CONTINENTAL SURVEY

The Winter Season

December1, 1981--February28, 1982

Abbreviationsfrequently used in RegionalReports ad.: adult, Am.: American, c.: central, C: Celsius, CBC: Reservoir,not Reservation,R.: River, S.P.: StatePark, sp.: Christmas Bird Count, Cr.: Creek, Cam: Common, Co.: species,spp.: speciesplural, ssp:subspecies, Twp.: Town- County, Cos.: Counties, et al.: and others, E.: Eastern (bird ship, W.: Western {bird name), W.M.A.: Wildlife Manage- name), Eur.: European, Eurasian, F: Fahrenheit,fide: re- ment Area, v.o.: various observers,N,S,W,E,.: directionof portedby, F.& W.S.: Fish & Wildlife Service,Ft.: Fort, imm.: motion,n., s., w., e.,: directionof location,>: morethan, <: immature,I.: Island, Is.: Islands,Isles, Jct.: Junction,juv. fewer than, +: approximately, or estimated number, d: juvenile, L.: Lake, m.ob.: many observers,Mt.: Mountain, male, •: female,0: imm. or female,*: specimen,ph.: photo- Mts.: Mountains, N.F.: National Forest, N.M.: National graphed, ?: documented,it: feet, mi: miles, m: meters, km: Monument, N.P.: National Park, N.W.R.: Nat'l Wildlife Ref- kilometers,date.with a + (e.g., Mar. 4 +): recordedbeyond uge, N.: Northern (bird name), Par.: Parish, Pen.: Peninsula, that date. Editors may alsoabbreviate often-cited locations or P.P.:Provincial Park, Pt.: Point,not Port, Ref.: Refuge,Res.: organizations.

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION /Peter D. Vickery

The winter of 1981-82 began in a fascinating manner. Neither November nor December temperatures were particularly cold at least the thermometerdid not drop to severe sub-zero (F) tempera- tures and as a result a wide number of semi-hardy speciessurvived the Christmas Bird Counts. Herons, several rails including a Yellow Rail on Cape Cod January 13, a variety of shorebirdsand a number of - t• L. G•.'•'n • ..• .---• passerineswere all highly dependenton this relatively mild weather. Grand•.?/ t•'x.$_• ' One wonderswhether such conditionsreally help explain the pres- ence of the Bobolink in Small Point, Maine, December 19-22. which -_ MAINE •,•a•/ •.•..__,g• _ was the least expected and, for the date, rarest songbirdof the season. Certainly the Indigo Bun.ting a few miles farther south in Scar- borough, Maine, December 17-23. the Yellow-throated Warbler sur- viving on suet in North Hampton, New Hampshire,December 19- January I and the Townsend's Warbler a few miles away in Durham December 3-24 conflict with preconceivednotions about where each speciesshould be at this time of year. Indeed, the Coastal New Hampshire Christmas Bird Count (hereafter,CBC) seemedto shattermany preconceptionsabout such events in New England. The first CBC north of Massachusettsto register 100 species, the count included the following well docu- mentedspecies: Lesser Yellowlegs (D, White-rumpedSandpiper (2), Common Tern (1), Townsend's Solitaire and Yellow-throated War- This seasonal manuscript marks the concluding effort by this bler. All these species constituted first winter occurrencesnorth of Regional Editor. I would like to thank all those who reported their Massachusetts and the Yellow-throated Warbler furnished a first observationsand insights---especiallythose that did so promptly. RegionalCBC record. Perhapseven more astonishingthan the count Compilingseasonal notes only becomesmeaningful when coherently was the fact that Tony Federer, proudowner of the Durham, New presentedmaterial arrives from a wide variety of sourcesand gee- Hampshire suet feeder supportingthe state's first Townsend'sWar- graphicalareas. I have no doubt that the Northeastern Maritimes is bler, was the person to discover both the Townsend's Solitaire and one of the most complex--geographically,ornithologically and cer- Yellow-throated Warbler within a half mile and fifteen minutes of tainly in termsof the numbersof stateand provincialbird organiza- each other. Now that's impressive! tions reporting---of any Region to appear in American Birds. Fre- The five Hawk Owls acrossthe Regionwere more than average. quently this Region seems an unwieldy entity where full, timely Snowy Owls did not irrupt in any numbers but Short-cared Owls coverage from each of the five states and four provinces is almost especiallyand. to a lesserdegree. Long-cared Owls occurredin good impossible. But from this desk, and hopefully readers will agree, numbers. there is an ornithologicalcoherency to the Region that makes these Ten Gyrfalconssouth of Newfoundlandwere above average,but obstaclesworth overcoming. What happenson Cape Cod, whether it otherwiseJanuary and Februaryseemed very quietin comparisonto be a flight of shearwaters or alcids or a movement of passerines,is December'sflourish. A Golden-crownedSparrow in Holyoke, Mas- frequentlyrelated to eventshappening, just pastor aboutto happenin sachusetts attracted considerable attention but little else out of the Maine, Nova Scotia or Newfoundland. ordinarytranspired. January was cold and snowy north through New The observationsthat we make as individualsrarely take placein a Englandand the Maritimes. Februarywas about average. vacuum. Hopefully, full coveragebrings together all theseseemingly

272 AmericanBirds, May 1982 isolatedobservations and from suchinformation a picture of a given CBC, although the specieshas rarely wintered m the state A •2 seasonbecomes apparent Thus, a late December Louisiana Heron in Tufted Duck present at St John's, Nfld for 2 weeks in January Connecticut bears some connection to the unexpected shorebirds provided a first provincial and Atlantic Canada record and was, alongthe New Hampshire coast or even a Yellow Rail on Cape Cod. presumably, the first absolutely unassailablerecord for e. North But it is only with wide, timely co-operationthat this complicated America (fide BMacT), the many previous records of which have system works. It needs your continued support. I stresstimeliness beenin suspiciousproximity to our largerurban areas. For the second because we have nine states and provinces contributing a vast consecutivewinter sizablenumbers of Harlequin Ducks were found quantityof material. The most difficult problem any RegionalEditor off Sachuest Pt., R.I.--a maximum of 16 individuals was observed facesis gatheringall this informationin time for publication. Dec. 16 (fide DLE). A partial winter count off Isle au Haut, Me , The four new Regional Editors are among the most experienced, numbered 91 birds Mar. 14 (MKL et al.). In Rhode Island, large respectedand talented bird observersto be found in the Northeastern concentrations of King Eiders numbered 17 individuals at Mantimes. Dick Forster (Fall Season), Richard Hell (Winter Sea- QuonochontaugDec. 27-31 and eight at Napatree Pt., Jan. 22 (v.o , son), and Blair Nikula (Spring Season) from Massachusettsand fide DLE) and were among the largest flocks noted in recent winters Stuart Tingley (Summer Season)from New Brunswick comprisean Interestingly,King Eiders were not especiallynumerous elsewhere excellentunit with a full knowledgeof the Region.I hope contributors A Ruddy Duck at Cape Jellison, Me., Mar. 6 marked the third will be asgenerous in their observationsand suggestionsas they were consecutivewinter this specieshas successfullywintered in the state with this RegionalEditor, who has found compilingseasonal reports (PDV). to be an instructive and very satisfyingexperience. VULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES -- It seemsclear that Turkey LOONS, GREBES --A singleArctic Loon was uniqueoffMonhe- Vultures, reported on 7 Connecticut CBCs, have become firmly ganI, Me., Dec. 29 and constituteda fifth staterecord (PDV). A late establishedwinter residentsin the very s. part of the Region.Farther fall-early winter concentration of 412 Red-necked Grebes was re- n., in w. Massachusetts,a singleTurkey Vulture was consideredan corded on the Macbias Bay area, Me. CBC. However, observations unusualwinter occurrence in Williamstown Jan. 4 (MC, fide BH) in January and February indicated few individuals remaining to Similarly,an individualat Hopkinton, R.I., Jan. 30 was notable(fide winter in the area (NF). For the secondtime in 3 years a W. Grebe, DLE). Consideringthe species'N expansionas a breeder, it seems dark morph, was reportetl on the Nantucket CBC and the now- reasonablethat Turkey Vulturesmay experiencea similarextension familiar individual on the Bath, Me. CBC was presentat Indian Pt., to in their winter range. Numbers of migrant Turkey Vultures were at least Feb. 23 (v.o.,fide MKL). noted in MassachusettsFeb. 20-28 (fide RPE). This winter's eagle populationat QuabbinRes. in Massachusettstotaled three Goldens, TUBENOSES -- The only report of any numbers of N. Fulmar uniquefor the Region, and a maximum of 15 Balds Feb. 28 (v.o.,fide came from the N. Sydney, N.S.-Port-aux-Basques, Nfid. ferry where SK). Despite a relatively poor raptor count (seeCBCs), the Machias 76 individualswere observedDec. 10 (JM, HMacK). The largefall Bay area CBC noted three Marsh Hawks. Although the species concentrationof Greater Shearwaters disappearedalmost overnight frequently overwintersin e. Maine, the small rodent populationwas (seefall season).Although 5000_+Greater Shearwaterswere present apparently quite poor and the CBC birds departed in January (NF) off ChathamNov. 28, December countson the Cape never exceeded Three Ospreyswere reported--without details from as many Con- 10-15 individuals,,despite the continued abundanceof sand launce necticut CBCs. In Rhode Island, an emaciated Osprey was found (BN et ,al.). dead in SmithfieldDec. 6 (fide DLE). Figuressuggested that this winter's Gyrfalcon flight was the best in HERONS -- The relatively mild fall was undoubtedlyresponsible recent years althoughincreased winter birding activity may possibly for the number of herons found lingering beyond their normal depar- account for increased observations. In n. Newfoundland, BMacT ture dates;these included: a Green Heron at Weekapaug,R.I., Dec. noted at least 17 individualsnear L'Anse-aux-Meadows, clearly an 24 (fide DLE); in Nova Scotia, a Cattle Egret at BridgewaterDec. 9 above-averageseason. SIT observedat least four individualsin the and anotherat Lower West PubnicoDec. 4-7 which lingereda bit too New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border region while New England late, being found dead Dec. 18 (v.o., fide IAMcL); a Great Egret at counts included 2-3 in Maine, four in Massachusetts,and a single Harwich, Mass., through January was found emaciated near Yar- white Gyrfalcon in Portsmouth, R.I., Jan. 31 (ELS, fide DLE) mouth Feb. 5 (fide BN); four Snowy Egrets at Wells, Me., Dec. 12 MassachusettsPeregrine Falcons numbered at least eight individuals (JF) and another on the Nantucket CBC; a Louisiana Heron at whereas a single Peregrine was notable in Tenant's Harbor, Me , HammonassettS.P., Conn., Dec. 26 (RC). In the same category, two Dec. 23 (SCk, fide JMC). Am Bitterns were notable in Newburyport Dec. 13 (RSH) as was a dead specimen in Amherst, Mass., Jan. 4 (fide SK). Additional GROUSE, RAILS, GALLINULES -- In Maine, three Bobwhite informationon the Nova ScotiaScarlet Ibis disclosedyet anotherpair successfullyoverwintered at a Damariscottafeeder (BE). Although of these bright birds at Bedeque, P.E.I., in June and July (fide thesebirds were surelyfrom releasedstock, it is perhapsworth noting IAMcL). that the speciescan, with human assistance,survive a Maine winter A Sora was notably late at Orleans, Mass., on the Cape Cod CBC WATERFOWL -- Three WhistlingSwans were apparentlyunique Dec. 20 (RSH). Astonishing by any standardswas the emaciated th•s winter on the Martha's Vineyard CBC. An imm. Greater White- YellowRail apparentlytrying to overwinteron Cape Cod and picked fronted Goosewas reported from Trustom Pond N.W.R., R.I., Dec. up alive (it subsequentlydied) in Chatham Jan. 13 (fide RAF) 12-30(GLeB et al.), anotherimm. bird was reportedfrom Eastport, Griscomin TheBirds of Massachusftts(1955) notes a recordfrom Me , Dec. 26 (WCT et al.) and finally five adults were found .at Brewster Dec. 22, 1946 and another from Nauset Feb. 21, 1954 Newburyport Plum I., Feb. 8-28 (fide RPE). Additionally, two ad. Perhapsthe speciesdoes, on rare occasion, winter as far n. as Cape White-frontedGeese were notedjust beyondthe Regionin Harrison- Cod; such a possibilityseems astonishing. An imm. Com. Gallinule White Plains, N.Y., Dec. 26 (TB et al.). All reports eliminated the lingeredbeyond expectationson Nantucket I., Jan. 3 (RSH et al.) possibilityof the Greenland race (Anser albifronsflavirostris) and werepresumably assignable to the raceA. a.frontalis. The likelihood SHOREBIRDS -- The mild fall allowed saltwater estuaries and that suchwidely dispersedoccurrences involved captivebirds seems mudflatsto remain free of ice and thus permitted several speciesto remote indeed. Of considerable interest was a very small, heavily remain later than normal. A Semipalmated Plover was rare enoughon marked Snow Goose-type individual found with Brant at Portsmouth, the Block I., R.I. CBC Dec. 27 (SRD et al.,fide DLE) but the Coastal R I, Feb. 13-17 (RB, DLE et al., ph.). Photographsreasonably New Hampshire CBC eclipsed all expectations with meticulous eliminatethe possibilityof an undersizedLesser Snow Goose and descriptionaof a LesserYellowlegs, two Red Knots and two juv scallopingon the flanks at least suggeststhe bird may have been a White-rumpedSandpipers, the latter for one of very few New Eng- Lesser Snow Goose X Brant hybrid. Slides are presently being land CBC records. Only slightly less surprisingwere two Lesser reviewed by waterfowl authorities. Yellowlegsat Newburyport Dec. 5 and three White-rumpedSandpip- EurasianWigeon in s. New England were again well represented ers at the samelocality Dec. 1 (RSH). A Long-billed Dowitcher seen with four on as many Connecticut CBCs, one on Nantucket and on CapeCod at EasthamDec. 26, Jan. 18(BN) wasanother of a series another at Watchemoket, R.I., Feb. 7 & 18 (fide DLE). In Maine, a of overwintering attempts. Farther n. in e. Maine, a Long-billed Canvasback was unusually far n. and e. on the Jonesport-BealsI. Dowitcher was remarkably late in Machiasport Dec. 29 (NF, ph.) A

Volume 36, Number 3 273 Marbled Godwit in Sc•tuate, Mass , Jan 31 was presumably yet than89 occurredon New EnglandCBCs another shoreb•rd trying to survive the season m New England (WRP, fide RAF) An Am Woodcock was amazingly early in Au- WOODPECKERS THROUGH TITMICE -- In w. Mas- gusta, Me., Feb. 4 (fide MKL)! sachusetts,four Red-belliedWoodpeckers overwintering at feeders mightpresage a smallN shiftin thespecies' breeding range. An lmm JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS -- Some 11 Pomarine Jaegers were Red-headedWoodpecker was unusual in Hadley,Mass., Jan. 21 but a noted at several Cape Cod localities Dec. 6-26 (BN, WRP) while Black-backedThree-toed Woodpecker in the samemunicipality Jan somewhatmore unusualwas a ParasiticJaeger also on Cape Cod, at 1was a bit moresurprising (fide SK). ThreeW. Kingbirdswere a quite First EncounterBeach Dec. 6 (BN) and a skua, presumablyC. skua, remarkablenumber on NantucketI., in earlyJanuary (fide RAF) but a at the same locality, also in December (fide RPE). singleWestern Kingbird on the St. Andrew'sI., N.B. CBC may well The abundanceof sandlaunce off Cape Cod andNantucket I. again haveconstituted a first CanadianCBC occurrence(fide DSC). An E producedextraordinary numbers of gulls,some 45,000 of whichwere Phoebemanaged to survivein Westerly, R.I., to Jan. 25 but was not recordedoff Nantucket I., includingeight Lesser Black-backed Gulls locatedthereafter (fide DLE). In Nova Scotia,a BarnSwallow on the Jan.1-3 (RSH, BN, RRV et al.). Elsewherein Massachusetts,three Halifax East CBC may possiblyhave been connectedto the late fall Lesser Black-backedGulls were observedat as many localities, two flight(see autumn season) but the statusof two Tree Swallowson the were reported from Connecticut (fide TB) and three were noted in Port Hebert CBC was less certain. Tree Swallows have been re- Nova Scotia,including Digby's venerable winter resident present for cordedon RhodeIsland CBCs with someregularity; this winter one its 13th consecutive season. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were occurredon the S. Kingston CBC. CommonRaven sightingsin reported from Newfoundland, the northernmost at L'Anse-aux- w. Massachusettshave continuedto expand to the point where Meadows Dec. 24 for a secondor third local record (BMacT). Single Kelloggnotes that they are quite "definitelyincreasing." Boreal ad Thayer's Gulls were closely examinedand carefully describedin Chickadeeswere more common s. of theirusual range with 10+ birds Gloucester,Mass., Jan. 16 (FT et al.) and in Portland, Me., Dec. 15, in w. Massachusettsand ten individualson the Westport,Conn the la.tterfor a first state record of this form (PDV). Black-headed CBC. Conversely, Tufted Titmice numbers at the n. limit of their Gulls numbered14 individuals in Rhode Islandin February while four rangewere boldfacedon three New HampshireCBCs. New Hamp- were reportedon Cape Cod and anotherfour individualswere found shireCBC totalsrose to 355Tufted Titmice (172 in 80-81,271in 79- elsewherein New England. A first-winterFranklin's Gull critically 80). identified at L'Anse-aux-Meadows, Nfld., Dec. 21 furnished only a second provincial record (BMacT). The only Ivory Gulls to be WRENS THROUGH WAXWINGS -- Some six Carolina Wrens reportedwere from L'Anse-aux-Meadowswhere only ten individuals were reportedfrom w. Massachusettsthis winter (fide SK) while the occurred Dec. 27-Jan. 3 (BMacT). northernmost individual was found on the Biddeford- A Forster'sTern was very late at Plum I., Dec. 5 (RSH) but another Kennebunkport,Me. CBC. Twenty-sevenMockingbirds wintering Forster'sTeru at Galilee, R.I., Dec. 27 was only a secondstate winter throughoutNova Scotia were noted as a definite increase (fide occurrence(DLK, ST et al., fide DLE). ACom. Tern on the newly IAMcL). Nine New EnglandVaried Thrusheswere aboutaverage createdCentral Cape Cod CBC Dec. 27 was one of a growingnumber withsix in Massachusetts,two in New Hampshireand a singlefrom of coastal Massachusetts CBC occurrences but the Common Tern at Maine. A Wood Thrush, unambiguouslydescribed, was of con- Hampton, N.H. Dec. 19 on the Coastal New Hampshire CBC pro- siderablenote on the Woodbury-Roxbury,Conn. CBC Dec. 19 An vlded a first state winter record (SAP, RRV). EasternBluebird at Terra Nova N.P., Nfld., Dec. 9-10may well have beena firstProvincial occurrence (HD et al.). A singleTownsend's ALCIDS -- The only appreciableAlcid counts in New England Solitaireon Martha's Vineyard Dec. 17-Feb. 10 providedonly a were typically restricted to the Eastport-CampobelloI., CBC where secondstate record (fide RAF). A Townsend'sSolitaire discovered on 138 Razorbills, seven Thick-billed Murres, four Dovekies and 49 the CoastalNew HamsphireCBC in N. HamptonDec. 19-26fur- Black Guillemots were noted and on Nantucket I., where 379 Razor- nished a first state occurrence(TF et al., fide KC). Bohemian bills were observedJan. 2 (RSH et al.). The MonheganI., Me., CBC Waxwingnumbers were good-to-averagebut did not approachthe registered5 Razorbills, 3 Dovekies and 3 Com. Puffins. In Rhode proportionsof the 1980-81flight. However, 95 Bohemiansas far s as Island, singleDovekies were notedoff SakonnetJan. 9 and Matunuck PortlandFeb. 13were somewhat surprising (,lB,fide MKL). A single Beach Feb. 23 and a Black Guillemot was an unusual observation off Bohemianwandered as far as Nantucketin December(fide RPE) SachuestPt., Jan. 22 (v.o.,fide DLE). The Cape Cod CBC recorded an unprecedented22 Black Guillemots.In February smallnumbers of WARBLERS -- An exceedinglysturdy Black-and-white Warbler oiled Common and Thick-billed murres were reported along Cape in S. Windsor,Conn., Feb. 15 waspresumably wintering at a local Cod's outer beaches. The origins of the oil spill was unknown feeder(fide PJD) and may well providea first Februaryrecord for althoughthe dimensionsof the impact to Alcids appearedminimal New England. Unexpected warblers found on this winter's CBCs (fide RPE). included:a Nashvillephotographed in Boston,a Prairieon Cape Cod andan Ovenbirdin PortlandDec. 19. No doubtthe leastanticipated OWLS -- Not surprisingly,Barn Owl reportswere restrictedto Paruliddiscovery occurred on the CoastalNew Hampshirecount Cape Cod (2) and Rhode Island (4). Screech Owl distribution has whenTony Federerlocated a Yellow-throatedWarbler (apparently always been fascinatingto a Maine resident where the speciesis D. d. albilora) in N. Hampton within a half mi of the Townsend's basicallyunknown and presumedto be largelyabsent. The report of Solitairehe hadchanced upon fifteen minutes earlier! This individual 39 ScreechOwls on the Millis, Mass.CBC, wherein a nightof owling was presentDec. 19-Jan. 1 and representeda first winter record for Cassieheard responses to tapedvocalizations on 90% of his stops the Region.Perhaps it comesas no surprisethat New Hampshire's seemsnothing short of astonishing.Snowy Owls were unimpressive firstTownsend's Warbler showedup at Tony Federer'ssuet feeder in on New England CBCs, althoughin Nova Scotia four individuals DurhamDec. 6-24. A Pine Warbler was noteworthyin Orono, Me , were consideredabove average (fide IAMcL). This season'sfive Dec. 6-17 (fide MKL) and another was equally unusualon the Hawk Owls constituteda better-than-averageflight. In New Hamp- Jonesport-BealsI., Me. CBC Dec. 19. Interestingly,in Nova Scotia, shire, a singlebird was found in a lumber yard at Rumney Dec. 9- Pine Warblershave in the past few years come to be considered March (fide KC). Maine's three individuals were as follows: Portland "regularin winter" at provincialfeeders; some 10+ Pine Warblers Dec. 12-Mar. 23 (RE et mult. al.) E. Lebanon Dec.-Mar. 5, and werereported this season (fide PRD). In n. Newfoundland,a Yellow- SullivanDec. 25-Apr. 8 (v.o.,fide MKL, WCT). In New Brunswick, rumped Warbler at L'Anse-aux-Meadows Dec. 2 and another Dec a Hawk Owl foundin Albert Jan.8 lingeredto Apr. 22--a suspiciously 14-16were remarkable,even for that vigorousspecies (BMacT) A late date for this species(fide DSC). A Great Gray Owl discoveredat BlackpollWarbler was very late in Turner, MaineDec. 3 (JD, fide Cape Porpoisein late February or early March remainedto Mar. 19 MKL). (PR, PDV et al., ph.). Long-earedOwls made their best showingin Mainein yearsas at leastsix individuals were reported from asmany ICTERIDS, FRINGILLIDS -- A meticulouslydescribed Bobolink localities(fide MKL, PDV). In RhodeIsland, nine Long-earedOwls, in SmallPt., MaineDec. 19-22,originally discovered on the Bath area includinga roost of eight individualsin Warwick, was an unusually CBC,marked only the secondNew EnglandCBC record (JP, TS et largenumber (fide DLE). A singleLong-eared Owl wasquite rare and al.) and was, perhaps,the rarest bird of the winter. A meadowlark uniquein the provincein Lawrencetown,N.S., Jan.23 (fideIAMcL). flushedat CherryHill, N.S., Jan..1 gavea "chuck"note which is the Short-earedOwls were also reportedin excellentnumbers, no fewer distinctivecall of WesternMeadowlark, for a firstprovincial record

274 AmericanBirds, May 1982 (SJF, EHC, fide PRD). Ian McLaren correctly points out that QUEBEC REGION W. Meadowlark may well be more regular in winter than previously /Michel Gosselin and Normand David supposedand that these two speciesdeserve careful attention, espe- cially their vocalizations. The three N. Orioles of the w. form bullockii found on as many New England CBCs adequately support The winter 1981-82 was an alternation of snowstorms and extensive McLaren's thesis concerningthe fall-winter shift of w. speciesinto cold periods; no significantmild period was noted except perhaps in e. North America. Five Yellow-headed Blackbirds at four Nova early December. The result was a heavy cover of snow and ice by the Scotia localities were above average (fide PRD). An ad. Rose- end of the season. breastedGrosbeak was unusual in Wellesley, Mass., Jan. 20-31 (fide RPE) but a critically identifiedIndigo Bunting at a Scarborough,Me., feeder Dec. 17-23 (FC et al.) was certainly a first state winter record and the last in an extraordinary series of birds that stretched from coastal New Hampshire to Small Pt., Me. A GrasshopperSparrow was uniqueon the Nantucket CBC (RSH et al.). Fourteen SeasideSparrows in Newburyport harbor Dec. 13 were apparently not local breedersas no birds were found in this area during the summer (RSH). In Nova Scotia, I-2 Seaside Sparrows occurredthrough December-Januaryin Cole Harbour (fide PRD) and a singleSeaside Sparrow and two Sharp-tailedSparrows were par- ticularly notable in Hampton Falls, N.H., Jan. 7 (RAQ,fide KC). A "Nelson's" Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Cole Harbour. N.S.. Jan. 9 provided a first provincial occurrence of this distinctive form. In the sameprovince, single Vesper Sparrows were unusual at Cornwallis R., Dec. 27 (RJ) and Kentville Jan. 24 (fide PRD). A Harris' Sparrow was rare in Connecticut on the Lakeville-Sharon CBC as was another in Wilmot, N.S., Dec. 16•through the period (fide PRD). A White- crownedSparrow in Rocky Harbour, Nfld., Dec. 30 was exception- ally far n. for the date (RBu et al. ). The Golden-crownedSparrow in Holyoke, Mass., Jan. 26-Feb. 28 + represented only a fifth state record (RS et mult.al., fide SK). A single Lincoln's Sparrow was closely identified and notably rare on the Cape Cod CBC as was LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- ACom. Loon stayed at another on the Halifax East CBC. Portage-des-Rochesuntil Dec. 28 ½YB)and another at Pointe-au-P•ere Jan. I-3; a Red-throated Loon was aNo at Pointe-au-P•re until Jan. 7 WINTER FINCHES -- Pine Grosbeakspushed into s. New Eng- (YG). In line with last fall's records. an imm. Gannet was seen diving land in fair-to-goodnumbers in Decemberand January. Common off QuebecCity's 10arborDec. 25 (PDI. Many winter observationsof Redpollsincreased sharply throughoutNew England in February Canada Geese were reported: 100 at Grande-Rivi•re Jan. 10 (MMI. and, typically, 8-10 Hoary Redpolls were reported. One can hardly oneat MagogJan. 16+ (DN. PBol, two at C6te Sainte-CatherineJan. over-emphasizethe fact that someCom. Redpollscan be very pale 24 (RY), a small flock at Chicoutimi Jan. 28 & 31 (fide YBI. and three and "frosty looking" with broad pale rumps and seeminglyimmacu- at Pointe-Cascades Feb. 27 (PBal. An ad. White-fronted Goose was late undertailcoverts. The one unambiguousfeature is the bill which presentat Cap-d'EspoirDec. 13-17(RB. ADs l and one wasat Aylmer is stubbierin Hoary Redpoll, givingthe speciesa"pushed in" look, as l., Dec. 17 (BD): these are our only winter records. Although the if it has hit too many picture windows. However, Corn. Redpoll Mallard is a year round residentin Greenland.its appearanceis very sometimestakes a hunchedposture that can give them a somewhat rare in e. Quebec in winter; one was at Baie-Comean Jan. I IJPB). "pushedin" facial profile. Obviously,considerable caution and very three at Sainte-Anne des Monts Jan. 4 (ADs), one at Rivii:re-h-Claude good views, as are generally provided by feeder situations, are Feb. 6 (RM) and one was an unexpectedguast at a bird feeder in Cap requiredfor certain identification.In n. Newfoundland, MacTavish Tourmente Mar. 5 {fide AD). Other late records among waterfowl reported that of a total of ten redpolls seen this winter, seven were included an Am. Wigeon at C6te Sainte-Catherine Jan. 24, a Wood Hoaries, two Commons, one not specifically identified. White- Duck also there Dec. 31 (B B), a Surf Scorer at Grande-Rivi;:re Jan. 20 winged Crossbills were •cattered throughout New England but in (PP), Black Scoters at Sainte-Anne des Monts Jan. 4 (ADsl and considerablydiminished numbers from the large fall flight. Red Pointe-au-P•re Jan. l0 (GG), a Ruddy Duck at Bergeronnes Dec. 29 Crossbillswere reported in small numbersfrom w. Massachusetts (BH, PD), alongwith singleHooded Mergansersat ShipshawFeb. 4 (fide SK). (YB) and D•SgelisFeb. 7 (fide GP). CORRIGENDA -- Please note that Ring-bified Gulls were found nestingon the New Hampshire side of L. Umbagog in 1980and on the RAPTORS THROUGH GULLS -- Many Red-tailed Hawks and Maine side of the same lake in 1981---both constituted first state Gyrfalconswere sightedin s. Quebecthis winter. A PeregrineFalcon breedingrecords. Also, Herring Gulls, not Ring-billed Gulls, nested was observed in Chicoutimi Feb. 7 (JM. MSI and another at Pointe- on Squam L., N.H., in 1981 (RAQ). au-P•re Feb. 21 (PJ), while a Merlin was at Rimouski Jan. 25 (GG). Willow Ptarmiganswere presentat Matagamiin early January(fide SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface italic), Contributors (bold- MPI, a signthat the highptarmigan populations have not yet crashed. face) and Observers---DennisJ. Abbott, CharlesR.K. Allen, George Gasp6sieseems definitively to be within the winter range of Purple Appel,Jim Berry, Art Boeror, Robert Bowen,RogerG.B. Brown, Tom Sandpipers;birds were again reportedfrom Pointe Saint-Pierreand Burke, RogerBurrows (RBu), Joe M. Cadbury, Richard Cech, DavidS. Chandler Feb. 7 (PP, RB). Good numbers of Great Black-backed Christie, Shirley Cohrs, Mary Cole, Robert A. Conway, Sherwood Gulls stayed in the Montreal area until late January (PBa, m.ob.). Cook (SCk), Eric H. Cooke, Kenneth Cox, Peter A. Cross, Florence This speciesis generallythought to winter on the Lower North Shore Cyr, Heinrick Deichmann, Paul J. Desjardins, Jody Despres, but few if any specificrecords exist; the few birds observedin mid- Phyllis R. Dobson, Susan R. Drennan, Rich Eakin, Bob Emerson, January at Chevery LaTabatd:re and Harrington-Harbour are thus DavidL. Emerson,Ruth P. Emery, Norm Famons,Tony Federer, June significant,they were with Glaucousand Icelandgulls, and also with a Ficker, Richard A. Forster, Sylvia J. Fullerton, James Gibson, Herring Gull at Harrington-Harbour (KF, TF). C6te Sainte- RichardS. Heil, BartlettHendricks, Roy John, Seth Kellogg, Douglas L. Catherine was visited by a sub-ad. Lesser Black-backedGull Jan. 2 Kraus, Geoff LeBaron, Michael K. Lucey, Hue MacKenzie, L.B. (PBa) and Beauharnoisby .a Little Gull Dec. 5 (BB). Three Black- MacPherson,Bruce MacTavish, !an McLaren, JoAnn Murray, Blair headed Gulls were recorded at Barachois Dec. 8-13 (RB) and an Ivory Nikula, Simon A. Perkins, Wayne R. Petersen, Jan Pierson, Gall at Harrington-HarbourJan. 12-13(KF, TF). SingleBlack-legged Robert A. Quinn, Phyllis Ravesies, Craig Roberts, Tom Skaling, Kittiwakesappeared at SherbrookeDec. l0 (VL) and GatineanDec. Carol Smith,Francis Spaulding, Rudolph Stone, Eunice L. Sullivan, 20 (BBr. LS). while 45 were still at the Godbout ferry Dec. 22 (PBr). Fred Tetlow, Stuart I. Tingley, William C. Townsend, Scott Tsagarakis,Richard R. Veit, Peter D. Vickery, Peter Yaukey.-- OWLS THROUGH WRENS -- The first Barn Owl to ever reach PETER D. VICKERY, Box 127, Richmond, Maine, 04357. the Gasp6Peninsula was killed Nov. 21 at Petit-Cap(fide BC); all ten

Volume 36, Number 3 275 birds reported in Quebec since 1968were either killed or found dead , S.A. (see Can. Field Nat. 93:323-324). The Hawk Owl was the owl of the Richard Poulin of the Nat'l Museum of Natural Sciences. season;in addition to birds reported last fall. others were found at who has done extensive banding and collecting of redpolls, has Mont-Laurier, Shawville (RD). Notre-Dame de la Salette ½DSH), pointed out some interesting facts about the long-debated Saint-Esprit (DP), Eustis (GMB) and Bale Sainte-Catherine (JMC). problem of redpoll identification: Rare in winter in the Quebec City area, a Long-eared Owl was Although a pure white rump or crissumis diagnosticof the devoured by a Great Horned Owl Jan. l0 (PD). Only three Boreal Hoary Redpoll, this condition is fairly rare on most Hoary Owls were discovered, at Saint-Tharcissius at the end of November Redpolls of continental North America (Carduelis horne- (BBu), Saint-Espirit Feb. 7-12 (DP) and Pierrefonds Feb. 15 {PC). manni erilipes). A bird showingcharacteristics of the Hoary Saw-whet Owls perhapsoverwinter here more often than previously Redpoll. with the exceptionof a few ashymarkings on rumpor believed: singlebirds were found at 1. des SoeursJan. 3 {GD). Rigaud crissum. is thus not automatically a Common Redpoll. nor Feb. I •fide PS). Hull Feb. I I ½FC),Beaconsfield Feb. 12+ (fide PS), even a hybrid,but very probablya femaleHoary. While bnghl and near Quebec City at the end of February ½PL). adult males of both species of redpolls can be identified For a fourth consecutive winter Tufted Titmice occurred in the E. readily, femalesof both speciescan be difficultto distinguish. Townships, with birds in December and January at Dixville (IW), Extensive light streakingson head and back, in conjunction Lennoxville (AL, ET) and Granby •fide PT): at Stanbridge-Eastup to with restricteddark markingson the flanks, are all typical of four birds visiteda feederJan. 23 + (CB). A Brown Creeperpresent at the Hoary Redpoll in winter, and yet are subject to some Rimouski until Feb. 20 (YG)was at the n. edge of its winter range. A variation. Bill shapein the two speciesis alsopertinent. bul Carolina Wren turned up at Como Dec. 23-Jan. 22 OWL and another this character is not always obvious becauseof considerable at Saint-Romuald until Dec. 27 thde AD): interestingly, the latter bird variation in bill size and in nasalbristle length. Becauseredpoll patronized the same feeder where a Carolina Wren had occurred in characteristicsvary so much, it is unreasonableto overem- 1971 and 1980. phasizeone character:immaculate rump or crissum.Based on this character alone, too many Hoary Redpolls are being ROBINS THROUGH SPARROWS-- Another noteworthy record identified as intermediates, hybrids, or even Common Red- from the Lower North Shore was an Am. Robin at LaTabati/:re in the polls. last 2 weeks of January (MC..fide TF). A Swainson'sThrush in Hull Dec. 15 (DSH) was our latest ever. At Quebec City a Townsend's Solitaire stripped a small tree of its fruits Dec. 26-Jan. 9 (AD, BH. CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- P. Bannon (PBa), B. m.ob.I. The Golden-crowned Kinglet was found well n. of its winter Barnhurst (BB). J. P. Barry, R. Bisson. Y. Blackburn, P. Boily½PBo), range, at Barachois Dec. 19 (LL) and Alma Dec. 27 (CG, MS)• one A. Bouchard, B. Bracken (BBr), P. Brousseau (PBr), C. Brown, B. seen at Pointe-au-P•re Jan. 30 (GG) probably wintered locally. Thirty Bussi•res (BBu), P. Campbell, M. Collier, B. Cormier, J. M. C6t& F. Bohemian Waxwings and a dozen Starlingswere at LaTabati/:re-Jan. Cotton, P. Delacretaz (PD), A. Desrochers (ADL A. Desrosiers 7-11 (KF, TF). Two warblers were reported at record late dates, a (ADs), B. DiLabio, R. Dubois ½RD).P. Dupal (PDu). R. Dupuy (RDy), Corn. Yellowthroat at Quebec City Dec. 18 (CV) and a Canada G. Duquette, P. Fallu, K. French. T. French. Y. Gauthier, G. Warbler at LaMalbaie Dec. 4 (JMC). A N. Oriole at Beebe Dec. 25 Gendron, C. Girard. J. Hardy, B. Houde, P. Jourdain, L Lagueux, (KM) was extremely late, and a Corn. Grackle at Sainte-Anne des A. Langford. P. Lane, M. Lemieux, V. L6tourneau, K. McKenzie. Monts Feb. 6 + (ADs) was the first to have overwintered in that area: G. McKey-Beattie (GMBL J. Meloche, R. Mimeault, M. Moreau, P. another was present at Perc• Jan. 25 (RBI. In the Quebec City area, Mousseau, D. Nicol, M. Pageau, D. Perreault, P. Poulin, G, Proulx, where one or two Cardinals appear annually since 1974, they are on D. Saint-Hilaire (DSH), M. Savard, L. Sirois, P. Smith, R. Snasdell- the increase. with at least six birds present: a pair also wintered at Taylor (RST). M. Thibodeau, P. Timmons, E. Turner, C. Vachon, 1. Chapeau, Pontiac Co. (MT). A Rose-breastedGrosbeak at Lachine Whitehouse, J. Wright. R. Yank.--MICHEL GOSSELIN, 370 Met- until Jan. 19 (RST) was unusual but not as much as two males at calfe #707, Ottawa, Ontario K2P IS9, and NORMAND DAVID, Murdochvi!le Jan. [7-31 •fide ML). The abundance of redpolls. Centre de RecherchesEcologiques de Montr6al, 5858 C6te desNeiges, especially Hoary Redpolls. was exceptional this winter. Montreal, Que. H3S IZI. Small flocks of Red Crossbillsappeared at a half-dozenlocalities along the St. Lawrence Valley but it was not a real invasion.A Rufous-sided Towbee reached Carleton Dec. I (PF) and another wintered in Alma (MS). Record late SavannahSparrows remained at Les Escoumins until Dec. 28 (AD) and Quebec City until Jan. 24 (CV). The Dark-eyedJunco overwintered outside its normalwinter range with singlebirds at Bergeronnes(AB) and Perce (RB): still HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION farther n. was an individual at LaTabati/:re Jan. 7-11 ½KF. TF). A Chipping Sparrow at Granby Dec. 26 •fide PT) was very late, the /Robert O. Paxton, William J. Boyle, Jr., and David specieswintered in Quebecfor the first time in 1979-80.Feeders, the A. Cutler number of which is still rapidly growing, are responsiblefor many birdsreported in thiscolumn: such was also the case for singleWhite- crowned Sparrows at Saint-Lambert Jan. 18-Feb. 23 (RDy) and A relativelymild early Decemberthat left manylingering migrants Lachine Mar. 6-18 (PM). but not for the Song Sparrow at Les for Christmas Bird Counts (hereafter, CBC) gave way to a bitter Escoumins Feb. 20 (AB). Januarythat set records for coldduring January 18-25. After thehard freeze had moved water birds out and eliminated half-hardy lingerers. bird numbersremained low along the coasteven when mild weather returnedin February. Birdinginterest focused inland, particularly on the threeGyrfalcons in Pennsylvaniaand on the massivewinter finch flight. A conspicuousfeature of the Januaryfreeze was spectacular concentrations of water birds in a few areas of open water created either by natural turbulence,as at Wissler's Run, at Drumore, LancasterCounty, Pennsylvania, or by warmwater discharges such as a powerp!ant's settling ponds at Martin's Creek,on the Delaware River in NorthamptonCounty, Pennsylvania,or the PeachBottom nuclearpower plant on the SusquehannaRiver near Drumore, Penn- sylvania.These and similarareas will appearoften in accountsof water birds below. Several observers surmised that winter wood cutting may threaten bird populations(SRL, GH, CS). Sutton reportsthat "they are % absolutelyraping the woodlands in southeasternNew Jersey." That, Townsend'sSolitabv, QuebecCID', Dec. 30, 1981. Photo/N. David. combinedwith gypsy'moth defoliation, he fears, will exposeraptor

276 American Birds, May 1982 nestingsites and reduce nestingsuccess. Deed commentsfurther that WATERFOWL -- CanadaGeese have becomeso ubiquitousthat gypsy moth defoliation in Rockland County. New York. has so few correspondentsmention them. Brant returnedto the goodnum- weakenedtrees that insufficientmast was producedto supportwinter bers of the mid-1970s. The W.T.S. found 104,500 on the Atlantic bird populations.It wouldbe interestingto seewinter bird population Coast,including 63,000 in New Jersey(cf53,605 lastyear) and 14.900 studiesof areasaffected in these ways. in New York. This satisfyingrecovery from the 1977-79crash leaves The following abbreviationsare used below: B. Hook, Bombay us still far below the 265,000_+ of the 1950s, however (AB 32:327). Hook N.W.R., near Smyrna. Del.: Brig.. Brigantine N.W.R., At- The January freeze does not seem to have causedmortality, and lantic Co., N.J.: N.Y.C., New York City: W.T.S.. U.S. Fish & inland grazing--first widely reported during the historic freeze of Wildlife ServiceWinter Waterfowl Trend Survey. January-February1977--occurred even in mild weather:e.g.. 5000in winter wheat at Lewes, Del.. Feb. 20 (WWF). Inland flocks, another novelty of recent hard winters, includeda remarkable 34 on Dec. 20 in s. Lancaster County (RMS)

...... I ...... S.Ao An unprecedentedthree BarnacleGeese were reported: B. Hook Feb. 20 (DAC), near Allentown, Pa., Mar. 2-3 (D. \ ,,Corm Simpson, ph.D. Klem), and Middle Creek W.M.A., Lebanon Co.. Pa., Mar. 13-14(E. Widmer, TA). This handsomegoose is very commonin captivity, accordingto Ryan (pers. t omm.). and captive populationsare now in a downwardcycle. Re- leasesand escapesare mostlikely in early fall and leastlikely in spring, before territorial fightingbegins in the pens and before there are young. Spring recordsare thus somewhat more likely than fall records to refer to wild birds, and this speciesis a long-distancemigrant whose numbers have been increasingin Greenland (P. A Johnsgard,Ducks, Geese, and Swans of the World (1978), 82). On the other hand, far inland records seem unnaturalfor this specieswhich normally win- ters at the edge of salt water. In short, there is no way to be certain that unmarked birds are wild.

White-fronted Geese, whose origins also cannot be certain, are steadily increasing in winter. Two of the Greenland race were at Harrison. Westchester Co., N.Y., Dec. 26 (TWB et al.), one at Lawrenceville, Mercer Co., N.J., Dec. 19 (fide RJB), one at B. Hook Dec. 27 (B. Stocku), and two at Allentown, Pa., from mid-November- LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Loons were scarcealong the Dec. 4 (BLM). coast,and the scatteringof inlandrecords should really be considered Gadwall continueto increase;they havebeen established here only late fall migrants: e.g., Marsh Creek S.P., Chester Co., Pa.. Jan. 6 sincethe 1940s.The W.T.S., found 1500in New Jersey, and 18on the (JG), on the Delaware R., at Riegelsville, Hunterdon Co.. N.J.. Dec. New Bloomfield, Pa., CBC was a winter record high there (C J). The 26 (GH), and on the Walnut Valley, N.J., CBC. usual scattering of Blue-winged Teal turned up on CBCs, but since As usual, n. freeze-ups sent a few Red-necked Grebes to inland midwinter records are uncommon, a male at Allentown Jan. 13 (L. lakes, suchas one at Round Valley Res.. Hunterdon Co.. N.J.. Jan. 3 Kucinski) was noteworthy. Eight (3 Eur. Wigeon on Long Island, (D. Brede). A few returned inland as soonas water openedup, suchas including three on the S. Nassau CBC Jan. 3, plus three or four in one that traded between the Delaware R., and the Martin's Cr. coastal New Jersey were above average. settling ponds Feb. 7- l0 (TM. GH). Horned Grebes continued scarce. Redhead remain the least common of regularly wintering diving Ten among many other water birds at the Wissler's Cr., Pa., concen- ducks; 20 returnees on the Delaware R., at Philadelphia Feb. 27 (B & tration Jan. 14-15(RMS) were surpassedby only one coastalreporl, FH) was an unusually good river count. Elsewhere there were even 15 at Wildwood, N.J., Feb. 7 (SRL). fewer than usual. Canvasbacks were in good numbers where open Many herons were presentin December, but most noteworthy water permitted. A flock of 7100 on the Hudson R., at Newburgh, were three Louisiana Herons on the S. Nassau, L.l., CBC Jan. 3, and Orange Co., N.Y., in early December dwindled to 3100 Dec. 19(BSe, a leucisticLouisiana at Brig., Dec. 30 ½JD). What happensto herons JT); a few mi downriver at Piermont 3700-4500 were present Dec. 30 that fail to depart during a major freeze was illustrated by an imm. and remained until the river froze (RFD). Notable midwinter popula- Great Egret picked up severely frostbitten in Lehigh County. Pa., tions farther s. included 1000on the HackensackR., at Kearny, N.J., Jan. 14 and later released (M.A. Tretter). Jan. 30 (RK, FFr) and 2500 through January at Silver L.. Rehoboth. Del. (WWF). The W.T.S., estimated22,300 in New Jersey in Jan- uary. Scaup populations also seemed high to many observers, an impressionconfirmed by the W.T.S. (447,200for the Atlantic Coast, about one third above last year), although in January more of them were s. of our Region than last year. A remarkable concentration of 200 Corn. Goldeneyes used an open stretch of the Delaware R.. centeringon Manunkachunk,Warren Co., N.J., in January.(GH). Two • Tufted Ducks spentthe winter up to the mid-Januaryfreeze on Central Park L., N.Y.C. {L. Pohner et aLL The "Old Faithful" Barrow's Goldeneye was at Shark R. Inlet. N.J.. for its thirteenth . .! consecutive winter: one at the Barnegat, N.J., CBC was the only other reported. Harlequin Ducks were a bit below normal. Only three males wintered at Montauk Pt., L.I.. one at Barnegat.and two to six at Cape May. Eiders were low. A few Corn. Eiders were at all likely habitats all the way to Delaware (one 0 on the coast Dec. 19. MVB. GKH). but there were no groups larger than the seven that wintered at Barnegat{J. Peachy, B. Fetz et aLL King Eiders came in singles.at Cape May (intermittently, PD, P. Kosten. DAC) and at Indian R. Inlet. Del. (WWF. ph. B. Ringlet). Even the most reliable spot. KingEider, Indian River Inlet, Del., Feb. 7, 1982.Photo/B. Ringler. Montauk Pt., had only a few individuals.

Volume 36, Number 3 277 Soh. four immatures) there, about average; another four in e. Pennsylva- A major Ruddy Duck wintering area on the Delaware R., nia, one in Sullivan County. N.Y., Feb. 7 (WJB). and one at B. Hook below Philadelphiaseems to be defunct.Only a few individu- Jan. I (fide AH) roundedout an unremarkableeagle season. als couldbe foundin an area which supportedup to 50,000in A Marsh Hawk roost in fieldsnear Alpha, Warren Co., N.J., held at the 1950sand up to 10,000a few yearsago. Possibleexplana- least 14this year (JE, GH et al.). Hanisekdescribes this as the largest tions include oil spills, dredging,increased ship traffic. and concentration known in n.w. New Jersey since the dissipation of a highersalinity of the river in recentdrought years that may Hunterdon County roost that held more than 100in the 1950s.Even have killed the bottom-dwellingworms on which the birds are so, it is a large roostby any standards;Brown andAmadon report that known to have fed. We are not certain at this point whether while roosts may reach 50 they are "usually... under ten" (Eagles, they now winter at someinaccessible spot farther downstream Hawks, and Falcons of the Worm (1968), 392). or whether they have dispersed,but we presentlyknow of no important concentrationsin this Region.

All three mergansersremained in excellentnumbers where open water permitted. As many as 120 Hoodeds were concentratedin the last remainingopen water alongthe highwaybetween the Great Egg Harbor Bridge and Cape May Jan. 24 (SRL). Notable concentrations of Commonsincluded 934 below the PeachBottom nuclear power plant Dec. 20 (RMS) which rose to 2000 when everythingelse froze Jan. 18 (fide AH), another 1000 at an industrial effluent at Penn Manor, Pa., Feb. 15 (B & FH) and 500 returnees on the Hudson at Stony Pt., Rockland Co., N.Y., Feb. 12 IRFD). RAPTORS -- Wintering raptors provided one of the best showsof the season.Ever more diurnal l•aptorshaunt feeders, particularly in harsh weather. Along with dozensof casesof Sharp-skinnedHawks taking smallbirds at feeders,we know of at leastfive Cooper'sHawks doing the same: four in New Jersey (M. Doscher, P. Sigler, J. DeMarrais, B. Woerner) and one in Delaware (WJW). The remark- able suet tray at Coatsville, Pa., reported last winter (AB 35:283) performed even more prodigies.During the hard freeze of Jan. 22-25, it was visited by three Turkey Vultures, three Red-shouldered Hawks, and five Red-tailed Hawks, carefully differentiatedby plum- age (PH). Last remnants of raptor migration were still apparent in early December. During Dec. 10-13, three Goshawks, 250 Red-tailed G•3'fidconsin (courtship ?)flight, Lancaster Co., Pa. Photo/A.Bra4'. Hawks, 50 Red-shouldered Hawks, one Rough-legged Hawk, two Golden Eagles, and a Bald Eagle passedCape May Pt. (CS). The great event of this seasonwas up to three Gyrfalcons It is hard for us to be as preciseabout raptor numbersas we would that wintered in the farm country of Lancaster County, Pa., like, for the New Jersey Raptor Association's winter censuswas less the first of which was reported last season(see AB 36:159) and complete than last year. On the basis of figures for 8 out of 21 the last observed Mar. 3 I. Following two fall observations at counties, numberswere comparableto the high levels of last year, a the Baer Rocks hawk watch, a white individual was found near bit down in the north and a bit up in the south, especially weather- New Holland Nov. 27 (S. Lipschutz, E. Fingerhood). A gray sensitive Turkey Vultures and Marsh Hawks. Even so, Turkey individual appeared Jan. 9 (JGo, m.ob.) and later in the season Vultures wintered increasingly northward (e.g., an unprecedented the two frequented a pigeon-infestedquarry where they sat roost of 15 at Pound Ridge, Westchester Co.). Although Black facing each other "like two bookends" or performed aerial Vultures did not overwinter at the site of last spring'sfirst New Jersey displays together. About 15mi away, at Manheim, a dark bird nesting record, good CBC records included 13 in Salem County, was seen Jan. I (J. George), and during the last days of seven at Elmer, one at Cape May (where the one previous CBC February this (or another?) joined the quarry birds and all record dates from 1939--CS), and two at Princeton Dec. 13-19 (RJB, three were photographedin the air at once Feb. 28 (A. Brady). D. Roche, B. Vansant). The northernmost was at Mr. Airy, Hunter- The first Gyrafalcons known to establish winter feeding don Co., Jan. 14 (RK). In s.e. Pennsylvania,137 on the S. Lancaster territories in Pennsylvania, these three follow 26 other more County CBC were in amazingly high proportion to 360 Turkey fleeting records in the state in this century (S. Lipschutz, E. Vultures, but no previous highs or n. frontiers were exceeded. Fingerhood, pets. comm.). All but five have occurred along All three Accipiter species seemed above last year. Goshawks the Kittatinny Ridge or in adjacentfarmland, mostly in Schuyl- staged"the best winter holdoverI can recall" (DACL after a goodbut kill, Carbon, Lancaster, and Berks cos., a pattern confirmed not record fall flight. Coopefts Hawks, whose recovery has been by this winter's birds. demonstrated at fall hawk watches, were widespread, and it was a rare CBC that missed Sharp-shinnedHawk. Examples of high Red- tailed Hawk populations were 25 in 2.5 mi of the Maurice R., More Merlins are winteringhere. In additionto 14on CBCs (five in Cumberland Co., N.J., Feb. 14 (CS) and four different birds that the N.Y.C.-Long Island area, seven in New Jersey, two in Dela- wintered along the Bronx R.. in N.Y.C. (D. Falk}. An echo flight of ware), midwinter birds were at Brig., throughoutthe season(JD, Rough-leggedHawks was not up to last year's massiveirruption, but RM), Indian R. Inlet, Del., Jan. 29 (WWF), and at Newark, Del., Feb. good counts included 16 in <5 mi: in the Hackensack, N.J., marshes 7 (P. Jahn). American Kestrel populationsremained high, or perhaps Jan. 30. around N. Arlington-Lyndhurst (RK. FFrL and 25 on the seemso becauseso many gatheralong interstate medians. Lawrence BarnegatCBC. found 21 in 20 +_ mi ofRte 9 between Wilson and B. Hook Dec. 30. The Jan. 9-10 Bald Eagle censusorganized by the Raptor Informa- tion Bureau of the Naffl Wildlife Federation secured totals slightly SHOREBIRDS -- LingeringAm. Oystercatchersincluded a good below last year's, but that was due mostly to bad weather. The 21 on the Oceanville, N.J., CBC, but none overwintered. One at B. Delaware count, for example, was cut short by aircraft icing. Hook Dec. 22 (D. Weesner, J. Russell, D. Phalen) was one of a very The January freeze sent Bald Eagles S or concentrated them at few inland records, and unprecedented in winter. Common Snipe open water, such as the Peach Bottom nuclear power plant, several lingeredlocally where conditionspermitted, such as six at a heated on Long Island, and 17 at the Sullivan County, N.Y., dams (F. stream at Little Cr., Del., Jan. 30 (R. Ringlet). One flew over a Murphy), not a record at that major wintering area. Sutton estimated RocklandCounty, N.Y., parkinglot Jan. 10 (RFD). Since Greater that over the whole winter 20 Bald Eagles were in s. New Jersey, Yellowlegs are more normal in winter, greater numbers of Lesser about average, but that a ratio of 11 adults to nine immatures was Yellowlegs for the second winter in a row deserve comment. Four disturbinglyhigh. He also estimatedsix Golden Eagles (two adults, appearedon Long IslandCBCs, and41 on New JerseyCBCs outhum-

278 AmericanBirds, May 1982 bered 35 Greaters, 21 at B Hook Dec 27 was a record CBC high there tom, on the Ocean Co , N J , barrier beach Jan 21 (DF), and five at (DAC), and 20 were at Moore's Beach, N J , on Del Bay, Jan 9 Little Cr, Dec 27 (JCM, SOrr) were the first in a decade in s (DW) Four Short-billed Dowitchers, much the less expected of the Delaware. On the other hand, a familiar grove in Nat'l Park, Glouces- two, were identified by call at Brig., Jan. 1 (JWC). Three Long-billed ter Co., N.J., cut for residentialdevelopment (JKM) remindsus of Dowitchers survived to a remarkable Jan. 31 at Lawrence Marsh, constantpressures the other way. Short-earedOwls were alsowidely L 1 (E Levine et al.). reported.About ten, includingfour in the Alpha fields,were '•thebest A •peep" on the B. Hook CBC Dec. 27 (JCM) and another on the numbers ever" in n.w. New Jersey (GH), and, among coastal CBCs, Cumberland County, N.J., CBC Jan. 3 (DK et al.) were firmly 23 at Barnegat and 14 at Brooklyn were excellent. believedto be SemipalmatedSandpipers on the basisof call, which is A ? Pileated Woodpecker,a speciesnormally altogetherabsent quite d•stinct from that of W. Sandpiper.A. R. Phillips has argued from Long Island, wintered in Forest P., QueensCo., (P. Bernarth, (AB 29 799-805) that there is no reliable evidence of Semipalmated m.ob.). Nine Red-belliedWoodpeckers in OrangeCounty (a record Sandp•pern. of Florida in winter. Since physicalcharacters, includ- five on the CBC and four at feeders), four Dec. 26 at Wyalusing, ing bill length, overlap, only a specimen would confirm Del. Valley BradfordCo., Pa., wherethey are "increasingrapidly" (WR), and 17 birders' convictionthat a few SemipalmatedSandpipers winter. on the HunterdonCounty CBC showthat this speciesis still building As in last winter, there was only one Marbled Godwit, a CBC first on the n. edge of this region. Barely a half-dozen Red-headed Wood- at Cape May. peckerswere found away from breedingareas such as Cape May County P., where six were resident(fide pD). GULLS, TERNS, ALC1DS -- White-wingedgulls were not very Horned Larks were erratic. While the CapeMay CBC missedthem common on the coast, while increasinginland records included two for the first time in 61 years, more than usual were present in Iceland Gulls at S. Philadelphia Feb. 27 (B & FH) and two acrossthe Westchesterand Orange cos. (a record 350 on the CBC), and in n.w Delaware R., at Coilingwood, N.J., Feb. 26-27 (fide AH). Great New Jersey (375 on the Walnut Valley CBC and 320 on the Sussex Black-backedGulls penetrateever deeperinland. That someof them County CBC). may come from the growingGreat Lakes populationrather than the coast is suggestedby Reid's observationsindividual Great Black- CHICKADEES TO SHRIKES -- It was the secondbig chickadee backed Gulls among hard-weather movements of Ring-billed and year in a row, with Black-cappedsall the way to Delaware (two near Bonaparte's gulls from the Great Lakes to n.e. Pennsylvanialakes Hoope's Res., Feb. 15--APE). This time, unlike last winter, substan- and rivers in each of the last 3 Januarys.This time an immature was at tial numbers of Boreals moved too. We have about 20 widely scat- Harvey's L., Luzerne Co., Jan. 6 (WR). One on the Lehigh R., tered records, even alongthe coast (Shelter 1., L.I., Jan. 2, GSR), and between Allentown and Easton Dec. 23 (RW, nS) was the first in that as far s. as West Chester, Pa. (two, Jan. 7-14, PH) and Nockamixon, area away from the Delaware R. (fide BLM). Ever more numerous S.P., Bucks Co., where Boreal Chickadees have been found in 3 of reportsof LesserBlack-backed Gulls s. of their N.Y.C. area strong- the last 4 winters (A & JM, GLF). Most were in upland conifers, hold (where two regular individualsremain in WestchesterCounty however, such as four at the summit of Slide Mt. in the Catskills Feb and adjacentConnecticut) include three in coastalNew Jersey,up to 6 (ph., J. Maas), and in the forestsof CarbonCounty, Pa., wherethere three at Johnson Park, Middlesex, Co., N.J., through the season were at least seven and probably more (RW, nS). Red-breasted (WJB, D. Knowlton et al.), one in S. Philadelphia Feb. 27 (K. Nuthatches, whose irruptions coincide with those of chickadees,had Russell),and one on the Wilmington,Del., CBC Feb. 27 (JGo, ph., J. a banner year inland althoughcoastal numbers seemed only slightly White) The California Gull spent its fourth winter at Rockland above normal. Northeastern Pennsylvaniahad "the greatestnumbers County, S.P. (RFD). Four or five Black-headedGulls were far below in 30 years" (WR), while over 300at OctoraroRes., ChesterCo., Pa , normal, as were five Little Gulls, the only multiple count beingof two Jan. 19 formed "the largest concentrationl've ever seen"(RMS). The on Long Island Feb. 20 (TWB). PrincetonCBC's 162far outstrippedthe previousrecord of 33 in 1976 Although no great onshore concentrations of Black-legged Kit- Three lingering Wood Thrushes, all on Long Island, were quite t•wakes were reported from the coast, there were two remarkable unusual: one at the Bronx Botanical Garden to Dec. 27, the Central inland records: one immature at Cornwall Bay on the Hudson R., Suffolk CBC Dec. 26 and Orient Jan. 2. Only one Varied Thrush Orange Co., Dec. 5-6 (K. McDermott, nS, JT), for a first county appeared,a female at a feeder at Orient from late February to Mar 7 record, and an adult in winter plumagethat arrived at Harvey's L., (O. Terry, GSR et al.). Recent harsh winters do not seem to have Pa, Jan. 1-3, perhapsfrom the Great Lakes, with an influx of Ring- interrupted the E. Bluebird recovery. About 50 were present in billed Gulls (E. Johnson, K. McGuire, JH, M. Blauer, m.ob.). This January in DutchessCounty, N.Y., where a major nest box project represents one of a very small handful of inland Pennsylvania rec- has been maintained for some years, and numbers were high on ords, none recent. coastal and upland New Jersey CBCs (24, Cumberland County; 34, Forster's Terns lingered to an exceptional degree in Delaware, Walnut Valley). where 350 at Henlopen S.P., Dec. 14 dwindled to 30 Dec. 17 (WWF) About six N. Shrikes--two on Long Island, two up the Hudson and 59 remained for the Rehoboth CBC. Six were still at Indian R. Valley, and two in n. Pennsylvania(SB, L. Coble)--were well below Inlet Jan. 18 (WWF). ACom. Tern was extraordinarily late at a flight year. LoggerheadShrikes were no more common. Twenty-six Barnegat, N.J., Dec. 13 (JKM, J. Lavia). New Jersey CBCs produced only three,individuals, and of three Alcids were virtually absent,except for a Com. Murre reportedin others, only one certainly wintered: the familiar Rosedale Park, breedingplumage at Montauk, Dec. 19 (?K. Parkes, S. Drennan, S. Mercer Co., N.J., bird (GC). Sutchffe). VIREOS THROUGH TANAGERS -- A Solitary Vireo well- OWLS TO LARKS -- A modest Snowy Owl flight echoed last describedat Trap Pond S.P., Del., Dec. 28 (?W. Fintel), seemsto winter's major invasion. Following 3 fall records from Long Island constitute a first Delaware winter record, although this species, the andone at SandyHook, N.J., the winter's 15widely scatteredreports least migratory member of the family, often lingers into December were more southerly and over one-third inland. Up to six were in the just s. of this Region. N Y C -Long Islandarea, includingtwo within the city limits Jan.9: Many .warblerslingered, althoughvery few after Jan. 1. A Black- Forest P., QueensCo. (M. Sohmer)and Manhattan(D. Rodriguez). and-white, a speciesfound somewherein this Region almost every Farther s., there were about as many inland as on the coast. A half- December, was at lona 1., on the Hudson R., Rockland Co., N.Y , dozen ranged down the coast from Newark, N.J., to Dover, Del., Dec. 28 (Dervens,fide RFD). Six Orange-crowneds,all in December farther s. than last year, mostly in Decemberand January(fide 1WB, (three on Long Island, two in coastal New Jersey and one in Dela- PD, AH). Two were in interior New Jersey in January (Robbinsville, ware), were a shade above par. Nashville Warblers are also fairly Mercer Co., Jan. 18, D. Dilatush, and Collier's Mill, interior Ocean frequent lingerers, but 2 records are exceptional: Hackensack- Co , Jan. 27, T. Mulvey), andfour in e. Pennsylvania:one on the state Ridgewood, N.J., CBC and Sayville, L.I., Dec. 11-18(FF), Among capitol buildingat HarrisburgDec. 2-3 (OKS et al.), one throughthe long-distancetropical migrants, a NorthernParula at Cape May Dec seasonnear New Holland (TA, S. Orr), one at Newtown Jan. 7 (fide 17-20 (DW, m.ob.) and a Blackpoll Warbler reported on the Assun- AH), and one sporadically through the season at Martin's Cr., pink, N.J., CBC (?RRy) were far more remarkable.A Pine Warbler or Northampton Co. (TM). two is expectedalong the coast, but more unusualwas one at Tyler Luck and weather make estimatingwinter owl populationstricky, Arboretum, Lima, Pa., Feb. 8-10 (JG et al.). Palm Warblers were but there were some encouragingrecords. Black knew of about 20 above normal along the coast in December (e.g., eight on the Mon- Long-earedOwls in variousn. New Jerseyroosts; 12 were at Shipbot- tauk CBC). SingleO•enbirds, another frequent lingerer, were at

Volume 36, Number 3 279 Montauk Dec 19 (ROP, T Chase), and at Connetquot S P, L I , the uplands, there were distinctly fewer, but they reached much Dec 20 (S Dempse•/)There was the usualscattering of yellow- farther s than Red Crossbills 150 at Swarthmore, Pa, Feb 22 •de throats, but twelve Yellow-breasted Chats were above normal. Some AH), and severalgroups of 30-40in Delawarein February(JGo, of them were unusually far n. and inland (a first winter record on the WJW). Fewer still reached Long Island (e.g., six, Easthampton,Dec Orange County, CBC--V. Morrison), and two survived into mid- 26•J. Ash), and the largest coastal flock was 100 at Deep Cut P, winter: one at a Lawrenceville, N.J., feederJan. 15(J. Marti) and one Middletown, Monmouth Co., N.J., Feb. 19 ([ide PD). at a Beach Haven, N.J., feeder Feb. 2 ([ide PD). Snow forced 11 Vesper Sparrows to feed at the roadside in s Two Bobolinks?long-distance tropical migrants, were carefully Lancaster Co., Pa., Dec. 20, making an excellent CBC total (RMS) studied, and their calls noted. One was at Prime Hook, Del., Dec. 20 Three Lark Sparrows on CBCs were unusual (Montauk, L.I., a first, (JGo, MVB), and another the same day on the N. Arlington, N.J., Lakehurst, N.J., and Princeton, for the secondyear in a row), but one CBC (G. Mahler, T. Proctor) provided a fourth New Jersey winter at a feeder at Ronks, Pa., Jan. 9 (RMS, ph. F. Habegger) may be only record. Four Yellow-headed Blackbirds in December, all in New the second Pennsylvania winter record. Two Harris' Sparrows win- Jersey(DK, DF et al.) were about normal, but a much more unusual tered: Gilgo Beach, L.I. (ROP, m.ob.), and Amenia, DutchessCo , midwinter record was at Woodbridge, Middlesex Co., N.J., Jan. 12 N.Y. (R.T.W.B.C.), a bit above average for a species not quite (Morrisons' feeder). About seven N. Orioles were fewer than usual, annual. Snow Buntings were abundant only in n.e. Pennsylvania, and none remained after Jan. 1. While Boat-tailed Grackles were where 1000 were at Nescopeck Feb. 26 and 500 at Harvey's L, In late abundant on the New Jersey shore, as usual (661 on the Cape May January (J. Hoyson). At Wyalusing Reid found 250 in a tree (cj, a CBC), two inland on the Wilmington CBC were remarkable. A W. similar report in AB 32:331). Tanager, a speciesreported somewherein this Region almost each year, was at PrincetonDec. 20-Jan.20 (GC et al., ph., S. LaFrance, EXOTICS -- A Black-hooded Parakeet, Nandayus henday, a P Bacinski). native of temperate South America already breedingaround N Y C , was seen Dec. 24, 20 min. of Dover, Del. (T. R. Wolfe). A Eur FINCHES, SPARROWS, BUNTINGS--An imm. Rose-breasted Goldfinch, a specieswidely held in captivity and sometimesreleased, Grosbeak at two E. Islip, L.I., feeders into early December (FF) was was at Mamaroneck, N.Y., Feb. 11-23([ide TWB). the only Pheucticusreported. A mere five Dickcisselsappeared on CBCs (four in Nex• Jersey, one on Long Island) and none therafter. CORRIGENDUM-- The first New Jerseyrecord of White-winged A major event of the seasohwas a great winter finch invasion. Dove (AB 35:807) should be dated May 24, 1981, not April. Evening Grosbeaks were widespread in about normal numbers, and Purple Finches were not common. Pine Grosbeaks, however, made their greatest invasion since 1972-73(greater than in 1977-78). They OBSERVERS -- (Subregional compilers in boldface) Tom did not reach Long Island or Delaware, but they reached the coast at Amico, M. V. Barnhill (Del.: Box 7603, Newark, Del. 19711), Seth Barnegat, N.J., in December and as far s. inland as Carbon County, Benz, I. H. Black (n.e.N.J.: 2 Beaumont Place, Newark, N.J. 07104), Pa., where about 300 were estimatedpresent (DAC). At Beltzville L., R. J. Blicharz (n.c.N.J.: 827 Pennsylvania Ave., Trenton, N J Carbon Co., 100-120fed on multiflora rose throughJanuary and many 08638), P. A. Buckley, Joe Burgiel, T. W. Burke (WestchesterCo , malessang in February (BLM). Flocks of 10+_ spread widely through N.Y.: 235 HighlandAve., Rye, N.Y. 10580),J. W. Cadbury,Gordon upland New Jersey, n.e., Pennsylvania,and along the Hudson R., Comrie, John Danzenbaker, Thomas H. Davis (s.e.N.Y., L.I 94-46 and 60 were in the Pequannockwatershed, PassaicCo., N.J., in late 85th Rd., Woodhaven,N.Y. 10241), R. F. Deed(Rockland Co , N Y January (T..Stiles). 50 Clinton Ave., Nyack, N.Y. 10960), Peter Dunne (coastal N J Common Redpollsfollowed a different rhythm. They were not very CMBO, Box 3, Cape May Pt., N.J.: 08212), JohnEbner, A. P Edme, numerous until February, when flocks of 100-200appeared in Ulster Fran File, Dorothy Foy, G. A. Franchois, Frank Frazier (FFr), W and Dutchesscos., N.Y. (BSe, R.T.W.B.C.) and Harrisburg, Pa. (E. W. Frech, G. L. Freed, John Ginaven, Jeff Gordon (JGo), Doug Schwab), swellingto 500 in February at Edwardsville,n.e. Pa. (J. Gross, Barb and Frank Haas, Greg Hanisek(n.w.N.J.: R.D 3, Box Hoyson) and continuingto expand after the period. Although a major 263, Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865), G. K. Hess, Armas Hill (s.e. Pa 232 flight, this one did not equal the great inundationof 1977-78.Its outer Orlemann Ave., Oreland, Pa. 19075), James Hoyson, Phyllis Hut- limits were a few at Orient Pt., L.I., Jan. 2 and at Cape May Feb. 28. lock, Cliff Jones, Rich Kane, Don Kunkle, S. R. Lawrence, T OneHoary Redpollwas carefully described in directcomparison with Masters, Robert Maurer, J. K. Meritt (s.w• N.J.: 809 Saratoga Commons at Stone Harbor Pt., N.J., Jan. 27 (JD, RM), althoughbill Terrace, Turnersville, N.J. 08012), J. C. Miller, August and Judy size was not mentioned (see AB 32:330,404 for that important mark). Mirabella, B. L. Morris (e. Pa.: 825 MuhlenburgSt., Allentown, Pa Pine Siskinsreached 600 around Wyalusing, Bradford Co., Pa., Dec. 18104), G. S. Raynor, William Reid (n.e. Pa.: 556 Charles Ave , 26, but farther e. they arrived in the hundreds only later. Kingston, Pa. 18704), John Russell, Robert Russell, Richard Ryan White-wingedCrossbills were the season'schampions. As in the (RRy), Benton Seguin (BSe), R. M. Schutsky, Brad Silfies, P W incursionsof 1973-74and 1977-78,they far outnumberedRed Cross- Smith, O.K. Stephenson(Harrisburg area: Box 125,New Bloomfield, bills, which arrived early and were limited to the coastsof Long Pa. 17068), Clay Sutton, John Tramontano (Orange, Sullivan, and Island and New Jersey(e.g. 50, S. NassauCBC, 90 BarnegatCBC), Ulster Cos., N.Y.: Orange Co. Community College, Middletown, with scattered flocks of 25-35 in n.e. Pennsylvania and upland New N.Y. 10940),Wade Wander, David Ward, Ralph T. WatermanBird Jerseyin January(WR, RJB, P. Finken).White-winged Crossbills Club (Dutchess Co., N.Y.), W. J. Wayne, Rick Wilttaut, Floyd arrivedmostly in February,and in "greatestever" numbers in upland Wolfarth. -- ROBERT O. PAXTON, 560 Riverside Dr., Apt. 12K, New Jersey(RK), a "recordinundation" there (GH). One flock of New York, N.Y. 10027, WILLIAM J. BOYLE, JR., 15 Indian Rock 600+ at Clinton Road, n.w. New Jersey, around February 1 was Rd., Warren, N.J. 17060,and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110Rock Creek "somethingto see"as it madethe conesrain down. (RK). Away from Drive, Wyncote, Pa. 19095.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION winter, owing to the excellentwild food crop. Feederbirds did not /Henry T. Armistead increasemuch duringthe big freeze but in Februaryafter the thaw there was an influx, especiallyof finches.This was a goodwinter for geese,gulls, most raptors including owls, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Temperaturesaveraged 1. IøF and 6.7ø below normal Regionwidein robins, bluebirds, waxwings and Icterids, a poor winter for loons, December and January but 1.0ø above during February. Many areas grebes,herons, ducks, kingfishers,wrens and most marshbirds were warm in early January (72ø at Richmond Jan. 7) making the 6.7ø Precipitation(mostly rain) was over the normfor all three months deficit even more impressive. "Central Virginia had virtually com- Abbreviations:Ass. I., AssateagueI., Md.; Back Bay, Back Bay pletely frozen lakes and ponds January 10-February 2 . . . and N.W.R.; Black., Blackwater N.W.R.; C.B.B.T., ChesapeakeBay completesnow and ice cover January 13-31"(FRS). At Amherst, Va. BridgeTunnel at mouthof the Bay; Chinc., ChincoteagueN W R, "there was continuoussnow and ice cover for 19days, far longerthan Craney, CraneyI. DisposalArea, Portsmouth,Va.; Deal I., Deal I usual... Lakes did not thaw until mid-February, a continuousfreeze W.M.A.; Hog I., Hog I. Refuge, Surry Co., Va.; M.C.L.F, Mont- of 35 days!" (JBB). Lack of birds at feeders continued well into gomery County, Md. landfill.

