Oregon Birds

The Journal of Oregon Birding and Field Ornithology

Volume 41 Number 1 ● 2015 Contents of Oregon Birds Volume 41(1)

2014 in Review/Oregon “Top Ten” List Hendrik Herlyn and Oscar Harper ...………………….……….……...…………...... ………...1 2014 Cassin’s Auklet Die-off Oscar Harper....…..…..……….….…………………….…………….…………….………..………...…...…..2 Regional Highlights (2014 Field Notes) various authors.....……………………….………………..……….……………….....…….…….3 2014 Oregon Listing Highlights Paul Sullivan………..……………………………...…………………………….…………….....……….39

Oregon Birds regrets that the Grant County report was not available for this issue. Grant County field notes will return with 2015 highlights in next year’s spring issue. We are also currently lacking coverage for Baker and Malheur counties, and OB is looking for volunteers to take on the field notes sections for these highly interesting, remote and underbirded Oregon counties. If you are interested in becoming a Regional Field Notes Editor, please contact Hendrik Herlyn at [email protected].

Front Cover: Brown Booby at Newport. 2014 saw an unprecedented influx of this southern seabird in Oregon. Photo by Owen Schmidt (Portland)

Back Cover: Oregon’s first Tundra Bean-Goose at Nestucca Bay NWR, Tillamook County Photo by Jamie Simmons (Corvallis)

OBA Membership Oregon Birds

The journal of Oregon birding and field ornithology Membership in Oregon Birding Association is open to anyone. Dues support events, publications and occasional special projects. Oregon Birds is a publication of Oregon Birding Association, an Oregon not-for They also entitle members to Oregon Birds -profit corporation. Two issues are produced each year, a full-color Year- and discounts on meetings and activities. in-Review issue in the spring and an issue with various articles in the Send renewals, new membership requests fall. and tax-deductible contributions to: Editors: Hendrik Herlyn and Oscar Harper

Oregon Birding Association Photo Editor: Diana Byrne PO BOX 675 Lincoln City OR 97367-0675 Maps: John Notis

$30 Individual The editorial team thanks longtime former editor Alan Contreras $35 Family for his support in preparing this issue. $50 Sustaining

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Deadline for submissions for Oregon Birds Volume 41(2): August 1, 2015 Please send submissions, ideas for articles and inquiries to Hendrik Herlyn at [email protected]

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ISSN 0890-2313

2014 in Review

Hendrik Herlyn Oscar Harper

Bird of the year: Tundra Bean-Goose Photo: H. Herlyn

2014 Oregon “Top Ten” List O’Brien, and another was discovered by Barbara Combs among Vaux’s Swifts coming to roost at 2014 continued to be a good year for rarities in Agate Hall in Eugene on May 12. Interestingly, in Oregon, with two new additions to the state list and a late September, a Chimney Swift (perhaps the same slew of other vagrants reported from across the state. bird) returned to the Agate Hall roost site for a few Again, the ranking was done somewhat randomly, days. based on the number of previous records in the state, 3. White Ibis. A well-described bird was seen flying length of stay and number of observers. over Page Springs campground south of Malheur One of Oregon’s least explored regions is the pe- NWR on May 17 for only the second Oregon record. lagic zone that extends 200 miles offshore. However, 4. Red-throated Pipit. This Asian stray, a third state with increased coverage through regularly scheduled record that was first discovered at Lake Selmac in pelagic trips, the efforts of birders who attend reposi- Josephine Co. by Russ Namitz on Oct 20, stuck tioning cruises that traverse the Oregon waters far from around for several days and was seen and photo- the coast between California and Washington, and nu- graphed by many birders who braved the frequent merous reports from research vessels, we are beginning late autumn rain to observe this handsome rarity. to gain a better understanding of the bird life that is out 5. Rustic Bunting. Another third state record, this there. Since this area is generally visited by few, and Asian visitor was less obliging and only lingered for rarities that are found do not lend themselves to an a couple of hours at Mount Tabor in Portland, where easy chase, I have chosen to address the impressive it was found by Nathan Osborne on Apr 25. number of interesting pelagic sightings in 2014 in a 6. Lesser Black-backed Gull. First reported by Barbara separate section, following the “Top Ten” list. Combs along Ricketts Road near Creswell, Lane Co. on Nov 23 and confirmed by Noah Strycker the next 1. Tundra Bean-Goose. Oregon’s first record, and one day, Oregon’s fourth record was joined by a second of only a handful in the entire U.S., was found on bird a couple of days later. Nov 9 at Nestucca Bay NWR by refuge volunteer Lee 7. California Thrasher. Oregon’s fourth was photo- Sliman. This Siberian visitor hung out with a flock of graphed at Pilot Rock in Jackson Co. by Frank Calla- wintering Canada and Cackling Geese and rarely han sometime during the summer of 2014. moved far from the site of its original observation. It 8. Brown Booby. 2014 was a banner year for this stayed throughout the end of the year and well into southern seabird, almost doubling the previous num- 2015, and it was seen by hundreds of birders from ber of records. Oregon’s sixth was reported by Wink Oregon and all over the country. Gross at Tierra del Mar, Tillamook Co. on Oct 25, 2. Chimney Swift. Following Oregon’s first sighting followed by a sighting at Yaquina Bay, Newport on in 2013, a year later the state saw two new records of Oct 30 by John Gutherie. The Newport bird hung this eastern counterpart of our Vaux’s Swift. One was around for several weeks and was eventually joined appropriately found in the chimney of a private by a second bird. Another sighting came from Hay- home in Carver, Clackamas Co. on May 2 by Bob stack Rock off Pacific City, Tillamook Co., when Max

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Smith spotted a Brown Booby on Nov 8. That bird male was singing on Jun 14, and in Bayocean, Tilla- also stuck around for several weeks and was joined mook Co. on Oct 12. A Little Gull at Upper Klamath by a second bird at some point. The fourth and final Lake on Sep 19 was the 14th state record. observation was of a single booby at Rockaway The 18th records each of both Eastern Phoebe and Beach, photographed by Mike Patterson on Dec 21. Baltimore Oriole came from Langlois, Curry Co. on 9. Phainopepla. The seventh record for Oregon was May 11 and Coos Bay on May 24, respectively. A Scis- seen and photographed by Kevin Spencer at Klamath sor-tailed Flycatcher put in an appearance at Cape River Canyon on Jun 13. Arago on Dec 30, the twentieth time this species was 10. Finally, two species are tied for the tenth spot on the recorded in Oregon. 2014 list, since they each constitute an eighth state A Lark Bunting was found at Fern Ridge Wildlife record: Area near Eugene on Sep 9. The Rusty Blackbird that A Glossy Ibis was photographed by Noah Strycker at wintered in Hillsboro, Washington Co. in 2013 lingered Lower Klamath NWR on Apr 18, and a McCown’s into the report year, and another was found at Wickiup Longspur was discovered and documented on the Reservoir in Deschutes Co. on Nov 10. Last but not final day of the year near Enterprise, Wallowa Co. by least, the Gray-headed Juncos discovered in the Pueb- Khanh Tran. lo Mtns in 2013 again showed evidence of breeding at the same site in June of 2014. Pelagic Rarities in 2014

2014 Cassin’s Auklet Die-off The following species were reported in Oregon’s by Oscar Harper offshore waters by birders on pelagic trips, repositioning cruises and research vessels in 2014. Details While small numbers of dead seabirds are washed up of these sightings will be covered in the annual on the beaches in the wake of Pacific storms every year, OBRC report in the fall issue of Oregon Birds. in the late fall and early winter of 2014 the Oregon coast witnessed a die-off event of unusual proportions – big Stejneger’s Petrel—Oregon’s first record enough to attract the attention of the statewide news media. Beginning in late October, unusual numbers of Hawaiian Petrel—third state record dead seabirds were reported along the entire coast – not Ross’s Gull—third state record only in Oregon, but from British Columbia to California. Ashy Storm-Petrel—third to sixth state records The vast majority of these casualties were Cassin’s Auk- Cook’s Petrel—fourth state record lets. For example, a total of 192 dead auklets was found Black Storm-Petrel—fourth state record along a 1.5 kilometer transect on Sunset Beach on Dec Wilson’s Storm-Petrel—fourth state record 21, and 126 dead Cassin’s Auklets were on a beach near Guadalupe Murrelet—fourth state record Tillamook on Dec 26, with similar numbers observed farther south. As the coverage of Oregon’s “final frontier” contin- The reasons for this unusual die-off are not entirely ues to expand, some of these species may turn out clear. Apparently, most birds died of starvation, ruling to be more common than previously thought, and out an oil spill or a contamination with toxins as the other additions to the state list are bound to turn up cause of death (which also would have affected other in the years to come. species). Various possible causes for the event have been suggested, including the larger than normal nesting success of Cassin’s Auklets in 2014, leading to increased Again , a couple of 2013’s big-news rarities contin- competition for food; warmer ocean temperatures that ued to delight birders well into the year 2014: Oregon’s caused a decline of the birds’ food organisms (small fish first Red-bellied Woodpecker lingered in La Grande, and crustaceans); unusually violent storms pushing the and the Painted Bunting at the Eastside Boat Ramp near birds closer to shore, or Coos Bay kept coming to the seed patch so generously more birds foraging closer provided by Tim Rodenkirk. to the shore for unknown Among the many other unusual sightings that did reasons, leading to a high- not make it onto the year’s top ten list were Oregon’s er ratio of washed-up bod- tenth record of Lawrence’s Goldfinch in Ashland on ies than usual. May 3 and the state’s tenth Canada Warbler at P Ranch, Whatever the cause, it Malheur NWR on Sep 28. was a memorable (albeit The 11th and 12th Blackburnian Warblers were sad) event for many of the found in the Pueblo Mtns in SE Oregon, where a bright state’s coastal birders.

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North Coast Clatsop, Tillamook

Wink Gross

Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the South Jetty of the Columbia R. Photo on Sep 5, 2014 by Mike Patterson

AAMB Astoria Airport Mitigation Bank (Clatsop) birds at nearby Haystack Rock off Cape Kiwanda, be- CH Cascade Head summit (Tillamook) ginning Nov 8 (MS&SS) and continuing through Nov NB NWR Nestucca Bay NWR (Tillamook) 23. Most birders reported an adult bird, but two experi- SJCR South Jetty Columbia River (Clatsop) enced and credible observers reported an immature TBW Tillamook Bay Wetlands (Tillamook) bird during the same time period. As the bird(s) spent most of the time on the far side of the rock, with infre- First phylogenetically, and first in the hearts of quent sorties to feed and come into view, it seems pos- North Coast birders is the TUNDRA BEAN-GOOSE at sible that two birds were present. American White Peli- NB NWR. Spotted by refuge volunteer Lee Sliman, its cans are regular at Twilight Eagle Sanctuary (Clatsop), ID was confirmed by MS&SS on Nov 9. Not only a first but one photographed at Nehalem Bay, Nov 18 was record for Oregon, but only the fifth for North America unusual (Sue Norris). outside of Alaska. By 4 weeks later, 772 birders had Black-crowned Night-Herons are scarce at the signed the guest register, and as of this writing (mid- coast, but Dan Bergman found one in Astoria Apr 11, Feb, 2015) it remains conspicuous in its preferred 20 and MS&SS found one at Goodspeed Road (Tillamook) acre pasture by the refuge entrance. Certainly one of on May 27. the easiest “ticks” in Oregon birding history. White-tailed Kites may be bouncing back after Trumpeter Swans continued at TBW, with 4 pre- some lean years. Nine were at TBW Jan 21 (DV). A sent on Jan 19 (DM). Three Blue-winged Teal were at Golden Eagle was at Cape Meares Jan 1 (Jack Booth). Nehalem STP (Tillamook) on Jun 8 (WG). Long-tailed Snowy Plovers made the best showing on the Ducks were well-represented with 1 at Nehalem STP North Coast in years. At least 5 were on the beach at Mar 24 (Lars Norgren), 3 at SJCR Nov 8 (MP), and, as Tierra del Mar Sept 12-14 (WG, et al.) Two were at bycatch from Brown Booby watching, several sightings Bayocean (Tillamook) the same weekend (Tony DeFal- of an individual in November at Haystack Rock, Pacific co and Glenn Laubaugh). Two were at Del Rey Beach City. MS&SS were surprised to see a female Ruffed (Clatsop) Sep 5 (CN). An American Avocet was at Grouse with 2 chicks in the dunes at Gearhart on Aug Wireless Road, Astoria Sep 30 (Susan Boac). Three Soli- 10. tary Sandpipers were at the “Rudat Corner ponds,” On Feb 28 a Laysan Albatross was rescued from a Brownsmead (Clatsop) May 3 (MP). One was at NB barge docked in Rainier, OR. No telling when it hopped NWR Apr 24 (JH). This species is very rare on the coast aboard, but it was released from rehab on Mar 15. MP during Fall Migration, so one at Battery Russell saw 300 Northern Fulmars from Silver Point on Oct 26, (Clatsop) on Sep 9 (Donald Grotegut) is noteworthy. A and found a dead Flesh-footed Shearwater on Sunset Willet hung out at Necanicum Estuary from Sept 30 Beach Nov 22 (his first in Clatsop County, dead or (SW) until at least Oct 28. On Apr 26, MP found a tanta- alive). Also during the big Oct 26 storm, Philip Kline lizing small curlew (“2/3 normal size”) among a flock of saw a Leach’s Storm-Petrel at Seaside Cove (Clatsop). 300 Whimbrel at Wireless Road, Astoria. It could not be A flyby adult (or nearly adult) BROWN BOOBY at relocated. The Whimbrel flock at Wireless Road grew to Tierra del Mar (Tillamook) Oct 25 (WG) was the precur- 1000 by May 4. A Long-billed Curlew was at Necani- sor to numerous sightings of one and possibly two cum Estuary May 22-27 (DB, MS&SS). Another was at

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Bayocean Aug 17 (Adrian Hinkle & Em Scattaregia). hung out at AM’s yard in Astoria from late October MP found a “probable” LITTLE STINT at SJCR Jul 21. until the end of November. KC found a Western King- DB found a “possible” LONG -TOED STINT at Neha- bird at NB NWR on Apr 28. Neal Maine found the “5th lem STP on Jul 23. Neither could be confirmed, thus or 6th” county record Eastern Kingbird at Gearhart, Jun averting what could have been the most serious out- 25. A Cassin’s Vireo was in Cloverdale (Tillamook) break of Stint Fever since the 1980s. CN found 5 Baird May 4 (Trent Bray). A Red-eyed Vireo was on Cox- Sandpipers at Little Beach (Clatsop) on Sep 5. Three comb Hill, Astoria May 11 (MP). BB heard a Clark’s Rock Sandpipers were at Barview (Tillamook) Jan 24 Nutcracker on Saddle Mountain (Clatsop) Oct 6. JH (Diana Byrne), two were still present Mar 9 (SS). Mary photographed a Mountain Bluebird at NB NWR on Apr Oppenheimer and Howard Horvath found a Stilt Sand- 26. Townsend’s Solitaires were at Cochran Pond piper at AAMB on Sep 3. Jeff Gilligan and OS found the (Tillamook) Apr 12 (Stefan Schlick) and Coxcomb Hill region’s only Buff-breasted Sandpiper at SJCR Sep 4. Apr 30 (MP). AM found Northern Mockingbirds at While watching it, a female Ruff (i.e., a Reeve) flew in Astoria on Feb 17 and Ft Stevens on Jul 4. and landed for about 30 seconds. The Ruff flew off, not A “likely” Chestnut-collared Longspur was on to be seen again, but the sandpiper lingered until Sep 8. private property at Gearhart Oct 17 (MP). Joe Liebezeit A “possible” RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was at found 3 Snow Buntings just below the summit of Sad- SJCR, Oct 26 (MP). Franklin’s Gulls were at Fenk Road dle Mt. (Clatsop) on Mar 23. One was at Moe’s in Can- (Tillamook) May 10 (David Smith), Ft Stevens (Clatsop) non Beach on Nov 16 (Penny Koyama), and another Jul 28 (MP) and Aug 13 (Justin Cook), and at Seaside was on the Astoria waterfront Dec 10-11 (Lee Cain). Cove Oct 12 (MP). A Forster’s Tern was found on the Tillamook CBC Dec 20 (fide OS). Elegant Terns staged another major invasion with numbers reaching 450+ at the Hammond Boat Basin (Clatsop) by Sep 18, where 2 remained on Nov 6 (MP). Three Scripps’s Murrelets flew past Tierra del Mar during the big windstorm on Oct 26 (WG). Two were found dead on Sunset Beach (Clatsop) Dec 21 (MP). While large numbers of Cassin’s Auklets were seen at points farther south during the “Coordinated Seawatch” on Oct 26, relatively few were seen off the North Coast. However, by -mid December Cassin’s Auklets were showing up dead or dying at the Snow Bunting. Photo by Phil Kahler density of 100-200 per mile of beach (m. obs.) Extrapo- lating to the length of the region, that’s on the order of 10,000 dead auklets. Less depressing, the 15 Tufted PP saw a Northern Waterthrush during a fallout Puffins seen at Haystack Rock, Pacific City on Apr 29 on CH Sep 6. Daniel Leger found a Nashville Warbler was the most MS&SS had seen there in 15 years. at Nehalem Bay SP on June 28. John Gatchet had one at Mike and MerryLynn Denny found a Long-eared NB NWR on Nov 16. An immature male American Owl at TBW on Nov 16. Redstart was on CH Jun 8 (PP). DM found a Blackbur- A Black-chinned Hummingbird was reported nian Warbler at Bayocean Oct 11 (photos, Michael from Cannon Beach STP on May 15 (Ger Killeen). A Krall, Oct 12). A bright, male Chestnut-sided Warbler Rufous Hummingbird was found on the Tillamook was at Battery Russell, Ft Stevens from Jul - 2 4 (fide CBC, Dec 20 (fide OS). MP). KC found 3 Palm Warblers on Fenk Road Diane Osis found a juvenile Black Phoebe at Sunset (Tillamook) Nov 18. A Clay-colored Sparrow was at Beach (Clatsop) on Aug Whalen Island (Tillamook) Oct 11 (fide HN), and anoth- 6, implying a first coun- er was in Astoria Nov 7 (MP). A Vesper Sparrow was ty breeding record. The along the Skipanon River (Clatsop) on Dec 3 (MP). Lark Say’s Phoebe at Tilla- Sparrows were at Seaside May 3 (DB) and Bayocean mook Airport contin- Aug 22 (Sam Mroz, photos). A Harris’s Sparrow was at ued through January Seaside Cove May 12 (SW). For the second year in a (DV). The first Tropical row, a territorial male Lazuli Bunting was on CH Jun 8 Kingbird of the fall (PP). Tropical Kingbird. Photo by showed up Oct 4 at Ft Laura Minty Stevens (BB). Up to 3 (continued on page 6)

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Lincoln

Range Bayer

Pelagic trips in 2014 were graced with an unusual number of Ashy Storm-Petrel sightings. This one was photographed off Newport on May 18 by Greg Gillson.

