., May 4 (Chas. McMoran), and another Canyon, Santa Catahna Mts., Ariz. remmned until was heard about 5 mi. north of Whites City, Eddy Apr. 5 (Alice McDonnel), a 9 was found at Mopah Co , N. Mex., May 26 (CHu). Springs,Turtle Mts., San BernardinoCo., Calif., Apr 4 (JS), and a ¾ was seen perchedin an ocotillo along CORVIDS--Many corvidsfrom the great 1972-1973 US Hwy. 95 about 20 mi. north of Blythe, Riverside fl•ght lingeredin the lowlandswell into springand even Co., Calif., Apr. 12 (JS). A Swainson's Thrush was to the end of the period. A Blue Jay was seen at La banded at Sycamore Well, Alamo Hueco Mts , Cueva, SandovalCo., N. Mex., May 16(MS). Steller's Hidalgo Co., N. Mex., May 28 (BM). A Townsend's Jays remainedin small numbersto the middle of May; Solitaire lingered at Sycamore Well May 26-28 (BM) one was at Bitter Lake Ref., May 7 (LK et al.), one was at Farmington, San Juan Co., May 12 (AN), one GNATCATCHERS, WAXWINGS--A • Black- was in the e. foothills of the Tucson Mts., Ariz., May tailed Gnatcatcher was found near Redrock, Grant 13 (SI), one was north of Elephant Butte Marsh May Co., N. Mex., May 11 (DZ). At Las Vegas, Nev , 14 (GZ), 10-12were flying N near Willcox, Cochise 25 Bohemian Waxwings remained to Apr. 15 (VM) Co , Ariz., May 16 (SL), and one was at Hermanas, Luna Co., N. Mex., May 25-26(BM). ScrubJays seem- VIREOS, WARBLERS--A Bell's Vireo was mgly pulled out earlier, the only late ones reported reported at Pipe Spring Natl. Monument, Mohave Co , being 2 at Socorro, Socorro Co., N. Mex., May 5 Ariz., May 15 (RWl). A Solitary Vireo was seen at (MWk) and 2 southof Roswell, N. Mex., May 7 (JC). SycamoreWell, Alamo Hueco Mts., May 26-28 (BM) More reports of Black-billed Magpies nesting in the A Tennessee Warbler was noted at Bitter Lake Ref, n e part of the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona Apr. 25 (LK), and2 were at Corn Creek, Desert Wdd- came in: three birds and two nests seen along Chinle life Range, May 8 (CL, KS, HS). A Lucy's Warbler Wash between Many Farms and Round Rock; seven was banded at Hermanas, N. Mex., Apr. 20 (BM) old nests, some recently active, and 21+ birds seen A ¾Northern Parula was found at Rattlesnake Springs, at Teec Nos Pas; all in orchards and cottonwoods and Eddy Co., N. Mex., Apr. 1 (AC). A Magnolia Warbler fields May 26 (RB, Vernon Mayes). was banded and photographedat Sycamore Well May These Pition Jay records are of interest: 65 seen 28 (BM); it was the secondof its speciesto be banded at Silver City, N. Mex., Apr. 17 (DBS), 5 still in in New Mexico by BM. A late • Townsend's Warbler AlbuquerqueApr. 29 (Rita Nicklas), small numbers was seen in Guadalupe Canyon, Ariz., May 20 (TP) m DragoonMts., Cochi• Co., Ariz., May 3 (GM), A 9 Black-throated Green Warbler was carefully iden- about 20 at Bitter Lake Ref., May 18 (LK), and small tified at Hermanas Apr. 20 (BM). A ¾Yellow-throated numbers in the Burro Mts., Grant Co., N. Mex., May Warbler was photographed at Bitter Lake Ref., Apr 18 (DZ). No fledglingshad appearedin the Flagstaff, 25 (Bruce Sortie, Paul Donohue, JC, DB) for the first Ariz. area up to late May (RB). At least 12 Clark's documented record for the state. Unusual Grace's Nutcrackers were still at Portal, Chiricahua Mts., Warbler reports were one on Apr. 8 and 2 on Apr Ariz., May 2 (SS), a flightlessyoung was brought to 15 at Tule Springs Park, near Las Vegas, Nev. (VM, PS at Los Alamos May 20, at least 2 were at Cedar CL respectively) and 4 in the Farmington, N. Mex Crest, SandiaMts., May 24 (BM), and one was found vicinity May 12 (AN et al.). A Chestnut-sided Warbler at Buckhorn, Grant Co., N. Mex., May 27 (Ralph was banded and photographedat Hermanas May 26 F•sher). (BM) and a ¾ was seen at Corn Creek May 27 (GK, Rolf & Sue Peterson et al.). An Ovenbird was found PARIDS, NUTHATCHES, DIPPERS--A pair of at Corn Creek May 27 (VM). Red-facedWarblers were Mexican Chickadeeswas seen carrying food into a nest- commonin late May on the headwatersof Wet Beaver hole in a silverleaf oak in South Fork of Cave Creek Creek, CoconinoCo., Ariz. (RB). SinglePainted Red- Canyon, Chiricahua Mts., May 29-June 1 (DBS, R. starts were seen at two localities in Tucson Apr 1 West); this is the first nest known to have been found & 3 (GG). •n the United States(aside from those in nest boxes), and is at an extremely low elevation (5400 feet). A ICTERIDS--Unheard-of Bobolink reports came •n Mountain Chickadee was at Elephant Butte Marsh from extreme w. Texas and New Mexico. On May Apr. 7 (CHu, BE). Late Red-breasted Nuthatches 12, 14 were seenat Horizon L., east of El Paso (BHB) were 2 at Albuquerque to Apr. 27 (JD) and one at and 40 were found near Gila, Grant Co., N. Mex BosqueRef., May 15(DZ). A Dipper nestwas discov- (DZ) plus2 6• morein the Gila area (Bruce Hayward) ered at the John Hands picnic area in Cave Creek One was seen at Las Vegas May 17 (WH). Two pmrs Canyon, Chiricahua Mts., May 3; it held four eggs of Orchard Orioles were found at Luis Lopez, near and was photographed (SS, Walter Spofford); the fol- Socorro, N. Mex., May 5 (MWk). Two ¾ Hooded lowing week the nest was deserted and the eggs gone Orioles were identified at Corrales, Sandoval Co., N (Steve Speich). This is a first nesting record for the Mex., May 5 (Ross Teuber). A • Northern Oriole, Chiricahuas and, aside from the Santa Catalina Mts., Baltimore subspecies, was found at Corn Creek, for s. Arizona. Desert Wildlife Range, May 18 (CL, PA) for the first Nevada record for the subspecies.The Great-taded THRUSHES--Many Am. Robin nests were Grackle continued its range expansion even more reported at El Paso (GW). A second New Mexico rapidly than in recent years, with records as far north record for Varied Thrush came from near Espafiola, as Pahranagat L., Lincoln Co., Nev., where a ¾ was Apr. 26 and May 15 (Sue Noel). One in lower Sabino seenApr. 28-May 2 (J. & Kay Burk), a first specimen

Volume 27, Number 4 805 for Nevadataken at Tule SpringsPark near Las Vegas Red Crossbill was watched feeding a juvenile on the Apr. 16 (CL et al.) and courtshipobserved there May ground at Evergreen Cemetery, Tucson, where the 18 (CL, PA), 2 at Mohave Indian Reservation, Clark birds had wintered, Apr. 15 (Ruth Steffens,fide HF), Co., Nev., Apr. 11 (CL), one at Topock Farm on if it could have been documented, this would have Havasu Ref., Ariz., May I (SB), and severalrecords been the first lowland breeding record in Arizona in April and May from the generalBlythe, Calif. area Twelve Red Crossbillswere still in n.w. PhoenixMay (JS). In New Mexico, up to 3 were observedat Dixon, 14 (DS), with one lingeringto May 6 (fide SD). There Rio Arriba Co., Apr. 12 and May 21 (JWh), and eight were highly unusual reports of Lark Buntings from nestswere foundat TucumcariMarsh May 28 (CHu, the n. part of the Region: "common" on dry lands CHy). A pair of Com. Grackles was seen at Corn 10 mi. south of Pipe Spring Nat'l Monument May 16 Creek May 3 and a d May 4 (VM, CL), and many (RWl), about 150at Santa Fe May 14 (PS), and several were nestingat Isleta, BernalilloCo., N. Mex., May reports of 1-4 seenin San Juan Co., N. Mex., including 6 & 26 (JD). one about 20 mi. east of Bloomfield May 21 (AN et TANAGERS, FINCHES--A d Scarlet Tanager al.). Late for such large numbers were 250+ in several was observedat BosqueRef., May 14 (GZ). About flocks in uplands4 mi. east of BosqueRef., May 16 8 Pyrrhuloxias were present through the period at (GZ). "Sunsites"east of the DragoonMts., Ariz. (WBA). Two GrasshopperSparrows were seen east of the A d was banded at Hermanas Apr. 20; at least 12 Dragoon Mts., May 28 (WBA). Unusual localities were in the vicinity of SycamoreWell, Alamo Hueco for Rufous-crownedSparrows were Tule SpringsPark Mts., Apr. 22 but noneMay 26-28(BM). A Blue Gros- where one was seen Apr. 8 (VM) and Corn Creek beak was seen at Fenton L., 17 miles west of Jemez where one sangMay 3-4 (VM, CL). An unusualfeature Springs,Sandoval Co., N. Mex., May 15 (MS). An of the season was singing Cassin's Sparrows: singing IndigoBunting was at BitterLake Ref., May 17(MWl), abundantlyeast of the Dragoon Mts. in mid-April con- and one was at Los Ojos, Rio Arriba Co., N. Mex., tinuinginto May, but the singingless prominent toward May 27 (PS). A d Varied Bunting was identified at late May•(WBA), several singing in grasslandseast Elephant Butte Res., Sierra Co., N. Mex., May 25 of Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mts., May 6 (Robt (CHy, BE), anda pair was seenat Charleston,Cochise Bradley) and singingat Horizon L., east of El Paso, Co , Ariz., May 26 (DouglasDanforth). A d Dickcissel May 12 (Bill Hunt) and May 19 (GW, Carl & Linda was found near Roswell May 24 (Irl Cassell). Many Jones).Botteri's Sparrowsshowed up early in s.e Ari- EveningGrosbeaks were reported, the birds becoming zona: one (4 later) singingeast of Dragoon Mts., May more common about mid-April. The recordsincluded 18 (WBA), and one singingin Ephraim Canyon west 200 at Socorro, N. Mex., May 2 (MWK), 2 at Las of Nogales, Santa Cruz Co., Ariz., May 20 (Bill Har- Cruces, Dona Ana Co., N. Mex., May 4 (Debra rison). A Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed subspecies) Hickman), 2 ddat Lost L. resort30 mi. northof Blythe, was still in Phoenix May 15 (SD) and another was Calif., May 7 (JS), 8 at SevenSprings, Maricopa Co., still at Los Alamos May 31 (PS). The remarkable 1972- Ariz., May 9 (ER et al.), as many as 440 in the Far- 1973invasion of Harris' Sparrows resulted in a number mington, N. Mex. area May 12 (AN et al.), 60 at of late records: 3 still at Cave Creek, Maricopa Co, Corn Creek, Desert Wildlife Rangeand Tule Springs Ariz., Apr. 15 (fide ER), up to 17 at Bosque Ref, Park, near Las Vegas, Nev., May 18 (CL, PA), still Apr. 16 (GZ), one at Las Vegas, N. Mex., May 3 about570 in the Espafiola,N. Mex. areaMay 19(RWo (WH), 1+ at Dixon, N. Mex., May 4 (JWh), as many et al.), a pair at Sedona, Coconino Co., Ariz., May as 11 at Albuquerque May 8 (PB), 3 at Corn Creek 21 (DBS), 2 at Pipe SpringNat'l Monument, Ariz., May 8 (CL, HS, KS), 2 at Pipe SpringNat'l Monument May 24 (RWl), 50 to 100 still present at Alameda, May 8 (RWl), and 3 at FarmingtonMay 12 (JudyNord- BernalilloCo., N. Mex., May 30 (CHu), and still pre- strom). A Swamp Sparrow banded at Hermanas Feb sent May 31 at Cedar Crest, Sandia Mts. (BM), 17 was recaptured Apr. 20 (BM). Albuquerque(PB), and Los Alamos (PS). A pair of INITIALED CONTRIBUTORS--Phylhs Purple Finches was lingeringin the e. foothills of the Adrean, Walter & Becky Anderson, Russ Balda, Bob TucsonMts., Apr. 26 (SL), and 8 were at Corn Creek & Helen Barto, Pat Basham, Delbert Boggs, Steve May 16 (CL, GK, Bruce & Marian Meier). The last Burr, Jodi Corrie, Allen Crockett, Dorothy DeLolhs, Cassin'sFinches were seenin AlbuquerqueApr. 27 Salome Demaree, John Durrie, Barbara Escher, (JD), 4 were at Corn Creek May 7 (CL, KS), several Harold Fetter, Paul Fitzsimmons, Grace Gregg, Steve were at Cave Creek, Maricopa Co., Ariz., May 10 Hanselmann, Walton Hawk, Chas. Hundertmark, (ER), 15 were at FarmingtonMay 12 (AN et al.), and Chas. Hyder, Lawrence Kline, Glade Koch, Chas theywere present until mid-May at CedarCrest (BM) Lawson, Seymour Levy, Barbara McKnight, Gale and Los Alamos (PS). Monson, Vincent Mowbray, Alan Nelson, Ted Two Pine Grosbeakswere eatingpinyon buds at Parker, Eleanor Radke, Dick & Bea Smith, Patricia Los Alamos Apr. 15 (L. Hawkins) and one was seen Snider, James Snowden, Sally Spofford, David Stej- at Del Monte Ranch, Taos Co., N. Mex. the same skal, H. Stephenson,Kit Struthers, Marjory Swam, date (WH). Many more Pine Siskinswere presentin (RWo) Roland Wauer, (JWh) Jack Whetstone, Geth the lower country than usual; recordsincluded 18 at White, (MWk) Marvin Wilkening, (MWl) MarJorie ElephantButte Marsh May 24 (CHu, CHy, BE), huge Williams, (RWl) Richard Wilt, (JWi) Janet Witzeman, flocks in Chama, Rio Arriba Co., N. Mex., May 27 (RWi) Robt. Witzman, Gary Zahm, Dale Zlm- (PS), and 4 in creosotebush-mesquite at Sycamore merman.--GALE MONSON, Arizona-Sonora Desert Canyon, Alamo Hueco Mts., May 28 (BM). An ad. Museum, Box 5607, Tucson, Ariz. 85703.

