Birds of the Mad River Ranger District, Six Rivers National Forest, California

WESTEt BIRDS

Volume 29, Number 2, 1998

BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, SIX RIVERS NATIONAL FOREST, CALIFORNIA

JOHN E. HUNTER, USDA Forest Service, Six Rivers National Forest, 1330 BayshoreWay, Eureka,California 95501 GJON C. HAZARD, Departmentof Wildlife, HumboldtState University,Arcata, California 95521

The Mad River RangerDistrict (MRRD) of the Six RiversNational Forest (SRNF)is locatedin northwesternCalifornia (Figure 1). We compileddata on the statusand distribution of the birdsof thisarea for threeprimary reasons. First,except for collectingtrips to SouthFork Mountain and nearby areas in the 1930s (Grinnelland Miller 1944), thisarea hasbeen littlestudied (Harris 1996). Whilethe MRRD wasincluded by Harris(1991, 1996), we soughtto providemore detailed information for a uniquearea. Second, we hopedto provideresource managers and otherswith localstatus and distribution data. Much of our data has been gleanedfrom obscuresources not generally accessibleto mostworkers. While more detailed distribution and life history dataare neededfor mostspecies, this report can serve as a startingpoint for furthermanagement considerations and research.Third, while the MRRD containsseveral noteworthy birding areas in Humboldt(e.g., Mount Lassic and BlakeMountain) and Trinity(e.g., RuthLake, HettenshawValley, and Ant Point)counties, the isolationof thisarea relativeto populationcenters hasresulted in relativelylittle recreational birdwatching to date.We hopethis report will stimulateothers to explorethe MRRD and other portionsof interior northwestern California.

STUDY AREA

We includedall areaswithin the administrativeboundaries of the MRRD, includingprivate inholdings. The 113,000-ha MRRD liesprimarily within southwesternTrinity County, with someportions extending into southeast- ern HumboldtCounty (Figure 1). The climateand vegetationof the MRRD exhibit characteristics of both the humid coastal belt and the more arid interior of northwesternCalifornia. Miller (1951) noted that the moisture

Western Birds 29:65-82, 1998 65 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

0, 10 20I Kilometers • ChromeRidge

BlakeMountain '•,• ,• ,• ,•

Mountain

Pine Horse Ridge Valley

MendocinoCounty

Figure I. Locationof the Mad River Ranger Districtin relationto the Six Rivers National Forest in northwestern California. gradientnear the Humboldt-Trinitycounty line hasplayed an importantrole in the distributionof the birdsof this region. The avifaunaof the MRRD reflects the transitional nature of this area from the conifer-dominated Klamath Mountains to the oak (Quercus spp.), brush, and grassland- dominated habitats of interior central California. Physiographically,the MRRD generallyfalls in the High and Inner North CoastRanges Districts of Hickman (1993), while the remainder of the SRNF lies to the north in the Klamath Ranges.

66 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

Exceptfor fiat areasin valleys,the topographyis moderateto steep. Elevationsrange from 440 m alongthe lowerNorth Fork Eel Riverto 1850 m at Horse Ridge.Regionally important waterways originating within the MRRD are the Mad, the NorthFork Eel, andthe Van Duzenrivers (Figure 1). The entireeastern boundary of the MRRD is formedby the extensiveridge knownas South Fork Mountain. The climateof the MRRD is characterizedby hot, dry summersand cold, wet winters. The summer dry seasonis not moderatedby coastalfog, and summershowers are infrequentand short. Averageannual precipitation varies from about 125 cmat the lowerelevations to 200 cm at the higherelevations. Moderate to heavysnow can fall above 600 m elevation,and sometimespersists into Juneabove 1200 m. About 60% of the MRRD is coveredwith Douglas-fir(?seudotsuga rnenziesii)forests in manysuccessional stages resulting from naturaldistur- bancesand intensivetimber harvest(USDA 1995a). Other coniferspecies such as pines (Pinus spp.) and White Fir (Abies concolor) also may be presentin the overstow.The midstorymay be dominatedby conifersor hardwoodsincluding Tanoak (Lithocarpusdensiflora), Pacific Madrone (Arbutusrnenziesii), or CaliforniaBlack Oak (Q. kellogii). True firs (Abies spp.) cover about 12% of the MRRD; White Fir (A. concolor) becomes prevalentabove 1500 m, and somestands of Red Fir (A. rnagnifica)occur at the highestelevations. About 23% of the coniferforests can be character- izedas late mature and old growth with dominant conifers >53 cm diameter at breastheight. Oregon White Oak (Q. garryana)and California Black Oak woodlandsand annualgrasslands occupy about 17 and 6% of the MRRD, respectively. About 5% of the MRRD consistsof miscellaneouscover types. Near MountLassic, stands of open-canopyJeffrey Pine (P. jeffreyi) woodlands are found. Most riparian habitatsconsist of narrow bandsalong perennial streamsand rivers that are dominatedby Red Alder (Alnus rubra). The banksof the upperMad Riversupport remnant stands of BlackCottonwood (?opulus trichocarpa) and willow (Salix spp.) habitats. Other riparian speciesof the MRRD includethe BigleafMaple (Acer rnacrophyllurn)and OregonAsh (Fraxinuslatifolia). Chaparralhabitats consist of mixturesof ceanothus(Ceanothus spp.), manzanita(Arctostaphylos spp.), mountain mahogany(Cercocarpus spp.), Brewer'sOak (Q. g. breweri),and other brushspecies, and are most conspicuousin the southernportion of the MRRD. Chamise(Adenostorna fasciculaturn) is knownonly from a single locationnear the confluenceof Hoaglinand Salt creeks. Ruth Lake (445 ha whenfull) was formed by a dam on the Mad Riverin 1962 and providesthe only open-water habitat. Ruth Lake is steep-sidedand has very little emergentvegetation. Exposed mudflats appear at the southend of the lake as waterlevels recede in the late summerand fall. Fieldsand pasturesoccur in a few locationssuch as HettenshawValley. Commercial buildings, human dwellings,and outbuildingsare foundprimarily near the communityof Mad Riveralong the lowerVan DuzenRiver and the communityof Ruthalong the upper Mad River.Hunter et al. (1997) and USDA (1995a, 1995b) provided more detailed information on the MRRD.