During the 2013/2014 winter, 10-17 Greater White- the Marker 14 booby persisted through 11/8 (m. obs.). fronted Geese grazed or rested through 4/4 inside the Hoffman determined from his photos that the Bayfront tall chain-link fence surrounding the LNG tank at Ya- booby was an 18-36 month old female, and the Marker quina Bay for the first time (m. obs.). They were some- 14 booby was an adult female. At Boiler Bay, Hoffman times joined by a Snow Goose and Aleutian Cackling found an immature Brown Booby on 11/22, and Picker- Geese that also had not wintered previously inside this ing noted an adult on 12/21. fence. They evidently felt safe from people and dogs passing nearby on the other side of the fence (“Good fences make good neighbors”). 12-16 white-fronts wintered inside the LNG fence during 11/1-12/31 (m. obs.). Wayne Hoffman found a Ross's Goose on 12/7 at Beaver Creek that was relocated during 12/8-21 (Deb Holland; Brian Fowler); this is the third record and first one that was not a flyby. Lars Norgren discovered a female KING EIDER north of Yaquina Head on 1/5 that continued through 3/23 (m. obs.). 1-2 HAWAIIAN PETRELS were about 142 miles off Lincoln City on 5/25 and 51 miles off Yachats on 7/16, and a COOK'S PETREL was about 63 miles off One of Newport’s Brown Boobies. Photographed on Oct 3, Newport on 5/21 (Paul Lehman et al. [fide Shawneen 2014 by John Sullivan Finnegan]). A WILSON'S STORM-PETREL, ASHY STORM-PETREL, and BLACK STORM-PETREL On 5/14, Roy Lowe observed a flock of 21-25 graced the 8/16 pelagic trip (Shawneen Finnegan et al.). White-faced Ibis flying over Yaquina Bay, which Single Ashy Storm-Petrels were also noted during a 5/1 were the first since 2008. At Thornton Creek between cruise (Jeff Gilligan et al.) and pelagic trips on 5/18 Toledo and Eddyville on 1/18, Darrel Faxon's watched (Greg Gillson et al.) and 10/4 (Tom Snetsinger et al.). an adult Golden Eagle for the sixth record since 1992. Phil Pickering spotted a juvenile BROWN BOOBY Trent Seager found a Snowy Plover at South at Boiler Bay on 10/23, and John Gutherie identified Beach State Park on 4/29, which was only the third another at the Newport Bayfront on 10/30 that lingered since 2000, all of which were singletons. On 12/4, through 11/19 (m. obs.). On 11/2, Steve Nord saw the Seager spotted five in the same area, and as many as Bayfront booby and later one perched upstream on seven persisted through the end of the year (m. obs.). Navigation Marker 14 off the mouth of King Slough On 12/11, Tom Wainwright and Shawn Stephensen and wondered if it was the same bird. On 11/3, Wayne independently viewed an apparently storm-driven Hoffman verified that they were different boobies, and Snowy Plover on the grass at the OSU Hatfield Marine

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Science Center. Once common, a Willet at Seal Rocks continued through the end of the year (m. obs.). A on 8/5 (Sally Hill; Sylvia Maulding) was the first since White-headed Woodpecker at Thornton Creek be- 2008. tween Toledo and Eddyville on 6/2 (Darrel Faxon) is Cassin's Auklets are usually uncommonly seen the fourth county record. from shore, but starting in late October, they became Black Phoebes were first regularly seen and first numerous with a peak estimate of 30,000+ during a 5.5 documented as nesting in 2013. In 2014, they were also hour Boiler Bay seawatch on 10/26 (Phil Pickering, building a nest in Hidden Valley between Newport David Irons and Wayne Hoffman). They evidently had and Toledo in April (Chuck Philo) and were noted in been already stressed by 10/26, because many dead all months except March and June-July. Once rare, 1-2 Cassin's were found beached in north Lincoln City that Tropical Kingbirds have become regular fall visitors day. Compared to other years, more live Cassin's than and were noted during 10/19-11/5 in Waldport or the usual continued to be seen through 12/21, when 200+ Newport area (m. obs.). A Red-eyed Vireo at were tallied during Pickering's 3.5 hour Boiler Bay Thornton Creek between Eddyville and Toledo on 5/14 seawatch. The numbers of dead, beached Cassin's also (Darrel Faxon) and singing at Devil's Lake State Park continued to be higher than normal, with Chuck Philo on 6/15 (Darrel Faxon and Mark Elliot) are the third finding 184 along 1.8 miles of beach north of Ona and fourth records. Beach on 12/23, and Mark Elliott counting 131 along On 6/18, Chuck Philo discovered a Gray Catbird his COASST beach in north Lincoln City on 12/24. Ex- at the Hatfield Marine Science Center that was fre- traordinarily high numbers of dead Cassin's were also quently viewed until 7/25, when Mike Patterson ob- found during this time elsewhere along the coasts of served two. On 7/27, Marlowe Kissinger photographed Oregon, Washington, and California. two together, one of which was a juvenile that indicat- As many as 63 Elegant Terns were tallied during ed that they had nested there. The last report was of 8/25-10/25 (m. obs.); they have been found in nine of 14 one about 0.5 mile south on 9/5 (Eric Horvath). More years since 2000. details and a photograph are in 2014 Oregon Birds 40 Deb Holland studied a White-winged Dove at her (2):54-55 (see also photo on inside back cover). feeder in Newport on 12/26 that was the fifth record. On 10/27, Wayne Hoffman identified a Grasshop- On 11/22, Clarence Myers photographed a Snowy Owl per Sparrow, the fourth for Lincoln Co., along the 3.2 miles southwest of Yaquina Bay South Jetty. Michael and Sally Noack Waldport in a clearcut (fide photographed a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak about Roy Lowe). Other Snowy 1 mile south of Seal Rocks on 5/28, and Lisa Gallegos Owls since 2005 have been also had a male at her Depoe within about 0.5 mile of Bay feeder on 7/6. There have the coast. On 11/30, Mere- been 2-5 reports during May- dith Matherly reported a July in recent years. The first small owl at Yaquina Hooded Oriole since the Head that Wayne Hoff- 1970s was about two miles man identified the next south of Waldport during 2/14 day as a Burrowing Owl; -3/11 (Doug Robinson et al.). Burrowing Owl. Photo by single ones have also been Skip Russell reported in 2011-2013. It

North Coast Field Notes (continued from page 4): Initialed Observers:

SW found an immature Indigo Bunting in Seaside Andrew Mattingly, Bill Brad- on Dec 12. DB found an immature male Bullock’s Ori- ford, Colby Neuman, David ole at Seaside Feb 27. A Cassin’s Finch was on CH Sep Bailey, David Mandell, Dawn 6 (PP). Individual Lesser Goldfinches were at Little Villaescusa, Harry Nehls, Jack Beach parking lot (Clatsop) Sep 5 (CN) and TBW Nov Hurt, Ken Chamberlain, Mike 8 (WG). Patterson, Max Smith and Sa- rah Swanson, Owen Schmidt, Phil Pickering, Stefan Schlick, Steve Warner

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South Coast Coos, Curry

Tim Rodenkirk

Curry County’s fourth Lark Bunting was photographed near Langlois on Oct 6, 2014 by Lois Miller

2014 was the driest calendar year in North Bend May (PL); single Murphy Petrels off Curry on 30 Apr since weather records began in 1902, with rainfall only and 7 Jul and off Coos on 8 May (PL) and 18 Oct (J. 48% of normal. Dry conditions continued through 2014 Meredith); single HAWAIIAN PETRELS off Curry on with rainfall about 76% of normal. The only notably 28 Apr and 13 May with three off Curry on 7 Jul and wet periods were February, October and December. one off Coos on 16 Jul (PL); and 1400 Leach’s Storm- 20,000 Cackling Geese were reported on a private petrels off Curry on 28 Apr (PL). The OBA deep water ranch in the New River bottoms of Coos/Curry on 19 pelagic trip out of Charleston on 26 Sep had many Oct (RM). Single overwintering Snow Geese were seen highlights, including: one Flesh-footed Shearwater, 35 at Cape Blanco into early January (TW); in the Catching Fork-tailed Storm-petrels, one Leach’s Storm-petrel, Slough pastures of Coos Bay from 20 Jan to 8 Feb (BF); and four ASHY STORM-PETRELS (TS, RN, et al.). A again in the Cape Blanco area from Oct through Dec NOAA research vessel off Curry County from- 13 16 (TW); and one west of Coquille on 19 Dec (TR). 51 Sep reported some amazing birds, including: 150 Brant were found on the 4 Jan Coquille Valley CBC ASHY STORM-PETRELS, one BLACK STORM- (fide HS). Oversummering Brant were reported as late as 17 PETREL and a single BAND-RUMPED STORM- Jul in Coos Bay (JM). A Trumpeter Swan was in the PETREL (M. Force). pastures near Floras Lake, Curry through at least 9 Feb A Snowy Egret, possibly two, overwintered in the (RN et al.). Six Blue-winged Teal were at NSCB on 4 Empire area of Coos Bay during the winter of Oct; this species is a rare fall migrant (TR). Three to five 2013/2014 (m. obs.); none were reported from the same Cinnamon Teal overwintered in Coquille, Coos again area during the winter of 2014/2015, the first miss in 38 during the winter of 2013/2014 (D. Follansbee et al.). years. A Cattle Egret was found on ranchlands near Breeding ducks on the NSCB on 26 Jul included two Floras Lake, Curry from 14 Nov-7 Dec (RM). During broods of Cinnamon Teal and up to 30+ broods of Gad- the winter of 2013/2014, Turkey Vultures again over- wall (TR). At the same site, a lone male N. Shoveler wintered in the Coquille Valley; 16 were found on the 4 appeared on 21 Jun that may have been a failed breed- Jan Coquille Valley CBC. No vultures were seen in the er (?), and a Bufflehead oversummered through June Coos Bay area where they have overwintered the past (TR). Up to four Long-tailed Ducks overwintered in couple of years. During the winter of 2014/2015 Turkey Charleston during the winter of 2013/2014 (m. obs.); Vultures overwintered in both Coos Bay and the Co- none were found in this area during the winter of quille Valley again. Two or more Osprey overwintered 2014/2015 (TR). in Coos Bay as per norm in both 2013/2014 and 500+ Northern Fulmar were seen right off the 2014/2015; Port Orford also had a couple birds over- north jetty of Coos Bay during a storm on 22 Nov (TR). winter during 2013/2014 with one bird on the 14 Dec A Sooty Shearwater was seen off Cape Arago on the 2014 CBC (CBC records). A Northern Goshawk was late date of 11 Jan (M. Wihler, TR). A Manx Shearwater observed on the Eastside of Coos Bay on 14 Nov (TR). was spotted off Cape Arago on 28 Sep (J. Withgott). A Broad-winged Hawk was seen from the Cape Blan- Interesting repositioning cruise ship finds included: co area on 12 May, with a Swainson’s Hawk in the late Laysan Albatross off Curry on 30 Apr and on 8 same area on 21 Apr (both TW). One to two Rough-

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legged Hawks overwintered through at least 15 Jan at ic out of Charleston on 26 Sep (TS, RN, et al.). This Bethel Mtn., Coos, where this species remains irregular same OBA pelagic trip found 10 Pomarine, 25 Parasit- (m. obs.); in the New River Bottoms area of Curry, two ic, and 19 Long-tailed Jaegers! A nasty storm on 25 Oct to three overwintered in both 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 produced 33 Pomarine and 14 Parasitic Jaegers just (m. obs.). beyond the breakers at Bastendorff Beach, Coos (TR). It was a big year for Sandhill Cranes: one was seen Long-tailed Jaeger reports from the spring are few; in the New River Bottoms area of Curry on 17 Feb there are two Curry reports from repositioning cruise (RM); different singles were seen flying north at the ships: six on Apr 30 and one on 8 May (PL et al.). Jae- mouth of Tenmile Creek, Coos on 10-11 Apr (JM); one ger reports from summer are rare- repositioning cruise was at Cape Blanco from 12 Apr through 20 Jun (J. ship reports included: a South Polar Skua off Curry on Dawning et al.); and one was at the NSCB on 13 May 7 Jul and a single Parasitic and Long-tailed off Curry (DL/KC). on 16 Jul (PL). 14,350 Common Murres were found on The first July sighting of an American Avocet in the 4 Jan Coquille Valley CBC (fide HS). Three Coos came at New River on the 12th (K. Saylor). Two SCRIPPS’S MURRELETS were reported from a 22 avocets were found along the south jetty of Bandon on Sep repositioning cruise ship (T. Crabtree, T. Jantzen, 7 Sep (S. Dimock). The only American Golden-Plover O. Schmidt). 72 dead Cassin’s Auklets were found on a reported was on New River near Floras Lake, Curry on one mile stretch of beach on NSCB on 23 Dec; similar 4 Oct (TR). A late Pacific Golden-Plover was found at large numbers were found elsewhere along the Oregon the mouth of Tenmile Creek, Coos on 4 Jun, with Coos coast late fall during a die-off event (TR). latest ever spring Red Knot found there on the same day (DF). A high count of 32 Snowy Plovers was found on Bandon Beach during the 4 Jan Coquille Valley CBC (fide HS). Two Red Knots lingered through 26 Dec in the Empire area of Coos Bay (JM, TR et al.) Four Willets overwintered along the Coos Bay waterfront again during the winters of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. In ad- dition, one Willet overwintered in Empire area of Coos Bay from 1 Nov through the end of 2014 (TR et al.). A single Ruff was at Bandon Marsh NWR on 31 Aug (P. Low), with two at NSCB on 1-2 Sep (TR, R. Robb). A Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was found in Empire on 2 Sep (R. Robb). There was a late Semipalmated Sandpi- per at the mouth of Tenmile Creek from 4-12 June (DF, JM), with three other southbound migrants reported in July and only two in Aug (m. obs.). Coos’s earliest ever southbound Baird’s Sandpiper was at NSCB 24-30 June Elegant Tern. Photo by Lois Miller (JM). Fall adult Pectoral Sandpipers are not reported every year; this year, there were several: one 22 Jul at The peak count of Sabine’s Gulls was 60 on the the mouth of Tenmile Creek (DF, JM) and three to five Shorebird Festival pelagic out of Charleston (TS, RN, et at NSCB on 24-26 Jul (TR). Lesser Yellowlegs were al.). Single first-cycle Glaucous Gulls were seen on the reported from Eastside, Coos Bay on 8 Jan (J. Gilligan) NSCB on 17 Feb and again on 23-25 Dec (TR), with a and on 15 Jan in North Bend (T. Bray). Wilson’s Phala- very late spring bird photographed in Harbor, Curry ropes bred again at NSCB: the first bird was seen on 14 on 1 Jun (A. Skirvin). The high count for Common May, three males were seen doing distraction displays Terns was 30 just offshore 10 miles north of Gold on 18 Jul, and one juvie was found on 26 Jul (all TR). A Beach on 21 Sep (J. Danzenbaker). 2014 was perhaps 25 Oct Red-necked Phalarope in Empire was late (TR). the best year on record for Elegant Terns in Coos Several early Red Phalaropes were seen on a three mile County (m. obs.). The first bird was reported 18 Aug, trawl off Charleston on 10 Apr (L. Ferrenburg). A very with a peak number in both Bandon and Coos Bay of rare July adult Red Phalarope was photographed at the 200 on 31 Aug (likely the same birds?), with tens of mouth of Tenmile Creek, Coos on the 31st (JM). birds present through Sep and Oct and the last two A single South Polar Skua was off Coos on 22 Sep birds lingering until 2 Nov. Curry County had what (J. Meredith), with an amazing 10 from the OBA pelag- can be considered a typical year of late for Elegants,

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with the highest number reported being 1,000 in Gold from 3-7 Apr (JM); one at NSCB on 10 Apr (JM); one to Beach on 10 Sep (TR). two near Cape Blanco on 1-2 May (TW); and one up The 263 Eurasian Collared-Doves was the highest Langlois Mtn., Curry on 17 May (TW). There were count on record for the 4 Jan Coquille Valley CBC (fide around nine Tropical Kingbirds reported in Curry and HS). The Burrowing Owl found on 31 Dec 2013 up five in Coos with dates ranging from 21 Sep to 28 Nov Bethel Mtn., Coos stayed around through 1 Mar (JH, (m. obs.). An Eastern Kingbird was SW of Langlois, CH, et al.). For the first time ever, convincing breeding Curry from 4-7 Sep (KA). Coos 6th Scissor-tailed Fly- records of Long-eared Owls were found in both Coos catcher was at Cape Arago on the very late date of 30 and Curry counties: a bird seen several times along a Dec (J. Travels w/ photo). Two Northern Shrikes were road in the Coast Range of NE Curry from 23 Jun to 2 found on the 5 Jan Port Orford CBC (fide JR). Curry’s Jul (R. Perez, J. Perry, TR) and two adults with two fifth Blue Jay was a one-day wonder on 19 Oct SW of recent fledglings near the Park Creek Recreation Site in the Coos Coast Range on 25 Jun (Amanda Heyerly). Single Shorted Eared Owls were found on the 5 Jan Port Orford CBC (fide JR) and at the NSCB on the same date (D. & A Heyerly); on 12 Nov near Cape Blanco (TW); and on the 14 Dec Port Orford CBC (fide J. Rogers). The peak number of Black Swifts reported was low, 14 on 19 May from the NSCB (TR). A male Costa’s Hummingbird was reported from above the airport in North Bend on 21 Feb (BG). Since the early 1990s, there have only been nine reports of Acorn Woodpeckers in Coos County, all from the past four years, and over half of which occurred in 2014: one 3 May at Mt. Bolivar (TR); one in Coos Bay on 29 Aug Blue Jay (BF); one in the Coast Range east of Coos Bay on 2 Sep Photo: (JM); one NE of Myrtle Point on 2 Sep (D. & B. Follans- Lois Miller bee); and one at Mt. Bolivar on 20 Sep (B. Follansbee). A rare summer Merlin was seen on 26 Jul at NSCB (TR). A white-morph Gyrfalcon was found at Winter Lake near Coquille on 17 Nov (JH, CH); another white morph showed up near Floras Lake, Curry in Jan of 2015 (K. & J. Fairchild et al.), probably the same bird as white morphs are so rare in Oregon. Prairie Falcons Langlois (KA, LM, TR). Single Bank Swallows were at were reported from several locations: Floras Lake on NSCB on 24 May and 1 Jun (TR). An estimated 2,000 18 Mar (TR); Bandon on 13 Apr (DL/KC); NSCB on 20 Violet-green Swallows were at Pistol River on 27 Sep; a Apr (DL/KC); and from AZ Beach SP, Curry on 5 Oct flock about the same size was seen around the same (TR). time at the same location in 2013 (TR). Six Barns Swal- Curry’s 4th Eastern Phoebe was found seven miles lows were on the 5 Jan Port Orford CBC (fide JR) with up Floras Creek in the Coast Range from 11-21 May, 3 at Johnson Mill Pond near Coquille on 11 Jan (TR). where it was singing away Single White-breasted Nuthatches were found along (TR, photos LM). A Say’s the Chetco River six miles upriver of Brookings on 10 Phoebe was found on the May (D. Munson) and on the very east edge of Curry Coquille Valley CBC on 4 at Babyfoot Lake on 17 Nov (RN). Rock Wrens were Jan - there are only a few reported an amazing three times from Coos (all TR): a prior Coos wintering rec- singing bird on the south side of Mt. Bolivar on 22 Jun; ords. At least two Say’s another singing bird at Bethel Mtn. on 1 Jul; and a call- Phoebes overwintered in ing bird in a clearcut in the Coast Range at 2,700’ be- Curry during the winter of low the Signal Tree Communication Site on 19 Aug. st Eastern Phoebe. Photo by 2013/2014: one near Floras Coos 1 Brown Thrasher was found on the 4 Jan Co- Lois Miller Lake (m. obs.) and one near quille Valley CBC and was last reported 23 Feb (K. Cape Blanco (TW). Migrant Phifer et al.). An adult male Mountain Bluebird with Say’s included: one at the mouth of Tenmile Creek two young at Chetco Lake in the Kalmiopsis Wilder-

