CONTINENT,\IJ SURVEY

The Winter Season December 1, 1980 -- 28, 1981

Abbreviations frequently used in Regional Reports ad.: adult, Am.: American, c.: central, C: Celsius, CBC: Refuge, Res.: Reservoir, not Reservation, R.: River, S.P.: Christmas Bird Count, Cr.: Creek, Corn. Common, Co.: State Park, sp.: species,spp.: speciesplural, ssp.: subspecies, County, Cos.: Counties, et aL: and others, E.: Eastern (bird lwp.: Township, W.: Western (bird name), W.M.A.: Wildlife name),Eur.: European, Eurasian, F: Fahrenheit,fide:rcport- Management Area, v.o.: various observers, N,S,W,E,: direc- ed by, F.&W.S.: Fish & Wildlife Servicc,Ft.: Fort, imm.: im- tion of motion, n., s., w., e.: direction of location, >: more mature, 1.: Island, Is.: Islands, Isles, Jet.: Junction, juv.: than, <: fewer than, _+: approximately, or estimated number, juvenile, L.: Lake, m.ob.: many observers, Mr.: Mountain, cr: male, 9: female, •: imm. or female, *: specimen, ph.: Mrs.: Mountains, N.F.: National Forest, N.M.: National photographed, ]': documented, ft: feet, mi: miles, m: meters, Monument, N.P.: National Park, N.W.R.: Nat'l Wildlife kin: kilometers, date with a + (e.g., Mar. 4+): recorded Refuge, N.: Northern (bird name), Par.: Parish, Pen.: Penin- beyond that date. Editors may also abbreviate often-cited sula, P.P.: Provincial Park, Pt.: Point, not Port, Ref.: locations or organizations.

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME noses were scarce or were not adequatelyre- REGION ported; 15 N. Fulmar / Peter D. Vickery were seen off Rockport, Mass., Feb. 7 (fide RPE). Two imm. Great Cormorants were unus- This winter was one of the quietest in re- ual inland along the Ag- cent years. Perhaps that was fortunate for the awam - Holyoke stretch birds because bitter cold weather arrived in on the Connecticut R., December and remained, unabated through Jan. 13-28 (fide SK). A much of January. The Region experienced Great Egret on the Nan- one of the coldest 30-day periods since tucket CBC Jan. 3 ap- weather records have been maintained. Many parently possessed a reportersnoted a steadydecline in feeder-de- particularly sturdy con- pendentbirds as the unusuallylarge earlier stitution as did single numbersof winteringsparrows gradually suc- Black-crowned Night cumbed to the severe temperatures. Grate- Herons on the Grand fully, winter ended early and by February Manan, N.B., CBC and temperatureswere well above normal, going near Agawam, Mass., above 50øF for nearly a week. Jan. 11 (fide SK). Coastal observers considered waterfowl numbers to be below average. Information WATERFOWL-- on Common Eiders appeared contradictory: Two Whistling Swans U.S. Fish and Wildlife aerial surveys cen- were unique on the sused above-averageeider numbers in the Martha's Vineyard CBC. Rhode Island DIURNAL RAPTORS--In Newfound- Boston harbor area and in Maine but Christ- observers noted unusual numbers of Brant land, Goshawkswere unusuallynumerous in mas Bird Counts (hereafter, CBC) indicateda wintering all along Narragansett Bay and in Terra Nova N.P., with at least 17 sightings clear decline. A comparison on ten coastal the same state 39 Snow Geese was an unusual reported this winter (RB). Rare at any season counts showed a threefold decrease from concentration for the date at Watch Hill Dec. and especiallyso in winter, a Cooper's Hawk 59,728 Common Eiders in 1979 - 80 to 19,151 3 and 20 Snow Geesewere equally surprising was photographed at Amherst, N.S., Feb. 15 individuals in 1980 - 81. Indeed, the Cape on the Newport CBC Dec. 20 (v.o., fide {fide FS). Rough-leggedHawks appearedin Cod CBC dropped from 22,256 eiders last DLE). European Wigeon were found in above-averagenumbers in s. New ; at year to 1103 this winter. However, local ice Rhode Island at Sachuest Jan. 15 and wat- least 18 individuals were reported from conditions were largely responsiblefor this chenoket Feb. 7-27 (fide DLE) and on Nan- RhodeIsland in January(v.o.,fide DLE). In- particular decrease.Only the Greater Boston tucket (EFA). Waterfowl n. of their usual terestingly, Rough-legged numbers seemed area and Martha's Vineyard counts showed rangedincluded: 28 Wood Ducks on the Nan- somewhat below average farther n. in Maine. any increasein eiders. Reasonsfor this ap- tucket CBC and nine on the Greater Boston An early migrant Ospreyappeared at Pt. Jud- parent general decline remain unknown. CBC, a single Wood Duck in Tilton, N.H., ith, R.I., on the astonishingdate of Feb. 21 Jan. 15 {fide KMC) and two Ring-necked (fide DLE). Eight Gyrfalcons in New Eng- Ducks in Hants County, N.S., Jan. 25 (fide land and the Maritimes was perhaps a bit LOONS THROUGH HERONS--The CRKA). In Rhode Island, Harlequin Ducks above average: Maine (3), New Brunswick winter's only Arctic Loons, both in Rhode Is- wintered in unprecedented numbers at (3), Nova Scotia(1), (1). Gyr- land, were seen at Pt. Judith Feb. 12 and Sachuest Pt., with a maximum count of 18 falconswere not especiallynumerous around NarragansettFeb. 14-18(v.o.,fide DLE). An birds Feb. 15 (v.o., fide DLE). Some 18-20 L'Anse-aux-Meadows,Nfld., only eight indi- Eared Grebe was unique at Race Pt., Pro- Harlequins, about average, were reported vidualswere noted (BMacT). Wintering Pere- vincetown, Mass., Jan. I (fide RPE). Tube- from Massachusetts(fide RPE). grineFalcons were the highestin recentyears.

Volume 35, Number 3 279 At least 21 were reported, not surprisinglyal- *to N B M.) Snowy Owls did not appear in Hoary Redpollswere reported. N B. (3), N.S most all on or near the coast: Conn. (4), R.I. sizable numbers again this winter, however (1), Me. (2), N.H. (1), Mass. (1). (1), Mass. (8), Maine (1), N.B. (1), N.S. (6). 4-5 individualson Cape Cod and 1-2 on Mar- A Grasshopper Sparrow displayed great tha's Vineyard were considered above fortitude in survivingthe winter in Ellsworth, RAILS, SHOREBIRDS--Single King average (fide BN). In Maine, single Hawk Me., Dec. 25 - Feb. 28 + (fide WCT) and in Rails were notable winter discoveries at Owls were found in Veazie Jan. 17 - Feb. 14 the same state a Lark Sparrow was late in Weekapaug, R.I., Jan. 1-3 (fide DLE) and on and nearby in Hampden Feb. 14-19 (v.o., KennebunkportDec. 1-4 (JF). A Lincoln's the Old Lyme-SaybrookCBC and the Strat- fide MKL). No fewer than 22 Long-eared Sparrowwas also a late lingererin Economy, ford-Milford CBC. Owls were found roostingtogether in Lexing- N.S., Dec. 13-14 (fide PRD). Fox Sparrows A window-killed Am. Woodcock in Te- ton, Mass. (fide RPE). were found in extraordinary numbers on nant's Harbor, Me., Dec. 31 was very late Woodpeckers well n. of their usual limits three e. Maine CBCs--the Mt. Desert I., (ftde MKL). A Greater Yellowlegsin Orleans, were a Red-bellied in Biddeford, Me., Dec. Jonesport and Machias Bay counts totalled Mass, Feb. 7 & 19 was presumably a hardy 21 (DWF et al.) and an imm. Red-headedin 116 individualswith 48 on the Machias Bay local winterer rather than an early migrant Albert, N.B., late November - mid-December area count. Presumably many of thesebirds (BN et al.). A LesserYellowlegs at Chatham, (fide DSC). as well as many other marginal wintering Mass, Dec. 21-22 (BN et al.) and anotherin sparrows did not survive the extended Janu- Weekapaug,R.I., Dec. 6 - Jan. 4 (fide DLE) KINGBIRDS THROUGH WAXWINGS ary freeze, as many feeders reported reduced were both remarkably late. In recent years --A W. Kingbird was a hardy fall lingerer in numbersas the seasonprogressed. small numbers of Long-billed Dowitchers Chatham, Mass., Jan. 2 (fide RPE). Boreal have overwinteredin s. New England. Again Chickadees occurred in moderate numbers in ADDENDUM--Please note that Blackpoll this year, a singleLong-billed Dowitcher had s. New England; some 5-6 birds were re- Warblers were found feeding young near the constitution, if not bad judgment, to sur- corded in Massachusetts and 2-3 birds were Savoy, Mass., July 20, 1980 for a first known wve a bitter winter at Weekapaug, R.I. (fide reported from Connecticut. A Carolina Wren statenesting record away from the Mt. Grey- DLE). Other late shorebirds included: a was an unusual and probably unsuccessful lock area (fide BH). Short-billed Dowitcher on the Stamford, winterer in Bethel, Me., Oct. 15 - Dec. 26 Conn., CBC Dec. 21; the previously re- (fide MKL). For the secondconsecutive year CORRIGENDA--Note that the maximum ported, remarkable Buff-breasted Sandpiper a Short-billed Marsh Wren was recorded on count for Snowy Egrets at Plum I. was not on Nantucket to Dec. 1 (RRV) and a Wilson's an e. MassachusettsCBC, this time on Nan- 870 July 30, 1980 but was 985 countedAug Phalarope on Plum I., Dec. 1 (DWF et al.). tucket Jan. 3 (RRV et al.). 26, 1978 (RSH). Secondly,880+ Snowy Eg- Varied Thrushes were conspicuousin the rets were recorded at Plum I., Aug. 23, 1979 GULLS, TERNS--Perhaps the severewin- Region; no fewer than eight were reported: (fide RSH). ter was responsiblefor the increased number Me. (5), N.H. (1), Mass. (1), Conn. (1). A of Iceland Gulls; Massachusetts recorded late Swainson's Thrush was reported from SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS, (boldface high counts of 118 at Plum I., Jan. 31,140 in Halifax, N.S., Dec. 13 (fide PRD) although italic) Contributors (boldface), Observers GloucesterFeb. 22 (RSH) and 111 on the none was recorded on any New England and other abbreviations--Dennis J. Abbott, Nantucket CBC. A single Lesser Black- CBCs (three in '79 - '80). A count-period Charles R.K. Allen, Edith F. Andrews, Bon- backed Gull was identified in Warren, R.I., Wood Thrush photographed in Millis, Mass., nie Bochan, Roger G.B. Brown, Tom Burke, Jan 20 (RAC) while three were reported was completely unexpected. Roger Burrows, Bart Cadbury, DavM & from s. Connecticut(v.o.,fide TB). The con- Bohemian Waxwings occurredin Maine in Christie, John Cohrs, Shirley Cohrs, Robert centration of 11 - 12 Lesser Black-backed the largest numbers ever recorded; 1400-1800 A. Conway, Kenneth M. Cox, Jean Creigh- Gulls on Nantucket dispersedin mid-January individualswere reported (v.o., fide MKL, ton (JCr), Phyllis R. Dobson, David L. with no birds seen after that date (RRV). PDV). New Brunswick also witnessedan ex- Emerson, Ruth P. Emery, Norm Famous, Nearby on Martha's Vineyard, a singleLesser cellent flight with a maximum of 253 birds June Ficker, Davis W. Finch, Dick Forster, Black-backedwas seenFeb. 22 (fide BN). A seen on the Concord and Tuckernuck I. Richard S. Heil, Bartlett Hendricks, Seth Thayer's Gull on the Nantucket CBC consti- CBCs. Kellogg, Craig Kesselbeim,Doug L. Kraus, tuted one of few Massachusettsrecords (RRV Michael K. Lucey, Bruce MacTavish, Eric L. et al.). New England Black-headed Gulls WARBLERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS Mills, Blair Nikula, Marven T. Palmer, numbered 20+ individuals. In n. Newfound- --Severe December weather was no doubt re- Wayne R. Petersen,Francis Spaulding, Wtl- land, Ivory Gulls were scarcewith only three sponsiblefor the few and routine warblers re- liam C. Townsend, Richard R. ¾eit, Peter D birds observed at L'Anse-aux-Meadows Jan. ported on this winter's CBCs. Of note were Vickery, Chuck Whitney, N.B.M. New 18 (BMacT) and one bird at St. Paul's Inlet four Pine Warblers attempting to overwinter Brunswick Museum, ph. photographed, * Dec 28 (RB). A Black Tern collectedon Nan- in New Brunswick (fide DSC) and 2-3 indi- specimen to, v.o. various observers-- tucket Dec. 18 was, by any standards, aston- viduals in Nova Scotia (fide PRD). A N. PETER D. VICKERY, Box 127, Richmond, ishinglylate (RRV et al.). Waterthrushwas late in Ipswich, Mass., Dec. Maine 04357. 7 (RSH). ALCIDS--Alcids were again unimpressive Winter Yellow-headed Blackbirds were this winter. Notable were: two Razorbills found in New , Conn. during count QUEBEC REGION passmgPt. JudithFeb. 11 and anotherat the period, Wolfville, N.S., in January and Feb- /Michel Gosselin and samelocality Feb. 21 (fide DLE). Two Dove- ruary (fide PRD) and Athol, Mass., Feb. 19 Normand David kles at Pt. Judith Feb. 2 and another at that (fide SK). A Brewer'sBlackbird was unique locality Feb. 21 were unusual(fide DLE). this seasonand especiallynotable inland at Black Guillemotsgathered off Provincetown Hatfield, Mass., Dec. 21-28 (fide SK). In sharp contrastwith last year, the winter again this winter; 20 were countedJan. 20 of 1980-81 began extremely cold, snowy (fMe RPE). Thirty-two Black Guillemotswas FRINGILLIDS--A Rose-breasted Gros- and...quiet. Most winter birds (exceptsome a surprising count at Marblehead Neck, beak was unseasonalin Monson, Mass., Dec. of the northern forest owls) were present in Mass., Feb. 10 (RSH). A Black Guillemot 19 (fide SK) as was a Blue Grosbeak in Man- good numbers. The situation completelyre- seen on the New Haven CBC Dec. 20 was one chester,N.H., Dec. 8-17 (fide KMC). Single versed itself in the last two weeks of Febru- of few state occurrences. Black-headed Grosbeaks occurred in Wal- ary, with an unprecedentedmild spell. Insects pole, Mass., through February and in Bath, flying at night into the lightbeamsof carsare PIGEONS, OWLS, WOODPECKERS-- Me., Dec. 16 - Feb. 28 + (JCr, PDV et al., indeed a rare sight in mid-February north of In New Brunswick, a Band-tailed Pigeon seen ph.); the latter for a fourth state record. In the 45th parallel. and photographedin FredericktonFeb. 1-15 Nova Scotia, House Finches increasedto at was a first provincial and a fourth or fifth least three individuals (fide PRD). GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL-- Regionaloccurrence (MTP, fide DSC, ph.). The winter finch flight included moderate A Red-necked Grebe discovered at Rapides- Also in New Brunswick, a dead and severely numbers of Pine Grosbeaks and Com. Red- des-JoachimsFeb. 21 (FB) and another in emaciatedBarn Owl was picked up near Por- polls s. to New Hampshire, Massachusetts Aylmer Feb. 23 (BD) were helped by mild tobelloCr., SunburyCo., Dec. 22 (fide DSC, and Connecticut. Not surprisingly, eight weather;undisputed migrants had neverbeen

280 American Birds, also reported the species Waxwings showedup in fair numbers;three along the Chibouga- in Chandler Feb. 22 (PD) were noteworthy. mau/Lebel-sur-Qu•vil- An Orange-crowned Warbler at Baie-d'Urf• Ion road; in the last- Dec. 11 (fide MM) and a Corn. Yellowthroat named locality they in Lasalle Dec. 7 (DM) were the latest ever. were present from early The E. Meadowlark on the Hull-Ottawa CBC October (fide PBa). was actually in Aylmer (JHs). A Red-winged Never before had Kill- Blackbird wintered in Jonqui•re, a first for deers been reported so this locality (fide NB); 5000 of these birds returned to their traditional roost at St- •...... early:Feb. 21 at IIe Per- Etienne, Beauharnois Co., Feb. 18, and Les C•dres (BB,MM). 10,000 were present Feb. 21 (PBa). A c, Red- •11•b rotPurple(PC) Sandpipersand Feb. 22win- at winged Blackbird even reached St-Val•rien, tered at Pointe St-Pierre RimouskiCo., Feb. 28 (JL). In Old-Chelsea, (11 on Jan. 25 and two a Rusty Blackbird wintered successfully on Feb. 19) and five (MBo), as did probably the three Corn. were present in Perc• Gracklesseen at Grande-ValiSeJan. 25 (PD) Jan. I0 (RBi). and the one seenin Hull Feb. 2 (JF). A Corn. Grackle at Mont-Laurier Feb. 18 (RLD) and GULLS THROUGH two at Grande-Rivi•reFeb. 19 (PPo) were, OWLS--An ad. Lesser from all evidence,early migrants. a Great Cormorant stayedin Magog Jan. 19- Black-backed Gull visited Sherbrooke Nov. Feb. 5 (PBo). A Great Blue Heron sighted at 25-Dec. 8 (VL,RL) and another, Beauharnois FRINGILLIDS--Two Purple Fincheswin- Sainte-CroixDec. 30 (RA) was the latestever. Nov. 30-Dec. 6 (PBa). Ring-billed Gulls ap- tered at Perc• (RBi) and one probably at For the second consecutive winter peared earlier than ever: Feb. 16 in Aylmer M&is Jan. 24 (JRP), outside their regular Geese were recorded in the Montreal area: an (BD) and Feb. 21 in St-Jean, RichelieuCo. wintering range. After an absenceof almost a individual (possiblyferal) near Dorion Jan. (PBa). The early arrival of Black-leggedKit- month, a 9 House Fineh reappeared at 31 and Feb. 9 (WB,PBa). Migrant flocksalso tiwakes was also unprecedented: 150 at Cap- CowansvilleFeb. 16 (fide YA). As is often turned up near Saint-Jean, Richelieu Co., d'Espoir Feb. 27 (BC) and 350 Feb. 28 the casein yearsof redpoll abundance,Hoary Feb. 22 (PBa) and P•ribonka Feb. 27 (fide (RBi,PPo). The outstanding bird of the Redpolls turned up in many localities in late NB). Black Ducks were found in all parts of season was a Forster's Tern at C•te Ste- winter; one individual at Grande-Entre• Feb. the Province:one in SenneterreDec. 30 (YA), Catherine Dec. 13 (PBa, BB,MM) which pro- 20 (YA) was a first for the Madeleine Islands. three in Amos Jan. 31 (PBa et al.), six at Cap- bably representsthe latest record for Canada. The Dickcissel of Chicoutimi was not seen des-Rosiers Feb. 27 (BC), 17 at Anse- A Black Guillemot at LaBale Feb. 27 (fide after Dec. 10, possibly owing to its winter PleureuseJan. 9 and eight Jan. 16 (AD,PPo), NB) provideda first local record. More unex- plumage which made it more difficult to ten at D•gelis Jan. 28 and one at Pointe-au- pectedwas a Corn. Puffin found alive on a locateamong House Sparrows(fide NB). A 9 PSreFeb. 18 (GG et al.). Mallards werealso Chfiteauguaystreet Dec. 30 (fide MBo). The Rufous-sidedTowhee wintered at Sillery(fide well represented:one in SenneterreDec. 30 bird was brought to the Montreal zoological RBa) and anotherat Sherbrooke(PM). Many (JHy) and one at D•gelis Jan. 30 (RC et al.). gardenwhere it died (*Nat'l. Mus. Can.). wintering records of White-throated Spar- Another noteworthy report associatedwith Twenty Mourning Doves were observedat rows were reported from s. Quebec. A Fox the warm weather was of an Am. Wigeon at Grande-Entrte, M.I., Dec. I (YA), and one Sparrow wintering in Philipsburg was only Ctte Sainte-CatherineFeb. 28 (D J). Records at St-Raymond, Portneuf Co., Feb. 23 (GL); the second such for the Province. A Lincoln's of single Buffleheadsshow that the species the speciesusually winters in small numbers Sparrow present at a Chicoutimi feeder until can winter in a wide range of localities: in s. Quebec.Snowy Owls were noted in good Dec. 28 (fide NB,YA) would represent the Sainte-Luce Jan. 10 (CG), Ile-aux-Allumettes numbers in all areas, including L. St-Jean; latest record for the species, except for a Feb. 8 (MG), Chandler Feb. 19 (RBi) and there however, they becameless numerous in previously unpublished winter record in Grosse-Ile, Madeleine Is. (hereafter, M.I.) mid-January (fide NB). A Long-eared Owl, 1967-68 (HL). Five Lapland Longspurs in Feb. 20 (YA). An interestinginland discovery alwaysrare in winter, was reported from Hull Mont-Laurier Jan. 10 (RLD), 500 at Ile- was that of a c, Harlequin Duck at Ile-aux- Jan. 21 (DSH) and up to four birds were at Perrot Dec. 26-Jan. 18 (BB,MM,m.ob.) and Allumettes Feb. 8-22 (JC). fie Perrot Feb. 14+ (BB,MM,m.ob.). The 50 at St-Etienne, Beauharnois Co., Jan. 24 only Hawk Owls of the seasonwere at Quyon (YA) showed the unusual abundance of the RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS-- Nov. 30-Dec. 7 (JD), Baie-des-RochersDec. speciesthis winter. A late Turkey Vulture was describedfrom the 28 (PL) and Ferme-Neuve Feb. 23 (RLD). Wakefield area Dec. 28 (DC et al.) and a Great Gray Owls were at Cap-Tourmente CORRIGENDUM--The correct date for Cooper's Hawk from Aylmer Dec. 17-22 Jan. 24 (RSi et al.) and intermittently at the Am. Oystercatcherreported in AB 34:877 (JD,RSc). A Red-tailedHawk in Sherbrooke Aylmer (fide BD), and Boreal Owls at St- is May 22. Jan. 18 (JPB) and two in QuebecCity's har- Nicolasde L•vis Dec. 24 (JLD), Cap-Tour- bor Jan. 18-31 (PPe,CSi) added to the few mente Dec. 31 (MD), Courville Jan. 10 (PL) winter records for these areas. The same is and Grosse-Ile, M.I., Feb. 22 (YA). A Saw- CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) AND OB- true for imm. Bald Eagles at Cap-d'Espoir whet Owl was found in a trap Jan. I at the s. SERVERS--R. Angers, Y. Aubry, P. Ban- Jan. 30 (RBi) and Vigneau, M.I., Feb. 25 gateof LaV•rendryeP.P. (FM) andtwo were non (PBa), B. Barnhurst, J.P. Barry, R. (YA). Two Marsh Hawks were reported on heard at Ile-aux-Allumettes Feb. 28 (DSH). Barry (RBa), G. Beattie, F. Bell, W. Bertac- the early date of Feb. 22, one in Henryville chi, R. Bisson (RBi), P. Boily (PBo), M. (PBa) and the other in Les C&lres (BB,MM). WOODPECKERS THROUGH ICTE- Bostock(MBo), A. Bouchard, N. Breton, M. As happened last year, many Gyrfalcons RIDS--Unusual were five Corn. Flickers on a Bureau (MBu), D. Campbell, J. Chabot, P. turned up in the St. Lawrencevalley: one in single tree near the Montreal harbor Feb. 7 Chagnon, B. Chouinard, R. C6t•, M. Aylmer Nov. 25 (BD), two in Montreal Dec. (PBa). An unbelievableearly arrival was an Darveau, J.L. Desgranges,A. Desrosiers,B. 4+ (fide PBa,PC), one in North Harley Dec. E. Phoebe reported from Bale d'Urf• Feb. DiLahio, J. Dubois, R.L. Dubois, P. Dupal, 18 (BG) and SherbrookeDec. 21 (VL), one at 16-27 (NMS). Another unique record was of S. Edgar, E. Elzer, J. Fournier, C. Gauthier, St-Nicolasde Ltvis Jan. 2 (JLD), up to three the wintering of three Horned Larks on G. Gendron, J. Hardy (JHy), J. Harris at BergeronnesDec. 29-Feb. 27 (AB) and two Havre-Aubert I., M.I. (fide YA). A White- (JHs), D. Jackson, P. Jourdain, P. Lane, J. at Pointe St-Pierre Feb. 19 (RBi). Single breasted Nuthatch wintered in Arvida where Larivee, H. Lavoie, R. Lebrun, G. Lepage, PeregrineFalcons were noted in Sherbrooke it is, even in summer, an unusual visitor V. L6tourneau,M. Mcintosh, F. Messier,P. Jan. 18 (JPB), Pointe-au-P•re Jan. 30 (CSa). Rock-lsland'sCarolina Wren made its Metras, D. Mulholland, J.R. Pelletier, P. (GG,PJ) and Melocheville Feb. 14 (YA). last appearanceDec. 24 (SE, fide PBo) while Perreault (PPe), P. Poulin (PPo), D. Saint- Matagami was invaded by Willow Ptar- the Brown Thrasher of the Hull-Ottawa CBC Hilaire (DSH), C. Samson(CSa), R. Schryer migans in late December; many observers disappearedDec. 25 (fide BD). Bohemian (RSc), C. Simard (CSi), R. Simard (RSi),

Volume 35, Number 3 281 N.M. Slaughter. -- MICHEL GOSSELIN, winter, the only reports 370 Metcalfe #707, Ottawa, Ont., K2P 1S9, being a small scattering and NORMAND DAVID, Centre de Recher- on some coastal CBCs chesEcologiques de Montreal, 5858 C•te des and 25 seenon a pelagic Neiges0400, MontrSal, Que., H3S 1ZI. trip out of Montauk, L.I., Dec. 6 (THD,BJS et al.). Under the cir- cumstances, a real sur- HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION prise was a Brown Peli- /William J. Boyle, Jr., Robert O. can picked up in a Mills- Paxton and David A. Cutler boro, Del. parking lot. Although it was initially hoped that the bird The winter seasonwas characterized by ex- could be rehabilitated, it traordinary weather of several extremesand had a frozen foot and the effect on bird distribution and popula- was eventually placed in tions was pronounced. The severe drought a zoo (fide WWF). The which began last summer continued through cold weather brought the first month of the year, which was the above-average numbers • IVWl driestJanuary on recordin the New York Ci- of Great Cormorants to ty area. Combined rainfall for December- the New Jersey coast January was lessthan 20% of normal. Begin- with a maximum of 40 ning in mid-December a bitter cold spell at Barnegat Inlet during brought some of the lowest temperaturesin January. In w. Long Is- history to the Region, including the coldest land Sound, however, ChristmasDay ever and a frigid 20øF at Mor- numbers were lower •11mm• ristown, N.J., . The arctic weather than usual (TWB). abated after mid-January, and was followed About a dozen Double-crested Cormorants losses of the 1976-77 winter. More than by one of the warmest and wettest Februarys stayed around for the CBC period and a few 50,000 were along the New Jersey coast on record. of them overwintered, including one at Shark (W.T.S.), and despite the freeze-up of the The effects of the unusual weather were River Inlet, N.J., Feb. I (JD). bays and the severecold, little mortality was predictable.Most freshwater froze rapidly in The December cold drove most of the reported. As usual, a few White-fronted mid-December, causing a mass exodus of herons and egrets from the Region and Geese appeared. The immature reported in waterfowl from inland regions. On the coast, numbers on CBCs were substantially lower the fall from Jamaica Bay Wildlife Ref. the salt water bays and tidal estuarieswere than the past few years. Great Blue Herons (hereafter, J.B.W.R.) remained to at least largely frozen by New Year's Day, forcing gatheredat the few available coastal feeding Jan. 2, while an adult of uncertain origin ap- many birds to move to the ocean or farther areas, resultingin some impressiveconcentra- peared Dec. 20-21 at L. Success,Nassau Co., south. No significant mortality was noted, tions. D. Cutler had a group of 96 on the N.Y. At B.H.N.W.R., where the speciesis however, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Ser- Bombay Hook CBC Dec. 21, all within 50 now of annual occurrence,two were present vice Waterfowl Trend Survey (hereafter, yards of each other, while Maurer had 24 in Dec. 22 (MG). In contrast to the other geese, W.T.S.) for the Atlantic Flyway showednear view at one time on the Delaware Bay shore Snow Geese were surprisingly scarce par- normal numbers for this Region and signifi- near Goshen, N.J., Jan. 6. Fifteen Cattle ticularly after mid-December. Over 70,000 cantly higher than averagenumbers for some Egrets at Arundel, Del., Feb. 27 were very were noted in New Jerseyduring a December states to the south. February's mild weather early migrants (BR). Glossy Ibises again aerial survey by the Division of Fish and brought an early surge of northbound mi- lingeredlate in Delaware with one at Bombay Game, but this number had dwindled to 640 grants and the return of some normally Hook N.W.R. (hereafter, B.H.N.W.R.), by the time of the W.T.S., Jan. 5-9. Twenty- wintering species which had fled the bitter Dec. 18, narrowly missing the CBC, and four on the Princeton CBC included 12 of the cold. another at nearby Little Creek W.M.A., Dec. blue morph. Most observers felt that the season was 27 (LP). Good numbers of dabbling ducks were rather average, with little in the way of reported throughout the Region, including raritiesor irruptive speciesto enliventhe local WATERFOWL--Mute Swan numbers inland wherever open water could be found. birding. While the hoped-for winter finch in- continue to mount, with a staggering968 on A flock of 8000 Black Ducks plus many vasion fizzled, a major incursion of rapt#rs the Central Suffolk County, N.Y., CBC and Mallards on the Susquehanna R., at brought numbersof Snowy Owls and Rough- the usual flock of 300-400 wintering on Bar- Brunner's I., Pa., Jan. 14, benefited from the legged Hawks into the area. There were negat Bay near Toms River, N.J. At L. Mus- warm-water outflow of a power plant (C J). above-averagenumbers of late migrants and conetcong,Morris-Sussex Cos., N.J., where Scattered small numbers of Green-winged half-hardy stragglersin December, many of > 180 swanshave died over the past 11 years, Teal included one drake of the Eurasian race which showedup on Christmas Bird Counts 13 carcasseswere observed on the ice in early on the Sandy Hook CBC at a Rums#n, N.J. (hereafter, CBC) during the cold weather. January (TH). The causeof this mortality has pond Dec. 20 ½G. Wenzelberger, E. Breden}, The lack of reports from later in the period, been identified as a fresh-water fluke, which which was still present the next day. About a suggeststhat many of them did not survive is transmitted by a snail. Only swans seem to dozenBlue-winged Teal were reportedduring until the thaw. be affected by this parasite, presumably December, mostly on CBCs, but none becauseof feeding habits, and it has not ap- thereafter. The usual quota of Eur. Wigcons LOONS THROUGH IBISES--Loons and peared in other fresh-water lakes. Whistling included ca. five drakes on Long Island (fide grebesall but disappearedafter the middle of Swans were generally scarceinland, but were THD) in January-February and two drakes December, as the cold weather drove them well representedin s. New Jersey and Dela- all winter on the Shark R., N.J. estuary elsewhere,but they gradually returnedduring ware, where many of them have taken to (m.ob.). February. One Red-throated Loon made the feeding in fields. A flock of 1000 at Elmer, Diving ducks were generally plentiful this mistake of landing on a frozen stream in N.J., in early January, was impressive(JHa). winter, although the distribution was spotty. Dutchess County, N.Y., Dec. 29, but was By mid-February large flocks were re- A peak of 200 Redheadsmingled with a flock capturedand releasedunharmed on the Hud- turning N. estimated at 6000 Greater Scaup at Barnegat son R. (H. Manson, J. & M. Key). Ten re- Canada Geese were widespread and con- Light, N.J., Jan. 12 (RM). The W.T.S. esti- ports of Red-neckedGrebe includedsix from spicuous in all parts of the Region. Large mated 48,000 scaupwintering in New Jersey, Long Island, one from Delaware, two from flocks wintered inland and fed in cornfields down by 50% from the December totals and coastalNew Jersey,and more unusualone in- and on lawns left bare by the lack of snow reflecting the freeze-up of the bays. Excellent land at the Boonton Res., Parsippany, N.J. cover. Brant also wintered in excellent numbers of Ring-necked Ducks were present (RR). Gannetstoo were exceedinglyrare this numbers as they continue to recover from the early in the seasonand again during February

282 American Birds, May 1981 as inland waters opened up The perennial o' migrant was at Millbrook School, Dutchess Burns, WWF) SoutheasternNew York pro- Barrow's Goldeneye returned to the Shark R. Co., N.Y., Jan. 26 (F. Germond). Black duced only 13 birds for the census, but an estuary for the 12th consecutivewinter, ap- Vultures continue to expand their range in aerial count Feb. 18 yielded 40 (161,24a) pearingNov. 21 (TV,TK), the secondearliest Pennsylvaniaand New Jersey.Large concen- mainly on the Sullivan County reservoirsand ever, and lingering to mid-February. Two trations included 185+ at Big Round Top, the adjacent part of the Delaware R (P other New Jerseybirds were recordedon the 102 on the S. Lancaster County, Pa. CBC Nye). Up to five were at Iona I., in the Hud- Barnegat CBC, while Long Island's three and a New Jerseyrecord of 17 at Titusville in son R., Jan. 25 into February (m.ob.), an Im- reportswere all females, one at Montauk Pt., early December(JVO. One near Easton, Pa., mature was at Rye L., Jan. 26 (TWB) and Dec. 20-Jan. 25 (K. Able, PAB et el.), one at Dec. 15 (L. Mattioli) provided the first winter another immature wintered at Mill Neck, L I JonesInlet Jan. 19 (BB), and a different bird record for the Lehigh Valley, while a bird at (R. Sabin et el.). there Jan. 25 (S. Dempsey, S. Schiff). Com- Mt. Airy in PhiladelphiaFeb. 22 (HC) was Following last fall's spectacularmigration mon Goldeneyewere consideredscarce on the believedto be the first record for the city. Marsh Hawks wintered in excellent numbers coast (fide PD), but were well above normal S.A. in New Jersey. The N.J.R.A. Hawk Census on the rivers. An open patch of water on the found 236 birds, 100 more than last year's An interesting feature of this seasoh's largely frozen Delaware R., at Portland, Pa., high count. Twenty-five were near Salem held 200 Jan. 12 (GH) and 45 at Piermont raptor reports was an increase in the Jan. 3 (PB) and there were good numbersin- Pier, Rockland Co., N.Y. was the largest number of birds coming to suet feeders, land as well. In Delaware 60 were at B H perhapsoccasioned by the unusuallycold flock there in recent years (VS). N.W.R., Dec. 5 (MG), but they were consid- The 16 Harlequin Ducks reported for the weather in December-January. At Center- ered uncommonlater in the season(MVB) ville, Del., an imm. Red-shouldered season was about normal, but nine of them Reports of lingering Ospreys are becoming were at a single location. This group of one Hawk was at a feeding station eating suet increasinglyregular and this winter was no male and eight females frequented the Cape Jan. 24 (WJW), while at Coatsville, Pa., exception, in spite of the cold weather One an ad. Red-shouldered returned for the May Coast Guard Jetty from early January was at Cornwall Bay, on the Hudson R., Dec 4th consecutiveyear (PLH). A possible into March (P. Kosten, m.ob.). Elsewherein 24-28 (BSe) and another made the S. Lan- first, however, was a Turkey Vulture that New Jersey, a male was at Avalon Jan. 23 caster County CBC, while one at Beesley's (DW), an imm. male reported in November came to Centerville, Del., feeder Jan. 2 Pt., Great Egg Harbor, N.J., Jan. 11 was from Barnegat Light lingered through the (WJW). This was followed 2 weeks later fishing in the warm-water outflow of a power by another TV that came to feed on suet period and a one-legged female consorted plant, the only open water for miles around at the Coatsville, Pa., feeder for 2 days with handout-seeking Mallards at a bayside (RBa). until it was attacked by a Red-tailed dock in Barnegat Light (PD et el.). Four Rounding out the raptor report, it was also Hawk that drove it off and took the suet reports from Long Island included two of a good season for falcons. Two Gyrfalcons each sex. (PLH). were noted, both of them white-phasebirds Eiders were comparatively scarce. Com- One made a brief but well seen visit on the mon Eider reports consistedof 26 on the All three speciesof Accipiter were well re- Bethlehem-Easton CBC (R. Mancke, D Montauk CBC, four at Montauk Jan. 10 ported and several dozen wintering Red- DeReamus)while a more obliging immature (GSR) and a rare ad. male at the Cape May shouldered Hawks was an encouraging sign. roamed the marshes from Lawrence to Jones Coast Guard Jetty Jan. 18 (PD et el.). King Comments on Red-tailed Hawk ranged from Beach, L.I., Jan. 26-Mar. 6, and was seenby Eiders were less common with several on the "abundant" to "very common." There were many during February (M. Scheibel,mob ) New Jerseycoast and a maximum of sevenon 91 on the S. Lancaster County CBC, Dec. 21, About a dozen Peregrine Falcons were the Montauk CBC. Although the W.T.S. 35 along the Maurice R., N.J., Jan. 9 (CS) found, including a locally rare one at reported over 16,000 scoterswintering off the and a record 765 on the N.J.R.A. Hawk Cen- Kingston, Pa., Feb. 20 (TBa). Merlins, too, New Jersey coast, they were not much in sus. Most impressive was the massive inva- were well represented with 200_+ birds evidence in the places frequented by area sion of Rough-leggedHawks with far higher reported, many apparently wintering observers, who found them very scarce. The than usual numbers reported everywhere, es- Unusual inland reports were two in Warren several hundred Ruddy Ducks wintering on pecially along the coast. Thirty birds at Man- County, N.J. in late December(fide GH) and the lower Delaware R., near ahawkin, N.J., Dec. 12, mostly in view at the one at Lawrenceville, N.J., Feb. 12 (RB1) were a pitiful remnant of the huge flocks of same time, was the peak count for a single Large numbersof Am. Kestrelswere reported tens of thousands of earlier decades. All three location (CS). The 152 on the N.J.R.A. both inland and along the coast with 443 on speciesof merganserwere presentin excellent Hawk Censuswas four times last year's high the N.J.R.A. Hawk Census. numbersduring at least part of the winter. A count. Rough-leggedsoccurred in good numb raft of 500 + Hooded Mergansersat Brigan- ers inland as well, with 11 on the New Bloom- GROUSE THROUGH CRANES--Ruffed tine N.W.R. (hereafter, Brig.) was extraor- field, Pa. CBC surpassing the cumulative Grouse were reported in excellent numbers dinary (JB,TH et el.), while large concentra- total of eight seenin the previous 31 years! from Dutchessand Rockland cos., N.Y, but tions of Com. Mergansersincluded 700 on Eagles, too, were well represented this Bobwhite were considered scarce over much the S. Lancaster County, Pa. CBC, 800 on winter. New York's seven Golden Eagles of the Region where they normally occur the Hudson R., at Stony Point, N.Y., Jan. 19 were mostly in Dutchessand Ulster cos., but Turkeys, which have been reintroduced into (RFD) and 400+ on Spruce Run Res., N.J., one was present at Shelter I., L.I., most of many areas, were considered common and Feb. 21 (J. Staples). the winter (fide GSR). In s. New Jersey,Sut- spreadingin DutchessCounty (R.T.W.B C ), ton estimatedeight imm. and two ad. Golden n.w. New Jersey(fide GH) and n.e. Pennsyl- Eaglesoccurring during the winter, the high- vania (WR). An ad. Sandhill Crane was a re- RAPTORS--It was an excellent season for est total ever for this area (CS). Another was ward for several die-hard hawk-watchers at diurnal raptors. The New Jersey Raptor at Washington CrossingS.P., N.J., Jan. 13 Cape May Pt., Dec. 5, and furnishedthe first Association's fourth annual Winter Hawk (JW). The National Wildlife Federation- record there since 1958, although a winter Census Jan. 31 found 2240 vultures and sponsored Bald Eagle Census Jan. 9-10 bird has appeared off and on in neighboring hawks of 15 species,a 55ø7oincrease from the turned up about 42 birds, two-thirds adult, Cumberland County during the past few previous2 years with only slightly expanded during the worst of the cold spell, but there years (PD et el.). coverage. Despite the bitter cold weather in were many more presentduring February. In December-January, Turkey Vultures remain- Pennsylvania, a maximum of three im- SHOREBIRDS--American Oystercatchers ed anthe Region in large numbers,disappear- matures and four adults were at a relatively leave the Region for only a brief period m mg from the n. parts of the area only for a recent wintering area on the lower Sus- mid-winter. Late lingering birds were at Cor- brief span during the coldest period. Over quehannaR., near Michael's Run Jan. 9 (M. son'sInlet, N.J., Dec. 9 (RM) and another at 1000 were at Big Round Top near Get- Puglisi,RMS). An estimated16 (10i,6a) were Stone Harbor Dec. 12 (JD,RM), but two tysburg, Pa., Dec. 13 (CS) and 200+ were in s. New Jerseyduring the winter (CS), while spring migrants were back at Stone Harbor along the Delaware R., near Lambertville, the peak count for the upper Delaware R. was Feb. 18 (DW) and one was at Savage'sDitch, N J.--New Hope, Pa., in early December eight (6i,2a) Jan. 11 (P. Karner). Delaware Del., Feb. 28 (WWF). Good countsof Ruddy and again in February (JW). The N.J.R.A. had two immatures in addition to the four Turnstone appeared on several CBCs One Hawk Census recorded 547. A returning resident pairs of adults during February (P. hundred were at Cape Henlopen, Del, all

Volume 35, Number 3 283 winter (WWF) but nine at Milton Pt., Rye, N.Y., Dec. 28 were more unusual (TWB et al.). An impressive concentration of 60-70 Corn. Snipe spent the winter at Trenton Marsh (m.ob.), certainly the best spot in the state for the speciesat this season.A Spotted Sandpiper at Piermont Pier, Rockland Co., Dec. 10, was very late, but representsthe third year in a row with a December record for the Region (VS). Four Willets were found during December, includinga repeat from last year's occurrence on the Montauk CBC Dec. 20 (AJL). Surpris- Ivory Gull, Newburgh, N.Y., Jan. 19, 1981. Ivory Gull, Newburgh, N.Y., Jan. 19, 1981. ingly, Lesser Yellowlegs were almost as fre- Photo/Beto Asami. Photo/Frank P. Murphy. quently reported as Greaters this winter, with six near Goshen Jan. 6 (RM), and an even Black-headed Gull, an immature was re- haunts. Peak numbers were 15 at B.H.N. more unusual one at Trenton Marsh Feb. 7 ported from Long Island, but there were up W.R., Dec. 5 (MG), ten at Manahawkin, (RB1,G.Comrie). Possiblywithout precedent to four adults at Caven Cove, Jersey City N.J., Dec. 7 (CS) and 21 at the Galesville Air- was a report of a Pectoral Sandpiper feeding during January and an immature at Manas- port, Ulster Co., N.Y., during February (JT). with snipe along the Maurice R., Cumberland quan Inlet from late January-February (AB Saw-whet Owls were about average, but suf- Co., N.J., Jan. 11 (CS), although there have et al.). The large flocks of Bonaparte'sGulls fered 8-10 road kills along the Jones Beach been recent December records. Late Pectorals at Sandy Hook, Barnegat Inlet and Indian R. stretch during the winter (fide BJS). should be carefully examined becauseof the Inlet in mid-December disappearedcomplete- possibleoccurrence of the very similar Sharp- ly by early January. The half-dozen Little S.A.. tailed Sandpiper. Dowitcher reports included Gull reports were mostly in December, but a Two years ago we reported that the six Long-billeds, four on Long Island and returning adult was at Jones Beach Feb. 28 southernmostof the Great Gray Owls that two in s.w. New Jersey.More surprisingwere (GSR). staged a massiveinvasion of the North- four separate Short-billed Dowitchers in s. The gulls of the season were the ad. and east was the Lloyd Harbor, Long Island New Jersey Dec. 13-Jan. 4. Extreme caution imm. Ivory Gulls discovered at Newburgh, bird which stayedfor three months. Now should be used in the identification of dowit- N.Y., Jan. 11 (B. Schiefer, E. Treacy, BSe). comes news that there was another, more chers in winter, when the species are in- Only the immature was present after that southerly, bird that winter but, unfor- separableexcept by call and Long-billed is the date; it was seen and photographed by many tunately, it was never seen alive. In one to be expected. A Marbled Godwit through Jan. 20. Black-legged Kittiwakes , a dead Great Gray Owl lingeredat J.B.W.R., to Dec. 29 (PAB), but were scarce even at Montauk with only 104 was found in a melting snow bank near most extraordinary was a Red Phalarope on the CBC, and two at Barnegat Light Dec. the office at Nockamixon S.P., Bucks carefully studied among Sanderlings at Oak 5 (PLH) were the only ones mentioned from Co., Pa., only 30 mi. n. of Philadelphia. Beach,L.I., Jan. 24 (A. Townsend).Twenty- the New Jersey coast. Three lingering The mountedspecimen is now on display six Am. Avocets were at B.H.N.W.R., Nov. Forster's Terns were at Cape Henlopen Dec. at Tobyhanna S.P., in the Poconos (F. 30 (LP) and one was still there Dec. 20 16 and two Royal Terns were in the same area Haas, fide AH). (DAC). Dec. 2 (WWF). A late Black Skimmer was at J.B.W.R., Dec. 15 (W. Reilly et al.). GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS--It was a Once again alcids were scarce, if slightly Red-bellied Woodpeckers continue to in- better-than-averageseason for white-winged more numerousthan last year. Six Razorbills creasein numbersand to expandslowly to the gulls, althoughnot as good as one might have included two from Long Island and four N. They were very common on all New Jersey anticipated from the bitter cold weather and along the New Jersey coast. The season's and reached new highs on some Pennsylvania the large numbers in New England. Two doz- only pelagictrip out of Montauk Dec. 6 listed counts, including 97 on the S. Lancaster en Glaucous Gulls included a surprisingeight sevenunidentified alcids, three Dovekies and County CBC. Sevenon the DutchessCounty, along the Delaware R., from Philadelphia to a Black Guillemot, the latter seen and N.Y., CBC was a new high; the specieswas Trenton. The ca. 28 Iceland Gulls also includ- photographed near Montauk Pt. (THD,BJS, first noted in 1969. There were a few scat- ed numerous inland reports, among them A. Cooley) and also sighted from shore (M. tered reports of Red-headed Woodpecker, three on the lower Susquehanna R., near Cashman). The only other Dovekieswere one mostly from areas where they are known to Muddy Run (RMS) and one at L. Muscon- on the Montauk CBC and one at Manasquan breed. Two Black-backed Three-toed Wood- etcong Feb. 21 (TH). Great Black-backed Inlet Dec. 14 (WJB,JB). peckers were reported from Pennsylvania, Gulls also moved inland in unprecedented one on the Reading CBC and another Jan. 14 numbers, with 800+ on L. Parsippany, Mor- OWLS, WOODPECKERS•One of the at Blair's Mill, Huntington Co. (OKS). ris Co., N.J., in mid-February (G. Mahler) big events of the seasonwas the incursion of and 310 in the SusquehannaR., on the S. Snowy Owls, the first sizable flight since the LARKS THROUGH SHRIKES•It was Lancaster County CBC. One at Harvey's L., winter of 1974-75. Delaware had no reports, an exceptionally good season for Horned Luzerne Co., Pa. represented only the third but five were in Pennsylvania and another Larks as observersnoted large flocks at many local record for the subregional editor in 30 five in New Jersey,including two iramatures locations, especially inland on freshly years of birding (WR). at Island Beach S.P., seen by many and manured farm fields. Some Tree Swallows A first-winter Thayer's Gull was carefully photographed from late November-mid-Febø stayed n., including four that braved the bit- studied at False Pt., near Montauk Dec. 7, ruary. About nine were on Long Island, with ter cold at Manahawkin on the BarnegatCBC and described in meticulous, convincing de- a maximum of three at JFK Airport (S. Chev- Jan. 4. Two at Holgate Feb. 14 were the first tail by two observers,one of whom had sub- alier), one each in Poughkeepsieand New- returning migrants (D. Richter). A Black- stantial previous experiencewith the species burgh and another was seensitting high atop billed Magpie of dubious origin was at Old (BJS, P. Snetsinger).There is as yet no pho- the Gothic tower of Riverside Church on Bethpage, L.I., Dec. 31 (AJL). A pair of tograph or specimen for the Region. New Manhattan's upper west side Dec. 9 (ROP). Corn. Ravens can now be consideredperma- York's five Lesser Black-backed Gulls includ- Long-eared Owls were reported in somewhat nent residents near Red Rock, Luzerne Co., ed two from WestchesterCounty along Long better numbersthan last year, but it was still Pa., since they have been found there in each Island Sound (TWB). Two were at N. Arling- not an invasion year. High counts included of the past 4 seasons(DG). Another raven ton, N.J., during January (N. Boyajian) and five at a roost in Dutchess County (R.T. was in Perry County, Pa., Jan. 14 (OKS). one was at Penn Manor, Pa., in December. W.B.C.) and a peak of 12 at Great Swamp Despite the cold weather, a number of Fish The previously reported California Gull, N.W.R., during January-February (m.ob.). Crows wintered along the Hudson R., in Dut- wintering at Rockland Lake S.P., for the Short-cared Owls were much more widely and Orange counties, and the first third consecutive winter was noted during reported than last year, although they were migrants on the upper SusquehannaR., were December but not thereafter. Only one curiously missing from some of their usual at BeachHaven, Luzerne Co., Feb. 18 (DG).

284 American Birds, May 1981 The big flight of Black-cappedChickadees unusualwas a Nashville Warbler at Emmaus, by an observerquite familiar with the species noted in the fall resulted in record numbers Pa., Dec. 14-21 (S. Smith, F. Brock). An ex- (RBa). Five Vesper Sparrowswere all in New on severalLong Island CBCs and high counts cellent find was a • Cape May Warbler at York, with three on Long Island CBCs, one throughout s. New Jersey.A small invasion Amity Hall, Perry Co., Pa., Dec. 21 (CJ et at Armonk Dec. 21 (P. Saraceni), and reachedDelaware early in the season(MVB) al.). A c• Townsend'sWarbler was at Sandy another at Mt. Kisco Dec. 21-22 (T. Car- and s. Pennsylvania where they outnumbered Hook, N.J., for severaldays to Dec. 18 (J. rolan). Two winteringLark Sparrowsinclud- Carolinas2.5 to 1 on the S. LancasterCounty Peachey). This provided the third record in ed a very rare inland bird at Princeton Dec CBC. Except for the few reporsfrom the fall, the last 4 years and only the fourth state 14-21(T. Southerland,m.ob.) and anotherat only one Boreal Chickadee came S with the record, all of which have come in winter. A a Linwood, N.J., feeder during January Black-cappeds, to the Warren Thomas' Pine Warbler was in the Teterboro, N.J., (JD). A Dark-eyed Junco showing some of feeder in Toms River, N.J., Jan. 18-Feb. area Dec. 21 (RRy), and two wintered at a the characteristicsof the White-winged race 28 + + (M. Cooper, m.ob.). Following the feeder at Cedar Run Ref., N.J. (E. Wood- was at a Summit, N.J., feeder for 2 weeksin excellent fall flight, modest numbers of Red- ford). Nine Palm Warblers were reported, February(R&J Krebs). After severalyears of breasted Nuthatches remained for the winter mostly in December. A late Ovenbird was in low numbers wintering Tree Sparrows were and were widely reported. Two late House Central P., Manhattan, mid November-Dec. consideredplentiful. A half-dozen Chipping Wrens were detected on CBCs, one near 4 (P. Tozzi et al.) and another was in a small Sparrowswere reported away from coastals Goshen, N.Y. (R. Robbet al.) and one at park on 48th St., Dec. 12-16 (H. Tetrault et New Jersey where they are not unusual in B H.N.W.R. (HC). Winter Wrens were al.). Yet another was at N. Haledon, N.J., winter. The northernmost was at Middle- thought to be scarce, but Carolina Wrens Dec. 25, but died soon after (M. Kuhnen). town, N.Y., Dec. 20 (W&F Abbott). showed strong signs of recovering from the Several Yellow-breasted Chats lingered into An imm. Harris' Sparrow visited an East lows that followed the devastatingwinter of the CBC period, but the only later report was Islip, L.I. feeder for one hour Jan. 8 but was 1977. The three plus Short-billed Marsh at Cape Henlopen Feb. 9 (WWF). Common not seenagain (D. House).Following the out- Wrens reported from Brig. in the fall stayed Yellowthroats were listed on several CBCs, standingfall migration, above averagenum- through most of December, but avoided but none thereafter. One of a pair of c• bers of White-crowned Sparrowsremained in detection on the Oceanville CBC. Three Wilson's Warblers seenin Cape May in late the area with a maximum of 93 on the others were found at Dennis Cr., Cape May November was still presentDec. 6 (JD). Gloucester CBC and 46 on the Assunpink Co, Feb. 28 (DK,RBa) and one was at CBC. About 30 wintered in the Princeton Westhampton Beach, L.I., Dec. 26 (fide BLACKBIRDS THROUGH SPARROWS-- area (RB1) and up to 15 were regular at the GSR). A flock of 100 E. Meadowlarks at New Philadelphia airport (CP). Two Lincoln's A 9 Varied Thrush was seen briefly in , N.J., throughout the season was an Sparrows were on New Jersey CBCs, and StokesSt. forest, N.J., Dec. 2 (RRy), but an excellent count of this regionally declining another was at Hecksher S.P., L.I., Dec. 20 immature male visited a feeder at Pine L., species (B. Dunne). Five Yellow-headed (R. O'Malley). Lapland Longspurswere pre- near Medford, N.J., Dec. 17-21 (Mrs. Jo Blackbirds were a bit above average. A sent in excellentnumbers, the peak count be- Ann Morris, m.ob.). A Swainson's Thrush female was at a Paulsboro, N.J., feeder Dec. ing 120 at East Rockaway, L.I., Jan. 4-18 (R was carefully studiedat L. Sebago,Rockland 23-Jan. 12 (J. McNeill), while two visited a Arbib, THD et al.). Also noteworthywere 28 Co, N.Y., Jan. 6 (P. Meisner, J. Focht). Lawrenceville, N.J., feeder Dec. 27 (J. on the Bethlehem-Easton CBC. Snow Bunt- Most encouragingwere the excellentnumbers Marti). A male was near Salem, N.J., Jan. 3 ingswere in generallylow numbersexcept for of E. Bluebirds reported, mainly on CBCs, (PBe) and an imm. male was at Bear Mt. a few favored locations such as Cape from all parts of the Region, but especially Trailside Museum, Harriman S.P., N.Y., for Henlopen with 300, December-January from areaswhere nestingboxes are provided. an hour Jan. 13 (M. Reynolds, J. Mead). (WWF), and Sayreville, N.J. with 60-150 Southern Lancaster County was tops with Northern Orioles were plentiful during CBC throughoutwinter (J. Nestel). A flock of 250 122, but two New Jersey counts had 30 and period, with 24_+ reports. A W. Tanager was was at Stewart Airport, Newburgh, N Y, 33 One of the rarest species reported this at Cape May Dec. 1 (RM), and another made Jan. 25 to greet the hostagesreturning from season was a possible Wheatear on the the Scranton area CBC period. (K. McDermott). A single bird seen on Walnut Valley, N.J., CBC, Dec. 20, reported No Pheucticus grosbeaks were reported the pelagic trip 40 mi e. of Montauk Dec 6 by two experiencedobservers who saw the this winter but an Indigo Bunting, extremely was pretty well lost (THD,BJS). diagnostic tail pattern as the bird circled rare at this season, visited a Trenton, N.J., overhead(O. Heck, D. Adelberg).All con- feeder Dec. 23 (BM). The only Dickcissel EXOTICS--A c• White-headed Duck in firmed records for the state are from the noted was a male at a Manbasset, L.I., feeder the Delaware R., at Philadelphia with Rud- coast in September-October. New Jersey's Feb. 4 (P. Billen). The hoped-for winter finch dys for severaldays Nov. 30 + was surelyan first Townsend's Solitaire, noted in the fall invasionfizzled but EveningGrosbeaks were escape (CP). At least four different Eur report, lingeredat SunriseMt. to at leastDec. widespread and locally common. Purple Goldfincheswere reported at feedersin New 8 (fide F. Tetlow). Finches were somewhat more numerous than Jerseyduring the winter. These birds are be- A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was on the last year but were not especiallycommon. ing imported into the state as cagebirds both Gloucester, N.J., CBC and another was Many CBC compilersnoted that House Finch legally and illegally and one or more of the found dead near Townsend, Del., Jan. 5 (L. numbers were high and growing with record feederappearances occurred shortly after one Broome, fide GKH). Kinglets were con- counts in several areas. There were 7 reports pet store owner was fined for possessionof sidered scarce by a number of observersbut of small flocks (<10) of Pine Grosbeaks,but this specieswithout a permit (RK,RRy) CBC totals were near average. A flock of 75 none of them was seen more than once. A Water Pipits near Elmer, N.J., in late Hoary Redl•oll was studied at length at OBSERVERS--(Subregional compilers in January were the only ones reported (JHa). Brookhaven, L.I., as it fed on weed stalks boldface):T. Baltimore (TBa), R. A. Barber Eight N. Shrikes was a significant improve- with Song Sparrows Jan. 9-14 (GSR et al.). (RBa), M.V. Barnhill (Del.: Box 7603, ment over last year, but only one remained There were numerous scattered small flocks Newark, Del. 19711), Paul Beach (PBe), B for more than one day, an immature at Mut- of Corn. Redpolls throughout the Region Benjamin, SethBenz, I.H. Black (n.e. N J: 2 tontown, L.I., Jan. 20-23 (K. Stier, W. Pat- during the period, but there was definitely Beaumont Place, Newark, N.J. 07104), Jim terson). Three Loggerhead Shrikes were not a major invasion. Pine Siskins,too, were Blasioli, R.J. Blicharz (RB1, n.c.N.J 827 found during the winter, one at Rosedale widespread,but estimatesof numbersranged PennsylvaniaAve., Trenton, N.J. 08638), Park, Mercer Co., N.J., Dec. 14-Feb. 28+ from low in the s. to common in the n. parts Pete Both (PBo), George Bouquois, Alan (RB1, m.ob.), one at Mickleton, N.J., Dec. of the Region. Red Crossbills were scarce Brady, P.A. Buckley, Joe Burgiel, T.W. 25-Jan. 5 (C. Bresler) and another at JFK with four at Shelter Island, L.I., Dec. 29 Burke (Westchester Co., N.Y.,: 235 A•rport Feb. 22 (A&H Richard). (GSR), four on the c. Suffolk County CBC, Highland Ave., Rye, N.Y. 10580), D W two on the Raritan Estuary, N.J., CBC and Crumb, Herb Cutler, John Danzenbaker, WARBLERS--A Black-and-white one on the BarnegatCBC. The only White- T.H. Davis (s.e.N.Y., L.I.: 94-46 85th Road, Warbler was near Suffern, N.Y., Dec. 18 (J. wingedCrossbill was at Wyalusing, Pa., Dec. Woodhaven, N.Y. 10241), R.F. Deed LeMaire). Two Orange-crowned Warblers 27 (TBa). (Rockland Co., N.Y.: 50 Clinton Ave, made the CBC and a count period A most unusual find was a Henslow's Nyack, N.Y. 10960), Richard Ditch, Aline bird was near Boonton, N.J. Much more Sparrow at Cotsoh's Inlet S.P., N.J., Dec. 2 Dove, Peter Dunne (coastal N.J.: CMBO,

Volume 35, Number 3 285 Box 3, Cape May Pt., N.J. 08212), John Emanuel Levine, Robert Maurer, Gerald Mc- O.K. Stephenson(Harrisburg area, Pa.: Box Ebner, Fran File, G.A. Franchois, Frank Chesney, Brad Merritt (BM), $.K. Meritt 125, New Bloomfield,Pa. 17068),Clay Sut- Frazier, W.W. Frech, Jose Garcia, Malcolm (s.w.N.J.: 809 Saratoga Terr., Turnersville, ton, John Tramontano (Orange, Ulster Cos., Garner, Jeff Gordon, Kathleen Gordon, N.J. 08012), Mianus Field Notes, A.&J. N.Y.: Orange Co. Community College, Mid- Doug Gross, Jerry Haag (JHa), Tom Mirabella, B.L. Morris (e. Pa.: 825 Muhlen- dletown, N.Y. 10940), Tim Vogel, Dave Halliwell, Greg Hanisek (n.w.N.J.: R.D. 3, burg St., Allentown, Pa. 18104). Brian Ward, R.T. Waterman Bird CInb (Dutchess, Box 263, Phillipsburg,N.J. 08865), Dorothy Moscatello, D.M. Niles, Carl Perry, Ted Co., N.Y.), W.J. Wayne, Dave Weesner, Hartmann, Louise Henry, G.K. Hess, Armas Proctor, Louise Purey, Rick Radis, G.S. Rick Wilttaut, Joseph Woodburn.- Hill (s.e. Pa.: 10 Plum Tree Rd., Levittown, Raynor, William Reid (n.e. Pa.: 556 Charles WILLIAM J. BOYLE, JR., 15 Indian Roek Pa. 19056), R. Hines, John Holinka, S.P. Ave., Kingston, Pa. 18704), Carol Richter, Road, Warren, N.J. 07060, ROBERT O. Homsey, P.L. Hurlock, Peggy Jahn, Cliff Dave Roche, Bob Russell, Joe Russell, PAXTON, 560 Riverside Drive, Apt. 12K, Jones, Rich Kane, Rich Kelly (RKe), Tim RichardRyan (RRy), R.M. Schutsky,Victor New York, N.Y. 10027 and DAVID A. Koebel, Don Kunkle, David Larsen, A.J. Schwartz, Benton Seguin (BSe), R. Sehl, CUTLER, 1110 Rock Creek Dr., Wyneote, Lauro, S.R. Lawrence, Bill Lecington, Cynthia Slack, P.W. Smith, B.J. Spencer, Pa. 19095.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST being 850 Dec. 5 (FRS, REGION JWD) and 500 Dec. 16 (TRW)at Craney I. Dis- /Henry T. Armistead posal Area (hereafter, Decemberactually averaged0.47øF above C.I.D.A.) Portsmouth, normal at the six regional weather stations Va. Red-necked Grebes (Baltimore, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Richmond, were seen,as usual,in- Wallops Island and WashingtonD.C.) How- frequentlyand in scat- ever, beginningDecember 20 extremely cold tered localitiesincluding ?' weather began, with all stations reporting the singlesin Baltimore for coldest December minimum temperatures on the fifth straightyear in December 26, ranging from 4 ø to 14ø . This mid-January, and also cold spell continueduntil -19 after on Feb. 28 (JLS; RFR, . which temperatureswere normal until Feb- ruary when it becamevery warm--4.2 ø over ingm.ob.),considered thelatteranormal sight- the norm. January temperatures averaged arrivaldate. Another 5.6 ø below normal. Prolonged drought con- tinued, with precipitation averaging below Airwas atStationPatuxent (hereafter,Naval normal for all three months (-2.13 inches for P.N.A.S.) St. Mary's December, -2.28 in January, -0.23 in Febru- Co.,Md., Feb. 23(JC). ..:•, .•.•: .. •.,...... •'•.4 ary). What little there was came as rain. Pied-billed Grebe was There was hardly any snow all winter. Water reportedin good numberswith 43 on Swift CRB) therebeing only 2 or 3 winterrecords levels remained low at reservoirs, streams and CreekRes., w. of RichmondDec. 31 (FRS) for eitherstate. To givean ideaof the poor lakes as the drought continued almost and 87 on L. Anna Jan. 25 (SC et al.). heronshowing consider the followingtotals unabated sincelate . The Region'sby now nearly obligatory for CBCs at the Regions'swinter heron Birding activity was slight, even for winter. White Pelicanwas one that wasseen off-and strongholds, Chincoteague N.W.R. A larger than usual proportion of reporting -on throughoutthe periodin the Sandbridge (hereafter, C.N.W.R.) and Cape Charles, was restricted to yard sightingsin spite of the area n. of B.B.N.W.R. (DH, m.o.b.). Great respectivelyDec. 28 and 27 for four selected second consecutivepoor seasonfor northern Cormorantcontinues to increasewith counts species:Little Blue Heron 1,3; Great Egret species. But many of the best birds were of 14 at St. GeorgeI., Md., Jan. I (Pt. 7,5; SnowyEgret 8,1; LouisianaHeron 4,15. "yard birds." The big turnout to see these Lookout CBC, fide LB), nine from In 1979 the respectivetotals were 10,12; and most of the other rarities was more typi- ChesapeakeBay Bridge Tunnel (hereafter, 96,31; 30,7; 20,26! To be surethere were the cal of what might be expected in New Eng- C.B.B.T.) Dec. 23 (RLA) and several at usual few lingering individuals of other land. it was not a good winter for half hardy C.I.D.A., Dec. 2-Feb. 10 (TRW). Extraor- speciesbut thesecould not obscurethe fact lingerersbut die-offs owing to cold were not a dinary was a count of 1150 Double-crested that the heronpresence was almost as evanes- feature either. Pelagic birding was nil. The Cormorants on the Little Creek, Va. CBC, cent as that of loons and Horned Grebe. northward intrusion of salt water up Dec. 31, probably a record winter total in s.e. ChesapeakeBay attracted more concern from Virginia (PWS et al.). Among them were six WATERFOWL--Most inland areas froze watermenthan ornithologistsyet surely this Great Cormorants. duringthe cold spellas did the moren. areas drought-causedphenomenon must be affect- The verycold weather which started Dec. of the ChesapeakeBay. This combinedwith ing birds, in ways we do not yet understand. 20 andlasted one month resulted in recordor droughtwater levels made things difficult for Scarce this winter were loons, Horned Grebe, near-recordlows for manyherons during the waterfowlcounters although locally some of herons, most diving ducks, rails, shorebirds, CBCs and insuredthe continuationof this thefew openareas experienced the concentra- terns and warblers. situationthroughout the period.At North- tion of ducksthat sometimesaccompanies westRiver P., Chesapeake,Va., a lateGreen sucha widespreadfreeze. One suchspot was LOONS THROUGH IBISES•Following Heron was seen Dec. 4 (GMW). A Cattle the "Falls" of the James R., at Richmond migration loons and Horned Grebes became Egret was on the B.B.N.W.R. CBC, Jan. I whichhad recordlocal counts of somespecies scarceon a scalethat may be unprecedented; (DH, fide PWS). A goodmidwinter Pied- (FRS). Even during warm February in the case of loons, some coastal CBCs, mont count was eight Great Blue Herons at C.N.W.R. hostedfewer than 3500 waterfowl, either missing them completely or coming Lily Pons, FrederickCo., Md., Jan. 11 as determinedby weekly surveys(DFH). perilously close to doing so. At L. Anna in (DHW). Remarkablewere a Yellow-crowned Observerswere unanimous in describingthis the Virginia Piedmont 11 Corn. Loons were Night Heron and White Ibis seen on the as a very poor winter for diversincluding seen Jan. 25 (SC et al.). Only in extreme s.e. Hopewell, Va. CBC, Dec. 20, both ira- scoters.With the thawin late Januarymany Virginia did loons appear in near normal matures(DR;DP, fide FRS). But the most waterfowldispersed N. numbers on CBCs--at Little Creek and Back unusualArdeids were Least Bitterns,one There was a massiveflight of Whistling Bay N.W.R. (hereafter, B.B.N.W.R.). recentlydead found Jan. 3 near Windyhill, Swans and Canada Geeseat Chestertown, Horned Grebe was absent or uncommon Talbot Co., Md. (DM, fide JGR) and Md.,Feb. 28(JG,fideFLP).Brantturnedup after mid-December, the last sizable counts anotherseen at C.I.D.A., Jan. 28 (TS, fide slightlyinland with 40 at CollegeCr., James

