count in a decade. Eastern Screech-Owls had their second best count in 20 years—kudos to Rathbun for locating 19. Northern Saw-whet Owls had their best year ever. Belted Kingfishers had their best count in five seasons. After an excep- tional count last year, Red-headed Woodpecker numbers fell well below their 10-year average. Pileated Woodpeckers set a new high. Northern Shrikes were at near record numbers. Probably due to a lack of snow cover, Horned Larks were hard to find. Red- Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) female, Kansas City, Missouri. Photo/Mike Stoakes breasted Nuthatches were uncommon also. Brown Creepers and Winter Wrens A Black-legged Kittiwake at Maryville There were no reports of Greater Prairie- were in very good numbers. Ruby- and a Common Ground-Dove at Chicken, Northern Goshawk, Greater crowned Kinglets were on four counts. Weldon Spring represent first Missouri Roadrunner, or Snow Bunting. Bald It was an average year for thrushes. CBC records. Several other species were Eagles (878) and Eastern Bluebirds (2533) Mockingbirds were at Green Island and only observed on only one count: Long- were seen on all 24 counts. Winter erratic Burlington. Brown Thrashers were at tailed Duck (2, Kansas City), Eared occurred in low numbers. The Dallas County and Burlington. No cat- Grebe (1, Horton-Four Rivers), Black- only report of Red-breasted Nuthatch were found. crowned Night-Heron (1, Columbia), was five at Knob Noster. A total of 910 Spotted Towhees were at Sioux City, Prairie Falcon (1, Horton-Four Rivers), Lapland Longspurs were reported from DeSoto N.W.R., and Shenandoah. Virginia Rail (1, Columbia), Least eight counts and 39 Pine Siskins on three Eastern Towhees were at Decorah and Sandpiper (1, Columbia), Franklin’s counts. Introduced Trumpeter Swans Davenport. American Tree Sparrows Gull (1, Mingo), Fish Crow (1, Mingo), occurred on six counts (500 birds) and were abundant. Savannah Sparrows were Tree Swallow (1, Mingo), Sedge Wren Eurasian Collared-Doves occurred on at record numbers. Lapland Longspurs (1, Cole Camp Prairies), Pine Warblers 15 counts (153 birds). were below average, while Snow (1, Mingo), Vesper Sparrow (1, Jefferson Six counts recorded 90 or more Buntings were their lowest in a decade. City), Rose-breasted (1, species, with 104 at Columbia. A record Red-winged Blackbirds rebounded from Grand River), and Baltimore Oriole (1, 463 observers were in the field, with 22 a 20-year low to their best in five. No Columbia). watching feeders. Brewer’s Blackbirds were reported. Pine High numbers of birds include 24300 Siskin and American Goldfinch Greater White-fronted Goose (11 Count circles in numbers were up slightly. A lone counts), 928,000 Snow Geese (12 MISSOURI Common Redpoll was at Davenport. counts), 446 American White Pelican Eurasian Tree Sparrows were again at (423 at Confluence), 234 Red-shoul- record numbers and continue their dered Hawks (20 counts), 55 Rough- expansion. New to the Cedar Rapids legged Hawks (11 counts), seven count, 29 were found there this season. Sandhill Cranes (2 counts), four Snowy Owls (2 counts), 523 American Pipits (4 MISSOURI counts), 800 Savannah Sparrows (18 Randy L. Korotev counts), 176 Western Meadowlarks (8 800 Oakbrook Lane counts), and 3.5 million Common Saint Louis, MO 63132-4807 Grackles (Columbia). Red-tail and [email protected] kestrel numbers were typical. Only 11 Missouri recorded 24 CBCs this Loggerhead and three Northern Shrikes season, down three from recent years. were reported. Species occurring in sub- The average temperature was 40 degrees stantially lower-than usual numbers Fahrenheit (range: 22 to 60) and there include Northern Bobwhite, Northern was no snow anywhere. In total, 152 Flicker, Blue Jay, Horned Lark, Song species were observed. Sparrow, and White-throated Sparrow.