67 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

METHODS

Much of our data resultedfrom our personalfieldwork in the MRRD and information solicited from other observers. We also consulted the SRNF bird-sightingsdatabase, which containedanecdotal sightings starting in 1967 that were submittedby ForestService employees and forestvisitors. We also used other unpublishedadministrative studies and miscellaneous fileslocated at the SRNF supervisor'soffice in Eureka.As part of another study (Hunter et al. 1997), 5563 point countswere conductedat 189 randomsites in late matureand old-growthDouglas-fir (mean 29 counts/ site)between late April andearly August during 1995 and 1996. Eachpoint countlasted 10 minutesand all individualsdetected were tallied.Peregrine Falconprey remainswere collectedfrom nest siteswithin the MRRD and were identifiedby N. JohnSchmitt of the WesternFoundation of Vertebrate Zoology.We alsoinclude some previously published records from American Birds (AB), National Audubon Society Field Notes (NASFN), Harris (1991, 1996) and other sources. We usedthe followingterms to describethe statusof a species:Resident-- presentthroughout the year,although turnover of individualsor populations (includingsubspecies) may occur.Transient--occurs during migrationor dispersal;modified by seasonif abundancesdiffer. Breeder--breeding has beenconfirmed, unless prefixed by "probable"or "possible."Determination of breedingstatus (i.e., confirmed,probable, or possible)generally follows criteriaused by Robersonand Tenney(1993). Visitor--presentduring only part of the year, not includingmigration or dispersal;modified by seasonif abundancesdiffer. More than one term may be usedto describea species, e.g., someindividuals of a speciesmay be residentwhile others are transient. Abundanceestimates assume reasonable effort by a competentobserver in appropriatehabitat and properseason during a 24-hourperiod. Abundant-- alwayspresent, usually encountered in very large (>500) numbers.Com- mon-always present,usually encountered in large (100-500) numbers. Fairly common--alwayspresent, usuallyencountered in small (10-100) numbers.Uncommon--usually present, usually encountered in very small (<10) numbers.Rare--unlikely to be encountered,and only in very small (< 10) numbers.Casual--few records but reasonably expected again, unlikely to be encountered.Accidental--few records and very unpredictable,very unlikelyto be encountered.Hypothetical--all reports are "unconfirmed."We consideredrecords from observersknown by usto be competent,and records from other observerswhen accompaniedby convincingdetails, as "confirmed."All otherreports were consideredunconfirmed. Species for whichall reportsare from PeregrineFalcon prey remainswere alsoconsidered hypo- theticalbecause falcons may foragelong distances from nestsites. We chose not to excludeunconfirmed reports because doing so couldpreclude or delay detectionof emergingpatterns of birddistribution. Reports were not included, however,if availabledetails were unconvincing. All recordsare from Trinity County unlessotherwise specified. When pertinent, we includedsome recordsfrom outsidethe MRRD; locations outsidethe MRRD are precededby an asterisk(*). All locationsmentioned can be foundon U.S. GeologicalSurvey 71/2-minute quadrangles or on

68 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA nationalforest visitor's maps. Codes used for Californiacounties are HUM, Humboldt;MEN, Mendocino;TRI, Trinity. Other abbreviationsused are CG, Campground;Cr., Creek;FS, ForestService; Hwy., Highway;HSUM, HumboldtState University Museum; L., Lake; Mt., Mount; Mtn., Mountain; MVZ, Museumof VertebrateZoology, Berkeley; Pt., Point; Rch., Ranch; Rdg., Ridge;R., River;Rd., Road;V., Valley.The cutoffdate for records includedin this compilationwas 31 December1997.

ANNOTATED LIST

Red-throatedLoon (Gaviastellata). Hypothetical. One unconfirmedreport, of one at Ruth L. 25 Jan 1981 (BG; Harris 1991). Common Loon (Gavia irnrner). Casual to rare transient and winter visitor. Eleven records,all from Ruth L., exceptfor a daytimeflyover at Last ChanceRdg., HUM, 7 May 1995 (GS). Earliestfall record23 Oct 1978 (RE);latest spring record 23 May 1993 (SM). High countwas three on 23 Nov 1996 (JH). Pied-billedGrebe (Podilyrnbuspodiceps). Rare summervisitor and casualbreeder at RuthL., uncommonin winter.An adultwith a downyyoung was seen 17 Aug 1994 (JH, KS). Horned Grebe (Podicepsauritus). Casualtransient. Two recordsfrom Ruth L., of one on 28 Mar 1980 (KO) and one on 23 Nov 1996 (JH). Red-neckedGrebe (Podicepsgrisegena). Hypothetical. One unconfirmedreport, of one at Ruth L. 21 Apr 1979 (JMB). EaredGrebe (Podicepsnigricollis). Casual fall transientat Ruth L. Three records, of six on 24 Sep 1979 (JMB), 10 on 27 Oct 1994 (JH), and one on 23 Nov 1996 (JH). WesternGrebe (Aechrnophorus occiden talis). Rare fall transient and winter visitor at Ruth L. High countwas six on 27 Nov 1995 (JH). Clark's Grebe (Aechrnophorusclarkii). Casualspring transient. One record, of one at Ruth L. 5 Apr 1997 (JH, DF, J. Power). Double-crestedCormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus). Casual summer visitor, un- commonwinter visitorat Ruth L. Immaturesseem to predominate;four immatures were seen9 Sep 1995 (JH, GH). Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias). Uncommon resident at Ruth L. Probable breederon the basisof two adultswith two hatch-yearbirds seen 27 Jul 1995 (GH). GreatEgret (Ardea alba). Uncommon fall transientat RuthL. High countwas 11 on 9 Sep 1995 (JH, GH). Green Heron (Butoridesvirescens). Rare summervisitor at Ruth L. and along rivers.Probable breeder on the basisof apparentpairs seen at Ruth L. 10 Jul 1979 (JMB)and 12 Aug 1995 (JH). TurkeyVulture (Cathartes aura). Uncommonsummer visitor and possible breeder. Casualin winter; three were near the Mad R. Ranger Station 25 Feb 1979 (JMB). Breedingstatus unclear because of lack of breedingevidence. TundraSwan (Cygnus columbianus). Hypothetical. Unconfirmed report of one at Ruth L. 25 Mar 1976 (D. Dixon). Canada Goose (Branta canadensis). Casual transient and winter visitor. One unconfirmedbreeding report of a pair with youngat Ruth L. 12 May 1978 (HS).

69 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa).Uncommon resident and breeder,increasing to fairly common in fall at Ruth L. Green-wingedTeal (Anascrecca). Uncommon fall transient,rare springtransient and winter visitor at Ruth L. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).Common transient, uncommon resident and breeder at Ruth L. and other locations such as the Mad R. and Hettenshaw V. Northern Pintail(Anas acuta). Rare fall transientat RuthL. High countwas four on 26 Oct 1994 (JH). CinnamonTeal (Anascyanoptera). Casual fall transient at RuthL. High countwas 20 on 23 Oct 1978 (RE). Northern Shoveler(Anas clypeata).Casual to rare fall transientat Ruth L. High count was 14 on 1 Oct 1979 (JR). AmericanWigeon (Anas americana). Casual to rare fall transientat Ruth L. High countwas eighton 27 Oct 1994 (JH). Redhead(Aythya americana). Hypothetical. One unconfirmedreport of three at Ruth L. 1 Mar 1981 (BG). Ring-neckedDuck (Aythya collaris). Uncommonto fairly commontransient and wintervisitor at Ruth L. High countwas 26 on 14 Dec 1996 (JH). GreaterScaup (Aythya rnarila). Rare transientand casualwinter visitor at Ruth L. High countwas two on 9 Oct 1995 (JH, GS, TL). LesserScaup (Aythya affin is).Fairly common transient and wintervisitor at Ruth L. High countwas 25 on 23 Nov 1996 (JH). CommonGoldeneye (Bucephala clangula). Accidental. One record,of a "pair"at Ruth L. 25-29 Jan 1982 (JMB, JR). Barrow'sGoldeneye (Bucephala islandica). Accidental. One record,of a male at Ruth L., sometimein Dec 1993 (J. Ballard). Buffiehead(Bucephala albeola). Uncommon transient and winter visitor at RuthL. Casualin summer;one femaleoversummered on RuthL. in 1995 and againin 1996 (SM, JH, EE et al.). HoodedMerganser (Lophodytes cucu 11a tus). Casual to rare fall andwinter visitor. Two pairs seen along the Mad R. near the Mad R. CG 31 Jan 1989 (PU) and an independenthatch-year bird at RuthL. 31 Jul 1995 (SM)suggest possible breeding. Common Merganser(N/ergus rnerganser). Fairly commonresident and breeder alongrivers and at RuthL. A groupof about200 were seenforaging together on Ruth L. 27 Oct 1994 (JH; Harris 1996). Red-breastedMerganser (N/ergus serratot). Hypothetical.One unconfirmedreport of two malesand a femaleat Ruth L. 29 Mar 1981 (BG). Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jarnaicensis).Uncommon winter visitorat Ruth L. High count was 40 on 21 Jan 1979 (JMB). Osprey(Pandion haliaetus). Uncommon breeder and rarewinter visitor at RuthL. and along rivers. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).Rare residentand breederat Ruth L., wherea pair usuallynests near Marshall Rock. Increases to uncommonin winteralong the Mad R., at Ruth L., SoldierBasin, and other locations.Unconfirmed reports of breedingat SoldierBasin in the mid-1960s(Tompkins). High countwas six at RuthL. 26 Feb-11 Apr 1979 (JMB).

