The Autumn Migration August 1-November 30, 1985

CONTINENTAL ANALYSIS

A Note on New Names

Some readers might be jarred by a few unfamiliar ius). The Yellow-bellied is known to stray into parts of bird names used in Regional Reports in this issue. The the West and Southwest,but we know relatively little Committee on Classification and Nomenclature of the about the Red-naped'swanderings. American Ornithologists'Union (widely known as the The loons present a slightly different case. In most "A.O.U. Check-list Committee") has made recent taxo- Regions, it may seem that the name "Arctic Loon" has nomic decisions,published in the Auk for July 1985, been simply changed to "Pacific Loon." Actually (as that affect what we call some of our birds. discussedby D.D. Gibson in the Alaska Region report The two "color phases" of Western Grebe are now in this issue) this is a taxonomic split, not a name recognizedas two full species;the "light-phase"bird is change;Arctic and Pacific loons are now regardedas now known as Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii), two species, overlapping locally in western Alaska. with the "dark-phase"bird retainingthe name Western Pacific Loonis the widespreadbreeding and wintering Grebe. Clark's seems to be the less common of the two bird in North America. Isolated records out-of-range over most of their shared range in North America, but may now be tinged with some doubt, however, because its status is still poorly known. no one is sure how to distinguish the two speciesin Following the recentrecognition of the Red-breasted winter plumage. Sapsuckerof the Pacific coastal regionsas a full spe- Each of these situations gives the field birder new cies, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has been split challenges and new opportunities for discovery. We again, with the birds of the Rocky Mountains and Great hope that observerswill pay special attention to these Basin areas now known as Red-naped Sapsucker "new" species, and report their findings to their Re- (Sphyrapicusnuchalis); the morenorthern and eastern gional Editors. bird is still called Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (S. vat- -Kenn Kaufman

Abbreviations Frequently Used in Regional Reports ad.: adult, Am.: American, c.: central, C: Celsius, CBC: Reservoir, not Reservation, R.: River, S.P.: State Park, sp.: Christmas Bird Count, Cr.: Creek, Com.: Common, Co.: species,spp.: speciesplural, ssp.:subspecies, Twp.: Town- County, Cos.:Counties, et al.: and others, E.: Eastern (bird ship, W.: Western (bird name), W.M.A.: Wildlife Manage- name), Eur.: European, Eurasian, F: Fahrenheit, fide: re- ment Area, v.o.: various observers, N,S,W,E,: direction of portedby, F.&W.S.: Fish & Wildlife Service,Ft.: Fort, imm.: motion, n., s., w., e.,: direction of location, •: more than, •: immature, I.: Island, Is.: Islands, Isles, Jct.: Junction, juv.: fewer than, ñ: approximately, or estimated number, •: juvenile, L.: Lake, m.ob.: many observers,Mr.: Mountain, male, •: female,•: imm. or female, *: specimen,ph.: photo- Mts.: Mountains, N.F.: National Forest, N.M.: National graphed, •-: documented,ft: feet, mi: miles, m: meters, km: Monument, N.P.: National Park, N.W.R.: Nat'l Wildlife Ref- kilometers,date with a + (e.g.,Mar. 4 + ): recordedbeyond uge, N.: Northern (bird name), Par.: Parish, Pen.: Peninsula, that date. Editors may also abbreviateoften-cited locations P.P.: Provincial Park, Pt.: Point, not Port, Ref.: Refuge,Res.: or organizations.

Volume 40, Number 1 83 NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION

We regret that at press time, we had not received the Northeastern Maritime Regional Report.

QUEBEC REGION

Richard Yank and Yves Aubry

whilehefirst theone-half balance of ofAugust the monthwas generallywas variable,warm withand cooldry and wet conditions prevailing in the south. Septemberwas mild with below-averageprecipitation throughout.The tail end of hurricane Gloria brought heavy rain and strong winds to southern Quebec September 27-28, but no storm- relatedvagrants. The month of Octobercontinued mild with precipitationabove normal in the north and below normal in the south. Temperatures in November averaged colder than the mean, after a mild first week was followed by record low readingsat mid-month.

LOONS THROUGH RAPTORS- Quebec's 2nd Cory's Shearwaterwas sightedoff Blanc-SablonJuly 20 (NB, MB, GSa, JM). A few shearwaters were again observed in the Upper St. LawrenceEstuary: a Greaterand a Manx were off Tadoussac Aug. 24 (PL), another Greater was off BergeronnesOct. 8 (AB), and up to two Manx were seen from the Trois-Pistolesferry Sept. 13 (YG, GGe) & 15 (JPO, DL). A new form of pelagic Am. Kestrel(128) this fall. Virtually nothingis known of raptor birding appearedto be in the making as windsurfing birders (!) migration patterns along the N. Shore. Of interest, therefore, identified a storm-petrel, probably a Wilson's, off Beauport was the following flight detectedat Pointe-aux-OutardesOct. Sept. 23 (CS) and a Leach's Storm-Petreloff Saint-Michel-de- 20 (GCetal.): two Bald Eagles,100 Sharp-shinnedHawks, 12 N. BellechasseAug. 5 (CAR). Two more Wilson's, rare on the St. Goshawks,125 Red-tailedand 50 Rough-leggedhawks, a Gold- Lawrence R., were seen from shore at Sainte-Luce Oct. 11-12 en Eagle, and 250 unidentified falcons. A Red-shouldered (YG) and anotherwas noted at I. aux BasquesOct. 12 (MD et al.). Hawk at Rimouski Aug. 8 (GGe)was at the limit of its normal A CanadianWildlife Servicesurvey of CorossolI. off Sept-Iles rangeand a Rough-leggedHawk was describedfrom La V•ren- found 675 + pairsof Leach'sStorm-Petrels this summer (GChp, drye P.P. on the unusual date of Aug. I (DC). PBr). This previously-unknown colony extended the species' breedingrange to the w. An American White Pelican was sighted at Repentignyduring the first week of September(fide GSe). PHEASANT THROUGH TERNS-- The increasing frequency An imm. GreatCormorant, also unusual along the St. Lawrence with which captive-bred game speciesare being released into R., reached Pointe-au-P•re Oct. 4 (YG). the wild makesit impossibleto establishthe origin of birds In July,6 GreatEgret nests containing eight young were cen- such as the Ring-necked Pheasantat Dunham Oct. 19 (JSR). sused on Dickerson I., where the species first bred last year This fall, for example, speciesreleased at a Quebec City site (MJ). Lone Great Egretswandered to Saint-F•lix-de-Kingsey included Chukar, Ring-necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, and (PBe),Saint-Fabien-de-Panet (BF, JL),and Saint-Lambert,L•vis Gambel'sand California quail, in addition to severalmore exot- Co. (SC et al.), in late August. Southernherons were otherwise ic species.There are currently no regulationsgoverning the absentthis fall. An imm. Black-crowned Night-Heron was con- releaseof such birds when acquired within the province. sidered late at Quebec City Nov. 11 (CV). A White Ibis that A total of 219 SpruceGrouse, captured on the N. Shore,were turnedup in downtownMontreal in July(fideND) wasfound to releasedat 2 siteson AnticostiI. in lateJuly and Augustunder a have escapedfrom a nearby zoo. joint project of the University of Quebec at Rimouski and the An imm. Tundra Swanstopped briefly at I. desSoeurs Oct. 19 provincial wildlife agency.The specieswas not previously es- (IR, BM). Additional "summer"records of Snow Geeseinclud- tablishedon the island.An ad. Wild Turkeyseen with 10 young ed one each at Saint-Fulgence (fide CC) and Bromptonville nearHuntingdon Sept. 2 & 8 (PBa) was likely from the group of (GGr,VL), and eight at Rivi•re-Ouelle (CA) in mid-August. Par- five birdsreleased locally this spring.A late reportwas received ticularlyrare duringthe fall, a 9 Eur. Wigeonwas reportedlyat of two Yellow Rails at the n. end of Mitchinam•cus Res., July 2- Aylmer Oct. 14 & 16 (RS). A Harlequin Duck at La Baie Oct. 23- 3 (AG). Three young Virginia Rails discoveredat Pointe au Nov. 19 (ST, HS et al.) was locally rare, as was a Ruddy Duck at BoisvertAug. 5 (AP) providedadditional evidence of breeding Pointe-LebelOct. 9 (CT). The latter specieswas also found at along the N. Shore. A high count of 30 Am. Coots originated Aylmer Oct. 16 (RS), Montmagny Oct. 19 (CA), and Cap Tour- from Cap Tourmente Oct. 25 (PO, ABe). mente Oct. 21-Nov. I (at least two birds--DT, v.o.). The shorebirdmigration was generally unspectacular. Never- Notable Turkey Vulture concentrations involved 16 at theless, an impressive total of 4500 Black-bellied Plovers GeorgevilleSept. 2 (JPC)and 38 over Philipsburg Sept. 14 (MJ). stoppedat Pointe-au-P•re Sept. 2 (YG) and 500 were encoun- Montreal hawkwatchers (MM, BB) tallied high totals for N. teredon I. aux CoudresOct. 12 (MG, JPOet al.). A late Semipal- Harrier (84), Cooper'sHawk (17), Red-tailed Hawk (1172), and mated Plover lingered at Quebec City Nov. 17 {CV). A Piping

84 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 Plover, extremely rare in this Region away from its Madeleine {DLi, MLi}, a Cliff at Laprairie Aug. 13 {GD}, and a Barn at Is. breedingrange, was appaYentlysighted at L. aux Araign•es, Dorval in SeptemberlBS}. Gray Jaysmoved into the Saguenay FrontenacCo., Aug. 29 (PF, FF}. Like last year, Whimbrels made lowlands in unusual numbers this fall with at least 15 sightings a good showing in the w. part of the Region with singlesat after mid-September{fide CC}. The speciesalso invaded the N. Lachine Aug. 12 (GD) and SherbrookeAug. 19 (YB), three at Shore:the area from Tadoussacto Baie-Comeau produced 109 M•tabetchouanAug. 19-Sept. 6 (MAB, HL, SL), and a group of sightingsaveraging 3.9 birds each{comparable figures for 1984 44 at Aylmer Aug. 25 (RLD). Noteworthy were eight Hudsonian were 4 and 2.0 respectively},with a high count of 33 at Pointe- Godwitsat BeauportOct. 4 (CS) and one at I. Dupas Oct. 14 & 19 aux-OutardesAug. 26 (fide GC). A Black-billed Magpie that (SB,JT). Buff-breastedSandpiper sightingswere limited to one appearedat Saint-Etienne-de-Beauharnoisin mid-October(ND, at Taureau Res. (FH) and two at Mont-Joli Sept. I (YG). Now m.ob.)was still presentat the end of the period; while the bird's annual, an imm. Long-billedDowitcher was identified at Mont- behaviorwas characteristicallyunwary, nothing in its physical magny Aug. 29 (MG) [surprisinglyearly--K.K.]. Single Red conditioneliminated the possibilityof a true vagrant. Phalaropeswere observedat Trois-PistolesAug. 30 (GGe, DR) and Saint-FulgenceSept. 15 (NB). Jaegerswere evident in w. Quebecthis fall. A Pomarine on L. Deschinesat Aylmer Nov. 10 (BDL) furnished one of very few inland records.Single Parasitic Jaegers at Lachine Sept. 2 (EF et el.) and on L. Saint-PierreOct. 5 (DJ)were not unexpected,but a groupof sevenat C6te-Sainte-Catherineon the recordlate date of Nov. 23 (GD et el.} was rather astonishing.A Franklifts Gull visited La Baie Aug. 26 (GSa), and L. Saint-Jean'sfirst Little Gull was at Saint-G•d•on Aug. 16 (MAB, SL, HL). There were reports of five Corn. Black-headed Gulls from the Lower St. LawrenceR., and one in first-winter plumage visited Beauhar- nois Nov. 9 (BB). The only Thayer's Gull reported was at Aylmer Nov. 30 (JD) while Lesser Black-backed Gulls were found at BoischfitelOct. 9 + (RB, CV), Kirkland Nov. 10 (BB) & 23 (PT, m.ob.}, and BeauharnoisNov. 16-17 {PBa}.An injured Black-leggedKittiwake inland at Saint-Joseph-de-M•kinac Nov. 18 (JA} was quite a surprising find. A Forster's Tern at Pointe-au-P•reOct. 25 {GGe}represented our first report e. of Quebec City. Black-billed Magpie at Saint-Etienne-de-Beauharnois,Que., DOVES THROUGH THRUSHES- A Mourning Dove was November 1985. Photo/N. Breton. discovered at Kangiqsualujjuaq (58ø41'N 65ø57'W) Aug. 10 (RSi),providing our mostnortherly sightingever. Yellow-billed Cuckoos,irregular fall vagrantsinto e. Quebec, stageda minor Extralimital White-breasted Nuthatches were notable at influx with birds at Pointe-Lebel Sept. 19 (CT, GCh), La Poca- Pointe-LebelSept. 22 (CT), BergeronnesOct. 30 (AB), and Alma tigreOct. 4 (CA), L. BeauportOct. 15 {YH), and Cap Tourmente Oct. 30-Nov. 5 (MC et el.). Up to two Carolina Wrens frequented Oct. 19 & 24 (RB et al.). No owl incursion was apparent:Snowy I. des SoeursOct. 14-Dec. 8 (PBa,v.o.), and a House Wren found Owls, which typically reachs. Quebecin early November,were at RimouskiAug. 24 (GGe,DR) was at the n. edgeof its range.In scarce,and only one N. Hawk-Owl was reportedfrom Hudson recentyears B lue-gray Gnatcatchers have becomerare but rr•gu- Nov. 30 (RP,m.ob.). A Red-belliedWoodpecker was seenbrief- lar fall vagrantsin e. Quebec.This year, individuals showedup ly at Cap Tourmente Oct. 30 (JPO).Vagrant w. flycatchersin- at Mont-Saint-Pierre Aug. 28 (CB), Perc• Sept. 8 (RBi, PP), and cluded the Region's 5th Say's Phoebe at Deschambault,Port- Pointe-au-P•re Sept. 10 (YG). Continued good news for the E. neuf Co., Aug. 28 (EG} and a W. Kingbird photographed at Bluebird included the sighting of one at Chandler Oct. 12 (GLJ. Ile-du-Grand-CalumetOct. 19-20 (TB}. The Region's 9th and 10th Townsend's Solitaires ranged to At the n. limit of their known rangewere three Tree Swallows Ripon Nov. 12-20 (fide MG) and Sainte-LuceNov. 13 (YG). A found at Kuujjuaq (58ø06'N 68ø24'W}Aug. 5 (RSi}. Three cases Wood Thrush at Pointe-au-P•re Sept. 27 (YG) provided a rare of albinistic swallowswere reported:a Tree at Stokein late July fall report from an area where summer sightings have been increasing.

VIREOS THROUGHFINCHES-- A Red-eyedVireo was late at Pointe-ClaireNov. 23 [MM, BB), as were surprisingnumbers of warblers: a Golden-winged at Ancienne-Lorette Sept. 22 (GD•}, a Tennessee at Cap Tourmente Nov. 30 (CV, JPO}, a Black-throatedBlue, record late by 12 days, near Huntingdon the same day (PBa}, and a Black-throatedGreen at Courville Oct. 26 (PL}. A Pine Warbler was a rarity at Rimouski Oct. 5 (GGe) and a Prairie Warbler at Westmount Sept. I (GSe} was about Quebec's 11th. An Am. Redstart was also record-late at Sainte-FoyNov. 6 & 11 (CA) and an ad. c• ConnecticutWarbler was discoveredon Mr. Sir-Wilfrid, Labelle Co., Sept. 1 (RLD, EB). A ScarletTanager wandered to Pointe-LebelOct. 23 (CG) and N. Cardinals were also n. of their usual range at Quebec City Oct. 12-19 (RB, CV et el.) and TadoussacNov. 3-30 + (YD, GO). A Dickcisselwas seen at Hauterive Nov. 12-13 (SM) and also noteworthy was a Clay-colored Sparrow at Cazaville Aug. 3 {PBa,PLe). Extremely rare for the N. Shorewas'a Field Sparrow WesternKingbird at Ile-du-Grand-Calumet,Que., Oct. 20, 1985. at BergeronnesNov. 23 (ABet el.), while a Vesper Sparrow at Photo/Tony Beck. Campbell's-BayNov. 30 (TB) was record-late. Quebec's 10th

Volume40, Number I 85 Lark Sparrow remained at Cap-aux-Os Nov. 11-22 (GCa, JG, m.ob.).Three Sharp-tailedSparrows were discoveredAug. 1 at Saint-Fulgence(GSa), where the specieswas last seenin 1981. A notable flock of 100+ Fox Sparrows was found on I. des Soeurs Oct. 20 (FH). A Yellow-headed Blackbird at Mont-Joli Aug. 25 (YG} was a first for the Gasp• Pen., and an exceptional concentrationof 1000 +- RustyBlackbirds was noted at Thurso Sept. 29 (BL, ML). A N. Oriole strayed to Hauterive Oct. 27 (RL). The unusual report of two c• Pine Grosbeaksat Pointe-aux-Trembles,on MontrealI., Aug. 12 (PM, fide PBa)was mademore plausible by the arrival of substantialnumbers in s. Quebec in early Novem- ber. A pair of House Finches was observedOct. 13 at Quebec City (CV et aLL where the species does not yet appear to be established.It promisedto be a goodwinter for Corn.Redpolls as goodnumbers reached s. Quebecduring Novemberas well.

CORRIGENDUM-- The Connecticut Warbler at Cap Eternit• June22 {seesummer report} should be deleted. LarkSparrow at Cap-aux-Os, Que., November 1985. Tenth record for Quebec.Photo/J. Gaudreault.

CONTRIBUTORSAND OBSERVERS-- J. Archambault,C. Au- chu, Y. Bachand,P. Bannon (PBa),B. Barnhurst,T. Beck,A. B•dard (ABe},M.-A. B•langer,P. Bergeron{PBe}, R. Bisson{RBi}, R. Blais {RBI},A. Bouchard,R. Boucher,M. Boudreau,E. Brault,N. Breton, S. Brisson,G. Brodeur,P. Brousseau{PBr}, G. Caron{GGa}, S. Carri- er, G. Ghapdelaine{GGhp}, G. Charette{GCh}, J.-P. Glairmont, C. Cormier,M. GOt•,D. Crouse,G.Cyr, M. Darveau,N. David, B. DiLa- bio {BDL},G. DubS,{GD•}, J. Dubois,R.L. Dubois,Y. Duch•sne,G. Duquette {GD}, B. Fillion, E. Fogarty, P. Fragnier, F. Francourt, J. Gaudreau,A. Gauthier,Y. Gauthier,C. Gendron,G. Gendron{GGe}, M. Gosselin,G. Groulx (GGr}, E. Guy, Y. Hamel, J.-M. Hardy, F. Hilton, D. Jauvin,M. Julien,J. Lachance, D. Lacroix,M. Lalancette, P. Lane, B. Langevin,S. Lapointe, H. Lebeau,P. Lehman{PLe}, R. Lepage,V. L•tourneau, G. L•vesque, D. Lieutenant {DLi}, M. Lieu- tenant {MLi}, S. Martin, B. Maybank, P. Mayer, M. Mcintosh, J. Meloche,G. Olson, P. Otis, J.-P. Ouellet, A. Pelletier, R. Poole, P. Poulin, I. Roseby,G.-A. Roy, J.-S.Roy, D. Ruest,G. Savard{GSa}, R. Schryer,G. Seutin {GSe},C. Simard, H. Simard, R. Simard (RSi}, B. Sturret, D. Talbot, P. Tarassoff,J. Thibodeau, G. Tremblay, S. Tmmblay,C. Vachon.--RICHARD YANK, 566 ChesterRoad, Bea- Henslow• Sparrow at Y•as•a Provincial Pa•, •ue., Aug. consfield,Que. H9W 3K1; YVES AUBRY, Canadian Wildlife Serv- I985 [see Summer I985 report). Photo/S. Desgmniers. ice, P.O. Box 10100, Sainte-Foy, Que. GIV 4H5.

HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION

Robert O. Paxton, William J. Boyle, Jr., offshorewaters more than the Gulf Stream, and the tropics and David A. Cutler hardly at all (see frigatebird,tubenoses, terns, shorebirds, swifts, warblers, Bobolink). These storms at last filled the reservoirs and ended several years' accumulated water tropicalhemost stormsdramatic thatfeature passedof fall along 1985 thewas Atlantic aseries sea-of deficit. board. Hurricane Gloria, the most powerful of these, billed For the rest, the weather was mild and a bit wetter than as even strongerthan the killer hurricaneof 1938, hit Long average.It was marked by a remarkable number of rarities, Island September27, weakening and travelling very fast. many of them well documentedby photographsor by criti- The eye crossedMerrick, Long Island, shortly after noon, cal write-ups that explained how the observerruled out havinggrazed Cape Hatteras the night before.Its depositof other likely species. storm-bornebirds was rich in terns and some passerines, but poor in real pelagicrarities, at least in this Region.Re- ABBREVIATIONS- t = description submitted;Bombay Hook flecting the storm's trajectory, their composition indicated = Bombay Hook Nat'l Wildlife Ref., near Smyrna, Del.; Brig = originsin the southeasternUnited Statesand its immediate BrigantineUnit, Edwin B. ForsytheNat'l Wildlife Ref.,Atlantic Go.,

86 AmericanBirds, Spring1986 N.J.;J.B.W.R. = JamaicaBay Wildlife Ref., New York City; L.I. = Long Island, N.Y.; Tinicum = Tinicum Nat'l Recreation Center, Philadelphia. Place names in italics are counties.

LOONS THROUGH STORM-PETRELS- Red-throated Loons were much commoner than usual. Inland, where far fewer are normally grounded during migration than Com. Loons, 43 at Round Valley Res.,Hunterdon, N.J., Nov. 11 {PAB} was a recordcount. Five during the seasonin the Allentown, Pa., area madean "all-time high" (BLM) and five Nov. 3 along the Hud- son R. in Rockland, N.Y., were "unprecedented" (C. Weiss, RFD).Along the coast,loon migrationseems to have beentight- ly concentratedin mid-November.Ward counted 20,720, mostly Red-throated,moving past Avalon, CapeMay, N.J., Nov. 14, "the biggestmovement of loons in 7 yearsof watching;" 600/hr were moving down the Delaware coastthe same day (WWF). The next day more than 100 Com. Loonswere counted over the RaccoonRidge hawk watch, Warren, N.J. (FTi), and 150-200 farther down the ridge at Hawk Mr., Pa. (JB,LG). On Nov. 16, 4800 Red-throated Loons and 180 Com. Loons passedIsland BeachS.P., Monmouth, N.J., in 3 hours(DF, BMo). We received City C•G• a plausibledescription of a PacificLoon at Liberty S.P.,Jersey City, Nov. 30 (N. Halmi). Remarkable concentrations of Pied-billed Grebes included 25 at BombayHook Oct. 17 (WJW, E & SS, M. Madders), and 44 at L. Musconetcong,N.J., Oct. 28 (D. Harrison). The only Red- neckedGrebe inland was one grounded with other waterbirds in a storm Nov. 26 at LeaserL., Lehigh, Pa. (SS). This season's only EaredGrebe was at J.B.W.R.sporadically Sept. 22-Nov. 18 (I. Cantor, AMo, m.ob.). rantsare "now expected"inland (GH},but a recordday countof 105 over Hawk Mt., Pa., Oct. 11 was outstanding. Following A light-phaseNorthern Fulmar was picked up in a roadway scatteredsummer sightings of single Magnificent Frigatebirds, in Chappaqua,Westchester, N.Y., Sept. 30, where Hurricane a femalewas seensporadically along the s. Jerseyshore Aug. 7- Gloria had probablydeposited it. Sufferingfrom a fish bite on 9 (fide PD), and a singlefrigatebird, presumably of this species, one leg, it was taken to a rehabilitation center where it was,still was recognizablyphotographed with a 50mm lens at South alive Dec. 9 (S. Cassone,ph. E. Treacy).We know of only one Beach,Staten I., N.Y., on the day of Hurricane Gloria (D. Mor- otherinland Regionalrecord, anotherlight-phase bird picked ese, P. Kearney). up at Brookhaven,L.I., Oct. 22, 1976 (Kingbird XXVII:25-26). The summer'smini-flight of imm. White Ibises spilled over The only shearwaterreport related to Gloria was of a "black and into early fall; the northernmostone was at Cold SpringHarbor, white shearwater"off Meritauk Sept. 28 (AMo). A Leach's L.I., Aug. 13 (RL, BSp); in Pennsylvania,one was at Berwick Storm-Petrelwas found dying at Moriches Inlet, L.I., Sept. 28 Aug. 24 (DG) and at least two at the ConejohelaFlats, Washing- (H. Turner), and a few Wilson's Storm-Petrelswere inside Me- ton Bore, Lancaster,through August (RMS, m.ob.); two were at coxand ShinnecockBays the sameday (AMo, JDiC,PAB). As in CapeMay Pt., Aug. I (PD), and one Aug. 16 (FNi). The farthest- the summer, Wilson's Storm-Petrels continued to feed close flung GlossyIbises were singlesat Green Lane Res., Montgom- inshorenear Delaware Bay during August,the mostremarkable ery, Pa., Aug. 5 & 19 (GLF, L. Mattiolli), and at the Conejohela of many observationsbeing of five to six at Brown's Shoal, 10 FlatsAug. 7 (RMS,DHe). An imm. WoodStork found at nearly- mi up into the Bay (WAF). dry East Branch Res., Putnam, N.Y., Aug. 23 (T. Gass) died 5 dayslater (*N.Y. StateMuseum, Albany). It furnished only the TROPICBIRDS THROUGH IBISES-- The seasoh'sprize rec- 2nd Regional record in the 1980s. ord was of an ad. White-tailed Tropicbird that stunned 14 membersof the Summit Nature Club by making severalpasses WATERFOWL, RAPTORS- A single Fulvous Whistling- overthe 8th Streetjetty at BarnegatLight, Ocean,N.J., Nov. 23, Duck was at Cape May Nov. 17-Dec. 8 (KB, CS, BMo}, for the beforeheading out to sea (fT. Halliwell et al.). The only pre- 2nd Regionallate fall record in a row. Severalyears after Mute vious fully-confirmed Regionalrecords were on Long Island Swanswere discreetlyremoved from Delaware, small numbers afterthe 1938 hurricane.It is temptingto connectthis sighting are now reestablished at Assawoman W.A. and Little Creek with the tropicbirdsobserved in New Englandafter Hurricane (fide APE}. Among scatteredreports of GreaterWhite-fronted Gloria. Geese,nine, believed to be of the Greenland race, near Leipsic, Very unusualwas a sick imm. N. Gannetpicked up in a field Del., Sept.27 (GAI} and aroundBombay Hook thereafterwere a nearVincentown, Burlington, N.J., in late October0. Balliet, E. notable number. A Ross' Goose, now annual, was seen off and Woodford,B. Jones).Single Am. White Pelicans•possiblythe on in October and November at Brig (DF}. same•were over BombayHook Aug. 17 (GKH, L. Falk et aLL About four Eur. Wigeon for the Region were a little fewer than Brig after Nov. 14 (JCM, DF et aLL and the Cape May hawk normal.Two King Eiderssettled in early at CapeMay Sept. 20 watch Nov. 23 (FNi, CS). Long after the summer's Brown Peli- (RWi, CS, JCM},well beforethe more usual group at Montauk canshad disappearedabout Aug. 20, a single passedover the Pt., L.I. As usual, Black Scoters far outnumbered the others in Cape May hawk watch Oct. 15 (FNi). inland groundings,and, as usual, Culver's L. hostedthe largest The groundingof the tanker Grand Eagleseveral miles below assemblages:125 after a rainy night Oct. 20, and 100 Oct. 29. the Delaware-Pennsylvanialine in DelawareBay Sept. 28 re- The Black Vulture frontier is now definitely in s. New York. leased435,000 gallonsof oil, the largestspill yet. Improved One was over the Thruway s. of New Paltz Aug. 10 (R. Arbib); emergencyprocedures contained most of it. Becausewintering singlesover the Mt. Peter hawk watch, Orange,Oct. 8 & 9 [Jc} waterfowl had not arrived, the main casualties were Double- providedfirst fall recordsthere. Five overthe Warren sodfarms crestedCormorants. Seventy oiled cormorantswere treated at Nov. 9 (L. & L. Dumont) were the mostever reportedin Orange Tri-State Bird Rescue& Research,Inc. (L. Frink), but uncounted OPT). Turkey Vultures are still doing well in the n. of this otherscould not be salvaged.Migrant Double-crestedCormo- Region. Fall totals of 105 at Mt. Peter [Jc) and 238 at Upper

Volume 40, Number 1 87 Montclair, Essex,N.J. (ABi) were both records.Ospreys were highsof 1977-1981,and LongIsland beachcounts (Fire Island, notquite up to recentautumns along the ridges,but CapeMay's C. Safina;Breezy Pt., H. Richard)hit bottom.Merlins, on the 3018during the fall hawk watch (Aug. 15-Dec.10), with a peak other hand, were abundant both on the coast (a record 2869 at of 308 Oct. 6, was a local record (FNi). CapeMay) and, more unusually,in the mountainswhere Mt. While scatteredBald Eagle reports were too numerous to Peter's 10 was more than twice the previous high (JC), and summarize,a record32 at CapeMay (FNi) and above-average Upper Montclair's 21 was a record. PeregrineFalcon passage countsof 37 at Hawk Mt. (JB, LG) and 20 at RaccoonRidge, along the coastwas a bit below last year, but above average Warren,N.J. (FPW) were encouraging.Northern Harrier num- alongthe ridges.For the first time in this decade,this Region berscontinued good, most hawk watcheshaving above-average reportedno Gyrfalcon. totals(Cape May 2403, Hawk Mt. 363). Upper Montclair's272 wasthe bestever there (ABi). Sharp-shinnedHawk totalsat the RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS-- A Black Rail, extremely hawk watchesran below the peaks of the late 1970s and 1981, hard to find at this season,was at S. Cape May, N.J., Aug. 19 but Cooper'sHawks set records at CapeMay (2679)and Upper (PD). An oiled Purple Gallinule was picked up at Sea Bright, Montclair(54). A localizedN. Goshawkflight broughta near- Monmouth, N.J., Sept. 16 (B. Starks). record86 down the coastto Cape May, but ridge totals were More vagrantSandhill Cranesturned up than ever. Two ap- onlysomewhat above average (e.g., 82 at Hawk Mt.), far below peared Nov. 17 in a spinach and soybeanfield at Mt. Sinai the greatflight yearsof 1975 and 1981. Harbor,L.I. One was pickedup with injured legsNov. 23, while For the 3rd fall in a row, Broad-winged Hawks slipped the othercalled overhead. It was emaciated,and apparentlyhad throughwithout major concentrations.The passagewas early been bitten by an animal (*Am. Mus. Nat. Hist.). The other and easterly,most of the birds apparentlypassing through c. remainedabout a week (C. Bergold,C. Wakefield, H. Brown, FF, NewJersey. September 12, the 2nd dayof a briskcold front after AJL, C. Helms). In the Cape May area, two passedthe hawk manydays of lightand variable winds, was the biggest day from watch Oct. 28 and one Oct. 30 (FNi, CS), and one (a different Dutchess and Westchester, N.Y., to Delaware, and the 7027 one?)hung around Nov. 9-15 (KB, CS). countedthat dayat UpperMontclair was the largestassemblage As usual,the bestshor. ehirding reflected favorable local con- observed.Hawk Mt. counted the fewest Broad-wingedssince ditionsso that generaltrends were hard to discern.Ponds fresh- 1946. Up to six Swainsoh'sHawks were reported,above aver- ly drawn down after several fallow years, such as Sheamass age but below the 1981 record of 11: one immature photo- Pool at BombayHook and a fishing lake at Kurtz's, near L. graphedon the groundand in flight at the Warrensod farms, Struble,Chester, were especiallyrich, and sowere someinland Orange,N.Y., Sept. 15 (JCS),a light-phaseadult at Hawk Mt., lakes which remained low until Gloria, such as Green Lane, Oct. 8 (JB, m.ob.), possibly two within 20 minutes at Baer Montgomery,Pa., and SpruceRun Res.,Hunterdon, N.J., where Rocks,Pa., Sept. 20 (KK), and singlesat CapeMay Oct. 6 & 26 17 specieswere recorded(EP). There was somegood rainpool (FNi, CS). shorebirdingin the wet last one-half of the season. LesserGolden-Plovers were spotty, with a few very good counts. The best location was the Warren sod farm, Orange, N.Y., where they were presentAug. 13-Oct. 12, with a peak of 165 Sept.13 (JCS).Other good counts were 160 nearRiverhead, L.I., Sept. 24 (PB), 105 at StrawberryRidge, Morttour, Pa., Oct. 23 (PSa), and 70 near Elmer, Salem N.J. (JH).

SoAo Now that American Oystercatchershave learnedto breedback in the salt marsh,they are alsodiscovering inland wetlands. After "explosive increases"in recent falls at J.B.W.R., they reached an unprecedented 125 there Oct. 19 (AMo). One at Caven Cove, JerseyCity, Oct. 31 (JDo)provided a first record there.

Spilloversfrom the usual Am. Avocet build-up at Bombay Hook included eight at Brig Aug. 10 (RK), one at J.B.W.R.,Aug. 6 (fide TWB), and after Gloria at JonesBeach S.P., L.I., Sept. 28 (AW). Upland Sandpiperscontinue to decline. We received only3 reportsbetter than 20:30 at the Warrensod farm, Orange, N.Y., Aug. 13 (JCS),23 near Elmer, SalemN.J., Aug. 5 (JH),and 20 at the Columbus sod farm, Burlington, N.J., Aug. 24 (RJB,D. Immature Swainsoh's Hawk at the Warren sod [arm, Orange Roche). Co., N.Y., Sept. 15, 1985. Note the small bill, strong face-pat- A Bar-tailed Godwit was carefully studied at Nummy I., tern, white lorehead,and long wings(with the wingtipsextend- CapeMay, N.J., Sept. 21 ('•R. Mellon et al., ph. S. Hopkins). It ing at least to the tip o[ the tail). Photo/JohnC. Stellwagen. wasbelieved to belongto the nominaterace, which is important sincevagrant palearctic shorebirds are often thought to reachus from Siberia.HudsonJan Godwits were widely scatteredalong the coast,the only importantconcentration being of 18 on the A GoldenEagle was exceptionallyearly Aug. 29 at Cimmaron LineIs., in GreatSouth Bay, L.I., Aug. 5 (fide TWB).Noteworthy Pond,Sullivan, N.Y. (JPT),and they put on a goodshow in the inland were one at Tinicum Sept. 3-28 (JCM et aL] and two at mountains.Hawk Mountain's 57 (JB,LG) and RaccoonRidge's Kurtz's, Chester,Pa. (PHu). About 25 Marbled Godwits were 20 (FPW) havebeen exceeded only oncein the last decade,and reported,all on the coastexcept a remarkableone at Spruce day countsof sevenNov. 6 at BaerRocks (KK), eightNov. 6 and Run, Hunterdon,N.J., Aug. 31 (EP). Two were at JonesBeach Dec. 3 at Hawk Mt., and 12 at Bake Oven Knob Oct. 28 (F. Brock) S.P., L.I., after Hurricane Gloria (AW). were spectacular. About 21 Baird's Sandpiperswere a bit abovenormal, the American Kestrelsfared modestly better than last year at largerinland countsbeing two each at the Warren sod farms some hawk watches, but most totals remained far below the Aug.16 (JCS),at L. Marburg,York, Pa., Adg. 18 (DHe),and at

88 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 Kurtz's, Chester,Oct. 13 (PHu). The best coastal counts were of 65 + at Muddy Run, Lancaster,Pa., Oct. 15, and three there as three each at Cape May Sept. 20-21 (JCM) and at Port Mahon, late as Nov. 3 (RMS) were remarkable numbers. Del., Sept.28 (MVB, GKH). Fifty PectoralSandpipers were at a As usual, the iuiciest hurricane birds were e. of the eye. One rainpoolat New Sharon,Monmouth, N.J., Sept. 30, in the after- imm. Bridled Tern at Mecox, L.I., and at leasttwo Sooty Terns math of Gloria (RK). Three Duntins, rare inland, were at Straw- at Montauk Pt. in the waning moments of Gloria (AJL) were the berry Ridge, Montour, Pa., Oct. 16-23 (PSa). only tropical tern reports associatedwith the storm. Black About five Curlew Sandpipersfor the Region were about Terns have become rare fall migrants here. We heard of only normal,but one in "freshjuv." plumageat J.B.W.R.,Sept. 25 abouteight along the coast,with threeat BombayHook Aug. 25 (AMo) was an exceptionally interestingreport. Stilt Sandpipers (G. & ]. Charles)the only multiple occurrence.Three at Green werebelow normal exceptin a few choicespots such as Shear- Lane Res., Montgomery, Pa., Sept. 27-28 (GLF, GAF) were con- hessPool, BombayHook, where there were 200-300 Aug. 17 sortingwith a large flock of Tree Swallows also "downed" by (APE);fewer juvenilesthan usual were at J.B.W.R.(AMo). Buff- thefringes of Gloria; they furnisheda first recordthere. A single breastedSandpipers were in poor numbers again. The best Black Skimmer at the Bashakill, Sullivan, Oct. 15 (A. Gutsche, countswere of eight near Riverhead,L.I., Sept. 24 (B. Adamo), m.ob.) was a first for the s. Catskills. and five Sept. 30 with the Pectoral Sandpipersnoted above The only alcid report was of two Dovekies at Montauk Pt., (RK). We had reportsof only five Ruffs (MVB, PBe, N. Sumner, L.I., Nov. 30 (R. Kelly}. A. Guarente),but one at J.B.W.R.,Sept. 25 was the first ever reportedto us in "exceptionally fresh juv." plumage (AMo; DOVESTO WOODPECKERS--A White-winged Dove was photo unfortunately didn't turn out). Morris, whose care with at the CapeMay hawk watch Aug. 27 and again Sept. 6 (FNi et molts and age classesis exemplary, wonders about "North al.). A very few Snowy Owls had reachede. LongIsland by the Americanbreeding possibilities" (cœ. Ron Weir's similar conjec- season'send. A Burrowing Owl, which a hunter building a tures in Ontario in spring 1984, AB 38:905). blind nearbyreported had been around for 4 or 5 days, was on Wilson's Phalaropes were uncommon in s.e. New York, but the LongIsland barrier beachat ShinnecockOct. 21-23 {S. El- countsat BombayHook of 10 Aug. 11 (CS)and 15 Aug. 24 (E & liott et al.). It provided the 5th staterecord, the 3rd in a decade. SS) broughtup the average.Only two Red-neckedPhalaropes Pat Sutton watched a Short-eared Owl migrate around Cape were reportedbefore Hurricane Gloria, from Brig and Bombay May Pt., about 100 yards offshore,in mid-morning Oct. 28. Hook (JDo,APE, JFS),but three were at JonesBeach S.P. in its Chimney Swifts, perhapsmigrants brought back up from far- aftermath (PPo). A Red Phalarope was very well describedat ther s., were numerouson the Long Island beachesin the wan- StrawberryRidge, Pa., Oct. 13-16 (PSa,A. Schweinsburg),and ing hours of Hurricane Gloria. One very late at Cape May Pt., another was found dead'at Timber Pt., L.I., after Hurricane Nov. 10 was carefully checked {negatively} for a possible Gloria (RL). Vaux's Swift {RBa, FNi). Ruby-throatedHummingbirds {one of which visited the flowers on a pair of pajamason a c]othes]ine•R.T.W.B.C.) seemed GULLS THROUGHALCIDS-- The fall LaughingGull build- recoveredto many observers,and Hawk Mr. confirmed that up in the Delaware R. reached3000 at the Philadelphia Airport impressionwith the highest autumn total {120) since our fig- Sept.17 (]CM). We heard of only two Little Gulls, both in New uresbegan in 1976 {JB,LG). A Selasphorushummingbird, believed an imm. 6 Rufous, was at a feeder at Red Mill Acres, Del., Jersey(DF, JDD,JKM), and only two Corn.Black-headed Gulls, both in Delaware (DHe, AM). About sevenLesser Black-backed Nov. 28-Dec. 2 {ph. WAF), and another came to a feeder at Gulls were reported, all but one from s.e. New York, the other Kempton,Pa., twice Oct. 3, too quickly to be photographed{A. beingaround Cape May (MG, JGi). One adult photographedat Nagy). JonesBeach S.P. after Hurricane Gloria appeared to belong to A record-low seven Red-headedWoodpeckers passed Hawk the nominate race, rather than to the usual graellsii (PPo). A Mt. (JB, LG), and they were absent from some recent strong- similar black-backedbird was photographedin Texas in March holds. However, Tetlow found 10 at the High Point Beaver 1984 (AB 38:933). Swamp, Sussex,N.J., Sept. 22, and a pair was still feeding Ternswere a major fall-out of Hurricane Gloria. The groupsof young in the nest Sept. 19 at Cape May County P. (KB). Caspian,Royal, Sandwich, and Forster's terns and Laughing Gulls that huddled in shelteredspots on the Long Island beach- esas the stormreceded Sept. 27 reflectedthe s.e.coastal origins FLYCATCHERS TO WARBLERS-- A Say's Phoebe hung of most of its carõo. Two Caspian Terns at Spruce Run Res., around the Fire Island, L.I., hawk watch all day Oct. 6 (D. H•te•lon, N.J., Sept. 28 (]. DeMarrais, H. Drinkwater) were Panko,m.ob.). An Ash-throated Flycatcher at CapeMay after probablyrelated to the storm,as were the 50 at CapeMay Sept. 28 (DSi).Ward counted1040 RoyalTerns passingCape May Pt. westwardOct. 14, perhapsto feedinggrounds in Delaware Bay. A few Sandwich Terns had been scatteredalong the coastfrom StoneHarbor Pt., CapeMay, N.J.. to Cape Henlopen in August (CS,F. Hayes).In the hoursfollowing Gloria there were at least 25 betweenFire I. Inlet and Montauk, L.I. (PAB, K & SF, m.ob.), a dozenat Cape May (DSi), and nine at Cape Henlopen (APE, W•V, GKH, JFS,WAF, R. Hilton), and as many as six remained at lv•cox, L.I., Oct. 1 ([ide BSp). OccasionalRoseate Terns continued to be seenalong the New ]erseycoast into August (]Do), and oneas late as Oct. 5 at Nummy I., N.J. (DF). Severalhundred Corn. Terns were at the L.I. inlets and at Montauk in the aftermath of Gloria, althoughthe local populationhad left as usual at the beginning of September.Only one Arctic Tern was certain among them, a portlandica bird at Democrat Pt. (PAB). Forster's Terns were the most numerous fall-out from Gloria on L.I. (peakcounts 120 at Mecox--JDiC,and 70 at Fire I. Inlet--K & SF). Twenty remained at Zach's Bay as late as Nov. 5 (FF!. Two at the Lincoln Park gravel pits, Morris, N.J., Sept. 27 (RR) were firsts there. The Forster'sTerns found occasionally in fall Ash-throatedFlycatcher at CapeMay, N.J.,Nov. 24, 1985.Pho- alongthe inland rivers likely comefrom the Great Lakes,but to/Clay Sutton.

Volume 40, Number 1 89 Nov 24 furnished the 2nd fully-confirmed New Jerseyrecord the Long Island beachesin the immediate aftermath of Hurri- (ph. CS, m.ob.). Some two dozen Western Kingbirds, about cane Gloria. Five Yellow-headed Blackbirds, all from the coast, average,were all on the coastexcept one at Pawling, Dutchess, August-Nov.13 (JCM,JDo, BMo etal.) were a bit aboveaverage N Y., Oct. 9 (J. McIlwain, S. Gilbert), and one at Brandywine Two c•Brewer's Blackbirds were carefully picked out of a flock CreekS.P., Del., Nov. 3-7 (E. Collins, RLW etal.). A Fork-tailed of Red-wingedBlackbirds at the Warren sodfarm, Orange,N Y, Flycatcher was well describedfor Delaware'sfirst recordOct. Nov. 11 (JPT).One or two were aroundthe Beanery,Cape May, 19 at Port Mahon (•'J.Zerbe); it was about 14th for the Region. offand on in Octoberand November(RBa, JDD, A. Brady).Boat- The Red-breastedNuthatch flight that beganprecociously in tailed Gracklesat Tinicum Oct. 10 (JCM)were very unusual•n Julyspread over mostof this Region(although not in n.e. Penn- s.e. Pennsylvania. sylvania),but dissipatedafter September.An imm. Northern It was a moderatelygood winter finch year, the first sincefall Wheatear was well describedat Cape May Pt., Nov. 12 (•'A. 1981. Small numbersof Pine Grosbeakswere rather widespread Bacon,R. Myers), but could not be found subsequently.The in the n. and alongthe ridgesas far s. as Baer Rocks,Pa. (three ordinarythrushes seemed to be low everywhere.The only Var- Nov. 23, KK). The best countswere of 12 on the VassarCollege ied Thrush was one reportedwith Am. Robinsat the Norwood campus,Dutchess, N.Y., Nov. 27 (R.T.W.B.C.), and nine at Sun- Boy Scout Camp, Bergen, N.J., Nov. 9 (J. Hausen, J. Serrao, D. rise Mountain, Sussex,N.J., Nov. 23 (RR). Purple Fincheswere Miranda et al.). in good numbers in the n. of the Region, but only sporadic in A Sage Thrasher was impeccablydescribed from Bombay s.w. New Jersey.It was hard to find any pattern in crossbill Hook Oct. 31 (•'E. Wilson), for a first record for Delaware and distribution.Small numbersof Red Crossbillsappeared along one of only aboutone-half dozen from the Region.The only N. the ridges (KK, FPW, S. Radis), and a single was at Cape May Shrikesof the seasonwere at Pound Ridge Reservation,West- Oct. 30 (FNi). Small numbersof White-winged Crossbillswere chester,N.Y., Nov. 15-17 (E. Kanze) and Cape May Oct. 28 widespreadin e. Pennsylvaniain November(WR, B & NM), and (MG). Five LoggerheadShrikes were faintly encouraging,four singleswere at StatenIsland and Rye, N.Y. (fide TWB). A very on the coastin Septemberand October (A. & E. Kretz, G. & W. few Com. Redpolls moved down the Hudson and the coastas Renkins, FF, W. Hope, MG, FNi), and one at Assunpink far asCape May (five, Oct. 30, FNi), but appearedin e. Pennsyl- W.M.A., N.J., Oct. 28-Nov. 30 (N. & W. Lilly, BMo). vania only in December.Pine Siskins were erratic, reaching Warbler numbers seemed low to some observers, but that feedersas far s. as Delaware. Evening Grosbeaksmoved early may have been becausethe seasonwas steady and protracted. and widely, reachingSussex, N.J., by Aug. 18 (RR) and Cape Many moved early, and it was already possibleto find 25-26 May by Sept. 28 (RBa, P. Holt). speciesin a day at Higbee's Beach, Cape May, in late August (RBa).Male Wilson's Warblersin e. PennsylvaniaAug. 6 (singing, S. Roth) and in Cumberland,N.J., Aug. 10 (RBa) were exceptionally early. UNCONFIRMED REPORTS-- We receiveda careful descrip- All the warbler rarities of this season were native to the s.e. tion of a peep identified as a Little Stint at Port Mahon, Del, United States,most of them so soon after Hurricane Gloria as to Aug. 11 (B & NM), but without informationabout molt or age seemrelated to it. A casein point was a Golden-wingedWar- classthe record cannot be definitively confirmed. bier, very rare on Long Island, at JonesBeach S.P., Oct. i (fide A minutely-detaileddiagnostic study of a Spizellabelieved TWB). JonesBeach was a unique sight when the first birders to be a Brewer's Sparrow, at the Beanery, Cape May, Nov 9 gained accessafter the storm; it was aswarm with exhausted (•-RBa)has been examinedby K. Kaufman and judgedhighly small birds, especiallyCape May Warblers,a speciesbelieved probable,but the bird could not be found again or photo- to migratenormally offshore.A Yellow-throated Warbler, very graphedfor definitive confirmation. rare on Long Island especially in fall, was at JonesBeach Sept. 28 (J.Popp). A ProthonotaryWarbler at Cape May Sept. 29 was very late (fide PBa).Two Worm-eatingWarblers at JonesBeach after the storm until Oct. i (AW, FF) were remarkablefor Long EXOTICS- An Egyptian Goose was at Spruce Run Res, Island. A Swainson's Warbler, the rarest warbler of this season, Hunterdon,N.J., Nov. 17 + (JE).A Blue-and-yellow Macaw was was photographedand banded at Cape May Oct. 5 (J.Clark, C. at Haddonfield, N.J., Sept. 21 (jKM, J. LaVia, B. Tannery). Euro- Pease),for the 3rd New Jerseybanding record. pean Goldfinchesfrequented feeders near Compass,Chester, Pa., in late November (PHu) and at Sellersville, Pa., after Nov 4 TANAGERS TO FINCHES-- The historic SummerTanager (AM). that spentlast winter at a feederin Medford Twp., Burlington, N J., settledin at the samefeeder Nov. 3, now in ad. c• plumage CORRIGENDUM-- The Lapland Longspursreported In the but still wearingthe band applied last Feb.20 (B. Woodford;see spring1985 column were in rural Chester,Pa., not urban Ches- photo in AB 39:153). A c• Scarlet Tanager in basic (winter) ter. plumagewas impeccably describedat Cape Henlopen S.P., Del.,Nov. 23 ('tB.Murphy). A W. Tanager,less unexpected, was reportedfrom JonesBeach S.P., L.I., Nov. 9 (R. Villani). Blicharz observeda "textbook" • Painted Bunting in the Princeton Ave. woods, Mercer, N.J., Sept. 16. A good inland OBSERVERS(Subregional compilers in boldface)-- Peter Ba- Dickcisselobservation was at Stony Kill, Dutchess,N.Y., Oct. cinski(PBa) (coastal NJ: 511 ProspectPlace, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071), 18 (MVW, MY, EPi), joined by another Oct. 24 (H. Manson,P. Robert Barber (RBa), M.V. Barnhill, Paul Bernath (PBe), Irving Fasciani).As for the coastalDickcissel passage,our most sys- Black (n.e. NJ:Eagle Rock Village, Bldg. 26, Apt. 8B, Budd Lake,NJ tematicmeasurement in many yearswas the "over 20" counted 07828),Andrew Bihun (ABi), R.J.Blicharz (n.c. NJ: 827 Pennsylva- niaAve., Trenton, NJ 08638), Kate Brethwaite, Jim Brett, P.A. Buck- through the seasonat the Cape May hawk watch (FNi). ley,Joe Burgiel (JBu), T.W. Burke(s.e. NY: 235 HighlandAve, Rye, About five Clay-coloredSparrows was normal. An imm. or • NY 10580),Judy Cincquina,J.D. Danzenbaker,R.F. Deed (Rock- Lark Buntingwas seen and its distinctivesoft 2-note call heard land, NY: 50 Clinton Ave., Nyack, NY 10960), Joe DiCostanzo nearWilkes-Barre, Pa., Sept. 21, a few yardsfrom the site of a (JDiC),Jim Dowdell (JDo),Peter Dunne,John Ebner, A,P. Ednie 1968 recordof the samespecies (WR). Of the 11 Lark Sparrows (New Castle& Kent,DE: 21 N. Wells Ave., Glen Olden,PA 19036), reported,only one (PrincetonAve. woods, N.J., Sept. 16, RJB) Fran File, W.A. Fintel, G.A. Franchois,W.W. Frech'(Sussex, DE. was away from the coast.For the 7th consecutiveyear a Dark- Carr. Rt. 3, Box 1144, Lewes,DE 19958), G.L. Freed, Dave Freeland, eyed(Oregon) Junco frequented a feedernear Blairstown, War- Ken & SusanFuestel, John Ginaven (JGi), Laurie Goodrich, Doug ren, N.J., after Nov. 13 (T. Jensen). Gross,Mary Gustarson,Jerry Haag, Greg Hanisek (n.w. NJ:RD 3, Bobolinkswere amongthe most conspicuousspecies along Box 263, Phillipsburg,NJ 08865), DorothyHartmann (DHa), Dan

90 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1986 Heathcote(DHe), Otto Heck, G.K. Hess,Robert Hilton, Phyllis Hur- Esther & Steve Speck, M.J. Spence, Barbara Spencer (BSp), J.C. lock (PHu), G.A. Inskip, Rich Kane, Ken Kranick. D.E. Kunkle, Stellwagen,Clay & Pat Sutton,J.F. Swiertinski, Fred Tetlow, Fred RobertLaskowski, A.J. Lauro, Bob Lewis (BLe), LeonardLittle, J.K. Tilly (FTi), J.P. Tramontano (Orange & Sullivan, NY: Orange Co. Meritt (s.w. NJ:809 SaratogaTerrace, Turnersville, NJ 08012), J.C. CommunityCollege, Middletown, NY 10940), Guy Tudor, Marion Miller, AugustMirabella, Arthur Morris (AMo), B.L. Morris (e. PA: Van Wagner,David Ward, R.T. WatermanBird Club (Dutchess, 825 N. Muhlenberg St., Allentown, PA 18104), Brian Moscatello NY], W.J.Wayne, R.L. West, Rick Wiltraut (RWi), F.P. Wolfarth, AI (BMo), Bill & Naomi Murphy, Frank Nicoletti (FNi), Ed Patten, Wollin, Mary YegelIa.--ROBERT O. PAXTON, 460 Riverside Dr., EleanorPink (EPi), PeterPlage. Peter Post (PPo),William Reid (n.e. Apt. 72, New York, NY 10027; WILLIAM J. BOYLE, JR., 13A Ken- PA: 73 W. RossSt., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702), Richard Radis, Paul sington Rd., Chatham, NJ 07928; and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Saraceni(PSa), R.M. Schutsky,Dave Sibley (DSi), Steve Smith, Rock Creek Dr., Wyncote, PA 19095.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION

Henry T. Armistead

mostlyeveraltropical in heavy storms rains,brushed and there the wereRegion nobut falloutsresulted of tropicalbirds even from hurricaneGloria on September27. Althoughthe droughtended in mostareas in mid-August, reservoirs--especiallyLiberty and LochRaven in the Balti- morearea--remained way below capacity,providing excellent birding.The fall was very wet and warm with a lack of cold fronts. Deviation from normal of precipitation: Aug. +1.16 in., Sept. +1.47 in., Oct. +0.60 in., Nov. +3.00 in.; of temperature:Aug. - 0.6øF, Sept. + 0.5ø, Oct. + 3.2ø, Nov. + 7.3ø. Shorebird reporting was outstanding,some of it the result of temporaryconditions: dredge spoils, low water levelsin impoundedponds, and the PotomacRiver sections where the exoticwater plant Hydrilla is spreadingand also attracting waterfowl and other waterbirds. Several commentedon the excellent wild food crop, especiallyacorns and other mast,yet there were no correspondingreports on the responseof birds to it, and the lack of cold frontsmeant the passerinemigration was ratherdismal. November, over 7øFabove normal, induced many birds to linger. At the end of the periodScott reported that for the first time on record Theseare excellent counts by Regionalstandards. Totals at Deal no below-freezingtemperatures had hit Richmond, and he Island,W.M.A., Md., of 59 Aug. 13 (MO) and 44 Sept.21 (HTA) cut his lawn for the last time December 8! were merely representativefor that stronghold. The best HornedGrebe reports were of 224 at EasternNeck N.W.R., Md., ABBREVIATIONS- Assat. I. = AssateagneIsland, Md./Va.; Nov. 12 (JG)and 8o at D.C., Nov. 21 (DC); they continuedto be Bait. = Baltimore;the Bay = ChesapeakeBay; C.B.B.T. = Chesa- scarce. peakeBay Bridge & Tunnel, Va.; Chinc. = ChincoteagueNat'l Wild- Followingseveral days o[ strongonshore winds an unusual life Ref., Va.; Craney = CraneyIsland DisposalArea, Portsmouth, migrationo[ shearwaterswas reportedseen from shoreat Back Va.; Fish. I. = Fisherman Island Nat'l Wildlife Ref., Va.; Hart = Bay N.W.R., Va., Nov. 2, most o[ them Greater Shearwaters Hart andMiller islands,e. of Baltimore;Kipt. = KiptopekeBanding (DFA). Wilson's Storm-Petrelscontinued their incursion into Stationnear Cape Charles,Va. Place names in italics are counties; the lower Bay with small numbersseen from Cape Henry, Va., dates in italics indicate birds were banded. July 30-Aug. 17 (TK). Six were seen at Ocean City, Md., Aug. 6 (FEH et al.) and a very late one was there Oct. 14 (DC]. The LOONS THROUGH FLAMINGOS-- Red-throated Loon sin- pelagichighlight was a White-facedStorm-Petrel 59.6 mi off gles were seen at 7 non-coastalMaryland localitiesOct. 19 the Virginia coaste. of Assat.I., Sept. 21 (RN, HLW, EB, WK et (Hart, RFR) to Nov. 20 (Loch Raven Res.,SWS), a much better al.),the samegroup also sighting one Leach'sand 356 Wilson's showingthan usual. A tremendousloon migration took place at storm-petrels,plus 12 Cory's, one Greater,and 50 Audubon's Chinc., Nov. 16-17 with a ratio of 3:1 Red-throateds to Com- shearwaters,the majority of thesealso in Virginia waters.This mons(BM); 254 Commonsplus four Red-throatedswere at Pt. wasan exceptionalpelagic trip, the White-facedproviding only Lookout,Md., Nov. 16 (MO), and 80 Commonswere at Hooper's the 2nd or 3rd Regionalrecord and the Audubon'scount per- I., Md., Nov. 9 (SD, WR, HTA). The exoticwater plant Hydrilla hapsa new high. continuesto spreadin the PotomacR. areas. of D.C., attracting A singleAm. White Pelicanwas presentat Chinc. in Novem- birdswith an affinityfor shallowwater, and apparentlyhaving ber and December(CPW, BM et al.) and presumablythe same beneficialeffects on bothwater clarity and fishing.In the Hunt- bird was at nearby Wallops I., Oct. 10 (CRV). Brown Pelicans ingCreek area near Alexandria, Va., whereit hasspread, counts continuedto occurin superlativenumbers, especially in Vir- of Pied-billedGrebes reached 68 Sept.30 (EMW), 97 Oct. 23-25 ginia, with as many as 300 at Chinc. during August (œideTF), {fiVIA,DFA), and 50 + Nov. 6 (EPW, who had a high of eight in 120 at Kipt., Sept.2 (HTA), 175 on Fish. I., Oct. 5 (HTA etal.), 75 1984!).Across the Potomacat PiscatawayCr., Md., 40 were seen at Back Bay N.W.R., Nov. 29 (TRW), 77 at Cape Henry Nov. 16 Oct. 26 (PN). At Piney Run, Carroll, Md., 19 were seenOct. 20 (TRW), 83 at Wallops I., Aug. 10 (CRV), 31 at New Pt. Comfort (RFR)and the high at Loch RavenRes., reached 21 Nov. 11 Sept.28 (JBB),16 at PlumtreeIsland N.W.R., Nov. 19 (DD), and (SWS).A countof 45 at Chinc., Sept. 25-26 (CPW) was notable. 35 at C.B.B.T., Nov. 29 (BY). As recently as 5 yearsago this sort

Volume 40, Number I 91 of invasionwas unheard of. The only Maryland reportson hand in the Presquile N.W.R. area Nov. 27 (BPk) and 900 at Black- were of threeat OceanCity Aug. 7 (FEH et at.) and four at Assat. water N.W.R., Md., Nov. 30 (HTA), goodanywhere else in the I., Aug. 13 (Me). Great Cormorantsfirst appeared at favored Region,were not surprising for these two sites;but five at Hart localities such as C.B.B.T., Sept. 27 (FRS), Ocean City Sept. 22, Oct. 26 were noteworthy (Me). Extraordinarywas the report of and Pt. LookoutOct. 6 (Me). Up to 10 were at Lower Machodoc 200 BrantNov. 8 at BroadBay, Prince Georges,far up the Poto- Creek, Westmoreland,Va., Nov. 20 (JEJ),but one to two far up mac R. in Maryland (HS, fide JMA), these birds now being the Bay at Hart during Octoberwere a surprise[RFR, EB, HK, scarceanywhere away from the coast since the dieoff of their Me). Three Double-crestedCormorant nests near Hopewell, favoritegrasses. One was at Hunting Creekduring Novemberin Va., still held young as late as Aug. 25 (FRS, JWD, BRz), at the the Hydritta (EPW, RAA et at.). Four CanadaGeese at Hog I., only Regionalsite where they have ever bred. At Kipt., 855 were Nov. 20 bore Mississippi Flyway neck bands (DS). countedas early as Aug. 31 (HTA) and the usual mid-fall spec- Good Hunting Creek Hydritta counts of dabblersincluded taclesincluded 5000 at Chinc., Oct. 17 (JHB),3000 at C.B.B.T., 392 Green-wingedTeal, 350 Am. Black Ducks, 512 Mallards, Nov. 18 (HCI), and 2500 at Virginia Beach Nov. 2 & 9 (TRW). 498 N. Pintails,486 Blue-wingedTeal, and 27 N. ShovelersOct. Inland, two in Amherst, Va., Oct. 19 were notable (MRB), and 16 (JMA). Eight early N. Pintails were at Hart Aug. 15 (RFR et countsnear Bait. at Hart and near D.C. at Hunting Creek sur- at.). A Eur. Wigeon was at Fish. I., Oct. 19 (TK et at.). As usual passed100 (RFR, DFA, EPW etaL). Unique was an Anhinga at Deal I. furnished some of the best duck totals such as 1750 Am. favoredStumpy L., Virginia Beach,Va., Aug. 10 (BP, fide TK). WigeonsOct. 6 plus 500 Blue-wingedTeal and 1000 N. Pintails Mostherons were in low numbers,especially at Chinc. where Sept.29 (SliD). The bestRing-necked Duck countwas of 250 on the drought provided few feeding areasin usually-favoredim- the GeorgetownRes. in D.C., one of the best placesfor them in poundedsections and where Wilds found 5-yearlow countsof theRegion, Nov. 9 (DC). ACom. Eider was on CobbI., Va., Aug. Greatand Snowy egrets,but where the high of 397 Cattle Egrets 31 (HG), and two were seen from the C.B.B.T., Nov. 16 (TH, Sept.12-13 (CPW, EMW) eclipsedher previousfall top countof DW). An imm. C• King Eider was walking ludicrously on the 107. An ad. Tricolored Heron at Liberty Res., Carroll, Aug. 22- beachat Kipt., Aug. 31 and Sept. 2 (HTA), an an ad. male was 25 (RFR)was properlydescribed as "accidentalinland in Mary- seennearby Oct. 3 (GCG,HG, ph.), while anotherwas at Ocean land." Also notableon the Cattle Egretcircuit were 365 at Kipt., City Oct. 13 (DC). A 9 Harlequin Duck was at C.B.B.T. on the Aug. 31 (HTA}, and the 3rd Carroll, Md., record,one at Piney very early date of Oct. 17 (FRS). Forty Oldsquawsat Hunting RunOct. 20 (RFR).Green-backed Herons left exceptionallyear- Creek Nov. 6 made a good total for the D.C. area (EPW). At ly in the Chinc. area (CPW) yet a late individual was still at Ft. DismalSwamp N.W.R., Schwabfound 300 HoodedMergansers Hunt, Va., Nov. 23 (DP). There was a respectableshowing of on L. Drummond in the center of the swamp Nov. 17. Peak White Ibiseswith imm. birds at Loch Raven,n. of Bait., Aug. 2-9 RuddyDuck countswere of 1100 at Hart Oct. 19 (RFRet at.) and (MR, RFR, ph.), the first for that area since 1977, and one along the samenumber at Hunting Creek Nov. 20-23 (JMA). the RapidanR. 8 min. of Orange,Va., Aug. 17 (JM). Slightly off coursewere single Glossy Ibises at Lilypons, Frederick, Md., Oct. 5 (DHW), and in D.C., Sept. 11 (DC), still a scarcespecies away from the coastalplain. Unconfirmed was the report of a Wood Storkat Owl Creek,L. Rudee,Virginia Beachin Septem- ber (fide TRW). Single GreaterFlamingos were seenat Craney Octoberto December(TRW, HCI, DLH et at.), at Wallops I. in October(fide CRV), on Fish. I., Augustto September(TK et al.), and at Chinc. in November (v.o.), both the origin and the number of birds involved remaining uncertain.

WATERFOWL -- Most species continued in dismal numbers.A bright note was a flock of 25 FulvousWhistling-Ducks at Pt. LookoutNov. 11, one of the highestRegional counts ever (RFW). Not so bright was a record Dorchester,Md., total of 82 Mute SwansSept. 21 at Hooper'sI. (GDa, HTA), their s. outpost on the Bay. Two GreaterWhite-fronted Geesewere at Presquile N.W.R., Nov. 9 (BB, fide FRS), and two were at Hog I., Surry, Nov. 20 (DS), possiblythe samebirds since both these places are on the JamesR. s. of Richmond. Counts of 170 "Blue" Geese Male King Eider at Wise Pt., Cape Charles, Va., Oct. 3, 1985 Photo/GregGreer.

