The Winter Season December 1, 1979- February 29, 1980

CONTINENTAL SURVEY The Winter Season December 1, 1979- February 29, 1980

Abbreviations frequently used in Regional Reports ad.: adult, Am.: American, c.: central, C: Celsius, CBC: Refuge, Res.: Reservoir, not Reservation, R.: River, S.P.: Christmas Bird Count, Cr.: Creek, Corn.: Common, Co.: State Park, sp.: species,spp.: speciesplural, ssp.: subspecies, County, Cos.: Counties, et al.: and others, E.: Eastern (bird Twp.: Township, W.: Western(bird name), W.M.A.: Wildlife name), Eur.: European, Eurasian, F: Fahrenheit, fide: Management Area, v.o.: various observers,N,S,W,E,: direc- reported by, F.&W.S.: Fish & Wildlife Service,Ft.: Fort, tion of motion, n., s., w., e.,: direction of location, >: more imm.: immature, I.: Island, Is.: Islands, Isles, Jct.: Junction, than, <: fewer than, _+: approximately,or estimatednumber, juv.: juvenile, L.: Lake, m.ob.: many observers,Mt.: Moun- o': male, •: female, •: imm. or female, *: specimen,ph.: tain, Mts.: Mountains, N.F.: National Forest, N.M.: National photographed,?: documented,ft: feet, mi: miles, m: meters, Monument, N.P.: 'National Park, N.W.R.: Nat'l Wildlife kin: kilometers, date with a + (e.g., Mar. 4+): recorded Refuge, N.: Northern (bird name), Par.: Parish, Pen.: Penin- beyond that date. Editors may also abbreviate often-cited sula, P.P.: Provincial Park, Pt.: Point, not Port, Ref.: locations or organizations.

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME Three Weslern Grebes REGION occurred in New Eng- land this season. The /Peter D. Vickery previously reported Plum 1. individual was sporadically presentto The winter was one of the easiest, for both Jan. 27 (fide RPE) birds and birders, in many years. December while another Western temperatures were remarkably mild and, not Grebe was located off surprisingly, the number of late migrants and Nantucket Dec. 28 - 29 half-hardy lingererswas impressive.Temper- (PAB et al., fide atures in January and February were normal EFA). In Maine the or lower than normal. The complete absence Reid S.P. Western of snow until late February, as far north as Grebe reappeared for Lincoln Center, Maine, provided most the third consecutive ground-foraging speciesan easy winter. On winter Jan. 27 - 31 February 9, one does not expect to find in (fide MKL). A Cory's Massachusetts:one House Wren, 19 Carolina Shearwater was very Wrens, three Gray Catbirds, two Brown late on the Cape Cod Thrashers, two Hermit Thrushes, three Yel- CBC Dec. 16. low-breasted Chats, 28 Rufous-sided Tow- hees and two Fox Sparrows. No doubt the HERONS -- No snow-free winter was partially responsiblefor doubt the mild the successof Maine's wintering Blue Gros- weather was responsi- beak, Chipping and White-crowned spar- ble for the number of rows. Considering these conditions, it was lingering herons. A Green Heron was seenin (SW). A partial surveyof Harlequin Ducks not surprising that few birds came to feeding Sudbury, Mass., to at least Jan. I (RAF). A off Isle au Haut, Me., Mar. 9 counted 20 stations. Little Blue was observed in Scituate, Mass., birds where 100+ regularly winter (PDV et A review of Christmas Bird Count (here- Dec. 31 (WRP). On the Westport, Conn. a/.). Completelyunexpected was the flock of afier, CBC) material and the accompanying CBC a Little Blue Heron and a Snowy Egret Ruddy Ducks that wintered at Stockton details on unusual and rare birds were very were found together. In Nova Scotia, a Springs, Me. No fewer than 33 individuals reassuring. Despite obvious difficulties with Snowy Egret -- positively not a Little Egret were countedJan. I and 38 on Feb. 22 (PDV the reporting format--and contributors -- was seen in Cole Harbour Dec. 15 - 16 et al.). Apparently, this was the first record should certainly not feel constrained by the (IAMcL, fide CRKA). An imm. White !his, of successfulwintering for the state. CBC rarities form--the number of carefully apparently present all fall, was recorded on detailed accounts has allowed the CBC Editor the New London, Conn. CBC. intelligently to assessthe validity of many of VULTURES, EAGLES, FALCONS- the unusual birds reported. It will be one of WATERFOWL -- In Nova Scotia unex- Turkey Vultures may be establishing a pat- the first times readers can feel confident pected winter ducks included: a o' Gadwall tern of wintering farther n. than usual: one about the reliability of boldfaced birds. This seen throughout the season in Halifax, a was seen on the Portland, Me., CBC, another is a great step forward and is critical to an im- "Common" Teal at the same locality Jan. wintered on Nantucket (EFA et al.) and a proved CBC. 30 -Feb. 29 +, and a LesserScaup at Lingan third individual was found in a debilitated Beach Jan. 18 (v.o., fide CRKA). A o' Wood state along Digby Neck at Sandy Cove, N.S., PLEASE NOTE -- The Regional Editor Duck was unusual on the Sackville, N.B. Jan. 2. In recent years Turkey Vultures have will be moving to Richmond, Maine. All fu- CBC. In Maine three Canvasbacks wintered a successfullywintered in this area and this past ture correspondenceshould be sent to: Peter bit farther n. than usual; a drake was seen summer were suspected of breeding (fide D. Vickery, Box 127, Richmond, Maine through the season in Damariscotta and a IAMcL). An impressive concentration of 22 04357. pair was observed through January in Rock- Bald Eagles (1 la, 1li) was found at Quabbin land (v.o., fide MKL). In the same state Bar- Res., Mass., Jan. 4 while at the same locality LOONS, GREBES, TUBENOSES -- A row's Goldeneyes were more numerous than a Golden Eagle appearedfor the fifth consec- winter-plumaged Arctic Loon off Plum I. to usual: 23 were found in Portland Dec. 23 utive winter Dec. 29 - Feb. 29 + (fide SK). An Salisbury, Mass., Dec. 23 - Jan. 27 (WRP et (DWF et al.), 15 were noted in Eastport Jan. ad. Golden Eagle was reported from Well- mult. al.) was carefully and fully described. I (NR) and 70 were seen in Bucksport Feb. 3 fleet Dec. 30 (DMcN).

Volume 34, Number 3 253 SoAo New Haven bird was of Fioridian origin -- C.s.florida•a (tarsi more heavily feathered, For years grave doubts have surround- plumage darker brown--NSP). Speculation ed any winter report of Osprey. Again this surroundingthe owi's appearanceso closeto seasonat leastfive were reported on New New Haven harbor quite naturally includes England CBCs and four on New Bruns- the possibilityof ship-assistedpassage. Single -wick CBCs. While it seemspossible that Ospreys could be carried N by southerly weather systems, none of these birds was described.Until winter reports of Osprey are confirmed by photograph or winter specimen one must continue to assume possible confusion with light-phase Lesser Black-backed Gull, Digby, N.S., 11th Rough-legged Hawks (especially over consecutive winter. Photo/P.D. Vickery. water) or perhaps conspicuously white imm. Bald Eagles. around Nantucket this winter (RRV). In Nova Scotia, the Halifax Lesser Black- backed Gull returned for the second consecu- A gray Gyrfaicon was reported from tive winter (ELM et aL), but the patriarch of Northfield, Mass., Jan. 27 (fide SK). Two in- the species remains the ever-reliable Digby dividuals were noted on the New Brunswick bird, present for its 1lth consecutivewinter CBCs and another was observed in St. John, season. On Cape Cod, a flock of ten Black- N.B., Jan. 18 (fide CLJ). Seven Grays were headed Gulls at Chatham Dec. 7 and six at noted in December at L'Anse-aux-Meadows, North Beach Dec. 16 probably involved some Nfld. (BMacT). Single Peregrine Falcons of the same individuals(CAG, fide BN). Five Burmwing 0•, N• Haven Harbor, C• were observed on three s. New England Black-headed Gulls in as many Maine local- Dea 26, 1979. Photo/Noble •octor. CBCs. Individuals were also noted on Nan- ities was a better-than-averagewinter total tucket Feb. 2 (fide EFA) and Monomoy Feb. (fide MKL). Regional Little Gulls numbered Great Gray Owls in Corinth, Me., Jan. 9 20 (BN, PT). at least nine. Some 600 + Laughing Gulls at •Me WCT) and at Oakham, Mass., Jan. 28 - Martha's Vineyard Dec. 2 dwindled to a Mar. I •ide RA• were but a faint glider PTARMIGAN, RAILS -- A ptarmigan singlebird Dec. 29 (VL, fide BN). An imm. of i•t year's wonderful flight. A r•st of presumed Willow (no dark iorai area noted), Ivory Gull at Cape Neddick, Me., Jan. 3 was seven Long-eared Owls in Canning, N.S., was seen at Cape Canso, N.S., in early De- unique s. of Newfoundland (RE). Remark- was probably a provinfal high count •ide cember (fide CRKA). Perhaps this was a ably late were single Forster's Terns seen on 1AMcL). stray from the introduced and now thriving Martha's Vineyard Dec. 2 (VL, fide BN) and Scatari 1. population 100+ mi n.e. of Canso. on the Nantucket CBC. Similarly, a Corn. HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS, A Virginia Rail at Salisbury Cove, Me., had Tern was seen on a Massachusetts CBC as FLYCATCHERS -- The Blaek-ehinned the poor judgment to try to overwinter. It was another in Chatham Dec. 16 (fide BN). was last observedFeb. 13 (fide WCT). Hummingbird in Cohasset, Mass., expired Dec. 12 (seeAB:34:140). Comparisonof museum skins confirms the bird's identity as Ar- ALCIDS -- Razorbill was the only aicid re- chilochus alexandri (RAF). SHOREBIRDS --It seems remarkable that corded in any numbers this season.Cape Cod Red-beilied Woodpeckers surged into four Greater Yellowlegs could successfully observersnoted 1020 off Sandy Neck Dec. 4 Massachusetts in unprecedented numbers in overwinter on Cape Cod and that another and 519 at the same locality Dec. 21 (fide late November and into December. There two survived on Martha's Vineyard (fide BN). At least 250+ were seen off Eastham were at leastfive on the Cape, 2 or more on BN). Equally impressivewas a lone overwin- Jan. 6 (WRP). In late February oiled aicids Martha's Vineyard, 6 - 8 + additional birds in tering Long-billed Dowitcher in Boston Har- and other sea birds began appearing along the other e. Massachusetts areas and no fewer bor and two at Weekapaug, R.I. A very late outer Cape. Although the number of oiled than six in c. and w. Massachuetts. At least Short-billed Dowitcher was seen and clearly alcids was relatively small -- 51 + Razorbills, two were noted in New Hampshire and two heard on Martha's Vineyard Dec. 2 (BN et 10+ Com. Murres, and six Thick-billed Mur- wintered in Maine: one in Salmon Falls and al.) while a late White-rumped Sandpiper was res -- there was considerable concern about another as far e. as Frankfort (fide PDV). carefully studied in Newburyport Dec. 23 the potential for future, major oil spills in the This incursionmarks the largestmovement of (WRP et al.). No doubt the most unexpected area. Coast Guard aerial surveys could not Red-beilied Woodpeckers n. of the Connecti- shorebird of the season was the single Mar- locate the slick responsible;apparently it was cut-Massachusettsborder and may well result bled Godwit on Tuckernuck l., Mass., Dec. too small (fide RAF, BN). Twelve Black in yet another permanent step n. for this ex- 31--providing only a secondstate winter rec- Guillemots off N. Scituate, Mass., Feb. 2 was panding species.A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ord (RRV). a notable figure s. of Boston (WRP). was out-of-seasonon Nantucket Feb. 10 (fide EFA) and another, apparently injured or ill, JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- Pom- PARAKEETS, OWLS -- Three Monk survived in Phillips, Me., until it was found arine Jaegers lingered in considerable num- Parakeets survived an admittedly easy winter dead Jan. 30 (fide MKL). bers off Cape Cod: five were observedoff at Cape Elizabeth, Me. They bred last sum- Single W. Kingbirds were notably late at Firsl Encounter Beach Dec. 14 {PDV), one mer and produced at least one young bird. Rockland, Me., Dec. 10 (fide MKL) and Ply- was seenon the Cape Cod CBC and a flock A moribund ScreechOwl picked up in Her- mouth, Mass., Jan. I {WRP). of nine jaeger sp., presumablyPomarine, was mon, Me.. Jan. 17 ½PDV) provided at least noted off Wellfleet Dec. 25 {DMcN). A single the fourth reliable state record, the first docu- Pomafine Jaeger was rare off the New mented by specimen, within the last year. in- SWALLOWS THROUGH THRUSHES Hampshire coast Dec. 15 {EWP). Single terestingly, all these observations fall within -- In Massachusetts, single late Tree Great Skuas were seen off First Encounter an area that stretches from Bangor e. to Swallows were notable in Orleans Dec. 16, on Beach Dec. 14 (BN, PDV) and Feb. 8 (BN). Macbias. There have been no recent records Martha's Vineyard Dec. 29 and at Wellfleet Another Great Skua was observed 90 m. from s. Maine, where one might more readily Dec. 25 (v.o., fide BN, DMcN). A Barn s.s.e. of Halifax, N.S., Feb. 20 (RGBB). anticipate the species'presence. Snowy Owls Swallow in Brunswick, Me., Dec. I was, to In recent years Lesser Black-backed Gulls were again unimpressivein most of the Re- say the least, unexpected(CL). House Wrens have increased steadily. The Greenwich Pt., gion, but were reported as rally common in n. were recorded on a surprising number of Conn., bird was again present this season. Newfoundland (BMacT). The owl of the CBCs but the individual that survived in One was found on Martha's Vineyard (fide winter was a Burrowing Owl in New Haven, Falmouth, Mass., to Feb. 9 was truly im- BN) and no fewer than six individuals were Conn., Dec. 19-28 (v.o., fide NSP, ph.). Ex- pressive(RSH, BN). A fully-detailed Short- thought to be sporadically present in and amination of museum skins indicates that the billed Marsh Wren on a Massachusetts CBC

254 American Birds, May 1980 Dec. 16 was extraordinary, there being only Questions surrounding the regular winter one previous winter record for the state range of Sharp-tailed and Seaside sparrows (WRP et al.). Three SwainsoWsThrushes on came to light this seasonas both specieswere as many New England CBCs seemsdifficult found n. of their "normal" range. Winter to comprehend. Individuals were very well Sharp-tailed Sparrows were found in Scituate observed and fully described on all three (two), Eastham (three), Plum 1. (four) and CBCs, conducted Dec. 15. The appearance of have been reported as more or less regular four Varied Thrushes at feeders in late through December near Mahomet. Also, an February and early March was coincidental "Acadian" Sharp-tailedwas closelyobserved with New England's first significant snow- in Cole Harbour, N.S., Jan. 20 (IAMcL, fide fall. Individuals were found in Harvard and Western Tanager, Biddeford, ME, Dec. 17, PRD). SeasideSparrows were noted at Scitu- S. Orleans, Mass., Raymond, N.H., and 1979. Photo/P.D. Vickery. ate (one), Newburyport harbor (three) and Farmington, Me. Presumably, these birds Eastham (one). In addition, there have been were present all winter and were driven to recent winter records from Nova Scotia. It feedersby snow conditions. A ¾eery, observ- This fall and winter saw m least 14 W. seemsquite possible that a small number of ed to possessan injured wing, at Greenwich Tanagers in the Region, the largestinflux Seaside Sparrows is indeed overwintering in Pt., Conn., Jan. 2 - 8 constituted a rare in recent years. Interestingly. birds were Nova Scotia and the possibility of the species winter record for the Region (JD, PL et found over a wide span of time; a brightly breeding in the Province should not be over- al.,ph.). The injury, obviously, was the cause plumaged male was noted as early as Aug. looked. In Massachusetts and adjoining of the bird's presence;no particular hardiness 6 on Matinicus Rock, Me. Not surprising- states, wintering Sharp-tailed and Seaside should be inferred. ly, at least six of the tanagersappeared at sparrows should be followed closely. What feeders in late December - early January. better way to spenda bright January day than WAXWINGS, SHRIKES -- Bohemian Two conspicuously dull gray O-type W. to walk along the border of a local marsh Waxwings were generally unimpressivein n. Tanagers puzzled a number of observers. looking for sparrows?Future winter reports New England but 50 at New Marlboro, The most outstanding features on these of these two specieswill be most welcome. Mass., Jan. 19 (fide SK) was probably the notably drab birds were the very bright largest concentrationseen in the state in the yellow undertail coverts and the obvious CORRIGENDA -- Subsequentinforma- last ten years. Single Loggerhead Shrikes on wing-bars. tion on the report of a cy King Eider X q) two Connecticut CBCs provided noteworthy Common Eider nesting(AB 31: I I I I) in Pen- winter records. Considering the species'scar- Western Tanagers - Fall/Winter 1979 - 80 obscot Bay, Me., in 1976 indicates lhat this city, it would be worth carefully monitoring Matinicus Rock, Me. I o' Aug. 6, nesting was not successful. An obviously any summer/breeding records from the Con- West Cornwall,Conn. I o' Aug. 11, paired cy King and q) Common Eider were necticut R. valley and elsewherein the s. part Pembroke, Me. I • Oct. I1, found by a nest but a second visit to the of the Region. Any records submitted will be Manchester, N.H. 2 Oct. 23-24, island found the nest destroyed and the ad. gratefully appreciated. Duxbury, Mass. I • Nov. 18, birds nowherein the vicinity. It shouldbe em- Eastham, Mass. I gray • Dec. 16-17, phasized that there was no doubt these two VIREOS, WARBLERS -- The number of Biddeford, Me. I • Dec. 15-20, birds were indeed a mated pair (AI Hutchin- lingering vireos and warblers was startling Framingham, Mass. I gray • Jan. 2- April son, researcher, MF&WS). Please delete the but perhaps not entirely unexpected consider- Dover, Mass. I • Jan. 6-31, New Haven, Conn. I • Dec. 15, Yellow-throated Vireo record on E. Egg ing the very warm weather through most of Branford, Conn. I • no date given Rock, Me., July 1, 1979 (AB 33:846). December. Impressively late birds included: Milford, Conn. I • Jan. 1, an impeccably described White-eyed Vireo in West Pubnico, N.S. I • Dec. 27, ADDENDA -- An imm. SwainsoWs Falmouth, Mass., Dec. 15 (RSH, BN); single Hawk, seen flying over Framingham, Mass., Black-and-white Warblers in Concord, Sept. 15, 1979, was critically identified and Mass., Dec. I (RAF et al.) and in Halifax, FRINGILLIDS -- In Maine a o' Blue fully described (RAF). A dead Sooty Tern N.S., Dec. 5 (fide PRD); the previously re- Grosbeak successfullywintering at a North- was picked up on Melmerby Beach, Pictou ported (see AB 34:141) Lucy's Warbler, east Harbor feeder through March was quite Co., N.S., Sept. 7, 1979 (fide RGBB). A Yel- Yellow Warbler and Cape May Warbler -- all remarkable (v.o., fide WCT). There are only low-throated Warbler was carefully identified together in Ipswich, Mass., Dec. I (RSH et a few Regional wintering recordsfor this spe- on Matinicus Rock, Me., July 14- 15, 1979 al.); single Cape Mays on Nantucket Dec. 15 cies. Equally impressive was the carefully (fide SKr). (RRV), and on two s. CBCs; a o' Black- scrutinizedlndigo Bunting on a Nova Scotia throated Blue in Northampton, Mass., Dec. CBC. A 9 House Finch wintering in Yar- SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface 16 OqdeSK); a Blackpoll in Eastham, Mass., mouth, N.S., suggesteda promising future italic), Contributors (boldface), Observers Dec. 13 (fide BN); single Prairies on Nan- for the speciesin the Province (fide PRD). and other abbreviations -- Dennis J. Abbott, tucket Dec. 10 (RRV) & 29 (PAB,fide RHS); Pine Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins and White- Charles R.K. Allen, Edith F. Andrews, Roger two Ovenbirds at Manomet, Mass., Dec. 17 winged Crossbills were largely restricted to n. G.B. Brown, Paul A. Buckley, Roger T. Bur- (TLL-E); three Wilson's Warblers in Massa- New Hampshire and were notably scarce rows, Tom Burke, David S. Christie, Shirley chusetts in December, the latest in Boston throughout the rest of the s. part of the Re- Cohrs, Robert A. Conway, Phyllis R. Dob- Dec. 17 (fide RHS) and an Am. Redstart in gion. In February White-winged Crossbills son, Jori Dunn, Rich Eakin, Ruth P. Emery, Pittsfield, Mass., Dec. 5 (fide SK). No doubt were on territory on Mr. Desert 1., Me., and Davis W. Finch, RlehardA. Forster, Carl A. the most surprising winter occurrence in young were off the nest by late March Goodrich, Richard S. Hell, AI Hutchinson, Nova Scotia was the four Pine Warblers, (WCR). Unique this season was a Green- Cecil L. Johnston, Seth Kellogg, Steve Kress scarceat any season. Single birds were found tailed Towbee in E. Orleans, Mass., Dec. 16 in Halifax Dec. 3 and Wolfville to Dec. 18. (SKr), Vernon Laux, Paul Lehman, Chris (RAF et aL). A freshly-dead Grasshopper Livesay, Trevor L. Lloyd-Evans, Michael K. Also surprising were the two Pine Warblers Sparrow was notable in Yarmouth, Me., Dec. Lucey, Bruce MacTavish, !an A. McLaren, that appeared at an E. Pubnico feeder in Jan- 23 (DWF et aL) as was one on the Halifax Doug MeNair, Eric L. Mills, Blair Nikula, uary and remained through February (v.o., (east) CBC. Other impressivewintering spar- Wayne R. Petersen, Elisabeth W. Phinney, fide PRD)! rows included: a Chipping Sparrow at Seal Noble S. Proctor, Nellie Ross, William C. Harbor, Me.; a Harris' Sparrow in Marsh- Russell, Robert H. Styracist, Stuart 1. ICTERIDS, TANAGERS -- "Bullock's" field, Mass.; a White-crownedSparrow with TingIcy, William C. Townsend,Peter Trull, Orioles were reported from Greenwich, a very strong constitution in Danforth, Me. Richard R. Veit, Peter D. Vickery, Stephen Conn., Dec. 16, a Connecticut CBC and Nan- (fide MKL); a hardy Lincoln's Sparrow in Weston, Charles Wood, MF&WS-Maine tucket Dec. 30 (RSH, RRV). Two Brewer's Richmond, Mass. (fide SK). Otherwise, Fisheries and Wildlife Service, ph.-photo- Blackbirds wintered again on Martha's Vine- single Lincoln's Sparrows were noted on the graphed, v.o.-various observers.--PETER yard (VL, fide BN) and a female was seen in Newport, R.I. CBC and in Gloucester, D. VICKERY, Box 127, Richmond, Me. Provincetown, Mass., Dec. 26 (DMcN). Mass., Jan. I (RSH). 04357.

Volume 34, Number 3 255 QU!•BECREGION number of Gyrfalcons /Michel Gosselin and reported in the St. Lawrence valley was Normand David slightlyabove average; it included dark birds The winter of 197%80 will be remembered at Ste-Flavie Dec. 29 as the "snowless" winter in the southern part (ML), Bergeronnes of the Province. Not until January 22 did the Jan. 13 (ABd), Ayl- first "permanent" snow cover the ground, mer and Luskville and then only with a few centimeters. Al- Jan. 14 & 23 (BD, though not as obvious in the northern areas, DStH), a white bird this situation coupled with slightly above- (possibly two) in R•,, .vo•-d.o, average temperaturesnevertheless, produced Montreal Feb. 2-29 + an amazing number of interesting winter (MH,m.ob.), and two records. The real "winter birds" were virtual- (white and dark) at ly absent;feeders were left to the goldfinches, Que'bec City Jan. Purple Finchesand the usual Evening Gros- ll-Feb. 23 (JPB, beaks. SnowyOwls were scarce,as were other m.ob.); three Gyr- northern owls so abundant last year. falcons were also reported in the LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- A lowlands of James Corn. Loon remained on the Ottawa R., near Bay near Camp Opinaca Feb. 17 & 20 on RB'sbalcony in PercdDec. I. The only Hull Jan. l0- Feb. 29+ (BD,JD), establish- (DStH), and two respectively100 and 200 km E. Phoebe reported appeared in Courville ing a first overwintering record for the n. of Chibougamau Feb. 29 & 27 (YB). A Dec. 7 (PLn). Word was received of Region. Single Great Cormorants at Beau- Peregrine Falcon patrolled feeders in the Ri- Black-billed Magpies carefully observedal harnois Dec. 19 and Jan. 20 (BB,MM,EF) mouski area until Jan. 14 (JRP) and a Merlin St-Adolphe de Dudswell Nov. 10 by an and C•te Ste-CatherineJan. 10 (YA) were until the end of the season(fide JL). observerfamiliar with the species(PG, fide possibly the same two birds seen at nearby PBo, details in Bull. ornith.). Tufted Titmice GROUSE THROUGH WOODPECKERS Dixie 1., Feb. 16-29+ (PBa); they provided a continuedto be in evidence;the N. Halley -- The Sharp-tailed Grouse is still presentin first winter recordon the upper St. Lawrence. bird overwintered(fide YA) as did a bird Late Canada Geese included 50 birds at St- the settled parts of Abitibi, as I I birds were discovered in Brossard a! the end of Decem- seen a• Landrienne Feb. 5 (MG,PC,GDu) Fulgence Jan. 5 (AP) and one at Ste-Flavie ber (SM, fide MM), the Slanslead birds were and one near Amos Feb. 26 (YB); sevenbirds Dec. 27 (ML); a pair at Les Cedres through- present up to Dec. 15 and Ihe Rock 1. ones were also spotted near Camp Opinaca Feb. 19 oul the period provided a second regional until Jan. 15 (fide YA). Carolina Wrens (DStH). A record late Killdeer was at Rich- wintering record (BB,MM). Fifty Pintails at wintered in Senneville and Laval (fide mond Jan. 22 (fide PBo), and unique winter Cote Ste-Catherine (YA,PBa) was a high BB,PDy), and a Brown Thrasher was reporl- occurrences of Purple Sandpipers were small count in the only area where the speciesis ed from Chelseain mid-January(PW, fide flocks at the mouth of the SaguenayR., and known to overwinter. A c?Green-winged Teal BD). Twenty Am. Robins at Rimouski on 1. Ste-Marie in the lasl week of January seenat Sherbrooke until at least Feb. 22 (fide throughout the period (PDI), four at St- (PDs. ABt). A Ring-billed Gull al Lasalle YA,PBo) and a male at Portage-des-Roches Josephde la Rive Jan. I (HM) and 55 al Cap Feb. 3 (PBa) and three al I. Perrol Feb. 23 Feb. 24 (NB) were unprecedentedwinter oc- Tourmente Feb. 10 (BH) exemplified Ihe (fide BB) thus left only 20 days within which currences. A King Eider at Aylmer Dec. 9 abundance of this half-hardy species.A the species has nol been reported in this (BD,IJ) and eight birds at Cap-d'Espoir Feb. Varied Thrush in a hemlock grove on I. Per- Region; other reports included birds at 2 (RBi,PP) addedto the few winter recordsof rot Jan. 1-6 (BB,MM,m.ob.) was a good find this species.A White-winged Scoter at Dixie QuebecCity Jan. 3 (PBr), Hull Jan. 18-19 with which Io starl Ihe new decade.Single (BD,RBr) and Beauharnois Jan. 19-26 1., Feb. 16 (PBa) plus four at the mouth of Hermil Thrushesat St-Josephde la Rive Jan. (BB,MM). A Lesser Black-backed Gull was the Saguenay R., Feb. 12 (YA), and a o' I (HM) and Cap Tourmente Feb. 2 (fide SL) seen Dec. 16 at Aylmer (HcK) and a record BlackScoter at Be'arn,Abitibi Co., Feb. 4 were noteworthy, along with a Swainson's late Black-headed Gull Dec. 30 at Les (MG,GDu,PC) were exceptional. Another Thrushat Levison the recorddale of Dec. 9 Escoumins (MG,PC,JH). An Ivory Gull firsl winter record for L. St-Jean was set by a (HM). A Ruby-crownedK•nglel spenlthe en- turnedup at Pointe-au-PbreDec. 7 (JL) and Hooded Merganser at Portage-des-Roches tire seasonat Hudson (fide JW), the firsl another was quite far inland on L. Magog Jan. 15+ (NB). such occurrence, and another was at Brossard Jan. 19 (YA). A Corn. Puffin was picked up Feb. 16 (PLd, m.ob.). aliveat QuebecCity Jan.4 •qdeJG), and RAPTORS -- The most unusualreport of six were seen near Mingan in Ihe last week of WAXWINGS THROUGH WARBLERS the season involved a Turkey Vulture in January (PDs, fide ABt). AI least 30 Mourn- -- One of the few BohemianWaxwings of Ihe Gascons, Bonaventure Co., Feb. 9-11, fed by ing Doves at Chateauguay throughoul the Montreal area crashedinlo an airplane at an local residentswhen they noticed that it was period (fide BB), three at SabrevoisJan. 20 altitude of 1000 m over Dorval airport Jan. robbing dogs of their food (fide RBi)! This (PBa) and five at Stanstead Feb. 24 (GM) 27 (fide HO), another on the list of "bird establisheda first regional winter occurrence showed the hardinessof this bird. The only specieshazardous to aircraft." Although an but the specieshad been reported on a Great Gray Owl of the seasonwas near Amos early migrant in spring the Loggerhead number of occasions in the Maritimes. The in early winter (fide MP); a Short-earedOwl Shrike is seldom reliably reporled in fall and season'sRed-tailed Hawks were single birds at Cap d'Espoir Feb. 2 (RBi,PP) was a winter, howeverwe have, at last, an accept- at DundeeJan. 13 (PBa) and QuebecCity noteworlhy local occurrence, and Ihe only able sight record, from Cap Tourmente Jan. Jan. 27-Feb. 9 (BH), two at Vaudreuil Feb. Boreal Owls were two at Cap Tourmente Feb. 9 (MD et aL). A Worm-eating Warbler, a 15 (MM), and three at Luskville Jan. 13 10-17 (BH,YA). Single Belted Kingfishers in rarity in May,. was totally unexpectedon I. (RBe); these sightings confirmed that the PapineauCounty at Vende•Jan. 22 (MMe) des Soeurs Dec. I-2, after a light snowstorm species is likely to overwinter in small and Jarnac Feb. 10 (GDe), and in Wakefield (PAa, m.ob.). On the same island a Tennes- numbers in the St. Lawrence lowlands. A Jan. 30 (RBe) repeated reports of previous see Warbler was closely studied Dec. 2-6 GoldenEagle at Cap TourmenteFeb. 13 (fMe winters from the same general area. One of (PBa, JW). The number of Yellow-rumped JLD) was not totally unprecedented.Four the Red-bellied Woodpeckers on the Hull- Warblers reported this season far exceeded Marsh Hawks at St-Etienne de Beauharnois Ottawa CBC Dec. 16 was actually in Aylmer the combinedtotals of all previouswinters: Jan. 19-Feb. 29. (PBa), two at Vaudreuil (JK). typical examplesincluded a bird until Jan. 30 Jan. 6-Feb. 29 + (BB,MM) and one on 1. Per- at Rimouski (fide JL), Feb. 9 at Repentigny rot Feb. 24 (fide BB) all represented new KINGBIRDS THROUGH KINGLETS -- (RL), Feb.2-4 at St-Nicolasde Levis(DC), winter records. An extremely late Osprey First in a series of outstanding passerineoc- Jan. 13 & 27 at Chateauguay(MG,JB), and visited SherbrookeJan. I (fide PBo). The currencesthis winter was a Western Kingbird on 1. desSoeurs during the wholeseason (fide

256 AmericanBirds, May 1980 BB). There were at least three previouswin- Dec. 10 (GO), Charlesbourg Dec. 17 (PLt), although one at BergeronnesFeb. 29 (ABd) tering record for this species, at Hudson in TrOls-R•weres until Feb. 5 (AL), and was outstanding, as was a Swamp Sparrow at 1966-67 (unpubl.--JW), Sherbrook Dec. 21, Rimouski Jan. 14-Feb. 29+ (JRP). Southern Cap Tourmente Feb. 13 (RO, fide PLt). 1975, and Hull Dec. 13, 1976. Quebecwas almost devoid of winterfinches (œe., Pine Grosbeaks, redpolls, and White- CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) AND OB- ICTERIDS, FRINGILLIDS -- Birds winged Crossbills)this season. SERVERS -- C.Aubert, Y.Aub•, P.Bannon found outside their regular seasonal pattern A European Goldfinch at Ch•teauguay (PBa), J. Barney, B.Barnhurst, J.P. Barry, are often also outside their regular range, and Feb. 17 (JB) deserves to be recorded since R.Bergeron (RBe), R.Bisson (RBi), vice versa; thus a meadowlark at Cap most palearctic species are possible can- Y.Blaekburn, P.Boily (PBo), A.Bouchard D'Espoir,Gaspe' Co., Dec.23 (PP) wasnot didates for immigrant status. The first (ABd), A.Borget (ABt), R.Bracken (RBr), necessarilyan Eastern, which would be ab- Rufous-sided Towhee in L. St-Jean, at Ar- N.Breton, P.Brousseau ½PBr), P.Chagnon, sent there even in summer. Two meadowlarks vida Dec. 9-Feb. 29+ {fide YB), proved to be D.Coons, M.Darveau, J.L.Desgranges, also appeared in Hull Feb. 8 (RBe), and of the "spotted" race. Another w. visitor was G.Desjardins (GDe), B.Dilabio, J.Dubois, singleswere at Huntingville and Georgeville a Dark-eyed "Oregon" Junco at Loretteville P.Dupal (PDI), P.Dupuis (PDs), P.Dupuy Feb. 24 and 25 respectively{fide YA). Three Feb. 16 (JG); Dark-eyed Juncos were in (PDy), G.Duquette (GDu), E.Fogarty, Yellow-headed Blackbirds (o', •, and imm. evidence this winter with single birds until R.Fuoco, J.Giroux, P.Grondin, J.Hardy, o') turned up in a flock of 2000 Brown- Jan. 15 at Chicoutimi-Nord (RT), Feb. 29 at M.Hendrick, B.Houde, l. Jones, J.Kelly, headed Cowbirds near Melocheville Jan. Bergeronnes(AB), and Feb. 18 at Perce' P.Landry (PLd), P.Lane (PLn), P.Laporte 13-Feb. l0 (BB,MM,YA,m.ob.); a max. of (RBi). A Chipping Sparrow in Hull Jan. 26 (PLt), J.Larive'e,A.Lemieux, S.Lemieux, 500 Red-winged Blackbirds was also in the (RF), one in Lauzon and two in Grenville for H.MacKenzie, M.Melntosh, H.Mead, same area Jan. 27 (PBa). Two Rusty Black- the entire period (CA,JP) represented our G.Michaud, M.Monette (MMe), S.Monette, birds lingered near Chicoutimi until March first winter records. Unknown in winter until G.Ouellet, H.Ouellet, R.Ouellet, M.Pageau, {fide YB) and at Cap Tourmente Feb. 15 very recently, White-crowned Sparrows sur- J. Pelletier, J.R. Pelletier, P.Poulin, A. (SL). A Corn. Grackle and sevencowbirds vived the winter at Stanstead and Grenville Proulx, D.St-Hilaire, R. Trembl_ay,P.Weir, were also in the Arvida-Jonqui•re area {fide YA,BB), and until at least Feb. 23 at J.Wright.--MICHEL GOSSELIN, 707-370 throughout the winter {fide YB). A censusof Cap Tourmente (Pin), one at Rimouski was Metealfe, OItawa, Ont., K2P IS9, and NOR- Cardinals in the E. Townships, Feb. 9-10, dispatched by a Merlin Jan. 21 (JRP). The MAND DAVID, Centre de Reeherehes Eeo- revealed at least 43 birds {fide PBo), other only White-throated Sparrow reported Iogiquesde Montreal, 400-5858C•te des birds appeared at Notre-Dame de Lourdes throughout the period was in Hull (DStH), Neiges,Montreal, Qued, H3,• IZI.

HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION Green Herons ling- /Keith C. Richards, Robert O. ered in modest numbers, with six reports Paxton and David A. Cutler of single birds in December and early Several reporters characterized the season January. Great Egrets as dull, bland and uneventful. But others were present well into used words like excellent, late and surprising. January with the last They then delugedthis editor with well over a reportsbeing of one at hundred pagesof noteswhich proved that all Little Creek W.A., of this was true! Del., Jan. 19 (MB,JG) Many species were not in their typical and five at Tinicum wintering areas this season. The Waterfowl Nat'l Environmental Trend Survey of Region 5 of the U.S. Fish & Center, Philadelphia, Wildlife Service(hereafter, W.T.S.), showed to the end of the that total waterfowl numbers from Virginia month (NP). One was to Maine were close to the five-year average at Cold Springs, Cape (N.L. French). Mild weather and open water held many ducks north of their typical areas. (D. Ward). A Snowy On the other side of the coin, however, over twenty species of shorebirds were re- EgretMoriches,at ForgeJan. R.,23 ported, many in mid-winter, and fifteen spe- (GR) produced a very cies of wood warblers were noted. These late Long Island rec- families are representativeof a large element ord. Quite unusual wereMay Co.,two N.J.,DecemberFeb.2 of half hardy birds presentthis season.The trend of unusual numbers of western strag- records of Louisiana glers noted in the Autumn Season continued Heron in New York, through the winter. at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (hereafter, Whistling Swanshad moved into open water J.B.W.R.) Dec. 15 (W. Reilly et al.) and near Wrightsville, Pa., by the beginning of LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- Red- Ward's 1., New York City, Dec. 16 (J. Ma- the season. Held by warm water discharge throated Loons peaked at Cape Henlopen chado et al.). This speciesmay have wintered from a power plant, this flock increasedto S.P., SussexCo., Del., Dec. 4 with 54 (BF) in Delaware with two records near indian R. 1500+ by the end of January (T. Hake). and were gone by mid-January. One Red- Inlet Feb. 2 (MB) and Feb. 23 (JG,MB). Such numbers are unprecedented in winter. throated at Peace Valley Park, Bucks Co., Glossy Ibises also remained in the area quite Swans may have moved a bit early this year Pa., Dec. 2 was a good record inland late with five in Brooklyn Dec. 15 and one or with 200 on the Wading R., Burlington Co., (BM,SS). Only three single Red-necked two birds at Little Creek until at least Jan. 20 N.J., Feb. 2 (CS) and 500 at Octoraro Res., Grebes were noted: at Libcry !., Hudson Co., (JG,BR et aL). Chester Co., Pa., later in the month (JS). N.J., Feb. 14 (DE), inland on the Susquehan- Canada Goose numbers were normal on na R., Lancaster Co., Pa., Dec. 16 (RS), and SWANS AND GEESE -- Mute Swan is the W.T.S., but so many wintered farther n. at Boonton Res., Morris Co., N.J., Dec. 25 increasing, with the W.T.S. showing the than usual that they aroused newspapercom- (H. Wallurn, lB). Pied-billed Grebes were number wintering in New York State to be ment. They were declared "well above the well above normal with several Christmas twice the long-term average. A few Whistling nuisance level" in Rockland County, N.Y. Bird Counts (hereafter, CBC) setting record Swans wintered on Long 1., at Mecox Bay (RD) and all New York and n. New Jerseyre- high counts. {fide TD). On the SusquehannaR., 1000+ ports cited exceptional numbers. Princeton,

Volume 34, Number 3 257 N J , had 16,500 Dec. 26, an unprecedented rally scarcethroughout the Region, but 150at Marsh Hawks were reported as very low number (fide RB). In contrast,the Southern Drumore, Lancaster Co., Pa., Dec. 5 (RS) with only a few of the 35 birds reported in LancasterCo., Pa., CBC had only 30% of its was a notable inland count. Harlequin Ducks coastal areas. Indeed, 20 of these birds were usual population Dec. 16 (fide RS). were presentwith two at Montauk Pt., L.I., on s.e. Pennsylvania CBCs. An Osprey at Brant were up about 50% with over 67,000 Dec. 15 (m.ob.), one at Shinnecock Inlet, Dover, Del., Dec. 12 was late (LP). on the W.T.S. However, this number is well L.I., Jan. 1 (GR) and five at Cape May, N.J., A gray phase Gyrfalcon at Stone Harbor, below the long-term average. In s. Delaware, Dec. 16 (DC). Scoterswere in low numbers. N.J., Jan. 28, was a Cape May first! (CS) Brant were observedgrazing in farm fields, Ruddy Ducks seemed to be little reported Would-be Gyr reporters must be aware that which is new behavior there (BF). Some 1500 from the n. part of the Region, but the flock the Peale's Peregrine released by Cornell Brant were also noted in fields at Cape May, on the Delaware R., s. of Philadelphia built University can be quite as dark as any Gyr- N J , Dec. 26 (CS). A "Black" Brant was at up to > 20,000 by mid-January (NP). This falcon and overlaps it in size. Eight Pere- Stone Harbor, N.J., Jan. 19 (?D. Kunkle), year they were not harassedby any significant grines were reported during the season, one in for one of the very few state records. A oil spills. Common Mergansers were late' central Philadelphia,an historiclocation (G thoroughly describedBarnacle Goose was at moving into the Region, with 500 arriving at Tallman). Few Merlins were noted, with a Bombay Hook N.W.R., Del., Jan. 1-26 (?L. Drumore, Pa., Jan. 16 (RS). However, num- maximum of four in s. Nassau County, L.I , Peron, MB, JG et al.), althoughthe possibili- bers were high with birds being reported Dec. 30. ty of an escapecan not be excluded. More "everywhere" in s.e. Pennsylvania(NP). The White-fronted Geese than usual were report- January count of 1405 on the Hudson R., in TURKEY THROUGH COOT -- Turkey ed with singles at Peace Valley Park, Pa., Westchester Co., N.Y., was comparable to populationscontinue high in Warren County, Dec 2-16 (FM), Bombay Hook N.W.R., last year's (BW). N.J. Big counts were 49 in Knowlton Twp , Dec 23-Jan. 14 (E. Marshall, C. Perry etal.), Dec. 4 (J. Steed), up to 43 at a feeder in Octoraro Res., Pa., during February (JS et RAPTORS -- Turkey Vultures were re- Blairstown in February (F. Cook) and 24 at a! ) and Silver L., SussexCo., Del., Feb. 16- ported from Long Island, where they are Hardwick Jan. 14 (N• Byl). Flockswere also 19 (BF). This gooseis now of annual occur- rare, with single birds at Montauk Pt., Dec. noted in Sullivan County, N.Y. (BS) and rencein Pennsylvaniaas well as in Delaware. 9-15 (m.ob.), Hempstead Lake S.P., Dec. 27 Berks County, Pa. (T. Clauser). Snow Geesewere in good numberswith the (S. Dempsey)and in n. NassauCounty Dec. A Sandhill Crane was at Octoraro Res, W T S. reporting 92,000, about 50% above 29. The largest roosts reported were 45 at Pa., Feb. 3-29 + (JS et al.). While cranesare average. One result may have been the scat- Quaker Hill, DutchessCo., N.Y., Jan. 2 (M. casualin Pennsylvania,this was the secondin tering of inland reports, including eight at Hoffman), on thew. bank of the Maurice R., six months there. More than 25 Virginia Rails Peace Valley Park January-February (FM). Cumberland Co., N.J., Dec. 15 (CS) and 250 were reported during this mild season,most The high count of the blue morph was > 200 near Angola, SussexCo., Del., Dec. 28 (JG). located in responseto tapes. More surprising at Octoraro Res., Pa., in late February (JS). Black Vultures continue to expand in New were two inland reportsof Sofa in New York Jerseywith a record sevenat Princeton Feb. Bedford Hills Dec. 16 (fide BW) and near DUCKS -- Dabbling ducks made a good 2-3 (RB). At about the same time, three Wurtsboro, Sullivan Co., Feb. 12-17 (P Read). Coots were in good numbers in the n showingin the n. part of the Region. Eleven Blacks were at Bernardsville, Somerset Co., part of the Region but were scarce in Dela- Gadwall at Croton, N.Y., Jan. 6-13 were N.J. (RK), and two at Great Swamp, N.J., ware. unusual there (fide BW). Blue-winged Teal Jan. 2 (fide IB). In Pennsylvania,the South- were more common than usual with two in ern Lancaster CBC had only 32 Black Vul- Peekskill, N.Y., Dec. 15, one at Walnut Val- tures Dec. 16, a third its normal number, but SHOREBIRDS -- An Am. Oystercatcher ley, N.J., Dec. 15 and an unseasonalbird in to the n. the Elverson, Chester Co., Pa., CBC present at ShinnecockInlet throughout the coastal Delaware Feb. 23 (MB,JG,JR). Euro- had a reported 47 on Dec. 22. Up to eight period (GR etal.) was the first completeover- pean Wigeon were present, with singlesat Blacks were at a roost near Green Lane, wintering known from Long Island. Another Shark R., Monmouth Co., N.J., and at five Montgomery Co., Pa., during the season bird at Indian River Inlet, Del., Feb. 24 Long Island locations. Wood Duck remained (GF, G. Freed). (MB,JG,JR) was perhaps an early migrant scattered throughout the Region, with three Only eight Goshawks were reported. In An excellent winter count of 250 Ruddy at Cornwall Bay, N.Y., to Feb 29+ being the New Hope, Bucks Co., Pa., after a Sharp- Turnstones was made at Cape Henlopen, most n. report (JT). shinned Hawk took a feeder bird in Febru- Del., Jan. 2 (TA,JRe). American Woodcock Diving duck numbersseemed a bit lower ary, the other birds resumedfeeding at once were reported as "everywhere" at Cape May than normal. Canvasbacks were in good even though the hawk remained clearly visi- Feb. 9 (BR). Although Corn. Snipe are rou- numberson the lower Hudson R., with 700 at ble (D. Hartman). tinely reported on regional CBCs a count of Cornwall Bay Dec. 9 (JT), > 1000 in the Fort Rough-legged Hawks were in very low 41 at Trenton Marsh Jan. 1 was exceptional Lee-Edgewater area of Hudson Co., N.J., numbers, although as many as 12 were at (RB). A Whimbrel at J.B.W.R., Jan. 19-Feb Feb 1-21(DE), and > 6000 at Bayonne,N.J., Dennisville, Cape May Co., N.J., Feb. 10 10 provided a first mid-winter record for the Dec 16 (P. Bacinski, D. Roche). In (PD et al.). state (R. Cook et al.). An unusualshorebird Delaware, the maximum count at Silver L., Eagleswere in record numberswith about at Brigantine N.W.R., was a Spotted Sand- was 2500 Jan. 2 (TA,JRe). O'Shea reports 60 Balds and 15 Goldens reported. The larg- piper Dec. 15 (CW,FU). Willets provided that this flock feeds in both Delaware and est simultaneous count was in Sullivan Coun- some CBC firsts with one on Central Suffolk, Cheasapeake Bays. Twenty Lesser Scaup at ty, N.Y., along the Neversink R., between L.I., Dec. 26 and two at BombayHook, Del, Cornwall Bay Dec. 15 were unusual for the Port Jervis and the Sullivan County reser- Dec. 23. A bird near Montauk Dec. 15 stayed date (JT). voirs. As of Jan. 15, 28 Bald Eagles(21 ad., 7 at Acabonack until Feb. 17, thus providing a A 9 Tufted Duck at Central Park Res., imm.) were there. This has been the biggest first mid-winter record for the state (JA, R Manhattan, N.Y., Dec. 30-Jan. 13 was wintering area for eagles in the northeast Kelly et al.). Two hundred Red Knot in a photographed (L. Rosenberg, m.ob.). Com- since the early 1970s (fide JT, P. Nye). By tightly packed flock with about 300 Dunhn mon Goldeneyenumbers were reporteddown keepingindividual plumage notes,Sutton de- was a good winter count at Jones Inlet, L.I , by mostobservers and the W.T.S., confirmed termined that 29 Bald Eagles(7 ad., 22 imm.) Jan. 6 (RP). A Pectoral Sandpiper at they were at about 50ø7oof normal numbers. and sevenGolden Eagles(1 ad., 6 imm.) were Tinicum Dec. 15 marked a second December Barrow's Goldeneyewas noted twice, a male in s. New Jersey at some time during the record for Pennsylvania(J. Miller). at Mecox Bay, L.I., Jan. 12 (J. Ruscica, J. season.His high count of Bald Eagleswas an A count of 93 Long-billed Dowitchers at Clinton et al.) and the traditional bird at amazing eight in Cumberland County Dec. 29 Bombay Hook N.W.R., Dec. 2 was an excep- Shark R., N.J. (m.ob.). Bufflehead were in and for Goldens, a maximum of three in tional number (JG). However, single Short- good numbers in Delaware with 75 at Lewes Cape May County Feb. 2. Other multiple billeds at Moriches Inlet Dec. 26 (D. Larsen) BeachJan. 1 (BF) but were belownormal in counts of Golden Eagles were three on the and Great Egg Harbor, Atlantic Co., N.J , the n. The total New York State population lower SusquehannaR., Dec. 16 (fide RS) and Jan. 4 (JD) represented a quite rare winter was up nearly 100ø70,thus birds which tradi- two at the West Point Military Reservation, record. One can only wish that the bird tionally winter around New York City may N.Y., Feb. 3-29+ (E. Treacy et al.). Truly, reported as a dead Semipalmated Sandpiper have stayed farther n. Oldsquaw were gene- an incredible winter for eagles! at Cape May S.P., Feb. 9 had been brought

258 American Birds, May 1980 home for study. S•ngle Marbled Godw•ts red Owls were •n evidence •n New York C•ty Feb. 2 at T•mcum (?NP) was apparently •n- were at J.B.W.R., to Dec. 15 and Moriches with 1-2 wintering in Central Park (m.ob.) jured. Hermit Thrushes were scarce. Eastern Inlet to Jan. 1 (m.ob.). But the boldest and up to three through the season at the Bluebirds were reported in good numbers Marbled Godwits were the two at Merrick, Bronx Botanical Gardens (m.ob.). However, with 35 in Peekskill Dec. 15 and a total of 177 L I., Feb. 17-23, for another first mid-winter in s.w. Chester County, Pa., Barred Owls on five s.c. Pennsylvania CBCs. Many of record (BSp, T. Zwarico et al.). Thirty-two seemto have been displacedby Great Horned these latter birds were locally banded hrst- Am. Avocets at Bombay Hook N.W.R., Dec. Owls (JGr). Long-cared Owls were not at year birds. Where there were no boxes pro- 2 was a large number for the date (JG,DC). most of their usual roosts, with only 23 birds vided and monitored, there were no bluebirds reported for the season. Short-cared Owls JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- An (JGr). A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher remained at were hard to find, too, with only 18 noted ad. light phase Parasitic Jaeger was at Mon- Pittstown, Hunterdon Co., N.J., until Dec 2 and, like the Marsh Hawk, most of these tauk Pt., Dec. 1 (GR)-Jan. 15 (BSpetal.), for (J. Demarrais). Kinglet numbers remmned were not on the coast. Saw-whet Owls were generally low. The only N. Shrike was one yet another first mid-winter record. White- not at their haunts either. However, a few winged gulls were well below normal with on- Dec. 10-11 at KissenaPark, QueensCo , L 1 were found: one near Kennett Square, ly one Glaucous and seven Icelands reported (W. Astle). Chester Co., Pa., Feb. 18 (P. Beach)and one from New York and New Jersey. Great Black-backed Gulls continue to increase in in- at Peace Valley Park Jan. 1-Mar. 1, which WARBLERS -- A Black-and-white Warb- was seenby hundredsof observers(FM). land areas with 15 at Spruce Run Res., Hun- ler remained at Crum Creek Res., Delaware terdon Co., N.J., Feb. 25 (RK), 25 near Lan- Co., Pa., to Dec. 4 (KR, C. Richards), and caster Pa., Dec. 16 and a single in Perry WOODPECKERS THROUGH SWAL- another at Wall Twp., Monmouth Co., N J , County, Pa., Dec. 23 (C. Jones). Lesser LOWS -- A Plicated Woodpecker at Wil- to Dec. 29 (R. and M. Grant). A Nashville Black-backed Gulls continued to increase, mington, Del., Feb. 13 was a good suburban Warbler at a feeder in Kennett Square, Pa, w•th adults at Montauk Pt., Jan. 1 (m.ob.), record (JCi). Red-headed Woodpeckers Dec. 22-Jan. 24 was carefully and completely Rns Park, Brooklyn, N.Y., Dec. 23 (P. Ber- seemed in normal numbers with 18 birds re- described(?H. Alexander et al.). The notes hath), L. de Forest, Rockland Co., N.Y., ported throughout the Region. While Hairy seem to match Benifs description of the w Jan. 10 (RD), N. Arlington, Passaic Co., Woodpeckers were really down in Westchest- subspecies, ridgwayi. A Black-throated Blue N J., Dec. 10 (RK,TK, T. Vogel), Shark er County, N.Y., they were up 150% in n. Warbler wintered at Smithtown, L.l., Nov 8- R•ver Jan. 13 (GF, A. Brady), Penn Manor, New Jersey (fide GH) and about normal in Feb. 29+ (N. Sloan). This bird survived on Bucks Co., Pa. (m.ob.) and near Wilming- s.c. Pennsylvania. Western Kingbirds were peanut butter and suet at a feeder. Yellow- ton, New Castle Co., Del., Dec. 22 (JG) & notably early in the period with singles at rumped Warblers were very numerous roland Feb. 14 (AE). Up to five Black-headedGulls Montauk Pt., Dec. 15 (m.ob.). Abington, with 184 on an inland Pennsylvania CBC A were at Caven Pt., Hudson Co., N.J. (T. Bucks Co., Pa., Dec. 15 (M. Clymer), Cape Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler was Stiles, DE). Another Black-headed was in e. May Dec. 16 (B.&H. Cutler) and Assunpink carefully studied at Tinicum Feb. 14 (?J Suffolk County, N.Y., Dec. 15. Bonaparte's W.M.A., Mercer Co., N.J., Jan. 8 (S. Ginaven). The notes clearly eliminate the e Gulls were very numerous on the Delaware Brady). A Myiarchus carefully identified as subspecies,but an intermediate is possible coast with a maximum of 2000 at Indian Great Crested Flycatcherjust n. of Brigantine There are three Pennsylvania specimens and R•ver Inlet Jan. 22 (BF). A large inland N.W.R., Dec. 15 (A. Sexauer, P. Hoppin) one other sight record for this subspecies movement of gulls at Peace Valley Park Jan. was not unprecedentedsince there was a bird A Townsend's Warbler was photographed 12 comprised 150 Bonaparte's (FM,AM,JM). at Ocean City, N.J., last December but late in Harmony Twp., Warren Co., N.J. (GH et Perhaps they came from the Great Lakes with Myiarchus are often western stragglers.The al.). The Townsend's present Dec. 11-14, a cold front; they were gone the next day. Region had its usual quota of E. Phoebeson representeda third state record, all of them m About eight Little Gulls were in the Indian CBCs, but a bird at Montauk Pt., Feb. 3 rep- winter. A Pine Warbler was noted at Mon- R•ver Inlet area Dec. 29-Feb. 29+ (m.ob.). resentedthe only real winter record (JDiC et tauk Dec. 15 and two were near Angola, Del, On Dec. 29, Gordon photographed four al.). An Empidonax flycatcherat Alley Pond Jan. 1 (JG). Palm Warblers were well above adults and two iramatures for the first Park, Queens Co., N.Y., Dec. 15 (H. Free- average numbers with a maximum of seven Delaware documentation for this often-seen man et al.) went unidentified, but at that late on a Nassau County, N.Y., CBC Dec. 30 An species.Eight single birds were reported from date one of the w. speciesis as likely as an e. Ovenbird overwintered at a feeder at the New York City-Long Island area. one. In keeping with the season,single Barn Southold, L.l., Jan. 7 to at least Mar. 3 (V A count of 50 Forster's Terns at Indian Swallows lingered at Brigantine N.W.R., to Moore et al.). This bird fed primarily on small seeds. Yet another unseasonal warbler R•ver Inlet Dec. 15 was really amazing Dec. I (AM,JM) and J.B.W.R., to Dec. 15 (MB,JG) and three birds were still there Jan. (W. Reilly et al.). was a Northern Waterthrush at Prime Hook 8 (BF). A single Forster's Tern at Plum N.W.R., Del., Jan. 1 (P. Weirick). The b•rd Beach, Brooklyn, Feb. 3 was an even bigger JAYS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Blue Jay was well observed and its charactenshc shock (T. Stiles, A.&H. Richard). A Corn. numbers were down almost everywhere, with pumping action noted. Although many yel- Tern at Rehoboth, Sussex Co., Del., Dec. 6 "incredibly low" from Westchester County, lowthroats were noted on regional CBCs, not was also late (BF). A dead ad. Sooty Tern N.Y., being the strongestcomment. The only one was reported thereafter. One of the two Yellow-breasted Chats on the Montauk CBC found Dec. 23 at Cedar Beach, L.I., was Boreal Chickadee reported was one in War- possibly a final legacy of hurricane David ren County, N.J., Dec. 15 (OH). Tufted Tit- remained until Feb. 3 (JDiC et al.) The (W. Wilkens). A Black Skimmer at Holgate, mice continued to increase inland in the n. Region had at least three Wilson's Warblers Ocean Co., N.J., Jan. 30 (J. Dowdell) pro- with 159 on the Orange County, N.Y., CBC in December, one at Pawling, DutchessCo , duced a first mid-winter record for New (fide JT). However, numbers seem to have N.Y., Dec. l l (J. McIlwaine), one at Lan- Jersey. leveled off on Long Island. Red-breasted caster, Pa., Dec. 22 (C. Gamber), possibly Nuthatches were almost totally absent. the samebird there Dec. 24 (H. Morrin) and a ALCIDS THROUGH OWLS -- Alcids House Wrens lingered beyond all reason in bird at Bombay Hook N.W.R., Dec. 23 (JCi, were scarce. Two Razorbills at Montauk Dec. Westchester County, N.Y., with singles at P. Hurlock, B. H.urlock). Finally, to end th•s 15 was the only report there (K. Able, P. Ardsley until mid-February (BW, S. Lincoln) extraordinary collection of warblers, an Am. BuckIcy). A Thick-billed Murre was studied and Rye until Jan. 27 (TB., S.McMahon). Redstart remained to Dec. 9 at Bridgehamp- at point blank range at Long Branch Dec. 29 Short-billed Marsh Wrens were also present, ton, L.I. (JA). (T. Koebel et al.). The well-documented with singlesat BrigantineN.W.R., until Jan. Ground Dove at Pickering Beach, Kent Co., 16 (JD, R. Logan) and PickeringBeach, Del., WEAVERS THROUGH SPARROWS -- Del., remaineduntil Jan. 22 (LP, N. Irish et Dec. 23 (JG). Mockingbirds were in record House Sparrows have really declined •n s e al ). Barn Owl numbersseemed down somehigh numbers in Orange County, N.Y., with Pennsylvaniawith CBC counts about 10-20% what. A Barn Owl visiting a feeder at day- 80 counted there on Dec. 15 (fide JT). A of numbers found ten years ago. Northern break in Centerville, Del., Jan. 26 was surely Wood Thrush at J.B.W.R., Dec. 1 (?S. Wal- Orioles did surprisingly poorly this mfid an unusual sight (N. Ednie,fideAE). The on- ens) and another at Greenbrook Sanctuary, winter with only six feeder birds reportedand ly Snowy Owl report was one at Prime Hook Alpine, Bergen County, N.J., Dec. 15 (DE, but one known to have survived. Rusty N W.R., Del., in mid-December (GO). Bar- D. Amadon) were surprisesenough, but one Blackbirds were low this season,but the stan-

Volume 34, Number 3 259 dard flock of about 20 Brewer's Blackbirds N.Y., Dec. 27 was the only report of that INITIALED OBSERVERS - (sub-regional was again at the pig farm near Bombay Hook species(R. Odell). compilers in boldface) T. Allen, James Ash, N.W.R., Dec. 23 (DC). A Boat-tailed A Lake Sparrow reappeared at a feeder Maurice Barnhill, Irving Black, Ray Blicharz, Grackle at Oakland L., Queens Co., L.I., near Easton, Pa., Dec. 20-21 (WC,P.Finken) Thomas Burke, Joel Citron (JCi), Mark Col- Dec. 15-22 (m.ob., ph. W. Reilly) leaves While Dark-eyed Juncos were generally con- lie, J. DiCostanzo, Walter Culpepper, John January as the only month in which this bird sidered low, the Glenolden, Pa., CBC record- Danzenbaker, Thomas Davis, Robert Deed, has not been seen in New York State. A ed 1620, an all-time high. Three Dark-eyed Peter Dunne, Andy Adnie, Dianne Engleke, Western Tanager seen Jan. 10 at Cape May (Oregon) Juncos were reliably reported and George Franchots, Bill Frech, Jesse Gran- (K. Seager) was probably the same bird several more claimed. The acceptable birds tham (JGr), Jeff Gordon, Greg Hanisek, reported there on Dec. 16 (CW,FU). A Rose- were at Harmony, N.J., Dec. 17-Feb. 15 (G. Frank and Barbara Haas, Otto Heck, Rich breasted Grosbeak visited a feeder near Scipione), Allentown, Pa., Jan. 19 (MC) and Kane, Tim Koebel, Fred Mears, James K. Easton, Northampton Co., Pa., Jan. 9 (WC), Tinicum Dec. 15 (A. Keith). Tree Sparrows Metlit, August Mirabella, Judy Mirabella, and another was at New Providence, Union were in uniformly low numbers in the n. part Bernard Morris, George O'Shea, Eleanor Co., N.J., Feb. 20-29 (M.Page, W.Boyle). A of the Region. However, Glenolden had 342 Pink, Nick Pulcinella, Louise Purey, Gilbert Pheucticus sp., was reported from Boonton, Dec. 15, above the average for the 1970sand Raynor, J. Reese (JRe), Bob Russell, Joe N.J., Dec. 23 (R.Ryan). Pulcinella said numbers really increased at Russell, Robert Schutsky, Beezer Seguin, Jim Dickcisselswere more widely reported than Tinicum after that. This agrees with the Sheetz, Steve Smith, P. William Smith, Bar- usual, with 12 birds reported in all 4 statesof observation that Tree Sparrows are showing a bara Spencer (BSp), Clay Sutton, John the Region. The most widely seenbird was at decided preference for marshy habitat in Tramontano, Fred Ulmer, Berna Weissman, the feedersat Peace Valley Park, Pa., the en- upland Pennylvania (JGr). A Harris' Spar- Charles Wonderly. m.ob. many observers, t tire season(FM). Winter fincheswere notably row at Palmyra, Lebanon Co., Pa., Jan. detailed description submitted.--KEITH C. absent, except for a few scattered reports of 28-Feb. 15 (G. Wertz et al.) was the only one RICHARDS, 348 Summit Road, Media, PA Evening Grosbeaks. Purple Finch numbers reported. Snow Buntings were in good supply 19063, ROBERT O. PAXTON, 560 River- were depressedincluding even the ubiquitous with a maximum of 450 at Cape Henlopen side Drive, Apt. 12K, New York, NY 10027 House Finch. Fewer than two dozen Red Feb. I (TA, JRe) and severallarge flocks in and DAVID A. CUTLER, I110 Rock Creek Crossbillswere reported in the entire Region. Lehigh and Northampton counties, Pa. Drive, Wyncote, PA 19095. Four White-winged Crossbills at Garrison,