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 9

ness on 19 Jul would be the 2nd report of breeders there of Langlois on 1 Aug (KA). A rare winter Black-headed in the last three years (TR). Northern Mockingbird re- Grosbeak was seen on 16 Jan at Pistol River, Curry (T. ports included: one at Cape Arago on 4 May (BF); at Bray). The Eastside, Coos Bay PAINTED BUNTING the NSCB 24-28 Jun (JM, TR); and one overwintering in Langlois from 17 Nov through the end of the year (TW). Coos first ever July American Pipit was at New River on the 7th (DL/KC). A Chestnut-collared Long- spur was found 21 Nov near Cape Blanco (TW). A Snow Bunting was found on the beach at Bullard’s Beach SP on 23 Nov (R. Foster). A Tennessee Warbler was in Port Orford on 7 Sep (TR). Seven Orange-crowned Warblers were found on the 4 Jan Coquille Valley CBC (fide HS). One overwintering Common Yellowthroat was found near Langlois, Curry on 21 Jan (KA). A singing Northern Parula was at NSCB on 21 Jun in the exact same location one was found singing six years earlier (TR). Another was photographed in Port Orford on 14 Sep (LM). A Magnolia Female Painted Bunting. Photo by Jamie Simmons Warbler was at AZ Beach SP on 4 Oct (A. Contreras). Blackpoll Warblers were found at Bandon Marsh found on 18 Dec 2013 remained through 14 Mar when NWR on 28 Sep (TR, HS) and at the Winchuck River the seeding was curtailed (TR et al.). Yellow-headed mouth, Curry on 5 Oct (A. Contreras). Five Palm War- Blackbirds reports include: one 7 Sep at NSCB (HS et blers was the high count on the Port Orford CBC on 5 al.); one 16 Oct near Cape Blanco (TW); and one 19 Oct Jan (fide JR). Coos 1st BLACK-THROATED GREEN in Gold Beach (TW, TR). Coos 8th Hooded Oriole was a WARBLER was seen from a canoe in Winter Lake gorgeous male coming to a feeder in North Bend from near Coquille on 23 Dec (JM). A Yellow-breasted Chat 21 Nov through at least 1 Feb 2015 (BG et al.). Late/ east of Myrtle Point on 2 May ties for the earliest Coos overwintering Bullock’s Orioles included: one 26 Oct arrival (TR). near Cape Blanco (TW); one 2 Nov in Langlois (TW); a An American Tree Sparrow was at Floras Lake female on 21 Nov at a feeder in North Bend through at during a 15 Nov Cape Arago Audubon trip there (TR least the end of Jan of 2015 (BG w/ photo); and another et al.). The Norway, Coos Clay-colored Sparrow found female at a feeder in Coos Bay from 26 Nov also on 26 Nov 2013 stayed through at least 28 Feb 2014 (TR through at least January of 2015 (BF). Coos 3rd BALTI- et al.). Another Clay-colored was on the NSCB from 23- MORE ORIOLE, a striking male, was photographed 28 May, the 5th Coos spring record- all singing birds coming to a feeder on 23-24 May (M. & M. Stephens et (DL/KC). Fall birds included one at Ophir, Curry on 12 al.). A singing Cassin’s Finch was found at Mt. Bolivar Oct (TR), with two there on 19 Oct (TW, TR) and two on 22 Jun; there are no Coos breeding records of this near Cape Blanco on 26 Oct (TW). Four singing Vesper rare visitant (TR). Sparrow were up Floras Creek, Curry on the early date of 8 Apr, where they breed (TR); a migrant was found Observers: up Bethel Mtn., Coos on 10 Apr, where they have bred, BG = Barb Griffin; BF = Bob Fields; CH = Colleen Hol- but apparently not this year (TR); six(!) migrants near land; DF = Daniel Farrar; DL/KC = Dave Lauten, Kathy Cape Blanco on 19 Sep (TW); and one migrant at the Castelein; HS = Harvey Schubo- very end of Cape Blanco on 27 Sep (F. Lospalluto). the; JH = Jim Heaney; JM = Joe There was only a single Lark Sparrow report, one near Metzler; KA = Knute Andersson; Cape Blanco on 12 Sep, where they are annual (TW). LM = Lois Miller, . = multiple ob- Curry’s 4th LARK BUNTING was SW of Langlois on 5 servers; OBA = Oregon Birding Oct (KA, LM). Single Harris’s Sparrows were reported Association; PL = Paul Lehman; at a Harbor, Curry feeder on 5 Jan (S. Chambers) and RM = Rick McKenzie; RN = Russ on 15-16 Feb at a Coquille feeder (M. Ayers). 32 White- Namitz; TR = Tim Rodenkirk; TS = throated Sparrows were found on the 4 Jan Coquille Tim Shelmerdine, TW = Terry Valley CBC (fide HS). Male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks Wahl. were found up Pistol River on 1 Jul (T. Hook) and SW NSCB= North Spit of Coos Bay

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 10

Portland Metro Columbia, Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas

Adrian and Christopher Hinkle

This male Tufted Duck (center) was photographed at Fernhill Wetlands on Feb 2, 2014 by Steve Nord

Rarely reported in Clack, a male Red-breasted one was at Grassy Lake on Sauvie Island, Colu, 9/25 Merganser was at Clackamette Cove 2/23 (T. Bray). (D. Coggswell). Single male Tufted Ducks were at Fernhill Wetlands Two Swainson’s Hawks, one light and one dark, 1/27-2/5 (S. Nord, .), the Columbia River at 148th Ave were found in farmland in Hillsboro, Wash, on the 3/21-3/23 (Hinkle et al.), and Broughton Beach 1/24 (M. early dates of 3/24-3/27 (Hinkle, et al.). One flew over Greenway) & 12/16 (J. Wolf). During late January, one Mt. Tabor 5/14 (J. Powell), and one migrated over Oak was regularly seen off Marine Park, Vancouver, which Island, Colu 9/16 (S. Nord). Unlike Swainson’s Hawks, is across from Broughton Beach. The first Surf Scoter which are proving to be regular migrants in the re- of the fall, reported 9/30 at Hagg Lake (J. Blowers), gion, a White-tailed Kite at Bybee Lake on 12/3 (A. was followed by the expected small numbers there Frank) was the first reported in the Portland area in and along the Columbia R. into November. A male several years. Black Scoter was photographed at Hayden Island Up to three Black-necked Stilts were at Tualatin 11/4 (B. Hallberg), joined by a female 11/6-11/8 (B. R. NWR, where nearly annual, 4/26-5/17. Two Long- Hallberg, T. McNamara); four Black Scoters were there billed Curlews were there 4/3 (A. Beerman). On 5/31, 11/10 (B. Flores), with a female lingering until 11/14. A G. Canterbury saw 8 Whimbrels at Blount Swale, White-winged Scoter was seen there 11/7-11/10. A Clack; one flew over Wilsonville, Wash 8/27 (J. Hayes). A Wash first Black Scoter, a female, was at Hagg Lake 11/7- Pacific Golden-Plover was at Jackson Bottom 6/12 (G. 11/10 (R. Namitz et al.) Witt) and an American Golden-Plover was at Smith On 3/1, a Laysan Albatross was found aboard a Lake 9/26 (J. Rakestraw). A Willet reported at Tualatin barge docked in Rainier, Colu (fide M. Patterson). The River NWR 7/13 (L. Fredd) would have been a county albatross, which was banded as a hatch-year individu- first if confirmed. A juv. Stilt Sandpiper was at Jackson al in June, 2006 on Guadalupe Island, Mexico, boarded Bottoms on 8/24-8/27 (S. Nord, .). Single Sanderling the ship somewhere between Hawaii and Rainier. Ship were seen between 9/5 and 9/17 at Smith Lake in Port- -assists could also explain previous Portland records land and Hagg Lake in Washington County. Wilson’s of Cassin’s Auklet, Masked Booby, and Magnificent Phalaropes fledged three young at Jackson Bottoms on Frigatebird. A Brown Pelican was below Bonneville about 7/1 (S. Schlick). Dam, Mult, on 5/11 after being reported on the Wash- Unusual shorebirds found on Sturgeon Lake in ington side 5/8 (G. Fredricks, et al.). A Pelagic Cormo- late September moved between Coon Point, Oak Is- rant was photographed 11/14 at Hayden Island (B. land, and the far northern end of the lake depending Hallberg). This species has occurred several times in on tide. A Sanderling was seen 9/21-9/24. Golden- Clark and Multnomah Counties in recent winters. Plovers were reported in both counties on 9/23 (B. A Snowy Egret was on a slough next to Archer, D. Coggswell), with a Pacific on the north end Hutchinson Farm, Sauvie Island, Mult 1/7 (D. of the lake and a Pacific and a golden-plover sp. at Coggswell). One appeared at Smith and Bybee Lakes Coon Point. A Ruff was on the Mult side 9/20-9/23 and 9/1-9/4 for the 4th consecutive fall (A. Frank, et al.) and Colu side 9/20 & 9/24-9/25 (J. Withgott et al.). A Mar-

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 11

bled Godwit was at the north and then south end of Blowers, et al.) Sturgeon Lake 9/23. It continued at Coon Point on 9/24. Twelve migrant Say’s Phoebes were seen late-Feb On 9/24, on the Columbia side there were 3 Sanderling, through Mar: nine in Mult and three in Wash. Black 3 Red Knots, and 6 Marbled Godwits (J. Withgott). Phoebes are still scarce but now widespread. A Gray On 9/25, there were 5 Marbled Godwits (D. Coggswell), Flycatcher was at Mt. Tabor 4/29 (T. Larsen, et al.) and and on 9/29-9/30, there were three (m. obs.). Shorebird one was at Powell Butte 4/30 (J. Cook). S. Shane found habitat on Sturgeon Lake is good every fall, but gets an Ash-throated Flycatcher in the Montavilla Neigh- little coverage most years and closes Oct 1 for hunting borhood, Portland, on 6/14; one was photographed on season. Oak Island, Mult and Colu, 8/3-8/4 (m. obs.). A Logger- head Shrike was at Broughton Beach on 2/28-3/7+ (J. Plissner, et al.); one was at Powell Butte 3/22 (A. Hin- kle, C. Hinkle). The Clack River Bank Swallow colony thrived in June, with 150-200 birds (J. Williamson, et al.). A small successfully-breeding colony of at least fifteen birds visiting “about a dozen holes” was discovered at the north end of Sauvie Island in late June (L. Norgren) and remained active through July. Three Mountain Chickadees were in Lake Oswego on the 1/4 Portland CBC. A Wrentit seen at Tualatin River NWR on 5/6 had reportedly been present for a year or more (E. Knight). The Troutdale Wrentits appear to be gone. Arctic Tern at Broughton Beach. Photo: Tait Anderson Three Mountain Bluebirds were at Powell Butte, where seemingly annual, 3/2-3/23, with five there on A Forster’s Tern was at Jackson Bottom on 5/6 (S. 3/22. Five were along Larch Mtn. Rd. 3/11. A Northern Engel) and Fernhill Wetlands 5/8 (G. Beerman). Com- Mockingbird was photographed in St. Helens on 5/18 mon Terns were widely reported between 8/20 and (H. Fritz) and one was well-described from an urban 9/30 at Smith Lake, Broughton Beach, and Sauvie Is- yard in Portland’s Irvington/Sabin neighborhood 4/30 land, with a high of 11 at Coon Point 9/24. An Arctic (M. Golden). Tern was photographed at Broughton Beach 8/20 (T. T. Anderson photographed a Northern Water- Anderson). Franklin’s Gulls were at Sturgeon Lake, thrush in downtown Portland near the Steel Bridge Broughton Beach, and Smith Lake for much of the fall. on 8/23. S. Jaggers spotted a male American Redstart in One at Heron Lakes Golf Course 11/15 (P. Kline) & Gladstone 4/18. B. Stites reported a Harris’s Sparrow 12/16-12/17 (T. Anderson) was exceptionally late. Sab- near Rivergate Industrial Area on 1/1. One was at ine’s Gulls were reported in small numbers from Rentenaar Rd. 5/1 (G. Haworth, et al.). A Brewer’s Smith and Bybee, Broughton Beach, and Sauvie Island Sparrow was at SRD, where the species may nest, on during September. 5/29 (B. Hallberg) & 6/28 (m. obs.), while a migrant was A Snowy Owl was on a Burlingame, SW Portland in Hillsboro 4/20 (M. rooftop on 12/13 (E. Chapman, m. obs.). It was not a Dupraw). A Clay- major invasion year, though two were reported in the colored Sparrow was at Willamette Valley during December. A Long-eared Fernhill Wetlands 11/9 Owl was found roosting near Tryon Creek SP on 11/12 (S. Nord), while two (D. Burton). A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker found in an Clay-colored Sparrows orchard near North Plains on 2/26 stayed until 4/3+ (C. wintering on a Marion- Neuman, et al.), and showed up again 10/2 for a second berry farm along NW winter. Single Acorn Woodpeckers were reported on Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Reiling Rd. near Forest NW Sauvie Island Rd., Colu, on 11/12 (P. Kline), Oak Photo by Beverly Hallberg Grove were found on Island (Colu and Mult) on 9/22 (S. Nord, A. Greene), 12/21 (D. Irons, S. Finne- and a NW Portland suet feeder 11/12-11/16 (K. gan). Single American Tree Sparrows were reported Chaivoe). A Lewis’s Woodpecker was at Oak Is, Colu from Scappoose Bottoms for a few days mid-January 11/16 (S. Nord) and at Tualatin River NWR 9/26 (J.

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(H. Horvat), at Broughton Beach 11/24 (J. Sanford), Rentenaar Rd. 10/30-12/7+ (W. Gross, et al.), Jackson Northern Willamette Valley Bottoms 10/27 (S. Nord), and Dawson Creek Park in Hillsboro 12/16 (S. Nord). D. Irons found a Lapland Yamhill Longspur with Horned Larks in Rivergate in N. Port- Polk land on 1/18; a breeding-plumaged adult was there Marion 3/22 (T. McNamara); the remaining sandy field is now for sale and off-limits. Oregon’s fourth RUSTIC BUNTING, a breeding-plumaged male, was photo- Pamela Johnston Brandon Wagner Yellow-throated Warbler. Photo by Joe Blowers

A Ross’s Goose was at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge (BSNWR, Polk,) seen by Brandon Wag- ner on 28 Jan; Adrian and Christopher Hinkle and Mary Lynn Scattaregia had one at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR, Marion) 20 Mar; the last appeared at BSNWR 29 Dec, counted by Clay Crofton, and Harold and Sharon Reeve. Roy Gerig had a Brant at ANWR, 5 Feb. On 19 Mar, Jeff Harding found a Trumpeter Swan there. Redhead is unusual in Yamhill Co, but Carol Kar- Rustic Bunting, Mt. Tabor. Photo by Tom McNamara len and Paul Sullivan located one at Sheridan Wetland graphed atop Mt. Tabor on 4/25 (N. Osborne, et al.). Pk on 28 Aug. A Surf Scoter was at the Turner Rd ponds Disappearing two hours after its early-morning ap- (Marion) when Roy Gerig checked the area on 29 Oct; pearance, it was almost certainly a northbound mi- Bill Tice found a female at Monmouth Sewage Ponds grant that wintered somewhere on the West Coast. (MSP, Polk) on 14 Nov, and a male on 29 Dec. A Bar- Three Snow Buntings were at the Portland Air- row’s Goldeneye that Brandon Wagner found on 27 Jul port 11/26-11/29 (D. Turner et al.). A Black-headed at BSNWR, and one seen by Bill Tice at MSP on 6 Dec Grosbeak was reported at a Beaverton feeder 1/4 (fide were fourth and fifth Polk records. W. Gross) and Hillsboro’s wintering Rusty Blackbird A Red-throated Loon was at the pond east of the continued until 3/31. M. Taylor photographed an Hwy 22 and I-5 junction on 28 Oct, seen by Roy Gerig. adult male Hooded Oriole in her Tualatin backyard Roy had a Pacific Loon at Detroit Flats on 25 Nov (both 4/17 for the third Wash record, despite remaining un- Marion), and a Common Loon on the Willamette at Sa- recorded in the other three counties. A Cassin’s Finch lem (Marion) on 19 Apr. A Red-necked Grebe was at was a Pittock Mansion 8/25 (W. Gross). Detroit Flats on 27 Aug, seen by Jeff Harding. Carol Kar- len and Paul Sullivan had a Western Grebe at Sheridan Locations: Wetland Pk (Yamhill) 26 Dec. On 21 Jan, Dave Irons Clack = Clackamas, Colu = Columbia, Mult = Multnomah, reported a Black-crowned Night-Heron near Baker Wash = Washington, SRD = Sandy River Delta Creek in McMinnville (Yamhill). Roy Gerig saw 3 White -faced Ibis by on 17 Sep at ANWR. A White-tailed Kite was at Minto-Brown Island Pk (Marion) on 10 Feb, seen by Roy Gerig. On 12 Mar, Jeff Gilligan found a light morph Ferruginous Hawk along Red Prairie Rd outside Sheridan. Tyler Hallman had a flyover Swainson’s Hawk on Palmer Ln, Dayton, 19 May (both Yamhill). Six Sandhill Cranes were at BSNWR when Mary Ratcliff and her group saw them on 1 Dec. Adrian Christopher