RAPTORS THROUGHRAILS-- Late Ospreyswere at Little Creek,Somerset, Md. (SHD), and PocahontasS.P., Chesterfield, Va. (WE,[ide FRS),Nov. 23 & 24 respectively.The peak Osprey reportfrom the Kipt. hawk watch was of 98 Oct. 11, when 111 Merlins and 25 PeregrineFalcons were alsoreported (MA), plus 200 Broad-wingeds(WK). September 25 was another go.od flight day herewith 85 eachfor N. Harrierand Osprey,and 1090 Am. Kestrels(DSy). The best days for Sharp-shinnedHawks were Sept.26 with 2168 and Oct. 17 with 1519 (DSy). Coverage hereis still incompleteand uneven. It is to be hopedthat soon continuouscoverage can be achieved, a difficult situation becausemost observerslive far from the area or a $9 toll away. However,on 42 days 18,892 raptorswere seenin 330 hours or an averageof about 58 per hour from Aug. 31-Oct. 28 based on the preliminary results at hand. Snow Geeseat Back Bay Nat'l Wildlife Re[uge,Va., November Elsewherean early Sharp-shinnedHawk wasin D.C., Aug. 26 1985. Photo/Donna Dewhurst. (DC), and the best Broad-wingedHawk count was of 525 in

92 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 Arlington, Va., Sept. 12 (RAA). A late Broad-winged was in Creek,most of the E. Shore of Maryland usually being rather D.C., Nov. 10 (DC). Golden Eagle recordsincluded singleson mediocre for shorebirds. Records of interest here included 300 the lower SusquehannaR., Md., Nov. 12 (RMS), at Loch Raven LesserYellowlegs Aug. 25 (RFR), a Red Knot Sept. 6 (WK), 24 Res., Oct. 27 (HK, SWS), and an adult pursued by a Rough- Stilt SandpipersSept. 8 (MO), a Ruff Sept. 2 (MO, PO), 10 leggedHawk at New DesignRd., Frederick,Md., Nov. 23 (RAA). Wilson'sPhalaropes Aug. 31 (EB, RFR, a new Maryland high Ward completedhis 16th conservativeyear of PeregrineFalcon count)plus six there Sept.8 (MO) plus sevenand a Red-necked studieson Assat.I., banding 147 Sept. 16-Oct. 22 in 552 man- PhalaropeAug. 28 (AH, JW). hours, his 2nd best numerical total but 6th best in terms of man- Latish were a Spotted Sandpiper in Bait., Nov. 2 (RFR, EB) hours.Eight of the birds capturedhad beenbanded previously andtwo SolitarySandpipers at LochRaven Res., Oct. 24 (SWS); elsewhere.Efforts were hampered by the after-effectsof Hurri- 11 Willets nearby at Liberty Res. were unusual for Piedmont cane Gloria which struck Sept. 27. Reportsfrom other raptor Maryland (EB, RFR). Seven Upland Sandpiperswere at New watch areaswere incomplete. DesignRd., Aug.4 (PO),up to nine wereat LangleyA.F.B., Aug. A late N. Bobwhitenest was found at Hampton, Va., where a 20-Sept.5 (TK), four were at OceanaN.A.S., Va., Sept.9 (TRW), female was incubating 11 eggs Sept. 9; however, birds have and four were at Tilghman I., Talbot, Md., Sept. 15 (JGR).A been found on eggsinto mid-October in some years. At Mt. Whimbrelwas unusual at Hart in late September-earlyOctober Landing Creek off the RappahannockR. near Tappa, Va., 12 (fide RFR, ph.). Rareon the Piedmontwas an unusual group of Sofaswere found Oct. 12 (BPk),and 25 • were at JugBay on the 14 HudsonJanGodwits at Beltsville, Md., Oct. 4 (WS), three upper PatuxentR., Md., Sept. 14 (JB,fide CPW), classicw. shore wereat GrandView, Hampton,Va., Sept. 7 (TK), and one to two settingsfor their fall flights. Best Am. Coot counts included were presentin the Hydrilla-infestedareas of Hunting Creekin 1000 at PiscatawayCr., Md., Nov. 24 (PN), 1500 at Ft. Hunt Septemberand October (RAA, EPW et al.). Marbled Godwits during November (JMA], and 415 at Chinc., Oct. 31 (CPW), were alsomore widespreadthan normal with one at Hart Aug. while 160 at Piney Run on the Maryland Piedmont Nov. 23 11 (RFRe t al.), four at OceanCity Oct. 13 (RFR),five on Assat.I., were notable (RFR) as were 165 at Loch Raven Res., Nov. 22 Oct. 19 (MO), up to nine at GrandView in September(TK), and (SWS). 29 (low) at their ThornsCreek stronghold e. of Mockhorn I., Va., Sept. I (FRS, HTA et al.) with 13 there Oct. 5 (HTA et al.). SHOREBIRDS- Weather hindered shorebirdingat the Re- gion's best shorebirdsite, Chinc. First, until mid-August the droughtdried up most impounded areasthere. From then on, heavy rains topped them off, making them practically useless for shorebirdsexcept for somethe refugewas able to partially drain. However, the rains continued and storms prevented completecoverage of someareas. In spite of these problems Wilds conducted14 surveyshere finding high numbersof Wil- lets (westernrace), Whimbrels, and Sanderlings,poor numbers of LesserGolden-Plovers, Piping Plovers,Least and Buff-breasted sandpipers,and Long-billedDowitchers. Selectedcounts of noteincluded: Aug. 1-2, Whimbrel 250, Red Knot 554, Sander- ling 6080,Short-billed Dowitcher 201; Aug. 8-9, Semipalmated Plover860, RuddyTurnstone 193, LesserYellowlegs 554, Hud- sonjanGodwit eight, PectoralSandpiper 94, Least Sandpiper 428, SemipalmatedSandpiper 2472; Aug. 22-23, PipingPlover 13 (only), Com. Snipe one, Spotted Sandpiper 10, Solitary Sandpipertwo (latter 3 speciesusually scarcehere), Wilson's Phalaropefour; Aug. 29-30, Black-bellied Plover 334, Willet Juvenile Curlew Sandpiperat Hart-Miller Impoundment, Balti- 107;Sept. 12-13, Baird'sSandpiper one, Red-necked Phalarope more Co., Md., Oct. 19, 1985. First confirmed record for Mary- one; Sept. 25-26, White-rumped Sandpiper eight, Stilt Sand- land. Photo/BobRingler. piper 68, Buff-breastedSandpiper two, Am. Avocet nine; Oct. 3-4, Long-billedDowitcher 28, Marbled Godwit eight;Oct. 17- 18, Dunlin 2800, W. Sandpiper246; Oct. 24-25, GreaterYellow- A RedKnot at LibertyRes., Aug. 19 provideda first Piedmont legs71. Other exceptionalSanderling counts were 5400 Aug. recordfor Maryland(RFR) and threeSanderlings there Sept. 21 29-30 and 5750 Oct. 17-18, both tallies more than twice her werenotable (RFR). On the late side were five LeastSandpipers previoushigh from late August on. at Hog I. Nov. 24 (FRS)and threeWhite-rumped Sandpipers at In spite of their poorshowing at Chinc., LesserGolden-Plov- BlackwaterN.W.R., Nov. 29 (MO). A Baird'sSandpiper was at ers were more widespread than usual elsewhere, with two in LibertyRes., Aug. 25-26 (EB et al.), anotherwas at CraneyOct. Howard, Md., Aug. 31-Sept. 2 (HM, RFR) for a first county 12 & 20 (TK), and an extremely late one was at Chinc., Nov. 16 record,20-38 at HuntingCreek, Va., Sept.9-Oct. 24 (EPW,JMA (BM et al.). Maryland's first confirmedrecord of Curlew Sand- et al.), 17 at Deal Island W.M.A., Sept. 21 (HTA), 16 at Summit piper was provided by one at Hart Oct. 19 (HK, HLW, RFR et al., Hall Turf Farm, Montgomery,Md., Sept. 28 (MO), and numer- ph.).This wasa goodfall for Stilt Sandpiperswith up to 175 at ous other records.A true rarity was a Piping Plover at Loch Hart Aug. 15, a late one there Oct. 19 (RFR),and an extremely RavenRes., Sept. 27 (SWS, BD), providinga first inland record late individual at Back R. SewageTreatment Plant e. of Bait., for Maryland. The high count of Killdeer was at Kipt., where Nov. 6 (HLW, CPW). Ten at Liberty Res., Aug. 25 made the Williams saw 212 Oct. 12. Deal Island W.M.A. monopolizedthe highestinland count ever for Maryland (RFR, EB). Buff-breast- Black-neckedStilt marketwith five thereAug. 2 (MO), two Aug. ed Sandpipersturned up at unexpectedlocalities such as e. of 13 (MO), and one Aug. 17 (FEH eta/.). The Am. Avocet flock at Williamsburg,Va., Aug. 14-18 (BT, TA), at LeadingPt., Balt., Craneypeaked at 37 Aug. 7 (FRS,JWD), a shadowof its former Sept.15-16 (JW,AH), at Hart Sept. 12 (HK, RFR), and at Liberty self,but birdswere presentthere throughout the period(TRW). Res.,Sept. 22 (HM, RFR). One to two Ruffswere at Chinc., Aug. Six at Wallops I., July 24 were unusualfor there (CRV) as were 6 & 17 (FEH, NB et al.). This was a superWilson's Phalarope fall three along the causewayto Chinc. (town) Aug. 27 (TF). Rare with six at Hart Oct. 11 and fourthere Oct. 19 (RFRe t al.) and up anywherein Maryland, two were at Hart Aug. 15 (RFR et al.) to 12 at CraneyAug. 13 & 22 (eight Sept. 12; TRW) plus numer- and one was at Ocean City Nov. 29 (MO). ous singlesand doubles elsewhere (v.o.). Single Red-necked One of the surprisesof the fall was the discoveryof a new Phalaropeswere at Deal IslandW.M.A., Aug. 13 & 19 (MO, AH) shorebirdhotspot on Kent I., QueenAnnes, Md., at North West and eight were off Wachapreague,Va., Sept. 6 (GR). A Red

Volume 40, Number I 93 Lesser Black-backed Gull at North Beach, Calvert Co., Md., Nov. 1, 1985. Photo/Jim Stasz.

with 400 CaspianTerns Oct. 5, decreasingto 230 Oct. 11 and six Oct. 26, plus eight Royal Terns Oct. 5 and sevenOct. 11 (RFR et al.), Royals being scarcethis far up the Bay. On Aug. 4, 675 Two ju venile Stilt Sandpipersat Nokesville, Va., Aug. 16, 1985. Forster'sTerns were seenhere and they increasedto 1000 by Photo/Ken Bass. Augø15, four BlackTerns also being noted on theselast 2 dates (RFRet al.). Othergood Caspian totals were 85 at HuntingCreek Sept. 23 and 134 at Chinc, Sept. 12-13 (CPW), and a late bird was at D.C., Nov. 7 (DC)oUnprecedented for the Maryland part Phalaropewas reported from Chinc, Aug. 17 (NB} and four were of the Bay were as many as sevenSandwich Terns at Scotland seenin Virginia waters off Assat.I., Sept. 21 (RN, HLW et al.). Beach,St. Mary's, Aug. 24 (RFR); 27 at Chinc. were a new high The Hydrilla shorebirdsalong the Potomacs. of D.C. were stud- therefor Wilds Aug. 15-16. Representativecounts of Forster's ied intensivelyby numerousobservers on an almostdaily basis Ternswere 500 at Hooper'sI., Sept. 8 (HTA), 461 at RockHall, with carefullytabulated data, an important recordof a tempo- Kent, Md., Nov. 1 (JG),and 310 at Bivalve, Wicomico,Md., Aug. rary {?) phenomenon (JMA, EPW). 19 (AH). One on the Piedmontat LilyponsOct. 5 was of interest (DHVV)oAlmost unprecedentedwere two Bridled Terns seenoff JAEGERS THROUGHALCIDS-- The hit of the seasonwas a Assat.I. in Virginia watersSept. 21 (RN et al.). BlackTerns had ParasiticJaeger present in the generalDoC. area Sept. 7-Oct. 21, a pooryear at Chinc.with the peakof 19 on Aug. 8-9 (CPW),but affordingscores of observersan opportunityfor repeatedstud- a late one wasthere Oct. 6 (HTA). Black Skimmersare scarcefar ies of this light-phase,subado bird (DC, EMW, VBK, RAA et al.). up the Bay, so singlesat Sandy Point S.P., Anne Arundel, Md., In Virginia waters off Assat.1., Naveen et al. saw a Pomarine and Oct. 13 (WK) and Nov. 24 (AH et al.) were interesting,as were 12 jaegers(sp.) Septø21. At Back Bay N.W.R., Nov. 2, a large threeimmatures at Hunting CreekOct. 12 (JMA, EPW) and two jaegerflight was observedas a result of strongonshore winds in D.C., Oct. 24 (DC]. The first sightrecord of Black Guillemot (DFA). Inland LaughingGulls were seen at Nokesville, Va., for the Region since Audubon was of an adult seen at close Sept. 1 (two--KHB) and at Beltsville Nov. 3 (two--RFR). There range Nov. 30 from C.B.B.T. (RLK, SF), all the more unusual were 48 Laughing Gulls Octø 25 at Loch Raven Res. (SWS), becauseof the rather sedentarynature of this alcid. where the seasoh'sonly Franklifts Gull was seen Oct. 27 (HK, SWS), the first for PiedmontMaryland. At BlackwaterN.W.R., OWLS THROUGH SHRIKES- Single N. Saw-whet Owls 225 LaughingGulls weregrounded by warm, drivingrain Nov. were at Kent, Md., Oct. 14 (JG) and Laurel, Md., Nov. 9 (CSR). 30 (GLA, HTA). Wilson found an early Bonaparte'sGull at Excellentcounts of Com. Nighthawkscame from Maryland HuntingCreek Aug. 26. In D.C., 1300 HerringGulls (DC) werea Piedmont areas such as 900 at Lanham Sept. 2 (BM), 700 at remarkablecount for there,the buildup due to a big flood after BeltsvilleAug. 30 (BM), and 1139 at Rockville Sept.2 (BA, fide remnantsof HurricaneJuan passed through interior, upstream CPW). A watch for them at RichmondAug. 9-Sept.24 revealed areas. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen at 11 sites with a a maximum of 309 Sept. 1 (CRB).A bird believed by many to be peakof sevenon C.BoBoT.,Oct. 26 (RDB,DH, KK), plussightings a LesserNighthawk was in D.C., Oct. 29-Nov. 15, invariably at less-expectedlocales such as N. Beach, Calvert, Md., Nov. 1 seenin flight and under crepnscularconditions. Finally good (JLS,ph.), at PresquileNoWoR., Nov. 14 (BPk), and two at Salis- photographswere madeby GeorgeJett. These were examinedin bury,Mdo, Novø 29 (MO). They materializedfor the 7th straight excruciatingdetail by CPW, HLW, R. Clapp, G. Graves,J. Mar- year at Ft. McHenry in Balt. (BM) and the õth straightin D.C. shall,and R. Znsi. All independentlyreached the sameconclu- (DC). At Hart 400 Great Black-backed Gulls were a fine late- sion: the bird was an ad. • CommonNighthawk. Clearly any summercount Aug. 15 (RFR et aL). Kittiwakes were at C.B.B.T., late season,low-flying nighthawk in the East cannotbe auto- Nov. 16 (TH, DW) and at Back Bay N.W.R., Nov. 29 (TRW). matically taggeda Lesser,even if the white stripe seemscloser As is oftenthe case,tern countsfrom Hart were outstanding, to the wing-tip. As a consolationprize, however, this may have

94 AmericanBirds, Spring1986 daysAug. 31-0ct. 20 in 7985 net-hours,the most frequently bandedbirds being Am. Redstart1204, Yellow-rumped War- bler 782, Corn. Yellowthroat 595. Gray Catbird 221, and Black- throatedBlue Warbler218 (WPS et al.). September25 produced a good flight there with seasonalhighs for bandingsof Ten- hesse,Magnolia, CapeMay, Black-throatedBlue, and Blackpoll warblers (JHB et al.). Philadelphia Vireos were reported more frequentlythan usual (v.o.). Very late was a TennesseeWarbler at Arlington Nov. 20-21 (RAA). Orange-crownedWarblers were reportedon only 7 dates, the earliest being not until Oct. 8 at AdventureSanctuary near Potomac,Md. (MD, fide CPW). Sep- tember12 wasanother good warbler day with highestbandings of Black-and-whiteWarblers and Am. Redstartsat Kipt. (FRS) and of Magnolia, Bay-breasted,Tennessee, Mourning, and Can- ada warblers, plus Ovenbirds, at Tolchester Beach, Kent, Md. (JGet al.). This latter site banded1506 birds of 86 specieson 24 daysAug. 7-Nov.2 in 9290 net-hours(JG et al.). A genuinerarity was a CeruleanWarbler closely seenon C.B.B.T., Aug. 10 (JL, TK et al.). SingleClay-colored Sparrows were on Assat.I., Oct. 12 (DC, MO, GG) and at Rockville, Md., Oct. 1-5 (MO, PO), where three Eastern Wood-Pewee at Patuxent River Park, Md., Oct. 31, 1985 birds believed to representthe nelsoni race of Sharp-tailed (a very late date). Photo/Bill Portlock. Sparrow were seenOct. 23-28 (MO). Early was a Fox Sparrow at OceanCity Oct. 13 (RFR, MR). High numbersof Lincoln's Spar- beenthe latestfall date for the Region.Another nighthawk seen Oct. 13 in D.C. was believed to be a Lesser but is best left as inconclusive(BM). At Kipt., a count of 2002 N. Flickers was made Oct. 6 in just 11/2hours (BW). There were 7 reports of Olive-sided Fly- catchers,most in late August-earlySeptember (v.o.). Very tardy was an E. Wood-Pewee at Patuxent R. Park, Prince Georges, Md., Oct. 31 (BPk, ph.). Five reports of W. Kingbirds were receivedwith birds in both Maryland and Virginia (v.o.). Wil- liams' bestE. Kingbird totals at Kipt. were of 1778 Aug. 31 and 1347 Sept. 1, the vast majority of thesebirds seen6:40-7:40 a.m. and flying N. The monsterPurple Martin roostat Hampton built up again this year to 80,000 with 15-20 thousand still there Sept. 2. Up to 10,000 were in one tree, snappingoff branches fromtheir weightlike PassengerPigeons, but only one was seen there Sept. 27 (TK). Extremely unusual was a rash of late N. Rough-wingedSwallow sightingsincluding singlesat Lilyports Nov. 11 (DHW), at New Design Rd., Nov. 17 (MO), and an Lincoln's Sparrow at Rockville, Md., Sept. 26, 1985. A regular exceptionalbird at PiscatawayCr., Dec. 1-15 (PN). A late Cliff migrant in this Region, but uncommon and elusive, and not Swallow was at Fish I., Oct. 5 (HTA), and the last Barn Swallow often photographed. Photo/Michael O'Brien. was at White Hall, Hatford, Md., Oct. 29 (DK). Typical Fish Crow highs,all roost-associated,were 935 at Kipt., Sept. 2, and 500 at Bellevue, Talbot, Md., Oct. 12 & 26 (HTA). rows were seen including singles at Stevenson,Md., Sept. 13 There was no Black-cappedChickadee flight (v.o.) but Red- and Oct. 17 (BR) and 15 were detected in Rockville Sept. 17- breastedNuthatches arrived extremelyearly suchas Aug. 19 in Oct. 23, five of theseOct. I (MO). Early were a White-throated Kent, Md. (JG),one in Nokesville, Va., the sameday (KHB), and Sparrowat Hampton Sept. 11 (TK) and a White-crowned Spar- two at JanesIsland S.P.,Md., Aug. 23 (AH), and by Aug. 31 Scott row at Bellevue,Md., Sept. 29 (HTA). Six Lapland Longspurs had sevenat Kipt. SedgeWrens were seenonly at Kipt. (TK), were at New Design Rd., Nov. 11 (MO), and the first Snow Irish GroveSanctuary near Crisfield (five, Nov. 16, CES), one in Buntingswere widely reported in the last 3 days of October at EakinCommunity P., Fairfax, Va., Oct. 10 (EMW), one in Math- CapeCharles (HG), EasternNeck N.W.R. (JG),Hart (MO), Chinc. ews, Va. (JBB,date?), and one at Deal Island W.M.A., Aug. 8 (CPW), and Back Bay N.W.R. (DD). (PO, MO). Based purely on banding totals, Veeries at Kipt. SingleYellow-headed Blackbirdswere at Beltsville, Oct. 28- peakedSept. 12 (21), Swainsoh's Thrushes Sept. 29 [17), and Nov. 2 (AH, WS, MO eta/.) and at Newport News City P., Va., Gray-cheekedThrushes Oct. 7 (16--FR$, CH, KT, fide WPS). Oct. 14-19 (fide D & MM). Unique and rare was a Brewer's This seasoh'sbest landbird was a SageThrasher at Chinc., Oct. Blackbirdat ManassasBattlefield N.P., Va., Oct. 28 (VBK, DT et 10, for apparentlythe 2nd Virginia and 3rd Regionalrecord, a/.). At Kipt, 141 N. Orioleswere countedSept. 1 (BW), the state seenalong the road at the Wash Flats (CPW). A Water Pipit at record count being 210, and a late one was at Stevenson, Md., Hart Sept. 12 was early (HK, RFR). LoggerheadShrikes were Nov. 20 (BR). Exceptionally early was a Purple Finch at Patux- seenat only 4 placesincluding three at Hopewell, Va., Aug. 25 ent, Md., Aug. 28 (SD) as were a Red Crossbillat Kipt., Aug. 31 (FRS, JWD, BRz). One of the less-appreciatedaspects of fall (BW) and an EveningGrosbeak there Oct. 12 (BW). There was a migrationhere is the small passageof this speciesthrough the little flurry of crossbill and Com. Redpoll records but for the coastalplain in late August and early September. mostpart the northernfinches, although present in many localities and severalyears overdue, stagedonly a minor flight. VIREOS THROUGHFINCHES-- A pronounced lack of cold fronts,combined with very warm weather and hurricanesor OB•ERVER•-- D. F. Abbott,J. M. Abbott,Margaret Abbott, R. A. their remnants, made for a dull fall for warblers and most other Anderson,G. L. Armistead,T. E. Armour, Bob Augustine,R. D. passetines.At Kipt., 4621 birds of 83 specieswere banded in 50 Barber,K. H. Bass,J. B. Bazuin,John Bjerke, C. R. Blem, Eirik Blom,

Volume 40, Number I 95 M. R. Boatwright,L. D. Bonham,Barry Brady, Ned Brinkley, J. H. tico, Mariana Nuttie, Michael O'Brien, Paul O'Brien, Brian ParLe- Buckalew,Dave Czaplak, GeorgeDaniels (GDa), Fenton Day, Donna son, E. D. Peacock,Darrell Peterson (DaP), Don Peterson,Bill Port- Dewhurst,Ginny Diersing,]. W. Dillard, BobDixon, MargaretDon- lock (BPk).J. G. Reese.George Reiger, Mike Resch,R. F. Ringler, C. nald, Sam Droege,S. H. Dyke, Wendy Ealding, Ethel Engle, ]. H. S. Robbins,Barbara Ross, Betsy Roszell (BRz), R. R. Runkles, Will Fales,Tad Finnell, A. ]. Fletcher,R. B. Fletcher, Steve Ford, John Russell,R. M. Schutsky,Don Schwab, F. R. Scott,Dot Silsby (DSy), Frary, Hans Gabler, Inez Glime, Greg Gough, G. C. Greer, ]. A. S. W. Simon, W. P. Smith, Hank Snyder, J. L. Stasz.Wally Sumner, Gregoire,]ames Gruber, Charlie Hacker,Frank Hahn, Alex Ham- C. E. Swift, Brian Taber, Karen Terwilliger, Diane Tourer, C. R. mer, F. E. Hayes, Dan Heathcote, M. W. Hewitt, R. H. Hilton, Ty Vaughn,D. H. Wallace, F. P. Ward, R. F. Weber, K. H. Weber, E. P. Hotchkiss,D. L. Hughes,H. C. Irving, ]. E. Johnson,Hank Kaestner, Weigel,H. L. Wierenga,C. P. Wilds, JimWilkinson. Lew Wilkinson, Teta Kain, Kenn Kaufman, Dennis Kirkwood, V. B. Kitchens, R. L. Bill Williams, G. M. Williamson, E. M. Wilson,David Wingate,T. R. Kleen,Wayne Klockner, Joyce Livermore, Dorothy & Mike Mitchell, Wolfe, Ben YokeL--HENRY T. ARMISTEAD, 523 E. Durham lack Mozingo,Harvey Mudd, Bill Murphy, Ron Naveen. Paul Nis- Street,Philadelphia, PA 19119.

SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION

Harry E. LeGrand, Jr.

aller than1985 inusual,the Southeast in part becausetendedto therebe somewhat were verywarm- few G MATTAMUSKEETß strongcold fronts,especially during the crucial late Septem- ber to late Octobermigration period. Precipitation was very variable over the Region, depending on whether a locale was in the rain shield of a hurricane. In fact, hurricanes dominatedthe weather, as no fewer than four (five counting Bob in late July) dumped rainfall (but not necessarilyrare birds) on the area, particularly Georgiaand the entire Coast- al Plain. The passerine migration was lackluster in most places becausestrong fronts were scarce.Shorebirding inland was exciting in August, but rain covered many mudfiats for the remainder of the season. There was a noticeable movement of Red-breastedNuthatches, Pine Siskins, and Evening Grosbeaksduring the fall, a welcome changefrom the virtu- al absencelast year. The dozensof pelagic trips taken off the Regionthis seasonfailed to turn up a completely unexpected seabird(a la Buller's Shearwateroff New Jerseylast year), but they provided a wealth of valuable distributional and abundance data, especially regarding storm-petrels. The LOONS THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS-- Red-throated Loons season'shighlight was the remarkablearray of westernland- wereencountered inland twice:on a fog-shroudedroad at Win- birds, which includes a Mountain Bluebird in the North ston-Sa]em,N.C., Nov. 19 {RS et al.}, and at JordanL., Chatham Carolina mountains this summer; two specieshave hardly Co., N.C., Nov. 28 {RD}. The always-notableEared Grebe was ever been seen east of the Mississippi River. reportedat an ash pondin MonroeCo., Ga., Nov. 19-20 {TJ}.The Region'shighest-ever fall count for N. Fulmar was of 20 + seen HURRICANES- Hurricane Elena in late August and by Leeoff Oregon Inlet, N.C., Oct. 25; and a live bird, a victim of Hurricane Juan in early November somewhat bypassedthe HurricaneJuan, was found on the beachat Buxton,N.C., Nov. 4 Regionand brought essentially no storm-relatedsightings. {DCh,ph.}. Black-cappedPetrels are now a "gimme"on pelagic Hurricane Kate struck the Gulf of Mexico and travelled trips off Oregonand Hatterasinlets, N.C. {seeTable 1}. Lee had northeastfrom southern Georgia to easternNorth Carolina an unforgettableday for shearwatersoff OregonInlet Aug. 8, on November22 and 23. This stormdid bring a scatteringof and he had the only rare-in-fall SootyShearwater (see Table 1}. notablerecords, mainly to inland Georgia.But the "storm of The most sought-afterpelagic speciesat presentis the White- the century"•Hurricane Gloria--was an ornithological faced Storm-Petrel--six were seen on 3 trips off Oregon Inlet bust in the Southeast,because it hit land only at Cape Hat- Aug. 23-29 {DL et aL). Two other sought-afterstorm-petrels-- teras, North Carolina. Had it made landfall farther south- Leach'sand Band-rumped were seen in remarkable,if not west in Carteret County, where predicted to hit, a number of unbelievable,numbers (Table 1}. It mustbe pointedout that the noteworthyrecords surely would have been forthcoming. identificationof the three dark storm-petrels{including Wil- son's}is difficult.especially on a rockingboat, and countsfor a However, hurricanes generally "produce" rarities only: (1) giventrip tend to be guesstimateswith a largemargin of error. when the eye hits land and passesinland, carrying seabirds Thus, a tally of 10 Band-rumpeds,for example,may be a com- insidethe eye and then dispersingthem, and (2) on the east promise;some birders believe only several were seen, while and northeastside of the eye, where the strong S and SE otherssay 25 or more were noted. One fact is certain;both winds can pile up pelagicbirds alongthe coast(but not force Leach'sand Band-rumped are present off North Carolina in them inland). A hurricane that skirts the coastwithout real- considerablenumbers {although greatly outnumberedby Wil- ly making landfall, such as Gloria, seldom produces rare son's},as Lee has made numerouscollections to verify the sight birds.Despite adequate birder coverageof the North Caroli- records. na Outer Banks after the storm, a dead Cory's Shearwater A few White-tailedTropicbirds were seenoff North Carolina, was all that could be attributed to the storm. as expected,including one photographedoff HatterasAug. 10

96 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 from South Carolina: a record-early immature at Huntington BeachS.P. (where regular) Aug. 16 (CA), several there in late October(CW, SW), and immatures at CharlestonOct. 20 (DF) and at Sullivans I., Nov. 16 (DF). Magnificent Frigatebirdswere observedat St. Simons I., Ga., Sept. I (LH) and at N. Myrtle Beach,S.C., Nov. I (RM, fide DiB).

HERONS THROUGH WATERFOWL-- For the 2nd consecutive summer, an imm. Reddish Egret was seen at Huntington BeachS.P., S.C.; this year'sbird was noted Aug. 14-16 (PL, HF, CA). Additional notable wader recordswere of two late Cattle Egretsnear Tyrone, Ga., Nov. 3 (PB); a goodtotal of 13 Black- crowned Night-Heronsnear Fayetteville, N.C., Sept. 1 (PJC, IVlW); an imm. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Winston-Sa- lem, N.C., Sept. 29 (RD, AB, HL); and a GlossyIbis at Falls L., N.C., on the very late date of Nov. 7 (JM. MS). Extremely rare away from the coastwas a RoseateSpoonbill seen with Wood Storksat Cadwell, Laurens Co., Ga., Aug. 28 (S & SR). Another spoonbill, an immature, flying over Oak I., N.C., this fall (BB) providedone of fewer than 10 recordsfor that state.For what- Adult White-tailed Tropicbird of[Hatteras,N.C., Aug. 10, 1985. ever reasons, Wood Storks were unusually numerous in the Photo/Larry Roscl•e. Regionthis fall. Seldom seen on the N.C. Outer Bankswas one at Bodie I., Sept. 4-5 (JV eta/.). Unusually far inland was an- (LR).A goodtotal of Am. White Pelicansinland was of eightat other at the Wateree R., Kershaw Co., S.C., Aug. 17 (CW); and Macon,Ga., Oct. 11, with one presentin early September(TKP, storksranged inland in Georgiato Twiggs, Bleckley, and Laur- TI). Along the coastwere nine Nov. 5-16 near the SanteeR. enscounties (BP, TKP), with a roostof over 100 birds in the last delta, S.C. (SG, BD, PM), and single returneesat Charleston, county (TKP). S.C.,all fall (StC) and at HatterasInlet Nov. 29 (CWi). For some The annual late fall influx of Fulvous Whistling-Ducks was unknownreason, all the fall sightingsfor GreatCormorant came detectedalmost solely in South Carolina,with the only report

Table 1. Pelagic observationsoff the North Carolina coast, Autumn 1985 8/6 B/B 8/17 8/23 8/24 8/25 8/26 8/27 8/29 9/1 9/2 10/3-5 10/5 10/13 10/25 0.15 0.I. 0.I. 0. I. 0.I. 0. I. 0.I. 0. I. 0.I. H.I. H.I. C.F. O.L H.L O.L (DL) (DL) (DC) (DL) (DL) (DL) (DL) (DL) (DL) (RA, (RA, (SC) (DC) (RA, (DL) Species PD) PD) PD) Northern Fulmar 20 + Black-cappedPetrel 57 8 71 18 64 69 1 5 54 2 25 + 102 11 37 Cory's Shearwater 106 1252 123 138 131 98 17 31 74 43 X/3 223 336 23 X/ Greater Shearwater 14 362 17 10 2 2 2 I 5 6 Sooty Shearwater 1 Audubon's Shearwater 64 1209 51 85 151 12 7 19 11 10 X/ 13 16 22 Wilson's Storm-Petrel 149 32 303 223 356 187 110 166 1898 26 17 7 White-faced Storm-Petrel 1 1 4 Leach's Storm-Petrel 3 I I 3 133 12 2 7 75 Band-rumped Storm-Petrel 22 22 8+ 11 64 47 2 14 2+ White-tailed Tropicbird 4 1 tropicbird sp. Red-necked Phalarope 3 8 12 43 38 I 4 Red Phalarope 2 Pomarine Jaeger 1 I 1 4 90 Parasitic Jaeger 2 I 20+ jaeger sp. 6 2 2 I I I 2 South Polar Skua 2 Black-legged Kittiwake Bridled Tern I 1 8 4 4 5 2 I 11 Sooty Tern 20 2 2 I •0.I. = OregonInlet; H.I. = HatterasInlet; C.F. = Cape Fear 2Numbersin this column are combined three-day totals 3N/= Observed,but numbersnot reported

Volume 40, Number I 97 outside that state being of one Nov. 7 at Falls L. (MS, JM), for one of just a few records ever for the North Carolina Piedmont. The PalmettoState's best recordswere of 30 + at Huntington BeachS.P., Nov. 30 (HH) and eight at Middleton Gardensnear CharlestonNov. 12-20 (MP, CaB,PN). The only report of Great- er White-fronted Goose was of one at Commerce L., Ga., Oct. 18 (]P).The Falls L. whistling-duckwas part of a very largeflock of ducks that included excellent totals of 400 Green-wingedand 300 Blue-wingedteals Nov. 7 (JM, MS). Very early was a N. ShovelerAug. 11 near Dublin, Ga. (TKP). The always-noteworthy Eur. Wigeon was reported twice, both from North Carolina refuges--one at Mattamuskeet Nov. 10-17 (HW et al.) and three at Pea I., Nov. 23 (]D, fide DC). Out-of-seasondivers in central Georgiawere a Ring-necked Duck banded in Monroe County Aug. 10 (TJ) and single Ruddy Ducks summer to Septemberat PeachtreeCity L. (fide TM) and Sept. I in Carroll County (NI). Quite early was a • Corn. Eider Oct. 27 at Huntington Beach S.P. (CW, SW et al.). Disappointingly,only one inland scoter report was received--a • Surf at JordanL., N.C., Nov. 17 (HL). Hudso•ia• God•it at G•lesto•, S.C., Nov. •, •985. Fi•t docu- m•ted record lot South C•olina. Photo/SteveCompton. HA WKS THROUGH CRANES- Becauseof the scarcity of strongcold fronts, few good hawk flights were reported, the best coastalflight being Sept. 29 at Sullivans I., S.C., highlighted by N.C., Oct. 28 (JOP,EP), all other Hudsonian recordscame from 40 Ospreys(PN). At the other end of the Region,large numbers the North Carolina Outer Banks, including 12 at Pea I., Nov. 5 of Broad-wingedHawks passedSW alongthe foothills Sept. 13- (DCh) following Hurricane Juan. A Marbled Godwit at Falls L., 14, surprisingly early dates; 1331 were counted at Pilot Mt., Aug. 16 (DW, HWa, HWh) provided just the 2nd inland record N.C., on the 13th (PC) and 2100 at the Cartersville Dam, Ga., on for North Carolina.Other rare speciesinland included Ruddy the 14th (LG, HG). Extralimital kite records included an Am. Turnstonesat Pineville, N.C., Aug. 18 (HWa), Bibb Co., Ga., Swallow-tailed Kite n. of Monroe, N.C., Aug. 9 (BS) and a Mis- Sept. 2 (TKP), and Townville, S.C., Oct. 2 (CW); and two Red sissippi Kite between Kinston and New Bern, N.C., Sept. 27 Knotsat Winston-SalemAug. 9-11 (JC,PC, CF, RS).Four reports (SP).Bald Eaglesightings were probablythe highest,especially of Baird's Sandpiperswas about par for the fall; two each near inland, in over 10 years;the besttotals were in c. North Carolina Sumter, S.C., Aug. 14 (ED, JB, LGI) and Aug. 17 in Clayton at JordanL. (18 on Sept. 21--KKu etaI.) and Falls L. (14 on Aug. County (PB, MO), and single birds at Clemson Aug. 7 (CW) and 24•MWe et aI.). An ad. N. Goshawkreported at Moore's Land- HatterasInlet Aug. 31 (GM, MB et al.). ing, S.C.,Oct. 26 (PN) would be only the 3rd ever for the state,if Stilt Sandpipersmust be on a population upswing on the accepted by the South Carolina Records Committee. Disap- continent,as the speciesseemingly is more commoneach fall. pointingly,only one Golden Eaglewas reported,an immature at There were far too many reports to publish, with highlights Bluff Plantation near Charleston Nov. 9 (PN, CWa). Five inland beingnumerous records at L. Hartwell in the Clemsonarea (CW reportsof Merlins was also on the low side; and all 3 inland etal.) and an outstandingcount of 40 tallied at Falls L., Aug. 10 sightingsof Peregrine Falcons were from Georgia--at Carters- (RD, HL). On the other hand, Buff-breastedSandpipers, which ville Dam Sept. 14 (LG, HG), AugustaOct. 1 (CB), and Peachtree were widespread in the Region in the mid- and late 1970s, have City L., Oct. 5 (DB, PB). been few-and-far-betweenover the past few autumns. Unbe- All six rail specieswere seen this fall. Fussell flushed a Yel- lievably,not a singlereport camefrom North Carolina;the only low Rail twice at high tide from a mowed marsh near Atlantic sightingswere of Georgiasingles in Clayton County Aug. 31- Beach,N.C., Oct. 14; and Nugent and Waltersflushed two Black Sept. 2 (PB) and in Forsyth County Sept. 14-15 (JP).The most Railsfrom a dike Nov. 23 at Magnolia Gardensnear Charleston. exciting shorebird of the seasonwas an inland Ruff at Falls L., An imm. Corn.Moorhen was swimming with 1000 + Am. Coots N.C., Aug. 14-15 (RD et al.), for the 2nd inland record for the near Raleigh, N.C., on the late date of Nov. 10 (HL). Hurricane stateand first this century! Another Ruff was more expected, Katewas likely responsiblefor five Sandhill Cranesflying N at but still a goodfind, at OcracokeJuly 22 (DS). SeveralLong- Thomasville, Ga., where rare, Nov. 23 (RLC); and five more billed Dowitchers were near Townville Oct. 24-Nov. 2 (CW), craneswere equally notable at Augusta Oct. I (CB). and one was very early in Clayton County Aug. 10 (PB). The ClaytonCounty Water Treatment Plant, which hosted17 species of shorebirdsthis season,was also home to as many as SHOREBIRDS- A large flock of 24 Black-bellied Plovers, three Wilson's PhalaropesAug. 17-31 (PB). Other inland Wil- with one LesserGolden-Plover, was quite unusual at Falls L., son'sappeared near Dublin Aug. 25 and Sept. 8 (TKP) and at Aug. 17 ifiL). The peak LesserGolden-Plover count was of just Winston-SalemSept. 1-3 (RS, AS, BPa). The other two phala- three; the most notable records were of late birds in the Atlanta, rope specieswere reported on a handful of pelagic trips, al- Ga., areawith three Nov. 2 at PeachtreeCity L. (PB, CL) and two though most of the Reds were off South Carolina (300 + off Nov. 9-13 in Clayton County (PB et aI.). Four Wilson's Plovers CharlestonNov. 30--DF) and Georgia. were late Nov. 30 at Sunset Beach, N.C. 0VIO),and 2000 Lesser Yellowlegsmade an impressivetotal at impoundmentsin Pam- lico Co., N.C., Aug. 25 (PJC,MW). Inland Willets were found at JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS-- Pomarine and Parasitic jae- Falls L., Aug. 8 (RD), in ClaytonCounty Aug. 30 (HG), and near gers were encountered on numerous pelagic trips, off all 3 Dublin, Ga., Sept. 1 (TKP). Surprisingly,all Long-billedCurlew states,but numberswere typically small except for the aston- reports came from North Carolina, where the species is less ishingRegional record totals on Lee'sOct. 25 trip (seeTable 1}. numerousthan in the other 2 states--oneat PortsmouthI., Sept. No Long-tailedJaegers were reported, but becausemost Long- 13 (IF), two at nearby Ocracoke Sept. 22 (IF, HHa), and one on taileds look very similar to Parasitics in fall, it cannot be as- the Outer Banks (no specific locale) Nov. 28 (AC). sumed that none was seen. A few imm. LaughingGulls were Although South Carolina had a few previousrecords of Hud- seen in August at Falls L. (HL, RD} and near Greensboro,N.C. sunianGodwit, one photographed(and latercollected) at a park (HH}, and near Millen, Ga., July 27 (DS}; but quite surprising in Charleston Oct. 31-Nov. 12 (StC et al.; *C.M.) furnished the were two adults Nov. 23 at Falls L. (HL}. LesserBlack-backed first documentedoccurrence. Except for one at Bogue Inlet, Gullskeep increasing and keep appearingearlier in fall; of the 6

98 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 (WP}, and Atlanta (PMo, TM, PR}. As usual, all W. Kingbird reportswere coastal,and all involved singlebirds exceptfor six seenby GreenbergNov. 2•four on Jekyll I. and two near Dar- ien, Ga. He alsohad a Gray Kingbird on this date at Jekyll I., probablya lingeringbreeder. The solesighting of Scissor-tailed Flycatcheroccurred Oct. 29 nearBath, N.C. (RC,ph.}. Nearly all the notable swallow reports involved late individuals: three Purple Martins Oct. 4 at Wilmington, N.C. (KK}, three Trees Nov. 8 at Falls L. {HL}, a N. Rough-wingedin ForsythCounty Sept. 28 {JP},and two Cliffs Nov. 3 at PeachtreeCity L. {PB}.

CROWS THROUGH WARBLERS- In an earlier report I incorrectlystated that Fish Crows had never been reported in the Atlanta area. A few have been reported in recent years, although no record has been thoroughly corroboratedby nu- merousbirders. Perhapsone calling in nearby Clayton County Nov. 9 (PB, DH} will satisfy sticklers for details. A Fish Crow roost on Drum I. at Charleston contained an estimated 55,000 birds Nov. 16 (WP, DM}. Sabine's Gull at North Inlet, S.C., Sept. 7, 1985. First record for By early Septemberit had becomeobvious that a good flight South Carolina. Photo/Clay Sutton. of Red-breastedNuthatches was underway, and by the end of the month they were fairly common or common in most of the Region. A very early Winter Wren was noted Sept. 25 near coastalreports, 2 were in Octoberand one was extremelyearly Marietta, Ga. (NI}. Davis saw all five spotted thrush speciesOct. Sept. 8 at Bogue Inlet, N.C. (HHa}. South Carolina's first ever 12 at NagsHead, N.C., a rare feat in fall in the Region.Post ran a Sabine'sGull was a winter-plumaged adult photographedone bandingstation in the Charlestonarea for the 2nd consecutive mi off North Inlet Sept. 7 (C & PS}. fall, and he was rewarded with South Carolina's first Bell's CaspianTerns are mysteriouslyrare in inland Georgia,so of Vireo, Oct. 14 at Mr. Pleasant {*C.M.}. He also found a late (in interestwere two in Monroe County Aug. 21 (TJ,RSh}. A Rose- more ways than one} Yellow-throated Vireo Nov. 4 in a TV- ate Tern in winter plumage was thoroughly described at Ft. tower kill near Awendaw. S.C.; whereas Lee's best find in a Fisher, N.C., Sept. 27 (SC}, but even rarer was the first Arctic tower kill Sept. 27 in Bladen Co., N.C., was a Philadelphia Tern in North Carolina seenonshore-there are many offshore Vireo. Philadelphiasdefinitely seem to have increasedin the records--atCape Hatteraspoint Aug. 21 (NB}. As many as 13 Regionover the past few autumns, not likely just a matter of Forster'sTerns were present in the Greensboroarea in mid- more thoroughcoverage. There were at least 10 reports,with August (HH}, and one was very late Nov. 28 at Jordan L. (RD). outstandingcounts of four to six near Atlanta Sept. 22 (PR} and Among the pelagictern recordswere two or more late Bridleds five near Pilot Mountain S.P., N.C., Sept. 29 {AB, RD, HL}, with off JekyllI., Nov. 16 (TM et al.}, a surprising20 SootiesAug. 8 three in the samebinocular view. But, alas, no Warbling Vireo off OregonInlet (DL), and three Sootiesoff CharlestonSept. 5 was detected. and two more Sept. 8 (DF}. At nearly all stations {except Winston-Salem} the passerine migration,particularly of warblers,was disappointing.The nu- DOVES THROUGHSWALLOWS-- A White-winged Dove at merousGolden-winged Warbler reportsincluded two from the JekyllI., Nov. 17-18 (PB}was aboutthe 8th or 9th for Georgia, coast:Sept. 28 at Wilmington (JN, KK} and Sept. 12 at nearby yet 3rd in 5 years. The best of the handful of Black-billed Cuck- Wrightsville Beach (GM}. "Brewster's" hybrids were seen at oo recordswere of individuals banded at Jekyll I., Oct. 7 & 17 AugustaSept. 3 (AW} and at a Fayetteville Sept. 9 {PJC},while {TM} and one late Nov. 2 in Forsyth Co., Ga. {JP,JCa, SM). the first fall specimenof Nashville Warbler for the South Caroli- Rarelyreported in inland Georgiawas a Short-earedOwl at the na coastwas taken Oct. 29 at Mt. Pleasant{WP}. Late departing Gainesvilleairport Nov. 9 {JP,GV}. There were a few late rec- warblers included a Tennessee at Crowders Mountain S.P., ords of Com. Nighthawk in the Atlanta-Decatur area to Nov. 8 N.C., Nov. 22 (PH}, a Magnolia Nov. 9 at Augusta(AW, VW, CB}, (MO}. A nighthawk at Decatur Nov. 22 (AA} was probably a a Black-throatedGreen at AugustaNov. 23 (AW et al.}, a Prairie Common; but it should not be assumed a Chaetura at Hilton nearRaleigh until theend of November(JMu}, a Ceruleanto the Head I., S.C., Nov. 21 (MC} was a Chimney Swift. (Chimneys e. of its rangeat Buxton, N.C., Oct. 13 (RD}, a Prothonotaryat departthe Regionpunctually in late Octoberand are rarelyseen NagsHead, N.C., Oct. 12 (RD}, a Wilson's in a Raleighyard Nov. in early November}. 27-Dec. 1 (LD}, and a Canada at Oriental, N.C., Nov. 6 {DFoy}. Although it could not be documentedby photographor by Wootenmade a specialeffort to searchfor Cerulean Warblersat expert birders, an ad. c• Broad-billed Hummingbird at a Sen- Clemsonin August, finding singlesAug. 10, 15, & 20; and At- eca, S.C., feederJuly 30 (D & JWi} was impeccablydescribed lanta birders had 7 reports Aug. 12 to early September {fide and comparedwith noticeablysmaller Ruby-throatedsto rule TM}. Not unexpectedly,Connecticut Warblers were found only out all otherspecies. This was, of course,a first for the Regionif alongthe coast;singles were observedat Buxton Sept. 28 {WI} not for the Atlantic Coast.North Carolina's 3rd Selasphorus and Oct. 12 {RD, HL} and banded at Jekyll I., Oct. 8 & 11 {TM et record was special, as it was of an ad. c• Rufous Humming- al.}. There were many reportsof Wilson's Warblers in late Sep- bird the other 2 recordsinvolved O birds that could only be tember, especially along the coast of North Carolina, and a assumedto be Rufous. It was photographedat Cape Carteret CanadaWarbler during the seasonat Wilmington (JN}was quite Sept. 2-3 {HHa et al.}. Two O Archilochus hummingbirds ap- a rarity for the coast. peared at a Sumter, S.C., feeder Nov. 11 and remained into winter (BE, ED}. TANAGERS THROUGH CARDUELINES- A W. Tanager Olive-sidedFlycatchers were noted on 5 occasions:at Pea I., studiedin an Oriental, N.C., yard Sept. 7-8 {DFoy} was the sole Aug. 18 (WI}, Fayetteville Aug. 26 (PJC},Atlanta Aug. 23 and report; most are seen in winter. Sept. 1 {PR et al.}, and Dublin, Ga., Sept. 29 (TKP}. Yellow- When I was at Cape May, N.J., for the falls of 1982 and 1983, I belliedFlycatchers are not as rare in the Regionas the previous heard migrating Dickcisselscalling overhead every few days; species,but as they are secretiveand difficult to identify, they however,few birders in this Regionreport Dickcisselsfrom the are not oftenreported. Birds were identified at Pea I. (WI, NB}, coast, probably becausemost people are unfamiliar with the Fayetteville (PJC}, Pendleton, S.C. {CW}, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. buzzingcall asthe birds passoverhead out of binocularrange. I

Volume 40, Number I 99 and others(RD et al ) saw and heard three suchmigrants Oct 6 OBSERVERS-- Clyde Adkins, Robert Ake, Bill Akers, Jean- at Pea I. Another Dickcissel was a feeder visitor Oct. 20-Nov. 2 nine Angerman,Ariselm Atkins, Maurice Barnhill,Jimmy Beat- at MoreheadCity, N.C. (CLi, fide JF). The coastwas also the ty, ClarenceBelger, Carroll Belser(CAB), Ned Brinkley,Donna only province where Clay-colored and Lark sparrows were Brisse,Patrick'Brisse, Bill Brokaw, Dick Brown (DiB), Allen found,with the formernoted at PeaI., Oct. 6 (HL, RD, ML), Bald Bryan,Derb Carter, J.H. CarterIII, Ric Carter,Jack Carusos (JCa), Head I., N.C., Sept. 29 (DC), and Mr. PleasantSept. 25 (WP,* David Chamberlain(DCh), CharlestonMuseum (C.M.), Steve CM.); and the latter severaltimes at Pea I., and at Hilton Head I., Compton(StC), Anson Cooke,Mike Cooper,Sam Cooper, R.L Oct. 20 (MC). The always-excitingLe Conte'sSparrow was seen Crawford,P.J. Crutchfield, Jim Culbertson, Pat Culbertson, Eve- Nov. 13-14 at Mr. Pleasant(JA, StC); however, the elusive yet lyn Dabbs,Ricky Davis, Fenton Day, Jan DeBlieu, Leigh DeNeel, "numerous"Lincoln's Sparrow was reportedat only 4 locales. Bill DeSousa,Paul DuMont, Betty Edmunds,Dennis Forsythe, The bestLincoln's reports involved 10 + recordsfrom Town- DorothyFoy (DFoy),Charles Frost, Henry Fuseler, John Fussell, ville Sept. 27-Nov. 20 (CW et al.) and three netted at Mr. Pleas- HughGarrett, Liz Garrett,Sidney Gauthreaux, Lex Glover(LG1), ant in October(WP). Seldom seenon the South Carolina coast JoeGreenberg, Henry Haberyan(HHa), Dale Hardee,Paul Hart, was a LaplandLongslfur Nov. 13 at Hilton Head I. (MC). It was Herb Hendrickson,Liz Horsey,Nancy Iha, Wayne Irvin, Ty Ivy, anotherpoor fall for Snow Buntings,with the only reportsbeing Terry Johnson,Kitty Kosh, Kathy Kuyper (KKu), Chris Lam- from the North Carolina coast at the bridge over Currituck brecht, Dave Lee, Harry LeGrand, Paul Lehman, Charles Lin- SoundNov. 1 (twobirds--JO, œideJFP) and at OregonInlet Nov. coln (CLi), Merrill Lynch, Peter Manigault, GregMassey, Jim 3 (eight birds--ML). McConnell,Douglas McNair, PeggyMoore (PMo), SteveMoore, The North Carolina Outer Banks had additional notable rec- Terry Moore, Jim Mulholland (JMu), Rick Murray, Jeremy ords: 8000-t- BobolinksSept. 28 (WI) flying N acrossOregon Nance,Perry Nugent, Mark Oberle,John Ogden, Barbara Page Inlet and presumablycorrecting for wind drift, and singleYel- (BPa),Dick Page,John Paget, J.F. Parnell, T.K. Patterson,Will low-headedBlackbirds from mid-Augustto early September Post,Skip Prange,Mike Prevost,Bill Pulliam, ElizabethPull- near Buxton (LR), HatterasInlet (GM, MB), and Pea I. (BA, JV, man,J.O. Pullman, Paul Ra.ney, Susan& StoughtonRichmond, FD). It is not certainwhether this is goodnews or bad news,but Larry Rosche,Mike Schultz, Bill Scott,Ronnie Shell, Dave Sib- House Finchescontinue to increase,and they were more com- ley, Alan Snavely,Ramona Snavely, Clay & Pat Sutton, Greg mon than everthis fall; the betterrecords were of three Aug. 14 Valpey,Jerry Via, SteveWagner, Heathy Walker (HWa), Charlie nearPinehurst, N.C. (JHC),a first specimenfor the SouthCaroli- Walters(CWa), Anne Waters,Vernon Waters,Melinda Welton na coastNov. 16 at Mr. Pleasant (WP), and 50 in one flock at (MWe), Morris Whitfield, Harriet Whitsett (HWh), Claudia Augusta Nov. 23 (AW). Wilds (CWi), Haven Wiley, David & Julia Wise (D & JWi), Char- Althougha goodwinter finch flight occurredthis season,Red lie Wooten, David Wright.---HARRY E. LeGRAND, JR., 331 Crossbillsagain failed to takepart, with the only sightingbeing Yadkin Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609. of one nearWilson, N.C., Nov. 9 (RD). Pine Siskinsbegan pour- ing into the Regionin mid-October and were fairly common in Novemberin many areas.Evening Grosbeaks staged a smaller flight, mainly in November;however, most were confined to North Carolina.Most unusual were two early grosbeaksSept. 27 at a Winston-Salem feeder (BPa, DP). Last but not least, a well-describedimm. LesserGoldfinch, apparentlya male, was seenSept. 27 at Winston-Salemby Ramona Snavely and her family. Unfortunately,the bird--the first ever reportedfor the Region--stayedin her yard only severalminutes and thus did not pose for a camera or other birders.

FLORIDA REGION

Lyn S. and Brooks H. Atherton ABBREVIATIONS-- E.N.P. = EvergladesNat'l Park;F.O.S R C = Florida Ornithological Society RecordsGommittee; S.T.P = Sewage Treatment Plant; Tall. Div. = TallahasseeDivision, therehe1985 was fallmore season of everything--exceptwasvery much likebirds! last year's;There onlywas T.T.R.S. = Tall Timbers Research Station; date with a "+" = re- more warm air, more showers, more hurricanes, but not cordedthrough end of period.Place names in italicsare counties morebirds. The high pressureridge that developedthis year was more massive than last year's and covered the entire LOONS THROUGH FRIGATEBIRD- Good numbers of northern Gulf and the Bahamas. The resultant winds were Com.Loons had arrivedby season'send. Offshore,two were 30 light and variable at the surface.The strongerairflow occur- mi e. of CapeCanaveral Nov. 11 (JJ)and 39 were headedS 4 ml ring at higher altitudes maintained a generallywest to east w. of St. PetersburgBeach Nov. 24 (L & BA). A HornedGrebe at LoxahatcheeN.W.R., Nov. 29 (RF et al.) was a Palm Beach direction as opposed to the northwest/southeastpattern rarity, and 10 EaredGrebes at Clear SpringsMine, Polk, Nov 29 which seemsto bringlarger numbers of migrantsto Florida. (CG)were perhapsthe sameas were there last fall (AB 39 43) HurricaneElena harrassed the Gulf Coastfrom August20 to Approximately25-30 mi e. of Cape Canaveralwere nine Cory's September2; Juanchugged by October27-31; and, Kate, an ShearwatersSept. 28 and four Oct. 21, one Sooty Oct. 17 and unusually late hurricane occurring November 17-22, threeNov. 11, a Manx Oct. 21, and two Audubon'sSept. 23 and slammedashore at Apalachicola.Beyond these storms, only five Sept. 28 (JJet MO. Four shearwatersof Cory's/Greatersize a weak front that pulled up stationaryoff the southeastcoast were offshoreof Boca Raton Nov. 19 (BH). October6-7 and the cold front that followed Juan November MaskedBoobies were late at severallocations. An apparently 1-6 providedany significantnumbers of birds.Warm weath- ill immaturewas hand-fedby fishermenat the White StreetPier er and mosquitoespersisted well beyond the end of the in Key West Nov. 6-16 (M & PB et al.). Others were an adult season. offshoreof LantanaNov. 19 (TT, HL, BH), and on Nov. 30 both

100 AmericanB•rds, Spring 1986 Two Fulvous Whistling-Ducksnear St. Marks Light Nov. 30 CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION (DCB) were well n. of their usual range. Contrary to las• year -TALLAHASSEE ATLANTIC t DIVISION when Snow Geesewere reported virtually throughoutthe state, OCEAN the only ones mentioned this fall outside the Tall. Div. (where LiveøOak - Iohn River the speciesis regular) were two "Blues" at St. Augustine Nov. St. Augushne 10 (MD). Many observersnoticed the lack of dabbling ducks in Gainesviii, S T. MARK S ß their areas.However, Polk was an exception as Clear Springs NORTHERN Mine hosted850 Green-wingedTeal Nov. 30 and 2200 N. Shov- George )aytona Beach Is. PEN.• elers Nov. 11 (PF). A slime pond in the vicinity had 400 Am. Alligator Cec Orlando Is. Wigeon Nov. 17 (CG). A copulating pair of Mottled Ducks at Point Key Duda Farms/BelleGlade Sept. 8 [PS, BH) was perhapsevidence Melbourne Tampa of late breeding.An ad. c• Cinnamon Teal in Stony Bayou Pool near St. Marks Light Nov. 10-15 (C & SF, JEC)was probablythe Pierce same as one that spent last winter in that pond (AB 39:582). Sebrlr•gPEI Okeechobee Merritt Island N.W.R. had the only Eur. Wigeon Nov. 8 (DD, GULF OF MEXICO Fort DS). Although Collier had "almost no ducks at all" coastalor Sanibel Fort iiiland, thousandsof Ringmeckedsand scaup were at L. Okee- CorkscrewSwam Lauderdale* chobeeNov. I (THB, JJP).Three GreaterScaup at Clear Springs Marco Mine Nov. 28 (CG) were the first-ever for Polk and a Lesser EVERGLADES NAT'L Scaup that summered at the Tallahassee S.T.P. was still there Cape Largo Aug. 13 (HMS, TAM). DryTartuga• Key •Flamingo Black Scoters invaded the state and were found on both coastsas far s. as Naples and N. Miami Beach. Approximately FLORIDA BiaPineWest, Keys1300 were tallied from the Lake Worth Pier Nov. 17 + (fide HL) LOWERKEYS FloridaBay with a high of 395 Nov. 28 (GH, A & PW, TT). Eighteen in Mounds Pool near St. Marks Light Nov. 28 (B & LA et al.) were probably there as a result of Hurricane Juan. Two imm. Surf Scotersat the St. Marks Light picnic pond Nov. 7 (JEC)were an immature offshoreof Juno Beach (BH) and an adult viewed early, and the only White-wingeds were in Palm Beach Nov. from the Lake Worth Pier (TT, GH, HL). Two early ad. N. Gan- 23 + (nine total TT, KR, BH). Red-breastedMergansers were nets just offshoreof Port CanaveralAug. 7 (ER) and another also abundant with highs of 129 offshoreof Lake Worth Pier found dying at St. Teresa Beach, Franklin, Sept. 4 (RW) were Nov. 19 (HPL, TT, BH) and 255 heading S offshoreof St. Peters- perhapssignalling the good numbersthat arrived by the end of burgBeach Nov. 23 (B & LA). Althougha rare breederin the N. the period. In the Keys, an immature was on shoreat Molasses Pen., a breeding-plumagedRuddy Duck at Zellwood Aug. 7 Reef Light Oct. 27 [TB) and 62 [including many adults) were (LA, DG, AM) appeared to be alone. about 6 mi offshoreof Duck Key Nov. 30 (HND). Others were scatteredthroughout the state and at the Lake Worth Pier the RAPTORS- American Swallow-tailed Kites are usually species was recorded every day from Nov. 17+ (fide HL). gone by September,yet one was quite late at Key West Oct. 3 Twenty Am. White Pelicans at St. Teresa Beach Aug. 24 (NW) (MB). A Snail Kite at Taylor Slough, E.N.P., Sept. 18 (OB) was were thought to be very early migrants (fide HMS) as were 75 heading SSE at Casey Key, Sarasota,Sept. 30 (A & SS). East consideredvery unusualat that location.One of the bestareas to observethe raptor migration is the Keys,and this fall was no Point's 450 Brown Pelicans Aug. 24 (HMS) was a very good exception.The first hawk flight reportedwas at PlantationKey numberfor the Tall. Div. and, hopefully, was indicative of the Sept.22 0CO) where 300 Sharp-shinnedHawks were accompa- species'continued breeding success.The most visible species nied by Am. Kestrels,N. Harriers, and a Broad-winged Hawk. affectedby Hurricane Elena was the Magnificent Frigatebird, On Sept. 24 00), 35 Broad-wingedspassed over Ft. Taylor. with many usually-rare inland sightingsmade throughout the Plantation Key had 2500 raptors Oct. 5-6 0CO) with over state.On Sept. 1, Polk had at least 150, including 64 headed S 400/hour each day during early afternoon counts. These were tallied in 35 minutes at Saddle Creek P. (CG et al.), and five were mostly small falcons and Sharp-shinnedsbut also included as far n. as Clay and s. Jacksonville(JW, JPC).One was late at Peregrines,Broad-wingeds, Ospreys, and harriers. At Key West, Alligator Point Nov. I [HMS). over 1200 Broad-wingedsmoved SW Oct. 15, 150 in reverse migrationheaded NE Oct. 18, and a kettle of 65 Broad-wingeds WADERS THROUGH DUCKS-- Least Bitterns are rare in the and 33 Turkey Vultures, followed soon after by 26 more vul- Keys because there is little fresh-water habitat. One was tures,appeared Nov. 7 (M & PB,JO). On Sept. 29 during a 2-hour broughtto the Key WestBird SanctuaryAug. 6 00) and another watch, Ft. De Soto had five Ospreys, one ad. Bald Eagle, one was on Conch Key Nov. 2 (HND). Rare inland, a "Great White" h•rrier, 131 Sharp-shinneds,one Red-shouldered,44 Broad- Heron that summered at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary re- wingeds, one Red-tailed, four kestrels, one Merlin, and one mained through fall (fide THB). Few pelagic trips submit re- Peregrine(B & LA). Also there Nov. 9-10 were an Osprey, two portsof heronsmigrating offshore, so noteworthy were 29 Great harriers, 156 Sharp-shinneds,one Cooper's, one Red-should- Blues31 mi e. of Cape CanaveralOct. 13 and eight near there ered,70 Broad-wingeds,one Red-tailed,and two Merlins (LA et Oct. 17 (]J).Rare in the Tall. Div. were lone ReddishEgrets near al.). On Oct. 22 (WF) 75 unidentified hawks were moving SE at the F.S.U. Marine Lab on US 98, Franklin (HMS), and anotherat Orlando. St. Marks Light (m.ob.), both Sept. 2. Nesting very late were Short-tailedHawks were at Key West Oct. 15 (dark phase• Cattle Egretswith young and eggsat GreyholdsP., Dade, Nov. MB), Venus,Highland, Oct. 21 (light phase--JAS),Big Pine Key 16 (BN). Late migrants were two near Crawfordville Nov. 22 Oct. 30+ (two, dark and light phases•M & PB), and Greyholds (HMS) and 35 flying at night over Plantation Key Nov. 24 (KS). Park Nov. 29 (ad. white phase--EA). The only Swainsoh's In E.N.P. there were fewer than usual sightings of Roseate Hawks were eight at Royal Palm Visitor Center,E.N.P., Nov. 3 Spoonbillsand little evidenceof breedingat traditional nesting (two dark, six light•CM). A CrestedCaracara 15 mi e. of Immo- sites(fide OB). The droughtundoubtedly accounted for the 600 kaleeNov. 16 (JJP,DDB) was outside its usual rangea. nd a rarity WoodStorks concentrated in a floodedfield at Zellwood Aug. 7 for Collier. Again Merlin and PeregrineFalcon sightingswere (LA, DG, AM). Exciting to see in the wild, the rare Greater well below those of 1983 (see AB 38:192). However, several Flamingowas at the Key LargoRanger Station Oct. 26 (AN), and were especiallyinteresting. A Merlin at St. Marks Light Sept. 14 six adults and an immature flew over Cape SableNov. 13 (OB). (NW) wasthe earliestfor the Tall. Div. and possiblythe Region,

Volume 40, Number I 101 fide HMS A transmitterwhxp antenna was v•sxbleon an xmma- had summeredand were still presentat the Leon sprayfield ture at HypoluxoI., Oct. 5 (PS),and anotherimmature frequent- ponds (HMS, GM). •ng the passesjust n.' of Marco I., Oct. 15 (THB, VB) had a Storm-plaguedBridled and Sooty terns appearedalong both "p•cric-dyedhead and breast."Two were 31'mi e. of Cape coastsand inland. On Sept. 1, Bridledswere at severalcoastal CanaveralOct. 13 (JJet al.). locationsin the Tall. Div. (fide HMS), and a dozenBridleds and several Sootieswere at Bahia Beach, Hillsborough (FS) An RAILS THROUGHSHOREBIRDS-- A PurpleGallinule, an- imm. Bridled was broughtto the SuncoastSeabird Sanctuary otherspecies rarely found in the Keysbecause of its affinity for Sept. 2 (*U.S.F.) and three more were at the Banana R•ver, fresh water, was a road kill at Key West Aug. 25 (JO). Late- Brevard,Sept. 19 (JJ).Two Bridled/Sootytypes were n.w. of nestingAm. Cootswith two young approximately2 weeksold MooreHaven Sept. 15 (HMS). An ill Sootyfound on the beach were at the s. St. PetersburgS.T.P., Nov. 23 (AM, LA). By sea- at CaseyKey Nov. 3 was treatedfor a virus by a veterinarianand son'send, the number of cootsat E.N.P. was well below normal releasedafter 2 weeks (fide A&SS) but anotherwas found dead (hde OB). Ratherunexpected in such atypical habitat, three at BokeeliaNov. 5 (RR).Seven Bridleds were 25 mi e. of Cape Sandhill Craneswere photographedstanding in sawgrassat mi CanaveralOct. 17, two otherswere near there Nov. 11 (JJ,SCJ), marker 122, US 1, 8 mi s. of Florida City Nov. 2 (GG). and one was offshoreof BocaRaton Nov. 19 (BH). Two Sooties Rareanytime, two LesserGolden-Plovers were at Zellwood were 30 mi e. of CapeCanaveral Sept. 23, threewere nearthere Sept.12-15 (TR, m.ob.)and one stoppedat Palm BeachSept. 15 Sept. 28, and one was 15 mi e. of the Cape Oct. 21 (JJ).Two (WG). Four Black-neckedStilts at Clear SpringsMine Nov. 29 hundredBlack Terns at WardsBank, Duval, Aug. 17 (LM) was a (CG)were rare inland so late. Also there Nov. 30 (PF) were 319 high count for that area. Am. Avocets,perhaps the state'smost ever. Upland Sandpipers Our Regionis rarely visited by any alcid, no matter the sea- were observed"on numerousoccasions in early August" 6 mi son, so quite unexpectedwere two this fall. An apparently s w. of Homestead(CM) and one was a fall rarity at Ft. De Soto healthyDovekie flew by the Lake Worth Pier Nov. 27 (HL et al, Sept.9 (LA). A HudsonfanGodwit at Sharps,Brevard, Sept. 20 ñF.O.S.R.C.)and an imm. Razorbill was found dying on the (JJ,SCJ; ñF.O.S.R.C.) was overshadowedby the 3rd staterecord beach at S. Hutchinson I., St. Lucie, Nov. 15, fide H & WD of Bar-tailedGodwit found at HoneymoonIsland S.R.A.,Sept. (*F.S.M.). 17-26 (DJD,m.ob.; ph. & '•F.O.S.R.C.).A SemipalmatedSand- p•per was late at the TallahasseeS.T.P., Nov. 22 (HMS). An- DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS -- A White-winged other outstandingshorebird was the beautiful breeding-plu- Dove at St. Marks Light Nov. 3-14 (LA, m.ob.) was surely a w magedCurlew Sandpiper discoveredat Zellwood Aug. 17-19 strayas possiblywere onesNov. 7 at Rockledge,Brevard (HC), (PF, BC, m.ob.; ph., ñ). High counts of Stilt Sandpiperswere and at Key West (M & PB, JO). Budgerigars,well-established 2065 at Duda/Belle Glade Aug. 17 (PS, BH) and 1300 at Clear alongthe c. Gulf Coast,tend to dispersein flocksalong the coast SpringsMine Nov. 23 (CG).A Buff-breastedSandpiper was late duringlate fall andwinter. However,lone Budgiesat Flamingo at TallahasseeS.T.P., Oct. 16-19 (TAM, DCB). Another Keys Aug. 17 (CM) and alongShark Valley Road,E.N.P., Oct. 16 (BL, rarity due to lack of habitatwas a Com. Snipe at Big Pine Key JCh,RC) perhaps were escapeesrather than wild. A Plum-head- Oct. 17 (M & PB). Red-neckedand Red phalaropesare rarely ed Parakeetat Ft. De Soto Oct. 20 (L & BA) was probablyan reportedfrom the Gulf Coastat any time. A Red was near the escapeeas no wild populationsare known to existanywhere m F S.U. Marine Lab, Franklin, Sept. 2 (HMS), five Reds were the Tampa Bay area. However, a Rose-ringedParakeet there offshoreof St. PetersburgBeach Nov. 2 (BA, RL), and Longboat Oct. 13 (LA) and one at Venice Oct. 19-20 (A & SS) could have Key had both a Red Nov. 3 and a Red-neckedNov. 4 (M & RS). beenwild, assmall breeding populations do existin the area In early September,a Maroon-frontedParrot [details?--K.K] at JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- One adult and two imm. the Miller Drive parrotroost in Maimi addedto the ever-grow- PomarineJaegers were very early at St. GeorgeI., Aug. 31 (NW, ing list of speciesrecorded there (MC). Florida'sBreeding B•rd SJ),and anotherimmature was found ill in BocaCiega Bay Nov. Atlas surveysstarting in 1986 should determinethe statusof 1 It was taken to the SuncoastSeabird Sanctuarywhere it exoticsin the Regionand will be a welcomed sourceof informa- subsequentlydied, fide LH (*U.S.F.). From Nov. 17-27, 444 tion. laegersstreamed by the Lake Worth Pier with high one-day Especiallyscarce this year, singleBlack-billed Cuckoos were counts of 107 Nov. 18 and 160 Nov. 19 (HL, GH). Others were at Ft. De SotoSept. 2 (B & LA) and SummerlandKey Sept 27 scatteredalong both coasts,and even in the Keys, where one (MB), the latter unfortunately a road-kill. Spanish River P, wasquite closeto shoreat Key West Nov. 16 (HND, M & PB). An PalmBeach, had a high countof 49 Yellow-billed CuckoosOct •mm. LaughingGull at the TallahasseeS.T.P., Nov. 22 (HMS) 6 (RF). The only Groove-billedAni was at PaynesPrairie State was late inland for Leon. The St. Lucie landfill had both a first- PreserveOct. 12 (CP). A Great Horned Owl at the Shark Valley basic-plumagedFranklin's Gull and an ad. LesserBlack-backed Visitor Center, E.N.P., Aug. 23 (MC) was a rarity for the Ever- GullNov. 22 (H & WD). One of the latter offshoreof RamrodKey glades([ide OB). During a 15-minute count at duskSept. 5, 150 Nov. 10 (JO)and anotheron BocaChica Nov. 23 (HND, M & PB) nighthawksflew SE over Upper Matecumbe Key (KS). Late were possiblythe same individual. Great Black-backedsare Com.Nighthawks were at St. PetersburghNov. 2 (JM)and Ft De rare outside the n. and c. east coast so one at Boca Chica Nov. 10 SotoNov. 3 (BA,RL). A Whip-poor-will "whipping"at dawnat (JO)and 1oneadults in Pinellasat Pass-a-GrilleNov. 17 and just Ft. PierceAug. 17 (H & WD) was perhapsthe earliestever for the offshoreof TreasureI., Nov. 24 (possiblythe same individ- stateand it upstagedanother early one at the Wakulla R•ver ual•B & LA, DJD)were noteworthy.Single imm. Black-legged Sept. 3 (JE).Chimney Swifts "poured" through the state as a K•ttiwakeswere at the Lake Worth Pier Nov. 17 (TT), 30 mi e. of result of November's first cold front, with the Tall. Div. record- CocoaBeach Nov. 18 (JJ),and offshoreof Boca Raton Nov. 19 ing largenumbers Nov. 1-3 (HMS, GM), and a "heavymigration (BH). The best find was an imm. Sabine's Gull offshore of Ft. all day" at Ft. Pierce Nov. 2 (H & WD) with 800 tallied in one Lauderdale Nov. 18 (WG, ñF.O.S.R.C.). hour that afternoon.Seven Ruby-throated Hummingbirds com- CommonTerns usually migratewell offshoreof the peninsu- ing to a feederin late August at the Wakulla River was a not•ce- la butthe fall hurricanesforced many to shore,especially in the able increaseover past years and perhaps indicative of more Tampa Bay area. Wandering far inland, two at L. Ariana in breedersin that area(JE). The only RufousHummingbird came AuburndaleSept. I (PF et al.) were Polk's first-ever.Honey- to a feeder near TallahasseeNov. 9-12 (D & LB, JEC). moon I.'s 700 Sept. 17 (DJD) had increasedto 3000+ by mid- November(m.ob.), and 300 more spentOctober at LongboatKey WOODPECKERS THROUGH MYNAS- A xanthochro•c (M & RS).Two thousandwere 25 mi e. of Cape CanaveralOct. Red-belliedWoodpecker discovered during summer in Orlan- 20 and another1000 + were near thereNov. 18 (JJ).On Aug. 16, do was last seen Aug. 24 (DWF, WFF). Two Red-cockaded therewas still no evidenceof nestingby the 21 LeastTerns that Woodpeckerswere still at a locationin s. Brevardfirst discov-

102 AmericanB•rds, Spring 1986 eredlast fall (seeAB 39 44--DD, NS, DS) Most Regionalsight- s•on stragglerswere N Parula Nov I and c• Hooded Warbler ingsof Olive-sided Flycatcher,a rare migrant, have been in the Nov. 3 near St. Marks Light (LA, m.ob.), Yellow Nov. I (HMS) coastalTall. Div., so one at St. Marks N.W.R., Sept. 28 (JMS, and Chestnut-sidedNov. 3 (JC)at Alligator Point, and a Bay- NW, SJ)was true to form. For the e. coast, six E. Wood-Pewees breastedat the Wakulla R., Nov. 17 (JE).A good fallout of late andfive Empidonacesat HypoluxoI., Oct. 6 (PS)was an excep- warblersin n. Pinella$ Nov. 2 (LH et al.) included 12 Black- tionally goodcount. A Yellow-belliedFlycatcher was bandedat throated Greens, 20 Magnolias, and 20 Bay-breasteds.A rare CaseyKey Sept. 10 (A & SS) and two were observedcalling at Keys migrant was a BlackburnJanat Plantation Key Sept. 12 SpanishRiver P., Oct. 6 (B & JH). An Acadian was late at Talla- (KS, NP). A Prothonotarywas late at Wellington, Palm Beach, hasseeNov. I (HMS) and a Traill's was bandedat CaseyKey Nov. 24 (EF) and a Worm-eating at the Wakulla R., Aug. 12 (JE) Sept 18 (A & SS).An E. Phoebewas an extremelyearly migrant was rare and early in the Tall. Div. Swainson'sWarbler, a rare at Seminole,Pinella& Sept. 2 (JF). The only Vermilion Fly- peninsularmigrant, stoppedat Dunedin Hammock,Pinelias, catcherswere an immatureat St. GeorgeI., Sept. 26 (JEC)and an Sept.9 (LH), and Oct. 6 at both Taylor Birch P., Broward(WG et adult at St. Marks Light Oct. 4 (RLC,NW, PL). A Brown-crested al.) and HypoluxoI. (two--TT). A total of six Hoodedsin Palm Flycatcher at Ft. De Soto Nov. 3-4 (LH, BA, m.ob.; ph, Beachand Broward Sept. 8 throughOct. 19 (BH, PS, WG) was •-F O.S.R.C.) was the first for Pinellas and one of few n. of the unusually high for the s.e. coast, and six in Pinellas Nov. 2-4 Everglades.There seemed to be fewerthan usualreports of W. (LH, JM, LA) were exceptionalso late. Another tardy one was at K•ngbirdsand Scissor-tailedFlycatchers, rare but regularmi- e. SarasotaNov. 4 (JRP).Six Wilson's Warblers included the grantsfound mostly along the coast.Two W. Kingbirds were earliest at Lake Worth Sept. 18 (TT) and the latest at Cape inland at BrightonIndian Reservation,Glades, Oct. 20 [JAS) Florida Nov. 2 (DLy). A CanadaWarbler at Spanish River P., andseven Scissor-taileds at Key West Nov. 3 (JO)was an in- Sept.29 could have been the sameas one there Oct. 6 (RF, BH) creasethere over the past few years.An ad. Fork-tailed Fly- Interestingly,the only others were on the latter date in St catcher was studied for 25 minutes at Merritt Island N.W.R., ]ohn's (PP) and at Saddle Creek P. (PF). Especiallyrare in the Nov 24 (T & KY, CJ--•-F.O.S.R.C.)but typical of that speciesit peninsulawas a Yellow-breastedChat at Lake Worth Sept. 15 d•sappearedsoon after its discovery. (TT). Two N. Rough-wingedSwallows were late at AlligatorPoint Nov 1 (HMS). SinceCliff Swallowsare rarely reportedfrom the s w coast,17 found 12 mi e. of Naples Aug. 16 (THB) were TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES-- An ad. d Stripe-head- notable.Fish Crowscalling at severallocations where formerly ed Tanagerwas at Cape Florida Oct. 14 (JS).St. Marks Visitor consideredrare raised the possibility that the speciesis ex- Center'sSummer Tanager Nov. 3 (LA, m.ob.) was late, as were pandingits range.The Jetport,Collier, had one Sept.30 (BN), 26 at least six in Pinelias Nov. 2-4 (IF, ]M, BW) and one at Sarasota were at HomesteadNov. 16, and 24 roamedCutler Ridge,Dade, Nov. 3 (EM). Hypoluxo Island's five Scarlet Tanagers Oct 6 Nov 26 (OB). Quite contraryto last year's lone sightingof Red- (TT) were more than usual for the lower e. coast.Honeymoon I breastedNuthatch, many were found in the Tall. Div. by sea- had an exceptionallyhigh 20 Rose-breastedGrosbeaks Oct 6 son'send. Early oneswere at Wakulla BeachRoad Oct. 4 (RLC, (DJD).One was early at TallahasseeSept. 20 (HMS) but many NW, PL) and St. GeorgeI., Oct. 6 (JEC).There was an "invasion" were late along the Gulf Coast Nov. 1-4 (m.ob.). Another was of 24 at CedarKey Oct. 17, but only a few remainedon Oct. 27 rare at Conch Key Nov. 5 (HND). A Black-headed Grosbeak (DF) Consideredlate for the Tall. Div. was a Wood Thrush that appearedat Alligator Point Nov. I (HMS) where, interestingly, fell victim to the WCTV tower Nov. 3 (RLC;*T.T.R.S.). Sevenin the only prior recordfor the Tall. Div. occurred,[ide HMS Plnellas Nov. 2-4 (RK, LA, AM) was a good number there that November'sfirst front resulted in large numbers of Indigo late Lastyear, Am. Robinswere still hard to find by Christmas Buntings at various locations with 15 at Key West Nov. 3 (]O] but this yearmany appeared throughout and had evenreached high for the Keys and 100 at Ft. De Soto Nov. 4 (LA, AM) Key West by mid-November(MB). Gray Catbirdsare very rare exceptionalthere in fall. One coming to a feeder at L. Jackson breedersin the Tall. Div. and the Jacksonvillearea. In Tallahas- Nov. 27 (JEC)was late, although the specieshas wintered in the see, three discovered in summer about one-half mi from the Tall. Div., œideHMS. The only Dickcisselvisited St. GeorgeI, originalnest site of pastyears were still presentAug. 16 (HMS, Oct. 6 (JEC).Lark Sparrowswere at L. JacksonSept. 16 (NW) GM) and were presumedto have nested there. One wonders and Hickory Mound, Taylor, Sept. 20 (JEC).Fort De Sotohad an why five Corn.Mynas at Kendall and three CrestedMynas at unprecedentednumber of rare sparrows:Clay-colored Nov 4 Miami Nov. 23 (BN) were attractedto shoppingmalls. Perhaps (PF, LA et al.), Lincoln's Nov. 4-5 (LA, LH et al.) and another they were trying to get off the streetsand back into the safer Nov. 7 (BC, LG), three White-throatedsNov. 6 (BA), and four confinesof a cage! White-crownedsNov. 4 (LA, LH et al.). A GrasshopperSparrow wasrare at Ke3(WestNov. 7 (M & PB,HND) and a SongSparrow was farther s. than usual at Virginia Key Nov. 2 (DO). A Dark- VIREOS AND WARBLERS-- On Nov. 3 lone Yellow-throat- eyedJunco was 6 weeks early at s. JacksonvilleOct. 23-29 (PA) ed Vireos were late at Alligator Point (JC)and Ft. De Soto (BA, and a Lapland Longspurwas a surpriseat Wakulla BeachOct RL) Although a small number of Philadelphia Vireos moved 19 (JC). throughin Octoberas expected,others were unusually late: one Duda Farms/BelleGlade had high countsof Bobolinks,1760 near St. Marks Light Nov. 1 (LA et al.), five in n. Pinelias Nov. 2 Aug. 31 and 1800 Sept. 8 (PS, BH). Adult c• Yellow-headed (LH et al.), four at Ft. De Soto Nov. 4 (LA, AM et al.), and two Blackbirdswere at St. Marks Light Sept. 14 (NW) and 20 m• w thereNov. 9 with oneremaining the following day (LA). Singles of Palm Beachon US 441 Oct. 3 (PS).A 9 "Bullock's" N. Oriole werebanded daily at CaseyKey Nov. 2-4 (A & SS) and another visited Ft. De SotoOct. 2 (LA, AM). Late-nestingSpot-breasted was at ColohatcheeP., Broward, Nov. 3 (HL, WG, TC). Orioles were feeding fledglingsat Lake Worth Sept. 15 (TM) Also very tardy were two Blue-winged Warblers at St. Marks The influx of Am. Goldfinches noted in most areas was wel- N W R. Visitor CenterNov. 3 (LA, m.ob.),and d and 9 Golden- comed sinde there were so few in the peninsula last fall and wingedsat SeminoleNov. 3 (JF)and a female at Ft. De SotoNov. winter. 4 (PF, LA et al.). Quite to the contrary, exceptionally early Orange-crownedsSept. 21 were at Seminole(JF) and Ft. De Soto (LA, AM). Another was consideredearly at St. GeorgeI., Oct. 6 INITIALED OBSERVERS(Area and seasonaleditors in boldface) (JEC).The only Nashvilleswere at SaddleCreek P., Oct. 6 (PF), -- ErnestAbeles, Pat Anderson,Brooks & Lyn Atherton, Tom Ban- Ft De SotoNov. 4 (PF, LA et al.), and BrookerCreek P., Pinelias, croft,Don D. Barber,Oron Bass,Steve Basserr, Virginia Below, Ted Nov 8 (RK). Late for the Tall. Div. and WCTV tower casualties H. Below, Dave & Laura Brown, Marge & Page Brown, Dana C were N. Parula, Black-throated Blue, and Blackburnian Nov. 2, Bryan,James E. Cavanagh,Ted Center,Jim Chapman (JCh), Julie P plusOvenbird and HoodedNov. 3 (RLC;*T.T.R.S.). Other divi- Cocke,Roxann Conrow, Byron Cooper,Mort Cooper,Jim Cox, Rob-

Volume 40, Number 1 103 ert L. Crawford, Helen Cruickshank,Harry N. Darrow, Mary David- Morrill, Barbara Muschlitz, Bruce Neville, Annette Nielson, John son, Don Devitt, JohnDickinson, Helen & William Dowling, D. Jack C. Ogden, Dennis Olle, Joe Ondrejko, Jeff R. Palmer, Tom Palmer, Dozier, John Epler, Dot Fagan, Paul Fellers, Judy Fisher, Robert Craig Parenteau, Nancy Paul, Rich Paul, Jim J. Perkins, Peggy Flores, Sue Frank, Dol W. Freeman, Wayne F. Freeman, Wilson Powell, Rober!Repenning, Ted Robinson,Keith Rott, Edward Ro- Freeman,Emery Froelich, GeorgeGarrett, Charles Geanangel,Wal- zenberg,Nedra Sekera, Jim Sigsbee,John A. Smallwood, William ly George,Linda Grable,Debbie Grimes, Brian & JoanHope, Larry Smith, Margie & Robert Sokol, Annette &Stan Stedman, Henry M. Hopkins, Gloria Hunter, Carol Johnson,Johnnie Johnson, Sophie C. Stevenson,James M. Stevenson,Floyd Storms, Doug Stuckey, Ka- Johnson,Steve Jones, Rick Knight, Howard Langridge, PeggyLark, ren Sunderland, Paul Sykes,Tadziu Trotsky, Paul Trunk, JaneUr- JayLaVia, RobertLee, Dan Lipman, Bill Loftus,Fred Lohrer, David quhart, Noel Warner, Ann & Phil Weinrich, Richard West, Joyce Lysinger(DLy), Lenore McCullagh, Tom McElroy, Annie McKel- Williams, Tom & Kathy Yurchenco.--LYN S. and BROOKS H. vey, Gall Menk, Cliff Miles, Edith Miller, Jeff Moore, Thomas A. ATHERTON, 1100 Pinel!as Bayway, 1-3, Tierra Verde, FL 33715.

