Oregon Birds

Journal of Oregon Birding and Field Ornithology

Volume 35

2009 Contents of Oregon Birds Volume 35

Birding Oregon

I.D. Note: Storms and Wrecked Phalaropes Dave Irons 7 Local News and Notes Don Munson, Forrest English, Alan Contreras, Hendrik Herlyn 3 New Generations: Oregon's Young Birders Karl Fairchild 4 Field Notes: Summer 2008-Dec. 2009 South Coast - Tim Rodenkirk 11 North Coast - Wink Cross 18 Portland Metro - Christopher and Adrian Hinkle 23 Willamette Valley - Tom Mickel 28 Rogue-Umpqua - selected photos 31 Central Oregon - Chuck Gates 33 Klamath-Lake - Kevin Spencer 39 Harney-Malheur - selected photos 43 Umatilla - Aaron Skirvin 45

Aberrant leucistic plover: three photos by Anne Heyerly 1 7 Oregon listing report for 2009 compiled by Paul Sullivan 50

Recent Research

Use of Himalayan Blackberry Patches by Wintering Birds in Western Oregon Noah K. Strycker, Jonathan V. Boydston, Jasmine D. Graves, Laci L. Bristow, Bruce D. Dugger 57 Lewis's Woodpecker Nesting Study in Central Oregon Kirk Hardie 61 A Brief History of Seabird Research on Southern Oregon's Saddle Rock Annie Pollard 67 A Note on the Feeding Behaviors of Wintering Mergansers Ron Larson 74

Front Cover: Cedar Waxwings. Photo by Knute Andersson (Langlois) Back Cover: Red-naped Sapsucker. Photo by Rowan Heglie (Ashland)

Contact OB Editor Alan Contreras at [email protected]

Coming in Oregon Birds 36(1) - deadline July 1, 2010

Motorless birding by Vjera Thompson Site Guide: Chukar Park by David Smith A Truly Big Year in Coos County by Tim Rodenkirk Oregon's First Record of White-eyed Vireo by Alan Contreras and Graham Floyd and more....

Coming in Oregon Birds 36(2) - deadline October 1, 2010 Overwintering Pelicans on the CBC Range Bayer Oregon CBC Schedule and more.... deadline for general submissions for Oregon Birds Volume 37: February I, 2011

OFO Annual Meeting September 24-26, 2010 at Newport Keynote Speaker: Jon Dunn

Information will be sent to OFO members in summer, 2010 The molting juv. Red Phalarope in the image above right was photographed at Bastendorff Beach, Coos Co. on 6 November 2009. Notice how this bird still retains much of its juvenal plumage. It is not as far along in its molt as the bird shown in the images below. It still has a fairly solid dark crown, extensive dark feathering on the hind neck and wing coverts, and is also still showing quite a bit of reddish brown wash on the throat and foreneck. The molt pattern on the back creates "stripes" that make this plumage the most often confused with the more slender-billed Red-necked Phalarope (inset left, photo 9 Sep. 2006 at Florence, courtesy Graham Floyd).

Every fall season in the Pacific Northwest seems to be marked by at least one major November storm that rolls in off of the Pacific Ocean. Along the outer coast, these events are characterized by sustained gale force winds out of the south or southeast, peak gusts that approach triple digit velocities, huge surf, and storm tides that never seem to go out. Inland areas experience blustery winds with occasional 40-50mph gusts, torrential rains, and storm drains clogged by the season's last major shedding of leafy foliage. In the aftermath, nearly leafless deciduous trees remind us that winter is just around the corner. Downed trees are most likely to be Douglas-firs. When the soil becomes sodden around their comparatively small root wads, they fall like dominoes in high winds, particularly in areas where formerly contiguous forests have been fragmented by development or clear-cutting. In a conifer forest, there is safety in numbers and stand density. During the first week of November 2009, a major storm wracked the Oregon and Washington coasts. Wind gusts of up to 90 mph were recorded on some headlands and up to five inches of rain fell in places. On 5 November swells of up to 25 feet were reported off the southern Oregon coast. During and after this onslaught thousands of birds flooded into the sheltered estuaries or rode out the storm grounded on beaches. Birders tend to measure the intensity of these storms by the numbers of birds "wrecked" along the outer coast. Even modest storms deposit large numbers of gulls and lingering Brown Pelicans along Oregon's beaches. However, it usually takes a big blow before the Red Phalaropes show up onshore and even stronger systems to carry them farther inland. Not quite the size of a Killdeer, the Red Phalarope is a somewhat plump-bodied, small-

Oregon Birds Volume 35 1 headed shorebird with a rather thin medium length bill. At first glance, it would not seem to be the sort of bird that would be capable of surviving much of the year far from land bobbing in the ocean and yet, Red Phalaropes are highly pelagic. Outside of the breeding season, inshore visits are rare and hardly voluntary. They are borne shoreward on high winds, often arriving exhausted and hungry. At times they seem to dot every available body of water. They may be found in small puddles, rainpools, drainage ditches and anywhere else that standing water has collected. Most of the Red Phalaropes that appear inshore during late fall are hatch-year birds. These birds are still molting, thus their plumage can be highly varied. A sampling of their different looks is presented here.

By November, most juveniles are already displaying a fairly uniform pale gray back like the bird at left. The reddish-brown wash on the throat is barely visible and it is not yet showing yellow at the base of the bill (shown by adults). The back is mostly gray with just a few remaining dark feathers and the forecrown is mottled white and blackish.

In flight, the broad white wing stripe of a Red Phalarope (below left) is suggestive of the more expected Sanderling. However, the large black eye patch and black feathering running up the nape and onto the crown identifies this bird as a hatch-year Red Phalarope.

J^BirdFell ow

This article originally appeared on Birdfellow, November 14, 2009. It is reprinted here by permission of the author and Birdfellow. A new social networking site for people interested in field observation of birds, Birdfellow was established in 2008. It contains a wide variety of articles on birding, identification and ecology of birds. Its URL is http://www.birdfellow.com. A slightly longer version of this article with more photos appears on Birdfellow

Among the hundreds of Red Phalaropes our group saw on 6 November 2009, only a few were adults. The image at left shows a basic-plumaged ("non-breeding") adult with a completely white crown, a uniform pale gray back, and no darker feathering at the base of the hind neck or on the wing coverts. It also has a pristine white throat and foreneck with no hint of reddish-brown wash. In their weakened state wrecked phalaropes may be easy prey. Examination of pellets regurgitated by a Snowy Owl that spent much of the winter of 2005-06 near the mouth of the Columbia River, Clatsop County, Oregon revealed that Red Phalaropes comprised a sizeable portion of that owl's diet. See http://home.pacifier.com/ ~neawanna/SNOW/SNOW_peIlets.html for an interesting discussion with graphics. It is likely that other raptors and terrestrial predators take wrecked phalaropes as well.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 2 A trip to the coast either during or immediately after a big blow is rarely dull. One can expect to see gulls and pelicans by the thousands in November and seawatches typically produce sightings of Northern Fulmars and Black- legged Kittiwakes, sometimes into the hundreds. These storms offer perhaps the best opportunity to see and study basic and juvenal-plumaged Red Phalaropes at close range, especially if you are one who does not do well on offshore boat trips. I'll conclude with a word of caution. During such events, do your birding from high ground. Resist any temptation to go out onto open beaches or walk out jetties. Rogue waves can wash you off the top of a jetty in an instant or race all the way up the beach to the foredune, leaving you suddenly knee or waist deep in extremely cold, fast-moving water with no means of escape. From those I've talked to who have found themselves in these situations, it is not fun.

Dave Irons, 740 Foothill Dr. Eugene, Oregon 97405. [email protected]

Local News and Notes

The latest edition of A Checklist to the Birds of Curry County, Oregon (bar graphs, maps, site guides) is available on line at http://www.kalmiopsisaudubon.org/resources . Or if you are visiting the county printed copies are available at numerous outlets, a few of which include Crissey Field Welcome Center, Words and Pictures and A Wildbird and Backyard General Store in Brookings and the Forest Service office in Gold Beach.

— Don Munson

A revised 2009 edition of the checklist Birds of Jackson County: distribution and abundance is now available from the Rogue Valley Audubon Society. Order from RVAS at PO Box 8597, Medford OR 97504 or from www.roguevalleyaudubon.org.

Rogue Valley & Klamath-Siskiyou Birds is a discussion of birds observed in the Rogue Valley and adjacent Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion in Southern Oregon and Northern California. The easiest way to post to the list is by sending an email to [email protected].

— Forrest English

Kessinger Publishing has issued inexpensive quality reprints of many historic publications, including western ornithology. Recent titles include Anthony's Birds Of San Pedro Martir, Lower California (1893), Merrill's Notes on the Birds of Fort Klamath, Oregon (1888), Woodcock's 1902 Oregon bird list, Swarth's Birds Of The Papago Saguaro National Monument And The Neighboring Region, Arizona, Maillard's Notes on the Birds and Mammals of Siskiyou County, California (1921) and even larger items such as Coues's Birds of the Colorado Valley.

Prices range from a few dollars up to around $50 for large volumes such as the Coues. These are good-quality photoduplicates, scanned and printed as-is, not retyped, edited or reformatted. The shorter reprints are issued in attractive 8.5 x 11 inch glossy paper covers. For these and other titles see www.kessinger.net.

— Alan Contreras

Coming in 2011: Birds of Benton County: an annotated checklist. This publication has been in progress for some time and is expected to be available in early 2011.

— Hendrik Herlyn

Oregon Birds Volume 35 3 Adrian and Christopher Hinkle with Birds of Oregon Senior Editor Dave Marshall, June 2009. Photo by Claire Puchy.

Oregon has always supported a healthy community of young birders. In this article, we showcase some of the upcoming generation of field observers. For another look at young birders, see The Next Generation (Oregon Birds 26:4, 213) and Rufous Hummingbird migration: a teenager's experience (Oregon Birds 25:1, 1).

Elizabeth Schneider (13, Silverton)

Elizabeth Schneider started birding when she was around 5 or 6, becoming more interested in birds because of her brother Matthew's interest. Her most recent lifer was a Eurasian Wigeon, seen near Silverton. She has had many enjoyable birding experiences, but two in particular stand out. One was seeing a Gray Jay, at a horse camp at Santiam State Forest, trying (unsuccessfully) to steal her family's picnic lunch. Her other favorite experience was seeing a Virginia Rail at the Oregon Garden, since it is the only life bird she has that her brother does not [but see below for an update from Matthew - ed.\. Even though Elizabeth is over six feet tall, she is not interested in playing basketball. However, she enjoys horses, in addition to birding.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 4 Adrian Hinkle (15, Portland)

Adrian Hinkle has been a birder virtually his whole life. He can't recall a particular event that sparked his birding obsession, but has preschool birding memories from Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Adrian's mother Em Scattaregia introduced him to birding; however, she may not have realized the consequences. Adrian's most recent lifer was a pair of storm-blown Red Phalaropes at Westmoreland Park in Portland. His passion for birds has taken him to the Eastern Sierras, the East Coast, and many other places. Adrian enjoys birding in many parts of Oregon, but especially Mt. Tabor, Bayocean Spit, Summer Lake, Malheur, and Fields. Besides birding, he enjoys chess, running, hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, colored-pencil drawing, and playing the clarinet and piano. However, birding is one of the most important parts of Adrian's life, and his all- time favorite activity. Regardless of what other activity he is doing, he is always birding as well, and he even keeps a list of the birds he sees or hears while running on the cross• country team. Adrian and his twin Christopher lead multiple bird walks in the Portland area. Together, they compiled a migration phenology table for the Portland Metro Area, which was published in Handbook of Oregon Birds, by Herlyn and Contreras. Also, Adrian wrote several bird accounts for Birdfellow.com last summer. He also compiled a Mt. Tabor bird list, which is linked to the City of Portland website. Adrian is not sure of his collegiate plans, but is definitely considering a career in ornithology. Even so, Adrian is certain that birding will always be a significant part of his life. Christopher Hinkle (15, Portland)

Christopher Hinkle has been an avid birder almost his whole life. Some of his earliest memories are watching and identifying ducks and songbirds with his twin brother Adrian and his mother at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Christopher really got hooked when his grandfather gave him and his brother a Sibley field guide for their 7th Christmas. He and his twin Adrian have pushed each other's birding interest along; they always had someone to go birding with or talk with about bird-related topics. Christopher's most recent lifer was the Hooded Oriole in Gaston. He has had countless great birding experiences, from places like Malheur, to the Oregon Coast and the Wallowas. Christopher's favorite birding experience was in summer 2008, when visiting the east coast, where he saw over sixty lifers! He particularly enjoyed recognizing and calling out lifers that he recognized from books. Christopher also enjoys other hobbies like hiking, cross country skiing, and watching other wildlife. He also enjoys playing clarinet and piano, running and playing chess. Christopher has written bird species accounts for the new website Birdfellow.com, and has compiled a bird list for the Oaks Bottom wetland, which appears on the City of Portland website. He is still unsure of his career, though he thinks a career involving birds would be cool.

Tristen Gholson (15, North Albany)

Tristen Gholson started birding when he was twelve, and started keeping a list at fourteen. The first bird on his life list was a Grasshopper Sparrow at Finley National Wildlife Refuge. Tristen's most recent life birds were the Hooded Oriole in Gaston, followed by Rock Sandpiper and Whimbrel at Newport, Hutton's Vireo on the coast and Western Screech and Barn Owls near his house. One of his most memorable birding experiences so far was seeing the Hooded Oriole less than 5 feet away from him. Tristen does not have his driver's license yet so he mostly birds locally, but he is anxious to get it and travel further afield. Even so, Tristen has been to some areas outside Oregon, such as South Carolina, where he saw a Painted Bunting. Birding has made him want to become an expert birder or ornithologist in the future, and he is determined to find at least 350 species in Oregon.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 5 Rowan Heglie (15, Ashland)

Rowan began birding at age nine, six years ago, when he saw a Blue-crowned Motmot in Belize. Aside from Belize, Rowan has gone birding in Hawaii, multiple states in the lower forty-eight, and Costa Rica, where he saw 127 life birds this spring. One of Rowan's favorite birding experiences so far was seeing Resplendent Quetzals in the high mountains of Costa Rica. Rowan has worked with the Klamath Bird Observatory as a bird banding volunteer in the past, and enjoys going on the Medford, Ashland and Little Applegate Christmas Bird Counts in Jackson County. Although he is planning a career as a writer, Rowan may decide to write about birds and combine his two greatest passions- birding and writing. Rowan's most recent life bird-his 450th—was a Great Gray Owl at Howard Prairie near Ashland, Oregon on Christmas Eve, 2009. Photo by Aubyn Heglie.

Josh Saranpaa (17, Astoria)

Josh Saranpaa's interest in birding began through an internship at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast at age 16. Even though Josh, 17, is relatively new to birding, he already enjoys it greatly, and it has helped him make new friends. Birding has given Josh a new appreciation for birds and his favorite birding experience so far was to watch a Northern Harrier capture and then consume a peep at the Necanicum Estuary. In addition to birding, Josh enjoys marine biology and is planning a career in either ornithology or marine biology. He plans to attend college in one of these fields, but is not sure where yet.

Matthew Schneider (17, Silverton)

Matthew Schneider has been interested in birds ever since he was 2, but only became more serious around 9 or 10. His mother had the biggest influence on his interest in birds. As a two-year-old, Matthew and his mother would dedicate about half an hour daily to look through a bird book that his uncle had given them. Matthew's most recent Oregon lifer was a Virginia Rail at the Oregon Garden. His favorite birding experience so far was finding a Brown Thrasher, Marion County's second record and Oregon's twenty-seventh. Matthew is 6'11", which makes it easier for him to look over hedges, fences, berms, and the like while birding. He is currently the assistant compiler for the Silverton Christmas Bird Count and volunteers to fill birdfeeders and clean out bird houses at the Oregon Garden. While Matthew is unsure of his career plans, he would love to have a bird-related job. Matthew is planning to attend the local community college or do on-line classes for his first couple of years of college, but will take any bird-related courses offered.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 6 College and beyond.

Jessie Leach (20, Dallas)

Jessie Leach was 14 when she first became cognizant of the diversity of bird life, and became interested in learning about it, at first from a really bad, archaic encyclopedia of North American birds. However, she got her hands on a pair of binoculars and a Sibley field guide a year later, and that's when she really started birding. The first bird she actually "saw", rather than "just tossing in the feathered category of wild things" - was a Burrowing Owl, which was quite memorable: "I was walking out in a grey field under a grey sky thinking grey thoughts when suddenly a bird flew out from under my feet. It perched on a rock about 10 ft away and transfixed me with brilliant yellow eyes that changed my life." Jessie has had many birding mentors, including Karl Fairchild, and her most recent lifer in Oregon was a Hudsonian Godwit. Birding in southeast Arizona with her father is probably Jessie's favorite birding experience so far. In addition, birding has opened her to "the exquisite diversity of the natural world" and taught her to see and listen "with animal senses in a world cheapened by the artificial constructs of human thought." Jessie's love of birding has taken her to California, Oregon, Arizona, Texas and Montana. In addition to her love of birds, Jessie wishes she could marry David Sedaris. She is currently majoring in Ontological Confusion (Psychology), which may take her to a career related to birds, or "a box under an overpass."

David Schas (21, Corvallis)

David Schas's birding journey began at age 15, when he was introduced to it by two people: his uncle, Jake Schas, and his biology teacher, Chuck Gates. Jake always had an interest in birds, and "forced" David to come along. Once, Jake and Chuck brought David on the Prineville CBC, where to David's great surprise, they flushed a Virginia Rail out of a small cattail patch in a large, open field. Something about seeing this peculiar, chicken4ike wild bird, in a spot he never imagined birds being, sparked a passion in David that shaped what he is doing today. David's most recent lifer in Oregon was the Hooded Oriole in Gaston, only hours after seeing the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at EE Wilson. David's most memorable birding experience was in Southern Arizona with Paradise Birding, where they had a Red-faced Warbler right next to a Painted Redstart. Those two birds looked amazing together! In addition to birding, David loves coaching track & field. He was an athlete in middle school and high school. He has coached two years and is ready for year three! The kids think he's weird when he incorporates bird facts into their daily workouts. Birding has changed David's career choice. Originally, he was accepted at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he planned to get his commercial pilot's license. Since he began birding, he is studying at Oregon State, majoring in Biology, minoring in Chemistry, and planning on an M.S. in Science Education. His career will not directly relate to birds, since he fears that if it becomes a job, it will not be as exciting and enjoyable as it is now. David is looking into Boise State an M.S. in Raptor Biology Program, and is interested in raptor rehabilitation.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 7 Niko Ranta (22, Corvallis)

Niko Ranta started birding at age five, when he found his father's old Peterson field guide that he used in college. Niko started just looking images at first, but then got hooked. His most recent lifer in Oregon was Rock Sandpiper at Newport. Niko's favorite birding experiences include young birders' conferences and birding festivals, but his all-time favorite was a trip to Arizona in August 2009. He enjoyed spending time with his father, and spending a solid week of chasing exciting southeastern Arizona specialties. In addition to birding, Niko loves playing dodge-ball with the club team at Oregon State University. Niko's love of birding has gotten him involved in the Fisheries and Wildlife Department at Oregon State University, where he was recently an undergraduate teaching assistant TA for a Systematics of Birds class. In addition, Niko's love of birding has taken him to Colorado, Texas, Florida, Arizona (5 times) and California, and allowed him to meet many amazing people whom he would not have otherwise. Niko is planning a career in bird research, possibly including specimen studies, but has not decided on a specific area of focus. Niko is currently in his fourth year as an undergraduate student at Oregon State University, majoring in Fisheries and Wildlife with a specialization in Avian Ecology.

Noah Strycker (24, Creswell) with Black Guillemot chick

Noah Strycker's first birding impulses were sparked by a suction-cup bird feeder on his fifth-grade classroom window. As a teenager, Noah became interested in photographing, drawing, and writing about birds. One of his first adventures was exploring the feeding habits of Turkey Vultures, near his home in Creswell. While he still retains his fascination with vultures, Noah soon turned towards other birds, admitting listing-junkie status. Noah's bird addiction has led him to write for many birding magazines; he is now Associate Editor of "Birding" magazine, writes the "BirdBoy" column in "WildBird" magazine, and contributes articles to other top wildlife publications. Noah pursued an undergraduate degree in Fisheries and Wildlife, where he received national recognition for his writing and earned several prestigious scholarships. One of Noah's favorite birding experiences was eating breakfast in the Australian Outback dawn, only to have his bacon stolen by a Laughing Kookaburra, which then proceeded to perch nearby, eating the bacon and laughing at him! Noah has studied birds on six continents and logged nearly two years of birding outside the United States, with about 1,700 species on his life list. In addition to birding, Noah is an avid tennis player, and enjoys downhill skiing as well. Noah received his undergraduate degree in Fisheries and Wildlife in June 2008, and he is considering graduate school, and a career in bird research. Currently, Noah is on a 6-month internship banding Purple- crowned Fairy-Wrens in the Australian outback.

Karl Fairchild (25, Philomath) with Lewis's Woodpecker

Karl Fairchild started birding (and keeping a list!) at age 8. The first bird on his 71 life list was a Smew, seen along the Columbia River, though his parents (both birders themselves), had been an influence even earlier. Karl's most recent Oregon life bird was the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at E.E. Wilson. One of his most memorable birding experiences so far was watching a mixed flock of brilliant tanagers while he ate a delicious Costa Rican breakfast on the porch of a remote biological station, and gazed out on the rainforest. In addition to Costa Rica, Karl has visited most of the western US, Florida, several northeastern states, Canada and Estonia while watching birds. In addition to birding, Karl enjoys traveling, and exploring cultures, especially Latin American culture, and celebrating his Estonian heritage. Karl recently completed his undergraduate thesis comparing bird communities at Mount St. Helens with those at the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. He graduated

Oregon Birds Volume 35 summa cum laude from Oregon State University in June 2009, with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife and an Honors Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. Karl is currently exploring graduate schools, especially the University of Oklahoma, and planning to get his Master's, and possibly PhD, in ornithology or a related field. Karl plans on pursuing a career in ornithology, and is especially interested in using stable isotopes to track bird migration. He is also interested in community ecology and using technology to advance ornithology and conservation.

Holly Reinhard (26, Corvallis) with Atlantic Puffin

Holly was 15 years old when she began birding—her parents had a bird feeder in the backyard, and she started to wonder what species of birds were coming to it. Her mother suggested she contact Vjera Arnold (now Thompson), a fellow female young birder, and this got Holly increasingly involved. For years, she was a casual birder, until, after a few years of participating in CBCs and absolutely loving it, she realized how much fun it was to actually go out birding. Alan Contreras and Tom Mickel were Holly's main birding mentors, along with Dan and Anne Heyerly as Holly got older. Holly's most recent Oregon lifer was the Hooded Oriole in Gaston. Her favorite birding experience so far was a field trip to Costa Rica in summer 2006, taking a field biology class. She loved Costa Rica, and fell in love with the country, its critters, and its people. In addition to birding, Holly loves music, and currently plays percussion in Oregon State University's Campus Band. Holly's work with birds has taken her to the coast of Maine to work with puffins and terns for Project Puffin, and northwestern Iowa, doing grasslands work and nest- searching. She is not sure what kind of long-term career she wants, but doesn't think it will necessarily be bird- centric—all she knows at the moment is that she loves birds, nature, and the environment, and wants to help protect it all. Holly graduated from Lane Community College with her Associate of Science in June, 2009 and is currently a junior at Oregon State University, majoring in Zoology.

Amanda Gladics (27, Corvallis) with Leach's Storm-Petrel

Though Amanda Gladics has been an outdoor enthusiast since her early teenage years, she didn't start birding until she was 22, about 5 years ago. Amanda moved from the Pacific Northwest to Ohio in January of that year to work at an outdoor education center and raptor rehabilitation facility. Not used to the bleak winter deciduous forest after the year-round green of the Pacific Northwest, she focused on the only obvious living thing: Northern Cardinals and White-breasted Nuthatches, which morphed into a passion for all birds as spring arrived. Amanda does not keep a life list, enjoying great experiences with common birds just as much as the rare ones. Amanda's favorite birding experience so far was a research project on Pink-footed Shearwaters nesting on Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile and camping out in the colony. "It was magical to be there as the light faded and night gathered—to hear and watch thousands of Pink-foots returning to their burrows with the backdrop of the southern stars." Equally awesome was to know that some of these birds were the ones she'd seen off the Oregon Coast months earlier. Amanda has traveled to six continents, and has spent much time volunteering, delivering environmental education to students who would not otherwise have the opportunity. Amanda plans a career in marine conservation, ecology and policy. She recently graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Natural Resources and an emphasis in Ecology and International Conservation, while minoring in Fisheries and Wildlife. Amanda is pursuing a Master's in Marine Resource Management program at Oregon State University, working with Dr. Robert Suryan to investigate marine food webs, focusing on interactions between commercial fishery species and piscivorous seabirds.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 Vjera (Arnold) Thompson (28, Eugene)

Vjera Thompson started birding around age 13, after her father helped her build a bird feeder. She soon started attending bird walks and participated in her first Christmas bird count in 1995. She became truly hooked after she went to Malheur in fall 1996 with Alan Contreras. Several Lane County birders made sure Vjera had transportation and encouragement to go birding, including Alan, Tom & Allison Mickel, and former Oregonian Reid Freeman. Reid was the impetus behind Vjera's two-year term on the OFO board—which she did while still a home-schooled high school student. One of Vjera's most memorable birding experiences was earning a spot on an ABA-Leica Tropicbirds youth team for the Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory's Bird-a-thon. The highlight of that trip was a Curlew Sandpiper. Her most recent lifer was also a shorebird, a pair of Hudsonian Godwits in Newport. Vjera works in the financial department of 9Wood, Inc., a wood ceiling company in Springfield. As a way to get outside, enjoy birds, decrease her carbon footprint, and stay active, she started bicycle commuting to work and has really enjoyed keeping a "green" list in recent years.

Daniel Farrar (29, Florence) with Snowy Plover chick

Daniel Farrar was introduced to birds during biology class, in his junior year of high school. His first life bird was a Red-winged Blackbird seen at Fern Ridge Reservoir on the way to a four-day-long field trip to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The trip included geology, botany, and natural history, but had a special focus on birds. This proved to be an eye-opening experience; Daniel returned to Malheur the following year and has been an avid birder ever since. Daniel had a good fall for chasing lifers in Oregon, picking up Hudsonian Godwit, Northern Wheatear and most recently the Coos Bay Brown Booby. His best birding memory so far is a four day whirl-wind tour of Southeastern Arizona with Alan Contreras, guided by Rich Hoyer. Hoping for 40 lifers, he ended up seeing 57, including a pair of Black- capped Gnatcatchers for his 400th ABA bird. Daniel recently graduated from the University of Oregon with a Biology degree. He currently works as a Wildlife Research Biologist monitoring Western Snowy Plovers along the Oregon coast for Oregon State University. He plans on returning to school for a Master's degree and is interested in shorebird conservation.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 10 peaked at New River, Coos on 8 June with 145 birds seen (T. SOUTH COAST Rodenkirk). Elegant Terns peaked at 65 at Winchester Bay, Douglas Co. on 19 July (M. Tim Rodenkirk Brady, R. Terrill). Potential rare breeders included singing Rock Wrens at two locations in Coos Co. in late June and July and a pair of Clark's Nutcrackers seen in the mountains of northern Curry County in late June (T. Rodenkirk)?! Curry highlights included an Upland Sandpiper on 28 June (T. Wahl; 2nd Curry record), three offshore Xantus's Murrelet on 22 July (R. Namitz, T. Shelmerdine; 2nd Curry record), an off season Ancient Murrelet on 29 July (M. Brady, R. Terrill, B. O'Connor), Mountain Bluebirds at Cape Blanco on about 21 June (T. Wahl) and at Babyfoot Lake on 22 June (J. Fontaine), and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak near Brookings on 12 Summer 2008 June (D. Munson). Coos highlights included: an American White June and July are normally fairly dry months and Pelican at Bandon from 31 July-2 August (K. Andersson that held true. June had less than average rainfall, and et al.), a singing adult male Northern Parula on the was a bit cooler than normal. In July there was only a north spit of Coos Bay from 2-4 June (T. Rodenkirk et single day of precip. A heat al., 3rd Coos record), and a singing adult male wave hit the coast in early American Redstart on the north spit of Coos Bay on July with Curry County 24-25 June (T. Rodenkirk et al., 3rd Coos record). getting extremely hot weather with three straight days of over 100 degrees in Brookings including their record highest temperature of 108F on the 8th. Rare breeding species on the north spit of Coos Bay included Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and Wilson's Phalaropes (T. Rodenkirk). Migrating Black Swifts American Redstart, 25 June 2008. Photo by Lois Miller.

egon Birds Volume 35 11 Douglas County had a rare summer Ancient Murrelet and its first record of Xantus's Murrelet both from an It was a banner fall for rare species. Curry offshore NOAA research ship on 20 July (R. Namitz, T. highlights included: 1-2 Sandhill Cranes near Cape Shelmerdine). Blanco from 29 September-13 October (T. Wahl), two Sharp-tailed Sandpipers near Cape Blanco on 31 Fall 2008 October (T. Wahl, 1st Curry record), a Buff-breasted Overall, fall was much drier than normal, especially Sandpiper in the same area on the late date of 7 from Sep. through Nov. Temperatures were moderate October (T. Wahl), a White-Winged Dove in Brookings in October and November with very few evenings in on 6 October (D. Munson), a Lewis's Woodpecker in the the 30's along the coast and very little stormy weather. same area on 25 September (D. Munson), and a These balmy conditions resulted in lingering migrants probable Sprague's Pipit near Cape Blanco on 6 such as the late November Cassin's Vireo in Bandon October (T. Wahl, 2nd Curry record). (Alan Contreras, Rich Hoyer) and a plethora of Orange- Coos had a long list which included: a dead Brown crowned Warblers through the end of the period. Booby near Charleston on 26 October (G. Friedrichsen,

Elegant Terns made a good showing, particularly in 1st Coos record), a Gyrfalcon near New Lake in early Curry Co. with a peak total of 160 in Gold Beach, Curry November (R. McKenzie), a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper on on 24 August (W. Hoffmann, R. Namitz). Two late the north spit of Coos Bay on 17 October (T. November Ruffs in Coos Co. were noteworthy (K. Rodenkirk), a Curlew Sandpiper in Bandon on 24 Andersson, R. Hoyer, A. Contreras). Tropical Kingbirds October (T. Rodenkirk), a Forster's Tern in Charleston were plentiful in Coos and Curry Cos. with one in Lane on 21 September (R. Namitz), a Scissor-tailed Co. Northern Shrike numbers were fairly good in fall Flycatcher on the north spit of Coos Bay from 24 2008 with multiple reports south into Coos and Curry November to 3 December (D. Lauten, K. Castelein et Counties. Palm Warblers were less common than in the al.), Oregon's 3rd Smith's Longspur on the north spit of past several years. Coos Bay on 30 October (D. Lauten, K. Castelein), and Lapland Longspurs were abundant at coastal sites a Bobolink on the north spit of Coos Bay on 5 October with likely the highest numbers ever reported. These (J. Metzler). balmy conditions also retarded the duck migration and Lane Co. highlights included: a Murphy's Petrel Coos Bay was still awaiting the arrival of the bulk of from a cruise ship on 28 September (J. Withgott et al.), a the wintering waterfowl at the end of the period. Northern Goshawk in Florence on 6 October (M. & ML Denny), a White-winged Dove near Bray Point from 28 September-3 October (P. Hirsch), and a probable Summer Tanager in Florence on 12 November (D. Pettey).