280 American Birds, May 1982 years"(HCO). Mute Swanspeaked at 24 at Chinc.. towardsthe end of the reportingperiod (DFH). At a pondw. of OceanCity a possible Bewick's Swan was carefully scrutinized Feb. 13-20 (PWS. RN, PGD. m.ob.). Althoughthe area of yellow on the bill would seemto eliminate Whistling Swan (as defined in Aug 97:697-703, 19801,even the authorsof that article list only as probablethe identificationas a Bewick's Swan of a wild bird capturedat Claiborne.Talbot Co.. Md., Mar. 1971which had a similarquantity of yellow.on its maxilla. WhistlingSwans continue their terrestrialways as in wintersof the pastdecade. They do considerabledamage to winterwheat crops as well as indirectdamage to oysterbeds. There is growingsentiment in somegovernment circles as well as amonghunters to establishsome sort of limited, open season for them. Thousands of them were in fields in Essex County, Va., this winter (FRS). Upwardsof 70,000 CanadaGeese were on CBCs in Kent County(JAG, FLP) with 27,000 in Talbot County(JGR). thesein Maryland.Along Virginia's James R., they were considered down (FRS. HCO}. These 3 sites have probablylost birds to areas in s. Pennsylvania.n. Delaware and s. New Jerseywhere they are winteringin increasingnumbers (HTA). White-frontedGeese made a fine showingwith recordsfrom Rock-

LOONS THROUGH IBISES-- Loonsdrew little commentarybut seem to have been present in normal numbers in contrast to last winter's deficit. Two Red-necked Grebes at Back Bay Feb. 15 were the only ones reported for this species,always scarcein the Region (TRW). Horned Grebe's dramatic decrease continues prompting some to comment facetiously on its extinction. Certainly it has been in very low numbersfor the past 2 winters. On this there is unanimity. Several have suggested late season adverse weather grounded thousand migrating Horned Grebes •MKK, PEN) and misguided landings on glare ice and highways have drawn extensive media coverage. A W. Grebe in the Cape Henry-Rudee Inlet area was presentat least Jan. I-Feb. 25 (TK, DS, M & DM, N Bet al.), from the descriptionapparently not "Clark's" Grebe (•f. West. Birds 12:41-46. 19811.Off Ocean City 15 N. Fulmars were seen Feb. 14 IRN. DFA. m.ob.), a fine regional count compensatingfor the lack of any on a similartrip Jan. 2. White Pelicanmania continues with singlesspend- ing the entire period at Hog 1.. s. of Williamsburg I FRS. JWD. m.ob.I and at Sandbridgen. of Back Bay (TRW, MT. m.ob.). Whited-frontedGt•se **ithCanarias, Harford Co.. Md. . Dec.17, 1981. Photo/B. One of the many highlightsof the Feb. 14 pelagictrip from Ocean Ringler. City was the count of 1775Gannets, many of them "thermalling in the ville, Md., Horn Pt., Dorchester Co., Md. (Dec. 13---RFR, JO}, sky like a kettle of Broad-wingedHawks" and so highthey appeared Ocean City (Feb. 7-March--RFR, m.ob.), Black., Hog 1., Hatford as "specks high above" through 10X binoculars (RN et aLL a most Co., Md. (ph.), and Louisa County, Va. (JBB). The Ross' Gooseat unusualphenomenon. On Jan. 2, 57 were seennear here (RN et al.) Black. was seen at least until Dec. 6 (PGD} and Virginia's first record and 2125 were estimated at Back Bay Dec. 29 (PWS et aLL these both was of one at Back Bay Dec. 29-Jan. 9 (HTA, BP, DFA, RLA et aLL CBC totals. At Pt. Lookout, Md., 13 ñ Great Cormorants were seen Snow Geese continue to increase in fields e. of c. Chesapeake Bay Feb. 20 (RFR et al.) while the high on the C.B.B.T., was seven Feb. with c. 25,000 in Caroline County and 3000 in Kent County, these on 14 (CT,fide CPW), good but not unprecedentedcounts for these two Maryland CBSs (AJF, JaG et all while on Virginia CBCs c. 22,000 prime areas. Unprecedented, however, were four Anhingas at were at Chinc., and 26,000 at Back Bay (FRS, PWS et al.). Mean- Stumpy Lake, Va. beach Dec. 4-5 one of which lingereduntil Jan. 1 while the blue form continues to thrive but is only abundant at 2 for the Little Creek CBC (NB, m.ob.). Herons were in very poor regional sites: Black. and PresquileN.W.R. Scott et al. had 350 near numbers this winter with anemic counts of most on the 2 premier Presquile Feb. 7, and Black. occasionally has over 1000. heron CBCs at Chinc. and Cape Charles(q.v.), which togetheroften At Hog I., 7500 Pintail were seen Jan. 31 (RC) and 1995 were at provide the bulk of regional winter heron counts of note. On the Chinc., Dec. 13-19(DFH). Very late were five Blue-wingedTeal near Hopewell, Va., CBC 134 Great Blue Herons Dec. 19 was a very high Accomac, Va., Jan. 13 (GR). Two c• Eur. Wigeon were near Ocean total (FRS et al.). Unusual were single imm. Little Blue Herons at City Feb. 27 (CTr, fide CPW). The sad plight of the Am. Wigeon is Deal Island W.M.A., Dec. 18 & Jan. 6 and two Great Egrets there reflectedby sevenon the AnnapolisCBC Jan. 3 (lowestever--HLW) Jan. 6 (DMo), all localities in Maryland beingbereft of most heronsin and none on the St. Michaels. Md., CBC (JGR}, which used to have winter. In Mathews County, Va., Cattle Egrets lingered until mid- thousands.This speciesis a casualty of the disapperanceof much of December with up to sevenpresent (MP) and two on the St. Michaels, the submergedaquatic vegetationin ChesapeakeBay. Peak countsof Md., CBC Dec. 20 were exceptional (JGR). Just received is a late N. Shoveler included 425 at Craney Feb. 9 (TRW) and 595 at Chinc., reportof White Ibis on AssateagueI., Md., May 8, 1979,for one of the Dec. 13-19 (DFH). On the Hopewell CBC 608 Wood Ducks Dec. 19, few coastal records for the state (DMo). not consideredan unusual number, indicatedthe importanceof the Presquile N.W.R. area for this species(FRS et al.}. In Washington, WATERFOWL -- Seldomdoes anyone have positivecomments D.C., 150Ring-necked Ducks was a good count Dec. 4 •DC). In what on duck populationsand this winter was no exception. Of interest may be the first report ever received from the Smith 1., Md., area in were late migrationstriggered by-the brutal weather of mid-January winter thesedivers were listed: 3500 LesserScaup, 600 Oldsquaw, such as at Ass. I., Jan. 17 when 0ø combined with 30 knot winds. Here and 200 Surf Scoters (BP). Notable on the Piedmont, Oldsquaw were Dyke saw 1000 Brant and 500 Black Ducks heading S in just one hour seen in Loudoun County, Va. (five Dec. 5--JBB, DFA/, on L. Anna, of observation. Big flights of Canada and Snow geese were also seen Va. (four Jan. 3--JBB, CBC) and Liberty Res., n. of Baltimore (four in coastal Virginia (GR). The official Chinc. N.W.R. survey of Jan. Dec. 19•RFR et al.). A pair of Harlequin Ducks was at Rudee Inlet 18-22listed only 542 Whistling Swans, three Mute Swans, 323 Canada Feb. 13 (TRW) and from one to three were at C.B.B.T., from late Geese, five Brant, seven Snow Geese, 22 Mallards, 282 Black Ducks, December-Feb. 27 (CP, CT, NB et al.). Single Corn. Eiders were also three Gadwall, 10 N. Shovelers, 16 Buffleheadand six Oldsquaw there Dec. I (KHW) & F.eb. 27 (NB) as well as at Ocean City from late (DFH). At Presquile N.W.R., Va., ducks were "the lowest in many December-February (DFA) with two present there Feb. 7 (RFR,

Volume 36, Number 3 281 mob ) King Eiders were seenonly at Ocean City with three there in (DC) American Avocet 1s back at Craney after a weak showing late December (DFA, BC et al.). Ruddy Ducks have decreased dunngmost of 1981.Scott counted156 there Dec. 4 and Wolfe sighted dramatically,especially along the Potomacbut the top countswere of 26 on Feb. 19, the first for 1982,plus 59 on Feb. 24. 1050 at Craney Feb. 9 (TRW) and 2500 there Feb. 2 (RC). JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- A Great Skua was well seen off Ocean City Feb. 14 by all 25 aboard the "Mariner" at distancesas VULTURES THROUGH RAILS -- Black Vultures continue to close as 30 yards (RN et al.). Reports of GlaucousGull came from do well as indicated by the following CBC totals: 31, Denton, Washington, D.C., Craney, at sea off Ocean City, M.C.L.F, and Caroline Co., Md. (AJF), 43 Wachapreague,Va., Dec. 19(GR) and 63 Salisbury. Iceland Gull was seen off Ocean City, at M.C.L.F , and Lower Kent County, Md., Dec. 19 (JG, FLP). SingleGoshawks were Tilghman I., Talbot Co., Md. (Dec. 18-19--JKE). At M.C.L.F, six widely reported,mostly without substantiatingdetails, although one Iceland Gulls were seenFeb. 4-5, two GlaucousGulls Dec. 9-Feb 4, was at Gude's Nursery, Rockville, Md., in January(DC et al.). If the and three Lesser Black-backed Gulls Jan. 6-Feb. 23, while the other sightingsare valid it certainly appearsthat they had a better Salisbury landfill, a new discovery, yielded one Glaucous, three than average winter here. Sharp-shinnedHawks continueto attract Iceland and one Lesser Black-backed Gull all Jan. 25 (HLW). Singles more and more attention as opportunistic feeders lurking in the of Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull were at v•cinity of feedersfinishing a closesecond only to cats. Albino Red- M.C.L.F., Dec. 26 (BC). The latter continuesto be widely reported, tailed Hawks were seen n. of Richmond throughout February (FRS, beingseen in at least 13localities. Up to 6000Ring-billed Gulls were at mob.) and e. of Denton (AJF, m.ob.) the entire period, a very real Kerr Res., Feb. 13(SG). Two Black-headedGulls were at OceanCity dangeras a sourceof erroneousSnowy Owl reports. Three migrant for most of December (PGD, PAD, JMA) and up to four Little Gulls Red-shoulderedHawks were at Fairfax, Va., Feb. 23 (JWE). Rough- were present here into early January (PGD,-DFA et al.). Inland leggedHawk was widespreadand in excellentnumbers, occurring in Bonaparte'sGulls includedone at Kerr Res., Jan. 1 (RC), one on the many areason the Piedmont, lower w. shore,and e. Virginia suchas Gordonsville, Va., CBC Dec. 20 (JBB), 35 on Swift Creek Res, near the three see.n at Back Bay CBC, Dec. 29 (HTA et al.) where normally Richmond Jan. 9 (FRS et al.) plus 40 near Hopewell, Va., Jan 10 they are very uncommon.At Irish Grove Sanctuarye. of Crisfield, (FRS et al.). Naveen's pelagic trips yielded 32 Black-leggedKlt- Md., four were in sightsimultaneously Feb. 20 alongwith four Short- tiwakes out from Ocean City Jan. 2 (CBC) and 328 Feb. 14 with only earedOwls and an imm. Bald Eagle(JLS et al.), this beingabout as far two and three juveniles on hand respectively. A late Forster's Tern s as they are normally seen. was at Black., Dec. 5 (DC). Two Royal Terns at Black Bay Dec 5 At Deal I., 10 were in sight at one time Jan. 31 (HLW). Among the were also lingerers(TRW). The only Black Skimmerswere two each more unusual localities where Golden Eagles were seen were Pres- for CBCs at Little Creek and Back Bay Jan. 1 & Dec. 29 (fide PWS) qmle N.W.R. (Jan. 2-16---FRS, MAB et al., 1st there since 1971), Razorbills stagedan excellent showingoff the Maryland coast Ten Irish Grove (Feb. 7 JLS) and WachapreagueDec. 19(JGk), theseall were seenon the Jan. 2 CBC and nine plus 17 unidentifiedlarge alclds singles while two wintered at Black. (m.ob.). Bald Eagle news were counted Feb. 14 (RN et al.). Most unusual, albeit oiled, was a highlightsfeature the Maryland midwinter survey which revealed53 live one right next to thejetty at OceanCity Feb. 22 well-describedby adults and 59 immatures, 38 of these in Dorchester County and an Feddern. astounding47 in Harford County, a heretofore inaccessiblearea embracingthe army's mammothAberdeen Proving Ground, which it DOVESTHROUGH •HRIKES -- At leastone observer reported is to be hopedcan be censusedregularly, as it is a finehistorically rich heavy mortality of Rock Doves due to the extreme cold in January area for eagles(fide JMA, JG). Sixty were countedJan. 2 on the James and early February (EMW, in Rockville). In Washington,D.C, Barn R drainagein Virginia (MAB, TEA). On that state'slower e. shorean Owls, long known for aseasonalbreeding behavior, were at a nest site active nest was found n. of Cheriton Feb. 1 (MAB,fide FRS) the first into early January. Two adults and threejuveniles stayeduntil Dec nest in the Cape Charles area in many years and the first nest in Prince 18 with the adults and onejuvenile stayinguntil early January(DC) GeorgesCounty, Md., in at least 13years was seenFeb. 20 (JG). Two Among Reese's more unusual roadkills found during this brutal adults haunted Kerr Res., on the Virginia-North Carolina border in winter were Screech, Great Horned and Barred owls in Talbot February (SG, RC). However, many of the Harford County birds County, Md., where the St. Michaels CBC participants, obdurate may be migrantsfrom Canada.More than usualnumbers of unsea- owlers for decades,outdid themselveswith a total of 140 Screech sonalOspreys were reportedin Februaryat Horn Pt. (DM,fide JGR, Owls Dec. 20 (JGR et al.) all the more remarkablebecause almost half 24th), Hog I. (BW, LJ, 21st), Benedict, Md. (fide JG, 18th) and their area is brackish water. Single Long-eared Owls in Alexandria, Wallop'sI., Va. (fideCRV, two• datemislaid by editor).Merlins were Va. (date?, DFA), Ass. I., Dec. 28-29 (DMo, HLW), Irish Grove Jan seenat severalinland areas:Washington, D.C., Dec. 2 (DC), Oakton, 30 (DMo, HLW), and at Chinc. CBC, Dec. 28 (PP, PS,fide FRS) were Va., Feb. 4 (KHW), Greensboro, Caroline Co., Md., Jan. 8-9 (MWH, the only records. One of the winter's highlightswas the good show- fide AJF) and in Kent County, Md., Dec. 20 (MKK on CBC). ings of Short-eared Owls with six, "unprecedentedfor Baltimore" Bobwhite is still scarcer than normal and undoubtedly suffered this Feb. 21-27 (JW,fide RFR) and as many as nine n. of Frederick, Md, winter when for much of January the ground was covered by snow Feb. 14 (MPt,fide CPW), as well as goodnumbers in their more usual and ice. A Yellow Rail at Back Bay Dec. 29 was flushed twice and strongholdssuch as the lower ChesapeakeBay marshes(eight at Deal seen by 4 observers(PWS et al.). Common Gallinule is uncommonat I., Jan. 22-24•DMo, HLW) and several of the barrier islands The Chinc. anytime but three were on the CBC Dec. 28 (fide FRS) andone winter's Saw-whet Owl crop was alsoconsidered very good, "one of was seen on the strange date of Feb. 20 (MA, fide DFH). the better yearsin a decade"(JMS) with reportsfrom severalCBCs, a few roadkills and birds in places such as Gude's Nursery, Rockville, SHOREBIRDS -- As with herons and their allies most of the more Md., the Nat'l Arboretum in Washington,D.C., Wye Mills, Md, and interestingshorebird sightings in winter are garneredby the CBCs at Concord, Md. (DC, JGR, CS). Chinc. and Cape Charles. Chinc. recorded20 speciesDec. 28 includ- Unbelievable was a Ruby-throatedHummingbird which spentthe ing 344 Am. Oystercatchers,three Long-billed Dowitchers, nine entire period up until Feb. 21 as well as mostof last fall at a feederin PipingPlovers, one Am. Avocet andone Marbled Godwit (FRS, HSC Newport News (M & DM). Belted Kingfisher was consideredscarce et al.). Cape Charles posted a total of 17 speciessuch as 52 Am. even before this winter and will perhaps prove even scarcer Woodcocks, two Whimbrels, and 58 Marbled Godwits (HTA, CP et afterwards(MKK, HTA, MP). Red-headedWoodpeckers were com- al ). Three Am. Oystercatchers were spotted Feb. 26 w. of Ass. I., moner than usual(v. obs.) probablybecause of the record mast crop near their normaln. winter limit (DMo). Three SemipalmatedPlovers of last fall. "Apparentlypin oa•zs(Quercus palustris), the dominant on the Newport News CBC, Dec. 19 were in one of their less usual tree over much of the area, produce a bumper acorn crop every 3 wintering areas (WPS). Twelve Lesser Yellowlegs were on Ass. I., years(1972, 1975, 1978, 1981)resulting in an increasein Red-headed Jan. 2 and a late Long-billed Dowitcher was there Dec. 12 (SHD). Woodpeckers and Blue Jays every 3 years" (PW). Three Red- Always somethingof a rarity on the upper ChesapeakeBay, a Purple cockadedWoodpeckers were seen' near Waverly, Va., s.of Wllhams- Sandpiperwas at ChesapeakeBeach, Calvert Co., Md., Dec. 6 (HM, burg Dec. 5 (KS). In the interior of the Delmarva Pen., 458 Horned fide CPW). Six Least Sandpipersat Hopewell, Va., Dec. 13were late Lal:ks were listed on the Denton, Md. CBC, Dec. 20 (AJF et al ), if not retarded (FRS et al.). At Black., 800 Dunlin Dec. 12 was a showing their abundance in some inland areas. remarkable number for so late at this locality (DC). Wolfe detected Unique was a Barn Swallow at Virginia Beach Jan. 9 (DFA, DA) two Short-billedDowitchers at Craney Feb. 24, an interestingdate. Blue Jays were in high numbersin macy areas due to the abundant Two W. Sandpipers at Black., Dec. 12 were notable for so late there wild food crop. On the L. Anna CBC, Jan. 3,718 comprisedappar-

282 American Birds, May 1982 ently a record Piedmont winter count for Virginia (JBB). Black- capped Chickadees appeared in low numbers in February in n. Baltimore County (HK, RFR) but there was no notable flight. This winter was an excellent one for Red-breasted Nuthatch with record numberson many CBCs suchas 129at Cape Charlesand hightotals at other spots:44 Little Creek Jan. I (PWS et el.), 44 Washington,D.C., Dec. 19 (EMW et el.), 47 Denton Dec. 20 (AJF et el.), 43 Chinc., Dec. 28 (FRS et el.) and 37 St. Michaels (JGR et el.). Although there was little documentationmany felt Winter Wren had decreasedthis winter (v. obs.). Carolina Wren was hard hit by the severe weather of mid- winter (DC, MKK. PEN, SL. PW). We await the results of the Breeding Bird Survey to find out just how badly this speciesfared. PttintedBunting, Anmq•olis, Md., Jtm. 12, 1982. Photo/H. Wierenga. The analysis of the results of the survey on the heels of such (507, St. Michaels, Md.) piouslower but unprecedentednumbers in monumental weather is one of the many factors which make it so other areas where they are still uncommon but neverthelessincreas- valuable. Prior to this year's big freeze Carolina Wren had rebounded ing. In Lynchburg, Va., 1083were counted Feb. 14compared to only considerablyfrom the cold winters of the late 1970s. 596 on the CBC there (MM). An interestingwrinkle is their apparent Without precedent were the record numbers of Am. Robin on the sensitivity to extreme cold. In Richmond dozens were found dead or Virginia Piedmont,perhaps another plum of the fine food crop. "The dying in late January where it was suspectedthey may be dependent most spectacular event of the season" was a robin roost w. of on feeders with high quality food (CRB). Amherst which began in late December. A careful count Jan. 8 A moderate influx of Com. Redpolls occurred during February. considered 45,000 to be minimal (RC). This roost disbanded c. Jan. The first report was of one in Salisbury. Md., Jan. 31 (CRV) followed 20. Meanwhile at L. Anna CBC 1620 counted Jan. 3 established a by two in Towson, Md., Feb. 9 ( ES.fide RFR), two n. of Cockeysville record Piedmont winter count only to be broken the next day (JBB). n. of Baltimore Feb. 13 (HK, fide RFR), numerous records in the A Varied Thrush was reported from Oakton, Va., Dec. 28 (HS,fide Washington,D.C. area Feb. 19-21(fide CPW) and two at Gwynn's l., CPW). Several indicated E. Bluebird is doing well in spite of the cold Mathews Co., Va., Feb. 28-Mar. 4 (MP et el.). After a so-soshowing and for the third consecutive year the Mathews, Va., CBC recorded all winter Pine Siskin started to build up in late January (JHB, FRS, over 300 with 328 Jan 3 (MP et el.). Cedar Waxwing was in excellent JSW, MKK, JKE) becomingabundant at somelocalities, especially numbers, another beneficiary of the berry-nut-mast bonanza of 198I. Patuxent W.R.C., where there were c. 500 in February and c. 1000by At L. Anna CBC 1279comprised apparently a record Virginia count mid-March (MKK, JMS). High numbers were seen in Williamsburg, for any seasonJan. 3 (JBB) and a whopping 1222 were seen by the St. Michaels and elsewhere (BW, JKE, FRS, MP et al.). A Red Annapolis CBC the same day (HLW et el.). By late January many Crossbill in Belfast Valley n. of Baltimore Feb. 25 was the only non- berry trees in the Region had been stripped bare by waxwings and CBC report (HK,fide RFR). White-wingedCrossbill is yet another robins. LoggerheadShrike still draws muchcommentary concerning finch which stageda late invasion. The first ones were eight at the its decline. Nat'l Arboretum Feb. 7-15 (fide DC). Later groupsincluded 80 in n. BaltimoreCounty Feb. 13 (HK, fide RFR), 12 in Rockville Feb. 16 VIREOS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- White-eyed Vireo sin- (HLW) and severalother flocks in the WashingtonD.C. area, Belts- gles were reported on two CBCs: Back Bay Dec. 29 (GMW) and ville, Md., and Silver Spring, Md., Feb. 14-23 (fide CPW). This Mathews Jan. 3 (DS et al., .fide MP). A Solitary Vireo was seen at constitutesan excellent flight by Regional standards.Rufous-sided Cape Charles CBC Dec. 27 (PWS, GMW). Solo Black-and-white Towhee was in very high numberson many of the CBCs (q.v.). Good Warblers were found on CBCs at Hopewell Dec. 19 (NB,fide FRS) counts of Savannah (ipswich) Sparrow included 23 at Cape Charles and Back Bay (NB et al., fide PWS). A feeder frequentingOrange- Dec. 27 {CP et el.) and 16 at Chinc., Dec. 28 {FRS et el. ), both CBCs, crowned Warbler was in Williamsburg for most of January and and 128Sharp-tailed Sparrows were alsoat Cape CharlesCBC, a near February (M & DM, B Wet el.). Other warbler raritieswere confined record count for there (HTA et el.). The Lark Sparrow seen on the to unusual but not totally unexpected species seen on the CBCs Back Bay CBC, Dec. 29 very obliginglyremained until at leastJan. 9 (q.v.). The first singingPine Warblers, one of the earliestavian signs (GMW, DFA). An ad. Harris' Sparrow was reported from the Jug of spring,were heard at Kerr Res., where Chandlerfound 14on Feb. Bay area on the upper Patuxent R.. Md.. Feb. 14 (JG). The only 20, and Richmond, where Scott noted three on Feb. 23. A W. Palm Lapland Longspurreport was of four at Craney Dec. I {KHW, DP), Warbler was in Washington,D.C., Jan. I (DC). There were 3 reports indicative of a very poor seasonfor them. Snow Buntings showed up of Yellow-headed Blackbirds: a female in Arlington Jan. 10 (PM,fide at a few unexpected sites including 10 at Chance. Somerset Co., Jan. CPW), another female in Washington, D.C. Jan. 31 (DC) and an ad. 25 (DMo, HLW), one at Tilghman i.. Md., Jan. 4 (JGR) and 50 at male at Church Cr., near Black., Feb. 28 (PWS, BR). Northern Triadelphia Res., w. of Columbia, Md., Dec. 12 (RFR) while 55 at (Baltimore) Oriole was more widely seenthan usualwith many in the Craney Dec. 6 were more to be expected (FRS). Washington,D.C. area (fide CPW). At Williamsburg,where the CBC total of seven on Dec. 20 was considered low, as many as 19 were OBSERVERS -- D.F. Abbott, Dennis Abbott, J.M. Abbott, Mari- present mid-February in an area which last year had the North lyn Ailes, R.L. Ake, T.E. Armour, David Bateman. J.B. Bazuin. American CBC high count (15, BW). A c• Brewer's Blackbird was C.R. Blem, Daniel Boone, Ned Brinkley. J.H. Buckalew, M.A. reported from Washington, D.C., Jan. 31 (DC). Byrd, Ray Chandler, Barry Cooper, H.S. Cutler, David Czaplak, Thelma Dalmas, J.W. Dillard, P.A. DuMont, P.G. DuMont, S.H. Dyke, J.K. Effinger, J.W. Eike, Hans-JoachimFeddern, K.H. Finne- FINCHES -- Following a lackluster presenceon the CBCs and in gan, A.J. Fletcher, John Gottschalk (JGk), Steve Graves, John most of Januaryn. finchesbegan arriving in considerablenumbers in Gregoire, JamesGruber (JAG), Allen Hale, Mozelle Henkel, M. W. early February. See below under individual species.Near Warren, Hewlit, D. F. Holland, Helen irving, Leigh Jones, Hank Kaestner. Va., a Blue Grosbeak was seen Dec. 20-22 (AH, fide CES, ph.). Teta Kain, M.K. Klimkiewicz, Paul Leifer, Sam Lyon, E.T. Extraordinary in winter, an Indigo Bunting was found at Savage, Md., McKnight, D.A. Mendinhall, Donald Meritt (DMt), Debbie Mig- n. of Laurel c. Jan. 10 to at least Feb. 15 (PL, DB et eLL Equally nogno (DMo), Stauffer Miller, M. & D. Mitchell, Paul Mocko, unexpectedwas an ad. c• PaintedBunting near AnnapolisDec. 26- Myriam Moore, Harvey Mudd, Ron Naveen. P.E. Nistico, H.C. Jan. 21 (DC, HLW, RFR, m.ob.). Just received is a late report of Olson, Jim Orgain, F.L. Parks, Carl Perry, Don Peterson, Marie another one, an imm. male, found dead in Norfolk July 13, 1981(*at Plante (MPt), Bill Portlock, Mary Pulley. Peter Pyle, J.G. Reese, Old Dominion U., RC)'. The only Dickcissel record was of one in George Reiger, Mike Resch, R.F. Ringlet, Bob Russell, Henry Concord, Caroline Co., Md., Jan. 12 (CS,fide AJF). Evening Gros- Santiestevan, Kurt Savoie, F.R. Scott, Carol Scudder. J.M. Shep- beak was almostuniversally regarded as scarceall winter, a groupof pard, Dot Silsby, Eddie Slaughter, W.P. Smith. J.L. Stasz. C.E. 100in Northwest River P., Chesapeake,Va., Jan. 30 beingthe highest Stevens, Phil Stoddard, P.W. Sykes, Mike Tove. R.J. Tripician. count received (GMW). Purple Finch receivedmixed reviews, most Craig Tufts, Craig Turner (CTr). C.R. Vaughn, D.H. Wallace. K.H. feelingit wasscarce, although one observer's personal count was 175 Weber, J.S. Weske, H.L. Wierenga, C.P. Wilds. Jim Wilkinson. Bill at L. Anna CBC, Jan. 3 (JBB). House Finch continuesto be a plague Willams, G.M. Williamson, E.M. Wilson, T.R. Wolfe. Paul Wood- on the land with record counts from many area CBCs (Chinc.. ward.--HENRY T. ARMISTEAD, 28 E. Springfield Ave., Philadel- Hopewell, Washington,D.C.) and robust totals from many others phia, PA 19118.

Volume 36, Number 3 283 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION /Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. ..! _/- ..... ,,'-:_X'3-.... =::"4.....

The winter was somewhattypical of those of the past several, il being quite cold in midseasonbut rather mild at the beginningand end. December 1-18 was warmer than usual, but the start of the ChristmasBird Counts(hereafter, CBC) saw a sharpcooling trend. Not until late January did the temperaturesmoderate, and Febnmry was pleasantlymild. However, the period from January 10-14 was one of the coldestever for the Region.During these five days,most of the Piedmont remained below freezing, and many lakes and ponds froze over. Atlanta, Georgia, had a high temperature of 13øFon January 10. Back-to-back snows hit the Region during this "deep '•1 ATLANTA •t/t•v,tt•AUOUSTA liKEN• o• • /alN I -•x :•: ":•' freeze", and one or two other small snowstorms and icestorms also '.]• cotu•,us N '• • occurred. The winter was very wet, however, and an abundance of .... ' GA. • '•,•,'i¾• .:::::-::::: ..:• ? rainfall filled up many lakes that had been 10+ feet below normal. ff ß This was the dullest winter of birding in many years. Outstanding raritiesjust couldnot be found,and absolutely no onehad an exciting season,though Fussell turned up a numberof rare gulls at a landfill near Newport, North Carolina. The cold weatherbeginning Decem- ber 19 did bring down a good supply of waterfowl for CBC birders, . . . '- .... :.... and winterfinches were presentin fairly largenumbers for the second consecutivewinter. The "deep freeze" undoubtedlytook its toll on Georgia were cormorants at Sweetwater Creek S.P., near Atlanta kinglets,warblers, some wrens, EasternPhoebes, and perhapsmany Dec. 19 (D • PM), at Ben Hall L., near Dublin through Dec. 19 marsh dwellers, but otherwise there were plenty of mundane birds (TKP), and at Augusta (one Dec. 10 • 23 and two Feb. 23•AW, around. VW). Somewhatn. of the usualwinter rangewere four Anhingasthat spent the winter near Dublin (TKP), and one to two were noted SoA. t•ough Dec. 26 at Augusta (AW, VW). A Green Heron was seen at a A large number of contributorsnoted a scarcityof birds at farm pondlast winter near Pendleton, S.C.: presumablya heron at the feeders that normally teem with them, especiallywhen tem- rand Dec. 12 (HL) was the same individual. An Am. Bittern was rare peratures are sub-freezing. Many of the contributors were n•r Atlanta Dec. 12 (JOb and especially no•ble was another at smartenough to correlatethe scarcitywith an abundant wild Jordan Res., e. Chatham Co., N.C., Feb. 6 (BW, MW, JP). Bitterns foodcrop. Duringa springto fall growingseason with moder- are not rare on some inland CBCs, but most apparently are early ate to heavy rainfall, plants are seldomunder moisture stress, winter stra•lers, as few are seenafter e•ly Janu•y. and tissue production is weighted heavily toward growth. However, during periods of low moisture (such as this Re- WATERFOWL -- A few Whistling Swans, as usual, strayed gion's 18.-monthdrought), plants may becomestressed, inland: in Noah Carolina one to two were ne• BurlingtonDec. 12- therebyundergoing a shiftin tissueproduction from growthto Jan. 29 (AB), one at Whispering Pines Dec. 2 l-Janu•y (ROD), two at reproduction.As a result, the trees and shrubs(especially) Raleigh during the last half of December (HL et M.), and 13 on the producemore flowers and, consequently,more fi'uit than they Roanoke Rapids C BC Dec. 27 (HL), and another was noted at Santee would during a wetter growing season.The berry crop of Re[, S.C., Feb. 28 (CP, EP e; •1.). An imm. White-fronted Goose Flowering Dogwoods,for example, was so abundantthat the spent the entire winter at Pea I., N.C. (m.ob.), and nine adults were trees,usually stripped clean of berriesby November,literally detected at Santee Ref., Dec. 23 (MF). The first Ross' G•se ever for coloredthe forestsred well into midwinter. Hollies, bays, and the Region away from Pea I., was one seenat the neighboringBodie I. oakswere alsomentioned as havingexceptionally heavy berry lighthouse pond Dec. 30 (HA, WR e; •1.). A Ross' report from this and acorn production.Seed productionby herbaceousplants, area was well overdue. Puddle ducks r•e inland in winter included so important to birds such as sparrows. was probably high Pintails in North Carolina near Burlington(AB) and W•spering Pines also, though data were not well documented. All in all, (JHC), in South Carolina near Townville (HL), and in Georgia near granivorous and frugivorous species of birds had such an Dublin (first ever in January•TKP) and Aflame (PB); Blue-winged abundance of food in the rural areas that there was little need Teal on •he Jordan L., N.C., CBC Jan. 3 (RJ, •de BR): and N. to resort to feeders in towns for survival. Shoveler near Dublin Jan. 16 • Feb. 19(TKP). Always exciting in the Region, a d Eur. Wigeon was seen Dec. 29-30 at Bodie I., and two males were there the following day (DM, ABet •1.). Inland Greater Scaups, all from North C•olina, were two at GREBES THROUGH WADERS --The only report of a Red- Woodlake (formerly called L. Su• n•r Vass •c. 2 and one there necked Grebe was at Oregon Inlet, N.C., Dec. 29 (DM). Horned Jan. 8 (THe), one at nearby Lakeview Jan. 2 •de JHC), three near Grebeswere againquite scarceon mostinland lakes, although Chapel Fayetteville Jan. 14 (PJC), and four al Burlington Jan. 16 (AB). Hill, N.C., had a record 15on its C BC Dec. 27 (fide BW); numberson LesserScaups were quite abundantin the AuDts• ar•, with 200 in coastalCBCs, at least in North Carolina, were noticeablyincreased town Dec. ! and 500 at the nearby SavannahR. Hant, S.C., Dec. 19 over the miniscule populationsof the past 2 winters. A very rare (AW). A few Com. Goldeneyesand Com. Merganserswere detected inlandfind was an Eared Grebe at Rocky Mount, N.C., Jan. 30-Feb. 2 inland, as expected, but numbers were small. The best inland record (LF). White Pelicanshave been seen frequently in the Regionthe past for divingducks was a few White-wingedScoters on Par Pondat the few years, and this seasonsaw reports of singlebirds at Santee Savann• R. Plant in early February: one bird was found dying (LB/. N.W.R., S.C., in November (ED et el.), in the Charleston, S.C., area For the first winter in recent memory, no one reposed a Corn. Eider, all winter (DF et el.), at Eufaula N.W.R., Ga., Jan. 31 (D&PM) & nor was there a sighting of the r•er Harlequin Duck. However, an Feb. 20 (FM), and at Southport, N.C., Feb. 6 (CF). Brown Pelicans imm. • King Eider was noted on the Morehead City, N.C., CBC Dec. were quite common this winter over most of the North Carolina 20 (CM, WI), and a • King was seen at Hatteras Inlet Dec. 31 (MT, coast, even as far n. as Coilington and Nags Head (BH, fide EPo); HL, BL) and again Jan. 17 (JF et M.). most unusualinland were four at Washington. N.C.. Feb. 13-16(HS). Although Parnell noted that many immaturesstarved to death during HAWKS THROUGH CRANES • An excellent find was a Gos- the "deep freeze" in January, Fussell observed good numbers all hawk seen i.ear Raleigh Dec. 18-Jan. 28 (We, fide OWL it took a winter farther n. in Carteret County. rooster on one occasion. A Red-tailed Hawk of the Krider's race was Just one report of Great Cormorant was received--an immature at identified at Goose Cr., near Charleston Dec. 10 (CP, JH): and three Huntington Beach S.P., S.C., Jan. 19 (CP, JH). Double-crested Rough-leggedHawks, about par for the season,were sighted(all in Cormorantsare not usuallycommon in Januaryat OregonInlet; thus, North Carolina) o, the Durham CBC Dec. 20 (BW, MW), on the surprisingwas an estimateof 28,000 there Jan. 9 (RD). Rare for inland Jordan Lake CBC Jan. 3 (AC, Me), and near Fayetteville Feb. 22

284 American Birds, May 1982 (MEW) The only Golden Eagle reported was an immature seen by Newport landfill Jan 23-27 (JHa, GM, JF), and Fussell also was McCamey and his classat Eufaula N W R, Feb 20 I lost track of presentat Cape Hatteraspoint Feb 13 to discoveran ad Little Gull Bald Eagle reports, and surprisingly,except in South Carohna, the (JF, RD, AB). A Gull-billed Tern was extremely late at a pond at birds are being sighted more frequently inland than along the coast. McClellanville, S.C., Jan. 5 (JS). The best inland count was three adults and an immature seen on the A Forster's Tern was presumably a late migrant in Laurens Bald Eagle Survey Day at Bartlett's Ferry and Goat Rock damsnear County,Ga., Dec. 2 (TKP), andthe typically late departing Sandwich Columbus,Ga., Jan. 9 (SP). An Osprey near Atlanta Feb. 13 (JSt) Tern was seen in the Beaufort Inlet, N.C., area• five on Dec. 4 (JF) might have been a very early migrant, and a Peregrine Falcon at and two the followingday (RJH). The only pelagictrip duringthe Raleigh Jan. 6 (FI) was a good find away from the coast. Inland winter, in conjunction with the Cape Hatteras CBC Dec. 31, was Merlins were noted at Jordan Res. (JK), Fayetteville (PJC), Dublin responsiblefor the only Black-leggedKittiwake and alcid sightings (TKP), Savannah R. Plant (AW, VW), and Six Mile, S.C. (DM). (CPe); the alcid was a Razorbill or murre. Moore suggestedthat Bobwhites may have been hit hard by the Januaryfreeze, and he found nonethrough March in the Atlanta area. CUCKOOS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- A Yellow-billed The speciesdoes seem to have been more difficult to find on CBCs Cuckooat Moncks Corner, S.C., Dec. 6 (CP) was at least6 weekslate during the past several years; however, as the speciesis quiet and in departing the Region. Inland birders have discovered that Short- clumped into coveys in winter, it seemsbest (and easiest) to deter- eared Owls inhabit the weedy, empty lakebedsof future reservoirs mine populationtrends in the summer, with the help of Breeding Bird Not surprisingly, five owls were seen on the Durham CBC Dec. 20 Survey data. Noteworthy Sandhill Cranes involved flocksmigrating (JM, OM,fide MS) in the lakebedof Falls of the Neuse Res. The owls N throughGeorgia: 12 over Decaturon the early dateof Feb. 25 (AA) were again noted at nearby Jordan Res., now half full; the Jordan and 48 somewhatto the w. of the narrow route through the state near Lakeand Chapel Hill countstallied three and five birds, respectively Callaway Gardens Feb. 26 (JBo). Other inland Short-earedswere near St. Matthews, S.C. (no date-- JB, SC) and Roanoke Rapids, N.C., Dec. 27 (LP). A Saw-whet Owl SHOREBIRDS -- Three Am. Avocets were rare at the Altamaha was seen near Frisco, N.C., Dec. 31 (ML, JF); and the easily- N W R., Ga., Dec. 27 (AW, VW), as was a SemipalmatedPlover overlookedWhip-poor-will was flushedtwice--near Long L., Cra- inland at Eufaula Ref., Feb. 21 (FM). Although Wilson's Plovers ven Co., N.C., Dec. 23 (RH) and at Aiken S.P., S.C., Dec. 24 (AW, occasionally linger through December along the coast, one near VW, CB). These latter 2 locales are somewhat to the n. of the Beaufort, N.C., Feb. 6 (JW) might have been present all winter. A goatsucker's usual winter range. Whlmbrel was seen at Cumberland I., Ga., Jan. I (HG, PB), and The solehummingbird report was a 0 Archilochus,with no traceof Patterson noted both speciesof yellowlegs inland at Dublin--a rusty coloration,seen regularly in a Beaufort,N.C., yard until Dec Greater Jan. 6 and a Lesser Dec. 29. Spotted Sandpiperswinter in 18 (SPo). Red-haired Woodpeckers, normally uncommon at most small numbersalong the coast from n. South Carolina southwardand placesin winter, were quite numerousat many localities.For exam- sparinglyin s. Georgia; thus notable were singlebirds at Augusta ple, RoanokeRapids generally averages one or two per CBC, but this Dec 26 (AW, VW), at Hatteras, N.C., Jan. 10 (RD), and s.w. of seasonthree observerseach tallied 10+ birds(fide ML). Birderson Atlanta Feb. 21 (PB, LT, TM). Amonggood shorebird counts were 18 the SouthernPines, N.C., CBC on Jan. 2 apparentlywanted to make Short-billedDowitchers at Eufaula Ref., Feb. 21 (FM) and as many as it clear to everyonethat the town is the Red-cockadedWoodpecker 100Red Knots all winter in the Atlantic Beach,N.C., area (JF). A few capital of the world: a specialeffort yielded a record 66 birds (fide Dunhnsand Least Sandpiperswere seeninland in December,as is JHC). This total shouldnot misleadthe readerinto thinkingthat this customary,but nearly all had departedby the end of the month. federallyendangered species is doingwell; in mostparts of the range habitat continues to dwindle.

JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- As has been the case for most SWALLOWS THROUGH VIREOS -- A big influx of Tree Swal- recent winters, jaegers were noted only in North Carolina: a Poma- lows was noted in coastal Carteret County after the Januaryfreeze nne and two Parasiticson the Bodie-PeaI. CBC Dec. 30 (fide PS), a Fussell observed as many as 5000 in the area in late January and Parasitic on the Morehead City CBC Dec. 20 (LC), and eight February.Presumably owing to the mild Februaryweather, Purple unidentifiedjaegers at Pine Knoll ShoresDec. 4 (LC). It has become Martins arrived on their nesting grounds at least a week early: at obvious that thesejaegers do not regularly spendthe entire winter Atlanta by Feb. 13 (fide TM), at Rockingham, N.C., by "mid- alongthe Region'scoastline (at leastwithin sight of shore),but simply February" (fide DM), and at Durham by Feb. 18 (PG). Fish Crows linger into early winter (December). Gulls were the major news of the again wintered in the Townville area of L. Hartwell, S.C. (HL); the otherwise forgettable season.A record CBC total for the Region was peak count was four Feb. 6. The birdswere feedingwith Com. Crows the three GlaucousGulls on the Cape Hatteras count Dec. 31 (fide in plowedfields and pastures, most unusual habits and habitats for the CPe), and Fussellet al., had a Glaucousat a landfillnear Newport, Piedmont. In fact, this is the only site in the Piedmont where Fish N C , Jan. 22-29. Two of the five Iceland Gulls for the winter were at Crows are known to winter regularly. Although Am. Robins were the Newport landfill--an adult Jan. 22 & Feb. 13 (JF, WI, FI) and an very abundantthis winter at Winston-Salem,N.C. (200,000estimated immature Jan. 23-26 (JF et al.); the others were an immature at in the area--RS), the species drew little comment elsewhere. Did Hatteras Dec. 31 (HA, DM), and immature at a landfill in New robins winter in greater numbers to the n. of the Region, assumingan Hanover County, N.C., in January (GM, JFP), and an adult at abundanceof berries there? A lingeringBlue-gray Gnatcatcherwas Morehead City Feb. 8 that may have been the Newport bird (JF). noted near Beaverdam Res., Dec. 5 (RD). Two White-eyed Vireos Lesser Black-backedGull recordshave multiplied to the point that were noteworthy Dec. 31 on the Cape Hatteras CBC (PS, TH) just a summary is warranted: this season there were four between Somewhatcloser to the edgeof the range were singleWhite-eyeds in Hatteras Inlet and Cape Hatteras point (MT, JF et al.), four at the s.e. Carteret County Jan. 30 (TH, KK) and at SanteeN.W.R., Feb. 28 Newport landfill (JF et al; * N.C.S.M.), and singlesat Wanchese, (CP, EP et al.). N C (JF et al.), New Hanover County landfill (GM), and PawleysI., S C (fide DF). WARBLERS THROUGH TANAGERS -- Despite a warmer- The 5 daysof below freezingtemperatures in mid-Januarycaused a than-normal period leading up to the CBCs, few warblers of note major fishkill on inlandlakes, and Ring-billedGulls were drawnto the lingeredinto the winter season(perhaps owing to a cool November) lakes In absolutely unprecedentednumbers. From mid-January A Prairie Warbler in Morehead City Jan. 6 was a very rare, although through February five to ten times the usual numbersof gulls were not really unexpected,winter sightingfor that area (JF). A Palm present. Over 2000 were in the Augusta area in January (AW), a Warbler at RaleighJan. 11 (TK) and 12 at JordanRes., Jan. 30 (BW, similar number was near Durham, N.C., Feb. 20 (JL), 1000were at SG et al.) were notablefor that month. The only truly excitingwinter Beaverdam Res., n. of Raleigh Jan. 31 (RD, BW), and 400 were at warbler record (reaching my desk) was of an Ovenbird at Frisco, Clemson, S.C., after the freeze (AAv, HL). With the Ring-billeds N.C., Dec. 31 (TH), just a few milesfrom the site where one was seen were the usual proportion(5-10%) of Herring Gulls; excellentcounts last winter. Northern Oriolesaway from their usualrange were noted were of 80 at BeaverdamRes., Jan. 31 (RD), 50 + at Kerr Scott Res., at Pea I., Dec. 30 (GP) and at CollegePark, Ga., Jan. 6 (D & PM). In N C , Feb. 14 (TH), and 15 in the Atlanta area Jan. 20-25 (PB, DB). many towns where orioles winter regularly, observerscomplained of The other "inland" gull, the Bonaparte's,did not take part in the feast a scarcity of the birds at their feeders, undoubtedlyin part becauseof on deadfish, and the specieswas detectedin normal(small) numbers the wild food available to them. I know of 2 counts that missed orioles on the lakes. An exciting find was an ad. Black-headed Gull at the becausethe birders who usually feed them neglectedto do so this

Volume 36, Number 3 285 December owing to the trouble and expenseof putting out apples, in the n e portion of that military baseJan 11 As thissparrow breeds oranges,cornbread, and the 11ke•Several Brewer's Blackbirdswere on the base,the birdsseen in winter were presumablypresent dunng reported, but the only one not "out of habitat" was a female with a the summer.Continuing a trend set in recent years, the only Tree flock of Rusty Blackbirdsat a golf courseat Atlanta Feb. 21 (PB). Sparrow report was from n. North Carolina--a feeder bird near Don't Brewer's winter in cow pastures and feedlots anymore? Are RaleighJan. 15-16(DL). A Clay-coloredSparrow seen on the Atlanta they so regular in Georgia that birders in that state no longer report CBC Dec. 20 (FM) provided apparently Georgia's second winter them? Western Tanagerswere noted a gratifying 3 times: at Frisco record. Although the rump color was not seen, other field marks were Dec. 31 (TH), at a Fayetteville feeder Jan. 12-early February (RC, convincing.This Clay-coloredwas seen with a flock of Ch•pplng HR, PJC), and at BrookgreenGardens in Georgetown Co., S.C., Jan. Sparrows.On the 5 or 6 occasionsI have seenthem in the Carolinas, 30-31 (JB, LG, GMcC). The best feeder bird of the seasonwas the 0 including twice in winter, Clay-coloredshave been with flocks of Summer Tanager at a Clemson feeder Jan. 9-24 (M & CP); Hamel and Field Sparrows.Their calls, body shape(longish tail), and behavior LeGrand saw the bird and heard it call Jan. 18. This is the first winter patternssuggest Fields and not Chippings.In other words, descrip- record for the state away from the coastal counties. tions of this rarity shouldinclude more thanjust the patternof stripes or streaks on the head. A Lincoln's Sparrow in Nugent's yard at FINCHES -- Last winter saw sightingsof Black-headedand Blue CharlestonFeb. 17-Mar. 2 was the only one reportedfor the season grosbeaks,and Lazuli, Indigo, and Paintedbuntings. This winter saw Lapland Longspurs were found at their usual haunts near Roanoke only a 0 Painted Buntingat the McClellanvilleCBC Dec. 20 (TR). Rapidsand Townville; at the latter locality the winterpeak was nine Evening Grosbeakswere presentin moderatelygood numbersover Dec. 6 (HL, SAG). McNair sawtwo Dec. 20 at the Laurinburg,N C, parts of the Region. They were fairly commonto commonin c. North airfield, a new site for the species.After a bannerwinter in 1980-81, Carolina s. to Sumter, S.C., and fairly common over much of the Snow Bunting numbersreturned to normal (very low) levels, as the former state's Coastal Plain. Grosbeakswere quite uncommon over sole report was of two at Cape I., S.C., Dec. 20 (PO, JS). most of Georgia and South Carolina. Purple Fincheswere surpris- ingly scarce, being fairly common at best in most counties. House OBSERVERS -- Harry Armistead, AnselmAtkins, Alan Avaklan Finch numbers,for this winter at least, seemto be levelingoff in most (AAv), Jimmy Beatty, Clarence Belger, Judy Bolyard (JBo), Lehr places, with few localitiesreporting significantly increased popula- Brisbin, Donna Brisse, Patrick Brisse, Allen Bryan, Angelo Cap- nons over thoseof last year. Good countsfrom townsnear the margin parella, J.H. Carter III, Ruth Chesnutt, Steve Compton, Larry of the winter rangewere seasonalpeaks of 30 at MoreheadCity (JF), Crawford, P.J. Crutchfield, Evelyn Dabbs, Ricky Davis, Roberta 15 at Whispering Pines, Moore Co., N.C. (CT), and 24 at Augusta Davis (ROD), Mitch Feller, Lou Fink, DennisForsythe, Charles Fox, (CB). The rarest winter finch to appearwas the Corn. Redpoll, and it John Fussell, Hugh Garrett, S.A. Gauthreaux, Lex Glover, M•chael was sightedonly in the North Carolina Piedmont:in a weedy field Godfrey, Steve Graves, Joe Greenberg, Walton Gregory, Perry Dec. 27 on the Chapel Hill CBC (DT), at a Durham feeder Jan. 25-26 Guthrie, R.J. Hader, Tom Haggerry, Paul Hamel, John Hardwick (OM, PM et al.), and at a Raleighfeeder Jan. 26-27 (FI). Numbe'rsof (JHa), Julia Hill, Robert Holmes, Brian Horsley, Tom Howard Pine Siskinstopped thoseof EveningGrosbeaks, although surpris- (THo), Fran Irvin, Wayne Irvin, Ross Jervis, Jim Keighton, Tess ingly the pattern of abundancewas quite differentfrom that of the Klose, Ken Knapp, Dave Lee, Harry LeGrand, Bob Lewis, Joe latter. Whereasgrosbeaks were scarcein Georgiaand the w. portions Lockwood, Merrill Lynch, Chris Marsh, Greg Massey, Frank of the Carolinas, siskins were common over most of the Region's McCamey, Dennie and Pat McClure, Jim McConnell, Owen McCon- Piedmont, especially at Atlanta and Winston-Salem(cities where nell, Pat McConnell, George McCoy (GMcC), Terry Moore, North grosbeakswere uncommon).Still anotherwinter passedwithout a Carolina State Museum, Perry Nugent, Paul Opler, Merrill & Char- Red Crossbill flight, although crossbillswere spotted at least 3 lotte Palmer, J.F. Parnell, Sam Pate, T.K. Patterson,Johnnie Payne, times--three on the Raleigh CBC Dec. 19 (fide RJH), one photo- Lance Peacock,Grayson Pearce, Carl Perry (CPe), Cheryl Phfihps, graphedat a RoanokeRapids feeder in December(fide ML), and one Eddie Phillips, Eloise Potter (EPo), Stanley Potter (SPo), Henry seen and heard at Six Mile, S.C., Feb. 23 (DM). Rankin Jr., Tom Reeves, Barbara Roth, Will Russell, Mike Schultz, A Grasshopper Sparrow was observed Dec. 16 & 22 near Jay Shuler, Ramona Snavely, Hugh Sterling, Jay Stolar (JSt), Paul Morehead City (JF), a town that lies somewherenear the n.e. edge of Sykes, Don Tarbet, Lydia Thompson,Mike Tove, Carol Turner, Bill the poorly-definedwinter range. Bachman'sSparrows appear to Wagner, Margaret Wagner, Jeff Walters, Anne Waters, Vernon winter regularly as far n. as the North CarolinaSandhills. Carter and Waters, Gall Whitehurst, M.E. Whitfield.--HARRY E. LeGRAND, Howard saw two in w. Ft. BraggJan. 2, and Crutchfieldsaw two more JR., Department of Zoology, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29631.

FLORIDA REGION seemsdesirable to documentit more fully .thanusual. The sourcesof /Henry M. Stevenson comparativedata this time are threefold:(1) The monthlysummaries of abundancebased on repetitivetrips by four observersin December and January compared with similar data taken 1946-81. These are Variability best characterizesthe winter of 1981-82in Florida. subdividedinto data in inland Leon County and the coastalcounties Most stationshad small deficits in average temperature in December (Wakulla,Franklin). Speciesthat occurregularly in thosemonths and and January,and probablyall had largeexcesses in February. From in both subregionsmay accumulatea total of four pointsif they are the standpointof vegetationand probablysome insectsand birds, appreciablybelow their longtermaverages for thosemonths. (2) Gaff however,a singlethrust of arcticair wasthe criticalevent. Much of Menk had made four-day countsin Leon County over routesmostly north Florida had subfreezingtemperatures for about 36 consecutive different from those above for the last four Decembers.Another point hoursJanuary 10-12, the minimaat Tallahasseebeing 15 ø on the 1lth is given to specieswhose frequencies (birds per hour)were lower in and 14ø on the 12th. On the sametwo morningsOrlando, in the heart his 1981count than in any previousones. (3) The St. Marks Christmas of the citrus belt, had hard freezes, and the freeze on the 12threached Bird Count (hereafter, CBC) includedmany areasnot coveredin the as far south as Fort Myers and doubtlessfarther inland. It seems surveys mentioned above. Whenever a species' number on this hkely that many insectssurviving the cold of Decembermay have winter's CBC was appreciablylower than the averagefor that species succumbedto thismuch colder period and placed insectivorous birds on CBCsfrom 1975through 1980, another point was given. No points under stress.An abundantcrop of wild fruit in north Florida, how- were given in any instance when a specieswas close to a previous ever, may have been the salvation of many birds. The other norm or when its normal abundancewas too low for valid compari- meteorologicalevent was the progressivedrought. Most stationshad son. Thus a maximum of six points is available for speciesseen deficient rainfall from April through December, and some lakes in regularlyin winter, or only three pointsfor thoserestricted to the north Florida, at least, were at their lowest levels in several years. coast. The resultsof this summationfully confirmedwhat most observers MORE POPULATION DECLINES -- The paucity of many hadsuspected. There ,were 57 specieswith at leastfour "low" points specieswas so striking and so generally agreed upon this winter that it versus 14 with as many as four highs. "Small" land birds (doves to

286 American Birds, May 1982 / those parts of peninsular Florida where that tree grows. As Crawford CENTRAL SOUTHERN J -REGION• • pointed out, the scarcity of birds at feeders may have been exacer- j•--..... •_____(. rTALLAHASSEE•. AT,LANTIC bated by the abundanceof the wild-fruit supplyand the lack of a major %% T •._l_ DIVISION i,•.• OCEAN irruption of Cardueline finches. But one question remains: Why was •• • •-•- • .... •/ •k•onviJle :' the decline so precipitous this year? For that I have no answer...... • •./'• LiveOa. LOONS, GREBES AND PELECANIFORMS -- Four Com...... • //•'• R? NORTHERN Loons were 22 mi offshore of Cape Canaveral Feb. 15 (JJ). An Eared Grebe inhabited L. Jackson Dec. 13 (BA, LA & DY) & 19 (GM); another was at the Clear Springs PhosphateMine, Polk Co., Feb. 21 Alligato• C.•d6r[ Orlando•Mer•itt Is. {CG & R. Geanangel). Another inland Brown Pelican was at L. Underhill Jan. 4 (W. Freeman), and Powell reported them now common 20 mi up the St. JohnsR. Large numbersof Gannets were oft' SL PetersburgTampa • • • L,W•I••...... •Mejbøurne ': . _• •u • H • • •F'•rt Pierce Cape Canaveral---2800 Jan. 9 and 3000 Feb. 14 IJJ), probably the largestconcentrations ever recorded in Florida. Single Great Cormo- saras•ta/• bebr,ng'"•L. Okeech•be• rants were found at L. Jackson Dec. 13 (RC & GM) and Ponce Inlet GUL:•OFMEX,COF•rt•yers• Dec. 19 {RH). Two Anhingaswere rare visitors to the Keys at Boca • •an•Del•!S•. Forl •:J( H:ATCHEE Chica Feb. 24 (R&VS). •orKS:Cr•w•.•mp• Lauderdale••D•IFE HERONS THROUGH FLAMINGOS-- Northerly winter records of single"Great White" Herons came from Sarasota Bay December- February (RP) and Turtle Mound, Volusia Co., Jan. 25 (L. Breen). A . • , DryTø•ugas K•y N flight of 90 Great Egrets at TallahasseeJan. I (GM) was enigmatic, J J • West•*•Uppbr Keys as it was deemed too early for migration yet no nearby roost was J FLORIDAJ Slg::•i•eKey• known. Two Cattle Egrets in n. Leon County Dec. 22 and one at L. Jackson Feb. 21 (GM) were unusual, but the second one may have been a very early spring arrival. A Wood Stork was late near St. Marks Light Dec. 9 (HMS). An Am. Flamingo was in upper Florida sparrows,omitting owls) had an even moredisparate ratio of 39 with Bay Feb. 21 (C. WooIf). four or more low pointsand only sevenwith that many high points. Changesof coveragein the monthlysummaries beginning in 1975may WATERFOWL -- Three White-fronted Geese remained at L. account for as many as 14 of the total of 71 major changes of Harney, Seminole Co., Feb. 6-14 (DF, CT et al.), and two were on abundance,and these are about equally divided between the above- Paynes Prairie Jan. 31 (RR). A Snow Goose strayed S to Rookery normal and the below-normal species.With the omissionof these 14 Bay, Collier Co., Jan. 5 (TB) & 8 ("BY"). Myakka River S.P., had a species,those with a 6:0 ratio of lows to highswere: CanadaGoose, Eur. Wigeon and a Cinnamon Teal Dec. 22 (LA, H&WD et aLL The Common Flicker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sap- CommonEider reported dt Naples in November was still there in mid- sucker, Eastern Phoebe, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Eastern January (ph. to T.T.), and another at Big Marco Pass("much lighter Bluebird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cardinal and Rufous-sidedTow- breast") Jan. l0 became the second acceptable record for Flofida's hee. Low on five counts (some with no highs) were: Horned Grebe, Gulf Coast (TB). Oldsquaws were evidently more numerous than Snow Goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, usual: one at Merritt Island N.W.R., Feb. 6-20 (BM, CT), two at Port American Coot, Least Sandpiper. Red-cockadedWoodpecker. Tree Canaveral Feb. 21 (E. & J. Fishman), one at Ward's Bank, Duval Co., Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Cedar Waxwing, Palm Warbler, Feb. 21 (JW, m.ob.), one at Ft. Clinch S.P., Feb. 7-21 (HK, JW et al.), Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, and one al St. Marks Light (FS). White-winged Scoters were Brown-headedCowbird, Purple Finch. Dark-eyed Juncoand White- identified at Ponce Inlet, one Jan. 16 (TR), Merritt Island N.W.R., throatedSparrow. Specieswith four lows and no highs were: Louisi- two Feb. 12(HK, P&FB) andeight Mar. 3 (RL), a,nd n. BananaR., ana Heron, Hairy Woodpecker, Gray Catbird, Golden-crowned five Feb. 9 (RL). Surf and Black scoters were too abundant on the Kinglet and LoggerheadShrike. Finally, several primarily coastal Atlantic Coast to detail, but scoters generally were few on the Gulf speciesregistered three lows and no highs: Common Goldeneye, side. At Melbourne 208 Blacks and 11 Surfs were counted Jan. 17 ClapperRail, Black-belliedPlo;•er, Western Sandpiper, Sanderling (HL, WM & TT), and as many as 200 Blacks between St. Augustine and Royal Tern. If any speciesin the abovelists represent vagaries of and Fernandina Beach. Smaller numbers of Surf Scoters were at chance, I hasten to add my conviction that most of the omitted Holly Hill, Volusia Co., Merritt Island N.W.R., Port Canaveral, and specieswith 4: I and4:2 ratioson the low sidewere truly reducedthis from St. Augustine to Duval County. and a few Black Scoterswere at winter. Merritt Island N.W.R., and New Smyrna Beach. Six Hooded Mer- Opinionsof contributorselsewhere in the Region, whether subjec- ganserson Cudjoe Key Dec. 15(BS & MB) may be the largestnumber tively or objectivelybased, were also virtually unanimousin their recordedin the Lower Keys. ACom. Merganserwas at CocoaJan. 26 conviction that many specieswere much reduced, often including (R. Brown) and 31 (HL), and up to II Red-breasted Mergansers specieslisted above. The Stedmans,at Anna Maria Key, bandedonly remained throughout winter on inland L. Placid (FL). eight Yellow-rumpedWarblers, no AmericanGoldfinche 5 and no American Robins this winter; the respective totals in 1980-81 had FALCONIFORMS -- Two concentrations of about 1000 Turkey been 400+, 59, and 101. Malcolm Simons cited as reduced around Vultures were reported--one at a fish kill in Winter Haven Dec. 6 Fort Myers the Blue Jay, Brown Thrasher,White-eyed and Solitary (PF) and in a late migration on the Lower Keys Dec. 12 {H. Darrow). vireos and Black-and-white and Yellow-throated warblers. Bobby A surprisinglyhigh count of 40 + EverlgadeKites off the Tamiami Crawford and others he talked with in north Florida and south Trail, Collier Co., was made Feb. 13 (A. Sanbornet aLL and a single Georgia also remarked on the scarcity of small land birds. Hames imm. White-tailed Kite appearedon the Merritt Island N.W.R., Dec. wrote that "all land birds were scarce in the Keys. , ." Repenning 4 (B. Payne & B. King). Usually rare on the Keys. Red-tailed Hawks reportedfrom the Gainesvillearea that "winteringbirds in generalare numbered I-4 on the "middle keys" Dec. 3-Jan. 16 (MB). Single in low numbers this year." Swainson's Hawks were in E.N.P., Jan. 22 (MR) and on the Lower It is much easier to learn that many speciesdeclined since last year Keys Dec. 3-Jan.5 (MB), and a Broad-wingedHawk was unusually than to learn why they did so. I can think of no singlecausative factor, far n. at Orlando Dec. 20 (K. Dowling). Rare on the Lower Keys in but a number of conditionsmay have acted cumulatively. All of the recent years, a Short-tailedHawk was identifiedon Big Pine Key Jan. last six winters (December-February 1975-81) were colder than aver- 17(BS). Two other raritieswere a Rough-leggedHawk at Wellington. age and must have reduced the numbers of some insectivorous Palm Beach Co., Jan. 15 (R. Plockelman)and a Golden Eagle near St. species. Habitat losses, especially within the breeding ranges, are Cloud Dec. 30 (HL & TT). A concentration of 16 Bald Eagles at L. progressiveand critical. The role of insecticidesis doubtless still Harney Feb. 6 (DF & CT) included13 immatures,three birds at L. important, despitethe banningof DDT. Richard Paul believesthat the Jackson(GM) were also encouraging.Wintering of Ospreysin Leon failure of the Schinus crop (berries) following the freeze of January County was finally documented this year with single birds at L. 1981 may have accountedfor the scarcity of American Robins in Talquin Dec. 21 (GM) and L. JacksonDec. 30 andthree Jan. 16(GM).