286 AmericanBirds, May 1981 C•ty Co., Va., Jan. 14 (BW) and 1500 at were very scarce•n traditional redoubts •n the numbers coastally, Cape Charles reporting Hampton Roads during January (WPS). A D•stnct of Columbia area, especially along five and C.N.W.R., six Dec. 26-27 (CBCs). Barnacle Goose, probably an escape,was 10 the Potomac R. (JMA,JBB) but were un- In addition to the usual reports of Sharp- ml s. of Annapolis Jan. 9-10 (HW). The last typically abundant elsewhere,perhaps owing shinnedHawks lurking around feeders,yard report of the White-fronted Goose at to ice conditions, particularly at C.I.D.A., reports were received of an Am. Kestrel kill- Blackwater N.W.R., was Dec. 7 (PO, fide 1600 Jan. 27 (TRW) and Yorktown, Va., ing an Am. Robinin mid-February(RJT) and CPW). Snow Geese continue to consolidate Jan. 15 with at least 15,000 (BW). Good another kestrel killing a Red-wingedBlack- their inland tendencies. Witness these merganser reports were of 181 Hoodeds at bird Dec. 25 and in turn being scaredfrom •ts reports, all of 10,000+ in the interior of the Swift Creek Res., Dec. 21 (FRS), 183 on the kill by a cat which disappearedwith the b•rd Ea'gternShore of Maryland:Dec. 1, Queen Hopewell CBC, Dec. 20 (FRS et al.), 333 into the bushes--these in Virginia Beach Annes County. (EE, AJF), Denton Dec. 10 Commons Jan. 24 at Hunting Creek-Dyke (TRW). The Warren, Va. CBC, Dec. 21 had (MWH,fide AJF), Girdletree-SalisburyDec. Marsh, Va., Jan. 24 (JBB) and 1200 Red- a record 26 Turkeys seenby 6 of 10 parties 29 (JMA) and QueenAnnes County through- breastedsat B.B.N.W.R., Feb. 15 (RC). (CES). Near Cape Charles a Sandhill Crane out the reporting period (FLP, who states was seenin early Decemberbut lingeredonly that hunting guides believe they come from VULTURES THROUGH RAILS--Tur- until the 20th (fide GR). On the upper Chop- the Delaware marshes).These are almost all key Vultures beganmigrating at least as early tank R., at Tanyard a Virginia Rail was seen white birds and considered as Greaters as mid-February. At Sterling, Va., 175 were Jan. 3-4 (WE, fide AJF) one of the few non- although 50 Blues were near Denton Feb. 13 seenin 20 min Feb. 12 as the edgeof a strong CBC rails reported. The cold weather also (RBF). The occurrenceof suchlarge numbers high pressure system (31.20+in.) came made rails hard to find and suchprime Clap- of Snowsin fields in the Kent-QueenAnnes- through (CT). Others were seen in the last per Rail areas as Cape Charles and Caroline Cos. area only goes back a few week of the month in Annapolis moving NE C.N.W.R., tallied only 13 and 6 on respective years. Elsewhere Blue Geese continue to (WK). At Sandy Pt. S.P. late fall migrants CBCs. Although lower than last winter's to- thrive at Blackwater N.W.R., (hereafter, Dec. I were one Turkey Vulture, three Red- tals there 1045 Am. Coot at L. Anna Dec. 20 B.N.W.R.) where they usually outnumber tailed Hawks, four Red-shouldered Hawks, was the highest total this season. white birds, with 1800 Dec. 31 (CSR et al., two Bald Eaglesand one Marsh Hawk (HW). CBC) and at PresquileN.W.R., near Hope- In the Bowie, Md., area all common raptors SHOREBIRDS--Cold weather in Decem- well, Va., with 250 on severaldates (FRS, were more abundant than usual in February ber combinedwith a lack of coastalreports •n JWD), both near record counts locally. One especially Am. Kestrel, perhaps because of January and February conspired to consign near Rockville, Md., Dec. 14 was an anomaly the good supply of small rodents combined shorebird records this period to near obh- (EMW). with lack of snow (RMP). Parks and Dyke vion. Two exceptions, however, were the On Virginia's Eastern Shore we are told commented on above-average Accipiter CBCs at C.N.W.R., and Cape Charles which "summer's cruelty is redeemed by winter's numbers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland reported 16 and 20 speciesrespectively. Most cruelty," by which is meant that soy bean and 25 Sharp-shinnedHawks Dec. 28 at extraordinary were their counts of Am. cropsunharvested owing to the drought were C.N.W.R. was an excellent but not un- Woodcock,89 at C.N.W.R., and 272 at Cape heavily fed upon by waterfowl, especially precedentedCBC count there (FRS et al.). Charles, eclipsing previous high counts for Black Ducks, during the winter freeze(GR). Early spring migrants were a Red-tailed those areas. The previous continental CBC Kent County, Md., appears to be the center Hawk and Am. Kestrel at Annapolis Feb. 25 high was 122 in 1968 at Cape Charlesbut th•s of abundance of several waterfowl; the CBC (HW). On Feb. 22 Red-shoulderedHawks year four parties had over 50. Other waders there Dec. 21 reportingthe highestcounts on were seen copulating and adding fresh nest of interestat C.N.W.R., were 466 Am. Oys- hand for the period: Whistling Swan 19,000, materials at P.N.A.S. (JC). Rough-legged tercatchers,whereas Cape Charles had an-all- Canada Goose 221,000, Mallard 21,000, Hawks made a good showing w. of the Bay time low of 61 yet 252 were at the Cape (on Black Duck 7377 and Pintail 4174 (DB,FLP, where they are typically rather uncommon Fisherman Island N.W.R.) Jan. 24 (RLA) JG et al.). An oddity was a Cinnamon Teal with up to nine present all winter at Dulles Across the Bay on the Little Creek CBC 22 reportedat B.N.W.R., Feb. 16-Mar. 7 (WK, Airport w. of District of Columbia (WRS), wasa goodtotal locallyDec. 31 (PWS et al.). RLK et al.), more likely now than at some one Jan. 17 s. of Frederick, Md. (DHW), one Killdeer arrivals or migrantswere detectedat other times to be a wild bird since captive at P.N.A.S., early January-Feb. 15 (JC), and McKee-BeshersW.M.A., Feb. 16 (PWo) and breedingof them in the Northeast is currently one in CulpeperCounty, Va., Dec. 7 (JBB). Rockville Feb. 18 (EMW)--both in Mon- on a down phase (RR, pers. comm.). Fifty Across the Bay the best areas for them con- tgomery Co., Md., and a count of 105 at Wood Ducks at Druid L. in Baltimore Jan. tinue to be the B.N.W.R. area and Crisfield Hunting Creek near District of Columbia, 18 was a fine winter count (RFR). which had nine and seven respectivelyon Dec. 12 was excellent(JBB). DisplayingAm The high counts of Canvasback were on CBCs Dec. 31 & 30 (CSR, CRV et al.). Woodcock were noted Feb. 17 at Falls the Annapolis CBC, Jan. 4 with 9457 (HW et As usual one or two Golden Eagles Church, Va. (fide CPW), Feb. 18 at Bryans al ) and just acrossthe Bay from there on the wintered at the favored localities of Rd., Charles Co., Md. (PN) and Feb. 21 at ChesterR., Feb. 15 with 5000 (FLP). Also at B.N.W.R., Eastern Neck N.W.R., and for McKee-BeshersW.M.A. (PWo). Annapolis Dec. 30-Feb. 28 was an odd duck the fifth straightyear, at RemingtonFarms in Unusual was a Whimbrel presentthrough- first thought to be a Tufted but on closer Kent Co., Md. (FLP et al.). An immature out the reportingperiod at GrandviewBeach, examination it was felt to be a hybrid, was at Mardela Springs,Md., Feb. 3 (ES). Hampton, Va. (BW,M&DM et al.) but more possibly a Wood X Ring-necked Duck Bald Eagles shifted around a lot due to ice in line were 12 with 12 Marbled Godw•ts at (EB,HW et al.). This was a good winter for conditions, and on the lower Potomac R., their favored winter locality, the Mockhorn I Jettyducks, highlighted by the appearanceof where seven-tenwere seenin other years none flats, Cape Charles CBC Dec. 27 King Eidersat OceanCity (up to 16), Metom- were found Jan. 11 (MKK). Scott felt the (DPW,HTA,CP et al.). Yellowlegs numbers km Inlet, Va., Smith I., Va., C.B.B.T. and high total of 18 on Hopewell CBC Dec. 20 were rather anemic this winter compared to C I.D.A., mostly in late December may have included birds frozen off of the last with ChincoteagueCBC listing 30 Great- (WCR,HTA, CP, FRS, TRW et al.). At Potomac. In Kent County Parks found 14 in ers and four Lessers(79 and 66 in 1979) and Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach, up to six Harle- mid-winter, many attracted to feral mallards Cape Charles having 22 and one (vs. 126 and quin Ducks were found Feb. I (RLA) and a and crippled geesein the Remington Farms 16 in 1979) respectively. Red Knot, however, single was present all month (TRW,RC, area. The Virginia winter surveylocated 130 which sometimesgoes unlisted for the entire m.ob.) and Ocean City had them presentoff- Jan. 2-16 cf. 166 in 1980, the big drop indi- winter season,turned up as follows: two at and-on Dec. 7-Feb. 28 + (PO,RLK) the peak cated by thesepreliminary figuresvery likely C.B.B.T., Dec. 26 (WCR,HTA,CP), one on being five Feb. 5-6 (ES). Common Eiders due to weather which limited coverage. Sixty- the Cape Charles CBC Dec. 27 (CP), four on were lesscommon with one at C.B.B.T., Dec. five of theseeagles were seenalong the James the ChincoteagueCBC Dec. 28 (CRV et al ) 26 (WCR,CP et al.) and anotherat RudeeIn- R. In Maryland, B.N.W.R., remains the and 12 on the OceanCity CBC Dec. 29 (WCR let for the entire period, the climax of which eagle capitol with 30 Balds and 2 Goldens et al.). In the D.C.-Dyke Marsh-Hunting was its ingestionof a peanutbutter and jelly reported on the CBC Dec. 31 (CSR et al.). An Creek, Va. area 1-2 Greater Yellowlegswere sandwich Feb. 28 (MM, Hampton Roads Osprey was at Williamsburg Feb. 17 found through December until Jan 18 Btrd Club Bull., Mar. 13, 1981, p. 8). De (M&DM), about a month early if it was in- (JMA,JBB) and in this same area the Ft. gustibus non est disputandum. Ruddy Ducks deed a migrant. Merlins were in good Belvoir CBC had 25 Dunlin, its secondrecord

Volume 35, Number 3 287 Jan. 3 (RJA) and one lingereduntil Jan. 18 nearbyat HuntingCreek (JBB). Piping Plover was unreported. At OceanCity fiveMarbled Godwits were seen Dec. 7 (RFR,JLS), three lingering until theCBC Dec. 29 (CP,JSd etal.). Six Sander- lings were presentat Solomons,Calveit Co., Md., Dec. 5-Feb. 5 (WK) and elsewhere on the Bay from one to 27 were repoited on CBCs in Kent County, Pt. Lookout, Dor- chester Co., and Crisfield (fide EB)--in- dicativeof their scarceand scatteredpresence on the Chesapeake in winter. As surface water disappeared at C.I.D.A., so did Am. Avocets, the last being two on Nov. 18 Black-headed Gull, Norfolk, Va., Feb. 9, (TRW) and the only season report was a 1981. Photo/R.L. Anderson. singleon the Little Creek CBC, Dec. 31 near- Black-headed Gull, Norfolk, Va., Feb. 1, by (fide PWS). 1981. Photo/John Frary.

JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS--The a Black-headedGull at the Hague in Norfolk human disturbance one organization has unique jaeger report was a Parasitic at seenat the least Jan. 26 through February decidedto cancelowl trips. All are urgedto B.B.N.W.R. CBC, Jan. I (fide PWS). This (DH,m.ob.,ph.) with frequentviews as close read Wierenga's comments on this (Md. winter the huge numbers of gulls were the as 5-6 ft. Others were on the Baltimore (two) Yellowthroat, Vol. 1, No. 2, Feb/Mar. 1981, highlights of the upper Chesapeake Bay as and Ocean City (one) CBCs and another was p. 1-2) which are excellent. were the good numbers of verified rarer gulls in Baltimore Feb. 21 (PW,LB, fide FRF). A At College Park, Md., a Ruby-throated throughout the Region. "The freeze-up in Laughing Gull at Solomons Feb. 7 was uni- Hummingbird was well seen Dec. 3 (RFR). late December produced a massive build-up que (WK) for mid-winter in Maryland. Good Red-headedWoodpeckeres appeared in good near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, where a locality countsof Bonaparte'sGulls were 148 numbers in Maryland at Myrtle Grove record count of over 30,000 was obtained on on the Hopewell CBC Dec. 20 (FRS et al.), W.M.A., Feb. 16 (six, WRS) and Emmits- the Annapolis CBC, Jan. 4. Simultaneously, 2370 on the Little Creek CBC Dec. 31 (PWS burg Feb. 7 (18, DHW). Good Horned Lark the inland landfills were nearly emptied of et al.); one in Salisburyin late January(HH, counts were of 170 in n.e. Culpeper County, gulls, but as the ice began melting later in fide CPW) weresingles at OceanCity Dec. 14 Va., Dec. 7, 222 in Loudoun County, Va., January, they returned in droves. At the & 28 respectively.It was a bleak winter for Jan. 1 (both JBB) and 110 at Oxford, Md., Montgomery County landfill near Rockville, terns with only Forster'sbeing seen and these Feb. 6 (JGR,TAn). The first Tree Swallows I had low counts of 200 in the first 2 weeks of in small numberson severalVirginia CBCs. were at P.N.A.S., Feb. 23 (JC). Mixed January, but a record high of 12,500 Jan. 28 However, 135 were at Ocean City Dec. 7 reviews were received of the Black-capped and another new record of about 15,000 Feb. (RFR,JLS). The only Black Skimmerreport Chickadeeinvasion although most felt it was 27" (HW). Glaucous Gulls were particularly on hand is of 20 at C.I.D.A., Feb. 25 minor and over by year's end (RFR,JMA) widspread, especially first and second year (M&DM). Roundingoff the list of stray, solo but some in c. Virginia thought it was birds, seen all through the winter with four waterbirds were a Thick-billed Murre on the substantial (CES,CT) and two were banded discreteindividuals at Montgomery County, B.B.N.W.R. CBC Jan. 1 (NB, fide *PWS) in Kent County, Md., in December(DM,JG). Md. landfill (HW) where three Iceland and and a Dovekie well seenat Locustville,Va., Red-breasted Nuthatches for the second four Lesser Black-backed gulls were also pre- Dec. 29 (GR, GJH). winter failed to mount a widespreadincur- sent. On. Jan. 11 two were at Fairfax County sion, especiallynear the coast, but were com- landfill, Va., in company with an Iceland DOVES THROUGH SHRIKES--Mourn- mon in some areas of the Piedmont (v.o.). Gull (WSR). In the 4-day period Dec. 26-29 ing Doveswere nest-building as early as Feb. Carolina Wren numbers were perceived as four in three plumages were observed at 18 in Frederick, Md. (DHW). At Ft. stable or improving (RFR,CT,PWo). C.B.B.T., Wallop's I., Va. and Ocean City McHenry in Baltimore a pair of Ringed Tur- Unusual was a Long-billed Marsh Wren at (WCR,HTA,CP et al.). Others were at Balti- tle Doveshad a nestwith 2 eggsFeb. 27 (WB, Lily Pons Feb. 15 (DHW). Maryland's fifth more, Liberty Res., n.w. of Baltimore, fide RFR). Up to six Barn Owls wintered at Varied Thrush was at a Towson feeder Dec. C.I.D.A., Kingsmill, Va., Salisbury and Gude's Nursery in Rockville and the first two 4-6 (RFR,JLS et al.). A Wood Thrush in the C.N.W.R. (EM, RFR, fide TRW and TA, Annapolis migrants were noted Feb. 27 District of Columbia Dec. 13 was well seen fide CRV,CT). Iceland Gulls were slightly (HW). When Snowy Owls appear in the (DC). Eastern Bluebirdswere reported in ex- less often seen but were found at Baltimore, Regionthey often prefer urban settings.Two cellent numbers with four Maryland Pied- Liberty Res., Ocean City, Virginia Beach, such this winter touched off media events: mont CBCs recording 100+ while Mathews, C.N.W.R., and District of Columbia (v.o., one at Ft. McHenry Dec. 13-Jan. 25 and Va., had 333 Jan. 4 (MP et al.). From Feb. fide EB & CPW). again on Feb. 23-24 usuallyappeared at dusk 20-28 a massive influx was witnessed in the Lesser Black-backed Gulls continue to be from acrossBaltimore Harbor (RFR, m.ob.) Patuxent R. area (RMP). Late Blue-gray reported widely and in small numbersranging and another frequented the Justice Dept. Gnatcatchers were at S.P.S.P., Dec. 7 (HW) from 10+ seenthrough the winter by the Ab- building in District of Columbia off-and-on and on the Hopewell CBC, Dec. 20 (fide botts in the Alexandria area, to four in one Dec. 9-Mar.3 (PN, m.ob.). Four Long-cared FRS). Cedar Waxwings were in excellent day on the Baltimore CBC Jan. 3 (RFR et Owls wintered at Piney Run P., Carroll Co., numberswith 8 Maryland CBCs listing200 + al.), to various singles at C.B.B.T., Md. (EB et al., fide RFR) and one was at (fide EB) and Mathews, Va., with 1104 (MP) C.N.W.R., Annapolis, Ocean City, Kent P.N.A.S., Feb. 15 (JC). Short-cared Owls and there were many reportsof waxwingsand County, Md., Berlin, Md. plus two Dec. 26 were in average numbers in traditionally Am. Robins stripping holliesof berriesin the on the Liberty Res. CBC (fide DB). "Becom- favored marshes. Less expectedwere one in greaterDistrict of Columbiaarea in February ing a regular, uncommon winter visitor" Caroline County, Md., Dec. 16 (JS, fide (fide CPW). Concerncontinues to be express- (JMA). Single first-year Thayer's Gulls were AJF, ph.), two in Baltimore Jan. 3-25 (RFR ed for the ailing LoggerheadShrike (v.o.). reported from Hunting Creek Feb. 19 and et al.), one between straw bales at a bare dirt Dyke Marsh Feb. 21 (JMA). At Montgomery construction site in Laytonsville, Md., Jan. 6 WARBLERS THROUGH SPARROWS• County landfill a leucistic Ring-billed Gull (HW), one at Tilghman's I., Md., Dec. 1 It was an utterly featureless winter for was seen Feb. 7 (DC, fide CPW). Great (RLK) and one at P.N.A.S., Feb. 15 (JC). warblers, one of the few bright spotsbeing a Black-backed Gull was described by several Non~CBC Saw-whet Owls were one at Wilson's Warbler in Richmond Dec. 17 as "exploding" with record-breaking totals McKee-Beshers W.M.A., Jan. 20-Feb. 12 (CRB). However, even the expected winter on several Bay area CBCs, some by a factor (GD et al.), one on AssateagueI., Md., Dec. warblers were in low numbers, especially of three, as well as big countsalong the coast. 28 (HW) and three at the Nat'l Arboretum, Palm Warbler. The Cape Charles CBC Dec. One of the Region's best chronicled birds was D.C., Jan. 17 (HW). Becauseof the resulting 27, which has recorded75 or more every year

288 AmericanBirds, May 1981 since 1967, only had eight. Single Orange-- Dec. 15 (all fide DPW), Patuxent Wildlife when alone. Perhaps the ideal CBC has but crowned Warblers were at Norfolk Feb. 10 ResearchCenter through late December (fide one competentobserver/party and most par- (RC) and near Chincoteague Dec. 2 (JHB, MKK) and Spotsylvania County, Va., Feb. ties should be a party of one as long as one is banded). Yellow-headed Blackbirds were at 21 (SC). American Goldfinch was reported to willing to socializeonly at compilations. Windy Hill, Md., Jan. I (DM,fide JGR)and be in good numbers in the District of Colum- Alexandria Jan. 11-12 (fide JMA) with a bia area (MKK,CT,PWo). A good single belated report from Kilmarnock, Va., Sept. observer count was of 27 White-crowned OBSERVERS--D. F. Abbott, J. M. Ab- 10, 1980 (MLW). Northern (Baltimore) Ori- Sparrows at Lily Pons Dec. 7 (DHW) and 43 bott, R. J. Abbott, Terry Allen (TAn), R. L. oles were widely reported in December and were at P.N.A.S., Feb. 15 in company with Anderson, Tom Armour, J. B. Bazuin, War- January throughout the Region with a high four Vesper Sparrows (JC et aLL Dark-eyed ren Bielenberg, C. R. Blem, Eirik Blom, of 15 on the Williamsburg CBC (BW et al.). Junco drew little commentary yet 13 of 21 Larry Bonham, Ned Brinkley, J. H. Bucka- A real rarity was a Northern (Bullock's) Ori- Maryland CBCs had 1000 as they did also for lew, M. A. Byrd, Danny Bystrak, Ray ole presentDec. 24-Jan. 29 + at a Richmond White-throated Sparrow (fide EB) but the lat- Chandler, Jim Clark, Sam Cooper, Dave feeder (FRS et al.), Virginia's third. A o' ter was believed lower than normal Czaplak, George Daniels, J. W. Dillard, P. Brewer's Blackbird was at B.B.N.W.R., Dec. (CES,MKK,JBB). At Newport News the Mit- G. DuMont, S. H. Dyke, J. W. Eike, Ethel 7 (SC,FRS, m.ob.). At Virginia Beach a chells banded 64 Fox Sparrows this winter Engle, Wilbur Engle, A. J. Fletcher, R. B. Western Tanager was seen by many Feb. and the first arrivals were Feb. 20 at Fairfax, Fletcher, John Frary, James Gruber, Hugh 15-28 and on the latter date red was starting Va. (EDP), Annapolis (HW) and McKee- Hanson, G. J. Hennessey,M. W. Hewitt, D. to come in on its head(TRW,PGD, Beshers W.M.A. (PWo), both Feb. 24. F. Holland, David Hughes, R. L. Kleen, M. RC,M&DM et al.). A o' indigo Bunting, still Lapland Longspur was seen at C.I.D.A., up K. Klimkiewicz, Wayne Klockner, Elwood with some blue feathering, was seen on the to 12 on Dec. 5 (FRS, JW), Culpeper County Martin, Dorothy Mendinhall (DMd), Donald Warren, Va. CBC Dec. 21 (fide CES). Topp- Dec. 7, five and LoudGun County one on Meritt, Mike & Dorothy Mitchell, Myriam ing off the list of Virginia rarities was a o' Jan. I (both JBB), and one at Hampton, Va., Moore, Sally Moxley, Paul Nistico, Mariana White-winged Crossbill in Richmond Feb. Feb. 22 (BW). Bazuin believesthat virtually Nuttie, Paul O'Brien, H. C. Olson, F. L. 22-Mar. 6 seen by at least 64 persons any big Horned Lark flock in Piedmont Parks, R. M. Patterson, Elizabeth D. Pea- (SM,FRS,JMA,M&DM et al.). Virginia has one or two Lapland Longspurs. cock, Carl Perry, Darrell Peterson, Mary The n. finch flight, which seemedso pro- The best Snow Bunting flocks were 105 at Pulley, J. G. Reese, George Reiger, R. F. misingin November, died out rather rapidly, C.N.W.R., Dec. 28 (fide FRS), up to 60 at Ringler, C. S. Robbins, David Roszell, W. C. although some areas had good local popula- C.I.D.A., Jan. 20 (RC), 55-60 all winter at Russell, Richard Ryan, Tim Saunders,F. R. tions, such as s.c. Virginia, where Pine Sis- Fisherman Island N.W.R. (RLA) and 31 at Scott, John Scudder, Jay Sheppard (JSd), kins were common (TRW,MLW) and 101 Ocean City Dec. 7 (RFR,JLS) with singles Eddie Slaughter, W.P. Smith, J. L. Stasz, C. were on the Little Creek CBC Dec. 31 (PWS). and small flocks at many other localities. E. Stevens, W. R. Stott, C. B. Swift, P. W. Evening Grosbeaks were universally consi- Patterson's studies of CBC-type censusing Sykes, R. J. Tripician, Craig Tufts, C. R. dered as scarce throughout the period and continue(cf. ,'lB 34:262) featuring this winter Vaughn, D. H. Wallace, M. L. Wass, Pete Region. Purple Finches, however, were com- a "report on group size productivity test Jan. Webb, Karl Weber, Steve Westre, Hal Wier- moner than usual, especially in the greater 24, 1981." One of the objectives is to enga, C. P. Wilds, Bill Williams, G. M. Wil- District of Columbia area (PWo,MKK,CT). measurerelative censusresults among groups liamson, E. M. Wilson, T. R. Wolfe, Paul A smattering of Com. Redpolls helped to of one, two, three or more observers in iden- Woodward (PWo).--HENRY T. ARMi- liven things up with singlesat BethesdaNov. tical areas and times. Results are preliminary STEAD, 28 E. Springfield Ave., Philadel- 28, Burtonsville, Va., Dec. 14, Clifton, Va., but seem to indicate that birders do better phia, PA 19118.

SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST cluded two speciesnew to the REGION Region. On the other hand, far northern birds and pelagic spe- [: . .•,•/. :;,_•',',,ii,-;'I•,'"'2-";rr-'--- •-- •: -: /Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. cies were scarce. The rarer win- f • 6R•'• :'• J•'"• 0 GREENSBORO• •' ]:••' ter finches and sea ducks were ::' * I N. . few and far between; not a sin- gle alcid, jaeger, or kittiwake Some birders in the Region consideredthe was reported. winter of 1980-81 a colder-than-normal one, and others commented that the season was LOW POPULATIONS relatively mild. Actually, the winter was an AND AN OIL SPILL -- An alternating hodgepodgeof mild weather and examination of the results of bitterly cold weather. Early December was many Christmas Bird Counts rather mild, as were the periods from mid- (hereafter, CBC) revealed a :' GA. • i•g'•*..•..•-- •."• January to early February and the last week surprising scarcity of a handful of February. The very cold period was from of species that infrequently December 20 to mid-January, and mid-Feb- show population crashes. ruary also saw cooler-than-usual tempera- Three species in this category tures. Some ponds and small lakes were were American Woodcock, frozen over in North Carolina during the first Common Snipe, and Common half of January. On the positiveside, precipi- Yellowthroat. These usually numerous win- this area was an oil spill off Myrtle Beach, tation was light during the period, and snow tering specieswere difficult to find on many South Carolina, in February. At least 1000 and ice were minimal, with much of South counts. It appearslikely that the heavy snows birds were noted in oiled condition along the Carolina and Georgia avoiding snow entirely. of February and March 1980did considerable beachesof northern South Carolina; most in- Birding tendedto be better than normal for damage to theseground-feeding birds. Rails, dividuals were loons, and a few Gannets and the season,in part becauseof a heavy inva- SeasideSparrows, and winteringwarblers (in- scoterswere also found (fide DF). sion of winter finches. Perhaps never before cluding Yellow-rumped) were among other have so many rare speciesbeen reported from birds that still apparently have not returned LOONS THROUGH IBISES--There were this Region during a single winter, and to "normal" wintering population levels, a number of excellent counts of loons in noteworthy sightings at feeders were com- based on abundancesprior to the devastating coastal North Carolina this season, with 2503 monplace, especially involving orioles, tana- winter of 1976-77. Commons on the Morehead City CBC Dec. gets, grosbeaks, and buntings. An excep- Although oiled birds occasionallyappear 21 (fide JF), winter peaks of 10, t900+ Com- tional number of "firsts" were recorded, in- along our coastal beaches,quite unusual for mons and 1000+ Red-throateds in Pamlico

Volume 35, Number 3 289 Sound (MT), and 1500+ Red-throateds ly inland ones were in downtown Atlanta, along 3 mi of beach at Ft. Fisher Jan. 24 (JF with one seenmid-January into March (fide et al.). A total of 15-20 Red-throated Loons TM) and an apparently different bird Feb. 19 was quite high for Georgia at Jekyll I., Feb. (HG), and at L. Mattamuskeet, N.C., Feb. 23 (D&AF). The rare Red-necked Grebe was 27 (SG,MT). Merlins are rare inland in reported 5 times: inland at Roanoke Rapids, winter, aRhonghseveral are generallyobserv- N.C., Dec. 29 (ML), and coastallyat Mason- ed each year; this time there were singlesat boro I., N.C., Dec. 6 (AGM), on the McClel- RaleighJan. 7 & 18 (GW), near Fayetteville, lanville, S.C., CBC, Dec. 21 (GM,PN et al.), N.C., Jan. 8 & Feb. 23 0MEW,P&JC), near at Johns I., S.C., Dec. 23 (two birds--PL), Crabapple, Ga., Feb. 22 (HO), and near and at St. Marys, Ga., Feb. 21 (SPa). One Southern Pines, N.C., Feb. 24 (TH). Eared Grebe sighting, at Pawleys I., S.C., Dec. 30 (SB,TL), was par for the season,but GROUSE THROUGH RAILS -- Several a "dark" phase Western Grebe Feb. 28 near Ross' Goose with Snow Goose, Pea L, IV.C., Ruffed Grousewere seen during the winter 5 Swanquarter, N.C., produced the first record Dec. 31, 1980. Photo/Michael Tore. mi. n.e. of Yanceyville,N.C. (fide JC). The for the state in 4 years (MT,SG). Several specieshas been reported sparingly in the White Pelicans were found in coastal South ville, S.C., Dec. 21 (CE), whereas 4000-5000 county to the w., Rockingham, but this is the Carolina, with one at Huntington Beach N. Shovelers at a spoil pond in South farthest known extension into the Piedmont S.P., Dec. 12 (AGM,PP) and again Dec. 30 Carolina adjacent to Savannah,Ga., Feb. 28 of the state. Six late migrant SandhillCranes (SG,TL), and apparently three individuals (JB et aL) was an excellentRegional count. were seen near Marietta, Ga., Dec. 14 during the winter in the Charlestonarea (fide Tove and Graves had someexceptional totals (BT,BM), and four were noted on the same DF). Multiple records of Great Cormorant in of waterfowl Feb. 28 in Pamlico Sound, date near Charleston (GM et al.). One crane winter are now standard fare, with North N.C., from the Swanquarter-Ocracokeferry: spent the entire winter near Dublin, Ga. Carolina birds at Pea I., Cape Hatteras, and 20,000 Canvasback,200 Greater Scaup,and (TKP), quite an unusual event away from MasonboroInlet, and a most surprisingfour an unheard-of 5000 Oldsquaw. Inland Okefenokee Ref., Ga. Virginia Rails were iramatures at Huntington Beach S.P., S.C., Greater Seaups were rare at L. Cammack, noted inland during the seasonnear Colum- on the CBC, Dec. 30 (DF,SG et al.). N.C., Jan. 6-7 (sevenon the latter day--AB), bia, S.C. (JP), Roanoke Rapids (HL), and Notcwortlxy inland reports were of a Double- Chapel Hill, N.C., Feb. 15 (SG), and Clem- Clemson (HL,AA), with a surprisingfour crested Cormorant at Quaker L., Alamance son, S.C., Jan. 3-8 (peak of three--HL). No heard calling on the CBC at the last-men- Co., N.C., Dec. 7 (AB), two cormorants on Harlequin Ducks wcrc reported during the tioned town Jan. 3. Lucky indeed were the the CBC at Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 20 (HL,ML), winter, and just one eider report was received birders who flushed a Yellow Rail from a two each of Double-crested Cormorants and -- two q)Kings at Oregon Inlet, N.C., Jan. I 1 short-grasssalt marshat OregonInlet Jan. 10 Anhingas at Augusta, Ga., Dec. 13 - Feb. {SG,MT). Perhapsa recordGeorgia count of (SG,MT); however,this rail probablywinters 28+ (AW), and a pair of Anhingas near White-winged Scoterswas 25 + at Jekyll I., regularly in this area, and likely in the entire Dublin, Ga., Jan. 15 - Feb. 10 (TKP). As Feb. 23 (D&AF), and rare inland were a coastalportion of the Region. usual, a few Am. Bitterns were found on in- White-winged Scoter at Winston-Salem, land CBCs (Raleigh and New Hope in North N.C., Jan. 18-20 (CRH et al.) and a Surf SHOREBIRDS -- The South Carolina Carolina and Dublin in Georgia), and a Scoter on the Roanoke Rapids CBC, Dec. 29 spoil area near Savannah had 325 Am. Avo- Wood Stork at Thomasville, Ga., Feb. I0 {ML). Among other unusual waterfowl con- cets Feb. 28 (JB et al.). A Wilson's Plover (RLC) provided a first winter record for that centrations were 20,000+ birds, about 95% was late on the Morehead City CBC, Dec. 21 town. A count of 23 Glossy Ibises at Santee Ruddy Ducks, Mar. 8-10 on the lower Neuse {MT), and a pair was noted at the same spot Coastal Reserve, S.C., Jan. 31 (C.N.H.S.) R., Craven Co., N.C. (BH) and 150,000+ Feb. 28 (JF eta/.); thus , one or two birds was excellent for the season. Red-breasted Mergansers seen from the may have overwintered. Ocracoke - Cedar I., N.C., ferry Jan. 9 (MT). WATERFOWL -- Nine Whistling Swans The best Corn. Mergansercounts were in in- S.A. in a field near Cove City, N.C., Feb. 7 were land North Carolina as usual: nine on Kerr The first definitive winter sight record unusual (RJH), and far from the usual range Scott Res., near N. Wilkesboro Feb. 5 of the HudsonianGodwit for the Region were three at Augusta all winter {AW) and (JF,MT), seven on L. Cammack Jan. 22 occurred at South Pond at Pea 1., Dec. one on L. James, N.C., Dec. 8 (RR). An ex- (AB), and five near RaleighFeb. 14 (SIS). 30; Sykesobserved the dark wing linings cellent count of Brants at the s. end of the to distinguishthe bird from a Black-tailed winter range was of 200 at Morgan I., near HAWKS -- Three Rough-leggedHawks Godwit, one of which was present at Cape Lookout, N.C., Feb. 16 {SP), and the for the seasonwere about par: near Cape I., neighboringBodie I., a year ago. Ob- Barnacle Goose at Santee N.W.R., S.C., re- S.C., Dec. 21 (GM,PN), in w. Chatham viously,both of thesegodwits are possible mained at least to Jan. 22(SAG,CH,HL, County, N.C., in mid-January (P&JC), and in the Southeastin winter. Although the AR). Although the bird was "wild", escapees in e. Chatham Co., at Jordan Res., Feb. 8-20 Black-tailedhas a reasonablystraight bill are frequent enoughthat the speciessould be (SG,MC et al.). The alwaysexciting Golden as opposedto the slightlyupturned one of placed on the state's Hypothetical List, no Eagle was reported just once, at L. Marion, the Hudsonian,winter godwitsshould be matter the degree of documentation. The S.C., Jan. 31 (CH et al.), but Bald Eagle flushedto observethe underwinglinings always noteworthy White-fronted Goosewas reports were far too numerous to mention in (dark in Hudsonianand flashingwhite in reported only from South Carolina refuges: full. The best Bald Eagle total was approx- Black-tailed) and the white wing stripe 13 at Santee Dec. 7 (BP,SB) and two at imately six birds in the Columbus - Eufanla (rather narrow and inconspicuousin the SavannahJan. 10 & 17 (AW,VW,PN). Single Ref. portion of s.w. Georgia (fide SPa); yet, Hudsonian and strikingly wide and Wil- white-phaseand blue-phaseSnow Geesewere disappointingly,none was sightedin coastal let-like in the Black-tailed). observedat Augusta for most of the winter North Carolina. I receivedmuch correspon- (AW). An ad. Ross' Goose was present at dence concerning the abundance of Marsh A Whimbrel near Ft. Fisher Jan. 24 (JF) Pea I., Dec. 31 - Jan. 18 (BN,MT,BL,HL et Hawks in many parts of the Region this was a rare mid-winter record for North Caro- a/.); this representedthe first Regionalrecord winter, particularly inland. The 98 recorded lina. A Greater Yellowlegsnear Fayetteville in 8 years;all sightingshave beenrestricted to on the New Hope River CBC, nearly all at Jan. 9 (P&JC,KM), and another at a dif- Pea I. A c• Green-winged(Corn.) Teal at Jordan Res., Jan. 4 (fide BR) probably ferent place near that city Jan. 28 (P&JC) Santee Ref., Dec. 12 (AW,VW), supplied one represented duplicate counting of indi- were noteworthy. An apparent Spotted Red- of the few records for South Carolina and viduals, although Lynch observed56 from shank was observed at Huntington Beach was apparentlythe Region's first inland. Two one spot in the bed of the reservoir Jan. 25! S.P., S.C., Feb. 21 by a birder from Ireland Blue-wingedTeals were late at Fairburn, Ga., SingleOspreys were notable inland at Beaver- (MR), now living in Charleston,who is very Dec. I 1 (D&PB,BM), and the Augusta "Cin- dam Res., N.C., Dec. 22 (RJH) and at Grif- familiar with the species and with both namon" Teal appeared again -- this time fin Res., s. of Atlanta Jan. 18 (VJ et al.). The yellowlegs. His impeccabledescription men- Dec. 26 & Jan. I 1 (VW,AW,CB). A c• Eur. usual handful of PeregrineFalcons was noted tioned orange-red at the base of the lower Wigcon was an exciting find at McClellan- along the coast during the season,but the on- mandible, orange or orange-redlegs, white

290 AmericanBirds, May 1981 up the back of the bird, spotted secondaries noted in flight, and a "chut" or "chuit" call note. Several other birders saw the shorebird the following day, but one or two of them were not convinced the bird was not a Lesser Yellowlegs. It is hoped that a definitive iden- tification can be reached by all observers, with the help of a detailed study of references and contact with expertson shorebirds.One sighting in coastal North Carolina, without published details, is the only Regional "record" to date. A Spotted Sandpiper at Augusta Jan. 24-31 (AW,VW) was a good find, whereastwo at Pendergrass,Ga., Feb. Iceland (Kumlien's) Gull, Morehead City, N.C., February, 1981. Photos/John Fussell. 27 (JV) and one at Fayetteville Feb. 28 (P&JC) were probably just very early Among other good gull sightingswere two in- Feb. 28 (HL). Although this speciesis now migrants. Forsythe mentioned that many land Laughing Gulls at Augusta Dec. 27 present in moderate numbers in parts of the Am. Woodcocks were seen in the Charleston (AW), and an ad. Little Gull picked out of a Piedmont of the Carolinas and n.e. Georgia area, even in downtown sections, after a mid- group of 10,000 Bonaparte's Gulls at Pea I., in the warmer months, the birds, for some January snow there. A group of 15 Long- Jan. 25 (AB,MT). Late stragglersincluded a unknown reason, depart the Piedmont in billed Dowitchersat Swanquarter,N.C., Feb. Corn. Tern at Sunset Beach, N.C., Jan. 2 winter. Noteworthy for the season in North 28 (SG,MT) was most unusual and was (PJC,KM) and a Sandwich Tern at Wrights- Carolina were White-eyed Vireos on the Ro- perhapsthe farthestinland winter record for ville Beach, N.C., Dec. 6 (AGM); whereas anoke Rapids CBC, Dec. 29 (HL) and at Sun- the state. Small numbers of inland Least four Caspian Terns were quite early at More- set Beach Jan. 25 (PJC,KM,DBo). Sandpiperswere reported during the season head City Feb. 22 (JF). from Raleigh, Clemson, Augusta, and Dub- WARBLERS•A first Atlanta CBC record lin, and two Dunlins were late stragglerson OWLS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS-- was a Black-and-white Warbler Dec. 21 the New Hope River CBC, Jan. 4 (NB). Certainly unprecedented for inland North (SPe). Orange-crownedWarblers were again Carolina, and possibly for most of the noted on the Raleigh CBC, with two seen GULLS THROUGH TERNS--As usual, Region, was the remarkable population of Dec. 20 (KK,FI,WI), and four Feb. 21 in the a handful of imm. Glaucous Gulls were seen Short-eared Owls in the weedy fields and Congaree Swamp s.e. of Columbia, S.C., along the coast: as many as two at Cedar I., marshes in the lakebed of Jordan Res., in e. was a very good count for the Fall Line (fide N.C., Jan. 9 - Feb. 14 (MT,SG et al.), one at Chatham Co., N.C. The owls were seen, PH). A Cape May Warbler was very rare at Cape Hatteras Dec. 26 Jan. 23 mainly at dusk, all winter, with numerous Raleigh Dec. 10 (LD, fide RJH), and a 9 (BL,MT,HL), one at Hatteras Inlet, N.C., countsin double figures,the peak being21 on Black-throatedBlue Warbler at Augusta Dec. Jan. 9 (SG,MT), and one at Litchfield Beach, Feb. 8 (SG,MC,ME). Even though no other 13 (AW,VW) furnished apparently the sec- S.C., Dec. 29 (PN). Graves and Tove found Short-eareds were reported away from the ond winter record for Georgia. Other rarities imm. Iceland Gulls at Hatteras Inlet Jan. 9 coast, the speciesobviously winters inland in were a Prairie Warbler in FayettevilleFeb. 23 and at Oregon Inlet Jan. 10, and Fussellet al. greater numbers than previously believed. (P&JC, MCh), an Ovenbird at Columbus, observed an adult of the "Kumlien's" race at Single • (non-rusty) hummingbirds, pro- Ga., Dec. 3-15 (TD), and another Ovenbird Morehead City Feb. 1-21. This adult had bably Ruby-throateds, were seen Dec. 13 at at Buxton, N.C., Jan. 23 (MT,AB), one of more black in the wing tips and more head Tryon, N.C. (RM) and at McClellanville, the emharassinglyfew winter recordsfor that streakingthan did the ad. "Kumlien's" pre- S.C., on the CBC, Dec. 21 (DF). The recent state. Yellow-breasted Chats were notewor- sent in the area last winter. An imm. Great specimen of Black-chinned Hummingbird thy at McClellanville, S.C., Dec. 23-24 (JS) Black-backed Gull at Winston-Salem Jan. 20 from Massachusetts(AB 34: 140) and an also and at Fayetteville Dec. 31 Jan. 8 (RS et al.), carefully compared with Herring recent Black-chinned photo from Florida (P&JC,KM). Simply amazing were three+ and Ring-billed gulls, provided one of the (AB 34:769), for apparently the fourth state Wilson's Warblers at Santee Ref., Jan. 25 very few inland records for the Region. A record, have thrown a "wrench" into the (PN,SC et aL); one of the birds had a trace of Regional high of s/x Lesser Black-backed assumption that all "non-rusty" hummers a black cap. Even though the above records Gulls wastallied at Cape Hatteras Pt. Dec. 31 (Archilochus)in winter in our area are Ruby- imply an excitingwinter for "warblering' ', in (BL,HL,MT), and a few were seen there at throateds. A O Selasphorushnmmingbird, fact, this family was in quite low numbersin least to Feb. 28 (m.ob.). Other records of this almost certainly a Rufous, was carefully much of the Region during the season,prob- definitely increasingspecies were of one at studied at CharlestonJan. 24 (BV). This is ably a result of the very cold period Dec. 20 Pea I., Dec. 26 (BL,AB) and one at Cape the fifth confirmed or probable Rufous to mid-January. Lookout Jan. 30 & Feb. 16 (SP). Two Herr- record for the Region, but only the secondin ing Gulls on L. Allatoona were a first for the winter; none have been ad. males. BLACKBIRDS THROUGH TANA- Atlanta CBC, Dec. 21 (JG). Ring-billed Gulls GERS--For the second consecutive winter a were generally presentin larger-than-normal SWALLOWS THROUGH VIREOS--A Yellow-headed Blackbird was noted at De- numbers on inland lakes during the winter, Tree Swallow at Fayetteville Feb. 20 (P&JC) catur, Ga. (four dates in January--FC); with noteworthy countsof 300-400 all season was 3-4 weeks early, and most unusual and possibly the same individual was involved. at Beaverdam Res., N.C. (RJH,HL,BW), over a month early were singleBarn Swallows Very rare for the winter seasonwere Orchard 500+ at Augusta Dec. 27 (AW,VW), and 57 at Savannah Ref., Feb. 15 (VJ etal.) and near Orioles: a female or imm. male was at a in Laurens County, Ga., Dec. 21 (TKP). The Waterlily, Currituck Co., N.C., Feb. 18 Chapel Hill feeder for several days in mid- southernmost Atlantic coast record (and a (ML). The first "spring arrival" of Purple February (AF), and an imm. male was first for the Region) was an ad. Mew Gull of Martins was noted Jan. 24 at Eufaula L., Ga. observed at Covington, Ga., Dec. 25 (FR). the European race (Larus c. canus), studied (SPa). As expected, a few of both marsh Good counts of Brewer's Blackbirds were carefully in a flock of severalthousand gulls wrens were seen inland during the period, 100+ in a pasturenear Dublin Dec. 21 - Feb. at Cape Hatteras Pt., Dec. 31 (BL,MT,HL). with Long-billedson the New Hope R. CBC, 28+ (TKP) and 20 at Fayetteville, Ga., Jan. The bird was pickedout from the other gulls Jan. 4 (SG,DK) and along the Chattahoochee 19 (FIVO; and a male was seen in a yard in by its slate-graymantle, intermediatein color R., n. of Atlanta November to mid-January Raleigh on 4 occasionsDec. 27 - Feb. 12 between that of Ring-billed and Laughing (PM,TM); and Short-billeds at two locations (GW). Reports of this species have been (about the shade of Franklin's). In fact, the in Jordan Res., Jan. 4& 18 (JOP,EP), at Ro- sparsein the last few years, and counts of mantle color, unmarked greenish-yellowbill anoke Rapids Dec. 29 (HL), near Fayetteville even ten birds are infrequent. Is Brewer's with a rather tapered tip, greenish-yellow Jan. 6 (P&JC), and at Atlanta Jan. 31 (JG). Blackbird actually declining as a winter resi- legs, dark irides, and several other features The Fish Crow now seems to occur year dent (in Georgia)? A 9 Boat-tailed Grackle made the bird look somewhat more like a round at L. Hartwell, S.C.: one was found was studied very carefully Jan. 9 at Fayette- LesserBlack-backed Gull than a Ring-billed. near Townville Jan. 8 and two were there ville, N.C. (P&JC). The grackle was in a

Volume 35, Number 3 291 flock of blackbirds and Starlings in a yard, two at a feeder in that town Jan. 3 (C&RM, oke Rapids CBC, Dec. 29 (ML,HL,MT), and and it is the first convincingly described fide BW), one at a feeder in neighboring four at Cape Hatteras Jan. 23 (AB,MT). occurrencefor the state completely removed Raleigh Jan. 4-8 (WI,FI,SG,MT), and six North Carolina's first documented Smith's from the tidewater zone. Three tansgets were away from feedersat Harkers I., N.C., Jan. 6 Longspur was a male seen at Jordan Res., noted this winter, all in residential areas/- (SP). Pine Siskins, as with the Evening Jan. 11 (JoC,WI,FI) and collected Jan. 15 feeders as would be expected:a Western at Grosbeaksinundated the Region, being com- (*DL, N.C.S.M.); the two previous reports Fayetteville, N.C., Feb. 15 (P&JC,KM et mon in most places, particularly in the North were sight records,one of which was rejected al.), and • Summers at Fayetteville Feb. 9 & Carolina Piedmont. Red Crossbills again by the state's Records Committee. Last, but 11 (P&JC,HR et al.) and near Morehead City stayed to the n. of our area, with the only not least, the Snow Bunting staged an ex- Dec. 21 (AM,KB). reports being one at Raleigh in late November cellent irruption into the coastal portion of (JL), three at Wilmington Dec. 9 (AGM), and the Region, with noteworthy totals in North FINCHES--Although there are no severalin adjacent BrunswickCounty later in Carolina of 45 on Masonboro 1., Feb. 28 statistics for comparison, certainly more December (RD). Not since the winter of (AGM), 32 on Radio I., near Morehead City speciesof finches were observedin the Re- 1973-74 have Red Crossbills occurred in Dec. 21 (BL), and 36 there Feb. 10 (JF). gion this winter than ever before. Four numbers in the Southeast, and (disappoin- Quite rare in the other two stateswere eight speciesof buntings were found, and North tingly) no one saw or heard a White-winged on the Litchfield-Pawleys I. CBC, Dec. 30 Carolina had 20 speciesof sparrows (count- Crossbill or a Pine Grosbeak this season. (m.ob.), one near Charleston Jan. 13 ing a Harris' in the mountainsoutside of this Although the scarcity of far northern (H&JA), one on the Jekyll I., Ga., CBC, Jan. Region). An excellent find was a carefully winter finches was a "downer", rare spar- 3 (JG), and one at the latter place Feb. 23 studied 9 Black-headed Grosbeak at a rows were turned up everywhere. Somewhat (D&AF). However, the best Snow Bunting McClellanville feeder Jan. 16-21 (JS et al.), n. of the winter range were Grasshopper record came from far inland at Roanoke Ra- and a Blue Grosbeak was notable near Pen- Sparrowsat Jordan Res., Jan. 18 (BR) and at pids, with an amazing 14 on the CBC, Dec. dleton, S.C., Feb. 15 (HL). The list of out-of- Chapel Hill Jan. 24 (SG). Henslow's Spar- 29 (HL,HT,ML); two were still there Jan. 31 range or out-of-season finches continues, rows definitely winter as far n.e. as w. Carter- (SG,MT). with a cy Indigo Bunting seen at a feeder at et County, N.C.: Fussell et al. observed Thomasville, Ga., Dec. 5-17 (LN), a Painted several all seasonin an open pinewoods, with CONTRIBUTORS--Harry & JeanetteAn- Bunting (sex not mentioned but apparently a eight plus present in late February (JF). Two derson, Alan Avakian, Maurice Barnhill, male) observedat a Morehead City feeder all or more were again found in weedy fields Kenny Baxter, Oleta Beard, Jimmy Beatty, winter (JGri, JF), and especially a feeder- near Carolina Beach, N.C., during the winter Clarence Belger, Sparkie Betts, Dennis Boeke inhabiting ad. cyLazuli Bunting at Westmin- (AGM,JFP et al.). Most winters pass with at (DBo), Donna & Patrick Brisse, Allen Bryan, ster, S.C., Feb. 11 into March (TS,NS, best one record of a Le Conte's Sparrow, but Norman Budnitz, Zack Bynum, Dana Carter, five reports(all of singlebirds) were received J.H. Carter Ill, Charleston Natural History for the season--near Pendleton Dec. 7 Society, Mosely Chesnutt (MCh), James (SAG,HL) and again Jan. 3 (HL,ET), on the Coman, Steve Compton, John Connors McClellanville CBC, Dec. 21 (PN), on the (JoC), Larry Crawford, R.L. Crawford, Litchfield-PawleysI. CBC, Dec. 30, (m.ob.), Mark Crotteau, Pat & Jim Culbertson, Fair- at Mr. Pleasant, S.C., Jan. 11 (CE), and near man Cumming, Ricky Davis, Thelma Daw- Carolina Beach Jan. 25 (JB,LG,JP). The son, Lee DeNeel, Charles Eastman, Marc Carolina Beach sighting was apparently just Eisdorfer, Alan Feduccia, Claire Filemyr, the second winter occurence for North Dan & Ann Forster, Dennis Forsythe, John Carolina. A Lark Sparrow was a good find at Fussell, Hugh Garrett, S.A. Gaughreaux, Pine Knoll Shores, on Bogue Banks, N.C., Lex Glover, Steve Graves, Joe Greenberg, Dec. 21-22 (LC et al.). Until a year or two Mrs. John Griffith (JGri), R.J. Hader, Paul ago, the n. edgeof the winter range of Bach- Hamel, Carol Hamilton (CHa), Carl Helms, man's Sparrow was believed to have been in Bob Holmes, C.R. Hough, Tom Howard, the Wilmington area, but records from last Fran Irvin, Wayne Irvin, Vince Jackson, Dan winter and this season indicated a much more Kaplan, Ken Knapp, Oscar LaBorde, Pete northerly limit. One was seen in w. Carteret Laurie, Dave Lee, Joshua Lee, Harry Le- Male Lazuli Bunting, Westminster, S.C., County Feb. 1 (JF et al.), and an Aimophila Grand, Bob Lewis, Toby Lorenzen, Merrill Mar. 7, 1981. Photo/Claire Filemyr. sparrow Jan. 2 and two Jan. 4, flushed from Lynch, Bob Manns, Kevin Mason, A.G. CH,SAG et al.). The Lazuli representsa first suitablehabitat in the w. sectionof Ft. Bragg, Massey, Frank McCamey, Cora & Rugh Mc- record for the Region (ph. CF, SAG). N.C. (JHC), were almost certainly Lean, Alex Meadows, Gardner Miller, Mr. Although no one reported a Dickcissel this Bachman's. An excellent discoverywas that and Mrs. Ralph Milner, Peggy Moore, Terry winter, a belated nesting report of con- of a 9 Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco at Umstead Moore, Bud Needham, Leon Neel, North siderable importance was received:at Colum- S.P., near Raleigh Dec. 14 (SG,MC). Just Carolina State Museum, Perry Nugent, bia, S.C., two pairs were seen in late April one report of Tree Sparrow was received, a Helen Ogren, John Paquet, J.F. Parnell, (JSt), a nest was found soon afterward, and poorly describedbird on the Raleigh CBC. Sam Pate (SPa), T.K. Patterson, Scott Per- three immatures were noted on several dates Despite this speciesbeing relatively easy to sons (SPe), Bud Pollock, Skip Prange, Pat during the summer (OB,OL,JB). Evening identify, most reports I receivecontain shaky Probst, Elizabeth Pullman, J.O. Pullman, Grosbeaks were reported from essentially detailsthat fail to eliminate Swamp Sparrow. Henry Rankin, Mike Redmond, Anna Ross, throughout the Region, with large flocks even Clay-colored Sparrowswere seenin winter Barbara Roth. Frances Rowland, Robert occurring as far s. as Dublin. in North Carolina for the first time: one at Ruiz, Jim Shirah (JiS), Jay Shuler, Ned Shu- House Finches were as numerous as they Pea I., Dec. 6 (BH), one near Carolina Beach ler, Teddy Shuler, Ramona Snavely, Jack were last winter, or perhaps more so, with the Dec. 24 (AGM,MB), and as many as three at Stewart (JS0, Paul Sykes, Edmund Taylor, extent of occurrence reaching Wilmington, Bodie I., Dec. 30 - Feb. 22 ( AB,MT et al.; Bill Terrell, Mike Tore, Bowman Vain, Joel N.C. (three at a feeder Feb. 26-28--AGM), two * WI, N.C.S.M.). Although regular in Volpi, Bill Wagner, Anne Waters, Vernon Dublin (three at a feeder Dec. 12 - Feb. fall migration, White-crowned Sparrows Waters, Don White, Gail Whitehurst, M.E. 28+--TKP), and at Perry, Ga. (two Dec. seldom winter on the North Carolina coast; Whitfield--HARR• E. LeGRAND, JR., De- 6--JiS). Purple Finches drew little comment, thus notable were 3-4 at Bodie I., Dec. 30 partment of Zoology, Clemson University, as their numbers do not fluctuate greatly -Feb. 22 (AB,MT et al.), one at Beaufort Clemson, S.C. 29631. from winter to winter, but they were fairly Dec. 21 (HL), and two at Buxton Feb. 14 common to common in most areas. I had (JF, DC). Lincoln's Sparrows were observed hoped for a big influx of Com. Redpollsas a only on Jan. 3 CBCs--Clemson (HL,ET) and result of the overall finch invasion and the Winston-Salem (ZB,DW,P&JC). Lapland very cold weather mid-December - mid-Jan- Longspurs were noted only at "traditional" uary, but only 4 records were submitted: one sites, with three near Pendleton Dec. 7 at a Chapel Hill feeder Jan. 3 & 11 (CHa), (SAG,HL), 13 at two localities on the Roan-

292 American Birds, May 1981 FLORIDA REGION LOONS AND CENTRAL SOUTHERN GREBES--Red- REGION /Henry M. Stevenson -TALLAHASSEE throated Loons prob- DIVISION ably were more common Any report on the weather in this Region in the n. Gulf of Mexico for the winter of 1980-81 will necessarily thanever before. A A.oalacbh:ol•TM sound like the old refrain, but with slight careful count of 52 was variations. Again winter came late, and again obtained at Alligator $i. it was colder than normal. During a 65-day Pt., Franklin Co., Jan. period December 11 through 25 (BA & LA), and A•gmar Tallahassee's U.S. Weather Station records others had counts of point showedan averagetemperature deficiencyof 15-20 there Jan. 19 (CT Tampa 6.75 ø F. Only nine of these days averaged & DR) & 24 (RMC & normal or above, and temperatures reached CE). One of these loons the freezing mark or below 35 times. The was at St. George I., coldest night, by far, was that of January Franklin Co., Feb. 8 ..Fort My•r• 12-13, when a reading of 8 ø F was the lowest (RMC & CE). A count Sanibel of record for January and the second-lowest of 43 Cam. Loons at Corkscrew $wa top* for any month in the history of the weather Stuart Jan. 16 (PS) was /•Ao r•o station. Other Florida stations were propor- high. That locality also tionately cold, with far-south report- had a Red-necked Grebe Largo ing 32øF on the 13th. As is usually the case Jan. 3-10 (BD,HD,BH, ß Dry Tartoga& Key .Flamingo during extreme cold, precipitationwas sub- HL et al.), bringing normal--at least until February. Two reports closer to 40 the number R'DA[ " lpparK•eya mentioneddamage to mangrovesin the Tam- of sight recordswith still FLO! I' •,i•:!•o::l• ...... pa and Vero Beachareas, but none referred no specimen or photo- : -- ,,,,,,,!?" .. to an effect on birds. However, on the coast graph. An Eared Grebe of Franklin County , I picked up a was at St. GeorgeI., on a date near Jan. 4(JS near St. Marks Light Jan. 19-Feb. 23 (C.S. Killdeer and a Long-billed Marsh Wren that & HL). Gidden, RMC,CE et al.), and five near the showed no evidence of injury- The Killdeer PELICANS THROUGH ANHIN- lower Myakka R., Manatee Co., (SI & R. seemed emaciated, and the wren (prepared as GA--Although there had been only one Dye) had ventured farther s. than usual, and a museum skin) had no food in its stomach previousrecord just off Key West, White Pel- the lone Canada Goose still remained on the (RLC). Another marsh wren, however, had icans invaded the Keys in numbers. On the Dry Tortugas, according to a Mr. Burford survived the cold at Lake Jackson until at Upper Keys, Tavernier had 12 and 30 on Jan. (see AB 34: 768). Four Fulvous Whistling- least ; the specieswinters rather 2 & 12 respectively(Karen Sunderland); far- Ducks at Stock I., Jan. 31 (FH,KM), were the rarely in Leon County. ther down one was seen at Boca Chica Feb. first on the Lower Keys in several years. 23 (MB et al.) & 24 (FH). Also Feb. 23 two Other rarities on the Lower Keys included a POPULATION DECLINES--Repetitive were at Key West (FH). By late February Gadwall at Key West Dec. 17 (FH) and two counts in Leon County and the coastalcoun- 400+ pairs of Brown Pelicans had nestscon- Hooded Mergansers on Big Pine Key Dec. 16 ties of the Tallahassee Division (two sets of taining eggsor young at Alafia Banks, Hills- (MB et al.). An Oldsquaw was at Wards Bank data) in December and January again showed borough Co. (RP). Gannets also reached ap- Dec. 20 (JW) and a Cam. Goldeneyeas far s. a number of speciesless abundant than for parently unprecedentednumbers off Cape as Arcadia (15 mi s.w.) Dec. 10 (B. Neville). previous years (1947-79), most by wide Canaveral, with estimates exceeding 1000 Rarities included a c• Masked Duck at Loxa- margins. When some specieswere removed Jan. 25 & 26, and a count of 518 Feb. 6 (J J). hatchee N.W.R., Feb. 22 (C. Brownold, J. from this list becauseof important changesof Great Cormorants were found at 3 local- Brooks & C. Kilmer) and a female there habitat in 1975-76, the following were con- ities--Wards Bank at the mouth of St. Johns "several days later" (HL), as well as single sidered significantly low in all four R., one adult Feb. 15 (JW), an immature at Cam. Morgansorsat Wards Bank Jan. 18 "chances" in these field data: Great Egret, Matanzas Inlet Feb. 27 (JW) and one as far s. (JW) and Hickory Mound L., Jan. 19 (CT & Canada Goose, Snow Goose, Black Duck, as Key Biscayne Nov. 25 & Dec.4 (RT). DR). Gadwall, LesserScaup, Forster's Tern, Red- Unusual on the Keys, an Anhinga was seen headed and Red-cockaded woodpeckers, frequently Jan. 17+ on Boca Chica. (MB). DIURNAL RAPTORS--Although the Tree Swallow, Water Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, HERONS, EGRETS, AND STORKS--A White-tailed Kite may not have nested in LoggerheadShrike, Palm Warbler, E. Mea- Great Blue (white form) Heron wintered as Florida since the early 1900s, sight records of dowlark, Rusty Blackbird, Vesper, Chipping, far n. as Anastasia I., St. Johns Co., Dec. presumed strays have increased in recent and White-throated sparrows, and Dark-eyed 20-Feb. 27 (JW), and a lone Cattle Egret was years. Two iramatures were seen n. of Ma- Junco. Several of these are winter residents at Tallahssee Jan. 24 (GM). Yellow-crowned hogany Hammock, E.N.P., Dec. 6 (WB et that may not have moved as far south as Night Herons are consideredmuch reducedin al.), and one immature in Polk County near usual during the mild fall, but the italicized recent winters on the Lower Keys (FH), the junction of I-4 and U.S. 27, Dec. 9 (W. species have been low for many years. although wintering birds are on the increase Hoffman). As the number of Everglade Kites Among the latter group, the Palm Warbler in Wakulla County; one on Sanibel I., Feb. 7 increased,at least two strayed S of their usual showed a slight recovery in 1980-81. was atypical in having a "solid black" crown limits: Florida City Jan. 24 (RP) and Taylor Observers farther south also referred to the (MS et al.). Wood Storks did not begin Slough, E.N.P, on an unspecifieddate (OB). very low numbersof LesserSeaups. With the nesting at Corkscrew until late February, A Swallow-tailed Kite was early at the lower inception of true winter in late December, when 2 nests were found (TB); one was Econfina R., Taylor Co., Feb. 28 (GG). Very Killdeer increasedgreatly, both in the Talla- unusually far n. at L. Lafayette, Leon Co., rare in n. Florida, a Swainson's Hawk was hassee Division (hereafter, Talla. Div.) and Dec. 6 (RMC). carefully studied at Wakulla Beach Jan. 3-4 elsewhere. WATERFOWL--One of the biggest sur- (JC,RMC et al.), but the wing pattern was Perhapsnever before have Florida birders prisesof the seasonwas an imm. Ross' Goose not observed on the bird in n. Leon County found so much of interest in their own state. associating with Snow Geese at Hickory Feb. 23 (BH). A dark-phase imm. Short- Even omitting the Panhandle (part of the Mound L., Taylor Co., Jan. 1-24 (RMC,CE, tailed Hawk at Hickory Mound L., Dec. Central Southern Region) no fewer than 20 m.ob.); observers stressed the small size of 30-Jan. 23 (JC,RMC,CE et al.), was farther speciesof western derivation were found, the bird and its bill. Photos by BA & LA n. than any previousone in winter. Over the alongwith other speciesfrom the far north, a show these features, but the slide examined years severalRed-tailed Hawks apparentlyof few from the Antilles, and a few from by Ned Johnson and Stephen Bailey was the race kriderii have been seen, but no Europe. Included were three probableaddi- otherwise inadequate for confirmation, pro- specimencould be obtained until a dying bird tions to the Florida list--Ross' Goose, Black- bably becauseof the extreme warinessof the was found at U.S. 90 near Monticello Dec. 26 tailed Godwit, and Vaux's Swift. bird. Four to nine White-fronted Geese were (*T.T.). Bald Eagles may be having a better

Volume 35, Number 3 293 nesting season than usual; three occupied offshore Dec. 8-Feb. 6 (J J), an immature at Jan. 6-10 (M. Cook). A photo of the latter nests were studied on the St. Marks N.W.R. Wards Bank Dec. 27-Jan. 25, and an adult was sent off for identification. A previous (Joe Reinman), five in the Jacksonville area there Feb. 15 (JW), as well as a Little Gull at Jacksonvillerecord of a Rufous Humming- (M. Davidson), an old nest on Cudjoe Key Titusville Feb. 20-21 (BA,LA,SI, R. Payne et bird Dec. 2-9, 1978 (MR & PP) somehow (MB) and a new one off Key West (DM & a!.). A Gull-billed Tern at Merritt I., Feb. escapedpublication, and singlesspent this KM). An imm. Golden Eagle was at Paynes 15-16 (JJ,CT, DF eta!.) was rather far n. and winter at Naples (T & V Below) and Gaines- Prairie, Alachua Co., Feb. 23 (JH). There a Roseate Tern, rarely seen in winter, was at ville (BM & A. Little). were several scatteredreports of Peregrine Key West Jan. 14 (FH). Sandwich Terns are Falcons and Merlins--perhaps more than increasingin winter at Key West, 350 were FLYCATCHERS, LARKS AND SWAL- usual. estimated there Jan. 26 (FH). LOWS-An extremely late or winter record CRANES, COOTS AND SHORE- of the E. Kingbird that I considervalid was of BIRDS--On the late date of Dec. 7 two Sand- one on the S. Loop of the Tamiami Trail (w. hill Cranes were flying E at Wakulla Station Dade Co.?) Dec. 15 (PS). Also late was a (RLC, B. Crawford, & J.C. Gayhart0 and Scissor-tailedFlycatcher near St. Marks Dec. one at St. Marks Light (RMC). A Caribbean I (D. Holle). In the same area the Dowlings Coot was seenat the Eco-pond, E.N.P., Jan. carefully studiedan Empidonax at Newport 19-Feb. 4 (OB,PS,BD,HD et al.). As in most Jan. 6. The Least Flycatcher is known in n. cold winters, Killdeer moved into the state in Florida from a sightrecord in winter at Talla- large numbers by January, many even hasseeand a specimenfrom Franklin Coun- reachingthe Lower Keys(MB,FH); one flock ty, but the bird in questionwas green-backed at Opa-Locka, Dade Co., Jan. 8, was esti- and in the woods. Vermilion Flycatcherswere mated at 500 (JK). Other high numbers were encountered at Southport S.P., Polk Co., 365 Willets at St. Marks Light Feb. 22 {JDJ) Black-tailed Godwit, Merritt Island, Jan. 30 (D. Cohen eta/.), Orange L., Ala- and 48 Marbled Godwits near Cocoa Beach chua Co., Dec. I (BM; ph. to F.S.M.), and a N.W.R., Fla., Feb. 17, 1981. Photo/Wes Feb. 27 (HL & TT). The outstanding holdover from fall at L. Harney Dec. 15 (DF, Biggs. shorebird record was that of a Black-tailed D. Milne). A Horned Lark was seen and Godwit on Merritt I., Feb. 15-17 (HL,TT,JJ PIGEONS THROUGH OWLS--Extra- heard at close range in flight on Merritt I., et al.; ph. WB to T.T.). Further details to be limital recordsof White-crowned Pigeons in Feb. 20 (LA). Barn Swallows,having increas- published elsewhere. An unusual wintering Dade County included six at Matheson Ham- ed greatly and expandedtheir breedingrange bird in the Talla. Div. was a Spotted Sand- mock, an unstated number 5 mi s. of Miami in this state, are also beingrecorded more fre- piper at L. Lafayette, Leon Co., Jan. 24 Dec. 10, and one at Greynolds P., Jan. 14 (all quently in winter and earlier in spring. Three (BA,LA, & HMS). JK). A fledgling Mourning Dove at a Jack- at Loxahatchee N.W.R., Jan. 3 (PS) were sonville feeder Dec. 8 (% Markgraf) indi- probably wintering, but at Jacksonvilleabout cated late nesting. Five Mangrove Cuckoos 15 were "flying N by onesand twos" Feb. 23 along Rowdy Bend Road, E.N.P., Jan. 21 (JW). A Cave Swallow carefully studied at (OB) may be the highest winter count for the Eastpoint Dec. 26 (RMC & CE) provided the species. Two Short-eared Owls were at Wa- first of record in the Talla. Div. Five Purple kulla Beach Dec. 19-29 (FS,JC,HMS), two Martins were early near St. Marks Light Jan. near Jacksonville Jan. 11 (JW), one at a dif- 23 (FS), and others that month were one in n. ferent locality there Jan. 28 (JW) and three at Leon County Jan. 28 (RLC), one at Hickory Paynes Prairie Jan. 8 (S. Nesbitt & M. Wel- Mound L., Jan. 31 (DF), and eight in Leon ton). County Jan. 31 (GM).