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST LOONS THROUGH REGION IBISES -- ACom. /Henry T. Armistead Loon in flight over land at Annapolis Dec. 2 was thought to On the heels of a warm (except for Oc- be a late migrant tober), wet fall, Decemberwas 30-6ø F warm- (HW). Loons and er than normal at area weather stations and grebes proved to be also very dry. January temperatures were two of the major at- closerto normalor slightlyabove but the first tractions at L. Anna in of severalhuge snowfallsin coastalVirginia Virginia's Piedmont, occurred, dumping over 13 inches at Rich- which continues to en- mond January5. Most of Februarywas truly joy intensive coverage cold, temperaturesranging from 1.2ø (D.C.) (JB,BK, SC et al.). - 6.7 ø (Norfolk) below the norms, with Here were seen a Red- another major snowstormhitting coastalVir- throated Loon Jan. ginia February6, when Norfolk received12 19-20, a Red-necked inchesand Virginia Beach15 inches,followed Grebe Dec. 24 & Jan. by over four inchesmore February 10. Most 19, and peak counts of of this snow disappeared fairly rapidly. 20 Com. Loons Jan. Snows elsewhere were unremarkable. There 19, and 43 Pied-billed were no reports of unusual mortality Grebes Dec. 24, with 44 of the latter present the Gulf Stream 430 mi from shore Dec. 13. althoughmost of northern ChesapeakeBay Jan. 19. Bazuin has written excellent(but un- •e While Pelican at Back Bay N.W.R., was frozen in early February. published) descriptive material on L. Anna. was present at le•t u•til Ja•. 26 (RLA•). Observers were virtually unanimous in Homed Grebe numbers were still low with a Rowlett's highest Ga• total was •2 seen classifyingthis as a rather lackluster winter, "severe reduction" on the Potomac R. 40-55 mi from Ocean City Dec. 3. Great Cor- especiallywith regardto pelagicbirding, the (JMA). Red-necked Grebes were also seen at morants continue to wi•ter i• small •umbers rarer ducks, northern finches and certain Scottsville,Va., late November-Dec. 30 (LW, at the mouths of Chesapeake Bay, Chesa- other landbirds, and, to a much lesserextent, fide CES), Chincoteague N.W.R., Feb. 2 peake Bay Bridge Tunnel (hereafter, the more unusual gulls. Several commented (JMA,RJA) and Baltimore Feb. 17-24, (RBI, C.B.B.T.), a•d the Potomac R. (especially on their unfulfilled expectations of many fide RFR). St. George I., Md.). lingeringbirds during a mild winter after such In spite of living at sea for a major portion A Great Blue Heron in steady Right over a warm fall. In spiteof this litany of disclaim- of the winter Rowlett commented on the low Laytonsville, Md., Feb. 19 was •lieved a ers witnessbelow the large number of unusu- numbersof many pelagicspecies. Some of his migrant (HW), which is quite likely, as Scoii al species,including an albatross,three shear- recordswere made at great distancesoffshore has observedthem at colonies • Virginia as waters,a pelican,two ibises,a crane, a phala- but are mentioned here for lack of an alter- early as the •d of February. Following rope, 12 gulls, a goatsucker,two humming- native popular forum. They are here ex- re•rts of Green Hero• o• eight C•s the birds, and 17 warblers! In order to avoid re- pressedin nautical miles e. of AssateagueI. A only other record was one at Ashland near dundancyand foster a closerperusal of the Yellow-nosed Albatross was seen 55 mi from Richmond Feb. I (LM, fide FRS). On July issuefew of the recordsin this report are the Virginia coast Dec. 3. A Sooty Shear- Assateague I., Md., Buckalew found Little from the Christmas Bird Count (hereafter, water was well seen at 52 mi Dec. 6. Four Blue and Louisiana h•ons more common CBC). Generalremarks on CBCs apply to the Manx Shearwaters were 55-60 mi out Dec. 3 tha• usual throughout the wi•ter. Five Cattle entire states of Maryland, Virginia, Dela- and two were seen Dec. 6 in the same area. Egrets were o• the e. side of Mobjack Bay, ware, and the District of Columbia. "Far out" was an Audubon's Shearwater in Va., Dec. 21 (MAB, KR). Mid-wi•ter Great

260 American Birds, May 1980 Egrets were observedat Redart, Va., Jan. 19 The only non-CBC e•ders were up to two seen throughout the w•nter on almost every (MP), Irish Grove Sanctuary near Crisfield, each of Corn. and King at Ocean City, and no patrol of the barrier islands(BT). Individuals Md., Feb. 11 (SDr,PL), and Chincoteague more than one Corn. and three Kings at wintered in Baltimore, Norfolk and Newport N.W.R., Feb. 17-18 (HTA,PD). Very late for C.B.B.T. Theseeiders were presentthrough- News. Less usual locations were Saxis I., Va, the Piedmont was one at Monkton, Md., out the winter, were mostly females,and were where one was seen Feb. 10 (RLAn, RLAk) Dec. 21 (MR, fide RFR). At Virginia Beach seen by many. The winter's sole Harlequin and one near Williamsburg Jan. 25 (BW), a Wolfe counted 29 on Feb. 25 at Owl's Creek. Duck was one observed from C.B.B.T., Feb. first local record. A Merlin was reported •n Winter Yellow-crownedNight Herons of this 27 (MM et al.). Ruddy Ducks seemeddown downtown Richmond Jan. 20 (CRB). Region are almost invariably immatures, as to the extent of leadingone to proclaim them were two at Chincoteague Feb. 2 (JMA, "practically nonexistent" in the Potomac R. CRANES THROUGH PHALAROPES -- RJA). Other than CBC reports there were area compared to their numbers in normal just two recordsof GlossyIbis, three flying S years (JMA). A count of 102 Hooded Mer- A Sandhill Crane was at Back Bay N.W R , over Parramore I., Va., Jan. 4 (BT,GJH) and gansetsFeb. 1 at Swift Creek Res., Va., was Dec. 1 for the V.S.O. field trip (SC et al) one at Irish Grove Sanctuary Feb. 11 very high for the Piedmont (FRS) and 125 There was a singular lack of rail reports (SDr,PL). Very unusual that late in the year Corn. Merganserswere near Hopewell Feb. 3 slightly compensatedfor by a report of a was an imm. White Ibis photographed at (FRS,JD). Yellow Rail on AssateagueI., Md., Dec 25 ChincoteagueN.W.R., Dec. 8 (RFR,TE). (RAR). Also of interest was a King Raft on Carroll I., near Baltimore in January (RB1, fide RFR). At L. Anna robust Piedmont WATERFOWL -- Swans and geesecon- HAWKS -- The three Goshawk reports counts of Am. Coot were 1497, Dec. 24 and t•nue to manifest opportunism, even in the were all from Virginia: an adult on Buffalo 1285, Jan. 20 (JB,SC et al.). American faceof a not-so-bleakwinter, in adaptingto R., Amherst Co., Jan. 10 (MRB), and im- Oystercatchers continue to winter in force on grazinghabits in many areas. Reeseobserved matures at FredericksburgJan. 27 (SC) and Virginia's Eastern Shore with 88 at Ch•n- 10,000_+ Whistling Swans, 25,000 Canada Ft. Hunt, Fairfax Co., Feb. 13 (JMA). A sus- coteagueN.W.R., Feb. 9 (RLAn, RLAk), 81 Geeseand 2000 Snow Geese, most of these in pected Krider's Red-tailed Hawk was seen in there Feb. 17 (HTA), and 137 countedw of fields, in Kent County, Md., Feb. 13. At w. Fairfax County by the Abbotts Jan. 17. there Feb. 27 (JHB). The only mid-w•nter Ocean City, 105 Brant were on the baseball More conventional, but late migrants, were reports of Semipalmated Plover were two at field Feb. 17 (RPH,DWe). On the Eastern Red-taileds at S.P.S.P: three, on Dec. 1; 25 Ocean City Jan. 20, Feb. 2 & 18 (PD et al ) Shore of Virginia Truitt consideredBrant to on Dec. 3; sevenon Dec. 4; sevenon Dec. 7; and one on Assateague l., Md., Feb 26 be "up from the two previouswinters" and three on Dec. 15; one on Dec. 25 (HW). (RAR,CL). At Ocean City 160 Ruddy Turn- frequently seen "in farm fields of rye and Rough-leggedHawks were presentin good stoneswere seenDec. 29 (EMW). An unusual w•nter wheat" feeding with Snow and Cana- numbers in favored areas, such as s. Dor- count of Com. Snipe was a total of 129 at da geese.Vaughn saw 1500 Snow and 13 Blue chesterCounty, Md. (HTA) as well as other BlackwaterN.W.R., Dec. 29 (SRL). A w•n- geeseinland feeding in fields on the Delmarva localitieswhere they are lesscommon or rare, tering Willet was at Ocean City through most Pen., e. of SalisburyJan. 13. The presenceof such as in the Piedmont of Virginia of January (RAR,CL) and one was there Feb Whistling Swans in fields in large numbers (CBCs,BK), Baltimore (RFR) and the w. 17 (RPH,DWe). Two LesserYellowlegs were occurred first in the winter of 1969-70, pro- shore of Chesapeake Bay (HW). One was on AssateagueI., Jan. 25 (SHD). One of the bably as an adaptation to the decline of near Williamsburg Feb. 7 (MAB) and one few reportsof Purple Sandpiperswas a count submergedaquatic vegetationin Chesapeake was in e. Henrico County, Va., Jan. 20 (JD, of 71 at C.B.B.T., Dec. 28 (FRS,JD) showing Bay, a situationundoubtedly also responsible FRS). In late winter they are attracted to the how common speciesare often ignored or not for the big simultaneous decrease of Am. extensive marsh burnings on the lower East- remarked upon. As usual small numbers of Wigeon. Six Brant, now also scarce on the ern Shore of Maryland. Three were at Dulles Whimbrel as well as a sizable number of Chesapeake,were at Claiborne, Talbot Co., Airport Jan. 1 (DFA,HB). Marbled Godwits were found on one or more Md., Dec. 3 (JE, .fide JGR). Golden Eagles, aside from the usual one or Eastern Shore of Virginia CBCs. Less usual The CBC total of 4363 Mallardsat Hope- two at Blackwater N.W.R., included an adult were the Am. Avocets found on those at well, Va., Dec. 15 was considered excellent at S.P.S.P., Dec. 9 (TE, fide HW) and ira- Cape Charles, Chincoteague, and Ocean C•- (FRS). Craney I. landfill at Portsmouth, Va., matures at Eastern Neck N.W.R., Feb. 13 ty, while Craney I., which had more th•s may be the Region'sbest spot for N. Shovel- (JGR), McKee-BeshersW.M.A., Md., Feb. winter than it did last summer,boasted up to er, with reports of 1000 Dec. 4 and 800 Jan. 24 (WK) and Summit Hill Turf Farm, Mont- 300 Feb. 26 (MRB,RC), other notable counts 15 (TW). Local sewage lagoons should be gomery Co., Md., Feb. 24 (DB et al.). Byrd included 186 Jan. 2 (RLAn) and 175 Jan 15 checkedwhenever possible. The one at East- coordinatedthe mid-winter Bald Eagle survey (TW). Rowlett encounteredRed Phalaropes on, Md., proved to be a local hot spot on in Virginia, which found 166 birds (101 a., 65 65-90 mi e. of the Virginia capes Jan 12 Jan. 13, when Reesefound 13 waterfowl spe- i.) with the highest single total of 68 on the (four), 15 (one), and 17 (one). cies there including six N. Shovelers, which Potomac R. Last winter .114 were seen. J.M. are scarcein Talbot County. Two reports of Abbott considers them "noticeably more Barrow's Goldeneye, both very detailed, were numerous" in the D.C. region. However JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Off received. In Maryland, two believed to be a Scott points out that some winter birds breed the Delmarva Pen. coast from 1-2 Pomanne pair were watchedat length but at a distance elsewhere and states that "productivity of Jaegers were seen daily Dec. 1-13 as far as at Eastern Neck N.W.R., Dec. 16 but were Chesapeake Bay breeding birds is still not 500-600 mi offshore. During a n.e. gale a not found again(FP). On Dec. 29, 31 & Jan. consideredup to replacementlevels." They Parasitic Jaeger was at Ocean City Jan 5 2 a female was carefully studied at C.B.B.T. were conspicuousin the Blackwater N.W.R. From 1-6 Great Skuas were seen each day (DFA,JMA,RJA,KH,HL,ML,LT,MT), area--more so than usually--with 21 report- from 60-100 mi e. of Ocean City during the some of these observers thoroughly con- ed Jan. 26 (DWe) and at least 17 immatures period Jan. 12-21(all RAR). Up to 5000gulls wnced the bird was a Barrow's, others almost seenFeb. 23 (GGD). At locationswhere they frequented the Montgomery County, Md, equally certain but stating that "this record are usually scarce four spent the winter at landfill (hereafter, M.C.L.F.), circa 200 of should be taken very cautiously...in the most Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (KK), them, mostly Ring-billeds, being color- tenuous and cautious manner if at all." A Olson noted an increaseat PresquileN.W.R., marked Feb. 17. Within ten days some of good drawing of the Virginia bird was sub- Va., and one was seen at Willis Wharf, Va., these birds were reported from Baltimore, m•tted along with the postulate that the Jan. 21 (GJH). Guarded optimism is called S.P.S.P., and the D.C. area (BP,EMW, southernmost Atlantic birds might be ex- for. HW). Coastal and pelagic white-wingedgull pected to be females if they fit the pattern The only Ospreyswere two late migrantsat reports were at an all-time low in Rowlett's shown by other n. ducks, especiallyeiders, Hopewell Dec. 9 (FRS,JD) and one (early?) experience, but he saw a Glaucous Gull 60 m• most of which tend to be femalesin Maryland at Chesapeake,Va., Feb. 12 (GW). Peregrine e. of Ocean City Jan. 14. Another was near and Virginia (DFA). Regardlessof what turns Falcons increased on CBCs (15 vs 8 in Williamsburg Jan. 24-30 (MAB,BW). Iceland out to be the case, heavy verification and 1978-79). On the Virginia Coast Reserve, Gulls fared better with sightingsat C.B.B T , documentation of these birds is currently sine Nature Conservancy staff reported them Jan. 6 (HB) & Feb. 3 (RLAn,DFA), qua non. from eight locations, stating that they were M.C.L.F., Jan. 17 (HW), Baltimore Feb

Volume 34, Number 3 261 17-29+ (RBI et al.), S.P.S.P., Feb. 23 throated Humminghird subsistingon warm helpedto make things bright (RAR). The on- (HW), and Ocean City Feb. 27 (RAR,CL). In sugar water and watched daily Nov. 14-Mar. ly post-CBC Yellow-breastedChat was at late February a massive fish kill from 2 in Norfolk after which it disappeared OceanCity Feb. 2 (NM et ai.). Roundingoff S.P.S.P., s. to Love Pt., attracted 10-15,000 following massive snowfall (EM). Photo- this embarrassment of winter warblers was a gulls (JGR,HW). LesserBlack-backed Gulls graphs were taken againsta snow backdrop. Wilson's at a Richmond feeder Feb. 20-21 were widespread, with reports from Ocean Equally superlative was a Selasphorus(sp.) (FRS et aL). Reports of several other City, Assateaguei., Md., C.B.B.T., Norfolk hummingbird well seen on the Wacha- Wilson's Warblers in the Region this period (up to three), M.C.L.F. (inland), and Balti- preague, Va., CBC, Dec. 16 (CRV). were rumored but details were not forthcom- more (up to three), mostof theserepresenting The abundance of Pileated Woodpecker ing. stable, wintering birds seen by many. One was well demonstrated by the CBCs with Some CBCs in s.e. Virginia had good was 65 mi e. of Cape Henry Jan. 18 (RAR). totals of 48 (Bowie, Md.), 77 (Seneca, Md.), numbers of N. (Baltimore) Orioles and Pat- Thayer's Gull was reportedat C.B.B.T., Jan. 42 (Williamsburg), 47 (Ft. Belvoir, Va.), and terson reported that "N. Oriole sightings 12 (DFA,RJA) with a "probable" one at 37 (Lynchburg, Va.). Well-chronicled fly- reported to me this winter have a// been M.C.L.F., Jan. 17 (HW). Thorough docu- catcherswere: a W. Kingbird seenby many at associated with pine trees, usually white mentation and verification are essential for Annapolis Dec. 30-31 (HW et al., ph.); pines. This has also been noted in previous this species. Black-headed Gulls were seen another at Hopewell Dec. 15-16 (FRS et ai.); winters, and offers a habitat clue for search- four times after the CBC period: "offshore" an Ash-throated Flycatcher at Kiptopeke, ing for this bird." A Rose-breastedGrosbeak near C.B.B.T., Jan. 20 (RAR), at Ocean City was present in Baltimore in January (fide Jan. 20 (PD) & Feb. 28 (RAR), and at Balti- RFR) and one was seenin Bowie Feb. 3 (fide more Feb. 18-29+ (RFR et ai.). Many BP). The latter was seen on the Bowie Inten- thousandsof Bonaparte's Gulls spent most of sive Winter Bird Census and is about as far the period in the Ocean City area and there removed from the purposeand spirit of this were several inland reports in December, Jan- censusas a speciescan be. This highly struc- uary and February for the Virginia Pied- tured study of censustechniques and results mont. Consortingwith the Ocean City Bonies on one CBC sector is recommended for its were up to 14 Little Gulls (RAR, m.ob.). provocative discussionsof duplicate count- Black-legged Kittiwakes were scarce at sea ing, percent of birds actually censused,and a although the high was 515 on Jan. 14, 60-70 host of other CBC problems. Patteroh's re- mi e. of Ocean City, after which counts of port will be published later. The troubled them dropped off sharply (RAR). Perhaps Dickcissel was seen at three Baltimore sites the last remains of hurricane David wcrc dead Feb. 1-29+ (RFR) and another was at Ar- Sooty Terns at Myrtle l., Va., Dec. 30 (CC) nold, Md., Dec. 9 (WK). Evening Grosbeak and ChincoteagueN.W.R., Feb. 17 (HTA), was as scarce in the winter as it had been last the latter still in good enoughcondition that fall, but the sure key to a high integrity rating it was easily identified as an adult. Seven this winter was for the observer who had seen Black Skimmers were present at Lynnhaven no Pine Siskinssince last spring. Many of the Inlet, Va., Jan. 27 "sitting on snow" (RLAn) Ash-throated Flycatcher, Kiptopeke, VA, Region's most active observers saw none and at Craney 1., where four were Jan. 22 Dec. 31, 1979. Photo/Michael Tore. although a few were seen to be sure, some of (TW) and one on Feb. 15 (JD,FRS). Three them with details that would do justice to a Razorbills 40 mi e. of Cape Henry Jan. 17 Va., Dec. 30-31 (m.ob., ph.); another care- first state record. Among the scarcen. species "constituted the only alcid sightings all fully studied at Haymarket, Va., Dec. 19 & Purple Finch drew fewer commentsbut it was 21 (BM,DS). A late Barn Swallow was seen winter. In spite of several hundred hours at also perceived to be in low numbers. No re- sea by me the winter of 1979-80was the worst on the V.S.O. field trip at C.B.B.T., Dec. I ports were received of crossbills.American alcid winter since I started birding here (SC et al.). Many contributors conunentedon Goldfinch was in the lowest numbers in six (1972)." (RAR) the low Blue Jay numbersowing to the very years on the CBCs. One very active observer poor nut crop. Even more remarked on the stated, "i can't tell you the last time I've even scarcity of Red-breasted Nuthatch. Many seenor heard a goldfinch!" (RAR) DOVES THROUGH VIREOS -- Mourn- competent observers did not see one all A Savannah Sparrow at S.P.S.P., Feb. 24 ing Doves were noted calling as early as Dec. winter. Winter Wren numbers were low for was felt to be a spring arrival (HW). A Dark- 13 at Arlington, Va., by Bazuin who also first the third straight CBC period, but Carolina eyed (Oregon) Junco was seen at Denton, noted courtship Dec. 24, but no unseasonal Wrens staged a minor comeback (HTA, Md., Jan. 9-Feb. 29 + (AJF et aL). Returning nests were found. Moderate numbers of DMe). A N. Shrike was reported on Assa- Fox Sparrows were noted at Annapolis Feb. Long-earedOwls were seenwith up to four at teague 1., Md., Feb. 2 (fide RAR). Logger- 27 (HW) and Williamsburg Feb. 28 (BW). an Assateague I., Md., roost that also in- head Shrikes continue to attract the concern Lapland Longspurs were noted in flocks at cluded one Saw-whet Owl for most of the of many observers.A Solitary Vireo at Char- Craney 1., from 10-28 present Dec. 2-Jan. 15 winter (RAR,RLAn et al.). Gude's Nursery, lottesville Jan. I (BR, fide CES) and one on a (RLAn,DFA,HB,SC et al.) and Summit Hill Rockville, Md., gave shelterto another Long- Maryland CBC (JS) were notable. Turf Farm had 15 on Feb. 29 (DB et aLL eared in late January (HW,EMW et aL) and Elsewhere singles were at S.P.S.P., Dec. I Baltimore had up to three throughout the WARBLERS THROUGH LONGSPURS (HW), Gaithersburg, Md., Jan. 10 (HW) and period (RFR). One presentat Kingsmill near -- Although sevenCBCs reported Black-andat L. Anna (for the fourth consecutive Williamsburg Dec. 19-Jan. 4 provided a white Warblers the only one later detailed as winter) where there was one Feb. 26 (BK). "first local record" (TA,BW). Short-eared an extended visitor was one at Salisbury Dec. Snow Bunting was in biggest numbers near Owl received mixed reviews, several coastal 23-Jan. 27 (CRV et al.). Unique was a Ten- Denton where for the fourth year since 1974 a observersfeeling it was presentin slightlylow nessee Warbler at Gude's Nursery Jan. 2, large flock has wintered, this year's totalling numbers, but with three at Bolling A.F.B., seen by Wierenga as close as 10 ft. He also up to 120 birds (AJF). As many as eight were D.C., Jan. 26 (HW) and six at L. Anna Jan. reported an Ovenbird there on the same date. seen in the L. Anna area Dec. 24 (BK). 19 (JB et al.). The owl of the year had to be a A "very weak" Cape May Warbler was at Does this report seem heavily weighted in pelagic Saw-whet 100 mi off Ocean City Dec. Frederick, Md., in the city park Dec. 22 favor of waterbirds? If so it is because most 2 in flight over the sea(RAR). Land basedin- (DHW). A feeder-frequentingYellow-throat- observers' reports are also. Waterbirds are dividuals were at Gude's Nursery January- ed Warbler was seen in Scottsville, Va., Dec. usually scarcerand more notable, especially March (m.ob.) and the National Arboretum, 10.Jan.7 (LW,CES), its preferredentree:- in winter. This being the caseperhaps there is D.C., Jan. 15 toat least Feb. 18(HWetal.). suet. At Dyke Marsh near D.C., a late Chest- a need for a greater effort to report landbird In SpotsylvaniaCounty, Va., one was present nut-sided Warbler was seen Dec. 7 & 9 (JMA, sightings. Dec. 16-Jan. 20 (SC et aLL Extraordinary BC). Pine Warblers were singing as early as was a singing Whip-poor-will in S. Hanover Feb. 13 at Grasonville, Md. (JGR) and Feb. OBSERVERS -- D.F. Abbott, J. M. Ab- County, Va., Jan. 29 (TCS, fide FRS). More 24 at Lewisetta, Va. (FRS). A Christmas N. bott, R. J. Abbott, R. L. Ake (RLAk), R. L. extraordinary still was a wintering Ruby- Waterthrush on Assateague I., must have Anderson (RLAn), Tom Armour, Robert

262 AmericanBirds, May 1980 Barbee, John Bazuin, Henry Bielstein, C. R. Wayne KIockner, S. R. Lawrence, Harry Rowlett, F. R. Scott, Jay Sheppard, Dave Blem, Rick Biota (RBI), M. R. Boatwright, LeGrand, Paul Leifer, Chris Ludwig, Merrill Smith, C.E. Stevens, T. C. Stuteville, Len J. H. Buckalew, M. A. Byrd, Danny Bystrak, Lynch, Dorothy Mendinhall (DMe), Nor- Teuber, Michael Tore, R. J. Tripician, Barry Ray Chandler, Barry Cooper, Sam Cooper, wood Middleton, Dorothy Mitchell, Mike Truitl, C. R. Vaughn, D. H. Wallace, M. L. Charles Cremearis, Thelma Dalmas, G. G. Mitchell, Emily Moore, Louise Moore, Bill Wass, Donald Weber (DWe), Steve Whit- Daniels, John Dillard, Sam Droege (SDr), Murphy, Paul Noell, J.P. Oland, Harold comb, Lina Whiteside, Hal Wierenga, Paul DuMont, S. H. Dyke, Jeff Effinger, J. Olson, Floyd Parks, Bob Patterson, Eliza- Claudia Wilds, Bill Williams, Gary William- W. Eike, Ted Eubanks, A. J. Fletcher, G. H. beth Peacock, Mary Pulley, Peter Pyle, J. G. son, Erika M. Wilson, TownIcy Wolfe.- Hennessey, R. P. Hilton, Kevin Hintsa, Alice Reese, Michael Reid, Bill Rice, R. F. Ringlet, HENRY T. ARMISTEAD, 28 E. Springfield Jones, Brian Keelan, Kathy Klimkiewicz, Chandler Robbins, Kevin Roberts, R.A. Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118.

SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST notable (HL,MI,JF). REGION There were also con- siderably more winter /Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. reports of Cattle Egrets than normal, with the best counts The winter was clearly a two-phase one in being 22 near New- the Southeast. December and January tem- port, N.C., Dec. 14 peratureswere several degreesabove normal, (JF), and five at Pow- and precipitationand winds were rather light; ells Pt., Currituck thus, weather on Christmas Bird Counts Co., N.C., Dec. 31 (hereafter, CBC) was generally beautiful. (PS). McNair had to- From January 30 to early March, however, tals of 240 White rough weather set in. Five or six snow/ice Ibises at L. Marion stormshit the Region during this period, and Jan. 19, and 320 there northeasternNorth Carolina had perhapsthe Feb. 8, both high most relatively severeweather of any place in numbers for so far in- the country. This corner of the Region nor- land at this season. mally averagesfive inchesof snow per year, but this winter approximately five feet of WATERFOWL -- An ad. Brant at Pee countered in North Carolina, with a Com- snow were dumped there! Dee N.W.R., N.C., Dec. 7-8 (DM) provided mon on the Cape Lookout CBC Dec. 22 Birding this winter was "fair-to- apparently the Region's first record away (MT), a • King photographed at the Ocra- middling,"with a scarcity of winter finches from the tidewater zone. Other notable Brant coke harbor Dec. 24 (MT,KH), and two for the second consecutiveyear. Waterfowl reports were of 2000 at the s.w. tip of Hat- Kings at Cape Hatteras Pt., Dec. 25 were in lower-than-normal numbers, owing teras l., N.C., Dec. 29 (BL), and 400 at the s. (MT,KH). Only two reports of Corn. Mer- to rather mild weather for the first two-thirds end of its range at Cape Lookout, N.C., Feb. gansetwere received,not surprisingconsider- of the season. The early mild weather, plus 5 (SP). Another excellent count was of 16 ing the rather mild December and January; benign conditions in late December, were White-fronted Geese at Santee N.W.R., the best count was of four at L. Surf, N.C., partly responsiblefor excellent speciestotals S.C., Feb. 8 (DM), and MeNair had another Feb. 29 (TH). on many CBCs, and for a surprising number individual at Pee Dee N.W.R., Jan. 25-Feb. of count rarities, particularly warblers. 10. The Augusta, Ga., "Cinnamon" leal HAWKS THROUGH COOTS -- Two again spentthe winter, for the fourth consec- Krider's Red-tail• Hawks were noted at Eu- GREBES THROUGH IBISES -- A Red- utive year (AW), and the always-noteworthy faula N.W.R., Ga., Jan. 12 (A.A.S.), and necked Grebe was a good find at Pea I., Eur. Wigcon was detectedat Pea I., Dec. 27 another was seen near Savannah, Ga., in late N.C., Feb. 23 (THa,LH). Counts of 250 (MH). Although the mild December and Jan- February (JG). On the positive side, three Horned Grebes on L. Moulttie Jan. 20, and a uary kept waterfowl numbers rather low in Golden Eagles were noted--one on the Litch- similar number on L. Murray Jan. 30, both most places, there were several excellent field-Pawleys I. CBC Dec. 27 (ED etal.), one by McNair, attest to the remarkable popula- counts: 115 N. Shovelersat Santee N.W.R., at Eufaula N.W.R., during the winter •ide tions that winter on South Carolina lakes. Feb. 8 (DM); 15,000 Redheads in Bogue C.A.S.), and another in late December in Single Eared Grebes were found in North Sound, N.C., in January (fide JF); 180 Buf- Harris County, Ga. •ide C.A.S.). Bald Eagle Carolina at Orton Plantation, Brunswick fieheadsat Cumming, Ga., Jan. 30 (JP); and reports, particularly from •uth Carolina Co., Dec. I (MG), and at L. Pinehurst, 20,000 Red-breasted Mergansers seen from and G•rgia, were far too numerous to list in Moore Co., Dec. 19-Feb. 16 (TH,JC et ai.). the Cedar I. - Ocracoke ferry, N.C., Dec. 24 full. Numbers do seemto be up from • or 10 No reportsof pelagictrips were received,so it (KH,MT). Several observers have noted a years ago, except for the Noah C•olina was a surprisethat a shearwaterwas noted--a steady increasein Corn. Goldeneye numbers Outer Banks. The best counts were of five im- dead Audubon's in "partly fresh" condition over the past few yearsalong the North Car- matures seen at one time in Harris County at Ft. Macon S.P., N.C., Dec. 18 (JF). Sight- olina coast, with a few counts of 20+ birds. (FN--no date) and as many as four b•ds at ingsof White Pelicanscontinue to increasein Inland numbers seem to be more dependent Eufaula N.W.R., all winter (C.A.S.). Just the Region, with singles on the coast at Ft. on the severity of the winter weather than are one inland repo• of a Merlin, on the Aiken, Fisher, N.C., from mid-January - Feb. 29 coastal populations, and few were noted in- S.C., CBC Dec. 24 (AW) was disappointing, (RN,MG et ai.), at Huntington Beach S.P., land before the severe weather set in. and worse, not a single Peregrine Falcon w•s S.C., Jan. 19 (SA,MA), and inland at a pond Four Oldsquaws at L. Murray Dec. 1 was sighted iMand this winter. Two Sandhill at Statesville,N.C., in early December{fide an exciting find (DM), and another was a rar- Cranes at Eufaula N.W.R., Jan. 12 (VJ et SM). Brown Pelicans were unusually com- ity for the Atlanta area at Sweetwater Creek •i.) were unusual, and a surpr•ingly late mon in Carteret County, N.C., during the S.P., Feb. 16 - 29+ (D&DC,TS). Two imm. flight occurred over Atlanta Dec. 10-11, with winter. Absolutely remarkable were the 192 o' Harlequin Ducks at Ft. Macon S.P., Dec. four repor• on tho• days (TM). Fussellwas Double-crested Cormorants seen at L. Mar- 18 - Feb. 29 + (JF et ai.) helpedto make Car- again successful in eliciting Black Ra• ion, S.C., Feb. 8 (DM); 60% were irama- teret County the Region's hot spot for the respo•es on CBCs: three at Morehead City tures. A number of Green Herons lingeredn. winter season.Another Harlequin, a female, Dec. 23, and one at Wanchese on the Bodie- of their winter range, with four at three sites was observedFeb. 3 at Oregon Inlet, N.C. Pea I. count. However, he expressedconcern in Carteret County in January being most (BL,AB,EPo). Both riders were also en- that the heavy snowsand flooding that occur-

Volume 34, Number 3 263 JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- A ANIS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Pomarine Jaeger was seen at Pea 1., Dec. 26 The Groove-billed Ant at the Savannah (MT,KH,AB), and single Parasitics were N.W.R., S.C., first noted in late October, noted from shore at EImore's Inlet, Pender was last seen Dec. 9 (DF et al.). One of the Co., N.C., Nov. 30 (MG) and at Cape Look- most elusive of the Region's winter visitors, out Dec. I (JF). Two or three Parasitics were although perhapsregular everywherebut in s. observed at Cumberland 1., Ga., Dec. 31 Georgia, is the Long-eared Owl. Therefore, (LB,HG). Both of these speciesare regularly most noteworthy was an injured Long-eared seenin the Region in December, but most ap- seenon brush and trash piles along NC 49 in parently disappear by the end of the month, n. Stanly Co., N.C., Jan. 30 (EPa,AT), in since January and February records are broad daylight! It was capturedby hand, but scarce. The Morehead City-Beaufort area releasedimmediately. Single Whip-poor-wills was the site of the best flurry of rare gulls the were noted on the McClellanville CBC Dec. Region has ever seen. Between Jan. 19 and 16 (TO,BW), in c. Carteret County Dec. l0 & Feb. 29, one first-winter and two second- 23 (JF), and near Thomasville, Ga., Jan. 4 winter GlaucousGulls were found by Fussell (BC). Most unusual was a Chaelura swift et eL, in addition to one and possibly two seen at the dam at Ft. Gaines, Ga., Dec. 2 first-winter Iceland Gulls Jan. 17 - Feb. 29+ (JG et el.); this provided apparently the first (JF et el.). Fussellalso discoveredand photo- winter recordfor a swift in the Region.There graphed an ad. Iceland (Kumlien's) Gull were five winter reports of hummingbirds: there Jan. 18 - Feb. 10. Also in this area were one identified as a Ruby-throated, with no "several" ad. Lesser Black-backed Gulls: one description, at a Mr. Pleasant, S.C., feeder lmm. 9 King Eider, Ocracoke Harbor, NC, on the Morehead City CBC Dec. 23 (BL), an- all winter (E&SC,EGi); one (with no rufous) Dec. 24, 1979. Photo/Michael Tore. other at nearby Ft. Macon Feb. 4 (LC,BM), in a Beaufort, N.C., yard until Dec. 4 (SPo), one without descriptional nearby GIouccster red in e. North Carolina in February and ear- and a third at Morehead City Feb. 10-11 Dec. 6 (CH), one glimpsed at adjacent ly March may have been very detrimental to (JF,BM et al.). The first Regional report of an imm. Lesser Black-backed Gull was of an Harkers l., Dec. 22 (DCa), and one (with no rail populationsin that area, particularly the individual believed to have been in first- Black Rail at Cedar I. rufous) in a Morehead City yard Jan. 14 (JF winter plumage at Beaufort Jan. 26 (HL,MT, ll). All of these birds were probably Ruby- throated, and I suspect that most winter SHOREBIRDS -- Fussell saw a Wilson's KK). Last, but not least, four Black-legged Kittiwakes were found in this area Dec. hummingbirds in this Region are indeed this Plover at Beaufort Feb. 21, likely one of the species, and not Rufous Hummingbirds. two birds present there on the CBC Dec. 23. 23-Jan. 26, with the most interesting record Conway and Drennan {AB 33:130-132) sum- Seven Marbled Godwits were somewhat "in- being a healthy adult seen in a harbor at Beaufort Jan. 24, undoubtedly pushed "in- marized Rufous records for the Atlantic land" at Cedar l., Jan. 26 (HL,MT), and six Coast states, and it is clear that n. of Florida Long-billed Dowitchersseen with the godwits land" by strong SW winds that day (HL,MT,JF). Elsewhere, exciting gull rec- the speciesis seen mainly from September to were also noteworthy (HL,MT). ords were rather sparse.An ad. Glaucous was November and that there is no evidence (ex- cepting one South Carolina specimen) lO in- S.A. notable at Cape Hatteras Pt., Feb. 17 (BK et el.), and an ad. Lesser Black-backed was dicate that Rufous occurs in winter n. of The outstanding bird of the winter was there Feb. 2 (BL,AB). Other ad. Lessers,or Florida. Thus, l feel that Rufous is most like- the Black-lailed Godwil found by Hughes possibly the same bird, were noted at Bodie ly to occur here in late fall, especially in at Bodie 1., on the CBC there Dec. 27. A I., Dec. 26 (KH) and Jan. 26 {NB,EG). Single November. Nonetheless,I stronglyencourage multitude of birders observedand photo- ad. Black-headedGulls were seenat Oregon full details on all hummingbirds seen from graphed the godwit through Jan. 12. This Inlet Dec. 21 (SGr). Truly remarkable num- November to March. Quite significant was establisheda first record for the Region, bers of Bonaparte's Gulls were seen on South the discovery of ten Red-cockaded Wood- and apparently a first winter record for Carolina's larger lakes by McNair, with peak pecker cavity trees Dec. 30 in extreme e. North America. However, after studying counts of 150 at L. Moulttie Jan. 20, 350 at Chatham County, not far from Jordan Res. this individual carefully, Hughes has L. Murray Jan. 30, 550 at L. Wateree Jan. (LP); Peacock observed an individual there -stated(pets. comm.) that a godwitseen by 28, and 1300 at L. Marion Feb. 8. Forster's Feb. 24. Although this locale extends the him and others at Pea 1., Feb. 27, 1971, Terns were also in incredible numbers on range inland only slightly, it is one of just a .and reported as a HudsontanGodwit (AB these lakes, with 450 at L. Moulttie Jan. 20, handful of Piedmont sites in the Carolinas 25:564) was actually a Black-tailed. At the and 450-550at L. Marion Jan. 19 and Feb. 8 for this species.The 60 Red-cockadedstallied time the 1971 godwit was observed, he (DM). A Forster's far inland at Clemson in on the Southern Pines, N.C., CBC Dec. 22, had no experiencewith either of thesetwo late January provided a first winter record although achieved with a specialsearch, set a species.This turn of events casts a serious for that area (SG). No reports of alcids were new national CBC high {.fide JC). doubt about the validity of godwits re- receivedfor the period. ported as Hudsontans on the unlikely dates of Dec. 30, 1972 at Sapelo 1., Ga. LARKS THROUGH PIPITS -- McNair (Oriole 38:1-5) and Feb. 25, 1973 at found Horned Larks to be quite common Moore's Landing near Charleston (AB during the winter in Richmond and Anson 27:602). counties, N.C., where they are assumedto be uncommon; a flock of 100 at Ellerbe was not- Both speciesof yellowlegslingered at Jor- able Jan. 6. An early Tree Swallow was at L. dan Res., Chatham Co., N.C., into the win- Surf, N.C., Feb. 29 (TH), and at least 500 ter, with the best counts being five Greaters Fish Crows in two flocks in s. Berrie County, Jan. 19 (JOP,EP), and 14 Lessers Dec. 30 N.C., Dec. 26 was a high number for so far (AC,RC). A Solitary Sandpiper was excep- inland in winter (HL,ML). Red-breastedNut- tionally late on the McClellanville, S.C., hatches were scarce or absent everywhere, CBC Dec. 16 (PN,TMu, fide JS), perhapsa with most CBCs missing Ihe species.Two first CBC record for the Region. Mid-winter Short-billed Marsh Wrens were new to the Spotted Sandpipers were rare near Pender- Atlanta CBC Dec. 16 (fide TM); others in- grass, Ga., Feb. 2 (JG,MJ) and Beaufort, land were one on the Chapel Hill CBC Dec. N.C., Jan. 26 (RJH,JF). Notable shorebirds 30 (FR,MSt), and two at Santee N.W.R., at Santee N.W.R., Jan. 19 were a Lesser Feb. 22 (DM). A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at Yellowlegs, three Long-billed Dowitchers, Clemson Jan. 20 (SG) provided a rare and a Dunlin (DM), and four more Dunlins lmm. cyHarlequin Ducks, Fort Macon, NC, January record for the Piedmont, whereas a were late Dec. 20 at Jordan Res. (LP). Dec. 23, 1979. Photo/Michael Tove. count of 30 gnatcatchersat Savannah Ref.,

264 AmericanBirds, May 1980 Dec. 9 was excellent for the season (DF et before Florida birders encounter them regu- FLORIDA REGION al). Water Pipits became unusually abun- larly. Red Crossbills went completely unre- dant in s.c. North Carolina in February and ported for the secondconsecutive winter, nor /Henry M. Stevenson early March, possibly being pushed south- did anyone see one of the rarer winter ward and coastally by heavy snowfalls; finches. Galizio counted 700+ in coastal Pender Florida's proclivity for late winters was ex- County in early February. On the other hand, all five of the secretive acerbated this year. Temperatures ran near speciesof sparrows that winter in the Region normal in December and January, but WARBLERS THROUGH TANAGERS were detected. Gauthreaux saw three of them dropped well below normal in February -- This seasonwas highlightedby a remarka- at the Savannah R. Plant near Martin, S.C.: (mean temp.-4.7øF below normal at Talla- ble number of noteworthy warbler sightings, a GrasshopperDec. 18, a Le Conte's Dec. 17, hassee). Perhaps because of the lack of cold owing mainly to mild temperatures in No- and a Bachman's Dec. 16-17. Henslow's and weather until late winter, a number of species vember and December. A Tennessee Warbler Bachman's sparrows are not known to winter lingerednorth of their typical winter range, was observedby Moore in his yard in Mariet- as far n. as Carteret County but perhaps no and the flight of northern finches was very ta, Ga., Dec. 2, 9 & 16; it was feedingat sap- one had ever looked there, despite the pres- poor. However, there were many records of sucker holes. A Nashville Warbler at Pea I. ence of prime habitat (open longleaf pine other northern species. (KK,KI) was even more noteworthy, simply woods). Special searchturned up a Henslow's becauseit was seeneleven days later, Dec. 27, in w. Carteret County Jan. 25-26 (JF, BM et POPULATION DECLINES -- In two and a Northern Waterthrush was also seen at al.), and one or two Bachman's there Dec. separate sets of field data in the Tallahassee Pea I., the same day (PS). In South Carolina 21-Feb. 17 (HL et al.). Several Henslow's Division(hereafter, Talla. Div.), Leon Coun- notable finds were a 9 N. Parula near Charle- were found near the n. end of the range at ty and the coastal counties in December and ston at Magnolia Gardens Jan. 15 (TR), and Carolina Beach, N.C., in January (PC et al.), January, the following specieswere slgmfl- a Yellow Warbler on the McClellanville CBC and a Bachman's seen by Jay Carter near cantly below their long-term norms in both Dec. 16 (PN, fide JS). Another rarity was a Marston, N.C., Jan. 31 was noteworthy. The areas both months: Double-crested Cor- Cape May Warbler at McCain, Hoke Co., shy Lincoln's Sparrow was seen at Bodie I., morant, Black Duck, Canvasback, Lesser N C., Jan. 4 (LW), with two havingbeen pre- Dec. 27 (GW) & 29 (KH,HL). Only singlere- Scaup, Ruddy Duck, Black Vulture, Forster's sent there Dec. 5. North Carolina got its sec- ports of Tree Sparrows and Snow Buntings Tern, Common Ground Dove, Tree Swallow, ond record of Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) were received, perhaps a result of the mild Brown Creeper, Eastern Bluebird, Golden- Warbler, a well-marked male seen in woods early winter; yet Lapland Longspurs were crowned Kinglet, Water Pipit, Loggerhead along a creek at Durham Feb. 3 to the middle found at five localities. In North Carolina, Shrike, Palm Warbler, Red-winged Black- of the month (MS,LS). Somewhatoutside the four longspurs were at Mangum Dec. 8 bird, Rusty Blackbird, American Goldfinch, edge of the winter range were singleYellow- (DM), one at Cape Hatteras Dec. 25 Rufous-sided Towfee, and White-throated throated Warblers at Morehead City Dec. 13 (MT,KH), 12 on the Roanoke Rapids CBC Sparrow. (Omitted from this list are several (JF), Santee N.W.R., Jan. 20 (C.N.H.S.), Jan. I (BL,MT), and four at Jordan Res., other species whose apparent decreasesare and most of December and January at Dub- Jan. 19 (LP,MP). Five were very rare near surely owing to a major change in field lin, Ga. (TKP). Also at Dublin was the same Charleston Feb. 9 (PN); these were with a coveragebeginning in 1975.) Italicizedspecies Wilson's Warbler, in the exact location, that flock of 100 Vesper Sparrows at the U.S. are those that continued a long-term decline was presentthis past March; it was observed Vegetable Laboratory. Several other speciesprobably remained far- on numerous occasions Dec. 9-Feb. 26 ther north in unusual numbers. Probably the (TKP). A cy Yellow-headed Blackbird was CONTRIBUTORS -- Jackson Abbott, most encouraging feature of the list is the noted at Decatur, Ga., Jan. 2 (TF). SingleN. Mary Alford, Stan Alford, Atlanta Audubon presenceof only three species(ground dove, Orioles were at feeders at Decatur Dec. 8 & 15 Society, Clarence Belger, Doris Benlow, Liz pipit, shrike) known to have been much (JRy) and at Sandy Springs,S.C., late Janu- Bradshaw, Allen Bryan, Norman Budnitz, reduced by the cold winters of 1976-77 and ary - mid-February(PG,HL); this speciessel- Angelo Capparella, Dana Carter (DCa), Jay 1977-78 (AB 31:323 and 32:339), indicating dom winters in the upper Piedmont of the Carter, Robin Carter, Charleston Natural recovery to about normal abundance by the Region. Western Tanagerswere found on the History Society, Don & Doris Cohrs, Colum- other specieslisted. Other speciesconsidered Roanoke Rapids, N.C., CBC Jan. I (ML) bus Audubon Society, Ed & Sandra Conradi, subnormalin abundancein someparts of the and at a feeder in New Bern, N.C., in late Bobby Crawford, Larry Crawford, Pat Cul- state are Common Loon (Keys), LesserScaup January (BH et al.). bertson, Evelyn Dabbs, Treadway Foley, (SoutheastCoast), Bonaparte's Gull (South- Dennis Forsythe, John Fussell, John Fussell west Coast and Keys), Cedar Waxwing FINCHES -- Another rare feeder species II, Mark Galizio, Eric Garner, Hugh Garrett, (SoutheastCoast and Keys), American Robin 0n winter) recorded in the Region was Rose- Sid Gauthreaux, Elsie Gieseke(EGi), Phyllis (Keys), and White-throated Sparrow (North- breasted Grosbeak: single males with some Graham, SteveGraves (SGr), Joe Greenberg, ern Florida). traces of breeding plumage were observed at R.J. Hader, Libbus Haggerty, Tom Haggerty Charleston Dec. 20-25 (SL et al.) and at (THa), Carol Hamilton (CHa), Kevin Hintsa, LOONS THROUGH SHEARWATERS Morehead City Feb. 7 (DB). A •5 indigo Martha Hoggard, Bob Holmes, Carolyn -- BO saw a Red-throated Loon at Dekle Bunting seenin open pinewoodsin w. Carter- Hoss, Tom Howard, David Hughes, Kent Beach, Taylor Co., Jan. 20 and two at Cedar et County Feb. 1 was most unusual for both lhrman, Vince Jackson, Mike Jones, Brian Key Feb. 16, but none on the Atlantic Coast r time and place (BL,AB). Although a few Keelan, Ken Knapp, Harry LeGrand, Shand Another Gulf Coast record came from Alli- Evening Grosbeakspushed S to Savannah, Lessman, Bob Lewis, Merrill Lynch, Bob gator Pt., Franklin Co., Dec. 31 (BA, LA & Ga. (JR), they were rare to uncommon in Manns (BMa), Sue McConnell, Douglas SI). Still uncollected and unphotographed in South Carolina and Georgia, but fairly com- McNair, Bill Moffitt, Terry Moore, Teddy Florida, the Red-necked Grebe was seen at mon in parts of c. North Carolina; counts of Muckenfuss(TMu), Robert Needham, Foster St. George I., Jan. 17 (NW). Two Manx 200 at a feeder in Chapel Hill Feb. 17 (CHa), Northrop, Perry Nugent, Tim Opler, Eric Shearwaters off Cape Canaveral Jan. 17 (JJ and 600 in bottomlands at Pee Dee N.W.R., Paisley (EPa), J.F. Parnell, T.K. Patterson, et al.) were among the few ever seen in Jan. 9 (DM) were quite surprising. On the Lance Peacock, Jeff Petit, Margaret Pierce, Florida, and a Sooty Shearwater over Florida other hand, everyoneagreed that Pine Siskin Eloise Potter (EPo), Stanley Potter (SPo), Bay Dec. 12 (JO, Sandy Sprunt etal.) was out was rare everywhere, with just a handful of Skip Prange, Elizabeth Pullman, J.O. Pull- of place. sightings. Everyone also agreed on House man, Tom Reeves, Fritz Reid, John Rollins, Finch: it was presentin larger numbersin the Jane Ryan (JRy), Lois Schultz, Mike Schultz, Region than ever before, with s. limits of oc- Jay Shuler, Ginny Soules, Terrill Soules, PELECANIFORMS -- Ten White Peli- currence to Morehead City, Augusta, and Martin Stumpf (MSt), Paul Sykes, Mike cans in flight W off St. Marks Light Feb 9 Columbus. Notable House Finch records Tove, Adrian Tuckley, Anne Waters, Libba (Robt. Crawford, JCG) were early migrants were too numerous to list, although counts of Watson, Bob Whitcomb, Gary Williamson. An imm. Brown Booby at St. George I., Dec 125 at Atlanta Jan. 26 (GS,TS), 50 at Mariet- -- HARRY E. LeGRAND, JR., Department 31 (BA, LA & SI), documentedby convincing ta Jan. 16 (BMa), and up to 100 all winter at of Zoology, Clemson University, Clemson, sketches,may have provided the first winter Augusta(CB) indicate that it may not be long S.C. 29631. record in the Talla. Div. Great Cormorants,

Volume 34, Number 3 265 CENTRAL SOUTHERN Another record- Keys, a dark-phase Short-tailed Hawk was at REGION - -TALLAHASSEE breaking number for Key Largo Dec. 8 (JO, MaryanneBiggar). A DIVISION Florida was 15 singlead. Golden Eagle was being harassed White-fronted Geese by a Bald Eagle in w. Franklin County Dec. near Tallahassee 31 (BA, LA & Sl), and an immature was at (JCG) in January TosohatcheeState PreserveFeb. 10 (Rick and February, and Detainer, Gay Shiver). seven flew into a field in n. Leon CRANES, GALLINULES AND PLOV- County Dec. 22 (Bob ERS -- An unusuallylarge and late migrating Prather). A large in- flock of 22 Sandhill Cranes flew E past St. land count was that Marks Light Dec. 9 (RMC). Winter breeding of 24 Com. Golden- records of the Corn. Gallinule consisted of eyes at L. Talquin, two broods of young estimated at 3-4 weeks Leon Co., Jan. 26 old at St. Petersburg,a brood of four Dec. 10 (RMC & GM). A and one of threeFeb. 29 (LA). Rarely seenon Canada Goose at the Keys, an Am. Golden Plover remained at Conservation Area Key West Nov. 6-Dec. 17 (TW). 3A, Broward Co., OTHER SHOREBIRDS -- The Talla. Dec. 13 (PS & Noel Div. had its second and third winter records Snyder) was unusually far s.. Two Old- of Solitary Sandpiper at two localities near squaws were seenoff Tallahasseeseveral miles apart; the fact that the first bird left after Dec. 9 and the second St. Marks Light Jan. 26 (RL et al.) and was present Dec. 25-Jan. 12 suggeststhe one was near St. possibility that both occurrencesinvolved the rare but increasing in Florida, were at James,Franklin Co., Feb. 17 (RMC). Oneof samebird (GM; ph. HMS, to T.T.). Another Hickory Mound L., Taylor Co., Dec. 9 Florida's very few King Eiders--and its first rarity on the Keys is the Whimbrel; one was (NW), L. Talquin, Leon Co., in early ad. male--was reported near Melbourne Feb. at BocaChica Nov. 26-Jan.4 (BarbaraFox). December (Steve Jones), and two were at 29 by Fred and Pat Harden, who canoed to Two "experienced and reliable" observers Sebastian Inlet Dec. 30-mid January (m.ob.). within 50 ft. Scoterswere apparently rare this carefully noted the bill features and other field marks of a Hudsonian Godwit at Bonita One Anhinga reachedBig Pine Key Jan. 19 winter,but one Black Seoterwas at Alligator (RP, BP, Margaret Brown). Pt., Jan. 20 (Julia Watt). CommonMergan- Beachcauseway Feb. 29 (J. & P. Ware). The sers appeared at two localities: Wards Bank only Ruff reportedwas near BoyntonBeach Jan. 5-8 (HL, GH, Thos. Heatly). American WADING BIRDS -- According to C. G. (formerlyFt. George1.) at the mouth of the St. Johns R., had at least two Dec. 29-Feb. Avocetsin n. Florida were five at Alligator Cutlip, 250+_ "egrets" began nestingearly at 18, and a female was seen at Double Branch Pt., Jan. 27 (Leon Neel) and one at Wards Corkscrew Sanctuary, but attempted nesting Bank Dec. 2 (JLW). by Wood Storks failed. Rare in winter in the Cr., HillsboroughCo., Dec. 22-Mar. 7 (Wes- Talla. Div., a Cattle Egret was near St. Marks ley Biggs,Dave Goodwin, ph. LA to T. T.). GULLS -- At least90% of Florida's truly commonmer- Light Jan. 13 (RMC); one there Feb. 27 (F. & S.A. B. Stoutamire) may have been an early arriv- ganser,the Red-breasted,are usually in •5 plumage, but ad. males were much more al. Two Am. Flamingoswere out of range at numerousthis winter, making up at least Since my arrival in Florida in 1946 it Mosquito Lagoon Feb. 10 (HK), and the has been obvious that gulls, in contrast Talla. Div. had its first winter record of the 50% the total in a singleflock of 200mergan- sersin Tampa Bay Jan. 18 (LA & HMS). with somegroups of birds, have greatly Roseate Spoonbill at St. Marks Light Dec. increased. Speciesonce common are now l-Feb. 17 (Doug Gage, m.ob.; ph. HMS, to DIURNAL RAPTORS -- An imm. White- abundant, former rarities have become T.T.). tailed Kite was found 7 mi. n.e. of Bronson regular, and new speciesare frequently Dec. 14; BO provided an excellent descrip- located.One of the best areas for gulls, SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS -- Six tion. The locally rare Goshawk occurred in Toytown Dump at St. Petersburg, often Whistling Swanson the OccidentalChemical JacksonvilleDec. 2 (VM adult) and an im- had 30,000 to possibly40,000 gulls this Company's ponds near White Springs Dec. mature was e. of Baldwin Dec. 7 (BO). Al- winter. It was here thai Thayer's Gull was 8-23 (V. B. Willis, Jr.) may have constituted most as rare, a dark-phase Rough-legged finally known to occur in Florida when the largest flock on record in Florida; one Hawk was in the Apalachicola N.F., Dec. 18 Lyn Atherton had her photographs of was at St. Marks Light Dec. 7 (HMS, NW). (J. Black, John Vickers). Seldom seenon the three first-year birds confirmed by Joe Jehl and Guy McCaskie (extreme dates Jan. 4-Mar. 22; LA, m.ob.). ¾oytown y. Dump also had one to four California Gullsthroughout the period(LA, m.ob.), eventhough added to the Florida list just one year ago, and a new max. of nine Lesser Black-backed Gulls (mid-Decem- ber to March; LA, m.ob.).

Other Lesser Black-backed Gulls included four near PompanoBeach Feb. 11-17(JB, MG), one at PelicanN.W.R., Feb. 11 (HK, Mike Irwin). Also on the honor roll of rarities was an imm. Blaek-headed Gull at Anastasia 1., Dec. 15-22, well described and sketched (BO, JLW et al.). Less unusual were two GlaucousGulls near Mayport Jan. 15-Feb. 18 (JLW, Robt. Loftin) a first year imm. Glaucousnear TitusvilleFeb. 10 (HK), and First-winter Thayer's Gulls, Toytown Dump, SL Petersburg,FL, Jan. 4 - Mar. 28, 1980. two Franklin's Gulls near Pompano Beach Photos/Lyn Atherton. Feb. 11-17 (JB & MG).