THE 112TH CHRISTMAS COUNT AMERICAN BIRDS 81 ARKANSAS of 113 and 73, respectively. Bayou (Fayetteville); Red-necked Grebe, Leif Anderson DeView had the most new or unusual “Krider’s” Red-tailed Hawk, Golden P.O. Box 195 species (11) and Holla Bend N.W.R. Eagle, and “Red-shafted” Flicker (Holla Hector, AR 72843 and Wapanocca tied with the most new Bend N.W.R.); Forster’s Tern [email protected] high counts (9). The numbers for the (Jonesboro); Western Grebe, American The 112th CBC in Arkansas was a following bird highlights are normalized Bittern, Red-cockaded Woodpecker and nice year for counting—only 4 percent by party hours. In broad groups, geese White-eyed Vireo (Lake Pacific- of the counts had winds exceeding 15 were 685 percent above average (because Felsenthal N.W.R.); Mute Swan and miles per hour, 13 percent had light of Snow Geese) and semi-hardy water- Rufous Hummingbird (Little Rock) rain, and 13 percent had partly frozen birds 189 percent. Blackbirds were -98 Peregrine Falcon and “Oregon” Junco water. Temperatures ranged from the percent below average (third year in a (Lonoke); Red-breasted Merganser and 20s to 70s. Two major local influences row) and frugivores were -97 percent Sora (Pine Bluff); and Black-crowned were extreme drought on 9 percent of below average. Night-Heron, White Ibis, and Great- the counts and extreme flooding on 9 Of note this season for individual tailed Grackle (Texarkana). And the percent of the counts. The generally species, no regularly occurring species bird-of-the-year was the first Arkansas pleasant conditions resulted in the were “missed.” Setting new 59-year CBC record of an adult Blue Grosbeak number of species, miles, and hours highs were Greater White-fronted at Wapanocca N.W.R. remaining near normal, with parties and Goose, Snow Goose, Gadwall, Northern And it can never be said frequently observers setting 59-year highs. Number Shoveler, Pied-billed Grebe, Killdeer, enough—all the compilers and volun- of individuals (878,024) was 94 percent Spotted Sandpiper, Eurasian Collared- teers deserve a big “thank you” for your below average because of reduced black- Dove, and Eastern Phoebe. Other highs hard work! bird numbers. included Gadwall (708 percent), All told, 23 counts were submitted; Northern Shoveler (863 percent), LOUISIANA 11 counts had more than 90 species, Northern Pintail (611 percent), Ring- Erik I. Johnson including Holla Bend N.W.R. with the necked Duck (502 percent), Pied-billed National Audubon Society species high of 119. Grebe (345 percent), Killdeer (296 6160 Perkins Road, Suite 130 State Park was run for the first year, sam- percent), Spotted Sandpiper (426 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 pling the unique of Crowley’s percent), Eurasian Collared-Dove (115 [email protected] Ridge. Two counts, Bayou DeView and percent), and Eastern Phoebe (230 During the 112th CBC, 409 Mountain Home, set new species highs percent). observers and 57 feederwatchers spent Meanwhile, 59-year lows were set by 1741 party hours covering 24 counts in Count circles in Northern Bobwhite. Other lows Louisiana. A total of 262 species and an ARKANSAS included Mallard (-58 percent), Wild additional 2 count week species were Turkey (-66 percent), Northern found—the largest list since before the Bobwhite (-95 percent), Loggerhead 2005 hurricanes (“Katrina” and “Rita”) Shrike (-76 percent), Bewick’s Wren (- despite worsening recent droughts. This 74 percent), American Robin (-92 winter will be forever remembered as the percent), European Starling (-97 winter of the Green-tailed Towhee; percent), Harris’s Sparrow (-87 percent), across nine counts 15 individuals were Red-winged Blackbird (-99 percent), found, which is not bad considering Rusty Blackbird (-98 percent), there have been fewer than 10 records Common Grackle (-99 percent), ever for the Bayou State. Brown-headed Cowbird (-97 percent), The Sabine count again tallied the Purple (-87 percent), Pine Siskin largest species count in the state with (-91 percent), and House Sparrow (-77 171 species and is still climbing toward percent). pre-Hurricane Rita/Ike levels. A new Species found only on one count count this year, White Lake, pulled in a included Long-tailed Duck respectable 158 species and turned up (Arkadelphia); American Black Duck, Louisiana’s first Prairie Falcon. Solitary, Semipalmated, Western and Lacassine N.W.R.-Thornwell had the Stilt sandpipers, and Dunlin (Bayou highest inland count with 162 species, DeView); Cackling Goose and White- while Baton Rouge and Crowley tied for winged Scoter (Conway); Inca Dove the highest non-tidewater counts with

82 AMERICAN BIRDS 145 species each. Around Lake participants entertained included a NORTH DAKOTA/SOUTH DAKOTA/ Pontchartrain, Reserve with 144 species Parasitic Jaeger, three Swainson’s NEBRASKA/KANSAS/OKLAHOMA just topped New Orleans with 142. In Hawks, two Burrowing Owls, and Sebastian T. Patti north Louisiana, Natchitoches with 128 three Western Tanagers. Six Say’s 552 W. Belden Avenue species upped Bossier-Caddo-Bienville Phoebes adds to only 11 total previous Chicago, ILLINOIS 60614-3354 with 127 species. records, nine of these since 2000, sug- [email protected] Several raptors had abundances at least gesting a pattern of increasing vagrancy The winter of 2011–2012 will cer- 1.5 times more than the recent 10-year to Louisiana. Vermilion Flycatchers tainly go down in the weather annals as average: Northern Harrier, Sharp- were also well represented with 30 indi- one of the mildest on record; in fact, the shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and viduals found, just shy of the previous fall was extremely mild as well. The American Kestrel. Loggerhead Shrike, a high count of 31 in 2002. Only 13 moderate temperatures in the central species that has declined by 66 percent warbler species were found this winter, plains states were accompanied by little since 1992, had its best showing in 10 but included a Black-throated Gray or no snow or rain. Unfortunately, years. It was also a banner winter year for Warbler at Sweet Lake-Cameron throughout much of the region, this lack some winter hummingbirds like Rufous Prairie N.W.R. In contrast, sparrows of precipitation has now been translated with 158 counted, Calliope and Broad- were well represented, with eight Clay- into a profound drought. As a result of