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 13

A Pacific Golden Plover was at Duckflat Rd south ope Hummingbird turned up at Brandon Wagner’s of Turner (Marion), where Roy Gerig saw it on 28 Jun. Independence feeders on 17 Apr, a tenth Polk record. A Big Day team, Jenna Curtis, Tyler Hallman, Doug Not as rare but of interest on the West Side, a Western Robinson, Bill Tice and Brandon Wagner, saw one Kingbird was found at Briedwell Rd on 20 April by American Avocet at BSNWR on 10 May. Barbara Do- Carol Karlen and Paul Sullivan, who had another at lan and Brandon Wagner found 2 there on 15 May. Burns Rd on 28 April. Jim Leonard photographed HUDSONIAN GODWITS are uncommon in the adult Western Kingbirds with 4 juveniles on 13 and 14 Willamette Valley, but 2014 produced two sightings, Jul along Meyers Rd (Polk). In Yamhill Co, Karlen and by Tim Johnson and Barbara Dolan at BSNWR on 18 Sullivan had a Northern Shrike at Muddy Valley and May, for a second Polk record, and by Roy Gerig and Masonville Rds between 2 Jan and 16 Feb. At Luck- Jeff Harding on 1 Jun on Duckflat Rd (Marion). 2014 iamute Landing (Polk), Will Wright reported 3 Red- was a good year for inland Whimbrels. Ten flew over eyed Vireos on 8 Jun. On 28 Jun, Carol Karlen and Brandon Wagner’s house in Independence 30 April Paul Sullivan found two singing on Smithville Rd (Polk), followed by 3 seen by Roy Gerig on 1 Jun on (Yamhill), a new site for this species. Duckflat Rd, and 5 by Jeff Harding along Hunsaker Rd On 6 Apr, Aaron and Gloria Beerman and Lloyd (both Marion) on 6 Jun. A Long-billed Curlew was Stanley saw two Bank Swallows at ANWR (Marion). found at Hunsaker Rd by Glen Lindeman on 8 Jun; 4 2014 continued the increase in Polk Bank Swallow were at Duckflat Rd on 28 Jul when Roy Gerig and sightings, with one seen by Doug Robinson at BSNWR Tim Johnson saw them. That day, Steve Nord found 2 on 10 May, then more on 17 May by Russ Namitz, and at BSNWR. The first Polk Co record of Ruddy Turn- on 19 May for Dave Irons, Shawneen Finnegan and Jay stone was turned up by Brandon Wagner at BSNWR, Withgott. Roy Gerig reported the last at Kuebler Rd 13 May. Two Semipalmated Sandpipers were at wetlands (Marion), 9 Aug. BSNWR for Aaron and Gloria Beerman on 1 Aug, a Floyd Schrock had a singing Ovenbird at Fort Hill 13th Polk record. Roy Gerig reported two more at Rd 5 Jun. Unable to see it, he recorded the song on Duckflat Rd on 25 Aug. Erik Knight had a Stilt Sandpi- video; a Yamhill Co first. The YELLOW-THROATED per at BSNWR on 27 Jul, making a sixth Polk record. WARBLER found in 2103 near ANWR (Marion) was Carol Karlen and Paul Sullivan reported a Red- last seen 5 Apr. Mike Lippsmeyer saw a Lapland necked Phalarope at Sheridan Wetland Pk (Yamhill) Longspur in a flock of Horned Larks at his place on 23 Jul. Bill Tice found a Red Phalarope at Wendell south of Independence (Polk), 28 Dec. Kreder Reservoir (Polk) on 26 Oct; one was at Yamhill One Brewer’s Sparrow was at ANWR (Marion) STP ponds when Russ Namitz stopped there 22 Nov. on 25 Aug, when Roy Gerig found it. On 16 Jul Carol The yearly Yamhill Co Glaucous Gull appeared for Karlen and Paul Sullivan found a Vesper Sparrow Carol Karlen and Paul Sullivan, 27 Dec on Delashmutt along Gerrish Valley Rd (Yamhill). A Grasshopper Ln. At BSNWR, Brandon Wagner found 5 Caspian Sparrow was seen by Tyler Hallman at Old Mehama Terns on 1 May; two were reported there by Roy Rd near Stayton (Marion) on 16 May. A Harris’s Spar- Gerig and Jay Withgott on 14 May, and Roy Gerig had row visited Gene Dershewitz’s feeders near Jefferson one at Detroit Flats (Marion) on 28 Aug. Roy Gerig on 10 Feb, while another stayed at John Thomas’s Sil- and Jim Kopitzke saw two Black Terns along Duckflat verton yard through 4 May, returning 15 Dec (both Rd on 5 Jun. Marion). A Snowy Owl was first sighted near Rickreall It was only right that on the first CBC centered in (Polk) by Zak Toledo on 15 Nov. Starting 6 Dec, it ap- Yamhill Co, participants found a new county species, peared at several Dallas Tricolored Blackbird. Shawneen Finnegan and Lars sites through 9 Dec (m. Norgren saw the bird 2 Jan; it was last seen 13 Jan. Ted ob.), for a seventh Polk Werth had a Great-tailed Grackle by at ANWR on 15 record. Long-eared Owl is Jun. The second a bird that is ‘out there, Polk Hooded but nobody sees it.’ Roy Oriole was at Gerig, Jim Kopitzke, and Brandon Wag- Snowy Owl. Photo by Brandon Wagner Jim Scott were the lucky ner’s Independ- ones at Detroit Flats ence home, 14 (Marion), 28 April. The Black Swift seen by Bill Tice in Jun. Falls City on 25 May made a sixth Polk record. A Calli-

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 14

Mid-Willamette Valley Linn, Benton

Mark Nikas

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were present in larger than usual numbers on Marys Peak in late 2014. Photo by Jack Williamson

On Jun 6, while conducting the Crabtree BBS ing to Jeff Fleischer. That was one shy of the previous north of Green Peter Res. in the Cascade foothills, Joel high count. Numbers there typically increase as winter Geier found a female Green-winged Teal with 6 duck- progresses. Another roost exists in the Coburg Hills lings. They are very rare breeders west of the Cas- south of Brownsville. No counts have been taken there cades. Hendrik Herlyn & Oscar Harper found Ben- in many years, but it easily holds several dozen eagles, ton’s second Long-tailed Duck at the Philomath sew- making Linn County the winter home to approximate- age ponds on Nov 3. ly 200 birds. A well described Broad-winged Hawk Common Loons are scarce in deep-water de- was reported from Santiam Pass on Jun 9 by Skip Rus- prived Benton County, so the one Randy Moore saw sell. These raptors are rare spring and fall transients in on May 26 was a treat. What really made the sighting Oregon. The previous late spring sighting was from special is he was doing grassland surveys at the Cor- May 31. vallis airport when the bird yodeled its presence as it An American Avocet showed up at the Gap Rd. flew overhead. Red-necked Grebes are less than an- rice ponds south of Brownsville on May 24 (DR). Prior nual in fall on the Cascade lakes of Linn County and to 2010, there were 6 Avocet sightings in this region. quite rare in the lowlands of the region. so 4 sightings They have been spotted every year since doubling the in 2014, 3 of which were in the valley, were exception- total number of sightings. Two Black-necked Stilts al. one at Eicher Rd quarry ponds east of Albany on were at the Evergreen Mitigation Wetland along Bel- Mar 23 by Doug Robinson (DR) was the first spring fountain Rd. S of Philomath on April 17 (HH, OH, record for the region. Eicher ponds hosted another in Adrian & Christopher Hinkle). Dec. and the others were in October at the Philomath Amazingly, for the second year in a row, Benton sewage ponds and Foster Res. County has had a visit by an Upland Sandpiper. A Brown Pelican was seen from the Philomath Randy Moore had a calling bird touch down near the sewage ponds on Oct 26 by Will Wright. This is Ben- north end of the Corvallis airport then take off again ton’s fourth. Two others were fall sightings as well while he was doing bird surveys there. No other Up- and appeared within the last 4 years. pies were reported in the state in 2014 and it appears The count at the annual Bald Eagle roost SW of their last breeding location in Grant County is no long- Tangent peaked at 129 individuals on Feb 28, accord- er active. Linn County’s first Marbled Godwit calling

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 15

at the Eicher Rd quarry ponds east of Albany on Sep 1 (DR). A very rare inland Red Knot was seen from the This owl was found by HH Philomath sewage ponds among a flock of 160 dow- and OH in the Coast Range near Alsea Falls in Oct 2014 itchers on May 8 (DR). A juvenile Ruff found Oct 19 Several experts agreed that (DR) at the Eicher Rd quarry ponds was Linn Coun- this is most likely a young ty’s second. A Sanderling at the Philomath sewage “Sparred” Owl—the unfor- ponds on May tunate result of Barred Owl

19 (DR) was a interbreeding with our en- rare spring dangered, native Spotted inland sight- Owl. ing. 2 more there in Au- terson Butte west of Lebanon on May 20 (DR) and a gust came at a singleton was seen by Roy Gerig off Tub Run Rd. more expected south of Brownsville six days later. Both sites have time. A pair of hosted this species sporadically over a number of Sanderling at the Philomath STP on Aug Sanderlings years. There has been only one other sighting in the 30, 2014. Photo by Hendrik Herlyn were at the region away from these two sites. An Eastern King- Eicher Rd quarry ponds on Aug 25 (DR). One bird still bird was found in Corvallis on June 7 (HH). had reddish smudges on its chest. Another showed up A Sedge Wren was at E.E. Wilson SWA on Jan at the same site on Sep 17 (DR). These doubled the 29 (JG). This is the second time this rare eastern skulk- total number of county sightings for both Linn and er has been detected there. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Benton. on May 4 was a nice yard bird for Joel Geier at his A Franklin's Gull found Dec 28 (DR) NE of Tan- place near E.E Wilson SWA. EASTERN YELLOW gent was a county first. Common Terns had never WAGTAILS spend winters across southern Eurasia been observed before in Linn County, so the 14 found south to Australia – except for the one Jeff Gilligan & by Jamie Simmons on Aug 30 at the Eicher Rd quarry Owen Schmidt flushed while cruising the back roads ponds was quite an event. 2 Forster's Terns found near Peoria on Feb 5. Unfortunately the bird could not there Jun 7 (DR) were also a county first. be refound, and its identity was never confirmed to A wayward Common the satisfaction of the OBRC. Oregon’s 3 previous rec- Poorwill that called at ords were all from the coast in late summer. dawn for Leighton & Ra- The region’s first McCOWN’S LONGSPUR was chel Reid at Jackson- found among a large flock of American Pipits and Frazier Wetlands near Horned Larks off Smith Rd southeast of Peoria on Jan Corvallis on Aug 27 was 7 (DR). Wayne Hoffman found an immature male unexpected. A Black Swift Indigo Bunting on Oct 5 at Albany’s Talking Waters Common Tern. Photo by seen flying over the OSU Gardens. This is the third regional record for the spe- Jamie Simmons campus on May 30 by cies in the last 7 years. Before that there were none. A Howard Bruner (HB) was a nice find for the valley. 2 flyover DICKCISSEL heard on Oct 6 (DR) at the were seen June 15 (DR) over Detroit Lake in the Cas- Philomath sewage ponds was a county first. Most rec- cades. Breeding has yet to be confirmed in Linn or ords for this eastern prairie vagrant come from the Marion counties. A possible male Costa's Humming- coast. bird was photographed in Corvallis on Jan 8 (HB) for Tricolored Blackbird was overdue to be found a county first. in Linn County, but the 44 found at the Eicher Rd 2 drumming male Williamson's Sapsuckers were quarry ponds on Jul 16 (DR) was amazing and evi- noted Jun 4 (DR) off the Old Santiam Wagon Rd west dence of breeding was totally unexpected. Doug docu- of Big Lake on Santiam Pass. There are several past mented 3 well-flighted fledglings still being fed. The sightings from the Santiam Pass area, but most were flock stuck around until mid-August and was seen by seen late summer to early fall when post breeding many. There was a small past colony in the Columbia wanderers would be expected to occur. There is one River bottomlands and scattered sightings of summer- confirmed breeding record from the east edge of the ing individuals in the Willamette Valley but nothing county on the flanks of Mt Jefferson. of this magnitude. A pair of Ash-throated Flycatchers were on Pe- Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches on Mary’s Peak,

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 16

first found by Jeff Harding on Oct 27, peaked in mid- The high count was three. November at 41 individuals. A flock of 6 continued Benton’s only other verified through the end of the year. Cassin's Finches were ob- record was from here also. served Aug 18 and Oct 26 (DR) also on Mary’s Peak, These birds appear to be part where they have become annual in fall in small num- of a larger incursion of the bers. Not annual, however, are Pine Grosbeaks, which species into the mountains of were first spotted on the peak on Nov 18 (DR) and western Oregon this fall. were seen sporadically by many for at least a month.

Additional photos from the Willamette Valley in 2014

Above: Jim Leonard photographed this family of Western Kingbirds at Baskett Slough NWR on July 15, 2014

Left: Long-billed Curlews at Baskett Slough NWR, July 28, 2014. Photo by Steve Nord

Below: A Ross’s Goose in the company of Cackling Geese at Baskett Slough, January 28, 2014. Photo by Brandon Wagner

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 17

Lane

Tom Mickel

The first nesting record of Great Egret in Lane County came from Cushman, where four nests were found in 2014. These nestlings were photographed by Barry McKenzie

There were two reports of FULVOUS WHIS- American Avocets were again nesting at FRR, TLING-DUCK during Oct. The first was along the but the nest with broken eggs was found on Jul 10 (J McKenzie River in mid-month where one was briefly Sullivan). Nine American Avocets were found on Sep seen in a yard at the edge of the river (B Pickard). The 8 at FRR (R Robb) and continued through the month second was of a small flock on a gravel bar in the Mid- (m. obs.). A Red Knot was photographed at FRR on dle Fork of the Willamette River near Jasper in late Oct May 8 for a rare inland sighting (P Sokolowski, S (J Nuckols, M Benotsch). These reports were included McNeeley). A rare inland report of a Sanderling came because of their proximity to each other both in time from FRR on Sep 1 (N Strycker). Record numbers of and location. If accepted by the OBRC, this would only Pectoral Sandpipers were found in late Jul at FRR - be the second and third record of this species in Ore- gon. A flock of thirty-five Barrow's Goldeneye was at Waldo Lake on Oct 12 (A&T Mickel) for a larger flock than normal. A HAWAIIAN PETREL was seen from a cruise ship 85 km off the coast on Jul 16 (P Lehman), the first record for Lane if accepted by the OBRC. Approxi- mately 900 Northern Fulmar were flying by the month of the Siuslaw River on Oct 26 (A Contreras, D Pettey). American White Pelicans returned to Fern Ridge Reservoir (hereafter FRR) in large numbers earlier than normal and were reported in larger numbers than normal through the end of the year (m. obs.). Four hundred Brown Pelicans were counted on the off shore rocks at Heceta Head on Nov 8 (A Contreras, D Pettey), a very high number for so late in the year. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at FRR on Oct 8, 2014. Photo by Four Great Egret nests with young were found near Sylvia Maulding Cushman on Jun 30 (S Hill, S Maulding) for the first nesting record for Lane. Black-crowned Night-Herons three on Jul 23 (J Dawning) and eight on Jul 29 (R were reported in the Eugene area from mid-Apr Robb, D Arendt). A Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was through May, so they must be breeding in the area, it's found on Oct 1 (J Sullivan) at FRR at Royal Ave where just that no one has found the colony yet (m. obs.). they're almost annual. A Stilt Sandpiper was found at No White-tailed Kites were reported during the FRR on Jul 25 (J Buch) where they've become annual first part of the year after the prolonged cold spell in the last few years. A Ruff was found at FRR on Sep 8 Dec of 2013 (m. obs.). (S Hill), another was found there on Sep 27 (L Nor-

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 18

gren), and two Ruff were found on Oct 3 (R Robb) for a rare winter sighting (J Koenig). A CHIMNEY where they are almost annual. SWIFT was heard and photographed the next evening with roosting Vaux's Swifts at the Agate Hall chimney on the U of O campus on May 11 (B Combs) for a first county and second state record. Another or the same bird was back roosting at the chimney on Sep 21 (B Combs) for about four days. Eight White- throated Swifts were found in the McKenzie Bridge area Sep 4 (T Cramer) for the fourth Lane Record. I received two winter reports of Rufous Hummingbirds; the first was photographed on Dec 3 (D Tabor) in the FRR area, and the second was found on the Florence CBC - Dec 20 (fide K Larsen). A singing Least Flycatcher was found in the mostly flooded ash forest at the SE corner of FRR on Jun 22 Ruff at FRR on Sep 9, 2014. Photo by Vickie Buck (L Johnson, J Sullivan) and remained in the area for a few weeks for the second Lane record. The third rec- Up to two Sabine's Gulls were found at FRR in ord of Least Flycatcher for late September (m. obs.) where they occur most falls. Lane was found at the Franklin's Gull first appeared at FRR on Jun 1 (S Country Fair site in Veneta Hill) and were found throughout the summer and into on Jul 13 (M Marshall). The the fall. Did the drought in California force them north site has extensive ash this breeding season? A possible BLACK-HEADED woodlands along the Long GULL flew south past the end of the north jetty of Tom River. Black Phoebe the Siuslaw River on Nov 8 (A Contreras, D Pettey). A numbers also dropped dra- LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was found at Cam- matically after the cold as Swale on Nov 23 (B Combs), it was confirmed as a snap in Dec 2013, but slow- sub-adult and photographed on the 24th. Later that ly increased after the breed- day Noah Strycker photographed a second bird (an ing season. The only Tropi- Least Flycatcher. Photo adult) for Lane's second and third records. The birds cal Kingbird reported for by Barry McKenzie were around for about a week and were photographed the year was at Stonefield together. A rare inland report of a Glaucous Gull Beach on Nov 1 (A Contreras). Tree Swallows returned comes from FRR dam on Nov 25 (S Hill). The first re- in large numbers before the end of Jan (m. obs.). Four port of Elegant Terns in Lane was on Aug 18 (D Barn Swallows were found near the south jetty of the Pettey) at the north jetty of the Siuslaw River and the Siuslaw River on Jan 1 (D Pettey) for another mid- last report was on Oct 25 at the month of the Siuslaw winter record. There were again reports of Barn Swal- River (S Burns). Three pairs of Forster’s Terns nested lows in Nov and Dec - three birds at FRR dam on Nov at FRR for the first time. The nesting terns were found 14 (S Hill), two birds at FRR on Nov 16 (J Sullivan), on Jun 22 (L Johnson, J Sullivan) and seen through the and a bird at the Delta Ponds on Dec 17 (D Schrouder, breeding season (m. obs.). A possible SCRIPPS'S et al.). A Mountain Bluebird was found in west Eu- MURRELET was on the ocean off the mouth of the gene on Apr 5 (B Combs), they're less than annual in Siuslaw River on Oct 26 (A Contreras), but the waves the valley. A very late Swainson's Thrush was found were too large to get a good look at the bird. A Tufted in SE Eugene on Oct 24 (A&T Mickel). The Northern Puffin was seen at Heceta Head on Jul 16 (K Chamber- Mockingbird returned to Alvadore for the fourth lain), an area where they formerly nested but haven't winter on Oct 9 (D Brown). A Lapland Longspur was for a number of years because of the erosion of dirt found at FRR, Royal Ave on Oct 3 & 9 (R Robb) for an from the off shore rocks. uncommon inland record. A Snowy Owl was found amid the mud and Yellow-breasted Chats were found at opposite stumps at FRR on Dec 3 (S Hill) and remained ends of the county this spring, with singles in Oa- throughout the month (m. obs.). A nighthawk sp. kridge on May 5 (C Ferland) and at Woahink Lake (long, pointed wings with white stripe) was flushed (near the coast) on May 21 (D Farrar). A Green-tailed from the ground during the day at Mt. Pisgah on Jan 4, Towhee was found at Melakwa Lake, in the high Cas-