266 AmericanBirds, May 1980 TERNS -- Three reports dealt with species VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- The only The only Dickcissel reported was at Tampa seldom seen here in winter: a Roseate Tern at Bell's Vireo reported was near Hypoluxo Jan. Dec. I 1-16 (LA). Two sight recordsof Savan- Sebastian Inlet Dec. 30 (J J, ph. Robt. Barber 19 & 25 (HL, GH et al.). A very late Ten- nah (Ipswich) Sparrows are believed valid: but photo not reviewed), a Black Tern in nessee Warbler was mist-netted and banded one at Wards Bank Dec. 29-30 (JLW: BA, Florida Bay Jan. 5 (RP & M. Van der Voort), at the Archbold Biol. Sta., Highlands Co., LA & SI) and one at St. Augustine Inlet Jan. and a probable Bridled Tern (light saddle Dec. I (Jonnie Fisk), and a Yellow Warbler 23 (BO)--apparently the southernmostcredi- acrossnape not seen) near LoggerheadKey, was at Loxahatchee N.W.R., Feb. 23 (HL et ble record. All three recordsof Clay-colored Dry Tortugas, Jan. 19 (PB). al.). Other rare warblers, at least for the areas Sparrows came from the lower East Coast: where recorded, were: Magnolia: Key West 2-4 near Hypoluxo Jan. 20 to late February ANIS, NIGHTHAWKS AND FLY- Jan. 10-27 (TW), Black-throated Green: (HL, TT, BH, Wm. Matthews, St.), one near CATCHERS -- A Groove-billed Ani at Jacksonville Jan. 16-Feb. 15 (VM), Prairie: Boynton Beach Feb. 16 (HL), and one Paynes Prairie, Alachua Co., Jan. 12 (Steve Jacksonville Dec. 12 (PP), and two throughout the period at W. Palm Beach Nesbitt) was unusual in being farther inland Wilson's--one near St. Marks Light Dec. 14 (Ann Ayers). The rarest bird in this group and farther e. than most previous records. (Chris Howard), another at Loxahatchee was a Harris' Sparrow near Titusville Dec. Most nighthawks reported in Florida in N.W.R., Feb. 15 (HL, TT). Some observers 31-Jan. 8 (Doug Stuckey, m.ob.). A few winter occur near large buildings in cities, but commented on the increased numbers of White-crowned Sparrows wintered at Talla- one of uncertain specieswas seen flying over Orange-crowned Warblers, and two obser- hassee(GM; RMC & CE). Single Lincoln's open country in n.e. Polk County, Jan. 5 vers were fortunate enough to hear the spe- Sparrows were near Chiefland Feb. l0 (BO) (Jack Dozier). Perhaps the first two winter cies in song (JS, S.A. Grimes). and Veto Beach Jan. 20 (FG). Those two records of the E. Wood Pewee in n. Florida boreal visitors, the Lapland Longspur and were reported at Newport Jan. 19 (BO) and BLACKBIRDS AND ORIOLES -- A cy Snow Bunting, again appeared at Wards Orange L., Alachua Co., Feb. 11 (JH). At Yellow-headed Blackbird was near Port Bank (possibly the only known locality in the the latter locality members of the Alachua Charlotte Jan. 26 + (observer not stated). At Florida Region for the latter)--the longspur Audubon Society saw a • Vermilion Fly- or near their n. limil were two Spot-breasted Jan. 6 (JLW) and the bunting Nov. 25-Feb. catcher periodically to Jan. 19. Orioles near Vero Beach Dec. 26-late Febru- 18 (m. ob.). ary (FG). Another change in the status of LARKS THROUGH PIPITS -- Also rare Florida species was dramatized when the INITIALED OBSERVERS -- Brooks in Florida were two Horned Larks at St. Talla. Div. had only two records of Rusty Atherton, L•n Atherton, Joanna Burger, Augustine Inlet Feb. 10 (BO, JLW), and a Blackbirds (RMC et aLL but four of Page Brown, Ted Below, Robin M. Carter, Rough-winged Swallow near Tallahassee Brewer's--one near Carrabelle Beach Dec. 17 Caroline Eastman, Frances Graves, J. C. Dec. 26 (GM) was unusual for n. Florida. (HMS), two at L. Jackson Dec. 28 and Jan. 2 Gayhartt, Michael Gochfcld, Brian Hope, Early Purple Martins were noted al (GM), one to two at TallahasseeJan. 13-Feb. Gloria Hunter, John Hintermister, Scott Hypoluxo near Palm Beach Jan. 26 (HL, 14 (Jas. Cavanagh, HMS), and a pair near lshcrwood, Johnnie Johnson, Herbert Kale, Barbara Liberman), Jacksonville Jan. 27 Medart Jan. 28 (HMS). Howard Langridge, Robert Loftin, Gall (Denby Gatlin), n. Leon County Jan. 30 Menk, Virginia Markgraf, Bryan Obst, John (HMS), and TallahasseeJan. 31 (GM). At the TANAGERS THROUGH SPARROWS Ogden, Peggy Powell, Richard Paul, Jas. s. edge of their range, if not somewhat -- Malcolm Simons found a pair of W. Stevenson, Paul Sykes, Tadziu Trotsky, beyond, were six Fish Crows at Cutler Ridge, Tanagers al Captiva l., Feb. 8 and George Joseph L. Wilson, Noel Warner, Thurlow Dade Co., Feb. 22 (JO). Sprague's Pipit Saunders found a record-breaking winter Weed. OTHER ABBREVlATIONS--T.T., spent the winter on the St. George 1. group of eight Blue Grosbeaksat Vero Beach Tall Timbers Research Station.--HENRY M. causeway, where two were seenDec. 31 (BA, Feb. 23-25; another Blue Grosbeak was at STEVENSON, Tall Timbers Research Sia- LA & Sl) and one Feb. 19 (JS). Delray Beach throughout the period (BH). lion, RI. I, Box 160, Tallahassee, FL 32312.

ly thinly scattered,although in fact the Tor- is not easy, however, and is even more diffi- ONTARIO REGION onto Ornithological Club's January 6 inven- cult if the data are submergedin the tradi- /Clive E. Goodwin tory (hereafter, T.O.C. count) recorded an tional systematicsequence. Much of the story all-time (33-year) record of 29,600 For much of Ontario the past winter never birds, with ten spe- arrived, at least during the reportingperiod. cies in record num- At Toronto there was a moderate winter bers as well. storm at the beginningof Decemberand little i/' w..i,,•i•-•:• more snow until March, and continuingmild BIRDS NORTH weather until February quickly eliminated OF NORMAL WIN- what little snow there was. The story was the TER RANGES -- same over much of the south, and although Wintering attempts snowfall in the north was more normal it also by species that nor- .,?t ,,,,o...... was abnormally mild for the first two mally leave the Re- months. gion were undoubt- LocnrNipigø_n Hearstß The late migrants mentionedin the last re- edly the feature of ]', Kirkland port remainedto becomewintering birds and the season. Arnold the result was a formidable list of hangers-on, Dawe, reporting with good numbers of many speciespresent from Toronto, said into February, when such lingerers have his account was usually succumbedto ice and cold. more like fall than In spiteof this it wasa quiet winter. Winter winter, and fully ] • Port Kingston•/ finches and other "traditional" winter birds 45% (74 species)of were scarce or almost absent in most areas. the noteworthy ob- Many feeder owners never replenishedtheir servations this win- feeders for the three months, and this lack of ter fell into this cate- landbird concentrations was paralleled gory. Presenting a among waterfowl. Open water led to the coherent summary birds beingunusually dispersed and seeming- of the phenomenon

Volume 34, Number 3 267 is of birdswintering farther north, in greater cember. An E. Phoebe was there to Jan. 27 the increasedparticipation in the countsthan numbers,and survivinglonger than is usual. (PAW), a Blue-grayGnatcatcher to Dec. 2 to the actual number of birds present.How- With two or threeexceptions all the species (GBr,RC,JO), a SwainsoWsThrush to Dec. 8 ever, both Dark-eyedJunco and Tree Spar- reportedhave occurred in winter before, and (JAG,JPK,KO), a White-eyedVireo to Dec. row were down in numbers from lhe earlier mostof them occurregularly; and enumerat- 9 (AW,DF), and a Black-throatedBlue War- years, and 13 species showed increasesover ing the increasedvolume of reportswould be bler to Dec. 5 (RDM). The latter was one of 1978, although only in sevenof thesewere the boring even if spacewas available. So what 11species of warblerrecorded during the sea- totals also higher than in 1977(Screech Owl, followsis a sampling,with muchomitted. son. These includedan Orange-crownedat Corn. Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Corn. On NewYear's Day in Londonit waspos- ipperwashDec. 15 (fide AHK), a Yellow- Grackle, Cardinal, White-crowned and sibleto seetwo speciesof swallowsand four brested Chat at Long Pt., Dec. 5-Jan. 8 White-throated sparrows). Interestingly, of warblers, most of thesebirds at the Green- (m.ob.),and several other species were pre- neither Swamp nor Song sparrowsshowed vale sewageplant; threeRough-wingeds and sent right through the period: Yellow- much changefrom 1978, so the picturewas a Barn Swallow had been found there Dec. 3 rumpedse. at least to Toronto (m.ob.), a by no means clear cut. (BDS,WRJ), and a Yellow Warbler -- the Black-and-whitein Londonin earlyFebruary first ever in winter in Ontario -- had ap- (fide WRJ) anda Palmthere Mar. I (MEC et LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Two peared Dec. 18 (BH,WRJ). Elsewhere a aL), anda Pineat Hockleythroughout (fide Red-throatedLoons were seen, off KettlePt., Black-throated Gray Warbler had been seen GB). Dec. I (AR) and Wolfe I., Dec. 16 (RKE). Dec. 28 with chickadees,only Ontario's The datesof sightingswere more remark- The Port Credit Great Cormorant did not re- sixth-ever(H&SI), and all thesespecies re- able than the speciesalone in severalother re- appearthere but both specieswere reported: maineduntil a coldsnap Jan. 6, andin fact,a ports:late season occurrences of suchspecies Double-crestedsat Erieau Dec. 16 (fide as Great Blue Heron and Brown Thrasher PAW) and at Dundas to Feb. 20 (RF), and were unusually common, but less usual were Great reports started at Prince Edward Pt. recordssuch as the Ruby-crownedKinglet at (hereafter, P.E.Pt.), Dec. 15 (JE et aL) and WhitbyFeb. 2 (MB), WaterPipit at Toronto moved on to Toronto Jan. 15 and Feb. 25 Feb. 28 (MW,LW), and Rose-breastedGros- (MF,FB) with a bird of ambiguousidentity beaksat Pickeringthroughout (GS,m.ob.) whichsounded more like thisspecies at Inger- and at Kirkland L. in January(IR,LH,f/de soll Jan. 11-13 (DB et al.). A late fall Cattle PWR). Egret was at Holiday Beach Nov. 30 (BE). The Rose-breastedGrosbeak in the n. was oneof themost noteworthy of severalspecies remainingunusually far n. On Manitoulinl., SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Mute Swans openwater not only allowedGreater Scaup continue to increasealong the n. shoreof L. and Red-breastedMerganser to winter(Jb0, Ontario: the T.O.C. count yieldeda record Barn Swallow, London, Ont., Jan. 5, 1980. but there was a Ring-neckedDuck and an 49 and a bird was inland at Buckhorn Dec. 14 Photo/Alan Wormington. Am. Coot at MindemoyaFeb. 9 (JL,CB). At (RDM). Two Whooper Swansreappeared at Sudbury there were five Corn. Grackles Feb. Bronte from Feb. 3 (m.ob.) but the general 18 (DN) and two White-throatedSparrows consensus is now thal these birds were es- therein the sameperiod (JN). In the n.w. a capees.At least three sourcesof breeding Dark-eyedJunco at SapaweFeb. 15(NB) and stockexist in Ontarioalone, and birds report- a Tree Sparrowat Atikokan Feb. 22 (TN) edly have been sold to waterfowl enthusiasts were equally rare for that area. In the extreme for pricesin the $200-300range: while not ex- e. of the Provincethe storywas similar. Ot- actly "scattered around like so many bud- tawa had its first wintering Pintails and gerigars",as one observerdrily put it, there, Am. Wigeons,and also a WhistlingSwan to seemto be ampleto make escapeesprobable. Dec. 7 (MBr) and a GadwallDec. 30 (SG). Thedate of theirreappearance this year--just Landbird winterers there included two Red- after freeze-upof the larger inland water headedWoodpeckers, a N.Oriole (fide SG) bodies--is also consistentwith this idea. Can- and a Clay-coloredSparrow (WEG). Winter ada Geesenumbers are still growing, with waterfowl records away from the Great 11,247 on the Ontario inventory Jan. 2-6 (M.N.R.); their flocks included scattered Black-throatedGray Warbler,London, Ont., Lakesreflected the greateramounts of open Snow Geese, 15 in all. Five Brant were on Jan. 5, 1980.Photo/Alan Wormington. water: most noteworthy were a Gadwall at London Jan. 13 (JWL) and two Corn. Mer- Amherst I., Dec. 11 (FP) and a White- fronted Goose at Toronto Jan. 19 & Feb. 14 Barn Swallowwas seen at nearbyMelbourne ganserson theOxtongue R., AlgonquinP.P., (PRM,BC). An exceptional flock of 350+ Jan. 21 (DM). Feb. 15 (CE). Black Ducks was seen at Whitby Jan. 13 Not even Point Pelee N.P. and vicinity Many migrant specieswere felt to be in un- (MB), and theT.O.C. countincluded a single (herefafter,Pelee) had quite sucha remark- usuallylarge numbers: Brown Creepers, Gray flock of 484 Gadwall(CEG,JEG,AD), much ableassortment, but the Provincial picture of Catbirds, Hermit Thrushes, Golden-crowned exceedingall previous count totals: the new winterrarities spanned the check list. Unprec- Kinglets and severalsparrow specieswere total was 868. There were somehigh counts edented in winter were a Green Heron at among those mentioned most frequently. of otherspecies at the beginningof theperiod BurlingtonDec. 18 (EV) and a Chimney However, many of the speciesinvolved are with 75 Green-wingedTeal at DundasDec. 1 Swift at RondeauJan. 4 (PAW). Peleehad thosefelt to havebeen hard-hit by the severe (RC) and 27 at Mimicothe sameday OAK). the last of three Turkey Vulturesightings wintersof the previousthree or four years,so Kelley also had 50 N. Shoveler at Toronto Jan. 5 (CV,GC). A Corn. Gallinule was at their abundance would be relative to an init- Dec. 8 when 35 Ruddy Ducks were seenat Whitby to Jan. 13 (DC), and there was an ially low level. In an attempt to assessthis, Hamilton (KMcL). assortmentof shorebirds:a Semipalmated figures from the CBCs of the past three There were five Barrow's Goldeneyes,as Plover and two Sanderlingsat Presqu'ile winters(provided by DennisRupert's excel- both the "old faithful" at Ottawa(SG) and P.P., to Dec. 7 (GC,RDM), the latestof sev- lent analyses)were comparedwith totals for another bird at Niagara Falls (m.ob.) were eralKilldeers at HamiltonJan. 18(AW), and 1963-64and 1966-67for 18 selectedspecies, presentthroughout. Other birds were at Min- on the Niagara R., a Dunlin at the Falls Jan. using the 25 Ontario counts that were most demoya Feb. 9 (CB,JL), Presqu'ile P.p., 6 (TH,MR) anda RedPhalarope at Niagara- comparableover thesetwo periods.The exer- Jan. 17 (RDM) and periodicallyat Sombra on-the-LakeJan. 6 (GC). Late wrensinclud- ciseprovided some interesting results -- in- from Dec. 29 (DR). Harlequin Duckswere ed a Long-billedMarsh Wren at Cayugato terestingenough to suggestthat a more care- also present in record numbers: there was a Dec. 10 (BD) and three or more House ful statisticalanalysis along these lines might high of three at Oakville and two at Mimico Wrens,the latest at BronteJan. 18(MJ,AW). be worthwhile. Most speciesshowed marked Feb. 3 (JAK), one at Hamilton from Dec. 2 Peleehad a veritablebonanza of lates,par- increasesfrom the 1960censuses, for reasons (HK,m.ob.) and othersat IpperwashDec. 10- ticularly in the first coupleof weeksin De- onemight suspectare perhapsmore related to 29 (AR) and Sombrafrom Dec. 11 (DR).

268 AmericanBirds, May 1980 Four King Eider reports in December in- birds n. to Mindemoy•ain January(EG) and cluded a near-record 20 on the St. Clair R., Sudbury Feb. 2-29 (CB,JL). Owls were Dec. I (DR). A flock of 25 was reported in scarce. The Owl Rehabilitation and Research 1966. The presumed hybrid Hooded Mer- Foundationonly handled ten owls in three gansetX Com. Goldeneyewas again in Sar- months, the lowest count since the facility nia Bay to Feb. 3. There were four reports of was properly established. It is noteworthy this bird, which was identified primarily on that in about six yearsthe Foundation has re- the basis of head and bill shape (DR,m.ob.). leased 96 young Barn Owls along the lower An unusual concentration of 4000 Red- Great Lakes, 89 of them hatched and raised breasted Mergansers was off Fort Erie Feb. by permanently damaged wild parents (KM). 13 (GB,AD). The second surprising result from the CBC analysis was a huge and totally unexpected HAWKS, EAGLES -- It was not a partic- jump in ScreechOwl figures: fourfold, from ularly good hawk winter. Accipiter numbers an average of 12 in the 1960sto 48 in the late were low-to-average,although it is only in the 1970s. Are there really more ScreechOwls, or past few years that winter totals have been are censusgroups finding them more effi- kept. Excluding CBC records there were 12 ciently? We did not think the practice of tape Goshawks, 18 Sharp-shinneds and nine recordersearches had hit the Ontario CBCs Cooper's hawks reported.There was little in to any great extent. The Snowy Owl flight the way of late Buteo movement, although was poor to mediocre, and Long-earedOwls 114 Red-taileds were migrating at Holiday Imrn. Ivory Gull, Beaverton,Lake $imcoe, were equally scarce. Short-eareds were in Beach Dec. 2 (BE), and the usual return Ont., Jan. 25, 1980. Photo/Alan Worming- good numbers only in the e., particularly on movementsof Rough-leggedswere seen in ton. Wolfe 1., and Ottawa, with 20 + birds apiece. Vaughan and King Twps., from Feb. 10 Ottawa also had exceptional numbersof Saw- (DF,GB,AD). Over the winter the largest counts reported (16 and 3 respectively)from whets: nine were there Feb. 19 (MR) and 15 concentrations were on Wolfe 1., where highs the s.w. Other specieswere in good numbers: were found dead. Of the rarer owls there was of 34 Red-taileds and 23 Rough-leggedswere sample counts were 400 Great B!ack-backeds a Hawk Owl at Odessa Dec. 20-Jan. 26 seen Dec. 16 (fide RDW), but on the whole at Niagara Falls Jan. 6 (GB,DF), 1025 Her- (EH,m.ob.), a Barred at Delaware Jan. 26 both specieswere quite scarce. Algonquin ring Gulls at Ottawa Dec. 16 (fide SC) and (F&JB), a Great Gray at Whitney Jan. 20- P.P. had a rare Red-tailed Feb. 23 (TS) and 2500 Ring-billeds at Cobourg Dec. 24, when Feb. 17 (D J), and the now traditional Boreal there were three ad. Bald Eaglesthere in Feb- there were also 50 Bonaparte's (R J). The Ni- at Claireville from Feb. 10 (P J, m.ob.). ruary (GCb) but no Golden Eagleswere re- agara gull concentrationsincluded up to three ported, possiblybecause changes in wolf pop- Lesser B!ack-backeds, to seven Little Gulls, WOODPECKERS THROUGH WRENS ulations in the park have resultedin fewer and single Franklin's and Black-headeds -- There were 15 Red-be!lied Woodpecker re- deer kills for the birds to feed on (fide RT). through January (m.ob.). The Province has ports n. and e. to Beaverton (GM) and Ot- Elsewhere Goldens were seen at Holiday averaged three Ivory Gulls in each of the last tawa (fide SG) in December, including a re- Beach Dec. 2 (BE), London Dec. 17 (BH) and three decades, so the 1980s started well with markable eight at lpperwash Dec. 15 (fide P.E.Pt., Dec. 15 and Jan. 6 (RDW,PM,AEB one at Port Bolster Jan. 26 (GBy,m.ob.). AHK). Woodpeckersgenerally were felt to be et al.). Twelve other Bald Eagleswere seen, S.A. scarce, and there were relatively few three- six of them in the s.w., and five e. from King- toed woodpeckers reported. A suggestive,but Sarnia lighthouse,at the entranceof the ston. Wolfe I. also had good numbers of unfortunately incompletely substantiated re- St. Clair R., from the s. end of L. Huron, Marsh Hawks with the 53 on the Kingston port of a Say's Phoebe was received from is increasinglybecoming recognizedas an CBC all from there. A gray-phaseGyrfalcon King City in January. The peak Com. Raven outstanding vantage point for migrant was at Ottawa mid-December-Jan. 31, prey- count at the Atikokan dump was 400+ water birds in the late fall and early ing on Rock Doves(m.ob.), but a dark bird (DHE), and an active Gray Jay nest also was winter. Speciesmoving down through the at Toronto Jan. 5 (JR) was later brought into located near there (SP). A Boreal Chickadee upper Great Lakes system-- and proba- the Humane Societyand reportedlyhad to be was at Presqu'ile P.P., Dec. 7 (RDM), and bly overland from James Bay into the sys- destroyedafter goinginto convulsions,a very Black-capped Chickadeeswere in good num- tem -- are likely to end up along the Ket- similar pattern to the bird in 1978. It seems bers acrossmost of the s., although down at tle Pt. - Sarnia shoreline, and the only exit that Toronto is an unhealthy place for Gry- Pimisi Bay (LdeKL) and almost absentin the from the cul de sac of land is along the falcons, and so the white-phasebird at Wes- s.w. White-breasted Nuthatches were unusu- river. !n recent years systematiccoverage ton Jan. 14 (CEG) seen leaving the city at a ally common over roughly the samearea. The of Kettle Pt., by Rider and at Sarnia by great rate, was doubtlesswise! Eight Merlin Ontario Bird Feeder Survey is gradually Rupert have shownthe amazing numbers sightingsalong L.Ontario may haveinvolved building up a picture of the winter distribu- someduplication, as the speciesis very rare in and variety of birds that do end up there, tion and numbers of such common feeder and it has supplantedw. L. Ontario as the the s. in winter. The only PeregrineFalcon re- visitors as these two species,and it will be in- place to see jaegers in fall. November portedwas at London in mid-December(JS). terestingto seethis year's results.Tufted Tit- 30-Dec. 8 yielded three Pomafines and six American Kestrels were n. to Gore Bay Jan. 5 mice were e. to Ottawa, and Kingston from Parasitics at Sarnia, plus another uniden- (JN) and Chatsworth Feb. 5 (DG). Jan. 8 (DH), but were rather eclipsedby the tified bird as well as three Black-legged five at Niagara-on-the-Lake Jan. 6 (DF,GB). GROUSE TO GULLS -- Two Chukars on Kittiwakes (DR,JAG), but the rarity of the seaon was a well-described ad. Mew The Carolina Wren picture was a little more Wolfe !., Dec. 16 (GF,CW) were presumably cheering: sevenwere reported, including two Gull there Nov. 30 (DR), only the third escapees.Comments on the declineof Ring- at Toronto (HK,TRS). necked Pheasants in the Toronto area have for the Province, the earlier birds both be- beenfrequent, but sincepoaching is a serious ing in 1967. The only adequately de- local problemhere ! had not realizedthat the scribed Thayer's Gulls were also there MIMIDS THROUGH THRUSHES -- Six specieshad sufferedsuch a seriousdecline in Dec. 30-Feb. 9, with Rupert's accounts Mockingbirdsat Ottawa was the largestnum- its Provincial numbers until undertaking the again modelsof rare-bird documentation. ber ever there, and there were widespread re- CBC analysisreferred to above. Averagein Another report of this speciesfrom the ports elsewhereincluding a bird at Atikokan, the 1960s was 1043, but over the past three fall, for Thunder Bay, did not adequately Dec. 10-Feb. 16, which survived a fall down a years 173, only 16% of the numbers 10-15 eliminate the kumlieni race of Iceland chimney(DHE)! Varied Thrushesmaintained yearsago! Niagara Falls yieldedits now-cus- Gull. their now-regular pattern of winter occur- tomary Purple Sandpipersightings over the rences:the five this year were only exceeded period (m.ob.) and there were two at DOVES, OWLS -- Documentation is by the 1977 influx when eight were recorded. Presqu'ile P.P., Dec. 7 (RDM). awaited on a Band-tailedPigeon report from Birds were at Cedar Springs,London, Osha- Glaucous and Iceland gulls were in about Presqu'ile P.P., Dec. 18. Mourning Dove wa, Darlington and Ottawa Dec. 3-Feb. 29 +, normal numbers, with the largest single continues to expand its winter range with although not all the dates overlap. Two

Volume34, Number3 269 Mountain Bluebirds were seen, the sixth and Crossbills were in good numbers from late rett, Stephen Gawn, D. Gildner, W.E.God- seventh for the Province (although there has January with Pine Siskins also numerous frey, C.E.Goodwin, J.E. Goodwin, been one unsubstantiated report). The first (SP). Single Dickcissels were at Streetsville E.Gould, J.A.Greenhouse, C.G. Harris, was at Pelee Nov. 28-Jan. 6 (AW,DF,m.ob.) from Feb. 17 (Mr. & Mrs. W. Wagner,m.ob.) E.Hartman, D. Hasley (DHa), T.Hince, and a secondat Colpoy Bay Dec. 20-22 (JWJ and Port Hope Dec. 16-18 (WO,m.ob.). At D.Holman, L.Honer, E.R.Hudspeth, et al.) Ironically, three of the previous birds least eight House Finches were present at B.Hull, H. & S.Inch, W.R.Jarmain, D.Jef- were at Pelee and the others in the Thunder Niagara-on-the-Lake feeders throughout frey, M.Jennings, R.John, J.W. Johnson, Bay area. (m.ob.) and six appearedat St. Thomas Jan. P.Jones, A.H.Kelley, J.A.Kelley, D.Kerr, 10-23, the first for Elgin County (RK,MHF, H.Kerr, R.Kingswood, J.P.Kleiman, L.de WAXWINGS, SHRIKES, BLACKBIRDS WR et al.). There were also birds at Burling- K. Lawrence. J.W.Leach, J.Lemon, -- Bohemian Waxwingswere rare at Ottawa, ton Jan. 29 (AG) and at Ottawa throughout P.MacKenzie, E.R.McDonald, P.R.McGaw, and the only report of numbers elsewherewas (m.ob.). Harris' Sparrows appearedat Gore K. McKeever, K.McLaughlin, R.D. McRae, of 25 at Huntsville Feb. 26-27 (SC) and 45 at Bay . 16 (JN,VR) and Meaford Feb. 16 Ministry of Natural Resources, G.Moore, Parry Sound in mid-February (CAC et aLL (JCC). multiple observers (m.ob.), D.Murray, Cedar Waxwings were less numerous than T.Nash, J.Nicholson, D.Nouss, J.Olmstead, last year (a pattern shared with Com.Crows SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface), W.Osborn, K.Overman, B.Parker, S.Peru- and robins) but there were 1000+ at Pelee CONTRIBUTORS (italic) and CITED OB- niak, F.Phelan, W.Rayner, J.Reynolds, Feb. 21 {ERH). Northern Shrike was yet an- SERVERS -- D.Asquith, M.Bain, F.Barrett, P.W.Richter, A.Rider, I.Robertson, other regular winter speciesin low numbers. F.&J.Bates, A.E.Bell, C.Bell, G.Bellerby L.H. Robertson, M.Runtz, D.Rupert, A Brewer's Blackbird was seen on Manitoulin (GBy), G.Bennett N.BIogg, P.Bridges, V.Rusk, T.R.Scovell, T.Spratt, J.Strickland, I., Feb. l0 {CB). M.Brigham (MBr), G.Bryant (GBr), D.Buck- B.D.Sumner, G.Sutherland, R.Tozer, C.Var- nell, K.J. Burk, D. Calvert, S.Calvert, C.A. dy, E.Vrugtman, R.D.Weir, L.Wensley FINCHES, SPARROWS -- Winter Campbell, G.Campbell (GCb), G. Carpen- (LWe), C.Weseloh, L.Weseloh, M.Wilson, finches were scarce to absent over much of tier, J.C. Clarke, M.E.Comfort, B.Cruik- R. Wilson, C. Wood (CWo), P.A. Woodliffe, the s. Small numbers of Evening Grosbeaks shank, R.Curry, M.P. Davis, A.Dawe, A.Wormington.--CLIVE E. GOODWIN, ! ! and Am.Goldfinches, increasingin February B.Duncan, J.Eadie, B.Eaton, R.K.Edwards, Westbank Crese., Weston, Onlario, Canada with a few Purple Finches, was the general C.EIder, D.H.Elder, M.Ferguson, D.Fidler, M9P IS4. pattern. At Atikokan however, White-winged M.H.Field, R.Finlayson, G.Finney, A.Gar-

NIAGARA-CHAMPLAIN Night Heron at Con- REGION esus L., through Dec. 6 (R.B.A.), two /Douglas P. Kibbe Green Herons Dec. 14 at Montezuma Moderate temperatureswhich had charact- N.W.R. (VD, fide erized fall continued well into winter. The WB), and an Am. Bittern there which Region was spared, or (if one happened to overwintered. A hear broadcastsemanating from the Adiron- Mute Swan was re- dacks) a few might say deprived, of signifi- corded Jan. 9 on cant snowfall. In Burlington for example, ac- cumulations were one-fourth normal. Cayuga L., and Predictable, perhaps, were the phenomenal flocks of Whistling numbers of late lingerers which tarried to be Swans appeared there and on other c. tallied on CBCs. Still would anyone have guessedthat four heron, five crane and rail, New York lakes throughout the period. Open winter. Other unseasonableNew York raptor water bolstered waterfowl counts far above and eight warbler specieswould be among the occurrences(all unsupportedby details)were an early Red-shoulderedHawk at Wales Feb. 178 species adequately documented this normal and hastenedN migration. For exam- winter? Included in this total were enough ple 35,000 Canada Geese on Cayuga L., in 6 (fide VP), a late Broad-wingedHawk near rarities to satisfy the hardcore 'lister' at any January swelledto 100,000 by late February. Essex (fide H.P.A.S.), and a misguided Osprey along Ithaca's Six Mile Creek in Feb- season.Despite the unprecedentedrichness of Scattered Brant were sighted throughout De- cember and one confused individual was still this seasoh'sreport, many termed the winter ruary (fide WB). One Goldenand about eight dull; doubtless because enthusiasm over on L. Flower Jan. 20 (H.P.A.S.). Other un- Bald eagles were noted, one of the latter usual waterfowl finds included: a Blue- feeders hosting catbirds, towhees, or a found shot at Shelburne, Vt. (BF). Despite favorable snow conditions and the best cover- myriad of sparrows wanes quickly after they winged Teal, very rare in winter, at Dunkirk are tallied on CBCs and the hordes of in- Jan. 6 (FR); single Barrow's Goldeneyes at vading winter finches which might have re- Niagara Falls (m.ob.), OswegoHarbor on L. kindled spirits were shortstopped by the Ontario (FS, MR), and Shelburne on L. boreal bounty they encounteredin Vermont's Champlain (J&MCD); two Harlequin Ducks 'Northeast Kingdom.' Indeed, many lingerers and three King Eiders near Rochester forsook feeders for much of the milder por- (G.O.S., R.B.A.) and another King at Oswe- tion of the winter and several of the most ex- go (MR); and an immense congregationof otic visitors were not observed until after White-winged Scoters estimated at 10,000 light snowfalls in January or February. birds off Rochester's Oklahoma Beach in late December (FD). WATERBIRDS -- An exhausted Ganne! found pecking shoreline debris at Parma (RD HAWKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- et aL) expired Jan. 7. Three Double-crested The noteworthy appearance of a Turkey Cormorants were also sighted on L. Ontario Vulture Jan. 28 at Greece was overshadowed and one lingered at Dunkirk Harbor on L. by an even more remarkable Blaek Vulture Erie until Jan. 9 (fide VP). Lingering herons photographed (JS et al.) Dec. 22 at Scott- included several dozen Great Blues at scat- sville, N.Y. The latter occurrence, excel> Black Vulture, Scottsville, NY, Dec. 29, tered locations, an imm. Black-crowned tional at any season, is unprecedentedin 1979. Photo/Jean Skelly.

270 AmericanBirds, May 1980 age to date, observers at Island Pond suc- no evidence of an invasion. It seems safe to ceeded in locating only three Spruce Grouse. assume that sightings of a Hawk Owl at Their efforts were not entirely in vain, Brooktondale (KA-C, fide WB) and Greece however, for they set a Regional record high (fide G.O.S.) and a Great Gray Owl, even- Ruffed Grouse count of 84. It will be in- tually photographednear Schenectady(fide terestingto note whetherthe population, high RY) generatedfar lessexcitement than they throughout most of the Region, crashesdes- would have only two years ago before "the pite the exceptionallymild winter. Exotics re- invasion of 1979." Only two Long-cared ported included a covey of 35 Bobwhite at a Owls were reported and Short-cared counts Charlotte, Vt. feeder and two Japanese were a fraction of past years. Green Pheasants on the Ithaca CBC. The latter, introduced locally in hopesof revamping WOODPECKERS THROUGH WRENS plummeting Ring-necked populations are re- -- An apparent "Red/Yellow"-shaft- portedly lessdependent on agricultural land. ed Flicker intergradewas banded at Schenec- A Sandhill Crane seen flying S Dec. 10 tady (RY). A Red-bellied Woodpecker at a (VD, fide WB) vied with a report of two King Vergennesfeeder (m.ob.) provided only the Painted Redstart, Dansville, NY, Dec. 19, Rails, apparently taken by trappers in third Vermont record. Range expansions in 1979 - Jan. 24, 1980. Photo/D.P. Kibbe. December (HH, fide VD, via WB), as other areas and the fact that this was the Montezuma N.W.R.'s seasonalrarity. This state's second consecutive winter occurrence Waterthrush near Buffalo Jan. 5 (fide marks the second winter Sandhill sighting would seem to point to a further breeding B.O.S.). By far the most noteworthy occur- while there are three previous regional mid- range extension. A record-breaking ten rence of the season was a Painted Redstart at- winter specimensof King Rail. As anticipated Black-backed Three-toed Woodpeckers were tending a feeder in Dansville, N.Y., Dec. Virginia proved the most common wintering recorded at Island Pond but no Northerns 19-Jan. 24 (M&CD, m. ob.). The well-publi- rail, four at Mendon Ponds being the best were found anywherein the Region. The sea- cized but inexplicable appearance, only the report. This location also produced a Sofa, son's sole E. Phoebeseen Feb. 19, was prob- third for the Northeast, brought throngsof photographed Feb. 10 (R&SS), providing on- ably an overzealousmigrant as were two rec- eagerobservers to the doorstepof its benefac- ly the third Regional winter record. Fer- ord-early Tree Swallows at RochesterFeb. 24 tors (750 signed the registry book) before the risburg yielded Vermont's first Am. Wood- (NH). Five extralimital reports of Gray Jay bird met an untimely fate in the jaws of a cock as well as the state's third or fourth were received (fide RY), all near Schenec- housecat. Despite the latter rather significant Corn. Snipewinter record. The latter lingered tady. Common Ravenscontinue to be report- drawbackthis feedermust have had a special in at least a half dozen New York areas. Best ed from s.w. New York and have now been aura all its own for two of the Region's six reports of Purple Sandpipers were three at recorded on all but two of Vermont's CBCs. wintering N. Orioles also selectedit. Rochester (R.B.A.) and Niagara Falls A regional record of 80 Boreal Chickadeesse• (B.O.S.), the latter area also hosted the at Island Pond was surpasseda week later by FRINGILLIDS -- Cardinals have com- Region's only Dunlin. A Northern Phalarope chickadeecounters at Craftsbury who tallied pleted their sweep along the length of Ver- convincinglydescribed from Charlotte, N.Y., 93. Tufted Titmice continued their expan- mont, now being absent only in the high Dec. 9 (MDa) was the Region's first winter sion, being recorded on 70% of Vermont's boreal forestedareas. The selectiveprocesses sighting. More expected, but notable, were CBCs. The speciesis now lacking only in the which this and other s. emigrants(i.e., Mock- single Red Phalaropes at Webster Dec. 9-15 n. tier of Vermont countiesand seemslikely ingbird, Carolina Wren, and Tufted Tit- (G.O.S., R.B.A.) and at Dunkirk, N.Y., Jan. to follow the Cardinal into these areas short- mouse)have undergonein a remarkably brief 9-Feb. 19 (RSu et aLL ly. Red-breasted Nuthatches invaded n.e. time period would seem to make them ideal Vermont in record numbers but remained no- subjectsfor evolutionary ecologists.Are, for GULLS THROUGH OWLS -- No• one ticeably scarce in all other areas. A House example, any of thesenew hardy populations but two Pomafine Jaegersgraced the Region. Wren Jan. 27 (FS) in c. New York was little incipient subspecieswith the large body The first, identified from photos (fide RY), short of extraordinary, there being no previ- characteristicswhich typify n. populationsof tarried on the Hudson R., near Troy Dec. ous upstate winter records. Winter Wren re- many species?A laggard imm. Rose-breasted 29-30 while the secondappeared a day later at mained scarce, reflecting its decline from Grosbeak was present in Greece Dec. 16 (RS Rochester (CP,RC,MDa). Observers there several severe winters. Several Long-billed et al.). Four vagrant Dickcisselswere report- were also treated to fine views of a Lesser Marsh Wrens lingered, some until January. ed, all at New York feeders. A superb inva- Black-backed Gull Dec. 30, and another was This speciesis probably more common in sion of "northern finches" (including Purple sightedsporadically along the Niagara R., in winter than records indicate. Finch, Pine and Evening grosbeaks,Pine Sis- December and January (B.O.S.). A Thayer's kin, Am. Goldfinch, and White-winged Gull picked out at Oswego Jan. 20 (FS), two MIMIDS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- Both Crossbill) occurred in boreal portions of n.e. Franklin's at Rochester through Dec. 16 Gray Catbirds and Brown Thrashers were Vermont. Excep• for the ubiquitousEvening (R.B.A., G.O.S.), and an imm. Sabine's Gull reported well into January. Robins wintered Grosbeak however, thesespecies were virtual- at Dunkirk Dec. 1-2 (BCh et al.) round out in numbers with a huge roost in Onondaga ly unreported from the remainder of the the list of true rarities. Rochester hosted an County. Vermont's third or fourth Varied Region, apparently being scarceeven in the unusual buildup of Larids that peaked mid- '[hrush appeared at an Athens feeder after Adirondacks. Nearly every CBC yielded lin- December at 190,000+ birds, 85% + Ring- the first significant snowfall Feb. 20 (MW, gering sparrows, including Savannah, billeds. Bonaparte's Gull, normally among m.ob.), where it was viewed by all those pa- Vesper, "Oregon" Junco, Chipping, and the first to depart, peaked there at 3500 in tient enough to await its sporadic ap- Lincoln's, as well as all the more usual half- late December and continued in unusual pearances. A few Ruby-crowned Kinglets hardies in better-than-usual numbers. Both numbers with up to 500 throughout the were found on w. New York CBCs indicat- Lapland Longspurand Snow Bunting proved period. The real excitement however was Lit- ing, perhaps, some recovery of populations scarce, however 200 longspurs at Hamlin, tle Gulls. They lingered well into January decimatedby recentwinters. Although Cedar N.Y. (KG) proved the exceptionto the rule as from Dunkirk Harbor on L. Erie to L. Waxwings were well reported in scattered did 850+ buntingsrecorded in Craftsbury to Champlain but Rochester established itself flocks, only a single Bohemian was spotted, set a new Vermont record. It is, perhaps, without question as the continent's Little at Cabot, Vt., Feb. 24 (BC). theseexceptions and the ever presentelement Gull capital when 60 adults and one im- Rare but not unexpectedwarbler sightings of surprise which contribute much to mature were carefully counted Dec. 28 (MDa included an Orange-crowned at Penn Yah birding's appeal. et aL). (fide WB), a Palm on Pt. Breeze(J&WL), Forty-one Great Horned Owls on one cen- several Corn. Yellowthroats, and dozens of CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) AND tral New York CBC may be a good reflection Yellow-rumpeds, many of them overwinter- CITED OBSERVERS -- K. Alben-Confer, of this species'abundance in much of the w. ing even in Vermont. Less expectedbut not Allegany County Bird Club, J. Allen, R. Region where small woodlots dot an other- unprecedentedin the Region was a Nashville Andrle, W. Benning, C. Boise, E. Brooks, wise agricultural landscape.Snowy Owls, like Warbler also at Penn Yah (fide WB), an Buffalo Ornithological Society, D. Burton, Rough-leggedHawks and N. Shrikes, showed Ovenbird on the Burlington CBC, and a N. L. Burton, B. Carpenter, B. Chapman

Volume 34, Number 3 271 (BCh), D. Clark, R. Clark, M. Davids Audubon Society, H. Hiiman, C. Kibbe, tion, M. Rusk, F. Scheider, J. Skeily, R. (MDa), V. Dewey, R. Diicher, C. Dilgard, D.J. Kibbe, H. Kingery, S. Laughlin, J. Spahn, S. Spahn, R. Sundell (RSu), M. M. Dilgard, F. Dobson, ,l. Dye, M.C. Dye Listman, W. Listman, M. Metcalf, W. Walker, R. Yunick.--DOUGLAS P. KIBBE, (MCD), B. Farrell, D. Freeland, Genesee Or- Norse, Onondaga Audubon Society Box 422, Saxtons River, Vermont 05154. nithological Society, A. Gosnell, K. Griffith, (O.A.S.), C. Perrigo, B. Peterson, V. Pit- R. Guthrie, N. Henderson, High Peaks zrick, F. Rew, Rochester Birding Associa-

APPALACHIAN REGION Red-throated Loons wereseen at Hanover, /•i-i:.• /George A. Hall Pa., Jan. 1 (CG). A Red-necked Grebe was After three abnormally cold and snowy seenat Erie, Pa., Jan. winters the Region experienceda generally 20 (SS) and an Eared mild and unusually dry season.However, the Grebe was at Presque shortage of real winter weather was accom- Isle S.P., Pa., through panied by a shortage of birds. December was Dec. 16 (JM). The much warmer than normal and was slightly Pied-billed Grebe was drier than average. What precipitation there one of the species was was rain, and only the northernmost present in unusual areas had snowfalls. In January temperatures numbers iu December, averagedabout normal, but were consequent- as for example, the ly much warmer than during the past three Charleston, W.Va. years. February averaged much colder than CBC listed a record 12 normal but this came as a result of some vio- (NG). lent oscillationsbetween record lows and per- Great Blue Herons iods of extremely balmy weather. Both Janu- were numerous and ary and February were much drier than nor- widespread in Decem- mal. In the north the snowfall was only about ber and some of these half of the 1978-79 amount. The south expe- attempted to winter. rienced somewhat more snow than usual in There were 23 Great February and it remained on the ground Blues at Presque Isle longer. Jan. 5 (JF). A Green During the mild December many of the Heron was at Elizabethton, Tenn., Jan. 3 County, Va., in January and February (RSi). usual winter speciesremained in the north in (GE). A Cattle Egret near State College, Pa., The Black Duck numbers in this Region larger-than-usual numbers, and many mig- Dec. i I was the first Pennsylvaniawinter rec- have been decliningsteadily for years as this rants remained later than usual. This in- ord (MW). speciesis being replacedby Mallards, but this cludednot only the usual run of the so-called WATERFOWL -- In December waterfowl year at Chattanooga, Blacks outnumbered half-hardy speciesbut also many others, par- numbers were generally higher than usual Mallards by two to one (RS). At Pymatuning ticularly someof the wood warblers. As a re- throughout the Region, although while all n. 3500 Mallards were counted on the CBC, sult, Christmas bird counting was quite excit- areas reported more than the usual numbers near normal (RFL) while at Presque Isle a total of 7000 Canvasback Jan. i was note- ing at most places.Location after location re- some s. areas had shortages,a typical ex- ported long lists of speciesfound in record ample of the previouslymentioned changes in worthy (JM). Greater Scaup are seldomseen numbers. winter distribution. Even the n. areas com- in this Region, but 60 were at L. Arthur, Pa., With the advent of colder weather many, plained of low numbersof Com. Goldeneyes Dec. 6 (PH) and a remarkable 400 at Chicka- but not all, of these species departed (per- (for example, Pittsburgh CBC, lowest on mauga L., Tenn., in early February (RS & K ished?). There were essentiallyno incursions record) indicating that this species found & LD). As usual there was a scattering of of "winter invaders", and most reporters felt open water well to the n. In the n. a few scoter records: White-winged at L. Arthur, that fewer than the usual number of birds waterfowl arrived on the N flight Feb. 23 but Pa., Dec. 10 (GW), Surfs near Milton, Pa., were coming to their feeders. As a result most no great movements had started. until Dec. 16 (SSt), and Presque Isle Dec. 2 people reported January and February as be- Whistling Swan showed a marked devia- (seven) and Dec. 16 (one -- JM), and Blacks ing rather dull. In late February there were tion from its normal fall migration pattern. A at L. Arthur Dec. 16 (MG) and at Presque Isle seven on the CBC Dec. 16 and one Jan. few signsthat spring migration was about to flock of 2-300 remained near Warren, Pa., as take place. A few waterfowl had begun to late as Dec. 27,200 were at Presque Isle Jan. 19 (JM). move and the southern part of the Region 19 (RFL & ML), six were presentat McEihat- RAPTORS -- The generalpicture for win- was beginningto note arrivals, but by the end tan, Pa., early January - Feb. 29 + (PS) and tering hawks was fairly good. Cooper's of the period one could say that the spring in e. Tennessee one was at the Teilico L., Hawks were generally thought to be in good migration was running behind schedule. mid-December - Feb. 29+, two were at Oak numbers but Sharp-shinned Hawks were The mild weather, particularly the absence Ridge Feb. 17 (W J), and one was near Chat- thought to be below normal. In both cases of snow and ice caused some redistribution of tanooga in late January (D J). Canada Geese thesebird-eating hawks were not as common- wintering areas in some species. In many were thought to be down by 80% at Chatta- ly seenas they were last year when so many of casesreports of unusualscarcities of a given nooga (RS) but this was compensatedfor by them wintered near populous feeding sta- speciesfrom one region could be neatly bal- larger-than-normal numbers in the n. The tions. There were five reports of Goshawks anced by reports of unusual numberssome- large wintering concentrationat Pymatuning from the Pittsburgh area (PH), one at Lock where else. L., Pa., numbered 7500 on the CBC and per- Haven, Pa., Jan. 27 (CH), and one on several A late winter thought. Does the increased haps 6000 on Feb. 22, a larger-than-usual occasionsthrough the season at East Liver- cutting of firewood in this Region, and in the number (RFL & ML). A White-fronted pool, O. (NL). Northeast portend trouble for hole-nesting Goose was at L. Arthur through Dec. 16 Almost all areas reported excellent num- species?[Being actively discussednationwide. (MG). Snow Geese of the blue morph were bersof winteringAm. Kestreisand this prob- Observersshould begin to monitor and report reported from Powdermill Nature Reserve, ably reflects the lack of prolonged snow discernable effects.--Ed.] Pa. (hereafter, P.N.R.), Feb. 23 (RCL), Py- cover. Rough-legged Hawks were also re- matuning L., Pa. (blue morphs) one Dec. 2 ported more widely and farther s. than is LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Three and five Feb. 23 (RFL & ML), and Frederick usual.

272 AmericanBirds, May 1980 Most heartening were the following eagle DOVES, OWLS, AND WOODPECKERS ber of House Wren records Allegheny Coun- reports. Three Golden Eagles were listed on -- Mourning Dove populations are booming ty, Pa., Dec. 15 (J&BB), Botetourt County, the' Franklin, W.Va., CBC (GP). One was throughout the n. of the Region. For ex- Va., Dec. 15 (T&JK), three in Shenandoah seen at Bear Meadows, Pa., Feb. 10 (RW & ample, at East Liverpool, O., 60-70 were County, Va., in December(RSi), Hunting- SB) and two were in Highland County, Va., coming to one feeding station (NL). High ton, W.Va. CBC (fide GP), Chattanooga, Dec. 9. (BrK) two in Christmas week (SC) counts on CBCs were 275 (new high) at Tenn., Jan. 14 (D J). Long-billed Marsh and two sightingsFeb. 19 (LT), which may Clarksville, Pa. (RB), and 437 (2nd highest) Wrens were seen near Chattanooga Jan 1 not have duplicated the previous ones. In the at Charleston, W.Va. (NG). (DJ) and in West Virginia Dec. 15 (LW) Chattanooga, Tenn. region careful examina- Screech Owl populations in the n. re- As usuala few Brown Thrashersand Gray mained at low levels after the series of bad tion of nearly 100 mi of river Jan. 13 located Catbirds were present in December but most 11 adult and sevenimm. Bald Eagles. At the winters but are possibly starting to come later vanished.A Gray Catbird was seennear same time 17 adults and four immatures were back, while at Elizabethton, Tenn., they were Lock Haven,Pa., as late as Feb. 17 (CS), and located on the various reservoirs in e. Tennes- thought to be normal (GE). Barred Owl pop- thrashers wintered successfullyat Elizabeth- see (CN). Other Bald Eagle reports were: ulations were thought to be low at P.N.R. ton, Tenn. (GE), Wise, Va. (RP), and in what may have beena very late migrant flying (RCL) and Elizabethton (GE) but other sta- Letcher County, Ky. (RP). A Veery was seen tions did not mention them. There were four S along a mountain ridge near Fayetteville, at Warren, Pa., Dec. 21 (BH). A ¾ar•ed Pa., Dec. 15 (CG), one Dec. 20 and two Jan. reports of Snowy Owls: two at Presque Isle Thrush at Trenton, Ga., Feb. 17 - 18 (mob ) 16 at Warren, Pa. (TG), two sightingseach at Jan. 27 and one Feb. 10 (SS,JB), Erie Jan. 26 provided the first Georgia record for this Pymatuning L., and Conneaut, Pa. (RFL & (SS). It was a good year for Short-eared species,which is now turning up annually this ML), an immature seenseveral times in Janu- Owls: on the Ona, W.Va. CBC Dec. 15 far e. ary and February near Upper Tract, W.Va. (LW), several present all winter at Roanoke, (GP), Rockingham County, Va., Jan. 8 and with a peakof five Jan. 26 (BK, NM), at Mer- Feb. 20 (LT), Harpers Ferry, W.Va., Dec. 3 cersburg, Pa., three in a field with 15 N. Har- KINGLETS THROUGH VIREOS -- Both and Feb. 19 (DW), and two wounded birds riers Feb. 2 (CG), Warren County, Va., two kinglet species,hard hit by recentwinters, re- brought to a rehabilitation center at Knox- all through January (RSi). Long-earedOwls mained at low numbers, but these two have ville in December(SJS). were reported from Raccoon Creek S.P., shown some improvement over last year A Merlin was listed on a Tennessee CBC Pa., Dec. 16 (NK), Wise, Va., Jan. 18 (RP), Water Pipits were unusually common in late (BS) and one was seen at Knoxville Dec. 30 Clarke County, Va., in February, Shenan- January and early February throughout the e (SJS & BS). A Peregrinewas seen at Oolte- doah County, Va., one found dead (RSi). part of the Region. Northern Shrikeswere re- wah, Tenn., Jan. 8 - 9 (K&LD). The only report of Saw-whet Owl came from ported from L. Arthur, Pa., Dec 9-23 a Virginia CBC Dec. 15 (RSi). (m.ob.), State College, Pa., late January GALLINACEOUS BIRDS, CRANES Red-bellied Woodpeckers continue to do (MW), and two sightingsin Erie County, Pa, AND RAILS -- Ruffed Grouse were re- well in the n. with three records from Erie Jan. 13 (JM) & Feb. 5 (JB). Loggerhead ported in low numbersat P.N.R. (RCL), and County (fide DS), and a count of 60 Red- Shrikesremained in low numbersand may be the PittsburghCBC had an all-time low num- headed Woodpeckers on an. Pennsylvania disappearingfrom this Region entirely A ber of pheasants (PH). The Bobwhite re- CBC was noteworthy (DS). Yellow-bellied Solitary Vireo was listedon the Great Smoky mains almost wiped out in the n. of the Re- Sapsuckerswere generally thought to be in Mountains N.P. CBC (MD & LTu) gion. low numbers, and indeed were missingfrom Sandhill Cranes were still migrating in ear- some places. ly December with reports from Norris, The Hairy Woodpecker has been placed on WARBLERS AND BLACKBIRDS -- It Tenn., Dec. 8 (CN), Chattanooga, Tenn., the Blue List and observersin this Region was a remarkable winter for stray warbler Dec. 13 (RS), and Dalton, Ga., Dec. 9 (DSh). were specifically asked to comment on this records. The numbers reported for Yellow- The only spring report by Mar. I was from species. Reaction was mixed but at nine loca- rumpealWarbler illustrated nicely the "redis- Westel, Tenn., Feb. 23 (BS & SJS). A Vir- tionsthe specieswas said to be in stablepopu- tribution effect" mentioned above. Several ginia Rail was listed on a TennesseeCBC lations, and only in three (Wise, Va., Knox- areas reported record counts, but others Dec. 16 (BSh). The very fresh remains of a ville, Tenn., and Dalton, Ga.) were they thought the species was unusually scarce Sora were found in a Screech Owl box at thought to be down. One TennesseeCBC had Pine Warblers were in greater numbers than P.N.R., Dec. 8. The bird was apparently kill- a remarkable count of 14 Hairies to 14 Down- last year at Dalton, Ga. (AH), and there were ed the previousnight which would be a record ies, insteadof the usual 1-5 or 1-6 ratio (TF). two records from Botetourt County, Va, in late date for Pennsylvania (RCL). mid-December (fide BK). An Orange- SWALLOWS, LARKS AND NUT- crowned Warbler was found on the Great SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS -- Common HATCHES -- Purple Martins arrived in the Smoky Mountains N.P. CBC Dec. 30 (FA) Snipe were reported from Butler County, Knoxvillearea Feb. 23 & (fide CN), about the Nashville Warblers were found at Jersey Pa., five Dec. 22 (CB), R ztor, Pa. CBC Dec. only sign of passerinemigration evident for Shore, Pa., Dec. 2 & l0 (PS), and on a West 15 (DSm), Clarksville, Pa., CBC Dec. 29 the season.Horned Larks were reported to be Virginia CBC (CM). A Cape May Warbler (RB), and the Ona, W.Va. CBC three Dec. 15 in low numbers,as for exampleone Pennsyl- was presentat N. Park, Allegheny Co , Pa, (LW). More remarkable were the unusual vania CBC listed only 80 compared with an Dec. 31 - Feb. 29+ (JG) and there was a shorebirds: Lesser Yellowlegs, Clarke Coun- average 700 (SSt), second lowest CBC at sighting of one there earlier on Dec. 8 (PB) ty, Va., all December (RSi), Greater Yellow- Pittsburgh(PH), scarceat State College, Pa. Three Palm Warblers wintered at the Hlawas- legs, Hiawassee R., Tenn., Jan. I (K&LD), (K J), and low at Harrisonburg, Va. (R.B.C.) see River Area near Chattanooga (AJ, Pectoral Sandpiper, Augusta County, Va., but at Lewisburg, W.Va., they were thought K&LD, RS), and one was recorded on a Vir- Dec. 29 (IO & RSn) - Feb. 29+ (LT), and to be recoveringfrom a low (CHa). ginia CBC (RP). But the prize of the season Calmes Neck, Va. CBC (RSi). Dunlin were White-breasted Nuthatch populations goes to the Corn. Yellowthroat with records reported from Wooster, O., Dec. 11 (JBr), seemedgood and severalareas reported rec- from: Presque Isle Dec. 16 (two), Rector, one in Augusta County, Va., Dec. 29 (IO & ord CBC counts. On the other hand Red- Pa., Dec. 15 (DSm), Bald Eagle S.P, Pa, RSn) and two there Feb. 18 (MH), and King- breasted Nuthatches were quite scarce Jan. 6 (DN), Wooster, O., Dec. 21 (JBr), and ston, Tenn., I - 3 Jan. 26 - Feb. 9 (BS & SJS). throughout. Brown-headed Nuthatches were Luray, Va., Dec. 16 (RSi). As usual the reports of rare gulls came found near Chattanooga in early December There were five reports of N. Oriole in the from PresqueIsle on the L. Erie shore,where and remained into January (RS). The very early winter: Clarke County, Va., Dec 15 30 Great Black-backed Gulls were seen Feb. 3 tame Brown-headed Nuthatch was back at (RSi), Alexandria, Pa., Jan. 18 (CF), Sewick- and 10,000 Ring-billed Gulls Jan. 19 (RFL & Waynesboro, Va., this winter (RSn). ley, Pa., early January (JG), Frankhn, ML). The unusual records from there in- W.Va., early January (GP), Bridgewater, cluded: Glaucous Gull Feb. 2-14 (SS & JF); XERENS, MIMIDS, AND THRUSHES -- Va., Jan. 9 (R.B.C.). Brewer's Blackbirds four separatesightings of Little Gull, possi- Carolina Wren numberswere improved over were reported on a TennesseeCBC Dec 15 bly of the same bird Dec. 16-Feb. 2 (m.ob.), the last few winters but are still far below (RS), Clarke County, Va., Dec. 15 (RS1), and the most unusual, a Lesser Black-backed pre-1977 levels. Winter Wrens were generally Waynesboro, Va., Jan. 19 (LT), and Jones- Gull Dec. 8 (JB). in short supply. There was an unusual num- boro, Tenn., Feb. l0 (RK).

Volume 34, Number 3 273 FRINGILLIDS -- It definitely was not the Tree Sparrows were extremely scarce at George Breiding, Jim Brewer (JBw}, Paul year of the "northern finch" but perhapsit most places, and many of them may have Brown, James Bruce (JBr}, Lois Callahan, was the year of the "Neotropical Finch". wintered n. of our Region, although the dis- Helen & Chuck Conrad (H&CC), Sam There were two reports of Rose-breasted appearanceof suitable wintering habitat ow- Cooper, Marcia Davis, Ken & Lil Dubke Grosbeaks, Conneaut Marsh, Crawford Co., ing to land developmentmay alsobe a factor. (K&LD), Glen E!!er, Chris Fichtel, Tom Fi- Pa., Dec. 23 (RCL, RFL, ML), and two at a The winter populations of White-throated nucane, Marge F!ouer, Jim Flynn, Carl feeder in Huntington, W.Va., until Jan. 16 Sparrows in w. Pennsylvania and n. West Garner, Marguerite Geibel, Norris G!uck, (m.ob.). A Black-headed Grosbeak was at Virginia had been increasingsteadily but this Ted Grisez, Joe Grom, Anne Hamilton, Wheeling, W.Va., Dec. 9 (H&CC), and an year the specieswas found only in low num- Charles Handley (CHa), Cecil Hazlett (CH), Indigo Bunting was at a feeder in Clarke bers there, although consideredquite com- John Heninger, Moze!!e Henkel, Paul Hess, County, Va., Dec. 29 (RSi). Lessunusual was mon farther s. Song Sparrows were also low William Highhouse, Bill Hill, Kendrick a Dickcissel at Keenan, W.Va., Jan. 31 (MF). in n. West Viriginia. Hodgdon, George Hurley, Daniel Jacobsen, Evening Grosbeaks were reported from Some unusual winter recordswere Vesper Wesley James, A! Jenkins, Katherine Jones, throughoutthe Region, but at most placesthe Sparrow on a PennsylvaniaCBC Dec. 29, Sa- Brian Keelan(BrK), Nick Keriin, Barry Kin- numbers were low, and some places had vannah Sparrow, Lock Haven, Pa., Dec. 21, zie, Rick Knight, Tom & Janet Krakauer none. The only report of Pine Grosbeak came and Lewisburg, W.Va., Dec. 22-Jan. 27 (T&JK), Charles & Zettie Krantz (C&ZK), from State College, Pa., Jan. 14 (JBw). As (CHa}, and Chipping Sparrow Dec. 6-9 at Mary Kruth, Nevada Laitsch, Mary Leber- has been reported in these accounts earlier, Erie, Pa. (C&ZK). Two rarer specieswere man, Robert C. Leberman, Ronald F. Leber- the House Finch has now spreadthroughout Clay-colored Sparrow, Waynesboro, Va., man, John Lersch, Jerry McWi!!iams {JM), this Region, but this winter the populations Dec. 18 (BrK), and two records for Lark Norwood Middleton, Clark Miller, John began to explode. At some places it was the Sparrow, Waynesboro, Va., Dec. 18 (BrK}, Murray, Chuck Nicholson, Dave Navecky, most common winter bird. Banders reported and Carlisle, Pa., Jan. 13-21 (JR}. Snow Isabel Obenschain, Richard Peake, Glen handling large numbers, and many CBCs re- Buntingswere uncommon and were reported Phillips, Frank Preston, Chase Putnam, ported high counts.On the other hand Purple only from Milton, Pa. (SSt}, Pymatuning, Robert Rine, Rockingham Bird Club Finches were unusually scarceat most places Pa. (RFL}, and Warren, Pa. (CP}. The only (R.B.C.), Jacqueline Rollfinke, Paul although thesetoo were consideredabundant report of Lapland Longspur came from Erie Schwalbe, Charles Schwarz, Boyd Sharp at Knoxville (SJS). American Goldfinches County, Pa., Jan. 31 (SS}. (BSh), David Shoemaker (DSh), Anne were in good numbers at most placesbut the Shreve, Robert Simpson{RSi), Merit Skaggs, only reports of Pine Siskin were of 14 on a CORRIGENDA -- The Hudsonian God- Dennis Smehzer (DSm), Don Snyder (DS}, Georgia CBC (AH) and a few scattered re- wit reported from Kingston, Tenn., May Ruth Synder(RSn), StanleyStahl (SSt), Bar- ports from w. Pennsylvania(PH}. There were 11-16, 1979(AB 33:771) representedthe third bara Stedman, Stephen J. Stedman (SJS}, several reports of Red Crossbill from the state record, not the first, as reported. The Bruce Stehling, Randy Stringer (RS), Sam mountains along the Virginia-West Virginia records of a W. Tanager at Knoxville (AB Stull (SS), LeonardTeuber (LT), Mike Tove, border, and those in e. Tennesseebut the only 33:771} and the Jan. 11, 1979 record for Linda Turner {LTu), David Wallace, Gene reports from the lowlands came from Colyet Snow Buntings from Knoxville (AB 33:282} Wilhelm, Cora Williams, Leon Wilson, Rick L., Pa., Feb. 14 (RW & SB), Butler County, should be deleted. Wiltram, Merrill Wood, Paul Zieber. -- Pa., Dec. 16 (MK & JL}, and Allegheny GEORGE A. HALl,, Division of Forestry County, Pa., Dec. 7 & 29 (JG). A small flock CONTRIBUTORS -- Richard Almy, Fred (Mail Address: Deparlmenl of Chemislry), of White-winged Crossbills at Charleston Alsop, James & Bonnie Baird (J&BB}, Jim West Virginia University, Morganlown, Dec. 26 (AS} constituted the only report Baxter, Ralph Be!!, Charles Bier, Scott Bills, W.Va. 16506.

WESTERN GREAT LAKES successive year this closely-watchedgroup REGION made a very disap- /Kim R. Eckert pointing showing. On the positive side, to offset the generally One advantage of prolonged periods of poor quantity of miserable weather is that when normal condi- birds, was the "quali- tions finally return they seem much better ty" in unusual visi- than they really are. So it was in this Region tants and "southern" when, after three severewinters in a row, the species(note especially winter of 1979-80 was unanimously described the stunning array of as mild, when in reality it was pretty closeto warblers in Wisconsin normal. Indeed, snowfall was generally light and Michigan). in most areas, with bare ground the rule into early January, and milder-than-averagetemp- eratures prevailed into mid-January (Duluth, LOONS THROUGH for example, had its warmest December in 20 BITTERNS -- A 10WA years}. But after that temperatures were Com. Loon lingered ILL mostly slightly below normal and snow cover through most of De- at many northern locations began to ap- cember at Duluth, a proachmore normal levels.Still, no one com- quite unexpected speciesthis far n. (m.ob.). Blue Herons respondedto the mild December plained, as memories of those previous win- Two White Pelicans returned to Albert Lea, when they were frequently found in Wiscon- ters left us content with this average one. Minn., to overwinter (m.ob.)--the four there sin and Michigan, al•ough there was only On the other hand, it was more difficult to last winter constituted an unexpectedfirst for one early December repo• in Minnesota. A be content with the birding. Like last winter, the state. A pair of Double-crested Cormor- v•y !ate Green H•on below •e Pctenwell birds of all types were few and far between in ants lasted until Jan. I at Ortonvii!e, Minn., Dam, Wis., Dec. 20 was a month later than most areas with "dull" the word used by to rival the pelicansas the oddest!ingerers in the previousrecord date (DF). •o !ate wasa most to describethe season. The shortage of the state (m.ob.), but even more remarkable Black-crowned Ni•t Heron at Menasha, "winter" fincheswas particularly apparent-- was the find of a freshly dead cormorant Jan. Wis., in early January (D•, but surprising only northern Minnesota recorded good 30 far n. at Marquette in Michigan's Upper was an Am. Bittern Dec. 28 near Mc•egor numbersof somespecies--and for the second Peninsula (hereafter, U.P.) (fide DM). Great in n. Minnesota(JL), a record late date.