tailed with eight each, and Allen’s colored Sparrows and 10 Smith’s the mild winter conditions, however, Hummingbird with six. The only Longspurs among the highlights. this season birders were not only birding Anna’s Hummingbird was found in Wintering hold-over shorebirds were in balmy temperatures and in short Baton Rouge. In contrast, many water- also notable with a well-documented sleeves, but their access to all areas of fowl counts were less than half of the pre- Semipalmated Sandpiper during the nearly every count circle in the region vious 10-year birds/party hour average, Sabine count representing one of few was also unrestricted. I can point to no possibly related to recent droughts. Even confirmed winter records for the U.S. A better measure of the mildness of this so, eight Fulvous Whistling-Ducks, one count week Pectoral Sandpiper from season than to note that both North Cinnamon Teal, and two White- Reserve and seven Wilson’s Phalaropes Dakota and South Dakota set new CBC winged Scoters were found. Last winter, from two counts are also quite unusual. species high counts this past season! Rusty Blackbirds were seemingly every- After being absent the last three of four Possibly counterintuitive given the mild where, but their numbers this year were winters, 21 Red Knots were found at weather, however, this was a banner back to recent lows. Grand Isle, but this is a far cry from invasion year for Snowy Owls through- A Scott’s Oriole visiting a Baton counts exceeding 200 birds in the out the Midwest, and many counts Rouge homeowner’s hummingbird 1980s. reported multiple individuals. feeder, a Western Grebe found on the Thanks to all who participated in North Dakota birders completed 20 Shreveport count, and a Rough-legged counts and submitted data. Your hard counts. The 66 species recorded on the Hawk found during the Natchitoches work provides valuable insights into Garrison Dam count established a count were among the most exceptional population trends for many species that record high species CBC count for the vagrants. Other highlights that kept would otherwise go unmonitored. state, and a new count was initiated and completed at Ft. Union-Yellowstone & Missouri Rivers Confluence Area. Garrison Dam participants recorded a number of rare and uncommon species, and both Ross’s Goose and Wood Duck were recorded on that count for the first time; the count tallied 16 waterfowl species, as well as seven gull species (including Lesser Black-backed), and Killdeer was a nice find as well. Elsewhere around the state, this was a fantastic year for Snowy Owls with 19 of the 20 counts reporting the species. The Count circles in Long Lake CBC was treated to six indi- LOUISIANA viduals on count day! Speaking of owls, seven counts also reported Northern Saw-whets this year. Other interesting

THE 112TH CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT AMERICAN BIRDS 83 species reported statewide were only found on four counts this year. respectively. It was, however, Lake Common Raven at Denbigh, Wood Finally, some of the western/montane McConaughy that reported some really Duck at Fargo-Moorhead, Eastern specialty species were reported as follows: nice finds including 23 waterfowl and Towhee at Grand Forks-East Grand Piedmont birders found Gray and four grebe species, plus eight gull species Forks, and Pine Grosbeak at Icelandic Pinyon jays, Pygmy Nuthatch, and including three Mews, but Dunlin was S.P. The only Gyrfalcons were spotted at Canyon Wren; Rapid City reported Gray probably the best find of the day. Arrowwood N.W.R., Garrison Dam, Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, Canyon Wren, Elsewhere, American White Pelicans lin- Lostwood, and Upper Souris N.W.R. and American Dipper (cw); and gered late enough to be seen at both Bohemian Waxwings flocks were few Spearfish reported Lewis’s Woodpecker, Ames and Lake McConaughy, and and far-between, and were only found at Canyon Wren, and American Dipper. Trumpeter Swans were reported from Garrison Dam, Icelandic S.P., and Nebraska CBCers completed and Calamus-Loup, Lake McConaughy, and Jamestown. Purple were scat- submitted 12 counts this past season, Norfolk. Common Redpolls were only tered around the state and seen on 12 and Lake McConaughy took first place found in Crawford and North Platte, counts, and redpolls were moderately prize honors with 103 species reported while Purple Finches were sprinkled well-represented, though Hoaries were on count day, while rivals Omaha and around the state and noted on seven only found at Denbigh, Des Lacs Lincoln tallied 70 and 69 species, counts. Finally, the Snowy Owl invasion N.W.R., Lostwood, and at Upper Souris N.W.R. South Dakota observers submitted 17 counts this past season, and the 85 species reported on count day at Pierre established a new CBC species count high for the state! Rapid City birders scored a far-distant second place in the high species count race this year with 57 species. Ten of the 17 counts reported Snowy Owls with both Lake Andes and Sand Lake N.W.R. tallying nine birds each on count day! (Whatever the correct collective noun, nine birds surely is large enough to qualify as a parliament Count circles in of Snowy Owls, I would think!). NORTH DAKOTA/SOUTH DAKOTA/ Northern Saw-whets were reported from NEBRASKA/KANSAS/OKLAHOMA Bison, Brookings, and Pierre, and among the record number of species reported from Pierre were 21 waterfowl species and the state’s only Gyrfalcon this year. Rapid City’s Harlequin Duck, found on Canyon Lake, was a real treat and new for that count; the female bird cooper- ated and was observed several days. Speaking of waterfowl, Yankton reported a swan sp. and a small flock of seven Long-tailed Ducks. This was not an especially eventful year for irruptive species, however; the only Bohemian Waxwing (one bird) was reported from Shadehill, and the only Evening were seen at Sturgis. Red Crossbills were observed at Brookings, Piedmont, and Sturgis, while Brookings and Sioux Falls birders located White-wingeds. Purple Finches were

84 AMERICAN BIRDS quality for each count, but it also makes my job as regional editor that much easier. Additionally, I find information containing interesting historical, weather, or contextual count informa- tion to be especially helpful; thanks for passing this information along. As always, thank you!