NIGHTJARS, SWIFTS AND HUM- CROWS THROUGH VIREOS--A Com. MINGBIRDS--The first winter specimenof Crow calling in a flock of Fish Crows Jan. 29 Chuck-will's-widow in the Talla Div., was a (HMS) representedthe first record for well- road kill 3 mi e. of Carrabelle Jan. 5 (HMS & studied St. George I. Owing to advent of the Little Gull, Titusville, Fla., Feb. 20, 1981. JS; *T.T.); there were two previoussight or Leon County sanitary landfill the Fish Crow Photo/Brooks Atherton. auditory records.However, a Whip-poor-will has seeminglychanged its winter status; once found dead on the Lower Keys Dec. 25 (MB very uncommon or rare, it numbered 75-100 GULLS AND TERNS--Glaucous Gulls & FH) was considered unusual, as Chucks are this year (GM,HMS). Farther s. several thou- were reported 12 mi off Cape Canaveral Feb. reported there more often. Two Corn. Night- sand were seenon an unspecifieddate at St. 6 (J J) and at least four at Wards Bank Jan. 18 hawks Feb. 22 & Mar. 2 were thought to be Petersburg (JD). Although the invasion of & Feb. 15 (JW); also Feb. 15 an Iceland Gull early migrants by the observer (JW), and as Red-breasted Nuthatches NW may have been was identified there (JW). Sanitary landfills many as five LesserNighthawks were at the the greatestin Florida history, the specieswas continued to attract hordes of gulls. Thou- E.N.P. Eco-pond Dec. 28--Jan. l0 (OB,PS, not mentionedin reportsfrom other parts of sandsof Herring and Ring-billedgulls visited m.ob.)--the first record of this species the state after November. A Sprague'sPipit a new dump near Tallahassee,and a Lesser wintering in Florida. On the strength of this, again frequentedthe St. George I. causeway Black-backed Gull there Jan. 24 (BA & LA) F. Hames considered nighthawk records at Dec. 17-Feb. 8 (HMS,JS et al.). The Thiek- was the first inland record in the Talla. Div. Key West Dec. 29 (FH,DM & KM) and on billed Vireo remaining along Rowdy Bend Nine of the latter specieswere at the Toytown Boca Chica Key Feb. 3 (MB) to be of thai Road, E.N.P., Dec. 28-Jan. 21 (HL,OB,PS Landfill, St. Petersburg (LA), as were a species,but there are numerous sight/audi- et al.) may be the best documented of the few Thayer's Gull Jan. 23 & Feb. 9 (LA; ph. to tory records of Com. Nighthawks wintering Florida occurrences. T.T.), and two Franklin's Gulls Dec. 12-20 in the state. Gary Graves noticed Vaux's (LA). A dump at Stock I. attracted 2000_+ Swifts coursing high over Fla. St. Univ., WARBLERS--Always abundant in n. Flo- Ring-billed and 3000_+ Laughinggulls Jan. Tallahassee Dec. 4. From that date through rida, Yellow-rumped Warblers abounded 31 (FH & KM). Lesser Black-backed Gulls Feb. 8 they were seen on late afternoons in throughout the state this winter. At Casey have increasedin Florida to the point that numbers ranging as high as 22! (RMC, Key, Sarasota Co., December-February, the detailing records no longer seemsnecessary; m.ob.). There are no previous Florida 418 mist-nettedincluded only 14 repeats(AS others were seen this season at Wards Bank, records,but the birds kept well out of camera & SS); a single flock at Opa-Locka Jan. 21 Matanzas Inlet, near Crystal L., Broward range. (A note is being prepared for the was estimated at 200 (JK); and it was several Co., and at Stock I. A California Gull was Florida Field Naturalist.) A Ruby-throated times its normal abundanceat Naples (TB). identified at Port Canaveral Jan. 26, and the Hummingbird remained in a Jacksonville Among these hordes, a bird found at the observer (J J) thought one seen a few mi e. the yard from summer to late February (PP), far- Shark Valley Recreation Area, E.N.P., Jan. next day was the same bird. Other rare gulls ther n. than it usually winters. Two Selaspho- 5 (C. Krusko) had the yellow throat patch of included possibly ten or more Black-legged rus hummingbirds were reported: Jackson- auduboni, a form representedin Florida by a Kittiwakes from Cape Canaveral to 22 mi ville Dec. 17-Jan. 15 (MR) and Tallahassee few sight records but no specimen or

294 AmericanBirds, May 1981 photograph The approach of spring was Jan 28 (JL, fide RR) The invasion of n BA,LA,HMS et al ) were quite unusual The heralded by a large number of N. Parulas finches brought Evening Grosbeaks to 3 almost-annualvisit of Lapland Longspurand migratingacross Casey Key Feb. 18 (AS & localitiesin Gainesville? 28 (BM) and to the Snow Bunting to Wards Bank were realized SS). A Wilson's Warbler on the Univ. of Fla. Jacksonvillearea Jan. 12-late February (JW, Feb. 15 for the longspurand Dec. 25-Feb 23 campus,Gainesville Dec. 21-Feb. 2 (BM,RR) B. Hogan, C. Cole), with a peak of 21 birds, for 1-3 buntings(JW,BD,HD et al.), the lat- was a rarity, and Ovenbirdswere near the n. but they strangelymissed Tallahassee. Purple ter date being the latest for Florida. edge of their winter range at L. Lafayette Fincheswere about normal in abundance, but Jan. 12 (HMS), JacksonvilleDec. 11 (PP), numbers ranged S to Orlando (GB, R. PHOTO WANTED--The Ruff recorded and in n. St. Johns County Jan. 18 (PP). An Payne). Pine Siskins invaded the Talla. Div. at Zellwood in July 1966 (AB 20:563) was Am. Redstart at Eastpoint Dec. 16 (JS) was in great numbersin fall, but most had passed "photographed on the 24th." However, I probably exceptionally late rather than through by December; more were recorded have checked with two of the three observers wintering. farther s.: 11 at Altamonte Springs Jan. whose initials appear with this record, and 31-Feb. 23 (GB), one at Ormond Beach Jan. neither knows of the photograph. It is needed ICTERIDS AND TANAGERS--Single 24 (RH), and 14 around New Smyrna Beach for Florida's file of photos of rarities. Yellow-headed Blackbirds were near the My- Jan. 25 (RH). A House Finch at Hollywood akka R., Feb. 17 (D. Mace) and at Orlando Dec. 1-21 (I. Helwig; ph. to T.T.) provided INITIALED CONTRIBUTORS (Area Dec. 27-Feb.7 (CT,R. King et al.). SingleN. an enigmatic record, as it was in the orange- editors in boldface)-- Brooks and Lyn Ather- (Bullock's)Orioles were at Chiefland Jan. 30 yellow plumage and there are no other state ton, Oron Bass, Ted Below, Wesley Bnggs, (M.A. Mayan), near TallahasseeDec. 6 & 24 records of the specieseven much farther n. Greg Bretz, Margaret Brown, Robin M Car- (RMC), and two or three visitedthe Stouta- The fondness of Cubans for caged birds ter, James Cavanagh, Robt. L. Crawford, mire's feeder periodically. The increasing along with their recent mass exodusto s. Flo- Bill and Helen Dowling, Jack Dozier, Caro- Brewer's Blackbird was recorded as follows: rida, along with the virtual absenceof the yel- line Eastman, Dorothy Freeman, Gary five at L. JacksonDec. 7 (RMC & CE) and low-plumaged House Finch in the eastern Graves, Frances Hames, Roger Hatshaw, two there Dec. 13 (GM), one near Panacea population, suggesta strong John Hintermister, Brian Hope, Scott Isher- Feb. 14 (BH & PS), and ten at S. Venice Dec. possibility that the Hollywood bird was an wood, Johnnie Johnson, Jim King, Howard 30 (AS,SS et al.). Following its recent escape. Langridge, Joyce Lottenville, Dottie Mac- establishment as a breeding bird in Leon Vicar, Keith MacVicar, Gail Menk, Barbara County, the Boat-tailedGrackle remained in- SPARROWS--Le Conte's Sparrow, pos- Muschlitz, Richard Paul, PeggyPowell, Mar- to winter for the first time. Two males were at sibly not rare but rarely seenwell enough to co Rand, Robert Repenning,Dexter Richard- L Lafayette Dec. 6 (RMC) and four at L. identify, was found at 3 localities in Wakulla son, Annette Stedman, Stanley Stedman, Jackson Jan. 19 (HMS). The only W. County. A Sharp-tailed Sparrow on the James Stevenson, Malcolm Simons, Mrs Tanagerreported was at Port CharlotteFeb. Lower Wekiva State Preserve, Orange Co., Frank Stoutamire (FS), Panl Sykes, Robert 12 (MS). Dec. 13 (CT & DR) may be only the second Thorne, Tadziu Trotsky, Chuck Turner, Joe BUNTINGS AND FINCHES--A Blue ever recorded in Florida's interior in winter. Wilson. OTHER ABBREVIATIONS AND Grosbeak at Alligator Pt., Jan. 1 (BA & LA) Rare near Hypoluxo Jan. 23 were singleClay- SYMBOLS--E.N.P., Everglades Nat'l marked only the third winter record in the colored and Field sparrows(HL); two other Park; F.S.M., Florida State Museum; T T, Talla. Div., and an Indigo Bunting was Field Sparrows were near Boynton Beach Tall Timbers Research Station, * unusual at Jacksonville Jan. 24 (J. Cocke). Feb. 2 (BH). White-crowned Sparrows win- specimen.--HENRYM.STEVENSON, Tall Rarities at Gainesville included a Painted tered near Tallahassee (GM), but 1-2 w. of Timbers Research Station, Rt. 1, Box 160, Bunting Dec. 26 (D.Maehr) and a Dickcissel Wakulla Station December-January(RMC, Tallahassee, FL 32312.

ONTARIO REGION Mild spells in Febru- ary, especially after /Clive E. Goodwin mid-month, brought in • LakeSuperior • / • JAMES Much of the story of an uneventful winter the predictable rush of •s summed up in the Christmas Bird Count early migrants. Red- (hereafter, CBC) results.Unusual numbers of winged Blackbird, Com- many specieswere in the Provincein early mon Grackle and other winter, and many survived throughout the regular March migrants period. Other highlightswere a few well-pub- appeared two to three • Sudbury•• •;• •.•a M a•vaatwhaO n hcized rarities and mild spells in February weeksearly over most of • North that stimulated early migration. the south. These birds It was bitter cold through most of the also seemed to survive period. Snowfall was light except in the well, as no severe _. • '{Sound • ""•'- • I snowbelt areas--those localities where the weather returned up to •z • Ottawa• prevailingwinds pick up moisturefrom the the time of writing L • • • c.... ,,• Great Lakes and where huge snowfalls ac- (March 15). HUROH • A L.Simcoe cumulated. Wiarton had a record 231 cm in December alone. Christmas Day was the LOONS THROUGH g Luther •r• King•to• HERONS--Loon re- ] Marsh •P •Wolfe Is. coldestthis century--at Toronto, since 1872, K•tle )_. •ate?oo•ront •Pri•i•d•rd and the airport thererecorded an all-time low ports away from the •=•t•ry ¾--- • ,.• o of -31.3 C in January. lower Great Lakes were In spite of this rigorous weather the very of a Common from Al- =. -- ß .London •NiaearaFalls L ONTARIO h•gh numbersof such speciesas American gonquin P.P., Dec. 16 • ••=•../Fort Erie (BD), and a Red- • • .... LongPoint r Robin and White-throated Sparrow seemed • RonddauPP to survive well. The south had an abundance throated from Lakefield Point Pelee of food, especiallyin urban areas where Dec. 6-14 (FH,m.ob.). NP L. ERIE plantingsof Mountain Ash and other berry- There is no acceptable bearing shrubberyattracted large concentra- record of a Yellow-billed Loon in Ontario, review at the Provincial level. A cormorant at trans of birds. Another factor in survival was but a well documented account of a bird at RondeauP.P., Jan. 5 (PAW) wasprobably a probably the open winter, allowing birds to Ottawa last spring, May 19 (IJ,BMD,RAB) Double-crested, and the only report of th•s forage food successfullywithout much ex- may changethis. It has been approvedby the speciesafter December. Great Blue Heron penditureof energyon particularlycold days. local Records Committee and is now under was one of the species that remained in

Volume35, Number3 295 numbers but few seemedto survive past late a fairly averagewinter for hawks, and Accipi- ing. A Sandhill Crane appearedthere around January. Birds were e. to Ottawa Dec. 5 ter numbers reflect this: Goshawks were in Dec. 24 and remaineduntil February (m.ob.). (BMD) and Kingston with 5 recordsto Dec. largest numbers at Ottawa as usual--eight It spent most of each day around the frozen 31 {fide RDW), and n. to Meaford Jan. 11-17 there and 15 elsewhere--and there were 14 duck ponds with the army of panhandling (JCC). A few Black-crownedNight Herons Sharp-shinned and 17 Cooper's in all (ex- Mallards and Black Ducks, and quickly also lingered in the s.w. through December cluding CBCs), also probably about average. adapted to the supplieshanded out by the zoo {fide AHK). SouthwesternOntario seemedto have pro- staff. Late records included a Com. Gallinule portionately higher Buteo numbers than the at Pt. Pelee Dec. 24 (fide PDP), an Am. Coot SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS--Mute Swans rest of the Province, and recorded 65 Red- at Wiarton to Dec. 23 (JWJ), and a Dunlin at continue to increase along the lower Great talleds and 58 Rough-leggeds.The "mod- Presqu'ile P.P., Dec. I (RDM). Lakes, and there were many reportsof single erate" influx of Rough-leggedsmentioned in birds; however, the January Waterfowl In- the fall report continued through December, ventory is probably the best measure of the peaking on Wolfe l., at 162 Dec. 21 (K.F.N.) population on L. Ontario, and a record 51 and there were 13 at Presqu'ile P.P., Dec. 16 were counted Jan. 11 (T.O.C.). In the s.w. (RDM), but numbers dropped off in Jan- eight birds were seenover the period. Whist- uary. Red-tailed Hawks were also in ling Swans moved early in numbers, as three moderate numbers with a bird n. to Algon- were seenat London Feb. 20 (CD) and 150 at quin P.P., Jan. 2 (LWr). Some six Red- Toronto Feb. 28 (m.ob.); and a late bird was shoulderedswere reported in all, again ex- at Waterloo Dec. 5 (RD). Two Whooper cluding thoseon CBCs, and threeGolden Ea- Swansagain appearedat Bronte:these birds gles-at Tweed Dec. 18 (P J), Pt. Pelee Dec. are now consideredescapees. Two Canada 13 (JPK,JGH) and Algonquin P.P., Feb. 13 Geese were at Ottawa throughout, probably (MK). Bald Eagles were in the best winter the first successful winterers there. Snow numbers in a decade--wintering totals have Geese are also appearing more regularly in increasedsteadily over the past 5 years, and winter, and a record five were on the Jan. 11 earlier high counts included Algonquin P.P. L. Ontario count (T.O.C.) as well as one at totals at wolf kills at a time when the wolves Waterloo to Dec. 14 (JM). The possibility re- there were feeding primarily on white-tailed mains that thesewintering birds are also from deer. There were at least 15 birds reported captive stock. this year, plus an even more encouraging There was the usual scatteringof dabbling three nesting pairs in the s.w., including a ducks of severalspecies along the lower Great new site at Rondeau P.P. {fide AHK). Marsh Lakes, and to some extent elsewherein the s., Hawk was another specieswintering in high e.g., a N. Shoveler at Ingersoll from Dec. 26 numbers with large counts on CBCs, and ear- Sandhill Crane, Toronto, Ont., Jan. 10, (RWS) and a Wood Duck at Ottawa Dec. 26 ly migration probably explained widespread 1981. Photo/Alan Wormington. (BMD). Mallard, Black Duck and Gadwall reports in February--three at Wiarton Feb. maintained their high numbers, but poor 27 (JWJ) was the northernmost of these. GULLS--Gulls continued in low numbers weather conditions in the January inventory Three Peregrine Falcon and three Merlin but the seasonyielded a bonanza: 13 species period precluded an accurate assessmentof reports were more than usual. but Gyrfaleons in all! The CBCs reflect the continuing trend their numbers this year. Twenty Gadwalls e. stagedprobably their largest movement ever in the ratios of Herring to Ring-billed gulls in to Cornwall Dec. 28 (MG,StG,SiG) were an when the exceptional fall numbers are includ- winter--the latter increasing. White-winged indication of the continuing spread of this ed. The winter period yielded 11 reports, in- gulls were scarcein many localities, but up to speciese. High counts for the e. end of L. cluding a bird at Pimisi Bay Feb. 14-15 20 Glaucous across the Toronto waterfront Ontario included 850 Redheadsat Presqu'ile (LdeKL) and one at Whitby from Feb. 1 was quite a good number, and three Icelands P.P., Jan. 26 (RDM), 7000 Oldsquawand 75 (m.ob.), and an amazing s/x at Ottawa {fide during the period in the Kitchener-Waterloo White-winged Scotersat Prince Edward Pt. RAB). The highest previous recorded counts area was a record high for this inland locality. (hereafter, P.E.Pt.) Feb. 26 (RKE). Six Ring- were in the winter of 1972-73 when Ottawa Great Black-backeds were also scarce, and to neckedDucks at PeterboroughDec. 2 (RDM) again had four out of eight birds reported in 50 birds at Pt. Pelee (m.ob.) were the most were also noteworthy late records for that all. reported. Lesser Black-backeds at Bronte locality, and other easterly records were of Jan. 31 (CEG,JEG) and Port Credit in mid- Hooded Merganserson the Madawaska R., January (DEP,GB) were probably different Dec. 1 (RT,DS) and at Arnprior Jan. 2 (MR). birds. There is no Ontario record of a Cali- A Tufted Duck at Hamilton in late January fornia Gull, but a documented bird at Port (KMcL, m.ob.) was the first for the Province, Credit Jan. 18 (DEP) is suggestiveof an adult and will now doubtless generate the usual with traces of immature plumage remaining: heated debate on its origin. The Ottawa Bar- the report awaits Record Committee review. row's Goldeneye was present throughout, There was a large movement of gulls on L. and was joined by a female in Decemberwith Huron off the Kettle Pt.-Sarnia shoreline on which it apparently paired. A second male Dec. 14, a day with strong NN-W winds. there disappearedin January. ElsewhereBar- Denis Rupert at Sarnia counted > 5000 birds row's were off Manitoulin l., Dec. 18 (CB) in 2.5 hours, while All Rider at Kettle Pt. and at Hamilton during the same period the observed the movement as a large band of Tufted Duck was present (m.ob.). The birds along the lake, with as many as 20,000 Toronto area has traditionally been the best in the day. Bonaparte's was the most com- Gyrfalcon (imm., dark-phase), Fraser Dun- locale for wintering Harlequin Ducks, and mon species at Sarnia with 3600 but there birds off Mimico throughout (m.ob.) and at tile quarry, Ont., Jan. 5, 1981. Photo/lan were two Little Gulls and a Black-leggedKit- Jones. Oakville Dec. 28 (DHa) continuedthis tradi- tiwake. Sightingsof these specieselsewhere tion. The only King Eider reports were from GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS-- included a Bonaparte'sat Lakefield Dec. 10 Wolfe I., Dec. 21 (RDW,GV) and Presqu'ile Those who have sought Spruce Grouse un- (RDM,CGH), very late at this inland locality, P.P., Dec. I (RDM). Some of the largest successfullyin Algonquin Park will consider a kittiwake at Mimico Dec. 7 (DEP) and a Provincial concentrations of Corn. Mergan- the six seen on the Sprucebog Trail Feb. 14 Little Gull at Pt. Pelee Dec. 6 & 24 sers have been in the Cornwall area, and this (RT et al.) with mixed feelings--t.hebirds (PDP,JPK). Rupert also had a Franklin's year 2600 were there Dec. 28 (MG,SiG,StG). really do exist! Bobwhite continued in very Gull, very rare in winter, at Sombra Jan. 24 low numbers, while Gray Partridges were at a (DR). An Ivory Gull in the Niagara Gorge VULTURES, HAWKS--One of the early high--again the CBC results tell the story Dec. 22 (MGu et al.) was the second in 1980 records was a Turkey Vulture at Kingston well. Probably more birders visited Metro and provided the fifth provincial record in Feb. 23 (RDU), the earliest-everthere. It was Toronto Zoo this winter than since its open- the decade for this rare gull.

296 AmericanBirds, May 1981 OWLS--It was a mediocre year for owls, Port Hope Dec. 23 (AS) while farther n. there winter a N. Oriole of the Bullock's race ap- with only token showingsby the rarer species, were 26 at Parry Sound dump Feb. 15 (CAC) peared, this time at Port Dover Dec. 30-Feb. and small numbers of the commoner ones. and 100 between CaMbogie and Mountain 26 (CW,SW,MSS). The Snowy Owl flight continued light. Birds Shute Jan. 2 (MR). The wintering numbers of wintered n. to Englehart, where two were Corn. Crows also continue to increase across seen in January (JBW) and Thunder Bay the s. For example, 37 at Peterborough in Dec. 22 (DA) and in their usual centre of January (fide DCS), and early migrants Wolfe I., peakedat 30 on Dec. 21, with three reached Algonquin P.P., Feb. 22 (DS) and on neighbouringAmherst I. By Feb. 22 there Pimisi Bay Feb. 25 (LdeKL). Black-capped were only ten on Wolfe I., but 14 on Amherst Chickadees and White-breasted Nuthatches I. (K.F.N.). One of three Screech Owls that were widespread in the s., and in Algonquin endedup in the Owl Rehabilitation Research P.P., Boreal Chickadees were also common. Foundation after having fallen down chim- By contrast Red-breasted Nuthatches were in neys was a red-phase bird from Thornhill low numbers subsequent to their fall flight. Jan. 22 (KMcK). Five Screech Owls were One, and possibly two Brown Creepers at Northern (Bullock's) Oriole, Port Dover, Ont., Feb. 26, 1981. Photo/Marvin S. reported in Kitchener-Waterloo {fide CAC) Atikokan Dec. 13, and Jan. 13-Feb. 28 (RB, Srnout. and 35+ in the s.w. (fide AHK), con- MW) were the first in winter there. A Tufted siderably more than usual. Barred Owls are Titmouse was at Oshawa Feb. 8 (GS). Ten FINCHES, SPARROWS--A Cardinal was rarely mentioned here, mainly becausethey Carolina Wren reports included two at Ot- n.e. to Arnprior Jan. 1 (MR). The specieswas are too elusiveand thinly distributedto yield tawa to Dec. 21 (TH,MR,JH) and a Long- scarce in Ottawa while appearing in better many reports but too common to warrant billed Marsh Wren at Port Hope Dec. 21-23 numbersin lessperipheral parts of its range, individual enumeration. One at Pickering (ERM) was the first in winter there. for example, the 40 + at Port Hope was the Feb. 22 & 27 (GS,MB) stimulated much sear- best in 5 years (ERM). A Rose-breastedGros- ching. The only Hawk Owl seen was at Ot- MIMIDS, THRUSHES--Late records in beak appeared at Port Britain Dec. 17-19 tawa in January (I J) as was one of the two these groups included a robin and a Gray (FR). House Finches wintered successfullyin Great Grays (Mrs. Fentiman). Kingston had Catbird at Atikikan Nov. 30 (DHE) and two of the breeding localities establishedin the other Great Gray Jan. 17-19 (D&JB). another catbird at Guelph Jan. 8 {fide CAC). 1980. Flocks of up to eight birds were regular Neither Long-eareds nor Short-eareds ap- A Brown Thrasher was at Mindemoya to at Kingston (HQ et al.) and there were 5-10 at peared in any numbers, 12 Long-earedswere Dec. 17 (KA) and a Ruby-crownedKinglet at St. Thomas (fide WRJ). The single Ottawa scatteredabout in groups of up to five birds, Bay Ridges Dec. 31 (H J). The bird of the male survived its second winter (fide RAB). both speciesappearing mainly acrossthe s. A season was a Fieldfare which spent over 2 The winter finch flight was good but not ex- Boreal Owl was seen at Vankleek Hill in mid- months from Jan. I roaming a Toronto ceptional, many of the birds apparently hav- January (BP) and on the breeding grounds suburb {BKM,m.ob.) feeding on Mountain ing moved through in fall. Purple Finches was heard calling at French L., from Feb. 13 Ash. It was seenby thousandsof birders and were virtually absent, but a flock of 100 m (SP). The first migrant Saw-whet Owl was possibly hundreds of others went away Kingston Feb. 25 (MCE) suggestedreturn heard in Algonquin P.P., Feb. 17 (DP) and frustrated. Varied Thrushesappeared in their movement. Evening Grosbeaks appeared in by the end of February > 20 birds could be largest numbers since 1977; two were seen in very high numbers at Ottawa in December heard calling around Ottawa (m.ob.). Twelve Simcoe County (WZ,CGH, fide CJM), three and moderate numbers elsewhere, and declin- birds at Arnprior Jan. 21-22 and six Feb. 12 in the broader Toronto area (DB,DT,TRS) ed in most areas in the New Year. Pine (MR) were unusual concentrations, yet seem- and others at Buckhorn (W&ES), Sturgeon Grosbeakswere widespread,usually in small ed early for migration. Elsewhere there were Falls (fide JN) and Parry Sound (HMB). flocks characteristicof this speciesalthough a scattered individuals on scattered dates, Another species appearing with increasing group of 234 was seen at Oshawa Jan. 17 mainly along the lower Great Lakes. frequency in the last decade is Townsend's (DC). Common Redpolls were common Solitaire, and one was in Pickering Feb. 14 + throughout with 5000 Whitby Jan. 25-31 WOODPECKERS THROUGH SWAL- (m.ob.). Eleven E. Bluebirds at Newburgh (GS) the largest number seen; and Pine LOWS-There were 14 Pileated Wood- Feb. 7 (JR) were early. Siskins were also widespread but very peckers seen at Chaffey's Locks Dec. 28 unevenly distributed, for example scarce in {RDW), an exceptional count for this thinly WAXWINGS THROUGH WAR- Kingston but the commonest finch at Port distributed species.The main centre of abun- BLERS--One of the heaviest, if not the heav- Hope. The redpoll flocks included 26 dance for Red-bellied Woodpeckers is in the iest-ever Bohemian Waxwing flight devel- reported Hoaries, and redpoll banding at Ot- of s. Ontario. Five in the Kitchener-waterloo oped. The small numbers of fall increased tawa revealed 17 of the rostrata race (the area and 18+ in the 3 counties which usually during December, and by the end of the year former Greater Redpoll) including 16 in a constitute the s.w. in these reports, indicate flocks of 100+ birds were appearing. flock of 28 (RMP). Only a few Red Crossbills this speciescontinues in good numbers, and Relatively small numbers were reported from were seen, and White-winged Crossbillswere one was n. to Evansville, Dec. 10 to mid- the n., and in s. Ontario the specieswas most in good numbers only in the Bruce Pen. January (RC,CB et al.). A Red-headed common, as usual, in the e. where a flock of {JWJ) and in Algonquin P.P., where they Woodpecker was at Arnprior throughout 350 was seenat Ottawa Jan. 14 (BMD). Birds were common but becamescarce in February (MR). Three-toed woodpeckerswere scarce were w. to Thorndale Jan. 9 (H&SI). Num- (RT et al.). Wintering Rufous-sided Towhees except in the extreme e.: Black-backedswere bers declined from mid-January and there were widespread,n. and e. to Sudbury (GH), numerousin Ottawa, and in Algonquin P.P., were few after mid-February. Cedar Waxw- Ottawa (fide RT,RAB). Tree Sparrows, from January on, and one was w. to ings were also abundant in the s. By contrast however, were still scarce or absent in most Markham Dec. I (HS). Northerns followed a N. Shrikes were very scarcethroughout the areas. The largest flocks of Snow Buntings similiar pattern but apparently moved S of season. Only a scattering of warblers were seen were 2000 at Wesleyville Feb. 8 (R J), Algonquin after fall, and birds were at Lon- reported, most in the s.w. Most noteworthy 3000+ and 10,000+ in Lambton County in don Dec. 20 (TNH) and two at Petroglyphs were a Corn. Yellowthroat and a Nashville late December {fide AHK), and 3000 at Whit- P.P., Jan. 24 (DCS). An unusually large Warbler at Peterborough Dec. 6 (fide DCS), by Feb. 14 (GS). Several flocks of 1000 were flock of 250 Horned Larks was in Ottawa and another Nashville at London Dec. 14 reported in an excellent movement of bunt- Feb. 3 (RAB). London again hostedvery late (MSS,DR) with a Pine also there Dec. 16 ings, and as usual smaller numbers of Lap- swallows, with a Rough-winged to Dec. 14 (H&SI). land Longspurs were often present as well. {WRJ) and a Barn to Dec. 23 (fide JS). BLACKBIRDS--Yellow-headed Black- birds were seenat Pt. Pelee Dec. 24 (DR) and SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface), CROWS THROUGH WRENS--Gray Leamington Dec. 7 (PDP), and Pelee had CONTRIBUTORS (italic) and CITED OB- Jays, established in Petroglyphs P.P., over Brewer's Blackbirds Dec. 13 (JPK,JGH) and SERVERS---K. Ashdown, D. Asquith, H. the last coupleof years, were not presentthis Feb. 14 (PDP). Northerly Corn. Grackle re- Atkinson, M. Baiu, D.&J. Bayly, C. Bell, G. year (DCS). A Black-billed Magpie wintered ports were one at Bruce's Mines Jan. 6, and Bennett, D. Borchert, R.A. Bracken, H.M. near Atikokan (TN). Common Ravens con- three at Pays Plat and two at Red Rock the Burgess, R. Burns, D. Calvert, C.A. Camp- tinue to prosper, and two birds were s. to next day (RDM). For the second successive bell, R. Clark, J.C. Clarke, M.P. Davis, A.

Volume 35, Number 3 297 Dawe, R. Deacon, B.M. DiLabio, C. Dun- Jones, A.H. Kelley, M. Kilby, Kingston Field G. Scott, T.R. Scovell, A. Sculthorpe, ham, B. Dwyer, M.C. Edwards, R.K. Ed- Naturalists, J.P. Kleiman, L. de K. Law- W.&E. Smith, M.S. Smout, R.W. Snider, H. wards, D.H. Elder, R. Gairdner, M. Gawn, rence, C.$. MacFayden, B.K. MacKay, E.R. South, D. Strickland, J. Strickland, D. Tom- Simon Gawn (SiG), Stephen Gawn (StG), D. McDonald, K. McKeever, K. McLaughlin, linson, Toronto Ornithological Club, R. Gildner, C.E. Goodwin, J.E. Goodwin, M. R.D. McRae, J. Miles, multiple observers Tozer, R.D. Ussher,G. Vance, J.B. Wallace, Gustafson (MGu), J.G. Hanagan, D. Har- (m.ob.), T. Nash, $. Nicholson, B.D. Parker, M. Walshe, R.D. Weir, L. Wensley, C. ding (DHa), C.G. Harris, J. Harris, D. Has- D. Paton, D.E. Perks, S. Peruniak, B. Pilon, Wood, S. Wood, P.•4. Woodlille, L. Wright !ey, T.N. Hayman, F. Helleiner, T. Hince, G. R.M. Poulin, P.D. Pratt, H. Quilliam, F. (LWr), W. Zufelt.--CLIVE E. GOODWIN, Hubbs, H.&S. Inch, H. Januse, W.R. Jar- Reeve, J, Reynolds, P.W. Richter, L.H. Ro- 11 Westbank Cresc., Weston, Ontario, main, R. John, J.W. Johnson, 1. Jones, P. bertson, M. Runtz, D. Rupert, D.C. Sadlet, Canada, MnP 1S4.

NIAGARA - CHAMPLAIN again at Mendon Ponds, might indicate. A greater than normal numbers and Am. lingering Red Phalarope at Braddock Bay Robins set records in c. New York. Varied REGION Dec. I (MD) and a Purple Sandpiper at Thrushes appeared at Rochester, N.Y. /Douglas P. Kibbe Niagara Falls were the most unusual (m.ob.) and Westminster, Vt. (CK eta/.), shorebirds sighted. Common Snipe wintered both birds possibly being returneesthat spent Certainly few regions have ever endured at several New York localities and Killdeer previous winters in nearby areas. Although the range of environmental extremes exhib- and Am. Woodcock returned with the rising Cedar Waxwings were numerous in w. New ited within the boundaries of the Niagara- temperatures in late February. York and the L. Champlain Valley, only a Champlain Region this winter. Although handful of Bohemianswere reported. In view snowfall was generally lower than average, of their general scarcity, therefore, the return record low temperatures (to minus 45øF) GULLS THROUGH PARIDS--Despite of up to 70 Bohemiansto the same patch of through the first two thirds of the seasonleft the intense cold, which normally forces trees in Cornwall, Vt., which has hosted them no doubt that winter had arrived. Tempera- white-winged gulls to our latitude, relatively for 5 out of the past 6 years (BP) is amazing. tures soared to the 70s the latter half of few aggregatedat the Region's usual gull hot Northern Shrikes were generally scarce.The February, however, inducing record early spots, although Great Black-backeds con- only noteworthy warbler was a Pine frequen- major flights of waterfowl, raptors and Icter- tinued to increase. Rarities included a ting a Hamburg feeder Dec. 19-22 (fide VP). ids. Despite the record cold, half-hardy Pomarine Jaeger at Oswego Jan. 10 (MR); Mimids and sparrows were relatively abun- Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the Hudson R., ICTERIDS AND FRINGILLIDS--Mass dant, a fact which compensated, in part at Feb. 17 (AG) and at Niagara Falls Jan. 1 movements of Icterids spurred on by a re- least, for the general lack of rarities and inva- (B.a.s.); a Black-headed Gull at Buffalo cord-setting warming trend set many local sion species. Dec. 13 & 14 (m.ob.) and on the Genesee R., recordsin late February. The apparent Boat- Feb. 3-15 (MD et al.); a single Black-legged tailed Grackle lingered at until Dec. 8 Kittiwakes on the St. Lawrence R., Dec. 3 (m.ob.). A 9 Rose-breasted Grosbeak ap- GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL-- (JVR) and at Iroquois N.W.R., Feb. 21 (AS, peared at Pierrepont (KC) on this samedate. A Horned Grebe grounded on ice-covered fide B.a.s.), the latter an inland site making A Eur. Goldfinch, presumably an escapee, Cuba L., surprised all by becoming airborne this sighting little short of extraordinary; and caused excitement at a Jamestown feeder in (AnS). The Mute Swan at Oswego may have Ivory Gulls at Charlotte Jan. 21 (MD et al.) January. Purple Finches and crossbills were been wild, although evidence indicates and Niagara Falls late December-Jan. 1 very scarce but Pine Grosbeaks staged a another at Rochester was not. The late Febru- (m.ob., fide B.a.s.). modestinvasion and Corn. Redpollsand Am. ary heat wave brought hordes of Whistling The only Barn Owls reported were from Goldfincheswere generallyabundant, setting Swansand Canada Geeseback accompanied Coxsackie and Braddock Bay. Observersand numerous local records. A belated report was by at least one zealous Brant and several particularly breeding bird atlas workers are received of a Corn. Redpoll which broke all Snow Geese. A hybrid duck on Cayuga L., urged to contact local farmers to help resolve arrival dates this fall when it appeared at an was identified as a Mallard x Gadwall cross questionsabout the true status of this secret- Underhill, Vt. feeder Sept. 9 with a large (MR). As usual three to four Barrow's Gol- ive species. Snowy, Long-eared and Saw- flock of purple finches and remained most of deneyes and an equal number of Harlequin whet owls numbers were generally unimpres- that month while molting into adult plumage Ducks were reported. Eight to 10 King Eiders sive while Short-eareds were slightly more in (KS). Several "Hoary" Redpolls were were identified, more than half of them at evidence than usual. Vermont's Bear Swamp reported, most from Vermont. Pine Siskins, Oswego. led all counts with a surprising four Black- common early in the season,apparently mov- backed Three-toed Woodpeckers while the ed farther S as winter progressed. A only N. Three-toed was found near Island Lincoln's, four Savannahs, and numerous HAWKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS Pond. Common Ravens have now been re- Field, Fox, White-crowned and Swamp spar- --A Turkey Vulture well described (LM) at corded from every Vermont Christmas Bird rows were reported along with higher than Dead Creek W.M.A., Jan. 29 became Ver- Count and were sightedin at least 4 extralim- average numbers of Dark-eyed Juncos, Tree mont's first totally convincing winter record ital New York localities. Further evidence of Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows. and preceded an amazing half dozen the massiveBlack-capped Chickadee invasion February reports from New York. Virginia comes from s. Vermont where 3 counts ex- CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) AND Rails probably attempt to overwinter in the ceeded 1000 birds including a staggering1650 CITED aBSERVERS--AIlegany County Region far more often than a single record, at Springfield tallied despite sub-zero tern- Bird Club, R. Andde, W. Benning, E. peratures. Boreal Brooks, Buffalo Ornithological Society Chickadees were (B.a.s.), D. & L. Burton, Cayuga Bird Cluh, found at 5 extralimital L. Chamberlain, D. Clark, B. Cook, K. sites but tallies were Crowell, M. David, P. DeBenedictis, $. & M. down at several usual Dye, Genesee Ornithological Society count areas. (G.a.s.), A. Guthrie, High Peaks Auduhon Society, C. Kibhe, S. Laughlin, L. Metcalf, NUTHATCHES M. Metcalf, Onondaga Andubon Society, B. THROUGH WAR- Peterson, V. Pitzrick, Rochester Birding BLERS-Red- Association (R.B.A.), M. Rusk, A. Schaff- breasted Nuthatches ner, F. Scheider, Ann Scott (AnS), K. invaded New York. Shelton, R. Spahn, S. Taylor, J. Van Riet Gray Catbirds, Brown (JVR), Vermont Institute of Natnral Science, Thrashers and Hermit R. Ynnick.--DOUGLAS P. KIBBE, Box Thrushes wintered in 422, Saxton's River, Vermont 05154.

298 American Birds, May 1981 APPALACHIAN REGION late February with the /George A. Hall mild weather, but most of the waterfowl were still to arrive by Mar. 1. Most of the individual reporters remarked There were three re- that it was a dull winter for birds, but from ports of Mute Swans: the viewpoint of the compiler who has all the Dec. 30 at Chattanooga reports before him, it was a very interesting (KD), Marietta, O., / • ' Wheeling• eumberl;nd season.Too often the Regional Editor facesa Jan. I l-Feb. 6 (JS), and l t •.. • / Morgantownß •. • MD.ff • • chaotic mass of data, and he strugglesvainly Tidioute, Pa., Jan. 20 to see some patterns. This winter, however, (JK). A few Whistling [. w. vA. there were patterns aplenty that can easily be Swans remained in the summed up, and all this was spiced with a area in December with t• Slog ß • • manageable number of exciting rarities. 150 at Presque Isle S.P. The dry weather of late summer and fall (hereafter, P.I.S.P.) continued through December and January, Dec. 28 (RFL & ML) the with almost all stations reporting rainfall de- largest number report- L .•• .... -•-t• • •" . • ficiencies. Except in the north there was very ed. By early February a little snowfall (Morgantown had a total of few swans had started only 25 in.), although in the northern half of N, but no great numbers the Region the ground was snow-coveredfor were reported. At Py- most of January and carly February. The dry matuning L., Pa., the spell broke in February, and most areas had Canada Goose winter ample rainfall. population totaled Early December had been a continuation 3500_+, down from the of the mild autumn but just after Christmas normal 5000 (RFL). Perhaps this decrease and several otAersreport• Aigh populations. the weather turned cold, and for January and simply means that geese went elsewhere for Both Sharp-sAinned and Cooper's Aawks February most places had well-below normal the winter, and indeed large numbers were were widely report• in good numbers. Prob- temperatures. The cold abated in mid-Febru- widely reported elsewhere. They wintered in ably, in aggr•ate, more ary and the last two weeks of the month saw numbers all along the Ohio R., in s. West Hawks wintered in the area than in any r•ent some springlike weather. Virginia at Bluestone Reservoir (JP), year. •arsh Hawks w•c also un•ually As a result of the mild early season there Boutetourt (BK) and Rockingham counties, numerous. EougA-legg• Hawks staged a were the usual number of "half-hardy" Va. (R.B.C.), and at Warren, Pa. (WH) At good S •gAt and were reported as •ar s. as species recorded in December, and most the very end of the period the N flight started; Eoanoke and Augusta cos., •a., although places had very good Christmas Bird Counts several locations reported flocks Feb. 27-28. tAe humors were largest in n. Pen•ylvania. (hereafter, CBC). Many locationssent in long Snow Geese were reported from Botetourt TAese have •n the routine sp•i•, and lists of specieswhose numbcrs set new CBC County Dec. 2 (first local record--JHu), the r•l news comes from tAe rarer ones. records. Despite the cold weather of January Bald Eagle S.P., Pa., Feb. 22-27 (MW,PS), terly •antastic was the count of 224 Black many species remained north in unusual Chattanooga Feb. l0 (LD & KD), and two •ultures on tAe Eockingham County, •a. numbers. Except for one or two speciesthe (blue morph) wintered in the Ligonier Valley, CBC (E.B.C.). Black Vultures w•e also promiseof a good "northern invader" winter Pa. (RCL). r•ort• on the CBC at Pipestem that had been forecast in November did not Mallards were unusually common on W.•a. (JP), and from Buncombe County, materialize, but a total of about 15 species CBCs, but although the Pittsburgh CBC N.C., •c. 18 (EE). Goshawkswere repor[ed that fall into this category was reported. count of Mallards was well above average, from Erie, Pa., through Deemher and •an- The early group of spring migrants, parti- the count of Black Ducks was the poorest in uary (CZK), on the Clarksville, Pa. cularly the blackbirds, arrived in force in the 20 years (PH). Similar reports came from •c. 27 (EB), Ellenton, Pa., Feb. 26 last week of Fcbruary. most other places as the Black Duck con- from Pymatuning L., Pa., •an. 3] (EFL tinues its decline. At Lock Haven, Pa. the •L), •rom Warre• County, •a., Jan. LOONS, GREBES AND HERONS--A high population of Mallards was Feb. 13 (ESi), a•d from Buncom• County, Red-throated Loon was at McEIhattan, Pa., "decimated" by an oil spill on the Sus- N.C., Jam I (•Y). Also unusual w•e Broad- Dec. 19 (PS). A Red-necked Grebe was at the quehanna R. Of 51 birds rescuedand treated winged Hawks at Blacksburg, •a., D•. same place Jan. 30 (PS). Other unusual gre- only nine survived (PS). (•u) and at Newburg, Pa., •an. 2• bes were two Westcrns at Chattanooga L., Both Pintails and Gadwall were reported Peregrines were repormd •rom near Sinks Tenn., Dec. 20 (LD), and an Eared in Knox more commonly than is usual for a winter Grove, Gr•nbder Co., W.Va., through County, Tenn., Jan. 9-10 (MA). However, season. Also unusual were the winter reports Deccm•r (DW), •rom the Chattanooga the most spectacular grebe news was of of Wood Ducks from Lock Haven, Pa., Dec. regio• i• late •cembcr (ESt), and from another precipitation of migrant Horned 27 (PS), Sunbury, Pa., Jan. 27 (SS), and Ir- Douglas L., Ten•., •an. 3 (DE). A reM rarity Grebesowing to bad weather. On the night of vine, Pa., Feb. 3 (WH). Canvasbacks were was a GyrfMcon at P.I.S.P., Pa., Dec. •-7 Dec. 27 a freezing rain causeda "crash" of listed as scarce by those few areas that U•). grebesover an area along the w. edgeof the mentioned them. Perhaps the mild early Finally there are the eagles. There were Shenandoah Valley in Virginia for a distance winter induced the Corn. Goldeneyes to re- reports ot Golden Eagles from l I locations: of about 200 mi including 9 counties. At least main in the n. They were in low numbers at Bald Eagle •t., Pa. (•, Pymatuni• L., 200 birds were seen, and many more were in- most places, although they were reported as Pa. (•FL •L), E•tor, Pa. (•CL), n. •ir- volved. As usual there was great mortality far s. as Shenandoah L., Va., Dec. 3, where ginia (•$i), Blacksburg, Va. (J•u), Frank- among thesegrounded birds (fide KF). they are uncommon (R.B.C.). There were li•, W.•a. (EB, Highland County, •a., The Great Blue Heron was unusually more reports than usual of Com. Mergansers. (•.B.C.), BatA County, •a., (E•), Eowan numerous through most of the winter in the Surf Scoterswere reported from P.I.S.P., in County, Ky. (FB), and Woodbury, Tenn. n., but more unusual was the Great Egret at December (JM), and from L. Arthur, Pa., (T.O.S.). It is encouragingthat this species the Hiawasee R. area near Chattanooga Jan. Dec. 13 (DF), while White-winged Scoters wintering in the s. AppalacAians • some 6 (LD), and the Green Herons on the Knox- were seenon the Allegany County, Md. CBC, numbers but c•tain convicts are i•ev•table. ville CBC Dec. 21 (BS), and at Roanoke, Va., Dec. 20 (JW), Elizabethton, Tenn. CBC, Near Franklin, W.Va., a sheep ta•mer livc- Feb. 27 (MP). Jan. 3 (GE), and Chattanooga L., Tenn., trapp• (under permi0 two Golden Eagles Jan. 24 (JSO. whicA were then removed from the area. This WATERFOWL--Good numbers of water- was an e•ighten• •armer, as I •ca• that most fowl remained in late Dccember for the RAPTORS--It was a great winter for most would Aave us• a gun. A total o• •0 Bald CBCs, but most of the ponds and lakes froze raptor species. Five areas reported record Eagles was reported from 16 locations ra•g- up soon thereafter. The N migration began in numbers of Red-tailed Hawks on the CBCs ing •rom Pymatuning and Warren, Pa.,

Volume 35, Number 3 299 the n to Chattanooga m the s In the Knox- (CZK,DS), Allegheny County, Pa, Dec 26 throughout (with the expectedCBC record ville area a mid-winter survey listed 18 adults (PH), n.w. Virginia Jan. 18-Feb.28+, Roan- counts). Oddly none were found on the and 7 iramatures(LT). Near Franklin, W.Va. oke airport throughout the winter (BK), breedinggrounds on Roan Mt., Tenn. (GE) (wheresheep farming is a major industry)at Wooster, O., Feb. 19 & 21 (JB), and Mariet- where there was no cone crop. One can only least one Bald Eagle was shot (CR). ta, O., Jan. 14-Feb. 17 (JS). Saw-whetOwls speculatethat a similar food shortagein the were seen at P.I.S.P., Jan. 10 (DS), Green- n. coniferousforest triggeredthe great flight BOBWHITE, SHOREBIRDS--Bobwhite brier County, W.Va., Feb. 2 (DW), and Tidi- Brown-headed Nuthatches were in Buncombe are still in very low numbers in the n., e.g. oute, Pa., in late February (JK). Screech Couniy,N.C. (RR), andonce again the re- none on the Charleston, W.Va. CBC (GH), Owls are making a slow comeback from the markably tame Brown-headed Nuthatch but there was a December record from State winter kill a few years ago, as witnessthe 17 showedup near Harrisonburg, Va. (R.B.C.) College,Pa. (MW), and someslight improve- on the PittsburghCBC (comparedwith four ment was noted in n.w. Virginia (RSi). last year and a record year of 57), and the WRENS, MIMIDS AND THRUSHES-- •11deer wintered in increased numbers at same CBC had a record 21 Great Horned The Carolina Wren has made good progress Lock Haven (PS), but were down at Clarks- Owls (PH). Barn Owls were more widely in its recovery, and most of the n. stations ville, Pa. (RB). Early migrantsarrived in the reported than usual, with a nice count of reporteda few making it throughthe winter. last few days of February as did also a few eight on a CBC in n.w. Virginia (RSi). Here in Morgantown I could hear the songall early Am. Woodcock. Common Snipe win- The Red-headedWoodpecker has become through the late winter, but nowhere are tered in good numbers,with the 11 December a marginal speciesin most of this Regionand populationsnear thoseof 5 yearsago. Winter records near Pittsburgh being the most in- so the reports of 19 on the Franklin, W.Va. Wrens were thought to be in higher-than- teresting (PS). Two unusual shorebird CBC (fide KF), and the spectacular84 on normal numbersat Knoxville (LT) and Har- records came from Warren County, Va., a P.I.S.P., Dec. 27 (JM) were welcomeindeed. risonburg,Va. (R.B.C.) but werein very low Greater YellowlegsDec. 8-Jan. 2; on Dec. 20 On the other hand only one was listedduring numbers in w. Pennsylvania (PH). Short- it was accompanied by a Least Sandpiper the seasonat Knoxville (LT), but the one at billed Marsh Wrens were seen near Knoxville (RS0.. Near Knoxville a flock of 230 Dunlin Dalton, Ga. (CBC) was unusualthere. Hairy Jan. 9-10 (MA, fide SJS), and on the Oak was seenJan. 4 (TK), while at Chattanooga Woodpeckersseemed more common than in Hill, W.Va. CBC (JP). A Bewick'sWren was 125 Feb. 6 was the peak number (LD). recent years and the Clarksville Pa. CBC had at Wise, Va., Dec. 27 (RP). a record number (RB) and the Pittsburgh Gray Catbirds were at P.I.S.P., Jan. 9 JAEGERS AND GULLS--An imm. Po- CBC, the third best count (PH). Yellow- (CZK) and on the Great Smoky Mountains marine Jaeger was seenat P.I.S.P., Dec. 20 bellled Sapsuckerswere generally common. N.P. CBC (LT). Four to 6 Brown Thrashers (JM & SSt). It has becomeexpected that each The Red-belliedWoodpecker wintered again wintered near Elizabethton (GE) and singles seasonwill bring someinteresting gull records in Erie (JM), and was seen at Tidioute, Pa. were seen at Clarksville, Pa., Dec. 27 (RB) from P.I.S.P., on the L. Erie shore and this throughout the winter, both localities n. of and Ashland County, O., Dec. 28 (JB). year was no exception.In the latter part of the usual limits. In contrast was the record 40 In w. Pennsylvaniaobservers reported that December60,000_+ gulls were present in that on the Blacksburg,Va., CBC (JMu). it was "the winter of the robin" as unusual area, but by Jan. 28 not a singlegull could be numbers remained all winter. Almost every found (JM). Besidesthe usual Great Black- FLYCATCHERS, LARKS AND SWAL- station in e. Ohio, w. Pennsylvania,and n, backeds, Herrings and Ring-billeds a Lesser LOWS--A very late E. Phoebe was in Green- West Virginia reportedit common,topped by Black-backed Gull was seen there on three oc- brier County, W.Va., Dec. 28 (DW). Horned an unbelievable 12,642 on the Pittsburgh casions(JM,SSt, CZK). Iceland Gulls were Larks were seen in record numbers on the CBC (PH) (about two-thirds of thesein one seen Dec. 26-Jan. 17 with as many as four CBCs at Pittsburgh (PH), Knoxville (LT), large roost). Hermit Thrushes were also Jan l0 (JM & SSt) and Jan. 10 an Iceland Chattanooga (RSt), and were in good unusually numerous. An unusual Gray- (Kumlien's) Gull was seen (SSt & JM). Even numbers during the winter at Elizabethton, cheekedThrush wasreported from Allegheny more noteworthy were Glaucous Gulls pre- Tenn. (GE), but were low at State College, County, Pa., Dec. 27 (RA). Also from Alle- sent Dec. 14-Feb. 7 with a high of 11 on Jan. Pa. (K J). a remarkable Tree Swallow was ghenyCounty camethe only recordsthis year 17 (SSt). seenin Fauquier County, Va,, Feb. 25 (RSi) of the Varied Thrush, which has beenturning Elsewhere the Great Black-backed Gull and the only early report of Purple Martins up each winter in recent years: Elizabeth, continues to occur "inland" with four came from Chattanooga Feb. 23 (JPh). Jan. 15-Feb. 23 (m.ob.), and Sewickley records from Sunbury, Pa. (SS) and one at Heights Feb. 14 (CSc). Bald Eagle S.P., Pa. (MW). CORVIDS, TITMICE AND NUTHAT- CHES--A Fish Crow was seen in Botetourt KINGLETS, WAXWINGS AND DOVES, OWLS AND WOODPECK- County, Va., Dec. 21 (JA). This represents SHRIKES--Golden-crowned Kinglets have ERS-What has triggered the boom in farther movement S through the Great Val- made a good comeback after the mortality of Mourning Doves? Once only a moderately ley. Common Raven continue to be a few winters ago, and are near to earlier common summering bird, this year it burst numerous in n. Pennsylvania, and several populations. As usual the Cedar Waxwing out as an abundant winterer even in the n. records were made at low elevations near Eli- presenteda variable situation, beingin record with reports from as far n. as Warren, Pa. zabethton (GE). Blue Jays were more com- numbersat someplaces and almost absentat (WH). Typical of the reports that came in mon in the n. than usual as winterers; witness others. There were four records of N. Shrike, were the record 1696 on the Pittsburgh CBC the record 680 on the Pittsburgh CBC. all in w. Pennsylvania:Hooverville, Somerset (PH), 550 on the East Liverpool, O., CBC Black-cappedChickadees staged a S move- Co., Dec. 21 (GRS), near Clarion Dec. $ (NL) and 1200 on the Rockingham County, ment in the fall and while this was not very (LJC), Smethport, McKean Co., Feb. 26 Va CBC (R.B.C.). pronouncedthen, winter numberswere large (JM), and Pymatuning L., Feb. 28 (FRL & It was a moderate invasionyear for Snowy and the speciesoccurred well s. of its usual ML). Owls. Singleswere seenin Erie County Dec. range, with recordsfrom all Virginia stations, 7-Feb. 14, with three in early January. One and some records on Roan Mt., Tenn, Dec. WARBLERS AND 1CTER1DS--Besides owl wintered there feeding on Ring-billed 29 (V1 & GS) Accompanyingthis heavy inva- the usualwintering Yellow-rumped Warblers, Gulls (JM). There were four reportsfrom w. sion came two reports of Boreal Chickadees, which were more numerous than usual in the Pennsylvania including two in urban Pitts- both from n. Pennsylvania: Warren, Decem- n., there was a rash of late warbler occur- burgh, one of which was rescuedafter be- ber-early January (TG), and P.I.S.P., Jan. rences:N. Waterthrush, netted at Powdermill comingtrapped in a closedtheater (PH). On 31 (DFL). Most reportersin s.w. Pennsylvan- Nature Reserve, Pa., Dec. 7 (previously Dec 5 one was seen in Frederick County, ia and n. West Virginia felt that Tufted Tit- banded but in good condition--RCL), Palm Va, and anotherin ShenandoahCounty, Va. mice were in lower-than-normal numbers, Warbler Chattanooga CBC (CHa), Pine (RS1). Long-eared Owls were reported from but the Pittsburgh CBC had its secondhigh- Warbler Knoxville Dec. 16-18 (SJS,BHS) P I S.P., Dec. 27 (JM & SSt), from Jersey est count (PH), and the CBC at Wise, Virgin- Even more remarkable was the Cape May Shore, Pa., Dec. 25 (second record in 14 ia countedan alltime high (RP). Warbler that wintered successfullyat Par- years--PS) and from four locationsin n.w. Even more spectacular than the flight of kersburg, W.Va. (GH), the freshlydead Ken- Virginia (RSi). Short-eared Owls were chickadees was the invasion of Red-breasted tucky Warbler found at Pittsburgh Dec. 27, reported from P.I.S.P., on two occasions Nuthatches, which were quite common which upon preparationas a scientificspeci-

300 American Birds, May 1981 men was found to have fully enlarged testes ton W Va (GH) Along with these were three CONTRIBUTORS--R Abbott (RA), (KP), and a c• Bay-breastedWarbler in full reports of Hoary Redpolls:P.I.S.P., Dec. 20 Richard Almy, R.L. Anderson (RAn), Mark spring plumage Feb. 15 at Morgantown (SSt & JM) and Jan. 10 (DS), and Wayne Armstrong, Jim Ayres, Ralph Bell, George (ww). County, O., Feb. 19 (JB). Red Crossbills Breiding, James Bruce, Fred Busroe, Lois & Red-winged Blackbirds, Corn. Grackles, were reported only from locations near the Jack Callahan (LJC), Harriett DiGioia, Ken and Brown-headed Cowbirds all wintered in presumed or actual breeding grounds, Bote- Dubke, Lil Dubke, Greg Eddy, Glenn Eller unusual numbersin the n. Rusty Blackbirds tourt County, Va. (BK), ShenandoahMt., on (GE), A1 Emery, Dave Etnier, Kathleen Fin- were also much more common than usual, the border of West Virginia-Virginia negan, David Flynn (DF1), David Freeland but the real prize of the winter were the Brew- (R.B.C.), Blacksburg, Va. (JMu), Watauga (DF), Kenneth Gabler, Carl Garner, Mar- er's Blackbirds on the Bethany, W.Va CBC L., Tenn. (RK), and the ChattahoocheeN.F., guerite Geibel, Norris Gluck, Ellen Goetz, (RRi), and on the Lewisburg,W.Va. CBC (20 Ga. (HD), while the only report of White- Ted Grisez, Anne Hamilton (AH), Charles counted--CH). There were four winter winged Crossbill came from Butler County, Handley (CH), Alan Haney (AHa), Chris records of N. Orioles: Weirton, W.Va., Dec. Pa., Dec. 21 (MG). Haney (CHa), John Heninger, John Her- 5 (RRi), Charleston,W.Va. CBC (NG), Alle- The House Finch continues to swarm at man, Paul Hess, William Highhouse, Jill gany County, Md. CBC, Dec. 20 (JW), and many places, and several localities com- Huntley (JHu), George Hurley (GH), Katha- near State College, Pa., where one wintered mented on record CBC numbers.In s. Virgin- rine Jones, David Kerr, James King, Barry successfully,feeding on grapejelly (K J). ia they disappeared during the winter. The Kinzie, Rick Knight, Tony Koella, Charles & specieshas finally arrived at Dalton, Ga., in Zettie Krantz (CZK), Nevada Laitsch, Mary the extreme s. of the Region, (AH) and is Leberman, Robert C. Leberman, Ronald F FRINGILLIDS--It was a fairly good gradually increasing in e. Tennessee. Leberman, ¾icky Lewis, Jerry McWilhams "northern finch" winter. Most abundant was Tree Sparrowswere almost completelyab- (JM), Norwood Middleton, Clark Miller, the Pine Siskinwhose S flight had been noted sent from Morgantown (GAH), and were John Murray (JMu), Chuck Nicholson, Ken- in the fall. It was fairly common in e. Tennes- scarceat Marietta, O. (JS) and in Allegheny neth Parkes, Richard Peake, Janet Phillips see, missingin w. North Carolina, but com- County, Pa. (PH), but a CBC at Butler, Pa. (JPh), Jim Phillips (JP), Frank Preston, mon to abundant farther n. Along with the listed 1662 (PH). A few were seens. into Vir- Mike Purdy, Robert Rine (RRi), Patricia slskins were unusual numbers of Am. Gold- ginia, s. of the normal range. White-throated Rittman, Rockingham Bird Club (R.B C ), finches. Purple Finches were also numerous Sparrows wintered in good numbers with > L. Rosch6, Carolyn Ruddle, Robert Rmz at most places,being called the most common 1500 on the Pittsburgh CBC (PH). More unu- (RR), Glen & Ruth Sager (GRS), Conrad finch in w. North Carolina (RR). Evening sual sparrow records were a Savannah at Schuette (CSc), Paul Schwalbe, Charles Grosbeaks were found in modest numbers Stuart's Draft, Va., Feb. 13 (LTe), a Harris' Schwarz (CS), Boyd Sharp (BS), Robert although all reporterscommented on the lack in Buncombe County, N.C., Jan. 5-12 Simpson (RSi), Merit Skaggs, Don Snyder, of large flocks. This situation has obtained (AHa), and a Lark at Waterford, Pa., Dec. Ruth Snyder (RS), Stanley Stahl (SS), Anne for several winters now, and one might 20-25 (JJS). Stamm, Barbara Stedman (BHS), Steven speculatethat this is going to be the pattern Stedman (SJS), Jerie Stewart (JS), Joe Stone of the future rather than the great invasion- Snow Buntings were quite common in n. (JSt), Randy Stringer (RSt), Jean & Jim Stull ary flocks of the 1940s and '60s. The only Pennsylvania, becoming less so in s. Penn- (JJS), Sam Stull (SSt), Glenn Swofford, Ten- reports of Pine Grosbeakscame from Butler, sylvaniabut reportedat RoanokeJan. 17 (JA nesseeOrnithological Society, Leonard Teu- Pa., Jan. 11 (GW) and New Kensington, Pa., & NM). Lapland Longspurs were reported ber (LTe), Linda Turner (LT), David White, Jan. 3-5 and Feb. 3-4 (PR). from P.I.S.P., Dec. 7 & Jan. 3 (JM), Rox- Gene Wilhelm, John Willetts, Cora Williams, Common Redpolls were found in small bury, Pa., mid-January (KG), State College, Merrill Wood, William Wylie, John Young numbers at P.I.S.P. (JM), Warren, Pa. Pa. (K J), Montour County, Pa. (SSt), Jersey --GEORGE A. HALL, Division of Forestry (WH), State College, Pa. (K J), JerseyShore, Shore, Pa., Jan. 5 (PS), and, most (Mail Address: Department of Chemistry), Pa. (PS), south to Hagerstown, Md. (KG), remarkable, at White Pine, Tenn., Jan. 3-4 West Virginia University, Morgantown WV ShenandoahCounty, Va. (RSi), and Charles- (TK). 26506.