ONTARIO REGION

Ron D. Weir .Wawa • LakeSuperior heof autumncold frontswas markedwith theby fewernecessary thantheNorth-Northwest usual number winds neededto groundmigrants. Most observersfound the period uneventful and disappointing. Waterfowl and gull • PPG•gama L. Nlpigon numberswere down, but hawks made a good showing. In SauitSaint sharpcontrast to last autumn, there was an almost complete l•arie Sud.buryL •--•tt-h•*•Vø:ds• .Marathon lack of conesand berries through the northern and central areas.In response,migrant songbirdsmoved out early and completely,so that few latest departureswere noted. Owls did not move, presumably because their food supplies _ . seemedassured, but many of the irruptive speciesdid so. Gray Jaysand chickadeesmoved westwardsout of the Lake L. 1 • .• Cornwall• Superiorregion, while Red-breastedNuthatches and Purple Finchesdeparted the province en masse.Large numbers of winter finches and Bohemian Waxwings poured south- wards all the way to the extreme southwest.They were I ..... •- •Prin• Edward accompanied by small numbers of Black-backed Wood- •P•r•...... • ...... peckers.Carolina Wrens and Tufted Titmice pushed into L.St.• -•.a• PP-London H•n •Niagara Faiis L. OHTARIO the south from areas in the United Statesas did unprec- • / • ..... /Fort Erie edented numbers of Laughing Gulls. A few of the rarities •d•auPP L• P½• were Tricolored Heron, American Oystercatcher,Curlew Point Peiee Sandpiper, Least Tern, Say's Phoebe, and Bell's Vireo. NP L. ERIE

ABBREVIATIONS-- P.E. Pt. = Prince Edward Point; Pt. Pelee is a National Park and Algonquin, Presqu'ile, and Rondeau are Pro- 21 (RDM, PHS) were rare, but the speciesis probablyregular vincial Parks. Place names in italics denote counties. there. An ad. and imm. American White Pelican remained at Presqu'ileAug. 28-31 (WE et al.) and two others were near LOONS THROUGH IBISES-- Red-throated Loon movement Clinton Sept. I (ph. WD). at Ottawawas again spectacular as 275 migratedalong the river It is not unexpectedthat numbersof Double-crestedCormo- Nov. 10 (BMD et al.) followedby sevenNov.'11 (MR, MGJ. rants continue to rise. Record counts were 2000 at P.E. Pt., Oct. About 70 were found elsewhere in the south. The Pacific Loon 5 (K.F.N.), 1060 at Presqu'ileSept. 3 (RDM), 135 at Hamilton at InverhuronOct. 14 & 25 was reportedwithout details (MP) Sept.8 (G. BryantetaL), and 202 at HolidayBeach Sept. 29 (fide and anotherwas at EastPt., JamesBay Oct. 29 and Nov. 4 (RDM, AC, MK). Late birdswere in GeorgianBay IslandsN.P., Nov. 25 PHS).Leading totals in a strongflight of Commonswere 150 at (BH), P.E. Pt., Nov. 23 (K.F.N.), and at EastPt., JamesBay, Oct. Kettle Pt., Oct. 27, 140 at P.E. Pt., Nov. 3, and 120 at Winona 26 (RDM, PHS). Late Am. Bitterns were in Algonquin Oct. 13 Oct. 20 [AHR, K.F.N., RC). Horned Grebescontinued to appear (RGT, RP) and at Houston Pt., Akimiski in JamesBay Oct. 15 in high numbersalong the lower GreatLakes led by several (KFA). Singlelate GreatBlue Heronstarried at EastPt. to Nov. 9 hundred at P.E. Pt., where the one-day peak Nov. 3 was 150 (PHS,RDM) and North BayNov. 30 (GH). Impressivefor Ontar- (K.F.N.).About 100 were at KettlePt., Oct. 26 (AHR). Although io were the 96 Great Egretsthat passedthe hawk lookout at the 97 Red-necked Grebe reports were more than the 57 in the Holiday BeachP.P., Sept. 7, and there were 31 reports away same period during 1983 and 1984, their numbersremained from the extreme southwest.Farthest n. was a single at Sibley low and nowhere were concentrationsreported. Five Eared Oct.8-12 (ME, RH, TD). Singlesappeared on Wolfe I., Aug. 8-9 Grebeswere notedto bring the 1985 total to seven,the annual (RT etal.) and at PeterboroughAug. 23-Sept. 20 and Oct. 17 (JE averagesince 1972. Two birds appearedregularly from Ajax et al.), while four were in Ottawa Aug. 20-Oct. 2 (fide BMD). and Whithy to Toronto'se. Headland Sept. 7-Oct. 20 (m.ob.). The juv. Little Blue Heron at Pelee Sept. 4-7 (MPW) provided Singleswere at StrathroyOct. 11-13, Middlesex'sfirst in 10 the only sightingof this wanderer. The Tricolored Heron at years(AM, WEM, WRJ),Port ColborneNov. 16 (RC),and Kettle LongPt., July 29-Aug. 1 (DC, M & LE) was only the 2nd ever for Pt., Nov. 17 (AM). The Western Grebe at Pinery P.P., Oct. 31- the period, the previous occurrencehaving been in 1980. Cattle Nov. 2 furnishedthe first autumnreport since 1982 (ph. TCr, Egretsnumbered only nine, two of which were out of rangeat AHR). Three Northern Fuimars at EastPt., JamesBay, Oct. 19 & Lake Superior P.P., Nov. 1-8 (ERA, JHA, CB). Single imm.

104 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 Black-crowned Night-Herons in Algonquin Aug 21-26 and Table 1. Hawk totals at two Ontario stations, Autumn Sept 12 furnishedonly the 2nd and 3rd recordsfor the park and 1985 the first since1938 (RGT).The only GlossyIbis report was of an individual in the St. Clair N.W.A., Nov. 15-22 (fide KJB). Holiday Beach Hawk Species P.P.• Cliff2 SWANS, GEESE,DUCKS-- A summeringTundra Swan was at Bowmanville Aug. 10 (GC, SM) and another or the same Turkey Vulture 5351 2336 spent2 weeksat St. Catharineslater in August (MEF, AB). Some Osprey 60 88 2500 arrived at the St. Clair N.W.A., Nov. 17 (PDP), and 2000 Bald Eagle 15 10 were in w. ETginNov. 15 (œideWRJ). An ad. and imm. Greater Northern Harrier 1006 973 White-fronted Goosewere found in Ottawa Nov. 9 & 25 (RAB, Sharp-shinned Hawk 14,974 7114 BMD, RB1ersT.). On the n. coast,an ad. Ross'Goose was at East Cooper's Hawk 482 464 Pt, Oct. 20 followedby an immaturethere Oct. 26 (PHS, RDM). Northern Goshawk 35 28 The Brantflight was exceptionalat the w. end of L. Ontario,led Red-shouldered Hawk 1056 148 by 350 at Winona Nov. 10 (RC et sT.)and good numbersin the Broad-wingedHawk 42,588 4136 Toronto area (fide CEG, BP). Some 177 appeared farther w. at Red-tailed Hawk 5161 2394 Sarma Nov. 10 (AHR et sT.),the same day 60 were at Long Pt. Rough-leggedHawk 63 4 (L P B.O.). Numbers of Canada Geesewere again low every- Golden Eagle 17 5 where and observerssuggested they trickled throughsteadily. American Kestrel 3481 1797 Thirteen Wood Duckslingered at the Wawa lagoonsto Sept. Merlin 18 34 25 (ERA, JHA), and 435 in Ottawa the same day made a note- Peregrine Falcon 14 23 worthy concentration(BMD). Mallards peaked at 10,000 at unidentified 368 1132 Holiday BeachP.P., Oct. 27 (fide AC, MK), the largestnumber reported.A late Blue-wingedTeal was shotat Presqu'ileNov. Totals 74,689 20,686 23 (MI) and anotherwas at Whitby Nov. 24 (MJB).Other con- centrationsincluded 252 N. Shovelersat Ottawa Nov. 8 (BMD), •(RLBeet al. Aug. 27-Nov. 30, 89 days) 150 Gadwalls at KingstonNov.10 (JHE),10,000 Canvasbacksat 2(DEFet al. Aug. 28-Nov. 24, 65 days) LongPt. aboutNov. 15 (L.P.B.O.),and 1200 Ring-neckedDucks at Ottawa Nov. 11 (BMD). King Eiderstotalled 20 in the s., Nov. S.A0 2-Dec. 1, a higher number than normal. Of the nine at Pres- qu'xle,eight were shot (œideRDM). Four each were at Niagara The 220 Peregrine Falcon sightings in the s. were (fide RWK, GBe) and Sarnia (AHR, SC et sT.),two at Long Pt. over double the impressive 106 of last autumn. Birds (TCh, BL), and a single at Port Stanley (fide WRJ).In the n., 52 were reported from widespread areas, but it was at were countedat East Pt., Nov. 8 (RDM, PHS). The only Harle- LongPoint where the greatestnumbers were found. Of quin of the period was in Toronto'sHumber Bay Oct. 16 & 23 the 105 sightingsthere Sept. 1-Nov. 20, 83 appearedat (CEG, BJ).The flight of scoterswas strongon the lower Great the peninsula's tip where they were seen to arrive Lakesand peaknumbers were 300 Surfsat SarniaNov. 11 (DFR) from the NE over the lake and fly out SW over the and 4500 White-wingeds at P.E. Pt., Nov. 28 (RKE). Ottawa's c• water without lingering. The peak number was 22 at and 9 Barrow'sGoldeneyes were back Nov. 3-29 (BMD). Com- the tip Oct. 5 (DS). The 23 at Hawk Cliff were up again mon Mergansersincreased their numbersto 7000 at the Corn- (DEF), but the 35 at Pelee and 14 at Holiday Beach wall dam by Nov. 28 (BMD, DJM), but peak numbersof Red- were considered normal numbers (AW, RLBe). In the breastedsat Peleewere only half thoseof recentyears, totalling 25,000 by Oct. 25-26 (fide AW). n., 15 Peregrinesmigrated past East Pt., Oct. 10-24, and all were thought to be of the race tundrius (RDM, PHS). RAPTORS-- The flight of Turkey Vultureswas very strong all along the lower Great Lakes involving at least 9000 birds, probablythe mostever. Some 1097 passedHoliday BeachOct. 16 (RLBeet sT.),and the season'stotal at Hawk Cliff (Table 1) COOTS THROUGH PHALAROPES- The Am. Coot in Al- was a recordhigh (DEFet sT.).One lingered in Quetico P.P. to gonquinP.P., Oct. 9-13 was only their 3rd (RGT et sT.).Few Nov 4 (SFP). Apart from the totals in Table 1, there were 55 SandhillCranes were reported anywhere. The oneat Presqu'ile Osprey and 33 Bald Eagle migrants noted in the s., more than Sept. 24-Oct. 14 and two Nov. 17 were firsts in autumn for the their usual numbers.The 88 Ospreysat Hawk Cliff set a record park (AG et sT.).Four Piping Ploversappeared, all at Long Pt high there (DEF). The season'stotal of 1006 N. Harriers at Holi- One of the two presentAug. 9-18 wore a colour band and sin- day Beachwas a 10-yearhigh (RLBe)and the 973 at Hawk Cliff gles were seen Sept. 19-21 and Nov. 3 (L.P.B.O.). The ad were a sharprise (DEF). The 92 N. Goshawksin the s. reflected American Oystercatcherat Hamilton Nov. 2 (ph. DG, HGC, HE anothernon-invasion year. The 1056 Red-shoulderedHawks at et sT.)provided the 2nd Ontario record.The Am. Avocet at the Holiday Beachwere againwell abovetheir 7-yearrunning aver- Woolwich Dam near Floradale lingered Oct. 18-27 and was a ageof 815. The species'peak numberswere 92 at P.E. Pt., Oct. 6 first for WsterToo-WeTTington(ph. VM et sT.). The 18 Willets (RDW) and 90 at Pelee Oct. 25 (GTH et sT.).A late imm. Broad- seenAug. 5-Oct. 20 were over double the normal autumn num- winged was still in the Thunder Bay area Sept. 29 (AJR,AW). bersand appearedat Neys P.P., Kettle Pt., Presqu'ile,Oshawa, Ontario's7th Swainson'sHawk appearedat Hawk Cliff Oct. 20 Toronto, Hamilton, St. Catharines, and Pelee. At Long Pt., one (DAM). The lone Rough-leggedat MelbourneAug. 19 was early of their four was of the e. race semipsTmstus(DS). Only 20 and may have summered in the area (DM). Ahead of last au- Whimbrelswere notedAug. 3-Sept. 22, a poor flight. However, tumn's record by one were the 48 Golden Eagles,of which 44 the 225+ HudsonianGodwits surpassedtheir big invasion werein the s.,where ndmbers continue to increasegradually. numbersof 1975. Their strongestshowing was from Hamilton The 182 + Merlins in the s. were up by 40% over the long-term e. to Kingstonand Ottawa.A flock of 122 appearedat Ottawa average.At EastPt. along JamesBay, 69 were migrating Aug. 27- Aug. 25 (MG et sT.). Only two Marbled Godwits were noted, Nov 18 (PHS, RDM). SeventeenGyrfalcons were seen there singlesat Blenheim Sept. 4-7 (PAW, JW, KJB)and the Dundas Oct 19-Nov. 13 (RDM, PHS) and singlescame S to Ottawa Nov. marshSept. 5-9 (KMcL). Western Sandpiperswere displaced 23-30 (TH, CH, PJ)and Sault Ste. Marie in late November(fide fromfarther s. in recordnumbers. Six were at Presqu'ile,five at TDM). the Dundas marsh, two each at Kingston, Oshawa, and Strath-

Volume 40, Number 1 105 American Avocet at the Woolwich Dam near Floradale, Ont., Long-billed Dowitcher at Ottawa, Ont., Sept. 18, 1985. Photo/ October 1985. First local record. Photo/D.R.C. Prescott. B. M. DiLabio.

constituteda weak flight. The only Ruff was at London Aug. 11 (RKH), which compareswith an autumn averageof two annual- ly since 1977. The 32 + Long-billed Dowitchers were an increasein numbers and were seen in Ottawa, Kingston, Pres- qu'ile, Oshawa, Pickering, Dundas, Long Pt., and Kettle Pt., Aug. 21 and Sept. 5-Oct. 17. The 32 Red-necked Phalaropes Aug. 6-Sept. 23 occurred over wide areas from Quetico P.P., Sudbury, Ottawa, Kingston, Winona, and the Blenheim and Essexsewage lagoons. Away from the JamesBay coast, six Red Phalaropeswere in the s. including singles at Ottawa Oct. 4-6 (BMD etal.), Winona Nov. 19 (RBa),and LongPt., Nov. 4, where five appearedNov. 5 (BS, DC). Late shorebird occurrences included a Lesser Golden-Plover at Pelee Nov. 24 (AW), a Solitary Sandpiper in Algonquin Oct. 14 (RGT), Ruddy Turnstones at Sarnia Nov. 5 (AHR) and Alder- shotNov. 10 (KMcL), Red Knot and SemipalmatedSandpiper at Presqu'ile Nov. 3 (AGC et al.), Semipalmated Sandpiper at Kingston Nov. 3 (K.F.N.), Least Sandpiper at Dundas Nov. 21 (WL), Baird's Sandpiperson Amherst I., Nov. 3 (K.F.N.), Am. Woodcockat Sibley Nov. 24 (MJM), and Wilson's Phalarope in the Dundas marsh Oct. 25 (WL).

JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS- Single Pomarine Jaegers were at Hawk Cliff Sept. 26 for Elgin's first (ph. MFH et al.), Long Pt., Oct. 5 (TCh et aL), East Pt., Nov. 9 (PHS, RDM), and OttawaNov. 10 (BMD). Numbersof Parasiticswere low again at 40. Only Presqu'ileexperienced a good year at nine birds Aug. 21-Oct. 5 [œideRDM). Single Long-taileds,the rarestof the jae- Juvenile Willet at Neys Provincial Park, Ont., September1985. gersin the s., were an adult at Pelee Sept. 17 (GTH), immature at Photo/Alan Wormington. LongPt., Oct. 1 (AWh et aLL and SoutheastShoal, Essex,Oct. 4 (AW). In autumn 1981, there were four Long-taileds. which equalled their total for the previous 25 years. roy, and a singleat St. Catharines,to total 18 birds. At Long Pt., The 10 Franklin's Gulls in the s. were normal numbers and their numberswere way up with an incredible 44 presentSept. were at Pelee, Blenheim, Long Pt., Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, 4. Three of thesewere netted and banded (DS). In the s., there Hamilton, P.E. Pt., and Ottawa, Aug. 25-Nov. 30. Away from were reportsof only 46 + White-rumped and 57 + Baird's sand- their traditional sites on L. Erie, Little Gulls totalled 10 at Pres- pipers. qu'ile Aug. 5-Sept. 7 (fide RDM), four at P.E. Pt., Oct. 5 (JHE, The 34 PurpleSandpipers in the s., Oct. 20-Dec.5, compared RDW), sevenand one at Cornwell Nov. 6 & 28 (BMD etal.), and with the invasion years 1965 and 1969, but were well below the two well n. at EastPt., Oct. 25 (RDM, PHS). The upsurgein Corn. record57 in 1983. Birds appearedat Pelee, Long Pt., Port Stan- Black-headedscontinued this autumn. Singles were at P.E. Pt., ley, Niagara,Toronto, and Virginiatown. Largestnumbers were Oct. 5 (JHE,RDW), Cornwall Oct. 27-Nov. 9 (MG etal.), Niagara 12 at Presqu'ileNov. 22 (RDM, PHS) and seven in Ottawa Nov. 5 Falls Nov. 9-30, joined by a 2nd bird Nov. 17 (GCo, GBe etal.), (TB, BMD, RPH). The Curlew Sandpiper in breeding plumage and Long Pt., Nov. 17 (TCh). Thayer's Gulls numbered 15, of at Presqu'ilelingered Aug. 11-20 (ph. RDM, JJDet al.). For the which nine were in the s., while only nine Icelands were noted 3rd consecutiveyear, Stilt Sandpiper numbers surpassed200, by season'send. The 14 LesserBlack-backeds Sept. 12-Nov. 28 led by 61 at KingsvilleAug. 5 (AW), 38 at DundasAug. 14 (WL), were fewer than in the past 2 autumns,but abovethe averageof and 36 at LongPt., Aug. 6 (L.P.B.O.).The only Buff-breastedse. nine over the past 9 years. Only three were away from the lower of Niagara were six at Ottawa Aug. 25-Sept. 2 (BMD, RPH, Great Lakes:at the Nepean dump Oct. 15 (BMD), Guelph Lake FWM) and the 14 others away from the extreme southwest Nov. 5 (CEP), and East Pt., Nov. 11 (RDM, PHS). The 60 Black-

106 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 legged Kittywakes Oct. 22-Dec. 2 were invasion numbers, of CUCKOOS THROUGH GNATCATCHERS- Late cuckoos which 29 were in the Sarnia area, 20 at Hamilton, and the rest at included a Black-billed at West Lorne Nov. I (JRM) and a Yel- Pelee, Long Pt., Toronto, P.E. Pt., Cornwall, and Ottawa. In low-billed at Brantford Nov. 3 (WL). Single Com. Barn-Owls addition an early single was at Oshawa Sept. 14 (MJB) and a appearedtwice at Hamilton in early autumn (R. Baker) and in freshlydead immature was found at PembrokeSept. 15 (CM). Orillia Nov. 13 (WEZ). A Great Gray Owl was in Englehart Oct. The only Sabine'sGulls were one at Strathroy Sept. 24 (PR, 7-8 (J.Wallace) and another at Atikokan was killed on the road WRJ,AM) and an immature at P.E. Pt., Nov. 3 (RDW et al.). Of Sept. 6 (fide SFP). An imm. $ Boreal Owl involved in a colli- the 173 + Forster'sTerns, the only birds away from L. Erie were sion at Hearst Sept. 18 later died from its injuries (KMcK). The singlesat OshawaSept. 15 (MJB),Pickering Oct. 3 (HGC, HK), N. Saw-whet Owl migration was normal after the disastrous Ottawa Oct. 13 (JRH), Hamilton Oct. 20 (RC et al.), and two 1984 season. At P.E. Pt., where 226 were netted. 64% were adultson Amherst [., Oct. 13 (K.F.N.). The LeastTern at Long hatching-yearbirds (K.F.N.). The comparable data from Long Pt., Sept. 24 (M & DT) was nicely describedand was Ontario's Pt. were 200 and 74% (DS). The 10 reportsof Red-belliedWood- 2nd ever. The first occurred at Niagara in June 1958. peckersreflected a weak recovery and singles away from the s.w. were at Orillia Oct. 27 (E. Somers)and PeterboroughNov. 25 (RS). Downies irrupted in numbersfrom Marathon to Thun- der Bay Sept. 26-Oct. 22 (AW, AJR), but their migration along Laughing Gulls provided the surprise of the Lari- the lower Great Lakes was weak. The only Three-toed Wood- dae. At least 23 were reported, of which 20 were from pecker reported out of range was near Algonquin Sept. 20 (WCC). However, Black-backeds irrupted in their strongest siteson L. Erie; correctionfor duplicate countinghas flight since 1974. In the Thunder Bay area, one to three were been attempted. This unprecedented number com- seen daily along the L. Superior shore Sept. 26-Oct. 28 (AW). pares with only eight in the past 11 autumns! Two The birdswere more numerousin Algonquin from late Septem- juveniles were in Kent Aug. 10-Sept. 5 (PAW, œide ber (RGT) and about 15 passedS through Ottawa (BMD). Sin- KJB), four juveniles and a 2nd-winter bird in Essex gles reached P.E. Pt., Sept. 29 (RDW, LSW), SandbanksP.P., Aug. 7-Sept. 29 (fide AW), the samejuvenile at Hawk Sept. 18 (RTS, NZ), Presqu'ile Sept. 14 as the first of five there Cliff Sept. 17 and Port Stanley Oct. 25 (ES, AM, MSS), (fide RDM), CobourgOct. 13 (ERM), Aberfoyle Oct. 14 (ADB), and 12 sightingsof adults and immatures at Long Pt., and Holiday Beach Sept. 14-15 (ph. fide MK, AC). Aug. 12-Sept. 24 (fide DS). Away from L. Erie, single 2nd-year birds were at Niagara Oct. 11 & 18 (GBe, RWK) and KingstonDec. 5 (RDW), and a juvenile was in Ottawa Oct. 15 (MR). Whether a hurricane was responsible for their displacement from the Atlantic coast was unclear.

Black-backedWoodpecker at Holiday BeachProvincial Park, Ont., Sept. 15, 1985. Photo/Allen Chattier.

Ontario's 6th Say's Phoebesince 1948 frustrated banders at the tip of LongPt., Sept. 24, when it saton their Heligolandtrap and refused to enter (DC, BS, BC). For the 2nd consecutive autumn, five W. Kingbirds were reported. Singles appeared at OshawaAug. 16 (MJB), Beamsville Aug. 24 (DBF), Long Pt., Sept. I (DC, MJ), Morrisburg Sept. 2 (TB. CG, MG), and Pres- qu'ile Sept. 15 (WE, J & JT et al.). One Scissor-tailedFlycatcher appeared at Cheltenham Oct. 11 (RAG), the 5th for 1985 in Ontario. A recently-discovered swallow roost in the Great Ca- taraquimarshes at Kingstonheld up to 200,000 birds, mostly Tree Swallows, in the 2nd week of August (DVW). The roost at Pembroke contained 175,000 swallows Aug. 8 (fide MPW). About 25,000 Tree Swallows were at Huff's I., Prince Edward, Juvenile Laughing Gull at SoutheastShoal, Essex Co., Ont., Sept.22 (SB)and the Barn Swallow at Long Pt., Nov. 7 was their Sept. 5, 1985. Unprecedentednumbers reached Ontario during latest ever (L.P.B.O.). this season.Photo/Alan Wormington. Small groupsof Gray Jayswere migrating W between Mara-

Volume 40, Number I 107 thon and Thunder Bay Sept. 26-Oct. 28 (AW), but their irrup- tion was not detectedelsewhere. Blue Jaynumbers were apparently back to normal. At Holiday Beach, some 305,000 were tallied, with 103,000-1- on Sept. 25 & 27 and Oct. 3 (fide MK). Black-cappedChickadees had emigrated en masse from Mara- thon to Thunder Bay by late September(AW) and they too may have moved W along the L. Superior shore, since this flight was undetected at Wawa and all points south. The only Boreal Chickadeesout of range were singlesat Presqu'ile Oct. 20 (RP) and P.E. Pt., Nov. 23 (K.F.N.). Tufted Titmice had rebounded in the southwest,led by at least five each at feeders in Niagara-on- the-Lake and St. Catharines in November (fide RWK). One was in KingstonOct. 6 (RKE) and another near PeterboroughNov. 23 (D. Reid et al.). A mass exodus of Red-breasted Nuthatches occurredthat will probably leave few wintering in the province. Single White-breastedswere in Marathon and Terrace Bay Oct. 18 (AW, MKM) and in Wawa Nov. 13-16 (ERA, JHA). The strongestinflux of Carolina Wrens since 1974 beganat Long Pt., July 30 (DS). Birds arrived at Kingston by Aug. 9 (RKE), Ottawa Sept. 5-8 (PM et al.,), Oshawa Sept. 8-Oct. 7 (fide MJB), and Kettle Pt., Oct. 30 (AHR). A 2nd push in Novemberwas seenat Pelee, Long Pt., and Niagara Falls. Highlights of numerous reports of Blue-gray Gnatcatcherswere one n. to Thunder Bay Aug. 18 (HHA} and a late bird at Kingston Nov. 8 (fide JAW}.

THRUSHES THROUGH WARBLERS- Grounded at dawn Sept. 21 following a heavy night flight were 2000 Gray-cheeked and 4000 Swainsoh'sthrushes at Presqu'ile (] & IT). About 300 Swainsoh's were at Long Pt., Sept. 22 (L.P.B.O.). The Wood Thrush at Pelee Nov. 5 was late (GTH). A c• Varied Thrush was at KitchenerNov. 5 (MS). Northern Mockingbirdswell n. were one at Lake Superior P.P., Oct. I (JC) and another at Schreiber Oct. 28 (AW). Bohemian Waxwings arrived in Thunder Bay Sept. 24 (MJM) and reached Ottawa by late October, where Immature Smith's Longspurat Thunder Bay, Ont., Sept. 29, 2400+ were seenNov. 29 (BMD). In a rare push into the south- 1985. Photo/Alan Wormington. west, small flocks were at P.E. Pt. and Toronto Oct. 20 (K.F.N., HK et al.), Guelph Oct. 24 (MDC}, Long Pt., Nov. 6 (L.P.B.O.), Dundas and Pelee Nov. 14 (KMcL, MPW), and Niagara Falls Nov. 24 (KR, GBe et al.). Five LoggerheadShrikes were seen ever and first since Oct. 8, 1962 (ph. RGT et al.). The 4th was at Aug. 16-31 from Allenford, Oshawa,Beamsville, and LongPt. A CamdenEast near Kingston Nov. 30 (PG et al.). The latest of 4 juv. White-eyed Vireo at Winona Sept. 21 was the only one Henslow's Sparrow reports was from Toronto I., Oct. 14 (GF). noted away from Pelee (RC). The documentedBell's Vireo at Of the other secretivesparrows, a Le Conte's was in Oshawa's Rondeau P.P., Oct. 7 (RY) was Ontario's first in autumn. The Cranberrymarsh Aug. 31 (LR) and two were netted at Long Pt., species is known in fall on the Atlantic coast of New York Sept.28 and Nov. 17 (L.P.B.O.).The 13 Sharp-tailedsSept. 14- where netted Sept. 24, 1959 and Sept. 26, 1970. Nov. 13 were normal numbers and were at Long Pt., Dundas. Nine Blue-winged Warblers were at Pelee Aug. 11-Sept. 11, Oshawa,and Richmond, and at Presqu'ile and Algonquin, a and a "Lawrence's"hybrid was there Aug. 27 (GTH, RE). An- new speciesfor both parks. Numbers of Harris' Sparrows were other "Lawrence's" was netted at Long Pt., Sept. 7 (L.P.B.O.). sharply higher than normal at Atikokan and Kenora, and birds Five LouisianaWaterthrushes were in the s. at Long Pt., Aug. 3 were eoto Marathon Sept. 26-30 (AW et al.• and Wawa Oct. 19 (GP et al.), Rondeau Aug. 17 (KJB, PAW), Fort Erie Aug. 20 (ERA).An imm. Smith's Longspurwas photographedat Thun- (GLO),Pelee Aug. 27 (GTH, RE), and GardenI. off Wolfe I., Sept. der Bay Sept.29 (AW et al.). Latesparrows included a Vesperat 2 (DVW, LW). The only reportsof ConnecticutWarblers e. of L. Ottawa Dec. 1 (BMD et al.) and Lincoln's in Algonquin Oct. 13 Erie were from Garden I., Sept. 2 (LW, DVW), Presqu'ile Sept. (DAS). 15(J & JT), and P.E. Pt., Sept. 29 (RDW}.Hooded• wandered n.e. Late Bobolinkswere three at Heron Bay near Marathon Sept. to OshawaAug. 19 (NLV), P.E. Pt., Sept. 7 (RDW), and Pickering 26 (AW, AJR)and one at Long Pt., Oct. 27 (L.P.B.O.). Notewor- Oct. 12 (WE). The only Yellow-breastedChat away from Long thy among 10 Yellow-headed Blackbirds were a male and fe- Pt. was in Ottawa Nov. 6-26 (TD et al.). male at MoosoneeSept. 26 and Oct. 3 respectively(NT, AMMJ Late warblers were fewer than usual. A Tennessee and a Palm and a male in Wawa Sept. 25-Oct. 3 (ph. ERA, JHA). The only were in the Thunder Bay area Oct. 26 (AW etal.). At Long Pt., a OrchardOriole report was from Presqu'ileSept. 19 (NM) and a Yellow tarried to Oct. 6, Am. Redstart Oct. 26, and a Wilson's late 6 N. Oriole stayedat a Port Hope feeder Nov. 14-20 (fide Nov. 20 (L.P.B.O.). Other lingerers were a Cape May at Alder- ERM]. Pine Grosbeaksmoved S in numbers,reaching Ottawa in shotNov. 25 (DKP etal.), Bay-breastedin Toronto Nov. 10 (DH, lateOctober and the L. Ontarioshores as far w. asBurlington by ILK), and Blackpoll on Amherst I., Nov. 3 (KH). mid-November.A few penetratedthe southwestreaching Pelee by Nov. 11 (MPW). The Purple Finch exodus matched that of Red-breastedNuthatch and most had left by mid-October. GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES-- A late Rose-breasted Crossbillswere scarceand the few reportswere without any Grosbeakwas in Wawa Sept. 27-Oct. 4 (ERA, JHA). A c• Blue pattern. Common Redpolls also invaded the s. in large num- Grosbeak,especially rare in autumn, arrived at Long Pt,, Aug. bers.Flocks passed Matachewan Oct. 15 (LT) and SudburyOct. 16 (VF). The Moosoneearea's 4th Indigo Bunting was at East 20 (JCN)and reachedthe shoresof lakesOntario and Erie by Pt., Oct. 12 (RDM). Four Lark Sparrowsmade an excellent num- Oct. 30. The Pine Siskin and Evening Grosbeakflights were ber for this rare visitor. The first appeared at Wiarton Aug. 3 heaviestin the extreme southwestfrom Long Pt. to Holiday (ph. [ide GMB) followed by one at Toronto's e. Headland Sept. Beach.By the end of the period, both specieswere still present 21-22 (HE et al.). The bird in Algonquin Oct. 13 was their 2nd in small numbers over wide areas.

108 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface), CONTRIBUTORS (ital- ton, S.R. Kozak, W. Lamond, B. Laurent, P. Lehman, N. LeVay ic), and CITED OBSERVERS- K.F. Abraham, R.F. Andtie, E.R. (NLV), Long Point Bird Observatory, S. Macey, D.J. Mackinnon, Armstrong, J. Hall-Armstrong, H.H. Axtell, M.J. Bain, R. Baker W.E. Maddeford, D.A. Martin, P. Martin, V. Martin, T.D. Marwood, (RBa),A. Barnsley,T. Beck, G. Bellerby (GBe), G.M. Bennett, R.L. M.K. Matheson, M.J. McCormick, E.R. McDonald, K. McKeevet, Benoit (RLBe), C. Bilmer, R. Blacquiere (RBI), S. Blaney, R.L. J.R. McKishnie, K. McLaughlin, S.R. McLeod, R.D. McRae, A. Bowles (RLB), R.A. Bracken,A.D. Brewer, D. Bucknell, K.J. Burk, McTavish, C. Michener, J.B. Miles, A.M. Muldal, F.W. Munro, N. M.D. Cadman, W.C. Calvert, G. Cameron, A.G. Carpentier, J:F.T. Murr, D. Murray, T.R. Murray, J.C. Nicholson, T. O'Day, G.L. Carreiro,A. Chartier,T. Cheskey(TCh), J. Clark, G. Coady (GCo),B. O'DelI, B. Parker, M. Parker, S.F. Peruniak, J.M.C. Peterson, R. Collier, S. Cormore,T. Crabe(TCr), D. Cristol, H.G. Curde, R. Curry, Pittaway, G. Poole, C.E. Potter, D.K. Powell, P.D. Pratt, L. Racz- M.P. Davis, J.J.Dean, T. Dean (TD), B.M. DiLabio, W. Douglases,T. kowski,B. Ralph, P. Read,P.W. Richter, A.H. Rider, K.R. Robinson, Dyke, M. & L. Eddy, R. Eden,W. Edmunds,R.K. Edwards,J. Effer, H. K. Roy, M. Runtz, D.F. Rupert, A.J. Ryff, D.C. Sadlet, H. Saunders, Elliott, J.H. Ellis, M. Engberg,G. Fairchild, V. Fazio, M.H. Field, B. Scampion,M. Scholz, D. Shepherd, P.H. Sinclair, E. Single, R. M.E. Foley, D.E. Fowler, D.B. Freeland,R.A. Gaitdrier, D. Gatdiner, Smith, M.S. Sinout, R.T. Sprague,D.A. Sutherland,L. Taman, M. & C. Gaskill, M. Gawn, G.E. Gemmell, P. Good, A. Goodrich, C.E. D. Taylor, R. Taylor, J. & I. Thompson,N. Thompson,R.G. Tozer, J. Goodwin, C. Hanrahan, T. Hanrahan, R. Hansen, D. Harding, J.R. Waltz, ].A. Warren, R.D. Weir, D.V. Weseloh, L. Weseloh, M.P. Harris, G. Hawkes, R.K. Hayward, K. Hennige, G.T. Hince, R.P. Whelan,A. Whittaker (AWh), M. Wilson, P.A. Woodliffe, A. Worm- Holland, B. Hoover, M. Illes, W.R. Jarmain, B. Jefferson,M. Jones, ington, L.S. Wright, R. Yukich, N. Zalkind, W.E. Zufelt.--RON D. P. )ones,H. Kerr, M. Kielb, KingstonField Naturalists,R.W. Knap- WEIR, 294 Elmwood Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7M 2Y8.

NIAGARA--CHAMPLAIN REGION

Douglas P. Kibbe and Cheryl M. Boise lthoughspring migration may induce more bird watchers to partake in the pleasuresof birding, it is the fall seasonwhich appeals to the elite members of our sport. Anything becomespossible (or, dependingon the zeal of the observer,probable), and in the absenceof regimentedproj- ects(e.g., atlassing, Christmas Bird Counts)it is the questfor the unusual which induces observersto spend hours scan- ning silhouetteshorebirds or garbage-grubbinggulls. Oth- ers,equally fanatic, ferret out and sortthrough the hordesof groundedpassetines or sit glued to mountaintops tallying larger quarry overhead.This fall yielded somethingfor ev- eryone (over 270 species),although as often happens few were content (e.g., "too mild", "few groundings","lacklus- count of 400 on Four BrothersIs. in L. Champlain further reflected the increase.Least Bitterns were surprisingly well re- ter"). Vermonters were especially fortunate with two new state records while New Yorkers had a fine assortment of portedin w. New York (eightbirds) and Vermont (three)con- sideringtheir relative scarcitymost falls. StagingGreat Blue rarities to add to their year lists. Heronspeaked at 21 at OtiscoL., Nov. 13 (RP), late for such The season overall was mild with November wetter than numbers.Lest one considerthis numberexceptional, however, usual.Hurricanes, although much in the news,contributed considerthe size of the colony in DeKalb (80 nests)or the huge little to the ornithological scene (with the possible excep- colony of 621 nests on Ironsides Is. in the St. Lawrence R., tion of the unconfirmed Fish Crow in the Connecticut River where deforestationis rapidly proceeding due to heron-in- valley following Gloria's passage).Some late departures duced deathsof nest trees (KC, GS). were noted and a major winter incursion of several species Great Egrets also lingered late, until mid-October at both was apparentby season'send. TonawandaW.M.A. and Montezuma N.W.R., and a wayward one at Pt. PeninsulaNov. 23 was headed north (LG, fide LC)! LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL- Not only has the de- Only singleswere sightedin Vermont, while at least one-half greeof coveragewithin the Regionincreased dramatically over dozenfrequented sites in New York. An imm. Snowy Egretseen the past decadebut the quality of data continuesto improve. in and aroundBurlington, Vt., in Augustand early September Daily countsare still the exceptionto the rule but manyobserv- wasthe Region'sonly representative.A Yellow-crowned Night- ers are finally tallying the commonerspecies, particularly wa- Heron at Buffalo Aug. 4 (RA) was the rarest long-leggedwader terbirds. Best loon counts were as usual from L. Ontario with to appear,although Glossy Ibises at DeadCreek W.M.A., Oct. 11 275 Red-throatedsoff Hamlin BeachNov. 23 (WS et al.) and (DC),Manlius Aug. 7-16 (DWC), and Chedmardo,N.Y., Nov. 3 some 2000 Commons in Sodus Bay Nov. 9 (ST). (FS,RK) were notable.Given the track of manyhurricanes this Few grebes were reported, none in significant concentra- season, can we assume White-faced Ibis was ruled out? tions. A Great Cormorantat BraddockBay Nov. 24 (JB et al.) Sevensightings of up to seven Mute Swans reflectedthis wasunexpected although it is the wintering cormorantin coast- species'recent increasein the Region. The magnitude of the al New England.Double-crested Cormorants, apparently on the SnowGoose movement through Vermont in early November vergeof breedingon Oneida L. this past summer,should be had even non-birders commenting.In reality the movement closelywatched at this and othersites (particularly along the St. wasprobably normal, but weather-inducedgroundings made it LawrenceR.) in 1986 as their populationscontinue to increase more noticeablethan usual. The top count included 2500 at despitepast persecutions. The populationexplosion is reflect- Shoreham(WE, EW) and BellowsFalls. Although mostpuddle ed even in migrationcounts in the ConnecticutR. valley with duck numberswere modest, an exceptional concentrationof flocksof up to 70 beingreported over Herricks Cove (WE). A fall nearly 1400 Wood Ducksoccurred at Toad Harbor near Brewer-

Volume40, Number 1 109 ton Oct 4 (FS) Best diving duck tallies in New York included at Moses-Saunders Dam on the St Lawrence Oct 27 to Nov 10 2000 Lesser Scaup on Lewiston Res., 300 Black Scoters off (JVRet al.). Longoverdue, a Forster'sTern photographedon L. Hamlin Beach (WS et al.), and 1070 Hooded Mergansersat Champlainat St. Albans Bay Oct. 7 (WE, RL, NM) was, amaz- ChautauquaL. (B.O.S.).Often underrated,L. Champlain'swa- ingly, Vermont's first, although the speciesis seenregularly in terfowlmigration might better be termed'under-reported'; wit- migration on L. Ontario. nessthe 2100 Canvasbacksat Alburg Nov. 7 (DC, DM), 3000 Very few Snowy Owls were reportedby the closeof the sea- Rmg-neckedsat MissisquoiN.W.R., 2700 GreaterScaup among sonand an incursionseemed unlikely. Although presumablya the Champlain Islands Nov. 7 (DM), and 410 Black Scoters widespreadand regularbreeder in Vermont, a Long-earedOwl betweenAddison and Panton Oct. 25. A Harlequin Duck on a seenat DeadCreek (MW, AB) providedthe first reportfrom the woodland pond near Maryland Nov. 16 (DK) was a long way statein sometime. We encourageobservers in the L. Champlain from GreatLakes areas which traditionally harborthis rare visi- valley to searchconifer stands for this speciesand N. Saw-whet tor Owls during winter and migration periods.

HA WKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- Turkey Vultures lin- FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS- Recently-fledg- geredwell into November,continuing a trend. Ospreysappar- ed E. Wood-Peweesseen on Vermont's Bald Mountain Sept. 1 ently nested on Beaver L. in Onondaga County this summer. and fledglingE. Kingbirdsat QuecheeAug. 25 (WE, NM), were Although no nest could be found, a "freshly-fledgedyoung" late. Vermont'sfirst Say'sPhoebe was carefully describedby 2 was presentin early August (fide PD). As populationsshow observersfamiliar with the species,who found it at Shoreham every sign of continued increase,we encourageobservers to in November (E & LW). The Tree Swallow seen Nov. 23 at watchfor othernew nestinglocalities. Other raptorsespecially TonawandaW.M.A. (B.O.S.) was exceptionallylate, as was a well reported this fall included Bald Eagle, PeregrineFalcon, "largemixed flock" of N. Rough-wingedand Cliff swallowsOct and Merlin. A migrationcount at the e. end of L. Ontario Oct. 20 13 at Montezuma N.W.R. (C.B.C.). Common Ravens continued yielded a record419 Red-tailedHawks (FS, RK). A singleGold- to be regularlyreported in s.w. New York, and the Rochester en Eaglewas seenSept. 22 in Allegany County (HW) and two area apparentlyhosted another Oct. 25. There are few species were spotted migrating into the Region near Massena. moreelusive than SedgeWrens in fall; nonethelessthere were 2 New York, in addition to managingits endangeredSpruce sightingsin c. New York, Sept. 12 & 29. This year'stardiest (or Grousepopulation, is seekingto expandthe rangeof Gray Par- will there be another winter record?) Blue-gray Gnatcatchers tridgeinto "appropriatehabitat" alongthe e. and s. shoresof L. were at RochesterOct. 25 (EB, WS) and Shoreham Nov 20 Ontario. In Vermont 10 Gray Partridge at Missisquoi N.W.R. (WE).A widespreadinflux of BohemianWaxwings was evident (JG)provided the solereport. Was a singleSofa report reflective in portions of the Region by November. LoggerheadShrikes of the species'Regional status? A genuinerarity was the Yellow were seenin 2 known or suspectedbreeding locations, and in Rail found dead in a Lisbon, N.Y., driveway Sept. 30 (fide KC, migration at Herricks Cove Aug. 12 (WN). A Northern Wheat- GS) ear was discoveredSept. 23 at Vetshire (JW, JD) to become The shorebirdmigration was good despite generally mild Vermont's 3rd record. weatherwhich allowed the vast majority of birds to overfly the The vireo and warbler migration was less than spectacular Region. Every normally-occurring shorebird was reported, a with few weather-inducedgroundings and, despite relatively few in excellentnumbers. The better sightingsincluded at least mild conditions,little by way of exceptionaldeparture dates A three Willets, five Whimbrels, four Hudsonfan and severalMar- Sept. 13 Golden-wingedWarbler in c. New York (fide PD) was bled godwits,several Buff-breasted Sandpipers (including one relativelylate, as were the Nov. 30 Orange-crownedWarbler at at Dead Creek W.M.A.--AP et at.) and two Ruffs. Laggardsin- Durand-Eastman(AC et at.) and Sept. 8 Prairie Warblers at cluded Baird's Sandpipers at Little Sodus Bay Nov. 2 and Amity L. (VP) and Winhall, Vt. (WN). A Yellow-breastedChat Sandy Pond Nov. 7 (FS) and an injured Spotted Sandpiper was near SpringfieldSept. 3 (WN), always an excitingfind in throughNov. 8 at Hamlin Beach(WS et at.). Purple Sandpipers Vermont, as would be a Yellow-throated Warbler at Burlington were much in evidencefrom mid-Novemberon, even reaching in Novemberhad adequatesupporting details been provided Dunkirk Harbor on L. Erie. Thanks to improved coverageof L. Champlain islands there were reports there of at least eight DICKCISSEL THROUGH FINCHES- Easily overlookedin b•rds(RL, WE). We suspect(and have often stated)that better the flocks of House Sparrows they often associatewith, and coverageof that lakewould reveal that the speciesis a frequent, thus doubtlessmore common than Regional recordsreflect, a perhaps annual, visitor. Dickcisselwas discoveredin Ithaca Oct. 14 (EL, DCo). Interest- ing was a report of a Sharp-tailed Sparrow seen by a single JAEGERSTO OWLS-- Both Pomarine and Parasiticjaegers observerin a cattail marsh at the mouth of the Winooski R., Oct couldbe found in modestnumbers on L. Ontariofrom Septem- 3 (SA). The speciesis rarely seenmigrating through the Region ber throughmid-November. Do most of thesejaegers escape This, the first report from Vermont, is at besthypothetical but from the Great Lakes,or eventually succumbas did the imm. pointsout the needfor observersthroughout the Regionto be on Long-tailed Jaegerfound dead Sept. 3 on Sylvan and Verona the watch. Although the first Lapland Longspur was spotted Beach(SH, fide PD)?Although there were at least 4 reportsof Oct. 4, Snow Buntingsarrived en masseOct. 26 over a broad ad LaughingGulls between Sept. 25 and Oct. 26 on L. Ontario front. A belatedreport of at least one Yellow-headedBlackbird and Nov. 11 on L. Erie, there was little indication that the at SandyPond in June(GS, fide PDB) was received.Two Brew- occurrenceswere hurricane-related, or even that more than one er's Blackbirdswere found Oct. 27 at Westfield, N.Y. August 24 or two birds were necessarilyinvolved. Franklin's Gulls ap- was the last Orchard Oriole departure date. How have House pearedat Buffaloin late August (B.O.S.), and Oct. 20 at Hamlin Finches become so populous?Perhaps by breeding longer, Beach (R.B.A., G.O.S.) and Derby Hill (FS, RK). Most Little judgingfrom the nestwith three youngfound Aug. 23 in Amity Gulls apparentlybypassed normal concentrationpoints along Lake (VP). the s. shoreof L. Ontario on their way to the seacoastfrom their The winter finch situation seemed to be shaping up as a n shoreL. Erie breeding areas.Best numberswere recordedat reversalof lastyear's. Crossbills were very rare while Pine Gros- Eldorado Shoresand Sandy Pont, indicating an easterly fall beaks, Am. Goldfinches, and Com. Redpolls were staging a migration still occurson L. Ontario. Vermont had its 6th and strong invasion. Mixed flocks of the latter two species were 7th recordsat Bixby and Young IslandsOct. 14 (RL).All Black- much in evidencealong the L. Ontario plains in early Novem- leggedKittiwake reportsfell in November with a maximum of ber. On Nov. 7, 1020 (80%goldfinches) were tallied in 11/2hours five immatures at Hamlin Beach Nov. 5 (R.B.A.). One to two (EB, BS). LesserBlack-backed Gulls were at Adam BeckHydro Dam and A final word is overdue on the failure of observers to thor- NiagaraFalls (WD et at.) and a CommonBlack-headed Gull was oughlydocument several important sightingsin recentseasons

110 AmericanB•rds, Spring 1986 Reportedly,filing of rare bird reports is ignored becauseit is laine, A. Clarridge,D. Cosman(DCo), K. Crowell, D.W. Crumb,W. "too tedious",or the observer"feels only sightingsby records D'Anna, P. DeBenedictis,D. Dister,J. Douglas,M. & J. Dye, S. Eaton, committeemembers are accepted"or "believestheir field abili- W. Ellison, J. Gallegos, GenesseeOrnithology Society, L. Gunn, S. ties to so far exceed the reviewers' that such review is demean- Harris,High PeaksAudubon Society, T. Johansson,R. Knight, S. ing."Whatever the rationalethe end resultis the same:undocu- Laughlin,R. Lavalie,E. Luce,N. Martin, D. McKeon, M. Metcalf, T. mented reports do not become part of the permanent Mosher,M. Nelson,J. Nicholson,W. Norse,Onondaga Audubon ornithologicalrecord, and potentially valuable data are lost. Society,A. Pistorius,V. Pitzrick, R. Post,Rochester Birding Associ- ation,F. Schieder,G. Smith, R. Spahn,B. Symonds,W. Symonds,S. CONTRIBUTORSAND CITED OBSERVERS-- AlleganyCounty Taylor, J. Van Riet, Vermont Institute of Natural Science,J. Walter- Bird Club, R. Andrle, A. Bilodeau,E. Brooks,J. Bouton,Buffalo mire, H. Ward, E. & L. Weeks.--DOUGLAS P. KIBBE and CHERYL OrnithologicalSociety, D. Cargill, Cayuga Bird Club, L. Chamber- M. BOISE, Box 34, Maryland, NY 12116.

APPALACHIAN REGION

George A. Hall MICH.

.can'fthe wespring say migrationabout the hadfall beenmigration? a"birdless" There event,were somewhat bright spots,and the seasonhad more than the normal number of really rare birds, but on overall balance most observers felt that it was a poor time for birding. Summer prevailed almost to the end of the period. All four months were warmer than normal and at several stations November was the warmest on record. There were no killing frosts until November. Some spring flowers were blooming in early November and from Waynesboro, Virgin- ia, came the report of the last monarch butterfly on Novem- ber 20 (RS). The early part of the period was very dry, and indeed there was almost no precipitation in places during September.The droughtended in November,which was the wettest on record at many places. In early November, cou- pled with Hurricane Juan, the West Virginia mountains experienced exceptionally high rainfall which produced the most devastating floods in recorded history. Whole towns were essentiallywiped out, but the ultimate effect on bird- life will be small. August and September were characterized by a lack of pronouncedcold fronts, which led to a dull migration. Hur- ricanes Danny, in mid-August, and Elena, in late August, migrants colliding with the illuminated structures near the did bring some interestingwaterbird records. The warbler top of the mountain at a ski resort in PocahontasCounty, and flycatcher migration was generally below average. West Virginia. A total of 1336 dead birds of 30 species, Things picked up a little in October and the sparrow flight including mostly Tennessee,Bay-breasted, and Blackpoll was fairly good at places, but was later than normal. The warblers, was picked up there (JCr). No other reports of mild season,of course, induced many birds to stay north migrant crashes came in. later than usual, and there were many late records with Despite the poor migration two species,Northern Fulmar warblers still present in numbers in mid-October. In No- and Northern Wheatear, were added to the Region list and vember the northern finches (and the other carduelines) there were several other unusual records. beganto arrive and were in good numbers. The winter season promised to be a good one. ABBREVIATIONS- A.F.M.O. = Allegheny Front Migration As usual many of the numerical data of the migration Observatory,Grant Co., W.Va.; B.E.S.P. = Bald Eagle State Park, came from the two big banding stations,Powdermill Nature CentreCo., Pa.; E.B.F.H. = EagleBend Fish Hatchery,Clinton Co., Reserveand the Allegheny Front Migration Observatory.At Tenn.;G.S.M.N.P. = GreatSmoky Mountains Nat'l Park;P.I.S.P. = Powdermill 7570 birds were banded in the four months PresqueIsle State Park, Erie Co., Pa.; P.N.R. = Powdermill Nature (fourth highest total) while at Allegheny Front 8506 birds Reserve, Westmoreland Co.. Pa. Place names in italics are counties. were banded in six weeks (third highest). The September counts of 2267 birds banded at Powdermill and 6735 band- LOONS THROUGH STORKS- There were many more reportsof Red-throatedLoons than usual:Boone L., Tenn., Nov. 8 ed at the Allegheny Front illustrated the lack of consistency (FW, SG};Augusta, Va., 2nd county record (SR}; B.E.S.P., Pa., between locationsthat was typical of the season.The peak Oct. 27-Nov. 30, with a peakof six Nov. 30 [m.ob.};and sevenin at Allegheny Front was September 7-9 when 2849 birds Huntingdon, Pa., Nov. 30 (CY}. Common Loons were more were banded. Oddly, no cold front had reached the Region widely reportedthan normal,and were generallyin goodnum- at the time of this heavy flight. The two other banding sta- bers.There were somerather early dates:all summerto Aug. 4 tions in the area, at PresqueIsle State Park, Pennsylvania, at DonegalL., Pa. (RCL,RM}, Aug. 25 at B.E.S.P.,Pa. (CH, MW}, and at Norris, Tennessee, had disappointing seasons. and Sept. 9 at Watts Bar L., Tenn. [EB}. At Elizabethton,Tenn., On the nights of October 15-16 there was a major kill of the heaviestflight of loonson recordwas observed,Nov. 17-26,

Volume 40, Number I 111 chmaxlng at 125 at WataugaL, Nov 22 (RC, GE) An Eared (PS),and StateCollege, Pa, Nov 13 (HH), Surf Scoterat Lock Grebe was at P I S P., Nov 29 (JM, LS) Haven Nov. 13 (MC) and State College Nov. 14 (TS, JP), and A new speciesfor the Regionwas a Northern Fulmar that was White-winged Scoterat Teter L., W.Va., Nov. 29 (KB) and Lynd- seenwell for severalminutes flying overthe rain-soakedcrowd hurst, Va., Nov. 29 (MH). at the Penn State-NotreDame football gamein State College, Of someinterest was a probablehybrid Mallard x Gadwall at Pa, Nov. 16 (J& BP). Double-crestedCormorants continued to B.E.S.P.,Nov. 30 (TS et aL).A RuddyShelduck at KygerCr, O, be reportedmore commonly than in the pastwith recordscom- for severaldays in early November(TI et al.) addedsome fuel to ing from throughoutthe Region. the "wild" vs. "escape"debate for this species. There were reportsof Am. Bitternsfrom P.I.S.P., Sept. 2 & 6 (JM,JS), and Hopwood, Pa., Sept. 27 (GC), while six LeastBit- RAPTORS AND GALLINACEOUS BIRDS-- Black Vultures ternswere seenat Yellow CreekS.P., Pa., Aug. I (AHe, EH) and continued to increase with more than usual seen at Elizabeth- one was at P.I.S.P., Aug. 24-Sept. 7 (TS). Great Blue Herons ton, Tenn. (GE), and 56 countedat the Peter'sMr. hawk lookout werewidely reportedin late summerand were in goodnum- (GH). bers,with a count of 18 at L. Arthur, Pa., Aug. 5 (MG) and 42 Hawk-watchingfrom the ridges produced variable results seenflying by the hawk lookouton TuscaroraSummit, Pa., Oct. this year. At Bear Rocks, W.Va., only 630 birds were seen in 11 (CG). Great Egretswere more widely reported but were in some 20 days of observation(GP) but at Rockfish Gap on the smaller numbersthan usual, but the only report of a Snowy Blue Ridge 24,019 were counted in 66 days (RS). Harvey's Egretcame from E.B.F.H., Tenn., Aug. 15-Sept.6 (LF,CN). Little Knob, Va., had 8174 in 56 days ([ideBK). Peak days were Sept BlueHerons were foundat Harrisonburg,Va., throughAugust 12 at RockfishGap with 8550, Sept. 14 near Chattanoogawith (R B.C.);Chicamauga L., Tenn., Aug. 16 (PL); E.B.F.H.,Tenn., 3380 (LD), Sept. 14 at CartersvilleDam, Ga., with 2100 Broad- Aug 1-16 (LF); Fairlane L., Va., Oct. 3 (BH); and Hiwassee, wings (L 8, HG), and Sept. 13 at Peter's Mr., W.Va., with only Tenn., Oct. 12 (RR). The best heron record for the seasonwas of 383 (GH). a TricoloredHeron at Salem,Va., Aug. 6-10 (BK et aL). The only Ospreys and N. Harriers were more widely reported than reportsof Cattle Egretscame from w. Tennessee,at E.B.F.H., usual,and there was a total of 31 sightingsof Bald Eaglesfrom Aug 1-15 (LF) and HiwasseeRecreation Area throughAugust 13 locations(not all hawk watches).There was a goodSharp- (RR, DC). shinnedHawk flight at Elizabethton,Tenn. (GE),but they were An imm. White Ibis was seen at the Hiwassee Rec. Area, in poor numbersin w. Pennsylvania(PH). Northern Goshawks Tenn., Aug. 25 (DC]. There were 3 reports (all rather late) of seenin Butler, Pa., Aug. 18 (DF) and Allegheny,Pa., Aug 24 Plegadisibises: Clark Fish Hatchery,Rowan, Ky., Oct. 28 (FB), (PHI were very early and may have indicated breedingnear PresqueIsle Bay, Pa., Nov. 2 (AT), and Daleville, Va., Nov. 3-4 there.Other records came from near State College, Pa., Oct. 16 & (m oh.). The last two were reported as GlossyIbis, but the first 28 and Nov. 17 (TS et al.), P.N.R., Oct. I (RCL], Laurel Hill, Pa, was reportedonly to genus,which is perhapsthe bestidea for Oct. 6 (RT), and Ligonier, Pa., Oct. 12 (HS). An unusual total of all recordsw. of the Alleghenys.Most unusualfor the Region 751 Red-tailed Hawks was seen Nov. 6 at Rockfish Gap, Va were the 4 reports of Wood Storks:three at Waynesboro,Va., (RS).A few Rough-leggedHawks had appearedby the end of Aug. 21 (RS),Boalsburg, Pa. (ph.), Sept. 2-9 (DP), Warren,Va., the period and one was seen as far s. as Spruce Knob, W Va, Sept. 6 (RSi), and two at Elkins, W.Va., Sept. 8 (ph. ]Cr). Nov. 6 (IP). A total of 35 GoldenEagles was reportedfrom 8 locations.The 17 countedat Bald EagleMt., Pa., were remarkable (TS), and the two at BearRocks, W.Va., did not appearto be WATERFOWL-- The waterfowl migration broughtthe usual followingthe normalmigration route and may havebeen part of mixed results.While most placesfound the flight on the light the hypothesized(but asyet unlocated)local breedingpopula- side and in w. Pennsylvaniait was consideredthe "poorest tion. migrationin memory" (PH), in e. Tennesseethere was a good Nine locations reported a total 14 Merlins, and 8 locations flight in late October(GE, LF). At P.I.S.P.on L. Erie the flight listeda total of 23 Peregrines. was poor, but on Nov. 11 1000 scoterswere seen there and on The N. Bobwhite,which had almostvanished from the n part Nov. 29, 15,000+ Red-breastedMergansers (JM). The flight of of the Region,seemed to be making a modestcomeback. TundraSwans was generally good and theywere reportedfrom such placesas Huntington, W.Va. (TI), Kingsport(ES), and E B F.H., Tenn. (LF), all well out of the normalmigration route. CRANES THROUGH TERNS- A Sandhill Crane near But- One summerednear StateCollege and remainedinto October ler, Pa., Nov. 11 provided the first s.w. Pennsylvaniarecord (TS). On Nov. 15, 531 flew by the Tuscarora Summit hawk- since 1902 (FP, DP). Cranes were seen at the Chattahoochee watchingstation (CG). A Mute Swan 'wasseen at B.E.S.P.,Nov. N.F., Ga., Nov. 19 (HD). One was present in Loudon, Term, 24 (CH). The only report of GreaterWhite-fronted Geesecame Aug. 1-Sept.24 (JBO)but Novembersightings in w. Tennessee from HiwasseeIs., Tenn., Nov. 9 (BS). Snow Geesewere report- were below normal (LF). ed from P.I.S.P.,Nov. 6, a recordhigh countof 23 (JM);Mosqui- It was a good year for shorebirds.In addition to the usual to L, O., Nov. 15-25 (CB); Knox, Tenn., Nov. 9 (AH etaL); and hotspotssuch as P.I.S.P., reportscame from a wide assortment Huntington, W.Va., Oct. 18 (CW). The usually-rare Brant was of placesthroughout the Region.The mild weatherresulted in a widely reported and was in unusual numbers. A total of 254 lot of late records.A spectacularfallout of HurricaneDanny was was counted at P.I.S.P., Nov. 11 (JM); 32 were seen at State observedat Roanoke,where 280 individuals of 18 specieswere College,Pa., Nov. 14 (TS,MW); eightwere seen in Montour,Pa., observedAug. 18 (BK). Black-belliedPlovers were widely re- Nov 15-18 (SSt); one at B.E.S.P.,Nov. 23-27 (CS); four were at ported, and Lesser Golden-Ploverswere unusually common KygerCr., Nov. 16 (GH); and one was in Augusta, Va., Nov. 16 with up to 30 seen at Wareford, Erie, Pa., Sept. 2 (JM), and (RS) severalobservations from Butler, Pa. (PH), Rowan, Ky. (FB), Most of the dabbliug ducks were in short supply and the Roanoke(MP, MD), and E.B.F.H.,Tenn. (LF). The rare Piping diverswere little betterat mostplaces. There were someunusu- Ploverwas at E.B.F.H., Tenn., Aug. 6 (LF) and at P.I.S.P., Oct ally earlyrecords, as for examplethe N. Pintail at P.I.S.P.,Aug. 17-19 (JM, DFI). The only report of Am. Avocet came from 10 (JM),and a Buffleheadsummered in Warren,Pa. (HJ).Ninety Roanoke,Va., Aug. 8 (MD), while the shorebirdof the year wasa Com.Mergansers were countedon a 4-mi stretchof the Alleghe- Black-neckedStilt (ph.) at E.B.F.H.,Tenn., Aug. I (LF). Willets ny R. in Warren,Pa., in August(JK). It was,however, an excep- were reportedfrom P.I.S.P.,Aug. 7 (EF), Chattanooga,Term, tional year for scoters.All 3 specieswere recorded at P.I.S.P., Aug. 7 (RR), Kingston, Tenn., Aug. 7 (A & RH), and Roanoke, but the large flock mentioned above was mostly of Black Aug. 18 (BK).Whimbrels were seenat P.I.S.P.,Aug. 11 & 25 (JM, Scoters,normally the rarestspecies in this Region(JM). Other DFI), PymatuningL., Pa., Oct. 19 (RFL), and Kingston,Term, recordswere: Black Scoterat PymatuningL., Pa., Oct. 30 (RFL, Aug. 10 (PHa,BJ). Eight Hudsonian Godwits were in the fallout ML), Teter L., W.Va., Nov. 1-4 (KB), Lock Haven, Pa., Nov. 13 at RoanokeAug. 18 (BK).The only reportsof Ruddy Turnstones

112 AmericanBirds, Spring1986 camefrom E B F H, Tenn, Aug 6 (LF), RoanokeAug 18 (BK), The n part of the Regionhad a goodflight of Black-capped and Kingston,Tenn., Aug. 25 (BS). Red Knots were at P.I.S.P., Chickadeesduring late Septemberand October,but this was Aug 10 & 15 and Oct. 3 (JM),and at RoanokeAug. 18 (BK). Such not as heavy as in some previous years. Red-breastedNut- normallyunusual speciesas Sanderling,White-rumped Sand- hatcheswere noted moving S at A.F.M.O. as early as mid- piper, Baird'sSandpiper, and Stilt Sandpiperwere widely re- Augustand most parts of the Regionexperienced a very good ported throughoutthe Region. At P.I.S.P. over 400 Dunlins flight. At A.F.M.O. a record114 were banded(GAH). Not many were counted Oct. 26 (JM). Purple Sandpiperswere seen at of theseremained in the Regionat the end of the period. Brown- P I S P., Nov. 6, 16, & 29 (JM etal.). Two Buff-breastedSandpip- headedNuthatches were reportedas usual from Chattanooga, erswere at RoanokeAug. 18 (BK) and one was at P.I.S.P., Sept. where they are increasing(RR). 6-21 (JM, RSt). Short-billed Dowitcherswere reported in numerous places throughout the Region and Long-billed WRENS THROUGH WARBLERS- The Carolina Wren is Dowitcherswere reportedfrom P.I.S.P.,Aug. 5 and Sept. 20-22 making a goodcomeback in most of its n. range.At Mosquito (JM,BF), and from PymatuningL., Pa., Oct. 19 (ML, RFL). Wil- Cr., O., the first onessince 1977 were seen(CB), and there were son'sPhalaropes were reportedfrom PymatuningL., Pa., Oct. severalrecords in Warren,Pa. (WH), in the extremenorth. Both 19-20 (RFL etal.), RoanokeAug. 25 (MD, NMi), and the Hiwas- Marsh and Sedgewrens were reportedmore widely than usual see Rec. Area, Tenn., Aug. 3 (B & JC). The flight of kingletswas not impressive.At P.N.R., Golden- At P.I.S.P., a Parasitic Jaegerwas seen Oct. 19 and two were crownedbandings were 47% aboveaverage but Ruby-crowned thereNov. 11 (JM,ME). At least5 LaughingGull sightingswere bandingswere 38% below average(RCL, RM). Another first for madeat P.I.S.P.during the period (JM)and this unusualspecies the Regionwas a Northern Wheatear at Bald Eagle S.P., Pa, was alsoseen at B.E.S.P.,Aug. 7, 10, & 25 (TS, CH), Hiwassee Sept.17 (TG). Veerieswere more commonthan usual, and more Rec Area, Tenn., Aug. 8 (R_R,L & KD), and Roanoke Aug. 18 people reported Gray-cheekedThrushes, but the picture for (BK) Little Gulls were at P.I.S.P.,Nov. 6 & 9 (TS, SS).At Pyma- Swainsoh's Thrushes remained bleak. At Elizabethton the tuningL., 500 Bonaparte'sGulls were seenNov. 11 (RFL,ML), flight was consideredto be a goodone (GE);but at P.N.R. only while 33 at KygerCr., O., Nov. 24 were unusual at that location 235were banded, 41% belowaverage and downfrom lastyear's (MGr). The now-regular Great Black-backedGull arrived at 619 (RM, RCL), and at A.F.M.O. only 255 were banded, 52% of B E S.P., Nov. 30 (TS). Caspian Terns were reported from averagenumbers (GAH). This poor fall flight followed a poor B E S.P., Huntington, W.Va., Lyndhurst, Va., Watauga L., spring flight. Tenn., Kingston,Tenn., and Nickajack L., Tenn. Forster'sTerns A N. Mockingbird was found at an elevation of 3400 ft in the were found at P.I.S.P., Aug. 24-Sept. 8 (JM), WataugaL., Tenn., ChattahoocheeN.F., Ga., the first sightingin that RangerDis- Aug 31 (GE),and Pittsburgh,Pa., Sept.5 (DF). A LeastTern was trict (HD). Water Pipits were very widely reported and were in at Hlwassee Rec. Area Aug. 15 (DC). good numbers. A N. Shrikewas first seenat B.E.S.P.,Oct. 27 (very early--TS) and remainedthrough the period. One was seen at Pittsfield, OWLS TO NUTHATCHES -- The Com. Barn-Owl was more Pa.,Nov. 3 (DO). LoggerheadShrikes were not listed on the Fall widely reportedthan usual,while the E. Screech-Owlremained Countin the Knoxville, Tenn., area(LF), but 15 were countedin in low numbersin most of the Region.At Lock Haven, Pa., the Rockinghamand n. Augusta, Va. (R.B.C.). Other reports came populationof GreatHorned Owls was thoughtto be increasing from Hardy, W.Va. (KF), Athens, W.Va. (JP),several sightings (PS) The only Snowy Owl report came from Tuscarora Sum- nearMonterey, Va. (LT), 4 sightingsat Elizabethton,Tenn. (GE), reit, Pa., Nov. 17 (CG). Long-earedOwls were at A.F.M.O., Oct. and 3 areasnear Chattanooga,Tenn. (RR). 8 (KF, RB), P.I.S.P., Nov. 2 & 3 (JM, DD), and Athens, W.Va., Forty-five Philadelphia Vireos were banded at A.F.M.O, a Nov 18 (JP).Short-eared Owls were at P.I.S.P., Nov. 2 (JM) and recordhigh (GAH), but at P.N.R. the bandingswere 47% below B E S.P., Nov. 12 (HH). A N. Saw-whet Owl was banded at average(RCL, RM). Solitary Vireos were more common than A F M.O., Sept. 26 and one was heard calling there Oct. 5-6 usual. (KF), and one was at P.I.S.P., Oct. 2 (BG). Most observersreported a generallypoor warbler flight, but The only heavy flight of Com. Nighthawks reported was a as usual there were places that saw a good many birds At countof 2000 over Staunton,Va., in early September(YL). At Norris,Tenn., only 16 specieswere bandedand 6 of thesewere P N R., the 95 Ruby-throatedHummingbirds banded was 23% in low numbers(CN). At P.N.R., 4 specieswere in well-above- abovethe 9-year average(RM, RCL), while at A.F.M.O. between averagenumbers and 6 otherswere in above-averagenumbers, Aug 15 and Sept. 16 146 hummingbirdswere liberated from while 9 were at or slightly below average,and 9 were in well- the netsand an additional 350 were seenflying by with a peak below-averagenumbers (RCL, RM). On the other hand, at of 114 fly-oversSept. 2 (GAH). Good detailswere submittedto A.F.M.O., 12 specieswere aboveaverage, 4 in averagenumbers, the localgroup of a RufousHummingbird [presumablyan adult and only 4 in below-averagenumbers (GAH). There was little male? K.K.] seenat Elizabethton,Tenn., Sept. 27 and Oct. 11- agreementbetween these 2 big banding operationsas to which 12 (RC). classificationa given speciesbelonged. At A.F.M.O. the 2 ex- Red-headedWoodpeckers were reported more widely than tremeswere represented by the 578 Blackpollsbanded (average usual.Red-bellied Woodpeckers were found at Athens,Pa., just = 827) and the 1103 Blackburniansbanded (average: 293) s of the New York-Pennsylvaniastate line, Oct. 19 (PS), an. On Sept. 7, 305 Blackburnian Warblers were banded there, in recordfor the Region,and one was at B.E.S.P.,also out of range, mostyears only about 800 Blackburniansare banded in North Sept 29 (CH). Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere in low numbers. America (GAH). Of the more unusual species, the Orange- Ohve-sidedFlycatchers were reportedfrom more locations crownedwas reportedfrom about 12 stationsover the Region, than usualbut most of thesereports were of one or two. Most of and the Connecticutwas more widely reported than usual A the smallflycatchers were in low numbers.A W. Kingbirdwas Yellow-throatedWarbler was at Pittsburgh,Aug. 23 (TF). seenat RoanokeOct. 6 (HT, MP) and a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher was found at HiwasseeRec. Area for several weeks in August (mob.) CARDINALINES THROUGH FINCHES-- Several observers The mild weather resulted in some late dates for swallows, commentedon the generalscarcity of N. Cardinals at feeding Oct 5 at Pittsburgh(RSf) and Tree Swallow Nov. 7 in Indiana, stationsin late November.Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Indigo Pa (AHe, MHi). The Com. Raven continued to thrive in the Buntingswere bandedin averagenumbers at P.N.R. (RCL, RM), higher country and there were several out-of-rangerecords: but the grosbeakwas below averageat A.F.M.O. (GAH). Dick- HlwasseeRec. Area, Tenn., Aug. 7 (DC); Twin Falls S.P., W.Va., cisselswere reported from Ashton, W.Va., Sept. 16 (TI), Dale- Aug 16 (JP);Greene, Pa., Sept. 16 (liB); CumberlandGap, Ky.- ville, Va., Sept. 22 (BK, MD), and Monterey, Va., Nov. 3 (LT) Va, Sept.21 and Nov. 8 (BA); and BrasstownBald, Ga., Sept. 28 AmericanTree Sparrowswere in goodnumbers near Youngs- (B & WD). town, O. (CB),but elsewherethey were almost completelyab-

Volume 40, Number 1 113 sent,a condition that has prevaded for 3 years now At P N R CONTRIBUTORS-- PdchardAlmy, BradAndres, Carole Babyak, most of the Embenmnes, whmh are October m•grants, were lohn Bazmn, Ed Beddow, Ralph Bell, Andy Berch•n,Kyle Bush, above average in numbers, and the Fox Sparrow staged the FredBusroe, Betty Campbell, lim Campbell,Dennis Carter, Dared b•ggestflight ever there with 86 banded (RCL,RM). In Washing- Chaffin,Guy Clark,Richard Clark, Morton Claster,lim Crum (lCr), ton, Pa., Henslow's Sparrowswith newly-fledgedyoung were David Darney, Harriett DiGioia, Mike Donahue, Ken Dubke, Ld found in early August (NK). A Sharp-tailedSparrow was seenat Dubke,Brenda St William Dunbar,Glen Eller, Midge Erskine,Erin Lavalette, W.Va., Oct. 18 (TI). Lapland Longspurswere at Faber,Bill Fink, KathleenFinnegan, Ted Floyd,David Flynn {DF1), P I S.P., from Sept. 22 (early) through the season(]M), in Mort- Linda Fowler, David Freeland, Carl Garner, Hugh Garrett, Liz Gar- tour, Pa., Oct. 31 (SSt), and one was seen in Kingston, Tenn., rett, MargueriteGeibel, Norris Gluck, Sally Goodin,Mike Griffith {MGr), Tom Grow, Bob Grubbs,Charles Handley, Paul Harhgan Nov 27 (SSd).Snow Buntingswere in Greene,Pa., Oct. 29 (œide (PHa),Cecil Hazlett {CH), Tom Heatley,Anne Hedgpeth{AHe), Etta RB), in Morttour, Pa., Nov. i (SSt); Pymatuning L., Pa., Nov. 3- Heinlen, Harry Henderson,lohn Heninger, Mozelle Henkel, Paul 17 (RFL); L. Arthur, Pa., Nov. 5 (N St TM); B.E.S.P., through Hess,Margaret Higbee {MHi), William Highhouse{WH), Audrey & November(TS); and PipestemS.P., W.Va., Nov. 7 (JP). Ron Hoff, William Howe, Hal Hubbs {HHu), Bill Hunley, George RustyBlackbirds were morecommon than usual,but no large Hurley, Tom Igou, Harris lohnson, Burr lones, Nick Kerlin, l•m blackbirdroosts were reportedby the end of the period. A N. King, Barrie Kinzie, YuLee Larner, Mary Leberman,Robert C Le- Oriole was still at Clarksvflle Oct. 14 (RB). berman,Ronald F. Leberman,Paul Lehman,Tony Marich, Nelhe Purple Fincheswere widespreadbut not in very large num- McGary,Thmnas McGary, lerry McWilliams,Norwood Middleton bers, while House Finches continued to thrive. Red Crossbills (NMi), RobertMulvihill, lohn Murray (JMu),Charles Nicholson, were reported from ShenandoahMt., Va., where they breed David Ostrander,I.B. Owen, David Pearson,Becky & lohn Pe- (R B.C.), but migrants were seen at Blacksburg,Va., Sept. 19 plinski, Dan Pfoutz, Glen Phillips, lim Phillips, Frank Preston, (lMu), State College,Pa., Nov. 8 (HH), Bald Eagle Ridge, Pa., Mike Purdy, RockinghamBird Club {R.B.C.),Lorraine Rollefson, Nov 21 (TS), Harvey's Knob, Va., Nov. 16 (BK), severalrecords StephenRottenborn, Robin Rudd, CharlesSchach, Ed Schell, Terry near Monterey, Va. (LT), ChattahoocheeN.F., Ga., Nov. 22-30 Schiefer,Helen Schmidt, Paul Schwalbe, Boyd Sharp, Robert S•mp- (HD), and G.S.M.N.P., Oct. 16 (PHa, HHu). son {RSi),Merit Skaggs,Ruth Snyder{RS), StanleyStahl {SSt), The only report of Com. Redpolls came from P.I.S.P., where AnneStamm, Russ States {RSt), Roberta Stauffer (RSf), Linda Stead- up to 100 were presentNov. 8-17 (TH). Pine Siskins were in man, StephenStedman {SSd), lean Stull, Sam Stull {SS), Leonard Fmrview, N.C., through the summer until Aug. 18 (R St JY). Teuber,A1 Thompson,Robert Tisony, Harry Turner,leffrey Walck, FrankWard, LeonWilson, Merrill Wood,Chuck Yohn, lerry Young, Small flocksbegan to appearin late Octoberand by the end of Ruth Young.--GEORGE A. HALL, Division of Forestry (Mail Ad- the period they were scatteredwidely over the Region. It did dress:Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 6045), West Virg•ma not appearto be a maiorinvasion, however. Evening Grosbeaks University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6045. beganto appearin the Regionin mid-Octoberand by the end of the period were reported from throughout.Distribution was spotty,however, and no great concentrationswere reported.

WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION

Daryl D. Tessen

heof rainfallautumn andwas thecharacterized remarkably earlybyan andabnormal intense amount arrival of winter. August had warm periods punctuated by cold fronts and occasional severe storms. Rainfall was heavy throughoutmost of the Region,with localized flooding occurring in several areas.The first one-half of Septemberwas unusually hot and humid with abundant rainfall continu- Ing During the last one-half, temperaturesproved more variable. Minnesota was cool, Wisconsin about average,and M•chigan above normal. However, precipitation continued heavy, even including somesnow in the Twin Cities on the 23rd, the earliest in 100 years. October saw the normal vari- ation in temperatures,with it generally continuing wet. But Novemberproduced a meteorologicalshock. Total possible sunshinewas only 6-15% of normal, making it a dismally cloudy month. Temperatures continued dropping until by Thanksgiving record lows of -16 ø to -32øF were being The fall migration was a contrastto last year's. Several recordedin northern Minnesota! Accompanyingthese low excellentpasserine waves moved through during the late temperatures were record snowfalls. During the second August-Septemberperiod. Good numbers of standard spe- week, five to sixteen inches fell over most of the Region. cieswere seen,in particular the thrushesand warblers. Th•s When the shock of this had almost worn off, the November was especially true for Wisconsin and Minnesota. October 29-Decemberi blizzard arrived. One to two feet (!) of snow alsohad severalgood flights, predominantlyduring the first fell over a large portion of the area. Needless to say, most of two-thirds of the month, this time in all three states. There- the Region was snow-coveredby the period's conclusion. afterthe numbersand variety decreasedmarkedly, more so For example,the Keweenaw Peninsula,in Michigan's Up- than is normal. per Peninsula,already had 60 inches with winter still offi- While the number of birds observedwas a pleasantsur- cially three weeks away. prise this fall, the rarities were not. In contrastto last year

114 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1986 the exciting finds were a disappointing few. The best of the hunter shot one Nov. 13 in Olmsted ([ide JBo). In Wisconsin meagerofferings included for Michigan a Green-tailedTow- Sontagdiscovered two at Manitowoc Nov. 21, with one (photo- hee, for Minnesota a White-winged Dove, Eurasian Wigeon, graphed)lingering into December(m.ob.). Most impressivewas Least Tern, and Great Black-backed Gull, and for Wisconsin a massive movement of Canada Geese into n. Wisconsin Oct. 2- a Black-billed Magpie, Great Black-backed Gull, and very 4. It was estimated200,000 + descendedupon the n. counties, cooperative Brant. to be found restingin almostevery availablefield (m.ob.).Peak numbers at the traditional stopover sites included 25,000 at ABBREVIATIONS- Place names in italics are counties. Shiawassee N.W.R., 70,000 at Lac Qui Parle W.A., and 125,000+ at Hoticon N.W.R. LOONS THROUGH HERONS- Eight Red-throated Loons At Minnesota's Lac Qui Parle W.A., 6500 Wood Ducks were were tallied during October-Novemberfrom 5 Wisconsinsites countedOct. 1 ([ide FE). A Eurasian Wiõeon was watched by including inland sightings in Chippewa 0P) and Forest (BR). many Minnesotabirders during late Octoberat Wood Lake Na- Michiganhad 2 sightings.Early were two HornedGrebes Sept. ture Center,Hennepin (ph.). Three King Eiders were seenNov. 9 at Crex Meadows W.A., Wis. OH), with 250 countedNov. 3 in 23-24 on L. Huron in Michigan's Alpena (BP, RP). A Harlequin Michigan'sBay (CF, TW I. Sightingsof Red-neckedGrebes away Duck was seen at Superior'sWisconsin Pt., Oct. 26 (RJ)with from their Wisconsin breeding territory included two Oct. 23 at one at Grand Marais Nov. 9-12 (K & MH, WP). There was a Superior(RJ) and one Nov. 16 at Madison (PA). In Michigan smatteringof Oldsquawand scotersightings from inland lakes. sightingsoccurred Oct. 17 in Baraga,Oct. 21 & 23 in Kalamazoo The scoter migration was a poor one Regionwide. All three (JG),and Nov. 9 in Berrien (RSi et al.). The only Eared Grebe specieswere found somewhat earlier than normal--late Sep- observationof the period was of one Sept. 19-21 near Duluth tember but thereafter only single birds to small-sized flocks (KE). The only W. Grebe seen away from its nestingterritory were noted. In Michigan's Bay good numbers of mergansers was one Oct. 13 in Ozaukee, Wis. (DH). were found, including 6000 CommonsNov. 29 and 8000 + Red- American White Pelican sightingsaway from their nesting breastedsNov. 3 (TW). For Wisconsinthe duck migrationwas territoryincluded Aug. 27 at Duluth (RN), Sept. 7 in Marquette, unusuallypoor, eliciting numerouscomments from observers Mich. (L & GM, GG), and two Sept. 20-27 at Rush L., Wis. (TZ) aboutthe poor variety and particularly the extremely low num- and Oct. 22-31 in Dunn, Wis. (JP, DT). About 4000 Double- bers found. crested Cormorants were observed by the Millards migrating Sept. 29 in Otter Tail, Minn. Two were still present in Green Bayat the end of November(EC). During the blizzard at the end of the period, three Great Blue Herons were found at LaCrosse (FL). A late GreatEgret was found Nov. 3 in Dakota, Minn. (TT). Snowy Egretswere found at Green Bay and in Otter Tail. Good numbers of Cattle Egrets were found at 2 locations, Green Bay (30 +) and Minnesota's Pelican L. (33). Unusually far n. were sightingsat Ely Aug. 13-16 (SS) and three at Ashland Oct. 8 (DV). Tardy was a Green-backedHeron Nov. 2 in Wisonsin's Marathon (K & JL).A Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was seenin Michigan's Van Buren Aug. 6 ([ide RA). In Wisconsin single birds were in WinnebagoAug. 7 (DT), Milwaukee Aug. 14 (WM), and Manitowoc Sept. 18-Oct. 16 (CS).

WATERFOWL THROUGH CRANES-- Besides the summer- ing Tundra Swan at Crex Meadows, Wis. (]H), other unusually early sightingsincluded Aug. 23 at Michigan's Pt. Mouille (PL, AR, TH) and Sept.24 in Wisconsin'sFond du Lac (lB). Numbers on Wisconsin's traditional resting areas were considerably Male Eurasian Wigeon at Woodlake, Minn., Oct. 26, 1985. below average, i.e., 1000-2000 instead of 10,000-15,000, but Photo/OscarL. •ohnson. substantialnumbers were seen migrating E during mid-Novem- ber. Minnesota had an impressive 10,000 at the Weaver marshesNov. 13-14 (D & Wlvl). Eleven Greater White-fronted A concentrationof 210 Turkey Vultures was noted Oct. 8 Geese were seen at Wisconsin's Horicon N.W.R., Oct. 26 0B). (SSw)at Devil's Lake S.P.,Wis. Latewas one Nov. 19 in Pepin, Six Brant were found at Port Huron Oct. 10 (KK). A Minnesota Wis. (CW). The Osprey flight in Wisconsin was very good. NorthernGoshawk sightings continued their downward trend with fewer seenthan their reduced number of last fall. Again this autumn the Broad-wingedflight was unimpressive.Out of rangeSwainsoh's Hawk sightingsincluded Oct. 5 in Wiscon- sin's Wood (DF) and four birds at Duluth during the season. Unusually early were Rough-leggedHawks in 2 Wisconsin counties,TaylorSept. 1 (SR) and Dunn Sept. 4 (JP).This species was very scarcein both Minnesota and Michigan. Twenty Gold- en Eagleswere recorded during the seasonat Hawk Ridge. For Wisconsinthere was a total of 5 sightingsand for Michigan one. The Merlin flight was early and impressive in Wisconsin and Minnesota, with migration already underway by late August. The PeregrineFalcon flight proved to be varied. In Michigan it was very poor, while Minnesota was only slightly below average.However, Wisconsin recordedgood numbers.For the sea- sonHawk Ridge had a total of 43,912 hawks. This was below average,attributed to too many warm days and predominantly E winds. Lesher found two Spruce Grouse in Douglas, Wis., Aug. 16; Brant at Manitowoc, Wis., Nov. 24, 1985.Photo/Charles Son tag. they are harder to locate in Wisconsin than in the other states.

Volume 40, Number 1 115 Peak Sandhill Crane numbers included 1434 for Michigan and CuckooOct 6 at Harnngton BeachS P (DT etal ), both Wiscon- 796 for Wisconsin. In the latter state an mlured bird was cap- sin. The Corn. Barn-Owl family (four young) watched during tured in late November and was being rehabilitated (K & JL). the summer at Deerfield, Wis., remained in the area at least through September.For a 4th consecutiveyear, Snowy Owls wereextremely scarce. In generalthis conditionprevailed with otherowl species--Long-eared,Short-eared, N. Saw-whet--tra- SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS-- At Manitowoc, the Pip- ditionallyfound at the majorbanding stations (Hawk Ridgeand ing Plover that appeared in late July remained until Sept. 6 CedarGrove). Minnesota had 4 Great Gray Owl reportsduring (m oh.). At least one more was found Sept. 19 & 29. In Marquette October and November. Duluth observers witnessed a massive three were present Sept. 8-14 (NI). Single Am. Avocets were Com. Nighthawk migration Aug. 27 when literally thousands found in Michigan at the Erie Gun Club Aug. 31 (KK) and passedthrough. They were impossibleto count as all day they ShlawasseeN.W.R., Sept. 25 (CF, BG, MHu). Minnesota had a swarmed around many points of the city. At Oshkosh,Wls, late observationof one Oct. 23 in Clay (NH). Late GreaterYel- 2000 Chimney Swifts were noted Sept. 10 (TZ). There were two lowlegs sightingsincluded Nov. 2 in Marathon (K & JL), Nov. 5 very late hummingbirds in Wisconsin. Both were coming to in Duaa (JP),and Nov. 9 in Fond du Lac (JB),all Wisconsin.The feeders in Chippewa, with One Nov. 16 and the other found Wallet that appeared at Manitowoc during late July remained deadNov. 19. While both were believed to be Ruby-throateds, throughAug. 9 (m.ob.). Also in Wisconsinwas one at LaCrosse the latter bird was being checked for positive identification Sept. 2 (FL). In Michigan one was found Aug. 7 in St. Clair (HD). (fide JP). BetweenAug. 27 and Sept. 9 a total of about six Whimbrels was Far n. was an imm. Red-headedWoodpecker Sept. 20 at Red- seen at Manitowoc (CS, JF, SSw). At Michigan's Pt. Mouillee ridge in the Upper Peninsula. Minnesota had a surprisingnum- one was seen intermittently Aug. 23-Sept. 1 (PL, AR et al.). ber of Three-toed Woodpecker sightings. Birds were found in Surprisingnumbers of Hudsonian Godwits were found in the Cookand Crow Wing but most impressivewere the 12 counted Regionthis fall including three in Michigan, two in Wisconsin, Oct. 6-Nov. 14 migrating through Duluth (m.ob.). Also repre- and a very late one Nov. 1 in Minnesota's Nicollet JFr). Two sentinga record migration were the 100 + Black-backedWood- Marbled Godwits were at Manitowoc Aug. 9 (CS) with one peckerstallied during the seasonat Duluth (m.ob.), including during Septemberat the Erie Gun Club, Mich. (fide PY). Impres- 16 Oct. 16 (MS). The latter specieswas found at 4 n. Wisconsin sive were the 30 + Red Knots during August and Septemberin and one Michigan site. Duluth also recorded a substantialN Michigan's Monroe (fide PY). Additional sightings included Flicker flight of 2200 Sept. 20 (DB). anotherin Michigan and a total of four in Wisconsin. Eight to ten W. Sandpipers were found during the early part of the seasonin both Wisconsin and Michigan. The Prattsobserved a Purple Sandpiper in Milwaukee Nov. 17. Buff-breastedSand- FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SHRIKES- Very late was a piper totals included 22 in Michigan and 12 in Wisconsin, GreatCrested Flycatcher at Grand Marais Oct. 18-19 (K & MH, down considerablyfrom the previousautumn. A Ruff was in BL). WesternKingbirds were found Sept. 16 at StoneyPt, near Monroe, Mich., Oct. 18 (JR).The Am. Woodcockseen Nov. 9 in Duluth (fide KE) and Sept. 26 at Redridge, Mich. A Scissor- Marathon, Wis. (K & JL), was late. Small numbersof Red-necked tailed Flycatcher was watched and photographed by the Phalaropeswere found in all 3 statesincluding a sightingof six Gellersalong a country road in Dane, Wis., Aug. 17. One was at Duluth, the first there in years. seenat Minnesota's Grand Marais Oct. 2 (K & MH). A concentra- There were few jaeger sightingsthis fall. Minnesota had an tion of 3000 Purple Martins was found in Hennepin, Mlnn, unidentified individual Sept. 5 at Lake of the Woods L., and a Sept. 5 (OJ). Thousands of Cliff Swallows migrated through Parasitic there Sept. 7 (AJ). At Duluth two unidentified birds Duluth during the 3-day period Aug. 18-20 (fide KE). There was were found Aug. 29-Sept. 21 (m.ob.). For Michigan single Para- a localizedinvasion of Gray Jaysin Minnesota,mainly in Du- sltlcs were at Port Huron Oct. 10 (KK) and Bay Oct. 27 (TW). luth. The movementcommenced in Septemberand continued Franklin's Gulls were reported from one Michigan and 5 Wis- into December.A Black-billed Magpie was observedat the w consinsites. There were fewer Little Gull sightingsthis fall than edgeof Appleton,Wis., Nov. 14 by Compton.This represented in previousyears. Wisconsin had severalbirds at Manitowoc the first sightingin the state in severalyears. The Red-breasted until Sept. 4 (CS et al.), two at Racine Aug. 25 (GD), and one at Nuthatchpicture proved highly variable this year. The migra- Milwaukee Nov. 3 (K & DL). In Michigan one was at Sturgeon tion was poor in Wisconsin, good in Michigan but only for the Pt ,. Oct. 23 (RP). Thayer's Gulls were found in Minnesota at first one-halfof the period, after which the birds almosttotally Duluth, Grand Marais, and Black Dog Lake. Glaucous Gulls disappeared.For Minnesota the movement, especiallyin the s turnedup at 4 Wisconsinsites including a very early individual one-half,was early and substantial.The only Carolina Wren Sept. 12 at Manitowoc (CS). reportwas from Michigan with one found Sept. 15 and Oct 30 Great Black-backed Gulls were found in all 3 states. In Wis- at Reed'sL. (JM eta/.). Good numbersof Golden-crownedKing- consinGlueckert saw an adult Oct. 1 at Algoma.LaFond briefly letsmigrated through Wisconsin and Michigan, especiallydur- watched an adult at Duluth Nov. 17. In Michigan, where the ingOctober. The Blue-grayGnatcatcher found Sept.22 at Grand speciesis lessrare, were one at Tawas Pt., Oct. 26 (RP), two at Marais was unusually far n. for Minnesota (K & MH). Whitefish Bay Nov. 5 (RP), and several in Monroe during No- Three Mountain Bluebirds were found in Minnesota: Aug 24 vember(m.ob.). The only Black-leggedKittiwake for the Region in Beltfatal (KL), Oct. 13 in Lac Qui Parle (AB), and Oct 24 at wasfound at Michigan's Holland S.P., Nov. 20 (JM). Two differ- Duluth (MS eta/.). Two Townsend'sSolitaires accompanied a ent Sabine's Gulls were seen on Lake of the Woods L., Minn., flockof robinsfeeding on berriesat Devil's Lake S.P. (SSw) with Sept. 3 & 17 by Johnston.In Michigan one was seen in mid- anotherappearing during November in Baileys Harbor, October at St. Joseph (RS). A concentrationof 225 Caspian (fide RL), remaininginto December.For Minnesotasingle birds Terns was at the Manitowoc impoundment Aug. I (CS). An were recorded in Duluth and Grand Marais. Thousands of Am lmm. Least Tern was discovered by Kyllingstad Aug. 11 at Robinsmigrated through Duluth Oct. 5 (fide KE). Four Varied Cottonwood.It remainedthrough the 14th, enablingmany Min- Thrushesappeared in Wisconsin with three of them remaining nesotabirders to enjoy it. at feedersinto December(Colby--BC; near Hurley--BLe, near Taylor--VC). Northern Mockingbirdswere seenat Duluth and the Twin Cities,the only reportsthis fall. BohemianWaxwings appearedin n. Minnesota and n. Wisconsin during November DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS- Minnesota estab- There was a substantialN. Shrike flight in Wisconsinthis fall, lished its first record for White-winged Dove when Backstrom birds were surprisinglynumerous, especially during Novem- carefullystudied one at closerange Oct. 13 (wild?). Late was a ber. LoggerheadShrikes were observed in Wisconsin--five Black-billedCuckoo Oct. 17 in Barron (AG) and a Yellow-billed birds, and Michigan--two birds.

116 AmericanBirds, Spring1986 VIREOS THROUGH FINCHES-- A White-eyed Vireo was at Warren Woods, Mich., Aug. 31 (KK). Late were two Yellow- throated Vireos in Oakland, Mich., Oct. 16 (CH). North of its normal range was a Golden-winged Warbler in Lake o[ the Woods, Minn., Aug. 25 (RJa). Minnesota had one of its few sightingsof the "Audubon's"race of Yellow-rumped Warbler with an individual Nov. 21 at Grand Marais (K & MH). Record late datesfor Pine Warbler were Nov. 24 in Wright (RJa)and Nov. 27-28 in Austin, Minn. (m.ob.). Also late was a Blackpoll Warbler at Grand Marais Oct. 19 (K & MH, BL). The Ovenbird that fed with juncosNov. 13 at SundeWsfeeders in Cedarburg, Wis., was very late. Kentucky Warblers were seen at Kalamazoo NatureCenter Aug. 13 (ND, banded)and Sept. 8 in Fond du Lac (lB) and Sept. 15 in Winnebago(TZ), Wis. A c• Hooded Warbler Oct. 6 at Wisconsin'sHarrington BeachS.P. was late (BCo,DT). Also late was a Canada Warbler Oct. 21 in Waukesha (RSm). On Oct. 3 Hardy had a Summer Tanagerin her yard in Price, Wis. A Rose-breastedGrosbeak commenced coming to a feeder in Taylor, Wis., during November (K & JL et at.). The Blue Grosbeakseen Oct. 3 in Minnesota'sMurray representeda record late date (MD). Very late was a Dickcissel Oct. 13 in Ozau- kee, Wis. (lB). A Green-tailed Towhee appeared at the Toby Royal Tern in Manitowoc, Wis., June 18, 1985. First Wisconsin feederin Sylvan Lake, Mich., in late October.It remained into record. Photo/JeffBaughman. Decemberand was seenby many birders.The Le Conte'sSpar- row found Nov. 10 in Scott representeda record late date for Minnesota(RJa). A Sharp-tailed Sparrow was seen Sept. 29 in Dane, Wis. (ST). Early was a Lapland Longspur Sept. 19 in Door,Wis. (BCo).Michigan found this speciesto be very scarce CORRECTION- The Blackpoll Warbler reported Apr. 2, this fall. There were several early Snow Bunting sightingsin 1985 in Michigan should read Apr. 25, 1985. Wisconsinincluding Oct. 8 in Bay[ield (SSw). A N. Oriole appeared at Kyllingstad's feeder Oct. 20 in Marshall, Minn., where it fed on orangesand grapes.It remained until Nov. 10 CONTRIBUTORS-- Ray Adams, Philip Ashman,P. Backstrom, when "it was sent to Texas by car!" Another came to a feeder JeffBaughman, David Blockstein,A1 Bolduc,Jerry Bonkoski (JBo}, throughNov. 16 in Chippewa ([ide JP). Ed Cleary,Betty Clifford, Olive Compton,Bill Cowart(BCoJ, Vivian The winter finchesprovided a confusingpicture this year. A Currm•,Harriet Davidson,Gerald DeBoer,Nancy DeBoer,Melvina few speciesshowed signs of a movement similar to the banner DeKam, John Eastman, Kim Eckerl (Minnesota}, Fred Eckhardt, onesof earlier years.Other speciesappeared in good numbers Don Follen, Chip FrancIce,Jim Frank, JohnFrentz (JFr),Gregg & DebbieGeller, R. Glassel,Kevin Glueckert,Alta Goff,Jim Granlund, only to disappearalmost totally by period'send. And still other BobGrefe, G. Gregg,Don Hanbury,Maybelie Hardy, Tom Heatley, specieswere hardly recordedat all. Good Pine Grosbeaknum- NestorHiemenz, JamesHoetier, Ken & Molly Hoffman, Mark Hu- berswere noted duringNovember in the Upper Peninsulawith binger{MHu}, ChrisHull, Nick Ilnicky, RobertJanssen [R|a}, Oscar somefiltering into the Lower Peninsulaby December.Numbers Johnson,Robbye Johnson, Arthur Johnston, Keith Kamper,Henry were considerablylower in Wisconsinand especiallyMinneso- Kyllingstad,Ken LaFond, Karl & Dorthy Legler, Bertha Lehman ta. The Purple Finch movement in Wisconsin was excellent (BLe},Paul Lehman,Fred Lesher,Bill Litkey, Ken & JanLuepke, until late Novemberwhen numbersrapidly decreased.A com- Roy Lukes,Don & Wym• Mahle, L. & G. Marcotte, Jim Markham, parablesituation existed in Michigan. A HouseFinch Sept.2 at Steve& Diane Millard, William Mueller, R. Newman, Rod Planck, Pipestone N.M. (RG) represented one of the few Minnesota JaninePolk, Walter Popp,Dave Powell (Michigan}, Lance & Jeanne sightings,the first away from a feeder.In s. Michigan the spe- Pratt, Bob Preston,Bill Reardon,Jack Reinoehl, Sam Robbins,AI ciescontinued to increaserapidly, now beingclassified as com- Ryff,Steve Schon, Raymond Smith (RSm}, Roy Smith (RSi}, Charles mon. Sontag,M. Stensaas,Roger Sm•dell, Scott Swengel(SSw}, Daryl Both crossbillspecies were remarkably scarceRegionwide. Tessen(Wisconsin}, Steve Thiessen, M. Toby, Tom Tustison,Dick EarlyCorn. Redpoll reportsfrom Wisconsinincluded Sept. 22 Verch, Terry Walsh, Curt Wilda, Paul Young, Tom Ziebell.-- in Taylor (SR) and Sept. 26 at Superior (RJ).Average numbers DARYL D. TESSEN,2 PioneerPark Place, Elgin, IL 60120. were found in both Minnesotaand Wisconsincommencing in mid-October.However, Michigan had its bestflight since 1981- 1982, with good numbersin early November and increasing thereafter. A few Hoaries were found mixed in with the Com- mons in Minnesota, and Wisconsin had one sighting. Only Michiganrecorded good Pine Siskin numbers,mainly in Octo- ber and early November.Early Evening Grosbeaksightings in Wisconsinincluded Aug. 4 in LaCrosse(FL), mid-August in Eau Claire (]P), and Aug. 29 in Milwaukee (IF). Once again Michigan recordedthe best flight with large numbersin Octo- berand November,e.g., 1000 Oct. 19 in Allegan (]E), represent- ing the best movement in 4 years.

ADDENDUM-- The Royal Tern seen at Manitowoc, Wis., from mid-Juneinto early July was acceptedby the recordscommittee.Photographs conclusively proved it to be this species, enabling it to be added to the state list.

Volume 40, Number I 117 MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION

Bruce G. Peterjohn •.S, i MiNk, • ( '• • ,) ONT..._• DAK.'"'•',j._,•,,,.•.,,.• WIS. •,. • MICH, S ummer'srelatively cool and dry weather patterns continued throughAugust. They were reinforcedby several cold fronts during the last one-half of the month which were accompaniedby the first waves of migrant passerines.Un- City usually warm temperaturesreturned briefly in early Sep- temberand slowed migrationto a trickle. Cold fronts during the latter one-half of the month, especially September 21- 22, broughtnormal temperaturesand impressive passerine movementsto many areas. October had normal tempera- J...... :•K ..... •t:,•,,% ILL' • I•ouZsvi,•• • tures and rainfall, with strongcold fronts October 5-6 and 11-13 producing spectacular movements along the Great Lakes.During mostof November,a stationaryfront bisected the Region extending from northern Missouri to northern Illinois. A seriesof low presurecells moved alongthis front, bringingwinter-like conditionsto the north and above-normal temperatures plus record-settingprecipitation to the 91 at MarkTwain N.W.R., Sept.27-Oct. 26 (tDBe, m.ob.)and 23 south. Excellent waterbird movementsaccompanied most in HancockSept. 30 (RAd). Two alsowandered e. alongL. Erie of thesecells. In summary,it was one of the best fall migra- to ClevelandSept. 1. Healthy numbersof Double-crestedCor- tions of the past decadewith unprecedentedmovements of morantswere indicatedby concentrationsof 1200 at Saylor- various birds plus an excellent assortmentof rarities. ville Res.,Ia., in early October (SD), 900 at Independence,Mo., Oct. I (KH), 700 at O.W.R., Sept. 19 (JP), 200-270 at 5 Illinois ABBREVIATIONS-- S.C.R.= SquawCreek Nat'l. Wildlife Ref., locations,76 alongL. Michigan in Indiana, and 55 at Louisville Mo.; O.W.R. = OttawaNat'l. Wildlife Ref., O.; M.M.W.A. = Magee Nov. 25 (BP). Marsh Wildlife ManagementArea, O.; Spfld. = Springfield,Ill. Bothbittern speciesimproved slightly from last year with 13 Italicized place names are counties. AmericanBittern reports, including one foundstuck in tar on the roof of an urban Cincinnati apartment building {fide W}, and 10 sightingsof Leasts.Largest concentrations of Great Blue LOONS THROUGH IBISES-- An unprecedentednumber of Heronsand GreatEgrets totalled 100-150 and 165-195,respec- Red-throatedLoons appeared in the Great Lakes states Oct. tively, in Illinois, where a late Great Egretremained at Decatur 13 + with at least 13 individuals in Ohio, eight in Illinois, and throughDec. 1 {RP,MD}. Snowy Egretsflocked near their nest- one in Indiana. A casualmigrant farther w., singleswere detect- ing colonieswith 39 at HorseshoeL., Ill., Aug. 4 {SR}, 19 in ed near St. Louis Nov. 12 {tDBe} and at Saylorville Res., Ia., Fulton, Ky., Sept. 1 {BP, RCi}, and 11-20 along w. Lake Erie. Nov. 30 {SD, tRM}. The only acceptablydocumented Pacific Smaller numbers from 12 additional sites constituteda good Loon was describedfrom Spfld., Nov. 9 {?H}. An early Corn. numberof fall reports.Little Blue Heronscongregated at Horse- Loon in Buchanan,Mo., Sept. 12 {L} presagedan excellent shoeL., Ill., with 150 on July 30 {RG},but only small numbers migrationthrough the n. states.Largest flocks totaled 60-191 in appearedelsewhere with 18 in w. Kentucky and 16 in s.w. Illinois Oct. 20-Nov. 16, 125-246 in Indiana Nov. 3-17, and 71- Iowa. One in Fulton, Ky., Oct. 21 was late {Set al.}. Tricolored 79 in Iowa Nov. 10-11, while many flocks of 75-214 passed Heronswere notedat traditional sitesalong w. LakeErie and at through Ohio Nov. 13+. L. Calumet,Ill., duringAugust, and one appearedat Horseshoe The grebemigration was equally impressive. Flocks of Pied- L., Ill., Aug. 25 {fJV}. Fewer Cattle Egretswere reported with billedsappeared in all stateswith maximaof 492 at Saylorville maximaof 100 at HorseshoeL. and 35 alongw. LakeErie; there Res.,Ia., Sept. 22 {SD}and 237 in LaPorte,Ind., Oct. 10 {D & SP}. were 3 Novembersightings through Nov. 16 in w. Kentucky. HornedGrebes returned in mid-Septemberwith above-normal MigrantGreen-backed Herons remained fairly low, peakingat numbersin Missouri and Iowa where 41 made the largestflock. 10-25 in several states.Late birds lingered through Nov. 9 in Farther e., numbers remained low with maxima of 40-90. A Illinois. Thirteen Yellow-crownedNight-Herons at Dayton, O., normalnumber of Red-neckedGrebes included 2 Iowa reports, Sept.4 {CM et al.} and 10-12 at Louisville in mid-August{BP} wherefour congregatednear Ames Oct. 19 {?JDet al.}, plus one werefairly largeflocks for this Region.Plegadis ibises appeared or two at 3 Illinois sites. Above-normal numbers of Eared at singlesites in Iowa, Ohio, and Missouri, plus 3 Illinois loca- Grebespassed through the GreatLakes states Sept. 15 + with 12 tionsAUg. 26-Nov. 3; their identitieswere debatedbut conclu- sightingsthroughout Illinois, 3 in Ohio, and 2 in Indiana. sive descriptionswere not provided. Sincethe morphsof WesternGrebes have been recently split, observersshould carefully distinguishbetween them. Within WATERFOWL-- A recordTundra Swan movementthrough this Region,all Clark's Grebesmust be documented,as should the n. statesbegan with nine early migrantsin Lyon, Ia., Sept. all Westernse. of the Mississippi R. WesternGrebes also ap- 23 {fide DH}. As expected, most were noted duriug November pearedin unusualnumbers. They arerare migrants through the with strongmovements Nov. 13-16 & 23-28. Representative w. stateswhere 5 Iowa reportsincluded 14 at Saylorville Res., maximaincluded Iowa flocks of 675 at DubuqueNov. 15 {BS} Oct. 26 {FM, RM} and onewas notedin Missouri.Farther e., one and 500 in Allamakee Nov. 16 {FM}, Illinois counts of 190 at or two W. Grebeswere adequatelydescribed from 3 Illinois OswegoNov. 13-14 {EB} plus 3 Chicagoarea flocks of 93-136 locationsOct. 26-Nov. 16 although6 additional reportscould betweenNov. 13-28. an Indiana report of 500 in Lake in addi- notbe assignedto species,another unidentified grebeappeared tion to a maximum of 113 along L. Michigan, while 13,000 in Indiana,and a Westernwas photographedat BayVillage, O., massedat O.W.R., Nov. 23 {fide TB}. The s. stateshardly shared Nov.24 {?WK}.A Clark'sGrebe was studiedat SaylorvilleRes., in this flight;Missouri had 2 sightingswith 18 at S.C.R.,Nov. 21 Oct. 13 (?FM}, providing the 2nd record for Iowa. {BH,m.ob.} and Kentucky'sonly reportwas of 19 nearBurliug- The expectedconcentrations of Am. White Pelicanstotalled ton Nov. 23 {LM}. 600-1000in w. Iowa and Missouri.They are rare fall migrants Unusual numbers of Greater White-fronted Geeseappeared throughIllinois where 5 sightingsincluded unusual flocks of only in Illinois where they were found at 10 locationsOct. 11 +

118 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 including flocks of 55 at Spfld., Oct. 24 (H) and 42 at Batavia Scoterswere not as impressivealthough 55 were recordedat Oct. 23 (DCa).Three at Killdeer PlainsW.M.A., Nov. 17-18 (DO, Wilmette,II1., Oct. 20 (R & MB). The 17 inland sightingsfrom all GO) provided a rare fall record for Ohio. Snow Geesereturned statesexcept Missouri constitutedan unusually large number to w. Kentuckyby Sept. 19. Novemberflocks in w. Iowa and for the 2nd consecutiveyear. An early White-winged Scoter Missouri were estimatedat 350,000 + and harbored the expect- returnedto ClevelandAug. 26-27 (J& DHo). Once again,White- ed small numbersof Ross'Geese with a maximum of eight at winged was the least numerousscoter on the Great Lakes with S.C.R., Nov. 7 (L). Farther e. where they are still casual mi- maxima of 14-18 although small numbers were noted at 22 grants,Ross' Geese appeared at St. Charles,Mo., Nov. 2, Bald- inland sites in all states.Other early ducks included single win L., Ill., Nov. 3 (J-DBeet al.), and Spfld., Nov. 16 (H et al.). Corn. Goldeneyesat Evanston,Ill., Sept. 21 (BHu) and Moga- Brantstaged an unprecedentedmovement along the s. shoreof doreRes., O., Oct. 2 (LR) plus a Buffleheadin Worth,Ia., Oct. 6 L. Erie when 290+ migrated past Erie Nov. 11 (J, TL et al.). (fide JH). Hooded Merganserswere numerous with flocks of Many smallerflocks were noted e. alongthe lake throughNov. 100-300-1-in most states.Lastly, an Ohio Division of Wildlife 30 + but only one Brant appearedat Toledo. A few wandered aerial survey estimated 210,000 (ñ20%) Red-breastedMer- inland with 14 near Lawrenceburg,Ind., Nov. 16 where six gansersalong L. Erie Nov. 29, demonstratingtheir abundance remainedNov. 17-25 (J-PW,m.ob.) and one was notedat Hoover along the lake during November. Res., O., Nov. 16-18 (J-J,MG et al.).

HA WK$ THROUGH CRANES- Migrating hawks accumulated in few noteworthyconcentrations. Black Vultures did not wander far, appearingin Dayton, O., and Springfield, Mo. Os- preysreturned in good to excellent numbers;31 migratingpast ChicagoSept. 24 (R & MB, m.ob.) was exceptional for this Re- gion.The mild weatherenticed many to linger into November with a total of 17 reportsthrough Dec. 1 at CedarvilleRes., Ind. (fideHaw), and De Witt, Ill. (LA, KR), and Nov. 24 at Wellington Res.,O. (J & DHo). Improved numbersof Bald Eaglesappeared in most states.Sixty N. Harriers in LaPorte, Ind., Nov. 29 (T & LSt) were noteworthysince relatively small numbersappeared elsewhere.Increased numbers of Cooper's Hawks were very encouraging.The N. Goshawkflight was strongin Illinois with 15 reportsbeginning Oct. 5-6 in the Chicagoarea, although only four were noted in Iowa and two in Ohio. Singleswandered s. to Miami, O., Nov. 12 (fideCM) and Clinton L., Ill., Oct. 26 (RCh). The largestBroad-winged Hawk movementtotalled 2000 in Clinton, Ia., Sept. 24 (fide P) while kettles of 200-600 were scatteredacross Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri Sept. 14-Oct. 1. The only Illinois Swainsoh'sHawk was reportedat Spfld., Oct. Immature male King Eider at Port of Indiana, Nov. 29, 1985. 13 (J'H eta/.) and late migrantsremained in Vernon, Mo., Nov. Photo/Tim Keller. 11 (fide KH) and Cedar Falls, Ia., Nov. 3 (FM). Rough-legged Hawksreturned to the n. statesby Sept. 21-Oct. 5 and moderate numbersappeared by late November. Golden Eagle sightings Puddle ducks were generally unremarkablealthough 1000 were above normal, beginningSept. 17 in Dickinson, Ia. (fide Green-wingedTeal were noted in Fulton, Ill., Oct. 19 (RP) and DH), with 14 reports from Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and n.w. Mallardswere abundantalong w. LakeErie and in c. Illinois. A Ohio. The falcon migration was encouraging.Approximately d Cinnamon Teal was reported from Forhey L., Sept. 7 (RC), 33 Merlin reportspeaked with 10 at Evanston,Ill., Sept. 25 (RB) providinga rarefall recordfor Iowa, while a femalewas closely and eight at Illinois Beach S.P., Ill., Sept. 24 (JWi). Increased studied Sept. 30 at Spfld. (J'H) where they are casual during PeregrineFalcon reports were augmentedby Cornell-released either migration.While Eur. Wigeon are decidedly rarer in fall birds that were noted as early as late August. The 65 + Per- than spring,a male near St. Joseph,Mo., Oct. 24 (J-Let al.) was egrine sightingsincluded 23 at Evanston, Ill., Sept. 25 (RB), the exceptionalin a statewhere they are accidentalat any season. bestflight in many years. A gray-phaseGyrfalcon was briefly In contrast,diving duck numbers were reasonablygood. Can- studiedat Wilmette, Ill., Nov. 17 (J-R& MB et al.) while the only vasbackspeaked at 17,000 near Keokuk, Ia., Nov. 14 (RCe), and Prairie Falcon was reported from Winnebago, I11., Nov. 6 early migrant Redheadsreturned to Cleveland Aug. 10. Scat- (J-DWi). teredinland Greater Scaup reached a maximumof 10 at Louis- Rails were poorly representedthis fall. The only acceptable ville while Lesserstotalled 9200 at Keokuk, Ia., Oct. 27. A small Yellows were a tower kill at Alleman. Ia., Sept. 21 (SD) plus one flight of King Eidersdeveloped along L. Erie Nov. 8-25 where 4 in Greene,Ia., Sept. 30 0-RM). Otherwise, Kings were discov- reportsincluded a maximum of sevenat Lorain Nov. 24 (J-TLet eredat 6 locationsin the n. states,Virginias lingered through al.). A single male also appearedat Port of Indiana, Ind., Nov. Nov. 29 at Spfld. (H) and Nov. 30 in Seneca,O. (TB), and Soras 28 + (CF, J-m.ob.,ph.). Two King Eiders were eventually cor- peaked at 25-40 in Missouri and Ohio. Common Moorhens rectly identified at DeSoto N.W.R., Ia., Nov. 10-24 (JD et al., were rather numerouswith groups of 30-32 in Indiana and J-m.ob.,ph.); there were few previousrecords from Iowa. Single Illinois plus a late bird at M.M.W.A., Nov. 6 (JP). Impressive Harlequin Ducks at 2 L. Erie and 2 L. Michigan sites made a Am. Coot flocks totalled 31,650 near Keokuk, Ia., Oct. 27 (RCe) normal number for fall. Oldsquaw numbers improved over re- and 10,000 at Willow Slough W.M.A., Ind., Nov. 17 (CK, TK), cent yearswith a maximum of 150 at ChicagoNov. 17 (R & MB) while a "white-shielded" coot was discovered at Chicago. A plus a total of 17 inland reportsfrom all statesbeginning with Sandhill Crane at O.W.R., Aug. 7 (JP) was probably a non- an early migrant at Waterloo, Ia., Oct. 11 (FM). Black Scoters breeder. Migrants passedthrough n. Illinois Sept. 24-Oct. 27 also appearedalong L. Erie in unprecedentednumbers when with a maximum of 585 at ChicagoOct. 6 (JL). The November 600+ migrated past Erie Nov. 11 (Jet al.) and many smaller movement from Jasper-PulaskiW.M.A., Ind., included 1236 flockswere notedfarther e. throughNov. 25 +. A remarkable23 over Bloomington,Ind., Nov. 4 (LS) and 9 w. Ohio reports inland sightingsincluded Iowa singles at Spirit L., Nov. 14 where 96 constitutedthe largestflock. Extralimital birds ap- 0-DH) and DeSotoN.W.R., Nov. 16 (J'BPret al.), where they are pearedin Dickinson,Ia., Nov. 19 (fide DH) and Sangamon,IlL, casual,plus a maximum of 11 at Louisville Oct. 28 (BP). Surf Nov. 11 (H, DOe).

Volume 40, Number 1 119 SHOREBIRDS-- Shorebirdswere fairly well distributed in Buff-breastedSandpipers were generally scarcealthough a most states. Both Black-bellied Plovers and Lesser Golden-Plo- remarkable78 congregatedin Ottawa,0., Sept. 12 (JP).The only vers were numerous along the Great Lakes with respective acceptablydocumented Ruff was a female at Crane CreekS.P., maxima of 250 at O.W.R., Aug. 5 (JP)and 500 at Evanston,fll., O., Aug. 16 (.[JP).Dowitcher numberswere generally fair al- Oct. 9 {RB).Both ploversremained through Nov. 21-23 at Cleve- thoughLong-billed concentrations of 200 at O.W.R., Oct. • (TL), land {TL, m.ob.).Piping Plovers staged a modestcomeback with 94 at BaysBranch, Ia., Oct. 12 (SD),and 100 at Banner,IIL, Oct. 8 Illinois sightingsthrough Oct. 13, 4 reports from Ohio, one 5 (MBa) were respectablefor those states. The mild weather from Missouri, and one at Louisville Aug. 12-16 {BP, m.ob.}.It allowed Am. Woodcocksto linger through Dec. 5 at Carbon- was a goodfall for Am. Avocetswith 26 reportsfrom all states. dale, Ill. (TF), Nov. 28 at Spfld. (H), and Nov. 26 near Dayton,O. The largestflock was of 20 at Barrington,I11., Sept. 19 {NG},and (PF). Wilson's Phalaropesattained a Great Lakes maximum of a late avocet remained at L. St. Mary's. O., through Nov. 7. A 19 at Chicagoand the largest inland flock totalled eight. Sur- total of 500 GreaterYellowlegs at Banner, Ill., Oct. 9 {TP) was prisingly,Red-necked Phalaropes were more numerousinland large for this Region. Willets were also numerous with 19 re- than along the Great Lakeswith flocks of 23 at Union Slough portsfrom all statesexcept Missouri. An unprecedentedearly N.W.R., Ia., Aug. 23 (SD) and nine at Banner,IIL, Sept. 28 (RP et August movementbrought flocks of 117 to Atterbury W.M.A., aL). A late migrant was noted at Headlands S.P., O., Nov. 9 Ind. {JM, BG), and 23 to Louisville {BP} Aug. 5, plus 4 Great (MG). The 5 Red Phalaropereports from the Great Lakes Sept. Lakesflocks of 10-17 during Aug. 5-10. A late SpottedSandpip- 25-Nov. 20 were expectedwhile inland singleswere document- er remainedat ClevelandNov. 11 {J& DHo). The only sizable ed from Havana, Ill., Sept. 14-15 (.[RP, m.ob.) and near Banner, flock of Upland Sandpiperstotalled 44 in Lake, Ind., Aug. 21 Ill., Oct. 2-5 (RS, .[m.ob.), where they are casual migrants. {KB et al.). As usual, Whimbrels were restricted to the Great Lakes, where they were found at 7 locationsthrough Oct. 13 with a JAEGERSTHROUGH TERNS-- It was certainly a goodfall maximum of 10 at ClevelandAug. 10 {TL}. Hudsonian Godwits for jaegers.Unfortunately, most reports lacked sufficient details were numerous along w. Lake Erie where 40 at Metzget Marsh to positivelyidentify them. Brockreported 15 jaegersightings W.M.A., Oct. 5 (JP)was the largestflock. Inland Hudsonians alongL. Michigan in n.w. Indiana this year; singleson Sept. 21 were noted at 5 Illinois and 3 Ohio locations with maxima of six and Nov. 24 were noted to have small white crescents on the at Hoover Res., O., Oct. I (J) and Rend L., Ill., Oct. 6 {LH}. In underprimary coverts,possibly indicative of Pomatines.No contast,Marbled Godwits were scarce,with only one observed other Pomatines were adequately documented. Parasitic Jae- along L. Erie, while inland birds appeared at single locations in gerswere scatteredalong both GreatLakes with maximaof two Illinois and Indiana. Ruddy Turnstoneswere widely reported to three in the Chicagoarea during October and November. with the latest at Michigan City, Ind., Nov. 27 {KB). A normal Inland Parasiticswere describedfrom Saylorville Res.,Ia., Oct. numberof Red Knotsappeared along the GreatLakes where the 13-17 {.[RM, .fro.oh.)and ChautauquaN.W.R., Ill., Oct. 19-27 largestflock was of seven.Most noteworthy of 6 inland reports {.[KR,.[TP et al.). Unidentified jaegersalso appeared at 2 inland were singlesat FisherL., Ia., Sept. 19-20 {.[SD et aLL St. Charles, locations in Illinois and one in Missouri. Mo., Aug. 24 {.[VB),and Rend L., Ill., Sept. 22-23 {TF), where they are casualmigrants, plus a late bird at Spfld., Oct. 25 {H). SoAo LeastSandpipers peaked at 1000 near Banner,I11., Oct. 12 {TP) While LaughingGulls havebecome rare but regular and late birds remainedthrough Nov. 30 at Barberton,O. {LR}. visitors to the Great Lakes states, this fall's movement White-rumped Sandpiperswere scarcebut Baird's were wide- was truly remarkable.They first appearedAug. 7 with spreadwith a maximum of 15 at OregonAug. 20 (PL) constitut- one at Louisville (BP), two at Cincinnati (.[AK et al.), ing a largeflock for Ohio. The largestreported flock of Pectoral and small numbers along L. Erie which rapidly grew Sandpiperswas of 2000 at Banner, Ill., Sept. 28 (TP). A juv. to flocksof 18 at Clevelandand 10 at Lorainby Aug. 12 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper againgraced the Regionwhen one was (fideRHa). Thesenumbers diminished by late August although scattered individuals remained along the lake all fall. Some wandered inland where there were 3 reports from Kentucky and 2 from Ohio through Sept. 2 including a flock of 12 at C.J. Brown Res., O., Sept. 2 (.[DO. m.ob.). In Illinois and Indiana, they first appeared Aug. 12-18 but most were observed in Sep- tember.They were found at 10 Illinois locationswith a maximum of three at Alton Sept. 8-9 (ñPS, m.ob.) and there were 2 Indiana sightings. Single birds remained unusuallylate, throughNov. 20 at Carlyle L., Ill. (BR), and Nov. 29 at Lorain, O. Most of thesegulls were juveniles.

Franklin's Gulls were abundant in portions of Iowa as evidencedby flocksof 20,000 at SaylorvilleRes., Oct. 11 (SD)and 2500 at RathbunRes., Oct. 6 (T). Illinois flocks of 150 at Havana Oct. 19 (RP)and 100 at CarlyleL., Oct. 25 (BR)were exceptional for that state.Little Gulls remainedscarce along L. Erie but were Juvenile Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Chicago, II1., Oct. 6, 1985. reportedfrom 4 Chicago-arealocations Aug. 14 +. They are Photo/Jim Landing. accidentalinland where an adult appearedat Decatur,Ill., Nov. 29 (RS,'[RP et aL). An ad. CaliforniaGull was briefly studiedat photographedat ChicagoOct. 6 (.[JL,m.ob.), providing the 2nd Oberlin Res., Nov. 29 ('[JP,'[LR), providing the 4th record for record for Illinois. As expected, single Purple Sandpipersap- Ohio. Thayer's Gulls returned to the Chicagoarea by Oct. 26 pearedat 2 L. Michigan and 4 L. Erie locations Oct. 31-Nov. 17. where there were 10 + reports,and one appearedin Alton, Ill. One was thoroughlystudied near Lima, O., Nov. 29 ('[DS), pro- by Nov. 7 (BR et al.). LesserBlack-backed Gulls (a daily maxi- viding the first inland record for Ohio. Stilt Sandpipers were mum of three) were scatteredalong L. Erie Sept. 12 + as their numerousonly in Iowa with flocks of 420 at Union Slough numberscontinued to slowly increase.The only other sighting N.W.R., Aug. 23 and 217 at Bays Branch Sept. 8 (SD). wasof an adult at Carlyle L., II1., Nov. 14-17 ('[LH, m.ob.).Small

120 AmericanBirds, Spring1986 numbers of Glaucous Gulls were scattered across the n. states • d during late November. Away from the Great Lakes, a single Great Black-backed Gull was noted in the Alton, Ill.-Mo., area Nov. 7-9 (BR, '•CP et al.) where they are becomingregular visitors.A few Black-leggedKittiwakes were found at 2 L. Michigan and 4 L. Erie sites, and a normal number of inland singles appearedat Spfld., Nov. 11 (H), Alton, Ill., Nov. 15 (BR), and Kentucky Dam, Ky., Nov. 17 (BP, DE). Sabine's Gulls were de- tectedin fair numberswith 4 Great Lakessightings Oct. 5-Nov. 10, including an adult at Wilmette, Ill., on the latter date ('•R & MB), plus inland singles at Spfld., Oct. 8 ('•H) and Hueston Woods S.P., O., Nov. 3-13 (DSt, '•m.ob., ph.). Tern reports were rather discouragingalthough several ex- ceptionalrarities compensatedfor the low numbers.The largest CaspianTern concentrationtotalled 221 at Cleveland Aug. 12 while a late bird lingeredin La Salle, Ill., throughNov. 16 (JMc). A Royal Tern was photographedat L. Calumet Sept. 7 (AS,

Adult male RufousHummingbird at Westerville,Ohio, Aug. 17, 1985. Photo/Mike Flynn.

O., Sept. 2 (B & CB) plus many flocks of 150-500 between Aug. 23 and Sept. 4. Late Whip-poor-wills were discoveredin Poca- hontas,Ia., Oct. 20 (JC)and Hammond,Ind., Oct. 12 (KB).It was alsoa goodyear for migrantChimney Swifts with peaksof 5000 at Ames,Ia., Sept. 15 (JD)and 3700 at Danville, Ill., Oct. 8 (ME). Only small numbersof Ruby-throatedHummingbirds were re- portedbut they remained fairly late, through Oct. 23 in John- son,Ia. (fideRH), and Oct. 20 at Mode, Ill. (KF). A cooperative6 Rufous Hummingbird was photographedat a Westerville, O., Royal Tern at Lake Calumet, II1., Sept. 7, 1985. First Illinois feeder Aug. 15-18, providing a first record for Ohio (P & MV, record. Photo/JimLanding. '•m.ob.).Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were numerousonly along s. Lake Michigan where groupsof 16 and 36 were encountered Oct. 6-12. RHu, '•JLeta/.), providingthe first recordfor Illinois. Common The flycatchermovement was not particularly notable;the Terns peaked at 700-1000+ along both Great Lakes and re- only large concentration was of 70+ E. Wood-Pewees at mained along w. Lake Erie through Nov. 24. Flocks of 75-300 M.M.W.A., Oct. 5 (JP).However, there were many late sightings Forster'sTerns were reported from the Great Lakes and a late including an E. Wood-Peweenear Bloomington,Ind., Oct. 23 migrantlingered at Fairfax,Ind., Nov. 18 (fide LS). The only (LS),Yellow-bellied Flycatcherat Euclid, O., Oct. 6 (DC), Aca- concentrationof LeastTerns was of 20 in Fulton, Ky., Aug. 10- dian at Louisville Oct. 15 (BP), Willow Flycatcherat Euclid, O., 11 (BP).Most noteworthyof 4 extralimital sightingswere sin- Oct. 2 (DC) and Leastsat Decatur, Ill., Oct. 16 (MD) and Spfld., glesn. to Havana,Ill., Aug. 10 ('•RP),Waterville, O., Aug. 18 Oct. 14 (*H). A Say's Phoebe was discovered in Illinois for the ('•MA), and a late bird at Gary,Ind., Oct. 5 ('•RGr).Black Terns 2nd consescutiveyear; this bird appeared at Chicago Oct. 1 congregatedat Clevelandwhere 400-550 were presentduring ('•KSet al.). Normal numbersof W. Kingbirdsmigrated through Augustand flocksof 115-130were alsoreported from Iowa and the w. statesincluding a late bird at Sunken Grove, Ia., Oct. 20 Indiana.Not to be overshadowedby the Royal Tern, Indiana (JC).Extralimital birds were detectedat Cook,Ill., Sept. 3-5 (AS, had its first photographicrecord of a Black Skimmer at Winona DJ),Cleveland Sept. 4 (KO), Clinton L., Ill., Sept. 14 ('•RCh),and L. duringthe first week of August(SB, ph., fide CK). nearKirksville, Ind., Sept. 29 (D & BW). Scatteredflocks of 30- 46 E. Kingbirds representednormal numbers for recent falls. CUCKOOS THROUGH SWALLOWS- Both cuckoos re- One at M.M.W.A., Nov. 4 (JP),was very late, as was a Scissor- mainedscarce. While Yellow-billedswill regularlylinger into tailed Flycatcherin Lawrence,Mo., Oct. 27 (KH). lateOctober, one at New Haven,Ind., Nov. 6 was late (Haw).A Swallows stageda good migration in many areas.Encourag- few Greater Roadrunners are still encountered in s.w. Missouri ing numbersof Purple Martins included 9000 in Lee, Ia., Aug. 8 asevidenced by oneor two in Taneyduring mid-October (BGe, (RCe),3000 at S. BassIs., O., Aug. 29 (KA), and 2100 at Chicago PMa). The only Com. Barn-Owlsreported were in Clarke, Ia., Aug. 29 (JL). Tree Swallows flocked in Iowa and Illinois with Sept. 10-23 (JFet al.). Snowy Owls remained to the n., as there maximaof 8000 at DeSotoN.W.R., Ia., Sept. 28 (EM) and 7000 at was only one reportfrom n. Illinois. Iowa's nestingBurrowing L. Chautauqua,Ill., Sept. 21 (RP). plus 1000-5000 at 5 addition- Owls were noted in Cherokeethrough Sept. 27 (fide JD, DB). al locations.As expected,N. Rough-wingedSwallows congre- Moderatenumbers of the othermigrant owls comprised 8 Long- gatedin Buchanan,Mo., with 2500 Aug. 27 (L). Bank Swallows earedsightings, 12 Short-earedreports, and 10 observationsof peakedat 2500 on S. BassIs., O., Aug. 29 (KA) and 1000 at L. N. Saw-whetsincluding an early migrant at RathbunRes., Ia., ChautauquaAug. 17-18 (SBa,RCh), while one at Spfld., Oct. 19 Oct. 5 (EM) and sevenbanded in the Cincinnati area (RA). (H) was rather late. Other noteworthy swallow concentrations CommonNighthawks staged a good migration with a remark- included 5000 Cliffs and 5000 Barnsat Sweet Marsh, Ia., Aug. able3000 + at ChicagoAug. 29 (AA, m.ob.)and 921 at Dayton, 11 (FM) and 1000 Cliffs at Big Creek L., Ia., Aug. 28 (SD).

Volume 40, Number I 121 ]AYS THROUGH SHRIKES-- The Blue Jaymigration across ChicagoOct. 31 [HR). Cedar Waxwings were abundant in the w. Lake Erie peaked Sept. 28 when 4600 were noted. An ad. GreatLakes states with a peak of 1800 on S. BassIs., O., Sept. 13 Black-billed Magpie was documented near Larchwood, Ia., [KA), plus many smallerflocks throughout the period. A large Oct. 6 (•-DH),providing Iowa's first recordin more than a dec- movementof N. Shrikes developed in Iowa where there were 17 ade. American Crows formed roosts estimated at 12,000 in Hen- sightingswhile 9 reportsfrom the Great Lakes statesOct. 26 + dersonand Mercer, Ill., Nov. 8 (MBa) and 10,000 at Keokuk, Ia., constitutedonly slightly above-normalnumbers. Loggerhead Nov. 23 (RCe). Only a handful of Black-capped Chickadees Shrikesremained in low numbersin n. portionsof the Region migratedalong L. Erie this fall. In contrast,Red-breasted Nut- where only 10 were observed. hatches moved in considerable numbers with maxima of 30-50 alongthe GreatLakes; they first appearedin the n. statesAug. VIREOS, WARBLERS-- Vireos were generally unremarka- 10-20 and elsewhere by mid-September. Brown Creepers at ble although11 Bell's in Vermilion Aug. 28 (MC) made a good Lee, Ia. (RCe),and Steuben,Ind. (TLa), Aug. 20 may have been total for Illinois. A Solitary Vireo in Lee, Ia., Aug. 22 (RCe),was summer residents rather than early migrants. The only early, while late vireos included Solitaries at Euclid, O., Nov. Bewick's Wren reported was at Urbana, Ill., Sept. 23 (RCh). 22 (DC)and Lexington,Ky., Nov. 18 (BA), plus a Yellow-throat- Winter Wrensstaged an impressivemovement along the Great ed in]ohnson,Ia., Oct. 22 (T). Philadelphia Vireospeaked with LakesOct. 11-13 with severalreports of 29-75 and a remarkable 12 at Spfid., where one remainedthrough Oct. 31 (H), while a 150 at ChicagoOct. 12 (FS, m.ob.). It was also a good fall for late Red-eyedVireo was reported from Jasper-PulaskiW.M.A., SedgeWrens with maxima of 10-15 in Iowa and Illinois. Six at Ind., Nov. 2 (Haw, SS). ReelfootN.W.R., Ky., through Sept. I may have nested (BP), The warbler migrationreceived mixed reportsbut included while 8 reportsalong L. Erie included a late bird at Huron, O., several locally-noteworthy concentrations. Golden-winged Nov. 3 (] eta/.). A late Marsh Wren at Spfld., Nov. 29 (H) may Warblerspeaked at nine in Illinois and one "Lawrence's"hy- have been overwintering. brid was reported.An early TennesseeWarbler at Euclid, O., The kingletmovement was impressivealong L. Michiganbut |uly 31 (DC) presageda goodmovement, wih 60 in Lee,Ia., Sept. not elsewhere.An early Golden-crowned returned to Cincin- 6 (RCe), plus late birds at SpringbrookS.P., Ia., Nov. 3 (•-RM) nati Sept. 11 (fide W) but the largestmovement totalled 500 at and Lexington,Ky., Nov. 5 (BA). Other early warblersincluded ChicagoOct. 20 (JL).Early Ruby-crownedsreturned to Iowa and Orange-crownedsat GeorgeWyth S.P., la., Aug. 25 (FM) and a n. Ohio Aug. 27-28 and the Chicagopeak was 135 Oct. 6 (JL). Nashville at Louisville Aug. 20 (BP). Nashvilles were well-rep- The latestBlue-gray Gnatcatcher remained at Chesterton,Ind., resentedwith totalsof 47-66 in Illinois and Iowa plus a late bird Oct. 21 (KB). Townsend's Solitaires are accidental in Illinois bandedat Blue Island, Ill., Nov. 24 (KBa). Other late warblers were a N. Parula at Spfld., Nov. 7 (H) and a Yellow at Louisville Oct. 1 (BP). An exceptional280 Magnolia Warblerswere noted at S. BassIs., O., Sept.28 (KA). SevenCape May Warblerreports constituteda largenumber for Iowa and one remainedat Spfid. throughNov. 20 0-H). Four Black-throatedBlue Warbler reports were also unusual for Iowa. Yellow-rumped Warblers were integral componentsof the Octoberflights along the Great Lakes,with 7500 estimatedat CraneCreek S.P., O., Oct. 5 (JP)and 1100 at ChicagoOct. 12 (JL). An early Black-throatedGreen Warbler returnedto Blue Island, II1., Aug. 18 (KBa)and the speciesremained through Oct. 29 in Indianaand Kentucky.Yellow-throated Warblers are casualfall migrantsin Iowa where singlesappeared at Amana WoodsAug. 29 (CB)and GeorgeWyth S.P., Sept.22 (FM). A Pine Warblerin Erie, 0., Nov. 8 (JP) was late as were Prairies at Louisville Oct. 18 (BP)and in Lee,Ia., Aug. 27 (•-RCe),where there are few fall records.Palm Warblerspeaked with 150 at ChicagoOct. 5 (AA) and remainedthrough Dec. I at Urbana, I11.(RCh). Concentra- tions of 100-120 Bay-breastedand Blackpoll warblerswere reportedfrom w. LakeErie and a late Bay-breastedwas studiedat Burlington, Ky., through Nov. 16 (•-LM). A Prothonotary Warber at Beverly ShoresSept. 24 (KB) provided an unusual Townsend's Solitaire at Chicago, I11., Oct. 22, 1985. Photo/tim fall recordfor n.w. Indiana, while Worm-eating Warblerswere Landing. equallyunusual in s.e.Iowa throughSept. 10. Goodnumbers of Ovenbirdstotalled 50-61 in Iowa and Illinois. The expected small numbersof ConnecticutWarblers were reported,while where one was photographedat ChicagoOct. 22 (R & MB et al.). Mournings were represented by an early migrant at Sweet Veerieswere universally scarce and Gray-cheekedselicited few Marsh,Ia., Aug. 11 (FM), a maximum of 13 at ChicagoAug. 31 commentsexcept for an early migrant at Ames, Ia., Aug. 17 (JL),and an exceptionally late imm. female closely studied at (PM). An early Swainsoh's Thrush returned to Cuyahoga,O., Euclid, O., Nov. 2 (•-DC). A Hooded Warbler at Sweet Marsh Aug. 12 (RHr) but they were generallyscarce except for 500 on Aug. 11 (FM) provided one of few fall recordsfor Iowa and a Kelley's Is., O., Sept. 29 (KA). Late birds were banded at Laur- returning Wilson's Warbler at Eubank, Ky., Aug. 16 (JE)was ens,la., Nov. 11-14 (•-JC)and closelystudied at DunesS.P., Ind., early. Nov. 9 (KB et al.). Good numbers of Hermit Thrushes moved alongthe Great Lakes Oct. 6-12 with Chicagomaxima of 100- TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES- A Scarlet Tanager at 135 (RB,JL). A late Wood Thrush managedto survivein down- Spfld., Oct. 21 (H) was fairly late. Two Black-headedGrosbeaks town Cleveland Nov. 29 + (RHa, m.ob.). The Varied Thrush in were documentedSept. 17 at Springfield, Mo., where they are Cherokee,Ia., Oct. 22 0Hu) provided one of few fall migrant infrequentlyobserved (•-EE). An Indigo Buntingat New Haven, recordsfor the Region. Ind., Nov. 18 (Haw) was tardy, while scatteredDickcissel re- Mimids were noteworthy only in Iowa where 75 Gray Cat- portsincluded late birds at CuyahogaFalls, O., Nov. 24-Dec.1 birdsflocked at Iowa City Sept.22 (T) and a SageThrasher was (•-PH et al.) and Mode, Ill., Nov. 11 (KF). closelystudied at Waterloo Sept. 23-Oct. 13 (TS, •-FM, m.ob.). As was true for most other Octobermigrants, sparrows also The only BohemianWaxwing report was of a flock of sevenat appearedin goodnumbers. The flock of 100 ChippingSparrows

122 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 at Lexington,Ky., Nov. 13 (BA) wasunexpectedly large for such ever-expandingHouse Finch was reportedfrom 8 Illinois sites, a late date. Clay-colored Sparrow reports from the e. states with a maximum of 15 in the Chicagoarea, while one in Ames, consistedof 2 n.w. Indiana sightingsSept. 22-25 and 5 reports Ia., Oct. 12 (•-PM) and two in Cape Girardeau, Mo. (JPe),were from Illinois Oct. 5-14 including a maximum of three found noteworthyin stateswhere permanent populations have not dead beneath a Spfld. TV tower (*H). Two Lark Sparrows in yet becomeestablished. Crossbills largely avoided the Region. CookOct. 11 (EL) were late and unexpectedin n. Illinois. Mi- An early Red at Gabanna,O., Aug. 30 (J)plus 10 at Decatur,Ill., grantHenslow's Sparrowswere noted only from Ohio and Illi- Sept. 6 (RP) were followed by only 5 reports Oct. 21 + s. to nois with the latest at Clinton L., Ill., Oct. 27 (•-RP, MD). Le Lexington,Ky., Nov. 18 (BA). Single White-wingedswere noted Conte'sSparrows peaked with 35 at Rathbun Res., Ia., Oct. 6 only at one Iowa and 2 Illinois locations Oct. 30 +. An early (RC) and the expected numbersappeared e. to 3 Indiana sites. Com.Redpoll at Evanston,Ill., Oct. 19 (AZ) presageda moder- One was discoveredOct. 13-20 at Cleveland (RHa, m.ob., ph.) ateflight in the n. stateswith maximaof 50-60 alongL. Erie and where they are casualtransients. A greaterinterest in Sharp- reportss. to Urbana,Ill. Pine Siskinsreturned to Ames,Ia., Aug. tailed Sparrowsresulted in 14 reportsfrom the n. states.Most 20 (EM) and Johnson,Ind., Aug. 29 (BG) but most appeared noteworthywere sightingsin Greene,Ia.. Sept. 30 (•-RM), Fair- during the last one-half of Octoberand November. This move- fax, Ind., Sept. 29 (LS et al.), Barberton, O., Oct. 3 (LR), and ment produced moderate numbers in most areas with flocks of RendL., Ill., Oct. 13 (LH), where there are few previousrecords. 15-30 in all statesplus scatteredconcentrations of 60-85. Eve- The Octobermigration waves included peaks of 30-42 Fox ning Grosbeaksmoved at the sametime as the siskinsbut num- and Lincoln's sparrows, and a tardy Lincoln's remained at berswere larger with flocksof 50-150reported from every state. Cleveland through Nov. 24 + (RHa). Both White-throated and White-crownedsparrows were numerousalong the Great Lakes CONJECTURAL REPORTS- One must wonder about the duringthe first one-halfof Octoberwhen a numberof flocksof originsof an ad. Gray Jay documentednear Craig, Holt, Mo., 100-500were reported.An unusualnumber of Harris' Sparrows Nov. 21, especiallysince the bird was observedalong a fence- accompaniedthis movementwith 12 reportsfrom Illinois Oct. row in an extensivelycultivated area. Since Gray Jaysseldom 6+, five birds in n.w. Indiana Oct. 5-26 (fide KB), and one at movefar from their breedingrange, this bird's presencein Mis- Irwin Prairie, O., Oct. 11 (•-MA). The earliestDark-eyed Junco souri may have been the result of its escapeor releasefrom returned to Naperville, Ill., Sept. 5 (JWi). Lapland Longspurs captivity. also returned early, appearing in Cleveland (RHr) and Hammond,Ind., by Sept. 21 (KB). They were abundant in Iowa ADDENDA -- Diagnosticphotographs have been provided with 10.000 in Wright Oct. 26 (SD) plus flocksof 1000 + during for the Long-billedCurlew in Meredosia,Ill., Apr. 2-3, 1985, late November,while flocks of 200-600 were reported from and BurrowingOwl in Jasper,Ill., Apr. 6-17, 1985. Both records Illinois. The only Smith's Longspurwas reported from Spfld., should be considered valid. Nov. 5 (H). Blackbirdswere scarcelymentioned. Extralimital Yellow- CONTRIBUTORS(Subregional editors' names in boldface;con- headedswere noted only in Ohio with one at L. St. Mary's Aug. tributorsare requestedto sendreports to them.)-- R. Adair (RAd), 18 (CC) and two in SenecaAug. 25 (TB). Great-tailed Grackles K. Alexander,A. Anderson,M. Anderson,B. Andres,L. Augustine, continuedto expand in w. Missouri with 35 + in Cassduring R. Austing, S. Bailey (SBa),K. Bartel (KBa), T. Bartlett, M. Baum the period (JG)and nine in Barton Nov. 10 (KH). The latest N. (MBa), C. Bendoff, D. Becker (DBe), S. Bergen,C. & B. Berry, D. Oriole remained along L. Erie through Oct. 20. Bierman, R. & M. Biss, D. Bohlen (H), K. Brock, V. Buchholtz, E. An eventfulfinch migrationwas highlightedby the Region's Bunker,M. Campbell,J. Carlson, D. Cary{DCa), C. Cathers,R. Cecil (RCe),R. Chapel (RCh), R. Cicerello (RCi), D. Corbin, R. Cummins first Brambling that appeared at a Hendricks, Ind., feeder Nov. (RC),M. Deaton,J. Dinsmore,S. Dinsmore,T. Doran,M. Easterday, E. Eastland,D. Ebel, J. Elmore, C. Fields, T. Fink, P. Flynn, K. Forcure,J. Fuller, J. Garrett,B. Gentle (BGe),B. Gill, R. Goetz,N. Gresey,R. Grow (RGr), M. Gustarson,P. Haddad, R. Hannikman (RHa),J. Hansen {JH),R. Harlan (RHr), D. Hart, L. Harrison, J. Haw {Haw),B. Heck,K. Hobbs,J. & D. Hoffman{J & DHo), R. Hollis (RH), J. Hubor {JHu),B. Hues (BHu), R. Hughes(RHu), D. Johanson, CharlesKeller (Indiana),T. Keller, Tom Kent (T) (Iowa),W. Klamm, VernonKleen (Illinois), A. Knue,E. Lace,J. Landing, T. Langscheid {TLa),F. Lawhon(L), P. Lehman,T. LePage,P. Mahnkey (PMa),P. Mar•sching,C. Mathena, J. McKee {JMc),L. McNeely, J. McNutt {JM),F. Moore, E. Munson, R. Myers, G. Oates,D. Oehmke (DOe), D. Overacker,K. Overman,R. Palmer,B. Palmer-Ball(BP), C. Patter- son,J. Peerman {JPe), Bruce Peterjohn {J) (Ohio), P. Petersen(P), D. & S. Plank,J. Pogacnik,B. Proescholdt(BPr), T. Pucelik, K. Rich- mond,L. Rosche,B. Rudden,S. Russell,H. Rylaarsdam,R. Sand- burg,S. Schacht,B. Sheets,A. Sigler,D. Smith,P. Snetsinger,Anne Stamm(S) (Kentucky),T. & L. Stankus(T & LSt), L. Sterrenburg,T. Stone,F. Stoop,D. Styer(DSt), K. Swagel,J. Van Bentheysen{JV), P. & M. Van Sickle (P & MV), P. Wharton, D. & B. Whitehead,J. Wier {jwi), D. Williams (DWi), Jim Wilson (Missouri), A. Wiseman (W), A. Ziegler.In addition, many personswho could not be individual- ly acknowledgedsubmitted notes to the various subregionalre- Brambling near Indianapolis, Nov. 10, 1985. First record [or ports.•BRUCE G. PETERJOHN,105-K E. TiconderogaDr., Wester- Indiana. Photo/Bill Brink. ville, OH 43081.