TEXAS Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis), Yankton, South Dakota. Photo/Roger Dietrich Brent Ortego Parks and Wildlife Department extended to Nebraska, but not as dra- five counts equaling or breaking the 2805 N. Navarro, Suite 600B matically as in the Dakotas: Calamus- century mark: Tishomingo N.W.R. with Victoria, TX 77901 Loup, Lake McConaughy, and North 125, Oklahoma City with 121, Norman [email protected] Platte each reported single birds on and Tulsa both with 113, and Wichita Manx Shearwater at Matagorda count day. Mountains W.R. with 100. Some of the County, Black-vented Oriole and Kansans completed 23 CBCs this past more interesting bird species reported on Blue Bunting at Anzalduas-Bentsen, season; Udall-Winfield reported the this year’s count included: four American Golden-crowned Warbler and Rose- most species seen at 106, and Lawrence Woodcocks at Broken Bow; Trumpeter throated Becard at Weslaco, Crimson- took second place with a very Swan, Black Vulture (out-of-range), and collared Grosbeak at Brownsville, Little respectable 100. Trumpeter Swans have Sprague’s Pipit at Norman; Western Gull at Port Aransas and Lake Ray become increasingly common in the last Grebe and Thayer’s and Lesser Black- Hubbard, Hepatic Tanager at Victoria, decade with reports this year from backed gulls at Oklahoma City; and American Golden-Plover at San Baldwin City, Lawrence (cw), Sprague’s Pipit at Sooner Lake. Also seen Bernard and Red-throated Loon at Oskaloosa-Perry Lake, Parsons, and Red and reported were: a Sedge Wren at Lake Tawakoni. These were the headlin- Hills, while Oskaloosa-Perry Lake and Stillwater; a Common Yellowthroat at ers in a season whose landscape was Udall-Winfield reported Tundra Swans. Spavinaw; an ibis (Plegadis), sp. Say’s dominated by exceptional drought A statewide survey can quickly detail Phoebe, Common Yellowthroat, and throughout Texas along with more than some of the better sightings: Cimarron most unexpectedly, a Green-tailed four million acres of wildfires. In all, N.G. had Ladder-backed Woodpecker Towhee at Tishomingo N.W.R. At 2838 birders on 109 Christmas Bird (cw), Western Scrub-Jay, Common Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, birders Counts (CBCs) produced 377 species Raven, Sage Thrasher, and Lark reported both Trumpeter and Tundra and 11 additional infraspecific forms, Bunting; Halstead-Newton had Black- swans and Sprague’s Pipit, Tulsa which is the lowest species tally in my six crowned Night-Heron; Quivira N.W.R. observers found Western Grebe and a far years as editor. Thirteen species were reported Virginia Rail and Sandhill out-of-range Lesser Goldfinch, while at deleted that were not supported with Crane; Red Hills reported Rufous- Washita N.W.R. birders reported yet satisfactory documentation. A total of crowned Sparrow; Scott Lake had another Tundra Swan. Finally, a survey of 113 species were missed that were Virginia Rail; Salina reported Red lingering/late waders will, I think, under- reported during the last 10 CBC Crossbill (cw); Udall-Winfield hosted a score the truly mild nature of the winter seasons. Party hours declined by 4 late Dunlin; and Wichita birders found just passed. Killdeer were found on 12 of percent, but birder numbers increased Long-tailed Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, the 18 counts, Greater Yellowlegs were by 3 percent. We welcome new CBCs: and Least Sandpiper. Waconda Lake and noted on 10 counts, while Lessers were Lost Pines near Austin, and Pineywoods Webster Reservoir both reported found on two (Tishomingo N.W.R. and at Lake Livingston. Thayer’s and Glaucous gulls, plus they Wichita Mountains W.R.), Least Matagorda County was Number One both reported the state’s only Snowy Sandpipers were found on seven counts, in the Nation with 244 species, and Owls this season, though Webster’s was Wilson’s Snipe on eight, and as previ- Guadalupe River Delta was second with count week only. Last, but certainly not ously noted Broken Bow found four 225 species. Freeport had 199, San least, Wilson Reservoir participants woodcocks. Bernard 196, and, amazingly, Weslaco found Long-tailed Duck, Pacific Loon, In closing, let me acknowledge the 195. Weslaco is about 45 miles inland Virginia Rail, and Sandhill Crane. hard work of all compilers in editing with a previous high tally of 178. This is Oklahoma birders completed and sub- their counts. This dedication not only the highest species count for an inland mitted 18 counts this winter season with ensures the highest data accuracy and CBC in Texas. Corpus Christi–Flour

THE 112TH CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT AMERICAN BIRDS 85 Bluff had 184, Bolivar Peninsula and appearance on a CBC this decade and for the decade was an American Corpus Christi had 183, Port Aransas was first sighted on 17 Dec and stayed Golden-Plover found on the San had a record 178, Anzalduas 173, through the winter; Ira Sanders pho- Bernard CBC by Jennifer Sanchez and Rockport 172, and 15 additional CBCs tographed it on the Weslaco CBC. Phil Huxford. In its fifth year in a row, the with at least 150 species. Bill Graber Another cooperative bird was the Rose- Red-throated Loon is starting to become compiled Bolivar Peninsula for his 50th throated Becard, which arrived in a regular at the Lake Tawakoni CBC. year, which is a remarkable feat. November for the winter. It was the One exciting aspect of participating in The Manx Shearwater is mostly a fourth Texas CBC record this decade CBCs is finding the only species for a pelagic seabird of the Atlantic Ocean. It and was photographed by Kyle O’Haver. count and maybe for the state. There is not expected near Texas with the rela- The Crimson-collared Grosbeak was were many “exclusives” this season. tively shallow edge of the Gulf of reported at several Valley locals during Texas had many instances where only Mexico. Petra Hockey spotted one while