WESTERN GREAT LAKES to the reality of typi- REGION cally cold weather Lakeofthe Wc•ch• . with a vengeance. /Kim R. Eckert Temperature readings With the exceptionof those who prefer to in the -20 ø range even spendtheir winters on skis, everyoneagreed reached southern por- LT STE MARIE thatthis was about as pleasant as a wintercan tions of theRegion. get his far north. Although northern Minne- But the rest of the sotawas colderthan normal through much of month brought anoth- December and early January, the southern er round of warm part of the state was then closer to or a bit weather that was just aboveaverage temperature. But it was the en- as remarkable as that tire state which enjoyed one of the strongest in January. The third January thaws ever from the 17th to 25th week of February saw when even northern locations reached the temperatures in the 40s; on the 24th the Twin Cities recorded 40s and 50s in north- 57øF, just two degreesshort of their all-time ern Minnesota (where January high, and on the same day Redwood averagehighs are only I / • F...... y•.... Cry Falls reached 68ø--some 45 ø above normal! in the upper teens), in the 50s and 60s at many Wisconsin, for example, there was only one Wisconsinalso reported generally mild condi- places throughout Wisconsin and southern significant snowfall of the entire winter, and tions during December and January, which Minnesota, and as high as 70ø in Redwood that wasnot until -11when about were interruptedby cold spellsin mid-Decem- Falls on the 17th (again 45 ø above average). a foot fell (but all this melted within a week) ber, and early and mid-January. This state As might be expected under such condi- And in almost all of Minnesota the ground also enjoyed that late January thaw, but it tions, snowfall was generally light. With the was bare until when 3-4 inches of was apparently not as vigorousas in Minne- exceptionof northern Wisconsinand Michi- snow fell--an insignificant total in most sota. gan and extreme northeastern Minnesota, the winters, but it was the first snowfall of any The first half of February brought us back ground was bare for most of the winter. In consequencein most areas up until then, and

Volume 35, Number 3 301 it was secondonly to the 8 incheswhich fell in SoAo were almost common with at least ten in- eastern Minnesota -23. In Wisconsin, the number of wintering dividuals reported from 9 locations;the one Not only was the mild weather pleasant to geese was described as unprecedented, Feb. 8 in Pennington County, Minn., was experience,but so alsowas the birding.After especiallyin Dodge and Green Lake coun- especially far n. (K&SK). Ospreyswere very two consecutivewinters with relatively few ties where at least 20,000 were counted. late Dec. 5 in Van Buren County, Mich. (fide birds of interest, there were several notewor- However, by the end of the season, RA), in December (date unknown) at Sault thy facets of this winter: the mild weather 3000 + geesehere had died as a result of Ste. Marie, and Dec. 26 on the MississippiR., earlier in the winter resulted in severalspecies lead poisoning, and another 2000 were in Goodhue County, Minn. (K. Sherck). For lingering well past normal departure datesor predicted to die before it was all over. the second consecutivewinter a Gyrfalcon overwinteringsuccessfully; the warm weather Geese analyzed at the Wild Animal Dis- wintered in the Duluth-Superior harbor during the last half of Februarybrought in a ease Center at Colorado State University (m.ob.); there were also three Michigan wide array of springmigrants 2-3 weeksearly contained from 5.5 to 35.5 ppm of lead, reports, from Allendale Jan. 2 (JP,GW,LF), (especially waterfowl, raptors and black- with 3.0 ppm consideredthe minimum in Benzie County Jan. I (CF,SH), and at birds); most winter finchesstaged modest in- threshold of lead poisoning. The Wiscon- Sault Ste. Marie Dec. 30-Feb. 7 (m.ob.). A vasionsin at least some parts of the Region, sin Department of Natural Resourceshad few years ago Prairie Falcon reports in resulting in our best finch winter since recently recommendedto the legislaturea Minnesota would be boldfaced immediately, 1977-78; and more than the usual number of bill requiring steel shot for waterfowl but so many have been seen in recent years rarities appeared,adding spiceto an already hunters throughout the state, but at the that the three preying on pigeons among the exciting season. last minute this bill died. So did a lot of Fargo-Moorhead grain elevatorsand railroad geese. yards all winter seemedalmost routine. But LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Over- never taken for granted is the Peregrine Fal- wintering Com. Loons even in s. parts of the con, especiallyin winter, so most interesting Region are unusual,so the one that survived Some notable examplesof lingering/winter- were the two Wisconsinreports, one Feb. 7 in the season at Sault Ste. Marie was most ing birdsinclude: Blue-winged Teal Jan. 25 in Marathon County (DF,K&JL) and another significant(fide DP). Several Horned Grebes Jefferson County, Wis. (KH); N. Shovelers Feb. 25 in Wood County (DF). Merlins con- were reported later than usual, even as late as in Minnesota on the St. Paul CBC, in Nicollet tinue to be seen in winter more frequently Jan 24 in Benzie County, Mich. (KW), and County, Wis. (KH); N. Shovelersin Minne- than in previous years, especially in Min- at Two Harbors, Minn., Jan. 25 (m.ob.); sota on the St. Paul CBC, in Nicollet County nesota where there were six reports; Wiscon- there was also a Red-necked Grebe at the lat- Dec. 12 (JF), and at WasecaJan. 5 (JF); an sin also had one and Michigan two. ter site on the same day (TS). A Pied-billed overwintering Redhead at Virginia in far n. Grebe at Muskegon, Mich., was late Jan. Minnesota (LH); a Ring-necked Duck Dec. GALLIFORMES THROUGH SHORE- 13-31 (GW), but the ones in Rock County, 30 at Baraga in the Upper Pen. (ArW); a BIRDS--Both Bobwhite and Ring-necked Wis, in mid-February and Feb. 28 in Dane Greater Scaup Dec. 31-Jan. 5 at Waseca, Pheasant populations were considered heal- County, Wis. (WH) probably were not late, Minn. (JF); and unusually high numbers of thier than last year in Michigan, but still far but rather early spring migrants. Double- wintering Corn. Mergansers throughout below levels in the years before the severe crested Cormorants made unprecedented ap- Wisconsin. Unusually early February winters of the late 1970s. The usual few Vir- pearances in Wisconsin and Minnesota: migrants were 200 Pintails Feb. 27 at ginia Rails were found in s. Michigan, and an besides late individuals Dec. 4 in Jefferson ShiawasseeN.W.R., Mich., a Green-winged injured Sora was found at Fenton, Shiawas- County (KH) and Dec. 13 in Milwaukee (JI), Teal Feb. 19 at Chippewa Falls, Wis. (JP), a see Co., Dec. 2 (BB). Unless it was an ex- Wisconsin had its first overwintering record Blue-winged Teal Feb. 28 in Kalamazoo tremely early springmigrant, the Am. Wood- with one at Green Bay (m.ob.); Minnesota's County (DP), and both Am. Wigeon and N. cock in MilwaukeeCounty Feb. 19 (JI) defies recordswere on the Hastings-EtterCBC Jan. Shoveler in Rock County, Wis., by mid- explanation. Even more surprising, however, 18 in St. Paul (F&KB), and Feb. 18 at Becker, February. was the Purple Sandpiper in Milwaukee Dec Sherburne Co. (EH) --the latter two dates Severalunusual species also appeared.A c• 16 (DS,MS). Also from Milwaukee came the representing the state's first mid-winter Barrow's Goldeneyewas discoveredat Black latest Wisconsin date on record for a Dunlin, records. Several Great Blue Herons also Dog L., Dakota Co., Minn., Feb. 21 (ES), Dec. 13 (Jl). lingered well into January and even Feb- and was later seenby m.ob. into March. Bar- ruary: a maximumof 33 wascounted in Mon- row's also appearedat 3 Michigan locations, GULLS--"Inland" Glaucous Gulls were roe County in early February (fide AK), Wis- with a male at Marquette Dec. 5-7 found on the Mississippi R., Buffalo Co., consinhad three January recordsplus anoth- (EL,SB,GBa), a female Dec. 13 at Metro- Wis., Dec. 12 (JP), at Madison Dec. 20-Jan er overwinteringin TrempealeauCounty, and beach, and as many as three femalesat Sault 21 (m.ob.), on the St. Paul (sevenseen) and Minnesota recorded two in late January in Ste. Marie Jan. I l-Feb. 21 (m.ob.). A total of Bloomington (three) CBCs. It is curious that Pine and Scott counties plus one in Mower five Harlequin Duck records was also more five Iceland Gulls were reported from Michi- County Feb. 16 (R J) and anotheroverwinter- than usual: one at Sault Ste. Marie in Decem- gan while no Thayer's Gulls were, but the Ice- ing at FergusFalls (G&MO). Most remarkab- ber (TH,TW,LP); in Wisconsin, a male ap- land Gull at Milwaukee Jan. 24 (JI,DT, le and obviously unprecedentedwas a winter- peared Dec. 14 at Madison and remained m.ob.) seemsvalid sinceit was a second-year ing Great Egret at Trempealeau N.W.R., throughout the season(m.ob.), another was bird and thus impossibleto confuse with the Wls (WD), in the company of Great Blue seen at Two Rivers Jan. 17 (GN), and a male imm. Thayer's. (Thayer's Gulls were identi- Herons. Also interesting,but by now anticli- plus two females were found at Sheboygan fied at Milwaukee Jan. 5, on the St. Paul mactic, were the ten Black-crowned Night Jan. 25 (CS); and a pair was seen at the CBC, and at Black Dog L., Dakota Co., Herons Feb. 14 at Gibraltar, Mich. (TC) and mouth of the Stewart R., Lake Co., Minn., Minn., Jan. 2.) Great Black-backed Gulls the lone immature on the St. Paul CBC. until Dec. 13 (KE). But the best duck of the reachedas far as L. Michigan at Traverse Ci- seasonwas Michigan's fifth Common Eider, ty, Mich., Dec. 28-29 (MJ,LG), and at Mus- CANADA GOOSE--Evidence of the Feb- a female carefully identified at St. Joseph kegon, Mich., Jan. 26 (LF). Michigan also ruary thaw was the 9000 geesethat returned Jan. 4 (WB,RA,DP et al.). Single White- reported Black-leggedKittiwakes twice, with to Shiawassee N.W.R., Mich., Feb. 28 and winged Scoterswere noted from 7 Michigan three at the Erie power plant, Monroe Co., the small flocks moving N into Minnesota at counties, and another was at Milwaukee Feb. Dec. 6 (m.ob.), and on the St. Clair R., Jan. several locations about the same time. Many 26-28 (DG), but more noteworthy were the 8 (AuW). more than usual were seen on Minnesota's two Surf Scoters Dec. 16 in Kalamazoo CBCs as well: 15,750 at Big Stone N.W.R., County (RA). OWLS--Snowy Owls stageda minor inva- 22,000 at Lac Qui Parle W.M.A. (11,000 sion, especiallyin Minnesotawhere no fewer overwintered), and 25,000 at Rochester. HAWKS--Turkey Vultures were very late than 29 countiesreported sightings.At least in Michigan on the Petosky CBC and at 25-30 establishedwintering territories in the DUCKS--It was a good winter for ducks, Metrobeach Dec. 14. Because of the lack of Duluth-Superior harbor area, seven were with more than the usual number lingering snow cover, an unusual number of Rough- concentratedalong a singlecounty road in n. well into the season, overwintering, and leggedHawks overwinteredin n. Minnesota, Aitkin County, and in s. Minnesota six were migrating N unusually early in February. especiallyin n. Airkin County. GoldenEagles counted on the Lac Qui Parle CBC and four

302 American Birds, May 1981 were on the St. Paul CBC; another concen- the place this season,making this the most- Berrien County, Mich.; Com. Redpoll--good tration of I 1 was found Dec. 26 at Rudyard, ever recorded in the Region; Minnesota numbersthroughout, with the largestconcen- Chippewa Co., Mich. (TH,TW,LP). It was reported 14 individuals, Wisconsin ten, and tration in Muskegon County, Mich., where not a good winter, however, in n. Minnesota six made it to Michigan. Hermit Thrushes 3000 were found Jan. 31 (HL,CM et al.); for Hawk Owls sincethe only reports were of were down in numbers in the Detroit area, al- Pine Siskin--a mixed picture, with only one each in Ely and in Lake of the Woods though the three in Minnesota was more than average numbers in Minnesota. excellent County. The usual number of Great Gray usual: Jan. I in Ramsey County (RH), Jan. numbersin Wisconsin, and good numbersin Owls was seen in n. Minnesota, and three 23 in Fairmong (EB), and all winter in Roch- December and February in Michigan; Red made it to Wisconsin with two in Douglas ester (m.ob.). The casual Townsend's Soli- Crossbill--once again few were reported, County and another in Ashland County. taire was noted on the Adrian, Mich. CBC. with most of these in s. Minnesota and n. Many more Short-eared Owls than normal Excellent numbers of Bohemian Waxwings Wisconsin; White-winged Crossbill--fair were seenthroughout Minnesota, presumably were scatteredthroughout the n. half of the numbers in n. Minnesota with only two s. the result of the lack of snow cover. Clearly Region, and a few individuals reached as far Minnesota counties having sightings, ex- the most interesting owl of this season was s. as 5 Twin Cities area counties. cellent numbers in c. and n. Wisconsin, and the Saw-whet which was heard calling quite reported from 11 Michigan counties in- prematurely at five Minnesota locations dur- WARBLERS--While this family did not cluding Berrien County where a flock of 100 ing the heat wave of late February. One was quite repeat the spectacular showing of last was seen Jan. 4 (RS). Minnesota finally even heard during the January thaw in Sher- winter, there was still an unusual number of recorded its first fully-documented House burne County Jan. 24 (B J); this and another sightings. An Orange-crowned Warbler was Fineh when a male visited a Minnetonka Saw-whet heard in County were far seen until Dec. 13 at Metrobeach (TH,BB), feeder Nov. 21 & Dec. 15 (D. Bruggers). The s. of the poorly known Minnesota breeding and Cape May Warblers were also late on the only previous state record had been a 19th range. Equally curious were the sevenheard Ann Arbor, Mich. CBC, and at a feeder at century specimentaken (and later lost) of a in Dane County in s. Wisconsinin late Febru- Stoney Pt., St. Louis Co., Minn., until Dec. 2 bird thought to have been an escape.Wiscon- ary (AS et al.). It was one of the poorest Bor- (fide KE); this latter individual survived one sin also recorded a first when a Gra},-erowned eal Owl winters in memory in Minnes- night of - 15ø. Yellow-rumped Warblers over- Rosy Fineh appeared at a Dunn County ota-only one was reported and that a road- wintered at feedersin Escanabaway up in the feeder Feb. 19 & 21 (JRu). The bird was pho- kill in Lake County in early January. Upper Pen. (C&BT), in Ozaukee County, tographed and later seen by m.ob. when it Wis. (R&RS), in Wabasha County, Minn. reappeared in March. A rosy finch was also HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH WRENS-- (W&DM), and in Bloomington, Minn. A photographed and seenby m.ob. at a Minne- The hardiest bird of the winter was obviously Pine Warbler was found on the Monroe, tonka feeder Dec. 19 - mid-January (K. Le- that amazing Ruby-throated Hummingbird Mich. CBC, and another survived at a feeder wis), but this was merely Minnesota's eighth that survived at a Door County, Wis., feeder in Manitowoc County, Wis., until mid-Jan- record. More than the usual number of Ru- through Dec. 19 (R&CL)--one night during uary (DA). Very late were the Palm Warbler fous-sidedTowbees lingered into December, its stay the temperature dropped to -2øF. A Dec. 2 in Washtenaw County, Mich. (RW) and two overwinteredat feedersin Washing- Red-headed Woodpecker overwintered as far and the Corn. Yellowthroat on the Monroe ton County, Minn. (R. Oehlenschlager)and n. as Marquette County, Mich. (NI), only the CBC. at Allendale, Mich. (JP). second Marquette area winter record. Also unusual was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker seen ICTERIDS--The mild winter resulted in through most of January in Minneapolis large numbers of blackbirds wintering at (m.ob.). The N. Three-toed Woodpecker was several locations. The most impressive con- its usual elusive self, being seen only near centrations were on the La Crosse CBC where Babbitt and in Cook County, Minn., and on 25,000+ Red-wingeds were counted and at the Anchor Bay, Mich. CBC. Three Com. Dexter, Mich., where 500 cowbirds overwin- Ravens Feb. 8 at Necedah N.W.R., Wis., tered (CS). An unprecedented number of Yel- were unusually far s. (AS,RH). Michigan's low-headed Blackbirds lingered and some CBC data suggestedthis winter's populations even overwintered in Minnesota: two were of Black-cappedChickadee, Tufted Titmouse found on the Fergus Falls CBC, no fewer and White-breasted Nuthatch were the than 20 were counted among the Red-wingeds highest in recent years; the same appeared to on the La Crosse CBC, and at Swan L., be true as well in Minnesota for the chickadee Nicollet Co., four were present until Dec. 12 Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, Minnetonka, and nuthatch. On the other hand, both the with two of theseeventually wintering (JF); Minn., Jan. 3, 1981. Photo/Oscar Johnson. Winter and Carolina wrens continued at the one was also found in Michigan Jan. 5 in same low population levels in s. Michigan. Calhoun County (fide RA). Both SPARROWS THROUGH SNOW BUNT- Long-billed Marsh Wrens lingered in meadowlarks and blackbirds were migrating ING--This group was also affected by the Michigan until Dec. 20 at Metrobeach (RB) N in good numbersat severallocations dur- mild winter with several species appearing and Dec. 29 at Pt. Mouillee (JK). A well- ing the February warm spell, which also in- more frequently than usual. One Savannah documented Short-billed Marsh Wren was duced a N. Oriole wintering at a Carver and three Vesper sparrowswere recorded on found Jan. 25 in Mower County, Minn. County, Minn. feeder to start singing Feb. Michigan CBCs. Well-documentedChipping (R&RK), and represented the state's first 12-14; orioles also survived at feeders until Sparrows were seen on the Cottonwood and winter record (previously there had never Dec. 18 in Door County, Wis. (R&CL) and St. Paul Northeast CBCs in Minnesota, but been a record later than October). until Jan. 15 in Edina, Minn. more surprisingwas one that overwinteredat a Crosby feeder in n. Minnesota; another MIMIDS THROUGH WAXWINGS-- FINCHES--Rose-breasted Grosbeaks wintered at a feeder in Marinette County, Three Mockingbirds visited feeders in Green were exceptionally late in Michigan with Wis. (HL). The usual few Harris' Sparrows Bay and Wrightstown, Wis., and Gray Cat- records on the Benzie and Traverse City were noted in s.w. Minnesota, but more inter- birds survived at Green Bay until Dec. 3 CBCs, and at Kalamazoo until Jan. 13 (fide esting were the ones overwintering at Foley, (EC,BC) and at Madison until early February RA). Winter finches generally did well in Minn. (S. Loch) and in BenzieCounty, Mich. (ST); they were also seen on 4 Michigan most cases, but it could hardly be described (KW). Good numbers of White-throated CBCs. Brown Thrashers were almost com- as an exceptionalyear overall: Evening Gros- Sparrowswintered at Wisconsinfeeders, and mon in Minnesota, with six reported at 5 beak-good numbersin Wisconsinand Mich- an unusually hardy individual survived the locations including two as far n. as Duluth igan, but decidedly down at most Minnesota season at an Isabella feeder in n.e. Minnesota (fide KE); two were seen in s. Wisconsin and locations; Purple Finch--generally scarce (SW). Late Fox Sparrows were found Dec. 5 three were reported in Michigan. The number throughout, expecially in Wisconsin; Pine in Nicollet County, Minn. (JF) & Dec. 13 in of wintering Am. Robins in Michigan was Grosbeak--present in excellent numbers, Ontohogan County up in Michigan's Upper described as unbelievable, although neither with severalbirds appearingas far s. as Pope, Pen. (JM). Most noteworthy of all was the Wisconsin nor Minnesota experienced any- Sherburne, Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Lincoln's Sparrow which managed to over- thing unusual. Varied Thrushes were all over Hennepin counties in s. Minnesota, and in winter at a Milwaukee County feeder (DG,

Volume 35, Number 3 303 J1). Unusually far n. were a Swamp Sparrow sen, Robert Jessen, Ron & Rose Kneeskern, Walter Booth, Jeff Buecking*, Tom Carpen- wintering at a Little Marais, Minn. feeder (T. Ken La Fond, Wynn & Don Mahle, Steve ter, Les Ford, Carl Freeman*, Ethel Get- Fenstad) and a Song Sparrow at Grand Millard, Warren Nelson, Gary & Marion Ot- good, Leonard Graf, John Hamel, Tom Marais Jan. 24, apparently independent of nes, Terry Savaloja, Evelyn Stanley, Keith & Heatley, Harold Henges, Sally Huston, N. 11- any feeding station (JG). Both Lapland Shelley Steva, Steven Wilson, Gerald Winkel- nicky*, Mike Jorae, Frank & Alene Kangas*, Longspursand Snow Buntings appeared to man, Mark Wright; Wisconsin: Dollie An- Alice Kelley*, J. Kleiman, Ev Knapp, Ed Le- be in good numbers in Wisconsin, but were sorge, Jim Baughman, Edwin Cleary, Broth- Grand, B. Leonard, Helen Lyman, Joe Mc- harder to find without snow cover to concen- er Colomban, William Drazkowski, Thomas Donnell*, Allen Marble, Bill Martinus, Dan trate them. Michigan also reported large Ellis, Eric Epstein, Tom Erdman, Don Miller, Steve Minard, Chris Muldoon, Rosel- numbersof Snow Buntings, as evidencedby Follen, Dennis Gustafson, Karen Hale, Will- la O'Brien*, Larry Peavler, Michael Peczyn- the 5000 in St. Clair County Jan. 13 (DM). iam Hilsenhoff, Randy Hoffman, John Idzi- ski, Ed & Patty Pike, James Ponshair*, Dave kowski, Bernie Klugow, Harold Lindberg, Powell, Victor Reister, Bill Ryan, Roy Ken & Jan Luepke, Roy & Charlotte Lukes, Smith*, Charles Steinbach, Charlotte & Bill Greg Neise, Eleanor Nesberg, Mark Peter- Taylor, Arthur Weaver* (ArVO, Audrey CONTRIBUTORS (state editors in bold- son, Janinc Polk, Sam Robbins, Mrs. J. Weir (AuW), Terry Welch, Keith Westphall, face; observersshould send all reports direct- Rocke, John Russell (JRu), AI Shea, David George Wickstrom, R. Wykes, Paul Young. ly to them)--Minnesota: Frank & Kathi Bet- Smith, Martin Smith, CharlesSontag, Robert There were also 166 other observers(55 from dan, Jo Blanich, Ed Brekke-Kramer, Joanne & Roger Sunde!l, Daryl Tessen, Steve Thies- Minnesota, 35 from Wisconsin, and 76 from Dempsey, Kim Eekert, Laurence & Carol sen, Phil Vanderschaegen,Richard Vetch; Michigan) whose observations contributed Falk, John Frentz, Janet Green, Thomas Michigan (* indicatessub-regional editors): indirectly to the preparation of this Hargy, Lyle Herzog, Edmund Hibbard, Ken Ray Adams*, Steve Baker, Greg Baldwin report--KIM R. ECKERT, 9735 North Shore & Molly Hoffman, Robert Holtz, Bob Jans- (GBa), Glenn Belya, R. Benoit, B. Blazier, Dr., Duluth, MN 55804.

MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE Robins, waxwings and other berry-eating eluded one at Alton, IlL, through Dec. 12 REGION specieswere commonly reported from many (PS, BR) and two at Squaw Creek N.W.R., areas. Unlike previous years, few southern Mo. (hereafter, S.C.R.) Dec. 13 (•'JW). Most /Bruce G. Peterjohn speciesattempted to overwinter. Double-crestedCormorants left the Region Cold weather arrived suddenly in mid- by early December although two wintered December, freezing streams and lakes and along the Mississippi R., at Lock 14 in Iowa sendingmost late migrantsand lingering wa- (T, P). Small numbers of Great Blue Herons The winter seasonbegan with a promiseof terbirds towards warmer climes. Below nor- managed to survivewherever there was open major flights by a number of erratic winter mal temperatures and precipitation was the water. A late Great Egret remainedin Wood- visitors. Unfortunately, these promiseswere Regionwide trend into February. Snowfall ford County, Ill., through Dec. 6 (RBj). Six generally unfulfilled. Snowy Owls staged a was short-lived or absent in most states. Black-crownedNight Herons at Horseshoe major invasion in Illinois and Iowa while While severalearly February fronts brought L., Ill., Jan. 27 dwindled to one by Feb. 7 much smaller numbers were reported else- some badly neededprecipitation, many areas (BR, RB). Two were noted at Oregon, O., where. At best, the winter finch flight was remained in drought or near-droughtcondi- Jan. 26 (JP). An Am. Bittern was flushed moderate. Evening Grosbeaks,Purple Finch- tions. Hardest hit were Missouri and Iowa during a prescribed burn of a prairie at es and Pine Siskinswere widespreadand fair- where there were low water levels. A signifi- Moraine Hills S.P., Ill., Jan. 23 (JVS et al.). ly numerous. Other finches were local and cant warming trend began in mid-February restricted to northern localities. Northern and continued through the end of the month. WATERFOWL--Wintering Whistling species such as Goshawk, Rough-legged Warm temperatures were accompanied by Swansincluded one at Union County Conser- Hawk and Northern Shrike were reported in early migrant waterfowl, woodcock, crows, vation Area, IlL 3 (K et al.) and three in normal numbers. These disappointments blackbirds,and other signsof spring. Jasper County, Ill., throughout the period were balancedby a number of unusualgull As usual, all extraordinary sight records (•'LH). The first migrants returned to w. sightingsand scatteredrarities that provided must be thoroughly documentedat the time Lake Erie marshesby Feb. 20. Canada Geese an interestingseason in many areas. of observation. All documented records have wintered farther n. than usual, the peak in s. An encouragingsign was increasedpopula- been denoted by a dagger (•'). Illinois and w. Kentucky was only 259,000. tions of a number of residentand wintering Northbound migrants appeared in large species. Woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Com- numbers during mid-February e.g. 12,000 nuthatches, Golden-crowned Kinglets and mon Loons left the n. states by Dec. 23. near Spfld., Feb. 21 (H). Wintering White- many sparrows appeared to be recovering Small numbers lingered in Kentucky into fronted Geesewere reported from Brookville from weather-induced lows of the late 1970s. January where the latest were two at Dale Res., Ind., Dec. 20 (LC), four at Atterbury Other species,particularly Bobwhite, phea- Hollow S.P., Jan. 25 (JE). An Arctic Loon W.M.A., Ind., Dec. 26 (fide BG), four at sants, wrens, Mockingbird and bluebirds, remained at Springfield, 111. (hereafter, S.C.R., Jan. 7 (JR) and four at Ottawa have exhibited only local recoveriesand are Spfld.) through Dec. 9 (H). Single Red- N.W.R., O. (hereafter, O.W.R.) Jan. 15-25 still well below normal. Most hawks and owls necked Grebes were documented from Fort ('['JP). Eighteen had returned to Willow were well reported this winter, reflectingan Wayne, Ind., Jan. 27-29 ('['JH et aL), Ver- Slough, la., Feb. 27 (BW). At least one imm. abundant supply of rodents and other prey. milion, O., Feb. 13 ('['JP) and Dayton, O., Ross' Goose at Mark Twain N.W.R., Ill., Feb. 21 (tDCh et al.). Dec. 15-Jan. 2 was joined by an adult Jan. 2 Most Horned Grebes (D J, '['m.ob.). Two were reported from St. left the Region in De- Charles County, Mo., Dec. 22 (TBa). cember although small While most ducksleft the Region following numbers wintered as far the mid-December freezeup, all common n. as Fort Wayne, Ind. speciesmanaged to overwinter in the remain- (MW). A few early spr- ing open water. Advent of warm weather in ing migrants reappeared mid-February triggered a substantial water- in late February. An fowl movement in all states. Two Blue- Eared Grebe lingered winged Teal in Meade County, Ky., Dec. 27 through Dec. 24 at (•'AW) and one at Castalia, O., Feb. 5 (•'JP) Olney, Ill. (LH). Nor- were unusual. Early migrantshad returned as mal numbers of winter- far n. as Decatur, Ind., by Feb. 22 (LP). ing Pied-billed Grebes Largest wintering Canvasbackconcentrations were reported. Linger- were 2500 in SanduskyBay, O., Jan. 26 (JP) ing White Pelicans in- and 2000 at Horseshoe L., Ill., Jan. 15-28

304 AmericanBirds, May 1981 (PS). Flocks of 1000 or more were noted at 4 BOBWHITE THROUGH RAILS--Bob- locations.The only Black-headedGull was at other locations. Small numbers of Greater white are still scarce to absent in most areas. Lorain Dec. 20-Jan. 2 (JP,J). An imm. Scaup were regularly encounteredat inland They have shown a slight improvement only LaughingGull lingeredat Spfld., Dec. 13-22 sites. Several large concentrationsof Com. in Kentucky. Ring-neckedPheasants have ex- (tH) while a Franklin's Gull was noted there Goldeneye were reported and a possible 9 hibited local recoveries,e.g., 145 at Maumee through Dec. 30 (H). Few Little Gulls were Barrow's Goldeneyewas observedat Michi- Bay S.P., O., in January (JP). Gray Par- observedalong L. Erie in December,the peak gan City, Ind., Dec. 28-30 (tAB, tTK). Old- tridge have almost disappearedfrom the Re- was only three. A single bird was noted at squaw were generally scarcealong the Great gion, the only report was of eight near Polo, Zion, Ill., Feb. 14 (JN). The Heermann's Lakes exceptfor a maximum of 240 at Chica- Ill. (BSh). Sandhill Craneslingered into Dec- Gull returned to Lorain Dec. 20 and was seen go in late December(RBi,JL). They were en- ember at 5 locations and as late as Jan. 7 at intermittently during the period (•'JP,tM). countered at inland sites in all states where Riverton, Ia. (RP). Early migrants returned SingleBlack-legged Kittiwakes were observed 1-4 were reported from 13 locations. Harle- to n.w. Indiana by Feb. 21. Wintering Virgin- at 3 L. Erie locations through Jan. 11 quin Ducks are regular along the Great ia Rails were noted at Pokagon S.P., Ind., (m.ob.). Elsewhere, 1-2 were at Spfld., Dec. Lakes. This winter two were seenat Michigan Dec. 24 (FW), DuPage County, Ill., Jan. 7-13 (tH) and the Dayton, O. bird lingered City, Ind., Dec. 20-23 (KB) while singleswere 15-Feb. 15 (tJS) and Akron, O., Jan. 31 through Dec. 3 (m.ob., ph.). noted at Chicago Dec. 23-26 (tJG), Cleve- (DSt). land Jan. 3 (TL) and Great Lakes Naval Base, I11., Mar. I (tJN). The inland bird at SHOREBIRDS--This group presents a Springfield, O., Dec. 27-Jan. 3 mixed picture of late fall migrantsand early (tRMe,m.ob.,ph.) wasquite unusual.White- spring returnees.Black-beilied Plover linger- winged Scoters were scarcealong the Great ed through Dec. 6 with sevenat S.C.R. (JR), Lakes; peak was 15 at Wilmette, Ill., Jan. 24 one at MichiganCity (KB) and one at Hoover (LA). Up to threewere noted at 5 inland loca- Res., O. (J). American Woodcock returned tions in Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois. The to Kentucky by Feb. 17 and Regionwide by Louisville Surf Scoters lingered through Dec. the end of the month. Two Purple Sandpipers 21 while two were at Chicago Jan. 26 were noted at Chicagothrough Dec. 7 (tJL et (PC,RG). Small numbers of Black Scoters a/.) while singles were reported from Michi- were observedalong w. Lake Erie through gan City Dec. 21-23 (KB) and ClevelandDec. Jan. 13 (JP). A c• Com. Goldeneye X Hood- 27-29 (Met a/.). A very early Pectoral Sand- ed Merganserhybrid was noted at Michigan piper returned to M.M.W.A., Feb. 28 (JP). Band-tailed Pigeon, Beverly Shores, Ind., City Dec. 31-Jan. I (AB,KB). Two Least Sandpipers lingered through Jan. Jan. 25, 1981. Photo/Timothy C. Keller. 6 at Louisville (ABa). Other late shorebirds included single Sanderlings at Huron, O., DOVES, OWLS--Indiana's first Band- DIURNAL RAPTORS--Only small num- Dec. 22 (tTB) and Miller Beach, Ind., Dec. tailed Pigeon visiteda BeverlyShores feeder bers of Turkey Vultures were reported from 23 (KB) and two Red Phalaropesat Jan. 11-27 (tKB, m.ob., ph.). Many obser- traditional wintering areas. A few early mi- Dec. 20 (M). vers mentioned increased numbers of Mourn- grants had returned by late February. Gos- ing Dovesas this speciescontinues to recover. hawks staged a minor flight; 13 reports were GULLS--As usual, gulls provided someof The only Barn Owl reports were of single received from all statesexcept Missouri. Sin- the more interestingwinter recordsfrom the birds at Brookville Res., Ind., in late Decem- gle birds were reported s. to Richland Coun- Region. For the most part, they were well ber. (LC) and St. Charles County, Mo., all ty, Ill., Jan. 25 (De J), West Point, Ky., Jan. represented wherever there was open water. winter (DJ,JW). Snowy Owls may have stag- 10 (rS) and Hueston Woods S.P., O., Feb. 28 The only exceptionwas along L. Erie where ed their largest recorded invasion in Illinois (tTP). Wintering hawk populationswere en- offshore open water and predominantly S where there was a minimum of 51 reports. couraging. Sharp-shinned Hawks were fre- winds kept the gulls away from observers They were also common in Iowa where a total quently encountered and raised havoc at after mid-January. Glaucous Gulls were fre- of 42 reports included possible duplications. many bird feeders. Cooper's Hawks seemto quently noted along the Great Lakes with Moderate numbers were reported elsewhere be recoveringin many areas while Red-tailed peaks of 9-12 at L. Calumet, Ill., Dec. 30 including 17 observationsin Ohio, 7 in Indi- Hawks were plentiful Regionwide. Red- (RBi) and 20 in Lorain County, O., Jan. 11 ana and Missouri and one in Kentucky. The shouldered Hawks remained scarcealthough (J). Up to three were regularly noted near St. maximum report was of 10 wintering in the slight improvementswere indicated in Ken- Louis while 1-2 were reported from 11 other Chicago area. Single birds wandered S to tucky and Ohio. A few wintered as far n. as inland locations s. to Spfld. (H) and Akron Louisville Feb. 13 (?DP), Gibson County, Porter County, Ind. (KB). Mixed reports (LR). Iceland Gulls were noted in smaller ind., Jan. 3 (tJC) and St. Charles County, about Rough-leggedHawks had no apparent numbers: 1-3 in the Cleveland/Lorain area Mo., Jan. 28 (D J). Long-cared Owls were pattern. Five Golden Eagleswere reported e. (m.ob.), 1-2 at L. Calumet, Ill., through Jan. reported from 18 localitiesin all statesexcept to BrandenburgKy., Dec. 27 (AW), in addi- 17 (RBi,JL), one at Alton Dam, Ill./Mo., Kentucky. Nine birds was the maximum at tion to 21 reported on coordinatedeagle sur- Dec. 12 (tPS et al.) and one at Powerton L., any site. Short-eared Owls were uncommon veys.Wintering Bald Eaglesappeared in nor- Ill., Feb. 21 (tVH,LA). Great Black-backed in w. statesbut very common in Ohio. Most mal numbers along the Mississippi R., but Gulls peaked with 275 in Lorain County, O., were reported in groupsof 12 or lessalthough were down one-third along the Illinois R. Jan. 11(J) while 1-3 werenoted at 4 L. Michi- 38 were seen at Killdeer Plains W.M.A., O., Midwinter surveytotals included 104 in Ken- gan locations. Singleswandered inland to E. Feb. 7 (RS). SingleSaw-whet Owls were noted tucky and 900-950 in Missouri. Scattered St. Louis, [ll./M., Dec. 30 (tPS et al.) and at 4 Iowa, 2 Ohio and 2 Illinois locations. birds appeared in e. states. Marsh Hawks Spfld., Jan. 11 (tH). Lesser Black-hacked were much improved in many areas but were Gulls continued to make news. An immature WOODPECKERS THROUGH NUT- scarce in Illinois. An Osprey was reported at E. St. Louis Dec. 30-31 provided HATCHES--Common Flickers wintered in from Quincy, Ill., Dec. 27 (•-AD). Unusual Missouri's first and Illinois' second record. good numbers. Common(Red-shafted) falcons included a dark-phaseGyrfalcon fre- Single adults were also noted at Spfld., Dec. Flickers wandered E to Illinois with single quenting Magee Marsh W.M.A., O. (hereaf- 31 (H), Alton, Ill./Mo., Feb. 16 (tRB,tEL) birds at Palos Park (KBa) and Woodstock ter, M.M.W.A.) in late January (•'JP et al.) and Raccoon Lake S.P., Ind., Dec. 20-24 (DF). Wintering Red-headed Woodpeckers while two Prairie Falcons reappearedat Law- (•'TK,tm.ob.). Up to three were reported were widespread and abundant in all states renceville, Ill., Jan. 25-Feb. 28 + (LH) and from 3 Lake Erie locations during the period exceptOhio. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere another was seenbriefly in St. CharlesCoun- (m.ob.). Thayer's Gulls were widely reported reported in improved numbers, wintering as ty, Mo., Feb. 3 (•'PS). Documented Merlins as more observers become familiar with their far n. as Chicago and c. Iowa. Wintering E. were at Akron, O., Dec. 22-29 (tDSt et al.), identification. Largestnumbers were sevenat Phoebeswere seenJan. 3 in Hocking County, Quincy, Ill., Dec. 27 (tAD) and Fremont L. Calumet through Feb. 22 (RBi,JL), five O. (JF) and Montauk S.P., Mo. (DH). Small County, Ia., Feb. 20 (tRP et al.). Four other near St. Louis Dec. 18-Feb. 12 (m.ob.) and numbers of migrants returned to Missouri in reports were not documented.American Kes- four at Lorain, O., Dec. 12-Jan. 13 (tJP). late February. Large concentrationsof Horn- trels were common in most areas. Smaller numbers were reported from 4 other ed Larks were not reported. This specieswas

Volume35, Number3 305 not conspicuousowing to the lack of pro- CBCs and were generally scarce elsewhere. longed snow cover. A Black-billed Magpie Fewer warblers wintered in the Region this was observed briefly in flight at Franklin year. A Black-and-whiteWarbler appearedat County, Mo., Dec. 26 (•'LB). Common Crow Ames, Ia., Feb. 19 (•'RN). An Orange- roosts included 10,000 birds in s.w. Indiana crowned Warbler lingered at M.M.W.A., (JC), 5000 in Rockford, Ill., and several through Dec. 7 (J) while one (or possiblytwo) 500-2000 bird roostsin Kentucky and Illinois. Cape May Warblers remained at Chicago Black-capped Chickadees exhibited little S Dee. 18-19 (•'RBi,•'JL). Yellow-rumped movement this winter. In Indiana, Tufted Warblers were generally scarce although 40 Titmice have recoveredto 80 percent of nor- were seenat Chicago Dec. 18-19 (RBi). A late mal levds (CK). Similar recoveryis indicated Chestnut-sided Warbler was noted in St. in most areas exceptthe n. fringes of the Re- Louis County, Mo., Nov. 28 (MP). Other gion. Many observersnoted increased num- wintering warblers included ten Pines at For- Lesser Goldfinch, Elizabethtown, Ky., Dec. bers of White-breasted Nuthatches this win- syth, Mo., Feb. 25 (DaJ et al.), a Palm at 5-7, 1980. Photo/Herbert L. Clay, Jr. ter. Red-breasted Nuthatches wintered in Chicago Dec. 18-20 (•'RBi) and Corn. Yellow- tioned. A o' Lesser Goldfinch visited an moderate numbers Regionwide; 3-10 birds throats at one Missouri and 4 Ohio locations. Elizabethtown feeder Dec. 5-7, providing the were reported at most locations. first record for Kentucky (M J, •'m.ob.,ph.). ICTERIDS--Eastern Meadowlarks re- Red Crossbills were scarce. Flocks of 1-8 WRENS THROUGH THRUSHES--Win- mained scarceto absent in many areas. West- were reported from 9 locations in Iowa, Ohio ter Wrens were scarceagain this winter. Small ern Meadowlarks were also scarce but were and Illinois although 30 were seen at Green numbers were reported from most statesex- reported as far e. as Danville, Ill., Feb. 24 R. Conservation Area, Ill., Jan. 11 (BSh). cept Illinois where a maximum of three was (MC). Single Yellow-headed Blackbirds were White-winged Crossbills outnumbered the seen at 11 sites. Single Bewick's Wrens were noted at Mansfield, O., Jan. 17 ('['JHe), Reds. They were reported from 35 locations noted in Missouri at Texas County (DH), Jef- M.M.W.A., Jan. 24-Feb. 6 (JP) and Water- Regionwide s. to Lexington, Ky., Jan. 24 ferson County (PH) and Montgomery City loo, Ia., Feb. 14 (fide RM). A N. Oriole was (DC) and JeffersonCity, Mo., Dec. 29 OWL (RW) during the period. Carolina Wrens are photographed near Louisville Dec. 18-Jan. 5 Most states reported flocks of 6-20 with a improving in Kentucky and s.w. Ohio but are (JB,DS) while anotherwas noted at Fairport, maximum of 36 at Sterling, Ill., Jan. 25-Feb. still well below normal. They are scarce and Ia., Feb. 14 ($CR). Blackbirds were uncom- 7 (BSh). local elsewhere. Wintering marsh wrens in- mon in n. areas, the only large roostswere re- A Lark Bunting was photographedin Shel- cluded a Long-billed at Big Lake S.P., Mo., ported from Kentucky. A Bismarck, Mo., by County, Ill., Feb. 9-16 (KF). WinteringLe Dec. 27 (•'L) and a Short-billed near Spring- feedlot supporteda locally large concentra- Conte's Sparrows were reported from 2 In- field, Mo., through Jan. 3 (DaJ,WH). Mock- tion of 150 Brewer's Blackbirds Feb. 14-15 diana locations where they are rare: one in ingbirds are slowly increasing in s. Ohio, (tWR). Warrick County Feb. 8 (JC) and 22 in Gibson Kentucky and Missouri but showed little im- County during the period (LH). Small provement in n. portions of the Region. Five FRINGILLIDS--The s. finches did not numbers of Vesper Sparrows were reported Gray Catbirds were reported n. of their nor- fare well during the harshest weather. A o' from all states except Missouri this winter. mal range, most in late December although Rose-breasted Grosbeak was found dead at Dark-eyed Juncos were more abundant than the bird at Shades S.P., Ind., successfully South Bend, Ind., Feb. 20 (SG) while an Indi- last winter but were only locally common. wintered (AB). At least 15 Brown Thrashers go Bunting succumbedin Warrick County, Tree Sparrows were abundant in n. statesbut wintered in the n. portion of the Region. The Ind., Feb. 14 (JC). The anticipated major were generallyscarce farther s. SingleChip- Curve-billed '•hrasher successfullywintered flight of winter finches never materialized. ping Sparrows were noted at South Bend at Solon, Ia. (m.ob.). Incredibly, a second However, the "moderate" numbers en- Dec. 18 (•'SG), and all winter at feeders in bird appearedin Iowa at Rathbun Res., Jan. countered Regionwide were a noticeable im- Lima, O. (•'JF) and Cleveland(ph.,TD). Har- 31-Feb. 28+ (•'CSfiT, m.ob.). American provement over the past 2 winters. Evening ris' Sparrows appeared e. to ShadesS.P., Robins were more abundant than last winter; Grosbeakswere widespreadin all states. Peak Ind., Feb. 6-17 (AB,m.ob.) and FindleyS.P., flocks of 100-600 were reported from all numberswere generally30-60 although most O., Jan. 12 ('['JP). White-crownedSparrows states. A distinct mid-February influx observersreported < 10. Purple Finches were were scarceRegionwide while White-throated brought hundreds flocking to ornamental common everywhereexcept Ohio. A concen- Sparrows were more abundant than last win- plantings in urban areas. Five Varied tration of 1500-2000was reported from Lewis ter. Fox Sparrows were well reported from Thrushes were reported: Oregon, Ill., Dec. 20 County, Mo., Jan. 7 (RD). Several observers arcas n. of their normal range. Lincoln's (MS), Waterloo, la., all winter (•'FM, mentioned flocks of 200-250 birds while most Sparrowswintering in n.w. Missouri were un- m.ob.), Parma, O., Dec. 25-Feb. 28 + (•'M, finches were encounterd in flocks of 40 or usual (•'DE,L). Lapland Longspurswere not TL), Lima, O., in early February (tJF,•'BS) less. House Finches continued to expand W conspicuous,owing to a general absenceof and Beverly Shores, Ind., in January and through the Region. Cincinnati feeders now snow cover. Most reports were of 60 or fewer February (ph.,KB). Hermit Thrushes were support 4-15 birds (W). In Kentucky, up to although 400 were in Sioux Center, Ia., Jan. well reported from n. areas. Swainsoh's 180 were noted at Eubank (JE) while small 2 (JV) and 1000 at Sterling, IlL, Jan. 15 Thrushes were closely examined and thor- numbers were reported from Danville and (BSh). A major movementof Snow Buntings oughly documented from Cleveland Dec. 20 Louisville. A single bird was documented in early January produced large flocks in s. (•'DCr) and Dunes S.P., Ind., Jan. 31 (•'KB). from an Urbana, 111., feeder Jan. 4-24 areas including 400 near Dayton (fide CM), Populations of E. Bluebirds are slowly recov- (•'RBi). Pine Grosbeakswere widespreadin 100 near Cincinnati (PP et al.) and 500 in ering, exhibiting marked increases in Mis- n.w. Indiana after late January with a maxi- JohnsonCounty, Ind. (BG). This specieswas souri and lessergains in other s. states. They mum of 21 at South Bend Feb. 14 (SG et aL). generally plentiful Regionwide. A flock of are still scarceor absent in many n. areas. Elsewhere,single birds were reported from 5 2500 at O.W.R., Feb. 15 was probably north- Iowa, 2 Missouri, one Ohio and one Illinois bound migrants (TL). KINGLETS THROUGH WARB- locations. Most remained in n. areas LERS-An encouraging number of Golden- although they wandered S to St. Joseph, EXOTICS--Wintering Mute Swansare be- crowned Kingletswas reported; maxima were Mo., Dec. 14 (•'L). Small flocks of 15-60 coming regular throughout the Region. Sin- 10-15at manylocalities. Ruby-crowned King- Corn. Redpolls were reported from all n. gle birds werereported from 2 Indiana loca- lets remainedscarce. The latestWater Pipits stateswhile scatteredgroups of 1-6 rangedto tions (KB,MR), 2-4 visited 3 Lake Erie cities were severalat Falls of the Ohio, Ky., Dec. 3 l Columbus (JF,BS) and St. Louis (MP). A in Ohio (m.ob.), five wintered near Spring- (S, BM). Cedar Waxwings were common in possibleHoary Redpoll in Iowa awaits review field, Mo. (CB) and 1-6 were noted at 3 Illi- most areas, flocks of 100-500 were noted Re- by the Iowa RecordsCommittee. Pine Siskins nois locations(m.ob.}. A Barnacle Goose was gionwide. A noticeable influx during late were numerous and widely reported from reported from Union County Conservation January and February swellednumbers in n. feeders across the Region. Flocks of 50-200 Area, 111.,Jan. 3 (K et al.). A singleMonk areas. Northern Shrikes remained in the n. were present in all states. American Parakeet was seen in Texas County, Mo., stateswhere a total of 16 reports was receiv- Goldfinch was common in most areas Dec. 22 (DH) while 2-8 were reportedfrom 4 ed. LoggerheadShrikes declined on Kentucky although specific numbers were seldom men- Illinois locations (m.ob.). A well described

306 AmericanBirds, May 1981 bird fitting the descriptionof a 9 European William Klamm, (P) Peter Peterson, (S) Jones, C. Keller (Indiana), T. Keller, J. Lan- Siskin was in Urbana, Ill., Jan. 31-Feb. 8 Anne Stamm (Kentucky), (T) Thomas Kent ding, E. Larson, T. LePage, C. Mathena, R. (tRBi,'•RC). (Iowa), (W) Art Wiseman. Other observers Mercer (RMe), B. Monroe, F. Moore, R. and reporters included: L. Augustine, T. Myers (RM), J. Neal, R. Nuss, D. Parker, L. UNCORROBORATED REPORTS--The Barksdale (TBa), A. Barron (ABa), K. Bartel Parker, P. Payne, M. Peters, T. Peterson, R. following reportswere not satisfactorilydoc- (KBa), T. Bartlett (TB), R. Biss (RBi), R. Phipps, J. Pogacnik, C. Reed, W. Reeves, umented but may be valid: Green Heron at Bjorklund (RBj), R. Bodman (RB), C. Bon- M. Riemenscheider, J. Robinson, B. Rud- Louisville Feb. 7, Brant at Gibson Res., Ind., ner, J. Boyer, L. Brenner, K. Brock (KB), A. den, L. Rosche, C. Scott, B. Shaw (BSh), P. in early January, an Ovenbird overwintering Bruner (AB), J. Campbell, M. Campbell, L. Snetsinger, J. Stafferahn, B. Stehling (BS), at Cincinnati and a Lincoln's Sparrow at a Carter, R. Chapel, D. Chase (DCh), P. D. Stover (DSt), D. Summerfield (DS), M. Mills County, Ia. feeder. Clyne, D. Corbin (DCr), D. Coskren (DC), Swan, J. Van Dyk (JV), J. Ver Steeg (JVS), R. DeCoster, T. Denbow, A. Dierkes, D. M. Weldon, A. Westerman, B. Wilson, J. CONTRIBUTORS--(Sub-regionai Easterla, J. Elmore, D. Fiske, K. Forcum, J. Wilson (Missouri), R. Windsor, F. Woley, J. editors' names in boldface type; contributors Fry, S. Getty, B. Gill, R. Goetz, J. Wylie. In addition, many personswho could are requestedto send their reports to these Greenberg, L. Harrison, D. Hatch, J. Haw not be individually acknowledgedsubmitted editors.) Major contributors (H) Dave (JR), J. Herman (JHe), P. Hoell, W. notes to the various sub-regional Bohlen, (J) Bruce Peterjohn (Ohio), (K) ¾er- Holloway, V. Humphreys, Dan Jones(DaJ), reports.--BRUCE G. PETERJOHN, 105-K non Kleen (Illinois), (L) Floyd Lawhon, (M) Dave Jones (D J), Dennis Jones (De J), M. E. TiconderogaDr., Westerville, Ohio 43081.

CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION other grebesseen previously /Robert B. Hamilton (JK). A Manx Shearwater was found dead on the beach at Ft. Pickens, Es- The winter was very dry throughout the cambia Gulf Is. N. S., Fla., Region and the resulting distribution of sur- Jan. 17 (C&DB); this pro- face water profoundly affected the distribu- vided the first n.w. Florida [f•ll••l•l:••l • [ [•[• l .• l• tion of waterfowl, shorebirds and other record (fide CK) and only water-dependentbirds. Temperatures varied the second I know of from from unseasonably warm in to the Gulf Coast. An almost colder than normal in late winter in the unprecedentedsix Audubon I l: •l:•l•::• southern and eastern sectionsof the Region. Shearwaters were observed Perhapsthe economywas responsiblefor the flying E approximately 200 apparentlyreduced level of bird-watchingac- m from shore on Feb. 22 at tivity. In Louisiana, the traditional wintering Holly Beach; a cold front areas of Sandhill Cranes and Golden Eagles had just passed and there were not checkedand many of the interesting was a strongNW wind. The records were associated with Christmas Bird birds passed one at time Counts (hereafter, CBC). Birders who got approximately every 5 min out were rewarded with interestingobserva- (JK). tions. This was a relatively good winter for A Brown Pelican was Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finches and found in Jackson County, siskins. Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Miss., Dec. 4 (JT,MH), and ....:•i•::*j•}•-:::?'" 5:•:;::...-::::5:7:-:-•--;'.-.• -? :•-....": ':.:. ;::;. ?.::. L.-:---:-:::'?.::L.-:.:•--:•:•:.Z"-:::•z'".•,•:;..... Kinglets, Fox and Field Sparrowsseemed es- a Great Cormorant was pecially common. As usual, unexpectedrari- foundon the Gulf Shores, Ala. CBC-(HK). from a flock of three at a swamp n. of Sarpy, ties were found: Manx Shearwater, Iceland Double-crested Cormorants were especially St. Charles Par. •ide RJS). A Eueasian Gull, and Collared Swift in Florida; Arctic abundant at Clear L., Natchitoches Par., this Wigeon wintered in New Orlmns and was Loon in Mississippi;Glaucous Gull in Arkan- winter (CV). The Olivaceous Cormorant observed regularly Dec. 14-Feb. 22 sas; FerruginousHawk in Alabama; Audu- found on the JacksonCounty CBC (BCh,TF) (RDP,NN,JK,MMy,m.ob.); this represents bon's Shearwater and Eurasian Wigeon in furnishedonly the secondMississippi record. the first convincing Louisiana record. There Louisiana. There was no apparent pattern to Gannets were visible from shore near Holly were two Black Ducks at L. Millwood, Little explainthe presenceof the rarities, but many Beach, Cameron Par., Feb. 14 (2 ad., 5 River Co., Ark., Jan. 22 (CM). On Dec. 22, of the rare birds were pelagic. imm.), Feb. 15 (5 ad. 12 imm.), Feb. 22 (ten) five Grmter Scaup were identified at the Hat- (VR,DuH,PO,MR et al.) and more than 100 tiesburg sewage ponds (TF). Offshore at LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL-- Feb. 24 & 25 (JK). Two Green Herons were at Jackson County, Miss., Dec. 4 there were ap- The Arctic Loon observedat the Pascagoula Marsh Islands Golf Course, Jackson Co., proximately 30,000 smup (JT,MH). There R. Marsh at Gautier, Jackson Co., Miss., Miss., Dec. 4 (JT,MH) and one was at the were also l•ge rafts of scaup off the Louisi- Dec. 21 (BCh) representedthe second state sewagelagoons, Gulf Shores, Ala., Jan. 16 ana coast. The more than 20 Corn. Gold- record. Red-throated Loons were present in (CDC,RWL) and Feb. 2-9 (G J). Reddish eneyesoffshore at Hancock County, Miss., n.w. Florida in February (JMS). Eared Egrets were regular on the St. Joe Pen. this Dec. 6 (MH,JT,TF), seemed abundant until Grebes again appeared in numbers in Mis- winter (fide HMS). The mild winter probably 202 were found on the Jackson County CBC. sissippi with 55 at the Hattiesburg sewage contributed to the presenceof two Plegadis Oldsquaws were found throughout the ponds Dec. 18 (TF,DaH); they were common ibisesat L. Millwood, Hempstead Co., Ark., Region: one at L. Fayetteville, Ark., Feb. at Clear L., Natchitoches Par. (CV), and Dec. 15-21 (CM,H&MP); one was seen well 9-Mar.9 (RR,CWo,JN); one at Radnor L., were unexpectedlyat three different sites in enough to tell that it was a Glossy. Nashville Dec. 31-Jan. 12 (MLB,m.ob.); one n.w. Florida: one at Pace, Santa Rosa Co., near Holly Beach Feb. 14 (VR,N&PCN et Dec. 19 (BM); one at Bay County Jan. 2 WATERFOWL--At Franklin Res., three al.); three in the the Tennessee R., s. of (MC,B&SJS); and two at St. Joe S.P., Gulf Whistling Swans wintered Dec. 7-Feb. 22 Triana, between Madison and Morgan coun- Co., Feb. 7 (B&LA,JMS), and five there Feb. (HW,CS) for the seventh Nashville area re- ties, Ala., Jan. 10 (CDC,RWL); one at Hat- 12 (JMS). Western Grebes were found in cord. Six White-fronted Geese were at tiesburg sewageponds Feb. 1 (JF); and sever- Louisiana for the fifth time this winter at the Wheeler N.W.R., Ala., Dec. 6 (DMB,RWL, al large rafts of 50 or more nmr Horn I., Gulf of Mexico near Holly Beach, Cameron CDC,CAB); there were 900 at Banfield Res., Miss., Feb. 24 (JAJ). The report of 50 or Par.: one Feb. 14 (VR,NN et al.); two there n.e. of McGehee, Desha Co., Ark., Jan. 31 more nmr Horn I., Miss., Feb. 24 (JAJ). The Feb. 25 (JK,A1S,LH); and one Feb. 22--it (H&MP,JS,C&JB). On Nov. 22, a Black- report ofa O King Eider at St. Joe S. P., Gulf apparently had lighter plumage than the bellied Whistling Duck was shot by a hunter Co., Fla., Feb, 7 (JMS,•LA) and Feb. 8

Volume 35, Number 3 307 an immature in Madison and Marshall cos., (OF,MF,VF,AS) was the second for n.w. Ala., Jan. 10 (CDC,RWL); an immature at Florida. A Great Black-backed Gull wintered L. Maumelle, Pulaski Co., Ark., Jan. 30 at Destin Pass, Fla., Dec. 12-Jan. 14; this is (H&EMH); and one at Hurricane Lake the seventhconsecutive year one has wintered W.M.A., White Co., Ark., Feb. 11 (BMc). there (RD). One was at the Naval Air Station, An adult and an imm. Bald Eagle wintered at Pensacola Feb. 28 (MLM et aLL A first-year Clear L., Natchitoches Par. (CV), and an Lesser Black-backed Gull was at St. Joe Pen., adult was near Wilton, Little R. Co., Ark., Jan. 28 (HMS,JMS); two first-year and one Jan. 5 (CM). Two wintering concentrations second-yearbirds were there Feb. 14 (JMS). were reported: 12 (2 ado preying on water- Four Bonaparte's Gulls were at Hattiesburg fowl at Banfield Res., Desha Co., Ark., Jan. sewage ponds Feb. I (TF), and one was at 31 (H&MP,JS,C&JB); and 26 at Guntersville Sibley L., Natchitoches Par., Jan. 5 (CV). Res., and the TennesseeR. below in early They were especiallycommon in n.w. Florida January(CDC,RWL). A nestingpair wasob- with 9.4/party-hour on CBCs compared to served chasing away an immature at White the previous high in the last 10 years of Kitchen, St. Tammany Par., Feb. 8 (NN, 5.9/party-hour on (fide CK). CBo,DK). The 50 Marsh Hawks at coastal The mild winter probably helps to explain King Eider, St. Joe S.P., Gulf Co., Fla., Feb. Baldwin County, Ala., Jan. 17 were more the Yellow-billed Cuckoo near Oppelo, Ark., 7, 1981. Photo/Brooks Atherton. than usual (CDC,RWL). The only non-CBC Dec. 4 (JR). The Burrowing Owl that PeregrineFalcons reported were one at Perdi- wintered near Holly Beach was last reported (m.ob.) representsthe second n.w. Florida do Key, Escambia Co., Ala., Feb. 28 (OF) Feb. 15 (VR,Be,MR); one was at Gulf Is- record (fide RD). and one at Bay St. Louis, Hancock Co., lands N.S., Fla., Jan. 16-31 (RD,m.ob.). The Single White-winged Scoterswere found at Miss., Dec. 28 (MH,JT). A Merlin was seen Long-cared Owl found in Poinsett County Radnor L., Nashville, Jan. 9-10 (CS,A J); in occasionallythroughout the winter at the e. Dee. 23 (JR), was road-killed and the fifth the Tennessee R., s. of Triana (CDC,RWL); campus of the Univ. of (JRe). record for n.e. Arkansas, but the two near and two were near Holly Beach Feb. 14 (Be, Sandhill Cranesapparently wintered at and Pine City, Monroe Co., Ark., Feb. 14 DuH,PO et al.). The Surf Scoter reported at near Holla Bend N.W.R., Yell Co., Ark.: 3-4 (FB,WMS), were found alive; many of the Radnor L., last period stayeduntil Dee. 10 were reported by variousobservers through- records for the Region are of road kills. The (MLB et al.); two were at Bellefontaine out the period. In Louisiana, 13 appeareds. Com. Nighthawk at Lynn Haven, Bay Co., Beach, Jackson Co., Miss., Dec. 20 (Beh, of L. Charles, Cameron Par., Jan. 25 (CW); Fla., Jan. 2 (EG) was the first January occur- TF); one was near Decatur, Ala., Jan. 12-13 unfortunately no one checkedthe Cheneyville rence locally. (DCH); and seven were near Holly Beach area for its usual wintering flock so it is im- A swift was found in Forrest County, Feb. 14-15 (VR,MR et al.). Black Scoters possibleto say if the Cameron Par. birds are Miss., Dec. 18 (TF); it is not known whether were only reported at two locations: five near a new flock or an offshoot of the Cheneyville the bird was a very late Chimney Swift or the Holly Beach Feb. 14 {Be,VR et al.), and one flock. The one at Wheeler N.W.R., Dec. 4 rarely wintering Vaux's Swift. The swift near Decatur Dec. 21-Jan. 8 (DCH). Ruddy (CD,RP), representsthe first Alabama Ten- found freshly dead at Vista del Mar, Perdido Ducks were numerous: the 1800 at Robco L., nessee Valley record (fide TI). A Purple Key Jan. 25 (JM&SMM), was a Collared Tenn., Jan. 2 (L&BBC), was the largest Gallinule, always rare in winter, was at Bay Swift (Streptoprocnezonaris); this is the first number ever seen in Shelby County; there County, Fla., Jan. 2 (B,D,>). specimenfor the United States(fide CK); the were approximately 1000 at Anderson's, specimenis an ad. female of the Mexican sub- Lonoke Co., Feb. 26 (H&EMH); and 2500 SHOREBIRDS THROUGH HUMMING- speciesmexicana {JWH). were at Horseshoe and Porter lakes., Crit- BIRDS--Killdeer were reported as especially A Rufous Hummingbird wintered surpris- tenden Co., Ark., Dec. 10 (T.O.S.). The 30 common in n.w. Florida this winter; there ingly far n. at Monroe, La. {DTK). This is Hooded Mergansers at the Hattiesburg were 7.6/party-hour found on their CBCs only the secondrecord for n.e. Louisiana;the sewageponds Dec. 17 (TF), were considered compared to a previous high in the last 10 first is of a bird found on Oct. 15, 1980 (fide numerous as were the 37 at L. Millwood, years of 3.7/party-hour (fide CK). The six DTK). Ron Stein and Nancy Newfield band- Hempstead Co., Ark., Jan. 11 and the 121 Am. Golden Plovers at Anderson's, Lonoke ed hummingbirdsat Ron's feederin Reserve, there Jan. 22 (CM); the 11 at L. Maumelle, Co., Ark., were a day earlier than the St. John the Baptist Par., this winter; they Pulaski Co., were considered unusual. In the previous first arrival date of Feb. 27 banded 16 Rufous Hummingbirds and Ron Nashville area a very light movement of (H&EMH), but the three Black-bellied estimated that there were al least 30 present. Com. Mergansers was reported in late Plovers at L. Millwood, Hempstead Co., The only Black-chinned Hummingbird re- December and early January (N.T.O.S.). Jan. 3 were 5 days late for Arkansas (CM). A ported this winter was banded Jan. 17 at Re- Marbled Godwit was at PascagoulaR. marsh serve by them. The three hummingbirds at a HAWKS, CRANES AND GALLIN- Jan. 6 (JT,MH). The Whimbrel at Bay Coun- feeder in Ocean Springs,Jackson Co., Miss., ULES--Both Sharp-shinned and Cooper's ty Jan. 2 representsthe first January and se- Nov. 15-Feb. 28 + (M J, fide JT), were uni- hawks were seen regularly this winter; they cond winter record for n.w. Florida. dentified. were reported on the majority of our CBCs; I Although Lesser Yellowlegs are uncommon usually saw one or two on my field trips. at Natchitoches, one was at Sibley L., Dec. 29 WOODPECKERS THROUGH PIPITS-- They were reported as regular at feeders in (CV). An Am. Woodcock was observed in The Com. Flicker at Coulee Wildlife Ref., the Nashville area (N.T.O.S.). Rough-legged courtship flight surprisingly as far s. as New Morehouse Par., Dec. 26 (BTK,MaC,RA) Hawks were found several times in the Nash- Orleans Feb. 9 (JK). The first arrival reported was the Red-shafted form. A W. Kingbird ville area: one Dec. 27 (MD,AC); two Jan. of the Pectoral Sandpiperwas one at the Bon- was found at Ft. Pickens, Fla., Dec. 28 11-12 (MLB,JM,VP); and one Jan. 13 net Carte Spillway, St. Charles Par., Feb. 28 (L&RSD), and Jan. 14 at Gulf Breeze, Fla. (D&PC). The only other one reported was at (MW). The W. Sandpiper at Heloise, on the (LD). An Ash-throatedFlycatcher was repor- Irish Bayou, Orleans Par., Feb. 8 (NN,DK, Mississippi R., Jan. 12, furnished the first ted at Gulf Breeze Jan. 6; there are four pre- CBo). The Ferruginous Hawk found on the Dyer County, Tenn., winter record (WGC). vious Florida records--three of them in n.w. Hancock County CBe (BCh) representedon- There was a Least Sandpiper at the same Florida (fide LD). There was one at Gum ly the second Mississippirecord, but the one placethat day. The Dunlin at Percy Priest L., Cove, Cameron Par., Jan. 25 (JK,LH). Tree found at the Mariculture Center, Gulf Shores Nashville, Dec. 7 (D&PC), was unexpected. Swallows were found farther n. than usual Jan. 16-17 (CDC,RWL) was Alabama's first. Two Parasitic Jaegerswere observedhar- when 30 were found at Anderson's, Lonoke The Broad-winged Hawk at the Hattiesburg assing Laughing Gulls at the e. jetty of the Co., Ark., Dec. 21 (H&EMH). An apparent- sewageponds Feb. 25 & 28 (TF,DaH), was Calcasieu R., Cameron Par., Feb. 14 ly wintering Barn Swallow was found at probably an early migrant, but the one at Bay (VR,DuH,PO). The first winter imm. Glau- EscatawbaBridge, JacksonCo., Miss., Dec. County, Fla., Jan. 2 (E&SL) must have been cous Gull seen and photographed at L. Mill- 20 (TF); the one at Bay County, Fla., Feb. 14 wintering. wood, Dec. 6, representedthe secondArkan- (GT) was the first reported February occur- The only Golden Eagles reported were sas record. (CM,H&MP). An !eeland Gull at rence there and 22 days earlier than previous from Arkansas and Alabama: an adult and Perdido Key, Escambia Co., Fla., Jan. 4 spring records. Three Purple Martins (2c•,