Winter 2008

January was warmer and much drier than normal with only 36% of the normal precip in North Bend with beautiful weather the 2nd and 3rd week of the month. Rainy cool weather arrived back for the last week of the month. February was about normal for precip with 91% of average in North Bend. The big story in December was the number of Brown Pelicans still around with an astounding 2,717 on the Coos Bay CBC; a few birds lingering into late February. There were a few rare overwintering species including a Red Knot in Coos Bay, a Prairie Falcon in the Coquille Valley and 2 Say's Phoebes in Coos County- a first (and second) winter record. No Barn Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Coos Bay North Spit, November, 2008. Photo by Lois Miller.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 12 Swallows were reported this winter. Coos had its February (B. & D. Hunter), and a Black-throated Gray earliest ever arrival of Turkey Vulture in late January. Warbler and a Clay-colored Sparrow both found on the Highlights in Curry included: two late Tropical Florence CBC on 28 December (D. Irons, D. Pettey, T. Kingbirds- one near Cape Blanco from 28 November-4 Rodenkirk). December (T. Wahl)

Tropical Kingbird. Photo by Knute Andersson. and one in the Brookings area from 5-10 December (D. Munson), two Northern Mockingbirds- one in Langlois from November through 30 January (K. Andersson et al.) and one continuing in Gold Beach throughout the period (T. Rodenkirk, T. Wahl et al.)., a Clay-colored Sparrow near Langlois from 4-27 December (T.

Rodenkirk et al.), a 1st Curry Yellow-throated Warbler near Floras Lake from 12-16 January (D. Pitkin et al.), and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the Brookings area from 23-31 December (S. Chambers). Yellow-throated Warbler near Langlois, Curry Co, Jan. 2009. Coos highlights included: an Emperor Goose in Photo by Lois Miller. Bandon from 1 January through the end of the period (G. Schaffer, A. Contreras et al.), a Gyrfalcon seen in Spring 2009 several locations around Coos Bay in December (mult, obs.), a Prairie Falcon near Norway from 6 November March was cool and a bit wetter than normal (124% through at least 11 January (D. Ledig, D. Irons, M. of normal), the first month that exceeded the average Sohlstrom et al.) , a Sandhill Crane near Myrtle Point precip. in Coos Bay since August of 2008. April was from 3-11 January (Coquille Valley CBC- Bend Birding cool and drier than normal (50% of normal in North Club et al.), two White-breasted Nuthatches in Bandon Bend). May was about normal. on the Coquille Valley CBC on 3 January (H. Schubothe Lapland Longspurs, a regular fall migrant but a et al.), lingering Wilson's Warbler and Common rare spring migrant, made an unusually strong Yellowthroats on the Coos Bay CBC (T. Rodenkirk), and showing with numerous observations including more a Red Fox Sparrow at Millicoma Marsh on 13-14 sightings in Coos Co. than all previous spring records December (A. & D. Heyerly et al.). combined! Red Knots were also observed at numerous Lane highlights included: a Ross's Goose east of locations with a flock of 61 in Florence on 9 May the Florence on 19 December (V. DiPietro), a Eurasian Teal largest reported in several years (Maitreya). and a hybrid Eurasian x Green-winged Teal both at Pectoral Sandpipers were seen in the highest spring Siltcoos Lake on 24 January (A. Contreras, D. Farrar), numbers ever, with 12 at the north spit of Coos Bay on an American Tree Sparrow south of Florence on 21 23-24 May (T. Rodenkirk). A cruise ship full of birders

Oregon Birds Volume 35 13 off Oregon on 8 May found several rarities including a Lane County highlights included: a Manx staggering number of Murphy's Petrels with at least Shearwater seen from Florence on 26 April (D. Pettey, one in every Oregon coastal county and a possible D. Irons, Maitreya), a Rock Wren at Siltcoos Beach on 19 Solander's Petrel off Lane Co. (J. Withgott, D, Irons et May (H. Herlyn, D. Farrar), and a Yellow-headed al.)! Black Swift numbers peaked at 103 at New River, Blackbird at Siltcoos Estuary on 16 May (H. Herlyn, D. Coos on 25 May (T. Rodenkirk). Farrar).

Summer 2009

June and July are typically two of the driest months of the year and precip was even less than normal in North Bend. The adult shorebird migration began in good numbers the first week of July but the last two weeks of the month were pretty slow with the first juveniles of several species just becoming apparent by month's end. A cruise ship pelagic on 14 July netted some interesting species including a Wilson's Storm-Petrel in Curry Co. and Ashy Storm-Petrels in both Coos and Curry Counties (R. & N. Armstrong et al.). Singing Rock Wrens were found at five different locations in Curry Co. suggesting that this is a regular breeder in small numbers. Wilson's Phalaropes successfully fledged ducks on the north spit of Coos Red Knot with Western Sandpiper. Photo by Maitreya. Bay for the 6th time in the last seven years. Two broods of Blue-winged Teal were noted at this site for the 3rd Curry highlights included: a Manx Shearwater seen and 4th Coos record. Gadwall, a bird just discovered from a cruise ship on 8 May (J. Withgott et al), a breeding in Coos Co. in 2006, had 23+ broods at the Goshawk seen near Langlois on 17 May (K. north spit of Coos Bay! Elegant Terns showed up in Andersson), a Swainson's Hawk near Langlois on 17 Gold Beach on 25 July then disappeared (D. Munson). May (K. Andersson), an Upland Sandpiper west of Langlois on 29 May (R. McKenzie), a Franklin's Gull near Floras Lake on 22 May (D. Lauten, K. Castelein), three Yellow-headed Blackbirds near Cape Blanco between 20-29 May (T. Wahl et al.), and a Great-tailed Grackle near Cape Blanco on 29 May (T. Wahl, K. Andersson, L. Miller). Coos had the following highlights: the lingering Bandon Emperor Goose through 9 April, two separate American White Pelicans in Coos Bay on 9 May and again on 17-18 May (J. Heaney, D. Lauten, K. Castelein et al.), a Northern Goshawk between Coquille and

Bandon on 9 March (M. Schnoes), the 1st ever Broad- winged Hawk near Bandon on 8 May (T. Wahl), Calliope Hummers in Eden Valley on 21 April and 9 May (T. Rodenkirk, R. Namitz, J. Metzler), a mid-May Loggerhead Shrike near New Lake (D.Pitkin, R. Great-tailed Grackle. Photo by Lois Miller.

McKenzie), a 1st Hooded Warbler in NE Coos from 29-31 May (J. Bosler et al.), and a Yellow-headed Highlights from Curry Co. included: 792 Leach's Blackbird on the north spit of Coos Bay on 10 May (T. Storm-petrels from a cruise ship on 22 July (R. Rodenkirk). Armstrong et al.), two Eastern Kingbirds- one in mid-

Oregon Birds Volume 35 14 June near Langlois and one on 4 July from Langlois (T. Tropical Kingbirds made a good showing again this WaU, K. Andersson, L. Miller), an Indigo Bunting in year and were seen in Curry, Coos and Lane Co. with Gold Beach on 4 June (C. Hinman), a Rose-breasted one bird lingering in Florence through the end of the Grosbeak in Brookings on 9 June (D. Cavaness), and period. Northern Shrikes showed up in fair numbers one or more Great-tailed Grackles seen between by the end of the period. Say's Phoebes were reported Langlois and Floras Lake from 9-29 June (T. Rodenkirk, in several locations in northern Curry Co. toward the K. Andersson). end of the period and will probably overwinter again this year. Noticeably sparse this period were Palm Warblers. Brown Pelican numbers were once again spectacular, with thousands of birds present through the end of the period in Bandon. There were some amazing rarities seen on a couple different cruise ship "pelagics" as well as from an August fishing/birding trip to deep water. Rare species reported from these trips in Curry Co. included: a Flesh-footed Shearwater on 22 September (J. Withgott et al.), a Wilson's Storm- petrel on 23 August (J. Gilligan, O. Schmidt), and a Horned Puffin on 8 August (M.Stevens). Rarities from these "pelagics" in Coos Co. included two different Cook's Petrels on 23 August and 22 September 0. Gilligan, O. Schmidt, J. Withgott et al.) and 2-4 Xantus's Murrelets on 7 August (C. Dillingham). High counts from a cruise ship on 22 Eastern Kingbird, Cape Blanco, CURRY. Photo by Lois Miller. September off all four south coast counties included 1607 Sabines Gulls, 8 South Polar Skuas, 70 Pomarine Jaegers, and 163 Long-tailed Jaegers (J. Withgott et al.). Coos Co. had a few good finds: a breeding-plumaged Red-necked Stint at Tenmile Creek mouth on 19 June (H. Herlyn, D. Farrar et al.), a singing Black-and-White Warbler at Bullards Beach SP on 24 June (J. Withgott), and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Sumpter on 13 June (J. McGriff). In Douglas Co., an American Avocet was found at the beach near Dunes Overlook on 1 June (H. Herlyn, D. Farrar) and a very late Snow Bunting was at Tahkenitch Beach on 6 June (R. Namitz). Lane Co. had a White-winged Dove in Florence on 7 June (W. Hoffmann) and a Lark Sparrow at Siltcoos Beach on 10 June (D. Farrar).

Red-necked Stint, 19 June 2009, Coos County. Photo by Fall 2009 Hendrik Herlyn.

October was the only month this period with at There were many notable rarities seen inland too. least average rainfall, and only the second month this Curry Co. had the following highlights: two Ross's year with normal precip. in North Bend, so the dry Geese in the New River bottoms from 22 November weather trend continued. A few Elegant Terns were trirough at least 1 December (K. Andersson et al.), one reported, but they were in small number and only were or more Gyrfalcons in November with sightings from seen for a day or so at each location. Brookings to Langlois (mult, obs.- w/ ph.), two Sharp-

Oregon Birds Volume 35 15 tailed Sandpipers west of Langlois on 23 September (D. early morning along the coast. Temps warmed back to Pitkin), a White-winged Dove in Port Orford on 31 normal for all four south coast CBCs. August (K. Andersson, L. Miller ph.), and a Chestnut- collared Longspur near Cape Blanco on 9 November (T. Wahl).

Red-eyed Vireo, North Bend, 2 October 2009. Photo by Larry Mangan.

Eurasian-collared Doves continued to climb with record numbers on all the CBCs including 28 on the Florence count, 84 on the Coos Count, 2 on the Port Orford count and 76 on the Coquille Valley count. Brown Pelicans made an incredible showing in both December and January with hundreds still around through the middle of January. Turkey Vultures made White-winged Dove, 31 Aug. 2009, Port Orford. Photo by Lois Miller. their earliest return ever to Coos Co. where one was seen on 19 January in North Bend (J. Heaney). Coos highlights included: a Ross's Goose on the Curry highlights included: Trumpeter Swans at two east side of Coos Bay from 26 November through 21 different locations- two near Floras Lake from 27 December (T. Rodenkirk et al.), a Brown Booby near December through at least the end of January (T. Wahl, Charleston from 28 October through 9 December (S. D. Ledig, T. Rodenkirk et al.) and Pistol River from 9 Eagler et al.), a Prairie Falcon in Bandon on 10 August (D. Lauten, K. Castelein), a late window-dazed Red- Jan through at least the end of January (N. Holcomb), eyed Vireo in North Bend on 2 October (L. Mangan w/ and a Sprague's Pipit near Cape Blanco on 1 December ph.), and a probable Cassin's Finch near the top of Mt. (T. Wahl). Bolivar on 10 October (T. Rodenkirk). Coos higWights included: a male Barrow's Lane Co. had a late Ash-throated Flycatcher on 28 Goldeneye from 20 December through 8 Jan when it November that caused a bit of excitement (D. Farrar, was "harvested" by a local hunter (H. Schubothe et al.), ph. H. Herlyn) and a Lark Sparrow near Florence on 16 a frigatebird sp. seen briefly overhead in North Bend October (A. Contreras). during a storm on 31 December (B. Fields), a Prairie Winter 2009 Falcon found on the 2 January Coquille Valley CBC that likely is overwintering (S. Finnegan, D. Irons, et al.), an December was drier than average and 2009 was the American Avocet at Pony Slough from 9-16 December driest year in North Bend since 1992. There was an (T. Rodenkirk et al.), a Lesser Yellowlegs at Millicoma extended cold spell at the beginning of December with Marsh from 7 January through at least 19 February (T. temps down in the low 20's and upper teens in the Rodenkirk), two Barn Swallows on the 20 December

Oregon Birds Volume 35 16 Coos Bay CBC (D. Lauten, K. Castelein), a Red Fox An aberrant leucistic plover was photographed at Bandon Sparrow at Millicoma Marsh from 9 December through Marsh NWR on 29 August and looked like a Piping at least 10 January (T. Rodenkirk et al.), a male Rose- Plover, however, its exact identity may never be known breasted Grosbeak in North Bend on 27 December (B. (D. & A. Heyerly). Photos by Anne Heyerly. Taylor), and an overwintering first fall Bullock's Oriole coming to a Coos Bay feeder from 10 December through at least 20 February (L Haun et al. w/ ph.).

Gyrfalcon, Curry County. Photo by Knute Andersson.

Oregon Field Ornithologists Annual Meeting

Sept. 24-26, 2010 at Newport

Keynote Speaker: Jon Dunn

Oregon Birds Volume 35 17 Wink Gross

Northern Wheatear. Photo by Greg Gillson.

Alsea Bay (Lincoln) on July 19 (Stefan Schlick) and two ("RB" = Range Bayer, "HN" Harry Nehls, "BGPT" at the Columbia Estuary on Jul 30 (Lee Cain). Bird Guide Pelagic Tours) Common Nighthawks were somewhat more, well, common, in the region this summer. Steve Warner Summer 2008 (June-July) found 6 on Lewis and Clark Rd (Clatsop), Jul 22 (fide Mike Patterson). There were several sightings in Mark Nikas photographed a single Trumpeter Lincoln Co of up to 4 birds (fide RB). Swan at Nehalem STP (Tillamook) on Jul 4. Another Phil Pickering had the high count of Black Swifts: was at the mouth of the Necanicum River (Clatsop) on 27 over Cascade Head (Tillamook) on Jun 8. Mike Jul 22 (Ron Pittard). On June 4 Wayne Hoffman saw a Patterson noted "two or three" Townsend's Solitaires Yellow-billed Loon at Yaquina Bay, just west of the near Nicolai Mtn (Clatsop), Jun 15. An immature

bridge. This would be the 4th year in a row for this Northern Mockingbird was at Yachats on Jun 26 (Diane species in the bay (fide RB). The two American White Pettey and Dave Irons). A first year male American Pelicans at Youngs Bay (Clatsop) on Jul 2 grew to 12 at Redstart was on Cascade Head, Jun 21 (Phil Pickering) Svenson Island by Jul 20 (fide HN). One of the most intriguing reports was of three Bob and Shirley Loeffel have conducted beached Brewer's Sparrows at Thornton Creek (Lincoln) seen bird surveys in Lincoln Co. since 1978. This year they by Darrel Faxon on Jul 25. One of the birds was a found record numbers of beached Northern Fulmars juvenile fed by an adult, suggesting nearby nesting. all spring and into June (fide RB). A Manx Shearwater This is only the 4th record of this species in Lincoln Co. was 7km off Lincoln City on Jul 16 (Matt Brady, et. al.) (fide RB). A beached Leach's Storm-petrel north of Ona Beach A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the north end (Lincoln) at the end of June was unusual (fide RB). of Lincoln City, Jun 10 (Kathleen Nickerson), was Steve Kupillas found a Northern Goshawk apparently joined by a female the next day (Sherril southwest of Toledo (Lincoln) on Jun 29 (fide RB). Barry fide Dick Demarest). Two males and a female Janet Lamberson had a successful summer birding Lazuli Bunting at Stanley Lake on Jun 24 were Idaho Flats (Lincoln). On Jun 30, she found 3 Wilson's probably breeding (Mike Patterson). Phalaropes, followed by a Long-billed Curlew on Jul 8, Fall 2008 (Aug-Nov) and a Willet on Jul 25. The phalaropes were only the 10th county record and the first since 1999. The Fall of 2008 will be remembered for a long Heavy movements of Heerman's and California time by the crew of the Bird Guide Pelagic Tours. On Gulls were noted all along the coast by the third week the Aug 9 trip to Perpetua Bank (Lincoln), they found a in July. Exceptional numbers of Elegant Terns were Greater Shearwater, first for the state. Even greater, found this summer, including 17 at the north spit of on Sep 13 a stunning Wandering Albatross of the "Antipodean" form was seen by all aboard. Only the

Oregon Birds Volume 35 18 second record for all of North America! To add to the Long-tailed Duck was at Siletz Bay, Dec 6 (Pat tubenose excitement, on Aug 7 an Hawaiian Petrel Gallagher fide RB). 146 dead Northern Fulmars in 4.6m was seen 160 miles off Yaquina Head by Steve stretch north of Ona Beach (Lincoln) was second count Mlodinow, and a possible Black-vented Shearwater highest ever (fide RB). On Dec 29, Mike Patterson saw was at Boiler Bay Nov 18 (Phil Pickering). 60 Brown Pelicans rising in a kettle over Seaside Brown Pelicans appeared in greater numbers all Heights, then flying off to the north. A few were still along the coast than ever before, peaking in October. A being seen all along the coast into February. report of a Frigatebird sp. 60 miles off Tillamook on The Little Blue Heron, probably the same bird Aug 8 was tantalizing but insufficiently documented. found in Neskowin (Tillamook) in November and On Nov 11, Jack Hurt found a Little Blue Heron at possibly the same that was in Portland during the Neskowin (Tillamook). Possibly the same bird that summer, ticked another county by showing up at Siletz was in the Portland metro area during late summer? Bay (Lincoln) on Dec 23 (Roy Lowe). It was seen by A Snowy Plover at Driftwood Beach SP on Aug 8 many well into July.

was only the 4th in the last 10 years in Lincoln Co. (Joel Six Rock Sandpipers total at the north and south Geier fide RB). Michael Noack saw a Black-necked jetties of Yaquina Bay on Jan 23 was a goodly number Stilt on Beaver Creek Rd (Lincoln) on Sep 19 (fide RB). of this scarce species 0ay Withgott). A few Heermann's Two juvenile Semipalmated Sandpipers were at Gulls were reported throughout the region, including a Bayocean (Tillamook), Aug 16 (Jeff Hayes). A Sharp- first winter bird at Seaside Cove (Clatsop) on Feb 25 tailed Sandpiper was at Bayocean (Tillamook), Oct 19 (Dave Bailey). (Wayne Hoffman), and a probable Stilt Sandpiper was Phil Pickering saw a basic plumage Thick-billed at the mouth of the Necanicum River on Aug 3 (Steve Murre fly past Boiler Bay on Dec 15, and Wayne Warner fide Mike Patterson). Hoffman spotted a Horned Puffin flying north off An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull photographed Yachats on Jan 21. Another Horned Puffin was found at Idaho Flats (Lincoln) by Glen Lindeman on Aug 29 on BGPT trip to Perpetua Bank, Feb 21. A Parakeet was Oregon's second. A probable "Kamchatka Auklet was brought in to Oregon Coast Aquarium for Gull" (Larus canus kamchatkensis) was at Tillamook Bay rehab after striking a boat mast at the 40 fathom line on Aug 18 (Owen Schmidt). A major flight of gulls off Yachats, Jan 3 (fide RB). heading south was observed during first week of A Burrowing Owl showed up at SJYB in late November. Phil Pickering saw a Parakeet Auklet fly November (fide RB). Laimons Osis saw two Tree past Boiler Bay on Nov 1. Horned Puffins were at Swallows at Seal Rock Stables (Lincoln) on Jan 3, and Barview Jetty (Tillamook), Aug 1 (fide HN), and off the by Jan 23 they were "numerous" with some Barn north jetty of Yaquina Bay on Aug 16 (BGPT). Swallows mixed in. A Northern Mockingbird hung A Barred Owl was at Beaver Creek (Lincoln) on around Lincoln City from early January at least until Sep 14 (Laimons Osis) and at Depoe Bay the next day (Nancy and Eddie Edwards). Two Tropical Kingbirds seen at Svenson Island (Clatsop) on Nov 4 (fide HN) were the only reported in the region. A Loggerhead Shrike at Seaside on Sept 20 was quite unusual (Adrian and Christopher Hinkle). Owen Schmidt and Jeff Gilligan were birding Little Beach, Necanicum (Clatsop) on Aug 26 when Jeff thought he heard a wagtail overhead. Sure enough, a juvenile Eastern Yellow Wagtail landed and posed for a few photos. It did not stick around. A probable Northern Waterthrush was on Coxcomb Hill, Astoria, Sep 10 (Mike Patterson). A Lark Sparrow was at Wireless Road (Clatsop) on Sep 29 (fide HN), and an American Tree Sparrow was seen south of Depoe Bay on Nov 26 by Dick Demarest. The high count of Lapland Longspurs for the region was 32 Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Necanicum Estuary. Photo by at SJCR on Sep 13 (Mike Patterson). A female Pine Owen Schmidt. Grosbeak was on Saddle Mtn, Oct 27 (Bruce McCullough fide HN). mid-February, (fide RB) A Clay-colored Sparrow discovered on the Winter 08-09 (Dec-Feb) Yaquina Bay CBC Jan 5 at HMSC lingered at least until Feb 18 (fide RB). Don and Sharon Haller found a A Ross's Goose was at Wireless Rd, Astoria on Jan Bullock's Oriole at Tongue Point (Clatsop), Dec 19. 7 (fide Mike Patterson), and a

Oregon Birds Volume 35 19 Marc Dragiewicz reported "several" Pine Grosbeaks on the season (PP, WH, DT). A Semipalmated Sandpiper, Saddle Mm (Clatsop) at the end of January. unusual in spring, was at Bay City on May 2 (Tim Shelmerdine, et. al.) Bob Stallcop had "great, close-in Spring 2009 (Mar-May) views" of a very early Elegant Tern at Devil's Punch Bowl on May 17 (fide Guy McWethy). This would be 3 Laimons Osis wins the prize for seeing the Last weeks earlier than the previous early date. Eurasian Wigeon of the Season: one at Seal Rock Eurasian Collared-Doves are now thoroughly Stables, Apr 9. Blue-winged Teals can be a bit tough to established and reported from multiple locations. find at the coast, so two at Bayocean (Tillamook), May Mike Patterson observed a pair possibly nesting at Astoria on May 2. The peak number of Black Swifts was 26 over Cascade Head on May 24 (Phil Pickering). Bank Swallow is rare any time on the coast. One at Astoria on Mar 31 was also very early (Mike Patterson). House Wrens, normally uncommon at the coast, "seemed to be everywhere" to Darrel Faxon at Thornton Creek (Lincoln), May 1. Two Townsend's Solitaires were on Coxcomb Hill (Clatsop), Apr 20 (Mike Patterson). Northern Mockingbirds were reported from Netarts, Waldport, and a surprising "3 or 4" at the base of Cascade Head (Lincoln) at the end of May, photographed by Sumner Sharp. It was a good spring for sparrows. Vesper Sparrows were found at Toledo (Lincoln) Apr 16 (Chuck Philo) and Newport Reservoir May 29 (Eric Horvath). Even better, a Harris's Sparrow found by Tufted Duck. Photo by Mike Patterson Margaret Tweelinckx at Cape Meares Village (Tillamook) on Apr 17, lingered at least until May 3. A Lapland Longspur at SJYB hung around long enough 3 (Paul Sullivan), and three at Nehalem STP, May 12 (Apr 15) to show off its breeding plumage (photo by (Wink Gross), were notable. The main flight of Surf Mark Elliott). Scoters passed Boiler Bay Apr 22-Apr 24 (Phil A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at Newport Pickering). Long-tailed Ducks lingered at SJCR, Apr 27 May 31, (Bill and Pam Rogers), and male Lazuli (Mike Patterson), and /or Seaside Cove (Clatsop), May Buntings were at Pacific City (Tillamook), May 13 (Tom 1 (Steve Warner). Rich Hoyer found two Clark's Grebes Shreve), and Cascade Head (Tillamook) on May 26 at Yaquina Head, May 19. One was at Tierra del Mar, (Phil Pickering). Bullock's Oriole was at Cascade Head, May 25 (Wink Gross). May 25 (Phil Pickering). Two Gray-crowned Rosy- For the last several years, intrepid birders have Finches held their ground on Saddle Mountain put to sea on "repositioning" cruise ships, suffering the (Clatsop) while Christopher and Adrian Hinkle indignity of stable decks and seven meals a day, in approached to within 5', May 17. search of pelagic birds. Such a cruise off the Oregon The only place in the state where Lesser coast on May 8 found Laysan Albatrosses, 12 Goldfinches are still hard to find is at the coast, so Murphy's Petrels, and 15 Leach's Storm-Petrels. A reports from Tillamook, Apr 17 (Carol Cwiklinski), and possible Black Storm-Petrel was also seen (fide Jay Cascade Head, May 17 (Phil Pickering), are notable. Withgott). Not to be outdone, land-based Phil Pickering spotted a probable Pterodroma petrel ("dark, Summer 2009 (Jun-Jul) consistent with Murphy's") and a Leach's Storm-Petrel off Boiler Bay, May 12. Manx Shearwaters staged a A quiet season except for pelicans of both flavors. virtual invasion with reports from SJCR (Mar 6, MP), American White Pelicans are uncommon on the north Boiler Bay (Apr 18, Apr 24, Apr 26, May 21, PP), and coast so sightings of 20 at Tillamook Bay, Jun 2 0anet BGPT, Apr 18. Lamberson), 20 near Lois Island, Columbia River, Jun One Cattle Egret, now rare at the coast, was at 23 (Dan Fay), and 33 at Twilight Eagle Sanctuary east Boiler Bay, May 17 (Wayne Hoffman). An American of Astoria, Jul 30 (fide HN), were notable. Meanwhile, Avocet at Yachats SP (Lincoln) on May 10-11 was the an astounding 22,000 Brown Pelicans were counted at 7th co. record (fide RB). Two Long-billed Curlews flew East Sand Island in the Columbia River, Jul 16 (survey past Boiler Bay on May 9 (Phil Pickering, Wayne fide HN). A "Manx/Black-vented" Shearwater was at Hoffman, and Dave Tracy) The count of 82+ Red Boiler Bay, Jun 14 (Wayne Hoffman). Knots passing Boiler Bay on May 9 was the high for A possible Ash-throated Flycatcher was at HMSC

Oregon Birds Volume 35 20 shore!—at Boiler Bay on Nov 22. It was "just over 1 mile out, good look". A Buller's Shearwater was seen from shore at Tierra del Mar (Tillamook), the weekend of Sept 5 (Wink Gross). Echoing the numerous sightings in the spring, Manx (or "Manx-type") Shearwaters were seen from Boiler Bay SP on Aug 7

American Golden-Plover. Photo by Mike Patterson.

Jun 8 (Janet Lamberson fide RB), but the best bird of the season was a singing Yellow-throated Warbler at the Netarts PO (Tillamook), Jun 2 (David Vander Pluym). Unfortunately, it didn't stick around. Large Xantus's Murrelets. Photo by Greg Gillson. numbers of Evening Grosbeaks were reported throughout the northern Coast Range in late July (fide HN). (Phil Pickering), Aug 16 (Dave Tracy), and Oct 31 (fide HN). BGPT also found one on Sep 12. Fall 2009 (Aug-Nov) Broad-winged Hawks were reported at Circle Creek (Clatsop), Sep 3 (Mike Patterson), and Mike Patterson found seven Trumpeter Swans at Necanicum Estuary, Sep 26 (Steve Warner). Svensen Island (Clatsop), Nov 18. A heavy scoter Mike Patterson found both golden-plovers at SJCR movement, comprising 7000 Surf and 400 White- on Sep 27. Christopher and Adrian Hinkle found not winged, was observed at Boiler Bay on Oct 4 (fide one, but two Hudsonian Godwits at HMSC on Sep 4. HN). The only Long-tailed Duck of the season was at At least one lingered until Sep 17, to the delight of Yaquina Bay, Oct 31 (fide HN). many observers. The only report of Sharp-tailed Phil Pickering spied a Laysan Albatross—from Sandpiper was Richard Messenger's "possible" (and very early) juvenile at SJYB, Aug 9. Immature Franklin's Gulls were reported from Nehalem STP (Tillamook), Aug 9 (Cliff Cordy), and SJYB, Aug 10 (Wayne Hoffman). An Elegant Tern was heard at Necanicum River (Clatsop) mouth, Aug 6 (Mike Patterson), and one was seen at Parking Lot D, Ft Stevens, on Sep 6 (Paul Sullivan). Two Xantus's Murrelets were seen on BGPT to Perpetua Bank (Lincoln) Sep 12. In contrast to the Fall 2008 season, celebrated for rare tubenoses, it was the passerines' turn to put on a show in Fall 2009. Higher than usual numbers of Tropical Kingbirds were found: 2 at Wireless Rd (Clatsop) on Nov 14 (Mike Patterson) and at least 2 near the LNG Tank, Yaquina Bay, Nov 14 (Alan Contreras). Phil Pickering saw a Blue Jay on Cascade Head (Tillamook), Sep 8, and Chuck Philo found a Clark's Nutcracker at Rocky Point /Elk Wallow in NE Lincoln Hudsonian Godwit at Yaquina Bay. Photo by Greg Gillson. Co (elev. 3000'). The nutcracker was the 7th county

Oregon Birds Volume 35 21 Clay-colored Sparrow with White-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Mike Patterson. record (fide RB). Steve Engel's Elderhostel group got a nice surprise on Sep 17: a Northern Wheatear at Whalen Island (Tillamook). It hung around for two days, obligingly posing for photographs on parking lot rocks. Northern Mockingbirds were reported at Astoria, Oct 6 (Lee and Lori Cain), and Nehalem STP, Oct 10 (Andy and Ellen Gyrfalcon. Photo by Mike Patterson. Stepniewski). Andy Frank and Wink Gross found a Northern Parula in the woods at Bayocean (Tillamook), Sep 29. Warbler was at Cape Meares Village (Tillamook), Aug 26 Scott Terrill, visiting from Los Gatos, CA, found a hatch (Margaret Tweelinckx). year male Cape May Warbler at Fort Stevens SP, Dave Bailey found a Clay-colored Sparrow at Parking Lot D, Sep 14. A Palm Warbler found by Dan Neawanna Creek (Clatsop), Oct 15, and Sherry Hagen van den Broek's "Master Birding Class" at HMSC on Oct saw a Lark Sparrow at Nehalem STP (Tillamook), Sep 10, hung around at least until the end of October. A 12. Snow Buntings appeared simultaneously in female Blackpoll Warbler was reported from Cascade Tillamook (Bayocean) and Lincoln (SJYB) counties on Head, Sep 10 (fide HN), and a Black-and-White Nov 7 (Stefan Schlick and Rich Armstrong).