Volume 36, Number 3 287 Another was flying over TallahasseeJan 21 (F & B Stoutamlre) A the Key West golf course(= Stock I • Dec 6 was probably the first PeregrineFalcon wintered at HillsboroughBay (RP), and a Caracara ever recorded farther out than Big Pine Key The only Short-eared was a bit far n. at the Tosohatchee State Preserve, Orange Co., Jan. Owl reported was at Alafia Bank, Hillsborough Co., Jan. 6-Feb 21 23 (CT, TR et al.). (RP, R. Bantz). ACom. Nighthawk, rare in winter, was well seen at Port Charlotte Jan. 18 (M. Simons). Perhaps less well seen was a CRANES AND GALLINULES -- A Sandhill Crane flying over in nighthawkin Key West Dec. 6, but it "appeared... smallishand the n w. Wakulla County Dec. 6 (RC) wasprobably a late migrant,but the bar on wing seemednear the tip. A Lesser?"(P. & R. May). status of one that remained at L. JacksonDec. 13-27 (RC, GM) was less certain. An all-time high for winter was an estimate of 50 Purple SWIFTS AND FLYCATCHERS -- Vaux's Swiftsagain roosted in Gallinules at the Loxahatchee N.W.R., Jan. 23 (PS, WG & BH). the large chimney at the Flordia State Univ. power plant, Tallahas- see;at least 16 were countedat one time, Dec. 19-lateFebruary (GM, S.A HMS et al.). Although E. Kingbirdsare sometimesreported (e g, on A "Caribbean" Coot has remained at Tallahasseethrough- CBCs), few winter records are convincing; an exception was one at out the period (m.ob.) and one at Tampa sinceJan. 29 (LA, RP Juno Beach Feb. 20 (P & FB). Unusual locations for wintering et al.). The rash of sightingsof suchcoots spreading ever N Scissor-tailedFlycatchers were Port CanaveralFeb. 6 (M. Trafton et and W in the United States, to the delight of listers, presents al.) and near L. Placid Jan. 10 (GW, C. Winegarner et al.). In a group someperplexing problems. The Tallahasseebird (like others, where identification by sound may be more important than by sight, accordingto informants) soonbegan to associatewith another the following records were based on both criteria: Wied's Crested (female?)coot and establisheda territory coveringabout one- Flycatcher in E.N.P., Dec. 17 (LA, P. Lanzillotti) and 21 (H & WD), tenth of the lake, often driving away other coots. Are we to and Least Flycatchers at 4 localities in s. Florida January-February assumethat this seemingpair bondis to be rupturedwhen the (HL, GH et al.). E.N.P. also had a Vermilion Flycatcher Dec 21 (H bird with the bulbous shield betakes himself on a Caribbean & WD) & Jan. 22 (MR). cruise and his partner venturesN? Is that type of behavior exhibited by any other speciesof bird? Although space here SWALLOWS, MAGPIES AND CROWS -- The first winter rec- does not permit presentationof a detailed alternative view, I ords of Barn Swallows in Leon County were at the Tallahassee recommend that objective birders carefully read Gordon Gul- sewageponds, one Dec. 21 and two moribund birds Jan. 9 (GM) A lion's discussion of variations in the frontal shield of Am. Purple Martin in East-point Jan. 4 (J. Stevenson)may have attempted Coots (WilsonBull. 63:157-166).Is it possiblethat a few old wintering, but an early arrival was at L. Lafayette, Leon Co., Jan 28 males amongthis populationhave steppedup their output of (HMS). Paul counted about 22,400 Fish Crows goingto roost at Alafia testosterone? Bank Feb. 13.

SHOREBIRDS -- A large group of Am'. Oystercatchers was KINGLETS, PIPITS AND BANANAQUIT -- A Golden- estimated at 50 in s.e. Hillsborough Bay Feb. 10 (RP). Two record- crowned Kinglet was s. of its usual range at Orlando Jan. 10 (HK) breakingmidwinter counts for Leon Countywere five Black-bellied Menk's estimate of 150-200 Water Pipits at the Tallahassee sewage Plovers at L. Jackson Dec. 19 and 21 Lesser Yellowlegs at the ponds Jan. 13 was the largest number recordedin several years A Tallahassee sewage plant Dec. 28 (GM). Locally rare were two Sprague'sPipit was flushedon the St. George I. causewayDec 22 SolitarySandpipers af the LoxahatcheeN.W.R., Feb. 13(HL, GH et (HMS & S. Cole). Two Bananaquitsappeared in Palm Beach Dec 26 al ), a Red Kl•ot at Ft. Pierce Inlet Jan. 24 (JB), and the following Am. (J. Arnold, HL, m.ob.). Avocets: St. Marks Light December-January (m.ob.), Payne's Prairie November-early January (J. Hintermister), and Cedar Key WARBLERS -- A true rarity was a Blue-winged Warbler at Jan. 21 (BM). A Black-neckedStilt at Key West Feb. 25 (R & VS), in E.N.P., Jan. 1 (HL, TT et al.), and the Stedmansbanded an excep- the absenceof winter recordsthere, was likely a very early migrant. tionally late TennesseeWarbler on Casey Key Dec. 17. Pittell and Karch had the good fortune of seeingtwo Worm-eatingWarblers, a JAEGERS, GULLS AND TERNS -- Onshoresightings of Poma- Magnolia Warbler, and a Yellow-breasted Chat in E.N.P., Feb 6 A nne Jaegersincluded three at Cape CanaveralNat'l SeashoreFeb. 13 Black-throatedGray Warbler was at an unspecifiedlocality on the KeysJan. 1 and Feb. 15(S. Sprunt),and a PrairieWarbler wintered as (P & FB), one at Wards Bank, Duval Co., Feb. 14 (JW), and one at Fernandina Beach Feb. 15 (JW). A Glaucous Gull was 10 mi off Cape far n. as JacksonvilleJan. 12-Feb. 1 (V. Markgraf). Other rare findsin Canaveral Feb. 24 (JJ); one each was reported from Ft. Pierce Inlet winter were singleWilson's Warblers at JacksonvilleDec. 3-Feb 1 (J. Cocke) and Key West Jan. 1 (FH & BS) and a Yellow-breasted Jan. 25 (JB), St. AugustineDec. 28 (B. Obst), and FernandinaBeach Feb. 15 & 21 (JW). Great Black-backedGulls are now commonon the Chat at Wellington Jan. 16 (PS & BH). upper e. coast; 100were estimatedat Port Canaveralin late February (JJ) and 20-30 at Ft. Pierce (H & WD); more remarkable was a report ICTERIDS -- A Yellow-headed Blackbird wintered at Orlando of ca. 10 at inland L. Harney (TR & CT). Elsewhere they were (CT et al.), and a Brewer's Blackbird was at the Lantanadump Feb 6 reportedat St. Augustine,Fernandina Beach, Naples and St. Peters- (HL & GH). Northern Orioles, including at least two bullocku, built burg'sToytown landfill. Toytown againhad a Thayer'sGull Dec. 29- up to seven birds at the Stoutamires' feeders in Tallahassee, and 31 (LA, DY et al.; ph. to T.T.) and up to eightLesser Black-backed Menk found a very large flock of 300 Rusty Blackbirds in n Leon Gulls (LA, S. Patton et al.). The latter.species also continues to County Dec. 19. Boat-tailed Grackles remainedthroughout the win- •ncrease,with singlebirds seenthis year at St. Augustine,Ft. Pierce ter at L. Jackson, perhaps for the first time in Leon County, a Inlet, upper Florida Bay, and SanibelI. Inland LaughingGulls were collectedmale proved to bean example of Cvestoni(GM, HMS) Very at L. Placid, Highlands Co., six Dec. 8 and one remaining to the 14th rare for the Lower Keys were three Brown-headedCowbirds Feb 13 (FL). The samelake hadas many as 150Bonaparte's Gulls this winter (MB & L. Kitching). (FL et al.) and 80 Forster's Terns in early January (FL). A wintering Least Tern was seen at Marco R. (loc.?) Feb. 17 (TB), and a Royal FINCHES, BUNTINGS AND SPARROWS -- Although Purple Tern visited L. Placid Jan. 10 (FL). A Black Tern, accidental in Finches were scarce, n. Florida had large numbers of Am winter, was at L. Alfred Dec. 12 (P. Timmer). Goldfinches and fair numbers of Pine Siskins. About 20 siskins came to a Tallahassee feeder and others were recorded throughoutwinter PARAKEETS, CUCKOOS AND ANIS -- Lakeland became one (HMS et al.), but the only other reportwas of six at JacksonvilleJan of the growingnumber of localitieswhere the Black-hoodedParakeet 28 (J. Hyatt). The only Dickcisselreported was at Delray BeachJan has appeared,as flocks of up to five in number appearedthere Nov. 22 (BH), and a Painted Bunting was unusuallyfar n. at Gaineswile 19-February (K. Rousch, m.ob.). Long considered only a summer Jan. 21 (B. Kemal). ALe Conte's Sparrow was far s. at Wellington resident in Florida, the Mangrove Cuckoo now winters regularly in Jan. 24-Feb. 14 (HL, TT & A. Liberman), as were single Field small numbers, but Resch saw three at one time at Flamingo Jan. 22. Sparrows at Archbold Biological Station, HighlandsCo., Jan 12 Another Smooth-billed Ani reached the w. coast at Casey Key Dec. (GW), DelrayBeach Jan. 22 (BH), andat theFlying Cow Ranch Road 29 (Stedmans). (1oc.?) Feb. 8 (HL & GH). Two White-crownedSparrows were found w. of Delray Beach Jan. 26 (HL et al.), two Lincoln's Sparrows at OWLS AND NIGHTHARS -- A Screech Owl Larcombe saw at WellingtonFeb. 4 & 6 (BH, HL, GH et al.) and one at ForestC•ty

288 American Birds, May 1982 (loc '•)Jan 2-Feb 21 (CT, DF et al ) A SnowBunting at Anastasia1 , ley, Ted Below,Robin Carter, Helen & WilliamDowling, Dorothy Dec 28, was about as far s as the specieshas been found in Florida Freeman,Paul Fellers, Chuck Geanangel, Wally George, Brian Hope, (HL, TT & W. Matthews). FrancesHames, Gloria Hunter, RogerHarshaw, Johnnie Johnson, HerbertKale, Fred Lohrer, HowardLangridge, Robert Lee, William CORRIGENDA -- The Masked Duck at Loxahatchee N.W.R. Matthews,Barbara Muschlitz, Gall Menk, PeggyPowell, Richard (AB 35:293)was found by C. Plockelman;C. Kilmer wasnot among Paul,Mike Resch,Robert Repenning, Ted Robinson, Bill Smith,Mrs the observers.The Sooty Shearwaterreported on June7 (AB 35:932) Frank Stoutamire,Paul Sykes,Ron & Valerie Schutsky,Church was seeninstead on July 24. Turner, Tadziu Trotsky, Glen Woolfenden,Joe Wilson, David Yon ABBREVIATIONS--E.N.P., EvergladesNational Park; T.T., Tall CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in boldface)--Brooksand Lyn TimbersResearch Station.--HENRY M. STEVENSON,Tall Timbers Atherton, Francine Buckley, Jane Brooks, Marge Brown, Paul Buck- ResearchStation, Rt. 1, Box 160, Tallahassee,FL 32312.

ONTARIO REGION .Wawa Cape Henrietta /Ron D. Weir Maria JAMES i LakepSl•Periør Go'garna BAY The seasonopened with mild weather over most of Ontario, but by mid-December cold had set in. By the first week of January. very cold conditions gripped the province driving to warmer climes most Sault Saint lingering herons, waterfowl, gulls and many passerines.The severe Marie Sud,bury cold continued unabated into mid-February when a warming trend was felt for only a few days before the cold set in again. Lake Erie Nort froze completely as did the eastern end of Lake Ontario from Prince Edward Countyacross to New York. Theseconditions were in sharp Parry•Algonquin contrast to late winter of 1981. Snowfall reached record amounts in Tob, 'Sound Sudbury and Algonquin Provincial Park (hereafter, A.P.P.) and elsewhere was above average. •'• Ottawa• A scarcity of wild seedsand fruits mentioned in various reports is probably responsible for the disappearanceas winter progressedof L.Simcoe n,•.•Cot winter finches, which staged a strong flight last autumn, the absence HURONLuther •Pe•jrbtør øU%ingstoJ of Red-breasted Nuthatch and the sharply lower numbersof jays and Ma}sh Ho.pe •lfe Is. • •T•' Pr inc e Edward chickadees.Heavy snow in January coveredmuch of the goodcrop of Kettl Wate.rloo •-a•Toront o - Point weed seedsso that redpolls, Snow Buntingsand Lapland Longspurs were forced to feeders. [ .London .•NiagaraFalls k. ONTARIO The extent of winter mortality among passetines is difficult to ort Erie assessoverall, but the field reports show that the cold took its toll. In the Southwest, there was mortality among crow, kinglets, Cardinal, 'k•,•" RondeauPP - Point Pelee Swamp and Song sparrows and, elsewhere in the province, among NP L. ERIE rails, Yellow-rumped Warbler and House Sparrow. Away from the extreme Southwest, blackbirds, robin and White-throated Sparrow crowned Night Herons at Niagara Falls Jan. 3 (HHA et al.). The only were virtually nonexistent, but whether abnormalmortality occurred Am. Bittern reportedwas one at St. Clair N.W.A., Jan. 2 (fide GBM) is tinknown. Numbers of pheasant and Bobwhite were lower and Mourning Doves declined in the latter half of the period. Raptor SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Whistling Swans moved S just mortality is more readily assessedas their carcassesare more readily ahead of the freeze with 30 at Atikokan Dec. 3 (SP), 119 and 25 at found On Amherst Island, a Short-eared, Long-eared and two Saw- PeleeDec. 5 & 17 respectively(fide AW), 46 at River Canard Dec 15 whet owls were found dead in February as was an immature Red- (BE). The first spring migrants were 30 at Kingsville Feb. 20 (LF) shouldered Hawk and kestrel at Pelee and a Red-tailed in Toronto. Canada Geese quit most areas by Jan. 3, but 80 _+wintered at Ft. Erie Three reports of Screech Owls coming down chimneys, also noted (RLS) and some at Pelee (AW). A Barnacle Goose was at Whitby last winter, suggesttheir searchingfor warm shelter,sometimes only Dec. 1 (AGC) and the last suchreport in fall 1978turned out to be of an to end in tragedy. Another was brought to the Owl Rehabilitation escapeefrom an aviary in Quebec. Ottawa's fifth ever White-fronted Research Foundation in a starving condition. Some 25 owls from Goose was at Shirley's Bay (BMD) Dec. 17 and Oxford County's Ontario were taken there in the period, suffering from their various second ever wintering Snow Goose consistedof one white and one experiences, viz., caught in hardware between cars of a train (Great blue color morph at Wildwood (BP). Horned), covered in heavy oil (Snowy), snaggedin arboreal kite Numbers of dabbling ducks were sharply lower after Jan. 1. One string (Long-eared) and shot (several). Fourteen have been re- Gadwall at Pelee was the first in winter there (AW). Cobourg's first habilitated for release (KM)!! The stresscaused by the intensecold is wintering Green-winged Teal was presentJan. 12-Feb. 24 (ERM) and further exemplifiedby the Virginia Rail at a feeder in Amherstburg the eight at Whitby in early December dwindled to two by Feb. 28 and the Red-headed Woodpecker in a chimney at Rondeau. (MB), perhaps moving into Toronto where three appeared in late Red-bellied Woodpeckers irrupted in what appears to be record January. One was at PeterboroughFeb. 23-28 (BM). A d' Blue- numbers. Bohemian Waxwings echoed their record flight in 1980-81. winged Teal was at Whitby until Jan. 9 (MB) and a d' Wood Duck Northern Shrikes were in good numbers in all areas where redpolls wintered at Barrie (CJM). were present and redpolls were everywhere. Rarities adding spice to Spring arrivals on the St. Clair R., in mid-February included 7000 the seasonincluded Ontario's first Golden-crowned Sparrow. Redheads and 5000 Canvasbacks. The six Com. Goldeneyes in A.P.P., Feb. 6 were most unusual (RT, GT) and spring migrants LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Late Com. Loons included a appeared at Wiarton Feb. 22 (JJ) and swelled the wintering flocks singleat Prince Edward Pt. (hereafter, P.E.Pt.) Dec. 19 (K.F.N.) and Feb. 21 at the Cornwall dam to 1000 (BMD) and at Ivy Lea to 450 two at Wiarton Jan. 6 (JJ). Four Red-throateds were at Kettle Pt., (RDW). The Barrow's Goldeneyes reported were single males at Dec 5 (PP et al.) and two at Rondeau Dec. 20 (PAW). A late Double- Niagara Falls Jan. 2 (AGC), Cornwall Feb. 21 (BMD), singlefemales crested Cormorant on the St. Clair R., Jan. 15-22was only the second at Ottawa throughoutthe period (MG et al.) and on the St. Clair R, ever in January there. Six Great Blue Herons were reported after Jan. Feb. 20 (ASW, DR). The 4540 Oldsquaw at P.E.Pt., Dec. 19 (K.F.N) 15--at Kingston Jan. 17 (RG) for their latest ever, Barde Jan. 19 (E & was by far the highest count reported, while singleswere found in CJM), Ft. Erie Jan. 27 (RLS) and Pinery P.P., Feb. 15 (TC). A Green PeterboroughJan. 23 & Feb. 7 (fide DCS), their first ever in winter, in Heron at Richmond Hill Dec. 5-6 (HR) was late as were two Black- Barde Dec. 6-Jan. I (E & CJM) and Tobermory in late December

Volume 36, Number 3 289 (TM, JJ), unusualthere Three Harlequin Ducks at IpperwashDec Dec 24 (DRetal),25 at Kingston to Jan 9(KFN)andoneat 27 were hkely the sameones tnvolved tn the stghttngof two at Kettle Toronto Jan 15(C & JG) Little Gulls were at PeleeDec 6 (RDM, PP) Pt, Jan. 12(AR, DR) andone wasfound along the Toronto waterfront and at Niagara Falls Jan. 2 (AGC). The southwestprovided several Jan 10 (DP, JLa). A probable Corn. Eider (imm. male) was seen at Black-leggedKittiwake sightings.Up to four were at the mouthof the Kettle Pt., Dec. 13 (AR) and the report awaitsreview by the provin- St. Clair R., to Dec. 9 (DR), singlesat Ft. Erie Dec. 3 (RA, RBy) and ctal recordscommittee. Single King Eiders were seenat Kettle Pt., Pelee Dec. 9 (RDM) and at the e. end of L. Ontario Jan. 9 for Dec. 5, Niagara Falls Dec. 13, Wolfe I., Dec. 18-20 and Bowmanville- Kingston's fifth ever (MG). Torontowaterfront Dec. 27-Jan.23. The 5000Corn. Mergansers Dec. 3, Rice L., near Peterborough(AGC), were migratingjust ahead of OWLS -- Noteworthy were the 51 Great Homed Owls at Moscow winter and the 1100 and 3500 respectivelyFeb. 21 at Ivy Lea and Dec. 26 (K.F.N.) and a dark-phasebird (heterocnemisrace?) Peter- Cornwall (RDW, BMD) appearedto consistof both winterers and N boroughFeb. 4 (AGC). Snowieswere distributedfairly evenly across mtgrants. the province in low numbers, except in the traditional areas near Kingston where 27 were on Wolfe I., Dec. 20 (K.F.N.). A failure in VULTURES, HAWKS -- The Turkey Vulture at KingstonDec. the vole supplythere promptedtheir exodusby mid-Januaryleaving 30 (MJE) was their latest ever and late individuals were seen at about six there for the rest of winter. A strongflight of Hawk Owls RondeauDec. 20 (PAW), RidgetownDec. 25 (BMD) and Innerkip developed,with 20 reports, 17 of which were s. of their usualrange Jan 2 (RWS), the last one constitutingthe first ever in winter for The irruption was seen most strongly in e. Ontario where 14 oc- Oxford County.Accipiter reportswere withoutpattern and in low curred--one in late December at Iroquois (MH), ten in Ottawa for numbers.The Sharp-shinnedat a feeder in A.P.P., Feb. 7 was a rare their best winter sincethe early 1960s(BMD), one at PortlandJan 6 winter visitor (RT) and an ad. Cooper'sat PeleeFeb. 21 suggesteda (MG) and two at NapaneeFeb. 2 (JE, DC). Sirigleswere in Toronto, returning migrant (PP, PB). Up to four Red-shoulderedHawks win- Kettle Pt. andMidland (m.ob.). Nine Great Gray Owlswere reported tered at Pelee and one in the Bowmanville-Toronto area. Numbers of of which five were in Sudbury, Atikokan, Rainy R., where occur- Rough-leggedspeaked at Stratfordwith 24 onDec. 19(MD), WolfeI., rence is reasonablyexpected, and the other four were in the s.e.--two 110 Dec. 20 (K.F.N.), Ottawa 22 in late December (BMD) but in Ottawa Jan. 9-12 (fide BMD), one at Chaffey's Lock Jan. 19 (FP) droppedsharply in all theseareas in the intensecold snap after Jan.3. and one in KingstonFeb. 2 (fide RDW). The only Borealswere found Only on Amherst I., were numberssteady, where 25 were present at Atikokan Dec. 8 (SP), Lanark Dec. 30 (DWh) and two at Vankleek throughoutthe period. A single at Wiarton Jan. 6 (TM, JJ) was Hill in mid-January(EB). Saw-whet reports were virtually ml until unusual.At leastthree Golden Eagles were presentin the periodviz., late-Januarywhen the birds began calling and migrantsappeared PetroglyphsP.P., Dec. 29 (AGC, PH), Amherst I., Jan. 11 (MM), alongthe lower Great Lakes. A P.P., Feb. 15& Mar. 3 (BS, SS). Numbersof BaldEagles exceeded those of last winter's record of 15 with at least 14 adults and six tinmaturesincluding the usualpair at Rondeau.Marsh Hawks were WOODPECKERS THROUGH HORNED LARK -- Reports of chasedfrom Wolfe I., in early Januaryby the cold(K.F.N.) andwere wintering Com. Flickers numbered 20 birds, respectablefor such a migratingpast Pelee up to Jan. 10 (AW, BF). cold winter. These were eclipsedby the spectacularirruption of the SingleGyrfalcons at Ottawa Dec. 12(BMD, PJ)and Wolfe I., Dec. Red-belliedWoodpecke.r. Sixty different birds were reported from 20 (RCPW) were the only sightingss. of Manitoulin where three were the s.w. to Ottawa and n. to Manitoulin. London led the paradewith seenDec. 19(JN et al.). Onewas at SudburyDec. 18(WM), perhaps 14, a record high there (fide WRJ), eight at Kettle Pt., six each at the sameindividual seen 2 days later at Lively (JLe), and anotherat Rondeauand Toronto, five each at Peleeand PrinceEdward County, Thunder Bay Jan. 11 (NH). A Peregrine spent December near three in Peterborough, two in Kingston and singlesat Ottawa and Lakefielddining on pigeonsfrom a cementsilo (TB) and anotherwas Manitoulin. Many took up residenceat feeders,their lifelinein sucha on Wolfe I., Dec. 20 (RKE, NM). bitter winter, and were still present at season'sclose. No mortality was detected. Of the ten for which sex was reported, four were GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Reporters in s.w. On- females. Three Red-headedswere seen, all in December, at Rondeau, tario commentedupon the decliningnumbers of Bobwhite and Ring- Kingstonand Ottawa and a Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerwas in Toronto neckedPheasant, attributing their dropto successivesevere winters. Jan. 13 (HR). The Ottawaarea is the barometer.for assessingthe The 39 pheasantsat Peleewas the largestn•umber by far reported three-toed woodpecker flight into s. Ontario. Their reports of six (DSu, AW). Late Virginia Rails were found at Pelee Dec. 24 (AW et Black-backed Three-toeds were well down (BMD) and only two al ), Harrowsmith Dec. 26 (LV4, RDW) and Kingston Jan. 2, but the others were noted in the s.•both at Kingston Dec. 20 & 26 (K.F N ) last bird froze to deathJan. 3 (JP). A moreadaptive Virginia Rail was Five Northerns were in Ottawa (BMD) and the others were two in at a feeder in Amherstburg Dec. 30-Feb. 15 (BE). The only Sora A.P.P. (RT) and one in Haliburton County Jan. 8 (AGC). The usual reportedwas a late bird at KingstonDec. 20 (RDW). February flight of Horned Larks seemedstalled along the L. Ontario A Killdeer appearedat PickeringJan. 10-12(MS et al.) and another shorelineby the intense cold. At Pelee Feb. 20, 1000were present at Manitoulin Feb. 21 (CB, GG), perhaps the same individual that (AW) and later in the month, hundredswere at P.E.Pt., where the turned up there last February. Two Corn. Snipeattempted to winter Prairie race was pairing off and the Northern race flockingon fields near Barrie Dec. 19 (JT), but their fate is unknown.Others in Ottawa and Kingston made it through successfully(BMD, RDW). The GRAY JAY THROUGH WRENS -- Gray Jays were back at SpottedSandpiper at Toronto's EasternHeadland Jan. 3-5 (HC et al.) PetroglyphsP.P., all winter (DCS) and two nests were under con- wasvery late. The Red Phalaropeat the mouthof Colpoy's.BayDec. struction at A.P.P., Feb. 18, the earliest in the continuing15-year 19 is a new speciesfor Grey-Bruce County. The bird was found study (DSt.). All reporting areas except Atikokan noted Blue Jay exhaustedon shoreduring a heavy blizzard, but died later (JJ et al.). numbers well down. A Black-billed Magpie was along Toronto's The specimenis destinedfor the R.O.M. lakeshore Dec. 25-Jan. 3 (JK et al.) and another was at a Peter- borough feeder in early January (DCS), which may have been the GULLS -- White-winged gulls were present in above-average same one at a feeder at Green Pt., Prince Edward Co., Feb. 1 (fide numbers.Seven Glaucouswere at Orillia to Jan. 7 (RBo, AS), nine in TS). Common Raven numbers continueto rise with highsof 351 at Kingstonto Jan. 3 (PMacK) when pushedout by the freeze. But mid- Atikokan Dec. 27 (SP), 65 at Kirkland L., Jan. 12 (PR), 52 at Februarythey reappearedin greaternumbers with ten at Whitby Feb. Haliburton Feb. 3 (RBo) and a flock of 50 in January,unprecedented 5 (MB), 20 on the St. Clair R.,-Feb. 13(DR) and 15at Cornwall Feb. 21 on the Bruce Pen. (JJ). However, Com. Crows were scarceacross the (BMD). Icelands were reported from several sites along the lower province. Only on the Bruce Pen. (JJ) and at Atikokan (SP) were Great Lakes, but the St. Clair R., providedthe greatestconcentration Black-cappedChickadees not in lower numbers.Boreals appeared s where 18 were presentDec. 10-Feb. 20 (DR) and sevenof the eight of their breedi.ngrange, but in on.esand twos. In A.P.P., they were adults were of the kurnlieni race. Numbers of Great Black-backed scarcesuggesting one sourceof emigrantsin last autumn'sirruptton Gullswere low andthe peakconcentration was 70 at CornwallFeb. 21 Kingston'sfourth ever Tufted Titmouseappeared at a feederJan 5- (BMD). One ad. Lesser Black-backed was seen by experienced Feb. 21 (TP). Red-breastedNuthatches were very scarcein all areas observers at Ft. Erie Jan. 20 (RA, RBy). Thorough documentation A massive exodus last autumn occurred from A.P.P., where the wasreceived on at least six differentThayer's Gulls sighted along the winter's only two birds were found Jan. 2 (RT), a far cry from the St. Clair R., Dec. 20-Jan. 17 (DR) andfor an ad. Black-headedthere CBC continent high of 1384 held by the Park. One Carolina Wren Jan. 2-3 (DR et al.). Bonaparte'sGulls were late with 70 at Pelee to winteredsuccessfully at an Ottawafeeder (BMD) andthe otherswere

290 AmericanBirds, May 1982 singlesat Pelee{fide AWl. London and Wallacetown{fide WRJ}. The (formerly Greater Redpolll of which 18 were banded at Ottawa (RPIh specieschose a suitable winter to be absent! Pine Siskins disappearedafter early December. True to form. cross- billswere erratic and scarce. A few Redswintered in PetroglyphsP.P. M1M1DS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS-- A Mockingbirdwintered IDCSI and somein a mixed crossbillflock of 200 appearedsuddenly at Sudbury. Single Brown Thrashers wintered at feeders in Lakefield. on the Bruce Pen., in late February(PMI. Elsewhere,they and White- Cobourg, Toronto and Manitoulin. A 6 Varied Thrush was at Wal- wingeds were virtually absent. lacetown Jan. 4 {RPk et al.I and a female or immature at Port Burwell Feb. 1 {DA et al.). Late thrushesincluded a Wood and Gray-cheeked TOWHEES THROUGH LONGSPUR-- Two Rufous-sided Tow- {starving and unable to flyl at Pelee Dec. 8 {RDM. AWl and a Swainsoh's at Toronto Dec. I(L & CWI. For the second successive heeswintered successfully at feedersat Whitby {fideMB) and Nipi- gon (TK. OC). the latter thought to be the w. race. Late Savannah winter, BohemianWaxwings were presentin large numbers. Flocks of 100+ were found in December at Thunder Bay. Manitoulin.. Sparrows were at Leamington Dec. 24 (M J) and a latest ever on Sudbury. Ottawa and lower numbers at Kingston. Very few were Amherst1., Dec. 30 (FC, JN). The only Vesperwas at CobourgDec. 19 (ERM) and a Chipping in Ottawa Dec. 20-Jan. I (BMD. SG). A s.w. of this axis. On Feb. 3. 100appeared at Peterborough,perhaps migrantsreturning W {DCSI. Northern Shrikeswere common. Up to Field Sparrowwintered at a Yarker feeder,a firstfor the Kingston 20 wintered in Kingston { K. F.N. L 12 in the Muskoka area (RBo} and area (PG), and an imm. Harris' at a Peterboroughfeeder (RC), their third ever in winter. The bird of the season was a Golden-crowned the best year in 10 in Cobourg {ERMI. Late warblers included a Nashville at Pelee Dec. 11 {DWi et aLL a BlackburnJanat Kingston Sparrowat Gosportnear BrightonJan. 3-15(ph.. CH. FH. m.ob.). It Jan. 8-9 {ph., GH, FA et all for a provincial latest. a Pine in wasa firstfor Ontario.A Fox Sparrowspent December-January at a Peterborough Dec. 15 (DCS et all and Rondeau Dec. 20 IPPI. an Toronto feeder (GB, DF) and another al Pelee Jan. 5-9 ½WBet aLL Ovenbird at Pelee{DWi et all and a Com. Yellowthroat at Presqu'ile Snow Buntingswere commonwith flocksup to 3000 frequently P.P., Dec. 15 (AGC). A {5 Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Pelee reported. Dec. 24 & Feb. 20 {DR, RWS et all and two immatures at Amherst- burg Dec. 19 {fide AHKI. The last N. Oriole was at West Lake Dec. 7 SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS ½boldface), Contributors litalic) and (MW) and the only Brewer's Blackbirds were at Manitoulin Dec. 19 CITED OBSERVERS -- R. Andde, F. Avis, D. Axford, H.H. and SudburyJan. 3 (JN). Common Grackles were scarcein the s., one Axtell, M. Bain, E. Beauchesne, C. Bell, G. Bennett, T. Bigg, at Halibutton Jan. 21 IRBol was unusual and the three at Atikokan P. Bondy, W. Botham, R. Bowles (RBo). R. Byron {RBy), O. Carnes, constituted their sixth winter in the past 16 {SPI. A.G. Carpentier, R. Chenoweth, D. Clarke, J.C. Clarke, F. Cooke, T. Crabe, H. Curfie, M. Davis, A. Dawe, B.M. DiLabio, B. Eaton, FINCHES -- The 81 Cardinals at Ft. Erie Jan. 31 IHHAI were R.K. Edwards.J. Ellis, M.J. Evans, D. Fidlet. B. Fielding.M. Foley, unmatched,and in e. Ontario numberscontinued to increasesharply L. Foott, R. Gairdner, G. Garrette, M. Gawn, S. Gawn. D. Gildner, in Peterborough,Kingston. Ottawa and surroundingtowns. The 57 P. Good, R. Good (RGo), C. & J. Goodwin, C. Harris. D. Hasley, on Ottawa'sCBC {previoushigh 11) tellsthe storyIBMDI. An Indigo F. Helleiner, M. Hendrick, P. Hogenbirk, N. Hordy, G. Hoyle, W.R. Bunting,accidental in winter, was at a Peterboroughfeeder to Dec. 27 Jarmain, M. Jennings,J. Johnson, P. Jones, A.H. Kelley, J. Kelley, (ph., DCS et all. Last autumn's strong flight of Evening Grosbeak Kingston Field Naturalists, T. Kukko, J. Lamey {JLa}, U de K. was evident in December but faded everywhere after Jan. I as birds Lawrence, J. Lemon {JLe), C.J. MacFayden, E. MacFayden, - moved S. Only two individuals were seen all winter in A.P.P. {RT), P. MacKenzie (PMacK), M. Matthews, B. McCord, M.J. McCor- reflectingthe lack of food there. St. Catherinesprovided the largest mick, E.R. McDonald, S. McGregor, W. Mcllveen. G.B. McKeating. concentration of House Finches, 89 Jan. 8 (MF) and a realistic K. McKeever, R.D. McRae, P. Middleton, N. Moller, multiple estimate of Kingston's wintering numbers were the 33 on Dec. 20 observers {m.ob.), T. Murray, J. Nicholson, B. Parker, D. Perks, {K.F.N.). The two at Chaffey's Lock on the Rideau Jan. I (FPI were S. Peruniak, F. Phelan, T. Pick. J. Picton, R. Pokraka (RPk). the first there. Pine Grosbeakswere commoneverywhere except in R. Poulin {RPI), P. Pratt, H. Richards. P. Richter, A. Rider, L.H. the extreme s.w. Some 270+ were bandedat Atikokan in January- Robertson. Royal Ontario Museum, D. Rupert, D.C. Sadlet, B. Simp- February (SP). Redpollsupstaged all other winter fincheswith high son, A. Sinclair, R.W. Snider, R.L. Sommerville, M. Spelts. numbers everywhere. As sometimes happens in redpoll winters, T. Sprague, S. Stock, D. Strickland {DSt), D. Sutherland {DSu), Hoaries accompaniedthe flocks with over 120 reports. At Ottawa G. Thom, J. Thompson,R. Tozer, A.S. Weir, L. Weir, R.D. Weir, L. alone, 60 were present and 25 banded {RPI). Greatest numbers were & C. Weseloh, D. White {DWh), D. Wilkes {DWi), M. Willson, P.A. along the Atikokan-Sudbury-Ottawaaxis with decliningnumbers Woodliffe, A. Wormington,R.C.P, Wypkema.---RON D. WEIR, 294 towards the s.w. Among the Com. Redpoll was the rostrata race Elmwood Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7M 2Y8.

NIAGARA-CHAMPLAIN REGION migration by many waterbirds. An Eare•l Grebe discoveredJan. 29 /DouglasP. Kibbe (AS, TM) vied with a Gannet Dec. 5-25 (WB m.ob.) as best rarity at Dunkirk Harbor on L. Erie. Few herons lingered, making an Am. Bittern found from a canoeJan. 2 along the SaranacR. (BH, fide Snow cover present from early December and chilling, record- H.P.A.S.) and two Black-crowned Night Herons at Niagara Falls settingcold later in the period severelycropped lingering half hardy Jan. 3, (HA), all the more noteworthy. A Mute Swan of unknown birds from this season's lisl. Severest weather coincided with most origin appeared at Sodus, N.Y., Jan. 20 (DTI. A few Snow Geese weekendsmaking birding rigorous, if not foolhardy.Freezing rain in lingeredthrough the CBC periodand/or reappearedin late January early February locked northernportions of the Regionbeneath an impenetrablelayer of ice and snow.Feeder watching became increas- ingly popularand judging from reportshighly profitable. At leastone feeder visitor dined like a king, forsakingsuet and bread crumbsfor roast pork and minced clams from the can! Dependingon your viewpointit was a "long, grim, dull, cold, snowywinter" or a "good, old-fashioned winter".

LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL -- Midwinter groundingof loonsand grebes fleeing the Great Lakesfreeze-up is a fairly frequent occurrencein the Regionwhen severe storm systems approach from the s. This year such a tragic occurrence was recorded in mid- January. The magnitudeof theselosses is impossibleto calculatebut the probabilityof encounteringsuch conditions is relativelyhigh and must certainlyserve as a significantselective pressure insuring early

Volume 36, Number 3 291 and February In general, however, both Canadasand Snows (not to sleddingdue to heavy snow cover, one attended a Wellswile feeder mention birders) were still awmting spnng at the season'sclose Two dady •n late January (MBt, fide VP) Even more desperatewas an White-fronted Geese found Jan. 15 at Williamsville (fide VP) were AdirondackBarred Owl which repeatedlyattacked the tips of a cross- unusualfor any season,while King Eiders and Barrow's Goldeneyes country skier's skiis as they moved below the snow surface.Several at Niagara Falls, Oswego Harbor, and a few other New York sites emaciated dead birds were also reported. might best be consideredrare but regular visitants.Intense cold and In New York at least two Hawks Owls entertained observers, one at consequentice formationon L. Ontario contributedto goodcounts of Keene was present late December-at least Mar. 20 (H.P.A.S.) and a a few speciesof diving ducks, notably 5000 Greater Scaup, 2000 second at Canton Jan. 6-early February (HG, fide KC). Modest Oldsquawand 3-5000 White-winged Scoter near Rochester(G.O.S). numbersof Snowy and only two Long-earedowls were reported,but, Short-earedswere widely distributed. HAWKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- A half dozen Turkey Vultures reported soaring W of Cornell University's Sapsucker WOODPECKERS THROUGH WRENS -- Red-headed Wood- Woods Sanctuary Feb. 4. (MB, fide WEB) was extraordinary, if pecker, considereda rarity in most of the Region duringwinter, was correct, as were "several" near West Milton, Vt., feeding on dead againpresent in numbers(12 + ) alongNations Rd., near Avon, N Y heifers all winter (fide JS). SingleTurkey Vultures were seenJan. 12 Red-bellied Woodpeckers were reported still on the increase An at Greece, N.Y. (NH,fide G.O.S.) and Jan. 29 at Randolph,Vt. (JS, extralimital c3 Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker was present fide DC). For reasonsnot readily obvious, Accipiterswere much most of the season at Phelps, N.Y. (M & PT, m.ob.). The Say's more noticeable at feeders this winter. While snow cover, cold, and Phoebeat Marcellus succumbedto the cold the night of Dec. 20 An poor wild food suppliesmay have concentratedprey at feeders, it overzealousE. Phoebearrived at Ithaca Feb. 28. Even the plethoraof seemsequally likely that cold and windy weekendweather (the norm Corn. Raven reports in recent years did not prepare New York in January and February) may have had a parallel effect on the observersfor 2 roosting flocks of 34 and 45 + birds in the Elizabeth- d•stribution of birders. Red-tailed and Marsh hawks and Am. Kes- town and Keene areas Feb. 13 (KA et al.). Similar roosts have trels were also listed among the feeder watchers. Rough-legged occurredin Vermont sporadicallyover the past decadebut this is by Hawks were common-to-abundant in localized areas, at least until far the species'best showingin New York this century.A half-dozen crusted snow sealed in rodent populations.Three or perhapsfour or more Boreal Chickadees were recorded far from their breeding dark-phase Gyrfalcons were sighted throughoutthe Region, most grounds in the aftermath of a massive fall chickadee movement near waterfowl concentrations.A single Merlin appearedat Lima, Tufted Titmice increasedthroughout the Region while maintainingor N Y. (G.O.S.) and a Peregrine spent mid-January at Dead Creek extendingtheir recentN rangeexpansion. Even in a Regionas small W M.A. (JA). Turkeys, widely reported,may have sufferedin Ver- as ours it is difficult to make generalizations. Red-breastedNut- montwhere crusted,3-ft. deepsnow forced some birds to feeders!A hatches, scarcein e. areas, stagedan invasion in somew. sectors In Spruce Grouse near Canton, N.Y., Feb. 25 (MR, fide KC) was keepingwith recentyears, Winter Wrens were very scarce.Probably outsidethe speciesnormal known rangeand suitablehabitat. Ruffed due to the generallypoor berry crop half-hardy Mimids were gener- Grouse populations, still peaking in w. New York, had crashed ally absent. elsewhere. Ring-necked Pheasantscontinued their decline while Gray Partridgewere well reported in extreme n. New York. Mendon THRUSHES THROUGH TANAGERS -- A singleVaried Tbrush Ponds,site of many unusualmid-winter New York sightings,yielded was recorded at a Williamsville feeder in late February •fide VP) a Virginia Rail Jan. 30 (R.B.A). A mere handful of lingering Banding of this conspicuousspecies at feeders would shed con- shorebirdsbraved winter's onslaught in New York this year. More siderablelight on the significanceof its nearly annualoccurrence in notables included Am. Woodcock at Ithaca Jan. 5 and on the St. various sectorsof the Region. Consideringthe severityof the w•nter Bonaventure CBC, more than a dozen Corn. Snipe includingeight at E. Bluebirdswere unusuallycommon, however, as usualit is d•fficult Jamestown, a Red Phalarope at Charlotte until Dec. 3 (G.O.S, to distinguish overwintering records from overzealous early mi- R B.A.) and a Dunlin at Rochesterthrough Jan. 20 (G.O.S.). grants. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet at a Cobleskill feeder in m•d- Januarywas interestingbut by no means unprecedented.Bohemian Waxwings were noted on at least a dozen occasionsbut no major GULLS THROUGH OWLS -- As usualLarids providedmuch of influx was evident. They severely taxed their reputationas "erratic the mid-winterviewing excitement.Despite the "old fashionedwin- wanderers"by reappearingat Cornwall, Vt., for the sixth out of the ter" white-wingedgulls were noticeably scarce.Rarities (all in New past 7 years (BP). Laggardlywarblers were scarce,with a Pine at a York) includeda firstyear Thayer'sand an ad. LesserBlack-backed Coloniefeeder(LT,fideRY), Corn. Yellowthroat atHoneoyeL (RS, at Fulton Feb. 4-14 (FS, m.ob.), plus two other Lesser Black- KD), Yellow-breasted Chat at Conesus (R.B.A., G.O.S.), and a backeds, a first-year bird at Cohoes and a third-year one at Colonie Wilson's Warbler at Canton (KC) constitutingthe only recordsother (both,fide BC). At least 23 Little Gulls were presentat Rochester than a handful of Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler sightings.A N with another five at Dunkirk Harbor. The latter locale hosted a Black- Oriole at Randolph(JS,fide DC) providedapparently only the s•xth leggedKittiwake in mid-February(FR) and three kittiwakeswere Vermont winter record. The Mendon Pond area yielded yet another found near Rochester Dec. 6 (MD, fide G.O.S). The most unusual winter rarity, a ScarletTanager presentDec. 10-13(ML et al.) record, however, (the feeder bird of the century?) came from a SaratogaSprings feeder where an ad. c3Ivory Gull appearedJan. 14 (JC, m.ob.) to dine on pork roast, chickenand, eventually,minced FRINGILLIDS -- An imm. c3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak was criti- clams. Notwithstandingsuch elegantfare the bird abandonedthe cally studiedat a Jamestownfeeder Dec. 16-Jan. 16 (RW, MS,fide vicinity the next afternoon after being captured, banded, and re- VP). Dickcisselswere presentat Berne, N.Y. (KA et al.), Palatine leased. In view of the wave of controversysurrounding the ethics of Bridge, N.Y. (RF, fide RY) and West Arlington, Vt. (NS). Purple d•sturbingthe bird beforeall birdersin the Northeastcould add it to Finches, Pine Siskins, and Red Crossbillswere generally scarceto their life list, it shouldbe pointedout that far moreinformation could nonexistent.Redpolls upstaged all other fincheswith the best inva- and shouldbe derived from bandingstrays and stragglersat feeders sion since 1977-78.Hundreds were reportedfrom many areasacross than is currently done. While it is unfortunatethat more observers the Regionand Hoaries were at every feeder, or so it would seem were not given an opportunityto enjoy the bird's presence,the case Actually, bandingreports from this and the last majorinflux indicate shouldnot be usedas a fulcrum to supportarguments against banding that Hoariesmay comprise0.5 to 1 percentof the birdspresent F•ve suchrarities, particularly passerines, some of whichestablish winter of 650+ redpollsbanded at one feeder near Onondaga(DWC) were territories and tend to roturn to them annually.Although it has been Hoaries. Redpollsmay becomeincreasingly regular winter visitors repeatedlynoted in thesepages that Mourning Doves are overwinter- given their fondnessfor thistle seed feeders. Recall that Evening ing in increasingnumbers in recentyears, the visionof 200 regularly Grosbeaks,once erratic, are now annually abundant.White-winged appearingat an Elmira feedingstation (MW) stretchesthe imagina- Crossbillswere presentearly in goodnumbers in Vermont with a mild tion (and, probably, the budget). influx throughNew York later in the period. Six Rufous-sidedTow- Exotics this season include Ithaca's Monk Parakeet still at its heeson the Ithaca CBC proved a notableexception to the rule, this lonely nest and a Black-hoodedParakeet at Alan Devoe. Barn Owls winter most half-hardysparrows were presentin greatlydiminished were unusuallywell reported,with birdsnear Bennington,Vt. (fide numbers. Remarkable in view of this are six Fox Sparrows at DC), Oriskany,N.Y. (fideDWC), andHanawa Falls, N.Y. (fideKC), Plainfield, Vt., and Savannah Sparrow reports from 3 locations the last, sadly, a road kill. Screech Owls apparentlyfound it tough includingfour at Ferrisburg,Vt. (WE, NM) andtwo near Avon, N Y

292 American Birds, May 1982 (J & AF). Other rarities include single Dark-eyed "Oregon" Juncosat W. Barber, M. Barclay, M. Barnett (MBt), W. E. Bending,C. Boise, Jamestown (fide VP), Schenectady (fide BC), and Webster (fide Buffalo Ornithological Society, D. & L. Burton, Cayuga Bird Club, G.O.S.) and a Eur. Goldfinch at Chadton, N.Y. (PH) and Brattle- L. Chamberlaine, D. Clark, J. Coleman, B. Cook, K. Crowell, D. W. boro, Vt. (fide WN). Surprisingly, Lapland Longspurs were rela- Crumb, M. Davids, P. DeBenedictis,K. Disney, J. Dye, M. C. Dye, tively scarce, a single report of 100 (G.O.S.) being the only large W. Ellison, A. Foster, J. Foster, R. Frazier, GeneseeOrnithological concentration sighted. Snow Buntings, however, were very com- Society,H. Gerbis, B. Hagar, P. Hartman, N. Henderson,High Peaks mon, especially along the L. Ontario shore in c. New York where Audubon Society, M. Larady, J. Lehman, C. Locklin, N. Martin, parties tallied 1500-9000 birds on at least 4 occasions. M. Metcaff, T. Mosher, W. Nichols, OnondagaAudubon Society, Corregendum:AB 35:937 Change"11 Baird's SandpipersJuly 28 at B. Peterson, V. Pitzrick, F. Rew, Rochester Birding Association. Onondaga L. (FS)" to "one adult Baird's.." M. Ross, M. S. Rusk. A. Schaffner, F. Scheider, M. Scott, N. Simson, R. Spahn, J. Stewart, S. Taylor, D. Tetlow, L. Thomas, M. & P. Trail, CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) and CITED OBSERVERS -- Vermont Institute of Natural Science,M. Wells, R. Wilcox, R. Yunick. K. Able, Allegany County Bird Club, J. Allen, R. Andrle, H. Axtell, --DOUGLAS P. KIBBE, P O Box 34, Maryland, N.Y. 12116.

APPALACHIAN REGION /George A. Hall ,,' /.- _.,,.. --.-w.... ) ?"4 It was a winter of superlatives. Possibly the coldest winter in ""..... 7-' .'_ ,! modern times, it was also a winter with some spectacular incursions : • .... / .• Pi.sburghState Col!eoe '• / of the so-called northern invaders. All of this followed a mild late autumnwhich produced a.large number of laterecords, and which in IND. I ! /•'-•-_;-•z•-J ,r ,- f - many placesbrought about ChristmasBird Counts(hereafter, CBC) j • • Morgantownß •--•_ • *, i .-- with record numbers of some species.But it was also a winter which ' vn./ / "I ' many observers found to be a dull, uneventful one. At Pittsburgh,December had normal, or slightlybelow, tempera- tures and was slightly wetter than usual. There was little snowfall. January, however, turned much colder and accumulated a 229 day- degree deficiency for the month at Pittsburgh.There were several daysof sub-zerotemperatures, even as far southas Knoxville. There were no heavy snowfalls,except locally, but in the north the ground was snow covered for most of the month. In February temperatures were milder, but still below normal, and there was a deficiency of precipitation. • •anooga •-• • The adverse weather kept many observers out of the field, but in some places, those lucky enoughto have the "northerners",birding was excellent. On the other hand if no northerners showed up, the usual wintering birds seemed in lower than normal numbers. and so some observersreported a dull season.The late fall had shown many signsthat this was goingto be a"northern finch" winter as the autumn Pymatuning L., Pa., Dec. 20 (RFL), and •00 Corn. Goldeneyes at flightsof Pine Siskinsand Red-breastedNuthatches had been impres- P.I.S.P.. Dec. 26 (JM). After the freezeup in e•ly Janu•y d•ks sive. In the event these early signswere found to be accurate, and the became quite scarce. In e. Tennesseenumbers were low throughout following accounts list no fewer than 17 species which might be theseason (GEL No significantN movementhad started by the end of considered to be "invaders" and many of these occurred throughout the period. the Region. The Fall seasonhad been sprinkledwith a lot of "latest There were many records of stray Whistling Swans well into date on record" reports and the stragglerscontinued into the early December: 520 at P.I.S.P., •c. 26 (JM), 161 near Warren, Pa., Dec. winter. Many of these specieswere presentuntil C BC time, and many 19 (WH). These localities •e on the normal migration route, but of the normal specieswere in excellentnumbers at that time. Typical strays were reported from ChickamaugaL., Tenn., in early Decem- of the CBCs was the one at Pittsburgh where seven speciesset new or ber (LD), Marietta, O., Dec. 29 (JS) and Charleston, W. Va., •c. ! 2- tied old records for highest counts, about two dozen were in above Feb. 28 + (NG). Two also wintered in the Lock Haven, Pa. area (PS). averagenumbers and anotherdozen in below averagenumbers (PH). The population of wintering Canada Geese at the PymatuningL., Pa., It is too early to assessthe effect of the hard winter in January on was estimated to be about 7000 although9000 • had been there on the someof the cold-sensitivespecies, such as the Carolina Wren. Unlike CBC (RFL). Canaaa Geese wintered on the Ohio R., at Marietta, O. a normal spring there was very little sign of springmigration by the 0S) and early migrants were seen at Clarksville, Pa., Feb. 12 (RB) end of February except in the far southof the Region. and Mountain Lake P., Md., Feb. 24 {FP). Snow Geese were reported In the text following place names in italics are counties. from Deep Creek L., Md., •c. 7 (•), Oak Ridge, Tenn., Dec. 10-12 (10 blues and two whit•s•WJ & CN), Pymatuning L., Pa., Dec. 20 LOONS TO HERONS -- Red-throated Loons were reported from (one blue) and Feb. 13 (one white •L), and Hiawasee River Area, Bald Eagle S.P., Pa., Dec. 4 (BS & RW) and from ChickamaugaL., Tenn., Feb. I (24 blues and seven whites•L & KD). Tenn., Jan. 7 (RS). The Gannet reportedfrom L. Erie at PresqueIsle Of the more unusual species, Oldsquawswere at Sheffield, Pa., S.P., Pa. (hereafter, P.I.S.P.) in the Fall account remained there as Dec. 3 •de WH), ConneautL., Pa., Dec. 12 (RFL), Bald Eagle S.P., late as Dec. 25 (m.ob.). A wing-clippedBrown Pelicanwas found on Pa., Dec. 20 (RW). and Elizabethton, Tenn., •c. 2 (RK & DL). the roadside near Dalton, Ga., Jan. 8. How this bird, which was White-winged Scoters were at P.I.S.P., throughout the period (JM), placed in a rehabilitation center, reached inland Georgia is a minor and were reported from 4 locations in e. Tennessee, Chattanooga mystery (AH). (RS), Chickamauga L.. (RS), Elizabethton (RK, MD, SG), and There was an unusually large number of reports of Great Blue Knoxville (GL). The rorer Surf Scoterwas seenat Silver L., RocMng- Herons, with seven on the Pittsburgh CBC (PH), and at P.1.S.P., 21 ham, Va. (LT) and m Chickamauga L., Tenn., •c. 19 (RS). There were found Dec. 27 (JB) and 12 on Feb. 6 & 13 OM). A Great Egret at was a belated report of a Harlequin Duck shot at P.I.S.P., Nov. 11 Hiawasee R. Area near Chattanooga Dec. 7 & Jan. 3 (L & KD). (JM). A Bar-headed Goose, probably an escape, was seen at Pyma- tuning L., Pa., Jan. 2 (RFL). WATERFOWL -- The mild early winter induced many waterfowl to remain in the n. until late December and many places had good RAPTORS • It was a good winter for most raptor species. There countson the CBCs. Some high.countswere of 6000 Mallards at were more than the usual number of reports of Cooper's and Sharp-

Volume 36, Number 3 293 shinned hawks Reports of Goshawks came from Warren, Pa, Feb Va , Dec 19 (RSI), and P I S P, Jan 27 (JM) Snowy Owl reports 2, 9, & 15 (WH), Clarendon, Pa , Feb 7 (JD), Lock Haven, Pa , Jan cameonly from the extremen oftheReglon State College,Pa ,Dec 10 (CH), Erie N.W.R., Pa., two on Feb. 14 (RFL & ML), Meadville, 7, two and Feb. 19-20, one (MW), Erie, Pa., one to three, to Jan 2 Pa , Feb. 21 (RFL & ML), and 5 reportsfrom the Pittsburghregion (JM), Butler, Pa., Jan. 26 (MG), and Pymatuning L., Pa., Dec .26 through the season (PH). The Buteo species were also in good (RFL et al.). Saw-whet Owls were found at P.I.S.P., throughDecem- numbers. Observers in the n. felt that they did not find as many ber (JM), at Scandia, Pa., Dec. 6 & Jan. 15 (TG, DP), and at Rough-leggedHawks as is usual, but this may have beenbecause the Middletown, Va., Dec. 19 (RSi). specieswas much more widespreadand went farther s. than usual. The Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to be seen in numbers Reportscame from as far s. as Newport, O. (GB), Greenbrier,W.Va., throughoutn. Pennsylvania.The Red-headedWoodpecker presented (CHa, DW), BluestoneS.P., W.Va. (JP), Rockinghamand Augusta, mixed reports. None were found on the Charleston, W. Va. CBC Va (many reports), Roanoke, Va., (BK), Knoxville (CN) and Alcoa, (NG), and only one report from the Knoxville region(fide CN), and Tenn. (L & MA). none at P.I.S.P., where up to 84 were seenlast year (JM), but they An injured Golden Eagle was rescued in late November in Au- were thought to be increasingat Lock Haven, Pa. (PS), three were gusta, Va., was rehabilitated and released Feb. 13 (RSn). Other reported on the Rockingham,Va. CBC (RBC), and a first record on Golden Eagle recordscame from Highland, Va., numerousrecords the Wise, Va. CBC (RP). A N. Three-toed Woodpeckerwas seenon throughthe period(YL, KF, LT), WataugaL., Tenn., Dec. 22 (HF), the Columbiana, 0. CBC, the secondcounty record (NL), and the Nlckajack L., Tenn., Jan. 16(RS, LD), and Sevierville,Tenn., Feb. 5 Black-backed Three-toed Woodpeckerreported from State College (PP). The annual winter eagle survey in e. Tennesseelisted only 20 in the fall report stayeduntil at least Jan. 1 (fide MW) while another Bald Eagles(16 adults,4 immatures)in the Knoxville area, the lowest was seen at nearby Huntingdon Dec. 1 (DM). count in severalyears (W J, EB), and 13 in the Chattanoogaarea (fide RS). Up to four adults and one immature wintered in PymatuningL., FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS AND CORVIDS -- By the end Pa (RFL). Other Bald Eaglerecords came from Bald Eagle S.P., Pa., of the period E. Phoebeshad arrived only in the far s.: Feb. 18 at Feb. 28 (CS), and Kinzua Res., Pa., through the season(fide WH), Knoxville (CN); Feb. 21 in Bath, Va. (YL), and Feb. 26 at Wfiynes- Bluestone S.P., W.Va. (JP) and Middletown, Va. (RSi). boro, Va. (RSn). PurpleMartins arrived at Knoxville Feb. 19 (EW) Other unusual winter records were Osprey at Jersey Shore, Pa., and at Elizabethton, Tenn., Feb. 20 (GE), both being the earliest Dec. 18(PPe), and Elizabethton, Tenn., Dec. 26 (SG & GS); Merlin at dates on record at those localities. ACom. Crow roost near Carlisle, Collegedale,Tenn., Dec. 10-12(fide RS) and Peregrine,Girard, Pa., Pa., was thought to have 200,000 to 300,000 birds in early January Dec. 7 (JB), and Hocking, 0., Feb. 20 (SF). (JR). The Com. Raven continuesto do well in c. Pennsylvania,and a Black Vultures were in good numbers, with 70 at a roost in possiblenew nestingsite was locatednear Warren (JD). Hocking, O., Feb. 7 and 20 in Licking, 0., Mar. 1, 60 min. of any known locality in the state (BP). The Rockingham, Va. CBC listed TITMICE, NUTHATCHES AND WRENS -- Most Pennsylvania 277, an all-time high (RBC). But no vultures, of either species,were localitiesreported record numbersof Black-cappedChickadees on recorded on the Lewisburg, W.Va. CBC (CHa). the CBCs, but at Powdermill Nature Reserve bandingswere about average(RCL). This reflectsthe modestinflux noted earlier, but few GALLINACEOUS BIRDS, CRANES AND RAILS -- Some 250 if any Black-cappedsmoved S of the normalrange. The onlyreport of Turkeys were beingfed at 12 feedersin Warren, Pa., (fide WH). Boreal Chickadeewas one at Lewisburg,Pa., Jan. 2 (fide SSt) RuffedGrouse were thought to be in goodnumbers at Pittsburgh(fide The majorfall flightof Red-breastedNuthatches carried over into PH), andat LewisburgW.Va. (CHa), but werescarce in Washington, the winter season.Many of theseremained well n., and many places Md. (TD). Bobwhitewere locally commonbut in mostplaces they reportedrecord CBC counts.Farther s. they were not as numerous have not recovered from earlier bad winters. Rather late Sandhill but were widespread,and in greaterthan usualnumbers. In Tennes- Craneswere reportedfrom LaFollette, Tenn., Dec. 19 (GR). The see they were unusuallyabundant at high elevations(GE). CaribbeanCoot reportedfrom ChickamaugaL., Tenn. in the autumn There were two reportsof HouseWrens: Allegheny, Pa., Jan 17 summaryremained through the winter season(RS). (BR) and Tinker Mt., Botetourt,Va., Dec. 19 (JV). A Short-billed Marsh Wren was at Knoxville Dec. 20 (HO). In the n. the Carolina SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS -- A Purple Sandpiperat P.I.S.P., Wren apparentlyhad a setbackto its recovery,as severalreporters Dec. 19 was unusual(SS & JM). Two late shorebirdreports were of a noted decreasednumbers after the bitter cold spell. Farther s. how- Spotted Sandpiperat ChattanoogaDec. 5 (RS) and a Dunlin at ever it was felt that sincethe grounddid not remain snow-coveredfsr DouglasL., Tenn., Dec. 28 (DE). Some rather early springmigrants longperiods that mostof the birdsmade it throughthe winter. were Am. Woodcock callingat Roanoke Feb. 15 (BA), and Killdeer at Clarksville, Pa., Feb. 23 (RB). MIMIDS, THRUSHES AND KINGLETS -- The Mockingbird An estimated 85,000 gulls, including 15,000 Bonaparte's were was more common in the n. than is usual. A Gray Catbird was present at P.I.S.P., Dec. 26 & 27 (JM). Some other gull concentra- reportedfrom State College,Pa., Jan. 15 (JPe).A BrownThrasher tions were reportedfrom Lock Haven, Pa., 800Ring-billed Gulls Jan. wasreported from Revelo, Ky., Jan. 19(PSh) and from Waynesboro, 5 (PS & CH), from PymatuningL., Pa., 3000 Ring-billeds,and 500 Va., all throughthe period(RSn), vJhileat Knoxvilleand Elizabeth- Bonaparte's, Dec. 6 but only two Ring-billedsDec. 20 (RFL), from ton, Tenn. (GE) they were winteringin goodnumbers. Roanoke 900 Ring-billeds and 125 Herring Gulls Jan. 29 (MP), and There were somelarge concentrationsof Am. Robins,the largest from Botetourt, Va., 1500Ring-billeds Feb. 14 (JA). The more exotic being4000 at RoanokeJan. 7 (MP), and 2600 on the PittsburghCBC gulls are now regular at P.I.S.P., where this winter these incuded (PH). Most other placeshad above normal numbersthis winter A Little Gull, one to four adultsDec. 6-Jan.2 (JM et al.), GlaucousGull, Wood Thrush was at Radford, Va., duringJanuary and early Febru- one to three in December and one Feb. 13 (SS), and Iceland Gull, ary (CSt). There was an unusuallylarge number of reportsof Hermit Dec. 15-27and Jan. 2 (SS, DC). A lone Great Black-backedGull was Thrushes,particularly during the earlyseason, but mostof thesealso reportedagain from Bald EagleS.P., Pa. (CH), but moreunusual was remainedthrough the bitter winter period. Neither kinglet species the one reported from Nickajack L., Tenn., Jan. 16 (secondstate was especiallynumerous anywhere. The Golden-crownedhas never record--m.ob.). However the Larid of the season was a Black- recoveredfully from the winter mortality of several years ago. Most headedGull at Blacksburg.Va., Dec. 19 (CHa). unusualwas a Blue-grayGnatcatcher near ChattanoogaDec. 19 (KD & PR). DOVES, OWLS, AND WOODPECKERS -- Mourning Doves continueto be in remarkablyhigh numbers,and the winter reports WAXWINGS, SHRIKES AND VIREOS -- As usualthe numbers were no exceptionto this trend. They do not seemto have suffered of Cedar Waxwingsvaried from very highto practicallynone. There much from the bad winter. was only one report of BohemianWaxwing, from near Lock Haven, ScreechOwls have not yet recoveredfrom the winter mortalityof Pa., Dec. 12 (CSz). Northern Shrikeswere seenat P.I.S.P., Dec 26- severalyears ago, but the otherspecies seem to be doingwell. There 27, Jan. 19, Feb. 13 & 28 (m.ob.); Sheffield, Pa., Dec. 16 (TG), were many more than the usualnumber of reportsof Short-eared Zelienople,Pa., Dee. 19 & Jan.29 (DF), andState College, Pa., Jan Owls, with reportscoming from as far s. as Middletown,Va. (RSi) 23 (RW). From Rockingham, Va., came a total of 25 reports of and Roanoke (BK & NM). Long-earedOwls were reportedfrom: LoggerheadShrikes (R. B.C.) andfrom Botetourt, Va., 11on the CBC Uniontown, Pa., from late November-Feb. 28 (DR), Middletown, (BK).