10 (TD, •-m.ob.,ph.). Pine Grosbeaksmade a respectableshow- ingfor recentyears with 5 reportsalong the GreatLakes Nov. 1- 27 with a maximumof 14 at M.M.W.A., Nov. 27 (•'JP).Purple Finchesreturned early, by Sept. 1 in portionsof Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio, but the movementwas not particularly impressive. Concentrations of 52-96 were found in Iowa and Illinois but much smaller numbers passedthrough the other states.The

Volume 40, Number I 123 CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION

Robert D. Purrington MO.

hatevercertainlyelse remarkable.the fall ofAfter 1985 severalmay haveyears been, of virtually itwas ß Fayelteville Nash•-ille no tropical activity, four hurricanes made landfall on the Fort Smith TEN •Aemphis coastal areas of the Region. The last two, Juan and Kate, ARK. occurred at the end of October and in mid-November, respectively.The result was that rather than affectingonly the Refuge early stagesof fall migration, especially shorebird migra- Birmingham tion, and causinga dispersalof water birds, Juanclearly had MISS. ALA. a major effect on the southward movement of passerines. Octoberwas without any frontal activity after the first week ß Shreveport ß •ackso• Mo.;omery and, indeed, was more like Septemberought to be•warm Natchitoches and wet. The next front came November 3, just on the heels of Hurricane Juan, and the combined effects of these two LA. weather features provided some of the most spectacular False birding ever experienced in coastal Mississippi on the • River,, weekend of November 2 and 3. The season,then, was long and mild, and to a large extent dominated by the tropical Island storms. Hurricane Danny hit south of Lake Charles, Louisiana, GULF MEXICO August 15, doing relatively little damage. Elena, whose wanderings will not soon be forgotten, made landfall in Mississippi on Labor Day after harrassing the Gulf coast from Louisianato Florida for the better part of a week; dam- ABBREVIATIONS-- P.R.M. = PascagoulaRiver Marsh, Jackson age reached $1 billion. Juan formed just off the Louisiana Go., Miss.: D.R.U. = Duck River Unit, Tennessee Nat'l Wildlife Ref., coaston the very late date of October 25, made landfall near Tenn.,: L.O.S. = Louisiana Ornithological Society; M.O.S. = Mis- Lafayette,and after a couple of loopsfinally went ashorefor sissippiOrnithological Society;T.O.S. = TennesseeOrnithological good in the Florida panhandle four days later, raking the Society.Place names in italics are parishes(in Louisiana}or coun- Mississippiand Alabama coastsin the process.Damage was ties. estimatedat $1.5 billion, much of it to Louisiana's sugar cane crop. Kate, extraordinary for her tardinessbut not for LOONS THROUGH STORKS-- The 2 records of Red-throat- the bird recordsshe produced,hit Florida near PanamaCity ed Loonswere of one at St. Andrews S.P., Aug. 8 (TF, DS), the November 21. first summer record for n.w. Florida, and two Nov. 30 on Woods Res., Franklin, Tenn. (DJS. SJS, BHS, SAB, FLB). Common Even a summary of just the seabird records associated Loonswere seen in good numbers on L. Ouachita, Garland, with the storms is exciting: Danny--Sooty Tern, Wilson's Ark., and on the Mississippi Gulf coastin November,but the Storm-Petrel,and Brown Noddy in Mississipi (plus Roseate largestconcentration reported, 145 on Woods Res. on Oct. 19 Spoonbill and White Ibis in Arkansas); Elena--Bridled (SIS), was consideredbelow normal. One at Wheeler N.W.R., Tern, SootyShearwater, and ParasiticJaeger in Mississippi; Sept. 14 (GDJ)furnished the earliestfall recordfor Alabamaof and Juan--Sootyand Bridled terns in Florida and Mississip- an obviousmigrant. While the 250 Horned Grebeson Lake pi and Wilson's Storm-Petreland jaegersp. in Mississippi. OuachitaNov. 17 (MP, HP) were notable, an EaredGrebe in the Juan also seemed to have scattered Franklin's Gulls across P.R.M.,Aug. 22 (GM, DK, JT) was the earliestfor the coastby a the lower part of the Region,sometimes in unprecedented month. A Red-neckedGrebe was on L. Shelby, Gulf Shores, numbers.Owen Fang observedthat many terns were emaci- Ala., Nov. 23 {OF). Perhapsthe most interestingproduct of the ated, or had perished, during the periods when the coastal hurricane season was a Sooty Shearwater at Ocean Springs, waters were churned up by hurricane conditions. Miss., Sept. 2 (MH) in the wake of Elena. This was the first Easily the next most significantfeature of the season(and record for the state and about the 20th for the n. Gulf. The first not entirely unrelated to the tropical weather) was the ex- records of Wilson's Storm-Petrel for mainland coastal Missis- traordinary lateness of the end of passerine migration, sippi were of storm-drivenbirds seenat GulfportAug. 15 (DK), which was still in full swing as late as mid-November,fully a productof Danny, and Oct. 29 (JT,MH) as Juancame ashore. three weeks after it has ordinarily slowed to a trickle. In An unidentifiedstorm-petrel on L. Pontchartrainafter Hurri- southeasternLouisiana, for example, all-time record late caneElena was unprecedented(RDP). datesfor 16 speciesof warbler were set in November!A trip An imm. MaskedBooby at PensacolaBeach Aug. 14 (SD)was probablystorm-related, but a Brown Booby50 mi s. of Panama to Venice, Louisiana, November 10 yielded 16 species of City, Fla., Aug. 4 (RH) furnishedonly the 2nd Augustrecord for warblers (NN, RDP). Species which are usually gone by n.w. Florida.Very early was an imm. N. Gannetfound dead on early October were present in November, sometimes in FourchonBeach, La., Sept. 11 (GHR, DM). Double-crestedCor- numbers.Contributing to the lingering were the generally morantswere up to a monthearly in returningto coastalareas of mild conditions,and the disturbedweather at the beginning Louisiana;five were in CameronAug. 31 (MS, KR, GHR, JG)and of November seemed to stop transgulf migration. one was at Lafitte N.P., Sept. 3 (DM). The 450+ recordedat By the end of the period, there had been little evidence of D.R.U., Nov. 15 (SJS)prompted Stedmanto venture that they a western movement, but indications were that at least some mightbe returningto numbersof 35 yearsago. As often hap- of the northernfinches were or would be pushingdeep into pens,Magnificent Frigatebirds were driven inland or piled up the south. Red-breastedNuthatches were definitely staging alongthe coastlineas Danny, Elena, and Juanmade landfall. an invasion. Theseincluded a femaleat BatonRouge Aug. 15 (BC,LH) and

124 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 200 in coastal Harrison, Miss., the same date, six in Escambia and SantaRosa, Fla., Sept. I & 2, severalover L. Pontchartrain Oct. 27 (AD, fide RJS,PW) and up to 23 over BatonRouge Oct. 28-29 (KR, GHR. AM, BL). Also of interest,but not obviously storm-related,were 24 immaturesnear Venice, La., Sept. 14 (PMcK, JK, MS). A LeastBittern in Benton,Ark., Aug. 1 & 4 (CR,VR) represented only the fifth recordfor w. Arkansas,while singlebirds in Maury and Humphreys were unusual for middle Tennessee; SnowyEgrets at CrossCreeks N.W.R., Tenn., as late asSept. 20 (SJS, DWB) were similarly unusual there. While Tricolored Heronsat L. Millwood Sept.2 asElena was makinglandfall and in Cl•icotSept. 7 were notablefor Arkansas,there were numer- ousrecords of ReddishEgrets in whichthe tro•3ical activity may have been involved. These included inland recordsin Iberia, La., Aug. 10 (BC,BN), New OrleansSept. 2 (CL, DM), and late A group of Black Scoters at New Orleans, La., Dec. 1, 1985. Augustto early Septemberrecords in Orleansand Cameron,La. Photo/RobertD. Purrington. (includingfour white-phasebirds) and Hancock,Miss. A roost in Covingtoncontaining 3000-5000 Cattle EgretsAug. 30 (GDJ, CrossCreeks N.W.R., Tenn., Nov. 15-10 (JCR, DWB). Earliest HHK, BG) had the highestnumbers found in Alabama in the last everfor s.e. Louisianawas a Com. Goldeneyeat New Orleans 15 years(TAI). Up to 35 Black-crownedNight-Herons seen in Nov.9 (NN),and while a RuddyDuck on a pondin New Orleans PulaskiAug. 17-18(RS, CMi, FM, JD)represented a largenum- Sept.2 (CL, DM) was the earliestever by nearly 2 months,the berfor Arkansas.The 1500White Ibises and 2500Plegadis sp. possibilitythat it wasa cripplecould not be ruled out. Ruddy (mostlyWhite-faced) in a small area of Plaquemines,La., Nov. Duckswere also earliest ever in Williamson,Tenn., Oct. 1 (SJS) 10 (NN, RDP) were notable, as were 17 GlossyIbises at Gulf andin Hancock,Miss., the following day (JT, DK). An aggrega- Breeze, Fla., Aug. 31 (RAD, LD). Inland records of Roseate tion of 200 9 Red-breastedMergansers on Sardis L., Nov. 22 Spoonbillsincluded small numbers in PointeCoupe and Con- wasthe largest ever recorded by Davis in 20years of scanningn. cordia,La., in August,not obviouslyrelated to Hurricane Dan- Mississippi reservoirs. ny, andlikely storm-relatedoccurrences in Pulaski,Ark., Aug. Paul McKenzie and Chuck Feerick continuedto provide 17 (RS, CM, JD, FM), L. Millwood, Ark., Sept. 2 (BS, NW, JB), enormouslyimportant data on raptor migrationin s. Louisiana and the BonnetCarre Spillway, La., Sept. 7 & 14 (MW, R|S). and their work was augmentedby the effortsof Whelan and the Numerous Wood Stork records were submitted from Louisiana Smalleys in s.e. Louisiana. McKenzie and Feerick tallied a total andArkansas from late August to earlyOctober, including nine of 10,419raptors in 205 hoursof observingAug. 3-Nov. 12; at GoosePoint, St. Tammany.Oct. 5 (AS, GS), for the first s.e. somespecific observations will be givenbelow. Sightings of Louisianarecord in 5 years, and there were also nine in Han- migratingTurkey Vultures included a fall peakof 243 in Ben- cock, Miss., Sept. 22 (JT). ton, Ark., Oct. 2 (CRi, JF)and 350 in 2 flocks in Cullman. Ala., Nov. 22 (JEK,CA). Reportsof at least79 Ospreyswere received, WATERFOWL,HA WKS-- A Black-belliedWhistling-Duck including29 frommiddle Tennessee Aug. 11-Nov. 2 (fideSJS): in Sl•elby,Nov. 24 q- (JRW, MGW, m.ob) was thought to provide 13 of the reportswere from coastalMississippi (fide JT). For the 2nd recordfor Tennessee.An aerial surveyat Wheeler whateverreason, reports of migratingAm. Swallow-tailedKites N.W.R.,Ala., Nov. 10 counted19,000 Canada Geese, 800 "Blue" in fall aremuch less frequent than in spring.This fall sightings and Snow geese,and 25,000 ducks(TA). A Brant at Alabama of four individuals were received from New Orleans w. to Sa- Pt., Ala., Nov. 10 + (GDJ,CDC) providedthe 4th record for the binePass. The latter record, Sept. 21 (PMcK,CF), was quite late stateand the first coastalrecord. Of an estimated594,000 ducks andrather far west. Crider, having failed to find any in 5 tripsto countedin an aerial censusin s.e. Louisianain mid-November, theAtchafalaya Basin, La., during the summer, raised the possi- 412,000 were Gadwall. Overall numbers for the coastal marshes bilityof a declinethere. His count of 95 MississippiKites along were as high as 1.0 million ducks,down only slightly from the protectionlevees on bothsides of the basinAug. 4 was previous years. An imm. c• Cinnamon Teal at Decatur Oct. 19 encouraging.Sightings of at least 32 Bald Eaglesincluded over (GDJ,HHK) providedthe 3rd Alabamarecord. Although a flock 15 in middleTennessee--among which werewintering birds of 800Canvasbacks in Lonoke,Ark., Sept. 27 (DJ)was probably arriving as early as Aug. 12 (SJS,BHS) in Maury--the first the largestever for the statein fall, they went virtuallyunre- recordfor a BatonRouge hawk watch, Sept. 8 (PMcK,CF), and a cordedin s.e.Louisiana and s.w.Mississippi. Greater Scaup pairrebuilding its nestin Harrison,Miss., damaged by Elena, seeninland at BatonRouge Oct. 28 (KR,GHR) during the ap- on Oct.1 (JS,EJ). Reports of N. Harrierswere highlighted by two proachof Juan, and in Washington,Ark., Nov. 16 & 29 (JCN,BS, at GoosePoint, St. Tammany,La., Sept.21 (GS,AS), the earliest MM1),might have been influencedby the tropicalweather. ever for s.e. Louisiana, and 23 in a Cameron hawkwatch Nov. 3 Over 500 migratingLesser Scaup at BatonRouge Oct. 28-29 (CF).Reports of 50 Sharp-shinnedHawks from various parts of (SWC,DLD) were evidently fleeing, or beingheld up by,Hurri- theRegion were swamped by theone-day count of 613moving cane Juan. W alongthe coastline in CameronOct. 5 (PMcK,CF); all butone Oldsquawreports from late October and November suggested of those birds were immatures. Peak count for s.e. Louisiana an above-normalflight for the fall. Black Scoterswere noted wasof 115 in St. TammanyOct. 5 (AS,GS). Of 66 sightingsof Nov. 6-11 at Radnor L., Davidson,Tenn. (MLB, SJS,m.ob.), Cooper'sHawks, 20 were from middle Tennessee.As if the total Nov. 23 in Hancock,Miss. (JT, DK, MH, ph.--the first docu- of 2232 Broad-wingedHawks countedin the Oct. 5 hawkwatch mentedrecord for the Mississippicoast), one was at Gulf (PMcK,CF) in Cameron,La., wasn'timpressive enough in its Shores,Ala., Nov. 24 (GDJ,DGJ), and a total of at least 18 were own fight, consider the fact that most came out of the Gulf and foundon L. PontchartrainNov. 30 and Dec. I (JK,RDP). Six migratedNW! Feerickspeculated that an impressivelate move- reportsof Surf Scoterswere received, totalling 19 individuals; ment of Broad-wingedsthat resulted in a count of 3029 from the onein Colbert,Ala., Oct. 23-Nov.I (JP,JoP, N-P, DJS. PK) was samelocation Nov. 3 wasdue to thelack of frontalactivity and pickedup on a highway,banded, and released; two on L. Fay- to the presenceof HurricaneJuan. Single Swainsoh's Hawks ettevilleOct. 15-25 (JCN,m.ob.) represented the 7th Arkansas wererecorded in BatonRouge Aug. 31 (PMcK,CF), at Fayette- occurrence.The threereports of White-wingedScoters includ- ville,Ark., Sept.29 (JCN),in CameronOct. 0 (PMcK,CF), and in ed a total of nine in coastalHancock and Harrison, Miss., Oct. Foley,Ala., Nov. 20 (GDJ).Two reportsof GoldenEagles were 27-28 (MH, JT, CR, DK, DoK) as Juanapproached, and one at received,both from TennesseeN.W.R.: one was at D.R.U., Nov.

Volume40, Number1 125 6 (SJS,TJW) and the other at Big Sandy Unit Nov. 15 (SJS)A count of 175 Am. Kestrels in 6V2 hours in the Cameron hawkwatch Oct. 5 was notable,but as it was the only report on this species,little can be added exceptthis writer's commentsthat numbersmay havebeen on the downside.Of Merlin, however, there were reportsof at least 52 individuals. Most of the birds were seenin coastalLouisiana, including nine Oct. 5 in Cam- eron (PMcK, CF). Other notable records were of six at Gulf Breeze,Fla., the same date (RAD, SD, LD) and one in Chicot, Ark., Sept. 29 (D & CS); there were 3 recordsfrom w. Tennessee (fideBBC). Peregrine Falcons were representedby 28 reportsof at least 41 individuals, highlighted by 12 in CameronOct. 5 (PMcK, CF); coastal Louisiana had 26 of the individuals and eight were from Tennessee.

RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS-- A calling Black Rail in Mobile Aug. 18 (GDJ)provided only the 2nd Augustrecord for Alabama.One of the moreinteresting reports that resultedfrom HudsonJanGodwit a t Gulfport,Miss., Oct. 31, 1985.Photo/Judy Hurricane Juan was of 350 Clapper Rails counted along the Toups. Hancockand Harrison, Miss., beachesOct. 28-Nov. 2 (fide JT). Reportedly, one 50-meter stretch of beach at Waveland held Nov. 14-15 (PMcK, RM, MS, KR) and at P.R.M., Nov. 21 (JT, DK, 250, "crawlingover storm-blowndebris." All 7 reportsof mi- MH). Latestever for the Nashville area were single Stilt Sand- gratingSandhill Cranescame from Tennessee,Oct. 5-Nov. 21; pipers in Stewart and Sumner Oct. 19 & 20 (DTC, JPC, DWB). 76 s. of MurfreesboroOct. 29 (WJH, REH) were earliestever for Also very late, this time for the Gulf coast,were eight in Cam- the Nashvillearea and one of the highesttotals ever. The largest eronNov. 25 (JK).A Long-billedDowitcher at PensacolaAug. 6 number reported was 150 in Pickett Nov. 8 (EW). (RAD) was noteworthy, as the species is considered casual LesserGolden-Plovers, rare in the Regionin fall migration, there, and an unidentified dowitcher in Ruderford, Tenn., were noted Sept. 15 & 16 in Jackson,Miss. (MH, JT, GM), Sept. Nov. 23 (RVM, MRM) provided the latest recordof a dowitcher 15 and Oct. 6 & 27 in Cameron, La. (SWC, DLD), and, most for the Nashville area. Earliest ever, on the other hand, was a surprisingly,Nov. 20 in St. Tammany, La. (KR, BH). There is Corn. Snipe at P.R.M., Aug. 17 (MH, DK). Although Wilson's one later recordfor s.e. Louisiana.The proximity of all but one Phalaropeswere below normal in middle Tennessee(fide SJS), of theserecords to hurricanedates was only suggestive.Records a high count of 78 at P.R.M., Aug. 31 (JT, MH) set a coastal of Snowy Ploverson the coastalMississippi mainland Sept. 7 Mississippi record. In Louisiana. three in Cameron Nov. 24 and Oct. 27-29 (DK, JT, MH, CR) were considerednotable, and (GRH, KR, BH, SH, JVR) were very late. A Red-neckedPhala- one on Island 13, Mississippi R., Lake, Sept. 9-18 (WGC, SJS, ropeat P.R.M., Sept. 7-8 (JH, AS, GO, m.ob.) furnishedthe 6th BBC)was only the 2nd for Tennessee.Increased interest in the record for the Mississippi coastand the 4th in fall. statusof Piping Plover resulted in an unusual number of reports,from which it was difficult to draw a definitive picture. JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS- A number of records obvi- Tennesseerecords prompted Stedman to comment that it had ously resulted from tropical weather, but in other casesthere beenan excellentfall for the species.Neal, in Arkansas,reportwas no apparent connection. A case in point is Parasitic Jaeger; ed only one sighting,of two birds; to Toups, Piping Plovers therewas one seenin Jackson,Miss., Aug. 26 (IT), anotherwas were scarcerthan usual on the Mississippi coast. There was s. of Horn I., Miss., Sept. 26 (MH), and a dark morph immature about the usual number of records from coastal Louisiana, total- at Big Sandy Unit, Tennessee N.W.R., Oct. 6-22 (SJS, JCR, ling over50 individuals,the high countbeing of 12 in the Grand m.ob.)was the first everfor Tennessee.An unidentifiedjaeger Isle areaSept. 29 (NN). Evidently driven to the mainland by the at Biloxi, Miss., Oct. 29 (MH) was clearly associatedwith Juan, winds and high tides of Juan were two Am. Oystercatchersat while an imm. jaeger10 mi off Baldwin, Ala., Nov. 16 (GDJ, Pass Christian, Miss., Oct. 28-29 (DK, MH, JT). A number of CDC) was on a date when such an observation is not unex- recordsof Black-neckedStilts away fromthe coast,highlighted pected. by the first middle Tennesseerecord of one in StewartNov. 2-4 OCR, SJS. DWB) were consistent with other indications of increasingnumbers; Upland Sandpipers,on the otherhand, were said to have been scarce this fall. There were several records of Whimbrels, a rare fall transient, all from the Mississippi and Louisiana coastsexcept for an Aug. 11 sighting in Memphis (JRW,DD). A Long-billed Curlew in Lake Sept. 1 provided the first recordfor Tennessee(DWB, JRW);up to three at Gulfport, Miss.,Oct. 28-29 (DK,JT, ph.) were notablestorm waifs. Single birds in Mobile, Ala., Sept. 21 (GDC, CDC) and Oct. 30 (GDJ) were interesting. Also evidently storm-driven was an imm. HudsonianGodwit at Gulfport Oct. 31 (JD,JT, MH, DK, JS), for the 2nd state record. Inland Louisiana occurrencesof Ruddy TurnstonesAug. 17 & 24 at the Bonnet Carre Spillway (MW) and Sept. 2 at New Orleans (CL, DM) were probably storm- related (Danny and Elena), while another in Lauderdale Nov. 17-18 (DJS,NP, PK) representedthe first inland Novemberrec- ord for Alabama. Quite unusual for fall were recordsof White- rumped Sandpipersin Sumner (Aug. 17 and Sept. 14) and Lake (Oct. 3), Tenn., and in Cameron, La. (Sept. 29). Records of Baird'sSandpipers included four near Decatur,Ala., July 20-22 (IX]H), the earliest inland record for the state,and one in Sum- Jaegerin Henry County, Tenn., October 1985. Identified by Me ner, Tenn., Nov. 3 (DTC, JPC), the latest ever in fall for the observersas a Parasitic (although this photo by itself would Nashville area. PectoralSandpipers were late at Baton Rouge suggestPomarine•K.K.). Photo/WallaceTodd.

126 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 LaughingGulls inland in central Louisiana and middle Ten- nesseein Augustarguably had the sameorigin. Seventhousand LaughingGulls on coastal Mississippi beachesOct. 17--just beforeJuan--represented a state maximum. Franklin's Gulls, which ordinarily slip by just w. of this Region in their fall movement,were seen from one end of the Region to the other. More than 300 were seen in Benton, Ark., Oct. 19 (JCN, BS, NW). An earlier record in middle TennesseeOct. 5 (JCR)was notableas well, but the remainderof the records,while coming in late October when they are most likely, had the stamp of HurricaneJuan on them. Fartheste. were singlebirds in Escam- bia, Fla., Oct. 30 & 31 (RAD, SD, OF) and 50 Nov. I at Gulf Breeze,Fla. (RLB); Mississippi had up to five individuals Oct. 28-Nov. 6 (MH, JT, m.ob.);there were 1000 + on the Mississippi R. at the BonnetCarre Spillway, St. Charles(RJS), and up to 30 in CameronOct. 26 (MM, DM, NN, RDP). Finally, there were 30 in Baton Rouge Oct. 29 (DLD, SWC, GHR). The first record of ImmatureBridled Tern (one oœnine) in HarrisonCounty, Miss., Little Gull for Arkansaswas furnishedby two Nov. 22-23 on L. Oct. 29, 1985. Photo/Mal Hodges.

Sandwich Terns were seen in numbers in unusual locations, includingJuly to mid-Novemberon L. Salvador,Jefferson, La. (DM), with numbersas high as 50, in St. Mary and lberia Sept. 16 (BC,RJN) in the wake of Danny,and Oct. 29 on the Mississip- pi coast(JT, MH) during Juan. The 100+ Corn. Terns seen 4-15 km s. of Horn I., Miss., Sept.26 were unprecedented.Twenty on the mainland in Hancock and Harrison Oct. 29 (MH, JT) were undoubtedlyhurricane-related. Common Terns were first seen in Cameron at the end of October, and 30 were in Santa Rosa, Fla., Nov. 2; both occurrenceswere apparently connectedwith Hurricane Juan.Extraordinarily late was a Least Tern at Cam- eron. La., Nov. 9 (DLD, SWC). There were 7 records of Bridled Tern associatedwith Elenaand Juan,dominated by 4 recordsof sevenindividuals from Mississippi Sept. 2. Extremely interesting was a single bird well inland at the Hattiesburgsewage ponds(TG, LG), but the other six seen independently by three observers(JT, MH, DK) in Jacksonand Harrison were no less exciting.Also clearly driven inland by Hurricane Elena was a Little Gull in second-winterplumage on Lake Millwood, Ark., remarkableBridled Tern on L. Millwood Sept. 7 (CM) for the Nov. 23, 1985. Photo/Charles Mills. first Arkansasrecord (excellent details). Two recordsresulted fromJuan: nine imm. Bridledson the Mississippicoast Oct. 29 Millwood (MP, HP, CMa, EH, HH); one bird, in 2nd-winter (JT,MH, ph.), and one at Gulf Breeze, Fla., Oct. 31 (SD, LD, RLB, plumage,was seen into December.Louisiana birders who had SB).Several had beenseen earlier 50 mi s. of Destin Aug. 5 (RH). beenlooking for California Gull might not have been surprised Recordsof storm-drivenSooty Terns were as follows: two Aug. to hear that the specieshad finally been found by someof the 15-16in coastalMississippi (DK) with HurricaneDanny, single recentCalifornia expatriates.Such was indeed the case,when a birdsOct. 29 & 31 in Escambiaand SantaRosa (AF, DF, LD), and first-winterbird was found Sept. 29 at RutherfordBeach, Cam- threeon the Mississippi coastOct. 29 (MH, JT). The final storm- eron(SWC, DLD, GHR)*. That three more distinct birds should relatedrecord to be reportedwas of a Brown Noddy at Gulfport be seen Oct. 12-13 on the same beach (SWC, DLD)--an adult Aug. 15 (DK), courtesyof Hurricane Danny. and two 2nd-winter birds-boggled the imagination!One of the 2nd-yearbirds was still presentOct. 25 (SWC et al.), and it, or another was seen 20 mi to the w. Oct. 27 (RJS, MW, MM, DM, DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS-- Eight Inca Dovesin NN, RDP). Still anotherbird, an adult, was found on Rutherford LakeCharles, La., Sept. I (JK)helped documentthe establish- BeachNov. 27 (DLD, SWC) and was presentinto December-•at ment of a small breeding population there. Unusual attention least the 5th state record. Not to be outdone, Lesser Black- was given to Corn.Ground-Dove by contributors,reflecting in backedGulls appearedin almostastonishing numbers in coast- part the decline in wintering numbersalong the coast.Reports al s.w. Louisiana.On Sept. 25 alone, at leastfour were seenon of 15 _+individuals were submitted,including four from coastal RutherfordBeach, Cameron (DM, JS,MW). The analysisof Car- Mississippiand 10 _+from the Louisianacoast. Especially nota- diff and Dittman led to the conclusion that at least seven sepa- ble were recordsof single birds in Chicot, Ark., Sept. 2 (DRS] rate birds were presentalong Rutherford Beach between Sept. and at Cross Creeks N.W.R., Tenn., Nov. 3 (]CR), the latter 25 and Nov. 27. Even earlier than the Cameron record was one approximately the 6th record for the state. Very late was a Sept. 11 at FourchonBeach, Laœourche (DM, GHR), by far the Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Gulfport, Miss., Nov. 26 (]T). While earliest ever for the state. This bird was present at least until Groove-billedAnis were perhaps low in numbersin coastal Sept.29 (RDP,NN). Recallthat the first recordof the speciesfor Louisiana, one in Dyer, Tenn., Oct. 17 (WGC, DWM) furnished Louisianacame in the winter of 1981-1982 and that prior to last the 2nd record for the state, and another in W. Baton Rouge fall (1984-1985) there had been only 4 records.An adult found Nov. 17 (]G) was notable there. Two Short-eared Owls were at Gulfport Oct. 27 (JT, MH, CR) was thought likely to be the reported:one found injured in Washington,Ark., Nov. I (fide samebird that had been present the previous 2 winters. The JCN), unusual for the Arkansas Ozarks, and another at Holla only reportof GreatBlack-backed Gull was of a first-winterbird BendN.W.R., Ark., Nov. 29 (HP, MP). The lone recordof Lesser on Rutherford Beach, Cameron, Sept. 25-30 (DM, RJS, MW et Nighthawk was of one seen in CameronSept. 15 (KR). Chuck- al.)*. The first record for Arkansasof Black-leggedKittiwake will's-widows were late in CameronNov. 9 (SWC, DLD) & 24 was obtained Nov. 24 when a first-winter bird was seen on L. (]VR, KR, GHR), as was a Whip-poor-will at Venice Nov. 10 Millwood (CM, DB). (NN).

Volume 40, Number I 127 ChimneySwifts were remarkablylate and in unprecedented thougha "Traill's" Flycatchercollected in Cameron,La.,Oct. 26 numbersfor these late dates;latest of all were single birds in (JVR)was the latestverified for the state,a Willow Flycatcher Harrison,Miss., Nov. 17 (JT) & 30 (HS), and the latestin Louisi- was singing in New Orleans Nov. 3 (AS), later than any pre- ana were six in Lafitte N.P., Nov. 17 (DM) and one in Baton vious s.c.Louisiana record for the genusin fall. A Say's Phoebe RougeNov. 18 (DLD). The latest record from n.w. Florida was in Davidson, Tenn., Sept. 28 (DRJ, CGD, MLB, SJS,ph.) pro- Nov. 21 at Gulf Breeze (RLB). An estimated 4000-5000 were vided the first recordfor Tennessee,and a Vermilion Flycatcher seen over Baton Rouge Oct. 28-29 (JPO, RW, MS, RH); these in LafayatteOct.5 (VT) establishedthe first recordfor n. Missis- concentrationswere no doubt associatedwith Hurricane Juan, sippi. The otherreports received were of one in Hancock,Miss., as perhapsmany of the other late recordswere. Over 300 were Nov. 11 (MH, JT, DK, ph.), and of another at Ft. Morgan, Ala., seenin Hancock,Miss., Nov. 2 (JT), 100 ñ were seenin coastal Nov. 7-10 (RAD, GDJ, CDC, DGJ)..Three Ash-throated Fly- MississippiNov. 6 (JT et al.), and 75 were in Baton RougeNov. catcherswere reported,Sept. 28 in Cameron(DLD,*), Oct. 31 in 14 (NLN). A singlebird in GrenadaNov. 1 (WMD) was extraor- Gulf Breeze,Fla. (RAD, SD, LD, OF), the 5th for n.w. Florida and dinarily late for n. Mississippi. putatively due to Juan,and Nov. 8 in Cameron(SWC). A bird It was at best an averageyear for the w. hummingbirds, al- thought to be a Brown-crestedFlycatcher was seen in Iberia, thoughaccording to Newfield there was an explosionof reports La., Nov. 23 (MJM). While W. Kingsbirds were seen in the of Buff-belliedHummingbirds around Thanksgiving,"the first coastalpart of the Region in something like normal numbers, reportssince the Christmasfreeze of 1983." Sightings(all from singlebirds inland in Lake, Tenn., Sept. 14 (JAF,GRP) and at Louisiana)in Covington,Madisonville Nov. 30 (JH), and Baton Porter,Ala., Sept. 28 (TAI) were notable. Of 17 recordsof Scis- Rougewere the first ever for these localities. As was the case sor-tailedFlycatchers, including five from coastalMississippi, with many other species,the mild fall led to the lingering of the mostinteresting records were of singlebirds in Chicot,Ark., many Ruby-throatedHummingbirds; one that stayed in Baton Sept.5 (DS, CB), in Shelby,Tenn., Sept. 30 (RC), Oct. 17 in Gulf Rouge until Nov. 16 (PMcK, NLN) had been banded by New- Breeze,Fla. (RAD), Oct. 21 at Ft. Morgan (GDJ,MF), and Nov. 10 field Nov. 3. A Black-chinned that she had banded in Baton in St. Tammany,La. (JH), the first record for that parish. Rougelast year returned to the samefeeders in October,as did Laterecords were establishedin many partsof the Regionfor two RufousHummingbirds banded last yearand recoveredOct. all of the swallowsexcept Cliff, many of theserecords in early 11 (NLN, PMcK). Numberswere somewhatbelow average.A November as Hurricane Juan made landfall. The most notable RufousHummingbird in Huntsville Nov. 20-22 (IP, TAB) fur- recordswere: Purple Martin Nov. 2 in Hancock, Miss. (JT, LG, nishedthe 2nd inland recordfor Alabama.Seven Selasphorus TG); a Tree Swallow at Wheeler N.W.R., Tenn., Nov. 23 (MLB et hummingbirdswere reportedfrom coastalMississippi (fide JT). al.); N. Rough-wingedSwallows Nov. 6 at Waveland,Miss. (JT The ne plus ultra of the hummingbird reports was a 6teen et al.), and Nov. 26 in Cameron, La. (SWC); Bank Swallow at Violet-ear at a Ft. Smith, Ark., feederOct. 7 (BB, BBe).Photo- Waveland Nov. 6 (GM et al.), latest for Mississipi; and Barn graphsof the bird were painstakinglyscrutinized by Cardiffand Swallow Nov. 3 in Franklin, Tenn. (SJS, BHS) and Nov. 21 at Remsenat L.S.U.M.Z. and by Jamesand Neal at the University P.R.M. [JT, MH, DK). All species except Purple Martin were of Arkansas. representedin a countof 51,000 migratingswallows made during a Sept. 15 hawkwatch in Baton Rouge, La. (PMcK). Red- breastedNuthatches invaded the Region for the first time in 4 years,led by recordsSept. 12 & 15 in middle Tennesseeand n. Alabama,and they had reachedthe Louisianacoast by Sept. 27 (MM, NN). Although Davis thought it the best invasion in 21 yearsin n. Mississippi, it was only moderatein coastalLouisi- ana. Reportsof Bewick's Wrens included one at Cameron,La., Oct. 6 (SWC,DLD), anotherin Lafayette,Miss., Oct. 12 and Nov. 9 (WMD), and two in Limestone, Ala., Nov. 30 (GDJ, CDC). Although no other contributors commented on Marsh Wren, o Toups found it scarceor absentin good habitat in coastalMis- sissippi.One of the highlights of the L.O.S. fall meeting was a Rock Wren found roosting under the raised first floor of the "Jetties"restaurant at East Jetty, Cameron, La., Oct. 26 (BC, RJN, m.ob.). Furnishing the 2nd or 3rd Louisiana record, the bird was present until Oct. 30. It was a goodfall for Golden-crownedKinglets, especially on the coastwhere the speciesis very erratic. A huge migratory Green Violet-ear at Ft. Smith, Ark., Oct. 7, 1985. Firstrecord for movementof Blue-grayGnatcatchers was observedAug. 20 (KR Arkansas and one of only a few for North America. Photo/ William BrazeIron. et al.), as 300-500 were observed in the coastal cheniers of Cameron,all moving W. Excellent photographswere obtained of a 6 Mountain Bluebird in Garland, Ark., Nov. 9 & 10 (HP, FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WAXWING--Only 5 reportsof MP, JPS).While all of the migrant thrusheswere scarcealong Olive-sided Flycatcher were submitted. While there were cer- the coast,a number of late records were establishedas Juan tainly othersightings, it is not unlikely that numbersmigrating battered Louisiana and Mississippi: a Gray-cheekedThrush throughthe Regionhave been in a slow decline. EasternWood- was latest ever in Hancock Nov. 2 (BT, DT, JS), Swainson's Pewees,which ordinarily departeven the coastalportions of Thrusheswere late at Lafitte N.P., La., Nov. I (DM) and in New the Region by about Oct. 20, were impressively late. Daily OrleansNov. 3 (AS), and a Wood Thrush was latestever for the countsof 10-15 were amassedby 3 separateparties in s.c. Lou- Mississippicoast in Hancock Nov. 2 (BT, DT, JS).While a pair isianaand s.w. MississippiNov. 2 & 3 (M.O.S., TG, LG, AS, GS), of Gray Catbirdsin Orleans Sept. I (CL, NN) were the earliest eightwere recorded in Hancock,Miss., Nov. 6 (JT,DK, MH, GM, ever by 11 days if migrants,they appeared territorial and thus LS), and the latest--latest ever for s.c. Louisiana--was at Lafitte representedpossible breeding. The 100 + catbirdsseen in Pla- N.P., Nov. 17 (DM). Two Yellow-bellied Flycatchers in Han- queminesNov. 10 (NN, RDP) were remarkable for such a late cock,Miss., Nov. 3 (TG, LG) were singing.Hurricane Juan was date.Early Arkansasrecords of CedarWaxwings from Washing- apparentlyresponsible for late recordsof Acadian Flycatchers, ton Aug. 7 (CH, KS) & 26 (MM1) and Newton Aug. 17 (JCN,NE) which included 11 Oct. 29 in Lafitte N.P. (DM), later than any perhapsindicated nesting in the nearby Ozarks. While they previous s.e. Louisiana record, and three Nov. 3 at the same were "particularly abundant" in the Starkville, Miss., area at location (DM, CL), perhaps the latest ever for Louisiana. A1- the end of the period (JAJ),few reached s. Louisiana.Jerome

128 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 tion, includingone in Davidson,Tenn., Sept.22 (MLB), another in Cameron Oct. 26 (MM, RDP, DM, NN), 25 at Waveland Nov. 2 (TG, LG), and one in Washington,Ark., Nov. 7 (MMI). An "Au- dubon's"Warbler was seen in Hancock Nov. 3 (TG, LG) and a Black-throatedGray Warbler was there the day before (TG, LG). A Palm Warbler in Washington,Ark., Oct. 15 (JCN) furnished the first local fall record. A Bay-breastedWarbler Aug. 25 at Grand Isle, La. (RDP, NN), was earliest ever by nearly a month for s.e. Louisiana; numbers in coastal areas in the week following Juanwere in the 30-60 range,topped by an estimateof 170 in Waveland,Miss., Nov. 2 (JT,MH, GM). A BlackpollWarbler, carefully described,was seen in Hancock, Miss., Nov. 2 (TG, LG).Earliest ever for s.e. Louisianawas a Worm-eatingWarbler in Lafitte N.P., Aug. 3 (LV, [ide DM). Given that Swainson's Warblersare hard to find after breeding season,one that was still singingSept. 7 & 18 at Logtown,Miss. (JT,DK, MH) was of interest.Ten Mourning Warblersin the coastalcheniers of Cam- Mountain Bluebird in Garland County, Ark., November I985. eron Sept. I (KR) may have been a Louisiana record number, Photo/Max and Helen Parker. and one was seen in coastal Hancock, Miss., where considered accidental,Sept. 28 (MH, JT, DK). A MacGillivray's Warbler collectedin CameronSept. 15 (SWC, DLD, GHR)* provided the Jacksoncommented that LoggerheadShrikes had a goodbreed- 3rd record for Louisiana. ing season,with numerous juveniles present. TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES-- Summer Tanagers lin- VIREOS, WARBLERS- A Bell's Vireo at Ft. Morgan, Ala., geringwell into November were latest ever in s.e. Louisiana, Oct. 7 (GDJ,CDC, RAD) was notable,as was a very late Solitary Nov. 10 in Plaquemines {NN, RDP} where five were seen and in Vireo in Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 23 (SJS, BHS). Also late were St. TammanyNov. 17 {JH};latest for the Mississippicoast was Yellow-throated Vireos Nov. 3 in New Orleans (GS, AS), Lafitte one in Gulfport Nov. 30 fir}. Also latest ever for s.e. Louisiana N.P., La. (DM, CL), and Hancock, Miss. (TG, LG). Almost as- were two Scarlet Tanavers in Plaquemines Nov. 10 {RDP, NN}. tounding for such a late date were 80 Philadelphia Vireos as Rose-breastedGrosbeaks lingered into mid-November, the lat- part of the Nov. 3 fallout in Hancock,Miss. (TG, LG); two there est recordsbeing Nov. 17 at Grand Isle, La. (AS, GS}, W. Baton Nov. 6 (MH, LS. GM, JT, DK) tied the previous late date for the Rouge,La. {GJ},and Hancock, Miss. {LS}. The three recordsof Mississippi coast.Also late was one in Orleans Nov. 9 (NN). Black-headedGrosbeaks submitted were of singlesin Hancock, Summarizingthe 175 + warbler recordssubmitted is indeed Miss., Oct. 2 {JT,DK}, CameronNov. 8 {SWC}*, and Ft. Morgan, a challenge. Many of these were all-time late records, while A]a., Nov. 10 {GDJ,DGJ}. Indigo Buntings could be found well othersdocumented the extraordinarypassefine birding which into mid-November, and numbers in the first week of the accompaniedsome of the tropical weather, especially Hurri- month, as Juanwent inland, were in the hundreds in the coastal cane Juan.Blue-winged Warblers normally depart the Region sections;Painted Buntings lingered as well. One in Jefferson, by the first of October; this fall there were numerous early Ala., Sept. 28 {BG}established only the 2nd fall inland occur- Novemberrecords, capped by singlesin Waveland, Miss., Nov. rence for the state. Two Rufous-crownedSparrows found in 15 (MH, DK, GM) and in St. Tammany, La., Nov. 17 (]I-I), both Yell, Ark., Nov. 16 {WMS, MWh} were the first for this county latest for their respective states. Other unprecedentedly late and established the westernmost occurrence for Arkansas. Rec- records,omitting dozensof other notably late sightings:Gold- ords of Clay-colored Sparrows were submitted from coastal en-wingedWarbler Nov. 2 in Gulf Breeze,Fla. (RLB, JWB) and Louisiana, L. Millwood, Ark., where two were seen on Oct. 19 Nov. 3 in Hancock (TG, LG) and New Orleans (AS); Tennessee {CM), and Ft. Morgan, A]a. Louisiana recordsSept. 28-Oct. 30 Warbler Nov. 26 (TD) and Dec. 3 (PMcK), both in Baton Rouge; involved at least 18 individuals, with a high of sevenin Orleans N. ParulaNov. 16 in Gulfport, Miss. fir); Yellow Warbler Nov. 3 Oct. 6 {RDP, NN}. in Metairie, La. (SP), and Nov. 6 in Waveland, Miss. (JT, MH); Sharp-tailed Sparrows are rarely reported in migration Chestnut-sidedWarbler Nov. 13 at New Orleans (NN) and Nov. throughArkansas and middle Tennessee;this fall one was seen 18 at Waveland fir, et aL); Magnolia, Nov. 17 at New Orleans Sept. 29-30 in Davidson {CGD, RCE, SJS,m.ob.), and another (RDP), Nov. 18 at Waveland (JT)--10 individuals; Black-throat- was at CrossCreeks N.W.R., Tenn., Oct. 1 {JCR,DWB}. Lincoln's ed Blue, Oct. 17 at Wheeler N.W.R., Ala. (AM), and Nov. 6 at Sparrows,which winter regularly only as far e. as coastalLou- Waveland (JT et al.); Black-throated Green Warbler, Nov. 13 at isiana, were encountered Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Santa Rosa and New Orleans (NN) and Nov. 19 at Gulfport fir); Blackburnian, Escambia,Fla., and Oct. 31 in Jackson,Miss. {MH}, coinciding Nov. 7 at New Orleans (NN) and Nov. 17 at Gulfport (JT); Yel- with the landfall of Juan. There were 3 reports of Bobolinks, low-throated,Nov. 10 in Plaquemines(RDP, NN); Bay-breasted, rare in the Region in fall: Aug. 31 in Benton, Ark. {MM]}, for the Nov. 6 at New Orleans (NN), Nov. 15 at Gulf Breeze, Fla. (RLB), 2nd recordfor the ArkansasOzarks, Sept. 29 in Cameron(SWC, and Nov. 17 at Gulfport [IT]; Black-and-white, Nov. 10 in DLD, GHR}, and Oct. 18 in La[ourche {AS, GS}. A singing W. Plaquemines (RDP, NN) and Lafitte N.P. (CL); Am. Redstart, Meadowlark at Abbevil]e, Miss., Oct. 2 {GK} was thought to Nov. 16 at Lafitte N.P. (CL) and Grand Isle, La. (AS, GS), as well provide the first record for n.c. Mississippi. There were 3 rec- asNov. 18 at Waveland (JT,MH); Worm-eatingWarbler, Nov. 2 ords of single Yellow-headed Blackbirds: Sept. 25 {KR et al.} at Waveland (GM) and Nov. 10 in Plaquemines (RDP); N. Water- and Oct. 27 {DLD, SWC, JVR,GHR} at Cameron,La., and Nov. 2 thrush, Nov. 10 in Plaquemines(NN, RDP); Louisiana Water- in Ocean Springs, Miss. {SG, JT et al.}. An Orchard Oriole in thrush,Oct. 30 in New Orleans (NN); Hooded Warbler, Nov. 12 Davidson,Tenn., Sept. 29 (DFV} was latestever for the Nashil]e at Waveland (JT, MH et al.) and Nov. 19 at New Orleans (MM); area, and one in Hancock, Miss., Nov. 18 fir, MH} was ]ate by and Yellow-breastedChat at Gulf Breeze Nov. 1 (JWB, RLB). nearly 2 months. An imm. 9 Scott's Oriole in Cameron, La., Other notable records included 150 + Tennessee Warblers at Oct. 26 (SWC, GHR, DLD}* representedabout the 9th recordfor Waveland Nov. 2, eight N. Parulas on the late date of Nov. 10 in the state.Purple Finches were early and in numbers in the n. Plaquemines(RDP, NN), large numbers of Magnolia Warblers part of the Region,appearing in Tennesseein Stewartby Oct. 2 in coastalLouisiana and Mississippi at the time of Hurricane {JCR}and at Birmingham, Ala., Oct. 29 {MHu}; they reached the Juan (100+ several places), and an unprecedented number of AlabamaGulf coastby Nov. 5 {GDJ},the earliest ever there, and CapeMay Warblers, heretoforealmost unknown in fall migra- s. Louisianaby Nov. 20. HouseFinches continued their spread,

Volume 40, Number I 129 asdocumented by four at Jonesboro,Ark, Aug 11 (CS,RS, EP, RobertE Hunter,Thomas A. Imhof (Alabama),Maxey Irwin, Debra EJ)and 10-12 at Starkville, Miss., Nov. 29 (JAJ).The presenceof G. Jackson,Greg D. Jackson,Jerome A. JacksOn(Mississippi), Eve- small flocks of Pine Siskins, containingone to five birds, by lyn Johnson,James E. Keeler, Dalton King, Don King (Dok), Helen Oct. 12 in middle Tennessee([ide SJS)signaled the start of at H. Kitringer,Paul Kirtle, JoeKleiman, Gene Knight,Charlie Lyons, leasta mild invasion.Evening Grosbeaks reached middle Ten- FlorenceMallard, Donald W. Manning,Rich Martin, ClydeMassey nesseein flocks of 20-30 birds by Oct. 26 (RCH), were first seen (CMa), Paul McKenzie, Ruth V. McMillan, Melville R. McMfllan, m ArkansasNov. 4 (RT), and had reachedBirmingham, Ala., by Ann Miller, CharlesMills, Cathy Milchell (CMi), Mike Mlodmow Nov. 6 (HAW, SB).An invasionof sortswas clearlyunder way. (MM1), Gerry Morgan, Michael J. Musumeche,David Muth, Mac Myers,Joe C. Neal (Arkansas),Norton Nelkin, SueNelkin, NancyL CONTRIBUTORS (sectionaleditors in boldface)-- Jan C. Alex- Newfield, Robert J. Newman (Louisiana), John P. O'Neill, A ander, Clifton Arant, Tom Atkeson, Sherry Ballman, Richard L. Oberschmidt,Glen Ousset,Max Parker,Helen Parker,Inge Paul, Ballman,Jane W. Ballman, Bill Bea]l (BBe), Clara Bean, Steve StuartL. Paulus,George R. Payne,Lance Peacock, Robert E. P•erce, Bearss,Michael L. Bierly, Frank L. Bilbe,Jeff Birdsley, Donald W. Jim Piper,Ned Piper, JohnPiper (JoP),Ed Price, RobertD. Purring- Blunk, Sharon A. Bostick, Art Brazda, Bill Brazeitoh, Thomas A. ton, StephenPurrington, J.V. Remsen,Cecila Riley (CRi), John C Brindley,David Brotherton, Stephen W. Cardiff,David Chaffin,Ben Robinson,Charliene Roemet, Gary H. Rosenberg,Ken Rosenberg, B. Coffey(w. Tennessee),C. DwightCooley, Dot T. Crawford,J. Paul BobSanger, Jean Parker Sark, Don Scott,John Sevenair, William M Crawford,Bruce Crider, W. Glen Criswell, Kermit Cummings,Del- Shepherd,Lydia Shultz, DamienJ. Simbeck,Don & CassieSimons, lyann Dailey, W. Marvin Davis, Tristan Davis, Donna L. Dittman, HarrySlack, A1 Smalley, Gwen Smalley, Kim Smith,Curt SorrelIs, JimDixon, C. Gerald Drewry, ]an Dubusson,Scott Duncan, Robert JimSpence, Barbara H. Stedman,Stephen J. Stedman (Middle Ten- A. Duncan(n.w. Florida), Lucy Duncan,Nancy Edelmon,Robert C. nessee),Bill Stedman,Cathryn Steele, Richard Steele, Ronald J English,Owen Fang,Chuck Feerich,]ames A. Ferguson,Jane Fitz- Stein, Jane Stern, Roy Stout, Randy C. Stringer, Mark Swan, V•c gerald,Ann Forster,Day Forster,Tom Francis,Ben Garmon, Terrie Theobald,Judy Toups (coastalMississippi), Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gates,Larry Gates, John Getwin, SuzieGreen, Mary Anne Guschke, Tucker,Bill Turcotte,Dot Turcotte,Lisa Vogel, Martha G. Waldron, Dale W. Gustin, ShannonHackett, Tom Haggetty,Edith Halberg, Phillip Wallace,Richard Weatherly, Melvin Weber,Eugene Wells, HenryHalberg, Grace Hancock, ]. Harris,Ralph Havard, Ruth Hel- Jim Whelan, Mel While (MWh), Noma Wilkinson, JeffR. Wilson, wege,Lucille Hendrick, Craig Hensley, Mal Hodges,Jim Holmes, TerryJ. Witt, HarriettA. Wright.•ROBERT D. PURRINGTON, Bill Howe, Marilyn Huey (MHu), D.C. Hulse, Wilma ]. Hunter, Dept. of Physics,Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118.

PRAIRIE PROVINCES REGION

Wayne C. Harris •ooø

hewereweather hard pressedwasnot to normal call anythingforthis antime "Indianofyear. Sum-We mer." The generally hot and dry July led into an extremely dry August, then came Septemberand the much needed rain. Septemberis usually the harvestseason for mostof the farm crops grown in this area and the crops decimated by the drought literally sat in the fields and rotted. It was not until the end of October that the sun returned and what was left to be harvested could be removed from the fields. How doesthis relate to birds?Well, ask any Mallard or Sandhill Crane.The field feeding ducks,geese and Sandhill Cranes flourished on the tremendous amounts of swathed but unharvestedgrain lying in the fields. They certainly must have been in excellent condition when they moved south with the arrival of cold weather in early November. And cold MONTANA NORTH DAKOTA weatherit was.Temperatures plummeted to - 20øF,- 30øF, and finally -40øF by the end of the month. Water bodies froze over rapidly forcing waterfowl south, and the cold WATERFOWL- Whistling Swans continue to increase in temperatureseither forced our normal fall stragglerssouth numbersin the area south of Moose Jaw--Swift Current •n s or they simply perishedin the cold asvirtually nonewas left Saskatchewanpresumably from areasaround Saskatoon, where at the end of November. they concentrated15 yearsago. At a relatively small lake near In summaryit was cold and for the mostpart wet. In fact it Spring Valley 2000+- were present at the end of September was the wettest and one of the coldest falls this century in (FB). Four Greater White-fronted Goose at Whitewater Lake, southernManitoba. It was also one of the poorestmigrations Man., Aug. 14 was 2 weeks earlier than normal (CC). A Brant •n years with fewer than usual rarities. was presentat LastMountain Lake W.M.U., Sept. 14-16 (GWB) The thousands of Snow Geese seen at White Bear were the most LOONS THROUGH HERONS- A possibleYellow-billed everseen in thatarea as this species usually frequents the lakes Loonwas seenon Lake oiefenbakerNov. 9 just prior to freeze- farthern., avoidingthe river habitat presentin this area (SOJ) up (WCH). Arctic Loons,now consideredrare but regularfall American Black Ducks were more common this fall w•th 6 migrants, were seen on Blackstrap L., Sept. 14 and Oct. 20; reportsfrom the Saskatoonarea, 11 from Raymoreand a peakof Broderick,Sask. Oct. 30, all singles and two at Regina Beach 68 at Oak Hammock,the highestat the latter since 1978 (CJE, Nov. 10 (C]E,SIS, JAW, BL, TR). A group of 55 Black-crowned MAG, WCH,RFK). The only GreaterScaup reports were from N•ght-Heronson a marsh near St. Leons, Man., was a larger the Calgaryarea with six Oct. 15 and five Nov. 11 (RS,EM, JS) concentrationthan is normally encountered (CC, PS). SingleHarlequin Ducks were seenat CalgaryOct. 13, Saskatoon

130 AmericanBirds, Spnng 1986 Sept 7-8, and near Regina Beach Nov 11 (JS,MDG, SJS,CA) er, consideringthe difficulty of ldentlfy•ng this speciesthis Barrow'sGoldeneyes are either increasingdramatically e. of the recordhas to be consideredhypothetical. foothillsor morebirders are spendingtime watchingand actually identifyingthem. I suspectthe latter. There was one Oct. 20 JAYS THROUGH WRENS- Blue Jays were more wide- followed by sevenon BlackstrapLake Oct. 26 and 5 sightings spreadand more abundantthan usual (PLB, WCH). Again this Nov 2-17 at ReginaBeach (BL, TR). On Nov. 16 at Regina fall considerablenumbers of Com. Ravenswere reporteds. of Beach,a strangeduck that appearedto be a hybrid betweena the forest(WCH, WJA).The reasonfor this suddenregularity s goldeneyeand a HoodedMerganser was describedin detail by of the forestafter the breedingseason is unknown but whatever Luterbach.Nature defiesthe impossible. the reason,ravens have not been seen with such regularity on the prairies since the 1800s and the times of the Bison. Red- DIURNAL RAPTORS- One of the most unexpected sight- breastedNuthatches stagedan unusual early fall southward lngsof the pastfew yearswould have to be the Mississippi Kite invasion.At Raymore,where the norm is less <10 observations found at ReginaAug. 12 (TR, m.ob., ph.). The bird remained for the entire fall they were seen daily from the beginningof until Aug. 18 and wasin almostadult plumagewith only sparse August to late Octoberand then sporadicallyto the end of remnantsof immature plumageleading to the conclusionthat November(WCH, SML). The amazingpart was that it was not the bird was in its secondyear. This record representsa first justone or two individualsseen regularly but largegroups with recordfor the Prairie Provinceswith the most northerly record daily totalsreaching 30 + in late August.At Saskatoon,79 were in the Great Plains of North America previous to this record seenAug. 24, and on Aug. 29, a total of 23 was seenin one small being from South Dakota. area(CJE, JAW). Nor was this an instanceof isolatedoccurrence NorthernHarrier numbers were lower possibly in responseto as virtually every locality in the Regionreported the species low vole populationsover much of this Region (HC, WCH). and mostindicated that the overall numberswere greaterthan NorthernGoshawks were reportedfrom mostof the localitiess. usual (RFK, MB, PLB, WJA, FH). A rarity at any time in the of the forestedareas, an increaseover the past few years (SOJ, Calgaryarea but. totally unexpectedon Nov. 11 was a Sedge WCH). Largenumbers of Swainson'sHawks were seen in the Wren (RS). MooseJaw--Spring Valley area with 50 at the latter Sept. 10 and 300-400 at the former Sept. 21 (FB, DP). THRUSHES THROUGH CATBIRD- At Calgary all three speciesof bluebirdswere reportedat the sametime, the normal GROUSE THROUGH CRANES -- Ruffed and Sprucegrouse beingthe Mountain, the rare being a c• Easternand three imm numbers remained very low throughout and Sharp-tailed Westernsall Aug. 26 (DE). A Townsend's Solitaire was found Grousenumbers were also down, probablyowing to the harsh deadin Stonewall,Man., Oct. 13, a rarespecies in that province winter of 1984-1985 (CC, WCH). A flock of 3000 Sandhill (KG). Gray Catbirds, normally gone from this region by late Cranes Sept. 2 at Whitewater Lake was a good count for s.e. September,were reported at Pinawa Nov. 11 and at Brandon Manitoba (GO). Nov. 17 (C. Aitken, MM).

SHOREBIRDS-- A late Hudsonian Godwit was found at Oak VIREOS AND WARBLERS-- The vireo and warbler migra- HammockOct. 27 (KG). A flock of 300 + Marbled Godwits was tion waslackluster with few raritiesand virtually no largenum- presentat SpringValley Aug. 4-10 (FB). Single W. Sandpipers bersreported. A Yellow-throatedVireo Aug. 13 at Reginafur- werereported at Old Wives Lake s. of MooseJaw, Aug. 5, 6 & 17 nisheda first local recordand follows the increasein sightings (MJL)and one was photographedn. of Radisson,Sask., Sept. 19 farthere. as reportedduring the summer(RK). SinglePhiladel- (CJE)At Calgary,where they are more regularlyreported, the phia Vireos were seen n. of Maidstone Aug. I & 14, farther w followingdates and numberswere recorded:two Aug. 10, three than usual (CJE),as was a N. Parula seen at SaskatoonAug. 10 Aug 17, and singlesSept. 14 & 28 (JS). (CJE).A Chestnut-sidedWarbler seen n. of Maidstone Aug. 15 wasof interestas the speciesis consideredrare anywherew. of JAEGERS, GULLS AND TERNS -- A Parasitic Jaeger was Saskatoon(CJE). A Golden-winged Warbler at Medicine Hat seenat the s. end of Turtle Lake Sept. 2 (MC), but far rarer was Sept. 28 was very unusual (RG). thePomarine Jaeger seen at GardinerDam, Sask.,Oct. 31 (JAW). Two Thayer'sGulls were seenat Patricia Beach,Man., Oct. 26 FRINGILLIDS- Like the warblers, the sparrow migration and a single at Victoria Beach Nov. 2 (RP, BB, RFK). An imm. was very poor in this area.A Swamp Sparrow found dead near Sab•ne'sGull was presentat BlackstrapL., Sept. 7-15 (CJE,HL, White Bear in early Novemberprovided an exceptionallylate ph ) Alberta'sfirst Little Gull record was of an adult and an record(SOJ). At Bromhead,three ad. Field Sparrowswere seen immatureat Namaka L., near CalgarySept. 22-29 (JT, m.ob., Sept.7 (CB).There were two Smith'sLongspurs seen at Fort ph ) At Lacdes Arcs, w. of Calgary,a GlaucousGull wasfound McMurray, Alta., Sept. 4 and there were 25 at Medicine Hat Nov 2 (JS,RS), while in Manitobathere were singlesat Victoria Sept.28 (JRG,RG). A RosyFinch at Pinawa Nov. 20 furnished BeachOct. 19 and Oak Hammock Oct. 25 (RFK, MGS). Waterton the first record in Manitoba since 1979 ([ide RFK). A House LakesN.P. recordedits first CaspianTern Sept. 21, a species Finch was seennear Oakbank,Man., Oct., 5 (GDG). There was a whmh is rare anywherein Alberta (RS). relatively heavy movement of winter finches southward to- wardsthe end of November,which may be better evaluatedby PIGEONS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS- A Band-tailed the end of the winter season. Pigeonwas seenat Good Spirit Lake Aug. 28 making this the 3rd consecutiveyear that this specieshas been seen in Sas- katchewan(WJA). A dead RufousHummingbird was seennear LethbridgeAug. 9 (œideMe's) and anotherwas seenat Livelong, OBSERVERS--(provincial compilers in boldface;local compilersin italics) C. Adam, W. andJ. Anaka (WJA),B. Ball, P. L. Beckie, Sask, Aug. 8 (SP). G.W. Beyersbergen,C. Bjorklund,F. Bogdan,M. Carlson,D. Collis- ter,H. Copland,C. Cuthbert,R. Dixon, D. Elphinstone,C. J. Escort, WOODPECKERS, FL YCA TCHERS-- A Black-backed Wood- K. Gardner,R. Gardner,M.D. Gilliland, J.B. Gellop,M. A. Gellop, peckerat SaskatoonOct. 21 seeminglyindicated that at least a G.D. Grieef,].R. Gulley,W. C. Harris,F. Haug,J. D. Hayward,S. 0 few of this specieshave moved S again this year (JBG).A Yel- Jordheim,E. W. Kern,R. F. Koes,R. Kreba,S. M. Lament,H. Lane, low-belliedFlycatcher Aug. 14, n. of Maidstone,Sask., was w. M. J.Lewis, B. Luterbach,E. Mah-Lin, M. McCowan,G. Ogilvie,M of •ts normal migration routes in the province (CJE).A very O'Shea.R. Parsons,J. H. Paten, S. Pavka, N. Postey, D. Pyle, T •ntrlguingreport of what may have been a Gray Flycatcherwas Riffel,S. J. Shadick,M. G. Siepman,J. Steeves,P. Stonehouse,R received.The bird seenAug. 27 was observedfor about 5 min- Storms,J. Thompson,J. A. Wedgwood.•WAYNE C. HARRIS, Box utesand a detailed descriptionwas submitted(MDG). Howev- 414, Raymore, Saskatchewan. SOA 3JO.

Volume40, Number 1 131 NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION

David O. Lambeth

prolongedheseason was droughtcool inand Montana, wet throughout, where Lewistownbreaking there- ceived 11 inches of rain during August and September.A frontalsystem September 18 broughtan influx of waterfowl, :-' •'• --•--- • N hawks, and sparrows. Otherwise, the early migration was dull. A major snowstorm in early October dumped 15 inchesof slushy snow in Ward County, North Dakota, that may have weakened many birds and accountedfor a number of late records there (GBB). The weather then turned mild until November 8-11 when a cold spell resulted in rapid freezeupacross the Region. The last one-third of No- vemberwas so bitterly cold and snowy that the total snow- r. '::•...... •. .•.•': : •: fall and temperatureaverages for the month ranked first to third in many localities. Glasgow,Montana, set record low temperaturesfor six consecutivedays, the highs at Billings In general,reporters to thisjournal leave the responsibilityot and Great Falls on the 26th were below the previous record monitoringduck populationsto fish and wildlife personnel. low for that date, Grand Forks received two feet of snow, However,among the more notablecounts received were 40,000 and Pembina,North Dakota,recorded a low of-37øF during Mallardsat Upper SourisNov. 9, 15,000 Blue-wingedTeal on this period. Sprawling Lake Sakakaweaiced over by No- one lagooncell at GrandForks Sept. 2, and 3500 Am. Wigeon, 15,000N. Shovelers,and 5000Canvasbacks in early Octoberat vember 30, nearly a month ahead of schedule. With such WaubayN.W.R. {RB).Aerial surveysof Devils L., N.D., indicat- severe conditions, only the hardiest of species might be ed that 200,000 or more LesserScaup staged there. Oldsquaws expectedto remain for the winter season. and Surf Scoterswere again reportedfrom eachof the 3 states, Among the highlightswas North Dakota'sfirst record for andthere is no longerany doubtthat they are rare but regular Pygmy Nuthatch. migrantsthrough the Region. Black Scoterswere observedat GrandForks Oct. 5 {DOL},and nearMinot Nov. 1 & 8 {PM}.A c• ABBREVIATIONS- Place names in italics are counties. Barrow'sGoldeneye was seenat Rapid City for the 8th consecutive winter (JB},and eight were at Ft. PeckOct. 24 {CC}.The 43 Red-breastedMergansers at Upper SourisNov. 2 were excep- LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL- A Red-throated Loon tional numbersfor fall (RM, GBB}. at AngustoraRes., S.D., provided only the 2nd state record (RCR,fide JB), while North Dakota's3rd Pacific Loon was at RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- There were 20 re- BowmanHaley Res.,Oct. 27 (D & CG). The 27 Com. Loonsat Ft. portsof Ospreys.Area editorsconsidered Bald Eaglenumbers Peck, Mont., Oct. 6 (CC) exceededthe seasonaltotals for the high, with adultsand immaturesin equalproportions. A most Dakotas.Red-necked Grebes were still feeding young Sept. 7 unusualobservation was the killing of a pheasantby a N. Harri- nearSt. John,N.D. (DLK), while one on L. SakakaweaNov. 16 er in Charles Mix, S.D. (DS). At least 15 N. Goshawkswere was probablythe latest ever for the state (GBB). The Clark's reportedwith some,if identifiedcorrectly, appearing as early as Grebereported as Montana's2nd recordin the Summerreport Sept.1. Broad-wingedHawks were found in Septemberat Mi- was actuallyCarlson's 2nd at Ft. Peck. The specieswas also not and as far w. as Ft. Peck (CC) and Malta, Mont. (DP). observedthere Sept. 21 (CC),and nearBillings Nov. 7 (BR,HC). A flockof 23 Swainsoh'sHawks near GrandForks Sept. 18 Double-crestedCormorants peaked at 3000 at WaubayN.W.R., wasconsidered unusual that far e. (DOL).Numbers of Rough- Oct. 8 (RB).Great Egrets ranged n.w. asfar as Ward,N.D., and 18 leggedswere low, but early sightingsincluded one Aug. 21 at were at Kelly's Slough, N.D., Aug. 4-Sept. 18. Some of this C.M. Russellin Montana(LM) and Sept. 7 at LaCreekN.W.R., year'sexceptional number of Snowy Egretsremained in North S.D. (GS). A total of 23 Am. Kestrelswas found Sept. 1 near Dakotato mid-Septemberwhile onein Kingsbury,S.D., Oct. 21 Denhigh, N.D. The 17 reports of Peregrines were scattered wasthe latestever (LW). Up to 70 CattleEgrets, including sever- throughoutthe period.A largefalcon with a brokenwing found al immatures,were seenduring Augustin pasturesadjacent to near Grand Forks in late October was identified as an imm. their suspectednesting area near Minnewaukan, N.D. (SL, Gyrfalconat the rehabilitationfacility in St. Paul (fide R. Craw- GBB).A countof 105 was madeSept. 1 near a nestingcolony in ford).A Gyrfalconwas at Ft. PeckNov. 30 .(CC). South Dakota (DS, MS). RuffedGrouse were drummingnear St. John,N.D., Oct. 5 and This was the year the popular pressemphasized the long- Nov. 3 (DLK) while Sharp-tailedGrouse were dancingat the N. term declinein the numbersof certainwaterfowl species.Such Unit of RooseveltN.P., Oct. 25 (SS). The only report of N. declinesare no surpriseto thosewho have witnessedthe con- Bobwhitecame from lackson, S.D. (KG). At least 20,000 Am. tinualand deplorable loss of wetlandsin this Region.However, Cootswere at Upper Sourisin mid-September(RM). A Whoop- the populationsof certainspecies which nestn. of the agricul- ing Craneheard over Minot Sept. 23 (GBB) may have been the tural belt, for example, the Snow Goose,are at record levels. sameindividual seenat Long Lake N.W.R., Sept. 26. Fifteen After freezeup, November 8-11, 4000-5000 Tundra Swans Whooperswere found in SouthDakota with a surprisingnum- wererecorded each at DevilsL. and StumpL., N.D. (GBB,MJ), bar (eight) e. of the Missouri R. and Waubay N.W.R., S.D. (RB). Tewaukon N.W.R., N.D., re- Shorebirdmigration was generallyrated as poor. A dozen cordeda recordhigh of 64,000 Snow GeeseNov. 8 (GE), and SemipalmatedPlovers were seenSept. 2 at Bowman-HaleyRes. 250,000 were at Lord's L., Rolette, N.D., Oct. 27 (RM, GBB). (JB),a potentialmigrant "trap" for water-associatedspecies in Unharvestedgrain appearedto hold the geeseuntil freezeup that areaof North Dakota.A LesserYellowlegs in CharlesMix, when an unprecedentedmigration down the Missouriin South S.D., was the latestever (DS). A Willet with an injured foot Dakotaoccurred Nov. 9 (GS,DLL). A Ross'Goose was taken by remainedat GrandForks through Oct. 2, a monthbeyond the a hunternear Lake Alice N.W.R., N.D., Oct. 7 (DJ),and one was usualdeparture. Ten HudsonianGodwits were at FargoSept. on L. Elmo near Billings, Mont., Nov. 7 (BR). 28 (GN),and this species may prove to be a regularfall migrant.

132 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 A Ruddy Turnstone at Fargo Nov 10 was very late (GN) One through Sept 18 (LA) Eastern Bluebirds numbered 50 in ad and two juv. Red Knots wemat Grand ForksAug. 18 (DOL), McHenry,N.D., Sept. 14. A total of four Gray-cheekedThrushes and singleswere seenat Devils L., Sept. 7 (GBB) and Fargo Sept. was found in Minot Sept. 20-Oct. 4, and one was banded in 11 (MB). In addition to the usual flocks of 100 + Sanderlings Gregory,S.D., Sept. 26 (GS). A Varied Thrush reached Bis- found at the Fargoand Grand Forks lagoons,the specieswas marck,N.D., by Oct. 1 (PK), and one was in Pierre,S.D., Nov. 11 found farther w. with 18 at Bowman-Haley Res., Sept. 2 (JB), (D. Backlund). Water Pipits were last recorded at Grand Forks oneat LewistownAug. 14 for a first recordin L19 (LM), and four Nov. 10. Sprague'sPipits were carrying food near Dunseith, Oct 19 at Ft. Peck (CC). N.D., as late as Aug. 18 (DLK). A LoggerheadShrike at Minot Semipalmatedand Least sandpipersin Ward, N.D., Sept. 28 Sept.21 wasthe latestby 23 days,whereas the earliestN. Shrike were the latest ever (RM). Pectoral Sandpiperswere found a for the Region was at New Town, N.D., Oct. 8 (BH). week after freezeupwith one in a ditch below GarrisonDam A PhiladelphiaVireo was bandedin Brown, S.D., Oct. 7 (DT), Nov 16 (GBB) and another at Fargo Nov. 17 (GN). Even later while one at Minor Oct. 10 was the latest ever there by 5 days. were the two Dunlins in Minnohaha, S.D., Nov. 23 (GB). Fall Approximately40 Red-eyedVireos were in Turtle River S.P, Dunhns are normally found in the e. Dakotasin winter plumage Aug. 23 (GSL). An Orange-crowned Warbler at Minot Oct. 31 in October,but this year a juv.-plumagedbird was observedat was the latestever by 18 days (GBB). Rare recordsfor warblers Grand Forks Sept. 21 (DOL). Sightingsof Buff-breastedSand- in SouthDakota included Golden-wingedsin Minnehaha Aug pipersincluded three at FargoAug. 28 (MB), three in juv. plum- 30 and Sept. 22 (GB), Parulas in Lincoln Sept. 8 (MS) and ageat GrandForks Sept. 2 (DOL), and six in lackson,S.D., Aug. CharlesMix Sept.22 (DS), and a Black-throatedBlue in Roberts 27 for only the 2nd state record w. of the Missouri R. (KG). A Sept. 16 (BKH). The latter specieswas also observedin North Corn Snipewas found Nov. 19 in an open springat Nelson Res., Dakotain Ward Sept. 8 (GBB) and Fargo Sept. 21 (GN). Cape Mont (D. Hultman). Excellent photos were obtained of the $ May Warblerswere reportedfor North Dakotain FargoAug. 26 Red Phalaropereported previously at Bowdoin N.W.R., July 22 (MB), Sully's Hill Sept. 7 (RM), Ward Sept. 8 (GBB),and New (J Stutzman). Town Sept. 18 (BC). A Canada Warbler photographed near Malta Aug. 23 provided only the 3rd record for Montana and GULLS THROUGH OWLS -- Counts of Bonaparte'sGulls the first documentedby photo (DP). exceeded500 at Devils L. in October,and they were last seenat Yankton,S.D., Nov. 22 (WH). Two first-yearand one 2nd-year CARDINAL THROUGH EVENING GROSBEAK-- Northern Thayer'sGulls were below GarrisonDam Nov. 9 (GBB,RM). A Cardinalsmay be increasingin the Bismarckarea where they decisionregarding an unidentifiedgull (Icelandvs. Thayer's)at were present at 3 feeders (RNR), and four were banded in Yankton awaited the return of hopefully-definitive photos Brown, S.D. (DT). A Rose-breastedGrosbeak in Bismarck Oct (WH) A Black-leggedKittiwake was compared closely with 19 was exceptionallylate (DR). Blue Grosbeakswere singingin nearbyBonaparte's Gulls at Ft. Randall, S.D., Nov. 15 (DS), and Spink, S.D., Aug. 9 (P. Martsching),and were feedingfledglings an lmm. Sabine'sGull at the Grand Forkslagoons Sept. 29-Oct. in CharlosMix Aug. 23 (DS). Lark Sparrows,like a number of 5 provided the 3rd record there (SL). Caspian Terns were found other speciesat the n. limit of their range, usually disappear in North Dakotaat Sully's Hill Sept. 7 (RM), FargoSept. 11 (CS), soonafter the young fledge. Thus one at Upper Souris Oct. 27 and Arrowwood N.W.R., Sept. 17 (Rail). A Least Tern at the providedBerkey's first fall record.A VesperSparrow at Fargo SiouxFalls lagoonsAug. 17 was outsidethe normal range(GB) Nov. 3 was very late (LF) as was a SavannahSparrow at Salyer while a Black Tern in Charlos Mix, S.D., Oct. 28 was the latest Oct. 27 (RM). SouthDakota's first "Gray-headed"Junco e. of the ever by 3 weeks (DS). Missouri R. appearedin Brown (DT), and another was in Rapid A red-phasedE. Screech-Owlat Grand Forks Nov. 2 was City Nov. 18 (NW). unexpected,as only the grayphase had beennoted previously. Flocks of 30+ Smith's Longspurs were seen Sept. 29 in An influx of "Arctic" Great Horned Owls had reached as far s. as McHonry, N.D., Oct. 5 at Upper Souris (RM, GBB), and Oct. 19 Dowey, S.D., by Oct. 15 (DEK). The first Snowy Owl was at in Douol,S.D. (BKH). RosyFinches were presentin South Dako- Salyer Oct. 3 (GAE). A N. Pygmy-Owl was in a yard in Joliet, ta by Oct. 24, and countsexceeding 200 were made in Novem- Mont, Nov. 11 (N. Duke). Censusof a breedingcolony of Bur- ber in the Black Hills (NW) and in the North Dakota Badlands rowing Owls in Custor,S.D., totaled 24 (MM). No Long-cared (RM). It was a surpriseto see a repeat of last yeaifs invasion by Owls were reported,but it was the bestseason for Short-eareds PineGrosbeaks, beginning by Nov. 1 at Denbigh,N.D. (RM). The in several seasons with one count of 50 Nov. 23 in Bottinoau 2 speciesof crossbillswere reported only for the Minot and and Renville, N.D. (B. Weber). The only N. Saw-whet Owl was New Town, N.D., areas.Purple Finches were widely presentin heard Aug. 3 in the N. Unit of RooseveltN.P. (SS). good numbers after being nearly absent last winter. Cassin's Finches were observedin Fall Rivor, S.D. (MP), Rapid City NIGHTHA WKS THROUGH WARBLERS-- A Corn. Night- (NR), and Lewistown,Mont. (LM). The e. and w. populationsof hawk at Grand Forks Oct. 10 was exceptionally late, while a HouseFinch may be expectedto meet in the e. Dakotas.Thus Whip-poor-will there Sept. 21 provided a first fall record the reportsof an imm./• bird at Grand Forks in August (GL), (DOL). An Olive-sided Flycatcherat Ft. Peck Sept. 4 was the and of one banded in Brown, S.D., Nov. 12 (DT), were of par- first documentedfor L10 (CC),and an EasternPhoebe at Lewis- ticular interest.Common Redpolls were presentin large num- town Aug. 13 was Montana's 4th (LM). A fledgling Great bersfor the 3rd consecutiveyear, appearingOct. 9 at both Minot CrestedFlycatcher in Ward, N.D., furnished the first confirma- and Lewistown, Mont. (LM). Their arrival in Roberts, S.D., Oct tion of nestingthere (GBB).Purple Martins peakedat 2000 and 27 was the earliest ever (BKH). Dependent, fledgling Pine Sis- 5000 in Fargoand Grand Forks,respectively, and lingereduntil kins appearedat a Grand Forks feeder on the surprisinglylate Sept 26 at Grand Forks. Upper Souris N.W.R. hosted 20,000 dateof Aug. 31. The bestflight of EveningGrosbeaks in years Barn Swallows in mid-September (RM). occurred from mid-October through early November. Most A few Corn. Ravenswere seen in n.c. North Dakota in early flocksappeared at feedersfor only a few daysbefore moving on November(DH, GBB). Perhapsthe strongestappearance of Red- breastedNuthatches in 10 yearsbegan in early August.The first CITED OBSERVERS(Area Editorsin Boldface).MONTANA -- recordfor PygmyNuthatch in North Dakotaoccurred Aug. 17 in Chuck Carlson, Helen Carlson, Larry Malone, D. Prellwitz, Bill Ward where it was both seenand heard calling (GBB,RM). A Roney.NORTH DAKOTA-- GordonB. Berkey, Mary Bergan,Gary Winter Wren was banded in Gregory,S.D., Oct. 17 (GS), and Erickson,Gary A. Eslinger,Larry Falk, Dave & Carolyn Griffiths, anotherwas seenin CodingtonSept. 21 (J.Wylie). A poor mi- BerniceHouser, Don Hultman,Dave Jones, Mike Jacobs,Donald L grationof Golden-crownedKinglets was seeminglyover by the Kubischta,Paul Konrad,David O. Lambeth,Greg Lambeth, Sharon end of October. Lambeth,Ron Martin, Gary Nielsen,Donna Rieckmann, Robert N Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were present in Lincoln, S.D., Randall,Carol Spurbeck,Skip Snow. SOUTH DAKOTA -- Leon

Volume 40, Number 1 133 Anderson,Jocie Baker, Gil Blankespoor,Ralph Bryant, Ken Graup- Skadsen, Mark Skadsen, Galen Steffan, Dan Tallman, Lois Wells, man, Bruce K. Harris, Willis Hall, Doug E. Kreger,Dennis L. Leng- Nat Whitney.--DAVID O. LAMBETH, 1909 20th Ave S, Grand keek, Michael Melius, Marjorie Parker, Richard C. Rosche,Dennis Forks, ND 58201.