806 American Birds, August 1973 ALASKA REGION SURFACE-FEEDING DUCKS--Gadwall are rare n. of the Alaska Range. so single •cSon Yarger / DanielD. Gibsonand G. VernonByrd L., e. of Tok Jet., May 19 (DDG, JHL, & TTW), and at Fairbanks Internat'l Airport May 28 (DDG), A warm spring with early snow runoff and ice were of interest. Pintails were unusually common in breakup.and with no majorweather fronts, produced the c. Aleutians during May; on the mainland they as unexcitinga waterfowl and shorebirdmigration at other than coastal locations as observers in these areas were ubiquitous, but nowhere in exceptional numbers. One high-plumaged • Falcated Teal was observed on had seen. In large areas of south central and interior a small freshwater pond at Adak May 24 (JLT). Blue- Alaska the migrationwas a steadyflow of small hum- winged Teal were more numerous than usual in e. c. Alaska during the last half of May. although two pairs together e. of Delta Jet., May 18, was maximum count (m.ob.). Six pairs together at Douglas, near Juneau, Apr. 16 (ESD), was maximum count for the Region. European Wigcon were particularly numerous in the Aleutians this spring: 21 were seen at Adak May 9 (JLT), up to 16 were seen at Amchitka I. (GVB, SS, & CMW), and at least six were present at Attu [., May 30 (GVB). Most of these birds were paired. Elsewhere, one • was seen at the Experimental Farm, College, Apr. 30 (RSH et aL), a pair was observed at Eagle R., Juneau area, May 3 (ESD), and one 5 was seene. of Fairbanks May 24 (MSB). Two inter- esting hybrids were reported this spring: a Green- winged Teal X Gadwall at Fairbanks May 25 (DDG & BK) and a most peculiar individual estimated to be a Green-winged X Baikal Teal at Amchitka May 23 (GVB; * to U.A.).

DIVING DUCKS--Redheads, regular and un- common only in the Interior, were noted in the Juneau area, where the speciesis scarce: one • Apr. 16 and a pair May 2 (ESD). CommonPoebards were recorded in the Aleutiansin unprecedentednumbers this spring: up to eight were seen at Jones L., Amchitka, May 9-31 (GVB, SS, & CMW); up to ei•lht were observed bets of birds,with no impressiveconcentrations what- at Adak May 13-31 (JLT); and a single ? was seen ever. Exceptions were some typical waterfowl and at Attu May 28 (GVB). Canvasbacks were recorded shorebird concentrations at several coastal locations. as far west as Clarence Rhode Nat'l Wildlife Range, These concentrations apparently dispersedas the birds Yukon-KuskokwimDelta. wherea pair wasseen May moved inland. or they overflew interior localities in 18 (CPD). Eight •c• on the Copper R. Delta May I numbers without stopping. (PI) were of interest. At least 10 Tufted Ducks were present at Amchitka May 9-31 (GVB, SS, & CMW), a maximum of four was present at Adak May 19-31 GEESE--Canada and White-fronted geese arrived 0LT), and at least eight were seenat Attu May 26-31 on time in interior Alaska, but no large concentrations (GVB). A high-plumaged• Barrow's Goldeneye at were seen. Adak Island's wintering Black Brant, a Amchitka May 9&19 (GVB) was the westernmost lone bird, left May 16 (JLT); thousands were still record for Alaska of a speciesthat is very rare west present at Izembek Nat'l Wildlife Range May 20 of tree limit. Spectacled Eiders arrived at Clarence (EPB). Most EmperorGeese departed Adak abruptly Rhode refuge May 18 and were common thereafter during the second week of April (GVB, JLT), and (CPD). Three pairs of Surf Scotersat Cold Bay Apr. the last one was seen there Apr. 29 (JLT). A few II (DIE & DDG) were unusual at that location. A remainedat Izembek as late as May 20 (EPB). A Bean ? Smew,present at the beginningof the periodat Adak, Gooseclosely observed at Adak May 15&28(J LT) was was seen through May 16 (GVB, JLT); the bird was the fourth recordof the speciesin the Aleutianssince joined on Smew Pond by a full-plumagedc• May 12 1970. Two year-old blue Snow Geesewere observed (JLT). at Creamer's Dairy, Fairbanks, Apr. 25-29 (m.ob.}. This morphis very rare as far west as Alaska. Very few Snow Geese were reported. The first arrivals on COOTS--There were two records of Am. Coots, the Kasilof R. flats, Kenai Peninsula, were 25 birds rare springvisitors anywhere in the Region. One was Apr. 20. Numbers increasedslowly to 400-500 birds observed at Northway, in the e. Interior, May 19 Apr. 28, the peak of the migration there this year (DDG et al.), and one was seen at Cordova May 29 (MAM). (PI).

Volume 27, Number 4 807 SHOREBIRDS--Two Ringed Plovers were col- 31 but had a full clutch of six eggs Apr. 29 (DDG lected May 15at Amchitka (GVB; ** to U.A.); a third & RSH et al.). Logistics problems preventedfurther individual was also seen there. This is the first Aleutian visits. A $ Rufous Hummingbird at Auke Bay, Juneau record, the second one for Alaska. Black-bellied area, Apr. 17 (ESD) was the first seenthere this spring Plovers were not reported to be common anywhere The species returned to Kake Apr. 16, and it was this spring. Two were seen at Fairbanks, where they numerous there by Apr. 19 (CLE), two weeks earher are rare migrants, May 23-24, and one was seen May than last year. Estabrook has observed that arrival 29 (m.ob.). There were few records at coastal points of this speciesis coincident with openingof the first where the species is usually common. Daily counts flowers of red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), of shorebirds at Orca Inlet, Prince William Sound, the range of which plant coincideswith the breeding indicated that during the period Apr. 28-May 31 these range of the hummingbird, in Alaska. At least two t•dal flats were utilized by at least l 1,000,000 peep Rufous were seen at Cordova May 3, early, and num- (PI). Daily numbersexceeded two million May 6-May bers were presentthere by May 10 (PI). At least two 10 Western Sandpipers and Dunlins accounted for Skylarks were seen and heard singingat Attu May most of the movement: 6,500,000+ W. Sandpipersand 26-31 (GVB). This is the first Aleutian and third Alaska 3,500,000+ Dunlins. A lone peep observed at record. One Horned Lark at Cordova May 20 (PI) Amchitka May 15 (GVB) was collected May 16 was the first local record of a bird that is uncommon (CMW; * to N.M.N.H.); it was identified at U.A. and local over much of the state. A Cliff Swallow at as a Long-toedStint (Calidris subminuta), the second Barrow May 30 (GEH) may be a first record for the record for N. America. Sharp-tailed Sandpipers were area. first seen at Clarence Rhode refuge May 28, when CROWS THROUGH WAGTAILS--At least 10 five were observed (CPD). Red Knots were recorded in good numbers at Clarence Rhode refuge. Over 1000 Northwestern Crows were seen at Homer Apr 22 birds were seen May 17-19, and flocks of up to 12 (MAM). They are found across Kachemak Bay, but the observer had had only two sightingsfrom Homer were seen through May 31 (CPD). Up to five Wood Sandpipers were observed at Amchitka May 15-31 itself. Single Am. Robins at Barrow May 20&27 and (GVB, SS, & CMW). One was seen at Adak May a Varied Thrush there May 27 (GEH) were 15(JLT), and this specieswas the most numeroussand- extralimital. American Robins, Varied Thrushes, and Catharus thrushes arrived on time and in numbers in p•per May 26-31 at Attu, where at least 20 were seen most areas. An adult • Mountain Bluebird collected (GVB). A Bar-tailed Godwit with a score of Whimbrels at Cordova May 30-31 (PI et al.) was the first local at Barrow May 29 (GEH; * to U.A.) was a most record. A common species on the Bering Sea coast, unusual locality record. A vagrant on the North Slope, it •s very rare along Alaska's Pacific coast. Hudsonian the specieshad been recordedat Barrow twice before, Godwits were not reportedin the Cohoe area (MAM), but not since 1937. One White Wagtail was observed but two were observed as far northwest as Ambler at L. Andrew, Adak, May 13 (JLT), and at least two May 15 (OW), eight days before the species was were seen at Amchitka May 15-19 (GVB, SS, & reported at Fairbanks. CMW). One Yellow Wagtail was observed at Attu May 28 and 30 (GVB). Both of these wagtailsare rare migrants in the Aleutians, although a form of each GULLS, TERNS--One Slaty-backed Gull was (and not necessarily the same subspecies involved seen with Glaucous Gulls at the Barrow dump May here) breeds in w. Alaska farther to the north. 16, it was present into the last week of May (GEH). There was no report of Black-headedGull anywhere STARLINGS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS in the Aleutians this spring..Arctic Terns were first --Starlings were not recorded at Kake during noted at Juneau May 2, when six were seen; 50 were this period, but a few springpilgrims found their way counted there May 4 (ESD). First arrivals elsewhere into the Interior: a pair at Northway May 20 (DDG were Ambler May 16(OW), Fairbanks May 17(DDG), et al.) and one bird at the University of Alaska campus, Adak May 18 (JLT), and Attu May 29 (GVB). The College, May 24 (BK). One Starling found its way specieshad not yet arrived at Amchitka May 26, when all the way to the Bering Sea coast, an individual the observer departed (GVB). Aleutian Terns arrived recorded s. of Hooper Bay, on the Clarence Rhode at Adak May 19 (JLT), and they were first seen at refuge, May 29 (CPD). Wood warbler arrivals were Attu May 30 (GVB). difficult to analyze. Orange-crownedsarrived at Kake May 2 (CLE) and were first seen at Juneau May 4 OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS--What hap- (ESD). First reportsat Kasilofand Ambler were May pened to the Short-earedOwls.'? Normally a common, 22 (MAM) and May 27 (OW), respectively. Yellow conspicuous, and widespread migrant throughout Warblers were not recorded at Kake until May 20 much of the Region, the species went almost com- (CLE), but they arrived at Ambler May 26 (OW) pletely unrecorded this spring! One at Juneau May Yellow-rumped Warblers were first seen at Juneau 2 (ESD), one at Ambler May 14 (OW), one on the Apr. 30 (ESD) and in Fairbanks simultaneously,but Steese Hwy., n.e. of Fairbanks, May 26 (EM & MS), they were not recorded at Kasilofuntil May 9 (MAM), and one at Barrow May 26 (GEH) were the only at Ambler until May 11 (OW), and at Kake until May individualsreported during the period. After a dearth 20 (CLE). Singleindividuals were observedat Barrow of records for two years, Boreal Owls were numerous May 26&27 (GEH). Wilson's Warbler arrived at Kake m the Fairbanks area in spring 1973. A nest found May 8 (CLE), at Juneau May 12 (ESD), at Ambler 35 miles s. of Fairbanks Mar. 27 was still empty Mar. May 21 (MW), and at Kasilof May 24 (MAM). There

808 American B•rds, August 1973 were two extralimital records of singing• Red-winged Blackbirds in the Interior: one on the University of Alaska campus, College (LGS), and one at Chicken, 70 miles n.n.e. of Tok Jct. (DDG et al.), both May 18.