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 19

Lane's third record. The Harris Sparrow found near FRR on Cantrell Road on Apr 13 (S Hill) was a surprising spring sighting. The same NW Eugene feeder was also hosting a Harris's Sparrow, but it didn't make an appearance on Dec 6 (fide V Thompson). A Western Tanager returned to a River Road area feeder, after being seen during Dec, on Jan 11 (B Combs). On Oct 6 a Western Tanager was found at Gold Lake (B Combs) for a late record. A late report for Black-headed Gros- beak was from SE Eugene on Oct 21 (J Siporin), and on Nov 24 she photographed the same or another bird at her feeder. A Lazuli Bunting was found near Alton Clay-colored Sparrow at FRR on Sep 24, 2014. Photo by Baker Park on Feb 6 for the first winter record for the Sally Hill county (fide M Persmark). A Tricolored Blackbird was found at FRR on Sep 8 (S Hill). There are fewer than ten cades, on Aug 24 (T Meinzen) - a good time for this records for Lane. A Cas- species to wander over the crest into the county. An sin's Finch was found at American Tree Sparrow was photographed at a NW the top of Prairie Peak on Eugene area feeder on Dec 6 (fide V Thompson). A Oct 9 (H Herlyn, O Harper) Clay-colored Sparrow was found at a north Eugene and two males were briefly feeder on May 7 (D Schrouder) - rarer during their seen at a SW Eugene feeder spring migration. A very early Clay-colored Sparrow on Nov 20 (D Parsons) for was found at FRR on Aug 3 (T Meinzen, et al.) and was rare reports away from the sporadically seen until Oct 11 (W Hemstrom, et al.). A high Cascades. Lark Bunting was found at FRR on Sep 9 (S Hill) for

Oregon Birds magazine needs YOUR help!

 We are looking for field notes editors for Baker and Malheur counties who can com- pile the most noteworthy sightings for the annual Regional Highlights section in OB.

 Authors are needed for articles to be pub- lished in the upcoming 2015 fall issue of OB magazine. If you have ideas for longer or short articles, or if you want to take on one of the following topics, please contact the editor at [email protected].

 Expansion of Western Scrub-Jay in Oregon  Allen’s and Rufous Hummingbirds in Southwestern Oregon—could there be a hybrid zone?  Your very own pet project! Northern Pygmy-Owl with Western Fence Lizard at Calliope Crossing, Deschutes Co. Photo by Jim Leonard

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 20

Douglas Matt Hunter Mikeal Jones

This Cattle Egret was hanging out on Curry Road in the company of Great Egrets, Dec 21, 2014. Photo by Aaron Beerman

Overflying migrant Greater White-fronted Geese lock). A few Eurasian Wigeon were reported during were barely detected this spring, but average numbers the usual winter months; a late male was at Ford’s were observed over the central valleys and coastal Pond on May 8 (MGH). We get few records of Blue- areas in the normal late-September window (m. obs.). winged Teal; 1 male was at Ford’s Pond on May 9 An unusual “landing” of a flock of about 50 occurred (Bob & Jeannie Pollock), a female was along the S. at Ford’s Pond on Sep 26, and these remained for at Umpqua R. Oct 12 (MGH), and 2 were at Stewart Park least a month (MGH, m. obs.). A flock of 30 was noted Wildlife Area Oct 27 (Keith Phifer). A few Cinnamon along Hwy 138 near Wild River Drive, Jan 24 (Mark Teal were present from the beginning of the year as Hamm). A group of roughly a dozen showed up at well as in Dec (m. obs.). A boat trip at Diamond Lake Stewart Park Wildlife Area in mid-October and re- on Nov 2 yielded 4 Redheads and 4 Surf Scoters mained through the winter (m. obs.). The only Brant (MGH et al.). The only Black Scoter reported was one reported were 2 at the South Jetty on Apr 29 (MGH), 1 at the South Jetty, May 31 (Mark Stevens). An inland about 25 mi offshore (Don Sutherland) and 2 about 60 Pacific Loon was videoed Oct 29 at Stewart Park Wild- mi offshore (Michael Harrison), both on May 1. Tun- life Area (Serge Queant). dra Swans were observed Jan 4 and 9 at Cooper Creek An ASHY STORM PETREL was photographed Reservoir (MJ), Nov 3 at Ford’s Pond (Jim Houseman), and seen by many from a cruise ship about 45 mi off- and Nov 25 and 28 at Plat I Res. (Bob & Jeannie Pol- shore on May 1. Up to 58 American White Pelicans were at Plat I Res. Nov 7-22 (m. obs.). A rare winter sighting of American Bittern was at Ford’s Pond Dec 13 (Jim Houseman). The first known nesting by Great Egrets in Douglas County occurred at the Double- crested Cormorant colony on Bolan Is. near Reedsport (Dan Karpa, original observer). At least 10 and perhaps 13 nests were observed on Jul 17 (Dale and Elva Paulson). A single pair was still feeding 3 fledged young near the nest on Aug 24 (MGH et al.). For the first time in many years, a Cattle Egret was found, between Curry Rd. and Quail Lane, Dec 20 to at least Dec 28 (Jim Hein, m. obs.). An astonishing Plegadis species (White-faced or Glossy Ibis) was observed several times as it flushed with ducks at Ford’s Pond, A widespread breeder in the mountains of Douglas Coun- Dec 20 (Alan Contreras), but was not relocated. Tur- ty, but not often seen up close, this handsome Mountain key Vultures were observed in every month of the Quail was photographed by Matt Hunter near Roseburg year in 2014, including several in early Jan and indi- on May 15, 2014. viduals and small groups were present through Nov

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 21

and Dec, with a maximum of 22 near Quail Lane on Dec 21 (MGH). Rogue Valley A late Sandhill Crane was flying around at Ford’s Pond May 9 (Bob & Jeannie Pollock, Mikeal Jones, Jim Jackson, Josephine

Arneson). A Black-necked Stilt was at Toketee Lake May 10, (Ron Maertz). An inland Black-bellied Plover Frank Lospalluto was at Ford’s Pond Oct 3 (Russ Namitz) to at least Oct 8 (m. obs.). A Solitary Sandpiper was at Ford’s Pond Sep 13 (MGH). An unusual inland record of Whimbrel was at Ford’s Pond Jul 25 (MGH). A juvenile Semipal- mated Sandpiper was photographed at Plat I on Aug 25 (MGH). A Common Tern was at Ford’s Pond Sep 23 (Jim Houseman, MGH). Elegant Terns were at the Umpqua River mouth near Winchester Bay Sep 28 and 30 (m. obs.). A Short-eared Owl was flushed at Ford’s Pond May 9 (Bob & Jeannie Pollock). The Burrowing Owl that wintered near Kruse Farms was last seen Oregon’s third Red-throated Pipit was seen by many birders at about Feb 15 (MGH). A Prairie Falcon was reported Lake Selmac in the fall of 2014. Photo by Jeff Schwilk Aug 9 near Mt. Thielsen (Jimmy Billstine). A Black Swift was noted near Tahkenitch Lake It was a low-water year in the Rogue Region, with May 30 (Ken Phifer). A pair of American Three-toed little snowpack. The lakes and reservoirs were nearly Woodpeckers was photographed near Mt. Bailey Aug empty by early summer. Stream flows were minimal. On 11 (Gerry Hill). A Loggerhead Shrike was at Tah- the upside, 2014 saw the publication of “Birds of Jackson kenitch Creek mouth May 30 (Daniel Farrar). A Yellow County, Oregon: Distribution and Abundance,”, a fourth -headed Blackbird was edition RVAS checklist edited and revised by Stewart reported attending a Janes. Josephine County saw a resurgence of birding feeder in Sutherlin on activity spurred by the curiosity of the indefatigable Nov 19 (Jennifer Smith) Russ Namitz. We all owe a debt to his willingness to and was still present Nov share and encourage. 23 (MGH). A Green-tailed As for the birds, here are a few of the more notable Towhee was at the south highlights. Any omissions or errors are mine. For these, I end of Diamond Lake apologize. Aug 21 (Don Munson). A Mike Klem saw a Ross’s Goose along Lower River Vesper Sparrow. Photo by Vesper Sparrow Sep 21 in Rd. in Josephine County, Dec 19. Dennis Vroman points Matt Hunter Melrose was on the late out that Ross’s are less likely to occur there than Snow side (MGH). Lark Sparrows were observed May 7 Goose. Bob Hunter found Ruddy Ducks breeding at Wil- northwest of Tiller (Amy Rusk) and May 6 (for about a son’s Pond in Eagle Point, Jun 20. They are a rare breeder week) southwest of Tiller (Julie Edmonds). Swamp in Jackson and the low-water year may have had a few Sparrows were at Ford’s Pond beginning Oct 21 Klamath Basin birds deciding to give it a try here. Surf (MGH) and up to 5 were present Dec 20 (Alan Contre- Scoters were found at Emigrant Lake (1) Oct 22 by For- ras). A female Indigo Bunting was at Plat I Reservoir rest English and myself, at Lake Selmac (3) Oct 27 by Aug 31 (MGH). Tricolored Black- Russ Namitz, at Lost Creek Reservoir (1) Oct 24 by Russ, birds were again at Ford’s Pond Jim Livaudais and Norm Barrett, and (3) there Nov 2 by this spring, first reported May 8 Russ. (MGH). The Rusty Blackbird locat- A lone Pacific Loon was at Howard Prairie on Nov ed in Dec 2014 was still present at 1. Forrest English found 2 Red-necked Grebes at Emi- Yoncalla Jan 7 and 17 (MGH). A grant Lake, Aug 31. On Nov 7, Otis Swisher had a Red- Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch on the necked Grebe floating on the Upper Rogue above slopes of Mt. Thielsen Aug 9 Takelma Park. Jeff Tufts and Bob Hunter had a White- (Jimmy Billstine) is expected, but faced Ibis at Kirtland Ponds, Jun 4. Stewart Janes re- rarely observed and reported. ported an adult BROAD-WINGED HAWK soaring low over I-5 in the Ashland area.

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Black-necked Stilts bred again at Kirtland Ponds Sands had a Black-chinned Hummingbird nest in his in June. Adults with chicks were observed by Bob yard in Eagle Point in the Hunter and Jeff Tufts, Jun 4. Russ Namitz reported an summer. A Costa’s Hum- American Avocet at Kirtland Ponds on Aug 24, and mingbird was reported Forrest English found another at Emigrant Lake on from a private residence in Aug 28. Russ Namitz had a Solitary Sandpiper at Ashland in February. Kirtland on Apr 17. Brian Barr, along with Bob Hunter, Dennis Vroman found found a Solitary Sandpiper and a Sanderling at a Loggerhead Shrike at Kirtland Ponds, May 8. Russ had another Solitary Whitehorse Park on Apr Black-chinned Humming- 29, a first for him in Jose- bird on nest. Photo by Nor- phine County. Purple Mar- man Barrett tins seem to be making a comeback in Jackson County, with breeding pairs sus- pected around the Rogue River near the Table Rocks and multiple observations around the Kirtland Ponds area. There were two sightings of Gray Catbirds in Jack- son County: Jun 26 by Bob Quaccia at North Mountain Park in Ashland and Nov 18 near the Lost Creek fish hatchery, Liz and Andruss Northrup. There was another CALIFORNIA THRASHER sighting and photo from near Pilot Rock in late August by Frank Callahan. If Ruddy Turnstone. Photo by Norman Barrett accepted by the OBRC, this will be the fourth state record. Sandpiper at Lake Selmac, Sep 8. A Ruddy Turnstone One of the star fall attractions of Josephine County was at Kirtland Ponds, found by Brian Barr and Jeff and Lake Selmac was found by Russ Namitz on Oct 20, Tufts on Apr 27. An unusual spring migration sighting Oregon’s third record of RED-THROATED PIPIT. It of Semipalmated Sandpiper occurred at Kirtland dur- was seen and photographed by many. Lapland Long- ing the RVAS birdathon, seen by Bob Hunter and my- spurs were seen on at least three different occasions self, May 3. Much rarer in Josephine County, Russ Na- this fall; twice at Lost Creek Lake, Oct 21 (Norm Bar- mitz found a Semipalmated Sandpiper at the Cave rett) and Nov 16 (Russ Namitz), and a Josephine Coun- Junction wastewater plant on Aug 22, a county first. ty sighting by Russ at Lake Selmac, Sep 28. A CHEST- There was a Baird’s Sandpiper along with a Lesser NUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR was seen by Jim Yellowlegs at the treatment plant in Cave Junction on Livaudais and Norm Barrett on the mudflats at Lost Aug 25. Two Long-billed Curlews at Agate Lake were Creek Lake. This is the third record for the county. seen by Russ Namitz on Aug 4. Brandon Breen saw 2 American Tree Sparrows at An adult Sabine’s Gull was seen cruising Lake North Mountain Park on Nov 30. Dennis Vroman Selmac on Sep 8 by Russ. A Franklin’s Gull made an found a Clay-colored Sparrow in Grant’s Pass on Sep unusual late-season appearance on Dec 3 at Agate Lake (Jeff Tufts). On Nov 23, Tim Shelmerdine and Russ Namitz found 3 gull species at Lake Selmac, including 2 juvenile Herring Gulls, 2 juvenile California Gulls and a Bonaparte’s Gull. Bob Hunter and Nala Cardillo saw one Short- eared Owl during the Medford CBC on Dec 20 near the Medford Airport. This species, along with Burrow- ing Owl, is becoming very difficult to find during the winter in Jackson County. I had 4 Black Swifts swoop- ing low near Emigrant Lake on Aug 11. A Mountain Bird Festival group near Pilot Rock on May 30 saw a White-throated Swift fly over. Russ Namitz had another single flyover at Agate Lake on Sep 25. Howard Great-tailed Grackle. Photo: Frank Lospalluto

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25. A Swamp Sparrow con- 16. Great-tailed Grackles were seen in a number of tinued through the new year locations around the Rogue Valley: Maggie Rackley and into late winter at North reported seeing some recent fledglings being fed by a Mountain Park. Another one parent in Sam’s Valley on Jun 20. Eight were found on was turned up there again the Medford CBC near Lower Table Rock, Dec 20. In this winter on Dec 5 by Kate Josephine County, 3 Great-tailed Grackles were at the Cleland-Sipfle. A Grasshop- Cave Junction treatment plant May 23, a county first per Sparrow was seen Dec record by Russ Namitz. Russ and Larry Wright found 20 during the Medford CBC a small flock of Pine Grosbeaks on in Eagle Point. Dennis Ar- Grayback Mountain in Josephine Swamp Sparrow. Photo endt and Roger Robb heard County on Dec 6, and Russ found by Frank Lospalluto an INDIGO BUNTING sing- one in Jackson County the following ing near the Upper Table day near Huckleberry Campground. Rock trailhead and saw it fly off toward the Rogue A LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH was River. at George and Sally Peterson’s feed- Brian Barr found a RUSTY BLACKBIRD with a ers near Emigrant Lake on May 4. group of Brewer’s Blackbirds at Kirtland Ponds on Feb

Mid-Columbia Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam

Jeff Hayes

Grasshopper Sparrow on Tygh Ridge Market Road, May 22, 2014. Photo by Aaron Beerman

A Greater White-fronted Goose lingered at the Four Wood Ducks were at Biggs Junction, Sherman, 6 Hood R. mouth 5 May (AA, SJ), another was found at Oct (TB). A male and female Eurasian Wigeon were Price Rd wetlands, Wasco, 17 May (JB). 50 were at sighted at Rock Cr. Res., Wasco, 19 Oct (BB, LM). Two Willow Cr WMA, Gilliam 25 Feb (TB). One Snow wintering Cinnamon Teal were seen on the Deschutes Goose was with three Gr. White-fronts and a minima R. near Maupin, Wasco, 1 Jan (JB). A Blue-winged Cackling Goose at Hood R. mouth 31 Oct (JB). A lin- Teal was at Waucoma Basin along the Hood R. water- gering Snow Goose was observed at The Dalles River- front 6 Sep (SJ). A Redhead was seen at The Hook on front Park, Wasco, 3-4 May (L. Parshall, SS). Small the Hood R. waterfront 17 Mar (John Price); two were numbers of minima Cackling Geese were reported at this location on 2 Nov (m. obs.); four there on 15 from along the Columbia R. during winter, spring and Dec (SJ). A pond near Grass Valley, Sherman, hosted fall. Winter reports from the interior included two four birds 19 Apr; two remained at the same location birds at Price Rd wetlands, Wasco 1-2 Jan (JB, NS, SSe) 10 May (GH). Eleven birds at Clear Lake in the Wasco and one at Juniper Flat Rd, Wasco, 30 Dec (NS, P. Sen- County Cascades on Sep 20 was a good count (CC). 25 ner, SSe). Two Tundra Swans were at Price Rd wet- Greater Scaup were detected at Arlington, Gilliam 10 lands, Wasco, 8 Nov (BA). Apr (N. Strycker), the peak number reported for this