7O BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus). Casual to rare transientand winter visitor. Three recordsfor Apr-May, six for Oct-Dec. Sharp-shinnedHawk (Accipiterstriatus). Uncommon transient and winter visitor; rare resident and breeder. Cooper'sHawk (Accipitercooperil). Uncommon transient and wintervisitor; rare resident and breeder. Northern Goshawk(Accipiter gentilis). Rare residentand breeder.There are a minimumof 17 activeterritories in the MRRD, andthe SRNFbird-sightings database has 188 recordsstarting in 1971, with 23 from 1995-96. The abundanceof this speciesin the MRRD is higherthan on the remainderof the SRNF,where surveys in 1994-95 were unableto find any active nestingterritories (K. Schmidt,SRNF, unpubl.data). Red-shoulderedHawk (Buteo lineatus). Casualfall transient.One was near Ruth 2 Jul-12 Oct 1996 (EE, GH et al.). Unconfirmedreport of one near Ruth 20 Dec (no year; JMB). Swainson'sHawk (Buteoswainsoni). Hypothetical. Three unconfirmedreports, of one eastof KettenpomV. 21 Jul 1980 (KO), one about3 km northeastof Pine Mtn. 9 Sep 1980 (B. Horn), and one at Ruth L. 7 Oct 1979 (JMB). Red-tailedHawk (Buteo jarnaicensis).Fairly commontransient, resident, and breeder. FerruginousHawk (Buteo regalis). Casual transientand winter visitor.Three confirmedrecords, of one near the confluenceof Rock Cr. and North Fork of the Eel R. 25 Apr 1996 (JP),one in pasturesnear the Mad R. RangerStation 25 Sep-12 Dec 1977 (HS, RE, RH, EP), and one at HettenshawV. 14 Dec 1996 (JH). Rough-leggedHawk (Buteolagopus). Casual fall transient and winter visitor. Three records,of a well-describedbird at HettenshawV. 6 Nov 1986 (RM), one near Mad R. CG 14 Dec 1996 (JH), and one at HettenshawV. 26 Dec 1997 (JH, J. Booker). GoldenEagle (Aquila chrysaetos).Rare to uncommonresident. High countsof fourat Pine Mtn., HUM, 17 Oct 1979 (R. Warbington),and at EightmileRdg., HUM, 17 Jan 1978 (D. Golnick).Probable breeder based on a report of two birds,one carryinga stick,near HoaglinV. 19 Mar 1996 (R. Storrs). AmericanKestrel (Palco sparuerius). Uncommon resident and breeder;numbers decreaseslightly in winter.Grinnell (1933) describedone eatinga HermitWarbler 13 km southeastof Ruth 23 May 1933. Merlin (Palco colurnbarius).Casual transient and winter visitor.Five confirmed records.One at RuthL. Marina22 Feb 1981 (BG),one near Blake Mtn. 11 Apr 1994 (JP),one near Kettenpom19 Apr 1977 (RH, EP), one near Pilot Rock 11 Sep 1996 (JP),and one near Pine Butte 15 Nov 1977 (RH, EP). PeregrineFalcon (Palco peregrinus). Rare transient, resident, and breeder. At least somebreeders probably overwinter, as suggestedby an adultP. p. anaturn within a nestingterritory in Nov 1983 and Jan 1984 (B. Woodbridge). Prairie Falcon(Palco mexicanus).Casual fall transientand winter visitor.Three of the five recordsare of singlebirds at HettenshawV. 10 Jan 1981 (BG, JR), 27 Aug 1981 (JR, RM), and25-26 Oct 1979 (RE,JR). Referencesin unpublishedSRNF files suggestbreeding in the MRRD but we couldfind no specificinformation. RuffedGrouse (Bonasa urnbellus). Status unclear, probably a rare residentand breeder.There are two recordsof singlebirds from near BuckMtn., HUM, 25 Apr- 18 May 1995 (JP)and 25 May 1990 (G. Reid,W. Forsberg),and one near PilotCr.,