FINCHIES--A ff Brambling was observed near L. Andrew, Adak. May 20-21 (JLT), but it could not be foundsubsequently. Two Gray-crowned Rosy Finches carrying nesting material at Cordova May 20 were apparently nesting at sea level in that area for the third consecutive year (PI). This action is believed to be a carryover from years when alpine habitat was unavail- able due to heavy snow accumulation (PI). Common Redpolls were seen at Adak through May 7 (GVB & JLT), three were seen at Amchitka May 25 (GVB, SS, & CMW), and at least four were seen at Attu May 27 (GVB). Pine Siskins were very common in s.e. Alaska during the spring, numbersreported from Kake (CLIE), Glacier Bay Nat'l Monument (CLIE), and Juneau (lESD). Red Crossbills were not common during this period in s.e. Alaska (IESD, CLIE), where they are resident, but White-winged Crossbills remained numerous in interior, s.c., and s.e. Alaska through the spring. There were a number ofextralimital fringillids at Barrow in late May (GEH): White- crowned Sparrows May 26; two Dark-eyed Juncos, LOONS, GRlEBlES, PELAGICS, HERONS--A I0 White-crowned Sparrows, and two Fox Sparrows nest of the Com. Loon containing two eggs was dis- May 27; and two Golden-crowned Sparrows May 28. covered May 26 at Matheson L., 3 miles s.w. of A singingff Chipping Sparrowat Yarger L., May 19 Metchosin on Vancouver l., B.C., (WC, fide VG). (DDG et al.), was the earliest reported this year. Inland Yellow-billed Loons were noted singly just s. of movementsof Lapland Longspursand Snow Buntings Anacortes,Wash., Apr. 6 (N L,fide TW), at PortTown- were apparently scattered. as no concentrations of send, Wash., in breeding dress Apr. 22 (AB, fide either were reported. TW), and at Saanich Inlet on s. Vancouver I. Apr. 17 (V&MG; RF). There were 235 Arctic Loons at CONTRIBUTORS--IEdgar P. Bailey, Mark S. Active Pass in the Gulf Islands May 25 (V&MG), Boyce, Christian P. Dau, lEvelyn S. Dunn, David I. and an estimated 200 Red-throated Loons at Ocean lEisenhauer, Clifford L. fEstabrook, Raymond S. Shores,Wash., Apr. 14 (JM). Four Eared Grebes were Hadley, George lE. Hall, Pete Isleib, Brina Kessel, still at Victoria May 9 (RS, fide VG). A W. Grebe Jon H. Lee, Mary A. Miller, led Murphy, Mark was seenon Fern Ridge Reservoirw. of lEugene,Oreg., Schwan, Steve Sherrod, L. Gerard Swartz, John L. May 26 (LN, fide FZ). Up to 50 Black-footedAlba- Trapp, Thomas T. Wet more, Clayton M. White, trosses were seen on a pelagic trip out of Westport, Manya Wik, Ole Wik; m.ob., many observe'rs; *, Wash., on May 6, some as close to the beach as ten specimen; National Museum of Natural History; miles; six days later, with much more moderate waves University of Alaska Museum.--DANIEL D. GIBSON, allowingthe boat to proceedseaward as far as 62 miles, University Museum, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, only 13 of these birds were observed (TW et al.) A Alaska 99701, and G. VERNON BYRD, U.S. Fish & single light-phase N. Fulmar was seen on the May Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 5251, Adak, Alaska 98791. 6 trip (TW et al.). Pink-looted Shearwaterswere found on both days, in number up to 20 on the 6th and twice that total on the 12th (TW et aLL Flesh-looted Shear- waters were seenout of Westport in May for the third NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION consecutive year, this season in unprecedented num- / John B. Crowe!l, Jr. and Harry B. Nehls bers; a total of 15 was counted on May 6 and 22 were found on May 12 (TW et al.). Some 12,000Sooty Shear- The two months comprising the spring season of waters were estimated to be off Westport on May 6, 1973were both cooler and drier than average. Rainfall with one-third that number found six days later (TW in April was approximately 75 per cent of average, et al.). A single Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel on May 6 while rainfallin May wasabout 50 per cent of average. and an impressive 28 on May 12 (TW et al.) were Thus, for the fourth and fifth consecutive months, the the only representativesof their family noted on the Regionhas experiet•cedbelow-average precipitation. two off-shore trips. Green Herons were reported in lEffects,if any, on bird life have not been detected. the usualvery light springnumbers at favored localities The report which follows is unfortunately lacking in from Medford, Oreg., n. to Skagit Co., Wash. Another records from the Vancouver, B.C., area since no Snowy lEgret record--the fourth for the Region in reports were received from observersthere. the past year--was made May 24 at Yaquina Bay,

Volume 27, Number 4 809 Oreg , (PR,fide FZ) A Black-crownedN•ght Heron (WHo). The numbersof Osprey reportsreceived con- was discovered at Brownsville, Oreg., May 16 (HT, tinue to give reasonfor cautiousoptimism concerning fide FZ). Am. Bitterns were noted at four locations improvementin the heretoforeprecarious status ofth•s In w. Oregon and s.w. Washingtonduring the report speciesin the Region;reports were receivedfrom six- period. teen different localities in the southern half of the Re- WATERFOWL--A lone Whistling Swan was at gionand many were reportsof birds whichhad taken up breedingseason residence. There were two Oregon, Finley N.W.R. on Apr. 26 (FZ); another swan, pre- sumably of this species, was seen at Ocean Shores, one Washington,and one BritishColumbia sightings of Wash., Apr. 15 in a migrating flock of geese (JM). Peregrinesduring the report period. A Merlin was An ad. Trumpeter Swan was identified at Florence notedat GoldstreamR. on VancouverI., Apr. 22 (RS, L in the Esquimalt district on s. Vancouver 1., May fide VG); anotherwas observedin ManningProvincial Park, May 9 (V&MG). The only mentionof Bobwhite 19(RS,fide VG). Black Brant were prominentin migra- tion in tidal areas of the Region well into May, the was of two birds heard calling near Stafford, Oreg, May 27 (JBC). A California Quail seenon Apr. 8 at last being noted at Newport Oreg., May 26 (WHo), JordanR. wasfurther west than any previousrecord for and at Victoria, May 27 (VG). An Emperor Goose Vancouver I. (SJ). was present at Tokeland, Wash., on Willapa Bay, May 5-13 (DP, TW, et al.; G&WH). Many migratingWhite- fronted Geese passed over Finley N.W.R. Apr. 22- SHOREBIRDS--A count of 40 Black Oystercatch- May 6 (FZ); small flocks were seen several times Apr. ers seemingly resident on Destruction 1., Wash., May 20-May 27 at Ocean Shores (JM; G&WH). Two late 5-11 is of interest (WHo). A total of 75 Semipalmated Snow Geese were at Baskett Slough N.W.R.w. of Plovers at Tillamook Bay, May 6 (JBC, RF, WT) was Salem, Oreg., May 16 (FZ). A "Eurasian" Green- unusually high for the Oregon coast, particularly tn winged Teal was observedat Ocean Shores Apr. 29 spring. A single Am. Golden Plover was discovered accompanyinga migrant flock of the newly-designated on a Douglas Co., Oreg., beach n. of Reedsport on Am. subspecies(GH & JM). Three late Am. Wigeon Apr. 29 during the peak of a coastal movement of were at Saanich, B.C., May 26 (VG & RS). A late shorebirds(WHo).A Black-bellied Plover was found N. Shoveler was also there on May 28 (SJ). Two at Finley N.W.R., Apr. 15 (FZ). Surfbirds were last Redheads were found in the Oregon Dunes Recrea- reported May 9 when one was seen at Destruction tional Area n. of Coos Bay on the surprisingly late 1. (WHo). A countof 50 Ruddy Turnstonesat Westport date of May 5 (HR et al.). A pair of Tufted Ducks May 6 (G&WH) is unusually high. Five Com. Smpe was at Victoria, B.C., Apr. 5 (V&MG), and either at Destruction 1. May 5-7 (WHo) are of interest.Spring the sameor anotherdrake was seenby many observers records of Long-billed Curlew in the Region are at the same spot Apr. 17 (RF, VG, JT et al.) A half- unusual;this year, however, there were four--one b•rd dozen pairs of Barrow's Goldeneye were found on at SiltcoosL. outfall to the Pacific n. of Reedsport, lakes in the c. Oregon Cascades,May 2 (WHo & PJ, Oreg., Apr. 29 (WHo); one bird at Tokeland, Wash , fide FZ). Three Bufflehead at Victoria May 21 (JT, May 5 (DP, fide TW), three birds at Ocean Shores, fide VG) were quite late, as was the singleOldsquaw Wash., May 25 (G&WH); and one bird there May there May 29 (VG & SJ). Late Black Scoters were 27 (JM). Whimbrels were regularly recorded from two at Ocean Shores May 25 (G&WH) and three at mid-April to mid-May on the coastal strips of the s V•ctoria May 29 (V&MG; SJ). The total absence of portion of the Region. Lone Solitary Sandpiperswere Ruddy Ducks around Victoria where they normally found at Finley N.W.R. Apr. 26 (FZ), at Ankeny are of regularoccurrence in springwas pointed to by N.W.R. Apr. 30 and May 6 (DL, J•de FZ), and at V•c Goodwill, the area reporter. Saanich,B.C., May 24 (VG, RS) & May 25 (JT, fide VG). Wandering Tattlers were seen regularly at HAWKS, EAGLES, QUAIL--Another record of favored locations between Apr. 27 and May 13, the a White-tailed Kite for w. Oregon comes from near count of 30 at Destruction 1. May ll (WHo) •s Finley N.W.R. Apr. 12 where an individual bird was noteworthy as an unprecedentedone-day total. The carefully studied by an observer familiar with the two individual tattlers at Victoria May 20 (RS, fide species(ND,fide FZ). In additionto severalindividu- VG) were a bit late. Red Knots were seen at Yaqulna als recorded from the Cascades during the report Bay, Oreg., Apr. 7 & 22, at Florence, Oreg., and at period, a Goshawk was seen in Oregon'scoast range Westport Apr. 28, and at Ocean Shores Apr. 29, all between Corvallis and Newport Apr. 4 (WHo, fide in groupscomprised of lessthan ten individuals;thus, FZ). An imm. Golden Eagle was observed e. of the count of 200 at Westport on May 6 (G&WH) ts Roseburg,Oreg., Apr. 29 (OS); three individualbirds surprising.The 48 Rock Sandpipersat Clover P., Vic- were together at Medford May 21 (OS); an adult was toria on Apr. 30 (VG, RS) is a remarkable count for at Malahat, B.C. May 29 (V&MG). Bald Eagleswere this uncommonspecies. A single PectoralSandptper repeatedlyseen on the coastal portions of Oregon's wasseen at Finley N.W.R. May 6 (FZ), the only report Lane and Douglas Counties north of Coos Bay, in of this speciesfor the season. Baird's Sandpipersare WashingtoWsSan Juan Is., and on s. Vancouver I. this infrequently recordedin the Region duringthe spring, spring;other reports came from Waldo L., Oreg., on thus, records of one on the beach at Tahkenitch Creek, May 27, from Tillamook, Oreg., May 6, and from be- n. of Reedsport, Oreg., Apr. 29 (WHo), of one at tweenAberdeen and Westport, Wash., Apr. 28. Up to 6 Saanich, B.C., May 6 (RS, fide VG), and of four at pairsof MarshHawks were estimated to be presentin Coos Bay, Oreg., May 20 (WHo) all are worthy of the Oregon Dunes Recreational area this spring mention. A Semi-palmated Sandpiper was carefully