Wandering Tattler. Photo by Pie Luft.

Wink Gross 4665 NW Seblar Terrace Portland, OR 97210

Oregon Birds Volume 35 22 r Portland Metro Area

Christopher and Adrian Hi

paw Lazuli Bunting, June 2009, Powell Butte, Portland, Photo by Gene McGarry.

Summer 2008

A late female Calliope Hummingbird was in a SE Fall 2008 Portland backyard on 3 June 0- Withgott). On 19 June an Eastern Kingbird was photographed south of the There were many Portland airport (A. Lauber). A hike up Buck Peak in good finds at Sauvie eastern Multnomah Co. on 20 July yielded a Cassin's Island during the fall. Finch and Calliope Hummingbird. A Rock Wren was Among many nearby in Hood River Co. (I. Tomlinson). All three of migrant shorebirds at these species are likely nesting candidates in the area. Sauvie Island were Sauvie Island highlights included a singing Clay- numerous reports of colored Sparrow along Oak Island Rd. (Multnomah) on all the regular 5 June (S. Finnegan). Sixteen Sandhill Cranes and a shorebirds including flyover Black Swift were observed there on 8 June, the Black-bellied Plovers; latter associated with a statewide movement that day Solitary, Baird's and (fide H. Nehls). A backyard near Scappoose Bottoms Pectoral Sandpipers; hosted a Northern Mockingbird on 17 June (H. Horvat). and Wilson's A movement of Common Nighthawks throughout Phalaropes. Less the Willamette Valley included a roosting bird at common but Tualatin River NWR on 7 June (E. McVicker). The best probably annual were find of the season was Washington County's 2nd Least the single juvenile Tern that N. Lethaby found at Tualatin NWR on 24 Semipalmated Ash-throated Flycatcher, 19 July June. He quickly reported it, allowing several other Sandpipers near 2008, Tualatin NWR. Photo by birders to relocate and photograph it later during the Racetrack Lake Tom Shreve. bird's one-day stay. An Ash-throated Flycatcher was at (Columbia) on 10 Tualatin River NWR on 19 July (Tom Shreve). August (J. Gatchet)

Oregon Birds Volume 35 23 and at Coon Point (Multnomah) on 13 Aug (A. and C. Among a handful of inland Surf Scoters at more Hinkle, M Scattaregia). Also reported on the island regular locales such as Hagg Lake this fall were 5 seen were quite a few Bank Swallows and a post-breeding on the Willamette River in downtown Portland on 13 flock of American White Pelicans that increased from October (fide H. Nehls). A Magnificent Frigatebird nineteen birds on 10 August 0. Gatchet) to thirty-eight was reported, without details, flying over Oaks Bottom on 28 August (fide Harry Nehls). along the Willamette F\iver in Portland on 16 October Seven Eurasian Collared Doves were seen on (C. Mynhardt). B. Stites picked out a Lapland Longspur Sauvie Island on 5 September (J. Gatchet). Eurasian amongst a large flock of American Pipits and Horned Collared Doves have been greatly increasing in the area Larks on Marine Drive near Smith and Bybee Lakes in in the past few years and are now frequently reported. Portland on 5 November. A Black-chinned A Black-and-white Warbler was seen at Oak Island Hummingbird was reported in NW Portland on 22 (Multnomah) on Sauvie Island on 10 September (M. November (fide H. Nehls). Nebeker). A juvenile Sabine's Gull was seen on 13 Washington County had many good finds September on Sturgeon Lake. (A. Frank). Three of them including a Northern Goshawk near Manning on 10 were seen there on 17 September (J. Withgott). Two August and a Forster's Tern at Fernhill Wetlands on 27 Sanderlings were seen on the island on 14 September (J. August (L. Norgren). Good shorebirds included the Gatchet). The flock of American White Pelicans on county's 2nd Buff-breasted Sandpiper, photographed Sturgeon Lake reached a high of forty-four birds on 21 at Tualatin River NWR on 25 September (N. Lethaby), 3 September (A. Frank). An Ash-throated Flycatcher was Stilt Sandpipers seen on 11 October at Fernhill observed on 29 September at Oak Island 0. Fitchen). Wetlands (M. Marsh), a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Rare birds found on Sauvie Island later in fall Fernhill Wetlands from 19 -25 October, and a Pacific included a Rusty Blackbird seen with two Yellow- Golden-plover at the same location on 19 October (E. headed Blackbirds at Rentenaar Rd. (Columbia) on 5 Knight). An Emperor Goose that M. Wilkinson spotted October 0. Gatchet) and a Clay-colored Sparrow at at Dawson Creek Corporate Park on 14 October Wapato Greenway State Park (Multnomah) on the same remained until 2 November. A Common Teal was at day (C. and A. Hinkle, M Scattaregia). A Northern Fernhill Wetlands on 26 October (L. Norgen). Common Goshawk flew over Sauvie Island on 17 October (J. Teal seem to be reported with increasing frequency Gatchet). A Red Fox Sparrow was seen on the island on recently. A Red-breasted Merganser was at found at 9 November (S. Carpenter). Vernonia Sewage Ponds on 8 November 0. Gatchet). A Gray Catbird was seen in NE Portland on 7 On 9 September 2 migrating Broad-winged August. Two out-of-place Clark's Nutcrackers were in Hawks were seen from Bonney Butte (Hood River), the Oak Grove (Clackamas) for a few days around 7 only known annual spot for them in Oregon (Fide D. August. A Northern Mockingbird was found at Powell Helzer). Scarce and hard-to-find in the region was a Butte, Portland, on 12 August (fide H. Nehls). Long-eared Owl in the hills above Scappoose on 21

Multnomah County's 1st and only Oregon's 5th September (J. Gatchet). A Red-breasted Merganser was Little Blue Heron was an immature bird at Bybee Lake, on the Columbia River near Sauvie Island on 6 Portland. It was found on 31 August (D. and S. November (fide H. Nehls). Two Black-legged McCarty) and was observed by dozens of birders Kittiwakes were seen just below the Dalles Dam during the following week. The bird lingered until 6 (Wasco) on October 18 (B. Tweit). September. The heron was associating with the gathering of over 250 Great Egrets on the lake, where a Winter 2008/2009 large percentage of the region's September population apparently stages every year. Five Black Swifts circled Washington County highlights included a Brant over Bybee Lake on 3 September (S. Hagen). found at Dawson Creek Corporate Park on 5 December Portland had many rarities including a Calliope (L. Humphreys) and a Black-and-white Warbler at C. Hummingbird in a yard in NE on 8 September. A Blair's feeders in Aloha on 28 January. Two Ross's White-throated Sparrow in a backyard near Mt. Tabor Geese were seen on Sauvie Island on 5 December (J. in SE Portland reported on 10 September apparently Gatchet). A Harris's Sparrow was seen on the island on summered there (G. Lillie). A Clay-colored Sparrow 28 January (W. Gross, A. Frank, and J. Hurt). was seen in a yard in SW Portland on 24 September 0. A very late Swainson's Thrush with a wing injury Withgott) and another Clay-colored Sparrow was seen was seen in NW Portland on 16 December (S. in SE on 29 September (fide H. Nehls). A Mountain Finnegan). A Bohemian Waxwing was found in a Chickadee was present in a backyard in NE Portland neighborhood in NE Portland during a snowstorm on throughout the month of September (S. Selby). 18 December (P. Newland). E. McVicker noticed a Common Redpoll with a swarm of Pine Siskins at his

Oregon Birds Volume 35 24 feeders in SW Portland on 22 December; D. Mandell the Columbia River, first found in late February, was saw one in his yard in NE Portland on 25 December. C. last sighted at 135th and Marine Drive on 4 April. A and A. Hinkle found a calling male Cassin's Finch in a Surf Scoter was at Broughton Beach 3 April (A. Frank) neighborhood in SE Portland on 30 December. A Brown and a male Red-breasted Merganser was on the Pelican was seen in north Portland on 31 December Columbia along Marine Drive on 29 March (S. (fide H. Nehls). Finnegan). Unusual for Portland, a pair of Barrow's The biggest attraction of the winter was the Slaty- Goldeneyes was seen on the Columbia River east of the backed Gull discovered on 24 January at Waterfront Portland Airport on 30 March and another Barrow's Park in downtown Portland (G. Canterbury). The gull Goldeneye was at 148th and Marine Drive on 16 May remained in Portland throughout the period and was (A. Clausing). observed by dozens of birders as it alternated between Calliope Hummingbirds made an excellent Waterfront Park and nearby Westmoreland Park. showing this spring in the Portland Metro area. In recent years they have increased as spring migrants in the Willamette Valley, but they are usually rare even at favored migration stops such as Mt. Tabor. One visited a feeder in Beaverton, Washington County, on 25 March (fide H. Nehls), one was in St. Helens on 6 April (H. Fritz), one was seen at Gabriel Park 8-10 April (M. Lundgren), and another was in Milwaukie on 9 April (S. Jaggers). A male Calliope was found at Mt. Tabor on 20 April (E Rowland), and was joined by a female and another male later that week. Other spring highlights at Mt. Tabor included a Tennessee Warbler 26 April 0. Hayes), a flyover Short- eared Owl on 25 April, and Dusky Flycatchers 1, 2 and 20 May (A. and C. Hinkle, M Scattaregia). Say's Phoebes were conspicuous during the spring. Washington County's ninth and tenth records came from Knoll Center Wetlands 7-9 March (V. Madden and D. Porter), and Fernhill Wetlands 27 March (B. Matheson). In Portland, one was east of the airport on 8 March (B. Bradford, J. Fitchen) and at Oaks Bottom 1, 15 and 20 March and 5 April (A. and C. Hinkle, M. Scattaregia). A Say's Phoebe and two female Mountain Bluebirds were found at Sandy River Delta 19 March (B. Bradford) and remained for several days. A pair of Mountain Bluebirds were there 30 March (A. Frank) and a pair were at Powell Butte Nature Park 26 March 0. Richter). Slaty-backed Gull. Photo by Mike Marsh. A Northern Goshawk was at Oaks Bottom 5 April (A. and C. Hinkle, M Scattaregia). A singing Cassin's Finch was at Pittock Mansion 20 April (S. Finnegan). A A Tufted Duck was found with a huge raft of mixed singing Rock Wren was on Larch Mountain 27 May (A. scaup east of the Portland Airport on 27 February (A. Frank). A Gray Flycatcher was at Milo Maclver SP, Clausing). The bird was widely seen by subsequent Clackamas Co, on 9 May (J. Hayes). observers and remained throughout the period. Washington County sightings included a Black- A Black-legged Kittiwake landed on B. Barley's necked Stilt at Tualatin River NWR 10 April (W. boat on the Columbia River just north of St. Helens demons, K. Hornung) and two there 26 April (S. (Columbia) on 28 February. Royce) and 27 April (S. Nord). Two stilts were seen from Fernhill Road 0.5 miles south of Blue Heron Drive Spring 2009 on 28 April (S. Schlick). A female Lark Bunting was seen at Jackson Bottom on 6 April (H. Nehls) for a first A few winter rarities remained in the Portland area county record. into early spring, drawing a lot of attention. The A Golden Eagle was on Sauvie Island, Columbia downtown Slaty-backed Gull, present since January, County, 1-4 March. On 29 April a Baird's Sandpiper was last reported on 10 April. The male Tufted Duck on

Oregon Birds Volume 35 25 •- spring) was at Rentenaar Road, Columbia Washington County's first American Redstart was County (W. Gross) and 2 Pectoral Sandpipers were in a found on 2 September at Jones Farm Creek in Hillsboro rlooded field on Reeder Road, Multnomah County, on 2 (S. Schlick). Although it was a good year for Lewis's May (J. Fitchen). At least forty five White-faced Ibis Woodpeckers further south in the valley, very few flew over Rentenaar Rd, Columbia County, on 22 May made it to the Portland area. One was present at Knoll (J. Withgott). Eleven White-faced Ibis flew over Bybee Center Wetlands, Beaverton 4-9 September (C. Turner). Lake, Portland, 16 May (A. Frank). On 19 September a juvenile Sabine's Gull was found at Fernhill Wetlands (J. Rakestraw); it remained Summer 2009 for several days. On 22 October a White-tailed Kite appeared at Jackson Bottom (D. Swell, S. Pinnock). A On 12 and 22 June, W. Gross found a Spotted Owl Long-tailed Duck was observed at Hagg Lake 25 in his NW Portland backyard near Pittock Mansion, October (I. Boustead, S. Schlick) to 30 October (D. Multnomah County. On 7 July T. Love briefly sighted a Smith). Eleven Surf Scoters were there on 25 October, singing male Hooded Warbler in his SW Portland, 17 were there 27 October, and 5 lingered until 9 Washington County, yard. At Fernhill Wetlands, November (fide Harry Nehls). Washington County, up to 13 American White Pelicans An American Tree Sparrow was found at Fernhill and one Tundra Swan over-summered (G. Gillson). Wetlands 13 November (T. Shreve) and stayed until 22 November. A late Say's Phoebe appeared at Jackson Bottom 11 November (fide H. Nehls) and a Gyrfalcon was seen there 27 November (D. Manzer). A Northern Mockingbird was at Bethany 27 November (fide H. Nehls). On 22 September J. Jones noticed a Rock Wren on riprap along the Willamette River near downtown Portland. R. and J. Coleman spotted a Snow Bunting in a residential neighborhood in NE Portland on 15 October. A Black-billed Magpie was in a neighborhood in North Portland 21 October (C. Selker). A Broad- winged Hawk flew past Council Crest 27 September (K. Jones). Another Broad-winged Hawk was seen 31 October and 1 November at Scappoose Bottoms (H. Harvat) and on Sauvie Island 1 November (B. Archer). A Red Phalarope was at Fernhill Wetlands 11 November (G. Gillson). Early in the morning on Singing migrant Red-eyed Vireos were seen at Mt. November 22, a strong storm pushed inland. A Red Tabor on 12 June and Balch Creek near the Portland Phalarope wras found at Fernhill Wetlands (S. Audubon Sanctuary on 17 June (A. and C. Hinkle, M. Carpenter) and 2 found at Westmoreland Park, Scattaregia). Several Yellow-breasted Chats and Red- Portland, lingered until 26 November (A. and C. eyed Vireos remained at Sandy River Delta all summer. Hinkle). Eastern Kingbirds nested there again and three young fledged. On 22 July J. Withgott saw and heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo in the willows at Sandy River Delta, Multnomah County. It was briefly sighted the next day (J.Gatchet). It remained hidden after that despite good coverage of the area.

Fall 2009

A Semipalmated Sandpiper was at Vanport Wetlands on 2 Aug. (S. Finnegan). On 26 August 165 Am. White Pelicans and 25 Bank Swallows were reported from Sauvie Island (J. Withgott). Nearly 300 Great Egrets and 315 Pied-billed Grebes gathered at Smith and Bybee Lakes in the end of August. On 26 August a Long-billed Curlew was photographed at Tualatin NWR (J. Sasko). On 27 August a Dusky Flycatcher was at Mt. Tabor (A. Hinkle). A Northern Goshawk was seen at Mt. Tabor 18 November (A. and C. Hinkle, M Scattaregia). Red Phalarope, Westmoreland Park, Portland. Photo by Adrian Hinkle.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 26 Fifteen Heermann's Gulls (S. Carpenter) and a Black-legged Kittiwake (I. Boustead) were seen at Fernhill Wetlands on 22 November. A Leach's Storm- Petrel was along the Columbia River near Clatskanie (P. Sullivan, C. Karlen). S. Johnston and K. Flick saw a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel at the mouth of the Hood River. A Heermann's Gull was at John Day dam (fide Harry Nehls). An injured Northern Fulmar was found in Milwaukie and brought to the Portland Audubon Care Center. On 25 November another Black-legged Kittiwake appeared at Fernhill Wetlands (fide Greg Gillson). On 20 November an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was sighted at John Day Dam, Sherman County (S. Johnston). It was joined by a third-year bird later in American Tree Sparrow, Fernhill Wetlands, photo by Tom the month. Both were seen into early December by Shreve. many observers. On 24 November two Black-legged Kittiwakes were seen at John Day Dam and 3 White- A Clay-colored Sparrow was reported from the St. winged Scoters were there 26 November (fide H. Johns neighborhood 6 December (G. Gregor). A Great Nehls). Gray Owl was seen along the Gresham Butte Trail in Gresham on 23 December (fide H. Nehls).

Lesser Black-backed Gull at John Day Dam. Photo by Larry Goodhew.

December 2009

The Lesser Black-backed Gulls at John Day Dam, Sherman County, lingered into early December and were seen until at least 6 December (fide H. Nehls). The Forest Grove CBC on 26 December yielded a Common Redpoll (S. Murray) and an Arctic Loon (L. Hooded Oriole at Gaston. Photo by Owen Schmidt. Norgen) at Hagg Lake. An adult male Hooded Oriole was found attending a hummingbird feeder in Gaston (E. McVicker). It continued to be seen into February. Also on the CBC was a Prairie Falcon found near Verboort for the 4th consecutive year (M. A. Sohlstrom). It remained into mid-January. An American Tree Sparrow was seen at Jackson Bottoms on 21 December (fide H. Nehls). Another was seen at Fernhill Wetlands 27 December (R. Luft).

Oregon Birds Volume 35 27 i Southern Willamette Valley

Tom Mi eke I

• Wood Sandpiper, Fern Ridge Reservoir, fall 2008. Photo by John Sullivan.

An Emperor Goose was found at Stewart Lake, airport (Benton) on 26 Feb 2009 (D. Robinson). Four Corvallis (Benton) on 22 Oct 2008 (J. Simmons, J. hundred seven Western/Clark's Grebes were counted Anderson, m.ob.) a less than annual occurrence in the at Fern Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 10 Sept 2008 (D. region. Another or the same Emperor Goose was shot Farrar), of that number about 20-25% were estimated to by a hunter at Diamond Hill wetlands (Linn) on or be Clark's Grebe. A Snowy Egret was found at Fern before 19 Feb 2009 (fide D. Irons & ODF&W). A single Ridge Reservoir (Lane) for the third fall in a row on 21 Brant was found in with a large flock of Cackling Geese Aug 2008 0. Sullivan, m.ob.). in the Fern Pudge Reservoir area (Lane) on 11 Feb 2009 A flock of thirteen White-faced Ibis were found at (T. Mickel, et.al.) and 19 April 2009 (A. & C. Hinkle). A Fern Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 9 May 2009 (A. single Tundra Swan was found at Fern Ridge Reservoir Contreras, et al.) and increased to forty by 24 May 2009 (Lane) on 30 July 2008 (D. Arendt, et.al.) and continued (m.ob.). to be found throughout August for a rare summer American White Pelicans again moved into the record. Ten Eurasian Wigeon were found at Grand southern Willamette Valley in good numbers during Prairie Park (Linn) on 11 March 2009 (J. Geier), an the summer of 2008 and increasing numbers during the unusually large number for any one location. summer of 2009 (m.ob.). With the increasing numbers, Two Eurasian Green-winged Teal were reported, they were first recorded in Polk County on 6 Sept 2008 one at Ankeny NWR (Marion) on 23 March 2009 (S. (B. Tice) three miles east of the confluence of the Finnegan) and one at Fern Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 16 Santiam and Willamette Rivers. An unusual inland April 2009 (R. Robb, et.al.), a subspecies (or species) sighting of a Brown Pelican was a first record for Fern that will no doubt be reported more frequently as more Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 26 June 2008 (fide D. Farrar). people start looking for it. A female Tufted Duck was An Osprey made a rare mid-winter appearance found at the Philomath sewage ponds (Benton) on 8 along the Willamette River at Westfir (Lane), in the Nov 2008 (D. Robinson) and a male was found at Fern foothills of the Cascades, on 31 Jane 2009 (C. Ferland). Ridge Reservoir (Lane) from 11 to 16 April 2009 (A. The wintering birds of the Eugene / Springfield area Heyerly & D. Nixon) for the fourth year in a row. normally don't stray very far from the Willamette or Forty-eight Hooded Mergansers were found at McKenzie Rivers through town. While doing the south Thornton Lake (Benton) on 26 Nov 2008 (T. Gholson), a Linn County raptor route on 10 Jan 2009, Jeff Fleischer rather high count for the area. A Red-breasted counted 128 Bald Eagles, a record high count. A light Merganser was found at the Philomath sewage ponds morph adult Swainson's Hawk was found at Highway

(Benton) on 5 Nov 2008 (D. Robinson) for about the 5th 99W and Stapleton Road (Polk) on 22 June 2008 (M. county record. Another was found near the Corvallis Lippsmeyer) for a rare summer record. Another

Oregon Birds Volume 35 28 Swainson's Hawk was found along Plainview Drive A JACK SNIPE was reported from Fern Ridge (Linn) on 29 Aug 2009 (T. Snetsinger) for a little more Reservoir (Lane) during the Eugene CBC on 4 Jan 2009 normal migration record. An immature Ferruginous (L. McQueen), but couldn't be found on a subsequent Hawk was found at Finley NWR (Benton) on 14 Dec search of the area. It would be Lane County's third 2008 (D. Robinson) for a rare winter record. A record if accepted by the Oregon Bird Records Gyrfalcon was found at Lost Lake (Linn) on 5 Oct 2008 Committee. There were two reports of Heermann's (T. Crabtree) for an uncommon Cascades record. Gull, the first at Monmouth sewage ponds (Polk) on 4 Another Gyrfalcon was found north of Eugene (Lane) Nov 2008 (]. Thomas) and the second at Dexter during the Eugene CBC on 4 Jan 2009 (J. Sullivan, et al.) Reservoir (Lane) on 8 Nov 2008 (R Sinnott) for rare for Lane County's forth record. inland records of this normally coastal species. A Least An unusual breeding season record of Sandhill Tern was found at Ankeny NWR (Marion) on 29 June Crane in the southern Willamette Valley was at Fern 2009 (R Gerig) for the third inland record for Oregon. Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 5 July 2009 (E. Reese). A pair 28 August 2009 was a record day for Black Swifts of American Avocets was defending a nest on 6 June migration in the Corvallis area (Benton) with numerous 2008 (D. Farrar) for the first breeding record at Fern reports, including one flock of 21 birds at Willamette Ridge Reservoir (Lane) - the outcome of the breeding Park (D. Robinson). Seven White-throated Swifts were attempt is unknown. A winter record for Lesser reported over McDonald-Dunn Forest (Benton) on 4 Yellowlegs comes from Delta Ponds (Lane) on 6 Feb Sept 2008 (D. Robinson) for the county's second record. 2009 (A. Prigge). A Black-chinned Hummingbird put in a rare The first Oregon record for WOOD SANDPIPER appearance in Eugene on 26 May 2009 (P. Wetherwax). was found at Fern Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 29 Sept The Broad-tailed Hummingbird found at a feeder east 2008 (J. Sullivan). The bird was around until 5 Oct of Lebanon from 5 to 10 Sept 2008 was a first record for allowing many birders from around the country to see Linn County. it. One Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was found at Baskett Slough NWR (Polk) on 8 Sept 2009 (J. Hannum), two were at the Frog Pond, Ankeny NWR (Marion) on 23 Sept. 2008 (G. Lindeman), and another was at Fern Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 14 Oct 2008 (Mai trey a). A Stilt Sandpiper was found at Fern Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 17 Sept 2008 (L. McQueen, et.al.) and two different Stilt Sandpipers, based on plumage, were found there on 30 Sept 2008 (m.ob.) and stayed until 2 Oct., with one 11 Oct. possibly a different bird (A. Contreras, J. Sullivan et al.) Another Stilt Sandpiper was found at the Frog Pond, Ankeny NWR (Marion) on 22 Sept 2008 (M. Cunningham) for a higher than normal number of birds in the area. A Ruff was recorded at Ankeny NWR (Marion) on 6 Sept 2008 (R. Gerig), another was at Fern Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 12 Sept 2008 (J. Sullivan), and possibly a third was at Fern Ridge Reservoir (Lane) on 19 Sept 2008 (D. Irons). There weren't any reports from Fern Ridge Reservoir between the 12th and the

19th. Shorebird numbers at Fern Ridge Reservoir during the fall of 2008 were higher and more diverse than normal because of lower than normal water levels.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (note white chin), 8 September 2008, Lebanon. Photo by Ed McVicker.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 29 Lewis's Woodpeckers made a good showing in Sept breeding season Lark Sparrow was found at Mt. Pisgah 2008 (m.ob.) throughout the area and in even larger (Lane) on 15 June 2008 (J. Hayes) and a second one was numbers during the fall and early winter of 2009 found at Willow Creek (Lane) on 7 June 2009 (T. (m.ob.). A Williamson's Sapsucker, rare for the west Mickel). A rare fall report of Black-throated Sparrow slope of the Cascades, was found in the Waldo Lake at Finley NWR (Benton) on 14 Sept 2008 (L. Millbank & area (Lane) on 7 Aug 2008 (P. Sherrell). A Yellow- D. Boucher) provided the third county record. bellied Sapsucker was found at Baskett Slough NWR (Marion) on 16 Feb 2009 (A. Stepniewski). A possible Alder Flycatcher ("Traill's" type flycatcher with a "pip" call note) was found in the Box Canyon area of the Aufderheide Drive (Lane) on 17 June 2008 (D. Irons). Four Say's Phoebes were found at Alton Baker Park (Lane) on 28 Feb 2008 (E. & V. Thompson), a large number for one location. Two Loggerhead Shrikes were found during the spring of 2009, the first was at Finley NWR (Benton) on 13 March (T. Leonard) and the second at the Tangent sewage ponds (Linn) on 21 March 2009 (R. Campbell). A late Red-eyed Vireo report comes from Luckiamute Landing (Polk) on 3 Sept 2009 (B. Proebsting). Two Clark's Nutcrackers, always rare away from the high Cascades, were found at Mary's Peak (Benton) on 28 Oct 2008 (B. & J. Bellin). Rare Grasshopper Sparrow. Photo by Howard Bruner. summer reports of Bank Swallows were from

Philomath and Finley NWR (Benton) during June and A Golden-crowned Sparrow at Lorane (Lane) on 17 July of 2008 and 2009 (D. Robinson), are they breeding June 2008 (D. Irons) provided a rare summer record. A in the area? Chestnut-collared Longspur was reported at Baskett A Sedge Wren was reported from E.E. Wilson Slough NWR (Marion) on 20 Nov 2008 (L. Norgren) for (Benton) on 4 Nov 2008 (B. Proebsting & K. Hilton). An a rare area record. A rare winter record of Black- unusual breeding season report of Northern headed Grosbeak comes from Eugene's south hills Mockingbird comes from Keizer (Marion) from 16 to 18 (Lane) from 1 to 4 Jan 2009 (C. & K. Frazer). Four July 2008 (P. Boulay). A Brown Thrasher was found reports of Indigo Bunting were received from Benton, north of Silverton (Marion) from 26 to 28 Dec 2008 (M. Lane, Linn, and Polk Counties with the most unusual Schneider & T. Bray). The fourth county record of being the one found near Cougar Reservoir (Lane) in Tennessee Warbler for Benton County was at the Cascades on 23 July 2009 (G. Grier, K. Larsen, C. Willamette Park on 13 Sept 2008 (D. Robinson). Pappas). Willamette Park also produced the first Benton County The first Oregon record of a Pyrrhuloxia comes record of Magnolia Warbler on 13 Sept 2008 (D. from Peoria (Linn) from 12 Nov 2008 to 20 Feb 2009 (R. Robinson). Two wintering Hermit Warblers were Campbell). photographed at feeders in the Eugene area, a female in A rare west side record of a Bobolink is from the south hills on 24 Feb 2009 (B. McWhorter) and a male Lebanon area (Linn) on 18 Aug 2008 (B. Thackaberry). in north Eugene on 14 March 2009 (B. Green). A Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch found at the Philomath A Palm Warbler was found in Peoria (Linn) on 29 sewage ponds (Benton) on 28 Oct 2008 (D. Robinson), Nov 2008 (R Campbell) for the second county record. was a rare valley floor record. A high count of 25 Gray- A Black-and-White Warbler was found at Delta Ponds crowned Rosy-Finches were found the next day (29 Oct (Lane) on 14 Aug 2008 (S. Hill) for the eighth record for 2008) on Mary's Peak (m.ob.). the county. A late Western Tanager was found in Corvallis (Benton) on 25 Nov 2008 (R. Hoyer). A

Oregon Birds Volume 35 30 Rogue-Umpqua No report was received, so we offer these regional photos.

Pyrrhuloxia. Photo by Pat Tilley.

A Pine Grosbeak that was found at Mary's Peak (Benton) on 5 Feb 2009 (D. Robinson) provided a first county record. White-winged Crossbills were found at Waldo Lake (Lane) on 25 July 2009 (R. Maertz) where they're reported every few years. A Common Redpoll was reported in Eugene (Lane) on about 18 March 2009 (J. Street) at a feeder with a flock of Pine Siskins for the fifth county record. Another Common Redpoll was reported in the south hills of Eugene (Lane) on the extremely unusual date of 24 June 2009 (J. Buckmaster).

Blue-headed Vireo, circa April 20 2008, Jackson County. Photo by Richard Cronberg.

Lapland Longspur. Photo by Roger Robb.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Agate Lake, 14 Sep 2009. Photo by Norm Barrett.

Oregon Birds Vo I u m e 3 5 31 Dickcissel, Josephine Co. Photo by Phil Hicks.

''SB

<

v Trumpeter Swans, 9 January 2009 at Obstinate J Ranch, near Lost Creek Reservoir, Jackson Co. Photo by Norm Barrett.

Female Hooded Oriole, 19 April 2008 near White City. Photo by Norm Barrett.