71 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

HUM, 23 May 1992 (GS). Also a clusterof recordsjust northwestof the MRRD, includingone near *Lake Mtn. Rch. 7 Jun 1995 (K. Nelson),another at *BigSlide CG 17 Jun 1996 (M. Maxwell),and an adultwith a juvenilealong *GrapevineCr. 2 Aug 1975 (KI). West of the MRRD, Grinnelland Miller (1944) mentionedjuveniles 6 km northeastof *Bridgeville,HUM, 2 Jul 1926, andYocom (1978) indicatedtwo records from near *Alderpoint,HUM, sometimein 1973. Blue Grouse(Dendragapus obscurus). Uncommon resident and breeder. Wild Turkey(Meleagris gallopavo). Rare residentand breeder.First release in the area was of 28 M. g. merriami from San LuisObispo County on 23 Dec 1963 near *IndianDick GuardStation (USFS 1967). Firstbirds in the MRRD, presumablyfrom thisrelease, were seennear Red Mtn. in Sep 1966. Many subsequentreleases in the MRRD, including12 more M. g. merriami at EightmileRdg., HUM, 6 Nov 1971, 60-100 M. g. silvestristo the Salt Cr. and West Fork Van Duzen R. areas,and an unknownnumber of wildM. g. silvestrisfrom Pennsylvaniato BolesOpening 24 Jan 1992. An unknownnumber of M. g. gallopavowere releasedsomewhere in the area in 1967. Firstconfirmed reproduction in the MRRD wasof threeor fouryoung seen on Henry Rdg., HUM, 12 Jul 1972 (B. German). CaliforniaQuail (Callipepla californica). Fairly commonresident and breeder. MountainQuail (Oreortyxpictus). Fairly common resident and breeder. Sora (Porzanacarolina). Hypothetical. One recordas prey remainscollected from a PeregrineFalcon eyrie in the springof 1980. American Coot (Fulica americana). Common winter visitorat Ruth L. No summer recordsfor the MRRD, but four were in a pond westof *Zenia 21 Jun 1996 (EE),two were in a pond near *Lake Mtn. Rch. 22 Jul 1995 (B. Baker),and adultsand young were on *Howard L., MEN, 13 Jul 1995 (GH, JH). Killdeer(Charadrius vociferus). Uncommon to fairlycommon resident and breeder. Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus). Hypothetical. One record as prey remainscollected from a PeregrineFalcon eyrie in the springof 1992. There are no other reportsof this speciesfrom inlandnorthwestern California. GreaterYellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca).Rare fall and casualspring transient at the southend of Ruth L. and alongthe upper Mad R. Earliestfall record2 Jul 1996 (JH), latest2 Oct 1996 (JH, GH). One wasreported flying over Ant Pt. 16 Jul 1995 (EE).High countwas two on 12 Jul 1996 (SM). One springrecord, of one near Ruth 7 May 1995 (SM). LesserYellowlegs (Tringa fiavipes). Casual fall transient at the southend of RuthL. Four recordsof one bird each, 2 Jul 1996 (JH), 18-20 Jul 1995 (GH, SM), 26 Jul 1996 (SM), and 2 Sep 1996 (GH). WanderingTattler (Heteroscelusincanus). Hypothetical.One record as prey remainscollected at a PeregrineFalcon eyrie in the springof 1990. SpottedSandpiper (Actitis macularia). Rare resident,increasing to uncommonin summer as a breeder. Whimbrel(Numenius phaeopus). Hypothetical. Three recordsas prey remains collectedfrom PeregrineFalcon eyries on 20 May 1988 and in the springsof 1987 and 1992. WesternSandpiper (Calidris mauri). Rare fall transientat the southend of Ruth L. Earliestfall record16 Jul 1995 (EE,SM), latest17 Aug 1994 (JH). High countwas six on 19 Jul 1995 (GH).

72 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

LeastSandpiper (Calidris rninutilla). Rare falltransient at the southend of RuthL. Encounteredslightly more often and in slightlylarger numbers than the Western Sandpiper.Earliest fall record10 Jul 1995 (GH), latest23 Sep 1996 (JH, JS, TL). High countwas 12 near SandyPt. 16 Jul 1995 (EE, SM; Harris 1996). PectoralSandpiper (Calidris rnelanotos). Accidental. One record,of three at the southend of RuthL. 12 Oct 1996 (GH, JH). At leastone, presumablyfrom the same group,was still present 19 Oct 1996 (GH). Long-billedDowitcher (Lirnnodrornusscolopaceus). Casual fall transientat the southend of Ruth L. Two confirmedrecords, of birdspresent 17-31 Jul 1995 (GH, EE, JH) with a highcount of fouron 19 Jul 1995 (GH), andtwo on 23 Jul 1996 (SM). Limnodromussp. remainswere also collectedat a PeregrineFalcon eyrie in the springof 1982. CommonSnipe (Gallinagogallinago). Casual fall transient. Two records,of birds at RuthL. 9-28 Oct 1995 (GH, JH, TL, GS) andsix on 12 Oct 1996 (GH, JH). High countwas eight on 28 Oct 1995 (JH, GH, TL). Unconfirmedreport of sevennear *DinsmoreLodge 8 Mar 1973 (A). Red-neckedPhalarope (Phalaropus 1obatus). Hypothetical. One recordas prey remainscollected from a PeregrineFalcon eyrie in the springof 1992. Ring-billedGull (Larusdelawarensis). Casual transient. Two sightrecords, of one at HettenshawV. 10 Mar 1996 (JH) and an immatureat Ruth L. 15-16 Jun 1996 (SM, KRD, KLD). Two recordsas prey remainscollected at PeregrineFalcon eyries in 1987 and 1991. California Gull (Larus californicus).Casual to rare transientat Ruth L. Five records.High count was sevenon 16 Jul 1995 (EE, SM). Six recordsas Peregrine Falconprey remains. CaspianTern (Sterna ½aspia).Casual transient. Four records,of one at Ruth L. 15 Jun 1996 (KRD, KLD), a nighttimeflyover of callingadults and hatch-year birds near Zenia 26 Jun 1995 (EE, SM, GH), five at Ruth L. 29 Jun 1990 (S. Rovell,PU), and anotherat Ruth L. 2 Sep 1996 (GH). RockDove (Colurnbalivia). Casual,but it is unclearif any recordsrepresent wild birds.Numerous records as PeregrineFalcon prey remains,many of which were banded."Feral pigeons" were reportedroosting near Mad R. Rock 16 Jun 1978 (A), and at somepoint there was apparently a pigeonowner along Van DuzenR. Rd. (A). One wasseen along the roadsideabout 2 km southof BlakeSummit, HUM, 7 May 1994 (as). Band-tailedPigeon (Colurnba fasciata). Uncommon summer visitor and probable breeder,rare in winter. About 1000 birdswere seen feedingon Blue Elderberry (Sarnbucuscerulea) in the Blake Mtn. burn, HUM, 26 Oct 1995 (GS). MourningDove (Zenaida rnacroura). Fairly common summer visitor and breeder, rare in winter. Greater Roadrunner(Geococcyx californianus). Status unclear, but probablya casualvisitor. Eight records of singlebirds, Travis Rch. 11 Apr 1978 (LU), TravisRch. 30 Apr 1979 (LU), one "cooing"near WillieHoaglin Place 6 May 1980 (CF), near DoubleARch. 2 Aug 1978 (L. Evanset al.), near RussPlace 8 Aug 1978 (J. Kahl), nearRuth 8 Sep 1980 (D. Browning),south of Ruth 10 Sep 1970 (Kennedy;Yocom and Harris 1975), and at DuncanRch. Rd. 29 Feb (no year; CF). Harris (1991) mentionsother nearbylocations.