810 American Birds, August 1973 stud•edat Ocean ShoresMay 27 (JM). Pairs of Marbled found dead (WHo, MS, RR). An estimated 1000 Godwits were noted at both Florence, Oreg. (WHo) Rhinoceros Auklets were found breeding on Destruc- and at Westport (G&WH) Apr. 28. Many thousands tion I.; up to 26 of these birds were also seen out of Sanderlingswere on the beachesbetween Reedsport of Westport on both May 6 and May 12. Several and Florence in mid-April (WHo). The only report hundred Tufted Puffins were breeding on Destruction of Red Phalaropefor the seasonwas ofa 9 in breeding 1. plumage at Newport Apr. 28 (WHo). Wilson's Phalaropes,on the other hand, were observedat Reifel HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS, Refuges. of Vancouver,B.C., May 5-7 and againMay FLYCATCHERS, LARKS--Rufous Hummingbirds 22 m numberup to six (V&MG), the vicinity of Victoria were reported to be common on Destruction 1., May •n mid-May (RS, WC,fide VG), at OceanShores (JM) 5-11 (WHo). Lewis' Woodpeckers showed up at Finley and at each of the three Willamette Valley national N.W.R. Apr. 28 but were gone after May 11 (FZ) w•ldlife refugesin the latter half of May (FZ) in num- W. Kingbirds appeared at a number of places in bersup to five at a time. Migrant N. Phalaropeswere Oregon's Willamette Valley in the last week of April intermittently present in hundredsif not thousandsat and in each week of May; four were found at Medford favoredspots along the Oregonand Washingtoncoasts Apr. 28 (OS), and one was at Saanich May 13 (RS, from the last few days of April all throughMay. fide VG). Ash-throated Flycatchers returned to breed- ing groundsin the Medford area May 5-6(OS). A young JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ALCIDS•Jaegers Black Phoebewas found in a nestat Applegate,Oreg , are markedlyuncommon in this Regionin the spring; May 19 (OS). Hammond's Flycatchers had reached the only record of a Pomarine this season comes from s. Vancouver I., where the species is rare, LaPush, Wash., May 11 (WHo, MS, RR), while up by Apr. 28-29 (JT, RS, fide VG; SJ); numbers of to three Parasitic Jaegers were seen from the boat Hammond's Flycatchers were found in the Bull Run on an offshore trip at Westport, May 12 (TW watershed on the n.w. side of Mt. Hood e. of Portland et al.); another Parasitic was noted from the beach May 27-28 (HN). W. Flycatchersalso were prominent at Ocean Shores May 25 (G&WH). Western and on Mt. Hood along the Hidden L. trail, May 28(JO) Glaucous-winged Gulls at Destruction I., May 5-11, Two Horned Larks were found at Saanich, Apr. 17 seemed to be interbreeding(WHo). Large numbers (RS, fide VG); the speciesrarely occurs in s. British of ad. California Gulls were flying n. over the Oregon Columbia;three individualswere also seenat Manning Dunes RecreationalArea in early April; birds of this Prov. Park May 9 (V&MG). speciesseen there in May were sub-adults(WHo). A Franklin's Gull was seen on the beach n. of Reeds- SWALLOWS THROUGH GNATCATCHERS port Apr. 11 (WHo), constitutingthe first spring --A Bank Swallow was discovered at Saanich May record for w. Oregon known to us. The last days of 23 (SJ); another was seen at L. Terrell, Whatcorn Co , April andall of May founda heavier-than-usualmigra- Wash., May 18 (JD, fide TW), and a third individual tion of Bonaparte'sGulls passingup the Oregon and was noted at Corvallis, Oreg., May 26 (J&MC, fide Washington coasts and evidently into the Straits of FZ). Both Barn and Cliff Swallows entered the s. por- Juande Fuca, as severalhundred were presentat Vic- tion of the Region in the first days of April and had toria during part of that time. Only six Black-legged reacheds. Vancouver I. by mid-month. Purple Martins K•ttiwakeswere seenoff Westporton the pelagictrip, appearedfirst in the Region at Florence, Oreg., Apr May 6; two were all that were observed on the similar 10 (WHo); by the end of the period, other c. Oregon tr•p six days later (TW et al.); a half-dozen Kittiwakes coastal points, Corvallis, Portland, Olympia, the San were seen at Ocean Shores May 5, but on May 25 Juans, and s. Vancouver I. had contributed sightings there were 50 birds present (G&WH). Up to three The Blue Jay which had wintered at Saanich was last Sabine'sGulls were recordedon both the pelagictrips seenApr. 22 Or,deVG). Four Wrentits were observed from Westport(TW et al.). CommonTerns were seen at Medford Apr. 28 (OS). Early House Wrens were repeatedlyin the Westport-OceanShores area in May, at Finley N.W.R., Apr. 14 (WE, DM, fide FZ) and maximumnumber being 350 on May 12 (JM et al.). at Victoria, Apr. 22 Or,deVG). Twenty pairsof Winter Up to ten were seen, also in May, at Victoria, Bel- Wrens were censused on Destruction I., May 5-11 lingham,and Iona I., e. of Vancouver. Five Caspian (WHo, MS, RR). A couple of observers commented Terns were seen near Coos Bay on Apr. 12 (WHo); that they thoughtnumbers of Long-billedMarsh Wrens eight had reachedthe breedinggrounds in the vicinity were less than normal in w. Oregon, possiblybecause of Ocean Shoresby Apr. 14 (JM). A Black Tern was of attrition to the bitter freeze of December, 1972 seenat BaskettSlough N.W.R. May 13(JM;fide FZ). A Rock Wren was discovered on the w. side of Mt A few PigeonGuillemots seemed to be breedingat Hood, near Brightwood, May 28 (HN). Hermit DestructionI., May 5-11 (WHo, MS, RR); ten birds Thrushes are said to have been common on Destruction of this specieswere noted in the vicinity of Cape I., May 5-11 (WHo, MS, RR). A Veery was carefully Meares, Oreg., May 6 (JBC, RF, WT). Two score observed at Reifel Refuge, s. of Vancouver, May 22 Marbled Murrelets were counted in the n. end of Bel- (V&MG), At least two pairs of W. Bluebirds nested hnghamBay on May 29 (TW), a remarkableconcentra- in the Medford area in late April and in May: W tion for that locality. Up to four Cassin'sAuklets were Bluebirdshad left Finley N.W.R. by mid-April (FZ), foundat seaon the pelagictrips from Westport,May several individualswere seen repeatedlyat Victoria, 6 & 12 (TW); a few birds of this species were also Sooke, and Malahat on s. Vancouver I., during May, foundabout DestructionI., May 5-11, wherefour were includinga nestingpair at Sooke (SJ, RS, JT et al,

Volume 27, Number 4 811 fide VG) Mountain Bluebirds were noted repeatedly that park May 9-19 (V&MG) Two Gray-crowned at Manning Prov. Park, May 8-21 (V&MG). A Town- Rosy Finches were discoveredon May 2 at Big Lake send's Solitaire was discovered at Jordan River, B.C., in Oregon's Santiam Pass (WHo, PJ fide FZ). Pine Apr. 24 (SJ) and one was seen at Victoria, May 2 Siskinsoccurred sporadically in smallnumbers in low- (RS, fide VG). A pair of Blue-grayGnatcatchers were land areas from Medford n. to Portland during the back in the Medford area as early as Apr. 7; later, season;evidently the specieswas best representedon two nestsof this specieswere found, but they are sub- e. Vancouver 1. from Apr. 15 to the end of the report sequentlydestroyed by some predator (OS). period(fide VG). Largenumbers of Am. Goldfinches in the Rogue R. Valley during the first six weeks of VIREOS, WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS--Hut- the reportperiod (OS) apparentlysignified a northward ton's Vireos were reportedonly from Finley N.W.R., movementin progress.Savannah Sparrows were found where they were regularly seen and heard throughout to be abundant on Destruction I., May 5-11 (WHo• the spring season,from nearby Corvallis where three MS, RR). A Vesper Sparrowat SaanichMay 3 (VG, were present May 26 (FZ), from Port Angeles May RS) is said to be only the sixth record for Vancouver 17 (SJ), and from Saanich Apr. 30 (V&MG) and May 1.; it or another was seen there also on May 31 (SJ), 20 (SJ, fide VG). A Solitary Vireo put in an early one at Manning Prov. Park May 8-9 (V&MG) is also appearanceat Victoria Apr. 7 (RSfide VG). Red-eyed noteworthy.A Lark Sparrowturned up at SaanichApr Vireos were seen at Philomath, Oreg., May 26 (MS 1-6and againMay 13(WCfide VG); theseobservations fide FZ), and at Duncan, B.C., May 31 (WC, fide probably all involved the samebird which apparently VG). Warbling Vireos were widely reported through spent the last two months of the winter seasonthere w. Oregon, particularly in the first half of May, and A Brewer's Sparrow appeared on Samish I., Wash , were in evidence in the vicinity of Victoria after the May 26-27 where it sang and foraged among some middle of the month. introducedsage in a garden(NL, fide TW). A Harris' Orange-crownedWarblers were common both in the Sparrow was noted at Sauvie l., May 5 (HN et al ), Willamette Valley and around Victoria all spring. a banded one which had been at Bellingham left on Nashville Warblers were little noted, and there was May 1 (TW). Golden-crownedSparrows lingered at nothing remarkable concerningmigration movements Medfordas late as May 28 (OS). An ad. White-throated of Yellow, Yellow-rumped,and Black-throatedGray Sparrow was observedat Ocean Shores, Apr. 14-15 Warblers exceptfor an early arrival of the latter species (EH, JM). Fox Sparrowswere thoughtto be on terri- at Corvallis, Apr. 13 (ME,fide FZ). Four Townsend's tory in vegetationback of the beachat JordanR., where Warblers along the Hidden L. trail on Mt. Hood as eight singingbirds were listed in a two-mile stretch late as May 28 (JO) and one in Portland two days on May 31 (SJ). Between15 and 20 pairsof Lincoln's earlier (JO) are of interest, as are the three birds at Sparrowsappeared to be nestingin a meadow above Ocean Shores May 12 (JM). Hermit Warblers were Brightwoodon Mt. Hood, May 28 (HN). A Swamp frequently noted in the Bull Run watershed on Mt. Sparrow was found againat Lake SammanishState Hood, where MacGillivray's Warblers were found to Park, Wash., Apr. 8 when it was successfullyphoto- be particularly abundant in cut-over areas, all on May graphed (EH et al.). Lone Lapland Longspurswere 27-28 (HN). Large numbersof migratingWilson's War- seen at Ocean Shores, May 5 (G&WH), and at Til- blers moved through Finley N.W.R. Apr. 28 (HN). lamook Bay, Oreg., the next day (JBC, RF, WT), The small nestingcolony of Yellow-headedBlackbirds one was also noted at Victoria Apr. 9 (RS, V&MG) on Sauvie 1., w. of Portland, continuesto grow; four g¾were there by Apr. 12, whereas by May 5 there OBSERVERS--Alex Benedict, Wayne Campbell, were 25 presentalong with many • (HN). Elsewhere, John & Martha Casteel, John B. Crowell, Jr., Narca Yellow-headed Blackbirds were seen at Brownsville, Dewoskin, James Duemmel, William Elliott, Merlin Oreg., Apr. 7 (HT,fide FZ), at Ferndale, Wash., Apr. Eltzroth, Roy Fisk (RFi), Ralph Fryer, Vic and Mar- 29 (TW), in the vicinity of Vancouver, B.C., May 7-8 garet Goodwill, Wayne Hoffman (WHo), Glen & (V&MG), at Finley N.W.R., May 14 (FZ), and at Wanda Hoge, Eugene Hunn, Peter Jennings, Stuart Duncan, B.C., May 31 (WC, fide VG). A count of Johnston, Norman Lavers, Donald Lewis, Donald 30 Northern Orioles on Sauvie I., May 5 (HN et al.) MacDonald, James Micuda (JMi), James Morris, evidenced a migratory movement. Harry Nehls, Lars Norgren, James G. Olson, David GROSBEAKS, FINCHES, SPARROWS--Black- L. Pearson, Hilda Reiher, Robert Roelke, Peter headedGrosbeaks reappeared almost simultaneously Rothlisberg, Ron Satterfield, Michael Scott, Otis throughout the s. half of the Region the first week Swisher, Jeremy B. Tatum, Howard Tayler, William of May. Recordsof three individualLazuli Buntings, Thackaberry, Terrence Wahl, C. Fred Zmlle- includinga pair at Little Saanich Mtn., May 20-21, maker.--JOHN B. CROWELL, JR., 1185 I-Iallinan (JTfide VG), andof 2 ¾gon Mt. Douglasnear Saanich Circle, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 and HARRY B. (RS, V&MG) MaY31 all are of greatinterest, since NEHLS, 2736 S. E. 20th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202. thisspecies is rareon Vancouver 1. EveningGrosbeaks were abundantlywidespread throughout the s. portion of the Region all spring; a good-sizedflock was still in Portland's downtownparks May 28 (JBC). Purple Fincheswere virtually unreported.At ManningProv. Park on May 20, up to 20 Cassin'sFinches were seen (V&MG). At least 14 Pine Grosbeaks were seen in