Northern Cardinal, Jackson Co., origin unknown. Photo by Norm Barrett.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 32 White-headed Woodpecker. Photo by Brandon Green. MOUNTAIN QUAIL made a showing south of Sisters in July with a pair of adults and 17 little ones. EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES continue to invade Summer 2008 our area in larger and larger numbers. Woodpeckers are common nesters in Central Water birding in the summer consists mostly of Oregon. With the inaugural Woodpecker Wonderland checking out local nesters and looking for some early Festival, many eyes were out and about searching for or late migrants at the beginning and the end of the nesting woodpeckers. Although cooler temperatures season. A late SNOW GOOSE was found in early June seemed to delay the nesting season, most of the choice at Houston Lake and the resident Trumpeter Swan at woodpecker species were located for the festival and Gutierrez Ranch near Paulina persists without a mate throughout the summer. LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS for another year. BLUE-WINGED TEAL made a good continued to use the ECBC nest boxes in the Entrada showing in the area with sightings at Bend and Burn SW of Bend. Several hybrid sapsuckers were Redmond Sewer Ponds. GREATER SCAUP made an located and served to highlight our area as a major unusual appearance in mid-summer at Hatfield while overlap region for the RED-NAPED and RED- CLARK'S GREBES were spotted from five different BREASTED SAPSUCKER. locations around the area. WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERS showed their BLACK-NECKED STILTS were discovered at normal abundance and the harder to find BLACK- Hatfield Lk. and Houston Lakes and SOLITARY BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen in pretty good SANDPIPERS were located at Hatfield and Redmond numbers due to the large number of burned trees in Sewer Ponds. The difficult to identify the Cascades. It's always hard to find the THREE- SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was identified from 3 TOED WOODPECKER but birders like Shunk, locations while the equally difficult SHORT-BILLED Dougill, Low, and Horvath were able to locate several. DOWITCHER was seen at Hatfield, Tumalo Res., and PILEATED WOODPECKERS were located in places Redmond Sewer Ponds. like the Ochocos, Trout Creek, Grizzly Mnt, and Black Nesting OSPREY were abundant throughout the Butte Ranch. region. One NORTHERN GOSHAWK was found in Some very interesting passerines graced us with the Ochocos and a juvenile RED-SHOULDERED their presence this summer. LOGGERHEAD HAWK hung out just east of Prineville for about a SHRIKES were found scattered around the region in week. Nesting FERRUGINOUS HAWKS were found dryer habitats. A CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE east of Bend and near Paulina and a single adult showed up at the Metolius Preserve and a BEWICK'S PEREGRINE FALCON was seen soaring over Crook WREN summered at Lower Bridge. A singing VEERY County High School in Prineville. spent the whole summer behind Gobbler's Knob just

Oregon Birds Volume 35 33 south of Black Butte. HERMIT WARBLERS were BREASTED MERGANSERS at Wickiup Reservoir in reported from several locations above Sisters and many early November. It's unusual to find a single HERMIT x TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS illustrated the individual of this species in Central Oregon but this fragility of the term 'species' as these two close relatives year, as many as fifteen were found at Wickiup. That's often hybridize. An OVENBIRD was around in Bend a notable number. for a few days in June and YELLOW-BREASTED Other waterfowl sightings of interest were made CHATS were discovered in Deschutes and Crook around the area. A PACIFIC LOON was found at Counties. Wickiup on November 14 and HORNED GREBES were pretty easy to find in Deschutes County. If CLARK'S was your grebe of choice, Crook County was the place to be. Both Prineville and Ochoco Reservoirs sported birds throughout the season. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS haunted the backwaters of Prineville Reservoir and GREAT EGRETS were seen at Prineville and Wickiup Reservoirs. WHITE-FACED IBIS showed up at Tumalo and Prineville Reservoirs for their brief but almost annual appearance. The biggest news of the season was the presence of a LAUGHING GULL found at Crane Prairie. FRANKLIN'S GULLS will usually grab the headlines but the few that were reported associating with the "laugher" were virtually lost in the spotlight. A THAYER'S GULL found on the fall NAMC was one of fewer than five historical records for Deschutes County. While a little more common than Thayer's, HERRING GULLS are still a rarity and individual birds were found at Tumalo Reservoir and Lake Billy Chinook. Tliree-toed Woodpecker. Photo by Roger Robb. BLACK TERNS made a brief showing at Hatfield in August while COMMON TERNS (which are not Probably the best bird of the summer was the aptly common at all here) were found at Wickiup, Crane named SUMMER TANAGER that gave a wonderful Prairie, and Tumalo Reservoirs. A single report of an show to the woodpecker festival participants in Camp ARCTIC TERN came in from Wickiup on September Sherman. It's hard to find White-Crowned Sparrows in 1st. A LONG-TAILED JAEGER was seen at Wickiup Central Oregon in the summer but several were located on the same day as the Arctic Tern. Though not nesting at high elevations in the Cascades. A ROSE- technically a Larid, the Jaeger is often confused with BREASTED GROSBEAK found its way to the willows gulls so its presence in this paragraph is forgivable. on the Crooked River east of the Prineville Reservoir Shorebird abundance can be highly variable from and a colony of nesting BOBOLINKS was seen east of year to year. 2008 will not go down as a year of Paulina. PURPLE FINCHES rounded out the passerine tremendous bird numbers but the variety was actually report for Central Oregon. pretty good. A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER made an appearance at the Redmond Sewer Ponds, as did a Fall 2008 SOLITARY SANDPIPER. SANDERLINGS were located at Wickiup while a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER Waterfowl are not particularly abundant in Central made a showing at the Redmond Sewer Ponds. Oregon during the breeding season and they tend to BAIRD'S SANDPIPER numbers were down from migrate later than many of the other birds (if they previous years but PECTORAL SANDPIPERS made a migrate at all). While the warblers, flycatchers, and better than average showing. Even several DUNLIN vireos leave by mid September, many waterfowl have showed up earlier than normal. SHORT-BILLED just begun to move. There are exceptions. Cinnamon DOWITCHERS were seen at Wickiup, Prineville, and and Blue-winged Teal migrate out with the songbirds Hatfield. The Hatfield birds numbered thirty-four, so a BLUE-WINGED TEAL found in late September which is a huge number. RED-NECKED was somewhat unusual. A REDHEAD in Deschutes is PHALAROPES were found scattered around the water always worth noting and one was seen as late as features of Central Oregon. The best shorebird of the November 9th at Hatfield. Most of the other rare ducks season was a RUFF found by Kim Owen at the came in much later. November SURF SCOTERS were Redmond Sewer Ponds. found in respectable numbers with nineteen individual CHUKARS were seen at scattered locations like birds found at five locations. One of the biggest Gray Butte and Smith Rock. GRAY PARTRIDGE were waterfowl stories of the season had to do with RED- found on Grizzly Butte north of Prineville for a third

Oregon Birds Volume 35 34 county record. RUFFED GROUSE were found at Crane please contact (as this person did) local birders. The Prairie and SOOTY GROUSE were seen at Green Ridge. status of this species is in question. WILD TURKEYS were found scattered in low numbers CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES are not in all three Central Oregon counties. A BAND-TAILED nearly so mysterious. They are rare but certainly PIGEON showed up at the Redmond Sewer Ponds resident as 5 were seen at Whisky Springs and more are briefly and EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES continue seen seasonally. The Lower Bridge BEWICK'S WREN their march on Oregon with a remarkable 90 birds was seen throughout the season while a difficult-to-find reported from our area. SWAINSON'S THRUSH made a showing at a water A total of six separate NORTHERN GOSHAWK feature near Sisters. Woodside Ranch reported a GRAY sightings were reported with most of the birds being CATBIRD which was well seen and photographed. seen in timbered areas. Fourteen RED-SHOULDERED A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was found at HAWKS were found throughout the area making this Hampton and two BLACK & WHITE WARBLERS bird not as much of a rarity as it once was. The same were found in Bend. Other good warblers included can be said for the PEREGRINE FALCON as 7 different several HERMIT X TOWNSEND hybrids from the birds were found in Central Oregon. A late Cascade foothills, a PALM WARBLER found in SWAINSON'S HAWK was found migrating over Lava Brothers, and an AMERICAN REDSTART in Bend. A Butte in October. rare CLAY-COLORED SPARROW came to a water FLAMMULATED and WESTERN SCREECH feature briefly in the Sundance sub-division east of OWLS were located on the Deschutes NAMC and Bend. WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS made a good another screech owl was found in Prineville. Scattered showing with ten birds being tallied from all over the PYGMY OWL reports were normal but a BARRED region. A SNOW BUNTING was found on Grizzly OWL photographed at Tillicum Village was certainly Butte for a third county record. Gray-crowned Rosy- out of the norm. A GREAT GRAY OWL was discovered finches showed up on Grizzly as well and over twenty in the Sisters area but its location was kept secret PURPLE FINCH reports came in from Deschutes and because this bird is believed to nest in the same area Crook counties. and locals are concerned about disturbance (the ECBC supports this effort). LONG-EARED and SAW-WHET Winter 2008-2009 OWLS were heard calling on Coyle Butte. Webster's Online Dictionary defines a grab bag as It was a good winter for waterfowl, with White- a miscellaneous collection or potpourri. In the middle fronted and Snow Goose reported and two Ross's of most field guides, you can find a group of birds Goose on the Redmond CBC 14 December (fide Kim whose idiosyncrasies separate them from the other Owen). Eurasian Wigeon were widespread and both birds. We'll call them the grab bag birds. Sisters and Redmond CBCs reported two. A Greater Woodpeckers, swifts, shrikes, hummingbirds, and Scaup x Tufted Duck hybrid was present near John nightjars fit this description in my way of thinking. Day Dam throughout January and a Surf Scoter was at COMMON POORWILLS were found on the Deschutes Haystack Res. on 1 Feb. County NAMC while WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS Red-shouldered Hawk continued to spread, with were seen coursing vertical canyon walls as late as one seen at Pelton Overlook, Jefferson Co. on 22 Feb. A September 21st. BLACK-CHINNED, CALLIOPE, and small number of Williamson's Sapsuckers remained for ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS were found throughout the winter. Bohemian Waxwings reached as far the region. southwest as Bend, but numbers were very small Two of the much more unusual COSTA'S except for the 47 on Redmond CBC. Fox and White- HUMMINGBIRDS were located at Tumalo State Park throated Sparrows were very thin, but at least five and Sawyer Park in Bend. LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS Harris's Sparrows were reported, which is high for the were around until late September and WILLIAMSON'S region. SAPSUCKERS, which normally migrate, were found Purple Finch was locally common at Prineville; the into the winter. A total of nine AMERICAN THREE- actual status of this species in central Oregon is not TOED WOODPECKERS were seen mostly in the Sisters well known. area and BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were found in small numbers in the same locations. Most of Spring 2009 the LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were gone by the end of September and the NORTHERN SHRIKES had moved Waterfowl migration this year was abundant but in by Halloween. provided few surprises. A ROSS'S GOOSE was seen The rest of our birds fall neatly into the generic east of Bend and a CACKLING GOOSE hung out at category of 'songbirds'. Three very unusual BLACK- Drake Park for a few days. A total of 6 EURASIAN CAPPED CHICKADEES made a showing at a west WIGEONS were spotted throughout the region. BLUE- Bend feeder. If you ever see this species at your feeder, WINGED TEAL seemed to be a little more common

Oregon Birds Volume 35 35 than normal and the numbers of GREATER SCAUP at Wickiup Reservoir were quite impressive. A RED- BREASTED MERGANSER gave a good show at Sawyer Park and a few HORNED GREBES were located at various locales. It was a big year for AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS with as many as 80 showing up at Houston Lake in Powell Butte. Houston Lake continued to be one of the best places to see AMERICAN BITTERN and that location also hosted a GREAT EGRET (seen in several other locations as well). One doesn't think of Bend's Sawyer Park as a likely location for SANDHILL CRANE but one was located flying over by Dave Tracy's Birding-By-Ear class on April 1. Seventy-six sandhills were found at Gutierrez Ranch in Crook County. A SEMIPALMATED PLOVER showed up briefly at Hatfield Lake and LESSER YELLOWLEGS were spotted there as well. Keeping with its common name, a single SOLITARY SANDPIPER made an unexpected showing at Calliope Crossing of all places. One does not expect to see PECTORAL SANDPIPERS in this area in the spring so a single bird near lower bridge makes this list. Three RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were located at Hatfield Lake. BONAPARTE'S GULLS, FORSTER'S TERN, and BLACK TERN were all seen in the region. While mostly non-migratory, game birds can still make our rare bird list in the spring. CHUKARS were Acorn Woodpecker, first record for Deschutes County. Photo found in three Deschutes County locations including an by Don Moody I bendinpixels.com. unlikely sighting in Deschutes River Woods. RUFFED GROUSE were heard drumming in Crook County and Though the Woodpecker Wonderland Festival GREATER SAGE-GROUSE made a welcome return to actually occurs during the summer season (spring the Millican Lek after being nearly absent last year. season ends May 31), much of the scouting occurs in SOOTY GROUSE were relatively easy to find in the May. This, along with some other serendipitous Cascades and WILD TURKEY were found at Camp encounters produced some good woodpecker sightings Polk and the GW burn. MOUNTAIN QUAIL were also this spring. For one of the only times in history, all heard in the burns around Sisters. A single BAND- twelve species of Oregon woodpeckers were seen in TAILED PIGEON showed up at Dean Hale's house and our area in one season. The best sighting included a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES continue the invasion report of an ACORN WOODPECKER in Bend. This is as they appeared in ever increasing locations. only the second Deschutes County record for this We did find a few rare raptors in Central Oregon species. AMRICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS this spring. NORTHERN GOSHAWKS were reported were found in the burned areas around Sisters along from 4 locations in Deschutes County. SWAINSON'S with BLACK-BACKED, WHITE-HEADED, and HAWKS could be found in the eastern areas of the PILEATED WOODPECKERS. region along with FERRUGINOUS HAWKS. MERLIN Nightjars, Hummingbirds, and swifts are popular were located in most urban areas and 3 PEREGRINE with birders because some are uncommon and their FALCONS were found in locations like Sawyer Park lifestyles are so fascinating. COMMON POORWILLS and Crook County. Cold Springs Campground hosted returned to Central Oregon in May and WHITE- at least one WESTERN SCREECH-OWL and THROATED SWIFTS were found in multiple locations; NORTHERN PYGMY-OWLS were found scattered most notably, Smith Rock State Park. VAUX'S SWIFTS throughout the wooded areas of Central Oregon. A were seen entering chimneys at Harriman St. in Bend BURROWING OWL stayed a short time east of Bend and downtown Prineville among other locations. (much to the chagrin of many who were unable to get ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS continue to be more and to that location until the next day, only to miss that more common in Bend while a single COSTA'S bird). SHORT-EARED OWLS were counted at the GI HUMMINGBIRD was located at Bend's Entrada Lodge. Ranch in Crook County and a single GREAT GRAY BLACK-CHINNED and CALLIOPE HUMMERS also OWL turned up near Sisters. graced us with their presence.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 36 Passerines (perching birds) usually provide lots of AVOCETS could be found here and there which is entertainment during spring migration. They use normal but a report of a WANDERING TATTLER from Central Oregon's waterways and mountains as the River Trail in Bend was completely unexpected (The highways to reach the rich bounty of the northern bird was only seen by one observer who was from out regions. A PURPLE MARTIN showed up in Powell of state). Butte during the NAMC. CHESTNUT-BACKED A SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER was seen at CHICKADEES were heard at Virginia Meissner Snow Hatfield Lake in July and a FRANKLIN'S GULL was Park and a BEWICK'S WREN has taken up residence at there in early June. BONAPARTE'S GULLS were found Lower Bridge (this species seems to be expanding its at Hatfield and Prineville Sewage Ponds. A few range as it was reported from several other locations as FORSTER'S TERNS were seen in June and BLACK well). A VEERY was found at Calliope Crossing and TERNS nested in their usual locations in eastern Crook AMERICAN PIPITS were seen throughout the region County. near water features. Summer can be the best season to find the chicken• HERMIT WARBLERS were abundant and a single like game birds. During summer, these birds call and NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH made a showing at display often so they can be easier to find. CHUKAR Calliope Crossing. YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT were were located near Green Ridge and RUFFED AND found at Kahneetah and in Crook County. WHITE- DUSKY GROUSE were reported from Wheeler County. THROATED SPARROWS were reported from Bend and SOOTY GROUSE are the form of Blue Grouse found in Redmond and the BOBOLINKS of Crook County the Cascades and "Sootys" were found at the Metolius returned to their nesting location at the end of May. Preserve, Camp Sherman area, and Trout Creek. WILD TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were spotted in several TURKEY reports came in from Green Ridge and marshes near Prineville and a late GRAY-CROWNED MOUNTAIN QUAIL were located at Green Ridge, ROSY-FINCH showed up at the top of Pilot Butte in Squaw Flat, and Lake Billy Chinook. EURASIAN early May. PURPLE FINCHES continue to easier and COLLARED-DOVES continue their advance on Central easier to find in Deschutes County. Oregon and sightings in every Central Oregon community are becoming commonplace. Summer 2009 A WESTERN SCREECH-OWL was heard at Ochoco Ranger Station in Crook County near the end of In the birding world, summer sometimes gets a July and BARN OWLS could be found in a few barns in bad rap. The spring migration is over. The chance for the Prineville area. NORTHERN PYGMY-OWLS were rare birds is diminished. Hard core birders are just a found in the Metolius Preserve and the Ochoco little tired. However, summer can produce some very Mountains. nice birding experiences. BARRED OWL reports came in from Cold Springs BLUE-WINGED TEAL are sporadic summer Campground and Jordan Creek in Wasco County. A nesters here and sightings came in from a couple of GREAT GRAY OWL was located in Deschutes County spots in Deschutes and Crook counties. A single and a LONG-EARED OWL was calling from Cold CANVASBACK spent a few days at the Redmond Springs Campground in early June. A pair of Sewage Ponds and late COMMON GOLDENEYES NORTHERN GOSHAWKS nested in eastern Deschutes (they nest up north) were found as late as June 6. County near Sisters and SWAINSON'S HAWKS BARROW'S GOLDENEYE nest here in our high summered around Prineville. FERRUGINOUS mountain lakes and birds were found at locations like HAWKS were seen around Crook County while a Suttle Lake, Cache Lake, Scout Lake, Dark Lake, and Peregrine Falcon took up residence at St. Charles Clear Lake. HOODED MERGANSERS usually take Hospital in Bend. their cue from the Common Goldeneyes and head COMMON NIGHTHAWKS began arriving around north to nest too but a few stuck around in our high June 2nd and COMMON POORWILLS were heard lakes. calling from Powell Butte all summer. WHITE- Besides ducks, other good water birds were seen in THROATED SWIFTS could be found were rock the area this summer. CLARK'S GREBES summered at promontories exist in places like Smith Rock or Peter Prineville and Ochoco reservoirs and AMERICAN Skene Ogden Wayside on Hwy 97. Hummingbirds in BITTERNS were found in their traditional nesting sites the area included BLACK-CHINNED, ANNA'S, at Houston Lake near Powell Butte. It was a big year CALLIOPE, and RUFOUS. for AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. Ochoco Reservoir LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS could be found west of had as many as 420 at one time while most major lakes Bend near the Entrada Burn. WILLIAMSON'S in the low lands hosted at least a few. A single WHITE- SAPSUCKERS were easy to find in the Cascades and FACED IBIS rested at the Redmond Sewage Ponds for a Ochocos. RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS were few days and SANDHILL CRANES could be heard abundant around Sisters while RED-NAPED cavorting in eastern Crook County. A few STILTS & SAPSUCKERS were the more common species in the

Oregon Birds Volume 35 37 Ochocos. RED-BREASTED X RED-NAPED hybrids reported from Wickiup Reservoir, Prineville Reservoir, were seen in several places which reflects the range Hatfield Lake, and Haystack Reservoir. A single overlap of these two species in the Sisters area. WHITE-WINGED SCOTER report came in from the WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERS were north end of Davis Lake. RED-BREASTED abundant in the large ponderosa pine habitats and MERGANSERS were seen at Wickiup and Davis Lake. AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER could be HORNED GREBES seem to be showing up more found in the Dry Creek area near Sisters. BLACK- frequently these days as this species was sighted on 9 BACKED WOODPECKERS were relatively easy to find different occasions. It was a big year for RED-NECKED in the big burned areas west of Sisters. PILEATED GREBES as well with birds being seen at Suttle Lake, WOODPECKER reports came in from Scout Lake, Trout Haystack, and Wickiup Reservoirs. CLARK'S GREBES Creek, Abbott Creek, and Elk Lake. were also found in about the same areas. AMERICAN Willow Flycatchers nest in small numbers at places WHITE PELICANS made a good showing with as like Summit Prairie in Crook County and Calliope many as 210 being seen at Wickiup Reservoir. GREAT Crossing in Deschutes. A rare LEAST FLYCATCHER EGRETS were found at Houston Lake on two different made a showing for a couple of weeks in early July (this occasions and PACIFIC LOON reports came in from the is only the 2nd Deschutes County record of this High Lakes region. species). EASTERN KINGBIRDS were located in their Game bird sightings were few and far between in usual Crook County haunts but a bird at Lake Billy Central Oregon this fall. This is not entirely unusual. If Chinook in late June was unusual. One usually thinks every predator in the area wanted to eat you, you of CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES as being a would be hard to find as well. RUFFED GROUSE were Coast Range or western slope of the Cascades bird but a seen near Sisters and the Green Ridge Hawkwatch few were spotted on this side of the Cascades crest. group found SOOTY GROUSE, and MT. QUAIL while BEWICK'S WRENS continue to expand into Central surveying hawks. A single RING-NECKED Oregon and birds were seen at Lower Bridge and PHEASANT was seen near Prineville and Camp Polk Calliope Crossing. gave us our only WILD TURKEY report of the season. For several consecutive years now, VEERY have Raptors like Central Oregon for its abundant food been heard at Metolius Preserve. VARIED THRUSH supply and multiple habitats. Late TURKEY are usually nesters in the dark, wet forests of the VULTURES (I know. They're not raptors but where else Cascades and Coast Range but singing birds were can I talk about them?) were found in Prineville (Nov. located in the Ochoco Mountains this summer. A 15) and Tumalo (Nov. 21). Mild weather certainly GRAY CATBIRD spent a few days showing off at contributed to these late birds. The last OSPREY was Calliope Crossing and HERMIT WARBLERS could be seen on October 17 and the first ROUGH-LEGGED found at many high Cascade locations like Suttle Lake. HAWKS came in on November 3. Many NORTHERN One of the best birds of the summer was an GOSHAWKS were seen in the mountains around OVENBIRD found at Cold Springs Campground. Sisters and Bend. RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS were YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT were seen along North reported from Tumalo Reservoir, Bend, Wickiup Shore Road in Crook County and several BLACK- Reserovir, Calliope Crossing, Glaze Meadow, and near THROATED SPARROWS were found nesting near Rosland Park. The most exciting raptor news was that Painted Cove in Wheeler County. Three (presumably) of a BROAD-WINGED HAWK being seen, not once, different ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS showed up but twice on two different dates at Green Ridge. in Bend this summer and BOBOLINKS were found on SWAINSON'S HAWKS were nearly gone by October Puett Road in eastern Crook County. but a late bird stayed around Powell Butte until 20 October. Fall 2009

This year, we were graced by the presence of some spectacular migrating waterfowl and some unusual Join Oregon Field Ornithologists ! birds were among them. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE come through every year for a short time and this year Support Oregon Birds, Oregon Birders On Line we were visited by a few BLUE-WINGED TEAL as and the conservation, study and enjoyment well. REDHEADS were reported from several locations of Oregon's birds. and GREATER SCAUP were seen at Suttle Lake and the Prineville Sewage Ponds. H 1 A candidate for bird of the season, a single female OFO Box 10373 Eugene OR 97440 HARLEQUIN DUCK was found at Crane Prairie. This was the first time this species has been found in http://www.oregonbirds.org/ Deschutes County. A total of 43 SURF SCOTERS were

Oregon Birds Volume 35 38 Least Bittern, 9/01/07, Jerry Pogue, Malone Springs, Upper Klamath Lake, Klamath County

Fifty-seven CACKLING GOOSE at Straits Drain, PELICAN successfully wintered near Putnam's Point, LKNWR, September 28, 2009, seemed early, (DMe) and Upper Klamath Lake, during the winter of 09/10. A provides an arrival date. Northern Shoveler, 20K, Lake GREAT BLUE HERON nest rookery with 16 nests was Abert, 25 Aug. , 2008, (R. Robb), was a large seen, 26 June, 2009, S of Eagle Ridge, Upper Klamath concentration. Inland sea ducks included: SURF Lake (KTS). A single OSPREY, was lingering near SCOTER, 1, adult male, Nov. 1, 2009, Henzel Park, Chemult, KLAM, 1 Nov. 2009, (C.&M.Miller). Agency Lake, KLAM, (KTS), WHITE-WINGED RED-SHOULDERED HAWK reports in Klamath SCOTER, 1, 7-13 Dec, 2008, Upper Klamath Lake Co., increased during Nov. 2008 through Feb. 2009, over (DMe-photo), LONG-TAILED DUCK, reported 29 Nov. previous winters, with at least 8 individuals seen. 2008, near Putnam's Point (DHa), and lingered to 5 Reports came from throughout the Basin, including May, 2009, on the Link River, KLAM, (DMe), and a Upper Klamath Lake and Fort Klamath areas. Nesting male RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, likely wintered is suspected, but as of yet, not confirmed. Interestingly, with reports from 30 Dec. 2008 and 14 Feb. 2009 ( DMe, Lake Co. had an increase in reports. Singles at Summer KTS). Lake WMA, 20 July, 2008 0.Thomas, Salem AS), W of A Common Goldeneye X Hooded Merganser, seen Adel, a juv., 15 Aug., 2008 (FM), E of Crump Lake, 20-23 Jan. 2009 (JVH, KTS-ph), was in the same adult, 19 Aug., 2008, (FM), Valley Falls, 1 imm. 11-13 location, 19 Dec, 2009, and described as an adult male Aug. 2009 (T.Seager), and New Pine Ck., 16 Aug., 2009, (DMe). PACIFIC LOON, 2 imm., 28-29 Oct., 2009, (DI, DF, JP, & J. Brown) are enough to suspect nesting in (L&A Wicklund), is not often seen in the Klamath Basin, Lake County. but COMMON LOON, 13, Odell Lake, 8 Nov., 2009 One HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK (dark (PTS), was more expected. Three AMERICAN WHITE morph) was seen on 31 Oct., 2009 near Fort Rock (S.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 39 Shunk). Merlin had an above average fall migration KILLDEER, 100, were concentrated in a flooded field S season 2009, with 10 individuals reported from of Merrill, 26 Sept. 2009. Klamath Co. There was one report of Peregrine Falcon, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, 1,11 May, 2009, seen near Klamath Marsh, (S.Dowlan-ph), and 1, on 19 August, 2009, at Head of the Williamson River (M.E.Sargent), an out of the way marshy area, supporting that this shorebird migrates inland over forested areas to stop at isolated wetlands (Paulson, 1993). At Lake Abert, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, 1 juv., 29 July, 2008, (DI), 4, were picked out of large groups of peeps, 8 Aug. 2009 (T. Rodenkirk), and 1, on 10 Aug., 2009, Summer Lake, (PTS). In two flooded fields along Stateline Rd., 39 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen S of Merrill, KLAM, 26 Sept.,2009 (KTS). Mind numbing numbers during the fall migration Long-tailed Duck at Link River, Klamath Falls, 12 April from the later part of summer into early fall, 2008, at 2009. Photo by Terry Henderson. Lake Abert, LAKE, included: AMERICAN AVOCET, > 50,000, July 29 (DI), WILSON'S PHALAROPE, 159,000, 1, 12 Aug., 2008, Summer Lake, Lake Co. (PTS). There RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, > 18,000, both July 26 were four reports of PEREGRINE FALCON in Klamath (SD, DH, & PL), and FRANKLIN'S GULL, 2,500, July County: 2 near Klamath Falls, and 2, Eagle Ridge, 29, CALIFORNIA GULL, > 70,000, July 29 and WILLET, Upper Klamath Lake, Oct. and into Nov., 2009. 385, July 27, (SD, DH, & PL), and Phalarope sp., YELLOW RAIL was first detected at Summer Lake estimated at 0.75 to 1 million birds, 15-16 Aug. 2009 (DI, WMA, June, 2008, and 3-7 were detected during DF, JP, J. Brown). surveys in the same location the following season, June, BONAPARTE'S GULL numbers peak in late fall, at 2009 (M. StLouis, S. Carpenter). the end of the growing season, when small fish are trapped in receding irrigation canals. During an hour prior to sunset, 1950, 28 Oct., 2009 and 2750 7 Nov., 2009, were counted at Putnam's Point, as they flew to their roost on the Upper Klamath Lake, 7 Nov., 2009 (KTS). At Agency Lake, COMMON TERN, 6-10, were seen 27 Sept.-l Oct. 2008, (WS), and two were seen at Agency Lake, 21 Sept., 2009, (KTS). A juv. SABINE'S GULL may be the earliest inland, with one, 2 Aug., 2008, at Lake Abert, (D.& A. Heyerly). At Lake Ewauna, Klamath Co., a single PARASITIC JAEGER, 17 Sept., 2008, was sitting on the water during strong winds with 40 FRANKLIN'S GULLs (KTS). Especially rare, a WHITE-WINGED DOVE, 6 Sept., 2009, made an appearance at Goose Lake SP, LAKE (SR). EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVEs continue to increase, especially in suburbs and in developed rural areas in both LAKE and KLAMATH COS. Numerous single BAND-TAILED PIGEONs were unusual with Yellow Rail found on night bird census, 15 June 2009 at observations at Hagelstein Park, Putnam's Point, and in Summer Lake. Photo by Marty St. Louis. Chiloquin, (2), all KLAM CO., from 29 Oct., through 4 Nov., 2009 (JVH, DHe, & M.Moser), and possible

Oregon Birds Volume 35 40 nesting with 1, Surveyor Mountain, 23 June, 2008 A BURROWING OWL at The Nature Conservancy, (DHa). near Williamson River delta, 4 Oct., 2009, was a rare Klamath Co. sighting. (DHe). At Wood River Wetlands, KLAM, 175 COMMON NIGHTHAWK, 11 June, 2008 (KTS), was a not often seen concentration. COMMON POORWILL can linger into fall, and reports for 23 Oct., Klamath Marsh, and 4 Nov., 2009, near Chiloquin, provide departure date window (M.Moser). WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, rarely seen in KLAMATH CO., with 7-10 overhead at Putnam's Point, 18 Aug., 2009, (DHe). The state's second record for RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, 2-6 Sept., 2008, was well seen at a feeder near Keno, KLAM, (DHe-ph). An ACORN WOODPECKER family, nesting away from Klamath River Canyon, 2 ad., 3 imm., was at Running Y, near Klamath Falls, 28 July, 2008 (M. Christian). Two THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS, were seen along PCT, Crater lake NP, early Sept., 2009, (FL). Several BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER, one nest, were at the Cave Mountain Burn, near Chiloquin, 13 June, 2009 (FL), and 14 were seen there on 1 Nov., 2009 (KTS). Uncommon for the Warner Mountains, a single Ruby-throated Hummingbird , Keno, Klamath Co.: above 2 PILEATED WOODPECKER, was seen 10 Aug., 2008, September 2008, photo by Tom Crabtree. Below 1 September Bullard Canyon, Lakeview, (PTS). A rare find for 2008, photo by Dave Hewitt. LAKE, a LEAST FLYCATCHER was heard at New Pine Creek, 16 Aug., 2009 (DI, DF, JP, J.Brown). LEAST FLYCATCHER reports from KLAM included: 1, Little Deschutes R. at Hwy 58, 11 June, 2008, (KTS), and 1, Fort Klamath Cemetery, 26 June, 2009, (A. McAllum). An imm. BLACK PHOEBE, 17 Aug. 2008, Summer Lake WMA, caused speculation of possible nearby nesting (S.Carpenter-ph). A late NORTHERN SHRIKE, 26 April, 2009, was at Wood River Wetlands, Agency Lake, KLAM (WS). RED-EYED VIREOs, 1-2,(1 HY), seen at Goose Lake SP, LAKE, 16 Aug.-6 Sept., 2009, (DI, DF, JP, J.Brown, and SR), was possibly associated with a Warbling Vireo; 1, Rocky Point, KLAM was heard singing, 14 June 2009, (J. Van Hulzen). AMERICAN CROW moves south through KLAMATH CO. in early Nov. Three reports were in early Nov. 2009, near Midland, Lower Klamath Lake Rd., and in Chiloquin (DMe, C. Kisling, WS). Probably passing through, two PURPLE MARTIN, were seen 9 Ap., 2009, Miller Island WMA boat launch on Klamath River (H. Nehls). A single WRENTIT, Sept 25, 2008, along the upper rim of Klamath River Canyon, was seen in a large patch of Silk tassel (Garrya fremontii),

Oregon Birds Volume 35 41 (FL), and provides one of the few recent records for north of Klamath Falls, and another, near Bonanza, 9 Klamath Co. June, 2008 (DHa). COMMON REDPOLL, 1, made a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 2, remained along visit to a Gilchrist feeder, 16 Mar. 2009 (K. Boucher- ph), the Link River below the dam, all year, since one was for only the fourth recent Klamath Co. record. detected, 18 Dec, 2008,(DHa, DMe, DHe, KTS). On June 3, 2009, a juv. was seen where the pair was Observers: persisting (DHe), for probable nesting confirmation. Other NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD reports included: FM-Frank Mayer, PTS-Paul Sullivan, KTS-Kevin 1, near Adel, 17 July, (FM), 1, Fort Rock SP, LAKE, 28 Spencer, WS-Wes Stone, FL-Frank Lospalluto, DH-Dean July,2008, (R Robb), and 1, Coleman Valley Rd. 9 Aug, Hale, DF-David Fix, JP-Jude Power, DI-Dave Irons, 2008 (DI, D.Pettey) all LAKE, and in KLAM: 1, Odessa DHa-Dave Haupt, DMe-Dave Menke, SR-Steve CG, KLAM, 3 June 2009, (K.Fairchild), and one heard Rottenborn, JVM-J.Van Moorhem, DHe- Dave Hewitt, singing, 3 June, 2009, Klamath Falls, (KTS). SD-Steve Dougill, PL-Peter Lowe BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, 30, were headed north, 17 Mar., 2009, Summer Lk. WMA, (PL). One of the Reference: Paulson, D. (1993). Shorebirds of the Pacific more common rare warblers for KLAM, a CHESTNUT- Northwest. UBC Press, Vancouver, Canada. SIDED WARBLER, was seen and heard on Westside Rd., 2 Mi. marker, KLAM, 20 June, 2009 (D. Larson). A male BLACK and WHITE WARBLER was seen at Goose Lake SP, 5-6 Sept., 2009 (SR). Up to 3 NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, and 1 GRAY CATBIRD, were heard, first week of June, 2009, at Little Deschutes River crossing and Rd. 62, near Gilchrist (K. Boucher, KTS). A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, was heard and seen at the Frain Ranch, Klamath River Canyon, 17 June, 2009 (KTS). Single WHITE-THROATED SPARROWs seen on Link R., 30 Oct. 2009 (WS), near Rocky Point, 4-5 Nov., 2009, (J. Van Hulzen), near Link R., 6 Nov., 2009 (KTS), and 6 Nov. , 2008, Wood River Wedands, (R.Robb). HARRIS'S SPARROW, 1, made a brief appearance at Hagelstein Park, KLAM, 6 Nov. 2009, (T. & C. Thompson). A bright male ROSE- BREASTED GROSBEAK was seen at Klamath Marsh HQ, 23 June, 2008 (D. Damburg). A well described INDIGO BUNTING, female, was in a Klamath Falls yard, 4 June, 2008 (DHa). A single flyover BOBOLINK was at Goose Lake SP, LAKE, 5 Sept., 2009 (SR). A single male GREAT-TAILED American Tree Sparrow, 28 September 2009, Cabin Lake, Lake Co. Earliest fall GRACKLE, 20-26 Feb, 2009, was seen record ever for Oregon. Photo by Ron & Carole Louderback.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 42 Glossy Ibis (3rd Oregon record) with White-faced Ibis. Malheur NWR. Photo by Don Baccus.