the winter, but only on the Brownsville one individual was found, but it is still doing her Sea Watch for the Matagorda CBC for the fourth CBC record this amazing when you think about it: 2838 County CBC. The shearwater was being decade. The Little Gull made its third birder days in the field and they only pushed by strong onshore winds and appearance on Texas CBCs this decade. found one individual of a species. This flew along the beach. The Black-vented Two were found on the Port Aransas was repeated 30 times for the season. Oriole returned to Anzalduas-Bentsen CBC, which was very atypical since Eleven other exclusives were reported for the second winter on 13 October most reports traditionally are away from that were more numerous. and stayed throughout the season in the the Gulf Coast, and another bird was The coastal CBCs above the Valley state park. Blue Buntings were reported found at Lake Ray Hubbard CBC. New have the most people, CBCs, species, at a number of Lower Rio Grande Valley for Texas CBCs this decade was a and exclusives in Texas. Guadalupe hotspots during winter, but only one Hepatic Tanager on the Victoria CBC River Delta had more exclusives than was found on a CBC. The Golden- found by David and Mark Elwonger on the other CBCs. It had the only Yellow- crowned Warbler made its second a TOS sanctuary. Another new species throated Vireo, Wood Thrush, Tropical

Count circles in TEXAS

86 AMERICAN BIRDS inches of rain before the CBC season, which filled many wetlands, and in 2011 all shallow non-tidal wetlands were dry and bay salinities were at full sea strength. This influenced Texas CBCs to report 26 percent infraspecific forms as above average, and 22 percent below average this season. Compared to last season with average rainfall, they reported 30 percent of species increasing and 4 percent decreasing, with 24 percent increasers and 14 percent decreasers in the preceding season’s severe drought. Brown Jay (Psilorhinus morio), Falcon Dam and S.P., Texas. Photo/Brandon K. Percival With a high percent of Texas winter birds originating from more northern Parula, American Redstart, and Rose- Lake Tawakoni has developed its own states and , which had an above breasted Grosbeak. Matagorda County set of rarities with the only Red-throated average rainfall year, this made for a was productive with the only Black Loons and Smith’s Longspurs this season. complicated mix of above average Scoters, Manx Shearwater, and Broad- Spring Creek produced its traditional numbers of migrants. These migrants winged Hawk. Attwater’s had the only Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and Muleshoe were produced under good nesting con- Attwater’s Greater Prairie-Chicken, San produced the only Cassin’s Finch. ditions and they arrived on parched win- Bernard had an American Golden- What about the rare species we tering grounds. The results were that Plover, Kenedy County had Least Terns, expected to locate, but missed this ducks, loons, grebes, pelicans, raptors, Freeport a repeat Eastern Whip-poor- season? There were only 13 species plovers, shorebirds, terns, doves, will from last season, Bolivar Peninsula missed that are typically reported on 70 hummers, and orioles were generally had a Prairie Warbler, Brazos Bend a percent of the seasons ; Long-tailed Duck, above average (deep water sites that did Louisiana Waterthrush, and Victoria Purple Gallinule, Wilson’s Phalarope, not dry out held many ducks). Raptor had a far out of range Hepatic Tanager. Groove-billed Ani, Ferruginous Pygmy- numbers were extremely high in coastal The Lower Rio Grande Valley pro- Owl, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Great counties; many deaths were related to duced the exciting tropical rarities. Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, vehicle collisions while birds foraged Anzalduas-Bentsen had the only Hook- Northern Shrike, Plumbeous Vireo, along highways. The drought dried all billed Kite, Blue Bunting, Black-headed Tennessee Warbler, Prothonotary shallow wetlands and reduced the avail- Grosbeak, and Black-vented Oriole. Warbler, and Baltimore Oriole. ability of irrigation water, which is nor- Weslaco had its own special rarities with I review population trends of species mally sold to duck hunting clubs. The the only Rose-throated Becard, Bank reported each season by comparing the drought also lowered the water levels of Swallows, Cliff Swallows, and Golden- results of the season for each species to some normally deep lakes to optimum crowned Warbler. Falcon Dam had the the average number reported for the pre- depths of many waterbirds. The result of only native Muscovy Ducks, Red-billed vious 10 years. I view a population as this situation was high numbers of Pigeon, and Brown Jay, and Brownsville changed if it varies from the average of a shorebirds on the Guadalupe River the only Crimson-collared Grosbeak. species greater than one standard devia- Delta CBC. On the other extreme, the Our western CBCs had their own set tion; i.e., White-fronted Goose 10-year Kenedy County CBC waterfowl of unique species. Davis Mountains had average = 27,158, standard deviation = numbers dropped from 110,000 last the most of these with the only 13,000, this season = 11,652 = popula- season to 8000 this season when salini- Montezuma Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, tion decrease. ties in the Laguna Madre rose from 22 and Western Screech-Owl. Lubbock had Most of Texas only received one-third to 55 parts per thousand (35 is sea the only Ring-necked Pheasants, of its normal rainfall in 2011. The pre- strength) during the drought. McNary the only California Gull, El ceding year was about average and the Herons, egrets, rails, flycatchers, vireos, Paso the only Glaucous Gull, Big Bend year before that was another severe swallows, titmice, wrens, gnatcatchers, N. P. the only Gray Flycatcher, Chisos drought that covered about three- and warblers were generally lower in Mountains the only Mexican Jays, and fourths of the state. The difference in number than average. Parched marshes the Guadalupe Mountains had the only 2009 to the worst drought of this past created very poor winter conditions for Juniper Titmouse. season was that the coast received 10 many wetland birds. Dry pastures