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Barn Owl (Tytoalba). Status unclear, but probably a rareresident and breeder. Two records.Two were well described roosting and foraging just north of the MRRDnear the headwatersof *LastChance Cr., HUM, 29-30 Jun 1979, and therewere apparenfiy inactiveBarn Owl nests nearby in largeDouglas-fir trees (T. Mull).One was seen about 10 km southeastof there in the BlakeMtn. burn, HUM, 30 Oct 1996 (GS). FlammulatedOwl (Otusfiammeolus). Uncommon summer visitor and breeder.A nestwas active on WhitingRdg., HUM, Jul-Aug1996 andfledged three young (CO). Marcot and Hill (1980) providedadditional records. WesternScreech-Owl (Otus kennicottii).Uncommon resident and breeder. Great Horned Owl (Bubovirginianus). Rare residentand breeder. SnowyOwl (Nycteascandiaca). Hypothetical. One unconfirmedreport from the "upperend of RuthLake-Marshall Rock area, feeding on jackrabbits,"only other detailsare "mid-Jan"(Branmum). NorthernPygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma). Uncommon resident and breeder. BurrowingOwl (Athenecunicularia). Casual fall transient.Two records,of one seenforaging on grasshoppers(Acrididae) near High Salt Ground on WhitingRdg., HUM, 15 Jul 1996 (CO),and another seen foraging about 2 km fromHwy. 36 along FS Route 1 on 30 Oct 1996 (GS). SpottedOwl ($trix occidentalis).Uncommon resident and breeder.During any givenyear there are an estimated70 occupiedterritories in the MRRD. BarredOwl ($trix varia).Casual in summerand probablebreeder; winter status unclear.An individualwas reported near Lynch Cr. 25 Apr-15 Sep 1988 and 17 Apr-13 Jun1989 (PU,J. Gonzales,K. Sanchezet al;AB 43:1364).A SpottedOwl with an aberrantfive-note call was foundthere 20 Jun 1995 (JH). We are unclearif thereport of thisspecies about 8 km awaynear Round Mtn. 13 Jun1989 (J.Harris, W. Forsberg)refers to the LynchCr. territory. There is another,unconfirmed report of a BarredOwl near Torrey Rdg., HUM, 27 Jul1992 (L.Arsenault, M. Maier).There are alsorecords near *LakeMtn. Rch. 12 May 1992 (DF,A. Franklin)and 31 May 1995 (K. Baker). Long-earedOwl (Asio otus). Rare summer visitor. Probable breeder on the basis of a pairat BlakeSummit, HUM, 31 Jul 1976 (RAE,TS) and a vocalpair there 2-15 Sep 1993 (GS, KS, JH). NorthernSaw-whet Owl (Aegoliusacadicus). Uncommon summer visitor and probablebreeder. Probable resident, although winter status unclear because of lackof records. CommonNighthawk (Chordeiles minor). Casual summer visitor along ridges. Six records,of singlebirds at Ant Pt. 7 Jun 1982 (PS),west of ShannonRch. 15 Jun 1995 (D. Wiemeyer),just north of the Lassics23 Jun 1988 (RAE),on CobbRdg. 1 Jul 1995 (EE),on SwimRdg. 1 Jul 1996 (JH), and at TierneyPeak, HUM, 24 Jul 1995 (KSl). CommonPoorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii). Rare summervisitor and probable breeder.Earliest spring record is of a roadkillnear Ruth L. 18 Apr 1981 (JMB);latest fall recordis fromLast Chance Rdg. 30 Sep 1993 (GS, KS). Mostapparent in the SwimRdg. and Van Horn Rdg.areas. Casual in theBlack Lassic area, HUM andTRI, where the most recent record is of four on 8 Jun 1986 (PS). BlackSwift (Cypseloidesniger). Casual spring transient. Two records,of one at Mad R. Rock 12 May 1978 (EP)and two at Mad R. CG 20 May 1996 (EE).One recordas Peregrine Falcon prey remains collected in the springof 1987.

74 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi). Uncommontransient; casual to rare in summer; possiblebreeder. The onlydetection during point countswas of one 2 km southwest of Mt. Lassic,HUM, 22 Jun 1995 (EE). Black-chinnedHummingbird (Archilochus alexandri). Hypothetical. Three unconfirmedreports of singlebirds, a maleat the endof FS road2S16D 31 May 1994 (JP), anothermale on the DuncanRch. 11 Jun 1997 (JP),and a birdat a feederat the Mad R. RangerStation 2 Sep 1979 (JR). Anna's Hummingbird(Calypte anna). Uncommon residentand breeder,rare in winter. CalliopeHummingbird (Stellula calliope). Casual spring transient; breeding status unclear.Grinnell and Miller (1944) indicatedbreeding on SouthFork Mtn.; there are four specimensat MVZ that were collectedthere May-Junduring the early1930s, includinga hatch-yearbird taken 21 Jun 1930 (JG; MVZ 56286). Four recentsight records,of a maledisplaying to a femalein willowsalong Van Horn Cr. 13 Apr 1978 (JB, GL), two southof Blake Summit,TRI, 4 Jun 1972 (S. Summers,R. Willmarth), one near Mt. Lassic,HUM, 9 Jun 1984 (JS, L. Doerfiingeret al.), and a pair copulatingalong *Olsen Cr. near Hyampom 16 Jun 1983 (RAE;AB 37:1024). RufousHummingbird (Selasphorus rufus). Rare transient.We assumethat the six malesseen at Ant Pt. 3 Jul 1981 (PS, KI; Harris 1991) were earlyfall migrants. Allen'sHummingbird (Selasphorus sasin). Uncommon transient, summer visitor, and probablebreeder. A male wasseen chasing a femalethat wasvisiting a probable nest site near Red Lassic13 Jun 1996 (JH). BeltedKingfisher (Ceryle alcyon). Uncommon resident and breeder. Lewis'sWoodpecker (JVlelanerpes lewis). Uncommonfall transientand casualin winter,although not detectedin someyears. High countwas about20 in the Blake Mtn. burn, HUM, 15 Sep 1993 (GS, JH). Acorn Woodpecker(JVlelanerpes forrnicivorus). Fairly common residentand breeder. Red-breastedSapsucker (Sphyrapicus tuber). Fairly common resident and breeder. Detectedduring point countsat 38.1% of the sites. Williamson'sSapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus). Accidental. Two records,both of singlefemales, one on Blake Summit,HUM, 15-16 Sep 1993 (JH, GS; AB 48:149), and one on the westslope of BlackLassic, HUM, 1 Nov 1990 (GSL;AB 45:148). DownyWoodpecker (Picoides pubescens). Uncommon resident and breeder. Hairy Woodpecker(Picoides villosus). Fairly common resident and breeder. White-headedWoodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus). Uncommon residentand breeder. Black-backedWoodpecker (.Picoides arcticus). Hypothetical. Unconfirmed report of one at BuckMtn. 3 Sep 1979 (D. Pervorse;Harris 1991). Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). Fairly common to common residentand breeder.Detected during point counts at 95.2% of the sites.A Yellow-shaftedFlicker (C. a. luteus)was seenon Blake Mtn., HUM, 9 Sep 1993 (GS). PileatedWoodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). Uncommon residentand breeder. Olive-sidedFlycatcher (Contopus cooperi). Fairly common summervisitor and breeder.