No report was received. Photos selected by Alan Contreras.

Broad-winged Hawk. First winter record for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, December 2009, north of P Ranch, Malheur NWR. Photos by Steve Shunk.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 Eastern Towhee, 2nd Oregon record, 2 June 2008, Malheur HQ. Photos by Jim Carlson.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 44 matilla County

Aaron Skirvin

Black-legged Kittiwakes, 1st Umatilla County records - Nov. 9, 2008, McNary Dam by Aaron Skirvin

The hard winter of 2007 - 08 lingered long into the Stanfield and Athena. Surprisingly, no one has reported spring of 2008 and delayed the nesting season of finding a nest, but young birds, accompanied by breeding birds in the Blue Mountains of Umatilla adults, have been seen in Pendleton. There is one County. The late spring forced Lazuli Buntings to reported sighting of two Eurasian Collared-Doves at remain in the lowlands until their habitats in the Blue Ukiah (August 24, 2009 by J&SS), but this species Mountains thawed and greened up sufficiently to apparently has not taken up residence there, yet. allow breeding to commence. Several observers in A lone GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE was observed Pendleton commented on the high number of Lazulis at Cold Springs NWR on May 26, 2008 (NH). This at their feeders (up to 50 birds) and the length of their sighting was only the third record for Umatilla County; stay into May 2008. Others reported they had never the previous two sightings were of lone males during seen Lazulis in their yards prior to the spring of 2008. November 1999 and April-June 2007. In some areas, the long, cold winter affected For the past 4 or 5 years, American White Pelicans breeding bird numbers well into the summer. The have expanded their use of the Umatilla River. riparian corridor and adjacent coniferous forest Although fairly common along the Columbia River habitats along Pearson Creek Road (US Forest Service from spring through fall (and a few over-winter near Road #54), located about 10 miles southeast of Pilot McNary Dam), pelicans were infrequently reported as Rock, is usually loaded with breeding birds far upstream on the Umatilla River as Pendleton (river (hummingbirds, wrens, warblers, kinglets, thrushes, mile 55). American White Pelicans do not breed in sparrows, etc.) well into July each summer. But, in the Umatilla County, but many observers now report them summer of 2008, this area was nearly devoid of annually in fair numbers during spring and summer at breeding birds. Pendleton and Mission: 13 on June 1, 2008 by DB; 30 - In addition to the songbirds that were affected by 35 on June 16, 2009 by DR; and 25 on June 22, 2009 by the long, hard winter and late spring of 2008, reports of LW. Pelicans are venturing even further upriver; a Chukar, Gray Partridge, and Mountain Quail (a scarce group of several pelicans was seen loafing on a gravel species anyway) dropped significantly in 2008. Very bar at river mile 71 (between Cayuse and Thorn few reports of these species were received in 2008. With Hollow) in late June 2008 (EQ). the mild weather that followed during the fall and Great Gray Owl is a rare, permanent resident in winter of 2008 - 09, and so far this winter (2009-10), Umatilla County, but because of their secretive Gray Partridge and Chukar numbers have rebounded behavior, these owls are probably more common than greatly and reported sightings have increased. our records show. During a Washington Ornithological Mountain Quail still remains a very difficult species to Society field trip to the Milton-Freewater and Tollgate find in Umatilla County, even in its usual haunts along areas on June 10, 2008, a road killed Great Gray Owl the North Fork John Day River. The only reported was found along Highway 204 about halfway between sighting of Mountain Quail in Umatilla County Weston and Tollgate (EH). During the same field trip, between summer 2008 and December 2009 was 12 EH reported seeing one fly-over BAND-TAILED birds in one flock at Bridge Creek (~8 miles south of PIGEON along the South Fork Walla Walla River Ukiah) on October 4, 2008 (BW, WW & CW). southeast of Milton-Freewater. This was the fourth Eurasian Collared-Doves, a recent addition to the record of BAND-TAILED PIGEON in Umatilla local avifauna, was first reported in Umatilla County in County. February 2005 at the town of Pilot Rock. 2008 was the A group of birders from Walla Walla, WA, camped "breakout" year for this new species, and many at Target Meadows Campground (two miles northeast observers reported them from urban and suburban of Tollgate) and reported hearing two BOREAL OWLS areas around Umatilla County. They have become calling in the campground each night from July 9 - 11, more numerous and more widespread, now occurring 2008 (G&RS & J&CC). This was only the second report as year-round residents in Pendleton, Adams, Milton- of Boreal Owl in Umatilla County; the first was one Freewater, Umapine, Hermiston, Echo, Pilot Rock, Oregon Birds Vo I u m e 3 5 45 bird found by Bart Whelton on October 10, 1987, at Blue Jays are almost annual in the fall in Dusty Spring (5-6 miles northeast of Tollgate). Umatilla County, with at least one being reported 3 or 4 out of every 5 years. One Blue Jay was found at Ukiah on October 19, 2008 (AS & JW), and it continued to be seen in Ukiah by several observers well into January 2009. The county's first record of BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE (one adult and one first year) was reported on November 9, 2008, in the Columbia River just below McNary Dam (JG & M&MLD). Ruddy Turnstones - Aug. 10, 2008, McKay Creek NWR Many observers saw the two kittiwakes until they by Aaron Skirvin were last reported on November 12. The number of Bald Eagles in Umatilla County McKay Creek NWR produced the second record during fall and winter 2008 - 09 was noticeably of RUDDY TURNSTONE in Umatilla County when larger than in previous years. It was easy to find 8 or two were found there on August 10, 2008 (AS & JW). 10 individuals along the Columbia River, a dozen or At least one of the turnstones stayed until August 12. more at Cold Springs NWR, up to 2 dozen in the Cold Springs NWR, located about 4 miles east of vicinity of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and Hermiston, is a superb fall shorebirding site, with up Pendleton , and 10 or more between Pilot Rock and to 15 species of shorebirds observed in a single day. Ukiah. A total of 36 Bald Eagles was reported on the Shorebirding is very good from early August to mid- Umatilla County Christmas Bird Count on January 3, November. A Stilt Sandpiper and an American 2009. The previous high tally on this Christmas Golden-Plover were observed at Cold Springs on Count was 24 eagles on December 30, 2006. September 19, 2008 (AS). Stilt Sandpiper is fairly reliable there between early August and late A female-plumaged WHITE-WINGED SCOTER September. Most years, only a few Stilt Sandpipers mingled with a small group of Common Goldeneyes are found, but a high count of 11 was reported at in the Columbia River near Sand Station Recreation Cold Springs NWR on September 4, 2007. Area. It was first spotted on November 28, 2008 (M&MLD), and last seen on December 13 (DI & SM). An immature male AMERICAN REDSTART This was only the fifth record of White-winged and a Red-eyed Vireo were observed in a mixed Scoter in Umatilla County. flock of migrating warblers along Gurdane Road, A Great Gray Owl was observed within a about 9 miles south of Vinson on September 13, 2008 distance of 30 feet by a group of construction (AS). Formerly annual and probably breeding in low workers near Indian Lake on November 18, 2008. numbers in the 1980s and 90s, AMERICAN Almost certainly, Great Gray Owls breed in the REDSTART is now a very rare species, with only vicinity of Indian Lake, but they are very elusive and three other reports since 2001. Red-eyed Vireo difficult to find. Three HARRIS'S SPARROWS (two breeds annually in very low numbers in mature adults and an immature) spent the fall and winter of riparian habitat along the upper Umatilla River and 2008-09 at the McNary Wildlife Nature Area (NH, South Fork Walla Walla River. DH, and numerous other observers). A lone, adult SABINE'S GULL was discovered at Cold Springs NWR on September 21, 2008 (AS & JW). Several observers were able to relocate the gull over the next few days, and it was last seen on September 27. This was the sixth record of SABINE'S GULL in Umatilla County; all records are from late August through late September. An adult SAGE SPARROW was observed along Coombs Canyon Road on September 27, 2008 (AS). SAGE SPARROW is a very rare species in Umatilla County, with 0-2 birds reported annually. There are no recent breeding records, and a fall sighting is very unusual. Pectoral Sandpiper is a fairly common fall migrant in Umatilla County, but a remarkably high number of 70 Pectoral Sandpipers was counted at Cold Springs NWR on Oct. 18, 2008 (AS & JW). Harris's Sparrow (adult) - Dec. 7, 2008, McNary Wildlife Nature Area by Aaron Skirvin

Oregon Birds Volume 35 46 A single American Tree Sparrow, which is a very In the spring, Ospreys arrive in Umatilla County rare but annual winter visitor in Umatilla County, was the last week of March. They breed locally and usually observed at Ukiah on January 10, 2009 (BC & AS). leave for their wintering areas by mid-October. In SAGE SPARROW is a very rare, late winter recent years, however, a few individuals have been migrant in Umatilla County, most often seen from late reported much later in the fall. Our latest fall record is February through mid- March. One SAGE SPARROW one Osprey along Stanfield Meadows Road on was reported along Alkali Canyon Road about 12 miles December 7, 2008 (RS). The previous late record was a west of Pilot Rock on February 21, 2009 (AS). Since single bird along the Umatilla River about four miles there are no recent breeding records of this species in east of Pendleton on December 1, 2007 (JS). Perhaps, we Umatilla County, presumably, the sparrows that pass are noticing the beginning of a trend of Ospreys staying through in late winter are destined for their breeding later into the fall and early winter in Umatilla County? areas in south-central Washington. Three Barn Swallows were observed at the McNary From late February to mid-April, flocks of Wildlife Nature Area on December 13, 2008 (DI and migrating Sandhill Cranes stop to rest and feed in the SM). This sighting was a month later than the previous croplands in Echo Meadows, which is located just latest fall record of Barn Swallow in Umatilla County. northwest of the town of Echo. On April 13, 2009, NB Also on December 13, DI and SM reported hearing the reported seeing 500+ Sandhill Cranes at Echo call of a SWAMP SPARROW at the Wildlife Nature Meadows. Area. SWAMP SPARROW is a very rare, but possibly During a field trip on April 18, 2009, members of annual, winter visitor at the Wildlife Nature Area. the Pendleton Bird Club discovered a new heron/ Bohemian Waxwings are not reported every year, cormorant rookery at McKay Creek NWR. Although but there were several reports in the fall and winter of there are several Great Blue Heron rookeries scattered 2008-09. During December, a large flock was seen throughout Umatilla County, this is the first record of a several times in Ukiah (LF), and on December 28, the Double-crested Cormorant rookery in the county. It's flock was estimated to contain about 250 birds (AS). somewhat surprising that this is the first record of Additional reports of Bohemian Waxwings included 25 Double-crested Cormorants breeding locally, since on December 22, 2008, near Mission (JS); 5 on January 9, they are a fairly common year-round resident. 2009, near McKay Dam (BC); 4 on January 10, 2009, at A female WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER was Ukiah (AS & BC); and 6 on January 11 at the McNary photographed at Battle Mountain State Park on April Wildlife Nature Area (AS & JW). 19, 2009 (AS, JW & SMc). WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERS were historically more common in Umatilla County than they are today. This species is not reported annually, and there are no recent breeding records. A flock of 8 MARBLED GODWITS was a remarkable find at McKay Creek NWR on April 27, 2009 (A&BC). This was only the sixth record of this species for Umatilla County. Most sightings are in September, but there is one other spring sighting on May 15, 2006, near Hermiston. Although still rare in Umatilla County, WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS apparently are increasing. L&LuL reported seeing two WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS in their Hermiston neighborhood in April 2009. They continued to see the jays periodically, and LuL saw four jays in the summer of 2009, an indication of breeding; however, no one reported a nest or seeing young birds. Two (or possibly three) jays remained in the neighborhood Red-throated Loon with Common Loon - Jan. 1, 2009, through December 2009 and into 2010. Several Columbia River by Andy Stepniewski Hermiston birders are keeping an eye on the jays to determine if they stay and breed during 2010. Another New Year's Day, 2009, a RED-THROATED LOON, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY was found at McNary Dam on in the company of a Common Loon, was photographed May 25, 2009 (WH). in the Columbia River near the Sand Station Recreation Long-billed Curlews are fairly common, but Area (A&ESt). This was only the second record of decreasing, breeding birds in Umatilla County. They RED-THROATED LOON in Umatilla County. spend only about four months in Umatilla County, arriving about mid-March and leaving in mid-July.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 47 Before leaving the area after breeding, some of the birds DH noted in the February 2009 Pendleton Bird congregate in staging areas. On the evening of June 26, ; Club's newsletter that "Snow Goose is a difficult bird to 2009, RS reported seeing a group of 57 Long-billed : find in Umatilla County at any time of the year." He Curlews (adults and juveniles) feeding in the ; made this statement in reference to a report of a single grasslands a few miles west of Echo. . Snow Goose observed on January 22, 2009, in a flock Two singing BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS of over 200 Canada Geese at Wildhorse Golf Course were found at the Umatilla Chemical Depot on July 18, ; (AS). However, the occurrence of Snow Geese in 2009 (AS). This species is probably annual in very low | Umatilla County changed dramatically during the fall numbers during the breeding season at this location. and winter of 2009. The first fall report was of 12 Snow However, due to the restricted public access to the Geese at Cold Springs NWR on October 5 (AS). On Depot, the breeding status of BLACK-THROATED November 14, 34 were found near McNary Dam (MD). SPARROW at this site is not known. The next day, 400+ were seen at Cold Springs NWR A GREEN HERON was seen and photographed at (ASt). About 250 were observed flying over McNary McNary Wildlife Nature Area on July 30, 2009 (K&JB). Dam from Oregon into Washington State on November This species is very rare in Umatilla County; it's only : 21 (AS, JW, BM & KS). Then, on November 30, a the sixth record for Umatilla County and the first report flock of about 1100 was seen at Cold Springs NWR since 1994. Coincidently, an injured GREEN HERON 5 (NH, AS & JW). Snow Geese sightings continued was found in Hermiston and admitted to a Pendleton through December, and on December 13, several wildlife rehabilitation facility on September 25, 2009. ; hundred were observed in one flock in the Columbia : River near Warehouse Beach Recreation Area (AS & Two species were added to the Umatilla County BM). bird list on August 16, 2009: SNOWY EGRET (A&ESt) By mid-January 2010, the number of Snow Geese and BLACK PHOEBE (AS). Single individuals of each ! increased to an incredible 2200 birds at Cold Springs species were seen at Cold Springs NWR. The egret was NWR (AS, JW & CB). Prior to the fall of 2009, reports last seen on August 17, but the BLACK PHOEBE of Snow Geese were noteworthy, with most J persisted until at least September 3 and was seen by observations of 1 to 15 birds, once or twice per year. many observers. We are not aware of the causes of the dramatic increase in Snow Goose numbers in Umatilla County in 2009, and local birders are wondering if fall Snow Goose numbers will remain high in future years.

Gurdane Road from Vinson to Gurdane is a very good birding area during the last half of August. Birding along this stretch of road on August 16, 2009, AS and JW found over 200 Vesper Sparrows, several Brewer's and Grasshopper Sparrows, a male Wilson's Warbler, an immature Swainson's Hawk, and two flocks of Gray Partridges containing 7 and 13 birds. A LEAST FLYCATCHER was observed at Cold Springs NWR on August 30, 2009 (M&MLD). This sighting was the seventh record of this species in Umatilla County. One MARBLED GODWIT, a very rare species in Umatilla County, was seen at Cold Springs NWR on Sept. 8/9, 2009 (JaW & JD). On September 12, 2009, A&ESt found an astonishing 700+ Western Sandpipers at Cold Springs NWR. In addition to finding numerous shorebird species at Cold Springs that day, A&ESt located a single COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. YELLOWTHROATS are very rare in Umatilla County and are not reported every year. A late fall sighting of a Common Nighthawk in Umatilla County was one bird observed at Pilot Rock on September 13, 2009 (AS & JW). Surf Scoters are rare, but annual, fall migrants in Black Phoebe - Aug. 30, 2009, Cold Springs NWR by Umatilla County. All records of this species are female- MerryLynn Denny plumaged birds, except for the surprising report and

Oregon Birds Volume 35 48 photograph of an adult male Surf Scoter at the Ukiah unprecedented. Ultimately, this hummingbird was sewer ponds on October 18, 2009 (AS, DW & JW). identified as a female ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, and On October 19, 2009, a single WESTERN SCRUB- she used JK & ME's feeder almost daily until she was JAY was seen at a feeder at Bar-M Ranch, which is last seen on February 24, 2010. located along the Umatilla River about 30 miles east of Between December 8 and 29, 2009, up to six Pendleton (DD). This sighting was only the eighth PURPLE FINCHES visited a feeder in Hermiston (NB). record of WESTERN SCRUB-JAY in Umatilla County. This species is very rare in Umatilla County, with all Several observers reported finding two HARRIS'S sightings occurring in fall and winter. SPARROWS (both adults) at the McNary Wildlife One female LONG-TAILED DUCK swam amid a Nature Area during the fall /winter of 2009. This was flock of few hundred Common Goldeneyes, scaups, the third consecutive winter that HARRIS'S Mallards, Buffleheads, American Wigeons, and SPARROWS have been reported at the Wildlife Nature American Coots on the Columbia River just above Area. The first report in the fall of 2009 was a lone adult McNary Dam on December 18, 2009 (AS, JW & CB). on October 31 (NH). Not seen every year in Umatilla County, LONG- In addition to counting a remarkable 186 Red- TAILED DUCK is very rare, and most records are of tailed Hawks on their monthly Winter Raptor Survey lone female birds. in the Milton-Freewater area on November 11, 2009, There were two reports of SNOWY OWLS in G&RS and M&MLD found a RUSTY BLACKBIRD at a Umatilla County in the fall of 2009. The first report was cattle feedlot near Umapine. This was only the fifth by a motorist who reported a probable SNOWY OWL record of RUSTY BLACKBIRD in Umatilla County. along Highway 11 about six miles northeast of In the midst of the reports of extraordinary Pendleton on December 8. The second report was on numbers of Snow Geese this past fall (see sidebar), one December 22, 2009, when a large, white owl was ROSS'S GOOSE was seen among "a sea of Canada observed flying low over a harvested wheat field and Geese" at Cold Springs NWR on November 15, 2009 then landing on a telephone pole about two miles north (ASt). This was only the fourth record of ROSS'S of Pendleton (DW & RSn). SNOWY OWLS are not GOOSE in Umatilla County. reported each year, but recent trends show one or two birds being reported once every two or three years.

A&BC - Andrew and Barbara Clark; A&ESt - Andy and Ellen Stepniewski; AS - Aaron Skirvin; BC - Barbara Clark; BM - Bruce Mayfield; BW - Brian Whitten; CB - Connie Betts; CW - Cody Wise; DB - Delores Bjerke; DD - Dennis Dauble; DH - Dave Herr; DI - David Irons; DR - Dolly Robison; DW - Duane Whitten; EH - Eugene Hunn; DW - Doug Webb; EQ - Eric Quaempts; G&RS - Ginger and Rodger Shoemake; JD - Jim Danzenbaker; J&CC - Joe and Carolyn Corvino; JG - John Gatchet; JK - Jennifer Karson-Engum; JS - Jack Simons; J&SS - Jack and Sharon Simons; JW - June Whitten; JaW - Jay Withgott; KS - Katrina Susi; K&JB - Karen & Jason Baxter; LF - Lee Farren; LW - Lorna Waltz; L&LuL - Lee and Lucy Listle; MD - Mike Denny; ME - Micah Engum; M&MLD - Mike and MerryLynn Denny; NB - Nancy Brown; NH - Neal Hinds; RS - Rose Scott; RSn - Ron Snyder; SM - Steve Anna's Hummingbird - January 2, 2010, Pendleton by Dave Mlodinow; SMc - Steve McMillan; WH - Wayne Herr Hoffman; WW - Wyatt Whitten.

Umatilla County experienced a cold snap in early December 2009, when temperatures hovered in the single digits for several nights. During this cold spell, Aaron Skirvin JK & ME, while doing yard maintenance at their home umatbirder@yahoo. com in southeast Pendleton on December 5, noticed a hummingbird chipping at the ice on their hummingbird feeder. They immediately thawed the feeder and replenished the nectar, and the hummingbird quickly returned to feed. Although there are a few fall records of hummingbirds in Umatilla County, a winter record is

Oregon Birds Volume 35 49 Listing Results - 2009 Compiled by Paul Sullivan

The numbers recorded below bespeak the planning, effort, and thrills of some 140 Oregon birders. Some numbers bring to mind friends no longer with us, with whom we shared quests, sightings, and fun. Some numbers bear testament to good times shared in the field when we found a long-sought bird, or to quiet times watching a feeder through a window with kind folks who enjoyed hosting a rare visitor. They bear witness to birds seen on guided group field trips and birds discovered on quiet solitary walks in the woods. Some participants report only a state life total, others a big year effort, others many county lists, still others only their own local area. All have enjoyed the birds and kept track of what they saw. Listing has been the engine that has driven birders to explore all the corners of the state to enrich our understanding of the distribution of birds in Oregon and the habitat needs of various species. The various county tallies also show us where the most birders live, where the most popular refuges are, and where the most diverse habitats can be found. They also bear witness to folks who have walked the path less traveled. Thank you to all who have shared their discoveries. Some former participants have stopped reporting, and their significant totals have been carried forward to give context to the more recent reports. Others have asked that their earlier numbers not be carried forward. A goodly number of bird enthusiasts do not keep lists. All of that is fine. Participation is voluntary - for the fun of it. A big "Thank You" to the 85 people who sent in their listing results this year. I hope that by publishing these results earlier in the year, we can provide a timely picture of who has seen what in Oregon.

Notable milestones for 2009 include:

Statewide listing:

Jeff Gilligan set a new Oregon state life list record of 487.

Six birders passed the threshold of a state life list of 400 species: Craig Corder, Mike & MerryLynn Denny, Ed McVicker, Mike Patterson, and Don Schrouder.

Andy & Ellen Stepniewski posted a 2009 Oregon year list of 247, to move into the top 10 year lists of all time.

County listing:

Craig Corder reached the goal of recording 100 species in all 36 Oregon counties.

The following people increased their leading county life lists:

Benton County Jamie Simmons Clatsop County Mike Patterson Coos County Tim Rodenkirk Curry County Jim Rogers Deschutes County Tom Crabtree Douglas County Ron Maertz Josephine County Dennis Vroman Lane County Paul Sherrell Linn County Mark Nikas Malheur County John F. Gatchet Morrow County Craig Corder Union County Trent Bray Washington County Greg Gillson Yamhill County Carol Karlen

New county year record:

Yamhill County Carol Karlen 181 A VrettV 2ood yard-list bird. N. Saw-whet Owl. Photo by John Tliomas.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 50 The Listing Results as 409* Tom Mickel 318 Fred Parker(t) 239 Rich Armstrong 408* Barbara Combs 318 Elmer Specht (t) 238* Rick Krabbe of December 31, 2009 407 Bill Tice 230 Alan McGie 406* Linda Weiland Oregon Year List for 2009 229* Joe Fontaine 228 Jan Krabbe (t) For results to be published, 405 Trent Bray 403 David Copeland (t) 347 Andy Stepniewski 227 Elzy Eltzroth (t) thresholds are as follows: 402 Mike Denny 347 Ellen Stepniewski 226 Noah Strycker 402 Don Schrouder 319 Rich Armstrong 224* Marcia F. Cutler 401* Jack Corbett 317 Nanette Armstrong 222* Elsie Eltzroth 1. A state life list must 401 MerryLynn Denny 315 Margaret LaFaive 221 Karl Fairchild be 300 or more. 401 Ed McVicker 315 Cheryl Whelchel 220 Ulo Kiigemagi 2. A county life list 401 Mike Patterson 314 Tim Rodenkirk 219* Richard C. Hoyer 401* Gerald B. Smith 313 John F. Gatchet 218* Trent Bray must be 100 or 401* Steve Summers 312 Don Coggswell 200 Carol Karlen more. 400 Craig Corder 310 Eric Henze 200 Paul Sullivan 308 Carol Karlen 197 Roy Gerig A state year list 399 Chuck Gates 399 Mark Nikas 307 Paul Sullivan 197 Mark Nikas must be 250 or 399 Bob Stites 290 Paul Sherrell 195 David Copeland (t) more. 398 David W. Smith 289 Sylvia Maulding 192* Fred Zeillemaker 397 Dean Hale 287 Roger Robb 184* Tanya E. Bray 4. A county year list 397 Ron Maertz 287 John Sullivan 183 Bill Tice must be 100 or 397* Allison Mickel 272 Noah Strycker 179 Greg Gillson more. 397* Patrick Muller 271 Mike Patterson 179 Sylvia Maulding 396* Steve Dowlan 271 Mary Ellen Sargent 178* Dave Irons 5. A state life list over 395 Steve Gordon 270 Chuck Gates 176 Roger Robb 375 will be carried 395 Howard Horvath 267 Diane Horgan 173 John Sullivan Ulo Kiigemagi 171 Cheryl Whelchel forward without an 395* Richard C. Hoyer 263 395* Larry Thornburgh 260 Ron Maertz 167 Jeff Harding update. 394 Joe Evanich (t) 259 Karl Fairchild 162 Craig Corder A county life list 394 Carol Karlen 251 Paula Vanderheul 156 Steve Gordon 394 Roger Robb 152 Paul Sherrell over 175 will be 393* Patty Bernardi Top 10 Oregon Year Lists 145 Mike Patterson carried forward 393* Reid Freeman 138 Judy Corder without an update. 393 Ulo Kiigemagi 363 Tim Rodenkirk (2002) 124 John F. Gatchet 393* Phillip Pickering 355 Russ Namitz (2007) 122 Darrel Faxon 392* Anne Heyerly 355 Phillip Pickering (1986) 118 Tom Love 389* John Lundsten 351 Tim Janzen (1996) 118 Russ Namitz Oregon Statewide Listing 389 Jamie Simmons 348 Tim Rodenkirk (2000) 115 Vjera Thompson 388 Tom Snetsinger 347 Andy & Ellen Stepniewski 114 Wayne Weber (2009) 113 Marilyn Miller Totals marked with an asterisk (*) are 387 Jan Krabbe (t) 346 Walt Yungen (2002) 109 Craig Miller previously submitted totals; no updated 385 Marilyn Miller Skip Russell (1992) total was received this year. Names 385 Russ Namitz 345 Clackamas marked with (t) symbol remember 385 John Sullivan 345 Donna Lusthoff (1987) 245 Elmer Specht (t) deceased birders. 384 John Fitchen 344 Jeff Gilligan (1981) 384* Kamal Islam 245 Tim Janzen County Listing 206* Al Ahlgrim Oregon Life List as of Dec. 31,2009 381 Jeff Harding 381* Floyd Schrock 203* Darlene Betat Paula Vanderheul Totals marked with an asterisk (*) are 203* Steve Dowlan 487 Jeff Gilligan 381 previously submitted totals; no updated 200 Paul Sullivan 466 Tom Crabtree 379 Judy Corder total was received this year. Names 187 Ed McVicker 459 Sheran Wright 379 Karl Fairchild marked with (t) symbol remember 184 David Copeland (t) 457 Owen Schmidt 378* Dennis Arendt deceased birders. 157 Tom Love 449 Gerard Lillie 378 Noah Strycker 154 Louis Fredd 444 Alan Contreras 376 Nanette Armstrong David Anderson County Life Lists as of Dec. 31,2009 139 John F. Gatchet 442 Tim Janzen 375* 120 Jeff Harding 440 Paul Sullivan 375 Rich Armstrong Baker 117 Carol Karlen 431* Dave Irons 375* Alice Parker Martha Sawyer (t) 231 Ann Ward (t) 110 Roger Robb 431* Jim Johnson 375 221 Craig Corder 106 Craig Corder 430 Craig Miller 373 Vjera Thompson 210 Paul Sullivan 104 Greg Gillson 429 Hendrik Herlyn 372 Clarice Watson (t) 173 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 101 Steve Gordon 428* Tim Shelmerdine 367 Daniel Farrar 146 John F. Gatchet 100 Judy Corder 426 Tim Rodenkirk 364 Elzy Eltzroth (t) 145 Judy Corder 426 Paul Sherrell 363 Becky Carlson 136 Carol Karlen Clatsop 426* Richard Smith 361 Todd Thornton (t) 129 Darrel Faxon 335 Mike Patterson 425* David C. Bailey 359 Cheryl Whelchel Marion Corder (t) 127 David Copeland (t) 298 Steve Warner 424 Jim Carlson 355 124 Craig Miller 282 Todd Thornton (t) 423 Diane Pettey 350 Kimdel Owen 113 Steve Gordon 278* Jeff Gilligan 421 John F. Gatchet 347 Don Coggswell 113 Jamie Simmons 254* David C. Bailey 4^9 Steve Kornfeld 345 Jim Rogers 112 Wayne Weber 243* Dave Irons 417 Alan McGie 342 John Rakestraw Marilyn van Dyk 105 Roger Robb 242* Henry Gilmore 416 Sylvia Maulding 340 104 Jacque Goodhew 240 Paul Sullivan 416 Tom Love 340 Wayne Weber 104 Larry Goodhew 236 Joe Evanich (t) 416* Walt Yungen 338 Jacque Goodhew 224 Tom Crabtree 415 Marshall Beretta 338 Larry Goodhew Benton 219 Greg Gillson 414* Donna Lusthoff 338 Diane Horgan 253 Jamie Simmons 216 David Copeland (t) 413* Rick Krabbe 335 Lewis Rems 249 Hendrik Herlyn 215 John F. Gatchet 411* Skip Russell 324 Henry Horvat 245 Tom Snetsinger 211* Donna Lusthoff 409 Greg Gillson 324 Kevin Smith 240 Paula Vanderheul 211* Skip Russell 409* Dan Heyerly 323 Cal Elshoff 323 Jim Moodie 239 Nanette Armstrong 211* Tim Shelmerdine