THE 112TH CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT AMERICAN BIRDS 87 resulted in record lows of Cattle Egrets The 240 White-eyed Vireos were 50 with a number of CBCs missing them percent lower than the smallest tally this for the first time in their history. past decade. , which is also a Drought created dismal conditions for good winter ground for this species, had insectivores. Populations were generally a normal year by reporting 758. Texas suppressed and a number of normally reported 746 last season while Florida expected species were absent. 727. The decline in Texas did not appear Brief summaries from Special Aspects to be part of a continental change. reports are provided here to characterize The 1555 Tree Swallows reported this conditions as described by compilers: season was the second lowest for the Tropical Parula (Setophaga pitiayumi), Panhandle region had very dry range decade while Florida, which is an impor- Weslaco, Texas. Photo/Brandon K. Percival land practically devoid of birdlife with tant wintering area for this species, had many area lakes dry, but some drying about 1,800,000. Texas reported 5263 of Texas appear to be higher than normal. lakes created unusual waterbird situa- last season and Florida 1,205,611. Low High numbers in Texas appear related tions. The Trans Pecos region was numbers in Texas did not appear to be to an overall population increase. severely impacted by drought and wild- part of a broader trend. Warblers occurred in relatively low fires causing low populations. The The 151 Green-tailed Towhees diversity with only 21 species reported, Rolling Plains region had an invasion of reported were 50 percent higher than its which is seven below the record posted western and southwestern species that previous highest tally for the decade. during the 103rd CBC season. might have been influenced by drought The 15 CBCs that had unusually high Guadalupe River Delta had the most and fires in those areas. Some CBCs had numbers of this species were mostly near species with 13. This was followed by 12 little or no water. The Edwards Plateau the Gulf Coast, and seven CBCs experi- at both Matagorda County and Weslaco. region reported western birds pushed encing unusually low numbers were This was not an “irruptive” year for into area because of drought and fires. from far West Texas in the Trans Pecos. northern seedeaters. There were no The Post Savannah region reported The normal South Texas winter areas crossbills or western jays. Purple Finch, northern portion received fall rains had normal numbers. Numbers to the Pine Siskin, and American Goldfinch which helped increase waterfowl counts, west of Texas were also reported lower occurred in normal numbers. Sage but insectivorous birds were scarce. The than normal. There was a similar east- Thrasher occurred in above-average Pineywoods region had mixed results ward movement of this species in Texas numbers, and Mountain Bluebirds from drought and fires. The Coastal during the 80th CBC season, but occurred farther east than normal, but Prairie and Marshes region had one weather conditions were not discussed the total for Texas was in its normal CBC with 30 percent of area burned. in that Texas CBC report. range. Dry wetlands prevailed throughout and The 897 Spotted Towhees reported Species tallies at Matagorda County, there was an invasion by western species were 60 percent higher than the previ- Guadalupe River Delta, and Weslaco and raptors. The drought appeared to ous high tally this decade, and the were much higher than expected, while suppress some bird numbers. The South second highest tally ever in Texas. The most other CBCs reported more modest Texas brushlands reported high salinities record count occurred during another numbers for their area. The combina- in bays with some CBCs having high drought. Twenty-five CBCs had unusu- tion of an eastern dispersal of western species diversity, especially Weslaco and ally high numbers this season with most species and lingering migrants con- Corpus Christi–Flour Bluff. of those in the Edwards Plateau and tributed to their success. The extreme Data were examined for select species Coastal Prairie. Seven had unusually low drought in Texas, the above average pre- to determine if observed species popula- numbers and were from western Texas, cipitation in Canada and northern states tions were more the result of the Texas but not all of the West Texas CBCs had appeared to have some affects on popu- situations or broader continental events. below-average numbers. lations. However, they could not be used The 4511 Red-tailed Hawks were 12 The 1178 Lincoln’s Sparrow reported to explain all seasonal changes and there percent above the highest tally for the was the lowest tally since the 70th likely were several other factors influenc- decade in Texas, and the United States season. No CBC had an unusually high ing populations. reported about 58,000 this season. Texas number. Numbers outside of Texas The most common species this season reported 3813 last season while the appear lower than normal. were Red-tailed Hawk and Mourning United States had about 65,000. Thus, The 5409 Harris’s Sparrows reported Dove, tallied on 106 of the 109 CBCs. the continental population appeared to were twice as high as the previous record American Kestrel and House Sparrow decline while record numbers were this decade, and no Texas CBC had an occurred on 104, and Northern being reported across Texas. unusually low number. Numbers outside Mockingbird and Northern Cardinal 103.