75 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

WesternWood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus). Fairly common summer visitor and breeder. WillowFlycatcher (Ernpidonax traillii). Casualfall transient. One record,of two at HettenshawV. 23 Sep 1996 (JS, JH, TL). Hammond's Flycatcher(Ernpidonax hamrnondii). Uncommon summervisitor and breeder. DuskyFlycatcher (Ernpidonax oberholseri). Fairly common summer visitor and breeder. GrayFlycatcher (œrnpidonax wrightii). Casual spring transient. One record,of one about2 km northwestof North KelseyPeak 10 May 1995 (SM). Pacific-slopeFlycatcher (Ernpidonax difficilis). Fairly common transient, summer visitor,and breeder. Black Phoebe($ayornis nigricans).Uncommon resident and breeder. Say'sPhoebe ($ayornis saya). Casual transient. Six records,1 for Feb, 2 for Mar, 1 for Sep, and 2 for Oct. High countwas two on 23 Sep 1996 when one was at HettenshawV. and anotherwas near Brown'sCamp (JS, TL, JH). Ash-throatedFlycatcher (.•yiarchus cinerascens). Uncommon summer visitor and breeder. WesternKingbird (Tyrannus uertlcalis). Fairly common summer visitor and breeder. LoggerheadShrike (Lanlus ludovicianus). Hypothetical. One unconfirmedreport of one at HettenshawV. 24 Feb 1980 (BG). Cassin'sVireo (Vireo cassinii).Fairly commontransient, summer visitor, and breeder. Hutton'sVireo (Vireo huttoni).Fairly common resident and breeder. WarblingVireo (Vireo gilvus). Fairly common transient, summer visitor, and breeder. Gray Jay (Perisoreuscanadensis). Status unclear; no winter records.Seven records,of one on BlakeMtn., HUM, 6 May 1994 (GS),one about2 km northeastof WaggitSpring 31 May 1996 (M. Beeve),one near Ruth L. 1 Jun 1979 (GL), two collectednear Blake Summit, HUM, 24 Jun 1930 (JG; MVZ 56292-3), one on Blake Mtn, HUM, 2 Sep and 2 Oct 1993 (GS, KS), andone collected'16 km northof Ruth 3 Sep 1918 (H. Wilder; MVZ 29475). Steller'sJay (Cyanocitta stelleri). Common residentand breeder.Very wide- spread,detected during point countsat 100% of the sites. WesternScrub-Jay (Aphelocorna californica). Common residentand breeder. Becausethis speciesis typicallyfound in the valleys,it was detectedduring point countsat only 7.9% of the sites. Clark'sNutcracker (Nucifraga colurnbiana). Casual transient. Four records, of one at Dan Easttrailhead, HUM, 16 Feb 1995 (CO), three near the Lassics13 Jun 1988 (PS, VS; AB 42:1338), one on Blake Mtn., HUM, 17 Sep 1996 (GS), and two near Mt. Lassic,HUM and TRI, 1 Nov 1990 (GSL, L. Lester). American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos).Uncommon resident and breeder. Becausethis speciesis typicallyfound in the valleys,it was detectedduring point countsat only6.3% of the sites. CommonRaven (Corvus corax). Fairly common resident and breeder.Detected duringpoint countsat 85.7% of the sites.

76 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris).Accidental. One record, of one along EightmileRdg. Rd., HUM, 17 Nov 1977 (RE).Unconfirmed report of thisspecies (no count)near Hetten Rock 15 May 1979 (A). Purple Martin (Progne subis). Casual transient, summer visitor,and possible breeder.Nine records.Earliest spring record is of six (highcount) at RuthL. 29 May 1996 (EE); latest fall record is of one near Oak Grove 31 Jul 1995 (JP). Other noteworthyrecords include two near HorseRdg. 2 Jun 1996 (EE),one at *Dinsmore Airport, HUM, 20 Jun 1996 (GS),five at BlackLassic 23 Jun 1977 (D. Anderson), and one at Mt. Lassic, HUM, 23 Jun 1988 (RAE). Tree Swallow(Tachycineta bicolor). Fairly common transient, summer visitor, and breeder. Violet-greenSwallow (Tachycinetathalassina). Uncommon transient,summer visitor,and breeder. Northern Rough-wingedSwallow (Stelgidopteryxserripennis). Fairly common transient,summer visitor, and breeder. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica). Uncommon transient. summer visitor, and breeder. Cliff Swallow(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). Uncommon transient, summer visitor, and breeder. MountainChickadee (Poecile gambeli). Common resident and breeder.Wanders to lower elevations(e.g., Ruth L.) in winter. Chestnut~backedChickadee (Poecile rufescens).Common residentand breeder. Oak Titmouse(Baeolophus inornatus). Rare residentand breeder.Breeding first documentedwhen two adultswere seenat a nestwith youngnear Mad R. Rock 27 May 1978 (RH). Bushtit(Psaltriparus rainlinus). Fairly commonresident and breeder. Red-breastedNuthatch (Sitta canadensis).Common residentand breeder. White-breastedNuthatch (Sitta carolinensis).Uncommon residentand breeder. Brown Creeper (Certhia americana). Uncommonresident and breeder. RockWren (Salpinctesobsoletus). Rare summervisitor and probablebreeder; no winterrecords. Known only from the HaydenRoughs and Red Mtn. areas.High count eightat Red Mtn. 29 Jun 1996 (EE). Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus). Casual summer visitor and probable breeder;no winter records.Known only from Mad R. Rock where one was heard singing8 May-24 Aug 1976 and 11 Jun 1978 (RH, EP et al.). Bewick'sWren (Thryomanesbewickii). Fairly commonresident and breeder. HouseWren (Troglodytesaedon). Fairly common transient, summer visitor, and breeder. Winter Wren (Troglodytestroglodytes). Uncommon transient, resident, and breeder. AmericanDipper (Cinclusmexicanus). Rare resident,increasing to uncommonin summer as a breeder. Blue-grayGnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea). Uncommon summer visitor and breeder;no winterrecords. Breeding first documented when adults were seen feeding youngnear Red Mtn. 12 Aug 1995 (JH).

77 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

Golden-crownedKinglet (Regulus satrapa). Fairly common resident and breeder. Ruby-crownedKinglet (Regulus calendula). Fairly common to commontransient and winter visitor. Western Bluebird ($ialia mexicana). Uncommon resident and breeder. More conspicuousin winterwhen flocksassemble in valleys. Mountain Bluebird ($ialia currucoides). Accidental. One confirmed record, of a male with Western Bluebirdsat Hettenshaw V. 31 Mar 1995 (JH, GH). Townsend's Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi). Uncommon summer visitor and breeder,casual in winter. Swainson'sThrush (Catharus ustulatus).Rare fall transient,summer visitor, and possiblebreeder. Detected during only five point countsat five sites. Hermit Thrush(Catharus guttatus). Uncommon winter visitor. Fairly common in summeras a breeder.Detected during point countsat 64.6% of the sites. AmericanRobin (Turdus migratorius). Common transient, resident, and breeder. Detectedduring point countsat 99.0% of the sites.Often abundantduring fall and winter congregations. VariedThrush (lxoreus naevius). Casual to rare residentand possiblebreeder; fairly commonfall transientand winter visitor. Detected during only two point countsat two sites.High countwas about3000 birdsin the Lassicsarea, HUM and TRI, 26 Oct 1994 (JH; NASFN 49:98). Wrentit (Charnaeafasciata). Fairly common resident and breeder. California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum). Rare resident and breeder. Most apparentin the Red Mtn. area, wheresix (highcount) were seen29 Jun 1996 (EE). Recordsfrom other locationsinclude one northeastof KettenpomV. 14 Jun 1996 (SM), and two in the chamisestands near the confluenceof Hoaglinand Salt Creeks 17 Jun 1996 (EE), and two near Hayden Roughs18 Jun 1995 (EE). European Starling ($turnus vulgaris). Fairly common to common transient, resident, and breeder. Red-throatedPipit (Anthuscervinus). Accidental. One record,of one withAmeri- can Pipitson the mudflatsat the southend of Ruth L. 8 Oct 1995 (GH, N. Hazard; NASFN 50:112). AmericanPipit (Anthus rubescens).Common fall transient;uncommon winter visitor. Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum). Casual to rare visitor and possible breeder;uncommon fall transient.High countwas about 50 nearthe Ruth L. Marina 13 Jan 1979 (JMB). Phainopepla(Phainopepla nitens). Hypothetical. What was possiblythis species wasreported at the southend of RuthL. 23 Oct 1988 (RE).Reported as "Phainopepla (?), not verified.One individualseen flycatchingover land, appearsdark, white in wings." Orange-crownedWarbler (Vermivora celata). Uncommon transient, summer visitor, and breeder. NashvilleWarbler (Vermivora ruficapilla). Fairly common transient, summer visitor, and breeder. YellowWarbler (Dendroica petechia). Uncommon transient, summer visitor, and breeder.