294 AmericanBirds, May 1982 A Solitary Vireo at Dalton, Ga, Dec 19was very late (AH), while a such as Lock Haven, Pa (PS), Marietta, O , Elizabethton, Tenn White-eyed Vireo was at Kingsport, Tenn, Jan 2 (TF) (HF), and Booker T Washington S P Tenn (LD) The flight of Com. Redpolls was alsoextremely heavy in the n., and WARBLERS -- There was a remarkable number of warbler rec- a few of these were seen as far s. as Wooster. O. (JB), Terra Alta, ords. The usual wintering Yellow-rumped Warblers were in good W.Va. (WW), the Shenandoah Valley (m.ob.). and Radford, Va numbers s. of n. West Virginia. An Orange-crowned Warbler was (PRu). There were two reports of Hoary Redpolls in Butler, Pa., Jan reported from Berryville, Va., in late December (RSi). Cape May 8 (GW, MKr). Warblers were found at Milton, Pa., Jan. 11 (SSt), Vienna, W.Va., all Snow Buntings were abundant in the n. where a concentration of winter (GHu), Waynesboro, Va., Dec. 7 (RSn), and Knoxville from about 5000 was noted in one field near Wooster, O. (JBr), and flocks early January-Feb. 9 (m.ob.). Palm Warblers were at Pittsburgh Jan. of several hundred were noted throughout Pennsylvania. These 26 (DD & RF), Austin Springs, Tenn., Dec. 2 (RK), Chattanooga speciescame as far s. as Garrett, Md. (FP). Along with the buntings Dec 16 (RS), and Norris, Tenn., Jan. 2 (CN). A Yellow-rumped came a few Lapland Longspurswhich were reported from Wooster, Warbler was reported from Mansfield, O., Dec. 19 (fide JBr), Com. O. (JBr), State College, Pa. (KJ). Erie, Pa. (JB), Butler', Pa. (MG, Yellowthroats were reported from P.I.S.P., Dec. 12 {RW & MK), GW), and a few as far s. as Middleton, Va. (RSi). Elizabethton, Tenn., Dec. I (GE & HF), and from Bradibrd, Pa., Dec 26 (fide EWi), and Kingsport, Tenn., Jan. 2 (FA). The Am. OTHER FRINGILLIDS -- Most places reported that Cardinals Redstart reported from State College, Pa., in the last account re- were in lower-than-normal numbers, while White-throated and Song realned there at least until Jan. 2 (MW, RW). Most unusual was a sparrows were also well below normal almost everywhere. Tree Black-throated Blue Warbler which appeared at a feeder in Jenkins, Sparrows made a better showingthis year than in the past several Ky , in mid-December and was found half-frozen Jan. 10. Taken in years. A GrasshopperSparrow at Chattanooga Dec. 19 (CHn) and a and cared for, it has survived to the end of the period (fide RP). Lark Sparrow coming to a feeder at Augusta, Ga., were unusual

ICTERIDS -- There were a few large blackbird concentrations CORRIGENDUM -- The Gyrfalcon reported from P.I.S.P., Dec reported: 2,700,000 Red-winged Blackbirds and 1,500,000 Com. 6-7, 1980 (AB 35:299 (1981)) should have been Dec. 26-27, 1980. Grackles at Kingsport, Tenn. (TF), 1,000,000 mixed flock near Dal- ton, Ga. (AH). The only reports of Brewer's Blackbirds came from CONTRIBUTORS -- Bill Akers, Fred Alsop, LorJe Armstrong, Augusta, Va., Dec. 21, and Jan. 2 (YL, LT). Mark Armstrong, Jim Ayers, Jim Baxter (JB). Ed Beddow, Ralph Bell, George Breiding, Jim Bruce (JBr), Lois Callahan, Dennis Car- "NORTHERN FINCHES" -- In the n. all the expected species ter, Martha Dillenbeck, John Doria, Truman Doyle, Ken Dubke, appearedand were often in goodor very good numbers.In most cases Dubke, Dan Dziubek, Mable Edgerton, Glen Eller, Dave Etmer, both the number of individuals and the number of speciestapered off Harry Farthing, Kathleen Finnegan, Sam Fitton (SF), Thomas southward, but a few specieswere common everywhere. The most Finucane, Sara Flaugh (SFI), David Freeland, Rupert Friday, Ken- abundant specieswas the Pine Siskin which practically inundated the neth Gablet, Marguerite Geibel, Norris Gluck, Sally Goodin, LeJay Region. There had been a goodfall movement, but not too many were Graffious, Ted Grisez, Davison Grove, Anne Hamilton, Charles present in early winter. By late January and through February, Handley (CHa), Chris Haney (CHn), Cecil Hazelett (CH), Paul Hess, however, they seemedto be everywhere. American Goldfincheshad John Heninger, William Highhouse, George Hurley (GHu), Wesley been extremely common in places in early January but the great influx James, Katherine Jones, Barry Kinzie, Mike Kissick (MK), Rick of s•skins seemedto move them out. The outstandingrecord of the Knight, Mary Kruth (MKr), Gregg Lagerberg, Nevada Laitsch, season came from the report by an experienced birder of a Lesser YuLee Larner, Mary Leberman, Robert C. Lebermam Robert F Goldfinch at Meadville, Pa., Feb. 3 (SFI). Leberman, Dick Lura, Jerry McWilliams (JM), Mrs. David Middle- The usually common Evening Grosbeak was widely distributed but ton, Norwood Middleton, Clark Miller, John Murray, Chuck Nichol- was not in its normal large numbersanywhere, except possiblyin the son, O.V. Olson, Holly Overton, Dave Palmer, Paul Pardue (PP), high Tennesseemountains. Pine Grosbeakswere reported from Richard Peake, Parter Peer (PPe), John Peplinsky (JPe), Bruce Wellsboro, Pa. (FW), State College,Pa. (K J), Lock Haven, Pa. (CH), Peterjohn, Jim Phillips (JP), Fran Pope (FP), Frank Preston, Mike and were considerednumerous in Lycoming, Pa. (CSz). Purdy, Greg Reed, Rockingham Bird Club, Peter Robertson (PR), Purple Finches were much scarcerthan normal, and in placesthey Daniel Roddy, Jacqueline Rollfinke, Bruce Ross, Pat Rutherford have been displaced by the House Finch, which continues to increase (PRu), Marshall Schick, Conrad Schmidt (CS), Paul Schwalbe (PS), throughout the Region. There had been a major incursion of White- Charles Schwarz (CSzL Paul Shoopman (PSh), Brad Silfies, Robert winged Crossbills in the n. during the fall. These birds remained in Simpson(RSi), Don Snyder. Ruth Snyder(RSn), StanleyStahl (SSt), great numbers throughout the n., and by the end of the period had Jerie Stewart, Connie Stone (CSt), Randy Stringer (RS), Sam Stull been reported as far s. as Morgantown, Bruceton Mills, W.Va. (LG), (SS), Glen Swofford, Leonard Teuber, Elsa Thompson, Bill Thomp- and Oakland, Md. (FP), in the e. and to Marietta (E & BT) and son, Jerry Via, Forrest Watkins, David White, Gene Wilhelm, Cora Barnsville, O. (ME). There were a few reportsof Red Crossbillsin the Williams, Erika Wilson (EWi), Rick Wilttaut, Merrill Wood, Eldon Tennessee and Virginia mountains where there are known breeding Wright, William Wylie.--GEORGE A. HALL, Division of Forestry populations,as well as a few scatteredreports from lowlandlocations (Mail Address:Department of Chemistry)• West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506.

WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION /Kim R. Eckert

Perhapswe were spoiledby the balmy winter of the previousyear and were deceivedinto thinking that winters weren't so bad up here after all. But this year brought a rude awakening as winter 1981-82 brutally reminded us of the realities of this season. It wasn't inclement to begin with in December, as Michigan had near-normal weather most of the month and reported favorable weather for the Christmas Bird Count (hereafter, CBC) period which was conducive to the discovery of several significantbirds. Wiscon- sin even dared to describe the month as "unusually mild" overall, although some heavy snows occurred as December ended. Min- nesota, however, did not fare as well. On the very first day of the month a very heavy snow nearly buried the southwesternpart of the state, with up to 14 inchesmeasured at somespots. This was followed

Volume 36, Number 3 295 just two days later by as much as another ten inches in southern (30,000), Fergus Falls, Mlnn (6100) and Allegan, Mlch (16,679) Minnesota The first of many cold snapsfollowed December 14-19, CBCs, and up to 20,000 were in the Horlcon N W R area until Jan 3 with the coldesttemperatures recorded in relativelytemperate south- when most wisely decided to migrate S. A Snow Goose somehow west Minnesota: e.g., Pipestone reported an almost unbelievable survived the winter in Dickinson County in Michigan's Upper Pen - 25øF. The rest of the month may have been closerto normal overall, (FKa); there were also 25 found Jan. 30 at E1 Dorado Marsh, but it still ended colder and snowier than most. (AT), and two overwinteredat Oshkosh(TZ). What was first thought Then came January. The extremes of cold and snow simply defy to be a Ross' Goose was observedby many at Black Dog L., Dec 12- description--perhapsa seriesof statisticswill provide graphicevi- 14, but it appears more likely this was one of those intermediate denceof the severityof the month. Up to two feet of snowfollowed by Ross' / Snow Geese described in Auk 88:856-875. The head and the bill strong winds January 3-4 almost isolated the eastern third of Wiscon- of the individual were reminiscentof a Ross', but the overall size of sin . . . wind chill factors in the -80 to 100ø range blew in the the bird was about 20% larger than nearbyMallards. It appearshkely weekend of January 9-10 acrossmost of Minnesota and Wisconsin... that some of Minnesota's previous Ross' Goose records will now be some low temperatures recorded January 17 were - 38ø at Duluth, reevaluated and removed from acceptablestatus by the records - 52ø at Tower, Minn., and an all-time record of - 26ø at Milwaukee committee. (no, those are not wind chills, but actual readings) . . . Minneapolis The count of 50 Gadwalls all winter at Shakopee,Minn., was far broke an all-time record with 17 inchesof snow falling in a 24-hour higher than ever before at this traditional site. A Green-wingedTeal at periodJanuary 20... ju st two dayslater this record wasbroken again Milwaukee in late December was quite tardy (BiC), as was a Blue- with 18V2inches dumpedhere . . . this January22-23 blizzard was winged at Madison Dec. 5 (ST); another Blue-wingedFeb. 20 at accompaniedby steady30 mph winds with gustsof up to 60, and the Milwaukee was extremely early (WW). A N. Shoveler at Austin, storm was sointense that thunderand lightningoccurred along with it Minn., Dec. 27-Jan. 27 (m.ob.) providedone of very few mid-winter the only day all month with warmer-than-normaltemperatures in recordsever for the state. Wintering Canvasbacksnumbered 3000 in Minnesota came January 27, but the day was spoiledby high winds the Detroit R. ([ide AK). A few Greater Scauplingered into December which created blizzard-like conditions and roads drifted shut in the in Minnesota, and unusual for the n. part of the state were three southernpart of the state... many Wisconsinobservers reported overwintering Lessers at Bemidji (SY). Barrow's Goldeneyeswere birds unable to feed and frozen to death on several days of the reportedat Niles, Mich., Dec. 19(RS) and at Sault Ste. Marie Feb 13 relentlesslysevere weather... Minneapolishad recordedan all-time (BB, DP et al.); meanwhile, the Corn. Goldeneye population in record for any month with 44 inchesof total fallen snowby the 23rd, Michigan was reportedly the lowest in at least 15 years. A pmr of with still eight days to go... the warmest parts of Minnesota still HarlequinDucks was last seennear Duluth Dec. 11(M. Carr), whilea averagedout ten degreesbelow normalfor the month. About the only single male was near Two Harbors, Minn., Jan. 11 (SW/MS), and consolation in all of this was that we are somewhat used to such another male was at Milwaukee Jan. 24 (JI, BiC, DG et al.). Decem- severewinter conditions,and we perhapsdid not sufferto the extent ber White-winged Scoterswere seenat 3 locations,with a peak of 50 as thoseto the southof us who experienced,but were not accustomed in Monroe County Dec. 26 (CB), and one White-winged was still in to, comparable weather. Ozaukee County, Wis., Jan. 22 (JF). There was alsoa Black Scoterat The first half of February didn't fare much better. Although snows Manitowoc throughDec. 5 (CS). Finally, there were several species tapered off then, more extreme cold in the -20s and -30s range of duckswhich arrived in the Region,especially in Minnesota, during persistedin the northernhalf of the Region.But finallyby mid-month the last 9 days of February. warmer than normal temperaturesprevailed with readingsinto the 40s and 50s in many areas---it even hit 70ø above zero February 22 in the s6uthwesterncorner of Minnesota.All this broughtin a good HAWKS -- All three Accipiters were reported more often than usual all across the Region; most of these were clearly driven to movement of migrants across the southern borders of our Region, feeding stations to prey on birds concentratedthere by the severe restoring our faith that the cycle of seasonswould indeed progress after all. weather. Red-tailed Hawks were up in numbersaround Detroit tfide AK) but down around the Muskegon area (JP). But there was no But it would be premature to assumethat this harsh seasonwas a total loss as far as birds were concerned. While most observers doubt about the Rough-leggedwhich was obviouslyscarce through- out Minnesota and in Ottawa County, Mich. (JP). A Ferruginous agreedthat birds were generally scarcethroughout the Region--this Hawk, a nearly regularspecies in Minnesota,was seenDec. 12 near was especiallytrue in rural areasof Minnesotawhere birderscould Moorhead (L & CF). Besides the usual few wintering at Whitewater travel throughmiles and milesof woodsand farmlandswithout seeing W.M.A., Minn., there were also five Golden Eagles reported at 4 a singlebird--there was an ample supplyof somespecies at feedersin locations, including Agassiz N.W.R., in n.w. Minnesota (J. Matt- populated areas which were probably concentratedaround these sson). Nothing out of the ordinary was mentioned on the Bald Eagle, limited areas of food and shelter. In addition, as described below, although more than the usual number seemedto linger into Decem- therewas a goodsupply of significantrarities to enliventhis winterof our discontent. ber, and one adult returned to its Houston County nest site in s e Minnesota Feb. 14 (FL). Marsh Hawks were reported in good num- LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- An unusual number of Corn. bers in s. Wisconsin and in the Detroit area (AK). For the third consecutive winter, the Gyffalcon was reported all season in the Loons lingered into December in Minnesota: Dec. 6 in Crow Wing Duluth-Superior harbor area--this year two immatures were seenby County Dec. 9-13 in Otter Tail County Dec. 13 in Duluth and Dec. 16 many and both were caught and banded within one hour Jan 28 in Cass County---curiously all these are in n. Minnesota. A late Red- (D. Evans). Gyrs were also reported at no fewer than 5 other necked Grebe was found on the Lake Leelanau, Mich. CBC, while Minnesota locations, possiblymaking this the best winter ever here apparently very early Red-neckeds were seen Feb. 20 at Midland, for this rare falcon; Wisconsin also had one near Dorchester, Taylor Mich. (GP, EP), and in Duluth Feb. 22 (JG). A White Pelican was Co., Dec. 27 (SR), and in Michigan singleswere at MuskegonDec 6 presentat Black Dog L., Dakota Co., Minn., Dec. 6-16 (m.ob.), (BB, LF, CR) and in OntonagonCounty Dec. 17 (JM). More evidence another was found at Hastings, Minn., Dec. 13 (JD), and a sick to move the Prairie Falcon to Minnesota's regular list was provided individual,presumably one of the two mentionedabove, was resctled with an individual at Rothsay W.M.A., Dec. 9 (S & DM). Peregrine Dec. 19 from the Cannon R., during the Faribault CBC, but it later Falconswere reportedon 4 MichiganCBCs, obviouslythe mostever died ([ide O. Rustad). Double-crested Cormorants again overwin- if correctly identified. Merlins again proved more commonthan in tered in Wisconsin:one returnedto Green Bay (TE, EC, BrC) for the winters of past decades:eight were seenin Michiganwhile five were season, and another survived at Portage •Sde DT); late cormorants reported in Minnesota. Since all but one of these were found in were also reported Dec. 13 at Lake Erie Metropark near Detroit (JF), December or February, it may be that the Merlin is a very late fall and and at Black Dog L., Minn., Dec. 6-19 (m.ob.). More than the usual very early springmigrant here, rather than a rare winter resident number of Great Blue Herons also lingered into December, with several reported on Minnesota CBCs and two at Trempealeau N W.R., Wis., Dec. 27 (FL). GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS --Ruffed Grouse seemed to be on the low end of its cycle in Michiganand Minnesota, although SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS -- More Whistling Swans than the one on the Austin CBC appeared to represent a minor range normal remained into December in all 3 states; swans also overwin- extension.Bobwhites were down againin Michigan, and it would be tered in Ottawa and Kalamazoo counties, Mich. Likewise, Canada safe to assumethat the pioneeringgroup that moved into extreme Goose numbers were also up: records were set on the Rochester s.w. Minnesota after two mild winters was decimatedby this winter,

296 AmericanBirds, May 1982 hkewlse,pheasants and Gray Partridgeclearly sufferedsevere losses reduced numbers, however, Wisconsin and M•nnesota observers in w Minnesota as a result of the weather However, the Gray fortunately d•d not share this apprmsal Red-belhed Woodpeckers Partridge continuedto push E into s.e. Minnesota as evidencedby were seen farther n. than usual at Marquette, Mich., Dec. 13-Jan 16 increased numbers in Olmsted County and by the nine seen at (m.ob.), near Moorhead, Minn., all winter (L & CF), at Thief River Kellogg, WabashaCo., Jan. 30 (D & WM)--this latter record appar- Falls, Minn., Dec. 6 (S & KS), and at Duluth Dec. 20 (LE). Red- ently representsthe first birds to reach the banksof the Mississippi headedWoodpeckers were noted as particularly scarcein Michigan, R, in s.c. Minnesota. A most unexpectedSandhill Crane was found apparently owing to a poor acorn crop. Black-backed Three-toeds Dec 17 in Polk County in n.w. Minnesota (MH); a few craneswere were unusuallyfar s. at 2 Anoka County, Minn. locations(K & PL, also seenwith the geesein s. Wisconsinmoving S in early January. SC), but far more unusual was the N. Three-toed overwintering at Unusual were the 18 Am. Coot wintering in Fergus Falls, Minn., Carpenter Nature Center, WashingtonCo., apparently the most althoughthe numberof cootsin Michiganwas saidto be the lowestin southerlyMinnesota record ever (m.ob.); three other Northerns were 15 years. Michigan also repeated the same statistic for wintering also seen in n. Minnesota and Michigan. Two E. Phoebes which Killdeer. Dunlins were late in Milwaukee Dec. 2 (DG) and on the showedup for the GrandRapids, Mich. CBC wereexceptionally late Monroe, Mich. CBC, Dec. 19. CORVIDS THROUGH MIMIDS -- Blue Jays, like Red-headed GULLS -- Good numbers of Glaucous Gulls were reported, Woodpeckers, were also down in numbers throughout Michigan especiallyat Marquette, Mich., with 12 on the CBC and at Duluth apparentlybecause of the lack of acorns.Wisconsin birders got qmte with as many as ten at the dump until Jan. 9. Although the Iceland excited over a Mexican Jay which appeared at feeders in the Gull is a very rare specieshere, six were reportedwithout comment Menominee Falls vicinity Dec. 11-Jan. 8 (m.ob.); however, since 1 from Michigan. However, totally unexpectedand carefullyidentified cannot find any publishedextralimital r6cordsof this nonmigratory were two adult Icelands first seen at the Duluth dump Jan. 2 (KE et species,it seemsobvious that this was merely an escaperather than a al ) One was a classickumlient, apparently the firstof this race ever legitimate state occurrence. A Black-billed Magpie spent much of to be reported in the state, seenby birdersthrough Jan. 7. The other Januaryat a DouglasCounty, Wis., feeder (fide KE). Tufted Titm•ce was of the nominateglaucoides race, which was also seenrepeatedly were seen in Benzie (SH) and Grand Traverse (RO) counties, Mich, until Jan. 9. Even more exciting was the second-winterGreat Black- n. of their usualrange. The White-breastedNuthatch appearsto be on backedGull found at the samedump Jan. 3 (KE, m.ob.); this gull also the increasein n.e. Minnesota; e.g., the Grand Marais CBC recorded survived until Jan. 9, and representedonly the fourth record for 11 even thoughthis speciesis normally quite rare in the county. That Minnesota; Black-backedswere alsofound on the Michigan sideof L. the Red-breastedNuthatch is an irruptive speciesis well known, and MichiganJan. 1 at New Buffalo (RS) and Feb. 6 in AlleganCounty 2 observationsthis winter suggestthis speciesis vulnerableto severe (SM et al.). Thayer'sGulls were reportedonce each in Michiganand weather (and might emigrate as a result). In Duluth during January Wisconsin, while in Minnesota two were at Black Dog L., Dec. 6-11 one was seen habitually warming itself on top of a chimney as andas manyas sixwere seentogether at the Duluthlandfill; these and Starlings do here (LE)--never have I seen anything other than all the other gullshere were gone after the -80 øwindchills of Jan. 9. Starlingstry this. Near Isabella, Minn., a nuthatchsat lifelesslynext Also at Duluth, but not at the dump,was a Ring-billedGull until Jan.7 to feeder and allowed itself to be covered by blowing snow; when (TS et al.); this speciesis not normallyfound in winteron L. Superior. rescued and brought indoors for the night, it recovered, but when A Black-headedGull was reportedwith excellentdetails Dec. 12 at releasedthe next morningit againperched lethargically as snowblew Saginaw Bay, Bay Co., Mich. (LD). All 3 states commented on over it. The nuthatchwas retrieved, it revivedwhen brought indoors, unusualnumbers of Bonaparte'sGulls lingeringinto December:the and finally survived on its own when released the following day 21 on Mille Lacs L., Dec. 6 was a record date for Minnesota (TS); (SW/MS). Very few Winter Wrens were reportedin Michigan, while Racine and Milwaukee each reported several until Dec. 20, with as the only Carolina Wrens here were in Washtenaw (PY) and Bemen many as 400 seen Dec. 17 (JF); and in Michigan4438 were on the (DG) counties.A Mockingbirdon the Duluth CBC was quite unex- Monroe CBC while 189 were still at Grand Haven, Ottawa Co., Jan. 2 pected,while in Michiganno fewer than 26 individualswere seen,one (mob.). Finally, to round out this exceptionalshowing of gulls, two of theseup in Iron County in the Upper Pen., Jan. 9 (FKa). Four Gray Little Gulls were at Milwaukee throughDec. 19 (BiC et al.). Catbirds were reported without comment in Michigan, while in Wisconsinone remained in Eau Claire through Dec. 11 (JP) and anotherwas at a Madisonfeeder Dec. 26 (BH). Two Brown Thrashers MOURNING DOVE AND OWLS -- The Mourning Dove is attempted to overwinter in the Upper Pen., and one last seen at a clearly more commonin Minnesotathan in former winters,presum- Finland, Lake Co., Minn. feeder Jan. 10 undoubtedlydied (fide ably as a result of the increasein bird feeders;e.g., a record 31 were SW/MS). counted on the Duluth CBC, and 160 overwintered at the Carpenter Nature Center near Hastings. THRUSHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- Far fewer Am. Robins It was reportedly an excellentwinter for Snowy Owls in Michigan were in Michigan this winter, althoughtwo survivedup in the Upper and in c. and e. Wisconsin; however, the number in the Duluth- Pen., in Delta (CT) and Dickinson(FKa) counties.The Varied Thrush Superiorharbor was down a bit, with a peakof 23 not occurringuntil did not repeat its exceptional showing of last winter; this year mid-February (D. Evans). For the secondconsecutive winter, Hawk Michigan reported three, Wisconsinfive, and Minnesota had eight Owls were scarcein Minnesota:the only report of the period came Hermit Thrushes were down in numbers in Michigan, as were E. from Grand RapidsDec. 18-28(TL). Great Gray Owls made a better- Bluebirds; no commentson either of these came from elsewhere. The than-averageshowing. One was reportedon NeebislaI., near Sault only Townsend's Solitairesof the seasonwere reported in Duluth, Ste Marie Dec. 3-Feb. 13 (m.ob.); Wisconsinhad four individuals one on the CBC and the other (or the same)Dec. 30-Jan. 6 (KE) A with reportsfrom WausauDec. 1 (AG), nearDorchester, Taylor Co., late Ruby-crownedKinglet was in La CrosseDec. 7 (FL); even later Dec 2-5 (JR et al.), near Medford Jan. 17 (SR), and of a dead bird at was a Water Pipit Dec. 28 on the Allegan, Mich. CBC. In some Fish Lake W.M.A., Burnett Co., Feb. 11 (PK); and in Minnesotathe locations,Bohemian Waxwings were about as abundantas they ever usualseveral Great Grays were reported,with notablesightings at get in the Region: Michigan had its largest invasion in many years Stillwater down in s. Minnesota Feb. 16 and at Duluth where at least with records from 14 counties; they were abundant in Duluth late six individuals were found Jan. 26 +. Five rare Boreal Owls also made December-early February with flocks in the hundreds frequently for a decentshowing: one in Frederick, Crawford Co., Mich., Feb. 27 reported;the largestwas 1000+ on Jan. 3 (B. Raway). In Wisconsin, (fide DP), one in DouglasCounty, Wis., Feb. 26 (Mrs. R. Johnson), however, there were reportsfrom only 3 areasof Bohemians;here, as anotherin Park Rapids,Minn., Dec. 30 (DJ), and two founddead in well, Cedar Waxwings were conspicuousby their almost total ab- Duluth in late February. (Many more Borealseventually turned up sence. All 3 states commented on the abundance of N. Shrikes, along the North Shore of L. Superior in March, resultingin the although.in Minnesotathe specieswas common only in December secondlargest Minnesota influx on record.) Saw-whetOwls appeared and becamescarcer with the onslaughtof January. m exceptionalnumbers in Minnesota, with 12 individualsat 6 loca- tions;curiously, 5 of theserecords came from n. Minnesotawhere WARBLERS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- A few Yellow-rumped tins speciesis not supposedto winter. Warblers survived at feedersin the s. half of the Region, and one of these was an "Audubon's" which successfullyoverwintered in WOODPECKERS AND PHOEBES -- In Michigan with the ex- Bloomington,Minn. Also exceptionalin Michigan were the Pine ception of the Pileated all of the woodpeckerswere reported in Warbler on the Monroe CBC and the Palm Warbler on the Flint CBC

Volume 36, Number 3 297 A Corn. Yellowthroat was present in Baraboo, Wis., until Jan. 4 Sparrowwas farther n. than usualin LeelanauCounty, Mich., Dec. I- (KL). Both Michigan and Wisconsin commented on the scarcity of Feb. 6 (LG), and another was unusually late Dec. 12 in St. Paul meadowlarks; Wisconsin observers also noticed a general lack of (B. Litkey). A Lincoln'sSparrow carefully identifiedon the Cotton- wintering blackbirds.Two Yellow-headedBlackbirds on the Anchor wood, Minn. CBC, provided a first winter record for the state Bay, Mich. CBC, were certainly unexpected:another even managed (P. Egeland). Snow Buntingswere widespreadand quite numerousin to survive all winter at an Eden Prairie. Minn. feeder. Also unusual Michiganand Wisconsin,with one Michiganflock numbering3000_+ were the Red-winged Blackbirds attempting to overwinter in three in CheboyganCounty Jan. 13 (E & PP). Upper Pen. counties, and the Corn. Grackles through January in Dickinson County (FKa) and Feb. 14in Chippewa County (B B. DP et CORRIGENDA-- Delete the Olmsted County, Minn., Mississippi aLL Kite (AB 35:826) and the Vermilion Flycatcher (AB 35:828); after publication both were rejected by the Minnesota Ornithological FINCHES -- Cardinals were farther n. than usual with three in Records Committee. Dickinson County, Mich. (FKa) and one at a Finland. Minn. feeder through Dec. 12. A Rose-breastedGrosbeak was well documented CONTR1B UTORS (state editors in boldface)-- Minnesota:Don & from a feeder on the Crookston CBC, in n.w. Minnesota, and Mary Beimborn, Jo Blanich, Jerry Bonkoski, Ed Brekke-Kramer, represents only about the fourth state winter record Probably the Chuck & Micki Buer, Betty & Doug Campbell, Steve Carlson, most outstandingrarity of the winter was the Black-headedGrosbeak Horace Chamberlain, Jane Cliff, Mrs. A. DeKam, Joanne Dempsey, in Mount Pleasant, Mich., Dec. 21-Jan. 4 (m.ob.). Evening Gros- Kim Eckert, Alpha & FrederickEckhardt, Bob Ekblad, Laura Erick- beaks were present in good numbers in c. and n. Wisconsin, but the son, Laurence& Carol Falk, Herbert & JeanetteFisher, Eugene& situation elsewhere seemed close to normal. Purple Finch numbers Marllynn Ford, Lee & Joann French, JanetGreen. Karol Gresser, were definitely down in Minnesota and about average in Wisconsin Mike Hendrickson, Ken & Molly Hoffman, Robert Janssen,David and Michigan. The House Finch now seemswell on its way to regular Johnson, Oscar Johnson, Ron & Rose Kneeskern, Ken & Pat La statusin Michigan: six Oakland County feedersrecorded them (EC), Fond, Tim Lamey, Fred Lesher, Sandy Lunke, Don & Wynn Mahle, and they were observed on four CBCs and during two CBCs' count Steve & Diane Millard, Warren Nelson, Gary & Marion Otnes, Jori weeks. Pine Grosbeaksseemed to be in normal supplythroughout the Peterson/Ann McKenzie, Terry Savaloja, Alan Scbmierer, Shelley Region. Clearly the most impressiveshowing was made by redpolls; & Keith Steva, Steve Wilson/Mary Shedd, Mark Wright, Steve everywhere except the n. half of Minnesota (where Corn. Redpolls Young;Wisconsin: Ed Cleary, BrotherColumban (BrC), Bill Cowart were merely common and not abundant} observers were impressed (BiC), Jerry DeBoer, Eric Epstein,Tom Erdman,Don Follen, Jim by the excellent numbers---one flock had 600+ birds in Genesee Frank, Tom Gaspar, Anthony Geiger, Dennis Gustafson, Bill County, Mich.. Feb. 20 (E & GH}. The Hoary Redpollwas even more Hilsenhoff, Randy Hoffman, John Idzikowski, Paul Kooiker, Ken impressive, especially in Michigan and n. Minnesota where there Lange. Fred Lesber, Alice Pagel, Janine Polk, Mark Peterson, were more reports than ever before. This was especially true at Jerome Rankl, Sam Robbins, Charles Sontag, Art Techlow, Daryl Duluth feeders where someredpoll flockswere 10-20%Hoaries: the Tessen, Steve Thiessen, Winnie Woodmansee, Thomas Ziebell; normal ratio of Commons to Hoaries is about 100:1. Both crossbills Michigan{* indicatesarea editors): Ray Adams*,Bill Bouton,Curtis were in fair supply in all 3 states, with Wisconsin reporting good Bradburu,Jeff Buecking*,Ellie Cox, Louis Dombroski,John Flora, numbers of White-Winged Crossbills early in the season. Rufous- Les Ford, Jim Fowler, Jr. (JF), Carl Freeman*, Leonard Graf, David sided Towhees survived at 2 feeders in the n. part of the Region: one Groat. Emma & Gordon Hall, John Hamel (JH), Judy Herbig, Tom in Rhinelander Feb. 14 (H. Kozol) and another in Duluth Jan. 9 {fide Howes, Sally Huston, Nick IInicky*, Frank Kangas*(FKa), Alice KE). Kelley*, Ford Kellum (FKe), Lee Laylin*, JosephMcDonnell, Steve Minard, Rosella O'Brien*, Glenn Peterson, Ed* & Patty Pike, James SPARROWS THROUGH SNOW BUNTING -- A Vesper Spar- Portshair*, David Powell, Vic Reister, Charlotte Runnels, Roy row was extremely late near FergusFalls, Minn., Dec. 13 (S & DM). Smith*, CharlotteTaylor, DeniseTaylor, Keith Westphal,John Will, Tree Sparrowswere clearly down in numbersin s. Minnesota. but on Paul Young, Jim Zablotay.There were also 167other observers (27 the other hand Harris' Sparrowscontinued to appearwith increased from Minnesota, 29 from Wisconsin, Ill from Michigan) whose frequency in s.w. Minnesota; one Harris' even managedto over- observationsdid not directly contribute to the preparation of this winter at a feeder up in Duluth (P. Shubat). A White-crowned report.---KIM R. ECKERT, 9735North Shore Dr., Dulnth,MN 55804.

MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION Shrikes, redpollsand Snow Buntingsand inland incursionsby large numbersof gulls.Other finchesappeared in poor to modestnumbers /Bruce G. Peterjohn while other northern raptors were locally distributed in low numbers. Berry-eatingbirds were abundantonly in Kentucky.A warmingtrend This winter will be remembered as one of the harshest in recent duringthe latter half of Februarywas accompaniedby the expected memory. Bitter cold and excessiveprecipitation were Regionwide numbers and variety of early spring migrants. phenomena,beginning in early Januaryand continuingunabated In order to avoid unnecessaryrepetition, only the mostexceptional through mid-February. Record low temperatureswere common- Christmas Bird Count (hereafter, CBC) observations were incor- place, with readingssuch as -37øF at Anamosa. Iowa, -26 ø at 3oratedinto this summary. As usual, all extraordinarysight records Chicago,-21 ø at Indianapolisand -13 ø at Lexington,Kentucky. Snowfall neared or exceeded record levels in many areas. especially followinga seriesof severestorms in lateJanuary and early February. These harsh conditions, which were frequently most brutal on weekends,greatly limited birdingactivities during the period. Not unexpectedly,this harshweather detrimentally effected popu- lations of some birds. Recent modest gains by Bobwhite, Carolina Wrens and Mockingbirdswere largely eliminatedby the extreme IndmnapohsI snowyand cold conditions.The few half-hardyspecies attempting to overwinterdisappeared with the adventof severeweather. However, other species including most woodpeckers,gleaners and Eastern Bluebirds fared better with little or no decline during the period. While mostspecies appeared to be morenumerous than lollowing the severe weather of 1977-1978,such conclusionsawait more definitive study, Despitethe severeweather and limited birdingactivities, this winter was noted for major invasions by Goshawks, Northern

298 AmericanBirds, May 1982 must be thoroughly documentedat the txme of observatxonAll cluded 119 vultures at Glasgow, Ky , Dec 27 (MMa), 25 at Turkey documented records have been denoted by a dagger (?) Run S P, Ind (ABr) and 19 at Crawford County ConservationArea, Ill., Dec. 20 (LH). Small Black Vulture roostswere only dxscovered ABBREVIATIONS -- S.C.R.: Squaw Creek N.W.R., Mo.; in Kentucky at Green River L. (JE) and Glasgow (MMa). A moderate M M.W.A.: Magee Marsh W.M.A., O.; Spfld.: Springfield, 111. Goshawk flight was most noticeable in Illinois where there were 15 reports. Elsewhere, single birds were found at one Missouri, 3 LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- A few Com. Loons lingered Indianaand Ohio, and 6 Iowa locations.This specieswandered S to through freeze-up. The latest departure was at Alum Creek Res., O., Rocky Fork W.M.A., Mo., Feb. 6 (tSS), Spfld., Jan. 19 (H) and Jan 7 (KA) althougha groundedloon was releasedin ClevelandJan. Newtown, O. (WR, m.ob.). Both Sharp-shinnedand Cooper's hawks 20-27 (D & JH, m.ob.). A Red-throated Loon at Chicago Feb. 21 were widely observedin normalnumbers for recent years.Red-taded (?DW, HE) was unexpected as were a Red-necked Grebe at L. Hawks were also well reported while Red-ShoulderedHawks re- Jacomo, Mo., Jan. 1-3 (?HG et al.) and two at South Bend, Ind., Feb. mained scarcewith ho appreciablechange in numbers. Rough-legged Hawks were numerous in Illinois and Missouri where roosts of 20 or 28 (tV & MI). Horned Grebes were widespread through freeze-up including100 at ClevelandDec. 4 (TL). Winter reportswere limited to morewere reported;they were scarcein other states.An ad. Ferrugl- a small flight across n. Indiana and Ohio Jan. 15-21. An Eared Grebe nousHawk was documentedfrom Mason County, Ill., Dec. 19(?K et at Saylorville Res., Ia., Dec. 16 was late (JR, JSc) while small al.). numbers of Pied-billed Grebes managedto overwinter in Ohio and Golden Eagles were well reported from Missouri where 22 were Illinois. A tardy White Pelican lingered through Dec. 23 in Iowa. observed during their Jan.4-6 eaglesurvey. Only 1-2appeared in each Three Double-crestedCormorants were presentin Tazewell County, of the other states.Wintering Bald Eaglenumbers were encouraging Ill , Jan. 6 but dwindled to one by Feb. 20 (MS). All others departed with eagle survey totals of 986 in Missouri, 132in Kentucky and 298 by Dec. 27. Wintering Great Blue Herons were scarce, no doubt alongthe MississippiR., in Iowa. Excellentnumbers were alsonoted reflectingthe absenceof open water. A surprisingnumber of Great in Illinois while normal numbersof scatteredreports were received Egrets was reported in early winter. Up to seven lingered at from e. states. Marsh Hawks were numerousonly in Missouri and M M.W.A., through Jan. 9 (JP) while singleswere observedat Union Illinois where the largest roost was 35 at the Lawrenceville, Ill County, Ill., Dec. 23 (?DH), Bowling Green, Ky., Dec. 12 (TD) and airport (LH). They appearedin poor numbersin other states.Prairie Cook County, Ill., Dec. 5 (PD). Small numbersof Black-crowned Falcons stagedtheir greatest influx into the Region with five docu- Night Herons remained through the first week of January at Louis- mented sightingsfrom Iowa Dec. 19-Feb. 20, three Missouri reports ville, Erie County, O., and Cook County, Ill. Dec. 20-Feb. 15 and two returnedto the Lawrenceville, Ill. airport •n February for the third consecutiveyear. The only winter Peregrine Falcon report was of an immatureat Killdeer PlainsW.M.A., O., Jan WATERFOWL -- Whistling Swanswere widely encounteredthis 2 (?NC, tCM). One at M.M.W.A., Feb. 28 was probablyan early year Late migrants were scatteredacross n. Indiana and Ohio migrant (•JP). Few Merlin reportswere satisfactorilydocumented throughJan. 7 while 2-6 also appearedat Sidney, Ill., Dec. 2 (MC, American Kestrels maintainedtheir good numbersof recent years ME), Mingo N.W.R., Mo., Dec. 14-27(m.ob.) andLouisville Dec. 26 (BM). Sixteen wintered in JasperCounty, Ill. (LH) while 1-3 made brief winterappearances at oneIowa and2 Indianalocations. Spring GAMEBIRDS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Bobwhite virtually mxgrantsreappeared after mid-Februaryincluding 18 at L. Sangchris, disappearedafter early January.Ring-necked Pheasants apparently Ill, Feb. 15 (H). CanadaGeese staged a major S migrationduring the fared better with concentrationsof 200 at Marais Temps Clmr first week of January.Winter numbersin s. Illinois and w. Kentucky W.M.A., Mo. (RK) and two flocksof 100near Liscomb, Ia. (BP et al ) peakedin mid-Januaryat 369,000,up considerablyfrom last year during the harshest weather. A few Gray Partridge continue to (DT), while 10,000wintered at L. Gibson,Ind. (fideCK). A "Richard- survivewith reportsfrom one Illinoisand4 Iowa countiesthis winter son's" Goose at Louisville after Jan. 13 was unusual (fide RB). In The extreme conditionswere responsiblefor more Turkey observa- addition to CBC reports, winter White-frontedGoose sightingsin- tions at several Iowa locations. A late flock of 60 migrant Sandhill cludedone at Rock Valley, Ia. (JV), one at M.M.W.A., Dec. 5 (?JP) Craneswere øbservedflying S øver TippecanøeCøunty' Ind" Jan 11 and two at Ballard W.M.A., Ky., Jan. 29 (AB). SnowGeese wintered (DA). Winter rail reportsincluded a Virginia in Will County, Ill., Feb in normal numbers while spring migrantsincluded an impressive 15-25(•JM et al.) and a Sora at Newtown, O., Jan. 17 (WR, DK) 150,000 in Fremont County, Ia., Feb. 26 (RP). Single Ross' Geese Lingering shorebirds included a Black-bellied Plover at lingeredin w. Iowa and w. Missouri throughmid-December while M.M.W.A., Dec. 6 (JP) and a Ruddy Turnstone at Lorain, O, three accompaniedthe Snow Geese in Fremont County, Ia. through Dec. 28 (LP). Returning Am. Woodcock were widespreadm Not surprisingly,winter duck populationswere rather low al- Kentucky after February 17. Smaller numbers appeared in other though a few local concentrationswere reported. Most species statesby the end of the month; one at Centerville, Ia., Feb. 22 (B & managedto survivein the remainingopen water. A few Blue-winged MH) was exceptionally early for that state. The only Purple Sand- Teal lingeredthrough the CBC period while fair numbersof Wood piper was reportedfrom Vermilion, O., Jan. 4 (JP). Other lingering Ducks wintered in n. areas. Large concentrationsof Canvasbacks shorebirdsincluded two Least Sandpipersat Spfld., throughDec 15 were not reported. Normal numbersof Greater Scaup were noted (H) and one at Chillicothe, Ill., Dec. 6 (LA), dowitchersthrough Dec alongthe Great Lakeswhile exceptional inland counts included 60 at 6 at Alum Creek Res., O., and Mark Twain N.W.R., Ill., a Red HorseshoeL., Madison Co., Ill. (RK) and 20 at Louisville (m.ob.). Phalaropeat ClevelandJan. 1-3 (tm.ob.) and an incredibleWilson's Common Goldeneye were generally well reported. Oldsquaw were Phalaropenear ColumbusDec. 4 (?JC). quitescarce; no morethan 45 were observedalong L. Michiganwhile inland reportsconsisted of singlesat L. Jacomo,Mo. (m.ob.), Rac- GULLS, ALCIDS -- Gull movementsfollowed their usual unpre- coon L., Ind. (ABr) and Red Rock Res., Ia. (RT, GB) in early dictablepatterns in this Region.Along L. Michigan,Ring-billed and December. Harlequin Ducks were noted at 3 Great Lakes locations, Bonaparte'sgulls departed in late Decemberand even Herring Gulls Headlands S.P., O. (DC), Avon L., O. (?JP) and Chicago (JL). At were scarce in n.w. Indiana. These birds must have been driven S least two King Eiders appearedat 3 n. Ohio locationsDec. 7-27 since unusually large numbers were reported from w. Kentucky (?mob.); one was periodicallyobserved through the winter at Avon (Kentucky L.-Barkley L.-Smithland Dam) with a maximumof 8000- L (TL et al.). White-winged Scoters were scarce along the Great 10,000(approximately 50% Herring and 50% Ring-billeds)Jan. 28-31 Lakes where the largestflock was of 38 at Chicago(PC, HR). Up to (BPB, AB). The concentrationof 1000 Herring Gulls near Law- six scoters were •eported from 6 inland locationsfrom all states renceburg,Ind., in February(D & MS) may havebeen related to this exceptMissouri. Surf Scoterswere only foundin Ohio with singlesat movement.More typical migrationpatterns along L. Erie included 3 L Erie sitesthrough Jan. 25 and inlandat SummitL., Dec. 31-Jan.4 December peaks of 50,000 Ring-billed Gulls, 30,000 Bonaparte's (LR) and Hoover Res., Feb. 28 (m.ob.). Small numbers of Black Gulls and a January maximum of 12,000Herring Gulls. Scoterslingered along L. Erie throughDec. 26. A HoodedMerganser This editor (who is a confirmedgull watcher)was dismayedby the x Com. Goldeneye hybrid was observedat Chicago Dec. 27 (?JL). rather lackadaisicalreporting of the rarer gull species.Many reports Common Merganserswere well reported includingan exceptional lacked substantiatingdetails. The value of these descriptions is 30,000 near Goose Lake Prairie S.P., I11., Dec. 26 (PD). illustratedby an Alton, Ill.-Mo., bird tentativelyidentified as a third- year Great Black-backedGull but the written documentationseems DIURNAL RAPTORS -- Noteworthy Turkey Vulture roosts in- to fit a sub-ad. Herring x Great Black-backed Gull hybrid (?BR,

Volume 36, Number 3 299 tRK). Gull identificationcertainly is not easy and sightingsof the numberswere reported elsewhere.Wintering Yellow-bellied Sap- rarer species(particularly inland records)should be accompaniedby suckersmaintained their improvednumbers of recentyears. written descriptionsand, preferably, photographs. It was a banner year for inland GlaucousGulls with six at Peoria, FLYCATCHERSTHROUGH WRENS- In s. states,E. Phoeb,es Ill., Dec. 28-Feb. 6 (MS, LA, m.ob.), 5-6 in w. Kentucky Jan. 28-Feb. lingered through late December. Early migrants returned N to St. 7 (BPB, AB) and 1-2 at 7 other locations. Great Lakes maxima were Louis County, Mo., by Feb. 23 (RC). Horned Larks were generally only 3-9 birds. Iceland Gull reports included at least four at Lorain, noted in goodnumbers with flocksof 1000+ in Iowa and Kentucky O., Jan. 14-Feb. 22 (m.ob.), one at Chicago Dec. 6 (fide LB) and two and an extraordinary50,000 near Cincinnati Feb. 12(RA). Early Tree in Peoria County, II1., Jan. 16-Feb. 6 (tLA, MS et al.). Normal Swallows returned to Mingo N.W.R., Mo., Feb. 27 (SD et al.). The numbers of Great Black-backed Gulls appeared along L. Erie while largestreported Com. Crow roostwas 10,000near Lexington, Ky., in singles were noted at Chicago Dec. 13-Jan. 30 (JL, MM1). Inland December (DCo). Concentrations of 500-3000 were also discovered reports included a well described first-year bird at Alton, Ill.-Mo., at 4 Illinois sites and one in Iowa. Few Black-cappedChickadees Feb. 11-15(tRK, tBR) and two adultsnear Lawrenceburg,Ind., Feb. were noted S of their normal range, even in Ohio where there was a 28 (+CM et al.). At least three Lesser Black-backed Gulls were modest flight last fall. Red-breastedNuthatches were again wide- periodically observed along L. Erie between Lorain and Avon L., spreadin all statesalthough in smallernumbers than last winter. Two where this specieshas become regular in winter (tm.ob.). A possible House Wrens were late at Spfld., Dec. 7 (H). Winter Wrens remain immature at Land Between the Lakes, Ky., Jan. 30-31 (tBPB, tAB) very scarceor absentin all areas. Few Bewick's Wrens were reported awaits review of photographsby experts. Thayer's Gulls were also from Missouri and Kentucky; this speciesis rapidly disappearing well reportedwith at leasteight in w. Kentucky Jan. 28-Feb. 7 (tBPB, from the Region. Carolina Wrens stageda short-livedcomeback in tAB), six at Peoria Dec. 28-Feb. 2 (tMS, m.ob.), at least three in the early winter including Iowa's first record in 2 years. Many birds Alton-St. Louis area Dec. 17-Feb. 13 (m.ob.) and singlesalong the disappearedduring the cold January weather although numbers of Ohio R., at 2 Kentucky locations.Great Lakes sightingsincluded five survivors were greater than following the 1977-1978winter. Two plus at Lorain Dec. 3-Feb. 10 (tm.ob., ph.), four at ChicagoDec. 6- Long-billed Marsh Wrens at Spring Valley W.M.A., O., Feb. 14 Feb. 21 (tPC, JL, m.ob.) and one at Gary, Ind., Dec. 12 IKB). The managedto successfullyoverwinter in spite of the harsh conditions only Black-headed Gull was observed at 2 L. Erie locations Dec. 8- (RN). Jan. 4 (JP). Little Gulls were scatteredalong L. Erie throughJan. 15 with a maximum of seven at several cities. Immature Black-legged MIMIDS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Gray Catbirds were very Kittiwakes in Iowa at Dubuque Dec. 6-7 (tRMy, FM et al.) and scarce, appearing at only 2 s.w. Ohio locations. Brown Thrashers Saylorville Res., Dec. 10-17 (tJSc) were noteworthy. However, the fared better with at least 14 reportsfrom Illinois and many December incrediblereport of an ad. kittiwake at Dayton, O., Jan. 10following a sightingsfrom Kentucky. There was a generalexodus of Am. Robins severestorm (•NC, tCM) awaits review by the Ohio RecordsCom- from n. areaswhere they were scarceexcept for severalflocks of 100- mittee. Without a doubt, the most amazingreport of the period was a 200 birds. They must have moved farther S this winter since numbers bird killedby fishermenat L. Monroe.Ind.. duringmid-•)ecember. in Kentucky were much higher than last year. Six Varied Thrush The skin has been tentatively identified as a Marbled Murrelet and sent to the U.S. Nat'l Museum for confirmation (RM).

DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- A Ground Dove at Union County Conservation Area, II1., Dec. 23 was exceptional (tMH, K). Barn Owls continued their decline. Except for CBC sightings,the only owl was reported at Danville, Ky., Jan. 17 (JE). Following last year's record-settinginvasion, this winter's Snowy Owl flight was quite modestwith birds appearingat 7 Ohio, 5 Illinois, 4 Iowa and one Indiana locations.Except for one at Dayton, O., Dec. 20-Jan. 10 (JH, m.ob.), they were restricted to n. areas. Iowa's first Hawk Owl obligingly establishedresidence at Waterloo Dec. 25 and

Varied Thrush, s.c. White Co., Ind., Feb. 5, 1982. Photo/D.Z. Arvin. reports are normal for recent years. Singlesappeared at Harrisburg, O., Jan. 14-23+ (JSh, m.ob. ph.), Marysville, la., Jan. 16 (tP), Union, O., Jan. 22 (frH et al.), Danville, Ind., Jan. 30-Feb. 18 (m. ob., ph.), Chalmers,Ind., Jan. 31- Feb. 18 (DA, ph.) and the Plato Center, II1., bird remained throughJan. 17 (tm.ob.). Fewer Hermit Thrusheswintered in n. statesalthough 14 lingeredat Kelly's I., O. through Dec. 7 (JP, DC). Good numbersof E. Bluebird survived the winter in Kentucky and Missouri. Farther n., their numberswere fair at best; a stronglate February movementbrought sightings of 50-100 birdsat severallocations. A Townsend'sSolitaire at St. Joseph,Mo., Feb. 13-15(+L, m.ob.) provided the first Regionalwinter record in 3 was widely observedthrough Feb. 25 (tRMy, m.ob., ph.). It was a years. Golden-crownedKinglets were scarce in most areas except good winter for Long-eareff Owls with 30 reports from all states. Kentucky while Ruby-crowners were practically nonexistent.Win- Many roosts comprised 6-10 birds. In contrast, Short-cared Owls ter Water Pipit records included singlesat Saylorville Res., Ia., Dec. were widespreadonly in Illinois with scattered.reports elsewhere. 12-13 (JSc), Louisville Jan. 15-25 (BPB) and near Pocahontas, la., Saw-whet Owls were numbrous in s.w. Ohio; 24 were banded near Feb. 27 (tWJ). In addition to CBC reports from Iowa and Ohio, a Cincinnati (RA) with many others reported from the Cincinnati- BohemianWaxwing appearedat Ames, la., Feb. I (JSc). Wintering Dayton area. They were also discoveredat 13 other locationsin all Cedar Waxwingswere generallyscarce except in Kentucky and s.w. states except Kentucky. Ohio. The expectedFebruary migrationbrought only small numbers Few Belted Kingfishersmanaged to survive the harsh conditions to Illinois and a flock of 350 to Cherokee, la. (DB). Northern Shrikes this winter. Common (Red-sh.) Flickers only appeared in Iowa with staged one of their strongestmovements in recent years with 14 singlesin Mills County(BW) and Story County(fide JD). Red-headed reports from Ohio, 10 from Illinois, eight from Iowa, seven from Woodpeckerswere locally abundantin Iowa and Missouriwhile fair Indiana and four from Missouri. This movement extended S to

300 American Birds, May 1982 Shades S P , Ind (ABr et al ), Champaign County, Ill (?RCh), n w Missouri and 4 c Ilhnols siteswere unexpected ALe Conte's Petersburg, Ill (?CBe) and Clay County, Mo (HB, MLM) Log- Sparrowat TabervlllePrairie, Mo , Feb 27 was probablyan early gerheadShrikes were "holdingtheir own" in Kentuckyand Missouri migrant(MM, KH). Vesper Sparrowswere reportedfrom 6 locations but were very scarcein n. stateswhere only four birds were reported. n. to Plato Center, Ill. (?JM), Mills County, Ia. (?BW) and Willow Slough, Ind. (DA). The only documented Chipping Sparrow ap- WARBLERS, ICTERIDS --The few warbler reportswere gener- peared in Ottawa County, O., Jan. 23 (?JP). Normal numbersof ally prior to the advent of severe weather. An Orange-crowned Harris' Sparrowswere reportede. to Illinois. Fox Sparrowswere less Warbler lingered at Joliet, Ill., Dec. 23 (?JM) and on CBCs in numerousthan last winter althougheight at Davenport, Ia., Dec 24 Mlssouriand Kentucky. A MagnoliaWarbler at Joliet, II1., Dec. 17-19 (P) and one winteringat Chicago(AA) were locally unusual.Lapland was exceptional(?JM). Except for 52 at Kelly's I., Dec. 7 (JP, DC), Longspurswere widespreadwith occasionalflocks of 50-200 birds Yellow-rumpedWarblers were scarcein n. states.They appearedin However, 250 at Louisville Jan. 14-Feb. 9 were an exceptional greater-than-normalnumbers in Kentucky. Other lingeringwarblers numberthat far s. (BPB). SnowBuntings staged one of their strongest includedan unprecedentedYellow-throated Warbler at a Mansfield, movements ever into this Region. In n. states, largest numbers were O feeder Dec. 6-Jan. 10 (?SM), a N. Waterthrush in Mason County, noted through early January and as spring migrants after mid- Ill , Dec. 19 (?K et al.) and singleCom. Yellowthroats in Missouri and February. Noteworthy concentrationsincluded 2000 at DeKalb, 111, Kentucky. Dec. 21 (MS) and 1500 at Killdeer Plains W.M.A., O., Feb. 28 (J) Meadowlarks were universally scarcethis winter. Yellow-headed while flocks of 200-1000 were widely reported. Peak numbers in Blackbird reports included two at S.C.R., Dec. 21 (SS), one at Missouri and Kentucky occurred during late January and early Ottumwa,Ia., Jan. 3 (fide'NH) and oneat Carterville,II1., Feb. 14 February with 500 at Louisville Feb. 10-11 (BPB), 70 in St. Charles (?DR). Iowa observersfound the only N. Orioleswith a "Bullock's" County, Mo. (m.ob.) and 60 at Columbia, Mo., Feb. 1 (TB et al ) at Cedar Falls Dec. 20 (?RMy) and a "Baltimore" at PleasantValley Smaller numberspenetrated S to Belgrade, Mo. (SD, RL), Carbon- Dec 30-Jan.4+ (?P). Except for isolatedlarge roosts in Kentucky, dale, Ill. (MM1) and Lexington, Ky. (ABa). Both longspursand Snow Missouri and Ohio, blackbirdswere generally scarce.An extralimital Buntings were occasionally noted at backyard feeders during the Brewer's Blackbird appeared at Akron, O., Feb. 1 (?DS) while 25 at most inclement weather. Mmgo N.W.R., Mo., Feb. 27 were locally unusual(SD et al.). Two EXOTICS -- This Region's feral Mute Swanpopulation appears to Great-tailed Gracklesat S.C.R., Dec. 20-21provided a secondwinter be rapidly expanding.They were widely reportedfrom Illinois while record for Missouri (TB,.SS). 1-4 swans were found at 2 locations in Iowa, Indiana and Ohio. Two Bar-headed Geese were shot by hunters at Fountain Grove W.M.A , FRINGILLIDS -- As a result of the severeweather, many finches Mo., Dec. 21 (TLa). and sparrows were attracted to feeders of houseboundbirders. Iowa's fourth Black-headed Grosbeak visited a LeClaire feeder Dec. UNCORROBORATED REPORTS: The following reportsmay be 13-14 (?Pet al.). The only Dickcissels were found at feeders in credible but satisfactory documentationwas not provided to this Conneaut, O., Dec. 1 (fide JF) and Murray, Ky., Feb. 19-27 (?CP). editor: Whooping Crane at Schell-OsageW.M.A., Mo., Dec. 10, Evening Grosbeaks were universally scarce. Most reports were House Wren in WashingtonCounty, Mo., Dec. 26, Sprague'sPipit at during December, few birds wintered. Peak numberswere only 20- Taberville Prairie, Mo., Feb. 13 and a Rose-breastedGrosbeak at an 30 Purple Fincheswere also unimpressive,largest reported flocks Evanston, Ill. feeder Dec. 13-Jan. 6. were 20-50. The House Finch expansion was most noticeable in Kentuckywher•e birds appeared for the firsttime at Bedfordand Ft. CORRIGENDA -- Satisfactorydocumentation has been provided for the Green Heron at Louisville Feb. 7, 1981 (AB 35:307). This Wngh• while increasednumbers were notedat traditionalsites. Pine winter record is now consideredacceptable (tAB). The Mar. 4, 1981 Grosbeakswere only observedin Ottawa County, O., where 1-4birds report of a Great Egret in ChampaignCounty, Ill. (AB 35:828)should were found Jan. 10-Feb. 28 (?JP, ?KA). be amended to Apr. 4. The summer report of Alder Flycatchers at S.A. Bigelow Marsh, Mo. (AB 35:945) shouldbe changedto Willow One of the highlightsof this winter was a widespreadCom. Flycatcher. The following springsightings have been rejectedby the Redpoll invasion in numberswhich rivalled the 1977-1978 OhioRecords Committee and shouldbe deleted:Goshawk at Reading invasion. While widely scatteredredpoll flockswere reported Mar. 27 (AB 35:829), Yellow Rail at M.M.W.A., Apr. 6 (AB 35:829) in December,the majormovement did not beginuntil mid- to and LaughingGull at M.M.W.A., Mar. 27 (AB 35:830). late Januaryin the n. and the firstweek of Februaryin s. states. CONTRIBUTORS -- (Sub-regionaleditor's names in boldface Flocks of 50-300birds were widely reportedin n. stateswith type; contributors are requested to send their reports to these many lingeringinto March. In contrastto previousinvasions, editors.) Major contributors:(H) Dave Bohlen, (J) Bruce Peterjohn fairly largenumbers wandered farther S thannormal including (Ohio), (K) VernonKleen (Illinois), (L) Floyd Lawhon, (M) William 113at Dayton feeders(fide CM), 54 at a Cincinnatifeeder (fide Klamm, (P) Pete Petersen,(S) Anne Stature(Kentucky), (T) Tom W) and 22 at St. Louisfeeders (fide RK). The s. limit of this Kent (Iowa), (W) Art Wiseman. Other observersand reportersin- invasionwas Louisville(JB,.DN), VanderburghCounty, Ind. cluded: K. Alexander, A. Anderson, D. Arvin, L. Augustine, (fide CK) and Carbondale,Ill. (DR). As expected,several of R. Austing, L. Balch, T. Barksdale, A. Barron (AB), K. Bartel Hoary Redpollswere reportedwith theseflocks. Convincing (KBa), R. Bean, C. Becker (CBe), J. Bell, D. Bierman, G. Black, details reached this editor for the following records: one at C. Bonner (CB), A. Bradley (ABa), K. Brock (KB), A. Bruner (ABr), Eldora, Ia., Jan.23-30 + (?NS, m.ob.), oneat Gary, Ind., Feb. H. Burgess,J. Cairo, M. Campbell, R. Chapel (RCh), N. Cherry, 6 (?BS), one at Akron, O., Feb. 12-28+ (BO, ?m.ob.), two P. Clyne, R. Coles (RC), D. Corbin (DC), D. Coskren (DCo), (one banded)at Lorain Feb. 15-28+ (?JP, m.ob.) and one S. Dilks, J. Dinsmore, P. Dring, T. Durbin, M. Easterday, J. Elmore, banded at Blue Island, II1., Feb. 24 (?KBa). H. Esbaugh,J. Fry, H. Gregory,M. Harris, L. Harrison,N. Haskins, D. Hayward, B. & M. Heusinkveld,J. Hill, T. Hissong,K. Hobbs,D Pine Siskinswere widespreadbut less numerousthan last winter; & J. Hoffman, V. & M. Inman, W. Jardine,Charlie Keller (Indiana), largestreported flocks were generally 50-100. American Goldfinches D. Koehler, R. Korotev, J. Landing, T. LaRue (TLa), T. LePage were also commonat their favorite thistle feedersalthough few were (TL), R. Lewis, M. Mason (MMa), C. Mathena, M. McHugh (MM), found in natural habitats. Both crossbills were widespread and S. McKee, J. Milosevich, M. Mlodinow (MM1), B. Monroe, equally numerous.Reds appearedat 23 locationsin all statess. to F. Moore, R. Mumford, M. L. Myers (MLM), R. Myers (RMy), Louisville (JPa, m.ob.) and St. Francois County, Mo. (fide SD). D. Noonan, R. Noss, B. Osborne, B. Palmer-Ball (BPB), Exceptfor 250near Kansas City, largestflocks contained 15-50 birds. J. Pasikowski(JPa), L. Peavler, C. Peterson,R. Phipps,J. Pogacnlk Whlte-wingedswere not reportedfrom Indianabut were foundat 23 (JP), B. Proescholdt(BP), W. Randie, D. Robinson,J. Robinson, sites s. to Springfield,Mo. (fide CB) and Louisville (AB). Peak L. Rosche, B. Rudden, H. Rylaarsdam, J. Schaufenbuel (JSc), numbers were also 15-50. J. Sheridan(JSh), N. Slife, B. Squires,D. Stover, D. & M. Styef, Sparrowsreceived mixed reports. Whilejuncos and Tree Sparrows S. Surer, M. Swan, D. Thornburg, R. Thornburg, J. Van Dyk, were plentiful, White-crowned, White-throated,Swamp and Song D. Williams, B. Wilson, Jim Wilson (Missouri). In addition, many sparrowswere rather scarce. Among the morenoteworthy sightings, personswho couldnot be individuallyacknowledged submitted notes the "Spotted"race of Rufous-sidedTowhee appeared at singleloca- to the various sub-regionalreports.--BRUCE G. PETERJOHN, 105- tions in w. Iowa and w. Missouri. Wintering SavannahSparrows at 2 K E. TiconderogaDr., Westerville,Ohio 43081.

Volume 36, Number 3 301 CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION /Brent Ortega KANS.! MO.

Despite very cold weather in northern statesand many newspaper ß Fayetteville Nash•'ille statements that this was the coldest winter in 20 years, the mean T E N q. temperature was average in Louisiana and only 2øF below normal in ßFort Smith Memphis Tennessee (MLB). However, a severe cold front with subfreezing ARK. weather January9-17 throughoutthe Regionhad someeffect on bird Whe%ler distribution. The winter was dry in the early part and progressively •.,xx\e%øc¾ßß Retuge wetter towards the end. Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins Birm•jngham primarily invaded the northern statesof the Regionwhile Evening MISS. ALA. Grosbeaks and Purple Finches hardly showed up at all. American Marion Robinsand Dark-eyed Juncosmigrated south late and/or in reduced ß Shreveport ß numbers. Great Cormorants, Great Black-backed Gulls, Lesser ßJackson Montgeomery Black-backedGulls, Horned Larks and Lapland Longspursmigrated Natchitoches farther souththan normal by the mid-Januaryarctic blast, and many hummingbirdsdisappeared. A White-throated Swift in Arkansas was LA. the most unexpected find of the season. False

LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- A Red-throated Loon at L.