88 AMERICAN BIRDS In closing, I would like to thank all of with photographs (e.g. Barn Owl, count of the past 20 years. An injured the compilers, birders, conservation week Cape May Warbler) and/or American White Pelican on the Clark organizations, land managers, and spon- detailed descriptions (e.g. Spotted Canyon Dam count expired less than sors who make the results reported here Sandpiper). two weeks later; previous state CBC possible. Great Falls hosted more than one-fifth records (e.g., Great Falls in 2006) have (13,106) of all the Canada Geese also represented sick or injured birds. MONTANA reported statewide. Five Cackling Geese The Spotted Sandpiper at Stevensville Daniel Casey at Fort Peck were the only ones reported was the second for that count and the American Bird Conservancy and were joined by two Snow Geese, fourth CBC record for Montana. A first- 33 Second Street East, Suite 10 one of each color morph. The total of 66 winter Glaucous-winged Gull that over- Kalispell, MT 59901 Trumpeter Swans at West Yellowstone wintered was new to the Kalispell count; [email protected] was down 66 percent from the 10-year there are two previous CBC records Montana CBC weather was fairly average for this count. Five Tundra (Fort Peck). It was a banner year for mild overall; six counts stayed above Swans at Troy was a new high count Snowy Owls, with 15 on eight counts. freezing all day, and only eight stayed there; the species was found on just five They were new to the Big Hole and below freezing. Chester had the high, counts, with 92 percent of them (272) at Miles City counts. The Barn Owl pho- 56°F, and Big Hole the low, minus 9 Bigfork. A single Blue-winged Teal was tographed at Ennis was the second state degrees Fahrenheit. Counts averaged 1 reported (with marginal details) at CBC record of a species whose winter to 6 inches of snow, with the deepest (36 Eureka, where “count day was perhaps (and overall) distribution in the state is in.) at West Yellowstone. Although there the mildest weather in the history of the still relatively poorly known. were some exceptional finds, none of the count.” The only Grouse Remarkably, count week hummingbirds 146 species reported on 31 counts were reported were two at Upper Swan Valley. were reported from both Missoula and new to the state CBC list. Bigfork tallied Hamilton had a five-year low count of Kalispell, none confirmed to species a new all-time Montana high of 90 California Quail (189), and (likely Anna’s). Three lingering Lewis’s species; Stevensville and Missoula each Stevensville’s total (383) was also well Woodpeckers were reported from recorded 85. With effort and luck, will down from last year’s peak (658). CBC counts where they are most expected: one of these counts soon break the 100- data are the primary dataset in ongoing two from Missoula and one at species barrier? The excellent new high deliberations regarding this species’ Hamilton. of 73 species at Ennis included four addition to the official state list. A Mountain Bluebird was found count firsts: Virginia Rail (2), Barn Owl, Twenty Golden Eagles at Lewistown count week at Yellowstone. The 89 American Three-toed Woodpecker, and and 19 at Livingston (Park County) Townsend’s Solitaires at Warm Springs Gray Catbird. There were 37 other contributed to a new high total of 129 more than doubled their previous high, count firsts established statewide, statewide. Single Gyrfalcons were new but the number paled in comparison including Red-necked Grebe and to the Big Hole and Bowdoin N.W.R. with the 234 at Bozeman, which that Northern Saw-Whet Owl at Glacier counts; another was found at Ninepipe compiler attributed to much better cov- N.P., both Ross’s and Snow goose at N.W.R., where they have been seen six erage of foothills . Well-docu- Bozeman, Canvasback (2) at Libby, and Cooper’s Hawk at Miles City. The Grant-Kohrs count led the state with 23 new high count totals and five new species in this, their sixth year. Common Montana breeding species that are exceedingly rare (e.g. Blue- winged Teal, Chipping Sparrow) or absent (e.g. Swainson’s Hawk) in winter are reported without details nearly annually, usually by less experienced observers. This year was no exception. I remind compilers to seek details or photos for these out-of-season reports, Count circles in which will otherwise be dropped from MONTANA count results. Luckily, a few of this year’s notable rarities were well documented

THE 112TH CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT AMERICAN BIRDS 89 (1865) redpolls reported on 24 counts, the count period. The fairly benign which seems reasonable for a mild weather pattern before and during the irruption year. But reports included count period may have resulted in the sparse details at best, and we may never fairly mundane species totals and lack of know whether the number of Hoaries rarities. This despite generally favorable that go undetected in flocks balances count day conditions that should in out those bright male Common theory bolster count results. Although Redpolls misidentified as Hoaries. the causes of species presence (or Thank you to the nearly 600 absence) during the count period are (Passerella iliaca), Chester, observers who tallied more than 1200 varied and complex, it seems that count Montana. Photo/Dave Allen party hours in the field, and to all the periods preceded by cold snaps produce compilers, for persevering through a yet higher species diversity and more mented Hermit Thrushes (four previous another trying data entry process. rarities. CBC records) were new to the Bozeman Admirably, Fritz Prellwitz again single- The 164 species reported statewide is and McNeil Slough counts. Gray handedly ran the Little Rocky close to the five-year average (165.8) Catbird was new at Ennis, but, perhaps Mountains count, where (numbers of) with total individuals increasing by 30 surprisingly, has occurred on 10 previ- “small birds were greatly reduced from percent over the previous period to ous Montana counts. A Cape May what would be expected.” Here’s hoping almost 457,000. As usual the change in Warbler photographed in Helena just he will get more support in future years total individuals is largely attributable to two days prior to the count was not there. Seasonal distribution changes are the fluctuation in numbers of Canada found count day, but established a first afoot, and we want to describe