812 American Birds, August 1973 MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION A heavy snowpack in the Sierra delayed arrival of several nesting species (Table 2). Sixteen Nashville ! Van Remsen and David A. Gaines Warblers at two stops in chamise chaparral at 1500 ft. in the westernfoothills of the Sierra, a non~breeding Exceptionallywarm, dry springtimeweather fol- area, April 27, correlated with their absence from lowed one of the coldest, wettest winters on record. higher regions at that time. By May 17, Hodgdon High temperaturesin the s. Sacramento Valley were Meadows (4000 ft.) and Crane Flat (6000 ft.), both 4ø F. above normal in April and 7ø above normal in in Yosemite, appeared to have normal breedingpopula- May. Rainfallwas five per centof average.Seed pro- tions, excepting Western Tanagers and flycatchers, ductionof grassesand forbs in the lowlandsand foot- which seemed scarcer than last year (MM). hills was roughly one-half againas much as last year Observers in areas that were drought-stricken last (Dean Taylor, U.C. Davis Botany Dept.). Seasonal year reported return of birds to normal breeding streams flowed late into the spring. Early melting of localities. North of Yosemite, for instance, Blue-gray the heavy Sierra snowpack swelled creeks and rivers Gnatcatchers and Lazuli Buntingsreturned to chamise in the mountains. chaparral; last year they apparently nested in brushy o gR& E. G 0 N I forest (MM). Lazuli Buntings were more common this spring than last at Mr. Diablo (J&SL, VR), and were •- •""•-•- • ,-•.•_ ...... numerous in Carmel Valley where "absent last spring due to extensive drought" (AB). Lawrence's Gold- • - •,•1. eAltu• finches remained along the Santa Cruz Co. coast until April 3. but, apparently due to mesic conditions, did not remain to nest (BGE). • l- t •jjy •. R•dBlu• LOONS & GREBES--Single Com. Loons were • • N•rw •.: Nevada• • -T• found inland at Boca Dam, Nevada Co., Apr. 28 (RS, • •C,E,•'1' .Ci•. •'• LCB, VR, GB) and Monticello Dam, Napa Co., throughthe end of the period eD. Shuford,fide DAG). As usual, Arctic Loons were conspicuous in their northward coastal migration throughout the period; individuals could be seen moving north from nearly San I •,. i•J•ta Cruz-•tø• . •rc•d •-_• •s• RaJael •. •e• • eLosBanos any coastal point at any time of day on any day at • eOa•land • ._•_• eSa.nas •e •.• a rate of 10to 150per hour. This speciesvastly outnum- bers both Common and Red-throated Loons in mi- gration. A breeding plumage Red-necked Grebe at Bit- terwater Valley, Monterey Co., Apr. 28-May 6 (KH) was an inland rarity. The latest Red-necked Grebe SanJose e • • J was reported from Monterey May l0 (AB). Horned The la•e amountsof standingwater producedby Grebes, rare inland, were at Chico Apr. 14 (TM), Boca last winlet's exceptionalrains induced many waterfowl Dam Apr. 28 (RS, LCB, VR, GB), and Eagle Lake, to stay laler than normal. Almost all pelagic species Lassen Co., May 19 (TM). A W. Grebe was at Nicasio were scarce; the weekly boat trips all spring reposed Reservoir, Marin Co,, May 26 (MLR), an unusual lo- below-averagenumbers of]usl about everything. An cality for this species so late in spring. unusualnumber of MississippiFlyway shorebirdswere reported this sp•ng, includinga probable Semipal- TUBENOSES--Two Laysan Albatrosses were 87 mated Sandpiper April 26 at Woodland, Yolo. Co. mi. off Eureka Apr. 15 (RLeV) and another was only (DAO). three mi. off Eureka Apr. 17 fJ•de DE). Northern Ful- Overall the landbirdmigrmion was uneventfulas to mars remained very scarce, with two off Eureka Apr. numbersof passingbirds. Plentiful food and water in 14-15 (RLeV) and two there May 6 (DE et. al.) the coastrange and foolhill areas may have permitted tran- only onesreported. Pink-footed Shearwaterswere less sientsto passthrough on a broadfronl. In addition, common than usual, most boat trips recording less than the •ucity of storm fronts may have contributedto ten birds. Sooty Shearwaters were also somewhat the infrequency of well-defined waves. Waves were below normal, at least until mid-May. Two Short-tailed reporledApril 22-24in the Sacramentoarea (Western Shearwaters were well-described from about 100 mi. Wood Pewee, and •ashville, Yellow, Black-throated off Eureka Apr. 15 (RLeV, S.H. Harris) for the Re- Gray, Townsend's,Hermit, MacOillivray's,and Wil- gion's first spring record. The only Fork-tailed Storm- sows Warblers•de BK) and May 31 on the Samoa Petrels were three 40-80 mi. off Eureka Apr. 14-15 Peninsula, Humboldt Co. (Western Flycatcher, West- (RLeV). Leach's Storm-Petrels were found to be com- ern Wood Pewee, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, mon (100+) beyond 40 mi. off Eureka Apr. 14-15 Yellowlhroat, Am. Redstart, and •ark-eyed "Slate- (RLeV). The prize for the most bizarre sighting this colored" Junco,S, RW). lncontmstto 1•2, migrants seasongoes to Dick Erickson and Tom Schulenberg appearedon time or slightly late •able I). This cor- who, on May 9 in Humboldt Co., were at the Mad relates with the striking extremes in wereher of the River about four river-miles inland when a Leach's last two winter: d• and warm in 1921-22and cold Storm-Petrel floated by them and then took off down- and wet in 1972-73. stream. There was no foul weather preceding this

Volume27, Number4 813 observation, and a logical explanation has not yet been 26 (MLR) and a g remained at the Pajaro Rivermouth found; perhapsthe river is just very well named. This until May 11 (J&RW). A • Hooded Merganser near speciesis very rare within 25 miles of the coast, much Arcata May 20 was extremely late (DE, TS), as was less a few miles inland. a • Corn. Mergansermoving northwest alongthe coast at Ft. Cronkite, Marin Co., May 26 (MLR). PELICANS THROUGH HERONS--Brown Peli- cans arrived early and many young-of-the-year were RAPTORS--Sixteen hours of hawk-watching at Pt present. The first juveniles were noted at Santa Cruz Diablo, Marin Co. (seelast fall's report), Mar. 2-Apr May 7 (BGE) and the first real influx occurred May 8 yielded 475 raptors: 183 Red-tailed Hawks, 114 11-15, with small flocks noted from Moss Landing to Sharp-shinned Hawks, 79 Turkey Vultures, 67 Eureka. At the Pajaro Rivermouth, 100+ were counted Cooper'sHawks, 15Accipiter (sp.), 12 Am. Kestrels, May 19; the first 100+ censusthere in 1972was much three Ospreys, one Golden Eagle, and one Marsh later---July 13 (J&RW). The Klamath Basin refuges Hawk (LCB). The best day was Apr. 4 when 207 b•rds recorded a spectacular 1782 Double-crested Cormo- of seven species were passing at a rate of one bird rants Apr. 30 (EJO). Heron and egret populationsin every 64 secs., which is comparableto peak rates last the S.F. Bay area showedno significantchanges from fall. Apparentlybreeding Goshawks were notedat two 1972(D.F.G., BGE). A Snowy Egret nest with eggs n. coastal localities (RLeV, TS). Red-tailed Hawks was found May 27 on Indian 1., Humboldt Bay; last are being displaced from nesting sites at Los Banos year three pairs fledged six young here for the first refuge by Great Horned Owls; four sites used by the Humboldt Co. nestingrecord (JHI). An ad. Little Blue hawks last year fledged owls this year (ROW). A Red- Heron was defending a nest site from Snowy Egrets shoulderedHawk at Ship-a-shore, Del Notre Co., May in the egret colony on Bair 1., San Mateo Co., Apr. 28 (DDS) was as far north as it could get in Califorma 28-29; the bird was not present.May 2 and no further An ad. Broad-winged Hawk at Arroyo Mocho, evidence of mating or nesting was observed (RGi, Alameda Co., Apr. 22 (MLR) may be the Reg•on's BGE). Perhaps the probable Little Blue Heron X first springmigrant record. A Swainsoh'sHawk, rare Snowy Egret hybrid found last winter at Palo Alto away from the C.V., was at Arroyo Mocho April 28 had been produced in this colony in a previous year. (ST). A reportof 35 Swainsoh'sHawks May 13 near On Apr. 8, an ad. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Davis (B&CY) was very encouraging. The latest returned to San Rafael for the sixth consecutive year Rough-leggedHawk wasreported fromTopaz L., Sierra (ABu, WMP). Two White-faced Ibis at the Klamath Co., Apr. 17 (RS, GM). Golden Eagleswere reported Basin refuges Apr. 30 were the first noted there in from 20 locations in the Region, most of which were several years (EJO). potential nestinglocalities. Two Bald Eagle nestsw•th youngwere locatedin the Sierra foothills (fide DAG, WATERFOWL--An extremely late and not visibly TM, GN) andanother was found in Trinity Co. (WKe) unhealthy Whistling Swan was at the Bay Bridge Toll An Osprey May 28 in San Benito Co. (BGE) was Plaza May 22 (ST), and five were still at the Klamath too late for a migrant but we have no recent nesting refugesApr. 30 (FJO). Pairs of apparently summering recordsfrom that far south. Only one PeregrineFalcon Canada Geese were noted on S.F. Bay at Emeryville was reported. A late Merlin was at Arcata May 17 Apr. 28 (JHol) and W. Marin I. through the end of Am. Kestrels are becoming less oommon every year the period (RSD). A Black Brant, rare inside S.F. in the Los Banos area (ROW). Bay, was at Foster City Apr. 20 (PM). Five "Blue" Snow Geese were migratingnorth over Auburn, Placer TURKEYS THROUGH QUAIL--Three areas in Co., Apr. 5 (MA); not only is this a little late, but the Sacramentofoothills reported Turkeys (fide BK), this form is seldom seen away from the company of and Santa Clara Co. populationswere unchangedfrom white Snow Geese in our Region. The Klamath Basin 1972(D.F.G., BGE). Blue Grousewere exceptionally refuges recorded 620 Ross' Geese as late as Apr. 30 common in Humboldt Co. (GE, TS et. al.), and a • (EJO). A Fulvous Tree Duck was at Woodland Apr. booming five mi. northwest of Hopland, Mendocino 19 (RS) and two were there May 20 (JH). A pair of Co., Mar. 29 was at the southern limit of its coastal very late or summering Pintails was at the Bay Bridge range(OK). Two MountainQuail were at Mix Canyon, Toll Plaza May 27 (MLR). The last "Common" Solano Co., Apr. 15 (E. & C. Harper, fide BK) at Green-wingedTeal and EuropeanWigeon, both single the southeasternextremity of their range north of S F •, were at Arcata May 5 (RS, BW). Probable nesting Bay. Wood Ducks were found at three localities along Arroyo Mocho and Arroyo Del Valle s. of Livermore SHOREBIRDS--Inland Semipalmated Plover (AE, DDeS). Four Canvasback ducklings at Kester- were reported as follows: one Woodland Apr 4 son N.W.R. May 22 (CJM) representone of our few (B&RL), as many as nine at Woodland Apr. 26-29 Central Valley (below, C.V.) breeding records. A t (B&RL, DAG) and one Dinuba, Tulare Co., Apr Corn. Goldeneye was at Belmont Slough, San Mateo 29 (RGe). Of six Snowy Plover nests at the Pa.laro Co., until the end of the'period(PM) and a late • Rivermouth, five produced 13 young (J&RW), about Barrow'sGoldeneye was at BodegaBay Apr. 21 OH). the same as last year. The only Am. Golden Plover A • Oldsquaw was at the Pajaro Rivermouth Apr. sightedwere two in breeding plumageat Arcata May 5-13 (J&RW) and a probably injured imm. • was at 4-5 (DE, TS, RW et. al.). Migrant Surfbirds were again the Dumbarton Bridge Apr. 19 (JL). Nine very late found in April at the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza inside or summering Black Scoters were at Pt. Reyes May S.F. Bay (DE, ST). An unusually large concentration

814 American B•rds, August 1973 (75) of migrant Ruddy Turnstones was located in individuals reported. Not one Sablne's Gull was agriculturalfields at Arcata May 4; they were mostly reported despite boat trips on nearly every weekend gonethe next day (DE, TS). Largenumbers of migrant all spring. Whlmbrelswere seenthroughout the RegionApr. 16- Migrant Forster's Terns peaked at the Pajaro River- May 10, with the highestcoastal count 350-400Arcata mouth May 4 with 600 counted, over twice as many May 4-5 (DE, TS) and highestinland count 150+ at as had been tallied in several years of censusing Los Banos refuge May 7-8 (ROW). No fewer than (J&RW). California'sfirst springand inland specimen four Solitary Sandpiperswere found this spring:north for ArcticTern waspicked up deadat Bridgeport,Mono of Glenn, Glenn Co., Apr. 24 (GAG), Arcata Apr. Co., May 22 (EleanorBeeruer,fide GMcC); this speci- 26 (DE, TS, RW), EurekaApr. 30-May 3 (DE, TS), men is now in the San Diego Nat. Hist. Museum and Dinuba May 3 (RGe). Interestingly,these dates Although this species is at times abundant offshore correspondclosely with peak springmigration dates in the fall, only a few sight records existed for the for this speciesat Great Plains localities, such as e. spring.The earliestLeast Tern was one at Moss Land- Colorado. The Arcata and Eureka birds were the third ing Apr. 27 (JH), and the first arrivals in S.F. Bay and fourth Humboldt Co. records (DE). A flock of were recorded at several locations May 12-14 (BGE, yellowlegsnear Benicia, Solano Co., Apr. 10, com- JHol, ST). Black Terns, rare but regular coastal mi- prised71 Greaters and 45 Lessers(RS), exceptional grants, were at Coyote Hills, Alameda Co., Apr. 24 numbersfor both species.Many morethan the normal (Roberta Long) and the Pajaro Rivermouth May 5 number of spring Lesser Yellowlegs were reported: 0&RW). one Pescadero, San Mateo Co., Apr. 18 (DDeS), one A Corn. Murre was inside S.F. Bay at Berkeley Bohnas Lagoon, Marin Co., Apr. 23 (LCB), one to May 21 (JL). A pair of Marbled Murrlets was at Griz- three at Fairhaven, Humboldt Co., Apr. 25-May 5 zly Creek S.P. 20 mi. from the coast, Humboldt Co , (DE, RLeV, TS et. al.), one Dinuba Apr. 29 (RGe), Apr. 27-28 (DE, RLeV, TS), addingto the list of possi- one Chico May 1 (BW), and one late bird at Palo Alto ble breeding locations. The only Ancient Murrelets May 13(TC). Over 200 Knotswere counted in a field reportedwere two five mi. off Eureka Apr. 14 (RLeV), at Arcata May 4-5 (DE, TS et. al.). The last Rock which is about the latest this species is ever reported Sandpipersreported were seven at HumboldtBay Apr. from our Region. 3 (M. Bramwell,fide DE). A PectoralSandpiper was at BolinasLagoon Apr. 23 (LCB) and remaineduntil at least Apr. 28 (GB, BGE, VR, RS, DAZ) for the PIGEONS THROUGH GOATSUCKERS third springrecord for the Region.A Baird'sSand- --Flocks of 50-80 Band-tailed Pigeons, remnants of piper,also very scarcein spring,was well-describedthe winter "invasion", lingered in the C.V. until mid- from FairhavenApr. 27-29 (RLeV, BB, DE, TS). The May, and a few remainedthrough the end of the period latest Dunlin was a single at Woodland May 6 (BK); (TM, DAG, ROW). A Yellow-billed Cuckoo a mass exodus from the Region had occurred in the remained along the Sacramento R. north of Glenn, previousweek. Five Long-billedDowitchers at Wood- Glenn Co., from May 16 to the end of the period (Louis land May 19 (B&RL) were the latest onesreported. Henrich, DAG). Roadrunnerswere observed at two Two Marbled Godwits were also at Woodland May localities in the interior coast ranges: Anderson Dam, 19 (B&RL); this speciesis uncommonin the C.V., Santa Clara Co., Mar. 12 (fide TheAvocet) and seven particularlyso late in spirng.Two Sanderlings,also mi. north of King City, Monterey Co., May 4 (D&JR), rare inland, were reportedfrom FresnoMay 7 (RGe). their present status is conjectural. The only Red Phalaropesreported were 40 off San A Flammulated Owl heard May 10 near Forest FranciscoMay 5 (ST). NorthernPhalaropes arrived Ranch, Butte Co., was the first in the area this season on Monterey Bay Apr. 17, peakedat 20,000on Carmel (BW); others were reported from Yosemite Valley Bay May 1, and the last wereseen on May 20 (AB). (Phil Schaeffer,fide DAG), Chew's Ridge, Monterey Co., (MeA), and Salmon Mtn., Humboldt Co., for JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS--Only a few the first county record (TS, RW). A Spotted Owl near Pomarine Jaegers were seen, with five off San Fran- Forest Ranch May 10 was the first reported in Butte cisco Apr. 22 the maximum (VR et. al.), and, as Co. and only the third from the n. Sierra foothills - is normal in spring, no Parasitics were reported; both over 75 nighttime hrs. have been spent in this area these species are much more common in fall than by one of our most active owlers (BW). Other Spotted spnng.A first-year Glaucous Gull remainedat Arcata Owls were heard in the coastal mtns. at China Camp, until Apr. 29 (DE, RLeV, TS). Herring Gull wasfound Monterey Co. (MeA), at the usual locationsin Mann to be the most common gull beyond 40 mi. offshore Co., andat Grizzly Creek S.P., (DE, TS, et. al.). Great from Humboldt Co. Apr. 14-15, where it is rather rare Gray Owls were present at the usual locations in coastally(RLeV). A considerablenorthward migration Yosemite. Another was below the species' known of ad. Herring Gulls was noted along the Humboldt breeding range at 4300 ft. at Mather Camp, Tuolumne coastApr. 29 (DE). The imm. Franklin's Gull which Co., Apr. 29; as the upper meadows were still snow- winteredat Arcata remaineduntil at leastApr. 18 (BB, covered, this may have been a wintering bird (MM) DE). The usual late-April - early-May Bonaparte's A Short-eared Owl at Belmont Slough Apr. 11 (PM) Gull migration was fair but not spectacularthis spring, was the only one reported. with the highest count 1150at the Pajaro Rivermouth Lesser Nighthawks were observednear Sacramento May 5 (J&RW). Black-leggedKittiwakes continued Apr. 17 (fide BK) and near Dinuba May 3 (RGe), to be scarce this spring with only a few scattered they appearedalong the SacramentoR. in Glenn and