Millwood Dec. 9 was the seventh for Arkansas (CM). Eared Grebes Island were scarce: a total of 36 was present on 4 Christmas Bird Counts (hereafter, CBCs), one was reported at Guffport, Miss., Jan. 26-Feb. G U L F O•of M E X I C O 6 (JT) with a max. of two Jan. I (G J, DJ), and one was near Pensacola Dec. 6 (PT)-Feb. 3 (RAD, RSD). The W. Grebe at Alabama Pt., Dec. 5 was the fourth for Alabama (G J). Unusualinland were singleWhite field near Roanoke, La., all February were consideredabundant (BO, Pelicanson the Baton Rouge CBC and at Eufaula N.W.R., Ala., Jan. SO). The Ross'Goose* near Johnsons Bayou Dec. 22 (JBS)was only 31 (DM, PM). A Brown Pelican was reported in Harrison County, the sixthfor Louisiana.A CinnamonTeal (ph.) wasin CameronPar., Miss., Jan. 5 (JT). This speciesstarted nesting at BarataxiaBay, La., Feb. 13 (MJM). A Euraslan Wigeon at Wheeler N.W.R., Nov. 27 in November and 673 adults and iramatures were noted in the area on (MB, CDC, m.ob.) was the third for Alabama. Canvasbacks were the Grand Isle CBC. The 164 nestingattempts seemedto be doing fairly numerouswith 94% of 84,000 reported by the state game well until the severeJanuary cold front aborted them all. Fortunately, agencies occurring in Louisiana (CS); 3000+ others were near De- February brought 160 new nesting attempts (BO). Two Gannets in catur, Ala., Feb. 6 (CDC). Scaup were very abundant; 410,000 Cameron Par., were uncommonFeb. 18 (SV), but 50 + in LaFourche wintered in L. Pontchartrain(CS) and 150,000in BaratariaBay, La. Par., Feb. 28 (DH, KH) were more interesting. (BO). Greater Scaup were reported at most coastal Louisiana The Great Cormorant, previously a super-rarity along the n. Gulf localities; 285 were noted on 6 CBCs conducted there. A few Olds- coast, was reported an astonishing 6 times (all imm. birds): two quaws are normally reportedin Louisianaonce every 2 years; this observed in Jackson County Jan. I and Feb. 6 were the secondand year three were in St. Charles Par., Nov. 21-Jan. 23 (MW, RS, BC, third reports for Mississippi (JT); singlesat Grand Isle Dec. 26 (NN, SH) with one* Jan. I (WD); one was at New Orleans Nov. 22 (MM) DN) and Feb. 28 (DH, KH) were the third and fourth reports for and two on the Grand Isle CBC. SingleWhite-winged Scoters at Gulf Louisiana; at Ft. Morgan, Ala. (CW, PB) one was found dead and Shores (G J, DJ, m.ob.), Guntersville, Ala. (CDC) and Rockefeller another was reported at Alabama Pt., Dec. 6 (OF, m.ob.) which was Ref., La. (RH), were far outshadowedby 24 on the Siloam Springs photographedJan. 2 (HK). Double-crestedCormorant populations in CBC in Arkansas.Twelve Surf Scoterswere reportedat Gulf Shores Louisiana continue to increase over the past decade's numbers; (GJ, DJ) and three at Wood Res., Tenn. (KD, LD); singleswere at members counts from Barataria Bay (BO), Natchitoches Par. (CV), New Orleans (MM) and Nashville (MLB). Black Scoters were more Morgan City (BO) and Shreveport CBC totaled at least 1000. widespreadthan the others: 30 reportedat Gulf Shores(G J, DJ) Dec. Green Heron reports were widespread: 19 birds on 6 Louisiana 6 was the highestever for Alabama;others were presentin Escambia CBCs and singlesat Nashville Dec. 6 (MLB), Gulf Shores, Ala., Dec. County, Ha., from Dec. 5 (PT, BT, m.ob.)-Jan. 16 (WHV, RAD), at 21 (GJ, DJ), Clark County, Ark., Dec. 26 (EM, JM), and Jackson Pensacola Dec. 11(RAD), and on the Grand Isle and Reserve CBCs in County, Miss., Jan. 23 (JT, TM). The latest Cattle Egret for the Louisiana. The count of 74 Hooded Mergansersat Gulf ShoresDec. TennesseeValley in Alabama was near Decatur Dec. 12 (AM, HW, 21 was the highestever for the Alabama coast (GJ, DJ). The Com. MH). The eight Yellow-crowned Night Herons reportedon 5 Louisi- Merganser at PensacolaDec. 18 (RAD) stayed until Jan. 27 (PWS) ana CBCs were more than usual. and representedthe fifth area report; elsewhere 20 were on Cheatam The GlossyIbis, very difficult to distinguishfrom the White-faced L., Feb. 6 (RM) and five at Cordell Hull L., Tenn., Jan. 23 (MRM, Ibis in the field during winter, was reported on 3 Louisiana CBCs on RVM); one other was found at Baton Rouge Jan. 23-24 (DH. KH, the w. end of its range.All nine birdsreported were identifiedat close TP). Red-breastedMergansers were abundantin Barataria Bay range with high quality spottingscopes during observationsof 4000 + where at least 2500 were seen Jan. 19 (BO). Plegadisat variousdistances. Of thesedark ibisesonly 396 were seen clearly enoughto be identified as White-faced. Two Plegadis were HAWKS THROUGH CRANES -- A White-tailed Kile was re- reportedat Mobile Dec. 10and one Dec. 20 (GJ, D J). Inland wintering portedfor the first time in s.e. Louisianain 90 yearsin St. Tammany White Ibises in Louisianaare increasingat about the samerate as the Par., Jan. 31 (DH). A Goshawkwas on the AshlandCity CBC, Tenn. acreagesdevoted to crawfishfarming (BO). Both Sharp-shinnedand Cooper's hawks continue to increase: 69 Sharp-shinnedswere reported on 17 of 35 Arkansas and Louisiana WATERFOWL -- State game agenciesconducted midwinter in- CBCs and 32 Cooper's were reportedon 20 CBCs. Fifty Red-tailed ventoriesin Alabama,Louisiana and Mississippiand estimated there Hawks Feb. 12 in a 40-acrefield was an unusualfind in Washington were 4,500,000waterfo•vl of which 92% were in Louisiana(BRT, CS, County, Arkansas(JN, CW, LuC). WinteringBroad-winged Hawks, RKW, respectively);total numberswere about the sameas last year althoughusually uncommon,were reported in Louisianaon the in Alabama and Louisianaand 15% up in Mississippi;Snow Geese Grand Isle (2), New Orleans(1) and Venice (2) CBCs. Also, two were accountedfor 104,000,Pintails 838,000and scaup540,000. near New Iberia Jan. 15 and.one near Golden Meadow Jan. 25 (BO). NonintroducedCanada Geese are no longercommon along the The most Rough-leggedHawks reported this season were six in Guff coast; one at Gulf Shores,Ala., Dec. 21 (GJ, DJ), six on the middleTennessee Dec. E-Feb. 28 (T.O.S); singleswere reportedat SabineCBC and 12at SweetLake, La., Feb. 23 (BO, SO, AB) were Guntersville, Ala., Dec. 23-Feb. 10 (CDC, HW, m.ob.), at Holla. unusual.At leastone Brant at CrossCreek N.W.R., Dec. 7-Feb. 28, Bend N.W.R., Ark., Jan. 17 (WS, FBu), at New Orleans Jan. 30-Feb. 1982supplied the seventhTennessee record (DD). A White-fronted 14(DPM, m.ob.), and in WashingtonCounty Feb. 12(JN, CW, LuC). GooseDec. 19was the first for theWheeler N.W.R. CBC (SG, CDC, Either eagle numbersare increasingor birders now know better m.ob.). Approximately100,000 Snow Geese feeding in a rye grass where to look for them. The Jan. 18 Nat'l Wildlife Federationeagle

AmericanBirds, May 1982 watch turned up 763 eaglesin 4 statesof which 27 were Golden, 90% high number(JT) A Black-leggedKlttiwake, an uncommonsight of the eagleswere in Arkansas,16 ad and 15 lmm Bald Eagleswere near land, was at Alabama Pt , Dec 5-6 (PT, OF, mob ) About 200 observednear 14 nestsin Louisiana(fide FrB). A GoldenEagle was SandwichTerns stayeduntil the secondweek of Decemberat Grand capturedand bandedat Talladega, Ala., duringNovember (fide AM), Isle (BO) and singleswere still presenton the GrandIsle andSabine one was reported on the Sabine CBC for the first time and four CBCs. lmmatures were found on the White River N.W.R. CBC. Birders reportedsix ad. and 14imm. Bald Eaglesin Alabama,28 adultsand 14 PIGEONS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS -- Single Band-tafied lmmatures in Arkansas, 7 adults and 11 immatures in Louisiana and Pigeonswere found at 2 widely spacedLouisiana localities: one at two adults and one immature in Mississippi. Pilottown Dec. 5 (DPM, JW), observed at 50 ft, and one (ph.) near Two Ospreys were listed on the Reserve and Venice CBCs and at Many, La., Dec. 21 to at least Feb. 21 (SHb, JQ, m.ob.). The six Moss Pt., Miss., Feb. 13 (JJ); singles were at L. Charles, La., in White-winged Doves reported on the Sabine and Venice CBCs are December (BO), at Decatur, Ala., Jan. 6 (JE), at JacksonCounty, lessimpressive than.one 100+ mi inlandat Natchitoches,La., Feb Miss , Feb. 6 (JT, CR) and at Baton Rouge Feb. 20 (SC). Seven 21 (CV) and anotherin JacksonCounty, Miss., Jan. I & 16 (JT, GM, m.ob.). Groove-billed Anis were widespread in Louisiana: 17 on 4 Peregrine Falcons were reported in Louisiana: two on Grand Isle CBC and singlesat Delta N.W.R., Dec. 5 (DPM, JW), on Johnsons CBCs; three in PlaqueminesPar., Dec. 5 (DPM, JW), four at Rocke- Bayou CBC, at Rockefeller Ref., Jan. 30 (RH, KB) and Hopedale feller Ref., Dec. 15 (MS) plus one Jan. 15 (RH, KB), and 13 at Grand Feb 4 (DPM); one was in JacksonCounty Jan. I (JT). Eight Merlins Isle Feb. 7 (SP, DP, m.ob.). were reportedon 7 CBCs in the Region;three others were reportedin The Long-earedOwl, rarely observedin Louisiana, was recorded Blloxi Jan. 2-16 (JT), two near Delta N.W.R., Dec. 5 (DPM, JW), one at 2 locations: one was found dead near Patoutville Dec. 16 (DMo) at Decatur Nov. 22 (CDC, PF, CG), and one at New Orleans all winter andtwo were seenat HackberryDec. 19-20(DPM, JR, m.ob.). Single (DPM). Fourteen SandhillCranes were unusualat Gulf Shores,Ala., Saw-whet Owls were reported in Hickman County Dec. 28 (DA) and Dec 21 (GJ, DJ), as were two at Jackson,La., Dec. 3 (BTr); birders Giles County, Tenn., Feb. 2 (TOM). The 13 Chuck-will's-widows found no Sandhillsat Cheneyville, La., but landownersthere stated found on 4 Louisiana CBCs with one still at JohnsonsBayou, La, that a flock of 100+ was presentboth this winter and last (fide RN). Feb. 13 (MJM) outnumberedthe four Whip-poor-willsreported on 2 Louisiana CBCs. The White-throated Swift on the Buffalo Nat'l River SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS -- Louisiana's 8,000,000 (west) CBC, Ark. (NG, BoM, PaM, JAR, CT, PaT) was the most acresof coastalmarshes, water bodiesand barrier islands are usedby unexpected find of the season. largenumbers of winteringshorebirds, but rarely is their abundance While hummingbirdreports were fewer than normal, s. Louisiana assessed.The numbers of each of 6 species(275 Semipalmated hummingbird enthusiastscontinue to entice many to winter. The Plovers, 80 Piping Plovers, 1575Black-bellied Plovers, 8000 Dunlin, subfreezing weather of Jan. 9-17 caused many hummingbirdsto 2500Short-billed Dowitchers and 8000 Western Sandpipers) roosting disappear(fide NN). Two Archilochus sp., were at Baton Rouge Dec on Grand Terre I. (a 3-mi long barrier island), JeffersonPar., Feb. 3 l-Jan. 11 (RD, ID). Single Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were re- exceededthe combinedtotals for thesespecies on the 15 Louisiana ported at Faulkner County, Ark., Dec. 13 (WCo) and at Metairie, La, CBCs (BO). The only Snowy Plovers reportedwere singleson the Feb. 28 (NN, PN). A Black-chinnedHummingbird was at Reserve, Grand Isle and Sabine CBCs. La., Nov. 24 to mid-December (RS); another was found frozen to a Wllson's Plovers used to be consideredextremely scarcein winter; feeder at L. Charlesin January(NN). At least six RufousHumming- however, I believe they just occupy remote beachesand salt flats at birds attempted to winter in Reserve (RS, MW), but two were found this season.Singles are now foundregularly on the SabineCBC, and dead during the cold weather of January. A Buff-bellied Humming- six were on the Grand Isle CBC this year; one was also in Gulf bird, present all winter at Raceland, La., was banded Mar. 11 (NN, County, Fla., Jan. 17 (JS). An Am. Golden Plover at Rockefeller Ref., VL); another much-photographedbird was at ReserveJan. 2-14 (RS, La, Feb. 23 (RH, KB) was either the earliest migrantever or a rare m.ob.). winter vagrant.An Am. Woodcocknest was found in the first week of WOODPECKERS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Common (Red- February by a local hunter in Desoto Par., and it was later photo- sh.) Flickers were listed on 3 Arkansas and I Louisiana CBC. The graphed(ToP,fide MO). Notable were Long-billedCurlews at Mobile Golden-frontedWoodpecker reported last springwas still presentat Dec I (GJ) and on the Ft. Morgan CBC. A Whimbrel at Rockefeller PensacolaFeb. 27 (RC, CC, m.ob.). Wintering Scissor-tailedFly- Ref, Feb. 25 wasunusual (KB) as were singleSolitary Sandpiperson catchers were six on the Grand Isle CBC and 20 Jan. 22 in Cameron the Pine Prairie and Sabine CBCs. At least 100 Red Knots were Par. (JaT). A Least Flycatcher* was on the JohnsonBayou CBC observeddaily on Grand Terre I., after December and a statehigh of (SC). In Louisiana the uncommon Vermilion Flycatcher was re- 2500was estimatedJan. 6 (BO). A few placeshad Marbled Godwits: ported on 3 CBCs; at least two wintered at Millers L., Evangeline Rockefeller Ref., with 30 on Feb. 10 (KB); 2 Louisiana CBCs with Par., for the eighth winter in a row (BO, HG); one also winteredin seven and Mobile with one Dec. I (GJ). Four Black-necked Stilts Natchitoches (CV, MSh) and one was at DeltaN.W.R., Dec. 5 (DPM, reported in JacksonCounty, Miss., Jan. I were late (JT). A Wilson's JW). Phalaropenear Grand Isle Feb. 7 was the first for Louisianain late Horned Lark numberswere about averagein Arkansas(1.37 birds winter (MM, DP, m.ob.). per party-hour on CBCs--hereafter, bpph) and Louisiana (0 06 After the initial report of a GlaucousGull in the area, birders spent bpph). After the severecold front of Januarythey were reportedin many hours at 3 of 4 New Orleanslandfill garbage dumps carefully s.e. Louisiana: one or two were at New Orleans Jan. 14 (JR, MM, lookingat thousandsof gulls.They were rewardedwith an unprece- m.ob.) and 100+ at LaPlace Jan. 16-18 (RS, MyF, m.ob.). The dented array of spectacularfinds: two Glaucous Gulls, one Great earliest Rough-winged Swallow ever for Alabama was one in Black-backedGull, one Lesser Black-backedGull, and three Thay- Cleburne County Feb. 25 (HK, JF). The earliest Purple Martin er's Gulls. The numberof rare gullsin the Regionat large suggests reported this seasonwas in Iberia Par., Jan. 25 (MJM). that nationwideweather trends contributedto their presence. Most wrens were reported at their averageabundances at CBCs in No fewer than seven Glaucous Gulls were noted: one at Alabama Arkansas and Louisiana, except Bewick's; down from 0.022 to 0 007 Pt , Dec. 5 (PT, RAD, m.ob.); one at PerdidoKey, Ala., Jan. 31 (OF) bpph in Arkansas.The secondwintering House Wren recordedin & Feb. 27 (RC, CC, m.ob.); one at Shreveport,La. (CBC); one Jan. Tennessee was one in Davidson County Jan. 2 (fide MLB). Bewick's 28 (SC, JVR, m.ob.) and two* Feb. 28 (SC, MR) at New Orleans;one Wrens were found for the first time in EvangelinePar., Dec. 20 (PMc, Jan 28-Feb. I (BO) and another Feb. 7 (MM, DPM, m.ob.) near RS). A Gray Catbird at Memphis Dec. 20 (HV) was uncommon Grand Isle, La. Great Black-backedGulls appearedat 3 localities: AmericanRobins were only V6their normal30 bpphduring Louisiana Destin, Fla., Oct. -23-Dec.15 (one presentfor eighthyear in a row-- CBCs, but by February they had returned to their normal abundance RAD); near Ft. Pickens, Fla., Feb. 6-28 (RAD, RSD, m.ob.); New in agricultural fields. Most Hermit Thrushes seemed to disappear OrleansFeb. 28 (singlebird, first widely acceptedLouisiana record-- from the coast after December(JT, RAD, m.ob.). Blue-grayGnat- SC, MR, m.ob.). Two LesserBlack-backed Gulls were reported:one catchers were at Washington County, Ark., Dec. 5 (CW) and at in Gulf County, Fla., Jan. 9 & 23 (JS); one at New OrleansFeb. 14-28 GuntersvilleCBC, Ala. Golden-crownedand Ruby-crownedkinglets (ph), the first for Louisiana(DPM, MM, m.ob.). Another new bird bpph were down at least ¾3in Arkansas and Louisiana, although for Louisiana was a Thayer's Gull at New Orleans Feb. 14 (MM); Bierly reported that Golden-crownedswere up in Tennessee.Bell's three (2*) more were identified there Feb. 28 (SC, MR, m.ob.). A Vireo, a winter rarity, was listed on the Venice CBC, La. Franklin's Gull was reported on the Gulf Shores CBC. Thirteen Uncommon wintering warblers were: nine Black-and-white on 5 hundredBonaparte's Gulls in Hancock County, Miss., Jan. 26 was a Louisiana CBCs; a Tennessee on Venice CBC; single N. Parulas on

Volume 36, Number 3 303 Grand Isle and ReserveCBCs, with one beingat Grand Isle Feb 7 Pt, Dec 6 (GJ, DJ, mob), 2 weeks later they were found on 3 (DP, DPM, mob ) at the samelocation as the one on the earherCBC, Arkansasand 1 LouisianaCBC Of these, 1000at TexarkanaCBC a Yellow-rumped(Audubon's) on the JohnsonsBayou CBC; single was a very high number and the 12 on the Pine Prairie CBC were the Yellow-throateds on Arkadelphia and Reserve CBCs; individual firstfor EvangelinePar. (MW, TH). Later,they occurred in unprece- Prairies in St. Tammany Par., Dec. 18 (DPM, JVR, m.ob.) and on dentednumbers in s. Louisiana;3000 + were reportedat St. Charles SabineCBC; singlePalms on Hickory-PriestCBC and at Columbia, Par., Jan. 16-18(RS, NN, m.ob.), 10 in BatonRouge Jan. 14 (DH, Tenn., Dec. 26 (APr); an Ovenbird, a Yellow-breastedChat andthree KH) and62 Jan. 17(SC, JVR), and18 at New OrleansJan. 14(MM, Am. Redstarts on Venice CBC, and one Am. Redstart on Baton DPM). Two Smith's Longspursat St. CharlesPar., Jan. 17 (DP, Rouge CBC. DPM, m.ob.) was a new speciesto s.e. Louisiana;four otherswere on the Arkadelphia CBC. BLACKBIRDS THROUGH LONGSPURS -- Blackbirds moved CORRIGENDA -- The PeregrineFalcon reported at PerdidoKey down on schedulethis year. The roostat Miller's L., EvangelinePar., Feb. 28, 1981(AB 35:308)was actually at Pensacola.Twenty Black- contained about 10,000,000 Brown-headed Cowbirds and 5,000,000 chinned Hummingbirdswere bandedat New Orleans (NN) last Red-wingedBlackbirds in January(BO, HG). In Vidalia, La., a roost winterin additionto the one at Reserve(AB 35:308).The Lapland of only 500,000 Am. Robins, Starlingsand blackbirdswithin the city Longspursreported at Alabama Pt., last winter (AB 35:309) should hmits so upset the residentsthat the U.S. Fish & Wild. Serv. had to havebeen listed as a maximumoften Dec. 7, 1980-Mar.7, 1981(OF, "scare" the birds out of town by various acousticalmethods (fide ShG). DL). SingleYellow-headed Blackbirds were reportedat Mobile Dec. 4 (JoR) & 21 (VF), the Baton RougeCBC and Nashville Jan. 28 (AP). CONTRIBUTORS (sectionaleditors in boldface)-- David Ander- "Baltimore" type Orioles were reportedon 3 LouisianaCBCs; two son, Kenneth Anderson,Fred Bagley(FrB), Fred Barry, Geneva otherswere at Baton RougeFeb. 4 (HM) and one was at GulfportJan. Barry, April Berry, Kim Bettinger,Michael L. Bierly, Charles 24 (GS). Fifteen "Bullock's" types were listed on the Venice CBC. Brasfield, Peggy Brasfield, Bill Brazelton, Craig A. Brown, Mark The Bronzed Cowbird was a first on the New Orleans CBC, but in the Brown. Fred Burnside (FBu), Steven Cardiff, Carlie Carter, Robin same neighborhoodfour were observed Feb. 5-28 (FB, GB) and Carter, Lucy Cass (LuC), Ben B. Coffey,Jr., Wanda Coleman another was reported at Ft. Pike 20 mi e., Jan. 28 (WT). A Summer (WCo), C. Dwight Cooley, RobertaCrabtree (RoC), Dot Crawford, Tanager was at Gentry, Ark., Nov. 28-Dec. 18 (WE) and one win- Paul Crawford, Bruce Crider, Walt Day, Donald Dlunk, Kenneth tered in Shreveportfor the eleventhyear in a row (fide JaS). Dubke, Lil Dubke, ImogeneDuff, RalfDuff, CharlesDuncan, Robert Rose-breastedGrosbeaks were reported on the Sabine CBC and at A. Duncan,R. ScotDuncan, Julian Dusi, Wayne Easley, j. English, New Orleans Dec. 23 (NNe). Single Black-headedGrosbeaks ap- Owen Fang, John Findlay, III, Marty Floyd (MyF), P. Foster, pearedon the Reserve CBC, at Natchitochesin February (FV, CV), Venetia Friend, C. Gardner, Norm Geltz, Sherlie Gade (ShG), at New OrleansFeb. 13 (FB, GB) and at Paris,Ark., Fe.b. 14 (BB, Katherine Goodpasture,Scott Gravette, Harland Guillory, Robert FH). A Dickcisselwas at Maury County, Tenn., mid-December-Feb. Hamilton, Dr. & Mrs. Fred Hander, Dudley Harhngton, Kathleen 28 (KA, KG). Evening Grosbeaksdid not invade the Region in very Harrington, Milton Harris. Stanley Heath, Steve Hebert (SHb), large numbers; only scatteredobservations of 1-2 birds at a time were Annie Hellman, Tom Hickcox, ThomasImhof, Debra G. Jackson, reportedin Tennessee(T.O.S.) andtwo visiteda feedernear Birming- GregD. Jackson,Jerome Jackson, Curtis Kingsbery, Helen Kittinger, ham Jan. 21 (fide TI). A late Indigo Bunting was listed on the Sabine Virginia Landeck, Dwight LeBlanc, Margaret L. Mann, Taylor CBC. Purple Finches were seen in the lowest numbers in recent McAllister, Dennie McClure, PamMcClure, JoeMcGee (JMc), Paul memory in Tennessee(T.O.S.), and were scarcethroughout the rest McKenzie (PMc), Mac R. McMillan, Ruth V, McMillan, Rocky of the Region. House Finches were widespread in n. Tennessee Milburn, Ann Miller, Bill Milliken, CharlesMills, Bob Momlch (T O.S.), but were not noticed farther s. (JJ). A Common Redpoll (BoM), Pat Momich (PaM), Gerry Morgan,Dave Morrison(DMo), (ph.) at Harrison Jan. 25-29 (JAR) suppliedthe fourth Arkansas EddieMorrison, Jack Morrison, Helaine Moyse, Tom Muller (TOM), record. Despite many reportsof low numbers,it was an invasionyear Michael J. Museumeche,David P. Muth, Mac Myers, Joe Neal, for Pine Siskins;they occurredat twice their averagebpph on CBCs Norton Nelkins (NNe), Nancy Newfield, Paul Newfield, Robert in Arkansas(0.21) and Louisiana(0.05) and were especiallyabundant Newman, Donnie Norman, Mike Olinde, Sue Ortego, Ted Parker, late in the seasonin n. portions of the Region (fide JD, TI, TOS). Audrey Perry, Allan Presnell(APr), Tommy Prichett (TOP), Dan Many birdersfelt that the abundanceof severalspecies of sparrows Purrington, Steve Purrington, James Quinn, J. Van Remsen, Jack waslower thannormal at scatteredlocalities, but whilemost slumped Reinoehl,Jo AnneRife, Mark Robbins,Charliene Roemer, Joy Rusg from last year's highnumbers, recorded densities(bpph) on Arkansas (JoR), GraceSatchfield, Mark Shaw(MSh), William Shepherd,Mark and Louisiana CBCs were in general average. Henslow's Sparrows Shirley, James B. Simpson,Chuck Smith, P. William Smith, Ron were listed at 3 Louisiana and one Arkansas CBCs; one at Gulf Stein,Jim Stevanson, James Stewart (JaS), Tennessee Ornithological Shores, Ala., Dec. 6 was only the third ever found on the Alabama Society, Betsy Tetlow, Phil Tetlow. William Thomson, Connie coast in December (GJ, CD, MH). The max. of 10 Le Conte's Toops, Pat Toops (PAT), Jay Toups, ButchTrahan (BTr), BobbyR Sparrows counted in JacksonCounty, Miss., Jan. 16-30 was con- Tramel, Wayne H. Valentine, Steve Viada, Francis Vienne, Charles sidered unusual (JT, JMc, m.ob.). A Sharp-tailed Sparrow on the Viers, Howard Vogel, Ellen WalkeL Melvin Weber, Richard K Guntersville CBC was a rarity inland (MB, CAB). Vesper Sparrow Wells, Jim Whelan, RichardWhittington, Jeff Wilson (JWi), Charlel abundancewent down from the average 0.03 to 0.002 bpph on Woolen, Harriett Wright.--BRENT ORTEGO, 606 E. Beauregard ArkansasCBCs andup from 0.11 to 0.20 bpphon LouisianaCBCs; 15 St., Ville Platte, LA 70586. at MemphisDec. 20 wasconsidered a highnumber (BBC, JWi). Two Clay-coloredSparrows were noted on the SabineCBC (JVR, SC) for only the second Louisiana CBC record. Tree Sparrows invaded the Region: six were on 3 Arkansas CBCs, three at Shelby County, Tenn., Jan. 14-20 and 25 Jan. 24-Feb. 14 (T.O.S.), four at Crittenden PRAIRIE PROVINCES REGION County, Ark., Jan. 17 (RW), and 22 near MemphisFeb. 13(JWi). On /J. Bernard Gollop Jan. 14 singleswere located at Clarksville (AH), Gallatin (DC, PC) and Nashville, Tenn. (MLM); in Arkansas five were reported in WashingtonCounty Jan. 17 (JN) and four at CleburneCounty Feb. 6 It was mild during the first part of December but by the end of the (WS, RoC, m.ob.). The six Arkansas and 1 Louisiana CBC with month, the entire Region was experiencing-30 to -40øC tempera- Harris' Sparrowsran up a t9talof 24 birds;eight were in Washington tures; the mean for the month was within IøC of normal across the County Dec. 5 (JN), one at Clarksville, Tenn., Jan. 2 (BM)--Jan. 4 Prairies. January was one of the coldest months on record with (EW) and one at Ft. Morgan, Ala., Dec. 2 (CB, PB). Dark-eyed temperatures 6 to 10ø below normal in most areas. At Saskatoon, Juncoshad a bpph rating of only 0.7 bpph in Louisiana,down 50% overnighttemperatures dropped to colderthan - 30ø on 26 of 31 days from normal density: yet Jerome Jackson reported them as more In spite of a week-longmild spell at mid-month, February in Alberta abundantthan usual in Mississippi. and Saskatchewan was 2-6 ø below normal. Manitoba was near nor- A major invasionof Lapland Longspurswas probablyassociated mal. with the severe winter up n. However, many were seenfar s. before December precipitationwas lessthan 50% of normalin most areas the very cold weather started: they were first reported at Alabama although Broadview and North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and The

304 American Birds, May 1982 Kingfishers were reported Dec 19 at Banlf(D & MM JMu), Jan 31 near Calgary (JT, PF) and one at Brandon Dec 27 provided the first winter record for Mamtoba (CC). Red-belhed Woodpeckers had been reported on 19 occasions in Manitoba until this winter when single birds were reported at St. Agathe until Dec. 4 (SM), Emerson untd early Dec. (MB) and Winnipeg December-Feb. 27 (OL, m.ob.)--all single females or iramatures. In one km of road near Brokenhead, Man., at least 11 Black-backedand six N. Three-toed Woodpeckers were seenJan. 17 (RK). Black-cappedand Boreal chickadees,Red- breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets and Bohemian Waxwings were all down in the s.e. boreal forest, of Saskatchewanin February (WCH). A Brown Creeper was a rare find on Jan. 12 at Indian Head (MSk) as was a Mockingbird in Winnipeg until Dec. 19 (M & TR). Also in Winnipeg a Hermit Thrush survived until at least Dec. 19--the first winter record (JMo, HP). There were more December reports of Am. Robins in Saskatchewanbut a flock of four in Moose Jaw provided the only February record (seen untd 23rd, PK). BohemianWaxwings were commonthrough January and MONTANA NORTH DAKOTA February in Saskatchewan and Alberta; there were reports of emaciatedbirds in Edmontonin February(PA). In s. Manitobathey ?as were at least one-third above normal. In January precipitation were common from mid-January to mid-February; after that Wm- vaned from normal in central Manitoba and Saskatchewan to twice nipeg birds largely moved out of the city (RK, HC). Northern Shrikes normal in western Alberta. Edmonton's record of 70 cm of snow fell were apparently in normal, low numbers acrossthe Region. on 25 of the 31 days. In February, the southernPrairies had 25-50%of normal snow and rain. At the end of the period, snow on the ground BLACKBIRDS THROUGH FINCHES -- Three Rusty Black- averaged 15 cm in Alberta, south of Edmonton and east of the birds were seen in Winnipeg Dec. 19 (fide RK) and a single s. of mountains; 12 cm in Saskatchewan, south of Prince Albert, and 11 cm Pinawa, Man., Dec. 20 (PT). A banded <3Cardinal survived his 2nd in Manitoba, southof Dauphin. winter in Saskatoon(PO). Moose Jaw had a Black-headedGrosbeak through January (GZ). Evening Grosbeakswere widely distributed In LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL--Particularly late individu- the s. but usually in small numbers. Up to three 9 Purple Finches als were: Corn. Loon at Pinawa, Man., Dec. 2-3 (PT); Horned and were reported in Moose Jaw until Dec. 29 (PK) with a single at Pied-billed grebesat Portage La Prairie, Man., Dec. 25 (IW), and W. Broadview Dec. 22 (DFr). Pine Grosbeakswere seen at fewer places Grebe at Banff Dec. 5 (J & MS). A flying Double-crestedCormorant and in smaller numbers than Evenings. Common Redpolls were was seen at E. St. Paul, Man., Dec. 13 (MSi, RK). Two Whistling numerousthrough most of the Regionand the period, almostalways Swans at Seven Sisters, Man., Dec. 6 (PT) and a flock in the 1st week with a few Hoaries. They did not appearin numbersat Banff feeders of December near Steinbach (DFa), and "numerous" flocks of until February (GLH). Up to six Pine Siskinswere at 3 feedersin s Canada Geese over Winnipeg Dec. 7-8 were unusual (GEH, AB, Manitoba (MSi, KG, CT) and at least eight wintered in Edmonton mob ). There were December dates for 18 speciesof ducks acrossthe (PA). The only Am. Goldfincheswere at 3 Manitoba localities In Region;except for Mallards and Corn. Goldeneye,these were mainly December (fide HC). Red Crossbills were reported only from singles. However, nine Barrow's Goldeneye survived at least until W.R.W.C., Jan. 3 (three birds--PS), at Indian Head Feb. 16-28 Feb 14 at Calgary (JT) as did 11 Com. Mergansers until Feb. 26 at (two--MSk) and in small numbers at feeders in several areas of s Squaw Rapids (WCH). Manitoba with a maximum of 25 at Morris Jan. 28 (JC). There were no White-winged Crossbills for Alberta, only one record for Saskatche- RAPTORS -- Goshawks and Gyrfalcons appearedto be in normal wan (sevenon Dec. 24 at SquawRapids--WCH) andabout 6 reports numbers. Single wintering Red-tailed Hawks were unusual at the of singleor a few birds fi'om s. Manitoba (RK, HC). The rarity of the Wlldhfe Reserve of Western Canada (hereafter, W.R.W.C.), near period was a Green-tailedTowhee at a farm near Altona, Man., dady Cochrane, Alta., Jan. 2 (PS, SJ); at Sundre, Alta., Dec. 12 (FH); Nov. 3-Jan. 4. It was seen by birders from acrossthe province and CypressHills, Dec. 19 (NC, JW); Good Spirit Lake Dec. 26 (W & JA); photographed(A & DS, m.ob.). A Rufous-sidedTowhee used a near Regina Dec. 6 (DHj) and at least three s. of Steinbach, Man., feeder in Winipeg until Jan. 16 (RDG). There were at least the usual throughoutthe period(DFa, H L, m.ob.). At leastthree Rough-legged number of Dark-eyed Juncos and Tree Sparrows overwintering. In Hawks were presentthrough February at SquawRapids; this may be Decembera singleChipping Sparrow was reported(Indian Head-- the first wintering record for the Region's Boreal Fore st (WCH); eight MSk). A Harris' Sparrowat Delta died Jan. 20 (CC). Januaryrecords were on the CalgaryAirport Jan. 16 (JS, MSp). At SquawRapids also for White-throatedSparrows were two at a feederin Saskatoon(MG), there were a surprising52 Bald EaglesDec. 24 with four still present two in Calgary (JMc, JT) and a single at Stonewall, Man. (KG) through February (WCH). A Peregrine Falcon was reported from Lapland Longspurswere unusually late at Squaw Rapids Dec. 3 (200 Lomond, Alta., Feb. 26 (DY); an adult was studied near Nipawin, birds--WCH) and at Kleefeld, Man., Jan. 1 (215--PT, DFa, HL) Sask , Feb. 24 (WCH, AN) and at least two (adult and immature) Snow Buntingsmay have been more commonthan usual, the largest stayed throughthe period in Winnipeg (HC, DRH, m.ob.). flocks being 7400 near Last Mountain L., Dec. 29 (WCH, SL) and 5000 near Irricana, Alta., Jan. 31 (J & MS). GROUSE THROUGH OWLS -- Ruffed Grouse were down in s. Manitoba (PT, DFa) and the s. boreal forest of Saskatchewan (WCH). CONTRIBUTORS -- (Area editors in boldface). William and The only shorebirdswere a Killdeer Dec. 10 near Cochrane, Alta. Joyce Anaka, Peter Assman, M. Balderstone, A1 Blewerr, Rudi (SJ), and a Corn. Snipe s. of Saskatoon,Dec. 12 (BGo, SS). One of Butt¾,Nigel Caulkerr, Herb Copland, John Christie, Calvin Cuthbert, two GlaucousGulls was photographedat CalgaryDec. 20 (RB, WH). R. DeGraaf, Dennis Fast (DFa), P. Frame, Doug Francis (DF), Ken Herring Gulls were seenas late as Dec. 6 (three) on L. Diefenbaker (G Gardner, Mary Gilliland, Bob Godwin (BGo), Willis Hall, Wayne C & RW) and Dec. 12 (three) at Seven Sisters, Man. (PT). Lake Harris, David R. Hatch, Ferrell Haug, Dale Hjertaas (DHj), George Dlefenbaker also had five Ring-billed Gulls Dec. 6 (G & RW). After E. Holland, Geoff L. Holroyd, Stuart Johnson,Pat Kern, Rudy Koes, December, Snowy Owls appearedto be down in s. Manitoba; they Sheila Lamont, Harvey Lane, Olivia Lane, Sandy Macaulay, J occurred in their usual low. numbers in Saskatchewanand Alberta, McCullough (JMC), D. and M. Mclvor, Kay Morck, John Morgan the maximum concentrationbeing eight at the Calgary airport Dec. 13 (JMo), Julie Murphy (JMu), Robert Nero, Arnold Nijssen, Pat (J & MS), where 42 jackrabbits were also seen on one count (fide O'Neil, Henry Pops,M. andT. Roinila, A1and Dorothy Schritt,Stan AW) Great Gray Owls were much more common than usual in the Shadick, Peter Sherrington, Martin Siepman (MSi), Mary Skinner Calgary-Sundre area (AW, FH), whereas in Manitoba it was the (MSk), M. Spencer(MSp), Jackand Marion Steeves,Peter Taylor, C lowest winter in several years for this species(RN, HC). A Boreal Thexton, J. Thompson, Guy and Robert Wapple, fan Ward, Jack Owl was found dead near Huxley, Alta., a rarity (AW). Wilkinson, Allan Wiseley, Don Young, Gus Zado.•BERNARD GOLLOP, Canadian Wildlife Service, 115 Perimeter Rd., Saskatoon, KINGFISHERS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Lone Belted Sask. S7N 0X4.

Volume 36, Number 3 305 NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS /Craig A. Faanes

What a difference one year can make! Anyone that watched the national weatherforecasts this winter probablyheard that the north- ...... " •Malta Mrssoursg eUph• [• A.•"- • ern great plainswas undera siegeof very coM weather.Three of the major National Weather Service offices in the Region (Billings, Bismarck, Rapid City) reported record low temperatures,especially in Januarywhen mean monthlytemperatures at both Bismarckand Rapid City were more than 10øFbelow normal. The prairie winds were also excessive. On January 9, the wind-chill factor at Grand Forks ranged -90 ø to - 100øF,and at Jamestownit briefly reached - 105øF.Bitter cold continuedthrough the first ten daysof February. However by late February, temperatureshad begunto moderateand the thermometer reached + 71ø at Billings February 21. Not to be outdone, precipitation totals in much of the Region were in the record-breakingcategory, with 30 inchesof snowin Januaryat period. GlaucousGulls included5-6 at Garrison Dam in late Decem- Fargo. Unfortunately, the water contentof the snow was very low; a ber and a first-year bird at Ft. Peck Jan. 30-Feb. 28. About 1000 17 inch snowfallat Jamestownin mid-Januarywas equivalentto only Herring Gulls at Garrison Dam and 35-40 at Ft. Peck remained 0.3 inches of rain. Without some wet March snowstorms, prairie through December but departed by early January. What was prob- wetlandswill probably again be in stressfulcondition this spring. ably South Dakota's first reported Thayer's Gull was seen below In an otherwise depressingwinter. there were some surprises Oahe Dam on the Missouri R., at Pierre Dec. 24 (B.J. Rose, fide including Montana's first Yellow-throated Warbler and North N.R.W.). The imm. Black-leggedKittiwake at Garrison Dam Dec. 5, Dakota's fourth Hawk Owl. All in all, however, it was a good winter may have been the sameone seenthere last fall (GBB, REM). There tostay inside, sip brandy: and dream about July. has been a dramatic increase in the number of kittiwakes reported from that vicinity in the last 3 years. This was a generallypoor year for Snowy Owls. Fuller reported 15 GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL -- Two Horned Grebes at throughthe winter near Crosby, N.D., and eight were reportedfrom Yankton, S.D., Dec. 6, and one there Dec. 13 were rather late (WH). South Dakota. None was reported outside the CBC period in e. A Double-crestedCormorant in Yankton County Dec. 4-8, was Montana and CMC missedthis owl for the first time in 10 years at Ft. amongthe latestdates for SouthDakota (WH). A Great Blue Heron at Peck. About 23 Short-earedOwls were reportedfrom North Dakota, Fargo Dec. 6 was very late for that part of the state. A well-described but only six were seen in South Dakota. Four Long-eared Owls were Trumpeter Swan at Tongue River Res., Mont., Feb. 26-27, was most found in South Dakota and one was at L. Sakakawea S.P., N.D., Dec. unusualaway from the Rocky Mtns. (BAS, ?JD et al.). An ad. •? 5. The owl of the winter was North Dakota's fourth Hawk Owl at Trumpeter Swan was found dead near Interior, S.D., Feb. 2 (A. Devils L., Dec. 27 through at least Jan. 17 (D. Strom, PS, ph.). Two Banta). The bird had been bandedat nearby Lacreek N.W.R., in Saw-whet Owls were reported; one at L. Sakakawea S.P., Dec. 20 1976. Late WhistlingSwans included 47 at Fargo Dec. I and one at and one at Ft. Peck which was seen by 70 school children (CMC). MinotDec. 6. Thelargest number of CanadaGeese reported was 9500 on the YellowstoneR., betweenMiles City and Billings,Mont., Dec. WOODPECKERS -- Single Pileated Woodpeckers were reported 17 (TCH). A Ross'Goose at PierreDec. 19, Feb. 6 & 27 (BBC, DAT), from Fargo and Pembina County, N.D. BKH reported that the provided about the third winter record for South Dakota. A Wood number of Red-bellied Woodpeckers seen in South Dakota was Duck was very late at Ft. Peck, Mont., Jan. 1. SingleRedhead and "more than ever before in [the] state during winter," including 21 Canvasbackwintering below GarrisonDam, N.D., providedone of birds from 9 areas. One Red-belliedwintered at a Valley City, N.D. few winter recordsfor eitherspecies in that state. Peaknumbers of feeder (L. Jones),and the Ft. Peck bird reported last fall was last seen Corn.Goldeneyes included 3100 along the BighornR., Mont., Jan.4. there Dec. 30 (CMC). Encouraging were the nine Lewis' Wood- One Com. Goldeneyeat Upper SourisN.W.R., N.D., Feb. 21, was peckers that DLB found in Lawrence County, S.D., Jan. 21. A anearly migrant. Two Barrow'sGoldeneyes were reported including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Yankton was one of only 2-3 winter one at Rapid City (JLB, RCR), which furnished the fourth winter records for South Dakota. record there, and a winteringindividual at Ft. Peck (CMC). A Surf Scorerin Yankton County Dec. I provided the latest on record in LARKS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- Horned Larks wintered SouthDakota. Two Oldsquawat GarrisonDam Dec. 27 wereamong n. to Bottineau County, N.D., near the Canadian border and 7030 the latest for that state (DNS). A •?Common Eider on L. Sakakawea were estimated along Hwy. 85 between Belle Fourche, S.D., and Dec. 5 providedone of 4 or 5 North Dakota records(GBB, ?REM). Bowman, N.D.. Feb. 25 (CAF). About 100 Pition Jays at Miles City, Mont. (SJG), and 125 daily in Custer County, S.D. (MJP) were the HAWKS THROUGH RAILS -- Nine Goshawks were recorded largestnumbers reported. Red-breastedNuthatches were reported as across the Region. Red-tailed Hawks wintered n. to Upper Souris wintering across the Region, although many apparently departed N.W.R., and they were fairly well distributed across e. Montana after the CBC period. A single Dipper about 45 mi s.w. of Malta, through the winter. About 182 Golden Eagles and 316 Bald Eagles Mont.,Jan. 12, was far removedfrom, its "normal" range (AD, JC).A were reportedfrom the 3 states;largest numbers were 150adult and Brown Thrasher at Watertown, S.D., Dec. 1, survived until Jan. 22. 40 imm. Balds in e. Montana. Prairie Falcons and Merlins were Reports of up to three E. Bluebirds at Yankton Dec. 4-Feb. 19, surprisingly well distributed across the Region. Single Peregrine suggestedthey were wintering (WH, JEW). A c• Mountain Bluebird Falcons were at Bismarck, N.D., Jan. 8, and an undated observation Feb. 19 at Hot Springs, S.D., was an early migrant (RCR). Town- was of one at Glasgow, Mont. Gyffalcon reports included four send's Solitaires were reported e. as far as Waubay and Brookings, throughoutthe winter in e. Montana (m.ob.), of which one powedine S.D. BohemianWaxwings were generally distributedw. of the Mis- kill was recorded at Glasgow Jan. 18. souri R., throughthe period but did not arrive in Bismarckuntil Feb. The first Ruffed Grouse record for Fargo was establishedduring a I. The largest numbers reported were 350+ at Jamestown Feb. 15, blizzard Jan. 23 (GMB). About 15 Chukars s.w. of Billings Feb. 20 and 100+ at Grand Forks. What was describedas a "big movement" were the first reported in several years. Ring-neckedPheasant mor- of Bohemians occurred in the Black Hills during December (EMS). tality at Upper Souris N.W.R., was reported at about 80% of the Northern Shrikes made a fine showing, especially in South Dakota population. Reports elsewhere suggestedthat weather related die- with reports from 10 counties,and on 8 of 11 CBCs. offs were of'only spottyoccurrence. A well-describedVirginia Rail at The bird of the winter (and possibly the year) was Montana's first Kelly's Slough N.W.R., N.D., Dec. 13 provided the first North Yellow-throated Warbler which appeared at a Billings feeder in late Dakota winter record (?DOLL October, was recorded on the CBC, and was last seen Jan. 4 being eaten by a Sharp-shinnedHawk (?HWC et al.). A Yellow-rumped SHOREBIRDS THROUGH OWLS -- A Killdeer that wintered in Warbler at Ft. Peck Dec. 26 was very late, and probably very cold PenningtonCounty, S.D., furnished the only report after the CBC (CMC); another was at Yankton Jan. 5 (WH). A c• N. Oriole at

306 AmericanBirds, May 1982 Yankton Dec. 1-12, and another at Rapid City Dec. 12-Jan. 14 were Unlike last winter, Pine Siskinsmade a rather dismalshowing. Red the latest recorded in South Dakota (JEW, DHK, NRW). Crossbills were well distributed in North Dakota, but the only South Dakota reports away from the Black Hills were at Aberdeen. White- FINCHES THROUGH BUNTINGS -- A d' Cardinal was at L. winged Crossbill reports included 37 that winlered near Jamestown, Metigoshe S.P., N.D., on the Canadian border Dec. I -Jan. 9, and one 20 in Lawrence County Jan. 9-27 (I)LBI, and 12 al Brookings,S.D., frequented a Fargo feeder through the winter. Evening Grosbeaks Feb. 25 INJH). A ISpotted) Rufous-sided Towhee remained at a were "very abundant" in e. Montana (CMC). However, that state- Jamestownfeeder through early February (J. Jungrolh). A Chipping ment did not hold for much of the rest of the Region. Purple Finches Sparrow in Aberdeen Dec. I-Jan. 8 (DAT et al.) furnishedthe first wintered in w. North Dakota and were found Dec. 9-Feb. 18 at Miles winter record for South Dakola. A singleWhite-throaled Sparrow at City. DLB found 33 Cassin's Finch in Custer County, S.D. Jan. 18, Grand Forks in mid-Januarywas the first known to survive there past and up to six were reported from the Rapid City area Dec. I-Feb. 16 the CBC period (DOLL SongSparrows were reportedfrom 4 widely (LAW, BLG, NRW) Ten Pine Grosbeaks reported in e. North scattered South Dakota locations. and two were in e. Montana Dakota was a faint echo of last winter's incursion. Two Pine Gros- through the winter. The only Lapland Longspursreported wintering beaks on Terry Peak provided one of few winter records from the were at Grand Forks. The first N night movements of longspursat Black Hills (NRW). The only Gray-crowned Rosy Finches reported Jamestownbegan Feb. 23. Snow Buntingsmade an excellent showing were 137 Jan. 16 at Spring Creek Coal Mine. Mont. early although few were found after Feb. I. Without doubt, this was a redpoll year. DOL reported this as the "best winter since 1977-78" at Grand Forks, and CMC reported ADDENDA -- Several significant fall records from e. Monlana "many more than past few winters" in e. Montana. DAT banded 63 I were misplaced when the fall report was written and are included at Aberdeen and about 150 were banded at Jamestown. The largest here. An imm. Cattle Egret Sept. 21 near Rosebudfurnished the 9th number reported in the field was 1500 near Velva. N.D., Feb. 14 state record (J. Swenson. P. Hendricksl. One Ruddy Turnstone at (GBB, REM). At least 28 Hoary Redpollswere reported from across Broadview L.. near Billings Sept. 26 provided one of very few fall the Regionincluding three in South Dakota, five in Montana. and 20 in records for Montana. A •ingle V•himbrel was at Bowdoin N.W.R., North Dakota. BCP banded one at Stanley, N.D., Feb. 21. one was Aug. 26 (PDS). The 17thShort-billed Dowitcher recorded in Montana banded at Jamestown Jan. 22, DAT banded three at Aberdeen, and was at Medicine Lake N.W.R., Aug. 23 (PDS). Four Nashville DOL photographedone of five at his Grand Forks feeder in February. Warblers were banded Sept. 15-17 near Rosebud (J. Swenson,fide Lainbeth's record provided the first photographic documentation of PDS), and one was w. of Malta Sepl. 26 (WPR). Hoary Redpoll in North Dakota. CITED OBSERVERS -- (area compilers in boldface)-- MONTANA•harles M. Carlson, Helen W. Carlson, Jim Conway, Ann Dakin, Jean Daly, Steven J. Gniadek, Tom C. Hinz, William P. Roney, Palmer D. Skaar, Brent A. Steltler. and 10 other observers. NORTH DAKOTA--Gordon B. Betkey, Georgia M. Burr, Gary A. Eslinger, Craig A. Faanes, Thad L. Fuller, David O. Lambeth, Ron E. Martin, Ben C. Pinkowski, Dan N. Svingen. Peter Svingen. and 41 other observers. SOUTH DAKOTA--Joyce k. Baker, Dan L. Bjerke. Bruce C. Coonrod. B. L. Green. Willis Hall, BruceK. Harris, Nelda J. Holden. Doris H. Knecht, M. J. Parker. Richard C. Rosche, Esther M. Serf, Dan A. Tallman. L. I. Wells. J. E. Wilcox, L. A. Williams, Nat R. Whitney, and 24 other observers.•RAIG A. FAANES, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Northern Prairie Wildlife Hoar).'Redpoll. GratuI Forks. N.D.. Jan. 1982. Photo/D.O. Lambeth. Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota 5840 !.

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS /Frances Williams , S.DAK. • • .... '--- Mild fall conditions extended to mid-December in Nebraska and to I-N PlatteNWR • IOWA early January in the remainder of the Region. Many migrants and I CrescentLake NEBR. . •maha summer residents lingered even when record low temperatures de- • ...... • . Li•oln ' • . scended. In mid-February returning mild weather brought a few speciesnorth several weeks early. [In the text below, namesin italics '•NorthPlatte are counties]. • Manettan • ß - Shawnee LOONS THROUGH HERONS --There were 18 Corn. Loons at •/• • Hays* C•yenne L. Texoma Dec. 2, a very high count for thai area (BV). An Arctic ..... Cimmar•__• •AN• B;ttoms ß•arais deCygn Loon was discovered in Donley, Tex., Dec. 20 (KZ, BZ). Horned Grebes were sighted w. of their usual range in Texas at Kerrville, ..... t - •;•[•. t ...... Abilene, and Big Spring. White Pelicans lingered to December in Kingman, Kans., and Donley, and were presenton a rapidly freezing lake in Pawnee, Okla., Jan. 10. Double-crested Cormorants remained 8 •marillo ' • ß at several w. Texas localities until mid-Januaryand arrived in Linn, Kans., on the early date of Feb. 21. An Olivaceous Cormorant was •Muleshoe • • •Broken Bow observed near El Paso Feb. 4 (BZ, KZ). Great Blue Herons braved winter cold until Jan. 20 in Saunders, Neb. (BJR), and Sedgwick, • Lub•k Falls .age H r .... Kans. (SK) through the period. Cattle Egrets were seen in Hunt, g.... '• . •blleueFo;tWorth.Dallas ]• •A. Tex., Jan, 2, near El Paso all season, and Oklahoma City Feb. 15. _-• / • Nacogu•nes More than 50 Black-crowned Night Herons and two Snowy Egrets occupied a roost at El Paso throughout the period. A single Black- crowned Night Heron seen at Cheyenne Bottoms W.M.A., Kans., •alentlne • •ollege •atl• Jan. 7 was found dead Jan. 23 (SS). A Black-crowned Night Heron at MEXICO KerryIll Waco, Tex., Feb. 27 provided the first record there in many years (LB), and one at Dallas Feb. 20 was unusual at that date (MC). An Am. Bittern lingeredin Hutchinson, Tex,, until Jan. 3 (KS). BigB•d NP •

Volume 36, Number 3 307 SWANS THROUGH MERGANSERS -- Two Whistling Swans Tex., Jan. 2 (TG, KB) was still present Feb. 20 (JA). Other larids graceda lake near Wichita Falls Feb. 8-18 (EK) and three sailedon a wintering at L. Livingston included six Laughing Gulls. a Black- pond at El Paso Feb. 23 (BZ, KZ). White-fronted Geese were leggedKittiwake and a Com. Tern (fide KB). reportedin Hudspeth,Tex., Feb. 14. Midland Feb. 19, Tulsa Feb. 7- 14 and Washington. Okla., Feb. 20. Numerous reports of Ross' DOVES THROUGH SWIFTS --Mourning Doves in Garden Geese included one at El Paso Dec. 8 (BZ), one in Dallas Jan. 23-30 Neb., provided a first winter record for the N. Platte R. valley. (PJ, BV), four in Reeves, Tex., Dec. 4 (JS) and two in Linn Feb. 28 Ground Doves strayed to Waco in January (AG) and Midland in (BF, EM). A Black Duck was found at Tulsa Jan. 19 (BB). Eurasian December (JM). An Inca Dove at Lubbock in January was notewor- Wigeonsvisited El PasoNov. 27-Feb. 11 (KZ) andDallas Feb. 27-28 thy. A Roadrunnerin Washington,Okla., Dec. 30 was the first at that (PJ). Six Wood Ducks were presentin HutchinsonFeb. 21 (PA, KS). locality in several years. A pair of Great Horned Owls was nestingin Greater Scaupwere reportedat DallasJan. 24 (CP) and Lubbock Feb. Ottawa, Okla., on the early date of Dec. 28 (PW). Burrowing Owls 17 (LJ). A flock comprising25 Com. Goldeneyeswintered on the wintered as far n. as Wichita, Kans. Among many reports of Long- Missouri R., Sarpy, Neb. (AS). Oldsquawswere found at Tulsa Dec. eared Owls, the most outstandingconcerned a roost site in Ottawa 12 and Jan. 12 (m.ob.). Three White-winged Scoterswere discovered inhabited by a minimum of 33 owls and possibly 63. Industrious in Linn Feb. 27 (LM) and three were in Reeves Feb. 28 (JS). Surf naturalists collected 1273 pellets from this roost and identified ten Scoters were noted in Linn Feb. 21 (MC, JHa) and Dawes, Neb., Dec. rodent speciesin them (PW). Short-eared Owls were also present in 3 (RCR). Twelve Hooded Merganserswere countedin Crosby, Tex., numbersthroughout the Region. Seltman statedthe specieswas more Feb. 7 and seven in Tulsa Dec. 6. Smaller numbers were reported at abundant in Rush, Pawnee and Barton, Kans., than in the past 6 four other localities. years. In Omaha, a Short-eared owl roosted daily in a spruce at a residenceJan. 23-Feb. 13, on which date the melting snow allowed it VULTURES THROUGH FALCONS --Turkey Vultures arrived to return to the fields (TB, B JR). A few White-throated Swifts early in the Davis Mts., Tex., Feb. 20, Washingtonand Osage, Okla., commonlywinter in the El Pasoarea, but this year groupscomprising Feb. 20 and Comanche, Okla., Feb. 22. A white-tailed Kite drifted 300 birds could be seen hawking above water areas on warm sunny over Big Bend N.P., Feb. 24 (FH). An extremely early Mississippi afternoons. Kite flew over Dallas Feb. 27 (DJ). Goshawks appeared at opposite ends of the Region: Platte R., Saunders,Neb., Jan. 9 (TH) and Big HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH LARKS -- A Black-chinned Bend N.P., Jan. 21 tAB). Six Rough-leggedHawks hunted daily in Hummingbird appeared early at Ft. Davis, Tex., Feb. 20 but stayed one mi2 of prairie in Tulsa. One Rough-leggedHawk was seen in only 2 days (PE). An unidentified hummingbird was seen at Dallas Kaufman, Tex., Feb. 13 (WP et al.). In Castro, Tex., 17 Rough- Jan. 7 (CSa). Several unidentified hummers fed at flowering tree leggedand 14 Ferruginoushawks were counted Jan. 31. Ferruginous tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) along the Rio Grande in Big Bend N.P., Hawks were abundant in the w. one-third of Texas. In Tom Green, into January. Identified were one Broad-tailedHummingbird Dec. 28 Tex., the population of cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) was es- (IM) and two Anna's Hummingbirds January 5 (RU). A Pileated timated at 252/acre. This rodent density broughtthe heaviesthawk Woodpeckerwas found at Temple, Tex., Feb. 6 (MJW). A Red- densityin many years, includingas many as ten FerruginousHawks/ bellled Woodpecker visited Big Spring, Tex., Jan. 1-30 (GW, GS). A day (TM). Tulsa observers also postulateda rodent explosion, as Red-headed Woodpecker appeared at Amarillo Jan. 8 (TF). The hawk populationsthere were the best in many years. Three Ferrugi- Lewis' Woodpecker in Comanche, Okla., remained until Dec. 27 nous Hawks were carefully identifiedat Tulsa Dec. 13 (JWA, JH) and (KM). A Hairy Woodpecker in Crosby Jan. 17 was noteworthy (ML). one was seen at Albion, Neb., Dec. 4 (WM). A Harris' Hawk was A gooddescription was submittedofa $ Rose-throatedBecard in Big discovered in Dallas Dec. 29 (AV et aLL The midwinter eagle survey Bend N.P., Feb. 7 (MFM). The speciesis listed as "hypothetical" in in Nebraska recorded 393 Bald and 54 Golden eagles. Ospreys were the park. Several reports of E. Phoebesarriving early in February reportedat 4 localities:Comal, Tex., Dec. 10, Tarrant, Tex., Feb. 14, were received. Vermilion Flycatchers were unusuallycommon from Dallas Jan. 8 and Rogers, Okla., Feb. 28. Three Caracaras were Midland to El Paso and s. In e. Nebraska, heavy ice and snow cover observed in Navarro, Tex., Feb. 17. Peregrines were seen near forced Horned Larks to roadsides where as many as 1000 could be Valentine, Tex., Dec. 12, El Paso Dec. 21 and Tulsa Jan. 24. counted in a single day Jan. 20-Feb. 27.

PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGHrGALLINULES -- At Tulsa, 32 Greater Prairie Chickens were counted Feb. 13 and I 1 on Feb. 21 (JH). Gray Partridgesare •preading into n.e. Nebraskafrom a popula- tion in n.w. Iowa, and six were seenJan. 9 in WashingtonNeb. (AS). Large numbersof Sandhill Cranes wintered farther n. in the Texas Panhandlethan usual, leaving Muleshoe N.W.R., with fewer than haft the usual population. In Andrews County, Tex., 100_+Sandhill Cranes were found dead at Cedar L. A pathologistwho examined four of the dead cranesstated they .diedfrom aflatoxin,which can result from the growth of fungi on peanuts.Peanuts which had beenleft in a nearby field following the harvest were plowed under after the dead birds were found. A Virginia Rail was seenat Tulsa Feb. 9 (BC) and up to five were presentduring January and Februaryin a drainage ditch near El Paso (KZ, BZ). A Sora was discovered at Tulsa Jan. 5 arideight were in the El Pasoditch Feb. 4. SeveralCorn. Gallinules wintered in Hutchinson and Lubbock, and one was seen at Midland GreenJay, Keene,Tex. , Feb. 28. 1982. Photo/C.Easley Feb. 21. SWALLOWS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- At El Paso, SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS -- In Keith, Neb., Jan. 7, 21 Rough-wingedSwallows arrived Feb. 25 and Barn Swallows Feb. 14, Killdeer were counted,the highest-everwinter count. An Am. Wood- very early dates. The sagaof Green Jays at Keene, Tex., continues. cock was seen at Oklahoma City Dec. 27 (NG) and one was in One bird appeared Oct. 23, 1980; in October, 1981, two birds began Comanche Dec. 19 (KM, THu). Long-billed Curlews were farther n. visiting feeders on bad days when sleet, snow or rain fell. By than usual in Castro Feb. 14. Both Greater Yellowlegs and Long- February 28, 1982,three birdswere present.It is possiblethe first bird billed Dowitchers wintered in s.w. Texas in unusual numbers. Some moved .N with a hurricane•but why the others arrived remainsa 800 Least Sandpiperswintered in Tarrant. A Dunlin was discovered mystery (CE). Flocks of Com. Crows comprising800 birds wintered . at Lubbock Jan. 24 (CS). Two Am. Avocets arrived at El Paso Feb. 23 near El Paso, where the speciesis normally rare (BZ). Red-breasted (BZ, KZ) and two in Crosby were even earlier Feb. 12 (ML). A Nuthatcheswere commonin e. Nebraska, Kansasand Oklahoma,. Glaucous Gull was sightedat Oklahoma City several times in late but the only onesreported in the w. were four at Lubbockin January. January(JN). HerringGulls were seenat an unusualnumber of inland localities in Texas. A Thayer's Gull was observed at Platte, Neb., WRENS THROUGH MIMIDS -- House Wrens wintered in the Dec. 4 (B JR). The Black-headedGull discovered at L. Livingston, Texas Panhandle for the first time (KS). Winter Wrens were noted at

AmericanBirds, May 1982 only 5 locahtles A Carohna Wren wintered at feeders In Fontenelle Sparrows were s•ghtedat Hueco Tanks S P , in February, Hockley, Forest Nature Center and nearby Bellevue, Neb A Rock Wren at Tex , Dec 20, Midland irregularly throughoutthe period Five Black- Waco Jan. 24 provideda new recordthere (LB). SingleGray Catbirds chinned Sparrows were seen at Hueco Tanks Feb. 9 (BZ) and one were found Dec. 2 in Johnson,Kans. (FB), and Jan. 20 at Big Spring strayed to Crosby Feb. 13 (ML). A Harris' Sparrow traveled with a (GW, GS). A Brown Thrasher visited a feeder at Omaha Jan. 20 and groupof White-crownedSparrows near E1Paso Feb. 23 (BZ) and one one was present at Wichita Dec. 6 and Jan. 23 8: 29. At a golf courseat visited Lubbock Feb. 14, 20 (CS). A White-crowned Sparrow in Oklahoma City Feb. 28, a SageThrasher ran about on the grasswith Garden, Neb., Jan. 7 provided only the secondwinter record there in severalAm. Robins(JN). A SageThrasher fed on raisinsand chopped 9 years (RCR). White-throated Sparrows were scarce at Tulsa fruit in Rush, Kans., Jan. 2-20, surviving overnight lows of near Lincoln's Sparrows were unbelievably abundant from the Texas - 20ø It appearedto be in goodhealth at the time it disappeared(SS). Panhandle to the Rio Grande. Swamp Sparrows could be seen in every marshy area near E1 Paso. Two large flocks of Smith's Longspursforaged in Kaufman, Tex , THRUSHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- A Varied Thrush visited Feb. 13-26 (WP). An incredible movement of Lapland Longspurs an Omaha feeder Jan. 1-Feb. 13 (WC, m.ob.). A Varied Thrush found acrossRush, Kans., occurred Jan. 15 with the passageof an arctic in the Chisos Mts., Big Bend N.P., Dec. 7 (BP) remained until the front. Seltman estimated 100,000 birds, with one-half of those in a CBC (GL). Hermit Thrushes wintered in Washington, Okla., for the single flock. Flocks comprising 150 Lapland Longspurs were seen first time since 1979 and were also present at Tulsa. Mountain continually along Nebraska Hiway 70 from Ord to Neligh Dec. 10 Bluebirds were e. of their usual haunts at Abilene S.P., Tex., Ok- With each longspur flock were one or two Snow Buntings (B JR) lahoma City, Barber, Kans. Townsend's Solitaires staged a wide- Hundreds of Snow Buntings were present near Albion Jan. 24-Feb 6 spread E. movement, reachingLancaster and Boone, Neb., Sedg- (WM). wtck and Butler, Kans., and Ft. Worth. The specieswas unusually numerous at E1 Paso, and five were counted at Hueco Tanks S.P. CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Kansas: Freda Bass, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were newsworthy at Lubbock Dec. 23-30 Amelia J. Betts, Roger Boyd, Mel Cooksey, Bob Fisher, Jim Hand and Midland Jan. 2-9. Black-tailed Gnatcatchers were found more (JHa), Katherine Kelley, Steve Kingswood, Linda Mallonee (LMa), often than expected at E1 Paso and Hueco Tanks S.P. Golden- Earl McHugh, Lloyd Moore, Marilyn Schneder, Scott Seltman, crowned Kinglets were numerous in n.e. Nebraska, and were more Barbara Shepherd, Donald Vannoy. Oklahoma: J.W. Arterburn, common than Ruby-crowned Kinglets in the Texas Panhandle,the Byron Ball, Frank Beaver, Bob Curtis, Ella Delap, Wayne Easley, reverse of the normal situation. A few Bohemian Waxwings graced Nell Garrison, Elizabeth Hayes, Hugh Hendricks, Jim Hoffman, the Nebraska Pine Ridge, but no others were reported. Northern Tracy Hubbard (THu), Nancy Krosley, Kevin Mason, Janet McGee, Shrikes visited Polk, Boone and Lancaster, Neb., Barber and Paw- David Meador, John Newell, Jack D. Tyler, Paul Wilson. Nebraska: nee, Kans., and Crosby, Tex. Tanya Bray, William Comstock, Jim Ducey, Mark Egger, Ruth Green, Thomas Hoffman, Wayne Mollhoff, Richard C. Rosche, B J VIREOS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- A White-eyed Vireo was seen Rose, Andy Saunders. Texas: Peggy Acord, John Arvin, James m Waco Feb. 19 (YD). Orange-crowned Warblers were common Beach, Anne Bellamy, Lillian Brown, Kelly Bryan, Robert D. Cog- through much of Texas all seasonand lingered as late as Dec. 19 in geshall, M. Creacy, Yvonne Daniel, Charles Easley, Pansy Espy, Comanche, Okla. (KM) and Dec. 6 in Wichita (DV). A Nashville Thelma Fox, Tony Gallucci, Anne Gordon, Felix Hernandez, Kelly Warbler was seenrepeatedly at a feeder in Johnson,Kans., Jan. 4-10, Himmel, D. Jackson, P. Jackson, Larry Jordan, Erma Kibler, Greg Feb 15 (MS). In Big Bend N.P., A N. Parula was observedJan. 21 Lasley, Mark Lockwood, Sue Lower, M.F. Marchase, Terry Max- (TS) Yellow-throated Warblers were sightedat Nacogdoches,Tex., well, Ian McCort, Joan Merritt, Ernest & Kay Mueller, Bryant Jan 26 (SL) and Montgomery, Tex., Jan. 15 (KH, PS). An Ovenbird Pomrenke, C. Potter, Warren Pulich, C. Sandlin (CSa), John at Lubbock Dec. 16, 19, 24 was astounding(DS). Consideringthat Schmidt, Peter Scott, Kenneth Seyffert, Tex Sordahl, Garry Spence, Com Yellowthroats were located as far n. as Cheyenne Bottoms Jan. Darleen Stevens, Cliff Stogner, Robert Ulvang, A. Valentine, Barry 7 and Great Salt Plains Jan. 5, their abundance at E1 Paso was not Vermillion (BaV), Betty Vernon, Gene Warren, Mary Julia Watson, unexpected. The Rufous-cappedWarbler discovered during the David Wolf, Barry Zimmer, Kevin Zimmer.--FRANCES WIL- Boerne, Tex., CBC remained until Jan. 12 and was seenby dozensof LIAMS, Rt. 4, 2001 Broken Hills East, Midland, TX 79701. Texas and out-of-state birders. At Hueco Tanks S.P., flocks of E. Meadowlarkswere presentthroughout the period. A Yellow-headed Blackbird arrived in Crosby Feb. 7. "Baltimore" Orioles visited feeders in Bellevue, Omaha and Wichita until mid-December.Rusty Blackbirds were sighted in Comanche, Okla., Feb. 11 (JM) and Donley Dec. 20 (KZ, BZ). SOUTH TEXAS REGION FRINGILLIDS -- A few Evening Grosbeaks were observed at /Fred S. Webster, Jr. Omaha, Bellevue, the Nebraska Pine Ridge, Baldwin, Kans., and Johnson, Kans. Although 222 Purple Finches were bandedat Bald- win (KK), this was a relatively small number, and the species was Winter came to South Texas on the third weekend of December nowhere abundant. House Finches continued to visit a feeder at with sub-freezingtemperatures, wiping out most remainingsummer Temple, Tex. Large numbersof Corn. Redpollswere seenin and near and fall vegetation.An arctic front in mid-Januarydropped tempera- Omaha Jan. 19-Feb. 15 (m.ob.), several hundred were at Albion, tures to record lows; Austin and Houston recordedlows of 11ø F and Neb, Feb. 3-6 (WM), one was at Wichita Feb. 6 (LMa), three in 12ø F, respectively,January 11, coldestin 31 years.However, a cold Johnson, Kans., Feb. 2 (BS), one at Tulsa Feb. 21-March 1 (HH), one spellin early Februarywhich sentfreezing drizzle to the southern- at Oklahoma City Dec. 18 (NK) and Feb. 15-17 (FB). Pine Siskins most tip of Texas, virtually concludeda strangewinter of rapidly were common-to-abundantin many areas. Red Crossbillswere seen alternatingmild and cold periods. By contrast,a droughtsituation m Nebraska on the Pine Ridge, Omaha, Lincoln, Ceres.co,Albion; in which began in early November persisteduntil the secondhalf of Kansas, at Lawrence, Wichita and Hays. A White-wingedCrossbill February when above-normalrainfall occurred. For most of the banded at Baldwin was present Dec. 25-Mar. 7 (KK, AJB). A Lark winter, surface water was low in most areas, but wild bird food was Bunting appearedat a feeding station at Ft. Worth Jan. 13 (RDC). reportedto be goodgenerally. Assuming adequate food and cover, This specieswas •unusuallycommon in s.w. Oklahoma (JDT). neither frequent low temperatures nor lack of moisture seem Almost every normally wintering sparrowspecies was abundantin sufficientto explainthe generalscarcity of manypassedfie species-- w Texas from the Panhandle to E1 Paso, and several less common regularwinter residents,erratic visitors, and even some residents--•n specieswere noted. Sparrows were scarcein Kansas and Oklahoma. most areas reported. A GrasshopperSparrow wintered at Midland and one arrived in Crosby Feb. 27 (ML). A Baird's Sparrow was carefully identifiedat LOONS, GREBES -- Common Loons were common only at E1 Paso(BZ). Le Conte's Sparrowswere locatedin Rogers, Okla., TexasCity Dike whereJan. 13Lasley counted 85 + drivento dikeside Dec 6 and Tulsa Feb. 20. Cassin's Sparrows wintered in good by choppyseas and sleet-ladenwinds. Singleundocumented Arctic numbersat E1 Paso and Midland. Tree Sparrowswere scarcein the and a Red-throated loons were reported there Dec. 26 (DD, VM) Texas Panhandle,but abundantin Osage, Okla. SingleClay-colored during the GalvestonCBC; an individualof the latter specieswas

Volume36, Number 3 309 CRANES, SHOREBIRDS -- High count of WhoopingCranes at Aransas N.W.R., was 71 adults and two juvenals Dec. 2 (SLL A / .,"t ßBastrop Beaumontß surveyof the entire Texas coastin Januaryindicated Piping Plover most populous on the Bolivar (Galveston) mud flats with 71 Jan. 5, '• . t. PALMETTOHoustonß Cove while most Snowy Ploverswere at LagunaAtascosa N.W.R., with 85 ! •l Rm ., ß •. Antonio _ f• Jan. 15. Wilson's Plover, rare in winter, were 21 strongon the Bolivar •%[• uvame _ •Freepa••Freel flats Jan. 5 (RB et aLL The Boyd party found shorebirdsmuch fewer : •Eagle Pass Beeville. • in number s. of the Rio Grande, with higherdensity of tar ballson the Mexican beach. Five Mountain Plovers were found in a field near --:'".•--• • •e•aer Kerugeß • ß. ß •:. •- •,- _ Z• Roc•por• Odem, San Patricio Co., Dec. 5 (CC). A rare winter Whimbrel was seen on the Laguna Madre shore of S. Padre 1., Jan. 15 (JA). The winter residentpopulation of Short-billedDowitchers along a 5-mi stretch of Laguna Madre shoreline on S. Padre I.. numbered 200_+, while Long-billedDowitcbers on the mainlandshore numbered in the thousands(JA). Some 3000 of the latter specieswere found on the n.w. arm of the Cayo del Oso at CorpusChristi Jan. 12(RB et aLL The • SantaAria Refuge• . •Brownsville Am. Avocet count at Bolivar flats Jan. 5 was 9500 tRB et aLL

JAEGERS, GULLS -- An imm. PomarineJaeger was found dead on the S. Padre I. beachDec. 12 (JA). An ad. ParasiticJaeger was harassinga LaughingGull nearthe S. PadreI. jetty Jan. 16(CS). This speciesis more likely to be encounteredalong the continentalshelf, 20+ mi offshore, as were six individuals e. of Port Aransas Jan. 23 (CC). Last winter's "controversial"black-backed gull of the Kemah- Seabrookarea of GalvestonBay returnedthis year in adultplumage: seen Feb. 6-28 (MA. TG, EM). An Arctic Loon identified at Austin "museum experts" have identified it as a Great Black-backedGull, sewageponds Jan. 8 (BM, m.ob.) was presentas late as Jan. 13 the first documented occurrence for Texas (fide TGL A third-winter day of a rare snow and sleet storm. Photographicevidence qualified Lesser Black-backedGull was on S. Padre 1., Dec. 10: about eight this bird as the second documented state record (GL). A Least Grebe birds of this species have been recorded there since 1976 (JA). A was found on the new McFaddin Marsh N.W.R. near the Louisiana California Gull at the Brownsvilledump Feb. 17(PWS) and a Frank- border, Feb. 20 (TG). lin's Gull at the Port Aransasdump Feb. 7 (CC) were unusual.