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION

Frances C. Williams

records,heseason more was thanunusual could befor includedthe many in "earliestthis report, ever" but WYO. F;awford'Valentine therewere alsomany late migrants.There was another inva- I'" Platte.WR tD I• IOWA ß •-. •. • _ CrescentLake NEBR. .Omaha ' sion of montane and northern species, but the crossbills, ! -- ' . Lincoln bluebirds, solitaires, and Cassin's Finches of last fall were . NorthPlatte ' replacedby Pinyon Jays,Mountain Chickadees,Pygmy Nut- hatches,Golden-crowned Kinglets, and EveningGrosbeaks. I • Manh•t••Shawnee At E1Paso, Zimmer reported"the mostexciting fall migra- • •O [ Hays,•eyenne tion ever," with 29 speciesof shorebirds,nine species of • Cimmaron •A• waders,and nine speciesof gulls and terns. There was also r i NC ...... WiChita ] '"•' an excellent migration in the Omaha area, where twenty speciesof warblers were seen.In the vast area between these ...... -- ß ...... two cities, birding was generally good and the last ten days J, '•OKLA.•ti.•;ter • ARK. • Amarillo • •. ß of Septemberwere outstanding. • k•v • ß • •ic•/ Oklahoma ,n•vv m•A. I• [ t?•._ City ,,,•a-•n•. • Muleshoe• s . •BrokenB• ABBREVIATIONS-- B.B.N.P. = Big Bend Nat'l Park; G.M.N.P. = GuadalupeMountains Nat'l Park; Hagerman = HagerrnanNat'l Wildlife Ref., Tex.; U.T.E.P. = University of Texasat E1Paso. Place .Dallas names in italics are counties. •---•r• _-••aso - -...: • • • __ Wfco Nacogdoches' LOONS THROUGH STORKS -- A Red-throated Loon in El ' • c - a --,- Lake Livingston PasoOct. 30 provideda new county record(BZ, JD). A Pacific Loon visited Cedar Bluff Res. in w. KansasNov. 23-27 (SS). The highestnumber of Com. Loonsreported was 47 at Lake o' the Pinesin e. TexasNov. 23 (D & LB). At Bellevue,Neb., 400 Pied- billed Grebescongregated Sept. 29 (RG).A Horned Grebeat El Big•nd NP N PasoAug. 28 was early and farther w. than usual. Red-necked Grebeswere discoveredin Osage,Kans., Nov. 8 (DB) and Tulsa Nov. 23 (SCa).There were at leasteight W. Grebesin e. Nebras- Flocks of Cattle Egrets comprising 300 birds were present ka and25 in w. Kansas.The only onereported in Oklahomawas nearEl Pasothroughout the period. A congregationof heronsin at BlackMesa S.P., Oct. 3 (MH). One in Randall, Tex., Aug. 24 HudspethAug. 26 included Yellow-crownedNight-Herons and was the earliest on record there (KS). The newly separated LittleBlue, Snowy, and Tricolored (BZ). A WhiteIbis fed with Clark's Grebe was recorded at Cheyenne Bottoms W.M.A., manyherons and egretsat the Ft. Worth Nature CenterSept. 7 Kans.,Aug. 31-Sept.2 (m.ob.),and four were sightedat Kirwin (MCa). An astounding 300 White-faced Ibises assembledin N.W.R., Kans., Oct. 19 (SS). Hudspethand El Paso.One remained at Midland as late as Nov. SixAm. White Pelicanswhich strayedto arid Brewster,Tex., 29. RoseateSpoonbills were reportedin ]ones, Tex., Aug. 24 Oct. 16 had a difficult time finding a largeenough body of water (BH), HagermanAug. 24-Sept.4 (JHB,BV), and Dallas Sept. 12 on which to rest (SCo). Two Double-crested Cormorants in (BV). A Wood Stork provided a first recordfor Canadian,Okla., Hudspethprovided one of the few recordsfor far w. Texas.A Aug. 14-Sept.3 [JP,FL). In Hardin, Tex., 150 Wood Storkswere Double-crested Cormorant at Lubbock must have been of a liter- counted Sept. 26 (AM), 30 were in Dallas Sept. 12 (BV), five ary turn, for he frequentlyperched on a cornerof the Godeke were in Panola,Tex., Aug. 6 (SAC),and one was in Van Zandt, Branch Library. Two Olivaceous Cormorants in Linn, Kans., Tex., Sept. 25 (RK). Aug. 18 provideda new county record(LM, MC), and two near Manhattan,Kans., Aug. 22 were also noteworthy(TTC). Oliva- WATERFOWL,RAPTORS-- Nearly 300 Black-belliedWhis- ceousCormorants were common in n. Texas,with a peak of 12 tling-Ducksassembled in Uvalde,Tex., Nov. 12 (E & KM). Other at L. BenbrookAug. I (CBH). Haynie was surprisedto see one sightingsincluded 15 at Dallas Sept. 2 (BV), 13 at Keene,Tex., that still retained white plumes on its ear covertsas late as Oct. Sept. 22 (CWE), and two in Wagoner,Okla., Aug. 30-Sept. 27 26. An Anhingawas seenat Dallas Sept. 26 (TG). (JLN,JCH). Tundra Swansgraced Sarpy, Neb., Nov. 10, Platte, An Am. Bittern was surprised on a Bartlesville, Okla., golf Neb.,Nov. 13, and Washington,Neb., Nov. 20. One in Carson, courseSept. 5 (EL). At OologahRes., Nowata, Okla., a Least Tex., Nov. 16 was the earliest on record there (PA). A lone Bittern flushed from cocklebursSept. 28 (DV). Least Bitterns Trumpeter Swan in Trego, Kans., Nov. 27 was of unknown were tower fatalities in Saunders,Neb., Sept. 23 (JG),and one origin (SS}.Snow Geese in e. Nebraskawere said to be the most was discoveredin B.B.N.P.,Dec. 2 (]St). A Great Egret on the abundant"inliving memory"(WJM). Ross' Geese were found in salt flats of Hudspeth, Tex., Sept. 13-19 was surprising (OVO). Fottawatomie,Kans., Nov. 13 (TTC), SequoyahN.W.R., Okla., There was a widespreadN dispersalof TricoloredHerons in Nov. 16 (JLN),Castro, Tex., Nov. 14 (GL), LubbockNov. 27-30 Texasand one reachedTulsa Aug. 25 (BB). One in Hockley, (ML), and HagermanNov. 9-30 (m.ob.).A BarnacleGoose (also Tex., Aug.4 provideda new countyrecord (GI). ReddishEgrets of unknown origin) rested on a farm pond with 50 Canada visited Burieson,Tex., Oct. 5 (KA, m.ob.) and BalmorheaL., Geesein Caddo,Okla., Nov. 20 (BE). Wood Duckswere reported Reeves,Tex., Aug. 10 (DAS). in w. Texas at G.M.N.P., El Paso, Armstrong,and Taylor. A

134 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 Ft. Worth Aug. 17. Five Mountain Ploverswere seenAug. 30 in Cimarron, Okla. (JAG), 50 were in Randall, Tex., Nov. 14 (GL), and 47 rested in Armstrong, Tex., Nov. 15 (PA). Sixteen Am. Avocetsin Riley, Kans.,Nov. 2 were late. A Solitary Sandpiper at G.M.N.P., Sept. 6 provided a new park record (OVO). Two Upland Sandpipers in Kerr Sept. 11 were unusual (E & KM). Marbled Godwits visited Hudspeth, Tex., Oct. 18, Amarillo Aug. 14-Sept.17, and HagermanAug. 25. Red Knotswere found in Douglas,Neb., Aug. 17 (BJR),Cheyenne Bottoms Sept. 7 (SS), OklahomaCity Sept. 13 (JAG),Dallas Aug. 17 (HK), Gray, Tex., Aug. 11 (KS), and El PasoAug. 24 (BZ). Sanderlingsstopped at OklahomaCity July 14-Oct. 5, Gray Aug. 22, and El PasoSept. 16 and Oct. 18. Dunlins were found at Cheyenne Bottoms Oct. 26 and Nov. 14, Oklahoma City Oct. 9, Hagerman Oct. 20, Uvalde Oct. 3, Dallas Nov. 10, and El Paso Oct. 18 & 26. Buff-breastedSandpipers rested at CheyenneBottoms Aug. 31 and Sept. 7, Norman, Okla., Sept. 6, Tulsa Sept. 8, Ft. Worth Aug. 13, and Dallas Sept. 2 & 14. American Woodcockswere Black-bellied Whistling-Ducksat Keene, Tex., Sept. 22, 1985. found at Oklahoma City Sept. 21 and Ft. Worth Nov. 3. All 3 Photo/CharlesEasley. speciesof phalaropesfed at the Elkhart sewageponds in Mor- ton, Kans.,Sept. 21 (SS. TTC). Both Red and Red-neckedphal- well-describedGarganey was sightedin the marshesat Sanford Dam, Hutchinson, Tex., Nov. 22 (FC). An eider at DeSotoN.W.R., Washington,Neb., was believed to be a Com. Eider, but final determinationwas awaiting exami- nation of the photographsby experts (BJR,M & EB). Oldsquaws were sightedat Pierce,Neb., Nov. 19 (BJR),Douglas, Neb., Nov. 26 (BJR),and Lubbock Nov. 28-30 (KR). Surf Scotersvisited DeSoto N.W.R., Nov. 11-20 (BJR)and Jefferson,Kans., Nov. 3 (MC, m.ob.). White-winged Scoterswere observed at DeSoto Nov. 3-10 (m.ob.) and Trego, Kans., Oct. 15 (SS). Hooded Mer- gansersmoved into the Regionin late November,with a peak of 50 in TregoNov. 23 and single individuals as far w. as El Paso and B.B.N.P. A Red-breastedMerganser at B.B.N.P., Nov. 11-13 provided a first confirmed record there (ABet al.). Two BlackVultures in Hudspeth,Tex., Oct. 2 provideda first El Pasoarea record (BZ). More than 50 Ospreyswere reported in the Region.In Riley, Kans., 35 Mississippi Kites were counted Sept. 14 (TTC) and 41 were in 2 trees in Ft. Worth Aug. 25 (A & EB). The seldom-reportedN. Goshawkwas seenin Washington, Neb., Oct. 5 (EV), B.B.N.P., Sept. 10 & 26 (AB, CS), and G.M.N.P., Oct. 26 (KV-R, FW). At El Paso, a Com. Black-Hawk was photographed Sept. 27 (BZ). A Red-shouldered Hawk in Red Phalarope at Lake He[her, Oklahoma, Sept. 24, 1985. B.B.N.P., Aug. 26 was out of range and out of habitat (WS). A Photo/Mitchell Oliphant. Broad-wingedHawk in Morton, Kans., Sept. 21 was w. of the usual route of the species (SS, TTC). Few flocks of Broad- aropes were at Cheyenne Bottoms Oct. I (SS), Willow Creek wingeds were seen: 668 at Nacogdoches,Tex., Oct. 2, 188 at Res.,Pierce, Neb., Sept. 23 (M & EB), and Oklahoma City Sept. Panola,Tex., Oct. 4, 78 in Hardin, Tex., Sept. 28, and 50 in Van 18-28 (JGN). Red-necked Phalaropes also stopped at Boone, Zandt, Tex., Sept. 25. Neb., Oct. 6 (WJM) and Dallas Sept. 28 (BT). At El Paso,where At least 2000 Swainsoh's Hawks were seen between Dumas usually only a dozen Red-necked Phalaropes are seen, more and Dalhart in the Texas Panhandle Sept. 30. Other large con- than 200 passedthrough. A Red Phalaropeat LubbockSept. 17 gregationsof Swainsoh's Hawks included 150 at Post, Tex., marked the 4th consecutiveyear one has appearedthere (ML). Sept. 29, 200 in Jackson,Okla., Oct. 2, and 500 in Glasscock, Birdersat CheyenneBottoms Aug. 31-Sept. I had a pleasant Tex., Oct. 15. Two Zone-tailed Hawks were discovered in problem: how many jaegers were present and what species G.M.N.P., Aug. 22 (BW). A Golden Eagle visited Wyandotte, were they?Possibly three birds were present.Each time one of Kans., Nov. 29 (LM). A Merlin in Barton, Kans., Sept. 1 was the birds flew by the birders saw new and confusing field early. Only 12 Merlins and 20 Peregrine Falcons were reported marks.Jaeger expert Wayne Hoffman identified one as a 3rd- in the Region.Peregrines were early in Randall, Tex., Aug. 25 year Parasitic. A 2nd, immature. bird was identified as a Para- and Midland Aug. 24. Prairie Falcons were noted e. to Douglas, sitic by Crawford and Seltman. Crawford believed a 3rd bird Neb., Tulsa, and Tarrant, Tex. was present and called it a Long-tailed. Confusing, but fun! A jaeger believed to be a Pomarine was seen at Great Salt Plains QUAIL THROUGH TERNS-- A Gambel's Quail in B.B.N.P., N.W.R., Oct. 17 (JKH) and another possiblePomarine was ob- Sept. 7 provided one of the few recent records of the species served at Oklahoma City Sept. 25 (JGN). there {ML}. A Yellow Rail was a tower fatality in Mead, Neb., A LaughingGull in Washington,Tex., Nov. 4 provided a 2nd Sept. 23 (JG}.Virginia Rails were discovered at El Paso Oct. 2 area record (KA). ACom. Black-headedGull in Douglas,Neb., {BZ} and Uvalde, Tex., Nov. 12 {E & MP}. An ad. Com. Moorhen Nov. 18 was well described (BJR). Details of a sighting of a with three juveniles provided a first breeding record in Castro, California Gull near Ardmore, Okla., Nov. 30 have been submit- Tex., Aug. 4 {KS). This specieswas found in Kerr and Uvalde, ted to the Oklahoma RecordsCommittee (BF). A Thayer's Gull Tex., in October. Sandhill Cranesvisited Sarpy, Neb., Sept. 18. remained near Manhattan Nov. 9-30 and two Glaucous Gulls In Howard, Tex., 15 Snowy Plovers Nov. 9 were late. A Piping were in the same area Nov. 20-30 (TTC). Sabine's Gulls were Plover remained at Platte, Neb., Aug. 1-Oct. 3 {BJR}.Others seen at Oklahoma City Sept. 15 & 24 (B & PP et al.) and at weresighted at CheyenneBottoms Aug. 31, Tulsa Sept. 22, and HagermanSept. 24 (KH). A Gull-billed Tern was discoveredat

Volume 40, Number I 135 Waco, Tex., Nov. 4 (LMB, SB}. Common Terns were found at A GreenKingfisher appeared in B.B.N.P.,Oct. 16 and Nov. 5 Oklahoma City Sept. 14-20 and Oct. 12 (JGN}and El PasoSept. (CS et al.). About 20 Lewis' Woodpeckersflocked in Cimarron, 4, 11, & 27 and Oct. 18 (BZ, JD]. LeastTerns were seenat Optima Okla., Sept. 1 |DV), and two visited G.M.N.P., Oct. 7 and Nov. Res., Okla., where nesting is suspected,July 28 and Aug. 9 11-30 (OVO, BJ).An Acorn Woodpeckerin Amarillo Sept. 30 {MDa}. Least Terns were also seen in Platte, Neb., at Tulsa, provided a 2nd Panhandle record (FC). A Red-bellied Wood- where 16 fledged this summer, and in Rains, Tex. Black Terns pecker at Midland Nov. 16-30+ provided one of the few rec- were seenat 10 localities,but 15 was the largestnumber count- ordsthere. A Williamson's Sapsuckervisited G.M.N.P., Oct. 10- ed. In Rogers,Okla., only two Black Terns were seen all year. Nov. 30 + (OVO, BJ). Red-napedSapsuckers were reported in Cimarton Oct. 3 (MH} and El Paso in October (BZ}. Ladder- DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS- White-winged backedWoodpeckers were feedingnestlings at Lubbockas late Doves visited Kerrville Aug. 7 and Oct. 7 {L & BW}. Common as Oct. 5 (DS}. Ground-Doveswere located in Uvalde Oct. 3 and Hudspeth Sept. 20. Monk Parakeetswere found in Amarillo Oct. I {KS} FLYCATCHERS THROUGH NUTHATCHES- Two E. and College Station, Tex., Nov. 1 {RP}. Black-billed Cuckoos Wood-Peweescalled all day in Crosby,Tex., Sept. 22 (ML}. A were located at Tulsa Oct. 27 and Bartlesville Sept. 9 & 23. A Black Phoebevisited LubbockSept. 5 {DS}. In G.M.N.P., an E. Yellow-billed Cuckoonest with eggswas found in Cimarron Phoebewas discoveredOct. 18 {BJ,OVO}. A pair of Vermilion Aug. 18 {JAG}.One Yellow-billed Cuckoo remained in Wash- Flycatchersattended two short-tailedyoung in CimarronAug. ington, Okla., until Oct. 27 {DV}. Groove-billed Ants were 16 (JAG}.A Brown-crestedFlycatcher strayed to B.B.N.P.,Sept. found in Cass,Neb., Sept. 9 (C & MK, RG}, Ector. Tex., Nov. 24 26 {JS).The Thick-billed Kingbird first reported in B.B.N.P., (JH), and B.B.N.P., Sept. 6 (RD, CS}. Five Flammulated Owls July 31, remaineduntil Sept. 24 {m.ob.}.In Hudspeth,an E. wandered to El Paso•three were found dead and two were Kingbirdtraveled with a largegroup of W. KingbirdsSept. 4. alive. Two E. Screech-Owlsvisited Hudspeth Sept. 18-20 (BZ, Scissor-tailedFlycatchers are rare w. of the PecosR., so one in JD). A Burrowing Owl in Lone Star, Tex., Nov. 15-27 lived in a HudspethSept. 4 and one in B.B.N.P.,Oct. 20 were noteworthy. pipe that was in useas a parking lot barrier (D & LB}. A Burrow- There were more reports than usual of "late" Scissor-taileds, ing Owl visited Waco Oct. 23 (LMB). A most unlikely vagrant the latestbeing one at Ft. Worth Nov. 22. More than 1000 Blue was a Spotted Owl which was found dead in E1 PasoNov. 15 Jaysmoved S throughRiley, Kans., Sept. 28 {TTC}, and on Oct. (*U.T.E.P.}. Short-earedOwls were reported only in Saunders 6 large flocks passedthrough Rogers, Okla. (MD), and Rains, and Lancaster,Neb. In Tulsa, a N. Saw-whet Owl found injured Tex. iRK). One reached Presidio, Tex., Oct. 26 (JMi). Nov. 3 (PW) was rehabilitatedand returned to the wild Nov. 24 Pinyon Jaysinvaded Chadron, Neb., Sept. I and remained a (B a BS). month,eating seedsof sunflower,thistle, and millet, as well as Late Com. Poorwills were detectedat Oklahoma City Oct. 27 suet (RCR}.The Pinyon Jayinvasion extended to Morton, Kans., (JGN}and Midland Oct. 31 (JH}.A Chuck-will's-widow banded Sept. 21 (SS},Cimarton, Okla., Sept. 1 (DV), G.M.N.P., Sept. 11- at LubbockSept. 15 provideda 2nd countyrecord (AS). Congre- Oct. 17 (BJ},and El Paso Sept. 23 (BZ}. Mountain Chickadees gationsof Chimney Swifts included 2600 in Panola, Tex., Oct. wandered to Black Mesa S.P., Potter and Randall, Tex., and E1 24 [SC} and 800 in Hardin, Tex., Ocl. 15 [AM). A Broad-billed Pasoin mid-October.Bushtits were locatedin Morton Sept. 14 Hummingbirdin Hudspeth Sept. 18 provided a first E1 Paso & 21 (SS, TFC}. arearecord (BZ, JD).At leastfive Anna's Hummingbirdsvisited Red-breastedNuthatches were reportedat 21 localities.They El Pasofeeders Oct. 15-Nov. 30 +. Anna's Hummingbirds pro- arrived in Black Mesa and Omaha in mid-August and were vided first recordsin Crosby,Tex., Aug. 23-Sept. 16 (ML) and widespreadby early October.White-breasted Nuthatches were LubbockOct. 15-Nov. 4 (RE). The Anna's reported at Kerrville unusually common in their normal haunts, and were found at in the summer departed Sept. 18 (E & KM). A Calliope Hum- several locations where they are rare visitors. Pygmy Nut- mingbird photographedin Crosbyprovided a first county rec- hatchesarrived in Morton, Kans., Sept. 21 (SS, TTC), and in ord Aug. 14 (ML). A RufousHummingbird in BellevueNov. 10- Amarillo (KS) and Lubbock(AS, DS) in late October.Flocks of 17 furnisheda first record for e. Nebraska(AD et al.}. A Rufous up to nine individuals were seen in Amarillo. that arrived in Norman Nov. 7 was found dead Nov. 27 (MHo, JAG). In Texas, Rufous Hummingbirds were e. of their usual WRENS THROUGH VIREOS-- Winter Wrens were found at rangein Kerr, Kendall, Johnson,Waco, and Bryan. 5 localitiesduring October. Golden-crowned Kinglets were everywhere, with a peak of 150 in Hardin, Tex., Nov. 2 {AM}. A Blue-grayGnatcatcher in Palo Duro CanyonS.P., Tex., Nov. 24 was very late (KS}. Four E. Bluebirdsbrightened Cimarron Oct. 3 {MH}. Mountain Bluebirdswere reportedat Black Mesa S.P., Oct. 16 {JKH}, B.B.N.P., Nov. 7 {BMcK}, and G.M.N.P., Oct. 18 {OVO}. Four W. Bluebirdsgraced Palo Duro Canyon Oct. 31. A Wood Thrush in Crosby,Tex., Sept. 28-Oct. 2 provided a first county record {ML}. At least 100 Sage Thrashers inhabited BlackMesa Oct. 16 (JKH}.A SageThrasher discoveredin Wash- ington,Okla., Nov. 23 provideda new county record {DV etal.}. Curve-billedThrashers were out of rangeat GardenCity, Kans., Nov. 25 {LH}. Sprague'sPipits were common in w. KansasSept. 29-Oct. 25. Others were observedat Tulsa Oct. 8, Hagerman Oct. 17, and B.B.N.P., Nov. 17. The only Bohemian Waxwing appearedin Beaver,Okla., Nov. 13 {RKi}. A Cedar Waxwing in Atchisonwas feedingdependent young Sept. 12 (E & JS}.Five CedarWaxwings arrived in Amarillo as early as Aug. 17 {PA}. During the season,five N. Shrikeswere found in w. Kansas,six in Boone, Neb., and three in the Amarillo area. Single N. Shrikes were located in Pierce and Platte, Neb. At one breedinglocality of Black-cappedVireos on the Kerr W.M.A., Kerr, Tex., Aug. 31, 14 males, three females,and four young {two recently fledged}were found in 16 known territor- Anna's Hummingbirdin CrosbyCounty, Tex.,August-Septem- ies•not an encouragingreport. At a 2nd locale, no birds were ber 1985. First county record. Photo/Mark Lockwood. foundin 7 territories(JAG}. A SolitaryVireo at Dewey,Okla.,

136 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 A Hepatic Tanager stopped in El Paso Oct. 2. A very late Summer Tanager was found in Papillion, Neb., Oct. 30 (PS). ScarletTanagers brightened Lubbock Aug. 11 (AWF) and Cros- by Sept.22 (ML). At least 12 W. Tanagersmoved throughMor- ton in September,and one in Cimarron Aug. 17 was early. In Kerr a new recordwas providedby a W. TanagerAug. 26 (E & KM).

GROSBEAKS THROUGH FINCHES- A Rose-breasted Grosbeakwas found dead in El Paso Sept. 28 (*U.T.E.P.) and one was seenin Kerr Sept. 29 (CW). A Blue Grosbeakin Wash- ington,Okla., Oct. 23 was a month late. There were early arrival datesfor nearly all sparrow species.Le Conte's Sparrows were found at 8 locations,with a peak of 48 in Lyon, Kans., Oct. 20. Elusive Sharp-tailed Sparrowswere found in Cuming, Neb., Sept. 24, Blaine, Neb., Oct. 5, Linn, Kans., Oct. 20, and Rush, Kans., Oct. 26. Fox Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows were unusually abundant in w. Texas in early November. A White-crowned Sparrow arrived at Buffalo Lake N.W.R., Tex., Aug. 18, the earliest date on record. Sage Thrasherat Bartlesville, Okla., Nov. 23, 1985. First local McCown's, Lapland, and Chestnut-collaredlongspurs were record. Photo/MichaelL. Gray. commonat all the usual sites. Small groups of Smith's Long- spurswere found in Cass,Neb., Nov. 24, Lyon, Kans., Oct. 27, and Osage,Okla., Nov. 17. A Smith's Longspurin El PasoNov. Nov. 3 was a month late. Yellow-throatedVireos were sightedat 22 provided a first county record (BZ, JD). Snow Buntings ar- El PasoOct. 10 (JD), Atchison Sept. 12 (E & JS), and College rived in Boone,Neb., Nov. 27 (WJM) and Douglas,Kans., Nov. 2 StationNov. 22 (GD). Late Philadelphia Vireos were found in (MC, AC, LM). Palo Duro Canyon S.P., Oct. 31 (KS) and College Station Nov. 12 Only W. Meadowlarksare supposedto inhabit the w. Pan- (GD). handle of Texas, so E. Meadowlarks at Buffalo L. and Muleshoe N.W.R., Nov. 13 were newsworthy (GL). Rusty Blackbirdsin WARBLERSTHROUGH TANAGERS-- The only goodwar- Randall, Tex., Nov. 15 were the first there in 5 years. Great- bler fallout occurred Oct. 17 at Ft. Worth when 200 Orange- tailed Grackles flocked in Co[[ey and Osage,Kans., Nov. 19. A crowned Warblers, 50 Nashville Warblers, 35 Yellow-rumped "Baltimore" Oriole was seen in E1Paso Aug. 28. A Scott'sOriole Warblers, and six Black-throated Green Warblers were counted visited CrosbyAug. 24 (ML). (JSyet aL). A TennesseeWarbler in Custer,Okla., Oct. 14 pro- A HouseFinch was observedin Lyon, Kans., Aug. 17. Com- vided a new county record (PWW) and one visited Waco Sept. monRedpolls were seen in Boone,Neb., Nov. 9, but they moved 13 (YD). A Nashville Warbler banded at Jay, Okla., Aug. 27 on and none was found later. Two Lesser Goldfinches at Dino- provided a new early fall record for the state (FMB, AMB). saurValley S.P., Somervell,Tex., Sept. 8 provided one of the Fifteen Nashville Warblers were banded in Custer Oct. 14-16 few records there (CBH). A flock of 30 Am. Goldfinches in (PWW) and 36 were banded at the Plano Outdoor Learning Presidio, Tex., Oct. 26 was also unusual (JMi). CenterOct. 20 (AV). A Virginia's Warbler at Black Mesa S.P., The big news of the fall was the EveningGrosbeak invasion. Aug. 17 was early. During the last week of September,the spe- The earliestones arrived in Garden City, Kans., Oct. 24, where cieswas noted in Texas in Carson,Lubbock, Crosby, and Mid- six visitedfeeders daily until Nov. 2 (LH). They were found at 5 land. Large numbers of Chestnut-sided Warblers arrived at locationsin Nebraska,the largestflock comprising33 birds in OmahaSept. 20-21. Otherswere seenat Lincoln Sept. 26 (MBO) WashingtonNov. 29. Grosbeakswere throughoutKansas by the and Washington.Okla., Sept. 15 (DV). A Magnolia Warbler in end of the period with flocks of 25 visiting some feeders. In ]e[[erson, Kans., Sept. 22 was unusual (LM). Black-throated Oklahoma,they were found in 4 cities, with a flock of 50 in Gray Warblers appeared in Morton, Kans., Texas, Okla., Lub- Bartlesville. A small flock in Ft. Worth Nov. 17 moved on by bock, and G.M.N.P., Aug. 28-Sept. 22. Townsend's Warblers Nov. 20. Several large flocks of 20 to 30 birds each could be werenoted only at LubbockSept. 28 (AWF) and B.B.N.P.,Sept. found in Palo Duro Canyon S.P. beginning Nov. 13. A lone 27 (JS)-Hermit Warblersvisited the Davis Mts., Tex., Aug. 30 EveningGrosbeak visited Panola, Tex., Nov. 22. (JS)and B.B.N.P., Sept. 4 (CS). Blackburnian Warblers were noted at Tulsa Sept. 12 and Denton, Tex., Aug. 28. CONTRIBUTORSAND OBSERVERS(Area compilers in bold- Pine Warblers were found at Fontenelle Forest, Sarpy, Neb., face)-- PeggyAcord, Keith Arnold, ByronBall, F.M. & A.M. Baum- Sept.I and Lincoln Sept. 21. A Prairie Warbler at Midland Sept. gartner,James H. Beach,Anne Bellamy, Shirley Brewer, Mark & Ed 20 was the first there since 1971 (JMe, RMS). Palm Warblers Brogie,David & LuanneBrotherton, Ina Brown,LiIlian M. Brown, visited Tulsa Sept. 26, OklahomaCity Sept. 29, Midland Oct. DaveBryan, Alma & EarlBurnham, Ted T. Cable,Fern Cain, Sandra 24, and B.B.N.P., Oct. 17. Bay-breastedWarblers were seen at Calver (SAC),Steve Calver. Sally Campbell (SCa), Mike Castles OmahaSept. 20, Ft. Worth Oct. 5, and CrosbyOct. 6. A Protho- (MCa), S. Cooke(SCo), Arlie Cooksey,Mel Cooksey,Steven J. Craw- notaryWarbler brightenedMidland Aug. 26. In Custer,Okla., a ford, YvonneDaniel, Marvin Davis (MDa), R. DeVine, JeffDonald- N. Waterthrush provided a new record Aug. 31 (PWW). Two son,Gil Doran,Art Douglas•Melinda Droege,Charles W. Easley, RosemaryEnglish, Bud Exertdine,Ada Wre Foster,Brush Freeman, wereseen at Ft. Worth, where there are few fall records,Sept. 8 Tim Gollob,Ruth Green,Joseph A. Grzybowski,Joe Gubanyi, Carl & 26, and one was at G.M.N.P., Sept. 10. An Ovenbird visited B. Haynie,Jim Henderson,Lawrence Herbert, J. Kelly Hobbs,Mal Clay,Kans., Sept. 17 (E & JS),and one in Amarillo Oct. 8-21 was Hodges,J.C. Hoffman, Wayne Hoffman,Mark Howery (MHo), Bill very late (RS). Mourning Warblersmade a good showing in the Hunt, Nick Jackson,Greg Joiner, Barry Jones, Richard Kinney, Rita c. partof theRegion, and one strayed w. to CrosbyOct.13 (ML). Kinney (RKi), Cecil & Maysel Kiser, H. Klonis, Greg Lasley,Ed A MacGillivray's Warbler was observedin Barton, Kans., Sept. Leverson,Mark Lockwood, Fran Lower, Jo Loyd, Art MacKinnon, 2 (MC). Two Wilson's Warblersin CimarronAug. 17 provided a Judy Mason, Janet M. McGee, Bonnie McKirmey, Jeri McMahon new early datefor Oklahoma (JAG).Canada Warblers wandered 0Mc), JoanMerritt (JMe),Jody Miller (JMi), Wayne J. Mollhoff, s.w. to Midland Sept. 13 and B.B.N.P., Aug. 13. A Red-faced Lloyd Moore, Ernest& Kay Mueller, JohnG. Neweli, J.L.Norman, Warblerinhabited B.B.N.P. throughout August. A PaintedRed- O.V. Olsen, Mabel B. Ott, Loren & Babs Padelford, JeanPasternak, startwas photographednear E1 PasoSept. 23 (BZ). Beverly& Phil Pearce,Eldon & MargePerry, Randy Pinkston, War-

Volume 40, Number 1 137 ren Pulich, B.J.Rose, John Schmidt, Ed & JeanSchulenberg, Rose- Verser,Eric Volden, KathyVoss-Roberts, Paul Welch, Leon& Betty mary Scott.W. Sekula. Scott Seltman, Ken Seyffert, David A. Sib- Wiard, Charles Wiedenfeld, Burr Williams, Frances Williams, ley, C. Simmons,Alan Simon, Berta& Bill Snell, JuneStacey (JSy), FrancesWillis (FWi), Paul W. Wilson, David Wolf, Barry Zimmer. DarleneStevens, James Stewart (JSt),Rose Marie Stortz, Phil Swan- --FRANCES C. WILLIAMS, Rt. 4, 2001 Broken Hills E., Midland, son.B. Thawby. Jack D. Tyler, Allen Valentine. Betty Vernon. Don TX 79701.

SOUTH TEXAS REGION

Greg W. Lasley and Chuck Sexton '• • eBastrop Beoomonl tember,ainfallwas butgenerally beginning lacking in latethrough September, Augustheavy and rainsSep- • • P•o Houstonß •Cov• • a•CO•S•SC•.• • ßs•. •. LoPo• •HiOh Island quickly made up the deficits over most of the Region. The • •e Sequin BAYS•RE•')• early seasonwas quite hot. A weak front trailing acrossthe Del•XRio Uvaldeß A•io • • •- •o•es• UpperTexas Coast in late Augustbrought scattered showers • .... •Freepon and may have been responsible for numerous unusually early arrival datesfor fall migrants.Quite a few other fall 'ge-. X• We•aer,e•uee, •"•a• and winter arrivals coincided with the first major wet front, which camethrough the RegionSeptember 28-30. This front wasfollowed on October1 by what Morgantermed "among 2 • Folfurrios•...... the bestever fall birding days." No fewer than 25 speciesof ß"• * Lt• Raymondville warblerswere found on the Upper Texas Coast,including several exceptional rarities. The front also ushered in the • SantaAna Refug• . •Brownsv•lle -- earliest-everWhooping Crane October 3 at Aransas,the first of a recordflock. Excessiverains along a slow-movingfront caused flooding in central Texas in mid-October, but '• l - •1 -- • •San Fernando seemedto be accompaniedby less-than-anticipatedmigrant pile-ups.A secondmajor front crossedthe coastNovember 2 with goodbirding on the Upper TexasCoast the following '• • •0 day. Despitethe fact that three tropical stormshit the Central Gulf coast hard during the period, the Texas coast was He contacteda local wildlife rehabilitation group. Initially spared from significant effects of this weather. With one identifiedas a White-tailed (the only tropicbird speciesever remarkableexception (the tropicbird), no ornithologicalfal- reportedfor Texaspreviously), the bird wastaken to the Hous- lout followed any of the storms. ton Zoo where veterinariansfound the bird to be exhausted,but In general, the migration was deemed "steady and re- not injured otherwise.The bird foiled the effortsof the rehabili- warding most of the time" on the Upper Texas Coast (JM) tatars and died Nov. 16. Collins went to the zoo to retrieve the but "awful" (for passerines)on the central coast (CC). The specimenand began researchingtropicbird plumages. He latter assessmentby Clark differed substantially from the quickly realizedthat the bird was actually a Red-billed.As results of his waterbird observations, which detected some such,it representedthe first recordfor Texas,and perhapsfor notable concentrationsof birds. The Region was blessed the n. Gulf of Mexico as well (* to Texas A&M, KA, TE, FC et with an unusualarray of tropical rarities that showedup not al.). (See Duncan and Havard 1980, AB 34:122.) only in the Lower Rio Grande Valley but at several other The successfulBrown Pelican nesting seasons of recentyears localities as well. areshowing their effectson their fall distributionin mostcoast- EdgarB. Kincaid,Jr., died in Austin August12, 1985. He al areas of the Region. Concentrations of 100 or more were reportedin the CorpusChristi area during October(CC et al.), was best known to ornithologistsfor his editorship of The and increasednumbers were notedas far s. asLaguna Atascosa Bird Life of Texasto which he dedicated many years of his and up the coastto Galveston.A first Reddish Egret for the life. He was one of the most beloved and intriguing figures Austinarea visited McKinney Falls S.P.,Sept. 6 (JBoet al.) and in Texas ornithologicalcircles. We dedicatethis column to remaineduntil late in the month. Reportsof ibisesincreased his memory. thisfall, especiallyon the U.T.C.,where the Spoonbillrecorded 19 reportsof White Ibisesfor a total of 988, and 12 reportsof ABBREVIATIONS- Aransas = Aransas Nat'l Wildlife Ref.: White-facedfor a total of 2571 during Septemberalone. One Attwater = Attwater Prairie Chicken Nat'l Wildlife Ref.; Bentsen = flock in w. Harris contained1600 White-facedSept. 21; as late BentsenRio GrandeValley StatePark; LagunaAtascosa = Laguna as Nov. 29, over 800 White and 800 White-facedwere counted AtascosaNat'l Wildlife Ref.; L.R.G.V. = Lower Rio GrandeValley: Santa Ana= Santa Ana Nat'l Wildlife Ref.; T.P.R.F. = Texas Photo at Attwater(JM, TE). A Jabiruappeared in Hidalgonear Bentsen Aug.5-8; it was unannouncedto the generalbirding communi- RecordFile (TexasA & M University); U.T.C. = Upper TexasCoast; Welder = Welder Wildlife Refuge.Place names in italicsare county becauseit wason privateland. The landownerdid, however, ties. allow severalobservers onto the propertyto photographthe bird (ph. to T.P.R.F.,TP et aL). The Wood Storkmigration was quite impressiveat many coastalareas with a total of 606 re- TROPICBIRDS THROUGH STORKS-- One of the most sur- portedon the U.T.C. in September. prisingfinds of the seasonwas a Red-billedTropicbird. The Houstonresident who foundit in his frontyard Nov. 13 unable WATERFOWL,RAPTORS-- Black-belliedWhistling-Ducks to fly describedit as "somekind of seabird,it haswebbed feet." beganstaging at WarrenL. in w. Harrisearlier than normalthis

138 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 year. Between200 and 500 were present all September(JM). especiallyintriguing. The written description of the bird more One ad. Black-belliedwas noted with sevenyoung on the late closelyfit the race œulva,unrecorded in Texas (œulvawinters in date of Oct. 26 in Austin (BF). Mottled Ducks typically gather small numberson the Pacific coast).The date would be excep- into small groupsduring the fall, but 740 concentratedin one tionally late for our typical race dominica,but may be equally small area near RockportAug. 3 surprisedClark. An early- probablefor a vagrantw. bird. This recordshould inspire other arrivingN. Pintail was noted at RockportAug. 3; by Aug. 21, observersto take detailed notes(or photographs)of exceptional therewere 80 at the samelocation (CC).A flock of 350 Canvas- out-of-seasonbirds of this or any other species.Clark reported backson one small pond near RockportNov. 23 was an unusu- an impressive 190 Semipalmated Plovers Oct. 26 near Rock- ally highnumber for the area.A Surf Scoterwas completely out port. of seasonat Sea Rim S.P., Aug. 16 (•- MAC). The bird was An. imm. N. Jacanawas at Santa Ana Nov. 7 + (TP), and apparently injured. Appearing at a more typical date for the another immature was near Bentsen from mid-November specieswas a Surf ScoterNov. 16 at WarrenL. (JM),although its through the end of the period. Entirely unexpected was yet occurrence inland was notable. another imm. N. Jacanaat Welder on the c. coast Nov. 24-30 It was unclearif an Am. Swallow-tailedKite July 18 in Jeffer- (GB,//de CC). A Red Knot was at an Austin sewer pond Sept. 13- son was a summeringbird'or an early migrant;a few of this 18 (CS) for the 3rd area record. A PectoralSandpiper was re- specieswere noted throughoutAugust at SantaAria. In Falfur- ported at GalvestonNov. 11 (GW, BC), an exceedinglylate date rias,O'Neil recordedthe only substantialflights of Mississippi for the U.T.C. Buff-breastedSandpipers were reported from Kites with a notableseason total of 750. Major movementsof several areas in good supply. O'Neil counted 115 July 29 at Broad-wingedHawks pushed through the c. coast and the Riviera, and by Aug. 1 there were over 300 in the samefield. A L.R.G.V, Sept. 21-24 (38,000+), Sept. 30-Oct. I (11,000), and • Ruff was at San Antonio Aug. 25 (fide SH), perhaps the same Oct. 3-4 (26,000). September28 was clearly not a flight day as individual that had been seen there sporadicallyfor the pre- the largestorganized hawk-watch ever in Texas(125 + diligent vious2 years.A Red-neckedPhalarope found at RockportSept. observersRegionwide) recorded a paltry 208 Broad-wingeds 22 (CC) furnished an unusual record. (CS, Hawk Migration Associationof North America). An apparent Parasitic Jaegerwas certainly out of place over Swainsoh's Hawk movements am obviously complex BentsenSept. 26 (GD). A LesserBlack-backed Gull returnedto throughthis Region.The earliestmigrants passed through Aus- MustangI. at Port AransasSept. 30 for its 3rd or 4th winter on tin and the L.R.G.V.in the latter one-halfof Augustand sizable the samebeach, and was still present at the end of the period flocksshowed up asexpected in late Septemberand especially (CC, SBu et al.). An imm. Sabine'sGull was in Austin Sept. 12- Oct. 3-15 (AO, RH, CS, GL, m.ob.). This contrastedwith the Del 18 (ph. to T.P.R.F., •' CH, m.ob.); there are fewer than 10 state RiOarea where the last of their Swainsoh'smoved out Sept. 11 records, 3 of them from Austin. A large flight of 1430 Black and none was recordedduring concertedmigration watches Terns was grounded by high winds Sept. 5 at Rockport (CC). later on (VH etal.). A late migrant was noted in the Houstonarea Nov. 9. It seemsuncertain now that we could term any portion of our Region "out of range" for migrant or wintering Zone- tailedHawks. The speciesshowed up Aug. 12 nearBastrop (JB), Aug. 19 in Kleberg(three birds; EK et al.), and Nov. 9 at Eagle Lake (JD). A White-tailed Hawk over Beaumont Oct. 9 was a first for Jefferson(WG), and illustrated the continued gradual expansionof the species'range eastward. A probablePrairie Falconat Warren L., Nov. 14 was only the 3rd ever reportedon the U.T.C. (LW).

GALLINULES THROUGH TERNS-- An imm. Purple Galli- nule was still stalking the edgesof a pond at Anahuac N.W.R. on the very late date of Nov. 9 (GW, BC).

S.A. The arrival of an early Whooping Crane at Aransas on the morning of Oct. 3 was followed by a 3-week period with no new cranes(the previous early record was Oct. 4, 1949). Thirty-two more arrived Oct. 28-31 on NW winds, and then an estimated 44 more showed up Oct. 31-Nov. 5. By Nov. 12, all 28 nestingpairs had Juvenile Sabine's Gull at Austin, Tex., Sept. 17, 1985. Photo/ safely completed their journey. The census flight Carl Hayhie. Nov.18 counted a record 94 cranes! All 16 chicks that had been hatched in Canada this summer survived to DOVES THROUGH KINGFISHERS- Common Ground- reachAransas (TS). Stehn also reported an interesting Doveswere reportedin higher numbersthan in the previous2 development due to the increases in the number of or 3 years in several locations s. of San Antonio (KA et al.}. Whoopers. Becauseof the limited acreageat Aransas Green Parakeets and Red-crowned Parrots returned in substan- itself, all the suitable habitat for the cranes is being tial numbersto many L.R.G.V. locationsby early October.The utilized. Whoopersare now taking up winter quarters editors still need good quality photographsand/or detailed on nearby San JoseI., Matagorda I., Lamar Pen., and written descriptionsof individual Green Parakeets.Such infor- Welder Point. Nearly one-half of the entire population mationmay help clarify the origin of thesebirds. A Black-billed of 94 is currently wintering outside the boundaries of Cuckoo Oct. 27 at Austin (JL} furnished a rare fall record. A Aransas. Short-earedOwl seenforaging over grasslandsat Falcon S.P., Nov. 19 & 20 (GW, BC} was a rare bird for that area. A huge migratory movement of 600+ Corn. Nighthawks was noted Clark counted a flock of 600 Black-bellied Plovers near Rock- movingSE over Kenedy Sept. 9 at dusk {JA,DH}. Ten Chimney port Sept. 22, a notable concentration. Lesõer Golden-Plovers Swifts seenNov. 13 over Aransaswere very late (GW, BC}, and moved through in typical numbers during September,but a six White-throatedSwifts over Hidalgo Sept. 24 (GD} furnished report of a lone individual Nov. 24 in Galveston (7 JM) was an unusual record.

Volume 40, Number I 139 Buff-belliedHummingbirds were identified on numerousoc- peakednear 9000 birds (KM et al.). Thirty Barn and eight Tree casionson the c. coastduring the period (CC et al.), and at least swallowsNov. 17 at Austin were late (BF). A few Blue Jaysstill two had reachedall the way up the coastto Beaumontby Nov. lingered in the Kingsville area from last fall's invasion (N & PP, 21-24 (BCr). A d Blue-throated Hummingbird was at Falfurrias SB).An Am. Crow just s. of CorpusChristi in NuecesNov. 2 was Sept. 2 (AO), a very rare visitor to the Region. Even rarer, a d considerablys. of its usual range(SB, PP, LA), and two Mexican Magnificent Hummingbird was studied at Beaumont by a sin- Crows Sept. 17 at Laguna At•/scosa(SL) were unexpected. A gle observerNov. 27 (t' BCr). Unfortunately, the bird did not flockof 500 + ChihuahuanRavens in La Salle Sept.23 (DS) was remain for photographs.The Ruby-throatedHummingbird mi- a large number for the location and date. grationon the c. coastand inland was describedas "absolutely Finally, after several years with very few reports of Red- spectacular"(KM, AO et al.). Increasesin Ruby-throatednum- breastedNuthatches, the speciesstaged a "mini-invasion" into berswere noted Aug. 15-Oct. 3, with the largestconcentrations s. Texas. The first individuals were detected in Houston Sept. after Sept. 7. There were several reports of 75-125 hummers 28 and Austin Sept. 29 (WC, EK). Soon thereafter, they were buzzing around residential yards with feeders in Corpus noted at High I., Oct. 3 (MA), Bastrop Oct. 14 (DM), and Rock- Christi, Falfurrias, Sinton, Robstown, Kingsville, and else- port by Nov. 3 (CC). By mid-November the species was de- where. A probableBlack-chinned Hummingbird in Beaumont scribed as fairly common in Bastrop and other piney woods Nov. 15-29 (KK) was unusualbut not entirely unexpected,con- areas, as well as at residential feeders in Austin and elsewhere. sideringthe numbersreported wintering in coastalLouisiana in Brown Creeperswere in somewhatlow numbersRegionwide. recent years. Banding studies of Texas coast wintering hum- Ruby-crownedKinglets were plentiful in most areasof the Re- mers may well show this species to be more common than gion by November, perhapsrecovered from their low numbers previouslythought. Rufous Hummingbirds had arrived at Fal- after the 1983-1984 winter. Clay-coloredRobins were reported furriasby Aug. 4 (AO), and severalindividuals were still pres- regularly at Bentsen all period, but one Nov. 24 at Welder (GB, ent in Austin, Columbus,and Beaumontat the end of the period fide CC) was totally unexpected. (GL, JD et al.). A • Ringed Kingfisherwas far out of its normal range at Austin Sept. 28 (J' GP, BF). Probably the most exciting bird of the seasonwas FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SILKY-FL YCA TCHERS -- Em- the Gray Silky-flycatcher (Ptilogonys cinereus) dis- pidonax flycatcherswere all noted in normal numbers during coveredOct. 31 at LagunaAtascosa (t- TP et al.). This the period.An Alder Flycatcherwas identified by call Sept.7 at montaneMexican specieswas found in lowland thorn Bentsen [IA, DH). Although there are few referencesto this brush and deciduous woods where it found local ber- speciesin print in the Regionbecause of identification prob- ries and insectsto its liking. Written details and pho- lems, it is probably of regular occurrence. Vermilion Fly- tographswere submitted by a number of the 200+ catcherswere reported in increased numbers in several loca- observerswho saw the bird throughNov. 11. Details of tions, especially the U.T.C., where Behrstock remarked on the record will be published elsewhere. There have "quite a flurry" of observationsbeginning in early October.A been 2 other sightingsof this speciesin the United Brown-crestedFlycatcher, well describedand photographedin GalvestonNov. 3 (TE et al.), provided the 2nd U.T.C. record. States(California and Arizona), but no officially ac- Four Couch's/TropicalKingbirds were at L. CorpusChristi Nov. cepted record (ph. to T.P.R.F., NJ, GL et al.). 15 (GB,fide CC). WesternKingbird migrantswere noted in high numbersby many observersRegionwide. Graber commented on a roostof 300 + Scissor-tailedFlycatchers in a V2-acrearea VIREOS THROUGH FINCHES- Judgingfrom the lack of near Winnie at dusk Sept. 25. These migration gatheringsof Scissor-tailedsare a spectacularsight to behold. reports, the vireo migration in general was not particularly noteworthyone way or another. There were a few interesting A large Purple Martin roost near Corpus Christi, first de- occurrences,however, including a Bell's Vireo at Sabine Pass scribedlast fall, was againactive this year. Martins beganmass- Oct. 1 (JM, TE), providing a 5th or 6th U.T.C. record. A plum- ing at the roost site July 1, and by late August numbers again beusrace Solitary Vireo was seen and recordedOct. 15 at San Ygnacio,Zapata (GL, CS), for a first L.R.G.V. record. Two War- bling VireosAug. 25 at High I. (JM) tied the early arrival datefor the U.T.C. A "Yellow-green"Vireo was noted briefly at Bentsen in early October. A c• Blue-winged Warbler Aug. 16 in Austin (BR) provided the first August and 4th fall recordfor the area.Two early Blue- wingeds were also noted in Houston the same date (WC). A Chestnut-sidedWarbler at Driftwood Sept. 26 (J'DC) furnished only the 2nd fall recordfor the Austin area, and an ad. c• Cape May Warbler Sept. 12 in Galveston(DMu) provided the first SeptemberU.T.C. recordof this rare fall migrant.Black-throated Blueswere reportedat High I., Oct. 1 (JM,TE) and at Weslaco Oct. 18 (DA). Many observersfelt that Yellow-rumpeds were late in arriving this fall, but one individual at SanAntonio Sept. 24 did not get the message;it was the earliestever in that area (SH). Another rare fall migrant, Black-throatedGray Warbler, wasreported Sept. 28 at Sabine (WG, EW) and Oct. 1 at High I. •JM,TE). A Townsend'sWarbler was alsoat High I., Oct. 1. A N. WaterthrushAug. 25 at Houston was early, as was a Mourning Warblerthere Aug. 26 (WC). A Mourning at the state capitol groundsNov. 9 (JW) set a new late date for Austin. One never knows what to expect when birding the L.R.G.V. Such was certainly the case Aug. 18 when a Red-faced Warbler was foundin a mesquitethicket (the exactsame spot where the Gray Silky-flycatcherwould be discovered2•4 monthslater) at La- Gray Silky-flycatcher at LagunaAtascosa N. W.R., Tex., Nov. 9, guna Atascosa(ph. to T.P.R.F., J-EK, JB et al.). This furnished 1985. Photo/Nick Jackson. VIREO x05/1/006. the 3rd photographedstate record.

140 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 Del Rio Aug. 4 (VH); however, later reports indicated the species was not as numerousas in the past 2 fall seasons.

ADDENDUM-- The Fork-tailed Flycatchermentioned in the winter 1984-1985 report was thought by some to have a complete white collar indicative of the n. race T. s. monachus, which thus far has nol been documented in the United States. The editors have recently examined several slides taken by Cunninghamthat clearly show a gray stripe at the nape con- nectingthe cap and the back indicating that this bird, like the otherU.S. recordsso far, was probably T. s. savana,the highly migratory s. race (ph. to T.P.R.F.).

CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSERVERS- Richard Albert, Linda Andrews, David Arbour, Keith Arnold, John Arvin, Mike Austin,Sharon Bartels, Bob Behrstock, Gene Blacklock. Judy Bohm {JBo},Ron Braun,Joe Bryant, Sheriton Burr {SBu},Mary Ann Chap- man, Charlie Clark, Bey Co]liar, Fred Collins, Don Connell, Bessie Cornelius {BCr}, Don Cunningham {DCu}, Wesley Cureton, Joyce Red-laced Warbler at Laguna AtascosaN.W.R., Tex., Aug. 18, Dolch, GladysDonohue, Charles Eas]ey, Stephen Eccles, Victor 1985.Photo(Joe Bryant. Emanuel, Ted Eubanks, Brush Freeman, William Graber III, Steve A • ScarletTanager in winter plumageSept. 28 at Sabinewas Hanselmann.Vernon Hayes,Carl Hayhie, Ray Heitman, Deborah Herczog,Nick Jackson,Kathryn King, Ed Kutac, Steve Labuda, an uncommonsight (WG); the speciesis seldom seen in fall in Becky Lasley, Greg Lasley, Jack Larson, Kay McCracken, Tom the Region. A • Rose-breastedGrosbeak was found dead in McCuller,David Mitchell, Jim Morgan,Derek Muschalek{DMu}, CorpusChristi Nov. 18 (fide KM), a very late date. By the end of Andrew O'Neil, John & Morris Pace, Nancy & Paul Palmer, Glenn the period,almost all sparrowspecies were well representedas Perrigo,Tom Pincelli, BarbaraRibhie, Sue Rice, PeterRiesz, Daniel evidencedby 13 speciesat Attwater Nov. 29 (JM). A rather late Schmidt,Willie Sekula,Chuck Sexton, Mary Kay Sexton,Carleton family group of seven Seaside Sparrows (two ad., five imm.) & Shirley Shead,Tom Stehn, GeorgeWallace, Fred S. WebsterJr., was seen at a marsh near the mouth of the Rio Grande at Boca Robert Whistler, John White, Larry White.--GREG W. LASLEY, Chica Sept. 6 (JA, DH}. An Orchard Oriole at Welder Nov. 24 5103 Turnabout Lane, Austin, Texas 78731, and CHUCK SEXTON, (GB,fide CC) was quite late. An Am. Goldfincharrived early at 101 E. 54th S{ree{, Austin, Texas 78751.

NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION

Helmut Gr/inberg

fairlyhefirst normalthree monthsas far asof weatherthe fall wasseason concerned.appeared Beforetobe the end of Octoberwinter set in, characterizedby snow that stayed.November was a month of record-breakinglow temperatures (Fort St. John had minus 39 degrees Celsius on November 26 while Whitehorse experiencedminus 37 de- greesCelsius on November 28; the lowest temperature, minus 54 degreesCelsius, was recorded at Braeburn, just 100 kilometers north of Whitehorse). Despite these low tem- peraturesa few songbirds that should have been far south of us survived well into November. Forty-one observersreported 189 species. Some of the "regular" birds that were missed were Snow Goose, Brant, Osprey,Blue Grouse,Rock Ptarmigan,Glaucous Gull, Com- mon and Arctic terns, Northern Hawk-Owl, Rufous Hum- mingbird, Tree and Violet-green swallows, and Song and Golden-crownedsparrows.

ABBREVIATIONS- C.W.S. = Canadian Wildlife Service pro- gramin the northernYukon; F.N. = Fort Nelson,B.C.: F.S.J. = Fort St. John, B.C.; Whse. = Whitehorse, Yukon.

LOONS THROUGH CRANES-- The only Red-throatedLoon observation of the season was made when two adults were seen on Ross R., Yukon, at various locations below Otter Cr. in late August (RD). Two Yellow-billed Loonswere seen on Kathleen L., Kluane N.P., Oct. 13 (HG, TMu, GS, JS).This fall, asmany as 600 Tundra Swansstaged at Nisutlin Bay, s. Yukon, Sept. 27 (GJ,CMcE). The first record for F.S.J. of Harlequin Duck was obtainedwhen two males were seenat Cecil L., Sept. 21 (EZ, fide CS}.

Volume 40, Number I 141 An ad Peregrine Falcon was considered a rare migrant at BlueJays seemed to be increasingin the F S J area(CS) Two to BoundaryL., F.S.J. area, Oct. 5 (CS, GP). The only Gyrfalcon eightMountain Chickadeeswere seenat Taglsh,s. Yukon, Nov reportof the seasoncame from Haeckle Hill near Whse., Oct. 20 17-24 (WH). (GJ,DP). Near F.N., 440 Sandhill Craneswere reported Sept. 14- Six N. Wheatears were seen at Bonnet L., w. of Richardson 15 (JB);at least 2951 were counted as they were leaving an old Mrs., Aug. 3 (JH-C.W.S.). A late observationof an Am. Robin airstripand flying E at Liard HotspringsSept. 17 (DW, œideCS); camefrom F.N., where one was seenNov. 2 (JB),and an even one day later, Sept. 18,400 were noted s.e. of F.S.J.(WS, œide later one was noted in Whse., Nov. 11; this bird must have CS),and againa day later, Sept. 19, 2000 individuals were seen survivedtemperatures of -29 øC and appearedhealthy (HG) A near Cecil L., F.S.J. area (HB, œideGP, œideCS). This migratory N. Mockingbirdspent August to Nov. 23 in the gardenof GB in patternfrom Liard Hotspringsto F.N. to e. of F.S.J.agrees with Taylor, near F.S.J.She reportedthe bird to CS on Nov. 17, on that suggestedby Brina Kesselin 1984 ("Migration of Sandhill Nov. 23, after surviving several nights of -25 ø C weather, the Cranes, Grus canadensis, in East-central Alaska with Routes bird collapsedin the snowand wasrescued by GB who allowed throughAlaska and WesternCanada," Canadian Field-Natural- CS to photograph it. Although apparently not physically 1st,Vol. 98, No. 3). harmed, the bird died in the care of 2 local veterinarians after refusingto eat. This was the 3rd record of this speciesfor the SHOREBIRDS THROUGH WOODPECKERS- A Greater area (CS). Bohemian Waxwings appearedin record numbers Yellowlegs was seen at a small lake near Whse.-Pilot Mountain aroundF.S.J. in November, probablyin responseto the sum- Sept. 20 (GJ,DP). A Ruddy Turnstone was observedat F.S.J. mer'sexcellent berry crop (CS). sewagelagoons Aug. 28 (CS,JB). Four W. Sandpiperswere seen A MagnoliaWarbler was reportedfrom the F.N. areaAug 12 near F.N., Aug. 10 (JB).Five Baird's Sandpiperswere noted at (JB),and a very late Yellow-rumped Warbler was seen at Yel- BonnetL., w. of RichardsonMrs., Aug. 3 (JH-C.W.S.),and three lowknife Oct. 22 (KS). One Palm Warbler eachwas.seen at F N, were seen near F.N., Aug. 31 (JB). The first fall record of Buff- Aug. 13 & 30, and a Mourning Warbler was noted here Sept 1 breastedSandpiper was obtained when one was observedat (JB).A female or imm. MacGillivray's Warbler was seen in the F S J. sewagelagoons Aug. 27 (CS, JB). Alsek Valley, Kluane N.P., Aug. 19 (HG, DR). An Am. Tree A very rare observationin the s. Yukon of an ad. Sabine'sGull Sparrowwas spottedat the Shipyardsin Whse. aslate as Oct 20 was made at Field L., 190 km from the mouth of the Ross R., in (TMu). Flocks of Dark-eyed Juncosnumbering up to 10 birds late August (RD), and an imm. bird was sighted at Charlie L., were seenin Whse. in early November (HG), and a very late F S J.area, Sept. 15 (CS). Only one Snowy Owl was recordedat observationwas made at TagishNov. 23 (WH). Another very F S J.this season:an exhaustedimm. bird, encounteredNov. 4, late sightingwas that of a RustyBlackbird in downtownWhse, died the next day (CS).The only fall observationof a GreatGray this bird must have survived temperaturesof at least -37 ø C Owl was made when one was noted in a patch of muskeg s.e. of (GJ).Two Rosy Finches were noted at Bonnet L., w. of Richard- Baldonell near F.S.J., Oct. 28-29 (WS, œideCS). A Boreal Owl sonMrs., Aug. 3 (JH-C.W.S.).In November,record numbers of was heardat Andy Baily L., mi 278 AlaskaHwy, F.N. area,Aug. up to 20 Pine Grosbeaksper day were reportedin F.S.J. (CS) 29 (CS, JB), and one was identified from a photograph taken afterthe owl had been stunnedby flying againsta balconydoor at night Sept. 15 (B & BT, œideCS). A Black-backedWoodpecker was sightednear F.N., Sept. i (JB),and a Pileated Woodpecker CONTRIBUTORS- H. Bennett,K. Best,G. Bogewold,J. Bowl- was seen at Charlie L., Aug. 28-29 (CS, JB, KB). ing,K. Clarke,W. Coburn,R. Derrick,N. Eadie,D. Goley,W. Harms, J.Hawkings, T. Heakes,G. Johnston,J. Johnston,T. Kowalczuk,J FLYCATCHERS THROUGH FINCHES- Two Dusky Fly- Lammers,M. Lainreefs(MLa), M. Ledergerber(MLe), J. Manly, C catcherswere observedin the F.N. area Aug. 2 (JB),and two to McEwen(CMcE), T. Mcllwain (TMcI), D. Mossop,K. Munson,T threewere describedin detail at Taylor, F.S.J.area, to establish Munson(TMu), G. Paille,D. Petkovich,K. Postoloski,D. Rathgen, a new record for the PeaceRiver, B.C., area Aug. 28 (JB,CS). At L. Schuler,C. Siddle,J. Slipetz,K. Southworth,G. Stetkiewicz,W F N, an E. Phoebe was observed Aug. 2 and a record high Sutton,Barb & Bert Tootell, R. Ward, D. Whiting, P. Wilson, E numberof 18 E. KingbirdsAug. 22 (JB).A "vagrant"Steller's Jay Zulinski.--H.GR•JNBERG, Yukon ConservationSociety, Box was noted at North Pine, n. of F.S.J., Oct. 26. The number of 4163, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, Y1A 3T3.

NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN-INTERMOUNTAIN REGION

Thomas H. Rogers LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- A Red-throated Loon appearedat Mann'sL., Lewiston,Ida., Oct. 19 (RN). SinglePacific Loonswere reportedat Sunnyside,Ida. (PRS),w. of American coolfterafall hot, period,very dry starting summer out dry,the Regionbecoming experiencedabnormally a Fails, Ida. (DT, CHT), and at Malheur (A & MA). Washington wet in September, then dry in October. Undoubtedly the had four on Clear L., e. of White Pass, Yakima (EC, DG, AS), two most significant weather came in November, the coldest on near the Yakima R. delta, Richland (REW); one at Central Ferry recordfor many localities. Winter beganearly in the month, (NB); one at McNary N.W.R., Burbank(BH, DH); and one on blanketingthe Regionwith snow that neverleft, and simul- SoapL., Grant (JA). Red-neckedGrebes were reported to be taneouslybringing early freezeupof mostwater, driving out spreadingin s.e. Idaho (CHT). Single Red-neckedand Eared waterfowl.There were indicationsof hardshipfor birds and grebesappeared at Hood R., Ore., for Anderson'sfirst county of early arrivals and increasednumbers of northern species. sightings.Up to 10 Clark's Grebeswere sightedon Moses L, Paradoxically,there were sightingsof very late lingering Wash.(DG, PM, m.ob.),and one was at the Yakima delta (REW) summer individuals. The speciesalso was noted at Hart Mr. N.A.R. (WHP). Des- chutes,Ore., had its first recordof the specieswhen three were ABBREVIATIONS -- Hart Mt. N.A.R. = Hart Mountain Nat'l identified in a large flock of W. Grebes(TC, CM). Antelope Ref., Lake Co., Ore.; Malheur = Malheur Nat'l Wildlife SingleGreat Egrets, rare in the AmericanFalls-Blackfoot area Ref, Ore. Place names in italics are counties. of s.e Idaho, furnished 3 sightings (JT), and one to two were

142 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 sightedat the Walla Walla R. delta nearWallula, Wash.,Aug. 26-Oct.19 (BH).The speciesproduced 1092 youngthis yearat Malheurand SnowyEgrets there showed an increasethis year with 410 young.At least2 pairsof CattleEgrets nested again this yearin the MalheurBasin (CDL). One CattleEgret at Koo- tenaiN.W.R., Ida., Nov. 3 madethe 2nd recordthere (LDN), and two appearednear College Place, Wash., Nov. 2 (NB).A single bird was at Tranquille,B.C., Oct. 28 (WT). A Green-backed Heronappeared at Hat RockS.P., Umatilla,Ore., for the only report (TG). An imm. Black-crownedNight-Heron along the SalmonR., 25 mi n.w. of Salmon,Ida., providedthat area'sfirst record(HR), and one at SwanL., Vernon,B.C., was noteworthy (PR). White-faced Ibises established an all-time record at Mal- heur, producing3318 young. A near-certainindication of re- colonizationby the speciesin the WarnerValley between Adel and Plush, Ore., was the observation of 143 adults and 26 immatures Aug. 7 (WHP).

WATERFOWL-- Minidoka N.W.R., Ida., reacheda peak of 1000 Tundra Swans.An ad. Trumpeter Swan made a surprise appearanceat Walla Walla, Wash., Nov. 13 (BH, LMcC). Three Trumpeters,thought to be victimsof lead shotpoisoning, were pickedup in the Coeurd' AleneR. drainageof n. Idaho(iN) for the first record in that area since 1914. A Ross' Goose was seen at Stratford,Wash., in October (DG, EM, BW, m.ob.), and 32 flew over Hart Mt. N.A.R., Nov. 3 (WHP). Columbia N.W.R., Wash., reporteda peak of 10,000 CanadaGeese in mid-Novem- ber.One "Cackling"Goose accompanied Canadas on the Snake R., w. of Clarkston,Wash., Nov. 9 (LL). An ad. Brantat Stratford Oct. 13 was a rarity (BW) and an ad. Barnacle Goosethere Oct. 12-13 (BW, m.ob.)was consideredby mostobservers to be wild hundred Red-breastedMergansers spent Octoberon the Snake |Why?•K.K.]. R. below AmericanFalls. The only othersreported were six on CanadaGoose and Mallard numbers were down drastically at the SnakeR. near Asotin (C.B.) and three near Central Ferry, Metcalf N.W.R., Mont., and the duck populationat Minidoka Wash. (NB). N.W.R. was the lowestin 30 yearsalthough Canada Geese there reached2000. The fall duck migrationat Malheur was the worst RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES-- A phenomenal90 Turkey in recenthistory. Other than the 3000 Mallardsusing refuge Vultures circled over Armstrong, B.C., Sept. 7 (JG). Malheur grainfieldsin late August, no concentrationsof ducksoccurred counted79 on its late August raptor transects.The nest at Koo- there.By contrast,ducks at ColumbiaN.W.R. peakedat about tenai N.W.R. that fledged two Bald Eagles this summer was 40,000 in mid-November. Mallard numbers at Kootenai N.W.R. demolishedby strongwinds, but the parentbirds replacedit in continuedtheir downwardtrend. Single Eur. Wigeonsap- Octoberin the sametree. Migrating numbersof this species pearednear Helena, Mont., for a latilongfirst (JJ),on FlagstaffL. were down markedly there, as were they in the Libby area.Five in Oregon'sWarner Valley (WHP), and at Bend,Ore. (TC, CM). N. Goshawk sightingswere reported. Swainsoh's Hawks con- "Thousands"of Am. Wigeonwere at the Walla Walla R. delta, tinued their decline at Malheur. Three FerruginousHawks lin- Wash.,in September.A broodof fouryoung Ring-necked Ducks gereduntil Nov. 30 in Fort Rock Valley, Lake, Ore., at the n. at Hart Mr. N.A.R., Aug. 10 providedthe first breedingrecord edgeof their winteringrange (CM). A Rough-leggedHawk broke there(WHP). Single• GreaterScaup were identifiedat Walla the all-time recordfor early fall appearanceat Malheur, arriving Walla (DH) and at KlamathFalls, Ore. (SS).The PackR. delta, Aug. 21 (MA, SH). In the Nov. 10 snowstorm in the Walla Walla Pend Oreille L., n. Idaho had 300-400 of this speciesNov. 28 area,77 Rough-leggedswere counted(B.M.A.S.}. GoldenEagle (BM). One to two Oldsquawswere sightedin the Pasco-Walla numbers at Malheur remained low, as there has been no build- Wallaarea (BH, DH, B.M.A.S.,m.ob., TG), and at CouleeCity, up of jackrabbitnumbers. Two PeregrineFalcon and 3 Gyrfal- Wash.(JA). Okanagan Landing, B.C., had two (MCo,PR). Koo- con sightingswere reported. tenaiN.W.R. had onefor the 2nd recordthere. A •-plumaged Two to three thousand Sandhill Cranes stopped at Chap- bird at Springfield,Ida., was notable(JT et al.). peronL., w. of Vernon, B.C., Sept. 15 (MC, RH eta/.). The peak A Black Scoteron a pond w. of Wapatowas Yakima'sfirst, movementof Greater Sandhills out of Malheur was Sept. 22. and the 3rd for e. Washington(DG, AS). A Surf Scoterat Koo- Counts of migrating cranes leaving the refuge totalled 4292; tenai N.W.R., Oct. 3 was the refuge'sfirst (LDN), and one ap- about 1.2% were LesserSandhills. Peak stagingpopulation of pearedat RobinsonL., extremen. Boundary,Ida., a few days Greater Sandhills at Grays Lake N.W.R., Ida., reached 2900, later (JM). Three femalesshot on the Pend Oreille R., n. Idaho, down from last year (ECB). providedthe first recordin that latilongsince 1970 (JM).One wasidentified at LibbyDam, Lincoln, Mont., for the latilong's first (JH, BC, MS), and a female at Malheur was the 3rd there Fosterparent Sandhill Cranesfledged 11 Whooping (MA). In s. Idaho a male appearedat American Falls, a female Crane chicks at Grays Lake N.W.R., Ida. About 23 wassighted near Eagle Rock s.w. of there(CHT), and a female older Whooping Craneswere thought to be surviving showedup at the IdahoNat'l EngineeringLab, Arco, for the first as of migration time. An all-time high of nine sum- there(TR, BV). Eastern Washington had a fewsightings, mostly mered at Grays Lake (ECB). in the s.c.part, and Trail, B.C.,had threebirds (ME). A total of 17 Surf Scoterswas sightedin Walla Walla, Wash. (BH, DH, m.ob.). A White-winged Scoter at Robson,B.C., Nov. 3 was SHOREBIRDS-- Black-belliedPlovers were notedmigrating apparentlythat area's first (ME), and one at HaydenL., n. Idaho, throughthe w. part of the RegionSept. 9-Oct. 16. Eight were at wasnoteworthy (PH). A few White-wingedsappeared in e. Or- KootenaiN.W.R. on the latter datefor a rare sighting(LDN). At egonand Washington,s.e. Idaho, and at Libby Dam. Several least30 LesserGolden-Plovers accompanied Black-bellied Plo-

Volume40, Number I 143 vers at American Falls Res, Oct 12 (CHT), and single birds Malheur, laegersthought to be Paras•hcswere presentmost of were s•ghtedat the Walla Walla R. delta and nearthe stateline s. Septemberwith a phenomenal 15 at mid-month (CDL, MA) of Walla Walla (BH et al.). One to two Semipalmated Plovers The speciesis reportedly becoming a regular fall migrant at stoppedin the Lewiston, Ida., vicinity (PP, MK, WH, OM); American Falls Dam (CHT). Fortine, Mont., had four (WW); and one was sightedat Wenas The Walla Walla delta had a Franklin's Gull (BH) and a Mew L, n.w. of Yakima (AS). Latestsightings of the specieswere Oct. Gull (BH, L & JG).The Tachie R. delta n.w. of Fort St. James, 14 at Malheur (CDL) and Nov. 12 near CentralFerry (NB), both B.C., also had a Mew Gull Aug. 29, and two first-winter Ring- late dates. At least 20 Black-necked Stilts were found w. of billed Gullsthe previousday for probablythe first recordthere PotholesRes., Moses Lake, Wash., Aug. 4 (PM), and two to three (GRAE).Single Thayer's Gulls appearedat Vernon (MCo, PR, appearedat the Yakima delta in August (REW). JG)and Sandpoint(PRS), and up to six visited Ice HarborDam Five Greater Yellowlegs along the Columbia R. shore at e. of Pasco(BH). Many sightingsof first-yearbirds of this spe- Brlsco,B.C., Sept. 26 were catching and eating the fish chased . cies near American Falls Dam indicated they are regular fall towardthem by Corn.Mergansers (LH). One GreaterYellowlegs migrantsthere (CHT). A nearly adult-plumagedW. Gull was lingered at Vernon until Nov. 10, very late (JG, MCo). Two photographedas it stayedaround American Falls Dam Aug 19- LesserYellowlegs were migratingthrough Brisco Aug. 19 (LH). Nov. 10 (CHT) and one was carefully identified at Ice Harbor The lake at Reardan,Wash., had a surprising150 Aug. 17 (BW). Dam e. of Pasco,Wash., in late November (BH). The only Glau- A Solitary Sandpiper at Cow L., Boundary, Ida., was notewor- cous Gull was one at Richland, Wash., Nov. 28 (PEW) The thy (PRS), as was one along Dodson Road, Columbia N.W.R. Walla Walla delta was visited by Glaucous-wingedGulls (BH, (BMo). Singles appeared at Malheur (MA), the Yakima delta B.M.A.S.) and a Sabine's Gull (BH). One of the latter at Sand- (REW), and in the Klamath Falls vicinity (SS). Reardan had point wasthe latilong'sfirst (PRS).Single Sabine's were photo- three (BW); Grant,Wash., seven;Tumalo Res.,Ore., three (TC); graphedat LibbyDam (JH,KC, MS) and at AmericanFalls Dam Springfield,Ida., four (CHT, CW); and Somers,Mont., three (CHT), and one was sighted on 2 dates at McNary Dam, Ore (EH). The only Willet reported was at Karoloops,B.C., where (CC, MC, TG). Moses L. also had a visit from one (EH) as did the the speciesis rare (CR). Mann's L., Lewiston, had a Marbled Walla Walla delta (BH). Godwit Aug. 27 (C.B.) and singlebirds were observednear Hart Twenty Corn. Terns were sighted at Sandpoint Sept 22 Mt. N.A.R., July 12-13 and Aug. I (WHP). Three appeared at (PRS),up to eight appearedat the Walla Walla delta (BH), and Ralneeshpuram,Ore. (SDR),and the Yakima delta hostedup to one was seen at Malheur Oct. 22 (CDL). Over 100 were near seven(BH, REW, TG, SM et al.). Two Black Turnstonesreport- AmericanFalls Dam in September(CHT). ThreeForster's Terns ed at OchocoL., Sept. 8 would apparentlyprovide e. Oregon's lingeredat Creston,B.C., until Sept. 14 (GD, LV), three were at first record (VT, DL). Lewiston Sept. 18 (CV), and one was at Sandpoint Sept 22 The only Red Knots were one that showedup at the Walla (PRS).The Walla Walla deltahad a BlackTern aslate asSept 30 Walla delta (DH) and another at OchocoL., Ore. (BC). Sander- (BH). lings could almost have been called common at American Falls Res., Lewiston, Malheur, and the Yakima and Walla Walla del- CUCKOOS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS- Jefferson, Ore, tas.Two at Hood River made latilong firsts (DA); singleswere had its first Yellow-billed Cuckooat HaystackRes.,Sept. 3 (BC) observedat Bendand at HaystackRes., s. of Madras,Ore. (MR). Swan L. had a Corn.Barn-Owl Aug. 26 (PR). The only Snowy SemipalmatedSandpipers were supposedlythe most common Owl reportswere of one at Robson Nov. 12 (MB) and one at shorebirdsat Fortine, with up to 34 (WW), and a few were Fortine (WW). An owl survey of Ferry, Pond Oreilie, and Ste- sighted at Cold Springs N.W.R. (CC) and at the Walla Walla vens, Wash., included one pair and four individual Barred delta (BH, DH). A single bird was found at Dodson Rd., Grant, Owls and at least 13 male, four female, and two imm. Boreal Wash., and 50 were in the Kalispell-Somers,Mont., area Aug. Owls (Be, BW). One Boreal was located at Harrison L., w of 13 (EH). A White-rumped Sandpiper reported at Dry L. near BonnersFerry (CN). A BarredOwl was heard inthe Blue Mts of FortineAug. 29 would be n.w. Montana'sfirst (WW). Baird's n.e. Oregon Oct. 26 (MC). Two imm. Great Gray Owls were Sandpiperswere movingthrough the RegionAug. 13-Oct. 14; a found in Benewah,Ida. (D & CG), and two were reportedin n c surprisingconcentration of 35 was at Bend Aug. 14 (TC). The Oregon(B.M.A.S.). A canyon in the Peola, Wash., area yielded largestgroups of PectoralSandpipers were of 70 at OchocoL. another (MJP).An injured Long-earedOwl picked up at Ben- (TC), 50 at CascadeRes., Ida. (HR), and 32 s. of Klamath Falls norsFerry was apparentlythe latilong's first (KE). (SS). The only Dunlins reported were near Hart Mt. N.A.R. A dead imm. Black Swift at Frenchglen provided s.e Or- (WHP), three at Lewiston (CV), and two at Bend (TC). egon'sfirst record;the bird showed no external evidence of Up to 45 Stilt Sandpiperswere spottedat the Walla Walla R. havingbeen brought in on a car grill (CDL). A Black Swift was mouth (BH, DH) and 25 appeared near Somers,Mont. (EH). with Vaux's Swifts at Hat Rock S.P., Umatilla, Ore., Sept.8 for a S•ngleswere found at AmericanFalls Res. (CHT), up to four latilongfirst (TG).Malheur had 2 Red-breastedSapsucker sight- appearedat Reardan,Wash. (JA), and one to two appearedat ings (M & AA, TC, CDL). A Gray Flycatcher was sighted in Wenas L. (DG, AS). Surprising were up to seven at Swan L., Navarre Canyon 10 mi s.w. of Chelan, Wash.; an Ash-throated Vernon (MCo, PMcA) and one at Karoloops(RH). Single Buff- Flycatcherappeared at Colockum Cr., 10 mi s.e.of Wenatchee, breastedSandpipers made rare stopsat Vernon Sept. 3 and at Wash.,Aug. 2, and an immature of this specieswas at Vantage, Commonage,s. of Vernon, Sept. 12 (MCo, PR, PMcA). Five Wash., Sept. 9 (EH). Short-billedDowitchers were noted near Klamath Falls (SS), three at Hood R., Ore. (DA), one at Reardan (JA), and one at JAYS THROUGH FINCHES- Blue Jaysfrequented Wood- American Falls Res. (CHT). One at Dry L., Fortine, was notewor- land Parkat Kalispell,Mont. (EJ),and one appearedin Lewiston thy (WW). Long-billed Dowitcher numbers reached 1000 at Orchards,Ida. (NN). In British Columbia lone birds visited Lav- Malheur Sept. 27 (CDL). A winter-plumagedRed Phalarope ington(WC), Nakusp (JS),and Robson(MB). Two Clark's Nut- was identified at the Walla Walla delta Oct. 4 (DH). crackersvisited a Umatilla, Ore., yard Aug. 1 for a very unusual place and date (MC). Possibly a family group of four Black- JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- A Pomarine Jaeger at cappedChickadees along the Link R. near Klamath Falls sug- McNaryDam nearUmatilla, Ore., in early Septemberwas a rare gestedbreeding in that area (SS). A few Boreal Chickadees find (CC, MC). A ParasiticJaeger at Sandpoint,Ida., Sept. 22 alongTrout Cr. in the SelkirkMts. of Boundary,'Ida., Aug 13 wasthe latilong's first, and a surprisingfour jaegers of unknown indicatedprobable breeding there (CHT). The speciesappeared specieswere sightedat nearbySunnyside the sameday (PRS). at Hayden L., Ida., Aug. 7 for the latilong's first record (PH) A Up to five ParasiticJaegers were sightedin the Walla Walla R. Winter Wren in the Elkhorn Mts. s.e. of Helena provided the delta-McNaryDam area,also in September(TG, REW, BH, SM, latilong'sfirst record (LMcE). A Varied Thrush showedup in B M.A.S.) and one was at Swan L., Vernon, Sept. 7 (PR). At the Helena Valley, where the speciesis rarely seen (GH), and a

144 AmericanB•rds, Spnng 1986 very late one was sightednear Stevensville,Mont, Nov 27 (C & Largenumbers of White-wingedCrossbills invaded the n rim SC) BohemianWaxwings apparently had scarcelyarrived be- of the Regionand the CascadeMrs. as far s. as Klamath, Ore. fore the period'send; the only report was of four in Richland CommonRedpolls were reachinge. Washingtonand Oregonm Nov 22 (REW). Vernon had a very late Cedar Waxwing nest November.They were "numerous"in Walla Walla and "invad- with four young Sept. 5 (JB,JG). ed" Burns, Ore. Six Hoary Redpolls were reported with Corn A Philadelphia Vireo was reported at Panhandle L. near Redpollsat Vernon Nov. I (JQ). A pair of LesserGoldfinches Newport, Wash., Sept. 11 (EL). Malheur banded a Black-throat- was sightedat Malheur Oct. 12 (PS, C.B.]. ed Gray Warbler Aug. 19 and two were sighted there Oct. 12 CORRIGENDUM-- The Ancient Murrelet picked up near (C B) A carefully-examinedBlackpoll Warbler at Richland Elkford (AB 39:80) was interior British Columbia's 3rd, not the Sept 2 apparently made the first acceptablerecord for Wash- first (LH). ington (REW, PW). A warbler that hit a window near Missoula, Merit, in late Augustwas identified in hand as a Blackpoll OBSERVERSCITED -- JamesActon, David Anderson, Anne & Warbler for w. Montana's first fall record (PLW). Malheur had Merle Archie, Nigel Ball, EugeneC. Barney,John Baumbrough, one Sept. 13 (MSm). An imm. Am. Redstartin Richland Aug. 16 Blue Mr. Audubon Society (B.M.A.S.], Ken Brurmer (KBr), Kay was REW'sfirst ever there, and he had an ad. male there Sept. Burk, Mae Burrows, Chuck & Suzi Campbell, Wayne Campbell, 10 A N. Waterthrushat the Walla Walla R. delta Aug. 24 was a CanyonBirders (C.B.], Mary Collins (MCo], Barb Combs,Bobbie real surprise(BH, DH), and oneat HaystackRes., Sept. 3 was the Couvillion(BCo), Craig Corder, Marion Corder, Tom Crabtree,Emi- 2nd royJefferson, Ore. (BC). ly Cragg,Gary Davidson, G.R.A. Ebel, Maurice Ellison, Ken English, SingleWhite-throated Sparrows were sightedat Vernon [JQ), MargaretFlerchinger, Dale & Carole Goble, Larry & JacqueGood- Malheur ITC), CollegePlace, Wash. (RL/, near Spokane(JA), hew, DannyGraiLstrand, Tony Greager,James Grant, Jean Habeck, and at Troy, Mont. (KB).An imm. Harris' Sparrowfrequented a Larry Halverson, Bill Hayes, Wiimie Hepburn, Steve Herman, Da- Kootenai,Ida., feederfor apparently the first fall record for the vid Herr, GeorgeHolton, Rick Howie, PegHughes, Eugene Hunn, latilong[PRS/. Hart Mt. N.A.R. recordedits first Harris' Nov. 11- JohnJancic, Elly Jones,Kay Kasperson, Merlene Koliner, Earl Larn- 17 [WHP], and two birds w. of Oroville, Wash., supposedly son, SusanLattomus, Louise LaVoie, Ruth Lepiane,C. D. Little- provided the first record in that latilong (KBr). The species field, DonnaLustheft, Phil Mattocks,Pat McAllister (PMcA),Larry apparentlyhas become a regularbut scarcemigrant through the McCloskey (LMcC), Lawrence McEvoy (LMcE], Opal Mcintyre, Region,with every stateand British Columbia reporting a few. Craig Miller, Ed Miller, Bob Moate, JeanMonks, MargaretMorris, Bob Morse (BMo], Shirley Muse, Larry D. Napier, Ron Neu, Nora A Smith'sLongspur, apparently Idaho's and the Region'sfirst, was well seen on Michaud Flats between Pocatello and Ameri- Nicely,John Nigh, Craig Norris, Bill O'Connell,Peggy Pedigo, W. H Pyle,John Quirk, Phil Ranson,Swami Deva Rashid,Tim Reynolds, can Falls Res., Nov. 14 (CW, CHT]. The same place had a ClaraRitcey, Mike Robbins,Hadley Roberts,Max Robertson(MRo], McCown's LongspurNov. 23 (JT, CHT] and up to 15 Lapland Paul R. Sieracki,John Sloan, Mark Smith (MSm), Andy Step- LongspursNov. 11-23 [CHT]. An imm. Lapland Longspurwas niewski, Paul Sullivan, Steve Summers, Marjorie Swanson, Dan sightedon Round Top Mt., n.e. Pend Oreille, Wash., Sept. 29 Taylor, Verda Teale, Wait Termant,Joel Tinsley, C.H. Trost, Linda [BW, Be]. A few Laplands showed up at Knutsford, Vernon, VanDamme,Carole Vande Veerde, B. Vogel, Cheryl Webb, Winton and Creston,and three appeared on SteensMr., Harney, Ore., Weydemeyer,Bart Whelton,Pat & RobertE. Woodley,Philip L Oct 20 (MA). Two RustyBlackbirds at RobinsonL., 15 min. of Wright.--THOMAS H. ROGERS,E. 10820 Maxwell, Spokane,WA BonnersFerry, Ida., Oct. 5 were the latilong's first [JM]. 99206.