Volume 27, Number 4 815 Butte Cos Apr 30 (DAG) Two Com Nighthawks on the Samoa Pen , Humboldt Co , May 20 (DE, TS) were seennear Felton, SantaCruz Co., Apr. 24 (BGE); and eight Olive-sideds at Babel Slough, Yolo Co., May they are extremely rare in the coastal district. 24 (fide BK).

SWIFTS AND HUMMINGBIRDS--Only eight LARKS THROUGH THRUSHES--Twenty migrant flocks of Vaux's Swifts were reported with Horned Larks on the Bear R. Ridge, Humboldt Co , 35 at Pacific Grove, Monterey Co., Apr. 30, the only May 26, may constitute a resident population; they group of more than ten (AB); two at Crane Flat, are not known to nest in Humboldt or Del Norte Cos Yosemite, May 29 were interesting (VR, J&SL) - (DA). Bank Swallow colonies at the Pajaro River- although this specieshas been reported regularly at mouth (BGE) and along the Sacramento R. in Glenn potentialbreeding sites in the Sierras,no officialnesting and Butte Cos. (DAG, TM) were flourishing by the record has yet been obtained. Two groupsof four and beginningof May. Groups of three and four migrant seven Black Swifts were moving north along the Big Purple Martins passedPt. Diablo Apr. 3 & 7 (LCB) Sur Coast May 22 (BGE), one was in Oakland May Nesting martins were reported from seven 1ocahties 18 (ST), and another was on the floor of the C.V. in coastalareas and five in the C.V. Steller'sJays lin- n of Glenn, Glenn Co., May 28 (DAG). A Black- gered at elevations below 1000 ft. east of Sacramento chinned Hummingbird at the Hastings Reservation, until mid-April (B&RL). Groupsof five and l I migrant Monterey Co., was somewhat further west than usual Com. Ravens were observed at Pt. Diablo Mar 3 & (AB). Costa's Hummingbirds were observed at two Apr. 8. Red-breasted Nuthatches were last seen in localities in the southern interior coast ranges where mid-April in coastal and C.V. localities. Varied they probably nest in small numbers: Pinnacles Nat. Thrushes remained as late as Apr. 15 in Marin Co Mon. May 5 (MLR) and lower Del Puerto Canyon, (LCB) and even into May at Whitmore, Shasta Co Stanislaus Co., May 6 (VR, WK, BP). A male in (BKI). Arrival dates for Swainson's Thrushes showed Weaverville, Trinity Co., Apr. 5 (SB) was hundreds no discrepancybetween outer coastaland inland areas of miles north of any previoussighting. A .displaying this spring. A pair of Mountain Bluebirds, possibly • Anna's Hummingbirdin chaparralat 6400ft. on Hull breeding,were at the summit of Salmon Mr., Humboldt Mtn., Mendocino and Lake Cos., was well above Co., May 26-27 (TS, RW). known breeding locations (OK); conversion of logged forest to brushland may allow altitudinal range exten- GNATCATCHERS THROUGH VIREOS sionsin this species.Beginning Apr. 5, Rufous Hum- ---Transient Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were observed as mingbirds inundated an Oakland feeding station and .follows on Pt. Diablo: six Apr. 4, four Apr. 7, and by Apr. 13, more than 200 birds (100+ •) swarmed two Apr. 8 (LCB). Nineteen Phainopeplaswere tallied "like flies around the feeders"; most were gone the from lower Mines Rd. through Del Puerto Canyon next day (VR). The enormous numbers which migrate May 6 where five to nine are usual (VR, WK, BP) along the outer coast were well documented at Pt. Starlingswere reportedincreasing at Whitmore,Shasta Diablo where on five days between Apr. 3 and 18 Co. (BKI), SantaCruz (DB), and in portionsof interior a total of 315 hummingbirds, probably all Rufous, Mendocino Co. where they were hitherto absent A passedat a rate of one per 73 secs(LCB)! A Calliope Red-eyedVireo, well-described, was at Coyote Hills Hummingbird on Berry Summit in e. Humboldt Co. Reg. Park May 24 (ST), the seventh spring record Apr. 29 was the county's first interior record - they for the Region. may nest in the area (DE, TS, RW). --.S.Ao -- WOODPECKERS & FLYCATCHERS--Pileated Despiteintensive searching by footand canoe, Bell's Woodpeckerscontinue to appear at localities in the Vireos were not detected in seeminglyideal willow Santa Cruz Mtns.: Portola, Big Basin, and Castle Rock riparian in Tehama, Butte and Glenn Counties where State Parks and Waddell Creek (BGE). A pair of they were formerly common(TM, DAG). A pair of Lewis' Woodpeckerswas ousted by Starlingsfrom two Hutton'sVireos nestingin willow ripariannear Chico successivenest sitesalong Arroyo Mocho (AE). Hairy (a niche vacated by the Bell's Vireo?) were feeding Woodpeckerswere sightedat three locationsin riparian a voraciousBrown-headed Cowbird June 3 (TM)! Has vegetationon the floor of the C.V. in Glenn and Butte the phenomenalincrease of cowbirds,which began in Cos., where they are not known to nest (Joe Cornell, the 1920s,doomed the Bell's Vireo in our region9 DAG, TM). Seven Western Kingbirds at Pt. Diablo May 4, one on May 7, and two on May 8 (LCB) and two in San Francisco May 8 (JM) suggestthe species WARBLERS--Four • Yellow Warblers estab- is a regularspring transient along the outer coast.Only lishedterritories on a SacramentoR. censusplot near three Willow Flycatcherswere reported:Livermore Chico where only one was present last year (TM), May 8 (AE) and the SacramentoR. near Chico May their breeding status on the floor of the C.V. is uncer- 12and 24 (TM). Gray Flycatcherswere observednear tain. Reports suggested that the bulk of "Myrtle" Davis Apr. 21 (PB), College Cove (RLeV) and Yellow-rumpedWarblers departedfrom coastal dis- MicKinnleyville, Humboldt Co., May 5 (first county tricts by the first week of April, one to two weeks records), and at Coyote Hills May 14 (ST). Two small before "Audubon's". A "huge diurnal movement" on groupsof transientflycatchers were observedin scat- Jasper Ridge, San Mateo Co., Apr. 7 consistedof 60 tered parts of the Regiontowards the end of May: per cent "Myrtles" (DDeS); both types were present five W. Wood Pewees and an Olive-sided Flycatcher in equal numbers at Pinnacles Nat. Mon. Apr 6-8

816 American Birds, August 1973 Species Date of First Arrival Timing of First Maior Influx 1972 1973 1972 1973

LesserNighthawk Ap 9 Ap 19, Sacramento Not Recorded Late Vaux's Swift Ap 8 Ap 19, Livermore On Time On Time Black-chinnedHummingbird Mar 11 Mar 29, Courtland Not Recorded On Time Calliope Hummingbird Ap 5 Ap 8, Berkeley Early On Time Western Kingbird Mar 2 Mar 31, Sacramento Very Early Late Ash-throatedFlycatcher Ap 2 Ap 15, Auburn Not Recorded Late Western Flycatcher Mar 12 Ap 4, Berkeley Early Very Late Western Wood Peewee Ap 9 Ap 21, Livermore On Time On Time Ohve-sidedFlycatcher Ap 14 Ap 22, Palo Alto On Time On Time Swainson's Thrush Mar 24 Ap 18, Berkeley Early Late Sohtary Vireo Mar 30 Ap 7, Pinnacles Early Late Warbling Vireo Mar 13 Mar 31, Santa Cruz Early Late Orange-crownedWarbler Feb 26 Mar 1, Lafayette Early On Time NashvilleWarbler Ap 7 Ap 19, Oroville On Time On Time Yellow Warbler Mar 21 Ap 17, SearsvilleLake Very Early On Time Black-throated Gray Warb Mar 30 Ap 14, Livermore Very Early On Time Hermit Warbler Ap 16 Ap 14, San Francisco On Time On Time MacGillivray'sWarbler Ap 8 Ap 14, Berkeley On Time On Time Wfison's Warbler Mar 17 Mar 18, Bennett Valley Early On Time Hooded Oriole Mar 18 Mar 30, Yuba City Early On Time Northern Oriole Mar 12 Mar 19, Coyote Hills Very Early On Time Western Tanager Ap 10 Ap 22, Calistoga Early On Time Black-headed Grosbeak Mar 28 Mar 30, Belmont Early On Time Lazuli Bunting Ap 22 Ap 20, Dinuba On Time On Time Ch•pping Sparrow Mar 20 Ap 5, Sacramento Very Early On Time

(JHol). In San FranciscoApr. 14, the Yellow-rumpeds 30-31(DE, TS) were the third and fourth springrecords were all "Audubon's" (AM) and similarly, there was for the N. California coast. A • Yellow-headed Black- only one "Myrtle" amongnumerous "Audubon's" on bird was in the Arcata Bottoms May 17 & 22 (DE, JasperRidge Apr. 24 (DDeS). A • Townsend's War- TS) and another was at Tuolumne Meadows, bler on Chew's Ridge May 28 (PM) was somewhat Yosemite, May 25 (J&SL); both were outside the late At least five • MacGill6vray's Warblers were species' normal range. Hooded Orioles continued to on territory in the Berkeley hills Apr. 14 (AP, VR). increasein numbersin towns throughoutthe Region, Yellowthroats were considered common in appropriate from Ferndale (Humboldt Co.) and Chico south habitat in Marin and Santa Cruz Cos. and at Coyote Northern Orioles were considered "not rare" along Hills, yet remained inexplicably scarce in C. V. the Humboldt Co. coast (TS); they were formerly marshes. Although the Yellow-breasted Chat was unknown north of Sonoma Co. A singing • "Probably the most common breeding warbler in "Baltimore" Northern Oriole molted into adult plum- the Chico area" (TM), none were to be found in the age in the Arcata Cemetery Apr. 25-30 (S.H. Harris, Sacramento and Davis areas (BK, DAG). RLeV, TS et. al.). A • Summer Tanager in the same An ad. • Black-and-white Warbler was s. of Olema, cemetery Apr. 25-28 (DE, TS) was the northern- Marin Co., Apr. 15 (LCB). Three spring reports of most record for California; both oriole and tanager Palm Warblers were exceptional: Mill Valley, Marin may have been winteringbirds. Co , Apr. 4 (VRL), Jasper Ridge Apr. 24 (DDeS), and Trinidad, Humboldt Co., May 12 (RW). A 5 Mag- FINCHES--Single singing• Rose-breastedGros- noha Warbler at Pt. Pinos May 22-23 (RS, GM), a beakswere in SacramentoMay 28 (BK, TM et. al ) 9 Black-and-white Warbler at the Carmel Rivermouth and on Pt. Bonita, Marin Co., May 22 (MLR), the May 23 (RS), and a 5 TennesseeWarbler in Pacific third andfourth spring mainland records for the Region Grove the same day (RS) reflected the late spring A • Blue Grosbeak was at Coyote Hills May 8 (ST) occurrencepattern of Easternvagrants. A 5 Am. Red- for one of the few S.F. Bay area records. Two Indigo start returned to the site where a pair bred last year Buntingswere found in Humboldt Co: a • in Westhaven near Arcata (DE, TS); one which was probably an May 10 (RLeV) and the head and wings ofa • recently lmm. • was singingnear Fairhaven May 31-June 1 eaten by a cat near Arcata May 15 (R. Hill,fide DE) (DE, T$, RW). Remnants of last fall and winter's extraordinary low- land and coastalflight of EveningGrosbeaks lingered ICTERIDS AND TANAGERS--A 3 Boblink at into May: eight were at Babel Slough May 28 (TM) the Presidio, San Francisco, May 16 (MLR) and and three were in Oakland May 30 (VH). Flocks of anothersinging 3 in McDaniel Sloughnear Arcata May up to 35 Red Crossbills remained on the Monterey