274 American Birds, May 1980 SWANS AND GEESE -- The feral Mute couraglng There was a lone Wisconsin Gyr- doubt on the "reliable" count of 5091 on the Swan population in Michigan showed evi- falcon Dec. 13 in Burnett County (JP) while CBC here. Mourning Doves did well in s denceof continuing its gradual range expan- Minnesota reported no fewer than five in- Michigan during the relatively mild winter, sion; two wandered acrossL. Michigan to dividualsincluding one which was mostunus- and this encouraged a January nesting at- Manitowoc Jan. 3 (DT) and Milwaukee Feb. ual since it uncharacteristically remained in tempt in Dearborn with a fledgling found 2 (GC). SeveralWhistling Swanslingered in the same location all winter in the Duluth- frozen in the nestJan. 30 (JF1). SnowyOwls all three states in December and early Superiorharbor (m.ob.). Very late wasa Per- appeared in mixed numbers with "a good January, and Minnesotaeven managed three egrine Falcon Dec. 4 at McFarland, Wis. flurry" in Michigan, "not a good year" m February records: until Feb. 6 at Weaver, (PT). More Merlins have been reported in re- Wisconsin,and a better-than-averagepopula- Wabasha Co. (D&WM), Feb. 10 at Orton- cent winters in Minnesota, and this season tion in the Duluth-Superior harbor area for ville (C&MB) and another overwinteredat four were found; there was also a lone Wis- the second winter in a row. More than the Fergus Falls (m.ob.). Canada Geese over- consin record. usual number of Hawk Owls appeared m n wintered in greater numbers at more sites Minnesota with at least 12 individuals found than usual: 15,000 were still present at Lac GALLINACEOUS BIRDS THROUGH at 9 locations. On the other hand, Great Qui Parle W.M.A., Minn., Jan. 1 with 6000 RAILS -- Michigan had generally a poor Grays were down here with only six reports, overwintering(B J, C&MB); 1000wintered at seasonamong gallinaceousspecies with very although Michigan did well enoughwith two HoriconN.W.R. (BD); and 5-6000remained low numbers of Ruffed Grouse, Bobwhite reported in December at Neebish I. (fide DM) at Fennville, Mich. (fide DM). Snow Geese and Ring-necked Pheasant. Sharp-tailed and singlesin Iron County late January - ear- also lingered later than normal with five Grouse also seemed harder to find in n.w. ly February (JWa) and in Dickinson County January/February reports. Minnesota where numerous tracts of brush, Feb. 6 (Mrs. Bratt). Long-eared Owls were bog and woodland are being cleared and down again in Wisconsin with only two DUCKS -- As expected, a larger-than- drained for farming. The last of the long- reporting counties, and there is concernhere usual variety of ducks was found. Most unex- established introduced flock of Chukars at that the speciesbears watching. Unusual for pectedamong thesewere 24 Am. Wigeonsat Ely, Minn., was last seenin 1977, so it was a n. Minnesota were Short-eared Owls near three places in the Detroit area (fide AK), surprisewhen two were found 35 _+mi distant Aitkin until Feb. 9 (WN) and in Marshall peaksof up to 5000 Redheadsand 3000 Can- between Aurora and Biwabik Dec. 7 along County Jan. 27 (S&KS). At least ten Boreal vasbackson the Detroit R., an inland Greater railroad tracks at the edge of an abandoned Owls, a better-than-average number, were Scaup into early January in Winnebago open-pit iron mine--favored habitat at Ely found along the North Shore of L. Superior County, Wis. (DT), and an unprecedented (J. Gross);whether these were recent local re- -seven at Duluth Jan. 19-Feb. 9, one at Tofte 300 Ruddy Duckswintering in Detroit (TC). leases or wanderers from Ely is difficult to Feb. 18 and two in Cook County Jan. 29 -- A lone Ruddy tarried until Jan. 19 at Roches- say. A flock of 50 Sandhill Cranes over Lac but none remained in one spot for more than ter, Minn. (JD), good Corn. Mergansercon- Qui Parle L., Minn., Dec. 2 was very late (P. a day and the speciesremained just as elusive centrations of 15,000 were present in Joyce). Four Virginia Rails tried to over- as ever. And n. Minnesota also did well with WabashaCounty, Minn., Dec. 3 (KE), with winter in Waukesha County, Wis., but the Saw-whet Owls where the speciesis usually 1200 at Madison Dec. 18 (AS, ST), and 2000 last was found dead Feb. 15 (SS); five were absent in winter: Jan. 19 near Nickerson at Detroit Jan. 3 (fide AK). There was also a also reported from s. Michigan. (D&GW), Jan. 22 in ItascaCounty (MS), and good showingof speciesin the rarities cate- two calling in Duluth Township Feb 22 gory: a o' Barrow'sGoldeneye, quite casual SHOREBIRDS AND JAEGERS -- The (KH). m Minneosta, was found Dec. 30 on the Min- first winter record of Am. Woodcock in the nesotaR., in St. Paul (B. Litkey) whereit was Detroit area occurred Jan. 26 when one flew WOODPECKERS -- Red-headed Wood- sporadicallyreported through the rest of the into a window in Wayne County (ES). Unus- peckersrebounded to normal numbers after season(m.ob.); a Harlequin Duck remained ual for n. Minnesota was a Corn. Snipe Jan. being down in recent winters in Minnesota, at Duluth through December (m.ob.); an 28-30 in Cass County (SY). A Dunlin was Wisconsin also reported better numbers than amazing concentration of 20 King Eiders very late Dec. 8 at Midland, Mich. (SM). last year but the population was still thought somehow turned up at the favored Port Most exciting was a mixed flock of Parasitic to be below average. A Yellow-bellied Sap- Huron, Mich., site Dec. 1 (fide DM), while and Pomarine JaegersDec. 1 at Port Huron, sucker until Jan. 4 was very late in Nlcollet an unidentified c2eider was seen Feb. 21-28 at Mich. (JG eta/); three Pomarineswere seen County, Minn. (JF). Black-backed Three- Harbor Beach, Mich. (CS); and five inland well and carefully identified (lending addi- toed Woodpeckers were clearly up in num- White-winged Scoters were unusual at Ann tional credence to this extraordinary report bers in n. Minneosta with this normally un- Arbor, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. About was the fact that several individuals in the common and retiring speciesalmost easy to the only disappointmentamong the ducks flock of a dozen or so were wisely left as find in many areas. Correspondingly, the seemed to be a shortage of Red-breasted jaeger, sp.). Northern Three-toed, usually a most elusive Mergansers noted by some Great Lakes species,was found all winter at Babbitt (TH) observersin Michigan. GULLS -- Although Wisconsinand Mich- and Isabella (SW), and in Cook County Feb igan managed close-to-normal numbers of 5-16 (KE); Michigan even had one Dec 30 at RAPTORS -- Most observers noted a GlaucousGulls, there was not a singlereport Sault Ste. Marie (G&MB). healthy population of hawks due not only to on the Minnesota side of L. Superior all ground free of snow but also to a plentiful winter, where Herring Gulls were also severe- MAGPIES THROUGH WRENS -- The supply of small mammals. The best example ly down in numbers. A third-year Great Black-billed Magpie, an uncommon winter of this was the Rough-leggedHawk which, Black-backed Gull was discoveredat Racine, visitant in n.w. Minnesota, seemed par- although thought to be down in Michigan Wis., Jan. 14-26 (TD et al.), while another ticularly scarce this winter. Both Black- and s. Wisconsin, did well in n. Wisconsin gull identified as a Lesser Black-backed was• capped and Boreal chickadees were more and Minnesota; for example, there was a at Loon L., Benzie Co., Mich., Dec. 15, al- common than usual in Minnesota, although good late peak of 34 in the Sax-Zim bog, St. though complete details of this report are not Wisconsin could manage Boreals only in Louis Co., Minn., Jan. 2 (KE). More Golden yet available (HH, SN). Only one Thayer's Oconto County (JP). Red-breasted Nut- Eaglesthan normal were also found, includ- Gull was reported, an adult at Duluth Dec. 9 hatcheswere decidedly scarcein s. Wisconsin ing two unusual n. Minnesota individuals (P. Egeland). Three Bonaparte's Gulls were and s. Michigan, although parts of n Min- Feb. 17 at Sax-Zim (KE) and at Agassiz still at Detroit Jan. 5 (JFo), and at leastthree nesota noted this species in abundance N.W.R. in early February (fide S&KS), three Black-legged Kittiwakes were also found Brown Creeperswere noted by many in Min- in Adams and Jackson counties, Wis., Dec. among all thosejaegers at Port Huron Dec. 1 nesota and Wisconsin as up in numbers 20 (DF), another found fatally injured in a (JG). Michigan's first recent Bewick's Wren over- coyotetrap in Oconto County, Wis., Feb. 17 wintered near Otis L., Barry Co. (JFo et (fide TZ), and one as far e. as Fennville, DOVES AND OWLS -- During January a/.)--it was mistakenlyreported as a Carolina Mich., Feb. 9 (GW). A mid-winter count and February 7000+_ Rock Doves were Wren in the fall report. Michigan also man- sponsoredby the Michigan Dept. of Natural trapped and removed for commercial use aged the only Carolina Wrens, with two in Resources of 37 Bald Eagles was also en- from the Duluth harbor, which casts serious Kalamazoo County, but the Detroit area un-

Volume 34, Number 3 275 characteristicallyreported none. Long-billed previous Detroit area record. Also at Madi- nesota, virtually absentin Wisconsinwhere Marsh Wrens were unexpectedin Dane son Dec. 2 was a NashvilleWarbler (AS), County, Wis., Jan. 19 (AS) and at the Metro- therewere no post-CBCreports, and only and, not to be outdone,Michigan responded onereport from Michigan. Filling in thegap beach,Mich., marshesinto February(fide with a deadMagnolia Warbler found Dec. 5 left by the other fincheswas the Am. Gold- AK). in Oakland County, this more than two finch,which was reported in goodnumbers monthslater than the previousDetroit record throughoutthe Region,even in n. Minnesota M IMIDS -- Membersof thisfamily are us- (RO). But the warblersin Michiganrefused where the speciesis normallyabsent in uallyquite foreign to mostof thisRegion in to quit: a Cape May survivedat a feeder in winter. Wisconsin'ssixth Green-tailedTow- winter,but thisyear there was an exceptional Climax Dec. 9-Jan. 7 (ME), a Pine was in showing.Mockingbirds appeared five times, beeremained at an Ashlandfeeder (HB), DetroitDec. 26-Jan. 3 (JG, EC), an Ovenbird whereit wasseen and photographed bym.ob. as far n. as Two Harbors,Minn. (fide KE), at an Oakland County feeder until Dec. 12 There were severalRufous-sided Towhee re- GreenBay (JB, JJ), andTraverse City, Mich. wasphotographed lest you think we are mak- portswith the oneoverwintering at a Lutsen (GB). Gray Catbirdsin early Januarynear ing all this up (JWi), and one or two Corn. feederin n.e. Minnesotaclearly the most Madisonand Detroit were very late, but quite Yellowthroats lasted in the Detroit area unusual (TB). remarkablewas one overwintering at a Little throughDecember (fide AK). Of coursethere Marais feederup in n. Minnesota(B. Fen- were several interesting Yellow-rumped stad). The normallyrare BrownThrasher was Warblersightings as well, but at this point SPARROWS THROUGH SNOW BUNT- reportedat least15 times.Certainly the bird they pale. ING -- A VesperSparrow overwintered at a of the season was Wisconsin's first docu- WaukeshaCounty, Wis., feeder (SS) and mented Sage Thrasher which survived ICTERIDS -- Meadowlarkswere thought anotherwas in KalamazooJan. 13 (RA). throughat leastearly Februaryat McFar- to be unusually scarce in Wisconsin this Both Dark-eyedJunco and Tree Sparrow land, Dane Co. (m.ob.). winter,perhaps dispersed by thelack of snow wereconsidered to be low in Michigan,al- cover. Three Yellow-headed Blackbirds were though their populationsin Minnesotaand reportedin Decemberin Wisconsin,but more Wisconsinseemed to be about normal. Three unusualwere singlesJan. 1-5 in Big Stone Field Sparrowsreported in Minnesotawere County, Minn. (BJ, DB) and Jan. 25 in Ni- interestingsince normally none are, good colletCounty, Minn. (JF). A N. Oriole lasted numbers of Swamp Sparrows wintered in until Jan. 12 at a Minneapolisfeeder (fide Michigan,and two n. MichiganSong Spar- BJ). Blackbirdsin general wintered in better rows were noteworthy. Unusual for n.e. Min- than averagenumbers in all three states, nesota were single Lapland Longspursat especiallyRed-wingeds, Com. Grackles and feedersin Duluth Jan. 10 and Tofte Feb. 16 Brown-headedCowbirds -- this last species (KE); however, this speciesseemed to be especiallycommon in s. Michigan. down in numbersin Wisconsinand Michi- gan.Finally, Snow Buntings were reportedly Sage Thrasher,McFarland, WI, Dec. 15, harderto find throughout,with lack of snow 1979- earlyFebruary. Photo/Steve Lang. GROSBEAKS THROUGH TOWHEES -- cover probably to blame. Somehow three Rose-breasted Grosbeaks THRUSHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- decided to remain into the winter in Min- CORRECTION -- The Kirtland's Warbler Good numbers of Am. Robins were found in nesota: one lasted at a feeder in Dakota, total for Summer1979 in Michiganshould Wisconsinand along the North Shoreof L. Winona Co., until Dec. 29, another was read 210, not 310. Superiorowing to a healthycrop of mountain chancedupon near Deerwood, Crow Wing ash and other berries. Lots of Varied Co., Jan. 21 (TL), and still another was at a CONTRIBUTORS (state editors in bold- Thrushesagain wandered E intothe Region, Minneapolisfeeder Jan. 29 +; therewas also face) -- Minnesota:Darryl Anderson, with at least15 in Minnesota,six in Wiscon- one at a Michigan feeder Dec. 3-23 in Dickin- sin and four in Michigan.Eastern Bluebirds DonaldAnderson, Don & Mary Beimborn, son County (A&FK). As mentioned in the in- Noel Benson, Nancy Berlin, Thomas were scarcerthan usualin s. Michigan,but troduction, the movementof winter finches Biebighauser,Don Bolduc, Chuck & Micki two in NicolletCounty, Minn., wasa good was again disappointing.There were a few find Jan. 4 (JF). Anothergood find wasa cy Buer,Steve Carlson, Marj Cart, It. Cham- brightspots and somespecies appeared in berlain,Mrs. A. DeKam,Joanne Dempsey, MountainBluebird in SuperiorJan. 19(AC), average numbers, but most numbers were ob- only about the eighthWisconsin record. The SharonDufur, Joel Dunnette(JD), Kim viously low: Evening Grosbeak -- normal Eckert, Alpha Eckhardt, Mrs. L. Feil, casualTownsend's Solitaire appeared Feb. 20 numbersin Minnesotaand n. Wisconsin, in Devil'sLake S.P., Wis. (KL), andanother HerbertFisher, Marllynn & EugeneFord, scarceelsewhere in Wisconsin;Purple Finch Joan Fowler, Lee & JoannFrench, John overwinteredin Mankato,Minn. (JF). Gol- -- good numbersin n. Minnesota, but down den-crownedKinglets rebounded well from Frentz(JF), RandallGoertzen, Tom Hargy, somewhatelsewhere in the Region; Pine Ed Hibbard,Ken Hoffman,Bob Janssen, previouslylow numbers;this was most evi- Grosbeak-- way downwith only a few scat- dentin Wisconsinduring December and in n. OscarJohnson, Henry Kyllingstad,Ken La- teredin six n. Minnesotacounties, in Wiscon- Fond, Tim Lamey, Jeff Larson, Don & Minnesotathroughout the winter. The much sin limited to only a few n. countiesin De- scarcer Ruby-crownedwas also reported WynnMahle, Steve Millard, Warren Nelson, cember, and 37_+ total for the season Gary & Marion Otnes,Don Potter,Terry more frequentlyin Decemberand early throughoutn. Michigan;Com. Redpoll-- January, and one survived until Feb. l0 in Savaloja,Madeline Schuller, Gary Simon- onlytwo s. Minnesotareports and not many son, Shelley& Keith Steva, Dick & Gloria Mason County,Mich. (EG). Both Minnesota more than that in n. Minnesota where there Wachtler, Steve Wilson, Steve Young; and Wisconsin observers found fewer N. was a lone Hoary reported, in Wisconsineven Shrikes than usual. Wisconsin:Joe Barnes, Harvey Beach, Gary scarcer than the Pine Grosbeak with no more Casper,Arthur Clarke, Gerald DeBoer, than five countiesreporting, and fewerthan Mary Donald, Bob Drieslein,Don Follen, VIREOSAND WARBLERS-- Thisgroup 50 total individualsin Michiganall season; Lee Hammen, Don Hanbury, Bill Hilsen- is usuallymore alien to thisRegion in winter Pine Siskin-- good numbersin extremen.e. than the mimidsdiscussed above, but Wis- hoff, John Jacobs,Bernie Klugow, Ken Minnesotabut clearlydown elsewhere,the Lange, Harold Lindberg,Roy & Charlotte consinand Michiganreported an incredible scarcityin Wisconsinwas "shocking" and in variety of warblers and even one vireo. Nor- Lukes, Don Mitchell, Janine Polk, Allen Michigan "only about 40 statewideat feed- Shea,Martin Smith, Spencer Stehno, Daryl mally winterreports of vireoscan safelybe ers"; Red Crossbill-- consistentlylow, but Tessen,Penny Thiessen,Steve Thiessen, dismissedas misidentifiedgoldfinches, but not shockingly so, in n. Minnesota and n. ThomasZiebell; Michigan ( * indicatesarea with so many warblerspresent that White- Wisconsin,only five reports in n. Michigan, eyedVireo at Madisonthrough Dec. 15seems editors):Ray Adams*,Glenn & Maryanne and no reportsanywhere in the s. half of the Belyea,Gwen Bennett (GB), R. Benoit,Mrs. credible(BH et al.). Obviouslylate were Region;White-winged Crossbill -- curiously Orange-crownedWarblers at Madison Dec. 1 G. Bouschor,Ed Brigham,Mary Carey,Er- common in Cook County, Minn., where nie Carhart,Tom Carpenter,Audrey Con- (MS) andat Dearborn,Mich., Jan. 3 (JFo)-- courtshipdisplay of severalmales was noted, this latter date about five weekslater than the ant, JamesDesy, Jim DeLuca,Mike Elwell, only threeother reporting counties in n. Min- JohnFlora (JFI), Jim Fowler(JFo), Ethel

276 AmericanBirds,May 1980 Getgood, Jeff Greenhouse, Margaret Guil- documentation forms ford, Marvin Hanson, R. Hotaling, Mary were received: Ohio-- Lou Hummel, Harry Hutchins, N. Ilnicky*, 43, Indiana--38, Illi- iL...... I ...... Vic Jason, Gloria Joesting, Arlene & Frank nois-32, Missouri-- Kangas*, Alice Kelley*, Ford Kelturn, Wally 17, Kentucky--7, and :: oledo - Kremers, Joan Lalley, John Lerg, Doug Me- Iowa--6. In addition •y I 'PA. Whirler, Skip Mott, Sue Nelson, Martha 13 photographs were Olson, JennyOsgood, R. O'Reilly, Jim Pon- received. All docu- :"'...... - shair*, Dave Powell, Chris Schumacher (CS), mented records have Winona Showerman, E. Shy, Charles Stein- been denoted by a dagger ($). Records bach, John Stiner, Roswell Van Deusen, Jack •:'..•.• t•,,•, '..... Watt (JWa), George Wickstrom, Jan which were not satis- • :;--::•:•:•:• ...... o•.,a ....---• Williams(JWi), Jay Ziel. There werealso 171 factorily documented, other observers(31 from Minnesota, 25 from but which may be Wisconsin and 115 from Michigan) whose credible appear in the observationsdid not directly contributeto the UNCORBORATED preparation of this summary.--KIM R. RECORDS section. ECKERT, 9735 North Shore Dr., Duluth, As a reading aid, the following abbrevia- Feb 29+ (KB, PO). Sin•c Kin• Eiders were MN 55804. tions have been used in the text: CBC-- notedat O.W.R., Dec8 ($JP)and Huron,O. Christmas Bird Count (most such records Dec. 13 ($JP). SmaH numbers of Whitc- have not been included in this report) win•cd Scotcrs wcrc on L. Eric and L C.O.R.--Crab Orchard National Wildlife Michigan--longer than usual; one bird was Refuge, Ill; L.Cal.--Lake Calumet, Ill; identifiedin VermilionCounty, Ill., Dec. 13 O.W.R.--Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, (•MC). The Dec. 9 presenceof a BlackScorer MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE O.; S.C.R.--Squaw Creek National Wildlife in Calhoun County, IlL, was not•orthy REGION Refuge, Mo. and Spfld.--Springfield, Ill. (HWu). /Vernon M. Kleen LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- DIURNAL RAPTORS -- The 244 Turkey Only five Corn. Loons lingeredinto January, Vultures in Casey County, Ky., Jan I was This was a rather uneventful winter but and three of those until Feb. 10 in Gibson unexpected(JEI); 125were recordedat Hop- there were enough unusual sightingsto make County, Ind. (CMi); most were gone prior to kinsville, Ky., Jan. 13 (PHy); there were the season interesting. The obvious lack of the CBC period. The only Red-neckedGrebe single observations at three other locations. winter finches coupled with the paucity of encountered was in the Greater Miami R., Both Sharp-shinnedand Cooper's hawks normal wintering speciesspelled boredom for Ind., and O., Dec 18-Jan.7 ($NW, DSt). The were reported regularly--most often in con- the majority of bird-feeding enthusiasts.Uni- majority of Horned Grebes had departed junction with feeding stations. The six que excitement, though, did stir at sdected prior to the report period; a few lingered into reports of Red-shoulderedHawks from Ohio feeders throughout the Region with such December and occasionallyuntil mid-Janu- were not that encouragingsince the species speciesas Varied Thrushes, Black-throated ary (m.ob.). A W. Grebe appearedfor two was not reported from traditional areas at all Sparrows,and various warblers adorning the days at Michigan City, Ind., Jan. 19-20 this year; the specieswas also noted in four otherwise dull settings. ($PG, $KB, m.ob.). There were a few Missouriand two Illinois locations.Rough- The near-normal winter (extremely mild if Double-crested Cormorants in Decem- legged Hawks were few this year and absent comparedto the past three) helped to induce ber--most were gone before the CBCs. from some areas. There were seven records of many speciesto linger longer and farther Golden Eagles(not including those observed north than expected. The usual number of HERONS, WATERFOWL -- Small num- on the coordinatedeagle surveys); the moste. catbirds, thrashersand "myrtles" was joined bers of Great Blue Herons braved the winter record was of an adult at BrookevilleRes., by other shorebirds, gulls, wrens, warblers, in many areas.Black-crowned Night Herons Ind. Dec. I (•TPe). The final tally of Bald Dickcisselsand various sparrows.One of the remainedin L. Erie marshesuntil Jan. 3(JP). Eagles on the midwinter survey (Jan. 7-12) best records may have been of the Heer- From one to seven Mute Swans were located was 1334--a slight decreasefrom the 1979 mann's Gull photographedin Ohio. Water- at sevenareas; one remainedthe entire period results. Marsh Hawks were scarce. Winter fowl, gull and robin populations exceeded at Sandusky,O., some remainedpart of the records of Ospreys are always subject to those of even normal winters. period, but most were encounteredon only skepticism; however, the following seem In contrast, there was a scarcity of Marsh one day.' Dec. 4 (sevenbirds) at Springfield, legitimate:two (both banded)in the St. Louis and Rough-leggedhawks, Long-eared, Short- Mo., to Feb. I (2 birds) in JeffersonCounty, area through Feb. 10 (m.ob.); one at River- eared, Snowy, and Saw-whet owls; juncos, Ky. Forty Whistling Swanswintered at Cedar ton N.W.R., la, Jan. 17 (IG); and one (prob- and many sparrows.In addition, thosepopu- Point Wildlife Ref., O. (ET); 50 remained ably the first acceptable winter record for lations that suffered in past winters, such as throughDec. 6 in n.e. Iowa (DK); therewere Ohio) at Lorain Jan. 13 ($JP). A gray phase kinglets,wrens, mockingbirdsand bluebirds, four isolated instances of 1-3 birds at other Gyrfalcon was present at O.W.R., Dec. 2-9 were still low in numbers--but, in some localities. The final build-up of wintering (LV, $JP). A Prairie Falcon was discovered placesthere were positivesigns of a beginning CanadaGeese (and many ducks)did not main Holt County, Mo., Dec. 26 ($R); another recovery. terialize in s. Illinois and w. Kentuckyuntil was present at Lawrenceville, Ill., Dec. 2-3 Cold weather did not hit the Region until the extremecold spellof late Januarywith the and Feb. 3-18 ($LH, $DJ, m.ob.); and a third late January and then only remainedthrough maxima not occurringuntil mid-February. near Alton, Ill., Nov. 27-Dec. 23 ($BR, mid-February. As the cold weather snapped, Thousands of Snow Geese remained in Fre- m.ob.). There were only two documented some species--ducks, woodcock, waxwings, mont County, Ia., until mid-January(IG). A Peregrine Falcons--both in Missouri. There meadowlarks and blackbirds--were already large number and wide variety of ducks were also only two documented Merlins-- migrating into the Region. One concern that lingeredat selectedponds and lakesthrough- both in December. American Kestrels were should be carefully monitored is the new out the Region. Practically all normal water- fairly commonthis winter in most places. wood-burning stove craze. Many persons fowl specieswere presentsomewhere (often managed to utilize only wood as their heat- in greater-than-expectednumbers) and usual- BOBWHITES THROUGH RAILS -- source this winter; if this becomes very ly in more than one place. With the advent of Bobwhite remained quite scarce;some were popular, it will prove detrimental to some warmer weather in mid-February, some of observedusing ground feeders.Gray Par- woodland species.Careful investigationsare the ducks began their N migration into the tridgewere scarcely reported (one recordin n. in order. Region. Greater Scaup were routinely iden- Illinois). The 54 SandhillCranes heading S As usual, all extraordinary sight records tified at many places they rarely frequent. over Dayton, O., were rather late for Dec. 2 must be thoroughly documented at the time Two Harlequin Ducks were detected at (fide CMt); seven were noted at Cincinnati of observation. For the winter season, 143 Michigan City, Dec. 29 (CK); one remained Feb. 16 (fide W). A King Rail wascaught and

Volume 34, Number 3 277 bandedin Ottawa County, O., Jan 1 (JP). A February (WM, ?RCh) The Heermann's Anthony, Ia, Dec 22(?CK) AnEmptdonax Sora was observed in the same Ottawa Coun- Gull at Lorain (a 2nd-year bird) Feb. 12-18 flycatcher was still at Louisville Dec. 9 ty marshDec. 30-Jan. 6 (JP). may represent the first record e. of the (?LRa). Observers felt that Horned Larks MississippiR. ('•JP, •'JF, m.ob.--ph.). Three were less common than expected;however, SHOREBIRDS -- Indiana's first winter different Black-headedGulls were presentin owing to the lack of snow cover, the birds RuddyTurnstone appeared at theGary dump the Lorain area Jan. 2-Feb. 11 (?JP, m.ob.); may have been lessconspicuous as well. Both Feb 2 (•'PG, ?KB,et al.). AmericanWood- anotherwas noted at ClevelandJan. 7 (M). speciesof chickadeeswere recorded in high cockbegan returning about Feb. 22-23. A The number of lingering Bonaparte'sGulls numbers on CBCs--and therefore have ap- curlew,sp., was seen at theSt. CharlesCoun- was exceptional in both the Cleveland and parently survived the harsh winters of past ty, Mo. airport,Jan. 6 (•'VB).One Spotted Chicago areas. Up to elevenLittle Gulls were years successfully.However, the numbers of Sandpiperwas still presentat Lorain, O., presentat Clevelandin December;there were Tufted Titmice are still rather low in contrast Dec 16(?JP). Three Purple Sandpipers were fewer than five during January and the last to the "good" years; some areas (Ohio in reported:one at MichiganCity Dec.7 (TK) had departedby the end of January(M); the particular) have suggestedmoderate increases and observedthrough Jan. 19 (•'PG, m.ob.); peak at Lorain reached six, Jan. 12 (JP); again. Red-breasted Nuthatches were prac- oneat ClevelandJan. 5 (M, LRo); and oneat there were at least six, possibly eight at tically nonexistent this year. Loraln, Jan. 7 (•'JP). A Baird'sSandpiper Chicago Dec. 25 with some remaining was photographedat Huron, O., Dec. 11 through Jan. 6 (RB, SM). Two Black-legged WRENS, MIMIDS AND THRUSHES -- (TL) LateDunlins included three at Huron Kittiwakes were detected at Evanston, Ill, The only really late record of a House Wren Jan. 2 and oneat Castalia,O., Jan. 2 (JP). A Jan. 5 (•'RB, JL, SM); singles were docu- was at LouisvilleFeb. 5 (?BP). Winter Wren Red Phalaropewas noted at Darby Marsh, mented at Cleveland Dec. 24 (M), Dec. 27 remainedpresent--but scarce,suggesting the O, Jan. I (•'JP, $CMt, m.ob.). (tTBt); and Dec. 26-Jan. 25 (?JP); another beginning of its comeback. The same is true GULLS -- was reportedfrom the MississippiRiver at St. for Carolina Wrens--with definite, positive Louis, Jan. 12 (DAn). signs in the s. portions of the Region. A SoA. Long-billed Marsh Wren was noted in Ot- "Nearly daily observations of gulls at DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS tawa County, O., Jan. 1 (JP). Although Lorain, O., by JP providesinsight into -- Mourning Doves were well distributed and Mockingbirds were still encountered, the the seasonalmovement patterns of these in higher numbers--especiallyin urban areas total number remains low compared to average years; the specieswas absent from species.When Lake Erie was open, the (m.ob.); the speciesattempted nesting in most numerousinshore species were Ring- January and February around Cincinnati many areaswhere it usuallyoccurs. Only five Gray Catbirds were reported--the latest in billed and Bonaparte's. White-winged, (KM). Three Ground Doves were reported Great Black-backed and even Herring from one Missouri CBC; another was noted s.w. Ohio Feb. 3 (TPe). There were nearly 15 recordsof wintering Brown Thrashersin the gulls were uncommon or absent. When at Pleasant Hill, Mo., Jan. 12-13 (•'JGa, n. portion of the Region. American Robins cold weather arrived and the lake started tm.ob.). Five Barn Owls were reported--one to freeze, the large Bonaparte's flocks in Indiana, three in Iowa and one in Ohio. were reported as the most commonwoodland speciesin some areas; high numbers were re- left The speciescomposition changed There was only a scatteringof Snowy Owls- radically when the lake was mostly or en- 13 to be exact--all at the n. edge of the ported (much higher than normal) Region- wide. There were five Varied Thrushes tirely frozen. At this time, Herring Gulls Region (except the one at Shelbyville, Ky., werenearly as commonas the Ring-billed Dec. 15(WBn); all wereindividual reports ex- observed: Findlay S.P., O., Dec. 23-Feb Gulls while the peak concentrationsof cept for the four at Toledo (m.ob.). Long- 29+ (LCh, •'m.ob.) and Mansfield, O., Feb white-winged speciesand Great Black- earedOwls were scarcelyencountered--from 10-Feb. 29+ (•'SMc, m.ob.) for Ohio's second and third confirmed records; Mon- backedsoccurred. When the ice broke up, only nine localities and then in small num- ticello, Ia, mid-December to mid-March almostall speciesdisappeared, leaving on- bers. Short-earedOwls were more widespread ly smallnumbers of Ring-billedsand Her- and in greater numbers; most were noted in (PW, $m.ob.); Savanna, II1., Dec. 24-Janu- ring gulls." (J). February; the 23 at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 17 ary (TB, $m.ob.); and Peoria Feb. 5-29+ (CR, •;VH, m.ob.). There were more winter- (RM) was the greatest number reported-- ing reports of Hermit Thrushesthan usual, A peak of 13 GlaucousGulls occurredat most were in groups of fewer than seven. some survived all winter in n. areas. Eastern Loraln Feb. 5 (JP); three were present at There were three or four Iowa reports of Alton Dam (Ill. and Mo.) Feb. 2 & 4 (BR et Saw-whet Owls; only two birds in Ohio-- Bluebirds remained scarce (or absent), but al ), up to five werenoted in n. Indiana dur- both at Cincinnati. (RA); and two birds in Il- showedsigns for optimism in Kentucky and Ohio. ing the period (•'PG); more distant singles linois in late February to early March (JA, were documented for C.O.R., Feb. 16-17 L J). Belted Kingfishers were widely encount- ($MM1) and Spfld., Dec. 6 (tH). Up to three ered, in small numbers, owing to the availa- SYLVIIDS, THROUGH SHRIKES -- A Iceland Gulls occurred in the Cleveland/ bility of open water. Common Flickers were Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was photographedin Loraln area Jan. 18-Feb. 11 (JP et al.); one more common than experiencedduring the Gibson County, Ind. Dec. 8 (D J). The bird was identified at Gary, Ind., Feb. 28 past three winters. A "Red-shafted" Flicker number of Golden-crowned Kinglets en- (tKB) and another at Spfld., Feb. 27 (•;H). that had been banded at Palos Park, Ill., countered was encouraging--althoughstill The peak concentration of Great Black- Mar. 2, 1979 was recaptured there Dec. 3 & scarce. A Water Pipit was present at Colum- backed Gulls reached 170 Jan. 31-Feb. 9 at Jan. 8 (KBa). The number of Pileated Wood- bus Jan. 26 (J). The only report of a Bohe- Cleveland(M) and nearly as high at Lorain peckersreported--nearly always in bottom- mian Waxwingcame from ChristianCounty, Feb 5 (JP); four were noted in the Chicago lands--indicated a good winter (possiblyex- Mo., Jan. 24 (•;DHg). Cedar Waxwingswin- area Dec. 25-Jan. 2 (RB, SM); and two more panding) distribution; most notable were tered in excellent numbers Regionwide and Jan 20 (RB); one was present at C.O.R., birds in s. Ohio and Indiana and e. Illinois. were joined by a wide band of migrantsin Feb 24 (•'MMI). A LesserBlack-backed Gull Red-headed Woodpeckers were much more mid-to-late February as evidencedby the was documentedat Gary, Ind. (for the state's common this winter than usual and were 4000 at Murray, Ky., Feb. 25 (JEr). The 3rd record)Dec. 28 & Jan. 6 (•'EH, KB, PG); mostly associatedwith bottomland forests. regular number of N. Shrikes was report- also, at ClevelandJan. 5 ($RH, m.ob.) which ed--as usual, in the n. portions of the Re- bird may have been at Lorain Jan. 15--Feb. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH NUT- gion; one was reported as far s. as Waveland, 11 ('•JP). Thayer's Gull craze seemsto be HATCHES -- An E. Kingbird was still pre- Ind., Feb. 29 (AB). The number of Logger- spreading;four differentbirds were reported sent at Goose Lake Prairie S.P., II1., Dec. 9 head Shrikes encountered remained low. from ChicagoDec. 25-Jan. 5 (RB, SM); three (KBa). A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher made a lmmatures and one adult at Alton Dam Feb. 22 appearance at Springfield, Mo. WARBLERS -- Such surprises!A Black- December through February; one at Gary (WC). The latest of three E. Phoebes en- and-white Warbler at Kent, O., Dec. 16 Dec l-Jan. 29 (PG et al.); two adults at counteredwas in Fairfield County, O., Jan. (tLRo); a TennesseeWarbler at Charleston, Lotare Feb. 5-19 ('•JP, m.ob.); and one im- 19 (J); the others were in Chicago, Dec. I11., Dec. 13 (LH); two Orange-crowned mature at Cleveland during January (•;RH, 22-Jan. 7 (tRB) and Lake Forest, II1., Dec. 7 Warblers at ChicagoDec. 26 (SM) with one mob.); and two at L. Calumet during (SM). A Say'sPhoebe was documentedat St. remaining through Jan. 7 (m.ob.--ph.),

278 American Birds, May 1980 another Orange-crownedat an Ind•anapohs ler numbers were usually encountered There (T) Thomas Kent (Iowa), (W) Arthur Wxse- feeder November-Feb. 7 (LP, m.ob.). A were two reports of White-winged Cross- man. Other observers and reports included Nashville Warbler at Monmouth, Ill., Dec. 9 bills--both in Ohio and both consisting of D. Anderson(DAn), J. Armstrong, D. Arvin (?LM). A Cape May Warbler at SpringMill four birds. The mild winter may have been (DAr), R. Austing, K. Bartel (KBa), T S P., Ind., Feb. 4-27 (?DC--ph.). A Black- beneficial for Rufous-sided Towhees. A Lark Bartlett (TBt), C. Becker (CBe), B. Bertrand, throated Blue Warbler at another Indianapo- Bunting was documented in Lawrence Coun- D. Bierman (DBi), D. Birkenholz (DB), R hs feeder (eating sunflower seeds) Dec. ty, Ill., Dec. 9 (+LH, D J). A small number of Biss, M. Blck, C. Bonner (CBo), T. Bouse- 16--Jan. 30 (?LP--ph.). Large numbersof Savannah Sparrows wintered in the Region. man (TBo), K. Brickley (KBr), K. Brock Yellow-rumped Warblers--including 100+ There were three Ohio records of wintering (KB), W. Brown (Ia.) (WBr), W. Brown at Chicago Jan. 10 (SM) and 50 in Lawrence Vesper Sparrows and three birds were noted (Ky.) (WBn), A. Bruner, D. Brunner (DBr), County, Ill., Jan. 26 (LH). Three Palm in McLean County, Ill., Feb. 3 (DBz). Dark- V. Bucholz, D. Buck (DBu), H. Burgess,E Warblers at Chicago as late as Jan. 10 (SM, eyed Juncos were generally much scarcerthan Burstatte, J. Campbell, M. Campbell, W m.ob.)--one remaining until Jan. 14 (RB); in other recent years (there were only isolated Carras, L. Carter (LCa), D. ChamberIron, L one at ColumbusDec. 22 (?JSk) and another exceptions);the same was reported for Tree Champney (LCh), R. Chapel (RCh), B in Pickaway County, O., Dec. 1 (J). A N. Sparrows--with only isolated large flocks en- Clark, K. Clay, D. Coskren, E. Crocker, R Waterthrush at Chicago Dec. 15 (+SM). countered. Even the skeptics proved them- Cummins (RCu), J. Dinsmore, D. Easterla, S•ngleCom. Yellowthroatsat DaytonFeb. 20 selves wrong by discovering Chipping Spar- J. & D. Elmore (JEI), J. Erwin (JEr), J Fry, (CMt, PHa); C.O.R., Jan. 19 (?MMI); Prat- rows at Decatur, I11.,Dec. 23 (+H, RS); Find- C. Gambill, J. Garrett (JGa), T. Gates, I ne Creek Res., Ind., Jan. 12 (LC); O.W.R., ley S.P., O., Feb. 25 (?JP); Pickaway Coun- Getschef, B. Gill, J. Gillaspey, (JGi), M Dec. 2 (fide P J); and up to threeat Chicago ty, O., Feb. 10 (+J); Urbana, I11., Dec. 15 Gossmann, E. Groneman, P. Grube, J as late as Jan. 7 (RB, SM) and one through (RB). Field Sparrowswere scarcelyreported, Hackman (JHk), D. Hagewood (DHg), P Jan. 14 (RB, m.ob.--ph). And finally, an but slight gains were suggestedfor n. portions Hall (PHa), J. Hancock (JHa), R. Han- Am. Redstart at Somerset, Ky., Jan. 1 of the Region. Single BIack-throated Spar- nikman, D. Hart (DHr), L. Harrison, D (?JEI). rows were present at feeders in Glencoe, I11., Hatch (DHa), J. Haw (Haw), B. Heck (BHe), Jan. 6-Feb. 29+ (RB, +m.ob.--ph.) and at J. Herman (JHe), J. Hill (JHi), E. Hopkxns, MEADOWLARKS, BLACKBIRDS AND Rockford, Feb. 7-24 (KBr, +m.ob.--ph.). V. Humphreys, L. Hunt, P. Hyatt (PHy), ORIOLES -- Eastern Meadowlarks were still The expected number of Harris' Sparrows V.&M. Inman, M. Irwin, P. Jack, C scarce,but suggesteda slight increasein the were recorded; the eastern most was at Louis- Johnson, L. Johnson. N. Johnson, D. Jones, s; the specieswas absent from many areas; ville, in February (+MB). Observersreported C. Keller (Indiana), T. Keller, P. Knoop, J the first spring influx was detected in early a scarcity of both White-crowned and White- Knoblaugh, D. Koenig, R. Korotev (RKo), February. Two Yellow-headed Blackbirds throated sparrows. Ohio observers found R. Krol (RKr), C. Kurtz, J. Landing, T wintered at S.C.R. (BHe et al.); another more Fox Sparrowsthan expected.Lincoln's LePage, F. Loetscher, M. Madsen (MMa), wintered at O.W.R. (ET, m.ob.); and one Sparrows were reported from three w. W. Marcisz, C. Marks (CMa), K. Maslowskx, was noted at Cedar Point Wildlife Ref., O., Missouri localities in December and January. C. Mathena (CMt), J. Maxwell, S. McKee Jan. I (JP). A N. Oriole waspresent near Ef- Lapland Longspurs were widespread in the n. (SMc), L. McKeown (LM), L. McNelly tingham, Ill., Jan. 2-Feb. 13 (WS, fide H). portions of the Region--but difficult to (LMc), C. Mills (CMi), M. Mlodxnow The first winter record for a Great-taiIed locate because of the lack of snow cover; (MM1), S. Mlodinow (SM), R. Morris,, D Grackle in Missouri was established Dec. 22 when snow did appear, the birds were more Mosman, W. Nelson, B. Palmer-Ball, D at S.C.R. (BC, HB). The only blackbird readily detected. There were many fewer Parker, L. Parker, T. Parmeter (TPa), T roosts reported were in Kentucky--"mil- Snow Buntings this winter than in other re- Peterson (TPe), R. Phipps, J. Pogacmk, J hons" of birds at Bowling Green and an esti- cent yearswith no large flocks encounteredat Rathert (Missouri) L. Rauth (LRa), T Rxd- mated 3,000,000 (mostly gracklesand Star- all. dell, C. Rist, J. Robinson, L. Rosche (LRo), hngs) at Somerset. B. Rudden, R. Sandburg, W. Sargent, J UNCORROBORATED RECORDS -- Schaefer (JSc), J. Schaufenfuel (JS), C FRINGILLIDS -- The only documented Barn Owl at Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 15; Schlemmer(CSc), B. Shaw (BSh), J. Skxnner Black-headed Grosbeak occurrred at Ster- Varied Thrush at Cincinnati beginning Dec. (JSk), J. Smith (JSm), L. Smith, P. Snets- hng, Ill., in early February (?BSh). Four In- 29; Orange-crowned Warbler there Jan. 6; inger, C. Spener(CSp), B. Stehling(BSt), D digo Buntings were documented: two on Cape May Warbler there Jan. 24-Feb. 29 +; Styer (DSt), E. Surman (DSu), C. Swxnk Ovenbird at two different Cincinnati feeders, CBCs; the other two birds were at Spfld., (SCw), F. Thompson, D. Thornburg, E Dec. 1 & 13 (H) and L. Sangchris,Ill., Dec. Dec. 15-Feb. 29+ and Feb. 10-Feb. 29+. Tramer, L. Van Camp, J. Van Dyk, N 20 (H). SevenDickcissels were reported--all Walker, B. Walters, H. Weber (HWe), H but one in January or February and were re- CORRIGENDA -- The following records West (HW), P. Wheat, D. Williams, J ported just as the harshestpart of winter ar- were from Forney's Lake in s.w. Iowa not Wilson (Missouri), H. Wuestenfeld (HWu), rived, Jan. 20-31; the one present at Findley Decorah, Ia., (AB 33:866-867) W. Grebe, H. ZalateI.--VERNON M. KLEEN, Depart- S.P., O., was joined by another Feb. 23 White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorant ment of Conservation,Springfield, IL 62706. (m.ob.). Evening Grosbeakswere scarcelyre- and Snow Geese. Also, (p. 868, same issue) ported--however,there were25 in Columbus the Sanderling records for Louisville, Ky., Jan. 19 (J) and another25 in Hocking Coun- should be July 24, not June 24). CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION ty, O., Jan. 22 (JF). Purple Finchesare usual- /Robert B. Hamilton ly dependable--but not so this year; they ADDENDA -- Since Missouri's fall report were scarce everywhere. The usual large did not arrive in time for inclusion, the flocks of House Finches now expected following noteworthy records should be add- Throughout the Region the weather was around Cleveland did not materialize this ed: Groove-billed Ant, Kingdom City Oct. relatively mild in December and January, but year--only very small numberswere encount- 11-26 (m.ob.). Barn Owl, three young in two February was colder than normal. Many ered; the species'first occurrencewas duly es- nests near St. Joseph Aug. 17. Black-headed northern invaders were absent or presentonly tablished at Sandusky, O., Dec. 5-Feb. 26 Grosbeak, St. Louis County Sept. 26. Fer- in limited numbers; the mild December was (?TB); nine birds werereported from Somer- ruginous Hawk, Eldorado Springs Oct. 19. probably responsiblefor many of the unusual set, Ky., during the period and some were birds reported on the coast Christmas B•rds present in Lexington, Ky., into January CONTRIBUTORS -- (Sub-regional Edi- Counts (hereafter, CBC). The number of (DC). The only Com. Redpollswere seenin tor's namesin boldface type; contributors are lingererswas not as large as might have been extreme n. Ohio. Pine Siskins were virtually requested to send their reports to these anticipated on the non-coastal counts The absent this winter and there were no large editors). Major contributors(H) David Boh- increasein House Finch reports from Tennes- flocks of Am. Goldfinches. A small influx of len, (J) Bruce Peterjohn (Ohio), (K) Vernon see and northern Alabama was noteworthy Red Crossbillsappeared about CBC time and Kleen (Illinois), (L) Floyd Lawhon, (M) (House Finches apparently outnumbered were sporadically distributed through mid- William Klamm, (P) Peter Petersen, (R) Purple Finches) as was the Alabama record February; although flocks reached 50, smal- Mark Robbins,(S) Anne Stamm(Kentucky), for Red-footed Booby (the secondrecord for

Volume 34, Number 3 279 the Gulf of Mexico). The most interesting (female at Oak Moun- trend was the abundance along the coast of tain L., Shelby Co., western vagrants such as Anna's Humm- Dec. 11--HW, MMc), ingbird, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher and the and Mississippi(two at first United States record of Blue Bunting. Hattiesburg sewage The variety of flycatchers on CBCs was ponds Dec. 10-16-- almost unbelieveable. TF, DH). The 200,000 Lesser Scaup at Bon LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- The Secour Bay, Baldwin Com. Loon at Horseshoe L., Crittendon Co., Co., Ala., Mar. 6 (PFC, Ark., Feb. 23 (L&BBC) was unexpected.The NG, JB et al.) were Red-throated Loon reported at Pensacola believed to have been Beach, Fla., Dec. 5 (LD, RDu) represented presentall winter. There the second n.w. Florida record in 15 years were 20 Com. Golden- and the one at Gulf Shores Dec. 31 (JP) pro- eyes offshore at Bay St. vided the tenth Alabama coastal record in 25 Louis, Hancock Co., years; one inland at Guntersville L., Jan. 26 Miss., Dec. 22 (JAT, (CDC,DMB) provided the fourth record for MHo, BMi) and three (2 the TennesseeValley region of Alabama since 6 & 9) at UniversityL., 1951. A Red-necked Grebe was reported at Baton Rouge Jan. 15 Hattiesburg, Miss., sewage ponds Dec. 23 (BCr). At L. Fayette- (TF) & Feb. 16 (TF, DH). Large numbers of ville, Washington Co., Eared Grebes wintered as far e. as Hatties- five Oldsquaw reported burg (59 Feb. 10--TF) and Guntersvi!!e L. repeatedly Dec. 16-Jan. (17 on Jan. 26--CDC,DMB). At Jackson 27 (JB, D J, CP, RR, CL, JN) was the second bama 14 adult and 21 immature. One was at County, Miss., Dec. I there were 16 White occurrence ever recorded for n.w. Arkansas. L. Seminole, Jackson Co., Fla., Jan. 22 (HS, Pelicans (JAT, LG, SP, TF). The Red-fooled On Jan. 28 at Ship I., Miss., 40+ were pre- FSt). [n Alabama some were present all Booby reported at Gulf Shores Jan. 12 sent (JAT, JAJ, BS); the female at Oak winter at Eufaula N.W.R., with a maximum (CDC, DMB, fide T!) marked the first Mountain L., Ala., Dec. 9 (HW) was the of four Dec. 16 (DC); at Wheeler N.W.R., Alabama record and only the second that I earliest local date. two were present Jan. 5 & 19 (DMB, CDC). know of from the Gulf of Mexico. Gannets The White-winged Scoter at Oak Mountain !n Mississippi five (3 adult) were at Noxubee were seen with the booby; six were also re- L., Nov. 6-23 (HK, RS) provided the fourth N.W.R., in late January and early February ported at Rutherford Beach, Cameron Par., Alabama mountain region record; two im- (JAJ et al.) and an adult was at Delisle Feb. Jan. 27 (JK, LHa). An imm. Great Cor- matures were at Wheeler N.W.R., A!a., Jan. 10 (JW). One was at a reservoir in Rankin moranl was at Gulf Shores Jan. I 1-13 (CDC, 19 (DMB, CDC) and one was at Gulf Shores County Feb. 16 and two were there Feb. 23 DMB) & Mar. 4 (G J, DGJ) for the second Feb. 5 (G J). In Louisiana, the maximum (FWi, RD, ELo, MS, CB). An adult spent Alabama record. There were two Alabama numbers reported were in Cameron Parish-- January at Bay St. Louis (ELe). The nest site Green Heron winter records in addition to 14 at Cameron and seven at Rutherford near Gulfport was occupied and appeared to those on CBCs; one at Spring Hill Feb. 12 Beach Jan. 26-27 (JK, LHa). The Surf Scoter be successful(JAT et al.). (G J, DGJ) furnishedthe fourth inland winter reported last period at Radnor L., Nashville, An Osprey was at Horn !., Miss., Jan. 1 record and one at Mary Lou Slough Feb. 19 stayed until Jan. 5 and a male was at Camer- (JAJ) and one was 39 mi s. of Baton Rouge (G J) provided the ! Ith coastal record •qde on Jan. 26 (JK, LHa). The 800 Ruddy Ducks Dec. 2 (VR). One was observed at L. Semi- T1). The Cattle Egret seenand photographed reported on the Hancock County, Miss., nole, Jackson Co., Fla., on several occasions at Cold Springs, Cullman Co., Dec. 21 (FC, CBC (JAT, AD, E&RC) was an unexpected Nov. 29-Feb. 28 (HS, FSt, MG). !n addition W&DAR) was the only known winter appear- high number. A q• Com. Merganserstayed at to CBC reports, a Peregrine Falcon was seen ance in the n. half of Alabama •fide T1). In Lake Villa Pond, Metairie, Jefferson Par., Jan. 19 at Eufaula N.W.R., diving at an Mississippi a Reddish Egret was found at Jan. 8-Feb. 2 (N&PCN et al.); another female imm. Bald Eagle (DC). One was at Marianna, Gulfport Harbor, Harrison Co., Dec. 2 (LG, was seen periodically Nov. 28-Feb. 29 at Hat- Jackson Co., Fla., Jan. 4 (MG) and one at JAT, SP, TF). The Am. Bittern at Shreveport tiesburg sewage ponds (TF,MHo,LG, Port Bienvi!!e lnd. Pk., Hancock Co., Miss., Airport Jan. 12 (BCr, JRS, SHe, N&PCN) JAT,DH). Dec. 31-Jan. I (SP, JAT). Migrating Sandhill was found in an "unbelievably small amount Cranes were reported severaltimes from Ten- of suitable habitat." Two Plegadis ibises HAWKS, CRANES, RAILS -- The Mis- nessee:40 at Rickman, Overton Co., Nov. 12 were at Pascagoula R. marsh, Jackson Co., sissippiKite at Baton Rouge Feb. 27 (NN) (RZ, fide RH); 80-87 at Byrdstown, Pickett Miss., Dec. 1 (JAT, LG, SP, TF). was undoubtedly an early migrant. A Sharp- Co., Dec. 3-9 (Dart, RH); and 42 at Brother- shinned Hawk preyed on feeder-attracted ton Mt., Putnam Co., Dec. 9 (RSi). One WATERFOWL -- Two Whistling Swans birds in Baton Rouge (PC) and two (one wintered at Lynn Haven, Bay Co., Fla., and stayed at Wapanocca N.W.R., Crittendon adult) used the same food sourceat Malvern, fed regularly with domestic geese.Two were Co., Ark., Dec. 3-Feb. 29 + (EH) and two Hot Springs Co., Ark., Feb. 16-29 (H&MP) flushed Feb. 16 at Eufaula N.W.R. (BO). A were at Crowley's Ridge S.P., Green Co., The Rough-legged Hawk seen at Guntersvi!!e large flock again wintered e. of Cheneyvii!e, Ark., Dec. 17-18 (EH). The two White- L. CBC was the eighth for A!abama's Ten- RapidesPar.: 45 were reported Jan. 12 (BCr, fronted Geese that wintered at Wapanocca nesseeValley; there were two there Jan. 26 BMc, N&PCN); 50+ were there Mar. 1 (KG (EH) did not arrive until January. Two at (CDC, DMB). There were only four reported & JLo). Both Virginia Rail and Sofa wintered Fort Morgan, Baldwin Co., Oct. 16-17 (PFC, in Tennesseethis winter. An imm. Ferrugi- at Monsanto Ponds near Columbia, Tenn. G J) represented the ninth coastal Alabama nous Hawk was at Hattiesburg sewageponds (C.T.O.S.). occurrence. At Bayou Cassotte Ind. Pk., Nov. 23 (LG), Dec. 8 & 27 (TF). There were Jackson Co., Miss., there were two Black 29 Golden Eagles reported on U.S.F. & W.S. CHARADRIIFORMES -- An Am. Oy- Ducks Jan. 31 (JAT, BB) and nine Feb. 16 mid-winter eagle survey in Arkansas, one in stercatcherwas seenSept. 18 at Fort Pickens, (JAT & LG). The Cinnamon Teal (one male, Mississippi and two in Alabama. In addition Ha. (WV) and Sept. 29 at Perdida Key, Fla. two probable female) at the same location one was observed on top of a utility pole at (WV, CC). Four SnowyPlovers were at Horn Dec. 1 (LG, JAT, SP, TF) & Dec. 19 were the Bayou Cassotte, JacksonCo., Miss., Feb. 23; I. (JAJ) and three at W. Ship I., Miss. (JAJ, first ever reported for the Mississippicoast while being observed the eagle was shot at MM) Jan. 2. Five Spotted Sandpipers ap- and only the third state report. On Feb. 2 four times by a motorist. The U.S.F. & W.S. parently wintered at Hattiesburg sewage there were four Redheads at University L., mid-winter eagle survey in Arkansas found ponds(LG, TF) and one also at L. Mi!!wood, Baton Rouge (BCr). Greater Scaup were re- 286 adult and 200 immature Bald Eagles, in Hempstead Co., Ark. (CHM, RLG, DK et ported from Louisiana (male at Miller's L., Louisiana 37 adult and 20 immature, in Mis- al.). The six Lesser Yellowlegs at Ben Hur Evangeline Par., Dec. 23--BO), Alabama sissippi7 adult and 6 immature, and in Ala- Farm Feb. I (VR, SC, DRH) representedon-

280 AmericanBirds, May 1980 ly the second Baton Rouge area w•nter Ruby-throated Hummingbirds w•ntered •n state mentioned that numbers were h•gher record. A Purple Sandpiper was found at New Orleans (RRa, fide NN). A c• Anna's than usual. At the Hattiesburg sewageponds Destin, Fla., Dec. 9 (DR) & 28 (L&SD). The Hummingbird was collected near Johnson's on Dec. 28 & 30 a Yellow-throated Vireo was six Pectoral Sandpipersat Eufaula N.W.R., Bayou Dec. 16 (VR, DRH, SC, HL); all three seen(TF). The Red-eyed Vireo in Santa Rosa Feb. 16 (BO) provided the earliest Alabama Louisiana records (two specimens)were ob- County, Fla., Feb. 23 (FW, M J, LHo) was spring record. Although Stilt Sandpipersare tained at the same location. From New Or- the first in n.w. Florida in February and was extremely rare in winter, this species was leans, Nancy Newfield reported that hum- 17 days earlier than previousspring appear- found on two Louisana CBCs. Two Marbled mingbirdsdid not linger in spite of the warm ances. The mild early winter probably ex- Godwits were found at PascagoulaR. marsh weather. They came, stayed a few days and plains the 12 Black-and-white Warblers Dec. I (JAT, LG, SP, TF); one was at Mobile left. She banded a total of eight Black- found in Florida and perhaps many of the Jan. 13 (DMB, CDC). Fifteen Am. Avocets chi•nned and nine Rufous. She said that this other unusual CBC warbler records An were also at Pascagoula R. marsh Dec. 1 represents 1/3 to 1/4 of birds that she knew Orange-crowned Warbler was at Reelfoot L, (JAT, LG, SP, TF). were present. The one reported last year as a Tenn., Jan. 22 (DR J, RD, D&PCr). Two Yel- The imm. Glaucous Gull at Wheeler possible Rufous x Allen's hybrid was an low-throated Warblers were at Cross L, N.W.R., Feb. 23 (MF et al.) was the latest Allen's with an anomolous notch in its tail. Caddo Par., Jan. 13 (VR, JD, SC, LH, BCr) local winter occurrence. An ad. Great Black- She collectedanother this year Dec. 21 that The Prairie Warbler at Panama City Dec 28 backed Gull was at Fort Pickens, Fla., Dec. appears to be a hybrid. Only one Buff-bellied (CH, MAO) was the secondin n.w. Florida •n 20 (WV), Feb. 13 (WV), & Mar. 8 (DR) and Hummingbird was reported from New Or- winter and the one at Gulf Shores Jan 12 at Destin Feb. 4 (RDu). An immature was at leans Dec. 24 (ELe). (DMB, CDC) the fifth in Alabama in w•nter Ono I., Baldwin Co., Ala., Feb. 18 (PFC). The 3001 Yellow-rumped Warblers on the The three Ring-billed Gulls at Miller's L., FLYCATCHERS, LARKS, SWALLOWS Hancock County CBC was an all time h•gh Feb. 23 (BO) marked the secondEvangeline -- Several unusual flycatchers including a for the Mississippi coast. The fourth-s•xth Parish winter record. A Bonaparte's Gull, in- Scissor-tailed were found in coastal CBCs. wintering Nashville area Com. Yellowthroat frequent in Alabama mountain region, was An E. Kingbird was reported at Sabine. The recordsoccurred this winter: at Cheatham L, found Dec. 10 & Jan. 11 at Walker County L. most unusual flycatcher found was a Sul- Dickson Co., Dec. 15 (MLB, OL); Dec 29 (DAR, SW, BW). The second Alabama I•hur-bellied FLycatcher recorded on the Han- there were four birds at two widely spaced Black-leggedKittiwake, an immature, was at cock City, CBC. An Ash-lhroated Flycatcher sites (MLB, DV, RCa, RJM, DTh). There Gulf ShoresJan. 13 (DMB, CDC). A Roseate was found on the Sabine N.W.R. CBC. On were two reports of Wilson's Warbler m Tern was at Bellefontaine Beach, Miss., Feb. Dec. 17 a Least Flycatcher was collected at Louisiana in addition to CBCs: one at New 24 (MHo). Least Terns were found as a Peveto Beach, Cameron Par. (SC, LH, Iberia Dec. I (MJM) and one near Baton winter bird for the first time in n.w. Florida DRH, VR); one was on Ft. Smith, Ark., CBC Rouge Feb. 28 (VR). The male at Ft. Walton at Panama City Dec. 18 (BH) where there and later collected. At least three different Beach Dec. 3-8 (EL, SLe) was the third n w were two and in Alabama at Gulf Shores Jan. W. Wood Pewees were found at or near Hol- winter Florida occurrence. 11 (DMB, CDC) where a single was found. ly Beach in Cameron Parish this fall Oct 6-21 On Feb. 19 a Sandwich Tern was at Alabama (BCr, SC, N&PCN); these furnished the BLACKBIRDS THROUGH FINCHES -- Pt. (G J). third-fifth definite Louisiana records. A The N. (Baltimore) Oriole wintering from fourth bird, probably this species,was found Dec. 29 at Nashville (VB, JH) was the f•fth in Cameron Parish Nov. 11 (VR). The most DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS recordedlocally. One wintered at my yard m interesting of the Vermilion Flycatcher rec- -- A Ground Dove at Farville, Craighead Baton Rouge. At least one Bronzed Cowbird ords (see CBCs) was of one at Magnolia, Co., Dec. 2-3 (C&NL) provided the third n.e. was at PascagoulaR. marsh Dec. 1 (LG, SP, Ark., Dec. 9, 15 & 24 (C&RW, SL). Al- Arkansas record and two at Wheeler JAT, TF). A c• W. Tanager was at Bellefon- though early winter was mild, 300_+ Horned N.W.R., Feb. 2 (CDC, DMB) furnished the taine Beach, Miss., Dec. 19 (JAT, MHo, AD) Larks were relatively far s. near Cheneyville, fourth Alabama Tennessee Valley record. and another male was at Petal, Miss, Jan Rapides Par., Jan. 12 (BCr, BMc, N&PCN). Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos were at Spanish 27-Feb. 2 (TF) An ad. o' Rose-breasted A Rough-winged Swallow was found Feb. 26 L., Iberia Par., Jan. 8 (MJM) and one was at Grosbeak was at Petal, Feb. 2-Mar. 5 (TF, in Harrison County, Miss. (MHo, JAT). Two MississippiR. batture, St. Bernard Par., Dec. LG, D&MH). An imm. Black-headed Gros- Barn Swallowswere at Ocean Springs,Miss., 29 (RJS, TT, BMc, N&PCN). Groove-billed beak wintered at Baton Rouge (PC) A Dec. 15 (TF). The earliest Purple Martin Anis were found along the coast throughout Pheucticussp. was found near L. Hamilton, report was of two Jan. 29 at New lberia, La., the Region in groups of one to three Oct. Garland Co., Ark., Jan. 14-23 (JBH, JEH) (MJM). 13-Jan. 5. An ad. c• Blue Bunting (Passerinaparelhna) Although Barn Owls are unusual in n.w. was discovered on the Johnson's Bayou Florida, one was at Pensacola Beach "Christ- NUTHATCHES THROUGH WARB- CBC. This represents the first record for mas season"(CWM) and one was tallied on a LERS -- Red-breasted Nuthatches were rare North America n. of Mexico. The b•rd, m CBC. Burrowing Owls were found on the La- in middle Tennessee(T.O.S.) and erratic in postjuvenal molt, was apparently wild In- fayette, La., CBC; at Norco, St. Charles Memphis and surrounding area (BBC, digo and Painted buntings were found on Par., Jan. 20 (JK, LHa); inside Fort Massa- T.O.S.). There were few reports from the CBCs and a Painted at Fort Morgan Nov 30 chusetts, Ship I., Jan. 28 (JAJ, JAT, BS); Region. The House Wren at Nashville Dec. ,(GDJ, DGJ) may have been winter•ng--•t and at Ft. Pickens Dec. 7 (ND) and Mar. 2 31 (MLB) was the second local winterer. One was 4 weeks later than previous records (WV). A road-killed Long-cared Owl was wintered at Cookeville, Tenn. (RS); CBC There were the usual scattered Dickc•ssel found Feb. 23 at Jonesboro, Craighead Co., data indicate widespreadpresence in the area. records from Tennessee, Mississipp• and Ark. (EP)--many of our most unusual owl The two Long-billed Marsh Wrens at Louisiana Dec. 5-Feb. 29 +. There were very records are road kills. A Short-cared Owl was Cheatham L., Dickson Co., Dec. 15 (MLB, few Evening Grosbeak reports; two at seen at Miller's L., Evangeline Par., Dec. 23 OL) was the fourth Nashville area winter ap- Nashville Dec. 5 (AN), up to 30 at Loretto, (BO, RJS, MWe) and one was at Shreveport pearance and the Gray Catbird at Nashville Lawrence Co., Tenn., late December-Feb Airport Jan. 12 (BCr, SHe, JRS, VR); 8-10 Dec. 22 (JA) was their third. Several observ- 29 + (DSi) and 8-10 in S. Harpeth Valley near were flushed when the prairie was burned ers commented that E. Bluebirds were more Nashville Feb. 18 (DWh). Feb. 28 near Stuttgart, Ark. (EH). The common than usual. The maximum number There were very few Purple Finch reports Chuck-will's-widow at Marianrta, Jackson reported was 125 in one flock in Washington and Michael Bierly commented that many Co., Dec. 29 (TS) representedthe first winter Parish (BH). There was an encouragingin- feeders in Tennessee had none; ten was the recordfor n.w. F!orida.A lone Whip-poor- crease of Golden-crowned Kinglets this maximum but there was an increase m late will was well documented on the Johnson's winter (seeCBCs). Five Sprague'sPipits were February and early March. At Malvern, Hot Bayou CBC. Single Com. Nighthawks were at Norco, St. Charles Par., Jan. 20 (JK, LHa) SpringsCo., Ark., Feb. 16, the maximum re- reported for the first time in winter in n.w. and one was on the beach at Grand Isle S.P., ported was 17 (H&MP). As unbelievableas •t Florida: Ft. Walton Beach Dec. 6 (EL); Pen- Jefferson Par., Jan. 27 (N&PCN). As usual, would have seemedseveral years ago, House sacola Beach Dec. 29 (CT, fide DR); and large numbersof Cedar Waxwingsmoved in- Fincheswere more common than Purple F•n- Gulf Breeze Dec. 31 (CT, fide DR). Two to the Region in February. Observersin every ches in parts of our area. In Alabama, Tl