PELICANS THROUGH HERONS -- Scattered reportsof Brown OWLS THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS -- At Anzalduas,upriver Pelicans from the Galveston area were seen as a hopeful sign of a from Santa Aria N.W.R., a LongoearedOwl was found Feb. 8 at the comeback on the upper Texas coast (JM). Also encouraging was a roostingsite which as many as three individualshave occupiedin count of 79 birds on the Aransas N.W.R. CBC (SL). Texas birders recent winters (JAL Several Short-eared Owls wintered in a broom- scoping seaward from jetties or beaches for pelagics as Gannet, weed-and-grassfield near Poth (WS): this bird was not previously presumablyaccount for uppercoast sightings in doubledigits; birders listed for Wilson County. A Mangrove Cuckoowas discoverednear venturing to sea reported far fewer Gannets. Two subad. Blue-faced the ferry landing on Bolivar Pen., Dec. 30 (EA) and remained until Boobies were seen in flight near the end of the jetty on S. Padre l., severely cold weather, being last seen Jan. 13 (DDL It fed among Jan. 21 (JAL and one was seen at sea 50 mi e. of Port Aransas Jan. 23 rattlebeanin an adjacentfield and roostedin oleanders(RP). This was (CC); winter sightingsare unusual. Double-crestedCormorants were the second acceptable sighting for the upper coast, and the first abundant along the entire coast and at favorable inland localities. documentedstate record. Numbersof winteringhummingbirds were Arvin found Yellow-crowned Night Herons concentrated in man- less than in some recent years, particularly after December. Thanks groves near the Brownsville Ship Channel in early December. to feeders."at least 15" survivedthe mid-Januarycold at Corpus Christi (KM). The rarest species.the Broad-tailedHummingbird. WATERFOWL -- Two Whistling Swans were seen 18 mi w. of was reported in Brazoria County and at Corpus Christi in December. Port Arthur Jan. 2-3 (SC et aLL posing on a rice field levee. Geese Buff-belliedHummingbirds were seenas far e. as BrazoriaCounty, numbers were "way down" at Aransas N.W.R.. despite adequate but most occurred from Corpus Christi s. habitat (SL). Snow Geese, which reached peak numbers at Laguna AtascosaN.W.R., in November, were seenflying S by the thousands in December (GNB). Ducks were in relatively low numbersthrough- out the Region. December cold fronts were thought to have made a significantdent in duck counts at Laguna Atascosa, pushing water- fowl into Mexico (GNB). Extensive new grain plantings in n.e. Mexico during the past decade have opened vast sletches of har- vested crop land for wintering waterfowl. cranes, etc. At Laguna Atascosa. 19,000 Redheads remained after the December exodus (GNB). 11took South Texas birders someyears to realize lhat Greater Scaup can occur here and can be separated in the field from the Lessers, bul now scaupsare being studied carefully and Greater are reported in increasingnumbers. A reported400 + on the upper coast Feb. 9 (TG) may constitutea record count for moderntimes• Lesser Scaup were abundanton the upper coast and "better than • some recent years but not like old times" on the c. coast (KM). Rare at Austin were a wintering Oldsquaw, and a Com. Merganser presenl the first half of January.

HAWKS -- • family group of four Hook-billedKites was at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley S.P., all winter (JA et aLL Red4ailed Hawk numbers were below normal in the Coastal Bend and in the Rio Grande Delta. A first-year Gray Hawk could be found regularly at Santa Ana N.W.R. (JAL Clark reported Harris' Hawk fairly com- mon, but the Caracara uncommon, on his extensive travels in South Texas. Marsh Hawk numberswere generally low from the c. coastw. Two Am. Kestrels banded near Austin one year ago were recaptured at the same site (GL). Mangrove Cuckoo.Port Bolivar, •:r.. Jatt. 9. 1982. Photo/C.E. Hall.

310 American Birds, May 1982 KINGFISHERS THROUGH JAYS -- Ringed Kingfisherswere the coastal plains and •n the R•o Grande Delta Food suppliesor found along the Rio Grande from San Ygnaclo, Zapata Co (palr-- condition of haNtat did not seem to be factors In the numerical PWS), downriver to Brownsville where a pair wintered as usual on a dechne. No sparrow species were mentioned as in more than normal resaca (JA). A pair of Green Kingfishers wintered on Town L., near numbers. downtown Austin (ME). Common Flickers and Yellow-bellied Sap- suckers were reported as fewer than usual in many areas w. and s. of CONTRIBUTORS AND CITED OBSERVERS -- Richard Al- the Coastal Bend. A Scissor-tailedFlycatcher in the Rockport area bert, Margaret Anderson, EugeneArmstrong, John Arvin, Gene W Jan 16 (HK, AS) was unexpected. This was not a good winter for E Blacklock, Roger Boyd, Gary N. Burke, Ken Butts, Steve Calver, movement of w. passetinesincluding Say's Phoebe, althoughone of Steven W. Cardiff, Charles Clark, David Dauphin, Tristan Daws, this specieswas seen as far e. as Anahuac N.W.R., Dec. 27 (SWC, Dave DeSante, Charles Easley, Mel Eckhoff, Tony Gallucci, Velma TD) Brown Jays were seen below Falcon Dam Feb. 10 (6---PWS). Geiselbrecht,John & JaneHamilton, Gerald& Adele Harding,Dawd Green Jays occurred at several Corpus Christi.localities (KM). Huffman, Charles Kaigler, Hilde Kaigler, Ed Kutac, Steve Labuda, Greg Lasley, Richard Lehman, Kay McCracken, Elric McHenry, NUTHATCHES THROUGH THRUSHES -- Red-breasted Vicki McLemore, Bill Meriwether, James Morgan, Max & Helen Nuthatches were scarce, especially on the upper coast, and most Parker, Randy Pinkston, Dan Schmidt, Addle Schumacher. Wllhe wrens seemed fewer than usual. Almost all areas were low or very Sekula, Chuck Sexton, Wayne A. Shifflett, P. William Smith, Jack low In Am. Robin numbers, althougha late incursionwas reported on Sunder.--FRED S. WEBSTER, JR., 4926 StrassDrive, Austin, TX the upper coast. In the hill country w. of a line from Austin to San 78731. Antonlo•beyond this Region's border--robins were reported in good numbers in January (CE); we can only assumethat food supplies held out there, as the usualinflux into nearby towns did not occur in great numbers. There were more reports of Clay-colored Robin than of the Am. Robin in the Rio Grande Delta. Two of the former were NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION seen together at Santa Ana N.W.R., Feb. 3 (PWS et aLL Other /Helmut Griinberg Hidalgo County sightings were: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley S.P., Jan 18, 20 and Feb. 14 (JA et al.); La Feria Jan. 7 (DDeS), Weslaco Jan 9 and for 3 weeks th•reafler (RL). The first known occurrencen. A day of rain in December was a very unusual occurrence •n of the Rio Grande Delta was at the well-known roadside rest area on Whitehorse, but generally the temperatures were well below freez- U S 77, 2.5 mi s. of Sarita, Kenedy Co., Dec. 31 (TD et al.). The bird ing. January was one of the coldest months ever experienced. In was feeding on the ground in a dense standof live oaks surroundedby open grassyfields, attracted, alongwith Green Jays, to a goodacorn BEAUFORT SEA crop(SWC). It wasseen as late as Feb. 5.(CC).Hermit Thrushes were less numerous than usual, especially on the upper coast.

KINGLETS THROUGH WARBLERS --Golden-crowned King- lets were generally scarce. Surprisingly, Ruby-crowned Kinglets were low in many areas, especiallyalong the coast. Cedar Waxwing numbe.rs were low; someareas, particularlythe upper coast, had a late •nflux, but numbers did not approach those of peak years. FLATI Orange-crownedWarblers were below normal in many areas. A d' N. Parula was found at Santa Ana N.W.R., Dec. 15 (JA), but most FT. unusual was one in the oaks outside an office window at Aransas N W R., Jan. 4 (KB, SL). As many as three Tropical Parulas win- tered at both Santa Ana N.W.R., and at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley S P , while two could be found in residential Brownsville (JA). A male was seen near La Feria Jan. 9 (JA, DDeS). Yellow-rumped Warbler numbers were much lower than usual. A Black-throated Green Warbler at San Ygnacio Feb. 5 (JA) seems to constitute a first winter record for Zapata County. Two N. Waterthrushesat Santa

Ana N W.R., Feb. 3 (JA) were unusual. CREEK MINI

BLACKBIRDS THROUGH TANAGERS -- Peanut fields around Floresville, Wilson Co., attracted hordes of Red-winged and Brew- er's blackbirds, Corn. Grackles and Brown-headed Cowbirds, as well as Starlings(WS). Apparently there was no scarcityof these species in the Region, any seeminglack of numberslocally beingtraceable to better food storeselsewhere. A c• N. (Bullock's) Oriole at Alice for 3 weeks in February provided a new winter record for Jim Wells County (RA). A W. Tanagerwas seenat GalvestonJan. 9-24 (J & JH). A 9 Summer Tanager wintered at Aransas N.W.R. OqdeSL) and one was found at the roadside rest area s. of Sarita Jan. 10 (M & HP) feedingat combsof beesor waspsin a tree crevice;this bird was seen by others in February.

FRINGILLIDS -- A Pair of Blue Buntings(Cyanocompsa parel- hna) was found at Anzalduas Jan. 31 (JA) and remained through February. This furnisheda fourth United Stales occurrenceand the third sighting for Texas of this Middle American species. Purple Finches were very scarcein the Region. White-collared Seedeaters appear to have abandonedSan Ygnacio as a wintering site as none was reported, nor was this speciesreported at any locality in the Region. Pine Siskinswere difficult to find, althoughthree individuals were seen in a flock of Am. Goldfinches at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley S.P., Feb. 10-16(PWS). American Goldfincheswere in below normal numbers, particularly in southern areas. Most sparrow species (including towhees and juncos) were somewhat or much reducedfrom normal expectationsin most areas, particularly along

Volume 36, Number 3 311 Whitehorse, the average temperature was -31øC, 12ø colder than season(D & LS) A $ Hairy Woodpeckerwas observedIn TagishIn normal With increasinglylonger dayhght m February, the tempera- December and February (B & GMcL), and two were seen In Fort tureswere higherand closeto the long-termaverage. Accumulation Smith Dec. 27 (•de RL). A Downy Woodpecker was seen near of snowduring the winter seasonwas greaterthan in normalmonths. Graham Inlet in December and January (MBr) and one in Whsq, During the period, 42 species were observed in the extended throughout the season (D & LS). Near Fort St. John, one was Region (including Fort St. John area). Birds that were probably observed Dec. 20, one Jan. 30 (GS, fide CS), and one was photo- present but not reported were Gyrfalcon, Blue Grouse, Rock and graphedJan. 5 (JJ,fide CS). One Downy Woodpeckerwas notednear White-tailedptarmigans. Marsh L., Dec. 20 (KA, MD) and one in Tagishin mid-February (HMcK). There were only 6 reportsof N. Three-toedWoodpecker, DUCKS THROUGH PTARMIGANS -- A 4 Mallard was seen on our most common woodpecker. an open pond in Whitehorse (hereafter, Whse.) Dec. 20 (WH). Several Mallards apparentlyoverwintered at Takhini Hotsprings JAYS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Gray Jays were reported by at near Whse. (•de HG). Four to eightCorn. Goldeneyeswere reported least 15 observers. An unusual winter record of a Blue Jay was from Tagish, Yukon, for Decemberand February (B & GMcL). Two obtainedin the Fort St. Johnarea as one was seenat Montney Dec 8 goldeneyesp. were observedon the Yukon R., near Marsh L., Dec. (GS,fide CS). Black-billed Magpieswere common:one to five were 20 (KA, MD), one in Whse., Dec. 20 (WH) and one on the PeaceR., observedby at least 13observers. Common Ravens were reportedby w of Fort St. JohnFeb. 16(GS,fide CS). Six to 15 Corn.Mergansers virtually every contributor.The highestcount wasof 445 at the Whse were seennear Tagish in December and February (B & GMcL), and city dump Jan. 1 •de DMo). At least 14 observersreported Black- seven were reported for Whse., Dec. 26 (•de DMo). Two Red- capped Chickadees. At a feeder in Whse., at least two Mountain breastedMergansers were seenin Whse., Dec. 26 (AM,fide DMo). Chickadeeswere observedregularly (D & LS). About 20 contributors One to three Goshawks were reported at various times of the reported observations of Boreal Chickadees. seasonfrom Marsh L. (DMo), the DempsterHwy. (RF), Carcross, After last fall's stronginflux of Red-breastedNuthatches, on.e was Yukon (HMcK), the Takhini HotspringsRd., near Whse. (WK 1), the still observed in Whse., Dec. 20 for the first Yukon winter record Whse. airport (JL & PW) and from Baldonnel near Fort St. John, (WH). At Graham Inlet, eight were seen Dec. 15 and one Dec 24 B C. (GS, fide CS). A Rough-leggedHawk was observedat Km 96, (MBr). One was notedat Fort SmithDec. 27 (•de RL). Four Dippers Alaska Hwy., near Fort St. JohnJan. 19 (GS,fide CS) and one near were seenin Whse., Dec. 20 and one Feb. 19 (WH). A total of six was Km 58, Alaska Hwy., Jan. 31 (JJ,fide CS). A Golden Eagle was counted in Whse., Dec. 26 and one Jan. 1 (•de DMo). One to two observedat the Dempster Hwy., in early December (JFra, fide RF). Dippers were noted at the lower Dempster Hwy., in December and DMo notedone adultat Takhini Crossing,Alaska Hwy., Yukon, Jan. February (RF). More Bohemian Waxwings than usual seemedto 9 and one at Haines Jct., Jan. 27. One Golden Eagle was seenat the have stayedin our Region. Up to 50 were seenat Montney, Fort St Takhini HotspringsRd. Jct., in late January(WK 1) andone at Tagish John area Dec. 9 (GS,fide CS) and in Fort St. JohnDec. 19 (CS) On Feb. 22 (HMcK). A Bald Eaglewas notednear Whse., Ded. 19(JL & Dec. 20, 34 individualswere observedin Whse. (WH) and one near PW). One adult was observedat Beatton P. P., near Fort St. JohnJan. Marsh L. (KMcK, DMi). Seventy-five were counted in Whse, Dec 26 (JJ,fide CS), and one adultwas sightedat the PeaceR., w. of Fort 26 (•de DMo), and one was noted in Whse., Jan. 3 (D & LS) Six-12 St John (GS,fide CS). were still in Whse., in mid-Januaryin very low temperatures(WK1) Grouse were seen in fairly small numbers. Spruce Grouse were An imm. N. Shrike was seenat Montney, Fort St. John area Dec 3 reported from 6 areas by 8 observers. One to three Ruffed Grouse (GS,fide CS), and one ad. bird was notedin the centreof Fort St John were observedat the DempsterHwy., in early December(RF). Near Jan. 14 (CS). GrahamInlet, TagishL., n. B.C., Ruffed Grousewere seenthrough- out the season,with a high count of seven individuals (MBr). Two were observedat Baldonnelnear Fort St. JohnFeb. 6 (GS,fide CS), WEAVERS THROUGH BUNTINGS -- The resident population and one was noted near Marsh L., Oct. 10 (ML). Near Fort St. John, of House Sparrows in Fort St. John disappearedduring very cold three Sharp-tailedGrouse were observed,one Jan. 17 and one Feb. 6 weather (CS). House Sparrows were recorded daily at a farm in (CS) as well as one Feb. 20 (GS,fide CS). Willow Ptarmiganpopula- Baldonnel(GS,fide CS). Two were seenin Fort St. JohnJan. 30 and tions seemed to have been low in the Dawson area during the 3 Feb. 5 (CS). An unusuallylarge numberof Evening Grosbeakobser- monthsof the season(RF). A few Willow Ptarmiganwere observed vationswas madein the Fort St. Johnarea. GS reportedthe following near Inuvik (MBe). They were not reported elsewherealthough they sightingsto CS: five Dec. 6, three Dec. 15-16, one to five Jan. 7, 11, 15- were probably present. 30, Feb. 2-3 and Feb. 7 at Baldonnel. Two males were seen at Charlie L., w. of Fort St. John Jan. 6 (DK,fide CS). One male was noted in Fort St. John Jan. 10, and nine males and one female were observed DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Rock Doves were here Jan. 16 (CS). This specieshas been reported only twice in the apparently confirmedas being residentsof the Fort St. John area Yukon in previous years. Pine Grosbeakswere very common in most (CS). In Whse., there was a surprisinglyhigh count of 365 birds Dec. areas as the reporting by at least 21 observersindicates. There was a 26 (•de DMo). Great Horned Owls were regularly observedby at high count of 68 individuals in Whs•., Dec. 26 (•de DMo). Three least8 observers,but there seemedto have beena declinein numbers Gray-crowned Rosy Finches were seenat Faro, Yukon Jan. 23 (LO) probably due to a declinein snowshoehare populations.At leasttwo Redpolls were commonthroughout the Region and season.All birds Snowy Owls were observedat BaldonnelDec. 12-Feb.25 (GS,fide identifiedin Inuvik (MBe) andat the DempsterHwy. (JFri, RF) were CS). Five were seennear Fort Smith, Wood Buffalo N.P., Dec. 23 Hoary Redpolls while both specieswere identified farther s., with a and two Dec. 27 (•de RL). At least one was noted off the Inuvik-Tuk highproportion having been Hoaries.White-winged Crossbills were ice-road in mid-winter (VC,fide RF). Hawk Owls were reportedby 8 more commonthan last winter. Nine observersreported this species observers.The sightingsincluded one at Inuvik in early December in flocks of up to 50 individuals. A rare winter sightingof a Dark-eyed (MBe). A Great Gray Owl was successfullyfilmed at Farrell Cr. Juncowas made in Whse., Dec. 7 (WH). Smallflocks of up to 26 Snow Community Pasture, Fort St. John area Dec. 19 (JJ,fide CS). This Buntings were seen throughout the seasonin various parts of the bird or one like it caughtitself in a leg-holdtrap in a nearbytrapline Region by 6 observers. very late in December or in early January. The dead bird was photographedby CS. Six Great Gray Owls were reportednear Fort Smith Dec. 29 (•de RL). A Short~earedOwl was seenflying around in CONTRIBUTORS -- K. Asquith, M. Bentley (MBe), C. Boyd, a street in Dawson in early December (JFra,fide RF). This furnished M. Brook (MBr), V. Chipping, M. D•nnington, J. Fraser (JFra), the second winter record t•or the Yukon. A freshly dead bird was J. Frisch (JFri), R. Frisch, W. Harms, P. & R. Hayes, J. Haywood, found and photographedin Fort St. JohnJan. 11 (CS). A Boreal Owl G. Johnston, J. Johnston, D. Kaiser, W. Kale (WKa), W. Klassen observationwas reported for Graham Inlet in December (MBr), and (WKI), J. Kuhn, J. Lammers, M. Lammers, R. Lewis, P. Lortie, one individual was heard January-February by a trapper at the upper H. MacKenzie, C. MacPherson, R. Market, A. & S. Martell, South Klondike R. •de RF). C. McEwen, K. McKenna, B. & G. McLeod, P. Merchant, D Milne A Hairy Woodpeckerwas seen7 times at Baldonnelnear Fort St. (DMi), D. Mossop (DMo), C. Osborne,L. Otto, J. Rounds, D & S John in December and February (GS, fide CS). One was at the Russell, G. Saxon, D. & L. Schuler, C. Siddle, P. Wilson-- DempsterHwy., Dec. 14 andtwo in the samearea on Feb. 24 (RF). HELMUT GR(•NBERG,Yukon ConservationSociety, 302 Steele Two to'three birds were noted at a feeder in Whse., throughout the Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, Y1A 2C5.

312 American Birds, May 1982 NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN- INTERMOUNTAIN REGION /Thomas H. Rogers

Winter over the Region, although with no prolonged bitter cold spells, was, in most areas a snowy one, with standingwater frozen mostof the season.Eastern Oregon was particularlyhard hit by snow and ice, making it difficult for birds. To a lesserextent this was true of southern interior British Columbia, extreme northern and southeast- ern Idaho and northern Washington. The first week of January broughttemperatures far below zero to morenortherly areas for a few days. A mild late February brought many early migrantsin ahead of schedule.

LOONS AND GREBES -- ACom. Loon was still on Windermere L., B.C., Jan. 24 (LH). Wells Pool, Azwell, Wash., had two Jan. 16 (RF) and one was on the Snake R., below Am. Falls Dam, Ida., Dec. 11 (DT). A Red-necked Grebe was on the Columbia R., near Bridgeport, Wash., Feb. 9 (BH-T). Eared Grebes remained at Klamath Falls, Ore., through December and the specieswas noted at Rupert, Ida., in December and February (WHS).

PELICANS AND CORMORANTS -- Ten White Pelicans win- tered on the Hanford Reach of the Columbia R., Wash. (REF) and the species was sighted at Malheur N.W.R., Burns, Ore., Dec. 19 for the third winter record there. A few Double-crested Cormorants win- tered at Malheur and at Rupert. Thirty were at L. Lowell, Canyon Co.. Ida., Dec. 24 and one was on the Clearwater R.. at Potlatch. Ida.. Feb. 21 (FJ, RN). 2000 Canvasback Feb. 26 (RF). Single Eur. Wigeons showed up at HERONS -- Great Blue Herons wintered in better-than-normal Kennewick, Wash., Feb. 15 (REW) and at Malheur Feb. 12. Five $ numbers. A concentration of 300 was at Malheur in December. The ducks believed to be Greater Scaup were sighted at Somers. Mont.. species suffered losses in the Colville, Wash. area. apparently be- Dec. 24 (EH). Two Oldsquaw fed on spilled grain at an elevator near cause of the freezeup (SZ). A Green Heron appeared at Lewiston, Umatilla, Ore., Jaiquary-early February (CC, REW). Two were at Ida., Dec. 2 (PH, fide JW). Malheur had its first winter records of Lewiston Orchards.Ida., Dec. 5 (PS et al. • and one was near Beverly. Great Egrets with single birds in January and February. The winter Wash., Feb. 2 (Y.A.S.). A • White-winged Scoter was at Klamath roost of Black-crowned Night Herons on the Link R., Klamath Falls, Falls in December (SS) and a • Hooded Merganser appeared in held 139 birds Jan. 31 for a high winter count (SS). The species January near Canyon Ferry Dam. Mont. (GH). wintered at Summer L., Lake Co., Ore. (MSL) and stayed late at Malheur with 50 Dec. 2 and two yet Dec. 22. An Am. Bittern lingered HAWKS -- An early Turkey Vulture was over Moses Coulee, at Malheur until Dec. 21. Douglas Co.. Wash., Feb. 20 (N.C.W.A.S.) and one was near Ver- non, B.C., Jan. 16 for an unprecedented winter record (KG). The WATERFOWL -- Wintering Whistling Swan numbers were high speciesarrived near O'Neil, Ore., Feb. 28 for the only other report with up to 271 on Pend Oreille L. and R., n. Ida., and 376 in the (TC). An unusualnumber of Goshawk sightingscame in from every S. Thompson-Shuswap R. drainages, B.C. A scattering wintered subregionexcept Idaho. Buteos were numerous in the w. part of the elsewhere. The birds' spring migration was impressive with 5000 at Region. Up to 25 Red-tailed Hawks were sighted near Prineville, Klamath Falls; 2000 near Marlin, Wash., and large concentrations in Ore., in early February. In the Malheur area 225 mi of raptor transects the Harney Basin, Burns. The wintering population of Trumpeter yielded 32 Red-tailed and 179 Rough-leggedhawks. The Terreton- Swans at Red Rock Lakes N.W.R., Lima, Mont., varied from 118- Monteview area of Idaho had heavy concentrations of Rough- 396. The midwinter aerial survey Feb. 3-5 in the Yellowstone area leggeds;both there aod in e. Oregon they were attracted by the very counted 1218Trumpeters including266 cygnets. Up to 51 wintered at high black-tailed jackrbbit numbers. A few Ferruginous Hawks ap- Malheur N.W.R. Four returned to Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney, parently wintered in s. Idaho where jackrabbit numbers were high Wash., in February. (CHT) and three pairs remained in the Peola, Wash. area during the The Coeur d'Alene L. and R., Pend Oreille L. and R., and lower St. winter (MPF). The Catlow Valley, Harney Co., Ore., had sightings Jo R., n. Idaho had nearly 15,000 Canada Geese Dec. 12 and 3400 as Dec. 19, and Malheur Feb. 15; one was near Orondo, Wash., Feb. 7 late as Jan. 8. Their numbers reached 6000 at Columbia N.W.R., (ME et al.). The Red-shouldered Hawk at Klamath Falls lasted out Othello, Wash., and 3300 + at Turnbull in December.'Twelve White- the winter (SS). Many Golden and Bald eagleswere taking advantage fronted Geese near Spokane were noteworthy (JA). The Harney of the jackrabbits in s. Idaho. Bald Eagleswintered in high numbers Basin has large numbers of White-fronted and Snow geese by late w. of the Continental Divide. There were at least 19 (!) sightingsof February. A singleSnow Goose stayed at Lewiston Jan. 10-23(RN et Gyrfalcons, apparently becauseof the jackrabbits, and five of Pere- al.) and one was at L. Lowell Dec. 24 (DT). Ross' Geese arrived at grines. A dozen or more Merlin sightings were reported. Malheur Feb. 17. Single birds were at Summerland, B.C., Feb. 8 (SC); at Lewiston Nov. 21-Jan. 30 (JWW), and at Helena in early GALLINACEOUS BIRDS -- At Malheur California Quail, abun- December (GH). dant during the fall, were decimatedby the weather, few surviving Waterfowl densitiesreached record levels on Carry Res. near the except at feeding stations, but Ring-necked Pheasantsfared some- Boardman,Ore. coal-firedplant, with 440,000ducks Jan. 14. Mostly what better. Chukars apparently survived well there but experienced Mallards, they foragedin nearby corn fields. Ten days later most of a large die-off below Salmon, Ida. them had left. (RJK, JAn). Duck numbers were very high in the Coeur d'Alene-Pend Oreille CRANES THROUGH COOT-- The first Greater Sandhill Cranes area, particularly Mallards, Am. Wigeon, and Redheadsbut Canvas- arrived at Malheur Feb. 10, the secondearliest date there but the big backs were absent and goldeneyesdown. Snow and ice drove most movement into the refuge occurred Feb. 17. Lesser Sandhillsarrived waterfowl out of the Malheur-Harney Basin area. Columbia N.W.R., there Feb. 23. Three Virginia Rails were sighted at a swamp near had a big 165,000, mostly Mallards, in December but numbers Mabton, Wash., about Jan. 1 (F & GR) and three were flushed from a dropped to 30,000 in January. Crab Creek, Grant Co., Wash., had marshnear Beverly Dec. 17 (RF). One becamea victim of a window 100,000waterfowl, mostly Mallards, Pintail and CanadaGeese, and in Trail, B.C., Dec. 17 (AG). Tui'nbull N.W.R., had a peak of 1020

Volume 36, Number 3 313 Am. Coot in December: Columbia N.W.R.'s high was 500. also in Barred Owls were unusuallycommon in the N. Okanaganof British December. Coot returned to Malheur in mid-February and numbered Columbia and an increased number of sightingscame from below the 790 by Feb. 23. About 60 wintered there. border. Single birds appeared at Asotin, Wenatchee, Pasco, and Spokane, Wash., and Lewiston in January and February. In s. SHOREBIRDS -- Two Greater Yellowlegs were found at the interior British Columbia there were four sightingsof Great Gray mouth of Asotin Cr., near Lewiston Jan. 10 (PS) and 4-5 were there Owls in different localitiesof the Karoloopsregion (RH}, one in the Feb. 15-16 plus one at nearby Hells Gate S.P. (WHe. MK, CV). The Clearwater Valley {RH), and one at Penticton (SC). In the lnvermere Yakima R. mouth, Richland. Wash.. had 70 Dunlin Dec. 21 and Jan. I vicinity two sightingswere obtained Feb. I & 6 (LH). In Idaho one and the same spot had eight Long-billed Dowitchers yet Dec. 6 was found near Cottonwood Dec. 8 (MH.fide DK). The n. edge of (REW). Yellowstone N.P., had one in February (DRS) and one was found in the Absaroka Mrs., s. of Big Timber. Mont.. Dec. I I (PE). In s. GULLS -- A Glaucous Gull appeared at Nelson, B.C.. Dec. 5 interior British Columbra several Saw-whet Owls were found in barns (MEI. GD) and up to four. one an adult. were at the Yakima R. mouth and outbuildings: one picked up starving at Revelstoke soon re- in January and February (WH. REW). One-two Glaucous Gullswere covered tJWo). Single birds were found in Washington at Selah at Spokane Jan. 31 and Feb. 7 {JA. BW) and an imm. b•rd was at (Y.A.S.). Moses L. IRK), and Ephrata (RF). Urnattila Feb. 8 (MC). A second-year Glaucous was on Am. Falls Res., Ida., Dec. 20 (DT, CHT). Single Glaucous-wingedGulls were HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH JAYS -- Single Anna's Hum- sighted in December at Kelowna and Osoyoos, B.C.. where they are mingbirdsat feedersat Vernon (JG) and Karoloops(RH) disappeared very uncommon (JG, MCo. DB) and one wintered at Klamath Falls Dec. 31. A large colony of Lewis' Woodpeckerswas reportedalong (SS). An ad. Herring Gull was spotted on Okanogan Flats Wash.. the White R.. Wamic, Ore. (RDP). A few'w_ere reported in the Yakima Feb. 9 (BH-T) and one was at Malheur Feb. 28 for the refuge' s second area and one was near Boardman Jan. 25 tRJK). Yakima had a sighting. Klamath Falls had up to three Thayer's Gulls in December Yellow-bellied SapsuckerJan. 10 (Y.A.S.) and Urnattila hostedone (SS) and one was photographedat SpokaneJan. 31 for the first record Jan. 10-Feb. 8 (MC). The only White-headedWoodpeckers reported for that area (JA). Woodlev's second and third records of the Mew' were one in January at Rimrock L.. Yakima Co., Wash. (Y.A.S.) and Gull at the Yakima mouth occurred Jan. 10 & 23 and one was at one Jan. 8 at Sisters, Ore. (R & GS). Over 10.000 Horned Larks were Urnattila Feb. 15 (C & MC). in the Crooked R. grasslandsnear Bend, Ore.. Feb. 28 (TC). A Blue Jay remained at Nelson. B.C., until Feb. 16 (MHo) and one wintered DOVES AND OWLS -- Fourteen late-staying Mourning Doves at a feeder at Edgewood, B.C. (A J). One was at Three Forks, Mont., were found w. of Bozeman. Mont., Dec. 26. some staying at least Dec. 2-Feb 12 {RL et aLL At least six Com. Raven roost sites were until Jan. 2 (PDS). Two near Tendoy, Ida.. were 2 months later than active at Malheur, each site numbering about 200 birds. A flock of Roberts' previous late date. Many wintered around feed lots at 150+ Pition Jays frequented the Bend area through the winter (TC) Vernon: a flock numbered 90 Jan. 30 tJG). and a flock of 140was sightednear Pocatello,Ida.. in late February (DT).

Two sightingsof Barn Owls. very rare in interior British CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS -- American Falls Res. Columbia. were obtained. One was living in a barn at Osoyoos providedremarkabl{: out-of-habitat sightings of sixMountain Chick- Jan. 8-17 (DB. SC. m.ob. ) and one was found frozen in a barn adees, four Bushtits and a Golden-crowned Kinglet Dec. 20 (CHT). at Vernon Feb. 12 (JG). Many of the specieswere found dead Boreal Chickadees appeared in late December near Troy, Mont., and around potato cellars and haystacks in the Rupert area in up Pipe Cr., n. of Libby, Mont. (CW). Red-breastedNuthatches were January and February (WHS). A similar die-off was noted in decidedly scarce in s. interior British Columbia and in the Bozeman the Twin Falls, Ida. area (I.F.G.). In s.e. Oregon severe area; numbers were down at Fortine, Mont. also. A Bewick's Wren weather resulted in many casualties for the species, with at near Frenchglen, Ore., Jan. 9 was the first for that area since 1876and least 18 found dead. Deep snow' presumably made small the first for Malheur N.W.R. (MA). Three Rock Wrens were sighted mammalsunavailable, Other reportsfrom the n. Great Basin there Dec. 19 and one was at Smith Rock S.P., n. of Redmond. Ore., indicated the mortality was widespread. The birds were twice Feb. 28 (TC). seen attacking California Quail unsuccessfully and one was killed by a Great Horned Owl. CATBIRDS THROUGH STARLINGS -- Nakusp. B.C. had a remarkable visit by a Gray Catbird eating raisinsand suet at a feeder until Jan. I :.it reappearednearby Feb. 15 (DG, CS). Some 1000Am. It was a good winter for seeingSnowy Owls in e. Washington. Eight Robins were frequenting Russianolive plantingsat Satus, Wash., in were seen from one observation point Feb. 21 (JA). The birds were late December (B & GR). Three Hermit Thrushes appeared at very scarce in interior British Columbia, however, with only two Klamath Falls in January (SS). A few' Ruby-crowned Kinglets win- observations Jan. 23-24 at Karoloops (RH), One appeared near tered in the Yakima area. BohemianWaxwings appearedin very large Bonners Ferry, Ida. in late January •fide LDN). A !tawk Owl at numbers in e. Washington and Idaho and showed up in several BridgeportJan. 20-Feb. 14became a celebrity (RB. m.ob. •. In British Oregon localities as far s. as Klamath Falls, where they appear only Columbia one was sighted Jan. I I & 23 at Windermere L.. and one every 5-10 years. Bozeman had good numbersbut the birds' numbers was at lnvermere Feb. 2 (LH). One wintered in Glacier N.P. (MD), were apparently low' in other parts of w. Montana and in s. interior one was seen at Wells Gray N.P.. Jan. 30 (RH). and one was at British Columbia. Cedar Waxwings were scarce or absent at most Vernon Feb. 7 tPR). One was photographedat Pablo N.W.R.. Lake Co., Mont. Dec. 15 (WJH). localities.A late Water Pipit was at Malheur Jan. 9 (MA). Bend had a LoggerheadShrike Feb. 18 IF & WVHI and Salmon had one Dec. 19 (HR). Starlings appeared in flocks up to 5000 in e. Washingtonin December (RF).

WARBLERS AND BLACKBIRDS --Twin Falls had two Yellow- rumpedWarblers Jan. 2 (JR) and one was seenseveral times Jan. 4- I I in Idaho Falls, Ida. (RLe). Two of the Myrtle race were found at Satus about Jan. I lB & GR) and one was sightednear Vernon Dec. 27 (RH). Vernon also had a Corn. Yellowthroat that day (RH). A d Yellow- headed Blackbird was spotted at Blue L.. Grant Co., Wash.. Jan. 30 (BW) and about ten were in a large flock of Red-winged and Brewer's blackbirds and Starlings at a .feedlot near Moses L., Jan. 15 (RF). At Malheur about 2000 blackbirds, 60% Red-winged and 40% Brewer's concentrated in a livestock feeding area and 400 Brewer's stayed in another. A Brewer's appearedat Fortine Dec. 8 & I I (WW). Two Brown-headed Cowbirds were found Jan. 30 near Okanogan, Wash. (ME, EH et al.). Hawk 0wl, Bridgeport.14•t. vh.. Feb. I0, 1982.Photo/K. Brunner. FINCHES -- A Black-headedGrosbeak remained at a Livingston.

314 American Birds, May 1982 Mont. feeder until Feb. 6 for the state's first winter record (CL). the first ever there and the first since 1876for the area. Snow Buntings Evening Grosbeaksshowed in good numbersat Wenatchee and in put in a few appearances,mostly in Washingtonbut a few at Fortine, above normal numbers at Klamath FaLls, one flock containing 175. Vernon and Burns. Two moderately large flocks were sighted,400 in The species was reported at very few other localities. A 9 Purple the Davenport-Reardan area (BW) and 250 n.w. of Spokane (JA). Finch at a Vernon Feeder December-mid-February was photo- graphed for the first record for the area (MCo). Pine Grosbeaks ADDENDA -- A road-killed Barn Owl was picked up near Libby appeared more often this winter in the Okanagan Valley but were in April, 1981(CW). A flock of Blue Jays, estimatedat 100, was near sightedat only 2 other places,Winesap and Wenatchee,Wash. Gray- Three Forks about Dec. 8, 1980 (VC). The nest box project at crowned Rosy Finch sightingswere spotty. By far the largestnum- Spokaneshowed a definiterecovery from the 1980season, when Mr. ber, 3000, was reported near Chelan, Wash., Dec. 3 (TS). Flocks St. Helen's ash devastatednesting attempts. From a total of 77 boxes totaling 285 were at Battle Mountain S.P., Umatilla Co., Ore.. Jan. 23 W. Bluebirds fledged 175 young, Tree Swallows nine, Mountain (C & Me) and 300 were near Menan Buttes, s.c. Ida., Dec. 31 (EeL Chickadees32, PygmyNuthatches eight, and House Wrens 131(DP). The speciesappeared in good numbersat Salmon and Ketchurn, Ida. At Oakley, Ida., a c3Blue-winged Warbler was well seenMay 23, ! 981 A flock near Bozeman contained a partial albino. andtwo c3Bobolinks and a c3Indigo Bunting were found near Oakley It was truly a redpoll winter across the Region. Practically every May 19. 1981 (MJS). reporting locality had Corn. Redpolls, often in high numbers. Only s. and extreme n. Idaho and the Burns and Klamath Falls areas had CORRIGENDA -- The birds attempting to nest in the Salmon none. A few Hoary Redpolls appeared.Two were identified in Glacier vicinity in 1981were Ospreys,not Bald Eagles(AB 35:%0). The N. N.P., Canada in February (MD) and groupsup to 10-12 were seenin Parula reported at Kamiak Butte, Wash., in June 1981 (AB 35:%3) Lincoln and Sanders cos., Mont. (CW). In Washington one was was not the state's first (see AB 29:719). sightedat Bridgeport Feb. 11 (KB), one was near Twisp Jan. 20 and near Tonasket Jan. 31 (ME, El-I). Pine Siskins were scarce or absent CONTRIBUTORS CITED -- James Acton, John Annear (JAn), nearly everywhere. About 150frequented feeders at Rupert however Merle Archie, John Banmbrough (JB), Joe Brown (JBr), Doug (WHS). Red Crossbillswere virtually absent:only Coeur d'Alene and Brown. Ken Brunner, Steve Cannings (SC), Eddie Chew, Mary Potlatch, Ida.; Spokane and Chewelah, Wash., and Bend reported Collins(MCo), SueConklin (SCo), Craig & Marion Corder (C & MC), them. Tom Crabtree, Vernon Craig, Gary Davidson, Michael Dyer, Mark Egger (ME), Maurice Ellison (MEI). Paulette Epple, R. E. Fitzner, SPARROWS -- A Rufous-sided Towhee at Vernon Feb. 23 may Margaret P. Flerchinger,Ron Friesz, JamesGrant, Karl Gruener, have been an early migrant; none are known to have wintered there Amy Guidone, Warren Hall (WH), Larry Halverson, Bill Harrington- (JB}. Sage Sparrows arrived at Malheur Feb. 22. much earlier than Tweit, Mel Hedburg (MHL Winnie Hepburn (WHe). Willis J. Heron, previouslythought to. Tree Sparrowswintered in many localities,all Phil Hixon, Madge Hollington (MHo), George Holton, Rick Howie, w. of the ContinentalDivide. A lone ChippingSparrow was found at Eugene Hunn, Adeline Jackson,Fred Joyce, Idaho Fish & Game Smith Rock S.P., Feb. 10 (GW). Single Harris' Sparrows appearedat Dept. (I.F.G.), Robert Kent, Dwight Kilgore, Ronald J. Klein, Mer- Umatilla and Umatilla N.W.R. (C & MC, RDP) and at McKay lene Koliner, George Kelly, Ron Lang (RL), Rhodora Leyse (RLe), N.W.R., s. of Pendleton(C & MC). One was sightednear Malaga, Cary Lurid, Alice Montag, L. D. Napier, Ron Neu, N.C. Wash. Aud. Wash., in January (SCo) and one was near Bozeman most of the Soc. (N.C.W.A.S.). Ruth Ortiz-Torres, Richard D. Palmer. Dave winter (GK). Many Golden-crowned Sparrows were sighted in the Plemons,Bob & GeorgiaRamsey, Phil Ranson,Hadley Roberts, Jeff Yakima area in December and January (Y.A.S., B & GR). Richland, Ruprecht,Marty St. Louis, Chris Spicer,Rod & Gail Stebbins,W. H. Rogersburg,and Peshastin,Wash. had singlebirds (WH, AM, Ro-T) Shillington,P. D. Skaar. D. R. Skaar. Ted Smith, Miriam J. Spencer, and four were seen in Umatilla (C & MC). A few Fox Sparrows Paul Sullivan, Steve Summers, Dan Taylor, C. H. Trost, Monica wintered in the Yakima-Wapato area (Y.A.S.). A Lincoln's Sparrow Urtis, Carole Vande Voorde, Faye & Wally Van Hise, John W. was found Jan. 6 near Midland, Ore. (SS). Lapland Longspurswere Weber, Bart Whelton, Gene Wilton, Jim Wolcott OWL John Woods very scarce. They were noted in the Klamath Falls area (SS) and (JWo), Carl Wolf, R. E. Woodley, Yakima Aud. Soc. (Y.A.S.), single birds were seen near Davenport (BW) and Reardan, Wash. Winton Weydemeyer, Steve Zender. -- THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. (JA)) and near Am. Falls (JBr, MU). Four were sightedat Malheur, 10820 Maxwell, Spokane, WA 99206.

MOUNTAIN WEST finches,crossbills, nuthatches, waxwings, and improvingcounts of raptors.Typical cold snowyweather replaced last year's balminess; /Hugh E. Kingery this may accountfor the unexcitingreports. Christmas Bird Counts (hereafter, CBC): The report which follows The winter seemedlong and lackluster,but still featured fine includes frequencies calculated for several common specieson a Christmas Bird Counts and visitations by welcome specieslike rosy party-hour basis. The averagescover countsfrom 1972-1980.The figuresexclude Nevada.

GREBES TO BITTERNS -- January grebes included Eareds at Provo, Utah Jan. 13 (RJ) and Casper,Wyo., Jan. 31 (JH), and 10-12 Westerns at Boulder, Colo., Jan. 17 & 31 (B.A.S.). Single White Pelicanswintered at Denver (an injured bird which survived•KK, RR), Fish SpringsN.W.R., Utah (KF), and Las Vegas (VM). At ProvoJan. 22 one pelicansat on the ice near open water (MBr). Great Blue Herons wintered at snowy Jackson,Wyo.--8-9 of them (BR)-- and Fish Springs had a Great Egret all winter (KF)! Denver has acquired a wintering population of Black-crownedNight Herons along the S. Platte R.: D.F.O. observed 29 through the winter, comparedwith 27 last year. About ten Am. Bitternswintered at Fish Springs(KF).

WATERFOWL -- The cold winter reducedwintering waterfowl; in Utah; the Jan. 15-31 totals dropped to 16,532, one-fifth of last winter's lowest total (U.D.W.R.). Trumpeter Swans wintered as usualat Jacksonand Ruby Lake N.W.R., Nev., but alsoten wintered at Fish Springs--probablybirds from the Ruby L. flock (KF et aLL Numbers of wintering Canada Geese apparentlyincreased along the

Volume 36, Number 3 315 Colorado Front Range, with Denver reporting 10,000at Barr L.. Jan. Killdeer and snipe. Of the 14, 3 appeared only for CBCs: the rest are 9 and the LongmontlLyonsIBerthoudlLoveland area (hereafter, these: at Antelope 1.. Am. Golden Plovers. two Dec. 28-29 and three L 'L/B/LI tallying 12.343throughout the winter compared with 5895 Jan. I (•'E & RS, BPa, RBol: 2-10 Greater Yellowlegsat Fish Springs last year. They had begun their N movement in late February: Dec. I-Jan. 29 (KF. RJ}. two at Farmington. Utah Jan. I (E & RS). Cheyenne and Sheridan reported flocks overhead, moving N Feb. and one at Denver Jan. 2-5 (#, PE, WF. RSp}: a Pectoral Sandpiperat 22+. Of the 3987 Snow Geese reported in Utah by Feb. 28. 3000 Denver Dec. 26 I#. JRe et al.}; 109 Leasis at two Great Salt L. stopped at Clear Lake W.M.A. (U.D.W.R.). One Ross' Goose locations Dec. 28 and one Least and one Western at Antelope 1., Jan. stoppedat Denver Dec. 14(RW, RSp, D & LJ } and another Jan. 2 (J & 14 (rE & RS}; three Marbled Godwits and an Am. Avocet at Bear JC). Delta had two Jan. 26 and one Jan. 30 (MJ). Some Cinnamon Teal River N.W.R., Dec. 3 {LM}' and two Wilson's Phalaropes at An- (a Regional harbinger of spring) appeared on the un-springlikedates telope 1.. Jan. 2 (?E & RS}. Colorado's second Great Black-backed of Jan. I-6 at Denver (PE} and Jan. 29 at Fish Springs(RJ). The Eur. Gull remainedat Denver Jan. 25-Feb. 13(J Re. KH, J L}. Utah's newly Wigeon found last fall at St. George. Utah (AB 36:2111} wintered (SH. active observers discovered wintering Herring Gulls. not reported MW et aLL Utah reported as many as 40,000-50.000 N. Shovelers much from that state recently. Highest count was 30 at Bear R.. Dec. spendingwinter on the Great Salt L. (JN ). A Wood Duck winteredat I I (MT}. California Gulls wintered in numbers for the first time at Saratoga, Wyo. (JH). Two Greater Seaups at Las Vegas gave Denver--as many as 30tday, and seen at 4 different site• (CC}. Las s. Nevada its first record since 1978. Utah reported record numbersof Vegas had a Mew Gull Jan. 30-Feb. 7 (VM). Las Vegas birdwatchers Barrow's Goldeneyes, although s. Nevada had none this year. Re- turned up a flock of 15-20 wintering Inca Doves which has reportedly ports came from Logan, Antelope 1. Causeway over the Great Salt inhabited a trailer court for years, and probably nested (VM). The L., and Browns Park W.M.A. Ruby L. also had 21}-40wintering (SB). specieshas been reported from Nevada only sporadically. Grand L., Colo.. reported 60-80 Dec. 5, and 20-25 through the winter (DJ }. The Regionhad a record number ofOIdsquaws. somefrom each state, from Casper Dec. 6 (+LR} to Logan. Antelope 1., and Gunlock. Utah (MT, JB, RJ. E & RS. MW. MBr} and in Nevada. three swimming back and forth acrossthe state line at BullheadCity, Ariz. (VM, J & MC). White-winged Scoters were at Colorado SpringsDec. 16-19 (CBC), Denver Jan..2 (DG}, and Dugway, Utah Dec. 16 (CP, DGa). The Surf Scorer which arrived at Zion Nov_ 2(I stayed for photographsthrough Dec. 14 (?JG, ?KT).

HAWKS, EAGLES -- Like last year. raptor counts on CBCs increased, except for Rough-leggedHawks. Winter reports of Sharp- shinneds increase steadily as more and inore feeders attract them to easy prey: this season the 155+ reported tripled the number of 5 years ago. CBC Accipiter counts emphasize this same pattern--the 0.076/party-hour doubles the 9-year average. Few Cooper's Hawks ordinarily winter in the Region: althoughthe numbersreported were similarto previousyears, 12 reports came from Jackson and Sheri- GreatGray Owl. SeedskadeeReJi. Feb. 20. 1982.Photo/J.B. Rodriguez. Jr. dan, ffirthern. thanin theusual winter. CBCs counted 0.17 Red-tailed OWLS, WOODPECKERS -- Refuge personnel photographeda Hawks/party-hour, the highest in 10 years. Logan, Utah had a Great Gray Owl at SeedskadeeRef., Feb. 20 {JBR}; the Rockieshave significant influx of Harlan's Red-tailed Hawks: 5-6 different birds occurred Jan. 10-Feb. 14. The careful observations indicate that only two other records as far s.--a specimen at Logan and a sight record in Utah's Uinta Mrs. A Boreal Owl at the Evanston, Wyo., future years may establishharlani as a regular winter visitant (tMT}. Middle School permitted the observer to approach within 4 fl Jan. I I Southern Nevada reported four Red-shoulderedHawks, including (+CK}. On Feb. 12, Ryder's students found I-2 Boreals calling at one at Davis Dam Feb. 27, about as far s. in the state as possible. Cameron Pass,w. of Ft. Collins. Colo., where they confirmednesting Photographsconfirm a Red-shoulderedat Lund, Nev., Feb. 10 (MP}, last year. CBCs counted0.84 Com. Flickers/party-hour, up from the the most easterly record in the Region{except for the Colorado Front average 0.72, and the top count in 10 years. A Red-bellied Wood- Range). For the most part, the Region hosted fewer Rough-legged pecker was reportedat Pueblo. Colo.. Feb. 17(fide RB} and a White- Hawks, although Eureka, Nev., Logan, and s. Utah had more than headed Woodpecker at Carson City Jan. 21 {BP). Lewis's Wood- usual. CBCs counted 0.143/party-hour, the lowest in 10 years. peckers wintered at Durango, Colorado Springs,and Las Vegas, plus L/L/BIL reported 25 observations, compared with 82 a year ago, at least 2 sites in Utah. CBCs counted fewer Hairies and more and Seedskadeehas noted a steady decline over the past 10 years (JBR). Downies, 0.083 Hairies/party-hour (t•. an average 0.12} and 0.20 Downies (cf. 0.17). The Colorado Bald Eagle count of 557 struck an average between the last 2 years' counts. None of the other states reported their state SWALLOWS TO THRASHERS -- Low numbers of Tree Swal- counts to us, although Casper reported a total of 98 Balds and 28 lows wintered at Davis Dam, and none occurred at Las Vegas, while a Goldens at its 4 roost sites (JH). Seedskadee'spopulation built up to 44 in February, its highest count yet; Balds have increased steadily few Rough-wingedswintered at both places. Cliff Swallows had begun nest construction at Davis Dam by Feb. 20, where none had there for the past 10 years (JBR). Marsh Hawks and Prairie Falcons both exceeded their 9-year peaks, with 0.197 and 0.032/party-hour been presentJan. 30 (VM). Blue Jaysapparently wintered in Casper respectively. and Sheridan, new northerly wintering locales. A few Steller's Jays wintered along the Wasatch Front in Utah and a few strayed into Evanston, Wyo. (CK, m.ob.). They continued a CBC decline, down GROUSE, CRANES -- A Blue Grouse roosted in an arbor vitae in to 0.52/party-hour againsta 0.94 average. CBCs found more Black- a Springdale, Utah yard Dec. I I-Jan. 30 and toured the town for billed Magpies--3.66/party-hour cf. a 3.19 average. Color-banding meals: it was only the third lowland occurrence for Zion (JG). Two revealed increased movements of Black-capped Chickadees at Lo- Whooping Cranes stayed in the San Luis Valley, Colo., until Dec. 18, gan: five began December in Dixon's yard; influxes came in late the latest ever; six returned from New Mexico with the major flock of December and in early February, which coincided with bitterly cold Sandhills Feb. 22. The three Whooping Cranes flying low near weather. Feb. 6-7 saw a peak of 21. CBCs had more Black-cappeds Windsor, Colo., Feb. 28, on the Front Range (H & CS, fide RAR) and fewer Mountains--l.37 and 1.2/party-hour cf. 1.09 and 1.32 probably did not come from the Grays L. flock (RD}. Although a averages.At Zion both chickadeesvisited feeders for the first time in handful of Sandhillswintered in the San Luis Valley, 500 arrived Feb. 5 years. Red-breastedNuthatches explodedalong the Colorado Front 4, another 1000Feb. 14, and 8000-9000 Feb. 22. Sheridan reported its Range, especiallyin the Boulderarea: A one-hourwalk Jan. I found earliest record, a flock of 500 following the foothillsof the Big Horn 60 on a 20-acre plot, and a 2-hour walk Feb. 27 turned up 85 (LH, FH). Mrs., during a heavy snowstorm on Feb. 23 (FJ). They seemed scarce in the rest of the Region. A Long-billed Marsh Wren was found at Crowheart, Wyo., Dec. 9 (?PAL but they were SHOREBIRDS, GULLS -- The Region reported 14 speciesof absent from 5 locations in Colorado Springs, where they were easily shorebirdsthis season;normally all we see, except in s. Nevada, are found last year (RB). Stray Mockingbirdswere found at Boulder Dec.

316 American Birds, May 1982 2-8 and 21-22, Carson City Jan 19, and Rocky Ford, Colo , Feb 20 Pine Grosbeaksalthough they paid unusualvisits to mountam-area One which attemptedto winter at Cheyenne, first seenDec 30, died feeders at Silverthorne, Colo, and Dubols, Wyo--25 in one day from an injury Feb. 8 (AK). A Gray Catbirdwintered in willow, birch, (HEK, PA). Typically, rosy finchesbecome more conspicuousin the and silverberrybrush at Dubois, Wyo.; it lived on suet, smallseeds, valley towns and feederswhen the mountainshave lots of snow.This and other ground food. Other catbirds were found Jan. 15-30 in year they stagedmore than their usual spectacularappearances Cheyenne 0SG), Morgan Co., Colo., and Berthoud, Colo. (#JRe, Grand L., reported the most with up to 1000/day in flocks of 100along ?W & GF). Brown Thrashers likewise made winter appearances-- the roadways. They made rare appearancesin Ft. Collins, Ft. Mor- Jan 31 at Bayfield,Colo., Feb. 6 in ColoradoSprings, and Feb. 13 at gan,and ColoradoSprings (RAR, JCR, NC). Two Blackseven graced Lyons (#RS, #RB, #MG). People pressuremay have adversely AntelopeI., Jan. 2 (E & RS). CommonRedpolls reached Logan and affected Le Conte's Thrashers at Desert Game Ref., near Las Vegas, Provo (fide KA, MW), but Colorado reported only two, at Boulder where the CBC missedit for the fourth time in 15years; one observed and Morrison. Red Crossbills continue to inhabit the Front Range, Feb 14 showedthat a few remain (VM). with a flock of 1000 at Ft. Collins in January (JS). Only Boulder reportednesting (FH, LH, VE). The campusof Utah State Univ., at Logan boasted6-12 White-winged CrossbillsFeb. 15-20(?AG et al ) THRUSHES TO WAXWINGS -- Boulder observers noted that A c• White-winged visited a thistle feeder regularly in Denver Dec Am Robins roost in the foothills, above the temperature inversion so 11-Jan.7 (J & JC). A Green-tailed Towbee at Logan Dec. 13 did not thatthey take advantage of a warmerclimate (FH, LH). Althoughthe stay for the CBC (KD). Black-throated Sparrows wintered at their Boulder observers consider robins warm weather birds, small num- newly-locatedbreeding site near Pueblo,Colo. (CC). Tree Sparrows bers wintered throughoutthe Region, includingn.w. Wyoming (UK, spread out over c. and s. Nevada, with unusual feeder visitors at BR) A Hermit Thrush winteredin a Las Vegasbackyard (VM). By Eureka, Las Vegas, and Pahranagat Ref. Erratic on CBCs, Tree early FebruaryW. Bluebirdsarrived at Reno, and by late February Sparrows were tallied at a lower-than-average rate this year, they arrived at Ridgway, Colo., and Laramie. Modest numbersof 2.09/party-hour. A likely imm. Chipping Sparrow stayed at a northward bound Mountain Bluebirdsappeared all over the Region Durangofeeder Jan. 1-28(?EF). Zion had a Golden-crownedSparrow the last week of February, to as far n. as n. Nevada and s. Wyoming. Jan. 5-8 (JG). Utah observersfound 1-20 Lapland Longspursat Enoughobservers reported BohemianWaxwings to permit tracing Antelope I., Jan. 1-Feb. 21 (JB, RJ, E & RS, MW et al.), and one their S movementas winter progressed--fromn. Wyomingin early Chestnut-collaredLongspur Jan. 17 ($ ML). Outside their usual December to Reno and e..to the Colorado Front Range in January. Wyomingwinter range,flocks of Snow Buntingsnumbering 175-200 They movedinto the s. portion of the Regionmore than in mostyears, Dec. 11-12dropped to 10-15 by Feb. 26 (m.ob.). penetratingto Colorado Springs, Durango, St. George, and Las Vegas (one Jan. 14, with Cedars, the first s. Nevada record in 3 ABBREVIATIONS -- ?: documentedreport on file; •:: docu- years--VM). Easternmostrecords came from Cheyenne,with a 200 mentedreport submittedto state recordscommittee; #: no documen- peak Jan. 2 (FC) and Wheatland,Wyo., Feb. 11 (SP). Although tation received; CBC: ChristmasBird Count. reportersin ColoradoSprings and Cedar'City, Utah reportedfewer N Shrikes(30% of normalat CedarCity), oneat Hiko Jan.9, which CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) and INITIALED OBSERVERS caughtan Am. Goldfinchin mid-air, providedthe first s. Nevada -- Peg Abbott (4 observers), Keith Archibald (8), Mary Back (15), recordin 9 years(VM). Bad newsfrom Jarbidge,Nev.: it hadits first Lynn Barneby, R. Bond (RBo), SteveBouffard, Boulder Audubon StarlingFeb. 4, followed by eight Feb. 10. They "are the only birds Society, W. W. Brocknet (22), M. Bromley (MBr), Richard Bunn that will chaseaway magpies--I don't know which is worse" (LB). (17), JoshuaBurns, N. Cantrell, CharlesChase III, JeanChristensen (24), Bill & Beth Clark, F. Clark, Mark Collie, Colo. Div. of Wildlife, WARBLERS TO BLACKBIRDS -- At Provo, two Black-and- Colo. Field Ornithologists, J. & J. Cooper, J. & M. Cressman, white Warblers Dec. 5 and one Dec. 8 gave Utah its third or fourth Denver Field Ornithologists,V. Dionigi, Keith Dixon, Helen Downing record($MBr, MW). A Jan.3 Yellow-rumpedWarbler at Orem,Utah (34), Rod Drewein, P. Echelmeyer, V. Evanson, Margaret Ewing, hada "hardtime findinganything to eat, with 8 inchesof snowon the Janet Eyre (2), W. & G. Ferguson, W. Finch, Kim Forrest, Elva Fox ground,and was feedingin basementwindow wells on dead spiders (9), S. Garrett, D. Gauthier (DGa), JeromeGifford (10), D. Grainger, and insects"(MW). Other JanuaryYellow-rumpeds were at Salem, A. Grenan, M. Griest, J. R. Guadagno, Freeman Hall, May Hanes- Utah Zion, Grand Jct., Denver, Boulder, and Loveland OJC). The worth (19), Paula Hansley, K. Hawkins, StevenHedges (3), Louise only other warbler reportedwas a Wilson's at Hygiene, Colo. (#VD). Hering (9), JamesHerold (9), Mark Janos,David Jasper(6), F. Jenk- Eureka, Nev., reported some hardy W. Meadowlarks this winter, ins, Rodney John, D. & L. Johnson, Gleb Kashin, Jon Kauffeld, with six in mid-January after -32øF and a foot of snow; they had Ursula Kepler (22), J. Leigh, M. Leppert, Craig Kesselheim(3), begunsinging by Feb. 18 (JE). At Alamosa,Colo., 1-2Yellow-headed Merlin Killpack, A. King, Kate Kittleman (22), Larry Malone, John Blackbirds fed with Red-winged Blackbirds from sunflowersin a Merchant (3), Vince Mowbray (4), David Mozurkewich (3), John backyard(VS). Alamosa also had a Great-tailedGrackle visit the Nelson(2), B. Parsons(BPa), Michael Perkins, SuzannePeterson (4), same feeder Feb. 4 (VS). Bill Pickslay(3), C. Pinkham, Bert Raynes(12), J. Reddall (JRe), J. C. Rigli, J. B. Rodriguez,Jr., L. Rognstad,John Row, R. Rozinski,R. A. FINCHES, SPARROWS -- Observersreported only modestnum- Ryder, J. Sedgwick,H. & C. Short, Virginia Simmons,Ella & Richard bersof EveningGrosbeaks, well scatteredthroughout the Regionin Sorenson,Mahlon Speers,R. Spencer(RSp), R. Stransky,Bert Tignor their normal wintering grounds. We also saw very few Cassin's (10), Kirk Topham, Mike Tove, Utah Div. of Wildlife Resources, Finches and more House Finches (except perhaps in the Denver Utah Field Ornithologists,R. & T. Van Zandt, Ray Varney, Merrill area), CBCs listed 2.84 House Finches/party-hour, up from the Webb (6), Ruth Wheeler, Roberta Winn (RWi).--HUGH E. KING- 2 15/party-hour average. Observers reported normal numbers of ERY, 869 Milwaukee Street, Denver, Colo. 80206.

SOUTHWEST REGION Weather doesexplain the absenceof birdsin the northernpart of Arizona, Sonora the state but does not explain the comparativelylow number of /Janet Witzeman passerinesin the riparianareas of the lowlands. While readingthrough the winter reportsfor the statecovering the past ten years, it seemedthe statementswe were making about Winter in central and southern Arizona was mild with above patternsthat were developingor the statusof sparsewinter visitants averagerainfall except in the Lower ColoradoValley where rainfall were reasonableand safeconclusions. However, this winter, many of was below normal. Northern Arizona had snow and the coldest the birds themselvesseemed to "fly in the face" of theseconclusions, temperaturesin three years so that "the lakes, usually causingthe and much of this report deals with the contradictingof "labels" we only winterexcitement, were frozen early and were just beginningto have tried to pin on them. open up at the end of the period." (JC). It was a perverseseason. Species which we had come to expect in

Volume36, Number3 317 in winter (S. Hyde, fide CT). A Reddish Egret at Puerto Penasco. NEv.'[ o,o,eeUTAH ! COLO. Sonora, Mex., Feb. 26-28(TG et al.) may have beenthe sameone that was present there in November. • Lifilefi•d/Kmbab• • ß J ß eTmrraAmordla White-faced Ibis, which is usually absentfrom the state in winter or present only in low numbersin mild winters, occurred in unprece- "• • 'HooverDam •Grand • J/Sonia Fe dented numbers at Cibola N.W.R., where there were over 50 in mid- •ee•j•- eK ne ..... •s•o I Albuquerque December, and six still there in late January (MK et aLL A few were also found at other spotsalong the L.C.R., includingone at Pintail -Par•er•-•'• ..... •e .•. •.Joh.s NEW MEX. Slough Feb. 27 (VM). Three were at Picacho Res., Dec. 4 (TG, MJ).

•,myt•e/ ,I .(Parker • ghoeni • ]Da•Globe'O•lR: -• I .....Elephant/ • Car:.... •River• WATERFOWL -- The species that attracted the most attention ,permlI •ilo • • • o•o •e _•Coolidge Butte/ Roswell throughout the state this winter was Whistling Swan. Considered to be a scarcewinter visitant. this winter the specieswas presentin unprecedented numbers, and in places where it bad not been re- corded previously. The greatest number occurred in e. Arizona: 57 were counted on lakes near Show Low Jan. 8 (DT): seven near St. Johns Feb. 21 & 27 (B. Heap, S. Jarvlsi; seven on Luna L., near I )-• k Cob•rcaO 0%0 eø : eC.... u• Alpine Jan. 14-Feb. 13 (DT, AMi), ten near McNeal Jan. 8 (AMo), I J OF • • : Grandes• • one s. of Portal in January (S & WS) and one at Willcox Jan. 25 (JS). Farther w., 40 were at Tucson Dec. 4 4WD, EB), three at Green Valley Dec. 9-12 (GP), up to six were near Phoenixfrom Januaryinto March (m.ob.) and one was n. of Prescott from late December-March (CT). On the L.C.R., one was reported on L. Havasu Dec. 10, one the lowlands, especiallyduring mild winters as this one, were lower in found shot n. of Ehrenberg Dec. l0 (MK et aLL plus the one at Yuma number than usual. Numbers of warblers, especially Yellow-rumped (CBC). and Orange-crowned warblers, and White-crowned Sparrows were way down. We had begun to expect high numbersof crows at Cibola and Barrow's Goldeneyes below Davis Dam (but they were absent from that area for the secondyear). On the other hand, specieswhich we had come to expect in low numberssuch as herons, ibis, Whistling Swan and Long-billed Curlew were all here in unprecedentedhigh numbers. So in the report which follows, although there are no surprising species,there are many surprisesamong the speciesthat were here.

LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- A Corn. Loon at Parker Canyon L., in late December (PN, JS) and one at Painted Rock Dam Jan. 14 WhistlingSwans near McNeal, Ariz., Jan. 8, 1982.Photo/A. Moorehouse. (RBr) were the only ones recorded away from the Lower Colorado River (hereafter, L.C.R.) where there was a total of 8 recordsduring Two Brants were found---one at Cibola N.W.R., with 30 Canada the period (MK et ai.). An Arctic Loon at Peck's L, n. of Prescott Geese Dec. 2 (AK, CR, HW) and one with Canada Geese at Luna L., Nov. 30 was the first for that area in recent years (CT). The only one Feb. 13 (tAMi. N. Mooney). The majority of the 9 previous records recorded on the L.C.R., was on L. Havasu Jan. 15 (GR, PB. SD, HL, had been from the L.C.R. More than the usual number of White- JW). fronted Geese was recorded. Up to sevenwere at Cibola N.W.R. Jan. Up to 14 Horned Grebeswere on L. Havasu duringthe period (MK 5-at least Feb. 14 (DL, TS): two were in Tucson (GP, m.ob.) and one et ai.); three were counted on the Arizona section of L. Mead Feb. 21 wasat Phoenix(TG, PB)for mostof thepeQod. (R & JW, RBr et ai.); and singleswere recordedat Peck's L., Nov. 30 Black-be!lied Whistling-Ducks wintered at Tucson for the third (CT), at Willcox Jan. 23-25(RF, PN) analat 2 areasin Phoenixduring time--at least three this year (m.ob.). A pair of Wood Ducks n. of January and late February (RF, T. Gorman). Ehrenberg Dec. 19 was significantas the specieshad been virtually During this season'sL. Havasu censusingof W. Grebe, the 2 color absent on the L.C.R., since the cottonwood-willow habitat was phaseswere tallied separately.Up to 2000+ grebeswere counted.Of destroyedin the B.W. Delta. Two c• Greater Scaupat PrescottJan. 8 these, approximately one third were light-phase birds. Numbers of provided the secondrecord for that area (CT). A 6 Barrow's Golden- both color phasespeaked about the same time, during the second eye at Willcox Jan. 24 at least until Feb. 21 (RO, JD) furnished only week of December and again in mid-February. There was a general the secondrecord for s.e. Arizona, and three $ Barrow's Goldeneyes movementof grebesfrom n. Havasu down to more favorable nesting at Prescott Feb. 10 represented the third record for that area (H & habitat around the Bill Williamsarm by the end of the period (MK et AG). Only three'tofour were countedbelow Parker Dam (MK) and ai.). one was on L. Mead Feb. 21 (AG). Oldsquaw has been recorded 5 out A wall-to-wall carpet of 3000+ W. Grebes was covering of the past 7 winters on the L.C.R., and again this year when it was L. Mohave above Davis Dam in February (VM, 3[W et ai.), but recorded in 2 areas: three downstream from Davis Dam Jan. 30 at relatively few were countedon the hugeexpanse of the Arizona side leastto the end of the period (VM et ai.) and one on L. Havasu Feb. 16 of L Mead at the sam• time (m.ob.). Unexpected was one at the & 26 (ph., MK, CR). A. • Surf Scoterwas photographed5 mi s. of opposite corner of the state at McNeal Dec. I (AMo). Parker Dec. 3 (CH, MK, AK, HW) and the sameday another• Surf Even one Great Egret is rare in winter away from the L.C.R., and Scoter (that molted into an ad. male) was found just below Parker the 2 larger reservoirs (Picacho and Painted Rock Dam), so 50 + in Dam and remainedinto March, providingthe first real winter record Phoenix during December and January was an unbelievable sight for the state. (KR, RBr et ai.). Individual Great Egretswere alsoat TucsonJan. 5 + (L. Jones et ai.) and at McNeal, n. of Douglas Dec. 7-17 (AMo). A RAPTORS -- An out-of-range Harris' Hawk was seen near flock of 30-40 Snowy- Egrets (almost equally uncommon) near McNeal Dec. 17 (ph., AMo). A preliminary estimate of this winter's Phoenixprovided a new local winter record. Higher-than-usualnum- Bald Eagle population(including 86 countedduring aerial surveys)is bers of Black-crownedNight Herons were wintering in Yuma (90), 150-+; this winter the birds shiftedtheir preference from the Hagstaft Phoenix (80) and Tucson (14+); and as far e. as the ponds near area to e. Arizona (DT). An Osprey at Nogalesfrom late November McNeal there were 14 presentall winter (AMo). into Jantiary was the first in'winter for that area (BH). On the other hand, Cattle Egret was virtuallyabsent from Phoenix where we have come to expect it wintering in numbers, and it SHOREBIRDS -- A late SemipalmatedPlover was on L. Havasu occurred in areas where it is uncommon. In s.e. Arizona, in addition Dec. 10(MK, CR, HW, RH); and a SnowyPlover (rare andirregular to the two on the Ramsey Canyon CBC, one was seen near Elfrida in winter) was found there Jan. 20 (RH, JJ, HW). Mountain Plovers Feb. 20 (AMo). One at Chino Valley near Prescott Feb. 21 repre- were found again in s.e. Arizona. During Januaryup to 30 were sentedone of only a few recordsfor that part of the stateand the first counted s. of Willcox OS et aLL

318 AmericanBirds, May 1982 Long-billedCurlew, considereda sparsewinter visitant,was found during early winter e. and n. of Prescott (CT). The large flocks of in unprecedentednumbers on both sides of the state. Six were Com. Crows that have been wintering at Cibola N.W.R., for the past counted near McNeal Feb. 5 (AMo) and 15 were found s. of Poston 5 yearswas reducedto only 380 this year (RH, MK). Another flock of Jan. 9 (MK, BA). Also, two were n. of EhrenbergDec. 2 and Feb. 12 25 was found at a new area s. of Ehrenberg (JJ). Two out-of-range (RH, MK) and one at Cibola N.W.R., Jan. 25 (CH). Forty Long-billed individuals were at Winkleman Feb. 19 (AG). Dowitchers at McNeal Feb. 5 (AMo) and one at Portal from late Decemberinto Januarywere the first in winter for theseareas. Also at McNeal were Greater Yellowlegs (20 on Feb. 5) and 1-2 Dunfin Dec. NUTHATCHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- The only remaining 10-Feb. 20 (AMo). lowland Red-breasted Nuthatch was at B.W Delta Jan. 28 (RH) and the speciesbecame uncommon in the Prescott area as well. Brown GULLS, TERNS -- Both Glaucous-winged and Thayer's gulls Creepers continued to be seen in greater-than-usualnumbers: ten at have been seen with some regularity in small numbers at Puerto B.W. Delta, four at Parker, three at Cibola N.W.R. (MK et al.), seven Penasco,Son., Mex., in recentyears, but the sevenGlaucous-winged at Wickenburgin DeCember(CT) andwidespread in theriparian and and 15 Thayer's countedthere on Feb. 12were unprecedented(KK, oak woodlandsaround Prescott(CT). An out-of-rangeDipper was in DS). There were 2 recordsof Bonaparte'sGull. one on L. Havasu Arivaipa Canyon Feb. 4 (R. Taylor). Dec. 4 at least to Jan. 12 (MK et al.) and two at Tucson throughDec. 6 Winter Wrens continued to be more numerous than usual around (GG, WD). A Black-leggedKittiwake at Guaymas, Son., Jan. 26 was Prescott and two were found in the lowland riparian area near notable (*SG). Wickenburg in December (CT). A Short-billed Marsh Wren was Very late Forster's Terns remainedinto December on L. Havasu: found near Poston, L.C.R., Dec. 23 (tRBr, •C. Kangas), but attempts five Dec. 4, three Dec. 10 and one until Dec. 16(CH, MK). Individual to re-find it for photographicdocumentation failed. There are no CaspianTerns alsolingered late at L. Havasu Dec. 16 (RH, JJ, CH) confirmed records for the state. Another Varied Thrush (added to the and at Cibola N.W.R., Dec. 17 (JJ, RH), but seven at Yuma Dec. 20 two reported in fall) was found at Bisbee Dec. 20 (•DD). There were was unprecedented(CIet al.). fewer W. Bluebirds, but more than usual (up to 200) Mountain Bluebirdsin the L.C.V., where they invaded riparian areas (eating DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- An Inca Dove mistletoeberries) rather than agriculturalfields. There was a highof straggledE to Portaland spent the winterat feedersthere (S & WS). A eightTownsend's Solitaires in 4 areasalong the L.C.R. (MK). Every lone Groove-billed Ani was found at Tucson Dec. 6 (B. Terrill, few years there is a major invasion of Am. Robins and Cedar M. Keasey). A Ferruginous Owl discovered near Sasabe w. of Waxwings and this was one of them. Incredible numbers of robins NogalesFeb. 20 (RBo) was one of only a few recordsof this seldom- (especiallyin February) were roving throughPrescott and Phoenix, seenspecies. and high numberswere in Globe and Portal. There were "more Cedar PeripheralAnna's Hummingbirdswere a singingmale at Prescott Waxwings than usual" in Prescott, "more than ever" in Globe, all winter (V. Plumlee), a male at a feeder in Portal Feb. 14 (SS) and reported "fairly often" in Tucsonand in everyone'syard in Phoenix. one at DouglasJan. 1-12 (AMo). Individual late Rufous Humming- Bohemian Waxwings (the first since '78-79) were found in a new birds were at feedersin Tucson, one at least throughDec. 6 and the area in n.e. Arizona, at Kayenta, where there were two Jan. 8 and one other through most of December (fide SG). A probable Calliope Feb. 20 (CLa). Four were with 30 CedarWaxwings north of Flagstaff Hummingbirdwas at Ramsey Canyon again this year until Feb. 14 Feb. 18 (R. Balda). Numbers of Golden-crownedKinglets continued (ph., RBo, DD, tSG et al.). A Broad-billedHummingbird wintered at to be highin the L.C.V. at Parker (2-5) and B.W. Delta (7) (MK et al.): two to fourwere in Wickenburgin Decemberand stayed into January in Prescott (CT). Two N. Shrikes found in the L.C.V., one n. of PostonDec. 23 (D. Robinson)and one at Topock Jan. 15 (ph., GR et al.) provided the third and fourth recordsfor that area. Farther s. one was s. of Phoenix Jan. 4 (C. Clark). Two individuals were found s. of Kayenta Dec. 23 and Feb. 24 (CLL

WARBLERS -- Most of the uncommon "winter" warblers that occur in the state are really late migrantsthat stay only into January. But this year there were two exceptions. A Chestnut-sidedWarbler Jan. 6 through the end of the period (BH, m.ob.) and a N. Parula Jan. 17 through the end of the period (DS, KK, m.ob.), both at Tucson, were the first real wintering records for these species. A Palm Warbler on the Santa Maria R.. w. of Prescott Jan. 16 (CT) was the sixth post mid-January winter record and the twentieth state record. There were fewer than usual of the rare but regular late and winteringwarblers in the lowlands:one Tennesseeat TucsonDec. 14 (?SG); one Townsend's s. of Tucson Jan. 24(JBo); two Wilson's, one at Tucson Jan. l-at least Feb. 7 (DDe, TG) and one at Phoenix Dec. 22-at least Jan. 7 (GR, KR); and two individual Am. Redstarts, at Tucson Dec. 6-21 (WD) and at Parker Feb. 21-24 (SG, CR, et al.). There was an additional Am. Redstart, six Black-and-white Warblers and two Yellow Warblers on the state CBCs.

ProbableCalliope Hummingbird, Ramsey Cam. m, Ariz.,Jan. 7, 1982.Photo/R. Bowers. ICTERIDS, TANAGERS -- The Streak-backed Oriole at Tucson in the fall disappearedby Dec. 1, but a second bird, a male, was the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Nov. 5-at least Feb. 6 present at another feeder in Tucson Dec. 26-Feb. 28 + (WD, tSG). (M. Axelrod, RBr). Another was seen in Madera Canyon Feb. 23 The • Rusty Blackbird found at L. Havasu sewage pond in late (DDe). November wasjoined by a female, found there Jan. 15 (GR, PB, SD, Lewis' Woodpeckerswere numerousand widespreadat middle HL, JW); both remained until at least Jan. 28 when they were elevations around Prescott October-March with 20+ individuals photographed(MK). There are only a few recordsfrom the L.C.V. countedin one area (H & AG). Williamsoh'sSapsuckers continued to Great-tailed Grackles usually leave the Prescott area in August, but be seenin greater-than-evernumbers in Prescottalso (CT). this year a flock remained all winter in each of 2 areas there (CT). Eight Bronzed Cowbirdsfound at McNeal Nov. 20 remained FLYCATCHERS THROUGH CORVIDS -- A late W. Kingbird throughoutthe period (^Mo). The speciesis rare in s.c. Arizona. was seennear SasabeDec. 2 (AMi). The only E. Phoebewas one near A late W. Tanager was at Wickenburg Dec. 30-31 (CT). A Summer Nogales Dec. 6 (J. & B. Epler). Tanager at Prescott Nov. 30-Feb. 18 (A. & G. Nagel, fide CT) "Troops"of Steller's Jays(up to 40 in one group)were wintering representedthe first winter record for that area and the farthest n. in around Prescott; and scattered numbers of Pition Jays were found the state.

Volume 36, Number 3 319 FRINGILLIDS -- A Pyrrhuloxia wanderedfarther N than usual to Co., Feb. 10 (M. Mclnnis), two near Rodeo Dec. 30 (RS et al.), and Skull Valley (4500') west of PrescottJan. 17-19(H & AG). Up to 90 one at Radium SpringsDec. 22 (B. Locke, KZ). Canada Geese were Evening Grosbeaks plus smaller flocks were in the Prescott area present in several s.w. areas where as a rule infrequent, including during the period (CT) and five were at Payson since at least early eight at Alma Dec. 29 (CH, JH), four at Evans L., Jan. 16 (RF), eight February (fide SD). A 9 Pine Grosbeak that wandered to Rustler P., near Cliff (J. Egbert), several near Virden Feb. 4 (JH), and 84 at San in the Chiricahuas (where it has been recorded once before) was Simon Cienaga Dec. 28 (RF); nine birds at Cochiti L., Feb. 18 were found Jan. 1 (?RM). Lawrence's Goldfinches continued to be seen at small and dark and may have been "Cackling" Geese (Branta scattered localities around Prescott, Wickenburgand Tucson (CT, canadensis minima) (WH). Rare in mid-winter teal included four SG et al.). There were only about one third as many as there have Blue-wingeds at Isleta Dec. 14 and one at Alameda Jan. 28, and a been in the past at Nogales (BH), but 40_+ at Cibola N.W.R., was a Cinnamonat Isleta Dec. 14; migrantsof both speciesappeared in the new high for the L.C.V. (HW, JJ, RH, CH) plus scatteredsingles M.R.G.V. in early February (WHet al.). A count of twenty Red- werepresent at the otherareas in the L.C.V. duringthe period(MK). breastedMergansers at Cochiti L., Feb. 5 {JD, RM) was high for the The only Baird's Sparrowfound was one in Gardner Canyon Feb. area. 13 (SG, JBa). A Clay-colored Sparrow, another sparsewinter resi- dent, was found s. of Tucson Feb. 6 (GM, WD). A Black-chinned RAPTORS -- A minor influx to lower elevationsoccurred among Sparrow in Guadalupe Canyon all period into March when it was Goshawks,with two adultsand an immaturein the Albuquerquearea singing, was farther e. and s. than the species has been found in late January to early February (RM et al.), and an adult and previouslyin the state (DD, AMo). immature in the Silver City area in the same period (D. & M. Zimmerman). The Jan. 2-16 count of Bald Eagles yielded 357 birds, CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilersin boldface)-- B. Anderson, up by about a third over January 1981 (JH et al.). Two Merlins at J. Bates (JBa), P. Beall, E. Bessler, J. Bock (JBo). R. Bowers (RBo), Tucumcari Jan. 10 (J. Vaught) were east of the usual range. R. Bradley (RBr), J. Coons (Flagstaff), D. Danforth (Sierra Vista), W. Davis (Tucson), D. Deifik (DDe), S. Demaree, J. Dunning, QUAIL THROUGH RAILS -- A Montezuma Quail was seen on R. Ferguson, H. & A. Gaither, A. Gast. T. Gatz. S. Goldwasser Jan. 28 in the Organ Mts. (BZ, KZ), where infrequentlyreported. (Tucson),G. Gregg, B. Harrison (Nogales),R. Haywood, C. Hunter, Thirteen Whooping Cranes were accounted for in the Rio Grande C. Irwin, B. Jackson (Globe), J. Jackson, M. Jakel, C. Kangas, Valley (U.S.F.&W.S.), with northwardmigration occurring as early A. Kasprzyk, M. Kasprzyk (LCV), K. Kaufman, C. LaRue. as mid-February (D. Law et al.). Thirteen Sandhills at Redrock, D. Leford, H. Longstreth, A. Michaels (AMi), G. Monson, Brant Co., Dec. 28 (RF) were in a new area of occurrence. A. Moorehouse(AMo), R. Morse, V. Mowbray, P. Norton, R. Os- trander, G. Porter, C. Romano, G. Rosenberg, K. Rosenberg. SANDPIPERS -- Least Sandpipersrecorded n. of usual limits J. Saba, T. Sodergast, S. & W. Spofford (Portal), D. Stejskal, included one at Morgan L. Dec. 17 and 2-3 there Dec. 31 tAN, DR), D. Todd, C. Tomoff (Prescott), R. Witzeman, H. Wood: Abbrevia- eight at Bluewater L. Dec. 19 (J. Troche0, and two or more at Caballo tions: ?written details on file with Arizona Bird Committee (ABC); L. Feb. 3 (JH). Two or three Long-billed Dowitchers wintered at ph., photoon file with ABC; B.W Delta, Bill WilliamsDelta; L.C.R., Bloomfield, (JR et al.), which is n. of the usual range. Lower Colorado River; L.C.V., Lower Colorado Valley; CBC, Christmas Bird Count; m.ob., many observers. --JANET WITZE- TERNS AND GULLS -- A probable imm. Thayer's Gull at MAN 4619 E. Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, Ariz. 85018 Caballo L., Feb. 18 (JH) is perhapsthe fifth record in the general area--where most of the few New Mexico records originate. Two ad. Californias were seen there Dec. 13 and another at Cochiti L., Feb. 18 (JH); an immaturereported as this specieswas also presentat the latter site Feb. 17 (WHet al.). New Mexico's first verified record of New Mexico the Black-leggedKittiwake was obtainedon Dec. 5, whenan adult was /John P. Hubbard photographedat Bosquedel Apache N.W.R. (W. Stone). A tern was glimpsedat Morgan L., Dec. 17 (DR), but it could not be identifiedto species;any tern in winter is a rarity in New Mexico. The winterwas generally mild and dry throughDecember, turning colderand especially wetter in Januaryand February. However, the cold and wet did not discouragewarm-weather species from lingering or winteringfarther north than usual. As a result, severalfirst or unusualnortherly records were obtained, ranging from cormorants to fringillids.Bucking this trend was the appearance of severalnortherly or montanespecies in placesor numbersexceeding the norm,includ- ing waterfowl,raptors, corvids, and fringillids. Among the vagrants, themost significant was the first documented Black-legged Kittiwake for the state(see photo} and the firstspecimens of Short-billedMarsh Wren and winter Northern Waterthrush (both to SmithsonianInstitu- tion). Black-leggedKittiwake,Bosque del •lpache N.W.R. ,New Mex. ,Dec. 5,1981. LOON THROUGH CORMORANTS -- An Arctic Loon at Blue- Photo/}E Stone. water L., Dec. 9 (AM) was the only one reported. Double-crested Cormorantsagain wintered in the extremen.w., with sevenat Mor- PIGEONS THROUGH SWIFTS -- A Band-tailed Pigeon at ganL. in the period(AN); othernotable records included one at Bear Alameda Dec. 15-23(J. Phillips) was very unusual, both as to season CanyonL., GrantCo., Jan.9 (RF), andanother at LosLunas Feb. 22 and the lowland occurrence.A White-wingedDove at SocorroFeb. 4 (WHet al.). The latterwas in a flockwith threesmaller cormorants-- wa• veryearly; a GroundDove there Dec. 5-Feb. 25 and an Inca Dove thoughtto be Olivaceous--whichwould be 70 min. of theprevious n. through the winter (PB) were n. of the usual range. White-throated records for the state. Swifts were more frequent in winter than usual, includingone in the Sandia Mts., Feb. 28 (S. Huntington), 15-25at Percha Dam S.P., Jan. HERONS -- A Green Heron at BloomfieldJan. 20 OR) constituted 5 (DJ), 20-30 in the Florida Mts., Feb. 20 (K. Gould-Falzone), and onlythe secondwinter record for the SanJuan Valley; theonly record four in Dark Canyon, Guadalupe Mts. Dec. 28 (W. Baltosser, in theperiod in the MiddleRio GrandeValley (M.R.G.V.)--Espafiola G. Schmit0. to San Acacia--was a bird near Bernardo Dec. 19 (KM). Three birds thoughtto be Cattle Egretswere at White Rock, Los AlamosCo., WOODPECKERS -- Three Gilas on Double Adobe Cr., Animas Dec. 3 (M. Ferris), which is well n. of most winter recordsfor the Mts., Dec. 29 (B. Hayward) representsa high count for the area, state. where the speciesis infrequent.Hairy Woodpeckerscontinued to be scarcein the M.R.G.V., with only five recordedversus 126 records of WATERFOWL -- PresumedWhistling Swans were more wide- Downies, in the period (WHet al.). A Ladder-backednear Thoreau spreadand numerous than usual, including 12 at ChicosaL., Harding Dec. 11 (AM) wfis n.w. of the usual range.

320 American Birds, May 1982 FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- An Emptdonax, reported, these being confinedto the Rio Grande Valley, including thought to be a Dusky, was seen Jan 9, Feb 27, and Mar 8 (WH) at one at Bosque del Apache N W R, Jan 9 (RT) Isleta, well n. of where winter birds have been previouslyreported. Three probable Duskies at Glenwood Jan. I (JH) was the largest WARBLERS -- A Black and White Warbler at Mesilla Dec. 12 (DJ) winter count there ever. A Gray Flycatcher near Rodeo Dec. 30 provided only the secondwinter record for the state. Two Orange- (F Scheider) represented the first winter report from the state. A crowneds were recorded there Dec. 3 and one Dec. 19 (BZ, KZ) Tree Swallow near Alameda Jan. 14 (JD, WH) was the first recorded There were 924 records of Yellow-rumped Warblers in the for that month for the state. M.R.G.V., of which 130were thoughtto be "Myrtles" (WHet al.) A Northern Waterthrush was seen near Isleta Jan. 9 & Feb. 15, before CORV1DS -- The lowland/southern invasion failed to expand being collected Feb. 27 (WH, RM) for the first verified winter record from the past autumn, although Steller's Jays persisted in small for the state. A d' Corn. Yellowthroat at Isleta Jan. 10 & 24 & Feb 7 numbersin the Glenwood (JH et al.) and Silver City (RF et al.) areas, (WHet al.) was the northernmostin winter for New Mexico. and Scrub Jayswere present in the M.R.G.V.s. to San Acacia (WHet al ) PossibleWhite-necked Ravens includedtwo near Belen Jan. 2 ICTERIDS -- Yellow-headed Blackbirds were rare in the (WH, RM) and at Bosque del Apache N.W.R. Feb. 4 (RT). Two to M.R.G.V., with two at Bernardo Feb. 3 and one at Isleta Feb. 20; also three Corn. Crows were at Farmington Dec. 22 (AN), in which area rare there were Brewer's Blackbirds with only 16 recorded and the speciesis rare. Brown-headedCowbirds with 50 near Belen Jan. 27 (WHet al.)

CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS -- Black-capped Chick- FRINGILLIDS -- North of the usual range was a Pyrrhuloxia at adees were numerous in the M.R.G.V., s. to Bernardo, while lesser Capitan Dec. 1-20 (E. Morton et al., ph.). ScatteredEvening Gros- numbers of Mountains were present in the same area; probable beaks were recorded in the M.R.G.V., with a total of nine birds seen hybridsincluded single birds at AlbuquerqueDec. 10and Isleta Jan. 9 in December and January from Albuquerque to Belen. At least 12 & Feb. 25 (WHet al.). Two Pygmy Nuthatches were at Aguirre White-winged Crossbillswere seenon Dec. 6 in the Sandia Mrs. (HS, SpringJan. 23 (BZ, KZ), for a first recordfor the OrganMrs. Winter G. Parker), from which area most of the few New Mexico come. Well House Wrens included singlesnear Los Alamos Dec. 13 (WBL), n. of the usual winter range were 500 + Lark Buntings between Zum BernardoFeb. 3 (WH), a.ndSocorro Dec. 12-18(PB). A Short-billed and Ramah Jan. 15 (T. Rhoades). Also n. were a Sage Sparrow at Marsh Wren was taken near Belen Jan 19 (KM), for the first New Cottonwood Gulch, McKinley Co., Feb. 23 (AM), 10+ Chippings Mexico specimen. near Glenwood Dec. 30-Jan. 1 (CH, JH), and a Brewer's near Belen Feb. 13 (RM). Southerly Tree Sparrows included 3-4 at lsleta all THRUSHES -- An amazing 254 records of Hermit Thrusheswere winter (WHet al.), singles at La Joya Jan. 15 (WHet al.) and obtainedin the M.R.G.V. in the period (WHet al.). The E. Bluebird Cottonwood Gulch Dec. 9 (AM), and two at Morgan L. Feb. 20 (AN) was regularin the samearea, with 71 recordsin the period, including Harris' and Golden-crownedswere somewhatmore widespreadthan new n localities at San Idlefonso Feb. 16 and Cochiti Dec. 11 (WHet usual, while in the M.R.G.V. 79 White-throateds were recorded al ) Mountain Bluebirds were not reported e. or s. of the normal between Bernalillo and Belen. Lincoln's Sparrowswere uncommon range, except in the Glenwood and Cliff areas (JH et al.). there, includingthree at Bernalillo Dec. 3 and one near there Feb 23 (WHet al.). A Lapland Longspurwas identifiedat Bernardo Feb 3, KINGLETS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Golden-crowned Kinglets and 74 Chestnut-collareds were counted between Bernalillo and were numerousin the Sandia Mts. (HS), and there were three near Belen Dec. 3-Feb. 24 (WHet al.). Rodeo Dec. 30 (RS et al.) and one at Mesilla Dec. 3 & 19 (BZ, KZ). Ruby-crownedswere numerousin the M.R.G.V. in December, with CITED OB SERVERS -- P. Basham, J. Duff, R. Fisher, W. Howe, numbers dropping in January and February. Bohemian Waxwings C. Hubbard, J. Hubbard, D. Jones, B. Lewis, R. Martin, A. McCal- stagedan incursioninto the Farmington area, with one or two Dec. lurn, K. McClymonds, A. Nelson, J. Rees, D. Renwalt, H. Schwartz, 18, 200 Feb. 20, and 650 Feb. 25 (JR et al.). Few N. Shrikes were R. Scholes,R. Teuber, B. Zimmer, K. Zimmer. JOHN P. HUBBARD -- 2016 Valle Rio, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

ALASKA REGION These birds are an essentially non-migratory population, which /D. D. Gibson breedson the adjacentAlaska Pen. They make up the only wintering populationof this speciesin Alaska. Unusuallypoor survivalwas notedamong 97 TrumpeterSwans that attemptedto overwinterin the It is difficult to think in terms of the "end" of winter in Alaska on Cordovaarea (ME1): Fifteen or fewer were presentat the end of the February 28 each year, when spring is yet months away (and for wintering season.Nine known dead succumbedto freezing in ice, which date the record low at Fairbanks is still -51øF). Generally, starvation, Bald Eagles, or combinationsthereof. Over 2000 Brant winter 1981-82 was cold. December and January were cold, and so wintered at Izembek N.W.R., Alaska Pen., moving out of the bay was the second half of February, but no cold records were set. when it froze and returning to it as soon as it thawed (CPD). The Precipitationwas slightlybelow normal (e.g., 42.5 inchesof snow at observer,who knows, statedthat this numberis aboutnormal for that Fairbanks by end January). A dearth of small landbirds was men- area in winter (contraAB 35:327). Six Brant were seenJan. 19 near rioned by many observers. Rich Macintosh (writing from Kodiak, Craig(TEK), whererare in winter. Rare andlocal in Alaskain winter, which island ordinarily provides an interestingcul-de-sac for pas- Canvasbackswere recorded in WrangellNarrows, Petersburg, in late sennesin winter) said,"The net effectof our passerineproblem is that December(a pair PW) and at Adak I. (nine birds,fide MEI). A c3 when one is in good bird habitat it is unusual to see or hear any small Redheadpresent at WomensBay, Kodiak, throughat least Jan 20 bird hfe... [but based] mostly on observations at feeders, the 'rare' (JBA) was the only 1981-82winter report in the State. Three Tufted sparrowslike Fox, Golden-crowned,and bothjuncos are tolerably Ducks, a male and two females, were present in the Cordova area common this winter." throughoutthe season(MEI). Rare but regular at Kodiak, where at the very w. end of its winter range,one c3Lesser Scaupwas seenat GREBES, HERONS, WATERFOWL- A Pied-billed Grebe was Womens Bay Dec. 12, (RAM). Healthy counts of Steller's Eider seen at Juneauin late December (RJG, FAG, BWr), and another was included5858 at Izembek Dec. 23 (CBC); 150at Caton I., Sanak Is , studiedat Ketchikan Feb. 7 (tREW). This speciesis a rare fall and Feb. 9 (JS, CPD, MN); 550at SimeonofI., ShumaginIs., Feb. 25 (JS winter visitant in Southeastern,the only part of Alaska in which it & CPD); and about 200 at WosnesenskiI., off Pavlov Bay, Alaska regularly occurs. Rare in winter at the n.w. periphery of its normal Pen., Feb. 25 (JS & CPD). Although the Izembek total may be the range, Great Blue Heron was seentwice at Seward this winter---one highestever on a CBC, muchlarger concentrations (e.g., 100,000+ bird Jan. 11 and Feb. 14 (EM & RM). A winteringaggregation of 500- birds Feb. 3, 1977)occur in winter in the Nelson Lagoon-Port Moller- 600 Whistling Swanswas surveyedin mid-Januaryand againin mid- Mud Bay-HerendeenBay area (Gill et al. 1981,Arctic 34:286-306), Februaryat PetersonLagoon, Unir0ak 1., e. Aleutians(JS,fide CPD). 150 km n.e. of Izembek. Two different c3 Smews were observed in

Volume36, Number3 321 far n. as Fairbanks (m.ob.), where there are very few suchrecords. One Ruby-crownedKinglet was seenat JuneauDec. 21 (RJG, FAG, BWr); there are few Alaska winter records of the species. But Golden-crowned Kinglets were widely reported this winter, from Kodiak, Anchorage, and the Kenai Pen., e., along the Pacific coast {m.ob.I. A Water Pipit was observedat Craig Dec. 11 (TEK). This speciesis a casual, or annual but exceedingly rare, winter visitant along Alaska's entire Pacific rim, from the Aleutians to Southeastern. Remnantsof autumn 1981'sinflux of BohemianWaxwings remained at Kodiak through Jan. 25, when five birds were seen (MMM). Two birds Feb. 17 were the firsl waxwings seen in Anchorage since December (RLS). West-of Southeastern, Starlings were reported only at Anchorage,where present(numbers?) through at least mid- December (DWS).

WOOD WARBLERS THROUGH SPARROWS -- A Yellow- rumped (Myrtle) Warbler observed at Glacier Bay Dec. 19 ('•SP) provided only the second Alaska winter record (see AB 35:327). Rusty Blackbirds were present at Anchorge at least until mid- December(13 birdson 5th GJT; speciesrecorded on 18th DWS), but nonewas reportedthere subsequentlyor from other areasat all. Pine Siskinswere not commonw. of Southeastern,where they were numerous at Juneau (FAG). Few were seen at Cordova (ME1), and none was recorded al either Anchorage (TGT) or Kodiak (RAM). Two birds at Fairbanks Dec. 19 (CBC) provided the first winter record in the Interior, but none was reported there subsequently. Redpolls were present in c. and southcoastal Alaska in moderate- good numbers all winter. They went unremarked at Kodiak. how- ever, and very few were seen at Kasilof (MAM). In February, numbersincreased at Cordova (MEI) and at HinchinbrookI., Prince William Sound (JSH). Few were seenat Juneauuntil early February (FAG, RBW). A $ Carpodacusobserved with a small flock of Pine Grosbeaksat JuneauDec. 18-21(•FAG et all was identified by the early January, one at Cordova Jan. I-2 (MEI et al.) and one at observers as a Purple Finch. Unfortunately, the call note. which Womens Bay, Kodiak. Jan. 3-6 (SW, TA, WED et al.. fide RAM). would have certainly distinguishedthe bird, was apparently not The former was the first recorded for mainland Alaska, the latter the heard, and the single photograph does not absolutely (fide JLD) secondrecorded at Kodiak. Three Hooded Merganserswith Mallards distinguishthe bird from Cassin's Finch. Although there exist two and Com. Merganserson the Tanana R., at Delta Junction Feb. 12 previous Juneau (and Alaska) sightingsof Purple Finch, there have (MEI) provided only the second record, and first in winter, of this also been two, recent Southeasternreports (one at Juneau)of Cas- speciesn. of the Alaska Range.Perhaps the occurrencewas related to sin's. Neither specieshas been substantiatedin Alaska by specimen higher-than-usualnumbers reported in Prince William Soundlast fall or by unequivocalphotograph. Pine Grosbeakswere widespreadall (q.v.). winter. They were common all seasonin the Fairbanks area, where they heavily exploited seedfeeders (m.ob.). A recent phenomenon, RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS-- A very dark Red-tailed suchbehavior was all but unknown in this speciesin Fairbanksmore Hawk was observed in the Kasilof area Mar. 3 iMAM), and perhaps than 3 years ago. With a distribution this winter somewhat similar to the samebird was seenin that area Feb. 12. There are very few Alaska that of Pine Siskin, White-winged Crossbill was common in South- winter records of this species. Gyrfalcons in small numbers were eastern (Juneau--FAG, RBW), and it was reasonablynumerous in c. reported along the Pacific coastfrom lzembek (CPD) to Anchorage Alaska (m.ob.). But the specieswas not recordedat Cordova (MEI), (DWS, DFD) and the Kenai Pen. (BWa, fide MAM)--a normal Anchorage (TGT). or Kodiak (RAM), and few were seen at Kasilof situation. A pair of Am. Coots was presentat Blind Slough.Peters- (MAM). Kodiak's almost-annualwinter Lincoln's Sparrow was one burg, until it froze in late December (PW). Two Killdeers at Sitka seen Dec. l0 (RAM), but not thereafter. A Lincoln's Sparrow ob- Dec. 27 (?MK & DK) provided the first local winter record. This served at Crai• Dec. 20 (TEK) provided the first Regional winter specieswinters very rarely in Southeastern.Maximum counts of a record not at Kodiak. One Harris' Sparrow bandedat Auke Bay, few shorebird speciesat the n. end of their winter range included Juneau, in November was the only one seenthis winter (RBW). It was (Kodiak CBC, Jan. 3) 15 Black Turnstones, 60 Surfbirds, 364 Rock present all season. Very few juncos, Fox, White-crowned, Golden- Sandpipers, and three Com. Snipe; and five Dunlins were seen at crowned, and Tree sparrows were reported from the Pacific coastal Womens Bay Jan. 31 (RAM & DWS). areas where they usually occur. Northernmost among such birds were a Tree Sparrow at Anchorage Dec. 5-Jan. 21 (GJT), an imm. HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- A c• Anna's White-crowned Sparrow at Anchorage Dec. 19 (MMT), and two Hummingbirdwas presentregularly at Ketchikan from the end of juncos at Eielson A.F.B., near Fairbanks, all winter (ATD). October throughFebruary (LWC,fide SOM). The autumnand winter occurrenceof this speciesin Southeasternis now an annualevent. A Red-breasted Sapsuckerwas seen at Ft. Abercrombie S.P., Kodiak, CORRIGENDA -- The estimate of 1,600,000 storm-petrels at St. Feb. 4 (SW & BWi,fide RAM). The few previousKodiak archipelago Lazaria I. (AB 35:969) was not accurate; the population was later records, all in recent years, have been in fall. Several Steller's Jays calculated by the observersto be 540,000+ birds instead. Alaska's visited feeders sporadicallyall seasonin the Anchoragearea {GJT, second Canada Warbler (see Fall 1981) was seen Sept. 17, not Sept. TGT), where they are irregular winter visitants.A few Red-breasted 24. Richard W. Stallcup (RWS) was omitted accidentally from the Nuthatches were seena.t Kodiak during the winter (JBA). None was contributors and observers list (Summer 1981l. reported at Anchorage,on the Kenai Pen., or in the Cordova-Prince William Sound area all season. In Southeastern, nuthatches were ADDENDA- The Prudhoe Bay sighting, with photographs,of a commonand ubiquitousin coniferousforests at Juneauall winter possible Lesser Black-backed Gull (AB 35:970) must be judged (FAG), however. equivocal,like many other extralimital sightingsof individualsof this genus.Awaiting substantiatingdetails are midwinter 1981-82reports THRUSHES THROUGH STARLINGS -- A Townsend's Sol- from Adak I. of Eurasian Kestrel and Ross' Gull. itaire was present in Anchorage in late December (fide DFD), but apparentlynot thereafter.Robins were recordedin smallnumbers at CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS--J. B. Allen, T. Armetta, a number of coastal localities, and one bird successfullywintered as L. W. Carson, C. P. Dan, D. F. DeLap, W. E. Donaldson, A. T.

322 American Birds, May 1982 Driscoll, J. L. Dunn, F. A. Glass. R. J. Gordon, J. S. Hawkings. Sonneborn, G. J. Tans, M. M. Tans. T. G. Tobish, B. Walker (BWal, M. E. lsleib, T. E. Kogut, D. Krause, M. Krause, S. O. MacDonald, P. Walsh, R. B. Williams, B. Wilson (BWil, S. Wilson, R. E. Wood, M. M. Macintosh, R. A. Macintosh, E. McHenry, R. McHenry, B. Wright (BWr); tdetails on file U.A.M.--D. D. GIBSON, University M. A. Miller, M. Nunn, S. Paige. J. Sarvis. R. L. Scher. D. W. of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701.

NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION /Philip W. Mattocks and EugeneS. Hunn

December in the Region was warmer and wetter than the long term averages, based on the Medford, Portland, and Seattle weather stations. A cold wave in early January held temperatures below freezing throughout January 5-6 in Seallie, January 6-9 in Porlland, and January 9-15 in Medford. Thereafter temperaturesgenerally returned to the normal range of 40-50øF. and February was slightly wetter than usual. The January freeze drove sapsuckersand Varied Thrushes con- spicuously into the lowlands. An extensive invasion of Bohemian Waxwings and Common Redpolls was also primarily in January. First state recordswere establishedfor the Black-headedGull in Oregon and the Brambling in Washington.

LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- There were only two reports of the Yellow-billed Loon this season, both from Washington during December. This is fewer than usual and follows a below normal count for last year also. A light-phase W. Grebe was found Jan. 31 on Yaquina Bay, Oreg. (JGi, OS). The 44 Eared Grebeson Cordova Bay, Saanich. V.I., Jan. 14 was a high count (RS,fide VG}. Twenty N. Fulmars were seen off Tillamook Dec. 12 (HN), and others were reported off the n. Oregon coast into January (fide JE). Three dark-phase N. Fulmars were off Race Rocks, Metchosin, V. 1.. Jan. 29 (L. Mcintosh,fide WC), and in the middle of the Strait of Juan de Fuca Feb. 19 (KT,fide VG). A late Sooty Shearwater Dec. 10 off West Pt.. in Seattle. establishedthe first King County record (tDH). A few dead Short-tailed Shearwaters and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were found on n. Oregon beaches(HN). Seven Brown PelicansDec. 20 at Cape Arago, Oreg. (AC). were late. In contrastto the distributionof Cattle Egret reports last fall, one (both fide VGI, were presumablyfrom the introduced populations on Cortes 1., near Campbell River, V.I., in December (fide HT) was near Vancouver, B.C., and Everett, Wash. There were 8 reports of c• the only report n. of the Columbia R. Up to six Cattle Egrets were at "Eur." Green-winged Teal. The two males at the Montlake fill in Tillamook, Oreg., Dec. 19 (fide HN), and others were scatteredalong Seattle had distinct plumage patterns identical to the two that were the Oregon coast throughout the period (fide JE). Three Snowy there the last 2 winters (tEH, ?ER, m.ob.). Single males were s. to Egrets wintered as usual at Coos Bay, Oreg. (fide JEL and a Great Cannon Beach, Oreg., Jan. 6 (M. Smith, fide HN) and Reedsport. Egret wintered for the fourth consecutive year at Olympia, Wash. Oreg., Jan. 30 (MH, SH, MSI. Two Blue-winged Teal were at Fe/• (BHT et al.). Great Egrets in ones and twos were found as usual at Ridge Res., near Eugene Dec. I I (R & JK, D. & M. Emenhiser,fide numerous locations in w. Oregon (fide HN), and 20-30 spent the EE). A male and one other Cinnamon Teal were in Medford Jan. 2. A seasonnear Roseburg(MS). Three ad. Black-crowned Night Herons male and a female were at nearby ProvoIt, Oreg., Jan. 19 (MjM), were present through the winter at Olympia, Wash. (BHT, J. Davis) where a pair has wintered in past years. Another Cinnamon Teal was where several had been found the previous 2 years. The wintering e. of Corvallis Jan. 31 (A. & D. Martin,fide EE). A d' Redhead at flock of Black-crowned Night Herons returned to the Umpqua R. site Oyster River, s. of Campbell River, V.l., Feb. 14-16provided the first near Roseburg, Oreg., with 28 counted there Feb. 17 (MS). There confirmed local record ($HT et al.). • 6 Tufted Duck was seen Feb. were also 28 Black-crowneds counted on the Portland CBC at their 14 on Finley N.W.R., s. of Corvallis for only the 2nd or 3rd record for regular roost along the Columia R. (fide HNI. Oregon(T. Dudley et al., ph., FR,fide EE). Another d' Tufted Duck Four imm. ibis sp., presumably White-faced, were found Dec. 26- was seen Feb. 8 at the Everett, Wash., sewage ponds ($BHT). Jan. 5 on Sauvie I.. near Portland, Oreg. (JGi, DI. m.ob.). Two were still there Jan. 15, and one Feb. 7 + (fide HN). Another imm. ibis was VULTURES THROUGH RAILS -- A singleTurkey Vulture was about 90 mi away at Nahcotta, on Willapa Bay, Wash., Jan. 24 still near Applegate, in extreme s. Oregon, on Dec. 23 (R. Schnoes, (tC. Wilmes,fide RW). fide MjMI. Five Turkey Vultures headingn. along the coastlineat Seaside, Oreg., Feb. 18 were the earliest reported northbound mi- WATERFOWL -- A large flock of 1000+_ Whistling Swans win- grants (P. Turnbull, fide HN). Sightingsfrom the Willamette Valley tered just s. of Forest Grove, Oreg. (JGa, BT, JE). A "Bewick's" began Feb. 19+ (fide EE & HN). Whistling Swan was picked out of a flock on Sauvie 1., Jan. 2 (tOS, The White-tailed Kite winter roost site at Fern Ridge Res., near JGi, R. Johnson), and another was seen on the Nehalem meadows, n. Eugene, Oreg., was reoccupied this season,with a count of 13 kites of Tillamook, Oreg., Feb. 27 (A. Larrabee, fide HN). Trumpeter there Jan. 3 (J. Carlson, EE, DF, TL). About 30 individuals were Swans wintered in their usual numbers in w. Washington and reported statewide, and 10-+ of these were in the Medford area. s. British Columbia. The groupsof 5-20 Trumpeters which spent the Single"Harlan's" Red-tailed Hawks were found in Olympia, Wash., seasons. of Forest Grove (JGa, BT, JE), and near Corvallis (E & EE), Dec. 26 (•BHT), on the Skagit flats, Wash., Feb. 6 ('[RH et al.), and at were the largest recent concentrationsin w. Oregon. The Emperor ScogginsValley Park, w. of Portland Dec. 29 (JE, Dl). Two "Har- Goose found at the Veneta sewage ponds, near Eugene, Oreg., in lan's" were in Kent, Wash., Jan. 3 ($BHT, EH et al.). Five Red- November was present there through the season (m.ob.). Another shoulderedHawks were near Port Orford, Oreg., Dec. 27 (fide DR), Emperor Goose was at Ocean Shores, Wash., Jan. 31+ (D. & L. and one was at Glide, e. of Roseburg,Jan. 2 & 31 (MH et al.,fide MS). Lindstrom, m.ob.). The secondwinter recordfor w. Oregonof the FerruginousHawk was Two Black Ducks on s. VA., one Dec. l-Feb. 16at Beacon Hill P., foundat the Sale.mairport Dec. 26 (?HN, JEet aLL SingleOspreys in Victoria, the other Jan. 21-Feb. 19 at Quick's Bottom, Saanich were along the lower Columbia R., at Grays River, Wash., Jan. 2

Volume 36, Number 3 323 tAR, AM), on Orcas I , w of Anacortes Wash , Jan 18(P DeBiuyn, from w Washingtonwere duringJan 2-10,a periodof heavysnows in fide TW), and near Reedsport, Oreg , Feb 6 (M J, R Maentz, fide the Cascades A ? Wilhamson'sSapsucker was photographedin MS). Ashland Jan. 15 (J. Miller, fide ?MjM) for a most unusualwinter A fairly conservativeestimate of the Gy/falcon sightingsindicates record. Eight White-headed Woodpeckerswere w. of the Cascade that about eight individuals were reported in the Region this winter. A crest to Shady Cove in the Rogue R. valley of s. Oregon Feb 16 white Gyrfalcon was in Oak Bay and C. Saanich, VA., Jan. 8-Feb. 6 (A. Briggs,fide MjM). A Black Phoebewas near Corvallis Jan 28- (fide VG). The others were each describedas either dark, brown, or Feb. 9 (A. & G. Ansell et al., fide EE) for only the third Willamette gray-phase birds, and all were found very near the coast. Single Valley record,and two were foundat the usualn. limit of their range Prairie Falcons were located as usual at Eugene (AC), near Medford near Medford (MjM). Two Say's Phoebeswere betweenPort O/ford MjM), and near Roseburg(MS). There was aboutthe usualnumber of and Bandon,Oreg., Dec. 27 (fide DR), andat leastone was present reports of Peregrines and Merlins. near Medford Dec. 30-Feb. 27 (MjM). A Virginia Rail was found dead at Campbell River, VA., Dec. 22 The first Violet-greenSwallows were reportedFeb. 21; 100 over (HT). The only Sora reported was one heard Feb. 3 & 28 at the the Central Point sewageponds near Medford (MjM), three near Montlake fill in Seattle (ER). Corvallis (A. & K. Cromack, fide EE), and a flock at American L , Tacoma, Wash. (W. Wilkins). The specieswas widespreadthrough- SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS -- Single Semipalmated out the Regionwithin a week. ThreeTree Swallows,found Dec. 27 on Plovers were at Campbell River, V.I., Jan. 3 (?M. & R. Palmer,fide the RidgefieldN.W.R., Wash.(?W. Cadyet al.), arethe onlyrecords HT), and at Clover Pt., Victoria, and Cadboro Bay beach, Oak Bay, for the state betweenlate Octoberand late January.Whether these V I , Jan. 6-9 (M. Lewis, RM-G et al.,fide VG) for first winter records individualswere wintering or were very early spring arrivals is for both areas. A group of nine SemipalmatedPlovers Dec. 19-Feb. 27 unknown.Otherwise, the first few migrantTree Swallowswere found was at Ocean Shores, Wash. (DP, MkM, RH et al.). At least one Feb. 2-9 at Finley N.W.R., Coos Bay, and Eugene,Oreg., and on the wintered at Tillamook. Oreg. (R & JK,fide EE), and anotherwas in Nisqually N .W.R., Wash. The main arrival was duringthe last week Seattle Jan. 2 (EH). Five Snowy Plover were still at Tillamook Dec. of February. 12 (HN). A Whimbrel and a Willet were on Ediz Hook, near Port Angeles, Wash., Feb. 12-24(M. Carmody, D. & S. Smith). A Lesser JAYS THROUGH WAXWINGS -- A Blue Jay appeared at a Yellowlegs with two Greaters at Metchosin Lagoon Dec. 25 (VG), feeder in Centralia, Wash., Jan. 1 (N. Dunn). Two Black-billed and another near Sidney Feb. 6 (KT,fide VG) were very rare winter Magpieswere seenFeb. 6-21on the NisquallyN.W.R., Wash., where reports for s. V.I. A Wandering Tattler at Seal Rock, s. of Newport, two were seen last September (BHT, R. Barchiesi). Single magpies Oreg., Feb. 21 (R & JK. E & EE), was about2 monthsearlier than the were in Saanich, V.I., Feb. 10 (?M. Elston, fide VG), and near usualspring migration and couldhave beenwintering. Two W. Sand- Duncan, V.I., Feb. 26 (WC,fide VG). A Clark's Nutcracker was on piperswere in Victoria Dec. 19 (fide VG). At Grays Harbor, Wash, SaddleMt., e. of Seaside, Oreg., Jan. 1 (DKa,fide HN). there were 491 Westernscounted Dec. 19 (fide BHT), 85 on Jan. 10 Mountain Chickadees continued to be noted in the lowlands ors w (MkM, RV), and one Feb. 6 (MkM). These and one at the S.J.C.R., British Columbia and n.w. Washingtonthrough the period. Record Feb. 17 (HN) were the only reports. Five Long-billed Dowitchers high countsof Bushtitswere set on CBCs at Victoria, Seattle, Grays lingered until Dec. 13 at the Everett, Wash., sewageponds (DH), and Harbor, and Kent, Wash., following record high countslast year at one was in Metchosin, V.I., Dec. 19-Jan. 1 (VG). several of these areas. However, the count of Bushtitson the Eugene Single Parasitic Jaegerswere still at Seattle Dec. 7 (DH), and off and Medford CBCs were the lowestin the last severalyears (fide SG, Cape Arago, Oreg., Dec. 20 (AC). Two Pomafinejaegers noted from MjM). the jetty at Ocean Shores, Wash., Feb. 27 (tEH et aLL were about 2 A Dipper carriednesting material under the Highway 1 bridgeover monthsearlier than the usual springmigration and could have been the Goldstream R., just w. of Victoria Feb. 5 (VG). A group of 10 wintering birds. The usual2 dozen or so GlaucousGulls were spread Winter Wrens probably roostedJan. 4 & 6 in VG's attic in Metchosln, throughoutthe Region. A Franklin's Gull Jan. 3 at Kent, Wash., was VA., during the severe cold. Single Mockingbirds were found in very late (•BHT, D. MacRae). A Little Gull was seenDec. 2 at Nye Langlois, n. of Port O/ford, Oreg., Dec. 27 (DR), and in downtown Beach, on Yaquina Bay, Oreg. (F. Schrock,fideJE). and anotherwas Portland Jan. 26 (T. White, fide HN). About 500 Varied Thrushes seen Feb. 14-19off West Pt. in Seattle (T. Schooley, ?DH). Both were were around Ocean Shores, Wash., Jan. 10(MkM, RV). All had gone with flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls. A Black-headed Gull was found by Feb. 6 (MkM). Higher than usual numbers of Varied Thrushes Dec. 20 near Astoria, Oreg, for the first state record (?OS, JGi, were also noted Jan. 5-12 at Metchosin, V.I. (VG), Grays River, e of D Bump). A previousreport of an immatureat SunsetBeach, Oreg., Willapa Bay, Wash. (AR, AM), and at Ashland, Oreg. (MjM). The JuBe 97 1977 (Roherqon Rm.,, •;•,t,. ,•f'the We3'tFoast p .... : count of 256 W. Bluebi• ds on the Medford CBC was the highestmere not accepted by the Oregon Bird Records Committee (Oregon Birds since 1973(fide MjM). A Mountain Bluebird was seenDec. 19 at Fort 7 84, 1981). A Black-legged Kittiwake, scarce away from the outer Flagler S.P., near Port Townsend (?E. Stopps et al.). New record coast, was at West Pt., in Seattle Dec. 13-14 (?DH, B. Reichert). high counts of Golden-crowned Kinglets were set on the Victoria, Dead Red-leggedKittiwakes, very rare anywhere in the Region, were Bellingham, and Seattle CBCs. found at Cannon Beach, Oreg., Dec. 30 (DKa, .fide HN), and at A Blue-grayGnatcatcher was found Nov. 19-Dec. I in Kitsilano P, SunsetBeach, Oreg., Jan. 24 (½HN). These providedthe 4th and 5th Vancouver, B.C., for the second record for British Columbia Oregonrecords, and were the first since1955. All were founddead. A (M. Price et al., ph., R. Cannings & R. Weber, fide WW). The Com. Tern seen Dec. 2 off the Nisqually R. mouth in lower Puget previous British Columbia record was Nov. 10-11, 1963, at Victoria, Sound (BHT) was very late. and the only Washingtonrecord was on nearby Whidbey I., Nov 10- 16, 1978. BohemianWaxwings stageda widespreadinvasion throughout the OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- Only seven Snowy Owls Region. Groups of 2-6 reached s. to Medford and Ashland, Oreg. (fide were reported this season.One at the S.J.C.R., Dec. 20 (DF et al.) MjM), and 150were tallied on the CorvallisCBC (fide EE). Flocks of was the farthest s. Two were on the Skagitflats• Wash., Jan. 16-Feb. 40-60 Bohemianswere noted in the Vancouver, B.C., area (fide DKr), 27 (m.ob.), and two were at Ocean Shores,Wash. Feb. 20-27 (EH et in Bellingham (TW), Seattle (H. Fray), and near Marblemount, al ) A Hawk Owl wintered on Boundary Bay in Delta, B.C. (DKr, Wash. (K. Brown et aLL and in Portland (JGI, T. Morgan,fide HN) mob.). About sevenBurrowing Owls were found in w. Oregon, with and Salem, Oreg. (fide RP). singlesat Newport, s. of Corvallis, at the Eugeneairport, and at Coos Bay (fide JE & EE), and at least three in the Medford area (M. Pac- zolt, MjM). A Barred Owl was heard Dec. 15 at the Friday harbor WARBLERS THROUGH LONGSPURS -- A Tennessee Warbler Laboratory on San Juan 1. (S. Speich). wasfound Nov. 26-30at a feederin Eugene(M. & M. Dednbrow,ph , All-time high counts of Anna's Hummingbirds were set or tied on SG) for the second winter record for Oregon. A Nashville Warbler the Medford, Eugene, Seattle, Bellingham, and Victoria CBCs. A ? was at the Marine Science Center in Newport Jan. 8-13 (R. Bayer, Rufous Hummingbird was seen Dec. 2-Feb. 3 along with three male B. Olson et al., fide EE). A few "Myrtle" Yellow-rumped Warblers and two female Anna's at a feeder in Saanich,V.I. (M & RM-G,fide were in Saanich, V.I., through the season(fide VG). However, the VG). Rufous Hummingbirds appeared on schedule Feb. 21 in Coos center of abundancein our area is within the rangeof the Pacific Wax Bay, Oreg. (Rob Lawrence, fide HN). Myrtle (Myrica californica) on the outer coast,where 1092"Myrtles" All ten of the reportsof"Red-breasted" Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were tallied on the Grays Harbor CBC. The usualfew Palm Warblers

324 American Birds, May 1982 were noted from Coos Bay n. to Grays Harbor. Single 6 Wilson's the state. The specimen was identified as being of the w. race Warblers were found Jan. 18 at a feeder in Albany. Oreg. ½B. err,fide perpallida (A. Rey,,fide DFI. A Tree Sparrow was found at Eugene, EEl, and Feb. l0 in Juanita, near Seattle, Wash. (C. Pearsuni. The Jan. 3 (*MP, SHL and 2-3 Tree Sparrows were seen in Dungeness. Juanita bird was the first record for Washington between December Kent. and the Skagitflats, Wash.. throughthe season.A Clay-colored and late April. Sparrow was found in Alton Baker P.. Eugene.Jan. 2-5 for about the A 6 Yellow-headed Blackbird was in Saanich. V.I.. Dec. 19. and eighth record for Oregon ½DF. TL A. Prigge. H. WisheO. A few an imm. male was in C. Saanichthe same day ½RS..fideVGI. Two White-crowned Sparrows wintered n. to Campbell River. V.l. ½HT). Brown-headed Cowbirds in Campbell River. V.I.. supplied the first There were the usual 15 White-throated Sparrows reported this local winter record (B. & B. Phipps,fide HTI. season from w. Oregon. Three White-throateds also wintered on A winter-plumaged 6 Brambling appeared briefly Jan. 6-7 at a V.l. (fide VGh and three were found in w. Wash. Five Swamp feederin lssaquah,Wash. (ph., H. Kunkle). The bird then reappeared Sparrowswere seenthis winter in w. Oregon. Singleswere in Albany nearby and stayed Jan. 16+ at a feeder along L. Sammamish, e. of Dec. 6 (RP), at Coos Bay Dec. 20 (fide JEI, in Portland Jan. 3 Seattle (A. & N. Lang, m.ob.I. It provided the first record for on Finley N.W.R., Jan. 30-31 (MP.fide EEl. and on Sauvie I. Feb. 6 Washington(fT. Weir. 4-B.& P. Evans, 4-EH, 4-PM.4-MD, ph.. DP, (4-HNI. Another Swamp Sparrow was in Saanich. VA., Feb. 13 MD) and was only the fourth record for the West Coast s. of Alaska (*J. MacGregor, .fide VG). The only Lapland Longspurs reported (Roberson, Rare Birds of the West Coast. p. 4391. Many more were one-two near Corvallis Dec. 25-Jan. I (fide EEl. Evening Grosbeaks than usual were in the Medford-Ashland area during January and February ½MjMI. Single 6 Cassin's Finches were INITIALED OBSERVERS and ABBREVIATIONS. with Sub- noted at feeders in Beaverton, Oreg., Jan. 9 (JGi. fide JEI, and in Regional Editors in boldface.--Wayne Campbell, Alan Contreras, Ashland, Oreg.. Jan. 21-Feb. 26 ½MjMI. Common Redpolls were Mark Daly, Elsie & Elzy Eltzroth, Joe Evanich, David Fix, John widespreadin w. Washington. Several were on Leadbetter Pt., by Gatchett (JGal, Jeff Gilligan (JGil. Vic Goodwill, Steve Gordon, Bill Dec. 14 (RW), and flocks of 30-50 were found on the Skagit flats. in Harrington-Tweit (BHTI. Steve Heinl, Rick Hudson. Matt Hunter. Seattle, in Woodinville. and on the Nisqually N.W.R.. during Jan- Dave Hutchinson. David Irons. Meredith Jones. Durrell Kapan uary and February. Single 6 redpolls were at feeders in Beaverton (DKal. Rick & Jan Krabbe, Doug Kragh (DKrl. Tom Lund. Margaret and Gaston, Oreg. (G. Walthall, JGa.fide HNI. Many of the redpolls & Rob Mackenzie-Grieve. Marjorie Moore ½MjML Mike Moore were in flocks of Pine Siskins which were abundantthroughout the (MkMI, Ann Musche. Harry Nehls, Richard Palmer. Mike Patterson, Region. In contrast. only a very few small flocks and groupsof 2-3 DennisPaulson, Fred Ramsey. Ellen Ratoosh. Alan Richards. Dennis Red Crossbillswere noted. There were no further reports of White- Rogers. Run Satterfield, Martha Sawyer, Owen Schmidt. Keith wingedCrossbills. following the incursionslast fall. Taylor, Berta Teale, Howard Telosky, Richard VeiL. Jerry Wahl, A Brown Towbee was present Feb. l0 near Myrtle Creek, Oreg. Wayne Weber, Ralph Widfig. VA. = Vancouver I., B.C., S.J.C.R. = (MS, M J). A late SavannahSparrow was on Mary Ted l., Oak Bay, Southjetty of the Columbia R.. Oregon. and (*l = written description VA.. Dec. 19 {fide VGI. A GrasshopperSparrow was seenJan. 4 in on file.--PHILIP W. MATTOCKS, Dept. of Zoology, Univ. of Wash- Alton Baker P., Eugene,Oreg., and th/• bird was found dead in the ington, Seattle, Wash. 98195, and EUGENE S. HUNN, 1816 N. 57th snow afew days later (DF, TL) for probablythe first winter record for St.. Seattle. Wash. 98103.

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION the Pines, Placer Co.. Dec. 26 (JML). two at Folsom L., Placer Co., Dec. 27 {fide JML), and one in the Feather R., at Oroville, Butte Co., /Run LeValley and Jules Evens Jan. 5-7 (BD, KVV, KC). Horned Grebes also were well reported from many inland localities. The occurrence of these generally Weather was an exciting topic for everyone, includingbirdwatch- coastal speciesinland was possibly related to high water levels at ers, in northern California this winter. Torrential rains were the rule inland reservoirs, nearly all of which are man-made, or inclement rather than the exception, with a major storm January 3-5 causing coastal conditions. extensivedamage especially in Marin and Santa Cruz counties.The Northern Fulmars had a "moderately good year" in our Region abundanceof water throughoutthe Regionprovided much habitat for m.ob.) with a peak mid-January-mid-February (P.R.B.O.). Flesh- variouswaterfowl species,consequently, there were few majorcon- centrationsbut high numberson countsmade over widespreadareas. E Shorebirdsalong the coast had a difficult time finding appropriate 1 ' -• ...... • - .. habitat as a result of high water and extensive silting. This may • • TULEL provide extensive habitat for spring migrantsbut wintering shore- Yreka [• LAVABEDS birds smaller than WilleLsabandoned many of their usual haunts. The oceanwater lemperaturescooled as a resultof the many storm •l•r •S- S•aslaßBieber fronts passingthrough so that along the coast water temperatures •' •• - Eureka •S•ASTA•. were between 11-13ø C, just barely above the 20-year average. • A N.P.• ALMANOR Landbirds sufferedhigh mortality owing to storm-relatedenviron- mental stress, especially along the coast, however there is some evidencethat certain smallpassefines dispersed (see Yellow-romped • •:-- N•odo Warbler below). U iok. •ct•'t..City...•'• Christmas Bird Count (hereafter, CBCI records are omitted unless • Areno• • •o•svi.e they are of over-riding significance. • booo• Woodland • •orkleeville All records from Palomarin and Farallon Island (hereafter F.I.) should be credited to Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory (hereafter P. R.B.O. I A dagger(?l indicatesthat documentationis on file with the •Dioblo ß •too o•,,• editors. r ;•o• •o•est

LOONS THROUGH STORM-PETRELS -- Yellow-billed Loons made a good showing this winter, at least four were discovered: TomalesBay, Marin Co., Dec. 18-21(R. Ives, RS, LCB). Berkeley Jan. 17-Feb. l0 (tJM, m.ob.), Monterey Pen., Jan. 17-30(•'KH, GP, DR), and San Francisco Feb. 7-14 •,RH, DMI. Two to three individu- .. t.. _x,,, als of each of the other loon specieswere found on inland reservoirs •eawoedC,ty e e• • s• • this winter, a higher-than-normal total. Red-necked Grebes were . . PaloAlta • ' ;I found in above-averagenumbers inland as well, with one at Lake of ; SanJose e •

Volume 36, Number 3 325 footed Shearwaters were reported in Monterey Bay on Dec. 5 (DR) and Jan. 16 (DLS). Even rarer, if correctlyidentified, would be the New Zealand Shearwater seen from Pt. Pinos. Monterey Co., Jan. 5 (BGE). Short-tailed Shearwaters have been reported in each of the last few winters so small numbers in Monterey Bay January and February with a maximumof six Feb. 6 (ABet al.) was considered normal. The only Manx Shearwater was in Monterey Bay Dec. 30 (DR). One or two Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were in Monterey Har- bor Jan. 21 (fide AB) during strong NW winds.

PELICANS THROUGH HERONS -- Brown Pelicans remained in small numbers through mid-January, much later than normal. A sick individual picked-upin Gilroy, Santa Clara Co., Jan. 7 provided one of our few inland records (fide AB). High numbers of Green Herons were reported from the coastal areas by many observersthis winter. An imm. Little Blue Heron at L. Earl, Del Norte Co., Dec. 4 +(tRAE et al.) was the first record for n.w. California and only the Sinew.San Mateo Co., Calif., Jan. 9, 1982. Photo/A. Giorshi. third winter record for our Region. A concentration of 15 Am. Bitterns at L. Earl Dec. 20 was unprecedented along the n. coast RAPTORS THROUGH RAILS -- Turkey Vultures. among our (RAE). White-faced Ibis wintered at traditional areas near Los Banos earliest spring migrants, were returning to areas where they are with a maximum of 78 Dec. 29 (KH) but more encouragingwas about absent during the winter during the first week of February. A dark- 30 at Colusa and Delevan N.W.R., Colusa Co. (BD), the first win- phase "Hafian's" Red-tailed Hawk was described near Davis, Yolo tering recordsfor the SacramentoValley in over a decade. Co., Feb. 3 (?HLC). Red-shoulderedHawks are apparentlyincreas- ing in our Region, we received many reports of this speciesin "new" localities along with "doing well" reports in traditional sites. Rough- WATERFOWL -- A Bewick's Swan was reported with a large legged Hawks were present in average or slightly below average flock of WhistlingSwans at the WoodlandSugar Ponds, Yolo Co., numbers this winter but Ferruginous Hawks made an impressive Jan. 30-Feb. 2 (+JML et al.). Other reports of this speciesthe last two showing throughout the Region. California's second Gyrfalcon yearshave lacked substantiating details so the true statusof thisswan pleasedmany observersafter it was first discoveredby C. Asay Jan. in California has yet to be determined.Whistling Swans were well 17 as it was diving at a Goshawk that he was flying. Word came tothe reported this winter, they are a speciesthat respondsquickly to local birding community and Jan. 22-Feb. 8 it was seen by many. The bird flooding,and so their movements complicate the estimation of popu- was a pale gray individual with a dark cere and tarsi, indicatingan lations. Some major concentrations included 120 at Yontocket immature. The only previousCalifornia record was a specimentaken Slough,Del Norte Co.. Feb. 7 (P. Springer),550+ in the Eel River at Tulilake Oct. 23, 1948. Delta, Humboldt Co.. Feb. 23 (RLeV, LD), 115 at the Garcia R. mouth, Mendicino Co., Dec. 26-30 (WB), 1750in the Yolo Bypass, Yolo Co., Jan. 29 (HLC) and 2-3000 in the Butte Sink, Butte Co.. Jan. 21 (WA). A Trumpeter Swan was describedat the Chico Oxidation Ponds, Butte Co., Jan. 2 (+KVV, KC) for one of our few Regional records. At leasteight Emperor Geese appeared in Del Norte and Humboldt cos.during the firstweek of Januarywith oneremaining at the Smith R. mouththrough the end of the period(RAE. RLeV et al.). Ross' Geeseappeared in numerouscoastal localities especially in Monterey County(DR et al.). Inland.where this goose makes its normalwinter home, the almost unknown "blue" phasecontinues to be reported; two were at Gray Lodge W.A.. Butte Co., this winter (BD). Gyt•h•m.•avis, Calif. Jan. 24. 1982. Photo/PM. l•mrrette. CinnamonTeal beganappearing during the first week of February Approximately 13,000 Lesser Sandhill Cranes were estimatedin (m.ob.), a bit earlier than usual. Over 400 Redheads,a regularwinter San Joaquin, Merced. Kern and Stanislauscos., during December concentration,were gatherednear the mouthof Tomales Bay Dec. 19 including approx. IIG juveniles ½TP). The changinguses of C.V. (DS). Ring-neckedDucks were well reportedthis winter but 5500in agricultural areas and the vagaries of water distribution have an the Butte Sink Dec. 16is an astoundingconcentration (BD). Of all the uknown effect on this crane. Careful monitoring of this and Greater ducks, the Canvasback seems most attuned to the changing water SandhillCrane populationsis encouraged.Black Railscontinue to be levels of many Central Valley (hereafter, C.V.I localities. Large reported during high tide weekendsaround the San Franciscobay numbersappear in newlyflooded areas; over 14,000were in the Butte area. Particularlyinteresting (and a bit ,'scary!) were reportsfrom Palo Sink and Sutter BypassDec. 16 (BD). A total of at least six Tufted Alto Baylands where Black Rails were seen eaten by a Great Egret Ducks were detected. Besides three in w. Marin County remaining Dec. 12 (JM et al.) and a Great Blue Heron Jan. 9 (JML}: perhaps since fall, one male was at the Ferndale Sewage Ponds. Humboldt observer effect on the vulnerability of the prey speciesis a con- Co., Feb. 23-24 (*RLeV. LD. tRAE). oue male was at L. Hennessy, sideration here. NapaCo., Jan.2-9 (BDP) anda malewas at Richardsoh'sBay in e. Marin County. Feb. 25-Mar. 8 (*RH. JRi). Both speciesof goldeneye SHOREBIRDS -- Over 600 Mountain Plovers along Little were detectedin higher-than-normalnumbers. especially away from Panoche Rd.. San Benitos Co.. Feb. 4 ½NCI was the largest concen- their normal river habitats, many of which were flowing high and tration reported, but many observerssaw up to 75 near Davis. Yolo muddy(m.ob.). Interestingcoastal records of Barrow'sGoldeneye Co., all winter in an area where they were formerly reported with included six in the Smith R. bottoms, Del Norte Co.. Dec. 14-Jan. I 1 more regularity. As many as 27 Am. Golden Ploverswintered on Pt. (RAE et al.) and at least three near the Big Sur R. mouth. Monterey Reyes, all apparentlyof the Asiatic race,fidva (DS, RS). Although Co., Dec. 17 (DR). Oldsquawswere remarkably scarcethis winter, there are no specimenrecords of dominica after Nov. 11. there is only two were reported:one was at StoneLagoon. Humboldt Co.. some evidence that this larger race may linger until mid-December Dec. 17 (GSI and another was at Pt. Pinole Regional Shoreline, (DS). Careful attention to the racial identity of these plovers will be Contra Costa Co.. Dec. 9 (KFC). A concentration of 28.000 Ruddy necessaryto detect the different patternsof their occurrencehere. A Ducks in the Butte Sink Dec. 16 (BD) was notable. An ad. 6 Smew at mixed flock of 14 Short-billed and Long-billed dowitchers at Leo Ryan P., San Mateo Co., representsthe first record for the Schooner Bay, Marin Co., Jan. 25 ½DS)was from one of the few PacificCoast s. of British Columbia. it was first discoveredDec. 19by localities where Short-billeds can be found along the north coast in B. Sauppeand subsequentlyseen by nearly everyoneas it molted winter. Two Ruffs were photographed at Merced Wildlife Ref.. from partial eclipse plumage to full breeding plumage before it Merced Co., Feb. 5-20 (RB. KH, FB. JRil: one of thesewas probably departed after Feb. 18. an ad. male.