78 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

Yellow-rumpedWarbler (Dendroica coronata). Common transient, summer visitor, andbreeder. Uncommon in winter.All reportsthat differentiatedsubspecies indicated D.c. auduboni. Black-throatedGray Warbler (Dendroica nigrescens).Fairly commontransient, summer visitor, and breeder. Townsend'sWarbler (Dendroica townsendi).Uncommon transient; casual winter visitor. Summer status unclear. A male was well described about 4 km north of RutledgeOpening near Mad R. Rock 3 Jul 1996 (JP). Two other unconfirmed summerreports, of one seenon a pointcount 2 km southwestof Mt. Lassic,HUM, 8 Jun 1995 (M. Conrad)and one seen near RuffedgeOpening 25 Jun 1996 (O. Williams). Hermit Warbler (Dendroica occidentalis). Uncommon transient;common summer visitor and breeder. MacGillivray'sWarbler (Oporornis tolmiei). Uncommon transient; fairly common summer visitor and breeder. Common Yellowthroat(Geothlypis trichas). Uncommon transient. Wilson'sWarbler (Wilsonia pusilla). Fairlycommon transient; uncommon summer visitor and breeder. Yellow-breastedChat (lcteria virens). Uncommon summervisitor and probable breeder.High countwas 11 at HettenshawV. 8 Jun 1995 (SM). WesternTanager (Piranga ludoviciana).Uncommon transient; common summer visitorand breeder.Detected during point countsat 99.5% of the sites. Green-tailedTowhee (Pipilo chlorurus).Uncommon summer visitor and breeder. SpottedTowhee (Pipilo maculatus).Fairly common resident and breeder. CaliforniaTowhee (Pipilo crissalis).Fairly common resident and breeder. ChippingSparrow (Spizella passerina). Fairly common transient; fairly common to common summer visitor and breeder. Black-chinnedSparrow (Spizella atrogularis).Rare summervisitor and breeder. Known only from the Ant Pt. and Red Mtn. area. Specimenstaken near Ant Pt. 8 Jul 1975 (RH; HSUM 3727 and HSUM 3728) have beententatively identified as $. a. caurina (C. Tenney,Big Sur OrnithologyLab, pers. comm.). Harris (1991, 1996) providedadditional details. VesperSparrow (Pooecetes gram ineus). Rare fall transient. High countwas on 23 Sep 1996, when there were at leastthree at HettenshawV. and one or two at the southend of Ruth L. (JS, JH, TL). Lark Sparrow(Chondestes grammacus). Fairly common transient, summer visitor, and breeder. Black-throatedSparrow (Amphispiza bilineata). Casualsummer visitor and probablebreeder. Earliest historic report was of a juvenilenear the BoundaryTrail trailhead 6 Jul 1976 (KI). At leasttwo singingmales were presentin the Red Mtn. area 27 Jun- 6 Jul 1996 (EE et al.). SageSparrow (Amphispiza belli). Casualsummer visitor and breeder near Ant Pt. Noteworthyrecords from this area includean A. b. belli collected8 Jul 1976 (RH; HSUM 3729), two adultsand six juveniles seen 16 Jul 1976 (TS),and 10 seen10 Aug 1979 (RH, EP). Earliestspring record 3 Jul 1981 (PS, VS); latestfall record23 Aug 1976 (RH, S. Harris).We alsohave confirmed records for 1977 and 1981. While not

79 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA detectedduring searchesthere in 1995-96, a singlejuvenile was seen 21-22 Jun 1997 (W. Widdowson,JH, GH), and a familygroup of two adultsand three juveniles was seen 26 Jul 1997 (KSI). SavannahSparrow (Passerculus san•lwichensis). Fairly commonto commonfall transient;uncommon winter visitor.High countsof about 200 were recordedat HettenshawV. 12 Oct and 23 Oct 1996 (JH). GrasshopperSparrow (Ammo•Iramussavannarum). Uncommon summer visitor and breederat HettenshawV. Two fledglingswere seenthere 17 Jul 1996 (GS). Recordsfrom two otherlocations are of a singlesinging male near Ruth 31 May 1996 (SM)and anothersinging male along FS Route1 betweenCold Springs and Hwy. 36 sometimein Jun 1995 (JB, GSL). Fox Sparrow(Passerella iliaca). Uncommonas a breeder.Fairly common transient and winter visitor. Song Sparrow (l•lelospizamelo•lia). Fairly commonresident and breeder. Lincoln'sSparrow (l•lelospizalincolnii). Uncommontransient and winter visitor. No summerrecords, but adultswere seenfeeding young about 30 km southeastof the MRRD near *GovernmentFlat, Tehama County, 12 Jul 1995 (JH, GH). White-crownedSparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). Fairly common transient and winter visitor.Casual summer visitor and possiblebreeder. The only two summer recordsare of a singingmale (thought to be Z. I. oriantha)near MillerSpring Camp 19 Jul 1995 (GH) and one near the upper end of the Little Van Duzen R., HUM, 16 Jul 1996 (GS). Golden-crownedSparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla). Common to abundanttran- sient and winter visitor. Dark-eyedJunco (Junto hyemalis).Common to abundantresident and breeder. A Slate-coloredJunco (J. h. byemallsor cismontanus)was seennear Brown'sCamp 23 Nov 1996 (JH). Black-headedGrosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus). Uncommon transient; common summervisitor and breeder.Detected during point countsat 97.3% of the sites. Lazuli Bunting(Passerina amoena). Fairly common summervisitor and breeder. Clear-cuttingof timber has improvedhabitat conditions for this species. IndigoBunting (Passerina cyanea). Hypothetical. A malewas reported on the trail to Ant Pt. 15 Jun 1982 (KI). Singlemales were alsodetected west of Dinsmore,along Hwy. 36, near *Burr Cr., HUM, 20 Apr 1992 (SM) and 22 Jun 1995 (SM). Red-wingedBlackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). Uncommon resident. Increases in summerto fairly commonas a breeder. TricoloredBlackbird (Agelaius tricolor). Hypothetical. One unconfirmedreport of a male in HettenshawV. 27 May 1996 (D. Ogden). WesternMeadowlark ($turnella neglecta).Uncommon resident. Increases to fairly common in summer as a breeder. Brewer'sBlackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus). Rare resident.Increases to uncommon in summer as a breeder. Brown-headedCowbird (l•Iolothrus ater). Uncommonsummer visitor and breeder. Bullock'sOriole (Icterus bullockii). Uncommon summervisitor and breeder. PurpleFinch (Carpo•lacus purpureus). Uncommon resident and breeder.