Volume 34, Number 3 281 received reports of 125-200+ birds, mostly Fairly Chandler, Bob Chapel, Jim Chapel, Love, Bob Madrulh, Glna Manning, Matt from the n. half of the state. A maximum of Carl Christensen,Sue Christensen (SCh), Ben Matthews, Bill McKee (BMc), Mable Mc- 75 was at Jacksonville (TI, JP, CWS). In B. Coffey, Jr. (w. Tennessee),Lula Coffey, Donald (MMc), Terry McKee, Bob Millard middle TennesseeMichael Bierly reported Columbia TennesseeOrnithological Society, (BMi), Charles H. Mills, Richard Moore, many present. At a feeder in Gallatin there Dan Combs, C. Dwight Cooley, Eric Cooper, Gerry Morgan (GMo), Rocky J. Milburn, C were 30. At a feeder in Nashville 13 were Ruth Cooper, Margaret Copeland, Bessie W. Milmore, Michael J. Musumeche, Mac banded. The one at Humboldt all winter (SH, Cornelius, Dot Crawford (DCr), Paul Craw- Myers (MMy), Nashville Tenn. Ornithologi- fide GM) was the first reported in w. Ten- ford (PCr), Bruce Crider (BCr), Elsie Croft cal Society, Joe Neal, Nancy Newfield, P. C nessee At least eight spent January and Feb- (ECr), Kermit Cummings, Kathy Davidson, Newfield, Robert Newman (Louisiana), ruary at a feeder in Starkville, Oktebbeha Co. Nick Delassandro, Ruth Downey, Ken Dubke Anne Nichols, Charles Nicholson, Mary Ann (ECr, MC, JAJ et al.), for the first Mississip- (KDu), Lil Dubke (LID), Annette Duchein, Olson, Brent Ortego, Helen Parker, Max pi record. Birds were photographedand a Lucy Duncan, Robert Duncan (RDu), Scot Parker, James Peavy, Steve Peterson, casualty preserved. Duncan, John Dunn, Terrie Fairley, Owen CharlesPreston, Ed Price, R. D. Purrington, Practically no Pine Siskins were reported Fang, Bob Fisher, Mike Fitzpatrick, Chris Robert Raether (RRa), Mac Read, Van this winter. American Goldfinches were Flanagan, Bob Frownfelter (BFr), Mike Remsen,Cay Rendal, Robin Rhinehart, Don unusually common at Starkville in January Fuller (MFu), Rosa Lee Gardner, Nancy Gar- Richardson, Lee Richardson, Elliot Rich- and February--flocks of 100-200 were com- ret, Larry Gates, Mary Gray, Edith M. mond, Mark Robbins (MRo), David Allen mon (JAJ et aL). The Gray-headed Junco Halberg (Arkansas), Henry Halberg, Linda Rowland, Wanda Rowland, Betty Schardien, reported at Loggy Bayou W.M.A., Bossier Hale, David Hamilton, Lynn Hamilton Ruth Schatz, Donald Scott (DSc), Frances Par, Jan. 12 (NN) represented the third (LHa), Martha Hamilton, Earl Hanebrink, Scott, Don Simbeck (DSi), Richard Simmers Louisiana record. The 20 Lapland Longspurs CandisHarbison, Dudley Harrington (DHa), (RSi), Maritta Smith, Tom Stadsley, Henry at Turfell, Crittendon Co., Ark., Jan. 12 Kathlene Harrington, Dave Hassler (Dart), Stevenson, J. R. Stewart, Ronald J. Stein, (L&BBC) were the first there in several Robbie Hassler, Judy Hay, Sarah Hayes, Bill Mr. & Mrs. Frank Stoutamire (FSt), C. W winters. The species was present at Hearn, Stanley Heath (SHe), J. B. Herring, Summerour, TennesseeOrnithological Socie- Shreveport (35 on CBC) and as far s. as Jewel E. Herring, Robert Hessell (RHe), ty, Dee Thompson (DTh), John Thompson, Cheneyville Jan. 12 (BCr, BMc, N&PCN). Malcolm Hodges (MHo), Louise Horne Judith A. Toups, Tom Trenchard, Chuck Six Smith's and two Chestnut-collared (LHo), David R. Hunter, Bob Hurt (BHu), Trent, Charlotte Tucker (CTu), Wayne longspurs were also present at Shreveport Thomas Imhof (Alabama), Greg Jackson, Valentine, David Vogt, Ben Wall, Curtisfine Jan 12 (JRS, VR, JD et al.). Jerome A. Jackson (Mississippi), Daniel R. Walz, Robert Walz, Steve Warren, F. M Jacobson,Douglas James, Miriam Jennings, Wasp, Melvin Weber (MWe), Dr. Whithour CONTRIBUTORS (italics) AND OB- Debra G. Johnson, Greg D. Johnson, Joe (DWh), Fred Wilke, Bruce Wilkey, Morris SERVERS-Jan Alexander, Kenneth Ander- Kennedy,Curtis Kingsbery(Florida), Helen Williams, Katy Willis, Frances Wills (FWi), son, Joan Ballam, Fred Barry, Bob Kittinger, Don Kyle, Weldon Lack, Sterling James Wolf, Harriet Wright, Rex Zimmer- Behrstock, Christine Berry, Michael L. Bierly Lacy, Oliver Lang, Cheryl Lavers, Norman man.--ROBERT B. HAMILTON, School of (Tennessee),B. Blackman(BBI) John Borom Lavers, Dwight LeBlanc, Ellen LeBlanc Forestry, Louisiana Slale University, Baton (JBo), Vaunez Brakebill, Mike Braun, D. (ELe), Eric Lefstad, Sandra Lefstad (SLe), Rouge, La. 70803. Mark Brown, Steve Cardiff, Ralph Cazort Cynthia Lockerd (CLo), Evelyn Lockett (RCa), Peggy Chalaron, Fay Chandler, P. (ELo), James Loe (JLo), Jack Love, Richard

PRAIRIE PROVINCES REGION collection of 12 water- /Wayne C. Harris fowl speciesfound on a 3 km2 areaof open water Dec. 19. The winter was generallymild and dry with In last year's winter very few periods of extended cold tempera- season report (AB tures Much of the southwesternportion of 33(3):291 Northern the Region had lessthan 10 cm of snow cover Great Plains Region) at the end of the period and only eastern the plight of the Was- Manitoba had more than 25 cm of snow cana Canada Goose cover The weather was relatively easy on all population at Regina winter bird populations and half-hardy spe- was mentioned. The cies attempting to over-winter were much geese, which have re- more successful than usual. South of the mained yearly through boreal forest the favourable weather resulted the winter on an area in most speciesremaining dispersedthrough- of open water created out rather than concentrating around farm by a power generating and ranch yards for shelter and food as is station were to lose the normal. This, combined with exceptionally open water on which MONTANA NORTH DAKOTA low numbers of winter finches gave the im- they depended when pression that much of the grasslandregion the station was shut down in 1979. Last year birds were not going to leave. A total of 1550 was almost void of bird life. the lake was allowed to freeze naturally in an Canada Geese, the most ever, over-wintered attempt to force the geeseto migrate S. How- with virtually no mortality. This remarkable LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- ever they refused to leave and the power plant feat, even during a mild winter, providesan The late freeze-up acrossthe Region resulted was restarted to provide some open water for excellent example of the durability of this in many water-related speciesbeing reported the remainder of the winter. During the past species.Predation at night from dogs, coy- well into December. A singleCorn. Loon was summer the power station was permanently otes or foxes was not a problem as the nearby seen at Wabamun L., near Edmonton Dec. closedas planned. Again this winter the geese city lights allowed the geeseto fly away from 23 (JF,JL,Ch). A Yellow-billed Loon, at refused to migrate. The flock was able to any threateninganimals (LS,RK). Along with Glenmore Res., in Calgary, through the first keep a small area of water open until Dec. 15, the geesewere about 225 Mallards (predom- week of December provided only the third after which no open water was available to inantly males). Although the Mallards ap- Alberta record (JS,AW,m.ob.). A W. Grebe them. Supplementary feeding did not begin pearedless adaptable to the "no water" con- on L Diefenbaker was one of a spectacular until after Jan. I when it became obvious the ditions, they survived relatively well.

282 American Birds, May 1980 On the Bow R., in Calgary a singleBlack record for Saskatchewan(WH). SingleHer- Golden-crownedKinglets were unusually Duck was present through the winter (fide ring Gulls were seen at Seven Sisters,Man., abundantin the s.w. portionof the Regionas JS). At Canmore, Alta., four Green-winged Dec. 8 and WinnipegDec. 18 (PT,J.Zoch). A indicated by numerous reports from the Teal were seenDec. 23 (SJ,DM) and a single Black-leggedKittiwake found dead Dec. 23 at Wildlife Reserve of Western Canada 9 km Blue-wingedTeal remainedat Ft. McMurray, Wabamun L., provided only the third Alber- s.w. of Bottrel, Alta. (SJ) and good counts Alta., until Dec. 14 (BW). A Ring-necked ta record (*AS). Mourning Doves were re- from Eastend (MG) and Cypress Hills Duck was presentat Winnipeg until Jan. 9 ported in December at Prince Albert and (WR,SL). BohemianWaxwings were general- (DH,m.ob.) and a Greater Scaupat Lac du Vibank (SL,FB). ly common in the boreal forest and nearby Bonnet, Man., until Dec. 1 (M.N.S.). At areas (HC,WH) but below normal in s areas Calgary an imm. o' Oldsqauwon the Bow R., OWLS AND WOODPECKERS -- Snowy in spite of abundant food supplies.Cedar Jan. 19 provided one of the few winter Owl numbers were generally low-to-normal Waxwings converselywere much more com- records for Alberta (PS). Hooded Mergan- throughoutthe Regionwith only two excep- mon than normal. Southern Manitoba had sers were reported from Gardiner Dam, tional concentrationsreported: 25 at Regina unprecedentednumbers with flocksof up to Sask., Dec. 19 (GW,WR) and Saskatoon Dec. 26 and 15 at the n. end of Last Moun- 130 in Winnipeg (RFK). Saskatchewanhad Feb. 23 (SS). tain L., Dec. 28 (RK,WH). Great Gray Owl flocks scatteredthroughout s. areas with re- numbers were high for the third consecutive ports from Luseland (KF), Prince Albert, HAWKS, EAGLES, FALCONS -- year in s.e. Manitoba where 42 were banded (WH,SL), Fort Qu'Appelle (BL), Raymore Goshawk numbers, low s. of the boreal (RN,HC). Elsewhere Great Grays were re- (WH), Moose Jaw (EK), Saskatoon(PON), forest, were average-to-high within the portedin their normallow numbers(JP,MS). Regina(RK) and Indian Head (MWS) forest. From Squaw Rapids, Sask., e. to s.e. The only report of Long-eared Owls was of Manitoba populations were above average. one wintering w. of Calgary. Single Boreal STARLINGS, WARBLERS, BLACK- Exceptional concentrations occurred at Owls were seenat Water Valley, Alta., Feb. BIRDS -- Starlingsbenefitted from the mild Sqauw Rapids where 13 were seen Dec. 23 10 (JP,B&DC), Maidstone Dec. 16 (D.La- winter as illustrated by the population at and n. of Hudson Bay, Sask., Jan. 10 when mont) and from two s. Manitoba localities, Prince Albert. The normal 30+ individuals seven were seen(WH,SL). In s.e. Manitoba Delta and Kleefeld (DF,CC). Woodpecker began the winter and for the first time in 5 populationswere generallystable with the on- up to three per day were seenregularly (HC, years there was no noticeablemortality The ly observation of note being two Pileateds AM). At Churchill, Man., where Goshawks previous years have recorded 90-100% mor- are extremely rare during the winter months, well s. of their range at Round L., n. of tality by the end of February (CD). A single there were reports Feb. 2 of one found dead BroadviewDec. 28 (DFr). Starling remained at Churchill until at least and of a single bird Feb. 3 (BC). Single Dec. 5 (BC). An Orange-crowned Warbler LARKS THROUGH CREEPERS -- Win- Cooper's Hawks at Indian Head and Leader, was presentin Calgary up to Dec. 9 prowd•ng Sask., both Dec. 17 were unusual for the ter Horned Lark numberswere low through- the first winter record of this speciesfor the winter months(MWS,WH). Reportsof Red- out the Region for no apparent reasonas one Region (PS,DM,ph.). A Brewer's Blackbird would expect larger numbers with the mild tailed Hawks are very rare in this Regiondur- over-wintering at Rennie (D.Fitzjohn) was a ing winter, thus singles Dec. 4 at Prince weatherand reducedsnow cover. Possibly in- rarity as there are very few winter recordsfor dividuals remained in the fields rather than Albert and Jan. 11 at Riding Mountain N.P., this speciesin Manitoba. were of interest (SL,AM). Rough-legged concentrating along the roads as is usual and hawks were well distributed throughout s. consequentlywere less visible. Two Steller's Alberta and s.w. Saskatchewanwith reports Jays were visiting a feeder at Banff, Alta., FRINGILLIDS -- A o' Cardinal was pre- n. to Biggar and Battleford, Sask., and Ed- where they are consideredrare winter visitors sent at a Selkirk, Man., feeder Dec. 20-Feb monton (GW,RE). Golden Eagle numbers (NM). Mountain Chickadee numbers were 29 + (J.Copland, m.ob.). Winter finch numbers were much reduced s. of the boreal were normal throughout the Region with six above normal throughout the foothills of sightingsfrom Alberta and 36 from Saskat- s.w. Alberta (SJ,JS). Four Chestnut-backed forest in the Region. Almost without excep- chewan. Bald Eagle populations were also Chickadeesin Waterton N.P., provided the tion Evening and Pine grosbeaksand Hoary normal with the majority of reports being in first documentedoccurrence of this species and Corn. redpollswere reportedas very low December as the last of the migrants moved for Alberta and the Region (JS,AW--ph.). or absent. SaskatchewanCBCs provided an excellent indication of how low the numbers S. The only reportspast the end of December Red-breastedNuthatch and Brown Creeper were from Calgary where one adult and two populations were high particularly in the of thesespecies were. Only 17 of 59 countsre- lmmatures over-wintered and from Indian foothills of s.w. Alberta (SJ,JS) and in the ported Evening Grosbeaks, nine reported Head (JS,MWS). A total of 14 Gyrfalcons Cypress Hills area of s.w. Saskatchewan Pine Grosbeaks, 12 reported Com. Redpolls was reported from widely scatteredlocalities (MG,WR). and one reported Hoary Redpolls. In all in- across the s. half of the Region (SJ, SOJ, stances only small numbers of these species HC). In addition to these were three birds THRUSHES, KINGLETS, WAXWINGS were seen on the counts. For example there from Churchill (BC). Prairie Falcon numbers -- Numbers of over-wintering robins were were only 27 Pine Grosbeaksreported for the were stable with 13 sightings in s. Saskat- generally below normal. The one exception entire provincefor thosenine counts.Only m chewan, 13 for s. Alberta and two from s. was s. Manitoba wheremany more than usual the boreal forest and nearby areaswere there Manitoba. Peregrine Falcons were recorded were reported with flocks of up to nine in any numbers of these speciesreported The only in s. Manitoba where six reports were some areas (HC,RFK). Elsewhere in the Re- excellentcone and berry crops of the forest receivedincluding a pair at Winnipeg through gion there were scatteredindividuals in urban combinedwith the mild winter appearto have late February (DH,DF,m.ob.). Although areas and towns in s. Saskatchewan, the beenthe major factors for the failure of these Merlin numbers were stable in urban areas, highest number being a flock of ten in a speciesto move S. Severalspecies of "sum- they were much more widespread in rural coulee near Kelfield (GW). In Alberta there mer" finchesover-wintered in unprecedented areas of Saskatchewan than in previous was only one report, from St. Albert, with numbers. Purple Finches were present at years. There was a total of 21 reportedfrom Calgary having none--the first time in recent many more feedersthan usual in s. Manitoba rural areas. years robins have not over-wintered there (HC,RFK) and a singlewas seenin Regina in (RE,JS). A Varied Thrush was present in December (SJo). Pine Siskins were common, Winnipeg Dec. 15-Jan. 30 (F.Clarke) while with flocks of up to 30 in Winnipeg and scattered numbers in the boreal forest m GROUSE, GULLS, DOVES -- Ruffed another was reprted from Regina Dec. 7-17 Grouse numberswere generallybelow normal (RK,FHB,BL). A group of eight Mountain Manitoba and Saskatchewan(HC,RFK,MS) m Manitoba and Saskatchewan but higher Bluebirds in mid-December near Eastend White-winged Crossbillswere widely scat- than usual in s.w. Alberta (SJ,JS). An un- provided a rare winter occurrence for this tered throughout the Region with only s e precedented four speciesof gulls were re- Region (MG). Townsend's Solitaires are be- Manitoba reporting high numbers. Dark- ported this winter from the Region. Three coming regular but rare winter residentsin s. eyed Juncos were much more common in s Glaucous Gulls were seen at Gardiner Dam Saskatchewan,as indicated by reports of a Manitoba with > 60 reports while Saskat- Dec. 21 (WR,GW). An Iceland Gull at Squaw singlefrom the CypressHills, Sask., Dec. 14 chewan and Alberta had the normal number Rapids Dec. 23 establishedonly the third and one to two in Regina through the winter. of scattered reports. Both White-throated

Volume 34, Number 3 283 and Harris' sparrowsare rare during the win- hoping to ban lead shot in ter, consequently a single White-throated at counties along the Missouri Saskatoon through the winter and two Har- R. A few thousand Mal- ris' at Dauphin Dec. 22 were noteworthy. lards were observedfeeding Snow Bunting numbers were generally low in Gregory County, S.D., with a few large flocks seen, possibly owing cornfields along the river to the mild weather this winter. (GLS). Two Black Ducks were SoAo seen Jan. 20 in Yankton The American Goldfinch, however, was County, S.D. (WH). A Bar- the specieswhich was most conspicuousby row's Goldeneye wintered its presence.In Manitoba it is considereda again on Canyon L., Rapid very rare speciesduring winter. This year > City (JLB,NRW). In con- 1000 were recorded on 24 CBCs making it trast two c• Barrow's were the fourth most common speciesin the Pro- found in the huge Garrison Dam area in 22 was seen n. Washburn, N.D. Dec. 22 vince! Goldfinches were seemingly every- North Dakota Jan. 5 to move the speciesup (TAG). where, at feeders, in weed and sunflower to the documented from the hypothetical list fields and birch trees throughout the s. por- (D.Disbro, TAG, GBB). Four OIdsqauws SHOREBIRDS -- A Killdeer was flying tion of the province. In Saskatchewanthe were on Garrison Dam Dec. 14 (CAF). At and calling over Jamestown, N.D., Jan. 22 specieswas previously unrecorded durin. g least 30 Wood Ducks were at Silesia, Mont., (CAF). Eight Corn. Snipe were seenon a trip winter. This winter up to 40 were seen in Jan. 20 (GJF). A 9 Hooded Merganser of- in Yellowstone County, Mont., Jan. 20 Saksatoon Dec. 7 - Feb. 12 (SS,DGH,PH) a fered the first sighting in ten yearson Canyon (HWC,GJF). three individuals thought to be this species L., Rapid City Feb. 17 (LMB,NRW). were studied dosely as Oxbow Feb. 23 GULLS -- The prediction in AB: Winter (HP). In Alberta several were seen at HAWKS AND EAGLES -- Single Gos- 1975 - 1976 by Regional Editors Harris and Wabamun L., Dec. 2 (CH). hawks were observed in w. Rapid City Dec. Lamont that gull observationswould become 16 (NRW) and one in e. Billings, Mont., Jan. a more common occurrence in this Region CONTRIBUTORS -- (Area editors in I and another near Chester, Mont., Jan. 27 has proven true. This winter the Missouri R. boldface). L. Beckie, M. Belcher, T. Bev- (HMM). A Ferruginous Hawk was noted in lakes produced sevenspecies of gulls plus an eridge, F. Bogdan, F.H. Brazier, B. Chattier, Sully County, S.D., Dec. 15 (RLS). alcid. The mild weather allowed more open B. & D. Collister, H. Copland, C. Cuthbert, Bald Eagles outnumbered Goldens in this water and better viewing over the water. Ob- C. Dodge, R. El}el, J. Faragher, D. Fast, K. Region; however, both specieshave shown an serversalong the Missouri R., are becoming DinIcy, D. Francis (DFr), B. Godwin, J.B. increase. The protected areas along the Mis- more familiar with these species.These large Gollop, M. Gollop, C. Harper, J. Haris, W. souri R., could be responsiblefor the increase river lakes requirehigher-powered equipment Harris, D. Hatch, J. Hayward, D.G. Hjer- in actual, or at least observed numbers in the and it has taken time for local birders to learn taas, P. Hjertaas, S• Houston, E. Hubbard, January eagle surveys. this kind of birding after being strictly prairie S. $ohnslon S.O. Jordheim, S. Jowsey, There were four sightings of Gyrfalcon at birders. (SJo), E. Kern, R.F. Koes, R. Kreba, F. Ft. Peck Jan. 1 - Feb. 16. One adult was trap- Lake Sakakawea, formed by the Garrison Lahrman, S. Lamonl, J. Lang, B. Luterbach, ped and releasedby the falconer as a require- Dam in North Dakota, was the "hot spot" A. MacLean, D. Mclvor, J. Murray, N. Mur- ment of a Montana license (MWA,CMC). this season, drawing an increasednumber of ray, R. Nero, W. Niven, P. O'Neil, (PON), [?--Ed.]. Prairie Falcon was sighted four observers. Five Glaucous Gulls were found H. Paton, N. Peart, C. Pike, J. Podlubny, times near Reliance, S.D., Dec. 14 - Jan. 16 on Garrison Dam Dec. 2 - 23 (TAG); one W. Renaud, D. Robinson, L. Scott, S. Shad- (WCT); five sightingswere reported from Ft. each was at Big Bend Dam, Buffalo Co., and dick, R. Sherrington, M.W. Skinner, A. Peck, Billings and Chester, Mont., Dec. 23 Gavin's Pt. Dam, S.D., Dec. 7 - 9 (WH) and Smith, ,1. Sleeves, M. Syrotuek, P. Taylor, -Feb. 22. Another Prairie Falcon harrassed a two immatures were on Ft. Peck L., Mont., G. Wapple, J.& J. Wilkinson, A. WiseIcy, B. few thousand pigeonson the U.N.D. campus Jan. 1 (CMC). An imm. !eeland Gull show- Wylie. Manitoba Naturalist's Society at Grand Forks during most of the period ing a dark bill was studied at Ft. Peck L., (M.N.S.). Photographed(ph.) specimen (DOL,PJD,GSL). A Peregrine Falcon was Dec. 4 (CMC--ph.). A first-year !eeland Gull (*).--Wayne C. Harris, Box 994, Prince Al- observed e. Tolley, Renville County, N.D., provided a first North Dakota record at Gar- bert, Sask. S6V 5S5. Dec. 7 (IOR, ME); and one was seennear Bil- rison Dam Dec. 14 (•'CAF). lings Jan. 2. A Merlin was viewed from a win- Two Herring Gulls fed on an eagle-killed dow at 15 ft, in Clay County, S.D., Jan. 28 mallard at Oahe Dam, Stanley Co., S.D., (KJH). A •5 Merlin spent the period on the Feb. 15 (RLS). Herring Gulls peaked at 31 on U.N.D. campus a! Grand Forks (DOL,SOL, Dec. 1 at Gavin's Pt., S.D. (WH) and a peak PJD,VSD) and one was seen near Chester, of 36 was counted Dec. 25 at Ft. Peck L., Mont. (HMM). Mont. (CMC). A first year Thayer's Gull fur- NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS nished another first North Dakota record /Esther M. Serr GALLINACEOUS BIRDS -- Several Dec. 2 - 22 at Garrison Dam (TAG, •'CAF). Greater Prairie Chicken flocks of 50 were One California Gull was seen Jan. I - 4 at Ft. present in Gregory County, S.D., along the Peck (CMC). Ring-billeds peaked at 270 Dec. The winter seasonwas consideredby many Missouri R., Dec. 4 and Jan. 6 (GLS). A I at Gavin's Pt. Dam, S.D. (WH). reporters dull for birding. Birds seemed flock of 24 constituted a first sighting for Most unusual was the sightingof an imm. scarceduring the mild and very dry weather. Yankton County, S.D., Jan. 5 (WH). Sharp- Black-legged Kittiwake flying about the Food supply was plentiful and exposed and tailed Grouse numbers were average in the Camp Crook, S.D., schoolhouse. It rested on birds did not come to feeders. yet, western Region. Personnel of J. Clark Salyer the roof for 30 min., Dec. 13 and was viewed North Dakota sent in five first state records N.W.R., Upham, N.D., found 280 Feb. 1 at 20 ft, by two studentsand the teacher, Bob and that can hardly be called dull birding. during a refuge count (FGG,GAE). Sage Rogers.Another first year Black-leggedKitti- Grouse inhabit remote areas in the three wake represented a first state record for WATERFOWL -- Canada Geese were states so it is difficult for observers to find North Dakota at Garrison Dam Dec. 14 - able to remain on the Missouri R., through- them; there were no reports. Eight Bobwhite Jan. 5 (•-CAF, R.Faanes, RAS et al.). out the period owing to mild weather. The wintered at Burke L., S.D. (GLS) and eight An Ancient Murrelet was mistakenly shot peak count in South Dakota was 240,000 in were in s.w. Clay County, S.D., Dec. 18 by a duck hunter below Ft. Peck Dam Dec. January (BKH). There was a big lossof Can- (RAP). Pheasant populations were still low. 10 and was turned in to the Montana Fish, ada Geese and some ducks from lead poison- A flock of 25 Turkeys fed in a lot with cattle Wildlife and Parks Dept. (*MWA). This pro- ing caused by ingestion of lead shot. The during the winter at Scenic, S.D., and none vided a fifth record for the state but a first for South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Dept., is was lost to predators (P. Jurisch). A flock of e. Montana.

284 American Birds, May 1980 DOVES AND OWLS -- The unusual num- Steller'sJay was at BillingsJan. 12, wherethe suggestingthat it wasn't an escape. Birders ber of 300 Mourning Doves was at a feed lot species is seen about once in four years came from neighboringstates to seethe bird near Mayville, N.D., Jan. 1; the number re- (HWC,BBF). A Clark's Nutcracker was seen (RLQ--ph.). duced to 30 on Jan. 13; by Jan. 26 one re- in c. Black Hills, S.D., Dec. 7 (RDM). Purple Finchesaveraged ten Dec. 15 - Feb. mained alive and a few dead were found 20 at Waubay N.W.R., S.D. (LLW,RRJ). (PSH). CHICKADEES AND WRENS -- A Four attended a Bismarck feeder throughout. A Screech Owl was not disturbed while Mountain Chickadee was seen Jan. 25 and (RNR). Gray-crowned Rosy Finches were perched within several feet of an operating two Feb. 9 at Billings (FK,MB). Red-breasted presentin flocks of 100 in the Billings area chain saw near the Milk R., Glasgow, Mont., Nuthatches still outnumbered White- Dec. 8 (MWA). Seven Screech Owls were breastedsbut the latter hasshown a slightin- sighted in South Dakota during the period crease.Five Pygmy Nuthatcheswere seen at and one was calling Feb. 24 in Hutchinson Billings Jan. 19 and four were at a feeder in County (RLS). Screech Owls were also seen w. Rapid City during the season. (NRW). at Fargo, Bismarck and Minot, N.D., Dec. Brown Creepers have shown another good in- 16 - Feb. 4 (PPF,KJW,GBB). crease. There were 33 sightings in South Great Horned Owl sightings frequently Dakota and 40 in North Dakota. For the last averaged five daily around Mt. Rushmore, three years total sightings almost doubled S.D. (CCM). One was seen eating a Gray over each previous year. Partridge on a barn roof in n. Moody Coun- A Dipper was seen in Stillwater County, ty, S.D., (LIW) and another was being har- Mont., Jan 12 (HWC,BBF et.al.}. Three assed by a falcon Jan. I at Hazen, N.D. Long-billed Marsh Wrens were found at Sand Female House Finch, Bismarck, ND, Feb. 2, (DNS,BGI). Snowy Owls were not present in Lake N.W.R., S.D., Dec. 9 (RLS) and one 1980. Photo/Tom Gatz. their usual numbers. Short-eared Owl obser- was in closeview at Farm I., Pierre, S.D. (D. this winter. A 9 House Finch provided a first vations were well-spread over the Dakotas. Backlund). North Dakota record Feb. 2 at Bismarck and Seven of them were together Jan. 5 on Oak- THRUSHES THROUGH WAXWINGS remained until at least Feb. 26 (tRNR et. al.). ville Prairie near Grand Forks, N.D. (GSL, -- One Varied Thrush was seen in s. Brook- Five White-winged Crossbills were at James- DOL) and six were together in Rapid Valley, town, N.D., Jan 13. (CAF). Rapid City, S.D., Jan. 13 (NRW). A Saw- ingsCounty, S.D., Dec. 15 and Jan. 16 (NJH et. al.) and a male was at Fargo Dec. The mild weather probably was the reason whet Owl spent most of the winter on a farm for late sparrow sightings.A Vesper Sparrow near Fargo, N.D. (RPS,MAB). 15 -Jan.7 (MAB,CV,JF). A Hermit Thrush was noted Dec. 15 at Mayville, N.D., but it was at Yankton Dec. I (WH). Single White- throateds wintered at feeders in Fargo WOODPECKERS AND CORVIDS -- was in a weakened condition by Jan. 11 (CHB,BPC,MBB,RLN), Arrowwood Common Flickers were very numerous in the (PSH,GSL). Five E. Bluebirds were sighted in Yankton County Jan. 20 but only one was N.W.R. (JGS) and Grand Forks (PJD)--all Region, with a maximum daily count of 20 in North Dakota. A Clay-colored was observ- around Bismarck (RNR). Two Pileateds win- seen Feb. 27 (WH). A Townsend's Solitaire was unusual at Fargo Dec. 14 (CAS). ed at Miles City, Mont., Dec. 14 (TCH). A tered at Fargo (HDM,WEL, ENP) and one Fox Sparrow was seen at Brookings, S.D., wasseen at Mayville, N.D., Dec. 22 (PSH). A Cedar Waxwings outnumbered Bohemians this seasonfor a change. Flocks of 100+ Dec. 29 (CAT). c• Red-bellied Woodpecker wintered in s. Lapland Longspur flocks totaling 2500 Bismarck (WAB), and one was present at seemedphenomenal after the usualreports of a few Cedars here and there. One N. Shrike were feeding in sunflower fields Jan. 5 in s. Gary, S.D., Dec 30 - Feb. 27 (J. Cole) and was in hot pursuit of an Am. Goldfinch in McLean County, N.D. (GBB). The best three were seen at Yankton Jan. 20 (WH). movement of Snow Buntings was in Grand Red-headedsseldom winter in the Region but Grand Forks County, N.D., Dec. 1 (JFK,DOL) and another caught a Gray- Forks County with flocks averaging 1000 there were 42 sightingsin s.e. South Dakota. Jan. I & Feb. 2 (RKC,JFK). Ten were seenin Clay County, S.D., Dec. 18 crowned Rosy Finch at Rapelje, Mont., Dec. 6. (RAP) and a group of 15 was seenin Newton CORRIGENDUM -- AB 33:783, second Hills S.P., Lincoln Co., S.D., Feb. 9 (RLS). KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS -- paragraph, first column to read--"A Green Four Lewis' were observed e. Spearfish, Golden-crownedKinglet numbers continued Heron was in Turner County, S.D., May 1 S.D., Feb. 15 (DLB). A Black-backedThree- on the upswingin the Dakotas. A late Ruby- (WH) and by May 19 a total of 12 sightings toed Woodpecker was at Mt. Rushmore crowned Kinglet was found at Yankton Dec. was reported in the state." Visitors' Center, S.D., Jan. 15 (CCM). 1 (JEW). Four Yellow-rumpedWarblers were CONTRIBUTORS -- (Area editors in Five Gray Jays were present all winter at a feedingon watercressin a spring-fedstream boldface). E. MONTANA -- M.W. Ader- feeder in s. Chester County, S.D. (MJP). in Rapid City Feb. 19 (NRW). hold, M. Butler, C.M. Carlson, H.W. Twenty Black-billed Magpies were counted Carlson, B.B. FitzGerald, G.J. Frazier, T.C. on a day-long trip Feb. 18 in Pembina and FINCHES THROUGH SPARROWS -- A Hinz, F. Knoll, H.M. Marble. NORTH DA- Cavalier Cos., N.D. (SOL). The magpies Brambling produced a first state record for KOTA -- M.A. Bergan, G.B. Berkey, C.H. seemto be extendingtheir range E of the Mis- North Dakota at Becky Quanrud's feeder in Brakke, M.B. Brophy, W.A. Buresh, R.K. souriR., in the Dakotas.One Pin•n Jayof Bismarck Dec. 15 - Feb. 29+. This is a com- Crawford, B.P. Cummings, P.J. DuBowy, the four reported last fall remained at Man- mon Eurasian finch and there have been only V.S. DuBowy, M. Erdle, G.A. Eslinger, dan, N.D., during the season(JGS, OSS). A a handful of sightingsin the lower forty-eight C.A. Faanes, J. Fedje, P.P. Forness, T.A. Gatz, F.G. Giese, P.S. Hlavinka, B.G. Iver- son, J.F. Kelly, D.O. Lambeth, G.S. Lambeth, S.O. Lambeth, W.E. Lebien, H.D. Malmskog, R.L. Nellermoe, E.N. Paulsen, R.L. Quanrud, R.N. Randall, I.O. Rostad, R.A. Schmidt, J.C. Sidle, R.P. Smith, C.A. Spurbeck, D.N. Svingen, J.C. Swanick, O.S. Swanick, C. Voight, K.J. Wilson. SOUTH DAKOTA -- J.L. Baker, L.M. Baylot, D.L. Bjerke, B.L. Green, W. Hall, B.K. Harris, N.J. Holden, K.J. Hoover, R.R. Johnson, R.D. Michael, C.C. Milliken, M.J. Parker, R.A. Peterson, E.M. Serf, R.L. Spomer, Brambling, Bismarck, ND, Jan. 12, 1980. G.L. Steffen, C.A. Taylor, W.C. Thietje, Photo/David Lambeth. L.L. Watters, L.I. Wells, N.R. Whitney, J.E. Pie'onJay near Mandan,1VD, present states.It fed with juncos and Am. Goldfinch- Wilcox,--ESTHER M. SERR, 110 - 11 E. throughout the season. es and seemedthe flightlest bird at the feeder, Watertown St., Rapid City, S.D. 57701

Volume 34, Number 3 285 SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS both early dates. White-tailed Kites /Frances Williams were present near Col- lege Station, Tex., ScottsblufFß NE B R. I0 WA Although official weather bureau records during December. Although Sharp- ß• B NorthPlatte . ß . ßOmaha show that temperatures through the winter V ...... • ß Lincore seasonaveraged one to three degreesF below shinned and Cooper's hawks were not as .• Fo19Collins ß Weldo-•na gearneyß a...,-ß •['-- normal, all contributors called it a mild win- I Boulderß ß I• ...... common at feeders as ter. There were fewer severe storms, the f ßDenverli Manhalto;3• storms were of short duration, and there was last winter, they were seen more often in the • F'X/ F'X ! Hoysß TopekaßL•llwrence relatively little snow. Several events characterized the season or- field. Sharp-shinned ..... ! KANS..HalsteadI MO. mthologically. Fall migrants remained very Hawks were reported • Wichit• I GrandLake twice as often as late, some until early January. Many species wintered in good numbers far north of their Cooper's. Only two Clayton -- ] ,'•v,• Tulsa.•,e •Fort Gibmn Goshawks were re- ,...,•L.,•. . el'4 '"• Lake customary winter range. There was a pro- .... I ß MusKogee nounced eastward movement of several corded, one in Trego kf•t•t •g¾ . • •e6. Oklahoma Molteft western species. County, Kans., Jan. t Y,• LakeTex•oma 24 and one in Cimar- ß Muleshoe Refuge LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- A Red- ron County, Okla., in Dentone Co emmerce throated Loon was observed on the Okla- December. Rough- ß Dallas homa side of L. Texoma Jan. 19-20 legged Hawks were ), ForfWorth ß present in many areas, (CB,KN). A Horned Grebe wintered at L. Mi•lland Balmorhea, Reeves Co., Tex., w. of the usual but were not especially range of the species.Single White Pelicansre- common. It was possi- mamed through December in several areas. ble to seeas many Fer- One m Sedgwick County, Kans., was found ruginDus Hawks as Red-tailed Hawks in m an emaciated condition Dec. 12 and recovered nicely at the Sedgwick County Zoo. many w. Texas localities. The former were Double-crestedCormorants also lingered un- td late December in many areas. Green very common, while the normal influx of counted at Buffalo L., and "thousands" Red-taileds from the n. did not occur. The Herons remained until early December at were reported in Briscoe County. Sandhill Buffalo Lake N.W.R., Tex. (hereafter, Buf- annual mid-winter eagle surveystallied 442 Cranes were found e. of their habitual range falo L.), and overwinteredat Lubbock, Big Bald Eagles in Nebraska, 331 in Kansas and in NeoshoCounty, Kans., in late November Spring and Midland for the first time. Black- 500+ in Texas (figures not available for A Killdeer in Dawes County, Neb., Feb. 9 crowned Night Herons were discovered in Oklahoma). At least two Bald Eagles win- providedan unusualwinter record (D&RR) SedgwickCounty Jan. 6 and Buffalo L., Dec. tered in the Davis Mts. Seyffert reported that At least 77 Mountain Plovers were discovered 26 Single Yellow-crowned Night Herons at least two-thirds of all Bald Eagles in the in a plowed field in Comal County, Tex, were observed at Lubbock Dec. 28 and Texas Panhandle were immatures. Golden Jan. 14 (E&KM). Long-billed Curlews at M•dland Jan. 6. Eagleswintered in greatly increasednumbers Buffalo L., at the end of December and a in the Davis Mts., with as many as five often Long-billed Dowitcher at Lubbock in mid- WATERFOWL -- Few geese and ducks being seentogether. Mrs. Miller noted that it January were n. of their accustomed winter were present on the South Plains; most ob- had been ten years since such groups had range. serversassumed that waterfowl stayedfarther been present. n because of the mild winter. Whistling A very large number of Marsh Hawks were GULLS -- GlaucousGulls were presentat Swans made news: four at DeSoto Bend Ref., presentin new farming areasnear Valentine, Buffalo L., Dec. 26-Jan. 6 (LW, m.ob.), Neb , in early December and another there Tex. Cattle feeding operations near Balmor- Oklahoma City Dec. 8-Feb. 17 (JS, JN), Jan 21-24, nine at Tulsa Dec. 2, one in Linn hea also attracted many hawks of various Keith County Jan. 24 (RR, FZ) and Tulsa County, Kans., Dec. 4, one at E1 Paso Dec. 8, speciesto feast on the rodents attracted by Jan. 6-Feb. 11 (JCH, m.ob.). Extraordinary and one in Big Bend N.P., Tex., Dec. 9. Five the feed. At Muleshoe N.W.R., Tex., CBCs was a Heermann's Gull at Tulsa Dec. 4-Feb Barnacle Geese arrived at Tishomingo in the 1950s averaged 15.7 Marsh Hawks/ 29+ (EH, m.ob.). It provided a first state N W R., Okla., Nov. 21 and were presentat count, but in the late 1970s the average record for Oklahoma and the second record least until Jan. 16, providing a third Refuge dropped to 7.5/CBC. The habitat and for the Region. Incredible was a flock of 4000 record (CB, m.ob.). Two White-fronted number of observers at Muleshoe have re- Franklin's Gulls at Tishomingo on the late Geese visited the Ft. Worth area in Decem- mained unchanged (KH). Very few Ospreys date of Dec. 28. ber Eight Ross' Geesewintered at Tishomin- wintered in the Region, but one arrived at the go Ten Black-bellied Whistling Ducks spent DeSoto Bend Ref., on the early date Feb. 23. DOVES THROUGH OWLS -- Mourning Jan 3-7 in Burieson County, Tex., and Two Caracaras were observed in Kaufman Doves wintered in unusually large numbers in returned in mid-February. At Huntsville, County, Tex., Jan. 17 (KE). Prairie Falcons Pawnee County, Kans. Inca Doves moved in- Tex, 30 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were were found e. to Barber County, Kans., to Iowa Park, Wichita Co., Tex., in Decem- discoveredtwo days before the CBC, but on Tulsa, Okla., and Duncanville, Tex. Merlin ber, and increasedgreatly in Lubbock. county day they were gone. Sea ducks were observations were numerous throughout the In December, two adult and five nearly almost absent, as only three Greater Scaup Region, with one in Sarpy County, Neb., in grown Barn Owls were discovered in the and two White-winged Scoterswere reported. February being especially noteworthy. A Texas A&M football stadium at College Sta- Two Barrow's Goldeneyes remained at N. Peregrine was sightedin Dallas County, Jan. tion. They remained into early January. On Platte N.W.R., Neb., Nov. 26-Dec. 19 (FZ, 15 and one was found dead in Runnels Coun- Feb. 20, two adults and two downy young mob ). Hooded Mergansers were present in ty, Tex., Jan. '7. were in the nest hole. There are thousands of good numbers throughout the Region. A PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH football stadia in Texas--if all were inhabited Red-breasted Merganser was recorded in SHOREBIRDS -- A flock of Greater Prairie by Barn Owls in winter and kestrelsin sum- LubbockCounty Dec. 2•-29 (DS, m.ob.) and Chickens comprising 20 birds was located mer (seethe March, 1980 issueof American three were in Keith County, Neb., Feb. 18. near Tulsa in December.This was the largest Birds) there would be no shortageof nesting number reported in 20 years. The fewest sites for these fine predators. number of Sandhill Cranes in 30 years There was an unusual number of Barn Owl VULTURES THROUGH FALCONS -- wintered in Martin and Howard counties in reports this season; perhaps birders are Turkey Vultures arrived in Big Bend N.P., w. Texas. Apparently they had remained in becomingmore adept at detectingthem. The Feb 4 and in the Davis Mts., Tex., Feb. 27, the n. Texas Panhandle, where 25,000 were only Snowy Owl observed was at Lincoln,

286 AmericanBirds, May 1980 Neb. A Burrowing Owl made its winter home winter record (SS). A Gray Catbird in Tar- ty, Okla., Jan. 1, Feb. 9 & 17 (JMM) At m a bit of unkempt land next to a busy park- rant County Jan. 25 constituted only the Baldwin a Great-tailed Grackle caught and ing lot in downtown Midland. The owl was third winter recordthere. Although three par- banded in Decemberprovided a first record unafraid and watched the people curiously. ties independently reported Bendire's A Corn. Grackle arrived at Baldwin on the Long-earedOwls werelocated at sevenlocali- Thrasher in Big Bend N.P., in Decemberand early date of Feb. 13. ties, Short-eared Owls at five. Surely a little January, none of the details provided com- more effort would reveal many more of these pletely eliminated the imm. Curve-billed FRINGILLIDS -- Pyrrhuloxias wintered m the Region. Thrasher. Crissal Thrashers were unusually in Palo Duro Canyon S.P., Tex., n. of their abundant in trans-Pecos Texas, and one accustomed range. A o' Rose-breasted HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH WOOD- wintered at Monahans Sand Dunes S.P., Grosbeak visited Lubbock Dec. 9 and a PECKERS -- Five Anna's Hummingbirds Ward Co., Tex. Black-headed Grosbeak was seen several wintered at Huntsville in e. Texas. The times in Waco December-Feb. 6. A Painted Anna's Hummingbird reported in the Davis THRUSHES THROUGH WAXWINGS Buntingwas photographedin Lubbock Dec Mts., last period remained until Dec. 5 and -- Large numbersof Am. Robins remained 26 (CS). A Dickcisselfed with House Spar- two other Anna's were noted at E1 Paso. in Nebraska and Kansas all winter, perhaps rows at a feedingstation in Oklahoma City Rufous Hummingbirds adorned feeders in accountingfor their scarcity in Oklahoma Feb. 3-29. The only Evening Grosbeak re- Kerrville until Feb. 15 and in Ft. Davis until and Texas. A Varied Thrush was in Big cordedwas in Keith County Feb. 18 (FZ) Jan. 1. A 9 Coppery-tailed Trogon was Spring, Tex., Jan. I - Feb 29+ (KAt, m.ob.). Purple Finches were few and far between located in the Chisos Mts., Big Bend N.P., Excellentdetails were submittedwith a report Richard Rosche reported that House Finches Jan. 8 - Feb. 29+ (JSh, m.ob.). There had of a Swainson'sThrush at DeSoto Bend Ref., continuedto slowly spread E in Nebraska beenonly oneprevious sighting of this species Jan. 27 (B&LP). Severalhundred Mountain The speciesis commonin ScottsbluffCounty in the park. Ornithology students at Baker Bluebirds were found in Cimarron County, and a small number are presentin Oshkosh, University in Baldwin, Kans., banded 44 Okla. This specieswas scarce elsewhere,as Garden Co. This winter several were seen in woodpeckersof four speciesin one backyard were all species of bluebirds. A lone W. Lewellen, Garden Co., farther e. About 12 duringa one-monthstudy. The ownersof the Bluebird was seenin Tarrant County Feb. 15 Gray-crownedRosy Fincheswere espiedin a backyardstated, "More suet in more places (DSy). Townsend'sSolitaires were common flock of Pine Siskinsin DawesCounty, Neb , plus more nets may be the reason" (AJB, only in Garden and Keith counties,Neb., and Jan. 20 (D&RR). Two small flocks of Corn KK). Acorn Woodpeckersare maintaininga Pawnee County, Kans. Blue-gray Gnatcatch- Redpolls remained in Omaha Dec. 17-Feb small population in w. Kerr County and s.w. ers in Crosby County Feb. 3 and Tarrant 29. Pine Siskins were nowhere common and Real County in the Texas hill country. County Jan. 25 were unusual for the season. Am. Goldfincheswere also infrequent Red Williamson's Sapsuckersvisited Big Bend Golden-crowned Kinglets were present in Crossbills wintered at Lincoln and visited N.P., Dec. 31 (JNa), Alpine, Tex., Dec. 16 good numbers in e.c. Nebraska, c. Kansas Plattsmouth, Neb., during December At (GWh) and GuadalupeMountain N.P., Tex., and n. Oklahoma. least 25 Red Crossbills were tallied at E1 Paso Dec. 31 (GL et al.). Sprague'sPipits are rarely reported,prob- Feb. 10 (JD). ably becausePlains birders spendlittle time It was a big year for Green-tailed Towhees FLYCATCHERS THROUGH CORVIDS in the grasslands.But this winter the "Mis- They appeared on nearly all CBCs in w. Tex- -- An Ash-throated Flycatcher photographed souri skylark" was detectedin Canadian and as in above-averagenumbers and were re- In Tarrant County, Tex., Jan. 23 - Feb. 1 was Grady counties, Okla., and Bell, Dallas and ported far n. and e. of their normal winter not only unusual for the season, but also Midland counties, Tex. Cedar Waxwings range.They visitedfeeders at Lincoln, Ray- compriseda first county record (BC). One re- winteredin good numbersthroughout the Re- mond and York, Neb. In Texas they wan- mained in E1 Paso Jan. 19 - Feb. 6 and several gion. It would be interestingto know whether dered E to Waco, College Station, Junction were located during CBCs along the Rio wintering flocks were absent from Mexico and BurlesonCounty. It was also the year of Grande. Say's Phoebeswintered n. and e. of this year. The usual number of Bohemian the Lark Buntings' e. invasion. Flocks com- their habitual winter quarters. They were Waxwingswas present in n.w. Nebraska.The prising35-100 birds played leap-frog through sighted in Morton County, Kans., Ellis only extralimital record of this specieswas at Llano, Palo Pinto, Denton, Tarrant, Dallas County, Okla., the Texas Panhandle, n. and Ft. Worth, where two were seen Feb. 2 and and McLennan counties. c Texas. They were also unusually abundant one Feb. 14 (SSi). Thousands of sparrows of at least 11 in their customaryw. Texas habitats. Eastern specieswintered at Hueco Tanks S.P., Tex Phoebesarrived early in WashingtonCounty, VIREOS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- Numbers of Savannah and Vesper sparrows Okla., Feb. 23 and Crosby County Feb. 28. Solitary Vireos remained late in Tarrant improvedsomewhat, but populationsof both This specieswintered at Midland for the first County Feb. 3-4, Midland Jan. 5 and Big are far below those of the 1950s. A Lark time since 1957. Two o' Vermilion Flycat- Bend N.P., Jan. 8. A Bell's Vireo lingeredat Sparrow in Washington County, Okla., Jan chers brightened Lubbock Jan. 15 and one Midland until Dec. 7. Orange-crowned 7 was noteworthy for the season. A Black- was seenin Kaufman County Jan. 25. Many Warblers wintered as far n. as Omaha and throated Sparrow visited feeding slationsin Empidonax flycatchers, presumed to be were unusually common at Ft. Worth. Seven Oklahoma City during February. A Sage Duskies, wintered in Big Bend N.P., and up Nashville Warblers tarried in Llano County, Sparrow in Ward County Jan. 18 was some- river along the Rio Grande. Tree Swallows Tex., until Dec. 15 (E&KM). In Big Bend what e. of its usual wintering area (CSe) A cruised over sewageponds in Collinsville, N.P., a N. Parula was found Jan. 11 and a Gray-headed Junco provided a first record Okla., Dec. 16 & Jan. 20 (JCH). Common Yellow-breasted Chat was seen Jan. 8 for Tarrant County Dec. 18-Mar. 6 (SS0. Crows visited Kendall and Comal counties, (J&NS). For the past five years, Kelly Him- Few Tree Sparrows moved S as far as Texas Tex., where they are rarely seen. A Clark's reel has been examiningroad-killed, preda- Chipping Sparrows remained through De- Nutcracker ate pecansat Big Spring, Tex., tot-killed and frozen meadowlarks found on cember in unusual numbers in w. and n c Dec. 12-20 (SC et al.). the Texas s. plains. He reported that 25ø70 Texas. Brewer's Sparrows were present in the were Eastern Meadowlarks, 75ø70Western. Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles in Decem- NUTHATCHES THROUGH MIMIDS -- He also noted that the population of mea- ber and early January. A Black-chmned Red-breasted Nuthatches were common only dowlarks at Muleshoe N.W.R., has decreased Sparrow was carefully identified in Big on the Nebraska Pine Ridge and at El Paso. from 150/CBC in the 1950s to 75/CBC in the Spring Feb. 10 (GWa). Several contributors Bewick's Wrens have recovered a little from 1970s.Yellow-headed Blackbirds lingered at noted that the number of White-throated the series of severe winters, but Carolina several n. Texas localities, and one was seen Sparrowswas low. Fox Sparrowswintered in Wrens are still very scarce. Long-billed in Crosby County Feb. 3. A Scott's Oriole the Davis Mts. A Fox Sparrow of the w race Marsh Wrens failed to winter in n.w. Nebras- was present in Llano County Feb. 15. In at Hueco Tanks S.P., Feb. 17, provided a ka but were unusually common in the Dallas Bellevue, Neb., a N. Oriole frequented a new park record (KZ, JD). Few flocks of area. A Rock Wren wintered in the rock rip- feederthroughout December. Another visited longspurs comprising more than 100 birds rap of PossumKingdom dam, Palo Pinto a feeder in Lubbock Jan. 20-Feb. 20 and one were noted except in Bell County, Tex. There Co., Tex. (KN). A Mockingbird in Pawnee was seen in Tarrant County Jan. 14. Rusty Feb. 10, observers tallied 1500 Chestnut County, Kans., Jan. 16 provided a new Blackbirds were located in Comanche Coun- collared, 250 McCown's and 2000 unidentl-

Volume 34, Number 3 287 fled longspurs. A few Snow Buntings were There was little hint of noted in n.w. Nebraska on several occasions the influx until mid-or in mid-January. late September. By •I • oBadrop Be..... mid-October there •"• •J• eA•O Houstonß - •Cove CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- were signs of a broad Kansas: Amelia J. Betts, Katharine Kelly, influx, and the end of Steve Kingswood, Marvin D. Schwilling, October brought a Scott Selfman. Nebraska: Tanya Bray, Scott rash of western va- Foster, Ruth Green, Sandy Kovanda, Mike & grants.The influxesof Sherry McCoy, Wayne Mollhoff, Cathy various species were Nelson, Mable B. Ott, Babs & Loren apparent all the way Padelford, Dorothy & Richard Rosche, through February at Everett & Mary Russell, Andy Saunders, least. The breadth of Melba Wigg, Fred & Molly Zeillemaker. the influx suggests a Oklahoma: Pat Bergey, Ella Delap, Joe large-scale ecological Grzybowski, Elizabeth & Ken Hayes, J.C. phenomenon. This Hoffman, Deloris Isted, Janet M. McGee, might be (1) major John Newell, Anne & Bruce Reynolds, Elinor sustained weather pat- Seig, John Shackford, Jack Tyler, Scott terns conducive to Wood, R.L. Ziegler. Texas: Peggy Acord, such movements, (2) Bill Adams, Keith Arnold, Kathleen Aton widespread habitat (KAt), Landon & Ava Beaver, Charles deterioration (season- Brown, Lillian Brown, Mary Bush, Bob Cog- al, not long-term), (3) geshall, Sue Cotson, JosephDiPasquale, K. widespreadhabitat improvementand resul- wmer, drown a cool by holding it under Elrod, Pansy Espy, Anne Gordon, Jim Har- tant bumpercrop of birds, or (4) a varietyof wmer. The dead coot was then dragged man, Kelly Himreel, Gregory Lasley, Rick causeswhich varied among the speciesbut ashore and ealen. American KeslreJs were LoBello, Mark Lockwood, Jody Miller, combinedto give the appearanceof a single below normal in ihe e. half of the Region. Ernest & Kay Mueller, John Naoce, Kenneth ecological phenomenon." Nanney, June Osborne, Margaret Parker, Clyde Priddy, Warren Pulich, Midge Ran- PELICANS, HERONS, IBISES -- Twen- dolph, Jean Schwetman,Chuck Sexton, Ken ty Brown Pelicans, three times the number of Seyffert, Jim Shiflett (JSh), Shirley Sink recent years, wintered at Aransas N.W.R. (SSi), Layfette Stankewitz, Darleen Stevens, (SL.). Herons apparently lingered inland and Jerry & Nancy Strickling, Cliff Stogner, Dora northward in greater numbersthan usual. In Sylvester(DSy), Gene Warren (GWa), Daniel the Eagle L. area, White-faced Ibis numbers Watson, Geth White (GWh), Larry Wynn, dropped from 525 last year to < 50, and Kevin Zimmer.--FRANCES WILLIAMS, White Ibises from 700 to two; however, it was 3307 Neely, Midland, TX 79703 surmised that this drop in local numbers was owing to the birds changing their evening roost (WAS). The former speciesnumbered up to 1000in the Rockport area, while the latter showed a reduction in numbers (DW). Similar ratios were apparen] for thesespecies Adult and juv. Whooping Crane, Aransas on the upper Texas coast. SOUTH TEXAS REGION N.W.R., TX, winter season 1979-80. Band /Fred S. Webster, Jr. WATERFOWL -- A Ross' Goose was indicatesjuvenal is of 1979 cohort. Photo/ Steve Labuda, Jr. found at Austin in January (KB, PS etal.) in Precipitation was near normal in most a small mixed flock of geese. About 250 SHOREBIRDS, GULLS -- A significant areas until rainfall all but ceased in mid-Feb- Black-bellied Whistling Ducks wintered in the number of shorebirds wintered on the upper ruary. Nevertheless,fresh water reservoirsin Eagle L. area, possibly a record number coast (TE) but all usual winter specieswere the westernhalf of the Region were low as a (WS). Dabbling ducks were well represented reported low at Rockport (DW). Two Am. result of late fall drought. Temperatures on the upper coast and inland. Canvasbacks Oystercatchers,not to be expected in winter, averaged near normal for the season;periods were reported in good numbers on the upper were at Texas City Dike Jan. 29 (ES). Black- of cold were short-lived and by mid-January and c. coasts, but Lesser Scaup were far bellled Plover and Red Knot were all but ab- extremes tended toward the warm side with a below normal. A 9 Masked Duck was seen at sent from Padre 1. beaches and Willets were number of all-time high readings.The coldest Aransas N.W.R. (EC, SL). reduced to almost one-half of normal num- spell of the winter rode in on an Arctic front bers bride KM). It was suggestedthat small March 1, setting all-time recordsand killing HAWKS -- A 9 Hook-billed Kite was pre- marine organisms were badly affected by oil new vegetativegrowth all the way to the Rio sent in the Santa Aria N.W.R. area for at spilled from the well lxtoc 1, in the Gulf of Grande Delta. Really good habitat, food least part of the season. White-tailed Kites Campeche since June 3, 1979; the spill ap- cropsand water supplieswere confined main- decreased in number on the upper coast but parently did not affect the upper coast. Gull ly to the eastern half of the Region; condi- showed well from the Coastal Bend (c. coast) numbers were about 50% of normal on Padre tions westward were marginal. Mild weather southward. Red-tailed Hawks were more I., and below normal at Rockport. A first- and favorable environment may explain the common than usual in all areas reported. An winter Glaucous Gull was found at Boca presenceof an unusual diversityand number imm. Broad-winged Hawk, very rare in Chica near the mouth of the Rio Grande Jan. of lingering passetines. winter, was seen near Bolivar Flats, 17 (GWL). An ad. LesserBlack-backed Gull By far the highlight of the seasonwas a Galveston Co., Jan. 7 (JL, JM). An imm. was seen a few miles n. of the preceding site substantial invasion of western species, cer- Gray Hawk was reported from Santa Aria Dec. 2 (GWL, BW) and a different individual tainly one of the best on record for numbers N.W.R., Dec. 27 (GL, KL), and the Falcon at Boca Chica Dec. 27 (AB, G&BL, WS). A and variety. Sexton suggestedsome explana- Dam area, Jan. 12 (RA, RB, MAC). California Gull remained on Galveston's East tions for this trend: "The influx seems to be Travelers between Laredo and the Rio Beach throughout the period. broadly based both ecologically and tax- Grande Delta reported Harris' Hawks com- onomically. Vagrants have come from mon. A Golden Eagle in Colorado County ANIS, OWLS, NIGHTHAWKS -- (among other groups) hummingbirds, fly- Jan. 26 (MA) was unusual. At L. Casablan- Groove-billed Ani numbers were "far above catchers and seed-eaters; from deserts, semi- ca, Webb Co., Dec. 24, the Langhams watch- normal" on the upper coast (JGM). As many deserts, brushlands and mortfane forests. ed a Marsh Hawk standing belly-deep in as four Burrowing Owls took up quarters in

288 American Birds, May 1980 large pipes "lying around" at a dam in throated, Biack-chinned and Broad-tailed number of the Audubon's race was noted at Karnes County (WS). A Lesser Nighthawk hummingbirds. Reports of Allen's Hum- Welder Ref. (GB). A o' Townsend's Warbler wintered at Rockport (CC). mingbirds are not included for lack of ex- was seen at Santa Ana N.W.R. (RA, RB, amination in hand. MAC). Single Ovenbirds were seen in Col- HUMMINGBIRDS -- The record books orado County Jan. 26 (MA), and at Aransas will have to be rewritten for Anna's Hum- KINGFISHERS THROUGH JAYS -- A N.W.R., Jan. 2 (JL); both are new locality mingbird. When several individualsof this Ringed Kingfisher visited Welder Wildlife winter records. specieswere discoveredat Rockport in Sep- Ref. (GB). The speciesranged as far up to the tember 1955--first ever on the Texas coast-- Rio Grande as San Ygnacio, Zapata Co. there was skepticismover suchan improbable Green Kingfishers were seen more frequently We nominate the Golden-crowned occurrence. Had it not been for the reputa- than usual at Austin and adjacent areas. Warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus, for tion of beloved Connie Hagar, then at the Common Flickers were below normal along "bird of the winter." It was discovered in peak of her careeras Rockport's expertguide the coast. A Downy Woodpecker was at Ran- Brownsville Dec. 29 (JL), at the home of and gracious hostess, the Regional Editor cho Santa Margarita, Starr Co., in January; the Sydney Benns, a site already recog- might have ignored the reports in the hope this appears to be the southernmost sighting nized historically for a Yellow-green Vi- they would self-destruct.But sincethe 1950s ever for Texas. A Tropical Kingbird was pho- reo nesting. This bird entertained count- Anna'sHummingbird has gain•ed respectabil- tographed in Brazoria County Dec. 8 less visitors and was present at least into ity-albeit gradually--as a regular if scarce (D&RM), an easternmost winter record for late February. This specieswas certified late-fall and winter visitor to Texas, par- the Texas coast. The Ash-throated Flycatch- for Texas through two o' specimens ticularly to coastal areas. The possibilityof er, casual in winter, was reported from four credited to Brownsville in January 1892. this species--or the fairly common Rufous locations on the upper coast. Two Wied's One sighting was made a few mi s. of Har- and still scarce Broad-tailed humming- Crested Flycatchers were on territory at lingen, also in Cameron County, in Sep- birds--choosing a South Texas winter vaca- Welder Ref. (GB), a most unusual occur- tember 1945. This tropical speciesis com- tion has encouragedyear-round feeder main- rence. A Black Phoebe was near Aransas mon in parts of n.e. Mexico, but there is a tenance, which in turn has promoted more Pass Feb. 8-17 (fide CS). Two were found at considerable environmental barrier be- observations of w. hummingbirds. As recent- San Ygancio Dec. 25 (JL), a new speciesfor tween its preferred habitat and the Rio ly as Feb. 28, 1973, cut-off date for material Zapata County. Say's Phoebes were more Grande Delta. to be included in The Bird Life of Texas by common than usual, reaching as far e. as Col- Harry C. Oberholser and edited by Edgar B. orado County. Horned Larks were abundant Kincaid, Jr., Anna's had been recorded in fields e. of Austin to Elgin (CE). Green ORIOLES, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS without reservation only in Aransas, Bee, Jays in an apparent N expansion, reached -- A Lichtenstein's Oriole was seen at San Brooks, Cameron and Harris counties of Jim Wells, Live Oak and Bee counties in in- Ygnacio Dec. 25 (JL). Plowed fields in the creasing numbers. Elgin area of Bastrop County attracted large flocks of Corn. Grackles; one flock of 25,000 NUTHATCHES THROUGH THRUSH- was observed (CE). A W. Tanager was at ES -- Red-breasted Nuthatches were all but Austin Jan. 7- i 2 or later (fide EK). A Hepatic absent from the Region while Brown Creep- Tanager discovered at Palmetto S.P., Mar. 8 ers, Winters Wrens and Brown Thrashers (FSW et al.) probably should be considered a were below normal. A few Sage Thrashers winter visitor as it stayed at least three weeks spilled E as far as Colorado County (WAS) after discovery. and Port Aransas (fide GB). American Robins were "extremely abundant" on the FRINGILLIDS -- Only small groups of upper coast (JGM), and were considered by Purple Finches could be found in n. areas. some observers to be above normal in the Once common in the Rio Grande Delta but Austin area. A Clay-colored Robin was seen apparently decimated by agricultural spray- in Brownsville Feb. 24 (AB, G&BL). Two ing, the White-collared Seedeater can now be Varied Thrushes discovered in Baytown, found with somecertainty only at San Ygna- Harris Co., Dec. 15 (JT) remained for several cio, well upriver from the heavily cultivated Anna's Hummingbird, Guadalupe County, weeks. A Veery was carefully scrutinized at Lower Valley. On Jan. 13 Langham discov- Aransas N.W.R., Jan. 8 (JL). TX, Dec. 26, 1979. Photo/Greg Lasley. ered what he suspectsis a communal roosting site, as he watched 20-25 birds dispersein dif- South Texas. On the basis of this seasoWs KINGLETS THROUGH VIREOS -- ferent directions after sunup. One bird was reports alone, the following countiescould be Again Golden-crowned Kinglets were scarce. found below the dam at Falcon L., Dec. 28 added: Bexas, Brazoria, Comai, Hidalgo, Five Bohemian Waxwings were identified in (AB, G&BL, WS). Pine Siskins were quite Kieberg, Nueces, and Wilson. These latter w. Bastrop County Feb. 12 (HD), and one in- low, while Am. Goldfinches were considered additions would not all represent county dividual was seen in the Bellaire area of subpar at most localities. Green-tailed Tow- "firsts," as we do not include the March Houston Feb. 20 with Cedar Waxwings (P J). hees moved E in invasion numbers, consider- 1973-November 1979 records--but are cited The latter species was in below-normal ing its uncommon status. As many as four to show the geographical extent of this numbers in most areas. A 9 Phainopepla, birds were locatedin w. Harris County (fide seasoWs invasion. Aransas, Brooks and Har- rare in winter, was seen at Dei Rio Feb. 13 JGM), and aborn ten were present at Welder ris countiesalso figure in the current records. (DD). A Warbling Vireo apparently of a w. At least 20 reliable reports came from the up- race, was at Bensten-Rio Grande Valley S.P., per coast (JGM), and at least 15 from the c. in mid-winter (JL). This specieswas seen at coast. Farther inland, San Antonio reported Rancho Santa Margarita Jan. 12 (RA, RB, at least 10 birds (fide JAM) and New MAC). Braunfeis, Comal Co., two (GWL). A singing imm. male was seen at Santa Ana WARBLERS -- Northern lingerers were N.W.R., Dec. i (GWL, BW). An ad. male in more common and varied than usual and Wilson County Feb. 22-26 was apparently while specific numbers were low there are too migrating (WS), which would be in keeping many to list here. Both parulas wintered spar- with the early disappearanceof most of the ingly in the Rio Grande Delta. Becauseof the individuals from this Region. it is noteworthy scarcityof Tropical Parulas in recent years, it that few females were reported. The Rufous was encouragingto note that at least four in- was still the most common hummingbird, dividuals occurred this season. Yellow- with the Buff-beilied running a poor third rumped (Myrtle) Warblers were quite com- White-collared Seedeater, San Ygnacio, TX, behind Anna's, and with a very few Ruby- mon in n.c. areas. More than the usual Dec. 25, 1979. Photo/J.M. Langham.