Oregon Birds Volume 35 207* Walt Yungen 182* Donna Lusthoff 138 Hendrik Herlyn 172 Ulo Kiigemagi 203 Tom Love 180* Howard Sands 133 Jeff Harding 167 Jim Carlson 201* Lee Cain 178 Joe Evanich (t) 128 Noah Strycker 167 Hendrik Herlyn 197 Henry Horvat 178 Craig Miller 126 Craig Corder 156 Roger Robb 183 Wayne Weber 178 Mark Nikas 126 John F. Gatchet 148 Wayne Weber 176 Ed McVicker 170 Jamie Simmons 126 Ron Maertz 145 Craig Miller 171 Craig Corder 166 John F. Gatchet 126 Paul Sherrell 142 Sylvia Maulding 153 Hendrik Herlyn 166 Chuck Gates 123 Wayne Weber 133 Marilyn Miller 153 Carol Karlen 158 Tom Snetsinger 121 Mark Nikas 132 Jeff Harding 149 Ulo Kiigemagi 157 Wayne Weber 117 John Sullivan "32 Mike Patterson 145 Craig Miller 155 Craig Corder 115 Craig Miller 128 Noah Strycker 140 Darrel Faxon 153 Jeff Harding 113 Sylvia Maulding 127 Tom Snetsinger 14C Sylvia Maulding 153 Vjera Thompson 110 Larry Goodhew 122 Jamie Simmons 137 Paul Sherrell 153 Bill Tice 1C3 Judy Corder 120 Greg Gillson 136 Roger Robb 145 Judy Corder 118 Craig Corder 134 Jeff Harding 140 Romain Cooper Deschutes 118 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 128 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 135 Tom Love 312 Tom Crabtree 118 Bill Tice 118 Steve Gordon 133 Marilyn Miller 310 Dean Hale 115 Larry Goodhew 114 Judy Corder 111 Kimdel Owen 301 Howard Horvath 113 Carol Karlen 109 Tom Snetsinger 111 Cheryl Whelchel 299 Craig Miller 108 Russ Namitz 109 Jacque Goodhew 288 Kimdel Owen Gilliam 109 Larry Goodhew 277 Marilyn Miller 205 Craig Corder Columbia 108 Darrel Faxon 266 Lewis Rems 205 Judy Corder 214* Phillip Pickering 265 Chuck Gates 199 Roy Gerig 211 John F. Gatchet Crook 257 Jim Moodie 195 Darrel Faxon 200 Henry Horvat 274 Chuck Gates 244 Paul Sullivan 186 Paul Sullivan 190 Don Coggswell 249 Craig Miller 233 David W. Smith 131 Carol Karlen 180 Paul Sullivan 245 Lewis Rems 231* Patty Meehan 110 John F. Gatchet 178 Joe Evanich (t) 233 Kimdel Owen 230* Karen Theodore "08 Roger Robb 178* Jeff Gilligan 228 Marilyn Miller 236 Carol Karlen 104 Jeff Harding 144 Greg Gillson 224 Tom Crabtree 208* Skip Russell 134 Tom Love 214 Paul Sullivan 206 Ulo Kiigemagi Grant 124 Roger Robb 202* Dean Hale 20" Greg Gillson 214 Paul Sullivan 123 Carol Karlen 180 Carol Karlen 196 Tom Love 196 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 121 Mike Patterson 179 Jim Moodie 194* Donna Lusthoff 177* Walt Yungen 117 Craig Corder 162 Roger Robb 194 Roger Robb 145 Steve Gordon 115 Wayne Weber 146 John F. Gatchet 194* Walt Yungen 141 Craig Corder 112 Jeff Harding 137 Ulo Kiigemagi 190 Jim Carlson 139 Larry Goodhew 111 Steve Gordon 134 Craig Corder 188* Tim Shelmerdine 138 Jacque Goodhew 111 Ulo Kiigemagi 133 Steve Gordon 188 Paul Sherrell 135 Roy Gerig 130 Darrel Faxon 187 Hendrik Herlyn 134 Carol Karlen Coos 124 Hendrik Herlyn 183 Cal Elshoff 134 Ulo Kiigemagi 335 Tim Rodenkirk 122 Wayne Weber 183 Sylvia Maulding 134 Craig Miller 301* Larry Thornburgh 121 Cal Elshoff 180* Henry Gilmore 124 Paul Sherrell 299 Russ Namitz 119 Jamie Simmons 179 Bill Tice 124 Jamie Simmons 296 Alan McGie 118 Greg Gillson 178 Steve Gordon 123 Greg Gillson 265 Paul Sullivan 117 Judy Corder 176 Tim Rodenkirk 117 Darrel Faxon 262* Mike Wihler 116 Paul Sherrell 173 Jan Krabbe (t) 117 Hendrik Herlyn 261* Tim Shelmerdine 112 Russ Namitz 165 John F. Gatchet '16 Roger Robb 252* Colin Dillingham 107 Henry Horvat 154 Russ Namitz 116 Judy Corder 251* Dave Irons 102 Jeff Harding 151 Jeff Harding 112 John F. Gatchet 247* Alan Contreras 100 Tom Love 150 Ron Maertz 112 Alan McGie 243 David W. Smith 149 Alan McGie 112 Wayne Weber 242 Hendrik Herlyn Curry 146 Craig Corder 111 Tom Love 240 Jim Rogers 333 Jim Rogers 145 John Sullivan 111 Russ Namitz 237* Alice Parker 314* Colin Dillingham 142 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 106 Kimdel Owen 230 Ulo Kiigemagi 309* Alan Barron 141 Jamie Simmons 101 Ron Maertz 228* Walt Yungen 286 Tim Rodenkirk 139 Wayne Weber 226 David Copeland (t) 270* Angie Dillingham 128 Darrel Faxon Harney 223" Dan Heyerly 265 Lois Miller 127 Judy Corder 308* Jeff Gilligan 222 Roger Robb 261* Buzz Stewart 123 Noah Strycker 286 Tom Crabtree 215 Jim Carlson 230 Paul Sullivan 115 Mike Patterson 281 Craig Miller 213 Sylvia Maulding 225* Ken Goldwater 106 Henry Horvat 278* Larry Hammond 211 Ron Maertz 216 Russ Namitz 104 Tom Snetsinger 277 Jim Carlson 211 Paul Sherrell 214* Dave Irons 273 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 207 Steve Gordon 211 Jim Carlson Douglas 271* Mike Denny 205* Jack Corbett 189* Howard Sands 313 Ron Maertz 267 Paul Sullivan 204 Greg Gillson 179* Tim Shelmerdine 296* Alice Parker 261 Hendrik Herlyn 203* Anne Heyerly 178 Ulo Kiigemagi 292 Martha Sawyer (t) 260* Dave Irons 202 Noah Strycker 176 Steve Gordon 246* Dave Irons 256 Tim Rodenkirk 201 Carol Karlen 175* Alice Parker 238 Fred Parker (t) 255* Steve Dowlan 196* Skip Russell 171 Romain Cooper 224 Paul Sullivan 255 Noah Strycker 193 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 165 Roger Robb 221 Steve Gordon 254 Alan McGie 193 Jan Krabbe (t) 161 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 209 Russ Namitz 247 Cal Elshoff 190* Steve Dowlan 158 Shiela Chambers 209* Howard Sands 247 Dean Hale 189* Barbara Combs 151 Greg Gillson 292* Tim Shelmerdine 247 Ulo Kiigemagi 186 Karl Fairchild 145 Jamie Simmons 135 Tim Rodenkirk 244 Marilyn Miller 185* Joe Fontaine 143 Alan McGie 174 Paul Sherrell 240 Steve Gordon 184 John Sullivan 140 Carol Karlen 172 John F. Gatchet 240* Rick Krabbe

Oregon Birds Volume 35 238 Carol Karlen 286* Norm Barrett 222 Ulo Kiigemagi 174* Dan Heyerly 237 Craig Corder 283* Howard Sands 222 Don Schrouder 174 Kimdel Owen 237 Joe Evanich (t) 255* John Kemper 220 Roger Robb 172 Romain Cooper 233 Greg Gillson 226 Don Schrouder 219* Dave Irons 172 Tom Love 232 Chuck Gates 221 Paul Sherrell 212 David Copeland (t) 168 Bill Tice 232 Mark Nikas 212* Dennis Niebuhr 212* Howard Sands 167 Steve Gordon 232* Tim Shelmerdine 208* Douglas Kirkpatrick 211 Ron Maertz 166 Ron Maertz 231* Donna Lusthoff 203 Paul Sullivan 206 Larry Goodhew 164 Sylvia Maulding 230 David W. Smith 175 Steve Gordon 206 Marilyn Miller 164 Alan McGie 229 Judy Corder 166 Ulo Kiigemagi 205 Jacque Goodhew 157 Craig Corder 228* Jack Corbett 163 Roger Robb 197* Alice Parker 157 Noah Strycker 228* Walt Yungen 162 Carol Karlen 193* Dennis Arendt 156 Judy Corder 226" Richard C. Hoyer 135 Tom Love 193* Barbara Combs 152 Larry Goodhew 224* David C. Bailey 135 Sylvia Maulding 192* Tim Shelmerdine 151 Jacque Goodhew 223* Barbara Combs 130 Steve Warner 191* Dan Heyerly 151 Jeff Harding 223 Vjera Thompson 126 Wayne Weber 191* Walt Yungen 144 Jamie Simmons 220 David Copeland (t) 117 Jeff Harding 190 Romain Cooper 131 Vjera Thompson 220 John Sullivan 114 Craig Corder 190 Tim Rodenkirk 129 Mark Nikas 219 Henry Horvat 114 Marilyn Miller 189 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 128 Russ Namitz 218 Paul Sherrell 114 Tim Rodenkirk 188 Jan Krabbe (t) 121 John F. Gatchet 217* Henry Gilmore 112 John F. Gatchet 187 Craig Miller 121 Tom Snetsinger 217* Alice Parker 110 Darrel Faxon 185* Skip Russell 119 Karl Fairchild 216* Skip Russell 108 Noah Strycker '84 Carol Karlen 119 Wayne Weber 214* Dan Heyerly 100 Judy Corder •81* Jack Corbett 101 Jim Moodie 214 Tom Love '81 Hendrik Herlyn 213* Dennis Arendt Jefferson '78 Alan McGie Lane 213 John F. Gatchet 249 Lewis Rems 176* Eva Schultz 352 Paul Sherrell 212 Jamie Simmons 238 Craig Miller 175 Sylvia Maulding 348* Tom Mickel 212 Bill Tice 224 Tom Crabtree 172 Steve Warner 346 Jim Carlson 211 Darrel Faxon 223 Chuck Gates 168 Greg Gillson 341 Alan Contreras 211 Jan Krabbe (t) 218 Paul Sullivan 166 Craig Corder 330 Don Schrouder 209 Jacque Goodhew 217 Kimdel Owen 165 Noah Strycker 329* Don DeWitt 209 Larry Goodhew 215 Marilyn Miller 161 Jeff Harding 329 Sylvia Maulding 207 Jeff Harding 177 Roy Gerig 157 Lewis Rems 328* Dennis Arendt 205* Anne Heyerly 168 Dean Hale 153 Russ Namitz 325* Barbara Combs 204* Gien Lindeman 134 Greg Gillson 146 Cheryl Whelchel 322* Dan Heyerly 203 Roy Gerig 134 Jeff Harding 145 John F. Gatchet 320 Mark Nikas 203 Russ Namitz 134 Roger Robb 145 Wayne Weber 319* Dave Irons 202 Daniel Farrar 126 Carol Karlen 144 Darrel Faxon 319 Roger Robb 201* Fred Zeillemaker 125 Tom Love 142 Karl Fairchild 318* Allison Mickel 200* John Lundsten 124 Bill Tice 139 Mike Patterson 316 Steve Gordon 197 Sylvia Maulding 115 John F. Gatchet 133 Mark Nikas 315 Daniel Farrar 197 Kimdel Owen 112 Russ Namitz 130 Kimdel Owen 306 Clarice Watson (t) 196* Stuart Sparkman 106 Steve Gordon 128 Tom Love 304 Hendrik Herlyn 192 Ron Maertz 104 Craig Corder 128 Jamie Simmons 304* Anne Heyerly 192* Jay Withgott 104 Wayne Weber 117 Bill Tice 304 John Sullivan 189* Marcia F. Cutler 102 Darrel Faxon 105 Judy Corder 301 Vjera Thompson 187* Reid Freeman 102 Jamie Simmons 300 Noah Strycker 183 Roger Robb Lake 295* Diane Pettey 182* Ed McVicker Josephine 284 Craig Miller 293- Reid Freeman 182 Mike Patterson 233 Dennis Vroman 259 Marilyn Miller 279* Eva Schultz 181 Karl Fairchild 208 Romain Cooper 250 Roy Gerig 265 David W. Smith 181* Floyd Schrock 177 Paul Sullivan 243 Paul Sullivan 264 Paul Sullivan 180 Wayne Weber 176* Robert G. Carton 242 Kevin Spencer 260 Tim Rodenkirk 179* Joe Fontaine 135 Steve Gordon 238* Karen Theodore 260* Walt Yungen 179* Kathy Krabbe 134 Carol Karlen 230 Lewis Rems 258 Mike Patterson 178* Eva Schultz 134 Marilyn Miller 228 Jim Carlson 255 Ulo Kiigemagi 178* Karen Viste-Sparkman 121 Tim Rodenkirk 228 Howard Horvath 252 Jan Krabbe (t) 148 Cheryl Whelchel 118 Craig Miller 221 Dean Hale 252* Tim Shelmerdine 143 Jim Moodie 116 Craig Corder 213 David Copeland (t) 249* Norm Barrett 129 Tom Snetsinger 114 Judy Corder 207* Dave Irons 247 Tom Snetsinger 113 Quinton Nice 114 Greg Gillson 206 Carol Karlen 243* Laura Johnson 111 Wayne Weber 206 Tim Rodenkirk 233* Joe Fontaine Hood River 110 Roger Robb 205* Cal Elshoff 232* Tanya E. Bray 221* David Anderson 109 Jamie Simmons 204 Hendrik Herlyn 227 Ron Maertz 204* Donna Lusthoff 108 Sylvia Maulding 200 Paul Sherrell 225 Marilyn Miller 178 Paul Sullivan 105 John F. Gatchet 199 John Sullivan 224 Craig Miller 128 Tom Love 101 Jeff Harding 194 Ulo Kiigemagi 224 Jamie Simmons 124 John F. Gatchet 192 Henry Horvat 220* Marcia F. Cutler 124 Carol Karlen Klamath 192* Skip Russell 215 Russ Namitz 116 Craig Corder 302 Kevin Spencer 192* Tim Shelmerdine 211* Jack Corbett 110 Wayne Weber 294* Steve Summers 190 Chuck Gates 208 David Copeland (t) 107 Roger Robb 262* Frank Mayer 187 Greg Gillson 203 Carol Karlen 103 Ulo Kiigemagi 258 Jim Carlson 187* Walt Yungen 202 Greg Gillson 102 Jeff Harding 254 Julie Van Moorhem 182 Roger Robb 199* Alice Parker 102 Ron Maertz 251 Paul Sullivan 180* Jay Withgott 190 Joe Evanich (t) 249 Steve Gordon 178 Darrel Faxon 189 Rich Armstrong Jackson 239 Paul Sherrell 177* Mike & MerryLynn Denny 186 Nanette Armstrong 303* Marjorie Moore 232 Mary Ellen Sargent 176* Donna Lusthoff 183 Karl Fairchild

Oregon Birds Volume 35 182* Elsie Eltzroth 134 Ron Maertz 188* Michael Nomina 182 Elzy Eltzroth (t) 132 Wayne Weber Marion 187* Ray Korpi 179* Steve Dowlan 131 Jim Moodie 268* Steve Dowlan 168 Greg Gillson 179* Skip Russell 127 Quinton Nice 266* John Lundsten 159 Carol Karlen 174 Jeff Harding 124 Cheryl Whelchel 255* Jack Corbett 154 Mike Patterson 174 Wayne Weber 123 Judy Corder 254 David Copeland (t) 143 Craig Corder 173 Tom Love 109 Marilyn Miller 243 Roy Gerig 132 Jeff Harding 159 Bill Tice 109 Vjera Thompson 238* Walt Yungen 130 Steve Gordon 154 John R Gatchet 105 Larry Goodhew 230* Stuart Sparkman 129 Roger Robb 154 Ed McVicker 101 Jacque Goodhew 230 Paul Sullivan 128 Ulo Kiigemagi 154 Cheryl Whelchel 225* Karen Viste-Sparkman 127 Wayne Weber 141 Mike & MerryLynn Denny Linn 216* Michel Kleinbaum 112 Sylvia Maulding 141 Alan McGie 257 Mark Nikas 216 Bill Tice 109 Mike Denny 134 Craig Corder 250 Roy Gerig 201* Glen Lindeman 108 MerryLynn Denny 116 Darrel Faxon 249 Jeff Harding 196* Tim Shelmerdine 107 Judy Corder 112 Jacque Goodhew 235 Tom Snetsinger 187 Carol Karlen 107 Hendrik Herlyn 112 Larry Goodhew 217* Rick Krabbe 181 Jeff Harding 104 Paul Sherrell 211 Paul Sullivan 175* Floyd Schrock 102 Henry Horvat Lincoln 208 Greg Gillson 157 Sylvia Maulding 366 Darrel Faxon 207 Jamie Simmons 155 Roger Robb Polk 264 Jamie Simmons 203* Anthony Floyd 155 Matthew Schneider 279 Bill Tice 263* Rick Krabbe 200 David Copeland (t) 151 Ulo Kiigemagi 275 Roy Gerig 261 Paul Sullivan 200 Sylvia Maulding 149 Steve Gordon 243* Walt Yungen 260 Greg Gillson 198* Dave Irons 148 Darrel Faxon 226* Jack Corbett 256* Floyd Schrock 197* Marcia F. Cutler 147 Greg Gillson 223* Steve Dowlan 254 Joe Evanich (t) 190 Hendrik Herlyn 147 Tom Love 221 David Copeland (t) 252 Jan Krabbe (t) 188 Roger Robb 141 Jamie Simmons 213 Carol Karlen 249* Walt Yungen 188 Ulo Kiigemagi 140 Alan McGie 211* Floyd Schrock 247 Bill Tice 183* Richard C. Hoyer 137 John F. Gatchet 209 Paul Sullivan 246 Hendrik Herlyn 18C Carol Karlen 136 Hendrik Herlyn 200* Karen Viste-Sparkman 244* Jeff Gilligan 179* Kathy Krabbe 129 Noah Strycker 195* John Lundsten 244* Dave Irons 176* Barbara Combs 117 Mike Patterson 191* Don Berg 242 David Copeland (t) 176* Steve Dowlan 117 Wayne Weber 178* Marcia F. Cutler 241 Tom Snetsinger "73 Paul Sherrell 115 Russ Namitz 175* Stuart Sparkman 238* Steve Dowlan 157 Bill Tice 113 Craig Corder 174 Tom Snetsinger 238 Roy Gerig 156 Craig Corder 113 Tom Snetsinger 166 Tom Love 236* Tim Shelmerdine 155 Steve Warner 111 Paul Sherrell 163 Quinton Nice 230 Ulo Kiigemagi 154 Alan McGie 104 Marilyn Miller 161 Alan McGie 221 Jim Carlson 147 Judy Corder 103 Judy Corder 157 Sylvia Maulding 220* Skip Russell 144 Cheryl Whelchel 155 Hendrik Herlyn 220 David W. Smith 143 Steve Gordon Morrow 151 Roger Robb 219* Barbara Combs 141 Rich Armstrong 241 Craig Corder 150 Jamie Simmons 219* Jack Corbett 140 Tom Love 223 Judy Corder 140 Darrel Faxon 217 RogerRobb 139 John F. Gatchet 213 Paul Sullivan 137 Greg Gillson 215 Russ Namitz 130 Noah Strycker 209 Marion Corder (t) 136 Steve Gordon 212* Richard C. Hoyer 127 Nanette Armstrong 201 Jamie Simmons 136 John Sullivan 209 Mark Nikas 121 Russ Namitz 185 Mike Denny 135 Ulo Kiigemagi 208 Carol Karlen 110 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 184 MerryLynn Denny 131 Jeff Harding 208* Donna Lusthoff 110 Marilyn Miller 132 Wayne Weber 124 John F. Gatchet 205* Marcia F. Cutler 109 Darrel Faxon 131 John F. Gatchet 122 Rich Armstrong 205 Steve Gordon 108 Craig Miller 130 Darrel Faxon 118 Wayne Weber 204 Tom Crabtree 106 Larry Goodhew 110 Steve Gordon 116 Karl Fairchild 204 Sylvia Maulding 105 Mike Patterson 107 Jacque Goodhew 113 Russ Namitz 203* Joe Fontaine 102 Wayne Weber 107 Larry Goodhew 109 Nanette Armstrong 202* Mark Elliott 101 Jacque Goodhew 107 Roger Robb 101 Judy Corder 202 Tom Love 101 Carol Karlen 101 Craig Corder 200* John Lundsten Malheur 200 Noah Strycker 242 John F. Gatchet Multnomah Sherman 198 Jeff Harding 216 Craig Corder 286* Jeff Gilligan 212* David C. Bailey 197 John Sullivan 214 Paul Sullivan 274 John Fitchen 202 Lewis Rems 196* Ed McVicker 206 Marion Corder ft) 264* lain Tomlinson 201 Roy Gerig 196 Craig Miller 191 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 259 Bob Stites 194 Paul Sullivan 195 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 177 David W. Smith 255 Andy Frank 170 Craig Miller 194 John F. Gatchet 162 Noah Strycker 25^* David C. Bailey 140 Craig Corder 189 Dean Hale 133 Hendrik Herlyn 253 Tom Love 138 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 185* David C. Bailey 153 Henry Horvat 237* Jim Johnson 125 Judy Corder 184* Elsie Eltzroth 132 Carol Karlen 232 Ed McVicker 116 John F. Gatchet 184 Elzy Eltzroth (t) 130 Jamie Simmons 232 David W. Smith 116 Carol Karlen 183 Karl Fairchild 124 Steve Gordon 226 Joe Evanich (t) 103 Roger Robb 182* Eva Schultz 123 Judy Corder 223* Paul Osburn 102 Darrel Faxon 182* Jay Withgott 122 Cal Elshoff 222* Dave Irons 181* Tanya E. Bray 122 Paul Sherrell 220 Paul Sullivan Tillamook 173 Craig Corder 120 Ulo Kiigemagi 216* Tim Shelmerdine 305* Jeff Gilligan 171 Alan McGie 119 Darrel Faxon 207* Jay Withgott 279* Dave Irons 166 Paul Sherrell 116 Roger Robb 203' Skip Russell 269* Jim Johnson 163 Mike Patterson 115 Craig Miller 198 John F. Gatchet 257* David C. Bailey 157 Nanette Armstrong 115 Wayne Weber 195* Henry Gilmore 252 Tom Crabtree 157 Rich Armstrong 111 Jeff Harding 193* Donna Lusthoff 250 Joe Evanich (t) 151 Tim Rodenkirk 109 Marilyn Miller 192* Pamela Johnston 250* Donna Lusthoff

Oregon Birds Volume 35 250 Paul Sullivan 141 Steve Gordon 110 Wayne Weber Harney 247 Jan Krabbe (t) 134 Hendrik Herlyn 106 Jeff Harding 185 Noah Strycker 243* Tim Shelmerdine 131 Wayne Weber 102 Ulo Kiigemagi 147 Kimdel Owen 234 Mike Patterson 130 Tom Love 101 Darrel Faxon 144 John Sullivan 234* Walt Yungen 127 John F. Gatchet 101 Mike Patterson 136 RogerRobb 233 Carol Karlen 123 Roger Robb 124 Paul Sullivan 231 Greg Gillson 119 Jacque Goodhew Wheeler 104 Henry Horvat 231 Tom Love 118 Larry Goodhew 216* Donna Lusthoff Hood River 229* Skip Russell 118 Jamie Simmons 214 Paul Sullivan 108 John F. Gatchet 227 Roy Gerig 112 Darrel Faxon 211 Lewis Rems Jefferson 227 David W. Smith 101 Russ Namitz 209* David Anderson 146 Kimdel Owen 226 David Copeland (t) 202 Craig Corder Klamath 221* Jack Corbett Wallowa 202 Judy Corder 235 Julie Van Moorhem 218 Bill Tice 288 Frank Conley (t) 183 Craig Miller 228 Mary Ellen Sargent 217 Ed McVicker 274* Sue Conley 153 Carol Karlen 123 Roger Robb 208* Steve Dowlan 237 Paul Sullivan 120 Darrel Faxon Lake 208* John Lundsten 213 Craig Corder 118 Marilyn Miller 154 John Sullivan 205* Barbara Combs 212 Judy Corder 115 Steve Gordon 120 Henry Horvat 204 John R Gatchet 188 David W. Smith 108 John F. Gatchet Lane 202* Floyd Schrock 186 Joe Evanich (t) 105 RogerRobb 234 Paul Sherrell 200* David Anderson 173 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 103 Wayne Weber 232 John Sullivan 192 Craig Corder 147 Carol Karlen 211 Roger Robb 191 Ulo Kiigemagi 147 Jamie Simmons Yamhill 205 Noah Strycker 191 Craig Miller 131 Steve Gordon 230 Carol Karlen 204 Daniel Farrar 190* Jay Withgott 129 Roger Robb 226 Tom Love 190 Vjera Thompson 188 Hendrik Herlyn 128 Darrel Faxon 218* Floyd Schrock 171 Steve Gordon 165 Jeff Harding 125 Wayne Weber 205 Paul Sullivan 114 Paul Sullivan 162 Steve Warner 123 Hendrik Herlyn 202 Quinton Nice Lincoln 161 Darrel Faxon 123 Paul Sherrell 200 David Copeland (t) 149 John F. Gatchet 159 Roger Robb 119 Noah Strycker 194 Roy Gerig 117 Roger Robb 157 Steve Gordon 118 Ron Maertz 193 Marilyn van Dyk 102 Paul Sullivan 153 Judy Corder 116 Craig Miller 186 Bill Tice Linn 153 Wayne Weber 108 Ulo Kiigemagi 166 John F. Gatchet 154 Jeff Harding 149 Mark Nikas 106 John Sullivan 138 Linda Fink Malheur 148 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 105 John F. Gatchet 135 Greg Gillson 162 Noah Strycker 148 Russ Namitz 100 Sylvia Maulding 116 Darrel Faxon 157 John F. Gatchet 142 Quinton Nice 111 Steve Gordon 111 Jeff Harding 142 Alan McGie Wasco 111 Roger Robb Marion 137 Henry Horvat 255* Donna Lusthoff 110 Russ Namitz 132 Matthew Schneider 136 Paul Sherrell 219 David Copeland (t) 107 Jamie Simmons Multnomah 136 Jamie Simmons 216 Craig Corder 103 Jeff Harding 188 Andy Frank 133 Tom Snetsinger 207 Marion Corder (t) 101 Craig Corder 179 BobStites 101 Sylvia Maulding 202* David Anderson 101 Judy Corder 158 John Fitchen 200 Paul Sullivan 152 John F. Gatchet Umatilla 169 Roy Gerig County Year Lists for 2009 101 Paul Sullivan 282 Craig Corder 166 John F. Gatchet Polk 281 Aaron Skirvin 139 Judy Corder Baker 174 Bill Tice 272 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 119 Steve Gordon 107 John F. Gatchet Tillamook 270 Judy Corder 118 Tom Love Benton 115 Paul Sullivan 257 Marion Corder (t) 115 Craig Miller 200 Rich Armstrong Umatilla 233 Paul Sullivan 110 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 192 Nanette Armstrong 236 Aaron Skirvin 207 Joe Evanich (t) 110 Carol Karlen 169 Paula Vanderheul Wasco 183 Jacque Goodhew 106 Darrel Faxon 147 Paul Sullivan 140 John F. Gatchet 182 Larry Goodhew 106 Russ Namitz Clackamas Washington 179* Donna Lusthoff 106 Roger Robb 117 Louis Fredd 132 Paul Sullivan 176* Skip Russell 106 Wayne Weber 111 John F. Gatchet 104 John F. Gatchet 166 Jan Krabbe (t) 102 Greg Gillson Clatsop Yamhill 162 Jamie Simmons 102 Jeff Harding 222 Mike Patterson 181 Carol Karlen 150 John F. Gatchet 203 Steve Warner 167 Paul Sullivan 150 Jim Carlson Washington Columbia 154 Marilyn van Dyk 123 Darrel Faxon 244 Greg Gillson 167 John F. Gatchet 121 Quinton Nice 123 Wayne Weber 234 Joe Evanich (t) 159 Henry Horvat 115 Carol Karlen 231* Donna Lusthoff Coos All-time County Year List 107 Hendrik Herlyn 229 John F. Gatchet 263 Tim Rodenkirk Records 104 Roger Robb 224 Paul Sullivan 238 Russ Namitz 101 Steve Gordon 219 David W. Smith 112 Paul Sullivan Baker 101 Ulo Kiigemagi 213 Tom Love 105 John F. Gatchet 204 Craig Corder (1988) 200 Ed McVicker Crook Benton Union 195* Dave Irons 217 Chuck Gates 240 W, Douglas Robinson (2007) 265 Trent Bray 193* Tim Shelmerdine 154 Kimdel Owen Clackamas 254 Joe Evanich (t) 192 Carol Karlen 105 RogerRobb 209 Tim Janzen (1995) 221 Paul Sullivan 176* Walt Yungen Deschutes Clatsop 207 Craig Corder 175* Jay Withgott 224 Lewis Rems 252 Todd Thornton (t) (2001) 171 Paul Sherrell 136 Craig Corder 221 Howard Horvath Columbia 169 Judy Corder 132 Mike & NerryLynn Denny 207 Kimdel Owen 203 John F. Gatchet (2008) 166 Mike & MerryLynn Denny 129 Russ Namitz 200 Dean Hale Coos 161 Carol Karlen 114 Bill Tice 198 Jim Moodie 272 Tim Rodenkirk (2000) 155 Ulo Kiigemagi 113 Steve Gordon Douglas Crook 153 Jan Krabbe (q) 111 Roger Robb 210 Ron Maertz 234 Chuck Gates (2006)