Volume 27, Number 4 817 Table 2 Comparisonof "Early" and "Late" Years in the Sierra Nevada(Data: MM) Early: Ap 27-29. 1968 & 72 Late: Ap 28-29, 1973 Species 4000ft.* 6000ft.* 4000ft.* 6000ft.*

Western Wood Peewee 2 0 2 0 Olive-sided Flycatcher 7 Present 0 0 Nashville Warbler 6 2 0 0 Hermit Warbler 9 5 3 0 WesternTanager 0 0 0 0 Fox Sparrow -* 10 7 *4000 ft.--around HodgdonMeadow, Yosemite. 6000 ft.--vicinity of Crane Flat, Yosemite.--no suitable breeding habitat checked.

Pen. through most of May (AB), and small groups Bolander, Sharon Boucher (SB), Peter Brown, Aubrey at the Presidio and Lincoln Park in San Francisco Burns (ABu). Ted Chandik, Rosamond S. Day, Calif. were suspected of breeding (MLR, LCB). A Green- Dept. of Fish & Game (D.F.G.), Dave DeSante, Art tailed Towbee was observed at Arroyo Mocho Apr. Edwards, Bruce G. Elliott, Dick Erickson, Lynn 29 (DDeS). Grasshopper Sparrows were absent fi'om Farrat, Ron Gerstenberg (RGe), Robert Gill (RGi), several traditional localities and considerably scarcer Jack Guggolz, Keith Hansen, Rob Hansen, Tom in others, e.g. two pairs in Wildcal Reg. Park where Heindel, John Hollis (JHol), Vi Homere, Joel six pairs nested last year (JM, GZ, et. al.). A "Slate- Hornstein (JH), Jonathan H. Ives. Wini Kessler colored" Dark-eyed Junco was at Samoa on the very (WKe), Betty Kimball (B K), Barb K!asson(B KI), Wait late date of May 31 (TS). At least six gg Black-chinned Koenig(WK), Oliver Kolkmann, Ron LeValley, Volna Sparrows were in Tilden Park, Berkeley, May 14(JM), R. Losh, Bob & Ruth Loveless, John & Susanne and a g returned briefly to Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory Luther, Charles J. Mack, Georgianne Manolis, Tim where they nested last year (BS). Most Zonotrichia Manolis, Marie Mans, Guy McCaskie, Alice left by the end of April, but a Golden-crowned Sparrow Mericourt, Peter Metropulos, Jos6ph Morlan, Gary lingered in Auburn through the end of the period (MA). Nielsen, Edward J. O'Neill, Alan Pistorius, Bill Prin- A • Harris' Sparrow at a feeder in Weaverville since cipe, William M. Putsell, Robert J. Richardson, Don Dec. 6 molted rapidly into ad. plumage and departed & Jolie Roberson. Mary Louise Rosegay, Tom April 26 (SB) and another feeder bird in Monterey Schulenberg, Doris M. Shanks, Rich Stallcup, Bob was present until at least Apr. 7 (SFB). White-throated Stewart, Nick Story, Otis D. Swisher, Scott Terrill, Sparrows were last seen in the S.F. Bay area Apr. Art Wang, John & Ricky Warfiner, Bruce Webb, Roger 15 and Humboldt Co. Apr. 22. O. Wilbur (ROW), Roger Willmarth (RW), Bob & Carol Yutzy, Gary Zamzow, Dale A. Zim- CONTRIBUTORS--Dave Anderson, Merle merman.--VAN REMSEN, Dept. of Zoology,University Archie (MEAL Maurine Armour (MA), Stephen F. of California, Berkeley, Calif. 94720 and DAVID A. Bailey (SFB), Alan Baldridge (AB), Bob Behrstock, GAINES, Route 1, Box 2563, Davis, Calif. 95616. Laurence C. Binford, David Bockman, Gordon

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION / Guy McCaskie

The winter rains finally let up in early April and, asa resultof the excessivemoisture, the entire country- sideappeared lush and greenwith a spectaculardisplay of wildflowers on the deserts. Consequently,there was feed and water available everywhere and migrants did not appear to concentrate as much this spring as they have in the past. Most observers felt migrants were scarce in the eastern portions of the region; however, large numbers of migrant flycatchers, vireos, and war- blers were present along the coast during a period of heavy overcast in early May. As usual a variety of eastern speciesappeared during late May and early June with an amazing 13 species of warblers over and above 15 western species.Some of the more unusual discoveries included Mississippi

818 American Birds, August 1973 Kites in Death Valley, a Golden-winged Warbler at HERONS--Cattle Egrets are now common resi- Deep Springs,and a Kentucky Warbler and Scarlet dents at the Salton Sea and have been regular fall and Tanager on the Channel Is. winter visitors to the coast; ten in Cerritos, L.A. Co., Searching for pelagic birds during May proved to May 20, and 35 at Imperial Beach, San Diego Co., be productive, for birds were quite numerousand a Apr. 14 were unusual numbers for coastal localities good variety of specieswas encountered.Among the in spring, and two at Yucca Valley, San Bernardino more noteworthy sightings was a South Polar Skua Co. were the first for that area of California. A lone off San Diego and three Horned Puffins around the Least Bittern at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley Channel Is. (see cover). June 3 was at an unusuallocality. The early arrival dates for some of our key migrants were: Wilson's Phalarope, Apr. 8 at the Salton Sea; GEESE, DUCKS--As appears to be normal, a few Corn. Tern, Apr. 14 in San Diego; Least Tern, Apr. Black Brant passedthrough the Salton Sea duringApril 9 in Oceanside;Elegant Tern, Mar. 24 in San Diego; and May; however, one at Whittier, L.A. Co., Mar Black Tern, Apr. 29 at the Salton Sea; Lesser Night- 11 was unexpected. Blue-winged Teal were reasonably hawk, Apr. 8 at the.Salton Sea; Vaux's Swift, Apr. common, being found with Cinnamon Teal, for over 19 over Santa Barbara; Black-chinned Hummingbird, 40 individualswere reportedwithin the region. A Wood Apr 12 in San Pedro; W. Kingbird, Mar. 17 at the Duck at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley June Salton Sea; Ash-throated Flycatcher, Apr. 6 in Santa 9 was exceptionallylate. The only Oldsquaw reported Barbara; Willow Flycatcher, May 5 in Santa Barbara; was inland on L. Cachuma, Santa Barbara Co. Apr W Flycatcher, Mar. 18in TopangaCanyon; W. Wood 15 (Kim Aanerud,fide RW). A Surf Scoter at Salton Pewee, Apr. 15 at the Salton Sea; Olive-sided City on the Salton Sea Apr. 22 and another on Little Flycatcher, Apr. 9 in Arcadia; Swainson's Thrush, Rock Dam, L.A. Co. Apr. 15 were both away from Apr 20 in Santa Barbara; Bell's Vireo, Mar. 24 in the coast. A White-winged Scoter at the north end San Diego; Solitary Vireo, Apr. 7 in San Pedro; Warb- of the Salton Sea Apr. 23 and May 5 was also inland ling Vireo, Mar. 19 in Santa Barbara; Nashville War- where it is very rare. bler, Apr. 8 in both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara; Yellow Warbler, Mar. 31 in San Diego; Black-throated Gray Warbler, Mar. 22 in Santa Barbara; Hermit War- HAWKS--Two MississippiKites appeared at Fur- bler, Apr. 19 in Santa Barbara; MacGillivray's War- nace Creek Ranch May 21, both were still present bler, Apr. 13 in Arcadia; Yellow-breastedChat, Apr. the following day, but thereafter only one could be 15 in Santa Barbara; Wilson's Warbler, Mar. 3 at foundthrough June 3 (HK, M & NP et al.); this repre- Mahbu; Hooded Oriole, Mar. 24 near Imperial Beach; sentsthe fourth recordfor California. A Broad-winged Scott's Oriole, Apr. 1 in Anza-Borrego State Park; Hawk at Furnace Creek Ranch Apr. 21 (GMcC, SS N Oriole, Mar. 18 near Imperial Beach; W. Tanager, et al.) gives us the first spring record of this hawk Apr 16 in Santa Barbara; Black-headed Grosbeak, in California. Small numbers of Swainson's Hawks Mar 24 near Imperial Beach; Blue Grosbeak, Apr. were seen in the n.e. corner of the region where 28 In San Diego; Lazuli Bunting, Apr. 15 in Santa a few still'nest, but one noted in the Antelope Valley, Barbara; Black-chinned Sparrow, Mar. 24 in San L.A. Co. Apr. 28 and another seen over Riverside Diego. Apr. 7 were the only migrantsreported. APeregrine Falcon in Cottonwood Canyon of the Panamint Mrs Apr. 16, one over FurnaceCreek Ranch June 1, and LOONS, GREBES--A few Corn. Loons regularly another on Pt. Loma, San Diego Co. May 20 were migrate through the interior of California, so one on the only birds reported away from known eyries. A Big Bear L. in the San Bernardino Mts. May 6 was PigeonHawk at AguaCalliente, San Diego Co. Apr not too unusual. However, an Arctic Loon on Franklin 1 and another at the south end of the Salton Sea Apr Canyon Res., L.A. Co., Apr. 27 was most unusual 12 were late for S. California. sincevery few interior recordsexist. A Horned Grebe at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley Apr. 14-21 was the only one found inlandthis spring. SHOREBIRDS--An Am. Oystercatcher was seen on Anacapa Is. May 13 (RW et al.) and another was found on the Los Coronados Is. May 19 (GMcC et SHEARWATERS, STORM PETRELS--Pink- al.). Two Black Oystercatchers on the L.A. Harbor footed and Sooty Shearwaters were found in fair num- breakwater in May were a little out of range. There bers off the coast throughout May as expected, but are few records of Semipalmated Plovers from the n.e 30 Manx Shearwaters off San Diego May 19 were portion of the region, hence one in Death Valley Apr unusual, sincethey normally remain in Mexican waters 14-15, and 16 near Big Pine Apr. 28 are of interest until the late summer. An Ashy Storm-Petrel off San Likewise a Snowy Plover in Death Valley Apr. 14-15, Diego May 19 was quite far southfor that date. Black and 8 near Big Pine May 12 add to the few records Storm-Petrels were common off San Diego May 19, for the area. The only Am. Golden Plovers noted this and two were noted off Santa Barbara May 13. springwere one on Newport Bay Apr. 30 and another in Goleta, Santa Barbara Co. May 22. A Ruddy Turn- CORMORANTS--Six Double-crested Cormor- stone at the south end of the Salton Sea Apr. 29 and ants on Big Bear L. May 6 were at a rather high eleva- two there May 5 were the only ones reported away tion and one at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley from the coast. Four Whimbrel in Bishop Apr. 15 Apr 14-16 was at an equally unlikely locality. and another near Big Pine Apr. 29 were in an area