Volume 34, Number 3 289 Ref, at one time (GB). An E pushof somew. ries as far e. as the upper coastwhere they oc- Geiselbrecht, David Huffman, Paul Jones, specieswas evident. A Rufous-crowned Spar- curred in unprecedentednumbers (JGM), as Wayne J. King, Edward Kutac, Gary row, a speciesof rocky, semi-arid country, well as to the n. limits of the "brush Langham, Jeri & Karo Langham, Steve was collected at Welder Ref., and one ap- country." Labuda, Jr., Greg W. & Becky Lasley, Kay peared at a feeder in Calallen near Corpus McCracken, John McMillon, Don & Ruth Christi (GB). Cassin's Sparrows could be Melton, James A. Middleton, James G found in unusual numbers with up to 50/day CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OB- Morgan, Peter Scott, Willie Sekula, Chuck on Welder Ref., near its e. range limit, and SERVERS -- Richard Albert, Michael Sexton, Wayne A. Shifflett, Elton Stilwell, even on Mustang I. (fide GB). The Clay- Austin, Alma Barrera, Robert Behrstock, John Sunder, John Tveten, George Unland, colored Sparrow, a bird of the Great Plains, Henry Bielstein, Gene Blacklock, Kelly Bettye Vernon, Bret Whitney, Doris Win- IS sometimes common in winter in South Tex- Bryan, Mary Ann Chapman, Charles Clark, ship.--FRED S. WEBSTER, JR., 4926 as brush country, but this year considerable Ed Collins, David Dengler, Helen Downing, StrassDrive, Austin, TX 78731. numbers could be found on the coastal prai- Charles Easley, Ted Eubanks, Jr., Velma

NORTHWESTERN CANADA Birds of prey stayed REGION in the Region in good numbers, presumably /Helmut Gri•nberg because their food supply (small mam- December and January temperatures in mals, grouseand ptar- most areas of the Yukon and northern British migan) was good. Columbiawere closeto the long-termaverage Goshawk observations (Whitehorse: December-16.2øC, January were unusually num- -21 2øC), while February was significantly erous throughout the warmer than normally (Whitehorse: -8.4øC s. to c. Yukon and n. as opposedto -13.2øC normal). This caused British Columbia (RF, some rivers and creeks which usually freeze HG,WG,BL,DM, late, to stay open all winter. The southern DN&US,D&SR). Northwest Territories experienceda relatively Even Golden Eagles mild winter also, but there was little open stayed throughout the water. Precipitation (as snow) was normal in winter in a few areas. December and January in the Whitehorse One was observed in area and below the long-term averagein Feb- the greater Haines Jct. ruary. Since we started out with no snow on area (RC&NW, C& December 1, and experiencedmany days of LD,BL,KP) and one temperaturesabove freezing every month and or two in the Whse. a mild, dry February, the snow cover was area (fide DM, generally light. DN&US). An ad. Bald Many observers managed to get out into Eagle was observed various areas and watched a total of 37 near open water at L. species in the Yukon and northern British Laberge Dec. 2 (HG, Columbia. There were at least three new WH). Three individ- winter records, one first observation. To our uals stayed for several great surprise, the Northwest Territories re- days at Graham Inlet, ported only six species although efforts to n. B.C., in mid-Jan- find birds were made by about 20 observers. uary (MB). A Gyrfalcon was observed near (AvF). As m previouswinters, number of speciesand Yellowknife in early January (DK,CK) and Rock Doves were observed in Yellowknife individualsobserved does not seemto depend one was noted at Donjek R., Jan. 18 (DM). throughout the winter (DK et al.). They were upon how severe the winter is (unless the One was seen at Dezadeash Lodge s. of seen by many observersin Whse. The highest speciesis directly dependenton open water) Haines Jct., Feb. 4 (RC&NW) and one ap- count here was 200+ individuals Jan. 6 but rather on the availability of food. This peared 10 km w. of Haines Jct., Feb. 29 (RC&NW). can be shown particularly well for birds of (LD). Great Horned Owls were noted by at least prey and owls. 12 observers in the Yukon and n. British Col- GROUSE THROUGH WOODPECKERS umbia. This was once again lhe most com- GREBES THROUGH FALCONS -- The -- Spruce Grouse were abundant in many mon owl in our Region. The report of three first winter observation of Red-necked Grebe areasother than N.W.T. They were noted by Barred Owls, for a new winter record, at was reported from Whitehorse (hereafter, at least 11 observers. Ruffed Grouse were KluaneL., Dec. 26 (KP) needsconfirmation Whse.). A weakened bird was caughi and regularly seen at Graham Inlet (MB). One A Hawk Owl was seen near Swan L., n. of later releasedin open water on the Yukon R., was observedin Whse., Feb. 8 (RC&NW). Whse., Dec. 2 (HG,WH). It was also re- Dec 31 (MD). Sincethe winter was relatively They were also noted in the c. Yukon, km 10 ported from Whse., Dec. 31 (fide DM). The mild, there were many stretchesof open Dempster Hwy. (RF). Fifteen Sharp-tailed only Boreal Owl observedwas one at Graham water. Ducks were reported from several Grousewere reported from Donjek R., Jan. Inlet Feb. 11 (MB). locations in the Yukon but only a few were 18 (DM). Willow Ptarmiganwere seennear Hairy Woodpeckerswere seenaway from identified. Four Corn. Goldeneye were Yellowknife (fide DK), at DempsterHwy. feeders this winter on several occasions: one observed on the Yukon R., 30 km s.e. of (RF,DR), in the Haines Jct. area (KP), at 40 km s.e. of Whse., Dec. 8 (HG,WH), one 6 Whse., Dec. 15 (DD,WH). Act Barrow's Lower Post, B.C., Feb. 29 (DS) and near km n.e. of Whse., Jan. 20 (HG) and one at Goldeneyewas seen in Whse., Dec. 31 (AM). Graham Inlet in January(MB). Over 100 in- the Yukon Game Farm Feb. 10 (WG). Two A flock of 26 +Com. Merganserswas seen dividuals were reported from mile 75 Haines birds were regularly seen throughout the on L. Laberge Dec. 2 (HG,WH) and three Rd., Jan. 28-Feb. 29 (AvF). Four Rock Ptar- winter at a feedern.w. of Whse.(D&LS). A were noted on the Yukon R., 40 km s.e. of miganwere seen near Kluane L., Dec. 26 (FP) Downy Woodpecker was reported from Whse., Dec. 15 (DD,HG,WH,KM). This and three at mile 70 Haines Rd., Jan. 28 Graham Inlet Jan. 9 (MB) and one appeared specieswas also reported from Whse., Dec. (AvF). Four White-tailed Ptarmigan were regularlyat a feedern.w. of Whse. (D&LS) 31 (ftde DM). observedat mile 80 Haines Rd., Feb. 8 & 28 The most commonwoodpecker in our Region

290 AmericanBirds, May 1980 was once again the Northern Three-toed first report for the Yukon of House Sparrows birds each were reported from Kluane L., Woodpecker; it was seen by at least nine was obtained Feb. 28 when three were seen in Dec. 15, 17 & 23 (KP). observers in the Yukon and n. British Colum- downtown Whse. This specieswas common bia. in Yellowknife (DK et at). CORRIGENDUM -- Chestnut-backed Chickadee and ruber race of Yellow-bellied PERCHING BIRDS -- Gray Jays were Pine Grosbeaks were seen in small flocks Sapsucker,erroneously reported for the Klu- commonly observedin all parts of the Region by 16 observers in the Yukon and n. British hint R. (,,lB 33(6):880), were actually seenat including N.W.T. Thirteen observers re- Columbia. Redpollswere usually reported as the Klehini R., about 50 km farther s., sepa- ported Black-billed Magpies in the Yukon. "redpoll sp." However, definite identifica- rated by the Coastal Mts., and in a totally dif- There was a high count of 14 birds in Whse., tion of two Hoary Redpolls was made in ferent climate. Feb. 8 (RC&NW). This speciesseems to be Whse., Jan. 27 (RC&NW). Other likely re- increasingin numbers. Every observer in the ports were receivedfrom the DempsterHwy. CONTRIBUTORS -- Marion Brook, Region saw Corn. Ravens. An increase in (RF) and from Whse. (HG,WH). Common Rene'Carlson, Malcolm Dennington, Derek numbers was apparent in Whse., as 580 birds Redpollswere identified as well as in several Dodd, Claude & Libby Dulac, Alan yon were counted at the city dump Dec. 31 (DM). cases in the Yukon and n. British Columbia Finster (AVE), Robert Frisch, Wendy Both Black-capped and Boreal chickadees (MG,RC&NW,HG,WH, fide DM). Six Red GEesbrecht, Sharon Grfinberg, Sylvia were common in the Yukon and n. British Crossbills, an uncommon speciesin winter, Hackney, Willi Harms, Manfred Hoefs, Don Columbia. They were not reported from were seen in Whse., Jan. 27 (D&LS). Two to Karasiuk, area editor, N.W.T., Canadian N.W.T. One or two Dippers were regularly five individuals were noted at Cassiar, B.C., Wildlife Service, Box 2310, Yellowknife, observed in Whse. (DD,HG,WH,KM, fide on several occasionsduring January and Feb- N.W.T., Canada. X0E IH0 (observation DM) and at the Dempster Hwy. (RE). One ruary (PM). White-winged Crossbills were from N.W.T. should be sent to this address), was noted at Partridge L., in the Bennett area more common that Reds.They were reported Maria Ledergerber, Brent Liddie, Claudia & Feb. 29 (WG). Sevento eight were counted in by at least 10 observers,in the Yukon only. A Sarah Lombardi, Paul Mantle, Art Martell, two areas near Atlin, B.C., Feb. 17 (HG). "probable" Savannah Sparrow, rare in Cliff Matthews, Karen McKenna (KM), Dave During a snowstorm Dec. 7, a large flock winter, was observed at a feeder in Whse., Mossop, Danny Nowland, Larry Otto, Kate of Bohemian Waxwings invaded the down- Feb. lO, 23 & 28 (SH). Snow Buntings in Postoloski, Don & Sharon Russell, UIrike town area of Whse., and was seen by many numbers of up to 18 were seen in the Whse. Schmigale, Don & Lilly Schuler, Norbert observers. Over 500 birds were counted Dec. area throughout the season (HG,WH, fide Wolffe, about 20 observers from N.W.T. 8 (HG). This flock disappeared quickly, and DM,D&SR). Three were noted at Dezadeash (referred to as DK et aL)--HELMUT only remnants of one to two birds were seen Lodge s. of Haines Jet., Feb. 2 (fide BL to GR{•NBERG,Yukon Conservalion Sociely, in January. Five Bohemian Waxwings were RC&NW). Three birds were observed in At- 302 Steele Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, noted at Graham Inlet Dec. 26 (MB}. The lin, B.C., Feb. 16 (HG). Two flocks of 20_+ Canada, YIA 2C5.

NORTHERN ROCKY Grebes wintered on the Clearwater and MOUNTAIN-INTERMOUNTAIN Snake Rivers at REGION Lewiston, Ida. (EM) /Thomas H. Rogers and one was on Pend Oretile L., at Sand- .,.,., i point, Ida., Feb. 7 Winter over the Region was generally mild (PS). A single Eared ALBERTA I Grebe was at Turtle exceptfor a cold snap in January. Much open .•WILLIAMS tAKE [. • water remained, encouraging wintering wa- Rock I mi above terfowl. Precipitation was generally subnor- Rocky Reach Dam mal, resultingin often shallowor intermittent Feb. 11 (PC). Wells snow cover in the valleys, a low snow pack in Pool on the Columbia the mountains, and prospectsfor a water- near Brewster, Wash., deficient summer. Only the extreme western had 30 W. Grebes areas along the east base of the Cascade Dec. 3 (NM) and a few Mountains had normal or better precipita- were in the Wenat- tion. chee, Wash., area The mild winter encouraged many half- (PC). ATTL / •SFOKAN[IJl • KALESFELL hardy speciesto linger late or remain all •LJNJRG- • ..... I - IMISSOgLA• winter, and a number of abnormally early ar- PELICANS rivals appeared. Many observersconsidered THROUGH HER- the season dull birdwise, with low numbers. ONS -- Seven White There was some indication that the open Pelicans wintered on winter kept birds, particularly the "northern the Hanford Reach of leB[ND }oFAYETTE •'• --'- finches," farther north or in the mountains. the Columbia n. of Mild conditionsand abundant food may have Richland (W.F.G.; OREGON• IDAHO WYOMING kept populationsscattered, or, as Skaar sug- Y.A.S.). Another gested,the previoussevere winter may have enigmatic Brown Pelt- wiped out many birds that normally winter. can was sighted below Lucky Peak Dam on the Boise R., s.e. of Boise, Ida., Dec. 29 (DT) vided the state's first specimen(fide PDS). LOONS AND GREBES -- A Corn. Loon for the state's second record. A Double- Nineteen Black-crownedNight Hersonswin- was on the Columbia R., at Richland, Wash., crested Cormorant was reported at lrrigon, tered near Burley, Ida. (WS) and three were Feb. 16 (WH). A few loons wintered on Ore., Feb. 8 (JM). A migrating group of 52 at the Ringold rearing ponds, Franklin Co., Rocky Reach and Rock 1. Dam pools of the Great Blue Herons stopped along the Snake Wash., Jan. 6 (TT). Up to three were in the Columbia near Wenatchee, Wash., and up to R., below Am. Falls Dam in s. Idaho Feb. 23. Richland, Wash., area during the winter 25 Horned Grebes were there in December An imm. Cattle Egret taken Dec. 7 near (RW) and 97 were along the Link R., near and January (PC). Groups of 1-3 Horned Townsend,Mont. (*Montana State U.) pro- Klamath Falls, Ore., Dec. 16 (SG).

Volume34, Number3 291 WATERFOWL -- A Mute Swan was (RW) At least five Greater Scaup were on found in the Ft. Klamath, Ore., area Feb. 16 found dead on Osoyoos L., n. of Oroville, Upper Klamath L., with hundreds of Lesser (DA, DF & Di). The Yakima R. delta, Rich- Wash, Nov. 25 (NM). WhistlingSwans win- Scaupand goldeneyeFeb. 23 (SS). The only land, had 13 Dunlin Feb. 16 (WH & RW). At tered on Coeur d' Alene and Pend Oreille Oldsquaw spottedwas a pair on Lenore L., least three Glaucous Gulls were in that area Lake in n. idaho; at Columbia N.W.R., Grant Co., Wash., Dec. 8 (BW). A o' Harle- during the winter (RW) and an adult and Othello, Wash., and on the Shuswap-S. quin Duck, very rare in winter in British Col- three first-year birds were at Coeur d' Alene, Thompson R. systeme. of Kamloops, B.C. umbia, appearedat NelsonDec. 8 (JS) and a Jan. i1-12 (THR & SGS). Lower McDonald The 605 birds at the latter locality Jan. 1 male and a female were sightedat Trail Jan. Cr., Glacier N.P., had an immature bird dwindledto 291 by Jan. 13. The adult: cygnet 19 & 31 (ME). A 9 White-wingedScoter on Nov. 11 (EM). For the fourth consecutive ratio was about 3 : I (RH). At Red Rock the Columbia R., near Wenatcheewas appar- winter Glaucous-winged Gulls visited the Lakes N.W.R., Lima, Mont., Trumpeter ently the first ever recordedthere (PC). At Klamath Basin, two adults on the Link R., Swan numbers went to an above-average 355 leasttwo more werein the Lewistonarea, one Dec. 15 (EP) and one immature at Klamath from mid-January owing to freezingof much on the Clearwater R., Dec. 9 and the other on Falls, Feb. 15 (SS). An Ancient Murrelet was of Henry's Fork of the SnakeR., in idaho. the SnakeR., near Asotin Dec. 16 (EM). A 9 picked up alive on the highway near Helm- The midwinter aerial survey Feb. 11-13 Surf Scoter near Wenatchee Jan. 5 also was ville 60 mi e. of Missoula, Mont., Dec. 2 revealed939 Trumpeters in Montana, Wyom- an apparent first there (PC). Up to six Red- (GA) for the state's third record. The bird ing and Idaho, an 8% increase over last breasted Merganserswere at Trail, B.C., died two days later (*U. of Mont.). winter Adults and subadults totalled 767 Dec. 29-Feb. 20 (ME) and Vernon had two (RRS) FiveTrumpeters, two adults and three Jan. 12 (JG). OWLS AND HUMMINGBIRDS -- Barn immatures, were on Wallowa L., Wallowa Owls still appeared on the increase, with Co , Ore., Jan. 13 (FC). VULTURES AND HAWKS -- Remark- sightings in Benton, Franklin, Grant and Canada Geesepeaked at 10,000+ at Deer ably late Turkey Vulture records were: one Yakima counties. The Lewiston area had two Flat N.W.R., Nampa, Ida., Dec. 1. At least along the Wenatchee R., at Monitor Dec. 14 reports and Nampa and Am. Falls Res. had 2000 wintered on Pend Oreille, Coeur d' (PC) and one at Oak Creek W.R.A., Yakima single sightings.Five were countedat Union, Alene and HaydenLakes in n. idaho. Colum- Co., about 18 mi s.w. of EllensburgJan. 10& Ore., Dec. 15 (RRo). Snowy Owls put in an bia N.W.R., had 12,000 in December but 18 (LS; Y.A.S.). At least 12 sightingsof extremely poor showing,with a few sightings their numbers dwindled to 1400 in January. Goshawks were reported. The specieswas in the Selah, Wash., and Reardan-Daven- Conley L. n. of Union, Ore., had 2000 "very scarce" in the s. Okanagan Valley, port, Wash., areas and one at Missoula for White-frontedGeese Feb. 29 (MH). The mild B.C., however (JG). Sharp-shinned and the only reports. The only Hawk Owl report winter enabled high numbers of ducks to Cooper's hawk numbers appeared good. was of one on Big White Mt., near Kelowna, winter. Deer Flat N.W.R., the "Mallard Rough-leggedHawks were decidedlyscarce B.C., Feb. 14 (BH). A few Burrowing Owls capitol" of the Region, hosteda peak of in the Bozeman and Helena areas and around apparentlywintered in w. Grant and Franklin 404,000 of the birds Dec. 5 and had 30,550 Lewiston, but their numbersappeared nor- counties, Wash., and near Hardman, Ore Feb 20 after the ice breakup. Umatilla mal elsewhere. Numbers of both Golden and Barred, Great Gray and Saw-whet owls were N W R., Umatilla Co., Ore., had about Bald eaglesseemed good. Highestnumbers reported as uncommon in w. Glacier N.P 50,000 Mallards Jan. 27 (DI) and 3000, high for the latter were in the Klamath Falls area (RD). Short-earedOwls continued scarcein for the area, wintered on Kalamalka L., near with 165 feeding on mice Jan. 12 and 225 the Klamath Basin but their numbers seemed Vernon, B.C. Waterfowl numbersin mostof counted leaving their Bear Valley roosting normal elsewhere. Single Saw-whets were the Columbia Basin of c. Washington were site Feb. 24 (SS). Totals for the midwinter reported near Richland, Brewster, Yakima, above normal, with Mallard concentrations eagle count were not available.An Osprey and Klamath Falls. The only Anna's Hum- especiallyhigh along the lower Columbia R. along the Columbia R., at Whitebluffs, Ben- mingbird report was of an ad. male photo- Increasedfield corn production there was an ton Co., Wash., Jan. 24 was remarkable graphed at Okanagan Falls, B.C., and pre- added attraction. Ducks at Columbia (GS). There was one report of a Gyrfalcon sent from autumn until Jan. 22 (fide SC). N W R., totalled 110,000+ in Decemberbut and sevenof Peregrine Falcons. Prairie Fal- droppedto 56,000 in January. A very few con sightings were rather common. Merlins WOODPECKERS THROUGH SWAL- Gadwall were noted in the La Grande and were reportedmore commonlythan usual, at LOWS -- One or two Lewis' Woodpeckers Union, Ore., vicinities in Decemberand at leastin part becauseof extensivecoverage by were sighted in the Wenatchee area during Kootenai N.W.R., BonnersFerry, ida., Feb. W.F.G. personnel. January - early February. The speciesappears 7 A goodwintering concentration, including to be making a comeback in Chelan and Gadwall and Pintail was at Livingston, TURKEYS AND RAILS -- The Turkey Douglas counties (PC). One was on Short Mont Many ducks, mostly divers, wintered flock on Bozeman Pass e. of Bozeman was Mt., 2 min. of RiversideDec. 5 (JK); two ap- in the Wenatchee area, but there were a few downto aboutsix birds(PDS). Twenty-four peared near Moxee Jan. 1, and one was in the Am Wigeon and Gadwall and more Green- were at Prairie, Ida., in December and Janu- vicinity of NachesFeb. 2 (Y.A.S.). A bird of wingedTeal than usual.Large flocks of Ring- ary (PC). A few Virginia Rails, almost un- this species, very rare in winter in the necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup and Ruddy heardof in winterin the Region,were report- Klamath Falls area, was seen there Jan. 19 Ducks and more than the usual number of ed. Three were at Penticton,B.C., Dec. 25 (SS) and Salmon, Ida., reported one Dec. 14 Canvasbacks frequented the Columbia R. (SC); five were seen or heard at the Yakima (HR). A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, "red- there The Pend Oreille R., in n. idaho had R. sloughbetween Mabton and Sunnyside, breasted" race, was found along indian Cr., 6200 Redhead,75 Canvasbackand 350 Lesser Wash., Feb. 10 (KB, B&GR) and onewas at a Union Co., Ore., Jan. 27 (JC & JE). Good ScaupDec. 17 and Pend Oreille L., had 6700, small seepagearea 2 min. of Rocky Reach numbers of Horned Larks wintered in the 125 and 600, respectivelyJan. 11 (RR). The Dam, DouglasCo., Wash., Jan. 26 (PC). Vernon, B.C. area, where they had not previ- largestnumber of Com. Goldeneyereported The Chewelah, Wash. CBC also found the ously been known to winter. Conversely, the was 2000 at Lewiston Dec. 9. Biggestconcen- speciesand Wallowa County, Ore., had one species was decidedly scarce in the Helena trations of Barrow's were near Brownlee Dec. 18 (fide WD). Equally unusualwere two area. McNary Park just e. of Umatilla, Ore., Dam on the Snake R., n. of Weiser, Ida., 200 Sora at the Yakima R. sloughon the same had a very early Violet-greenSwallow Feb. 16 Jan 27, and at Red Rock Lakes N.W.R., 150 date.The PocatelloCBC hadboth species. (NB) and a Barn Swallow apparently feeding wintering. Pend Oreille L., had 145 Buffle- on insects from the water surface was skim- head and 925 Com. Merganser Jan. 11. Lew- SHOREBIRDS THROUGH ALCIDS -- ming over the Columbia R., at the Yakima iston, had up to 100of the former and 25 was A SpottedSandpiper wintered at the dam on delta Dec. 1, a month after the normal late a high number for the Snake R., below Mar- the Link R., near Klamath Falls (SS). Six date (RW). sing, ida. Greater Yellowlegs at the mouth of Asotin For "rarities", a Black Duck was well seen Cr., Asotin, Wash., Dec. I were very late; JAYS THROUGH CHICKADEES -- A at Pocatello Feb. 7 (CT et at.). One or two one wasthere Feb. 16 (RG). A PectoralSand- few Blue Jays appeared. Three at Union in Eur Wigeon were at Lower Klamath Lake piperwas along lower McDonald Cr., Glacier November stayed at least until Feb. 9 (JE et N W R., Ore., Feb. 9+ (SS) and the Rich- N.P., Mont., Nov. 11 (EM). Four Long- at.) and one was at Summerland, B.C., land vicinity had up to three Dec. 2-Jan. 5 billedDowitchers and a LeastSandpiper were throughout the winter period (SC). One or

292 AmericanBirds, May 1980 two arrived at a feeder near Spokane •n late beaks for the only account except for Glacier Warren Hall, J•m H•ckathorn (JHe), Mark January (EK) and one was sightednear Aso- N.P., Mont., Blueslide, Wash. and Wallowa Henjum, Jerry Hickman, Phil Hixson (PHQ, tin, Wash., Dec. I (MK). The two at Hamil- L., and Union, Ore., Gray-crowned Rosy Brian Holmes, Rich Howie, David Irons, ton, Mont., stayed all winter (CP). A Finch numbers were low and appearances Bert & Sylvia Jahns, Mark Kelley, Jerry Chestnut-backedChickadee photographed at spotty. Bozeman reported "hardly any." All King, Evelyn Knierim, Cary Lund, Nobel Waterton Lakes townsite, Waterton Lakes the others were in c. and e. Washington and Marr, Ed McVicker, Jack Melland, Lou•s N.P., Alta., Feb. 10 was the first ever record- n. and e. Oregon, Not even one Com. Red- Moos, Harry Nehls, Howard Oswood, Col- ed for that area (AW, M&JS). One at a Hele- poll was reportedand Pine Siskinswere vir- leen Powell, Richard Palmer, Eleanor Pugh, na feeder furnished that area's first record tually absent, except for the Bozemanarea, Bob & GeorgiaRamsey, Tim Reynolds(TR), (AS et al.). where a good flock wintered. American Hadley Roberts,Ray Rogers(RR), Thomas Goldfinchesshowed up in a number of locali- H. Rogers (THR), Ron Rohweder(RRo), THRUSHES THROUGH KINGLETS -- ties, however. Red Crossbillsnearly drew a Reed & Georgia Sanderson(R&GS), Ann Robins apparently wintered sparsely in the blank. "Extremely few" were at Kimberley, Scofield, Gary Scrivens,W. H. Shillington, Region. Wintering Varied Thrush numbersin B.C.; Penticton, B.C., had 12 on Feb. 23, Paul Sieracki (PS), Richard R. Sjostrom the Wenatchee area were down from last and one was found on the Kalispell, Mont. (RRS), P. D. Skaar (PDS), Jim Sparks(JSp), year, with five the largest number. Dryden, CBC. There were no reports of White-winged Marion & Jack Steeves(M&JS), Lee Stream, Wash., had one Jan. 9 (L&JG) and one was Crossbills. Jim Street (JS), John Stuart (JSt), Shirley G seennear Nampa Feb..14 (MF). It was a good Sturts (SGS), Steve Summers (SS), Terry winter for Hermit Thrushes in Richland with SPARROWS -- A Rufous-sided Towhee Thompson, Charles H. Trost, Dan True- up to nine seen.Yakima had one Jan. 5 (EC). was at Vernon Dec. 23 (JG), one was report- blood, Washington Department of F•sh & Two W. Bluebirds were found in McNary ed at Nampa (C&EF), and three were at a Game (W.F.G.), Bart Whelton, M•ldred Park Jan. 2 (MC). Two Mountain Bluebirds Chukar feeding station at the C.V.E. Plots. White, A. Wisely, Robert E. Woodley, were found near Clarkston, Wash., Jan. 7-9 A Lark Buntingvisited a feederin BoiseFeb. Yakima Audubon Society (Y.A.S)- and two in the Nampa area Feb. 26. Appar- 6 (JCr) and a Lark Sparrow was found in the THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. 10820 Maxwell ently wintering, four Ruby-crownedKinglets Grande Ronde Valley near La Grande, Ore., Ave., Spokane, WA 99206. were recordedat Nampa Jan. 19, at Yakima Feb. 9 (HN). Equally surprising were two and Gleed, singles, and at Chief Joseph reports of SageSparrows, one along the Col- W.R.A., Asotin Co. A late lingerer was at umbia R., in Richland Feb. 16-17 (WH & Lavington, B.C., Dec. 4. RW) and two in ToppenishN.W.R., Yakima MOUNTAIN WEST Co., Wash., Feb. 10 (KB, B&GR). Only a /Hugh E. Kingery PIPITS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- A few Tree Sparrows were sighted: in the single Water Pipit appeared at the Snake Bozeman area, at Bonners Ferry, Ida.; at R.-Clearwater R. confluence at Lewiston Reardanand Coulee City, Wash.; at Umatilla November cold dispatched most semi- Jan. 8-9 (PHi). BohemianWaxwing numbers N.W.R., and near La Grande, Ore. The hardy speciesfrom the Region, but no b•rds were somewhat above normal; the largest Mondovi area, Lincoln Co., Wash., had a arrived to occupy the vacant niches. Most re- concentration reported was of 2000 at Co- Brewer's Sparrow Feb. 22 (JH). At least one porters noted fewer birds this winter. A van- lumbia View Experimental Plots (hereafter, Harris' Sparrow wintered at Bozeman (CL) guard of waterfowl and a few other species C.V.E. Plots), 2 min. of of Rocky Reach and an imm. bird stayed near Joseph, Ore., accelerated spring migration by one-to-two Dam, n. of Wenatchee. Cedar Waxwings Jan. 1-4 (FC) for the only reports. Wintering weeks. The mildness did not cross over the stayedin unusualnumbers (flocks up to 210), White-crowned Sparrows were reported at mountains to eastern Colorado and south- at Spokane, Yakima, Helena, the Klamath Yakima and Nampa. C.V.E. Plots had five eastern Wyoming, which experiencedsnow Basin and Nampa (300 Feb. 21). A Logger- Golden-crownedSparrows Jan. 26 (HO). A and cold all season."The worst year for w•ld- head Shrike was reported at Iona, Ore., Jan. White-throated Sparrow visited a Missoula, life and birds in particular I have ever seen," 19 (RP) and Nampa noted a high of 1500 Mont., feeder periodically throughout the said May Hanesworth, referring not only to Starlings Feb. 17. Two Orange-crowned winter (SF); one appearedOct. 4 in Ephrata, Cheyenne'ssevere winter but its summerhml- Warblers were braving bitter cold at Saca- Wash. (B&SJ), an immature appeared at storms and a tornado. jewa S.P., Pasco, Wash., Jan. 20 (RW) and Gleed near Yakima Feb. 22 (PH) and one was Perceptionsof weather are relative, how- Parker Heights near Yakima had six Yellow- sightedat Island City, Ore., Nov. I (R&GS). ever. Reporters referred to both Ridgway, rumped Warblers Dec. 29 (Y.A.S.). An Three Fox Sparrows were reported along Colorado, and Dubois, Wyoming, as "ba- Ovenbird was observedat Ephrata, Wash., Cottonwood Cr., Lincoln Co., Wash. (JH) nana belts," which at Ridgway meant only Nov. 12 (B&SJ). WesternMeadowlarks win- and one or two were sightedat Gleed and Ya- one below zero recorded and at Dubois meant tered in high numbersat Helena and in the s. kima December - early February (Y.A.S.). only one 24-hour period below zero, plus a Okanagan. The n. arm of Okanagan L., had Single birds were found in Richland Dec. 8 seasonal low of -38øF. 60 Jan. 27 (JG). One Yellow-headedBlack- and Feb. 16 (WH & RW) and one wintered at Winter brought many odd records,such as bird was in a mixed flock of about 500 Tricol- a Kimberley feeder (MW). Lapland Long- a brood of ducklings,and warblersin Decem- ored and 1500 Red-winged blackbirds near spurs, not reported otherwise, were found ber, thrushesin January, and very early m•- Klamath Falls Dec. 16 (SG). Otter L., near scatteredthroughout the Klamath Basin,with grants. Vernon had six Rusty Blackbirds Feb. 9 and a high of 100+ on Lower Klamath N.W.R., Habitat disturbancesprobably represent two Feb. 17; two were sighted at Valley, Jan. 27 (SS). Two McCown's Longspurswere the greatestthreat to stablebird populations Wash,, Feb. 9 (WH & BW). A window-killed identified on the Idaho Nat. Energy Lab. site In the arid West, the riparian habitat is a hfe- Com. Grackle was picked up in Bozeman in near Atomic City Feb. 20 (TR). Snow Bunt- line, often the only green trees for m•les January (LM). ing numbers appeared sparseexcept for a Oakleaf mentioned two disturbing threats to flock of 200 near Usk, Wash., around Christ- riparian river bottoms in Wyoming: subdivi- FINCHES -- Evening Grosbeaks were mastime(JSt) and a flock of 100 in the Nam- sions in Teton County which may displace scarceor absentfrom most of the Region, ap- pa area, date not given (CB). nesting Bald Eagles, and woodcutters who pearing mostly in the n. and w. parts. The s. take both dead and live trees. Okanagan reported above-normal numbers CONTRIBUTORS CITED -- Dave An- State-financed water developments may and Wenatcheehad up to 100 in January and derson, G. Ash, Nancy Bock, Carl Brown, turn into another threat. Dams already oc- February. The only other flock of any size Ken Brown, Steve Cannings, Jim Carlson cupy all the good stream sites. With revenues was one of 90 near Asotin, Wash. Purple (JC), Jerry Cross (JCr), Phil Cheney (PC), piling up from mineral severancetaxes, west- Finches visited a Wenatchee feeder Feb. 8-23 Priscilla Cook (PCo), Frank Conley, Marion ern states now have money to build water (PC). The only note on Cassin'sFinches was Corder, Emily Cragg, Reed Detring, William projects which the federal governmentrejects that they were "practically nonexistentin s. Dowdy, Maurice Ellison, Joe Evanich, Milie becauseof poor cost/benefit ratios or bad en- •nterior British Columbia" during the winter Ferdinand, David Fix, Sid Frissell, Cleo & vironmental consequences. Most western (JG). A small flock of House Fincheswin- Ernest Frost, Russell Gebhart, Larry & states lack good environmental safeguards, tered in Bozeman(JSp et al.) and "a good Jacque Goodhew (L&JG), Steve Gordon, and their politics foster "booster" philoso- winter" there was reported for Pine Gros- James Grant (JGr), Pauline Hager (PH), phies which impel all kinds of development

Volume34, Number 3 293 Fallon (NS). Fish oming and Colorado. Greatest concentra- Springs, N.W.R., tions were in the San Luis Valley, Colo., with Utah, near Dugway, 77, Evanston, Wyo., with 60_+, and Cedar Utah, sported a City, Utah with 42 (BO, C.D.W., SH et ai.). Snowy Egret Feb. 4 The Evanston roost built up to 200+ Mar. 6, (LM). Black-crowned probably due to an influx of eagles from Night Herons, which Utah (BO, DIM). regularly winter at We receivedwithout details a smattering of Reno (JA, IH), have Osprey reports,as we have for severalyears. recently started to SinceOspreys normally winter in s. Arizona winter along the S. and s. Nevada, February birds are possible, Platte R., in metropol- although their resemblanceto imm. Bald itan Denver (D.F.O.). Eagles could mislead an unwary observer (Garrett, W. Tanager, L.A. Aud. Soc., WATERFOWL -- March 1980, 46:6:4). Observers supported Utah wintered twice as observationsat Durango Feb. 9 & 23 (tRE, many ducks this year EF et all Sheridan had its winter Gyrfalcon as last, with a seasonal again, with observationsDec. 16-Feb.6 (HD, low of 29,292 (70% of EP). Prairie Falconnumbers have steadily in- The pressureswill impact severelyon the re- them shovelersat OgdenBay W.M.A.), com- creased on CBCs, from .02/party-hour to maining riparian habitit. paredwith a low of 14,600in 1979.The fall .03/party-hour,and Wyomingnoted a sharp Christmas Bird Counts. The report which migration lasted longer (60,164 ducksDec. increase in numbers in February at Lander, follows includes frequenciescalculated for 1-15cf. 17,526last year), and springmigra- Lovell, and Jackson (BO, BR). More Am. severalspecies on a party-hourbasis. The fig- tion acceleratedover last year (131,593 ducks Kestrelswintered at Sheridan (1-4 each field ures exclude Nevada, unless otherwise spe- --including 48,192 Pintails--by Feb. 29, cf. trip, cf. 3 all lastwinter--HD). Eagle,Colo., cificed; they cover 1972-1979. 32,320 in 1979.--U.D.W.R.). EasternColor- had its first winter record Dec. 30 (JM). Zion Nomenclature. In past reports I have re- ado reported304,578 ducks, 150,696 Canada had about averagenumbers but fewer winter- ferred to the junction of plainsand moun- Geese, and 350 Snow Geese on Dec. 12 ed along the Front Range. tains as the "piedmont," an accurateterm se- (C.D.W.). February 18 saw 10,000 Snow manticallybut not a term in local use.Colo- Geeseal Rocky Ford, Colo., including 200 CRANES, SHOREBIRDS -- Twelve of rado has co-optedthe term "Front Range" Blues (JR). Several Ross' Geese were seen the 15 Whooping Cranes of the West had for that meetingplace, althoughgeographic through the winter at Greeley and Denver reached the San Luis Valley by Feb. 29; the accuracyreserves the namefor the rangeof (F.C.A.S., D.F.O., JR) and one Jan. 23 at first arrived Feb. 9, I 1 days earlier than in high peaks along the ContinentalDivide Reno (IH). Utah had 4712 WhistlingSwans 1979 (MBS). Sandhills also arrived early, 20-50 miles to the west. Henceforth I will suc- by the endof February(U.D.W.R.). Western with 5000 by Feb. 15, compared with 100 in cumb to the new usageof "Front Range" for Nevada has recorded, for four yearsstraight, 1979 by that date (MBS). Sandhills arrived at that stretchof megalopolisfrom Cheyenneto a flock of Corn. Shelducks, usually 3-4 but Lurid, Nev., Feb. 15 and peaked Mar. 6 at Pueblo. one aerial flight this year counted sevenat 1028 (SS). Stragglers were seen at Barr L., Latiiongs.This column has started locating StillwaterW.M.A. (NS). "A bizarrediscov- near Denver Dec. 23 (JR) and Wellington, somebird recordsby latilong. Latitudesand ery," at Blue Mesa Res., near Gunnison, Colo., Dec. 22-Jan. 5, originally found on longitudesdivide Wyomingand Colorado Colo., occurredDec. 13 "of two ad. Gad- the Ft. Collins CBC (WDG). Observationsof neatlyinto 28 blocks--"Latilongs"or "de- walls with five featheredyoung. They all clus- a Corn. Gallinule at Provo, Utah Dec. I, Jan. gree blocks." Each latilongcontains 3600 tered toward one adult, peepingas they did 7, & Feb. 9 providedc. Utah with recordsfor squaremiles--bigger than RhodeIsland and so, very characteristicduckhng behavior" all three winter months for the first time Delaware combined. Published distribution (KC). In additionto the high numbersof N. (MW). Killdeer observations declined on the studieskeyed to latilongsare becomingwell- Shovelersat Ogden Bay, D.F.O. reported Front Range, but at Eureka, Nev., one arriv- used references.Wyoming's draft study is 2500 in Denver Jan. 12. By Jan. 15 10-20Cin- ed Feb. 11, 1-3 weeks early (JE). An early available from Bob Oakleaf, Wyoming Game namon Teal had arrived at Humboldt Sink in Spotted Sandpiper caught a small fish al & FishDept., 260 BuenaVista, Lander,Wyo. n.c. Nevada (SS). The Antelope 1. causeway Davis Dam Feb. 9 (VM). Southern Nevada 82520. Colorado's edition is available from across the Great Salt L., had 800-900 Corn. saw small flocks of Least Sandpipers several Colorado Field Ornithologists, c/o Judd GoldeneyesDec. 10, comparableto last year, times throughout the winter (VM). A Least Sundine, 5325 Garland, Arvada, Colo. but with thosein Q plumageoutnumbering Sandpiper at Gunnison Feb. 26 was remark- 80002, for $2.00. males 5:1. They had disappearedby Dec. 27 able (KC). (JN). Add to the fall scotersanother Surf, shot at Carson L., Nev., during hunting sea- GULLS -- Reddall, on Jan. 1, discovered GREBES, HERONS -- Hundreds of son (NS). an imm. Great Black-backed Gull in a park grebesspent December on L. Powell,Utah, adjacent to an Englewood garbage dump. graduallydiminishing in numbersuntil only a The bird remained with the hundreds of gulls few remained by Feb. 29, They were 60% HAWKS, EAGLES -- CBCs produced Western,20% Horned, 10% Eared,and 10%0 hawk numbers equal to last year, except that Pied-billed (CC). Lake Mead had no large Accipiters continued their gradual increase, flocksof grebes,with countsof Westernsway from .016/party-hour in 1972 to .055/party- down; the CBC had the lowest total in 12 hour in 1979. A 'Furkey Vulture cruised over years(VM). A recently-hatchedEared Grebe the Univ. of Wyoming campus at Laramie found Oct. 9 waddling down a lane at Du- Dec. 5 (DM,*DK). All three Accipitersthriv- bois, Wyo., was releasedin a warm pondat ed with the aid of artificial food supplies-- Wagon Box Ranch where the owner feeds Sharp-shinned and Cooper's at feeders ducks; it spent the winter there (MB). A throughout the Region and a Goshawk at White Pelican with an injured wing lastedat Rapid Cr. Ranch near Sheridan, where the Bart L., near Denver through Jan. 5 owner's pigeons"act as a bird feeder" (BB). (D.F.O.). More Great Blue Herons than Impressionsof increasednumbers of Red- usual overwintered, with more seen in n. tailed Hawks (VM, EB, KC) are borne out by Nevada (SS, SB), Utah (MW, LE), and c. the CBC counts of. 15/party-hour, highestof (mountainous)Colorado (KC, JM). Summer the 8 years. Rough-legged Hawks did not 1979 saw the first observations of Cattle move S to s. Utah (MW) while e. Nevada had First-winter Great Black-backed Gull, Cen- Egretsin w. Nevada,we have learned,with above-average numbers (SS). State Bald tennial Lake Park, Englewood CO. January, 5-10 throughout at Lahontan Valley near Eagle surveysreported 600-700 in both Wy- 1980. Photo/Bruce Web&

294 AmericanBirds, May 1980 attracted to the dump until Jan 30 (D F O , year average The Whae-necked Raven in gasand DavisDam had far fewer throughthe CB, m.ob.; ph.). A handful of Thayer's Gulls Denver Feb. 10 (WF, BRi, DS) continues the winter, but pairs wintered at Zion and Dur- occurredalong the Front Rangeand in s. Ne- sporadic appearancesof a specieswhich has ango. By late February early migrants had vada throughout the winter (JR, CB, VR, retreated before civilization. In Denver's ear- reachedc. Utah (MW, SH) and n. Nevada ML, VM). Late California Gulls occurredat ly days they rangedregularly into the frontier (MP, BP). The Pine Warbler found Dec 15 Dubois Dec. I (MB) and Denver Dec. 24 (VR, town, but with irrigation and the advent of on the Denver CBC was found again Dec 19 J&JC). By Feb. 12 a mixed flock o[ 1000 the urban forest, they have retracted their (MJS, RS, ?TM), and is about the 15th rec- gulls, Californias mixed with Ring-billeds, range during this century and Corn. Crows ord for Colorado. The W. Meadowlark at had reached Washoe L., near Reno. A Black- have replacedthem. At Ridgway, Colo., two Jackson Feb. 25 provided a first winter rec- leggedKittiwake at Davis Dam Feb. 12 led to possibleWhite-necked Ravens were observed ord (GR). Large blackbird flocks at Las Ve- the conclusion that they may occur regularly Feb.27 (JRG). Pin•'n Jay numbers dropped gas Jan. 14 and Zion Jan. 19 included 50 and there (CL). (ME, JRG, SB, LE, SH) although small 10 Yellow-headedsrespectively (VM, LE) flocks occurred at Laramie and Lovell (JP, Small flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds win- DOVES, OWLS, POOR-WILLS -- BO). Black-cappedChickadees showed aver- tered in a number of Colorado mountain val- Mourning Doves wintered throughout the Re- age CBC tallies (l.13/party-hour) while leys, and a very large flock fed through the gion, with flocks of 20-60 from Denver to Mountain Chickadees had l.ll/party-hour winter in corn fields at the Hanna W.M A, Rocky Ford, Durango, Zion and Las Vegas. compared with a 1.40 average. This drop, at Fountain, Colo. (PA). A N. Oriole ap- One wintered in the mountains, at a feeder at however, is tied to dips on two counts-- peared Jan. I in Colorado Springsand reap- the Bluebird Motel in Grand L., Colo. (D J). Boulder and Pikes Peak--which may reflect a pearedabout a monthlater (•'BPe).Common Wyoming had rare winter recordsin Decem- change in coverage rather than a drop in Grackleswintered in Ft. Collins (RAR) and ber and February at Sheridan, Lovell, and numbers. A few Mountains did descend to Sheridan(HD), and a few othersoccurred on Jackson. A pair of Burrowing Owls "which some plains and valley towns. Jarbidge, the Front Range. raised a brood last summer has remained at Nev., had its first Bushtit in 6 years Feb. 15 the nest all winter, and appears to be nesting (EB). Pygmy Nuthatchesrarely leaveponder- FINCHES -- A pair of Cardinals visited a at the end of the period." (VM). Besidesthe osa pine habitat, so that a small flock Feb. 27 Lakewood, Colo., yard Jan. 2-12 (F&JJ et injured Boreal Owl found in R.M.N.P., durin cottonwoods at Fountain, Colo., was a al.). The Pyrrhuloxia on the Henderson CBC ing CBC week (RAR), one was seen at Still- surprise (PA). Many Brown Creepers left gave Nevada its first record (PL,ph.) Re- water Campground in R.M.N.P., Jan. 25 their usual conifer haunts for the towns of ported without descriptions, four Black- ('{'DD). The CBC record of a Poor-will at Gunnison, Grand L., Fountain, Boulder, and headed Grosbeaks purportedly came to Ruby Lakes N.W.R., Dec. 19 was the Re- Provo. House Wrens out-of-season, ap- feedersin OgdenJan. 14 (fide JN) and one gion's only winter record; it flushed from a peared at Reno Jan. 23 (IH) and Silt Colo. near LovelandJan. 28-30 (fide IS). Reports road after sunset(FWC). Feb. 28 0'RP). A Canon Wren winteredin a of Evening Grosbeaks declined. Purple garage and woodpile w. of Loveland, Colo. Fincheswintered in Ft. Collins and Sheridan, KINGFISHERS,WooDPEcKERS -- A (MHe). A Mockingbird wintered at Ber- and a female occurredin Colorado Springs Belted Kingfisher visited Ryder's yard re- thoud, Colo. (CCu), and they were seen in Feb. 20 (PA). In parts of the Mountain West, peatedly Dec. 16-22. "It seemedto be trying January and February in Zion, Ely, Nev., Cassin's Finches moved out of the mount- to catch small birds (especiallysiskins), as Loveland, and Big Horn, Story, and Sheri- ains. Many Front Range feederswithin 10 ml they went to roost. The kingfisher flew into dan, Wyo. (LE, SS, IS, HD). An early Sage of the foothillshad 10-100regularly (mob ), our spruce,our daughterheard a squeak,and Thrasher reached Castlewood State Park, Zion and Cedar City reported more than the kingfisher flew out, possiblywith a bird." Colo., Feb. 2 (D.F.O.). usual(LE, SH), and at Jarbidge 1-2 wintered, Compared with last year, CBCs recorded a with up to 50 by mid-February(EB). Love- few more Com. Flickers(.79/party-hour) and THRUSHES TO WAXWINGS -- A Var- land and Cheyennereported the only Com the samenumber of Hairy and Downy wood- ied Thrush wintered at Laramie (AB,ph.), Redpolls, Cheyenne's a flock of 40 Feb 1 peckers (.09 and .14/party-hour respective- and one banded at Ogden, Utah Nov. 22 was (AA). A Green-tailed Towbee wintered in ly), both down from the 7-year average. A recaptured Feb. 10 (MLK). Other observa- GlenwoodSprings, Colo. (RP). The Region's Red-belliedWoodpecker visited Boulder Jan. tions came from Logan and Las Vegas in De- first winter Lark Buntingspersisted around 19-Feb. 9 (D.F.O., B.A.S.). An early Red- cember(KA, VM). A Hermit Thrush winter- Ft. Morgan, Colo.: one Dec. 13 and three headed Woodpecker was at Loveland, Colo., ed on the Brigham Young Univ. campus in Jan. 7, feeding with meadowlarks and Horn- Feb. 19 (F.A.C.). A Lewis'Woodpecker Dec. Provo (MW). A Swainson'sThrush stayed ed Larks (JCR). 3 was 2 1/2 months later than the previous Jan. 5-16 in a Wheat Ridge, Colo., yard (PE). The winter saw hundredsof Bohemian late date at Sheridan(HD). Lewis'swintered SPARROWS -- Two VesperSparrows ar- in unusual numbers in Durango and the Waxwings flocking throughout w. Wyoming, rivedat Las VegasFeb. 24 (VM). Wintering Front Range. w. Colorado, and Utah s. to Provo. The only Sage Sparrowsdropped at Cedar City and Nevada report was of threeat JarbidgeJan. 1 Las Vegas;s. Nevada's CBCs recordedonly a FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- Black (EB). EasternColorado, which had few Bo- third of the numbersfound in 1977 (42 cf and Say's phoebeswintered near Zion N.P. hemians, did have fairly good numbers of 113). Juncoscounted on CBCs spurtedway (LE) and a Say's occurred Dec. 10 at Dur- Cedars--e.g., flocks of 50-100 in Boulder, up--8.8/party-hour (a total of 22,628)-- and 209 reported vs. 121 last year from the ango (EF). Newslettersreported two early mi- vaultedfrom a previoushigh of 6.06/party- grants, but without details:an E. Kingbird at Longmont/Lyons/Berthoud/Loveland area hour. On the otherhand, CBC Tree Sparrows Ft. Collins Feb. 19 and a W. Wood Pewee at (F.A.C.). Reno, Ely, Zion, Cedar City, plummeted to only .96/party-hour, from an Cheyenne, and Torrington, Wyo., had a few Boulder Jan. 8 (F.C.A.S., B.A.S.). The king- average of 2.8 and a prior low of 1.86 A small flocks. Oakleaf reported N. Shrikes all bird observer later supplied a description Chipping Sparrow wintered at a Durango (PH). Las Vegasreported early swallows,two over Wyoming, twice as many as in the last two winters. feeder(•'FW). White-crownedSparrows ap- Violet-greensFeb. 18 and 13 Rough-wingeds parently wintered n. of their usual range Feb. 2 (VM). Davis Dam had normal num- CBC totals hit record highs, at 3.56/party- bers of Tree Swallows wintering--1200+_ WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS -- The Re- hour, almost three times the averageof 1 26, counted on each of three trips (VM). gion reported an unprecedentedsix speciesof 20 out of 22 countsreported them up. In Ne- warblers. Four were rarities on CBCs--Mac- vada, 2 counts had high numbers, and one JAYS TO THRASHERS -- Blue Jaysmay Gillivray's at Hotchkiss, Colo., Pine at Den- had particularlylow numbers.Reno reported have wintered at Logan (KA). The Blue x ver, Com. Yellowthroat at Ruby Lakes three Golden-crownedSparrows in December Steller's hybrid did winter at Grand L., and N.W.R., and a N. Waterthrush walking on (JA), and Zion's Golden-crowned Dec 16 cruised among feeders at least 3 mi apart an icy stock pond at Kanab, Utah (??). Al- was out of range (E&MM). White-throated (D J). CBCs reported the lowest-yet counts of though they do occur in extreme s.w. Utah, Sparrows wintered at feedersin Big Horn, Steller's Jays at .57/party-hour, half the 7- an Orange-crowned Jan. 19 gave Zion its first Wyo., Ft. Collins, and Boulder (HD, RAR, year average. At 2.94/party-hour, Black- record (JG). Nevada CBCs had half as many B.A.S.). Zion had its secondSnow Bunting, billed Magpies were down a little from the 7- Yellow-rumpedsthis year as last, and Las Ve- one in mid-January(JD).

Volume 34, Number 3 295 CORRIGENDUM -- Colorado reported Cheryl Conrad, Kevin Cook, John & Joyce Michel, D.&M. Mindell, Vince Mowbray, three Ydlow-throated Warblers altogether Cooper, C. Cummings (CCu), Don Delong David Mozurkewich (8), John Nelson, Bob last spring, one each at Pueblo, Eleven Mile Jr., Denver Field Ornithologists, J. Dick, Oakleaf (10), B. J. Oakley, R. Parkison, J. Res., and Longmoat (not three at Pueblo Helen Downing (31), Patty Echelmeyer,Rob- Pearson, B. Pendleton (BPe), Michael Per- plus two more; AB 33:795). bie Elliott, Margaret Ewing, Louise Excell' rone, Bill Pickslay(3), E. Pitcher, Judy Por- (7), Janet Eyre, W. Finch, Foothills rata (JPo), G. Radke, Bert Raynes (10), J. Audubon Club, Ft. Collins Aud. Soc., Elva Reddall, Warner Reeser(7), V. Reinsen, B. Fox (5), J. Gifford, W. D. Graul, A. Grier, Righter (BRi), J. C. Rigli, R. A. Ryder, CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) AND J.R. Guadagno, May Hanesworth (15) I. Norm Saake, M.J. Schock, D. Schottler, ir- CITED OBSERVERS -- Peggy Abhott, A. Hanf, Paul Harrison, StevenHedges (4), M. ma Sparks (79), Mahlon Speers,B. Spencer, Allegretti, J. Alves, Keith Archibald (13 ob- Henessee(MHe), Mark Janos, David Jasper R. Spencer,San Sliver (6), Milton B. Suthers, servers),Mary Back (8), Ethlyn Barneby, B. (12), Frank & Jan Justice,Gleb Kashin, Anne Utah Div. of Wildlife Resources,Ray Varney Berry, Chip Blake, Sophia Bogart (SBo), Keene, Ursula Kepler (17), M.L. Killpack, D. (4), R. Van Zandt, Judy Ward, Merrill Wehb Steve Bouffard, Boulder Audubon Society, Kremnetz, Chuck Lawson, Mark Lockwood, (5), F. Whiteman, Elinor Wills, Roherla W. W. Brocknet (15), F. W. Cameron, P. Long, Larry Malone, T. Marsh, D. Winn.--HUGH E. KINGERY, 860 Milwau- Charles L. Campbell, Colo. Div. of Wildlife, McAniston, John Merchant (3), Cheryl Ann kee St., Denver, Colo. 80206.