326 American Birds, May 1982 JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Pomanne Jaeger, normally Reason9None was found wintering in the n counties and the first our only wintering jaeger, was reported m small number from Del returned to Slsk•youCounty Feb 13 (RE, MR) Norte and Humboldt cos. (GL) and Monterey Bay (GP, KH, AB) all winter. Single Parasitic JaegersDec. 17 & 24 off Del Norte County WOODPECKERS -- Numbers of Lewis' Woodpecker were con- (GL) were possiblylate migrantsbut an adultat PajaroDunes, Santa sidered low at various wintering locations in the C.V., however high Cruz Co., Feb. 25 (J & RW) was more unusual. A minimum of 17 concentrationswere reported along the w. edge of the Sacramento GlaucousGulls was reported this winter, mostremarkably a full adult Valley at PopeValley and the n. end of L. Berryessa,Napa Co. (BDP) at the Yolo County Landfill Jan. 23 (m.ob.). Nearly all of our records and betweenEast Park Res., and Black Butte Res., Glenn Co. (BED) for this speciesrefer to first-year birds. This individual and the first- Two "Red-naped" Sapsuckers(S.v. nuchalis), one in Marin County year bird accompanyingit were alsonotable for their occurrenceat an (fide DS) and one in San Jose (fide WB) were unaccompaniedby inland locality. Mew Gulls, uncommoninland, appearedat Redding descriptions.More unusual, and well-described,was the nominate Dec 1 (RAE) where one was found, and along the American R., in race, S.v. variusin Danville, Contra Costa Co., Jan. 23-Mar. 7 (?J C Sacramentowhere 10 + were found Dec. 12 (JML). A Franklin's Gull Broyles, PJRi). "Red-breasted" Sapsuckerswere found in "excellent was 6 mi offshore from the Redwood Cr. mouth, Humboldt Co., Dec. numbers" in Sonoma County (LCB), but hardly mentioned else- 2 (GL). Up to three were presentat the StocktonSewage Ponds, San where. Ten Williamson's Sapsuckerswere reported from mid- JoaquinCo., throughthe winter (FB, JRi). Thirty Bonaparte'sGulls elevations (3300-4500ft), all on the w. slopeof the Sierra. Extralimital on Eagle L., LassenCo., Dec. 6 (BS) and 31 on L. Shastina,Siskiyou was a female at RedwoodReg. P., Alameda Co., Dec. 20 (fide SFB), a Co , Jan. 5 (RE) were unusual in mid-winter. An ad. Little Gull that male in Mill Valley, Marin Co., Feb. 27 + (D. Sierra, RS et al.), and a appeared at Kelly L., near Watsonville, Monterey Co., Jan. 1-2 female along the Klamath R., below Irongate Dam, Siskiyou Co , (JML) was stronglysuspected to be the sameindividual that has been Jan. 9 (RE, MR). Two Downy Woodpeckers at Mono L., and one at at the Stockton SewagePonds during the past 3 winters. Black-legged Lundy L., both Mono Co., Jan. 1 (CS), add to the evidencethat this K•ttiwakes were present in moderate numbers along the coast all speciesis rare but regular e. of the c. Sierran escarpment.Early winter (m.ob.). Three Forster's Terns at the Arcata Marina, Hum- indications are that Downies are recovering from the low numbersof boldt Co., Jan. 28 (RAE et al.) provided the first winter recordsfor the recent years in the C.V. (BD). A White-headed Woodpecker on the n coast. Winters CBC, Yolo Co. (TL) has only one precedenton the floor of Two Thick-billed Murres were presentin Monterey Bay Dec. 5-15 the C.V. (DR), for the first recordsin 4 years. Three Xantus' Murrelets off the Monterey Pen., Dec. 30 were identified as the race scrippsi (DR). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- The E. Phoebe PIGEONS THROUGH GOATSUCKERS -- Band-tailed Pi- that wintered in Monterey last year was found againDec. 30 and seen geons generally avoided the immediate coast (P.R.B.O., JE), but sporadicallyinto early February (JML, fide DR). A Say's Phoebeat Mono L., Jan. 1 (CS) was one of few mid-winter recordsfor the Mono were found in substantialnumbers around Benecia, Solano Co. (JL), in the East Bay hills (CS), the Fresno area (KH) and Dunsmuir, Basin. Two W. Flycatchers provided 8th and 9th winter records Rank I., on the San JoaquinR., Fresno Co., Dec. 27 (?KH, DB et al ) Slsk•you Co. (CSt). At Palomarin there were no records of Spotted, Saw-whet or Barn and Watsonville Jan. 2 (DR et al.). An Empidonax sp. in Fairfax, owls during the period, which is most unusual. A Great Gray Owl Marin Co., Dec. 26-Jan. 1 (fide JM) may have been a Willow Fly- found at Prairie Cr., Redwoods S.P., Humboldt Co., Jan. 17 catcher (?), however the description is inconclusive. The Com (A Wilkinson, ?RAE et al.) and killed by a truck Jan. 22 (*Humboldt Skylark remained at P.R.N.S., at least through Jan. 3 (fide SFB) Unexpectednumbers of Horned Larks were foundalong the n. coast State Univ.) providedone of few lowlandrecords and the second,for the coast. An as yet undiscoveredsmall populationin the Siskiyou Dec. 19-26with a high of 20 at Pt. Saint George Dec. 20 (fide RAE) Mts , remains a possibility (RAE). A singleLong-eared Owl was at "White-bellied" swallows were reported throughoutthe season from lowland locations with Trees outnumberingViolet-greens 25 1 Coyote Hills Reg. P., Alameda Co., Jan. 16 throughthe period (SFB The most notable concentration of Violet-greens was 50+ at Sac- et al ) and 18 were roostingin willows near Colusa in January and February (WA). Small numbers (1-5) of Short-eared Owls were at ramento W.R., Jan. 22 (R. Dunstaw). Trees were found by the hundreds in late December-early January in the C.V. (m.ob.), a scattered locations with no large concentrationsreported. Excep- tional was one near Mono L., Jan. 1 (CS); winter records for the springmigrant at EagleL., Feb. 20 (DA, BS) wasearly andunusual in Mono Basin are few. Saw-whet Owls from inner-coast localities the mountains.Mid-winter records of Rough-wingedSwallows are include one near Lafayette Dec. 17 (fide FB), one at Briones Reg. P., sparse, so one at Los Banos Dec. 21 (PKFC) was noteworthy Wintering Barn Swallows are extremely rare; one at Pescadero "calling territorially from oak-bay forest" Feb. 27 (SFB), both in Marsh Dec. 31 & Jan. 7 (PJM) was on the immediate coast, San Mateo Contra Costa Co., and one-two at Coyote Hills Reg. P., Alameda Co., Jan 16 through the period (m.ob.). Up to six Poor-wills were active Co., and anotherwas inlandat Los BariosDec. 21 (?KFC). Very early along the immediate coast on Pt. Reyes in February (DDeS, DS); migrant Barn Swallowswere at Jenner, SonomaCo. (KC, KVV) and more unusualwas one seen sporadicallyin Decemberand January Coyote Hills Reg. P., Alameda Co. (KFC), both Feb. 27. Also early near Winters, Yolo Co. (fide TL). were 20 Cliff Swallowsat CreightonRanch, Tulare Co., Feb. 8 (RH) By Feb. 17, hundredswere investigating.nest sites at Los Barios (PJM). SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- A belatedreport of Black Swift at Afio Nuevo Nov. 29 (TG) was on a date extreme enoughto include in a winterreport. This speciesis unrecordedin winterin California;the CORVIDS THROUGH WRENS -- Common Ravens are now latest previous record n. of Mexico was Nov. 2, 1974in Death Valley. consideredrare on the SacramentoValley floor. Perhapsthe follow- The numbersof Vaux's Swift reported surpassall previouswinter ing records representa retreat from the storm-drivencoast or the recordscombined, as follows: ten at Afio Nuevo Nov. 29 (TG), one at nearby Vaca-BerryessaMts.: one at Chico, Butte Co., Jan. 7 (KC, Lost L., Fresno Co., Dec. 7 (fide FRG), ten at Orick, Humboldt Co., KVV), 20 + in s. Yolo Co., Jan. 23 (TB) and one at Williams, Colusa Dec 14 (RAE), two at Moss Landing Jan. 1 (BB), 30 + at Pescadero, Co., Feb. 28 (WA). Large numbersof ravenswere also notedin the San Mateo Co., Dec. 31 & Jan. 7 (PJM) and 60+ at Montara, San San JoaquinValley in December (HLC, KH). The only Pition Jay Mateo Co., Feb. 5 (fide PJM). reportwas of threeat Chester,Plumas Co., Jan.27 (fide DA). Clark's Astoundingwas an imm. c• Broad-billedHummingbird present at a Nutcrackers were found in the L. Almanor area in unprecedented feeder in Fremont, Alameda Co., early January-Mar. 8 (K & N numbers"probably due to downslopemovement from Lassendue to McAllister ph., fide JM). If validatedby the California Bird Records snow and an abundantyellow pine cone c•op in the Chesterarea" Committee, this representsa first for the Region and the farthest n. (DA). A singlenutcracker was at Lewiston L., Trinity Co., Dec 1 record in North America. Rufous Hummingbirds arrived early as (RAE). follows: San JoseJan. 15 (fide WB), Ft. Dick, Del Norte Co., Feb. 2 Increasing numbers of sightingsof Bushtits in the San Joaquin (RT) and PalomarinFeb. 16(P.R.B.O.). Also somewhatearly wasan Valley (KFC, KH) indicatethat the speciesmay be recolonizingits Allen's Hummingbird at Alamo, Contra Costa Co., Jan. 13 (JRi). former haunts. Despite early autumn indications that it was an Three Selasphoroussp. on the n. coast in late December and early invasion year for Red-breasted Nuthatch, numbers were low January may have wintered (fide RAE). Several observersin Fresno everywhereexcept the Monterey Peninsulawhere they remained County feel that Anna's Hummingbird has displayeda marked de- through winter (DR). The Pygmy Nuthatches discoveredin the cline in the past 10 years (FG et al.) Have others noted this trend? Oakland Hills in the fall remainedpresent at least throughDecember

Volume 36, Number 3 327 (RAE). Brown Creepers were "very scarce" on the coast at Paloma- F.I. Recordspredominated in late Januarythrough February, how- rin, but relatively common in the SacramentoValley at Gray Lodge ever several were found during the CBC period. "More than ex- N.W.R. (BD) and on the C.V. CBCs: refugees from the coast and pected" were also encounteredat higher elevationswith ten at Red mountains? Six Dippers at scattered lowland locations was about Mt., Del Norte Co., Dec. 19 (RAE) and ten + in the Yreka-Weed area normal. OverwinteringHouse Wrens were reportedin unusuallyhigh of SiskiyouCo., Jan. 31 (B & CY). Ten Blue-grayGnatcatchers we're numbers from northerly stations: singleswere at Red Bluff Dec. 19 at coastal or near coastal locations between the Bay Area and (SL), ReddingDec. 20 (fide SL), Antelope Cr., Tehama Co., Jan. 1 Monterey; 17at CreightonRanch Dec. 29 (fideRH) seemedhigh and (BD) and four wintered at Gray Lodge N.W.R. (BD); on the coast, one was at Colusa Dec. 5 (WA), both locations in the C.V. one wintered at Bolinasand anotherwas nearby at PalomarinJan. 21 Althoughmany CBCs recorded all timehig.h numbers of Golden- (DDeS). High numbers of Winter Wrens in the n. Sierra indicated a crowned Kinglets (see autumn report), populationsdeclined rather substantialinflux this winter (DA, BS). The island's secondBewick's drasticallyfollowing the onsetof the severewinter storms. especially Wren which arrived Oct. 14 remained at F.I. through the period. A along the coast (see tables below) a circumstancemost probably Long-billed Marsh Wren at Dechambeau Ponds in the Mono Basin attributableto high mortality. Ruby-crownedKinglet, Townsend's Jan. I (CS) must have wintered. A Cation Wren wintered at Whit- Warbler, Winter Wren andHutton's Vireo alsocrashed, at leastalong more, Shasta Co. (BKI). the coast, subsequentto the storms (P.R.B.O., RS, JE, RHa). BohemianWaxwings were presentin SiskiyouCounty Dec. 25-Feb. THRUSHES THROUGH VIREOS -- A Brown Thrasher at Kill- 26 with a peakof 190at Yreka Jan.22 (,RE,MR). In LassenCounty gore Hills near Yreka, SiskiyouCo., Jan. 16('tRE, tMR) providedthe near Susanville, up to 350 were seen Feb. 7 & 15 (DA). Cedar second Siskiyou County record. The only wintering Sage Thrasher Waxwingspreferred the C.V. •o the coastwith the largestconcentra- was at Los Barios Dec. 20+ (KFC); one that arrived at F.I., Oct. 21 tions around Sacramentoand Colusa (JML, WA). Twenty-five remained until Dec. 7. N. Shrikes seemedhigh with four on the Modoc Plateau, nine in the "Irruptive frugivores" staged an impressive invasion coincident C.V. and 12+ on the n. coast. Loggerhead Shrike was not well- with the onset of rain. American Robin, Varied and Hermit thrushes reported. (in order of abundance) were common on the coast, innercoast and A Hutton'sVireo at Los BariosDec. 29 (KFC) was out of place, C.V. "As common as I've ever seen them here" was a typical andthree in the SutterButtes (BD) for the secondyear in a row may judgment from all lowland areas and applied to any of the 3 species. indicate colonization in the future. A Solitary Vireo of the Great The influx was apparently weather related rather than the result of Basin race (V.s. plumbeus) was well-describedfrom Los BariosDec. any abundanceof food. On the coast, the possibilitythat numbersof 29 (tKFC), apparently representingthe first winter record of this Varied and Hermit thrusheswere simply more visible after being form within the Region(however, see Garrett and Dunn, Birds of driven-out of their usual deep canyon haunts by the flooding (DDeS, SouthernCalifornia). The vast majority of mid-winter recordsare of RS) is certainly a valid consideration. An influx of W. Bluebirds coastalcassinii as was a bird heard singingat Pescadero,San Mateo duringJanuary into coastalDel Norte, Humboldtand Marin cos.was Co., Jan. 3 (SL). A singleWarbling Vireo at CarmelDec. 30 (SG) was noted (RAE, DDeS). Mountain Bluebirdswere found alongLittle one of very few winter records, all coastal. PanocheRd., San Benito Co. (m.ob.), in e. Alameda County (AE) and in the SacramentoValley (m.ob.) in high numbers. Townsend's Table 1. Banding totals of passerinesat P.R.B.O.' sfield station at Solitaire, usually a lowland rarity, was found in unprecedented Palomarin; Birds/100 net hours numberswith 36 lowland reports received: 25 from the S.F. Bay area (Alameda 3, Contra Costa 7, Marin 8, Napa 1, Santa Clara 2, San Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mateo 2, Sonoma 2) eight from the C.V. (Fresno 2, Sutter 2, Yolo 4) 1976-1980 mean: 15.4 17.2 9.7 6.85 5.08 3.30 and two from the n. coast (Humboldt and Del Norte) and one from 1981-1982: 11.7 28.4 16.1 5.75 3.36 1.62

Unprecedentednumbers this fall (October and November) were attributableto high numbersofkinglets of both species.The disparity between fall and winter totals probably reflects extreme mortality suffered by kinglets and other small passerinesfollowing the onset of winter storms in mid-December.

WARBLERS -- Only three mid-winter Black-and-whiteWarblers were reported:two+ in S.F., Jan. l-Feb. 28+ (DM,fide SFB) and one at Half Moon Bay, San Mateo Co., Feb. 10-24(PJM). Six TennesseeWarblers Dec. 3-Jan. 2 along the coast was about average; apparentlynone over-wintered.Orange-crowned Warbler numbers were much reduced on the n. coast (RAE), but about average (DS), or perhapsslightly low (JE) on the c. coast;unusual were concentrations of 11 at Union City, Alameda Co., Dec. 27 (E & AM) and 20 at Mendota W.M.A., Jan. 7 (KH). Ten Nashville Warblers along the coast Dec. l-Jan. 1 was about average, however one at F.I., Dec. 11- 16 was late there, and one at Lost L., Fresno Co., Jan. 13 (?F. Young et al.) was unprecedentedon the valley floor in winter. Four Yellow Warblers were as follows: Los Barios Dec. 29 (KFC), Pajaro R., Santa Cruz Co., Jan. I (SG), Arcata Jan. 17-Feb. 2 (GS) and Foster City Feb. 10 & 21 (PJM). The relative abundanceof "Myrtle" and "Audubon's" races of Yellow-rumped Warblers (seeAB 27:660-661) is difficult to assessdue to sparsereporting by otherwisethorough observers.However, somethingunusual was happeningthis winter. In the East Bay "Myrtles"appeared to be about80% as numerousas "Audubon's". At Pt. Reyes it was thought that Yellow-rumpeds (in this case"Myrtles") were particularlyhard hit by the severeweather (RS), and at Palomarin and Lafayette (LF) numberswere generally low. It is interestingto note that at F.L, where winter arrival is rare, 2 wavesof Yellow-rumpedswere recordedJan. 6 & 11 duringhiatuses in the stormtrack, providingthe islandwith recordhigh counts for winter. "Myrtle" types were more prevalent than "Audubon's" at F.I., during the period. To explain the season'sskewed ratio we shouldconsider 3 possiblefactors: 1) a low year for "Audubon's", 2) Townsend'sSolitaire, Drawing by Keith Hansen. storm-relatedmortality and 3) storm-relateddispersal. Increasing

328 American Birds, May 1982 numbersof Black-throated Gray Warblers continue to be found in about 25 locationsincluded 11-15 carefully tallied visiting a single winter; eight were reported Dec. 20-Feb. 6, all from inner-coastaland feederin Inverness(RS)! Numbers of Fox Sparrowswere lower than interior lowlands. High numbers of Townsend's Warblers on the c. usual at least at Palomarin and Lafayette (LF), but high in the coastin December (DM, LCB, P.R.B.O.) all but disappearedwith the Sweetwater Cr. area, Folsom Co. (JML). Swamp Sparrows were not onset of storms. Of 21 + Palm Warblers, 17 were on the n. coast; three foundat the usualwintering spot in Olema Marsh after the floodsof were on the coast at Pt. Reyes and Monterey and one was inland at early January(DS), howeversingles at L. Earl. Del Norte Co., Dec. Willow Cr., Humboldt Co. (KR). Common Yellowthroat deserves 28-Jan.11 (GL, RAE, GS), Upper San LeandroRes., AlamedaCo., more attentionfrom observers.Eight Wilson's Warblers(most in late Dec. 7 ($KFC) and two at Willow Cr., Sonoma Co., Dec. 27 (DE) December) was a winter record; all but one near Fresno Jan. 9 (fide representnew locations.The last coastalLapland Longspurswere FRG) were on the c. coast. Four Am. Redstarts were found Dec. 20- four+ at Pt. ReyesFeb. 25 (DS); one was at Davis, SolanoCo., Jan. Jan. 1; three in Monterey (SG, BDP, PJM), one in Santa Cruz (SG). 23 (RAE); the speciesis seldom encounteredin the C.V. The only Chestnut-collaredLongspurs were at Pt. ReyesDec. 6 (fide SFB} and Honey L., Feb. 6 (BS). A singleSnow Buntingwas at Big Lagoon, ICTERIDS THROUGH TANAGERS -- An imm. d Orchard Humboldt Co., Dec. 22 (fide RAE). Oriole was at Pacific Grove Dec. 30 ($RS); winter records are scarce. The Hooded Oriole that arrived at F.I., in mid-November remained CORRIGENDA -- The location of Spotted Owls in AB 35:975 until Dec. 5; three otherswere in Fresno(KH,fide FRG) where most should read Lassen Nat'l Forest not Lassen Volcano N.P. The arrival winter records occur. Of 11 coastal N. Orioles, five were "Bullock's", date for Ash-throatedFlycatcher in AB 35:857 shouldread April 11, five were "Baltimore" and one was unsubspecified.The Great-tailed TehamaCo. (RAE), not March 23, Marin Co. (DS). Gracklepair returnedto S.F., Jan. 14-16(fide SFB) havinglast been reportedin mid-summer.A single9 W. Tanagerwas at ChicoJan. 2 CONTRIBUTORS -- MacGill Adams, Dan Airola, Rebecca An- (KC, KVV) and two wintered in Novato, Marin Co. (SC). A 9 derson,Wait Anderson,Maurine Armour, Robby Bacon, StephenF. SummerTanager (race?) arrived at S.F., Dec. 22 (DM) and remained Bailey, Alan Baldridge,Bernice Barnes(BBa), Bruce Barrett, Ted in the vicinity throughthe periodeating honey bees (fide SFB). Beedy, FlorenceBennett, LaurenceC. Binford, Clark Blake, Erik Four Rose-breastedGrosbeaks between Santa Rosa and Monterey Blom, Bob Boekelheide, William Bousman, Dawn Breese, Scott were found Dec. 9 through the period, however no Black-headeds Carey, Kurt F. Campbell, Karen Cartier, Howard L. Cogswell, were reported. The RegiOn'sfirst winter Lazuli Bunting visited a Nancy Conzett, Dave DeSante, Bruce E. Deuel, Linda Doerflinger, feederfrom mid-Januarythrough the period ($E. Greaves). Singles Art Edwards,Ray Ekstrom, BruceG. Elliott, DougEllis, RichardA. and small flocks of Evening Grosbeaksappeared sporadicallyat Erickson,Jules Evens, Lynn Farrar, Tim Fitzer, Tim Gates, Steve lowlandlocations; the only placeswhere they were presentall winter Getty, Frank R. Gibson, Phil Gordon, Keith Hansen, Rob Hansen, in goodnumbers was at Chester,Plumas Co. (DA), Whitmore,Shasta Roger Harris (RHa), Robert Hogan (RHo), Joel Hornstein, Dustin Co. (BKI) and Redding(fide BKI). On the immediatecoast at Paloma- Huntington,Harold and Betty Kimball, Barb Klassen(BKI), Oliver rin, Purpleand House finch numbers were rather low; siskinswere Kolkman, Jeri M. Langham, Steve Laymon, Gary Lester, Ron erratic and low after mid-December (P.R.B.O.). In contrast, high LeValley, Tom Love, JohnLovio, R. W. Lowe, Eugeneand Akiko numbersof PurpleFinches and exceptional (perhaps unprecedented) Makashima,Guy McCaskie,Peter J. Metropnlos,L. R. Mewaldt, Joe numbers of siskins were in the C.V. (KH, JML, TL, BED et al.). Morlan,Dan Murphy, BenjaminD. Parmeter,Arleta Patterson, Tom Cassin'sFinch moved downslopeto the L. Almanor area where there Pogson,Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory,Gary Potter, Jean Richmond were".more than ever" (DA) andYreka wherethey werecommon (JRi), Michael F. Rippey, Mike Robbins, Don Roberson, Elsie daily although"virtually unrecordedprior to this winter" (RE, MR). Roemer,Jim Rooney, Ken Rosenberg,Ronnie Ryno, Sacramento A coastalvagrant at Coyote Hills, Alameda Co., Feb. 27 ($KFC) was N.W.R., Don Sealy (DSe), Debi Love Shearwater,Dave Shuford, well-described.The only report of Gray-crownedRosy Finch was of Rich Stallcup,Brad Stovall, Gary Strachan,Chris Stromsness(CSt), 350 at Honey L., Feb. 6 (BS). Fewer than ten Lawrence'sGoldfinch Chris Swarth, Richard Tryon, Kent VanVuren, John and Ricky were reported, all in December:those not reported on CBCs were at Warriner, Jon Winter, Bob & Carol Yutzy.--RON LE VALLEY Alamo Dec. 2 (JRi), Sebastopol,Sonoma Co., Dec. 17 (LCB) and the (Loonsthrough Alcids), 1876 Ocean Dr. McKinleyville,CA 95521and Sutter Buttes Dec. 6 (BD), all unusual locations. The only Red JULES EVENS (Pigeonsthrough Sparrows)Box 839, Pt. ReyesSta- Crossbillaway from the mountainswas in S.F., Jan. 30 (DM). An tion, CA 94956. extremelylate migrantRufous-sided Towbee arrived at F.I., Dec. 16 and unusuallyhigh numbers wintered at Gray Lodge (BD). The only Lark Buntingreports (after high numbersthis fall) were at Creighton Ranch Jan. 28 (RH) and Lost L., Fresno Co., Jan. 29 (KH). A GrasshopperSparrow near San Jose Dec. 20 ($WB) providedone of very few winter records;the winter statusof this speciesis poorly understood and those records available are for December; thereafter, the speciesis virtually unrecordeduntil Apr. 1. Four Sharp-tailed Sparrowswere found at 3 of the usual locations.Rufous-crowned Sparrows were well-reported at usual locations: two at Palomafin Dec. 2 was unusual in winter, and one at Old La Honda Rd., San Mateo Co., Dec. 22 (WB) was one of few county records. Three Black-throatedSparrows at Table Mt., Madera Co., Dec. 23 (fide RH, FRG) augment fewer than 6 previous winter records for the Region. Tree Sparrowswere found at usualGreat Basin locationsin mid-January;two near Chico Jan. 2 (SL) has only one C.V. prece- dent. ChippingSparrows at Carmel Dec. 30-31 (SG et al.) and San Mateo County Dec. 22 (fide CB, WB) were late for the coast. Single Harris' Sparrows were near Yreka Dec. 15-Jan. 1 (RE), Arcata Nov. 28-Dec. 15 (fide RAE) and in e. Lake County Jan. 2 (JH, BD); the occurrenceof this rare visitant seemsarbitrary. White-crowned Sparrows were "glaringly absent" from F.I., where they usually winter, and numbersof both nuttalli andpugetensis were both low at Palomarin.By contrast,at an e. San Josebanding station White- crownedswere more common than usual, attributable primarily to a highnumber•of gambelii (pugetensis 88: gambelii492) (LRM). While virtually all pugetensis at Palomarin were adults returning for a second+ time, the ratio of adults to immatures (36:52) at San Jose was comparableto previous years (LRM). Numbers of Golden- crownedSparrows were way down at Palomafin, but the specieswas unreportedelsewhere. A record 45 + White-throatedSparrows at Srnew.Drawing by KeithHansen.

Volume 36, Number 3 329 SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION /Guy McCaskie E ¾,

The season was relatively mild with below-average rainfall and no prolonged cold spell. enabling a variety of birds. not normally en- countered in California at this time of the year. to winter locally as Colorado indicated by the presenceof no fewer than twelve speciesof flycatch- ers and an unprecedented26 speciesof wood warblers. The mountain species found widely throughout the Region last fall were still relatively numerousin the coastallowlands during the early part of the winter. declining in numbers ,rs the season progressed. However. Golden-crowned Kinglets were still to be found well out of range at the end of winter (e.g.. two in Brawley. Imperial County. March 6•JO) with small number, still present in the mountainsand along the coast. The constant searchingfor raritie• in California is not only produc- ing records of many species formerly believed not to occur in winter, but is also showing that some of these "lost" vagrants are able to BasSOø•rø%'•anta• survive here through the winter and return in lbllowing years as So•'to •:• CatalinaI. indicated by the number of rarities reported winteringfor their second c.a•14•cø•as* ,Son • MTN.ST.•_ •Nz• and third years. PACI FIC San •ø•øCo

LOONS, GREBES -- A Yellow-billed Loon in Goleta. Santa OCEAN CAt•F Barbara Co., Feb. 23 + (JLD, ph., S.D.N.H.M.) was only the third to be found in s. California: however, one has strayed as far s. as n. Baja California in Mexico Oehl. Condor 72:376, 1970). A Red-necked Oct. 25 and last seen Jan. 3 (JO) was the first to occur in California Grebe at Montana de Oro S.P.. San Luis Obispo Co., Feb. 14 OSR) during the winter period. and another at Marina del Rey. Los Angeles Co.. Jan. l0 (BD) were the only ones reported. SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- A flock of up to 20 WhistlingSwans around Irvine, OrangeCo., Feb. 14-27(BSc) and 1-2near China, San Bernardino and Riverside cos., Jan. 17-Feb. 2 (EAC) were at the s. limit of the species'winter range.A total of 32 White-frontedGeese was found at various localities in the coastallowlands illustratingjust how rare this specieshas become in this area; a flockof 1000+ around Lakeview, Riverside Co., Jan. 23+ IRLMcK) was in the only area regularlysupporting numbers of these birds. Ross' Geese are rare away from the Salton Sea; hence, six near Blythe, Riverside Co., Dec. 9 (REW), two near China Jan. 14-30 (HEC) and two more near Santa Maria, Santa Barbara Co., Dec. 29 (BD) were of interest. A d' Eur. Green-winged Teal, a rare stragglerto s. California, was in Goleta Jan. I-Mar. 20 IREW, ph., S.D.N.H.M.) and another was on L. Henshaw in the mountainsof San Diego County Feb. 5-12 (RH). A groupof five Blue-wingedTeals near Cayucos,San Luis ObispoCo., Feb. 7 (TE), seven in Ventura Feb. 14 (LCB) and 20 +_ around Balsa l•,11ow-billedLoon (see above). Photo/A. l•,11ow-billed b•on (seeabove). Phow/P. Chica all winter (REW) illustrate the abundanceof this speciesalong St.all. Lehma•,t. the coast in winter. At least five Eur. Wigeon along the coast, along with two in the mountains on L. Henshaw Feb. 12-Mar. 27 IRH) and another at the s. end of the Salton Sea (hereafter, S.E.S.S.) Feb. 2 I- Mar. 6 (JO) were average numbers. but 15_+ among 5000Am. Wigeon near San Jacinto, Riverside Co., Jan. 5-Feb. I (DMM) was an FULMARS, SHEARWATERS -- Northern Fulmars were rela- exceptional concentration for s. California. Eleven Oldsquaw along lively numerous offshore during the early part of the winter as the coast was about normal, but I-2 at S.E.S.S., Feb. 13+- (LRH) indicatedby 40 off Morro Bay. SanLuis ObispoCo.. Jan.30 {JSR}.45 were inland where consideredcasual. The 6 Harlequin Duck found in off Pt. Fermin. Los AngelesCo., Jan. 22 (BD). 20 around the pier in Carlsbad during December 1977 was still present at the end of the Newport Beach.Orange Co.. Jan.20 ISJR)and 50 off SanDiego Jan. 9 period. A White-wingedScaler, rare inlandat any time of year, was at {GMcC): however,it appearedall were goneby the end of February. S.E.S.S., Feb. 6 IRLMcK). A SurfScater at S.E.S.S., Mar. 6 (REW) Two Pink-fooled Shearwaters, rare in California waters in winter, was one of very few found inland in winter. As usual a few Black were found off Morro Bay Jan. 15{JSR) and anotherwas seenoff San Scoterswere presentalong the coast with 30_+ reported. Some 3500 Pedro, Los Angeles Co., Jan. 22 IBDI. A Short-tailed Shearwater Cam. Merganserson L. Elsinore, RiversideCo., Jan. 30 IIO) was an found dead at Redondo Beach, Los Angeles Co.. Jan. 31 IAH. exceptionalconcentration for s. California. *L.A.C.M.) and another seenoff San Diego Jan. 26 (DPo) were the only ones reported. Manx IBlack-ventedl Shearwaters were rela- tively common all winter with 2000 as far n. as Pt. Mugu, Ventura HAWKS -- A Red-shouldered Hawk at Furnace Cr. Ranch in Co., Jan. 6 (KLG). A Mottled Petrel seenfrom shoreat Pt. Mugu Dec. Death Valley (hereafter, F.C.R.) Dec. 15-Feb. 13 (LLN) along with 30 {REWI was only the third recorded in the Region and the first three in n. lnyo County in mid-January(BD) were in an area where apparentlyhealthy individualfound in California. now consideredregular in smallnumbers; however, one in Brawley, lmperi',dCo., Feb. 7-21 (REW) was only the third to have beenfound PELICANS, HI•RONS -- A White Pelicanat Little L., lnyo Co., in that area of California. An ad. Zone-tailed Hawk at the summit of Jan. 11-16(JRJ) was only the secondfound in the desertarea of the Mr. Palomar, San Diego Co., Feb. 28+ IRH. ph., S.D.N.H.M.)was Regionin winter. An ad. Little Blue Heron on Mission Bay in San unexpected,the previous6 winter occurrenceshaving been in the Diego all winter (DMacKI was the only one known to be in coastal lowlands. Rough-leggedHawks were quite scarce but d•d s. California. A ReddishEgret, rare in s. California, wason San Diego reach the s. limit of the Region with one on Mr. Palomar Feb. 3-12 Bay Feb. 19 (CGB. Up to three LouisianaHerons were aroundSan {RH) and another near S.E.S.S., Mar. 6 {EC): one flying S over Diego throughoutthe period and the bird found at Balsa Chica. F.C.R., Dec. 9 0 & ES} was at an unusual locality. A Peregrine OrangeCo., Nov. 29 was still presentFeb. 5 (LRHI. The ad. Yellow- Falcon at S.E.S.S., Feb. 21 IJO) was the only one found away from crowned Night Heron found at San Elijo Lagoon, San Diego Co., the coast.

330 AmericanBirds, May 1982 SHOREBIRDS -- A Black Oystercatcher m Ventura Feb I I area where the specieshas been presentfor at least 2 years, th•s (REW) and s•x together •n Long BeachDec 4 (LRH) were away from evidentlybeing an •solatedpopulation well to the n of species'known areas of regular occurrence. A Snowy Plover near Lancaster, Los rangein the coastallowlands. A ScreechOwl at StovepipeWells •n Angeles Co., throughoutthe period (KLG) and ten on L. Elsinore Death Valley Dec. I (LLN) was away from any area of normal Jan 30 (REW) were of interest since very few have ever been found occurrence. Two Pygmy Owls around Piru, Ventura Co., during wintering inland away from the Salton Sea. As usualsmall numbersof December and January(RAH) and anothernear Switzer Camp in the Am Golden Plovers, all believed to be of Eurasian form fulva, San Gabriel Mrs., Jan. I I (BD) were in areas where the species•s w•ntered along the•coastwith 55 _• reported between Santa Barbara probably resident, but much is yet to be learned about the distribution and the Mexican border includinga group of 40_• near Santa Maria of this bird in s. California.The SpottedOwl foundin SantaBarbara (PEL); one at S.E.S.S., Jan. 12-Mar. 6 (PDV) was the secondto have Nov. 15 remainedto at leastDec. 18 (CG). A Long-earedOwl found been found inland at this time of the year. A Ruddy Turnstone at dead at F.C.R., Jan. 21 (LLN) and another in Goleta Jan. 10-Feb. 13 S E S.S., Feb. 7 (REW) was the first to have been found inland in (DW) were both outsideareas of regularoccurrence. Two Saw-whet winter. A Pectoral Sandpiper at S.E.S.S., Feb. 20-Mar. 6 (EAC, Owls in Cambria, San Luis Obispo Co., Jan. 23 + (JSR) were calling GMcC) establishedthe first true winter record for California and was as if on territory;this area marks the s. limit of nestingalong the coast evidently one of very few ever found in North America at this time of A Lesser Nighthawk near San Diego Jan. 8-Feb. 6 (GMcC) was one of the year; one found near Lancaster Dec. 19 (Lancaster CBC) was the very few ever found along the coastin winter. latest for a fall migrant in California. Two or three Stilt Sandpipers around S.E.S.S., throughoutthe period were in an area where small SWIFTS THROUGH WOODPECKERS- A Vaux's Swift at Pt numbersregularly winter; however, one at Bolsa Chica Feb. 2-Mar. l Mugu Dec. 27 (LRB) was the only one reported. A Black-chinned (RZ) and another on San Elijo Lagoon Feb. 21-22 (TMe) are the 2rid Hummingbird was in Santa Barbara Jan. 2-Feb. 20 (KLG), another and 3rd ever found on the coast in winter. A Ruff was presentnear was in Long BeachJan. l 1-12(BD), one returnedto spendits third Santa Maria Dec. 194an. 10 (PEL); one or two are now found along winter in San Diego (EC) and a fourth was on Pt. Loma Feb. 6+ the coast every winter. As usual a small number of N. Phalaropes (GMcC); until recently there was but one winter record for California wintered at the s. end of San Diego Bay with 15 present Jan. 17 A c•Costa's Hummingbird near Shahdon, San Luis ObispoCo., Dec (GMcC) and a Wilson's Phalarope,considerably rarer at this time of 21-29 (EMcM) was quite far n. for this time of the year. The c• Broad- the year, was found there Jan. l I (PDV). billed Hummingbirdfound in Blythe Oct. 4 remainedthrough Feb. 13 (IA). An imm. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker(S. v. varius), a rare strag- GULLS, TERNS -- A first-winter Glaucous Gull, rare in gler to California, was in Fillmore, Ventura Co., Dec. 28-30 (PEL), s California, was near Oxnard, Ventura Co., Jan. 9 (BWK), two were another was at Finney L., Feb. 7 (EC) and a male in Silverado at the Santa Clara R. mouth Feb. 19 (REW), one was at Huntington Canyon, Orange Co., throughoutthe period (SJR) was undoubtedly Beach, OrangeCo., Dec. 25 (R & MW), anotherwas at the upperend the samebird presentthere last winter. A Yellow-bellied(Red-naped) of Newport Bay, OrangeCo., Dec. 27-Mar. 15(DRW)and up to two Sapsuckernear Ventura Feb. 14 (SR) was in an area where few have were at Otay, San Diego Co., Jan. 24+ (GMcC). A first-winter been found. A Williamsoh's Sapsucker, exceptionally rare in the Glaucous-wingedGull was at Salton City on the Salton Sea Feb. 7 coastallowlands, was in West Los Angeles Feb. 21 (KLG). A Downy (EC) and single birds were at S.E.S.S., Feb. 21 (JO) and Feb. 24 Woodpecker in San Pedro Jan. 28 (JLD) and another along the San (RLMcK); this species is a very rare stray to the true interior but Diego R., in San Diego Dec. 25-Feb. 6 (JO) were both outsideareas of regularly wandersfar into the coastallowlands as indicatedby 15 in normal occurrence. Corona, Riverside Co., Jan. 30 (REW). A few W. (Yellow-looted) Gulls again wintered on the Salton Sea with a high count of eight at FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A Tropical Kingbird, very S E S S., Jan. 12 (PDV). Two Thayer's Gulls, rare in the true rare in winter, was near Chino Jan. 9-Feb. 2 (HEC); this is one of very lutenor, were at S.E.S.S., Dec. l0 (REW), another was there Feb. 7 few ever found in the interior of California. A W. Kingbird in Mission (EC) and a fourth was at Salton City the sameday (GMcC). A first- Viejo, Orange Co., Feb. 10-15(BSc) was only the secondever to have winter Mew Gull near Chino Jan. 30 (REW) and another on L. Elsi- been found in winter. Small numbers of Cassin's Kingbirds were norethe sameday (JO)were in an areawhere the speciesis scarce.An present along the coast, as usual, with two near Los Osos, San Lugs ad Black-headedGull in Huntington Beach Dec. 13 (REW) was only ObispoCo., throughoutthe period (JSR) and eightin ShahdonFeb the fourthto havebeen found in the Region.U p to five LaughingGulls 12 (S & KB) beingrelatively far n. An Ash-throatedFlycatcher, very on F•nney L., near S.E.S.S., Jan. 2+ (REW) were totally unex- rare in winter, was in Santa Barbara Dec. 41Mar. 14 (PEL). An pected,there being only oneprevious winter record for the areaof the E. Phoebein Ventura Dec. 19-Feb. 28 (V B), one in HuntingtonBeach Salton Sea. A first-winter Laughing Gull on Laguna L., in San Luis Nov. 13-Feb.7 (SJR), another at nearb•Villa ParkDam Dec. S-Feb.3 Oblspo Dec. 6-10 (JSR, ph., S.D.N.H.M.) and another on Mission (DRW) and a fourth in San Diego Dec. 14-Mar. 13(DR) gaveus artear Bay in San Diego Feb. 3 (BC) were both along the coast where the average number for winter. A Least Flycatcher in Huntington Beach speciesis consideredcasual. A Franklin's Gull in San Luis Obispo Nov. 13-Mar. 1 (SJR) was only the third known to have wintered •n Nov 29-Dec. 10 (JSR, ph., S.D.N.H.M.) was a late fall stragglerbut California, A Hammond'sFlycatcher in Long BeachMar. 15-18(JAJ) 2-3 on L. Elsinore Dec. l l-Jan. 30 (DRW) were evidently wintering. was believed to have wintered locally; there is no previous docu- A Bonaparte'sGull near LancasterJan. I (JLD) was unexpected,as mented record of this speciesin California at this time of the year no winter records exist from inland localities away from the Salton One at Pt. Mugu Dec. 30 (REW) could have been a very late fall Sea Black-leggedKittiwakes were quite commonoffshore as indi- migrant. Five Gray Flycatcherswere found in the s.w. part of the cated by 22 off Morro Bay Jan. 30 (JSR) and 30 off San Diego Jan. 9 Region where small numbersregularly winter. Single W. Flycatchers (GMcC) with smaller numbersin harbors and about fishingpiers were in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo Co., Feb. 20 (MB) and Los alongthe entire coast.One or two Com. Terns in San Diego all winter OsosJan. 14(DS), four werein the SantaBarbara area during January (REW) were the only ones known to be present. and February(PEL) and a seventhwas in Escortdido,San Diego Co , Dec. 24 (KW) for an above-average number for winter. A Coues' ALCIDS -- Common Murres appearedto be more numerousthan Flycatcher in Griffith P. of Los AngelesJan. 13-Feb. 20 (KLG) was normal with 150off Dana Pt., OrangeCo., Feb. 13(BSc) and 60 asfar undoubtedlythe samebird presenthere during the last 2 winters.A c• s as San Diego Jan, 9 (GMcC). Up to nine Marbled Murrelets at Vermilion Flycatchernear Los OsosJan. 17+ (KH) was exception- Cayucos all winter (JSR) and two off Vandenberg A.F.B., Santa ally far n., there beingonly 2 occurrencesknown from n. of San Lugs Barbara Co., were at the s. limit of the species'normal winter range Obispo County; a male in Ventura Dec. l-Jan. 17 (VB) and another in but one at Pt. Mugu Feb. 27 (NSC) was appreciablys. of that range. PasadenaDec. 28-Feb. 2 (CMu) were the only othersfound alongthe Ancient Murrelets were found s. to Pt. Mugu (eight there Feb. 7-- coastoutside San Diego County. A Cliff Swallow at Harper Dry L , SR) San BernardinoCo., Jan. 30 (EAC) is best considereda very early springmigrant. PIGEONS THROUGH NIGHTHAWKS -- A White-winged Dove at Yaqui Wells, San Diego Co., Jan. 23 (BW) and 12-+ at nearby CROWS THROUGH THRUSHES -- A flock of 25 Com. Crows Agua CalienteSprings throughout the period (GMcC) were in the near Palo Verde, Imperial Co., Nov. 29-Dec. 10 (REW) probably only area of California where this speciesregularly winters. Up to wintered locally; numbersappear to be sporadicalong the Colorado nine Corn. Ground Doves near Camarillo all winter (VB) were in an R. valley. A Vetdin at Ming L., near Bakersfield Jan. 22 (MH) was

Volume 36, Number 3 331 somewhat to the w. of the species' known range. A Winter Wren at America. One in Santa Barbara Dec. 4-12 {PEL} could have been an the mouth of San Mateo Cr., San Diego Co.. Feb. 15IEC} and another exceptionally late fall vagrant. A Prairie Warbler seen along the in Palo Verde Dec. l0 IREW} were both relatively far s. Four Brown Colorado R.. 7 mi below Parker Dam Dec. 25 {JuB} was believed to be Thrashers were presentwith one near Morro Bay Dec. 9-Feb. I {RRL wintering: there are only two previous recordsfor the winter season. another in Arroyo Grande Dec. 12-19 (NM}. one in Goleta Oct. 28- both beingfrom alongthe coast. Eight Palm Warblersalong the coast Mar. 8 (PEL} and the fourth in Santa Barbara Jan. 14 {TMa}. Up to was fewer than expected, but one in Ventura Jan. 21 {JLD} was of the eight SageThrashers, rare in winter, were in the Antelope Valley e. of yellow race hypocho'sea. A N. Waterthrush at Pt. Mugu Dec. 27-Jan. Lancaster Jan. 9-Feb. 6 OLD}. American Robins were commoner 17 (LRB) and 3-4 around San Diego all winter was about normal. and more widespread than usual and small numbers of Varied Totally unexpectedwas a-MourningWarbler'at Harbor L.. in Long Thrushes accompanied them along the coast s. to San Diego County. Beach Dec. 26-Jan. 28 (BD}. this being the first to occur in California At least 12 Townsend's Solitaires. normally absent from the coast. in winter. and possiblythe first anywhere in North America at this were found in the coastal lowlands suggestinga movement of some time of the year. A d MacGillivray's Warbler in Goleta Oct. 15-Mar. sort. 4 (TWu} was the same bird found here last winter. Small numbers of Wilson's Warblers were found wintering along the coast. primarily in PIPITS THROUGH VIREOS -- The five Sprague's Pipits found riparian habitat, with 35 + reported. An Am. Redstart in Goleta Dec. near Lancaster Nov. 22 were still present Mar. 7 OLD) to give us the 13 {DB), one at Fillmore Dec. 28-30 (PEL}. another in Huntington first winter record for California. Four BohemianWaxwings, rare and Beach Dec. 1-Jan.30 (SJR} and a fourth in San Diego Jan. 17-24{EC} irregular strays to s. California, were at Hearst Castle, San Luis were all along the coast where very rare at this time of the year: one Obispo Co., Jan. 16 (OS). A Bell's Vireo in Goleta Oct. 16-Feb. 15 along the Colorado R.. near Earp Dec. 9 {REW} and another near (KB) was the same bird present there last winter: one in Carlsbad S.E.S.S.. Jan. 18 (HEC) were both in areas where small numbers Feb. 2 (EC) and another near Imperial Beach Jan. 27 {CGE) gave us regularly winter. A Painted Redstart. a very rare stragglerto Califor- an unusual three for the winter. A Solitary Vireo. rare in winter. at nia. was in Claremont. Los Angeles Co.. Dec. 12 (BG}. Warden L., near Morro Bay Jan. 7 (CMaL another in San Diego Jan. 17 {JO) and a third on Pt. Loma Dec. 28 {REW) were all of the expectedcassinii race. but one presentfor its third winter in Ventura BLACKBIRDS. ORIOLES. TANAGERS- A (• Orchard Oriole Dec. 8-Feb. 14 {OA) and another in San Diego Nov. 21-Mar. I {JO) spendingits third winter in Ventura was accompaniedby a female were of the rare plurnheusrace. A Warbling Vireo in Santa Barbara Nov. 22-Feb. 14 (OA} and another male was seen in Malibu, Los Dec. 4 (PEL} was most likely a late fall migrant: however, I-2 in Santa AngelesCo.. Feb. I (CB}; one or two are found in the Regioneach Barbara Jan. 2-22 {LB), I-2 in Arcadia, Los Angeles Co., throughout winter. A Hooded Oriole, inexplicably rare in winter. was in Santa the period(GSS) and one in Irvine, OrangeCo.. Jan.9-Mar. I {DRW) Barbara Dec. 12 {PEL}. one was in Newport Beach Nov. 29-Feb. 7 were all wintering. Prior to this year only two were known to have (SJR). another was at Mission Viejo Jan. 25 {REW) and a fourth was wintered in s. California. on Pt. Loma Jan. 7 (REWL A Scott's Oriole. rare in winter, in Santa Barbara Jan. 2-18 (LCB}, another there Jan. 2-Feb. I (PEL}. 2-3 near WOOD WARBLERS- A total of ten Black-and-white Warblers Orange, Orange Co., Dec. 9-Feb. 24 ½CCH).two in Trabuco Canyon, was found alongthe coastfor an above averagenumber for this time Orange Co.. all winter (SJR} and one in National City Jan. l0 (JO} of the year. The Worm-eatingWarbler found in Long Beach Nov. 6 were all along the coast, with one in RedlandsJan. 7 {RLMcK} being was still presentMar. 21 (KLG) and was only the secondknown to inland, and another at Morongo Valley Feb. 14 (LRH) being the only have wintered in California. Seventeen Tennessee Warblers present one reportedfrom the desert. Of the 100_+ N. Orioles reportedeight alongthe coastillustrate just how numerousthis speciesis in winter. were "Baltimores". A N. {Bullock's} Oriole at 4500 ft in the San As usual, a few Nashville Warblers wintered along the coast with 18 Gabriel Mts., Jan. 16 (GSS} was most unusual as virtually all win- reported during the season.A Virginia's Warbler in Newport Beach tering birds in California are associatedwith floweringeucalyptus in throughoutthe period(S JR) was believedto be the samebird present the lowlands. A Rusty Blackbird, very rare in winter, was in Arcadia here during the past 2 winters. Yellow Warblersappear to be on the Jan. 31-Feb. 19 (B. Cohen,fide GSS). A (• Great-tailed Grackle at increaseas a winteringbird alongthe coastwith 25 reportedthis year. L. Norconian in extreme n.w. Riverside Co., Jan. 17 ½EAC} and two A Cape May Warbler in San Luis ObispoDec. 10-Jan.19 (CMa) was more near there Jan. 30 (REW) were the first to be found in this area. the fifth to be found wintering in s. California. A g Black-throated At least 60 W. Tanagers were found along the coast, primarily in Blue Warbler in Santa Barbara Jan. 15-Mar. 16 (IR) gave us our first floweringeucalyptus, indicating how numerousthis speciesis at this undisputedwinter record. Some 20 Black-throatedGray Warblers timeof year. A (• HepaticTanager in OceansideNov. 15+ (CO'E} along the coast was about normal. A Hermit Warbler in Oceanside was the same bird known to be presenthere each of the past4 winters. Jan. 29-31 (EC) was the only one found away from coastalSan Luis Three Summer Tanagers in the Sanla Barbara area along with two in Obispo/SantaBarbara cos., wheresmall numbers regularly occur. A Orange County and six around San Diego was more than expected. Grace's Warbler in Santa Barbara Oct. 10-Mar. 10 (PEL) and another in nearbyCarpinteria Feb. 22-Mar. 21 (PEL) werethe sametwo birds FINCHES, SPARROWS -- A Cardinal along the Colorado R., first found wintering here 2 years ago. A Chestnut-sidedWarbler in near Earp Dec. 9 (REW) was being pushedfrom the last remaining Riverside Dec. 9-23 (V & CP) was evidently a very late fall straggler. habitat in that area by bulldozers clearing the land of all vegetation. A Bay-breastedWarbler in Long Beach RecreationalP., Jan. 10+ SingleRose-breasted Grosbeaks in Santa Barbara Feb. 13 ½WA)& (BD, ph., S.D.N.H.M.) was clearly wintering,establishing the first Feb. 14-15(PEL), anotherin Ventura Dec. 5-Jan. 10(JO) and a fourth winter record for California and one of very few anywhere in North in Irvine Feb. 12+ (DRW) was about average for a winter season. A (• Indigo Bunting, one of a very few ever found winteringin Califor- nia, was frequentinga feeder in Santa Barbara Jan. 28+ (PEL). Purple Finches were more numerousthan usualin the lowlands,but not exceptionallyso, and Pine Siskinswere noticeablycommoner along the coast with small numberspresent in the desert regions.A flock of 20_+ Red Crossbills in Hart Memorial P. of Bakersfield Feb. 14 OWL five in Goleta Dec. 16 (PEL), and eight plusseen sporadically around Santa Barbara Jan. 2-Feb. 20 (KLG) were outside areas of normal occurrence.A Brown Towhee, most likely eremophilus,at Little L., Jan. I I (JRJ) was one of very few every found away from the limited breeding range in this part of California. A Grasshopper Sparrownea/- Imperial BeachJan. 24-Feb. 5 (JO) wasaway from any area of normal occurrence.A Tree Sparrow at Mesquite Springsin Death Valley Dec. 6-7 (J & ES) and anotherat Oasis,Mono Co., Jan. 17 (BD) were both in the n.e. part of the Regionwhere small numbers occur each fall. A Clay-colored Sparrow near Imperial Beach Dec. 19-24 (REW) was likely a late fall straggler.Harris' Sparrows were somewhatscarce with singlebirds at F.C.R., Dec. 8 (J & ES) andJan. Bay-breasted14•trbler (,Tee above). Photos/D. Willick. 17 (BD), one near Barstow Jan. 10 (EAC), another near Maricopa

332 AmericanBirds, May 1982 Dec. 13 (NSC) and singleindividuals in Goleta Jan. 2-Mar. 8 (KB) & Javier Hernandez, Diana Herron, Roger Higson. Carolyn C. Honer, Feb. 13+ (LB) beingthe only onesfound. Some 25 _+White4hroated JosephR. Jehl, Peter Jenny, Jerry A. Johnson,H. Lee Jones. Mark Sparrowswas about average.A SwampSparrow in Santa Barbara Kasprzyk (coordinator for the Colorado River valley). Brian W. Dec. 6-Jan. 20 (RAH) and I-3 on Vandenberg Air Force Base Dec. 5- Keelan, David King. Paul E. Lehman(coordinator for Santa Barbara Feb. 28 (PEL} was well below average. The two McCown's and Ventura Counties), David MacKenzie, Nancy Mann. Curtis Longspursfound at Pt. Mugu Nov. 15 were still present Mar. 21 Marantz (CMa). Linda Marquardt, Teri Matelson (TMa), Robert L. (PEL); this was only the secondknown occurrenceof this species McKernan, Eben McMillan, Tom A. Meixner, Terry Meyer ½TMe). wintering along the coast of California. A flock of 40 +_ Chestnut- DouglasM. Morton, Chuck Murdoch(CMu), Larry L. Norris. Jerry collaredLongspurs near Blythe Dec. 10(REW) and up to six present Oldenettel, Bud Park, Dennis Parker (DPa}, Eleanor B. Parsons, near Lancaster Nov. 22-Feb. 15 ILCB) wre the only ones found this Arleta F. Patterson, Virginia and Cecil Patterson iV & CP). Dave winter. Povey(DPo), Phil Pryde. Curt Rademacher.Sylvia J. Ranne>(coor- dinatorfor OrangeCounty). David Rawlins,Jeri and Phil Reeder{J & CONTRIBUTORS -- Waldo Abbott, Onik Arian, lone Arnold. PR), Iris Rigoil, Steve Rose.Jim S. Royer(coordinator for San Luis Stephenand Karen Bailey(S & KB), Larry R. Ballard, Dean Bazzi, Obispo County), Ron Rupart, Buzz Sawyer (BSa), Brad Schram Chuck Bernstein, Louis Bevier. Laurence C. Binford, Suzanne (BSc),Trudy Siptroth(TSi), GregSmith, Hal and NancySpear (H & Bond, Mick Bondello, Jean Brandt (JeBh Karen Bridgers, Bruce NS), Don Sterba, Jim and Ellen Strauss (J & ES), G. Shumway Broadbooks, Alcie Brooks, Sarah J. Brooks, Judy Bryan IJuB}, Suffel, Phil Swan, Nate Sweet, Peter D. Vickery, Bill Wagner, Ron Vickie Buffalo. Dean Candy. EugeneA. Cardiff (coordinatorfor the Warner, Ken Weaver, Richard E. Webster. Douglas R. Willick, San Bernardino/Riverside area), Mark O. Chichester, Henry E. JohnnyWilson. Russand Marion Wilson (R & MW), Dave Winklet, Childs, ElizabethCopper (coordinator for San Diego County), Bart Tom Wurster (TWu), Richard Zembal: Photograph on file ½ph.), Cord, Nancy S. Crawford. Brian Daniels.Jori L. Dunn. Tom Edell. specimen(*), Los AngelesCount• Museum(L.A.C.M.h San Diego Claude G. Edwards, Mike Evans, Kimhall L. Garrett (coordinator for Natural History Museum(S.D.N.H.M.).•UY MCCASKIE, San Los A_ngelesCounty), Virginia and Wayne Gochenour(V & WG), Diego Natural History Museum, BalboaPark, P.O. Box 1390, San Carol Goodell, Jim Greaves, Bill Griffin, Robb A. Hamilton, Keith Diego, California 92112. Hansen, David C. Hatch, Loren R. Hays, Fred Heath, Matt Heindcl,

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION /C. John Ralph and Robert L. Pyle March 1979through November 1981 has been one of the driest periodsin Hawaiianweather history. In these33 months,only 3 months in 1980 and one in 1981 reached normal amounts of rainfall at the Honoluluairport. In 1981,the normalJanuary-November period which normallywould have had 22.9 inches.instead had only 7.9. Normal rainfall was then exceeded in December (4.5 L'.•'the norm of 3.7) and markedlyin January( 12.8vs 4.4). By February,the rain was just slightlybelow normal(2.2 vs 2.5). The heavywinter rains come duringlong periodsof "Kona" (southwesterly)winds, producing especiallyheavy amounts on thoseslopes of all islands.The soaking rains during this period of low evaporationprovide good future prospectsfor crops,wildlife food, and watersupplies. This rainfall dispersedwaterfowl considerably, reducingthe records somewhat of the more unusualwaterfowl, althougha new speciesfor the statedid turn up.

LOONS THROUGH EGRETS -- An Arctic Loon, furnishing only records,found on PunamanoPond, O., Jan. 6 (DW et at.). Although the secondrecord for the state, frequentedthe area around Coconut nophotos were taken, many very competent observers (MO, RS, 1., near Kaneohe,O., from early Decemberregularly into March. It MN. RLP) had observedthem carefully by Jan 9. They were not seen was photographedand seenby many observers(DS, PD, RLP). A subsequently,probably because of the manytemporarily flooded. Leach's Storm-Petrel, seldom recorded in Hawaii, was found dead on and inaccessiblefields. A large white swan on Kakahaia N.W.R.. the beach {the usual state of observationshere of this species)on Tern Molokai 1., Jan. 7 (JA, TB) was unfortunately not identified as to I., French Frigate ShoalsJan. 18 (TP, fide MN). The Green Heron, species.However, it wascertainly a new recordfor the island.as reportedthe previous season as the first well-documented occurrence there is only a singleprevious record for the stateof any Crgnus.A on the islands,was last seenFeb. 12(PP) at Lokoaka Pond, near Hilo, lone HoodedMerganser at AimakapaPond, H., in the first half of H. Cattle Egret continueto increaseat Lokoaka Pond, with 544Jan. December(PP, AT, RLP) was one of the few recordsof the species 11 (PP). Their increase in numbers here, near Hilo's airport, has for the Big Island. sparkedan intensivestudy of their potentialthreat to air traffic.A Great Egret on Kealia Pond,M., Feb. 21 (CK et at.) was presentat SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS -- A Killdeer at Haena leastuntil Mar. 6 (RLP, MO). This was only the secondrecord for the Beach,K.. Dec. 23 was also one of the few recordsfor the island state and makes a clean sweep... in the past year. all 7 speciesof (RA). Surprisingly,Black-bellied Plovers have been seen very sel- Ardeidae ever recorded here have turned up. dom on the Big Island, in contrastto their occurrenceon other islands.So one duringthe first weekof Februaryat Coconut1., in GEESE THROUGH MERGANSERS -- The two White-fronted Hilo, furnished a good record (PP, AT, JL). A single of the un- Geeseat Waipio, O., stayeduntil at least Dec. 12 (RLP), and then commonBar-tailed Godwit at Waipio, O., Dec. 6 (PD) addedspice to moved over to the Honouliuli Unit of the Pearl Harbor N.W.R., Jan. a rather dull shorebird season.Two rare Glaucous-wingedGulls were 14 (PD) where they stayedthrough at least Feb. 4 (PD. RC). They nearKii Pond,O., Feb. 15(PB) andlater (m.ob.). A Bonaparte'sGull were joined there by three Canada Geese Feb. 4. Another White- at Waipio,O., Dec. 12(RLP) wasunusual. Caspian Terns have been fronted and two Canadas remained at Pukalani Country Club, M., recordedonly twice before in thestate prior to thisseason: the bird in throughlate December(m.ob.). Two Gadwall at Kii Pond.O.. Feb. the Hilo. H.. area Feb. 5 and later (PP, AT, PA) was the first record 13 (RLP) were unusual, even with the diversity of waterfowl now for that island. Another Caspian at Kaneohe Marine Corps Air appearingannually in the state. Six Blue-wingedTeal Feb. 15 at Station, O., Dec. 20-24 (RW, RLP) may perhapshave been the same AimakapaPond, just n. of Kailua-Kona,H. (PP), werealso unusual bird as was in that locationlast year. A Black Tern was well seenFeb. waterfowl in the state. The most interestingreport of the seasonwas 15at Aimakapa,H., by severalpeople (PP, AT, SD, JK). It wasstill probablythe approximatelysix FulvousWhistling Ducks, first state there Feb. 28.

Volume36, Number3 333 GRACKLES THROUGH SPARROWS-- An •ntngmngobserva- Sparrow is quite common on Oahu, but the three adults and two tion th•sseason would probably have been dismissed, except for the lmmatures (PP) this seasonin a small residentialdistrict near Kmlua- expertiseof the observer(DS). A •? grackle(Boat-taded or Great- Kona, H., was the first recordfor that island.The presenceof young tailed)was seen briefly in the West Locharea at Waipio,O., Feb. 19. probably means that they are now breedingthere. The Yellow-faced What is intriguingis that PD, an observervery familiarwith grackles, Grassquitson Manana Trail, O., seemto be really taking hold in this had seena similarbird very well in November1980 at the samespot. small area, as a few were seen Dec. 29, and 50 + on Jan. 24 (PD) Via the backdoor, therehas been another species definitely added to the state list. The Common(St. Helena) Waxbill (Estrildaastrild), ISLAND ABBREVIATIONS -- H. (Hawaii I.), M. (Maui I ), and hithertolumped by observerswith the Red-earedWaxbill (E. troglo- O. (Oahu I.). dytes),has been sorted out by the carefulwork of Mike Ord ('Elepaio 42 89-90; 1982).A flock of at least40 on Feb. 13was at closerange at CONTRIBUTORS -- Joan Aidem, Ron Arps, Phil Ashman, Phil KuilimaPond, O. (RLP), anda flockFeb. 26 at Waipio,O., wasthe Bruner, Tim Burr, Rick Coleman, Peter Donaldson,Sheila Doyle, precursorof many observationsof this "new" species.It remainsto Stewart Fefer, Betty Joao,Cam Kepler, JoshKohn, Jim Lane, Maura be seenjust how commonthe Red-earedactually is on Oahu. The Red Naughton, Mike Ord, Peter Paton, Ted Pettit, Rob Shallenberger, Muniais alsobeing found all overOahu as two pairshave been seen in Dan Snider, Avery Taylor, Ron Walker, and Dave Woodside- upperMakakilo, O., Feb. 6 (BJ). The spreadof exoticforeign finches C. JOHNRALPH, U.S. ForestService, Institute of PacificIslands has been dramatic in Hawaii, and a cause for concern in some Forestry, 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813 and ROBERT L. quarters becauseof the potential for the spreadof disease.The Java PYLE, 741 N. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua, HI 96734.

WEST IND}ES REGION seennear Kenscoif, H., Jan. 7 (PA) and only at L. Enriquillo and near /Robert L. Norton Descubierta, D.R., not in the pine forests(RV). WARBLERS THROUGH FINCHES -- A Golden-wingedWar- January'sprecipitation was a mere 68% below averagecompared bler was seen Feb. 4 (RV) near Puerto Escandido representing to December's 314% and Febmary's 253% above averageamounts. perhaps the second record for Hispaniola. Interestingly, a Blue- The total averagefor the periodwas 217% above the mean(period of wingedWarbler was carefully notedat Annaberg,St. J., Dec. 13(RN) record = 51 years).This portendsan excellentfood crop for early representingthe secondrecord from the Puerto Rico Bank. Magnolia nestinglandbirds, seabirds already in their reproductivecycles and and Yellow-rumped warblers were more numerousthis year than •n thosespecies arriving by April. the past in the Virgin Islands, but noticeably absent (BA•from the Turks and Caicos Is. Common Yellowthroats, irregular in the Virgin Islandswere seenat St. T., Jan 12 (RN) and St. J., Jan. 10 (FG) & 23 SHEARWATERS THROUGH FALCONS -- Audubon's Shear- (RN). waters (16) were noted Feb. 28 incubating at Saba Cay, St. Thomas (hereafter, St. T.) Virgin Islands where as many as 50 pairs may be nesting(RV). Two coloniesof Black-cappedPetrels (DW, RV) were Puerto Rico's endemic Yellow-shouldered Blackbird observedin February in the Sierra de Baoruco, Dominican Republic (Agelaiusxanthomus) is in trouble. Parasitismby Shiny Cow- (hereafter, D.R.) where 20 + pairs may be nestingin each. Nesting birds (Molothurusbonairiensis) is reported(SF) to be about activity in Hispaniolais thoughtto be restrictedto the s. coastranges 95% in the Roosevelt Roads Naval Base colony in the s.e. part of the Massif de la Selle and the Sierra de Baoruco. More details of the of the island, and 89% in the La Pargueracolony in the s w recent survey are expectedelsewhere. A Least Bittern Jan. 28 (RV), corner.The Mona I. populationpresents a difficultsolution to six West Indian Whistling Ducks (DW) and nine Ruddy Ducks Feb. recovery team workers due to its inaccessibility.At present 14 and Jan. 28 respectively were observedat L. Enriquillo, D.R. A little can be done for this offshore population which may Red-breastedMerganser was seen Dec. 6 at Vieques, Puerto Rico becomeextinct before the main islandgroups which are being (hereafter, P.R.) (SF). Turkey Vultures are locally common n. of monitoredand protectedthrough a cowbirdtrapping program Santo Domingo, D.R. (10/day•RV), but absentin n. Haiti (hereaf- Current speculationis that the specieswill becomeextinct ter, H.) Jan. 1-7 (PA). Sharp-shinnedHawks (6-8) were noted (RV) in before the turn of the decade unlessthe trapping program can the s.w. rangesof Dominican Republic where the speciesbreeds. A reverse the precipitous decline and stabilize the population PeregrineFalcon was seenFeb. 24 at L. Enriquillo (DW) from where which is almostcertainly far below the 2400estimate (Post and ASD reports that all Dominican Republic recordsare restricted. In Wiley, 1977. The shiny cowbird in the West Indies. Condor, the Virgin Islands Peregrines are noted all winter on or near the 79(1): 119-121). Interested readers are also urged to review offshore cays of Saba (Feb. 27--RV), Cockroach and Frenchcap Post and Wiley, 1976. The yellow-shouldered blackbird (Dec. 10•RN) where they harassand prey upon young boobies. present and future. Amer. Birds. 30:13-20. If or when xanth- Another sightingat Red Hook area, St. T., Feb. 4 indicates wide omus succumbsin Puerto Rico, what host(s) will replace lt* ranging winter habits. The dramaticexpansion of the cowbird W throughthe Greater Antilles portendssimilar fate for endemiccongeners such as SANDPIPERS THROUGH CROWS --A Whimbrel (JY, RN) and Tawny-shouldered Blackbird (A. humeralis) in Cuba. A con- 145Semipalmated Sandpipers were observedat St. Croix (hereafter, certed effort to restore the Yellow-shouldered Blackbird is St C.) Jan. 19. Two Ring-billed Gulls were seen at Hassel I., St. T., needed immediately. Dec. 10 (RN) and an imm. LaughingGull remainedat the Mangrove Lagoon, St. T., until Dec. 17 and was seen again Feb. 23 (RV) in On Jan. 23 two N. Orioles were seen at Coral Bay, St. J. (RN, PF) Charlotte Amalie. Two CaspianTerns were observedat L. Enriquillo where the specieshas apparentlyfixated for the last severalwinters Feb. 12 (RV). ACom. Tern and PomafineJaeger (FS) were observed Eighteen N. Orioles were recorded on the St.J. CBC Dec. 27. Shiny Dec. 16 from the FrederikstedPier, St. C. HispaniolanParrots (125) Cowbirdscontinue to increasein Coral Bay where45 + were counted were commonat Sierrade Baoruco(RV), but HispaniolanParakeets Jan. 10. A ScarletTanager was heard singingJan. 23 and six Indigo were lessnumerous (10) in preferredlower elevationsduring January Buntingswere also observedon that date at Coral Bay. andFebruary. The. 'Hispaniolan' Barn Owl (Tytoglaucops) was seen Feb. 5 (RV, DW) near Puerto Escandido,D.R. The Greater Antillean ADDENDUM --A Red-breastedMerganser was seenoff Mona I , Nightjar, consideredrare in Hispaniola, was heard callingFeb. 3-4 in Nov. 1981 (FW). and habitat near Puerto Escandido (RV) and the Least Paraque, endemicto Hispaniola,was also heardFeb. 3 in the samelocality as SUB-REGIONAL EDITOR (boldface italic), contributors and were two Antillean Piculets. The rarely seen Yellow-bellied Sap- abbreviations--Beverlea AMridge,Peter Assmann,Annabelle S. D•, suckerwas recorded at Puerto Escandido, Feb. 3, St. John (hereafter, Peg Fisher, Sean Furhiss, Francesca Gdffo, Fred Sladen, R•chard St J.) Dec. 20 (GW) and St. T., Feb. 25 (RV, RN). Two White-necked Veit, Frank Wadsworth, Gerald Whitman, David Wingate, John Crows, rare in Hispaniola, were noted at Loma de Torro, D.R. (RV, Yntema.•ROBERT L. NORTON, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 101 DW) and five at Cap Haitien, H., Jan. 5 (PA). Sixty Palm Crows were Estate Nazare•, St. Thom•, U.S.V.I. •2.

334 AmericanBirds, May 1982