308 American Birds, May 1981 1c?) were certmnly unexpectedat New Iberla, at Bucktown Marina, Jefferson Par, Dec 16 (Tennessee), Cheryl Boise (CBo), David Iber•a Par., Dec. 23 (MJM); the earhest (NON); the one at Pensacola, Escambia Co., Booth (DBo), Crmg A. Brown, D. Mark spring arrival reported was Jan. 29 at Mos- Fla. (P&JD, fide BM), in late January and Brown, Charles and Dot Brownold, Carolyn elle, James Co., Miss. (TF). A Corn. Crow early February provided only the fourth win- Bullock (CBu), Fred Burnside, P. Fairly was unexpected in coastal Louisiana on the ter record. Chandler, Bob Chapel (BCh), Vijay Char, Johnson's Bayou CBC Dec. 21, (MMy) as Ben B. Coffey Jr., (w. Tennessee),Lula Cof- was the Fish Crow at Hattiesburg, Miss., FINCHES--A Rose-breasted Grosbeak fey, Monica Coker, C. Dwight Cooley, Matt Jan. 5 (TF). Carolina Chickadeesare also not was at New Orleans Dec. 23 (NON) and a Courtman (MAC), Dot Crawford, Paul usually found in coastal Louisiana but six Black-headedGrosbeak was photographedat Crawford, Annella Creech, Bruce Crider, W were found at the Hackberry woods on the Hattiesburg Feb. 13 (MN,TF,DaH,PK,JF). Glen Criswell, Cecil Davis, Helen D•nkel- Sabine N.W.R. CBC Dec. 20 (BC,DBo,VC). The Indigo Bunting reported Dec. 22 at Gun- spiel, Milbrey Dugger, Lucy Duncan, R This was an invasion year in Louisiana for tersville, Ala. (DMB,CH) represented the Scott Duncan, Robert Duncan, Pat and J•m Red-breasted Nuthatches; there were reports first record for the TennesseeValley region of Dyehouse, Craig Empson, Terrie Fmrley, from throughout the state and it was found Alabama (fide TI). There are few winter Owen Fang, Mike Farley, Jean Freeman, on most of the CBCs. There were a few records of Dickcissels in the Nashville area so Vance Furnans, Ernest Gladstone, Mary around Nashville all winter, but not enough the one at Ashland City Dec. 20 (CE) was of Gray, Edith M. Halberg, Henry Halberg, to be considered an invasion (fide MLB). interest. Evening Grosbeaks were found at Margaret Halsted (MgH), David Hamilton Brown Creepers were also present in Loui- scattered locations throughout the Region, (Dart), Lynn Hamilton, J. W. Hardy, Dud- siana and n.w. Florida in larger-than-usual but this did not seem to be a major invasion ley Harrington (Dull), Chuch Harston, Mal numbers. The Gray Catbird at Nashville year. In Arkansas they were scattered and Hodges, Mark Holmgren (MkH), D C Nov. 22 (J&MDA), if not a migrant, mostly confined to the n. (CM). In Memphis Hulse, Thomas Imhof (Alabama), Greg representedone of only a few winter records the maximum number reported was 26 on Jackson, Jerome A. Jackson (Mississippi), there and the one at Fayetteville, Washington Dec. 3 (T.O.S.). Maximum numbersreported Mr. and Mrs. Max Jordan, Alan Just•ss, Co., Ark., Jan. 30 (JN), was unexpectedin were 75 each at Natchitoches and Campti, D.T. Kee, Gordon Kennedy, Joe Kennedy, winter. A Sage Thrasher was found several NatchitochesPar. (CV); many were reported Douglas Kibbe, Curtis Kingsbery (Florida), times in January at Ft. Pickens, Fla.: Jan. 8 at Starkville, Oktibbeha Co., Miss. (JAJ). Helen Kittinger, Paul and Donna Kittie, Pen- (obs. unknown), Jan. 15 (L&RSD,OF), Jan. They reached as far s. as Baton Rouge (BC) ny Kochtitzky, Eric Lefstad, Sandra Lefstad, 31 (CK,RD, MLM,PFC,m.ob.); there is only and n.w. Florida (GT,B&MAM,MG). There Roy W. Lowe, Edie Massey, Mary Lou Mat- one previous record for n.w. Florida. (fide was a moderate Purple Finch invasion; the tis, Jane Maynard, Burney McClurk•n CK). A Wood Thrush was at New Orleans maximum I found in my yard was about 85. (BMc), Ben and Mary Ann McCrary, Jean Dec. 14 (JRe). This was apparently an inva- The House Finch is continuing its penetra- M. and Samuel McMillan, Mac McMdlan, sion year in Louisiana for Golden-crowned tion into our Region. This winter there were Ruth McMillan, Charles Mills (Arkansas), Kinglet with relatively high numbers numerous reports from Alabama and Ten- Bill Milmore, Bill Moffitt (BMo), Michael J throughout. It was alsocommon in Mississip- nessee. It was at Starkville for the second Musumeche, Mac Myers (MMy), Nashwlle p• and Florida. The Florida CBCs found consecutivewinter (JAJ) and reached Mem- Tenn. Ornithological Society, Joe Neal, Nor- 0 7/party-hour compared to a previoushigh phis for the first time (CAW,LC). The male ton Nelkin (NON), Nancy Newfield, P C •n the last 10 years of 0.3/party-hour (fide and female seen and photographed at McGe- Newfield, Robert Newman (Louisiana), Mar- CK). Sprague's Pipits were reported from hee, Desha Co., Dec. 31-Jan. 6 (CB,H&MP), garet Nichols, Peter Osenton, Rebecca two Alabama locations: two at Decatur, Jan. furnished the fifth Arkansas record. Max- Palmer, Helen Parker, Max Parker, Virg•ma 12,13 (DCH) for the third TennesseeValley imum numbers recorded were the 32 at Deca- Price, R.D. Purrington, J. Reinoehl (JRe), record (fide TI), and two at Alabama Pt., tur, Ala., Feb. 28 (CAB,DMB), and approxi- Van Reinsen, Robin Rhinehart, Mark Rob- Jan. 4 (GJ,JAJ). mately the same number at some feeders in bins, John Row, William M. Shepherd,Alan the Nashville area (N.T.O.S.). Sheppard,A1 Sinalley (A1S), Noreen Smith, WARBLERS THROUGH TANAGERS-- Pine Siskin was a major invasion speciesin Barbara Stealman, Steven J. Stealman, Ron- In addition to the scattered rare warblers re- the n. half of our Region but only occurred in ald J. Stein, Jane Stern, Henry M. Stevenson, ported on the CBCs (16 speciesin Louisiana), moderatenumbers in the s. half (seeCBCs). James M. Stevenson, Carol Stewart, Tennes- a Black-and-white was reported at Johnson's It was reported to be the major invader in see Ornithological Society, Phil Tetlow, Bayou, Cameron Par., Feb. 15 (MR,VR, Tennessee(N.T.O.S.) and Arkansas (CM). Brena and David Todd, Gladys Todd, Judith BC), and one was at Baton Rouge Feb. 19 Some Nashville-area flocks had 40+ Toups, Charles Viers, Henry Walker, Melwn (VR et al.). An Orange-crowned Warbler was (N.T.O.S.) and there were several flocks of Weber, Mrs. Charles A. West, Charhe at Bruins, Crittenden, Co., Ark., Jan. 16 >100 in Arkansas (CM). Unbelievably, one White, Fred Wicke, Charlie Wooten (LC). Single Nashville Warblers were at yard in Memphis wintered 1500 and another (CWo).--ROBERT B. HAMILTON, School Grand Isle, Jefferson Par., Dec. 11 (GK), had 200 (T.O.S.). A Harris' Sparrow was of Forestry and Wildlife Management, and at Guntersville L., Marshall Co., Ala., found on President's I., Memphis Jan. 14 Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA Dec. 13 (RWL). The Yellow Warbler at (HD,CBu,NS). In Cameron Par., one was 70803. Shepard S.P., Jackson Co., Miss., Dec. 4 found near Johnson'sBayou Dec. 15 (MkH), (JT,MH) was probably a late migrant. A and one was near Cameron Feb. 14 (VR,MR Prairie Warbler was at Bucktown Marina, et al.). An immature was near Ft. Morgan, PRAIRIE PROVINCES REGION Jefferson Par., Dec. 18 (NON) and one was in Baldwin Co., Ala., Jan. 10 (RD et al.). This /Wayne C. Harris Bay County, Fla., Jan. 2 (E&SL); the Florida was a good year for Fox Sparrows in Loui- record representsthe first for January in the siana and Mississippi (see CBCs). area and only the third winter record ever. At Percy Priest L., Nashville area, a Snow The winter, if it could be called that, was The Ovenbird at Fort Pickens Jan. 11 Bunting was photographed and seen often in rather lacklustre bird-wise. In spite of a sea- (C&DB,L,R&RSD), was also the first n.w. the period Dec. 6-Feb. 16 (M&RM,m.ob); son that had almost all of its weather w•th Florida January occurrence. A o' Hooded this is the secondbird known to have spent above normal temperaturesand little precipi- Warbler was a window casualty at Elks L., the winter in the Nashville area and the tation, birds were scarce. There were several Forrest Co., Miss., Dec. 15 (EM,TF,JF,PK). fourth occurrencethere. The only Lapland factors which may have accounted for th•s. A Mourning Warbler lingered s. of Sulphur Longspurs reported were five at Wheeler First was the extremely cold weather during •n Calcasieu Par., until Dec. 16 (BMo). Al- N.W.R., Ala., Dec. 6 (CAB,DMB,CDC, the first two weeksof December, which may thoughN. Orioles were not reportedon many RWL); eight at Turrell, Crittenden Co., have killed or forced south many lingering CBCs, I was impressedwith their abundance Ark., Jan. 24 (L&BBC); and five at Alabama migrants. Second, the very mild weather and as three wintered in my yard; a different indi- Pt., Jan. 10 (RD et al.). general lack of snow cover allowed birds to vidual was at a feeder about 0.5 mi distant. remain dispersedrather than concentratedat Brewer's Blackbirds were reported from CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) and OB- feeders and sheltered areas as they normally severallocations; the most interestingrecord, SERVERS--R. Albritton, Jan Alexander, are. Third and probablymost significantwas becauseof its location, is the one on the Gun- Mark D. Alexander, Brooks and Lyn Ather- the poor wild food crop in much of the area, tersville, Ala. CBC. A Summer Tanager was ton, Clara Bean, Jeff Bean, Michael L. Bierly a result of last summer's drought. Finally,

Volume 35, Number 3 309 Jan 2 near Gull L, Sask (BF). Short-eared Owl numbers were somewhat higher, after several low years, •oo• (BK). Eastend,Sask., and Vimy, Alta., reported with a scatteringof reports acrossthe s. por- single Cooper's Hawks tion of the Region. Dec. 9 & Jan. 14 respec- tively (TD,JL). There WOODPECKERS--A Scatteringof Com were three Red-tailed Flickers was reported from s. Saskatchewan Hawk sightingsfrom s.e. and a 9 "Red-shafted" was presentin Winni- Manitoba (RFK,NJC). peg Jan. 11 (fide RKF). Red-headedWood- Wintering populationsof peckers are extremely rare in winter in s. Rough-legged Hawks Manitoba, thus four at Balmoral was con- were above average in sidered exceptional.A N. Three-toed Wood- both s.e. Manitoba and s. pecker at Churchill Jan. 11 was a rare sight- Alberta but were below ing (BC). average in s. Saskat- chewan (HWRC, JS, HORNED LARK AND CORVIDS-- MAG). The spring move- Horned Larks wintered much farther n. than ment of Marsh Hawks MONTANA DAKOTA usual and in larger numbers. In Saskatche- began well ahead of wan they were quite common n. to Yorkton, spring migrantsbegan arriving about three normal with severalreports during the last Raymore and Saskatoon where they are nor- weeks earlier than usual and the most out- week of February in s. Manitoba and one at mally uncommon at best (DGH,WCH,PON) standingwill be dealt with in this report. Wapella, Sask., Feb. 25 (DRMH, DGH). Spring arrivals were also back very early with Gyrfalcon reports were similar to last year major influxes occurring during mid-late with eight from s. Manitoba, five from Sas- January in severalareas. Gray Jay numbers LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL-- katchewan and three from Alberta, and an were up over last year's low in both Manitoba The diversity of water-related specieswas additional four from Chur chill in n. Manito- and Saskatchewan (PT,WCH). Blue Jays higheronly in s. Manitoba with diversityelse- ba (RFK,SOF, JS,BC). The only Peregrine continued their increase in abundance in this where, especially in Saskatchewan,much Falconsreported were from s. Manitoba with area with several reports remarking lower than usual. Higher numberswere gen- a singleat Kleefeld in January and two at specificallyon this (DGH). Common Crows erally not reported although winter survival Zoda Feb. 7 (DFa,HL, NJC, AB). At least were much more common this winter with was much above normal. ACom. Loon at six Am. Kestrels overwintered in Winnipeg flocks of up to 14 and 16 overwintering in s. Pine Falls, Man., Dec. 6 represented that (HWRC). Manitoba and up to 25 in Calgary provlnce'sfirst winter record (PT). Grebes (HWRC,JS). There were also reports from attemptingto overwinterrarely surviveto be GROUSE THROUGH GULLS--Virtually Edmonton and Grande Cache, Alta., and reported during the winter season.Three no Spruce Grouse reports were received,indi- Assiniboiaand Leader, Sask. (LC,JP). Spr- Red-necked Grebes and an Eared survived to cating that numbers remained very low ing migrants began arriving 2-3 weeks earlier at least Dec. 12 at Waterton N.P. (hereafter, throughout the Region. White-tailed Ptarmi- than usual with major movementsby late Waterton) and a Pied-billed to Jan. 11 at Cal- gan were reported in their usual small num- February in s. Manitoba and the first strag- gary (TH,PS). At Wabamun L., Alta., four bers from both Jasper and Waterton (GH, glers arriving 2-3 weeks earlier than usual Western and four Pied-billed Grebes were re- TH). Willow Ptarmigan were reported only with major movementsby late February in s ported, as well as a single Whistling Swan from Jasper and not from the c. forested re- Manitoba and the first stragglersarriving in Dec 14 (GRAE,ARS). Canada Geese over- gions indicating that most remained farther s. Saskatchewan by the end of February wintered at several locations, which is nor- n. than usual (RM,WCH). SageGrouse num- (RFK,BK). mal What is not normal, however, was the bers were down with only two reports:both arrival of springmigrants before mid-March. on CBCs in s.w. Saskatchewan. A Common CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES, The first report was from Val Marie, Sask., Snipe s. of Saskatoon Jan. 18 was a rare win- CREEPERS--Black-capped Chickadees ap- Feb 23 (SK); followed by Eastend and ter sighting (BCH,KMM). Glaucous Gulls peared to be somewhatmore common in s Webb, Sask., Feb. 25 (MAG,BK), Broad- were reported again this year and appear now areas while Boreals were lower at least in n view, White Bear, Indian Head and Foam L., to be a rare but regular part of our late fall Saskatchewan (RK,DGH,WCH). White- Feb 26 (DF, SOJ,MWS,WN) and Oxbow and winter avifauna. On Dec. 6 a first-year breasted Nuthatch numbers were up, particu- Feb 28 (JHP). This movementwas not mere- immature was seen at MacArthur Falls, larly in the Edmonton area (PA). Red- ly one or two early stragglersas demonstrated Man., for the province's first winter record breasted Nuthatches conversely were much by the 178 present at Eastend by Feb. 28 (IAW,PT). At Gardiner Dam, near Cutbank, lower in numbers, undoubtedly due to the (MAG). A White-fronted Goose arrived at Sa•k., two first-year immatures were seen poor sprucecone crop. Brown Creeperswere Regina Feb. 28 (FWL). Mallards were also Dec. 15 and at Regina a second-yearimma- very rare, with very few reports. reportedby the end of February from Foam ture was present Dec. 30-Jan. 3 (GJW,FWL). L (WN). Green-wingedTeal, rare during DIPPERS THROUGH WAXWINGS-- winter, were reported from Banff Dec. 14 OWLS--All species of owls (except Dipper numberswere much lower than usual and at Calgary Feb. 3 (GH,ANW, OD). A c• Snowy) were scarcein s. Manitoba although at Waterton. This however, may merely be Redhead remained to Dec. 12 at Waterton in normal numbers elsewhere. Screech Owls, owing to more extensive open water rather and another at Gardiner Dam, Sask., to Dec. rare in Saskatchewan were seen at Moose Jaw than an actual population decline(TH). Two 15 (TH,GJW). SevenBarrow's Goldeneyes Jan. 3 and Lumsden Feb. 17, both singles, Brown Thrashers overwintered in s. Mani- were seenon the Bow R., in Calgary Jan. 11 while two were heard near Regina Feb. 22 toba, one at Pipestone, the other at Winnipeg along with two Bufflehead and a rare c2 (EWK,BL). SnowyOwls were presentin low- (DB,PAH,RFK). At least three Varied Harlequin Duck the same day and location to-average numbers, except in s. Manitoba Thrushes overwintered in Winnipeg, two (PS) and e.c. Saskatchewan,where they were high- imm. males and one ad. male (fide FRK) er than normal. An amazing 52 were seen Golden-crowned Kinglets were very scarce Feb. 14 in the Morris-Carman-Starbuck, with virtually no reports, althoughthe first HAWKS, EAGLES, FALCONS--Gos- Man., area (DRMH). Nine Hawk Owls were spring migrantsarrived very early Feb. 21 at hawk numbers were about average through- reported from Alberta, mostly from the foot- Waterton (TH). Bohemian Waxwings were out the Region except in the Cumberland hills, while only singlesightings were reported generallyscarce in Alberta and Saskatchewan House-Hudson Bay, Sask., area where from Saskatchewanand Manitoba (JS,ARS, (exceptRegina and Saskatoon)probably owing exceptionallyhigh numberswere reportedfor GH,WCH). Great Gray Owls were most to the verypoor berry crop. Southern Manitoba the second year in a row, and possibly the common in s.e. Manitoba as usual with 105 had more than usual, leading one to speculate Victoria Beach-Milner Ridge, Man., area sightings,including a major influx of 78 in that the majorityof birdsmoved E to presum- where six were seenDec. 6 (WCH,RFK). The February (HWRC,RWN). The only Pygmy ably betterfood sources.The usualsmall num- only Sharp-shinnedHawk reported was one Owl report was of two at Canmore Jan. 18 bers of Cedar Waxwingswere reported.

310 American Birds, May 1981 SHRIKES, STARLINGS AND BLACK- was 65 on Dec. 29 at Eastend (JEG,MAG). ment over a wide front was reported Feb. 28 BIRDS--Northern Shrike numbers were very Common Redpolls were common throughout in s.w. Manitoba (DRMH). low except at Edmonton (ARS). A single s. Manitoba while smaller numbers were re- Starling again attempted to overwinter at ported elsewhere.The fact that most of the CONTRIBUTORS--(Provincial compilers Churchill, unsuccessfully (BC). Western winter fincheswere seeminglymore common in boldface; local compilersin italics.) W.&J. Meadowlarks returned very early with all in the e. parts of the Region would indicate Anaka (WJA), P. Assmann, A. Blewett, F. three provincesreceiving reports by late Feb- that, like the waxwings,they may have mov- Bogdan, D. Braddell, B. Chattier, N.J. ruary (DRMH,MWS,FH). Red-winged ed E in searchof food. Both crossbillspecies Cleveland, L. Cocks, H.W.R. Copland Blackbirds were also back early with Spring were generally uncommon throughout the (Manitoba), T. Donald, O. Dropa, G.R.A. Valley reporting singlesby Feb. 21 (FB). At forest and the fact that several localities in s. Ebel, D. Fast (DFa), B. Ford, D. Francis, least four Corn. Grackles overwintered in Saskatchewan found them more common B.C. Godwin, J.B. Gollop, J.E. Gollop, Winnipeg, three at Balmoral, Man., and one would indicate too they were moving in M.A. Gollop, T. Hammell, W.C. Harris at Altona (CT,AS). searchof food after the poor cone crop in the (Saskatchewan), D.R.M. Hatch, F. Haug, forested regions. An ad. o, Rufous-sided J.D. Hayward, D.G. Hjertaas, P. Hjertaas, FRINGILLIDS--The single o, Cardinal towhee at Winnipeg becamethe first ever to G. Holroyd, P.A. Horch, E. & J. Hubbard seenregularly at Saskatoonfor over one year successfullyspend the winter in s. Manitoba (EJH), S. Johnston , S.O. Jordheim, B. now was still presentat the end of February (DRMH). A Vesper Sparrow Dec. 7 at Keating, E.W. Kern, S. Keys, R.F. Koes (PON). The winter finches were more com- Dauphin, Man., was Manitoba's first winter (Manitoba), R. Kreba, F.W. Lahrman, S.M. mon than last year but did not appearin the record (L.J. Stephen). Both Dark-eyed Jun- Lamont, (Saskatchewan), H. Lane, J. Lang, high numbersthat the fall movementsuggest- cosand Tree Sparrowsarrived very early with R. Luterbach, R. Markel, K.M. Meeres, ed theymight. EveningGrosbeaks were quite reports of both species by mid-February R.W. Nero, W. Niven, P. O'Neil (PON), common in Edmonton (PA), while Pine (DGH,PH, MAG). A single White-crowned J.H. Paton, J. Podlubny, P. Taylor, A. Grosbeaksappeared in exceptionalnumbers Sparrow survivedthe winter at Balmoral as Schritt, P. Sherrington,M.W. Skinner, A.R. only in s.c. Manitoba where they spentmuch did a singleFox Sparrow at the same locality Smith, J. Steeves,C. Thexton, G.J. Wapple, time feeding in unbarvested fields of flax (fide RFK). The first Lapland Longspurshad I.A. Ward, A.N. Wiseley.--WAYNE C. (HWRC). The only reportsof Gray-crowned arrived by Feb. 21 at Spring Valley and Feb. HARRIS, Box 414, Raymore, Sask. SOA Rosy Finchesoutside of the Alberta foothills 22 at Regina (FB,BL) and a general move- 3JO.

NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS chosen to include nearly all although DUCKS--High counts of Mallards in- documentation was seldom submitted. In cluded 21,000 Dec. 17 in Yankton County /David O. Lambeth and Craig future seasons,we ask and encourage the re- (WH), 13,100 on the Yellowstone R., and A. Faanes porters of this Region to submit substan- 14,700 on the Bighorn R., Mont., Jan. 6-7 tiating notes and/or photos for their more (TCH), and 5000 wintering at Ft. Peck unusual sightings. (CMC). Because of more open water than This winter was hardly a winter by usual Among the surprisesin such a mild winter usual, Mallards wintered at several locations standards.At Grand Forks six record highs were good numbers and variety of northern where normally absentincluding 2500 at Ar- were set in February, a month which averag- finches, and an equally surprisingdearth of rowwood N.W.R., and 600 at Salyer ed 11ø F above normal, and a -20 ø reading some passetineswhich occasionally remain N.W.R., N.D. (WJB, GAE). They first ap- was not recorded the entire season for the throughout even our harshest winters. Cer- peared at Tewaukon N.W.R., Feb. 16 and first time in 50 years.Fort Peck Lake in Mon- tainly the weather did not drive them numbers increased steadily thereafter. A tana finally iced over , only to southward--perhaps it was the poor food Black Duck wintered with Mallards at Gar- begin reopening three days later (CMC). crop resulting from the widespreaddrought rison Dam, N.D. (TAG, JMF). Temperaturesreached into the 70s in South during the previousgrowing season. Recordsfor other speciesof ducks includ- Dakota and that state was "powdery dry" as ed: Gadwall, Pintail, Am. Wigeon, Redhead, a result of the driest weather in 37 years and LesserScaup on the Bighorn R., Mont., (EMS, DLB). Acrossthe Region,snow cover GREBES THROUGH GEESE--A Horn- below the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam Jan. 7 was either absentor inconsequential. ed Grebe was present Jan. 11 on Canyon L., (TCH), 10+ Green-winged Teal Dec. 21 & Birdwatchers have always been intrigued Rapid City (NRW), and a White Pelican cap- Feb. 16, two N. Shovelers Dec. 6, all on Can- with the effects of weather on birds and this able of flight winteredon Capitol L., Pierre yon L., Rapid City (JLB,EMS,LMB), Ring- report will attempt to describewhat happen- (RLS). Double-crestedCormorants lingered necked Ducks wintering in Yankton County ed in a winter that comesalong once in every Dec. 14-30 in Yankton County, S.D. (WH), (WH), and a CanvasbackFeb. 4 on Capitol 25-50 years. The reader who compares the and ten over Rutland, N.D., Feb. 21 (SWB) L., Pierre (NRW). By Feb. 25 an influx of records below with published sourcessuch as and one at Spring Creek, Mont., Feb. 25 several speciesof ducks into Yankton Coun- The Birds of South Dakota (1978), Skaar's (MWl-I) were more than a month early. A ty, had occurred and included 500+ Red- second edition of Montana Bird Distribution Great Blue Heron was seen as late as Jan. 4 in heads (WH). (1980), and previousissues of AmericanBirds Yankton County (WH). Thousandsof Cana- January counts of Corn. Goldeneyes in- will note someunusual wintering recordsand da Geese and Mallards wintered on the Mis- cluded 3200 on the Bighorn R., and 3140 on severalspring arrival dates a month or more souri R., and 5800 were found Jan. the Yellowstone R., between Billings and earlier than thosepublished. Because most of 6-7 on the Yellowstone R., near Billings. The Fairview (TCH). The latter stretch also had these records seem credible consideringthe first movements of geesewere much earlier 800 Corn. Mergansers. A Barrow's Golden- unusual season, and were for common birds than usual and came at the end of a week of eye was present Jan. 2 at Garrison Dam familiar to observersin the Region, we have record-breaking temperatures. Canadas ap- where it is now provingto be regular in winter peared Feb. 19 at Bowdoin C[CAF), and a lone male wintered (again!) on N.W.R., Mont. (TWP), and Canyon L. (m.ob.). A wintering Bufflehead Feb. 17 at Tewaukon N.W.R., on Canyon L. (EMS), and two wintering N.D. (DGP). Severalsightings Hooded Mergansers at Pierre (CAS) were of hundreds of Canadas over a considered unusual. The prize duck of the L•ø* •'-MaltaMissouriR eOpham• wide area the following 4 days season was a Common Eider, classified as ac- attested to the scopeof this in- cidental in North Dakota, on Spiritwood L., itial flight. One hundred Snow near Jamestown Dec. I C[CAF). Geesereturned to Clay County, S.D., Feb. 17 (KJH), one was HAWKS AND EAGLES--Reports of • I . ,•, Pierre• Huron •.,•_••I•..'•o '• at Tewaukon Feb. 25 (SWB), Goshawks were from Hazen, N.D., Dec. 28 ' • i .... •':Mar;in.'_• •ø•'•: A and two were in Garfield Coun- (BJD), and Billings Jan. I (HWC). Differen- ty, Mont., Feb. 23 (TCH). tiating Cooper's from Sharp-shinnedsis no

Volume 35, Number 3 31 ! easier in winter than in other seasons and a again made at Ft Peck (CMC), Garrison S D, and one was in the Turtle Mts , N D, few of each were reported farther n. than Dam, and Oahe Res. (NRW) and are no Jan. 3. Daily meansof four and six Blue Jays usual. Cooper's were reported near Burke, longer consideredsurprising. However, one were reported from Belle Fourche and Stur- S D, Dec. 5 (GLS), Sanish, N.D., Dec. 3 second-year Glaucous Gull and a first-year gis, S.D.; three wintered at Bowdmn (BCP), and Fargo Dec. 15 (GIO). A Sharp- Thayer's Gull seenat Garrison Dam through N.W.R., and two at Joliet, Mont. Three shinned was near a Billings feeder Jan. 27 mid-February are the latest records in winter Black-billedMagpies at a Rolla, N.D. feeder (HWC), and sightingsof this speciesin South for gulls in North Dakota. The Thayer's also Jan. 18 were the first there in 15 years(PCH) Dakota totaled eight with three in Fall River represented the second state record Black-capped Chickadees wintered at Ken- County (LBS,JDM et al.). Reportedsightings (TAG,GBB,?CAF). A California Gull was mare, N.D., where they were absentlast year of Rough-leggedHawks totaled 75. Ferrugi- still present Dec. 13 at Ft. Peck (CBC). (AMG). Of 33 Black-cappeds banded at nous Hawks were observed in South Dakota Mourning Doves rarely survive the winter Brookingsone was at least 7 yearsold (NJH) Dec 21 & Feb. 8 in Rapid Valley, Pennington season in North Dakota but 14 succeeded this Red-breasted Nuthatches were generally County (EMS,RGR), and Dec. 22 & Jan. 17 year at Jamestown (CAF). scarce except for 13 daily near Rapid City, in Sully County (RLS). and one that wintered in Billings. Pygmy Mid-January surveys of eagles, coor- Nuthatches were reported from the Black dinated in the Dakotas by the state game and Hills, including ten in the immediate Rapid fish departments,gave several estimatesof City area. One Jan. 12 near Mosby, Mont, numbers wintering in favored areas: 36 ad. was an addition to the fauna of latilong L21 and 18 imm. Goldens, 287 ad. and 42 imm. (TCH). Brown Creepers wintered at Fargo, Baldsalong the MissouriR., S.D. (fide RLS), were reported Dec. 16-Feb. 16 at Rapid City, 19 ad. and 12 imm. Goldens, 17 ad. and 10 and one at Billings Feb. 1. lmm Balds, Burke area, S.D. (D. Lengkeek, fide GLS), 30 ad. and 3 imm. Goldens,43 ad. DIPPER THROUGH THRUSHES--Two and 11 imm. Balds in North Dakota (fide S. Dippers were found during February along Kohn), and 75 ad. and 21 imm. Baldson the Rapid Cr., on the e. slope of the Black Hills Yellowstone R., from Billings to Fairview An undocumented Long-billed Marsh Wren (TCH). A pair of GoldenEagles was already was found 5 mi w. of Miles City, Mont., Jan building a nest Feb. 16 in a tree usedseveral Thayer's Gull (lst winter) with Glaucous Gull 11 (TCH). Nine CaNonWrens were reported years previously in Custer County, S.D. (2rid winter), Garrison Dam, Oliver Co., s. of Rapid City, and one was in Meade (BMN). Marsh Hawks winteredin eachstate N.D., Feb. 14, 1981. Photo/T.A. Gatz. County, S.D., Jan. 21. Separate Brown and the 12 seen Jan. 14 along the Missouri Thrashers were reported Dec. 2-21 at Grand R , near Bismarckwere unusual (DGD). The An owl flushed from a hay loft near Forks (GSL,DOL), and Dec. 20-21 at first probablemigrant reported was seen Feb. Tewaukon N.W.R., Feb. 8 was positively Jamestown(EKB,fide CAF). After a tremen- 21 at Grand Forks (SOL). Gyrfalcons re- identified as a Barn Owl Mar. 7 (?SWB). The dous winter show last year, Am. Robins were ported were singlesin Sully County, S.D., relative abundance of Screech Owls in one generally scarce. One plausible reason was Jan 12 (RLS), near Reliance, S.D., Jan. 5 wooded valley of this Region was indicated the almost completelack of seedson Russian (WCT), SalyerRef., N.D., Dec. 9 (FGG), St. by responsesto taped calls at 18 locations olive and box-elder trees. An undocumented Xavmr, Mont., Jan. 1 (HWC), and Tongue along the JamesR., betweenJamestown and 9 Varied Thrush was reported Dec. 21 from River Res., Mont., Jan. 21 (BAS). A Prairie LaMoure, N.D., Feb. 2 (CAF). Some 70 Farm I., Pierre, S.D. (CAS,RLS). This was Falcon at Grand Forks Dec. 13-Jan. 15 reportsof SnowyOwls were receivedinclud- rather unusual because most Varied Thrush- preyed on pigeonsnear the Univ. of North ing six in a one-mileradias circle in Sully ed in this Region, and the Western Great Dakota campus for the second winter in a County, S.D., Dec. 22 (RLS). Very few were Lakes are males. A Mountain Bluebird at Lit- row, and a Merlin wintered in this same area observed after Jan. 20. A Barred Owl found tle Missouri Bay, L. Sakakawea, N.D., Dec for the third consecutive year (DOL,GSL). Feb. 25 at Grand Forks was probably in mi- 12 was very late (BCP). Two were reported Eight additionalsightings of Merlinsin North gration (DOL). Reportsof Long-earedOwls from South Dakota Feb. 24 in Pennington Dakota, many more than usual,included one included one in December at Fargo (CV), two County and Feb. 25 in Custer County. Town- in the Denbigh Experimental Forest Jan. 18 Feb. 16 near Reliance (WCT), and another send's Solitaires peaked at three Jan. 10, w (GBB). Feb. 24 near Burke, S.D. (GLS). Photos of a of Rapid City, and seven were reported Boreal Owl taken Feb. 7, 1978, near James- through the period from the Black Hills. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS THROUGH town were recently sent to us by out-of-starer SNIPE--Seventy-seven Greater Prairie Frances James. A Saw-whet Owl was seen KINGLETS THROUGH SHRIKES--Gol- Chickens were found Dec. 29 near McLeod, Dec. 28 at the Beulah Mine Game Manage- den-crownedKinglets were reported until late N D (fide CAF). Counts in South Dakota ment Area, N.D. (DNS,BGI,PHS). December in w. North Dakota and six were were of 50 in Hand County Dec. 7 (RLS), 18 found Dec. 21 in e. and c. South Dakota. Bo- near Loomis in Davidson County Jan. 8 KINGFISHERS, WOODPECKERS--The hemian Waxwings occurred only sparingly, (JDM), and 20 near Burke in GregoryCounty only Belted Kingfisher reported outside of largest numbers included 200 through the Dec 15 (GLS). SageGrouse were struttingon South Dakota where it was describedas being period in the upper Red River Valley, N.D, leks near the SpringCr. Mine in Montana by "all over the state", was one Feb. 27 near 250 Jan. 16 at Rapid City and 300 at Ft Feb 25 (CBC) and a coveyof Gray Partridge Miles City, Mont. (TCH). Six Red-bellied Peck. Cedar Waxwings were equally spotty, near Grand Forks was breaking up into pairs Woodpeckerswere reported from s.e. South although they apparently remained in more by Feb. 21 (DOL). A total of 144 Turkeys Dakota where they are expected.Among the locations across the Region. Northern was counted Dec. 29 along the SheyenneR., 49 Downy Woodpeckersnetted in Brookings Shrikesmade a rather dismalshowing with 10 near McLeod, N.D. (CAF), and ten Bob- County, South Dakota were two that had outside the CBC period, and only two re- white were presentnear Burke, S.D., Dec. 26 been banded 10 years previously (NJH). ported wintering. (GLS). Fargo is the one locale in this Region which Fifty-five Sandhill Cranes were more than can be counted on for Pileated Woodpeck- MEADOWLARKS THROUGH FIN- a month early Feb. 24 at Rapid City (B. Ste- ers-this winter there were five reports CHES-Western Meadowlarks were phens, fide EMS). Wintering Corn. Snipe (LLF,PPF et al.). unreported through December and January, were again reported in South Dakota in ex- 13 were at Billings Feb. 14, four in South pected areas (GRB,RMH,GGR), but obser- LARKS THROUGH CREEPERS--Re- Dakota after Feb. 19 and one at Fargo Feb vations of two at Garrison Dam Dec. 23, one lated to the unusually warm weather, Horned 21. Two Cardinals through the period at there Feb. 22, and still another the same date Larks wintered in good numbers acrossthe Fargo (CHB,BPC) were encouragingin light near Hazen (DNS,BGI), are the first North Region. The first migratory movementswere of its sporadic occurrence at that location Dakota records of overwintering snipe. noted in North Dakota during January and since 1978. Three were reported Dec. 14-Feb two territorial males were observed at James- 1 at Mitchell, and three males and two GULLS THROUGH OWLS--Early win- town Feb. 4 (CAF). Eight Gray Jayswere re- females were seen Feb. 10-27 in s.e. Clay ter observations of Glaucous Gulls were ported from Pennington and Custer cos., County, S.D. (KJH). Evening Grosbeaks

312 American Birds, May 1981 wintered across the Region, although loca- SPARROWS THROUGH SNOW BUNT- at a Mandan, N D. feeder Two at Rapid City tions were scattered and numbers generally ING-- Dec. 8-Feb. 24, and two near Belle Fourche low. Purple Finchesapparently wintered in S.A. Dec. 23, were a little w. of their usual winter- partsof SouthDakota and occurredsparing- ing and migration areas. Four White- ly in e. Montana. A Cassin's Finch was Becauseof the open winter, Lapland throated Sparrowswere at L. Mitchell, S D , reportedFeb. 23 on ArgyleRd., CusterCo., Longspurs wintered throughout the Jan. 14-Feb. 13 (JDMc,RGR). One Song and three were at Hot SpringsFeb. 25. This Region. However, several night move- Sparrow along Rapid Creek, S.D., Dec 21, speciesis consideredan uncommonwinter ments were detected at Jamestown in ad- three near Belle Fourche Dec. 23, and one visitor in the Black Hills (Pettingill and vance of snowstorms(CAF). During the Feb. 11 at the CX Ranch, Mont., were the Whitney, 1965. Cornell Univ. Spe6. Publ. eveningof Jan. 9, the mean number of only ones reported. No 1). North Dakota'ssecond House Finch, calling birds/minute was 18 between 9 a female, was at a Bismarck feeder Nov. p.m.-1 a.m., and 15/minute between5 Snow Buntings apparently stayed farther 23-Dec. 17 (RNR) (see AB 34:285). This a.m.-7 a.m. (countswere made for 5 min n. this winter; reports came only from c and specieswas commonat feedersin Billings at 15 min intervals). For the next 2 weeks, e. North Dakota. throughthe winter. Althoughreported from all nights were clear and no movements only two South Dakota locations, Pine were detected.On the eveningof Jan. 23, Grosbeaksput in a good showacross c. and prior to anothersnowstorm, calling birds CONTRIBUTORS--(Area editorsin bold- e North Dakota. The only reports of Gray- moving S averaged16/min over a 3-hour face). MONTANA--C.M.Carlson, H E crownedRosy Fincheswere of 20 through period. No movementswere detectedon Carlson, T.C. Hinz, M.W. Humphris, G Januaryin HardingCounty, S.D. and20 + at subsequentclear nights. Still another S McLaughlin, T.W. Planz, B.A. Stettler. a Havre, Mont. feeder through the period. movement was detected in advance of a NORTH DAKOTA--E.K. Bartels, W J Hoary Redpollswere reported from at least5 Feb. 14 snowstorm.Finally, Feb. 21, dur- Berg, G.B. Berkey, C.H. Brakke, M B North Dakota CBCs, but the only ones that ing a clearevening, northbound longspurs Brophy, S.W. Busching, B.P. Cummings, were heard at a rate of 13/min. The Gam- wintered were in a Jamestown cemetery B.J. Dinkins, D.G. Disbro, G.A. Eslinger, (?CAF). CommonRedpolls made a majorin- mels reported an "unforgettable migra- C.A. Faanes, L.L. Falk, J.M. Fischer, P P vaslon into North Dakota and were con- tion" during the evening of Dec. 10, Forness, A.M. Gammell, T.A. Gatz, F G sidered common in e. Montana after being 1952, which was cloudy with a gentle Giese,P.C. Hart, B.G. Inversen,D.O. Lam- generally absent the last 2 years. Most snowfall. They heard longspursmoving at beth, G.S. Lambeth, S.O. Lambeth, B C observersreported flocks of "thousands" in 8:30 p.m. and continuingthrough 12:20 Pinkowski, D.G. Potter, R.N. Randall, R A sunflower fields. Pine Siskins also occurred a.m. without letup. Large numbers were Shultz, D.N. Svingen, P.H. Svingen, C. m tremendous numbers, and like the Com. still heard at ? a.m., Dec. 11 (AFN7:24). Voithr. SOUTH DAKOTA--G.R. Bach- Redpoll, were abundantin sunflowerfields. man, J.L. Baker, L.M. Baylor, D.L. Bjerke, A generalmovement of siskinsto residential Additional indications of the mild W. Hall, R.M. Hickenbotham, N.J. Holden, feeders was noted in January. At a winter were the four Dark-eyed Juncosthat K.J. Hoover, J.D. McLaird, B.M. Nord- Jamestownfeeder, 604 were banded in 4 con- wintered at Kenmare, six that wintered at Ft. strom, G.I. Oliver, R.G. Rogers, G.G. Ross, secutiveJanuary days, and 152 were banded Peck, and the Tree Sparrows that wintered at E.M. Serf, L.B. Sharps, C.A. Spomer, R L m BrookingsCounty Feb. 16-28.One pair of Minot, Havre and Ft. Peck. The first migra- Spomer, G.L. Steffen, W.C. Thietje, N R Red Crossbillswas suspectedof nestingw.of tory movement of this sparrow was noted at Whitney--DAVID O. LAMBETH, 1909 RapidCity Feb.22. White-wingedCrossbills Rapid City Feb. 24, and the first migrants 20th Ave. S., Grand Forks, N.D. 58201, were "the big event of the year" (AMG) at reached Salyer Ref., N.D., Feb. 26. Harris' CRAIG A. FAANES, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Kenmare with 40-50 regularly at a feeder Sparrows wintered at scatterede. South Da- Service, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research through the period. kota locations, and one occasionally visited Center, Jamestown, N.D. 58401.

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS (DW). At Dallas, sever- al Great Egrets winter- /Frances Williams ed. An imm.. Yellow- crowned Night Heron WYO. J S.'ValentineDAK. : MINN. Winter was warm and extremely dry. As was found in a weaken- ßH Platte HWR IOWA expectedin a warm winter, many migrants ed condition in an Ama- cresce•ttLake NEBR. lingeredlate and severalspecies wintered rillo yard Feb. 13. A -- - Lincoln.Omaha north of their normal cold seasonrange. The Least Bittern was dis- previoussummer-fall drought left a verypoor covered at El Paso Dec. seedcrop. This explainsthe lack of native 7 and a White-faced Ibis 'r'..... --Hor{hPlatte;•n'ia•t•a n•ß Shawnee-----' ' sparrows,but don't Purple Finches,gold- remained there through- COLO. HaysßCheyenne finches and Pine Siskins, all common this out the period. Bottoms ßMarais de C• winter, eat seedstoo? c•, KAHS.ß • HO. SWANS THROUGH LOONS THROUGH IBISES--One or two MERGANSERS-- Com. Loons may be expectedon almost any Trumpeter Swans were •'- '' OKLA.•tillw•ter • ARK. inland reservoir in the winter, but 17 on Bu- absent from Crescent • Amarillo• •& ' • chananL., in c. Texasand 89 on Lake O' the Lake N.W.R., Neb., •EW •EX •' . e61t Oklahoma,Heavenet Pines in e. Texas were remarkable. Eared only Dec. 10-Jan. 27, •MuleshoeM [BrokenBow the shortest period on • ßRefuge • Res Grebesdid not depart North Platte N.W.R., • ß •german N•R Neb., until Dec. 4, a late record. Western record. Three Whistling • Lubbock rails Dallas Grebeswere seenon L. Rayburn in e. Texas Swans visited Midland • Abilene . ..; _ • LA. on threeoccasions (DF). Other W. Grebesin Dec. 27-Jan. 24 and one ...• r '• tortworm .acog•dochs the e. were located in Montgomery and Ken- was observed in Randall ' • .... Mid[anSan•nelo • ß 'LakeLlvln•e dall cos., Tex. Single White Pelicans re- County, Tex., Feb. 8 •alentine • • Coll•tatio• mainedthrough the winterin 7 localitiesfrom (PA). Ducks were Kansas s. Double-crested Cormorants win- northbound in good tered at several Oklahoma reservoirs. Three numbers by mid-Febru- •EXICOKe•••1•m•.... OlivaceousCormorants were carefully inden- ary. A Cinnamon Teal Bi• BendN P • titled in HendersonCounty, Tec., Feb. 19-20 at Tulsa Nov. 26 was

Volume35, Number3 313 noteworthy At Nacogdoches, Tex, 3000 Ft Worth, a Com Galhnule could be found White-throated Swifts wintered in the Frank- Wood Ducks roosted each night in a wooded all winter (MP) and one was seenat Lubbock lin and Hueco Mts. ofw. Texas. Four Anna's pond. They dispersedto river bottoms to feed Jan. 4 (ML). Hummingbirds lingered into January at El during the day. Common Goldeneyes were Paso. unusually numerous and widespread. Greater PLOVERS THROUGH TERNS--Most Scaup were discoveredin Douglas and Keith reservoirs were very low, providing much WOODPECKERS THROUGH NUT- cos., Neb., and at Tulsa. Four Oldsquaws re- shorebird habitat. An unusual number of the HATCHES--Pileated Woodpeckers were malned at NacogdochesJan. ll-Feb. I (fide common shorebirds wintered. A Black- found in Lyon County Jan. 10 & Mar. I and DW). White-winged Scoters were present bellied Plover was sightedat L. Rayburn Dec. in Cowley County Jan. 10. A Red-belhed from mid-January to mid-February, with 29, Jan. 18 & Feb. 25. Another lingered at Woodpecker wintered at Buffalo Lake three at Tulsa, one at Oklahoma City, three Hagerman Ref., until Dec. 11. American N.W.R., Tex. More Red-headed Woodpeck- in Osage County, Okla., two in Comal Coun- Woodcocks were found at Norman, Okla., ers wintered on the c. Edwards Plateau of ty, Tex., and one at Lubbock. A Surf Scoter Waco, Tex., Kendall and Montague cos., Texas than ever before. Three Williamson's visited Midland Jan. 3-10. A flock comprised Tex., and Hagerman Ref. Two to three times Sapsuckersoccupied a roadsidepicnic area in of more than 500 Hooded Merganserswas an the usual number of wintering Greater Yel- the Davis Mts., Jan. 3 (BR). In Washington impressivesight in Henderson County Feb. lowlegswere reported by severalTexas obser- County, Okla., a wintering E. Phoebe sur- 10-20. On Oologah Res., Rogers and Nowata vers. Two Pectoral Sandpipersat L. Rayburn vived a February blizzard. A Scrub Jay was cos., Okla., Com. Merganserspeaked at 5000 Feb. 20 arrived very early, as did two Baird's discoveredat Quartz Mt. S.P., Greet Co, Feb. 15. Sandpipers Mar. 4. A Dunlin at North Platte Okla., Feb. 4,6,9 (JB). A GreenJay visiteda N.W.R., Jan. 6-23 provided the first known feeder near Keene, Tex., almost daily Dec VULTURES THROUGH FALCONS--A Nebraska winter record (SM,FZ). A Sander- 18-Feb. 28 +. This locality is over 500 mi n Turkey Vulture arrived at Wichita Mt. ling at DeSoto Bend N.W.R., Neb., Feb. 28 of the Rio Grande Valley, so local birders as- N W.R., Okla., on the early date Feb. 16. was early. Long-billed Dowitchers were seen sumedthe bird was as escapedpet, although Goshawks sailed over Alliance, Neb., Mor- in Texas in Anderson County Jan. 14, L. it showedno evidenceof cagewear (CE). ton County, Kans., and Crosby County, Tex. Rayburn Dec. 29, Ft. Worth Jan. 5-6, Mid- Although there were few reports of Sharp- land Dec. 20-Jan. 10. An Am. Avocet was shinned and Cooper's hawks elsewhere,Dec. discovered in Montgomery County, Tex., 20 there were five Sharpies and three Dec. 18-19 (fide KB). Ten Wilson's Phala- The city of Wichita, Kans., was the site Cooper's within the city of Midland (AW). ropes fed in an area below Buchanan Dam, of a Com. Crow roost containing20,000- None of thesecould be found during the CBC Llano Co., Tex., Jan. 15 (E&KM). 50,000 birds. The latter total was reached 10 days later. Oklahoma City annually hosts one or two during a February cold spell. When severe At Tulsa's port in RogersCounty, grain is imm. Glaucous Gulls, but this speciesrarely cold arrived, the crows changedfrom tree transferred from trucks to barges. Grain appears elsewherein the Region. One was ob- roosting to perchingon top of buildings, which spills from the trucks supportsa large served in Coffey County, Kans., Mar. 1 possibly taking advantage of heat escap- rodent population which in turn attracts (JSc). About 150 Ring-billed Gulls wintered ing from poorly insulated structures.At numbers of Red-tailed Hawks. On Jan. 4, 61 on an Amarillo lake next to a large shopping dusk, the flight of crows approachingthe Red-taileds were counted in this small area, centerwhere the gullsoccupied the "discard- city from all directionsprovided a spec- while Jan. 10, 80 were found (JCH). Ferrugi- ed French fried food niche." Four Ring- tacular scene(SK). nous Hawks were common in the vicinity of billed Gulls remained in Keith County until Oklahoma City and in the Texas Panhandle. Feb. 3. Franklin's Gulls lingered in n. Texas The population of Harris' Hawks increased until late December and returned to Tulsa on Black-capped Chickadeeswintered for the near Ft. Stockton, Tex. (GWh). There were the early date of Feb. 21. An amazing 800 first time at Crescent Lake N.W.R. At Bald- above-average numbers of Rough-legged Bonaparte's Gulls swarmed over Keystone win, Kans., the number of chickadees was Hawks in n.w. Nebraska and in the Dallas- Res., Dec. 7. This specieswintered on lakes double that of any previous winter. White- Ft Worth Area. There were few reports of near San Angelo, Tex., as did Forster's Terns breastedNuthatches staged a minor invasion Golden Eagles. One w. of Kansas City was (TM). of w. localities from Crescent L. to Amarillo found wounded, but it was successfully It was a major invasionyear for Red-breasted rehabilitated. Bald Eagles were well DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS Nuthatches in the e. half of the Region. At distributed through the Region, and there --In spite of the mild winter, Mourning Baldwin, Katherine Kelley banded four Red- were concentrations of 50 at Keystone L., Doves were extremely scarce in the Texas breasted Nuthatches, the first since 1963-64 near Tulsa and 55 at Flint Hills N.W.R., Panhandle. Apparently the scarcity of food Kans. Nearly all Bald Eagles were at large was responsible. Inca Doves strayed to Ft. WRENS THROUGH PHAINOPEPLA-- reservoirs, but five wintered in the Davis Worth Dec. 7 and Lubbock Jan. 25. Three There was a minor incursion of Winter Mts., Tex., where the only water is found in dead Barn Owls which were found near Cor- Wrens. Carolina Wrens are still very scarcein stock tanks and one very small creek (PE). sicana,Tex., Feb. 11, had been hit by cars. In Oklahoma and Kansas. Long-billed Marsh Ospreys were sighted in Coffey County, Ottawa County, Okla., Paul Wilson erected Wrens wintered in good numbersin the Texas Kans., Dec. 26, E1 Paso Jan. 4 and Comal 15 owl boxes, and Great Horned Owls moved Panhandle. A Gray Catbird visitedBig Bend County Jan. 13. Peregrine Falcons, rare in into 5 of them. An incursionof Snowy Owls N.P., Dec. 19-31(m.ob.,ph CSt to T.C.W.C ) winter, were observed in Osage County, brought a dozento Nebraska, eightto Kansas Brown Thrashers were seen at Baldwin in De- Okla., Jan. 15, Tulsa Jan. 25, Rush-Pawnee and three to Oklahoma. Customerswaiting in cember and at Bellevue, Neb., in February County line, Kans., Dec. 3-Jan. 5, Sarpy line in a drive-throughlane at a fast-food em- Mockingbirds were observed in Omaha and County, Neb., Feb. 16-21. Merlins were well porium in E1 Paso were astounded to see a Benedict,Neb., in December.A SageThrash- distributed throughout the Region. Burrowing Owl walk through the lane ahead er was found in Hunt County, Tex., Jan. 3 of them (JDiP). A Burrowing Owl in Morton (JNu). In E1 Paso, Am. Robins were unusual- PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH GAL- County, Kans., Jan. 12 was ususual for the ly numerous. A Varied Thrush was sighted at LINULES--A total of 33 Greater Prairie date (EB). The only Long-eared Owls report- Omaha Jan. 5 (fide MW). Severalcontribu- Chickens in Tulsa County was the highest ed were at Tulsa and El Paso. At least 20 tors noted a marked increasein the popula- number in modern times. In Butler County, Short-eared Owls hunted in an overgrown tion of E. Bluebirds.Mountain Bluebirdsap- Kans., 23 Greater Prairie Chickens were pasture in n. Oklahoma City in late Decem- peared in numbers far out on the plains. In counted Feb. 8. Lesser Prairie Chickens were ber. There was also a gathering of Short- Texas, W. Bluebirds were found in Kerr found on the L. Meredith Recreation Area, eared Owls at the grain docks in Rogers County and in Palo Duro Canyon S.P Tex. Populations of both Bobwhite and Scal- County. The specieswas found in Kansas in Townsend's Solitaires were seen e. to Jones ed Quail were much reduced by the contin- Coffey and Cowley counties. Saw-whet Owls County, Tex., Dec. 10 (BH) and Kendall uing drouth. A flock of 80 wild Turkeys was were discoveredin Pawnee County, Kans., County, Tex., Feb. 5 (SW). There were sever- located in Grady County, Okla., Feb. 16 Dec. 21-30 (JSc et al.). Goatsuckers,probab- al recordsof Blue-gray Gnatcatchersfarther (JG). Sandhill Cranes arrived in Nebraska on ly Poor-wills, were flushed in Crosby Coun- n. in Texas than is normal in winter. Golden- the unprecedentedearly date of Feb. 16. At ty, Tex., Dec. 28 (KH) and Jan. 3 (ML). crownedKinglets were abundantthroughout

314 AmericanBirds, May 1981 Ruby-crowned •nglets wintered as far n as White-winged Crossbill spent Christmas day & J Bailey, Charles R Brown, Lillian Omaha. A Sprague's Pipit was netted and at a thistle feeder in Tulsa (B&WW et al.). Brown, Kelly Bryan, R.D. Coggeshall, John banded in Canadian County, Okla., Dec. 26 After their abundance last winter, Green- Cys (JCy), Joseph DiPasquale, Charles Eas- (JSh,JNe). There were hundreds of Cedar tailed Towhees were again elusive. Individu- ley, Bill Edwards, Pansy Epsy, Dean Fisher, Waxwings in Kansas and thousandsin Okla- als were seen in Llano County, Tex., Jan. 15 Tony Gallucci, Peggy Heisel, Kelly Himmel, homa and Texas. Bohemian Waxwings were and Real County, Tex., Feb. 26. H. Hoffman, Bill Hunt, Rick LoBello, Mark reported only at Baldwin. A Phainopepla was With few exceptions, wintering popula- Lockwood, Terry Maxwell, Ralph Molden- photographedin Howard County, Tex., Jan. tions of native sparrows were very low. A Sa- hauer, Ernst & Kay Mueller, J. Nussbaum 10 (GWa to T.C.W.C.). vannah Sparrow visited a feeder in Johnson (JNu), Margaret Parker, Warren Pulich, Bar- County, Kans., during a snowstorm Feb. bara Ribble, Rena Ross, Chuck Sexton, Ken- VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS--Soli- 10-13, and one was found in Rush County, neth Seyffert, Jessie May Smith, John tary Vireos were found in Big Bend N.P., and Kans., Feb. 20. This specieswas abundant in Sproul, Layfette Stankewitz, David W Midland in February. The number and vari- n.e. Oklahoma. A Grasshopper Sparrow was Steadman,Cliff Stogner(CSt), Barry Vetmil- ety of winter warblerswas astounding.Black- banded in Bryan, Tex., Jan. 21 (TG). A lion, Gene Warren (GWa), Allen Wemple, and-white Warblers were found at Bellevue Baird's Sparrow was locatedin Crosby Coun- Geth White (GWh), Sue Wiedenfeld, David Jan. 25 (KC et al.), and Crosby County in a ty Dec. 14 (ML). Four Le Conte's Sparrows Wolf, Jim Yantis--FRANCES WILLIAMS, snowstorm Nov. 25 (KH). A Nashville War- were banded at Bryan, where the specieshad Rt. 4, 2001 Broken Hills East, Midland, TX bler was located in El Paso Feb. 24 (PH). In not been reported in severalyears. In Okla- 79701. Comal County, Tex., a Yellow Warbler was homa, Le Conte's were seen in Pawnee and seen Jan. 13 (E&KM). Calve May Warblers RogersCounties and at Tulsa. Sage Sparrows were found in Dallas in early January (HH) were abundant at Hueco Tanks S.P., Tex., and in Ft. Worth Jan. 24 (JMS). A Yellow- and were found e. to Crosby County and throated Warbler visited a feeder in Omaha Midland. Tree Sparrows came as far s. as n. SOUTH TEXAS REGION Nov. 28-Dec. 24 (JH, m.ob.). One seen in Texas and the Texas Panhandle. Chipping /Fred S. Webster, Jr. Montgomery County, Tex., Feb. 15 may and Field sparrow populationswere normal. have been an early migrant (KB). At least At Lawton, Okla., Janet McGee reported seven Pine Warblers were located in Ft. that over half her backyard Harris' Sparrows Winter was unusually mild. Temperatures Worth Dec. 15-Feb. 28+. Previously there were birds banded in previous years, and the averaged above normal and cold spells were had been only six reports of this speciesat Ft. wintering population was low. But this short-lived. While northern areas had one Worth in 40 years (m.ob.). Pine Warblers species appeared in higher numbers than brief, hard freeze, -12, the Rio were also present at two locations in Dallas. usual at College Station. White-crowned Grande Delta escapedkilling frost for the sec- At Salt Plains N.W.R., Okla., a Com. Sparrows had never been so scarce in w. ond consecutivewinter. Vegetation was green Yellowthroat was seenFeb. 7. At Big Bend Texas. White-throated Sparrows wintering at and insect populations remained active in N P., an Am. Redstart flitted in a willow tree El Paso and Hueco Tanks were noteworthy. deep South Texas exceptin already drought- Feb. 7 & 8 (DWS). Lincoln's Sparrows were infrequent through- stricken areas--particularly Jim Hogg, Starr out but the populations of both Swamp and and Zapata Counties--which missed the ICTERIDS--A Yellow-headed Blackbird Song sparrowswere unusually high. heavy rains dumped by hurricane Allen on with a droopingwing, but a strongflier, came Very few longspurs appeared in the Re- counties eastward to the coast. Cumulative to a feeder at Crescent L., Dec. 9-Feb. 21. An gion. This was possibly due to the lack of rainfall for the period was below normal in Orchard Oriole was found in Big Bend N.P., snow in the n. plains, as longspursnormally most areas, keeping surface water at sub- Dec. 24. A N. (Baltimore) Oriole fed at a do not swarm into the s. plains until the normal levels; notable exceptions were the Tulsa suet feeder Dec. 7. A Rusty Blackbird former lie under deep snow cover. Four lower coastal prairie and parts of the Delta, visited a park in College Station, Tex., Jan. speciesof longspurswere recorded at Mule- where hurricane waters will stand for some 17-Feb. 28. More than one hundred Great- shoe N.W.R., Tex., Jan. 17. A dozen Mc- months. Food crops were reported to be ex- tailed Grackles were at Great Bend, Kans., in Cown's Longspurs in Ector County, Tex., cellent to fair in areas of adequatemoisture, January. Sympathy is extended to Paul Wil- Feb. 28 provided a first record (BE,JCy). The in responseto the mild season. son of Fairland, Okla., who had 100,000 only large flock of longspurs reported com- black-colored birds, including Com. Grac- prised 1000 Lapland Longspursin Sedgwick GREBES THROUGH STORKS--Two kles, Red-wingeds and Starlings, roosting County, Kans., Jan. 1. Smith's Longspurs Red-necked Grebes were seen in Brazorla wlthing 200 yards of his home during Febru- were seen as usual in Cushing and Tulsa, County Jan. 24 (LB,LC,AE et al.). Eared ary. Okla., and were also reported in Greenwood Grebes were very common on San Antonio County, Kans., Feb. 8 (SK), Coffey County area lakes; a combined estimate of 1500 were FRINGILLIDS--A cr Rose-breasted Gros- Feb. 14 & Mar. 1 (MS,JSc), Randall County, on Braunig and Calaveras lakes Feb. 15 (SH) beak came to a feeder in Denton County, Tex., Jan. 28 (RR et al.). Remarkably, two Least Grebes were abundant in low-lying Tex., Jan. 11-17 (B&JB et al.). Black-headed Smith's Longspursvisited a feeder in Bartles- areas of Hidalgo County inundated by hurri- Grosbeaks were seenin Plattsmouth, Neb., in ville, Okla., during a blizzard Feb. l0 (OMc). cane Allen ; downy young were noted fre- January (GWo) and Walker County, Tex., Abbreviation: T.C.W.C.--Texas Coopera- quently in December and January (JCA) A Jan. 30-Feb. 28+ (RM). Small flocks of tive Wildlife Collections at Texas A&M Uni- W. Grebe was on Calaveras L., Feb. 15 (SH) Evening Grosbeaksvisited Nacogdoches,n.e. versity. A flock of 45 White Pelicans spent several Oklahoma, and n.e. Nebraska. The fewest weeks fishing at L. Casa Bianca near Laredo Evening Grosbeaksof the past 6 winterswere CONTRIBUTORS AND INITIALED OB- (JB). A Brown Booby was seen at San Lms seenin n.w. Nebraska(RCR). Purple Finches SERVERS-Kansas: Amelia J. Betts, Ed Pass on the w. end of Galveston I., Dec 22 were everywhere in numbers. There was a Boggess, Joan Challans, Kathryn Kelley, (RT). An imm. Gannet was seen off San Lms mild explosion of House Finches at Hays, Steve Kingswood, Mary Louise Myers, Jean Pass Dec. 23 (BL,J&BR,CS), and two Gan- Kans., and one visited a feeder at Dallas Jan. & Miriam Roark, Jean Schulenberg (JSc), nets were reported on Galveston I., Dec 27 3-Feb. 28 +. There was a moderate flight of Marvin Schwilling, Scott Seltman, Donald (W&JR). A heavily-oiled Gannet was picked Com. Redpolls in n.w. Nebraska, but only Vannoy. Nebraska: Kelley Clark, Ruth up by the U.S. Coast Guard Feb. 6, presum- scattered individuals in e. Nebraska. One Green, Jackie halterman, Sherry McCoy, ably off Port Aransas, and a lightly-oiled ad visited a feeder at Tulsa Feb. 26-Mar. 1 (EH, Wayne Mollhoff, Mabel Ott, Richard C. Gannet was found dead on the Mustang I mob.) and another was seen in Oklahoma Rosche, Melba Wigg, Gertrude Wood beach Feb. 17, (KR, fide WP). Coinci- City Feb. 22 (ES). Pine Siskinswere present (GWo), Fred Zeillemaker. Oklahoma: Pat dentally, a large oil slick of unknown origin throughout the e. half of the Region, but in Bergey, Jeff Briley, Ella Delap, Joe Gryz- began washing up on Mustang I., Feb 26 about half the numbers of the 1977-78 invas- bowski, Elizabeth Hayes, J.C. Hoffman, De- (WP). Four imm. Gannets were reported off ion. Of the 6767 siskins banded at Baldwin 1orisIsted, Janet McGee, Odie McReynolds, Boca Chica near the mouth of the Rio during the 1977-'78 season,only one has been John Newell (JNe), John Shackford(JSh), E. Grande, Feb. 7 (BL,J&BR,CS). Two Wood subsequentlytrapped. It was encounteredat Sharp, Bobby & Wal.ly Whaling, Paul Wil- Storks were found in Brazoria County Jan Great Gull I., N.Y., Oct. 29, 1980. One c2 son. Texas: Peggy Accord, Keith Arnold, B. 24 (H.A.S.).

Volume35, Number3 315 for more than an hour. gulls. Great Black-backed Gulls were Sharp-shinned and Coop- reported from Galveston's e. beach Feb. 8 .E ,. ,•,•o , ,, ,o er's hawks were unusually (BF,NP,LR), an imm. bird from the beach abundant at Aransas side of San Bernard N.W.R., Dec. 12 (TG), ...... •• P•LMETTOHouston N.W.R.--perhaps a re- and a second-winter individual was photo- sponseto high Blue Jay graphed on Mustang I., Jan. 8 (AFA). An ad. ß' •o U•ald. Antonio u •Fr•p• and Am. Robin popula- Lesser Black-backed Gull at the Corpus :.. •EoglePoss Beerfile .• ' tions (SL). A highway Christi dump Dec. 30 (CC) and one on Mus- count of Butcos between tang I., Jan. 4 (AFA) may have been the same Corpus Christi and the individual. The ad. bird reported in fall from Rio Grande Delta indicat- Brazos 1., across from S. Padre I., remained ed a far-above-normal through the winter (JCA); an adult wintered density (TAm)--in keep- in the same locality last year. An ad. Western ing with excellent water- Gull wasreported at the CorpusChristi dump bird habitat. Red-tailed Dec. 30-31 (CC et ai.). An ad. California Gull Hawks and the rodent was at Corpus Christi Feb. 21 (EP). An imm. population were below Black-leggedKittiwake discoveredat Mitchell normal in a strip between L., San Antonio area Dec. 2 (WS) stayed the central coast and San about 10 days, probably moving to Braunig Antonio. A Zone-tailed L., where one was seen Jan. 15 (SH). 't.'" Hawk in the piney woods of Bastrop County Dec. 26 (DS) was incongruous. WA•[•[OW[•b• •oted a sis•ifi- Rough-leggedHawks were extremelyscarce, cam r•ctio• in •m•rs o[ •ler[o•! but Ferruginous Hawks were scattered past yearsat A•ausasN.W.•., and throughout the Region. An ad. Gray Hawk that coastal !ow!•ds fi•ded b• was seen over Brownsville Dec. 12 (CE), and •!!en, p•rticularl? that arca betwee• [i•ss- iramatures were spotted near Mission, •i!l• •d •o•d•i!!•, •er• •in[ usedin- Hidelgo Co., Feb. 8 (BL,J&BR,CS), and at stead. It should be •ot• •!so that r•em!? ex- Santa Ana N.W.R., Feb. 23 (SH,TH). An p•ded 8r•in •od•ctio• in me. •exico is ad. Black Hawk was seen along the Rio luringhordes of wat•fowl onto winterfield. Grande at Rancho Santa Margarita w. of Three imm. •istling Swanswere discov• Roma, Starr Co., Dec. 28 (NK,OK et al.). A on a privatelake in s. BexarCounty in early Golden Eagle was observed in Hays County Dec. 27 (BH). Three Bald Eagleswintered on Attwater Prairie Chicken N.W.R. (WAS) and the usual handful could be found in w. Harris County, but an immature seenat Fal- con L., Dec. 20, was Arvin's first in 25 years' of observation in the Lower Rio Grande Val- ley. A Prairie Falcon was seen overhead at Houston Feb. 20 (SW). An Aplomado Falcon wasseen in e. Frio County Dec. 18 at the only watering place in the area (DLS).