SOUTHWEST REGION /John P. Hubbard, Janet ./ ...... Witzeman, and Kenn Kaufman Valley (hereafter, -;- --r• ----r- ...... ------•.,--- I L.C.V.), so notable were two at Picacho •:•Hoo•er •m •Grand Mild autumn temperatures and low Res., Jan. 12 and eight at Painted Rock Dam ß Kingman precipitation into December and later in the • TOD•E rsags•a• Region, and individuals of several species Jan. 13 (DT), and one at •r•"•r•o• ..... •t. JohmNEW MEX. nora%_ •l I lingered past normal departure times--or Prescott Dec. 3-13 (CT). even wintered. Among the more notable ex- Two winter records of amples were Long-billed Curlews, Franklin's Olivaceous Cormorant Gulls, White-wingedDoves, nighthawks,and from Arizona were: one gnatcatchers in southern New Mexico--plus at Mittry L., L.C.V., • ß • ß•: I ß ß • LaaCruces Carlsbad•'1 House Wrens, Mockingbirds, Lark Buntings, where extremely rare, and Lark Sparrows there and farther north. Dec. 14 until at least In southern Arizona the speciesaffected in- Jan. 4 (KVR, AH, ST), cluded Olivaceous Cormorant, Black-bellied and one at L. Patagonia [ ( o. l Whistling Ducks, and White-faced Ibises. (BH). A few White- • XCaDarm • -- -v • Grande,• e •'•]::' •_ I Both states also featured straggling in- faced Ibises again dividuals of other species, e.g., Pectoral wintered at Cibola Sandpiper, Sabine's Gulls, Solitary Vireo, N.W.R. (RM). and Wilson's Warbler in New Mexico and Short-billed Dowitcher and Eastern Kingbird WATERFOWL -- RAPTORS THROUGH GALLIFORMS in Arizona. On the other hand, in the latter Nine Whistling Swans were present near -- A few Goshawks wandered to lower areas area there was a dearth of the usual "warm Douglas Dec. 8 (DD); the speciesis uncom- of New Mexico, includingsingles near Stan- weather" warblers,such as Orange-crowneds mon in s.e. Arizona. Notable goose records ley Feb. 5 (WS), Bitter Lake N.W.R., in De- and Yellow-rumpeds. were: one White:fronted at Nogales all win- cember (, MA et al.), and one near Cliff Dec. Mildness and drynessaside, some boreal or ter--with five there Feb. 17 (BH)--and a 29 (RalphFisher et al.). Only 140Bald Eagles montane speciesstill made their normal ap- Ross' at San Simon Cienaga Dec. 10-Jan. 1 werecounted in New Mexicoduring January, pearancesin the Region--but alsoin numbers (RM.). Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are comparedto 273 in January 1979. The actual and/in areas not normally observed. These rare in Arizona in winter, but five spentthe decreaseoverall cannot be gauged, because included Oldsquaws, Pine Grosbeaks, and season at Tucson (DSz et al.). A c• Black coveragethis year was lighter. However, in Cassin's Finches in both states, White- Duck at the Phoenix Zoo in January and Feb- eight areas equally coveredin the 2 years, fronted Geese in Arizona, and Goshawks, ruary (LD, ST, GM et al.) was free-flying and there was a decline of 29.6% from 1979 to Yellow-shafted Flickers, Northern Shrikes quitewild, but its origin is not known. A hy- 1980, Le., 114 vs 162{fide JPH). In Arizona and Snow Buntings in New Mexico. On the brid c• Eur. X Am. Wigeon at Mammoth 59 Bald Eagles were counted in two aerial other hand, Bald Eagle numbers were down Feb. 3 (DSz) was a different individual from surveysduring January (DT). Merlins were in the latter state, perhapsowing to mild con- one there last spring. An ad. c• Barrow's conspicuouslypresent in New Mexico, with ditions north of there. Fringillid numbers Goldeneyeat ImperialDam Jan.31 (ST) pro- notable records at Bosque del Apache were low for most speciesin the grasslandsof vided the farthests. record for the speciesin N.W.R. (, RLT et al.) and singles near southeastern Arizona, apparently owing to the L.C.V., and probably the world. Only Artesia Dec. 4-18 and Loving Dec. 22 (t lack of seed crops following sparsesummer 15_+ were below Davis Dam during Decem- WHo et al.). Very early was a pair of Am. precipitation. ber, January, and decreasedto two in Febru- Kestrelsfeeding young at Mesa, e. of Phoe- Rarities included Arizona's first verified ary; two were below Parker Dam Feb. 3, and nix, Ariz., Feb. 22 (GR, WHo). Wild Tur- records of Kiskadee Flycatcher and Field one was 5 mi s. of Parker during the winter keys are not now verified in the lower Pecos Sparrow, and a belated report of Greater (RM). Barrow's Goldeneyewas also recorded Valley, but a bird that may have beenone was Scaup for New Mexico. again at Prescott--2-4 males were at Watson seenw. of Loving Jan. 18 (SW). L., Dec. 26-Feb. 22 (CT). Two 9 Oldsquaws LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- Two Arc- remained at L. McMillan, N. Mex., at least CRANES THROUGH GULLS -- Worth tic Loons remained at Painted Rock Dam at into January(WHo, ph. D&SH); singlefe- noting were 28 Sandhill Cranes Dec. 18 at least until Jan. 27 (DSz et al.). A small dark males were also at Bosque del Apache San Simon Cienaga(RM.), wherenot regu- grebe at San Simon Cienaga, N. Mex., Dec. 2 N.W.R., Dec. 22 (t J. H. Epler), and bdow lar. Long-billed Curlews are rare in winter in and probably Nov. 29 (tRMo et al.) was Davis Dam from late December to at least New Mexico, but 87 were present e. of thought to have been a Least, a species Feb. 6 (VM, RM). Unusual was a White- Artesia Dec. 5 and one s.e. of there Dec. 9 unverified in the state. White Pelicans are wingedScoter at BluewaterL., N. Mex., Dec. (WHo et al.), plus anothers. of Malaga Jan. rare in winter away from the Lower Colorado 2-18 (t AMc). 27 (, SW). A first verified New Mexico winter

296 AmericanBirds, May 1980 Pectoral Sandpiper was collected at L. wintering at Cibola N.W.R., this year in- FRINGILLIDS -- A c2 Pyrrhuloxia near McMillan Dec. 5-6 (WHo--*to A.S.U.); the creasedto > 1000in December,decreasing to Cliff Dec. 28 (.[ JE,AMc) wasonly the second bird appearedto be healthy and in good con- 200_+ by Feb. 29 (fide RM). record for the area; a Cardinal at San Simon dltion. Previously unknown in winter two Winter movements of Dippers into New Cienaga Jan. 1 (RMo) was in an area whereit Short-billed Dowitchers were present at Mexico nonbreedingareas included one in the is of infrequent occurrence.Cassin's Finches NogalesJan. 27 (BH). The late autumn flight Sandia Mts., Dec. 15 & Mar. 7 (RLT et al.) put in a good appearancein both states, at of Franklin's Gulls persisted in the lower and two on Centerfire Cr., near Luna Jan. least in and near highland areas. Pine Gros- Pecos Valley with ten birds at L. McMillan 1-20 (Dan Campbell). A Brown Thrasher was beaks moved S to several areas where infre- Dec. 5 and sevenat Bitter Lake N.W.R., Dec. at the Sonoita Cr. Sanctuary from mid-De- quent: up to 25 around Snow Bowl Ski Lodge 10; most extraordinary was an immature at cemberat least to Jan. 20 (BH) more unusual near Flagstaff in December (GLa,DRP)-- L McMillan Feb. 1-2 & Feb. 18 (WHo et al. was one along the Rio Magdalena in n. with one there Feb. 8 (CB); two near Blue- ph. MA). A Sabine's Gull at White Sands Sonora Jan. 14 (ST,GR); the speciesis a rare water Dec. 15 (.[ AMc) for the first record Missile Range Jan. 4 (.[ LM) provided a first straggler to Mexico. from the Zuni Mts., and 20 in the Sandia winter record for New Mexico. Mts., Dec. 15 (RLT et al.). Brown-capped SHRIKES THROUGH PIPITS -- Gnat- Rosy Fincheswere also present in the Sandias PIGEONS THROUGH NIGHT JARS -- catcherspersisted in the s.e. portion of New in early January(D&SH). White-winged Doves• are rare in winter in Mexico into December,including the areasof Most unexpectedwere Abert's Towhees in New Mexico away from Las Cruces, but one Roswell, Alamogordo, and Carlsbad; these the upper San Simon drainage,with one n of was presentat Alamogordo December-Febru- are all areas where the Black-tailed is Rodeo Jan. 1, and two at the Cienaga Jan 2 ary (fide LM) and three in CarlsbadDec. 30 unverified and therefore gnatcatcherssighted (.[ RMp et al.); birds were also presentIn the (Jim Cheeket al.). A singlefreshly dead Saw- would likely be Blue-grays;the situationthere Nogalesarea duringthe wintqr,indicating whet Owl was found near Bill Williams Delta deservesdetailed study. Sprague's Pipit is that the speciesis continuing to advance up Dec. 21 (SG), and two birds were seennear unusual in far w. Arizona, although a few the Santa Cruz R. (BH). SevenBrown Tow- Wenden Feb. 6 (BM). The speciesis rare and have beennoted in the L.C.V. during the past hees at L. McMillan Dec. 5 (WHo) seem to irregular in the lowlands of w.c. Arizona in two winters; this year 2-3 wintered in Dome represent a winter incursion into the area winter. Quite unusual was a Lesser Valley, e. of Yuma (fide RM). In New Mex- Two Grasshopper Sparrows were found at Nighthawk w. of Malaga Dec. 12 ('[ SW), as ico, only one was detectedin the southeast, Cibola N.W.R. (one * to A.S.U.) in early De- were two nighthawk sp.--probably this near Artesia Dec. 10 (Who)--where frequent cember (RD); the bird is rare in the L C V species--at Las CrucesDec. 15 (.[ TM et al.). last autumn; one or more probably this spe- Notable winter Cassin'sSparrows were one 4 ciesat Las CrucesDec. 15 (.[ TM et al.) repre- mi e. of Loving Dec. 22 (.[ WHo) near Rodeo WOODPECKERS -- More than the usual sented a new winter locality for the state. Dec. 29 (Robert Scholes), and one at Phoenix number of Yellow-shafted Flickers showed While not staging a major invasion, N. Dec. 7 (ST,GR); the speciesis quite rare in c up in New Mexico includingsingles at Farm- Shrikes did penetrate far S in New Mexico, Arizona and in winter in New Mexico. A Yel- IngtonDec. 15 (AN, H. Putnam),Espano•a œe., an immature at PleasantonJan. 2 (.[ JE, low-eyedJunco was reported Dec. 23 in Clan- Dec. 30 (Burt Lewis et al.), and in Albuquer- RSk) and an adult n. of L. McMillan Dec. 9 ton Canyon, Peloncillo Mts., N. Mex que Jan. 30 and Feb. 27 (HS). Two Gila (.[ WHo). (D&SH), where not previously recorded Ari- Woodpeckerswere at Portal in late December zona's first record of Field Sparrow was pro- (fide SSpf); the species is unusual in the VIREOS, WARBLERS -- A plumbeus- vided by a bird at a feeder in Ganado Jan Chiricahua Mts. WilliamsoWs Sapsuckers type Solitary Vireo was seen at Las Cruces 10-17 (ph. WL,fide GM). A Golden-crowned generally remained upslope,but there were Jan. 21 (.[ WB, M. Delasantro); the speciesis Sparrow at GlenwoodFeb. 14-29(.[ Dick Nel- singlesnear Bluewater L., Jan. 13, at Albu- rare in winter in New Mexico. A second son) constitutedthe only New Mexico report querqueDec. 29 (Jim Karo et al.), and Jan. winter record of Olive Warbler near Glen- and a first for the area. Rare in the L C V 23 (AMc) and at Nogales Jan. 20 (BH). A wood was of a male and two females Dec. 29 two cy Lapland Longspurswere presents of Hairy Woodpeckeralso moved down to San (.[ RSk, Kate Skaggs). The only Black-and- Poston Dec. 1-Dec. 19+ (RD,SG). A flock Simon Cienaga Dec. 18 (RMo), where white Warblers of the winter were one at of 150 Chestnut-collaredLongspurs n e of unusual. Cibola N.W.R., Dec. 22 (SG), and two at Bill Flagstaff Jan. 20-26 (JC,CB,CH) was the Williams Delta Dec. 21 (fide KVR). A Cape first local record in some time. A flock of 33 FLYCATCHERS -- Arizona's second re- May Warbler near Tucson Jan. 26-Feb. 24 + probable Snow Buntingsw. of Roswell Dec port and first documentedrecord of Kiskadee (.[ Woody Hopf et al.) furnishedArizona's 15 (.[ SW et al.) represents an exceptional Flycatcher were provided by a bird at Canoa fourth ever and second wintering records. report of a speciesvery rare in New Mexico Ranch, s. of Tucson Dec. 27 to at least Feb. Also a second winter record was of a Black- and unknown s. of Las Vegas. 27 (GeorgiaPorter et al., '[ST, ph. LD). An throated Blue Warbler in Garden Canyon, E Kingbird s. of Poston, L.C.V., Dec. 20 Huachuca Mts., throughout the period (RS). ADDENDUM -- New Mexico's first veri- (EF) was probably the same one recorded Unusual was a Chestnut-sided at Tucson Dec. fied Greater Scaup was taken at Hayden L, near there in the fall. Late were single 22 (GB,AB). A Palm Warbler found at Rio Arriba Co., Oct. 25 (Wayne Prentice, Cassin'sKingbird at San SimonCienaga Dec. Phoenix in November was seenagain Feb. 10 fide and ph. JPH). 9 (RM) and near Portal in late December (KVR,GR); about half of the state records (fide SSpf). Seven individual E. Phoebes in for this species have been in winter. A CONTRIBUTORS (area compilers in scattered localities in s. Arizona and the Wilson's Warbler at Carlsbad Caverns Dec. boldface)--Miriam Axelrod, Andy Baker, L C.V., was about the normal number for 27 (.[ SW) representedthe second winter re- Gary Baker, William Baltosser, Craig this scarcewinter visitant.The W. Flycatcher port from the state. Four Painted Red- Benkman, Robert Bradley, Kathleen Conme, Is rare in winter in the Region, so notable starts--including one banded that returned Elaine Cook, John Coons (Flagstaff), Doug were reportsof two at Cibola N.W.R., (SG, for the seventhwinter!--were present at Por- Danforth (Huachuca Mts.), William Davis, RM) and anotherat Cook's L., Feb. 3 (DSz). tal (WS,SSpf). Linda Delaney, Salome R. Demaree, Jeff Drake, Robert Dummer, John Egbert, Enk CORVIDS THROUGH THRUSHES -- ICTERIDS -- A Streaked-backed Oriole Ferry, Sharon Goldwasser,Grace Gregg, Bill Blue Jays persistedinto winter at Ft. Sumner was present along the Rio Magdalena, n. Harrison (Nogales), Alton Higgins, William with two there Jan. 13-15, while two were Sonora, Mex., Jan. 14 (ST,GR); the speciesis Howe (WHo--Pecos Valley), John P. Hub- seen in Artesia Jan. 28 (WHo). Common probably as rare in n. Sonora as it is in s. bard, Chuck Hunter, Dustin and Sue Hunt- Ravens s. and e. of their known New Mexico Arizona. Also present there on that date was ington, Catherine lrwin, Betty Jackson, Vir- range included ten at Ft. Sumner Jan. 13-15 a N. "Baltimore" Oriole (ST,GR)--a sur- ginia Jeavons,Chuck Kangas, Chuck LaRue and 1-4 at SturgeonRanch, Chaves Co., Feb. prising occurrence and a form not as yet (CLa), Diane Laush, Wes Loder, Helen 4-8 (WHo). Somewhat unexpected were 60 + known in winter in Arizona. Two Rusty Longstreth, Arch McCallurn (AMc), Tom calling White-necked Ravens coming off a Blackbirds at Bell L., Lea Co., N. Mex., in Marr (Las Cruces), Richard Martin (L.C V ), roost in evergreenwoodland n. of Silver City late November (Granger Ward) and Dec. 2 Brian Millsap, Gale Mortson (consultant on Jan. 31 (JPH). The numbers of Com. Crows (D&SH, ph.) consitutedthe only report. Arizona records), Robert Morse (RMo),

Volume 34, Number 3 297 Vince Mowbray, Lawrence Murphy reported on the in- (Alamogordo), Alan Nelson (Farmington), crease on the Kenai Robert Norton, Susan Parker, Debbie Paul- Pen. (MAM). Reports son, D. Randall Pinkston, Larry Pyc, Gwcn of a runt eaglein the Robinson (GRb), Bill Roc, Gary Rosenberg, Kasilof area over the :•:,; ColvilleR._• Kenneth V. Rosenberg,Hart Schwarz, Roger past2 yearswere con- Skaggs(RSk), Robert Smith, Sally Spofford firmeal Feb. 13 when Noata_ BROOKS (SSpf-Portal), Walter Spofford, John an ad. bird "not much Squires,William Stone,Douglas Storz (DStz- larger than a Com. Tucson), Scott Terrill, RossL. Tcubcr, Dick Raven" was seen Todd, Carl Tomoff (Prescott), Charlie Vogt, (MAM). There were a SEWARD Rick Warner (RWa), Steve West, Robert few records of Sharp- PENINSULA College LFairbanks Witzcman. shinned Hawks at Ko- Big Delta Abbreviations: •', written details on file diak this winter, max. •- MT.McKINLEY r-'• •';"•_•Tok with the New Mexico Ornithological Society three Dec. 22 (CBC), or Arizona Bird Committee; ph., photo, *, and there were two specimen;L.C.V., Lower Colorado Valley; records of Marsh Palmer Glennallea N.W.R., National Wildlife Rcfugc.--JOHN Hawk there, singlesat ß P. HUBBARD, 2016 Valley Rio, Santa Fe Kalsin Bay Dec. 2 ßValdez N.M. 87501; JANET WITZEMAN, 4619 E. (RNT) andat Viekoda •.. Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, AZ. 85018; KENN Bay Dec. 18 (EH). KAUFMAN, Tucson, AZ. Both speciesappear to lingham be annual there in winterin verysmall numbers. A Rough- legged Hawk reported ALASKA REGION Dec. 12 near Soldotna /D.D. Gibson usual;(MAM) therewas mostare veryun- •.. few winter records of A normally cold December and January this speciesin Alaska. Two Gyrfalconswere birds Dec. 9 & 15 (RA), provided only the se- gave way to a milder-than-usualFebruary. seen at Anchorage Dec. 13-17 (RA). Pere- cond winter record of this speciesin Alaska Precipitation was below normal in many grinesand Merlins, both rare but regular in (see AB 31:363, 1977). And a Water Pipit areas.Winter 1979-1980. was widely described winter along the Alaska Pacific coast, were observed at Middle Bay, Kodiak Dec. 22 by observersas an uneventfulone for birds. seen at intervals at Kodiak (RAM, others) (GJT,MMT,BQ) numbers among very few and at Anchorage (RA, others) during the Alaska winter records of the species,the se- CORMORANTS, WATERFOWL -- At period. cond such at Kodiak. The same observers least one Red-faced Cormorant studied in watched a Merlin pursue and capture the COOTS, OWLS -- Up to 15 Am. Coots late Februaryat Sitka (MEI, others)provided pipit. were seen at Blind Slough, near Petersburg the first Southeast Alaska record of this STARLINGS, FINCHES, SPARROWS Dec. 3-31 (JHH), one of the highestcounts -- Following the first Kodiak record in species,which underwentan explosivein- ever of this speciesin Alaska. A road-killed creasein Southcoastal Alaska during the last autumn 1978 (AB 33:206, 1979), Starlings ScreechOwl was found on N. Douglas Hwy., decade. A Brant presentwith Greater Scaup returned in fall 1979, when three were present Juneauarea, Jan. 12 (fide RHA), and at least at Womens Bay Dec. 16+ (RAM) and one as late at Dec. 13, but not thereafter (RAM & two birds were reported from Sitka during with King Eiders in Ugak Strait Feb. 26 WED). Five were seen in Anchorage Dec. 15 the period (WLF, fide MEI). These records (JBA) representedthe third and fourth winter (CBC) and 26 in Palmer Dec. 29 (CBC). Ap- wereof particular interestbecause, although records of this bird at Kodiak. A (7 Eur. parently none attempted to overwinter in confined to the s.e. part of the State, where Fairbanks this year. Wigcon observeda! Bartlett Cove, Glacier there have been scattered, active observers Bay Nat'l Mon., Jan. 23 (BBP) and several A Brambling seen in Cordova Jan. 26 & for many years,this specieshas remainedthe Feb. 2 (MEI, RA) provided the secondwinter pairs in the Sitka area in February (MEI, least well-known resident owl in Alaska. others) were of interest, as the speciesis record at tha! location. Pine Grosbeaks, red- SinglePygmy Owls were observedat Gusta- casual in winter in s.e. Alaska, although it oc- polls, siskins, and crossbillswere present in vus Feb. 10 & 17 (BBP); the observernoted curs regularly at this seasonin the Aleutians some areas in small numbers, absent in that local vole populationswere at a low. farther s. Four Redheads again wintered at others. All observers commented on their Womens Bay, Kodiak; four were presentat JAYS, NUTHATCHES, THRUSHES, PI- scarcity this winter. There were disparate least through Dec. 22 (WED) and one male PITS -- Up to three Steller'sJays were pre- observationsof sparrows, on the other hand. was seen Feb. 2, none thereafter (RAM). A sent Dec. 23-Jan. 23 in Anchorage (RA, Dark-eyed Juncoswere numerousat Kodiak pair of Tufted Ducks was found at Eyak L., others), where irregular in winter (see this season, but not Juneau, where normally- Cordova in late December (MEI), and the Autumn, 1979). More unusual was a Gray numerous-in-winter "51ate-coloreds" were male was presentthere at leastthrough early Jay in Juneau Dec. 15-18; perhapsthe same asked after (RBW). One "Slate-colored" February (GJT & MMTL A pair of Lesser bird was seenthere as early as Nov. 5 (RBW). Junco at a Cohoe feeder through early Janu- Scaup and a Bufflehead overwintered on I am not aware of any other SoutheastAlaska ary (CL & FL, MAM) furnished a first local heating plant cooling ponds at EielsonAir record of this bird since winter 1969-1970. winter record, but the species is not uncom- Force Base (ATD), 25 mi s.e. of Fairbanks, Gray Jayswere unaccountablyscarce on the mon at Homer in winter. Three imm. White- providing the first winter recordsof these n.w. Kenai Pen., well within the normal crowned Sparrowsbanded at Juneauin mid- speciesin the Interior. The first winterrecord range,this winter (MAM). At leastthree Red- December and present there through the of scotersin upperCook Inlet wasestablished breasted Nuthatches overwintered at Anchor- period (RBW) were regarded as unusual Dec. 4 when one Black and 5-6 White- age(RA, GJT), wherethey occurirregularly; there, but White-crowned, Golden-crowned, winRedSwere seenat the Kasilof R. mouth elsewhere,the specieswas recorded at Juneau and Fox sparrowswere reported at Kodiak, (MAM). Sixteen Hooded Mergansers al Dec. 12 (RBW). Varied Thrushes were as usual, this season(RAM). An imm. Gol- Gustavus Dec. 20 (BBP) was a new high generallyuncommon at Kodiak this winter den-crowned Sparrow at an Anchorage feed- count for the State; elsewhere in Southeast, (RAM), despite 58 birds on the Dec. 22 er Dec. 6-Feb. 29 + (DFD) and one at a Kasil- six were observed at Petersburg Dec. 31 CBC--"...as with many wintering passer- of feeder (JS) Feb. 29 + were unusual occur- (JHH). ines...[it] was probably less common after rences. Tree Sparrows were less common very cold weather in January." Two Town- than usual at Kodiak this season, but were HAWKS, FALCONS -- Bald Eagleswere send's Solitaires at Anchorage, different present at Juneau following their "regular

298 AmericanBirds, May 1980 pattern" there (RBW). Two Lincoln's Spar- being almost unre- rows were found Dec. 22 at Kodiak (RAM & ported here last fall. JBA), still the only locality in Alaska where There were fewer W. this specieshas been found in winter (seeAB Grebes found than 33:305). A few Snow Buntings were recorded usual in w. Oregon at intervals in Anchorage this winter (fide HN), but there (GJT,MMT,RA) and at Palmer (RA); five at were somewhat higher Kasilof Jan. 30 provided the only record counts off V.1. this there this season (MAM). A McKay's Bunt- winter with 10,000+ ing reported at Homer Dec. 16 (MEI, others) in Saanich Inlet and was, following last winter's Kodiak records,a Satellite Channel Jan. most interesting find. 31 (VG). Other loon and grebe specieswere CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- reported in their nor- J.B. Allen, R.H. Armstrong, R. Austin, D.F. mal numbers. DeLap, W.E. Donaldson, A.T. Driscoll, A dark-phase N. W.L. Foster, E. Hajdys, J.H. Hughes, M.E. Fulmar was seen 3_+ Isleib, C. Lewis, F. Lewis, R.A. Macintosh, mi off Oak Bay, V.I., M.A. Miller, B.B. Paige, B. Quaccia, J. Dec. l0 (JA,fide VG). Stoops, G.J. Tans, M.M. Tans, R.N. Ter- Eleven (two white pening, R.B. Williams; CBC = Christmas phase, nine dark) were Bird Count.--D.D. GIBSON, Universit•• of found dead on the Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701. n.w. Oregon beaches up to Jan. 13 (HN). Single Sooty Shear- waters were seen Dec. 7 & Jan. 6 from the Ocean Shores jetty, Wash. (G&WH,EM) and Dec. 8 from NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST Clover Pt., Victoria REGION (JWi, AMd, fide VG). The only Short-tailed Feb. 3 (•'GDo) and two adults were at Olym- /Philip W. Mattocks, Jr. and Shearwater reported was one Dec. 17 off Du- pia throughout the period (BHT et al.). An pont, Wash., in lower Puget Sound (BHT). immature was on Westham 1., B.C., Jan. 27 Eugene S. Hunn Also found dead on the n.w. Oregon beaches (D J, fide WW) for the second-ever winter were a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel Dee. 15 at record for the Vancouver area. Sixteen were The winter in southwestern Oregon was Bayocean(HN), and a very small dark storm- found on w. Oregon CBCs. A singleP!egadis several degrees warmer than usual through- petrel Jan. 13 at SunsetBeach (*HN). This ibis was observed on the Tillamook CBC out the season, and with only 76 percent of bird is definitely not a Leach's, but rather Dec. 15 (WC et al., ph.) for the first winter the average rainfall, based on the Medford had measurements of either a Least or record for the Region. weather station. Coincident with this were Galapagos Storm-Petrel. Fewer BrandCs overwintering Tree Swallows at Medford, a Cormorantsthan usual were reported from s. high count of Western Bluebirds, first winter V.I. (fide VG), while more Pelagic Cor- WATERFOWL -- Mute Swans wintered records for Oregon of the Long-billed Cur- morants than usual were found around in normal numbers on V.I. (fide VG). The lew, Ruff, Blue-grayGnatcatcher, and Bobo- Olympia in lower Puget Sound (CC, BHT). only mainland report was of one that flew in- link, plus several Turkey Vultures, Northern Green Herons apparently wintered in to a power line Feb. 27 at Barney L., e. of Orioles, and other typically more southerly about normal numbers. There were 14 on the Mt. Vernon, Wash. (MA). The high count of species. w. Oregon CBCs, six on the Washington 3820 Whistling Swans on Sauvie 1., near Farther north, December was the wettest CBCs, with five of thesein Olympia, and no Portland, Dec. 23 reflected the generally month in western Washington history. Up to reports from British Columbia. One was good numbers of this speciesthroughout the 40 inches of rain were recorded at stations on found deadJan. 31 at Sequim,Wash. (KK). Region. Trumpeter Swan reports were wide- the west slope of the Olympics, and Seattle Cattle Egretswere found during Decemberin spread in w. Washington and s. British Co- received exactly twice its December norm. w. Oregon in "every major coastalmeadow- lumbia. The first migratory movement noted Freezing weather and snow arrived in Seattle land" (DI). The high count was a flock of 31 of Black Brant was on the s. Oregon coast at and Portland January 6-10, with more below- at Lakeside, n. of Coos Bay, Dec. 13-14 Coos Bay Feb. 21 (KJ, fide AMc). The one freezing weather Jan. 27-29. (JMc, ST,fideAMc). The farthest n. was one Emperor Goose reported stayed at Ridgefield The first state records of the Red-shoulder- at Campbell R., V.I., Dec. 5 (HT). A single N.W.R., Wash., Jan. 25+ (fide SS). The ed Hawk, Black Phoebe, and Seott's Oriole individual stayed in Sooke, V.I., Dec. 23- usual few White-fronted Geese wintered, (all southerly species)occurred in Washing- Jan. 8 (EK,f/de VG), and groupsof 2-4 stay- with 10 on the Corvallis CBC the high count. ton, and of the McKay's Bunting (a northerly ed at Pitt Meadows and Reifel 1., B.C., until Single Black Ducks were found in Seattle species)in Oregon. White-tailed Kites and Jan. 5 & 6 (f/de WW), at Satsop, Wash., until through the winter (m.ob., •'AR) and in Vic- Bald Eagles were censusedespecially thor- early January(NDo), and at Phoenix,Oreg., toria Feb. 22 (•'RS). These are presumedto be oughly, and there appeared to be a late Feb- until Feb. 21 (MaM, OSw). The movementof from one of the introduced populations, at ruary movement of large shorebirds. Great Egretsdid not involve as many birds as Reifel 1., B.C., or near Everett, Wash. Three previous years and did not extend as far n. as "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal were noted: that of Cattle Egrets. A single bird wintered single males at Chimacum, Wash., Dec. 25 LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- The 15 at Olympia, Wash. (BHT et al.). There were (KK), in Saanich, VA., Feb. 12-16 (RMG, Yellow-billed Loons reported this season no reports from British Columbia. The high- RS, fide VG), and in Seattle Feb. 19+ (•'AR were a few more than usual. The one at Ya- estcounts were 27 at CoosBay Dec. 16 (CBC) eta/.). A hybrid ct Eur. X Am. Wigeon was quina Bay, Oreg., Jan. 15+ (RB et al.) was and 24 nearby between Myrtle Pt., and Co- found Feb. 23 in Lincoln City, Oreg. (JGi, the farthest s. Arctic Loons were either very quille Jan. 18 (DF, TL). For about the fifth D1, OSw, TC). The regularwintering flock of scarceoff Vancouver Island (hereafter, V.1.) year in a row Snowy Egrets wintered in the Redheadsat Coos Bay numbered 425 on Dec. this season or were not reported. The high Regionwith two to threeat Pony Slough,in 16. Outside of w. Oregon the high count was count was 93 rather than a few thousand(fide CoosBay, and one at Bandon,Oreg. (AMc, seven Jan. 13 at Pitt L., B.C. (DW, fide VG). The expected few Fared Grebes were DF, TL). An ad. Black-crownedNi•t Heron WW). DF & TL intensively surveyedscaup found scatteredthroughout the Region, after was found on Cortes I., near Campbell R., populations in w. Oregon this season.On sev-

Volume 34, Number 3 299 eral sewageponds, both in the Willamette were reported: three •n C. Saamch Dec. 15 + usual haunts •n their normal small numbers. Valley and on the coast, they found Lesser (M&VG, m.ob.), at least two near Reifel I., GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS -- The Scaup most numerousby about 40:1. Other- B.C., Dec. 6+ (G&WA, m.ob.), and one on usual 25+ Glaucous Gulls were reported, wise Greaters were somewhat more abundant the Skagit flats, Wash., Jan. 13 (B&PE). Sev- with recordss. to Eugeneand Coos Bay. Hy- than Lessersboth coastally and in several eral Prairie Falcons were found, as usual, in brid Glaucous-wingedX W. Gulls were noted Willamette Valley locations. The 500 the Willamette Valley through the season. at Seattle, Grays Harbor, Portland, and Eu- Barrow's Goldeneyesat Lighthouse P., Van- Another was seen on the coast at Tillamook genethroughout the season.Ring-billed Gulls couver, B.C., Dec. 23 (WW) and 134 at Dun- Dec. 15 (•'JGi, OSc, DA) and Jan. 4 (DF, were more numerous this winter than usual in can, B.C., Dec. 15 (JC et al.) werelarge con- TL). Peregrine Falcons and Merlins were re- w. Oregon. Counts of 2000 + were made in centrations. The 20 in e. Linn County, Oreg., ported in the same numbers as for the past EugeneDec. 30 (fide DF) and on SauvieI., in Feb 8, and 15 s. of Roseburg Jan. 17 (both several years. One well-watched Peregrine late January (DI). The high count of Mew DF, TL) were also considered quite high spent the winter on a bank building in Taco- Gulls was 6355 at Tillamook Bay Dec. 15, counts (HN). Counts of 250-300 Oldsquaws ma, Wash. (BGo, TB et aL). down from 10,000 in November, and of Bon- were recorded from several n. Puget Sound aparte's Gulls, the 881 at Victoria Dec. 15, locations. Single birds were widespreadelse- GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- down from 20,000 in November. A Heer- where as usual, s. at least to Port Orford, The 14 Ruffed Grouse at Campbell R., V.I., mann's Gull in Discovery P., SeattleDec. 13 Oreg, Dec. 22 (AC, SG). Dec. 16 (HT) was a high count, as was 15 was late (DHu), as was an ad. Sabine'sGull along the Hoh R., Wash., Feb. 16 (J&MWn). RAPTORS -- That a few Turkey Vultures off the S.J.C.R., Dec. 15 (DI). Ten Black- The flock of Sandhill Cranes on Sauvie, I., are found here in winter is now normal. This legged Kittiwakes Dec. I at the S.J.C.R Oreg., numbered85 on Dec. 23 (JGi et al.), w•nter there was one at Eugene Dec. 30 (HN) was the high count. Elsewheremostly and fewer than that thereafter. The 150 there singlebirds were reported, with one in s. Pu- (DHy), two around Reifel I., near Vancou- Feb. 23 (JGa, fide HN) were consideredmi- ver, B.C., Dec. 23 - Feb. 29 (m.ob., fide get Sound at Tacoma Dec. 28-30 (B&GR, grants. Five Sandhill Cranes wintered near WW), andone near Sooke, V.I., Jan. 19(fide EH, AW). A very late Black Tern reportedon Sedro Woolley, Wash. (TW). A few Virginia the Astoria CBC Dec. 16 follows one found VG) Migrantsappeared Feb. 23 nearCorval- Rails survivedthe early January freeze. Sing- nearby at Tillamook Nov. 23. hs (A&ECa, fide E&EE) and Feb. 24 at Shel- les were at Reifel I., B.C., Jan. 20 (WW et ton, Wash. (J&AD et al.). The 7518 Corn. Murres at Campbell R., al.), in Renton, Wash., Jan. 26 (EH), and at Dec. 16 was the highest-ever count for the the Skagit flats Jan. 27 (JWn et aL). The only CBC there (fide HT). There weretwo reports Recentlythis columnhas indicatedthat Sora reported was at Reifel I., Jan. I (•-MF, of Thiek-biIled Murres for Washington. One based on reports received, White-tailed AGr, MP). was off San Juan I., Dec. 6 (TW, fide DP), K•tes are "consolidating", or "in decline Eight Semipalmated Plovers were still at and two were seenoff the Ocean Shoresjetty from peak numbers" in w. Oregon. In re- GraysHarbor Dec. 15 (fide BHT) and one re- Dec. 15 (•-DP). The fall influx of Ancient sponseto this DF & TL surveyedtopo- mained at Coos Bay to Jan. 18 (DF, TL). Murrelets continued well into the winter graphic maps for likely habitat and then Snowy Plovers stayed at least through De- High counts were the 200 off Nisqually in searched each of those this season for cemberat Coos Bay (DF, AMc). Sixteenwere lower Puget Sound Dec. I l (BHT), and 500 k•tes. Their findings together with those at Bayoceanbeach Jan. 23 (HN) and one was seen Jan. I along the Oak Bay-Victoria of the CBCs indicated about 50 White- on SunsetBeach Feb. 23 (HN). A singleAm. waterfront (MS, DMr). Many more tafied Kites present this winter in w. Ore- Golden Plover w. of Coquille, Oreg., Jan. 18 RhinocerosAuklets than usual were repor.ted gon. This is about 40% higherthan previ- & 23 (•-DF, TL; E&EE et al.) may have win- this season in lower Puget Sound. Several ous winter estimates. Interestingly, only tered and was thought to be of thefulva race. CBCs there had all-time high counts,but the the Tillamook area indicated any recent Single Long-billed Curlews wintered at Ya- specieswas found in normal numbers else- •ncreasein numbers over previous years. quina Bay (JGi, TC et al.) and at Delta, B.C. where. Five Horned Puffins were found dead The increase statewide came from new (•-AN, JI, •-DK et al.). Each was a first win- on n.w. Oregon beaches Jan. 26-Feb. 23 pairs located in coastal s.w. Oregon by tering record, for Oregon and the Vancouver (HN, JGi et al.). At one of these, Sunset DF & TL. Most of the 50 kites were paired area, respectively. Then Feb. 23 15 Long- Beach, three Tufted Puffins were found dead and apparently on territory in suitable billed Curlews were found at Tokeland, Jan. 13 & Feb. 23 (HN). breeding habitat. There were no reports Wash. (G&WH), where a mid-Feburary flock from Washington or British Columbia. had appearedlast year also. OWLS THROUGH CORVIDS -- Reports Lesser Yellowlegs are most unusual in the were receivedof only about 13 Snowy Owls Reports of Sharp-shinnedand Cooper's Region during the winter. This seasonone this winter. Up to eight were in the Skagit hawks were somewhat fewer than usual. An was found at Port Angeles, Wash., Dec. 7 flats area through Mar. 2 (DMc, B&PE, DP), ad Red-shouldered Hawk was found Dec. (•-WS), two near Coquille, Oreg., Jan. 18 and up to four in the Vancouverarea through 20-Feb. 23 at the Niqually N.W.R., Wash., (•-DF, TL), and one at Esquimalt Lagoon, Feb. 12 (JAW, WW et al.). One at Ocean for the first state record (DHa, ?EH, •-AR, V.I., Jan. 21 (LR, fide VG). A few Willets Shores Dec. 29 was the farthest s. (LL). ?MD). Two Red-shoulderedsagain appeared wintered as usual at Bandon, Coos Bay, and Single Barred Owls were seen and heard at •n the Eugene area Dec. 29-30 (LM), and Yaquina Bay, Oreg., and at Willapa Bay, Burnaby Mr., B.C., about Jan. l0 (GB, fide others were seen at Coos Bay Dec. 30 (.h'de Wash. A Red Knot Dec. 8 at Newport was WW) and at BacusHill, near SedroWoolley, HN) and near Cottage Grove, Oreg., Feb. 23 late (RPa), and 2044 W. Sandpipersstill at Wash., Dec. 8 & Feb. 9 (EH). A ty Costa's (SG). Rough-leggedHawks were in normal Coos Bay Dec. 16 (TL et al.) was remarkable. Itummingbird appeared at a feeder in Flor- numbers in the Vancouver area (WW), but A few W. Sandpipers wintered elsewherein ence, Oreg., Feb. 9 + (CW) for the sixth rec- were still fewer than usual farther s. There Oregon and Washington, and one was at ord for Oregon. Anna's Hummingbirdscon- were seven Golden Eagles on San Juan I., Blackie Spit, B.C., Dec. 29 (JAW). Single tinue to be reported from new localities,and Wash., Feb. 9 (DP, JEr). The mid-winter Marbled Godwits were at Tillamook Dec. 15 werethought to be more numerousthan ever Bald Eagle surveyin Washington tallied 935 (CBC) and Newport Jan. 19 & 27 (FR; in w. Oregon. (JGi, m.ob.). Four winteredn. adultsand 633 immatures(RK). This countis E&EE). A flock of 75 Marbled Godwitswas to Campbell R., V.I. (HT). A ty Rufous up considerablyfrom last year. Preliminary found Feb. 23 with the Willets at the North Hummingbird shared a feeder in Saanich, results available from s. British Columbia in- R., mouth on Willapa Bay (G&WH). A large V.I., with a pair of Anna's Dec. 14-Feb. 29 d•catea drop in the censusedpopulation there flock of Marbled Godwits wintered last year (JSo,fide VG) for the only winteringrecord (DW, fide A&JGr). at this same location. A Ruff found with this season. Male Rufous Hummingbirds at Thata fewOspreys are reported during the other shorebirds in a flooded pasture near North Bend, Oreg., Feb. 3, were a few days seasonhas become normal. This year one was Coquille, Oreg., Jan. 18 (•-DF, •-TL)provid- earlier than ever (AMc). Females arrived •n Olympia, Wash., Dec. 22 (fide BHT) and ed the first winter record for the Region. This there Feb. 18. A ty Allen's Hummingbird had not far away near Elma Jan. 12 (B&GRa, follows the nine recordedin the Region last arrived at Bullard Beach S.P., near Bandon, KB). Early migrantsappeared Feb. 24 e. of fall, includingthe first recordsfor Oregon. Oreg., by Feb. 24 (BB, JMo, fide HN). Seaside,Oreg. (DI) and Feb. 27 near Ladner, Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, and One each of the "Red-naped" and the B.C. (RPh et al.). At least six Gyrfalcons Long-billed Dowitchers wintered in their "Red-breasted" Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers

300 American Birds, May 1980 were seen m the same tree at the N•squally Hoqmam cemetery alone (EH). The s•x on meadows, n.w. Oregon Jan. 5 (DF, TL) N W.R., Feb. 24 (?MiM). Earlier in the sea- the Seattle CBC Dec. 29 was the highest stayed Feb. 29+ for Oregon's first w•nter son only the usual wintering "Red-breast- count in 17 years, and Jan. 15 DF found 22 in record (JGioph., m.ob.). eds" had been observed there. The migra- Eugene. Four Palm Warblers were found As is usual, about nine Harris' Sparrows tions of the e. form of this sapsuckerthrough Dec. 15 & Feb. 10 at the mouth of the Wilson were reported, from Roseburg, Oreg, to th•s Region have not yet been elucidated.A R., near Tillamook (JGi et al.). Two were at Campbell R., V.I. Two White-crownedSpar- Black Phoebe was seen on driftwood at Grays Harbor Dec. 15 (fide BHT). Singles rows Dec. 29 near Sayward, n. V.I., were MoclipsBeach, Wash., Feb. 27 (?R&HO) for were found in the Coos Bay area Dec. 16, quite far n. and constituted the first winter the first well documented record for the state. Jan. 18, & Feb. 1 (J&DR, DF, TL), near Port recordsfor the area (HT). Reports of 12+ Three Say's Phoebeswere found in Portland Orford Dec. 22 ( Feb. 19 (J&DR, LT), and in White-throated Sparrowsin w. Oregon was Feb. 18 (MH, fide HN). Victoria Dec. 29 and Jan. 4 (J&RS). near normal; only one other was noted, m About a dozen Tree Swallows were seen Two Bobolinks were found at Myrtle Wilkeson, Wash., Dec. 15 (BRo). Lincoln's throughoutDecember and Januaryalong the Point, s.w. Oregon, Dec. 10 (FW, fide CW), Sparrows wintered in good numbers n at Rogue R., near Medford, Oreg. (OSw, following the severalextraordinary records in least to Saanich (NL) and the Vancouver, MaM). Two were also found at Fern Ridge the area this fall. Single cr Yellow-headed B.C., area (?PW, ?IR, ?CR, fide WW) Res., near Eugene Dec. 29 (fide DF). The Blackbirdswere found at Pitt Meadows, Del- About 30 were found regularly in Alton first large flocks of Trbe Swallowsappeared ta, and Westham I., near Vancouver, B.C., Baker P., in Eugene (DF, TL). A Swamp as usual in mid-February. The small coastal Dec. 8, Jan. 1 & 6, and Feb. 29 (•'WW, Sparrow Dec. 27-28 and Jan. 5 on Reifel I, colony of Scrub Jays near Port Orford, A&JGr, DK et al.) and a female was at Sandy provided the first documented record for the Oreg., was reported to be thriving (AMc, Pt., w. of Bellingham,Wash., Jan. 19 (EH). Vancouver area (•'WW, DK, DMr, GDa, J&DR). Reportsof Black-billedMagpies w. An imm. cr Hooded Oriole stayed around a TW). Five Swamp Sparrowswere noted •n w of the Cascades continued from last fall. feeder in Coos Bay Dec. 16+ (GV, AMc, Oregon this season:two at Tillamook Dec 15 There were 7-10 along the Cowlitz R., near DF, TL et al.). An ad. cr Scott's Oriole fre- (JGi et al.), one at Fern Ridge Res., Eugene Morton throughout the period (RR), and quented a feeder in Chehalis, Wash., Feb. Dec. 29 (LM), one in Medford Dec. 29 and otherswere found in Squamishand Burnaby, 11+ (C&ND) for the first record for Wash- Jan. 11 (DE, LS, OSw), and one at Ankeny B C. (WW et al.). ington. Documentation is on file (?AR, ?EH, N.W.R., Jan. 27 (TC). PM-ph.). Immature c• N. Orioles were found A few Lapland Longspurs were scattered THRUSHES THROUGH BLACKBIRDS at Lakeside, n. of Coos Bay Dec. 2 (ST, AC through the Region, with the 45 at Leadbetter -- SingleMockingbirds were found at Ocean et al.) and at Eugene Dec. 30 (fide HN). An Pt., Wash., Dec. 29 the highcount (SA) Par- Shores(JWn) and Tillamook, both Dec. 15, ad. male was in s.e. Portland Jan. 9 (DI). ticularly since last winter the scattered Snow and at Port Orford Feb. 8-26 (J&DR). Varied Following the several recordsof Rusty Black- Bunting flocks have received special atten- Thrusheswere scarceon s. V.I., but were well bir,dthis fall, therewas one male found Jan. tion. This year on Feb. 23 at the S.J.C R, a reported elsewhere.A thrush with clearly visi- 31 in Goldstream P.P., w. of Victoria (VG). McKay's Bunting was picked out of a flock ble buffy eyering and face, thought to be a of about a dozen Snows(?HN). The bird was Swainson's Thrush, was found Dec. 15 on FINCHES AND SPARROWS -- Two cr seenthrough at least Mar. 2 for the first rec- Mt. Prevost near Duncan, V.I. (JWo, BP, Pine Grosbeaks were seen Jan. 29 in View ord for Oregon (?TC, ?A&DMa, JGi-ph, et ftde JC). Western Bluebirds were widely re- Royal, w. of Victoria (RF, fide VG), and one al.). Controversy continuesas to whether a ported to be in better numbers in w. Oregon was on Sea I., s. of Vancouver, B.C., Feb. 21 second large bunting, not quite as cleanly than for many years. The count of 553 on (JMi, fide WW). The only Gray-crowned white, was a hybrid or another McKay's tone CBCs there is up 30% from the 426 on Rosy Finch reported was one of the gray- the same counts last year. Furthermore, for cheeked "Hepburn's" form at Boundary ESCAPEES -- An Am. Flamingo surwved the combined Medford, Eugene, Corvallis, Bay, B.C., Jan. 16 (RPh etal.). Pine Siskins, from November to at least Feb. 9 at Mud and Salem counts, held yearly since 1963-64, Am. Goldfinches, and Red Crossbills were Bay, betweenCrescent Beach and Delta, s of th•s year's total was the fourth highest for found in low numbers throughout the Re- Vancouver, B.C. (WW et al.). Three Monk those 16 years. Migrants appeared in w. gion, and were reported absent from many Parakeetswere nest-buildingin s.e. Portland Washington and on V.I. in mid-February. areas. An exceptionto this was the 250 + Red in late February (HN, LT). Two birds spent A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was found in Crossbillsseen Feb. 17 near La Push, on the the winter of 1977-78 in the same area, but Salem Dec. 22 (BL, ph.) for the first winter n.w. Washingtoncoast (J&MWn). No Red- had not been reported since. record for the Region. Several flocks of 30-50 polls or White-winged Crossbills were re- Bohemian Waxwings were in Bellinghamun- ported. CITED OBSERVERS and abbreviations til Feb. 10 (TW). Otherwisethey werealmost Acr Rufous-sidedTowhee in Eugene Feb. (Sub-regionalEditors in boldface). Dave An- unreported. Northern Shrikes were back to 2 with a complete lack of white spotting on derson,John Anderson, Gerry & Wendy An- their usual numbersin w. Oregon this winter the back was thought to be from eastern sell, Scott Atkinson, Maynard Axelson, after being noted as scarcelast year (HN). North America (?RPa). A few Savannah Range Bayer, Brent Berg, Thais Bock, Three single Loggerhead Shrikes were re- Sparrows were found n. to s.w. British Co- George Brad, Ken Brown, Nancy Brown, ported in w. Oregon: n. of Port Orford Dec. lumbia up to Jan. 1 (MF, GRy). None were Wilson Cady, Art & Elizabeth Carlson (A& 22 (BGr, SC, J&DR et al.), near Brownsville, found there after the freeze of early January ECa), Chris Chappell, John Comer, Alan e of Corvallis Jan. 5 (HTa, DMe, fide (fide WW). However, three were seen in c. Contreras(AC), Tom Crabtree, Gary Dav•d- E&EE), and at Fern Ridge Res., throughout SaanichJan. 27 (AMd), and two were there son (GDa), Jack & Ada Davis, Norm Don- the season(DF, TL, LM). Feb. 17 (fide VG). A Vesper Sparrow win- aldson (NDo), Michael Donahue, Gflean Another Black-and-white Warbler was tered at Alton Baker P., in Eugene(DF, TL). Douglas(GDo), Cliff & Neva Dunn (C&ND), found in Coos Bay Feb. 19 (NB, fide AMc) A Sage Sparrow was found in Seattle Feb. David Easterlea, Elsie & Elzy Eltzroth, J•m for the fourth recentrecord in the area. Sing- 17-19 (•'B&PE et al.) for the third w. Wash- Erckmann (JEr), Joe Evanich (JEv), Bob & le Nashville Warblers were found Dec. 17 in ington record, all three of which are coinci- Pat Evans, David Fix, Mike Force, Ralph Salem(TC) and Dec. 30 in Eugene(CBC). A dent with the mid-February arrival of this Fryer, John Gatchet (JGa), Jeff Gflhgan Black-throated'Gray Warbler was in Forest specieson its breeding range in e. Washing- (JGi), Margaret & Vic Goodwill, Bill Good- Grove, Oreg., Jan. 23 (JEv, fide HN). Acr ton. There were about a dozenTree Sparrows win (BGo), Steve Gordon, A1 & Jude Grass Wflson's Warbler was found in Saanich, found in the Vancouver, B.C., area during (A&JGr), Sayre Greenfield, Rob Mackenzie- V I., Dec. 15 (NL, GS,fide VG), and another the season(G&WA, GRy et al.), two were at Grieve (RMG), Barbara Griffin (BGr), Bill cr Wilson's was at Boundary Bay airport, CowichanBay, V.I., Jan. 18 (?VG), and one Harrington-Tweit (BHT), Dave Hayward B C., Dec. 29 (GRy, fide WW). Two Am. was on the Skagit flats Jan. 27 and Feb. 9 (DHa), Glen & Wanda Hoge, Mike Houck, Redstartswere near North Bend, Oreg., Jan. (BT, RT; EH). There were no reports from David Hutchinson (DHu), Dan Hyerly 1 (AMc). Reports of Townsend's Warblers w. Oregon. Two Chipping Sparrows spent (DHy), John Ireland, David Irons, Karen from Washington and Oregon were more the seasonat a Roseburg,Oreg., feeder(FP) Jackson, Dale Jenson, Erich Kellner, R•ck numerous than usual. Twenty of the 25 on and at leastone wintered in Eugene(DF, TL). Knight, Ken Knittle, Doug Kragh, Nancy the Grays Harbor CBC Dec. 15 were in the A Clay-colored Sparrow found at Nehalem Lovett, Bob Lucas, Lauren Lucke, Tom

Volume 34, Number 3 301 Lund, Alec MacLeod (AMd), Dave Mark Fred Ramsay, Alan Richards, Leila Roberts, Wang, Peter Ward, Clarice Watson, Wayne (DMr), Arnie & Debbie Martin (A&DMa), Ian Robertson, Betsy Rogers (BRo), Jim & Weber, Francis Whitaker, Jack Williams Joy McDowell (JMc), Alan McGie (AMc), Dennis Rogers, Craig Runyan, Glen Ryder (JAW), Doug Wilson, Jim Wilson (JWi), Dick McNeely (DMc), Larry McQueen, Don (GRy), Ronnie Ryno, Susan Saul, Owen John & Marilyn Wingfield (J&MWn), Joe Menefee (DMe), Ed Miller, Jack Milstead Schmidt (OSc), Joy & Ron Satterfield Woodcock (JWo), (•') = written description (JMi), Marjorie Moore (MUM), Mike Moore (J&RS), Michael Shepard, Lois Smith, Mrs. on file, * specimen,S.J.C.R. = South jetty (MiM), Joe Mosky (JMo), Harry Nebls, J. Somerville(JSo), George Sparrow, Wally of the Columbia R., Oreg., -- PHILIP W. Adeline Nicol, Robert & Hera Owen, Richard Sumner,Otis Swisher(OSw), Howard Taylor MATTOCKS, JR., Dept. of Zoology, Univ. Palmer (RPa), Fred Parker, Dennis Paulson, (HTa), Howard Telosky (HT), LarryThorn- of Washington, Seattle, Wash. 98195, and Roy Phillips (RPh), Barry Powell, Mike burg, Sarah Thurman, Brenda Tom, Ron EUGENE S. HUNN, 1816 N. 57tb St., Seat- Price, Bob & Georgia Ramsay (B&GRa), Toonen, George Vaughn, Terry Wahl, Art tle, Wash. 98103.

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST One of our rarer regu- REGION lar birds, a Laysan Al- batross, was found on /Stephen A. Laymon and Monterey Bay Jan. 26 W. David Shuford (DRo). Northern Ful- mars were numerous in Monterey Bay and at :N .E "Unseasonably warm and unmercifully Cordelle Banks to mid- wet" was how one contributor (PM) succinct- February. They were re- ly characterizedthis season'sweather. Except ported as scarce off at mountain and Great Basin locations, very Humboldt County, with few nightsreached freezing, and even lakesin only one seen (BS). those areas remained free from ice much Flesh-footed Shear- longer than usual. Rain was recorded on most waters are very rare in days from December 19 through January 17, winter. Three were at with the heaviest rain December 24 and 25 Cordelle Banks Dec. 8 and January 9, 12 and 13. Another seriesof (JP), and one Jan. 26 in storms accompaniedby heavy rains and high the surf at N. Beach, Pt. winds sweptthrough the RegionFebruary 13- Reyes Nat'l Seashore 22. Flood waters cleared waterfowl from nor- (hereafter P.R.N.S.) mally favorable stretches of inland rivers. (JH). A Pterodroma The storm systemscaused wild fluctuations in petrel of the Stejneger's waterfowl populations and may have driven or Bonin Is. variety was seabirdsinland. Warm weather was probably seen from the Farallon instrumental in the occurrence of several first ls. (hereafter, F.I.), and secondre•onal winter recordsand more- Jan. 13 (P.R.B.O., Bob than-usual numbers of wintering warblers Boekelheide). The bird was seen for only a WATERFOWL -- The mild winter pro- along the coast. short time as it flew by the island, and could ducedhig• waterfowl populationsin the Kla- not be identified to specieswith certainty. LOONS THROUGH STORM-PETRELS math Basinwith birds both stayinglater into -- A Yellow-billed Loon was at Pt. Rich- the winter and wintering in higher-than-normal numbers(SS). The winter storm pattern mond, Contra Costa Co., Feb. 17-29 (Hans PEL1CANS THROUGH HERONS -- A produced rapid and spectacular shifts in the Johansen, m.ob.). More than the usual num- White Pelican at Lower Klamath N.W.R., populationsin the Central Valley (hereafter, Feb. 24 (MR,RE) either wintered or was an C.V.); e.g., a million ducks at Gray Lodge exceptionally early migrant as it was one disappearedovernight with the onslaughtof month earlier than the normal first arrival. the seriesof late January storms(BED). Seven Double-crested Cormorants at Copco Six WhistlingSwans wintered at Pt. Reyes L., and two at Iron Gate Res., Siskiyou Co., Station, Marin Co. (JL et al.) and threemore Jan. 12 (MR,RE), were surprising. A Mag- at Abbott's Lagoon Jan. 7 (DS). Fifty-two nificent Frigatebird at Sea Ranch, Sonoma Canada Geeseat Elkhorn Slough Monterey Co., Dec. 31 (?Leonard & Marjorie Roth) Co., Jan. 2 (PM) was an unusual concentra- representedonly the secondwinter record for tion for the outer coast. "Black" Brant were the Region. reported to be in lower-than-usual numbers A Little Blue Heron was at San Jose Dec. (PM,JE). Nine White-fronted Geese were re- 16 (fide WBo). Cattle Egrets continue to in- ported from three coastal locations and three creasewith 700 reported for the period. They Snow Geese were at two coastal locations. Yellow-billed Loon, Pt. Richmond, CA, Feb. were concentrated in the mid-San Joaquin Two Snow Geese at S. Lake Tahoe Jan. 30 17, 1980. Valley and at coastal locations. Seven Great (SG) were at an unusual location. A Ross' bet of Arctic Loons was found inland with Egrets wintered at Lower Klamath N.W.R. Goose was at Arcata Bottoms Jan. 17 (Ken five at L. Almanor Dec. 19 (SAL,KC), one at (SS); they are usually absent from the Great Irwin). Greenhorn Res., near Yreka Dec. 27-Jan. 10 Basin in winter. Seven Snowy Egrets at Red A "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal was at (MR,RE), one at Lewiston L., Trinity Co., Bluff Jan. 15 (KC) were unusual as they are Oakland Dec. 16 (fide SFB). CinnamonTeal Dec. 28 (SAL,KC), and one at Stockton Jan. rare in the n. third of the Sacramento Valley believedto be early migrantsincluded two at 29 (DEI). Red-throated Loons also were in at any season. Valley Ford, SonomaCo., Jan. 6 (GP, Lynn unusually high numbers inland with one at One thousand Black-crowned Night Her- Stenzel),and two at LimantourJan. 8 (DS). Spring Lake Park, Sonoma Co., Dec. 16 ons at Creighton Holding Ponds, w. Tulare Thirty-five Eur. Wigeon were reported dur- (DE1), one at L. Almanor Dec. 19 (SAL,KC), Co., {JR) was the largest concentration re- ing the winter -- more than ever before. one near Pleasanton, Alameda Co., Jan. 6 ported in recent years. The first Regional American Wigeon numberswere reported to (AE), one at Clifton Court Forebay, Contra winter sightingin severalyears of Least Bit- be higher than normal at inland locations but Costa Co., Jan. 20 - Feb. 29 + (DE), and two tern was of one at Gray Lodge Dec. 20 (MR, lower than normal towards the coast. An un- at Alpine L., Marin Co., Feb. 26 (DS). A re- fide BED). American Bitterns were found in usual concentration of Ring-necked Ducks markable 2369 Eared Grebes were on L. Al- higher-than-usual numbers along the coast, was 3000 at East Park Res., Colusa Co., Jan. manor Dec. 19 (SAL,KC). with 13 reported (m.ob). 7 (BED). They were reported to be more corn-

302 AmericanBirds, May 1980 mon than usual at Pt Reyesand at San Fran- nla Bald Eagle wintering populations were (MR,RE) were one month early for a Great cisco (herafter, S.F.) areas (JE,DM). A re- lower than last year's with 768 recorded on Basin location. A flock of seven Dunhn at markable concentration of 3000 Canvasbacks the mid-winter census; of these only 33% Lower Klamath N.W.R., Jan. 5 (SS,MR,RE) at Corcoran Irrigation Dist., Kings Co., Feb. were immatures. (Phil Detrich). About 90 was also unusual. 12 (JR) must have been a migratory flock. were censusedbetween Pine Cr. and Paynes Further evidenceof migration movement was Cr., Tehama Co., in January and February JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Fewer a jump from three at the Red Bluff Diversion (SAL,KC), making this wintering ground Pomarine Jaegers than normal were found Dam Jan. 30 to 120 Feb. I (KC). Six singlecy possiblysecond only to the Klamath Basinin this winter. One at Coyote Pt., San Mateo Tufted Ducks were reported as follows: Mud- importance in the Region. Co., Dec. 20 (PM) and another at Tubbs I , Marsh Hawks were more common in the dy Hollow, P.R.N.S., to Jan. 12 (CSw, JE), Solano Co., Jan. 20, both well inside S F Coyote Hills Regional Park Jan. 26-Feb. 12 C.V. this winter than they have been sincebe- Bay were unusual. California Gulls not pres- (JM), Abbott's Lagoon, P.R.N.S., mid-Jan- fore the drought (SAL,JS). A new high was ent in Honey L. valley Feb. 10 had returned set for this specieson the Pt. Reyes CBC with uary-Feb. 7 (DS,JE), Richardson Bay Feb. 10 by Feb. 23 when 150 were found at the John- (JM), Berkeley Aquatic Park Feb. 17 (JM), 83, the previous high was 77 recorded in 1971 stonville Dump (DAA). An ad. Mew Gull and Cape Mendocino Feb. 23 (Gary Fredrick- (JE). Fifteen wintering Ospreys from both was at Thermalito Forebay, Butte Co, Jan coastal and inland locations were more than son). Barrow's Goldeneyes were in much 15 (SAL). An ad. Black-headed Gull was below normal numbers after last winter's in- are normally recorded. Sixty Prairie Falcons found again this year at the Stockton Sewage vasion. Buffleheads were at record numbers reported are many more than the normal 15- Ponds Feb. 4 (JLa) and stayedto Feb 29+ at many inland locations and were lower- 20. This is probably a result of both a real in- The only Franklin's Gull reported was a than-average near the coast. flux into the heavily birded coastalareas and probable one at Bolinas Sewage Ponds Jan Harlequin Ducks were reported in normal better coverage at favorable inland sites. 20 (PBP). Bonaparte's Gulls were again numbers with the exception of 16 in one day Peregrine Falcons were reported in the usual found at L. Almanor this winter with 27 there near CrescentCity Jan. 20 (GS). White-wing- low numbers, with 15 individuals. Merlins Dec. 18 (SAL,KC). An ad. Little Gull at ed Scoterswere noted to be significantlymore were recorded nearly 50% above average Stockton Sewage Ponds Feb. 4 - Feb 29+ numerous than in any of the past 10 years in numbers for recent years. (JLa) was probably the bird there last spring Monterey Bay, outnumbering Surf Scoters A Virginia Rail was found being stalked by Two imm. Heermann's Gulls were at Cres- 9:1 (BE). The S.F. Bay Aerial Waterfowl a cat in the middle of a shoppingcenter park- cent City Feb. 16 (SS et al.), and one re- Survey Jan. 3 & 20 yielded 36,144 Ruddy ing lot in downtown Chico, miles from the mained to Feb. 29+. There are no previous Ducks, twice the five-yearaverage (CSw). Up nearest marsh Feb. 24 (fide KVV). The bird late winter records for the n. coast. A For- to 30 Hooded Mergansers wintered at Five was captured and later released. Black Rails ster's Tern at S. Humboldt Bay Dec 29 Brooks Pond, P.R.N.S., (m.ob.), for the were well reported with up to six throughout (CSw) was the first reported in winter from largest concentration reported. Normal num- the period at Corte Madera, Marin Co. the n. coast. bers occurred elsewhere. (m.ob.), and singlebirds at BeniciaState Rec- Four Marbled Murrelets, casual inside S F reation Area Dec. 30 (JRi) and Palo Alto RAPTORS THROUGH RAILS -- Turkey Bay, were at BerkeleyPier Dec. 20 (JM,JL), Baylands3an. 16 (Ted Chandik). Vultures are known to migrate N into our two remained until Jan. 6 (SFB). The excep- area by late January to mid-February. One SHOREBIRDS -- An excellent concentra- tional numbers of Ancient Murrelets from observer speculatesthat they migrate back in- tion of 400 Black-necked Stilts was found the fall invasion remained through Decem- to the Fresno area by late December. The first along Santa Fe Grade Rd., Merced Co., Jan. ber. Numbers declined in January and Febru- ones seen since October appeared Dec. 26 & 25 (SAL). Two Am. Avocets at Lower Kla- ary, but they could be found throughout the 27 (RH). White-tailed Kite numbers seem to math N.W.R., Feb. 24 (MR,RE) were excep- period at many locations. The largesttotal re- be approaching pre-drought levels, at least in tionally early spring migrants. Flocks of mi- ported was 170 at Santa Cruz Municipal most areas (m.ob.), although their cyclical grant Killdeer were found in the Honey L. Wharf Dec. 16 (SG). Very unusualwere up to population fluctuations and poorly under- valley as early as Feb. 10 (DAA). Normal 16 at Berkeley Pier Dec. 20 (JL). Cassin's stood patterns of movement make it difficult numbers of Snowy Plovers were found along Auklets had not returned to the F.I. by mid- to assesstheir status. They still appear to be the coast, with 100+ at Hayward Salt Ponds December when 50,000 are usually present declining in the Salinas-Montereyarea (BE) Feb. 14 (CSw) being the largest concentra- and were still not involved in breeding acuvi- but were in highestnumbers ever at Pt. Reyes tion. Three at the Wilbur Flood Area, Kings ties by Feb. 29+ (P.R.B.O.). A Horned Puf- and Fresno (JE,RH). A remarkable roost of Co., Jan. 10 (JR) provided only the second fin was seenat the mouth of Salmon Cr, So- 150 kites was found near Yuba City Jan. 15 inland winter occurrence for the Region. noma Co., Dec. 26 (fide CHo) and another (Randall Gray). The only Goshawk reported Mountain Plovers were reported in good was found dead at Moonstone Beach, Hum- was an immature at Hopland Field Station, numberswith 300.400 at Panoche Valley, San boldt Co., Jan. 19 (fide BS). Mendocino Co., Feb. 10 (OJK). Sharp- Benito Co., Feb. 25 (PBP et al.) being the shinned Hawks were recorded in normal largest concentration. Forty on a dried mud- PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS numbers while Cooper's seemed to be up to flat at Turlock Res., StanislausCo., Dec. 18 -- Band-tailed Pigeons were reported m one-third higher than in recent years (JE,RH, (BED), on the e. side of the C.V., were at an "low" numbers in most areas, but were com- SAL). unusual location. More than normal numbers mon in flocks of 100-200 at Springville, Tu- A Red-tailed Hawk which closely fits the of Am. Golden Plovers were reported, with lare Co., in December (MEM). Mourning descriptionof the kriderii subspecieswas seen 14 from the Pt. Reyes area and 14 on the Doves returned to the Honey L. basin Feb 23 near the San Joaquin R., Merced Co., Jan. coast below S.F. Three inland near Sebastop- (DAA). Eleven Pygmy Owls in the vicinity of 17-31 (?RH). If the bird was actually a ol, Sonoma Co., Dec. 16 (LCB,BDP) were Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co., Dec. 26 (DEI) Krider's Red-tailed and not just an abnormal noteworthy. showed how common this speciescan be in plumagedcalurus, it is a remarkablesighting. A flock of 22 Marbled Godwits on Santa the Coast Range. Seven Spotted Owls report- Four Harlan's Red-taileds were found in the Fe Grade Rd., Merced Co., Jan. 25 (SAL) ed from scattered locales was normal C.V., and another was at Fortuna, Humboldt was a large concentration in an area where (m.ob.). Long-eared Owls continued in ex- Co., Dec. 29 (DE et aL), notable since there few regularly winter. A Wilson's Phalarope ceptional numberson Pt. Reyesthrough the are few coastal records. Two SwainsoWs was at Dumbarton Bridge Feb. 20 providing period with ten at Muddy Hollow (JE) and up Hawks on Blossom Rd., San Joaquin Co., the first Regional winter record (CSw,SFB). to 35 + at Home Bay (JRi,m.ob.). The latter Feb. 24 (Elmer Aldrich, JM et al.) were early A N. Phalarope at Tomales Bay Dec. 15 (fide birds were roosting in a dense stand of Mon- spring migrants, being a month earlier than JE,CSw) furnished one of few winter records terey pines and the actual number of owls the averagefirst arrival date. There seemedto for the Region. The Red Phalarope invasion could have been much higher. Short-eared be more Rough-legged Hawks in valley and of the late fall continued through the first Owls were reported in high numbersin many coastal locations this year than last but it was week in January, when the numbers dropped areas with five roosts ranging 11-21 birds not a true "invasion" year. Ferruginous off rapidly. The only February sightingswere each(m.ob.) with a peak of 55 + in the Liver- Hawks were at an all-time high level with ) of two birds brought into L. Merced, S.F., by more Valley, Alameda Co., Jan. 13 (AE et 70 individuals reported after last year's rec- a storm Feb. 23 (DM). Four Long-billed Do- al.). SinglePoor-wills were near Bolinas Jan ord low numbers. The norm is 25-40. Califor- witchefs at Lower Klamath N.W.R., Feb. 24 5 (GP) & 21 (P.R.B.O.). Although rare, this