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 24

species. A Common Goldeneye lingered at Deschutes their traditional haunts near the marina at the mouth R. SP, Sherman, 30 May (JD, SF, DI,). A Barrow’s Gold- of the Hood R. during the winter, spring and fall eneye lingered at the mouth of the Deschutes R. on 8 months (Jan through mid-Apr and mid-Oct through May (S. Rogers). Two early July reports of singles of Dec), with up to 9 birds seen at this location (SJ, m. this species came from Boulder Lakes near the Hood obs.). A White-faced Ibis was photographed at Juni- River/Wasco county line (JB,TB). Several more reports per Flat Rd, Wasco 13 May (SN). came from higher elevation lakes in western Wasco A Red-shouldered Hawk was reported at Govern- County from mid-May through early Jul (m. obs.), and ment Cove, Hood River, 18 Apr; reported again at the 25 were at Deschutes R. SP 15 Dec (SJ). Nine Ruddy same location on 28 Apr (KP). Description on eBird Ducks remained at Price Rd wetlands, Wasco, 10 Jun suggests an adult bird. Another was found at Camas (JW), three were at the same location 2 Jul (JB). Prairie, Wasco, 20 Apr (BA). Ferruginous Hawk sight- There were several reports of Gray Partridge (1-2 ings were few and far between, with one record from birds) from their known haunts along Tygh Ridge, Bakeoven Rd, Wasco, 2 Mar (AA) and one near The Wasco and 1-4 birds from a few scattered Gilliam Co. Dalles, Wasco, 19 Nov (B. Reo). locations (m. obs.). Wild Turkeys continue to be re- Single Virginia Rails were found at the Powerdale ported in substantial Corridor, Hood River, 24 Mar and 31 Oct (JB). Four numbers from the pine/ were at Ball Ln w. of Twin Lakes Rd, Sherman, 17 May oak belt in Wasco Coun- (WW) and two were at nearby Rutledge Rd pond the ty, with counts exceed- same day (WW). Another two were found at Barnum ing 50 birds from the Ln, Sherman, 23 May (DI). All three of these sites are Mosier and Tygh Valley near Grass Valley. A Sora was located along River Rd areas (m. obs.). A dis- in The Dalles, Wasco, 3 May (SF, DI, BL). Sandhill Wild Turkeys, Tygh Valley. playing tom was seen Cranes (1-4 birds) were reported from Camas Prairie, Photo by Joe Blowers along Mud Hollow Rd, Wasco, mid-Apr through mid-Jul (m. obs.). Sherman, 4 May (GH). Mountain Quail were found at A single Black-bellied Plover was at the Hood R. several locations in e. Hood River and w. Wasco coun- mouth 4 May (BE). Willow Cr WMA, Gilliam, held six ties. Ten were at Badger Cr. Rd 2 Jan (NS, SSe). Most Black-necked Stilts, 24 American Avocets and two other reports were of single birds. Long-billed Curlews on 26 Apr (JW). An ad. Avocet Two Common Loons were at Pine Hollow Res, appeared at the Hood R. mouth 23 Jul (SJ). A Solitary Wasco, 12 Apr (JB). Eared Grebes were noted sparing- Sandpiper was photographed at a small pond along ly (1-2 birds) during spring and fall along the Colum- Badger Cr Rd, Wasco, 26 Apr (S. Valasek). The Juniper bia R. Winter sightings include five birds amid an as- Flat Rd, Wasco area played host to two Long-billed sortment of waterfowl at the cove at Mayer SP, Wasco, Curlews 3 May (SF, DI, BL), six were at the same loca- 22 Feb (AA), and one at Hood R. mouth 15 Feb (BE); tion 13 May (SN). A well-described Marbled Godwit one at The Hook, Hood R. waterfront 6 Jan (J. Omer). spent most of the afternoon of 30 Apr at ‘The Spit’ at A non-Columbia R. migration sighting of two birds the mouth of the Hood R. (AA, CJF, SJ). According to occurred Sep 20 at Clear Lake, Wasco (CC). A high SJ, this is the second record for Hood River County. count of 141 Western Grebes was found 22 Oct at the One Sanderling was discovered at the Hood R. mouth Hook (SJ). 40 were at The Dalles Riverfront Park, Was- co, 6 Nov (SJ). A Clark’s Grebe was observed at the Hood R. waterfront 13-14 May (AA, SJ). American White Pelicans were noted along the Columbia R. from Apr through Aug. Peak numbers: 27 at John Day Dam, Sherman, 23 May (DI); 16 at Hood R. waterfront 31 May (JP); 15 near Arlington, Gilliam, 22 Aug (TB) and many other sightings involv- ing fewer than ten birds. A Great Egret was at Price Rd wetlands, Wasco, 11 Jun (KM). One at Celilo Park, Wasco, 3 Oct was well described (JB, KP). A leucistic Great Blue Heron frequents this location, as noted 22 Feb (TB). A Green Heron prowled the backwaters be- hind Waucoma Basin, Hood R. waterfront on 5 May American White Pelicans at the Deschutes R., (SJ). Black-crowned Night-Herons were reported from April 19, 2014. Photo by Greg Haworth

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4 May (SJ), seen again 5 May (AA, SJ), it or another ley, Wasco 2 Jan (JB, NS, SSe). An unexpected Pileated individual was seen at the same location 11 May (AA, Woodpecker was seen at Deschutes R. SP, Sherman, SJ). A HY bird was noted at The Dalles Riverfront 7 Sep (WG). Park, Wasco, 15 Sep (SJ). Four Baird’s Sandpipers were A report of an ad. Peregrine Falcon with three seen at the edge of the snowpack on the n. side of Mt. fledglings came from the Columbia R. cliffs in e. Wasco Hood at the upper end of Timberline Trail 600 18 Aug Co. 10 Jun (TB). There were a few other breeding sea- (PK). One HY Semipalmated Sandpiper was at ‘The son reports from along the Columbia R. A pair of Pere- Spit’, Hood River, 30 Jul (SJ), two HY birds at the same grines was seen along the John Day R. in the Cotton- location morning of 3 Aug (SJ), with one present in the wood Canyon SP area, Gilliam/Sherman, 16 Jun (VB). evening on 3 Aug (CN). A lingering Dunlin was at The Hood River County Prairie Falcon reports included Dalles Riverfront Park, Wasco, 7 Dec (SJ, m. obs.). one at Bonney Butte 27 Aug (G. Roudebush), another A straggler Bonaparte’s Gull was noted at the Hood R. mouth 11 May (AA). Two Band-tailed Pi- geons were slightly out of expected range at Dufur Gap/Pole Rds, Wasco, 14 May (KM et al.). Single Barn Owls were reported from only two locations: one near Mikkalo, Gilliam, 5 Jul (TS) and a recurring individual s. of The Dalles, Wasco, during Aug (S. Schwartz). I suspect this species is under- reported from the region. A Burrowing Owl was noted e. of Arlington, Gilliam, 29 May (N. Anderson). A Long-eared Owl was located at Cottonwood Canyon SP, Sherman/Gilliam, 19 Jun (JB). Six White-throated Swifts were seen near cliffs along Badger Cr Rd, Was- co, 17 May (JB). Several reports came from the cliffs along Hwy 206 w. of the Deschutes R. mouth, Wasco, early May through mid-Jul (m. obs.), and up to 30 Prairie Falcon. Photo by Joe Blowers birds from the John Day R. at Cottonwood Canyon SP and downstream, Gilliam/Sherman (m. obs.). at the same location 9 Sep (D. Porter), and one at the A Lewis’s Woodpecker was seen landing on a Hood R. waterfront 23 Nov (AA). power pole at Mt. Hood Jct., Hood River, 27 Jul (JH). A Willow Flycatcher was among the birds report- Two were seen at Bonney Butte, Hood River, 20 Sep ed from Lost Lake, Hood River, 12 Jul (BE). Perhaps (CN). An Acorn Woodpecker from Wasco Co. in- expected here in w. Hood River County? A migrant volved one bird “inspecting a nest location” along the Ash-throated Flycatcher was at the burned pine grove lower (eastern) end of Badger Cr. Rd on 26 Apr (SS). area n. of I-84 at Westcliff Dr., Hood River, 7 May (SJ), Red-naped Sapsucker is uncommonly reported from the westernmost report for the region. A pair of East- this region. Two Wasco Co. reports include one at ern Kingbirds was seen perching on wires near Hwy Camas Prairie 23 Mar (CC) and two birds at White R. 35 at Leasure Dr in the Hood R. valley 26 Jul (JH). One Falls SP 3 Oct (JB, KP). Two apparent Red-naped x Red was at Price Rd. wetlands, Wasco, 10 Jun (JW). A few -breasted Sapsuckers were studied in the Brooks other scattered reports came from expected habitat Meadow area (MHNF Roads 44 and 1170), Hood Riv- along the Columbia and Deschutes Rivers. er, on 28 June (C. Sexton). There was only one White- Horned Larks were noted from the Cooper Spur headed Woodpecker report in 2014: one bird off area of Mt. Hood: one bird 2 Aug (M. Bogar) and two MHNF Rd 44 just inside Wasco Co. on 27 Jul (JH). Sev- adults and four HY birds 18 Aug, described by P. Kline eral spring, summer and early fall sightings of Wil- as “adult birds (that) had very white faces with almost liamson’s Sapsucker, American Three-toed Woodpeck- no trace of yellow.” One was seen at Hood River wa- er and Black-backed Woodpecker occurred in expected terfront 17 Nov (SJ). Up to 100 Bank Swallows were areas on the n. and e. slopes of Mt, Hood (m. obs.), e.g., estimated to be present at the breeding colony along MHNF Trails 625, 643/643A, the w. end of MHNF Rd. Hwy 197 s. of The Dalles, Wasco (m. obs.), up to 50 44 in Hood River County and Camas Prairie and birds at the Deschutes R. mouth, Sherman/Wasco (m. School Canyon Trail in Wasco County. An Am. Three- obs.), and 11 birds at Cottonwood Canyon SP, Gilliam/ toed was found along Badger Cr. Rd west of Tygh Val- Sherman (JB, DI). A Red-breasted Nuthatch was a

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somewhat unusual find at Deschutes R. SP on 23 Jul (F. from Deschutes R. SP, Sherman, 4 May (SN), one at Old Kooyman). Moody Rd, Wasco, 7 May (N. Nelson, SN), one near A westward-ranging Canyon Wren was seen 19 Mayville, Gilliam, 15 Jun (BB, LM) and one near Mikka- Jan along the Historic Columbia R. Hwy. State Trail lo, Gilliam, 5 Jul (TS). A Harris’s Sparrow was found at just e. of Hood River (JB). A Pacific Wren was found at a feeder in Maupin, Wasco, 2 Jan (JW). This is the sec- Deschutes R. SP, Sherman 15 Mar (GH). A Marsh Wren ond detection of this species in the short history of the was at Price Rd wetlands, Wasco, 10 Jun (JW). One was Tygh Valley CBC. found along the John Day R. n. of Cottonwood Canyon, Tricolored Blackbirds continue to be reported Gilliam 17 Jun (VB). This species can be tough to find in from the ranchland from Maupin to Wamic, Wasco Co., the region. An American Pipit was observed at Hood with breeding season records from Victor Rd, Smock River waterfront 1 Jan (CJF, SJ). A large flock of 120-150 Rd and Juniper Flat Rd (up to 40 birds at the latter site). birds was seen working a field along Bakeoven Rd, Autumn and winter records included the above loca- Wasco, 18 Oct (BB, LM). tions plus Oak Springs Rd, which hosted 40 birds on 2 A Common Yellowthroat was found along the Jan (JW). A Sherman Co. record (1 bird?) from Rutledge John Day R. n. of Cottonwood Canyon SP, Gilliam, 17 Rd pond occurred 12 Apr (K. Thompson). Jun (VB). Notable due to the scarcity of Jun – Jul re- An unusual report of a Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch ports from Gilliam and Sherman Cos. A singing first at a feeder in the town of Hood River occurred 20-21 summer male American Redstart delighted birders at Jan (K. Burton). Several late summer/early fall reports Deschutes R. SP, Sherman, 30 May (JD, SF (photo), DI). from the n. side of Mt. Hood, maximum count of 12 A well-described Northern Waterthrush was observed birds (m. obs.). A Pine Grosbeak was found near the jct. at The Dalles Riverfront Park, Wasco, 30 Oct (SJ). of MHNF Trails 625 and 600 on the n. slope of Mt. Single Green-tailed Towhees were found at Badg- Hood 21 Jun (BA). A group of Common Redpolls (est. er Cr. Rd, Wasco, 14 May (KM et al.) and MHNF Rd 27 20 birds in a fast-moving, swirling flock) was seen on a 30 Jun (WG). An American Tree Sparrow was photo- ridgetop prairie off McCorkle Grade w. of Tygh Valley, graphed along Friend Rd, Wasco, 30 Dec (BA). Up to Wasco, 30 Dec (JH). four Grasshopper Sparrows were found in the Tygh Ridge area, Wasco, mid-May through early Jul (m. obs.). Other reports include one bird sighted upstream Observers:

Nathan Anderson, Andy Angstrom (AA), Bob Archer (BA), Bill Bradford (BB), Mike Bogar, Joe Blowers (JB), Vickie Buck (VB), Ken Burton, Trent Bray (TB), Char Corkran (CC), Jim Danzenbaker (JD), Brent Emmons (BE), Shawneen Finnegan (SF), Catherine J. Flick (CJF), Wink Gross (WG), Greg Haworth (GH), Jeff Hayes (JH), David Irons (DI), Stuart Johnston (SJ), Philip Kline (PK), Florinus Kooyman, Bob Lockett (BL), Lora Minty (LM), Kathleen Moon (KM), Nels Nelson, Colby Neu- man (CN), Steve Nord (SN), John Omer, Laurel Par- shall, Ken Pitts (KP), Dwight Porter, John Price (JP), Brandon Reo, Steve Rogers, Gail Roudebush, Stefan Schlick (SS), Sher Schwartz, Na- than Senner (NS), Paul Senner, Stanley Senner (SSe), Chuck Sex- ton, Tim Shelmerdine (TS), Noah Strycker, Kathy Thompson, Steve Valasek, Wayne Weber (WW), Jay Withgott (JW).

Tricolored Blackbird. Photo by Joe Blowers

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Central Oregon Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook, Wheeler

Chuck Gates

Veery at Black Butte Swamp, Deschutes Co., photographed on Jul 6, 2014 by Jack Williamson

For the purposes of this article, Central Oregon might be surprising to experienced, state-wide birders includes Wheeler, Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson to find that Horned Grebes are annual in Central Ore- counties. From the east slopes of the Cascades to the gon and we even had a summer record this year from wonderfully diverse Ochocos, the varied habitats and the Redmond Sewer Ponds. Red-necked Grebes are ecosystems of Central Oregon provide a reason for somewhat more unusual, but this year they were rela- rare winged visitors to stop and stay a while. The 2014 tively abundant, with birds found in August, Septem- summary will be very Deschutes/Jefferson County- ber, October and December. Clark’s Grebes have their centric, as few reports came in from either Crook or own abundance pattern (pretty common in Crook Wheeler counties. County but uncommon in Deschutes and Jefferson). A smattering of Snow Goose reports were re- Clark’s Grebes were reported from Suttle Lake and ceived from the region, but not a single Ross’s Goose Wickiup Reservoir in the fall (nested in Crook). was found in Central Oregon in 2014 (pretty unusual). Generally, American White Pelicans are not rare Just 2 reports of Cackling Goose (1 spring, 1 fall) were enough to make a year-end summary, but a total of received, but 7 different Eurasian Wigeons were found 200 at Wickiup Reservoir in September was rather eye- in the region. Greater Scaup continue to be reported in popping. Away from Wickiup Reservoir, Great Egrets higher than historic numbers (probably due to better are pretty unusual, so the 5 birds found in separate birders in Central OR). Large numbers of Surf Scoters locations were of note. The abundance of Black- were located in mountain lakes like Suttle Lake and crowned Night-Herons is not well understood, but Wickiup Reservoir, but there were no reports of Black most would agree that they are rare in Central Oregon. or White-winged Scoter this year. Individuals of this species were reported from south- Many of Central Oregon’s game bird populations ern Deschutes County in the fall. The same region pro- were established in the early 1900s and have a long- duced a rare Deschutes County American Bittern. standing history in the region. Due to changes in agri- Bittern was also reported from Hatfield Lake for only cultural practices, many of these once common species the second time ever. While fairly common east of us, are now hard to find. Other rarities are just as unusual White-faced Ibis are rarely found in Deschutes or as ever. Mountain Quail are always difficult to locate Jefferson counties. This year, flocks of ibis were noted but local birders managed to tally birds on 7 different near Madras (May) and at Wickiup Reservoir occasions. Dusky Grouse are breeders in the Ochocos (October). but still very difficult to locate. Only 1 bird was report- Finding raptors in Central Oregon can be a matter ed from SE Crook County this year. A boat survey of of feast or famine. Some species are easy and some Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County found 90 Chu- hard. Filling out your diurnal raptor list is much easier kar along its shore. now that the East Cascades Audubon Society sponsors Four different springtime Pacific Loons were a Hawk Watch location in the fall. Plenty of Northern found in the region’s water features, and 1 Red- Goshawks and even a few BROAD-WINGED throated Loon sighting occurred in September. It HAWKS are counted their annually along with other,

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 28

more routine species. Red-shouldered Hawks were Gulls, a Glaucous-winged Gull and a Sabine’s Gull. found in about 10 different locations (not unexpected Herring Gulls were also found at the Culver Sewer as their regional numbers climb). Ponds and at Suttle Lake. As many as 9 Common The spring of 2014 will not go down as the best Terns were tallied from 3 locales, and the only For- shorebird spring on record. Water levels were high ster’s Tern seen this year was at Hatfield Lake in and shorelines were scarce. In parts of the area, this June. Migrating Black Terns were seen in both spring trend held for the fall as well. Still, there were high- and fall. lights. Black-bellied Plovers are quite rare in the area, Band-tailed Pigeons are often considered a “west but we did receive 5 reports of 5 different birds from 3 side” species, but we were able to find at least 15 in the different locations. Deschutes County’s 4th record of area this year. As for the owls, all of Oregon’s breed- Snowy Plover was located at Hatfield Lake on April ing species were seen in our area, except Boreal Owl. A 19 and the 5th record shortly followed on June 10. A couple of “possible” auditory records of Boreal Owl Marbled Godwit was found at Wickiup Reservoir in were reported from the Todd Lake area, but the re- July and 2 more were seen in August. Solitary Sandpi- ports were tentative. Burrowing Owls likely nest annu- pers come through in small numbers every year and ally in eastern Crook County and one probable nester was noted this year. Central Oregon is known for its swifts and woodpeckers. Black Swifts continue to be somewhat of an enigma because they are routinely found near Tumalo Falls west of Bend, but a close analysis of those falls has failed to reveal any nesting. There were only 8 accepted records of Acorn Woodpecker in Central Ore- gon before 2014. We had 2 more this year (1 in Sisters and 1 on Green Ridge in the Cascades). Local birders (mostly associated with the ECAS Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival) were able to locate American Three-toed Wood- peckers on 12 sepa- American Three-toed Wood- rate occasions. Most pecker, Hosmer Lake, June 15, of these reports came 2014. Photo courtesy of from the large burned www.paradisebirding.com Solitary Sandpiper at Hatfield Lake, Aug 23, 214. Photo areas south of Sisters. by Tom Crabtree Summering Peregrine Falcon reports (of both adults and juveniles) suggest that these birds may be this year we tallied 8. People are getting better at iden- breeding in the area in small numbers. tifying Semipalmated Sandpipers, so their reported The only unusual flycatcher reported this year numbers continue to grow (18 birds seen this year - 2 were two Eastern Kingbirds found at Hatfield Lake spring, 6 summer, 10 fall). One Sanderling in the near Bend. This marks only the second time this spe- spring and 4 in the fall were a bit above average for cies has been reported from this popular birding loca- this species. Short-billed Dowitcher reports were re- tion. Only one report of Blue Jay was received this year ceived from Wickiup Reservoir, Redmond Sewer and it came from Bend in October. Ponds and Hatfield Lake. While Black-capped Chickadees can be found in Franklin’s Gulls are not annual here, so 4 reports small numbers in Jefferson County, reports from (one of 26 birds) were substantial. A Thayer’s Gull was southern Deschutes County of a small winter flock of found at Wickiup Reservoir for the only Central Ore- this species was a rarity. Three different Bewick’s gon record this year. Wickiup also produced Herring Wren records were submitted; 1 from Shevlin Park