CRANES, SHOREBIRDS--Highest count of Whooping Cranes in the vicinity of Aran- Black-legged Kittiwake (imm.), Rockport, sas N.W.R., was 72 adults and six juveniles Tex., Dec. 6, 1980. Photos/Richard L. Ditch. Dec. 16. "During the winter, factors known only to the whoopershave causedan inordin- Whistling Swa• (imm.), San Antonio, Tex., ate number of cranes to wander..." (SL), HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH WOOD- Jan. 31, 1981. Photo/Greg Lasley. compounding normal censusingdifficulties. PECKERS--Rufous Hummingbirds took the A rare winter Whimbrel was seen on Galves- spotlight this winter, owing more to the scar- January (H&LM) •d were present at least ton 1., Jan. 5 & 18 (J&JH). A count of 1500 city of other speciesthan unusual numbers of through the month (GL). Two Ross' Geese Red Knots on Bolivar Flats Feb. 8 (BF,NP, the former. Mrs. McCracken's survey con- join• domesticMallards on a pond outside LR) representedan excellent winter concen- ducted through her column in the Corpus Austin around D•. I (HF) and were obs•v- tration. A Purple Sandpiperdiscovered at the Christi Caller-Times turned up 35 + Rufous ed as !ate as Jan. 26 (EBK). A flock of 175 Freeport jetties on the Dec. 21 CBC (TE) re- Hummingbirdsin SouthTexas, mostof these Wood Ducks was seen below Falcon D• mained through February (TC). Arvin ob- in the Coastal Bend (central coast). Most Jan. 31 (CE). Re•d populations were servedthat all dowitchers wintering along the birds had departed by late February. Presum- down drastically,according to a meagernum- Laguna Madre side of S. Padre I., were ably not included in the count were a fair ar of reports receive. Hi• one-day co•ts Short-billed, while inland--including the number of birds on the upper coast and at reported from the upper coast were of 100 in mainland shoresof lower Laguna Madre--all Austin. A suspectedAllen's Hummingbird January •d only four in February. On the dowitchers were Long-billed; he found no was photographedat a Beeville feeder Feb. oth• hand, C•vasbacks num•red 1• in area where the two speciesmet. Stilt Sandpip- 19-21 (T&JA,VG,PRu). A Ringed Kingfisher Jan•ry •d 150 in Febr•ry. This speci• ers wintered commonly in flooded areas of wintered at a Brownsville resaca(CE). Green was also rearted as doing well at R•kport. Hidalgo County (JCA). An estimated 2500 Kingfisherswere on the R., near San While the Houston CBC, Dec. 20, listed Am. Avocets were on Bolivar Flats, Galves- Antonio (fide SH), and at 2 locations at Aus- 35,634 L•r •aup, other top co•ts for the ton Feb. 8 (BF,NP,LR), a spectacular in- tin. Common Flickers were more common upper coast were of 500 in J•ry and 26 in creaseover previousmonths. than usual on the upper coast and as far w. as Febr•l Aransas N.W.R. Downy Woodpeckers show- JAEGERS, GULLS--A Parasitic Jaeger ed an increase in the Medina R. bottomlands HAWKSHook-billed Kites w•e reart- was seen from the Bolivar-Galveston ferry (SH). ed easy to find at Bentsen-RioGrande Valley Jan. 2 (A&RD,SD). Glaucous Gulls were re- S.P., in J•uary, with as m•y as seven p•- ported from Bolivar Pen., the Corpus Christi FLYCATCHERS, JAYS, RAVENS--A sent. Easley report• tr• "loaded" with garbage dump, and Boca Chica, but theseare Tropical Kingbird was seenat Laredo in mid- snails; he watch• one kite f•d at one s•t relatively routine; not so the black-backed January (JB). Two Ash-throated Flycatchers

316 American Birds, May 1981 wintered on Rancho Santa Margarita (JCA) wintered in residential Brownsville and one (SH) or the c coast (KM) Most sparrow The Blue Jay invasion, accomplishedin Octo- was at Santa Ana N.W.R. (JCA). Yellow- specieswere in above normal numbers on the ber, was apparent throughout the season. rumped (Myrtle) Warblers were unusually upper coast and w. to Colorado County "Thousands" appeared at Aransas N.W.R., abundant at Rockport (CK). A Black- From Austin to the c. coast and w., most perhapsattracted by "the bestacorn crop in throated Green Warbler was sightedat Palm- sparrow specieswere reported lessthan usual, ten years" (SL). Jays spread W to Pearsall, etto S.P., Dec. 6 (G&BL) & Feb. 1 (CK). A with short seed crops being blamed. Savan- Frio Co. (DLS), and S to Encino, Brooks scarce Yellow-throated Warbler was found nah and Vesper sparrows were particularly Co., where an individual was observed with along the Medina R., Jan. 26 (SH). A Chest- abundant on Artwater Prairie Chicken resident Green Jays (PRa). A Corn. Raven at nut-sided Warbler was seen at Austin Dec. N.W.R. (WAS). Harris' Sparrows were in Braunig L., Feb. 15 (SH) was unusual. 11-Jan. 6 (F&MW); this appearsto be a first "unprecedented numbers" from Colorado White-necked Ravens were more abundant January record for Texas. A Bay-breasted County e. to the upper coast (JM). White- than usual at Laredo, appearing even in Warbler was seenat Austin Dec. 22 (BR). On crowned and White-throated sparrow num- densely-populatedresidential areas to feed on Jan. 24 an individual appeared about 1/3 mi bers were generally below normal except on garbage (JB). The Texas population of from the first sighting and remained into the upper coast. Lincoln's Sparrows were re- Brown Jays extends from San Ygnacio, April, by which time it had acquired ad. male ported short in all areas. Zapata Co., down the Rio Grande to Roma, plumage(F&MW). There appe,arto be no and appearsto be stable.A small flock can be previous Texas records for the first quarter of CORRIGENDUM--Delete reference to found in riparian habitat below the Falcon the year. Pine Warblers were common at Art- Dusky Flycatcherspecimen (AB 34:795) Dam spillway (JCA). Barrett reported a total water Prairie Chicken N.W.R., after a 2-year of 17 jays in two flocks at Roma Feb. 6. absence (WAS). A movement was noted CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSER- through Austin in late December and early VERS-Teal & Jo Adkins, Richard Albert, CHICKADEES THROUGH BLUE- January, and a few birds turned up in Rock- Tom Aremerman (TAm), A.F. Amos, John BIRDS--An apparent Black-cappedChicka- port in late January. The Ovenbird, a rare C. Arvin, Larry Ballard, Bruce Barrett, Jim dee, in company with Carolina Chickadees, winter resident along the coast, was seen at Bohmfalk, Sheriton Burr, Les Chamness, visited a feeder at Morgan's Pt., on Galves- Austin Jan. 7 (DM) and at Palmetto S.P., Charles Clark, Tom Collins, R. Cope, Dick ton Bay late December-January(LS et al.). A Feb. 1 (CK). Four were at Santa Ana Cudworth, Arch and Ruth Dillard, Sandy White-breasted Nuthatch was found in the N.W.R., Dec. 23 (JCA). Wilson's Warbler is Dillard, Charles Easley, Ted Eubanks, Jr, Medina R. bottoms, first for the San Antonio uncommon to scarce on the coast in winter. m Austin Evans, Harry Fassett, Ben Feltnet, area in years(fide SH). Red-breastedNuthat- total of 25 was reported on the upper coast in Sam Fried, Tony Gallucci, Velma Gelsel- ches and Brown Creepers were above normal January, four in February. (The Freeport brecht, John & Jane Hamilton, Steve Hansel- on the upper coast and w. to San Antonio, CBC total was 82.) An individual at San An- mann, Bob Harms, Tyrell Harvey, Houston but numbers dropped off by late January. A tonio Dec. 19 (SH) was considered casual. Audubon Society, David Huffman, Charles Winter Wren was found at Santa Ana Two Am. Redstarts were seen at Galveston Kaigler, Edgar B. Kincaid, Jr., SteveKings- N.W.R., Jan. 15 (CE). Small numbers of Dec. 11 (J&JH). Three wintered in Cameron wood, Nicholas Komar, Oliver Komar, Ed Short-billed Marsh Wrens wintered around County (JCA). Considering the number of Kutac, Steve Labuda, Jr., Greg & Becky Mitchell L., the first in severalyears (SH). In late migrant warblers noted in November, it Lasley, Bob Leafy, David Mahler, Kay Mc- the Rio Grande Delta, where this speciesis a seemslikely that many of the December birds Cracken, James Morgan, Herbert & Llzette "very local winter residentat a few areasof were part of a late movement and did not stay Mueller, A.W. O'Neil, Emilie Payne, Noel acceptable habitat along the immediate for the winter. However, until there is a sys- Pettingell, Warren Pulich, Jr., Pedro coast," 8-12 individuals could be found in a tematic followup on CBC sightingswe can Ramirez, Jr. (PRa), John & Barbara Rlbble, sewage treatment marsh on the Laguna only surmise. Ken Riddle, Will & Jan Risser, Linda Roach, Madre shore of S. Padre I. (JCA). Several Patsy Rudeloff (PRu), Dan L. Schmidt, Sage Thrashers wintered at Austin, an un- ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS--A Scott's Willie Sedula,Chuck Sexton,Wayne A Shlf- common occurrence. American Robins were Oriole visited a feeder in San Antonio Nov. flett, David Simon, Linda Snyder, C Roy more numerous than usual throughout the 29-Dec. 3 (RC,DC,BL,SH). Another was Smith, Robert Timberlake, Jr., Fred & Marie Region--even abundant in the Rio Grande seen near Floresville, Wilson Co., Feb. 11 Webster, Robert Whistler, Steve Williams, Delta for the first time in severalyears (JCA). 11 (SF). This speciesis rare in Texas in win- Doris Winship.--FRED S. WEBSTER, JR., A roost in juniper brakes w. of Austin was ter. A N. (Bullock's) Oriole visited a San An- 4926 Strass Drive, Austin, TX 78731. thought to hold 1.5 million birds. A Clay-col- tonio feeder throughout January (BL). Boat- ored Robin was at Bentsen-Rio Grande Val- tailed Grackles appeared as far s. as the Sea ley S.P., in late December and in January. Gun Inn on Lamar Pen. (CC,CK). This Good roadside counts of E. Bluebirds were coastal specieshad not been seenin the Rock- made in Brazoria and Matagorda cos. (CE). port area sincethe mid- 1950s,being displaced NORTHWESTERN CANADA by the Great-tailed Grackle (DW). Common KINGLETS, WAXWINGS--It was a good Grackles invaded Rockport in late December REGION year for Golden-crowned Kinglets as far s. and were conspicuousthroughout the period /Helmut Griinberg and w. as the Coastal Bend, and a few could (CC,CK). This speciesappeared in Falfurrias be found daily in wooded areas along the in early February (AWO) s. of its usual lower Rio Grande for the first time in several range. Previouslyhard to find in winter in the The winter season started out with new rec- years. Cedar Waxwings were above normal Rio Grande Delta, the Bronzed Cowbird was ord low temperaturesin many parts of the on the upper coast, and at San Antonio and commonin flocks of severalhundred (JCA). Region. In Whitehorse, the mean tempera- Laredo. They reached salt water at Port ture was -27.6øC during the month of De- Aransas and were common along the Mex- FRINGILLIDS--All seedeaters, including cember. This was 12 ø lower than in normal ican border. the usually common Pyrrhuloxia and Lark years. The precipitation in December was Bunting, were scarcein dry w. counties. Sin- more than twice the normal amount. By con- WARBLERS--Some warblers which, in gle Black-headed Grosbeaks were seen at trast, January and February were very mild winter, are uncommon or scarce along the Port Aransas Dec. 14-15 (WP), Bentsen-Rio and had many days with temperatures above coast and rare or casualinland, were reported Grande Valley S.P., Feb. 4 (G&BL), near Ti- the freezing point. Precipitation was much more often than usual. (CBC sightingshave voli, Refugio Co., Feb. 14 (CC), and at Cor- reduced in January and February. been excluded from the following observa- pusChristi Feb. 24 (KM). Purple Fincheshad Forty specieswere reported by forty-seven tions.) SingleNashville Warblers were seenat a good season, even reaching Bentsen-Rio observers. Both the number of species and Austin Jan. 31 (J&BR) & Feb. 12 (G&BL), Grande Valley S.P., where two were seen the number of contributors were pleasantly and on the Medina R., s.w. of San Antonio Feb. 8 (J&BR,WS). White-collared Seedeat- high. Jan. 26 (SH). In the Rio Grande Delta,where ers were absent from localities where itinerant this speciescan be fairly commonin winter, birderscould expectto find them a year ago DUCKS THROUGH PTARMIGANS-- Arvin's Peak daily count was four at Santa (JCA). Pine Siskinswere common in n. parts Four Mallards seemed to have survived the Ana N.W.R., Dec. 23. Two Tropical Parulas of the Region but few reached San Antonio winter in an open stretch of water in the

Volume 35, Number 3 317 KMcK) and in the lower A Pileated Woodpecker was observed in Dempster Hwy. area Ft. Smith Feb. 5 (SO). One or two Hairy every month (RF). Eight Woodpeckers were seen at the lower Demi> Sharp-tailed Grouse ster Hwy., Feb. 9+ (RF&JKe). A 9 Hairy were reported from Woodpecker as well as a 9 Downy Wood- Wood Buffalo N.P., peckerwere observedat a feedernear Whse., Dec. 5 (SO). Small num- throughout the season(D&LS). The Downy bers of this specieswere Woodpecker sighting was confirmed Dec. 23 also observed in the (HG). A Black-backed Three-toed Wood- Dawson and Flat Cr. peckerwas noted near Haines Jct., in Decem- areas in early-to-mid- ber (BL, fide RC). Northern Three-toed December (SC,JF, fide Woodpeckers were seen in Yellowknife, s. RF). Willow Ptarmigan and c. Yukon as well as n. British Columbia were seen in many areas by 12 observers. by 11 observers. Al- though there is no doubt PERCHING BIRDS--Gray Jay and Com. that Rock and White- Raven were the most commonly observed tailed ptarmigans were speciesduring the winter season(m.ob). Thir- presentin many inacces- teen contributors from the Yukon and n. Bri- sible areas, there was tish Columbia reported sightings of Black- only one definite obser- billed Magpies. Black-capped and Boreal vation of a flock of 30 chickadees were common throughout the Rock Ptarmigan, at tim- season, the former species having been berfine by the Cornwall observedas far n. as the s. Ogilvie Mts. (RF). R., km 450 Dempster The first winter report of Mountain Chicka- Hwy., Feb. 2-3 (RF). dee was obtained as two individuals were seen at a feeder near Whse., throughout the sea- son (D&LS) and confirmed Dec. 23, (HG). DOVES THROUGH Dippers were found in open stretches of WOODPECKERS-- water in the s. and c. Yukon by 6 observers. Rock Doves were seen Eight Bohemian Waxwings were seen in Kluane R., near km 1792, Alaska Hwy., 50 every day in Whse. (m.ob). Up to 145 in- downtown Whse., at -40øC Dec. 27 (HG). A km n.w. of Destruction Bay. They were seen dividuals were counted (HG). The Great flock of 34 birds was observedin Whse., Jan. Dec. 26 (WH). Mallards were again observed Horned Owl was once again the most com- 10. One bird with a slightly injured wing here Mar. 14 (HG). Unspecified goldeneyes monly observed owl. It was reported from stayed until Jan. 18 (HG). Up to 35 House were reported as follows: one male on the almost all areas visited in the Region, by 13 Sparrows were noted in Yellowknife through- Yukon R., 25 km s.c. of Whitehorse (hereaf- observers. A Snowy Owl was seen as it was out the season(DM). ter, Whse.) Dec. 13 (HG), two males in the attacked by ravens in the Rat L. area near Pine Grosbeaks were common throughout same area Dec. 21 (HG,KMcK), two on the Yellowknife in early December (KMcI,KS). the season.During a cold spell, 74 birds were Kluane R., 50 km n.w. of Destruction Bay, One was noted at the Dempster Hwy., near counted in Whse., Dec. 27 (m.ob.). A Gray- six males and one female on the Teslin R., at the Klondike R. bridge Dec. 7 (CB). Snowy crowned Rosy Finch was seen in Haines Jct., Johnson's Crossing Dec. 31 (HG). Some of Owls were reported as seen fairly regularly in early December (BL, fide RC) and one in thesewere suspectedof being Barrow's Gol- near the Yukon/N.W.T border at the Demi> Whse. at -40øC in a small flock of Bohemian deneyes. A o' Com. Goldeneye with two 9 ster Hwy., in December and early January Waxwings Dec. 27 (HG). Although we are goldeneyeswere seenon the Yukon R., 25 km (fide RF). Two Great Gray Owls were observ- still not quite sure what a "Hoary" and what s.c. of Whse., and 13 males were identified as ed in Wood Buffalo N.P., Dec. 30 and one a "Common" Redpoll is and how we are sup- Com. Goldeneyesat Johnson'sCrossing Dec. Jan. 30 (SO). Hawk Owls appeared to have posed to classify birds that have plumage col- 31 (HG). Common Mergansers were observ- been quite common in s. and c. Yukon as well ours "in between" the two "species", we can ed regularly in open water in small numbers as s. Northwest Territories although they say that generally lighter-coloured birds were by 6 observers. were reported by only 5 observers.Two pro- observedin the Dawson/Dempster Hwy. area Goshawkswere plentiful this winter, prob- bable sightingsof a Boreal Owl were reported up to km 450 (RF) and in Yellowknife (DM). ably mostly due to the high population levels from the lower DempsterHwy., Dec. 11 & 22 Redpollswere rare in the s. Yukon until mid- of snowshoe hares, which were at or near (RF). From January on, Boreal Owls were February when apparently the first migrants their peaks in a 10-year cycle. Ten observers calling regularly in the lower Dempster Hwy. returned. Only a few were identified as Com. reported Goshawks from the s. and c. area (DB,GB, fide RF; RF). One was calling Redpolls(RC). White-winged Crossbillswere Yukon. The first winter report of a Red- at timberline by the Cornwall R., km 450 nearly absent during the season. In Destruc- tailed (Harlan's) Hawk was obtained as it Dempster Hwy., Feb. 4 (RF). A Boreal Owl tion Bay three were seen Dec. 26 and two was seen 15 km n.w. of Whse., Jan. 3 (RH). was seen 15 km s. of Whse., Jan. 17 as it kill- Feb. 23 (WH). Four males and eight females Even Golden Eaglesstayed in severalareas of ed a northern flying squirrel and as it spent were noted in Yellowknife Feb. 16 (DM). the s. and c. Yukon. Up to three birds were the whole night taking it apart and eating it Three Snow Buntings were seenin Dawson reported by 7 observers. A Bald Eagle was (ph., KO). in mid-to-late December (JF, fide RF) and noted at Burwash L., Feb. 2 (WH). One two Dec. 30 (RF), apparently the first winter Gyrfalcon was seenat Windy Pass, Dempster record of this speciesin the c. Yukon. Up to Hwy., Dec. 5 (CB) and there was a pair in the 31 birds were seen in Whse. throughout the same general area Feb. 6 (RF). One was ob- season (HG,SH,JS). In late February, flocks servedin the Whse. area Feb. 15 (TM). A sus- were reported along the highway near Stewart pected observation of a Gyr was reported Crossing (fide RF). from Yellowknife Dec. 21 (DNi). A Blue Grouse was observed in the Whse. CONTRIBUTORS--E. Beaubien, C. area Jan. 12 (RC&NW). Spruce Grouse, not Boyd, M. Brook, D. Brost, G. Brunner, R. quite as common as usual, were noted by 12 Carlson, S. Cormondy, M. Dennington, A. observers in s. and c. Yukon, n. British Col- Denton, H. Dick, J. Fraser, R. Frisch, S. umbia and the Fort Smith area of Northwest Hackney, W. Harms, R. Hayes, D. Hot- Territories. Ruffed Grouse in small numbers wood, J. Kehoe (JKe), J. Kuhn (JKu), J. were seen in Wood Buffalo N.P., Feb. 8 Boreal Owl with northern flying squirrel, Lammers, M. Lammers, B. Liddie, K. Mac- (SO), in the Haines Jct. area in early Decem- near Whitehorse, Y.T., Jan. 17, 1981. Innes (KMcI), P. Mantle, A. & S. Martell, E. ber (EB), in Whse., Dec. 24 & 27 (HG,SM, Photo/Kate Ostrom. McDonald, K. McKenna (KMcK), D.

318 American Birds, May 1981 Muirhead, T. Munson, D. Nicherson(DNi), D. & L. Schuler, J. Shaxon, K. Southworth, Yukon Conservation Society, 302 Steele W. Nixon, D. Nolan (DNo), S. Oosenbrug,C. T. Tchulokovsky, J. & W. Ward, P. Wilson, Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, YIA Osborne,K. Ostrom, E. Push, U. Schmigale, N. Wolffe.--HELMUT GRiJNBERG, 2C5.

NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN- tered on L. Okanagan at Vernon, B.C. (JG) and INTERMOUNTAIN REGION one was with Whistling /Thomas H. Rogers Swans on the Columbia R., at Brewster, Wash., Dec. 24 (GB). A pair of Whistling Swans winter- Weather played an extremely important ed at Red Rock Lakes role in influencingbird activityduring the Re- N.W.R., Lima, Mont., gion's phenomenallymild winter season.Ex- where up to 317 Trum- cept for some cold weather in December, it peter Swans were count- was more like spring. Precipitation was ed. The Feb. 10-11 aeri- generally sparse and fell mostly as rain, even al survey in that area re- into the lower mountains. Most bodies of vealed a record 1247 • •/ / RrVELSTO•E water remained unfrozen and the lowlands swans, up 35% over had little or no snow cover. Birds exploited 1980. Ground checks in- these conditions, with numerous late linger- dicated over 98% were ers, semi-hardy specieswintering, and very Trumpeters. An ex- ATTL' / ( 'OKANE*J* % KALISFELL early spring arrivals, only the more notable of cellent production of LEEL• ß • A• ;COEURD'ALENE which can be includedhere. With much open cygnets in Canada was ELLEN•C eq ..... I •- • eMISSOULAeHELEN• water and apparently abundant and readily indicated. Substantial •O.VAK•A' w •_•LEWISTO• THREE available food supplies,many speciestended numbers of Whistlers BILLEl to remain scattered. Waterfowl wintered wintered in e. Washing- m abundantly and farther north than normally. ton and s. Idaho. The "northern" fincheswere generally plen- The Columbia Basin UEND •e PAYETTE tiful, taking advantageof an apparentlyex- Waterfowl Survey in e. cellentcone crop, which may have beenbetter Washington-n.c. Ore- OREGOFI J IDAHO WYOMI• in the United States portion than in Canada. gon flown Feb. 10-11 Most northerly speciesmoved down as usual showed increases over but there was some evidence that mountain 1979--1980 coverage speciesremained at higher elevations than was not comparable-- as follows: ducks up centration of up to 38 Wood Ducks was on normally. There is some concern that it will 444%; geeseup 320%; and swansup 379%. the Little Spokane R., n. of Spokane, Wash., be a hot, dry summer. Canada Goose numbers at Am. Falls Res., during the winter (MHa) and ten wintered at peaked at 44,000, the highestever, and Mal- Enterprise, Ore. (JE). A o' duck on a pond LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS-- lard-Pintail numbers exceeded 100,000. Con- near Pocatello, Ida., was suspectedof beinga A meager scatteringof Com. Loons, Horned versely, waterfowl numbers at Deer Flat Tufted Duck, although the possibilityexisted and W. grebes wintered in the Region, in N.W.R., Nampa, Ida., were far below nor- that it might have been a Ring-neckedDuck addition to the usual Pied-billed Grebes. mal, Canadas numbering only about 1100 X Lesser Scaup (CHT). On L. Entiat n. of Four White Pelicans apparently wintered on (usually 9-10,000) and Mallards, 71,000 (nor- Wenatchee the large flocks of Ring-necked Am. Falls Res., in s. Idaho, a highly unusual mally about 0.5 million). Minidoka N.W.R., Ducks, normally second only to Ruddy event (CHT) and eight stayedon the Hanford Rupert, Ida., had peaks of 1500+ Canadas Ducks in winter numbers, moved out about Reach of the Columbia R., near Pasco, and 20,000 + ducks, mostly Mallards, in Jan- Christmas and were replaced by large flocks Wash., for the third winter (RP). A Double- uary and Idaho's three northernmost coun- of scaup. McNary N.W.R., Burbank, Wash., crested Cormorant was seen flying around ties' midwinter count showed nearly 14,000 had "thousands" of Canvasback Feb. 7 the N. Potholes, s.w. of Moses L., Wash., ducks, mostly Redheads, and 860 geese. (B.M.A.S.). Jan. 8 (DZ). In Idaho one was along the Spo- Calispeli L., Pend Orefile Co., Wash., had kane R., near Post Falls Jan. 10 (SGS & ES) 1400 Canadas Jan. 10. The spring buildup of VULTURES THROUGH EAGLES--Fort and two imm. birds were at Massacre Rocks white geeseat Miller I., s. of Klamath Falls, Simcoe, Wash., had a Turkey Vulture Jan. 24 S.P., Power Co., Jan. 31 (DT). One wintered Ore., was early with 6800 Snow Geese and (Y.A.S.) and one was near Cove, Ore., Feb. 8 at Keiowna, B.C. (JB). 1200 Ross' (SS). One of the latter accompan- (MK). Seven Swainson's Hawks were re- ied Canadas near Kelowna, B.C., Dec. 20 up ported at Market Lake W.M.A., Roberts, HERONS AND EGRETS--British Col- to mid-February (JB, m.ob.) and the same Ida., Feb. 28 (EC). SeveralJanuary and mid- umbia had four Cattle Egretsat Nakusp Nov. area had an Emperor Goose Feb. 23 (BH). February reports of Swainson's in c. Wash- 9 (GD) and two at Oliver Nov. I (TF). One About 200 White-fronted Geeseappeared at ington are problematical. They very well may was sighted at a pond at the Idaho Conley L., e. of La Grande, Ore., Feb. 15 have been Red-tailed Hawks. Washington's Nat'i Energy Lab, Arco, Ida., Dec. 4 (HB, and 12 were with a large flock of Canadas at mid-winter Bald Eagle count was 3197, up fide EC) and the bird at Richland, Wash., the Yakima R. mouth, Richland, Wash., from last year's 2564. Probably 70 + was last seen that same day (REW). A new Feb. 15. A record number of Mallards, wintered at Am. Falls Res. Northern Idaho locality for the specieswas St. Regis, Mont., 10,000, wintered in the Helena, Mont. area. from Coeur d'Alene n. counted 169, the high- where one bird appeared Nov. 13 (DA, fide The Lower Klamath L. area, Ore., had thou- est yet and the Salmon R., above and in- PLW). A Great Egret sighted at Emmett, sandsof Pintail and Am. Wigeon in late Feb- cluding the Middle Fork, in Idaho, had 37, Ida., Dec. 6 & Jan. 7 apparently wintered ruary, 2-3 weeks early. By Feb. 20 Maiheur comparedto seventhe 2 previousyears. Some (A&HL). An Am. Bittern was still at N.W.R., had over 70,000 Pintail. A Com- 10-15 wintered along the Kootenai R., in Lin- Umatilla N.W.R., Umatilla, Ore., Dec. 4 mon (Green-winged)Tealwas identified at the coln County, Mont., and a N movement (MC & NB) and one seen Dec. 11 at Malheur mouth of Ladd Cr., Union Co., Ore., Feb. 15 there starting about Feb. 10 produced up to N.W.R., Burns, Ore., presumably wintered (JE,LT). A very few Eur. Wigcon and White- 40 a day. Severalappeared along the Kooten- (ST et al.). winged Scoters appeared in e. Washington ay R., near Kimberley, B.C., in late Feb- and a few of the former were in the Lower ruary. Some 40-50 wintered in Wallowa WATERFOWL--Three Mute Swans win- Klamath Falls area (SS). An unusual con- County, Ore., and Maiheur N.W.R., had up

Volume 35, Number 3 319 to 35 on Feb 20 The m•d-w•nter census in N WR, Bonners Ferry, Ida, Nov 16 math L area had an unexpectedlyhigh count the Klamath Basin totalled 500+. Ice-free (LDN). An owl found dead near Sandpoint, of Water Pipits with 78 Jan. 31 (SS). The conditions and low water levels apparently Ida., Dec. 5 wasthought to be a Barred(JM). specieswas noted near Leavenworth, Wash, were mainly responsiblefor the high eagle A Great Gray Owl was reportedat Otter L., Dec. 3 (L&JG) and was reported at Rupert, numbers, as food in the form of ducks and near Armstrong, B.C., Dec. 21 (RB) and a Ida. (WHS). In Montana Bohemian Wax- fish was plentiful. female had returnedto last year's nestsite in wing numberswere high in Lincoln County the Spring Cr. area of w. Union County, and at Helenabut averageat Bozeman.They GALLINACEOUS BIRDS--Four White- Ore., by Feb. 27 (RR). Lincoln County, were scarce in the Spokane area but Walla taded Ptarmigan in nearly full winter plu- Mont., had two sightingsof single birds in Walla had large flocks mixed with Cedars mage were sightedin the Elk Cr. area of the s. February (CW). The only Saw-whetOwls to and n.e. Oregon had many Bohemians, in- Wallowa Mts., Baker Co., Ore., Nov. 2. The showup were one near Selah, Wash., Jan. 31 cludinga flock of 1300at Josephduring De- specieswas introduced into the Eagle Cap (Y.A.S.); onefound road-killednear Quincy, cember. Cedar Waxwing numbersin the lat- Wddernessin 1967(JE). The only Turkeys re- Wash. (L&JG), and one s. of Walla Walla in ter area and at Wenatchee, Wash., were well ported were 25 near Prairie, Ida., Dec. 1 and December (D&KW,PH). above normal. Cedars outnumbered Bohem- Feb 26 (PC). ians in the Rupert area. Small numbers of Helena had an amazing Corn. Nighthawk both specieswintered at Pocatello, where Ce- CRANES THROUGH RAILS--A Greater seenat closerange Dec. 17 (JC, fide SM). A dars seldom winter. and a Lesser Sandhill Crane wintered at Mal- 9 Anna's Hummingbird frequented a Boise heur for the first winter records for healthy feeder at least until Feb. 1 (A & HL,EY, cranes there (ST et al.). The Wallowa Fish m.ob.) Four at Vernon feedersdisappeared in WARBLERS AND BLACKBIRDS--An Hatchery, Enterprise, Ore., had two Virginia early December with the onset of colder wea- Orange-crowned Warbler again wintered Rails through the winter (JE) and Washing- ther (MP) and one visited a feeder in the Spo- along the Link R., in the Klamath Falls area ton had singlebirds Dec. 8 near Beverly and kane Valley during much of December (JA, (SS) and one appeared in Richland Dec. 14 Dec 16 s. of Basin City w. of Mesa (JT). Two WH,THR). A Lewis' Woodpecker was seen and 25 (REW). One was sighted at Umatilla Soras lingered near O'Sullivan Dam, s. of along the Fisher R., e. of Libby Feb. 8 (CW) N.W.R., Feb. 10 (MC). A Jan. 15 sightingof Moses L., Wash., until Nov. 6 (JT). and very late singleYellow-bellied Sapsuckers 300 _+ 100 o' Yellow-headed Blackbirds in a were sighted w. of Nile, Wash., Jan. 1 stubblefield near the N. Potholes Res. was SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS--Greater (Y.A.S.) and near Walla Walla (a "Red- unprecedented.They were mixed in with 4000 Yellowlegs wintered in ususuallyhigh num- breasted") Dec. 12 (CS). A W. Kingbird was o' Red-winged Blackbirds (RF). Tricolored bers at Klamath Falls and two Spotted Sand- positively identified in Colorado Gulch 8 mi Blackbirds were much more numerous than p•pers remained through December in that s.w. of Helena Dec. 8 after nighttime temper- normal in the Klamath Falls area. Besides 810 area along the Link R. (SS). Two or three of atures as low as -6øF (GN). on the CBC, 750 were found at a different lo- the latter specieswere along Mill Cr., e. of cation Jan. 29. The speciesnormally returns Walla Walla, Wash., Feb. 28 (DM). The Ya- JAYSTHROUGH WRENS--Only two in early to mid-February(SS). kima Delta had two Least Sandpipersand 26 Blue Jays were reported, one that wintered at Dunlin Dec. 14 (REW) and one of the latter Libby (CW) and one sightedat SpokaneDec. FINCHES--Evening Grosbeaksappeared was at McNary P., Umatilla, Ore., Feb. 11 21 (WH). A wanderingSteller's Jay showed in high or at least normal numbers in the (MC). A small flock of W. Sandpiperswas at up at Frenchman Hills Wasteway w. of Pot- Libby-Fortine area, and in n.e. Oregon Vantage, Wash., Dec. 5 (L&JG). Three first- holes Res., 50 mi from any coniferousforest around Enterprise,around Klamath Falls and year Glaucous Gulls appeared at Richland Feb. 20 (GC). A Corn. Crow, rare in the Kla- at Kimberly but were scarce or absent else- Dec 14 and in Pasco Jan. 10 (REW) and math Falls vicinity, appearedthere Feb. 25-26 where. A Purple Finch visiteda Livingston, three first-year birds were at the Coeur d'A1- (SS). About 20 stayed through the period in Mont., feeder Jan. 11 for the only report ene dump Jan. 18 along with an ad. Thayer's the Wallowa Valley, where they very rarely (PDS,EH,RW,JS). Very few Cassin's Fin- Gull (JA). A Thayer's was spotted among winter (FC). A 5-hour hike along Frazer Cr., ches were reported except for n.e. Oregon, 2000_+ gulls on L. Ewauna, Klamath Falls e. of Twisp, Wash., Dec. 15 revealed 75_+ which had more than usual, and Lincoln Jan 30 for apparentlythe first recordfor the Clark's Nutcrackers feeding on ponderosa County, Mont., where Fortine had its first Klamath Basin (SS). A few Ring-billedGulls pine seeds(RF) and the specieswas abundant winter record (WW) and Libby, a few sight- stayedthrough the winter on the Clark Fork in Lincoln County, Mont., through the win- ings (CW). A small flock of House Finches R , at Noxon, Mont. (CW) and a singleadult ter (CW). Four Black-capped Chickadees, was around Bozeman all winter (JS). Pine and an imm. California or Ring-billed Gull rare in the Klamath Basin, were sightedalong Grosbeak appearanceswere sparseexcept in were sightedat Helena in January (SM). Kla- the Wood R., s. of Ft. Klamath Jan. 24 (SS) the Libby and Troy areasof Montana and m math Falls had an ad. Mew Gull in December and one in Richland Jan. 1 was a rare occur- the Wallowa Mts., Union Co., Ore., which and January, the third consecutivewinter for rence (REW). Boreal Chickadeesappeared at had 5 observationstotaling 11birds (JE). The the speciesthere (SS). several spots in Lincoln County, Mont. Grand Coulee-Moses Coulee area of c (CW). Two Wrentits were along the s. end of Washington and the Enterprise, Ore. areas OWLS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS-- the Link R., Klamath County Jan. 30 for a had good numbers of Gray-crownedRosy Barn Owls apparently wintered at Malheur new locality (SS). At least eight Bewick's Finchesand a mixed flock of Gray-crowned and one-two were sighted at Nampa during Wrens were observed Feb. 7 on McNary and Black rosy finches found shelteramong the winter. A road-killed bird was picked up W.M.A., at the mouth of the Walla Walla the basalt cliffs along the Boise R., below Dec 5 near Stratford, Wash., for a new loca- R., near Wallula, Wash., Feb. 7 (B.M.A.S.). Lucky Peak Dam in January (A&HL, tion (RF) and one was near George, Wash., J&NH,MRC, m.ob.). Common Redpolls Nov 6 (L&JG). Eight Barn Owls were found THRUSHES THROUGH WAXWINGS-- made a good showingat Libby, with three be- at 8 different barns in the Twin Falls area American Robins were common to abundant lieved to be Hoaries (CW); at Waits L., near Dec 14 (JR). Eastern Washington had many in the Helena and Bozeman, Mont. vicinities Valley, Wash.; at Mt. Spokane, and on the reportsof SnowyOwls. One wasseen repeat- but apparently were scarce elsewhere, per- Yakima CBC. The species,very rare in Ore- edly in the Coeur d'Alene area and single hapsbecause n. birds did not move down. A gon, appearedat Wallowa L., a flock of 40 + b•rds were reported for the Libby and cy Varied Thrush passedthrough Pocatello, Dec. 6 (MH); a flock of 45 + was at Lostine Helena, Mont. vicinities.The only Burrowing Ida., Feb. 27 (J J). A few W. Bluebirdsappar- Canyon, Wallowa County Dec. 12, and two Owl report was of one 10 mi e. of Moses L., ently wintered at Spokane, the highestnum- were in a flock of Pine Siskins near Catherine Feb 28 (BW). An imm. Barred Owl was ber, nine, Jan. 12. A male was near Imnaha, Creek S.P., Union Co., Feb. 28 (JE,JJo, photographedat the Wallowa Fish Hatchery Ore., Jan. 25 (JEet al.) and four were at Pen- BD). Very few appearedelsewhere. Pine Sis- Jan 11 (VC,RA,FC et al.) and perhpas the ticton, B.C., Jan. 31 (TW). A group of six kins wintered in abundancein the n. part of same bird appeared again Feb. 16 & 22 for Mountain Bluebirds was in sagebrush be- the Region and in n.e. Oregon and even at only the second winter occurrence for tween Burns, Ore., and Malheur N.W.R., Lakeview, Ore. Red Crossbillswere in good Oregon. Vernon, B.C., had one Nov. 15 Jan. 5 (DT). Some Ruby-crowned Kinglets numbers in the conifer belt from the Okano- (JG) Lincoln County, Mont., had several wintered in the Troy and Libby areasof Lin- gan Valley of Washington e. through Spo- sightings(CW) and one appearedat Kootenai coln County, Mont. (CW). The Lower Kla- kane into Kootenai County, Ida., into Lm-

320 American B•rds,May 1981 coin County, Mont., and the Helena area and rows were abundant in the Yakima vicinity nida Pass, Monita, Mont., Feb. 14 & 16 also in n.e. Oregon. Up to 20 White-winged and common at Rupert. In the Nampa area (GH). Crossbillswere sightedat Mt. Spokanein De- up to 53 were counted Jan. 4 and a few ap- cember and January (JA,BW). peared at Spokane. Yakima, Wapato and OBSERVERS CITED--James Acton, Gleed, Wash., had a few sightingsof Golden- Ralph Anderson, Deborah Artson, Ruth SPARROWS--Brown Towhees were crowned Sparrowsand the same generalarea Blattner, Nancy Bock, Blue Mountain Audu- found at two locations near Klamath Falls had a few Fox Sparrows (Y.A.S.). A bon Society (B.M.A.S.), George Brady, Dec. 27 and Jan. 27 for the first winter Lincoln's Sparrow appeared near Union, Howard Brower, Jim Burbidge, Gretchen records there (SS). A Rufous-sided Towhee Ore., Feb. 7 (JE,JGi) and species,normally Call, Eddie Chew, Vic Coggins, Mark R. stayed at Libby until about Feb. 10. The very rare in the Klamath Basin in winter, Collie, Frank ConIcy, Priscilla Cook, Craig speciesseldom winters there (CW). Umatilla numbered six on the Klamath Falls CBC. One & Marion Corder, Jim Cornish, Gary David- N.W.R., had two Savannah Sparrows Dec. wintered in Harrison, Mont. (PM). Two son, Bill Dowdy, Joe Evanich, Thelma Forty, 14 and one Feb. 10 (MC,NB). A Lark Spar- Swamp Sparrows, well identified by an obser- Ron Friesz, Jeff Gilligan (JGi), Larry & Jac- row visited a Walla Walla feeder Dec. 9 ver fully familiar with the species,were at L. que Goodhew, James Grant (JG), Warren (RM). Dark-eyed Juncosstayed at Libby and Lowell near Nampa Dec. 23 (DT). Hall, Morey Haggin (MHa), Eve Hayes, Mac Fortinc in unusual numbers and were the A o, McCown's Longspur in winter plu- Huff (MH), James & Naomi Heckathorn, most abundant bird in riparian habitat in the mage was studiedat length Jan. 31 at Lower Paul Hoeter, Brian Holman, George Holton, Columbia Basin of Washington. A flock of Klamath N.W.R. This sighting was preceded Joe Jeppson (J J), John Johnson (JJo), Mari- eight wintered at Kimberley, B.C. (MVW). by sightingsof three on the California sideof anne Kaplan, AI & Hilda Larson, Pat Three or more Sage Sparrows were back in the state line Jan. 9-14 (SS). The Klamath McKInney, Jack McNeel, Rose Marsh, Sid the Dodson Road area by the N. Potholes by Basin had normal numbersof wintering Lap- Martin, Dirk Muse, Larry D. Napier, Gene Feb. 28. Their sagebrushhabitat in e. Wash- land Longspurswith a high count of 110 on Nixon, Mary Paul, Rich Phillips, John ington apparently is being rapidly converted Lower Klamath N.W.R., Jan. 31. Flocks of Quirk, Thomas H. Rogers, Ron Rohweder, to wheatland (BW). Tree Sparrows were re- 300-500 were seen on the California side. The Jeff Rupprecht, Connie Sherer, W.H. Shill- ported as quite common in n.e. Oregon es- Helena Valley had a singlesighting of a flock ington, P.D. Skaar, Jim Sparks, Esther peciallyin Wallowa County (JE) and up to 20 of 25 in early February (SM). "Tremendous Stewart, Shirley G. Sturts, Steve Summers, were seen at Umatilla N.W.R., during the numbers" of Snow Buntingswere reported in Jim Tabor, Dan Taylor, Steve Thompson, winter. Bruneau Dunes S.P., Bruneau, Ida., Wallowa County, Ore. A flock of 1200 win- Larry Thornburgh, C.H. Trost, Don & Kathy had a few Jan. 17 and in February (MRC, tered near Zumwalt and 400 frequented the Webster, Ron Weeks, Winton Weydemeyer, A&HL, m.ob.) for the only other records ex- lmnaha vicinity (JE,FC et al.). The Reardan- Bart Whelton, Mildred V. White, Ted cept the Chewalah CBC. The only Harris' Davenport, Wash. area had flocks all winter, Whiting, Carl Wolf, Robert E. WoodIcy, Sparrows besidesthe Chewalah CBC bird the largest, 375 Jan. 2 and the last sighting Philip L. Wright, Yakima Audubon Society were three at Vernon most of the period (JQ) 250 Feb. 21 (JA). A few were in the Libby (Y.A.S.), Eric Yensen, Don Ziegler.- and an imm. bird with juncos near Joseph, area in December and January (CVO and THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. 10820 Maxwell, Ore., Jan. 25 (JE,NB). White-crowned Spar- three flocks of 20+ eachwere sightedon Mo- Spokane, WA 99206.

MOUNTAIN WEST mildness was a lack of incursions from the /Hugh E. Kingery northwaxwingsby speciesand Snowlike Regionalobservers credit an unprecedent- Buntings(although we e".•d.wYOMING edly mild winter for a lengthy recital of out- report sevenSnowy of-seasonrecords. Except for a snowy belt in Owls and a front of northern Utah and northwestern Wyoming, White-winged Cross- the Regionpassed the winter seasonwith very bills) and from the little precipitation and very warm tempera- tures. Mountain snowpacksstood at 20-30% mountainslikeMountain byChicka-species 'STII. I.W•TEllIlllll•E[g.l?E ] SIKT of normal at the end of February; extensive dees, finches, and gros- ' I bare slopes,both mountain and plains, pro- beaks.Similarly, obser- •IKVADA I UTAH vided unusualwinter feeding areas. Typical of the Region, Denver had its warmest De- vationsmally winteringofmany species nor- cember since 1933. (In the Salt Lake valley, decreased, particularly the weather was chillier becausethick dammy groundfeeders which fog lay almost continuouslyfrom November couldfind abundantna- 19 to January 19.) Many reservoirsremained tural food on snow-free open through all or most of the season.Den- ground remote from ver area reservoirsfinally froze, briefly, dur- ponds and dwellings. Examples include December, the last report was of two Jan. 5 ing a cold spell in early February; somecoots Horned Larks, juncos, and rosy finches. (tPP). A Red-throated Loon at Pueblo Jan. and merganserswere actually frozen into the 21 (E&MC) possibly was the same one seen ice at Chatfield Reservoir (F&JJ). The other Christmas Bird Counts (hereafter, CBC): on the CBC there. During DecemberL. Mead winteringwater birds disappeared. The report which follows includes frequen- had 5 speciesof grebes,headlined by the first This extraordinary weather was credited cies calculated for several specieson a party- Red-neckedGrebe photographed in Nevada with out-of-season records like lingering hour basis. The figures exclude Nevada, un- present Dec. 5-Jan. 3 (VM,CL). Coloradans loonsand grebes,a pelican,night herons,bit- less otherwise specified; they cover counts reported a handful of Horned and W. grebes terns, and gulls; unusual wintering cormor- from 1972-1980. through the winter. Fared Grebesremained ants, doves, wrens, meadowlarks, sparrows, into late December in n. Nevada and around and large numbersof waterfowl; unseasonal LOONS THROUGH HERONS--Com- the Great Salt L., which had 1200 Dec. 4 specieslike Lesser Yellowlegs, gnatcatchers, mon Loons stayed into December in Sheri- (JN); they returned in mid-February to Car- warblers, Bobolinks, Black-headed Gros- dan, Wyo., Ruby Lakes N.W.R., Nev., and son City, Nev., and Great Salt L. (BP,JAB). beaks, and Savannah Sparrows; Sage Grouse Grand Jct., Colo., and even to late January Sheridan had a record late W. Grebe Dec. 16 drumming in January; and numerousearly at Denver (F&JJ,J&JC). The Denver area (MC,HD). Near Denver 30 Pied-billed Gre- returnees. Another manifestation of the also had at least three Arctic Loons in late bes gathered Jan. 5 (PP). At St. George, a

Volume 35, Number 3 321 White Pelican wintered at a golf course, un- increasedfrom a 0.10 average to 0.17, the 4 in e. Colorado. The usual Pygmy Owls in- troubled by the golfers. This gave s. Utah its highestrate in 9 years,probably reflectingthe cluded one at Heber City, Utah Feb. 14-22 second winter record--both on golf mild winter and perhaps a more northerly (E&RS,JAB), the only report we have from courses--the other a dead one picked up De- wintering pattern. n. Utah in 3 years. Saw-whet Owls probably cember 1979 (SH). A Double-crested Cor- Despite the CBC numbers, observers in n. occur more frequently than Mountain West morant which spent December at Denver was Wyoming, w. Colorado, and Utah perceived observers find them; during the past 12 joined by a second Jan. 17; they stayed a decline in raptor numbers; the reverse oc- months 9 observations of 11 Saw-whets were through Feb. 7 when the reservoir froze curred in the e. Colorado plains. Las Vegas reported (I Nevada, 3 Utah, I Wyoming, 4 (F&JJ et al.). Observers noted Am. Bitterns observers found four different Red-shoulder- Colorado). An Anna's Hummingbird pat- in all 3 months at Ruby L. and Fish Springs ed Hawks, three of which wintered (VM). Of ronized a Las Vegas feeder until Dec. 14 N.W.R., and Ogden Bay W.M.A., Utah three Swainson's Hawks reported, observers (CT). Common Flickers held fairly steadyon (SB,LM,JAB). provided details on one, at Dinosaur Nat'l CBCs, with this year's 0.68/party-hour close Mon., Utah, Feb. 21 (E&RS). Reportsof Fer- to the average. Utah observers regard the WATERFOWL--In Utah, U.D.W.R. re- ruginous Hawks increased in e. Colorado; Lewis' Woodpecker as quite rare today, al- ported roughly twice as many ducks as last they were scarce at Cedar City, Utah. The though it occurred commonly 40 years ago; year; the low was 78,734 in early January. winter survey produced 1761 Bald Eagles in hence the six seen Jan. 10 and five Feb. 8 near Green-winged Teal comprised one-half to Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado (742, 481, Wallsburg elicited severalcomments (E&RS, one-third of the wintering birds. Coloradans and 538 respectively), 30-35o70immatures. JAB, MW). The mild winter produced more noted more speciesof ducks, but not as high The totals are about the same as last year, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers than usual with numbers as usual. Monte Vista and Alamosa although Utah's population was higher and two in Jackson, Wyo., and 12 in Color- N.W.R.s wintered 5000 ducks, half the usual; Colorado's lower. The eagles shifted from ado--including one at Eagle Dec. 7 and 1-3 the rest may have dispersed into the valley traditional territories to new areas, and wintering in Boulder (JM,PC). CBCs showed (JK). Wintering Whistling Swans included dispersed more (U.F.O., BO,PGo). On Feb. 0.12 Hairy Woodpeckers/party-hour (aver- 400-600 at Bear River N.W.R., 30 at Ruby 28 one roost in n. Utah had 369 Balds, and age) and 0.19 Downies(up from average). L., one at Colorado Spgs. (RB), and two at the Casper roosts had over 200, about an 8:1 Carbondale, Colo. (tVZ). Wintering Trum- ratio of Balds to Goldens. Observers'reports FLYCATCHERS TO NUTHATCHES-- peter Swans numbered 20-45 at Ruby L., and on Marsh Hawks reflected the same pattern A Cassin's Kingbird had reached Overton, 90 in n.w. Wyoming. Fort Collins, Colo., a shown on CBCs, with more birds farther n. Nev., by Feb. 7 (JAB). A burned mesquite center for Canada Geesein the Front Range, than in the usualwinter. Gyrfalconsappeared grove at Ft. Mohave, Nev., had only one bird had fewer wintering in the city, probably be- near Sterling, Colo., Jan. 2-4 (•'JVR,PG, Dec. 13--an unusual Ash-throated Flycatch- cause so many reservoirs farther e. remained D.F.O.) and Sheridan Jan. 4-11 (DB,PW). er (VM). Say's Phoebes reached Ouray ice-free. A Ross' Goose wintered at the same N.W.R., Utah Feb. 11-12 (MLa)and Delta, St. George golf course which harbored the GROUSE TO PARROTS---Sage Grouse Colo., Feb. 27 (M J). Observersgenerally saw pelican (SH,•'JAB), and one was at Grand began drumming at Jarbidge, Nev., by Jan. fewer Horned Larks, possibly because the Jct., in January (BT). The St. George area 19 (EB). An early Whooping Crane reached large flocks did not concentratealong road- also wintered 600-1000 Ring-necked Ducks Jensen, Utah Feb. 15 (J&CM), the same day sides as much as in snowier winters. Numbers (SH). Both Corn. and Barrow's goldeneyes Sandhills arrived in numbers in the San Luis did increase in February, with two different numbers dropped from the usual, presum- Valley, Colo. By the end of February counts in n.e. Colorado Jan. 17 of 5000 and ably because they remained farther n. Five 5000-6000 Sandhillswere there, and they had 8100 (F.A.C., JR). Davis Dam, Nev., had Oldsquaws stayed at Denver Dec. 13-Jan. 17 reached Ruby L., Lund, Nev., and Jackson, very few swallowsthis winter, with the only Wyo. (SB,MC,BR). Only averagenumbers of one high count of 700 Trees Feb. 28 (VM). Killdeer and Corn. Snipe wintered, although Cliff Swallowswere building nestsat Davis the latter included one at Steamboat Spgs., Dam Feb. 28, extremely early (VM).No Colo., Feb. 7 feeding on newly-hatchedbrine movements of jays occurred this winter, and flies at a warm spring(CA). Logan, Utah ob- fewer called at Regional feeders. The CBC servers found 1-2 Lesser Yellowlegs Jan. average for Steller's Jays of 0.6/party-hour 11-Feb. 14 (KA,AG,•'RA). Las Vegas' first dropped from the 8-year average of migrating sandpipers were a Greater Yellow- 0.98/party-hour, while Black-billedMagpies legs and three Least Sandpipers Feb. 28 occurred at the average 3.2/party-hour. (VM). Farmington Bay Ref., Utah had a Common Crows have increasedtheir Region- Glaucous Gull Feb. 15-22 (RM,DSh,JAB); e. al numbers over the past few years. All 4 Colorado had fewer than usual. A first-year states reported flocks like the 60 mixed with Glaucous-winged Gull stayed at L. Mead Pi•on Jaysat Pioche, Nev., Feb. 12 and vari- Dec. 7-20; 1-2 iramatures have been there 7 of ous-sized groups at mountain towns like the last 10 years. Also at L. Mead the third- SteamboatSpgs., Grand L., Winter Park and Oldsquaw, Chatfield Res., Colo., Jan. 10, year W. Gull, reported last fall, wintered Monte Vista, Colo. Flocks of 200-500 flew 1981. Photo/Jan Justice. (VM). Denver and Las Vegas reported 1-3 over Cedar City 3 times Jan. 28-Feb. 27; "I Thayer's Gulls through the winter. California have seen crows only two times previously and one was last seen Feb. 7 (F&JJ et aT.). Gulls stayed in e. Colorado through Decem- here." (SH). CBCs recorded Black-capped Winter scoters included a White-winged at ber and had arrived back in White Pine Chickadeesin averagenumbers (1.18/party- Boulder Dec. 22 (B J) and one at Antelope I. County, Nev., by Feb. 20 (MP). The Mew hour) but fewer Mountain Chickadees Causeway in the Great Salt L., Feb. 18-19 Gull at L. Mead Dec. 13-Feb. 21 was the first (0.91/party-hour cf. an average 1.37/party- (•-E&RS,GK), and a Surf at L. Mead Dec. adult seenthere since 1978; singlesof various hour). The latter likely stayed in the high 5-Jan.6 (CL,VM,ph.). A Hooded Merganser ages have occurred in 6 of the last 10 years. country forests. White-breasted Nuthatch re- at Dubois Jan. 26 & Feb. 9 was the first Wyo- The 20 Bonaparte's Gulls at Denver Dec. 7 ports increased; the Longmont/Lyons/Ber- ming winter report submitted in the last 9 (JR) gave Colorado its third December record thoud/Loveland area had six mountain birds years (MB). The Denver area had 4000 Corn. in 5 years. Some of the fall's Black-legged last year and 32 plains observationsthis year Mergansers in late December (D.F.O.). Kittiwakes in e. Colorado stayed into mid- (JC). December (BRi,TJ,PG) and several wintered HAWKS, EAGLES--Raptor averageson at L. Mead, peaking at 11 iramatures Dec. 9. WRENS TO WAXWINGS--A House CBCs all increased. Accipiters maintained A pair of Monk Parakeets that wintered in a Wren wintered in semi-abandoned buildings their recent increase; the 0.054/party-hour nest along the s. Platte R., in Denver ap- in the Oquirrh Mts., s. of the Great Salt L., equaled last year, up from an 8-year average parently were escapees;one sported a leg Oct. 27-Feb. 2 (E&RS). Among the Long- of 0.037/party-hour. Red-tailedsand Rough- band (KH,F&JJ et aT.). billed Marsh Wrens reported were six at an leggeds increased to 0.15 and 0.19/party- artesian well in San Juan County, Utah, Jan. hour, up from 8-year averages of 0.10 and OWLS, WOODPECKERS--Snowy Owls 18 (AMc). Nevada reported three Rock 0.17/party-hour respectively. Marsh Hawks appeared for 3 observationsin Wyoming and Wrens, at Eureka Jan. 31 and Wheeler Peak

322 AmericanBirds, May 1981 and Pioche Feb. 16 & 19 (JE,MC). Single FINCHES, SPARROWS--At Berthoud on the Bear River CBC and s. to Provo with Brown Thrashersapparently wintered at Col- one (• Black-headed Grosbeak came to a 27 on Feb. 7-9 (MW,DSh). orado Spgs., and Lyons, Colo. (RB,MG). feeder daily in November and December; a Two Sage Thrashers at Las Vegas Jan. 21 second female joined it in late December and ADDENDUM--This report omits a num- were over a month early, as was a possible a third arrived in February. By Apr. 8 two re- ber of out-of-season rarities which would add one at Eureka Feb. 22 (VM,JE). American mained ($G&WF,CC,IA). Evening Gros- to the winter's anomalies, but which came in Robinswintered throughout regional cities in beaks did not winter in notable numbersany- without sufficient details. Most are no doubt sizable flocks--even in mountain towns like where, although they did occur throughout good records. They included Green Heron, Eagle, Gilman, McCoy, and EIdora, Colo., the Region. Cassin's Finches also were Turkey Vulture, Broad-winged Hawk, Os- Jackson, and Cody, Wyo. A Varied Thrush scarce, although they wintered at Eureka for preys, Greater Yellowlegs, E. and W. king- seenat Ft. Collins Dec. 26 did not stay for the the first time and at Cedar City in flocks of birds, Palm Warbler and W. Tanager. CBC the next day (RBr). A few flocks of 100-200, comparedwith flocks of 20 during a Also, the volume of unseasonalrecords has 15-25 W. Bluebirds wintered at Durango and normal winter (AB,SH). House Finches in- caused me to omit many observer initials singlesoccurred at Lyons and Ca, on City, creasedin CBC abundancefrom an average which I might otherwiseuse; the alternativeis Colo., Jan. 8 & 27 (HL,DMa). Large num- 2.1/party-hour to 2.7/party-hour. On s. lines and lines of initials: bers of Mountain Bluebirds that winter in Nevada CBCs, they tripled their abundance portions of the Region, began returning to levels from last year from 1.21 to 3.36/party- CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) AND IN- other parts in numbersin February; scattered hour. Flocks of rosy finches declined at ITIALED OBSERVERS--Peggy Abbott, birds appearedin late January. A remarkable feeders, probably taking advantage of bare Keith Archibald (14 observers), I. Arndt, R. three Blue-gray Gnatcatcherswere at Delta, ground in the high country. Only a handful Atkins, Cary Atwood (16), Mary Black (12), Colo., Jan. I 1 flycatching and picking along of Corn. Redpolls visited; high count was 94 Ethlyn Barneby, D. Bendix, A. Biale, Nor- sagebrushfor insects(M J). Several unusual at Sheridan Jan. 13 (HD,MC) and southern- man Bishop, Stehpen Bouffard, Boulder January Ruby-crowned Kinglets appeared, most was one at a feeder in Manitou Spgs., Audubon Society, W.W. Brocknet (20), R. including two at Glenwood Spgs., Colo. Colo., Dec. 6 (RB). Among them in late Brule (RBr), Richard Bunn (3), J.A. Burns, (VZ). A Sprague'sPipit at Ridgway, Colo., February in Moose, Wyo., was a reported C.L. Campbell, R. & B. Cannon, P. Carter, Jan. 14 behaved like a Dipper (JRG). Few Hoary Redpoll (SW). Most observerssensed Jean Christensen (50), Mark Collie (MCo), Bohemian Waxwings visited the Region ex- a shortageof Pine Siskins,but they arrived in Marian Collins, John & Joyce Cooper, Ca- cept in the usual n. Wyoming tier. Southern- force in February at Eldora: "Chickadees, mille Cummings, E. & M. Curry, Denver most records were at Heber City, Utah, Dec. nuthatches,and evenjays are havingtrouble Field Ornithologists, Helen Downing (46), 21 (J&BM), Ridgway Dec. 5 (JRG), and getting to feeders. I know of no other year we Margaret Ewing (2), Janet Eyre (3), Gertrude Alma, Colo., Dec. 29 (CLC). have had them in such large numbers, or had and Walter Ferguson, M. Fischer, Foothills them return this early." (GS). American Audubon Club, EIva Fox, Peter Gent, Patsy WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS--St. Goldfinches remained in n. Wyoming with Goodman (PGo), A. Grenan, M. Griest, J.R. George, Utah had up to five Orange-crowned flocks around Jackson and Sheridan. Four Guadagno (5), May Hanesworth (15), K. Warblers seen/day, compared to the usual Front Range plains cities--Longmont, Hawkins, Steve Hedges •4), Louise Hering winter complement of one/day (SH), but at Loveland, Ft. Collins and Colorado Spgs., (37), Jim Herold, Mark Holmgren (MHo), Davis Dam only one was found during the reported White-winged Crossbills Nov. Mark Janos, David Jasper, B. Jickling, T. winter (VM). Single Orange-crownedswere at 30-Jan. 2 (B.A.S.,JC,R&BC,B&FK,RB, Jonas, Frank & Jan Justice, Gleb Kashin, Boulder Dec. 13-16 (RVZ) and Grand Jct., R&JW). The two Savannah Sparrows near ,Ion Kauffeld, D. Kelm, Ursnla Kepler (14), Jan. 13 (MF). A few Yellow-rurnped War- Denver Dec. 28 may provide Colorado its Kate Kirtleman (19), B. & F. Knopf, Michael blers stayed into the winter, including over- first winter record (,JVR). More Black- Lange (MLa), Chuck Lawson, H. Leichliter, wintering birds at Sheridan and Logan, but throated Sparrows wintered at Las Vegas Mark Leppert (14), Mark Lockwood (MLo), most occurred in the usual fringe of the win- than usual (VM). Six Sage Sparrows Feb. 18 R. Mackin, Larry Malone, D. Martin (DMa), ter range. Two Corn. Yellowthroats were at at Great Salt L., provided a surprisingrecord B. Matthews, Arch McCallurn (AMc), J. & St. George Feb. 14 (MW); one was at Colora- (,E&RS). CBC counts of juncos plummeted B. McKinney, John Merchant (3), J. & C. do Spgs., Feb. 7-28 (RB). One of the winter's from an 8-year average of 6.0 to 4.51/party- Metz, Dennis Morales, Vince Mowbray, amazing aberrationscame with the brief stay hour; the open winter probably caused them David Mozurkewich (7), John Nelson, Bob of three o' Bobolinks in nearly full breeding to disperse. CBCs reported an increase in Oakleaf, Peter Paton, M. Perkins, Suzanne plumage in a farmyard outside Berthouri, Tree Sparrows over last year, an above-aver- Peterson (4), Bill Pickslay (3), Bert Raynes Colo., Jan. 28 ($CC). Western Meadowlarks age 2.82/party-hour. CBCs had a threefold (19), J. Reddall, Warner Reeser (5), J.V. probablywintered at Sheridanand gave Jack- increase of White-crowned Sparrows from Reinsen, B. Righter (BRi), J.C. Rigli, R.A. son its first winter record Dec. 8-10 (HD,BR). 1.76 to 5.16/party-hour; although 17 of 22 Ryder, D. Schubach, G. Shickley, D. Shirley Jackson also had an early Yellow-headed counts reporting them showed increases,two (DSh), Ella and Richard Sorenson, Mahlon Blackbird Feb. 23 (DK). Red-winged Black- huge counts accounted for most of the in- Speers, Bert Tignor (14), C. Titus, Utah Di- birds had set up singingposts throughout the crease. Reports of White-throated Sparrows vision of Wildlife Resources, Utah Field Orn- Region by mid-February, 2-4 weeks earlier came from 7 Colorado locations, plus Cas- ithologists, Ray Varney, R. Van Zandt, Judy than usual. A Rusty Blackbird wintered at per, Logan, and Beaver Dam Wash and Ward, Rosie & Jim Watts, Merrill Webb (10), Jackson Dec. 20-Feb. 28+ (BR,ph.). Com- Washington County, Utah. Although they P. Widener, Roberta Winn, S. Wood, V. mon Grackles probably wintered at Ft. Col- surely occurred in Wyoming, the only Snow Zerbi.--HUGH E. KINGERT, 869 Milwau- lins and Berthouri (RAR,G&WF). Buntings reported drifted into Utah as seen kee Street, Denver, Colorado 80206.

SOUTHWEST REGION "void of their normal blanket of white for /Kenneth V. Rosenberg, John P. most of the period". Down at 1100 ft, at Phoenix, temperature exceeded 90øF fre- Hubbard, and Gary H. Rosenberg quently in December, and the "cold" snap usually anticipated by mid-January never Throughout the Region, contributors came. agreedunanimously that this winter was un- The results, as expected, were the oppor- usually mild, and most commented on its tunistic lingering and attempted wintering by dryness.At 8000 ft elevationnear Flagstaff, many migratory species.The following report Rusty Blackbird, Jackson's Hole, Wyo., Coons described the seasonas "decidedly pa- is largely a listing of "rare-in-winter" birds Dec. 20-Feb. 28 +. Photo/Ellen Winger. cific", with even the peaks representingnearly every taxonomic group.