Volume 34, Number 3 303 species•s s•ghtedregularly along the c Cah- WRENS THROUGH STARLINGS -- A biers were about the recent average for the forma coast in winter, however its winter dis- House Wren was found near L. Earl, Del period. (m.ob). Of note was a Townsend's trybuttonis not well known; hibernatingindi- Norte Co., Dec. 16 (PS); this speciesis quite Warbler near Bald Rock, Butte Co., Feb. 11 viduals are surely overlooked. rare on the n. coast in winter. Noteworthy & 28 (JS); coastally 117 Dec. 27 at Pacific Single Costa's Hummingbirds were at Pt. Sage Thrasher sightings were: one at F.l., Grove was a high count for a day's birding Pmos Dec. 27 (RS) and at Alamo, Contra Jan. 25 (P.R.B.O.); one at Yosemite L., Mer- (BDP). Five Hermit Warblers near the coast Costa Co., Jan. 23-Feb. 20 (JRi). The first ced Co., Feb. 18-25 (RJB); and "small num- were slightly fewer than expected in recent noted migrant Rufous Hummingbird was bers" throughout the period at Lava Beds years (m.ob.). After last fall's record number also reported from Alamo Feb. 18 (JRi). An N.M. (RE et al.) where they were found win- of Palm Warblers at least 21 were seen coast- early Allen's Hummingbird was in Inverness tering last year. A late Hermit Thrush was at ally Dec. 1-Feb. 29+ (m.ob.). A MacGilliv- Jan 17 (RS), with numbersbuilding to eight Tule L., Dec. 2 (SS). A high count of 50 ray's Warbler in Santa Cruz Feb. 24-Mar. 4 at a feeder by Feb. 7. Lewis' Woodpeckers Mountain Bluebirdswas reported from Little (?SG) providedthe Region's fifth winter rec- were generally in low numbers in most of the Panoche Rd., San Benito Co., Feb. 3 (JRi) ord. Wilson's Warblers were seen at Olema Region with the only reported concentration and 45 were on Hogsback Rd., Tehama Co., Marsh Dec. 12-15(RS) and at the Pajaro R., being 50 at the n. end of L. Berryessaand in Jan. 17 (SAL,KC). Of seven sightings of near WatsonvilleJan. 1 (SG,PM). American Pope Valley, Napa Co., Jan. 20 (BDP,JP). Blue-gray Gnatcatchersthe most notable was Redstartswere found near Bodega, Sonoma An •mm. varius form of the Yellow-bellied one Jan. 20 at Muddy Hollow, P..R.N.S. Co., Dec. 30 (Keiko Yamane, Dianne Mc- Sapsucker was observed at Nicasio, Marin (CHo); this species becomes very rare in Clung) and at the Carmel R. mouth Dec. 27- Co , Dec. 18 (?RS) for only the second con- winter on the coast of S.F. Jan. 3 (DRo). firreed Regional record. Surprisingly, two c7 The only Bohemian Waxwings reported W•lhamson's Sapsuckers were seen in the were 51 at S. Lake Tahoe Jan. 31-Feb. 5 (fide East Bay: one at Tunnel Rd., Oakland Dec. Sheryl Lanier,SG). Cedar Waxwings were BLACKBIRDS THROUGH LONG- 9-Jan 5 (JM et al.) and one at Redwood Re- generally in "low" numbers for the season. SPURS -- A concentrationof 30,000 Yellow- g•onal Park Dec. 16-18 (DM,DE). The only Two Phainopeplas Jan. 6 in s. central Shasta headed Blackbirds was estimated near Mer- report of a Black-backed Three-toed Wood- County (KC) were near the n. limit of the spe- ced Jan. 26 with an amazing 100,000Tricol- peckercame from s. Lake Tahoe Feb. 2 (SG). cies' range. The only N. Shrikes reported ored Blackbirdsin the same flock (SAL) FLYCATCHERS THROUGH NUT- were in Hicks Valley, Marin Co., and two Two Tricolored Blackbirdswere out of place HATCHES -- An impressive four Eastern near the Sutter Buttes, Sutter Co., Jan. 10 in the ShastaValley Feb. 15 (BED) but more Phoebes were found as follows: Alameda (SAL) Jan. 19 (RS). LoggerheadShrikes were unusual was one at S. Lake Tahoe Jan. 31 Golf Course Dec. 16 (AE et al.); near Muddy consideredup in the C.V. (JS,JH); 17 on a 50 (?SG). A Hooded Oriole was at Pacific Grove Hollow, P.R.N.S., Dec. 29 (tEd Shaefer, mi censusroute in Butte County comparedto Dec. 28-Jan. 3 (DRo). Two "Bullock's" Ori- ftde WBo); Britto Rd., Merced Co., Jan. 26 five last year (JS). An individual of this spe- oles were at Pacific Grove Dec. 27-Jan. 3 (SAL); Santa Cruz Feb. 24-29 (SG). An Ern- cies was at F.l., through the period for a first (RS,DRo) with one remaining to Feb. 24 ptdonax flycatcher was observed at Dog I., wintering record there (P.R.B.O.). From (SFB), and one was at Elkhorn Slough Jan. 1 Tehama Co., Jan. 30 (?KC); the description Dec. 4-18, Starling flocks in "the hundredsof (RS). A 9 "Baltimore" Oriole also appeared most closely describes a Dusky, and repre- thousands, perhaps one million" were pres- at Pacific Grove Dec. 27-28 (RS,DRo). A 9 sentsonly the third Regionalwinter record of ent in the Napa Valley (MRi). Hopefully this N. Oriole at Pt. Reyes Station Dec. 15 any Empidonax other than a Western. A W. was only due to unusual concentratingfac- (JL,JW) could not be assignedto race. The 9 Flycatcher at the Pajaro R., near Watsonville tors and does not indicate further significant Great-tailed Grackle that roosted at Walton Jan I (SG,?PM) providedthe Regionwith its population increases in this persistent pest Square, S.F., this fall was seen again Dec seventh winter record. Six Horned Larks at S. species. 24-Feb. 15 (DE). An overwhelming 150,000 Lake Tahoe Feb. I (SG) were of interest as Brown-headed Cowbirds were estimated at their status in the Sierra in winter is poorly VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS -- SacramentoN.W.R., Jan. 17 (SAL). Single known. Single Solitary Vireos were at Bodega Bay W. Tanagerswere seenat F.l., Feb. 10 (P.R The first apparently migrant Violet-green Dec. I (JRi) and at Pacific Grove Dec. B.O.); at Walnut Cr., Feb. 13-19 (Winifred Swallow was at Five Brooks, P.R.N.S., Feb. 27-Jan. 31 (DRo). A very late Warbling Vireo Orcutt,JRi); and at Chico State Univ., Feb 6 (JE) Tree Swallowswere presentat Liman- also graced Bodega Bay Dec. 8 (JW). A •5 28 (SAL). tour Estero throughout the period (JE); al- Black-and-white Warbler was at Pacific A c7 Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at Azalea though a regular winterer in our Region few Grove Dec. 27-Jan.31 (KVV,BDP,DRo) and S.P., Humboldt Co., Jan. I (CSw et al.) reports document the duration of this species' a male was nearby at Asilomar Jan. 26 Evening Grosbeaks were reported from the presence at one site. The first returning (Robert McKernan). A Tennessee Warbler coast and C.V., through the period in flocks Rough-wingedSwallow coastallywas at Bolio frequentedan orchard in Pt. ReyesStation of up to 30 (m.ob.). Ten LesserGoldfinches nas Lagoon Feb. 29 (DS); one at Los Banos Dec. 7-27 (DS et al.). Coastally the first re- at S. Lake Tahoe Jan. 30 (SG) were of inter- W M A., Feb. 26 (PBP,Joe Buchanan) was turning/singing Orange-crowned Warbler est, as they are of erratic occurrencein winter probably a migrant too, but one seenthere on was at Muddy Hollow Feb. 29 (Andrea in the Sierra and little is known of their status the CBC Dec. 28 (KH et al.) provided a rare Meyer). as the seasonprogresses. Red Crossbillswere •nland winter sighting. The first reported reported in moderate numbers throughout Barn Swallow was at Palo Alto Yacht Harbor S,A. the period with flocksof up to 25 (m.ob.). A Feb 26 (PM). A very early Cliff Swallow was Green-tailedTowhee was sightedat Pacific An impressive ten Nashville Warblers at Los Banos W.M.A., Feb. 3 (DG et al.). Grove Dec. 27-28 (RS et al.); coastal winter were seen coastally Dec. 14-Feb. 29+ A Yellow-billed Magpie was a straggler to records are scarce indeed. (m.ob.). This is about twice reported to- Belmont, San Mateo Co., Dec. 29 (PM). Sev- A Brown Towhee was again sightedat Tule tals of recent winters. Interestingly 34 en Mountain Chickadees were at 1000 ft in Lake N.W.R., Feb. 24 indicating that a small Nashvilles were reported from the coast Auburn Feb. 28 (Jim Booker, fide MA) after residentpopulation exists there e. of its previ- Sept.30-Nov. 29, 1979 which is 2-3 times heavy snowfall in the higher mountains. Two ously known range (RE,MR). At least 12 averagefor this period. Chestnut-backed Chickadees were seen in Tree Sparrowswere seenduring the period in Davis Feb. 6 (Dean Jue), being rare in the the Great Basin (m.ob.). A Clay-colored C V Above-average numbers of Red- Quite rare in winter, single Yellow War- Sparrow wintered in San Rafael Feb. 14 to at breasted Nuthatches spent the winter in the biers were at Walton Square, S.F., Dec. least Apr. 14 (?Holly Peake,DS). This pro- C V, and coastalstrip after last fall's notable 21-Feb. 29 + (DE) and at the Pajaro R., near vides only the fifth winter record, the latest •nvas•on. Indicative of this was the report WatsonvilleJan. I (SG). A Cape May War- previousdate for the seasonbeing Jan. 22. A from Palomarin, P.R.N.S. (P.R.B.O) which bler was reported from Pacific Grove Jan. 31 Harris' Sparrow frequented Lafayette Dec showed this species "resident in small (Donna Dittmann, fide DRo). This would 24-Feb. 29 + (LF et al.). Six White-throated numbers throughout the period, with a peak represent only the second Regional winter SparrowsDec. 16 near Santa Rosa was a very of 12 on Jan. 28 . . . in contrast to last year's record, but unfortunately details were not high count for one day (LCB,BDP). Seven zero recordings." submitted. Five Black-throated Gray War- Swamp Sparrowscoastally (m.ob.) is some-

304 American B•rds, May 1980 what fewer than has been reported in recent nestingrecords for Alameda and Contra Cos- Hansen, Phil Henderson, Craig Hohenberger years. ta counties, not the country. The Black- (CHo), Joel Hornstein, SandyJacobson, Eric Lapland Longspurswere in good numbers backed Three-toed Woodpeckers were in the Johnson, Gary Key, Betty Kimball, Ollie J. in the Great Basinwith a high count of 210 at burn area between Susanville and Eagle L. Kolkmann, Jeri Langham (JLa), Stephen A. Lower Klamath N.W.R., Jan. 15 (SS,RE, AB 33:893: there were 34 nesting Goshawks, Laymort, Ron LeValley (RLeV), Jim & Sue MR). Coastally the only sightings were not pairs of Goshawks in the Warner Mts. Liskovek, John Lovio (JLo), John Luther, singlesat Dotart Park, SonomaCo., Dec. 14 AB 33:894: the single Band-tailed Pigeons Brian J. McCaffery, Peter Metropulos, Ma- (DS) and at Redwood Shores,San Mateo were seenJune 6 and July 28. AB 33:895: the bel E. Mires, Joe Morlan, Dan Murphy, Vir- Co., Dec. 30 (Barry Sauppe,flde PM). More Long-billed Marsh Wren was obviously the ginia Norris, Gary Page, Benjamin D. Par- unusual was one seen Jan. 10 near Biggs, first island not inland spring record. The meter, John Parmeter, Poinl Reyes Bird Ob- Butte Co. (SAL), since there are very few Manzanita L., Hutton's Vireo was seen July servatory, Peter B. Pyle, Jean Richmond C.V. records. 5. (JRi), Mike Rippey (MRi), Mike Robbins, Don Roberson (DRo), Elsie Roemet (ERo), ADDENDUM -- A singingc• N. Parula CONTRIBUTORS -- Wait Anderson, Jim Royer, Don Schmoldt, Bob Sizoo, Dave was seen July 22, 1979 at HastingsNatural Dan A. Airola, Maurine Armour, Robby J. Shuford, Jim Snowden,Steve Summers, Paul History Reservation, Monterey Co. (Ron Bacon, Stephen F. Bailey, Bernice Barnes Springer, Rich Stallcup, Gary Strachan, Mumme et al.). (BBa), Gordon Beebe (GBe), Ted Beedy, Chris Swarth (CSw), Kent Van Vuren (KVV), Laurence C. Binford, William Bousman John & Ricky Warriner, Jeffrey T. Wilcox, CORRIGENDA -- AB 33:803: the White- (WBo), Courthey Buechert, Betty Burridge Jori Winter, James Wolstencroft, (JWo). winged Scoters at San Leandro were seen (BBu), Karen Cartier, Dave DeSante (DDeS), '[ = written description on file.--STEPHEN April 28, 1979. Struve Slough is in Santa Bruce E. Deuel, Arthur Edwards, Ray Ek- A. LAYMON (Loons through Alcids) 132A Cruz County; Livermore and Pleasanton are strom, Bruce Elliott, Doug Ellis (DEI), Dick W. 19th St., Chico, CA 95926 and W. in Alameda County, not Contra Costa Coun- Erickson, Jules Evens, Lynn Farrar, Steve DAVID SHUFORD (Pigeons through Spar- ty. The Short-earedOwls providedthe first Getty, Douglas Gomke, Keith Hansen, Rob rows) Box 385, Inverness, CA 94937.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST commonoffthe s. REGION portionofthe Region . ..::...... /Guy McCaskie anua.with off • ;•'•...... •...... •;?•:i •...... •.:*.•..:. a,una eac, co.. ec. This winter was wet and mild, with exten- z3-z5oA) ana . siveflooding along the coast.The heavyrains orrvt. Mu,uan. 5 appearedto have had no adverseeffects on (REW)being the l•g- ['Z' • '• • • .•Cn• • '"•, •::::":•...... ':....•:•:.:.:.½ birdlife, and certainlyhad a beneficialeffect on some species;with reservoirsfilling and e,t co,ce,tratio,,.I;.7'.74- and •0 off Morro :-•-.:"--:,';-** • *.4•**• ,•. no½,v[• ."" ;?:•:- wetlands flourishing, waterfowl and other BayJan. 6 (BB) being !;:."' .:•1*•.'"•'• such species had no shortage of habitat. Warm weather throughoutthe period made it I:.' "...<:'-::'*":':':...,::';'•' -•..%••,,m,•.-**s. ' [ :-.• .' possiblefor many speciesnot normally ex- PELICANS, FRI- I '.•..• "-':;'.•:-.•½?• pectedto winter in the United States,to sur- vive through the period. This is well-illus- veican { "-•-":•' ' :'•-':*'"':*•--:-• • •'s • M, '-• '• -*•- •::'t '.:-• trated by the presenceof 14 speciesof fly- Lakeview,Riverside [ .'W •' ".•-'-:::-X_.•:•.•:".' .•:•:-.•..(,t• ..••::•' -• •&, '%•.- • - Jocino &n• I ff .•:•:'"'"•..:'•:• catchersand 24 speciesof wood warblers (a Co.,Dec. 27 (DMM) record number for both families), along with wasinland, and had [::•.-:? ..... <-:'::•-•::;:..•;:,::.::P:;'":::.•S • • •s•r • San Diego Co., Dec. 14 bler added spice to an already exciting array HERONS, STORKS • An imm. Little (EC). Cattle Egretscontinue to increase,with of landbirds. Blue Heron, a rare visitor to California, was small flocks present along the entire coast

GREBES -- A Red-necked Grebe, rare in s. California, was in Ventura Jan. 20 - Mar. 6 (REW), another was at Santa Monica Dec. 21-23 (AHo) and a third was in Redondo Beach Jan. 1-4 (H&NS).

SHEARWATERS -- A few N. Fulmars were present offshore as indicated by 20 off Morro Bay Jan. 6 (BB), two around Ventura Dec. 17 - Jan. 6 (REW), one at Huntington Beach Dec. 5 (R&MW) and up to nine a day off La Jolla during December (DPo). Two Short-tailed Shearwatersoff Morro Bay Jan. 26 (H&NS), one at Pt. Mugu Jan. 5 (REW) Easy and hard flight. An ad. 9 Magnificent and another captured on Pt. Loma Feb. 26 Frigatebird soaring over King Harbour, An ad. 9 Magnificent Frigatebird perched (SD,*S.D.N.H.M.) were the only ones re- Redondo Beach, Jan. 4, 1980. Photo/ Hal atop a sailboat mast, King Harbour, Redon- ported this winter. Manx Shearwaterswere Spear. do Beach, Jan. 4, 1980. Photo/Hal Spear.

Volume 34, Number 3 305 throughout much of the winter. A Great Riverside Dec. 29 - Jan. 9 (MAP); one or two LAR1DS -- As usual a few Pomarine Egret near Lancaster,Los AngelesCo., Nov. of thesebirds are found in s. California every Jaegersspent the winter offshore as indicated 24 - Mar. 2 (FH) may be the first to have win- winter. A Swainsoh's Hawk near Santa Ma- by one off Morro Bay Jan. 26 (H&NS) and tered on the high Mojave Desert. Up to five ria, Santa Barbara Co., Dec. 2 (JDu) was be- three off La Jolla Jan. 21 (DPo), but single Louisiana Herons were presentin the San Di- lieved to be an exceptionally late fall migrant birds on the coast at Pt. Mugu Jan. 5 & 12 ego area during the period, but were unre- as it was never relocated later. An ad. Zone- (REW) were more interesting since the corded elsewherein the Region. A Least Bit- tailed Hawk was seen on three occasions near Parasitic Jaeger is the expected bird close to tern in Goleta Jan. 30 (LE) and another in Vista, San Diego Co., Feb. 1-29 (F&SH); it is shore. The only Glaucous Gull found this San Diego Dec. 28 (JO) were of interestsince interestingto note that an adult has been seen winter was one at Redondo Beach Dec. 5-9 few are reported on the coastin winter nowa- in this general area during the past two win- (H&NS,ph. S.D.N.H.M.). An imm. Glauc- days. The Wood Stork present in Whittier ters. Rough-legged Hawks were scarce, al- ous-winged Gull at S.E.S.S., Dec. 1 - Feb. 17 during November was still present Jan. 19 though single birds were found as far s. as (EAC) ,and another at Salton City Feb. 9 (JA). Mesa Grande, San Diego Co., Jan. 28 (RH) (DPa) were the only two found far inland. In- and near Calipatria all winter (RM). Fewer teresting were two W. Gulls (Yellow-looted) SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- A Whistling than ten Peregrine Falcons were reported, all at S.E.S.S., all winter (EC) and another at Swan in Escondido, San Diego Co., Dec. 29 being along the coast. About 30 Merlins were Salton City Feb. 9 (DPa) since the speciesis (KW) was quite far s. Two Cackling Geese reported including a very dark individual be- rare here in winter. A Mew Gull at S.E.S.S., (Branta canadensisminima), rare visitors to lieved to be of the race suckleyi at Big Bear Jan. 7 (EC) was far inland, although small the coast of s. California, were in Encino L., Jan. 4 (KG). numbersregularly move inland to suchlocali- Dec. 12 (JDu) and another was near Ocean- ties as Ojai and Sweetwater Res., in the coast- side Dec. 9-22 (DPa). More than 100 White- CRANES, RAILS -- Some 3000 Sandhill al lowlands. There was an evident influx of fronted Geese were around San Luis Obispo Cranes on the Carrizo Plain, San Luis Obispo Laughing Gulls along the coast with one at in February (FRT), but the fact that only 48 Co., and 105 near BrawIcy all winter (EMcM, Malibu Feb. 3 (TC), one at Newport Dec. 30 individuals were reported from elsewhere GMcC) were at known wintering localities, (primarily along the coast)within the Region but one near Santa Maria Dec. 8 - Jan. 24 showshow scarcethis specieshas becomeas a {JDu} was certainly oul of place. A Clapper wintering bird in s. California. A Ross' Rail at Pt. Mugu Jan. 12 (REW) wasthe first Goose, a rare stragglerto the coast, was in seenin Ventura County since1972, and raises Goleta Feb. 8-18 (PL), up to three were at Pt. hopesthat thisspecies can recolonize this fine Mugu Jan. 13 - Feb. 16 (REW), and singlein- marshland. dividuals were seen near Oceanside Dec. 9 (DPa) and Feb. 26 (EC). A c7 Corn. Teal SHOREBIRDS -- Two Black Oyster- (Anas c. crecca) was at Pt. Mugu Dec. 22 catchers at Port Hueneme, Ventura Co., all (REW), another was in Long Beach Dec. winter (REW), three at Cabrillo Beach Dec. 4-Feb. 29 + (BD) and a third was on L. Cuya- 28 (BD), three more at Pt. Fermin Feb. l0 maca in the mountains of San Diego County (RIW) and two on Pt. Loma Jan. 17 (DPa) Mar. 16 (DPa); one or two of thesebirds are were all away from areas of normal occur- found in this Region each winter. At least 40 rence. Up to 37 Mountain Plovers near Santa Blue-wingedTeal were found winteringalong Maria during December and January (PL), the coast, indicating its relative abundance at 28 near Pt. Mugu in December {REW) and about 100 near Imperial Beach to early Janu- this season. A minimum of I 1 Eur. Wigcon A first-winter Laughing Gull, that remained ary (EC) were the only flocks suspectedof was reported, includingfive malestogether at in Carlsbad, Oceanside, CA, Jan. 23 - Feb. 4, San Jacinto, Riverside Co., Dec. 24 (DMM) wintering along the coast;this speciesformer- 1980. Photo/Paul Lehman. and one high in the San Bernardino Mts., on ly occurred in much larger numbers as a win- Big Bear L., Dec. 4-12 (KG). The c7 Tufted tering bird of the coastallowlands. A flock of Duck presenton Quail L., near Gorman, Los 25 _+ Am. Golden Plovers spent the entire (GLT,ph. S.D.N.H.M.}, anotherat Carlsbad AngelesCo., during November was still pres- winter near Santa Maria (LB), up to five were Jan. 23 - Feb. 4 (MT,ph. S.D.N.H.M.), sing- ent Dec. 8 (BB), and what was probably the at Pt. Mugu throughout the period (REW) le birds in San Diego Feb. I (ME) and Feb. same bird was seen in nearby Cuddy Valley and one was at Playa del Rey all winter {BB); 1-6 (ME), and a seventhnear Imperial Beach Feb. 12 - Mar. I (TM}; this nearly doubles the Jan. 15 (REW). A Q Barrow's Goldeneye was all were believedto be of the Asiatic raceful- at Salt Cr., on the Salton Sea Dec. I (EAC} va. A group of 23 Lesser Yellowlegs at Pt. number of birds recorded along the coast of s. California. A Franklin's Gull in San Luis and another was at Bolsa Chica, Orange Co., Mugu Jan. 20 (REW) was an unusual concen- Dec. 12-Jan. 24 (SLW); this speciesis excep- tration for winter. Totally unexpectedwas a ObispoDec. 1 (FRT), anotherat Malibu Dec. tionally rare anywhere in s. California away Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Pt. Mugu Jan. 5 (TC) and a third in Redondo BeachDec. 2 from the Colorado R. Valley. Thirteen Old- 19 -Mar. 2 (REW) establishingthe first winter (H&NS) were all late fall migrants, but one record for North America. A flock of 25_+ squaws along the coast were about normal. on L. Hodgesnear EscondidoNov. 10 - Jan. The o' Harlequin Duck firsl found in Stilt Sandpipers at the s. end of the Salton 5 (CGE) and another in Carlsbad Jan. 1-23 Carlsbad in 1977 was still present Feb. 29 Sea (hereafter, S.E.S.S.) Jan. 28 - Feb. 9 (MK) appearedto be wintering locally. Very {EC). Large concentrationsof Corn. Mergan- (EC) were at a known wintering locality, but much out of place was an ad. Heermann's Gull far inland on L. Henshaw Jan. 18 (RH). sers gather on some of the inland bodies of the one at Pt. Mugu Nov. 18 - Mar. 2 (REW) water as indicated by 700 on Buena Vista L., gives us the first winter record for a coastal Black-leggedKittiwakes were exceptionally Kern Co., Jan. 15 (KVV}, 250 on Big Bear L., locality in California. Three Ruffs were in the scarcewith only a handful of individualsre- all winter (KG), 1500 on L. Elsinore, River- vicinity of Pt. Mugu with a male present ported. A Gull-billed Tern at the n. end of the Sal- sMe Co., Jan. 27 (EC) and 150 on L. Hen- Jan. 19 - Feb• 29+ (REW), a female there shaw, San Diego Co., Jan. 4 {RH). Jan. 21 - Feb. 29+ (DLD) and another male ton Sea Dec. I (EAC) was somewhat late. An Jan. 27 - Feb. 29+ (REW}. Red Phalaropes imm. Corn. Tern off La Jolla Feb. 25 (DPo) HAWKS, FALCONS -- An ad. Red- were quite common offshore into early was the only one reported this winter. An Ele- shouldered Hawk at Baldwin L. (6700 ft) January, as indicated by 1000ñ off Morro gant Tern at Port Hueneme Dec. 17 {REW) Dec. 12 - Jan. 20 (KG) and an immature at Bay Jan. 6 (BB), with small numbers occurr- was the last of the fall birds to be reported. A adjacentBig BearL., Feb. 20 (KG) wereboth ing on the coastthrough January, and one at Black Tern at S.E.S.S., Dec. I (EAC) was a exceptionallyhigh in the mountains. Four Pt. Mugu Feb. 16 (REW} being the latest. Six late fall migrant. Some40_+ Black Skimmers Broad-wingedHawks were reportedwith an Wilson's Phalaropes spent the entire winter on San Diego Bay all winter now appearsnor- adult in the Rosemead district of Los Angeles near Imperial Beach (GMcC); one or two are mal. Nov. 20 - Feb. 29+ (KG), an immature in found in this area nearly every winter. As BeverlyHills Dec. 23-28 (KG), another im- usual a flock of N. Phalaropes wintered near ALC1DS -- Common Murres pushed S to mature near Malibu Jan. 5 - Feb. 14 (DLD), Imperial Beach, but ten was the largest the Mexican border with 23 found off La Jol- and an adult along the Santa Ana R., near number counted. la Feb. 25 (DPo).

306 American Birds, May 1980 SoAo (KB) was a late fall straggler; one in Serra in winter; hence, one in National City, San Marbled Murrelets moved much farther Messa, San Diego Co., Feb. 3 (DPo) was the Diego Co., Dec. 15 o Feb. 3 (JO), another S than previously recorded, with two off only wintering bird found away from e. San near Imperial Beach Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 (DPa) the Santa Maria River mouth Jan. 24 Diego County. A Screech Owl in Brawley and a third on San Clemente l., Jan. 3 (P J) (PL), one at Goleta Dec. 18 (REW), one Dec. 17 (JDu) was one of very few seenin the were unexpected. California's fifth Olivace- in Santa Barbara Dec. 17 (REW) and two Imperial Valley in recent years. A roost of ous Flycatcher was in Irvine Dec. 30 - Feb. 10 more there Dec. 29 (BS), single birds at 40_+ Long-eared Owls at Harper Dry L., San Port Hueneme Dec. 17 (REW) and Jan. 6 Bernardino Co., during February (PR) was a (PL), three at Malibu Dec. 16 (JDu) with good concentration. It is hard to say whether additional individuals there Dec. 20 (KG) a Vaux's Swift at Malibu Dec. 5 (TC) and an- and Jan. I (SS), one in San Pedro Dec. 11 other near there Dec. 9 (KG) were late fall mi- (GSS), single birds in San Diego Nov. 29 grants or attempting to winter, but one over (SD, ph. S.D.N.H.M.) and Dec. 3 (TM), Goleta Feb. 11 (EG), up to 150 around and two at Imperial Beach Dec. 15-16 Oceanside throughout the entire winter (GMcC, ph. S.D.N.H.M.) along with (CGE), one near EscondidoJan. 22 (JO) and large numbers around Morro Bay (see five near San Diego Jan. 15 (JZ) were all CBC). Specimensfrom around Santa Bar- clearly wintering locally. A (? Black-chinned bara in 1886 and 1910, along with sight Hummingbird in San Diego Dec. 15 - Feb. 2 records from Los Angeles County in (LB) was only the secondever to occur in Cal- 1958, established the previous southern- ifornia in winter. Costa's Hummingbirds reg- OlivaceousFlycatcher found wintering in Ir- vine. Photo/Paul Lehman. most records, so the Imperial Beach birds ularly winter along the coast s. of Los An- extend the s. limit for winter movements geles; four found in coastal Ventura County (CC,ph. S.D.N.H.M.). We had more E. by about 150 mi. during the period (REW) along with one in Phoebes than expected with one at Morro Goleta Feb. 7-26 (PL) suggestwintering birds Bay Dec. I - Feb. 29 + (FRT), one near Santa may occur regularly at least as far n. as the Maria Dec. 11-23 (LB), another at Pt. Mugu Santa Barbara area. The (? Broad-billed Feb. 2-23 (LRB), one near Corona Feb. Hummingbird at Gaviota remained to Feb. 3 4-29 + (MAP), one near OceansideDec. 22 - (LRB), a male was in Ventura Dec. 21 - Feb. Mar. I (EC), one in San Diego Dec. 15 (MP), 17 (REW) and the male in San Diego was still another at nearby Sweetwater Res., Jan. 19 present Feb. 29 (CGE). Six Com. (Yellow- (CGE) and an eighth near Imperial Beach shafted) Flickers were reported from along Nov. 24 - Feb. 2 (DPa). The Willow Flycat- the coast with one at S.E.S.S., Dec. 29 (EC) cher found in Arcadia Nov. 2 was still present to give us an average number for a winter. An into March (BCoh) and would appear to bc imm. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckernear L. Cach- the first ever to winter in the United States. A uma, Santa Barbara Co., Dec. 5 - Feb. 10 Gray Flycatcher near Santa Maria Dec. 23 - (JDu) and a male in Garden Grove, Orange Jan. 1 (JDe), two in Arcadia all winter Co., Jan. 5 (GLT) were both of the nominate (BCoh) and four around San Diego during form varius. A c• Williamson's Sapsuckeron the period (EC) were more than reported in Cuyamaca Mr., San Diego Co., Dec. 5-31 recent winters. A W. Flycatcher in Car- (RF) was at the s. extreme of the specieswin- pinteria near Santa Barbara Nov. 24 -Feb. 29 ter range in California. A Hairy Woodpecker (PL), one in Lornpoe, Santa Barbara Co., near San Diego Feb. 26 (CGE) and another Feb. 23 (TSt), another in Arcadia Nov. 4 - near Imperial Beach Dec. 15 - Jan. 26 (EC) Feb. 23 (BCoh), one near EscortdidoDec. 28 were both close to the coast and away from - Mar. 3 (CGE) and another in Coronado, areas of normal occurrence. San Diego Co., Dec. 12 - Jan. 9 (EC) gave us five during the winter. The Coues' Flycatcher FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A found in Los Angeles Nov. 7 was still present Tropical Kingbird at Pt. Mugu Jan. 12 - Feb. Two Marbled Murrelets at Imperial Beach, at the end of the period (KG) and another was 29+ (REW) was wintering locally. Cassin's Dec. 16, 1979, established the southernmost at Leo Carillo State Beach, Los Angeles Co., Kingbirds were found wintering in small recordfor the species.Photo/Tim ArnbiSm. Jan. 16 - Feb. 11 (TC); most records for Cali- numbers along the entire coast with two in fornia involve wintering birds. An Olive- A Xantus' Murrelet off Morro Bay Jan. 26 San Luis Obispo Dec. 16+ (FRT) and two sidedFlycatcher, only the third found in Cali- (H&NS) gave us another winter sighting. An- more at nearby Pismo Beach throughout the fornia in winter, was in Los Angeles Nov. 28 cient Murrelets stageda major invasion in s. period (EVJ) being the northernmost. A Scis- -Feb. 29+ (RL). Only six Vermilion Fly- California waters, with large numbersalong sor-tailed Flycatcher near Corona, Riverside catcherswere reportedin the coastallowlands the San Luis Obispo and n. Santa Barbara Co., Jan. 6 - Feb. 3 (MAP,ph. S.D.N.H.M.) with one in Fillmore, Ventura Co., Nov. 5 county coastlines(e.g. 40+ off Morro Bay was one of fewer than a half-dozen ever -Jan. 15 (REW) being the northernmost. A Jan. 6 (BB) and 17 at the Santa Maria R. found in California in winter. Ash-throated Bank Swallow at Pt. Mugu Jan. 5 (REW) was mouth Dec. 1-2 (PL)), ten in Goleta/Santa Flycatchers are rarely found along the coast one of a very few ever seen along the coast in Barbara area during December and carly Jan- winter. Six Rough-wingedSwallows at Valley uary (PL), three found in Ventura County Center, San Diego Co., Jan. 2 (AF) were un- (REW), 15_+ in Los Angeles County (KG), expected, winter records coming primarily one off Newport, Orange Co., Jan. 4 (JAJ), from the vicinity of the Salton Sea and Colo- at leastsix in San Diego Dec. 10-12 (DPo), up rado R. Valley. to five at Imperial BeachDec. 15-23 (EC) and five near the Los Coronados Is., off n. Mexi- NUTHATCHES, WRENS, THRASHERS, co Feb. 24 (WA); virtually all were seendur- THRUSHES -- Red-breasted Nuthatches ing December with one at Pt. Mugu Feb. 23 were relatively scarce after the moderate in- (REW) and the Los Coronados Is., birds be- flux of the fall. Three Pygmy Nuthatches re- ing the only ones reported after the first week mained in Santa Barbara, away from any of January. A Tufted Puffin off Morro Bay area of regular occurrence, through the win- Jan. 6 (BB) was one of very few ever reported ter (PL). A Winter Wren in National City in s. California waters in winter. Dec. 12 (CGE) was far s., and somewhatun- expectedconsidering the paucity of the these DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS Scissor-tailedFlycatcher present near Corona birds in s. California this winter. A Brown -- A White-winged Dove in Goleta Dec. I Jan. 6- Feb. 2, 1980. Photo/Paul Lehman. Thrasher, a rare straggler to California, was

Volume 34, Number 3 307 at a feeder •n Goleta Dec 8 - Feb 29+ (PL) -Feb 29+ (MP) and another on Pt Loma coast along w•th 100+_ N (Bullock's) A Bendire's Thrasher in San Pedro Dec. 24- Nov. 10 - Jan. 6 (JO), there being only one Orioles; introduced flowering eucalyptussup- 27 (HF) gave us another coastalrecord of this previouswinter recordfor the Region.Black- port small flocksof thesebirds every winter species. A Curve-billed Thrasher, a casual throated Gray Warblers were more numerous A Rusty Blackbird wasin Goleta Jan. 4 (EG), straggler to s.e. California, was at S.E.S.S., than usual with 30+__reported during the sea- another was in Carpinteria Jan. 13 - Feb. 17 Dec 20 - Feb. 4 (GMcC). A SageThrasher in son. A 9 Black-throated Green Warbler near (PL), a third was at Pt. Mugu Jan. 29 - Feb San Luis Obispo Feb. 14 (FRT), one in Santa Imperial Beach Jan. 26 (DPa) is believed to 15 (LB) with another there Feb. 17 (REW), Barbara Feb. 17 (DE) and a third in Arcadia be the sameindividual presenthere a year ago this specieswas formerlyregarded as a casual Jan 27 (CH) were all in the coastallowlands (A B 33:316,1979). The only Hermit Warblers fall stragglerto the coastof s. California, but where now consideredquite rare. Only three reported were three around Santa Barbara all is now being found here each winter. Varied Thrushes were reported, indicating winter (PL) and one near Ventura Feb. 21 Western Tanagers were more numerous that very few reached s. California this (REW). Remarkablewas a Grace's Warbler than usual with 35_+ reported along the w•nter. A Swainson's Thrush in Coronado in Santa Barbara Jan. 6 - Feb. 29+ (LB,ph. coast; like N. Orioles, these birds frequent Dec 15-16 (GMcC) was the latest ever re- S.D.N.H.M.) and another in nearby Car- flowering eucalyptusat this time of the year corded in California, but it was missingone pinteria Feb. 24 - 29+ (PL) for thereare only A o' Hepatic Tanager in OceansideFeb. 9-24 foot and had a damaged wing indicating that 4 previousrecords for the coastof California (EC) was undoubtedlythe samebird present •t many not have been capable of long-dis- (all fall), and there may be no documented here last winter. A Summer Tanager was •n tance flight. winter record for anywhere n. of Mexico. A Santa Barbara Jan. 6 (LRB), one was near Chestnut-sided Warbler at S.E.S.S., Dec. 20 - OceansideJan. 23 (MT), another remained•n KINGLETS, WAXWINGS, VIREOS -- Feb. 28 (KG) was the first to have remained San Diego Dec. 7 - Feb. 21 (CGE), one was Ten Golden-crowned Kinglets on Mt. Palo- through the winter in California, although on Pt. Loma Feb. 8-11 (CGE) and one more mar all winter (RH) and five on Cuyamaca there are four late December sightings. A was seenin Coronado Dec. 20 (EC) giving us Mt, Dec. 31 (CGE) werequite far s. consid- Prairie Warbler, a rare fall vagrant to five for the season. enng how scarce the specieswas along the California, was near L. Cachuma Dec. 2-5 coast. A Bohemian Waxwing in Long Beach (PH) and another was in Coronado Dec. 15 - FINCHES, SPARROWS, LONGSPURS Jan 14 (JA) had wandereds. More than the Jan. 6 (REW,*S.D.N.H.M.). About 20 Palm -- Five Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were re- average number of Solitary Vireos was found Warblers were reportedfrom along the coast, ported with one at a feederin Los Osos, San th•s winter with one in Goleta Jan. 24 - Feb. but most were during December and early Luis ObispoCo., all winter(FRT), one in Del 14 (REW), a gray bird of the plumbeus race January, with one in Carpinteria Feb. 24 Mar Feb. 8-21 wasjoined by a secondon Feb •n Ventura Jan. 25 (REW), another of the (PL), onein OxnardJan. 21 - Feb.2 (DLD)', 14 (BCM), another was in San Diego Dec. 2 same race near Encino Feb. 28 (KC), one in two at Pt. Mugu Jan. 26 - Feb. I (REW), one (PU) and an ad. male was in National City R•verside Dec. 20 (DW), another in Vista in OceansideFeb. 10 (JD) and two near Im- Nov. 24 - Dec. 21 (EC). Black-headed Gros- Dec 19 (MT), a gray bird near Escondido perial Beach through March (PU) being the beaks are normally scarcer than Rose- Dec 29 - Jan. 5 (KW), singlebirds at widely only ones found later. A warbler at McGrath breastedsat this time of the year, hence three separated localities in San Diego Jan. 17 State Beach Jan. 5 (KC) and another near Im- in Santa Barbara Jan. 7 - Feb. 29+ (NC) and (DPa) and Feb. 24-26 (CGE) and a ninth in perial BeachJan. 6 (EC) were both brightly- one in San Diego Jan. I (DPa) are of interest Nanonal City Dec. 16 o Feb. 3 (EC) along colored Yellow Palm Warblers (Dendroica A Blue Grosbeak in National City Dec. 12 w•th about ten reported on CBCs. A War- palmarum hypochrysea),an accidentalstrag- (CGE) wascertainly out of season,only three bhng Vireo in San Diego Nov. 28 - Dec. 14 gler to California. having been recordedin this Region during (PU) and two in San Luis Obispo Jan. 5-6 A N. Waterthrush near Imperial Beach the winter period. An Indigo Buntingin Long (FRT) could all have been very late fall mi- Jan. 26 - Feb. 29 + (DPa) and another nearby Beach Jan. 2 - Feb. 29+ (BD) would appear grants since they could not be relocated later through March (DPa) were the only two to be only the fourth recordedin this Region •n the winter. found wintering. A cy MacGillivray's in winter. The only Evening Grosbeaks to be Warbler, very rare in winter, was in Goleta reported were four in Santa Barbara Dec WOOD WARBLERS -- A Black-and- Dec. 28 - Feb. 29+ (REW). As usuala few 5-25 (PL) with additionalindividuals there on Wilson's Warblers remained to winter along white Warbler in Santa Barbara Dec. 25 -Jan. Jan. 27 (LB) and Feb. 24 (PL), five at Bald- the coast with 30+__reported. Three or four 12 (REW) and anotherin CarpinteriaJan. 20 win L., Jan. 18 (KG) and one on Mr. Palo- Am. Redstarts around S.E.S.S., all winter - Feb. 29+ (PL) were the only ones found mar Jan. 15 (RH). Eight Red Crossbills on (GMcC) along with one near Vidal on the th•s winter. As now appears normal, a few Mr. Pinos Jan. 15 (REW) and 25 around B•g Colorado R., Jan. 12 (DPa) werein areasof TennesseeWarblers remainedto winter along Bear L., during Decemberand January (KG) normal occurrence in winter, but one in the coast with one in Goleta Feb. 14 (PL), indicatesa few were in the higher mountains Goleta Jan. 23 (PL) was on the coast where another in Carpinteria Feb. 17 - Feb. 29+ of s. California; one in Santa Barbara Jan. 7 rare at this time of the year. A Painted (K¾¾), one in Ventura Jan. 19- Mar. 4 (JM) (PL) was on the coast. Redstart, an exciting bird to find in Califor- w•th additional birds present there Jan. 23 As usual a few Green-tailed Towhees win- nia, was in San Diego Dec. 2-16 (GMcC). (REW) and Feb. I (REW). Some 25 Nashville tered in the s.e. corner of the Region and Warblers scatteredalong the coast were more along the coasts. of Los Angeles,with one at than expected.Most unusualwas a ¾irginia's BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS Valyermo, Los AngelesCo., Feb. 23 (KG) Warbler in San Luis Obispo Jan. 5-6 (FRT), -- A cy Tricolored Blackbird near Calexico and another in Ventura Dec. 26 - Feb. 17 another in Fillmore Jan. 15 - Feb. 6 (REW) Mar. 3 (EC) was only the secondto be found (REW) being at the n. limit of the winter and a third near Imperial BeachFeb. 17 (JO) in the Imperial Valley. A 9 Orchard Oriole range. Twelve Gray-headed Juncos were re- s•nce very few have ever been found in was in Santa Barbara Jan. 27 (BS), a male ported, all beingin the s. portion of the Re- Cahfornia during the winter months. Re- was in Carpinteria Jan. 20 - Feb. 27 (PL), an- gion as expected.A Pink-sided Junco near markable were four Lucy's Warblers with other male was in Ventura Jan. 21 (REW), Burbank Feb. 21 (JDu) was of interest,since one •n Ventura Dec. 22 - Jan. 22 (LB), an- one more male was at a feeder in Santa Mon- few are recordedalong the coast. An unprec- other in San Pedro throughout the period ica Jan. 23-25 (JD) givingus four during the edented number of Clay-colored Sparrows (MH), one in Coronado Dec. 15-20 (REW) winter period. Hooded Orioles are scarcein was found wintering, with one at Pt. Mugu and the fourth near Imperial Beach Dec. winter, one in Santa Barbara Feb. 27 (PL) Nov. 22 - Dec. 30 (REW), one in Arcadia 15-25 (GMcC) since winter recordsare vir- and two more in Carpinteria Feb. 11 - Feb. Nov. 23 - Mar. I (BCoh), another in Long tually nonexistent. A N. Parula in Niland 29+ (NC) being the only true winteringbirds Beach Nov. 25 - Feb. 29+ (DPa). Hams' near S.E.S.S., Dec. 20 - Jan. 16 (DLD) gave reported, four found in Decemberbeing con- Sparrowswere exceptionallyscarce with two us another winter record for this vagrant to sidered late fall stragglers. Four Scotifs at Furnace Cr. Ranch in Death Valley Dec. 9 Cahfornia. Orioles seen around San Diego in early De- (LLN), one in Goleta all winter (PL) and an- At least 23 Yellow Warblers were found cember were of interest, being along the other in Santa Barbara Jan. 19 - Feb. 29_+ along the coast with one near Santa Maria coast, but were probably late fall stragglers (LB) beingthe only four reported.The num- Jan 5 (PL) being the farthest n. Unexpected rather than wintering individuals. Nine N. ber of White-throatedSparrows (10 reported) was a Cape May Warbler in Goleta Dec. 29 (Baltimore) Orioles were found along the appearedlow. SwampSparrows were rela-

308 AmericanBirds, May 1980 tively numerouswith 25 + found during the (F&LB), Karen Bridgers, Bruce Broadbooks, Meixner, Barbara C. Moore, Jim Morris, period. The McCown's Longspurfound near Kurt Campbell, Chuck Caniff, Eugene A. Douglas M. Morton, Larry L. Norris, Jerry Santa Maria Nov. 30 remained through Feb. Cardiff, Terry Clark, Jim Coatsworth, Eliza- Oldeneltle, Dennis Parker (DPa), Robert and 18 (PL) to give us the first winter record for belh Copper (coordinator for San Diego Eleanor Parsons(R&EP), Michael A. Patten, coastal California. A Lapland Longspur was County), Barbara Cohen (BCoh), Bart Cord Arleta Patterson, Michael Pertone, Dave found on the Carrizo Plain Feb. 10 (EMcM), (BCor), Nancy Crawford, Art and Jan Cup- Povey (DPo), Sylvia J. Ranney (coordinator one was near Santa Maria Dec. 2-8 (LB), and pies (A&JC), Brian Daniels, John Deacon for Orange County), Phil and Jeri Reeder single birds were at Pt. Mugu Dec. 22 - Jan. (JDe), John DeBeer (JDeB), Craig Denison, (P&JR), Steve and Diane Ross (S&DR), Paul 27 (REW) and Jan. 12 - Feb. 10 (REW); this Fred Dexter, Donna L. Dittmann, Shirley Roush, Lawrence Sansone, Starr Saphir, speciesis much rarer in s. California in winter Doole, Jon Dunn (JDu), Roger Dunstan, Brad Schram, Trudy Siptroth (TSi), Hal and than in fall. Six Chestnut-collared Longspurs Claude G. Edwards, Lila Elsberg, Dick Nancy Spear (H&NS), Allan and Muriel at Baldwin L., Dec. I - Jan. 20 (KG) ap- Erickson, Mike Evans, Hal Ferris, Larry and Stephens(A&MS), Ted Stephens(TSt), Don peared to be wintering locally until the area Donna Fisher (L&DF), Mike Foertsch, Rose- Sterba, G. Shumway Suffel, Fern R. Tainler was covered by heavy snow. mary Ford, Alice Fries, Kimball Garrett (co- (coordinator for San Luis Obispo County), ordinator for Los Angeles County), Eilean Jan Tarble, John and Katherine Thompson CORRIGENDUM -- To avoid unneces- Gray, Jim Greaves, Chuck Hamilton, Fred (J&KT), Margaret Thornburgh, Gerald L. sary duplication, all birds seen and reported and Sherri Hammer (F&SH), Fred Heath, Tohman, Phil Unitt, Ken Van Vuren, Stuart only on Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) have Mitch Heindel, Andreas Helbig (AHe), L. Wafter, Ken Weaver, Richard E. Webslet been omitted. This should not detract from Diana Herron, Roger Higson, Arthur Howe (coordinator for Ventura County), Richard 1. the validityof thosere•ords, but is meantto (AHo), Eric V. Johnson, Jerome A. John- Whittemore, Doug Willick, Russelland Mar- conserve space for records other than those son, Paul Jorgenson, Mary Kelley, Jack Kin- ion Wilson (R&MW), Susan Wise, J. Zim- on CBCs. sey, Paul Lehman (coordinator for Santa mer. Photograph on file (ph.), specimen(*), Barbara County), Ruth Lohr, Richard Mar- San Diego Natural History Museum (S.D.N. CONTRIBUTORS -- Walter Anderson, tin (coordinator for the Colorado River Val- H.M.). GUY McCASKIE, San Diego Nalur- .Ion Atwood, Larry R. Ballard, Norma ley), Helen Matelson, Beverly Mcintosh al History Museum, Balboa Park, P.O. Box Berry, Louis Bevier, Fred and Lynne Bolding (BMcl), Eben McMillan (EMcM), Tom 1390, San Diego, California 92112.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION own, (although not forthe individual bird "•7• /C. John Ralph and Robert L. Pyle involved) as a single female in emaciated Rains were relatively light through the condition was on Mid- season, as the trade winds slackened, except way Dec. 7 (GG). This during January 7-10 when a major winter seemedto be the year O storm swept through the islands leaving 7.7 for Gadwalls, as the inches of rain on Oahu. Severe winds, espe- species had been vir- cially on Oahu, causedextensive damage. In tually unseen for all, wetlands remained well watered through many years. One was February. at Kii Pond, O., Dec. 14 and three were on ALBATROSSES THROUGH EGRETS -- Sand 1., Mi., Nov. As has been the casefor severalyears, a single 28-Dec.11(GG,EKn, •'Z•"• Short-tailed Albatross was presentthis season MN). Two Garganeys on Midway Atoll. More excitingwas another were at Waipio, O., in mid-January at Tern 1., F.F.S. (SS,RS). Nov. 4 & Dec. 2 The fledgling Laysan Albatross colonies on (MO,RLP et al.). A Kauai 1. are falling on bad times becauseof a ct Eur. Green-winged Teal was present Feb. Feb. 5 & 14 (GG). A Whimbrel at Bellows Air lack of protection. As many as 20 adultswere 21 with two drakes of the American race at Force Base, O., enlivened a rather dull shore- at Kilauea and perhaps another 20 at Barking Midway 1. (GG), for one of the very few bird season when it turned up Feb. 7 (PB). Sands; three eggswere produced at each site. records for the islands. European Wigeons An extremely rare Spotted (Common?) Sand- But in 5 of the 6 cases, either the adult or the are very rare, so one at Waipio, O., Nov. piper remained through the seasonat Tern 1., eggs were eaten by dogs. The sixth hatched, 4-Dec. 2 (RLP,MO), and four good drakes Mi. (VB,TT,RS,SS). Ruffs are beginning to but died of unknown causes(VB,TT). Fish Jan. 19 (DS) at Kii Pond, O., were a surprise. be quite regular, with two and three present and Wildlife officials and the Nature Conser- The Kii birds were last seen Feb. 24 (RLP). al Waipio, O., for most of the season vancy are working toward establishinga ref- Tufted Ducks have been reported only about (PD,CJR,CPR,RLP et aL), and another at uge in the areas, but have been frustrated by half a dozen times in the state, so two drakes Waimea, K., Dec. 17 (DS). Glaucous Gulls local interests.The vagrant Cattle Egret, first and probably two more hens at Kii Pond are extremely rare in Hawaii. However, one seen on Sand I., Mid' last March was still (DS,RLP) Dec. 8-14 were an outstanding was seen Jan. 11 & 18 at Tern [., F.F.S. there alive and healthy Feb. I (GG). event. A single Hooded Merganser was also (VB,TT,SS,RS), another at Paiko Lagoon, there Dec. 8 (MO,EKr) & 14 (DS). A (Whist- O., Feb. 18 through the season (DS et aL), BRANT THROUGH SWANS -- The ling?) Swan was seenalive on Sand 1., Mi., and still another was found dead Mar. I at (Black) Brant, despiteits affection for marine Nov. 7, but the bird died, and its carcasswas Puupehe Cove, Lanai (PC). A Glaucous- environments,is extremelyrare in the islands. found Dec. 22. At the U.S. Nat. Mus. it winged Gull was well describedfrom Barking One was seen Dec. 8 (MO,RLP), and a pair awaits final speciesconfirmation for the first Sands, K., Feb. I (TT,VB). Another was at remained Dec. 14 through at least Feb. 24, at record for the islands, whatever the species. Sand 1., Mi., Feb. I & 10 (GG). A Laughing Kii Pond, O. (DS,H.A.S.,GC et al.). An- Gull is rarely well-documentedon the islands, other individual was at Lihue, Kauai Dec. 15 FALCONS THROUGH TERNS -- A thus it was good to have excellent photo- (fide VB). There is alwaysdebate when an ob- well-describedPeregrine Falcon was mobbed graphs of one near Hanamaulu, K., Dec. 15 server in Hawaii sees a Mallard. Is it wild or by many White Terns and White-capped (J&OM). The Caspian Tern continued to an escape?It was comforting to know that at Noddies Jan. 16 at Tern 1., F.F.S. Another grace Oahu at Kaneohe, as it was seen least someprobably reachthe islandson their large hawk, probably the same bird, was seen through the season (PD,DS,JS et aLL

Volume34, Number 3 309 AUCKLETS THROUGH BUNTINGS -- SoAo Kauai Is., (M.) Maui Is., (Mi.) Midway Atoll, The Parakeet Auklet first and last occurred in Passerinesfrom the n. are very rare in (O.) Oahu Is., and (F.F.S.} French Frigate a "wreck" during the winter of 1962-63. This Hawaii, and interestinglyenough the only Shoals. season three individuals were found dead on records are from the Northwest Is., where the beach at Midway Feb. 5-6 & 15 (GG,HR, habitat is scarce and the birds more obvi- CONTRIBUTORS -- Phil Bruner, Vernon TP). The regular occurrenceof Short-eared ous. This season,a Snow Bunting turned Byrd, George Campbell, Peter Connally, Owls in the n.w. islands during winter, such up at Tern I., FFS, Nov. 9-15 (VB,TT, Peter Donaldson, Gilbert Grant, Charles as the four + Feb. 11 & 21 at Midway (GG), RS,SS), for probably the fourth state Harrison, Hawaii Audubon Society lends credence to the thought that the gene record. Many such immigrations must (H.A.S.), Eric Knudtson (EKn), Eugene pool of the native race (the Pueo) may well be have occurred in the past, some being suc- Kridler (EKr), Jyrki & Outi Muona, Maura continually diluted by Asiatic and North cessful. It is amazing that more did no! Naughton, Mike Ord, Ted Petit, Hermann American migrants. A Belted Kingfisher, the take hold, as our native passefine avi- Rahn, Carol P. Ralph, Robert Schulmeister, first record for Maui I., was seen offshore fauna is apparently the result of relatively Susan Schulmeister, J. Schrader, Dan Snider, fishing in the waters of Hana Bay Feb. 3 few successful colonizations, probably Bernice Tannenbaum, Tom Telfer, and Karl (BT,CH). The Warbling Silverbill apparently fewer than five. Weber.--C. JOHN RALPH, U.S. Forest continues its spread on the island of Hawaii Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, as one was seen at Bird Park in Hawaii I151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, H! 96813 Volcanoes Nat'l P., Dec. 15 (KW). ISLAND ABBREVIATIONS -- (K.) and ROBERT L. PYLE, 741 N. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua, HI 96734.

IDISTlIBUTION. I DENI'I FICAiF

The Greenland Wheatear {Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa) in North America Bertel Bruun

HILETAKING A CASUALstroll kindly suppliedme, refer to this behav- for the female, whereas the Greenland through my bay-side garden in ior: "First recorded 4 Nov. 1962 at Mal- Wheatear measures 99-110 mm (male) Westhampton, New York, before the in- pals,Cura•cao when a solitaryand rather and 96-105.5 mm (female) (Svensson evitable departure for New York City on tame bird carefully avoided being cap- 1975). The Greenland Wheatear is also Sunday, October 16, 1977, I came upon tured and ringed by repeatedly perching relatively long-legged, the tarsus mea- a Wheatear. During the next hour I had on top of a mist net rather than flying in- suring 27-33 mm, whereas that of the ample opportunity to watch it closely to the net (P. A. van der Wer0. Another nominate race measures 25-27 mm and photograph it, both as it sought bird was seenand photographed18 Dec. (Witherby 1943). food on the rough lawn and flew about 1975 on a horizontal branch of a Wabi Because of the brown rather than avoiding my approaches. The bird was tree (Acacia tortuosa) at Amboina Plan- black lores and ear coverts and the not observed during the week, but was tation, Bonaire, N.W.I. (Brother Can- creamy-white rather than white eye- present again on the following weekend, didus)." stripe, the Westhampton bird could be October 22 and 23. It was not seenagain In the hand, wing measurementspro- identified as either a female or an imma- after the latter date. vide the best guide to the subspecies.The ture. As the inside of the mandible, Being familiar with both the Green- measurements for the nominate race are which is yellow in the immature, black in land Wheatear (Oenanthe oenantheleu- 92-100 mm for the male and 90-96 mm the adult (Svensson1975) was not seen, corrhoa) from Iceland, and the nominate race (0. o. oenanthe) from Europe, it was clear that the Westhampton bird belongedto the former subspecies.It appeared quite large, the breast was rather deeply colored, and the stancewas more upright than that of the continental race. Furthermore, it had the habit of frequently perching on houses, fences and bushes as well as on other rather tall structures in the area. The nominate race only rarely exhibits this peculiarity and prefers to perch closer to or on the ground. The Greenland Wheatear apparently showsthis behavioronly during migration (Witherby 1945). Interestingly enough, both the records from the Car- Map 1. Breedingdistribution of GreenlandWheatear (P.L leucorrhoa)after Godfrey1966 and ibbean, with which Dr. K. H. Voous Salomonsen 1974.

310 AmericanBirds, May 1980