them Geese and Mallards on a handful of state winter record. Missoula and with confidence. So kudos to the counts. These two species increased this Billings (2) had the only Yellow-rumped Stevensville observers that described the year by close to 120,000 primarily on Warblers. Both counts also had single Spotted Sandpiper there in great detail, three Snake River plain counts: White-crowned Sparrows, as did Clark and to everyone else who sent photos Hagerman Valley, Bruneau, and Nampa. Canyon Dam. Seven White-throated and details for rarities. Sparrows were reported, from five counts, with two each at Bigfork and at IDAHO Count circles in Missoula, which hosted the only Harris’s Charles Swift IDAHO Sparrow. The (Red) Fox Sparrow pho- 414 South Lincoln Street tographed by Dave Allen at Chester was Moscow, ID 83843 the first so well documented, in spite of [email protected] numerous previous CBC reports around Idaho birders conducted 27 counts the state. It was present for more than during the count period, and 26 counts two months. Two hundred Lapland are summarized here. The period was Longspurs at Three Forks were the only decidedly average in terms of rarities and ones reported. Spotted Towhee and overall diversity, but interesting early Common Grackle (one each) were new winter phenomena and ongoing trends for the Helena count. in bird populations were as always dis- The 26 Hoary Redpolls on five cernible. Party hours increased slightly counts comprised 1.4 percent of all and total observers increased by 20 percent, indicating continued growth in participation statewide. Two new counts are scheduled to start in the upcoming period, Challis in east-central Idaho and a count centered near Kendrick in north-central Idaho. I look forward to including them in this summary in 2013. The northwest, including much of Idaho, experienced one of its driest Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), Ninepipe Decembers on record, resulting in low N.W.R., Montana. Photo/Dan Casey snowpacks in most parts of the state by

90 AMERICAN BIRDS Bruneau scored top count honors with had its best irruption of Common observed on five counts. The Red-tailed 96 species, with two other counts— Redpolls (950) since 2001, as well as Hawk is the most abundant raptor in Nampa (93), and Lewiston-Clarkston one of the better irruptions of Pine both Wyoming and Utah. Looking at (91)—also breaking 90 species. As Siskins (803) in recent years. Lesser the last 10 count years, the Red-tailed always much credit goes to count com- Goldfinch populations have increased Hawk in Wyoming was at its lowest on pilers and participants for efforts vitally markedly in Boise and the Lewiston- CBC-103 (49 on 12 count circles) and important to furthering the understand- Clarkston Valley, resulting in a record steadily increased to a high of 164 on 18 ing of population trends and winter count of 335 with small numbers of count circles on CBC-109. This year, phenomena, and for aiding in the con- prospecting birds on four other counts. 129 were reported on 13 counts, slightly servation of Idaho’s birds. Following is a Indian Mountain in the panhandle higher than the 10-year average of 108 review of count highlights (and low- reported two Rusty Blackbirds in an area individuals. In Utah, no trend in Red- lights) in roughly taxonomic order. providing a number of previous winter tailed Hawks was apparent; however, Red-necked Grebes appear to have records. Thanks and good birding! there was a high of 806 reported (on 23 almost entirely disappeared as a winter- counts) on CBC-110. This year, 566 ing species in Idaho with only seven WYOMING/UTAH were counted on 22 circles, which is reported, whereas the count as recently Keith Evans higher than the 10-year average of 528. as five years ago was 140. The reasons 4826 Kiwana Drive Birding in northern Utah during the for the decline are unknown and worth South Ogden, UT 84403 period just before the CBC-112 count investigating. American Kestrel [email protected] period, I had the impression this was numbers fluctuate but have generally For the 112th Christmas Bird Count, going to be a “good” year for Rough- increased over the past 10 years record- 19 count circles were reviewed for legged Hawks; however, the Utah count ing a new high (840) this year. Rare gulls Wyoming and 25 count circles for Utah. of 116 on 16 counts was very close to were scarce (perhaps partly due to land- One new count was established in Park the 10-year average of 113 individuals. fill access issues) with only count week City, Utah (UTPC). The region experi- One Winter Wren was reported during Mew and Thayer’s gulls and Glaucous- enced a mild winter; however, a couple the count week in Cheyenne, Wyoming. winged Gull (2) on two Treasure Valley of cold fronts froze much of the open I’m unsure if eastern Wyoming is in the Counts. Idaho benefited from the wide- water just prior to the count period. Pacific Wren range or the Winter Wren spread Snowy Owl irruption with indi- Again this season, Utah had very low range. I would appreciate hearing from viduals present on two counts, Nampa counts of Bohemian Waxwings, with someone who has studied the wintering (2) and Lewiston-Clarkston (1), the only 12 on three counts. Wyoming’s ranges after the split between Winter former enjoyed by many southern Idaho Bohemian Waxwing count was down by Wren and Pacific Wren. Documentation birders. Eurasian Collared-Doves 34 percent from CBC-111, with 1329 of any winter sightings of both Winter increased, as they have done every year since appearing in the state, by 37 percent to 3259; only three were recorded in 2004–2005 and the count exceeded 1000 (1523) for the first time Count circles in just three years ago. WYOMING/UTAH Red-breasted Nuthatches (556) were found in near record numbers despite little evidence of an irruption from lower elevation counts. Townsend’s Solitaires (137) were similarly in near record numbers bolstered by high tallies from three eastern Idaho counts (Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Teton Valley). A well-documented Wilson’s Warbler, only the second ever for an Idaho count, was a big surprise at Bonner’s Ferry up near the Canadian border. Nampa reported an impressive 15 Orange- crowned Warblers, surely the winter hotspot for this species in Idaho. Idaho

THE 112TH CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT AMERICAN BIRDS 91