Oregon Birds Volume 35 55 Curry Count Circle Listing 269 Don Munson (1999) Deschutes 240 Jim Moodie (2003) Here are the results of the new count circle listing idea. The intent is for birders to Douglas focus on a 15 mile diameter circle closer to home, which can be visited with less use of 247 Martha Sawyer (t) (1983) Gilliam time, gas, and travel. The results are presented in alphabetical order by county and 183 Craig Corder/Judy Stevens (1994) observer. Grant 185 Paul Sullivan (1988) Harney Life 2009 237 Phillip Pickering (1986) List year Hood River 170 David Anderson (1989) 212 175 Jim Moodie Bend CBC Circle Jackson 181 Mike Patterson Clatsop county, centered at UTM 10T 446930E 243 Norm Barrett (2002 & 2006) 5115160N Jefferson 209 Lewis Rems (1992) 199 186 Steve Warner Clatsop county, from Saddle Mt. to Haystack Josephine Rock at Cannon Beach. 195 Dennis Vroman (2003) Klamath 240 Kevin Spencer (2007) 230 Don Munson Curry county, centered 4 mi NE of Brookings, Lake or 124° 14' 36"W, 42° 06' 13"N 241 Steve Summers (1991) Lane 201 169 Kimdel Owen Jefferson & Crook counties, Redmond CBC 289 Dave Irons (2007) circle Lincoln 173 Vjera Thompson Lane county, Eugene CBC circle 241 Phillip Pickering (1986) Linn 154 Steve Gordon Lane county, Eugene CBC circle 224 Mark Nikas (2008) 150 Mark Nikas Lane county, centered on Eugene airport Malheur Roger Robb 224 John R Gatchet (1995) 165 153 Lane county, centered in Alton Baker Park Marion (Eugene) a bit NW of the Knickerbocker 220 JohnLundsten (1995) footbridge. Morrow 224 Craig Corder (1990) 144 121 Jeff Harding Linn county, centered near Providence Church Multnomah between Lebanon & Scio 225 lain Tomlinson (2002) Polk 210 Roy Gerig (2002) Sherman Birds that have landed on me: a new listing category's 181 Phillip Pickering (1989) 181 Lewis Rems (1997) Tillamook 234 Phillip Pickering (1985) Umatilla 242 Craig Corder/Judy Stevens (1992) Union 228 Trent Bray (2007) Wallowa 224 Frank (t) & Sue Conley (2003) Wasco 211 Donna Lusthoff (1992) Washington 191 Greg Gillson (2004) Wheeler 196 Craig Corder/Judy Stevens (1996) Yamhill 181 Carol Karlen (2009)

100 species in all 36 Oregon Counties This category recognizes the birders who have seen 100 species in each of Oregon's 36 counties. The birders (with the year the mark was reached):

1986 Dennis Rogers 1986 Barb Combs 1989 Phil Pickering 1989 Linda Weiland 1991 Walt Yungen 1994 Donna Lusthoff 1994 Paul Sullivan 1996 Dave Copeland (t) 2001 Tim Shelmerdine From time to time, birders drop out of reporting their lists, for various reasons. Their past reports 2005 Barb Bellin 2006 John F. Gatchet are a matter of record. Carrying these numbers forward gives context to results reported today. 2006 Roger Robb However, if you would rather not see your past results carried forward in future Listing Results, 2008 Carol Karlen simply let me know, and I will gladly honor your wishes. 2009 Craig Corder - Paul T. Sullivan, 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26, Beaverton, OR 97005

Oregon Birds Volume 35 56 Use of Himalayan Blackberry Patches by Wintering Birds in Western Oregon

Jonathan V. Boydston Jasmine D. Graves Laci L. Bristow d "Oregon" J unco. Bruce D. Dugger Noah K. Strycker.

Abstract Himalayan blackberry is a widespread invasive plant in Oregon; however, it may have value for wintering birds. The purpose of the present study was to quantify bird species richness and abundance in blackberry brambles, compare precipitation and wind conditions inside and outside blackberry patches, and conduct observations to determine if wintering birds eat blackberry seeds. We conducted bird surveys at blackberry bushes (n=100) during winter 2008. We detected 17 species of birds that averaged 1.57+1.29 species/patch. The most frequently occurring species was Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca). The most abundant species was Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) (mean=2.57±2.08 individuals/patch). Species richness and bird abundance were not correlated with patch size

(Ps>0.17), but richness and bird abundance differed by landscape type (F4,so=5.78, P<0.001; F4,80=2A5, P=0.05, respectively), being greatest in grass seed fields. Observations suggested few birds ate blackberry seeds. Results of this study indicate that Himalayan blackberry patches are used by wintering birds.

Key words: avian ecology, cover, forage, habitat, invasive plant, shelter, winter

Introduction plants may have a neutral or even beneficial effect on bird abundance and distribution (Patterson and Best Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) is 1996; Heckscher 2004). Possible bird uses of blackberry considered the most widespread and economically include protection from predators (Pulliam and Mills disruptive noxious weed in the Pacific Northwest 1977; Davis 1973, 1957; Mills 1977), shelter from (USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service 2002), precipitation and wind (Kendeigh 1934), and as food and is especially dominant in human-altered (Davis 1973). In a study of brush piles, Gorenzel et al. landscapes such as agricultural, suburban, and urban (1995) found that birds were more likely to use piles areas. While aggressive alien plants such as blackberry near blackberry patches. can degrade native plant and animal ecosystems No previous study has quantified the use of (Luken and Thieret 1997), research suggests invasive Himalayan blackberry by temperate-wintering bird

Oregon Birds Volume 35 57 species, though birders have long associated certain We used a hand-held digital anemometer to species with this habitat type. Quantifying avian record maximum wind speed inside and outside species abundance and richness is a necessary first blackberry patches (n=70 patches). Measurements step to understanding the role of blackberry on the inside a patch were taken at chest height, one arm's wintering bird community. The purpose of our study length in on the lee side. For each pair of observations, was to investigate the use of Himalayan blackberry by observers recorded maximum wind speed to the birds wintering in western Oregon. Specifically, this nearest 0.04 m/sec within and without the blackberry study was designed to: (1) quantify bird species patch, and noted the size of the patch (length, width, richness and abundance in blackberry; (2) compare and height in meters). precipitation and wind conditions inside and outside We conducted observations at a permanent blackberry; and (3) determine if wintering birds eat feeding station on William L. Finley National Wildlife blackberry seeds. Refuge to determine if birds would eat blackberry seeds. Prior to conducting observations, we emptied the feeder of sunflower and millet seeds and filled it Methods with dried blackberry seeds that had been collected by hand from blackberry patches. An observation session Study Area lasted 45 minutes («=8) and began when the first bird arrived at the feeder. Observers recorded the number The study was conducted in Linn and Benton and identity of each bird at the feeder and its behavior counties of western Oregon within 20 km of Corvallis. as (1) flew around feeder but did not land, (2) landed Our research took place in habitats ranging from the on the feeder but flew away without taking seeds, (3) grass seed fields of the Willamette Valley interior to picked up seed and flew away with seed, (4) picked coniferous stands lining the edge between the valley up seed but dropped seed and flew away, or (5) ate and the Oregon Coast Range. We recognized seven seed on the feeder. After each observation period, landscape types, including oak savanna (defined as observers replaced the blackberry seeds with the oak trees interspersed among grass and shrubs), original seed. riparian areas (banks and land adjacent to freshwater bodies), grass seed fields (agricultural lands Data Analysis containing grasses cultivated for seed), edge habitat (any zone where two or more habitat types meet), We calculated total species richness for the study urban areas (non-naturally occurring built-up areas), and mean richness per patch. We calculated total bird mixed habitat (landscapes containing multiple habitat abundance by species and mean species abundance types), and coniferous habitat (woodlands). per patch. We also calculated percent occurrence as the percent of all patches where each species was Field Procedures detected. All means are reported ± SE. We conducted two-factor ANCOVAs to compare species richness and Trained observers (n=5) conducted point counts abundance in blackberry patches across landscape at blackberry patches («=100) during January- types and observers, covarying patch size. A paired t- February 2008. A patch was defined as blackberry test was conducted to determine if pishing increased

vines /brambles with volume >50 m3. At each patch, the probability of observing birds. We also used paired we measured patch size (length, width, and height in f-tests to determine if precipitation and wind speed meters) and recorded the habitat landscape differed inside and outside blackberry patches. We surrounding the patch. Each survey lasted 10 minutes. computed Pearson product-moment correlation During the first five minutes observers were silent; coefficients (r) relating patch size with internal- afterwards they "pished" in an attempt to lure birds external differences in wind speed and precipitation. out of hiding, We identified all birds seen or heard to For the feeding observations, we tallied frequencies species and noted their behavior separately for each for the bird species and behaviors seen at the feeder. five-minute interval. We used pairs of rain gauges, one placed inside Results and one placed outside a blackberry patch (n=30 pairs), to determine the extent that patches intercepted Bird Surveys rainfall. Gauges were left in place for a minimum of 24 hours, and were kept in the field for subsequent 24- Blackberry patches averaged 13.0+15.0 m long hour periods until a measurable amount of (range 2 to 82 m), 5.5+5.2 m wide (range 1 to 39 m), precipitation had fallen. In addition to recording and 2.2+1.1 m tall (range 1.2 to 9.0 m). Patch volume

precipitation in each gauge (nearest 0.3 cm), we averaged 2,896+618 m3 (range 61 to 49,160 m3). We recorded blackberry patch size (length, width, and detected 17 species of birds in blackberry patches; height in meters). species richness averaged 1.57+1.29 (range 0 to 6

Oregon Birds Volume 35 58 species) per patch. One observation of 43 House frequent visitors were Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma Sparrows (Passer domesticus) at a single blackberry californica) (n=19), Golden-crowned Sparrows (n=18), patch was considered an outlier and excluded from Song Sparrows (n=15), Black-capped Chickadees subsequent analyses. Because of small sample sizes, (n=14), Dark-eyed Juncos («=13), and Spotted we excluded observations in urban (n=l) and Towhees (n=12) (Table 2). Most frequently, birds coniferous (n=2) landscapes from analyses of alighted on the feeder and flew away without taking landscape differences in species abundance and blackberry seeds (77% of total observations) or picked richness. up blackberry seed but dropped the seed and flew The most frequently occurring species was Fox away (13%). Three Western Scrub-Jays and one Sparrow (Passerella iliaca), followed by Song Sparrow Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) ate blackberry seeds at (Melospiza melodia), Spotted Towhee (Pipilo the feeder; one Western Scrub-Jay flew away with seed erythrophthalmus), Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile taken from the feeder. atricapillus), and Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) (Table 1). Mean species richness differed by landscape type (F4,so=5.78, P<0.001), being highest in grass seed Discussion fields (3.37±0.65), followed by edge habitat (2.45+0.43), oak savanna (1.37+0.18), riparian areas (1.31+0.20), and This study is the first to quantify use of mixed habitat (1.11+0.21). A follow-up Tukey (HSD) Himalayan blackberry patches by temperate- test indicated species richness in grass seed fields was wintering birds. Seventeen bird species were observed significantly greater than in oak savanna, riparian, and at blackberry patches in the study, including common mixed landscapes; also, species richness was Oregon-wintering species such as Fox Sparrow, Song significantly greater in edge than in riparian and Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Black-capped Chickadee, mixed habitats. We found a significant main effect for and Dark-eyed Junco. We found that species richness observer (F.j,8o=3.53, P=0.011) and a significant or species abundance did not vary with patch size, observer-by-habitat interaction (F7,so=2.78, P=0.012), suggesting that larger patches do not necessarily indicating the presence of observer bias in the overall afford more protection and more food than smaller species richness results (a follow-up HSD test ones. indicated that one observer had significantly higher The use of pishing in this study significantly totals than the other four). The covariate of patch size increased observations (i.e., mean bird abundance was was nonsignificant. lower prior to pishing than during pishing). Pishing The most abundant species was Dark-eyed Junco could be a confounding factor, since potential species- (mean=2.57±2.08 individuals/patch), followed by specific responses to pishing (for example, a greater Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) response to pishing from passerines than for other (2.43+1.27) and Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) species) may bias response rates and thus overall (2.27+2.96). Species abundance differed by landscape richness and abundance results. Only one species in type (f4,8o=2.45, P=0.05). A subsequent HSD test this study (Winter Wren, n=3) was detected solely indicated species abundance in grass seed fields was while pishing, however. significantly greater than in riparian and mixed Our results that blackberry patches intercept landscapes. There were no significant main or rainfall and buffer against wind support the interactive inter-observer effects, and the covariate of hypothesis that wintering birds in western Oregon use patch size was nonsignificant. Himalayan blackberry bushes for shelter. However, Mean bird abundance was lower prior to pishing because we investigated only Himalayan blackberry (1.36+1.77 individuals/patch) than during pishing patches, it is unclear how Himalayan blackberry (2.50+2.69; f=4.65, P<0.001). compares in these aspects with native shrubs. The ripe fruit of Himalayan blackberry is Weather and Feeder Observations commonly consumed by several species of birds in late summer and autumn (e.g., Northern Flicker Precipitation averaged greater outside (0.90 ± .20 [Colaptes auratus; Moore 1995], Rose-breasted cm) than inside (0.60 ± .40 cm) blackberry patches Grosbeak [Pheucticus ludovicianus; Wyatt and Francis (t=3.41, P<0.005). Mean maximum wind speed was 2002]). We found limited support for the hypothesis higher outside (1.64 + 0.82 m/sec) than inside (0.46 ± that birds eat blackberry seeds in winter. Few birds 0.32 m/sec) the patches (f=12.98, P<0.001). Patch size were seen feeding at blackberry patches (feeding was not significantly correlated with internal-external accounted for only about 9% of all behaviors differences in wind speed (r=-0.11; P=0.37) or rainfall observed) and visual confirmation that blackberry (r=-0.38; P=0.10). seeds were being consumed was rare. Our point-count We detected 10 bird species (n=100 birds) at the survey methods might have influenced these results, feeding station (mean=12.5±7.0 individual visits/ since birds may be less likely to eat in the presence of observation period, n=8 observation periods). Most intruders.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 59 Our feeding results concur generally with prior Literature Cited research indicating that birds eat fruit for the flesh rather than the seeds, as evidenced by their often Bennett, M. 2007. Managing Himalayan blackberry in excreting fruit seeds undigested (thus aiding plant western Oregon riparian areas. Oregon State dispersal; Wenny and Levey 1998; Krefting and Roe University Extension Service, Corvallis. 1949). Given that our feeding study was not a Davis, J. 1973. Habitat preferences and competition of controlled experiment, a range of possible alternative wintering juncos and Golden-crowned Sparrows. hypotheses could be drawn from our results. For Ecology 54:174-180. instance, blackberry seeds in our study may not have Gorenzel, W. P., S. A. Mastrup, and E. L. Fitzhugh. been made available long enough for birds to become 1995. Characteristics of brushpiles used by birds in aware or acclimated to their presence, the low rate of northern California. Tlie Southwestern Naturalist seed eating may be normal at this feeder, or common 40:86-93. blackberry-using species were absent in the seed- Heckscher, C. M. 2004. Veery nest sites in a mid- eating trials. Atlantic Piedmont forest: vegetative physiognomy Our study contributes to the literature addressing and use of alien shrubs. American Midland Naturalist wildlife and land management in disturbed 151:326-337. landscapes. Urban areas worldwide are expanding, Kendeigh, S. C. 1934. The role of environment in the resulting in the reduction and fragmentation of native life of birds. Ecological Monographs 4:299^17. vegetation and the proliferation of alien plant species Krefting, L. W., and E. I. Roe. 1949. The role of some (Melles et al. 2003; Luken and Thieret 1997). Despite birds and mammals in seed germination. Ecological evidence that birds may use alien shrubs when similar Monographs 19:269-286. native species are unavailable (Whelan and Dilger Luken, J. O., and J. W. Thieret. 1997. Assessment and 1995), the effects of North American non-native shrubs management of plant invasions. Springer: New York. on avian ecology are largely unknown. Though Melles, S., S. Glenn, and K. Martin. 2003. Urban bird blackberry may be a "poor substitute for a diverse diversity and landscape complexity: species- assemblage of native trees, shrubs, and other... environment associations along a multiscale habitat vegetation" (Bennett 2007; p. 2), our study indicates a gradient. Conservation Ecology 7:5. Available online at variety of wintering bird species use Himalayan www.consecol.org/vol7/issl/art5 (accessed 21 blackberry bushes in western Oregon. March 2008). Since we did not collect data on bird communities Moore, W. S. 1995. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), beyond the blackberry-altered landscapes sampled, The Birds of N. America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). we are unable to examine the population-level Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornith. Available online at: consequences of Himalayan blackberry invasion and http: / /O-bna.birds.cornell.edu.oasis.oregonstate.edu: test Bennett's assertion. It appears that there is a trade• 80/ bna/species/166adoi:10.2173/bna.l66 (accessed off in which Himalayan blackberry contributes to 27 May 2008). degradation of wildlife habitat but also is used by Patterson, M. P., and L. B. Best. 1996. Bird abundance some native bird species. and nesting success in Iowa CRP fields: the Future studies could expand on our research by importance of vegetation structure and composition. comparing bird use of Himalayan blackberry patches American Midland Naturalist 135:153-167. with native shrub assemblages to determine which Pulliam, H. R., and G. S. Mills. 1977. The use of space habitats are relatively better or worse for birds. by wintering sparrows. Ecology 58:1393-1399. Additional research also is needed to quantify bird use USDA NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation of blackberry patches over multiple winter seasons, Service). 2002. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5. and to experimentally test how birds in blackberry Available online at http: / / plants.usda.gov (accessed patches respond to predators. 13 February 2009). Wenny, D. G., and D. J. Levey. 1998. Directed seed Acknowledgements dispersal by bellbirds in a tropical cloud forest. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of The authors are grateful to Dax M. Strubb, Amy the United States of America. 95:6204-6207. A. Anderson, and Jenna F. Gelardi for field Whelan, C. J., and M. L. Dilger. 1995. Invasive, exotic observations and assistance with gathering data. In shrubs: a paradox for natural area managers? Natural addition, the authors thank Finley NWR for Areas Journal 12:109-110. permitting use of their bird feeding station. Funding Wyatt, V. E., and C. M. Francis. 2002. Rose-breasted for this project was provided by OSU and the Mace Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus), The Birds of Watchable Wildlife Endowment. North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Available online at http://0- bna.birds.cornell.edu.oasis.oregonstate.edu:80 /bna / species/692doi:10.2173/bna.692 (accessed 27 May 2008).

Oregon Birds Volume 35 60 TABLE 1. Percent occurrence (%) and abundance (mean ± SE (range)) of birds using Himalayan blackberry patches (n=100) in Linn and Benton Counties, Oregon, January and February 2008.

Percent Occurrence1 Species Abundance2

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) 26 1.88+0.99 (0-8)

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 24 1.37+0.49 (0-2) Spotted Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 22 1.55+0.79 (0-8)

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 19 1.86+0.85 (0-8)

Dark-eyed Junco {Junco hyemalis) 16 2.57+2.08 (0-13)

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 13 1.38+0.72 (0^) Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) 10 2.27+2.96 (0-19)

Western Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) 8 1.75+0.89 (0-3) Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) 5 2.43+1.27 (0-4)

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 3 2.00+1.41 (0-5)

White-crowned Sparrow {Zonotrichia leucophrys) 3 2.00+1.73 (0-4)

Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 3 1.00+0.00 (0-2) Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) 2 1.50+0.71 (0-2)

Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) 2 1.00+0.00 (0-1)

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 1 1.00 (0-1)

Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) 1 1.00 (0-1)

No birds observed 22

All species 3.86+3.84

1 Percent occurrence = % of all patches where the species was detected.

2 Species abundance = mean number of individuals per patch. NOTE: One observation of 43 House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) at a single blackberry patch was considered an outlier and excluded from these calculations.

TABLE 2. Number of visits by wintering birds to a feeder of Himalayan blackberry seeds (n=8, 45-minute observation periods).

Number of Observed Visits

Western Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) 19

Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) 18

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 15

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 14

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 13

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 12

Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) 3

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 2

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) 2

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) 2

Oregon Birds Volume 35 61 Noah K. Strycker, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331. Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: [email protected]

Jonathan V. Boydston, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331

Jasmine D. Graves, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331

Laci L. Bristow, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331

Bruce D. Dugger, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331

"Sooty" Fox Sparrow is a common winter visitor to Himalayan blackberry patches in western Oregon.

Photo by Noah K. Strycker.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 62 This study of nesting of Lewis's Woodpeckers in vocalizations, and circular flight pattern) of the LEWO's Central Oregon is intended to provide a useful baseline and the specific location of the sighting. for future studies and conservation of this interesting Most credible sightings resulted in a search of the woodpecker. area of the previous sighting. Upon locating LEWO's, they would be observed for up to one hour to confirm a Scope of Inference nest and always keeping a distance of at least 75 feet from the LEWO's. Nests were only considered This was an observational study, so no inferences confirmed if a LEWO entered, exited, or were seen in a can be drawn to Lewis's Woodpeckers that were not cavity, as per guidelines of a personal communication included in this study. However, if data on Lewis's with an expert from the East Cascade Bird Conservancy Woodpecker nests is collected every year for a period of (Shunk2005). five to eight years and on, inferences to the Central Upon confirmation of a cavity, a GPS location was Oregon Lewis's Woodpecker population would become taken, noting the approximate distance from the snag more relevant. and what direction from the snag. The observer, the date, how the nest was confirmed, the tree type, if the Methods area was burned, the cavity opening direction using a compass, an approximation of the cavity opening The Central Oregon Birders Online list-serve height, if dense ground cover was present, if the canopy (COBOL) was monitored for sightings of Lewis's was open or closed, and if the area had been logged Woodpeckers (LEWO's) starting in late April. COBOL were all noted. was used to post messages seeking volunteers to help In September, after LEWO's and their fledglings with locating LEWO's and their nests. Locations of had vacated the nesting area, nests were visited again sightings were noted and emails and/or phone calls for more measurements. On returning to the nests, the were made to the individuals who posted the sightings observer(s), the date, the opening direction using a to inquire about the behavior (paired, churring compass, the opening height using a clinometer, the

Oregon Birds Volume 35 63 dominant vegetation type if known, the aspect using a clinometer, the slope using a clinometer, the opening diameter using measuring tape if accessible by ladder (i.e. not to high), the snag height using a clinometer, and snag circumference using DBH measuring tape were all measured and recorded. The GPS coordinates were re-taken at the base of each snag for an exact location. Pictures of the snag and the cavity opening were also taken. The latitude and longitude coordinates were entered from the GPS unit as well as the elevation of the snags. The distance to open or flowing water and the type of water (flowing or open) were determined by the use of GIS.

Results Photo by Steve Halpern. The Lewis's Woodpeckers in this study preferred Ponderosa pines for nesting, selecting those 83.8% (31 The average cavity opening height for Lewis's total) of the time with Douglas fir selected 10.8% (4) of Woodpecker nests was 26.04 feet (312.46 inches) with a the time and Junipers selected 5.4% (2). All trees standard deviation of 23.30 feet (279.51 inches) and selected for nesting were snags with an open canopy ranged from 5.33 feet (64 inches) to 133 feet (1596 and none of the areas appeared to have previous inches). The average opening width and height for the logging activity. The average diameter of the snags was cavities was 2.70 inches by 3.41 inches with a standard 20.51 inches with a standard deviation of 7.52 inches deviation of 0.89 inches by 2.07 inches and ranged from and ranged from 10 inches to 54 inches. The average 1.5 inches by 2.5 inches and 2 inches by 2 inches on the height of the snags was 38.11 feet (457.32 inches) with a low end to 6 inches by 12 inches on the high end. The standard deviation of 30.72 feet (368.72 inches) and average distance from the cavity opening to the back of ranged from 10.67 feet (128 inches) to 168.42 feet (2021 the nest was 5.87 inches with a standard deviation of inches). The distance from snags to water sources 0.81 inches and ranged from 4 inches to 7 inches. The ranged from 0.0 miles to 2.91 miles. The closest water average depth (from the lowest point of the cavity source was always flowing water in the form of rivers, opening to the bottom) was 14.51 inches with a streams, and canals. standard deviation of 4.80 inches and ranged from 5.75 Lewis's Woodpecker nests were only found in inches to 22 inches. The cavity opening directions were areas that had burned between 1990 and 2003 and also as follows: four faced north, 11 faced northeast, five had dense ground cover with the lone exception an faced east, five faced southeast, two faced south, three artificial Juniper snag in the Panoramic neighborhood faced southwest, five faced west, and two faced near sisters that was neither in a burn or had dense northwest. The average distance between opening ground cover. Burns between 2-15 years old were height and snag height was 12.05 feet and ranged from utilized for nests with the majority of nest (17) 1 foot (12 inches) to 75.29 feet (903.48 inches). Thirty occurring in the 15 year old Aubrey Hall Burn. Cheat two out of the 37 cavities were in the top half of the grass was the predominate ground vegetation for 39.4% snags and 25 of the cavities were within 10 feet of the of the nests, followed by sage at 27.3%, manzanita at top. 24.2%, and fire weed 9.1%. The predominant vegetation was unidentifiable at Discussion four of the snags due to limited knowledge of plants. There was no predominant aspect for the snags. The Lewis's Woodpeckers preferred nesting snags were aspects were as follows: four faced north, eight faced Ponderosa pines. However, the four snags in the B&B northeast, three faced east, four faced southeast, two Complex Burn were all Douglas firs. As the years since faced south, one faced southwest, two faced west, six this burn pass, it is conceivable that more Lewis's faced northwest, and seven had no aspect. The average Woodpeckers would utilize more Douglas firs as other slope for the snags was 2.84 degrees with a standard woodpeckers have more time to create cavities. Two deviation of 6.25 degrees and ranged from 0 degrees to other pairs used Junipers for nests showing that Lewis's 38 degrees. The average elevation was 3660 feet with a Woodpeckers will utilize other trees outside of standard deviation of 431.54 feet and ranged from 2811 Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. This is consistent feet to 4292 feet. with other studies that found LEWO's will use many

Oregon Birds Volume 35 64 other tree types (Tobalske 1997). While the majority (17) prefer to nest. The opening direction preference was for of nests was in the 15 year old Aubrey Hall Burn, the openings facing to the northeast. The majority (25 out number of nests can be expected to drop in this burn as of 37) of the opening directions were from the north the snags fall over with aging. (338 degrees) to the southeast (158 degrees). However, Nesting snags for Lewis's Woodpeckers were only opening directions spanned all directions with five found in areas that had burned between 1990 and 2003. facing to the west while the directions surrounding the This suggests that Lewis's Woodpeckers prefer more west only had two or three, so there does not appear to recent burns (within 20 years) as opposed to older be a strong correlation between opening direction and burns (older than 20 years). However, an exact age of nest location. burn preference can not be gleaned from this The aspect preference ranged from the NW to the information, but monitoring how old burns are when SE (293 to 158 degrees) and no aspect at all. Only five Lewis's Woodpeckers stop utilizing burns could snags fell outside of this range or had no aspect, provide this information. showing that aspects of all directions will be utilized. The majority (94.6%) of slopes were below 6 degrees. The slope might not be a strong correlation with nest sites because birders might not access areas that have a large slope or the areas that have burned in Central Oregon might just happen to be in areas that do not have large slopes, or a combination of both. Central Oregon's treed elevation of the study areas ranged from 1900 feet to 6500 feet. The elevation preference for Lewis's Woodpeckers appears to favor the lower elevations of Central Oregon, as no nests were found above 4292 feet. However, Lewis's Woodpeckers may have nested at higher elevations, but may not have been located due to the difficulty and remoteness of accessing the higher elevations. The lower elevations of Central Oregon are in stream and river canyons. It is possible that Lewis's Photo by John Sullivan. Woodpeckers did nest along streams and rivers, but were not located due to the difficulty of accessing these locations. Jim Anderson said that Lewis's Woodpeckers The dominant vegetation cover at the nests does used to nest in the cottonwoods along streams and not appear to have a correlation with snag selection. rivers, but they have been displaced by European Many of the snags had a mixture of the dominant Starlings. vegetation at other snags, as well as other vegetation The majority of cavity openings were very close to types. Lewis's Woodpeckers prefer snags in areas that the average opening diameters, suggesting a close were burned, have dense ground vegetation, have open relationship between cavity opening diameter and canopies, and were not logged. suitable nests. The majority of cavity widths and depths The standard deviation of 7.52 inches for an were close to the average width and depths, suggesting average snag diameter of 20.51 inches is large. The a close relationship between cavity widths and depths majority (68%) of snag diameters will fall in the range with suitable nests. of 12.99- 28.03 inches. The standard deviation of 30.72 While 10 nests were within a quarter mile of a feet for an average snag height of 38.11 feet is very water source, the majority of the nests (26) were a large. The standard deviation of 23.30 feet for an significant distance from a water source (0.25-2.9 miles). average cavity opening height of 26.04 feet is also very This suggests that nest sites do not have a strong large. This means the majority (68%) of snag heights connection with a water source, which is contrary to and cavity opening heights will be found in the range previous Lewis's Woodpecker studies (Marshall, et al. from 7.39 feet to 68.83 feet and 2.74 feet to 49.34 feet 2003). The closest source of water in each case was respectively. Most of the snag heights and cavity flowing water. opening heights outside of this range will be higher Excluding the artificial snag in the Panoramic than 68.83 feet and 49.34 feet, respectively. Neighborhood of Sisters and one nest each in the B & B While the majority of cavities were found in areas Complex Burn and the Aubrey Hall Burn, the Lewis's with relatively little slope, this could be more a cause of Woodpecker nests appear to be distributed in clusters. where the fires and trees occur than where LEWO's This could be attributed to a greater ease of finding

Oregon Birds Volume 35 65 nests that are in clusters because of a larger number of Miscellaneous Lewis's Woodpeckers present in that area as opposed to nests that are isolated and therefore more difficult to Some possible shortcomings in finding LEWO nests to find. Further data collection of the distribution of measure are that birders may not regularly go to places Lewis's Woodpecker nests over subsequent years can where large trees have burned, effectively excluding be used to determine if nesting in clusters is a trend or these areas from the data set, and the LEWO's may be an anomaly of this year. quieter in those areas with taller trees, making them more difficult to find. A general trend for the LEWO's was to be more vocal and less timid of humans in areas Recommendations for Nest Boxes closer to Bend with the Aubrey Hall Burn LEWO's being the most vocal. 1. Place nest boxes in the range of 6 ft to 30 ft with the Woodpeckers were less vocal and more timid of majority between 15 to 25 ft. humans in areas the farthest from Bend with the Eyerly Burn being the least vocal and most timid. The LEWO's 2. Place nest boxes opening direction between 338 in the outer lying areas, such as the Eyerly Burn, may degrees to 158 degrees (N to SE, excluding S to have been less vocal due to lower numbers of LEWO's NW). This might be a weak connection because and/or the presence of humans conducting the study. cavities were found in areas facing all directions. All measurements were not corrected for true north. 3. Place nest boxes in trees that are 10 ft to 50 ft in It would be valuable to monitor the nests in the height. Aubrey Hall Burn to see how many years since the burn it takes before LEWO's cannot utilize any of the 4. Place nest boxes in snags that are 15-25 inches in snags. diameter.