Volume 35, Number 3 323 noteworthy. Three to four Double-crested Cormo?- ants at Morgan L., N. Mex., Dec. 25-27 and Feb. 28 (AN) represented the first winter records of this species in San Juan County. White-faced Ibisesare expectedin very small numbers in s. Ari- zona in such a mild win- ter, but a flock of 25 at Painted Rock Dam Jan. 10 (RB) was unprecedent-ed. Ross' Goose, Sun Lakes, Ariz., Jan. 12, An adult and two imm. 1981. Photo/Scott B. Terrill. Whistling Swans were discoveredon the Salt R., at Phoenix Dec. 23 (AH); the adult and one im- mature remained until Feb. 28 +, despitebeing periodically shot at Superimposedon this consistencywas the oc- (m.ob.,ph.,KR,ST). Six Whistling Swans currence of several northerly speciesthat are alsowintered in theL.C.V., at Parker(MK et unexpectedeven in a cold year. To summar- aL), and up to threewere present on the Rio ize the general avian trends of the season;wa- Grandenear Espafiola (E. Espinozaet aL). terfowl were below averagein numbers, in- Threesmall Canada Geese, perhaps of the sectivoresof severaltypes were more numer- racehutchinsii, were at Zuni Dec. 10 ous and widespread than usual, frugivores this type of gooseis rather rare in New Mex- (e.g., bluebirds)invaded many lowland areas, ico, especially in the w. A White-fronted and in Arizona montane finches were virtual- Goose wintered near Hereford for one of the ly nonexistentand lowland sparrows were few s.e. Arizona records(DD). A "Blue" White-winged Scoters, Lake Havasu, Ariz., scarcein the grasslandsbut abundant in ag- Goosewas at Topock, Ariz., with a flock of Feb. 6, 1981. Photo/Mark Kasperczk. ricultural areas. Snows Dec. 6, as were two Ross' Geesein the sameflock (AH,ph.,KR). Other singleRoss' LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL-- Geesewere at Sun Lakes s. of Phoenix Dec. 9 The identification of an imm. Red-lhroaled through January (B. Brouchard,PB et Loon in Albuquerque in January was con- aL,ph., ST) Farmington, N. Mex., Feb 7 firmed by severalexperts, thus finally sub- (AN) for a secondlocal record,and near Cliff stantiating the speciesin New Mexico (fD. Dec. 4 (R. Drewien,RAF) for a local first. Stahlecker et aL, ph., DH, R.L.Teuber). Phoenix's Eur. Wigeon returned for its Three speciesof loons wintered on L. Havasu third consecutivewinter (m.ob.). Up to five in the lower Colorado River Valley (here- probableGreater Scaupwere at Zuni Feb. 7 after, L.C.V.), with another Red-lhroaled & 21 (fJT); there are few definitive records Loon presentDec. 23-Feb. 21 (KK et al., ph., for New Mexico. As usual, small numbers of JW,MK) representingonly the fifth Arizona this specieswere found in the L.C.V. (MK et record. al.). An imm.o' Barrow's Goldeneye was An unusually large concentration of W. killed by a hunter near Aztec, N. Mex., Dec. Grebes was 750+ at Elephant Butte L., N. 12 {fide E.M. Martin); a wing was saved for lmrn. cy Black Scoter, Parker Dam., Ariz., Mex., Dec. 28; of the 375_+ that were identi- one of the few verified state records. This Feb. 6, 1981. Photo/Mark Kasperczk. fied to color phase, all but one were dark- speciesdid not appear at Davis Dam this phase (D&SH). A high count of ten Horned winter but a high count of ten was noted far- Noteworthy were continued Harris' Hawk Grebes on L. Havasu Jan. 9 (MK,CR) was ther s., at Parker Dam Feb. 6 (LA,MK). sightingsbetween Rodeo and Road Forks, N. exceptional. An Oldsquaw was at Parker, Ariz., Dec. Mex., with 2-4 there Dec. 6 & 8 (WS,RM). Two Red-billed Tropicbirds were off Puer- 17-20 (BA). Continuing last fall's list of sco- Also notablewere singles at Alamogordo,N. to PeiSasco,Sonora Jan. 3 (ph., ST,LT et ter sightings,Arizona's two rarer specieswin- Mex., Dec. 24 (L. Woltering) and near King- aL); this speciesbreeds on islandsin the Gulf tered in the L.C.V.; two White-wingeds on L. man, Ariz., in December (R. Hall.). of California. White Pelicans do not normal- Havasu Jan. 9-Feb. 25 and an imm. o, Black The statewide Bald Eagle count for Jan. ly winter in Arizona, so 19 at Painted Rock Scolerat Parker Dam Jan. 9-Apr. I (ph.,MK 2-26 in New Mexico was 250_+ birds, rs. Dam through January (RB.D.Baker) were et al.). Notable was a Red-breastedMergan- 150_+ in . However, coverage set at Zuni, N.Mex., Feb. 19-21 and a Hood- was better this year and the increasefor areas ed there Dec. 2 (fJT). There were 17 records similarly covered was only 19.5% (JPH et of Hooded Merganserin the lower PecosVal- al.). Six Ospreysnear Yuma Dec. 19 was an ley, N. Mex. (hereafter,L.Pec. V.) during the excellent winter count. Extralimital Caracara period(WCH et al.), and a flock of 12, in- reports included an immature fishing in the cluding one male, wintered below Parker Santa Maria R., n. of Wickenberg, Ariz., Dam, Ariz. (MK,CR et al.). Jan. 7 (ph., BM,W. Kepner) and an imma- ture at Cibola N.W.R., Dec. 8 (fT. Sodder- RAPTORS THROUGH RAILS--A Tur- quist); the latter a first sighting for the key VuRure at Las Cruces, N. Mex., Dec. 20 L.C.V., in over 50 years. An imm. Peregrine (S. Jojola et aL) was late. More than the roosted on a skyscraper in downtown Phoe- usual number of "Harlan's" Hawks were re- nix, making local news. ported. In New Mexico acceptable records SixteenWhooping Craneswere presentin came from the L.Pec.V. (fWCH et al.), Co- the c. Rio Grande Valley Jan. 29, leaving 3-5 Red-throated Loon, Tingley Beach, Albu- chiti L., near Cliff, and Ft. Sumner (fJPH). unaccounted for (U.S.F.&W.S.). However, querque, N.M., Jan. 25, 1981. Photo/Ross In Arizona singles were at Parker (DStj), one Whooper appeared with Sandhi!Is at L. Teuber. Phoenix (RB), and Nogales (GHR et aL). Willcox Playa, Ariz., Dec. 21-Feb.8 (ph.,K.

324 AmericanBirds, May 1981 Bahti-Arix. G&F.). This banded individual minor movement of Spotted Owls apparently was a second-yearbird that wintered last year occurred, with locally unusual records from at Las Lunas, N. Mex., summered at Kilgot, Clanton Canyon in the Peloncillo Mts., of Ida., and was last observedon migration at s.w. New Mexico Feb. 7 (•'JD,KZ); Prescott, Alamosa, Colo., Nov. 15. Ariz., Dec. 20 (CT), Sabino Canyon near Wintering Sandhill Cranes near Cliff, N. Tucson until Jan. 24 (J. Saba et al.), and even Mex., reached 320 Feb. 4 (RAF), which is a in Sonoran Desert at Tucson Jan. 4-6 (R. Per- high for that area, and nine birdsw. of Farm- rill captured and ph. with half-eaten Screech ington Jan. 4 (E. Fox) constitutedonly the se- Owl in talons!). Of the Spotted Owl, Phillips cond local record. As expectedin a mild year, et al. wrote in 1964 (The Birds of Arizona): Yuma Clapper Rails winteredin small num- "Its reappearancein the Tucson Valley today bers n. to Imperial Dam. is unthinkable." A bird in Galestina Canyon near Zuni Dec. 31 (•'JT) was a local first, but Tropical Kingbird, Rodeo, N.M., Dec. 14-21, SHOREBIRDS AND LARIDS--Forty the species may be resident in that in- 1980. Photo/J. Schatz, Jr. Mountain Plovers at Willcox Playa Jan. 10 frequently visited canyon. (KK et al., ph., LT,ST) was only the second Three LesserNighthawks remained at least report in s.e. Arizona this century. Another through Dec. 31 at Organ Pipe Nat'l Mort., al.), and singleDuskies near Ehrenberg Jan. flock was n. of Puerto Pefiasco, Sonora Jan. Ariz. (J.T. Peters). White-throated Swifts re- 10 (MK,*to A.S.U.), at Cooks L., Jan. 18 4 (RW et al., ph., ST), where alsorare. Sever- turned earlier than usual to the Grand Can- (KR eta/.), and Tempe Jan. 27-Feb. 10 al shorebirdspecies that are not normallypre- yon Feb. 22 (C. Larue). (GHR,ST.). Unusual was an imm. o' Vermil- sentin the Regionin winter were detectedthis Hummingbirds were numerous at feeders ion Flycatcherat 7000 ft elevationnear Sprin- year. These included two Marbled Godwits in s. Arizona all winter. As expected, a few gerville, Ariz., Dec. 25 (•'GHR). near Yuma, Ariz., Jan. 31 (J. Braley), two Rivoli's and Blue-throateds stayed in s.e. Barn Swallow lingered into the winter sea- Long-billed Curlews at L. McMillan, N. Arizona canyons, but a o' Rufous at Ramsey son in the L.C.V., with eight at Parker Dec. Mex., Dec. 3 with 71 near Artesia Dec. 7 Canyon, Huachuca Mrs., Dec. 20 {fide DD), 14 (ph.,KR), four there Dec. 22 (KK), and (WCH et al.), and singleAm. Avocetsat Bit- and a o' Broad-tailed at Tucson Dec. 22 one at Yuma Jan. 4 (GRo). The only Blue Jay ter Lake N.W.R., Jan. 14, L. McMillan, N. Bresseler) were extremely unusual. The rarest reports in the Pecos Valley were of two at Ft. Mex., Dec. 9 (WCH et al.) and near Douglas, hummingbird was a Calliope reported by sev- Sumner Jan. 28-29 and five at Roswell Jan. 3 Ariz., Jan. 2 (AM). Spotted Sandpipersare eral observersfrom Ramsey Canyon throug- (MP et al.). Up to six Corn. Ravens were in rare in winter in New Mexico, so notable were out the period, but without supporting the Roswell area Dec. 2-Feb. 2 (WCH et al.). singlesin the Caballo L.-Percha Dam area details. Three-four Corn. Crows e. of Artesia Jan. 25 Jan. 16 & 24 and Feb. 26 (DM et al.), and in SingleCorn. (Yellow-shafted) Flickers were (T. Hildebrandt, RM) were a first for the the L. Pec. V. (SW et al.). at Zuni Dec. 30 and Feb. 3 (•-JT) and in the L.Pec.V., and 120 airline mi s. of the pre- Two Pomarine Jaegers off Puerto Penas- Sandia Mrs., N. Mex., Dec. 20 (R.L. Teuber vious s. record for the valley. Aside from the co, Sonora Jan. 3 (ST et al., ph., LT) repre- et al.), where infrequently reported. Red- usual flock at Cibola N.W.R., 100+ crows at sent one of the few reports from the Gulf of headed Woodpeckers are rare in New Mexico Topock Marsh Dec. 6 (KR,AH) were further California. An imm. Parasitic Jaeger there in winter, so one near Artesia Jan. 20-Feb. 1 evidence of a second winter roost in the was also notable (ST et al.). Also at Puerto (WCH et al.) was notable. A Gila Woodpeck- L.C.V. Pefiasco Jan. 3 were two to three Thayer's er at San Simon Cienaga, s.w.N. Mex., Dec. A Verdin at Three Rivers, Otero Co., Feb. Gulls and two Glaucous-wingedGulls, both 16 (RM) was somewhatout of range, as was a 15 (WCH,SW) was n. of its normal range in near the s. limit of their winter range (KK,ST Lewis' near Cliff through the period (RAF et the Tularosa Basin, N. Mex. Notable Red- et al.). An imm. GlaucousGull at L. McMil- al.). breasted Nuthatches in the lowlands of New lan Dec. 9 (IWCH et al.) was the secondever Two Downy Woodpeckers at Bosque del Mexico were two-three at Roswell Dec. reported from New Mexico, whereasa state Apache N.W.R., Dec. 27 (CAH et al.) and 4-Feb. 4 (WCH) and one near Cliff Jan. 3 first was an ad. Mew Gull at the same place one at San Lorenzo, Grant Co., Feb. 14 (RAF et al.). Two Dippers at Bluewater L., Dec. 17 & 21, and Jan. 17 (IWCH et al.). {RAF) were farther s. than usual, and a Hairy Zuni Mts., N. Mex., Dec. 20 (DAM et al.) Continuing the late fall invasion of Black- Woodpecker at Whitlow Dam, e. of Phoenix were migrants in an area where the speciesis leggedKittiwakes, one of two iramatureson Nov. 16 (RD) was one of the few lower Sono- rare. L. Havasu was collected Dec. 5 (MK et al., ran records in Arizona. An e. Yellow-bellied House Wrens were widely reported, includ- *to A.S.U.), and two other iramaturesturned Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus v. varius) was at ing in n. New Mexico where especiallynote- up at Parker Dam Dec. 21, remainingat least Roswell Jan. 15 (WHo), and another was at worthy in winter; singles were at Espafiola to Feb. 6 (ph., KR et al.). Two Caspian Terns Ft. Sumner, N. Mex., Jan. 28 (RM). One Dec. 28 (W.B. Lewis et al.), Santa Fe Dec. 21 at L. Havasu Feb. 25 were early spring mi- each of S. v. varius, "Red-breasted" Sap- (W. West et al.), and Corrales Jan. 22 grants, whereasone at Cibola N.W.R., in sucker (S. v. ruber), and the typical "Red- (WHo), and five were at Silver City Dec. 20 early February may have wintered locally naped" Sapsucker(S. v. nuchalis) were in the (RAF et al.). (CR). same tree near Nogaies, Ariz., Dec. 27 {GHR)! MIMIDS THROUGH VIREOS--Unusu- PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS ally late was a singingGray Catbird along the --Notable in n. Mexico in winter were two FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WRENS-- Little Colorado R., at Eager Dec. 25 (J'SStz), Band-tailed Pigeonsin the Sandia Mts., Jan. Several kingbirds were reported, although for a first Arizona winter record. However, 5 & 26, and one there Feb. 27 (H. Schwartz). specific identification of most remains ques- this is the same spot where one lingered to A White-winged Dove wintered in Truth or tionable. A Tropical Kiugbird at Rodeo, N. late November in 1977. Brown Thrashers are Consequences,N. Mex., and an influx occur- Mex., Dec. 14-21 (ph., J. Schatz Jr. et al.) proving to be regular in the w. part of the red there Feb. 10-11 (DMi). Inca Doves wan- representsthe secondstate report, and the Region in winter. Singleswere at Glenwood, dered outside their normal range in new Mex- first confirmed record, but attribution to N. Mex., Dec. 26 (JH), and in Arizona at ico with one at Truth or ConsequencesFeb. specieswill probablybe no more definitethan Parker, Flagstaff, and Superior, and two 15 (DMi) and two at Rodeo Dec. 28 (RS et Tyrannus melancholicus/couchii. Other were at Portal through the period. al.). Locally rare Roadrunners were at kingbirds, identified as Westerns,were w. of A Bendire's Thrasher and one to two Sage Farmington all winter (APN), and at Zuni, Nogales, Ariz., Dec. 28 (•'T.R. Rehm) and at Thrashers at Zuni, N. Mex., Dec. 18 (•'JT) N.Mex., Jan. 2 (JT). Sedona, Ariz., Dec. 31 (•'E. Finke). were late for that area, and a Bendire's n. of Screech Owls are rarely reported in n.w. Black Phoebes wintered n. in the Rio Rodeo Feb. 28 (JD,KZ) was also unusual. !n New Mexico, so two at Zuni Jan. 7 were Grande valley to Albuquerque with two there Arizona, locally unusual thrashers included notable (JT). Three or more Elf Owls re- Jan. 3 (JK et al.) and one Feb. 17-20 (WHo). two Le Conte's near Parker Dec. 22 (ST) and spondedto tapesat Organ Pipe Nat'l Mon., Empidonax flycatcherswere widely reported a Curve-billed n.e. of Yuma throughout the Dec. 31 ('[A. Clay et al.). Unfortunately, the in s. Arizona with notable recordsincluding a period (GRo). birds were not seen or taped; there are no Western at Phoenix Dec. 23 (•'JW) and two at Eastern Bluebirds occurred this winte at Ft. winter records for Arizona (or the U.S?). A Cooks L., San Pedro Valley Jan. 18 (GHR et Sumner, N. Mex., with 22 there Jan. 27-29

Volume35, Number3 325 (WCH) and tone Feb 19 (JPH), one was also Apache NWR, Dec 27 (CH etal) were far w at PhoenixFeb 28 (ST) Fox Sparrows at SumnerL., Dec. 4 (WCH et el.). Mountain also notable. Great-tailed Grackles also win- seemedmore numerousthan usual, with 15 + and W. bluebirds were present in most low- tered or lingered in unaccustomedplaces in reports from s. Arizona, including six at land areas, including the L.Pec. V. (WCH et New Mexico as follows: Farmington in De- PhoenixDec. 23 (GHR et el.). el ), and Mountains were especiallynumer- cember (AN et el.); 14-20 at Grants Dec. 22 A flock of 30_+ McCown's Longspurs at ous across s. Arizona. (AM); severalat PortalesFeb. 17 (G. Pfaf- Willcox Jan. 10 (ST et el.) were among very Two Black-tailed Gnatcatchers were re- fenberger);in the Albuquerquearea all win- few such sights in s.e. Arizona in recent ported near Rodeo, N. Mex., Dec. 28 (RS et ter (JK,WHo et el.); 18 at Glenwood Dec. years. A Lapland Longspur visited the e! ), whererare. Northern Shrikeswere wide- 24-26 (JPH), five were at Marble Canyon L.C.V. again, this time near Parker Dec. 22 ly reported acrossn. Arizona, with one push- near Page Nov. 30 (ST et el.), and the species (ST). •ng S to Phoenix Feb. 10 (?SRD,HL) for a was seenfrequently around Flagstaff through very unusual local record. Numbers in New the season(JC). CORRIGENDUM--The Least Grebe re- Mexico were down from recent winters, ex- ported at San Simon Cienega Dec. 2 and cept perhaps in the L.Pec. V., where two were FINCHES AND SPARROWS--Pyr- probably Nov. 29, 1979, and the two Abert's present as far s. as Artesia-Lake McMillan rhuloxias in unusual New Mexico localities Towhees there Jan. 2, 1980 (Robert Morse) area in December (WCH,WHo). included two at Roswell Jan. 3 (MP et el.), (AB 34: 296-297, 1980), should actually be A Sprague's Pipit near Rodeo, N. Mex., one near Cliff Jan. 3 (RAF et el.), two at 1978 and 1979 respectively. Dec 28 (?T.&S. Schaughency)was unusual; Guadalupe Canyon Feb. 8 (JD,KZ), two at the last fall migrants in the L.Pec. V., were Three Rivers Feb. 14 (WCH,SW), and two at CONTRIBUTORS--(Area compilers in seen Dec. 1-5 (WCH et e!.). Up to five Silver City in January and February (fide boldface)--L. Abbott, B. Anderson, B Phmnopeplasnear Glenwood, N. Mex., Dec. RAF). A flock of 22 in an isolatedpatch of Bates, D. Bates, P. Beall, R. Bradley, S 19-22 (JPH et e!.) representeda higher-than- habitat near Willcox, Ariz., Jan. 10 (ph., ST Burge, J. Coons (Flagstaff), D. Danforth normal number from that area. et el.) was amazing, both for numbersand lo- (Huachucas), S.R. Demaree, J. Donaldson, A Hutton's Vireo at Parker Dec. 22 (KK) cale. A Black-headed Grosbeak was reported R. Dummer, R. Ferguson(RFe), R.A. Fisher was one of very few winter records ever for from Roswell Jan. 3 (?MP et el.); there are (RAF), S. Goldwasser,A. Higgins, W. Howe the L C.V. Aplumbeus-typeSolitary Vireo at very few winter records for the Region. An (WHo), J.P. Hubbard, C.A. Hundertmark, Las Cruces, N. Mex., Dec. 29 (B. Locke et imm. cy Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Tucson W.C. Hunter (WCH--lower Pecos valley), e! ) was quite unusual there. Jan. 16 (ph., L. Grissom)was only slightly D.& S. Huntington, J. Karo, M. Kasprzyk less unusual. (L.C.V.), K. Kaufman, H. Longstreth, R WARBLERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS Purple Finchesstaged a minor invasion in- Martin, D.A. McCallurn (DAM), D. Miller --Single Black-and-whiteWarblers at Sedona to the s. lowlands; New Mexico records in- (DMi), B. Milsap, A. Moorehouse, R Jan 4 (?W. Osborn) and Montezuma Well cludedsingles at GlenwoodDec. 26 (?JPH), Morse, A.P. Nelson, M. Peckinpaugh, G. Feb 28 (R.E. Williams) furnishedprobably Elephant Butte L., Dec. 27 and Percha Dam Robinson (GRo--Yuma), C. Romano, R first winter records for n. Arizona. Hundreds Dec. 28 (?RR), and Artesia (*to A.S.W.) Rosche, R. Scholes, W.& S. Spofford (Por- of Orange-crownedWarblers and thousands Dec. 1, plus two at Roswell Dec. 4 (?WCH et tal), D. Stejskal (DStj), D. Storz (DStz), S of Yellow-rumped Warblers wintered in el.). In Arizona, reports came from Parker, Storz (SStz), S.& L. Terrill, C. Tomoff, J lower Sonoran woodlands of s. Arizona. As Prescott, near Tucson, near Gila Bend, Por- Trochet, S. West. J.& R. Witzeman (Phoe- usual, a few unusual specieswere detected in tal, and Cooks L. nix), Ken Zimmer. these flocks, including another Black-and- Rosy finches periodically visit Sandia white and Tucson Jan. 3, a Tennessee at Crest, the highest point in the Sandia Mts., ABBREVIATIONS--t, written details on Phoenix Dec. 23 (?RFe), a N. Parula (SB), N. Mex., in winter. This season,as many as file with New Mexico Ornithological Society two Yellows and a Palm (?SG) at Parker Dec. 85 were presentin January, the bulk of which or Arizona Bird Committee; ph., photo; *, 22, two more Yellows at Puerto Peilasco, were Black and Gray-crowned, with a few specimen.--KENNETH V. ROSENBERG, Sonora Jan. 3 (ST,LT), and two Am. Red- Brown-cappedand "Hepburn's" (ph. D&SH 1010 W. 17th St., Tempe AZ 85281; JOHN starts at Phoenix Dec. 23. "Myrtle" Warb- et el.). LesserGoldfinches are rare in winter P. HUBBARD, 2916 Valle Rio, Santa Fe, lers were also well reported, with 103 records in w.-c. New Mexico, so notable were up to NM 87501; GARY H. ROSENBERG, 1010 •n the L.Pec. V., three at Isleta, N. Mex., Feb. 20 at Zuni Dec. 2-Feb. 5 (JT) and eight near W. 17lb St., Tempe, AZ 85281. 20, 16 at Phoenix Dec. 23, and 10 at Parker Cottonwood Gulch Dec. 20 (DAM). In gener- Dec 22 being representativecounts. al, cardueline finches were scarceor absent in Another Olive Warbler near Glenwood, N. highland areas of Arizona. Mex, Dec. 26 (R. & K. Skaggs) suggested A Grasshopper Sparrow near Parker Dec. regular wintering there, and two more were 22 (ST) representedone of the very few win- found in oak woodland in Pima Canyon near ter records for the L.C.V. A late Vesper Spar- Tucson Dec. 22 (?DB,?BB). row was at Zuni, N. Mex., Dec. 1 (JT). Rare Single N. Waterthrusheswere at Phoenix or overlooked in New Mexico are winter Cas- ALASKA REGION Dec 23, and Cooks L., San Pedro valley Jan. sin's Sparrows; this year, one was found near /D.D. Gibson 18 (ST). Common Yellowthroats are rarely Rodeo Dec. 28 (RS et el.) and three-four were reported in New Mexico in winter, so individ- near Hope Dec. 11, with one-two there Feb. The weather pattern of the last five or six uals at Glenwood Dec. 25-26 (JPH et el.), 10-12 (WCH). Two Rufous-crowned Spar- years continuedinto winter 1980-1981, but it near Roswell Dec. 23 & Jan. 13 (WCH) and rows at Bottomless Lakes S.P., Dec. 6 (WHo was carried to extremes this season. Decem- near Anthony Jan. 16 (KZ) were notable. et el.) were a local first (*to A.S.U.) a first ber was cold (the coldestand driestDecember Painted Redstarts lingered or wintered in s.e. for the L.Pec. V. on record at Anchorage), but the weather Arizona canyonsmore commonly than usual, A Dark-eyed (White-winged) Junco e. of broke right before the first of the year, and includingthe bandedindividual at Portal that Roswell Dec. 8 (WCH) was the southernmost unseasonably warm weather continued returned for its eighth consecutivewinter. ever reported for New Mexico. First winter through January and February. The entire The Rusty Blackbird found last fall at Tuc- records at Zuni included a Tree Sparrow Dec. months of January and February had above- son remainedthrough the winter (m.ob.). A 1, 1-4 Lincoln's and a Swamp Sparrow Dec. average temperatures at Anchorage, where secondRusty appeared at a Phoenix sewage 2-Jan. 8 and a Golden-crowned Sparrow Jan. precipitation fell as rain, not snow. At Fair- pond in December(?RB) and yet a third was 5 (all ?JT). Another Swamp was at nearby banks, January'saverage temperature was 30 found at Cooks L., San Pedro valley Jan. 18 Cottonwood Gulch, McKinley Co., Dec. 20 degrees above normal (+50øF on January (GHR.LT, ph., ST,KR). In New Mexico, a (DAM et el.). 15, an all-time high for the month, was 55 de- single Rusty Blackbird at Bitter Lake A probable Tree Sparrow was reasonably grees above normal), temperatures were N W R., Dec. 12 (?WCH) was not unusual, well described at Gadsdon, Ariz., s.w. of above normal every day of the month, and it but 19 near Loving Dec. 20 (?WCH) was the Yuma Jan. 20 (?J. Braley). Besides being was warmer than any previous December, highestcount ever in the state. only the third L.C.V. report, this location is January, or February on record there. There ACom. Grackle at Santa Fe Dec. 15 (JPH) on the border of Mexico, for which there may was very little precipitationat all in the Inter- was very late there and 58 at Bosque del be no records. A Clay-colored Sparrow was ior.

326 AmericanB•rds, May 1981 Predictably in such a winter, many species THRUSHES that normally winter only peripherally along THROUGH WOOD the North Gulf Coast of Alaska did so in WARBLERS--A greaterabundance this season,and a number Townsend's Solitaire of speciesthat normally winter a bit farther was observed in Juneau south occurred here all winter in small num- from Jan. 17 on (RHA bers. North of the Pacific coast, however, the & KG & MEI}; there cold December kept the rest of the winter in have been few Alaska perspective (e.g., an adult White-crowned winter records, all in re- Sparrow that attempted to overwinter at a cent years. Varied feeder near Fairbanks would certainly have Thrushes were abundant been able to survive January and February, this winter at Kodiak but the bird disappeared in mid-December's (RAM); two were pre- -40øF lows). sent at least through ear- ly January at Anchor GREBES, ALBATROSSES--A Weslern Point, Kenai Pen. (JB, Grebe well-described at Adak l., c. Aleutians fide MAM); two were Dec. 20 ('[TJE & HAC) was amazing--the heard at Seward in early first record w. of Prince William Sound, February (DDG & where the speciesis a casual fall/winter visi- TGT); and individuals tant. Single Laysan Albatrossesseen Jan. 8-9 were seen at intervals all & 11 in the Bering Sea n.w. of the Pribilofs winter at Juneau (ML) were of particular interest becausethere (RBW). At least two are few mid-winter records at the n. end of Am. Robins present at the species'range. Anchorage Dec. 1-9 and Jan. 1-31 (MG et ai., WATERFOWL--Two Brant at Craig Jan. fide RLA) and one at 25 (TK) were of interest; although the species Kodiak Dec. 3 (RAM) has wintered in that area before, there have were unusual; small been few winter records for the Region as a flocks of up to a half whole. A o' Redhead present at Kodiak Dec. dozen birds were seen at Juneau all winter 21 + (RAM et ai.) was thought to have been (RBW). Golden-crowned Kinglets were more one of the same birds that have frequented abundant than usual this fall and early winter the same area each winter since 1977-1978. at Kodiak CRAM): 573 were seen on the Jan. Three Tufted Ducks at Eyak L., Cordova 3 CBC, and maximum flock size that month were not seen after early January (MEI), was 110+ Jan. 17 (TGT); numbers appeared probably a result of widespread open water to decrease there in February CRAM). Two allowing such birds to disperseto areas nor- Water Pipits were seenat Kodiak Jan. 3 (GJT BUNTINGS, SPARROWS--Thirty-40 mally closed to them at that season. A flock & MMT), one at Sitka Jan. 17 (fide RHA). Snow Buntings at the Mendenhall estuary, of 25 Ring-necked Ducks at Klawock Jan. 6 This species is a casual winter visitant any- Juneau Jan. 17 (RBW) provided the only (TK) provided an all-time winter maximum where on Alaska's Pacific coast. A Starling report this winter e. of s.w. Alaska, where the count in the state. seen at Kodiak Jan. 2 & 4 (GJT,RAM) was species is resident. Fox Sparrows were more probably the samebird seenpursued there by numerous at Kodiak this winter than usual; RAPTORS--There were at least 5 sight- a Peregrine Falcon Jan. 25 (JBA)! One Star- none was P. œ zaboria (RAM), which wide- ings of Sharp-shinnedHawks this seasonat ling at Campbell L., Anchorage Dec. 3-Jan. 9 spread race has been seen there in winters Kodiak, where the speciesis more numerous (ED, fide RLA) furnished the first local past in company with the dark coastal birds. in winter than at any other season (RAM). A record of a Starling not at a dump; at least There were two Lincoln's Sparrow recordsat Rough-leggedHawk at Narrow Cape Dec. 6 five were present at the Anchorage dump Kodiak, probably not of the same bird: Dec. CRAM et ai.) provided a first Kodiak winter through Dec. 19 (TGT). A "large" flock of 4 (RAM) and Jan. 3 (SW). A Harris' Sparrow record. There were three Gyrfalcon sightings Starlings was present during the period at the that overwintered at Homer November on at Kodiak (WED,RAM et ai.), where it is not Juneau dump where they have been known (DE et ai.) provided the fourth Southcoastal regular in winter; one was present as far e, for years (RBW). A Yellow-rumped Warbler Alaska record, three of which have been in and s. as Juneau, from late January on (JGK reported at Eagle R., near Anchorage, Dec. fall/winter; one bird banded Nov. 9 at & MEI). An Am. Kestrel reported at Auke 7-13 (JD & PP, fide RLA) provided an un- Juneau was present throughout the period Bay, Juneau Feb. 21 (RBW), was unusual; paralleled late record in the State. (RBW). Small numbers of White-crowned the species is a casual winter visitant any- Sparrows wintered along the coast, from where on the Alaska Pacific coast. FINCHES--Pine Grosbeaks and redpolls Kodiak (RAM), Cohoe (MH, fide MAM), were present at Fairbanks and Anchorage and Cordova (fide MEI) to Juneau (RBW); SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, OWLS--An throughout the period. Redpolls were fairly one was present at Anchorage at least Am. Golden Plover at Salmon Cr., Juneau common all winter in those areas, but they through Dec. 13 (RC, fide RLA). Golden- Dec. 8 {RBW) was, by almost 2 weeks, the were not mentioned at Juneau, where Pine crowned Sparrows wintered at Kodiak latest record ever in Alaska. Up to two ad. Grosbeaks occurred all season. Pine Siskins (RAM) and Juneau (RBW) in small numbers; SlaW-backed Gulls were reported at Homer were common all winter at Kodiak (RAM), two at Eagle R., near Anchorage Jan. 20 Jan. 14-17 (DE & DWS); neither was seen and they became very common, in large (LH, fide RLA) were very unusual that far subsequently. At least three Pygmy Owls flocks, at Cordova by the end of the period from the coast. Dark-eyed Juncos were more were observedin the Petersburgarea (on Mit- (MEI). They were seen irregularly at Anchor- common than usual at Kodiak (RAM); they kof and Kupreanof islands) in January and age (JLT), and a few were noted at Seward in were locally common in the Anchorage area February (JD), but there were no reports early February (DDG & TGT). White-winged all winter (TGT & LJO), e.g., 17 + at obser- from elsewhere in Southeastern this winter. Crossbills were not in evidence in the Interior vers' feeders and flock of 12+ at Bird Cr., this winter, but they were present in small Feb. 15; the specieswintered at Cohoe (MH, NUTCHATCHES, CREEPERS--At least flocks all winter at Anchorage, where they fide MAM) and as far n. as Fairbanks, where five Red-breastedNuthatches were present at were much less conspicuousafter late Nov- at least two birds made it through the season Bird Cr., near Anchorage in February (TGT), ember than before (TGT). White-winged at their respectivefeeders (DDG,FB). Five or but the specieswas not reported anywhere Crossbills were common all winter at Kodiak six Tree Sparrows were present at Juneau else in the State. Brown Creepers were ob- (RAM); hundreds were seen, including many throughout the period (RBW). Five or six served in small numbers in the Anchorage singing males at Seward in early February birds at Anchorage Jan. 11 (SK, fide RLA) area all winter (TGT,JLT). (DDG & TGT); and they were fairly common were very unusual there in mid-winter.

Volume 35, Number 3 327 CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS-- Duncan, T.J. Early, D. Erickson, M. Sonneborn, G.J. Tans, M.M. Tans, T.G. To- George, K. Graham, M. Hermansen, L. bish, J.L. Tripp, R.B. Williams, S. Wilson;]' J.B. Allen, R.H. Armstrong, R.L. Austin, F. Hoffman, M.E. Isleib, S. Kessler,J.G. King, details on file U.A.M.--D.D. GIBSON, Uni- Baker, J. Botens, R. Cochrane, H.A. Con- T. Kogut, M. Levensen, R.A. Macintosh, versity of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, Alas- nor, E. Davis, J. Doerr, W.E. Donaldson, J. M.A. Miller, L.J. Oakley, P. Pauley, D.W. ka 99701.

NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST gon beachesthrough December (HN). Other- fill in Seattle had distinct plumage patterns REGION wiseno shearwatersor petrelswere reported. identicalto the two therelast winter(tEH). A A Green Heron was n. to the Reifel Ref. on cr Cinnamon Teal was on Bumaby L., Jan. /Philip W. Mattocks, Jr. and Westham I., near Vancouver, B.C., Dec. 24 & Feb. 28 (MP, fide WW), both near Van- Eugene S. Hunn 28-Jan. 10 (JTo,'[JS,'[BK). The usual few couver, B.C. Two cr Blue-winged Teal were wintered in w. Washington and w. Oregon. in Saanich, V.I., Dec. 20 (MMc, fide VG). Several more inches of rain than usual fell Few Cattle Egretsfrom last fall's invasionap- About 300 N. Shoveler on Pony Slough at in December on the Seattle and Portland pear to have survived. One stayedalong Co- Coos Bay, Oreg., Jan. 10 was an unusual weather stations, with two thirds of this be- wichan Bay, near Duncan, V.I., until Jan. 31 concentrationthere (AMc). tween December 20-30. Many choice Christ- (tVG,BHy,JC). Others were in Delta Jan. 10 mas Bird Count locales were found flooded. (WC) and in Pitt Meadows Feb. 10-I2 (TBu, Thereafter rainfall was below normal with fide WW). Both locations are near Vancou- both January and February being relatively ver, B.C. Apparently a few stayed through balmy and dry. The Mcdford area had less the winter at Coos Bay and Nehalem rain than usual throughout the winter, al- meadows, Oreg. (AC,JO,HN). The 91 Great though perhaps slightly more fog, and all Egrets on w. Oregon CBCs, and the one at three stations averagedjust over 3øF warmer Olympia, Wash, throughout the season than the long term averages. (G&WH), were about normal for recent First state or provincial records were estab- years. Also as usual two Snowy Egrets lished (subject to approval by the appropriate wintered at Coos Bay (AMc). Black-crowned Records Committees) for the King Eider and Night Herons appear to be increasingas a Spotted Redshank in Oregon, the Sinew in wintering bird in w. Oregon. Twenty-eightat Washington, and the Temminck's Stint in their regular roost along the Columbia R., in British Columbia. Portland Jan. 3 compares with two there last winter and eight the year before. Thirteen on LOONS THROUGH HERONS--There the Roseburg CBC follow the report of 14 were only seven reports of Yellow-billed there last October. Also two ad. and two King Eiders, Seaside, Ore., , Loon this season,which is slightly fewer than imm. Black-crowneds were in Olympia, Photo/Owen Schmidt. normal. Arctic Loons were apparently abscnt Wash., Feb. 20-27 (J&AD,BHT,G&WH), along the Oregon coast (JG et al.). In con- where two adults wintered last year. Greater Scaup continued scarceon s. Van- trast, several s. British Columbia Christmas couver Island. Numbers there this winter Bird Counts (hereafter, CBC) had all-time WATERFOWL--Mute Swans were in were considered to be only about 10% of high counts of Common and Arctic loons their normal numberson V.I. (VG). The 127 former levels (VG). Acr Tufted Duck was at (fide WW). On Jan. 13 two rafts of 15,000 in the Duncan-Cowichan Bay area Dec. 31 American L., in Tacoma, Wash., Nov. W. Grebes each were observed (M&VG) in was the high count (VG). The Whistling Swan 26-Dec. 15 (WWi). This bird had slightly Sannich Inlet and Satellite Channel off s. tally for the w. Oregon CBCs was only three whiter sidesand a longer tuft than the male at Vancouver Island (hereafter, VA.). A few quarters that of the las! 2 years. Trumpeter that lake last December. Another o' Tufted dead N. Fulmar were found on coastal Ore- Swan reports were widespread in their usual Duck was at the Maplewood Flats, N. Van- numbersin w. Washing- couver, B.C., Dec. 13 ('[DJ). Two Oldsquaws ton and s. British Col- were present at Tillamook during January umbia. Reports of one and February (JG, TC eta/.) and another to four White-fronted wintered on Yaquina Bay, Oreg. (HN,R&JK, Geese were widespread fide E&EE). This speciesis scarce on the n. to Vancouver, B.C. outer coast. A first-year cr King Eider found (fide WW) and Duncan, off Seaside, Oreg., Feb. 16 (TWi, fide HN) VA. (JC,M&VG). The was joined by another young male Feb. 21 first migrants arrived on (fide JG). The two wereseen through at least Sauvie I., near Port- March 7 (m.ob., ph. TC & OSc) for the first land, in late February undisputed records of live birds of this (JG,HN). speciesfor Oregon. Earlier reports are of a Record high counts of male found dead on the beachin s.w. Oregon Mallards were set on 3 last November, and a female seen on Tilla- CBCs in s.w. mainland mook Bay Mar. 10-20, 1976 (AB, 30:756). British Columbia, and Earlier this seasona first-year c, King Eider on the Victoria CBC. was seen off Restoration Pt., near Seattle The new high count for Jan. 3 & 4 ('[DP,MMo,RT) and a deafly Canada of 23,637 Pin- marked female was seen at 30 m off Rosario tail on the Ladner CBC Beach, near Anacortes, Wash., Feb. 3 and the highest ever (H&MF). These were the 11th and 12th local count of 861 Gad- Washington records. The 493 Black Scoters wall on the Seattle CBC on the Ladner CBC was almost twice the were by far the largest previous local high and was by far the largest concentrationsreported concentration reported in this season. of these species.The 11 Two cr Sinew were seen Feb. 22 at 30-100 cr (Eur.) Green-winged m from the Friday Harbor ferry dock, San Teal reported is over Juan I., Wash. ('[PI,KGa). The thorough twice as many as in any description made careful comparison with of the past few winters. nearby Oldsquaws, and the thin dark bill, The two at the Montlake black eye patch, dark back, and fine black

328 AmericanBirds, May 1981 lines on the otherwise white sides, breast, and Delta, B.C. (•'MSc,RB, fide WW), and one Sandpiperlingered at Biackie Spit through head were well noted. This is the first record seenFeb. 24 near Sedro Wooiley, Wash., had Dec. 27 ½BK,fide WW). Two other Westerns for Washingtonand only the fourth for the apparently wintered there (JW, fide TW). were near Vancouver, B.C., Jan. 4 (MSc,fide West Coast s. of Alaska. The three earlier re- The 13 Virginia Rails on the Vancouver CBC WW) and nine Leastswere on Reifel i., B.C., portsare all from s.w. BritishColumbia and and the 10 on the Seattle CBC were the high Dec. 31 (BK, fide WW). Nine Marbled God- two of those were during February and counts. There were also reports after the CBC wits at Leadbetter Pt., Dec. 20 (CBC) and 29 March (Roberson, Rare Birds of the West season,particularly from VA. Two Sofas at at the nearby North R. mouth Jan. 16 Coast, p. 93-95). Yarrow Bay, Bellevue, Wash., Jan. 3 (PM) (G&WH) were the only reports. Two Am. and one on the Sauvie I. CBC were the only Avocets were found Dec. 12 at the North RAPTORS THROUGH RAILS--On Dec. ones reported. Sloughin Coos Bay (LT,fide AMc), but were 6 a Turkey Vulture was in Burnaby, B.C. absent the next day. (WIle), and another, marked by broken SHOREBIRDS--Seven Semipaimated feathersin its left wing, in Stanley P., Van- Plovers returned early at the S.J.C.R., Feb. GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS--The 16+ couver,B.C. (BK). The StanleyP. individual 17 + (HN,JG). Nine Snowy Plovers stayedat Glaucous Gull reports were two-thirds those was seenthe next day about 30 min. at the Leadbetter Pt., until Dec. 20 (RW), and a of the past 2 winters, and were concentrated mouth of the SquamishR. (De, fide WW). flock of about 35 Snowies was on the Bayoc- about Vancouver and Victoria, B.C. The Re- Two late Turkey Vultureswere also in What- ean Pen., at Tillamook Feb. 7 (LP,fide HN). gional CBCs tallied some 130,000 Glaucous- comCounty, Wash., in earlyDecember (PD, Five Long-billedCurlews were on Leadbetter winged Gulls. Western Gulls outnumbered fide TW). The speciesreturned by Feb. 2 to Pt., Jan. 25 (RW). Five Whimbrel were n. to Giaucous-wingeds only on 3 s. coastal CoosBay (AMc), and by Feb. 7 to Malahat Ediz Hook, near Port Angeles, Wash., Jan. Oregon counts: Gold Beach, Coos Bay, and Summit, w. of Saanich(JTa, fide VG). There 10 (LK,HC), and one was in SaanichFeb. 3 Port Orford. This reflects a s. shift during were three other February recordsfor s. Van- (CS, fide VG). winter of about 250 mi in the Glaucous- winged/Western transition zone. The 2000 + couverIsland, all very early. Last year'sthor- S.A. oughsearch for White-tailedKites in w. Ore- Thayer's Gulls wintering at Duncan, V.I. gon by DF & TL wasnot repeatedthis sea- The excitement of the seasonwas gener- (JC), was the largest concentration reported son. Thus the report of about 20 kites, for ated by the first Oregon and third and by a wide margin. There were 20,000 Mew 40% of last year's total, in that state this fourth Regional records of the Spotted Gulls at Tillamook Bay Dec. 28 (DI,HN), winter could be owing to either a decreased Redshank. The first was found at the and an estimated50,000 feeding along the 60 populationor to the reducedsearch effort. S.J.C.R., Feb. 21 (DHo,MCo), relocated mi of the Columbia R., between Astoria and However, none was seenat the once regular there Feb. 23 (E&EE,R&JK), and then Longview Feb. 26 coincident with the smelt roostingarea near Fern Ridge Res., at Eu- seendaily (m.ob., ph. TC & JG) until 8:30 (Thaleichthyes pacificus) run (EH,AR). A gene(TL, fide CW & DF). Farthern., the a.m., Mar. I (CW). At 11:30a.m. Mar. 1 Franklin's Gull at Bellingham, Wash., Dec. White-tailedKite at Willapa Bay, Wash., last it or another Spotted Redshank was 27 (MCh, fide TW) was very late. A total of fall wasseen again there Dec. 9 (SSa).An im- found at Reifel Ref., near Vancouver, one Black-legged Kittiwake at the Columbia mature was at Ocean Shores Nov. 22 & Jan. 9 B.C. (RF). Comparisonof the closerange R. mouth Dec. 21 (CBC) increasedto a dozen (G&WH), andan adult wasnear the Toledo, photos of both birds has not yet been by the end of February (EH,AR,DF), for the Wash., airport Jan. 31 (']'R&IRy,B&DWo). made, and the argumentcontinues as to only ones reported. For the third winter in a row a Red- whether a 200 mi flight, if direct over the As is usual Ancient Murrelets wintered in shouldered Hawk was found near Eugene. OlympicMts., in threehours is too much good numbers only in the Straits of Juan de One stayedaround the Fern RidgeRes., until for even one of these strong flyers. Fuca between Victoria, where 640 were at leastDec. 21 (AP,fide CW). The numbers counted Dec. 20 (CBC), and Port Townsend, of Rough-leggedHawks reportedin w. Ore- Wash., where DP noted "hundreds" Jan. 2. gon remainedat last year'svery low levels, A Horned Puffin washed up dead Jan. 27 muchbelow thoseof just a few yearsago. Os- near Newport, Oreg. (BL fide HN), and two preyswere reported over L. Sammamishnear Tufted Puffins were seen just off Newport SeattleDec. 12 (Mrs. H. Smith)over N. Seat- Jan. 24 by a whale-watching crew (R&JK, tle Dec. 25 (EP), in Olympia Feb. 5 & 23 fide E&EE). (J&AD, BHT), and on the Salem,Oreg. CBC. Singlegray-phase Gyrfalcons were found OWLS THROUGH PHOEBES--Snowy in C. Saanich almost daily throughout the Owls were nowhere in large numbers, but period(fide VG), in SkagitCounty, Wash., were widely scattered s. to the S.J.C.R., in early December(TW), betweenWestham where one was noted throughout December I. and Delta, B.C., Dec. 19through February (m.ob., fide HN). At least 25 individuals (BK,tlRo,BD, fide WW), at the Victoriaair- Spotted Redshank, South Jetty, Columbia were reported, nearly three times last year's total. The Hawk Owl discovered in Pitt port Feb. 28 (DD, fide VG), and at Finley River, Ore., Feb. 24, 1981. Photo/Tom N.W.R., near Corvallis, Oreg., Feb. 24 Crabtree. Meadows, e. of Vancouver, B.C., in late (tPI,BB). This latterindividual was observed November was regularly noted through at and photographedas it killed and ate an Two LesserYellowlegs were reported Dec. least Feb. 4 by an army of observers. Van- imm. Canada Goose. Five different Prairie i & 8 in Oak Bay, V.I. (LR,fide VG). A few couver area observers also reported Pygmy Falcons were noted Jan. 17 on a raptor cen- Wiilets wintered as usual at Coos Bay and Owls in above-normal numbers, with at least sus in the Medford area (fide OSw). Else- Yaquina Bay, Oreg., and around Wiilapa eight seen Dec. 21-Jan. 31 (fide WW). A where the only reportswere Jan. 3 & 10 at Bay, Wash. (RW,G&WH). Great Gray Owl on the Pitt Meadows CBC, LeadbetterPt., Wash. (TRW) and Jan. 18 at SingleRed Knots, unusualin winter, were Dec. 27 (RRo,VT, fide WW) was one of Lynden, Wash. (PD, fide TW). About 36 seenon DungenessSpit, Wash., Dec. 7 and at fewer than 10 Vancouver area records. Four Peregrineswere reported. which is the usual nearby Port Angeles Feb. 3 (both WS). Burrowing Owls in the Rogue R. valley may number for the past few winters. One Jan. 4 Another Red Knot was well described from represent a corner of their normal winter near the Tacoma bank building used last Delta, B.C., Jan. 25 (*BK). A yellow-legged range. The individual found shot Jan. 4 near winter(fide TBo) and two othersFeb. 2 & 3 peep,larger than adjacentLeasts, with a dull Halsey, s.c. of Corvallis, had wintered at that over Tatoosh I., Wash. (BP) were in in- gray back, the feathersof which had narrow outpost for several years (DMe,HT, fide terestinglocations. dull gray edgingsand were without distinct E&EE). Two Barred Owls in Seattle city The count of i i I California Quail Dec. 20 black centers, a gray brown head and nape parks this January is now commonplace on the Victoria CBC was a new low for the with no supercilium,a dull gray pectoral (DHu,DSi), as was the single in Saanich, census. A population decline apparently band, and very white tail edgeswas seenDec. V.I., Jan. 19 (MSh, fide VG). An injured beganin nearbyDuncan, V.I., in the fall of 14 on Biackie Spit, s.c. of Vancouver, B.C., Spotted Owl was rescuedDec. i$ near Mon- 1979and only one wasseen there during Jan- by •'BK and consideredto be a Temminck's roe, Wash., and scheduledfor rehabilitation uary 198i (JC). Four SandhillCranes winter- Stint. This is the first report for British Col- (DSi). Seven Spotteds were counted on the ed well n. of their usual Sauvie I. locale at umbia. Four Least Sandpipers and one W. Alma, Oakridge, and Upper Nestucca CBCs

Volume35, Number3 329 in Oregon Three Long-eared Owls were re- cember(TW;WR,JM, fide WW), and a few (MK, fide JG) In keepingwith this wlnter's ported, one Dec. 28 at the Relfel Ref., B.C. stayeduntil mid-Januaryin the Bellingham dearthof finches,Red Crossbills were every- (JSfide WW), and the othertwo Dec. 31, one area (TW). Twelve on the Tacoma, Wash., where reported absent or in small numbers at Saanich(BA, fide VG) and the other at L. CBC Jan. 4 were the southernmost. The White-wingedCrossbill was noted twice Tennant n. of Bellingham, Wash. (HC,BHa, A singlewas on the Squamish,B.C., CBC fide TW). These were noteworthy as this WARBLERS THROUGH SPARROWS-- Jan. 3, and threewere at LeadbetterPt., Jan specieshas not beenproven to winterregular- A Black-and-whiteWarbler in N. Vancouver, 25 (RW). Coastal records this far s. are ly in the Region. A record 56 Short-eared B.C., Dec. 3 was well described(tCB) for unusualeven in irruptive winters. Owls on the Ladner CBC Dec. 28 was heart- about the fifth Vancouverarea record(fide A Sage Sparrow Feb. 22 at the S.J.C R emng WW). Orange-crownedWarblers were found (JG,TF,HN) matched arrival dates for this RufousHummingbirds reached Coos Bay, n. to N. Vancouver Feb. 3 (tWW), and specieson its breedinggrounds e. of the Cas- Oreg , by Feb. 21 (fide AMc) and were num- Saanich,V.I., Dec. 20-Jan. 17 (RMG, fide cades.An odd junco seenoften throughout erous at Olympia, Wash., by Feb. 28 (SC, VG). A Black-throatedGray Warbler was in the winter at a Metchosin, V.I., feeder was fide IA). Lewis' Woodpeckerswintered in Portland Jan. 3 (DI,DF), and a Hermit judged intermediatebetween Pink-sided and smallnumbers as usual in the RogueR. valley Warbler was present there Dec. l-Jan. 10 Gray-headedforms ($M&VG). Treesparrows (MM,OSw). One Lewis' n. as far as (HN,TC et al.). Another Hermit Warbler was were noted in numbers up to four s. to Rlckreall, near Salem, was describedas "the ssenin Salem Jan. 11 (TC). Both Hermits Dungeness,the Skagit flats, and Seattle, first in a long time" there (A&DM, fide were with small flocks of Townsend's Warb- Wash. Oregon'ssixth Clay-coloredSparrow E&EE). SevenBlack Phoebeswere reported lers. Six Palm Warblers, a normal number, wasfound Jan. 17-25on SauvieI. (TM etal, in Curry and JacksonCos., Oreg., at the n. were noted from Coos Bay n. to Grays Har- ph. OSc). Six Harris' and 24 White-throated limit of the species'range (Gold BeachCBC, bor. All were probablywintering, although sparrows were reported. All but two White- MM, EWS). Two vagrant Say's Phoebes the latestreported was one at LeadbetterPt., throatedswere in Oregon. The exceptions whichappeared Feb. 23-28 at Coos Bay (RI, Feb. 6 (RW). ACom. Yellowthroat, rare in werein Olympia,Wash., Jan. 15 (G&WH) fide AMc) and anotherat Gaston,w. of Port- winter here, was seen on Sauvie I., Jan. 25 and Saanich,V.I., Dec. 1-19(Mrs. I. McTag- land, Feb. 25 (JGa et al., fide HN), werelike- (LP,MCa, fide HN). Eight w. OregonCBCs gart-Cowen, fide VG). This concentrationof ly displacedspring migrants, as this species recorded 254 Townsend's Warblers. This White-throatedSparrows in w. Oregonhas normally arrives on territory e. of the Cas- comparesto 52 on the same8 countslast year been a consistentpattern for the last several cades in February (see also Sage Sparrow and 39 the year before. Flocks of several years. A Swamp Sparrow found Dec. 31 on below). dozenwere encountered by severalobservers, SamishI., SkagitCo., Wash. (tMD,MEi et and the specieswas widely describedas more al.) provided the sixth state record. The bird SWALLOWS THROUGH WAX- prevalent than normal. North of the Colum- wasseen often throughFeb. 8 ($TW,$WW et WINGS--The first Tree Swallowsreported bia R., Townsend'sare usually rare in winter, al.). A SwampSparrow reported Feb. 14 on were a flock Feb. 18 at Eugene,Oreg. (TF, although they may be regularly found in the Skagit R. delta 15 mi s. of Samish I fide HN). By Feb. 21 they were N to Wash- favoredlocalities. This winter the specieswas (BHa, fide TW) could have beenthe samein- ington and British Columbia (GR,RP). found in better-than-averagenumbers n. to dividual.In sharpcontrast to last year, none Violet-greensarrived Feb. 21 at Coos Bay Puget Sound and s. VA. were found this seasonin w. Oregon. (AMc), Feb. 22 near Corvallis (R&JK), and Two Yellow-headed Blackbirds Dec. 28 on Feb 21 at Victoria (JTa, AMa, fide VG) and the Ladner, B.C., CBC wereonly the second CITED OBSERVERS and ABBREVIA- LangleyB.C. (RP, fide WW). Theseare nor- occurrenceever for that count (fide WW). TIONS, with Sub-RegionalEditors in bold- mal datesfor the springvanguard. A laggard Three were reported from s. V.I., Dec. 11 & face. Ilse Allen, LoraineAnderson, Bill Ank- Barn Swallow was still in Seattle Dec. 5 13 (EM,MMc, fide VG). Rusty Blackbirds er, GerryAnsell, Ann Bailey,Ward Beecher, (WB) A singleBlue Jay appearedDec. 2 at a were noted in the Vancouver, B.C., area, Thais Bock (TBo), Bob Bromley, Doug Bellingham, Wash. feeder (Mrs. R. Odell, with four on the Pitt Meadows CBC Dec. 27 Brown, Tom Burgess(TBu), Rob Butler, fide TW). A Scrub Jay was noted Feb. 26 as (?DB,MW, fide WW) and tow at Maple Colin Butt, Kay Cairns,Wayne Campbell, far w along the Columbia R. as Cathlamet, Ridge Jan. 8 (GA, fide WW). A Blue Gros- Dick Cannings,Mike Carmody(MCa), Stan Wash (EH,AR). The usual few Black-billed beak seenat Fern RidgeRes., near Eugene Cecil, Mary Chapman (MCh), Howard Magpies wintered: a single all season at representedthe secondrecord for Oregon. It Cockerham, Mark Colwell (MCo), John Langley, B.C. (KC ph., fide WW), one Dec. was a carefully described(?AC) female-plu- Comer, Alan Contreras, Tom Crabtree, 18 at Oak Bay, V.I. (Mrs. J. Galbraith,fide maged individual. The first state record was Herbert Curl, Brian Davies, Jack & Ada Da- VG), and one Jan. 24 just w. of Newhalem, also of a female-plumagedbird, at a feeder vis, Paul DeBruyn, Dick Decker, Michael Whatcom Co., Wash. (FK). A Clark's Nut- in CorvallisJan. 4-17, 1975(M. Eltzroth, R. Donahue,Mark Eisdorfer(MEi), Mark Eg- cracker was noted Dec. 26 at 800 ft on Larch Jarvis, see,,lB 29:734). EveningGrosbeaks ger (MEg), Elzie & Elsie Eltzroth, Tad Fin- Mt , e of Portlandin the ColumbiaR. gorge were reported as scarce from several well nell, David Fix, RogerFoxall, Hal & Martha (LA, fide HN). birded localitiesaround Puget Sound and in Fray, John Gatchett (JGa), Jeff Gilligan Bushtitswere in recordnumbers on many w. Oregon (TW,EH,G&WH,HN, JG). Pur- (JG), Margaret & Vic Goodwill, Kate CBCs throughoutthe Region.There were366 ple Fincheswere noted as very scarce in King Graham (KGa), Barbara Griffin, Karl at Pitt Meadows, 459 at Ladner, a Canadian County, Wash. (EH). Pine Grosbeaks were Gruebel(KGu), BobHamlin (BHa), Bill Har- recordof 534 at White Rock, 1157at Seattle, found only at the SquamishR. mouth, n. of rington-Tweit (BHT), Bob Hay (BHy), and 666 in Salem, Oreg. Long-billed Marsh Vancouver, B.C. Seven were there Dec. 7 Werner Hesse (WIle), Dave Hoffman Wren numberswere high on s. V.I. (fide VG) (DC, fide WW). A singleGray-crowned Rosy (DHo), Glen& WandaHoge (G&WH), Dave and on the Vancouver,B.C., CBC. A single Finchat VictoriaDec. 7-8 (RS,fide VG) and Hutchinson(DHu), David Irons, Pete Isleib, MockingbirdDec. 23 at Coos Bay (BG, fide three Dec. 27 at Pitt L., e. of Vancouver, Dale Jensen,Brian Kautesk,Lois Killewich, AMc) wasthe only report. The only W. Blue- B.C. (SR,AB,fide WW) representthe pattern Mark Koninendyke,Rick & JanKrabbe, Fay- birds reported n. of Oregon were three at of normal occurrence.The flock in early De- ette Krause, Rob Lawrence, Bob Loeffel, Saamch,V.I., Jan. 30 (RWa, fide VG) and cemberon Mary's Peak in the Oregon Coast Tom Lund, Rob Mackenzie-Grieve(RMG), four at Metchosin,VA., Feb. 25 (M&VG). Range w. of Corvallis was well w. of the Alan MacLeod(AMa), Jack Major, Arnie & This Blue-listed species was noted on 9 w. usual rosy finch winter haunts (TMo,DPi, Debbie Martin (A&DM), Alan McGle Oregon CBCs n. to s. Tillamook County. The fide CW & E&EE). A singleCom. Redpoll (AMc), Mike McNall (MMc), Don Menefee total of 447 individualscompares with 553 with siskins at Woodinville, n.e. of Seattle (DMe), Marjorie Moore (MM), Mike Moore last year and 426 the year before on these Dec. 13 was the only one reported(?MEg). (MMo), Terry Morgan(TM), Tom Morgan same counts. Three Mountain Bluebirds Pine Siskinswere reportedas "scatteredand (TMo), E. Mundee,Harry Nehls,Jim Olson, noted in January and February in the Med- scarce" in Oregon (fide HN) and "in very Bob Paine, Leonard Paul, Dennis Paulson ford area(MM) werethe only reports.Single low numbers"in the Bellinghamarea all win- (DP), Evelyn Peaslee,Roy Phillips, Dave Townsend's Solitaires were on the Sauvie I. ter (TW). Lesser Goldfinches were at the n. Pikula (DPi), Michael Price, Al Prigge, CBC and on DungenessSpit, Wash., Dec. 18 limit of their normal range at Portland Georgia Ramsay, Alan Richards, Leila (D&SSm). Up to 35 Bohemian Waxwings throughoutthe period (DF;MK, fide HN). Roberts,Ian Robertson(IRo), Robin Robin- were found at Pitt Meadows, B.C., in De- Fifteen there Feb. 27 was the high count son (RRo), Steve Robinson, Wilma Robin-

330 AmericanBirds, May 1981 son, Ronnie & Ivy Ryno (R&IRy), Ron Sat- (JTa), Howard Taylor, Larry Thornburgh, Wood (B&DWo), Margaret Wyborn ($)= terrield, Susan Saul (SSa), Jean-Pierre John Toochin (JTo), Ron Toonen, Jamie written descriptionon file, S.J.C.R. = South Savard (JS), Owen Schmidt (OSc), Maddon Wahl, Terry Wahl (TW), Ruben Ware jetty of the Columbia R., Oreg.--PHILIP Schouton (MSc), Chris Shepard, Michael (RWa), Clarice Watson, Wayne Weber W. MATTOCKS, JR., Dept of Zoology, Shepard (MSh), Dorothy Siewers(DSi), Dory (WW), E. White-Swift (EWS), Ralph Widrig Univ. og Washington, Seattle, Wash. 98195, & Start Smith (D&SSm), Wally Sumner, Otis (RW), Wally Wilkins (WWi), Doug Wilson and EUGENE W. HUNN, 1816 N. 57th St., Swisher {OSw), Vern Tamke, Jeremy Tatum (DWi), Tom Winter (TWi), Brad & Debra Seattle, Wash. 98103,

son (DS); none was found inland. warm dry winter apparently caused swans MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST Twenty Black-footed Albatrosses in Mon- and geese to wander in search of suitable REGION terey Bay was a high count for such an early habitat. Many observers commented on the date (SFB). Northern Fulmar numbers were higher-than-normal numbers of large /Ron LeValley and Jules Evens at or below "normal" levels in the offshore Anseriformes along the outer coast, while waters this winter. A Flesh-looted Shear- others thought that geesenumbers in the Cen- The winter was characterized by warm, water, always rare in our Region, was record- tral Valley (hereafter, C.V.) were lower than mild weather. Not until February were any ed in Monterey Bay Feb. 22 (DRo). Short- normal. At least 30 Canada Geese were major storm fronts able to penetrate the per- tailed Shearwaters were found in Monterey reported from 9 coastal locations. Two Brant sistent high pressure area along the Pacific Bay with one Jan. 17 (JLu) and three Feb. 22 were with a flock of Aleutian Canada Geese Coast. As a consequence,many feared the re- (DRo). Despite the warm sea surfacetemper- in the Butte Sink area, Butte Co., Dec. 1 turn of a drought, waterfowl wandered wide- atures, only two reports of Manx Shearwaters (SU); these were probably the same in- ly in search of water, and many fall migrants were received, two off Bodega Bay Dec. 28 dividuals seen with the Aleutians during the successfullywintered in the Region, including (LCB, BDP) and three in Monterey Bay Jan. fall at Crescent City, Del Norte Co. There some that are considered vagrants in the 17 (JLu). Two Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels in were 56 coastalWhite-fronted Geesereported West. Ocean surface temperaturesremained Monterey Bay Dec. 7 provided our first win- from 5 locations, only one or two would be 1-2 ø C above normal as a result of the lack of ter records since 1976 (SFB, A. Baldridge). found on the coast during an average winter. winter storms. Similarly 27 Snow Geese were found at 11 Last fall's report emphasized the effect of PELICANS THROUGH HERONS--Un- coastal locations when an average winter local weather conditions on migrants; this doubtedly the most spectacular waterbird might yield two coastal reports. Ross' Geese winlet's weather pattern also revealedlocal- sightingof the seasonwas of a well-described also made a good showing on the coast where ized effects on over-wintering birds. While ad. Blue-fooled Booby flying S (!) past Pt. they are extremelyrare; six "probables" were most areas enjoyed mild climates, the San St. George, Del Norte Co., Jan. 16 (fRAE, flying over Limantour Estero Dec. 8 (JE), Francisco Bay Area, particularly Point SS). Fall 1980 was not an invasion year for three were near Bodega, Sonoma Co., Jan. 1 Reyes, was caught by a cold snap in early De- boobiesin s. California and this record is ap- (WB), one was at Sea Ranch, Sonoma Co., cember which lasted through the Christmas proximately 3 months later than any other Jan. 2 (R J); one was at the Bolinas Sewage Bird Count (hereafter, CBC) period. As a Regional record, so this occurrence must be Pond Jan. 12-15 (DDeS), two were in Bodega result, while observersin the Monterey-Santa consideredtruly abnormal. Only a September Bay Jan. 18 (LCB,BDP) with one remaining Cruz area had one of "the best winters in 1935 Washington State record (Lardson, E. Jan. 21 (DE) and one was in the Arcata Bot- years" for vagrants and over-wintering sum- 1945. Murrelet 26:45) is from a more n. lo- toms Jan. 27 (JSt). A blue phaseRoss' Goose mer birds, and the north coast and interior cale. A concentration of 130+ Brandt's Cor- at Gray Lodge N.W.R., Feb. 7 (RS et aL) has hosted a variety of first winter records, Bay morants at Pt. St. George Dec. 3 (RAE) was few precedentsanywhere. Interested readers Area birders bemoaned the lack of diversity surprisingsince winter reports in our Region are referred to Auk 96:544-550 and Continen- there. are rare n. of Bodega Bay. tal Birdlife 1:112-115 for a thorough discus- At the Palomarin Field Station, where the Cattle Egrets were reported in lower num- sion of the complexities surrounding this in- Point Reyes Bird Observatory (hereafter, bers than we have come to expectin most lo- triguing morph. P.R.B.O.) conductsongoing studies, "a very calities, but 450 at Mendota W.M.A., Fresno Only one Green-winged (Eur.) Teal was productive summer of 1980 and one of the Co., Jan. 24 (RH, CP, heaviestfall migrations on record produced JG) was the largest con- o g E. G O N very high population levels of the common centration ever recorded winter birds. December birds/100 net hours in the Region. A Least were the highest in at least 5 years. January Bitternat the Palo Alto and February totals were still above average, Flood Control Basin Dec. but some major mortality seemedto occur in 11 (fide WB) was in an late January, associated with bad weather. area from which there are N E V• Especiallynumerous this winter were: Bush- few previous records. tits, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, pugetensis Eight Am. Bitterns at Ab- White-crowned, Golden-crowned and Fox bot's Lagoon, Marin Co., •parrows". Dec. 15 was a very high count for the immediate LOONS THROUGH STORM-PETRELS coast (DS). The first Lake Ma rk/eeville --Two Yellow-billed Loons were reported: County White-facedIbis one at Bodega Bay Dec. 6 (JW et al.) and one wasdiscovered Jan.2at photographed in s. Humboldt Bay Jan. 1 Anderson Marsh and later (•RLeV,LD). Arctic Loons winter predomin- seen Feb. 5 at Lower Lake antly s. of our Region, many were still mov- (JMa). This speciesis very ing S during December, 417 flew past Pt. rare in our Region in win- Reyesin 10 rain Dec. 13 (DS) and 1180were ter outside of the Los estimated passing Bodega Bay Dec. 28 Banos, Merced Co. area, (LCB). The only inland report was of one at where this winlet's L. Almanor, Plumas Co., Dec. 29 (SAL). population numbered a Over 600 Red-throated Loons were concen- low 40-50 (F.A.S.) trated at the mouth of Tomales Bay, Marin Co., Jan. 31 during the herringspawning sea- WATERFOWL--The