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 29

South Central Klamath, Lake

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Photo by Chuck Gates Kevin Spencer near Bend, 1 from Alder Springs near Redmond and 1 from Tumalo State Park near Bend. Nesting Blue-gray Long-tailed Jaeger, Lake Ewauna, Aug 31, 2014. Photo by Gnatcatchers were found in Crook and Jefferson Frank Lospalluto counties. Crook County has been the historic “go-to” location for Veery in our region but those populations no longer appear to be viable. New locations in South Central Oregon had some surprising species Deschutes County near Black Butte are now the best show up. Some were county firsts, while others have sites to find this thrush. Northern Mockingbirds make had just a few records. The year began with Trumpeter the highlight reel in every sector of the state and we Swans seen with Tundra Swans; 2 along Lower Kla- had 3 of them; a single bird at Lower Bridge and a math Lake Road, 10 Feb (KTS), and 1 at Cove Point Rd., possible breeding pair NE of Madras. A single sum- Klamath Falls, 1-4 Mar, (DHe); a “Bewick’s” Swan, 1, mer Gray Catbird caused a bit of a stir in the Sisters was present there 5 Mar (KTS). Lakes in Klamath Coun- area as a discussion about revealing the location of ty had several migrants drop in: one Surf Scoter at Four rarities broke out. Mile Lake, 15 Oct, and 3 Pacific Loons, at Crescent Lake, A NORTHERN PARULA was seen in Bend on 8 Nov (KTS). A Red-breasted Merganser was seen at May 30 and a Northern Waterthrush was found in a Lake Ewauna, 22 Mar, (DHe); this species has been an- Cascade Mountain spring in September. Hatfield Lake nual in the Klamath Basin in recent years, while one at is becoming dependable for Swamp Sparrow as at Summer Lake WMA, 29 May, was more of a surprise least 1 individual has been present the last few win- (MStL). Two adult Red-necked Grebes were seen to- ters. Right around a dozen White-throated Sparrows gether at Rocky Point, Upper Klamath Lake, 7 Jul (KTS; were seen in the area but not a single Harris’s Sparrow photo); the first observation of more than one in a num- was found in the region this year (only the 2nd time ber of years at that location; 1 immature was at Lake this has happened in 20 years). Ewauna, (KTS, DHe, JVM, and H. West, photo). A post-dispersal Bobolink was located at Hatfield A pair of nesting Red-shouldered Hawks was seen Lake in August and Central Oregon’s first RUSTY in Klamath Falls, the first record on a nesting platform BLACKBIRD was photographed at Wickiup Reser- for Klamath Co., 16 Mar (Dave Potter), while 11 individ- voir on November 10. Other interesting Icterid sight- uals were found during the Klamath Falls CBC, 14 Dec ings included a BALTIMORE ORIOLE near Prineville (KTS), which likely indicates other nesting regionally; in June, a HOODED ORIOLE east of Bend in July and one was regularly seen at Summer Lake WMA from 22 an out-of-season Yellow-headed Blackbird in Novem- Aug to the end of the year (MStL). ber (all of these birds were photographed). The same Shorebird season around Township Rd., Straits yard that produced the Hooded Oriole was also visit- Drain Units of the Lower Klamath NWR attracted some ed by a Pine Grosbeak in late Novem- Klamath County first records, such as a GLOSSY IBIS on ber. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch num- 28 Apr (NS, photo), a Pacific Golden-Plover, May 9+, bers were way up this season, with (KTS, DHa, photo), and two Ruddy Turnstones on May over 650 individuals being reported 10 (JVM); one was at Summer Lake WMA, Lake Co., 18 on 14 occasions. The only Central May (Jensen, E. Horvath). Two to three Sanderling add- Oregon Common Redpoll sighting ed to interesting shorebirds seen at Summer Lake WM for 2014 came from south of Bend in from 30 May- Jun 4 (C&M Miller, S. Russel, D. Betat). early December.

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 30

Other interesting shorebird observations included: Prairie Rd., Klamath, 23 Mar (D. Byrne), Wood River Red Knot, 1, Apr 25 (KTS), at Straits Drain Units, Wetland, 8 Oct (F. Hall), and at Moore Park, Nov. 1 Lower Klamath NWR and 2 at Summer Lake WMA, (DHa). A rare Purple Martin was seen at Agency Lake, May 22 (MStL). Sixty Marbled Godwits was a high 19 Sep (RN). An Eastern Kingbird made a rare Lake count in a flooded field along Stateline Rd., Klamath Co. appearance near Summer Lake, 22 May (MStL). Co., and a high Dunlin count of 3800 on Apr 25 oc- Nine American Crows west of Bly, Apr 14, (G. Hill), curred in the Straits Drain Units of Lower Klamath was a large group for Klamath County, although nest- NWR (KTS). Two Semipalmated Sandpipers and 35 ing may occur in the Bly and Beatty area. Snowy Plovers were seen at Summer Lake WMA, 30 One Gray Catbird was at Crater Lake Resort, Kla- Aug (R Hoyer). Single Solitary Sandpipers in Lake Co. math Co., 17 Jun (M. Grant). Two Northern Mocking- were at Summer Lake Lodge’s pond, 24 Apr (P Sulli- birds were reported from Lake Co. 28 Jun, but nest- van, PAS) and on 8 & 31 Aug at Summer Lake WMA ing was not confirmed (C. Crofton); one at Miller Is- (MStL, J Sullivan, L. Johnson); the latter possibly not land was a fall visitor, Nov. 16+ (DHa, KTS). While being the same individual. conducting a survey in the Klamath River Canyon on Agency Lake, a shallow and very eutrophic exten- 13 Jun, a Klamath Co. first PHAINOPEPLA was seen/ sion of Upper Klamath Lake, had numerous unusual recorded (KTS, http://www.xeno-canto.org/181947) in sightings, including a county first LITTLE GULL (RN, open area of Oregon White Oak/ grassland, and fa- photo, m. obs.), 19-29 Sep; seen from Agency Lake RV vored lower perches of shrubs. Park. A Sabine’s Gull was at Davis Lk. 3 Sep (JW) and A rare occurrence of a singing TENNESSEE WAR- another 30 Sep at Agency Lk, which lingered into Oct BLER in Klamath Co. took place at Caledonia Canal, Aspen Lake Rd., 17 May (DHe). Yellow-Breasted Chat was seen at two locations in a single day: 10 May at Wood River Wetland and Wood River Day Use (KTS, DHa); another was seen/heard during June in the traditional Klamath River Canyon location. A second Klamath County record of Grasshopper Sparrow from 28 Sep-2 Oct was well studied at TNC’s Four-mile Wetland Preserve (DHa, DHe, KTS, JVM). Harris’s Sparrows in Lake Co. were seen at Summer Lake WMA, 29 Jan.- 27 Apr (MStL), and another in Lake- view (D. Wenzel) on May 2, which was reportedly Little Gull (with Bonaparte’s Gull) at Agency Lake on with two others (C. Foster). White-throated Sparrows Sep 20, 2014. Photo by John Sullivan were at Link River in Klamath Falls on 22 Mar (DHe), near Rocky Point, 15 Sep (BSc and JVM), at Running (NS). Six Common Terns were at Agency Lk, 19 Sep Y, Klamath Falls (Gerry Hill) and at Summer Lake (RN), and 1 was at Davis Lk on 3 Sep (JW). A first cy- WMA, 19 Apr (MStL). A HOODED ORIOLE was pho- cle Thayer’s Gull was seen at the docks of Lake Ewau- tographed 16 May (see inside back cover), and was na, Klamath Falls, Nov 15 to the end of the year (DHa, present for several days at Running Y, Klamath Falls m. obs., photo). A second Klamath Co. record of a (BSc). A flock of 11Pine Grosbeaks, rarely encountered Long-tailed Jaeger, seen Aug 30 and present for sev- in Klamath Co., showed up at Isherwood Lake, Sky eral days, at Lake Ewauna (KTS, DHe, F. Lospalluto, Lakes Wilderness, 16 Aug (Bill Varble, Meg Landers); photo/video). part of invasion into southern Oregon in 2014. A possible nesting Band-tailed Pigeon was heard/ seen during a survey in the Klamath River Canyon on Initialed observers: 13 Jun; nest structure was 30 feet up a Douglas Fir. Another Band-tailed Pigeon was seen near Rocky Dave Haupt, Dave Hewitt, Russ Na- Point, 14 Sep (JVH), and still another during the Fall mitz, Barbara Scoles, Kevin T. Spen- NAMC at Klamath Fish Hatchery, 21 Sep (DHa, KTS, cer, Marty St. Louis, Noah Stryker, photo). A second Klamath Co. record of YELLOW- Jean Van Holzen, Julie Van BELLIED SAPSUCKER, a first winter immature, was Moorhem, Jay Withgott seen in Klamath Falls, 8-14 Dec (DHa, photo, m. obs.). Single Red-naped Sapsuckers occurred at: Johnson

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 31

Upper Columbia Morrow, Umatilla

Aaron Skirvin

This Snow Bunting was photographed at Alkaline Canyon Road, Umatilla Co., on Dec 30, 2014 by Aaron Skirvin

An apparent hybrid Ross’s x Snow Goose was found the county’s 4th record when she saw 2 Whim- photographed at Warehouse Beach Recreation Area brels at Warehouse Beach Recreation Area on Sep 1. on May 13 (Aaron Skirvin, Jack Simons and George An early migrating Marbled Godwit was reported at Ruby). The same goose was seen again on May 19 at Umatilla NWR (Morrow) by Suzanne Ken on Mar 19. Hat Rock State Park (Aaron Skirvin). Two adult Trum- Another Marbled Godwit was at Cold Springs NWR peter Swans were in a field near the Umatilla River on Aug 8 (Aaron Skirvin, Diana Dillenburg, and Car- about 3 miles E of Echo on Dec 7 (Aaron Skirvin and olyn Featherston). Two Ruddy Turnstones were pho- Diana LaSarge). This is the first report of Trumpeter tographed at Warehouse Beach Recreation Area from Swan in Umatilla Co. since 2006. A White-winged May 10 -12 (several obs.). This is only the third record Scoter was at Warehouse Beach Recreation Area for Umatilla Co.. A high count of 55 Baird’s Sandpi- (Columbia R.) on Jan 1 (June Whitten, Diana Dillen- pers was at Cold Springs NWR on Aug 26 (Aaron burg, Marilyn Cripe, Carolyn Featherston and Neal Skirvin). A Stilt Sandpiper was at Cold Springs NWR Hinds), and a female was photographed on the Co- on Aug 20 and 21 (Aaron Skirvin). At least 44 Wilson’s lumbia R. near Sand Station Recreation Area on Mar Snipes were resting on a small island at Warehouse 26 (Aaron Skirvin). A female Black Scoter, the 3rd rec- Beach Recreation Area on Oct 9 (Aaron Skirvin). ord for Umatilla Co., was on the Columbia R. at Hat The only reported Sabine’s Gull was a juvenile Rock State Park on Oct 30 (Aaron Skirvin and Jack below McNary Dam on Sep 19 (Aaron Skirvin). A Simons). Black Tern was photographed at Ukiah sewer ponds Jay Withgott reported finding a Mountain Quail on May 4 (Aaron Skirvin). Wayne Weber found 2 near the summit of the Blue Mountains about 3 miles Black Terns (breeding birds?) at Willow Creek Res- NE of Penland Lake (Morrow) on Jun 1. The Red- ervoir (Morrow) on Jun 1. Black Tern is rarely report- shouldered Hawk that was found at McNary Wild- ed in either Morrow or Umatilla counties; they are life Nature Area on Dec 16, 2013 (Umatilla Co.’s first occasionally seen during spring and fall migration. record), was last seen there on Feb 15. A probable Red A Snowy Owl was at the Umatilla Chemical De- -shouldered Hawk was seen flying near Indian Lake pot (Morrow) on Mar 19 (Jack and Sharon Simons and on Aug 13 (June Whitten, Carolyn Featherston and Aaron Skirvin). Leslie Nelson saw a Snowy Owl about Diana Dillenburg). On Aug 15, Jack and Sharon Si- 5 miles SW of McCarty Reservoir (Morrow) on Dec 17. mons saw one perching at close range near Mission. A pair of nesting Burrowing Owls was discovered on Aaron Skirvin and Diana LaSarge photographed a April 30 by Marilyn Cripe a few miles south of Mis- Red-shouldered Hawk near Ukiah on Sep 28. sion. W. Douglas Robinson found 2 Burrowing Owls Neal Hinds photographed an American Golden- at a nest burrow near Well Spring (Morrow) on May Plover at Cold Springs NWR on Sep 7. On May 17, a 31. There were only two reports of Great Gray Owls: single Whimbrel was seen at Warehouse Beach Recre- Dr. Tom Underhill saw one along Hwy 204 between ation Area (Mike and MerryLynn Denny). This was Weston and Tollgate on Nov 29, and Jeff Fredson had the third record for Umatilla Co. Carolyn Featherston one in his yard near Hwy 204 several miles E of Wes-

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 32

ton on Dec 31. Breeding Northern Saw-whet Owls were found at the Boardman Tree Farms during the Oregon 2020 Morrow Co. Birding Blitz, May 30 – Jun 1. Two Red-breasted Sapsuckers were in Ukiah on Nov 8 (Mike and MerryLynn Denny). These are the third and fourth substantiated record for Umatilla Co. One of the sapsuckers was seen by several observers through Nov 12. Another one was reported in mid- November along Mill Creek Road about 15 miles NE of Milton-Freewater. A pair of Black-backed Woodpeck- ers was found at a nest on May 25 by Mike and Merry- Lynn Denny about 7 miles SW of Ukiah. Dave Irons and Shawneen Finnegan reported seeing a Black- Pinyon Jay., Dec 14, 2014. Photo by Bill Bradford backed Woodpecker on May 31 along Sunflower Flat Road about 11 miles SE of Hardman (Morrow). Dec 14, Bill Bradford and Lora Minty found a flock of at least 32 Pinyon Jays along Albee Road about 2 miles N of Ukiah. The last reported sighting of Pinyon Jay was on Dec 30, when Khanh Tran and Les Carlson saw one in Ukiah. A group of 5 or 6 Bushtits was seen in the Tower Burn about 12 miles SE of Ukiah on Jul 18. This is only the third record for Umatilla Co. Two Bushtits were seen by W. Douglas Robinson at Umatilla NWR (Morrow) on Jun 2. Shawneen Finnegan and Dave Irons heard a Veery singing from the brush along Willow Creek in Lex- ington (Morrow) during the Oregon 2020 Morrow Co. Birding Blitz, May 30 – Jun Bushtit, Tower Burn, July 1. Aaron Skirvin found 2 18, 204. Photo by Aaron Lapland Longspurs and a Skirvin Red-breasted Sapsucker at Ukiah on Nov 12, 2014. Photo Snow Bunting in a flock of by Carolyn Featherston Horned Larks along Alkali Canyon Road on Dec 30. This is only the 5th record of Snow Bunting in Umatilla At least 4 Least Flycatchers were reported at the Co. A singing Northern Waterthrush was found at Boardman Tree Farm during the Oregon 2020 Morrow Umatilla NWR (Morrow) on Jun 2 (W. Douglas Robin- Co. Birding Blitz, May 30 – Jun 1. An Ash-throated Fly- son, Shawn Toomey and Megan Creegan). A singing catcher was seen about 5 miles S of Heppner Hermit Warbler, the first record for Morrow Co., was (Morrow) on May 31 (Tyler Hallman and Mike Ellis). A reported on May 31 by Shawneen Finnegan and Dave singing Red-eyed Vireo was heard by W. Douglas Irons along the Kinzua Road near the summit of the Robinson, Shawn Toomey and Megan Creegan on Jun Blue Mountains about 1.5 miles E of Hwy 207. 2 at Umatilla NWR (Morrow). W. Douglas Robinson found a singing Black- Steve Rogers reported hearing a Western Scrub-Jay Throated Sparrow on a hillside along Butter Creek on Sep 24 at McKay Creek NWR, the first record for Road (Morrow). A single Sagebrush Sparrow, which is that location. Ukiah, however, was ground-zero for jays a rare transient in Umatilla Co., was 3 miles south of in the fall of 2014. Western Scrub-Jays invaded Ukiah; Nolin on Mar 4 (Aaron Skirvin). George Ruby and Aa- several observers reported between 2 and 12 birds in ron Skirvin heard and saw a Swamp Sparrow at the town from Oct 9 to Dec 30. Lee Farren saw 2 Blue McNary Wildlife Nature Area on Jan 15. Two Harris’s Jays in Ukiah on Oct 30 or 31. Umatilla Co.’s first rec- Sparrows were reported, each seen only one day: Feb ord of Pinyon Jays was at Ukiah on Nov 2, when Aaron Skirvin and Diana LaSarge photographed 2 birds. On (continued on page 36)

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 33

Union Cathy Nowak

This Brown Thrasher was photographed in La Grande on June 2, 2014 by Trent Bray.