5. Place nest boxes in the top half of snag, preferably Citations within 10 ft of the top. Marshall, D. B., Hunter, M. G., and Contreras, A. L. (2003) Birds of Oregon. Corvallis, OR: OSU Press. 6. Place nest boxes in areas with aspects from 293 degrees to 158 degrees (NW to SE, excluding S to Shunk, S. (2005), oral communication, 21st March. W) and with no aspect. This might be a weak connection because cavities were found in areas Tobalske, B. W. (1997). The Birds of North America. with all aspects. Philadelphia, PA: The Academy of Natural Sciences.

7. Place nest boxes in areas that have been burned, have not been logged, have an open canopy, have dense ground cover, and have Ponderosas.

8. Make cavity openings of nest boxes approximately 2.5 inches in width and approximately 3 inches in height.

9. Make the distance from the front to back of the inside of the box approximately 6 inches and the depth from the top to bottom approximately 14 inches.

10. Place nest boxes in areas that are within the elevation range of 3228 feet to 4092 feet.

11. Distance to water and predominant vegetation Kirk Hardie type do not have strong influences on cavity site 880 S. Center St selection. Reno, NV 89501 [email protected]

Oregon Birds Volume 35 66 A Brief History of Seabird Research

on Southern Oregon's

Saddle Rock Colony

Annie M. Pollard

Few people are granted the experience of being on of LHSP activity on Saddle Rock as early as late a colony of Leach's Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma February. Although synchrony and phenology is leucorhoa, LHSP) in the darkest part of the night. I variable between populations and even between closely consider myself extremely fortunate to know the situated colonies (Huntington et al. 1996), LHSP wonder of lying under a mist net looking up at a swarm generally lay between mid-May and mid-June on of thousands of vocalizing storm-petrels, silhouetted temperate, east Pacific colonies (Ainley et al. 1974), and against a starry sky. This nocturnal, planktivorous the incubation period lasts 43 days (Huntington et al. procellariiform, with an estimated worldwide breeding 1996). population of 8 million (Huntington et al. 1996), is The mean hatching date on Petrel Island in British among the most numerous seabirds in the northern Columbia was August 9 in 1983 (Vermeer et al. 1988). hemisphere, yet, due to the difficulties in accessing both their island breeding colonies and their winter foraging grounds, it is largely unstudied. I had the good fortune to study breeding Leach's Storm-petrels on the Saddle Leach's Storm-Petrels by Ramiel Papish. For Rock colony, part of the Eastern Pacific population, more information on his art, see his web site at where researchers with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife http://www.rampapish.com. Service have been monitoring LHSP since 1979. In this article I summarize the Saddle Rock seabird research between 1979 and 2008. On Hunters Island in 2008,1 observed that 23% of eggs Like all LHSP, those of the Eastern Pacific had hatched by June 21 (N=26) and by July 2, 76% of population breed on islands with soil coverage suitable eggs had hatched (N=25), indicating an average hatch for burrow construction, with their breeding range date slightly before July 2, over a month earlier than extending from islands off Baja California to Buldir that found in British Columbia. LHSP chicks fledge at Island in the Aleutian Island chain (Huntington et al. roughly 63 days on Petrel Island (Vermeer et al. 1988), 1996). Oregon LHSP breed on seven major colonies, but fledging age differs between different colonies and with over 20 000 birds each (Table 1), and at least six years. I have seen chicks without fully developed minor colonies (between 100 and 10,000 birds, primary feathers on Saddle Rock on October 8 in 2007, Naughton et al. 2007). All colonies are part of the and I expect there were birds fledging as late as Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge or the Three November. Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge. 95% of Oregon LHSP generally nest on islands that are LHSP are concentrated in colonies on the southern inaccessible to terrestrial predators, which makes their coast (Figure 1, Naughton et al. 2007). In the 1988 U.S. colonies difficult for humans to access as well. Saddle Fish and Wildlife survey, Saddle Rock (N 42.250 W Rock is a fairly unique colony in that it is contiguous -124.414) was the third largest colony, with an estimated with the mainland during very low tides. It is separated 87,520 breeding birds. from the mainland (Crook Point) by a 65 m channel, In general, LHSP return to their colonies from their which drains completely during tides lower than mean tropical winter foraging grounds in April and May to low tide (Figure 2). The island has a steep rocky face on begin burrow excavation or renovation and nest the north, east, and south sides, with a sea cave running building (Huntington et al. 1996). I have seen evidence underneath from east to west bisecting a second sea

Oregon Birds Volume 35 67 cave running from north to south. The top of the island were added together for an estimate of the breeding consists of about 9100m2 of vegetation-covered soil, population (Table 2). Burrows were investigated by which is suitable LHSP nesting habitat. This is excavation in 1979 and by a process called grubbing composed of two steep, vegetated 'knolls' with a flat (where the researcher reaches into the burrow and feels area in between (referred to as the saddle area). The for an adult, a chick, or an egg) in 1988, 2007 and 2008. west side of the island is composed of roughly 3000m2 The population estimates were calculated using the of flat, rocky ledges, which is suitable for gull nesting 2008 USFWS area estimate. habitat. These ledges gradually descend to the Between 1979 and 1997, varying numbers of intertidal zone. burrows (usually around 100) were checked for Because the channel between the island and Crook occupancy in an attempt to monitor LHSP breeding Point is exposed during very low tides, Saddle Rock is effort on Saddle Rock (Table 3). The average occupancy the most accessible LHSP colony on the Oregon Coast, rate from occupancy surveys performed between 15- and has been the site of most of the LHSP research in July and 15-August was 79.5% (95% confidence interval Oregon. In 1979, Robert Pitman, in cooperation with the + /- 6.2%), and the occupancy rates remained relatively U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), began stable. My 2007 and 2008 occupancy rates were much documenting the breeding biology of LHSP and other lower than the historical average. breeding birds on Saddle Rock, and continued visiting The 1979 USFWS Oregon Seabird Survey the colony almost yearly until 1993. USFWS made (Varoujean and Pitman 1979) paints a relatively diverse population estimates in 1979 and 1988, and began picture of the composition of nesting seabirds on making almost yearly visits to Saddle Rock in 1987 to Saddle Rock with 65 Western Gull nests, 11 Pelagic measure burrow occupancy and to band birds for a Cormorant nests, 12 Pigeon Guillemot nests, 5 Tufted mark-release-recapture study. Puffin nests, and 53,000 breeding LHSP adults. In 1981, Occupancy surveys ended in 1997, and work on Pitman noted at least one pair of breeding Black Saddle Rock ceased until 2004 and 2005, when the Point Oystercatchers, several pairs of Fork-tailed Storm- Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO) and University of petrels, and a group of about 10 Double-crested Oregon M. S. student Michelle Schuiteman carried out a Cormorants. mark-release-recapture and a diet study on LHSP (Schuiteman 2006). Varying numbers of both adult birds and chicks were banded by USFWS, PRBO, and Michelle Schuiteman between the years of 1979 and 2005 (Roy Lowe, USFWS, Julie Thayer, PRBO, and Schuiteman, pers. comm.). In 2007 and 2008, I studied mammalian predation on LHSP on Saddle Rock and the use of call playbacks to monitor nesting attendance of LHSP. All work was completed under a Special Use Permit issued by USFWS. In 1979, Pitman began banding adult LHSP captured in mist nets, and chicks removed from burrows, in an attempt to estimate the Saddle Rock population size based on recapture rates. He banded 3,000 adults and chicks between 1979 and 1987. USFWS banded an additional 6,000 birds between the years of 1987 and 1997, and PRBO and Schuiteman banded another 2,000 in 2004 and 2005. At that time, recapture rates were still too low and variable to make an accurate estimation of the Saddle Rock colony size. Population estimates were made in 1979 and 1988 by USFWS and in 2007 and 2008 by myself, in cooperation with USFWS. In all years, several one m2 plots were randomly chosen from three areas of the colony: the north knoll, the south knoll, and the saddle area (Table 2). Active burrows within each plot were counted, Leach's Storm-Petrel, 11 May 2008, off Star Princess, coastal counts were averaged across plots within an area, and Oregon. Photo by Owen Schmidt. multiplied by the acreage of each area. These values

Oregon Birds Volume 35 68 over 100 severed LHSP wings. In 2004 and 2005, hundreds of pairs of severed LHSP wings were found on the colony, and were assumed to be the result of mammalian predation. The identity of the mammals present on the island was not discovered until 2007, when my motion sensing cameras caught images of both raccoons and a river otter on the colony. In the 2007 and 2008 breeding seasons I found raccoons and river otters to be significant sources of LHSP mortality, resulting in a sharp decline in the colony size (Table 2). Mammals may also have been responsible for the disappearance of the gull colony, the Tufted Puffins, the Fork-tailed Storm-petrels, and the oystercatchers. Vegetation on Saddle Rock has not been well documented, but it is evident that there are at least two non-native species that have colonized the island: iceplant (Carpobrotus edulis) and tansey ragwort (Senecio jacobaea). Iceplant was first recorded on the colony in 1990 on the south knoll. Pitman hypothesized that the Double-crested Cormorants seen nesting on the south knoll in 1987 and 1989 may have transported the plant onto the island as nesting material. Since then, iceplant has spread to most of the south and east sides of the south knoll and can be found along the perimeter of the east side of the island (Figure 3). It creates a monoculture that out-competes native vegetation. It is unclear when tansey ragwort first made Figure 1: The locations of the seven largest colonies of its appearance on Saddle Rock, though it is now Leach's Storm-petrels in Oregon. prevalent and patchy on most of the north knoll and in the saddle area. There was no mention of it in Pitman's description of vegetation from 1979. In July 2007, Pitman's field notes indicate this species USFWS and myself made an ArcGIS survey of iceplant composition remained relatively consistent until at least and tansey ragwort coverage on Saddle Rock (Figure 3). 1990, with the exception of the group of Double-crested My data indicate mammalian predators are slightly Cormorants, which was ephemeral, and only bred more likely to disturb burrows in iceplant-dominated again in 1981,1987,1989, and 1990. The 1990 field notes areas than those in native vegetation-dominated areas. are the last containing accounts of Tufted Puffins It is not immediately evident that these plant species breeding on the island, which disappeared sometime inhibit seabird breeding efforts directly on Saddle Rock before 2007. and no attempt has been made to remove either species. In the Saddle Rock trip summaries written to In Summer 2008, USFWS made extensive efforts to Pitman, Lowe (USFWS) mentions high mortality of gull remove raccoons from Saddle Rock and the Crook Point chicks in 1993, but still records the colony as present in area in hopes of restoring the LHSP colony. Although 1997. By 2005, the gull colony had disappeared entirely, eleven animals were removed by late summer, much with the exception of one or two nests on a ledge on the LHSP depredation occurred on the colony and motion cliff on the northwest side of the island (pers. obs.). In sensing cameras revealed raccoons to be the cause. By 2008,1 observed very few nesting Leach's Storm-petrels fall 2008, tracks from only one raccoon were found, (<5000 individuals), two Western Gull nests that intermittently, on the mainland, indicating all produced offspring, and an unknown number of permanent residents had been removed. nesting Pelagic Cormorants and Pigeon Guillemots. I would like to conclude this article with a few Little can be found in the early field notes to recommendations for future work on Saddle Rock. The explain this decline in both seabird diversity and removal of raccoons from Saddle Rock will provide an biomass between the years of 1990 and 2007, with the excellent opportunity to study colony dynamics of exception of one mention of the odor of skunk on Leach's Storm-petrels. Though LHSP are widely Saddle Rock by Pitman in 1984, and a brief description believed to be very philopatric, I predict Saddle Rock in 1997 by Lowe of a mammalian scat (either raccoon or will see re-colonization from LHSP that were not born river otter) found in the gull colony in the vicinity of

Oregon Birds Volume 35 69 on Saddle Rock. The extremely high densities on colonies of LHSP on the southern Oregon coast along with reports of a very high number of non-breeding adults in the wintering areas of the eastern tropical Pacific (Spear and Ainley 2007), indicate nest habitat may be a limitation in this population. Saddle Rock, if the predators are removed, will have ample suitable nesting habitat. Regular monitoring may show the population rebounding faster than expected if recruitment is limited to those birds that were fledged from Saddle Rock, due to the influx of adults whose natal colonies are too crowded. We may also see the return of the gull colony and other species of seabirds to Saddle Rock, and any monitoring should include an account of all species. In the past, researchers have spent a significant amount of time on the colony for banding, diet studies, and, myself included, predation assessment. Although I am an advocate of the aforementioned research, I think it is important to acknowledge the possibility that human presence resulted in raccoon and river otter use of Saddle Rock. Human scent is known to attract meso- carnivores to nesting birds (Whelan et al. 1994). Humans may also have been responsible for the colonization of Saddle Rock by the two invasive plant species. Colony monitoring, without banding, can be done in a few hours, and should be completed as efficiently as possible. Researchers need to be careful of transporting seeds in their shoes and clothing. Limiting human activity on Saddle Rock and other near shore colonies is important for maintaining healthy colonies. Figure 3: Invasive iceplant and tansy ragwort coverage on Saddle Rock. GIS polygons indicate areas with invasive coverage. White dots represent individual tansy ragwort plants in areas dominated by native vegetation (Photo courtesy of Khem So, USFWS).

Oregon Birds Volume 35 70 REFERENCES

AINLEY, D.G., MORRELL, S. and LEWIS, T.J. 1974. Patterns in the life histories of Storm Petrels on the Farallon Islands. Living Birds. HUNTINGTON, C.E., BUTLER, R.G. and MAUCK, R.A. 1996. Leach's Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa). The Birds of North America, No. 233 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.) 233. NAUGHTON, M., PITKIN, D.S., LOWE, R.W. and STRONG, C.S. 2007. Catalog of Oregon Seabird Colonies in F.a.W.S. U.S. Department of Interior, ed. Biological Technical Publication FWS/BTP-R1009-2007, Washington, D. C. SCHUITEMAN, M. 2006. Intra- and Inter-Annual Breeding Seasion Diet of Leach's Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) at a Colony in Southern Oregon. Page 46 Biology Department. University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon. SPEAR, L.B. and AINLEY, D.G. 2007. Storm-petrels of the Eastern Pacific Ocean: Species Assembly and Diversity along Marine Habitat Gradients. Ornithological Monographs 62:1-77. VAROUJEAN, D.H. and PITMAN, R.L. 1979. Oregon Seabird Colony Survey in R. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ed. Portland, Oregon. VERMEER, K, DEVITO, K. and Leach's Storm-Petrel at Saddle Rock. Photo by Roy W. Lowe, USFWS. RANKIN, L. 1988. Comparison of Nesting Biology of Fork-Tailed and Leach's Storm-Petrels. Colonial Waterbirds 11:46-57. WHELAN, C.J., DILGER, M.L., ROBSON, D.R., HALLYN, N. and DIGER, S. 1994. Effects of Olfactory Cues on Artificial Nest Experiments. Tlie Auk 111:945-952.

Annie M. Pollard PO Box 5389 Charleston, OR 97420 (503)510-1776 [email protected]

Oregon Birds Volume 35 71 Table 1: All Oregon colonies containing over 20,000 breeding LHSP. U.S. Fish and Wildlife colony numbers, colony names, and the survey dates are included (Naughton et al. 2007).

Estimated Number of Colony Number Colony Name Survey Date Breeding Birds 219-052C Three Arch Rocks Complex 12-Jun-1979 25,000 270-071 Hunters Island 19-Jul-1988 39,480 270-076 "North Crook Point Rock" 15-Jun-1988 99,090 270-079 Saddle Rock 1-Aug-1988 87,520 270-106 "Unnamed Colony" 3-Aug-1988 44,736 "Whaleshead Cove" (East 270-109 Rock) 3-Aug-1988 73,268 270-123 Goat Island 14-Jul-1988 102,060 All Other Islands 1979 or 1988 10,656

Oregon Coast Total 481,810

Table 2: Leach's Storm-petrel population estimates on Saddle Rock for 1979, 1988, 2007 and 2008. The number of one m2 plots surveyed for each area is given. Burrows / area gives the estimated burrows for the north knoll, the south knoll, and the saddle areas, and adults/area is that value multiplied by two for the overall breeding population estimate.

Average

Year Area N Burrows/m2 Burrows/Area Adults/Area

19791 N. Knoll 8 4.1 21,701 43,402 Saddle 5 0.2 348 696 S. Knoll 3 1.0 2,306 4,613 Total 24,356 48,712

19881 N. Knoll 3 6.8 36,503 73,005 Saddle 3 0.3 580 1,160 S. Knoll 2 3.0 6,920 13,840 Total 44,003 88,006

2007 N. Knoll 3 0.3 1,779 3,558 Saddle 0 0.02* 28* 56* S. Knoll 5 0.6 1,384 2,768 Total 3,190 6,382

2008 N. Knoll 3 0.2 890 1,781 Saddle 3 0.1 145 290 S. Knoll 3 0.2 481 961 Total 1,516 3,032

1 The original data is from the USFWS; population estimates were recalculated using the 2008 USFWS area calculations. * Values represent estimates based on the 1988 ratio between the N. Knoll and the Saddle densities.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 72 Table 3: USFWS occupancy rates for Saddle Rock between 1979 and 2008 including the date, the number of burrows checked, and the number of burrows occupied (i. e. containing an adult, a chick or an egg) for each survey

Year Date # Burrows # Occupied % Occupancy 1979 23-Jul 163 108 66.3 1979 28-Jul 53 46 86.8 1980 18-Jul 107 76 67.4 1980 13-Aug 168 100 59.5 1981 5-May 23 3 13.0 1981 31-Jul 265 237 89.4 1982 28-Apr 35 1 2.9 1983 9-Aug 105 101 96.2 1984 5-Sep 319 94 29.5 1985 7-Apr 20 13 65.0 1985 15-Aug 74 68 91.9 1986 17-Jul 154 135 86.8 1987 11-Jun 39 35 89.7 1987 25-Jul 277 175 63.2 1988 1-Aug 100 83 83.0 1989 15-Jul 134 114 85.1 1990 23-Jun 100 91 91.0 1990 31-Jul 122 106 84.5 1992 14-Aug 100 69 69.0 1993 6-Jul 100 69 69.0 1993 18-Aug 100 57 57.0 1994 9-Aug 100 82 82.0 1995 14-Aug 100 86 86.0 1997 19-Aug 100 70 70.0

20071 29-Jul 114 48 42.1

20081 1-Jul 25 2 8.0

20081 1-Aug 100 19 19.0

1 Data collected by myself in cooperation with USFWS.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 73 A Note on the Feeding Behavior of Wintering Mergansers on the Link Kiver, Southern Oregon

Ron Larson

Abstract Figure 1 (above). Male Hooded Merganser (left with a sculpin in bill) chased by <$ and $ Common Mergansers. Hooded and Common Mergansers wintering on the Link River in south-central Oregon were seen feeding on sculpins. Foraging behavior consisted of brief dives Dam. After passing the dam, the Link River descends mostly lasting less than 20 seconds in shallow water. about 50 vertical feet passing through a narrow, Food stealing (kleptoparasitism) by male Hooded wooded channel with numerous cascades, and then Mergansers on female /juvenile Hooded Mergansers flows into a long run before finally entering Lake was observed. Common Mergansers also tried to steal Ewauna, approximately 1 mile downstream. food from Hooded Mergansers and Common Water birds (e.g., Common and Hooded Goldeneyes. Mergansers, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Pied- billed Grebes, Coots, Buffleheads, Northern Shovelers, Introduction Greater and Lesser Scaups, Gadwalls, Mallards, Ruddy Ducks, and others) are primarily found at the upper During winter, much of the freshwater east of the and lower ends of the Link River. Most of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon is frozen over, posing observations reported here were made at the upper end problems for water birds. Additionally low of the Link River where the two reefs are located. temperatures at this time increases caloric needs. Water depths around and near the reefs are 10 feet or Consequently, ice-free habitats can attract large less in depth. numbers of water birds in winter, especially if food is Observations were made in the afternoon from available. Link River in Klamath County, Oregon is December 24, 2008 to January 1, 2009, and in November one of these areas. Although only about 2-miles in and December 2009, and totaled about 10 hours. length, the river provides habitat for hundreds of water Weather during that time varied from being overcast birds. While photographing birds at the upper end of with snow and sleet, to sunshine; temperatures ranged the Link River in December 2008, I observed some of from 30 to 40° F. the water birds capturing prey, and therefore decided to study the birds to learn more about their feeding Observations: behavior. The focus of this study was on the foraging behavior of the Hooded Merganser, which according to When the observations were made in the winter of Dugger et al. (1994) has large information gaps in its 2008-2009, there were approximately 50 Hooded ecology, including foraging behavior and seasonal Mergansers on the Link River, most of these occurring foods. I also made observations of the feeding behavior at the upper end of the river, similar numbers were seen of the Common Merganser. in the winter of 2009-2010. The birds were scattered in The Link River connects Upper Klamath Lake with groups of two or three, or were single, and were Lake Ewauna, which becomes the Klamath River. At primarily either resting or actively feeding. its upper end, the Link River is about 300 feet wide and flows over two shallow reefs before reaching Link River

Oregon Birds Volume 35 74 Hooded Merganser foraging consisted of short- Mergansers to steal food from Hooded Mergansers, as duration dives in open water or under ice that was mentioned below. attached to shore. Most dives lasted 14-15 seconds, but Common Mergansers were more numerous in the were up to 22 seconds long, and some were shorter in Link River than were Hooded Mergansers. I estimated duration. Those dives occurring under ice were on that there were 100-200 Common Mergansers in the average about 5 seconds longer than those in open upper Link River at the time of my observations. Both water. Same sex or opposite pairs, or juveniles, often Common and Hooded Mergansers foraged in the same dove in unison. The birds seemed to equally utilize the areas, sometimes only feet apart. I could not detect any entire area. Males let their crest down during dives and differences in what areas were used by the two species. it is only partially raised between fishing bouts. Common Merganser dives were on average Of 70 Hooded Merganser dives that were closely slightly longer than those of the Hooded Merganser observed, only two resulted in observed prey being and most were about 17 seconds long, with the longest caught and two dives in possible prey being captured. lasting 26 seconds. Common Mergansers females/ Other Hooded Mergansers were observed with prey juveniles often foraged in groups of two to four birds. and several were photographed. All observed prey Males usually dove alone. Of 36 dives that I closely were fish and of those that could be positively observed, three resulted in visible prey being caught. identified, they were all sculpins (Figure 2). All observed prey of Common Mergansers were fish, The sculpins that were caught by the Hooded and all of the fish that I could identify were sculpins. Mergansers all appeared to be about the same size, with Common Mergansers were able to swallow prey more an estimated total length of approximately 3 inches, quickly than Hooded Mergansers, so it was more likely and were sufficiently large that the birds had trouble that I missed seeing some prey captures. swallowing them. This was made more difficult by the Common Mergansers were seen on multiple fish erecting fins and gill covers (Figure 2). occasions trying to steal prey from Hooded Mergansers by chasing them across the water surface (Figure 1). In one case, a juvenile/female Hooded Merganser caught a fish, and was chased by a male Hooded Merganser and then two female/juvenile Common Mergansers gave chase which then resulted in all birds flying out into Upper Klamath Lake. I did not see what the resulted from the chase. Additionally in two cases, a Common Merganser was seen chasing Common Goldeneyes that had caught sculpins. I did not determine the result of those chases.

Discussion

Common and Hooded Mergansers are regular Figure 2. Juvenile/Female Hooded Merganser with marbled winter visitors to the Klamath Falls area. Over the past sculpin (C. klamathensis) prey. 10 years, Christmas Bird counts for the Common Merganser have ranged from about 200 to over 1,000, and for the Hooded Merganser from 5 to 100 (http:/ / Intraspecific food stealing ("kleptoparasitism") audubon2.org/cbchist/count_table.html). was observed among Hooded Mergansers on several Both Common and Hooded Mergansers are occasions. In all cases, males pursued females or opportunistic predators, but fish dominate the diet, juveniles. I did not see juveniles or females chasing especially in winter (Dugger et al. 1994). Common each other or chasing males, nor did I see males chasing Mergansers have been shown to feed on juvenile other males. The events were readily noticeable because salmonids and thus have been considered as a nuisance they consisted of rapid, cross-water-surface chases (Wood 1987). Sculpins have been found in the diet of where the birds used wings and feet to help propel Common Mergansers feeding in tidal waters (Wood them rapidly across the water. These events either 1987), and both Merganser species feed on sculpins in ended with the prey being dropped or stolen. In one the Link River. Two species of sculpins (i.e., Cottus event, two Hooded Merganser males chased a female/ princeps and C. klamathensis) are common in Upper juvenile and one of the males got the fish, and then the Klamath Lake and adjacent water bodies, and are male was chased by a female/juvenile Common abundant in offshore muddy and near-shore rocky Merganser. I did not see what the final result was of the habitats (Dave Simon, Oregon State University, pers. chase. More frequent was attempts by Common comm., 2009). The likely presence of large numbers of

Oregon Birds Volume 35 75 Adult male Hooded Merganser with sculpin. Photo by Ron Larson.

sculpins in the Link River as well as the shallow depths may have contributed to the sculpins being the primary References large prey taken at this location. Smaller prey may have been consumed, but would have been less likely Dugger, B.D. K.M. Dugger, and H. Fredrickson. 1994. Hooded to be seen by an observer. Concurrent feeding by both Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus), The Birds of North merganser species, seen on the Link River, has been America Online (A. Poole, ed.). Ithaca: Cornell University, suggested to possibly increase feeding success (Wood http:/ /bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/098/ and Hand 1985). I did not make enough observations Moran-Ferron, J. D. Sol, and L. Lefebvre. 2007. Food stealing to comment on this hypothesis. in birds: brain or brawn? Anim. Behav. 74 (6): 1725-1734. Common Mergansers and male Hooded Wood, C.C. 1987. Predation of juvenile Pacific salmon by the Mergansers likely benefitted by stealing prey from Common Merganser (Mergus merganser), on eastern female /juvenile Hooded Mergansers. Female and Vancouver Island, I: predation during the seaward juvenile Hooded Mergansers were prone to migration. Can. J. Fish, and Aquatic. Sci. 44: 941-949. kleptoparasitism because of the difficulty they had in Wood, C.C. and CM. Hand. 1985. Food-searching behavior of swallowing the relatively large sculpins. Another factor the Common Merganser (Mergus merganser), I: functional likely contributing to food stealing was that the birds responses to prey and predator density. Can. J. Zool. 63: were present in mixed-sexes and mixed-species 1260-1270. foraging groups. Common Mergansers also tried to steal fish prey from goldeneyes. Moran-Ferron et al. (2007), in a recent review article on avian food stealing, Ron Larson noted that kleptoparasitism was associated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service vertebrate prey and habitat openness, both features of 1936 California Avenue, the upper Link River. In the Link River, the close Klamath Falls, Oregon proximity of the feeding birds was likely also a key [email protected] factor contributing to food stealing. The Link River provides good conditions for additional observations of water bird feeding behavior and social interactions during winter. Water birds in the Link River are diverse, plentiful, and somewhat tolerant of people because the river is in an urbanized area frequented by people allowing close observations.

Oregon Birds Volume 35 76 Oregon Birds The journal of Oregon field ornithology

Oregon Birds is an annual publication of Oregon Field Ornithologists (OFO), an Oregon not-for-profit corporation. Membership in OFO includes a subscription to Oregon Birds. ISSN 0890-2313

Editor: Alan Contreras [email protected]

Oregon Birds is looking for material in these broad categories: Birding Oregon, Recent Research and Local News and Notes.

Birding Oregon articles deal with identification, distribution, bird finding guides, e.g. "where to find a in Oregon" (for some of the rarer birds) and site guides "where to find birds in the area" (for some of the better spots).

Recent Research articles typically deal with ecology, management, conservation, taxonomy, behavior, biology, and historical aspects of ornithology and birding in Oregon.

Local News and Notes includes local information (new checklists, new birding sites, event information) Oregon Field Ornithologists

Officers and Board of Directors (with expiration dates):

President: Jeff Harding - Lebanon ( 2010) [email protected] Treasurer: Dan Heyerly - Eugene (2010) [email protected] Secretary: Shawneen Finnegan - Portland (2010) [email protected] Past President: Dan Gleason - Eugene [email protected]

Directors: Russ Namitz - North Bend (2010) [email protected] Alan Contreras - Eugene (2010) [email protected] David Smith - Portland (2011) [email protected] Mary Anne Sohlstrom - Salem (2011) masohlstrom@msn. com

Committees: Archivist: Barb Combs [email protected], (541) 689-6660 Membership: Anne Heyerly [email protected], (541) 485-0880 Events: volunteer needed!

Oregon Bird Records Committee Secretary : OFO Bookcase: See OFO web site after May 1, Harry B. Nehls, 2010 for list of available books, checklists and 2736 S.E. 20th Ave. recordings. Portland, Oregon 97202 [email protected] Dan Gleason, [email protected] Oregon Birds PRESORTED Oregon Field Ornithologists STANDARD Box 10373 US POSTAGE PAID Eugene OR 97440 EUGENE OR PERMIT NO. 609 Address Service Requested

215 DENNIS VROMAN 269 SHETLAND DR GRANTS PASS OR 97526-8857