Volume 35, Number 3 331 reported this winter, a male at Elkhorn Orlck, Humboldt Co (fide RAE), one n of Bonaparte's Gulls in the CrescentCity Har- Slough,Monterey Co., Jan. 20 (GT,BE). It is SomesBar, Slsklyou Co., Nov. 26 (RLeV), bor, Del Norte Co., Dec. 12 (•;RAE). This unfortunate that a decline in reports of this one along the Aw-Poh Rd., in n. Humboldt representsonly the seventhRegional record form coincides with the lumping of the County Dec. 20 (fide RAE), one n. of Haw- A Franklin's Gull was photographed at L Green-wingedTeals by the A.O.U. We will kins Bar, Trinity Co., Dec. 30 (RLeV) and Almanor Dec. 28-30 (MG,NC) establishing probably never know whether this declineis a one along Alder Camp Rd., in s. Del Norte the first Plumas County record for this result of fewer numbersof this Asiatic strag- Co., Feb. 14 (fi'deRAE). A concentrationof species. The Little Gull remained at the gler in our Region or just diminishinginterest 5000 Sandhill Cranes at Merced N.W.R., Stockton SewagePond at least through Feb in this form by birdwatchers.Field observers Feb. 28 was the largestsuch concentration in 16 (BRi). A very late Com. Tern was at Pa- should be aware that the biologicalimport- many years (DDeS). A healthy population of jaro Dunes,Monterey Co., Dec. 9 (J&RW) anceof these"lumped" forms did not disap- at least43 Clapper Rails winteredalong Ala- Caspian Terns began moving N very early, pear with the lossof their statusas full species meda South Shore (ER). A Sora in Willow one was at the e. end of the Dumbarton (see also Yellow-rumped Warblers). Five Cr., HumboldtCo., Feb. 27 (MRa) wasin an Bridge, Alameda Co., Feb. 19 (PJM,CSw), Tufted Ducks were reported as follows: two area where there are few winter records. two were at the San Mateo Bridge, San Mateo males at Muddy Hollow, Point Reyes Na- Black Rails were againreported at regularlo- Co., Feb. 16 (AE) and one was at Pajaro tional Seashore(hereafter, P.R.N.S.) Dec. 12 calities as follows: three at Corte Madera DunesFeb. 21 (J&RW). (JE,DS), one male at the Tiburon PondsJan. Marsh, Marin Co., Dec. 21 (RLeV,LD) and Twelve Pigeon Guillemots near the mouth 3 (BDP), an immature or female (probably Jan. 19 (DS), three at Benicia State Recrea- of Tomales Bay, Marin Co., Jan. 31 (DS) female) at Abbot's Lagoon, P.R.N.S., Jan. tion Area, SolanoCo., Dec. 28 (JRi), and at constitutea large winter concentration of this 14 (DS) and a male at the Berkeley Aquatic least23 at Port ChicagoMarsh, Contra Costa speciesin the Region. Elsewhere four were in Park Feb. 5 (JRi). A Barrow's Goldeneyeat Co., Feb. 17-18 (DE). Common Gallinules Monterey Bay Feb. 21 (JML) and one was in BassL., Madera Co., Feb. 15 (VJ) provided were found in higher-than-expectednumbers Trinidad Harbor, Humboldt Co., Jan. iI one of the few records for that county. A in the n. C.V., with concentrations of 18 + at (JSt). The winter whereaboutsof most of the female at the Auburn Stabilization Ponds, Lone Tree Pond e. of Cottonwood, Shasta world's Pigeon Guillemotsis apparentlystill Placer Co., Jan. 6 (BBa) was also at an Co., Dec. 12 (SAL) and l 1 in Red Bluff Dec. unknown! A Craveri's Murrelet seen on unusual locality. An impressive 19 Old- 20 (KVV,KC). Monterey Bay Jan. 3 (TC) and Jan. 10 squawswere tabulated this season,four at Pt. (GPo,RH) establishedthe first winter record ReyesJan. 12 (DS) and three at Moss Land- SHOREBIRDS--A pair of Am. Oystercat- for thisspecies in our Region,and is probably ing Dec. 31-Jan. 11 (m.ob.) were the largest chersdescribed from Tomales Pt., P.R.N.S., attributableto the warm water temperatures concentrations, while a single bird was in- Feb. 25 (R. Fowler, K. Lathrop) would pro- land, where they are very rare, at the Stock- vide the secondRegional and most n. Pacific PIGEONS, DOVES, OWLS--Band-tailed ton Sewage Ponds Dec. 5 (DE). A total of coastrecord if acceptedby the California Re- Pigeons, considered "low" in areas where 150+ Black Scoters in the vicinity of Pt. cords Committee. The Mountain Plovers dis- they commonly winter (m.ob.), were well ReyesJan. 13 (JRi) was a large concentration covered along Clifton Court Rd., near reported from n. counties where they are for our Region. Four Red-breastedMergan- Byron, Contra Costa Co., last fall remained usually rare in winter. Flocks of 30 + were re- sers,always rare in the C.V., were in the San through the winter with a maximum of 33 cordedin the e. Humboldt County-w. Trinity Joaquin R., n. of FresnoJan. 16 (RH,KH). seen Feb. 8 (B. Richmond). Elsewhere 2-3 County mountains(RLeV) with smallernum- were seen in Panoche Valley Feb. 7 (fide bers in coastalDel Norte County (RAE) RAPTORS THROUGH RAILS--White- WB). A total of 21 Am. Golden Plovers, Equally rare along the north coast in winter tailed Kites continuedto appear in good num- mostly of the Asiatic racefulva, wintered at 6 were seven Mourning Doves at Loleta Bot- bers in many localitiesthis season.Five Gos- coastallocations (m.ob.). toms Jan. I (RLeV). Barn Owls, well report- hawks were about average for a winter, but A concentrationof 107 Greater Yellowlegs ed during the fall, receivedlittle mention dur- our other two Accipiters were less conspic- at Mendota W.M.A., Fresno Co., Feb. 1 ing winter, however 109 on the Sacramento uous than average. Only 14 Sharp-shinned (RH,CP,LM) was a large number for a win- CBC was an impressiveall-time high (fide Hawks and an alarmingly low five Cooper's ter season.Lesser Yellowlegs were reported in EH). A continueddecline of ScreechOwls in Hawks were reported. An albino Red-tailed good numbers, 16 in 11 localitieswere high- the vicinity of Davis in the C.V., is perhaps Hawk at Squaw Valley, FresnoCo., Feb. 15 lighted by five near Loleta, Humboldt Co., attributableto orchardspraying (TL). Forty was probably the same individual sighted Jan. 3 (RAE). A Wandering Tattler at the Pygmy Owls were reported, 35 by one obser- there in spring 1975 (RH,GS). Three "Har- Moffet Field Naval Air Station Dec. 22 estab- ver (DE), all from locationsof known occur- lan's" Hawks were reported as follows: w. of lished the first Santa Clara County record rence. Spotted Owls continue to be found in Santa Rosa Dec. 21 (LCB), near Davis, Yolo (fide WB,CB). A flock of 51 Ruddy Turn- new locationsas increasedinterest, expertise Co, Jan. 27 (TBe) and in the Panoche Val- stonesat BodegaHarbor Jan. 18 (BDP) wasa and coverage penetrates seldom "owled" ley, San Benitos Co., Feb. 7 (fi'de WB). A notable winter concentration. Up to 20 W. drainages.The following recordsare thought surprisingten Red-shoulderedHawks were in Sandpiperswintered at Merced N.W.R., as in to representnew sites:five at GreenwoodCr the Smith R. bottoms, Del Norte Co., Jan. 14 past years (RBc), this speciesis rare in the Canyon, Mendocino Co., Dec. 20 (DE), one near the n. limit of their range(RAE). If Red- C.V., during the winter. at Los Alamos Rd., SonomaCo. (DE), one- shouldered Hawks are resident in n. Californ- two in the Terwer Valley n.w. of Klamath ia, as it seemsthey are, where do our fall mi- JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS--A few Glen, Del Norte Co., throughoutthe period grants come from? Rough-legged Hawks Pomarine Jaegers were found in Monterey (RAE) and one at 6100 ft on the N. Fork of were conspicuousby their relative absence Bay this winter with a maximum of three Jan. the AmericanR. (TBe). Unprecedentedwas a this winter, but FerruginousHawks were pre- 10 (JB). No fewer than 12 Glaucous Gulls report of ten from Willow Cr., Sonoma Co sent in above-average numbers. Eagles of were reported along the coast this winter (DE). Scatteredreports of both "cared" owls both species were reported in average (m.ob.). A careful censusof largegulls along were received, but the only significant con- numbersexcept that Bald Eagleswere scarce the coast also revealed at least four "white" centrations were of Short-eareds: of 45 on the along the n. coast rivers, undoubtedly owing gulls that were probably Glaucous x Glau- Sacramento CBC, 30 were concentrated at to the poor salmon runs this fall and winter cous-wingedand Glaucousx Herring hybrids the Davis Hawk and Owl Ref. (EH); they (RLeV). Peregrine Falcons are continuing (•;LSp), underlining the fact that in our were "common all winter" at Suisun Marsh their apparent recoverywith an estimatedsix Region not all large white gulls are in N. San Franciso Bay (BED); 12 were at birds in the Pt. Reyesarea (DDeS,JE et al.), automatically Glaucous Gulls. Glaucous-- Andrus I., SacramentoCo., Jan. 24 (DE) and scattered sightings throughout the re- winged Gulls were inland at Victoria I., San Saw-whet Owls were found at traditional mainder of the Region (m.ob.). At least 37 Joaquin Co., Jan. 9 (KCam) and Sacramento places in coastal counties, but one in Cobb Merlins wintered in our Region, causing Dec. 6 (VN). Notable inland recordsof Mew Valley on the Clear Lake CBC in early Janua- many observersto comment on their increas- Gulls were 24 near SacramentoDec. 6 (VN), ry (JMa et al.) providedthe first Lake County ed numbers. one near SacramentoDec. 25 (JML) and one record. Also considered unusual were two at Ruffed Grouse continue to be detected in at Clearlake Highlands, Lake Co., Feb. 17 Putah Cr., Dec. 21 (TBe et al.) and one at the n w. corner of the Region. This winter (JMa). An ad. Black-headedGull was well- FolsomDec. 29 (fide EH), althoughour un- five were reported: one seen regularly n. of described among a flock of 650+ derstanding of their distribution is poor,

332 American Birds, May 1981 especially•n the foothfils surrounding the predictably enticed some •nsecuvorous severalmales of inner-coastrange (BDP) A C V., where they may prove regular •n wxn- speciesto overw•nter Unfortunately, several single Chestnut-backedChickadee at Chico ter. Mild temperaturesmust have been re- reportsof wintering Tyrannids (notably Ash- Dec. 7 (KVV) was the first lowland sighUng sponsiblefor active Poor-wills e. of Red throated Flycatchers) were submitted unac- for Butte County. Plain Titmice and Bushtits Bluff Feb. 29 (SAL, N. Shubert)and on Rock companied by supporting details. Below are were found in exceptionalnumbers on CBCs R•dge, Marin Co., Feb. 22 (IT). those reports confirmed by descriptions. A in the Sacramento Valley; Bushtits were also Western Kingbird at Putah Cr. Dec. 21 present in excellentnumbers on the coast at SWIFTS THROUGH WOODPECKERS (•'EH,TL et al.) provided only the third win- Palomarin (P.R.B.O.). Bushtits remained at --The presenceof a flock of 38+ Vaux's ter record for the Region, the secondfor the high winter elevationsin the s. Sierra with six Swifts over the Terwer Valley n.w. of Klam- C.V. Well describedwas a Cassin's Kingbird in a whitethorn/manzanita thicket at 7000 ft math Glen Jan. 30 (GL,RAE) with smaller Feb. 1-4 at Pt. Pinos, Pacific Grove (•LCB, near Huntington L., Jan. 12 and >two in yel- numbers there the next 2 days, but not there- DRo). This specieshas not been recordedin low pine at 5600 ft at Glen Meadow Jan. 13, after (RAE), has few winter precedents. the Regionfor over 10 years,and the interest both locationsin Fresno Co. (RH, HR) A White-throated Swifts seem to be on the in- of this record is augmented by the November single White-breasted Nuthatch wintered in creasein the C.V., with new high countson bird in s.e. Monterey County as reported in Golden Gate Park, San Fransisco (hereafter, many CBCs, especiallyin the Sacramento the fall. The Region's secondOlivaceous Fly- G.G.P. and S.F. respectively), for the first area (BED,EH), althoughthis winter'sbalmy catcher was found in Santa Cruz Dec. 7 time (DM). Red-breasted Nuthatches were weather may be more responsiblethan any (•EM,AM, m.ob.), the samedate as the first scarceeverywhere this winter (m.ob.), how- long term build-up. A very early Allen's record from the Carmel R., in 1975. This ever some were in G.G.P., Jan. 24 through Hummingbird was in Alamo, Contra Costa year's bird was last seen Jan. 24 (JLu); the the period (DM). Brown Creeperswere scarce Co., Jan. 12 (JRi), but elsewherearrival dates 1975 bird remaineduntil Apr. 11, 1976. Two on the coast at Palomarin. were about average. A Selasphorus sp. E. Phoebes were discovered: one at Pacific Six Dippers were reported from unusual (thought to be an Allen's) was in Santa Cruz Grove Dec. 30 (LCB et al.) remained until wintering spots in the lowlands of the C V; Jan. 10 (SG). Despite the mild climate, late February (fide Dro), another was at El five in the Sacramento Valley, one in the San Anna's Hummingbirdsfailed to winter in Sis- Estero Cemetery in Monterey early Decem- Joaquin, a House Wren in the Smith R. Bot- kiyou County where there were no January ber-Feb. 16 (DB,BDP, •EH, •RS, m.ob.). toms, Del Norte Co., Jan. 18 (RAE) was n observations (RE,MRo); the first sighting Say's Phoebes were considered more com- of the species' usual wintering grounds A there was at SomesBar Feb. 7 (MRo). They mon than usual in the C.V. (TBe) and on the Long-billed Marsh Wren at St. Helena Jan 1 d•d winter near the coast in Del Norte Coun- coast(P.R.B.O., JE). They failed to winter in provided the first record for the Napa Valley ty, however,and male courtshipflights were Siskiyou County despite the mild weather; floor (JSt). A Mockingbird in Whitmore Feb. noted throughoutFebruary n.w. of Klamath the first migrant was noted at Tulelake 12-17 was only the secondknown occurrence Glen, where breedinghas yet to be confirmed N.W.R., Feb. 15 (MRo,RE). One at 4500 ft for the immediate area (BK). A Sage (RAE). A Belted Kingfisher at 7000 ft at in Chester, Plumas Co., Feb. 20-28 was also a Thrasher at Arcata Bottoms Jan. 14-15 (D Huntington L., Fresno Co., Jan. 13 was high migrant, but in atypical montane habitat (C. Laursen et al.) provided the first winter for midwinter (RH,HR). Encouraging Buell, DAA), and one at Ft. FunstonFeb. 22 record for the n. coast. numbers of Pileated Woodpeckers were was unusual for San Francisco (DM). An Irruptive frugivoreswere presentalong the found at L. Hennessey,Napa Co. (BDP) and Empidonax sp. at Centerville, Fresno Co., c. coast, but in smaller numbers than last year YosemiteVally (CB); one at 7600 ft between Dec. 7 was "not a Gray, by tail wag" (MMy). (P.R.B.O., DS). American Robins and Her- Badger Pass and Bridalveil Campgroundin The Skylark, present at Pt. Reyes since mit Thrushes increased there noticeably in late February (CB) was high for midwinter. Oct. 25 and for the third consecutive year, early January, coincidentwith the ripening of Lewis' Woodpeckerswere well reportedfrom waslast seenFeb. 21 (JM). Horned Larks are the toyon berry crop (JE). On the n. coast in various locations, but for the first time in 10 rare on the coast n. of Humboldt Bay, so one Humboldt County the annual influx of yearsnone were found in e. Alameda County at the Klamath R. mouth Feb. 21-22 (LSp, robins and Varied Thrushes during mid- where Starlingsare suspectedof monopoliz- GL, RAE) was noteworthy. No Violet-green February occurred as expectedwith no con- ing roostingand nestingholes (AE). Swallowswere reported in January, and the current decline of inland numbers (both A o' "Red-naped" Sapsucker (S. v. first migrants, at Limantour, P.R.N.S., Feb. specieswere "almost abundant" in w. Hum- nuchalis)found Dec. 30 at Janesville,Lassen 12, were flying SE along the beach(LS, JE). boldt-e. Trinity cos.), indicating a different Co. (DAA, R. Harris) was found again and Major movementbegan Feb. 19-22 (m.ob.). sourcefor the incursivepopulation (RLeV) well described the following day(tDS). Be- Tree Swallows were encountered in sizable In Surprise Valley, in the northeasternmost cause of hybridization between the various numbersin December with a high of 150 at reaches of the Region, one orchard hosted races, detailed descriptions of extralimital the Davis Sewage Ponds Dec. 28 (EH, J. 300 + robins and 400 Cedar Waxwings Dec. records are essential.Concern was expressed Lane), but the only January reportswere in 29 (DS). American Robins were below nor- for the population of "Red-breasted" Sap- Marin County with three at Olema Marsh mal in the Sacramento Valley and absent suckersin e. Humboldt-w. Trinity cos. where Jan. 23 and one at Bolinas Jan. 28 (DDeS). from the Great Basin CBCs (EH). "A poor "this form seems much rarer than it was 5 The first significant numbers were 120 at crop of juniper berriesin the Great Basinmay years ago" (RLeV). A Williamson's Sap- Mendota N.W.R., Feb. 1 (RH,CP,LM). account for lack of sightingsthere. The dry sucker at Chester, Plumas Co., Jan. 16 was at Rough-winged,Barn and Cliff swallowsare conditionsin the n. may account for the low a low elevation and about 10 mi from the extremelyrare in "winter", so completedes- numbers reported" (EH). Hermit Thrushes, nearestlikely breedinghabitat (DAA). Any criptions should accompany any extratem- however, were well-reported on several winter sightingsof this specieswith accompa- poral reports. The following records are Sacramento Valley CBCs. nying habitat descriptionwould be valuable thoughtto be valid, althoughno detailswere Encouraging numbers of W. Bluebirds sinceits distribution is poorly understood;it submitted:single Rough-wingeds at San Jose were found on the Springville CBC, provid- is generallyconsidered a year-round resident Dec. 21 (B. Roadcap, fide WB) and n.e of ing that count with its 10-year high. Moun- in its breedinghabitat, but winter reportsare Fresno Dec. 27 and Jan. 1 (KH); two Barns at tain Bluebirds wintered in agricultural areas scant. Downy Woodpecker numbers continue Pt. ReyesDec. 20 (DB, PC). Cliff Swallows near Live Oak in the C.V. (BED). The highest to decline on the Peace Valley CBC (vicinity returned very early to Fresno County with concentration reported was 70 in one field of the Sutter Buttes, C.V.). The population one at Mendota N.W.R., Feb. 1 (RH, CP, Jan. 2 at Mendota N.W.R., Fresno Co. of this speciesmay indeedbe sufferinga long- LM) and one at Riverdale Feb. 3 (HM, fide (KVV, KC). A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at term decline; contributors are encouraged to RH). Ferndale Bottoms Jan. 15 (JSt et al.) pro- carefully assessnumbers in their areas. In vided the first true winter record for the n. contrast to the decline of Downies, Nuttalrs CORVIDS THROUGH STARLINGS-- coast; five others were reported along the Woodpeckers seem to be doing well in the Slightly extralimital Yellow-billed Magpie re- coastfrom the Carmel R., to Pt. Reyes Gol- C V., with CBC totals increasingyearly. ports were of two at Mendota, Fresno Co., den-crowned and Ruby-crowned kinglets Jan. 18 (T&GB) and one n. of SR-4, e. Con- continued their fall trend and remained in tra Costa Co. (JRi). A small population con- high numbers through winter (m.ob) A FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWAL- tinues to residejust n. of L. Berryessa,Napa single Ruby-crowned remained until Feb. 2 LOWS-Again, the mild climate this winter Co., separatedfrom the C. V. population by on F.I., where the speciesis extremelyrare in

Volume 35, Number 3 333 winter Cedar Waxwings were generally con- (DS), then sharply to one in early February County was at Klamath Glen Jan 31-Feb 28 sidered "low", none were found on the with the last report of one Feb. 21 (JM). It •s (GL,RAE). Single wintering Wfison's War- Honey Lake CBC in the Great Basin. Staff- generally thought that Lapland Longspurs blers were at Loleta Bottoms, Humboldt Co, rags filled the sky and fields in "flocks like are very rare and irregular on the coast after Jan. 3 (RAE,TS) and at Smith R. Bottoms locusts" Dec. 21 just n. of Cloverdale--"I December; observations like the ones above Del Norte Co., Jan. 14 (RAE,SS,GL). wouldn't be surprised if there were a suggestthat this speciesmay be rare but regu- million." (RAE). lar and local, until early February (DS). Else- ICTERIDS THROUGH TANAGERS-- where, three were found along the Eel R. Bot- The only Hooded Oriole report was of one FRINGILLIDS--Single Black-headed toms Jan. 3 (RAE, TS) and one was at Hay- male at Dinuba, Tulare Co., Feb. 16 (RG) Grosbeaks were at Pacific Grove Jan. 30 ward Landing, Alameda Co., Jan. 13 (CSw). Although suspectedof winteringregularly by (•'LCB) and San Rafael Feb. 5-15 (GF). Sub- Three McCown's Longspurswere found in a some observers, records indicate that this stantlal numbers of Evening Grosbeaks were large flock of Laplands at Lower Klamath speciesis still scarcein winter. About seven encountered in Alpine County in the Sierra N.W.R. in mid-January. A single bird was N. Orioles wintered coastally; four at Jan 4 (EH) and one at Three Rivers, Tulare found Jan. 9 (SS), a different individual the Monterey, one at Duncan Mills, Sonoma Co , Feb. 3 was at a low elevation(RH). The next day (SS, MRo) and a third Jan. 11 (SS, Co., Dec. 28 (DE, JH et al.) and two ad only Gray-crownedRosy Fincheswere 20-30 MRo, RE). On Jan. 14 all three were seen males at Eureka Jan. 30-31 (JSt). A Great- at S Dunsmuir near Mt. Shasta (CSt). Pine together (RE). tailed Grackle arrived in Davis Dec. 27 and Slsklnswere widespreadand fairly numerous remained into the first week of January in the C.V., and the Sierran foothills (EH) VIREOS AND WARBLERS--A Hutton's (•'JBr,TBe et al.). Since the Region's first and "good numbers" were on the coast of Vireo in Moore Canyon, Sutter Buttes (JLu) record at S.F., in 1978, the only recordsaway Palomarin. Red Crossbillshad a goodyear in furnished the first winter record there. Else- from there have been three C.V. birds, all the Sierra (EH,SAL,BO,B&CY) and moved where in the C.V., the Sacramento and males and all November-January. After sev- downslopein eitherdirection to be found on Folsom CBCs had high countsfor this species eral months unreported, a male appeared in C V, and Great Basin CBCs in substantial whose numbers have been strong since fall. S.F., Feb. 1 (PW) with a female found a few numbers(m.ob.). On the w. slopes,a bumper Three single Solitary Vireos were reported days later (fide The Gull). Brown-headed crop of Ponderosapine coneswas thought to (presumably all cassim) as follows: Arcata Cowbirds overwintered in the Smith R. Bot- be responsible,and flocks were noted at the Jan. 15 (JSt, RAE), Pacific Grove Dec. toms and at Crescent City (RAE). High lower limits of the tree'sdistribution (BO). In 30-Jan. 3 (DRo, DD) and Springville(KH, K. counts for Marin County in winter were keepingwith the fall trend, high numbersof Luthy). Sixteen Black-and -white Warblers 200+ at Novato Jan. 4 (DS,SC,IT) and 80+ Savannah Sparrows were reported on C.V. more than tripled the usual winter number; at Pt. Reyes Station Feb. 18 (DS). Six W CBCs. Two Sharp-tailedSparrows remained inland reports were from Red Bluff, Tehama Tanagerswere reported coastallyfrom Mont- at Bolinas at least until Jan. 20 (DS) and one Co., Dec. 27 (•'J. Barbour, •'L. Hanks) and erey to S.F., more than usual, this speciesbe- was at the Palo Alto dump Dec. 22 (E. Gus- the American R., SacramentoFeb. 7 (BOs). ing very rare in winter. A 9 SummerTanager tafson, fide DH). for a Vesper Seven Tennessee Warblers were found on the at Pacific Grove Jail. 6-early February (DRo) Sparrow at Hall Ranch, P.R.N.S., (JH) was coast(2.2 is the winter average)with one at was one of more than a dozen Regional win- a most unusual date for coastal Marin. It was the Smith R., Dec. 5-Feb. 17 providing the ter appearances,most coastal. considereda good year for Rufous-crowned first Del Norte County record(RAE,GS,GL). Sparrowsin e. Napa County where the inner Orange-crowned Warblers made an im- CONTRIBUTORS--Dan Airola (DAA), coast range meets the Sacramento Valley, pressiveshowing with many CBCs tallying BeverlyAnderson, Dave Anderson,Wait An- with 17 birds sightedat L. HennesseyJan. 1 all-time highs. Twelve Nashville Warblers derson, Maurine Armour, Robby Bacon, (BDP). High numbers were also reported were reported, six from the Monterey-Santa (RBc), Stephen F. Bailey, Bernice Barnes from Sweetwater Cr., near Folsom and at Pu- Cruz area, six from Humboldt-Del Norte cos. (BBs), Robert Barnes, Bruce Barret, Terry & tab Cr. (JML). One Lucy's Warbler was at Pacific Grove Gail Battles (T&GB), Dennis Beall, Ted Very rare in the C.V., a Black-throated Dec. 30 (LCB et al.). A Northern Parula at Beedy (TBe), Jim Berry, Laurence Binford Sparrow was found at the s.w. edge of the Ferndale Bottoms, Humboldt Co., Jan. 4-15 (LCB), Clark Blake, Neal Blank, Bob SutterButtes Dec. 22 (WA) and remainedin- (•'JSt, •'RAE) was only the Region's second Boekelheide, William Bousman, Tony to mid-February (m.ob.), providing the first winter record. Two Yellow Warblers were Briggs,Judy Bryan (JBr), Glenn & Terol Bur- Sutter County record. Tree Sparrows were discovered: one at the Pajaro R., early ris, Kurt Campbell (KCam), Scott Carey, reported from Tulelake N.W.R., where 12 December-atleast Jan. 1 (DRo, SG), another Karen Cartier, Ted Chandik, Pain Conley, wintered until Feb. 1 (SS,RE,MRo), and Su- inland at Gray Lodge N.W.R., Dec. 21-Feb. Cindee Connelly, Nancy Conzett, James garloaf Mt., e. Humboldt Co., Jan. 12 8 (BED et al.). Six overwintering Black- Davis, Dave DeSante (DDeS), Bruce Deuel (•'RLeV). A Chipping Sparrow, occasional throated Grays (two coastal, six inland) was (BED), Donna Dittman, Linda Doerflinger, near the coast in winter, was seennear Palo about twice average;the one at Klamath Glen Art Edwards, Ray Ekstrom, Bruce Elliot, Alto Jan. 17 in the same spot as last winter Dec. 20-Jan. 6 (GL et al.) representedthe Doug Ellis, Richard A. Erickson, Jules (B Pulliam, fide WB). A Harris' Sparrow at first winter record for Del Norte County; Evens, Lynn Farrar, Gary Finger, Honey L., Dec. 31 (TM, DS et al.) remained there is only one previouswinter record for Fowler, Fresno Audubon Society(F.A.S.), through the period. More unusual was one in Humboldt County. Palm Warblers are John Gerlach, Ron Gerstenberg,Steve Getty, residential Sacramento Dec. 15-Feb. 28 and regularly found along the coast in winter in Frank Gibson, CelesteGijalva, Golden Gate another in Kerman, Fresno Co., thoughout small numbers with 5-15 reported yearly. Audubon Society (G.G.A.S.), Mike Green, the period (J. Seay,fide RH). SixteenWhite- This winter 36 were discovered with an un- Keith Hansen, Rob Hansen, Ed Harper, Phil throated Sparrows were reported; one at precedentedsix inland, as follows: Willow Henderson, Dave Hildebrand, Joel Horn- Weaverville Jan. 2 was in the same bush as Cr., Humboldt Co., Dec. 4 (•'RAE, RLeV e! stein, Dave Houle, Robert C. Johnsen,Ver- last year (SAL) and one in FresnoFeb. 1 was al.), Ukiah SewagePond, Mendocino Co., non Johnson, Barbara Klasson, Carol Lap- the only one reported from the s. C.V. (LM). Dec. 31-Mar. 5 (RAE), Petaluma Sewage ham, Jeri M. Langham, Kim Lathrop, Ste- As in the fall, numbersof Lincoln's Sparrows Ponds, Sonoma Co., Jan. 4 (•'JE et al.), phen A. Laymon, Gary Lester, Ron seemedhigh (m.ob.), but at Pt. Reyeslocal Coyote Cr., San Jose Dec. 21 (fide WB), LeValley, Jim & Sue Liscovec,Kent Livezey, numbers declined by the end of the period Gray Lodge N.W.R., Dec. 21-Feb. 28 (RS, Elaine Loring, Tome Love, John Lovio, (JE) Twenty-five Swamp Sparrowsreported BED et al.) and Mines Rd., Alameda Co., John Luther, (JLu), Harriet Maddox, Eu- coastallywas quite high; >ten were in Olema Feb. 22 (GF). Previously, the Region had gene Makishima, Akiko Makishima, Tim Marsh in December(RS) and the numbersre- only two inland records. A singleN. Water- Manolis, Gloria Markowitz, Jim Matzinger ported from the n. coast were higher than in thrush was present in S.F. sporadically Dec. (JMa), Peter J. Metropulis (PJM), Joe the past with ten in Humboldt and Del Norte 21-Jan. 24 (NB) for the Region'sfifth winter Morlan, Lance Mosher, Dan Murphy, Mark cos The only inland report was from Sacra- record. A MacGillivray's Warbler at Neary's Myers (MMy), Dan Nelson, Virginia Norris, mento N.W.R., Feb. 28 (JH). As many as 15 Lagoon, Santa Cruz Dec. 21 (SG, BRe) had Bill Oliver, Bruce Ostyn (BOs), Benjamin D Lapland Longspurswere found through mid- only two winter precedents,one of which was Parmeter, John Parmeter, Charles Peck, January at the Hall Ranch, P.R.N.S. (m.ob.) in the same area last year. The first overwin- Point Reyes Bird Observatory(P.R.B.O.), with numbersdecreasing to sevenby Jan. 28 tering Com. Yellowthroat for Del Norte Debra Pool, Gary Potter (GPo), William M.

334 American Birds, May 1981 Pursell, Martin Raphael (MRa), Larry R. der (GSc), Tom Schulenberg,Dave Shuford, Audubon Society (T.A.S.) Steve Umland, Rauen, Bill Reese (BRe), Bob Richmond John Silvas, Larry Spear (LSp), Rich Stall- Kent Van Vuren, John & Ricky Warriner, (BRi), Jean Richmond (JRi), Hap Ritter, cup, Lynne Stenzel,John Sterling(JSt), Steve Jon Winter, Bob & Carol Yutzy.--RON Mike Robbins (MRo), Don Roberson (DRo), Stocking(SSt), Gary Strachan,Chris Stroms- LeVALLEY (waterbirds), 1876 Ocean Dr., Elsie Roemer, Allen Royer, Jim Royer, Ed ness (CS0, Steve Summers, Chris Swarth McKinleyville, CA 95521; JULES EVENS Schaefer, Don Schmoldt (DSc), Gary Schroe- (CSw), Gil Thompson, Irene Timossi, Tulare (landbirds)Box 839, Point ReyesStation, CA 94956.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS--Whistling Rough-leggedHawks were scarce this winter REGION Swanswere exceptionallyscarce with eight at with only five reported includingone as far s. the Santa Clara R. estuary, Ventura Co., as S.E.S.S., Dec. 7-Jan. 24 (JO,BD). A Mer- /Guy McCaskie (hereafter, S.C.R.E.) Dec. 15-16 (MS) and lin in Goleta Jan. 2-Feb. 6 (PEL) was clearly two near Lancaster, Los AngelesCo., Jan. 2 a blackish bird, F.c. suckleyi, from the n.w. The dry conditions of the fail continued (HaF) being the southernmost.A Cackling through the winter, leaving the Region with Goose (Branta canadensisminima), rare in s. CRANES, RAILS--Totally unexpected below averagerainfall for the period, and ac- California, was at the s. end of the Salton Sea were 210 Sandhill Cranes near Santa Maria companiedby warm temperaturesresulting in (hereafter, S.E.S.S.) Feb. 8 (GMcC) and Jan. 4-5 (LB) and one in flight over Seai an exceptionallymild winter. The temperate three more were at L. San Jacinto Feb. 4 BeachJan. 25 (DD) as this speciesis consider- weather did not, however, produce a rash of (JD). A white-bellied Brant (Branta bernicla ed casualanywhere aiong the coast. A Clap- unexpectedoverwintering birds. In fact, the hrota), a casual straggler to California, was per Rail at Pt. Mugu Feb. 28 (DD) was only season was somewhat uneventful with virtu- at Maiibu, Los AngelesCo., Jan. 31-Feb. 1 the secondseen in this area in recentyears but ally no surprisingdiscoveries and none of the (KLG). A flock of 750 White-fronted Geese gave hope that a small population may exist sporadic visitors from the north. The pres- on L. San Jacinto Feb. 4 (JD) was exception- in this suitable marsh. ence of both Black-headed and Little gulls al, this specieshaving becomequite scarcein highlighted the waterbird picture. The most this Region. Up to three Ross' Geese were SHOREBIRDS--a Black Oystercatcher at unusual landbirds, a Whip-poor-will near present near Santa Maria, Santa Barbara Ventura Dec. 3 (SSu),another at nearby Port Los Angelesand a Graee's Warbler in Santa Co., Nov. 22-Dec. 28 (PEL), one was in the Hueneme Dec. 3 (SSu), five near San Pedro Barbara, had both spent the previous winter San Fernando Valley, Los AngelesCo., Jan. Dec. 2 (BD) and two on Pt. Loma, San Diego in California and it is becoming evident that 11 (BD), two were near Oceanside,San Diego Co., all winter (EC) were ail outside the many of the out-of-range landbirds found Co., Dec. 28-Jan. 10 (DP), three were on L. species'breeding range. The Piping Plover overwinteringhere in s. California return to Hodges, San Diego Co., Jan. 17-18 (KW) and found at Morro Bay Oct. 1 was last seenDec. the same locations year after year. one was on L. Henshaw, San Diego Co., Dec. 15 (BD). A flock of 120 Mountain Plovers in 26 (RH); any sighting of this speciesaway Irvine all winter (SJR) were the only ones LOONS, GREBES--Six Com. Loons on from the Salton Sea is of interest. Blue- reported from along the coast. As usuai a few L. Cachuma, Santa Barbara Co., throughout wingedTeai apppearedcommoner than usual Am. Golden Ploverswintered along the coast the period (LB) and two on L. Palmdale, Los along the coast with 55 _+ reported including with up to 22 near Santa Maria ail winter AngelesCo., Feb. 19 (JD) were the only ones up to 25 in the Seal Beach/Bolsa Chica area (PEL), one at Pt. Mugu Jan. 17 (REW), one found away from the coast. An Arctic Loon, (SJR). At least ten Eur. Wigcon were present at Playa del Rey Nov. 23-Mar. 8 (BB), 12 in rare inland, was on Atascadero L., San Luis along the coast. Thirty Wood Ducks on El Seal Beach during January and February Obispo Co., Feb. 11 (JR). A Red-necked Capitan Res., near San Diego Jan. 10 (JOZ) (SJR), two at Imperiai Beach Nov. 22-Jan. 17 Grebe near San Pedro, Los AngelesCo., Jan. was a large number for this far s. Acr Tufted (DP) and 17 on San Clemente I., Feb. 18 3 (GSS), one in Santa Monica, Duck was on Lopez L., San Luis Obispo Co., (HoF); all were identified as the Asiatic race Co., Jan. 4-16 (H&NS, ph., S.D.N.H.M.), Feb. 17-28 (CM) and another was at Pt. fulva. Up to five Red Knots at Salton City another in Redondo Beach, Los AngelesCo., Mugu, Ventura Co., Feb. 7-28 (REW); one Dec. 26-Jan. 6 (REW,JD) were the first to be Jan. 25 (H&NS, ph., S.D.N.H.M.) and a or two have been found in s. California each found inland in winter. As is apparently nor- fourth at Playa del Rey, Los Angeles Co., winter in recent years. Only five Oldsquaws mai, a few Sanderlingswintered on the Salton Feb. 4 (BSh) were all exceptionallyfar s. A were reported with one in Ventura all winter Sea with a high count of 12 at Salton City Horned Grebe at Furnace Cr. Ranch in Death (DS), one at Pt. Mugu Jan. I (JM), another Dec. 26 (GMcC). Two Stilt Sandpipers at Vailey Dec. 29 (LLN) and another on the Sal- at Playa del Rey throughout the period (BSh) S.E.S.S., Feb. 15 (DP) were the only ones ton Sea Dec. 14 (JO) were the only ones re- and two on San Diego Bay Dec. 20+ (JO). found this winter. The two Ruffs found near ported from inland localities. The cr Harlequin Duck initiaily found in Santa Maria in October were still present Carlsbad,San Diego Co., Dec. 31, 1977, was Mar. I (PEL) and another was inland at SHEARWATERS, STORM-PETRELS-- still presentat the end of A Short-tailed Shearwater was identified off the period (EC). Black Goleta, Santa Barbara Co., Jan. 16 (LB); the Scoters were scarcer statusof this speciesoff s. California is poor- than usual with only ly understood. Exceptional was a Leach's seven reported, one be- :•'• ...... '• ß ,ne'•: .--'-'--. -..• ...... Storm-Petrel inside the breakwater at Playa ing as far s. as San del Rey Jan. 23 (JS) sincethere are few winter Diego Dec. 17 (EC). A records for the Region and the speciesis nor- Surf Scoter near Salton mally highly pelagic. City Feb. 8 (DP) was in- land. HERONS, STORKS--An imm. Little Blue HAWKS--A White- Heron in San Diego Feb. 26 + (SDo) was the tailed Kite at Big Bear only one found this winter. The imm. Red- L., in the San Bernar- dish Egret found at Seal Beach/BolsaChica, dino Mts., Dec. 7 (KLG) Orange Co., Nov. 8 remained through the was at an unusuallyhigh period (SJR,ph.,S.D.N.H.M). One or two altitude. An imm. Louisiana Herons remained around San Broad-winged Hawk in Diego all winter (EC); the one found at Seal San Diego Feb. 25 Beach/Bolsa Chica Nov. 28 was still present (REW) was the only one Feb. 22 (CM, ph., S.D.N.H.M.) and another found this winter. An was at Playa del Rey Jan. 20-27 (BB). Two ad. Zone-tailed Hawk Wood Storks on L. San Jacinto, Riverside was well seen at Corte Co., Mar. 7 0EAC) are believed to have win- Madera L., San Diego tered locally. Co., Jan. 10 (SM).

Volume35, Number3 335 SESS,Dec 27-Jan 6(KLG) Mar 6-Apr 1, 1980, and Dec 3-Feb 23 Palomar throughout the period (RH) were (Bernard Wfiets,fide KLG), a clear tape re- near the s. hm•t of the species' range. GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS--A cordingof the call showsthe bird to be of the Glaucous Gull, rare in s. California, was at w. race arizonae, previously recorded winter- VIREOS, WOOD WARBLERS--A Bell's the Santa Ynez R. mouth, Santa Barbara ing no farther n. than c. Mexico. Acr Black- Vireo, casual during the winter anywhere in Co, Mar. 9 (LS), anotherwas at Huntington chinned Hummingbird was well studied in California, was present in Goleta Jan Beach, Orange Co., Mar. 12 (LS) and a third Long BeachDec. 15-25 (BD) and a female re- 22-Mar. 8 (REW). The gray form of Solitary wasnear Imperial BeachFeb. 13-Mar. 7 (LS, malnedin San Diego Dec. 20-Jan. 18 (PEL); Vireo, plumbeus, is apparently on the in- ph., S.D.N.H.M.); all were in first-winter there are fewer than half a dozen documented crease as a winter visitor to s. California with plumage, as expected. A Glancous-winged winter records for California. A c2humming- six reported: single birds in Santa Barbara Gull at Salton City Dec. 14 (GMcC) and bird, initially thought to be a Black-chinned, Dec. 30-Jan. 17 (JEL), Huntington Beach another at S.E.S.S., Dec. 27-Feb. 15 at BolsaChica Jan. 11-28(L J) provedto be a Dec. 28 (DRW), near Victorville Jan. 24 (KLG,EC) were far inland. Two different Black-chinned X Anna's hybrid. A Costa's (DRW), near Escondido Jan. 17 (KW), in Yellow-footedGulls (Larus livens)[presently Hummingbird in Goleta Jan. 3-25 (DB) and San Diego Feb. 22 + (JO) and near Imperial yellow-footed W. Gulls, L. o. livens--Ed.] another there Jan. 30 (LB) were quite far n. Beach Dec. 19-Jan. 17 (REW). This race was were presentnear Imperial BeachFeb. 13-28 for the time of year. Acr Broad-billed Hum- unrecordedin California prior to 1960 (Con- (LS,JO, ph., S.D.N.H.M.); therewere only 3 mingbird was present in San Diego Nov. dor 65:534, 1963). In addition, at least six premousrecords for the coastof California. 30-Jan. 14 (DP) and a secondmale was seen Solitary Vireos of the expected w. form, A Herring Gull near Lancaster, Los Angeles there Dec. 14 (EC); one or two of thesebirds cassinii, were found along the coast in Santa Co , Feb. 19 (JD) was one of very few ever are found in s. California most winters. An Barbara and San Diego countiesand a bird found inland away from the Colorado R., a& c• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Silverado believed to be of the e. form, solitarius, was and Salton Sea. A Thayer's Gull at Salton Canyon, Orange Co., Dec. 20+ (AFP) ex- seenin Santa Barbara Jan. 7 (PEL). C•ty Dec. 14 (GMcC), two there Jan. 6 (JD) hibited all the characters of the nominate race As usual a few Black-and-white Warblers and another at S.E.S.S., Jan. 1-Feb. 8 (JO) varius, a rare stray from the e. Acr William- wintered along the coast with eight found be- were far inland. The only Mew Gulls found son's Sapsucker in the Cuyamaca Mrs., San tween Santa Barbara and San Diego. Most in- away from the coast were an adult at Salton Diego Co., Dec. 26 (CGE) was quite far s. A teresting is the number of TennesseeWarb- C•ty Dec. 26 (PEL) and two there Jan. 6 Ladder-backed Woodpecker at Furnace Cr. lers found wintering along the coastin recent (JD). A first-winter Black-headed Gull at Ranch in Death Valley Feb. 16 (LLN) was years, with 20 reported betweenSanta Bar- S.C.R.E., Dec. 6 (GG), then at Pt. Mugu away from areasof normal occurrence. bara and San Diego this winter along with an Dec 13-18 (REW) and finally in Redondo additional six during December that could BeachJan. 1 + (SD, ph., S.D.N.H.M.) had a FLYCATCHERS--A Tropical Kingbird, have beenlate fall migrants.Twelve Nashville d•st•nctive tail pattern permitting it to be rare in California in winter, was in Goleta Warblers along the coast would appear nor- •dentffied as the same individual, and the Nov. 30+ (PEL). An Ash-throated Flycat- mal for winter. A Virginia's Warbler in New- adult found at Huntington Beach Nov. 21 cher, casual along the coast in winter, was port BeachNov. 23 + (SJR) is believedto be was still present Feb. 25 (REW); there was seen near Imperial Beach Jan. 17 (EC). The the same bird found wintering there a year only one previousrecord of this speciesin s. only E. Phoebesfound this winter were one ago. A Lucy's Warbler, extremely rare in Cahfornia. at Pt. Mugu Nov. 30 + (LRB) and another in winter, was in Goleta Dec. 9-Jan. 9 (LB) A first-winter Laughing Gull in San Diego Huntington Beach Dec. 21 + (SJR). A Gray Yellow Warblers were certainlymore numer- Feb 3-13 (BC) was one of very few recorded Flycatcher spent the winter in Arcadia, Los ous than usual along the coast with 30+ on the coast of California, and an adult at AngelesCo. (GSS), another was near Ocean- found between Morro Bay and San Diego S E S S., Dec. 7-Feb. 8 (GMcC) was the first sideNov. 30 + (DP) and a third was near San Most unusual was a cy Black-throated Blue to have wintered on the Salton Sea. A Frank- Diego Dec. 20-Jan. 12 (JO); this speciesis ap- Warbler at 5800 ft in the San Jacinto Mrs., hn's Gull in Santa Barbara Dec. 15 (JD), parentlyrarer as a wintervisitor in s. Califor- Jan. 26-27 (KB); there were only two definite another at Playa del Rey Dec. 25 (JS) and a nia today than 50 yearsago. Most interesting winter records for California. Eighteen third in Huntington Beach Dec. 7 (H&NS) were five W. Flycatchersin the Santa Barbara Black-throated Gray Warblers were found were all believedto be late fall migrants. The area along with one in Long Beach Dec. around Santa Barbara during the period but ad Little Gull found in Huntington Beach 23-Jan. 14 (BD) and another on Pt. Loma away from there one in Huntington Beach Nov 22 was last seen Dec. 21 (SJR) and an Dec. 20-21 (CGE) as the specieswas unre- Dec. 25 + (DRW), two in San Diego Feb. 28 •mmature was at the same location Jan. 24 corded wintering in California 30 years ago. (JO) and two more on Mr. Palomar through (EC, ph., S.D.N.H.M.). The first-winter The Coues' Flycatcherfound in Los Angeles the winter (RH) were the only onesreported Heermann's Gull found at S.E.S.S., Nov. 22 Nov. 1 was still present Feb. 23 (SSa). An A 9 Black-throated Green Warbler near wasstill presentFeb. 15 (EC) establishingthe Olive-sided Flycatcher in Los Angeles Jan. Imperial BeachNov. 27-Feb. 15(DP) wasun- first winter record for the interior of Califor- ll-Feb. 23 (SSa) appearsto be the samein- doubtedly the same bird presenthere during ma One of the two Black-legged Kittiwakes dividual found wintering here a year ago. On- the past 2 winters. Four Hermit Warblers found at the n. end of the Salton Sea (here- ly six Vermilion Flycatchers were found around Santa Barbara all winter (PEL) and after, N.E.S.S.) remained to at least Jan. 6 winteringalong the coast,a far cry from what one in San Diego Feb. 25 + (REW) were (EC) and anotherwas found on L. Henshaw could be found 20 years ago. along the coast where small numbers are Jan 15 (RH). Two Com. Terns still present found each winter but one at 7500 ft near Big at N E.S.S., Dec. 14 (GMcC) were excep- TITMICE THROUGH KINGLETS--A Bear L., Feb. 24 (KLG) was certainly out of tionally late fall migrants but one at Bolsa Mountain Chickadee in Palm SpringsFeb. 14 place.A o' Grace'sWarbler in SantaBarbara CMca Jan. 25 (PEL) was probably wintering (CM) was a stragglerfrom the fall flight into Nov. 4 + (PEL) wasthe samebird found win- locally. A Black Skimmer at S.E.S.S., Dec. the desert. Winter Wrens were considered tering here a year ago. Only eight Palm 27-Feb. 8 (JO) was the first known to winter relatively common in the Santa Barbara area Warblers were found along the coast which •s on the Salton Sea but up to 80 were present with 23 found during the period (PEL) but fewer than customary. A N. Waterthrush at on San Diego Bay throughout the period the specieswas virtually unrecorded s. of Morro Bay Jan. l 1-Feb. 7 (CM), one at (EC) there. A SageThrasher near Morro Bay Feb. S.C.R.E., Dec. 21 (GG), another in San OWLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS-- 21 (FRT) was somewhatout of range. Varied Diego Feb. 28 + (DP) and a sixth near Im- A Pygmy Owl was seenon Mr. Palomar, San Thrushes were exceptionally scarcebut one perial Beach Oct. 18+ (EC) gave us more D•ego Co., Jan. 24 (RH); this speciesis rarely did venture as far s. as Mr. Palomar Feb. 1 than usual for the winter. A MacGillivray's found in the s. portion of this Region. A (RH). A Mountain Bluebird on Anacapa I., Warbler, rare in winter, was in Goleta Jan Long-eared Owl on Mr. Palomar Dec. 31- Feb. 1 (REW) was unexpected,few having 15-Mar. 10 (PEL) and another was in Hun- Jan 8 (RH) was somewhatunexpected since been recorded on the Channel Is. Large tington Beach Dec. 25-Jan. 11 (DRW) few are recorded in the mountains; 14 numbers (30-40 easily found any day) of Thirty-three Wilson's Warblers along the roosnng at Harper Dry L., San Bernardino Townsend'sSolitaires around Big Bear L., all coast was more than expected.An Am. Red- Co, all winter (EAC) were at a more typical winter were apparently attracted by the start at S.C.R.E., Dec. 20-Feb. 16 (JM) was locahty. Most interesting was a Whip-poor- bumper crop of juniper berries(KLG). Up to the only one found away from the SaltonSea wffi m Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles Co., seven Golden-crowned Kinglets on Mr. A Painted Redstart, rare anytime in Califor-

336 American B•rds, May 1981 nia, was in San Diego Feb. 22 + (JO). ing fewer than 10 winter records for s. Berg (KBe), Chuck Bernstein, Louis Bevier, California. Two Red Crossbills near Mt. Beth C. Brach, Karen Bridgers(KBr), Bruce ORIOLES, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGER Pinos Feb. 20 (JG) were the only ones Broadbooks, Hank & Priscilla Brodkin --A cy Orchard Oriole in Ventura Jan. l-Feb. reported. A Green-tailed Towhee in Malibu (H&PB), Eugene A. Cardiff (co-ordinator I (REW) was the only one reported this Jan. 24 (KLG) was relatively far n. for this for San Bernardino County), Barry & Terry winter. A Hooded Oriole, rare in winter, was time of the year. Three Lark Buntings in Clark (B&TC), Elizabeth Copper (co- in Goleta Oct. 30-Dec. 24 (NSC), another was Niland, Imperial Co., Dec. 27-Feb. 7 (PEL) ordinator for San Diego County), Bart Cord, in Santa Barbara Jan. 7 (REW) and a third were the only ones found this winter. The Nancy S. Crawford, Brian Daniels, Craig was in San Diego Dec. 20-21 (EC). Scott's three Sharp-tailed Sparrows found in Im- Denson, Scott Dillon (SDi), Donna Ditt- Oriolesappeared to be more numerousthan perial BeachNov. 22 were still presentJan. 7 mann, Shirley Doole (SDo), Jon Dunn, normal along the coast with five found in (EC) and undoubtedly remained through the Claude G. Edwards, Howard Ferguson Santa Barbara Jan. 4-Feb. 21 (PEL), four winter. At least 15 Gray-headed Juncos were (HoF), Hal Ferris (HaF), Kenneth Fink, Tom near O'Neil P., Orange Co., throughoutthe found in the s. half of the Region including Frillman, Amanda Frost, Gary N. Fugle, winter (SJR), another in nearby CaspersP., five together on Mt. Palomar Feb. 6 (RH). Steve Ganley, Kimball L. Garrett (co- Jan. 12 (DB), seventogether in Escondido The only Harris' Sparrow reported was one ordinator for Los Angeles County), Greg Jan. 24 (KW) and anotherin Pio Pico P., San at a feeder in Corona, Riverside Co., all Gillson, Virginia Gilmore, Virginia W. Diego Co., Dec. 30 (DWP). Twelve N. winter (EAC). Ten White-throated Sparrows Gochenour, Jesse Grantham, James M. (Baltimore) Orioles were found along the would appear low. Twenty Swamp Sparrows Greaves, Rob A. Hamilton, Loren Hays, coastalong with 60_+ N. (Bullock's) Orioles along the coast would appear to be about Fred Heath, Mitch Heindel, Diana Herron, virtually all associated with flowering normal. Roger Higson, Lee Jones, Paul E. Lehman eucalyptus.The only RustyBlackbirds found Up to six McCown's Longspurs were pre- (co-ordinator for Santa Barbara County), this winter were two females near Imperial sent near S.E.S.S., Jan. 6-24 (JD, BD); small Joan E. Lentz, Curtis Marantz, Jerry Maisel BeachFeb. 11-28 (PU, ph., S.D.N.H.M.). As numbers are probably present in this area (JMa), John McDonald, Tom Meixner, Steve usual a few W. Tanagers remained to winter every winter but are difficult to locate in the Montgomery, Jim Morris (JMo), Larry L. along the coast in the flowering eucalyptus thousands of acres of suitable habitat. A Norris, Jerry Oldenettel, Pat Overby, Dennis with 40 + reported betweenSan Luis Obispo Lapland Longspur remaining near Santa Parker, Eleanor B. Parsons, Arleta F. Patter- and San Diego. A cy Hepatic Tanager in Maria through Dec. 23 (PEL) was the last of son, David W. Povey, Sylvia J. Ranney (co- Oceanside Dec. 15 + (EC) was undoubtedly the fall birds to leave the coast but up to ten ordinator for Orange County), Royce Rig- the same bird present during the past 3 near S.E.S.S., Jan. 6-25 (JD, BD) were un- gan, Charles Rock, Steve & Diane Rose winters. Only three Summer Tanagers were doubtedly wintering locally. A flock of up to (S&DR), Ken Rosenberg, Jim Royer, Starr reported with a female in Carpinteria Dec. 25 Chestnut-collared Longspurs near O'Neil Saphir (SSa), Brad Schram (BSc), Bob Shah- 5+ (PEL), another female near Anaheim P., all winter (DRW) supportsthe theory that man (BSh), Larry Spear, Hal & Nancy Spear Feb. 1-24 (DRW) and a male in Orange Feb. small numbers may regularly winter in open (H&NS), Mike Stalder, Don Sterba, G. 21 + (S JR). grasslandsof the coastallowlands. ShumwaySurfel, SteveSummers (SSu), Gary Sultle, Jacob .Szabo, Fern R. Tainter, FINCHES, SPARROWS, LONGSPURS CORRIGENDA--The two pairs of Heer- Douglas R. Toohey, Philip Unitt, Ron --Four Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were found mann's Gulls attempted to nest on Shell Vanderhoff, Ken Weaver, Richard E. with one in Morro Bay Dec. 6 (FRT), single Beach Rocks, San Luis Obispo Co., not off Webster (co-ordinator for Ventura County), birds in Santa Barbara Dec. 13-Feb. 2 (AF) Vandenberg A.F.B. as reported (AB 34:930, Douglas R. Willick, Sandy Wohlgemuth, and Jan. 12-29 (PEL) and the fourth in Cor- 1980). The wintering Clay-colored Sparrow JamesO. Zimmer. Photograph on file (ph.), onado Dec. 15-30 (JO); this speciesis more remained to Apr. 12 in Anaheim, not Irvine San Diego Natural History Museum numerous in California in winter than its w. as reported (AB 34:817, 1980). (S.D.N.H.M.).--GUY McCASKIE, San counterpart the Black-headed Grosbeak. Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Most unusual was a cy Indigo Bunting in CONTRIBUTORS--Jon Atwood, Larry Park, P.O. Box 1390, San Diego, California Ojai, Ventura Co., Feb. 16-18 (DS) there be- R. Ballard, Ebbe Banstorp, Dean Bazzi, Ken 92112.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION have also rocketedin the past year on Hawaii tion will appear elsewhere. I. The roost on a lone Norfolk Island pine, /C. John Ralph and Robert L. Pyle reported previously in AB, has turned into a BRANT THROUGH OSPREY--The year-roundcolony (PP), with a high count on (Black) Brant on Lokoaku Pond, H., remain- the pond of 400 birds Feb. 13. Thirty nests ed throughout the seasonto the delight of Pitifully little rainfall and the virtual ab- were active in the tree in November, produc- many observers (PP). An additional Brant senceof the normally persistenttrade winds ing 54+ young, and at least that number turned up on a Kauai i. pond Jan. 1, staying characterized most of the winter. Near were active again in February and March on after being sighted on the Lihue CBC drought conditions became especially severe (PP). Two very rare Snowy Egrets turned up (CY). A very unusual winter visitor was the in parts of Maui and Hawaii Islands, but eas- at Kanaha Pond, M., and were seenoff-and- White-fronted Goose at the Lowe Aquafarm ed a bit when the trades and some showers on during the season(CK). They represent (a prawn hatchery) near Kahuku (Kii), O., returned during the last ten days of February. only the third and fourth records for the from early January to mid-March (RC, RS, Nevertheless, the state's rainfall deficit, state. Clearly, the accumulated over the past three years, is still most spectacular bird enormous. of the season was a Green Heron seen and ABBREVIAT[ONS--H. (Hawaii I.), K. photographed at Lo- (Kauai 1.), M. (Maui I.), and O. (Oahu I.). koaku Pond, H., (PP, LM). [t was first ALBATROSSES THROUGH HERONS sighted Dec. 18, and --The Laysan Albatross colony at Barking seen several times Sands, K., comprised 5 active nests by Feb. through at least Feb- 12, each containing either an egg or single ruary. This is a first young 0VIM). A flight of 30 Cattle Egrets state record, but the over Kalamaula, Molokal I., Dec. 16, sug- bird eluded many ob- gestedthat this speciesis now probably firmly servers, preferring to establishedon this island (JA). Previously, it come out into view us- was unusual to see more than two or three on ually at early morning the island, but they have steadily increased high tides. Further de- during the past year. Cattle Egret populations tails on this observa-

Volume 35, Number 3 337 VB, DW, DP) There are probably fewer the same place A well-described Dunhn on wa Valley (PD) Four of the larger Kaual I than 6 records for th•s speciesin the •slands. the rocky t•depools at Honokahau, H., was thrushes(the Kamao) were seenm early Feb- S•x well-describedBlue-winged Teal, a rather unusualfor that island(PP). Midway I. turn- ruary in the Alakai Swamp, K. (MM, TB, unusual visitor to the islands, were on the ed up two gull speciesof interest. A Glau- TT). This speciesmay be holding on despite Honokohau Pond, H., Feb. 8 (PP,LM). A cous-wingedGull was on Sand I., sporadical- very low numbersin this, its last stronghold Redhead graced the Kii Unit of the James ly Dec. 6-29 in first-wimer plumage (GG). U.S. Forest Serviceresearchers have reported Campbell N.W.R., O., Jan. 16 (PB), and a Most exciting were two Black-leggedKitti- it in much lower numbers than reported only Canvasback was seen at Kealia Pond, M., wakes. Emaciated and oiled, the winter- 10 yearsago (MC et al.). The Java Sparrow about Dec. 25 (GY). An Osprey at Kealia plumaged birds were captured by hand Jan. has continued its explosiveincrease on Oahu, Pond, M., put in a brief appearanceJan. 25 20 & Feb. 26, on Sand I. Both died the day with reports of a large flock sincemidwinter (CK) This specieshas been rather regular following capture, and the specimenswill be frequentinga feeder(AC, fide HD) in Salt recently, with at least one individual turning deposited at the U.S. Nat'l Museum. Other L., although none have yet been recordedon up almost every year. probableGlaucous-winged Gulls were sighted the Waipio CBC. in Waipio Valley, H., Dec. 21 (OB) and at PLOVERS THROUGH TERNS--It was a Kaa, Lanai I., Dec. 6 (PC). ACom. Tern at CONTRIBUTORS--Joan Aidem, Phil good seasonat Ft. KamehamehaFlats, at the Lokoaku pond, H., was well described and Bruner, Tim Burr, Omer Bussen, Vernon entrance to Pearl Harbor, O., for Black- present during the entire season(PP). The Byrd, Arlene Cervoni, Rick Coleman, Mark belhed Plovers. Two of this normally uncom- speciesis extremely rare here, and there are Collins, Peter Cormally, Helen Devereux, mon specieswere there Jan. 7 and six Feb. 2 certainly fewer than 10 records for the state. Peter Donaldson, Gilbert Grant, Merrill Jen- (M J) Shorebirdhabitat is rare on the island Unusual for Tern I., French Frigate Shoals, sen, Cam Kepler, Laurie MacIvor, Marie of Hawaii, so the opening of the irrigation was a Blue-grayNoddy Feb. 12 (BS); the few Morin, Peter Paton, Bob Schulmeister, water settling basins of the Puna Sugar Mill previousrecords have been in mid-summer. Robert Shallenberger, Tom Teller, Dave near Hilo promised some "goodies," as Woodside, and Gus Yaki.--C. JOHN s•mfiar ponds have on the Waipio Pen., O. SWIFTLETS THROUGH SPARROWS-- RALPH, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Institute True to its promise, the three extremely rare The Gray Swiftlet, rediscovered3 years ago, of Pacific Islauds Forestry, 1151 Punchbowl Kdldeer seen Dec. 6 (PP) were topped on a maintains itself in a small area of the Koolau St., , HI 96813 and ROBERT L. field trip Jan. 24, when four were found at Mtso, O., with a sightingFeb. 15 in N. Hala- PYLE, 741 N. Kalaheo, Kailua, HI 96743.

WEST INDIES REGION and during winter. No Larids were noted St. J., Dec. 3. from the Virgin Islands during the winter /Robert L. Norton season, but terns usually pelagic at this time VIREOS THROUGH GROSBEAKS--An were reported. Twenty Noddy Terns were anomalous situation is developing with Average temperaturesin the easternGreat- seen well offshore of the n. Virgin Islands regard to migrant vireos in this region of the er Antilles were cooler and precipitation was (JL) during the CBC period and five Sooty Puerto Rican Bank. Yellow-throated Vireos about 13% below normal for December and Terns were noted off Martinique Dec. 25 have been recorded during the last three February and above normal by the same (PC) in the LesserAntilles. CBCs from either St. T. or St. J., with two amount for January. noted this year from St. T., Dec. 21 PIGEONS THROUGH SWALLOWS-- However, two singing White-eyed Vireos at SHEARWATERS THROUGH FAL- White-crowned Pigeons remained in small St. J., Dec. 27 were quite unexpected(RN) CONS-Audubon's Shearwater was found numbersduring the seasonon St. T., but on The frequencyand numbersof thesemigrant incubatingat Saba Cay, St. Thomas (hereaf- St. J., a relatively large group of 17 at vireos have not been recorded from the neigh- ter, St. T.) Feb. 16. Peak nesting of Red- LameshurBay Dec. 27 (LH) indicatesa thriv- boring Greater Antilles. ResidentBlack-whis- balledTropicbirds at Cockroach Cay, St. T. ing colony even in winter. kered Vireos are present but do not vocalize was Feb. 27, with 30+ nests located, many until late February. Shiny Cowbirds continue w•th chicksnear fledging. Blue-facedBoobies SoAo to increasein the Virgin Islands as evidenced numbered 121 Jan. 2 at Cockroach and Feb. The most remarkable report during the by the last three CBCs from St. J., with 20 27, 40 nestswere counted in two of three col- winter was the sighting of an owl sp. on observed Dec. 27. Twice that number was omes The last Double-crested Cormorant of St. J. (W&FL) Dec. 27. Severalresearch- noted a few days prior at Coral Harbor the periodwas seenFeb. 28 (fide RD) contin- ers have tried to locate Otus nudipes new- Some notes on host specieswould be worth- nmng a 3.5-month visit by as many as nine to toni, the Virgin Islands' subspeciesof the while. Another indication of a significant fall Congo Cay, St. John (hereafter, St. J.), Puerto Rican ScreechOwl, on St. J., for and winter migrationwas the presenceof the where they were occasionallyobserved roost- many years. A momentary visit of the owl rarely recorded Rose-breasted Grosbeak on •ng m unusedpelican nests. A Double-crested during the light of dawn atop a telephone St. J., Dec. 27. Cormorant was recorded for the first time on pole on the driest side of St. J., suggests St Croix (hereafter,St. C.) Jan. 1 (MH, JY). that it was a vagrant Short-eared Owl or ADDENDA--The West Indies Region Green-wingedTeal were surprisinglynumer- perhapseven a nudipesfrom . may have lost another endemicspecies as EM ous with seven Dec. 21. Peregrine Falcons reports that the Zapata Wren has yet to be re- were noted Dec. 2 on Cockroach; Jan. 2 on discovered, as concluded from a November, Dutchcap, St. T., harassing Red-looted Lambe (1959) reported 12 pairs of Ivory- 1980 expedition. No observations of Bach- Boobies at their nests; and finally Feb. 16 on billed Woodpecker (C. p. bairdit) near La man's Warbler were reported from that is- Saba, suggestingwinter residencein the Vir- Melba, Cuba wherenow onepair (fide EM) is land (EM). Another local Cuban endemic, gin Islands. said to remain. Two Stolid Flycatchers the Zapata Sparrow, is extant (250) and oc- continued to be present during the winter cupiestwo differing habitats (EM) which may OYSTERCATCHERS THROUGH period on St. J., particularly at Reef Bay help to insure its survival. TERNS--American Oystercatchers were Dec. 27. Among the large groups of Barn scarce during the winter months with two Swallowsthat passthrough the Region,close CONTRIBUTORS--Peter Cannell, Rich- seenDec. 23. Limited habitat in St. J., during examination frequently produces other ard Dewey, Lisa Henriques, Margo Hewitt, th•s dry winter sustained 12 Semipalmated speciesoverlooked in the past and subse- Peggy Fisher, Joe LaPlace, Florence & Plovers in Coral Bay Jan. 4 (PF). Common quently considered accidental. A Rough- Walter Lewison, Eugene Morton, Mike & Snipe were particularly numerous this season winged Swallow was carefully studied in the Susan Tollefson, Jean & Gerald Whitman, despite less than average rainfall with 16 company of ad. and imm. Barn Swallows John Yntema. Observations without initials counted Dec. 21 on St. T., and ten recorded Dec. 24, Coral Bay, St. J. A flock of 15 Barn are those of the editor.--ROBERT L. NOR- Jan 30 on St. J. (PF). Of interest was the Swallows appeared to have other species TON, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 101 Sohtary SandpiperDec. 21 (GW, RN) on St. (M&ST) with them Dec. 27 at Mary Pt., St. J. Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgiu T, marking the first occurrence on a CBC Three Cliff Swallowswere noted at Cruz Bay, Islands 00801.

338 AmericanB•rds, May 1981