One Trumpeter Swan was seen in a group of Tun- others in the days that followed. A second Blue Jay was dra Swans at Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area (LMWA) Feb seen in La Grande Oct 16 by T. Bray and S. Daughtery. 25 (K. Coe). A single Ross’s Goose in rural Union Co. A single Western Scrub-Jay was reported in La Dec. 14 (R&R Ostermann) was the first ever for a Union Grande’s Pioneer Park Dec 20 (J. Harris). Co. CBC count day. A group of La Grande birders (E. Following up on sightings the previous winter, T. Larvik, T. Bray, S. Daughtery, K. Coe) found 3 Red- Bray found 20 Bushtits on Ramo Flat. The CBC team breasted Mergansers at the LGWWP Oct 27. was unable to locate them a month later. Rural La Six White-faced Ibis, including juveniles at Grande resident J. Cowling called T. Bray with an unu- LMWA July 22 (T. Bray) offered evidence of the second sual bird in her yard Jun 12. He made a visit and deter- or possibly third nesting of the species on the area. A mined the bird to be Union County’s first BROWN single American Bittern on LMWA 12/15 (D. Bronson) THRASHER. The bird was seen by a few others over made CBC count week but came the day after count the course of 2 or 3 days, thanks to the homeowner’s day. hospitality. P. Sullivan found a Union first Red-shouldered T. Bray observed a male Indigo Bunting at Rhine- Hawk near Elgin Jan 24. It was seen through Jan 28 hart Canyon May 12. He went back to the same loca- by several other observers. tion May 15 and spotted a male American Redstart. A A single American Golden-Plover was at the Al- Lapland Longspur was on Woodruff Lane in rural La icel Scrape outside La Grande Apr 26-28 (T. Bray). Four Grande early in the year. A Harris’s Sparrow and a Marbled Godwits located Jul 22 (C. Nowak) on White-throated Sparrow, both of which are found LMWA stayed around for a few days to be seen in somewhere in Union nearly every year, were seen by different locations on the area. A Thayer’s Gull was at multiple observers off and on through Jan at LMWA. the LGWWT Nov 3 (T. Bray). In late winter, a Tricolored Blackbird was with The RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER in rural La Red-wings near LMWA (T. Bray). A male Yellow- Grande (R. Morgan) from the previous year continued headed Blackbird on LMWA Dec until at least Apr 15. 14 at LMWA was just the third It was seen, heard time this species made it onto the and photographed Union Co. CBC. T. Bray observed by numerous birders 3 Pine Grosbeaks on Mt. Fanny from all over the Feb 17 and he, along with C. region. Sampson, found 2 more above S. Coulson reported Catherine Cr. Oct 31. a Blue Jay in her Cove yard Mar 2. Red-bellied Woodpecker. Photo The bird was en- by Christopher Hinkle joyed by several

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 34

Wallowa Kyle Bratcher

Small groups of Gray Partridges are often found in Wallowa County in the winter. Photo by Diana Byrne

In March, three Cackling Geese were seen in the area, with McCully creek being very popular among field across the road from the fish hatchery in Enter- birders for finding this species. Sharp-tailed Grouse prise (Kyle Bratcher). While Cackling Geese are not are still around but not common north of Enterprise. unheard of in Wallowa County, sightings are not com- ODFW counts were very low this year (personal common. Similar in rarity, two Canvasbacks used Pete’s munication, Mike Hansen ODFW). Mountain Quail Pond in early December. While not common, there has seem to be doing well and can be found in the canyon reliably been at least one sighted here the last few lands of Wallowa County, and they are seen fairly of- years. On Apr 26, a very rare (for Wallowa County) ten along the Snake River and in the Imnaha River male Red-breasted Merganser was found on Wallowa drainage. A group of Audubon birders ran into multi- Lake (Kyle Bratcher). ple vocalizing males on Trail Creek on The Nature Multiple Merlins were seen throughout the county Conservancy property. Gray Partridge seem to be in both in early and late 2014. These birds seem to be a good numbers in the county and were found by many regular treat in this region. A Gyrfalcon that was pre- birders with some reliability. sent during the fall and early winter continued until American Avocets were reported on Jun 23 and early spring. At least one Gyrfalcon has been seen in 24 by Paul Sullivan and his group. 16 were at the Jo- the same area to the northeast of Joseph for the past seph waste water ponds and one was located at Wal- few years. Once located, these birds have provided lowa Lake. While avocets are occasionally seen in Wal- very reliable sightings throughout the winter. lowa County, this is a large number of individuals for Spruce Grouse are still commonly seen in the the area. A single Black-necked Stilt was seen on the golf course at the newly created pond on May 4 during a round of golf (Kyle Bratcher). This is another bird that is has been seen in the area but is not necessarily observed annually. A very unseasonal Spotted Sandpiper was spotted at the mouth of the Imnaha River in Hells Canyon in late January (Kyle Bratcher). These birds are very common in the area during the summer, but this particular sighting was extremely unusual. Another uncommon sighing for Wallowa County was a group of about ten Bushtits on the lower Imnaha Rd. on Mar 4 (Kyle Bratcher). The lower Imnaha River provides a very mild climate and unique habitat type for the area and should be investigated more for rarities. Bewick’s Wrens are becoming more common dur- Spruce Grouse at McCully Creek. Photo by Diana Byrne ing the winter in Wallowa County and were spotted

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 35

While Lapland Longspurs are seen somewhat regularly, this was a very rare sighting—the eighth record for Oregon. A popular bird McCown’s Longspur. Photo by Trent Bray for visiting birders is the Snow Bunting. During early winter, these birds were fairly common but became rarer as the snow melted with the unseasonably warm weather. Similar to the Snow Bunting in habitat and abundance, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were a found by a number of birders throughout the county. In some years, White-winged Crossbills are numerous and commonly sighted in Wallowa County. Gyrfalcons winter almost annually in Wallowa County. However, in 2014 these birds were difficult to find. This bird spent the winter of 2014/15 in the fields east of Nevertheless, although no large flocks were seen,, a Joseph. Photo by Ted Schroeder number of birding groups were able to locate these birds at Wallowa Lake, McCully Creek, and on the early in the year by Stephen Shunk and late in the year breaks of the canyon lands, where they were hanging on the CBC by Rob Taylor. out with Red Crossbills. Pine Grosbeaks were seen in It is well known that Veeries are present in Wal- the same places during winter lowa County, and the species was observed in many that crossbills were found, the areas by multiple groups of birders. Similar to Veery, most reliable being the McCully Creek area. Pine Grosbeaks are Grey Catbirds are often found in Wallowa County documented to nest in the Wal- and were detected by numerous birders, often in the lowa Mountains and a number of same habitats utilized by Veeries. sightings was noted during the An exciting bird that was relocated by a few bird- summer at high elevation. ers was a McCOWN’S LONGSPUR, originally discovered on Golf Course Rd. by Khanh Tran on Dec 30.

Upper Columbia (continued from page 33): in the Umatilla National Forest in the upper reaches of the Butter Creek watershed (Morrow); Jeff Marks saw a 8 at a Hermiston feeder (Nancy Brown) and Oct 25 at a male in a poplar grove at the Boardman Tree Farm on feeder near Mission (Jack and Sharon Simons). Oct 24 (Morrow); a female was in Athena on Nov 2 At least 5 Tricolored Blackbirds were in a mixed (Jerry Baker); and Bill Bradford and Lora Minty found flock of Brewer’s and Red-winged Blackbirds along 2 near the Big River Golf Course about a mile south of Stanfield Meadows Road on Apr 16 (Aaron Skirvin). A McNary Dam on Nov 24. colony of Tricolored Blackbirds was observed several James Cleaver saw a female-plumaged Purple times at the Tower Road ponds (SW of Boardman in Finch at McNary Wildlife Na- Morrow) during May and June: more than 140 bird ture Area on Oct 19. A female- during the Oregon 2020 Morrow Co. Bird Blitz (May 30 plumaged Purple Finch was in – Jun 1); 5 males by Wink Gross on Jun 13; and ~200 Ukiah on Nov 9 (Aaron Skirvin birds by Stanley Stenner on Jun 22. and Diana LaSarge), and anoth- There were 4 reports of Pine Grosbeaks, 3 of er was reported by Khanh Tran which were outside the coniferous forest habitats in and Les Carlson in Ukiah on the Blue Mountains: Laurie Ness found one on May 25 Dec 30.

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Southeast Harney, Malheur Tim Blount

A white morph and a blue morph Snow Goose in the company of Sandhill Cranes. Photographed on Greenhouse Lane near Burns on March 2, 2014 by Tim Blount.

Editor’s note: This year’s Southeast Field Notes also hosted a Short-billed Dowitcher on Sep 3 (Russ only cover Harney County. Namitz) and a wayward Sabine’s Gull on Sep 27 Weather was a challenge in Harney County, with (Noah Stryker). an extreme cold snap during December 2013 that saw A pair of Band-tailed Pigeons was observed near temperatures at 45 below zero in outlying areas. Low Frenchglen (Alan Contreras). A Yellow-billed Cuckoo snow pack and marginal spring rains led to another was heard at Benson Pond on May 26 (Tim Ro- dry year for Harney County. The Narrows saw most of denkirk). A Broad-tailed Hummingbird was seen in its water evaporate during the fall, leaving unproduc- Fields on May 30 (Tim Rodenkirk), and one was re- tive mud flats. ported from MNWR hq on Jun 1 (Duncan Evered). A A Cackling Goose was observed on Mar 9 (Craig Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was observed at MNWR Miller) along Highway 205 near Burns. A Greater hq on Oct 4 in the same tree where one was first seen Scaup was seen on the power station pond on Hwy two years ago. 205 and Island Park Rd. near Burns on May 30 (Vjera Individual Least Flycatchers were observed in and Eddie Thompson). A Long-tailed Duck was on Fields on May 29 (Jeff Gilligan) and at MNWR hq on MNWR’s Marshall Pond on Dec 19 (Duncan Evered) and continued for more than a week. A Cattle Egret was seen and photographed in Dia- mond on Jun 25 (Bill Bradford). A GLOSSY IBIS was also seen in Diamond by several observers on May 31. There were a couple of sightings of Broad-winged Hawks in the county, with the first being seen in Buchanon (Tim Blount) on May 17 and the second on Steens Mt. on May 26 (Tim Rodenkirk). Harney County’s second Wandering Tattler in as many years was seen at the Narrows on May 29 (Diana Byrne). A highly unusual spring Semipalmated Sand- piper was seen near the Alvord Hot Springs on Jun 3 (Jeff Gilligan), and a few days earlier on May 27 a pair Wandering Tattler. Photo by Diana Byrne of Sanderlings were seen there (Jack Kiley). This area

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 37

Jun 3 (Alan Contreras). Black Phoebes were reported throughout spring, with the first on Mar 28 (Jerry and Chris Moore) at P Ranch and other reports from Page Springs. It is unclear if this was the same bird, but there were no reports after May. Rarely seen in Harney County, a Veery was reported from MNWR hq on Jun 3 (Duncan Evered). Malheur Field Station was the site of a very rare Mockingbird nesting in Harney County. At least one bird was fledged and gave many birders the opportunity to tick this one off the county list. There were other reports of Mockingbirds in the County, including Fields, Benson Pond and MNWR hq. A fall Tennessee Warbler was seen Sep 9 at MNWR hq (Tim Blount). A Northern Parula was seen in Fields on May 21 (Don Sutherland). A Chestnut- sided Warbler was seen at Drewsey school on Oct 8 (Tim Blount). The only reported MAGNOLIA WAR- BLER for 2014 was seen at Page Springs on Sep 26 (Noah Stryker). Several Black-throated Blue Warblers were reported in the county, with the first seen May 15 Blackpoll Warbler at Malheur NWR headquarters on May in Fields (Craig Miller) and another at MNWR hq on 24, 2014. Photo by Tim Blount Jun 2 (Bob and Bettina Arrigoni), plus a fall bird in Burns on Sep 26 (Zia Fukuda). A BLACK-THROATED enbird was observed in Fields (Craig Miller). Alt- GREEN WARBLER was at MNWR on June 1 (Duncan hough Northern Waterthrushes breed in Oregon, they Evered). A well-photographed BLACKBURNIAN are still classified as rare in Harney County. Two were WARBLER was seen in the Pueblo Mountains south seen in the county, with one on May 25 at Roaring Springs Ranch and the other at Benson Pond on Sep 6 (Bob and Bettina Arrigoni). A CANADA WARBLER was seen at Benson Pond on May 31 (Tom McNamara) and another was pished up at P Ranch on Sep 26 (Noah Stryker). There was only one report of Lapland Longspur from Harney, which occurred on Feb 8 on Highway 205 near the Narrows - a single bird with Horned Larks (Tim Blount). Gray-headed Juncos were again seen in Ten Cent Meadow in the Pueblo Mountains on Jun 16, where they are presumed to breed (Adrian and Chris- topher Hinkle). A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was reported from Fields on May 29. Great-tailed Grackles are assumed to be making their way north, but there was Blackburnian Warbler. Photo by Adrian Hinkle just a single report of a bird in Fields on May 15 (Craig Miller). of Fields (Adrian and Christopher Hinkle). A spring- A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was plumaged Blackpoll Warbler was seen at MNWR hq on seen in extreme southern Har- May 23, and a fall bird was seen near Diamond on Sep ney County at a water seep 29 (Tim Blount). Black-and-white Warblers were seen south of Catlow Valley on May during the same week, one on May 20 at MNWR hq 24 (John Shewey). A vocal Pine (Tim Blount) and another on May 23 at Page Springs Grosbeak was seen in Burns (David Parent). Single American Redstarts were seen in on Nov 16 (Tim Blount). Cottonwood Canyon on May 26 (Paul Sullivan) and on Jun 1 at MNWR (Duncan Evered). On May 15, an Ov-

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 38

2014 Oregon Listing Highlights

Paul T. Sullivan, McMinnville, OR

The Listing Results below include the reports of 121 birders who submitted numbers, including 16 new participants, plus 146 records carried forward from other participants, and 17 deceased birding friends. Going through these records, I always fondly remember those kindly friends with whom I shared time afield. Thank you to all who submitted Listing Results this year. We hope to hear from more of our friends next year. Editor’s note: The listing results shown here represent selected highlights. The complete 2014 listing results can be found on the OBA website under www.orbird.org (click on Listing in the menu bar).

Notable Milestones for 2014

Oregon Statewide Listing:

Congratulations are in order for Diana Byrne, who did an Oregon Big Year in 2014 and jumped into fifth place on the all-time big year list, with 352 species recorded. Congratulations, Diana.

Congratulations, too, to Wayne Weber for becoming the 17th person to see 100 species in each of Oregon’s 36 counties, and to Paul Sullivan, who becomes the first person to see 200 species in each of Oregon’s 36 counties.

Congratulations to John Sullivan (403) and Tom Snetsinger (400) for reaching the threshold of 400 species on their Oregon Life Lists.

Last but not least, a new record has been set for total species seen in Oregon. Jeff Gilligan has recorded 499 species in the state, 94% of the 532 species on the official checklist. Congratulations, Jeff.

County Listing:

New County Life List records in 2014 (18 counties):

It regularly happens that birders with the top life list in their home county add a species or two and increase their total. Special mention goes to Don Coggswell in Columbia County, Kevin Spencer in Klamath County, Roy Gerig in Marion County, and Aaron Skirvin in Umatilla County for their outstanding efforts this year.

271 Hendrik Herlyn Benton 309 Kevin Spencer Klamath 343 Mike Patterson Clatsop 287 Craig Miller Lake 234 Don Coggswell Columbia 375 Darrel Faxon Lincoln 349 Tim Rodenkirk Coos 265 Mark Nikas Linn 277 Chuck Gates Crook 270 Roy Gerig Marion 326 Tom Crabtree Deschutes 291 John Fitchen Multnomah 321 Ron Maertz Douglas 287 Bill Tice Polk 253 Lewis Rems Jefferson 289 Aaron Skirvin Umatilla 246 Dennis Vroman Josephine 243 Carol Karlen Yamhill

New County Year List records set in 2014 (7 counties):

206 Don Coggswell Columbia 250 Kevin Spencer Klamath 255 Duncan Evered Harney 222 Roy Gerig Marion 222 Chuck Gates Jefferson 253 Aaron Skirvin Umatilla 202 Russ Namitz Josephine

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Various Other Listing Categories:

Birds photographed in Oregon (46 participants):

Tom Crabtree leads this category with 425 species photographed in the state of Oregon.

Motorless Life List (17 participants):

John Sullivan tops this category with 290 species recorded in Oregon without the aid of motorized transport.

Motorless 2014 Year List (14 participants): This cooperative Rusty Blackbird wintered in Hillsboro and delighted many visiting birders. Molly Sultany captured this With 202 species seen on foot, by bike or by using image on January 19, 2014. public transportation, Andy Frank leads the 2014 motorless year list category.

Local Circle Counts Life List (24 participants):

Tom Crabtree tops this category with 290 species.

Circle Counts 2014 Year List (15 participants):

Don Coggswell leads this category with 202 species.

Favorite Refuge (21 participants):

Sylvia Maulding took first in this category by record- ing 255 species at Fern Ridge WMA.

Favorite Birding Spot (22 participants):

With a total of 232 species seen at the Redmond Sew- age Ponds, Kimdel Owen leads this category.

Yard List (64 participants):

As one of the benefits of living at the Malheur Field Station, Duncan Evered can claim Oregon’s biggest yard list with a total of 211 species recorded.

Former OB editor Alan Contreras, posing with “Insipida” at Malheur NWR headquarters. Photo by Stephan Nance

Coming soon in Oregon Birds

 The Birds of Horsefly Mountain, Klamath County  OBRC and NAMC reports  Population Ecology of the Eurasian Collared-Dove  2015 regional highlights and photos  Red-shouldered Hawk takes on Belted Kingfisher  Your contribution ! (Let us hear from you!)

Oregon Birds Volume 41 (1) - 2015 40

Officers and Board of Directors (showing term expiration dates):

President Pamela Johnston - McMinnville (2015) [email protected]

Treasurer Harv Schubothe - Bandon (2015) [email protected]

Secretary Brandon Green - Eugene (2015) [email protected]

Past President Russ Namitz - Medford [email protected]

Directors

Tim Blount – Hines (2015) [email protected]

Jeffrey Dillon - Gladstone (2016) Hooded Oriole, Klamath Falls, [email protected]

May 18, 2014. Photo by Barbara Scoles Cathy Nowak - Union (2015) [email protected] Below: One of the Gray Catbirds that nested at HMSC in Newport in the summer of 2014. Photo by Molly Sultany Caryn Stoess—Eugene (2016) [email protected]

Committees

Oregon Bird Records Committee Secretary: Harry B. Nehls, 2736 S.E. 20th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97202 [email protected]

Archivist: Barb Combs [email protected]

Membership: Dawn Villaescusa [email protected]

Bookkeeper: Mary Anne Sohlstrom [email protected]

Webmaster: Treesa Hertzel

OBOL Moderators: Dave Lauten and Treesa Hertzel Oregon Birds PRSRT STD Oregon Birding Association US POSTAGE PO Box 675 PAID Lincoln City OR 97367-0675 THE MAIL HOUSE

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