8O BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

Cassin'sFinch (Carpodacuscassinii). Uncommon residentand breeder along South Fork Mtn., HUM and TRI, and near the Lassics,HUM and TRI. Two singing males,one orange,were seen 1 km southof BlakeSummit, HUM, 14 Jul 1993 (GS). HouseFinch (Carpodacus mexicanus). Rare residentand breeder near Mad River, Ruth, and Brown'sCamp. Red Crossbill(Loxia curvirostra).Rare residentand probablebreeder. Pine Siskin(Carduelis pinus). Fairlycommon resident and breeder. LesserGoldfinch (Carduelis psaltria). Common residentand breeder. Lawrence'sGoldfinch (Carduelis lawrencei). Casual summervisitor and breeder. Priorto 1996 there wasa reportof three at Ruth L. 16 Jul 1976 (TS; Harris 1991, AB 30-1001), a recordas Peregrine Falcon prey remains collected in 1987, anda few recordsfrom othernearby locations (Grinnell and Miller 1944). Duringthe summers of 1996 and 1997, however, birds were detected at numerous locations in the southernportion of the MRRD (EE,SM et al.).Breeding evidence consists of a pair at RuthFire Stationthroughout Jun 1996 (EE,JH), a femalenest-building with a male in attendancenear *Covelo,MEN, on 10 Jun 1996 (SM),adults feeding young near Red Mtn. 29 Jun 1996 (SM),and a familygroup of two adultsand threejuveniles at the Red Mtn. trailhead26 Jul 1997 (KS1).Harris (1996) providedother nearby records. AmericanGoldfinch (Carduelis tristis). Rare summervisitor and possiblebreeder. Increasesto fairlycommon in fall. EveningGrosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus). Rare resident,transient, and possiblebreeder. High count was 20 near the Lassics8 June 1982 (PS). HouseSparrow (Passer domesticus). Uncommon resident and breeder, found only nearbuildings associated with Mad River,Ruth, and Brown'sCamp.

OBSERVERS

DavidA. Anderson,Anonymous (A), Lee Arsenault,Bill S. Baker,Kris K. Baker, Jeff Ballard,Janet M. Barager(JMB), Michael Beeve, James D. Booker,John Brack (JB),Branmum, David Browning, Dan Dixon,Linda Doerfiinger, Kiel L. Drake(KLD), KatherineR. Drake (KRD), EliasE. Elias(EE), Richard A. Erickson(RAE), Ron Escafio (RE),L. Evans,David Fix (DF),Clay Fletcher (CF), William Forsberg, Alan B. Franklin, Barrett Garrison(BG), Bill German, D. Golnick,Jessica Gonzales, Joseph Grinnell (JG),Jay Harris,Stanley W. Harris,Gjon C. Hazard(GH), NorwoodHazard, Randy Hill (RH), BeauHorn, JohnE. Hunter (JH), Ken Irwin(KI), Jack Kahl, Kennedy,Greg Leisten(GL), Tom Leskiw(TL), Gary S. Lester(GSL), Lauren P. Lester,Mary Maier, Merry Maxwell,Sean E. McAllister(SM), RolandoMendez (RM), Tom Mull, KrisliH. Nelson,Chet Ogan (CO), DavidOgden, Kathy O'Halloran (KO), ElainePayne (EP), Dan Pervorse,Jessie Plumage (JP), Jude C. Power, Gaia Reid, Jack Reneau(JR), SteveRovell, Ken Sanchez,Herb Savercool(HS), GregoryA. Schmidt(GS), Kristin N. Schmidt(KS), Tom S. Schulenberg(TS), Kieth Slauson(KSI), Paul E Springer(PS), VirginiaSpringer (VS), John C. Sterling(JS), Ron Storrs,Steve Summers, Tompkins, Pain Udd (PU), Lisa Uerkuitz(LU), RalphWarbington, William Widdowson, Darren Wiemeyer,H. E. Wilder,Orian Williams,Roger Willmarth, Brian Woodbridge.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the many observerswho submittedbird observations either to usdirectly or to the SRNF bird-sightingsdatabase, especially Elias A. Elias,Sean E. McAllister,

81 BIRDS OF THE MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA and Gregory A. Schmidt.Stanley W. Harris providedunpublished records and a thoughtfulreview of an earlierdraft. Richard A. Erickson,Paul E Springer,and Philip Unitt alsoprovided thorough reviews of an earlierdraft. KristinN. Schmidtand other individualsat the SRNF pro,tidedsupport. Tom M. Jimersonprovided vegetation information.Janet Linthicumof the Santa Cruz PredatoryBird ResearchGroup providedPeregrine Falcon prey item records.Ned K. Johnsonand Carla Ciceroof the Museumof VertebrateZoology, Berkeley, provided useful specimen data.

LITERATURE CITED

Grinnell,J. 1933. Sparrow hawk eats Hermit Warbler.Condor 35:236. Grinnell, J., and Miller, A. H. 1944. The distributionof the birdsof California. Pac. Coast Avifauna 27. Harris, S. W. 1991. Northwestern California Birds, 1st ed. Humboldt State Univ. Press,Arcata, CA. Harris, S. W. 1996. NorthwesternCalifornia Birds, 2nd ed. HumboldtState Univ. Press,Arcata, CA. Hickman, J. C., ed. 1993. The JepsonManual: Higher Plantsof California. Univ. Calif. Press,Berkeley. Hunter,J. E., Schmidt,K. N., Stauffer,H., Miller,S., Ralph, C. J., and Roberts,L. 1997. Statusof the MarbledMurrelet in the Inner North Coast Rangesof California:Final Results.U.S. ForestService, Six RiversNational Forest, 1330 BayshoreWay, Eureka,CA 95501. Marcot, B. G., and Hill, R. 1980. FlammulatedOwls in northwesternCalifornia. W. Birds 11:141-149. Miller,A. H. 1951. An analysisof the distributionof the birdsof California.Univ. Calif. Publ. Zool. 50:531-644. Roberson,D., andTenney, C. 1993. Atlasof the BreedingBirds of MontereyCounty, California.Monterey Peninsula Audubon Soc., Carmel, CA. United StatesDepartment of Agriculture.1995a. FinalEnvironmental Impact State- ment: Six RiversNational Forest Land and ResourceManagement Plan. U.S. ForestService, Six RiversNational Forest, 1330 BayshoreWay, Eureka, CA 95501. UnitedStates Department of Agriculture.1995b. Six RiversNational Forest Land and ResourceManagement Plan. U.S. Forest Service, Six RiversNational Forest, 1330 BayshoreWay, Eureka,CA 95501. United States Forest Service. 1967. Wild Turkey Habitat Management Plan: MendocinoNational Forest. U.S. Forest Service, MendocinoNational Forest, 825 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, CA 95988. Yocom, C. E 1978. Statusof the Oregon RuffedGrouse in northwesternCalifornia. Calif. Fish and Game 64:125-127. Yocom, C. F., and Harris, S. W. 1975. Status,Habitats, and Distributionof Birdsof NorthwesternCalifornia. Humboldt State Univ. Press,Arcata, CA.

Accepted 18 January 1998