MOUNTAIN WEST REGION

Hugh E. Kingery

ofall shorebirds1985 brought, and for warblersthe Mountain and an West,impressivelarge numbersinflux of coastalspecies, plus a dozenfirst and secondstate records. Coastalspecies: The Region attracted record numbers of laegers and Sabine's Gulls, average numbers of Pacific Loons,scoters, and Oldsquaws.Of the other coastalspecies identified in this space last fall, the Region reported one Red-throatedLoon, one Heermann's,one Glaucous-winged, and 16 Thayer'sgulls, but no Red Phalaropesor kittiwakes. Few northernmigrants moved into the Region,and only a few mountain birds dropped from the high country to the plains and valleys. The Region reported a record 377 species (four higher than in any of the 8 years of records):335 in Colorado (12 more than ever before),276 in Utah (six more than ever), 253 in Wyoming, 235 in Nevada. Among these were 36 warbler species,indicative of the weight of their migratorynumbers. Utah added three to five new speciesto the statelist, Nevada land area,Colo.; 1st Lat = first recordin a Latilong(the area bound- and Colorado added two, and Wyoming one. ed by one degreeof latitude and longitude). ABBREVIATIONS-- $ = written descriptionon file; $•- = written descriptionsubmitted to stateor local recordscommittee; # = LOONS TO IBISES-- In n.e. Colorado, a Red-throated Loon nowritten description; L/L/B/L = Longmont/Lyons/Berthoud/Love- visited JacksonRes., Oct. 12 [JC,LH]. With 13 Pacificsand 150

Volume 40, Number 1 145 Commons,the Region had double its usual numbers of loons. and two Sept. 8 (JE).Denver had a Yellow-crownedNight-Her- Utah had onePacific at WallsburgOct. 27 (gDF, MW) and two at on Aug. 25 [fPY) and Lamar, Colo., reported two Aug. 31 StocktonNov. 15-20 (]Bu--lst Lat), and Wyominghad one Oct. (D a JW). 10 (griD}. Colorado reported nine, including one to two at WhitewaterOct. 13-18 (A.S.W.C.,MJ--lst Lat). Severalobserv- WATERFOWL -- Destruction of marsh habitat along the ers reported more Pied-billed and Horned grebesthan usual; Great Salt L. has had a disastrous effect on waterfowl numbers, D.F.O. had 97 and 73 respectivelyon its field trips cœ.59 and 12 especiallyof dabblers(MW). Peak population in the Utah ref- a year ago. Yellowstone reported its first Red-neckedGrebes, uges came Aug. 16-31 at 144,543, of which 77,194 were N. with sevenseen Aug. 11-Sept. 21 (S & LF, AS). The rise in the Pintails and 23,079 Am. Wigeons.During that period in 1984 GreatSalt L. has causeda drop in salinity, and with it a drop in the refuges held 240,068 ducks (U.D.W.R.). Fish Springs the brine shrimppopulation, thus causing an enormousdecline peakedat 50%of lastyear: 26,100 ducks Sept. 6, including8700 in the Eared Grebe population there (CKn). Numbers are un- pintails and 9300 Green-wingedTeal. Kirch peaked Aug. 26 availablebecause of inaccessibilityof the grebe strongholds. with 6055 ducks, including 2335 Cinnamon Teal. Stillwater However, Eared Grebesalso dropped at Denver and L/L/B/L: had 136,885 ducksOct. 3:122,415 dabblersincluding 39,000 N. 261 and 15 cœ.394 and 52 last year. Westernsalso dropped: Shovelersand 42,350 Green-wingedTeal, and 14,470 divers Denver and L/L/B/L counted 567 and 882 cœ.871 and 4243 last including 10,325 Canvasbacks.Monte Vista N.W.R. had its year.They may have migrateda little fartherE: otherreservoirs peak in November,29,090, mostly Mallards; nearbyAlamosa in n.e. Coloradohad 3300-4200 WesternsSept. 21-Oct. 12 (JR). had 6935 ducks in November. A frozen Bear River refuge on Observersreported about 100 Clark's Grebes,including 50 at Nov. 23 had 26 ducksand no Tundra Swans;in previous years Lamar, Colo., Aug. 31, with 53 Westerns(D & JW) [remarkable it would have held thousandsof each (JN).Ruby Lake N.W.R., ratio•K.K.], 30 at L. Mead, Nev., bythe seasoh'send (VM), and Nev., reportedthe mostTundra Swans--1000 flying S Oct. 28- one a! Fillmore, one of Utah's few recordsaway from the Great Nov. 5 (CE). The only other high count reported was of 350 at Salt L. breedinglocations (SH). Cody, Wyo., Nov. 9 (OT). Ruby Lake's Trumpeter Swans main- AnahoIsland N.W.R., Nev., produced4171 youngAm. White tain a staticpopulation of 25; the groupproduced three cygnets Pelicansto flight stage (ST). Yellowstone's Molly I. colony in 1985 (CE). sported650 juvenilesAug. 10 (up from the summerestimate, More Greater White-fronted Geese stopped in the Region. JZ).Riverside Res., Colo., produced900 young(JD), and Latham Lamarreported 10 Oct. 15 (KH), and Julesburghad one to three Res.near Greeley,Colo., sported3000 pelicans(JC). Dead and Nov. 3-29 {m.ob3.Yellowstone had its first, two August. 23 and dying fish in the CarsonSink kept 2600 pelicans and 700 Dou- Nov. 7 (JZ).One at Boulder,Colo., Nov. 13 had field markslike ble-crestedCormorants into November at Farson, Nev. (ST). the Greenlandform that winters in the British Isles:orange bill, The July OlivaceousCormorant at Julesburg,Colo., apparently extensivebreast barring (D & JW). Top counts of Snow Geese stayed to Sept. 6 (JR, MJ), and a probable one visited Delta, came from e. Colorado, with 36,000 in November, 8000 of them Colo., Oct. 31-Nov. 2 (t•MJ--lst Lat). at Lamar (C.D.W.), and Jackson,Wyo., with 600 in 6 flights counted Nov. 7 [BR). With the Snows were "Blue" Geeseat Yellowstone,Jackson Res., and Julesburg,and at Bonny--113 Blueswith 350 SnowsNov. 16 (MJ). Utah reportedthree Ross' Bizarre: in a Colorado mountain valley a Magnifi- Geese,Wyoming had two, and Colorado had six. cent Frigatebird met its demise, stoned to death by An Am. Black Duck visited JacksonRes., Nov. 29 (•LH). The wind surferswhom it attacked!First report of Colora- Ruby L. area had record numbers of Gadwalls: 22,300 Sept. 17 do's first frigatebird came from a Denver street Sept. and 12,000 Oct. 31 (NS, CE). Regional observersreported 30 14, when she soaredN over a busy suburbanintersec- Greater Scaup, including 19 at Delta Oct. 19-23 (MJ). Old- tion (•HF). Identified as the same bird by missing squaws,nine altogether,visited Ruby L., Oct. 16-19, Tooeleand primaries, she arrived the same day at Green Moun- Logan,Utah, and DenverNov. 17-30, and CasperOct. 27-Nov. 9. tain Res., Summit Co., where one resident mistook her Each state attracted three to four Surf Scoters, all in November for a hang glider. She gashedthe hand of the wind exceptan early oneat LasVegas Oct. 9 (VM). Utah and Colorado surfer whom she attacked, who made it safely to shore eachmentioned eight White-winged Scoters,the first at Grand with the bird in pursuit. She apparently found little Jct., Colo., Sept. 20 (RL), but the rest arriving Oct. 24 +. Top suitable food during her journey; a necropsy at countsof Com. Merganserswere 3700 at Stillwater in Novem- ber and 2500 at Denver Nov. 18. Stillwater also had an impres- D.M.N.H. showed severe emaciation. Judging by the sive 12,000 Ruddy Ducks in November (ST). presenceof an empty, enlarged ovarian follicle, she also had bred in the previous season.Her arrival in Coloradovery likely related to the perversewinds of Hurricane Elena (BW, CC).

SnowyEgrets peaked at Fish SpringsAug. 23 at a respectable 493 (CD),Provo had 209 Aug. 27 (DF), Stillwater W.M.A., Nev., hosted100 duringSeptember, along with 100 GreatEgrets (ST), and Latham Res. had 69 Snowies Sept. 2 (JC),for higher totals thanreported in the Regionfor years.During AugustLittle Blue Heronsvisited Salt Lake City, Ordway, Denver, and Longmont, Colo. (m.ob., #). A Tricolored Heron stopped at Latham Res., Sept.8 (•JC).New reportingsites for Cattle Egretsincluded one at Eyre'scattle pasturein Eureka, Nev., Sept. 10, two at Beaver DamWash, Utah, Sept.2 (GB),and a forlorn,cold-looking egret standingwith gulls at the edge of a snowy reservoirat Delta, Colo., Nov. 19 (MJ). Latham Res. attracted the most, a peak of 117 Sept. 1 (WWB). A Green-backedHeron Nov. 11 + at Kirch W.M.A., Nev., fed around the refuge headquarterson fishes endemicto the desert springs (CS). Stillwater reported 5000 Black-crownedNight-Herons, mostly immatures,during Sep- Surf Scoter at Fort Collins, Colo., Dec. 2. Photo/Dave Leather- tember(ST). The Eurekaranch had somespillover: one Aug. 8 man.

146 American Birds, Spring 1986 RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES-- Utah StateUmvers•ty re- balled Dowitchers came from Provo, Great Salt L, Bear R, La- vived the hawk watchesof a few yearsago; during 9 days, Sept. mar, and Denver, and Yellowstone--a 1st Lat Aug. 15 (RR #) 19-28, the watchers counted 1620 raptors in the Promontory Away from BearR., Regionalobservers found only 1200 Long- Mts and 738 in the Wellsville Mts. (]Ge). Reno observeda billed Dowitchers.The only sizablecount of Red-neckedPhala- paucity of raptors,with an Oct. 27 field trip counting12 Red- ropescame from Stillwater Sept. 12, with 16,200(ST). Whether tinledsand oneRough-legged cf. 53 and 12 on a comparabletrip or not the usual million or so visited Great Salt L. is not known last year; a 15" snow cover may have affectedthe hawks. Yel- lowstone reported 20 active Osprey nests, with 37 juveniles JAEGERSTO TERNS-- An influxof jaegersincludedthree Aug 5 (]Z). A crowd of 22 Sharp-shinnedHawks (one ad., 21 Pomarinesin Colorado and 14 Parasitics•one in Nevada, six in lmm ) passedthrough a Sheridanranch Aug. 6 (PW). A pair of Utah, and seven in Colorado. Leitner found two of the Pomar- Swainsoh'sHawks raised one young within the city of Chey- inesat the sameDenver reservoir, where they stayedSept. 16- enne (H.P.A.S.). Sheridan had its annual fall Gyrfalcon Nov. 22 and Nov. 17-30 (m.ob.);the other gracedJackson Res., Oct 5 2 + (PW). (LH, D & JW). Septembersaw six ColoradoParasitics, at Denver, Two adult and two imm. Sorasat RockSprings provided a 1st Julesburg,Pueblo, and Sapinero (1st Lat--•'RM), and Denver Latbreedingrecord (FL). Sorasseem to strayto unlikely spots; had one Nov. 3-8. The Utah Parasitics clustered around Great onethat flushed into a lilac bushin a ranchyardat Eureka,Nev., SaltL., Sept.7-14 (three)and Oct. 25-26 (two), plus one Sept 8 may tell somethingabout their migratoryroutes (JE). Observers at Fillmore,far from the greatlake (•'SH---lst Lat). The Nevada thrdled to large flocks of migrating Sandhill Cranes,such as birdflew along a highwaynear Carson City Sept. I (•-GMj. 4000+ in s.e. Colorado Oct. 15-16, and 1500 at Denver Oct. 12. Most of the 125 Bonaparte'sGulls, except for a very early On Oct. 26, the 500 at Cheyenneand the 450 over Keenesburg, arrival at Lamar Aug. 19 (D & JW) and 10 at Stillwater Sept 5 Colo, 70 mi s., might have been the sameflock; however 200 (ST), arrived in the Region in November. Numbers seemed werealso 40 mi e. at Ft. Morganthat day. The SanLuis Valley, aboutaverage, although Utah showedan increase,to 23, attrib- Colo, reported 14,000 cranes at their November peak (RS). utableto bettercoverage. A Heermann'sGull wasreported from About1000 peoplesaw at leastone of the two WhoopingCranes LoganNov. 2 (-•'MT et al.), for the first Utah and 2nd Regional •n the Ft. Collins, Colo., area Sept. 11-Oct. 29. Both from the record.At AnteroRes. near Fairplay, Colo., breedingCaliforma GraysLake flock, one was a 1982 bird, the other 1984 (JD). Gulls have, in 5 years, doubled--this year 1200 pairs nested althoughthe lake level roseand flooded200 of them. The •n- SHOREBIRDS-- The GreatSalt L. and Utah L. finally began creasecoincided with the rise of the Great Salt L. water level, as receding; the extensive mud flats attracted more migrating did similar increasesat Riverside and 5 Wyoming colomes shorebirdsthat stayed longer (CKn). We received no official (CC). At the same time they have started staying later in e countsfrom Bear R. refuge,but a Septembervisit there pro- Colorado,e.g., 15 seenNov. 23 at Denver (D & JW). Utah report- duced 10,000 dowitchers, 5000 avocets, and 2000 Marbled ed 10 Thayer's Gulls and Colorado reported nine. Glaucous- Godwits(PL). Throughoutthe Regionmore Black-belliedPlo- wingedGulls returnedto Utah, with birds seen in Prqvo and vers(total, 130-150) stayed longer. Earliest was oneAug. 5-12 at Salt Lake City on the same day, possiblythe samebirds (-I'DF, K•rchW.M.A., Nev. (CS);the mostwere 38 at Lamar,Colo., Oct. MT). A juv. or imm. gull which dominatedother gulls including 15 (KH) and 14 at Great Salt L. Sept. 11 (CKn); the last left two Herrings was identified Nov. 20-27 as Utah's first Great Greeley,Colo., in early November(JC). The lesscommon Lesser Black-backedGull (-I'DF,MT, JL).Colorado enjoyed at ieast16 Golden-Ploverreflected the samepattern, a recordtotal of about Sabine'sGulls, a high count comparableto last year's.record 40 birds Sept. 7 (Great Salt L., JacksonRes., Colo.) to Nov. 3 numbers.They occurredat Denver,Longmont, and BrushSept (Delta). Other reports came from Logan, Casper, Cheyenne, 19-Nov. 3. In addition, singlesvisited Rock Springs,Wyo., Sept GrandJct., Greeley, and Longmont.In s.e. Colorado25-30 pairs 17 (•'FL--lstLat) and LasVegas Sept. 28. The numbersof Com of Snowy Ploversnested, at Rocky Ford, Cheraw, and Lamar Ternsreported--in Utah and Coloradoonly--probably reflect- (CC) They peakedat 14 at Fish SpringsN.W.R., Utah, Aug. 23 ed both better observersand higher numbers. Most were •n (CD) and 10-20 appearedat severalGreat Salt L. locations(CKn, scatteredgroups of one to seven,Aug. 11-Oct. 5; eight Sept. 22 MT, DF). Stillwater reported11,770 Am. AvocetsSept. 12 (ST). nearRiverton, Wyo., provideda lstLat (MA). OgdenBay, Utah, Yellowstonehad its first Upland Sandpiper,well-described Sept. 7 boasteda carefully-counted extraordinary flock of 65 Oct 27 ('I'TMa), a surprisingly late date. Denver Sept. 11 (DN, Corn.Terns (-I'pL,ES). Two pairs, only, of LeastTerns nested•n DS) and GreeleyOct. I (JC)each reported a Ruddy Turnstone. s.e.Colorado, one eachat Rocky Ford and Lamar, but 20 other The 17 RedKnots included four at BearR., Aug. 29-Sept.10 pairsplied the reservoirsin s.e.Colorado. Longmont, Colo., had (DF, PL), one at Lamar Aug. 19, and one to four at Longmont one to two Aug. 17-21 (D & JW). Oct 4-12 (D & JW, JC). SemipalmatedSandpipers, by conven- honal wisdom, occur only sparingly in the Mr. West; experts DOVES TO CORVIDS -- An Inca Dove was found in Wash- debatetheir status.At Bear R., Sept. 4-10, 11 juv. Semipalmat- ington,Utah, Nov. 6, for the state's3rd or 4th record ('I'-•NSt).At edswere reportedwithout details,as were 200-350 in a flock of CedarCity, Utah, a FlammulatedOwl was found dead in a rain 5000Westerns plus otherspecies, Aug. 22, a ratio of 2-4%. With barrel on a late date, Oct. 25 (BE). A tape recorderproduced at the tremendousnumbers of shorebirdswhich use this migra- least three Boreal Owls on a night expedition to Grand Mesa, tion stopover,that proportion of Semipalmatedsseems plausi- Colo., Oct. I (-I'MJ,1st Lat). Now recorded practically from the ble, but identification needs careful attention and documenta- New Mexico line to Yellowstone,this speciesprobably occurs hon [Amen--K.K.]. The Regionhad 3 times the usual Pectoral throughoutthe Coloradoand Wyoming mountains, and per- Sandpipers,a total of roughly 350 birds. Peak countswere of hapsthe rest of the Rockies.Similarly secretive,N. Saw-whets 100 Sept. 15 at Greeleyand 66 Aug. 22 at Bear R. A respectable presentedthemselves for 9 observationsat L/L/B/L Aug. 1-Sept 12 Dunlins included three at Layton, Utah, Oct. 26 (DF, MW), 15 (F.A.C.),and rare reportsat OgdenNov. 15 (MK--bar•ded), singlesat Cheraw,Greeley, and Grand Jct.,Sept. 1-Oct. 20, and Evanston,Wyo., Nov. 15 (*CK), and CasperNov. 11 (RB).Com- five seen at Delta Oct. 19-Nov. 30 + (MJ). mon Nighthawksstayed into October at Rock Springs,Wyo, Small numbersof Stilt Sandpiperspass through all the Mt. Denver, Eagle, and Glenwood Spgs., with the last Oct. 10 at West states;observers reported about 175 Aug. 17-Sept.20 (44 Lamar (PLo), except for one at Florence, Colo., Nov. I'(NP) A •n Utah, four at LasVegas), plus three at Delta Oct. 12. The Buff- Whip-poor-willwas reportedat BonnyRes., Sept. 21 (-I"I-WL) breastedSandpiper at Las Vegas Aug. 26 probably will not A hummingbird(sp.) arrived during a heavy Sheridansnow- make the statelist, as a single-observerreport, despitea good stormSept. 28, and every 15 minutes patronized a feeder hast- description(VM). Colorado reported four: Aug. 19 at Rocky ily put out; it was not seenagain when the weathermoderated Ford (-I'-•D& JW), Aug. 22 in n.e. Colorado (-I'-•JR),Sept. 7-8 at Oct. I (MR). At Westcreek,Colo., another hummingbird (sp) Pueblo(-I'-•RW), and GreeleyOct. I (-I'JC).Reports of 14 Short- was seenOct. 7 (RWi). Nevada recordedits first Broad-billed

Volume 40, Number 1 147 their usualwinter hauntsin n. Wyoming,Bohemian Waxwings did not venture farther s.; only Salt Lake City and Hygiene, Colo., reported small flocks. Feeders attracted N. Shrikes at Sheridan,Evanston, Denver, and Ogden,where they preyedon smallbirds. A Bell's Vireo, singing,visited Las VegasAug. 22 (RMc}. A few Solitary Vireos waited until October to pass throughe. Colorado,and Denver had one Nov. 5 {AH). One with veryyellow underparts•presumably of the e. race--stoppedat Rock Springs,Oct. 12 {FL).

WARBLERS- This year a wealth of warblers supplanted last fall's dearth. The warbler migration seemed much more noticeablethis fall, both for regularsand for rarities. First the regulars.then the others:Denver reporteda striking increaseof Orange-crowneds•32 c[. five last year---and Rock Springshad 15 Sept. 2. Utahansnow recognizeNashville Warbler as a regular, although not common, migrant; this fall they reported 52 birds Aug. 13-Sept. 22. Yellow-rumpeds increased in several locations-Denver, Eagle, Casper--and both Bonny and Provo reportedhundreds in late Septemberand early October.Town- Anna's Hummingbird at Salt Lake City, Nov. 23, 1985. First send'sWarbler, until a few years ago regardedas a sparsemi- record [or Utah. Photo/JoelleBu[fa. grant,appeared in numbersin Utah {40 reported) and Colorado {47}.Wilson's Warblers streamed through e. Coloradoand Wyo- ming;Regional reports hit 960. They seemedparticularly abun- Hummingbird at a feeder at Alamo Sept. 22-23, documented dantat Casper{92 Sept. 7, 58 Sept.17), GreenRiver, Wyo., Sept. with a gooddescription of a closely-observedbird (SP, VM, •'J& 1-2 {60•FL), and Denver {211 reported--D.F.O., D.A.S.--in- MC). Utah'sfirst Anna's,Hummingbirdvisited a Salt LakeCity cluding 22 banded in one yard--MOS). Utah had a few Wil- feederOct. 24-Nov. 25 (HC, •'ES,m.ob.). October 2 saw the last son's, including 20 Sept. 21 at Fish Springs N.W.R., and two Broad-tailedHummingbird, at Durango,Colo.. and the last Ru- stoppedat Eureka, Nev., Sept. 21. fousat CedarCity, but then Loganreported two late RufousOct. The irregulars,telegraphically: Blue-winged at Denver Sept. 6 (KD) & 19 (SV). Utahans have found Lewis' Woodpeckers 10 {# BRi); two Chestnut-sidedsat Las Vegasand four in Colo- morefrequently lately, but a surprisinglylarge migrant flock of rado;Magnolia at Las VegasOct. 13 {VM, J & MC, KW), Denver 24 occurredalong Salem Canal at Provo()Cs). An Acorn Wood- Oct. 15, and Boulder Oct. 2 & 11-14; a Cape May Oct. 12 at Ft. pecker,first foundclimbing and foraging in deadponderosas at Morgan {LH, D & JW); Black-throated Blue: Las Vegas Oct. 15, CoralPink Sand Dunesnear Kanab,and seenAug. 15-Sept.2, CasperSept. 19-23, EstesPark, Colo., Sept. 18 (•'JCh},plus eight provided Utah's 2nd record (•'•'SH, MW). otherColorado birds; Hermit, one Aug. 20 at Provo,for the first The CimarronR. in extremes.e. Coloradoattracted a singing Utah report in 30 years {•'DF}; Black-throated Green, one at E. Wood-PeweeAug. 18 (•'•'LH). A Say's PhoebeNov. 20 at Cheyenne, nine in Colorado including one Sept. 30 at Penrose Grantsville,Utah, perchedon ice near open water, would fly {RW 1st Lat}; Blackburnian, three in Denver and Boulder; Yel- afterinsects and returnto its icy perch(ES). On a windy Sept. low-throated,Aug. 24 in Denver, Sept. 20 in Boulder {MJS,SL, 25 at Greeley a Vermilion Flycatcher clung to a fence wire •'•-D.F.O.); Pine at Casper Sept. 23 (# OKS), and four in the (•'VW•lst Lat). Late swallows included six Trees Oct. 18 at Denver area including a 1st Lat {•'DM, MJS, •'•-D.F.O.}. Prairie at GrandJct. and a Violet-greenOct. 12 at Ft. Morgan.A collection Denver Oct. 9-12 {JR,WF, DS, •'•-D.F.O.); Palm, one of the yel- of 1500Bank Swallowssat on mud flats at Delta Aug. 10 (MJ). low race at Las Vegas(KW), one at LoganNov. 24 feeding in Bear R. reportedly had an "incredible" 50,000 Banks in mid- to shrubsduring a light snow {•'JS},and two in Colorado;Bay- lateAugust (MT #]. Blue Jaysvisited Grand Jct., Aug. 1, and 3 breasted,one at EvanstonOct. 13 {•'CK}for the 6th Wyoming Cody,Wyo., yardsin November.Pinyon Jaysstuck mostlyto record,plus four in Colorado;Blackpoll at Corinne, Promonto- their usuallocations, except for a flock of 30 nearDenver Sept. ry, and Park Valley, Utah, Casper,and three in Colorado; Black- 13,300 at Franktown, Colo., Oct. 26-27, four to five at Ft. Mor- gan Oct. 5-30, and 11 in BacaCo., Colo., Sept. 1. A shut-offof irrigation water in the Carson R., Nev., combined lack of fresh water with ice and low oxygen and killed thousandsof fish. One stretchof the river, solid with dying and dead fish for one- half mile, attractedover 600 Corn.Ravens, six BaldEagles, and many magpies.

NUTHATCHES TO VIREOS- Few Red-breasted Nut- hatchesstrayed to the plains and valleys; L/L/B/L and Denver reported26 c[. 70. A few did wander farther E---Ft. Morgan, Lamar,and BacaCounty each had a couple.At ParadiseValley, Nev., during an August reconnaissance,the most commonbird was RockWren; every pile of rockshad one, and it occurredin all habitatsexcept meadows(AW). A Blue-grayGnatcatcher stayedat Loveland Sept. 6-Oct. 10 (RH). Bonny produceda surprisinglyhigh count of 25 E. BluebirdsSept. 21, and three foundDenver Oct. 5 (VE). Varied Thrushreports came from Yellowstone (two Sept. 28--JZ), Promontory, Utah, Oct. 5 (twohY'ES),and Las VegasOct. 5-6 (VM, J & MC). Two Brown Thrashersappeared Nov. 7-30 at L/L/B/L (F.A.C.) and one at DenverNov. 29 (AH). A Curve-billedThrasher at JacksonRes. provided a 1st Lat record Oct. 5 (D & JW). Sheridan L., Colo., Ovenbird bandedat Ogden, Utah, Sept. 21, 1985. Photo/Merlin had a largeflock of 600 Water Pipits Oct. 15 (KH). Exceptfor Kdlpacl(. VIREO x05/1/010.

148 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 and-white:Sept. 6 at Milford, Utah (PL, ES--lst Lat), Sept. 30 at ArchesN.P. (•'CW---lst Lat), three at CasperSept. I and another Oct. 15 (JH), two at Denver; Prothonotary at Las Vegas Sept. 21 (KW, J & MC), CasperAug. 27 for the 3rd Wyoming record (•-VH el al.), and Denver Aug. 20-22 (•-•-DNet al.); Ovenbird,Milford Sept. 6 (•'PL--lstLat), Ogden Sept. 21 and Oct. I (MK, banded and ph.); Kentucky:one Sept. 23 and Oct. 13, perhapsthe same bird, at Las Vegas ('•MC, KW), and Lamar Aug. 31 (•-•-D & JW); and three Hoodeds in Colorado. In addition, Utah had two first statewarblers, if acceptedby the staterecords committees; each wasessentially a one-observerreport so neither may qualify. At Milford Sept. 6, Lehman identified a much-discussedimm. • Mourning Warbler, separated from its congenersmainly by bright yellow "all the way up through center of breast and including entire throat," a characteristicwhich severalexperts define as diagnosticand sufficient to separateMacGillivray's. At Corinne Sept. 4 Somnsonobserved and describedwell a Hooded Warbler which Lehman heard but did not see.

TANAGERS TO FINCHES-- Although Denver and L/L/B/L Brambling (witl• Pine Siskins and House Fincl•es) at Sl•eridan, reporteda drop in W. Tanagers,Killpack banded21 Aug. 8-Oct. Wyo., November 1985. Second Wyoming record. Photo/Helen 29 and saw anotherNov. 19 after a snowstorm.Surprising num- Downing. VIREO x05/1/008. bers of Field Sparrows--six Sept. 21 and four Oct. 19--were reportedfrom Bonny(D & ]W, WL, JR),plus singlebirds Sept.8 at Denver and Sept. 19 at Greeley (D.F.O., D & JW). Sheridan came to a feeder in Sheridan, Nov. 18-30 (•-HD). Both birds reported475 Vesper SparrowsAug. 9 (HD), Casper had 15-70 submittedto excellent photographs.Then came Utah's 2nd through Sept. 25 (]H), and Pawnee Nat'l Grassland,Colo., had ord, of a bird that arrived Nov. 28 at BrighamCity and remained 135 Sept. 19 (D & ]W). They even strayedto timberline near at least into late January(•-SA, ES, m.ob.). Eagle Sept. 1 & 5 (JM), and a late one was at Crook, Colo., Nov. Few Cassin'sFinches left the mountains; L/L/B/L reported 39, 29 (LH). Fish Springs had a peak of 320 Savannah Sparrows after 85 last fall. Only Yellowstonereported substantial num- Aug. 16 (CD).Three observersreported a Henslow'sSparrow at bersof Red Crossbills--417 in 48 observations(JZ); a poor cone the intake canal to JacksonRes., for Colorado's first report crop dropped their numbers elsewhere. The Region's only {•-•-LH, WL, JR). White-throated Sparrows straggled W to Las White-winged--and the only crossbill reported from Utah Vegas, Logan, and Durango Oct. 4 +. Golden-crowned Spar- was on Mr. TimpanogasOct. 5 (MW). Pine Siskinsstayed in the rowsstraggled E to LasVegas and Zion Oct. 8 and Oct. 26-Nov. 4 mountains later; Yellowstone had 521 observations and Denver (KW, JG).Snow Buntingsarrived in Novemberin small num- and L/L/B/L collectively tallied 269 (619 last year). The Region bers as far s. as Bear R., Logan, Rawlins, Wyo., Boulder, and also reported fewer Evening Grosbeaks:381 at L/L/B/L com- Longmont.On Oct. 13 LasVegas had its first RustyBlackbird in pared with 842 last fall. 5 years (VM), and one was at Ft. Morgan Nov. 13 (MJ). Delta reported Gmat-tailed Grackles for the first time, two females leading two males Nov. 19 flying SE without stopping (MJ). Bramblings came back! Wyoming had two, for its first ords:Nov. 10-26 at Dubois, a brilliantly-coloredbird came to Welty's feeder with House Sparrows (MB). A week later, one CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) AND INITIALED OBSERVERS -- Marie Adams, Sharon Andros, Keith Archibald, Audubon Soci- etyof WesternColorado, Mary Black (10 observers),G. Baird,Cur- tis Baughman, John Biewener, R. Bradley, D. Bridges, W. W. Brockner (15), J. Buffa (JBu),Jerry Cairo, J. Casper(JCs), Charles ChaseIll, H. Chindgren,J. Christensen(JCh), Colorado Division of Wildlife, J. & M. Cressman,Charles Darling, H. M. Davis, James Dennis(43), Denver Audubon Society, Denver Field Ornithologists, Helen Downing(55), Ruby Ebright,V. Edens,B. Evans,Carol Ev- ans,Margaret Ewing, JanetEyre, Hans Feddern, W. Finch, David Fischer,S. & L. Flocke,Foothills Audubon Club, Elva Fox. J.Gessa- men (JGe),Jerome Gifford (4), J. R. Guadagno,Dave Hallock, Laur- ensHalsey, May Hanesworth(24), R. Harden,K. Hawkins, A. Hay, Phil Hays (34), StevenHedges, James Herold (16), V. Herold, High PlainsAudubon Society, Kelly Hobbs(KHo), Mark Janos(3), David Jensen,C. Jones,D. Kamm, Ursula Kepler (20), Craig Kesselheim, Merlin Killpack, CraigKneedy (CKn), R. Lambeth,S. Larson,Dave Leatherman,Paul Lehman,J. Leigh, W. Leitner,Peggy Locke (PLo), ForrestLuke, Tricia MacLaren, T. Manns (TMa), David Martin, R. McArthur (RMc), Guy McCaskie,Jack Mercant (3), R. Meyer. Vince Mowbray,D. Nelson,John Nelson N. Peterson,Bill Pickslay (3), S. Pierce,Bert Raynes, J. Reddall, B. Righter(BRi), J. C. Rigli, Richard Rosche,M. Russell, N. Saake, Roberta Salazar, M. J. Schock, D. Schottler,O. K. Scott, A. Siebecker,J. Smith, M. O. Snyder, Ella Sorenson(15), N. Stephens(NSt), Craig Stevenson,Steve Thomp- son,O. Thorne,Bert Tignor (20), Michael Tore (25), S. VanderWall, J. Visty, Alan Wallace, K. Wallace, Doug & Judy Ward, Clarice Watson,Rosie Watts, Betsy Webb, Merrill Webb, V. Wells, S. Welty, P. Widener, Roberta Winn (RWi). Peter Yaukey, Joe Zarki Bramblingin Dubois,Wyo., Nov. 11, 1985.First Wyomingrec- (14).--HUGH E. KINGERY, 869 Milwaukee Street, Donver, CO ord. Photo•ary Bac•. 80206.

Volume 40, Number I 149 SOUTHWEST REGION

Arizona, Sonora NEV.• Oeo,ee UTAH! COLO. David Stejskal, Janet Witzeman •'•tJeJ.d FK,bah Page J © eTi.... A.arlJJa '\1 $¾egas•l, ' C•oIeo; K•yenta: Farmington fterthe driestAugust on recordin manyparts of Ari- '•'Cit• 'Hoover Dam TGrond I ß Santa zona, the amount of rainfall returned to normal during • e• •- JK nq ..... •s•o Albuquerque the remainder of the period. Although Mexican Chickadees and PygmyNuthatches were found at lower elevationsthan - p • • .... esCOtte-- - •t JohnsNEW'MEX. usual in the Chiricahua Mountains, and a few other high- • • W•c•nburg • •, •6• •rmqervme JSocorro land specieswere found in the lowlands, there was no real evidence of an invasion of mantan, speciesthis fall. Rec- '--• P'cocho'• '/-' [e t Aomoqordo ords from the northeasternpart of the state (until recently, •Yumo • •Safford 'J-SilverCity• only sparselycovered) continued to enlightenus. Through- out the state, a fine assortment of unusual shorebirds and warblershighlighted the migrations;and a wagtail was responsiblefor increasingthe state list by one. I J OF • , • Orandes• ABBREVIATIONS- L.C.R. = Lower Colorado River.

LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL- Three Pacific Loons, slightly more than usual, were recordedin the state this fall with one bird at Willow L. in PrescottOct. 14-15 (BT), one at Red-breastedMergansers are very rarelyreported from n.e. Ari- Katherine'sLanding on L. MohaveNov. 9 (RN, DS). and another zona, so sevenat Many Farms L., Nov. 2 and one at Tsaile L., individual at Willow L., Nov. 12 (BT). A surprisingtotal of 16 Nov. 10 were noteworthy(BrJ). One HoodedMerganser Oct. 16 Horned Grebeswas reported from various locations including andanother Nov. 15 were seenat Willow L. (BT).This speciesis two at Willow L., Sept. 16 (BT), two at Willcox Sept. 22 (AP), still very rare in the Prescottarea. oneat the GrandCanyon S. Rim sewageponds Oct. 8 (GM), one at TucsonOct. 17 (JBa],two more at Willow L., Nov. 18 (BT), RAPTORS THROUGH CRANES- Two hawk-watches in and eight on upper L. Havasu Nov. 22 (CH). the Sulphur SpringsValley Sept. 7 and Oct. 19 (AM, DD, TD) AmericanWhite Pelicansshowed up in numbersagain in n.e. provided some interestingnumbers for migrating raptors, in- Arizona with six on Many Farms L., Sept. 14, and 191 there cluding437 Turkey Vulturesand 482 Swainsoh'SHawks Sept. Sept.22 (Br]).This speciesmight be foundregularly in this area 7, and 114 N. Harriers,354 Red-tailedHawks, and 23 Ferrugin- of the statenow that it is receiving good coverage.Brown Peli- ousHawks Oct. 19. Some other interestingfinds included two cans invaded the state this fall, as usual, with the most notewor- Black-shoulderedKites and four Harris' Hawks Sept. 7, both thy recordsbeing of eight flying over 1-10e. of TucsonNov. 16 still quite rare in the Sulphur Springs Valley, and 11 Harris' (RBo)and an exhaustedimmature found by a highway patrol- Hawks and two Merlins Oct. 19. man in a snowbankn. of FlagstaffNov. 13 (fide JC). There are Ospreysseemed to be much more common than usual this very few recordsof this speciesin n. Arizona. Even more amaz- fall away from the L.C.R. and the larger lakes and reservoirsin ing was the imm. Magnificent Frigatebirdphotographed near the state, with no fewer than 25 being reported from various House Rock Rapids on the ColoradoR. at the bottom of the locations in c. and s.e. Arizona. Black-shouldered Kites contin- GrandCanyon (ph. S. Hester,M. Sharp,ph. B. Dierker),the only ued to be recorded at numerous scattered locations from w. of frigatebirdrecorded in the statethis fall. Two CattleEgrets at St. Phoenixs.e. to Douglas.Totally amazingwas a report of an ad. John'sAug. 11 providedthe earliestfall recordfor n.e. Arizona light-phaseShort-tailed Hawk seennear the RustlerPark-Bar- (BH). A Wood Storkat RooseveltL., Aug. 1 was a nice surprise foot Rd. intersectionin the Chiricahua Mts., Aug. 7 by an ob- (J. Poe]. serververy familiar with the species(•-J. Arvin). If acceptedby A Fulvous Whistling-Duck, of uncertain origin, returned to the Arizona Bird Committeeit would representa first state Tucson(did it ever leave?)in mid-Augustfor its 3rd consecu- record.Short-tailed Hawk occursregularly as far n. asc. Sinaloa tive year (JBa).The only Black-belliedWhistling-Ducks report- with onesight record for the Alamosarea of s.e.Sonora (GM). In ed this fall were 34 (includingyoung) at NagalesAug. 29 (JBo) addition to the Harris' Hawks mentioned above, four more were and a flock of 13 (4 ad., 9 imm.) at the Gilbert sewageponds s.e. found at San BernardinoRanch e. of DouglasOct. 26 (AM, DD). of Phoenix Oct. 21 (DS). This latter flock remained through the The refuge managermaintained that the hawks had nested period.A Tundra Swan wasobserved being chased by a Golden there earlier in the year. The last record of Harris' Hawk at this Eaglehigh overhead at the HyannisCattle Co. near McNeal Nov. locationwas in 1892! An ad. FerruginousHawk was seenn. of 15 (AM). The only other Tundra Swan reportedwas a single China Valley in suitablebreeding habitat on the early date of bird on Mormon L., s. of Flagstaff,Nov. 16 (AG. VG). Six Greater Sept.2 0C, K. Dial, N. Czaplewski).This specieshas bred in the White-fronted Geese,extremely rare in n. Arizona, were found Prescottregion historically, but not sincethe 1920s. at Ganado L., Sept. 21 (BrJ,CL). Eight Ross' Geese, which is A flock of 32 Wild Turkeys (M. g. mexicorio)was found near about average,were found during the period Nov. 9 +. The Arroyo Cajon Bonita in extreme n.e. Sonora Aug. 23 (AM, S. recordswere about evenly distributedbetween the L.C.R. and Shemnetz).This race is not definitely known from Arizona. s.e. Arizona. Reportsof Montezuma Quail have been on the increaselately, A 6 Eur. WigDonwas found at the BuenosAires Ranch w. of especiallyin the Chiricahuasand the SantaRita Mts. According Arivaca during the last week of October(WSh). The Phoenix to S. Spafiord,this speciesmay finally be reboundingfrom the Zoo individual, which beganwintering there in the seasonof last 5-8 years of low populations throughout the state. The 1979-1980, returned for its 7th consecutive winter Nov. 13 statusof Chukarin the stateis very poorly known, so the pres- (MC). The only GreaterScanp reported during the period was a enceof goodnumbers near Chilchinbitoon the NavajoIndian V bird at the Parkersewage ponds Nov. 9 (DS,RF, RN). A V Surf Reservationwas noteworthy (CL, BrJ).Sandhill Cranehad been Scoterwas found the same day at Havasu S.P. (DS, RN, RF). unrecordedin n. Arizona since1936, so an individual at Many

150 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 FarmsL, Oct 20, was a true surprise(BrJ) A flock of 50 Sand- from July to the very late date of Nov 4 (KK et al) The two hills s of San Simon Oct. 15 was in an areawhere they do not Plato-cappedStarthroats found earlier this year near Portal re- normally occur (RM). maineduntil Aug. 12 with one stayinguntil Sept.2 (RT). Single Lucifer Hummingbirds were found at Madera Canyon, where SHOREBIRDS THROUGH GULLS-- The ad. N. Jacanafirst still veryrare, Aug. 17 and Sept.23 (m.ob.).At Portal,where it is foundin Junenear Nogales remained through the period. Black- moreregular, an imm. c•Lucifer and a female were seenOct. 12, belhed Ploversare apparently not as rare in n.e. Arizona as we with one bird remaining until Oct. 18 (S & WSp, KK, GR et al ), had previously thought; several at both Many Farms L. and at least three individuals remained at feeders in a nearby area GanadoL. through Septemberand part of Octoberadded to the until the 3rd week in October (RM). growingnumber of recent reports (BrJet al.}. A LesserGolden- ElegantTrogon has been recordedonly once before in the Plover(P.d. dominica}was found at Many FarmsL., Sept. 14, BaboquivariMts., w. of Nogales,so a $ trogonthere Nov. 5 was providing the second record for n.e. Arizona (•'BrJ, CL}. An very interesting(R. Harm). An Eared Trogon along the S. Fork amazing [our Lesser Golden-Ploverswere found at the 83rd trail in Cave Creek Canyon, Chiricahua Mts., Oct. 22 (ph. K Ave (Phoenix) sewageponds after a storm Oct. 18-21 (•'DS et Lawrence)suggested that the speciescontinues to occur in the al } Thesetoo appearedto be dominica.Arizona usually aver- areawhere it was first found in 1977. The Green Kingfisher at agesone LesserGolden-Plover every 1-2 falls. Snowy Plovers Kino Springsremained until Aug. 21 (m.ob.). An imm. Green were morecommon than usual with no fewer than eight being Kingfisher was found at Sycamore Canyon Aug. 31 (JS), and reportedfrom scatteredlocations throughout the state, includ- another individual was discovered at Arivaca Oct. 27 and re- ing a late individual at Willow L., Nov. 24 {BT). Only two mained through the period (J & AP et al.). A very early Lewis' Mountain Plovers were reported Nov. 26 near McNeal in the Woodpeckerwas found alongthe Salt R. in s.w. Phoenix Sept areawhere up to 100 individuals havewintered in recentyears 23 (DS). Two more were seenin Portal Oct. 13 (W & SSp) and (AM} Black-neckedStilt is still rarely reportedin n. Arizona, so another was near Kansas Settlement Nov. 27 (GM). The only threeat AshurstL. near FlagstaffSept. 4 were noteworthy(JC}. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker reported was on the Salt R., e. of The same storm that downed the four Lesser Golden-Plovers Phoenix, Oct. 12 (CH). menhoned above also downed two of the rarest shorebirds in Arizona.Among the numerousshorebirds at the settlingponds FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRUSHES- Complete sur- was a lUV. Ruff and a juv. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, both of priseswere the discoveriesof two N. Beardless-Tyrannuletse whmh established 2nd state records. The Ruff remained Oct. of the BoyceThompson Arboretum near Superior Aug. 23 (CB) 18-20 and was seen by many, but the Sharp-tailed remained and five to six at the ArboretumSept. 9 (DS). The closestarea of only one day, Oct. 18, and was seen by a lucky half-dozen regularoccurrence is near the confluenceof the San Pedro and b•rders(•'DS et al.). Two Ruddy Turnstoneswere found in n.e. Gila rivers about 35-40 mi to the southeast. A Greater Pewee Arizona this fall, one at Tsaile L., Sept. 1-3 and the other at remainedin Tucsonfrom Oct. 30 throughthe end of the period RoundRock L., Sept. 8 (BrJ).There was one previousrecord for (JBa).Another individual was in a Phoenixyard Nov. 17 (RBr) that part of the state. Three Sanderlings,about average,were An E. Phoebewas reported in s.w. Phoenix Nov. 28 (RN). The recordedfrom Willcox (two) Sept. 1-2 (AM, CG et al.) and first E. Kingbird reported in severalyears was seen in Flagstaff AvondaleOct. 6 (TG, MJ). A late LeastSandpiper was found at Sept. 15 (JC,T. Myers). A surprising three Scissor-tailedFly- TsmleL., Nov. 10 (BrJ),and three more were at AshurstL., Nov. catcherswere reportedthis fall with one Aug. 2-7 near Mararia 14 walkingin 8 inchesoœsnowat the edgeof the lake (JC).Four (JBo et al.), one s. of Chandler Oct. 13 (R. Knorr et al.), and Sem•palmatedSandpipers were reported with one in mid-Au- another Oct. 15 near Pima '(BDu). gustin Tucson(JS), another at Willcox Sept.2-8 (SG,JBo, •'JBa), "Hundreds"of Pinyon Jaysnear Young Oct. 7 were thoughtto a late bird at Avondale Sept. 23 (•'DS), and an even later indi- be the prelude of an invasion this fall, but the invasion never vidual at Willcox Oct. 4 (J& AP). Observersshould be reminded materialized(J. & W. Spencer).A singleClark's Nutcracker was that all Semipalmatedrecords must be accompaniedby full seenin the Santa Rita Mrs., Oct. 12 (R. Eastman). details, especially after late September. More Short-billed Mountain Chickadeeswere commonin many lowland ripar- Dowltchersthan usualwere reportedagain this fall, including 3 ian areasin n.e. Arizona from mid-August on, including many recordsfrom n.e. Arizona, where it is especiallyrare. Two juve- locationswhere they do not normally occur, strayingas far as niles were at Many FarmsL., Aug. 14 and anotherat Tsaile L., Petrified ForestN.P. (BrJ,RN, GR et al.). The only lowland Red- Sept 13-16 (BrJ),and anotherjuvenile was at the Chinle sewage breastedNuthatches were two in Tucson Oct. 30 (FH, JBa),and ponds Sept. 15 (DS, CB, CH, RN). Three late Long-billed the only lowland Golden-crownedKinglet was found at Quito- Dowltcherswere at Many Farms L., Nov. 16 (BrJ). baquitoSpring, Organ Pipe CactusN.M., Oct. 26 (RBo, B. Dun- A Pomafine Jaegerwas found at BeckerL., n. of Springer- ning). Numbersof Black-cappedGnatcatchers continued to be ville, Oct. 14 (•'GR et al.). This was only the 2nd record for n. reportedfrom both Chino and Sycamorecanyons through late Arizona and only the 5th for the state.A 2nd-yearHeermann's August ([ide JBa). Gull at TopockMarsh near Golden Shores Nov. 9 was a surprise A very early Mountain Bluebirdwas found at Willcox Sept. 1 (DS,RF, RN). A first-yearHerring Gull wasfound in Tempe Oct. (AM, CG). A Rufous-backedRobin was found dead at the Bue- 10 (TC) and another was at L. Havasu Nov. 22 (CH). Five Sa- nos Aires Ranch in mid-October (WSh), but the one found at bme'sGulls were reportedthis fall: an adult and an immatureat CanoaNov. 24 was still very much alive (JS,BS). Another Aztec TsadeL., Sept. 13 (BrJ),single immatures at Avondale Sept. 23 Thrush was found in Madera Canyon Aug. 16-17 (P. Baicich3' (DS)and at L. HavasuOct. 12 (K.V. Rosenberg,A. Higgins),and D. & D. Traver) and provided the 4th recordfor that canyon and an adult near Centennial Wash Oct. 11-13 (ph. T. Rogers,D. 6th for the state. Scarbrough).The Tsaile L. birds provided only the 2nd record for n e Arizona. THRASHERS THROUGH WARBLERS-- The only Gray Cat- bird reportedthis fall was at E. StrongholdCanyon, Dragoon DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS- A Ruddy Ground- Mrs.,Nov. 22 (TD). The mostexciting bird of the season(and the Dovewas observedwith Inca and Mourning dovesat Paloma, most frustrating)was the imm. White/Black-backedwagtail w of Gila Bend, Sept. 6 (PB}. This was the 6th record for Ari- foundat the GrandCanyon S. Rim sewageponds Oct. 7-10 (ph zona See last fall's report for a thoroughdiscussion of this C. Rudd, K. Berggren,ph. S. Hadapp et al.). Since immature blrd's statusin the state.A group of three Groove-billedAnis birdsof thesetwo speciesare inseparablein the field, Arizon- was discoverednear Arlington Oct. 2 (BDu). This was the 2nd anshad to be contentwith only addinga new genusto the state record of this speciesthis year w. of Phoenix. list. Whlte-earedHummingbird is still quite rare in the SantaRita A PhiladelphiaVireo, an extremelyrare vagrantin the state, Mts, soof interestwas at leastone immatureat Madera Canyon was observedin KeamsCanyon in n.e. Arizona Sept. 14 (CL,

Volume 40, Number I 151 were found in n. Arizona: an immatureat GanadoL., Aug. 17 (•-RN),an immature at Richville, near SpringervilleSept. 14 (•-CH,RF, RN, DS), and one at PageSprings Sept. 20 (RF).Only two White-throated Sparrows were reported, one in Oak Cr. CanyonOct. 18 (SD, HL, JW) and one at BisbeeNov. 28 (AM, DD). Two early White-crowned Sparrows were found in Tuc- sonAug. 20 (K. Rawlins).Golden-crowned Sparrow has rarely been recorded in n. Arizona, so of interest was one at the Grand CanyonS. Rim sewageponds Oct. 8 (GM). Three'Harris' Spar- rows were reported:one at Ganado Oct. 6 (RF) and two immaturesat PrescottNov. 28 + (B. Sullivan et aL) and Nov. 30 + (V. Miller). McCown'sLongspurs were found againin the Sulphur SpringsValley Nov. 23 for the 3rd consecutiveyear (JS,BS). A 9 Orchard Oriole near Springerville Sept. 14 (•-CH, RN] was the first for n.e. Arizona; an imm. • Orchard Oriole was foundat TopockMarsh, L.C.R., Nov. 9 (•'DS,RN, RF). The first recordof "BaltimoreOriole" for n.e. Arizonawas providedby an imm. male at BeckerL., Sept. 14 (•-CH).Evening Grosbeaks Immature White or Black-backedwagtail at GrandCanyon Nat'l were reported again in Portal; 13 were counted there Nov. 25 Park, Ariz., Oct. 6, 1985. First record oœanywagtail for Arizona. Photo/Connie Rudd. VIREO x05/1/012. CONTRIBUTORS(Area compilersin boldface)-- CharlesBab- bitt, John Bates 0Ba, Tucson), Pat Beall, Jerry Bock (JBo),Rick •-BrJ).Red-eyed Vireo was recorded more commonly than in Bowers(RBo), Robert Bradley (RBr), Mike Carpenter,John Coons recentyears with four reported:one in GuadalupeCanyon Aug. (Flagstaff),Troy Corman,Doug Danforth, Tom Deecken,Salome Demaree,Carol deWaard, Bob Dummer(BDu), Richard Ferguson, 6 (S. Ruden), one at Guevavi Ranch Aug. 22 (SG), another at Tom Gatz, Virginia Gilmore, Clive Green, Alma Greene, Sharon Keams Canyon Sept. 21 (BrJ, CL], and another at Chiricahua Goldwasser,Brian Heap, Fred Hopf, ChuckHunter, BettyJackson N.M., Oct. 4 (JP). (Globe),Brad Jacobs (BrJ, Navajo Indian Reservation),Marty Jakle, An Orange-crownedWarbler in Sycamore Canyon Aug. 5 KennKaufman, Chuck LaRue, Helen Longstreth,Gale Monson,Ar- provided the earliest fall record for this speciesin s. Arizona nold Moorhouse(Huachuca Mts. & McNeal),Robert Morse, Robert (DS,RN). Reportsof Chestnut-sidedWarblers have increasedin Norton, Amy Price, JeffPrice, Gary Rosenberg,John Saba,Wayne recentyears, so it is no surprisethat three were reportedfor the Shifflett(WSh), Robert Smith, Sally Spofford(SSp, Portal), Walter period: at L. Patagonia Sept. 21 (JBo,JBa), at Many Farms L., Spofford,Bill Sutton,Rick Taylor, Bob Thomen, Carl Tomoff(Pres- Sept. 22 (BrJ), and at Phoenix Nov. 22 (RN). Two 9 Black- cott).--DAVID STEJSKAL,229V2 W. Turney Ave., Phoenix, AZ throatedBlue Warblerswere reported,from PatagoniaSept. 22 85013; JANET WITZEMAN, 4619 E. Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, AZ (RS) and from e. Tucson Sept. 29 (FH). A Palm Warbler was 85018. found behind a hotel in Tempe (near Phoenix) during the A.O.U. meetings Oct. 11 (•-K. Parkes) and another was near BuckeyeNov. 16 (•'CB); there are now about 28 state records. An impressivethree ProthonotaryWarblers were found during the period: at S. Fork, Cave Creek Canyon, Aug. 19 (D. Viess, New Mexico R. Rust), at PatagoniaAug. 29-Sept. I (JS,AP), and at Sabino CanyonOct. 10 (•-A. Bradford, J. Tedford). A Worm-eating War- bler was at Chiricahua N.M., Sept. 29 (AP); Arizona averages two to three individuals a year. Remarkablewas the report of a John P. Hubbard Swainsoh'sWarbler at Patagonia,first discoveredby a pair of anonymousBritish birders Sept. 4, then rediscovered Sept. 8 ABBREVIATIONS-- BosqueRefuge = Bosquedel Apache Nat'l (•-BSetal.); if accepted,it would provide the 2nd recordfor the Wildlife Refuge;T or C = Truth or Consequences.Place names in stateand one of very few in the West. The only Ovenbird was italics are counties. one found at Ganado Wash, n.e. Arizona. Oct. 6 (RF). Two LouisianaWaterthrushes were reported:one at SycamoreCan- LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL- Common Loons were yon Aug. 4 (•-DS.RN) and the other at PatagoniaNov. 16 + (RS), more frequentthan usual, with one Oct. 12 at SantaFe (PI et al.) presumablythe same individual that has wintered there the and nine others almost statewide Nov. 11-27 [v.o.]. The state's past 2 years.The August bird fit neatly into an emerginglate- first breeding of Clark's Grebe was documented in upper Ele- summer pattern of records for Arizona, being the 4th to be phant Butte L., with 60-80 adults and youngthere Aug. 16-18 & recordedduring late July-earlyAugust. The d Hooded Warbler 29 (TM, GS). Reliablereports of migrantswere of singlesat Zuni at PageSprings remained until Oct. 8 (VG). Exciting was the Nov. 24 (JT) and BosqueRefuge Aug. 22 (BZ, Y. Zimmer), plus discoveryof an imm. c• Mourning Warbler at GanadoSept. 15 three at L. McMillan Nov. 15 (RT etal.). Some 130+ W. Grebes (•'DS,•'CH, •-RN,CB); if accepted,it would provide the 2nd state (and almostas many "westerns")were reported including late record and the first for fall. ones near Las Vegas Nov. 15 (RT et al.) and montane ones at Two Black-and-white Warblers, five Am. Redstarts, and Snow L., Catton, Oct. 3 (S. Williams). about 15 N. Waterthrushes(more than usual) were reportedfor Easterlywas a Double-crestedCormorant at Clayton L., Oct. 5 the period. (WC). Tricolored Herons were more numerous than usual, with up to six at Bitter Lake N.W.R., Aug. 2-Sept. 28 (KW), and one BUNTINGS THROUGH FINCHES-- Two Painted Buntings near Hobbs Aug. 25 (CL). Cattle Egretscontinued to prosperin were reportedthis fall, an ad. male at Portal Aug. 24 (•-AP etal.) the middle Rio Grande Valley, as evidenced by 60-80 (75% and an immaturein e. Tucson Sept. 12 (CD etal.). More Dickcis- imm.) near Belen Aug. 14 (WH). One near Silver City Nov. 27 selsthan usual were found, with nine reported: one banded in (HS) furnished the only far w. record.One to two Green-backed e. TucsonSept. 12 (P. Walters, CD el al.), one each at BeckerL. Herons at Zuni Sept. 1-5 (JT) were notable, and a possiblefam- and the Hooper Ranch near Springerville Sept. 14 (•'CH, DS el ily group was at Mangas Springs, Grant, Sept. 2 (RF). Black- aI.), two at GanadoWash Sept. 15 (•-CH),and four s.e.of Tucson crowned Night-Herons in areas where infrequent included up Sept. 14 (RBo).Three Clay-coloredSparrows, more than usual, to six near Clayton Sept. 14 & 20 (WC), plus singlesat Zuni Sept.

152 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 1-6 (JT) and Hobbs Oct. 2 (CL). Unusual was a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron near Chamberino, Dona Aria, in early October (fide BZ). White-faced Ibis maxima included 152 at Zuni Aug. 31-Sept. ? (JT), 50+ at BosqueRefuge Aug. 29 and Sept. 22 (RT), and 200+ at Bitter Lake N.W.R., Aug. 17 (KW). A Greater White-fronted Goose Nov. 11 was the first ever in the Claytonarea (WC). The highestpeak ever for Snow Geeseat BosqueRefuge was over 50,000 in late November (fide RD). Out-of-rangewere one to two near Cliff Nov. 16 (H. & A. Parent) and Zuni Nov. 24-26 (JT). Wood Ducks in areas where infrequent were one to two at Zuni Sept. 3-5 (JT) and near Alamo- gordo Oct. ? (O.C.B.C.). A dark, Mallard-like duck with a pur- plish speculum near Clayton Sept. 29 (WC, MM) could have been an Am. Black, Mottled, or hybrid duck. In November, small numbers of Hooded Mergansers were scattered from Clayton (WC) to Zuni (JT) and Bitter Lake N.W.R. (KW), and a few Red-breastedMergansers were at BosqueRefuge (RT), Bit- ter Lake N.W.R. (KW), and L. McMillan (JH, WH) in the same Juvenile/first-winter Common Tern and juvenile Sabine'sGull month. at Bluewater Lake, McKinley Co., N.M., Sept. 3, 1985. Photo/ John Trochet. RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS- A season-long (Sept. 6-Nov. 2) raptor count in the Manzano Mts., Torrance, period. Eleven Franklin's Gulls there the samedate (WH) were yielded 2924 birds of 15 species(]WD et al.). Impressivehighs late, as were 11 California Gulls at Heron L., Rio Arriba, Oct. 3 included 968 Sharp-shinned and 533 Cooper's hawks, 22 N. (LS), four at Bluewater L., Nov. 27 (JT), and two at Caballo L., Goshawks,519 Red-tailed Hawks, 135 Golden Eagles,and 425 Oct. 4 and Nov. 13 (JH].Single Sabine'sGulls were at Cochiti L., Am. Kestrels.Ten Ospreyswere recordedthere Sept. 13-Oct. 8, Sept. 11 (WH), Bluewater L., Sept. 3-4 (JT), and Bitter Lake compared to about 15 elsewhere in the state--including one at N.W.R.. Oct. 4-6 (KW). An imm. Corn. Tern was at Bluewater L., Hobbs Sept. 19-Oct. 17 (CL) and late singlesat BosqueRefuge Sept. 3-4 (ph. JT); a probable one was at L. McMillan Nov. 11, Nov. 29 IRT) and Percha Dam, Sierra, Nov. 26-30 (DM). Notable along with an equally late Forster'sTern (JH). Overdue was was a Black-shoulderedKite at BosqueRefuge Nov. 23-27 (JSet New Mexico's first Ancienl Murrelel, an immature found alive al.). Mississippi Kites in areas where local were singlesn. of along a highway near Santa Fe Nov. 6 (A. Miller); the bird later Clayton in August (fide WC) and in Albuquerque Aug. 19 (WH). died (*U.S.N.M.). Early Bald Eaglesincluded single adults at Maxwell N.W.R. in The high for White-winged Dovesat Socorrowas 15 Nov. 22 August and September (W. Mobley), Algodones Aug. 27 (J. (JS);only two were at T or C at the end of the period (DM), with Bass),and Flora Vista Sept. 15 (AN). A largely albino N. Harrier one at Roswell Aug. 10 (ES). The last Inca Dove at T or C was was near Otero Mesa, Otero, Nov. 16 (B. Morrison). ACom. Aug. 28 (DM), while up to four were at Alamogordo into Octo- Black-Hawk near San Marcial Aug. 16 and Sept. 12 (ph. TM) ber (O.C.B.C.).New Mexico's 2nd Ruddy Ground-Dovewas at was the first documented in Socorro. Single Broad-winged Owens' Farm, Dona Aria, Oct. 31 and Nov. 4, in the sameplace Hawks were over the Manzano Mrs., Sept. 26 and Oct. 1 (JWDet and a year after the first report (ph. BZ). Single Com. Ground- al.) and in Dona Ana Oct. 5 (BZ)--the latter a local first. Doves were there Oct. 31-Nov. 4 (BZ). A Groove-billed Ani at Two broods of White-tailed Ptarmiganswere in the Truchas Mangas SpringsNov. 20 (D. Hunt, fide RF) furnished the only Peaks, Rio Arriba, transplant-areaAug. 13-14 (A. Sandoval). report. A late Com. Poorwill was at Roswell Nov. 14 (KW). Wild Turkeys at rather low elevations were four along Las Ani- Lucifer Hummingbirdswere presentin the Peloncillo Mrs. near masCr., Sierra, Sept. 23 (EW, T. Wootten) and one near Rocky Rodeountil at least Oct. 6, after a summer in which up to 12 Arroyo, Eddy, Sept. 16 (WE). Northern Bobwhites in August (including immatures)were observed(RS). Unusual humming- and Octobernear Roswell were apparentlythe resultof releases birds were two Magnificents at Cloudcroft through Sept. 15 made there recently (ES). High countsfor Sorasincluded 25 at (O.C.B.C.); two Magnificents and a d Blue-throated at Silver Zuni Aug. 31-Sept. 7 (JT), eight at Quemado L., Aug. 27, and 10 City Sept. 22 (RF), plus an Anna's there Sept. 11 + (HS); and an at Bernardo Aug. 17 (WH). Very early Sandhill Cranes were Anna's at Durlings' Farm, Dona Aria, Oct. 8 (BZ). Calliope Hum- heardover TesuqueSept. 6-7 (P. Shultz), with the next recorded mingbirdsoccurred in the Rio GrandeValley s. to s. Dona Aria, Sept. 21 near BosqueRefuge (RT); unusualwas a reportat Nogal with the latest Sept. 24 at T or C (DM); also late was one at L., Lincoln, Oct. 14 (SB eta/.). Up to 40 WhoopingCranes were FarmingtonSept. 30. Eastof the usual rangewas a Belted King- expectedin the period (RD), while out-of-rangewas one at Las fisher near Hobbs Sept. 9-Oct. I (CL). Vegas N.W.R., Nov. 15 + (E. Hesse). Out of rangewas a Gila Woodpeckernear RodeoSept. 10-11 SemipalmatedPlovers were "abnormally common" in Dona (RS). Two Lewis' Woodpeckerswere winging S over the Man- Aria (BZ et al.), and a new local high was eight at Morgan L., San zano Mrs., Sept. 13 (WH), while one to two other out-of-range Juan, Sept. 12-15 (H.H. Lesperance).High counts of Killdeer birds were at CoronaNov. 12 (PS, RT) and Durlings' Farm Sept. included 117 near Clayton Aug. 30 (WC), 130 at Zuni Aug. 31- 23-25 (BZ). "Yellow-bellied" sapsuckersoutside the usual Sept. 7, 60 at Bluewater L., Sept. 3-4 (_IT),and 75 near Los Lunas rangewere singlesat Clayton Sept. 6 (WC) and Hobbs Sept. 25 Aug. 18 (WH). Some 400 + Mountain Plovers were near Mor- (CL). An imm. Three-toed Woodpecker was being fed by an iarty Aug. 3 (WH), with 40-50 still there Oct. 8 (PS, RT); also, adult at Sandia CrestAug. 11 (B. D'Angelo,WH). A purported 80 + were near Los Lunas Aug. 29, and 50-60 Sept. 27 (PS, RT). Gray Flycatcher at Bosque Refuge Nov. 30 (J. Saba) was ex- Small numbers of Upland Sandpipers were in Dona Aria Aug. 8- tremely late, as was an empidonax at Mangas SpringsNov. 24 Sept. 8 (BZ et al.); the only other one was near Los Lunas Aug. (RF). Out-of-rangewas a Black Phoebeat QuemadoL., Aug. 28 18 (WH). Uncommon "peep" in the period included three San- (WH). The only E. Phoebeswere singlesat AlbuquerqueNov. 21 derlings, a Stilt Sandpiper, and up to eight Pectorals at Zuni and BosqueRefuge Sept. 21 (RT). Northerly was a d Vermilion Sept. 2-6 (JT), four Pectoralsnear Los Lunas Sept. 27 (PS, RT), Flycatchern. of Clayton in August (fide WC). Late was an Ash- and a probable Semipalmated at BosqueRefuge Aug. 29 (RT). throated Flycatcher at Owens' Farm Nov. 2 (JD), and the only Very late was a phalarope at Bitter Lake N.W.R., Nov. 18 (KW). Great Crestedwas at nearby Durlings' Farm Sept. 13 (BZ). Ex- traordinary was a Couch'sKingbird at BosqueRefuge Sept. 23- JAEGERSTHROUGH FL YCATCItERS-- An ad. Pomarineat 30 (J. Durrie et al.; ph. v.o.; recorded JS), assuming that the L. McMillan Nov. 17 (WH) was the only jaegerreported in the "breeeer"call is definitive for this species.

Volume 40, Number I 153 SWALLOWS THROUGH NUTHATCHES- Notable were SantaFe, th•syear onearnwng early, Sept 22 (SB) A few Cedar two Purple Mart•ns at AlbuquerqueSept. 28 [CH), whale very Waxw•ngswere •n the n., exceptfor one (!) at Three R•vers, late were two eachViolet-green and Barn swallowsat Percha Lincotn, Sept. 21 (O.C.B.C.).Late was a family groupof Phaino- Dam Nov. 26-30 [DM). Steller's lays stagedlocalized lowland peplas at MangasSprings Sept. 21 (RF). Late was a Bell's V•reo •ncursions,mainly in small numbersin the Rio GrandeValley at Rattlesnake Springs,Eddy, Sept. 16 (WE). A Gray V•reo at and vicinity s. to Albuquerque;others included one to two in Aguirre SpringsAug. 27 (JD,BZ) was these observers'hrst •n Mills Canyon, Harding/Mora, Oct. 12-13 (JH) and near Villa- the Organ Mrs. Rare vireos for the state were single Yellow- nueva Sept. 19 (WE). ScrubJays also joined that invasionand throated Vireos at Santa Fe Aug. 24-Sept. 30 (SB) and Albu- were somewhat'morewidespread, including a few •n the Ros- querqueSept. 11 (RT); a Philadelphia at HobbsSept, 9 (CL), and well area Nov. 14-16 (KW). Blue Jayswere presentin the Ros- an apparent Yellow-green (Red-eyed)Vireo at BosqueRefuge well area throughthe period, including a family groupthere Aug. 29 (RT). Aug. 9 (ES); severalwere at Clayton Oct. 5 (WC). SomePinyon Rarewarblers included a Z Blue-wingedat Zuni Sept 6, a Z Jaysalso moved to lower elevations,including 30 + in the Al- Golden-wingedWarbler at Los Alamos Sept. 10 (B. Lewis), a buquerque area Aug. 25-28 (CH, WH), 16 at Mangas Springs Blackburnian Warbler at Anthony Oct. 4 (ph. BZ), plus oneand Sept. 21 (RF), and five at Queen, Eddy, Sept. 14-15 (WE). Sever: a Kentucky at RattlesnakeSprings Sept. 16 (D. Tomaso,œ•de al Clark's Nutcrackers were in the Manzano Mrs., Sept. 13 WE); and a Prothonotaryat Albuquerque Sept. 9 (RT), and a (WH), plus one at Zuni Sept. 2 and 17 in the Zuni Mrs., Sept.4 Canada Warbler there Oct. 13 (ph. CH). Only one Tennessee (JT).A new locale for Am. Crow was the Moriarty area,with was reported,plus a few Nashvilles,Myrtles (Yellow-rumped), 70 + Nov. 10 (JH);also notablewere six near Villanueva Sept. Black-and-whites, and Am. Redstarts, and moderate numbers 19 (WE), one at Belen Aug. 14 (WH), and 18 at MangasSprings of N. Waterthrushes.Late were a N. Parula at AlbuquerqueNov Sept. 21 (RF). The mostnortherly Rio GrandeValley reportsyet 20 (CH et at.), two Orange-crownedsnear La Mesa, Dona Aria, of Chihuahuan Ravens were of two to three near Isleta and Los Nov. 13 (BZ), a Townsend'sat AlbuquerqueOct. 26 (ph B Lunas Aug. 17 (WH). Halstead), and Wilson's at ColumbusOct. 15-23 (DM). Notable Mountain Chickadeesinvaded lower elevationsmore widely lowland occurrenceswere a 9 Hermit in s. Dona Aria Sept 27 and in greaternumbers than usual, including in the Rio Grande (JD, BZ), plus a Painted Redstartat PerchaDam Sept. 25 and Valley to Dona Aria by mid-October (v.o.); easterlywas one at earlier (BZ et at.). Two immatures of the latter specieswere B•tter Lake N.W.R., Nov. 16 (KW). One to two Bridled Titmice being fed by adults in the Black Range Sept. 14 (RF). were at Percha Dam Oct. 25 and Nov. 26-30 (BZ et at.), while northerly were two Verdins at La Joya RefugeAug. 17 (GH, WH). On Oct. 19, 12 Bushtits were at Albuquerque (CH)-- TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES- Unexpected was a where infrequent.Red-breasted Nuthatches were widely in evi- Summer Tanagerat Zuni Sept. i (JT), for the 2nd recordthere dencebeginning mid-September, including in the Rio Grande The only Rose-breastedGrosbeak was a male nearSan Ildefonso Valley s. to Dona Aria (v.o.);birds in the latter areawere "almost in late August(E. Espinoza),while a few Indigo Buntingswere abundant"(BZ). Also notablewere 15 + in the Zuni Mrs., Sept. at Three Rivers Aug. 3 (O.C.B.C.)and near Sitting Bull Falls, 2-4 (JT) and a few in the Roswell area Sept. 10-Nov. 22 (KW). Eddy, Sept. 14 (WE). Out-of-range was a Painted Bunting at PygmyNuthatches also moved into the Rio GrandeValley, with Albuquerque Sept. 11 (œideRT); at least three were in s Dona one at AlbuquerqueSept. 7-14 (CH, WH) and severalin Novem- Ana Sept. 13-14 (BZ et al.). Early Green-tailedTowhees were at ber (S. Hoffman), plus two at Bernardo Sept. 22 (WH); two at SantaFe Aug. 28 (SB)and MangasSprings Aug. 30 (RF),whale AguirreSpring, Organ Mrs., Aug. 27 (BZ) mayalso have been one at Zuni Nov. 24 (JT)was late; easterlywas one at HobbsOct migrants. Incursionsof White-breastedNuthatches are more 2 (CL). A Cassin's Sparrow at Zuni Sept. 5 (JT) was a w strag- d•fficult to detect, becauseof the species'lowland residency; gler. A Rufous-crownedSparrow in FrijolesCanyon Sept 7 was however, the specieswas numerousin Dona Aria beginningin a first for the JemezMrs.; on Sept. 19, three were near V•lla- early October(BZ), and one at Bitter Lake N.W.R., Oct. 18 (KW) nueva (WE)--where the specieshas only recentlybeen report- may have been a migrant. ed. American Tree Sparrowsreaching s. points includeda few at Zuni (JT), Albuquerque (CHet al.), and Bitter Lake N W R (KW), Nov. 10-24. The "handful" of Clay-coloredSparrows •n WRENS THROUGH WARBLERS- An albino Rock Wren DonaAna were down from the numbersof lastyear (BZ),but at was near Clayton Sept. 6, following a "wave" of normally col- least 40 were counted in the Artesia-Queenarea Sept 14-16 ored birds Sept. 4 (WC). The only Winter Wren was one at (WE). Elsewhere,one was reportedat SocorroSept. 14 (JS)and Anthony Oct. 3 (H, Bigelow).Early was a Marsh Wren at Bosque 12 at Mangas SpringsSept. 15 (RF). A highly probableField RefugeAug. 17 (GH, WH), where the speciesis not known to Sparrow at Zuni Sept. 3 (JT) was well w. of the usual range summer. Golden-crownedKinglets appearedin lowland areas GrasshopperSparrow numbers were up in the Claytonarea •n •n small numbers, including one to two at Albuquerque Sept. 21 August, with six still there Sept. 4 (WC). Early were s•ngle (œideRT) and Oct. 19 (CH) and in Dona Aria Nov. 6 (S. Wilson). Savannahand Songsparrows at QuemadoL., Aug. 27 (WH), Montane reports included four in the Zuni Mts., Nov. 25 (JT), plus two of the latterat BluewaterL., Sept.3 (JT)and threenear one to two in the Manzano Mrs., Sept. 13 (WH), and two in the Sitting Bull Falls Sept. 14 (WE). A few Swamp Sparrowswere at Burro Mts., Sept. 14 (RF, M. O'Byrne). A few E. Bluebirdswere Bitter Lake N.W.R. (KW) and Mangas Springs (RF) in Novem- near Clayton Oct. 25 (WC, A. Krehbiel), while Mountain Blue- ber. Early White-crownedswere at MangasSprings Sept 2 (RF) birds strayedaway from breedingareas only in the northeast. and Zuni Sept. 5-7 (JT). Early Townsend'sSolitaires near SantaFe were singlesAug. 15 EasternMeadowlarks were still at Zuni Sept. 1-6 (JT),whale & 24 (JH et al.), plus an easterlyone at HobbsSept. 30 (CL). Very early Yellow-headed Blackbirds were at Bitter Lake N W R, rare in New Mexico, a Veery was at Zuni Sept. 5 (JT). An imm. Aug. 1-2 (KW). Great-tailedGrackles in areaswhere infrequent Am. Robin was in T or C Sept. 11 (DM); a few robinsshowed up included up to nine at Zuni Aug. 31-Sept. 6 (JT),four at Que- •n other lowland areasby late Septemberor early October,but mado L., Aug. 27 (WH), one near Cliff Sept. 28, and mght at no large influxes were noted. Silver City Sept. 17 and Oct. 28 (RF); seven were still at Las Migrant Gray Catbirds s. of breeding areas were singles at VegasSept. 29 (PIet at.). The only Cassin'sFinches were one to BosqueRefuge Aug. 17 (GH, WH), and in Dona Aria Oct. 21 (EW three at Chama Aug. 1-21 (LS) and in the Zuni Mrs., Nov 25 et al.) and Nov. 4 (JD, BZ). Late N. Mockingbirds included (JT). The sole Red Crossbillsreported were near L. Roberts, s•nglesin Mills CanyonOct. 12-13 (JH)and SantaFe Nov. 22-26 Grant• Oct. 24 (JH). Pine Siskins were widespread after m•d- (SB). Early were 30 SageThrashers in the Willard area Aug. 3 September,with earlier reportsat SantaFe (JH),La Joya(WH), (WHet at.), while late were six at Zuni Nov. 26 (JT).The only and Peloncillo Mrs. (JH). Late were 30 LesserGoldfinches at Brown Thrasher was at Farmington Sept. 20 (R. Pritchard). Zuni Nov. 26 [IT), while early were small numbers of Am Curve-billed has become almost annual in autumn-winter at Goldfinches at Bernardo and BosqueRefuge Aug. 17 (WH).