Volume 27, Number 4 819 from which few records exist. A Solitary Sandpiper, always rare in spring, was near San Diego Apr. 5 and 1-2 were around Yucca Valley Apr. 22-May 6. As usual a few Knots passedthrough the Salton Sea during late April and early May with a maximum of 15 on May 12; this is the only inland locality in California where this species regularly occurs. A Baird's Sand- piper, exceptionally rare in spring, was photographed near Imperial Beach May 5 (EAC, SC). A flock of 7 Stilt Sandpipersat the south end of the Salton Sea May 12 constitutes the only report this spring. A Semipalmated Sandpiper was carefully studied at the north end of the Salton Sea May 5 (GMcC, SS); a very rare but probably regular spring migrant through this area. Red Phalaropeswere found off San Diego May 19 but not elsewhere off the coast earlier in the month. •-S.A.• 1974 TOURS JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS--A South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccorrnicki) was well BELIZE . . . PANAMA . . . COSTA seen about 35 mi. off San Diego May 19 (GMcC et RICA . . . GUATEMALA . . . INDIA al.); regardlessof what appears in the A.O.U. Check- ß . . SOUTHEAST ASIA . . . HONG list and other publicationscovering birds of the Pacific KONG, TAIWAN AND JAPAN . . . Coast, the South Polar Skua appears to be the only TRINIDAD . . . WASHINGTON . . . skua collected along the west coast of North America JAMAICA . . . GALAPAGOS . . . (Devillets, in press).The South Polar Skua is generally treated as a separate species from the other forms of ECUADOR AND PERU . . . ALASKA skuas occurring in the Southern Hemisphere since it ß . . ARGENTINA . . . MEXICO . . . is known to nest sympatrically with at least one of DRY TORTUGAS BOAT TRIP those forms, Catharacta skua 1onnbergi, without apparently interbreeding. Three color phases, dark, We take pride in the recommen- intermediate and light, are known for Catharacta mac- dations of veterans of our previ- cormicki, whereas the other forms of skua have mono- ous tours. For example, the fol- typical plumages.Birds in the light phaseplumage are lowing from Dr. Robert Pittell easily identifiable in the field since no other form of of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida: skua approachesthe palenessof theseindividuals. The bird seen off San Diego was a very pale individmil "I've been on several organized having an almost straw-colored head and breast with tours in the past and yours some golden feathers visible on the nape. and away surpassed the others ]or showing the birds and show- An exceptionallylate GlaucousGull wasseen flying ing them we!!. Virtually all the northpast Pt. Loma,San Diego Co. May 20. A second- birds were seen by all the group year WesternGull (yellow-legged)at SaltonCity Apr. 22 was very early for the SaltonSea. Remarkablythe and really seen to one's satlsfac- only Franklin's Gull found this springwas a beautiful tion ]or good !lielist identifica- adult in Bishop May 15 (JMF). A Bonaparte'sGull tion. The leadership was superb near Big Pine Apr. 28 was unusual for the area. As and the group was most con- is expected, a few Sabine's Gulls were found off the genial and eager." coast in May. Corn. Terns were noted on the Salton Sea Apr. 18 & 23 at the same time numberswere build- If you have an enthusiastic inter- ing up along the coast. At least ten Arctic Terns were est in birds, there is no better well studiedoff San Diego May 19 (GMcC et al.); way to see them than on one of there are very few springreports for California, and our tours. nonedocumented by specimens.Four BlackSkimmers were back at the SaltonSea, where the speciesnested For information write- last year, by May 12 (DVT) andone was seenalong the coaston San DiegoBay May 12 (EAC, SC). BIRD BONANZAS, INC. ALCIDS--Earlier suspicionsthat larger-than-nor- mal numbers of Corn. Murres reached Southern 6630 BiscayneBoulevard California waters last winter were reinforced by the Miami, Florida 33138 sightingof unusualnumbers this spring--30 off Oxnard May 13, 30 off San Pedro June 8 and 40 off Torrey ß "We ShotvPeople Birds" ß PinesState Park, San Diego Co. Apr. 29. PigeonGull-

820 American Birds, August 1973 lemot was found nesting commonly on Anacapa I and in limited numbers Lewis' Woodpeckers lingered in Santa Barbara I. in May, the southernlimit of its range. some coastal and mountain localities until late April Xantus' Murrelets are undoubtedly nesting on all the after having wintered; 200 together at Furnace Creek Channel Is. and were noted in good numbers in the Ranch Apr. 8 must have been migrantsmoving north waters around these islandsduring May. A Rhinoceros A White-headed Woodpecker at Furnace Creek Ranch Auklet off San Diego May 19 was late. Most unex- Apr. 8 (Dr. D. Baepler, fide CL) was most unusual pected was the photographingof a Horned Puffin near since it rarely strays from the mountains. Santa Cruz Is. May 13 (GMcC et al.) followed by the sightingof two more around Santa Barbara I. May FLYCATCHERS--A few E. Kingbirds must have 20 (LJ); prior to this only two recordsexist for appar- moved through eastern California in early June, for ently healthybirds seenon the open oceanoff Califor- singlebirds were seen at Deep Spring, Inyo Co. June nia though a few dead birds have been found along 8, Scotty's Castle in Death Valley June 9, Furnace our beaches. Creek Ranch June 5, and at the south end of the Salton Sea June 4. A Cassin's Kingbird at Baldwin L. in the DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS-- San Bernardino Mts. May 13 was at a rather high Band-tailed Pigeons lingered in the coastal lowlands elevation. Wied's Crested Flycatchers had returned until late April. A White-winged Dove at Laguna to Morongo Valley, the n.w. limit of the species'range, Beach, Orange Co. May 13 and another around Goleta by May 6; one at Furnace Creek Ranch May 23 (JD, in April and May were on the coast where it is rare; BB) was north of its recorded range. An E. Phoebe one in Kelso, San Bernardino Co. May 26 was fairly at Furnace Creek Ranch May 21 (HK) was most far north. Two Inca Doves seen in Twenty-nine Palms, unusualsince spring records for California are virtually unknown. RiversideCo. May 19 (BE) were far outsidetheir very limited range in California. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo, NUTCRACKERS, WRENS, THRASHERS, now very rare in California, was found on Santa Bar- THRUSHES--Three Clark's Nutcrackers were in bara I. June 1 (KG); a most unusual locality. Whip- Santa Barbara during most of April and two remained poor-willshad returnedto the San JacintoMts. by in Morongo Valley until at least May 6; remnants of May 4 when at least one bird was heard calling. A last fall's flight. A Winter Wren seen in Cottonwood Lesser Nighthawk on Santa Barbara I. May 20 was Canyon of the PanamintMrs. Apr. 16 was in an area unusual.Again ChimneySwifts appeared over Encino for which few records exist. A Bewick's Wren, with two noted May 31 (JD) and one still presentthe believed to be of the race leucophrys,was studied on following day (GSS); this species is being reported San Clemente I. Apr. 15 (LJ); this form has not been each spring nowadays. An Anna's Hummingbird at reportedsince around 1940,and was presumedextinct Wildrose in •the Panamint Mts. May 31 was outside sincegoats had eaten nearly all the brush on the island its normal range. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were dis- A Brown Thrasher, a casual straggler to California, playingin the White Mts, Apr. 20 despitethe wintry was seen on Pt. Loma in San Diego Apr. 5 (ET) and appearance of the area. another was photographedin Oceanside, San Diego Co. Apr. 24 (DH). Bendire'sThrashers were present WOODPECKERS--A Com. Flicker exhibiting the around Cima in e. San Bernardino Co. where they characters of the "Gilded Flicker" was seen at a nest- are common, after late March, and one was seen near lng hole near Cima, San Bernardino Co. May 19; this Cottonwood Springs,Riverside Co. where it is scarce, form appearsto be residentin this area of California May 13. The large number of Varied Thrushes in S

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Volume 27, Number 4 821 WARBLERS--Two Black-and-white Warblers near it is a regularvisitor to California Four Orioles ex- Westmoreland, Imperial Co. Apr. 29, one at Deep hibitingthe charactersof 1. g. galbulawere notedin SpringsMay 22, two around Goleta June 1-3, and one the northeastern corner of the region with one in Big at sea off San Diego May 15 were the only individuals Pine Apr. 28, one at Deep SpringsMay 22, one at of this regular straggler reported this spring. A • Oasis May 26-28, and another at Scotty's Castle May Golden-wingedWarbler at Deep Springs May 20-21 26. A • Great-tailed Grackle at Yucca Valley May (JL, TH and others) represents the fifth record for 20-28 (HBr. LCB), a 9 at Furnace Creek Ranch in California. A Tennessee Warbler banded on Camp Death Valley May 21 (HK) and another? at Panamlnt Pendleton, San Diego Co. May 11 was the only one Springs,Inyo Co. May 27 (SS et al.) were all far to reported this spring. Remarkably only one Virginia's the north and west of their presentrange in California Warbler was reported, a bird at Yucca Valley, San A ? ScarletTanager, only the fourth springrecord for Bernardino Co. May 20. Lucy's Warblers were found California, was well studied on San Nicolas I. June on breeding territory in Death Valley in late March I (LJ). Summer Tanagers had returned to Morongo but were not noted around nearby Tecopa until Apr. Valley, wherethey regularlynest, by May 5, and were 14. N. Parulasare regularlyfound in California during found at nearby Whitewater a week later. Migrants the late spring;this year one was at Oasis, Mono Co. (race questionable,but possiblyrubra) were noted May 27 (JVR, JL et al.) and another was at Furnace at Agua CalienteSprings in Anza-BorregoState Park Creek Ranch May 30 (RS). A • Cape May Warbler, May 27, on San Nicolas I. June 3, and Deep Springs the third reportedin California during spring,was well June 9. studied at Toll House Springsin the White Mts. May FINCHES, SPARROWS--Seven • Rose- 28 (JMF). Most unusualwas the appearanceof three breastedGrosbeaks were reportedthis springwith one Chestnut-sidedWarblers, one at Deep Springs June at Deep SpringsMay 19-21 (JD GSS et al.), one at I (GMcC), another there June 8 (GSS, HBa), and Borrego Springs May 27 (JM), one in Santa Barbara one on the Palos Verdes Pen., L.A. Co. June 10 (RB). June 7 (RW), one in Montecito June 2 (D. Summer, A • Bay-breastedWarbler was studied in Morongo fide RW), one at Star Ranch Audubon SanctuaryMay Valley May 20 (M. Chamberlain,fide JVR). A Palm 12 (LAS), and two on Santa Barbara I. May 20 (LJ), Warbler, exceptionallyrare in spring, was found on this species is found regularly in limited numbers Santa Barbara I. May 12 (LJ). Single Ovenbirds were Indigo Buntings were again found in small numbers seen at Oasis May 26 (JD et al.), Wildrose in the Pana- with six along the eastern border of the Region May mint Mts. May 27 (GMcC) and in Beverly Hills, L.A. 15-June9, one at Japatul Valley, San Diego Co. May Co. June 3 (R. Newman, fide GSS); a few of these 21, and four on the Channel Is. May 12-June 1 A birds are found each spring. Dickcisselat Furnace Creek Ranch June 1 (GMcC) Northern Waterthrushes probably migrate through representsonly the fourth found in springwithin this California regularlyeach springand fall but numbers Region. EveningGrosbeaks were swarmingacross the are very small;one in San Diego April 25-26, another n.e. portion of the region during the last half of May, banded on Camp Pendleton Apr. 29, one studied on probablythe birdsseen passing south through this area San Nicolas I. June 1, and a fourth at Furnace Creek last October. A flock of 18 Red Crossbills in Santa Ranch May 27 were the only onesreported. A 8 Ken- BarbaraApr. 20-May 15was unexpected. Harris' Spar- tucky Warbler on Santa BarbaraI. June 1 (KG) is rows continued to draw attention by their presence the fourth found in California. Unprecendentedwere with eight reports involving 21 birds, mostly in the three HoodedWarblers, a 6 at Dos Cabezas Springs e. portion of the region, being received;interestingly, in Anza-BorregoState Park May 11 (W. Schumman, late individuals were one in Oceanside Apr. 27, one fide GSS), a 9 in Santa Ana, Orange Co. May 12 near San Bernardino May 6, and a wintering bird still (EBH), and a 8 at Oasis May 28 (SS, GMcC et al.). presentin Big PineJune 8. SingleWhite-throated Spar- At least a dozen Am. Redstarts were seen in the n.e. rows were noted around San Pedro Apr. 21 and May portionof the region,where they appearto be regular 4 and another was in Oceanside Apr. 24. migrants,during the last half of May; in additionfour CONTRIBUTORS--Ernest R. Abeles, Hal Baxter were found along the coast with one in Santa Ana (HBa), Leo Best, Lawrence C. Binford, John Borne- May 12, one in Santa Barbara May 14, one at sea man (JBo), Jean Brant (JBr), RichardBradley, Bruce off San Diego May 16, and anotheron Santa Barbara Broadbooks,Hank Brodkin (HBr), JohnButtlet (JBu), I May 12. Most unusualwas a PaintedRedstart in Eugene A. Cardiff, Steven Cardiff, Ted A. Chandlk, CottonwoodCanyon of the PanamintMts. Apr. 13-16 Alan M. Craig, Sam L. Dennis, Jon Dunn, Bruce (RS),the only record to datefor thisarea of California. Elliott, John M. Finkbeiner, Steven Forsell, Alice BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS-- Fries, Kimball Garrett, Andrew Hazi, Tom Heindel, Single • Bobolinksat Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Donald Hoechlin, Elgin B. Hurlbert, Lee Jones, Harry Valley May 26 and June 9 were expected since small Krueger, Chuck Lawson, John Luther, Michael San numbersapparently pass through this area eachspring; Miguel, JeanMorley, Jessand Dona Morton (J & DM), however, one on San Nicolas I. June 3 (LJ) was a Mike and Nancy Prather, J. Van Remsen, L A surprise.Yellow-headed Blackbirds were found on San Shelton, Richard Stallcup, Nick Story, G. Shumway Nicolas, Santa Barbara, and Anacapa Is. where they Suffel, Steven Summers, Jan Tarble, Eric Thowless, would not be expected, in late April and May. Two Don V. Tiller, Bruce Webb, Richard Webster, Shirley Orchard Orioles were at Scotty's Castle in Death Val- Wells, Sanford R. Wilbur--GUY McCASKIE, San ley May 30 (RS) and anotherwas at nearby Mesquite Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, San Springsthe following day supportingthe theory that Diego, California.

822 AmericanBirds, August 1973