154 AmericanBirds, Spring1986 Evening Grosbeakswere at Chama Aug. 5-6 (LS) and in the CORRIGENDUM- No actual nest of White-winged Dove Santa Fe area Aug. 3-Nov. 1 (v.o.)--with a few persistingin the was discoveredat Roswell in the summer of 1985, but the spe- latter to Nov. 28 (SB). Elsewhere, four each were at Espanola cies almost certainly now breeds in that area. Aug. 25 (PI, CR) and Cloudcroft Sept. 1-12 (O.C.B.C.), plus sevento eight stragglersat Bitter LakeN.W.R., Nov. 12-13 (KW). OBSERVERS- Sherry Bixler, SarahBoles, Wes Cook,John W. ADDENDA -- Late 1985 reports include a Crested Caracara Daly, Jeff Donaldson,Rod Drewien, William Eley, Ralph Fisher, nea• Rodeo Feb. 5 and Mar. 5 (RS); a Mountain Plover near Geof Hill, William Howe, JohnHubbard, CharlesHundertmark, Pat Tularosa Mar. 19 (R. Jennesset al.); up to 18 White-winged Insley, Carol Levine, Marty Mayfield, Tim Mitchusson,Doris Mill- Doves in T or C in June-July,plus a pair each of Magnificent er, Alan Nelson, Otero County Bird Club, Greg Schmitt, Robert Hummingbirds June 2-22 and N. Cardinals as late as June 29- Scholes,Elmer Schooley,Lorraine Schulte, John Shipman, Harry July 4 (DM); two Dickcisselsnear E1Rito June22 (D. Hunting- Sontag,Paul Steel,Ross Teuber, John Trechet, Kathy Wood, Elea- ton); four Cassin'sSparrows near La CienagaJune 28 (J.Travis); nor Wootten,Barry Zimmer.--JOHN P. HUBBARD, 202 Laughlin, and a 6 Bronzed Cowbird at ColumbusJune 4-6 (DM). Santa Fe, NM g7501.

ALASKA REGION

D. D. Gibson :Barrow: ' --'-'•'•a,•CEAN changeutumnto1985 prolongedwas mildcold until weather October, promptedwhenan nostalgic abrupt discussionsof a return, finally, to a normally-cold Alaska winter. At Fairbanksthe averagetemperature October 18-31 was -IøF, with lows to -30 ø, resulting in the 4th-coldest October ever there; at Kasilof, Kenai Peninsula, first snow- fall was October 18, local lakes were frozen by October 24, and temperaturesremained below freezingthrough Novem- ber 10; freshwaterfreezeup took place at AnchorageOctober 23; and subfreezingtemperatures and six inches of snow hit SoutheasternAlaska November 2-10 (coldest + 9øF at Ju- neauNovember 9). Precipitationwas slightlyabove normal, • •T. •cKI•EY r-3 • •Tok J ,' but at sealevel in SouthcoastalAlaska it fell mostly as rain, •.-'•" Paxson Jct.• not snow; indeed, Anchoragestill had no snow cover at the end of November. Two results of the weather were 1) that most possible lingering birds were driven from Central Alaska in mid-Octoberby the cold, and 2) that lingerersand visitants of interest in Southeastern(where snow did not persist)and Southcoastalwere only irregularly constrained, --• •r PENtNSU• becauseof the lack of snow cover, to visit the feeding stations where first seen. The timing of many of the records discussed herein can be seen to have been a direct result of the arrival of the cold front outlined above.

ABBREVIATIONS- U.A.M. = University of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks. PACIFICOCEAN

LOONS TO WATERFOWL -- The A.O.U.'s formal 'split' of Arctic (G. arctica) and Pacific (G. paci[ica) loons (Auk 102:680, 1985) provided a new generationwith a pre-1931 field problem at the specieslevel (the two had been merged in 4th A.O.U. Following two 1984 records of less-than-adultFregata (at Check-listin 1931) and illuminated a substantialgap in our Kodiak [AB 38:1052]and in MontagueStrait [CK, ph. U.A.M.], information:we do not know which of these closely-related both in late June),a '1st-stage'juv. Magnificent Frigatebird was birds is the uncommon visitant in the c. and w. Aleutian Is- observedat close range and at length as it flew about upper lands. Both are known in the Pribilnfs, and Pacific Loon breeds BelkofskiBay, Alaska Pen., Aug. 15, 1985 (JEL, ph. U.A.M.) on the adjacent Alaska Peninsula. One Pied-billed Grebe at ---Alaska'sfirst frigatebirdidentified to species.The identifica- Sitka Nov. 8 (MEI, TGT) providedthe only report of this rare tion was corroboratedby experts(PHi', RWS•'). It seekslikely fall/winter visitant. that these occurrences were related to the recent El Ni•o. A juv. Short-tailedAlbatross observed n.w. of Akutan l., e. Six WhooperSwans at ShemyaI., w. Aleutians, Nov. 3 (VV, Aleutians(at 54ø29'N,166ø13'W), Aug. 30 (EM•') furnishedthe [ide CFZ) and three at Adak I., c. Aleutians, Nov. 10 (CE, TE et seasoh'Sonly report.Another rare visitant, Flesh-lootedShear- a/.) were on schedule.Two pairs of Redheadsat UgashikBay, water, was seenhalfway betweenKodiak and Seward Aug. 9, Alaska Pen., Oct. 13 (REG, KSB, MRP) provided one of few one bird amid 1500 Short-taileds (DWS•'). A "constant stream" SouthwesternAlaska recordsand the first in autumn. In a year (est. 40/min., totaling several thousandbirds) of Short-tailed when the arcticcoast of Alaska becameice-bound early, in mid- Shearwatersand hundredsof N. Fulmarsflying N past North- September,hundreds of O-plumagedKing and Commoneiders west Cape, St. Lawrence I., Oct. 2 (RAM) seemed a peculiar migrating W past Pt. Barrow Oct. 30 (CG), presumably from the phenomenonat that date. w. Canadian arctic, seemed dangerouslylate.

Volume 40, Number 1 155 SHOREBIRDS -- Three luv Black-belhed Plovers seen at Sept 12 (RSH) set a new departure record for the Intermr. Al- FmrbanksOct. 5 (PDM, DDG) were late--perhaps the hrst rec- though stubbornlycontinuing to resist effortsto elucidate •ts ord of any ploverin the Interior in October.ACom. Greenshank Alaskabreeding range and seasonalmovements, Sibermn Tit observedat St. Paul I., Probilof Is., Aug. 31 (MW, fide GVB) was seentwice in Kaltag,on the Yukon R., in w.-C Alaska one provided the earliest of the only 4 autumn records(Aug. 31- bird Sept. 12 and one in a flock of Black-cappedChickadees Sept.6) of this bird in Alaska;it is regularonly in spring.Near Oct. I (MLW). None was seen thereafter. Red-breastedNut- the w. limits of their range,Greater Yellowlegs were abundant hatcheswere more numerous than usualin SC,beginning m at UgashikBay and Cinder R., Alaska Pen., throughlate Sep- September:at least three near Palmer to mid-October(MTB) tember (e.g., flock of 252 Sept. 28); by Oct. 12 numbershad andthree or four daily in Anchoragethrough the period(TGT) diminished,but a movementOct. 16-17, presumablyof birds Oneat FairbanksSept. 4 (BK)provided the onlyInterior report finally evacuatingthe rest of the peninsula in advanceof the The specieswas fairly commonon passageat Juneaum late cold front, comprisedflocks of up to 700 birds, all flying E up September-October,and small numbers were still on the move the UgashikR. (PEG,KSB, MRP). One at Blind Slough,Peters- Nov. 2-9 at Juneau,Petersburg, Sitka, Wrangell, and Ketchikan burg, Nov. 7 (MEI, TGT) was record-latein the state.A single (MEI, TGT). A Brown Creeperthat visited a Kaltag suet feeder LesserYellowlegs and a Least Sandpiper studied at Fairbanks Sept.28 (MLW) furnisheda westernmostrecord of the species Sept. 28 (DDG, RHD) were both latest-ever in the Interior. --which is poorly known in C Alaska in any case.A flock of eight-plusMountain Bluebirdsseen e. of Delta Jct.,Sept 7-8 (SD, fide JMW) probablyreflected a goodbreeding season m After unconfirmed reports of Upland Sandpiper at e.-CAlaska; a flockof sevenat WrangellNov. 5 (MEI, TGT) was Kodiak I., Aug. 8 & 27 (fide RAM), one was studied notrecord-late. There are few departuredata for this specms,at well atop Pillar Mt. (400 m) Aug. 31 (JBA'•) for the the periphery of range in easternmostAlaska. archipelago'sfirst certain record. Singlesat Skagway Aug. 31 (TGT) and at JuneauSept. 6 (MEI) were alsoof WAXWINGSTO FINCHES-- Flocksof BohemianWaxwings interest.Upland Sandpiperis a scarce(primarily fall) totaling 250 birds at PetersburgNov. 6-8 and 1500+ b•rds at migrant on or near the coastof SC and SE Alaska. That JuneauNov. 9 were substantialcounts; a very few CedarWax- at least someof thesebirds crossthe CoastRange into wings (one Nov. 5, Wrangell;one Nov. 7, Petersburg;and one interior British Columbia, heading E (Kesseland Gib- Nov. 8, Sitka) were alsoseen in SE that week (MEI, TGT) No son, unpubl. records),instead of departingAlaska by waxwingswere seenat Craig (TEK). Two Orange-crownedWar- continuing down the coast, helps to explain the blers at KetchikanNov. 3, single Yellow-rumped Warblersat dearth of records on the Pacific coast to the south. KetchikanNov. 3 and at WrangellNov. 5, and a Wilson'sWar- bler at KetchikanNov. 4 (MEI, TGT) werelate. A SwampSpar- row observedat Saxman,near Ketchikan, Nov. 3-4 (MEI, TGT, A singleMarbled Godwit observedrepeatedly at UgashikBay RLS; *U.A.M.) provided Alaska's 2nd record (seeAB 35 970) Oct. 1-16 (PEG,KSB, MRP) was record-late,furnishing the first andonly specimen. Three White-throated Sparrows in fall 1985 Octoberrecord. One juv. SemipalmatedSandpiper with West- wasexceptional: one at JuneauNov. 1 + (RHA et al.), one near ernsand a Rufous-neckedStint at St. Matthew I., Aug. 17 (BEL, KetchikanNov. 3 (MEI, TGT, RLS), and one at Homer Nov 2 + *U.A.M.) was of interestbecause there are few certain records (EPB,fide GCW,et al.). ThreeHarris' Sparrowshad been band- of this bird anywhere in the Bering Sea beyond the Alaska edat AukeBay, Juneau, traps through Nov. 17, andall remained mainland coast.Juvenile Rufous-neckedStints at St. Matthew through the close of the period (RBW). At least two Hams' includedone with 15 W. SandpipersAug. 11 and eightaccom- Sparrows, an immature and an adult, arrived at Homer feeders panied by four WesternsAug. 14 (PDM, RR, *U.A.M.), and at Oct. 19-20 (GCW, MKD et al.; ph. U.A.M.). These birds were leastone Aug. 17 (above).Starting the same day, birds identi- seen irregularly thereafter. bed as Rufous-necked/Little stints were seen also in the Pribi- Well e. of its annualmigratory range in this Region,Bram- lofs:one at St. GeorgeI., Aug. 11, and two Aug. 12 (GVB,DED), bling was distinctlynewsworthy this season,when found at an and oneto five at St. Paul almostdaily Aug. 14-31 (GVB, MW); unparalleled 4 localities in SC and SE Alaska: one at a Seward except for one adult, a Rufous-necked,all were birds-of-the- feederNov. 20 + (PEM et al., ph. U.A.M.); oneat an AukeBay, year. A Curlew Sandpiper observedat St. Matthew Aug. 14 Juneau,feeder--where banded•Nov. 13 + (RBWet al.); oneat (PDM) provided the first autumn record on any of the Bering KetchikanNov. 23 + (PEW); and two at Port Alexander,Bar- Seaislands and the only reportthis season.One juv. Stilt Sand- anofI., for "10 daysin November"(AL, fide RHA, ph.U A M ) piper at FairbanksAug. 10 (DDG) furnisheda first autumn rec- An imm. • Purple Finch trapped and bandedat JuneauOct 4 ord in the Interior. Buff-breastedSandpipers were reported and presentthereafter at intervalsthrough November (RBW et only at KodiakI., where casual:one at Kalsin Bay Aug. 30; one al.) addedto few Alaskarecords (see AB 39:340).Widespread atop Pillar Mt., Aug. 31; and four at Kalsin Bay Aug. 31, two finches--PineGrosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, and redpolls remainingthrough Sept. 2 (RAM, JBA). --were describedby observersacross forested Alaska as less, or muchless, numerous than in autumn1984 (at St. Marys[BJM], OWLS TO THRUSHES- Three N. Pygmy-Owls were pres- Fairbanks[DDG], Anchorage [TGT, JMA, RLS],Kodiak [RAM], ent in theJuneau area in November(m.ob.). Whether these birds Kasilof[MAM], Juneau[MEI, RHA], and Craig [TEK]) Pine actuallybreed on the Alaska side of the CoastRange, descend- Siskinswere abundantin SE, at Juneau,until October;at the mg to sea level in winter, or dispersefrom adjacentCanada to end of the periodthe specieswas uncommonthere (MEI) the SEAlaska coast remains to be determined.A loosegroup of six Com. Nighthawkson passageat JuneauSept. 4 (MEI) pro- CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS (SUB-REGIONAL EDI- vided a new high countfor the state.A d Anna'sHummingbird TORSIN BOLDFACE)--J. B. Allen,J. M. Andrew,R. H. Armstrong, was seen in AnchorageSept. 26 (EEl' et al.) and perhaps the E. P. Bailey, K. S. Bollinger,M. T. Bronson,G. V. Byrd, M K same bird was reported some distance away Oct. 17 (fide Davidson,R. H. Day,D. E. Dragoo,S. DuBois,C. Edgerton,T. Edger- TGT)--adding to few recordsof this speciesw. of Prince Wil- ton, E. Eggleston,C. George,V. K. Gile, R. E. Gill, R. S. Hadley,P Harrison,M. E. Isleib, B. Kessel,C. Kirner, T. E. Kogut,B E ham Sound.Other Anna's,within their annual range,included Lawhead,A. Loescher,J.E. Low,R. A. Macintosh,P. D. Martin,B J a femaleat St. Petersburgin early November(MEI, TGT) and a McCafiery,R. E. McHenry,M. A. Miller, E. Munk, M. R. Petersen,R male at Wrangell at least to Nov. 4 (VKG). Two Black-backed Rohleder,P. F. Schempf,R. L. Scher,R. W. Schreiber,D. W. Sonne- Woodpeckersat Mole Harbor,Admiralty I., Nov. 10 (PFS)were born,T. G. Tobish, V. VanderNort,M. L. Ward, G. C. West,R B of interest;scarce anywhere in the Region,this speciesis appar- Williams, M. Witter, R. E. Wood, J. M. Wright, C. F. Ze•llema- ently of only irregular occurrencein SE. ker.--D. D. GIBSON, University of.alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Two late Hammond's Flycatchers at Ester, near Fairbanks, Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775.

156 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION

We regret that at press time, we had not received the Northern Pacific Coast Regional Report

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION

We regret that at press time, we had not received the Middle Pacific Coast Regional Report.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION

Guy McCaskie ßz•-_ .-• lesshefall than period the wasexpectedrelatively amountdry throughof coastal October, fog and with no Santa Ana conditions, but with above-averagerainfall during November. Waterfowl were noticeably scarce, but included a couple of rarities, and the passageof southbound shorebirds was about average with only one true rarity. Numbersof migrant landbirdswere low, this being especially noticeable in the numbers of wood warblers found at the traditional vagrant traps, even though 38 species were reported. In contrast to last fall there was no movement of finches within the Region or into the Region. Conception•anta

ABBREVIATIONS- F.C.R. = Furnace Creek Ranch in Death • o•.• o•• • •e•eSß Valley, Inyo Co.; N.E.S.S. = north end of the Salton Sea, Riverside Co.; S.C.R.M. = Santa Clara River mouth near Ventura, Ventura Co.; S.D.N.H.M. = San Diego Natural History Museum; S.E.S.S. = - So • Catalina south end of the Salton Sea, Imperial County. As virtually all rarities found in southernCalifornia are seenby numerousobservers, only the observerinitially identifying the bird is included. Docu- mentation is on file with the California Bird Records Committee (c/oDon Roberson,282 GroveAcre, Pacific Grove,CA 93950) for all raritieslisted in this report, and recordssubmitted without docu- mentationare not published. reportedoff San Luis Obispoand SantaBarbara counties be- tweenAug. 22 and Nov. 2 with 25 on EsteroBay Sept.28 (TME) LOONS THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS- Two Red-throated beingthe largestsingle-day count. Three Short-tailedShear- Loonson L. Henshaw in the mountains of San Diego County waters off San Pedro Nov. 8 (CTC) and another off Pt. Loma Nov. 12-17 (RH} were well inland where considered casual. Nov. 20 (REW) indicated at least a few were off s. California Unexpectednumbers of PacificLoons were found inland, with duringNovember. Ten thousandBlack-vented Shearwaters off one seento crash-landin an alfalfa field at OasisOct. 15 (DAS}, Shell BeachOct. 31-Nov. 3 (MA) madean impressiveconcen- onefound on the highwaynear Scotty'sCastle, Inyo Co., Nov. õ tration. A Fork-tailed Storm-Petreloff Pt. Conception, Santa (SM}, two on Quail L. in the Antelope Valley Oct. 24-Nov. 10 BarbaraCo., Sept.14 (JO)was quitefar south.Two dark-rumped (DAS}, one on L. Perris, Riverside Co., Oct. 23 (CMcG}, one at Leach'sStorm-Petrels among 125 _+ Leach'sover the San Juan N.E.S.S., Nov. 3 (GMcC}, and two on L. Henshaw Nov. 12-15 Seamountoff SantaBarbara County Aug. 22 (JLD)were excep- (RH}. A flock of 211 Com. Loonson L. Henshaw Nov. 12 (RH} tionally far north. No Least Storm-Petrels were seen, even wasan exceptionalconcentration for an inland location.A Red- thoughcoverage of the offshorewaters was betterthan usual. neckedGrebe at Avila BeachNov. 18 (CM} was the only one The only Red-billedTropicbirds reported were four in the reported. areaof the SanJuan Seamount Aug. 22 (JLD).An incredible 500 In general Procellariiformes were scarceoff s. California, es- Brown Pelicanswere on the Salton Sea Sept. 29 (GMcC) but pecially so off the s. portion of the Regionduring August and only one could be found Nov. 28 (GMcC). The OlivaceousCor- September.The only Black-footedAlbatross reported was one morant found at N.E.S.S., July 27 was last seen Aug. 31 (REW). nearthe RodriguezSeamount off SantaBarbara County Sept. 16 Eightimm. MagnificentFrigatebirds at N.E.S.S.,Aug. 10 (AS) 00}. A Flesh-lootedShearwater, rare off s. California, was off was a large number;one at N.E.S.S., Aug. 17 (GMcC) and one Pt. EsteroSept. 28 0McD}. Some 75 Buller's Shearwaterswere over BolsaChica Aug. 14 (JBe)were the only othersreported.

Volume 40, Number I 157 HERONS THROUGH RAILS-- Two or three ad. Little Blue the coast where now exceptionally rare. A "Harlan's" Red- Heronsaround San Diego through the period(EC) were the only tailed Hawk, casual to accidental in s. California, was at Big ones known to be presentin s. California. An ad. Tricolored Pine Nov. 10+ (TW). A FerruginousHawk migrating S with a Heron near Imperial Beach Nov. 28+ (BR) was the only one flock of Swainson'sHawks near Bakersfield Sept. 2 (MOC) was found. An ad. ReddishEgret on s. San Diego Bay Nov. 9 + (EC) very early. A Rough-leggedHawk migrating down Pt. Loma wasundoubtedly the samebird that hasspent the past3 winters Nov. 20 (DP) and anotherhunting over the Silver Strand State in this area. A Wood Stork on L. Henshaw Sept. 2 (RFI) and Beach in CoronadoNov. 24 (EC) were far s. and on the coast another near Oceanside Nov. 6-10 (SB) were the only ones where rare. found away from the s. end of the Salton Sea. Two Fulvous Whistling-Ducks on the Santa Aria R. in Ana- SHOREBIRDS THROUGH ALCIDS-- Single LesserGolden- heim Nov. 11 (DRW) acted as if wild; formerly small numbers Ploversat Tulare L., Kern Co., Sept. 28 (MH) and Oct. 5 (RS) occurredalong the coast with vagrantsrecorded as far n. as were the only onesfound inland; 30 _+along the coastbetween Mendocino County in n. California in fall, and we may be too Sept. 1 and Nov. 27 was about average.A Mountain Plover on quick to treat all such birds found today as escapees.The only the beach at Morro Bay Oct. 15 (LT) was in atypical habitat. Tundra Swansreported were two at Los OsosNov. 30-31 (MC). Nineteen Black Oystercatcherson the Long Beach/LosAngeles A flock of 15 Greater White-fronted Geese flying S over Pt. Harbor breakwaterOct. 11 (LRH) was an exceptional concentra- Loma Sept.22 (JO'B)established one of the earliestrecords for tion for this locality. A juv. Spotted Redshank near SantaMaria fall migrantsin s. California. A "CacklingGoose" (Branta cana- densisminima), rare in s. California, was near Santa Maria Nov. 1-2 (PEL). A c• Eur. Green-winged Teal in Goleta Nov. 13 + (GTi) was undoubtedly the same bird that spent the past 4 winters at this locality. and another in Huntington BeachNov. 17 + (GTo) was the same bird first seen here during the 1983- 1984 winter. A c• Eur. Wigeon on San Elijo Lagoon,San Diego Co., Sept. 29 (JC)was the earliest ever to be found in s. Califor- nia, and at leasteight others were known within the Regionby the end of the period. A c• Tufted Duck on Quail L., Oct. 15 + (RMcK) wasundoubtedly the samebird presenthere during the past2 winters, and possiblythe same bird as that presentduring the 1978-1979 and 1979-1980 winters; anothermale was on L. Perris Nov. 8 (RMcK). A • King Eider, a casualstraggler to California, was on Morro Bay Oct. 28 + (TME). A c• Harlequin Duck at Bolsa Chica Sept. 27 + (LRH) was undoubtedly the samebird presenthere last winter, which probably never parted. An Oldsquaw, casual inland, was on L. Perris Nov. 25 (HL). A • Black Scoter,accidental inland, was at F.C.R., Nov. 2 (DRW), and an ad. male was at Little Lake, Inyo Co., Nov. 28 (TW). A flock of 238 Surf Scoterson L. Henshaw Nov. 12 (RH) wasan exceptionalnumber for an inland locality in fall; three at Juvenile Spotted Redshank near Santa Maria, Cal., Oct. 25, Nipton in e. San Bernardino County Oct. 6 (EAC) were at an 1985. Photo/Paul Lehman. unusrrallocality, and three on the Salton Sea near Salton City Nov. 3 (GMcC) were the only others found inland. White- Oct. 25 (LB, ph.) was the 3rd ever to be found in California. A winged Scoterswere rare this fall but one on Quail L., Nov. 16 Solitary Sandpiperin Encino Oct. 17 (CF) was late. Ten Ruddy (JO}was inland. A • Hooded Merganseron L. ElsinoreAug. 24 Turnstones at various localities on the Salton Sea Aug. 3-24, (GMcC) appearedto be flightless and undoubtedly summered and singlebirds at Lancasterin the Antelope Valley Aug. 3 & 26 at that locality. (BWK), were inland. An ad. Surfbird at Salton City Aug. 25 (JLD)was the first to be found inland in fall. A Red Knot on L. S.A. Isabella, Kern Co.. Aug. 15 (SAL), two on Tulare L., Aug. 3-4 Clapper Rails were quite common in the large (JWi},and anothernear Lancaster Sept. 16-17 (PS)were the only saltwatermarshes of Orangeand San Diego counties5 onesfound inland away from the Salton Sea.A Sanderling,rare yearsago, but have all but disappearedduring the past inland away from the Salton Sea, was near LancasterAug. 3 2 yearsas indicated by the recordingof only two in the (BWK) and another was on L. Isabella Aug. 22 (SAL). Fifteen extensiveSeal Beach marshes during a censusthere juv. Semipalmated Sandpipers between Aug. 8 and Sept. 17 Nov. 13 (LRH) and the presenceof no more than two were fewer than expected. A flock of 92 Baird's Sandpipers on individuals in the marshesat the mouth of the Tijuana L. Henshaw Sept. 2 (RH) was an unusually largeconcentration, R. in Imperial Beach,where a year and a half agothere and one at S.C.R.M., Nov. I (JSR)was exceptionally late. were 40 pairs (EC). SinglePectoral Sandpipers at S.E.S.S.,Sept. 3 & 4 (DAS} were in an areaof California where the speciesis unexplainablyrare. A juv. Sharp-tailedSandpiper, casual in s. California, was near The presenceof a juv. Black-shoulderedKite in BishopAug. Santa Maria Oct. 20 (TW). A Rock Sandpiper at Avila Beach 7 (JLD)strongly suggested this speciesis now nestingin the Nov. 18 (TME) wasat the s. extremeof the species'winter range. Owens Valley. An imm. Mississippi Kite flying S down Pt. A Stilt Sandpiperat Tulare L., Aug. 18 (JWi) was the only one Loma Sept. 21 (GMcC) was the first to be found in s. California found inland away from S.E.S.S., and single birds near Santa in fall. An imm. Bald Eagle, now very rare on the immediate Maria Sept. 6 (JML) and Anaheim Aug. 31 (DRW} along with coast,was at Pt. Mugu Nov. 17 (CDB). A Red-shoulderedHawk three at Bolsa Chica Sept. 12 (LRH) and four on San Elijo La- at Iron Mountain Pump Station in s.e. San BernardinoCounty goon Sept. 2 (REW) were along the coast where rare. A Buff- Sept. 25 (WDW) was far out of range.The only Broad-winged breastedSandpiper, casual in California, was near Lancaster Hawksfound were one (dark phase)over Morro Bay S.P.,Oct. 7 Sept. 7-11 (NBB, ph.) and two more were near Imperial Beach (JA),and single immaturesat Cambria Oct. 15 (JLD),Los Osos Sept. 11 (EC}. The c• Ruff found near Imperial Beach July 28 Nov. 2 (KLG),Goleta Sept. 28 (PEL),and flying S over Pt. Loma remainedthrough the period (EC) and was the only one known Oct. 6 (LS). A Swainson'sHawk over Santa Barbara Aug. 23 to be presentin the Regionthis fall. A Red Phalaropeat Baker (LB) and anothernear Imperial BeachSept. 29 (EC)were along Oct. 13 (BED) was far inland.

158 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 one in SantaBarbara harbor Sept. 16 (CDB), a sick bird in Morro Bay Aug. 18 (GPS}, and 15 off Morro Bay Sept. 28 (TME). An Ancient Murrelet off Pt. Loma Nov. 18 (REW) was quite far south.

DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS- Single White- winged Doves on San Nicholas I., Aug. 19 (TM), near Santa Maria Aug. 24 (BS), and in San Simeon Oct. 27 (TME) were the northernmostof 15 found along the coast.An Inca Dove at Iron Mountain Pump Station Oct. 23 (WDW) was at an unusual locality. A Corn. Ground-Dovenest with eggsnear Fillmore Sept. 11 (KS) provided the first breeding record for Ventura County, and the presenceof up to three in Carpinteria Sept. 17- Nov. 19 (TW) alongwith singlebirds in GoletaAug. 18 (A & JC) and Santa Barbara Sept. 1-3 (AP) suggestedthe speciesis at- tempting to extend its range northward into Santa Barbara County. Totally unexpected was a • Ruddy Ground-Dove at Iron Mountain Pump StationOct. 9 (WDW, ph.); a male present at this location last fall (AB 39:103) is felt to have been a N wandering vagrant rather than an escapee. Buff-breastedSandpiper near Lancaster,Los Angeles Co., Ca/., A Yellow-billedCuckoo, now exceedinglyrare on the coastof Sept. I0, 1985. Photo/RobertMcKernan. California,was near Imperial BeachAug. 18 (JO).A Long-eared Owl in Gaviota Oct. 6 (GTo) and a N. Saw-whet Owl at Deep SpringsOct. 16 (DAS) were both at unusual localities. A Black At least 10 Parasitic Jaegerswere found inland at various Swift over Carpinteria Sept. 26 (LRB) and another over Pt. Loma pointsaround the SaltonSea between Aug. 31 and Sept.29 and Aug. 23 (REW) were the only onesreported from alongthe coast anotherflew over the "CondorLookout" along the Mil Potrero this fall. A migrant flock of 3000 Vaux's Swifts over Burbank Highwaynear ML Abel Aug. 31 (EJ).A juv. Long-tailedJaeger Oct. 20 (KLG) was a little late consideringthe number involved. founddead at S.E.S.S.,Sept. 5 (REM, *S.D.N.H.M.) and another An imm. c• Broad-billed Hummingbird, a casual stray to s. juvenilenear Lancaster Sept. 7-11 (AS) were both inland where California, was in Goleta Oct. 16-25 (MN) and another was at San MarcosPass above Santa BarbaraNov. 3-5 (J & GH). Lewis' Woodpeckerswere virtually non-existentthis fall, but one was at the remote Iron Mountain Pump Station Oct. 16 (WDW). SingleAcorn Woodpeckersin Mojave, Kern Co., Aug. 31 (MH) and nearbyCalifornia City Sept. 13 (MH) were well out of range. An imm. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerat Santa Ysabel Oct. 19 (CGE)was the only one reported.A Downy Woodpecker near Imperial BeachAug. 25 (EC) was at the s.w. extreme of the species'range. A White-headed Woodpeckernear Mojave Sept. 22 (JWi) was at a most unusual location.

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SHRIKES- Single W. Wood- Peweesat Los OsosOct. 19 (JH) and in Huntington Beach Oct. 22 (LRH) were very late. The only Least Flycatcher found this fall was one on Pt. Loma Sept. 10 (REW). An E. Phoebe,a rare vagrantto California, was in Carpinteria Oct. 19-20 (BDP) and anotherwas on Pt. Loma Nov. 5-13 (REW). A Vermilion Fly- catcherat F.C.R.,Oct. 12-13 (BED)and anotherin nearbyDeath Valley JunctionOct. 13 (]O) were quite far n., and single birds Juvenile Long-tailed Jaegernear Lancaster,Los Angeles Co., near Imperial BeachOct. 12 (CGE), on Pt. Loma Oct. 4-5 (REW), Cal., Sept. I I, 1985. Photo/JonL. Dunn. in Ventura Oct. 31 + (RJ),and in Goleta Nov. 5 + (CDB) were along the coast where now very rare. A Great Crested Fly- catcher, a casual vagrant to California, was in Doheny State consideredcasual to accidental.The only S. PolarSkuas found BeachSept. 30 (DRW). A young Brown-crestedFlycatcher in were two off Morro Bay Sept. 28 (KH), four in the areaof the San San Pedro Aug. 24-Sept. 7 (JLD) was only the 3rd ever found JuanSeamount Aug. 22-23 (JLD), and one off Pt. Conception along the California coast.A Tropical Kingbird in the San Joa- Sept.14 (JO).A youngFranklin's Gull in Anaheim Oct. 6 (DRW) quin Marsh of OrangeCounty Sept. 14 (DRW) was, remarkably, was the only fall transientfound; single birds at S.E.S.S.,Aug. the only one found in s. California this fall. A Thick-billed 10 (JLD)and N.E.S.S.,Aug. 16 (BWK) probablysummered lo- Kingbird in Peter's Canyon near Tustin Oct. 26 + (TW) was cally. A subad.Heermann's Gull, casualinland, was at S.E.S.S., evidently the same bird that spent the past 3 winters at this Aug. 17-Sept. 3 (GMcC). A juv. Thayer's Gull at Salton City location.Five E. Kingbirdswere found with an early individual Sept.29 (GMcC)was very early. A W. Gull at N.E.S.S., Sept. 21- on Santa Cruz I., Aug. 11 (MAR), three in Santa Barbara be- 29 (BED)and at least five at Salton City betweenSept. 29 and tween Aug. 30 and Sept. 21 (LB, HR), and the 5th inland at Nov. 28 (GMcC, DAS) were far inland where considered acci- ThousandPalms Oasis Oct. 3 (RMcK). An ad. Scissor-tailed dental.A one-year-oldSabine's Gull at N.E.S.S.,Aug. 7-9 (BD) Flycatcher,a casual stragglerto California, was near Lompoc and a juvenile near Palm SpringsSept. 16 (BCa)were inland, Sept. 6-Oct. 13 (BB). and two at PismoBeach Nov. 9-10 (CMW) were late. Two Least A Chestnut-backedChickadee in Goleta Sept. 6 (KB) was Terns were found inland at S.E.S.S.,Aug. 31 (REW). A Black significantly s. of the species'range, but was the 2nd to have Skimmerin GoletaAug. 23-24 (CDB)was quite far north. been found in this area. Two Winter Wrens on Mt. Pinos Aug. Small numbersof Craveri'sMurrelets were presentalong the 27 (JLD) and another in Mojave Sept. 2 (MH) were very early coastduring August and Septemberas indicated by four off San migrants,and one on Pt. Loma Nov. 13 (REW) was quite far Diego Sept. 7 (GMcC), two near San Miguel I., Sept. 15 (TW), south.An Am. Dipper in Malibu Canyon Nov. 24 + (KLG) and

Volume 40, Number I 159 Oct. 27-28 (HR), and the 3rd at S.C.R.M., Sept. 15 (JSR).A Palm Warbler on Pt. Loma Oct. 15 (CGE) was a yellow bird from the n.e. population hypochrysea.Single Bay-breastedWarblers on Pt. Loma Sept. 29 (REW) and Nov. 20 (CGE) were the only ones found. Thirty Blackpoll Warblerswere found along the coast, including an exceptionally late individual in Mission Viejo Nov. 14 (DRW); single birds in California City Sept. 6-8 (JAJ) and at Iron Mountain Pump Station Oct. 30 (WDW) were inland. A Cerulean Warbler in Cambria Oct. 13-15 (JH) was only the 7th found in s, California. Four ProthonotaryWarblers were found with one in Cambria Oct. 13-19 (TME), single birds in CarpinteriaSept. 2-18 & 15-21 (LRB), and the 4th in Inglewood Oct. 18 (L & NMcC). An early Worm-eating Warbler in Goleta Aug. 21-22 (TW) was the only one found. Five Ovenbirdsalong the coast,Aug. 25-Oct. 21, were fewer than normal. A Louisiana Waterthrush at Deep Springs Aug. 7 (JLD) was only the 2nd everfound in California,the first havingbeen in MeccaAug. 17, 1908.A c•Kentucky Warbler was in CarpinteriaAug. 22-23 (LB) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near Lompoc, Cal., Sept. 11, 1985 and a femalewas inland at OasisSept. 15 (AME). A Connecticut Photo/Paul Lehman. Warbler,very rare in California, was in OceanoOct. 13-14 (BS). Three Mourning Warblerswere found with one in Goleta Sept. two in Whitewater Canyon,Riverside Co., Oct. 2 + (DCH) were 26 (PEL), a 2nd on Pt. Loma Oct. 2 (REW), and the 3rd near at unusual localities. A Bendire's Thrasher near Lancaster Oct. Imperial Beach Sept. 21 (GMcC). The only Canada Warblers 12 (FH), the only onefound this fall, wasin an unexpectedarea. found this fall were one in San Pedro Sept. 28 (DS) and one in A calling imm. White/Black-backedwagtail seenwell in flight OceanoOct. 13 (BS). Three Painted Redstartsreached the coast when flushed from the San JoaquinMarsh, OrangeCo., Oct. 27 with one at Morro Bay S.P., Sept. 18 (WO), another on San (JBo)was the fourth suchbird found in s. California during fall NicholasI., Sept. 25-26 (TM), and the 3rd on Pt. Loma Oct. 17- and early winter. A Red-throatedPipit, very rare alongthe coast 18 (JWo). duringOctober, was nearImperial BeachOct. 6-11 (GMcC),and anotherat F.C.R., Oct. 5 (JLA) provided our first inland record. TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES-- A d Hepatic Tanager An imm. N. Shrike at OasisNov. 10 (SM) was in the extreme n.e. in SantaBarbara Nov. 16 + ()EL) was evidently the samebird corner of the Region where one or two occur most years. presentthere during the past3 winters and anotheron Pt. Loma Oct.4 + (GJ)was undoubtedlythe samebird presentduring the VIREOS, WOOD WARBLERS- A Bell's Vireo at Oceano past2 winters.Fifteen SummerTanagers along the coastduring Sept. 11 (CM) was the first to be found in San Luis Obispo the periodwas abouta normal number.Three ScarletTanagers County in recent years and one in Huntington Beach Sept. 7 + were found with one in Santa BarbaraOct. 6-7 (PWC), another (BED)appeared to be settled for the winter. A Solitary Vireo in in Ventura Oct. 27 (JSR),and the 3rd on Pt. Loma Nov. 13-16 Carpinteria Sept. 30-Oct. 5 (PELI and another there Nov. 1 (REW). Fifteen Rose-breastedGrosbeaks at various localities in (LRB) were both felt to be of the nominate form solitarius; at the RegionSept. 1-Nov. 8 were somewhatfewer than expected, least10 graybirds of the GreatBasin form plumbeuswere found as were 17 Indigo Buntings Aug. 16-Nov. 10. Five Dickcissels alongthe coastduring October.Three Yellow-throated Vireos, were found along the coastbetween Sept. 11 and Oct. 5 and a casual vagrants to California, were found with one in Santa 6th was inland at Kelso Oct. 10 (ALC). BarbaraOct. 1 (HR), anotherin Huntington BeachSept. 26-28 SingleAm. Tree Sparrowsat MesquiteSprings Nov. 9 (SM), (BED),and the 3rd on Pt. Loma Nov. 13-20 (D & MH). The only BakerOct. 20 (EAC), and Nipton Nov. 3 (CMcG) were in the e. PhiladelphiaVireo found this fall was in OceanoSept. 18 (JAJ). portion of the Regionwhere small numberscan be found each Single Red-eyedVireos were found in Carpinteria Aug. 22-24 fall, but one on Pt. Loma Oct. 25-27 (REW) was on the coast (KB) and Sept. 30 (JLD), and a 3rd was in Goleta Sept. 29-30 where very rare. Ten Clay-coloredSparrows along the coast (CDB). Sept. 17-Oct. 23 were fewer than expected.A Black-throated A Tennessee Warbler at the Kern R. Preserve above L. Isabella Sparrow in Anaheim Sept. 1 (DRW) and another on Pt. Loma Aug. 17 (SAL) was exceptionally early for a fall migrant. A Oct. 5 (REW) were both on the coast where most unusual. The Lucy's Warbler near Otay Aug. 18 (GMcC) and one to two near only Lark Bunting found this fall was one in Goleta Sept. 6-7 Imperial Beach Aug. 31-Sept. 21 (JO) were along the coast (HR). Up to 15 GrasshopperSparrows near FigueroaMr., Santa where very rare. A N. Parula at Yucca Valley, San Bernardino BarbaraCo., Nov. 16 + (SS) were totally unexpected.Swamp Co., Sept. 21 (NBB) and another in Oceano Oct. 19-Nov. I (BS) Sparrowswere unusually scarce with single birds at F.C.R., were the only ones found. Six Chestnut-sidedWarblers were Oct. 12-13 (CM), Pismo BeachNov. 2 (PEL),and Malibu Oct. 27 reportedwith single birds in Carpinteria Sept. 20-24 (PEL) and (HMB) being the only ones found. Oct. 30 (TW), one near Malibu Sept. 21 (KLG), one in Arcadia Five Harris' Sparrowsin the n.e. corner of the Region Oct. 4- Sept. 28 (BCo), another in Huntington Beach Oct. 3 (AS), and Nov. 2 were fewer than expected.A Dark-eyed (Gray-headed) the 6th on Pt. Loma Oct. 5 (REW). Magnolia Warblers were Juncoin Santa BarbaraNov. 1-10 ()EL) was one of only a few commonerthan normal with 14 alongthe coastduring October, ever found this far n. on the coast.A McCown's Longspurnear and single birds inland at Deep Springs Oct. 17 (DAS) and Pt. Mugu Oct. 17 (JLD) was on the coast where considered F.C.R., Nov. 9 (SM). Eight Black-throated Blue Warblers at var- casual.Thirteen Lapland Longspurswere reportedfrom 6 local- ious locationsin the Regionbetween Sept. 19 and Nov. 4 was ities including a somewhat early individual in Goleta Oct. 10 about an average number. A Townsend's Warbler at Deep (PEL), one at Desert Center Oct. 16 (RMcK), and up to four on Springs Aug. 7-8 (JLD) was exceptionally early for a fall mi- the Plano Trabuco, Orange Co., Oct. 20+ (BED). Chestnut-col- grant.A Black-throatedGreen Warbler in Carpinteria Oct. 10-13 lared Longspurswere exceptionally scarcewith seven at Deep (JLD)was the only one found. Three of the eight Blackburnian Springs Oct. 14-17 (DAS), single birds in Goleta Oct. 17-18 Warblersfound along the coastbetween Sept. 20 and Oct. 28 (PEL) and Pt. Mugu Nov. 2 (JSR),and up to three on the Plano were together,near CayucosOct. 12-16 (GPS)! TrabucoOct. 27-Nov. 9 (TW). A Yellow-throated Warbler, a very rare vagrantto California, Twenty-five Bobolinksalong the coastbetween Sept. 1 and was on Pt. Loma Oct. 12 (REW). Three Prairie Warblers were Oct. 27 were fewer than normal, and one at F.C.R., Oct. 20 found with one in OceanoOct. 12-21 (KZ), another in Goleta (DAS) was the only one found inland. A Great-tailedGrackle in

160 AmericanBirds, Spring 1986 Ventura Nov. 15 (JG) and another in San Diego Aug. 18 (CGE) ples, Brian E. Daniels, Bob Dixon, Jon L. Dunn, Tom M. Edell (San were both along the coastwhere casual. Four Orchard Orioles Luis ObispoGo.}, Claude G. Edwards, Alan M. Eisner, Chris Floyd, in the Santa Barbara area Sept. 30+ (LRB, JLD) and one in Kimball L. Garrett (Los AngelesCo.}, JesseGrantham, Keith Han- Ventura Sept. 21 (JLD) were the only ones reported. A Red sen, Joan & George Hardie, Don & Marjorie Hastings, David C. Crossbillin Long BeachAug. 4 (BED) had undoubtedlysum- Hatch, Jim Havlena, Loren R. Hays, Fred Heath, Matt Heindel, Rog- mered locally, leaving the two at Mojave Oct. 18 (JWi) as the er Higson,Robert Jenkins, Eric Johnson,Ginger Johnson, Jerry A. only "migrants" this fall. Johnson,Brian W. Keelan. Jeff M. Langham,Stephen A. Laymon, Paul E. Lehman (Santa Barbara& Ventura counties},Harry Lehto, Joan E. Lentz, Curtis Marantz, Robert E. Maurer, Lester & Nora CORRIGENDUM-- The • Hooded Warbler reported on San McClung.John McDonald (JMcD},Chet McGaugh(CMcG}, Robert NicholasI. in "late August" (AB 39:212} was actually present McKernan (RMcK} (Riverside Go.}, Tom Murphy, Steve Myers, Sept. 5 (TM}. Matt Nixon, JohnO'Brian (JO'B},Jerry Oldenettel, Winifred Orcutt, Alex Pagenstager,Dennis Parker, Benjamin D. Parmeter,Mary Ann CONTRIBUTORS(County coordinators in boldface)-- Martha Rajala,Hugh Ranson,Bill Ridel, Jim S. Royer, Luis Santaella, Rick Arnold, JohnArvin, JonL. Atwood, Larry R. Ballard, Chris D. Ben- Saval, Phil Sayre, Brad Schram, David A. Sibley, Arnold Small, esh,Jane Berry (JBe},Louis Bevier,Jeff Boyd {JBo},Bill Bremser, GrogP. Smith, Kevin Spencer.Don Sterba,Sam Sweet.Guy Tingos KarenBridgers, N. BruceBroadbooks, Henry M. Brodkin, Slader (GTi), Gerald Tolman (GTo), Lisa Trayset, William D. Wagner, Buck, Eugene A. Cardiff (San Bernardino Go.}, Barbara Carlson RichardE. Webster,Clair M. Williams, DouglasR. Willick (Orange (BCa},Mark O. Chichester (Kern Go.}, Jim Coatsworth,Barbara Co.},John Wilson (JWi},Joseph Worley (JWo},Tom Wurster, Kevin Cohen(BCo}, Charles T. Collins,Paul W. Collins,Elizabeth Copper Zimmer.-- GUY McCASKIE, San Diego Natural History Museum, (San Diego Co.}, Anna L. Cotton,Michael Craig, Art & JanetCup- Balboa Park, P.O. Box 1890, San Diego, CA 92112.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION

S.A. The pair of Pied-billed Grebes at Aimakapa Pond, H., went into a breeding frenzy during 1985. Follow- ing the 2 nestingsreported in the Spring Report, and the 3rd one mentioned in the Summer Report, the birds hatched two more chicks in mid-October that were seen well Oct. 19 {RD). They were at it again in December,tending another nest. Still another nesting attempt may have gone undetected in late spring or summer. Pied-billed Grebe was recorded in Hawaii as a va- grantfirst in 1974, and then in severalwinters during the next decade. Two wintered at Aimakapa in 1983- 1984 and again in 1984-1985, the latter remaining to breed this year. The population at Aimakapa had in- creasedfrom one pair in Januaryto at least six birds, possiblyeight, by November 30 {RD}. This event may give some insight on how the chancearrival of one pair of colonizersto an isolated islandmay indeed give rise to a viable populationof a Robert L. Pyle new native speciesfor the island, and rather rapidly at that. ainfallpicked up duringthe fall, bringingabove-normal amounts to Maui, Oahu, and much of Kauai and Hawaii, althoughannual totals for 1985 were still below averagefor morethan half the stationsin the state.The trade The subad.Short-tailed Albatross found at Sand I., Midway winds were interrupted more often than usual during the Atoll, Nov. 20-28 (KM et al.} was the same banded bird that period, accounting for some heavy showers and record- winteredthere last year. The first LaysanAlbatross to return breakinghot spells. Several weak hurricanes approached this fall to P.M.R.B.S.was sightedthere Nov. 15 (TT}. No alba- from the eastin August and early September,and one from trosseswere seen Oct. 18 by observerson a research vessel the south in late October,but all passedby without impor- duringits final day approachingHilo, H., from the s. (see below}. tant impact on the weather. A fledgling Hawaiian (Dark-rumped} Petrel (Endangered} ABBREVIATIONS -- F.F.S. = French Frigate Shoals;H. = Ha- with down remainingon breastand belly was found dead at waii I.; K. = Kauai I.: M. = Maui I.; O. = Oahu I. KilaueaMilitary Camp near H.V.N.P., H., Nov. 6, apparently BPBM m prefix of catalognumber for specimensin B.P. Bishop havingbeen attractedto lights at night (SM}. This provided Museum, Honolulu: H.V.N.P. = Hawaii VolcanoesNational Park furtherevidence that the speciescontinues to breedin probably on Hawaii; J.C.N.W.R.= JamesCampbell Nat'l Wildlife Ref. on very small numberson Hawaii. On Manana I. off O., 7 nestsof Oahu; K.M.C.A.S. = KaneoheMarine Corps Air Sta. on Oahu; Bulwer'sPetrel fledged young successfully during late summer P.H.N.W.R. = Pearl Harbor Nat'l Wildlife Ref. on Oahu; P.M.R.B.S. (JS).On K., in the annual ShearwaterRescue Project this fall, = PacificMissile Range Facility at BarkingSands on Kauai. aboutsix downed Hawaiian {Dark-rumped}Petrels were turned in alongwith over 1500 Newell's Shearwaters(Threatened}, GREBES THROUGH STORM-PETRELS- virtuallyall fledglings(TT}. The birdswere measured, banded,

Volume40, Number I 161 and released The hgure was h•gherthan last fall, but not as 26 (fide TT) Four to hve Canada Geese at Amor•ent Ponds high asin 1983. No Band-rumpedStorm-Petrels were turned •n throughthe fall (RS, SB et al.) were ldenhhed Oct. 27 as resem- th•s year (TT). Nesting of Band-rumpedson K. has been sus- blingthe form taverneri(AE, LS). pectedfor nearly a century, but is still unproven. Migrantduck populations at Kii and Waipio pondson O and Unusualcircumstances resulted in goodobservations of sev- at AimakapaPond on H. were noticeablylower againth•s fall, eral rarely-reportedspecies of petrelsand shearwatersthis fall comparedto 5 and more years ago. Numberswere better at •n watersclose offshore of the main Hawaiian Is. A birder (CT) Kealia Pond, M., where on Nov. 9 AE & TP found 240 N. Shovel- taking the weekly interisland cruise aboardthe loveboatUSS ers and about70 other ducksof 11 species.Among the latter CONSTITUTION reported one Bulwer's Petrel off the e. end of were some considered casual to accidental in Hawaii: a Eur Kauai Channel between K. and O., Aug. 11, Wedge-tailed Wigeon in •?plumage, an eclipse c• Canvasback,two first-year Shearwatersnumerous off all main islandsAug. 11-17, a Christ- c• Tufted Ducks,one male and two •?Greater Scaup, and a •? mas Shearwater(well-described) off the s.w. coastof M., Aug. Red-breastedMerganser. The Canvasbackwas reportedagmn 12, and a Newell's Shearwateroff the s.w. coastof K., Aug. 11. Nov. 23 (TW, fide CK). At Tern I., F.F.S., a tiny sandbarand On Sept.20 a lightly-oiled SootyShearwater was takenfrom the airstripwith no wetland habitat, one Eur. Wigeonwas found cruises•hip after it docked in Nawiliwili Harbor, K., and was Aug.2, andthree N. Pintailswere therethrough most of August laterreleased (TT). Two experiencedand highly skilledpelagic (KM). Thesewanderers were rod weak to go farther,and soon b•rd observers(BP, LS) reported the following sightingsfrom perished.Three N. Pintails and singleGreen-winged Teal, N aboardthe NOAA R/V RESEARCHEROct. 18 during the final Shoveler,and a wigeonwere at SandI., Midway Atoll, Nov 20- day of its approachfrom the s. to Hilo, H., where it dockedat 28 (KM). Here, rainwater catchment ponds provide a bit more dusk: White-necked (Juan Fernandez) Petrel (about 10-12); habitat for ducks, but not much. On Oahu, seven •? Greater MottleffPetrel(about 125 seen, first ones 75 km s.e. of H. in the Scaupand an eclipsec• Ring-necked Duck at Haleiwa PondOct morningand in increasingnumbers until arrival, someon the 27 (AE et al.) were nice finds. Perhapsthe sameRing-necked water, othersflying S); Kermadec Petrel (one); Stejneger'sPet- was seen up the coast at Punamano Unit, J.C.N.W.R., Oct 30 rel (two); Bulwer'sPetrel (none);Wedge-tailed Shearwater (a (SB), and three Ring-neckedswere there Nov. 14 (PD). few near Hilo); Sooty Shearwater("common", flying S, not as Oahu'sresident Osprey (a speciesthat is normally a casual numerousas Mottled Petrels);Newell's Shearwater(two, about stragglerto Hawaii) was seen at Kii Unit of J.C.N.W.R and 40 km from Hilo); storm-petrel(two, possiblyLeach's). And WaiawaUnit, P.H.N.W.R.,frequently from Aug. i throughNo- hnally, one Mottled Petrel and two Sooty Shearwaterswere vember (PD, KN, SB, DW). One reported at Wilson Res near seenfrom Laie Pt., O., and four Newell's Shearwatersand 100 ñ Wahiawa beginning in late November (fide TS) was possibly Wedge-tailedShearwaters total from Laie Pt..and nearby Ka- butnot certainly the samebird. An Ospreywas seen flying over huku, all on Oct. 27 (AE, BP, LS). These last sightingswere Honokohausmall boat harbor on H., Oct. 7 (JL).A Peregrine rededby tinusually powerful optical equipment.Also, the oc- Falcon(well-described) was sightedat Sand I., Midway Atoll, currenceof theseunusual speciesclose to shoremay have been Nov. 25 (KM). A freshly-deadJapanese Quail (BPBM 161938), relatedto HurricaneNELE which passedby the islandsthat rarely reportedin Hawaii and not known to be establishedon week. O., wasfound on the highwayat Waiale'en. of Haleiwa, O, Oct 27 (AE). A pair of Kalij Pheasantswas sightedon the Bird Park TROPICBIRDS THROUGH HERONS- Three White-tailed NatureTrail, H.V.N.P., Sept. 3 by an observer(KI) familiarw•th Tropicbirdstogether at SacredFalls Sept.1 (LP) and six at Lyon the speciesin its native Pakistan. These pheasantscontinue to ArboretumSept. 8 (LP, SS) were high counts for O. "Many" increaseand have now spreadover most of Hawaii I. A c• Green White-tailedswere seen from the cruise ship approaching (Ring-necked)Pheasant was seen well Aug. 10 near Keahole Nawiliwili Harbor, K., Aug. 11 (CT), and two each of White- EnergyLab on the w. coast of H. (PB), an unusual locahty for tinled and Red-tailed tropicbird were seen from the R/V RE- this form. A Wild Turkey seen at Mo'omoi Beach on n w SEARCHERoff H., Oct. 18 (BP, LS). Young were fledged suc- MolokaiI., Aug. 13 (TP) suggestedthat turkeysmay be foraging cessfullyfrom 7 of the 11 known nestsof Red-tailed Tropicbird on the beachesof Molokai as they have been doing on nearby on ManariaI., off O., this season(JS). One Masked Boobywas Lanai I. seenfrom the cruiseship off the n. coastof K., Aug. 11 (CT), and At AimakapaPond the "North American" form of Am Coot two were observedfrom Kahuku and Laie Pt., O., Oct. 27 (AE, was first seenthis fall Sept. 7 (RD). This form has the small red BP, LS, AN). Masked Boobiesare seldom reported from the button above the bill in contrast to the large bulbous shield main islandsanywhere other than at Moku Manu I. off O. Two (usuallywhite) of the Hawaiian form (Endangered).Total coot Brown Boobieswere found off Kahului Harbor, M., Nov. 9 (AE, counts at Aimakapa were unusually high this year: 185-196 TP). An evening flight of 100 ñ Red-looted Boobiespassed by Sept. 15-Oct. 7, including four to five of the North American Kahuluiand Laie Pt., O., Oct. 27 headingSE (AE et al.) toward formon eachcount (RD, JL). Earlier, at LokoakaPond across the the colonies at Moku Manu and Ulupau Head. island,RD found 25 cootsAug. 31 includingfour of the North A Great Blue Heron (well-described)was seen in a wetland American form. •n seldom-visitedPololu Valley at the n. tip of H., Oct. 5 (JL). Another, or perhapsthe same bird, was reportedat Kakahaia SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS-- At Waipio, O., counts N W.R., Molokai I., Oct. 24 and Nov. 6 (DW). This speciesis a of 200-350Hawaiian (Black-necked)Stilts (Endangorod)in Au- rarevagrant to the state.One ad. Little Blue Heron, a perennial gustand early September (PD, MO) were higherby 50%than •n wsitor overthe past2 decadesto Waipio, O., for a brief time in the past 3 years. Among the common migrants,Sanderhngs latesummer or early fall, appearedthere again this year Aug. 25 were more numerous at Waipio this fall but Lesser Golden- and Oct. 27 (MO). It was not otherwise seen despite intensive Ploversand particularly Ruddy Turnstoneswere down S•n- coverageof Waipio by many observersduring the season. gle Bristle-thighed Curlews were observed at Kii Ponds, J.C.N.W.R.,their favoredlocality, in mid-August(JJ, fido DW) WATERFOWL THROUGH COOTS -- Two ad. Fulvous and at Waipio, an unusual locality, Sept. 20 & 25 (PD) Th•s Whistling-Ducks with 10 chicks and one adult with seven speciesnormally occurs as a scarcefall migrant in the mmn chickswere reported at AmorientPonds, O., Aug. 9 and Sept.2 Hawaiians,and was not reportedat all last year. At least 16 respectively(PD). A singlebird was seenagain at Kealia Pond, uncommon,casual, or vagrant speciesof shorebirdswere re- M, Nov. 9 (AE, TP). A GreaterWhite-fronted Goosewas at Sand portedby one-halfdozen regular observersduring fall at the I, Midway Atoll, Nov. 20-28 (KM otal., ph.). An influx of Brant usual wetland places (Waipio, Kii, and Amorient Ponds, O, to the islands this fall included one at Kakahaia N.W.R., Molo- and Aimakapa Pond, H.). Most notable of these was a small kai I., Nov. 6 (DW), two at K.M.C.A.S. first seen in late Novem- Calidrissandpiper at Waipio Sept.14-25, well studiedand pho- ber.(DD), and one probablythis speciesat Omao,K., aboutNov. tographed,which wastentatively identified as probably a L•ttle

162 AmericanB•rds, Spnng 1986 Stint or possibly a Rufous-neckedStint (PD, RLP) Two ad Midway bird, at least,may well have comefrom the Asiatic side Least Sandpipersin basic plumage were at Areorient Ponds ratherthan from the main Hawaiian Is. Six Eur. Skylarkswere Oct 27 (AE), and one Leastwas found at Waipio Nov. 18 (PD). A at the s. end of PunamanoPond, J.C.N.W.R., Sept. 1 (MO). From SpottedSandpiper was seenwell at Waipio Sept. 6 (PD, RLP), one to three N. Mockingbirds seen regularly at Tern I., F.F.S, and onewas reportedon the reef nearAimakapa Pond, H., Sept. Augustto Novemberfurther indicated that this speciesis be- 15-16 (RD, JL). Two Buff-breastedSandpipers at Waipio Sept. cominga quasi-permanentresident on this tiny mid-ocean is- 6-11 (PD, MO, RLP) providedthe 3rd or 4th recordfor Hawaii. land. Four Short-billed Dowitchers (two juv. & two basic-plumaged An imm. Yellow-billed Cardinal was reported Aug. 11 at ad ) carefully identified with Long-billeds at Waipio Oct. 27 Mauna Kea Beachresort near Kawaihae,H. (TP), a far n. locality (AE et al.) were unprecedentedin numberand in late date.One for this expandingspecies. The •?Great-tailed Grackle at Wal- Short-billed had been seen at Amorient Ponds Sept. 6 (PD, pie, of unknown and debatableorigin, was sightedthere 9 times RLP) betweenAug. 26 and Nov. 27 (PD, MO, RLP). It was first seen An early PomarineJaeger was seenfrom a boat 2 mi off Kea- there in May 1980. Yellow-fronted Canaries were still doing hole Pt., H., Sept. 19 (RD), and four were seenwell off Sand I., well at Makalawena Marsh (= Opaeula Pond), H. Twelve were O, Oct. 27 (AE et al.). In the 1970s severalhundred Pomarines countedthere Sept. 14 (JL). could be counted off Sand I. during winter before the sewer The U.S.F. & W.S. party surveying in the upper Hanawl outfall there was shut down. An ad. Laughing Gull in winter drainageon Maui Nov. 12-17 found most of the native forest plumagereported at Kanaha Pond, M., Nov. 9 (AE, TP) could species(CK, AE et al.). The super-rareMaul Nuku-pu'u (Endan- well have been one of the three seen on Maui last July. gered) was seen once Nov. 13, a drab individual in a loose A small tern found dead at Tern I., F.F.S., June 2 has been mixed feedingflock of Maui Creepers,'Amakihi and Maui Par- •dentlfied at U.S. National Museum (fide RC) as the Old World rotbills (AE). Another super-rarespecies, the Po'o-uli (Endan- species Little Tern, Sterna albifrons. Small terns, probably gered)was found on severaldays. One groupof three included Leastor possiblyLittle, havebeen observed as casualvisitors to one brightly-patternedbird and two drab ones.Two other En- Hawaii overthe years,but this was the first positive document- dangeredspecies were recorded daily: Maul Parrotbill with ed record for either speciesin the state (BPBM 161866). Two countsof up to six and CrestedHoneycreeper with countsof 20 Gray-backedTerns were seen together Aug. 11 from a cruise to 50. The more common species--'Amakihi, Maui Creeper, shipoff the e. end of KauaiChannel between K. and O. (CT). An Tiwi, and 'Apapane--were found in expectednumbers. observer(JS) monitoring Manana I. off O. steadily throughthe A HouseSparrow reported to havetotally white plumagewas summerreported that no Brown Noddies successfullyfledged seen repeatedly Sept. 13-Oct. 18 in Kailua-Kona, H. (JL). The young there this year. They normally nest in the thousands, legswere pale creamor pinkish, the bill pale horn-colored,and peakingin July in recentyears. Although adults were presentin the eye appeared dark. Red Avadavats were reported in good normal numbersthis year, a carefulsearch of the island Aug. 26 numbersat the n. tip of Oahu. Twenty were at the s. end of yielded only 36 adults on egg(s),nine small chicks,and no large Punamano Pond, J.C.N.W.R., Sept. I (MD), and Oct. 27 some chicksor fledglings(JS). All failed to fledge successfully. were found at Kuilima Pond and outside the gate to Kii Pond (AE et al.). Warbling Silverbills were found Nov. 9 at Kanaha PARROTS THROUGH ESTRILDIDS- A flock of 15-20 Pondand Wai'ale Res.near the n. coastof Maui (AE, TP), across Amazonaparrots, probably Red-lored, was seenbriefly i•nthe the islandfrom their originalstronghold in the Kula and Ulupa- early morning Aug. 17 in a yard in Pearl City, O. (PD), some20 lakua districts. km from the Kapiolani P. areawhere free-flying parrotsare most frequentlyreported. This addedto the questionof how many of CONTRIBUTORS -- Steve Berendzen, Phil Bruner, Tim Burr, these large parrots are in Honolulu and how far-ranging are RogerClapp, Sheila Conant,Reg David, Peter Donaldson,Diane they On K., the flock of Rose-ringedParakeets in Kuliolono P. Drigot,Charlotte Duarte, Andrew Engilis,Stewart Fefer, Curt Grif- near Kalaheo now numbers around 40 birds, suggestingthat fin, Carl Gustarson,Kamal Islam, Jim Jacobi,Cameron Kepler, Jaan breedingmay be occurringalthough not confirmed (TT). Lepson,Ken McDermond,Steve Mountainspring,Ken Neitham- S•x observationsof Corn. Barn-Owls at Waipio near dusk, mer, Mike Ord, Bob Pitman, Thane Pratt, Ralph Saito, Susan Oct 2 7 (AE et al.) was an unusuallyhigh number. A Short-eared Schenck,Larry Spear,Tim Sutterfield,Jack Swenson, Tom Teller, Owl was at Tern I., F.F.S., Oct. 4 (fide KM), and one was seenat CarlTrichka, Terry Witt, DaveWoodside.--ROBERT L. PYLE, 741 Midway Atoll Nov. 22 (Sand I.) & 25 (Eastern I.) (KM). The N. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua, HI 96734.

WEST INDIES REGION

Robert L. Norton Rainfall during the fall seasonas measured at Cruz Bay, St. John, was. 32% below average for August, 46% below averagefor $eptembffr,151% aboveaverage for October as a •H'Eßand lands prelate'susonrage, agrassy and sendsstage,the safe fowlsfrom tothe us storm'sin care, result of a major storm,and 22% below averagefor Novem- on daily visits through the air."--BERMUDA$, Andrew ber. Althoughthe net precipitationfor the period was 13% Marvell. And thus, a poetic descriptionof the fall's climate aboveaverage, late summer and early fall rainfall (July-Sep- and avian fallout in the CaribbeanRegion, which produced tember)was well below average(-46%), suggestinga reduc- both notable climate and avian records in numbers and tion in the wild food crop until October. occurrence. Two small fish species(Harengula spp.) were reported•n Tropical waves,storms and hurricanes(Bob, Gloria, Juan, massive die-offs on the Puerto Rico Bank (Puerto Rico to and Kate) passedthrough the Antilles and caused severe Tortola)from mid-Augustto early September(IC). Frigate- damagein someareas, e.g., Puerto Rico, and Providenciales, birdsand other seabirdswere noted to be feeding on them •n •n the Turks and CaicosIslands. Puerto Rico and the Virgin the Virgin Islands.No definitive causeof the fish-kill has Islands suffered60 hours of rainfall (15 + inches in Puerto beenascertained. Ambient air temperatures(daily highs) R•co)beginning October 6. Hardesthit was the south coast during that period had a mean of 90.3øF (range 87-101øF) of Puerto Rico. (San Juan Star, Oct. 8, 1985). which may have influenced in-shore sea surface tempera-

Volume40, Number1 163 numbered25 at St C, Sept 16 (FS), and 15 HudsonianGodwits TN[NDRTN[RN VIRGIN 14.13I made a record appearanceat St. C. (FS} Oct. 9 and remained in ISLANDS AND [AST[RN reducednumbers for anotherweek. A single Red Knot at St M, Oct. 19 (RLN} providedthe first recordfor that island while 35 appearedat St. C. (FS) Oct. 2. Largenumbers of PectoralSand- piperswere notedat St. C., with 2170ct. 7 (FS}, and St. M., with ,' .• ANr•GADA60 Oct. 19 (RLN}. A Ruff was reported at St. C., Oct. 9 (FS}, providing one of the few records for the V.I. A winter-plumagedCommon Black-headed Gull was seenat Tortola, British V.I., Nov. 17 for a new record there (RG}, and anothersighting, most likely of the samebird, was recordedat St. C., Nov. 27 (FS} for perhapsonly the 2nd recordthere and only 2 days earlier than its previousNovember 1982 occur- ...... rence.A Gull-billedTern at St. M., Oct. 19-20 (RLN}provided only the 2nd occurrencethere since September 1965 (Voous - ß ." Cl ß Cre• l• THOMAS ST.JOHN " •J, CMilBoy 1983). Five Corn.Terns were noted Sept. 29 (FS) at Buck Island, EB - ElrO•l St. C., and a Forster's Tern seen in the wake of Hurricane Kate at TortolaNov. 17 (RG) providedone of the few occurrencesfor the BritishV.I. Sladenreported that LeastTern chicksfledged -'1,, ,.'1,,' , ..-,, I• - IIId •1•1 I as late as Aug. 20 at Buck Island, St. C. The last date Brown Noddies were seen at Pillsbury Sound, St. J., was Sept. 20 (RLN). turesand possiblythermal requirements and food'prefer- ences of the small fish. CUCKOOS THROUGH WARBLERS- Yellow-billed Cuck- oos were noted at St. C. (FS} Oct. 1 and at Providenciales (BA) ABBREVIATIONS-- P.R. = Puerto Rico; St. C. = St. Croix; St. J. Oct. 20-Nov. 23. A single Antillean Nighthawk was seen at = St. John;St. M. = St. Martin; St. T. = St. Thomas;V.I. = Virgin CinnamonBay, St. ]., Aug. 25 (RLN}and a Chordeiles(sp } was Islands. seenat St. C., Oct. 12 (RLN,FS}. Three swifts (sp.} were noted at St. C., Nov. 9 (FS}.Antillean CrestedHummingbird was report- BOOBIES THROUGH FALCONS- Masked Boobies were ed nestingat St. ]. (PW} Oct. 25, possiblyin responseto •n- notedas nesting (21 nests)at CockroachCay, St. T., Sept. 5 (RR, creasedrainfall after a long dry period. A wood-pewee(Con to- AS). At FrenchcapCay, St. T., Red-footedBoobies continue to pus sp.} seenat ProvidencialesNov. 3 may have been either a nest(RLN}. Hurricane Kate was believedto havebrought Cattle migrantEastern or a Greater,resident in the n. Bahamas,Cuba, Egretsto ProvidencialesNov. 17 (BA) and a GlossyIbis was also and Hispaniola, dislocatedas a result of tropical stormsor a notedthere Nov. 15-24 (BA) for the first record. White-cheeked hurricane. Pintails were in record numbers(72) at St. M., Oct. 20 (RLN), Swallowsreally made their fall trip worth any observer's and an impressivetotal of 105 was at St. C., Nov. 30 (FS). Blue- effortsto carefullyseparate field marks.A Tree Swallow was wingedTeal apparentlyreached record levels (62} at St. M. on carefullynoted at St. C. (FS}Nov. 28, providingone of the few Oct. 20 (RLN). Five Cinnamon Teal Oct. 12 at St. C. (FS, RLN) recordsfrom the V.I. A Northern Rough-wingedSwallow was continuedthe appearancesof recent years, supportingthe in- observedat ProvidencialesNov. 24 (BA} for the first recordm creasedoccurrences along the Atlantic Flyway (seerecent AB the Turks and CaicosIs. Bank Swallows are increasingat least indices}.A pair of Am. Wigeon was noted at St. C. (FS) Nov. 30. in observationstatus in the V.I., with one Oct. 27 (RLN}. Three Furtherevidence of an extensiveanatid incursion,perhaps re- Cliff Swallows were noted at St. C., Oct. 12 (FS, RLN}, and at lated to hurricanes Bob, Gloria, Juan, and Kate in the Gulf- leasttwo were seenat St. M. for a new record Oct. 20 (RLN} A CaribbeanBasin, was a repeatrecord of GreaterScaup at St. C.: vagrantCave Swallow (probablyfrom P.R.}was notedat St C oneNov. 8 and two Nov. 27 (FS);two LesserScaup were also at (FS} Nov. 17 in the wake of Hurricane Kate. St. C. o,- the latter date.A pair of Ospreys(ridgwayi) was noted A Gray Catbird was seen Nov. 4-25 at Providenciales(BA}, copulatil; Nov. 23 at Providenciales(BA). A Merlin was noted and a Yellow-throated Vireo was there Nov. 2-5 for one of the at St. C., C :t. 10 (FS), and three Peregrineswere seenthere Oct. few records(BA}. A Worm-eatingWarbler seenOct. 20 at St M 12 (FS, RL •). (RLN} provided a first record, as did Hooded Warbler in the same vicinity near the summit of Paradise Peak, St. M. (RLN}. COOTS THROUGH TERNS- American Coots (25), some Both speciesare frequentlyencountered in winter in the V I w•th extendedand light brown-yellowtinted shields,were territorial at FreshPond, St. M., Oct. 20 (RLN). SingleLesser Gold- en-Ploverswere noted at St. C., Aug. 27 and Sept. 25 (FS). CONTRIBUTORS(Subregional editors in boldface)-- Beverlea Killdeersnested rather late this seasonat St. C.;a 4-eggnest was Aidridge,Ileana Clavijo, Ruthann Gairdner, Rebecca Rudman, Fred d•scoveredOct. 10 (FS). Four Black-neckedStilts were noted at Sladen,Ann Swanbeck,Phil Willes.--ROBERT L. NORTON, Divi- Providenciales(BA) Nov. 23 after Hurricane Kate, and 200 were sion of Fish and Wildlife, 101 Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas, USVI notedat GrandCase, St. M., Oct. 20 (RLN). SolitarySandpipers 00802.

164 AmericanB•rds, Spnng 1986